American Pest Control

Travel Tips: Bed Bug Prevention

 Check out this MSNBC Special featuring bed bug travel tips

Summer is almost here and that means travel season for many American families. As we have previously posted, bed bugs are back with vengeance in America affecting millions of people. Bed bug infestations are very difficult and costly to treat, making them one of the most hated pests around.

Infestations can be caused by bringing bed bugs home while traveling, including hotels, condos and more. And bed bugs don't have a preference for lower quality hotels, they were even found in the NYC Ritz-Carlton  earlier this year.  So here's a few tips to keep these blood suckers from hitching a ride home on your next vacation.

1. Check Upon Arrival

When you arrive to your hotel room doing a quick check for bed bugs could help stop the problem before it begins. Be sure to check the seams of the mattress and around the headboard for signs of bed bugs. You should look for tiny black dots or blood upon the walls or within the seams of mattresses. Be sure to pull the fitted sheet back and check mattress tags. Also, if possible, look behind the head board for signs of bed bugs.

It's also a good idea to check behind beside tables and along the crevices where the floor meets the wall. Bed bugs are very tiny so they can be easily hidden. To be extra cautious some even advise bringing a small flashlight to be able to see them better. If you find signs of bed bugs alert the management immediately and they will move you to a new room or suite.

2. Protect Your Belongings

Do NOT place your luggage on the floor. Use a luggage rack or place luggage on a dresser. Avoid putting luggage on upholstered furniture. By elevating your bags it helps to keep bed bugs from getting into your belonging and coming home with you. Some even advise to keep your clean laundry in plastic bags within your luggage for more protection.

3. Departure

When preparing to leave be sure to inspect your luggage very carefully for signs of bed bugs. Check each piece of clothing individually. Wash all of your belongings at a high temperature and dry for at least 20 minutes to ensure that any bed bugs are killed.  

4. Everyday Protection

Considering bed bugs can be found anywhere from libraries to clothing stores it might be a good investment to purchase a bed bug mattress encasement. Most pest control companies that service for bed bugs can offer these encasement that will protect from bed bugs and keep your mattress safe in case of infestation.

5. If You Have a Bed Bug Infestation

Sometimes even the toughest bed bug prevention doesn't keep these pests from infesting your home. Be sure to call a licensed pest management professional to come treat for bed bugs. There have been many reports of DIY bed bug removal gone terribly wrong, especially dealing with certain chemicals. Typically heat treatments are used to eradicate bed bugs and it is best to leave the job to a professional.

The Buzz on Mosquito Prevention

 

David Cappaert, Michigan State University, Bugwood.org

As we reported earlier this year, a warm spring and recent rain has brought out the mosquitoes in the Northeast Georgia area, causing concern for their abundance this year. These biting pests are a concern because of the threat of the diseases that they can carry, including West Nile Virus, Malaria, and Dengue Fever. Mosquitoes are a known threat to Georgia, but can be prevented by staying vigilant and knowing a few prevention tips.

What conditions attract mosquitoes?

Tall grass and bushes along with standing water attracts mosquitoes to your yard. Mosquitoes must breed in water so any standing water around your home will attract them to your home. Also, adult mosquitoes live within the cover of vegetation so any overgrown grass or shrubs can attract them.

What attracts mosquitoes to an individual person?

Recent research from the University of California, Riverside has shown that how much carbon dioxide a person releases can be linked to how mosquitoes are attracted to them. Mosquitoes have carbon dioxide sensors that allow them to track and find a host up to 50 meters away. Additionally certain skin odors cause mosquitoes to be attracted more to certain individuals along with the amount of certain acids and build up on your skin. Check out this WebMD article for more information on skin attractors.

How can I prevent mosquitoes?

Around Your Home:

Making your home and yard inhabitable for mosquitoes helps to keep them from becoming a problem. First remove all standing water and objects that can collect standing water from your home, including buckets, tires, cans, drums. If these objects must stay in place empty them of water at least once a week.  Change the water in bird baths and dog bowls every 3-4 days. It only takes a little water for mosquitoes to breed so constantly keep an eye out for them. Also, check to make sure gutters are clear of debris that could cause blockages and water build-up. Repair leaky faucets to prevent a water source from being available for mosquitoes. Keep grass and bushed cut short so adult mosquitoes will not live in the area. Also, check screens on doors and windows for any tears and that they fit properly. If you continue to have problems with mosquitoes consider establishing a mosquito prevention plan with a professional pest management company.

On Your Person:

When outside be sure to wear a repellent that includes DEET. If you prefer natural repellent look for ones that are soybean oil-based. Scientific studies have shown that soybean oil-based repellent works longer than other natural options like lemongrass, citronella, cedar, or peppermint. Try to stay indoors during peak mosquito hours in the evening and if you must go outdoors try to wear long sleeves. Because mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide, try not to do strenuous activities during peak times. The increased breathing (carbon dioxide) will help to attract mosquitoes to your location. Additionally, mosquitoes are attracted to movement so keeping your activity down will help too.

