Springtails aka Snow Fleas

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 and prefer t live in damp soil, leaf mold, decaying logs and fungi.

They 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.

If you're concerned about 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

Worcester Home Show Raffle Winner

Congratulations to Debra Reddick, our lucky Worcester Home Show Raffle Winner!

Debra won a 2011 Dave's Pest Control Guardian Protection Plan which will protect her home from damaging and unhealthy pests all year!

Want to learn more about Dave's Guardian Protection Plan? Visit our web site!

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

Yes, Spiders Can Jump

"Jumping Spider," Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2007
http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2007 Microsoft Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Photo by:
Stephen Dalton/Photo Researchers, Inc.

Meet the Jumping Spider...

The common name comes from their jumping ability and habit which they use to capture prey. They are an occasional nuisance pest indoors, and some colored species may cause concern when people mistake them for Black Widow spiders. About 300 species of jumping spiders are found in the United States and Canada.

Jumping spiders do not construct snare webs. Tehy build web retreats which are loosely woven, sac-like, composed of several envelopes and usually have two openings. Unlike most spiders, jumping spiders are active during the daytime and seem to like sunshine. They are hunters and have the keenest vision of all spiders, being able to detect and react to movement up to 18” in distance; however their night vision is very poor. They can rapidly move both sideways and backwards for short distances. As their name implies, they are excellent jumpers.

Retreats may be built under furniture, in drapery folds, between books on bookshelves, in cracks found in wood floors, around door and window molding, etc. Outside retreats may be found under loose bark, between leaves, etc. Indoors, spiders will usually be found hunting around windows and doors because more insects are attracted to these areas and their vision is best in sunlit areas. Outdoors, jumping spiders are commonly seen running over tree bark, under stones and boards, on bushes, fences, decks and the outside of buildings, especially sunny areas.

While jumping spiders can bite, they are not considered dangerous.

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
A Central Massachusetts Pest Control Company
www.davespestcontrol.net

Reference: www.pestworld.org

About Bald-Faced Hornets

This atypically large black-and-white relative of the yellow jacket gets its common name from its largely black color but mostly white face. It is named a hornet because of its large size and aerial nest.

Bald-faced hornets are social insects, although not true hornets. They live in colonies that may contain between 100-400 members at their peak. They usually appear in late summer.

If you're concerned that you have hornets 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

*Answers to Name That Bug (from 9/22/11 post)
1. Bald-Faced Hornet
2. Brown Recluse Spider
3. Deer Mouse
4. Silverfish

How good did you do? Let me know!

Name That Bug!

#1

#2

#3

#4

*Answers will appear in my next blog.

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

About Dave's Pest Control

To my new readers, here's a little background on our family business. 

Dave's Pest Control has been in business in the Worcester area since 1972. My father, Dave Penttila, Sr. started the company with little more than a handshake and a prayer. Today, Dave's Pest Control is still family owned and operated.

My vision has brought the company to a new level by implementing new and improved technology in combatting today's pest control challenges. We remain committed to providing the same superior customer service and products as always.

Many of our current regular service clients are original customers from the early years, who refer their friends and family to us regularly. Residential and commercial clients enjoy prompt, personal service that only an independent operator can consistently provide.

We provide pest control services throughout Central Massachusetts, Worcester and Hampden Counties, including Sturbridge, Spencer, Southbridge, the Brookfields, Charlton, Leicester, Shrewsbury, Rutland, Holden, Oxford, Webster, Dudley, Brimfield, Holland, Palmer, Worcester.

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

My family protecting your family...since 1972.

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

Warning! Bed Bugs Feeding...

Bed bugs typically take about five minutes to feed. Here, in a time-lasped video from the National Pest Management Association, you can see a bed bug filling with blood as it feeds.



If you're concerned that you have 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