Termite Damage

Here is an excellent look into the world of termites and the damage they cause, compliments of pest control folks from Down Under. (That's Australia, mates!)



If you're concerned that you have termites 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

Termites Are Serious Business

Termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage each year. When it comes to protecting your commercial or residential property from termites and other destructive insects, Dave's Pest Control guarantees a safe effective and professional job every time.

Through years of education, training, modern technology, and years of experience, we will be able to provide your real estate with the best protection possible.

If you're concerned that you have termites 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

Bug Facts And Trivia

Formosan Termites

• The largest Formosan termite colony found in America had infested a public library in Algiers, La. It weighed 600 pounds and contained 70 million termites.
• 10% of the world's animal biomass is composed of termites.
• Male mosquitoes do not bite humans, but rather live on plant juices and other natural liquids from plants and decomposing organic material.
• Silk comes from the cocoons of the true Silk Moth. More than 25,000 cocoons must be unraveled to make a single pound of silk thread.

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

Reference: www.pestworld.org

Icky, Icky Insects Music Video For Kids

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

More Pest Trivia

• Only 10% of homeowners nationwide feel that cockroaches are a threat to their family's health. (Are you one of the 10 percent?)
• Its flat shape allows cat fleas to easily pass between the hairs of animals.
• There has been a 500% increase in bed bug infestations reported since 1999.
• One pair of mice can produce hundreds of offspring in a year.

If you're concerned that you have pests or mice 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
www.davespestcontrol.net

Reference: www.pestworld.org

All Those Little Legs . .

Centipedes are sometimes called “hundred-leggers” because of their many pairs of legs, but they can actually have anywhere from 15-177 pairs of legs, depending on the species. Interestingly, centipedes always have an odd number of pairs of legs.

Most centipedes are nocturnal, and prey primarily on flies, spiders, and sometimes plant tissue. Centipedes are found throughout the United States and the world. They are typically found in areas of high moisture, such as in rotting logs, under stones, in trash or piles of leaves/grass. When they invade homes, centipedes are most commonly found in damp basements, crawlspaces, bathrooms, or potted plants.

Centipedes are generally considered nuisance pests, as they do not pose significant health or property threats. However, all centipedes have poison jaws with which they inject venom into their prey. If handled roughly, some larger species can inflict a painful bite that can break human skin and causes pain and swelling, similar to a bee sting.

The most effective way to prevent centipede infestations is to reduce areas of moisture in and around your home. Remove leaf piles and grass clippings. Store firewood off of the ground. Provide adequate ventilation in crawl spaces and basements.

If you're concerned that you have centipedes 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
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

Yup! More Pest Tidbits!

What can I say? I love bugs facts!

• Of some thirty or so insect orders, termites are the only one in which all species are categorized as highly social or "eusocial."
• 36% of homeowners surveyed said they had problems with spiders during the past year.
• Powderpost beetles larvae will tunnel into hardwood floors, wooden antiques and the like, turning the wood in its path into fine, powdery sawdust.

If you're concerned that you have pests 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

More Facts About Pests...

Did you know. . .

• The most common pest of stored products found in the home and in grocery stores in the U. S. is the Indian meal moth.
• A mature Formosan termite colony can number in the millions.
• Men claim their number one pest concern to be termites (24%) while women put spiders as their number one pest concern (16%).

If you're concerned that you have pests 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

Pest Facts

• As many as 100 people die as a result of bee and wasp stings each year.
• 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.
• There are 1,830 different kinds of fleas known throughout the world.
• The brown-banded cockroach often hides her egg capsules, containing up to 18 eggs, in furniture.

If you're concerned that you have ants, cockroaches, or other 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

Bed Bug Pandemic Is Growing

The 2011 Bugs Without Borders Survey conducted by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) and the University of Kentucky, has found that bed bug infestations have increased and are now being found just about everywhere. The study, which surveyed U.S. pest management professionals, found that 99 percent of respondents encountered bed bug infestations in the past year. More than eight of out ten noted that bed bug infestations are increasing across the country. This represents a sharp increase in prevalence as only a mere 11 percent of respondents reported receiving bed bug calls more than 10 years ago. One of the most significant findings is that bed bug encounters have become much more common in public places than the previous year, in some instances increasing by 10, 20 or nearly 30 percent.

“The increase in bed bug encounters is likely due to a combination of factors, but one thing is clear — this pest shows no signs of retreating,” noted Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for NPMA. “Of most concern are the places where pest professionals are encountering bed bugs, such as, schools, hospitals, and hotels/motels. In many cases the numbers of professionals who have reported treating certain types of businesses and commercial facilities has seen double digit growth.”

“Increased public awareness, education and vigilance are key in detecting and preventing bed bug infestations as these pests tend to travel undetected from place to place, breed quickly and remain one of the most challenging to treat,” added Henriksen. “NPMA advises consumers against the ‘this can’t happen to me’ attitude, because bed bugs are equal opportunity pests.”

Bed bugs are the size and color of a flat apple seed, like to travel and will hide in suitcases, boxes and shoes to be near a food supply (humans). In addition to the mattress and headboard, bed bugs can be found behind baseboards, electrical switch plates, picture frames, wallpaper, upholstery and in furniture crevices.

If you're concerned about 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

Protect Your Condominium Complex

Condominium facilities managers often find themselves facing an infestation of stinging insects. These pests are aggressive in nature and often sting as a way to protect their colonies or larvae from human beings who attempt to remedy an infestation on their own.

