pest 1/1/2024 – gtg

Home Rat Pest Control

There are 2 species of rat; the brown rat Rattus norvegicus and the black rat Ruttus rattus. Our Environmental Services can help you with any rat problem that you may have. Contact Us for further information and free advice.

Biology
A rat will weigh between 250-500g and grow to around 20cm in length. They will vary in color from grey to brown or nearly black. Rats are sexually mature at 12-16 weeks. Their gestation period is between 21- 24 days. Female rats will make a nest in which they give birth to 6-11 young called kittens. These will be weaned at 3-4 weeks. Rats are rodents. Their teeth grow continuously and will grow to 10-12cm. The rat will wear them down by constantly gnawing. They will gnaw at any surface which will meet this need. This could include electrical cables, water pipes, doors, floorboards etc.

Rats and disease Rats have lived with and around humans since time immemorial. Their great ability to stow away on cargo ships has resulted in their worldwide distribution and the spread of some of the most deadly diseases. Rats can spread diseases such as Wiels Disease (Leptospires), Salmonellosis, and Plague, to name but a few. Many of the diseases spread by rats can prove fatal to humans. They will walk over and feed on rotting waste materials, drink at unsavory water supplies, and then walk over food preparation areas, cutlery, crockery, and human foodstuff, spreading whatever contaminants it may have picked up on the way. The disease is also spread by contact with their feces and urine can also pass infection through ectoparasites. These are parasites such as fleas and ticks which live on both rats and humans.

Control
A carefully integrated approach is needed to control rat numbers effectively. A survey must be carried out to establish the species involved, the extent and size of the infestation, its food source, where it is getting into the building and its nest site. Proofing a building against rodent infestation is the best way to control numbers and will even stop an infestation before it starts. This can be achieved by fitting brushes or metal plates to door bases and blocking holes which may give the rats access to a building. Once the food source has been located it needs to be removed. Human food stuffs should be stored in tightly sealed containers and all scraps and crumbs cleared up. Areas around skips and bins need to be kept clean and bin lids closed. These steps will curb the rodent’s activity, making them more likely to take the bait supplied by the pest controller. All rodents that infest a premises must be killed. Otherwise, the premises will soon be reinvested to the same extent.

Most control will be carried out by the use of Rodenticides as bait. This is a replacement foodstuff palatable to rodents. It contains an anticoagulant agent and will kill the rodent after a few feeds. The bait can be placed directly into the burrow where the rodent lives or in bait boxes or trays from which the rodent may feed. Rats like to feed sporadically so numerous bait stations will need to be distributed around the premises. Other methods of control may include trapping or the use of sticky boards. Traps and sticky boards must be checked daily, reset and rebated as necessary to be successful. It is best to use a combination or all of the above methods to effectively reduce a population as quickly as possible. The infestation will normally take 10- 25 days to be brought under control. Our Environmental Services can help you with any rat problem that you may have. Contact Us for further information and free advice.

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Home Squirrel Pest Control

Squirrels are rodents; they have incisors that continue to grow throughout their lives. There are many distinct types of squirrels, with over 65 species that live in North America. The most common types of squirrels are tree squirrels, ground squirrels and flying squirrels. Our Environmental Services can help you with any squirrel problem that you may have. Contact Us for further information and free advice.

Squirrels are classed as destructive animals. Biology – Grey squirrels are around 25 cm long and weigh 500 grams. They have a grey upper coat and a white belly. The grey squirrels’ gestation period is 45 days. The average litter will range from 1 to 7 young kittens. The kittens are weaned at 10 weeks and are usually ready to reproduce at around 12 months old. The squirrel’s nest is called a drey. The grey squirrel has two breeding seasons a year. The first litter is born in February or March, the second in June or July. In the wild a squirrel can live from between 2-9 years. They are mostly active during the day and will eat nuts, bark, fruit, buds, bulbs, eggs and even wild bird chicks. They have a home range of around 0.5 hectares.

Damage – Squirrels may enter the roof space of a house or other building by climbing up the wall, drain pipes, or jumping from adjacent trees. Once inside, they will chew woodwork and ceilings, strip electrical wire of insulation, and tear up the fiberglass of loft insulation for use in their drays. They have also been known to drown in cold water tanks thereby contaminating the water supply. In woodlands and gardens, they will take fruit, strip bark off trees, and damage their terminal buds, which disrupts the growth habit of the tree.

Control – Squirrels can be controlled by proofing your building against them. Any aperture that the squirrel might use to gain access must be blocked with wire mesh or bricked up. The drey can also be destroyed. This is known as drey poking. Grey squirrels may be shot or caught in spring traps. They can also be poisoned using bait especially produced to cull squirrels. This bait will contain Warfarin. It must only be placed in a specially designed hopper which is clearly labelled. This bait can only be used by a specifically trained technician. Our Environmental Services can help you with any squirrel problem that you may have. Contact Us for further information and free advice.

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Home Wasps, Bees, and Hornets Control

Our Environmental Services can help you with any wasp, bee, or hornet problem that you may have. Contact us for further information and free advice. All of the above species of insect are members of the Hymenoptera family.

Wasp Biology
All of these insects have four transparent membranous wings. The hind wings are shorter than the front. They have a distinct waist between the thorax (chest) and the abdomen. Hymenoptera follows a complete metamorphosis with distinct egg, larvae, pupa, and adult stages. They are all social insects that operate within a hierarchy of a queen, workers, and drones (adult males). Many species show complicated social structures within the colony, especially in the roles of specialized infertile female workers. Some wasp species will make use of leaves and wood mixed with saliva to produce paper mache. They then use the paper mache to make their nests. Honey bees construct their hives from honeycomb. This is shaped into hexagonal cells where they rear their young, and store pollen and honey. Wasps form a nest from paper which can become very large. They will build these nests in soil banks, wall cavities, roof spaces, trees and hedges. Colonies will only survive a season (1 summer). New colonies are started each spring by a queen that hibernates over the winter. Wasps forage on a wide range of food, including insects, fruit, carcasses, and any sweet, sugary substance. The new queen will make her nest in the spring. It will usually be the size of a snooker ball. She will lay between 10 -20 eggs, feeding the lava on insects and foraged foods. This 1st generation of workers are all sterile females. They then take on the role of looking after subsequent generations. Taking care of the eggs which have been laid by the queen and feeding the larvae. They will clean, feed, guard and even build the growing colony. By mid-summer, the nest can be as much as 50cm across and hold up to 5000 individuals. During late summer males and young queens emerge. They will mate, and the now-impregnated young queens will find a suitable place to over winter. With the onset of cooler weather, the workers and remaining males become sluggish. They will feed on sugary fermenting fruits. They will become aggressive to humans or animals coming close to them and their food source. When the cold winter weather arrives all the colony inhabitants will die of starvation. The only wasp to survive will be the newly mated young queen who will retreat to her overwintering home to hibernate. The old nest will never be used again, although a new one may be developed nearby if the location is a favorable one. Any disused nest should be removed as they can attract other vermin such as mice, carpet beetles, and clothes moths.

Wasps and disease
Wasps can spread diseases such as Escherichia coli (E coli) and salmonella due to their habit of landing and feeding on decaying flesh of dead animals and other unsavory foodstuff. They will then cross-contaminate these infections to humans when they come into contact with our environment. Wasps are more known for their aggression and nuisance factor to humans. They can inflict a painful sting which some people are allergic to. It can result in an anaphylactic shock, which could be fatal in some cases.

Control
You may feel it necessary that the nest is removed. This should only be carried out by a professional pest control operative. Control of individual adult wasps will not prove productive; the inhabitants of the nest and queen must be killed in order to control the infestation. This can be achieved by applying insecticide to the nest entrance or nearby lighted areas. Individual wasps will come into contact with the insecticide and carry it into the nest. This will then contaminate the nest by creating a domino effect. This will cause the demise of the colony within 24 hours. Once the colony has been destroyed some young wasps may emerge from pupation 1-2 weeks later. They may not come into contact with enough insecticide to kill them. They will head for the nearest light source and may venture into the house attracted by the household lights. They are usually slow and docile looking for light and food. They will soon die and are easily removed from a windowsill or doorway where they are likely to congregate. The nest can also be destroyed using aerosol wasp nest destroyers. These will direct chemicals straight into the nest, destroying all inhabitants. The nest can then be taken away as soon as the treatment is complete. Wasps are part of the biodiversity and should be left to their own devices so long as they do not pose a threat to resident human populations.

Bees
There are four main species of bees that can affect us in our homes and gardens; bees are extremely advantageous to man and the natural environment; they pollinate our orchards and other food crops and flowering plants. Apis mellifera is best known for its production of honey and wax.

Biology
Like wasps, the honey bee is a social animal living within a hierarchical society, called a colony. The hive is constructed of many connecting hexagonal wax cells. The bees use these cells to store pollen, nectar and honey. There are also nursery cells where the queen will lay her eggs. The eggs hatch into larvae and will be raised by worker bees. They then pupate and hatch into adult bees. The worker bees live for about 6-7 weeks and will carry out various roles throughout their lives, such as cleaning, nursery nursing, building, honey making, guarding, and foraging. The later stage of life has evolved to enable the bee to die whilst out foraging. This prevents the hive from being contaminated by dead bees. The queen bee may live for up to 6-7 years. She is capable of laying 1 million eggs within her lifetime. A colony can reach a population of 30,000-50,000 individuals at the height of the season. Occasionally, a new queen is produced within a queen cup. This is a larger cell than those used for worker bees. The queen larvae are fed entirely on royal jelly produced by the workers. Male bees, called drones, are produced at the same time as the young queen. Whilst the young queen is pupating a proportion of the hive prepares to swarm. The old queen heads the swarm which can contain as many as 10,000 bees. She takes the swarm off to find a suitable location to build a new colony. Those left behind at the old hive protect the unmerged queen. When she finally emerges she will seek out and sting to death any other pupating queens or even fight to the death with any remaining queen. The new virgin queen will then fly from the nest to mate with a drone. She then returns and takes over the nest.

Control Both queen and worker bees can sting using their modified ovipositors to inject venom. Only the drones cannot sting. The ability for bees to sting can be problematic for humans despite their beneficial role to the biodiversity of the planet resulting in their colonies being controlled on occasion. Bee stings can cause an anaphylactic shock in some people. Swarming bees may be problematic if they decide to settle in a doorway, chimney, or wall cavity, and so will have to be controlled by a pest control professional or your local beekeepers association. Honey bees are not a protected species although they should not be killed or harmed unless there is a justifiable reason. If bees have formed a colony inside a chimney or other inaccessible void within a dwelling and their presence is likely to cause serious concern or risk to human health, then the colony can be killed using chemical means. The entrance to the hive must be sealed to prevent other opportunistic colonies from robbing the now-disused nest of honey. This would result in secondary poisoning. Andrena are commonly called mining bees and closely resemble honey bees. One of the most common species is the tawny mining bee (Andrena fulva). The female makes a nest in the ground in light sandy soils. They can be commonly seen in lawns with their nests close together. They are harmless and cannot sting humans. They will disappear after midsummer. These bees also look similar to honey bees. They actively seek cavities in walls and will excavate soft masonry in order to make their nests. They are in themselves harmless and cannot sting humans, but they can cause severe damage to the lime mortar of older buildings. Refilling the mortar around brickwork may dissuade them from making their nests within the fabric of the building. Most people can recognize the heavy body and hum of a bumble bee. They will make their nest in holes in the ground, bird boxes and holes in trees. Only the queen bee will survive the winter and will make a new nest in the spring. They are social insects and, like honey bees, they too make honey but their colony size is quite small compared to that of the honey bee. They can sting humans and will become extremely aggressive if their nest is disturbed.

Hornets are larger than wasps, about 19-35mm in length. They live a very similar life cycle to wasps. The queen will survive the winter and make a new nest every year, while her male and infertile female offspring will all die. Hornets are not usually aggressive and should not be destroyed unless absolutely necessary. Our Environmental Services can help you with any wasp, bee or hornet problem that you may have. Contact Us for further information and free advice.