Check out this video from WCBD Charleston for more tips and info to keep your family safe from mosquitoes.

 

 

 

Quick Questions About Professional Lawn Care Programs with Billy Marett

1. Why does someone need a lawn care program?

    The benefits of having a lawn care program allow the homeowner to turn over their lawn care to professionals that can utilize products that are more effective than standard DIY products from home improvement stores. Unless you have an extreme green thumb and love to maintain your lawn, the convenience factor is a major plus. Instead of a client giving up their time on the weekends to fertilizing their lawn, we can take over the responsibility.

2. What are the benefits of having a lawn care program?

    Proper timing for fertilization, weed, insect and disease control are essential to the success of a healthy green lawn. All of which are handled through a professional lawn care program. Another key factor that allows our programs to work more effectively is the utilization of proper application rates so as not to overwhelm the turf grass. In other words, we have the knowledge and ability to make the best plan for a client's yard that a do-it-yourself person may not. Also we take care of all the products so that unused fertilizers, herbicides, etc. aren't left lying around the home.

3. Why would someone choose professional lawn care service over a DIY application?

    Most do-it-yourself lawn care programs can be effective to a certain point but are not nearly as effective because of the lack of knowledge and the products available to a professional. There are certain lawn diseases, fungi and pests that an untrained eye would not necessarily recognize.  And typically, while not seen at first, hiring a professional may come out cheaper in the end. Considering how much product that is wasted and thrown away at seasons end. Also, the time that is put into learning about their specific lawn needs and the time to actually apply product. Also, many at-home lawn care programs don't know the proper calibration for fertilizer to square-footage and end up overwintering their yard and hurting the grass.

4.  So lawn care programs also take care of pests found in the yard?

    Yes, our products that we use effectively eliminate and maintain an insect-free lawn. However, there are certain insects that require multiple treatments before they are completely controlled.

5. Will my lawn be completely weed, insect and disease free? 

While most lawn care professionals strive to eliminate all problem areas in their client's lawns, there is no lawn service that can be guaranteed 100%.  Our lawn care division uses the very best products that we feel can greatly reduce the overall population of weeds, insects and diseases to the point of not being visibly noticeable or damaging.

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Billy Marett, holds a horticulture degree with an emphasis in turf grass from the University of Mississippi and Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College (ABAC). He is currently the Lawn Care Specialist at American Pest Control's new Lawn Care and Pest Management Division.

Termites are Swarming!

A photo taken by an American Pest Control Technician of a client's crawl space,covered with termite swarmers.

Swarmer Season is here!

This week the termite swarmers are definitely out in Northeast Georgia and our phones have been ringing off the hook. With the mild winter we experienced along with warm temperatures, termites are out earlier than usual this year. While termites can be a frightening discovery for a homeowner, with proper knowledge and pest management one can keep termites from destroying their property.

 

What are Termite Swarmers?

Termite swarmers, or flying termites are matured male and female termites that swarm to find a mate and start a new colony. Typically a swarm of flying termites is the first sign of infestation, but sometimes it's just termites that have flown from a neighboring colony.  Also, once flying termites mate and start a new colony it will take some time (years) before the new colony can cause substantial damage.

 

When do Swarmers Arrive?

Typically flying termites swarms appear between early May and June, depending on the rainy season that year.

 

What to do if a Termite Swarm is on your property?

While seeing termite swarms doesn't necessarily mean that you have a termite infestation it is a reminder to have your property inspected by a pest management professional. Flying termites can't travel very far, therefore signifying that there has to be an active colony nearby.  

 

What's the difference between a flying termite and a flying ant?

Many of the calls we have been receiving this week about termite swarmers actually have turned out to be flying ants. To tell the difference inspect the wing length and size, the body shape and the antenna shape of the pest.

USDA Forest Service Archive, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org

Flying Termites vs. Flying Ants

• Termite have longer and equal length wings, while ants are uneven and shorter.
• Termites have a straight abdomen, while the abdomen of an ant is thin.
• Termites have straight antennae, while ants have bent antennae.

 

How can I protect my property from Termites?

Establishing a termite protection plan with a pest control company can help ensure that your home is protected from this wood-eating pests. Most pest management companies offer termite protection in the form of a baiting system with devices installed in the ground around the structure or yearly barrier and crawl space sprays to target potential problem areas.  Also, yearly inspections of you home and crawl space are key to the prevention of termite infestations.

