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April 30, 2011

Everything you "Wood" like to know about Termites

The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) has created the Termite Hub, a central location for everything you "wood" ever want to know about termites - from FAQ's and prevention tips to current news. So I thought I'd share some of this information with you.

Termites silently chew through walls, floors, ceilings and even wallpaper with scissor-like jaws. They feast on wood 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. And with upwards of 2 million members in a single colony, they can cause serious and costly damage to a home in a matter of weeks or months.

While this may sound like the beginning of a horror movie, it is a reality that many homeowners face when they find that their home has been infested with termites. In fact, termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage every year. Worse still, is the fact that damage caused by termites is not usually covered by homeowners' insurance policies, making prevention and education key in protecting your home from termites.

If you're concerned that you have termites in your home or place of business, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

Dave's Pest Control
A Central Massachusetts Pest Control Company
www.davespestcontrol.net

Reference: www.pestworld.org

April 28, 2011

"Bee" Vigilant

There are several species of yellowjackets. These flying insects typically have a yellow and black head/face and patterned abdomen. Many say, the pattern resembles stripes. Signature to species, the abdomen pattern can help an entomologist or pest professional identify specific types of yellowjackets.

Yellowjackets nest in the ground or in cavernous areas such as eaves and attics. They feed on sweets and proteins and commonly invade outdoor activities.

These stinging bees can be found anyplace humans can be found. Check near recycling bins or other areas where sugars are common but keep in mind these pests also feed on protein.

Yellowjackets pose significant health threats to humans as they may sting repeatedly and can cause allergic reactions. Stinging insects send over 500,000 people to the emergency room each year.

Remain vigilant and call a Dave if you suspect yellowjacket activity. Control requires specialized equipment and safety precautions. Do not leave sweet drinks or meats in accessible areas. For example, clean up and remove food and trash after picnics and outdoor events.

If you're concerned that you have yellowjackets around your home or place of business, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

Dave's Pest Control
A Central Massachusetts Pest Control Company
www.davespestcontrol.net

Reference: www.pestworld.org

April 26, 2011

Lyme Disease

The blacklegged tick is named for its dark legs, which are a contrast to its pale body. Blacklegged ticks are sometimes called deer ticks. These ticks like to feed on the blood of white-tailed deer, which is why they are sometimes called deer ticks; and they can spread Lyme Disease.

Blacklegged ticks prefer to hide in grass and shrubs. So, when you are in an area where ticks are common, wear long sleeved shirts and pants, preferably light colored so ticks will be easy to detect. Tuck pants into socks. Use a tick repellent. When you return indoors, inspect clothing and skin thoroughly for ticks, including head. Wash clothes immediately.

If you're concerned that you have deer ticks around your home or place of business, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

Dave's Pest Control
A Central Massachusetts Pest Control Company
www.davespestcontrol.net

Reference: www.pestworld.org

April 24, 2011

Projects for Science Fairs

Dave's Pest Control has teamed up with Pest World For Kids*, a web site that explores pest ecology as the intersection between human-created habitats and animal needs for food and shelter. Designed for students and teachers in the elementary and middle school grade, the web site offers information resources, interactive learning games, science fair kits, and lesson plans that support national standards developed by the National Science Teacher Association and the National Council of Teachers of English.

Looking for a project to do for your science fair? Try these downloadable science fair kits. They provide everything you need to get started thinking like a scientist, from forming a question to communicating results of your experiment.

Here is one kit your kids might enjoy doing -- Which Came First: The Fly or The Egg?

Fruit flies are not only pests but they are also incredibly helpful in scientific research. For this project, you will start by observing the fruit fly life cycle. Then you will follow the scientific method to test how temperature affects fly development during their life cycle.
  • Age Range: Fourth Grade to Eighth Grade
  • Time Required: 2 weeks to 1 month or longer (if you choose).
  • Cost: Minimal - most materials are readily found in many home kitchens.
Click here to learn more about this science fair kit.

* Pestworld for Kids.org is part of the National Pest Management Association

Dave's Pest Control
A Central Massachusetts Pest Control Company
www.davespestcontrol.net

April 22, 2011

Termite FAQs - Part 3

Wood destroyed by termites
1. How are termites controlled? A pest control professional will come in and treat the problem so that you can live comfortably in your home.

2. What is the most effective type of termite treatment? The National Pest Management Association and the entire industry are committed to providing highly effective treatment options for all pest issues. The most effective type of treatment depends upon the severity of the infestation, the species of termite, and the location and construction of the home or building. A trained and licensed pest control professional can assess each infestation separately and recommend a rigorous treatment plan that will effectively control the termite population.

