May 17, 2018 | Fire Ant, Mosquito, Pest Control
With the last day of school, graduation ceremonies, and Memorial Day quickly approaching, you’re probably feeling the pressure to get your outdoor area ready for all the festivities. Not only are you concerned about the look of your lawn and impressing your guests, but you also need to know which pests to avoid and, if possible, prevent from ruining your celebration. Here’s your party pest avoidance checklist:
Mosquitoes
We’d like to be completely rid of mosquitoes forever, but that would be a difficult task! Let’s look at what you can do to reduce their occurrence in and around your home:
- Eliminate breeding grounds
- Be cautious of the time of day you plan your festivities; mosquitoes are most active early morning and late afternoon
- Minimize wearing floral prints and perfumes as they attract more mosquitoes
- Receive regular mosquito reduction service
Ticks
We understand the concern that ticks can breed. Take a look at these tips to prevent one of these pests attaching to you:
- Wear light-colored clothing to help you see if you have picked up any ticks if you live in a wooded area
- Wearing long-sleeves, pants, and shoes without open toes is suggested if your festivities are in an area with tall grass. Ticks will use the tall grass to attach to you
- Keep grass cut low and inspect yourself thoroughly after working in the yard
Fleas
Fleas are typically a nuisance for our furry friends, though they can still cause issues for you too. Here are a few suggestions to keep your home and pets flea-free:
- Check pets frequently for fleas and flea dust
- Vacuum carpets, mop floors, and clean furniture regularly
- Bathe pets frequently and speak with a vet about preventative medicine
- If you think you have a flea infestation in your home and/or yard, call your exterminator for a free flea treatment quote
Fire Ants
Like mosquitoes, fire ants can be an unwanted fixture on your lawn during the warmer months. They leave painful bites and can be an issue for pets and humans alike. To prevent fire ants from ruining your summer fun, try these tips:
- Avoid all contact with fire ant mounds
- To stop them from coming into your home, seal any cracks and replace any weather-stripping
- If you see mounds around your home, call a pest control company to discuss a treatment plan
May 4, 2018 | Mosquito, Pest Control, Termite Control
As we approach the warmer and more humid months, the chance of encountering pests increases. While some are more occasional invaders, there are some that will make it a point to stick around.
Cockroaches
With the weather changing and a large amount of rain in the forecast, your home provides cockroaches with shelter and an ever-flowing food source. The larger roaches you may encounter are more than likely American cockroaches; an infestation that is normally easy to stop with a quarterly pest service. However, if you notice smaller roaches in the kitchen and/or bathroom of your home, you may be dealing with German cockroaches. They are a much harder infestation to control and will usually require a monthly treatment by your exterminator.
Mosquitoes
There is a consensus in the South that mosquitoes are despised, and we would all like them gone. Unfortunately, they seem to be here to stay, as they thrive in this area due to the humid climate. Also, because of where we are located, our mosquito season starts before other regions in the U.S. They are more of a hazard than just a casual annoyance; mosquito bites have the potential to spread diseases like Malaria, Dengue, and Zika. At Northwest, our Mosquito Reduction Service reduces adult mosquitoes and limits mosquito breeding around your home, reducing your risk of mosquito bites and mosquito diseases.
Termites
In the pest world, we refer to the warmer months as “swarm season.” This is when pests that have been overwintering emerge and begin to swarm. Termites only swarm once a year and, here in the South, the type you will see swarming are Subterranean termites. The ones you see flying around your home are not the ones that will cause destruction; however, it’s a sign that a termite colony is nearby. A termite inspection by a professional exterminator will not only look for signs of termite damage around your home but will also provide you with a personalized plan for treatment, if damage is found, and prevention moving forward.
