Pest Control Tips Archives - Pest Control and Exterminator Company

Are There Cicadas in Arizona?

October 25, 2022 - By: Nathan Woolf

Are there cicadas in Arizona? The answer is yes. In fact, Arizona is home to dozens of different cicada species. Due to their size and distinctive buzz, cicadas can be intimidating to some. Spending much of their lifecycle underground and only emerging to mate during summer months, cicadas are harmless to humans; they don’t bite, sting, or carry diseases. Not considered a structural pest, Blue Sky Pest Control does not treat for Cicadas. That said, we do have some strategies on how to deal with their seasonal appearance. In addition, we have some interesting facts about these ear-piercing insects. We do perform general pest control throughout the Phoenix area including Gilbert, Chandler, and Mesa.

What is a Cicada?

Cicadas are large winged insects that can range from 1 ½ to 2 inches long as an adult. Typically having green or brown bodies with black markings, cicadas have two pairs of clear wings with one set much longer than their abdomen.

Cicadas’ main food source comes from plants. They extract juices through a special drinking straw-like appendage. Sucking up sap and other plant fluids, they use the liquids to cool their bodies and fight the extreme Arizona temperatures. This built-in air conditioning also serves as an excellent survival tactic, giving cicadas the ability to forage for food during the hottest times of the day when their predators (birds and reptiles) are less active.

The Cicada Lifecycle

The life span of a cicada can vary greatly depending on the species, with the longest being around 17 years. Most cicadas in Arizona are annual, which despite the label, means their life cycle is typically 3-5 years.

As mentioned previously, cicadas spend most of their life underground. Emerging in late spring and throughout summer, the late-stage nymphs crawl up the base of the plant and after their final molt, emerge as winged adults.

As an adult, cicadas look to mate. Females are not looking for a full head of hair and washboard abs. Rather, the louder the male cicada ‘sings’ the better chance they have to attract a female. Adult males ‘sing’ by contracting a muscle on their abdomen which makes a loud repetitive clicking noise. The male cicada ‘song’ is so loud can be heard from several hundred yards away.

After mating, females create channels in trees and lay their eggs therein. As the eggs hatch, the nymphs fall to the ground and bury themselves in the earth for several years feeding on plant roots for sustenance. As the nymph becomes mature, it will emerge from the ground, attach to something vertical (like a tree), and molt into a winged adult, starting the life cycle over again.

When Does Arizona Have Cicadas?

The first cicadas typically start appearing as early as April or May. However, smaller hatches may go unnoticed by humans as they are quickly eaten by birds or other predators. By the peak of summer, their presence is well known from the buzzing sound that can be heard most summer evenings.

There are two main types of cicadas: annuals and periodicals. Cicadas found in the western region of the United States are annual cicadas meaning they come out every year when the temperature is just right during early summer. Periodical cicadas can be found further east and only found their way above ground every 13 to 17 years.

The number of annual cicadas can fluctuate from year to year depending on several environmental factors. If temperatures become too hot, the plants that cicadas rely on for food may die reducing their lifespan. In addition, wet springs can affect the soil killing large amounts of cicadas.

Are Cicadas Dangerous?

Because of their size, cicadas often appear creepy and foreboding. Despite their intimidating appearance and sound, cicadas aren’t harmful to humans. Cicadas have no mandibles, a jaw, or stinger, so they are unable to bite or sting you even if they wanted to. Cicadas are not poisonous. However, if you are a pet owner, cicadas can be difficult for pets to digest. This could be harmful if cicadas are consumed in large amounts.

In addition to not being harmful to humans, cicadas are quite beneficial for the food chain and plant growth. When cicadas die, their bodies help release nitrogen back into the soil which acts as a fertilizer. These insects also serve as valuable food sources for many birds, reptiles, and other predators.

What Can You Do to Get Rid of Cicadas?

While cicadas don’t usually cause problems. They can become a nuisance if your property is taken over by a large swarm. Fortunately, there are simple things you can do to keep them under control.

Don’t Use Insecticides – When cicadas arrive in large numbers, spraying chemicals or insecticides will likely be ineffective.
Picking by Hand – If possible, adult cicadas and nymphs can be picked off your plants by hand. Of course, this is only viable if the cicadas are found in small quantities.
Barrier Tape and Netting – Wrapping large bushes and tree trunks with netting or barrier tape can be an effective way to protect your landscaping against larger swarms and prevents cicadas from feeding on your plants or moving into your trees.
Spraying with a Hose – Cicadas can easily be removed from plants and trees by spraying them with a garden hose.

