More Pest Trivia

• Cockroaches are believed to have originated more than 280 million years ago, in the Carboniferous era.
• The use of DDT nearly wiped out bed bugs at the end of WW II but experts believe that the ban of DDT in 1972 has contributed to the resurgence of bed bugs.
• Termites eat non-stop - 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Fire ants currently infest 14 states in the southern portion of the U.S.

If you're concerned about insect or rodent infestation 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

Highlights from the 2011 Bugs Without Borders Survey

Here are several key highlights from the 2011 Bugs Without Borders Survey:

1. Nearly all professional pest management companies have received bed bug calls in the past year. Respondents attribute the growth in bed bug infestations to increasing travel and movement of people, continued need for awareness, changing pest control products and methods, and bed bug resistance to available pest control products.

2. While nine out of ten respondents have treated bed bugs in apartments, condominiums and single-family homes in 2011 and 2010, in the past year reports of bed bug encounters have become more common in a many other places. For example, the numbers of professionals who treated college dorms, hotels, nursing homes, office buildings, schools and daycare centers, hospitals, public transportation and movie theaters for bed bugs have all increased compared to last year. More specifically:

* College dorms (54 percent, up from 35 percent a year ago)
* Hotels/motels (80 percent, up from 67 percent)
* Nursing homes (46 percent, up from 25 percent)
* Office buildings (38 percent, up from 18 percent)
* Schools and day care centers (36 percent, up from 10 percent)
* Hospitals (31 percent, up from 12 percent)
* Transportation (train/bus/taxi) (18 percent up from nine percent)
* Movie theaters (17 percent, up from five percent)
* Survey respondents also report finding bed bugs in retail stores, laundromats, libraries, restaurants and airplanes.

NOTE: Percentages denote professionals reporting treating bed bugs in specific locations and percentage increases from 2010.

3. Bed bugs continue to be THE most difficult pest to treat, according to 73 percent of survey respondents. By comparison, 17 percent pointed to ants, nine percent said cockroaches and one percent said termites were the most difficult pests to control.

4. Six out of 10 respondents consider bed bug infestations a year-round phenomenon, while approximately 25 percent say that summer is the time of year when they receive more bed bug calls. As people tend to travel more during the summer months it may be likely they’ll have a higher risk of taking hitchhiking bed bugs with them from hotels and transportation sources to homes more so than at other times of the year.

5. When it comes to evaluation and treatment, visual inspection remains the most common method pest professionals use to determine if a bed bug infestation exists. However, the use of canines has grown from 16 percent to 43 percent in the past year.

6. Despite the many warnings that bed bugs are not a DIY pest, 25 percent of customers attempt to treat bed bug infestations by themselves before calling a professional. This number has decreased from the 38 percent who elected to treat bed bugs by themselves in 2010. Those who attempt to treat bed bug infestations by themselves often engage in dangerous and risky DIY practices putting themselves and their property at risk and are often ineffective at controlling the infestation.

If you're concerned about bed 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

Bed Bug Pandemic Is Growing

The 2011 Bugs Without Borders Survey conducted by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) and the University of Kentucky, has found that bed bug infestations have increased and are now being found just about everywhere. The study, which surveyed U.S. pest management professionals, found that 99 percent of respondents encountered bed bug infestations in the past year. More than eight of out ten noted that bed bug infestations are increasing across the country. This represents a sharp increase in prevalence as only a mere 11 percent of respondents reported receiving bed bug calls more than 10 years ago. One of the most significant findings is that bed bug encounters have become much more common in public places than the previous year, in some instances increasing by 10, 20 or nearly 30 percent.

“The increase in bed bug encounters is likely due to a combination of factors, but one thing is clear — this pest shows no signs of retreating,” noted Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for NPMA. “Of most concern are the places where pest professionals are encountering bed bugs, such as, schools, hospitals, and hotels/motels. In many cases the numbers of professionals who have reported treating certain types of businesses and commercial facilities has seen double digit growth.”

“Increased public awareness, education and vigilance are key in detecting and preventing bed bug infestations as these pests tend to travel undetected from place to place, breed quickly and remain one of the most challenging to treat,” added Henriksen. “NPMA advises consumers against the ‘this can’t happen to me’ attitude, because bed bugs are equal opportunity pests.”

Bed bugs are the size and color of a flat apple seed, like to travel and will hide in suitcases, boxes and shoes to be near a food supply (humans). In addition to the mattress and headboard, bed bugs can be found behind baseboards, electrical switch plates, picture frames, wallpaper, upholstery and in furniture crevices.

If you're concerned about bed 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

Autumn Is Coming...

