Exterminators are prompt and reliable. A problem like bee infestation is an emergency, because of the danger bees pose. So, if you call an exterminator with a bee problem, they will quickly schedule an inspection, usually obligation free. That means if you want a second opinion, go right ahead, no strings attached.

It’s never a good situation that makes you call in an exterminator. If you just find a few ants here and there, you buy the spray and the traps, and you’re done. So, when you find yourself flipping through the phone book for a professional pest killer, chances are you’re feeling next to overrun. And the pests might be annoying, gross, creepy, bothersome pests. Or, they might actually be dangerous, like termites or bees. Unlike ants or the absolutely-gross-but-can’t-hurt-you cockroach, bees sting, and that can be especially bad if you’re allergic. The worst case scenario? You don’t even know you’re allergic until you get stung. Your home should be a haven of comfort and safety. You shouldn’t have to worry about always looking around when in you’re in your yard or on your deck, worrying you’ll get stung. And if you have kids, the situation just became ten times worse. Every time they go to play outside, they could get hurt. It’s time for those bees to go.

What is Bee Control?

Bee control is a specific service offered by pest exterminators. These extermination companies will handle everything from rats, raccoons, and mice to bees, roaches, and termites – and any kind of nuisance in between. The process your exterminator uses is effective in both solving the problem and I preventing the problem from occurring again. Their chemicals, which are safe and low in toxicity, not only kill the existing pests, but they also prevent the pests from returning. Today, chemicals are so much safer and less intrusive that you don’t have to worry about leaving your home for hours like you used to when the exterminator came. Especially with a pest like bees, it’s imperative to call in a professional. You do not want to be trying to remove a hive on your own. The exterminators are specially trained and certified for not only the detailed chemical application and preventative measures, but they are also armed with the right type of equipment and protection. Bee control is a careful and detailed process that only a trusted extermination company can perform. You may want to talk to a few companies before you make your decision. You want those bees gone as quickly and as efficiently as possible.

The exterminators will do inspections, check up on your home to make sure everything is still under control and there are no resurgences of pests, and there are often even packages available if you need them to come more than one time. If your problem is severe, sometimes regular visits will be schedules. With a pest like bees or wasps, you’ll at least want a check-up after the initial visit, because you don’t want to be surprised when you’re outside one day.

Who needs Bee Control?

If you have bees, it’s time to get rid of them. As simple as that. Bees sting. They can cause pain, and more if allergies are involved. And removing bees is not just something you can walk out and do. This is definitely a job for a professional. Guaranteed, you do not have the right equipment or protection to grab a bee hive and get rid of it. So, what have we learned? If you have bees: call the exterminator.

What are the benefits of bee control?

Exterminators are prompt and reliable. A problem like bee infestation is an emergency, because of the danger bees pose. So, if you call an exterminator with a bee problem, they will quickly schedule an inspection, usually obligation free. That means if you want a second opinion, go right ahead, no strings attached. A professional will come assess your situation so he or she can decide how it will best be treated. Quickly and promptly again, a return visit will be scheduled to take care of those bees once and for all. Even after the bees have been gotten rid of, your extermination company will check up on you and make sure there has been no return of the bees. Basically by getting in touch with an exterminator, you’re ensuring a professional will be making sure you don’t have this problem again.
If you are considering bee removal, check out the following links to find specialists in your area:

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You’ve pretty much got to be a maverick to take on a nest of yellow jackets. If that sounds like you, use a spray and spray with extreme caution (and do it at night). Otherwise, hire an exterminator; they’ll be more likely to completely rid the area of pests, anyway. Don’t be like Macaulay Culkin at the end of My Girl (if you haven’t seen this movie, I won’t ruin the ending for you, but I will let you know that Macaulay Culkin dies from being stung repeatedly by bees).

Do you own a beekeeper’s uniform?  How about a Hazmat suit?  If the answer is no (and by all accounts it should be), then you should seriously consider hiring a pest exterminator to rid you of hornet and wasp troubles.  Certain species of wasps, such as yellow jackets, can be extremely aggressive, especially if you approach them without knowing what the hell you’re doing.  Is it a coincidence that Pixar has yet to release a heartwarming tale chronicling the lives of a close-knit, smart-mouthed family of wasps?  I think not.

What is it?

There are many different types of wasps that could potentially cause trouble for you and your family.  The most dangerous and aggressive of these would be yellow jackets and hornets, the former usually a black and yellow, the latter mostly black with traces of white.  In cases where you find a nest near your home, you should always consider pest exterminators first before trying to take care of business yourself (and when I say take care of business, I mean getting stung repeatedly).