Trust the Experts

Because they are a horticultural pest, and not harmful to humans, Blue Sky Pest Control does not treat for cicadas. However, if you have other pest problems, anything from ants to scorpions, our world-class technicians would love to provide the solution.

What If I’m Still Seeing Bugs After Pest Control?

April 11, 2022 - By: Nathan Woolf

Seeing more bugs after a pest control treatment can be extremely discouraging. You pay your hard-earned money to a professional pest control company, only to feel let down and frustrated by the results. What gives? If the professionals can’t help with your bug problem, who can?

No need to be concerned, it is completely normal to see more bugs after receiving a pest control treatment. More often than not, simply giving the treatment time to kick in will remedy the situation. Besides timing, there are plenty of other reasons why you may see additional creepy crawlies after a treatment. We’ll explore these reasons below, but whatever the reason, you can rest easy knowing Blue Sky has your back and offers a guarantee to reservice your property until the problem is remedied. If you need pest control in the Phoenix area all the way from Mesa to Surprise, we can help! Whether you’ve got problems with cockroaches, wasps, or crickets, we can help.

Why do I see more bugs after pest control service?

As mentioned above, there could be several reasons why you see increased bug activity after a professional pest control treatment. Below is a list of the most common reasons:

It’s Your First Treatment

One treatment doesn’t take care of everything. When bugs are first treated, they are flushed from their hiding places or shelter. It’s completely normal to see ants, spiders, and cockroaches come out in abundance after your first treatment.

In addition, some treatment products are specifically designed to work slowly. Ants and cockroaches are both treated with such products. With ants, they take the slow-working bait back and share it with the colony. Cockroaches take the bait back to other congregating cockroaches, where it can be spread. Because the product is slow working, it has more time to spread to additional pests making it more effective.

Pest populations will be reduced after each treatment, and typically after 3 treatments pests will be under control.

The Life Cycle Wasn’t Interrupted in Time

There is a science to pest control. Trained technicians understand how to work the science to get your pests under control. Depending on the timing of the treatment, bugs may respond differently. For example, because eggs aren’t always susceptible to pesticides, eggs that hatch after the treatment can contribute to more bugs being seen after service.

Breaking the life cycle is important to get pests under control. For this reason, Blue Sky provides back-to-back monthly treatments for new customers to break the cycle early in the process. Any reputable pest control company will provide reservices at no cost to you. So should you see more bugs after your first treatment, take advantage of a no-cost reservice.

The Weather

Bugs and their habits change with the weather. Heat and humidity are two of the biggest culprits of weather-related change.

While Arizona has warm weather most of the year, we do enjoy mild winters with less bug activity. As we exit the cooler winter months, bug activity always increases. We’ve found that when nighttime temperatures approach the 65-degree range, it’s like flipping a switch for bug activity. With Arizona’s extended warm weather months there is ample opportunity for bugs to be active and reproduce.

Like heat, moisture can also contribute to seeing more bugs after treatment. Just like us, bugs search for shelter when it rains. Often this shelter is your warm dry home. While proper exclusion efforts (door sweeps, airtight window seals, etc.) can keep these unwanted house guests outside, wet weather is another reason you may see increased bug activity after receiving pest control treatment. Moisture is also a variable that allows pests to reproduce more, so rain often leads to increased populations contributing to more sightings.

Water or Food Sources

Another reason you may see more bugs after treatment has to do with the availability of water, food, and other attractants.

Water is a bug’s source of life. Pests with access to constant water sources will be more challenging to control. Cockroaches, by way of example, can survive without a head for several days. They can survive without a head, but not without water. Homes and businesses with damp and/or wet areas will struggle with control. Kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and attics are common areas for unnoticed leaks and the corresponding unwanted bugs. Drains are a particularly important area to inspect regularly.

Like water, food sources and other attractants can contribute to seeing bugs after treatment. Here are a few simple steps to eliminate easy access to food sources within your home:

Sweep and vacuum your floors often, especially in your kitchen and pantry
Keep pet food area clean and off the ground
Keep garbage secured with tight-fitting lids
Store dry goods in sealed containers
Don’t keep dirty dishes in the sink or on your kitchen counter overnight.

How long after a pest control treatment do bugs die?

You may see more bugs after your first treatment. Specifically, if your home or business hasn’t regularly received preventative treatments, you may see more pests being flushed out of their habitat. After treatment, the products we use don’t kill the pests instantly and it takes a little time to take effect. Bait products, the ones taken back and shared with the colony, may take a few days to a week to work. A good rule of thumb is if you are seeing pests 10 days after a treatment, you may need some intervention from your pest control company.

