American Pest Control

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.

Pests Hiding in the Christmas Tree

During the holiday season many families like to opt for the natural look of a traditional Christmas tree in their home. The scent of a conifers tree along with lights and ornaments can provide for a beautiful setting for the holidays.

Many states and local governments are telling tree buyers to be wary when buying and bringing trees into your home due to the possibilities of insects hitching a ride. Pests entering your home via a tree can cause possible harm to your home and can cause harm to the local environment. 

Many states have made announcements warning citizens to watch out for invasive pests within Christmas trees. Minnesota Agriculture Department warned citizens not to buy from online tree vendors and from local farms to keep harmful species from being introduced into the state forests. 

The article stated insects such as "gypsy moth, the sirex woodwasp and the pine shoot beetle" can be harmful to the local area. Invasive species brought into new regions by trees have been an issue in the Christmas tree farming business for a long time, especially if the tree farm is in a quarantined zone.  Christmas trees must be inspected for insects before being sent to places outside the US, especially to island nations, like Guam.

The Nature Conservacy advises to buy all christmas greenery and trees from local farms to prevent invasive species from entering your area.  Their "don't move firewood" campaign give a few tips when decorating for the holidays: 

• Cut your own tree (usually with a permit) from a forest within 10 to 20 miles of your house;
• Buy your trees and wreaths from an established local business, not from a fly-by-night operator selling on the side of the road; and
• Order online from a recognized vendor–not from an unknown person on sites like Ebay or Craigslist that may not be in compliance with important quarantines or regulations.

The Nature Conservancy also suggests recycling your tree instead of leaving it in a natural place to decompose, in case a pest happened to be within its branches.

 

Invasive Insects a Big Problem in the US

Since the beginning settlements of the Americas invasive species have been introduced to the New World. Hitching a ride with the first settlers to Jamestown and other colonies, insects and other animals invaded North America and has helped to reshape its landscape and ecosystems.

The problem with  most invasive species is that they wipe out natural animal populations either by preying on them or depleting their food sources. Within the pest control industry there are specific invasive species that have become a big problem in the US.

Specifically to Southeast, the fireant, boll weevil, Southern pine beetle, soybean aphids, Asian tiger mosquito are a few invasive insects that has caused harm to residents and crops over the years. The National Invasive Species Council estimates that invasive species cause over 1.5 million dollars in damage every year.

Two new invasive species that we have seen in the past couple of years to become a problem in the Southeastern United States are the Asian kudzu bug and hairy, crazy ants.

Asian kudzu bug (Megacopta cribraria)

Kudzu Bug by Phillip Roberts, Univ. of GA

Known as Bean Plataspid, Kudzu Bug, Globular Stink Bug or Lablab Bug, the Asian kudzu bug was orginally found in Northeast Georgia in 2009. Many of our own clients inquired about the new insect that was seen on the walls of their homes and cars. Orginally from East Asia they are known to eat another invasive species, the kudzu plant, which has been a problem in Georgia for many years. The Asian kudzu bug is a nuscience pest that poses no apparent harm to humans.

Soybeans, however, are a different story. The Asian kudzu bug has become a huge problem for soybean farmers in the Southeast and is already causing a loss in yeilds in the soybean crop. Farmers in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and parts of Alabama are starting to see huge numbers of the pest which has the potential to spread anywhere soybeans are planted. Check out this MSNBC article for more on the Asian kudzu bug and its effect on soybean crops.

Hairy, Crazy Ants (Nylanderia pubens or Fulva)

Image via Mississippi Entomological Museum

Known as Caribbean crazy ant or Rasberry crazy ant, the hairy, crazy ant is a native of South America (Most likely Argentina) but has also been found in the Carribbean islands. They've been found in Florida for many years and recently have been spotted in Texas, Mississippi and Lousiana coastal regions. Because of the Gulf Coast's semi-tropical climate the ants can live and flourish in these areas. There is still some debate if the species found recently in Texas and Missippi is the same that has been preveleant in Florida, but the information is still inconclusive. (See Joe MacGown's article for more info on this debate)

The hairy, crazy ant is reddish brown in color and like to hide in moist, protected areas and can even short out electrical equipment. These crazy ants can eat just about anything. Most scientist believe that they have been traveling in hay bales, cargo containers, potted plants, motorcycles and moving vans. Most scientist believe cooler temperatures in northern portions of the US will keep the ants from spreading from coastal areas.

