Pest Control- Your Links For The Week

Pest Control Links Round-Up

Killer Bees Swarm Killing Texas Farmer

Imagine working on a tractor, when you happen to disturb a nest of bees in an old chicken coup. Before you know it 40,000 of these bees swarm and vigorously sting you too many times to count. More…

Honey Bees – Bumble Bees – Solitary Bees

Here’s a breakdown of several different types of bees and wasps that might make your summer an unpleasant one. More…

Using Wasps For Pest Control

Here is one of the best pest control articles I’ve come across in a while. There are a lot of beneficial insects out there, and parasitic wasps happen to be one of the more intriguing ones. You can even watch a wasp attack a caterpillar. More…

Pest Control: All You Ever Wanted To Know About Slugs & Snails

Although snails and slugs look harmless enough (just kind of gross and slimy, maybe), they are actually quite destructive to domestic and commercial gardens. More…

Top 10 Pre-Summer Tips to Pest Proof Your Home

Here’s a compiled list of the Top 10 pre-summer maintenance tips to pest-proof your home from Clark Pest Control. More…

Pest Of The Week: The Pharaoh Ant (Sugar Ant)

IMG_5570 (Photo credit: Kurt Komoda)

Pharaoh ants (sugar ants) are very tiny ants, measuring only 1/16th of an inch. They are a pale yellow in appearance, with red bodies, and darker shading near the rear of the abdomen. They are common in 49 of the 50 states; the exception being Alaska. These ant pests are found almost anywhere; infesting schools, hospitals, stores, restaurants, and of course residential and commercial properties. Pharaoh ants look to build there nest near sources of water and sugary food sources. These nests can consist of just a few ants, or as many as 2,000 members.

Pharaoh ants are notorious for being a significant pest control problem, especially in areas of Las Vegas, NV. One of the reasons they are so problematic, is because they are very challenging to control. Over-the- counter contact pesticide sprays do not work for Pharaoh ants. In fact, these sprays simply make the problem worse. After being sprayed, the ants will divide themselves into smaller colonies and make more nests around your yard. Professional ant control methods are needed to exterminate these ant pests.

Related articles

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• Five reasons to use pest control
• Suffering from Allergies or Asthma Attacks? Pests and Rodents Could Be the Triggers
• Stop Problem Pests in their Tracks: Exclusion

Anthony Ball

Pollination plays a crucial role in food production, which means that bees are intricately tied to the success of the process. Over the last decade, however, concern for these small pests has grown increasingly urgent, as bee colonies continue to see huge hive losses. The EU took action recently decided to ban neonicotinoids, the most popular insecticide in the world, for two years. Many believe that neonicotinoids are linked to the hive losses, including the European Food Safety Agency.

Beekeepers, charged with the task of moving hives into California to fertilize almond trees this year, scrambled to make that process happen. The situation on the west coast highlighted an issue that could have far-reaching consequences around the world. What does it all mean?

California Almond Orchards

Almonds are big business in California; they are the number one overseas agricultural export. The orchards are laid out across hundreds of thousands of acres, and in order to make sure the trees are pollinated properly, approximately one and half million bee colonies must be brought in to do the job. This year, because of the hive losses, the pollination process was only achieved through a nationwide plea to bring in the necessary number of bees.

Concerns For Food Production

The almond orchards are unique, in that they need a significant number of bees in order to complete the pollination process. Therefore, although other crops have not yet been affected by hive losses, they will be if the current trend does not begin to reverse itself soon. Some beekeepers reported losing half of their hives this year, and the bees that were left were not always as efficient and effective as bees from previous colonies.

The European Commission is certainly taking the situation seriously. They recently decided to ban neonicotinoids, the most popular insecticide in the world, for two years. Many believe that neonicotinoids are linked to the hive losses, including the European Food Safety Agency. The move comes as scientists are speaking out about how a shortage of bees will affect worldwide food production. While neonicotinoids are certainly not the only factor in play, they do seem to confuse bees and make them less likely to find their way back to their hives. They could also make the pests more susceptible to diseases. Still, there is some debate about exactly how harmful neonicotinoids really are.