Is it normal to see more roaches after a technician treats?

Cockroaches are reclusive, resilient, and spread disease. The combination is problematic. Because they are skilled hiders, you really have no idea just how many are lurking in your walls. Once treatment is applied, uncounted numbers may appear…they may be literally coming out of the woodwork. While their numbers may appear to increase over the first few days following treatment, this gives the treatment products opportunity to spread to a high percentage of the colony. After the initial increase in activity over the first few days, you will start to see less and less.

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Pest Control Service

Sometimes, people don’t want to hire a professional when it comes to pest control. They’re not sure of the cost or if it will be effective. The truth is most spend a good amount of time and money trying to manage their pest control problems, only to be unsuccessful. Here are a couple of reasons it’s a good idea to consider hiring a licensed pest control technician rather than going the DIY approach.

Trained Experts: When you’re dealing with potentially harmful pests, it’s always a good idea to leave it to the experts. When attempting to do your own pest control, you end up guessing, leaving a lot to chance. Let trained professionals put their knowledge and experience to work and take the guesswork out of freeing you home from bugs.
Identify The Cause of your Infestation: A professional pest control service won’t just exterminate pests but will find out what is causing the infestation, preventing pests from coming back. Trained technicians know how and where to inspect, properly identifying the root cause of your pest problem. Often, a non-chemical solution can make a huge, long-term difference in controlling pests.

Still Seeing Bugs After Pest Control Conclusion

If you’ve recently had your home or business treated for pests, don’t be alarmed if you are seeing more pests. It’s a normal part of the process; give the products time to do their job. If you are still seeing bugs 10 days after your treatment, contact your pest control company. Have them take a closer look and possibly perform a reservice.

At Blue Sky Pest Control, we provide exceptional pest control services for the entire Phoenix metropolitan area (Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, Gilbert, San Tan Valley, and more) down to Casa Grande. Our technicians are licensed, trained professionals who are world-class at what they do. From scorpions to termites and everything in between, we know the methods to keep your home pest-free.

How Do I Choose A Termite Control Company?

August 31, 2020 - By: Nathan Woolf

“It’s not if, but when,” is a phrase commonly used to describe the prevalence of termite infestations in Phoenix, Arizona. Even though these pests are so common, choosing a termite control company isn’t a decision you should make lightly. Before making your final decision, make sure your pest control company meets these requirements.

A Quality Guarantee

Many reputable pest control companies offer a quality guarantee or warranty to ensure your services are effective. Before signing on with a company, make sure you verify they have a guarantee and understand the terms and conditions.

Certifications

Certifications can go a long way in showing the quality of the company you’re considering. The company should be a member of your state’s pest control association as well as the National Pest Management Association. Ratings from the Better Business Bureau and companies like Angie’s List can also give you more insight into how trusted the company is.

Variety of Treatment Options

Before you choose a company, find out what kind of treatment options they offer. Not all termiticides (termite control products) are created equal. A good pest control company should be able to balance your preferences and your home’s needs to find the perfect solution.

Customized Treatment Options

Pest control is not a one-size-fits-all practice. Your pest control company should complete a thorough inspection of your home and exterior to gain a complete understanding of your needs. Before starting termite treatment, your pest control expert should go over their proposal with you and make sure you’re comfortable with the plan.

As a trusted Phoenix pest control company, Blue Sky Pest Control offers a quality guarantee on most termite treatment options and works with you to develop and carry out a treatment plan that you’re comfortable with. Due to our commitment to exceptional service and customer care, Blue Sky was ranked as the #1 Pest Control provider by Ranking Arizona for 2020. With an A+ Better Business Bureau ranking, memberships in the Arizona Pest Professional Organization and National Pest Management Association, and recognition from Angie’s List and Rosie on the House, we would be honored to become your pest control partner. Contact us today for more information!

Black Widow Spiders in Phoenix, Arizona

August 14, 2020 - By: Nathan Woolf

Arizona’s wonderfully warm weather brings sunshine, heat, and unfortunately, spiders like the black widow. But don’t let the pests get you down! Blue Sky Pest Control is dedicated to controlling unwanted pests in and around homes and businesses.

Back widows are considered to be one of the top pest concerns for homeowners in the Arizona area. We’ve put together a mini guide on black widows to give you tips, tricks, and what to look for when encountering these pests. We’ll also provide mitigation and control measures you can take to get rid of black widows in your home.

