Tips to Prevent Mice and Rodents Inside the Home - Part Two

As I mentioned last time, rodents are very resourceful creatures. They can enter a building or home through the tiniest opening or crack.

Here are a few more tips from an article by Missy Henriksen of PestWorld.

• Replace loose mortar and weather stripping around the basement foundation and windows. 
• Eliminate all moisture sites, including leaking pipes and clogged drains that provide the perfect breeding site for pests. 
• Inspect items such as boxes, grocery bags and other packages brought into the home. 
• Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house and keep shrubbery trimmed and cut back from the house. 
• And of course, if you suspect a pest infestation in your home, call me at 1-800-400-6009.  We'll inspect and treat the pest problem right away.

Remember, if you're concerned that you have 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

Reference: www.pestworld.org

10 Easy Tips to Prevent Mice and Rodents Inside the Home - Part One

Many homeowners experience finding mice or rodents in their home at some time or another. Whether in the kitchen, attic, basement or dining room – a rodent sighting or signs of their presence is unsettling.  Unfortunately, these resourceful creatures can enter a building or home through the tiniest opening or crack.

In this blog posting and the next one, I will share with you some tips I read in a  recent article by Missy Henriksen of PestWorld.

• Install door sweeps on exterior doors and repair damaged screens. 
• Screen vents and openings to chimneys. 
• Seal cracks and holes on the outside of the home, including areas where utilities and pipes enter the home, using caulk, steel wool or a combination of both. 
• Store food in airtight containers and dispose of garbage regularly. 
• Keep attics, basements and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry. 

More tips next time . . .

Of course, if you're concerned that you have odents in your home or place of business, don't wait! 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

A Matter of Life and Death

Did you know that stinging insects send more than 500,000 people to the ER every year?

 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

Reference: www.pestworld.org

Spider Bites - Part Three

This is the last installment of Dr. Jorge Parada's article on spider bites written for PestWorld.

If you suspect a spider has bitten you, try to bring it with you to the doctor so they can determine the best course of treatment based on the species. Clean the site of the spider bite well with soap and water. Apply a cool compress over the spider bite location (using a cloth dampened with cold water or filled with ice). If you suspect the bite is form a black widow or brown recluse spider, and the bite is on an extremity, elevate it. Consider tying a snug bandage above the bite and elevate the limb to help slow or halt the venom's spread. Ensure that the bandage is not so tight that it cuts off circulation in your arm or leg. Adults can take aspirin or acetaminophen and antihistamines to relieve minor signs and symptoms (but use caution when giving aspirin to children or teenagers). Seek medical attention for any severe signs and symptoms, or if signs and symptoms continue to worsen for more than 24 hours.

If a local reaction continues to get worse for more than 24 hours, it may be time to seek medical attention. Look for redness spreading away from the bite, drainage from the bite, increase in pain, numbness/tingling, or a discoloration around the bite that looks like a halo or bull’s-eye. If generalized symptoms set in, be concerned. In very rare cases, there have been reports of spider bites (by spiders considered otherwise harmless) causing allergic reactions - including anaphylactic shock, a life-threatening condition (much like may result from the sting of a bee, or wasp in a highly allergic person).

If you're concerned about spiders 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

Spider Bites - Part One

Dr. Jorge Parada, a medical spokesperson for the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), wrote an excellent article on spider bites that was featured in PestWorld news. Since spiders tend to be even more prevalent in winter months, I thought I'd share this article with you over the next few posts.

Spiders are not intentionally harmful to humans. Most spider bites occur when humans accidentally trap or brush up against a spider and receive a defensive bite. On rare occasions, spiders may have a serious lapse in judgment and bite a human finger (or other body part) mistaking it for a caterpillar or other such prey. Even then, most spiders are too small and not capable of breaking the skin with their fangs, or their venom too weak to be dangerous to humans. Simply put — most spider bites are accidental, harmless and require no specific treatment.

Still, that is not enough to stop spiders from having a bad reputation. It is common for any unexplained skin irritation to be called a "spider bite." In fact, most skin lesions and symptoms that are attributed to spiders are rarely actually due to a spider bite. Research has shown that 80 percent of presumed spider bites are actually bites from other insects, or due to skin infections such as MRSA (a resistant staph infection).

Yet, occasionally, a spider’s bites will cause real harm. Spider bites may cause injury by three mechanisms. First, especially with larger spiders, the bite itself may be painful and cause injury. However, far more concerning is the spider's venom, which can include necrotic agents or neurotoxins. Spider bites rarely transmit infectious diseases.