U.S. Reaction

In response to EU’s ban and concerns raised by a number of commercial beekeepers and environmental advocacy groups, the Environmental Protection Agency is taking a second look at neonicotinoids. One way they hope to protect bees is by cutting back on how much neonicotinoid-contaminated dust is sprayed at planting time, since bees are particularly likely to come across the insecticide at that time.

Neonicotinoids are used prominently in the United States, particularly on corn, cotton, rice, grains, fruits and vegetables. The insecticide was widely accepted in the 90s because the risk of human exposure is low compared to previously used products. However, neonicotinoids remain present as plants grow and develop, which means there are a number of ways that bees could be exposed to them, something that was not considered when the insecticide was first introduced. Because of how frequently neonicotinoids are used, wild and domesticated bees are exposed to the insecticide often, which makes for a very uncertain future. Still, while neonicotinoids were present in damaged hives, the exact reason for hive losses can’t yet be pinpointed.

The only thing we know for certain is that there will be fewer bees this year than in years past. As the issue becomes more serious, both private citizens and Odessa pest control technicians are doing their part to help. Wild bees making a “nuisance” of themselves are more likely to be relocated than destroyed, which certainly helps. However, the losses of domesticated bees may be too great to overcome.

About the author: Chris is a blogger for a Texas based pest control company.

Related articles

• Beepocalypse Redux: Honeybees Are Still Dying – and We Still Don’t Know Why.
• EPA Slapped with Lawsuit over Ongoing Bee Deaths.
• Bees, neonicotinoids and pollination: moving forward

Guest Post Published by Thomas Ballantyne

Much of the eastern United States, including areas as far south as Georgia, are about to be overcome with millions of scary looking insects called cicadas. Swarms will be anywhere and everywhere. When they hatch, the ground will look like it is boiling. It’s a phenomenon that cannot be witnessed anywhere else in the world. Here’s what you need to know about these swarming bugs:

Swarms Of Cicadas To Hit Eastern U.S.

Welcome back cicadas! For the first time since 1996, after spending 17 years hiding underground, massive swarms of cicadas are set to descend on the eastern United States.

From New York down to Georgia, these noisy and menacing looking insects are expected to be everywhere and on everything. You will see clouds of them buzzing through the air. Clusters can range from tens of thousands to 1.5 million per acre. These cicadas, referred to as Brood II cicadas by scientists, will be stuck on the sides of your home and car. They climb buildings and trees. These cicadas are 17 years in the making.

Back in 1996, when Bill Clinton was the President of the United States and gas was a mere $1.21 a gallon, swarms of cicadas laid eggs in the soil. A single cicada female can lay as many as 600 eggs. These cicada eggs lay dormant under the soil for 17 years as the larvae grow. When soil temperatures reach about 64 degrees on the East Coast, which is expected any day now, the cicadas will hatch. When they do hatch from the ground, they’ll climb up your trees, shed their skins, and then transform into loud, obnoxious adults. They’ll lay their eggs in the ground and repeat the life cycle.

Within about six weeks, all of these swarming cicadas that crawled out of the earth will be dead … Hundreds of millions, if not billions, of them. You’ll see piles of them; so much that you may need a snow shovel to clean them all up off your property.

What Do Cicadas Look Like?

Brood II cicadas are about 1.5 inches long, or about the size of a quarter. They are an ominous black color with fiery red eyes that are set on the side of the head.

If you cannot see the swarms of cicadas, chances are you will definitely hear them. Their annoying buzzing sound can reach 90 decibels… That’s about as loud as a lawnmower. This buzzing sound has even caused permanent hearing loss for some.

Are These Cicadas Dangerous?

There’s no doubt that these cicadas are frightening to look at, but there in no reason to be afraid of these bugs. They do not bite. They do not sting. Despite their terrifying appearance, the cicadas are relatively harmless… Just loud, annoying and bothersome.

How Long Will The Cicadas Be Around?

In late May or June, when the soil temperatures reach a moderate 64 degrees, the cicada nymphs will begin crawling out of the ground. Witnesses describe the scene as something straight out of a horror flick. The ground will look like it’s boiling. Fortunately, the entire cicada cycle will only last about 6 weeks, wrapping up by the Fourth of July. After that, we won’t see the cicadas again until 2030.

