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!