American Pest Control

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

 

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.