Apr 20, 2020 | Mosquito, Pest Control
Imagine sitting outside, enjoying the weather with family, when you notice what looks to be a mosquito but it’s massive! No, this isn’t a super-sized mosquito, though it may look like one; it’s just a crane fly. Mosquitoes and crane flies can look very similar to one another, though they are very different by nature.
Crane flies can be black, red, or yellow in color depending on their species. Their wings can be transparent, brown, grayish-black or even brownish-yellow. They typically have extremely long legs and elongated faces opposed to the much smaller body of the mosquito. Active in the fall and spring, these creatures enjoy lawns near wooded areas or open fields where the females can lay eggs in the grass. They also tend to increase in numbers when there is a surge of dampness or heavy rainfall.
While mosquitoes can be considered a threat since they are known to survive off the blood of warm-blooded creatures, crane flies are deemed harmless and even gentle creatures. The only real damage that a crane fly can cause is in their larvae state after hatching when they will typically eat grass roots, leaving large brown patches on the lawn.
If you happen to see crane flies roaming around in your yard, don’t be too alarmed as they are no real threat to human health. If you are noticing more mosquitoes flying around, though, that could be a concern. It’s always best to contact a local pest control company who can help identify these pests and suggest a treatment plan if needed.
Apr 20, 2020 | Fire Ant, Pest Control
If you’ve ever noticed dirt mounds throughout your yard, you might be assuming that they are just ant mounds. But, if you look closer, certain mounds could be home to a completely difference species. Digger bee mounds could easily be confused with ant mounds, but truthfully, the two species couldn’t be more different.
Digger Bees
Digger bees are ¼ to ½ inch long, and depending on their species can be dark, shiny metallic, often with yellow, white, or rust-colored markings. What’s unique about digger bees from other bees is they tend to build their nest about 6 inches deep under the ground. The adult female digger bees live in these mounds underground while the male digger bees dig to the surface of the soil creating a pathway for the females to emerge during springtime.
Digger bee mounds can usually be found in areas of your yard where the grass is sparse, such as a dry or shady area. They typically build their nests close together, creating a cluster of several small mounds.
Fire Ants
Fire ants can vary in different sizes but have a dark red body color that can range from reddish brown to reddish black, depending on their species. Fire ants do have a stinger and when used can give off a painful sting.
Fire ant mounds are usually raised where you can easily spot them in your yard. The mounds are also dome-shaped and can range from two- to four-square feet in size. Fire ant colonies can be found to have an average of 80,000 worker ants. They typically like to avoid darkness and shade; therefore, they will build their mounds in sunny areas of yards, rather than in shaded areas.
From above, you can see just how different these two species are and how different their habitat is. While digger bees like to build their mounds underground and in shaded areas, the fire ant can be seen building theirs visibly and in sunny areas of the yard. If you believe you have either of these pests in your yard, it’s best to contact a professional pest control company who can help identify and provide treatment plans.
Apr 9, 2020 | DIY, DIY Wildlife Prevention, Pest Control, Wildlife
As the corona virus continues to spread, people around the world are drastically changing their daily routines. Tourism has come to a grinding halt. Restaurants are closed and people are staying home. What many don’t realize is this change in our daily lives is also affecting the ecosystem within cities. As there is less urban traffic, there is less food for pests and rodents – like rats. According to experts, if rats lose these established food sources (e.g. trash in cans in the park or dumpsters outside restaurants) then they will start fighting over any food that remains, even going so far as to kill each other in order to survive.
Because rats are having to get creative in finding new food sources, there is now a trending surge of rats invading homes and essential businesses in search of their next meal. Rats will follow the smell of food into homes, being as bold as necessary to find food in their effort to survive. Rats in homes pose serious risks – they will chew through wires and cables putting you at risk for fires and they carry diseases of their own which can easily be transmitted to you and your family. While there is no evidence that rats themselves can become infected with corona virus, there is some risk for spreading it to humans. Rats are known to crawl through sewer pipes containing human feces which has been shown to contain the virus. They then make their way into your home and contaminate any surfaces they touch with the virus-laden feces, potentially allowing humans who come in contact with these contaminated surfaces to contract the virus. The CDC reports that although this scenario is possible, the risk of transmission by feces is actually quite low.
To protect your family and/or essential business, the following rat prevention tips can help to prevent a rat infestation, limit the spread of disease, and keep your environment a safe-haven, during shelter-in-place orders and in the future:
- Use outdoor trashcans with tight-fitting lids.
- Seal any cracks under doors and other openings to the outside.
- Apply weatherstripping to doors and windows.
