Author: Eliana

  • Flying Spiders: Fact vs. Fiction for American Homeowners

    Flying Spiders: Fact vs. Fiction for American Homeowners

    If you have heard the stories about the flying spiders that are going to take over the United States, you certainly are not the only one. The notion of spiders flying in the sky is scary, especially to people who are worried about pests in their houses. But what is actually behind these stories? At Saynopest, we focus on delivering genuine and interesting messages about pest control in America. We can discuss the issue of flying spiders and answer the question, “can spiders fly?” Then, we can go through the phenomenon of the joro spider flying, and finally, we can unwrap the mystery of the flying spiders with wings.

    What Are Flying Spiders?

    flying-spiders

    Spiders that are called flying ones may exciting to some people as those with wings fans. They came to mind that they saw such creatures flying through their backyard, but the truth is far from that. Of course, we do not meet any spiders with wings, and also the spider family is not the one that can fly the way birds or insects can. That is why the name of Flying Spiders actually denotes a highly interesting activity of spiders known as ballooning. The spiders, namely, little spiderlings, are sending very thin silk filaments into the sky, which catch the wind and thus are transport far distances. This is, of course, a very ingenious nature’s mechanism that allows spiders to find themselves in new areas, hide from foes, or just have a bite to eat.

    Such a phenomenon as ballooning has proven by many experiments where spiders have appeared both far across the oceans and high in the sky. Hence, the term “flying spiders” is a good example of such travel of their sojourn through the air but it does not signify that they are the creatures with wings or that they furiously beach through the skies.

    Can Spiders Fly?

    We are better off to tackle the matter of “Can spiders fly?” question openly, and the answer will both affirmative and negative, depending on what exactly is meant by flying. Spiders do not have wings and therefore, they are not able to fly by themselves. The only way, however, through which they can become airborne and thus cover considerable distances is the phenomenon of ballooning. They do this by gaining some height, bending their abdomens upwards, and giving out silk that serves as a kind of parachute or a sail. Besides, the Earth’s energy field can also give a boost to spiders, and they can even feel the right moment for flight.

    Even though – can spiders fly – is quite a fascinating question to answered, the truth is that spiders take advantage of a very smart combination of silk together with the targeted forces of the environment to mimic a “flight” without wings.

    Joro Spider Flying

    The most widely discussed example of the U.S. news featuring flying spiders is the joro spider flying phenomenon. The Joro spider is indigenous to East Asia but has started its invasion in areas of the eastern states like Georgia, South Carolina, and Pennsylvania, just recently. These spiders with their brilliant yellow striped and black bodies are also known to really big and their legs extend quite well towards 10 to a size of centimeters, because they are left with no choice but to travel around using ballooning.

    Joro-Spider-Flying

    Considering that you are discussing something like a joro spider being able to fly, you are not discussing how the spiders are making use of what they have developed (the silk thread) to make them adhere to the wind and move to another destination, but that they are flying, using their wings. In spite of their frightening appearance and venomous bites, the Joro spiders belong to those bugs that do not present a threat to human beings and domestic animals. Rather than so, they are highly delicate and quiet and do not want to see people; the insects, mosquitoes, and stink bugs are the chief source of their food.

    Flying Spiders With Wings

    The idea of flying spiders with wings is nothing but a myth. No spider species has ever grown wings, and there are no scientific documents of spiders with this attribute. This confusion is most likely to attributed to the practice of ballooning that might deceive the eye into believing that the spiders might be floating in mid-air or flying in the air. The truth of the matter is that social media and viral postings can be exaggerat but fear not: there are no flying spiders with wings in the natural world.

    When you see a spider zooming along on the air, he is not a flyer with wings (Air), but again it is a matter of air currents that are utilizing silk as an improvised glider. This is an efficient mode for migration but it does not allow the spiders to manipulate or regulate their flight as birds or insects do.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, there is such a thing as flying spiders, although not as experienced by some people, who see spiders in their imagination. The spiders do not fly, and they do not have wings. Rather, spiders such as the Joro ones get to travel via ballooning as their air transport, and more often than not, they end up travelling very far. Are spiders able to fly? and the answer to this question is that they can only fly when they exploit the use of wind fields and electric fields with their silk. No such creatures like flying spiders exist with wings, and what you might hear in the search of such information online is usually not at all close to the truth or even lies.

    For people who live in the US, getting the right picture of flying spiders can definitely be the key to understanding these creatures without fear and focusing on good pest control practices. If you are afraid of spiders or other animals in your house, you can always rely on the saynopest team to give you good advice on the topic and to be with you in the fight. The more you know, the safer you are, and we will be glad to join you in keeping the pests away from your home.

  • Termite Spray: Your Ultimate Guide to Wood Protection

    Termite Spray: Your Ultimate Guide to Wood Protection

    Termites are the greatest natural disaster that can happen to American homeowners. These pests’ brand-name sting operations cause damage of billions of dollars a year without their owners even realizing that. However, it is good to know that the correct application of termite spray can help to protect your house from them. In this all-embracing guide, you will find out all about the best ways of using a termite spray for wood and thus will be able to protect your house from termites in an effective manner.

    Termite Spray for Wood: Natural Solutions for Effective Protection

    termite-spray-for-wood

    Natural termite spray for wood treatments gives users the possibility to choose among several different environmentally friendly options that, at the same time, are effective against termite infestations. One of the natural ingredients that can used as a wood preservative is borate, which is a very effective natural agent. This product, derived from the mineral deposits all over the world, is obtain through the combination of oxygen and boron atoms.

    If the treatment is done using the pressure method, the borate composition will impregnat through the wood fibers, hence creating an unbreachable barrier for the termites. This method basically kills the termites because it is based on the idea that the treatment alters the metabolism of the termites in such a way that when they continue to eat the treated wood, they will not be able to metabolize the food and, therefore, will die of starvation. The fact that the procedure is slow allows the fags to take the poison all over their nest and thus be more effective.

    Another example of the natural way to deal with a termite problem is orange oil insecticide, which is power by the principle of the intrinsic toxicity of the oil toward termites and at the same time its safety toward humans and animals. Among the essential oils that are most suitable for this procedure are: neem, clove, and garlic oils. The spray is the easiest to administer. Just soak cotton balls with the oil and put them in the places where the termites are the most active. To prepare a natural spray for eliminating insects, you can use boric acid, which, when combined with water, creates a strong natural remedy. The suggested proportion is 1 teaspoon in a cup of hot water.