Exterminators generally use aerosol-type sprays that instantly kill hornets and wasps alike, though depending on the job, they may use liquid or dust formations instead.  They will certainly be decked out in full-on bubble boy garb (including a veil, hat, gloves, and beekeeper suit), which is a surefire sign that if you plan on doing this alone, you should take extreme measures.  The aerosol spray should be administered at night or near dusk, as that is the time when the queen and most of the workers will be present and as docile as possible.

Before disposing of the nest, wait for one to two days, as some stragglers who weren’t in the nest may return home.  The spray residue left from the nest will kill any hornet or wasp that comes near it.  If possible, some extermination companies will try to remove the nest without harming any of dwellers inside (and maybe for an extra $50 they’ll throw it in your boss’s yard!)

Who needs it?

If you notice an excess of hornets and wasps near your home, then extermination is the way to go, especially if you or any one in your family has already been stung.  You should note that not all wasps are as aggressive as yellow jackets.  For instance, paper wasps (western species are generally golden brown with yellow or red patches) will rarely sting unless their nest is above a doorway or any other area with high traffic.  Therefore, if no one in your family is allergic to wasp or hornet stings, and the nest appears fairly unaggressive, then you may not need to do anything.  In fact, they can rid you of other potential problems, like spiders.

You should also note that nests can be found both indoors and outdoors.  Depending on the species, nests can be anywhere from hanging on fruit trees or burrowed underground to hidden in the shed, attic, or roof of the porch.

Benefits

The benefits on the side of professional pest control far outweigh the benefits of doing it yourself.  Here’s an example- you can take a nap in your air-conditioned home while the pros get to kill swarms of hornets while wearing full bodysuits during the middle of August.  It will especially be beneficial to hire an exterminator if the nest is located somewhere in your house, like the attic.  When nests are located in spaces as small as an attic, you will almost certainly get stung at least once, seeing as how there’s no easy escape route.

Otherwise, if you do plan on using an aerosol spray yourself, take solace in the fact that most of them will give you a range of 15 feet, which will give you a decent head start to your car, which should already be on and running.

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One of the most effective ways to prevent scorpions is to deal with them indirectly. Many people are surprised to learn that the eradication of other insects can often have a tremendous impact on scorpion populations.

Most people are surprised to learn that scorpions are not insects at all. They are actually arachnids and a close relative of spiders. Scorpions range in size, some growing as large as five inches long. They are easily identified by their thick long bodies and curved, lobster-like pinchers. Although, many people are fearful of these claws, they are generally quite harmless in comparison to the scorpion’s bulb-shaped stinger attached to the end of its tale. Most scorpions are orange or light brown, but some larger species appear dark-colored. In some cases, scorpions are considered to be beneficial as they often feed on other pests like spiders, centipedes and other small insects.

Who Needs Scorpion Control?

People who live in hot, arid climates should generally be on the look out for scorpions. Those who have young children should be especially careful of these poisonous critters. Although, scorpion stings rarely prove fatal, they can be especially dangerous to kids due to their light body weight. This can be especially dangerous as children tend to explore beneath branches and rocks where scorpions tend to go to escape the heat and lie in wait of prey.

Benefits of Prevention Methods

Scorpions are actually nocturnal animals, meaning they tend to come out mostly at night to hunt. Like most critters who live in hot environments, scorpions prefer coool, dark shelters during the day when the temperatures are at their hottest. Some of their favorite places to hide include, wood and rock piles, cracks in masonry, and beneath the bark of some trees. If you have a scorpion problem, you simply must work hard to eliminate areas that harbor the pests.

Seal off all cracks and holes in interior and exterior walls. If a scorpion can get through it, you need to seal it closed with silicone calking or masonry patch materials. Also, if you have a wood pile for your fireplace, make sure it is several yards away from your home. Although, this may be inconvenient, it is absolutely necessary if you want to reduce the amount of scorpions near and around your property. Piles of rocks and debris should also be cleaned from your yard and surrounding areas.

Benefits of Using Chemical Poisons

One of the most effective ways to prevent scorpions is to deal with them indirectly. Many people are surprised to learn that the eradication of other insects can often have a tremendous impact on scorpion populations. Since scorpions like to eat things like crickets, grasshoppers, spiders and even small mice, elimination of these pests can create a dramatic reduction to the scorpion food supply. Without sustenance, scorpions tend to either die off or move to another area. You can bet that if your front yards contain a large amount of insects, scorpions will be attracted. Although insecticides specially formulated for smaller insects may have little effect on the scorpions, themselves; they can go a long way toward reducing the number of scorpions in and around your property.

