Aug 4, 2022 | Pest Control
Centipedes are a type of arthropod often mistaken for their cousins, millipedes. These pests thrive in a diverse array of environments, from the driest deserts to wet, humid forests. Determining whether you have a millipede vs centipede can be tricky. Both creatures have linked segments forming their bodies. Centipedes only have 1 set of legs per body segment and these legs are situated on the sides of their bodies. Millipedes, on the other hand, have 2 sets of legs per body segment and their legs are situated underneath their bodies. Centipedes have flatter bodies while millipedes have rounded bodies. Now that you know how to spot a centipede in your home, what attracts them in the first place?
There are 3 main things that attract centipedes to your home: food, environment, and protection.
Food
Centipedes are nocturnal predators with voracious appetites. They can often be found wandering around at night in search of their next meal. Centipedes consume mostly other insects, including beetles, spiders, roaches, crickets, earthworms, bed bugs, silverfish, moths, flies, pill bugs, and even other centipedes.
To prevent centipedes from coming into your home, keep these other pests away. Routine pest control is a good place to start in keeping their food sources limited.
Environment
Different species of centipedes prefer different environments. While many centipedes prefer to live outdoors, others will make their way indoors. Inside your home, they are attracted to cool, dark, damp places that are rarely disturbed. They are attracted to moisture and can often be found near food sources. They like to hide out in cement block walls, boxes, clutter on the floor, floor drains, on or near plants, leaky faucets, leaking hoses, and broken gutters. They can get into your home through drains, holes, cracks, gaps, and poorly sealed doors and windows.
To keep centipedes from making your home theirs, you can eliminate standing water in your yard, fix drips and leaks including faucets and hoses, clean and repair gutters, clean up loose brush and other yard debris, and keep your home cleaned and decluttered, especially in areas that are not disturbed often.
Protection
Centipedes are overwintering pests, meaning they cannot survive in cold weather. Instead, they will make their way indoors in search of a warm, heated place to survive the winter months and to reproduce. Because they are attracted to moisture and need it to survive, they will also come indoors during periods of extreme drought in the summer, as well.
Keep centipedes out of your home during any season by sealing any gaps and cracks with caulk, using rubber stoppers on drains, and installing weatherstripping around doors and windows.
If you have a problem with centipedes or any other pests, contact your local pest control company for a thorough evaluation and treatment plan.
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Aug 2, 2022 | Florida Pest Control, Pest Control
Fort Myers Pest Control: Frequently Asked Questions
The hot, humid weather of South Florida, specifically Fort Myers, is a major attraction for unwanted pests in your home. Discovering pests isn’t uncommon, but no one wants them in their house for very long. The first step in removal is to contact your local pest control company to perform an inspection and initial service; but how long does it take to see results that lead to a pest-free home?
How Long is the Pest Control Service?
The time it takes to complete your service is on a case-by-case basis. The pest control service chosen and the level of severity will determine how long the initial or future services will take. The sizes of the house and yard will also determine the time frame in which the service will take.
How Long Does It Take to See Pest Control Results?
In most cases, you will see results in one to two days time. The exact timeframe depends on the type of pest being dealt with and the choice of materials that were used for the removal process. You might even see an increase in pest activity right after the initial service, but this is a good sign! Seeing pests means the pesticides are working and we have disrupted their normal breeding and feeding habits. Give it about a week to see the activity die down. If you still see active pests after this timeframe, it might mean another round is needed.
If you have tried everything to remove pests on your own but can’t seem to rid your home of them, give your local Fort Myers pest control company a call! These professionals will provide a free inspection and recommend the right plan for you and your Fort Myers property.
Jul 29, 2022 | Pest Control
Orb weaver spiders, or orb weavers, are a group of spiders named for their ability to produce round, orb-like webs. They make up the family Araneidae, one of the most diverse groups of arachnids in terms of both size and appearance. Despite their differences, they all have one thing in common: their ability to create large, majestic webs. These webs are circular in shape with grids similar to the spokes of a wheel. Some webs can even measure up to 3 feet in diameter. Let’s take an in depth look to learn all you need to know about orb weavers.