    Pros and Cons of Using Best Termite Spray

    Exploring the best termite spray pros and cons will help people who are in the home-repair business to be more knowledgeable in deciding their pest control strategies.

    Advantages of Termite Spray

    1. Fast-acting efficiency: Fast-acting efficiency illustrates the main advantage of quality termite spray treatments. If these solutions are apply in the right way, they will not only kill the termites immediately on contact, but they will also create a residual barrier for the next pest invasion. Professional-grade best termite spray products are the ones that offer barrier protection for days, and some treatments can last even 10 years of being active.
    2. Versatile Application method: Besides that, termite spray is convenient because it comes in different application methods, which make it easy to use in various cases, from localized treatments to covering the whole area around the house. Moreover, the agents in liquid form generate an impermeable shield around structures and, therefore, the liquid agent would cheaper compared to the baiting systems that might necessitate constant reloading of baits. Concurrently, the majority of the current formulations of termite sprays are odorless and non-staining, which fact makes the employment of these types of substances possible indoors in terms of no aesthetic concerns.

    Disadvantages of Termite Spray

    1. One big problem that comes with limited penetration depth is the fact that it may substantially reduce a termite spray. Surface treatments may only be able to eradicate pictures of infestations present on the surface without getting into deeper colony nests, thus the problem of the termites may continue to exist. Complex application requirements further complicate the process, and robots are essential for doing tasks such as trenching or drilling for barrier treatments in addition to manual installation of the seed.
    2. Safety considerations are still a major concern when using chemical best termite spray products. Most of the chemical termiticides are definitely safe when they are dry but they are, however, during the initial application, they contain toxic chemicals for humans and pets. Environmental impact concerns are such as possible contamination of groundwater and the situation of beneficial insects in the treated areas.

    Quick Tips for Natural Termite Spray Application

    termite-spay-for-wood

    American homeowners can extend the lifespan of their wooden furniture and structures by following proper techniques and timing while applying a termite spray that is suitable for wood.

    Moisture Control

    Controlling the moisture in the house will be the most important step to assure the most efficient termite prevention. The moisture in the house should dealt with before spraying the termites. This can done by fixing leaking roofs, gutter, and pipes. The lower the moisture the less the chance of an infestation.

    Surface Preparation

    The surface has to be clean to be sure that the spraying of the termite is going to penetrate deeper, and also the spraying is going to be more effective. Get rid of dirt or mulch that is in contact directly with wooden structures, and at least keep a six-inch clearance between the ground level and the wood components. This prevents termites from damaging wood through hidden pathways that bypass treated surfaces.

    Application Time

    Generally, the application should also be timed in the best possible way to achieve the best results. The application of treatment must be carried out at dawn or dusk with no rain expected to fall in the next 24 hours, and consequently, the elongation will be optimal. The coverage needs to penetrate into all vulnerable wood surfaces, including those hidden places where the pests mostly enter buildings; therefore, a thorough application is necessary.

    Insepection

    Hence, following an inspection schedule aids in retaining the effectiveness of the termiticide over the course of time. Make it a habit to have termite inspections at least once a year to gain early intervention of the problem before it grows into a large infestation. Recording practices should involve noting the places, dates of applications, and the indications of termite activity in order to follow the changes in the treatment’s efficiency through time.

    Safety

    Safety precautions are useful not only to the applicators but also to citizens in the event of the termite spraying of wood. When administering medications indoors, it is always preferable to wear appropriate personal protective gear and ensure a healthy ventilation system. Besides, let the treated surfaces dry first before being touched by kids or pets.

    Conclusion

    Successful termite spraying protection comes with the knowledge of the different treatment methods, and the choice of the appropriate method so that your case is addressed very well. Chemicals have alternatives such as environment-friendly termite moisturizing sprays such as borate spray. The kind of spray that would be most appropriate when fighting a termite menace is subject to different aspects like the kind of termite, the degree of the infestation, and the impact on the environment.

    Remember, the termite control occasionally requires proficient expertise, particularly in situations where they involve the barrier type of implementations. Whereas DIY termite spray in wood use may be applicable in cases of minor infestation, serious infestation can normally require the attention of professionals to eradicate the full colony.

    To ensure full termite protection package and proper advice on the selection of the ideal termite spray to be applied in your home, pay a visit to Saynopest, your ideal company in American termite control. We have an experienced team that assists homeowners all over the United States to employ efficient, long-term termite protection measures that are locality-specific and adapted to the species of termites.

    Successful termite prevention is based on regular monitoring of the issue, effective application methods, and the use of quality best termite spray products. Purchase quality professional solutions and keep up with your treatment regimes to ensure both the integrity of your home as well as your family economically by resisting such ravaging pests.

  • Termites in House: How to Spot, Prevent, & Handle

    Termites in House: How to Spot, Prevent, & Handle

    In the United States, termites in house present a quiet threat to homeowners who continue to incur destruction worth billions of dollars annually. The realization about the great importance of knowing the signs of termites in house, termite nests in houses, and the ways to prevent the occurrence of these destructive insects can be quite effective in safeguarding your assets. Saynopest is going to help you understand how to get rid of the termite problem and also how to recognize it before it gets out of control and becomes costly.

    Signs of Termites in House

    Signs-of-Termites-in-House

    Recognizing the symptoms of a termite infestation in the home at the earliest stage can save you from a lot of expenses. Watch out for the following indicators:

    1. Mud Tubes: Subterranean termites are tunnel-building insects that create mud tubes on the surface of the ground (foundations, walls, or crawl spaces) to connect their nests to the food sources. These tubes are the air pockets in which termites can breathe while they move through the soil to get to their food.
    2. Hollow-Sounding Wood: The wood surfaces to be knocked on. If the knocking sound is hollow, then wood-eating insects, probably termites, have made the wood inside out while leaving a thin surface.
    3. Buckling or Blistered Floors: The wavy or blistered wood floor may indicate that there is termite undermining the surface.
    4. Frass (Droppings): Drywood termites get rid of these little sand-like droppings (frass) that are close to the wood that is infest by the termites.
    5. Discarded Wings: Termites are known to get rid of their wings after swarming, and those wings are left near windowsills or entry points as a result of the accumulation.
    6. Visible Swarmers: The flying termites indoors indicate that the colony of termites is active inside your house.

