Benefits of Investing in Pest Control for the New Year

Benefits of Investing in Pest Control for the New Year

Pest control might not be top of mind when it comes to planning for the New Year, but it should be! Get ahead of the game in preventing pests and consider the importance of investing in pest control. Let’s go over some of the top benefits of having a pest control plan.

Preventing Pest Problems Before They Occur

With the help of a pest control company, your home will be set up to properly prevent pests year-round and help to eliminate popular Southeast pests such as mosquitoes, termites, ants, and more. A pest professional will work with you to provide the best plan of action for your home to ensure the health of your property and family going into the new year.

DIY Pest Prevention Tips:

  • Clean the Kitchen: After each meal, wipe up any crumbs or spills left on the dining room table, countertops, and stovetop.
  • Seal Gaps: Be sure to examine your exterior walls, looking for any cracks and gaps, and sealing them immediately with caulk.
  • Eliminate Moisture: Most pests need water to survive, be sure to check around your home for any water leaks and look for dripping faucets.

Dealing with a pest problem in the New Year is never a homeowner’s idea of fun. If you need further assistance with pests, consider reaching out to your local pest control company to get a customized pest control plan for a pest-free year!

How Dangerous Are Orb Weavers?

How Dangerous Are Orb Weavers?

Orb weavers can be scary looking with their large size and the giant webs they weave. But are they dangerous to humans or pets?

The short answer is no. Although these spiders can bite, they lack the potent venom needed to cause serious damage to humans or larger animals. Their bites are comparable to bee stings. These pests are quite docile and usually non-aggressive; they are more likely to flee from you than to attack and bite you if disturbed.

Orb weavers are garden pests, often found in bushes, trees, wood piles, yard debris, under porches, under roofs, and under eaves. They get their name from the large, circular, wagon wheel shaped webs they weave. Because their family is so diverse, these spiders come in a variety of colors and markings, with some of the more common ones being bright yellow and black.

Orb weavers eat a variety of small insects such as mosquitoes, beetles, moths, flies, and wasps. They are quite beneficial to have around as they help keep other pest populations under control.

If you have an issue with spiders or other pests, contact your local pest control company for an evaluation and treatment options.

 

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What To Do If You See Roaches

What To Do If You See Roaches

Roaches are one of the most common household pests. These pests are resilient, adapting to just about any environment. When you spot one cockroach, there are usually several more hidden out of sight. Cockroaches carry diseases, contaminate surfaces they come into contact with, and can trigger allergies and asthma. They are extremely difficult to get rid of once an infestation is established, both due to their resiliency and their ability to reproduce quickly and often. So what do you do if you see roaches in your home?

The first step is to identify what type of roach you are dealing with. Some of the most common cockroaches found in homes in the United States are American roaches, German roaches, and Oriental roaches. The type of roach you have and the size of the infestation are both determining factors in the course of treatment.

The second step is to contact the professionals. Because roaches are so difficult to get rid of, the services of a professional pest control company are beneficial. A technician will come out and give your home a thorough inspection to help determine the type and size of the infestation to set up a custom treatment plan that targets only the intended pests. They will also set you up with ongoing pest control in the future.

The final step is ongoing prevention to keep the roaches from coming back. Cockroaches come into your home in search of food and water. They usually thrive in warm, moist environments. Help keep them out by:

  • Repairing leaky faucets
  • Sealing pipes
  • Wiping down countertops and appliances
  • Storing food in containers
  • Emptying garbage
  • Sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming regularly
  • Carefully inspecting boxes, bags, appliances, and furniture before bringing it indoors

 

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Are Granddaddy Long Legs Spiders?

Are Granddaddy Long Legs Spiders?

When you hear the word arachnid the first thing that usually comes to mind is spiders. While spiders do make up a large portion of arachnids, they aren’t the only members. Ticks, mites, scorpions, and harvestmen (also known as grandaddy long legs or daddy long legs) are also members of the arachnid family. Arachnids are defined as animals with 4 pairs of legs, chelicerae (which are fang-like mouthparts), and pedipalps (appendages also found near the mouth). So while they are all members of the same family, granddaddy long legs are not, in fact, spiders.

There are several key differences between granddaddy long legs and spiders. Spiders have 2 body segments (a cephalothorax and abdomen) differentiated by a narrow “waist.” Granddaddy long legs have an oval shaped body with no separation. Spiders typically have 8 eyes while granddaddy long legs have 2. Spiders produce silk and spin webs; granddaddy long legs aren’t capable of this. Spiders are also predators, using their venom to disable their prey. Granddaddy long legs are scavengers and don’t need venom to neutralize food sources.

Although they can be a little creepy looking, these pests are quite beneficial to have around. Because of their varied diet which consists of small insects, worms, snails, droppings, and fungi, granddaddy long legs help keep other pest populations under control. They are harmless to humans.

If you have a problem with granddaddy long legs or other pests, contact your local pest control company for a free evaluation.

 

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4 Ways To Keep The Lovebugs Away

Lovebugs, also known as honeymoon flies and two headed bugs, are a non-native pest that came over from Central America about 80 years ago. Lovebugs are most commonly found in the United States in the Gulf Coast states, Georgia, and South Carolina.

Mating season occurs twice per year, once in May and again in September. During lovebug season, males attach themselves to females and stay connected to each other during the entire mating process, sometimes taking up to 12 hours. The female will then lay anywhere from 150 to 300 eggs. Within 4 days of laying these eggs, the female dies.

Lovebugs are usually active between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm. They are attracted to heat and exhaust and are often found near highways. While they don’t bite or sting, they can leave an acidic residue on your car which can damage paint and clog radiators.

Although they don’t cause significant damage to humans, they can be quite a nuisance. Here are 4 ways you can keep lovebugs away.

  1. Avoid light colors. Lovebugs are attracted to light colors. Avoid wearing dark colored clothing when possible. Don’t sit near light colored walls, as well.
  2. Blow them away. Lovebugs are not good fliers. They can easily be kept a bay by using fans, especially outdoors.
  3. Avoid peak hours. Lovebugs are typically active between 10 am and 6 pm. Limit outdoor activities during these hours when possible. They are also attracted to heat and exhaust fumes. Try to time driving activities, mowing, and other yardwork around these peak hours if you can.
  4. Protect your car. Lovebug season peaks twice per year, in May and September. Just prior to these times, apply a thorough coat of wax to provide a barrier between the bugs and your paint job. Wash off any bugs as soon as possible after arriving at your destination.

If you have a problem with lovebugs or any other pests, contact your local pest control company for an evaluation.

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