Risks of Using Chemical Poisons

Many people are surprised to learn that the leading cause of poisonings in the United States is the misuse of over-the-counter pesticides. If you have a scorpion problem, you’ll need to use an insecticide that has a residual quality. This means that the insecticide will be especially potent and long-lasting. It is for this reason that a professional pest exterminator is recommended for scorpion elimination. Not only can a professional safely administer the chemicals; he or she can also help you shore up your preventative measures.

The Bottom Line

Although, there are a variety of poisons on the market that are capable of killing scorpions, their long-term effectiveness is usually poor when they are used alone. If you have a scorpion problem, the best strategy is to use a combination of chemical poisons and proper preventative measures.

If you are considering scorpion removal, check out the following links to find specialists in your area:

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These days, if you go outdoors in the late afternoon or early evening, mosquitos had better be on your mind. Mosquitos are attracted to the carbon dioxide mammals release when they breath. So, there really is no way to hide. If you're outdoors, and you're breathing, you can bet that a mosquito or two will find you fairly quickly.

Who Needs Mosquito Extermination?

Everyone knows that mosquitos will be out and about around dusk, so many people take precautions. Bug spray and citronella candles are sometimes all it takes to keep the mosquito buzzing at bay. However, people who live near heavily infested areas often feel like prisoners in their own home. Large swarms of mosquitos behave in a feeding frenzy due to increased competition for food. In these cases, mild, department store repellents just don’t prove 100 percent effective. When things get out of hand, a professional exterminator can provide lasting relief. However, without some preventative measure, the mosquitos are likely to return.

Benefits of Mosquito Prevention

These days, if you go outdoors in the late afternoon or early evening, mosquitos had better be on your mind. Mosquitos are attracted to the carbon dioxide mammals release when they breath. So, there really is no way to hide. If you’re outdoors, and you’re breathing, you can bet that a mosquito or two will find you fairly quickly. Although, not all mosquitos harbor disease, many do. So, it is important to take precautions to lower your chances of being bitten. Bug sprays and lotions can offer a good amount of protection as long as they are applied properly. However, if you really want to decrease your chances of being a target for mosquitos, you need to take specific preventative measures around your home.

Mosquitos are water-born creatures. Put simply: they need water to reproduce. The life cycle of a mosquito requires a larval stage very similar to that of a frog. If you have pools of stagnant water near or around your property, you are basically setting the proverbial table for these blood-sucking creatures. Water logged buckets, flower pots, or barrels are prime spots for mosquitos to lay their eggs. Literally tens of thousands of mosquitos can be birthed from these types of containers. Once the mosquito parents have dropped their larvae-bearing eggs into the water, it takes only a matter of days or even hours for the infant to reach maturity. If stagnant water is collecting near or around your home, you need to get rid of it. Creating a dry environment is by far the most crucial step in mosquito prevention.

Risks of Mosquito Bites

Mosquito prevention and extermination is more important in North America than it used to be. Most people know that mosquitos are responsible for spreading Malaria in countries near and south of the equator. However, these days, North American species have developed their own propensity for spreading infectious disease. The West Nile virus appeared in the United States in the late 1990s thanks to these blood-sucking winged insects. Since then, it has steadily spread north.

Most of the time, healthy people who contract the West Nile virus experience mild symptoms like fever, body aches, swollen lymph nodes and minor skin rashes. However, sometimes the virus can transition into the brain. This can cause meningitis; a deadly condition involving the swelling of the brain and spinal tissues. Although, the West Nile virus can potentially prove deadly to anyone, it is most dangerous to children, the elderly and other people with relatively weak immune systems.

Since there is no cure for the West Nile virus, the only defense is to avoid being bitten. Obviously, the best way to do this is to stay indoors during the late afternoon and evening; the peak hours of mosquito activity. However, for most people, this is not an option. The second best thing you can do is lower the odds of being infected, by lowering the amount of mosquitos in your area.

The Bottom Line

As the West Nile virus spreads further north, mosquitos have evolved from mere nuisances to serious threats to human health. If you have a mosquito problem, a professional exterminator may be your only chance to reclaim the outdoor areas surrounding your home. However, extermination of existing mosquitos is only half of the equation. For effective long-term results, you’ll need to make sure you use thorough preventative measures to stop the mosquito life-cycle and put the problem to bed for good.