    If these signs of termites in house are present, then you really have to act with urgency because procrastination will lead to more harm than you can imagine.

    Termite Nest in House

    A termite nest in house can also be refer to as various things depending on the species of the termite:

    1. Subterranean Termite Nests: These are mostly place underground near the base of the house. Ground termites do not only dwell underground, they also use the mud tubes to their nest and the wood in your house to navigate along. Therefore, when you notice something such as mud-filled cracks, then they are probably along the foundations/lower walls and have not penetrated all the way through.
    2. Drywood Termite Nests: The drywood termites are wood dwellers in the truest sense of the word. If they get you, they will go into your house and eat the wood of the furniture. Their nests is nothing more than complicated tunnels inside the wood, and, commonly, these are always follow by heaps of frass in the immediate vicinity.
    3. Dampwood Termite Nests: These termites are also called dampwood as they are found in wet and rotting wood, e.g., basements or attics. Therefore, these nests may also become places where pulp and frass are left.

    If a termite nest in house is identify, do not try to get rid of it by yourself. Contact the best Pest control company as they know how to deal with them using the best treatment and process.

    Flying Termites in House: Why and When They Appear

    The flying termites in house, known as wings or barbs, are the reproductive caste that are looking for a new colony establishment. The fact that you see these termites around and in your house means they have an ongoing area there.

    Reasons why flying termites get into the houses?

    • They are light-loving creatures, so they hardly resist the temptation of a well-lit room and thus trickle in by open windows and doors.
    • They are often understood as beings seeking to procreate and as places to find adequate conditions for the birth of new colonies. In their explorations, they may become their own downfall if, in their search, they find it easy to penetrate the cracks and holes in the construction of your house.

    The time of the appearance of flying termites.

    • The amount of rain and high temperature, and humidity are mostly important since this is when the subterranean termites start swarming during the spring and the beginning of the summer season.
    • The drywood and certain ground types tend to swarm at the end of the summer period or during fall times, according to the local weather conditions.
    termites-infestation

    Spotting flying termites in house is a warning sign—addressing the issue promptly to prevent a new infestation.

    How to Prevent Termites from Entering Your Home: Quick Steps

    Termites in house can avoided if you are alert and take measures in advance:

    1. Sealing Cracks and Openings: One should also ensure that there is no diversion in the house. Patch any of the holes in your foundation, walls or around penetrations of plumbing.
    2. Dry: A termite cannot feel good living in a very dry place. Termites like wet locations. Restore leaks, install proper drainage and make sure that gutters and downspouts are free of obstruction so that water does not run towards your foundation.
    3. Maintain Ventilation: Ventilation in the crawl space as well as the attic have to enhanced so as to reduce the level of humidity at these locations.
    4. Remove Wood-to-Ground Contact: Never put wood for fire, lumber, or mulch against your house side directly. Use pea gravel or hardscape materials around the foundation.
    5. Regular Inspections: It is a good idea to have a professional check for any signs of termites once a year.
    6. Fix Roof and Gutter Leaks: Feasibility of moisture buildup which is the major moisture attracting factor can avoided by immediate repair of roof and gutter leaks.

    By adhering to these measures, you can considerably reduce the probability of having termites in house and keep your property safe.

    Conclusion

    Damage done to your house by termites is a very serious issue and thus you must treat it on an emergency basis. By searching for indications of termites in your house, getting familiar with the termite nest in your house, and tracing when the flying termites in your house appear for what reason, you will, thus, be on time to prevent the menace from causing deep harm. The best way to defend yourself against them is to prevent their infestation first; seal entrances, minimize moisture supply and make regular inspections. To get some specialist assistance and read more read saynopest and protect your home against termites now.

  • Are House Centipedes Dangerous? The Truth Them

    Are House Centipedes Dangerous? The Truth Them

    When you see a fast-moving bug-like insect with many legs moving around the floor of your bathroom, you might ask yourself this question: Are house centipedes dangerous? The straightforward answer is the fact that the house centipedes pose very little danger to humanity, yet once seen, they provoke the use of panic in the house owners.

    What Are House Centipedes?

    House Centipedes are domestic arthropods of strange shape and color which contributes to easy identification.They are creatures with bodies of grayish-yellow color that have three dark stripes running along the back. A grown-up house centipede is about 1-1.5 inches long, but due to their legs, they look bigger than that, with an overall length 3-4 inches.

    house-centipede

    Moreover, these creatures are experts at having 15 pairs of very long and thin legs, and the last pair of legs is almost twice the length of their bodies. Their legs are strip with light and dark colors, and they have long antennae, which are often longer than their body. The largest implication of the house centipede insects is that they are extremely fast. They can run extremely quick on their floors, walls and even the roof in case they are irritat.

    Are House Centipedes Dangerous to Humans?

    The issue of are house centipedes dangerous or not is answer by the question of are house centipedes dangerous? Most people have an addresser. The centipedes of the house are not found in the list of dangerous animals to humans and pets. These are venomous animals although what they have is used against their prey not tough enough to harm larger animals like people.

    Scutigera coleoptrata are technically venomous, however, they should not be feared at all by human beings since they tend to flee on sight of the human being and they never bite.In case a centipede bites a person, it is mostly as a result that the centipede felt that it was in danger or was handled by mistake. The bite is more comparable to a quick pinch, provided by their modified front legs, called forcipules.

    The main threat that house centipedes can cause is that they have the potential to scare someone so much that the person may lose balance and fall if the encounter is not expected. The creatures’ quick dashes and their strange looking might make people get frightened, however, this is only a reaction of the mind and not of the body.

    House Centipedes Bite: What to Expect

    House centipedes bite are usually the mildest cases that can be easily taken care of by a person. The bite of a house centipede is, accordingly to the dual forcipules of their nature, so two small punctures made. The bite may cause:

    • At once stinging or burning sensation in the place of the bite
    • Redness and swelling at the bite site
    • Mild itchiness or burning feeling
    • Loss of sensation or pins and needles in the affected area
    • Small bleeding from puncture marks

    Most of the symptoms, which are the consequences of a house centipede bite, do not require medication and fade throughout between several hours to 48 hours. It is said that the pain of getting this sting is comparable to the one received with a bee sting, and also the pain is not severe enough that it needs a doctor to administer medication.

