Jun 2, 2014 | Pest Control
Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs
Identification of stink bugs:
- Grayish-brown
- 6 legs
- Triangular or shield shped
- 2/4 in long
- Found in eastern US, as well as California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas
What are stink bugs?
Brown marmorated “stink bugs” are an invasive species from Asia that arrived in Pennsylvania in 1996 and can now be found from South Carolina to New Hampshire and west to Indiana, as well as in California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.
Why are they called stink bugs?
Stink bugs get their name from the odor they emit as a defense against predators, including birds, spiders and assassin bugs. When handled or disturbed, stink bugs are able to secrete a bad-smelling fluid from pores on the sides of their bodies.
Are stink bugs more prevalent during a specific season?
Adult stink bugs enter homes and other structures in the late fall to seek shelter from the winter weather, often from mid-September through mid-October. They reemerge from overwintering sites in early spring and try to exit, but sometimes enter living spaces instead.
Why are stink bugs problematic?
Stink bugs have the potential to spread throughout the country, which could be increasingly harmful to the agricultural industry, as they destroy crops.
Do stink bugs pose a threat to human health?
Stink bugs are not known to bite humans, but their tendency to invade homes in high numbers makes them a difficult pest to control once inside.
What can homeowners do to prevent an infestation?
- Seal cracks around windows, doors, electrical outlets, ceiling fans and light switches with a good quality silicone or silicone-latex caulk.
- Keep outdoor lighting to a minimum because stink bugs are drawn to light. Replace outdoor lighting with yellow bulbs, which are less attractive to stink bugs.
- Repair damaged window screens. Don’t forget to check for torn weather-stripping and loose mortar.
- Properly ventilate basements, attics, garages and crawl spaces to eliminate harborage points. Also, install screens over chimney and crawlspace vents.
- A licensed pest professional can pre-treat homes for stink bugs in the late summer or early fall just prior to their full maturation and congregation.
How can a homeowner get rid of stink bugs once they are inside their home?
- If stink bugs have already entered a home or building, use a vacuum cleaner to aid in their removal
- Remove the vacuum bag immediately to prevent odor from permeating the area, as dead stink bugs leave a residue inside the bag that can stink up your home.
- Seal contents from the vacuum bag in a plastic bag and dispose of it with your normal garbage.
- If an infestation has developed inside the home or building, a licensed pest professional should be contacted to evaluate and assess the severity problem and help to identify the access points for these invasive species.
Source: Professional Pest Management Alliance
Photo Credit – Steven Jacobs Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences
May 30, 2014 | Wildlife
Beware of Snakes While Still Enjoying Your Summer
By: Katherine King
The weather is starting to warm up nicely, making a lot of us want to be outside to soak up the sun. We aren’t the only ones enjoying the sun’s rays, though. Snakes are reptiles, which means they are cold-blooded and dependent on their surroundings to regulate body temperature. Be careful when participating in outdoor activities. Caution is necessary around rock and log piles, particularly if they are in a nice, sunny spot. Snakes will often rest on the top of these areas to warm up before they begin the day’s activities.
Snakes may also be in your garden, helping you control insect populations. Watch where you put your hands so that you do not accidentally grab a small snake. Snakes never intentionally harm humans, but when they do it is because they feel threatened. If at all possible, avoid interactions with snakes. If you are bitten by a snake that is poisonous, seek medical attention immediately, do not try to do anything on your own.
If you are having a snake problem, contact Northwest Exterminating’s Wildlife division. A service representative will be sent to remove the snake, and provide suggestions on how to avoid contact with snakes in the future.
Katherine King
[email protected]
May 28, 2014 | Pest Control
Eliminating Pests to Prevent Allergies and Asthma This Spring
Each year, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America designates May as National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, an ideal time to educate the public about triggers, prevention and treatment measures for asthma and allergic diseases. In recognition of this important observation, we want to remind people that a few simple pest prevention measures can go a long way in combating allergies and asthma this spring.
Common household pests, such as cockroaches and stinging insects, can pose a significant threat to asthma and allergy sufferers. Cockroach droppings, saliva, shed skins and other body parts contain allergen proteins known to cause allergy flare-ups and increase asthma symptoms, especially in children. In addition, stinging insects send more than 500,000 people to the emergency room each year due to serious reactions from the pest’s venom.
