The Sphinx Moth Caterpillar Guide: Are They Dangerous? December 6, 2023 - By: Nathan Woolf One look at a sphinx moth caterpillar and it’s easy to picture a terrorizing menace in your garden, devouring every cherished plant in its path. Though, the real story behind these boldly adorned larvae is a little different. While there is no doubt their hearty appetite can create agriculture issues, these caterpillars aren’t the troublemakers they appear to be. In reality, they play a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance of Arizona’s ecosystems. While we don’t recommend or do pest control to get rid of sphinx moth caterpillars, we do pest control for the entire Phoenix area including Mesa, Chandler, Peoria, and even Anthem. Related: Mosquitoes In ArizonaSphinx Moth Caterpillar OverviewSphinx moth caterpillars are a diverse group belonging to the Sphingidae family. These striking larvae are characterized by their vibrant colors, distinctive patterns, and formidable size. Typically, they range from 2 to 4 inches in length, with a robust body adorned with diagonal stripes and a distinctive horn-like projection on the hind end of most species. Their horned back side lends to their common name, the hornworm. This horn isn’t as menacing as it may appear; it’s merely a harmless appendage. As for their habitat, sphinx moth caterpillars inhabit various regions across the United States, including Arizona. With their ability to adapt, they thrive in a wide range of ecosystems. You can find them in desert environments, grasslands, and even urban gardens. Being well adapted to hot and arid conditions makes Arizona’s Sonoran Desert a particularly suitable habitat. Pest, Pollinator, or SnackIn terms of diet, these caterpillars primarily feed on plants from the Solanaceae family, which include well-known species like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants, but also include crops like tobacco and cotton. Even with their voracious appetite for plants they are generally considered minor pests and do not warrant management. In addition, it’s important to recognize their role in local ecosystems. As moths, they are valuable pollinators to Arizona plant life. As caterpillars, they are an integral part of the food chain, serving as a food source for various predators, including birds and insects. Should I Be Worried About Sphinx Moth Caterpillars? Sphinx moth caterpillars are not poisonous, venomous, or dangerous to humans in any way. While their appearance may be intimidating, these caterpillars are harmless and lack any venomous or toxic defense mechanisms. Their primary defense strategy involves camouflage, blending into their surroundings to avoid detection by predators. Put simply, they pose no threat to humans and can be safely observed in their natural habitats without any risk of harm. Related: Are Landlords Responsible For Pest Control?How Do I Protect My Garden From Sphinx Moth Caterpillars?The best way to protect your garden is pretty straightforward. Simply monitor plants for damage and droppings. Should either be found, just follow the droppings trail and you’ll find the caterpillar. Once the caterpillar is located simply remove it by hand. Different Types Sphinx Moth caterpillars encompass a diverse group of species, each with their unique characteristics and habits. Here are a few notable examples: Tobacco Hornworm (Manduca sexta): These caterpillars are commonly found in North America and are known for their bright green color, diagonal white stripes, and the prominent red “horn” at the rear. They are often found feeding on tobacco and tomato plants.Tomato Hornworm (Manduca quinquemaculata): Similar in appearance to the tobacco hornworm, tomato hornworms are recognizable by their green bodies, V-shaped markings on their sides, and a black horn-like projection. They, as the name suggests, primarily feed on tomato plants. Waved Sphinx Moth (Ceratomia undulosa): The waved sphinx moth caterpillar is recognized by its lime green color with longitudinal stripes of white and green running along its body. They have a distinct horn-like projection at the rear, though it is often less pronounced compared to other sphinx moth caterpillars. These caterpillars can be found feeding on a variety of plants, including members of the grape family (Vitaceae) and Virginia creeper, making them adaptable residents in different North American regions. White-lined Sphinx (Hyles lineata): White-lined sphinx caterpillars are found in various habitats across North and South America. They are known for their unique coloration, featuring bold stripes of black, white, and various shades of green or brown. These caterpillars are adaptable and