The post Adorable Bed Bug Dog Sofy appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

The post Pest Control Fort Smith , Arkansas appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

The post Pest Control Orem , Utah appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

The post Pest Control Abbeville , Alabama appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

The post Pest Control Park City , Utah appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

The post Pest Control Pleasant Grove , Utah appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

There are three common varieties of wood-boring beetles. The most common, long-horned beetles, find their home in firewood. These beetles lay their eggs within the firewood before it is cut. The most-frequently attacked woods are hickory, ash, and oak. But no wood is exempt; any wood in the proper condition is susceptible to being attacked. Long-horned beetles are about half-an-inch to one-and-a-half inches long and boast antennae about half the length of its body. They also have lengthy legs. Their color varies. After the firewood makes it way inside where it is warmer, the adult beetles may exit the wood. While their mere presence may be annoying, they don’t actually damage dried or finished wood, so they pose no threat to inside furniture.
Another common wood-boring beetle is the flatheaded borer. These borers can also enter wood that’s destined to become firewood. The adult flatheaded borers are flat with short legs and antennae. These leave the wood in the summertime. They have no attraction to dried or finished wood. One flatheaded borer—the bronze birch—is sometimes found inside homes where birch logs are used as décor in fireplaces.

Bark beetles are small and come in large packs. Together they may infest firewood. They also have the ability to tunnel under a tree’s bark, contributing to the eventual death of the tree if the bark beetles grow too numerous or infest it in heavy numbers. These beetles won’t harm wood that is seasoned or finished.

Once an infestation of beetles has started, it’s hard to control them; thus, prevention is key. Sanitation is critical. Tree limbs that have died should be removed around your home. All scrap lumber should be removed to avoid infestation. When selecting firewood, only take inside what you plan to burn right then.

The post Wood Boring Beetle appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

Praying mantises are usually gray, green, or brown and about two inches long. They eat meat—including invertebrates and insects. Specifically, they will chow down on wasps, moths, crickets, beetles, butterflies, grasshoppers, spiders, and flies. Mantises can eat up to 20 flies in one day. It’s also not unheard of for bigger mantis to eat small reptiles. We’re talking lizards and little frogs.

In order to get their food, mantis perch themselves on plants in a position that enables them to catch any insect that comes within easy reach. They do not actively hunt for their food. The mantis uses its camouflage to blend into its environment. Its forelegs aid it in catching its meals. The legs act like a pocket knife, with spines to grasp and help hold the insect that the mantis is about to devour. Once the mantis has an insect in its grip, it will first bite off the head of its prey. Of course, female mantises are known for biting off the head of her partner during mating. It has been discovered, however, that this is a rare practice in the wild and a more common act among caged mantises.

Because of the mantis’ great ability to capture food—e.g., insects—gardeners love them! Praying mantises serve as beneficial helpers in the garden. The number of mantis’ in a garden isn’t generally enough to eliminate enormous populations of pests. Because of this, gardeners may sometimes put mantis egg cases in gardens. While this act doesn’t necessarily guarantee that pest insects will be eliminated from a garden, it helps reduce their numbers. Gardeners love to see a mantis doing what it tends to do best—devouring another in their garden!

The post What do praying mantis eat appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

A moths’ diet extends beyond nectar, the food they are most known for eating. For example, they consume many different types of liquids to gain energy for reproductive purposes. In general, their diet doesn’t sound particularly appetizing. Besides nectar, they mainly eat fruit that has decomposed, rotting animals, sap, and feces. Yum.
Because they forage for food at night, moths don’t find food based on its color. Instead, they use their keen sense of smell to help them locate food. One of the most notable differences between moths and butterflies is their antennae. The antennae of the moths are larger, which helps them to pick up scents. They often find flowers that bloom at night which have an intense smell. This draws the moths to them.

Clothes moths tend to eat items such as hair, fur, furniture, milk powder, and wool. This would explain why some of your sweaters may be punctured with holes. But that’s not all. They also consume animal products—leather and bristles, for example. Larvae, or young moths, will also eat paper, dust, and materials covered in oil. Clothes moths are also known to infest deceased insects, hair, and animal remnants that have dried out. Caterpillars make small holes in fabric—not moths—though the adult moths may be seen on the surface of clothing that has been damaged.

The post What do moths eat appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

A mole’s main food source is the earthworm. Moles are insectivores, mainly feeding on beetle grubs and other animals that dwell in the soil. They don’t typically feed on bulbs or plant roots. They take in a lot of vegetable matter such as grass seed, wheat seed, and sorghum seed. When insects live deep within the ground, the moles do also as insects are their food supply. This is especially true during summer months when the ground dries out and during colder months when the ground is frozen. This makes it hard to know whether moles are still around, because they are not coming up to the surface.

While some homeowners may consider the mole to be a pest, some scientists believe the contrary. They consider the moles to be a benefit as they eat things that could potentially be harmful to a yard. They devour such things as ants, slugs, and mole crickets. It’s often hard for homeowners to appreciate the mole for these reasons because they also tear up yards while searching for food. They have the ability to tunnel as many as 18 feet in just an hour. This tunneling can be both good and bad. While it can loosen and aerate soil, it can also physically damage the root system of a yard by raising the roots, which causes them to become dry. This often looks worse than it is and, in most cases, the tunneling doesn’t actually hurt a yard.

The post What Do Moles Eat appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

Weevils are often found in rice. Their long, distinct snout takes up a third the insect’s length. Altogether, the weevil is very small, approximately 1/10-inch long. It has a dark body, ranging from reddish brown to black and features four light yellow or red spots on its corners. Weevil larvae are much lighter in color; they are usually white with a small head that is beige in color. The larvae have no legs and often remain totally unseen. This is because they hollow out grain kernels and dwell there. Adult weevils burrow into kernels and deposit their eggs inside. The larvae hatch and grow through several stages (instars), even pupation.

Other than rice, weevils can also be found living in cereal grains, oats, corn, rye, barley, and wheat. While they can’t reproduce in grain that is finely processed, they can reproduce in products that have been manufactured—items like noodles, pasta, and cereals that are coated due to heavy moisture.

Sticky traps can be used in a storage unit if there is suspicion of a weevil infestation. Discard those products that have been infested. Insecticides should not be used in food. To control a weevil problem, fumigation is necessary—it will kill both weevil adults and larvae. To kill larvae, heat grains to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Note that this could affect flour’s ability to bake properly if the product has been infested.

The post Weevils in rice appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

Termidor termite treatment is considered the best termiticide in the country. It works in a couple of different ways. First, it can work as a preventative. The treatment serves as a protection around the home as it prevents termites from reentering the house. Second, if a house has been infested with termites, the poison will stick to the body of the worker termite. The poison is then brought back to the colony and kills off the whole colony.

The termites are clueless that they are about to encounter the treatment as they cannot smell it, see it, or feel it. They have no idea it’s coming or that it’s poison; therefore, they will injest it and then share it with the others. Even if the termite workers don’t eat the poison, the poison will still work its way onto the termite’s body and they take it back to the others, unknowingly.

Here’s how the termiticide works. It is pumped into holes that are drilled into the soil’s foundation. The holes are drilled around the perimeter of a house and through floors inside the house if the pests are found indoors. The treatment is completely safe for both humans and pets.

While anyone can purchase Termidor termite treaments, it must be used only by professionals who are licensed in pest control. It would be applied by him or her around the perimeter of the house to provide a continual area of treatment. The product is also safe for the environment. It can be used both for eliminating termite problems and for preventing further issues with them.

The post Termidor termite treatment appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

Stink bugs are known for the foul-smelling odor they produce. Stink bugs feed on fruits and vegetables during the summer and seek shelter during the winter months. This shelter is often found within homes. Most stink bug traps are similar to those used to monitor and control fleas and are one of best ways to rid your house of the pests. The traps can eradicate stink bugs without the need to spray chemicals. Stink bugs are attracted to the heat and light produced by the light bulb within the trap. Stink bug traps do not pose any danger to non-insects. They are safe around children and pets.

Alternately, it is possible to create your own device to trap and eliminate stink bugs. One example of a do-it-yourself stink bug trap is to find an old table lamp that still works. Cover the base of the lamp with cardboard; then either cover it with double-sided tape. Bugs will be attracted to the light and will land on the cardboard and be stuck. The cardboard can easily be replaced with new cardboard once it’s coated with stink bugs. This works best if the lamp is the only source of light in the room. Black lights have been shown to be more effective than other types of bulbs and can be purchased at party supply stores. Other examples of do-it-yourself methods can be found online, and several step-by-step tutorials can be found on youtube.com.

The post Stink Bug Trap appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

No homeowner likes to see an unsightly spider roaming in his or her house. Thankfully there’s a way to rid spiders from residences: spider traps. When spiders sense that they might be in harm’s way, they flee to what they think is a safer area. In actuality, this area is a glue trap designed to appear as a safe haven. The spiders crawl inside and are caught.

The traps are made of glue that is both sticky and nontoxic. It is so effective that it can catch a spider by as little as one leg and prevent it from moving. The effectiveness of a spider trap may be increased by adding bait. Some sticky traps also have a monitor component. This can be used to identify the type or species of spiders getting trapped and the extent of the infestation. The home resident can then take necessary precautions if there are any poisonous spiders in the house. Spider traps can also be used instead of poisonous pesticides. This might be especially helpful in certain areas of the house, such as kitchens.

Spider traps are made of cardboard paper and may be shaped into a triangle or a square in order to work best in its location. An adhesive strip beneath the trap allows it to be stuck against a wall or upside down. The traps may be discarded with everyday garbage. Be careful when handling the trap, however, as the spider within the trap may not be dead yet.

In addition to using traps, spiders can be repelled by always using sanitary measures in your home and by removing wood piles and other outdoor areas that may be considered a breeding area for them. Preventing other insects from entering the home can also act as a deterrent to spiders, as other insects can be a food source for them.

The post Spider Traps appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

Slug slime is a watery mixture containing numerous proteins which allows slugs to crawl. The slime lubricates or greases the area between the slug and the surface on which it moves. This sticky, seemingly gross substance is vital to a slug, as it acts as the slug’s arms and legs. The slime also serves as a protective cover to the slug’s fragile skin—it prevents the skin from damaging and becoming overly dry.

A slug’s slime actually prevents stickiness. It ensures that debris, such as leaves and dirt, does not stick to its body. The slug leaves it all behind, along with its slime.

The stickiness of the slime does become enhanced, however, when a slug is either injured or bothered. This may be why, if one steps barefoot on a slug, the slime sticks to the bottom of the foot for a long time.

There are actually two kinds of slug slime: a thin, slippery kind used to help the slug as it moves, and a thicker kind used for various reasons. The slime isn’t toxic, but this doesn’t mean it tastes good. The awful taste helps the slow-moving animal be protected against predators.

If you find slug slime on your sidewalk or porch, do not apply water, as this makes the problem worse. Instead use a paper towel soaked in white vinegar to remove the slime. The white vinegar will help it to dissipate.

The post Slug Slime appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

Slugs are a common garden pest.  Slugs can cause extensive damage to seedlings and plant foliage.  Removing moist hiding places, selecting mulch not eaten by slugs, and implementing barriers around your garden can reduce the number of slugs found in the area.  However, after all of these measures have been addressed, a slug killer may still be necessary.

Slug killer baits are very effective.  Baits containing metaldehyde kill slugs quickly.  These baits are available in pellet, paste, and liquid form.  However, metaldehyde is extremely hazardous, and should not be used near pets, children, or on vegetable plants.  Baits containing the active ingredient iron phosphate are safe to use around pets and children.  Iron phosphate baits prevent slugs from eating.  This means that slugs have time to hide before they die.  Baits should be sprinkled in areas of concern.  Apply baits during moderate temperatures.  Water the area before application in order to draw out more slugs.

Diatomaceous earth is also a known slug killer. It can be sprinkled around plants and garden perimeters to construct a barrier.  The tiny razor particles in diatomaceous earth cut open the slug’s body, causing desiccation.  Rain and wind can quickly destroy this barrier, so diatomaceous earth should be reapplied regularly.

The post Slug Killer appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

Counted among the most common garden pests, potato bugs could quite possibly be the biggest eaters. They aren’t very harmful in gardens, however. They just take in a lot of food—namely dead plants.

One way to detect a potato bug infestation is if many of your produce items are in pieces. These items could include peppers, eggplants, tomatoes, flowering tobacco, or potato plants. The bug is also called the Colorado Potato Beetle. It is about 10 millimeters long and has a yellow-and-black-striped back, covering the entire back all the way down to its tail.

If you want to eliminate potato bugs in your garden, it’s best to add the bugs’ natural enemies to the garden grounds: stink bugs, lacewings, ladybirds, etc. This technique is known as biological pest control. These bugs will prey on the potato bugs without causing any problems in your garden.

Botanicals may also be used to kill potato bugs. Rotenone is recommended as well as pyrethrum, which is a more aggressive product. The two may be combined in order to see quick results.

If botanicals don’t work, you can try biopesticides, a better option than using many different chemicals in your garden. Biopesticides can be purchased in a spray. It’s important to note that biopesticides should not be used in organic farming, as they do contain chemicals.

Once the bugs are gone, a floating row cover may be placed over potato crops to prevent a reinfestation of potato bugs in a garden.

The post Potato Bugs In Garden appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

Mosquito nets provide a shield against mosquitos and other insects. They also provide a shield against the diseases the insects may carry, including yellow fever, dengue fever, malaria, and different types of encephalitis (West Nile virus is an example of this.). The nets are frequently used in areas where malaria or other insect-borne diseases are common. In order to work properly, the mesh of the net must be thin and delicate enough to keep mosquitoes out without encumbering the flow of air or ability for humans to see out.

The effectiveness of the net can actually be significantly enhanced by treating it with mosquito repellant or an insecticide. Nets are considered twice as effective when they are treated with insecticide. Insecticide-treated nets are considerably more effective than using no net at all. To achieve maximum efficiency, the nets should be treated with insecticide every six months. The treated nets help kill and keep away unwanted mosquitoes.

The nets can be used in several ways—they can actually be built into tents, built into the windows and doors of tents, hung over beds, or hung from the ceiling. When the nets are hung from beds, rectangular-shaped nets enable room for sleeping without the fear of the net coming in contact with the skin, which could cause mosquitoes to bite through netting that has not been treated properly.

Mosquito nets were first used to prevent malaria in the 1980s.

The post Mosquito netting for beds appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

Known to feed on corn, roses, grapes, as well as 250 other plants, the Japanese beetle is widely considered a nuisance in most gardens.  There are several ways to control Japanese beetles in your yard.

• Choose your plants carefully. If you live in a place where Japanese beetles are a problem, choose plants that are unaffected by them. This is the easiest way to control the beetles.
• Watch your plants. Particularly, watch smartweed, linden trees, or other favorites of Japanese beetles. Immediately remove Japanese beetles as they show up, and discard the foliage that has been damaged. By doing this you will eliminate signs that would attract beetles.
• Cover certain plants. Small plants should be covered with netting that is fine (less than one-quarter inch) during the beetles’ peak activity time. Ensure that there are no openings in the net that would enable the beetles to get through.
• Use insecticides. There are several insecticides out there that will defend lawns from Japanese beetles. Some insecticides include: Bacillus papillae (Doom, Milky Spore,) carbaryl (Sevin), chlorantraniliprole (Acelepryn), and clothianidin (Arena). Always be sure to follow manufacturers’ directions.
• Use Trap Plants. One option is to use trap plants (unwanted plants such as smartweed) to distract the beetles from more desirable plants. This could be problematic, however, in that it could potentially bring more Japanese beetles into the garden.

To prevent Japanese beetles, it’s best to use products containing either imidacloprid or halofenozide in late June to early August before the eggs hatch. After the eggs hatch in August, use curative grub treatments. The following methods don’t work when attempting to control Japanese beetles:

• Japanese beetle traps. While they trap numerous beetles, some of them were drawn to the area specifically by the trap and may cause more damage to the plants in the area.
• Grub insecticides. While insecticides can control younger Japanese beetles and prevent lawn damage, they don’t necessarily control adult beetles, who can fly distances up to two miles to feed.
• Home remedies. Smashed-up beetle spray and other home remedies don’t generally work and should be avoided.

The post Japanese beetles Control appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

With its creepy-crawly legs, a homeowner may find it unnerving to find a centipede roaming in their house. Centipedes typically dwell alone, and it is best to kill them when you first see them. Centipedes thrive in moist environments and can even be found crawling out of sinks or bathtubs. They can often be found in cooler areas, such as attics, during warm summer months.