Mar 23, 2018 | Pest Control, Wildlife
Pollination is when pollen grains are transferred from one flower to another. Pollination allows plants to produce seeds which is how they reproduce. Pollinators are animals and insects that are responsible for helping with the pollination of over 80% of the world’s flowering plants. Animal pollinators are vital in the reproduction of flowering plants and the production of most fruits and vegetables. They accomplish this by getting their food from flowers (think nectar and pollen) and collecting pollen on their bodies in the process. They then move on to another plant and leave the hitchhiking pollen behind, providing the new plants with the pollen they need to reproduce.
Some of the most common animal pollinators that come to mind are bees and butterflies. But did you know there are several other animals you might not have known who are expert pollinators? Here are a few animal pollinators along with the types of plants they pollinate:
ANTS:
Ants love nectar. Because they don’t fly they have to crawl into flowers to get to this nectar. Once inside the flower, pollen sticks to their bodies, allowing them to transfer it to other flowers when they move on. Tropical plants have nectar outside their flowers to attract ants to them. They then use these ants as “protectors” from other insects.
Ants pollinate flowers that:
- Are low growing
- Are small and inconspicuous
- Have flowers close to their stems
BATS:
Bats are known as one of the “night shift” pollinators. They are most common in tropical and desert climates. They are prevalent in the southwest US, Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands as pollinators. In fact, mangoes, bananas, and guavas depend on bats for pollination. In the US and Central America, the agave plant (which is used to make tequila) and the Saguaro cactus are also dependent on bats for pollination.
Bats pollinate flowers that:
- Open at night
- Are large in size
- Are pale or white in color
- Are very fragrant
- Have copious nectar
BEES:
Bees are known as the “champion” pollinators and are also the most common. There are over 4000 species of bees in the United States alone. Bees purposefully visit flowers to collect pollen and nectar which they use to feed themselves and their young. Many flowers that bees pollinate have an area of low UV reflection near their centers. Humans can’t see UV reflection so we don’t notice them. Bees, however, use them as a target to guide them to the center of the flower.
Human Perspective Bee Perspective
Photos courtesy of Apalachicola National Forest.
Bees pollinate flowers that:
- Are full of nectar
- Are brightly colored (usually blue or yellow) (bees can’t see red)
- Have a sweet or minty flavor
- Are open in daytime
- Provide landing platforms
- Have tubular flowers with nectar at the base
BEETLES:
Beetles were among the first insects to visit flowers. They are important pollinators for ancient species like magnolias. They are known as “mess and soil” pollinators because they eat through flower petals to get to the nectar and then defecate inside the flowers. Fossil records show that beetles were abundant as far back as 200 million years ago.
Beetles pollinate flowers that:
- Are bowl shaped with their sexual organs exposed
- Are white to green in color
- Have a strong fruity fragrance
- Are open during the day
- Have a moderate amount of nectar
- Have large, solitary flowers
BIRDS:
Birds are important pollinators of wildflowers. Hummingbirds are the most important bird pollinators in the United States. In the eastern United States there is only one species that acts as a pollinator and that is the ruby throated hummingbird. Hummingbirds have good eyesight and are extremely attracted to red flowers. They use their long bills to collect nectar and the pollen then dusts their heads and faces.
Hummingbirds pollinate flowers that:
- Are tubular with recurved petals
- Have tubes, funnels, and cups
- Are brightly colored red, yellow, and orange
- Are odorless
- Are open during the day
- Have prolific amounts of nectar
- Have a modest amount of pollen
BUTTERFLIES:
Butterflies are very active during the day. Their body structure doesn’t allow them to pick up as much pollen as bees and other insects but they can see red where bees can’t. Butterflies produce scents that attract other butterflies of the opposite sex. This scent they produce smells like the flowers that they are attracted to.
Butterflies pollinate flowers that:
- Have flowers with clusters and landing platforms
- Are brightly colored (red, orange, yellow)
- Are open during the day
- Have ample nectar
TWO-WINGED INSECTS:
Two winged pollinators include flies, gnats, and mosquitoes. These insects aren’t as fuzzy as bees so they don’t pick up as much pollen. They are still, however, important pollinators, especially for some species of orchids.