Here are some tips to protect your home from future termite infestation and damage:

• Remove dirt, mulch and debris from around the home, making sure it does not touch the structure.
• Store wood away from the home and off of the ground.
• Insulate the crawl space to prevent high humidity, which attracts termites.
• Fix leaks and pipes to prevent moisture on wood.

Using Predator-Prey Relationship as IPM Strategy

Wooly Apple Aphid Infestation
Jim Baker, North Carolina State University, Bugwood.org

Over the past 2 decades the implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) has revamped the pest control industry and has caused the redesign of much of our pest management practices. The use of the knowledge we've gained about pests, and their habitats has helped the industry create new guidelines that allow for the use of fewer pesticides with better results.

Integrated Pest Management has seen great results in most areas and is still being developed to fight new threats to homes and crops. Some farm industries have seen large reductions in pesticide usage over the years by implementing IPM strategies. Recently farmers have been using natural predator-prey relationships as a form of pest control without having to use traditional pesticides.

In other cases natural predators have been used as a form of IPM, instead of traditional pesticides to fight pest populations in crops. The La Times just reported the use of a parasitic wasp to fight the Asian citrus psyllid, an aphid-sized pest that has been destructing citrus crops. Scientist have been releasing the wasps as an alternative to traditional pesticides. The wasps are already in use in Florida and other parts of the world.

Another means of IPM via predator introduction is the use of the Western Bluebird in gardens and vineyards in California. The San Francisco Chronicle reported vineyards and gardeners using the bird that nests in small holes in trees, usually made by woodpeckers, to fight insects. The bird gathers grasshoppers, ants, wasps, caterpillars, beetles, flies, termites and other scale insects during nesting season to feed to their young.

Additionally Apple growers in Washington state are researching planting flowers in their orchards to bring in syrphids (AKA flower flies or hover flies) to prey on woolly aphids that hurt apple trees. The Grower reported that small scale research has shown promise and plans to do more research in commercial orchards in the future.

The movement of the pest control industry to integrated pest management has helped decrease the use of pesticides, thus helping the environment. IPM will continue to help farmers, and homeowners protect their livelihood while continuing to protect our environment.

March Mosquito Madness!

   

Our phones have been ringing off the hook the past 3 weeks for calls about termites, silverfish, carpenter bees, ticks and more due to the mild winter we experience this year bringing an early spring and a multitude of insects. While we knew the warm winter would cause some changes in the traditional pest management calendar one pest we did not expect to see so soon was the mosquito.

Almost all of Georgia is already experiencing these biting pests, making this year one of the earliest sitings of the bug in recent history. Also because we experienced very little hard freezes this winter expect more mosquitoes to be seen throughout the rest of the warm seasons. Cold and freezing temperatures are required to kill off mosquito larvae, keeping populations somewhat low.

With mosquito season already upon us we suggest a few precautions to keep your family and pets safe from these biting pests.

• Dispose of items that can collect water from around your home. Mosquitoes need only a little water to breed, so be sure to check after rain to ensure any water is removed.
• Keep gutters clear of debris and trash.
• Fill in or drain places in your yard that can collect water, i.e. puddles, ruts, etc.
• Keep ditches and drains free of trash so they will drain properly.
• Keep grass and shrubbery well trimmed so adult mosquitoes will not hide in them.
• If you have an ornamental pond, stock it with fish that eat mosquito larvae.
• When outdoors wear an insect repellent that contains DEET, following instructions carefully. 
• Inspect windows and screens for cracks to keep mosquitoes out of the home.

While mosquitoes are already a problem in the Southeast by taking a proactive approach you can help to decrease their impact on your home. Also, establish a mosquito prevention service with a reputable pest  management company to ensure maximum mosquito protection.

Homemade Pest Remedies

In these economic times many people have turned to "Do It Yourself" (DIY) home remedies for different things around the house. This too is true with pest control methods. While nothing can replace professional pest management services, these home remedies may help to make your life easier and wallet fuller when it comes to everyday pests.

 

DIY Fruit Fly Trap

Photo courtesy of Passionatehomemaking.com

This "Frugal and Natural Pest Control" can save you time and money when it comes to fruit flies within you kitchen. Found on PassionateHomemaking.com, this trap is easy to make and can help save your food from pesky home pests.

You will need:

1 quart jar
1 piece of paper, rolled up into a funnel
tape
apple cider vinegar
small slice of banana

Just fill the quart jar with a half inch of apple cider vinegar and a small piece of banana. Next, roll the paper into a full shape and place it in the jar. Make sure to tape the edges shut so the flies cannot escape. Place the jar where the fruit flies are most prominent and let it go to work! Once you've caught the flies either release them outside or place the jar in the freezer to kill the flies (you can reuse the ingredients).