While centipedes may be considered helpful in a home—they often catch and eat other small insects and spiders—most people don’t want them around. To control them, it’s best to eliminate damp areas by keeping areas in the home as dry as possible. Dehumidifiers are helpful to this end, as well as clearing out damp areas where they might be found, such as closets, basements, or anywhere where there’s a build-up of moisture. Setting up glue traps along the floors and in the corners can help manage a centipede problem. After using treatments inside, it’s important to also use an outdoor treatment along the perimeter of the house. A liquid insecticide can be used along the outside of the home. Chemicals aren’t generally recommended to kill centipedes.

Additional measures can be taken to get rid of centipedes, such as eliminating clutter, thus reducing their potential hiding places, and vacuuming them and other insects that they would typically eat. Centipedes often wander around the home at night in search of food. Putting a sticky glue trap in the corner of rooms is the best way to catch them as they tend to crawl near baseboards. This technique may be effective in capturing most centipedes in your home.

The post How to kill centipedes appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

Weevils often dwell in flour, though they may hide out in any food item that is dry, such as cereal. These beetles can spread e.coli and other unwanted diseases if they are consumed by humans. Weevils prefer dirty environments, so it’s important to keep food in containers that are clean. It’s also important to keep shelves and the surrounding area clean.

If a weevil infestation is suspected, sticky traps may be placed within a storage unit. Any products that have been infested should be discarded. Foods that are close by should also be carefully inspected. It is recommended that insecticides not be used to eliminate weevils inside home food storage since the food is made for consumption by humans.

In addition to eliminating food that has been infested, all items should be removed from the shelves where the infested food has been stored, and a vacuum should be used to clean the shelves. Both shelves and crevices should be vacuumed thoroughly. Shelves should then be washed with white vinegar. The bags from garbage and the vacuum should be removed from the home. Once these steps have been taken, it’s important to check back regularly to ensure that the weevils have not returned. If they have, one should repeat the steps and remember that it may be difficult to eliminate weevils immediately.

Fumigation is necessary in order to control a large weevil problem. Fumigation will kill both weevil adults and larvae. Grains may be heated to 140 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 15 minutes to eliminate larvae. This, of course, may decrease flour’s ability to bake properly.

The post How to get rid of weevils appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

Stink bugs are known for their potent smell and their tendency to feed on crops. Stink bugs are more difficult to exterminate once they have a foothold in an area.

Prevention is an important first step. Some tips include ensuring that all windows and doors are sealed properly and that both air vents and chimneys have screens placed over them. If you have a garden near the house, make sure that the plants are not in direct contact with the house. Stink bugs are especially attracted to tomato plants. Leafy plants should be kept up to 18 inches from the house.

When controlling the bugs through prevention isn’t an option, controlling can be effective option. You can try mixing 32 ounces of hot water with three-fourth cups of dishwashing soap. (Dawn should do the trick.) With this mixture, spray the outside of your house, especially concentrating on any potential entry spots such as cracks, windows, and doors. Anti-bacterial dish soap may be more effective but has more chemicals than the average dishwashing soap.

Since stink bugs will often invade a home in search of protection from winter weather, they will often enter crawl spaces and attics. Bug zappers draw them in and make sure the bugs get killed in one area. Stink bug traps can be placed in other areas of the house and outside as well. Pesticide will also work to reduce stink bugs in your surroundings. In a pinch, Lysol will work when directly sprayed on the bug.

Your vacuum cleaner can also be a great ally to reduce the bugs. Stink bugs can be vacuumed up both inside the house and off the home’s exterior. Once the bugs have been vacuumed, the vacuum bag should be placed in a trash bag, sealed, and discarded.

If you still have difficulty controlling the infestation after exhausting all these measures, it may be best to call a pest control company.

The post How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

Slugs are soft, gray insects that can be as long as four inches. A typical length is 1.5 inches. Gardens with lots of leaves and grass may have slug problems as the insects need a lot of moisture to stay alive.

Slugs in gardens may be eliminated by using Metaldehyde or Mesurol in the bait formula. These products can usually be found at garden stores, or stores with a garden center. The products may be labeled as bait for slugs and snails. Instructions on the package should be followed.

Slugs can also be managed by removing their places of refuge. Throw away boards that are rotting or any trash in the garden. Anything left on the ground blocks in moisture, thus enhancing the conditions for slugs to breed. Gardeners should also stay on top of weeding and mowing the lawn, paying special attention to keeping the grass short around the garden. Leaves should also be removed from the garden. Air circulation can help keep the soil dry.

There are other ways to eliminate slugs from a garden area. One such way is to take canning lids, small pans, or tableware and sink them about half an inch into the ground every three to four feet. Then fill the containers with beer. This may entice—and subsequently drown—slugs. The containers, of course, would need to be filled again after each rain.

It’s also possible to eliminate slugs by collecting them by hand. The best time to do this is first thing in the morning or as soon as it gets dark at night. It’s also possible to trap them by placing boards between rows in the garden and then gathering the slugs the next morning.

The post How to get rid of slugs appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

To rid your garden of snails, it’s important to eliminate the places that they call home—boards, brush, debris, and bags, as the snails tend to hide under these things. Always remove snails from things that can’t be discarded—ledges, plants in pots, etc. Snails could indicate that the area is receiving too much water. If you find a snail on a building or a tree trunk, this means they don’t eat plants. Instead, they eat algae and lichens and shouldn’t be killed.

It’s good to search for snails or slime trails when it’s dark. Picking snails by hand can work if it’s done comprehensively and on a regular basis. To catch them, it’s best to water the area in late afternoon and then search for garden snails at dark. Always wear gloves when you pick up snails. They can then be put in a plastic bag, in a bucket with thinned-out rubbing alcohol, or in a container with water and salt.

Traps can also be used to catch snails. Here’s an example how. Take a small bowl and push it into the ground so that the dish is the same level as the ground. Place some fruit or beer in the dish. The snails will slide in for a taste but won’t be able to get out; they will keep falling back in. Screens can be used to keep snails off things you don’t want them on—benches, tables, or flower beds for example. Baits can also be used to get rid of garden snails. Be sure to look for bait with iron phosphate for safe use in residential areas.

The post Garden Snails appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

If a cat or dog live in your home, chances are high that you will have fleas. Not only is the carpet home to fleas, but also to eggs, larves, and cocoons. Carpets provide a warm, comfortable environment for them to dwell. Larves can actually subsist on the natural fibers of the carpet.

Not treating the problem will only make it worse; the fleas will continue to multiply in your home. Fleas bite both people and animals, and the bites create small bumps that are red and are accompanied by an irritating itch. Pets should first be treated for fleas. After this is done, action should be taken immediately to rid the carpet of fleas.

There are several steps one can take to bid farewell to the fleas. The first step is to buy large containers of salt. At least one container should be purchased for each room that is carpeted. Next, vacuum each carpeted floor to start getting rid of the fleas. The vacuum bag should be quickly removed, put in a garbage bag, and put in the trash outdoors. The bag should be tied shut. This will ensure that the fleas do not get back inside.

The next step is to cover freshly the vacuumed carpets with salt. It can be spread all over the carpets. However, hold off from spreading salt in your bedroom. Spreading the salt over all the other carpets should be the last thing you do before going into your bedroom at night. Take your pets in your room with you. The fleas will perish from the salt because it dehydrates them.

The next morning, vacuum all the salt off the carpets, and then allow your pets to leave your bedroom. That same morning, spread salt over the carpet in your bedroom. This will have the same effect as it did in the other rooms, killing all the fleas. Your bedroom may be vacuumed right before going to bed. The vacuum bag can be taken out, put in a trash bag, and taken outside.

Maintaining clean carpets are the best form of preventing fleas in your home.

The post Fleas In Carpet appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

Wasps are known for venomous stings and defensive behavior.  The majority of wasps are predators, and their mandibles are used to eat other insects.  While it is common knowledge that wasps use their stingers when approached by humans, it is less well known that wasps sometimes bite people when threatened.  In fact, aerial nesters including yellowjackets are known to simultaneously bite and sting when defending their territory.  Aerial nesters are some of the most aggressive wasps, and they actively defend their nests.  A wasp bite is similar to a fleabite, in the sense that it is a small puncture wound that is raised and appears red.

The biggest difference between a wasp sting and a wasp bite is that the bite does not have a stinger lodged in it that needs to be removed.  Wasp bites deliver less venom than wasp stings, but should still be treated medically if the person has an allergic reaction.  Wasp bites contain bacteria, and should be washed and disinfected to prevent secondary infection.  A bite from a wasp is often itchy and swollen.

If bitten by a wasp, clean and disinfect the area immediately.  Ice or ibuprofen can be used to reduce swelling.  If itchiness occurs, an antihistamine may be used to reduce discomfort.  Monitor the area carefully.  Seek medical attention if the swelling continues to increase, secondary infection sets in, or the patient experiences difficulty breathing.  If bitten by a wasp, leave the area to distance yourself from a possible nest nearby.

The post Do Wasps Bite? appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

Silverfish generally find their home outside—beneath bark or rocks or in bird or ant nests. Inside, they may dwell anyplace where water is abundant—sinks or bathtubs, for example. They also are commonly found in spaces like closets and basements—areas that are damp with a cool to warm temperature.

Silverfish are ferocious eaters and can feed on a variety of items—including paper, glue, books, curtains, paste, starch, linen, and cereal—though, they can last for months without any food at all. The insects are not harmful, but they can cause damage to books, magazines, and clothes. Once silverfish enter homes, it can be a challenge to kill them off. Keeping a sanitary home is the best way to control the pests. Sometimes an insecticide may be necessary to eliminate them from a home.

Silverfish have a distinguishing feature. They can consume cellulose without bacteria in their stomach to help digest it.

The post What are silverfish appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

While silverfish are not harmful, they can damage clothing, books and magazines. It can be challenging to get rid of them—but it is possible!

First of all, silverfish prefer to live in damp places such as basements and closets—essentially areas that are damp and have a cool-to-warm temperature.

The best way to prevent a silverfish infestation is to keep your home clean. To get rid of them, it’s best to eliminate moisture in your home and get rid of food that is sitting out. Don’t let water build up on the floors in your bathrooms, wipe up water behind sinks, and turn on your air conditioner to lower the humidity level. Any leaking faucets should be repaired. Paper and fabrics should be stored in containers that are airtight so that silverfish won’t eat them. To kill silverfish, spray them with soap and water, then wipe them up.

It’s also a good idea to cover cracks in your house with silicone caulk to prevent silverfish from entering the home. Humidifiers are also a good idea in the house since silverfish can’t survive in dry environments. Vacuum crevices with a vacuum tip to pick up the silverfish.

Sometimes an insecticide may be necessary to eliminate them from a home. Residual insecticides can be sprayed around the foundation of the house. Cyzmic CS and Cyper WP are good ones to try.

Silverfish Paks are good to use as well. The packets can be put in the back of curtains, underneath rugs, in closets, and in places that are dark and hidden. They should be kept away from pets and kids.

The post Getting rid of silverfish appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

Best Fly Control Products

Fly Ribbons

View Product

Fruit Fly Trap

View Product

Fly Spot Bait Envelopes

View Product

Get An Expert

Hire A Pro

The post How to kill fruit flies in the house appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

The little flies prefer to gather outdoors in areas such as garages and patios. They do, however, look for indoor environments or dense garden areas once temperatures drop. These flies rarely make a landing on food and don’t carry great risk of diseases. They do make a nuisance of themselves when hanging out at head height, but do scatter when someone draws near.

Less common but still present in homes are fruit flies, which take up residence when ripe fruit is in the house. If your fly problem appears suddenly during the fall, it may be fruit flies as their numbers increase when there is an abundance of fruits and vegetables ready to be eaten. Eliminating the flies may be as simple as disposing of the excess fruits and vegetables.

If the fly problem persists, it may be because the flies have already established breeding sites. In such cases, look for signs of manure or rotting organic matter. The best course of action is to remove these sites completely. An alternative is to dry the sites by airing them out. Do not use standard house fly traps as they don’t generally attract little house flies. However, an easy solution is to use fans, which create air movements that disturb the little house flies. These fans should be placed in the areas where the flies are most prevalent.

Best Fly Control Products

Fly Ribbons

View Product

Fruit Fly Trap

View Product

Fly Spot Bait Envelopes

View Product

Get An Expert

Hire A Pro

The post Little Flies In My House appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

These filth-breeding insects typically reproduce in animal fertilizer. They’re also known for breeding in garbage among decaying matter.

Clearly it is important to get house flies under control. Indoors, the best bet is to use synergized pyrethrins or synthetic pyre­throids in the form of spray or aerosol. While these products quickly kill flies that get hit by the spray, they do not provide a permanent remedy to the problem. The products are most effective when sprayed in rooms that are closed. It’s important to note, however, that insecticides alone aren’t all that is needed to rid a home of house flies.

Preventative measures can help prevent flies from breeding. Because the flies breed in wet and rotting substances, taking sanitary measures is a huge step. It helps to refrain from leaving food lying around and to keep garbage sealed in a closed container. Garbage cans should be kept far from the house, and animal droppings should not be left to pile up. Food that has spoiled should be discarded immediately.

It can also help to use a sealant to close up any small openings around the outside of the house. Fly traps may also be used to control smaller populations of flies. These traps could include ultraviolet traps or fly paper.

Best Fly Control Products

Fly Ribbons

View Product

Fruit Fly Trap

View Product

Fly Spot Bait Envelopes

View Product

Get An Expert

Hire A Pro

The post Flies In House appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

If you’ve ever done gardening or outdoor work, you may have noticed an abundance of small flies. A frequently asked question is, “do they bite?” The simple answer to this question is no; however, the fruit fly is not completely harmless and can be quite a nuisance.

Another name for fruit flies is “eye gnats” for their habit of hovering at eye level. Eye gnats are common in the southern part of the United States, specifically in areas with lots of loose dirt. Fruit flies are also responsible for carrying and transmitting pink eye. Because of this, they can be a health threat to people and to animals. Fruit flies are also known for contaminating food. They usually reproduce in fruit or unclean garbage bins. They feed on the yeast from living matter.

Fruit flies usually take up residence when ripe fruit is in the house. If your fly problem appears suddenly during the fall, this is because their numbers multiply when there is an abundance of fruits and vegetables ready to be eaten. Eliminating the flies may be as simple as disposing of the excess fruits and vegetables.

If your house is free of these foods and the fly problem persists, it’s important to make sure that potential breeding sites are located and properly sanitized. These sites could include areas where there is a buildup of manure, particularly poultry, or sites where organic matter is rotting. These sites should be cleared out, although drying the sites by airing them out could also eliminate the problem. Standard insect traps targeted to common house flies won’t have the same effect on little house flies. Increasing air movement in areas where the flies swarm will decrease the desirability of the site. This can be attained by placing fans in the problem areas.

Best Fly Control Products

Fly Ribbons

View Product

Fruit Fly Trap

View Product

Fly Spot Bait Envelopes

View Product

Get An Expert

Hire A Pro

The post Do Fruit Flies Bite appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

House flies are unwanted not only because they are a nuisance but also because they are thought to have the ability to spread organisms that carry diseases—bacteria, for example. House flies can breed in garbage, thus multiplying within the home.
To control flies in the house, it’s important to control their feeding and breeding opportunities. Because flies consume rotting organic matter, it’s important not to leave any out. Garbage should be kept in sealed bags inside trash cans with covers on them. Outdoor garbage containers should be keep far away from the home. Organic materials—animal manure, for example—should not pile up outside; it should be cleaned up right away. And should trash become infected with maggots, you should get rid of it immediately. If food has spoiled, it should be trashed right away. If it has spoiled, flied may have already laid eggs within it, which brings maggots.
To keep flies from coming in your house, it’s important to seal places of entry—windows, doors, etc. Caulking may be used to seal up holes. Screens should be checked for holes, and any holes should be patched—or screens should be replaced.

Best Fly Control Products

Fly Ribbons

View Product

Fruit Fly Trap

View Product

Fly Spot Bait Envelopes

View Product

Get An Expert

Hire A Pro

To destroy the flies, fly paper can be effective in a small area. Ultraviolet traps may also be used as flies are drawn to the rays and get trapped once inside. Synergized pyrethrins or synthetic pryrethroids in spray form or aerosol can kill flies. This method is most effective when used in closed rooms. There is also, of course, the good old flyswatter. It may be most effective to use two flyswatters and to come at the fly from different directions. After all, they are quick to respond when being swatting at. If your home is severely infested with flies, residual insecticide may be used by a professional exterminator. However, be aware of possible side effects of using toxic chemicals around your home.