As cooler weather becomes more routine and many insects species have reached their annual population zenith, we see significant surges of activity from fleas, ticks, crickets, ants, spiders, etc. This is the time of year where numerous instances of yellow jackets and hornets are sited around homes. Any observed entrance and exit locations should not be sealed as this will trap them in the wall. They will bore holes through interior walls to escape and enter your home.

The cool weather also initiates rodent activity around the home and announces the pre-cursor for the over-wintering insects to begin looking for that winter resting location. The falling leaves and decaying vegetation materials accumulate around and provide food and harborage for pill bugs, millipedes, earwigs, etc. These nuisance pests then become invasive and show up inside your home in significant numbers.

If you're concerned about insects or rodents 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

Disappearing Bats

Recently, I was asked why there seems to be less bats in the night sky. White-nose Syndrome is responsible for the rapid decline in the bat population. These lovely little creatures are nature's defense against a burgeoning mosquito population.

Last year, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service endangered species biologist Susi von Oettingen talked about white-nose syndrome in bats and investigated a hibernaculum in an abandoned mine and the area around it.

More Pest Trivia

I must admit, I love this stuff!

•  Formosan termites, widely considered a "super" species of termite, because of the rate of destruction it poses, currently infest 11 states. 
• Mice feed 15-20 times a day.  
• Earwigs got their name from the myth that they crawl into sleeping people's ears and tunnel into the brain. 
• Fleas can jump 7-8 inches vertically and 14-16 inches horizontally.

If you're concerned about insects or rodents 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

Protect Your Condominium Complex

Condominium facilities managers often find themselves facing an infestation of stinging insects. These pests are aggressive in nature and often sting as a way to protect their colonies or larvae from human beings who attempt to remedy an infestation on their own.

Dave's Pest Control can provide a level of expertise and knowledge of technology that can best rid your property of these stinging insects and prevents future infestations.

Call Dave at 1-800-400-6009 to schedule an appointment to review your condominium complex.

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

A Message For Commercial Enterprises

If you own a business, you know how critical it is to protect this investment -- essentially your livelihood – from pests and rodents.

From building a positive reputation to increasing your revenue, your customers are at the heart of what you do. Preventing pest infestations and practicing proper pest control in your business should be an important part of the outstanding service you provide.

The sooner you address a pest problem, the sooner you can rid your business of a more serious pest infestation. Dave's Pest Control provides the experience and expertise needed to protect your business, employees and customers from pest threats.

Call Dave today at 1-800-400-6009 for an inspection.

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

West Nile Virus Reminder

With the increased prevalence of West Nile Virus, mosquitoes continue to be, not only a summer nuisance pest but also, a major health threat.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), mosquito-borne infections have appeared across the United States in recent years, which makes avoiding mosquito nesting/breeding sites and eliminating standing water in or around the home even more important to the protection of public health.

In addition, to the potential for West Nile Virus, mosquitoes can also cause itchy, unsightly marks as well as severe allergic reactions in human beings.

If you're concerned about mosquito breeding sites around your home or place of business, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

Dave's Pest Control
Serving Central Massachusetts
www.davespestcontrol.net

Reference: www.pestworld.org

Lyme disease continues to be a major health risk to human beings. Transmitted by ticks, typically between May and October, lyme disease is largely found in the Northeastern, upper mid-western Western states of the U.S. However, there has been an increase in the diagnosed cases of lyme disease in the South.

If you have fruit-bearing trees, particularly apples trees on your property, you most likely have deer visiting your backyard each night. Ticks love hitching a ride on these gentle creatures.


It is critical to be vigilant of ticks, especially if you are in wooded areas. Symptoms of Lyme disease include a "bull's eye" rash around the bite, flu-like symptoms and extreme fatigue.

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

Dave's Pest Control
Serving Central Massachusetts
www.davespestcontrol.net

Reference: www.pestworld.org

Did You Know...

Did you know...

• Bed bugs can withstand a wide range of temperatures from nearly freezing to almost 113 degrees Fahrenheit.
• One female flea can lay about 18 eggs a day and just 20 fleas on a dog can produce 360 eggs per day and over 2000 eggs in a week.
• Scorpion babies crawl on top of their mother and live there for the first week or two, feeding on scraps of her catches.

If you're concerned about pests and insects 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

The National Pest Management Association Completes Its Mission to Haiti

Fairfax, VA – The fourth and final humanitarian delegation of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) completed its mission to Haiti in mid-July. Over the past year, NPMA provided much-needed assistance to several facilities in Port-au-Prince through its collaboration with the Haitian Minister of Environment, a Haitian pest management company and hospital and orphanage administrators. In the aftermath of the January 2010 earthquake, pest infestations had become a serious threat to human health, especially in places such as hospitals and orphanages.

