February 3rd, 2012
Winter would seem to be the time when residents in the UK have fewer pest problems, but between an invasion of bed bugs or mice, the problems remain active even when most insects species enter a dormant period.
Rodents are by far the biggest problem that homeowners and others encounter during the winter months. Mice look for warmth and access to food and water, and homes offer both. Most homeowners quickly discover that the do-it-yourself approach doesn’t work.
The reason is that pest management professionals not only have the tools available for control, but also the training and experience to tell them where to find and eliminate the problem.
There are things, however, that home and other property owners can and should do to avoid winter problems and those waiting to occur when the temperatures become warmer. SDA Pest Control have compiled a list of recommendations helping you to ensure that the risk of a pest infestation in your home is greatly reduced:
* Seal any creaks and holes on the outside of your home with special attention to those areas where utilities and pipes enter the home.
* Screen vents and openings to chimneys.
* Keep tree branches and shrubbery well trimmed and away from the house.
* Inspect boxes, grocery bags, and other packaging thoroughly to curb hitchhiking insects; cockroaches particularly favour supermarket bags.
* Keep cellars, and loft and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry.
* Store rubbish in sealed containers and dispose of it regularly.
* Store fire wood at least 20 feet away from the house and five inches off the ground.
* Repair fascia and sofits, and rotted roof shingles because some insects are attracted by deteriorating wood.
* Replace weather-stripping and repair loose mortar around basement foundations and windows.
A good investment in home maintenance is a thorough inspection and most pest management firms offer this service. It’s old ounce-of-prevention advice, but well worth it because wood-destroying insects can do hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds of damage.
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January 20th, 2012
The managing director of one of Scarborough’s leading pest control companies has accused the council of getting it wrong over seagulls.
Andrew Hunn, of East Coast Pest Control, believes measures introduced in April 2010 by Scarborough Council, making it illegal to remove nests and eggs, are “100 per cent wrong”.
He states that it is perfectly legal for land owners, or people with the consent of the land owner, to clear nests and eggs from properties affected by the common herring gull.
Mr Hunn, who has been in the pest control business for 15 years, said: “The herring gull, unlike the kittiwake, is on Natural England’s amber list, rather than the red list. This means that they are not endangered, and as a result, any bird nesting can be removed legally. Mistakes like this from the council are costing businesses money and, worst of all, they are misleading the public.”
Mr Hunn’s comments follow on from a recent story, which focused on proposed new measures to tackle the issue of gull control in Scarborough. Network Rail is currently awaiting planning permission to install protective netting to the top of the Victorian railway station clock tower in Westborough.
Scarborough business owners also spoke out against the gulls, demanding tougher action to be taken against the birds.
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January 13th, 2012
Every one knows that Bedbugs are annoying biting pest and it is noticeable that they require blood to reproduce and complete their life cycle. The life style of bedbugs seemed to have five nymph stages and one adult stage. The process of developing from the stage of egg to adult is called as “Gradual Metamorphosis”. Pupal stage is seemed to be absent in the life cycle process of bedbugs.
The five larval stages of bedbugs are in need of blood meals for their next level of growth. It is found that the first larval stage of bedbug is about 1mm long. The body of bedbugs is seemed to be white at its initial larval stage. It turns into red when it bites for the blood. Both the male and female bedbugs mainly feed on blood for their survival.
The larval stage of bedbugs cannot be molt to the next stage without a blood meal. Blood meal is very much needed for the female bed bugs in order to develop their eggs. Adult bedbugs can survive very long without the blood meal but again it is difficult for them to develop their eggs in the absence of blood meal. The five larval stages of bedbug are seemed to be completed within a month.
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January 10th, 2012
The best approach to protect yourself from being bitten by Bedbugs is to prevent your self from bed bug infestations. Prevention of Bedbugs involve a thorough inspection for bed bugs or signs of infestation in any appropriate hiding place, such as bedding, furniture stuffed with cushions or covered with fabric, or packing materials that might be introduced into your home or apartment. You should look for for feces, eggs, and discard “skins” of larval bed bugs, as well as for active bed bugs.
It is a good practice to inspect the hotel rooms you are staying for bed bug infestation. Upon arrival in a hotel room, verify the mattress, box springs, and behind the headboard before using the bed. It is very essential to report suspected bed bug infestations to the hotel management without any delay so that certain steps may be taken to control the infestation and prevent the succeeding spread can be executed as quickly as possible.
It is better for the hotel guests to place their luggage and clothing on dressers or on baggage racks instead of placing on beds or upholstered furnishings. Since these types of furniture may harbor bed bugs. It is good to keep the suitcases, brief cases, computers and their cases closed when not in use.
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January 6th, 2012
Bed bugs were almost eradicated in Western countries in the 1940s and 1950s. The use of DDT and better hygiene caused bed bugs to almost disappear. They were still prevalent in other regions of the world such as Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe.
A ban on the use of the pesticide DDT in the United States went into effect the end of 1984. With the use of DDT bed bugs had almost disappeared.