The post How to kill house flies appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

Nothing is more annoying than pesky bugs flying through the house. One common bug that tends to make its way into the house is the fruit fly. These small flies have red eyes and a body that is brownish-yellow.  Sound eerie? They flies tend to linger around certain areas in the kitchen: dishes that need to be washed, fruit, and trash cans. Big groups of them also tend to congregate where there is food that is rotting. The best way to prevent infestations of the fruit flies by cleaning up messes immediately, particularly food or beverages that have spilled; taking out the trash on a regular basis; washing dishes; and storing fruit in the fridge instead of on the countertop. To eliminate fruit flies, spray them with soap and water and then wipe them up with a paper towel. Fly swatters are effective as well.

Drain or moth flies also make their way into homes, perhaps even more so during the summer months. The small flies have fuzzy wings—thus, they are occasionally mistaken as moths. Adult flies usually stay close to drains as they typically infest pipes that move away from floor drains. This is most often the drain in the tub, shower, or laundry room.

Best Fly Control Products

Fly Ribbons

View Product

Fruit Fly Trap

View Product

Fly Spot Bait Envelopes

View Product

Get An Expert

Hire A Pro

To get rid of these flies, it’s best to get rid of the breeding site, or the organic material that builds up inside the drain. There is likely a clogged or slow drain in the house if there are drain or moth flies buzzing around. It’s important to locate the drain and clean it. Liquid drain cleaner won’t cut it; you must actually take the material out that is responsible for the clog—including the larvae. This will help solve the problem as the larvae will be killed. Adult flies will still be alive, but they will only live a few more weeks.

The post Small flying bugs in the house appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

Pigeon spikes consist of long, pointy rods. The spikes may be attached to ledges, pipes, roofs, balconies, or any desirable landing area. They may even be used in gardens to deter pigeons from disturbing the area. Pigeon spikes are easy to install and can be purchased in different widths to work with the surface area that needs to be covered.

Another option for deterring birds is PiGNX Bird Repellent, which can be applied where pigeons congregate and reproduce. The product can be used indoors or out and on multiple surfaces. The product works because capsaicin, its active ingredient, irritates nerve-endings. The birds feel the same uncomfortable feeling that people feel when eating hot chili peppers or rubbing the peppers on their skin. Capsaicin repels pests and is safe and easy to apply and clean.

Another company sells a mix of products—all considered humane and effective—to help with bird problems. The purpose of these products is to prevent birds from landing and dwelling in certain areas. The products include Bird Wire, Bird Spider, Bird Slope, Bird Gel, Solar Bird Repeller, Vinyl Strip Doors, and Bird Repeller 360°. The products may be used in commercial and residential areas.

The post Pigeon deterrents appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

The Human Society is against Avitrol poisoning. One observer who witnessed birds who had received the poison said the birds were flying around acting drunk before they fell to their deaths.

The Humane Society reported that Avitrol, which is sold as a repellent, is a toxicant to the nervous system and harmful to animals. They also said it causes those who ingest it to have convulsions, fly irregularly, make loud noises, and die. The society reported that 151 to 175 pounds of 4-aminopyridine were sold in the United States every year between 2002 and 2006. This, the society states, would kill more than a couple hundred million birds a year.

A multitude of dead birds brought about fears of a terrorist attack back in 2007 in Washington, D.C. This caused metro stations to shut down. After the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency examined what caused the deaths, they reported it was 4-aminopyridine. Products with this ingredient are often used by pest control professionals who are licensed.

The post Pigeon poison appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

The most common pigeon trap size is actually quite large, measuring eight feet long and four feet wide and tall. A trap that is less conspicuous has two sections: feeding, which measures 36-by-24-by-8 inches, and holding, which measures 36-by-36-by-8 inches.

Once pigeons are caught within the traps, discarding of the pigeons should be humane and speedy. Local animal shelters or the humane society can provide information on appropriate disposal of the birds. It is not recommended to release pigeons, even if it’s many miles away, as the pigeons will likely come back to the same area or appear as pests in other areas.

To ensure likely success in trapping, it’s a good idea to put the traps by water sources during the summertime (for example, near cooling condensers on roofs in urban areas.) The traps can also be pre-baited for a few days before starting the trapping. To do this, put corn or milo around the outside of the traps. After three to four days, move the baits inside the trap. (In the low-profile trap, the bait can be set in both sections.) Four or five pigeons should be left inside the trap to serve as decoys.

Traps should be checked on every other day, and a fresh supply of food and water must always be available to the birds who act as decoys. If pigeons aren’t coming in, try leaving the trap open for a couple of days and then closing it for four to five days. If you’re not having much success, try relocating the trap.

The post Pigeon trap appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

Hot foot is another option for repelling pigeons. It works because it is sticky, not because it burns or irritates. After a bird steps in the gel, it feels like its foot is stuck, which it obviously doesn’t like. The pigeon then warns the other pigeons, who flee from the area that is treated. The proper depth of bead must be applied and retained in order for the gel to be effective.

PiGNX is another humane and effective way to keep away pigeons, as well as swallows, woodpeckers and other birds. The product can be applied where pigeons congregate and reproduce. The product can be used indoors or out and on multiple surfaces. PiGNX is effective because capsaicin, its active ingredient, irritates nerve-endings. The birds feel the same uncomfortable feeling that people feel when eating hot chili peppers or rubbing the peppers on their skin. Capsaicin repels pests and is safe and easy to apply and clean. For more information, see www.domyownpestcontrol.com/pignx-bird-repellent-p-1899.html.

The post Pigeon Repellent appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

An accumulation of bird droppings can result in a public health threat. Here’s why: birds can spread diseases to humans through their droppings. Droppings can also hurt the finish on cars as well as destroy grass.

Feeding birds in public places can be problematic because it can actually increase the chances of diseases being spread. When people feed birds, this causes the birds to gather in one place and be in contact with each other due to crowding and vying for food, thus leading to greater opportunities for birds to transmit diseases to one another. Avian pox may be shared through this form of contact. Avian botulism can also be spread. Accumulated amounts of bird droppings increase the chances of diseases being transmitted and can heighten bacterial amounts, E. coli included, in lakes or other bodies of water that are close by.

The building up of bird droppings can also cause cryptococcosis, a deadly fungal disease. The droppings are said to be the most significant source of Cryptococcus neoformans, a disease fungus. This fungus is most often found in droppings which have built up in bird roosting places such as attics and water towers. Droppings, even if old and dry, can cause infection. Diseases can be caught by breathing in the organism’s vegetative cells. Two forms of cryptococcosis seem to make themselves known in humans. One is known for its skin eruptions, much like acne, or ulcers with bumps beneath the skin. The more general form starts with an infection of the lungs and passes to the central nervous system and other parts of the body. This can be fatal.

To remove fresh, wet bird droppings from surfaces, wet a paper towel and wipe the surface. If the droppings have dried, try spraying them with water and then scraping with a spackle knife. Wet the rest of the droppings, let the water sit for 10 minutes, and then wipe. If the droppings are very old, apply a liberal amount of water and allow the droppings to moisten before scraping them off. To avoid breathing in the droppings, do your best to not let the dry droppings crumble and get into the air.

The post Bird Droppings appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

Prompt removal of an attached tick can prevent the transmission of Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and other tick-borne diseases.  However, removal can be difficult.  The strong jaws of a tick allow it to grasp tightly to skin, and sometimes burrow slightly into the skin.  Ticks in the nymph stage tend to be more deeply attached than adults.  Tweezers are often used, but it can be difficult to grasp the tick correctly while using tweezers.  A tick removal tool is a quick and safe way to remove ticks.

Tick removal tools use two different designs to remove ticks.  The first design involves a tool designed to grasp the mouthparts of a tick and gently pull away from the skin.  This is similar to tweezers.  The second design uses a special V slot that is too small for the main body of the tick to pass through, and is inserted around the mouthparts.  Both of these strategies remove ticks without increasing the risk of disease, either by squeezing the main body of the tick or forcing the tick deeper into the skin.

It is not uncommon for deeply imbedded ticks to tear off a small patch of skin or to leave behind mouthparts during removal.  In these cases, use tweezers to remove any leftover mouthparts, and wash the area with soap and water.  There are many folk remedies regarding tick removal, including burning matches, gasoline, and petroleum.  However, these methods are ineffective, and in some cases dangerous.

The post Tick Removal Tool appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

Best tick Control Products

Cyzmic CS

View Product

Essentria IC3

View Product

Chapin Sprayer

View Product

Get An Expert

Hire A Pro

The post Seed Ticks appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

Ticks are prevalent in areas with high grass, overgrown bushes, and dense woods. Ticks are well known carriers of diseases and can transmit these as they attach to hosts for blood meals. Dogs that spend time in tick-infested areas should be checked regularly for ticks. When checking your dog for ticks, comb through the fur in an area with good light. Ticks that have attached to dogs are commonly found around the ears, in skin folds, and on the inner side where the legs attach to the body. Ticks vary in size, from a small dot to the size of a lima bean.

When a tick is found, it should be removed immediately. The risk of disease transmission is greater the longer a tick is attached. To remove a tick, use a tick removal tool or use fine tweezers to grasp the jaws of the tick closest to the skin. Steadily pull directly out from the skin. It is not uncommon for the tick to tear off a small patch of skin. Remove any left over parts of the tick from the wound, and wash with soap and water. Save the tick in a vial for future identification in the case the dog shows signs of a fever, weakness, or paralysis. Dogs are susceptible to Lyme disease.

There are several ways to protect your dog from ticks. Cutting the grass and keeping the bushes trimmed removes areas where ticks hide. Over the counter and prescription products that prevent tick attachment can be applied topically every month. Tick collars treated with pesticides have also proven very effective. Be sure to read all labels, as certain products can be hazardous to cats and other animals.

Best tick Control Products

Cyzmic CS

View Product

Essentria IC3

View Product

Chapin Sprayer

View Product

Get An Expert

Hire A Pro

The post Ticks in or on Dogs appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

Ticks go through four life stages: eggs, larva, nymph, and adult. Female ticks are capable of spreading Lyme disease in the nymph and adult stage. The blood obtained from a host allows the female adult to nourish her eggs. Once the female is engorged with blood, it releases from the host and can lay up to 1,000 eggs. Once the eggs hatch, they enter the larva stage. Tick larvae are so small that they are sometimes called seed ticks. These “baby ticks” are about the size of a pinhead, and are usually found in high concentrations.

Baby ticks are often found in fallen leaves on forest floors. Because these ticks are so young, they do not usually carry as many harmful diseases. However, ticks in the larva stage are so numerous that hundreds of them can attach to a host. Unlike nymphs and adults, baby ticks cannot hang on tightly to the host, making removal easier.

To remove baby ticks, cut a strip of packaging tape and press it against the area. The strength of the tape is sufficient to pull the baby ticks out of the skin. Baby ticks often leave small swollen bite marks. Monitor these bite marks carefully. Seek medical attention if the bites remain swollen and itchy for more than a few days. If a baby tick is found inside, clean and vacuum the surrounding area, as ticks in the larva stage usually exist in the hundreds to thousands.

Best Tick Control Products

Cyzmic CS

View Product

Essentria IC3

View Product

Chapin Sprayer

View Product

Get An Expert

Hire A Pro

The post Baby Ticks appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

Millipedes will typically make their way into houses in the fall or spring. They may be between half an inch to 1.5 inches long and either brown or gray in color. They will curl up if bothered. They don’t bite but can be a nuisance. Once inside the house they will likely seek out the basement or bottom levels since they are seeking moisture. They usually perish indoors by dehydration; however, they can live longer in basements that are moist. They generally thrive in environments that are humid and moist and where there is a lot of organic matter. A flower bed with lots of mulch, for example, is a great home for them.

A good way to keep millipedes from entering the house is to get rid of any mulch or vegetation that’s dead and next to the house. It’s also important to caulk cracks in the house, repair windows, etc. This will essentially “seal” the insects out of the house. This is a long-term solution.

For a quick fix, chemical applications may be used outside. Choose a product that is for use around the perimeter of the house. The product should be sprayed in a 10- to 15-foot strip around the home. You will also want to spray the outside of the basement wall, door sills, and window frames. Animals and people should not walk on insecticides when the products are wet. However, the area that has been sprayed may be walked on once the product has dried.

To get rid of millipedes inside your house, you can sweep and discard them or step on them and then vacuum. Indoor insecticides may be used to control millipedes in a house as well.

Best Millipede Control Products

Cyzmic CS

View Product

Essentria IC3

View Product

Chapin Sprayer

View Product

Get An Expert

Hire A Pro

The post Millipedes In your House appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

Contrary to popular belief, millipedes do not bite. They are safe and harmless insects that some people actually keep as pets. Millipedes’ main diet consists of plant material that has decomposed. They tend to reside in damp, dark places—beneath flower pots, boards, stones, or wherever there is excess moisture. Millipedes may enter buildings in large groups just after a rainfall or during times of cooler temperatures. They are often found within mulch and are generally considered beneficial organisms within the environment. Some cite the fact that secretions from the millipede repel other insects as a reason why they are beneficial.
While millipedes do not bite, the sight of them can still be unnerving, especially when they appear in large numbers. They have the ability to crawl up walls and enter homes through small openings. A common moniker for the millipede is “thousand leggers.” They carry a passing resemblance with worms and have multiple segments to their body. Each segment has a couple of pairs of legs. When they are bothered, they tend to curl up in a ball; some even go so far as to produce a very unpleasant-smelling fluid.
Millipedes tend to dwell in larger numbers in areas where there is an abundance of rotting plant matter and in wooded areas. These conditions provide an excellent environment for the millipedes to obtain food and reproduce. Millipedes have the ability to deposit anywhere from twenty to three-hundred eggs at a time. In just a few weeks the young millipedes emerge from their eggs. They develop through several stages known as instars before fully maturing.

Best Millipede Control Products

Cyzmic CS

View Product

Essentria IC3

View Product

Chapin Sprayer

View Product

Get An Expert

Hire A Pro

The post Do Millipedes Bite appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

The short answer is no, they are not poisonous to humans. But that doesn’t mean millipedes can’t inflict harm. Many species of millipedes have glands that can produce fluids which are irritating. These fluids can cause allergic reactions in people who might have sensitivities to insect toxins or insects themselves. A few species can shoot these fluids quite a few inches. Those who touch millipedes will detect a lasting odor on their hands. The insects’ fluid is unsafe if it comes in contact with the eyes. Therefore, it is best not to handle millipedes. If one has, however, handled a millipede, he or she should wash his or her hands thoroughly with soap and water until the smell has totally disappeared.

Millipedes are, however, considered poisonous to other insects. For this reason they are considered beneficial organisms in the environment. The liquid that they emit is poisonous. The substances concealed by them are caustic and can burn through the outer body of other insects as well as the skin of larger animals.

If you have a pet and are concerned about the millipedes squirting harmful substances, it is probably best to try to control the millipedes. It can be hard to distinguish between which ones are poisonous and which ones are not, so to be safe, it is best to control them all. Entrances around the house, including crevices or cracks, will need to be caulked. The poisonous fluids, though not lethal, can be dangerous, so it is best to control the millipede population around your home.

Best Millipede Control Products

Cyzmic CS

View Product

Essentria IC3

View Product

Chapin Sprayer

View Product

Get An Expert

Hire A Pro

The post Are millipedes poisonous? appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

The post Pest Control Sandy , Utah appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

The post Pest Control Salt Lake City , Utah appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

The post Pest Control Abbeville , Georgia appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

The post Pest Control Pahrump, Nevada appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

The post Pest Control Acworth , Georgia appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

The post Pest Control Atlanta , Georgia appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

We are the best We are the best We are the best We are the best We are the best We are the best
We are the best We are the best We are the best
We are the best We are the best
We are the best We are the best We are the best We are the best

We are the best We are the best We are the best

The post Pest Control Reno , Nevada appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

We are the best We are the best We are the best We are the best We are the best We are the best
We are the best We are the best We are the best
We are the best We are the best
We are the best We are the best We are the best We are the best

We are the best We are the best We are the best

The post Pest Control Las Vegas , Nevada appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

We are the best We are the best We are the best We are the best We are the best We are the best
We are the best We are the best We are the best
We are the best We are the best
We are the best We are the best We are the best We are the best

We are the best We are the best We are the best

The post Pest Control Boulder City , Nevada appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

The post Pest Control Alachua , Florida appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

Take a look.  Bonus: Double click for a super high res picture, i’m sure somebody out there will set it as their new wallpaper. We wouldn’t be doing our job if we didn’t plug our product. Pack of 24 sticky pads click here. Here is proof they work. Those spiders could be crawling in her mouth while she sleeps. Buy a pack of 24 sticky pads and catch you some bugs! click here.

