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

 

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.

Related articles

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Anthony Ball

If you’ve had rodent problems before, then you are probably aware about how challenging it is to get rid of these destructive critters. Rats and mice are the most common types, but another rodent that is also known to wreak havoc to properties is the vole. Once any type of critter has set up house in your property, it becomes a battle. You need to defend your home from these creatures that damage property and possessions. More importantly, you have to get rid of these animals because they can also bring dangerous diseases.

Because you do not want to have rodents around, you should seriously consider what sort of preventive measures you can take. It is definitely better to put a stop to things before they even begin rather than suffer the consequences of negligence. So, there are several ways to deter rodents, and one factor that you can focus on is odor. This is because mouse, rats and other creatures are attracted to certain scents. Hence, you should get rid of certain smells from your home to avoid attracting pesky animals.

Smells that Mice and Rats Like

Rodents are scavengers, and so they are drawn to the smell of food. The scents of meat and meat products, as well as oils from pork or beef are particularly attractive. Because these creatures require carbohydrate-rich foods for energy, they are naturally drawn to food items such as cereals, breads, rice grains, and root crops, like potatoes and yams. Peanut butter is particularly tempting to mice, which is why it’s often used as bait. All in all, odors that are appealing to humans are also very enticing to rodents.

Should You Use Food as Bait?

The thing about rodents is that they have a very keen sense of smell. In case you want to use food as bait, this could be counterproductive as you might only be attracting more rodents into your home instead of catching them or keeping them away. So, what are your options?

1. Reduce attractive odors.

As mentioned, the smell of food attracts rats and mice. But there are many things that you can do to reduce or remove odors that entice rodents. Keeping kitchen counters and cooking stations clean is very helpful. After preparing and serving food, wipe counters with a sponge dipped in a warm and soapy solution. Rinse and then wipe again until surfaces are pretty much dirt and odor free. Then, get an antibacterial solution or maybe rubbing alcohol and use this to wipe surfaces. This will keep things sanitary and get rid of food odors too. In addition to this, always clean up after juice or food spills.

2. Keep food in secure containers.

When you are leaving food to eat later or in case there are leftovers, keep these in tightly sealed containers. Also, instead of leaving sweets or meats on tables or counters, put these inside your refrigerator.

3. Dispose of garbage properly.

Throw garbage out regularly. Don’t leave a bin filled with food scraps inside your house overnight as this will attract rodents. Put food in a plastic bag and throw this in a garbage bin that has a secure cover. It will also be best to put some space between your bin and main house so that in case the bin draws in rodents and other pests, these critters won’t find your house immediately.

Citations:

• 3n. “Jack’s rat is named Terri Schiavo”. October 15, 2005. Online image. Flickr. January 7, 2013.

Claire Lassiter is a freelance writer who has been writing about pest management since 2008. She covers issues about environmentally friendly pest control, and she writes about all sorts of pests often found in homes. She also blogs for Rove Pest Control, which is a company that provides first-rate pest control services.

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\
Thomas Ballantyne

Best Of 2012: Year End Links Round-Up

 

Here a a few links to some of the best pest control articles and blogs we’ve come across this year. Enjoy!

General Pest Control 

Home Pest Control Slows The Need For Home Improvement

http://www.propacificpestcontrol.com/2012/pest-control/home-pest-control-slows-the-need-for-home-improvement/

Pest Control Tips For The Whole Family

http://www.abridgehome.com/2012/12/02/pest-control-tips-for-the-whole-family/

What is a pest inspection and why would I need one?

http://dialonepestcontrol.com/what-is-a-pest-inspection-and-why-would-i-need-one/

Borax vs. Boric Acid for Pest Control: Safe and Effective?

http://www.momprepares.com/2012/08/27/borax-vs-boric-acid-for-pest-control-safe-and-effective

Five Sustainable and Fascinatingly Fun Pest Management Techniques

http://blogs.worldwatch.org/nourishingtheplanet/five-sustainable-and-fascinatingly-fun-pest-management-techniques/

Can Pest Control Add Value to your Home?

http://pestinc.net/can-pest-control-add-value-to-your-home/

Scent as Pest Control?