What Can I Do About The Cicada Invasion?

Unfortunately, there isn’t much homeowners can do to prevent these swarms of cicadas from infesting their homes. It’s going to happen. You may need a snow shovel of sorts to clear away the piles of cicadas from your home. Make sure all doors and windows are tightly secured throughout the end of May until the end of June.

All entry points to your home need to be sealed up, or you risk these cicadas entering your home. Just remember, this cicada invasion will only last six weeks at the most, and will not be seen again until 2030.

Related articles

• The Cicadas Are Coming! The Cicadas Are Coming!
• They Have Been Waiting Seventeen Years
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Anthony Ball

 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

When was the last time you saw a monarch butterfly?

Think about it…

You may be thinking for awhile.

Growing up I used to watch in awe as these beautiful black and orange Monarch butterflies fluttered around my dad’s garden; and watched in amazement as they fed on my mom’s hummingbird feeder. I also remember growing them in elementary school, enjoying them develop from caterpillar to butterfly. I miss those days. Now that I’m grown I can’t remember the last time I saw one of these elegant creatures.

The truth is, butterflies like the Monarch butterfly have seemingly become more and more rare across North America. Monarch butterfly numbers are down almost 60 percent this year, marking the third straight year of a decline in numbers. Why are these beautiful butterflies disappearing?

The Decline In Monarch Butterfly Populations

Every winter, Monarch butterflies migrate from the United States and Canada, down to the fir tree forest mountains of Central Mexico. It’s during this migration when scientists perform an annual census to get an accurate count of the butterfly’s numbers.

This last winter, the Monarch butterfly populations were down almost 60 percent by most accounts. Shockingly, the butterflies covered just 2.93 acres of forest; down from 7.14 acres last year.

Since the inception of the butterfly census some 20 years ago, this is the lowest number of Monarch butterflies ever accounted for. This last migration also marked the third straight year of a decline in the number of butterflies; and a decline in six of the last seven years.

Scientists estimate that there are now only 1/15 the amount of butterflies in North America, and this has them worried. Some cities in Mexico that where used to seeing hundreds-of-thousands of Monarch butterflies each winter, are now seeing zero. This is alarming! The decline in Monarch butterflies is now a statistical long term trend.

Theories Behind The Monarch’s Decline

The World Wildlife Fund, who sponsors the annual butterfly census in Mexico, has offered a few theories behind this 15 percent decline in butterfly populations.

Decline of Milkweed. Experts agree that the decline of milkweed, in which the Monarch feeds, is one of the biggest contributing factors to the decline of Monarch butterflies. The loss of milkweed in the Monarchs’ summering areas in the United States and Canada also make it difficult for the butterflies to lay eggs. The few offspring that do hatch do not have enough food to grow to maturity.

Illegal Logging. The Monarch butterfly has a private reserve established for their wintering grounds in Mexico, but that hasn’t stopped some companies from illegally taking the Monarch’s much need fir trees. Illegal logging has devastated as many as 1,140 acres a year in the reserve.

Herbicides. Herbiciding of corn and soybean fields kills the butterflies’ much needed milkweed, in which they feed.

Unusual Hot & Dry Weather. Unusual hot or dry weather can kill the Monarch’s eggs, which in turn, means fewer adult butterflies.

Drought In Mexico. Monarchs don’t drink any water throughout their long migration until the reach Mexico, and the mountain streams in the area have been affected by drought and human use.

Agricultural Practices. The diversion of water and the use of pesticides to control milkweed have had negative effects on the Monarch’s survival. Without abundant water and milkweed, the butterflies die off because of hunger and dehydration.

Saving The Monarch Butterfly

The United States, Canada, and Mexico need to face the fact that it is their collective behavior that is killing the migratory phenomenon of the Monarch butterfly. No one country is to blame. These three countries need to work together to solve this problem.

Agricultural practices may need to be changed to give the Monarch’s a better supply of food and water. Herbicide usage needs to be addressed. Illegal logging activities need to be cracked down upon; with a more sever penalty for breaking the law.