Overall invasive species have been a problem in the United States for hundreds of years and will probably continue to be a problem for many years to come.

Celebrating 40 Years!

Today is American Pest Control's 40th Anniversary and we are so excited to be celebrating this exciting occasion! 

Gene Higginbotham opened American Pest Control on November 15, 1971 after many years in the pest control industry with another company. He used his experience and wisdom to build a company that always puts the customer’s needs first, creating a family-owned business that has thrived for 40 years.

Now children, Laurie and Scott, continue the mission their father started 40 years ago, by providing honesty, integrity, and professionalism to all clients. Great customer service paired with up-to-date and effective technology has provided APC with the tools to become Northeast Georgia’s largest family-owned pest control company.

We are so excited to celebrate our 40th anniversary and hope to continue serving the Northeast Georgia and Western South Carolina area for many more years to come!

 American Pest Control, Inc. History

• 1977 American Pest Control Inc. becomes debt free
• 1983 Conversion from manual accounting to computers
• 1985 Chlordane termiticide removed from market
• 1988 Purchased Boland Bonded Exterminating of Athens, GA
• 1990 Purchased Roberts Exterminating of Toccoa, GA
• 1992 Implemented "Integrated Pest management System"
• 1994 Purchased Rockdale Pest Control of Conyers, GA
• 1997 Became one of the first authorized users of the Sentricon Colony Elimination System
• 1999 Quarterly Pest Management System implemented
• 1999 American pest Control establishes site on the World Wide Web
• 2000 Chlorpyrifos, (Dursban) removed from market
• 2001 American Pest Control Inc. celebrates 30th anniversary with company image change
• 2001 Introduction of Termidor
• 2003 Introduction of Noviflumuron and Sentricon with ESP
• 2003 American Pest Control Inc. converts from Routeman to Service Pro.
• 2006 American Pest Control Inc. celebrates its 35th anniversary
• 2006 Gene Higginbotham awarded Lifetime achievement award.
• 2009 American Pest Control changes business model to Universal Technicians

Don't Let the Bed Bugs Bite

Everyone loves a come back. An underdog team pulling from behind or a reemergence of an old band releasing a great, new album. One come back we've seen in the pest control industry is the come back of Bed Bugs, and we wouldn't consider these guys an underdog.

Bed bugs have long been thought of as an old world pest issue and were forgotten for quite a while, that is until the last 10 years. Pest control companies are seeing bed bug infestation numbers skyrocketing in the last decade, only growing as time goes by.

Bed bugs were a very common issue in the America's since it's beginnings. The colonist brought them over on ships and they were a common household pest until the 1950s.  The introduction of DDT almost eliminated the bed bugs problem within the US. There are a few theories as to why bed bugs have made such a comeback in the last 10 to 20 years including: increased world wide travel, changes in bed bug habits and possible resistance to pesticides, the use of bait-oriented pest control methods, increase in second hand items, and more.  One thing is for certain, these guys are back and are trying to establish a permanent residence.

We want to share some tips to help protect yourself, your family and others around you from a possible infestation of these night-time crawlers. The best way to prevent bed bug infestation in your home is to be careful in places where people travel, such as hotels, apartment buildings or dormitories. When staying in hotels bed bugs can “catch a ride” and set up in your home, thus causing an infestation. Make sure to inspect your room for bed bugs and keep luggage on furniture racks and off of the floor. Also, be vigilant when acquiring used furniture and beds. If you can launder or place used items in a dyer for 10-20 seconds the chance of a bed bug infestation is largely reduced.

Also here's a video from the National Pest Management Association on tips to protect yourself from bed bugs:

 

With a little vigilance you can easily protect yourself from a bed bug infestation and save time, money and your peace of mind. If you do have a bed bug infestation please call a licensed professional to take care of the issues. There have been many cases of "do it yourself" pest control for bed bugs that has caused illness and even death due to pesticide poisoning. 

 

Spot the Ampest Truck and Win GA/FL Tickets!