Appearance
Orb weavers have body types similar to other spiders with 8 legs; 2 body parts (a cephalothorax and abdomen), and chelicera (mouthparts that look like fangs). They range in size from 1.5 to 3 cm. Some are brightly colored, while others are brown or gray. They have large abdomens and hairy legs.
Behavior
Orb weavers are typically nocturnal and will often build or repair their webs at night. They do not hunt or wander for their food. Instead, they utilize their expansive web making skills to catch their prey. They will usually sit in their webs after they are built waiting for prey to become ensnared. Sometimes they will hide nearby and leave a trigger line of silk connected to the web. The vibrations from the prey run down the line and alert them. They will then bite and paralyze their prey and wrap it in silk to save for dinner later. Orb weavers are most commonly seen in late summer and early fall.
Diet
An orb weaver’s diet usually consists of small insects like moths, wasps, beetles, flies, and mosquitoes. Larger spiders will also eat small frogs and hummingbirds.
Habitat
Orb weavers will take up residence where there is an abundance of prey for them to eat. They can often be found around outdoor lights, tall grass, weeds, fences, bushes, and walls. They can be found in any environment including gardens, grasslands, and cities. Orb weavers are found on every continent except Antarctica and in the Arctic. There are 2800 species worldwide and 180 species in North America.
Prevention is not necessary with orb weavers unless their web is constructed in an inconvenient area or an area with high human traffic. In fact, they can be beneficial to have around as they help keep other pests under control around your home. They don’t cause structural damage and they rarely bite (only if threatened and they cannot escape). Their bite has been compared to a bee sting. You can reduce the chances of having orb weavers around by:
- Eliminating their food sources by keeping other pest populations under control around your home
- Sealing any cracks, gaps, and crevices in the exterior of your home
- Removing ground litter
- Keeping grass and bushes trimmed
If you have a problem with orb weavers or any other pests, contact your local pest control company for an evaluation and treatment plan.
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Jul 21, 2022 | Pest Control
Having an ant infestation is a nuisance to any homeowner, as it can be difficult to control them once they’ve found their way inside. These pests tend to infest areas such as the bathroom and kitchen, searching for a place to nest and a food source. Ants are sneaky pests, often finding their way inside our homes without us even knowing. Check out the top 3 ways you attract ants inside and how you can prevent them in the future.
Gaps & Holes
Ants are very small, making it easy for these pests to get through the smallest hole or gap. Your home’s doors, foundation, windows, and even utility lines can have holes or gaps, creating a way inside for ants. Foundation gaps that aren’t solid concrete blocks can lead to spaces for ants to enter. Likewise, ants will enter through doors or windows that aren’t sealed properly. Take some time and inspect the home’s interior and exterior for these openings.
Inside the Floor
Did you know ants can travel inside your floors? These pests often establish routes underneath carpets, tiles, and hardwood, making it difficult to spot them entering! Ants will often utilize subfloors, which are made up of pieces of plywood that provide enough space for ants to get inside. Often, these pests will enter through the floors when they’ve spotted a food source, such as leftover crumbs on the floor.
Toys & Houseplants
Many times we can bring these pests inside our homes by mistake! Ants can gain access inside by homeowners bringing in a toy or yard item that was left outside long enough for an ant colony to establish inside it. Plants can also carry ants inside when we bring them into our homes for the winter. Other items ants have hitchhiked on include used furniture or appliances, storage boxes, hoses, and even groceries!
There are many opportunities for ants to get inside the home, but with some DIY preventative measures in place, you can help prevent a major infestation. Here are some easy tips on preventing ants:
- Trim your tree branches and shrubs away from your house
- If you have holes or gaps, utilize weatherstripping or caulk to seal them
- Thoroughly clean countertops, pantries, cabinets, and other kitchen surfaces
- After a meal, wipe up any crumbs or spills immediately
If you notice an ant problem bigger than you can handle, contact your local pest control company, where they can identify entry points and recommend a treatment and prevention plan.