Contact the World Wildlife Fund to see what they are doing to help save this beautiful butterfly, and to get more information on what you can do to help.

http://worldwildlife.org/species/monarch-butterfly

The Monarch Butterfly

The Monarch butterfly is possibly the most recognizable butterfly in the United States, so much so, that it’s the state insect of Alabama, Texas, West Virginia, Vermont, Idaho, Minnesota, and Illinois. They are also one of the most beloved insects in the entire world. Monarch butterfly enthusiasts often times plant gardens of milkweed to attract feeding butterflies.

Adult monarchs have been seen on a large variety of different nectar plants, but prefer that of the milkweed. They are often seen in meadows, fields, parks, gardens, trees, and roadsides.

The Monarch butterfly might be best known for its migration, which is an inherited trait. Every winter, Monarch butterflies migrate from the United States and Canada, down to the fir tree forest mountains of Central Mexico. No butterfly lives to make the round-trip. The millions of Monarchs cluster so densely on tree boughs in the reserves of Mexico; researchers don’t count their individual numbers, but rather measure the amount of forest they cover. It’s quite an impressive site.

Related articles

• Scientists see ominous decline in Mexico’s Monarch butterflies
• Where Have All the Monarch Butterflies Gone?
• Monarch Butterflies

Anthony Ball

Today is Earth Day! 

As PCO’s, let’s issue a public decree this Earth Day: 

Pest control professionals nationwide, make a pledge to join the hundreds of other PCO’s and go paperless! 

A Plea For Paperless Pest Control

A single pest control technician can use upwards of 10,000 pieces of paper each year. With the average tree only producing 16.7 reams of paper, each pest control technician is responsible for using 1.2 trees a year just to do their job. With the number of pest professionals worldwide, that equates to some 178 million trees that are no longer part of our ecosystem. 

Of U.S. manufacturing, paper production is the second largest user of energy and water; and third largest contributor to pollution. As a country, and as pest control professionals, we can help to change this. 

Pest control professionals nationwide, let’s make a pledge to join the hundreds of other PCO’s by going paperless! 

Paperless Pest Control

As a way to go green, save on costs, promote professionalism, and increase efficiencies; many pest control companies are trying to go paperless. Some have made the jump. Others are reluctant, or simply cannot because of roadblocks set by state legislature. 

One major barrier to paperless pest control is that certain states mandate PCO’s keep hard copies of records and reports. Other states say you must simply be able to provide these records if and when they are needed. What will it take to update outdated state laws nationwide, so that all pest control companies can go paperless? 

With the progression of technology, and efforts on Capitol Hill, a paperless scenario is looking more and more like a reality.

Paperless Reporting: NPMA Legislative Day 2013

With the advances of technology today, many pest control companies have gone, or are trying to go paperless. Unfortunately, PCOs have run into a major hurdle. Some states require pest control operators keep hard copies of pesticide records, use reports, and consumer info sheets—Even if a company has invested a large amount of money to go paperless. 

Pest management operators lobbied Congress last month at NMPA’s Legislative Day. Their plea for was for federal lawmakers to allow, not mandate, nationwide paperless pest control. Pest control operators hope this new legislation will give PCO’s the ability to keep records and reports digitally. Since each state’s laws are different regarding these records and reports, the issue needs to be dealt with on the Federal level. 

Pest management professionals argue that many of these state mandates were written in the 1970s and 1980s before people could imagine today’s technology.

Keeping Treatment Records: Government Roadblocks

All states in the US require pest control companies to keep treatment records. These records typically include: properties treated, pests treated on the property, applicator’s license number and the pesticide(s) used. Depending on the state and the pest treated, treatment records must be kept for at least 2-5 years. 

Many states are quickly coming around and accepting electronic submissions for these reports and a few progressive states are pushing forward for the complete digitization of invoicing and work orders. Most states, even if they allow a large portion of your records to be digital will still want a paper copy left at the customers location. 

Some state’s laws simply say that a company must provide treatment records. This means a pest control company can store these records electronically, and then print them off when needed. Other states require pest control companies to keep hard or paper copies of treatment records. 

As a PCO, work with your state and see if we can push these boundaries. Laws most likely state that a pest control company must provide a treatment record. Don’t just assume that you need to keep hard copies. Ask if you can keep digital copies, and print of these records when needed. 

