Pest Of The Week: The Asian Cockroach

In most of the southeast United States, the Asian cockroach is commonly considered a considerable pest control problem. In highly infested areas of North Carolina, Florida, and Georgia; some 250,000 cockroaches per acre have been discovered. These cockroaches are not as common in urban areas, but can frequently be found in and around suburban and rural properties. They are excellent fliers, and are abundant outdoors.

Many homeowners confuse the Asian cockroach with the German cockroach. It is argued if these two species of cockroach are related, but there are a few many similarities. There are also a few differences between the Asian and German cockroaches. The wings of the Asian cockroach are usually longer and narrower, and they are also lighter in color than most German cockroaches.

No matter the type of cockroach that’s invading your South-Eastern property, you just don’t want any of these pests inside your home. They will eat your food and spread disease. Appropriate roach control measures must be taken to eliminate Asian cockroaches.

5 For Friday: Pest Control Link Round-Up

North Carolina Carpenter Ant Prevention

Black Carpenter ants are common ant pests in throughout much of the eastern United States; and in the Charlotte, NC area. These ants can be very destructive if left untreated, but there are a few things you can do to prevent these malevolent pests. More…

Deer Ticks And Lyme Disease In New England

Deer ticks, also referred to as blacklegged ticks, are largely responsible for the spread of Lyme disease. You New Englanders, watch out for this blood-sucking pest this spring. Here are a few preventive tips. More…

Bed Bugs Found in William Paterson University in New Jersey

Bedbugs are becoming more and more common in the dorms of Universities and Colleges across the United States. Looks like William Paterson University in New Jersey was the bedbugs’ most recent victim. More…

Freakish Football Sized Snails Invade Houston

You have to see these African land snails! They’re huge, they’re destructive, and they’re deadly! More…

Top 10 Tips for Landlords to Keep Bed Bugs Away

The bedbug battle rages on and tenants and landlords alike are looking for answers. If you are a landlord who doesn’t want their property infested with these tiny blood-suckers; read these 10 tips. More…

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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

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

Pest Of The Week: The Deer Mouse

Peromyscus maniculatus (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Deer mice are one of the most common rodent invaders in the United States. The Deer mouse get’s its name from its appearance. Its color resembles that of a deer with a dark tan back, and white legs and underbelly.

Deer mice are only distantly related to the common house mouse. Although closely resembling other species of mice, the Deer mouse has larger eyes and (often) two-tone coloring, which is typically a darker color over the back; with a white abdomen.

This rodent pest is very agile, and an excellent jumper and runner. Deer mice live in burrows that they make themselves, or occupy the abandoned burrows of other animals. They are active year round and don’t hibernate during the winter months. They do however prepare for winter by putting on body fat and storing seeds. They will eat fungi, fruit and seeds, as well as insects like the grasshopper, the beetle, the leafhopper, and a wide variety of caterpillars.

The Deer mouse is a known carrier of the Hantavirus, Lyme disease and bubonic plague. As such, this rodent pest has become the target of exterminators and homeowners; in the western United States.

Weekly Pest Control News: December 7, 2012

A Pest Control Florida University Recent Study Finds New Facts on Bed Bugs

After being chewed on by a bed bug, the human body can experience low blood volume, anemia, and have incorrect levels of iron and hormones. For a few more scary bed bug facts, click here.

Tips for a Pest-Free Holiday!

For a few things you can do to ensure your festivities are free from holiday hitchhikers, click here.

How To Inspect For Bed Bugs

Many of us will be traveling for the upcoming holidays, and fear bringing bed bugs home. Knowing what the signs of a bed bug infestation are will increase your chances of preventing a large-scale infestation from occurring. The sooner you notice the signs the faster you can call for help. More… 

School Yards Need Bird Pest Control

School custodians and University maintenance teams have their work cut out for them. Not only is there destruction from students and trash to pick up, but there are buildings to protect. Pest birds are a large problem in schools. More… 

The Twelve Pests Of Christmas

Click here for the Twelve Pests of Christmas, set to the classic Christmas carol.

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Pest Of The Week: The Arizona Bark Scorpion

Taken at noon, at around 104 degrees. This fellow was a temporary occupant of my garage. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Arizona Bark scorpion, is a small light brown scorpion; commonly found in the southwest United States. This scorpion pest is predominately found in the Sonoran Desert, however less toxic species have been discovered; throughout the Southern US. A nocturnal pest, the Bark scorpion prefers to ambush its prey; which often consists of crickets and/or roaches.