Most spider bites are less painful than a bee sting. Pain from non-venomous spider bites typically lasts for five to 60 minutes while pain from venomous spider bites frequently lasts for longer than 24 hours. The rate of a bacterial infection due to a spider bite is low (less than one percent).

Call Dave at 1-800-400-6009. If you're concerned about spiders 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

Invasive Insects From Abroad - Part Three

The brown marmorated stink bugs first arrived from Asia in 1996 and have become an increasing nuisance for homeowners in the Eastern U.S. Named for the "stink" they emit as a defense against predators, stink bugs are especially unpleasant to find indoors.

Stink bugs have the potential to spread throughout the country, which could be harmful to the agricultural industry. Although these smelly pests do not pose serious property or health threats to homeowners, their tendency to invade homes in high numbers can be a nuisance. Adult stink bugs enter homes and other structures in the late fall to seek shelter from the winter weather. They reemerge from overwintering sites in early spring and try to exit, but sometimes enter living spaces instead. Like other overwintering insects, they often congregate on the sides of buildings.

If you're concerned that you have brown marmorated 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

Insects From Abroad - Part Two

Earlier I shared some information on foreign invasive species from an article by Missy Henriksen for Pest World. Here are a few more highlights.

Some invasive species pose threats to American homeowners and families. Formosan termites, for example, is one of the most destructive termite species of the more than 2,000 termite species known to science. Originally from China, Formosan termites were brought into the U.S. through military cargo shipments after World War II.
They pose a greater threat than their native counterparts because they form larger colonies and tend to be more aggressive, thus consuming more wood at a much faster rate. Formosan termites are heavy contributors to the $5 billion in annual U.S. property damage caused by all species of termites.

Another problematic invasive pest is the red imported fire ant (RIFA). This ant, native to Brazil, was first introduced to the U.S. in 1933. Today, they can be found throughout the South and in parts of California and other western states.

RIFAs get their common name from their ability to inflict painful bites and stings, which form into raised welts that become white pustules. RIFAs will attack humans who disturb or threaten their nests, and often a person stung by a RIFA receives multiple painful stings from more than one of the ants. Those allergic to insect stings will react more severely. Red imported fire ants and their telltale mound nests should be carefully avoided.

If you suspect an invasive pest infestation contact Dave at 1-800-400-6009 right away. Our trained professionals will be able to identify the species and recommend a course of treatment to control the infestation before it becomes a major problem.

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

Insects from Abroad - Part One

In October, Missy Henriksen of Pest World wrote an article on invasive pest species. Over the next few blogs I am going to share highlights of her article with you.

Insects of foreign origin, commonly called invasive species, are a growing concern in our country. Many of these invasive pests do not have natural predators in the U.S. so their populations can grow quickly.

A number of invasive pests, including some beetles and moth species, pose a major threat to the U.S. agricultural industry as they destroy crops. In fact, the Associated Press, citing a 2004 Cornell University study, put the total annual cost of all invasive species in the country at $120 billion. According to the AP, “much of that burden is borne by consumers in the form of higher food costs and by taxpayers who pay for government eradication programs.”

Those of you living in Worcester County are familiar with the Asian longhorned beetle, an invasive wood-boring insect, that attacks hardwood trees, including maple, birch and elm.

 If you're concerned that you have invasive insects 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

Tips To Guard Against Stink Bugs - Part 3

Like other pests, stink bugs often enter structures in larger numbers, making them a difficult pest to control once inside. Therefore, here are a few more simple ways to ward off these invaders before an infestation develops.

• Check your belongings: Inspect items such as boxes containing holiday decorations and grocery bags before bringing them indoors. Stink bugs can travel on these items and make themselves cozy once inside the home. 
• Properly landscape: Keep branches and shrubbery well trimmed. In addition, make sure to store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house and five inches off the ground. 
• Think before squishing: When many people find a stink bug, their first instinct is to squish them. However, when disturbed or crushed, stink bugs have a tendency to release a bad-smelling, bad-tasting odor from pores on the sides of their bodies. This is how the pest earned its name. 
• Use a vacuum: If stink bugs have already entered a home, use a vacuum cleaner for their removal. Dispose of the vacuum bag immediately to prevent odor from permeating the area, as dead stink bugs leave a residue inside the bag that can stink up your home.  

Remember that homes can be pre-treated for stink bugs before they become a problem. But, if you suspect an infestation has already developed, contact 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  Missy Henriksen, Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Tips To Guard Against Stink Bugs - Part 2

Fall has arrived and so have the stink bugs. Notorious for their "smelly" reputation, stink bugs frequently enter homes during the cooler months in search of a warm place to overwinter.