Jul 21, 2022 | Pest Control
Ants are known for being annoying and persistent, especially when taking over your yard. It’s important to know what type of ant you’re dealing with to determine how to get rid of them outside your home. Removing them from your yard will lessen the chances of seeing them inside your home. We have broken down the most common ants found in the South and how to remove them from your yard.
Fire Ants
These bright or dark red ants love the warm climates of the South. They’re one of the smallest ants around but can be found in very large groups. Since they love the warmth so much, you’ll see fire ants building large underground nests in the sunniest parts of your yard.
They typically don’t become household pests, but because of their sting and the large groups they are found in, they deter families from enjoying time outside. They are known to attack in groups and their sting can become very uncomfortable.
Get Rid of Fire Ants:
- Douse the fire ant mound with boiling water. This old-school approach works about 60% of the time, but it won’t hurt to try.
- Bait worker ants in order to kill the fire ant queen. Ideally, the worker ants will pick up bait that is placed around the mound and bring it to the queen.
- Hire professional help. If you have tried everything and it didn’t work, be sure to reach out to a local pest control company to provide the best fire ant control and prevention method.
Pavement Ants
These types of ants can be red or black and can often be mistaken for carpenter ants, although they are much smaller. They only have two parts to their body instead of the usual three. Often found in driveways, along sidewalks, or in other concrete structures, pavement ants can eventually become house pests.
They become house pests due to their continuous search for food and shelter. If they end up inside your home, that usually means there is a nest nearby. They aren’t as aggressive as the fire ant, but they can bite.
Get Rid of Pavement Ants:
- Keep tree branches and shrubs cut away from the home. This allows them to access your home.
- A store-bought pesticide should be enough. Spray the perimeter of your yard and home to get rid of these types of ants.
If the problem of ants has become more than you can handle, be sure to reach out to your local pest control company and they’ll be able to come up with the best plan of action to rid your yard of ants.
Jul 21, 2022 | Georgia Blogs, Pest Control, Snake Control, Wildlife
By Anna Vaccaro, Editorial Lead — Pest Education · Last updated: April 2026
If you’ve spotted a snake coiled near your back steps or sliding through the mulch by your flower bed, the first question is almost always the same: How do I make sure that doesn’t happen again? At Northwest, we get asked about snake repellent almost every day during warm-weather months in Georgia, and the answer surprises most homeowners. Most sprays, powders, and home-remedy scents don’t do much. What does work is changing your yard so snakes stop choosing it in the first place.
Video Transcript
Snakes are usually after just two things. Food and a safe place to hide. If your yard offers either, they may stick around longer than you’d like. The good news, a few simple steps can make a big difference. First, reduce food and moisture. Keeping rodents and insects under control helps, and fixing leaks or standing water is key. Snakes are drawn to damp areas. Second, remove hiding spots. Trim grass, clear brush, and leaf piles. Elevate firewood and fill in old holes around your yard. Third, use natural deterrence. Plants like maragolds and lemongrass or scents like clove and cinnamon oil can help make your space less inviting. When you’re ready to call a professional for a peaceful home, feel free to reach out to our team at Northwest Exterminating.
This guide walks you through exactly that. We’ll break down what a real snake repellent strategy looks like in the Southeast, the seven natural methods that actually move the needle, the myths to skip, and how to know when a sighting means it’s time to call a pro.
Most snakes you see in a Georgia yard are non-venomous and quietly help control rodents.
Can You Actually Repel Snakes Naturally?
Short answer: sort of. You can make your property a much less attractive place for a snake to hang out, but you can’t spray a scent line that a snake won’t cross. Here’s why that matters.
Snakes navigate the world with a specialized organ in the roof of their mouth called the Jacobson’s organ. It reads chemical cues in the air. That’s very different from how a mammal smells, and it’s the reason most of the “strong scent” tricks you see online underperform. A snake doesn’t process cinnamon oil or garlic the way we do. If there’s a rodent to chase or a warm crawl space to hide in on the other side of that scent, the snake keeps going.
The most effective natural snake repellent isn’t a product. It’s a habitat change. Take away food, shelter, and moisture, and snakes move on.
