Aggravating Argentine Ants!

With the cold weather, we see less insects.  However, some pesky ones are still making their presence known.  Check out our website for information on Argentine ants:  http://www.midgapestcontrol.com/aggravating-argentine-ants/ 

 

Going to Battle with Yellow Jackets!

This week we treated a nest of angry yellow jackets.  Check it out on our website: http://www.midgapestcontrol.com/battle-yellow-jackets-2/

 

What's on Your Christmas Tree?

Are there more than decorations on your Christmas tree?  If you get a live tree, the answer might be "yes!"  Check out our website for Christmas tree tips to keep from bringing unwanted holiday guests into your home: http://www.midgapestcontrol.com/living-christmas-tree/

 

Lone Star Tick Allergy

I recently learned about an allergy to red meats caused by the bite of a lone star tick.  This link has only been discovered in the last few years.  We know there are diseases caused by ticks that we have to be aware of, and now here's another reason to take precaution against tick bites.  Check out the full blog on our website: http://www.midgapestcontrol.com/unusual-tick-allergy/

Why We Should Be Thankful for Insects!

We all find lots of reasons to be thankful this time of year, but are you thankful for insects?  Follow this link to check out the blog on our website for reasons why we should be thankful for many insects:  http://www.midgapestcontrol.com/thankful-insects/

Controlling Cold Weather Invasions!

Brr!  It's getting cold outside which means more pests will want to be indoors with you!  Check out our website for tips to keep your home pest free this winter:  http://www.midgapestcontrol.com/controlling-cold-weather-invasions/

Mice Have Strong Mouths!

Mice and rats can chew through a number of materials to gain entry into buildings and homes.  Check out our blog on our website to see some pictures of areas we found in some schools: http://www.midgapestcontrol.com/mice-strong-mouths/

Trick or Treating with Mid-Georgia Pest Control

Check out some pictures of our awesome Griffin team taking part in a downtown Griffin trick or treating event at http://www.midgapestcontrol.com/trick-treating-mid-georgia-pest-control/.

Keeping Rats Out of Your Compost!

During a recent rat service at a restaurant, we discovered a pile of food waste out back.  For some insight into composting and rats, check out our blog on our website at http://www.midgapestcontrol.com/rats-compost/. 

New Blog Location

We are excited to say that our blog is now part of our website.  To keep up with the latest blogs and news, visit our website at www.midgapestcontrol.com. 

 

Massive Wasps' Nest Found!

Most of us get a little uneasy if we find a wasp nest near our home. However, most of us will never encounter anything like the residents of San Sebastian de la Gomera in the Canary Islands did this week.  After seeing a large number of wasp around an abandoned house, neighbors called the police.  When the homeowners could not be found, police entered the home, not knowing what they were about to find.  A 21 foot wasp nest covered in wasps was waiting on the inside.  Experts think this is an invasive species of wasp that migrated from Africa. 

 



Photos courtesy of www.odditycentral.com

Fire Ants!!!

Most of us in the South have had some kind of encounter with fire ants.  We learn quickly to recognize mounds and steer clear of them.  What makes these ants so different from other species?


photo courtesy of www.tn.gov

Many ant species bite and then spray acid on the wound.  This is where fire ants differ:  they bite only to get a good grip and anchor themselves into the skin.  Then they sting the victim from their abdomen and inject a toxic alkaloid venom.  Once stung, a person doesn't easily forget!  The sting of a fire ant is painful.  It can be compared to the feeling of being burned by fire, which has resulted in the name, "fire ant."  The site of the sting swells into a bump which turns into a white pustule.  This will flatten out on its own, but it can become infected if scratched.  Antihistamines and topical corticosteroids can help reduce the itching.  Some individuals are allergic to the venom and may require emergency treatment if stung.  Most stings occur when someone accidentally steps in or disturbs a mound.  The ants see this as an attack and aggressively react in large numbers to defend the colony.  This is why most people get multiple stings at a time.


photo courtesy of www.msucares.com

The Red Imported Fire Ant is found in much of the Southern and Southwestern United States.  It was accidentally introduced to the U.S. from South American cargo ships.  They nest in the soil and are often found near moist areas like river banks and highway shoulders.  Nests are built under objects such as logs or rocks.  However, when no cover is available for nesting, such as in yards, fields, and playgrounds, fire ants will build dome-shaped mounds from loose soil to cover the nest.  The FDA estimates that more than $5 billion is spent in the United States annually on medical treatment, damage, and control in areas infected with fire ants.  In addition to that, there is another $750 million in damage to agricultural assets, including crop and livestock loss, as well as veterinarian bills.