http://scentsciences.wordpress.com/2012/10/18/scent-as-pest-control/

Benefits of Organic Pest Control

http://joshuaspestcontrol.com/benefits-organic-pest-control/

Why Hire a Pest Control Pro?

http://www.resteasypestcontrol.com/blog/bid/210286/Why-Hire-a-Pest-Control-Pro

5 Mistakes Hiring a Residential Pest Control Exterminating Company

http://eliminexpestcontrol.com/wordpress1/2012/06/28/5-mistakes-hiring-a-residential-pest-control-exterminating-company-suffolk-nassau-long-island-ny/

Honey Bees – The Good and The Bad

http://www.horizonpestcontrol.com/blog/honey-bees-the-good-and-the-bad/

Africanized Bees on Attack in Arizona!

http://pestcontrolmesaaz.com/africanized-bees-on-attack-in-arizona/

Kudzu Bug Prevention This Fall

http://pestcontrolatlantaga.com/2012/10/kudzu-bug-prevention-this-fall/

A History of Pest Control Methods

http://www.accuracypluscalifornia.com/pest-control-blog/a-history-of-pest-control-methods/2012/08/

Tulsa Man Shares His West Nile Virus Survival Story

http://pestcontroltulsaok.com/2012/09/tulsa-man-shares-his-west-nile-virus-survival-story/

Swarming Bees Attack Houston Women Killing Her Dog

http://pestcontrolhoustontx.net/2012/09/swarming-bees-attack-houston-women-killing-her-dog/

Don’t Stop Pest Control Appointments, Despite the Economy

http://www.bugsbybrian.com/blog/pest-control/dont-stop-pest-control-appointments-economy

 

Pest Control Business & Marketing  

Yelp Penalty – Pest Control to Jewelers

http://pestcontrolseo.wordpress.com/2012/10/18/yelp-penalty-pest-control-to-jewelers/

Pest Control Marketing – How to get more referrals FAST!

http://pestcontrolmarketer.com/pest-control-marketing-how-to-get-more-referrals-fast/

Pest Control Business – What Are Your Options?

http://fordifferent.com/pest-control-business-what-are-your-options

Why Small Businesses Should Adopt SEO and Online Marketing 

http://www.seenbest-web-design.com/techclub/why-small-businesses-should-adopt-seo-and-online-marketing/

Pest Control Marketing 1

http://www.squidoo.com/pest-control-marketing-1

 

Pest Control News & Stories  

USDA Awards $33 Million for Pest Management Research

http://calipestcontrolblog.com/2012/12/10/usda-awards-33-million-for-pest-management-research/

Genetically Modified Cotton Brings Back Nature’s Pest Control: Predators

http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/80beats/2012/06/16/genetically-modified-cotton-brings-back-natures-pest-control-predators/#.UNSp4OQ0V8E

New Restrictions on Pest Control Operators Will Help Prevent Pesticide Pollution

http://claycord.com/2012/07/16/new-restrictions-on-pest-control-operators-will-help-prevent-pesticide-pollution/

Discovery of Endangered Spider In San Antonio Brings $15 Million Highway Project to A Halt

http://pestcontrolsanantonio.com/2012/10/discovery-of-endangered-spider-in-san-antonio-brings-15-million-highway-project-to-a-halt/

Thief Steals Van- Finds It Filled With Scorpions, Spiders, & Creepy Crawlies

http://pestcontrolmesaaz.com/thief-steals-van-finds-it-filled-with-scorpions-spiders-creepy-crawlies/

Search and Rescue Cockroaches

http://pestcontrolcharlottenc.com/2012/09/search-and-rescue-cockroaches/

Tragedy During a Roach Eating Contest

http://pestcontrolraleighnc.com/2012/10/tragedy-during-a-roach-eating-contest/

Chimney Pests Attack Santa

http://www.bulwarkpestcontrol.com/community/chimney-pests-attack-santa.htm

 

Ant Control  

How to Prevent and Treat Fire Ants

http://www.lloydpest.com/2012/08/how-to-prevent-and-treat-fire-ants/

 Argentine Ants – The making of super colonies!

http://www.clarkpest.com/blog/bid/78129/Argentine-Ants-The-making-of-super-colonies