feed on a wide range of host plants. This species can be very common in Arizona.Achemon Sphinx (Eumorpha achemon): Achemon sphinx caterpillars are large and robust, with distinctive pale green bodies adorned with subtle diagonal lines and a horn-like tail. They often feed on grapevines and Virginia creeper. Pandorus Sphinx (Eumorpha pandorus): These caterpillars are characterized by their lime green coloration, bold black markings, and a pink-tipped horn at the rear. They are commonly found on various woody vines, such as grapevines and Virginia creeper. The Sphinx Moth Caterpillar Guide ConclusionSphinx moth caterpillars may sport an intimidating appearance, but they are far from dangerous. These remarkable insects play an essential role in their ecosystem, contributing to biodiversity, pollination of Arizona plant life, and serving as a valuable food source for other wildlife. While they might occasionally graze on garden plants, their impact is usually minimal and should not be a cause for concern. Instead of viewing them as pests, let’s appreciate the intricate beauty of sphinx moth caterpillars as a part of Arizona’s natural tapestry. However, if you do find yourself facing other pest-related challenges in the Arizona climate, remember that our team at Blue Sky Pest Control are here to assist you. With our expertise and customized pest control plans, we can ensure a pest-free environment that allows you to coexist harmoniously with the diverse flora and fauna of the Grand Canyon State. We do every kind of pest control from scorpion control to mosquito control and termite control. Click the button below to get your free quote on pest control in the Phoenix area.
Occasional Invaders: What Are They and What Can We Do About Them? August 16, 2023 - By: Bob Gilbert, Board Certified Entomologist What is an occasional invader? Seems simple enough, a bug that randomly wanders into your home. Well, that may be true but it’s a bit more complicated than that. Here we are going to look at what exactly is meant by “occasional invader” and what pests in Arizona are common invaders. We will also look at some pests that are seasonal in nature that often invade in large numbers around the same time of year every year. Most occasional invaders are one-offs that accidentally find themselves trapped inside your home. Here we are talking about Arthropods: insects, spiders, sowbugs, sun spiders, and like animals. These critters don’t want to be there. You don’t want them to be there either. These animals live outside and don’t infest homes. These outdoor animals are not considered pests by most people. In fact, most of these Arthropods are great candidates for gently catching them and simply putting them outside to do the important job of being a useful “bug”. Related: Common Spiders In ArizonaWhy You Should Let Them GoWhy would we “catch and release” a bug? Seriously, lots of reasons. Many common bugs eat the real pest species we all hate like flies, cockroaches, aphids, etc. Others are important in breaking down dead plants and animals so that they don’t pile up in our yards. Every creature has a job and when they help us or our environment, we should try to restore them to the outside safely. Some common examples of single insects wandering inside would be grasshoppers, lacewings, sowbugs, most beetles, plant bugs, plant hoppers, webspinners, etc. These insects are often attracted to lights and end up inside your home through nearby cracks or other openings. Spiders and other Arachnids can also be considered occasional invaders such as a jumping spider in the front window. These animals don’t infest your home and when trapped there most soon die.Moths are a great example of a light-attracted occasional invader. The vast majority of moths feed on nectar while their caterpillars feed on plants. The adults are highly attracted to lights and will collect at windows and doors at night. If any openings into the home exist such as worn or cracked weatherstripping or ripped window screen, then some of these moths will end up in the home. What then? They either find their way out again, or, more likely, they slowly die over a few days. Not a great way to go…Seasonal InvadersThe other type of occasional invader is the seasonal pest. These are outside bugs that typically don’t bother anyone until the right season comes along when their numbers just seem to explode. A number of these occur in the Phoenix area about the same time each year. An example would be the false chinch bug, Nysius Raphanus. This true bug in the Family Lygaeidae is a small insect at about ¼ inch which feeds on weeds of the mustard family like London rocket. These plants are common in the