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September 30, 2012

Carpenter Ants - Part 4

In this final installment on carpenter ants, I am going to address how to prevent carpenter ants in your home or place of business.

Carpenter ants can be destructive, and the damage they cause can be expensive to repair. The best way to treat this pest is to prevent them before they ever find a way into your home.

There are, fortunately, many things you can do to prevent carpenter ants. Carpenter ants need a constant water source to survive, so eliminating moisture or standing water on your property can help to deter them. Consider using a dehumidifier in crawl spaces, basements and attics that are prone to dampness.

You  may also want to trim tree branches and shrubs away from their home, as these often provide access inside for ants and other pests. In addition, fill any gaps or cracks on the outside of the home with silicone caulk.

Keep firewood and other wood building materials stored at least 20 feet from your home, and at least five inches off of the ground.

Most importantly, keep a close eye on your property for signs of carpenter ants. Inspect wood on your home for the appearance of small openings or sawdust. And if you suspect you have a carpenter ant infestation, give me a call right away. The sooner carpenter ants are treated, the less serious the damage is likely to be.

If you're concerned that you have carpenter 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

September 28, 2012

Carpenter Ants - Part 3

In today's blog, I am going to talk about how to recognize and spot a carpenter ant infestation.

As detailed in an article by Dr. Jim Fredericks for PestWorld, carpenter ants are larger than most other ant species. They range in size from one-quarter inch for a worker ant to up to three-quarters of an inch.  They are black or red, or sometimes a combination of both colors.

Typically, carpenter ants act as “silent destroyers,” quietly tunneling through wood without any external signs of damage. In some cases, homeowners may notice wood fragments and sawdust that fall through cracks the ants have created. Badly damaged wood will have small openings, like little windows.

If you're concerned that you have carpenter 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

September 26, 2012

Carpenter Ants - Part 2

Carpenter ants, aka "Silent Destroyers," are the number one nuisance pest in the country. In today's blog, I am going to talk about where carpenter ants are found.

As explained in an article by Dr. Jim Fredericks for PestWorld,  there are nine types of carpenter ants in the U.S. These pests are most commonly found in cool, damp climates in the northern regions of the country.

Carpenter ants build their nests in various wood sources, including tree stumps, fence posts, firewood or landscaping. They prefer to attack wood that has been wet or damaged as a result of leaks. Indoors, this means they are often found in damaged window and door frames, crawlspaces under roofs, chimneys, sinks and bathtubs. A mature carpenter ant colony can contain more than 10,000 workers. In large colonies, it is not uncommon to have multiple nests inside structures as well as outdoors.

These destructive, pesky creatures usually gain access to buildings through cracks around doors and windows, holes for wires, or straight through wet, damaged wood. They will also crawl along overhead wires, shrubs, or tree limbs that touch the building far above the ground.

Although carpenter ants first invade wet, decayed wood, they may eventually build paths through dry, undamaged wood, too.

If you're concerned that you have carpenter 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

September 24, 2012

Carpenter Ants - Part 1

Carpenter ants are referred to in our business as "Silent Destroyers." Over the next few blogs, I am going to share vital information on the necessity to find and eliminate carpenter ants.

In an article by Dr. Jim Fredericks for PestWorld,  he stated that there are more than 700 species of ants in the United States. And in fact, ants are the number one nuisance pest in the country.

The most common ant species – like odorous house ants, pavement ants and Argentine ants – pose little threat beyond the annoyance of an infestation. Carpenter ants, however,  can and do pose serious threats.

Of all the ant species, carpenter ants are one of the most problematic, causing serious property damage to homes and other buildings. These destroyer ants get their name because they excavate wood in order to build their nests. Their excavation results in smooth tunnels inside the wood. Much like termites and other wood destroying insects, this excavation can compromise the structural soundness of the wood over time.

 If you're concerned that you have carpenter 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

September 22, 2012

Dust Mites

House dust mites have received much attention recently. Although nearly impossible to see, the house dust mite is a live-in guest that won't go away primarily because their food source is unlimited.

House dust mites feed on dander or dead skin from humans and animals. They may also feed on protein based foodstuffs, preferring dried products over products with moisture. Females lay up to 80 eggs. Populations can explode during humid months as mites are excellent at absorbing moisture from the air.

The most common area for finding mites is in the bed due to abundance of dander. House dust mites may also be found in living areas especially carpet, furniture, and clothing. Several home test kits are available to test for dust mites.

People may be allergic to house dust mite cast skins and droppings. These reactions will not be a rash type of reaction but rather a respiratory constriction, a common symptom of asthma. Itchy, watery eyes may also be symptoms. Approximately 50-80% of asthmatics may have symptoms due to house dust mites.