    Being allergic to the poison, which is the outcome of a centipede bite, is possible only to some people, and this may result in the existence of an allergy. The symptoms of severe allergic reactions, such as Epidermal Lung, include some parts that include difficulty in breathing, tachycardia, and swelling of the throat. In case the above symptoms come up after the house centipede bite, get emergency help immediately.

    Signs of House Centipedes and How to Treat Bites

    Identifying House Centipede Presence

    What will make you sure that the house centipedes have invaded your house is if you see them. They are nocturnal insects that hide during the day and are most active at night. They are spot in the following places:

    • Basements
    • Bathroom and kitchen
    • Closets
    • Behind baseboards and in wall cracks

    Other signs include an increase in their prey populations; therefore, house centipedes are the ones that consume insects like silverfish, cockroaches, spiders, and moths. The presence of these creatures is the result of the pest problem that exists at the place and is the reason for their being.

    House-Centipede-Bites

    Treating House Centipede Bites

    In case of a centipede bite, carry out the following steps to treat that:

    Immediate Care:

    • Wash the bitten place copiously with soap and water
    • Wrap ice in cloth and use it for 10 minutes in intervals
    • Do not apply alcohol on the wound

    Pain Management:

    • Use painkillers and antihistamines recommended by your doctor
    • Honey is an anti-inflammatory agent, therefore, its application is recommend
    • Put aloe vera gel on the itch area so it will be less swollen and get cool relief
    • Mix water with baking soda and create alkaline relief paste

    Natural Remedies:

    • Apply the mix of turmeric and rose water for 10 minutes
    • Tea tree oil or lavender oil are good for healing
    • Paste of fresh tulsi leaf can used for natural anti-inflammatory

    When to Seek Medical Attention:

    If you feel unendurably severe pain that medications do not relieve, local infection symptoms (pus, increased redness, warmth), or any symptoms of allergic reaction appear, immediately get in touch with your doctor.

    Prevention and Management

    Nonetheless, centipedes are the good guys as they eat other pests that can be harmful to your home and hence are a natural pest control option. Numerous homeowners are, however, of the opinion that it is better to have fewer. Particularly:

    • Use dehumidifiers to reduce moisture
    • Get rid of cracks and entry points by sealing them up around windows and doors
    • Place sticky traps in dark corners and along baseboards
    • Remove moisture sources and fix leaks
    • Frequent vacuuming to get rid of centipedes as well as the insects they feed on

    Safe repellents such as peppermint oil, tea tree oil and diatomaceous earth will give a hand in keeping house centipedes off without the use of toxic substances.

    Conclusion

    The knowledge of what the reality is about house centipedes can make your worries less serious. Although the question of whether or not a house centipede is dangerous may come to mind when you have to deal with these eight-legged visitors, the facts remain that they are not that harmful to human health. The bite of a house centipede is uncommon, and it is usually characterize by insignificant effects that can managed easily and quite easily at home.

    Instead of thinking house centipedes are dangerous pests, think of them as small animals that are good controllers of pests introduce by Mother Nature in your house that cause you greater problems. But in cases where their presence is not comfortable to you, there are easy warm prevention measures that would bring down the number of their presence without the use of dangerous chemicals.
    If you want to say goodbye to your house centipedes or are trying to deal with the root pest problems that are drawing them, then you can contact professional pest control services. Say No Pest realizes the need to have a comfortable house that is free of pests without compromising the ecological role that these creatures perform in nesting some other pests in the house.

    Note that the best way to deal with pest-related anxiety is to be well informed. Knowing all about the house centipedes and the minimum danger they present, you get to act accordingly to seeing them and draw the necessary conclusions about further pest control back home.

  • Cranberry Spiders: The Silent Guardians of America’s

    Cranberry Spiders: The Silent Guardians of America’s

    While you may enjoying the tart cranberry sauce at your Thanks giving dinner, most probably you do not even realize the tiny eight-leg heroes that are involved in the process of protecting your favorite fruit without any effort. Cranberry spiders play a very important role in the feeding of cranberry crops all over America by acting as nature’s pest control system in the cranberry bogs from Massachusetts to Oregon.

    Cranberry spiders are not just the very small and creepy creatures that are always there in the wetlands, but they are the most important partners in sustainable agriculture. Such very efficient arachnids have changed to fit perfectly with the bog environment, where they hunt the harmful insects that can be very dangerous to the cranberry harvest. Getting to know these interesting creatures makes us understand how complex the ecosystem that provides us with cranberries is.

    cranberry-spiders

    Top 5 Interesting Facts About Cranberry Field Spiders

    Master Survivors During Harvest Season

    Cranberry field spiders demonstrate great survival techniques when water floods to collect the cranberry bogs. They can avoid getting wet by using the surface tension of water due to these hairs. Note: The bodies of spiders are cover by tiny hairs as call setae, which keep them dry and permit them to step onto water. Thus, when walking through the flooded bogs, the spiders tend to make their way onto the bodies of human beings and thus have a different route (rather than water) to travel and have a strange alliance with human harvesters and spider survivors.

    Natural Pesticide Alternatives

    Spiders in the cranberries consume a total of 2000 insects in a year, which makes them super-efficient biotic pest controllers. Their main course consists of cranberry fruitworms, aphids, leafhoppers, beetles, and other harmful insects that destroy crops. Such predation by nature thus ensures the reduction in the use of chemical pesticides, which gives support to the organic farming practice.

    Specialized Bog Hunters

    Most of the cranberry field spiders are not the web-spinning type but are instead the ones who actively hunt their prey, that they chase begging the bog surface. Besides that, their light bodies allow them to glide swiftly on both the water and the dry sandy soil of the cranberry bogs – a peculiar feat unmatched by other terrestrial predators.

    Penny-Sized Protectors

    Upon closer inspection of cranberry spiders, you will find them to be very tiny; usually, they are the size of a penny. As a result of their presence, pest control is successfully and ecologically done, and bogs are the perfect example of this.

    Multi-Generational Bog Residents

    A population of Massachusetts cranberry field spiders has become the most permanent of all the residents of North American cranberry bogs. They especially do very well in the acid soils of the northern United States and Canada. For instance, one of the species, namely wolf spiders, not only carry their young on their backs but also are their next generation of protectors of cranberry crops.