If you are considering exterminators, check out the following links to find specialists in your area:

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Instead of trying to exterminate mice with guns or just plain old threats, you may want to try snap-traps, the old stand-by.

So apparently Stuart Little is not an accurate portrayal of a mouse.  Did you know that almost no mice wear little jeans and sweaters?  And even fewer of them are voiced by Michael J. Fox?  In fact, most mice just bogart your food, have babies, and give you and your pets diseases.  It’s practically like living with a junkie.  Remember that Stuart Little book, Stuart Little Gives the Family Tapeworms?  Probably not because the “Stuart Little” people don’t want you to know the truth about mice!  I’m here to set the record straight!

What is it?

Mice are defined as rodents, and can generally be differentiated from rats because they’re usually much smaller (they weigh somewhere between 11 and 22 grams).  They are more times than not, a grayish-brown and one of the most common house pests in the United States.  They often enter homes through cracks in walls and floors, though they’re known to also gain access to your home through drainage pipes, oven gas lines, and windows (especially if, you know, they’re open).  It’s important to try and eliminate mice before they reproduce and make your problem a full-on infestation (female mice have litters of five to six babies every couple of months).

Therefore, hiring an exterminator may very well be the best solution in the end, especially if you suspect there is more than one mouse rummaging through your snack drawer.  Also, many mice exterminators will charge you depending on how many mice are inhabiting your place.  Therefore, if you call an exterminator immediately following a mouse sighting, he can get rid of the mice/mouse for a much lower cost (assuming there are fewer of them) and most likely, give you tips on how to better prevent infestation (though this may also mean them trying to sell you Mouseblocker 3000 or some other extraneous products).

Though let’s face it, it’s the recession and we’re not all going to want to pay top dollar for exterminators.  Therefore, there are several available mouse traps on the market that one can buy.  Instead of trying to exterminate mice with guns or just plain old threats, you may want to try snap-traps, the old stand-by.  If the trap is triggered, the spring bar will usually kill the mouse instantly.  However, the trick for bait is to bypass the standard hunk of cheese for something stickier, like peanut butter, as they can’t simply carry it away, but have to lick it off the trap.

Perhaps you find the guillotine-like quickness of the snap trap too humane for your tastes.  In this case, you may want to shoot for a glue trap, which doesn’t kill the mouse, but keeps it in place via a sticky adhesive until it eventually starves or dies of dehydration.  So if you have deep-rooted family issues, this could be a way to get your sick and twisted ya-ya’s out.  Although, be aware, some mice can actually free themselves by gnawing off their own extremities (kind of like a Stuart Little meets The Saw kind of deal).

Probably the most expensive trap available is the electronic mouse trap, which, when triggered, electrocutes mice on the spot.  Cool technology, but it can only be used once and is not cheap.

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He revealed some helpful tips on both protecting homes from pests and choosing a qualified pest control specialist to deal with the ones that get through.

How do I know if I’m choosing the right pest control company?

“Before hiring a pest professional, you need to confirm if he or she works for a licensed pest control company that has a solid reputation for effective pest management and guarantees its service,” Dr. Harrison said. “The pest control professional also should be trained on the latest technologies, techniques and products for treating pests.”

Many pest control companies offer free, on-site inspections before providing quotes for treatment (pest control companies can also offer information over the phone).

“A walk-through inspection is a great way for you to see how the professional works, and learn a few tips on how you can help keep pests out of your home.”

Pest Control Services

(Why is a pest control professional a better option than do it yourself pest control?)

“Pest experts are knowledgeable about pest identification and biology, treatment options and state regulations, and construction and home building,” Dr. Harrison tells me. “This knowledge base helps experts identify and reduce conditions that allow pests to thrive around your home.”

Dr. Harrison says that qualified pest control services and professionals are licensed by each state, which designates pest control professionals based on training received, experience and credentials.

“Some pest professionals are also members of state or national industry associations, such as the National Pest Management Association’s QualityPro program, which have rigorous qualifications regarding training, licensing and professionalism,” he says. “All of these credentials, training and expertise will help you determine if you have hired a qualified professional.”

According to Dr. Harrison, training and expertise are two key characteristics that set apart the qualified pest control service from the rest of the pack. He says a qualified pest control professional also has both the professional and interpersonal skills to identify a pest issue effectively and communicate to you the steps needed to handle that issue.

Dr. Harrison says pest control professionals are trained to provide effective treatment that can help control pest activity in and around your home – and in turn, reduce the health risks associated with pests.