While stink bugs do not pose a health or property risk to homeowners, this pest can quickly become an odoriferous nuisance around the home.

Here are some more infestation prevention tips:

• Reduce moisture sites: Eliminating all moisture build up around your home can go a long way to help prevent many pest infestations. Check for leaking pipes and clogged drains. 
• Eliminate food sources: Store food in airtight containers and dispose of garbage regularly in sealed receptacles. Also, make sure you wipe down counters and sweep floors to eliminate crumbs and residue from spills. 
• Ventilate: Properly ventilate basements, attics, garages and crawl spaces to eliminate harborage points. Consider using a dehumidifier in these areas. Also, make sure to install screens over your chimney and attic vents.  

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
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  Missy Henriksen, Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Critter Crafts: Dangling Spiders

How To Make a Dangling Spider (Courtesy of PestWorld.org)

All you need are paper plates and art supplies like paint and yarn to make this spider web. Don’t forget to attach the spider to the web so it doesn’t go missing in your house!
Call Dave at 1-800-400-6009. 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

10 Tips To Protect Yourself From Bed Bugs

This video, courtesy of PestWorld, will take you on an educational trip through the history of bed bugs, teach you how to be vigilant to minimize your risk of encountering them and how to effectively deal with this resilient pest if you have an infestation.

http://www.pestworld.org/multimedia-center/pest-tv/videos/educational/bed-bug-basics-10-tips-to-protect-yourself/

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

Introducing Springtails

Certain species of springtails are referred to as "snow fleas" when found in winter, but they are not fleas at all. Springtails are found year round, but because of a special protein that acts like anti-freeze, this type of springtail is able to survive in cold winter temperatures. Springtails don't have wings, instead they get around by jumping, using a unique catapult system. Their jumping is especially noticeable in winter when they are contrasted against white snow.

Springtails are very common around pools with nearby vegetation, around air conditioning condensate drain lines and other moist areas. In winter, snow fleas emerge on sunny days and gather in large numbers around bases of trees where snow has melted. Because of their small size, they look like flecks of pepper or ashes on the surface of the snow. Snow fleas feed on decaying plant matter. Snow fleas prefer damp soil, leaf mold, decaying logs and fungi.

Snow fleas do not cause any structural damage and should not be of concern to homeowners. In addition, snow fleas are not a threat to family pets as they are not a flea at all. Their sole diet consists of rotting plant food.

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

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

More Bug Trivia

Did you know . . .

• Blacklegged (deer) ticks, carriers of Lyme disease, like to spend the winter nestled in the fur of a deer.
• Fire ants continue to move and infest more and more of the country. The entire pacific coast is ripe for infestation.
• It can take up to 3 years for a varied carpet beetle to grow from an egg to an adult, and adults only live between 13-44 days.

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

Reference: www.pestworld.org

More Pest Trivia

For our trivia-loving friends . . .

• In Mexico you might find pulgas vestidas, or "dressed fleas" for sale. Fleas are dressed in tiny costumes and posed holding tiny loaves of bread, tools, or other items.
• Scorpion babies crawl on top of their mother and live there for the first week or two, feeding on scraps of her catches.
• Although the plague is often believed to be an historical disease, about 10-15 people in the U.S. contract this flea-borne illness each year.

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

Call Dave at 1-800-400-6009.

Reference: www.pestworld.org

Did You Know . . .

Did you know . . .

• The largest butterfly species in the world is a "Birdwing" butterfly from the Solomon Islands, whose wings span twelve inches.
• A rat can swim for 3 days before it drowns.
• Poisons in the body of a Monarch butterfly are sufficient to kill a small lizard and cause severe vomiting in large birds.

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

Reference: www.pestworld.org

Pest-Proofing During the Holidays

Avoid unwanted holiday guests with these tips for storing and inspecting holiday decor. (From our friends at PestWorld.org)


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

Reference: www.pestworld.org

Did You Know...

More pest facts to stimulate the mind...

• Firefly beetles are carnivores and eat insects (including other fireflies), insect larvae and snails.
• Large numbers of fire ant stings can result in death.
• Hantavirus is a viral disease that may be contracted through direct contact with, or inhalation of, aerosolized infected rodent urine, saliva, or droppings.
• Only female bees and wasps can sting. Males do not have the egg-laying "ovipositor" that is modified as the stinger on female insects.

If you're concerned that you have bugs 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