    What Are Cranberry Field Wolf Spiders?

    Cranberry field spiders are equally comprise of wolf spiders (Family Lycosidae) that are the most prevalent type of arachnid in the cranberry bogs. They are powerful hunters that sit between 0.4 and 1.4 inches in shade and said to have good eyesight and strong legs.

    Cranberry field Wolf spiders got their name from the fact that they hunt in the same way wolves do – they sneak up and chase prey without making webs. These cranberry spiders live on the ground and are brown or gray, which makes them fit perfectly into bog environments. Their eight eyes are arranged in three rows, with two big ones located front and center so they get the best vision while hunting.

    Mature female wolf spiders are normally larger than males, and they take care of their egg sacs by tying them to their spinnerets until the eggs hatch. After the hatch, the spiderlings cling to their mother’s back for protection – this is a very common sight in cranberry bogs during breeding seasons.

    cranberry-field-wolf-spider

    Get Rid of Spiders: Quick Control Tips

    Though cranberry field spiders are good guys in agricultural settings, homeowners might desire to have a spider population under their control indoors. To get rid of spider, follow these rules:

    1. Essential Oil Repellents: Put some peppermint, lavender or tea tree oil in a spray bottle of water. Apply in and around entry points and corners.
    2. Be Clean: Cleaning by vacuum regularly and de-cluttering would help to remove hiding places and food attraction, which would attract the spiders and their prey.
    3. Seal Entry Points: Fill gaps around the windows, doors, and cracks on the foundation blocks that are entry points for the spiders using caulking.
    4. Plants: Plants that can be used as natural repellents are lavender, mint, eucalyptus, and citronella, as these plants will not only keep the spiders away but also keep other insect species at bay.
    5. Salt Solution Spray: Saltwater spray is a natural spider repellent that is effective on spiders. Mix four tablespoons of plain salt with one cup of water, and spray it on the spiders will kill them because the salt will dehydrate them.
    6. Remove Outdoor Attractants: Reduce the number of outdoor lights where it is not needed, and keep the garden clean to prevent the overgrowth of insect populations, which will consequently prevent the attraction of spiders.

    Conclusion

    The cranberry field spider is the most typical picture of how nature’s balanced ecosystem functions. These incredible arachnids are not only the life-savers of the American cranberry harvest, but they also demonstrate their abilities to adapt perfectly to the wetland environment. Besides their amazing and efficient survival tactics during the flood and their pest control services, cranberry spiders are the ones that show that the food production system can not do without the participation of even the tiniest creatures.

    Recognizing and valuing these bog-dwelling predators, we realize the significance of sustainable agricultural methods, which are in harmony with nature and not against it. Next time if you take cranberry products, do not forget about those tiny guardians that are laboring invisibly behind the scenes to make your meal possible.

    Need a pest control service that is effective, environmentally friendly, and able to maintain the natural balance of the ecosystem in the case of a beneficial species like cranberry field spiders? Then go for environmentally conscious pest management services provided by SayNoPest, which are experts at giving you green pest management services.

  • Pantry Moths: A Complete Guide for American Homeowners

    Pantry Moths: A Complete Guide for American Homeowners

    Pantry moths are one of the commonest and most annoying household pests that American families can find in their kitchens. These small and tiresome bugs can easily and rapidly turn a well-stocked pantry into a disaster for themselves. They will not only contaminate the food but will also make an unwelcome mess in it. Learning the nature of these pests is the most important thing to be able to prevent and control them during the whole process of solving the problem, which makes the present guide an indispensable aid to every homeowner who is dealing with the problem of pantry moths.

    What are Pantry Moths?

    Pantry moths are little creatures that love grain and thus only dry food they can find in the kitchen and the pantry. They are a night kind of animals and, besides that, they are not one but many species that are quite similar and have a similar kind of food and thus feeding habits. The common types of pantry moths that are found in an American household are the Indian Meal Moth, Mediterranean Flour Moth, and Angoumois Grain Moth.

    pantry-moths-life-cycle

    The insects called pantry moths that are in their adult stage are very small. The most recognizable by people, the Indian Meal Moth, looks like it has a pair of bronze-colored wings, but if you look closely, two colors can be seen – the one which is next to the head of the moth is grayish-white, and the far end is the reddish-brown copper color. Unlike butterflies, these moths are quite small and have a weak flying ability, so they tend to rest with their wings folded, and when they are disturbed, they show the flight pattern which is very characteristic of them – they fly in a zigzag maneuver.

    Pantry moths have launched an attack on stored food products that are of an extensive variety, such as cereals, grains, flour, beans, nuts, dried fruits, spices, chocolate, pet food, birdseed, and even packaging materials. These pests are quite troublesome, mainly because they tend to invade food packaging – their larvae can make holes in plastic bags, thin cardboard, and even in some sealed containers to get at the food. The harm caused by pantry moths has gone far beyond food consumption, only because they have now become a nuisance in several products due to their droppings, shed skins, silk webbing, and body parts that have led to the whole food supplies being rendered unusable.

    Pantry Moth Larvae: The Real Culprits

    The most life-threatening phase of the pantry moth life cycle is the larval stage. The pantry moth larvae are tiny, worm-like creatures, usually off-white with brown heads, that can reach a length of 1.7 cm. Once they hatch from eggs laid directly on food, these little ones become ravenous and consume whatever is at hand – flour, grains, nuts, and more.

    During their eating, pantry moth larvae give off frass (waste) and the silky webbing, which acts as a glue for the particles of the food, thus indicating a very big infestation along with the smell of them. Not only will their presence will destroy the food, but also their rapid spread, as they can chew not only cardboard, but also thin plastic to get to new food sources, will cause the spreading of the infestation.

    The larva stage of their development may continue from a minimum of 2-3 weeks, if the temperature is high, to even a few months, if the environment is cold and the food is insufficient. It is this time that they do the most contamination and, therefore, they are the main cause of food being thrown away.

    Pantry Moth Life Cycle

    Understanding the pantry moth lifecycle is very important to remove them outside your house because you never know which corner they are building their family in. They go through a complete process of four stages.

