Pest Control and Bug Exterminator Blog

A guest post today highlighting some of Canada’s Spring Pest Specials.

09b - Carpenter Ant (Camponotus) (Photo credit: retro traveler)

Carpenter Ant Activity

Have you spotted suspicious bug activities in the nooks and crannies of your home? Or what looks like fine sawdust near some woodwork? If so, there may be carpenter ants in house crawling about gnawing and chewing away at the wooden bones of your home, hard at work establishing their fortifications.

Your home should be a safe, comfortable place to live in. While your home won’t literally fall apart about your ears – the carpenter ants in the house are quite different from termites – they can still do some damage to the wooden frameworks by weakening them with their tunneling, and it’s important to nip this in the bud. Carpenter ants like warm, humid environments for their nests and lakeside homes and boathouses are a popular choice for them.

Most commercially available ant baits won’t work on these carpenter ants. No, they’re cannier than an average ant. There is a new, specialized ant traps just for carpenter ants that you can try. But the best way to get rid of them is to use professional pest control services to treat the whole house, inside and out, in particular targeting the nest.

Bed bugs, on the other hand, is a whole ‘nother ball of wax.

Do the nightly appearances by bed bugs performing a gripping, biting dance on the stage that is your bed keep you up all night? It is awfully hard to grab some shuteye with tiny bugs nipping away at your tender flesh.

Bed bugs are perhaps one of the most difficult (and perhaps embarrassing – but you shouldn’t be!) pests to eradicate from your home without the use of professional pest control services. Some people end up surrendering and destroy their beds, linens, furniture, and even clothes. That’s expensive, sometimes ineffective – and very unnecessary.

There are five different bed bug treatments, and depending on the life cycle stage your bed bug infestation is in, one or other may be the most effective. It may be necessary to utilize more than one different type of bed bug treatments if your infestation is severe. A good pest control services can help you choose the best option for you and your household.

Guest Blog Bio
Environmental pest control offers pest control services and bed bug treatment in the Toronto region.
For more information visit www.environmentalpestcontrol.ca

Related articles

• Why I love being a pest control guy, Thanks Raleigh (thomasballantyne.com)
• Pest Control Slogans & Pest Control Quotes (pestcontrolseo.wordpress.com)
• Ah, Spring! Oh-Oh, Pests! (papundits.wordpress.com)

Image via Wikipedia

While a number of venomous animals paralyze prey as live food for their young, the Emerald Cockroach wasp is slightly different, in that it initially leaves it’s cockroach victim mobile; and modifies it’s victim’s behavior in a very unique way.

As early as the 1940s, female Emerald Cockroach wasps have been used as natural exterminators, against cockroach pests. When it attacks, this natural pest control provider will sting the cockroach two times, delivering a powerful venom. In 2003, a study showed that the wasp is able to sting directly into specific ganglia of the cockroach, paralyzing the front legs. This strike allows for a second venomous sting, which is delivered to a carefully chosen area in the cockroach’s brain; specifically the region that controls the escape reflex. As a result of this second attack, the cockroach will become sluggish, and fail to show normal escape responses.

At this point, the Emerald Cockroach wasp will proceed to chew off half of each of the cockroach’s antennae. It is believed that this is done to replenish fluids, or to regulate the amount of venom released; by the natural pest control provider. The wasp, which is obviously too small to carry the paralyzed cockroach, then leads it’s hapless victim back to the wasp’s burrow, by pulling on one of the roach’s antennae. Much like walking a dog, on a leash. Once the two have reached the burrow, the Emerald Cockroach wasp will lay a single white egg (approx. 2 mm long), on the cockroach’s abdomen. It then leaves the burrow and fills in the entrance with pebbles, more to keep other predators out; than to keep it’s helpless victim in.

With the escape reflex disabled, the helpless cockroach lays in the burrow, while the Emerald Cockroach wasp’s egg hatches; in approximately three days. The hatched larva then lives and feeds for up to 5 days on the cockroach, chewing its way into it’s victim’s abdomen. Over the next eight days, the Emerald Cockroach wasp larva will consume the victim’s internal organs, in an systematic manner which will guarantee that the cockroach remains alive until the larva enters the pupal stage; and forms a cocoon inside the hollowed-out body. Eventually, the fully grown wasp will emerge from the cockroach’s carcass, and begins its adult life as an exterminator of cockroaches; and provider of natural insect control services.

The End.

