What Pests Come Out in Winter?

Most pests dread the coming of winter, and so they immediately go into hibernation, while some seek warmth and shelter in people’s homes. We’re talking about pests like mice, raccoons, rats, cockroaches, and spiders.

Unless you want them as co-owners or pets, you’ll need your A-game to keep them off your home this winter. Here are some of the pests that come out in winter you should know.

Ants

If you see ants, there are probably more, and they will make their way to your kitchen to get a bite of the crumbs. These nasty creatures are colonizers, and they could even inject you from your home if care isn't taken. When winter comes, they creep into your homes through tiny holes and cracks in search of food.

Ladybug

Though cute, they can sometimes seek shelter in your homes during the winter. They don’t come to any harm, but the foul smell they leave behind makes them unwelcome. If you have a garden, you’d have to take some necessary measures to keep ladybugs at bay.

Ticks

Some specific kinds of ticks are considered winter insects, and they make their way to your home without a need for an invitation. They bite, so keep an eye for them around the house, and make sure your pets didn’t come home with one after a walk.

Cockroaches

The most annoying thing about cockroaches is the awful smell they emit. Not to forget their frightening presence, especially when they begin to fly. Since they cannot survive in colder environments, they seek refuge in your home during the winter.

Spider

Spiders are year-round insects, and the least of your favorite visitors during the winter. During this time of the year, they are seeking a warm and dark place to hide, such as your basement and dark corners.

Beetles

During winter, they are searching for warmth from the cold, and they are likely to see your home as a suitable domain. You’ll find them near the water heater, or the clothes dryer due to the warmth they provide. Though they cause no harm, they can infest your home.

How to get rid of winter bug infestation

Once these nasty creatures discover a food source and heat, getting rid of them becomes World War III. Although they are numerous insecticides you can spray, they are often not suitable indoors.

To get rid of these pests, you have to get rid of food sources. Not acting fast can lead to an infestation, and that is the last thing you need. To get a better handle, you can let the professionals take care of it for you. Feel free to give us a call or fill the contact form.

Common Pest Rodents In NY

When it comes to rodents, there is no shortage of it in New York. We aren’t referring to cute little hamsters or bunnies, rather ones fond of infesting the home and causing all sorts of problems. We are talking about mice, rats, squirrels, Norway rats, roof rats, and even house mice.

Here are some pest rodents you’re most likely to find in New York.

Deer Mouse

This creature has a slender body that weighs 10 to 24 grams, with prominent whiskers and a little fur covering them. They are known to invade homes and businesses, causing immense damage. No thanks to their ever-growing incisors, they just would never stop chewing.

They will chew on your woods, insulation, plastic, electrical wires, and even your books. The most annoying, no doubt is their feces and urine which they usually litter around the home.

A Roof Rat

The roof rat also has a slender body - a little smaller than the Norway rat, measuring about 13 to 18 inches and weighing up to 9 ounces. They often build their nest in woodpiles and debris and sometimes get into attics and build their nest there.

Once they are in your home, they pose the same risk as other rodents in New York. They will chew through every wooden structure in your home till everything is destroyed. Wherever they go, they litter with feces and urine, spreading diseases and contaminating your food.

Squirrel

Squirrels are a common sight in New York, and they are less likely to make their way to your home compared to the house mice and roof rats. But when they do decide to make your home a place of residence, they can make quite a mess.

They will dig up the insulation, littering everywhere with urine and feces which inevitably attract mites, ticks, fleas, worms, or lice. If not taken care of immediately, they could make your home uncomfortable.

Norway Rat

This rodent originated in Asia and is commonly smaller compared to the roof rat. They are also referred to as brown rats, wharf rats, and sewer rats. They are quite sticky and can weigh about 1 pound. Unlike roof rats that live in roofs, Norway rats love close association with people.

You’re most likely to find them in cellars, stores, slaughterhouses, sewers, and warehouses. When they populate in your home, it becomes hard to get rid of them without professional help.

House Mouse

They are wild animals, but strangely enough, prefer to live exclusively with humans. It is the house mouse that has been domesticated into what is called a pet or fancy mouse. When you notice that your home has been invaded, the best you can do is call the right experts. Feel free to give us a call or perhaps fill our contact form.