Phoenix area. These little bugs can occur in huge numbers in Spring after heavy rains. False chinch bugs group up before migration where they search for new plants to feed on. Meanwhile, they are attracted to lights and will sometimes cover walls of homes in their thousands! If openings into the house are present, then hundreds will find their way in. This can certainly be a shock at the breakfast table! Another example would be the small darkling beetles we get in the summer in Phoenix. These brown beetles start to accumulate around lights and doors and will often get into homes and other buildings. These beetles don’t hurt anything but can be a real nuisance when there are dozens in your home. What To DoSo, what do we do about these annoying bugs? Is Phoenix simply plagued so we can do nothing? No, certainly not. Arizona residents and businesses can do a lot to minimize the negative impact of these pesky bugs. First, check the home carefully. After dark, turn on all inside lights while keeping outside lights off. Go outside and stand in front of each door/window and really look at it. Can you see light coming out from inside around seals or door sweeps? So can the bugs. These small openings are barely noticeable to most of us but are huge welcome signs to pests. Replace any worn or ripped weather stripping and door sweeps. Repair ripped window screens as well. Next, look at the outside lighting. Do you really need to have these lights on all night? If you want them on for safety, then consider motion detector-activated lights. They will save electricity but will still provide security. Don’t like that idea? How about changing the current bulbs to ones that don’t attract flying insects as much? Warm LED bulbs have been shown to be less attractive to bugs than standard incandescent bulbs, use less electricity, and produce less heat. Compact fluorescent and sodium vapor bulbs also work well. Managing the lights at night will eliminate many problems before they start.Next, do a daytime inspection. Note weeds and clutter in the yard, Are there any overgrown trees or shrubs? Are weeds present? These types of things provide hiding areas and overwintering spots for pests. Trim vegetation and pick up clutter. Move firewood as far away from the house as possible. Dump any standing water in containers such as flower pots or wheelbarrows. Remove the reasons why a bug chooses to be in your yard versus that of your neighbor’s. Occasional Invaders ConclusionSo occasional invaders in Arizona are outside bugs that accidentally find themselves inside your home. Although mostly just a nuisance, keep them outside by following a few relatively simple but effective steps as outlined here. You will find far fewer unwanted guests at your door (and windows) or lurking in your kitchen. Arizona residents have enough to worry about without inadvertently inviting these bugs to breakfast.
Common Centipedes in Arizona January 7, 2020 - By: Nathan Woolf Did you know that there are thought to be over 8,000 varieties of centipedes worldwide? That’s including Arizona centipedes. While most of them range from 4-152 mm, there are some real giants out there – the largest species is the Peruvian giant centipede, which can grow to be up to two and a half feet long! Luckily we don’t have anything that big in Arizona, but our state is home to three species that are commonly found in our homes and property – the house centipede (Scutigera coleoptrata), the common desert centipede (Scolopendra polymorpha) and the giant desert centipede (Scolopendra heros).We provide quality pest control for people throughout the Phoenix area including Mesa, Tempe, Peoria, and even as far as Surprise. Whether you need pest control for cockroaches, centipedes, ants, crickets, or scorpions, we’ll get the job done for you!Related: What If I’m Still Seeing Bugs After Spraying?Most centipedes have a few common characteristics. Unlike millipedes, centipedes have only one pair of legs per segment, while millipedes can have two to four pairs per segment. In spite of their name (centipede means “100 legs”), the number of legs they have varies by species from around 20 to over 300.Centipedes are nocturnal animals and are rarely seen during the day. They do all their hunting at night, and typically hide out in damp, dark places during the daylight hours. You may see them in window wells, under logs or rocks, or hiding in damp mulch along the foundation of your house. Indoors, centipedes prefer dark and damp areas. They lay their eggs in damp and secluded places, and centipedes are devoted mothers – they curl up around their eggs and groom them until they hatch to keep them free of mold and bacteria.Related: