House Dust Mites

House dust mites may be microscopic in size, but they are gargantuan to asthma suffers. Approximately 50-80% of asthmatics may have symptoms due to house dust mites.

House dust mites feed on dead skin shed by 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.

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.

Here are a few suggestions to limit your exposure to dust mites:

• Frequently change bed linens. If house dust mites are a serious problem, mattress encasement with a cover tested for house dust mites may be helpful
• Vacuum areas frequently using a HEPA filter vacuum
• Keep humidity low when possible; heating or freezing infested fabric may help
• If asthmatic, avoid playing with children or animals on a carpeted area

This is not a pest which can be controlled easily. If you're concerned about dust mites 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

Reference: National Pest Management Association

Pest-Proofing Your Kitchen

I am pleased to share this excellent video from Pest 411 and the National Pest Management Association.



If you're concerned that you have 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

Brown Recluse Spiders

The brown recluse spider, also called,the 'fiddleback spider' or 'violin spider' due to the dark violin shape on its head. They are nocturnal and eat other bugs like cockroaches and crickets. Males wander farther than females and will crawl into shoes or other clothing. Brown recluse spiders often live outdoors in debris and wood piles and can be found indoors in storage areas and dark recesses.

The brown recluse spider bites in defense and does not bite humans instinctively. They will bite humans when the clothing they are hiding in is worn.  They have a  bit of a bad rap because their bite can produce an open, ulcerating sore and cause severe tissue necrosis at the bite site. Brown recluse spider bites often go unnoticed initially because they are usually painless bites, producing minor burning that feels like a bee sting. Symptoms usually develop two to eight hours after a bite; you may experience severe pain at the bite site after about four hours, as well as severe itching, nausea, vomiting, fever, and muscle pain

If you think you have been bitten by a brown recluse spider, see a doctor immediately. If possible, bring the spider to the doctor's office for proper identification of the spider is very helpful in making the correct diagnosis. If you are unable to be seen by a doctor that day, go to a hospital emergency room.

To avoid brown recluse spiders, keeping clothing off of the floor. Store clothing and shoes inside plastic containers, and shake out all clothing that has been in a hamper before wearing or washing.

If you're concerned that you have spiders 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

References: Copyright © 2009 National Pest Management Association
http://www.medicinenet.com/black_widow_brown_recluse_pictures_slideshow/article.htm

Preventative Pest Control Methods - Part 2

There are numerous steps that you can nontoxic methods and products available to eliminate pests. Here are a few suggestions.

Traps:
There are many kinds of traps available that target many kinds of pests. Some examples are sticky traps for cockroaches, glue boards for mice, flypaper, bug zappers, and traps specifically for rats, gophers, or moles.

Pheromones:
Pheromones, essentially insect scent hormones, can be used in traps as bait. By emitting the scent of the female insect, pheromones can be used to lure males into a trap, where they are caught in sticky glue. Insects are only attracted by pheromones emitted by their own kind, so you need to know exactly what kind of insects you're trying to eliminate and plan accordingly.


Repellents:
 There are nontoxic repellents available for pest control. Mosquito repellents are the most popular, but if you look around, you can find repellents that target other pests. Some herbs, like eucalyptus and wormwood, are known for repelling animals and insects.

Biological Control:
Biological control is more often used in agriculture but can sometimes be used in home and garden situations as well. Basically it means using desirable organisms to eliminate undesirable organisms. For instance, planting certain plants in your garden can deter certain pests. For example, spearmint repels ants. Garlic repels Japanese Beetles. Indoors, spiders eat fruit flies and houseflies, so it may be worth leaving some of those webs around.

If pests are getting the better of you 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

Bed Bugs! Attack! *EMMY WINNING DOCUMENTARY*

Warning! Do not view before bedtime!(I just love these clips!)



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
Serving Central Massachusetts
www.davespestcontrol.net

Preventative Pest Control Methods - Part 1

There are numerous steps that you can take to minimize your exposure to pests. Here are a few suggestions.

Sanitation:

As they say, cleanliness is next to godliness. And it keeps pests out, too. Keeping your home clean is the most effective pest control method. If you don't leave food or dirty dishes lying around the house, animals and insects won't be attracted to the smell. Sweep and vacuum regularly. Remember, just because you can't see a crumb doesn’t mean they don't exist. Clean inside pantries and cabinets, under and around the stove and refrigerator at least once a year.

Screens:
This may seem obvious, but screens on doors and windows are a simple and relatively cheap way to keep insects out of the house. Also, screens on crawlspaces keep rodents from obtaining easy access routes into the house.

Caulking:
By caulking cracks in your house, you can minimize places for insects to hide and nest. Target bathrooms and the kitchen, especially doors and windows.

If pests are getting the better of you 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

Non-Toxic Pest Control for Your Home and Garden

Pesticides are toxic and, while often effective against pests, can be dangerous for your family and pets. Outdoors, sprayed pesticides might drift on a breeze and dust your vegetable garden or your neighbor's yard. Indoors, pesticides can linger in the air, exposing the family to harmful chemicals. For these reasons, many people are turning to nontoxic pest control methods.

Prevention is the best way to control pests, but there are times when even the most thorough preventative measures will not save you from intruders, so if you're concerned about preventative pest control methods and nontoxic pest control products, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

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