“While there are some simple steps homeowners can take to help control or prevent pest activity around their homes, ” he says, “pest professionals have the training, experience and tools that can more effectively reduce and control pest activity.

According to Dr. Harrison, pest control services have professionals who are trained to identify the difference between ants, termites and beetles – all pests that can structurally damage homes and are often misidentified by homeowners.

If you think your home may be infested, consider getting a free on-site inspection from one of the many pest control companies that offer them.

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That being said, many believe the use of any chemical poisons in the treatment of pest problems represents some amount of risk. Indeed, these modern times have brought not only a rise to cloth grocery bags and a demand for organic lotions, but also a general concern for the safety of all things manufactured. And, if you are one of the concerned, you may have spent hours scouring the internet for a pest control alternative that is not only natural, but also truly effective.

During these seemingly endless searches you may have come across something called “electronic pest control repellers” or “ultrasonic pest control devices.” These products claim to emit ultrasonic noises, inaudible to humans, dogs and cats, but unbearable to every pest from fleas, ticks, mice, rats, cockroaches, to even rabbits and bats. On the surface, an ultrasonic pest control repeller sounds like the perfect solution to echo-friendly consumers and people who fear that harmful chemicals might put them and their families at risk.

However, before you invest your hard-earned money on such devices, you should know that ultrasonic pest control and other electronic pest control devices are not under the regulation of the Federal government’s FIFRA (Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act). This means the Environmental Protection Agency does not demand thorough testing for these products to see if they actually work.

In addition, the Federal Trade Commission’s declares that its Division of Enforcement has “sent warning letters to more than 60 manufacturers and retailers of ultrasonic pest control devices, stating that efficacy claims about those products must be supported by scientific evidence.”

And, in 2003, Global Instruments who sells its electronic pest control products under the names “Riddex” for QVC settled on the wrong side of a lawsuit with the Federal Trade Commission who claimed that the company made false claims when it stated that the “combination electromagnetic/ultrasonic pest control devices effectively repel, control, or eliminate mice, rats, cockroaches, rodents, insects, spiders, silverfish, and bats from homes and other buildings, and upset nesting sites of mice, rats, and cockroaches within walls, ceilings, and floors by using the products’ pulse or electromagnetic technology through the household wiring.”

Still, there are those that swear that ultrasonic pest control repellers and other electronic pest control devices have made a considerable impact on their pest problems. So, if you decide to take the plunge and give this method a try, your best bet is to go with a brand name you recognize like Black and Decker rather than one you saw being promoted on an infomercial at two in the morning. And, if all else fails, remember that, used judiciously and according to label instructions, chemical pest controls can be a reliable and safe solution to most pest control dilemmas.

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An individual ant measures anywhere between one-quarter and three-eighths of an inch and is usually black or dark brown in color.

What does the Carpenter ant look like?
First up, it is important to know what the carpenter ant looks like. An individual ant measures anywhere between one-quarter and three-eighths of an inch and is usually black or dark brown in color. Sometimes the color may be yellow or red. There are several species of carpenter ants that are common in the United States. The variety found in most of the eastern US has an all black color. Toward the west carpenter ants also have black bodies but their legs have a dark red tone. In Florida and other southeastern regions the ants have red heads while the rest of the body remains black.

The habits and diets of Carpenter ants
The carpenter ant is a nocturnal insect which means that its activity is mainly restricted to the night hours. These insects will mostly construct their nests in wood that has been made soft by moisture much like termites but the nests or galleries as they are also known will tend to be smoother and will not contain the mud-like structures synonymous with termites. In the indoors you should generally expect the galleries to be in close proximity to areas around which water leakages are most likely for example near sinks, bathtubs, behind dishwashers etc. Outdoors, the nests are most likely going to be found in tree stumps, fencing posts, and hollow logs. The damage to wood courtesy of carpenter ants is less severe as compared to damaged caused by termites.

Carpenter ants build two types of nests i.e. parent colonies and satellite nests. The former type is the one that contains the queen ant, her eggs and larvae, and worker ants. The latter type will only house worker ants. The ants thrive on a variety of both animal and plant foods and they also have a knack for sweet things.

Inspecting your home for carpenter ants
By virtue of their nocturnal behavior the best time to look for telltale signs of carpenter ants infestation is in the wee morning hours or evenings. An inspection should be focused on locating nest sites by following forage trails. It is wrong to assume that your inspection is over upon locating just a single nest; it may be just one of the several colonies that litter your home’s compound. You can start following the ants sometime after sunset and having marked out some trails you can follow up using a flashlight. The main evidence of carpenter ant activity is the deposit of frass which is the fine sawdust produced after galleries are made in the wood. The frass may sometimes be hard to notice but if you suspect that a piece of woodwork hosts a gallery you can just tap on it using a light rod or screwdriver tip and see if any frass will drop off. Nest activity can be confirmed by listening for a crinkling sound akin to that one made when cellophane is crumpled.