World’s Most Venomous Insect Found in Arizona

http://pestcontrolmesaaz.com/worlds-most-venomous-insect-found-in-arizona/

The Most Common Ant Invaders of Southern Utah

http://pestcontrolstgeorge.com/2012/10/the-most-common-ant-invaders-of-southern-utah/

Ant Infestations On the Rise

http://missouripublicadjuster.org/2012/06/01/ant-infestations-on-the-rise/

What Ants Can do to Your Home

http://www.espest.com/what-ants-can-do-to-your-home/

 

Scorpion Control 

Scorpion Control Could Save You $83,000

http://pestcontrolphoenixaz.net/Pest-Control/2012/09/scorpion-control-could-save-you-83000/

Tips On Handling A Scorpion Sting

http://pestcontrolstgeorge.com/2012/09/tips-on-handling-a-scorpion-sting/

Is it a spider? Is it a scorpion? What is it?

http://pestcontrolmesaaz.com/is-it-a-spider-is-it-a-scorpion-what-is-it/

Scorpion Questions & Scorpion Answers

http://pestcontrolseo.wordpress.com/2012/06/29/scorpion-questions-scorpion-answers/

Scorpions

http://agrilife.org/smithcountyagriculture/2012/06/04/scorpions/

 

Roach Control  

Tony Romo: Roach Exterminator

http://pestcontrolaustintx.com/2012/10/tony-romo-roach-exterminator/

Do-It-Yourself Cockroach Control

http://pestcontrolsanantonio.com/2012/10/do-it-yourself-cockroach-control/

Suggestions to Have Efficient Roach Control Sacramento

http://pestcontrolsacramento.wordpress.com/2012/08/14/suggestions-to-have-efficient-roach-control-sacramento/

HOW TO GET RID OF ROACHES!

http://allamericanpestcontrol.com/how-to-get-rid-of-roaches/

 Can Roaches Survive A Nuclear Blast?

http://preferredpestcontroloc.com/orange-county-pest-control-blog.php/can-roaches-survive-a-nuclear-blast/

 

Spider Control 

Spider Identification: Common Southern California Spiders

http://homefrontpestcontrol.com/spidcommon-southern-california-spiders/

$1 Million Hospital Bill After A Brown Recluse Spider Bite

http://pestcontrolaustintx.com/2012/11/1-million-hospital-bill-after-a-brown-recluse-spider-bite/

How to Identify a Possessed Spider This Halloween

http://www.bulwarkpestcontrol.com/community/how-to-identify-a-possessed-spider-this-halloween.htm

Tulsa Facing Invasion of Black Widows

http://pestcontroltulsaok.com/2012/11/tulsa-facing-invasion-of-black-widows/

Spider Control- Identifying and Treating Spider Bites

http://www.bulwarkpestcontrol.com/community/spider-control-identifying-and-treating-spider-bites.htm

 

Rodent Control  

Mice Pest Control

http://bestwaytogetridofmices.com/mice-pest-control/

Diseases Transmitted By Rats & Mice In The United States

http://www.propacificpestcontrol.com/2012/rats/diseases-transmitted-by-rats-mice-in-united-states/

Rodent Control | Rats and Mice Infestation

http://www.1300pestcontrol.com.au/rodent-control/

The Thing That Makes Rat Control So Essential

http://doyourownratcontrol.wordpress.com/2012/06/27/the-thing-that-makes-rat-control-so-essential/

What You Should Know About Squirrel Removal

http://garden-and-pest-control.com/886/what-you-should-know-about-animal-control-re-squirrel-removal/

 

Bed Bugs 

Must Treat Entire Building To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs

http://www.heritagepestcontrolnj.com/blog/2012/11/30/must-treat-entire-building-to-get-rid-of-bed-bugs/

Don’t Let Bedbugs Ruin Your Vacation

http://pestcontrolatlantaga.com/2012/08/dont-let-bedbugs-ruin-your-vacation/

Houston Ranks 12th in Top Bedbug Cities

http://pestcontrolhoustontx.net/2012/09/houston-ranks-12th-in-top-bedbug-cities/

 Charlotte Bedbugs Infest Democratic National Convention Hotels

http://pestcontrolcharlottenc.com/2012/09/charlotte-bedbugs-infest-democratic-national-convention-hotels/