    1. Egg Stage: One female Pantry Moth can give a maximum of four hundred eggs, directly or near a food source. These eggs are so small that they look like a white, grey haze.
    2. Larval Stage: This is the most damaging phase. The pantry moth larvae consume food for up to 3 weeks (sometimes even longer) and thus spread the pollution everywhere they go.
    3. Pupal Stage: When the larvae have eaten enough, they move away from the food and spin their cocoons in the cracks, corners, or even under the food packaging. The pupa period is the time when the insect changes inside the cocoon from being a larva into an adult moth, which lasts about 15-20 days.
    4. Adult Stage: Adult Pantry Moths come out mainly to mate and lay eggs, their life span being about 1-2 weeks. They don’t eat during this period; the only thing they do is reproduce.

    The entire pantry moth life cycle may last from 30 to 300 days, depending on the environmental conditions. This will then allow the population to grow rapidly if it is not under the control of humans.

    How-to-Get-Rid-of-Pantry-Moths

    How to Get Rid of Pantry Moths

    If you understand that we’re having a problem with an infestation of these pests, here’s a quick guide on the way to how to get rid of pantry moths:

    • Check every container or item in your pantry for the presence of moths, larvae, webs, or anything sticking together.
    • Throw away all the infest food as soon as possible and ensure that they are zip in bags before throwing them away.
    • Washing shelves and corners of the pantry, plus containers with hot soapy water or a vinegar solution, is to done.
    • All your dry goods should be store in glass, plastic, or metal after being well clean in air-tight containers. This will guard against re-infestation of your pantry.
    • You will also be able to break the cycle of breeding by applying the pheromone traps to trap the adult moths.
    • Start checking your pantry more often and rotating the food; this way, you will notice a problem quite early.
    • Seal any cracks or entry points in your pantry, so they will not attract new moths.

    Conclusion

    Pantry Moths are continually annoying for American households; however, this issue is not unsolvable. Once you get a clear understanding of the pantry moth life cycle as well as their destructive behavior of the pantry moth larvae, you will be able to protect not only your food but also your family. Implementing the correct pollution and prevention measures will become a guarantee that your pantry will be free of pests and food will be safe for use.
    For more experts’ tips and tricks on how to find effective solutions to get rid of pantry moths, head to SayNoPest, your most reliable source of pest control across the United States.

  • Termite Swarm:Fascinating World Of Termites

    Termite Swarm:Fascinating World Of Termites

    It could have happened that you noticed your windows or porch lights surrounded by a sudden cloud of insects and then found out that it was a swarm of termites. Although the idea of a flying termite swarm can be very scary, knowing about the behavior of the flying insect swarm is pivotal if you want to protect your house and become a smart consumer in the market of pest control.

    This piece of writing concentrates on the parts of the whole story of the insect pests which include the questions such as the time when the insects of the species of termites go in swarms, the typical season of the swarming of the insects, how long the swarm will be there, whether it is a good or bad sign if we see the insects flying in a group inside our house, and the info on the species of the termites called “Dampwood Termite Swarmers” that are the members of a reunion.

    What Is a Termite Swarm?

    A termite swarm is the consequence of the typical life cycle of the species of termites. If a colony is fully grown and the environmental conditions are perfect, then the wing reproductive termites take flight in large numbers. Such a flight of the flying insects is nature’s physiological way of allowing the termites to impregnate and create new families. The words “alates” and “swarmers” are often use interchangeably to describe flying reproductive termites. While the primary role of local workers and soldiers is to maintain the present colony, the role of reproductive swarmers is to disperse and thus continuously supply the population with new colonies.

    termite-swarm

    When Do Termites Swarm?

    One of the most basic issues the homeowners consider is when do termites swarm. Of course, the answer lies in the species of the termite and in the region where you live. Major termite swarm incidents in the U.S.A. are observe during spring or early summer, especially after a rainfall when the air is humid and the ground is moist. Subterranean termites, which are the most destructive ones, normally swarm during the day in spring. Drywood termites usually prefer the late summer or early fall period for their nocturnal swarming activities. Dampwood Termite Swarmers are typically active during the summer.

    Understanding the Termite Swarming Season

    The termite swarming season is a time when these insects have the chance to double their numbers. The termite swarming season in the US starts from February to June, with some alterations according to local climate and the presence of different termite species. Subterranean termites generate the vast majority of infestations and are mostly active during this time. On the other hand, Dampwood Termite Swarmers will be more frequent in the summertime, particularly in places with high humidity.

    How Long Do Termites Swarm?

    If you see a swarm of flying termites, the first thing that may come to your mind is how long the swarm will last. It is not a long time. A normal termite swarm is only 30 to 40 minutes; in some cases, it can be up to an hour. Nevertheless, the act is short, but the process of swarming can performed a few times during the termite swarming season because the quotas of the reproductive species are release in waves for mating and picking up new places. The duration of the event is still short, but it is very crucial for termite reproduction, and the real danger lies in the potential of these reproductive swarmers that can make new colonies inside or outside your home.

    Termites Swarming Inside House: What Does It Mean?

    The sighting of termites flying in your house can compared to raising a red flag. Out of door swarms may only a signal of the presence of the colonies next door; however, the presence of an indoor swarm is an indication that the mature queen is there, the colony has very big population, the whole infrastructure of the nest is already built, and is continually developing inside the home’s structure. These swarmers are attract to light; therefore, you are most likely to find them around windows or light fixtures. In case you find wings of insects or dead insects indoors in clusters, it is imperative to call a pest control professional without any delay. Structural damage that may happen due to this situation can be very costly to fix in case the problem is ignore for some time.

    Spotlight on Dampwood Termite Swarmers

    Dampwood-Termite-Swarmers

    Dampwood Termite Swarmers: This species of insect is very interesting because its larvae enjoy wet decaying wood. They do not invade houses as readily as do underground or drywood termites; however, they can also prove very devastating, particularly in those locations where the wood is always wet, caused by leakage or drainage problems. The swarmers in this species are larger than compared in other species of termites, and they swarm during summer. If you live in the Pacific Coastal States or you have wood that is in ground contact, you are well advise to extra careful and seek out such moisture-loving pests.

