Links Roundup: Pest Control News For The Week

Insects That Look Worse Than They Are

Bugs like the praying mantis, dragonfly, spider, and scarab beetle all look menacing. These insects’ bark is worse then their bite. They are actually quite beneficial. More…

Beware The Bug: Fire Ants – The Dangerous Home Invader

Fire ants pose a serious health risk, particularly to small children or family pets. They are known to have a strong, painful and persistent sting that often leaves a pustule on the skin. Left untreated, fire ant bites can become infected and in a few extreme cases, have been reported fatal. More…

Pest Control Tip: Beware Of Mites!

The microscopic mite can be found almost anywhere, just not outdoors. The house dust mite is the most common, but there are several other types of mites that can cause itchiness and skin irritation. More…

Pest Control: Mosquitoes

With the warmer weather just around the corner, the West Nile carrying mosquito will be making it’s dreaded appearance  Here are some tips for dealing with the annoying pests. More…

Pest Control Tip: De-Grub Your Lawn

It is estimated that grubs cause more than $234 million in property damages every year. Grubs are the offspring of Japanese beetles. Before they set up shop in your trees, they lay their eggs underground. The white c-shaped larvae hatch and immediately begin feeding upon the root system of your turf. More…

Pest Of The Week: The Wolf Spider

Burrowing wolf spider defending its egg sac. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

One of the more common spider pests in the United States is the wolf spider. These spiders garnered their nickname not because of their large, hairy, wolf like appearance, but because they were once thought to hunt in packs like wolves. Wolf spiders are excellent hunters. They do not build webs, but patiently wait in underground burrows for an unsuspecting cricket or cockroach.

Wolf spiders are brown in color, and can reach lengths of well over an inch. Their appearance is well known because of the Union Jack (British flag) impression on their backs. Although intimidating in appearance, wolf spiders don’t usually bite unless they are in danger or provoked. Wolf spiders are venomous.

Homeowners will frequently see these wolf spiders in their homes during the cooler months of the year. They enter homes looking for other insects to eat, and refuge from the elements. Even though the wolf spider’s venom is not lethal, their bites can cause health concerns. Traditional spider control methods are need for wolf spider elimination.

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Anthony Ball

Links Roundup- Pest Control Articles For The Week 

Squirrel Gets a Jolt, Leaves 4,500 in Dark

It wasn’t a big storm with hurricane-force winds that knocked out power for thousands. More…

Natural Methods to Eliminate Lice from Hair

Lets hope you never need this advice; but just in case, McDonald Pest Control offers advice on getting rid of a hair lice infestation. More…

Termite Season Is Here & So Are Termite Swarmers

Is it possible to see termites on your property and not have a termite infestation? With spring almost upon us, and termite swarmers resurging, you better be well informed. Walker Pest Management of South Carolina has some advice on termites. More…

Ants: There’s Never Just One

In addition to the painful ant bites that go along with certain kinds of ants, there are some ants that can also destroy your property. More…

Bed Bugs Spreading to Theaters, Schools and Office Buildings

Bedbugs are not just hiding in the mattresses and bedding of dilapidated trailer parks, but can be found in schools, theaters, nursing homes, dormitories, and office buildings. Learn more about bedbugs from Accuracy Pest Control by clicking here.

Understanding Silverfish and What You Can Do to Prevent Them

You can find silverfish anywhere in your home or office, but they particularly love dark, damp places such as attics, bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and more.

Pest Of The Week: The Red Imported Fire Ant

Making their way into the United States in the late 1930’s, the malicious Red imported Fire ant has spread to most of the southern states. Because of their impact on properties, on human health, and their environmental impact; Red Imported Fire ants easily take the cake for the worst ant pest. They build huge mounds, reaching nearly eight feet deep. These mounds can easily destroy the trees and plants on your property. On top of their damaging effects, they can also sting and bite. Red Imported Fire ant stings are very painful, and have even lead to death in rare cases.