- Seal around utility pipes with steel wool and either caulk or concrete.
- Repair any roof damage such as broken tiles or gaps under eaves.
- Keep limbs and branches trimmed back to they are not touching your home or business.
- Declutter any areas where rats may hide including garages, attics, gardens, storage sheds, warehouses, etc.
- Keep food stored in metal or glass containers with tight fitting lids.
- Clean up spills and crumbs immediately.
- Sweep, mop, and vacuum often.
- Don’t leave pet food and water out overnight.
- Clean up spilled pet food and bird seed and store in containers with tight fitting lids.
- Keep toilet lids closed as rats have been known to swim up damaged pipes and into toilets.
- Use tightly fitted metal grates or screens to cover drains, especially in basements.
If you notice a rodent problem in your home or essential business, contact a professional pest control company. Rats can cause serious health risks to your family or employees, as well as the risk for fire and other structural damage to your home and property. A licensed wildlife exclusion company will inspect your home to identify your animal problem, determine where they are getting in, remove them, and prevent the animals from getting into your home in the future. They can also inform you of any existing damage or contamination and provide you with a recommendation for repairs or clean-up.
You May Also Be Interested In:
Keeping Pantry Pests Away
5 Things That Could Be Attracting Termites to Your Home
Summer Without Bed Bug Worry
Summer Wildlife Removal: Common Home Invaders
What is the Difference Between Traditional and Green Pest Control?
Apr 7, 2020 | DIY, DIY Pest Control, Pest Control
In recent times, we are finding ourselves spending more time at home and stocking up on supplies such as food, toiletries, and more. But as you stock up on these essentials, you could be providing stored product pests or “pantry pests” with a supply of their own. Here are a few tips to keep your kitchen free of these unwelcome guests:
- Before you start adding any new grocery items, be sure to check existing open items in your pantry for signs of pantry pests to avoid spreading infestation.
- Throw out any dry goods that have been left open and have gone bad. If they’re still in good condition, try and use the oldest items first before opening up the new ones.
- Pantry pests, like Indian Meal Moths are attracted to items such as flour, oats, spices, and dry cereal. If you recently bought these items, be sure to inspect packages and confirm that they are all sealed properly. Once you open these items, look to store them in a plastic or glass container with secure lids, cutting off any access for pantry pests.
- Rodentscan cause major health issues for you and your family. They are known to spread bacteria and viruses and, if their droppings build up within your cabinets, it can cause the air you breathe to become contaminated. To avoid a rodent infestation, try and keep your cabinets, pantries, and counters clean and free of crumbs and dispose of all expired foods.
If you take these precautions, you can easily avoid pests from raiding your pantry for all your stored groceries!
Mar 30, 2020 | Fire Ant, Pest Control
With the persistent surge of rain in the recent weeks, you might start to notice some unwanted pests arriving in your yard. A particular pest to look out for during this rainy season is the Imported Red Ant. These ants can survive in harsh weather conditions, including floods. The Imported Red Fire Ant or RIFA can not only cause damage to your home but also pose health risks to your family.
These ants are known for their fierce survival methods in harsh conditions. During floods, the RIFA colony can connect to form a ball and float until they reach dry land. When doing this, the RIFAs become hungrier and more aggressive, making them more likely to attack. The RIFA is known to have a painful sting/bite that can be more aggressive than other species of ants. A person is most likely to be stung by multiple RIFAs that causes a raised welt. RIFAs venom is protein based, which can cause a strong allergic reaction.
For homeowners, it’s important to know the places to look to indicate a RIFA nest. Most RIFA nests are located outside in soil or near structural foundations and typically build a dome-shaped mound. These ants can also be found under objects such as stones of the base of a tree. One location that homeowners might not realize RIFAs can invade are HVAC units and electrical boxes. They will usually build their nest right up against them or inside the boxes.
If you end up finding these nests or RIFAs roaming in your home, contact a professional ant control company who can help set up a treatment and control plan for your home. Since RIFAs are known to have a very painful bite, it’s important to remove them as soon as possible.
Mar 27, 2020 | Pest Control
While they aren’t one of the most common cockroach species that are talked about, the brown banded cockroach (Supella longipalpa) can cause problematic infestations like their German and American counterparts. These roaches are one of the smallest species of invasive cockroaches with adults reaching lengths of about 11 to 14 mm. They are found throughout the United States. Brown banded cockroaches are named because of the light brown or tan double bands found on their bodies. These bands are found on the wings of adults and the bodies of the young. They are often confused with German cockroaches.