What Do Mice Eat?

If you’ve ever thought about what mice eat, you’re not alone. These creatures are voracious when there is an opportunity to eat. They can eat a bunch of things from your home and will do anything to have it.

To make your home inhabitable to these creatures, you need to understand what they like and eat. Mice typically nest in warm places, often in the attic, kitchen, and around wall cavities. They need uninterrupted access to food and will do anything to have it.

What they eat

Just like you, the mice family have diverse tastes and cravings. They will eat just about anything you leave out in your home, like rice, meats, grains, oats, corn, fruits, cereal, and even seeds. But what about cheese? Most movies depict the mouse as a lover of cheese. But that is not true. Mice prefer foods loaded with carbs.

Their tiny body requires energy fast to aid in movement, hence going for peanut butter instead of cheese. Chances are, the mice in your home will give the cheese a hard pass over other sweet things like chocolate,

The Damages

The most fearful thing about the mice is their ever-growing teeth that can chew into anything. They aren't shy to munch on anything - your furniture, walls, and a variety of materials. They might also bite through your wires, causing a potential fire hazard.

Once mice get into your home, it becomes a nightmare. You might not know this, but your home is a mouse’s favorite buffet. When a female and male get into your home, rest assured you’ve got a co-house owner.

It is advised to seek a professional assistant immediately if you suspect there are rodents around your home. They can cause immense damage very quickly, and produce pretty quickly too.

Getting rid of mice

Immediately you suspect a mouse problem, the first thing you need to do is keep foods out of reach, coupled with traps. You can bait with peanut butter, as they love it so much, or other sweet things like chocolate.

If you waste time, you risk compounding the problem. Mice reproduce quickly, and a female mouse can deliver up to six babies every three weeks. They probably will throw you out of the house if you waste further time.

You don’t need to deal with this process alone. You’re the best at working with licensed and experienced pest and rodent control professionals. If you think you have a mouse problem, feel free to give us a call, or fill our contact form.

Buying a House? Why Your Termite Inspection Matters

If this is your first time buying a house, you must be thrilled with excitement. The process is giggly, but it soon becomes nightmares when you discover termites. Not only are these creatures wood destroyers, but they can also stress your mental health. That is why it is imperative to get a termite inspection before going for that deal.

Termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage every year, renowned as ‘silent destroyers. They can chew through the woods like a saw, silently, and before you say, Jack, it’s too late.

When buying a house, some of the areas to pay close attention to include the slab foundations, and areas prone to touch the dirt. If you’re not too sure, get across your real estate agent or lender to know if the house is the right fit.

Getting termite inspection

When you have a termite inspection, you can finalize the deal a lot quicker. This is because termites can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage. Getting a house infested with termites is like buying a block of ice and watching it dissolve before your eyes.

Take note that termite inspection is not the same as a house inspection. You hire a termite inspector to inspect the house of any termite presence. During the inspection, the termite specialist will inspect the basement, to the attic, looking for signs of termite damage.

Although many shy away from termite inspection due to the additional cost, that cost often time, would have saved them from a bad decision. It typically takes an hour, after which the specialist will prepare a report and detailed analysis of any infestations found.

Treating a termite infestation

To treat a termite infestation, you will need to contact the pest control company. Your termite inspection will provide you with some insights, especially on the process of eradication. After the procedure has been completed, you can assess the damages and work with your contractor to fix them.

For future purposes, you need to practice a few things to avoid them, like keeping your house dry and directing water away from it. You can also keep woodpiles and mulch away from your house foundation.

Seeking a termite professional

Your termite inspection should be carried out by a licensed and experienced pest inspector. When in the face of a termite infestation, there is barely anything you can do without a professional. The ideal action is getting in touch with a pest control company, and that is why we are here. Give us a call, or perhaps fill our contact form to begin.

How to Check for Bed Bugs While Traveling

Traveling? Awesome! Getting ready and preparing a list for your travel is one of the fun things to do, but an essential list should also be made – the checklist for preventing bedbugs. You surely need to follow this list before and after unpacking for a trip.