We recently treated almost 700 acres to control fire ants using Dupont Advion fire ant bait.  This works well for doing large broadcast treatments, as well as treating individual mounds.  This bait is effective on all life stages of fire ants and usually results in 100% control within five days or less.  Areas where Advion fire ant bait can be used is any non-crop or non-grazed area such as lawns, golf courses, or playgrounds.

To help rid your yard of fire ants, call us today and ask about our fire ant treatments.
Grayson office (770)962-4240
Griffin office (770)227-5161

Ant or Termite 101!

You see a large number of small ant-like bugs with wings.  But, are they ants?  Both ants and termites swarm, and often times, these winged creatures are confused with one another.  So, here's a quick reference guide to know the difference.  It is important to know which pest you have because prevention and treatment of each is different.

1. Ants have a narrow, constricted waist while termites have rectangular shaped bodies with no constrictions.
2. Ants have bent antennae while termites have straight, beaded antennae.
3. Winged ants will have a shorter hind wing and longer front wing while termites have wings of equal length.
4. Ants are usually dark in color while termites are generally light in color.
5. Ants will eat just about anything while termites only eat wood, including paper products.

diagram courtesy of www.bugthug.com

Norway Rat vs. T-Rex

The T-Rex dinosaur might be extinct, but T-Rex Rat Traps are still to be feared.  This Norway Rat found that out this week:

This particular rat was 13 inches long.  He was found in a crawl space and lured out by peanut butter.

Norway rats have thick, heavy bodies and blunt noses.  They are also known as the brown rat, gray rat, barn rat, and sewer rat.  It is common to find them in sewers, warehouses, docks, and basements.

Norway rats can transmit diseases and contaminate food.  If that wasn't enough, they can also cause structural damage to buildings by burrowing.  They have also been known to gnaw on electrical wires and water pipes.

If you think a rat has taken up residence in your home, call us today.  We'll introduce him to Mr. T-Rex! 

Pest Prevention!

Last week, we shared why doing your own pest control may not be the safest or most cost effective method.  The best and least expensive means of pest control is prevention.  Starting a year round professional prevention program is key.  This will help to prevent any kind of infestation in the first place, reducing your cost both in treatment and property damage that can result from some kinds of infestations.  However, there are important prevention strategies that you can help with to make our prevention efforts successful.  So, what can you do to reduce your risks of pests?

Cleanliness, cleanliness, cleanliness!!!  Clutter in your home gives pests more places to hide and breed.  Removing hiding places cuts down on pests.   

Simple cleaning such as wiping off counter tops and sweeping up crumbs can go a long way.  Pests, both insects and rodents, need food.  Crumbs left on the floor become a buffet to your unwanted guests.  Removing their food supply makes your house less desirable to pests.  Store food in sealed containers, and empty trash frequently.  Do not leave pet food and water out.  This can be very inviting to pests.

In addition to food, pests need water sources.  Many insects use standing water sources for a breeding ground.  Fix any leaky plumbing, and do not allow water to accumulate anywhere.
  
Prevent pests from coming indoors by sealing up any areas that could be an entryway.  Caulk cracks and crevices and install screens and weatherstripping.  Check boxes or packages before bringing them inside.

Outside, remove piles of wood and diseased plants.  Wood mulch and shrubs should be kept at least 18 inches from the house.  Trim back branches that touch the house to prevent creating a bridge for pests.

Indoors and out, make sure trashcans are cleaned regularly and have tight fitting lids.

Following these tips will help prevent pests from making your home their own.  These steps along with a perimeter prevention program from Mid-Georgia Pest Control will help your home be pest free!      

Why You Shouldn't Do You Own Pest Control!