What attracts cockroaches is pretty simple: food, shelter, and water. These cockroaches need warm temperatures to survive and will often make their way into your home in search of food and shelter. They most often hitch a ride inside on infested furniture (where they often leave their egg casings), grocery items, deliveries, food products, and electronics. Once inside, they are commonly found in living areas where they have access to food supplies and hiding places. They tend to stay in drier locations that are at higher elevations, such as the upper cabinets in kitchens and bathrooms.
When you spot a cockroach in the house one of the first questions people ask is “are cockroaches dangerous?” The answer to that is yes, they can be. Brown banded roaches will feed on anything from trash and food crumbs to nylon stockings and glue. They are known to carry and spread 33 different bacteria, 6 different parasitic worms, and 7 kinds of human pathogens. They pick up these germs on the spines of their legs and bodies and spread them to any surface they touch. They are also known to trigger allergies and asthma in humans.
Once roaches have taken up residence in your home they can proliferate rapidly. They can be quite difficult to eliminate once they are there. The best way to handle roaches of any species is to prevent them from getting indoors in the first place. Check out these cockroach prevention tips:
- Properly Identify. The first step in preventing and treating cockroaches is to properly identify the species you are dealing with. Treatment techniques can vary by species. Brown banded cockroaches are not limited to high moisture areas like some other species are so a thorough inspection may be required to properly locate and identify them.
- Clean It Up. Brown banded cockroaches come indoors in search of food and shelter. Eliminating their food source will help deter them from their food search in your home. Vacuum often. Clean up crumbs and spills immediately. Wash dishes and put them away after meals instead of leaving them in the sink overnight. Store dry foods including pet food in airtight containers. Take the trash out regularly and use garbage cans with sealing lids.
- Seal Them Out. Roaches can also squeeze through openings smaller than 1/4″ in size. Seal all entrances around utility pipes and vents. Check for cracks in foundations and seal them also. Ventilate crawlspaces to prevent moisture buildup.
- Call A Professional. Roaches can be extremely difficult to get rid of on your own. If you suspect you have a cockroach infestation, contact a professional pest control company who can thoroughly inspect your home to properly identify the species of roach you are dealing with and help identify potential entry points into your home and then provide you with a comprehensive treatment and prevention plan to help eliminate existing infestations and prevent future ones.
You May Also Be Interested In:
Cockroaches: A Possible Allergy Trigger
Why Are Mosquitoes Inside My Home?
Mouse vs Rat: Can You Spot The Difference?
Getting Ready for Spring
10 Common Myths About Pest Control
Mar 25, 2020 | DIY, DIY Pest Control, Pest Control
As Springtime approaches, allergies are bound to follow. Many tend to blame the plant pollens for their sneezing and watery eyes. Although pollen can trigger your allergy symptoms, there could be another reason why your allergies are flaring up this Spring: Cockroach allergies.
Signs and Symptoms of a Roach Allergy
Cockroaches might not be the first reason you think of when you start to get allergies, surprisingly though, they can be the cause of your allergies and asthma. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology the saliva, feces, and shedding parts of cockroaches can trigger both asthma and allergies, acting like dust mites. The common symptoms of cockroach allergies can be coughing, sneezing, asthma attacks, nasal congestion, sinus and/or ear infection, itchy red or watery eyes, and skin rashes.
Preventing Roaches from Inside the Home:
In a survey conducted by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) and the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), the allergists surveyed believed that a pest-free home is the most important factor in preventing asthma and allergy systems.
Knowing what attracts roaches can help you prevent a roach infestations. Here are some preventative tips to keep roaches out of your home:
- Cover all trash cans
- Store foods in airtight containers
- Sweep up or vacuum all food crumbs
- Seal cracks in walls and floors
- Keep your yard neat and tidy
- Call a pest control professional
Cockroaches can be one of the most difficult pests to eliminate. If you find yourself using the tips above but are still seeing roaches in your house, contact a pest control company. An exterminator will be able to identify where and how the roaches are entering your home and eliminate them to protect you and your family’s health.
Mar 20, 2020 | Pest Control, Wildlife
When you hear a strange scratching sound in the walls or find mysterious droppings in your pantry, it’s easy to jump to one conclusion: rodents. But identifying the specific type of rodent is the first and most critical step toward effective removal. The three most common species found in homes are the house mouse, the Norway rat, and the roof rat. Each has adapted to thrive alongside humans, but their differences are significant. While all rodents share common features like a single pair of upper incisors, short legs, and long tails, a closer look reveals distinct characteristics. Knowing whether you have a mouse vs. a rat can determine the best course of action, as their behaviors, nesting habits, and even diet vary greatly. This guide will help you spot the difference and understand why correct identification is key to protecting your home and health.