Firstly, it’s important to know the differences between male and female black widows. Female black widows are more aggressive and known for their venomous bite. Of the two, females are well-known and easily recognizable. Measuring in at 1.5 inches long, their shiny, black bodies are marked with a red, hourglass shape. Adult males are about half the female spider’s size, with smaller bodies and longer legs.

Facts About Black Widows

The back widow is among the most venomous spider in the United States
Male and juvenile black widows are harmless
Black widow bites are rarely lethal because the amount of venom they inject is so small
Black widows are nocturnal and will usually only attack if they’re disturbed or touched
The adult female black widow spider often hangs upside down in her web, making the red hourglass marking visible.

How to Get Rid of Black Widows

We recommend a pest control service for black widows and other pests, but there are a few ways to keep black widows out of your home:

Eliminate hiding spaces by keeping your space clean and free of clutter, especially in storage areas
Black widows prefer dark, hidden places, so frequently dust and vacuum around windows, corners of rooms, and under furniture
Use gloves when handling piles of wood, leaves, or gardening
Regularly check cool, dark places, like your garage, for webs
Seal openings and install screens and door sweeps to prevent pests from moving indoors. Black widows prey on insects like crickets and roaches, so getting rid of other insects will help you eliminate them
Check inside your shoes before you put them on, especially if they’re stored somewhere dark

What to do if a Black Widow Bites You

It’s important to note that bites from black widows are rarely fatal and are treatable. In the United States, there has not been a death from a black widow spider in over 10 years. They are usually not aggressive, so most bites occur because a spider is trapped or unintentionally touched. Often, the black widow will not inject any venom into the bite and no serious symptoms will develop. However, there are some precautionary measures to take if you think you have been bitten.

If you’re bitten by a black widow and you are experiencing a reaction that’s more than mild pain, you should contact your doctor, go to the emergency room or urgent care, or call 911 for help. If your child was bitten, go to the emergency room immediately. Black widow bites can be fatal for young children.

There are a few steps you can take immediately before leaving or on your way to the hospital to ease your pain and prevent further infection:

Wash the area with soap and water
Apply a cold washcloth or ice pack wrapped in cloth
If possible, elevate the bite area to prevent swelling
Apply an antibiotic cream or lotion to the bite

If you have concerns or need additional help in dealing with black widows, contact a trusted pest control service for spiders. We serve the entire Phoenix area including Mesa and Gilbert. Contact us for a free quote and get $50 off your first service!

Best Practices To Keep Your Arizona Home Protected From Termites

July 29, 2020 - By: Nathan Woolf

If you’re a resident of Phoenix, Arizona, you know termites can cause major issues. These silent pests feed on wood, but can also damage cardboard paper, books, and insulation. Unfortunately, many homeowners aren’t aware of termites’ presence until much damage has been done. To help you avoid termite damage to your home, read our top tips for protecting your home from these harmful pests.

Remove Wood, Mulch, and Cardboard

Termites thrive on eating lumber, wood, mulch, paper, and cardboard. To discourage termites from entering your home, keep these materials as far away from your home’s foundation as possible.

Move Plants

Moving plants at least 2 feet from exterior walls will help prevent termites from moving into your home. While you’re at it, prune back trees and shrubs from the exterior and foundation of your home so termites can’t use the branches to enter your home.

Eliminate Excess Moisture

Termites will follow moisture or water into your house, so make sure to shore up any leaks or excess moisture. Inside, inspect your home for leaky faucets and repair water-damaged walls, ceilings, and floors. Outside, check your roof for any leaks or small holes. Turn sprinkler heads away from your home, and make sure drains flow away from exterior walls.

Perform Regular Inspections

Termites are active year round and peak termite season for Arizona is January through April and August to November. At the start of each season, check the interior and exterior of your home for signs of termites. Look for small, light brown termite tubes along the foundation of your house, on walls, or descending from the ceiling. Remember to look in closets, the corners of rooms, and your garage. If you find signs of termite activity, call an expert right away!

Expert Termite Treatment

At Blue Sky Pest Control, we’re well-versed in eradicating termites from Phoenix residences. When you call us, we’ll:

Perform a thorough investigation: a licensed termite inspector will determine the scope and severity of your infestation and give treatment recommendations.
Conduct a customized treatment: Treatments usually involve your pest control technician will dig a shallow trench around your home and fill it with Termidor, a non-repellant product. Termidor is undetectable by termites, so as they go about their work they’ll walk through this product and eventually transfer it back to the rest of the termites, eliminating the colony. After the treatment is complete, your technician will carefully backfill the trench and replace any ground coverings you had in place. Afterwards, there will be virtually no visible evidence left behind, but the protective barrier will continue to be effective for up to several years.
Give you a quality guarantee: With few exceptions, all of our termite treatments come with a treatment warranty. If you see evidence of new termite activity during the warranty period, we’ll come back and provide additional treatment at no cost. In the event you need to sell your home, the warranty is fully transferable, too.