If not, pressure your state government to update these laws to better match today’s technology.

Paperless office (Photo credit: Dimi15)

A Few Benefits Of Going Paperless

The benefits of going paperless are almost too many to count. Here are a few highlights: 

Increase Efficiencies—Going paperless not only saves a lot of time, but can also improve efficiencies. Time savings come from reducing the redundancy of work, meaning only doing something once. At first, a few minutes a day may seem trivial, but look at the actual data. In a pest control office with 5,000 active quarterly customers, nearly 8000 minutes can be saved each day across the company. Over the course of a year, that’s almost 50,000 hours! 

Save On Costs—Studies show, reducing paper by 60 percent results in an average savings per employee of $360. You also eliminate the costs of storing treatment records. The time savings and improved efficiencies alone can save a pest control company hundreds of thousands of dollars a year, depending on your techs hourly wage. 

Organization—Paperless efforts help to reduce office clutter in your office. It’s a lot easier to find a record with the click of a mouse, versus digging through boxes or filing cabinets of paper. 

Promotes Professionalism—The appearance of using up-to-date technologies, like those needed for paperless pest control, gives customers the perception that your up-to-date on all of the latest pesticides and pest control techniques. It’s good business! 

Helps Save Planet—Reducing the use of paper by 60 percent eliminates 200 pounds of greenhouse gas annually. Like I mentioned before, one tech going paperless can save one tree a year.

Bulwark Exterminating Goes Paperless

Bulwark Exterminating has made many efforts to go paperless over the past few years. Faxes sent to the company are no longer printed out, but go straight to email. Bulwark’s service tickets are also emailed to customers. Customers have the ability to access their invoices electronically, as they are now emailed directly to them; saving even more paper. Additionally, sales contracts can now be completed electronically. 

One of the most significant advancements for Bulwark’s paperless pest control efforts has been the company’s ability to carry out paperless routing. Bulwark Pest Control’s new propriety software uses smart phone technology to aid in service routing and customer satisfaction. This software has been implemented in all 12 of Bulwark’s branches. 

Each morning, technicians receive an email on their smart phones. With these emails, technicians are able to access their routes, customer contact information and custom service notes for each customers. This eliminates the need to receive their daily routes via fax or personally stop at the office before work to print off and collect unnecessary paperwork. 

With these combined efforts, Bulwark Exterminating has been able to successfully eliminate over 60,000 sheets of paper a month! Read more about these efforts, here.

Make Paperless Pest Control A Reality

Go Green (Photo credit: kenneoh)

Most pest control businesses have already deployed the majority of the infrastructure required to enable convenient electronic access, and a small investment will provide wireless and remote access. 

The first step is to provide convenient electronic access to pest control documents, from anywhere at any time. Additionally, the use of paper needs to be made inconvenient. It is critical to do both. If paper use is made inconvenient without offering a great alternative, there will be loud complaints by employees and technicians within the company. 

After all these years, and with the increase in technological advances, paperless pest control is almost within reach. Let’s continue to work together and make it happen!

Spread the word for paperless pest control!

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Anthony Ball

Head of a Black Carpenter Ant (Camponotus pennsylvanicus) (Photo credit: Thomas Shahan)

There is much confusion out there when it comes to Carpenter ants. Carpenter ants are frequently confused with termites, because they both nest in wood. The following article is intended for pest control professionals and homeowners alike, who are in need of some answers when it comes to identifying, and treating Carpenter ants. 

Knowing a little more about these Carpenter ants can help homeowners and pest management professionals take some preventative measures to minimize damage to homes. If it’s too late, and you fear that you may have a Carpenter ant infestation, please enlist the help of a licensed ant control professional who can administer the proper insecticides. 

The 3 Most Common Types of Carpenter Ants 

Across the lower 48 states, some 14 different species of Carpenter ant can be found in all their variety. Most share similar characteristics, like nesting in wood, but there are a few slight differences in appearance, geography, and habits. Here are the three most common species that threaten US homes: 

Carpenter Ant

Simply called the Carpenter ant (Camponotus vicinus), it is found primarily in the Pacific Northwest; but is also found in California, Idaho, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Montana, and Oklahoma. These ants have a black head, red thorax, and black abdomen. Like other Carpenter ants, this ant can be a serious structural pest. 