    Conclusion: Protect Your Home with SayNoPest

    A termite swarm is, unfortunately, more than just an irritating little thing—it actually can be the indicator that your property has a hidden problem. Learning to recognize the signs of a flying termite swarm, deciding when termites swarm, and knowing the rules of termite swarming season may provide you with an opportunity to react in due time. If it occurs to you to see the presence of next to no termites swarming inside your house or you are sure that there are some Dampwood Termite Swarmers, call the pest control experts as soon as possible.

    Professional help combined with early detection provides the opportunity to keep away exhaustive damage caused by termites.
    We at SayNoPest are devote to supporting American homeowners in being informe and protect. Contact me today in case of any professional guidance or examination. You can lose your sleep over a termite swarm, but with SayNoPest to protect your dwelling through the year, that is not going to happen.

  • Japanese Beetle Life Cycle: Understanding, Identifying & Managing

    Japanese Beetle Life Cycle: Understanding, Identifying & Managing

    The beetle known as a Japanese beetle is one of the most interesting life-cycle mealworms, yet at the same time, it is a very damaging process, and also, it is something that every American homeowner and gardener should be well informed about. Such metallic green and bronze beetles are taking nature by storm across the whole of the U.S.A. because of the feeding that is far beyond their simple need. To save you from an infestation of the pest, SayNoPest is on a mission to give you real and practical information about the Japanese beetle life cycle and teach you the methods of how to get rid of carpet beetle by using effective ways.

    Japanese Beetle Life Cycle: Four Key Stages

    Japanese-Beetle-Life-Cycle

    Japanese Beetle life cycle has four important stages, those are: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. This cycling lifestyle that has been complet ensures their continuity and makes them a continuous nuisance.

    Egg Stage

    Since the female Japanese beetles lay their eggs after a feeding and post-mating session, they usually select a location in the soil 2 to 4 inches deep and moist with a high level of moisture in the soil to lay their eggs, then they fly back. A female may lay up to 60 eggs that have to deposited at various locations so that they are not hatch at the same spot. The eggs are small and oval-like and have a light yellow color with a smooth surface. The development period of the eggs is 14 days.

    Larval Stage (Grubs)

    The eggs have spawned, which are C-shaped, small, and white in color, with their heads of yellowish-brown color, thus neonates of Japanese beetle larvae. The larvae rapidly consume the grass roots that are located near the soil surface, and make brown, spongy loopholes in the lawns. By the time they develop, they have already gone through the process of molting three times (instars) and are approximately 1 inch long (figure below). In the season of fall, the larvae dig deep to survive the cold and come back to the surface to resume feeding in spring.

    Pupal Stage

    Following feeding in spring, the caterpillars go through the pupal stage during which they change inside the earth. This stage of non-feeding duration is approximately two weeks; after that, the adult beetles come out.

    Adult Stage

    Late spring to early summer, the adult Japanese beetle leaves the ground, and its life cycle is 30 to 45 days. These move about in parties and devour leaves, flowers, and fruit incessantly. The leaves, as a result of this feeding, end up with a skeleton appearance, and in case this persists, it must curbed since it can cause problems to the plants. Adults further release pheromones which amplify the attraction of more beetles, thus exponentially increasing infestations.

    Japanese Beetle Larvae: The Hidden Destroyers

    Japanese beetle larvae are the most damaging stage for lawns. These C-shaped grubs consume the roots of the grass, which results in brown patches where the animals, such as skunks and birds, become more active, as they dig for the grubs. The easiest way to watch this is after you have observed that the turf lifts easily or looks like it is dead in patches; it is therefore a very clear sign of a grub infestation in the lawn.

    Japanese Beetle Traps: Myths and Best Practices

    Homeowners greatly resort to using Japanese beetle traps to get rid of the adult beetles. The best traps use pheromones to attract the beetles that are already there, and not the ones that come from several miles away. However, it is of utmost importance where the traps will be placed—do not set the traps too close to the plants you like the most, because you might end up attracting the beetles there instead of the traps. Besides, when the traps are set properly, they pose less danger to the environment and do not result in the killing of non-targeted pest insects, but rather, only the target pest insects.

    Do Japanese Beetles Bite?

    The most common question that comes is Do Japanese beetles bite humans. The answer to this question is very comforting: Japanese beetles do not bite people. Their jaws are intend for plant material, not for skin. In case a situation like this arises, very rarely, if a beetle gets the impression that it is in danger, it might give a quick defensive pinch, which is very weak and sometimes it does not feel.

    how-to-get-rid-of-japanese-beetle

    Signs of Japanese Beetle Infestation and How to Get Rid of Japanese Beetle

    In order to control an infestation effectively, identifying it early is important. Observe for these signs:

    • Skeletonized, lacy leaves on plants and trees
    • Groups of adult beetles eating collectively, soft areas in lawns that can removed without effortMore frequent sightings of animals digging in your garden
    • Groups of adult beetles eating collectively
    • Brown, soft areas in lawns that can be removed without effort
    • More frequent sightings of animals digging in your garden

    How to get rid of japanese beetle include various methods:

    • Hand-picking and Soapy Water: Kill them by putting the rack in the container with soapy water.
    • Soapy Spray: Spray plants that need protection with a solution of mild dish soap (although it may be harmful to beneficial insects).
    • Companion Planting: Grow garlic, marigolds, or catnip that are the natural enemies of beetles.
    • Milky Spore Treatment: Fill the lawn with milky spore during late summer or fall for the grub stage of the beetle’s life cycle. This method reduces future populations by continuously killing the larvae.
    • Proper Trap Placement: Place your Japanese beetle traps in spots that are far away from the plants that you want to protect.

    Conclusion

    The Japanese beetle life cycle has been a never-ending and very destructive force for the American gardens and lawns that it attacks. Understanding each phase from eggs to Japanese beetle larvae to adults is the key to finding the signs of the problem at the early stage and taking proper steps accordingly. Using traps, natural repellents, or biological controls, all those methods how to get rid of japanese beetle are the most important for the security of your landscape.
    Get in touch with SayNoPest to keep yourself updated on the new pest control issues and the best solutions.

  • Do Carpet Beetles Bite? Separating Fact from Fiction

    Do Carpet Beetles Bite? Separating Fact from Fiction

    If you have found some insects in your home that are small and oval in shape, and if you have got a skin rash of unknown origin, you might be searching for an answer to the question: Do carpet beetles bite? This is a very typical question ask by people from the USA who are concerned about the safety and comfort of their families. Our experts at SaynoPest will guarantee to deliver quality and precise information to you and also help you to rid your house of the robbers.