7 Natural Snake Repellent Methods That Actually Work
These are the seven moves that consistently reduce snake activity around Southeast homes. Use them together, not one at a time. Snake prevention works by stacking small changes.
The yards we treat for repeat snake problems almost always share one thing: too many places for snakes to hide.
1. Yard & Habitat Modification
Snakes show up because something else is there first, usually rodents, frogs, or big insects. Cut off the buffet and the snakes stop visiting. Keep your grass short so snakes can’t cross the yard unnoticed. Clear tall grass along fence lines, brush piles, fallen branches, and leaf debris. Store firewood on a rack at least 12 inches off the ground and at least 20 feet from the house. Every pile of stuff in a Georgia yard is potential snake real estate.
2. Natural Scents & Plants
You’ve probably read that marigolds, lemongrass, or wormwood keep snakes out of a yard. They make a pretty border, but don’t count on them as a standalone snake repellent. Independent research on scent-based plant repellents is thin, and a snake that’s locked onto a mouse isn’t going to be turned back by a flower bed. Plant them for the garden, not for the reptile protection.
3. Gravel, Mulch & Rock Choices
Thick wood mulch and big decorative stones are exactly what snakes love: damp, dark, warm, and easy to slip under. If you’ve had repeat sightings along a bed line, swap the deep wood mulch closest to the house for tightly-packed gravel or crushed stone. The sharp, irregular surface is uncomfortable for snakes to cross and offers nowhere to burrow.
4. Encouraging Natural Predators
Owls, hawks, and kingsnakes are the original snake control crew in the Southeast. You can’t install them, exactly, but you can make your property more hospitable to them: keep mature trees, avoid broad-spectrum rodenticides that poison the food chain, and consider a simple owl box on the back of the property. This won’t clear an active snake problem overnight, but over a season it tips the balance.
Owls, hawks, and kingsnakes are the original snake-control crew in the Southeast.
5. Physical Barriers and Snake-Proof Fencing
If you live backed up to a field, creek, or wooded lot, which is a very common setup in the Georgia and Alabama suburbs we serve, a physical barrier is one of the few methods that physically stops a snake. Snake-proof fencing uses fine-mesh galvanized hardware cloth (quarter-inch or smaller), buried at least 6 inches below grade and rising 2 to 3 feet up, with the top angled outward. It’s not right for an entire property line, but it’s excellent around a pool deck, a play area, or a garden gate.
6. Commercial Snake Repellents: Do They Work?
Walk into any hardware store and you’ll see granular and liquid snake repellents on the shelf. Most use cinnamon oil, clove oil, sulfur, or naphthalene derivatives. The research on them is mixed at best. They can nudge a snake off a specific path for a short window of a few days after application, but they wash out with rain, fade in heat, and do nothing to address the reason the snake came in the first place. If you use one, treat it as a stopgap around a problem area, reapply after every rain, and read the label carefully if you have pets or small kids.
7. Regular Yard Maintenance (The One Most People Skip)
The yards we see with recurring snake problems almost always share one thing: they look great once a month and neglected for the three weeks in between. Snake repellent is really a maintenance habit. Walk the property every couple of weeks in spring and summer. Trim back anything touching the foundation. Pick up fallen fruit under pecan or fig trees (rodents follow fruit; snakes follow rodents). Check for new burrows along the fence line. Ten minutes of weekly attention beats a hundred dollars of repellent.
(If snakes keep showing up after you’ve tightened up the yard, it’s usually a sign something bigger is going on underneath, often rodents in a crawl space or moisture you can’t see. Schedule a free Northwest inspection and we’ll walk the property with you.)
What Doesn’t Work — Snake Repellent Myths to Skip
A few “classic” home remedies for keeping snakes away are worse than ineffective. Some are illegal, unsafe for pets, or actively bad for your soil. Save your weekend.
- Mothballs. Outdoor use of mothballs as a snake repellent is actually against federal label law. Naphthalene and paradichlorobenzene are toxic to kids, pets, wildlife, and soil, and the evidence they deter snakes is essentially zero.