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No one likes to deal with being bitten by mosquitoes. When mosquitoes dine on a human host, the irritating, itchy impact on the skin can prove to be extremely annoying. Then again, the problem such a pest delivers can be more than merely annoying. It is possible for mosquitoes to cause the spread of serious diseases under certain circumstances. This is why mosquito control is so important. No, it is not likely that any malaria breakouts will occur in the continental United States. However, it would be helpful to point out that malaria DID exist in the nation’s past. Thanks to effective mosquito control, such diseases have been curtailed. Granted, no one has curtailed the presence of the common pest known as the mosquito. Considering there are hundreds of millions of them, it is doubtful they will go anywhere any time soon! In all seriousness, it is never a wise idea to suffer through the problems associated with mosquito infestations. This is why it is best to look towards hiring a professional service that understands the basics of mosquito control. This way, the problem can be easily corrected and fixed within a relatively short period of time.

In lieu of hiring professional exterminators with the skills needed to eliminate the infestation, there are steps that can be taken to reverse the problem on your own. The easiest way to deal with the situation would be to spray pest repellants designed to effectively deal with mosquitoes. Frequently, these repellants can have a very dramatic effect that will keep mosquitoes away. There is also the option of adding mosquito traps to the mix. How do these traps work? These traps are powered by propane and will literally mimic human breath. This will draw in all the mosquitoes to the trap where they will not be able to find their way out of their predicament. For some, mosquito netting could be a decent and less expensive alternative to pest traps. Netting simply creates a buffer that prevents the mosquito from entering the area the netting seeks to protect. While not the most perfect solution to the problem, it can provide basic protection that keeps a bad situation from occurring.

Preventive maintenance needs to be employed as well since this could certainly reverse the underlying causes of pest infestations. Mosquito larvae will be present in water, and when they hatch, a major infestation will occur. As such, it becomes necessary to drain ponds, gutters, and other such environments that could create potential mosquito control problems. It also would be a wise move to hire professionals to handle the situation when it reaches the point when common solutions will not work. Why continue with a method that is not delivering results? Look towards hiring the pros as they will deliver on expectations. Living in mosquito control is not as tough to engage in as what might initially be thought. However, it can be done with the right approach and an understanding of what methods to employ and when. With such a proper approach, the issue of mosquito control will not be difficult to get a handle on.

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German roaches are indoor roaches that are brought into your home via used furniture, used appliances, cardboard boxes, or paper bags or by visiting someone who has them and entering purses, book bags, etc. German Roaches reproduce as much as 300 times faster than most other roaches, which is why there are normally more babies than adults. One pregnant female entering your home can cause a potential infestation of 35,000 roaches within one year. SANITATION IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. ALWAYS LEAVING OUT FOOD ONLY SPURS A MASSIVE GROWTH IN THEIR POPULATION. Water, food and heat are needed for them to survive. This is why the kitchen is normally where they will be the most. If left untreated, then they will spread throughout the house to the bathroom, utility room, A/C units, and even in your bedroom.

Gel baits and IGRs (insect growth Regulators, birth control) are the fastest most effective means to eliminate them. I do not recommend foggers because, generally, this just makes the ones that survive move to another location, especially duplexes and apartment complexes. Bait stations are excellent for long-term control.

Tips for treatments using gel baits and an IGR – When using baits you must eliminate other food and water sources to get maximum results.
Step 1 Sanitation
Sanitation-pull out and clean under and behind all appliances. Also clean microwaves, toasters, drawers, cabinets, etc. Your goal is to eliminate all other food sources. Vacuum cracks and crevices. DO NOT use strong cleaning solutions like bleach or pine sol at this time. This may repel the roaches from the bait. Dry or wipe up all water sources, like droplets of water in the sink, so they will be even more attracted to the bait. Daily sanitation is also vital. Taking out the trash and not leaving out dirty dishes, pizza boxes, etc. Also, pick up pet food and water bowls and close off sink drains every night since they are more active at night. IMPORTANT: CLEAN UP RESIDUALS FROM ANY PREVIOUSLY USED INSECTICIDES THAT KILL THEM BY CONTACT. These sprays prevent them from returning home with the bait.
Step 2 Insect Growth Regulator
This speeds up the process and is very low in toxicity. RRs are a growth inhibitor. The young will never grow up and the adults will no longer be able to reproduce. They come in three forms of application, aerosols, concentrates, and point source devices. Gentrol makes the best IGRs for roaches.
Step 3 Baiting with gel bait from a syringe
The amount of bait used depends on the level of infestation. The more roaches you have, the more you will need to feed them, seeing how the bait is their food source and they have to eat. Since the bait is water-based, it is more attractive to the roaches. Fresh bait should be put out on a daily basis to ensure the quickest results, especially the first 4-7 days. In some cases, you will see results the next day, and in worse cases, you will see them in about 3-4 days. In most cases, the roaches will be reduced by approximately 75% by this time. 100% in less than one week or two weeks depending on how many there are and how well you keep other food sources away from them.

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Pests can ruin not just your home but your health and happiness. There are many kinds of pests, and you can be affected at any time of year. That’s why our Pest Control company offers a Home Protection Plan so your home can be protected at all times regardless of the season or the pest. With our regular inspections and treatments pests will be stopped before they invade your home!

How It Works: We visit and inspect your home four times a year, once each season, to apply the appropriate treatment to safeguard your home and property against pests. We’ll also come between scheduled visits for free on-demand service as needed to treat any pest problems, should they arise.

What you can expect from each visit
Spring – In the Spring (March-May), we will treat around the perimeter of your home. We place a protective granular barrier around the exterior of your home to keep crawling insects such as ants, beetles, and others from invading your home. We also treat unfinished basements, garages, crawl spaces, and trash areas of your home to discourage insect breeding and further eliminate possible infestation. We treat crawl spaces and walk-in attics in your home as your first interior line of defense.

Summer
At the Summer exterior visit (June – August), we administer another perimeter application around the exterior of your home for continuous protection against summer pests, including spiders, millipedes, ants, beetles, and yellow jackets or wasps. This includes perimeter spraying around doors and windows, as well as, the placement of granular baits in mulch bed areas. We inspect the exterior of your house for bees and wasps nests. If nests are found, they are treated.

Fall
At the Fall exterior visit (September – November), we administer another perimeter application, creating a barrier to your home against insects looking to invade and nest for the winter, such as ants, spiders, ticks, and silverfish. Our technicians will also look for any possible entry points for rodents so they can be taken care of before rodents get inside your home for the winter.

Winter
During the Winter (December – February) we will carefully inspect (interior inspection) and treat cracks and crevices in the kitchen and bathroom areas of your home to protect against common household pests. We also inspect for rodent and animal infestations and treat to prevent them from entering your home. Your basement and garage areas are also inspected for termites. At the end of the interior inspection and treatment, we will provide you with a written inspection report during the fall and winter that will aid in managing your home for pest protection all year long.

The All Inclusive Home Protection Plan provides timely preventative indoor and outdoor applications as well as free emergency service when required. If additional treatment service is necessary during the plan period, we will provide this service at no additional charge for the covered pests. The Home Protection Plan is a four-season treatment plan designed to keep your home a fortress against most general crawling and flying insects as well as rodents.

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Insect Control Services

Insects are extremely successful. They colonize nearly all of the world. In the United States, the number of identified species is approximately 91,000. Their larvae may appear harmless, but they can damage foodstuffs and fabrics; they can also sting people if handled or disturbed.
Insects can be intolerable and a nuisance in large numbers and, more often than not, need to be eliminated quickly. If you have problems with bedbugs, mites, fleas, cockroaches, wasps, ants, or textile pests and stored product insects, our Pest Control company will help you keep them under control.

Insects
Many insects are beneficial, but some are fiercely competitive with humans. Insects are not only numerous but also amongst the most adaptable of all animals. Their adaptability, combined with their tremendous rate of reproduction, gives insects an unqualified potential for survival. Insects form the largest and most successful group of animals in the world. Many of the insects now found in our country carry disease, feed on human food, clothing, or housing, and cause stress to humans and animals with painful bites and stings. Insects find their way into buildings via a number of ways: open doors and windows, drainage systems, pets, or by being carried in, hidden amongst goods or supplies. All buildings provide shelter, warmth and food. This enables them to become rapidly established regardless of the type of premises.

Our Pest Control company specializes in the eradication and prevention of insect pests. The pesticides we use are constantly tested against specific insect types and environments, which at this time are ever changing. Our methods and products, in conjunction with detailed reports highlighting hygiene, proofing, and storage recommendations, ensure rapid control of any insect infestation. Upon control being gained our continuous service visits then ensure constant protection and peace of mind to all of our commercial clients.

Bed Bugs
Bed bugs (Cimex Lectularius) are small wingless insects that feed solely upon the blood of warm-blooded animals and are becoming prolific in the US. These insects are very difficult to eradicate and rarely can be controlled with DIY products. Bed bugs and their relatives have evolved as nest parasites. This tiny six-legged insect hides throughout your home during the day and then feasts on your blood at night while you are sleeping. The common bedbug is a reddish-brown insect that doesn’t grow much more than half a centimeter in length. Bed bugs inject an anticoagulant to keep your blood flowing as they suck, along with an anesthetic agent to keep you from your feeling them when they’re at work. Bed bugs infest residences, and they readily hide in small crevices. Used furniture, particularly bed frames, and mattresses, are at the greatest risk of harboring bed bugs and their eggs. Other objects such as luggage, furniture, clothing, pillows and boxes are also at risk if moved between the home and other premises. The use of professional spray treatments is deemed to be the most effective method of eradication of the bed-bug. This will be used in all the infested areas and then the room will need to be vacated for at least 1-1/2 to 2 hours to ensure that the insecticide can work into the required areas. All infested items, such as bedding and clothing, will then be required to be washed at 60 degrees or dry cleaned before being put away.

Moths
Moths do not cause any health risks but are a pest in homes and businesses because of the severe damage their larvae cause to clothes, fabrics, furs, leather and carpets. This damage may continue for many weeks after moth larvae have hatched. Serious harm may have been done before the numbers of flying moths are seen and so prevention of a moth problem is important.

Wasps, Bees and Hornets
Wasps are generally regarded as nuisance pests or a threat to health. They are scavengers and can worsen the damage caused by other pests. They collect wood to build nests and so may damage the wooden material of buildings, fences and even garden furniture. Wasps are a particular nuisance at the end of the summer when workers indulge their passion for sweet materials, which can lead to contamination of foodstuffs. As well as damaging the home the wasp causes and if the victim suffers an allergic reaction, the consequences can be severe.

Cat and Dog
Cat and Dog Fleas are very similar in appearance and live exclusively as parasites of warm-blooded animals, especially mammals. While they show a certain degree of host preference, fleas are by no means specific and will feed on other animals in the absence of the normal host. In fact, they tend to be more nest than host-specific, for while the adults may feed on the blood of a variety of animals, the larvae require more precise conditions that are associated with the habitats of the hosts rather than the characteristics of their blood.

Flea bites
Flea bites are identified as a tiny dark red spot surrounded by a reddened area. The bite persists for one or two days and is intensely irritating. First bites are not generally liable to cause serious infections, but they may lead to hypersensitivity. Look Out For:
Bite marks on the body, particularly around the ankles and lower leg
Flea dirt – black specks on your pet or in your pet’s bed
Pet agitation or scratching

Flies and Mosquitoes
As well as being a nuisance buzzing around the home, especially in large numbers, flies and Mosquitoes can also cause a health risk, transmitting diseases including salmonella, dysentery, tuberculosis, cholera, and parasitic worms. In this country, mosquitoes are less likely to spread disease than in the tropics, but the irritation caused by the bites can still be distressing, particularly for children.

