Meet the Boxelder Bug - Part One

Boxelder bugs get their common name from the fact that they are often found on and

around boxelder trees. This species is native to the western states, but can be found from eastern Canada throughout the eastern United States, and west to eastern Nevada wherever boxelder trees are found.

The boxelder bug population lives and thrives on maple and seed-bearing boxelder trees during the warmer months where they lay their eggs and feed on leaves, flowers and seeds. Occasionally, they will feed on the fruits of plum and apple trees.

In autumn, boxelder bugs become gregarious and congregate on the south side of rocks, trees and buildings where the sun hits. After large masses gather, they migrate to nearby buildings or homes to overwinter. These pests tend to hide in small cracks and crevices in walls to insulate themselves from the cold winter temperatures. In late March to early April, adults leave their overwintering sites to return to their host trees for the warmer months.

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

Dave's Pest Control
A Central Massachusetts Extermination and Pest Control
Company
Worcester County Pest and Rodent Exterminators
www.davespestcontrol.net

Reference: www.pestworld.org

Extreme Infestation Effecting Hoarder

Warning: Not for the faint-hearted.

On a recent episode of TLC's "Hoarding: Buried Alive," viewers met Sherry, a woman whose depression provided the perfect environment for a slew of creepy crawly tenants including cockroaches and black widow spiders. One of our Extreme Infestations partners, Billy Tesh of PMi Pest Management Systems, was called in to treat the extreme infestation.



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 Extermination and Pest Control
Company
Worcester County Pest and Rodent Exterminators
www.davespestcontrol.net

Reference: www.pestworld.org

Keep Pests Out of Your Kitchen - PestWorld

This informational video is brought to you courtesy of PestWorld.

http://www.pestworld.org/multimedia-center/pest-tv/videos/educational/pest-101-keep-pests-out-of-your-kitchen/

Dave's Pest Control
A Central Massachusetts Extermination and Pest Control
Company
Worcester County Pest and Rodent Exterminators
www.davespestcontrol.net

Reference: www.pestworld.org

Test Your Knowledge About Fire Ants

Did you know . . .

• Fire ants currently infest 14 states in the southern portion of the U.S.
• Fire ants continue to move and infest more and more of the country. The entire pacific coast is ripe for infestation
• Large numbers of fire ant stings can result in death.
• A small portion of the population is allergic to fire ant stings and should see medical treatment immediately if stung.
• Fire ants appear to sting all at the same time. This is because they are sensitive to vibration or movement and tend to sting once they object they are on moves. Fire ants swarm onto a body part and when one ant stings, the body party moves causing all other ants to sting in response.

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

Dave's Pest Control
1-800-400-6009
A Central Massachusetts Extermination and Pest Control
Company
Worcester County Pest and Rodent Exterminators
www.davespestcontrol.net

Reference: www.pestworld.org

More Fun Facts

Did you know . . .

• Poisons in the body of a Monarch butterfly are sufficient to kill a small lizard and cause severe vomiting in large birds.
• More than 500,000 people seek emergency medical help each year as a result of insect stings.
• Newborn German cockroaches become adults in as little as 36 days.
• A mouse produces between 40 to 100 droppings per day, while a rat produces between 20 to 50 droppings a day.

Dave's Pest Control
Call Dave at 1-800-400-6009
A Central Massachusetts Extermination and Pest Control
Company
Worcester County Pest and Rodent Exterminators
www.davespestcontrol.net

Why Our NPMA Matters

Here is a bit of history on the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). We believe in the work of this association and we are proud to be a member.

For more than 75 years, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) has represented the interests of its members and the structural pest control industry. Through the efforts of NPMA, the pest control industry is stronger, more professional, and more unified. The NPMA has guided its members and the pest control industry through the creation of verifiable training, the changing technologies used by the industry, and public and media relations. From its beginning in 1933, the NPMA has been a clear, consistently positive voice for the pest control industry, a voice that is respected and listened to.

The major reason for NPMA's growth and success is that its members have the opportunity to network and share ideas. At each meeting, at each workshop, at each regional conference and national meeting and trade show, members talk to each other and share ideas and expertise, learn about new tools and techniques, and discuss the latest pest issues. In sharing, they grow and prosper and are better prepared to serve their customers. The opportunities to network and learn the latest techniques in professional pest control allow our members to provide qualified and knowledgeable services to their customers.

The values which the founders in 1933 shared are still embraced today as membership of NPMA exceeds 4,600 companies from the United States and other countries.

Bed Bug Sniffing Dogs

Dave's Pest Control
Call Dave at 1-800-400-6009
A Central Massachusetts Extermination and Pest Control
Company
Worcester County Pest and Rodent Exterminators
www.davespestcontrol.net

Pest Lesson Plans for Teachers

Did you know that the National Pest Management Association has lessons plans on its web site? Pests provide a fascinating entry point into many curricular subjects, including biology, ecology, environment and health. PestWorld for Kiex lesson plans teach insect anatomy, the social life of termites, the scientific inquiry process and much more. Their plans emphasize both content and process skills and support standards from the National Science Teachers Association and the National Council of Teachers of English.

Here is some information and the link to an Intro To Pests lesson plan for grade K - 2:

This lesson introduces students to a wide variety of common pests. Students will learn about basic needs, pest damage, and self-protection measures against certain pests. Some of the activities include playing a game, creating a class book and reading a story about a commonly found pest.