Related articles

• Revenge of the Zombifying Wasp (blogs.scientificamerican.com)
• Can Cockroaches Jump? Meet the Leaproach. (blogpestcontrol.com)
• Roach Control Services (bulwarkpestcontrol.om)

Image by rusty one via Flickr

Researchers say that a chemical found on the golden orb web spider silk, has proven to be extremely effective at keeping invading ants at bay, and could one day make a very useful natural ant control agent.

Golden orb web spiders are a common species of spider, discovered all around the world, especially in tropical regions. In most cases, these spiders (and the insects they catch in their web) are seen as potential prey for ants. Therefore, it was very surprising to researchers, that ant predators were never seen foraging for food, on the webs of Golden orb web spiders. The answer scientists believe, is a compound known as pyrrolidine alkaloid, and it appears to be a highly effective method of insect control; against invading ants.

Using bait to attract ants towards the spider’s silk, researchers conducted three different experiments. In one case, the natural silk was used, complete with the pyrrolidine alkaloid. In the second case, all of the chemical was removed from the silk. In the third case, purified pyrrolidine alkaloid that was purchased from a chemical supply store, and placed on the cleaned silk. In the two cases where pyrrolidine alkaloid was present, the ant invaders were unable to cross the spider’s web. When asked to describe the effects of the powerful chemical, experts said that “… it’s a bit like body odour on a cramped bus, on a hot day. It’s not going to kill you, but it’s certainly going to get you off the bus pretty quickly.”

Surprisingly though, pyrrolidine alkaloid it is not a byproduct of the spider’s silk production, but instead is produced by insects; to counter predation. Although it is not known exactly how the spiders produce the compound, experts say that it’s possible that the spiders obtain the compound, by eating insects that contain it. Nevertheless, it is hoped that researchers can reformulate the liquid chemical into a powder, that might be more useful in pest control treatments; against invasive ant species.

Image via Wikipedia

A number of of so-called “bio-controls” have been released in Florida in the last few years, to help in the fight against damaging invasive plants and pest control problems. The newest insect control plan recommended by scientists, is to release squadrons of genetically modified male mosquitoes into an area of Key West FL, that is a known haven for a species of yard-dwelling mosquitoes.

The mosquito species being targeted, is also the primary transmitter of dengue, a nasty, flu-like illness that sickens approximately 50 million people; annually. In severe cases, dengue can be fatal and there is no known treatment.The illness re-emerged in the Key West area in 2009, with 27 cases reported, the first recorded in the continental United States, since 1945. Another 66 cases were confirmed last year. Thankfully there have been none so far this year (2011), however there is additional evidence that suggests dengue is spreading, and so are the mosquitoes.

In this innovative application of “bio-controls,” considered the first of its kind in the United States, experts and scientists hope that lab-bred insects will mate with wild females, and pass on a defect built into their DNA; that kills their offspring. It is believed that this insect control approach is cheaper, more effective and more environmentally friendly, than any other method of targeting disease carriers, like these mosquitoes.

Unlike traditional insecticides and pesticides, which produce unwanted collateral insect damage and pose environmental and health concerns, these genetically modified or “transgenic” male mosquitoes; pose no threat to humans or other species. The biggest obstacle facing this natural pest control approach, is that there is no existing set of rules in place to regulate the genetically altered mosquitoes. As such, state agriculture officials must continue to consult with attorneys and other agencies, in an exhausting effort to decide who should review and approve the plan; before it is put into action.

Related articles

• You: Injecting mosquitoes with bacteria could stop dengue fever, scientists find (guardian.co.uk)
• Group Proposes Genetically Modified Mosquitoes to Fight Dengue (damontucker.com)
• Without some basic science, GM mosquitoes won’t bite (blogs.discovermagazine.com)

Great Holiday, Back to work!

What does 2011 hold for the pest control crowd?

Well despite the best efforts of pest control companies world wide, bugs and other annoying critters have yet to be exterminated. Yes the fight between man and nature goes on. Party is over back to work… work hard party hard.

2011 Predictions:

How unoriginal? Blah, blah, blah… who really cares? Like I can’t go get my own crazy eight ball. Anyways… Here is what you can expect from the bug world in 2011…

• 1- The pest cycle of breeding, invasion and survival will continue…. so ants, spiders, roaches, a scorpions will be making a come back this new year in about April.
  