Cockroaches
Cockroaches carry a range of serious illnesses, including salmonella, dysentery, gastroenteritis, and typhoid. Cockroach droppings can also cause eczema and asthma. The risk is particularly high in homes with children, the elderly or those fighting illnesses. Beyond the health risks, not only are they disturbing by sight, but cockroaches produce an obnoxious odor that taints food and objects they come into contact with. Cockroaches can breed rapidly and are highly resilient. A quick response is essential to ensure a cockroach infestation does not become established or spread to neighboring properties.

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An ant, albeit an insignificant creature, is capable of tumbling even the largest animal. This is attested to by the effect that red Brazilian fire ants have when they invade the surrounding population. They devour everything in their wake and no creature is left standing. Their first point of attack is usually to get into your eyes and ears, incapacitating you. When your ability to see and hear is taken away, then you are a sitting duck and death is imminent. While the garden variety ant is relatively less harmful, it can spell a wave of devastation when left unattended. That is why you should ensure that you make a point of getting rid of the ants as soon as you notice their presence in your compound. The twist to this is that you should also get rid of the ants that are underground. Hence, you should get an expert to do it. That is why you should think deeply about hiring a competent ant exterminator to deal with your problem. One such company is our Exterminator Company. We have all the right people that will take care of your problem effectively. When dealing with a full-scale ant invasion, you cannot do it on your own, no matter how resilient you are. You will need a helping hand to do so. Think of us as that helping hand that will help you take care of the invasion problem that you have. When you employ us, we will remain faithful and ensure that no stone is left unturned in the quest to rid your compound of the ants. To this end, we will use all the necessary equipment to get rid of the ant infestation. You can trust us to use the recommended pesticides that will completely rid you of your infestation, giving you a clean bill of health. At our company, you have access to the most experienced people in the pest disposal arena. When you ask around about most of the ant exterminator companies, you will often hear our satisfied customers. Every household that we have visited has commented about our diligence and attention to detail. These two qualities make us stand out from the many companies that are out there. We will tailor our approach to your compound based on the prevailing circumstances that you are experiencing. We know that no two situations are the same and we respond to each situation as it comes. When you are looking for reliable extermination companies, you should always bear in mind the kinds of services that are being offered. When you visit our company, one service that you will be granted is preventive services. Just like the doctor usually provides inoculations in order to stave off infections, we offer preventive services that are guaranteed to keep your home open for many years to come. Basically, if you want a consultation on how to go about getting rid of ants, visit our offices, and we will attend to you accordingly.

CALL NOW FOR A FREE ESTIMATE!
Our Exterminator Services & Ant Control protect your family’s health. A proposed solution within 24 hours!

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Do you have a Bed bug infestation? You are not the only one and there is nothing to be embarrassed about. Bed bug infestations have increased dramatically in the past years. If they have affected any of your neighborhoods, this may be the cause of your home infestation. This is normally caused by international travel and the use of exterminating methods that do not work on the bed bugs. Today, bed bugs are so widespread in the United States that it’s not uncommon to find them in the office place and on public transportation. If you found bed bugs, know that you’re one of thousands who have. Our Pest control company provides professional bed bug extermination, inspection and preventive services throughout. In the past years since our establishment, we have successfully eliminated bed bugs and other pests from thousands of homes, motels, hotels, restaurants, offices, and more. The common bed bug (Cimex lectularius) is a pest feeding on blood, causing itchy bites and generally irritating human hosts. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) all consider bed bugs a public health pest. However, unlike most public health pests, bed bugs are not known to transmit or spread disease. They can, however, cause other public health problems, so it’s important to pay close attention to preventing and controlling bed bugs.

Experts believe the recent increase in bed bugs in the United States may be due to more travel, lack of knowledge about preventing infestations, increased resistance of bed bugs to pesticides, and ineffective pest control practices. The good news is that there are ways to control bed bugs. Getting good, solid information is the first step in both prevention and control. While there is no chemical quick fix, there are effective strategies to control bed bugs involving both non-chemical and chemical methods. Our experienced professionals have a good understanding of all these aspects and can efficiently work on your problems. We believe in the saying “prevention is better than cure.”

Bed bugs are able to survive many months without feeding on your blood; bed bugs may already be present in apparently vacant and clean apartments. Bed bugs can wander between adjoining apartments through voids in walls and holes through which wires and pipes pass. Because bed bugs readily hide in small crevices, they may accompany (as stowaways) luggage, furniture, clothing, pillows, boxes, and other such objects when these are moved between apartments, homes and hotels. Used furniture, particularly bed frames and mattresses, is at the greatest risk of transporting bed bugs and their eggs. Thus, one should carefully check and consider the history of any used furniture while buying, particularly street items so plentiful at the beginning and end of each academic year. Bed bug infestations are commonly difficult to exterminate, and we have good people behind our desks who are extremely cautious and able to do what we do. We will be able to help you with any pest-related problems in your home.

CALL NOW FOR A FREE ESTIMATE!

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Rat Control
Our company makes sure that you never have to encounter rats and mice. We have set a very high standard as far as mice control is concerned. This means that when you walk into a house that we have treated, you are assured of two things – the existing rodents have been smoked out, and those rodents will never return.

Bed Bug Exterminator
However, unlike most public health pests, bed bugs are not known to transmit or spread disease. They can, however, cause other public health problems, so it is important to pay close attention to preventing and controlling bed bugs. Experts believe the recent increase in bed bugs in the United States may be due to more travel, lack of knowledge about preventing infestations, increased resistance of bed bugs to pesticides, and ineffective pest control practices.

Flea Exterminator
We have a rule of ensuring that as soon as you notice an infestation and report it to us, we will get right on it. Also, we ensure that all citizenry pest issues that come to us are sorted out as expeditiously as possible.

Spiders Pest Control
Just give us a call and you will get your place free from spider pets. To effectively solve your problem, it is necessary to carry out pest control treatment on your premises and ensure a safe and healthy life.

Cockroach Exterminator
You should try and avoid a scenario in which you will later on have to fight it. This means that you have to cut the problem from the roots entirely in order to get rid of it as quickly as possible. Now when you are dealing with an already existing cockroach infestation, it is very important that you think of ways of getting rid of the problem very quickly.

Ant Exterminator
When dealing with a full-scale ant invasion, you cannot do it on your own, no matter how resilient you are. You will need a helping hand to do so. Think of us as that helping hand that will help you take care of the invasion problem that you have. When you employ us, we will remain faithful and ensure that no stone is left unturned in the quest to rid your compound of the ants.

Bed bugs are called bed bugs because they like the environment of the bed; the warmth, the smell, and the coziness associated with bedding are their favorite. They can travel with you to other places as a part of your luggage or reside in places near bedding if they get their beloved environment. Bed bugs will even bite during the day, and most of the time, their bites go unnoticed until you start itching or see the welts appearing.

Moth Pest Control
You can trust us to be very professional in the way we carry ourselves. When you are busy you might not end up realizing that you have a moth problem until it is too late. That is why when you have a problem and ask your friends to refer you to someone who can help, they will ask you to enlist our services.

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Flea Exterminator
It just takes two creatures to get comfortable in a corner, and bam! You have a full-scale invasion on your hands. You might have thought that you were well-equipped to handle the problem. However, the shocking truth comes out when you find out that you cannot. Sometimes, invasions can get bad, and you might be forced to leave your home. When most companies tend to leave gaps when they offer preventive services, we don’t.

Bed Bug Exterminator
Because bed bugs readily hide in small crevices, they may accompany (as stowaways) luggage, furniture, clothing, pillows, boxes, and other such objects when these are moved between apartments, homes and hotels. Used furniture, particularly bed frames and mattresses, is at the greatest risk of transporting bed bugs and their eggs. Thus, one should carefully check and consider the history of any used furniture while buying, particularly street items so plentiful at the beginning and end of each academic year.

Pest Control
It’s fleas, obviously. You rise up from the sofa and your dog stops still. It knows you are going to take it for a bath so it shoots off. Your dog does not like to shower. Frankly, most dogs do not like bathing so it is nothing to feel embarrassed about. Let us look at the root cause, pests! Our pest control company has the right kind of facilities to control infestations of pests in your homes and in your pets.

Spider Pest Control
Are you in trouble due to spiders around your home or office or at any other place? If yes, then you are at the right place, which will make you feel relaxed and tension-free. Our pest control technicians are always ready to help and solve your problem of spiders at your home, office or any other place with our expert technicians. We provide prevention against pest infections.

Termites Control
The very fact that everyone is going through difficult financial times makes a lot of people skittish about enlisting the services of professionals. You will find that people often like to take matters into their own hands and decide to do it themselves. The danger of doing it yourself is that you might not really arrest the problem. When dealing with this pest, it is very important that you have the required skill set and the know-how to locate and eliminate the pests.

Rat Control
When it comes to rodent control, our pest control company has one core philosophy: that we always make sure that the customer is always satisfied and that they get their money’s worth.

Cockroach Exterminator
We provide our services and you can verify our reputation as the company of choice. You can visit our offices in case you have any queries. There you will find our staff that will help you with whatever you need. You can count on us to be there for you just as any good Cockroach exterminator Company will be when you need them.

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Nowadays bug and pest problems have increased in all of our areas and buildings. These reach a peak during the winter season when pests like mice set out in search of places to make themselves home. Our pest control includes the regulation or prevention of any organisms that are classed as a pest and detrimental to a person’s health, ecology, or economy. Our services also include pest control in agriculture where pests are found often. Our services are sure to increase the production and health of your plants. We identify your pest trouble by coming on-site and will always try to use conventional methods to prevent any such pest uprisings in the near future and also eliminate any pests present there at the time.

Many pests have only become a problem because of the direct actions of humans. We help you control these actions and can often substantially reduce the pest problem. We offer services in which we completely eliminate the target population of pests, which, if not done so, may result in the surviving population being resistant to such chemicals and may become a real threat in the future. It is difficult for you and make sure that dont happen. We are one of the very few companies who not only exterminate the current pest infestations but also help remove the chances of a future infestation by discovering all possible causes, which include the elimination of breeding grounds. Some pests live in your home without you knowing it for a long time. Such colonies may have a large number of pests present and professional support is a must. We can do the works for you.

Prevention is the key to avoiding infestations, and we consult our clients on the best prevention methods for the conditions. Our pest control company offers elimination services for growing populations of bugs and pests such as termites, roaches, moths, mice, rats, bird mites, fleas, bed bugs, and many more. Some pests like termites offer non-stop trouble, they eat 24/7 and destroy properties worth lots of dollars every day. We eliminate them and help you out with some repairs that can help you out of any termite infestation. Our service teams are operated by highly qualified exterminators, and they can assist you with your problems with their unique ideas and are always happy to help you out. All our squad members have compassion in what they do and are trained as well as they can be. We have technically eliminated any pest infestations in various areas since our establishment. We can point out a lot of pest problems that are causing physical and economic difficulties that arise due to pests. We provide you guidelines to help you out of it. Pest control has been our work always and we have become quite experienced at it. We are very good at what we do and are always able to complete the work assigned to us promptly and without any hassle in a budget-efficient way.
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Animal control is called in because your neighbor’s dog bit your little kid. The dog had been driven crazy because of beg bugs that have been sucking his blood off and on. He did not mean to bite the little girl. The real issue is the bed bug that provoked him. Animal Control is going to send it off to the pound, where dogs that are crazy will be put to sleep.

Rat Control
Our company basically offers top-of-the-line rat exterminator pest control. If you are looking for fast and effective rat infestation control, then we are it. We bring a wealth of experience to the table, and you’ll never have to worry ever again about unwelcome visitors. With our company, you have access to people who know what they are doing and how to do it safely.

Ant Exterminator
Basically, if you want a consultation on how to go about getting rid of ants, visit our offices, and we will attend to you accordingly.

Flea Exterminator
We have all experienced it at one time or another – the flea bite. For most people, it is often accompanied by a lot of discomfort. Some people develop rashes and others just scratch away. To top it all, fleas are carriers of many viruses. That is why you should ensure that you take care of a problem as soon as you discover there is one.