NPMA used its resources to minimize entry points for pests, purchase products designed to prevent pest infestations in buildings, and to train Haitian pest control workers so they can properly perform pest control operations as the country continues its recovery.

“The National Pest Management Association and our delegates are humbled and honored to have been able to contribute our resources and expertise to a country in need,” said Rob Lederer, executive vice president for NPMA. “While the services our delegates provided may seem basic to most Americans, in Haiti they can mean the difference between sickness and health — and even life and death.”

“NPMA is extremely grateful to the delegates and industry members who contributed to this mission over the past year. These men and women left the comforts of home and risked their health and safety in order to help others in need. We commend them for their big hearts and selfless work,” added Lederer.

NPMA delegates and their Haitian pest control counterparts worked to install more than 500 screens to protect hospital patients from disease-carrying flies and mosquitoes in areas such as delivery rooms, neonatal care areas, as well as emergency and operating rooms. Flies are vectors of more than 100 different kinds of disease-causing germs and mosquitoes are responsible for spreading diseases such as malaria, dengue fever and West Nile virus.

Teams also installed 500 rat bait stations and more than 200 fly bait stations at three hospitals and one orphanage in the capital city. St. Damien’s Hospital administrators reported that the recent addition of rat control services has greatly reduced rat populations with approximately 100 rats being removed from the grounds each day. The results of which are significant, as rodents are known to spread filth, contaminate food and transmit disease.

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

Reference: www.pestworld.org

Fascinating Pest Facts

These tidbits of information never cease to fascinate me. Hope you are enjoying them too! (If you have an interesting bit of pest or insect trivia, be sure to share it with me by posting it below. ~ Dave)

• All insects have a hard exoskeleton, six jointed legs, two antennae, compound eyes and a body divided into 3 main body sections - a head, thorax and abdomen.
• Men claim their number one pest concern to be termites (24%) while women put spiders as their number one pest concern (16%).
• Powderpost beetles larvae will tunnel into hardwood floors, wooden antiques and the like, turning the wood in its path into fine, powdery sawdust.

If you're concerned about insects or rodents 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

Powderpost Beetles

Powderpost beetles lay their eggs in cracks of wood and the larvae tunnel into the surface, filling it with a very fine powder-like dust. Powderpost beetles have long, narrow, flat bodies that allow them to easily attack wood surfaces. These beetles are reddish-brown in color. Adult powderpost beetles are very active at night, enjoy flying and are attracted to the light.

Powderpost beetles often attack hardwoods, and can be found in hardwood floors, timbers and crates, antiques and other objects made of hardwood materials.

Some researchers believe that powderpost beetles are second only to termites in the United States in their destructiveness to wood and wood products. Powderpost beetles can be prevented through vigilant inspection of wood sources in the home.

If you're concerned that you have powderpost beetles 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

Prevent Pests From Crashing Your Summer BBQ

The NPMA offers the following tips to help you better enjoy your outdoor summer activities:

Picnics and barbeques are frequent occurrences during the summer months, when weekends, holidays, and vacations are often cause for celebration with family and friends. More often than not, hosts and guests alike must deal with pesky party crashers, in the form of ants, flies and stinging insects. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) reminds homeowners that there are several ways to show those pests the door, or even prevent them from showing up altogether.

“Nothing ruins summertime fun like ants, flies, mosquitoes, wasps and other stinging insects,” said Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for NPMA. “Not only do they annoy and irritate your guests, but they can also transmit disease and cause painful bites and stings.”

The NPMA recommends the following steps to avoid a pest-filled picnic or barbeque:

* Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn, so if you are planning a barbeque before sunset, plan on having plenty of insect repellant containing an EPA-registered active ingredient like DEET or Picaridin available for you and your guests. Adorn your deck or patio with citronella candles, and wear long sleeves or pants to avoid bites.
* Ants and flies are attracted to barbeque fare, so take steps to keep food safe by using tightly sealed containers or coolers. Also, be sure to clean trash, crumbs, and spills from picnic tables immediately. Store all trash away from the party and always keep your garbage bins covered.
* Yellow jackets and other stinging insects are attracted to fragrances from shampoo, perfume, and candles – not to mention food and drink. Avoid using scented items beforehand and provide clear plastic cups for your guests as aluminum cans and plastic bottles are good hiding spots for stinging insects.
* Prior to the party, check screen doors and repair any holes. Once the guests have arrived, remind them to shut the door behind them in order to keep pests from entering your home.

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

Reference: www.pestworld.org