Western Carpenter Ant 

The Western Carpenter ant (Camponotus modoc) is a foraging ant that is commonly found in the states west of the Mississippi River. They have a dull black body with reddish legs. One easy way to distinguish the Western Carpenter ant from other ant pests is that this ant has a circular ring of gold colored hairs on its abdomen. 

Black Carpenter Ant 

The Black Carpenter ant (Camponotus pennsylvanicus), is the most common Carpenter ant pest in the United States. Found primarily in the Eastern United States, the ant is sometimes referred to as the Pennsylvania Carpenter ant. The Black Carpenter ant is distinguishable from other Carpenter ant species by the dull black color of the head and body; as well as white-yellow hairs on the abdomen. 

Pest Control For Carpenter Ants: 5 Steps 

When it comes to eliminating Carpenter ants, it’s not as easy as spraying them with a can of over-the-counter insecticide. These ants are tremendously resilient. While you may kill a few of the surface ants, a hundred thousand more may be hiding deep inside the nest. There are five basic steps that need to be taken to successfully eliminate Carpenter ants. 

Carpenter ant damage under the front window sill (Photo credit: 123yvo)

Step 1: Inspection. The first step in controlling a Carpenter ant infestation is to thoroughly inspect the suspect property. It is best to determine the nest’s location as specifically as possible. Look for the signs of Carpenter ants, including sawdust piles around dead or rotting wood. The nest may be located by careful and patient observations of worker ants, especially between sunset and midnight during spring and summer months when carpenter ants are most active. You can increase your chances of following workers to their nest by setting out cat food that is attractive to carpenter ants. Place the food in areas where you find workers. Sometimes sound detection methods are equally as effective. Listen for the chewing of wood. Carpenter ants tend to be noisy within their nest, so listening devices may be needed to help pinpoint the exact location of the colony. 

Step 2: Identification. Once you have discovered the ants, and/or the nest, you can now determine what type of ant is infesting your property. Different species of ant may require different treatment techniques. Specimens may need to be taken for positive identification. If the ants are found nesting in wood, you almost certainly have a Carpenter ant problem. 

Step 3: Recommendation. After inspecting your property, and identifying the type of ant pest, you will need a plan of action. Multiple treatments may be necessary to completely control or eliminate a Carpenter ant colony. Sometimes, Carpenter ant nests are hidden in wall voids, ceilings, attics, or hollow doors. It is usually necessary for an ant control professional to drill small holes inside your home to apply insecticide into the nest area. Occasionally, the answer may be as simple as removing a nest that is found in some decaying wood around the property. Another common recommendation is to remove conditions that are supporting the Carpenter ants (i.e. unused wood, tree stumps, etc.) 

Carpenter ant damage (Photo credit: Dave Bonta)

Step 4: Treatment. Treat Carpenter ant nests with a residual insecticide applied either as a dust or spray. You may need to drill small holes into wall voids, window and door sills, baseboards and other areas to reach the nest or major part of the colony. Pesticide dusts are particularly effective, as ant activity tends to spread the dust throughout the colony. For colonies in wall voids, inject an insecticide dust, such as Drione or Tempo, or inject voids with Premise Foam. 

When choosing an insecticide, opt for those containing active ingredients like chlorfenapyr, fipronil, or any of the pyrethroids (permethrin, cypermethrin, cyfluthrin, deltamethrin). For effective perimeter treatments, apply Temprid SC, Tempo, Suspend or DeltaGard G. 

Baits with active ingredients such as hydramethylnon, fipronil, and abamectin, are labeled for Carpenter ants. The colony can be controlled successfully if foraging ants take the bait to the queen. Place Maxforce Carpenter Ant Bait Gel on foraging trails, near suspected nest locations. 

Step 5: Evaluation. The key to long-term success in controlling and eliminating Carpenter ants is to follow up and assess the effectiveness of the measures taken. Additional treatments may be necessary to ensure the ants never come back. 

