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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• Pests

Anthony Ball

Kudzu bugs are a relatively new sight in the south, arriving on the scene less than a year ago. As colder weather arrives, these pests are beginning to head indoors in search of warmth. It is important to remember, though, that the bugs should not be feared. They will not cause harm to either you or your property, although they do release a smell if they are stepped on, and their remains could leave a stain on your floor or countertops. If your home is showing signs of a kudzu bug infestation, the following information will help you manage your problem.

Complete a visual inspection of your property

You will not be able to entirely prevent kudzu bugs from congregating around your property. However, there are things that you can do to help. Spend an afternoon thoroughly examining the outer perimeter of your home. Look for cracks or crevices where the bugs could squeeze in; sealing up these holes should make a substantial difference in your infestation.

Consider the pros and cons of pesticide spray

Be aware that spraying pesticides is unlikely to be effective. Of course, spraying chemicals directly on the bugs will kill them, but the population is typically so large that simply spraying a few will not make a big difference in the grand scheme of things. You can spray around your door frames and windows if you would like, although it may be hard to target the right areas if you don’t have professional pest control knowledge.

If you do need to get rid of a few bugs quickly and you are interested in using a spray, look for something that has synthetic pyrethriod in the ingredient list; this will work the best to eradicate these pests. The names you are looking for include cyfluthrin, lamda-cyhalothrin, bifenthrin and permethrin. Those hoping to go green may be disappointed. Organic products generally don’t work that well with kudzu bugs, although if you are determined to give it a try, look for a product with pyrethrins in it.

While you may think it just a formality, it is always important to thoroughly go over the directions for any pesticide that you are using. A few precautions you may want to take include wearing protective eye gear and covering up or relocating any furniture, toys or other possessions in the path of the spray. Spraying is not a long term solution; it will kill the bugs that you are spraying, but it will not work to keep them away over time.

Use alternative indoor pest control methods

Spraying inside your home is basically ineffective, and you run the risk of pets or family members coming into contact with the poison. Therefore, the best tool to combat kudzu bugs is actually your vacuum cleaner. By sucking up the pests, you don’t have to worry about stepping on or crushing them to get rid of them. Be diligent about throwing out your bag, though; if you don’t switch it out on a regular basis, you will begin to notice a distinct odor.

A kudzu bug infestation can be very irritating. By using the tips included above, you may be able to get a handle on the problem without involving pest control specialists.

About the author: Mike owns and operates a Stamford Pest Control company, helping his clients deal with nasty and pesky home invaders like the kudzu bug.

Image Credit: Wikipedia

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Weekly Pest Control Links

What Are Bed Bug Heat Treatments?

Instead of simply spraying down the rooms of your house that have bed bugs, a different approach is taken. One that is much safer and healthier for you and your family. More… 

Pest Control Tips after Storm or Flood Damage

After hurricane Sandy, homeowners have been dealing with a lot of pest. Here are five steps to help control the pest population. Steps include: chemical barriers, dealing with leaks and moisture, making use of traps, and covering entrances. More… 

Pest Control: Fall Check List

Here’s a checklist to better control pests this fall:

http://www.mcdonaldpestcontrol.com/tampa-pest/pest-control-fall-check-list/

Carpenter Ants…Still Active In The Winter

When most people think of ants invading their home, they assume that the invasion will happen in the spring or summer months as this is the time when ant nests are working in full swing and quite visible. Despite what people think, some ants will enter your home during the winter if they choose. More…

Stink Bugs Return with a Flash

The signs of fall being here are everywhere: beautiful leaf growth, football season, hikes
and picnics and unfortunately, stink bugs. This has become an annual staple as th
ese bugs have become the bane of many homeowners all across the United States. More… 

Pest Of The Week: Boxelder Bug

Adult Box Elder Bug (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Boxelder bugs are a North American species of true bug, also commonly known as the zug, or maple bug. It is most often discovered on boxelder trees, as well as maple and ash trees. The adults are about a half an inch long, with a dark brown or black coloration, red wing veins and markings on the abdomen.

If disturbed, this true bug will release a pungent and bad-tasting compound, that is highly effective in discouraging predators and allows them to congregate; without being preyed on. However, their congregation habits and associated odor can annoy people, earning them the distinction; of a common pest and household nuisance.

Although boxelder bugs may occasionally pierce plant tissues while feeding, they are not known to cause significant damage to gardens and farmer’s crops, and therefore are not widely considered to be an agricultural pest; or significant bug control problem. However, during the cooler Fall months, boxelder bugs may invade houses, dwellings and structures, seeking a warm place to spend the Winter.

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Anthony Ball

A Stink Bug Invasion

As sure as the leaves change a vibrant red, orange, and yellow each fall, stink bugs make their way inside homes to escape the cooling weather. According to Michael Ruapp, entomology professor at the University of Maryland, 60 percent more of these stinky invaders will be flooding our homes this fall.

Brown marmorated stink bugs, characterized by the pungent smell they discharge when bothered or smashed, are mounting a fall invasion across much of the Atlantic United States. This summer’s record heat, which began earlier then usual and stretched through late September, aided in the stink bug’s strong resurgence. This extended summer heat allowed stink bugs to have two breeding cycles, which means they are poised to invade homes in record numbers.

During this home invasion, homeowners in states like Maryland, Iowa, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin will likely see a stink bug influx. The Mid-Atlantic States will see the most stink bug activity this fall. It’s not uncommon for a homeowner to see hundreds of these bugs clustered together inside a basement… A sight that tends to freak out most anybody.

Identifying Stink Bugs

Source: The Washington Times

Large Stink Bug Population Worries Fruit and Vegetable Farmers

Most people consider stink bugs to be a smelly pest problem, which simply requires the aid of a pest control professional to correct. The truth is stink bugs can be ruthless and devastating to crops. Farmers have reported that stink bugs destroy important food crops, like sweet peppers, corn, peaches, apples, soybeans, pears, grapes, berries, tomatoes and grapes.

The 2010 stink bug influx cost mid-Atlantic farmers $37 million, proving to be the most devastating year for apple crops damaged by the insect. Estimates of how much damage the stink bugs have done to this year’s crop are unavailable because the harvest has yet to be completed. What is known is that growers will need to spray more insecticides, even at the end of the growing season, to better protect their crop for the next year.

Officials at the United States Department of Agriculture have said that they are taking this stink bug problem very seriously, and that they are working hard to try and understand the most effective ways of controlling them.

What the Increase of Stink Bugs Means for Pest Control Operators

The National Pest Management Association has issued a warning to property owners that the stink bug population has increased, making infestations significantly worse this year. Because of the 60 percent stink bug population increase, pest control operators need to be prepared for an influx in stink bug related calls. Adjustments in sales and marketing efforts need to be made for the upcoming weeks, educating the public about stink bug control.

Pest professionals also need to be up to date on all the latest effective methods to best control these stinky and bothersome pests. New research has identified a pheromone that attracts male and female brown marmorated stink bugs. This pheromone has been synthesized and made available, perfect for stink bug traps.

Stink Bug Prevention for Homeowners

• Cover any vents, window, and doors with tight fitting screens.
• Seal up any holes, cracks, or that might allow stink bugs easy access into your home.
• If you do happen to get any of the bugs inside your home, vacuum them up with a shop-vac filled with hot soapy water. If using an upright vacuum, make sure it has a vacuum bag that is tightly sealed. Remember, do not crush the bugs or you will be smelling them.
• If the stink bug problem is persistent, contact a pest control professional.

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