Spider Pest Control
Generally, spiders are considered to be good to have in your home or office area, as they are helpful in minimizing the population of harmful insects. The actual problem arises when they cause diseases in humans and affect them negatively. The spiders mere sight can be a real scare sometimes. Apart from that, many spiders are poisonous, and so they cause harm to humans if they bite them and a person has to suffer from severe pain.

Bed Bug Exterminator
Do you have a bed bug infestation? You are not the only one and there is nothing to be embarrassed about. Bed bug infestations have increased dramatically in the past years. If they are affected in any of your neighborhoods this may be the cause that made your home infested. This is normally caused by international travel and the use of exterminating methods that do not work on the bed bugs.

Cockroach Exterminator
We provide our services and you can verify our reputation as the company of choice. You can visit our offices in case you have any queries. There you will find our staff that will help you with whatever you need. You can count on us to be there for you just as any good cockroach exterminator company will be when you need them.

Moth Pest Control A
If you are looking for more information, you should make a point of visiting our offices. Termites are very destructive. When given the chance to thrive, they will ensure that no piece of wood is left standing. If you are using untreated timber for your home, then you are exposed to a lot of risk. The leading cause of home repairs when it comes to wooden structures is termite damage. That is why you should carefully consider the steps that you should take in order to ensure that you don’t end up paying a lot of money for the repairs.

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We have all experienced it at one time or another – the flea bite. For most people, it is often accompanied by a lot of discomfort. Some people develop rashes and others just scratch away. And to top it all, fleas are carriers of very many viruses. That is why you should ensure that you arrest a problem as soon as you discover there is one. When it comes to pest control for fleas, you can trust our company to come through for you.

The following is a brief look at what our company can do for you. When it comes to exterminating fleas, it is very important that you have a qualified person do it. The employees that we have on our payroll have many years of experience, and you can trust that we are up to the task of getting rid of the fleas from your home. In our selection process, you can be assured that we will assign people who are well-equipped to handle any extent of infestation. It is vital that you arrest the problem from the roots and that our people know how to handle the massive infestations that occur. Our people will get to the heart of the problem and control the situation before it gets out of hand. Our company also offers preventive services to our clients. It is our policy to ensure that we prevent future invasions by using top-of-the-line equipment. When we spray, we just don’t spray to kill; we spray to keep away potential threats. It just takes two creatures to get comfortable in a corner, and bam! You have a full-scale invasion on your hands. You may have thought that you were well-equipped to handle the problem. However, the shocking truth comes out when you find out that you cannot. Sometimes, invasions can get bad, and you might be forced to leave your home. When most companies tend to leave gaps when they offer preventive services, we don’t. As a stern pest control fleas measure, we make sure that we cover every square inch of wood and every corner until there is no such breach. Also, our treatments last for very many years, and you will never have to get the house treated again. You might find it very hard to notice a pest infestation before it is too late. Considering that there is a large influx of strays and that when you are not around, your pet is mingling with them, you will find that a flea infestation is building under your nose later. That is why we have a rule of ensuring that as soon as you notice an infestation and report it to us, we will get right on it. Also, we ensure that all pest issues that come to us are sorted out as expeditiously as possible.

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What happens when moth infestation goes out of control? You can be assured that the results are not that much to look at. You have heard of stories of moths devouring crop fields entirely and ruining clothes that you have stored. Now considering that, it is very important that you take moth infestations seriously. The following is a brief look at what you need to know about the best moth exterminator. Moth infestations require a very vigilant eye. That is why when you trust them to the experts they will always get rid of. Moths are very prolific, and they spread in an area like wildfire. Our professionals understand this and will endeavor to make sure that the problem is brought under control as quickly as possible. We have the best moth exterminator company and you can trust that they know what needs to be done. Our team of seasoned pros will identify the problem, craft a winning solution and overall bring the infestation under control as quickly as possible. Our selection process is geared toward providing you with the best possible expert in the field who will work on the problem just in time. If you are looking for results, you can trust us to deliver them as quickly as possible and this is attested to by the very many positive reviews that our company has had as a result of dealing with so many people in the extermination arena. When you are looking for someone to take care of your moth infestation, you will want to hire someone who takes care of the problem before it manifests itself. In other words, you will be looking for someone who will make sure that nothing happens to your house when two pests are in the vicinity.

We offer prevention services against all pests. We recognize that when pests run wild and free, you have a problem on your hands that, if let out of control, can get very difficult to fix. That is why if you can stave off a crack in a wall, you can prevent a collapse in the wall. Our services are guaranteed to make sure that you never have to deal with such a problem. Hence, this makes us the preferred pest control company of choice. As a moth exterminator, our company has set a record for the most positive reviews. This is attributed to the mutual trust that we have between our clients and ourselves. You can trust us to be very professional in the way we carry ourselves. When you are busy you might not end up realizing that you have a moth problem until it is too late. That is why when you have a problem and ask your friends to refer you to someone who can help, they will ask you to enlist our services. If you are you looking for more information, you should make a point of visiting our offices.

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It has been five minutes since you have been sitting on the sofa in the living room and watching your lovable dog scratching his body here and there. Sometimes, the poor animal is so desperate that he would insert yelps during the break that he takes during the scratching and itching activity. You do not need to research in order to know what is wrong with your little dog. It’s fleas, obviously. You rise up from the sofa and your dog stops still. It knows you are going to take it for a bath so it shoots off. Your dog does not like to bathe. Frankly, most dogs do not like bathing so it is nothing to feel embarrassed about. Let us look at the root cause, pests! Our Pest Control company has the right kind of facilities to control infestations of pests in your home and on your pets.

Animal control is called in because your neighbor’s dog bit your little kid. The dog had been driven crazy because of beg bugs that have been sucking his blood off and on. He did not mean to bite the little girl. The real issue is the bed bugs that provoked him. The Animal Control Center is going to send it off to the pound, where dogs that are crazy will be put to sleep. However, this dog might transfer the bugs to other dogs being put to sleep and the bugs would enjoy many nights of treat until other dogs would be adapted and cleaned before being kept in the house.

There should not have been any bed bugs in your home. They are known parasites of humans but they even suck animal blood. Another common misconception about bed bugs is that they are only found in beds and will only bite during the night time. This is not true. Bed bugs are called bed bugs because they like the environment of the bed; the warmth, the smell, and the coziness associated with bedding are their favorite. They can travel with you to other places as a part of your luggage or reside in places near bedding if they get their beloved environment over there. Bed bugs will even bite during the day, and most of the time, their bites go unnoticed until you start itching or see the welts appearing. Though they bite during night hours they are not nocturnal. They probably choose the night time because that is the usual time you tuck yourselves under the sheets. Now who can provide you with this kind of information on pests without doing their research? Our workers are rightly trained through research to provide you with guidance and help.

Our services cover pest Control such as fleas, ants, roaches, bedbugs, spiders, termites, crickets, and other tiny home invaders. There are many myths related to pest control. Some people consider cockroaches to dwell only in damp and dark places. It should be known that there are some fifty types of cockroaches, out of which some five types of roaches infest the domestic and business environment in the United States. Out of these, not all like damp and dark places. The German cockroach for instance, likes lights so much that it shall reside inside electronic appliances like televisions and lighted fixtures and fittings. We deal with Pest Control such as mice, rats, bed bugs and all other pests. We’ll get your pest problem under control, and then we’ll work with you to keep those pests away.

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The very thought of a rat infestation has a very profound effect on us. There is often an air of disgust and a hint of fright when we encounter a rat. The very thought of the diseases those little paws carry is enough to send a chill down your spine. However, thinking about it and actually experiencing it are two completely different things. Our rodent control team is here to help you. If you talk to people who have encountered rats on their premises, they will tell you that it is no picnic. Some will tell you that there is always the fear of a health scare always hanging in the air. Hence it is very important that you look at ways of getting rid of rats when they rear their ugly heads. But, when you are contemplating rat control, it is very important that you put our company at the top of your list. Some of the things that might propagate your list might be setting up traps and using the old-school method of chasing the rat around with a club. However, the latter offers you little chance of getting rid of them if you are facing a massive colony. Exterminators offer you a greater opportunity of getting rid of them.

You should have our company at the top of your list. Ours is a company where you will find all your pest control needs to be met. Our company basically offers top-of-the-line rat exterminator pest control services. If you are looking for fast and effective rat infestation, then we are it. We bring a wealth of experience to the table, and you’ll never have to worry ever again about intrusions by unwelcomed visitors. With our company, you have access to people who know what they are doing and how to do it safely. If you opt to go through the old way mentioned in the previous paragraph then chances are that you might get scratched or bitten. If you do it yourself and opt to use chemicals, you are exposing yourself to a significant amount of risk health-wise. If you make a mistake in mixing the concoction, this spells a lot of damage to you and your home. Our company also makes sure that you never have to encounter rats and mice. We have set a very high standard as far as mice control is concerned. This means that when you walk into a house that we have treated, you are assured of two things- the existing rodents have been smoked out, and those rodents will never return. When it comes to rodent control, we have one core philosophy: we always make sure that the customer is always satisfied and that they get their money’s worth. We not only trade in exterminations we also deal with peace of mind.

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Are you in trouble due to spiders around your home or office or at any other place? If yes, then you are at the right place, which will make you feel relaxed and tension-free. Our exterminator technicians are always ready to help and solve your problem of spiders at your home, office or any other place with our expert technicians. We provide prevention against pest infections. Our program is to arrange the highest level of pest management; we deal with pests such as bedbugs, cockroaches, mice, rats, ants, squirrels, rodents, bees, wasps, ticks, fleas, water bugs, etc. We have specialized workers who are experts in pest management function.

Generally, spiders are considered to be good to have in your home or office area, as they are helpful in minimizing the population of harmful insects. The actual problem arises when they cause diseases in humans and affect them negatively. The spiders mere sight can be a real scare sometimes. Apart from that, many spiders are poisonous, and so they cause harm to humans if they bite them and a person has to suffer from severe pain. The effective way to protect your home or office from spiders is to undergo the extermination process. Undergo treatment as soon as possible to ensure minimum damage.

There are several spiders that pose a serious danger threat to humans. The two most dangerous spiders are the Black Widow and Brown Recluse found in the United States. If any of these spiders bite any human, then hospital treatment is required to cure his health. If proper care is not taken, then a person may even die. People die due to the bite of these spiders every year. Apart from that, most spiders bite only when they are threatened or injured; such spiders are unaggressive.

Our Pest Control company treats all kinds of spiders, no matter how dangerous they are. If at any time, anywhere, any corner, you notice spiders at your home or office, then get in touch with us; contact us and our efficient staff will take care of the rest. We will solve your spider problem most effectively and in a safe manner and will also recommend to you how to keep your place away from spiders in the future. Just give us a call and you will get your place free from spiders.

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Termites are very destructive. When given the chance to thrive, they will ensure that no piece of wood is left standing. If you are using untreated timber for your home, then you are exposed to a lot of risk. The leading cause of home repairs when it comes to wooden structures is termite damage. That is why you should carefully consider the steps that you should take in order to ensure that you don’t end up paying a lot of money for the repairs. The logical step that you should take is to make sure that you get rid of the problem as soon as you notice that you have one. Hence, you should make sure that you exterminate the pests as soon as they emerge. One of the ways that you could do that is by employing the services of our termite controls company to completely eradicate the pests.

As was indicated in the previous paragraph when termites are given the leeway to roam free, then you should probably make plans to move out. Our company is dedicated to helping you arrest the problem before you are way in over your head. At our company, we offer very affordable termite pest control services. The very fact that everyone is going through difficult financial times makes a lot of people skittish about enlisting the services of professionals. You will find that people often like to take matters into their own hands and decide to do it themselves. The danger of doing it yourself is that you might not really solve the problem.