• 2- Bed Bugs will continue to spread. I am guessing that Las Vegas will move up the red list for bed bugs this year.
• 3- St. George will see some snow.
• 4- Phoenix Suns will not win a NBA championship. (Ditto that for 2012)
  
• 5- Tulsa will see some green grass, and a few butterflies that we will not target.
• 6- Microwaves will become the object of an EPA label as not organic pest control.
• 7- Jack Bauer and Chuck Norris will finally face off, right after congress balances the budget.
• 8- And someone will finally find a Bulwark Exterminating YouTube video funny enough to sneeze it into viral awesomeness… Might I suggest this one: Bulwark Exterminating – Tech Love
• 9- Houston will see a hurricane hit land.
  
• 10- Andrew Luck will not be a lucky catch for the Charlotte Carolina Panthers.
  
• 11- Lastly, that someone will appreciate this not being a top 10 list and get the reason that it’s 11 without asking why.

Yep. There are few of those predictions that are 100% solid… But unlike our pest control services, there is no 100% money back guarantee on these. (probably why we should just stick pest control)

Feel free to add your predictions to our comments below….. And the crystal ball says we will have 0 comments.

311 that should kill your bugs... and everything else.

John Honoré was a little dumbfounded when he saw yesterday’s high for Phoenix, AZ.  …Does heat cause dyslexia? Bulwark Exterminating denies all reports of organic pest control methods that they could be testing that might cause such an occurrence.

“Bulwark will make no formal statements on the the 311 degree high in Phoenix reported by ABC, even if it were beneficial for pest control the evidence that would suggest our involvement is circumstantial at best.”

Special thanks to our San Antonio pest control guys for bringing this to our attention:

Hot Flash: News Flash from San Antonio ABC 12

Do Electronic Pest Control Devices Work?

I just got this story from Grandpa Ballantyne which has much wisdom in it, so as a wise old man once said…

In a nutshell, it isn’t that the ideas of people are done with bad intentions (often, at least), it’s just that they don’t work. My grandson put a bunch of fruit in a cookie tin yesterday, explaining that it was “for Santa.” It was very thoughtful of him, but because I love him, I explained that while it was thoughtful of him, it would not work. Yes, like so much that is proposed by well-intentioned people, it was thoughtful, but, no, it will not work. We should all at least do as I did with my grandson, and point out what is obvious to us. Many will ignore us, but some will actually see the logic. Meanwhile, we will have done what we should do, and sometimes this all we can do.

Why wouldn’t a tin full of fruit for Santa work?

Perhaps because today is the 2nd of December and fruit left in a tin for Santa to eat on the 25th would only spoil and be wasted. Perhaps the grandson was wanting to hide the tin, which would only mean a stinky banana in the home for his poor single mother to clean up months later. Yuck.

What this story is about is being realistic with a child and taking a moment to teach the child despite his good intention.

How does this relate to Electronic Pest Control Devices?

Quite simply, electronic pest control DOES NOT WORK EFFECTIVELY. It doesn’t matter what you call it, ultrasonic pest control, electronic pest repeller, electronic spider control, electronic insect control, pest devices, or pink barking poodles, none of them provide effective lasting pest control. They are not effective at pest defense or offense. Now I know that you may be saying, “He’s just a pest control company trying to hold back technology that he sees as a threat to his livelihood.” But I am not the only one saying this. Try reading the Federal Trade Commission’s report warning consumers of fraudulent electronic pest control device claims.

“Staff of the Federal Trade Commission’s Division of Enforcement today announced that they have sent warning letters to more than 60 manufacturers and retailers of ultrasonic pest-control devices, stating that efficacy claims about those products must be supported by scientific evidence.

…that any reaction by rodents to ultrasound would be temporary at best because rodents become accustomed to ultrasound and will return to their nesting or feeding areas even in the presence of an ultrasonic device. Furthermore, previous FTC complaints alleged that ultrasound devices do not control insects.

The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices”

http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2001/05/fyi0128.shtm

Further, Bulwark Exterminating supports advancing technology and society. If electronic devices worked we would happily embrace them and find a way to sell them, service them, and stay in business. Our customers want the safest most effective pest control service. We recognize that electronic devices would be cleaner and greener. And if they worked then they would be potentially less toxic then even tap water. But customers want both safe pest control and effective pest control. A fly-swatter is considered a safe pest control device, but it’s not an effective roach control device.The only semi-effective electronic pest control device that Bulwark will acknowledge are the blue glowing zappers that mesmerize bugs into their ultimate destruction… I love hearing mosquitoes get zapped.