If you’ve found evidence of termites or want to protect your home from future infestations, contact Blue Sky Pest Control.

How Often Should Pest Control Be Done in Phoenix, Arizona?

July 21, 2020 - By: Nathan Woolf

Phoenix’s warm and sunny climate provides a hospitable environment for residents — and is equally attractive to pests. In addition to roaches, ants, bees, rodents, and termites, Phoenix attracts scorpions and even black widows that may pose a serious health risk to you and your family.

How often should you have your home treated for pests in Arizona? That depends on your location, the type of pest, and other conditions that a specialist will evaluate during an initial consultation. While a quarterly pest control schedule may be appropriate in other parts of the country, Arizona residents typically need more frequent treatment. If you need pest control in the Phoenix area, we’ll give you a free quote! We have offices in Phoenix and Gilbert but we serve the entire area including Mesa and Chandler.

Pest Control Starts With a “Clean Out” Service

To determine how often you need pest control, your first step will be to consult a professional to help identify any pests or risk factors in or around your property and determine the best treatment option.

After the consultation, your technician will do an initial “clean out” of your home, yard, and garage to eradicate any pests already in your home. A professional pest control service will recommend a multi-tiered approach that includes eradicating pests and taking preventative measures to ensure pests don’t re-enter your home.

You should consult with your technician to identify any cracks or crevices that allow bugs and other pests to enter the house and ensure they are properly sealed. Take particular care that there are no gaps in the weather stripping around your doors to prevent small insects and other pests from invading your home.

Maintaining a Pest-free Environment

Once you have eradicated pests from your home, you probably want to keep it that way. There are frequency offerings will vary depending on the pest control provider, and what you’ll need should be based on the needs of your individual home.

For effective prevention, a bi-monthly (every-other-month) pest control service is recommended for most homes and needs. Applications are designed to last up to two months, ensuring your home stays pest-free. Look for a pest control company that offers a policy that allows for follow-up treatment between services in case you see an occasional live pest scurrying around the house in between regularly scheduled services. Blue Sky Pest will come back and provide additional interior or exterior service at no extra charge as part of our Blue Sky 365 program.
Some homeowners opt for a monthly or quarterly pest control service depending on pest pressure around their property. Certain pests and homes that are adjacent to open land may need monthly services to keep pests to an acceptable level. Conversely, quarterly services may be all that is needed for homes with less activity. However, because treatments will not last between service intervals, if you choose this option, you’re more likely to see the occasional pest around your property.

Protecting Your Home from Black Widows

Given that a single black widow spider can produce multiple egg sacs in the summer, each containing up to 400 spiderlings, black widows are a special focus of pest control services in Arizona. While most adults can survive a bite with prompt medical attention, a black widow’s bite can cause serious illness in children, seniors, and those with existing health issues.

Blue Sky Pest recommends treatment every other month (in most cases) as the best way to protect your home from black widows. Remember that additional visits are no cost with any Blue Sky 365 program, so if webs or spiders appear in between your regular scheduled services we’ll happily return to take care of them.

Protecting Your Home from Scorpions

With an average of 126,000 stings reported each year between 2005 and 2015, Arizona leads the nation in scorpion stings, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information. Bark scorpions are most active in Arizona during the warmer months.

If scorpions have been sighted on your property, your yard and the exterior of your home should be serviced regularly. With moderate scorpion activity, often every other month treatment will be sufficient but sometimes with heavy scorpion activity, a monthly treatment plan can be necessary. Your technician will target scorpions at their source, where they nest and breed. Pest control products are designed to remain active under a regular treatment plan. The treatment will create a protective barrier around your home and yard, providing you with peace of mind.

For advice on ways to reduce entry points into your home, be sure to download our free report: 5 steps to Help Scorpion Proof your Home. If you live in the Phoenix area and need pest control at your home or business, we can help. In fact, we’ll even give you a free quote.

What Is Integrated Pest Management?