We live in a DIY world.  Multiple television channels are available for constant viewing of do it yourself projects and ideas.  We also live in a tough economy, and people look to save money any way they can.  As spring approaches and the pests begin to make their appearances, we'd like to give you some reasons that taking a DIY approach to pest control is not always the best choice.

When it comes to a single bug, you see a fly or ant for example, a flyswatter works just fine.  However, that is about as far as the do it yourself pest control should go.  There are several reasons for this.

1. Knowledge:  Successful control will only occur with successful identification of your pest.  There are different control methods and chemicals needed for different pests.  Treating with the wrong control measure will result in failure.  Even an ant isn't just an ant.  Different species require different treatment.  A pest control professional can help to properly identify and treat your pest.  Not only is it important to know what pest you are dealing with, it is also important to understand the pest's life cycle and habits.  A professional can use their knowledge and experience to best determine how, when, and where to treat the problem.

2.  Expense:  We often think doing things ourselves will save us money.  Even though it may seem that the initial investment is more costly with a professional, it is often less expensive in the end.  If the in-store pesticides are not effective, your pest problem could grow.  That means buying more pesticides, which can get expensive.  Some pests can cause costly damage to your home, adding on even more expense if not controlled properly.  Often times, people who try their own pest control end up hiring a professional anyway.  Don't waste your time and money in the beginning.  Call us first to see how affordable using a professional can actually be.

3. Risk:  Pest Control companies require licenses and up-to-date training.  There is a reason for this.  Pesticides are chemicals and carry risks.  By applying a chemical that you are not knowledgeable about, you are putting humans, pets, and plants in the path of potential harm.  Every year, thousands of children are exposed to or poisoned by a household pesticide product because of incorrect usage or storage.  Just because something can be bought over-the-counter doesn't make it safe.  According to the National Pesticide Information Center, "the majority of misapplications reported are performed by homeowners or renters, not pest control operators."  In addition, using pesticides improperly can also kill many beneficial organisms.

4.  Proper Equipment:  Some pest control methods may require special equipment.  By not having the proper tools, your pest control efforts will not be successful.

5.  Some infestations require professional treatment:  You're not just seeing one bug, but many.  You have an infestation, which is almost impossible to control on your own.  This is especially important if you see termites or other insects that can cause damage to your home or family.  Termite baits, for example, require proper installation, monitoring, and bait replenishment.  A supplemental treatment with a liquid termiticide may also be required.

The best DIY pest control that you can do is prevention.  Check back for more information on ways to help prevent pest problems in the first place.  Whether you have found yourself with a pest problem or want to get started with a preventative program, call us today at (770)962-4240.  Don't delay! 

Termite Season is Here! Are You Protected?

            It was a great sound to hear birds chirping outside of my house this morning.  The signs of spring are beginning all around us.  Not only does spring bring birds, blooms, and baseball, it also bring bothersome pests!  Many insects spend the winter in a state of hibernation and emerge as the temperatures warm up.  Once out of hibernation, it’s time to mate and produce new offspring for the season.  In the case of ants and termites, this can often be seen as a mating swarm, or reproductive flight.  We've already had calls about termite swarms.  Are you ready?

Social insects, such as ants and termites, are organized into various castes, with each group having a particular function.  Workers make up the largest group, and consist of only females.  The workers are the ants you see at your picnic or the termites you find when you break open a piece of old wood.  Another caste is the reproductives.  These are both male and female winged insects and include the “kings” and “queens” of future colonies.  At certain times of the year, one being the spring, these “reproductives” leave their nests all at the same time looking for a mate.  This emergence of large numbers at a time is called a “swarm”.  When a homeowner sees this occurrence inside the home, it can be very frightening. 

   

Should you be concerned if you see a swarm of insects?  Most swarms will occur outside.  However, if you see a swarm occurring inside, this means the insects’ nest is either in your home, underneath your home, or very close to the structure.  In the case of ants, if worker ants have not been a problem, then you may not have reason for high concern.  Most swarms only last about one day.  Using a vacuum to control the large numbers of insects will probably be sufficient.  In the case of termites, however, seeing an indoor swarm is almost always an indicator of an infestation.  If you suspect you have termites, it is best to let a professional termite or pest control company handle the treatment.  Try to collect some of the insects to allow the pest control expert to identify your pest.  