Many people blame their sneezing and runny noses during the spring season on pollen and grass, however, household pests are often culprits as well. It’s important for people to make an effort to keep the home free of potential triggers, and the first step is practicing good sanitation.
The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) recommends the following tips for safeguarding homes against common indoor allergens caused by pests:
- Exclude pests by sealing cracks and gaps on the outside of the home. Pay special attention to utility pipe entry points.
- Vacuum at least once a week using a vacuum with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate) filter.
- Keep food sealed and stored properly, and clean kitchen floors and counters daily.
- Dispose of garbage regularly and store in sealed containers.
- If allergic to stinging insects, learn how to use an epinephrine kit and carry it with you at all times.
- Should you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction following a stinging insect encounter, such as tongue and throat swelling, wheezing, dizziness, or shortness of breath, call 911.
- If you suspect an infestation, contact a licensed pest professional to safely remove the threat.
To view full image click HERE
Source: NPMA
May 27, 2014 | Pest Control
Simple ways pet owners can keep their animals safe from fleas and ticks
The spring season is a time when all members of the family, including pets, wander outdoors to enjoy the sunshine and blossoming flowers. Unfortunately, it’s also prime pest season, which means pets are at risk of encountering hungry fleas and ticks that are in search of active hosts. Northwest Exterminating encourages pet owners to take precautions against these dangerous pests during the warmer months.
Fleas are more than just an itchy annoyance. Their saliva can cause anemia, dermatitis and can transfer tapeworms in dogs and cats. Ticks can spread bacteria to pets and cause tick paralysis, which occurs when a female tick attaches near a pet’s spinal cord. This condition can lead to muscle weakness, loss of coordination and in some cases, death from respiratory failure as chest muscles become paralyzed.
In addition to the health threats posed by fleas and ticks, both pests are small in size and extremely mobile, making them difficult to detect and get rid of once inside the home. It’s extremely important for pet owners to be cautious of these pests and contact a licensed pest professional if they suspect an infestation.
The National Pest Management Association, a nonprofit organization committed to the protection of public health, food and property from household pests, offers these tips to keep pets pest-free:
- Check pets’ coats thoroughly for ticks and fleas on a regular basis, especially after spending time outdoors. Be aware of excessive scratching and licking.
- Avoid walking dogs in tall grass, where there is a greater chance of encountering ticks.
- Bathe pets after walks or playtime with other animals.
- Wash pet bedding, collars and plush toys frequently.
- Wash bed linens and vacuum carpets, floors and furniture regularly.
- Empty vacuum bags in an outside receptacle.
- Speak to a veterinarian about flea and tick prevention treatments.
Source: NPMA
May 23, 2014 | Uncategorized
What Are 10 Ways to Prevent Mosquito Bites?
Here in the South, mosquitoes and summer go together like peanut butter and jelly. In North America there is an estimated 170 different species of mosquito. Sometimes it feels like 169 of those species live right here in the south. Aside from being a nuisance, mosquitoes can be a threat to our health. West Nile virus is a disease that is carried by mosquitoes and has become a concern in the US in recent years.
So how do you keep those pesky mosquitoes away? Below are 10 ways to Prevent Mosquito Bites:
- Wear long clothes – We know it’s the summer and it’s hot but if possible, wear long sleeves and pants when you’re going to be outdoors.
- Eliminate areas of standing water – Empty areas where water collects such as flower pots and bird baths. Properly landscape areas of the yard where water pools.
- Use insect repellant containing DEET – Follow the instructions on insect repellants that contain DEET.
- Ensure windows and doors are screened – If you have windows and/or doors open make sure they are properly screened to keep mosquitoes from entering your home.
- Avoid the outdoors between dusk and dawn – Mosquitoes are most active between dusk and dawn. Avoid going outside during those times.
- Try not to work up a sweat – Mosquitoes are attracted to the lactic acid in sweat.
- Don’t move – Mosquitoes are attracted to movement, so be still!!
- Wear light colored clothes – Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors so wear lighter colors to avoid their bites.
- Don’t drink beer – Mosquitoes are beer lovers and will likely bite you if you are drinking one.
- Keep body temperature low – Stay cool. The higher your body temperature, the more attracted mosquitoes are to you.
Mosquito treatments can also be a great way to prevent mosquitoes. Northwest Exterminating offers a GREEN mosquito program that targets both mosquito larvae and adult mosquitoes.