- Ammonia-soaked rags. Burns plants, washes away in one rain, and snakes just route around it.
- Outdoor sticky traps. They catch songbirds, skinks, box turtles, and sometimes the family cat before they catch a single snake. Inhumane and often illegal.
- Ultrasonic repellent stakes. Marketed hard, supported by almost no independent evidence. Snakes rely on vibration through the ground, not airborne sound.
- Random essential-oil spray mixes. Evaporate in a day, can’t match the concentration a commercial product uses, and still don’t outperform simple habitat cleanup.
Habitat changes outperform every commercial snake repellent on the market.
Snake Prevention Tips for Homes & Yards
A good snake repellent plan for your home isn’t just yard work. It’s also sealing the house itself. Two-thirds of the “snake in the garage” or “snake in the laundry room” calls we get trace back to the same kinds of openings that let rodents in.
- Walk the foundation and seal gaps around utility penetrations, dryer vents, and brick weep holes with hardware cloth. Never use expanding foam alone, because snakes push right through it.
- Screen every crawl space vent with galvanized ¼-inch mesh. Replace any torn screens. This alone will stop most garage and crawl-space snake sightings.
- Re-caulk door thresholds and replace worn weatherstripping, especially on garage side doors and basement hatches.
- Fix leaky outdoor faucets, redirect gutter runoff away from the foundation, and don’t over-water the lawn. Moisture pulls in frogs and insects, which pull in snakes.
- Treat rodent control as snake control. If you have mice in the crawl space, snakes are just the next chapter. Take care of the rodent problem with professional rodent control and the snake issue often resolves itself.
When to Call a Professional for Snake Control
Most snakes in Georgia and Alabama yards are harmless, and actually beneficial. A black racer or garter snake eating the mice by your shed is doing you a favor. But there are three situations where it’s time to stop DIY-ing and pick up the phone:
- Venomous species on the property. The Southeast is home to Copperheads, Cottonmouths (Water Moccasins), Timber Rattlesnakes, Pigmy Rattlers, and along the coast, Eastern Diamondbacks and Coral Snakes. If you can’t confidently identify what you’re seeing, back up and call.
- A snake inside the house. Inside the living space, garage, crawl space, or attic is never a “just wait it out” situation. It means an entry point that needs finding and sealing.
- Repeat sightings in the same spot. More than two sightings in the same part of the yard within a season means there’s a harborage or food source you haven’t found yet. That’s what a professional inspection is for.
Snakes in the Southeast — What You’re Likely Seeing
Knowing what lives in a typical Georgia or Alabama yard takes a lot of the panic out of a sighting. The vast majority of what we encounter is non-venomous. The UGA Extension guide to Snakes of Georgia is the best free resource for identifying any snake you see on the property.
- Eastern Rat Snake (Black Rat Snake). Long, black, often climbs into shrubs or attics chasing rodents. Non-venomous and one of the best natural rodent controls you can have.
- Black Racer. Slender, fast, jet-black. Harmless to humans, feeds on insects, lizards, and small rodents.
- Garter Snake. Small, striped, very common near gardens and water features.
- Kingsnake. Non-venomous, and remarkably, it actually eats venomous snakes. Leave it alone if you can.
- Copperhead (venomous). Tan and dark-brown hourglass banding. Hides beautifully in pine straw and leaf litter, which is the cause of most venomous bites in the region. Call a pro.
- Cottonmouth / Water Moccasin (venomous). Thick-bodied, found near water. Will stand its ground. Call a pro.
Peak activity in the Southeast runs April through October, with two noticeable spikes: early spring (emerging from brumation) and late summer (looking for food before the cooler months).
Frequently Asked Questions About Snake Repellent
Do snake repellents really work?
Commercial snake repellents offer limited, short-term help at best, and most scent-based home remedies don’t work at all. The most reliable “repellent” is removing what attracts snakes in the first place: rodents, tall grass, standing water, and hiding places around the foundation.
What scent keeps snakes away?