After your inspection it’s time for remedial action
Depending on the results of your inspection you will have established if the ants have a colony within the house, if they merely forage inside, or if they are based in the compound.

When dealing with foraging carpenter ants it is best advised that you use a residual, non-repellent insecticide that is either wettable-powder based or liquid based. These are specifically intended for outside use only. Carpenter ants are known to create trails away from chemically treated areas. A non-repellent insecticide will won’t be noticed by the ants and they will walk straight to their doom. The residual benefits imply that you only have to spray the insecticide every three months or so. Not only will the insecticide be effective against the ants but the population of other insect pests will be kept in check.

When an ant colony is suspected to be within hollows and voids inside the house the nest(s) can be targeted using aerosol pesticides which can be directed to the exact location using a suitable crevice and crack tip. These tips enable you to hold the spray can upside down when the target location is difficult to access otherwise; a good dispersion of the chemical is also ensured. Best results are guaranteed when the spraying is directed at the nest’s exact location as this will eliminate the queen ant and by extension the entire population. In the absence of an aerosol you can use insecticide dust that has a long residual effect. This option is however quite cumbersome as it may involve some drilling to get access to the wall voids. Liquid preparations are not recommended for this particular scenario as there is always a risk with electrical outlets.

A very suitable alternative to the powder, aerosol, and liquid pesticides is ant bait that can be used both inside and outside the house. When the bait is placed in the path of the foraging ants they will naturally take the ‘food’ back to the queen(s) whose elimination will sound the death knell for entire colonies. Carpenter ants mostly feed on proteins and sweets and there are baits that are made using both of these. Try to use both types of bait to avoid the ants from trying to look for other food sources elsewhere. In placing the bait ensure that there are also no other food alternatives like crumbs which may distract the carpenter ants and prevent them from taking the bait.

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But, if you’re thinking of racing to the store and purchasing a tub of over the counter pesticide, you should be aware that in it’s Citizen’s Guide to Pest Control and Pesticide Safety, the Environmental Protection Agency advises that “one of the greatest causes of dangerous pesticide exposure to humans is the use of pesticides in and around the home.”

In addition, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) reports that,

“The pesticides we use to control weeds and insects in and around our homes can be significant health hazards. Exposure to certain pesticides is associated with health problems ranging from skin rashes to nervous system disorders and cancer.”

Those with children could be at an even greater risk. According to the NRDC, “children are at the greatest risk of harm because of their hand-to-mouth habits and still-developing nervous systems.”

With that in mind you may want to opt for a professional pest controller. But how do you know if you’re getting one that is qualified?

According to James Whidden, President of Mug-A-Bug Pest & Termite Control in Colorado, there are a few questions wise customers should ask before hiring a professional exterminator, such as: “Are they licensed by the Dept. of Agriculture in their respective state? Are they bonded and insured?”

Widden also suggests that customers ask if the exterminator is using chemicals that originate from the original manufacturer or if he or she uses any products that are formulated in house?

“You have to assume that if you’re hiring a professional exterminator, they are educated on the proper products for the pest being treated,” he says. “But you will not have an absolute guarantee that is the case. If the products are in their original containers you should be ok.”

Jeff Eisenberg, President of Pest Away Incorporated in New York City, agrees that a thorough interview is essential to picking the right pest control professional.

“They should ask if they are licensed and, more importantly, if all of their technicians are licensed and certified,” Eisenberg says. ” They should be prepared to show proof at time of service and they should make sure they have a BBB rating that is A or higher.”

Eisenberg also says customers should make sure that the pest control specialist has been in business for a good while and runs a successful and stable business.

“You want to see if they work out of their house, which may indicate a rinky-dink operation “he says, “They should ask for references of places they have done and ask about warranties. ”

Many sufferers of infestations worry about the cost of hiring a professional exterminator. And, despite the risks, they decide to employ their own methods to try to solve their pest problem.

According to Eisenberg, this can be a big mistake.

“Almost all of the poisoning mishaps in this country are from do-it-yourselfers,” he says.

Whidden also warns against a do-it-yourself mentality when it comes to pest control.