Red Imported Fire ants have dark red bodies, with black abdomens. They can reach lengths of almost 1/4 of an inch, and are notorious for their very aggressive nature. When bothered, fire ants will pour out of their mounds and assault any impostor by stinging them numerous times. if you are having problems with fire ants, get ant control!

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Anthony Ball

Your Pest Control Links For The Week

Ridding Your Pantry of Pests

If you’ve ever poured yourself a bowl of cereal in the morning; and found beetles, weevils or other pantry pests crawling around in your Cheerios; you know it can be quite a disturbing experience. Here’s some advice on getting rid of the uninvited guests. More…

Millipede Menace

This article offers some good advice on preventing millipedes. These pests smell awful, are dirty, leave stains, and can even disrupt electrical equipment. More…

Difference Between Waterbugs and Cockroach Infestations

For some insight on cockroaches and waterbugs, including what they look like, where they live, what they eat, and how to get rid of them, click here.

Proper Identification is the Key to Controlling Ants Populations in Louisiana

Louisiana has some 131 different species of ant, including the Raspberry Crazy ant. The key to controlling these ants is identifying the species. Different species of ant require different types of treatment form a pest control professional. More…

Pesticides Over the Years

Pesticides have evolved over the years. To read more about this evolution, click here.

There is a Wasp’s Nest Outside My Door! Now What?

If you ever have the misfortune of having a wasp or hornet nest in or around your home, take these steps before you get stung. More…

Pest Of The Week: Argentine Ant

Linepithema humilis, Argentine ant (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Routinely found underneath the moist areas of your property, Argentine ants build their nests under rocks and other debris. They can also build nests inside your home, as they enter looking for their favorite sweets. Argentine ants are located in the Southeast U.S., Washington, Oregon, and California.

Argentine ants are a grayish-brown in color, and are approximately 1/8 inch long. Colonies can have multiple queens, and tens of thousands of worker ants, as different colonies join forces. These ants are notorious for driving out other ant species.

Argentine ants love anything sugary and sweet. These ant pests will commonly eat the nectar that plant aphids provide for them In exchange; Argentine ants will protect the aphids from other predators.

One of the most effective pest control approaches to exterminating the Argentine worker ants and queens is to actively bait this pest with poison; concealed in sugar. Once the Argentine ants have returned the bait to the nest, the remaining colony will soon die off.

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Anthony Ball

This Week’s Pest Control Videos & Links

Harlem Shake ( bed bug inspection edition)

Harlem shake videos have been the craze as of late, and even bed bug inspectors have caught on. See for yourself:

Winning the Roach & Ant Battle

We all know how much of a nightmare dealing with ants and cockroaches can be. Here are a few tips on winning that battle from Suburban Exterminating in Long Island, NY. More…

Liquid vs. Bait Termite Treatment

Termites are one of the leading causes of damage to your home. Dealing with them can be tricky at times, but fortunately there is help. Here is a good discussion on bait and liquid treatments. More…

Bats, Leave It To The Professionals

Although beneficial to the environment, bats can be a serious pest control problem that needs to be left to the professionals. More…

Cooler Weather Brings Mice & Rats Inside

With this recent cold spell much of the country is experiencing this week, it’s a sure bet that rodents like mice and rats will be headed indoors looking for warmth and shelter. More…

Pest Of The Week: House Dust Mite

House dust mites (Photo credit: Gilles San Martin)

One of the leading causes of asthma and other respiratory allergic symptoms is the house dust mite. These teeny, tiny mites are so small that they are best seen through a microscope; although they can sometimes be seen by the naked eye, in large numbers, if they are placed on a dark background. House dust mites are rectangular in shape, and are a creamy blue color. House dust mites are most commonly found in the carpets, furniture, mattresses and bedding of your home.

Since house dust mites reproduce and multiply so rapidly, pest control professionals, and health officials warn of serious health problems that they can cause. Typical symptoms of house dust mite allergies include itchiness, sneezing, inflamed or infected eczema, watering/reddening eyes, or sneezing repeatedly and frequently.