Snakes may avoid strong-smelling compounds like cinnamon oil, clove oil, and cedarwood in close range, but these won’t stop a snake that’s tracking prey. Use scents as a supplement to habitat cleanup, never as the whole plan.
Are snake repellents safe for pets?
It depends on the active ingredient. Many granular snake repellents use essential oils with reasonable safety profiles, but always check the label. Do not use mothballs or ammonia as a snake repellent. Both are genuinely toxic to dogs, cats, and children.
How do I keep snakes out of my yard permanently?
There’s no one-time fix. Long-term snake control in a Southeast yard comes from stacking three things: consistent yard maintenance, rodent control inside and around the home, and physical snake-proof fencing around the areas you most want protected (play areas, pool decks, garden entries).
When should I call professional snake control?
Call right away for any venomous snake, any snake inside the home, or repeat sightings in the same part of the yard. Northwest Exterminating handles inspection, humane removal, exclusion, and the underlying rodent and moisture issues that drive most snake problems.
Northwest’s wildlife team handles the entry points and rodent issues that drive most snake problems.
Ready to Keep Snakes Out of Your Yard for Good?
If you’ve seen a snake on your property more than once this season, the odds are good there’s a rodent or moisture issue feeding the problem. Our team has been clearing snake problems out of Georgia and Alabama homes for decades, and we handle the thing that caused it, not just the snake you saw.
About the Author
Anna Vaccaro, Editorial Lead — Pest Education leads pest education content for Northwest Exterminating, working with senior technicians and service center managers across our Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and South Carolina service areas to translate field expertise into homeowner-friendly guides. The focus: accurate, regionally-specific answers to the pest questions Southeast homeowners are actually searching for.
Jul 13, 2022 | Pest Control
Cockroaches are common household pests that are found worldwide. While they don’t bite or cause structural damage to homes, they can be harmful to your health by contaminating food and other surfaces and triggering allergies and asthma in those affected. Roaches can get into the cleanest of homes in their quest for food, water, and shelter which they need to survive. Once inside, roaches will seek out warmth, moisture, and darkness, often being found in kitchens and bathrooms.
How do they get inside? Roaches have become very resourceful when it comes to getting into places. They can crawl through small holes or cracks in the exterior of buildings, flattening themselves into the smallest spaces. They will also squeeze through openings around doors and windows or sneak through when they’ve been left open too long. They will hitch a ride (or even lay their eggs) on bags, luggage, backpacks, used furniture, used appliances, packages, and even groceries that you bring unknowingly into your home. They can also come in through pipes or other holes in walls (especially shared walls like those in apartments).
If you have the makings of a cockroach infestation, try some of these cockroach prevention tips to help get them under control.
- Find the entry points. The first step is to identify where and how they are getting in. If you’re only noticing them in one room (e.g. the kitchen), it’s likely that’s where they’re making their way inside. You can put out sticky roach traps; the traps with the heaviest traffic are most likely closer to the nest and closer to where they are getting in. Seal any cracks or crevices you find with flexible caulk. Use weatherstripping on doors and windows. Carefully inspect any items before bringing them into your home.
- Clean up food sources. Roaches will use clutter (especially areas that aren’t disturbed often) to hide out during the day before they forage for food at night. They also especially like to feed on items that contain glue (magazines, books, cardboard, etc.). Clean out piles of old newspapers and magazines, cardboard boxes, paper bags, and any other areas of clutter in your home. Take bread, fruit, and veggies off your countertops and store them in airtight containers. Make sure any open boxes or bags are secured. Clean your stove thoroughly, including the eyes and inside the range top and oven. Clean your microwave and other appliances. Sweep and vacuum behind larger appliances and get rid of any food stuck in the bottom of the dishwasher. Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight. Sweep after cooking and take the trash out regularly.
- Check for water sources. Roaches need water to survive. Check your home for water sources and keep them dry, such as plants, the drip plate under your refrigerator, and condensation around pipes. Check for leaky faucets and repair them immediately. Place stoppers over your drains at night. Cover faucet spouts with screens.