When dealing with this pest, it is very important that you have the required skill set and the know-how to locate and eliminate the pests. Another danger that most do-it-yourself people are exposed to is that they are exposed to chemicals they have no experience with. The danger that comes with this step is that you are in an especially delicate position when everything goes haywire and you are exposed to pesticide poisoning. We take it upon ourselves to ensure that you never ever have to take such risks ever again. With our team of experts, you are assured that professionalism and quality services are provided. Our exterminators are very well-versed in providing extermination services. They are very polite and easy to work with and this is attested to by the raving reviews that our satisfied customers have given us. As far as termite pest control is concerned, we are A-one. Our exterminators have a lot of experience in the industry so you can trust that we know what we are doing. When you can foresee a disaster, then you save yourself a lot of pain and heartache. That is why you should enlist our preventive services. If you can deter termites from invading your house, you save yourself a lot of money in the long run. You should make a point of visiting our offices for more information about the termite pest control measures that we have.

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pest control 12/19/23 II – gtg

The pavement ant is a common household pest. Their name comes from the fact that they usually make their homes in pavement. They are distinguished by two spines on the back, two nodes on the petiole, and grooves on the head and thorax. During early spring, colonies attempt to conquer new areas and often attack nearby enemy colonies. These result in huge sidewalk battles, sometimes leaving thousands of ants dead. Because of their aggressive nature, they often invade and colonize seemingly impenetrable areas. In summer time the ants dig out the sand in between the pavements to vent the nests.

Bats range in size from a wingspread of over 5 ft (150 cm) to a wingspread of less than 2 in. (5 cm). They are found in nearly all parts of the world but are most numerous in the tropics; there are about 39 species in the United States. Most bats are economically valuable because of the large number of insects they consume. The body of the bat is mouselike and usually covered with fine fur. The face varies greatly from one species to another; many species have complex appendages on the snout and projections, or false ears, in front of the true ears; the ears themselves are often very large and elaborately convoluted. These facial structures are part of the sensory apparatus that emits and receives sound vibrations. Some bats are solitary, living in caves, crevices, hollow trees, or attics; other species are communal, with thousands or even millions of bats roosting together in a cave or on branches in a section of forest. In some species of communal bats, the entire colony leaves the roost together in the evening and returns together in the morning; in others, individuals come and go at different times. Bats of northern regions migrate, hibernate, or both in winter.

Having a good night’s sleep could be next to impossible if your bed is infested with bed bugs. Suffering from a bed bug bite can be equal to a nightmare, as it can be very itchy and distressing. While bed bugs are surely a pest to life, it is good to know there is a plethora of solutions to the problems they present. Scientifically known as Cimes lectularius, bed bugs are tiny, wingless insects that can be found anywhere in the world. Bed bugs are mainly nocturnal parasites, which means they are active in finding human hosts for feed during nighttime and stay dormant during the day. They live in mattresses, bedding and other crevices near a source of food.

The honey bee is about 12 mm (1/2 inch) long and usually yellow, with 3 or 5 dark brown abdominal bands. They carry two pairs of wings and lack the constricted abdomen (wasp waist) of the wasp and hornet. Honey bees can sting, but are much less aggressive than wasps and hornets.

Black flies have preferences for a wide range of individual host species. Adult females feed on the blood of humans, cattle, horses, sheep, goats, poultry, other livestock and wild mammals and birds. Each black fly species may prefer one type of host over another. The black fly’s common name sometimes indicates host specificity, for example, the turkey gnat. Black flies are daytime biters who prefer low wind conditions. They are not restricted to shaded or humid sites and usually do not go indoors. They are attracted to hosts from a distance by smell, heat, and by sight. The female flies swarm around and crawl on the host preferring the head, hair, and ears as well as any skin that is exposed or that they can crawl onto. S. slossonae is primarily a bird feeder and probably preys on wild turkeys to some extent. It is the primary vector of the protozoan blood parasite, Leucocytozoon smithi, in Florida. This parasite is restricted only to birds, especially turkeys. S. slossonae will feed on domestic turkeys as well as chickens and other poultry. Several cases of chicken mortality attributed to black fly feeding were reported in Florida during the first three months of 1998.

The house centipede is distributed throughout the United States and Canada. It is found indoors and outdoors under logs and in other damp areas in warmer climates, but only indoors in colder climates. House centipedes are found in houses with damp sub-floor areas in damp basements, and in the vicinity of sinks and drains. The house centipede is considered to be beneficial as it feeds mainly on insects and organic material. They rarely bite, causing pain no more severe than a bee sting. The house centipede is 2.5 to 4.0 cm long with very long antennae and 15 pairs of legs which enable it to run very fast. The last pair of legs are twice as long as the body, giving it a curious form and making it easy to identify. The legs are banded with white. When the larvae hatch from the eggs, they have 4 pairs of legs. Five more larval stages follow with 5, 7, 9, ll and 13 pairs of legs, respectively. This is followed by 4 adolescent stages, each with 15 pairs of legs.

The German cockroach is probably the most economically important pest. It is the most common cockroach you will find in a home or business. The German cockroach can be found in homes, apartments, hotels, motels, restaurants and other places throughout the United States and other countries. There are other cockroaches that might be found more in the southern areas of the country but the German cockroach is by far the most common species infesting homes and other areas. The adults are about 1/2 to 5/8 inches long and have two dark stripes. Both sexes have wings but do not fly. Males can be distinguished from females by the tapering shape of the abdomen. German cockroach babies, called nymphs, look like adults, except they are smaller, have no wings, and are darker in color, sometimes even black. One stripe running down the middle of the back is a prominent marking of the younger German cockroach nymph. The female German cockroach carries the egg capsule protruding from her rear until the eggs are ready to hatch. The German cockroach is the only house-infesting species that carries the egg capsule this long. This is what makes it the most persistent cockroach in the United States because they are less likely to be taken by predators. The adult females can produce 4 to 8 egg capsules in their lifetime. Each capsule contains 30 to 48 eggs. It usually takes 20 to 30 days from the time of initial formation of the first egg capsule until it hatches. There are 6 to 7 nymphal stages, called instars until they molt into the adult stage. The nymphs have habits as adults. They are mostly active at night and hide in cracks and crevices during the day. Seeing German cockroaches during the day is usually an indication of overpopulation. When all cracks and crevices are full, or food is in short supply, and they are stressed. German cockroaches usually hide in areas where there is ample food and moisture, such as kitchens and other food areas, but they can be found in other areas if they are stressed and as a result of a repellant insecticide somewhere else in the building or home. German cockroaches are attracted to fermented foods and beverage residues. If water is present, adults can live about a month without food, but young nymphs will die of starvation within 10 days. Without food or water, the adults will die in about 2 weeks. In apartment complexes or duplexes sharing the same common plumbing lines, infestations can occur in both apartments or duplexes. Treating these areas is a must with insecticides or dust formulations injected into walls of adjoining apartments.

Earwigs are usually about 12 mm long and need to live in moist and humid conditions. The earwigs dig themselves into the soil in fall and hibernate under the ground. They can cause damage and eat mainly plants, leaves, and flowers. If you are suffering from a large group of these creatures you may well see your garden flowers begin to die. – The shore earwig is often confused with the large St. Helena earwig. Both are fairly large, around 80mm. – This species is 12-15 mm long and lives throughout the United States. It has yellowish legs with rings on them after which the animal has been named. The Ring-Legged Earwig is a danger to produce Irish and sweet potatoes when in storage.

Fleas are blood-sucking insects that feed on warm-blooded animals. They are between 112 – 5 mm in length, oval in shape (when viewed from the side), and very thin/flat, which enables them to move easily through the hairs of their host. Fleas are brown in color and have extremely powerful hind legs adapted for jumping. Female fleas lay eggs on their host or in animal nests/bedding. The eggs pass through normal insect stages of egg, larva and pupa. The adult flea only emerges when stimulated by vibration, such as an animal or human walking by. Adults can stay in their pupal stage for long periods before emerging and both the pupae and the adults can survive 8 to 12 months without a host to feed on. This explains why houses that have been empty for long periods can harbor active fleas long after the host, such as a domestic cat, has left. There are several species of fleas, including human, cat, and dog fleas. Although each species has a preferred host, both cat and dog fleas can be found on other animals including humans. Of all the species, the cat flea is probably the most commonly found in domestic situations – practically all cats will pick up fleas at some time, so it is wise to take precautions, such as fitting with a flea collar.

Canada Geese are large birds, 20 to 50 inches long, with a wingspan of 50 to 68 inches. Canada Geese are most easily identified by their long black neck, with a black head, crown and bill. They have a contrasting white cheek and throat area. Their undertail coverts are white. Their back, upper wings, and flank are dark brown with a lighter brown (sometimes nearly white) breast and belly. They have a short black tail and black legs with black webbed feet. Canada Geese cover a wide range across North America. Canada Geese in different areas may be different sizes, have different vocalizations or have somewhat different coloring than those in other areas. All groups have the characteristic long black neck, head, crown, and bill, and white cheeks. The smallest Canada Geese (called “cackling geese” because of their high-pitched vocalizations) are only 1/4 the size of the largest Canada Geese (called “honkers”).

Pigeon control is important due to the damage and disease problems these birds often create. The uric acid in pigeon feces is highly corrosive and can cause extensive damage to metals and other substrates it sits on for long periods. Debris from flocks of problem pigeons often builds up, backing up gutters and drains, which can cause flooding and roof damage. Nesting materials and other debris have caused failures in machinery, especially rooftop air conditioning units, which are a prime nesting spot for pigeons. Other frequent pigeon problems include slip and fall liability from feces or debris, plus an unclean, dirty company image. The bacteria, fungal agents, and ectoparasites found in pigeon droppings are responsible for a host of serious diseases, including histoplasmosis, encephalitis, salmonella, meningitis, toxoplasmosis, and more. Pigeons also carry ectoparasites, for example, fleas, lice, mites, ticks, and other biting pests. Many companies also retain significant clean-up costs due to the pigeon problems they don’t resolve. The pigeons that are located around airports threaten human safety due to a possible bird-aircraft collision. The U. S. Air Force considers pigeons as a “medium priority hazard” to jet aircrafts.

We also have two species of mice that cause problems in the Pacific Northwest. The House Mouse and the Deer Mouse. – The house mouse looks somewhat like a young roof rat, but smaller. It is approximately 5 1/2 to 7 1/2 inches in total length. Like the roof rat, its tail is as long or longer than the head and body combined. However, mice have proportionately smaller heads and feet than those of a roof rat. The color of the house mouse depends upon its habitat; if it lives indoors, it will usually be dark gray with a light gray stomach; outdoors, it will usually be a sandy brown color. House mice do not pose as serious a problem to the householder as rats, but they can be quite a nuisance. They also eat and contaminate food with their urine and droppings, may gnaw on wiring, creating a fire hazard, and can transmit some diseases. Spread of diseases by mice, however, is not considered a serious health hazard. This wide-spread, native rodent is another medium-sized mouse, averaging 7 inches in total length. The tail is longer than the head and body combined. The upper body is varying shades of brown with white sides and underparts (including chin and throat). The tail is strongly bi-colored. Deer mice have been identified as occasional vectors of Lyme Disease and Hanta Virus and should be controlled around human habitation where these diseases are prevalent.

The size of an opossum’s head and body- 3-20 inches, tail- 4-20 inches. There are more than 65 kinds of opossums in North and South America. But only one kind plays possum, the Virginia, or common, opossum of North America. The phrase “playing possum” comes from this animal’s ability to appear dead when an enemy approaches. The opossum will lie still as if it is dead, with its eyes closed or, when opened, staring and without blinking. Its tongue hangs from the side of its mouth and it will still play dead if moved by the animal or even tossed about.

Raccoon populations are very adaptable and can increase in cities and towns where mature trees, attics, sheds, and storm sewers are used as dens. Characteristic features include short pointed ears, a long pointed snout, and greyish-brown fur covering the body. The raccoon’s most distinguishing features are the black mask around the eyes and the black rings circling the long bushy tail. Adults grow to about 32 inches (81 cm) including the tail, and larger animals may reach weights of more than 30 pounds (13.6 kg). Raccoons are excellent climbers and are very dexterous. They are most active at night, seeking refuge during daylight hours in hollow trees, dense vegetation, rock crevices, old buildings, barns, chimneys, or other cavity spaces. During the winter months, raccoons usually “den up” for the coldest periods; this is not a true hibernation, and they often venture out during warm spells. Raccoons eat a variety of foods including insects, frogs, bird eggs, fruit, and garden vegetables, especially corn. Because of their ability to live in association with humans and their varied food preferences and denning habits, people often consider raccoons to be a nuisance.