Ant Control 

As previously mentioned; if you are a property owner who is battling Carpenter ants, please seek the assistance of an ant control professional before attempting to exterminate these dangerous ants. 

Related articles

• The Carpenter Ant: Insect or Alien?
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• How to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants

Anthony Ball

Links Round-Up: 5 For Friday

Rasberry Ants Spreading Through Texas

The Rasberry ant (not raspberry) was first discovered in Houston, TX in 2002, but has now spread to 24 different counties in the state of Texas. They are now also found in North Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Florida. More…

NPMA Legislative Day in Washington – Clark Pest Control

Clark Pest Control participated in NPMA Legislative Day sending two executives, Here’s what they learned. More…

Bulwark Scorpion Control Makes The Evening News

With the scorpions making an earlier than usual appearance in Arizona this spring, residents were in need of some answers. CBS 5 News in Phoenix called Bulwark Exterminating for some those answers. Watch the video here.

Wolf Spiders: Pests or Diamonds

We’ve all had an experience with a wolf spider at least once in our lives. Here’s EnviroTech’s experience with the hairy looking spider. More…

Spring is Bee Season

Aww, spring is finally here… For some of the country anyway. Be on the lookout for hives popping up on your property. Here are a few tips on what to do, and what not to do, if you have a bee hive(s). More…

Pest Of The Week: Black Widow Spider

Female black widow spider guarding an egg case – Species Latrodectus mactans (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

One of the most recognizable, and perhaps the most feared, spiders in the United States is the Black Widow spider. This distinction comes from the female’s notoriously venomous bite. While the female Black Widow spider is generally shy in nature, she can become aggressive and bite when she is provoked, or when she is protecting her young. Her venom is one of the most potent venoms found on the planet. Only female Black Widows will bite humans. The males, who are brown and white in color, cannot bite because of their size.

The female Black Widow spider measures about 1/2 inch in length, with a shiny black body, long thin legs and large oval abdomen with a red “hourglass” pattern on the underside. Black Widows make their webs wherever there is water or other insects. They are common among the garages, patios, sheds, and storage areas of a home. Professional spider control methods are successfully used to eliminate them from around the home.

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• Seven Black Widow Spiders
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Anthony Ball

Gallinipper

If a regular mosquito was a smart car, than the gallinipper would be a Mack truck.

It’s the goliath of all mosquitoes. A biting bug that is so terrifying that it has emptied entire schoolyards of screaming children.

They are called gallinippers because it is believed they can nip a gallon of your blood. The worst part is that they are expected to invade South Florida in big numbers this mosquito season.

What Is A Gallinipper? 

We are headed to rainy season, and we all know that that means mosquitoes; and the largest blood sucking mosquito in the U.S. is the ‘Shaggy-Legged’ Gallinipper. The gallinipper, properly known as Psorophora ciliata, is easy to identify by its large size and the zebra-like pattern it has on it’s hairy legs.

Gallinippers favor cool shady areas with lots of standing water. These mosquitoes will lay their eggs in the soil, where they can remain dormant for several years before a heavy rain finally releases them. Adult gallinippers can fly upwards of two miles in search of a blood meal. Only female gallinippers bite, feeding on human or animal blood. They are also known to go after pets, wild animals and even fish. The voracious pests feed day and night–unlike everyday mosquitoes, which generally feed only at dawn and dusk.

The Gallinipper’s Bite 

The most notorious characteristic of the gallinipper is it’s extremely painful bite. When it bites you, you know it! One bite victim likens a bite to that of a tiny drill; another victim referred to a gallinipper bite as a stabbing knife. The gallinipper’s bite is strong enough to bite through clothing. Since the mosquito is so big, you’ll likely feel the gallinipper land on you before it is able to pierce your skin with it’s massive proboscis.

The mosquito got it’s name because of the amount of blood it can drink at any one time–gallinipper because it can nip a gallon of blood. The truth is gallinippers drink nowhere near a gallon of blood at one time. A victim would have to be attacked multiple times, by a huge swarm of gallinippers, before you would lose a gallon of blood.

Gillinipper’s Size

How Big Is The Gallinipper? 

The gallinipper is twenty times bigger then the average mosquito; about the size of a quarter.