The post Pestnet Grossed Out! appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

The post Pest Control Ash Flat , Arkansas appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

The post Pest Control Fallon , Nevada appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

The post Pest Control Elko , Nevada appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

The post Pest Control Wells , Nevada appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

The post Pest Control Ely , Nevada appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

What is a Pestnet Approved Pest Company?

Finding the right Pest Control Company is a daunting task. As if it wasn’t bad enough to know you have a pest problem?? Now you have to wade through countless pest control ad pages in the phone book or online. You then need to call several companies, listen to their spiel, get price quotes and compare. And the worst part – you don’t even know if they are experienced and qualified until you hire them! Pestnet understands how difficult a process it is to research and hire an exterminator. That’s why we have done all the work for you! We prescreen pest control providers for the following:

1. Reasonable Prices
2. 4 to 5 Star Service Satisfaction Ratings
3. Experienced Technicians
4. State Licensed
5. Courteous Office Staff
6. NO fly-by-night-ers!
7. Solid Service Guarantee

To become Pestnet Approved, a Pest Control Company must meet each of these requirements. And the best part – our Pestnet Approved Pest Companies offer their service with an initial $100 OFF discount, available only to Pestnet.com visitors!

Find a Pestnet Approved Company Near You

The post Pestnet Approved Pest Control Companies appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

The post Thank You appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

The post Pest Protection appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

We will send you a link to your newly created Pestnet Profile Page(s) as soon as they are approved.

If you have any problems or concerns, please feel free to contact us.

The post Thank You appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

1. Terms

By accessing this web site, you are agreeing to be bound by these web site Terms and Conditions of Use, all applicable laws and regulations, and agree that you are responsible for compliance with any applicable local laws. If you do not agree with any of these terms, you are prohibited from using or accessing this site. The materials contained in this web site are protected by applicable copyright and trade mark law.

2. Disclaimer

The materials on Pestnet’s web site are provided “as is”. Pestnet makes no warranties, expressed or implied, and hereby disclaims and negates all other warranties, including without limitation, implied warranties or conditions of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement of intellectual property or other violation of rights. Further, Pestnet does not warrant or make any representations concerning the accuracy, likely results, or reliability of the use of the materials on its Internet web site or otherwise relating to such materials or on any sites linked to this site.

3. Limitations

In no event shall Pestnet or its suppliers be liable for any damages (including, without limitation, damages for loss of data or profit, or due to business interruption,) arising out of the use or inability to use the materials on Pestnet’s Internet site, even if Pestnet or a Pestnet authorized representative has been notified orally or in writing of the possibility of such damage. Because some jurisdictions do not allow limitations on implied warranties, or limitations of liability for consequential or incidental damages, these limitations may not apply to you.

4. Revisions and Errata

The materials appearing on Pestnet’s web site could include technical, typographical, or photographic errors. Pestnet does not warrant that any of the materials on its web site are accurate, complete, or current. Pestnet may make changes to the materials contained on its web site at any time without notice. Pestnet does not, however, make any commitment to update the materials.

5. Links

Pestnet has not reviewed all of the sites linked to its Internet web site and is not responsible for the contents of any such linked site. The inclusion of any link does not imply endorsement by Pestnet of the site. Use of any such linked web site is at the user’s own risk.

6. Site Terms of Use Modifications

Pestnet may revise these terms of use for its web site at any time without notice. By using this web site you are agreeing to be bound by the then current version of these Terms and Conditions of Use.

Privacy Policy

Your privacy is very important to us. Accordingly, we have developed this Policy in order for you to understand how we collect, use, communicate and disclose and make use of personal information. The following outlines our privacy policy.

• Before or at the time of collecting personal information, we will identify the purposes for which information is being collected.
• We will collect and use of personal information solely with the objective of fulfilling those purposes specified by us and for other compatible purposes, unless we obtain the consent of the individual concerned or as required by law.
• We will only retain personal information as long as necessary for the fulfillment of those purposes.
• We will collect personal information by lawful and fair means and, where appropriate, with the knowledge or consent of the individual concerned.
• Personal data should be relevant to the purposes for which it is to be used, and, to the extent necessary for those purposes, should be accurate, complete, and up-to-date.
• We will protect personal information by reasonable security safeguards against loss or theft, as well as unauthorized access, disclosure, copying, use or modification.
• We will make readily available to customers information about our policies and practices relating to the management of personal information.

We are committed to conducting our business in accordance with these principles in order to ensure that the confidentiality of personal information is protected and maintained.

The post Terms of Service appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

The post Registration Form appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

The post Thank You appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

This October, the National Pest Management Association hosted their annual Pestworld 2012 convention in Boston. Pestnet took the opportunity to showcase its subsidiary Pestnet Media at the show. Pestnet Media is the only company focused solely on Online Branding and Web Marketing exclusively for pest control operators (PCOs). The company offers PCOs a comprehensive approach to pest control marketing and sales campaigns including: Search Engine Optimization, Social Media consulting, pest control lead generation and online reputation management. These services are paramount to a successful marketing campaign for a pest company. PCOs know this; they just don’t have the time or expertise to do it themselves.

Pestnet recognized the Pestworld conference as the top venue to showcase it media services. NMPA’s Pestworld promises to offer a vast mix of education, networking and research information to the pest management industry. They also boast a large convention floor full of manufacturers and distributors ready to enter the growing hi-tech world of pest control with new innovative products. This year’s Pestworld was no exception and even set a record for international attendees. For more information on Pestnet Media services, go here.

The post Pestnet-at-Pestworld appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

Thousands of PCOs stopped by our booth!

Pestnet Media is the branch of Pestnet that does marketing exclusively for PCOs.

You are probably looking for www.PestnetMedia.com.

Feel free to contact.

caleb@pestnetmedia.com

The post Pestworld appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

Aenean in arcu ut sapien tincidunt elementum nec eu metus. Donec vehicula, lacus quis scelerisque tempus, leo massa cursus ipsum, a rhoncus arcu massa non arcu.

The post Affiliate Info appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

Steven R. Covey’s New York Times Best Seller 7 Habits of Highly Effective People warns of the costly threat of allowing urgent and important to-do’s zap our precious time in the day. This valuable time, according to Covey, should be used to tackle important and not-urgent tasks such as initiating sales calls, tracking and following a budget and even spending time with family on the weekend. Indeed spending time with close relatives is very important and almost never urgent, meaning it can easily take a backseat to important and urgent tasks such as routine meetings, project deadlines and even fabricated crises; like the need to pull overgrown weeds before they overtake the entire garden. I cannot think of a more important and urgent task than removing bed bugs from your home. This means that it is even more important to stop home pest control from wasting your precious finite hours during the week. Here are 4 tips to keep the pests out and at the same time, keep your available hours focused on important yet less urgent tasks. (These 4 tips will also save you money, which is can sometimes buy time as you know.)

Bed Bug Bombs Don’t Work

Don’t waste your gas money or time to drive to The Home Depot in search for a bed bug bomb. However tempting at $5.99, the futile bed bug bomb will only drive bed bugs deeper into their hiding places, exacerbating the infestation. This makes it even more difficult for the proper treatment that is sure to come. If a professional charges several hundred dollars per room to eradicate bed bugs, a five dollar aerosol can is not going to get the job done. This is because bed bug extermination requires thorough inspection, expertise, training, experience and a labor intensive effort.

You Don’t Have to Buy a New Bed or New Furniture

It is easier to kill bed bugs and their offspring in an empty bedroom. However, discarding thousands of dollars’ worth of furniture is usually not worth the increased ease in eliminating the bed bugs. Experienced bed bug pest controllers can kill and eliminate bed bugs without eliminating the furniture in the room.

Weather Treatment Doesn’t Work

Dragging your bed out of the house and placing it the sun will not solve your bed bug problem. Many bed bugs may survive a sun treatment if their body temperature does not reach a significant level. No matter how effective the sun exposure proves, there are plenty of bed bug eggs back in the bedroom tucked away in furniture, behind baseboards and in the carpet. These are just waiting to hatch out and re-infest your bed when it is returned back to the bedroom. Oh, and cold winters won’t help either.

Use a Non-repellant (like the Pros do)

The key to bed bug elimination is the little known secret of non-repellant insecticides. Non-repellants, such as Phantom Aerosol and Alpine Dust, lay down a deadly barrier for the bed bugs. The bed bugs cannot detect the non-repellant as they can regular repellant pesticides. At night, the bed bugs will emerge, cross the non-repellant barrier and begin their demise over the next several hours. Non-repellants work slower but are much more effective. You won’t find these in any hardware big-box stores, but you can definitely find them here.

img credit goes to http://pestcontrolaustin.com/

The post 3 Bed Bug Tips that Don’t Work and 1 That Does appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

The post Affiliate appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

Spider Identification Guide

Written by Gerry Wegner, PH.D. B.C.E.

Spiders

• Cobweb Spiders/Cornbfooted Spiders
• Hourglass Spiders/Widows
• Cellar Spiders
• Brown Spiders/Violin Spiders
• Running Crab Spiders/Bark & Flower Crab Spiders
• Giant Crab Spiders
• Sac Spiders
• Ghost Spiders
• Ground Spiders

• Jumping Spiders
• Wolf Spiders
• Wandering Spiders
• Nursery Web Spiders
• Hackledmesh Spiders
• Crevice Weavers
• Funnelweavers
• Cell Spiders & Tube Spiders
• Tarantulas/Hairy Mygalomorphs
• Orbweaver Spiders
• Garden Spiders
• Longjawed Orbweavers & Orchard Orbweavers
• Nephilid Orbweavers

Best Spider Control Products

Cyzmic CS

View Product

Spider Web Brush

View Product

Chapin Sprayer

View Product

Get An Expert

Hire A Pro

Spider Facts: Frequently Asked Questions

How do spiders differ from other arthropods?

All spiders have two body regions (cephalothorax and unsegmented abdomen), eight legs (each with seven segments), a pair of pedipalps, a pair of chelicerae (jaws) and either six or eight simple eyes.

Are all spiders poisonous?

Yes — to their prey! All spiders have a pair of poison glands with ducts that supply venom to the hollow jaws (chelicerae). Spiders inject venom and/or digestive juices into live or recentIy—killed prey in order to feed. Relatively few spiders are dangerous to humans.

Are harvestmen (garden daddy-long-legs) spiders?

No. Harvestmen, or garden daddy—long—legs (Order Opiliones), have three broadly—joined body regions (head, thorax, and a segmented abdomen), one pair of eyes and are non-venomous. They feed on vulnerable insects and plant juices.

How many different spiders are there worldwide?

Over 37,000 species of spiders have been described worldwide.

How many species of spiders are found in North America north of Mexico?

Nearly 1,000 species of spiders have been found in the continental U.S. and Canada, many of which were introduced from Europe.

What is the largest spider?

The world’s largest spider is the South American goliath bird-eating spider, Theraphosa Ieblondi (Mygalomorphae: Theraphosidae). Adults may attain a body length of 4.8 inches (12 cm), a leg span of nearly 13 inches (30 cm) and a body weight of 5.6 ounces (160 g).

What is the smallest spider?

The smallest spiders on record belong to the Family Symphytognathidae. Anapistu/a caecu/a (Ivory Coast, West Africa) females have an adult body length of 0.018 inches (0.46 mm); while Pafu digua (Columbia, South America) males have an adult body length of 0.015 inches (0.37 mm).

How well can spiders see?

All spiders have simple eyes. Most spiders have poor vision — merely able to distinguish light from darkness and nearby movement. However some (e.g., jumping spiders) have excellent short—range vision and are able to distinguish shape and color.

Which spider’s venom is the most dangerous?

The bite and venom of the Sydney funnelweb spider, Atrax robustus (Mygalomorphaez Hexathelidae), of Austrailia is considered to be one of the most life-threatening. Some sources claim that certain Brazilian wandering spiders, Phoneutria species (Araneomorphae: Ctenidae), have the world’s most toxic spider venom.

How can you distinguish between female and male spiders?

Most female spiders have a copulatory portal called an epigynum, uniquely-shaped for each species, located centrally on the underside of the abdomen. Males have (species-unique) pedipalps with enlarged tips, giving them a boxing glove appearance. Females generally have larger bodies (especially abdomens) than males. Males of some families have the first pair of legs longer and/or more stocky and hairy in proportion to their size.

Do all spiders spin webs?

Not all spiders spin webs for the purpose of capturing prey. Spiders may capture prey in three distinct ways: (1) ensnarement, assisted by a silken web comprised in part of sticky strands, (2) active hunting, while roaming about and exploring their surroundings, and (3) passive hunting — concealed or stealthily awaiting the approach of unwary prey.

How do spiders get on the roofs of tall buildings?

In order to disburse themselves from the egg sac, newly-hatched spiderlings of some species (e.g., orbweavers) make their way to an exposed perch and spin out long strands of silk, with which to catch a breeze. The airborne spiderlings “balloon” on air currents and updrafts until stopped by an obstacle. The first webs are constructed near the landing point, which may be miles away from and a considerable distance above, the point of origin.

How long do spiders live?

Some spiders live only one year (e.g., orbweavers), others may live two years (e.g., wolf spiders, nursery web spiders), and still others may survive into their twenties (i.e., some female tarantulas).

Back to Top

COBWEB SPIDERS / COMBFOOTED SPIDERS Family Theridiidae

Identification

Body 1/3 inch long. Jaws (chelicerae) move side to side, scissors-like. Eyes: eight small eyes closely grouped. Abdomen round. Color variable. Legs short and spindly.

Distribution

More than 230 species of cobweb weavers occur in North America north of Mexico. The American house spider, Parasteatoda (previously Achaearanea) tepidariorum, triangulate cobweb spider, Steatoda triangulosa, northern cobweb spider, Steatoda borealis, and false black widow, S. grossa, rank among the most commonly-encountered spiders in and around buildings. S. grossa is similar to S. borealis but is an introduced species found mainly in southeastern and southwestern coastal states.

Biology

Cobweb spiders rest upside—down in the middle of their small to medium—sized irregular webs in corners of porticos, eaves, garages, windows and all indoor areas. Some species hide in a corner or crevice at the web’s edge. Females (larger than males) deposit their eggs in brown, papery silk sacs within the web. Depending on species and climate, theridiids may overwinter as eggs, immatures or adults. Continuous development has been observed in warm climates and indoors.

Pest Status

The bite is similar to a pin—prick and, except for the related hourglass spiders, Latrodectus spp. (see HOURGLASS / WIDOW SPIDERS), the venom usually is not dangerous. Building occupants disdain the unsightly webs.

Back to Top

HOURGLASS SPIDERS / WIDOWS Family Theridiidae

Identification

Body 1/2 inch long. Jaws (chelicerae) move side to side, scissors-like. Eyes: eight small eyes closely grouped. Abdomen globular. Color variable. Legs spindly; not hairy-looking. A red or orange (sometimes yellow) hourglass marking is apparent on the ventral surface of the abdomen. In some specimens the hourglass is separated into two triangles pointing centrally. Females of the southern and western widows are completely black except for the hourglass and, in some cases, a small red spot just above the spinnerets. Female brown widows may be brown and yeIIowish—tan or nearly black, with the hourglass colored orange. The northern widow has three dorso-medial red spots on the abdomen.

Distribution

Five species of hourglass spiders occur in North America north of Mexico: the black widow, Latrodectus mactans, western widow, L. hesperus (nearly identical to L. mactans, genetically), northern widow, L. variolus, brown widow, L. geometricus, and red widow, L. bishopi (rarely encountered and only in portions of central Florida). Widow spiders are most abundant in the South and Southwest. In northern climates, widows may overwinter as eggs in silk sacs or as immatures in protective settings.

Biology

Like their relatives the cobweb spiders, hourglass spiders rest upside-down in their small to medium-sized irregular webs or hide in corners or crevices at the web’s edge in recessed corners of structures. Outbuildings, sheds, pump and meter enclosures commonly are occupied, as are larger rodent bait stations at building foundation perimeters. Some species build webs under rocks, in hollow trees stumps and among tree bark. Females (larger than males) deposit their eggs in round or submarine mine-shaped silk sacs, within the web.