If you think that pest control companies are afraid of electronic pest control devices then Bulwark and  pest control companies everywhere should also be afraid of the Do It Yourself pest control stores.  If you want to a Do-It-Yourself pest control solution then visit www.PestProJoe.com, see not afraid of them.  Bulwark caters to individuals that want a guaranteed hassle free pest control service. Yes, service is the keyword there. Consumers want the safest most effective pest control solution.  If a pest control company does not provide an effective service then they will struggle to stay alive.

Morale of the story…

Electronic Pest Control devices may be a good idea and have really good intentions, but its similar to a grandson putting fruit in a cookie tin for Santa,… its just fruitless.

P.S. If super sonic electronic pest control devices do become effective at some future date then Bulwark pest control will gladly support them.

For further reading and reviews on Electronic Pest Control devices can be found at EcoSmarts blog:
http://blog.ecosmart.com/index.php/2008/08/28/electronic-pest-control-reviews-and-ratings

Read what Universities are saying about whether electronic pest control devices work or not…

Considering Ultrasonic Pest Control Devices? Save Your Money -
http://lancaster.unl.edu/pest/resources/ultrasonicdevices.shtml

If you are considering electronic pest control devices for Christmas this year then perhaps you should consider a Charlotte pest control service instead.

Related articles

Image via Wikipedia

• December: a love/hate affair (living3703.wordpress.com)
• Baking X’mas Cookies (bestxmastore.wordpress.com)
• Christmas Time Forgiveness(kittypalmer.wordpress.com)

While going through our emails today, I found the following to be entertaining…

We have a townhouse in Wakefield Plantation. How much would it be to have the house sprayed indoors and out. Our roommate is a smoker and when he comes in and out he lets bugs in. Email is preferred contact.

Jessica C.

ZIP Code           27614

I guess I never thought about what additional damage a smoker can do to destroy one’s comfort.  It seems perfectly logical that a anyone that is frequently opening and closing the door would be opening and exposing the home to potential invasion. So it seems we could conclude that smoking is bad for bug prevention.

A few do it yourself pest control tips, try to stop the flow of bugs created by your smoking friend.

1- Lighting – Yellow bug lights are available.  While these lights do not repel bugs the yellow spectrum attracts fewer bugs. Simply put, these lights are more difficult for bugs to see since bugs can see blue or ultraviolet light.  Or you can try lighting the area from a distance, meaning buying a stronger light and keeping that light away from the entry point.

2- Candles – There are bug candles that you can buy that will repel some bugs, but not all bugs.  Studies indicate a 24% to 42% decrease from Citronella.  Candles may also combine other herbs and natural ingredients, such as rosemary, lemon, thyme, clove oil, eucalyptus oil, geranium, mint oil, and peppermint oil.

Thanks for the email Jessica, I am sure we can help control the bugs, but we can’t do much about the smoking or flying pests that come in and out with the smoker.  But I hope these tips help in further controlling bugs around your home.

Note – While a pest control professional can do little to eliminate flying insects, a regular pest control service can help cut back on flying pests in your home and around the yard.  Ask your pest control professional what treatment options he has for eliminating flying pest nests and harborages.  Proper IPM will help control and limit this pests.

Yes it seems that the Wall Street Journal hit the nail on the head.  Even the big dogs in pest control are moving toward green pest control options.  In fact, the world’s largest pest control service now offers an All Natural pest control product.  Apparently they have been testing out different products and have found one they are happy with.  They even appear to have beat out the other large national competitors. Green is the thing.

All of this goes to show that Bulwark is still ahead of the curve.  As featured in the Wall Street Journal, Bulwark not only offers an All Natural Pest Control solution, but the customers on the service are happy with the service.  And the regular service that Bulwark offers is still the same low impact pest control solution that Bulwark has always promoted. As Bulwark’s executive put it:

When it comes to safety, Bulwark puts its technicians and employees first.  I know that may sound a little backwards since I said the technicians safety is my primary focus, but let me explain. I am most concerned about the technicians health as they are the individuals most exposed to the products.  I read the labels and MSDS for the pest products.  I have even gone beyond the MSDS of the product and into the MSDS records of the ingredients.  I have opted not use all natural products that contain silica due to research from other industries on this organic ingredient… Once I am satisfied that my technician’s health will be fine with products we use then in turn I know that the customers, their families, and their pets will be okay.

Bulwark’s leader puts it the best, if the technician is safe then customers will be as well, its the natural result of doing what’s best for everyone.

Ask for Bulwark’s All Natural Pest Control Service