Pest Control Today


   Nov 21

That’s it…one more spider sighting…and I’m moving!!!!…where are all of these disgusting things coming from?

By L D

Summer is over and I had hoped that the spider activity would end as well.  But to my surprise it didn’t. I’m constantly noticing spiders in my basement, some large enough to make me consider moving.

What is it with this spider activity and why doesn’t it end with the other spring pests?  

Answer: spiders eat other insects – no insects no spiders.

I have heard so much about spider bites…some being most harmful.  The black widow for example can have a deadly bite. On the other hand, the wolf spider, a common species in Virginia is alarmingly large but it’s bite is not deadly. Then there’s the every day house spider which you may run into…small, harmless and most of the time ignored.

Spiders can be found over wintering in dark secluded areas such as:

  • basement corners
  • back closets
  • in stored luggage
  • attics
  • crawlspaces

Signs of spider activity in your home include webs and possibly spider droppings.

How do you pest proof against spiders:

  1. glue-boards (purchased over the counter) strategically placed
  2. aerosol sprays (purchased over the counter) sprayed directly on spider
  3. areas of clutter should be reduced
  4. check your screens for holes, make certain they are tight
  5. place door sweeps on all exterior doors
  6. install exterior lights that don’t attract flying insects so spiders don’t build webs

NOTE: Aerosol sprays leave no residual – you have to spray it directly on the spiders in order for the aerosol to take affect.

If you have spiders it’s a sign that you have other insects as well. If you feel that your efforts of tackling the spider problem are failing then it would be a good time to call a pest management professional.  The products that they will apply – such as – glue boards, insecticides on the exterior perimeter of your home and around shrubs, windows and doors plus the use of web away will certainly be more effective in eliminating your infestation.  If you live in Central or Northern Virginia here is a link to a pest control company that will control your spider problem.

 

Posted in Spiders , , , , | 4 Comments »

   Oct 14

I’ve got mice…does anyone make mouse calls?

By L D

I have lived in my house for seven years and not once have I heard any noises coming from my walls or attic.  But this year right after the weather turned cool I hear nothing but activity.

After a thorough investigation of the attic which turned up droppings and gnawed holes in stored boxes, my thoughts are “Mice….does anybody make mouse calls?”

People usually don’t see rodents (mice and rats) until the weather turns cool.  That’s when they come inside for warmth and to nest and breed….and that my friend is where the trouble begins.

Not only are you left with rodent droppings but they can also gnaw holes in your walls, chew through electrical wires, packaged foods, as well as stored boxes for nesting materials and they also carry mites and diseases.

Here are some tips for preventing mice from entering your home:

  • ·        Caulking and sealing holes and cracks found in your home
  • ·        Keeping floors clean from crumbs and debris
  • ·        Keep doors closed, especially in winter and spring
  • ·        Remove all food sources by putting food in tight fitting containers and  placing food in a pest proof area.

 Mice are very fast breeders so don’t think that by ignoring the problem they’ll just go away.    Mouse traps and glue boards placed in the attic do seem inhumane but they do work.  It will also be a messy job for you to clean up daily if not weekly, depending on the size of the infestation.  You can also purchase the rat poisons sold at your local store but most often once the bait is eaten the rodent dies before exiting your home leaving a horrible smell that you are unable to get rid of until it dissipates. Not to mention that your children and pets could be seriously harmed if they came into contact with any of the over-the-counter-products that you purchased.

If you find that this just isn’t the way that you want to spend your free time then calling your local pest management professional to handle the mouse infestation for you would be the ultimate choice.  Their products are more effective and the professionals will place these products in areas out of reach of pets and children.

If you live in Central or Northern Va here is a link to a pest control company that makes mouse calls.

Posted in Mice , , , , , , | 183 Comments »

   Sep 24

I’ve got ants in my kitchen…now what?

By L D

“I went into the kitchen this morning, and when I turned on the lights, there were dozens of small black ants crawling around the sink, the wall and on some plates left overnight to put in the dishwasher in the morning. I’ve tried getting rid of them with residential grade ant killer, but they keep coming back. What can I do to get rid of these guys?”

Desperate in Decatur, GA     House Ant

Ant invasions in homes have been the #2 pest problem this year! What usually was classified as an early spring pest has now found its place in early fall as well. It seems that homeowners find themselves spending lots of money buying over-the-counter products from their local “big box” home improvement store to get rid of ants in their kitchen, only to find that the ants are back relentlessly.

No matter how spotless your home is…if you have a nest of ants located near the foundation of your home chances are they have already gained entrance through a crevice or void in the framing and have now taken up residence in your walls.

Worker ants are the first ants that you will see in your home.  They are responsible for finding food to bring back to the colony.  The products that you purchase only kill the workers which the colony replaces quickly.  That’s why they’re back in full force days or weeks later.