How Often Should Pest Control Be Done?Centipedes are predatory insects that eat other insects, or, in the case of giant centipedes, small vertebrates like lizards and small rodents. They do not actually “bite” their prey – instead, centipedes have a pair of modified legs that they use as pincers, called gnathosomes or gnathopods. These venom-filled appendages inject venom into their prey. Venom from a centipede sting is not harmful to humans, though it can be painful and cause irritation. $50 Off Your Initial Service CALL NOW GET QUOTEOffer valid when you start any Blue Sky 365 programCommon Desert CentipedeThe common desert centipede typically grows 4-5 inches long. It is brown and tan, with dark striped between each body segment, which lends it another nickname – the tiger centipede. Its colors are highly variable, and can range from olive brown, to yellowish, to bluish tints. Like other centipedes, they are venomous and can be aggressive if handled. However, their venom is not harmful to humans.Giant Desert CentipedeThis centipede can be much larger than the common desert centipede, but rumors of it growing to over a foot long are inaccurate. Giant desert centipedes are typically 6-8 inches long, and have rust or orange-colored bodies with yellowish legs and dark black or bluish heads. The giant desert centipede, like some other centipedes, has a pair of modified legs on its last segment that mimic the antennae on its head. This makes it difficult to know head from tail when the centipede is at rest! Though some people keep giant desert centipedes as pets, their stings can be very painful – if you see one in your home or on your property, avoid handling them.House CentipedeA smaller, but more common, variety of centipede in Arizona is the house centipede. Many people recognize the house centipede as a beneficial creature that feeds on other insects in the home, such as silverfish, spiders and cockroaches. However, their distinct appearance gives most folks the creeps, and they’re killed on sight. The body of the house centipede is 1 to 1.5 inches in length, but its 15 pairs of long legs and long antennae give the appearance of a much larger creature. Their bodies are usually yellowish in color, with dark stripes running down the length. Like other centipedes, they are venomous but very rarely sting humans. They can move extremely quickly, with their long and delicate legs allowing them to move up to .4 meters per second across surfaces and up walls.Arizona Centipedes ConclusionIf you’re seeing more of these little guys than you’d like, give us a call and ask about our Blue Sky 365 program. Centipedes are one of many types of pests that can easily be kept out of your home with a regular treatment program. We serve the entire Phoenix area with home and commercial pest control.Stay tuned for more information about Arizona centipedes, and some of the best ways to keep them out of your home.Related: Are Landlords Responsible For Pest Control?
How to Get Rid of Ants in Your Home November 30, 2016 - By: Nathan Woolf How to get rid of ants in my home? – Phoenix, ArizonaQuestion: Our home in Scottsdale, AZ constantly gets these little black ants in our kitchen. How can I get rid of ants and how do I keep them from coming back?Answer: Thanks for your question. This is a common question. Ants are one of the top nuisance pests in the Phoenix area and around the country. We have quite a few different species in the Phoenix and Scottsdale area. These different ant species can require different control approaches based upon the type of ant, age of the colony, area of infestation and other considerations. Here are some steps one can follow that apply to most ant species that can help to prevent them from getting into the home and kitchen.Before we go into the tips, a few additional facts about ants. Ants are great at creating more ants. They grow their colonies by sending out swarmers to start new colonies and other species bud, which means that a colony will split into other colonies. In Phoenix, Arizona, the natural conditions are great for ants to live, breed and thrive. Specific conditions in and around your home can also make it easier to get inside your home.Tips to Keep Ants from Getting Into My HomeSanitation outside your home. The far majority of ant infestations start outside. Inspect the outside for food debris. Food debris can be around a garbage can, barbeque and porch area. Clean these areas.Sanitation inside your home – Ants are great at finding food and telling the other ants about where they can find the food. Residue on counter tops, crumbs and other food debris under appliances, in corners and in cabinets are all food sources