The main wild rabbit in North America is the cottontail. It grows from 14 to 18 inches and weighs from 2 to 3 pounds. They are brown with tan sides and white underparts. The jackrabbit is the largest of the American hares. They are more than 2 feet long, and their ears are from 5 to 6 inches long. Jackrabbits weigh 4 to 6 pounds. Rabbits prefer regions where the soil is loose and dry and where there is brushwood for shelter. They may live in brushy woods and gardens of eastern North America, on the western plains and deserts, on mountains, and even in the Arctic snows. European rabbits live alone on about an acre of land. European rabbits live in groups in a burrow. The cottontail rabbit lives in the Western Hemisphere.

There are two primary species of rats present in the Pacific Northwest: The Norway rat and the roof rat. The Norway rat is both larger and heavier than the roof rat. It has a wider distribution and is usually more common, although the roof rat may be abundant in some localities, usually near coastal areas. Norway rats build their nests in burrows under buildings, low shrubs or ground cover, wood piles, yard accumulations of junk, and garbage dumps. The roof rat, on the other hand, is a better climber than the Norway rat and is more likely to build its nest in walls, attics, vines or trees. – is 13-18 1/2 inches in total length, with its tail being shorter than its head and body combined. An adult Norway rat weighs about 3/4 to 1-1/4 pounds. It is mostly brown, with a lighter-colored stomach. The tail is semi-naked and darker above than below, giving it a two-toned effect. – is also 13-18 1/2 inches in total length, with its tail being longer than its head and body combined. An adult roof rat weighs about 3/4 to 2/3 pounds. It is mostly black with some gray below, although there are some variations. The tail is also semi-naked but of one color.

The Gull or Seagull is a medium to large bird, usually gray or white, and often has black markings on its head and wings. It has a long bill and webbed feet. Gulls are ground-nesting birds. They are found in coastal areas and rarely stray far from land. These highly intelligent birds have learned to co-exist successfully with humans. They eat live crabs and small fish and are often times scavengers.

Silverfish are always wingless and are silvery to brown in color because their bodies are covered with fine scales. They are generally soft-bodied. Adults are up to 3/4 inch long, flattened from top to bottom, elongated and oval in shape, and have three long tail projections and two long antennae. Primarily a nuisance pest inside the home or buildings; can contaminate food, damage paper goods and stain clothing; medically harmless. Many of their habits are similar to cockroaches and they appear to be more common as household pests in drier parts of the state. Occasionally damage book bindings, curtains, and wallpaper.

Skunk species vary in size from about 15.6 to 37 inches (40 to 70 cm) and in weight from about 1.1 pounds (0.5 kg) (the spotted skunks) to 18 pounds (8.2 kg) (the hog-nosed skunks). They have a moderately elongated body with reasonably short, well-muscled legs, and long front claws for digging. Although the most common fur color is black and white, some skunks are brown or gray, and a few are cream-colored. All skunks are striped, even from birth. They may have a single thick stripe across the back and tail, two thinner stripes, or a series of white spots and broken stripes (in the case of the spotted skunk). Some also have stripes on their legs.

The squirrel can become a nuisance when it chews through the facia board or roof and gains access into your soffit and attic. If you think you have a squirrel in your attic, think again. You have more than one, usually 4 or 5 or more. Squirrels are very social animals and will stay as a family unit. If you try and resolve the squirrel problem yourself, you may end up enclosing a squirrel or squirrels in your attic which will cause major damage as the enclosed squirrel or squirrels will chew a hole to get out. If one or more of the squirrel family members are outside, they will assist the enclosed squirrel or squirrels in chewing the hole. It is best to leave the squirrel removal and exclusion to a professional in the animal control or wildlife control field. Most of the time the problem can be corrected in a short time with no more damage caused. A wildlife professional will also assist in preventitive measures which will deter future problems with squirrels. A squirrel can climb almost anything. If squirrels are determined to get somewhere, they will. There are devices that wildlife professionals use to help solve this problem and deter a squirrel or squirrels from climbing.

A typical yellowjacket worker is about 12 mm (0.5 inches) long, with alternating bands on the abdomen while the queen is larger, about 19 mm (0.75 inches) long (the different patterns on the abdomen help separate various species). Workers are sometimes confused with honey bees, especially when flying in and out of their nests. Yellowjackets, in contrast to honey bees, are not covered with tan-brown dense hair on their bodies and lack the flattened hairy hind legs used to carry pollen. Yellowjackets have a lance-like stinger with small barbs and typically sting repeatedly, [2] though occasionally the sting becomes lodged and pulls free of the wasp’s body. All species have yellow or white on the face. Mouthparts are well-developed for capturing and chewing insects, with a proboscis for sucking nectar, fruit and other juices. Nests are built in trees, shrubs, or in protected places such as inside human-made structures (attics, hollow walls or flooring, in sheds, under porches and eaves of houses) or in soil cavities, mouse burrows, etc. Nests are made from wood fiber chewed into a paper-like pulp.

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Are you looking for signs to see if you need to contact a pest control company? Not all pest problems require the assistance of a paid professional. Sometimes, the appearance of a pest is simply an outdoor critter that has lost its way. Other times basic steps such as maintaining your lawn, sealing cracks around the doors and windows, and keeping a tidy kitchen will eliminate the pest problem and prevent your home from being a future destination. However, a number of insidious pests create potentially unsanitary living conditions and cause serious problems for humans and buildings. Though it may be tempting to pick up a can of insect killer or a trap from the hardware store when you spot one of these pests, pesticides and other chemicals are not only a potential health hazard, but they also may not take care of a deeper problem. Here are some signs that it might be time to call a pest control professional:
1. You see droppings. One of the telltale signs of a mouse or rat infestation is the presence of droppings. Look for evidence of rodent droppings near baseboards, cabinets and garbage cans. Similarly, cockroach droppings, which experts say resemble black pepper or coffee grounds, tend to appear in areas where cockroaches gather to feed.
2. Evidence of termites. Of all the household pests, termites may be the most damaging. These winged, ant-like insects feast on wood year-round, potentially causing significant damage to a home’s beams, walls, and foundation. Evidence of termites include hollow wood, termite wings and carcasses and the telltale mud tunnels they build outside of a house. A termite infestation can be a serious problem and requires the assistance of a professional.
3. Evidence of other wood-boring insects. Though termites are the most notorious wood chompers, there are plenty of other insects that can cause significant damage to your home. As their name implies, carpenter ants gnaw out holes in wood to create nests. Other potentially damaging insects include carpenter bees and powder post beetles.
4. You suspect bedbugs. A familiar children’s rhyme warns sleepers not to let the bedbugs bite. Unfortunately, this is sometimes easier said than done. In recent years, bedbugs have made a massive comeback throughout the United States, living in everything from mattress seams to baseboards. Because they are tiny and only emerge while humans are sleeping, they can be difficult to identify. Evidence of these nighttime creepy crawlies include clusters of itchy, welt-like bites and reddish stains on bedding. If you suspect you have bedbugs, contact a pest professional immediately. Eradicating these insects and their eggs can be extremely difficult
.5. Stinging insects. Nobody likes being stung by a bee. Unfortunately, many types of wasps like to build their nests under eaves and, in some cases, in the walls of houses. Other stinging insects include fire ants, which are common throughout the southern United States. Even more dangerous are scorpions, which are commonly found in homes throughout the American Southwest. Though most scorpions aren’t quite as deadly as people think, their stings aren’t very fun and can cause serious issues for individuals with compromised immune systems.

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Bed Bug Control
What do you call bed bugs? Bloodsuckers. Yes, true, these bed bugs are commonly found in hostels, old houses, moist areas, and boarding houses. Often, bed bugs are the cause of worry for itinerant travelers. Now the most important question is how do bed bugs get into our beds? These bugs are lifted or transported in shoes, luggage and other movable articles. Bed bugs bite and you will develop a red dot of blood in your bed or linen. If you have bed bugs, you can often smell a sickly odor. Look for blood stains and deposits of dried blood in old beds, this will ensure the presence of bugs. Bed bugs have 5 nymphal stages before they become adults. They feed for three to five minutes at night. Bed bugs have a tendency to survive for days without their blood meal.

Skin reactions: You can develop adverse skin reactions due to bug bites. Beg bugs release an anti-coagulant into the bloodstream, which prevents blood clotting from the host’s body. This allows the bugs to suck huge qualities of blood. If this anti-coagulant material falls around the biting area, it may cause a lot of irritation. You will not be able to resist scratching which results in pain and scratch marks. In case you develop an infection, consult your dermatologist.

Pest control for bed bugs
In case of a huge infestation of bed bugs in your home or business, look for a good pest controller. A thorough inspection of the area is very essential before steps are taken for control procedures. It is very important to locate their daytime harborage areas. Treat all the potential areas with proper insecticides and pesticides. Often people attempt to do pest control all by themselves. Avoid this as it may hamper your health and safety. Our pest management professionals are experienced and have the right equipment and insecticide formulations. It is always advisable to call pest management professionals. The kind of pesticide or insecticide used for application is also very critical. It is advisable to use synthetic pyrethroid insecticide sprays and dust for treatment purposes. The use of a fogging machine is very important in order to get beneficial results. When the treatment is in process, try to wrap all the bed linens, fabrics and hangings. Wrap up the mattresses before the insecticidal treatment. Seal gaps in furniture and cracks in walls where bugs can hide. Sanitation and hygiene should be properly taken care of. Inspection of the entire area is very important. Inspection of location should be a regular feature. In a commercial area, the building should be regularly checked for bug infestation.

Bed bug Management
Look for the bugs: You will have to investigate or look for bugs around your dwelling. Look into cracks and crevices. Try to figure out the eggs, fecal matter and larvae.
Prepare the areas: Wash your linen and bed sheets with hot water. If your furniture is covered, remove the clothing and soak them in hot water. Vacuum the small places as much as you can. Vacuum up the small holes and cracks in furniture, walls, and floors.
Physical control: Cover the legs of the bed with petroleum jelly or sticky double-sided tape. Remove the bed away from the walls. Check your pets whether they are bitten or attacked by bugs and bites. Cover yourself as much as you can.
Chemical control: Use insect-repellent creams on your skin. Sprays containing natural pyrethrins should be sprayed all over the place. In order to reduce dampness, use boric acid, silica gels and diatomaceous earth.

Bed bugs are the most irritating pests which cause a lot of internal and personal damage. It causes skin irritations and infests the pets. If you still have a problem, get help from our pest control specialist. It is very important to take proper control and measures to get rid of these bugs.

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During the summer, ants can be the biggest nuisance around. They like to invade homes and crawl into cabinets, cupboards and pantries to access food. Not only is it annoying to have ants crawling around, but they are dangerous as well. The bacteria ants leave behind can be harmful, and some ants bite humans, leaving stinging, irritated areas of skin. In addition, the ants can invade any area of your home, causing great inconvenience to you and your family. Residents of certain cities may have to worry especially about ants. There have been repeated problems of ant control in some cities. Regardless of the city you live in, contact an exterminator as soon as possible once you see that ants are present in your home. If the exterminators are not immediately available, take measures to control the ants in the meantime.