Managing Bed Bugs in Dorms

http://www.modernpest.com/blog/managing-bed-bugs-in-dorms/

 

Termite Control  

Atlanta Termite Control

http://pestcontrolatlantaga.com/2012/10/atlanta-termite-control/

4 Types of Termites

http://www.dugaspestcontrol.com/termite-control/4-types-of-termites

Using Bait Systems to Control Termites

http://www.republicpest.com/using-bait-systems-to-control-termites/

Termites…An Age Old Problem

http://www.pattontermiteandpest.com/2012/05/termites-an-age-old-problem/

Dealing With Indiana Termites

http://www.yespestpros.com/pest-control/dealing-with-indiana-termites/

 

Related articles

• Weekly Pest Control Round-Up
• Weekly Pest Control Links Round-Up
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Anthony Ball

Pest Of The Week: The Eastern Gray Squirrel

 

In most of North America, the most common variety of squirrel encountered in urban areas, is the Eastern Gray squirrel; or Grey squirrel (Canada). These rodent pests have spread across the United States, and are often discovered in parks, backyards (urban) and farmlands (rural). In fact, in many areas the Eastern Grey squirrel has largely displaced the native Red squirrel.

As the name suggests, the Eastern Gray squirrel is characteristically covered in gray fur, but it can also display a reddish color. This rodent pest has a white underside, and a large bushy tail. The head and body length ranges from 23 to 30 cm, with an additional 19 to 25 cm, to account for the tail.

Eastern Gray squirrels build a type of nest, known as a drey, commonly found in forks of trees. However, they may also build a nest in the attic or in the exterior walls of homes and dwellings, creating a pest control problem for unsuspecting homeowners and tenants.

 

This Week’s Pest Control News

 

NJ Pest Control Warning: Don’t Bring Bed Bugs Home For The Holidays

Here are a few pointers from ChemTec Pest Control in New Jersey on avoiding bedbugs over the holidays. Click here.

Fleas On Dogs – What Can Be Done For Dog Fleas

If you have any dogs in the home, there is a high chance that you have had fleas and would know how irritating these little pests can be! They can feed on the blood of your dog and can make it unhealthy so we need to take action right away! More…

Pest Control Marketing Lessons Learned The Hard Way In 2012: The Secret to Marketing Smarter In 2013

Here are a few mistakes pest control professionals are making in there marketing efforts. Remember, true masters not only learn from their own mistakes but from the mistakes of others. To see if you are making any of these pest control marketing mistakes, click here.

Reasons to Hire a Professional Pest Control Agency

For a few good reasons on why you should hire a professional exterminator, including pest identification, effective pest elimination, and prevention plans and maintenance; click here.

Warning: Pests May Be Lurking In Your Stored Christmas Decorations

Before pulling the Christmas decorations out of storage, and before you decorate your home with all of those lights, wreaths, candles, and of course the Christmas tree; there are a few things you need to do so you don’t set forth a full on pest infestation inside your home. More…

 

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Anthony Ball

Haven’t you heard? According to popular belief we eat spiders at night while we sleep! Is this possible? Do we eat spiders while sleeping? Granted some spiders are very very small. It is believable that small spiders may be able to slip into your mouth and stomach unnoticed. But one Florida Exterminator argues otherwise:

You may well have heard this idea being thrown around all over the place: apparently we unwittingly swallow a steady diet of spiders in our sleep. As our mouths loll open, passing arachnids find themselves strangely compelled to crawl in, where we cheerfully gulp them down without knowing. Makes you shudder doesn’t it? Well before you start wearing a surgical mask to bed, you’ll be pleased to hear that this is just an urban legend.

Over the past few years, the idea has been trotted out all over the internet and beyond. Some sources say the average is seven in an entire lifetime, while others insist it’s eight in a single year. Even the lowest estimates are significantly higher than the true figure – zero.

http://www.mcdonaldpestcontrol.com/tampa-pest/pest-control-experts-set-it-straight-we-do-not-eat-spiders-in-our-sleep/

The writer proceeds to give a short history on the origins of this myth. Great read. The point that he underscored that most professional spider exterminators will appreciate is this, Why would a spider travel into your mouth? Most spiders don’t just wonder around aimlessly. Many spiders will rarely leave their webs. Those that do travel about at night are often hunting spiders. So perhaps you swallowed a fly, and you don’t know why. So you swallow a spider to catch the fly… Kidding. Really great article by our fellow exterminator. Bulwark Exterminating gives you two thumbs up.