Two-winged insects pollinate flowers that:
- Are pale and dull to dark brown or purple in color
- Are sometimes flecked with translucent patches
- Have a putrid odor
- Produce pollen
- Have funnel-like pollen
MOTHS:
Moths are the other member of the pollination “night shift” along with bats. Some moths are also active as pollinators during the day. The yucca plant is one important plant that is dependent on moths for survival.
Moths pollinate flowers that:
- Have clusters and landing platforms
- Are white or dull in color
- Are open in late afternoon or at night
- Have ample nectar
- Have nectar that is deeply hidden
WASPS:
Wasps look like bees but have much less hair. This makes them less efficient as pollinators because pollen is less likely to stick to their bodies. Wasps need pollen and nectar for energy. Fig wasps are responsible for pollinating almost 1000 species of figs.
Wasps pollinate flowers that:
- Are full of nectar
- Are brightly colored (usually blue or yellow) (bees can’t see red)
- Have a sweet or minty flavor
- Are open in daytime
- Provide landing platforms
- Have tubular flowers with nectar at the base
OTHER POLLINATORS:
There are several other uncommon pollinators. Lizards, geckos, and skinks can be pollinators. They climb inside flowers to drink the nectar and the pollen then sticks to their scales. Lemurs and possums can also pollinate. They use their snouts and tongues to get nectar from plants and then have their faces and snouts dusted with pollen.
We consider most of the animals and insects that are pollinators as nuisances and pests. As much as we don’t want them in our homes, they do play a very critical role in the survival of plants and food. It is important that while we should take steps to prevent them from invading our homes, we should be very careful with how we handle them should they make themselves at home in our area. If you suspect you have a problem with any of these pollinators, contact a professional pest control company who can give you a thorough evaluation and provide you with a treatment plan that both benefits you and protects these important species.
Feb 12, 2018 | DIY, DIY Pest Control, Pest Control
We’ve all been there before… you’re sitting in your house and you hear an incessant buzzing. All of a sudden something flies past your face! If you’re like most of us, your first thought it aghh! A bug in my house! Once you get over the initial shock of being dive bombed by this home invader, your next thoughts might be: What kind of bug is this? Is there more than one? How did it get in my house? How do I get rid of it? While we can’t answer all of your questions, we can help with a few. We’ve listed some of the most common flying pests below, as well as some tips to prevent them from getting into your home.
BEES:
While there are several different species of bees in North America, we are going to look at bumblebees, honeybees, and carpenter bees.
APPEARANCE:
Bumblebees are large, clumsy looking insects with oval shaped bodies. They are extremely fuzzy. They are yellow and black striped in color. They typically grow between 1/4″ and 1″ in length.
Honeybees are predominantly golden yellow with brown bands, but they can also be orange-brown in color. They have a very hairy appearance. They can grow to be about 1/2″ in length. They also have flat hindmost legs which are used to carry pollen.
Carpenter bees have a fuzzy body that is very robust in shape. Their bodies are yellow except for their abdomen which is shiny black. Males also have a white patch on their faces. Carpenter bees grow from 1/2″ to 1″ in length.
HABITAT:
Bumblebees typically make their nests underground so their nests may not be visible. They will often make their nests in old mouse burrows or in dense clumps of grass. They have also been known to make their nests under woodpiles or behind the siding of homes. Bumblebees are found throughout the United States.
Honeybees typically make their nests in beehives, trees, hollow logs, and piles of logs. It is very common for them to get inside your home and nest in attics, wall voids, chimneys, and crawlspaces. Honeybees are found throughout the United States.
Carpenter bees create their nests in pieces of wood – preferably soft wood that has not been painted or sealed. They will often make their nests in decks, porches, roof eaves, wooden shingles, wooden playgrounds, in wooden outdoor furniture, and in sheds. The entry holes for carpenter bees are perfectly round.