Key Differences in Appearance
At first glance, a small rat might look like a large mouse. However, there are several physical traits you can use to distinguish between these pests.
House Mouse
The house mouse is the smallest of the three, typically measuring only 4 to 6 inches long, including its tail. They are often confused with young rats due to their size. Their fur is usually light grey or brown, with a lighter, often white, belly. A house mouse has a small head with a triangular snout, long whiskers, and large, floppy ears. Their tail is thin and hairy, and notably longer in proportion to their head and body.
Norway Rat
Also known as the brown rat, the Norway rat is the largest of these rodents, growing up to 10 inches long. They have thick, heavy bodies covered in shaggy brown fur with black shading. Their underside is typically a paler color. A key identifier is their tail, which is shorter than the length of their head and body, and appears thick, hairless, and scaly. They have a blunt nose and small, hairy ears.
Roof Rat
The roof rat, also called the black rat, has a more slender body than the Norway rat and is usually about 8 inches long. Their fur is smooth and typically gray with black shading. Like the house mouse, their dark, scaly tail is longer than their head and body. They can be distinguished from mice by their large, thin, hairless ears and pointed noses.
Diet and Feeding Habits
What these pests eat and how they eat it can leave behind important clues.
- House Mouse: A mouse’s favorite food is cereal grains, but they will sample almost anything. They have a unique way of eating, known as “kibbling,” where they remove the outer husk of a grain to eat the starchy interior. Mice tend to return to the same feeding spots, which can make baiting strategies more effective. They need very little water to survive.
- Norway Rat: These rats also favor cereals but are opportunistic eaters. When they eat grains, they leave behind what looks like chopped pieces. Norway rats are creatures of habit and will seek food from the same locations consistently. They require a significant amount of water, drinking about 60 mL per day.
- Roof Rat: While they will also eat grains, roof rats have a strong preference for fruit. They do not typically return to the same feeding spot on consecutive nights, which makes trapping them more challenging. They drink around 30 mL of water daily.
Nests, Burrows, and Habitats
Where you find evidence of rodents can tell you a lot about the species you’re dealing with.
House Mouse
House mice are agile climbers and live on the ground, often nesting in burrows or hidden areas near a food source. They will build nests out of any soft material they can find, such as shredded paper, insulation, or fabric. One telltale sign of a mouse infestation is the presence of “urine pillars,” which are small mounds of grease, dirt, and urine that build up over time.
Norway Rat
As their larger size suggests, Norway rats prefer to stay on the ground. They are known for creating extensive burrows, which can cause significant damage to sewer lines and building foundations. They often travel along the same paths, leaving behind smudges from the oil and dirt on their fur. You’ll typically find them in basements, crawlspaces, and sewer systems.
Roof Rat
True to their name, roof rats are exceptional climbers and prefer to nest in elevated areas. You can find them in attics, under roofs, and within walls. In warmer climates, they may even build nests in trees. Unlike Norway rats, they tend to walk on their toes, leaving scattered, less distinct smudge marks along their paths.
Breeding and Life Cycle
Understanding the breeding habits of rodents highlights why a small problem can quickly become a large infestation. The newborns of all three species are born blind, hairless, and entirely dependent on their mother.
- House Mouse: Mice breed rapidly, producing 7 to 8 litters per year with 4-16 babies each. They reach sexual maturity in just 8 to 12 weeks.
- Norway Rat: Norway rats have 3 to 6 litters a year, with 7 to 8 babies per litter. They mature in about 10 to 12 weeks.
- Roof Rat: Roof rats produce 3 to 6 litters per year, with 5 to 10 babies each. They mature the fastest, in only 7 to 8 weeks.
Behavioral Traits and Habits
Rodents have distinct personalities and behaviors that influence how they interact with their environment.
- House Mouse: These creatures are nocturnal and curious. Their inquisitive nature makes them more willing to investigate new objects, including traps. They are excellent climbers and can squeeze through tiny holes to access different parts of your home.
- Norway Rat: Also nocturnal, Norway rats are cautious and wary of new things. This “neophobia” can make trapping them difficult. While they can climb, they prefer to stay on the lower levels of buildings.
- Roof Rat: Roof rats are skilled climbers that are most active at night. They are stronger than mice and can gnaw through various building materials. Like Norway rats, they have poor eyesight and tend to be cautious.
Identifying Rodent Droppings
One of the most common signs of a rodent infestation is their droppings. The size and shape are key identifiers.