Back to the question at hand, now that we have some opposing views. What do you think?

Do we eat spiders at night?

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So just having a little fun here, but I decided to test some popular lines and slogans adding a pest control twist…

Out of the Strong came forth pest control.

Bug Tested, Mother Approved.

Have pest control your way.

Good to the last bug.

Is it Live or is it pest control?

Taste Great, Less Bugs.

The lighter way to enjoy pest control.

Why have cotton when you can have pest control?

Obey your exterminator.

Let your bugs do the walking.

The pest control that smiles back.

The future’s bright. The future’s pest control.

I am a defensive wall.  – (Bulwark)

Don’t bumble with the B.

Licensed to kill. Literally.

I kill things for a living.

Buenas Noches Roaches.

Hey… It’s FRIDAY! Hope you have a rocking weekend.

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A Promoted Tweet on Pest Control term by an electrical company?

“Technology has to be invented or adopted.”  – Jared Diamond

Okay so this a cool quote and all, but why?

Why would GE want to promote this tweet on the pest control stream? Where is the connection? Did someone just do some keyword research and find pest control related to technology?  Are exterminators a large consumer of light bulbs? Sorry, just not getting it.  Pest Control Technology… Hmmm…. I mean there is a pest control technology magazine. And I often feel that Bulwark Exterminating is becoming more of a technology company than a residential pest control service… but still not getting the full picture here.

I guess the plus side to this is that I am blogging about this simply out of awe. But does it make me more inclined to buy from the promoter of said tweet?

 

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Transcript from Scorpion Control -Where do Scorpions Live:

Pest Control Professional Speaking: “A lot of times, what you’ll find are these guys out by the brick walls. These cinderblock walls run all along the backs of each home, and so we call these scorpion condos because they can travel freely through the walls and reproduce in there and cause quite a bit of problem. It’s common to come out to your back wall and find dozens of these throughout the whole yard.”

“A lot of times they’ll stay here, but when you start providing water supplies closer and closer to your home, they eventually work their way into your home. Here’s an example of a smaller one inside the crack moving around in there. He’ll go back inside there and find a hole that will go throughout the brick here and he’ll be safe.”

“They thrive in there because they have no natural predators, so it’s a perfect environment for them because they can come out at night, obtain all of the food they need, and then return back into the wall and again, without any type of treatment, these guys will go without any type of anything to kill them off and they’ll infest neighborhoods by the thousands.”

- Bulwark Exterminating Scorpion Control

Bulwark Exterminating made it’s first appearance ever in the PCT Top 100 this year ranking #31. But being in the top 100 doesn’t make Bulwark a big company. Bulwark is still a little fish in a big pond. Dwarfed in size compared to Orkin and Terminix, Bulwark is still small enough to care, but big enough to do it right. Here is a visual break down of other stats from PCT’s Top 100 pest control service list.

http://66.181.99.28/PCT0511_top100list.aspx

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Please share this and if you would like to embedded it on your website then please give Bulwark proper attribution.

What’s the Risk? What’s the Payout?  Should you, a pest control operator, offer a warranty/ guarantee for Bed Bugs?  Anyone that has done their research knows the difficulty in offering a Bed Bug elimination guarantee.  Whether it be for single family homes, apartments, hotels, or furniture rental companies.  Weather you are a large multi-million dollar company or a small local establishment.  Right now Bed Bugs are swooping in to this nation from afar bringing back memories of the 40’s and 50’s.   Except now pest professionals and proven pesticides are restricted by our government and that may cause this pandemic to get worse before it gets better.   Not only are pest professionals fumbling to find the most effective way to treat, but they must decide on whether or not to guarantee that service.   There are several risks involved.  Are they worth the consequences?   If you plan to wait for the right tools to offer such a guarantee as you would with spiders or crickets, what would you do until then?  One thing is for certain there is money to be made.

 

I think we need some industry feedback to draw a  conclusion. What do you think?