Pest Status

The bite is similar to a pin-prick and the potent neurotoxic venom causes severe muscle cramping, fever and nausea which persist for a day or two. Death rarely results.

Back to Top

CELLAR SPIDERS Family Pholcidae

Identification

Body 1/10 – 1/3 inch long. Jaws (chelicerae) move side to side, scissors-like. Eyes: Pholcus and Physocyclus spp. have eight small eyes closely grouped: the anterior median eyes are especially small and are separated; while the slightly larger anterior lateral eyes and posterior eyes form two triads (clusters of three eyes) on either side of the carapace. Spermophora spp. have six eyes grouped in two triads. Body brown, beige and gray, typically; Spermophora spp. pale and translucent. Legs long, spindly and banded at joints.

Distribution

The adult female long-bodied cellar spiden Pholcus phalarigioides, has a body measuring 1/3 inch long. Of the 40 U.S. pholcid species, arguably it is the most frequently-encountered cellar spider in buildings. Often this species is referred to as a “daddy long-legs” by the general public; however this common name contributes to confusion with the garden daddy—long-legs or harvestmen of Order Opiliones, which are not spiders. The round-bodied cellar spider, Physocyclus globosus, and short-bodied cellar spider, Spermophora meridionalis, are smaller (bodies 3/16 inch and 1/10 inch long, respectively) and occupy buildings as well.

Biology

Long-bodied cellar spiders build their large, irregular webs in basements, crawlspaces, garages and dark corners of living and work spaces. They rest upside—down in their webs and will shake themselves quickly back and forth in their webs when disturbed. Females (larger than males) carry their round egg sacs in their jaws. Pholcids may overwinter as eggs, immatures or adults in sheltered settings in northern ,climates; however, continuous development has been observed in warm climates and indoors.

Pest Status

The bite is not painful nor is the venom dangerous, contrary to urban myths being circulated via the Internet. Building occupants disdain the large, unsightly webs, which make excursions into basements, cellars and crawlspaces unpleasant.

Back to Top

BROWN SPIDERS / VIOLIN SPIDERS Family Sicariidae

Identification

Body 1/3 inch long. Jaws (chelicerae) move side to side, scissors-like. Eyes: six small eyes grouped in three diads (close pairs). Dark brown violin pattern on light brown carapace (most distinct in adults). Legs: long and slender. Abdomen: oval; light brown; not hairy-looking.

Distribution

Three species in North America north of Mexico. The brown recluse, Loxosceles reclusa, and Mediterranean recluse, Loxosceles rufescens, are encountered most often in buildings in the South and where introduced sporadically in the northern U.S.

Biology

Brown spiders rest in attics, crawl spaces, basements, wall voids, upholstered furniture, clothing, among items stored in cardboard boxes indoors and under stones in warm climates outdoors. Brown spiders prey on small, soft-bodied insects. They may entangle live prey on a small mat of sticky silk or they may wander at night (also dimly lit rooms during the day) and utilize recently-killed insects as food. Sicariids exhibit continuous development in warm climates and indoors. In northern climates, they may overwinter as eggs, immatures or adults in protective settings.

Pest Status

Brown spiders may invade buildings from outdoors in warm weather and within their species range. They may also be carried into buildings in boxes, furniture and rolled carpets any time of the year. The bite is not painful but the venom is a potent cytotoxin, causing an enlarging necrotic sore that heals with difficulty. Many medical conditions routinely are misdiagnosed as loxoscelism, including secondary , bacterial infections (e.g., MRSA lesion, syphilitic chancre), diabetes ulcers, Herpes sores/blisters, Erythema multiforme (allergic reaction to medication expressed dermally), Pyoderma gangrenosum (immune system dysfunction), Lymphomatoid papulosis (a cutaneous lymphoma—like eruption), localized vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels), and squamous cell carcinoma (a form of skin cancer).

Back to Top

RUNNING CRAB SPIDERS Family Philodromidae
BARK & FLOWER CRAB SPIDERS Family Thomisidae

Identification

Body 1/10 – 1/2 inch long. Jaws (chelicerae) move side to side, scissors-like. Eyes: eight small eyes in two rows or flat oval pattern; Abdomen: flat oval or irregular disc-shaped. Cephalothorax and abdomen appear smooth. Legs: with sparse hairs and spines on segments closer to body; front pair usually larger than hind pair; held crab-like with all four pairs or all but hind l pair facing fonivard. Color: the misumenoid flower spiders (‘|’homisidae) often are brightly colored; while most other thomisid _ genera and philodromid crab spiders tend to be more subdued combinations of black, gray, white, brown, rust, beige and yellow. Thomisid crab spiders have the second pair of legs shorter than the first pair and include the colorful flower spiders, Il/Iisumena, Misumenops and Misumenoides spp. and the darker bark crab spiders of the genera Xysticus, Bassaniana and Codarachne. Philodromid or running crab spiders have the second pair of legs longer than the first pair .

Distribution

More than 200 species of crab spiders occur in North America north of Mexico.

Biology

Crab spiders are passive hunters, waiting in ambush for prey and relying on their excellent camouflage. They await prey on flowers, leaves, bark, the ground, structural surfaces and in crevices. In most cases, crab spiders overwinter as eggs or immatures.

Pest Status

Usually, crab spiders are associated with exterior surfaces of buildings and the landscape; although they occur indoors occasionally. Flower spiders may be brought indoors inadvertently on cut flowers. To the untrained eye, some philodromid species may be confused with sicariid brown spiders, in a resting , posture. Bites are rare but may be compared to a pin prick or minor bee sting and the venom usually is not dangerous to humans.

Back to Top

GIANT GRAB SPIDERS Family Sparassidae

Identification

Body 3/4 — 1 inch long. Jaws (chelicerae) move side to side, scissors-like. Eyes: anterior and posterior median eyes smaIl*; anterior and posterior lateral eyes slightly larger. Abdomen: elongate-oval. Legs: long with hairs and spines. Color: brown and beige.

Distribution

A few species of giant crab spiders occur in North America north of Mexico. The huntsman or housekeeping spider, Heteropoda venatoria, is common in Florida; the golden huntsman spider, Olios fasciculatus, occurs in the West and Southwest.

Biology

Giant crab spiders actively hunt for prey (including cockroaches) at night. During the day they rest in crevices, both indoors and outdoors. These spiders are fast runners when disturbed. Sparassids are warm climate spiders exhibiting continuous development.

Pest Status

The bite is similar to a bee sting but the venom usually is not dangerous to humans. Short-term swelling (purplish blotch) and soreness may persist for several days. At night these large spiders frequent walls and ceilings in homes that are not tight. They are not aggressive towards humans and are reluctant to bite. *The anterior median eyes of Olios spp. are relatively large.

Back to Top

SAC SPIDERS Families Clubionidae, Miturgidae and Corinnidae

Identification

Body 1/10 – 1/2 inch long. Jaws (chelicerae) move side to side, scissors-like. Eyes: eight small eyes grouped in two rows. Abdomen elongate-oval. Body and legs sparsely covered with small hairs or spines. Color: black, brown, tan or yellow; some species with light or dark markings. Many species lightly colored.

Distribution

More than 200 species of sac spiders occur in North America north of Mexico. The agrarian sac spider, Cheiracanthium inclusum (native) and yellow sac spider, Cheiracanthium mildei (imported), occur across the U.S. and are the most structurally invasive sac spiders. Cheiracanthium species are considered by some specialists to be in the Family Clubionidae, and by others, in the Family Miturgidae. Trachelas species and most ant mimic spiders have been moved from the Family Clubionidae to the Family Corinnidae.

Biology

Sac spiders actively hunt for prey at night. During the day they rest in silken retreats under stones, bark and folded leaves outdoors and in corners, folds in fabric and dark recesses indoors. Females guard their eggs within dense silken retreats. Sac spiders overwinter as subadults (final immature stage) outdoors in silk retreats beneath stones, logs and debris.

Pest Status

Yellow sac spiders are active indoors year-round, where they are seen at night on walls and ceilings. Occasionally broad-faced spiders are encountered indoors. The bite is similar to a pin-prick but the venom usually is not dangerous to humans. Occasionally short-term swelling and soreness or a small necrotic wound may result. Secondary bacterial infections from bites are possible.

Back to Top

GHOST SPIDERS Family Anyphaenidae

Identification

Body 1/4 — 1/2 inch long. Jaws (chelicerae) move side to side, scissors—|ike. Eyes: eight small eyes closely grouped. Abdomen elongate with pair of long spinnerets. Color: brown and yellow, beige or greenish-yellow; some species with dark markings. Very similar to sac spiders (Families Miturgidae and Clubionidae).

Distribution

A few species of ghost spiders occur in North America north of Mexico. The yellow ghost spider, Hibana (Aysha) velox, garden ghost spider, Hibana gracilis, and green ghost spiden Wulhla albens (prev. alba), occur in the southeastern U.S. andare common in Florida.

Biology

Ghost spiders actively hunt for prey (insects and smaller spiders) at night. During the day they rest in silken retreats under stones, behind bark and in folded leaves outdoors; also in protected corners and crevices of buildings. Ghost spiders can be seen year—round in Florida and the South but are most abundant in spring and summer. In colder climates, they overwinter as immatures or subadults (final immature stage).

Pest Status

The bite is similar to a pin prick or bee sting but the venom usually is not dangerous to humans. Occasionally short-term swelling and soreness or a small necrotic wound may result.

Back to Top

GROUND SPIDERS Family Gnaphosidae

Identification

Body 1/2+- inch long. Jaws (chelicerae) move side to side, scissors—like. Eyes: eight small eyes closely grouped. Abdomen elongate with pair of long spinnerets. Legs and body of similar length. Legs and carapace may appear velvety or glossy. Color: black or brown; some species with light markings.

Distribution

About 250 species of ground spiders occur in North America north of Mexico. The parson spider, Herpyllus ecclesiasticus, occurs in the eastern U.S. and is recognized easily by the characteristic white pattern on the black abdomen. The variegated ground spider, Poecilochroa variegata, is similar. The two-striped ground spider, Cesonia bilineata, with its paired longitudinal black stripes, looks superficially like a small grass spider (Agelenidae) or wolf spider (Lycosldae) but is free-wandering and has the spinnerets and eye pattern distinctive to gnaphosids. Rustic ground spiders, Callilepis species, have the cephalothorax and legs glossy reddish—orange and the abdomen with variable bluish—black or grayish—black bands or patches interspersed with tan.

Biology

Some ground spiders actively hunt for prey at night and rest beneath stones and loose bark during the day while others spin small irregular webs beneath stones, bark and leaf litter. Females attach their disc-shaped white or pink egg sacs to surfaces in the concealed resting sites. Some species overwinter as adults while others overwinter as immatures.

Pest Status

The bite is similar to a pin-prick or bee sting but the venom usually is not dangerous to humans. Occasionally some species are found on floors and walls indoors.

Back to Top

JUMPING SPIDERS Family Salticidae

Identification

Body 1/5 — 3/4 inch long and stocky. Jaws (chelicerae) move side to side, scissors-like. Eyes: four large anterior eyes, especially large median pair; four small posterior eyes, widely spaced. Vision excellent for discerning shape, color and movement. Abdomen: oval; covered with hairs. Variously-colored markings on black, gray, brown or beige (rarely green) background. Legs: about as long or shorter than body; stocky with dense hairs and spines in most species; front pair (especially those of males) often larger than other legs. Some species are ant mimics.

Distribution

About 300 species ofjumping spiders occur in North America north of Mexico. Among the most encountered species around and in structures are the Phidippus jumping spiders (e.g., the daring jumper, Phidippus audax) and the zebra jumper, Salticus scenicus.

Biology

Jumping spiders are active hunters, moving with short, quick hops. They stalk prey during the day on open surfaces. Males perform courtship “dances” for females prior to mating and often serve as a post-copulatory meal to hungry females. Concealed silken tube-like retreats serve as sites for molting, egg protection and overwintering. Depending on species and location, jumping spiders may ovenwinter as adults, immatures or sometimes as eggs.

Pest Status

The bite is similar to a bee sting and the venom usually is not dangerous to humans. Jumping spiders are active on exterior walls and window screens; also on tree trunks, logs and rocks. Sometimes they hitchhike indoors on people and pets.

Back to Top

WOLF SPIDERS Family Lycosidae

Identification

Body 1/4 – 1 1/3 inches long. Jaws (chelicerae) move side to side, scissors—like. Eyes: four anterior eyes small; posterior median eyes large; posterior lateral eyes smaller and set back. Abdomen elongate. Color: black, brown, tan, gray or yellowish; often with lighter or darker markings. Spinnerets are small. Legs long, fuzzy—Iooking and spiny; sometimes banded. Similar to nursery web spiders.

Distribution

About 200 species of wolf spiders occur in North America north of Mexico. The largest native wolf spider is Hogna carolinensis but is rarely seen around structures. A large, structurally invasive wolf spider, Hogna helluo, is common in much of the U.S. Another rural peridomestic species, the rabid wolf spider, Rabidosa rabida, has a yellowish-tan base color with paired medium-brown stripes on the carapace and a medium-brown middorsal stripe, edged with black markings, on the abdomen. The dotted wolf spider, Rabidosa punctu/ata, is similar to R. rabida except the dorsal stripes are dark brown (nearly black) and the light colored underside of the abdomen is punctuated with black spots. The pirate wolf spiders, Pirata spp., and pardosas, Pardosa spp., are smaller wolf spiders that occur in rural settings.

Biology

Wolf spiders actively hunt for prey on the ground and rest beneath stones and debris. Females carry their round, white egg sacs protectively attached to the spinnerets. Hatchling spiders ride piggy-back on their mother until old enough to fend for themselves. Wolf spiders may overwinter as eggs, immatures or adults in the wild. Activity may persist through winter indoors.

Pest Status

Depending on the species, the bite is similar to a pin-prick or bee sting but the venom usually is not dangerous to humans. Temporary numbness or secondary bacterial infections from bites may occur. Larger species are among the most feared of invasive spiders due to their large size and hairy bodies.

Back to Top

WANDERING SPIDERS Family Ctenidae

Identification

Body 1/4 – 1 inch long. Jaws (chelicerae) move side to side, scissors-like. Eyes: four anterior eyes small; four posterior eyes larger. Abdomen oval. Color: black, brown, tan, gray or yellowish; often with lighter or darker markings. Several tropical species have the “face” (anterior carapace), fangs (chelicerae) and sometimes the pedipalps colored some combination of red and black. The legs are long, fuzzy—looking and spiny. Wandering spiders are similar to nursery web spiders and wolf spiders in general appearance.

Distribution

About 550 species of wandering spiders occur worldwide in the tropics and subtropics; but the American wandering spider (a.k.a. Florida false wolf spider), Cterius hibernalis (possibly synonymous with Ct. captiosus), is the one representative found in and around homes built in wooded areas throughout peninsular Florida. It is large, dark brown and has a broad pale, full-length central pale to yellowish stripe. Two genera of wandering spiders that sometimes make their way into the U.S. from Central and South America, hiding in bunches of imported bananas and other cargo shipments, are Cupiennius (harmless or of questionable concern) and Phoneutria (potentially dangerous).

Biology

Wandering spiders actively hunt for prey on the ground, vegetation and around structures. Adults are found in the spring and summer; large subadults are reported during fall and winter.

Pest Status

The bite is similar to a bee sting and the cytotoxic—neurotoic venom may cause a necrotic wound aswell as disorientation and other (sometimes prolonged) neurological effects. Envenomation by some Phoneutria spp. can be fatal.

Back to Top

NURSERY WEB SPIDERS Family Pisauridae

Identification

Body 1/2 — 1 inch long. Jaws (chelicerae) move side to side, soissors—like. Eyes: tour small anterior eyes; four slightly larger posterior eyes. Abdomen elongate. Colored tan/beige and brown; often with gray and white markings. Legs long, fuzzy-looking and spiny; often banded. Similar to wolf spiders.

Distribution

About 15 species of nursery web spiders occur in North America north of Mexico. The brown, yellow-tan and gray forest nursery web spiders, Dolomedes tenebrosus and D. scriptus and the brown, gray and white six-spotted fishing spider Dolomedes triton, are large rural examples in the Midwest and eastern U.S.