January 29, 2015 - By: Nathan Woolf

Integrated pest management, or IPM, is an approach to pest control that focuses on the long-term prevention of pest infestations by using a variety of control methods instead of a single blanket pesticide application. These control methods can include:

Access denial and exclusion: Stop pests from entering homes. For example, fixing weather stripping to stop easy access into a home or building.
Habitat modification: Reduce the availability of food, water, and harborage for pests. For example, trimming landscaping back six inches from the building and cleaning up leaf litter.
Physical and mechanical controls: Block access to home using barriers and the use of mechanical traps.
Sanitation: Ensure the area is clean. For example, making sure that a commercial kitchen is clear of food debris that would attract pest activity.
Judicious use of materials: We will use pesticide products only when absolutely required, and use only those that offer the lowest potential impact to humans and the environment but the highest impact on pests.

A key element to IPM is continual monitoring so that a pest control expert may proactively determine the type and severity of an infestation, or determine if conditions are conducive to a potential infestation.

Using these findings, we conclude which control method or combination thereof will most effectively eliminate a current infestation or prevent a future one. Generally, materials like pesticides are used only after it is established that they are needed in combination with the other control methods.

Pest Control vs. Pest Management

Purdue University’s Urban and Industrial Integrated Pest Management course says that the terms “pest control” and “pest management” are often used interchangeably both by the public and industry professionals. However, there are specific and important differences to the two approaches.

Pest management is properly defined as the detailed process a pest professional follows to address current or possible pest infestations. This process includes four steps: inspection; determination of pest thresholds; application of pest management procedures; and monitoring pest populations, reapplying procedures as necessary.
Pest control generally refers to the one-dimensional material approach, i.e. the use of pesticides, to addressing pest challenges.

The Complex Requirements of Commercial Infestations

Food-processing facilities, hospitals, high-rises, restaurants, multi-tenant properties, and other commercial properties often have challenges that require a multifaceted approach to pest management.

An effective IPM program, however, can be customized to target the needs of each specific commercial client.

IPM in Action: A Blue Sky Case Study

The Challenge A client that manages a high-rise building in the Phoenix area had cockroaches in some bathrooms. The client had a pest control provider, but was still experiencing cockroach activity and had received complaints from tenants.

The Approach Blue Sky proposed an IPM program, which was new to the building, that fully embraced the four steps of pest management outlined above.

Step 1: Inspection

We thoroughly inspected the bathrooms and other areas of the building where the cockroaches had been seen. We identified the cockroach as an American cockroach, which is also called the sewer roach. The identification gave us specific information as to where the cockroaches were likely coming from. /

Step 2: Determination of Pest Thresholds

For our client, the cockroach activity threshold was low. They wanted minimal to no activity since it was disturbing to tenants. In addition, the building was a LEED building, which imposed strict guidelines on when and how materials could be applied in and around the building.

Step 3: Application of Pest Management Procedures

We determined that the way the American cockroaches were entering the bathrooms was most likely via the drains. The drain openings were fairly large, allowing any size of American cockroach to enter the bathrooms. We procured a mesh liner that minimized the opening of the drains, but still allowed proper drainage.

Step 4: Monitor Pest Populations and Reapply Procedures as Necessary

Blue Sky keeps detailed records on pest activity by location, so we have accurate, real-time information to determine the effectiveness of the current control approach. We also use this information to determine if we need to reapply procedures or introduce new procedures to gain control over an infestation. Over several months, the appearance of the American cockroaches in this client’s bathrooms returned to zero.

How to Keep Your Attic and Basement Bug Free

August 21, 2014 - By: Nathan Woolf

You’ve finally decided to make your way to the attic. Your daughter no longer has a need for the books that enchanted her just a few years ago, and her bedroom is running out of space with her new teenage things. You push the dusty door open to hear what seems like a thousand creepy crawlies running all over, having taken up residence among your things.

Of course, nobody wants their house infested with bugs. Spaces like attics and basements are low-traffic areas, which often store items these bugs like to eat or nest in; these areas are perfect places to call home for them. All kinds of bugs and rodents can end up in your attic including rats, scorpions, and wasps.