DIET:
All three species of bees feed on nectar and pollen from flowering plants. Contrary to popular belief, carpenter bees don’t actually eat the wood they burrow in to make their nests.
BEHAVIOR:
Female bumblebees have stingers but males do not. Bumblebees are not significantly aggressive but they will sting if they feel threatened. Their sting can be dangerous to humans with an allergy.
Honeybees are the only bee colonies that can survive for many years. They are very social insects. Female honeybees have stingers but males don’t. The female stinger is barbed which means it is only able to sting once. Honeybees aren’t known for being aggressive but they will sting if they are directly attacked.
Carpenter bees are very solitary insects and don’t create very large nest. Female carpenter bees have stingers but males don’t. Their sting is strong enough to cause a reaction in humans. Female carpenter bees are docile and rarely sting unless they are directly attacked. Male carpenter bees are very aggressive but don’t have stingers to do harm with.
PREVENTION:
All bees are protected as pollinators so treatment is only provided when they are deemed to be a nuisance or a threat. Removal is always the first treatment option because of this protected status.
- Avoid planting flowering plants and vegetation near the exterior of your home.
- Keep woodpiles and compost piles a safe distance from your home.
- Remove any fallen trees and other piles of debris from your property.
- Make sure your outdoor trashcans have tight lids.
- Paint or stain any wooden structures including porches on your property.
- If you find a nest or suspect you have a bee problem, contact a professional pest control company.
YELLOW JACKETS
APPEARANCE:
Yellow jackets have a sleek appearance. They are not fuzzy. They are black and yellow striped in color. They can grow to be 3/8″ to 5/8″ long.
HABITAT:
Yellow jackets build their nests either high up or in the ground. Their elevated nests can be found in the walls of buildings or in attics and chimneys. Their ground nests are usually in areas that lack vegetation or in spaces next to the entrance of buildings.
DIET:
Yellow jackets feed on other insects. They also eat any sweets and proteins that they come across. You can often find yellow jackets at outdoor events because they like to feed on sugary food scraps and drinks that are left out.
BEHAVIOR:
Yellow jackets have a smooth stinger which allows them to sting multiple times. They are usually docile unless their nests are approached. Then they become very aggressive and will sting repeatedly. Their sting can be life threatening if you are allergic. Yellow jackets are beneficial both as pollinators and because they help control the population of nuisance insects.
PREVENTION:
- Trim back shrubbery and trees from the exterior of your home.
- Make sure outdoor trash cans have tight fitting lids.
- Seal cracks in foundations.
- Caulk any gaps around windows and doors.
- Cap chimneys.
- Make sure vent covers are secure.
- If you are outdoors, make sure food is kept covered and dispose of cans, cups, and bottles quickly.
- If you suspect you have a yellow jacket problem, contact a professional pest control company.
PAPER WASPS:
APPEARANCE:
Paper wasps have a sleek appearance with a pinched waste and long, thin legs. They have gray wings and their bodies are black or brown with yellow or orange markings. Paper wasps can grow to be 5/8″ to 3/4″ in length.
HABITAT:
Paper wasps are found throughout the United States. They will build their nests of the ground on any horizontal surface they can find. Their nests are commonly found hanging from trees, shrubs, porches, decks, roofs, outdoor grills, and door frames. Their nests resemble an umbrella attached by a stem. Their name comes from the paper-like nests that they build.
DIET:
Paper wasps are predatory insects and feed on a wide variety of insects and spiders. They also eat nectar and pollen.
BEHAVIOR:
Paper wasps have smooth stingers that allow them to sting multiple times. They are not typically aggressive but will sting to defend their nests. Paper wasps have facial recognition capabilities like humans and chimpanzees do. They can actually recognize the faces of their colony members.
PREVENTION:
- Nests have to be knocked down in order to prevent rebuilding and overwintering.