that can attract and support ants for a long time. Cleaning these areas thoroughly will assist in reducing food sources.LandscapingPrevent “Bridging” – Bridging is where ants get access to the home by using plants, trees and other vegetation that touches or overhang the home as a “bridge” for the ant highway. Cut back plants and vegetation at least 6 inches from the home. Make sure trees do not overhang the roof line too.Overwatering – Do not overwater.Properly care for vegetation that commonly has insects that create honeydew – Honeydew is a sticky liquid full of sugar that is secreted by aphids, scales and other insects that can be on certain plants and trees here in the Phoenix area. Honeydew is an excellent food source for ants and is a possible reason they are heading up a tree in your yard.Seal obvious cracks and crevices – seal obvious cracks and crevices around the home. These cracks and crevices can be around A/C lines, water spigots and weather stripping around doorways. Be mindful that even effectively sealing cracks and crevices will not eliminate them from getting into your home. Ants are small and there are cracks and crevices you may not be able to detect or see to seal.In Phoenix, Arizona, controlling ants in the home takes vigilance and constant effort. Best results often require the use of professional products to control various species. If you have ongoing problems with ants in the house, contact us for treatment to stop them.To rid your home of ants, contact Blue Sky Pest Control.
Fun Facts about Earwigs February 5, 2014 - By: Nathan Woolf The earwig, or pincher bug, is an insect that almost everyone is familiar with. Most people have moved a flower pot or piece of furniture to find an earwig hiding underneath, or discovered an earwig party while doing landscaping work. While they’re not dangerous to humans, most people find the sight of them disturbing or even frightening.Even though you probably don’t want them in your home or business, there’s no reason to be afraid of these little guys. That’s why we’re presenting some of our favorite facts about earwigs, and dispelling some of the most popular myths about these pests. You may never want an earwig as a visitor, but having some background knowledge can always come in handy!We do earwig control in the entire area and have offices in Phoenix and Gilbert. We cover everywhere in the area including Chandler, Tempe, Peoria, and Mesa. We’ll give you a free quote and $50 off your first service!Related: Are Landlords Responsible For Pest Control?Fact No. 1: They have nothing to do with ears.Earwigs are especially popular in folklore because of persistent tales that they crawl inside your ears to lay their eggs or feed on your brain. Their name probably originated from these tales, and from European names for the insect that meant “ear worm” or “ear wiggler.”Fortunately, this legend has no basis in fact. Earwigs do prefer tight, dark spaces, but wouldn’t choose your ear as a home. Earwigs lay their eggs in underground nests in the fall and winter. They’d never choose a human host for their eggs – we’re simply not a hospitable environment!As far as feeding on your brain goes, earwigs prefer to feast on decaying vegetation, like dying plants, mulch, or composting yard waste. They can cause significant damage to seedling vegetables, annual bedding plants, and soft fruits. Larger earwigs sometimes capture and eat smaller insects, and are sometimes beneficial in decreasing aphid populations.Fact No. 2: Earwigs have wings.When you think of an earwig, you probably immediately visualize the large pincers on their abdomen (more on those later). But did you know that most earwigs actually have two pairs of wings, and some can even fly?Fact No. 3: Earwigs are smelly creatures.In addition to producing pheromones to aid in their mating process, some species of earwig emit a noticeable foul odor when they are disturbed – it is a special chemical compound that earwigs use as a defense mechanism against larger predators.Fact No. 4: Earwigs are not dangerous to humans.Those big forceps on an earwig’s abdomen are used for defense, or, in the case of larger earwigs, for hunting smaller prey. If they are handled, they may try to use their forceps, or cerci, to grasp your hand or finger, but it will be barely noticeable and will probably not break your skin.Related: Earwigs In ArizonaThe earwig’s cerci are not poisonous, and earwigs do not have the ability to bite or sting people.Fact No. 5: Earwigs take good care of their babies.Earwigs are one of the deepest nesters in Arizona, so they can be difficult to control. Mother earwigs build their nests deep underground to protect the 20-300 eggs