Ants
Ants are minuscule creatures and can crawl into any space, even closed jars and food containers. They especially favor foods like honey, jams, cookies, grains and cereal, sugar, or any sweet and sticky food. To prevent them from getting into your food stores, make sure all food containers are sealed tight enough so that ants cannot get into them. You can buy jars that are sealed with a rubber gasket. Otherwise, keep sealed food containers in the fridge, or put jars and boxes in tightly sealed plastic bags. If any ants did manage to get in your food, dispose of the food immediately. If the ants have invaded, your garbage can dispose of the garbage within the bag, then wash the garbage can with a house and detergent if necessary. Ants follow a scent trail to know where the rest of the colony is accessing food. If you see a trail of ants, eliminate the trail of ants. This can be done by vacuuming the ants, or even by hosing them off. Then, kill the scent trail by covering it with a stronger scent. One option is to spray the area with a mixture of bleach and water. Otherwise, you can use natural ant repellants to keep the ants at bay. Many things serve as ant repellants, including herbs like lavender, sage, and catnip, or spices like salt, pepper, red curry or cinnamon. Boric acid is also known as a common ant-repellant. Natural remedies as such can be a great aid to ant control.

Since ants enter homes through cracks and holes, seal any cracks in your walls with caulk. Add a weather strip to your doors. Cover any holes in your home. The best thing that can be done, however, is to call an ant exterminator. Call our ant exterminators. Calling a professional for ant extermination will get rid of the problem permanently since exterminators can get to the root of the problem and eliminate the ants for good. Prevention is key as well, so make sure to take measures so that ants don’t enter your home again.

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Rodents are famous for their damaging capabilities. They damage buildings and food and also transmit many diseases. There are diverse varieties of rodents, which include moles, rats, mice, etc. There are some very important tips that you must keep in mind while dealing with rodents: * Whenever you are purchasing any pesticide, do not forget to read the label directions. Store these harmful pesticides in a cool and dry place. It must be away from the reach of children and your pets.
* There are different species of rodents around us, so it is very important to know the right kind of species you are dealing with. Your local Cooperative Extension Services will be able to help you in this matter. Rodent
* Many people prefer to approach IPM Integrated Pest management. They have proper measures in dealing with sanitation, exclusion and prevention of rodents.

Know some rat facts
Rats are anywhere and everywhere. Until and unless you are a professional it becomes really difficult to control rats. The average length of a rat is 6 to 18 inches, which includes their tail. Roof rats are very different from sewage rats. The basic difference between the varieties of rats depends on their diet. An average rat consumes half to two ounces of liquid per day. These creatures are nocturnal so they hide and eat in darkness. Often, severe damages like electric fires in homes are because of these rodents. They are carriers of parasites and cause many harmful diseases.

Rodent breeding
Home is the best breeding ground for many rodents, especially rats. Their breeding takes place throughout the year. They have 4 to 6 litters per year and each litter has 4 to 6 pups. The urine and fecal matter of rodents can cause serious health issues. The best way to avoid the entry of these harmful rodents is to seal your house as much as possible. All the access points should be properly sealed or repaired.

How to get rid of Rodents
Make your house rodent-proof. You must make sure that you make your indoors rodent-free by adopting some careful measures like:
Cleanup – You must take proper steps in cleaning up. Clean the stored food inside the pantry as well as inside containers. Sweep the floors regularly, especially in difficult places. Do not leave garbage in the open; mice and rats can smell food and attack overnight. There should not be any weeds around your house periphery this invites many rodents.

Trapping
Use traps for catching hold of rodents at home. You must keep the traps open with bait every day, especially during the night. In case you have many rats or mice use many traps instead of one or two. Some useful bait for catching rodents is pineapple, nuts, peanut butter and cake. Rats will be more attracted to fish or meat.

Poison
Poison bait is one of the moist useful baits. This easily captures and kills the rodents. Some good poison baits are Pival, Warfarin, Fumarin etc. Take a lot of precautions while using these baits. Mice have a habit of nibbling, so have patience as it might take longer for these baits to control them.

Rodent proofing
To control rodents, the most important step is to make your house rodent-proof. Close all the potential openings. Every small opening must be inspected properly. Use good materials for proofing, like metal sheets, wire mesh, brick, cement, etc. You must monitor your house properly. Undergo re-infestation which is the most important part of rodent proofing. Repeat this process properly. In case you see any rodents, try to locate the nest around your house.

Some cautious steps:
Eliminate food source
Check caps and opening of all cans and containers
Do not litter food
Your garbage bin should be covered
Whenever you dispose of your garbage, cover it and dispose of it.
If you have pets, be very particular with cleaning. Food should not be laid here and there.
Water elimination – Cover all drains and open pipes and make sure that no pipe is leaking. Check for any stagnant water around your house.
Eliminate hiding areas: Get rid of old boxes, cartons, and junk. Abandon old vehicles and appliances.

Rodents are unwanted guests; it is very important to avoid them before they cause problems.

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Carpenter Ants
Size: Up to 5/8-inch long. Color: Varies from black, brown, black, red, and black to light brown, depending on the species. The two most common pest species are black in color.
Behavior: Carpenter ants feed on a wide variety of foods, especially other insects. The favored food of adults is the sweet honeydew produced by plant-feeding insects, such as aphids, scales, and mealybugs. In the spring, mature colonies produce winged reproductive ants, called swarmers, that fly out to start new colonies. These swarms often occur from satellite colonies within homes, so homeowners may see large flying ants in their homes at night.

Carpenter ants are the most common pest ant seen in homes throughout the northern United States. The main colony must have a constant source of moisture to survive, so it is usually located in dead wood outside. This includes dead limbs, tree holes, stumps, landscape timbers, and so forth. Indoors, a main colony will have to be associated with a water leak or an overly wet, poorly ventilated crawl space or attic. The main colony may establish satellite colonies that are the primary source of ant activity inside homes. These satellite colonies may be located in any suitable void (e.g., hollow doors, curtain rods, shower rods), under attic insulation, etc. These ants set up trunk trails between the main colony to satellite colonies and between satellite colonies. Foraging ants can most easily be seen along these trunk trails at night when the ants are most active. Sometimes, the trunk trails occur beneath the ground following tree roots.

Successfully controlling carpenter ants requires certain skills, knowledge and experience. Carpenter ant control involves tracking down and treating as many satellite colonies as possible inside and outside of the home as well as attempting to find and treat the parent colony. Accessing the parent colony may be difficult because it might be located high in a tree or on a neighboring property. In such cases, your service professional may use carpenter ant baits, but these may have varying results because of the carpenter ants’ finicky feeding habits.

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Fire Ants
Size: There are many sizes of workers in the colony, ranging from 1/8-inch to almost 3/8-inch in length. Color: Reddish brown. Behavior: Fire ants pose a health risk to anyone venturing into areas where the ants are found. Although the vast majority of stings result only in a raised welt that may develop a white pustule, a person allergic to insect stings could experience a more serious reaction. Additionally, a person seldom receives just one sting. Rather, dozens or even hundreds of stings can be inflicted quickly on a person accidentally kneeling or standing next to or on a fire ant mound.

The red imported fire ant was brought into this country during the 1920s and has spread to cover most of the Gulf Coast states and most of eastern Texas. It is now established north into parts of Tennessee and North Carolina. These ants nest in the soil and construct large mounds that are easily seen in lawns and pastures. A single lawn may contain a dozen or more mounds. This ant will also locate nests within landscape mulch and beneath items on the ground, such as landscape timbers. The mounds of such colonies may be shallow and poorly structured, making them difficult to detect for the less experienced eye. Fire ants may construct mounds next to the foundation and enter homes through weep holes or other exterior cracks and holes. Once inside, workers forage in trails beneath the edge of carpeting. On occasion, the ants will bring soil up into walls or beneath first-floor bathrooms and construct a nest.

Because of the health threat posed by fire ants, it is important to take steps to control the ants around the home and in the yard. Over-the-counter fire ant baits can be effective if properly used, but regular applications are necessary because the ants readily reinvade from neighboring properties.

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American Dog Tick – Dermacentor variabilis.
Size: About 1/4-inch in length. Color: Dark reddish-brown. Behavior: Like all ticks, the American dog tick is a bloodsucking ectoparasite. It is often referred to as a wood tick because it is found in wooded areas where mammalian hosts such as deer, raccoons and possums live. It lives near bodies of water where animals drink as well.

Ticks require a blood meal at each stage of life in order to grow, and the female must engorge herself with blood to obtain the nourishment necessary to produce the thousands of eggs she lays. Despite the large number of eggs produced, only a small percentage will make it to maturity.

Ticks do not embed their entire head into a host, only the mouthparts. To keep the blood from clotting, the tick will inject an anti-clogging agent. Bites from the American dog tick, along with other closely related species, can sometimes cause a severe reaction. Called tick bite paralysis, it only occurs in a relatively small number of people. These ticks also can transmit diseases such as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme Disease.

Important Note: If you develop a reddish rash around the site of a tick bite, suffer arthritis-like pain in one or more joints, or have flu-like symptoms that come and go after recently being bitten by a tick, see your physician. The migrating bulls-eye rash is a key symptom of Lyme Disease and occurs in about 60 percent of people contracting the disease. The rash may not appear as the first symptom. Flu-like symptoms, fatigue, neck and head pain, and other symptoms may occur first or in lieu of the rash. Visit the Center for Disease Control at www. CDC. gov for a full description of this disease.

American dog ticks inhabit most states east of the Rocky Mountains and some parts of a few western states, such as California, Idaho and Washington. They frequent wooded areas and fields and are more common around homes and buildings in secluded or rural areas. Unlike the brown dog tick, this species is rarely found living indoors. If inside, it will generally be discovered on dogs or cats. Ticks are difficult to control, therefore the services of an experienced professional are recommended. Treatments may be necessary in areas of the yard where ticks are found. The best way to avoid tick bites is to stay away from tick-infested areas. However, if it is necessary, follow these tips when working or walking in areas potentially inhabited by ticks: Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Light colors are best so ticks are easier to detect. Secure the bottom of pants inside socks or tie close around the ankles Wear a hat. Tuck long hair under a hat. Use tick repellent applied to clothing, particularly the lower body and the arms. Carefully inspect your body after exiting infested areas. Have another person inspect your backside and back of your head. Wash clothing in warm water and detergent immediately. Never throw potentially infested clothing in a hamper with other clothes or onto the floor.

Protect pets by preventing them from venturing into tick-infested areas or consult your veterinarian for tick treatment products. Remember, your dog can also contract Lyme Disease. Inspect pets carefully for ticks after walking them in wooded areas or fields. To remove a tick embedded in your skin, do not grasp it by the abdomen and pull. You may squeeze its fluids into your skin, which increases the chances of infection. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick by the head next to the skin and slowly pull it backward. Working slowly permits the tick to withdraw its mouthparts so they do not detach and remain in the skin and become infected. Once the tick has been removed, cleanse the area well with soap and water. You may want to disinfect the bite site with alcohol or apply an antibiotic cream.

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pest 12/19/23 – gtg

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Pest Control – Use These Methods To Control Mosquitos

When you think about mosquito control with netting, you can break it down into individual control and public control. Although some cities, states and countries might provide some sort of regulated mosquito control, you will probably also want to get rid of the pesky critters that plague your surroundings. Mosquito netting is a great solution also. Government pest control agencies may use pesticides in areas where there is a heavy population of mosquitoes, but that may not be enough to deter these insects. The bottom line is that you need to protect yourself from these little skeeters. Mosquitoes are, in fact, flies that will bite human beings and animals, leaving itchy red welts that can bother you for days.

For your own personal mosquito control, you might want to purchase insect repellent that contains DEET to restrain the bugs from biting. You can acquire repellants in sprays, creams, sticks, and liquids. Another common type of mosquito maintenance is the burning of citronella oil. The smoke from these candles or burners can keep the mosquitoes away, but in heavily windy conditions, the citronella may prove to be useless in keeping the mosquitoes away. More options are to spray your camping gear and clothing with Permethrin, which is also an insecticide.

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Do termites really eat wood?
Yes, termites actually eat wood. Using bacteria, protozoa and microbes that live inside their stomach, they are able to digest cellulose, the main constituent of wood.

Can termites make their way through concrete?
Termites cannot go through solid concrete, but they can get through a crack only 1/32 of an inch. Openings this size or bigger often occur where two pieces of concrete are joined together and around pipe openings.