As you may have known, bed bugs are tiny creatures that could torment you for a long time, and they are tough to get rid of, as these bloodsuckers are excellent hitchhikers that can hide in small cracks, and travelers could obtain them at various lodging facilities, including 5-star hotels.

When You Check Into Your Hotel Room

Store Your Luggage

It’s often advised to use a light-colored suitcase instead of a dark suitcase so you can easily spot these tiny insects. Upon checking into a hotel, place your luggage in the middle of the room or on the bathroom floor.

Mattress Check

Begin your inspection process by removing the bedspread and checking the mattress for any sign of rust-colored spots or pepper-like stains and bed bug skins.

Check Furniture

Although these bugs are named bedbugs, they don’t hide in just the bed; tiny cracks on the furniture could also hide them while they await their next victims. Use a pocket-sized flashlight for hunting these creatures down and if anyone is found, change your hotel room immediately.

Changing hotel room

After spotting any bug, report to the manager immediately before changing. When changing a room, make sure not to switch to a room opposite, directly above or below that room, as these bugs can travel through wall sockets or even carts for housekeeping.

Cover your suitcase

Protect your suitcase by covering it with a plastic trash bag while at the hotel to repel these bugs and stop them from residing in your suitcase while residing at the hotel.

Placement of Luggage

Do not place your luggage in luggage racks with cracks or hollow legs where the bugs could hide to prevent pest infestation. The safest place to place your luggage is in the middle of a tiled floor.

When You’ve Returned Home

Thoroughly inspect your suitcase outside for any signs of bedbugs before bringing it inside.
Use a vacuum cleaner to vacuum your suitcase to kill any bedbug that hitchhiked in it as they can’t survive over 122 degrees Fahrenheit.
Wash all your clothes in the washing machine using hot water and dry them to kill any bedbug.

If you still have issues with these tiny blood-sucking hitchhikers after trying these methods mentioned above, do well to contact us in time to exterminate these creatures with adequate control and treatment methods before they spread. Feel free to call or, or fill our contact form to begin.

How to Keep Bugs Away While Camping

When it comes to camping, there’s nothing like the outdoors. Sometimes it’s an escape from the modern world, from the noises and buzzes. The outdoor, no doubt, is the perfect place to breathe again, and to reconnect with yourself, loved ones, and nature.

But…

Being in nature doesn't mean you're going to be alone. There are tons of creatures like yourself that enjoy the outdoor too. Wild and untamed, and quite unpleasant to behold - bugs.

For a fun camping trip, you might have to seek ways to keep these bad buggies away.

Below are methods you can use to keep bugs away while camping.

Homemade essential oil repellent

There is a lot of essential oil with bug repelling properties, and you can use it to keep bugs away while camping. Although the essential oil is commonly sprayed on the skin, it's advisable to spray on clothes to avoid irritating your skin, especially if you have a sensitive skin.

Vinegar

Another way to keep the bugs away is to combine both white vinegar and apple cider vinegar to act as a bug repellent. Insects are not fond of the strong overpowering scent, so they quickly move away when they perceive this homemade repellent.

You can apply it directly to your skin or your cloth. As long as you're comfortable with the strong scent, you're good to go.

Bug repellent bracelets

If you can’t stand spraying things on your body or clothes, this could be a viable option to keep bugs away while camping. You can wear it on your wrist, or perhaps fasten it into your belt or anywhere else you prefer. If you have kids, it's also a good option.

Bug repellent diffusers and coils

Some well-known bug repellent brands now sell diffusers that can repel bugs while you're camping. These diffusers emit a pesticide known as metofluthrin, a component that scars bugs and mosquitoes away.

Some diffusers include a battery and could last as long as 12 hours while offering 80 -100 percent protection. Similar to diffusers, pyrethrum-infused coils are great repellents, and bugs will instantly hate you upon scenting these coils.

Foods that little buggies hate

You might not know this, but some foods are the least favorite of these bugs - like garlic, onions, citrus fruits like lemon, and oranges. Believe it or not, bugs can’t stand them. For them to work, you might need to eat a whole lot of them, while rubbing some on your skin.

It also doesn’t hurt to cook with these ingredients, as they could also be beneficial to your body while helping repel these nuisances as you enjoy your camping trip. If you believe you’ve been besieged by bugs, give us a call (718) 550-7483 asap and we’ll get in touch form.