“Choosing the proper product is absolutely essential,” he says. “For example, with Ant Control, certain times of the year an ant will be feeding on protein, instead of sugar. If you choose a sweet bait and their feeding on protein at that time you will have an improper result of control.”

Whidden says you should choose a professional pest controller for the same reasons that you choose a surgeon for your surgery: you want the job done right and precise.

“A professional knows the biology behind each pest that he is treating,” he says. “In most cases the homeowner is throwing some sort of chemical at the pest hoping they get lucky.”

Whidden says a professional is looking for food source, harborage, and other conducive conditions that will enhance the problem. Acoording to him, chemicals are not always the answer and that educating the customer many times resolves the issues at hand.

In addition to their confusion about who to call, many people may also feel anxiety about balancing the desire to rid their home of pests with the worry about endangering their family with toxic chemicals. For those, individuals, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) may be the answer.

(IPM) is a technique that the EPA says is “an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices.” is is a useful method which Eisenberg says his company has been using since the very beginning over 19 years ago.

“This method is a philosophy of solving pest problems by utilizing as little to no pesticides as possible,” he says. “The way this is accomplished is by correctly identifying the source of the problem and correcting it. This can be achieve by cleaning up an unsanitary area, building the pest out of the structure, fixing a leaky pipe, and sometimes if necessary, using a mild material that is targeted right at the infestation.”

Whitten agrees that IPM definitely works and has been around for several years. Unfortunately, he says, a lot of organizations are slow to adopt it.

“Education goes a long way in pest control.” he says. “Many times that is all it takes.

Eliminating the source that the pest thrives in will always have a positive result.”

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This is what mouse poop looks like. We know you don't wanna see it, but now you know one way to find out if there's a mouse in your house.

Admittedly, the terrified cartoon lady is probably overreacting because one little mouse is most likely not dangerous, but what if your home is infested by mice?  Where there is one mouse there could be many.  Did you know that mice reproduce so quickly that one breeding pair can produce as many as 200 offspring in four months, a downright population explosion?

Should you be concerned if you see a mouse in your house?  If the health and safety of your family is important to you the answer is yes.  Even though one mouse is certainly not cause for panic, it is cause to begin becoming an astute observer.

Health Implications
Mice are known carriers of viruses and bacteria, and also heavily infested with other pests like ticks, lice, fleas and mites—all of which can be seriously detrimental to your health.

Direct Infection – Through urine, droppings or saliva, deer mice and several other common species of mice transmit the Hantavirus, a potentially deadly virus that causes Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. Humans become infected when they inhale the aerosolized virus.  According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), this virus has been identified throughout the United Sates and the primary mode of prevention is rodent control in and around the home.

Mice are also carriers of the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV).  This virus is particularly dangerous to pregnant women because the virus can pass from infected mother to unborn baby resulting in the loss of the pregnancy or severe birth defects in the developing fetus.  Transmission of the virus from mice to humans occurs when urine, blood, saliva, droppings or nesting materials of carrier mice come into contact with humans through a break in the skin, a bite from an infected rodent or inhaling bacteria laden dust or droplets while sweeping infected droppings.  It is estimated that 5% of adults have positive blood tests for LCMV indicating infection at some time in their lives.  A person with a normal immune system may be infected but have no symptoms.  On the other hand, some people manifest flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, headache and muscle aches.  In severe infections, meningitis may result.

Indirect Infection – Mice are also hosts for immature deer ticks (which carry certain pathogens like the bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi, the cause of Lyme disease in the United States), fleas that transmit rickettsial infections and other diseases to humans, and disease-carrying lice. (For a list of diseases known to be transmitted by rodents–some of which are mice, see cdc.gov/rodents/diseases.)

Most Common Mouse Types
The four most common mouse types found in the United States are the (1) house mouse (2) deer mouse (3) roof rat and (4) Norway rat. The largest is the Norway rat and the smallest the deer mouse.  You can distinguish one from the other by tail length, fur color, size of ears and eyes, and shape of the nose. Visit orkin.com/rodents/house-mouse for pictures of the four types.

What to Watch For
Mice are attracted to food, water and warmth, the primary reasons for invading homes and outbuildings.  In northern climates, home owners tend to see mice more regularly in the colder months because warm, dry homes provide snug shelter.  Mice also seem to be more prevalent during and after severe weather conditions like hurricanes because they migrate from outside to inside seeking protection from the elements and from place to place in search of new food.