Until the last few years bed bugs were not seen as a problem and even pest control professionals rarely saw them. Now bed bugs seem to have come back to the UK. They are being found in hotels, motels, apartments, homes, health care facilities, shelters and schools. They have even been found in cinemas, dry cleaners, outlets for rental furniture and offices.
It is believed that immigration and international travel along with less effective pesticides has caused the rapid rise in bed bugs.
Immigration and international travel have undoubtedly contributed to the resurgence of bed bugs in the UK. Changes in modern pest control practice – and less effective bed bug pesticides – are other factors suspected for the recurrence.
Adult bed bugs are a reddish brown, they are a flattened oval shape and do not have wings. They are tiny but still visible, their length is 4-5 mm and 1.5 -3 mm wide. The babies, or nymphs, are translucent and lighter in colour and the size of a pinhead. They become browner as they moult and reach maturity, which takes about two weeks. Females will lay 1-2 eggs per day, and it takes just two weeks for a bed bug to mature into an adult and reproduce.
If you bring bed bugs into your home you need help to get rid of them and the sooner you get help the better. Pete Jameson is the owner of Dynamic Pest Control who once treated a house that had let a bed bug problem go for eight months. He had to drill in the walls and bugs were found in the light fixtures, and even the microwave. “They were everywhere,” Pete said, “I mean it’s heartbreaking to tell someone you should take keys and clothes you’re wearing (or maybe not clothes) and leave as if your house burned down. Don’t take anything with you.”
The only food bed bugs feed on is blood from humans, which they prefer, but also they will feed from other warm-blooded animals such as dogs, cats, birds and rodents. They are mainly active at night and will normally feed unnoticed. This is why they infest areas where people normally sleep.
Bed bugs have an elongated beak which they use to pierce the skin. It takes from three to ten minutes to withdraw blood then they crawl off to digest their meal.
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December 28th, 2011
Rats are very active during night time and live very close to humans, mainly if there is water and food. At the present, most of the people have started ringing their phones to the pest control exterminators in order to make their rat infestations vanish. People may not really get affected by rats until they start raiding our home!
Burrows are the place where rats usually put up to three meters deep. When they strive for food they are forced to leave their burrows and look for an alternative nesting place. There is an actual danger from a rodent attack if you have rats nearby to your home.
Some Unknown Facts about Rats
- Rats consume up to 10% of their body mass per day and cannot be alive without access to water.
- If a rat is released it travel up to four miles from the starting point.
- Brown rats have characteristics of negative geotaxis – it has affinity to move downwards. These rats can jump vertically more than 77cm and 120 cm horizontally.
- Black rats are said to be finer climbers. It can climb any slightly roughed surface up or down.
- Nearly 11-31% of all female rats are pregnant at one time.
- The female rats are able to differentiate their offspring sex by the smell.
- Have a keen attention on rats when they get used to move around an obstacle. Even if the barrier is removed they will carry on moving around it.
- Rodents know how to survive and breed in freezing provisions and have been known to stay in the fat layer of remains.
- Burrows of rat are usually put up three meters deep but it is rarely more than 0.5 meters deep.
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December 27th, 2011
Fleas are wingless insects, small dark brown or reddish brown in color. This pest can be found around the home causing distress and annoyance to both pets and people. Fleas can also spread disease and cause some allergic reactions resulting in rashes.
It is almost certain that everyone will have to deal with fleas if they own dogs or cat at one time.
And this is the place where the trouble begins – not just with the fleas themselves, but with an immense collection of commercial flea control products available. Most of these products may contain dangerous and injurious ingredients. These ingredients are often poisonous to the animals they are supposed to guard – and can still hurt you and your family.
Natural Flea Control!
This natural flea control uses normal methods and materials in the fight against fleas. In most of the cases you may find that normal substances are regularly available and are much cheaper than commercial products. Natural substances are frequently far less toxic as well.
Natural substances effective for flea control may include essential oils. These oils are botanical compounds in highly concentrated form. One of these necessary oils called pennyroyal has been confirmed as an effective natural product in flea control. But pennyroyal is contaminated when applied to the coat of a dog or cat. It can be poisonous if ingested. Since animals commonly conquer themselves when they have fleas, they could lick the pennyroyal with dire consequences.
The other natural way to get rid a home of fleas is to spray diatomaceous earth a fine powder that contains silicon dioxide around window seals, baseboards and doorways. Vacuum your cushioned furniture and carpets daily.
Tags: bed bug extermination, bed bug Vancouver, pest control Canada, pest control company Canada
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December 20th, 2011
If bed bugs were the pest of summer, stink bugs seem to be hard at work earning the title of “Pest of the fall.” These smelly bugs have been invading homes across much of the country in recent years, leaving many homeowners holding their noses and running for the door (which, unfortunately, is often covered in stink bugs!).
Stink bugs are an invasive species. They were brought into the U.S. from Eastern Asia, and were first found in Allentown, Pennsylvania only 12 years ago. They have spread quickly and have now been reported throughout the Northeast U.S. as well as Pacific Northwest, Midwest and South.