they lay twice a year from predators and cold temperatures. The female guards her eggs and will feed and nurture the baby earwigs when they hatch, which is unusual for most insects. Once they are able to feed themselves, the young earwigs are out on their own.The immature earwigs (nymphs) look like tiny versions of adult earwigs, though they lack wings.Fact No. 6: Earwigs don’t like to live in your house.Because earwigs prefer damp organic environments, your home is not where they’d most like to spend their time. Many earwigs end up indoors by mistake while they are searching for food, or if they are looking for water during especially dry weather. Earwigs won’t breed in your home because it likely lacks the moisture and protection a mother earwig needs to lay her eggs.As with most pests, keeping your home clean and free of damp areas will help eliminate earwigs. Earwigs usually die on their own indoors because there is little for them to eat.Fact No. 7: Earwigs are night owls.Earwigs are most active and do their hunting and foraging at night. You might notice groups of them on your patio on summer nights, because they are attracted to lights. During the day, they prefer to hide out in burrows, in garden mulch, or in tight crevices under flower pots or furniture.It’s helpful to know that earwigs are most often found in your home by accident, and it’s not very likely that you’ll experience a full-fledged infestation inside your home. However, because of the damage they can do to your landscaping, it’s still a good idea to take preventative measures to decrease their populations outside your home. If you have questions about earwigs, and what you can do to prevent them, give us a call – we are happy to help! We serve the entire Phoenix area including Gilbert, Peoria, and Mesa. Click here to get your free quote. Sources: University of California Integrated Pest Management Program University of Illinois Integrated Pest Management Program Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
How to Prevent Centipedes January 17, 2014 - By: Nathan Woolf Now that we’ve discussed the centipedes that are most common in Arizona, it’s time to learn about the most effective ways to prevent centipede infestation. While it’s true that centipedes can help control other pest populations (they like to dine on crickets, cockroaches, silverfish and other insects), it’s not a very comforting thought to replace one pest with another. Their many-legged appearance and speed of movement can make them unsettling visitors, and the threat of their venomous “bite” makes most people want to keep them out of their homes. If you need pest control at your home or business in Arizona, we can help. We have offices in Gilbert and Phoenix that make it easy for us to serve the entire metro area including Glendale, Tempe, Peoria, and more.About CentipedesBefore we go into how to centipede-proof your home, it’s important that we talk about centipede bites. While all centipedes are venomous, they generally do not bite unless they are provoked. Their “bites” are actually stings from a pair of hollow, adapted leg structures on the first segment of their bodies. These hollow gnathosomes or gnathopods are filled with venom and can impart a painful sting, similar to a bee sting. The stings are typically not dangerous, but they can be quite painful – in general, the larger the centipede is, the more painful its sting will be. Additionally, centipede legs are tipped by tiny claws that can leave venomous residue and small puncture wounds if they walk on human skin. These wounds are not dangerous but can irritate the skin.For this reason, we do not recommend that you handle a centipede if you see it indoors or near your home, especially if it is a large common desert centipede or giant desert centipede. If you wish to remove a centipede from your home, handle it as you would a snake – sweep it into a trash can or bucket, and deposit it outdoors. In the case of smaller house centipedes, you can scoop it into a jar and take it outside, or, if you’re like most people, you may prefer to stomp it on sight.While centipedes don’t present a major threat to your health or your property, and they don’t tend to heavily infest their habitats, you still want to take steps to prevent them from entering your home, since they are so common in Arizona. There are many tactics you can use to keep centipedes from invading your house, both indoors and outdoors.Related: What If I’m Still Seeing Bugs After Spraying?Outside the HomeCentipedes prefer damp habitats, so make sure that your landscaping drains away from your property. Check your property for areas where broken sprinkler heads or gutters are causing