If you're concerned dust mites 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

September 20, 2012

More Pest Facts

Did you know . . .
  • More women than men say they are afraid of pests.
  • About one-quarter (24%) of homeowners surveyed believe the risks associated with pest infestations have increased over the past few years.
  • More than half of homeowners surveyed (52%) were concerned about pests causing illness and insect bites/stings to their family.
If you're concerned that you have carpet beetles 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

September 18, 2012

Flea Control and Prevention

Looking to get rid of fleas in the home? Here are a few tips.
  • Clean and vacuum frequently to help remove flea populations and prevent the laying of eggs. 
  • Keep your lawn groomed to avoid rodent habitation. 
  • Protect pets by practicing active flea management; keep them on a leash when outside, bathing and grooming pets regularly, visiting a veterinarian annually, and using flea treatments according to direction. 
It is important to hire a flea control professional to rid your home of rodents and fleas, so 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

September 16, 2012

House Cricket Prevention

House crickets are nocturnal or active at night and usually hide in dark warm places during the day. Outside, they feed on plants and dead or live insects, including other crickets. Indoors, house crickets can feast on fabric, eating large areas, leaving holes and are especially attracted to clothes soiled with perspiration.

The most effective way to get rid of crickets is to reduce areas of moisture in and around your home. Mow the lawn, weed plant beds and move woodpiles away from the structure. Provide adequate ventilation in crawl spaces, basements, etc. In addition, change outdoor lighting to less-attractive yellow bulbs or sodium vapor lamps. It is also important to seal possible points of entry for house crickets around the house, including window and door frames.

If you're concerned that you have house crickets 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

September 14, 2012

Did You Know . . .

 . . . To survive the cold winter months, many insects replace their body water with a chemical called glycerol, which acts as an "antifreeze" against the temperatures.

 . . . 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.

 . . . One in five people surveyed fear pests.

If you're concerned about pest 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

September 12, 2012

Ant Control and Prevention

Ants are considered to be the #1 nuisance pest in the United States, and so ant control is now more important than ever.

There are more than 700 ant species found in the U.S., although only about 25 species commonly infest homes. Ants are easily identifiable due to their three distinct body region: head, thorax and abdomen, as well as antennae. 

Being social insects, ants typically live in underground colonies, made up of workers and a queen.

Ants will eat practically any kind of food, but are especially attracted to sweets.

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

September 10, 2012

Eliminating or Reducing Mosquito Breeding Sites

Mosquitoes are well-known to spread diseases such as West Nile Virus, malaria and dengue fever. And this year, West Nile Virus has been a serious concern.

Pools of stagnant water, in storm drains, old tires, children's wading pools and birdbaths, left behind by springtime rain are a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water sources such as

Eliminate or reduce mosquito breeding sites by replacing all standing water at least once a week. This includes bird baths, ponds and unfiltered pools. Remove unneeded vegetation or trash from around any standing water sources that cannot be changed, dumped or removed. Introduce mosquito-eating fish such as gambusia, green sunfish, bluegills and minnows to standing water. Screen windows, doors and other openings with mesh. Avoid going outdoors when and where mosquitoes are most active: during dusk or dawn. Use insect repellent containing DEET on exposed skin whenever or wherever mosquitoes are likely to bite.

If you're concerned about mosquitoes at 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

September 8, 2012

Here's more insect trivia for you . . .
  • Insects have been present for about 350 million years, while humans have only walked the earth for 130,000 years. 
  • There are about 91,000 different species of insects in the United States. In the world, some 1.5 million different species have been named. 
  • The top four pests of concern for users of professional pest control were Ants (75%), Spiders and Termites (56%), and Cockroaches (48%) 
If you're concerned about insects and pests 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

September 6, 2012

Biting Spiders

Some biters are harmless, but the most venomous spider in North America is the black widow.

Courtesy of NatGeo

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

September 4, 2012

Fruit Fly Control and Prevention

Have fruit flies invaded your home?

Fruit flies are best prevented through vigilant sanitation practices. To exercise proper fruit fly management, remove kitchen trash daily, and keep counter surfaces clean.
  • Clean your vegetables outside of your home. 
  • Leave the old bags outdoors and place vegetables in a new container or bag before bringing them into your home. It's also best to place the vegetables in the refrigerator after cleaning. 
  • Use or discard all overripe fruit. Rotting fruit left out in bowls and containers is an invitation to breed fruit flies. 
  • Put new soft fruit in a brown bag. This helps it ripen and will keep the fruit flies away. 
And if all else fails, 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

September 2, 2012

Here's One Reason Why . . .

Here's one reason why I prefer to snare rodents rather than other creatures . . .
(Courtesy of NatGeo Wild videos)


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