Biology

Nursery web spiders may rest motionless for hours, with their legs stretched outward, on sun—lit vegetation, tree trunks (especially near deep scars and hollows), building exteriors or the ground during the day. Those favoring lake and pond shoreline habitats rest on cattail stems and aquatic vegetation. Periodically they may hunt actively for prey. Females carry their round, white egg sacs protectively in their jaws. Pisaurids overwinter as subadults (final immature stage) and adults.

Pest Status

The bite is similar to a bee sting but the venom usually is not dangerous to humans. The large size of these impressive spiders invokes fear responses in arachnophobes.

Back to Top

HACKLEDMESH WEAVERS Family Amaurobiidae

Identification

Adult body 1/3 – 1/2 inch long. Jaws (chelicerae) move side to side, scissors-like. Eyes: eight similar-sized eyes; anterior median pair more closely spaced than posterior median pair; anterior and posterior lateral eyes nearly joined. Cephalothorax mostly smooth with a glossy appearance. Abdomen: oval and velvety — covered with short hairs (setae). Color: reddish-brown to black with beige markings (Amaurobius and Callobius spp.) or yellowish—brown with gray markings (Coras spp). Legs: longer than body; hairs and spines sparse on leg segments close to body and more dense on outer leg segments. Anatomy similar to that of funnelweaver spiders (Agelenidae) and wolf spiders (Lycosidae) but have a cribellum (small, sieve-like plate in front of the spinnerets, on the underside ofthe abdomen) and a different eye pattern.

Distribution

83 species of hackledmesh weavers occur in North America north of Mexico. Among the most encountered species in and around structures are the medicinal web spider, Coras medicinalis(previously placed in Family Agelenidae), black Iace—weaver, Amaurobius ferox, and Bennett’s hackledmesh weaver, Callobius bennetti.

Biology

Hackledmesh weavers prefer cool, dark settings near ground level. They rest and ensnare prey on loose, coarse webs spun outdoors under logs, stones and debris piles and indoors in dark corners and under objects on floors in garages, basements, crawlspaces, boiler rooms and tunnels. Silk may be bluish in color. Eggs usually are produced in mid-summer. Hackledmesh weavers overwinter as adults or subadults (final immatures) in outdoor settings.

Pest Status

Can be alarming when discovered indoors. Sometimes captured on sticky traps. The bite is similar to a bee sting and the venom usually is not dangerous to humans.

Back to Top

CREVICE WEAVERS Family Filistatidae

Identification

Body 1/3 — 3/4 inch long. Jaws (chelicerae) move side to side, scissors-like. Eyes: eight small eyes closely grouped atop a darker, teardrop-shaped raised area on the carapace. Four anterior eyes slightly larger than four posterior eyes. The anterior lateral eyes are forward of the anterior median eyes; while the posterior eyes are in a row. The legs are long and velvety and the pedipalps are noticeably long. The carapace is shiny with sparse hairs. The abdomen is oval and has a velvety appearance. Males are smaller, have longer, thinner legs and are colored yellowish brown to darker brown; while females are larger, stockier and colored grayish brown to charcoal gray. Crevlce weavers have a cribellum (small, sieve—Iike plate in front of the spinnerets, on the underside of the abdomen). Females have a calamistrum (metatarsal comb on the fourth pair of legs) but lack an epigynum (small, hardened plate with paired genital openings ventro-medially on the abdomen).

Distribution

Seven or more species comprise three genera of crevice weaver spiders inthe southern and southeastern U.S. The most-encountered species in and around human dwellings and barns is the crevice spider (a.k.a. southern house spider), Kukulcania (formerly Filistata) hibemalis. Filistatids are warm climate spiders exhibiting continuous development.

Biology

Crevlce weavers create prominent, coarsely-hackled, circular webs surrounding a central opening to the tubular retreat. During the day crevice weavers are in their retreats.

Pest Status

Crevice weavers prefer to occupy the exterior walls of rustic outbuildings, barns, and abandoned and unkempt homes, as well as undisturbed attics and basements. The large size of these spiders may be distressing to arachnophobes. The bite may be similar to a bee sting but the venom is not considered to be dangerous to humans.

Back to Top

FUNNELWEAVERS Family Agelenidae

Identification

Body 1/2 — 3/4 in. long. Jaws (chelicerae) move side to side, scissors-like. Eyes: eight small eyes closely grouped in a flattened oval or sideways “D” pattern. Abdomen elongate with a pair of long spinnerets. Colored yellowish-tan and brown. Legs long, fuzzy-looking and spiny, ending in three claws.

Distribution

About 300 species of funnelweavers occur in North America north of Mexico. Several species are European in origin. The grass spiders, Agelenopsis and Agelena species and barn funnelweaver (a.k.a. European house spider or domestic funnelweaver), Tegenaria domestica, are commonly found in and around buildings. The hobo spider Tegenaria agrestis, occurs in the Pacific Northwest and has a (debatable) reputation for being aggressive.

Biology

Funnel weavers rest inside the tubular corner of their funnel-shaped webs during the day. At dusk, the spiders place themselves on the outer triangular sheet-like portion of the webs. Webs may be found close to building foundations outdoors on shrubs, ivy, tall grass, decks, and in window wells and recessed vents. Indoors, webs are found in the corners of garages, basements and crawlspaces. On occasion, relocating females and males searching for mates may be found wandering about or resting beneath items on basement and garage floors. Funnelweavers overwinter as eggs in the wild; however, development and activity may be observed indoors, year-round.

Pest Status

The bite is similar to a pin-prick or bee sting and the cytotoxic venom of some species may cause necrotic skin lesions. Secondary bacterial infections from bites are possible.

Back to Top

CELL SPIDERS & TUBE SPIDERS Families Dysderidae & Segestriidae

Identification

Body 1/2 inch long. Jaws (chelicerae) are long and move side to side, scissors-like. Eyes: six small eyes closely grouped in , three pairs (diads), forming a tight triangle. Abdomen underside has four respiratory slits, arranged in pairs on either side.

Distribution

A few cell spider species and six species of tube spiders occur in North America north of Mexico. The woodlouse hunter, Dysdera crocata and the brown tube spider, Ariadna bico/or, are most often encountered.

Biology

Woodlouse hunters live under stones, logs, bark, etc. Some species hunt at dusk by sense of touch. Others trap prey on sticky strands that radiate from the tubular silken retreat. They prey on sowbugs, pillbugs, beetle larvae, crickets and earwigs. Dysderids and segestriids typically overwinter as adults in protective settings.

Pest Status

Woodlouse hunters may be found close to building foundations, in basements and crawlspaces, and under landscaping features. The bite can be painful but the venom usually is not dangerous. Secondary bacterial infections from bites are possible.

Back to Top

TARANTULAS / HAIRY MYGALOMORPHS Family Theraphosidae

Identification

Large spiders; body 1 1/2 — 2 inches. Jaws (chelicerae) move up and down, opening forward. Eyes: eight small eyes grouped in a cluster. Body and legs usually hairy. Color: mostly black, brown and beige in North America north of Mexico. Body and legs usually hairy. Representative species of the Southwest are the Mexican redrump (black velvet) tarantula, Brachypelma vagans (also in Florida), desert (Arizona) blonde tarantula, Aphonopelma chalcodes, Texas brown tarantula, Aphonopelma hentzi, and California desert (ebony) tarantula, Aphonopelma eutylenum. Similar families: smaller, reclusive mygalomorphs, rarely encountered on developed properties, are the trapdoor spiders (Families Ctenizidae and Cyrtaucheniidae), folding door trap—door spiders (Family Antrodiaetidae), and purseweb spiders (Family Atypidae). Females measure 3/4 – 1 1/3 inches long; , legs shorter than body; cephalothorax and legs smooth and shiny or sparingly setose-spiny; abdomen velvety, smooth, finely wrinkled or ridged.

Distribution

40 species in the U.S.; occur mostly in the Southwest.

Biology

Tarantulas in the U.S. live on the ground and in burrows. They hunt at dusk by sense of touch. Tarantulas spin mats of silk and may line their burrows with silk. They prey on insects, other arthropods, small reptiles, young mice and are most commonly found in early fall. Tarantulas are long-lived (especially females) and survive cold weather in protective settings as juveniles and adults.

Pest Status

Occasionally tarantulas enter open structures and may be found under landscaping features. They defend themselves by “throwing” hairs (quickly rubbing urticating setae from the abdomen using the hind legs), assuming a threatening posture (with forelegs, pedipalps and chelicerae uplifted menacingly), lunging and biting. The bite can be painful but the venom (of U.S species) is not considered to be dangerous. Secondary bacterial infections from bites are possible.

Back to Top

ORBWEAVER SPIDERS Family Araneidae

Identification

Body 1/3 – 1 inch long. Jaws (chelicerae) move side to side, scissors-like. Eyes: eight small eyes widely grouped. Abdomen round to heart-shaped. Color variable. Legs usually banded and spiny.

Distribution

About 180 species of orbweavers occur in North America north of Mexico. The barn spider, Araneus cavaticus, shamrock spider, A. trifolium, marbled orbweaver, A. marmoreus, cross spider, A. diadematus, tropical orbweaver, Eriphora ravilla, and furrow spiders, Larinioides cornutus and L. patagiatus, are among the most commonly encountered orbweavers on buildings and landscaping. (The garden spiders of the Genus Argiope are discussed separately.)

Biology

Orbweavers rest head-down in the center or in sheltered corners of their large orb-shaped webs. The webs are constructed at night across porch balustrades, posts, doorways, windows and between branches. Females (larger than males) deposit their eggs in large papery silk sacs, within the web in early autumn. Most species overwinter as eggs and the young emerge in spring. Spiderlings disburse by spinning out long strands of silk and riding on the wind in a process called “ballooning”. As a result of strong updrafts, orbweavers can be carried to the tops of tall buildings, where abundant webs may be observed, especially around lighting, in summer and fall. Some species overwinter as immatures and adults.

Pest Status

The bite is similar to a bee sting but the venom usually is not dangerous. Building occupants find the webs unsightly and often are frightened by these large spiders during late summer.

Back to Top

GARDEN SPIDERS Family Araneidae, Genus Argiope

Identification

Body 2/3 – 1 inch long. Jaws (chelicerae) move side to side, scissors-like. Eyes: eight small eyes widely grouped. Abdomen oval to shield-shaped with yellow, black and silver-white patterns. Legs banded.

Distribution

The two most common garden spiders that occur in North America are the black and yellow argiope or golden garden , spider, Argiope aurantia, and banded garden spider/argiope, A. trifasciata. The silvered garden spider or silver argiope, A. argentata, inhabits the South and Southwest, from Florida to California. The Hawaiian argiope/garden spider, Argiope appensa, has a pentagon-shaped abdomen and a very ornate black and white pattern on its cephalothorax. This species not only inhabits the Hawaiian islands but Taiwan, Indonesia-New Guinea and the Mariana Archipelago as well.

Biology

Garden spiders rest head-down in the center of their large orb—shaped webs. Garden spiders typically create a dense, zigzag pattern (stabilimentum) of sticky silk near the center of their webs. The webs are constructed at night between branches, tall woody-stemmed weeds and sometimes on buildings and other manmade structures. Females (larger than males) deposit their eggs in large papery silk sacs, within the web in early autumn. Eggs overwinter and the young emerge in spring.

Pest Status

The bite is similar to a bee sting but the venom usually is not dangerous. Homeowners and building occupants find the webs unsightly and often are frightened by these large spiders during late summer and autumn.

Back to Top

LONGJAWED ORBWEAVERS & ORCHARD ORBWEAVERS Family Tetragnathidae

Identification

Body 1/3 inch long (Leucauge species) to 1/2 inch long (Tetragnatha species). Jaws (chelicerae) move side to side, scissors-like. Eyes: eight small eyes. The orchard orbweavers of Genus Leucauge have the lateral eyes grouped as well as the anterior median pair; while longjawed orbweavers of the genera Tetragnatha and Pachygrrafha have the eyes more widely spaced. Abdomens of tetragnathids are elongate oval. North American Leucauge spp. are black, silvery-white, yellow, orange, brown and green. Legs are long, slender, spiny and translucent. Tetragnatha species are mainly brown, yellow and silver and rest with legs held together frontward and rearward.

Distribution

About 170 Leucauge species occur worldwide and are most abundant in tropical and subtropical regions. The mabel orchard spider; Leucauge venusta, (syn. L. mabe/ae), is found in the eastern U.S. A slightly larger; less colorful orchard spider Leucauge argyra, occurs in Florida but is less frequently encountered than L. venusta. About 250 Tetragrratha and Pachygnatha spp. occur worldwide, over a dozen of which can be found in North America. The guatemalan longjawed orbweaver, can be sporadically abundant in the eastern, southeastern, southwestern and lower midwestern U.S.

Biology

Orchard orbweavers rest upside—down in the middle of their horizontal or angled orb-shaped webs. The webs are constructed at night among tall vegetation and on protected structural features. These common spiders may be found year-round in warm climates. In northern climates, tetragnathids overwinter as eggs or immatures, depending on the species.

Pest Status

The bite is similar to a pin-prick or bee sting and usually is not dangerous. Orchard orbweavers and their webs often occur shrubs by buildings and on sheltered exterior features of buildings. Tetragnatha and Pachygnatha spp. prefer identical settings close to water: T. guatemalensis, where numerous, can create massive communal webs.

Back to Top

NEPHILID ORBWEAVERS Family Nephilidae

Identification

Body 3/4 to 1 inch long. Jaws (chelicerae) move side to side, scissors-like. Eyes: eight small eyes. Niphilid spider eyes are grouped like those of tetragnathid spiders. This similarity, in addition to the presence of massive, somewhat elongate chelicerae and an elongate abdomen, caused nephilids to be placed with the tetragnathid Iongjawed orbweavers until recently. Adult females may have a leg span of three inches or more. Tufts of long hairs (setae) on the femur and tibia segments of the legs, near the outer joints, give these large spiders a “fuzzy—kneed” appearance. The golden silk orbweaver, Nephila c/avipes, has a mainly silvery-white carapace, dotted with black and having a black face and jaws. The abdomen is golden yellow, symmetrically dotted with small white spots. The legs are yellow and black. The large orb webs may span several feet from tree to tree. The silk is a unique golden color. At first glance, nephilid orbweavers look much like the large garden spiders of family Araneidae.

Distribution

Although several Nephila species occur worldwide, the most-encountered New World species is the golden silk orbweaven Nephila clavipes. This species is common in tropical and subtropical South, Central and North America. It is found sporadically in the Southeastern U.S. Localized populations may be large in the preferred settings.

Biology

Nephilid spiders prefer undisturbed wooded settings bordered by low vegetation, marshy areas and bodies of water. Sometimes webs are constructed among trees and shrubs near buildings. Like the Argiope garden spiders, nephilid , females await prey suspended in the middle ofthe large orb webs. Soft-bodied flying insects comprise the primary diet of these spiders. Successive generations occur in the tropics.

Pest Status

Can be alarming when discovered abruptly near buildings or encountered, mid-web and mid-trail, by walkers and joggers. Bites resulting from accidental encounters are not considered to be dangerous but may be painful — similar to a bee sting.

Back to Top

The post Spider Identification Guide appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

How to Trap a Mole

The three main mole traps are the Choker Loop, Harpoon, and Scissor Jawed traps. These traps all function similarly. To set a trap, locate a surface tunnel. Using a shovel or garden hoe, collapse a small portion of the tunnel about 3-4 inches long. Set the trap with the pan resting on the collapsed portion of the tunnel. When the mole attempts to reopen the tunnel, it springs the trap.

How to Bait a Mole

Moles are not rodents, and do not feed on grain-based bait. The most effective mole bait comes in the form of an earthworm. Talpirid is the most commonly used mole bait by pest professionals. These fake worms are infused with bromethalin. To place the bait, drop the worm through a small hole that you have poked in the roof of a surface tunnel. Other effective mole baits come in the form of gels and foams. These are injected into surface tunnels with a syringe.

Moles use different surface tunnels throughout the year. If trapping and baiting do not rid your yard of moles, try targeting different surface tunnels.

Know you should be at least one step closer in learning how to get rid of moles in your yard!

The post How to Get Rid of Moles in Your Yard appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

Slugs can cause extensive damage to plants in the garden. They are one of the most troublesome pests to gardeners. Slugs are hermaphroditic, meaning that they can all lay eggs. This means that just a few slugs can quickly overpopulate your garden. Slugs secrete a liquid as they move. This leaves the silvery trail that indicates a slug infestation. This slime originates from the muscle in the slug’s foot that propels them along.