How quickly can termites infest a house?
If a residence has been treated and there is no evidence remaining of termite infestation, how soon could they reappear? Subterranean termites can infest a structure during its construction phase if they are present in the soil. Conventional soil barrier treatments to control subterranean termites do not eliminate the termite colony; they block potential entry points into the structure. Soil treatment zones are intended to control termites for extended periods of time. However, they may be breached due to physical disturbance (landscaping, construction, erosion, tree roots, etc. ) and natural degradation of the termicide.

My kitchen is inundated with small- and medium-sized ants. They seem to cluster in my dishwasher. I’ve used ant traps and boric acid, and nothing works. What should I do?
It is important to identify the ant involved before trying to control it. Some ant species can be controlled using ant baits, while others cannot. The key to success is following the ants back to their colony and treating the colony directly (except when dealing with pharaoh ants).

How effective are bait traps for controlling cockroaches?
Bait stations may be effective in controlling cockroaches if placed properly. However, they rely on every cockroach in a population to feed on the bait before the infestation can be eliminated. Bait stations should be combined with other control efforts such as crack and void treatments.

Is it possible to get rid of cockroaches and keep them from coming back? Cockroaches can be eliminated from a home, but re-infestation can occur depending on the particular species involved and where the home is situated. Outdoor cockroaches, like the large smoky browns in the Southeast or Oriental cockroaches in the Northeast and Midwest, may continually try to enter a home from the outside. Regular exterior service, in addition to sealing outside cracks, will limit such infestation.

How do I get rid of mice? Mice are best controlled by using traps, either snap traps, live traps (e.g., Tin Cat), or a combination of the two. When using snap traps, use different baits (chocolate, peanut butter, etc… ) on the traps and place them where the mice are active but where children and pets can’t get to them. Also, seal exterior cracks and holes and put weather-stripping on doors to prevent new mice from entering. Mice only need 1/4-inch in space to enter. Numerous mice indicate a more serious problem and should be dealt with by a professional.

Is it possible to get rid of rats?
It is possible to eliminate rats, but it takes a lot of effort. Traps are often best for controlling them because the bodies can be easily removed. In some cases, baits should not be used because rodents will die inside a wall and will quickly start to smell. In many cases, both traps and baits are needed.

What is the best mouse/rat bait and how should I use it in my traps? Contrary to popular belief, cheese is not a good bait for mice. Peanut butter and chocolate work well as long as you don’t put too much on the trap. Work the bait onto the trap’s trigger so that it is hard for the mouse to get it off, and it will be forced to climb onto the trigger.

I have moths in my clothes and have indoor pets that may get into mothballs. What are my alternatives?
The first step is to clean the affected clothing and other clothing items that were stored with it. Next, thoroughly clean the closet, dresser, or storage area. Cracks in these areas may also be treated using a properly labeled indoor pest control product. Pheromone traps are available to monitor for moth activity.

I have discovered small, worm-like bugs that are tan-colored and taper at one end to a darker brown color. They are living in the carpet and area rugs. What are they? How can I remove them?
The description sounds like carpet beetles or cabinet beetles. These beetles feed on woolen items as well as dead insects, pet and human hair, and food items. They can be very difficult to control so it is recommended you consult a professional.

What can I do to keep spiders out of my home?
You can take the following steps to minimize spiders in your home or apartment: seal all cracks around windows and door frames and around light fixtures, vents and ceiling fans; seal all openings around pipes; place sticky traps designed for cockroaches near doorways; and regularly remove webs and spiders by vacuuming.

What is the best way to treat a flea-infested home?
Flea control requires the treatment of pets and the infested premises. Vacuuming removes soils and debris that might interfere with the treatment, removes adult fleas, and opens carpet fibers so the treatment can penetrate flea larvae and pupae. An insect growth regulator (IGR) should be used together with a product targeted at adult fleas. The IGR affects only the flea larvae and prevents them from molting into adult fleas which do the biting. It is important to treat pets the same day as the home is treated and to consult a veterinarian.

Are there really such things as bed bugs?
Bed bugs are small, oval, reddish-brown insects that are approximately 1/4-inch long as adults. They live in cracks in beds and walls as well as in furniture near beds. At night, they will crawl into the bed and bite a sleeping person. The bite is usually not painful, and fortunately, bed bugs do not transmit any diseases. Bed bugs can prove difficult to control so a professional should be consulted.

We have several small, almost microscopic bugs around our windows and sliding glass door. They are reddish-brown; and when killed, they make a tiny red dot that looks like blood. What are they, and should we be concerned if they are increasing?
The description sounds like clover mites that live in the grass and invade homes during the spring. During the fall, the adults will deposit eggs in cracks in the outside of buildings. When these eggs hatch in the spring, the tiny, red mite larvae crawl up the foundation and find their way inside. This problem is usually remedied by treating the exterior foundation and the ground several feet out from the house.

I have these bugs with multiple legs and long, thin bodies like worms. They move slowly and are creepy. What are they and what should I do? These sound like they are millipedes which are related to insects. They live in moist areas outside and feed on organic matter in mulch, lawns, and leaf litter. When it gets too hot, too wet or too dry, millipedes may try to enter a home. You will need to seal cracks and holes in the home’s exterior walls. Keep mulch under 2 inches thick and try to keep it 10-12 inches from the foundation of your home. You may want to treat the foundation and ground around the home or call in a professional company.

How do I know if I have house centipedes? If they have very long legs, they are likely house centipedes that can breed indoors and feed on spiders and insects. Homes with house centipedes usually have a crawlspace or basement underneath where the centipedes harbor. You may want to consult a professional to inspect.

What harm can Earwigs cause, and how can they be eliminated?
Earwigs do not bite and are not dangerous. In order to control them, treat cracks in the home’s exterior and outdoor harborage sites (woodpile, landscape timbers, etc. ). A residual aerosol or dust insecticide labeled for indoor crack and crevice treatment should be used indoors. Outdoors, a suitable exterior household insecticide can be applied to areas where earwigs might live. If the infestation is large, hire a professional.

I’ve heard that silverfish are extremely difficult to control. Is this true? If so, what should I do?
They are difficult to eliminate because they often hide deep within walls or attics where treatments are difficult to apply. Apply a residual pest control dust product into all cracks and voids where activity has been seen and continue treatment for several months. Experience has shown that homes with wood shingle roofs typically have the most silverfish infestations.

What can I do to keep crickets from taking over the exterior of my home and office?
Crickets are attracted to buildings by bright exterior lights. Changing commercial lighting to sodium vapor lamps and home lighting to yellow bug light bulbs greatly reduces the number of crickets. In addition, limit heavy ground cover (such as ivy), especially next to the building. Remove any sites where crickets could harbor, such as piles of lumber and bricks. Additionally, seal exterior cracks and holes and make sure all doors have weather-stripping on the bottom.

I think I have a gnat problem, but I’m not sure. What should I do?
It is very important to identify these flies or gnats. If the fly is tiny and black, it may be a fungus gnat that lives in the wet soil of potted plants. Small tan flies with red eyes are fruit flies that breed in fresh fruit and garbage. The first step is to identify the type of fly.

I have a problem with flies in my house during the fall and winter. They are black and 1/4-inch in size. What type of flies are these, and what can I do about them?
If they hold their wings flat over their abdomens, they are likely cluster flies. These flies enter the walls and attics of homes in large numbers to survive the winter. On warmer days, they may crawl into the living spaces of the home. Once inside the walls, they are difficult, if not impossible, to eliminate. You need a professional to inspect the home and make recommendations for sealing cracks where flies could enter. Treatments can be applied that can greatly reduce the number of flies seen inside.

I have wildlife in my attic. What should I do?
If a raccoon or squirrel decides to nest in your attic, or a group of bats is using your building for shelter, it is important to get them out as soon as possible. If left, they will multiply and eventually create health issues because of the fleas, ticks, mites and diseases they carry. They can also cause property damage, as these animals gnaw on wires causing fire hazards as well as computer and alarm malfunctions. Our Pest Control experts humanely remove these animals from your property. Once removed, they will seal the openings to prevent other pests from re-infesting the structure.

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Bed bugs were once a common public health pest worldwide, and recently, have made a comeback. Bed bugs are parasitic insects that live on a diet of blood. Feeding preferences vary among species, some being attracted to blood from bats, birds, or other warm-blooded animals while others are attracted to humans. In comparison to other insects, bed bugs are superior. They can go without food for up to 18 months and can live in many different places. That’s why every crevice and corner must be searched within 100 feet of furniture. Some bed bugs even live behind wallpaper or pictures.

Adults can be seen with the naked eye. They are about 3/8 long and are reddish brown. After feeding, the color and size of the bed bug change remarkably. Newborns are translucent and become browner as they age through the 5 molting processes. A single adult female can lay up to 200 eggs in a day. These eggs hatch 4-12 days later. It makes sense how an infestation can happen so fast.

The presence of bed bugs isn’t determined by the cleanliness or price of a home or hotel. Bed bugs are most often transferred from a place of infestation, such as clothing, luggage, or bedding, to an uninfected area. This could happen anywhere. Due to the increase in international travel, bed bugs have become a larger problem. This is probably due to the close contact between people in travel situations. Bed bugs are even being found in places thought to be immune to such infestations, such as expensive homes and fancy hotels. Once a bed bug infestation occurs, it’s difficult to get rid of. Since they can go for long periods of time without blood, not having a host simply forces them to move. However, how long is someone willing to not be around their home? When a bed bug feeds, they don’t burrow like other parasites do. Instead, they puncture the skin with two hollow feeding tubes. One sucks blood while the other pierces and administers saliva to the wound. The saliva contains anticoagulants and anesthetics. This is why when someone is bitten, they cannot feel it. It’s also why a red bump often occurs, followed by itching. Although there are 27 different pathogens that can be carried by a bed bug, there have been no cases of diseases being transmitted by bites. Bed bugs normally feed every 5-10 days and their peak feeding period is about an hour before sunrise. They are nocturnal insects, so while humans sleep, bed bugs are doing their work.

There are treatments for bed bugs, but the chemicals and insecticides previously used have been used for so long that many of the newer generations are immune. Recently, extreme temperatures have had success. Bed bugs cannot survive extremely hot and cold temperatures, specifically, below freezing and above 113 degrees Fahrenheit. With the use of advanced technology, we use a machine that disperses Cryonite in order to freeze and kill bed bugs. Cryonite is carbon dioxide snow. It’s the same substance as dry ice, sitting at a very cold temperature of about -108 degrees Fahrenheit. The Cryonite effect is rapidly freezing the bed bugs by using a specific mix of particle sizes and speeds in order to create a quick energy transfer. This is what causes the freezing. This is also why the snow is different from that of what you find in a fire extinguisher. A fire extinguisher would not kill bugs, just as a Cryonite machine would not put out a fire. The speed of the snow helps penetrate tiny cracks and crevices as well as getting them through long pipes maximizing the freezing effect through the infected area. The other reason speed and high energy are important is so that the freezing snow has a hard impact on the bugs, guaranteeing contact. Once contact is made, the Cryonite does its job by killing the bug. Freezing is the best method for bugs that are immune to pesticides and Cryonite is both environmentally friendly and hygienic. Cryonite is poison-free, meaning you can use it on any surface. It’s dry, so it can be used even in areas where moisture isn’t wanted, like electrical sockets and switch boxes, and it is residue-free, allowing for use in sensitive environments. It’s accurate and reliable, making an impact on the rise of bed bug infestations. The actual machine that delivers the Cryonite is a simple unit consisting of a trolley, hose, gun, earthing clamp conductor and additional tools. The trolley allows easy transportation for the cylinder containing 7-10 kgs of carbon dioxide gas as well as holders for all the other equipment. The gun holds the nozzle and is designed to help the user work with the machine as efficiently as possible. The gun allows for a larger reaching capacity than would be met by just the nozzle. This way, the user can get to difficult places like up high, nooks and crannies, and under and around furniture. The hose is about 4 meters long, allowing the user to work in a fairly large area before having to move the trolley.

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