- House Mouse: Mouse droppings are small (3-8 mm), granular, and black. They are often found scattered randomly near nesting and feeding areas.
- Norway Rat: Droppings from Norway rats are dark brown and tapered, resembling large grains of rice.
- Roof Rat: Roof rat droppings are long, thin, and smaller than those of a Norway rat. They often have a slight curve and pointed ends.
Health Risks and Property Damage
Regardless of whether you have mice or rats, any rodent infestation poses serious risks. Their droppings can spread diseases like Hantavirus and salmonellosis. Furthermore, their constant gnawing can cause structural damage to your home and create fire hazards by chewing through electrical wires.
If you suspect a rodent problem, it is essential to act quickly. A licensed pest control professional can accurately identify the species, implement safe and effective removal techniques, and create a comprehensive prevention plan to keep your home rodent-free. Contact a rodent control professional today to ensure the health and safety of your home and family.
Feb 28, 2020 | DIY, DIY Pest Control, Pest Control
As the weather warms up overwintering pests will begin to wake up and make their way outdoors. One of these is the brown marmorated stinkbug. While these household pests don’t sting, bite, or carry any diseases, they can become a nuisance when they get inside your home. In fact, once you see stinkbugs inside, it’s usually too late to do anything to keep them out.
The brown marmorated stinkbug is native to Asia but was later introduced in the United States. They prefer moist, temperate climates like those of the Eastern US and the Pacific Northwest. Stinkbugs feed on soybeans, corn, fruit, vegetables, and ornamental plants that grow close to homes. Stinkbugs spend the spring and summer seasons outdoors then will seek shelter from the winter elements indoors – often entering your home through cracks, crevices, gaps or holes in your foundation, through chimneys, air conditioning vents, or underneath siding. The prefer homes with lots of trees around and will gravitate to the upper floors of a home.
During the winter months, stinkbugs go into a phase known as diapause, which is similar to hibernation, where the bugs go inactive during the cold weather. When the stinkbugs find a spot to overwinter, they release a pheromone that attracts other stinkbugs to their location. While they typically stay dormant until spring, unusually warm spells during the winter can bring them out full force.
If you encounter stinkbugs in your home, the best way to get rid of them is to vacuum them up and immediately dispose of the bag. When stinkbugs are threatened, disturbed, or squashed, they emit a smell that has been described as anything from cilantro to rotting almonds to spoiled fruit.
The best way to control stinkbugs is to prevent them from getting into your home in the first place. Here are 9 prevention tips for keeping stinkbugs out.
- Seal Them Out. Carefully inspect the exterior of your home to identify potential entry points for stinkbugs. Check around siding and utility pipes, behind chimneys, and under fascia. Seal any problem spots with silicone or silicone-latex caulk. Close chimney flues when not in use.
- Repair. Check doors and windows for any damage. Repair or replace damaged screens. Check weatherstripping and replace if necessary. Check for loose mortar. Install door sweeps if possible.
- Turn Off Lights. Stinkbugs are attracted to light. Try to keep outdoor lighting to a minimum. After dark, turn porch lights off and pull down blinds in your home to reduce the amount of light spilling out from indoors.
- Keep It Dry. Stinkbugs, like other seasonal pests, need water to survive. Check carefully for leaking pipes and faucets and repair them immediately.
- Get Rid of Food. Keep food stored in airtight containers. Dispose of your garbage regularly. Wipe down countertops daily and sweep and mop often.
- Air It Out. Keep areas that stinkbugs can use as a harborage point (garages, crawlspaces, attics, and basements) well ventilated. Consider using a dehumidifier in these areas. Install screens over chimney and attic vents.
- Check It Out. Stinkbugs can hitch a ride into your home in boxes and bags. Carefully inspect any boxes you are bringing in from storage and any grocery bags before you bring them into your home.
- Landscaping. Keep branches and shrubbery well trimmed so they are not in contact with the house. Keep grass mowed and leaves raked. Store firewood at least 20 feet from the house and at least 5 inches off the ground.
- Call A Pro. If you suspect you have a problem with stinkbugs, contact a professional pest control company who can help identify any entry points the bugs may be using and help to eliminate them. They can also use a preventative spray in the late summer/early fall to help keep them out before overwintering season sets in.
You May Also Be Interested In:
10 Common Myths About Pest Control
Is Orange Oil Effective As A Treatment For Termites?
How Do You Get Your Lawn Ready For Spring?
What Pests Are Active In Your Area?
Keeping Wildlife Out This Spring