Slugs are voracious eaters. They chew irregular holes in the leaves of several plants. They also chew on flowers, fruit, and bark. Slugs prefer areas of the garden that are shady and humid. These animals are most active in the evening when temperatures cool down. Slugs cause serious damage to herbaceous plants, low growing fruits such as strawberries, as well as citrus fruit trees. If a slug population is left uncontrolled, it may continue to grow and destroy a garden.

Removing a slugs habitat is the best method of protection. Clear up any low hanging branches and leaves. Remove boards, leaves, weeds, and any other objects that provide shade during the heat of the day. Be sure to plant your vegetable garden as far away as possible from areas of shade and moisture that you decide to keep. Handpicking slugs can be an effective form of removal. To draw out slugs, water selected areas during the day, and then inspect these places in the evening. You can control slug populations by the plants you decide to grow. Slug-resistant plants include geraniums, lavender, rosemary, impatiens, fuchias, and woody ornamental plants. Baits can be effective if used alongside these other control methods. Baits containing metaldehydes kill slugs quickly, but are hazardous to children and pets. Baits containing iron phosphates are safe to use around children and pets, and can be applied over a broad area.

By Kenith Oneal

The post Slugs in Garden appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

Moles and voles both cause damage to yards. Because of their similarities, they are often confused for one another. One main difference between these animals is their diet. Voles are herbivores. They feed on seeds, grass, plants, and the bark of trees. Meanwhile, moles are carnivorous, and eat grubs, earthworms, and other insects. They also differ in appearance. A vole looks like a mouse with a shorter tail. They are often called “field mice”. Moles are larger than mice, and have paddle-like feet that allow them to swim through soil. They also have long pink noses.

Voles create tunnels through grass as they search for food. These appear as lines of dead grass in the soil that lead to a baseball-sized hole in the ground. There may be small pyramid-shaped cones near these holes. Voles reproduce rapidly, and live in colonies. They are often seen outside of their holes in search of food. Voles are rodents, and may gnaw on trees, structures, and other materials. Rodent baits are effective against voles.check out our specific vole bait page.

Moles dig tunnels called “surface tunnels” directly beneath ground level. These tunnels are used for looking for worms and other grubs. From above, these tunnels resemble raised ridges in the ground, and are squishy if stepped on. Moles are solitary creatures that prefer to stay underground. It is unusual for multiple moles to inhabit a single yard. Because moles are technically not rodents, they do not gnaw on materials, and rodent bait (grain-based) is ineffective against them. Specific mole-bait, such as foam or poisoned worms, is an effective method of control. Mole traps are also very effective. check out our specific mole bait page.

By Kenith Oneal

The post Voles vs Moles appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

Snails and slugs cause considerable damage to gardens. The silvery trail left behind by these animals is a telltale sign of intrusion. There are several ways to get rid of slugs and snails in the yard. Baiting slugs and snails should be used as a last resort, as it introduces hazardous chemicals to your garden. If slug and snail baits are required, there are many to choose from.

The most common slug and snail baits contain metaldehyde. These baits come in pellet form and in pastes. These baits kill slugs quickly, leaving dead slugs and empty shells visible. However, metaldehyde poses a serious health risk to children, dogs, and cats. When applying baits containing metaldehyde, do not create piles of slug bait. This can make it more attractive to pets and children. Instead, lightly sprinkle the slug bait under the leaves of plants, where it is humid and cool. Be very careful not to get the bait on plants in the garden, as this can contaminate your vegetable with metaldehyde.

Iron phosphate slug baits are much more environmentally friendly than metaldehyde. These baits are not hazardous to use around children, pets, birds, fish, and other wildlife. Because of its low risk, iron phosphate slug bait can be scattered in lawns, around fruit trees, and beneath plants in the garden. Slugs and snails may live for a few days after ingesting baits with iron phosphate. This means that you may not see the dead bodies of slugs, as they prefer to die in hiding.

The best time to apply slug and snail baits is after you have watered the surrounding area. The added moisture can draw slugs out of hiding. Do not water for a few days after applying baits, as this may cause the bait to disintegrate faster. Slug bait in the form of pastes last longer under wet conditions.

By Kenith Oneal

The post Slug Bait appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

Snails are quite unique and many gardeners ask us for the most interesting facts about snails. Snails belong to the mollusk phylum. These animals are similar to slugs in their biology and behavior. The most notable difference is the snail’s external spiral shell. Snails move by using a large muscular foot located on the underside of their body. This foot secretes a mucous that leaves behind a visible silvery trail. The brown garden snail, located on the west coast, was introduced by the French as a delicacy.

Other interesting facts about snails include their reproductive nature. Snails are hermaphroditic. This means that they can both lay and fertilize eggs. Snails can lay up to 80 eggs, six times a year. Snail eggs are round and pearly white. A snail is born with a small translucent shell. The baby snail requires calcium to harden its shell. To obtain this calcium, the baby snail immediately eats its egg casing after birth. Snails require about 2 years to mature. Snails use their shell as a source of shelter and protection.

Snails can cause significant damage in a garden. Their diet consists of herbaceous plants, including beans, cabbage, lettuce, and strawberries. Snails are also known to eat the bark off of fruit trees, specifically from citrus trees. Snails also chew many kinds of flowers. Snail damage is most often seen as irregular holes in leaves. However, earwigs and other insects can also leave these marks. To rule out other insects, look for the silvery trails that are left behind by snails. Slugs also leave this silvery trail, so to rule out slugs you may have to actually see the snail. Snails are most visible in the evening, after the heat of the day has passed.

click here learn more about snails and slugs

By Kenith Oneal

The post Facts about Snails appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

If you find a tick on you, don’t fret! There is a safe, effective way to remove it. Ticks can be removed with special tick tweezers—or a fine-tipped pair of tweezers. It must be a fine-tipped pair. Neither alcohol nor any other ointments should be applied to the tick before attempting to remove it.

One should use the pair of tick tweezers to clutch the tick as close to the skin as possible. It is best to try to grab the tick as close to the mouthparts as possible; if the head or body is grabbed, there is a risk of squeezing the salivary glands and guts, therefore pushing more viral or bacterial organisms into your skin. Once the tick is securely within the tick tweezers, pull straight up, slowly and steadily. The tick should not be twisted as this could cause part of the tick to break off and stay within the skin. (If this occurs, remove the remaining tick parts with the tick tweezers. If unable to remove any leftover parts, it is best to not tamper with the parts and to allow the skin to heal.) Once the tick has been removed, the affected area, as well as your hands, should be thoroughly cleaned with soap and water or rubbing alcohol. An iodine scrub may also be used.

Best Tick Control Products

Cyzmic CS

View Product

Essentria IC3

View Product

Chapin Sprayer

View Product

Get An Expert

Hire A Pro

The idea is to remove the tick as safely and as quickly as possible once it has latched onto the skin. Therefore, one should not wait for the tick to detach itself. Legendary remedies such as using heat to remove the tick or applying nail polish to the tick do not work. Once the tick has been properly removed using an appropriate pair of tick tweezers, one should consider getting tested for possible infection.

The post Tick Tweezers appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

When it comes to getting rid of pigeons, there’s an easy way. Pigeon spikes are just that—spikes. While it sounds like they may hurt the birds, the spikes actually inflict no harm or injury to pigeons and are considered perfectly humane. The spikes prevent the pests from sitting on your property without getting hurt. Pigeon spikes are successful in preventing birds from landing in a certain area because they create an uneven platform where it is impossible for them to land. Therefore, they never actually come in contact with the spikes. Essentially, spikes turn an area into an uncomfortable dwelling place for pigeons. They will then seek out a more ideal spot to land and roost.

Pigeons sitting on or around the home are a common complaint by homeowners. The birds can wake up and disturb home residents in the wee hours of the morning with their loud sounds. They may also leave their mark—pigeon droppings—for residents to clean up. Pigeon spikes help keep the pigeons away. In addition to pigeons, spikes are best used to keep away larger birds such as the crow, vulture, and seagull.

Pigeon spikes consist of long, pointy rods. The spikes may be attached to ledges, pipes, roofs, balconies, or any desirable landing area. They may even be used in gardens to deter pigeons from disturbing the area. Pigeon spikes come in stainless steel and hard plastic. Stainless steel pigeon spikes are usually twice as expensive as plastic pigeon spikes. Both are very effective and last many years.

Pigeon spikes are easy to install and can be purchased in different widths to work with the surface area that needs to be covered.

The post Pigeon Spikes appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

It’s possible to get rid of the majority of ticks in your yard. Here’s how: tick tubes. A tick tube is a device used to kill ticks. It is a cardboard tube containing cotton balls drenched in permethrin, a pesticide that can effectively exterminate ticks. Tick tubes can be placed outside, and mice take and use the cotton balls for comfortable bedding. The pesticide then proceeds to kill off all the ticks within the bedding who are feeding on the mice. Tubes are placed in areas where mice would dwell—gardens, wood piles or under sheds.

It’s important that ticks die at early stages since they can carry diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and anaplasmosis, among others. Because ticks feed on mice, the infected mice can infect ticks, which can then infect humans and pets. Tick tubes help to stop this progression. Of course not all mice have diseases; however, to be safe, it is best to kill ticks early on when they feed on animals, before they feed on humans and pets.

Best Tick Control Products

Cyzmic CS

View Product

Essentria IC3

View Product

Chapin Sprayer

View Product

Get An Expert

Hire A Pro

While tick tubes may be placed in yards by homeowners, it is a job best left to experts who are properly trained. The experts can dig around in the yard and find the areas where mice dwell, which is often also the same place that snakes may be lurking. The professionals can determine how many tick tubes are needed in a yard based on the amount of space appropriate for mice to dwell and the best locations to place them.

Tick tubes are environmentally friendly, as they are made of cardboard and cotton, and eliminate ticks by 90 percent. This is done without the release of pesticides.

The post Tick Tubes appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

Carpet beetles are very difficult to control.  Knowing how to get rid of carpet beetles requires an understanding of their eating patterns and habitat needs. These beetles quickly spread throughout a home, and have many different food sources.  Carpet beetles eat any fiber that contains animal products.  Damage from carpet beetles is often mistaken for clothes moths.  The larvae of the carpet beetle feed on animal products, including wool, silk, and other fabrics.  Carpet beetle larvae cause a lot of damage in the immediate vicinity, and clothes moths cause damage in scattered spots.

Since carpet beetles are able to spread throughout a home, they can be difficult to control.  These beetles can cause quick damage to carpets, clothes, mounted animals, and food in the pantry.  If an infestation of carpet beetles is left alone, they can quickly spread throughout the home and cause extensive damage.

Best Beetle Control Products

Cyzmic CS

View Product

Essentria IC3

View Product

Chapin Sprayer

View Product

Get An Expert

Hire A Pro

Constant cleaning is the best method of control.  Vacuuming consistently can remove food sources in the carpet and remove eggs and larvae.  After vacuuming, be sure to immediately empty the vacuum in the outside garbage.  Regularly dry-clean your clothes, and clean upholstered furniture.  If carpet beetles have infested the stuffing of pillows or furniture, a fumigant can be used.  Due to safety issues, pest control companies apply these fumigants.  Sticky traps that are specifically infused with carpet beetle pheromones are very effective.  Insecticides may be used for extreme infestations.  Be sure to check labels to see if products can be used indoors.  Dust insecticides can be used for inaccessible areas such as between walls and in the attic.

The post How To Get Rid of Carpet Beetles appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

Voles can quickly destroy valuable turf and vegetation by tunneling and feeding. So what do voles eat anyway? Voles are also called meadow mice, and their diet can be similar to the diet of mice.  Luckily, voles are not good climbers, and rarely attempt to enter homes and buildings.  Because of this, voles eat whatever they can find in gardens, croplands, and yards.  The majority of voles are herbivores, and feed on grasses, tubers, herbaceous plants, and bulbs.  During winter and fall months, voles are known to eat the bark and roots of trees.

The feeding habits of voles can cause significant damage to lawns and gardens.  Voles create trails through the grass that lead to their burrows.  These trails are used for feeding runs.  Even a small population of voles can destroy a significant area of lawn.  When voles enter gardens they can destroy a wide variety of plants, including tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, turnips, lettuce, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, spinach, and many more.  Bulbous flowers, such as lilies, can also be used by voles as a food source.

Voles feed on the bark of several fruit trees, including cherry, almond, avocado, apple, and olive trees.  Sometimes this damage may occur a few inches below the soil.  When the bark of trees is damaged, the tree draws less water and nutrients into its upper levels.  This damage can destroy trees, especially young saplings, and incurs a large financial cost on the owner.  A large population of voles can destroy crops.  Areas of long grass often surround crop fields.  This provides voles plenty of nesting area.

The post What Do Voles Eat appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

If you’ve ever struggled to control rats in or around the home, you may have wondered– What do rats eat? Rats eat a wide variety of foods.  Norway rats and roof rats are the most common species of rats in the United States.  While they do eat some of the same foods, their diets are unique.  Norway rats are more likely to be around raiding your pantry.  These rats eat grains, cereals, nuts, fish, meats, and sometimes fruit.  When several options are available, Norway rats often choose fresh food that offers a balanced diet.

Roof rats eat a lot of different fruits.  Their preferred produce is avocado and citrus fruit.  These rats are known to eat fruit right off the tree.  With some fruits, such as lemons, roof rats eat the rind but leave the flesh.  When eating oranges, roof rats make a small incision in the outer peel and suck out the inside.  Roof rats also eat snails, slugs, berries, and nuts.

When rats infest a home, they can use various things as a food source.  Pet food is a common reason for rat infestations.  Be sure to properly secure pet food, and quickly clean up any food that is not eaten by pets.  Rats are able to chew through cardboard and thin plastic, so be sure to store grains in cans or rat-proof plastic.  Periodic sweeping and vacuuming can remove dropped crumbs and other sources of food.  When searching for food, rats do not typically travel over 300 feet from their nests.  This means that removing food sources in your home can quickly discourage rats from living there.

The post What Do Rats Eat appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

Victor mole traps are effective methods of control that don’t rely on chemicals or bait.  Moles cause significant damage to lawns by tunneling.  Surface tunnels are shallow tunnels that moles dig in order to find food.  They are visible above the ground as ridges of earth.  Victor mole traps are designed to target moles inside of surface tunnels.

The Victor® Out O’Sight® Mole Trap is based off of the generic scissor-jawed mole traps.  This trap has two sets of iron jaws.  Collapse a small segment of a mole’s surface tunnel to place this trap.  Push the Victor mole trap all the way into the ground so that the open jaws surround the collapsed portion of dirt.  Moles prefer to keep their surface tunnels open.  When the mole attempts to reopen the tunnel, this should spring the trap and the jaws will close around them.  The Victor mole trap is strong enough to work in all types of soil, but is designed especially for sandy soil.

The Victor® Plunger Style Mole Trap also targets a mole surface tunnel.  These traps sit above the surface of the ground and use spring-loaded spears.  To set the trap, collapse a small portion of a surface tunnel.  Set the trap above the collapsed section, and make sure that the pan of the trap is resting on the soil of the collapsed soil.  When the mole tries to open the tunnel, it’s back should push up against the trap, causing the spring-loaded spears to puncture the soil.  Both of these Victor mole traps have proven to be very successful in removing moles from a yard.

The post Victor Mole Trap appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

Pigeons regularly roost on buildings and fences.  Pigeons poop everywhere.  A large number of these birds can quickly cover sidewalks, roofing, benches, automobiles, and yards with droppings.  Pigeon nests are made of twigs, but quickly become so covered in poop that they resemble piles of waste.  In large cities, the accumulation of pigeon poop can be up to several feet deep. If left alone, large amounts of pigeon poop can even become host to small plants and grass!

Not only is pigeon poop unsightly, but it can also be dangerous because it may contain pathogenic spores.  Cryptococcosis and histoplasmosis are diseases that have been directly linked with pigeon poop.  They come from different fungi that exist in the pigeon poop.  These diseases are most easily transmitted when pigeon poop is dry.  Dry poop allows the fungal spores to become airborne and inhaled.

Appropriate safety measures should be taken when cleaning up pigeon poop.  Although dry poop is easier to scrape off of surfaces, you should gently moisten the poop before removal.  A hose nozzle that uses a spray mist is preferred.  Moistening the pigeon poop reduces the amount of spores that can become airborne when the poop is disturbed.  Wear a facial mask and use disposable gloves when cleaning the poop.  Place the poop in a bag, and place the bag in a cardboard box.  This should then be put in a dumpster.  If the poop is known to contain pathogenic fungal spores, contact your local health department for appropriate disposal.  Cryptococcosis and histoplasmosis are not extremely dangerous to healthy individuals.  However, people with compromised immune systems, such as cancer patients and people with autoimmune diseases, should stay away from pigeon poop.