If you choose to control the problem yourself:

  • Keep food storage on the counters to a minimum and make sure that storage containers are tightly sealed.
  • Keep counters and floors free of crumbs and morsels of food, and clean up spills quickly (especially sweet liquids like Cola).
  • Try to follow the ant trail back to the nest to ensure that treatment is applied to the place that will do the most good.
  • Inspect for ants around doors and windows, in cabinets and under the sink.

If you have tried and failed at getting rid of the ants in your kitchen more than once, then contact your local pest professional. A trained pest control pro will be able to determine not only the type of ant you have, but they will also make recommendations as to the preferred course of treatment to ensure that your ant problem is eradicated.

During the evaluation, and with your authorization, the technician will apply products to the appropriate areas to eliminate the infestation already in the kitchen. Then the technician will trace the trails back to the colony on the exterior of your home and apply the proper product to eliminate the ants.  Licensed pest control companies are able to obtain and apply industrial grade pest control chemicals that you cannot purchase on the open market.

If you live in Central or Northern Virginia here’s a link to a pest control company that can help you get rid of ants in your kitchen.

Posted in Ants , , , , , | 2 Comments »

   Sep 14

I have stinkbugs, is there anything that I can do to get rid of them?

By L D

Brown Marmorated Stinkbugs (BMSB) have been invading our homes in recent years and we’re constantly being told that there is nothing that we can do to rid our homes of this smelly insect.  That’s not the case, there are some simple control measures, and of course there are trained exterminators who can help you with control of this nuisance pest.

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

These stinkbugs begin laying eggs from June to September. Once they emerge they begin feeding and become sexually mature in about two weeks. New adults begin to appear in mid to late summer. Then as the weather turns cool the adults begin to seek out protected locations such as houses and structures to live in during the winter.  They can be found in attics, wall voids and exterior plates.

 

We do not notice that we have an infestation until we turn the heat on or experience warm days in late winter which causes the stinkbugs (BMSB) to become active – showing up in various parts of your home, usually in windows seeking the warmth from the sun.  When they do appear they may feed on certain house plants as well.

 

Things you can do to prevent these stinkbugs (BMSB) from entering your home:

  • Caulk or seal gaps around windows, doors, utility pipes and other openings
  • Replace or repair damaged screens
  • Screen any openings to the outside such as attic and wall vents
  • Remove or seal window air conditioners in fall to prevent BMSB from entering

 

Things to do if these stinkbugs (BMSB) enter your home:

  • Remove them by hand or vacuum them up – be aware that when they are disturbed they are likely to release a nasty odor
  • After vacuuming dispose of the bag (outside the home)

 

If these simple fixes aren’t working for you then you are going to have to call a professional exterminator or pest company to get rid of these pests.  If you live in Central or Northern Virginia, here’s a link to a pest control company that offers two types of treatment to rid your home of stink bugs and they guarantee the work as well!

Posted in Stink Bugs , , , , , , | 8 Comments »

   Sep 06

Are Those Camel Crickets or Spider Crickets In My Garage?

By L D

Camel Crickets commonly referred to as Spider Crickets, Cave Crickets, Moon Hoppers or Sprickets…whatever you refer to them as it’s duly noted they’re disgusting and most often frightening to look at when you come into contact with one.

Camel crickets are wingless hunched-backed creatures, brown in color, up to one inch long and have long antennae. They do not chirp and usually hang out in dark damp areas such as garages, unfinished basements and crawlspaces.  They will eat clothing and curtains, they are nocturnal and their lifespan is usually up to 2 years.

These nuisance pests are completely harmless; they can seem aggressive when they start crawling towards you if you’ve never seen one before.  Spider and Cave Crickets will even jump towards a perceived threat to try to frighten it away!  Also when they jump they can turn up to 180 degrees in mid jump so that when they land, they can jump away in a different direction. Here is a link to an article with some excellent information and pictures about Camel or Cave Crickets.

To keep camel crickets out of your garage and other areas of your home you should locate and eliminate all possible breeding conditions.

Steps to take  to keep these crickets from invading your home:

  • Fill gaps and holes near windows or doors with caulk
  • Outdoor lighting should be changed to sodium vapor bulbs
  • Outside, remove any vegetation or wood piles alongside your house.
  • Use dehumidifiers in any areas in your house that are damp, humid, moist and dark.
  •  Screens on crawlspace vents and basement windows can help to keep these crickets out.
  • Spray insecticide along the floorboards and inside perimeter of your house as well as on the outside foundation of your house and in any suspected problem areas.
  • Use an all-natural insecticide made from orange peels or other nontoxic ingredients if you have children or pets, or are spraying in the kitchen, make sure you
  • Place glue traps (purchased from your local store) behind appliances and along floorboards.

If you live in the Central and Northern Virginia Region, PermaTreat is a pest and termite control company who can help you determine if you have camel or cave crickets in your garage or basement.  Here is the link to request your free inspection.

Camel Cricket

Camel Cricket

Posted in Crickets , , , , , | 8 Comments »