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Anthony Ball

Valentine’s day. (Photo credit: MalinStrandvall)

Weekly Links Round-Up: Valentine’s Edition

Valentine’s – Moles, Roaches and Roses

Here is a three pronged approach in dealing with pests like moles and roaches this Valentine’s. More…

A Word Of Valentine’s Day Advice

If you are living near or around the San Antonio, TX area, here was a step-by-step guide for a successful Valentine’s Day… Complete with pest control! More…

Logo Design Tips For Pest Management Companies

If you are a pest control operator who’s just starting out, or and existing PCO looking to re-brand your image, here are some excellent tips on designing your new logo. More…

Springtails Are Crawling!

With Valentine’s Day over, and the warmer spring months just around the corner, springtails are making their presence known across much of the South. More…

Valentine’s Day Roaches- A Bad Idea

Here is more anecdotal proof that creepy crawlies like roaches, and romance, don’t mix. More…

Pest Of The Week: Kissing Bugs

Kissing bugs, or more commonly known as Assassin bugs, are insect predators. These cone-nosed bugs will wait patiently for the opportunity to ambush other pests like termites and spiders. Exercising speed and accuracy, the Kissing bug uses its long beak to stab it’s victim and inject a deadly toxin. This ability has given the kissing bug the reputation of being a natural pest exterminator.

Kissing bugs are usually found from late June to early August, but are seen year-round in Central California. These beneficial insects are approximately 3/4 of an inch in length, with a long narrow head, long segmented beak, long slender and an abdomen often widened at the center.

Kissing bugs are not afraid to attack almost anything; even if a victim is much larger than itself. In fact, if not handled with care and caution, kissing bugs have been known to attack humans. Their bites can be very painful and cause a severe reaction.

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Anthony Ball

Here’s Your Weekly Pest Control News & Links

Tackling NJ Bed Bugs Is No Easy Task

Battling bedbugs is no easy task, but Heritage Pest Control in New Jersey will be able to properly identify the locations of the bed bug infestations and develop a safe plan of attack against the pests. More…

Bulwark Exterminating Makes Best Of Yelp

Each year yelp.com, a customer review site, recognizes a few select businesses with a “Best Of” distinction. Bulwark Exterminating in Austin, TX was recently recognized as “Best Pest Control in Austin.” More…

Avoiding Springtime Pests in Portland, Oregon

Springtime in Portland, Oregon is beautiful; but one thing that can put a damper on that beauty is a pest infestations. Be on the lookout for Carpenter ants, bedbugs, and rodents this spring in Portland. More…

Brown Widows Moving in on Southern California Territory

Brown Widows have begun to take over the Black Widow spider’s territory in many areas of this country, including Los Angeles. These spiders can potentially be very dangerous. More…

A Texas Sized Stink Bug Invasion

Brown marmorated stink bugs are invading many parts of the Country, including Texas, and are keeping pest professionals busy. More…

Pest Of The Week: Pavement Ant

The shiny black Pavement ant ranges in size from 1/10 to 1/8 inch. Pavement ants move in an intentionally slow motion, and are typically difficult to disturb. These ants are notorious for creating problems under asphalt, or concrete slabs. As they build their shallow nests, they push small mounds of soil out through the cracks; and expansion joints. Nests may also be discovered under debris or objects on the ground, as well as near heat sources in structures; during the colder winter months.

These ant pests are attracted to lights, and as such may find their way indoors; at night. Once inside, worker ants cause a pest control problem, by foraging for food, and feeding upon grease, pet food and any sweet substances; they happen to discover. Outdoors, Pavement ants feed on fruits and the sweet honeydew, produced by common garden pests; like aphids and mealy bugs.

In spring, adjacent colonies fight, producing spectacular sidewalk ant battles.