Swarming termites; photo courtesy of www.inspectamerica.com

 Prevention is always the best treatment.  Starting a year round pest control and termite prevention program will help make sure your home is protected.  Don’t wait for the swarm in your home.  Mid-Georgia Pest Control looks forward to serving you.  Call us today to learn about our pest control and termite prevention and treatment plans to serve your needs! 

Grayson office: (770)962-4240

Griffin office: (770)227-5161       

Travel Tips for Bed Bug Protection!

Last week, we shared some photos and information about bed bugs in a hotel.  It's hard to believe, but many spring break trips are right around the corner.  Do you know how to make sure your travel accommodations are bug free?  Whether you are staying at the cheapest dive you could find or a 5-star luxury hotel, you need to know what to look for.  Here's some tips to help you have a peace of mind while traveling:

• Check the room for bugs, fecal spots, skins, and eggs near where people sleep and sit.
• Pull back all bedding.  Inspect the mattress seams and along mattress piping.
• Look between the mattress and box springs.
• Check behind the headboards and pictures above the bed.
• Look along the baseboards.
• Inspect night stands or other furniture near the beds.
• Check in the seams and folds of curtains.
• Inspect the closet before hanging up any clothes.  
• Keep items in your suitcase, not in the drawers.
• Place your luggage on a rack, rather than the floor or bed.
• Examine luggage before leaving and again when you return home.
• Place all laundry in dryer for at least 15 minutes on highest setting possible and then wash as normal.
• Notify Guest Services if you find any evidence of bed bugs during your inspection!   

With a little inspection and wisdom, you can enjoy your trip without the worries of sharing your room with unwanted travel partners or bringing home some hitchhikers in your luggage!

Bed Bug Breakdown!

Good night, sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite!  Unfortunately, that's not a cute rhyme if you are really dealing with bed bugs.  We recently treated a hotel near the airport for bed bugs, and it was intense!

Treatment for bed bugs must be very thorough.  The entire room has to basically be turned upside down to perform a complete inspection and treatment.  All bedding was taken apart and furniture moved.  Every nook and cranny was treated including the bed frame, box spring, tufts of mattresses, behind the headboard, baseboard cracks and crevices, under the carpet tack board, switch covers, lamps, chairs, desks, light fixtures, and wallpaper crevices.  We used a variety of products including aerosols, dusts, insect growth regulators, and residual liquid treatments.  We treated a total of three rooms, and each room took around 1 1/2 hours to treat.

Bed bugs are parasitic insects that feed exclusively on blood.  As their name suggests, they are commonly found in beds and bedding.  However, they can be found in any place that people occupy like chairs, sofas, movie theaters, etc.  Adult bed bugs are light to reddish brown in color and have a flattened, oval shape.  They are most active at night and generally feed on their host without being noticed.  Itchy welts may appear on exposed skin areas.  Other health effects from bed bugs include skin rashes and allergies as well as psychological effects.

In addition to bites, some signs of bed bugs are fecal spots, blood smears on the sheets or mattress, and empty molted exoskeletons. 

Encounter with Argentine Ants!

My two youngest sons and I were recently at a car wash vacuuming out all the damage a family of 6 can do to a van!  My 4 year old needs to visit the restroom, and unfortunately, it wasn't going to be a quick visit!  Once in the restroom, we start to notice something on the walls.  It was ants, and they were all over the bathroom!  Along the walls, in the sink, on the door, everywhere.  So, I'm trying to hurry my son along while trying to keep my 2 year old from leaning up against the walls or sitting all over the floor.  I certainly didn't want these ants to hitch a ride back to our van with us!  I did manage to have a little photo shoot with the ants.  We believe these were Argentine ants.