 

Homemade Natural Insect Repellet

 

photo courtesy of TheMarathonMom.com

Many people feel uncomfortable with bug repellent brands sold in stores because of their unnatural ingredients and other harmful chemicals they may contain. This homemade insect repellent found on Themarathonmom.com is easy to make and is an all-natural substitute for store-bought repellent.

You will need:

• one lemon, sliced thin
• 1 Tablespoon fresh rosemary, crushed
• 4 cups boiling water
• spray bottle
• funnel
• strainer
• medium bowl

While the water is boiling, strip and cut the rosemary leaves into small pieces. Try to make them as small as possible. Next, slice the lemons and cover with cut rosemary in the medium bowl. Then pour the boiling water over the lemon and rosemary allowing it to steep until the mixture is cool. Finally strain the mixture and place into the spray bottle. Your homemade insect repellent is ready to use.

 

Photos and Recipes courtesy of:

www.PassionateHomemaking.com & www.TheMarathonMom.com

What Does a Warm Winter Mean for Pest Management?

 

While Punxsutawney Phil may have predicted 6 more weeks of winter yesterday, there is definitely doubt to his prediction considering the abnormally warm winter we have already seen this season. While Georgians are no stranger to weird weather, the spring-like temperatures we've been experiencing this year raises concerns as to what this will bring in the pest management world.

The warm temperatures have flowers blooming early, pollen falling sooner  and people already donning shorts, in February. In the pest management world, this means insects that lay dormant over the cold winter hatching earlier and having higher survival rates than in a typical year.

Insects hatching earlier will probably not be the cause of more pests this year. Most insects have a life span of 1 year so while we'll see them earlier this year we'll also see them leave earlier in the fall. However, higher survival rates seen because of warmer temperatures may lead to more insects this year.

Typically winter months cause insects to go underground or seek shelter in warmer places. The warm winter temperatures allow for a higher survival rate for insects and larvae causing much of the population that would have died off in the colder temperatures to survive throughout the winter months into the spring. Most pest management companies suggest renewing a quarterly pest management plan that covers insects and mice for an entire year to prevent infestations later in the year.

Warmer temperatures also mean different behaviors seen in wildlife. With warmer temperatures comes more activity from squirrels, raccoons, snakes and other wildlife. The environment is signaling the beginning of spring, so animals will respond accordingly.

Typically mammals mate in the Spring months, so with a longer "Spring" this year there may be an increased level of rodents and wildlife this year. Be sure to contact a licensed wildlife professional to remove any wildlife problems you may experience this spring.

Bed Bugs Playing Hide-and-Seek in Used Items

  

(Video via WVEC.com)

Bed bugs are one of the most hated insects in the pest control world. Their ability to spread rapidly and remain hidden for long periods of time make them a very troublesome bug to eradicate from homes.

There have been multiple news stories in the past couple of years about bed bug infestations everywhere from apartment buildings to libraries,  one recently got us thinking about these bug's intense stealth abilities. There have been numerous reports of bed bug infestations caused from used furniture and clothing.

The harmless second hand items that you might pick up from your local vintage store, or buy for a great deal off Craigslist could be a hiding spot for these pesky creepy crawlers. The problem with used items and bed bugs is the bug's ability to conceal itself almost completely from the naked eye. Also, because of their ability to go for weeks even months without feeding allows for the bugs to stay hidden within furniture for long amounts of time.

CNN reported that the average homeowner is easily susceptible to a bed bug infestation through used furniture and clothing. We'd suggest to double check any furniture before bringing it into your home and to place any used clothing in the dryer set on medium to high temperature for 20 minutes to kill bedbugs and their eggs.

Bed bugs don't seem to be a problem that will go away soon, but by being diligent and careful you can lessen your chances of an infestation. If an infestation does occur be sure to contact a licensed professional before attempting any chemical treatments in your home.

Termite Chewing Technology

Termite Swarmer and Workers

(courtesy of  Dini M. Miller & theVirgina Cooperative Extension)

 

Termites have long been an adversary in the pest control industry through their ability to ruin homes with costly damages and destruction, but now researchers at Edith Cowan University have created new technology that could help prevent termite destruction by simply listening to them chew.

The new device reported in Science Network last week would plant tiny acoustic listening devices in wood around the home and send signals if and when termites begin to chew on the wood. These signals could be sent via SMS text or even email to pest control companies with a GPS location of the termite activity.

The device is being called a ‘wireless smart probe’ network for acoustic detection or WiSPR for short, can even detect termites in power poles or timber bridges.  Once placed in the ground the device can help detect current termite activity or be the first warning if termites do show up.

This technology would be a great break through in termite detection and would help to keep costly damages at minimum for homeowners. Plans to release the device in Australia within the next year are in the works.

To read more on this new device check out the full release from Science Network Western Australia.