- Call the professionals. Cockroaches are extremely resilient and an infestation can grow seemingly overnight. If you have a problem with cockroaches or any other pests, contact your local pest control company for an evaluation and appropriate treatment plan.
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Jul 13, 2022 | Pest Control
Encountering spiders isn’t on everyone’s list of daily things to do. The good news is that the chance of encountering a spider that is harmful to you is slim, but it’s still possible. A common one that you want to avoid is the brown recluse spider. How can you identify the brown recluse compared to other, less harmful varieties of brown spiders? Read below to learn more about these feared spiders and how you can prevent them!
Identifying a Brown Recluse
The brown recluse is ¼” to ¾” in size and some can grow larger in size. They are typically light to medium brown and have markings on their backs, with a black violin-like shape pointing to the rear of the spider.
Where Can a Brown Recluse be Found?
The brown recluse is known as a recluse for a reason; they don’t tend to make it known they are nearby. These spiders will typically seek out environments that are warm, dark, and dry.
This can include an array of places, such as:
- Cellars
- Attics
- Basements
- Inside inner tubes
- Under or around rocks
- Under tree bark
- Utility boxes
- Underneath or behind furniture
Why are They Feared?
Although not aggressive, they will bite when they feel trapped. Most people are bitten by a recluse when they unknowingly reach inside a shoe, piece of clothing, or a box. They will bite if they feel provoked, but their bite is the biggest reason why brown recluse spiders are so feared.
If you are bitten, it can take a few hours to notice its effects. When a brown recluse bites, it injects its venom, causing necrosis and an ulcerating sore. Once the venom takes effect, you may experience restlessness, insomnia, and fever. The sore can leave an open ulcer, even exposing the muscles or bone. If you think you have been bitten by a brown recluse, you should seek medical attention immediately.
If you encounter a brown recluse on your property, call your local pest control company to seek professional assistance. If you see one, it could mean an infestation is occurring.
Jul 5, 2022 | Pest Control
Do you see tiny, flying pests invading your kitchen and the rest of your home? There is a chance that they could be either fruit flies, drain flies, or even gnats. It can be difficult to identify between the three of these, but there are unique characteristics to tell them apart. Identifying them can also be beneficial when trying to prevent them. Let’s break them down.
Fruit Flies
Fruit flies are the most common flying insects that will pester you in the kitchen. They are attracted to fresh and decomposing fruit, sugary juices, and alcohol. The two most common fruit flies, the red eyed fruit fly and the dark-eyed fruit fly, have striped abdomens. Their eye colors are what give them away.
Some ways to keep fruit flies away are to keep your kitchen and garbage cans clean of any accumulated debris that may attract them. Thoroughly rinse beverage containers, use produce quickly or keep it in the refrigerator, seal garbage cans, and remove trash regularly from the area.
Drain Flies
These moth-like, fuzzy pests are commonly found in the kitchen. They thrive in dark, damp conditions and often find an ideal home inside a drain, which can include a floor or sink drain. They don’t bite, but their presence can aggravate asthma in some people. Drain flies appear light gray or tan with a dark border around their wings.
Eliminating drain flies requires a few steps. Once you recognize that you have a drain fly problem, look to tape over the drains and where you suspect they are emerging from and leave it overnight. The next day, check to see if any flies have been collected. If this is the case, your next step is to clean the drain and flush the system.
Fungus Gnats
If you spot a swarm of bugs flitting above a houseplant, you probably have fungus gnats instead of fruit flies. Fungus gnat larva and pupa prefer moist soil to protect them as they develop. Before they progress to adult form, they can severely damage the root system of your potted plants. They have a mosquito-like appearance and are brown or black with light-colored legs.
Preventing fungus gnats should begin with the first houseplant purchase. Look for signs of these pests after purchasing potted plants, and any plant that has gnats already flying around it should be left at the store. It’s also good to be sure your plants aren’t overwatered.
If you have tried all these prevention tips and still think you suspect fruit flies, drain flies, or gnats, then reach out to your local pest control company for more assistance. The professional pest technicians will be able to find the prevention methods that work best for you.