Considered the most venomous scorpion in North America, the number of Bark scorpion sting victims in Arizona; is estimated to be in the thousands each year. With that being said, fatalities in the United States are rare (only 2 recorded fatalities have occurred in the state of Arizona since 1968), and limited to small animals/pets, young children; and adults with compromised immune systems.

The venom from a Bark scorpion bite can inflict severe pain, coupled with numbness and tingling; typically lasting between 24 and 72 hours. Temporary dysfunction in the sting area is common and may cause victims to become immobilized, experience convulsions and/or shortness of breath. Due to the extreme pain caused by the sting, many victims describe the sensation of electrical shocks; after receiving a sting.

Bark scorpions, like most other scorpions, are incredibly resilient; and require a focused pest control strategy. In fact, lab experiments have frozen scorpions for weeks; and after being thawed, the scorpions emerged unharmed. Furthermore, during U.S. nuclear testing, scorpions (along with cockroaches and lizards) were found near ground zero; with no recorded adverse effects.

Remember, for scorpion control in Phoenix, Las Vegas, Austin, or San Antonio, contact Bulwark Exterminating!

Links Round-Up

$1 Million Hospital Bill After A Brown Recluse Spider Bite

Here is an unfortunate story about a law student who was bitten by a poisonous Brown Recluse and almost lost her legs. Despite saving her legs, the Michigan woman was burdened with $1 Million in medical bills. More…

Steering Clear of Hornets

Hornets are just fine if they’re outside, pollinating flowers eating other insects. But there are times when hornets just come too close to home. In fact, some hornets are comfortable making a nest around or even in your home, and this is something that cannot be tolerated. More… 

Bed Bug Detection: 3 Bugs That Could Be Mistaken For Bed Bugs

The Eastern bat bug, dust mites, and spiders are all commonly mistaken for bed bugs. To better understand these three pests that are commonly mistaken for bed bugs, click here.

Is Your Birdfeeder Causing a Rodent Problem?

It’s no secret that rodents are attracted to birdfeeders, but it’s not for the reasons you think. To learn more about this issue, and tips from eliminating rodents from your property, click here.

A Stinky Beast — The Odorous House Ant

For everything you want to know about this stinky pest, including treatment methods, click here.

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Anthony Ball

Friday Links Round-Up 

Beware the Emerald Ash Borer This Fall 

The larva of the emerald ash borer tunnel under the ash trees bark and block the systems that transport food and water. Without those systems working, the tree eventually starves to death. When this happens, the damage caused to cities, property owners and industries can range in the millions of dollars, and our ecosystems can be damaged permanently. More… 

Bell Introduces Two Soft Baits at PestWorld 

Once rodents eat FINAL Soft Bait, its single-feed active ingredient, brodifacoum, goes to work controlling even difficult-to-control mice. The Lumitrack in both products aids PMPs in identifying and tracking rodents by making rodent feces glow bright neon green under UV lighting. More… 

Frugal Dad’s Top Pest Control Blogs 

For an excellent compilation of pest control blogs, check out:

http://calipestcontrolblog.com/2012/10/15/frugal-dads-top-pest-control-blogs/ 

Bed Bug Services: How Do Bed Bugs Spread? 

For a very informative read regarding bedbugs, including how they are spread, the progression toward home infestations, and what you can do to prevent their spreading, check out:

http://www.resteasypestcontrol.com/blog/bid/231671/Bed-Bug-Services-How-Do-Bed-Bugs-Spread

Florida Tightens Regulations for Those Experiencing Bee Infestations 

Florida recently decided to begin enforcing a law that prohibits beekeepers from eliminating or relocating live bee colonies. The law requires infestations to be removed by a certified pest control expert, and many beekeepers lack the required license to continue relocating hives that are a nuisance to residents. More… 

Tragedy During a Roach Eating Contest 

Edward “Eddie” Archbold is seen in the above video grabbing handfuls of roaches, and tossing them in his mouth like peanuts. The 32 year old resident of South Florida passed away earlier this month after eating several dozen of those roaches. The man was competing in a roach-eating contest with the hopes of winning an ivory ball python from a local reptile store. More… 

Pest of the Week

English: Macro shot of Opiliones Harvestmen (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Harvestmen 

Harvestmen are more commonly known as “Daddy Long Legs,” and are not true spiders; but are very close relatives. They are dark brown with one body section (about a 1/2 an inch) and have long, thin legs; spanning up to 2 inches. Harvestmen do not bite or sting, they do not possess venom, and they do not create silk.