It is therefore important to first prevent the bugs from infiltrating your home or finding it comfortable, by storing your household belongings properly. Follow these storage tips to keep your attic or basement bug free:

Eliminate moisture: Eliminating moisture in your attic or basement is paramount in keeping these areas free from bugs such as silverfish, cockroaches or mosquitoes. Many pests use water for both breeding and sustenance, and will quickly multiply if there is moisture in the area. You can reduce moisture simply by sealing or fixing leaking pipes, or installing a dehumidifier.
Reduce entry points: Sealing gaps can help to reduce pest infestation. Oftentimes, broken windows or cracks may be the entry that bugs need to enter your home. Even small gaps in your windows or doors may allow these pests a way in. Holes made from installing utilities or plumbing are also especially vulnerable. Ensure that you seal all cracks or weak areas with caulk or similar material to keep bugs out.
Protect vulnerable items: Items stored in your basement or attic such as wooden furniture, cardboard boxes and books may actually become a food source and habitat for some insects. Consider storing these items in plastic containers or covering them with plastic to stop insects from getting to them.
Keep rugs/carpets clean: If you have a rug or carpet in your basement or attic, it’s important to keep these clean. Regularly vacuum these areas and consider properly steaming the carpets or having a commercial cleaning company service the rooms. This will remove any insects living inside, while making it more difficult for them to breed and live there in the future.
Regular checks and maintenance: Don’t leave your items in your attic or basement and just forget about them! You should check your items regularly to ensure that there is no damage or infestation. Schedule a regular check of your basement or attic to catch any damage before an infestation gets out of control.
Plan your space: By planning out how you will utilize your basement or attic for storage, you can reduce the risk of pest infestation. For example, by putting books and documents in one particular location instead of spreading them around, you will make any infestation easier to control due to it being in a smaller area. You can also save space, providing ventilation and reducing breeding areas.

If you’re storing items in an attic or basement, these spots may become vulnerable to bug infestation and ultimately put your items and your health at risk. However, by following these steps and practicing proper storage etiquette, you can keep your basement and attic free from insects and other pests.

If you live in the Phoenix area and need pest control, click here to get a free quote. We have offices in Phoenix and Gilbert while also serving Mesa, Scottsdale, and more.

How-To: Safe DIY Pantry Pest Control

December 18, 2013 - By: Nathan Woolf

The winter months have moved in, and while it rarely gets bone-chillingly cold here in Phoenix, most of us are spending more time indoors and tidying up our houses in preparation for holiday company. If you’re getting a little wintertime cleaning in, there is one place you won’t want to overlook: the pantry.

Chances are, you’ve seen a pest or two in your home over the years, but few things seem to give our customers the chills more than finding pests in their food. While pantry pests don’t cause hazardous damage to your home, or to the health of your family, it can be quite disconcerting to find larvae hanging out in your breakfast cereal.

In a previous post, we outlined some of the most common pantry pests you might encounter, as well as what they like to eat and how to tell if they’ve infested your food. This time around, we are going to give you some tips for keeping your food safe and secure, and what to do if you discover pantry pests in your home. The good news: controlling most pantry infestations doesn’t require harsh chemicals or pesticides, and you can effectively manage them using the tools you have at home!

Pantry Pest Prevention

Use air-tight containers to store your food products instead of keeping them in the easily-infiltrated packaging they were in when sold. Foods to store in containers include dried fruits, nuts, flour, cornmeal, pasta, and dried pet food. Purchase heavy plastic or glass containers with lids that seal tightly. This also keeps your kitchen looking neat and organized!
Rotate all stored food, and use older food first.
Avoid buying and storing susceptible products like cereals, grains and flour or cornmeal in bulk.
Inspect purchased food for infestation as soon as you get it home – many pantry pests invade food products at the packaging source. If something looks, smells or tastes “off,” or you notice the presence of larvae or cast-off larval shells, discard it immediately.
Check food items at the grocery store. Look for unsealed containers, or containers with holes in them. If the packaging looks like it has been compromised, don’t buy it.
Immediately clean up spilled food or grain products. Don’t let spilled flour, crumbs or ingredients to build up in the areas where you store or prepare your food.
If you’re doing a major kitchen clean-up, remove all the food products from your cabinets and pantry, and vacuum the shelves. Empty the vacuum cleaner immediately in an outdoor dumpster to ensure that any pests you’ve sucked up don’t re-enter your home.
Don’t leave food sitting out in other areas of your home, like bedrooms and living rooms.
Use caulking to seal any cracks in your panties and cabinets to prevent entry points and discourage pests from laying eggs.
Add a bay leaf to stored containers of dried goods. The leaf’s strong odor will repel many pests without impacting the flavor of your food.
Check the expiration dates and visually inspect all packaged dry goods and ingredients prior to use.

