Sep 22, 2022 | Pest Control
Oriental cockroaches are one of the larger species of roaches. Despite their name, they are thought to have originated in Africa. They are also known as waterbugs (because of their habitats) and black beetle cockroaches (because of their appearance). Like any other roach species, these cockroaches can spread diseases to humans, contaminate surfaces in your home, and trigger allergies and asthma.
Although they are active year-round, oriental roaches are more prevalent in the warmer months. They are often found crawling around toilets, pipes, and sinks. In fact, once indoors they are known to live in rarely used sink drains, garbage disposals, under cabinets with plumbing, and in bathroom voids. Outdoors they are found in flower beds, under mulch, in woodpiles, or anywhere there is moisture. They get into your home under doors, gaps in siding, through pipes, sewers, and drains.
Oriental cockroaches are smooth and shiny black in appearance. They grow to about 1″ in length. Males are smaller than females and have wings. Females are much larger with no wings. Although the males have wings, they are unable to fly.
Once you’ve identified the oriental cockroach, the next question is why are they in your house? Oriental cockroaches are attracted to moisture; in fact, they depend on it for survival. If you’re seeing oriental cockroaches, odds are you have excessive moisture somewhere in your home. This could be a leaky pipe or faucet, leaky roof, moisture-laden crawlspace, clogged gutters, standing water in your yard, overpopulated flowerbeds that hold moisture, etc.
To get rid of these pests, check out these oriental cockroach prevention tips:
- Vacuum often and sweep up crumbs.
- Keep kitchens and bathrooms clean.
- Use a dehumidifier, especially in crawlspaces, to help control moisture.
- Seal entry points with a silicone-based caulk.
- Consider crawlspace enclosure.
- Eliminate standing water on your property.
- Divert water away from foundations with downspouts and splash blocks.
- Keep gutters clean or consider installing gutter guards.
- Repair any leaks immediately.
If you have a problem with oriental cockroaches or other pests, contact your local pest control company for a thorough evaluation.
Sep 21, 2022 | Good Deed Team
Creating lasting relationships within the local community is something that Northwest was founded on. Though our purpose is pest control, we are first and foremost in the people business. When Rockvale Middle School said they needed assistance with their yearly field day, our Murfreesboro Good Deed Team stepped in.
The team collected over 20 cases of drinks, including water and a variety of soda. This will provide over 600 drinks to the students at Rockvale, making their field day an exciting day filled with hydration and fun!
We are so grateful for an extraordinary team that truly cares about the community and contributes to making a difference and putting our customers first!
Sep 20, 2022 | Termite Control
It’s no surprise that termites are still active in the fall. The only factor that changes termite activity in the fall season is their tendency to burrow deeper into the ground. However, if these pests burrow their way into your home, they won’t need to dig deeper to find warmth and instead will infest.
Continuing termite control into the colder months will help to protect your home up until spring begins again. Be sure to keep up with termite control to lessen the chance of termites swarming in the spring and summer months.
Regardless of the season, there are common signs of termite infestations to look for in your home, including:
- Swarms: One of the earliest signs of termites is termite swarms. Termites emerge in early spring or summer to reproduce and establish new colonies. Seeing swarmers indicates a colony is nearby, so take precautions.
- Noises: Beyond visual cues of termites being nearby, you can sometimes hear them! If a colony is larger and established, you may begin hearing a faint clicking or knocking sound behind your walls or in other void areas of your home.
- Mud Tubes: If you begin seeing mud tubes around your home, it can be a big indication of a termite colony. These tubes are built to help protect termites from damage and predators and allow them to accumulate moisture, which termites need to survive.
- Wood Damage: Window, floor, and door damage may also indicate a termite infestation. Sagging floors can indicate a well-established colony. When doors and windows warp or don’t open and close smoothly, it can indicate the presence of termites, as well.
There are a few steps for termite protection you can take in and around your home. Make sure all water and gas lines are sealed adequately. Fix any leaky faucets or appliances and get rid of any standing water. Try to eliminate any cellulose material, as this is a termite’s primary food source.
If you suspect you have a termite problem or want to stay proactive against them, reach out to your local pest control company to receive a free termite inspection and discover the best plan of action perfect for you and your home!
Sep 13, 2022 | Pest Control
This time of year you may have noticed those pesky black and red bugs flying around, especially while driving your car. These lovebugs, also known as honeymoon flies, kissing bugs, and double-headed bugs, are actually a type of march fly. They are an invasive species that came over from Central America and have now taken over the entire gulf coast, as well as all of Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. So what should you know about these pests and when does lovebug season end?