your landscaping to become too wet.Centipedes are nocturnal, and stay hidden in dark, damp places during the day. Clear your yard of piles of lawn debris and leaves, and keep wood piles away from the foundation of your home.Check your foundation for cracks that might provide easy entry for the centipede, and fill them with caulk or mortar.If necessary, call us to discuss effective pesticide barrier treatments that can be safely used around common entry points of your home.Inside the HomeCentipedes, and especially house centipedes, prefer damp environments in your home, as well. Fix any leaky faucets or pipes, and ensure that water is not seeping into your home’s foundation. You may even want to invest in a dehumidifier if an area is especially damp.Use sticky traps in areas where you frequently see centipedes, such as closets, basements and other areas where they like to hunt. Not only will this help you determine the number of centipedes in your home, it can also help you find out where their entry points are.Since centipedes feed on other insects, it is crucial that you remove their food sources. Treat your home for cockroaches, silverfish and crickets.Keep piles of clothing or bedding off the floor, and keep your home neat and tidy to cut down on the dark places where centipedes like to hide.The flat body of a centipede can fit through even the tiniest opening. Visually inspect door and window frames for cracks and entry points, and use caulk to fill them.For most situations, these tips will keep centipedes from having the run of your home. If you do notice a large amount of centipedes in your home and these methods are not effective enough, give us a call so we can discuss your options for treatment. In some cases, the problem might be solved if we treat your property for other insect infestations.Photo courtesy of Matt ReinboldRelated: Are Landlords Responsible For Pest Control?
Four Myths About Ant Control November 6, 2012 - By: Nathan Woolf One of the things we hear frequently in the pest control business is that ant infestations are easy to handle on your own. While there are some methods that a homeowner can use to rid their home of ants temporarily, long-term ant control is necessary to keep ants out of the home. To destroy the colony, the queen ant in a colony must be destroyed. At Blue Sky Pest, we’re experts in ant control in Arizona. Here are the top four myths we hear frequently about do-it-yourself ant control in Phoenix.Related: Phoenix Ant ControlMyth #1: Boiling Water Gets Rid of AntsThough boiling water will kill ants on impact, it only works while the water is still at a boiling temperature. Furthermore, this only handles the ants present at the time of the boiling water treatment, since the water doesn’t prevent the rest of the colony from moving towards your home.Myth #2: Cinnamon Will Control My Ant ProblemCinnamon won’t kill or repel ants. It’s true that ants don’t like cinnamon, but if you have an ant infestation in your home, cinnamon won’t solve the problem. $50 Off Your Initial Service CALL NOW GET QUOTEOffer valid when you start any Blue Sky 365 programMyth #3: Grits and Oatmeal Kills Ant PopulationsThis is inaccurate. Ants don’t eat solid food, so while they may take the grits back to their colony, ants will not explode by eating the grits.Myth #4: Vinegar kills antsVinegar doesn’t kill ants. It can remove the trace of ants to confuse ants about where to go to find the rest of their colony, but it won’t rid your home of ants.Successful ant control involves effectively identifying the colony entrances and putting a treatment plan into place. We find the colony entrances and then target ants in two key ways – using bait and non-repellent sprays. The key to this process is effectively identifying colony entrances and implementing a treatment plan. Our customers often assist us in finding colony entrances by simply telling us where they see the activity.Related: How Often Should Pest Control Be Done?The active ingredient in baits works very slowly, so ants take the baits back to their colonies, including the queen ant, and eventually, the colony is destroyed. Nonrepellent sprays are also used to help destroy ant colonies. Ants bring the liquid back to the colonies on their bodies and eventually the liquid makes its way to the queen ant, destroying the colony. These can two methods can be used individually or they can work together. If you’re having an ant problem, give us a call and we’ll help determine the best plan of action for your home. We serve the entire Phoenix area including Gilbert, Peoria, Mesa, and Glendale. Click here to get a free estimate on ant removal extermination at your home or business.