Very active at night, and often found in large numbers around structures and inside buildings, Harvestmen spiders are active hunters and provide excellent pest control services, to help homeowners eliminate insects, aphids, caterpillars, leafhoppers, beetles, flies, mites, slugs, worms, spiders and other harvestmen.

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What do free trial offers, auto repossessions, and do not call violations have in common with BED BUGS?

According to a recently released report by the North American Consumer Protection Investigators (NACPI), and the Consumer Federation of America (CFA), bed bugs and other landlord/tenet violations now rank among the fastest growing consumer complaints in the country.

Some pest control operators report being bombarded by do-it-yourself landlords who just want an invoice to satisfy city inspectors when they are reported by tenants. They don’t seem to care much about solving the pest problems; they just want bargain basement pricing.

Bed Bug Violations

It’s not just hotels that are having problems with bed bugs. Tenants are increasingly complaining that their homes and apartments are infested by these blood-sucking parasites. According to the report, the agencies received numerous complaints against landlords who failed to respond quickly and adequately, or at all, to bed bug problems.

Not only are bed bug violations cited as one of the fastest growing consumer complaints, they also rank highly in “The Worst” category. “The Worst” category is designated only to violations that cost the most money to resolve, have the biggest impact on a susceptible consumer, that have a high frequency of complaints, and are overall ridiculous in nature.

Consumer Complaint Survey Report

The joint agency report, released July 31, 2012, provides a national snapshot of complaints consumers make. It’s based on information from 38 different state, county, and city agencies from January-December 2011. The 38 agencies received 289,732 complaints last year, and were able to recover $146,714,069 through informal complaint resolution and legal action.

You can Read the NACPI/CFA report in its entirety here.

What it Means for Pest Control Companies

Customer Service

Bed bug complaints are still continuing to rise, and consumers are frequently left feeling vulnerable and taken advantage of by their landlords. As pest control operators, we need to instill confidence in our consumers during this vulnerable time by providing excellent customer service, and offer a surety that the infestation can be correctly resolved.

Marketing

Bed bug marketing efforts need to be geared to both landlords and tenants. Both need to be properly educated on the appropriate professional measures that need to be taken when an infestation is discovered. One contract with a landlord or property management company can offer big opportunities for a pest control operator. If one apartment has a bed bug infestation, it is likely that multiple apartments in the complex do as well. K-9 inspections can quickly identify exactly which apartments in a complex are infested.

Leasing Clauses

Some landlords have started to include clauses in their leases requiring tenants to pay a portion of the extermination costs. While this is legal in most states as long as it is part of the rental contract, consumers’ rights in this regard may vary from state to state.

As bed bug infestations and tenant/landlord violations rise, it’s important that pest control companies understand consumer’s rights in their state so they know where to best gear their marketing and customer service efforts.

What have been your experiences with tenant/landlord bed bug conflicts?

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After a recent visit from an exterminator declaring they were indeed infested with bed bugs the Wilmington Fire Station threw out mattresses, upholstered furniture and carpets, anything that might be housing the bed bugs.   And these little blood suckers cost more then a few drops of blood.  The total cost to the fire station was over $5000 between the loss of the furniture and the pest controller’s bill of $800+.

ABC reported on the matter first.  Also citing a CDC saying bedbugs are up by 500% over the last few years.  Considering that bed bugs had been virtually eradicated from the US over 20 years ago, that number doesn’t do the Bed Bug epidemic justice.

Fortunately doctors still have not found any serious health risks associated with bedbugs or the spread of disease through bedbugs.

Interesting points specifically about this bed bug case – Was it really necessary to throw out all the furniture?

Perhaps not, but throwing away old mattresses that need to be replaced anyways will certainly help cure a bed bug problem.  Perhaps consumers should consider the old adage, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

And prevention is easy.  A proper mattress cover will thwart any attacks made by bedbugs on your resting place. Yes, it really is that simple.  No need to pay $300 per room as some exterminators quote for bedbug treatments.

Get a mattress cover today so you can rest easy… pun intended.