- Adult wasps must also be killed to prevent the nest from being rebuild. This should be done in the early morning or late at night.
- Trim back shrubs and trees from the exterior of your home.
- Make sure outdoor trashcans have tight fitting lids.
- Cap chimneys.
- Fix any loose roof shingles.
- Repair any holes in your roof line.
- Make sure windows and doors have screens that are in good repair.
- Caulk any gaps around windows and doors.
- If you have a wasp nest or suspect you have a wasp problem, contact a professional pest control company.
BALD FACED HORNETS:
APPEARANCE:
Hornets are much bigger than wasps. They are almost completely black except for an off white pattern on their face. They are long and thin with wasp-like bodies. They can grow from 3/4″ to 1-3/8″ in length.
HABITAT:
Hornets are found throughout the United States. Hornet colonies only survive for 1 year. They build aerial nests that can be found in trees, on utility poles, on the side of homes, and under eaves. Hornet nests can be more than 14″ around and more than 24″ long.
DIET:
Hornets are pollinators. Adults have a liquid diet that mostly consists of nectar and plant juices. They are also predatory and will prey on insects that they bring back to their nests to feed their larvae.
BEHAVIOR:
Hornets have a more painful sting than wasps do. A single hornet sting can be fatal if the victim is allergic. When hornets sting or feel threatened, they give off a pheromone that signals the rest of the colony to attack as well.
PREVENTION:
- It is difficult to prevent hornets from building nests. If the nest is up high, it is best to just leave it alone.
- Trim back shrubs and trees from the exterior of your home.
- Make sure outdoor trashcans have tight fitting lids.
- Cap chimneys.
- Fix any loose roof shingles.
- Repair any holes in your roof line.
- Make sure windows and doors have screens that are in good repair.
- Caulk any gaps around windows and doors.
- If you have a hornet nest or suspect you have a hornet problem, contact a professional pest control company.
LADYBUGS
APPEARANCE:
Ladybugs have a distinctive appearance. They are bright red, orange, or yellow with black spots. Their bodies are oval and dome shaped.
HABITAT:
Ladybugs are found worldwide. There are over 5000 species total and 450 species in North America. Ladybugs live outside in gardens and landscaped areas. They aren’t able to tolerate cold weather so in the fall they will invade homes in search of a place to overwinter. They will typically gather on windowsills or you will see them crawling along walls. They tend to end up in attics, under flooring, and in wall voids.
DIET:
Despite their appearance, ladybugs are predatory insects. They feed on a variety of other insects, helping to keep nuisance populations down.
BEHAVIOR:
Ladybugs secrete a substance wen they are threatened that makes them taste bad to their predators. They can also play dead if they feel threatened.
PREVENTION:
- Install chimney caps.
- Caulk any gaps around doors and windows.
- Makes sure doors and windows have screens that are in good repair.
- Install door sweeps on any doors that go outside.
- Seal any cracks in your foundation.
- Secure all vent covers.
- Fill in any spaces around utility entrances.
- Try to limit garden areas near the exterior of your home.
- Trim back shrubs and trees from the sides of your home.
- You can use an insect light trap to catch any ladybugs that make their way into your home.
- If you have a ladybug problem, contact a professional pest control company.
MOSQUITOES:
APPEARANCE:
Mosquitoes have narrow bodies with long thin legs and transparent wings. They have gray bodies with white stripes on their abdomen. They also have long beaks that allow them to penetrate the skin. Mosquitoes can grow to be 1/4″ to 3/8″ long.
HABITAT:
Mosquitoes can be found in almost every landscape environment on earth with the exception of deserts and the arctic. Mosquitoes are most often found near stagnant water as this is where they lay their eggs. They are often found on the edges of streams, lakes, and ponds; near wading pools; old tires; bird baths; tarps; piles of trash; clogged gutters; and wheelbarrows.
DIET:
Mosquitoes feed on nectar and plant juices. Female mosquitoes bite to feed on blood.