For homeowners wanting to avoid stink bugs, the NPMA recommends the following advice:
• Seal cracks around windows, doors, siding, utility pipes, behind chimneys, and underneath the wood fascia and other openings. Use a good quality silicone or silicone-latex caulk.
• Damaged screens on doors and windows should be repaired or replaced.
• A licensed pest professional can treat for stink bugs in the late summer or fall just prior to bug congregation.
• If stink bugs have already entered a home or building, a vacuum cleaner can aid in the removal of live or dead stink bugs.
The bag must be removed to prevent odor from permeating the area.
• If an infestation has developed inside the home or building, a licensed pest control operator should be called to evaluate and assess the problem.
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December 15th, 2011
The term silverfish is used for the Thysanura and for any of the species within the order. Thysanurans have a distinct carrot shaped body, short legs, long slender antennae and three tail-like appendages (anal cerci) at the end of the body. They are wingless with scale covered bodies which are about 1/2″ long. Nymphs resemble adults.
There are thirteen species of silverfish in the United States.
Mallis in the 1982 lists six species which may be pestiferous: They are the following,
- Firebrat, Thermometer domestica
This insect is found throughout the world in warm climates. Firebrats may become serious pests in bakeries and in areas where starches are stored at warm temperatures, such as in warehouses. The females deposit eggs in crevices.
Firebrat
Development is rapid, with only 1 day spent in the first instars and more time passing between successive instars. A firebrat may pass through 45 to 60 instars during its lifetime. The nymphs resemble adults.
Firebrats can be killed when exposed to temperatures above 120 F for one hour or more. Temperatures above 112 F and below 32 F kill nymphs. This can be an effective way to manage firebrats if it possible to elevate or reduce temperatures to these levels.
- T. campbelli (Barhart)
This species is found indoors in libraries. Little is known about its habits, but its life cycle resembles that of the firebrat.
- Silverfish, Lepisma sacchrina L.
This pest is common indoors on the East Coast, and is also found indoors in the Midwest and Pacific Coast. It is found indoors in warm, humid areas such as basements.
The eggs are deposited in crevices or under objects singly or in groups of 2 or 3. Eggs hatch in 43 days at 72 F and in 19 days at 90 F. Adults may live up to 3 1/2 years, but most live 2 years under favorable conditions (72-80 F, relative humidity of 75%- 97%). Silverfish may pass through up to 59 instars in their lifetimes.
- Four lined silverfish, Ctenolepisma quadriseriata (Luccas)
This species is common on the East and West Coasts and in the Midwest. It lives indoors, often infesting attics, particularly if the roof is made of wooden shingles. It may be found outdoors in summer. Its life cycle is similar to that of the silverfish but not as limited by temperature and moisture.
- Gray silverfish, C. longicaudata Escherich
This species occurs indoors in the South, Midwest, and southern California. It prefers drier areas than common silverfish, such as crawl spaces and attics, but may occur around water pipes in bathrooms.
It deposits its eggs in cracks in groups of 2-20. They hatch in about 60 days at room temperature. The nymphs are scale less when hatched; scales appear in the fourth instars. This species may live up to 5 years.
- Acrotelsa collaris
This species was recently introduced into Florida, probably from the tropics. Little is known of its life cycle but it may resemble that of silverfish.
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December 1st, 2011
Physical features:
The fully grown bug is about 12-15 mm in length. Usually, the females are Lengthier (15 mm) than the males (12 mm). This bug looks blood red in colour apart from its scutellum, eyes, antennae, and anal style which are black in colour. It also has a black spot on each of the membranous forewings. Sequences of white crosswise bands are present on the lower end of the abdomen. Mouthparts are used for piercing and sucking which forms a straight beak.
Red Cotton Bug
Stages of Red cotton bug:
During spring, the full-grown female lays eggs in a groups of 70-80 eggs mainly on damp soil surface or on fallen leaves and in crevices. The eggs are sphere-shaped, yellowish-white of about the 1.2 mm in size. The eggs need 7 days incubation period and humid weather, eggs are hatched into 1 mm long red colored bug which are look like the adult not including size and wings. The small bugs mainly feed on the cotton balls and they take 49-89-days to reach adult stage. In wintry weather the life span of the adult is for 3 months duration but in summer it life span varies. Red cotton bug breeds on cotton during August- November and takes refuge under debris or leaves from December till March. The life span of bug is done within six to eight weeks.
Damage caused due to Red cotton bug:
Unlike bed bug which feeds on human blood, Red cotton bug both small and adults suck the cell sap from the tender shoots and damage the strength of the plant. If the damage is severe, buds open badly and the lint is of low quality. Red cotton bug also feeds on the seeds which produce poorer oil content and some seeds become unfit for sowing.
Red Cotton Bug damaging Cotton buds
Control Measures:
- Plough the Cotton fields in order to expose the eggs to the sunlight.
- Sometimes this bug should be handpicked and killed with kerosene water.
- Spraying of Malathion O.O5% is effective to control the pest.
- Moistened cotton seeds should be dangled up at various places in the field where bugs gather together; later they can be killed with kerosene water.
- If nothing works, then opting for a pest control is the best option.
Tags: Pest Control
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