Palm Beach County Mosquito Control expert Gary Goode says “it really lets you know when it lands on you… It practically breaks your arm. It’s almost impossible for the gallinipper to sneak up on you.

Gallinippers Invading Florida 

Every summer, depending on the rainfall, the Sunshine state braces for the swarms of mosquitoes that plague the state… including the gallinipper. The mosquito’s eggs that were laid last year could produce a bumper crop of the blood-sucking bugs this summer if Florida sees a soggy rainy season.

When the live gallinippers swarm, the phones start ringing off the hook at Palm Beach County Mosquito Control.

The gallinipper is found in the western most; flood prone, parts of Palm Beach County during the rainy season.

The Bad News About The Gallinipper 

• Are huge and intimidating—20x larger than regular mosquito

• Feed on human and animal blood

• Painful bites

• Frequently emerge after rain—which Florida gets a lot of

• Mosquito repellent does little to ward off the gallinipper, mostly because you’d have to use an entire can of DEET bases repellent before the massive mosquito would ever notice it.

The Good News About The Gallinipper 

• Don’t occur in great numbers in Central or South Florida

• Because of it’s size, it’s almost impossible for the gallinipper to sneak up on you

• Are not known to spread diseases like West Nile Virus

• Lifespan is only about a week

• Eat the larvae of their smaller mosquito cousins

• Continually sprayed by Florida mosquito control professionals to reduce numbers

The Truth About The Gallinipper 

The reports by the local media have made it sound like swarms of gallinippers are attacking Florida residents, drinking gallons of blood, slaughtering people by the thousands. These reports sound like something out of a made for TV movie on the Syfy Channel.

Gallinippers do exist. They have painful bites. Florida residents might see one or two this rainy season. Like all other mosquitoes, they do require a consistent pest control strategy to control their populations.

The real truth is that gallinippers will not break your arm when they land on you, and they won’t drink a gallon of your blood. The term “gallinipper” isn’t recognized by most entomologists, but over the past century, the word — and the insect — entered popular legend through Southern folktales, minstrel shows and blues songs, according to a report from the University of Florida.

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Links Round-Up: Pest Control Links For The Week

Spiderman Can’t Fight Spiders, Man

Although spiders can assist in keeping our homes free from pest control issues with other insects, they do in themselves pose a creepy and unnerving feeling in home owners and their guests. More…

Cockroach Control Tips for Maryland Homeowners – Inside, Outside – Where To Start

Here’s an excellent checklist of things to do to keep cockroaches out of the home. More…

Ants Are A Potential Danger To Your Home

Carpenter ants are a serious danger to a house, and, if these are found, a professional ant control company should be called. Learn more about these dangers by clicking here.

Why You Shouldn’t Be Alarmed By Daddy Long Legs Spiders

There are a lot of misconceptions out there about the daddy long leg spider. Some of the most common myths are that the spider is deadly, dangerous, poisonous, but can’t puncture your skin with its short fangs. Do you really need to be afraid of this spider? More…

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With spring finally here, now is the time to start treating yellow jacket nests. If you wait until summer, the problem will have escalated, and you will get stung. More…

Pest Of The Week: The Crazy Rasberry Ant

Also called the Crazy Hairy ant or Tawny ant, the Crazy Rasberry ant is a common ant invader in states like North Carolina, Florida, and Texas. The Rasberry ant (not to be confused with raspberry) was discovered in 2002 by Tom Rasberry in Houston, TX. Currently, the State of Texas is dealing with Rasberry ant infestations in some 20 different counties.

Crazy Rasberry ants are described as “crazy,” because of the rapid and random ways in which they move. The almost look like they are confused or lost. These ants are also hairy. Their bodies are covered with fine fuzz. They have slender bodies, and are reddish-brown in color.

Rasberry ants are hazardous, to electrical equipment; and to homeowners. They are also difficult to control. I you kill a Rasberry ant, a pheromone be released that summons other Rasberry ants to attack. In fact, it has been demonstrated that if you kill a hundred thousand Rasberry ants, millions of others will show up to their funeral. Scary! This characteristic makes Rasberry ants dangerous, and a serious pest control problem.

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