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Anthony Ball

This Week’s Pest Control Links

Winter Pest Control Tips

Following these seven simple tips can go along way to ensure your winter is pest free. More…

Greenville / Spartanburg Falls Into The Top 50 Cities With Bed Bug Activity

The top ten list of most bedbug infested cities is out, and very few states are devoid of the blood-sucking pests. South Carolina is no different. More…

The Importance of Having a Board Certified Entomologist on Staff

Fundamental knowledge of entomology and insect behavior is an essential part of being a pest control provider. More…

Tips to Halt Spring Termite Infestations

Spring is rapidly approaching and there are some steps you can take now to help prevent possible termite infestations. More…

The Importance of Moisture Control

Moisture and pests go hand and hand, but what can you do about it? Here are some pointers. More…

Bulwark Exterminating Featured On Flipping Vegas

Bulwark Exterminating recently got a call came from the producers of A&E’s hit show “Flipping Vegas,” and were happy to help out with a very dangerous scorpion problem. See the pictures here.

Pest Of The Week: Yellowjackets

English: Yellowjacket by the pool (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

One of the most common types of predatory wasps in North American is the yellowjacket. These wasps, often times confused with bees, are given the nickname yellowjacket because of the black and yellow stripes on their abdomens. All female members of the species are able to sting multiple times, causing incredible pain to anyone, who has been stung.

Yellowjackets build nests in trees, shrubs, or in protected places such as inside human-made structures (attics, hollow walls or flooring, in sheds, under porches, and eaves of houses), or in soil cavities, mouse burrows, etc. These nests can provide dangerous conditions for homeowners; conditions that need to be treated with pest control.

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Anthony Ball

 Friday Link Round-Up

Interview with Clark Pest Control’s Coach Robert Sperling 

Many pest control operators wear multiple hats. This happens to be the case for Clark Pest Control’s Robert Sperling, who also serves as a high school football coach. Read his compelling interview here.

Watch Out For Brown Recluse Spiders When Unpacking Winter Clothes 

Brown recluse spiders are notorious for hiding out in stored boots, coats, and sweaters packed away in your basement or attic. While these spiders are not aggressive, they can be very dangerous if accidentally encountered. More…

Bulwark Pest Control Receives Prestigious Angie’s List Award 

Bulwark Exterminating recently received the prestigious Angie’s List Super Service award for eight of their branches. They award is only given to the top five percent of companies reviewed on Angie’s List. Impressive! More…

Why Termite Inspections Are an Essential Part of Real Estate Transactions 

No one wants to end up with buyer’s remorse, especially when a home is at stake. Before you finalize your closing paperwork, it’s important that the building you are buying is inspected for termites. Current or past termite infestation can affect property value, future expenses, and even safety. More…

Opossum Removal in Baton Rouge 

For some information of why opossums are considered pests, how you identify them, and what to do if they get inside your home, click here.

Pest Of The Week: Armyworms 

Spodoptera frugiperda (fall armyworm) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Armyworms are the caterpillar life stage of a moth. Also called Fall Armyworms, these pests have been discovered in most regions of the United States, and have increased in severity; over the past few years. These species of caterpillars are approximately 1.5 to 2 inches in length, dull yellow to gray, with stripes running down the length of their body.

The Armyworm’s name is derived from its feeding habits. Quite simply, this pest will eat everything in an area, and once the food supply is exhausted; the entire “army” moves to the next available food source. If left to multiply, Armyworms can cause widespread damage to agricultural grass crops, such as small grains and corn, and because of this; are regarded as a serious agricultural pest control problem.

Populations of armyworms are typically kept in check by natural means, though population booms can occur, generally after a drought. The best way to avoid lawn pests is to keep grass healthy Grass that is dense and deep-rooted will shrug off a bit of nibbling.

Yellow-striped Armyworm Moth (Photo credit: Dendroica cerulea)

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Anthony Ball

Pest Of The Week: True Chinch Bug

The True Chinch bug is a small insect, native to the United States, and quite common in the Mid-western States.

Adults may vary in body color, ranging from dark red to brown, with white wings; and red legs. Due to their small size, reaching about 4 millimeters in length, the True Chinch bug is hardly noticeable. As such, they can become a pest control problem for unsuspecting homeowners. True Chinch bugs are notorious for devouring the stems of delicate turf-grass.