Pantry Pest Treatment

In general, proper sanitation and cleanliness will clear up infestations and prevent pantry pests from returning.
In most situations, disposing of infested foods and vacuuming out storage areas will allow you to control the infestation.
Cleaning infested areas with harsh detergents or bleach is not recommended, as they are typically no more effective than simply having good sanitation. Plus, you want to keep those harmful products away from food and food preparation areas.
You can save some infested food products by freezing them (at zero degrees for 4-7 days) or heating them in the oven (30-60 minutes at 130-140 degrees). These processes will kill pests at all stages of insect development. Remember – this will only kill the insects that are present, and will not remove their bodies, larvae or larval casings from the food.
Eliminate moisture sites like leaking pipes or clogged drains. Consider placing a dehumidifier in your kitchen.
If your pantry pest situation is too much for you to manage, contact us for help. One of our pest professionals will visit your home, help diagnose the problem, and discuss your treatment options.

4 Common Pantry Pests to Watch Out For

December 4, 2013 - By: Nathan Woolf

‘Tis the season! December has rolled around and it’s time for holiday shopping, hanging the Christmas lights, and of course, baking lots of delicious holiday goodies. This Christmas, we want to help you keep your holiday treats pest-free by giving you a guide to the most common pantry pests to look for. Nothing can ruin a cookie baking session faster than discovering an unwanted visitor in your flour!

Fortunately, the most common pantry pests aren’t a serious threat to your home or your family’s health. However, they can quickly become a problem because of how quickly they can invade and multiply in your food supplies. Here are four of the most common pantry pests, where to find them, and what signs to look for.

Red Flour Beetle

Many flour beetles make their way into your home because they are common pests in flour mills. They are scavengers and will only eat whole grains that other insects have already damaged. They feed on flour, dried nuts, tobacco, cake mix, cornmeal, stored pet food, spices and dried fruit.

Adult red flour beetles are 3/16 of an inch, and have a joint between their thorax and abdomen. They can fly, and will continuously reproduce when living indoors. They have a life cycle of about two years. You may see adults or their larvae in infested food items, but the adult beetles might wander away from their original food source to infest other parts of your home.

Dermestid Beetle

The dermestid beetle is a common household pest, and it doesn’t infest pantry items exclusively. While they typically are scavenger insects, feeding on dried animal matter and natural fibers, they can invade stored food sources if they can’t find enough of their preferred food source. They typically feed on candy, spices and dried fruit.

Dermestid larvae are light brown and are covered with long hairs. Adults are small, dark brown, oval-shaped and covered with hairs. Larvae like to hide in dark places, and fully developed adults typically mate and lay eggs near a suitable food source. You may find larvae in dark areas of your cabinetry, or find cast-off larval skins in and around food sources. Adults are usually found near light sources, such as on your windowsills.

Sawtoothed or Merchant Grain Beetle

These pests have a penchant for processed food, and usually feed on cornmeal, flour, oats, spices, cereals, herbs, and dried pet foods as preferred food sources. They also enjoy sugar, chocolate, dried fruits and meat.

Sawtoothed grain beetles can reproduce up to seven generations per year if they are living indoors, and adults can live more than one year. Larvae are 1/4 –inch long, and are tan in color with a dark head. Adults are 1/4 -inch long, slender and dark red-brown in color. Sawtoothed grain beetles have wings, but do not fly, while merchant grain beetles can. They get their name from the six saw-like teeth on the edge of their thorax. Merchant grain beetles are very similar in appearance, without the tooth-like projections on the thorax. The flat shape of their bodies makes it easy for them to penetrate packaged foods. You may notice these pests or their larvae in stored food products, or you may see the adults crawling around on kitchen surfaces. These are an important pest to catch, as they usually lay their eggs in cracks or cervices of food pantry areas.

Indian Meal Moth

Indian meal moths are the most common pantry pest in the world, in part because they have such voracious and varied appetites. They will infest dry pet food, bird seed, nuts, dried fruits, grains, cereals, flour, spices, candy, and even powdered milk.

The larval stage of the Indian meal moth is the stage when the insect does damage to food products. They have a light, cream-colored body with a dark head, and can grow up to 2/3 of an inch in length before developing a cocoon in crevices or cracks in the pantry area. Adults are a dull brown with bronze wings, and are about 3/8 of an inch long. They live about one week as adults, and you may find them flying in a zig-zag pattern around your home as they look for places to lay their eggs. Signs of an Indian meal moth infestation include finding larvae in stored food products, and infested food products will be webbed together in clumps. You may notice meal moth larvae crawling on walls or other flat surfaces as they search for a place to spin their cocoons.

If you’ve seen any of these common pantry pests in your home, give us a call – we would be happy to help! Also, stay tuned to our blog for some great DIY tips on how to prevent and treat pantry pests in your home.

Resources:

Utah State University Extension

Iowa State university Department of Entomology

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension

PestWorld