More Facts About Fleas

• Flea larvae feed on undigested organic matter, particularly the feces of adult fleas, which contain undigested blood. 
• Cat fleas attack both cats and dogs.
• Fleas can remain frozen for a year and survive.
• Fleas can survive for months without feeding.
• More human deaths have been attributed to fleas than to all the wars ever fought.

If you're concerned that you have a flea infestation 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

Flying Dragon Lizard

While you will not encounter one of these in your backyard, I found this creature to be fascinating and want to share it with you.

It's no mythical monster. When threatened, this real-life lizard can glide half the length of a football field ... and still swoop in for a perfect landing.



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

Tips To Avoid Spiders

The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) offers the following tips to help prevent contact with spiders:

daddy long leg spider

• Avoid keeping clothing and shoes on the floor, especially if in an area known for spiders; consider storing inside plastic containers. 
• Seal cracks and crevices around the home. 
• Vacuum/sweep away webs in and around the home. 
• Shake out all clothing that has been in the laundry basket before wearing/washing. 
• Keep garages, attics and basements clean and clutter free. 
• If a spider bites you, contact your primary care physician for medical advice. 

If you're concerned about a spider infestation 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

The Hobo Spider

The hobo spider is a member of the genus of spiders known colloquially as funnel web spiders, but not to be confused with the Australian funnel-web spider. It is one of a small number of spiders whose bites are generally considered to be medically significant. This species of spider has a reputation for aggressiveness, due to its poor eyesight.

Hobo spiders construct a funnel-shaped structure of silk sheeting and lie in wait at the small end of the funnel for prey insects to blunder onto their webs. Hobo spiders sometimes build their webs in or around human habitations.  They will normally avoid contact with humans unless accidentally crushed or squeezed. The spider's venom is strong enough to cause considerable local pain and, possibly, necrosis.

The hobo spider is found throughout the Pacific Northwest and can be identified by its distinct pattern of yellow markings on its abdomen. These spiders build their webs in holes, cracks and recesses, and like most spiders, can be found in hiding places such as window wells and stacks of firewood, storage items, behind furniture and in closets.

As hobo spiders are much more likely to attack if provoked or threatened, people who live in areas where this spider is found should be aware of their habits to prevent and detect infestations before they become a problem.  Unlike the other spiders profiled here, the bite of a hobo spider may go unnoticed at first, but then a moderate to severe, slow-healing wound will develop.

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

Facts About Those Pesky Fleas

A flea's  flat shape allows cat fleas to easily pass between the hairs of animals.

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. A female flea may consume up to fifteen times her own body weight in blood each day, to support the huge production of eggs.

Flea eggs will hatch on the ground, in nests, carpet, bedding, upholstery or cracks in the floor.

If you're concerned that you have fleas 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

The Komodo Dragon

Phew! Am I sure glad I don't have to deal with this critter! The Komodo Dragon's saliva is loaded with venom and more than 50 strains of virulent bacteria—any animal it bites will likely die within days.




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

Stink Bugs Still Abound

The stink bug, notorious for its "smelly" reputation, earned its name from its tendency to release an odor when disturbed or when crushed.

Although the old, winter months are upon us, the stinky little creature still abounds, living in windowsill crevices and under eaves, and showing itself when the winter suns shines bright and temperatures reach the high 40s and above.

When handled or disturbed, stink bugs are able to secrete a bad-smelling, bad-tasting fluid from pores on the sides of their bodies. This secretion protects stink bugs from predators. They are often fed upon by birds, spiders, assassin bugs and other arthropod predators (including other stink bugs).

If you're concerned that you have stink bugs 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

Fun Ant Facts

Did you know . . .

• An ant can lift 20 times its own body weight. If a 175-pound man had the comparative strength of an ant, he could lift four tons.
• Fire ants first entered the United States in the 1920s through the port of Mobile, Alabama.
• Odorous house ants may be difficult to control because they don't feed much from baiting stations.
• 32% of households that experienced ants called a professional. 

So if you find that you are having an ant problem, call Dave 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

Fishing Spider eating Frogs

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

Facts About Millipedes

The first 3 body segments of the millipede has one pair of legs each, the rest have two pairs each (47-375 leg pairs and 25-189 body segments, not counting head and tail). Centipedes have only one pair of legs per segment. Millipedes gain more segments and legs as they molt and grow; some can live up to 7 years.

Millipedes like moist habitats under rocks, rotting logs, and leaf debris. Most eat decaying plant material, but a few species occasionally can be carnivorous. Some may also occasionally eat living plants.

To discourage predators, millipedes coil into a protective spiral, or roll into a defensive ball; many emit poisonous or foul-smelling substances. Many bright-colored/patterned millipedes secrete a compound containing cyanide.

"Millipedes lack the structures to bite, pinch, or sting, and are harmless to humans, although the defensive secretions burn if they get into the eyes. Millipedes are entirely non-toxic to humans and can be picked up by hand. Some secretions discolor the skin, but this wears away in a few days without lasting effect. Some large, cylindrical, tropical species squirt their defensive secretions up to a half meter and can blind chickens and dogs. Their fluids are painful if they get into the eyes, and persons working with tropical millipedes should be suitably cautious." [Rowland Shelley]

Call Dave at 1-800-400-6009. If you're concerned that you have millipedes 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

Works Cited 
The myriapods, the world’s leggiest animals, by R.M. Shelley  
Spiders and Their Kin: A Golden Guide from St. Martin's Press Herbert W. Levi, Lorna R. Levi, Nicholas Strekalovsky. 2001. St. Martin's Press

Massachusetts State Bug

Did you know that the ladybug was adopted as the official state bug or insect symbol of Massachusetts thanks to a campaign that began in 1974 by a second-grade class in the town of Franklin?

Ms. Pamela Johnson, teacher for a second grade class at the Kennedy School in Franklin, Massachusetts, told the class that, by law, there is a state bird - the chickadee - and state tree - the American Elm - and a state fish - the cod.

"What about a state bug?" somebody asked, "do we have one?"

"No," said the teacher.

"I think there should be a state bug," said one little boy.

Ms. Johnson explained to her class learned that everyone who lives in Massachusetts has the right to give legislators ideas for new laws. This right is called the right of free petition. The students and Ms. Johnson then began the process of petitioning the Commonwealth.  To read the full story, click here.

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

Merry Christmas, everyone...and may you have a blessed New Year....

And now, child-like Christmas joy from the wonderful world of Disney....

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

Christmas Tree Educator, Jill O'Donnell discusses how to scout your Christmas tree fields for insects and diseases.



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

Being Thankful

My family and I want to take this moment to express our thankfulness, joy, and gratitude for the blessings we have received.

Our family wishes your family a joyful Thanksgiving.

Dave

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

Print Coupons and Save!

Print Coupons and save up to $50.00 off our services!

Are you new to Dave's Pest Control? Visit our web site and print a coupon for $25 off any new pest serviceor save $50 on one new termite service.

So, if you're concerned that you have insects or rodents 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

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

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

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

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

The Buzz On Mosquitoes

One of the best known summer pests, mosquitoes breed in stagnant water or soft soil and can develop from egg to adult in 10 to 14 days.

Female mosquitoes suck our blood. Male mosquitoes feed on plant nectars. They can develop from egg to adult in 10 to 14 days. They are most active from dusk to dawn and will fly up to 14 miles for a blood meal.

Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water sources such as storm drains, old tires, children's wading pools and birdbaths, and are well-known to spread diseases such as West Nile Virus, malaria and dengue fever.

If you're concerned about mosquitoes around 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