3. How difficult are termites to treat?
Termites are nearly impossible for homeowners to treat on their own. On the other hand, Dave's Pest Control has the training, expertise and technology to eliminate termite infestations.

If you're concerned that you have termites in your home or place of business, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

Dave's Pest Control
A Central Massachusetts Pest Control Company
www.davespestcontrol.net

Reference: www.pestworld.org

April 20, 2011

Her Majesty, The Termite Queen

Meet the Queen, compliments of National Geographic.

Fact: The Queen termite can produce 30,000 eggs per day ....that's 10,950,000 eggs per year!!!

So, if you're concerned that you have termites in your home or place of business, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.



Dave's Pest Control
A Central Massachusetts Pest Control Company
www.davespestcontrol.net

April 18, 2011

Termite FAQS - Part 2

Formosan subterranean termite
1. When does a homeowner see termites? Termites swarm in the early spring, depending on their geographical location.Add caption

2. What can a homeowner do to prevent termites? The most important thing is to remove the conducive conditions termites need to survive. Termites love moisture; avoid moisture accumulation around the foundation of your home.

Prevent termites by diverting water away with properly functioning downspouts, gutters and splash blocks. Reduce humidity in crawl spaces with proper ventilation. Prevent shrubs, vines and other vegetation from growing over and covering vents. Be sure to remove old form boards, grade stakes, etc., left in place after the building was constructed.

Remove old tree stumps and roots around and beneath the building. Most importantly, eliminate any wood contact with the soil. An 18-inch gap between the soil and wood portions of the building is ideal. It doesn't hurt to routinely inspect the foundation of your home for signs of termite damage.

If you're concerned that you have termites in your home or place of business, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

Dave's Pest Control
A Central Massachusetts Pest Control Company
www.davespestcontrol.net

Reference: www.pestworld.org

April 16, 2011

Time to Think About Ticks

The warm weather is back, and so are the warm weather pests. Among insects of great concern is the tick.

The brown dog tick (also known as the kennel tick) is found through most of the United States This tick feeds on dogs, but rarely bites people. Unlike the other species of ticks, its life cycle allows it to survive and develop indoors. The brown dog tick is found primarily in kennels or homes with dogs where it may be found hiding in cracks, behind radiators, under rugs and furniture, and on draperies and walls.

The adult is reddish-brown and about 1/8-inch long, and usually attaches around the ears or between the toes of a dog to feed. After feeding, a female may engorge to ½-inch long. She then drops off the dog and crawls into a hiding place where she may lay as many as 3,000 eggs. This tick is tropical in origin and does not survive Illinois winters outdoors. The brown dog tick is not an important carrier of human disease.

Preventing and controlling ticks around your home...
  • Make sure the property around your home is unattractive to ticks. Because ticks are sensitive to dry conditions and do not thrive in short vegetation, they are seldom a problem in well-maintained lawns. Keep your grass mowed and keep weeds cut. 
  • Clean up items that attract rodents which can carry ticks, such as spilled birdseed, and hiding places like old wood piles.
  • Free-roaming dogs and cats are much more likely to encounter ticks than those that are confined to the home or yard. If ticks are found on pets, contact your veterinarian for information about an appropriate tick treatment. 
  • Remove the occasional tick found indoors by vacuuming, seal the vacuum bag and place it in the trash. Owners of kennels or homes infested with the brown dog tick may wish to contact a professional pest control company for assistance.
If you're concerned that you have ticks in your home or kennel, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

Dave's Pest Control
A Central Massachusetts Pest Control Company
www.davespestcontrol.net

April 14, 2011

Termite FAQs - Part 1

Close-up view of termite swarm
1. What are termites? Termites are wood-destroying insects. Their presence dates back to the dinosaurs. While they play an important role in nature, experts estimate they cause $5 billion of property damage each year.

2. Are there different kinds of termites? Yes, the three major kinds of termites in the United States are dampwood, drywood, and subterranean. Dampwood termites commonly live in heavily forested areas of the country as they prefer wet wood; while, drywood termites, much more rare in the United States, prefer extremely dry wood. Subterranean termites require moist environments, live mainly in the soil and are the most destructive species.

3. How do you recognize termites? Depending on your geographical location, termite swarms should be visible in the early spring. Termite swarms can be confused with flying ants. Telltale signs of termite infestation include soft wood in the home, mud tubes in the interior or exterior of your home (often near the foundation), and darkening or blistering of wood structures.

4. How much damage do termites cause? Termites work 24 hours/7 days a week at damaging the wood in and around a structure. And, while they cause $5 billion in damage each year, there is no reason to think that termites cannot be controlled.