Insect Marvels: The Cicadas – Are Cicadas Coming In 2021?

Are you prepared for another resemblance of the biblical locust plague? Well, it isn't a plague per se, but the sound of an emergence sends cold shivers down your spine still.

Cicadas are part of the superfamily, Cicadoidea. And are non-venomous, so you have absolutely nothing to worry about except from their ear-piercing buzz.

Some species of Cicadas emerge annually, while an exclusive species to North America, Magicicada, which spends most of its lifespan thriving underground as nymphs emerge every 13 to 17 years.

Periodic Cicadas emerge annually in a large swamp numbered in billions with a loud, buzzing sound. You may have noticed this occurrence in previous years, but everyone is talking about the Brood X Cicadas.

This species of cicadas' last emergence was in 2004, and if you have your numbers right then, it's about time we expect another emergence. That leads to the question: Are Cicadas Coming In 2021?

Before emergence, the periodical Cicadas spend most of their time in their underground abode sucking tree saps from roots before going above ground.

When will the Cicadas emerge?

Talking to the New York Times, Matt Kasson, a West Virginia University biologist, said, "They are ready but waiting for the soil to be warm enough. The ideal soil temperature for cicadas is about 64 degrees [Fahrenheit]. For the Mid-Atlantic region, that usually comes by about the third week of May, but it could be sooner. Usually, you have stragglers on either side.”

One thing is certain; this phenomenon can never go unnoticed as they will signal their arrival with loud mating calls once on sight.

What people are saying

With reports from citizen scientists showing the emergence of the Brood X Cicadas, reports come in from people who have sighted these supernatural creatures in their yards. And the most reports coming from Tennessee, Bethesda, Ohio, Washington DC, Maryland, etc. The emergence has already begun!

If you stay close to these areas and haven’t sighted these creatures yet, then you should very soon.

Should you be worried about the emergence?

Unlike locusts which feast on our crop fields, you have absolutely nothing to worry about as these creatures are harmless to humans and crop fields. However, they may be a little destructive to slender tree branches that they utilize as a nesting ground to lay their eggs.

The cicada's emergence will last over the next few months. In the coming months, you should expect billions of these creatures to cloud the woods and neighborhoods in most U.S states.

However, you can always find new reports on sightings and tips on handling the emergence with our 24/7 expert environmental services. You can go ahead and give us a call right away or better still, fill out our contact form.

Does alcohol kill bed bugs?

Noticed redness and itchiness on your skin as well as small, raised bumps? This could mean one of many things, or the most common, a bed bug infestation!

Being faced with a bed bug insurgence might seem obscure to the eyes as these little creatures can easily hide and thrive in upholstered furniture and belongings unnoticed.

How do you get rid of these nocturnal bloodsucking creatures?

Well, for starters, it will mean making use of pesticides, but how effective is this? Research has shown this creature to develop some kind of resistance to pesticides.

Speaking on this, the lead author and research assistant professor at the Purdue's Center for Urban and Industrial Pest Management says, "The longer you use any product for the control of a particular pest, the more resistance issues you are going to have.”

Of course, this info will not go down well with people who depend heavily on these fighting agents to stop a teaming bed bug infestation. But do you know what works? Alcohol! Sounds easy, right?

Does alcohol kill bed bugs? To some extent, Yes! Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) has shown to be effective at killing bed bugs and their eggs but doesn’t stop an infestation.

How does it work?

According to research, the bed bugs' epidermal layer houses pesticide-resistant genes, which may be responsible for slowing or stopping altogether the toxins that pose a threat to these creatures.

So how then does alcohol kill these creatures with such defensive factions? It's simple, the alcohol eats up the layer, which is one way and then finally induces a drying out effect, which should be enough to kill bed bugs and their eggs. But utilizing alcohol to get rid of bed bug infestation isn’t a 100 percent strategy against killing these creatures.

Why people don’t depend on alcohol to kill bed bugs

You will have to apply alcohol directly on the bugs

Bed bugs are barely visible to our eyes, making applying alcohol directly on them more challenging. These creatures are “stealth” veterans and will hide in cracks and crevices, which makes the task of eliminating them more difficult, and in most cases, impossible.