The post Pigeon Poop appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

Pigeon populations can grow rapidly, especially in urban environments.  Pigeons are known to carry almost 60 pathogens that cause human disease.  However, transmission is extremely low.  There are only three diseases that are normally linked to pigeons, and the risk of contracting these three pigeon diseases is extremely low.  It should be noted that people with compromised immune systems are advised to maintain a safe distance from pigeons and pigeon droppings.  These people include cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy, people with HIV, and people with other autoimmune diseases.

The three pigeon diseases that can be contracted are histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and psittacosis.  Histoplasmosis and cryptococcosis are fungi that grow in pigeon droppings.  As droppings dry out, these fungi become airborne and can enter people’s lungs.  Symptoms include fever, fatigue, and chest pains.  However, most people do not experience any symptoms at all.  Psittacosis is a bacterial infection that can develop into pneumonia.  No known cases of person-to-person transmission of these pigeon diseases have been recorded.

The proper removal of pigeon droppings can lower the risk of contracting these pigeon diseases.  Wear a facemask and disposable gloves while cleaning up pigeon droppings.  People with compromised immune systems should not approach pigeon droppings.  Several products are on the market that can be installed on buildings to discourage the roosting of pigeons.  These typically involve small pigeon spikes and other pigeon deterrents that prevent pigeons from landing on the eaves and roofs of buildings.

The post Pigeon Diseases appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

Natural moth repellents have been popular for several years.  People quickly grow tired of the odor from mothballs, and begin searching for natural ways to keep moths out of their closets and away from their clothes.  A quick Internet search can reveal hundreds of proposed natural methods, but the following are the most effective.

Lavender is the most popular natural moth repellent.  Dried lavender can be hung inside closets and other enclosed spaces.  Recently, companies have begun extracting pure lavender oil.  This produces a very strong scent that can be absorbed in cotton balls and placed inside closets.

Best Moth Control Products

Allure Traps

View Product

Essentria IC3

View Product

Chapin Sprayer

View Product

Get An Expert

Hire A Pro

Mint is another natural moth repellent.  The scent of dried mint leaves or cotton balls soaked in mint oil can keep moths away from closets.  The scent of cedar wood has also proven effective as a natural moth repellent.  If your closets are not made of cedar wood, you can purchase individual planks or wood chips.  The scent of the wood diminishes with time; so light sanding or application of cedar oil can keep this moth repellent effective for an extended period of time.  Place the planks of wood or chips in your closet to protect your fabrics from the destructive activities of moths.

Other popular moth repellents include strong smelling substances such as peppermint, rosemary, cinnamon sticks, and eucalyptus.  Try these natural moth repellents to find which one works best for your moth infestation.

The post Moth Repellent appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

Mosquitoes are known to transmit several serious diseases.  These diseases enter the body while a mosquito is sucking a person’s blood.  The mouthparts of a mosquito are designed to puncture human skin.  During feeding, mosquitoes spit saliva and other juices, including pathogens if present, into the host’s bloodstream.  Not all mosquitoes carry diseases, and a person may come into contact with mosquitoes their whole life and never receive a mosquito-borne disease.  However, a single infected mosquito is capable of spreading disease to many people.

Mosquito diseases include arboviral encephalitis, dengue fever, malaria, rift valley fever, yellow fever, and west nile virus.  The symptoms of encephalitis are generally mistaken for the flu.  In the rare case that encephalitis progresses to frank encephalitis, the brain can begin to swell.  This can cause severe health complications, and should be treated by a health professional immediately.  No vaccine or antibiotic is available. Physicians may act to reduce swelling of the brain and to increase the amount of oxygen in the blood stream.

West nile virus is a growing problem in the United States.  This virus takes 2-15 days to begin showing symptoms.  The most common form of this mosquito disease is the west nile fever.  Symptoms include fever, headache, tiredness, body aches, and a rash on the trunk of the body.  If these symptoms worsen, consult a health professional immediately.

Dengue fever, malaria, and yellow fever are problems in developing countries.  However, travelers are susceptible to these mosquito diseases.  Seek medical attention if you return home sick from a trip in areas that pose a higher risk of mosquito disease.

The post Mosquito Disease appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

It might be surprising to note that adult clothes moths do not eat fabrics.  Damage is done when the moths are in the larvae stage.  Female clothes moths lay eggs on fabrics that can be consumed.  When the eggs hatch, the caterpillar-like larvae begin feeding on their surroundings.  Larvae prefer to feed on fabrics that come from animals.  This includes wool, cashmere, silk, and other animal based products.  Fabric blends are susceptible to moth damage if the blend includes an animal product.  Cotton is a plant-based fabric, and is only damaged when casemaking clothes moth larvae use it to make a cocoon.

To protect your clothes, lower the humidity in your closet.  Frequent dry cleaning and washing of clothes can prevent eggs from hatching on your clothes.  Dirty clothes have proven to attract moths.  Mustard stains can be particularly inviting to moth larvae.  Freezing, heating, trapping, using a moth repellent, and insecticides are all available methods of control.

The post Do Moths Eat Clothes appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

Clothes moth traps are small 3D paper glue traps that attract adult male clothes moths. These traps are great for placing in closets. Clothes moth traps are infused with pheromones from clothes moths and are a powerful attractant to these specific moths. Other flying insects, including different species of moths, may wander into the trap, but only clothes moths may be directly attracted to the trap.

Clothes moth traps are inexpensive, and are an effective method of control. Mothballs were the protection of choice before these traps. But mothballs leave an undesirable odor on clothes, and do not actually kill the moths. The pheromones that are infused into clothes moth traps are odor free, and the traps capture and kill moths. If adult moths are allowed to reproduce, they can quickly multiply inside of a house and cause considerable damage. Clothes moth traps greatly reduce moth reproduction by killing adult male moths.

Best Moth Control Products

Allure Traps

View Product

Essentria IC3

View Product

Chapin Sprayer

View Product

Get An Expert

Hire A Pro

A single clothes moth trap provides enough protection for an entire closet, and only a maximum of two traps should be used on the same floor. More traps would emit too many pheromones and confuse the moths. When installing clothes moth traps, hang the trap from the ceiling and keep it at about eye-level. Since these traps only attract adult male clothes moths, use them along with an aerosol moth spray. Clothes moths cause damage to fabrics while in the larvae stage, so be sure to spray fabrics and crevices with an aerosol spray that is capable of killing eggs.

For more information on clothes damage caused by moths visit Do Moths Eat Clothes?

The post Clothes Moth Traps appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

Many people wonder, do crickets bite, and if so, do they bite humans?  Several species of crickets outside of the US are known to deliver multiple stinging bites.  But it is a common question among online forums whether crickets found in the US can do the same.  While it is very rare, certain crickets in the United States can and do bite humans.

Best Cricket Control Products

Niban Granular Bait

View Product

Cyzmic CS

View Product

Chapin Sprayer

View Product

Get An Expert

Hire A Pro

Crickets are omnivorous and have two multi-purpose jaws.  These jaws are capable of chewing holes through cardboard, clothes, and upholstered furniture.  They also eat other dead and dying insects, including their own kind.  However, crickets are not aggressive. For more information on the eating habits of crickets go here- What do crickets eat?

Crickets bite out of self-defense, and often their jaws are not powerful enough to break the surface of human skin.  However, their bites have been reported to be more painful than expected.  Owners of pet tarantulas or lizards use crickets as pet food and sometimes hold crickets when placing them in the pet habitat. To avoid being bitten when holding a cricket, make sure your hands leave a hollow space inside that allows the cricket to move around.  Do not pinch the head parts.  If, on the rare occasion, a cricket bites a human, use a cream that contains bacitracin or other antibacterial chemical to sanitize the bite area.  This reduces the risk of secondary infection.  Crickets do not deliver venom, and are not known to transmit any kind of disease.

The post Do Crickets Bite appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

If you love this graphic share it! Tell the world you found a treasure!

The post black and brown widow identification chart appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

There are a few telltale signs that bats may be in the house. Look for these signs when determining the extent of a bat infestation:

• Watch for bats entering the house just before dark.
• Look for mouse like fecal matter around your home. You can identify the fecal matter as bat droppings if you find the fecal matter in piles around your house, as bats defecate just where they roost for the day and just before entering the home. Also, bat droppings will crumble like dust whereas mouse droppings will harden.
• Watch for bats flying around your home when it is dark.

If you have had two or more “bat encounters” in your home in the past calendar year, you more than likely have bats nesting in your home.

Best Bat Control Products

Bat-A-Way

View Product

Bat Cone

View Product

Chapin Sprayer

View Product

Get An Expert

Hire A Pro

Having bats in the house can pose many health risks. Two of the most serious risks include rabies and histoplasmosis.

Bats are animals that are known for carrying rabies. This can pose threats when bats find their way into peoples’ living space. Potentially bats could bite a person while that person is sleeping without that person ever knowing. For this reason it is recommended that after finding bats in a home that each individual in that home receive rabies vaccinations.

Bats can also pass along a disease called Histoplasmosis. This is a disease that affects the lungs. Histoplasmosis is a fungus that is found in a bat’s fecal matter and is passed along to people when they breathe in small, dust-like particles of bat droppings. For this reason never try to clean bat droppings on your own.

The best way to get rid of bats in the house is by exclusion. Thus the first step to take is to identify the entrance and exit points bats use to access the home. Block the area with caulk or screens.  It is important to be thorough as bats can fit into openings as small as a dime. Professional pest control companies use a one-way exit device, sometimes called a bat cone. These devices allow the bat to exit the home but not enter. This is a great alternative to simple exclusion because you can avoid trapping bats inside the home. Often times they will die, leaving behind a carcass that is hard to find and dispose. After all bats have exited the home, a professional pest control company can be hired to permanently block all possible entryways.

The post Bats in the House appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

How to Get Rid of Crickets in the House

Crickets commonly invade homes during the fall months.  Learning how to get rid of crickets in the house is the first step toward having a pest-free home. Buildings offer a source of warmth and protection from the elements.  These insects can range in color from black to light brown.  They enter homes through poorly sealed doors and cracks around windows, pipes, and the foundation.  Cricket eggs take a year to hatch, making it difficult to detect an ongoing infestation.

Best Cricket Control Products

Niban Granular Bait

View Product

Cyzmic CS

View Product

Chapin Sprayer

View Product

Get An Expert

Hire A Pro

Crickets can be very damaging to a home.  They destroy fabrics including silk, cotton, furniture, and wallpaper.  If crickets make it into the pantry they can chew through plastic and cardboard to gain access to food.  There are several accounts of people finding small crickets in their morning cereal!  A single cricket chirping in a home is extremely loud and can interrupt sleep.  Ignoring crickets in the home can lead to serious damage to clothes, furniture, and food.

To remove crickets from the house, begin by eliminating dark and damp spaces.  Clean up clutter, mop up standing water, and use a dehumidifier.  Crickets are large, making them easy to kill or capture.  Sticky glue traps have proved effective against crickets.  Cricket traps are available, and can keep crickets from entering the home when placed on windowsills and other entry points.  Indoor insecticides and bug sprays are effective at killing crickets.  Apply these chemicals in cracks, corners, and other areas known for cricket activity.  To prevent the return of crickets, plug up any cracks that lead into the house from the outside.  Crickets are attracted to bright lights during the night.  Replacing outdoor light bulbs with soft light or bug bulbs will reduce the amount of crickets that enter your home.

The post How to Get Rid of Crickets in the House appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

Crickets are omnivorous, meaning they eat plants and meat.  They are capable of causing a lot of damage to a yard or home because of the wide range of things they can eat.  A cricket’s diet largely depends on the surrounding environment.

Crickets can cause a lot of damage to crops.  They eat the stems and seeds of almost all commercially grown plants, including corn, barley, wheat and vegetables.  A large cricket population is capable of destroying rows of seedlings in a single day.

Best Cricket Control Products

Niban Granular Bait

View Product

Cyzmic CS

View Product

Chapin Sprayer

View Product

Get An Expert

Hire A Pro

When crickets invade a garden, they prefer to eat vegetables and fruits.  They may eat fresh, rotten, and dried produce.  If fruit and vegetables aren’t in season, they can feed on the stems of the plants in the garden.  If plants aren’t available, crickets may begin to eat other insects.  They prefer small beetles, but have been known to eat larger insects that are dead, including other crickets.  Crickets also eat pupae cases and larvae.  To protect plants, row covers and protective cones are available.  These protect seedlings and young plants from cricket invasions.  Grass is another common food group for crickets.

Crickets in a home can eat a wide variety of items.  Drapes, furniture, and clothes are common food items for crickets.  Crickets may cause a lot of damage to a wardrobe.  When crickets invade a pantry they can cause extensive damage. The jaws of a cricket are capable of chewing through plastic bags and cardboard.  They can quickly invade stored grains and cereals as well.

The post What do Crickets Eat appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

It is unnerving to have centipedes in the home.  Learning how to get rid of centipedes is the first step in effective centipede control. They have many legs, pincers, and some can even deliver a stinging bite to humans.  Centipedes invade homes looking for a meal.  These animals only eat other bugs, including silverfish, larvae, ants, and spiders.  Centipedes prefer places that are dark and damp.  They are most active at night, which is when they do the majority of their hunting.

Centipedes do not usually bite humans, unless they are defending themselves.  The presence of centipedes indicates there is a population of smaller bugs in the home.  Some people may encourage you to leave centipedes alone, because they eat other nuisance bugs.  However, their appearance and potential to bite are good enough reasons for most people to learn how to get rid of centipedes.

Best Centipede Control Products

Cyzmic CS

View Product

Essentria IC3

View Product

Chapin Sprayer

View Product

Get An Expert

Hire A Pro

Centipedes don’t live in large colonies.  In fact, if you can kill or remove the centipedes you can see, the problem is likely over.  Centipedes can be captured in a glass, sprayed with an insecticide, or squished.  Glue traps in dark corners and behind furniture is another effective way to capture centipedes, and also to see what insects they may be eating.  Making your house inhospitable for centipedes is the best way to ensure they don’t return.  Eliminate other insect populations that exist in your home to remove the centipede’s food source.  Clean up standing water and use dehumidifiers in dark places.  Caulk up cracks in the walls of your home.  Baits do not work on centipedes, because they only feed on moving insects.  Instead, centipede powders, boric acid, and diatomaceous earth can be sprinkled beneath furniture and in corners.  These powders dry out the centipede and kill it.  Insecticides can also be an effective method of centipede control.

The post How to Get Rid of Centipedes appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.

Bed bug poop or bed bug droppings is a telltale sign of bed bug activity. They can often be the first indication of an infestation.

Bed bugs feed on blood, preferably human blood as it tends to provide the best nutrition. Bed bugs have the capacity of both feeding on blood even as they deposit thick, dark droppings of digested blood on bedding. While bed bug droppings have been noted to be the color of tar, the standard color is somewhere between dark red and black, which can darken as it ages. The blood droppings usually appear as smears wherever they land—be it bedding, furniture, or the floor, and can also appear as bumps on hard surfaces. If undisturbed, however, the bed bug poop can appear as dark, small dots.

Bed bug droppings are also usually found where the bed bugs hide. These places can be near computer, phone, or electrical outlets, wall switches, baseboards, or furniture. Clothing, towels, and draperies can also bear marks of bed bugs. Bed bug poop can be seen in mattress seams and in the cracks of box springs as well.

It’s important to follow certain steps to eliminate bed bugs. Bedding and clothing can be washed in very hot water. They should then be sealed in bags to avoid being reinfested. Any areas where bed bugs may have been should be vacuumed. This includes the mattress, box springs, carpet, and even walls surrounding the bed. Anything that cannot be washed, especially the mattress and carpet, should be steam-cleaned. Bed bug powders and sprays can be used to further eliminate the bugs. Once steamed and strayed, the mattress should be covered with a strong mattress cover. This will ensure that it stays bed bug free and will cut off the bugs’ food supply; the human host. As always, hiring a professional can be a good option and may even be more soct effective in the long run.

Best Bed Bug Control Products

Phantom Aerosol

View Product

Alpine Dust

View Product

Bed Bug Mattress

View Product

Get An Expert

Hire A Pro

The post Bed Bug Poop appeared first on Pest Control News & Information | Pestnet.com.