"Spot the Ampest Truck" and enter to win a pair of GA/FL tickets!

Everyone has heard of the "world largest outdoor cocktail party" before, and this year's game is one you don't want to miss! We're giving away 2 GA/FL tickets for next Saturday's game to a lucky fan that "Spot's the Ampest Truck!" Just snap a picture of one of our service trucks and upload the picture to Facebook or Twitter tagging American Pest Control in the status by saying " I spotted the @American Pest Control, Inc truck to win GA/FL tickets!"

The contest will last one week, you may enter on either site but you must follow these guidelines to enter:

Methods of Entering

1. Upload a photo of an Ampest truck on American Pest Control, Inc. Facebook fan page wall and type “I spotted the @American Pest Control, Inc. Truck to win GA/FL Tickets!” in the comments.
2. Upload a photo to your own Facebook wall and type “I spotted the @American Pest Control, Inc. Truck to win GA/FL Tickets!” in the comments.
3. Upload a photo to Twitter of an Ampest truck and type “I spotted the @American_Pest Truck to win GA/FL Tickets!” in the caption.

**It is important that you use the @ symbol so to tag American Pest Control, or else we will not know that you entered the contest!

Rules

1. You may enter using all 3 of the entry methods (the fan page, your wall and through Twitter) but you cannot enter more than once per method. This allows one person to enter the contest a maximum of 3 times.
2. After the contest ends we will draw a winner randomly from all entries made during the specified time limit.
3. We will directly message the winner and give them details on picking up their prize.
4. The contest ends next Wednesday, October 26^th at 4:00PM

Good luck!!

Hairy, Crazy Ants Invade the South

 

 

We've seen our fair share of pest problems while providing pest control services to northeast Georgia over the past 40 years. Everything from crazy termite stories to bed bug issues, but a new pest that has yet to reach our area has caught our attention over the past few weeks as a real contender as one of the craziest.

Known as Hairy, Crazy Ants (Nylanderia pubens) have spread rapidly over the past 9 years from Texas into Louisiana, Mississippi and Florida. Many pest control services don't know what to do about these "Crazy" pests because of their rapid speed and reproduction capabilities.

They get their nickname from the sporadic and quick movement and the light fuzz that covers their abdomen. They are hard to control because once one ant has been killed it sends a chemical warning message to the rest of the colony.

They like to hide in moist, protected areas and can even short out electrical equipment. These crazy ants can eat just about anything. Most scientist believe that they have been traveling in hay bales, cargo containers, potted plants, motorcycles and moving vans.

Although we haven't seen these hairy, crazy ants while performing pest control services in Northeast Georgia, we're keeping an eye out for them to stay up to date on their movements and proper treatments.

Don't "Fall" Prey to Pests

                                    Image Credit: Erica Marshall "The Phillyist"

Now that fall is in full swing, many people are enjoying the cooler temperatures in our area. A break from the brutal summer heat brings many people outdoors to enjoy the temperate climate in October. These changes in temperature, however, bring many pests indoors. Rodents, spiders, ants, cockroaches and other pests begin to seek shelter indoors during cooler months, looking for food, water and shelter which become scarce in the cooler months.

Some ways to keep these unwated house guests out this fall are:

•     Check around your home for cracks, crevices and points of entry for pests. Especially check door and window seals, pipe entryways and screens. Most pests need only a very small opening to sneak indoors.
•     Remove all standing water near your home and check for built up moisture from appliances. Many pest come indoors seeking water, so by cutting off their supply it will help to keep them away.
•     Always keep food containers sealed and your home clean of crumbs that pest could use for food.
• Keep firewood a good distance away from your home. Many pest travel via firewood and can easily move into the home when collected.
• Brush away debris and remove limbs/sticks that are directly touching your home. By removing these "bridges" pest will have a harder time gaining access to your home.

If you notice a pest infestation remember to give a licensed professional a call to manage the problem.  Although changes in temperature can bring in unwanted guests, by doing a few, quick and easy steps you won't have to worry about pests ruining any fall festivities.

For more information check out the National Pest Management Association's blog on "Pest Proofing."

Also, DebugtheMyths.com has some great tips on keeping pest out through their Inspect and Protect Week (Oct. 3- 7) initiative here.