Running alcohol isn't an all-round effective tool in killing bed bugs

Alcohol has shown some positive results in eliminating bed bugs but isn't overly effective at wiping out its entire population. Hiring a professional extermination service is the right measure to take against bed bug infestations.

A bed bug infestation is totally avoidable when you follow the right measures. If you ever feel like you’re under a bed bug siege, we’ve got you covered with our 100% effective bed bug elimination services. You can go ahead and give us a call or fill out our contact form.

How To Get Rid Of Summer Ants

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Ever wondered how many ants are on earth? Estimates put the number at about one quadrillion ants, proving these seemingly little creatures to be one of the most successful species on earth. But when they plague your home during the summer, what do you do?

Typically, they either come to have a share of your pie or perhaps looking for a nesting habitat where they can feel at home. But before the invasion, there were a couple of attractions that got their attention.

Getting rid of summer ants is easy if you know the type of ant you’re dealing with and what attracts them.

Five main types of ants are prone to invade your home, and they are:

Carpenter ants
Fire ants
Pavement ants
Little black ants and
Odorous house ants

Carpenter ants are renowned for their woodworking ability. If allowed to continue practicing their innate carpentry talent, your furniture will never be the same again. Fire ants derive joy in eating the roots of your plants in your garden, while the odorous house ant is renowned for the repulsive odor they emit when mashed.

When you identify the ant causing havoc in your home, you’re halfway through getting rid of those nasty pests. So, here are some secret ways you can use to get rid of summer ants.

Eliminate water sources in and around your home

A common attraction as long as ants are concerned is water. They need water to live, just as much as you do. But they have got to go, right? That means ensuring you remove any water source that might attract summer ants to your home.

Get rid of food sources

Ants are hardworking hungry creatures, and they are always on the lookout for foods, especially crumbs left behind on your countertops or outside your home. If you must get rid of summer ants from your home, make it a duty to regularly clean and remove any food source.

Eliminate breeding sites

If you don't want ants partying in your home, crash the party by eliminating potential breeding areas such as overgrown grasses around the house, yard debris, and even old landscape materials. If there is no breeding area in your home, ants will never invade your home cause it will be a futile effort.

Seal Access Points

To get rid of ants, ensure you seal all access points. When you seal all nooks and crannies in your home, you make it evident that they are unwanted.

When you take the appropriate precautions, you can get rid of summer ants from making your house a home. If you suspect you’re already under siege, call or get in contact with us as soon as possible.

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The Staten Island Stink Bug Epidemic and how you can protect your home and family

Back in 2010, SILive posted about Stink bugs appearing all across Staten Island in large numbers. Lately, the same seems to have been happening. We have had reports of Staten Island Stink bug infestations in homes, commercial offices, kitchens, & classrooms across the Island, putting people on edge and making them uncomfortable in their own homes.

Why are stink bugs out this late in the year?

Wild up-and-down temperatures can contribute to these bugs rising up at unusual times in the year. When the weather gets cold and then hot again repeatedly, it can fool the insects into thinking that springtime is coming, causing them to come out like they usually would at that time of year, but without their usual predators, causing wild population increases and infestations if you do not safeguard your property.

How stink bugs can cause harm

Stinkbugs won't bite humans, but they can still cause damage in other ways. They eat tomato plants and other fruits, meaning they can destroy produce at supermarkets and outdoor markets all over the island.

It's rare for any negative impact to spread to humans, but it's not something you prefer to be ingesting, that's for sure.

Be vigilant for their bite marks. They leave minimal damage to the outside of the fruit, usually in the form of scars and depressions. The food often seems good enough to eat. Although it seems minimal at first, insects (these included) can carry disease and viruses that they spread to the plant.

How to find them in the home

Stink bugs tend to congregate in sunny and warm areas of the home. They usually come in in spring. They also have a telltale odor that you will recognize when they are in high numbers. In your garden, you will notice damage to vegetables and fruits, especially tomatoes.

How to get rid of stink bugs

In large numbers, stink bugs are difficult to eliminate. Contacting a professional pest control company is your best bet. You can get in touch with us for more information and an estimate on the help you need and what it entails.

Get in touch.