Dave's Pest Control can provide a level of expertise and knowledge of technology that can best rid your property of these stinging insects and prevents future infestations.

Call Dave at 1-800-400-6009 to schedule an appointment to review your condominium complex.

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

West Nile Virus Reminder

With the increased prevalence of West Nile Virus, mosquitoes continue to be, not only a summer nuisance pest but also, a major health threat.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), mosquito-borne infections have appeared across the United States in recent years, which makes avoiding mosquito nesting/breeding sites and eliminating standing water in or around the home even more important to the protection of public health.

In addition, to the potential for West Nile Virus, mosquitoes can also cause itchy, unsightly marks as well as severe allergic reactions in human beings.

If you're concerned about mosquito breeding sites around your home or place of business, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

Dave's Pest Control
Serving Central Massachusetts
www.davespestcontrol.net

Reference: www.pestworld.org

Lyme disease continues to be a major health risk to human beings. Transmitted by ticks, typically between May and October, lyme disease is largely found in the Northeastern, upper mid-western Western states of the U.S. However, there has been an increase in the diagnosed cases of lyme disease in the South.

If you have fruit-bearing trees, particularly apples trees on your property, you most likely have deer visiting your backyard each night. Ticks love hitching a ride on these gentle creatures.


It is critical to be vigilant of ticks, especially if you are in wooded areas. Symptoms of Lyme disease include a "bull's eye" rash around the bite, flu-like symptoms and extreme fatigue.

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

Dave's Pest Control
Serving Central Massachusetts
www.davespestcontrol.net

Reference: www.pestworld.org

Prevent Pests From Crashing Your Summer BBQ

The NPMA offers the following tips to help you better enjoy your outdoor summer activities:

Picnics and barbeques are frequent occurrences during the summer months, when weekends, holidays, and vacations are often cause for celebration with family and friends. More often than not, hosts and guests alike must deal with pesky party crashers, in the form of ants, flies and stinging insects. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) reminds homeowners that there are several ways to show those pests the door, or even prevent them from showing up altogether.

“Nothing ruins summertime fun like ants, flies, mosquitoes, wasps and other stinging insects,” said Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for NPMA. “Not only do they annoy and irritate your guests, but they can also transmit disease and cause painful bites and stings.”

The NPMA recommends the following steps to avoid a pest-filled picnic or barbeque:

* Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn, so if you are planning a barbeque before sunset, plan on having plenty of insect repellant containing an EPA-registered active ingredient like DEET or Picaridin available for you and your guests. Adorn your deck or patio with citronella candles, and wear long sleeves or pants to avoid bites.
* Ants and flies are attracted to barbeque fare, so take steps to keep food safe by using tightly sealed containers or coolers. Also, be sure to clean trash, crumbs, and spills from picnic tables immediately. Store all trash away from the party and always keep your garbage bins covered.
* Yellow jackets and other stinging insects are attracted to fragrances from shampoo, perfume, and candles – not to mention food and drink. Avoid using scented items beforehand and provide clear plastic cups for your guests as aluminum cans and plastic bottles are good hiding spots for stinging insects.
* Prior to the party, check screen doors and repair any holes. Once the guests have arrived, remind them to shut the door behind them in order to keep pests from entering your home.

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

Reference: www.pestworld.org

Hot, Humid Weather Breeds Summer Insects

All the rain and the bouts of hot and humid weather are ideal conditions for many summer insects. That's why we offer our customers seasonal pest control plans. Here is what the summer brings...

Pests: All of the new beginnings from spring have come to full bloom in the summer for pest activity. The maximum activity puts more pressure on our homes as the insects are seeking more favorable living conditions for food, moisture, lower temperatures, harborage, etc. All of these can be quickly found in our homes.

Stinging Insects: The predators of the insect world (scorpions, spiders, centipedes, etc.) follow their prey into our homes during this increased activity. They enter through cracks, crevices, damaged areas around our doors, windows, eaves, weep holes, plumbing penetrations, electrical/utility connections, etc. They are not seeking us, but interaction between people and these "stinging" insects is inevitable when we share the same living space.

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

Dave's Pest Control
Serving Central Massachusetts
www.davespestcontrol.net

Termite Season

The warm spring weather urges trees to bud, flowers to sprout, and termites in search of "new" housing, particularly winter weathered homes.

This past winter brought record snowfall and spring is bringing records rains, leaving many homes with damage to walls, ceilings and insulation, and creating moisture that attracts termites.

Termites are known as “silent destroyers” because of their ability to chew through wood, flooring and even wallpaper undetected. Swarmers, looking to start a new colony, are typically the first sign of termite season as these winged-pests show up inside homes in early spring. It’s important that homeowners do not mistake swarmers for flying ants, as the two species look alike to an untrained eye. Discarded wings near windowsills and doors are often a sign that swarmers have already found their way in.

The National Pest Management Association offers these tips:

• Inspect perimeter of a home for rotting wood and mud tubes.
• Avoid water accumulation near the home's foundation.
• Never bury wood scraps in the yard. If the home is newly built, remove any remaining grade stakes.
• Keep mulch at least 12 inches from the foundation.

If you suspect 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 Pest Control Company
www.davespestcontrol.net

Reference: www.pestworld.org