Dave's Pest Control
Call Dave at 1-800-400-6009
A Central Massachusetts Extermination and Pest Control
Company
Worcester County Pest and Rodent Exterminators
www.davespestcontrol.net

Reference: www.pestworld.org

Prepare for Springtime Pests

Spring is the time of year we think of renewed life, flowers, rain showers, and warmer days, this is also the time of year our activity springs to new beginnings. Almost all pest activity significantly increases.

This is the time of year when all of your "over-wintering" pests emerge from their hiding places to reproduce. Carpenter ants start swarming (another wood destroying insect). Also, the fire ants, wasps, pill bugs, millipedes, earwigs, mites, spiders, scorpions, silverfish, and roaches become more active and populations significantly increase.

Termites are a major springtime culprit. Although termites are active 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, they are most evident during the spring swarm. This is when the winged reproductives (Alates) emerge in large numbers to reproduce and start new colonies. These silent destroyers, cause more damage and destruction to our homes and property each year than do all of the fires and storms combined annually.

If you'd like to talk with us about safeguarding your home or place of business against springtime pests, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

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

Bug Stuff!

• 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.
• When searching for food sources a honeybee may travel up to 60 miles in a single day.
• The total weight of all of the termites in the world is greater than the weight of all the humans in the world.
• No one knows exactly how long termite queens live, but many are known to live at least ten years and records of some long lived mounds suggest a longevity of over 40 years.

Dave's Pest Control
1-800-400-6009
A Central Massachusetts Extermination and Pest Control
Company
Worcester County Pest and Rodent Exterminators
www.davespestcontrol.net

Reference: www.pestworld.org

Mouse Vs Boa

What happens if you're a mouse, high in a tree, threatened by a huge boa constrictor? Make the jump of your life!*



*From NatGeo Wild.

Dave's Pest Control
A Central Massachusetts Extermination and Pest Control
Company
Worcester County Pest and Rodent Exterminators
www.davespestcontrol.net

Pests Can Suck The Fun Out Of Spring Break - PArt 2

(Excerpt from a press release for the National Pest Management Association)

Travelers must also take steps to prevent bed bugs from hitching rides home with them in luggage and clothing. The 2011 Bugs Without Borders survey found a significant increase in the prevalence of bed bugs in public places, including hotels/motels and college dorms.

To remain pest-free both during and after Spring Break, NPMA offers the following tips:

• Use insect repellant containing EPA-registered active ingredients like DEET or Picaridin.
• 
  
• Limit time outdoors or wear long sleeves and pants during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• 
  
• If bitten by a mosquito, clean the area thoroughly, avoid scratching, and apply anti-itch cream.
• 
  
• To inspect a hotel room for bed bugs, pull back bed sheets, inspect mattress seams, box springs, headboards, sofas and chairs for telltale brownish or reddish spots, shed skins or bugs.
• 
  
• Avoid putting luggage on beds or upholstered furniture and store it in a plastic bag.
• 
  
• Once home, inspect and vacuum suitcases before bringing them inside. Wash and dry all clothes on hot.
• 
  
• Consumers suspecting an infestation should contact a licensed pest professional.

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

Dave's Pest Control
A Central Massachusetts Extermination and Pest Control
Company
Worcester County Pest and Rodent Exterminators
www.davespestcontrol.net

Reference: www.pestworld.org

The NPMA, a non-profit organization with more than 7,000 members, was established in 1933 to support the pest management industry's commitment to the protection of public health, food and property.

Pests Can Suck The Fun Out Of Spring Break - Part 1

(Excerpt from a press release for the National Pest Management Association)

Every spring, millions of Americans plan vacations during their annual Spring Breaks. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) reminds those travelers that the best way to prevent pests like mosquitoes and bed bugs from ruining their trips is through preparation and awareness.

“Everyone looks forward to escaping to warmer climates during Spring Break,” noted Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for the NPMA. “However, many travelers forget that whether visiting the tropics or cities in the US, they must be vigilant to avoid bringing pest-related illnesses and issues home with them.”

While bites may seem inevitable, mosquitoes can leave behind more than just an itchy welt. Travelers in tropical areas are susceptible to contracting mosquito-borne diseases, like West Nile virus and Dengue Fever, both reportedly on the rise in the US as well as South America, Mexico and the Caribbean islands.

Dave's Pest Control
1-800-400-6009
A Central Massachusetts Extermination and Pest Control
Company
Worcester County Pest and Rodent Exterminators
www.davespestcontrol.net

Reference: www.pestworld.org

Insect Trivia!

Did you know . . .

• A female housefly can lay up to 600 eggs in her short lifetime.
• Bees must collect the nectar from 2,000 flowers to make 1 tablespoon of honey.
• In many species of wasps, fertilized eggs become females, while unfertilized eggs become males.
• Ants are able communicate with each other about danger and directions to food.

Dave's Pest Control
1-800-400-6009
A Central Massachusetts Extermination and Pest Control
Company
Worcester County Pest and Rodent Exterminators
www.davespestcontrol.net

Reference: www.pestworld.org

Dave's Pest Control: Our Family Protecting Your Family

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

Dave's Pest Control
A Central Massachusetts Extermination and Pest Control Company
Worcester County Pest and Rodent Exterminators
www.davespestcontrol.net