In most cases, an effective pest control strategy against the True Chinch bug will include the application of a pesticide, and/or the introduction of pest-resistant grasses. Furthermore, because this pest prefers hot, dry, and sunny conditions, the true chinch bug population is sharply reduced in moist, warm, and humid climates; especially when heavy rains are present.

Weekly Pest Control Links Round-Up

Chinch Bugs Causing Brown Lawn Spots? 

If you are seeing brown spots on your lawn this year, there may be a chance you have chinch bugs. These pests (our pest of the week) feed on grass and can eventually kill it. More…

One Man’s Clutter Is A Pest’s Home 

There are several different kinds of pests that love clutter. Organizing and cleaning can go along way in helping to control spiders, mice, and bed bugs. More…

Pest Control Marketing Tip #2 – Homeless Man Learns Powerful Marketing Lesson! 

Pest Control Marketing guru Hal Coleman shares a true story about how a homeless man was able to dramatically increase the $$ people gave him by simply changing the wording on the cardboard sign he held. Click here to watch the video.

Prevent Bed Bugs from Going Back to School 

The new college semester has just begun, and there are a few steps you can take to prevent these tiny blood-sucking bedbugs from infesting your college dorm; a heavily populated place that bedbugs like to frequent. More…

Bulwark Awarded Angie’s List Super Service Award 

Bulwark Pest Control’s Las Vegas branch got some good news this week as they discovered they received the Angie’s List Super Service Award. To learn more about what it all means, click here.

A Brief History of the War Between Humans and Bed Bugs

The world has been battling bedbugs for centuries, and has discovered several different ways to eradicate these tiny pests over the years. To learn of their history, click here.

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Anthony Ball

Pest Of The Week: Pocket Gophers

Pocket Gopher by Tooth and Nail (Photo credit: USFWS Pacific)

Pocket gophers have dark brown fur, large heads, powerful necks, very short tails, and very large, broad front feet with enlarged claws, which they use in combination with their teeth; to dig and push mounds of soil to the surface. They are approximately the size of a small rat, and can reach 10 inches in length. Because this rodent uses it’s two exterior, fur-lined cheek pouches to carry food materials, it has earned the name Pocket gopher. More…

This Week’s Pest Control Links Round-Up

Guide To MPMA PestWorld 2013 In Phoenix

PestWorld will be coming to Phoenix, AZ October 23-26, 2013, and over 3000 pest management professionals are expected to attend. If you are one of the 3000 PCO’s, here is you guide to the nearby restaurants, hotels, events, and activities.

America’s #1 Nuisance Pest: Ants

It’s no question that ants are a nuisance, but did you know that ant infestations are on the rise. According to a recent survey conducted by the NPMA, 100% of people polled encountered an ant situation during the year: and 54% said the problem is growing. More…

How To Avoid Food Infesting Pests

Pantry pests like beetles, and Indian meal moths will infest your flour, cereal, grain, and sugar. For a few tips on how to keep them out of your food, click here

If You Give A Mouse A Cookie… 3 Practices To Avoid Mice Infestations

Sealing your gaps and cracks, taking out your trash, and setting a few mousetraps are all strategies in to combat mice infestations. For more information, click here.

Organizing Your Attic Can Prevent Pest Problems In The New Year

Modern Pest Services suggest your New Years resolutions should be to organize your attic to keep pests out. Here’s how…

FMC Pest Wire Top Tweets

FMC Pest Wire shares with us their most popular tweets from the past few weeks, here.

Crickets Chirping

Male crickets will commonly chirp, or rub their wings together against each other. The sound is designed to keep other males away from their territory, and it also is designed to attract females to the male for mating purposes. While the sound of crickets chirping may be pleasant and appealing to female crickets, it can be entirely bothersome to our own ears. More…

What Are Indian Meal Moths?

These pesky moths are notorious for damaging your clothing by munching on a variety of fabrics from silk to wool. More…

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Anthony Ball