Even without seeing a mouse, you’ll know you have at least one if you see mouse droppings in places like the kitchen, basement, attic, garage, barns and outbuildings.  Like humans, mice are omnivores meaning they eat both meat and plants and if they are hungry, they will chew their way through plastic cans on lids, box tops, even electrical wires.  In the process of eating, mice contaminate food with their bodies and their excrement.  In fact, mice contaminate 10 times the amount of food they eat and one mouse can devour 2-3-grams of food per day or up to 11 ounces.

You might also see the remnants of nests.  Nests are usually made from easily accessible materials such as grass, hair, feathers, leaves, shredded cloth and paper, milkweed silk, moss, cotton, or straw and resemble messy bird nests. Even if you do not find a nest, watch for other clues like shredded shelf paper which may indicate a nest in progress somewhere in your house.

Another clue that you might have a mouse in the house is the presence of gnawing marks on foodstuffs and around holes.  Sometimes you can hear mice, especially at night, chewing away or scrambling about in the walls.  It’s enough to keep you awake!

What You Can Do to Prevent Mice in Your Home
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends eliminating possible rodent food sources and nesting possibilities by implementing the following steps:

• Store food in closed containers made of glass, metal or thick plastic.  (A hungry mouse can chew right through the top of a cereal box.)
• Don’t leave pet food or water bowls out during the night because this is the time when mice, nocturnal creatures, are most actively looking for food.
• Use rodent-proof, closed garbage and trash bins.  Take trash and garbage out of the kitchen at the end of the day to avoid tempting hungry scavengers with leftovers.
• Clean up food spills, dishes and tableware as soon as possible.
• Keep outdoor grills clean.
• Birdfeeders should not be placed near the house and compost piles should be at least 100 feet away.
• If you store feed, grain or other animal food in an outbuilding, store it in rodent-proof containers so as not to attract unwelcome guests.
• Elevate hay, woodpiles and garbage cans 1 ft. or more off the ground to avoid creating easy nesting places outside your home.
• Keep your grass short and trim the shrubbery around the house to reduce hiding places for mice.
• Don’t store unused vehicles and tires on your property unless you want to provide a free hotel for four-legged creatures.

Trapping and Removal
If you think your problem is only a couple of mice, the CDC recommends setting snap traps of the appropriate size and baiting them with peanut butter (and you thought mice liked cheese).  Set traps in places like attics, basements and crawl spaces where evidence of mice has been discovered, but not in areas likely to be discovered by children and pets.  Position the bait in the trap, then put the bait end of the trap against the wall to form a “T” with the wall.  (Mice prefer to run next to walls as opposed to out in the open.)

Always wear gloves when picking up mice or removing them from a trap.  Place the mouse in a plastic bag and seal, then into another plastic bag for disposal.  By the way, releasing a live mouse into the wild will only postpone its return to your house.

Sealing Entry Points
In addition to trapping, eliminating food sources and reducing nesting possibilities, it is essential that you seal up holes and gaps that allow mice to enter your home and navigate from place to place.  Even a hole the size of a nickel is large enough to accommodate a mouse.

Inside – The most common places to discover the holes and gaps in your home are around, behind and under kitchen cabinets and appliances, washers & dryers, fireplaces, pipes, doors, drains and vents. Also check inside closets near the floor corners, attics, basements and crawl spaces.

Outside – Look for holes and gaps around windows, doors, foundation, attic and crawl space vents.  Gaps are common under doors, roof rafters, gables and eaves.  Mice also enter homes through holes made for electrical, plumbing, cable and gas lines.

Professional Remediation
Prevention – If you are like most people, prevention measures like eliminating food sources and nesting places is easily managed in the house, but sealing up gaps and holes correctly is quite another matter. Unless you want to spend hours caulking, stuffing steel wool in holes, nailing screening, applying flashing, and affixing metal sheeting and hardware cloth over gaps, here’s where a professional pest control agent not only comes in handy but is a valuable, time-saving, cost effective alternative to a do-it-yourself repair.

Elimination – If you have an infestation of mice, the safe way to approach ridding your home of these dangerous pests is to hire a professional exterminator.  A trained technician will use an effective, safe and up-to-date method of eradication saving you from being infected inadvertently by a bacteria or virus during the clean up process. Once the infestation is eliminated and your home is sealed correctly, the likelihood of reoccurrence is greatly minimized.  A periodic follow-up is recommended.

Unfortunately, the best laid plans of mice and men aren’t always compatible and a mouse in your house could do more than keep you up at night.  Cohabitation is ill-advised.  Rid your home of mice, protect the health of your family and get a good night’s sleep for a change!

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