Ants in sink

Ant trail along the wall



Closeup of one of the trails

Argentine ants are native to Argentina, but have spread globally, especially in Mediterranean climates with mild winters and moderate to high humidity.  They prefer moisture rich locations and can be found in a variety of places such as shallow mounds in the ground, in cracks in concrete walls, under debris such as logs and mulch, and in decaying tree cavities.  They will often invade homes looking for food.  They are light to dark brown and small in size (2-3 mm).  Argentine ants travel in distinctive trails along sidewalks, up sides of buildings, along branches of trees, etc.  The ants in the restroom were in definite lines along the walls as seen above.

The Argentine ant species is one of the most persistent and troublesome house infesting ant species.  They live in large colonies that consist of several nests and queens, all interacting together.  This allows them to cover a large area, often displacing other ant species and insects.  This in turn often disrupts the ecosystem of the infested area.  Unlike other ant species, Argentine ants do not swarm to mate.  Instead, they mate within the colony, continuing its growth.



Close up of Argentine ants: photo credit L. Brian Stauffer; www.illinois.edu

     

Roach Pizza, Anyone?

Our technicians have been servicing a pizza joint in the Griffin area that had a few roaches.  Well, a few is an understatement!  Our technicians realized the little critters were hiding under the refrigerator.  This was the scene once the fridge was moved:

Thousands of little roaches covered the floor.  Although it's hard to tell from this picture, a bag of onions was covered with them, and our techs were shaking them out like a salt shaker!

This was an infestation of German cockroaches.  This is a small species of cockroaches, averaging 1/2 inch in length.  Their small size makes it easy for them to hide.  German cockroaches are common in restaurants, food processing facilities, hotels, and homes.  They are tan to brown with 2 dark parallel streaks running from their head to the base of the wings.   Here's an up close picture of a German cockroach:



German Cockroach; photo courtesy of www.perdue.edu

What's the Difference? Centipede vs. Millipede

 Centipede: photo courtesy www.commons.wikimedia.org; credit: Vaikoovery

 North American millipede; photo courtesy of www.wikipedia.org; credit: Jud McCranie

If you're like me, you've heard of centipedes and millipedes, and you know they have a lot of legs.  But what's the difference in them?  Before we get to the differences, let's note a few similarities.

Both centipedes and millipedes are considered arthropods.  In other words, they are invertebrates that have an exoskeleton and a segmented body.  They are related to scorpions, crabs, lobsters, and shrimp.  Both of these creatures also extend their body segments by molting.

So, if you see something with lots of legs crawling around, how do know which one it is?  Here's some ways to tell the difference.

CENTIPEDE	MILLIPEDE
Known as “hundred leggers”; most common encountered have less than 31 pairs of legs	Known as “thousand leggers”; most have fewer than 100 pairs of legs
Flattened, elongated, exoskeletal body	Rounded, elongated, exoskeletal body
2 relatively long, segmented antennae that are sensors for feeling and smelling	2 comparatively short, segmented antennae along with sensory organs on head called Tomosvary organs
2 modified, venomous legs that is uses to capture and kill prey	No venomous legs
Single pair of legs on each trunk segment	2 pairs of legs per segment
Uses 2 modified legs on last segment and 2 modified venomous legs on first segment for defense	Uses glands to produce a hydrogen cyanide gas to discourage predators;  will also curl up when poked
Long legs	Short legs
Moves quickly	Moves slowly
Predator-feeds on insects, spiders, birds, and reptiles	Scavenger and herbivore-feeds on decaying vegetation
Male deposits sperm bundles and female finds them and impregnates herself	Male and female join for mating
Can bite-bites can be painful, but not generally fatal to humans;  small children or people with allergies should be observed if bitten	Do not bite
Have their own class, Chilopoda-from the Greek; “cheilos” meaning “lip” and “poda” meaning “foot”	In the class Diplopoda-from the Greek; meaning “double foot”

The better known species of centipede are the giant desert centipede, the banded desert centipede (or common desert centipede), and the house centipede.



Giant desert centipede; photo courtesy of John on www.wikipedia.org

Banded desert centipede; photo courtesy of www.matergardener.osu.edu

House centipede; this one was in my bathtub last summer!

From a distance, millipedes look more like worms until you can see their little legs.



North American millipede; photo credit: RJ Ferret; www.wikipedia.org

Millipede curled up; photo credit: Jud McCranie; www.wikipedia.org