Lovebugs are always around but because they spend most of their lifespan as larvae, we don’t notice them as much. We do see them more often during their swarming season which happens twice a year: once in late April and May and again in late August and September. During this time they mate which is why you usually see two of them attached while they’re flying.
Adult female lovebugs only live for 3 to 4 days during mating season. They connect to a male and must stick together at all times during this process. It can take up to 24 hours for the mating process to be complete. Males will swarm in areas they know females will be near. The females then fly into these swarms, which are commonly seen in the morning (around 8:00 to 10:00 am) and the late afternoon/evening (around 4:00 to 5:00 pm).
Lovebugs are attracted to exhaust fumes from cars, lawnmowers, and other engines. They are also attracted to heat and light colored surfaces. For these reasons they are especially common near highways and other high traffic areas.
While they can be a nuisance, lovebugs can actually be beneficial to have around. Lovebug larvae convert plant material into organic substances that the plants then use as a food source. They are difficult to get rid of as pesticides are ineffective against them and they have very few natural predators. Lovebugs aren’t dangerous to humans. They cannot bite or sting, cannot transmit diseases, and aren’t poisonous. They will leave white splatter on your vehicle, which are actually their eggs.
While there isn’t much you can do to prevent lovebugs, there are a few things you can try to help make lovebug season more manageable.
- Use fans on high speed, especially in outdoor areas. This keeps the lovebugs from being able to find a comfortable spot to land.
- Keep your lawn mowed. Lovebug larvae grow in thatch; mowing your lawn helps reduce areas they can breed.
- Keep your car clean. Wash your car frequently during lovebug season. You can also get a fresh wax job right before the season starts. This helps keep them from sticking to your car and also keeps them off after they accumulate.
- Wear dark colored clothing outdoors. Lovebugs are attracted to light colored surfaces and will be less likely to bother you.
- Time outdoor events for later in the day. Lovebugs are only active during the day. Try to plan any outdoor activities after sundown.
- If all else fails, contact your local pest control company for an evaluation.
You May Also Be Interested In:
Look Out for These Fall Nuisance Pests
The 411 on Termite Inspections
How to Continue Caring for Your Lawn in the Fall
Back To School Means Head Lice Season
Venomous vs Poisonous Spiders – What’s the Difference?
Sep 13, 2022 | Pest Control
During the impending cooler months, some pests will begin seeking warmth and shelter for survival. These pests, known as overwintering pests, can survive cold temperatures due to these activities. There are three common overwintering pests: stink bugs, ladybugs, and boxelder bugs. They don’t cause any harm to you or your home, but they can become a nuisance once they get inside. Let’s break them down and discover the best ways to keep them away from your home.
Stink Bugs
These armor-shaped insects are an invasive species known to release an odor when disturbed or crushed. They pose no threat to humans or the structure of your home but can become a nuisance when an infestation occurs. They feed on a variety of plants, including fruits like apples, peaches, and figs. They prefer moist, mild climates and can be found in bathrooms and kitchens.
Lady Bugs
These harmless, overwintering pests are found worldwide and have over 5,000 known species. Ladybugs have an oval, dome-shaped body with a hard-shell wing that covers their inner wings. They are deemed beneficial and consume plant-eating insects, such as aphids, mealybugs, mites, and scale insects. During the colder months, they search for warmth and shelter. They can take over your home in a matter of days and can become a major nuisance when large populations congregate.
Boxelder Bugs
These pests are named for feeding off maple and seed-bearing boxelder trees in the warmer months. Boxelder bugs are sneaky pests that can easily make your home theirs. These pests are oval-shaped and elongated, with a reddish black body and orange markings on their back. They are considered more assertive than other overwintering species, puncturing skin when they feel threatened. The result is similar to that of a mosquito bite, so it shouldn’t be something to worry about.
Preventing Overwintering Pests
- Seal or caulk all cracks, crevices, and holes around house foundations, siding, doors, windows, electrical, and plumbing.
- Keep the yard clean by raking, cutting grass short, and picking up debris in the yard.
- Use tight-fitting insect screens on foundations and attic vents.
If you suspect you have an overwintering pest infestation, contact a professional, local pest control company to provide you with a thorough evaluation and treatment plan.