BEHAVIOR:
The species of mosquito determines when they are most active. Some species are more active in the daytime while others become active at dark. Mosquitoes are capable of transmitting several diseases and pathogens to both humans and animals. Mosquitoes can transmit West Nile virus, Zika virus, Chikungunya fever, malaria, and canine heartworm among others.
PREVENTION:
- Eliminate any standing water on or near your property.
- Check gutters and downspouts to make sure they are not clogged.
- Consider installing Leafproof gutter guards on your home to prevent clogs and stagnant water.
- Store buckets, wading pools, wheelbarrows, and empty pet food bowls upside down so they can’t collect water.
- Shake off any water that collects on tarps.
- Dispose of your trash on a regular basis and store it in cans with tight-fitting lids.
- Keep your grass cut short.
- Keep doors and windows shut as much as possible.
- Make sure doors and windows have screens that are in good repair.
- Caulk gaps around windows and doors.
- If you suspect you have a mosquito problem, contact a professional pest control company.
HOUSEFLIES:
APPEARANCE:
Houseflies have a very distinctive appearance. They have dull gray bodies with vertical lines on the top, a single gold stripe, and a silver stripe on their face. They can grow to be 1/8″ to 1/4″ in size.
HABITAT:
Flies can be found in most homes. They enter through tears in screens, gaps around windows and doors, doors and windows that have been left open, and cracks in the foundation. They are attracted to homes by garbage, animal feces, compost piles, and leaky pipes. They will often rest on your floors, walls, and ceilings.
DIET:
Houseflies are scavengers that eat a variety of different foods. They will feed on food found in pantries and kitchens, pet food, carcasses, garbage, or excrement. Houseflies are only able to eat liquids but they are able to turn many solid foods into liquid form so that they can eat it.
BEHAVIOR:
Houseflies can spread diseases when they land on your food or your food prep areas. They are the most common fly found in homes and only live from 15 to 25 days.
PREVENTION:
- Clean up pet waste daily.
- Use garbage cans with tight fitting lids.
- Keep garbage and compost piles away from your home.
- Use screens on windows and doors and make sure they are in good repair.
- Seal any cracks in your foundation.
- Caulk gaps around windows and doors.
- Keep food in sealed containers or in the fridge, including pet food.
- Wash dirty dishes regularly.
- Take out the trash regularly.
- Clean up spills and crumbs immediately.
- If you have a problem with flies, contact a professional pest control company.
FRUIT FLIES:
APPEARANCE:
Fruit flies are extremely small in size, only getting about 1/8″ in length. They are usually brown, tan or black with distinctive red eyes. They are too small, however, for you to determine their color with the naked eye.
HABITAT:
Fruit flies are found throughout the United States. They are usually seen in the kitchen, especially around fruits and vegetables. They live outside in spring and summer. They enter homes as hitchhikers on fruits and vegetables that we buy from stores that are already infested. They can also enter through small spaces in widows, doors, and walls. They are attracted by large gardens, compost piles, and fruit trees.
DIET:
Fruit flies feed on very ripe fruits and vegetables like bananas, strawberries, melons, cucumbers, potatoes, and more. They also feed on fermented liquids like vinegar, cider, and beer.
BEHAVIOR:
Fruit flies are a nuisance. They enter your home in large numbers and are very difficult to eliminate. They can carry dangerous that can be transmitted to humans.
PREVENTION:
- Inspect your fruits and vegetables before you buy them and before you bring them into your home.
- Store produce in the refrigerator instead of on the counter.
- Get rid of overripe fruits and vegetables quickly.
- Pick up any fallen fruit and vegetables from your garden.
- Make sure your compost bins have lids on them.
- Empty your trash frequently.
- Store trash in outdoor cans with tightly fitting lids.
- Wash your dishes daily.
- Clean up crumbs and spills immediately.
- If you suspect you have a fruit fly problem, contact a professional pest control company.