If you're concerned that you have termites in your home or place of business, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

Dave's Pest Control
A Central Massachusetts Pest Control Company
www.davespestcontrol.net

Reference: www.pestworld.org

April 12, 2011

Amazing Bugs You Probably Didn't Know Exist!

I thought this was fascinating, and so I wanted to share it with you!



If you have an insect in your home or place of business and you're not sure what it is, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

Dave's Pest Control
A Central Massachusetts Pest Control Company
www.davespestcontrol.net

April 8, 2011

Meet The Brown-banded Cockroach

Brown-banded cockroaches get their name from the two lighter bands they have across their dark brownish bodies. In addition to the distinctive banding, males have full wings, which reach beyond the tip of their rather pointed abdomens, but females have underdeveloped wings, much shorter than their broad, rounded abdomens.

Brown-banded cockroaches often hide their egg cases in or under furniture. These roaches tend to prefer warmer, drier, and higher locations than do any of the other urban pest roaches. They are often found in upper cabinets or in other rooms than the kitchens (food preparation areas) or bathrooms.

Cockroaches have been reported to spread at least 33 kinds of bacteria, six kinds of parasitic worms, and at least seven other kinds of human pathogens. They can pick up germs on the spines of their legs and bodies as they crawl through decaying matter or sewage and then carry these into food or onto food surfaces.

Recent medical studies have shown that cockroach allergens cause lots of allergic reactions in inner city children. They were even shown to cause asthma in children. These allergens build up in deposits of droppings, secretions, cast skins, and dead bodies of roaches.
Prevention:

Good sanitation and habitat reduction, along with vacuuming, surveillance, a baiting program, and some sealing of cracks can usually quickly reduce or eliminate a cockroach population.

If you're concerned that you have cockroaches in your home or place of business, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

Dave's Pest Control
A Central Massachusetts Pest Control Company
www.davespestcontrol.net

Reference: www.pestworld.org

April 6, 2011

Stink Bug Forecast

After a brutal winter that sent stink bugs into hiding, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) is warning homeowners that these pests will become active again with the warm weather – and that their growing populations are likely to make infestations significantly worse than in previous seasons.

”Findings from the U.S. Department of Agriculture on the size of overwintering populations support NPMA’s prediction that this season’s stink bug population will be larger than in the past,” says Jim Fredericks, director of technical services for the NPMA. “As the weather warms, stink bugs emerge from overwintering sites and try to exit structures, but sometimes they enter our living spaces instead.”

“Although these smelly pests do not pose serious property or safety threats to homeowners, their tendency to invade homes in high numbers can be a nuisance,” says Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for the NPMA. “Luckily, there are steps people can take to prevent stink bugs from entering their homes.”

NPMA offers the following tips:

* Seal cracks around windows, doors, electrical outlets, ceiling fans and light switches.
* Replace outdoor lighting with yellow bulbs, which are less attractive to stink bugs.
* Repair damaged window screens. Also screen attic and crawlspace vents.
* Use a vacuum to eliminate stink bugs indoors. Seal vacuum’s contents in a plastic bag and dispose of it immediately.

If you're concerned about stink bugs in your home or place of business, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

Dave's Pest Control
A Central Massachusetts Pest Control Company
www.davespestcontrol.net

Reference: www.pestworld.org

April 4, 2011

Did You Know...Plague Triva

Although the plague is often believed to be an historical disease, did you know that about 10-15 people in the Untied States contract this flea-borne illness each year?

The most famous symptom of bubonic plague is painful, swollen lymph glands, called buboes. These are commonly found in the armpits, groin or neck. Due to its bite-based form of infection, the bubonic plague is often the first step of a progressive series of illnesses.

Two other types are pneumonic and septicemic. However, pneumonic plague, unlike the bubonic or septicemic, induced coughing, and was also very infectious and allowed person-to-person spread. Bubonic plague symptoms appear suddenly, usually 2–5 days after exposure to the bacteria. Symptoms include:

* Chills
* General ill feeling (malaise)
* High fever (102 degrees fahrenheit / 39 degrees celsius)
* Seizures
* Smooth, painful lymph gland swelling called a bubo, commonly found in the groin, but may occur in the armpits or neck, most often at the site of the initial infection (bite or scratch)
* Pain may occur in the area before the swelling appears

Dave's Pest Control
A Central Massachusetts Pest Control Company
www.davespestcontrol.net
Call Dave at 1-800-400-6009.

Reference: www.pestworld.org

April 2, 2011

Termites At Work

Here is an excellent look into the world of termites and the damage they cause, compliments of pest control folks from Down Under. (That's Australia, mates!)



If you're concerned that you have termites in your home or place of business, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

Dave's Pest Control
A Central Massachusetts Pest Control Company
www.davespestcontrol.net