    Do Carpet Beetles Bite Humans?

    Many people ask this question: do carpet beetles bite, and in response its answer is no. Bed bugs or mosquitoes possess mouthparts with which they can pierce the skin of their victim; however, adult carpet beetles lack these mouthparts. The adult beetles, on the other hand, feed on pollen and nectar when they are outdoors, and all that interests the beetles is not to bite human beings or animals. Most of the time, the misunderstanding results from the larvae and not the adult.

    do-carpet-beetle-bite

    The notion of carpet beetle bites is completely wrong. To be more precise, those people who make a statement that “carpet beetle bites” are allergic reactions of the people to the minuscule and very bristly hairs of carpet beetle larvae. In case the hairs get into contact with your skin, they will irritate your skin and make it red and itchy—such signs imitate insect bites, but they are not the cause of an actual bite.

    Signs of Carpet Beetle Bites (Allergic Reactions)

    If that is the case and the symptoms of your skin resemble those after a carpet beetle bite, then you should check if you are infect by those signs:

    • Red spots on the skin with itching and a burning sensation can quickly confused with insect bites.
    • A rash after touching a fabric that has been attack by pests, mainly made of wool, silk, or fur.
    • An itching sensation, burning feelings, or hives occurrence. Additionally, it may happen that there will no harm caused to the skin, only the eyes will be watery, the nose will be running because of the allergy, etc.

    These infestations are called “carpet beetle dermatitis” and are due to the body’s immune system attacking the larvae’s bristly hairs or the skins that they have left behind. Some individuals are not affect by these hairs at all; hence, the condition may manifest differently from one household to another.

    Are Carpet Beetle Bites Harmful?

    Even though carpet beetle bites are not real bites, allergic reactions can be quite irritating. These reactions are not very dangerous and disappear after the irritant—the larvae and their hair—are remove from the house. Only in exceptional cases, if exposure is prolong, some symptoms may persist.

    Additionally, the real downside comes from the larvae of carpet beetles that, apart from skin irritation, damage household objects. Their diet consists of natural fiber materials such as wool, silk, leather, or even pet hair, which they use for eating, as a result of which carpets, clothes, and upholstery become full of holes and bald spots. If this is not controlled, it may cause expensive repairs or even the need to buy new things.

    How to Identify and Prevent Carpet Beetle Problems

    Check out the signs of infestation like these and keep your home safe.

    • Damage to fabrics, especially in concentrated areas
    • Shed larval skins that look like tiny, dry shells
    • Small, black, or brown fecal pellets near infested materials
    • Larva attachment to clothes, closets, furniture, carpets, etc. (small, hairy, brownish worms)

    The possible causes that should be targeted in order to prevent the beetles to infest the house are the frequency of cleaning and vacuuming, the manner in which clothes and other textiles are stored, which involves cleaning them with hot water and then storing them in airtight containers. You can turn to pest control specialists in case there is a problematic situation that you find hard to address.

    Conclusion

    Do carpet beetles bite? It is no, because carpet beetles have no bites, it is an allergic reaction to the larva hairs. Although such reactions can be unpleasant, they are not necessarily bad for your health. The bigger threat the carpet beetles pose is the damage they can cause to the fabrics and furnishings of your household. In case you have the symptoms of an infestation or have unusual irritation of the skin, do not hesitate to contact Saynopest and get the help of the professionals, and get your mental rest back.

    Keep in mind, after all, there is a carpet beetle harmful question. The answer is yes, and not quite in a manner you might expect. They are not bitey, but can cause damage to your property as well as cause an allergic reaction.

  • Termite Infestation: The Silent Destroyer

    Termite Infestation: The Silent Destroyer

    There are few dangers of having a termite infestation in your home that are so insidious and worrisome as they can easily be. These small insects live secretly hiding behind walls, underneath floors, and within wooden structures and in most cases they may end up costing homeowners thousands of dollars and they are hardly noticeable when homeowners are still experiencing problems. Every property owner in the United States should learn about the symptoms of invasion of termites and ways to deal with infestations.

    What Is a Termite Infestation?

    A termite infestation is the presence of a termite colony which has found and colonized a building, usually a residential one. Termites are a very different category from other pests that can deceive a human quite easily and are notorious for their secretive behavior. Here they mostly consume cellulose that is found in wood, paper, and cardboard. In nature, these insects are the ecological waste management crew, however, when they come to our homes, they take a very short time to run out of nature’s charity and become a menace to the homeowner’s.

    what-is-a-termite-infestation

    Termite damage is on an epic scale. Approximately 600,000 homes in the U.S. are damage by termites each year, and the average cost to prevent and repair these damages is five billion dollars. The stealthy nature of termites is that they are almost undetectable and can stay in your home feeding for quite a long time while extending their hideout and their feeding area significantly without being notice.

    Signs of Termites: Early Detection Saves Thousands

    Early detection of termite activity can be the difference between some repairs and serious structural damage. These are the critical warning signs that each homeowner ought to look out for:

    Termite Swarmers and Discarded Wings

    One of the most obvious signs of termites is when you see winge ones, which is call swarmers or alates. Reproductive termites come out of mature colonies during certain seasons, usually in spring after the last winter freeze when the temperature gets to the low 70s range. Swarmers have been spot most times after a light rain and thus they generally come out in the early afternoon.

    After the flight, these termites become wingless, and the discarde wings can found in the vicinity of windowsills, doors, and other entry points. They also feature very much the same shape and size as a fish scale and constitute the very first obvious signs of termite activity. The presence of swarmers in your house is not only a definite indication of a termite infestation but also is a call for immediate professional intervention.

    Mud Tubes: Termite Highways

    Subterranean termites make mud tubes along foundations, walls, and other surfaces to move from their underground colonies to the locations where they get their food. These tunnels are construct by termites with the help of soil, wooden pieces, and their saliva through which termites make pencil-sized tunnels. The most sure-fire evidence of termites is the mud tube and it also marks a living, healthy infestation.

    Although the mud tubes may appear dry or abandoned, they do not represent evidence that termite activity does not take place. Apart from that, it is quite probable that termites will make new tunnels out of old ones or use the old ones. Upon noticing mud tubes around your home’s foundation, in crawl spaces, or along the wooden structures, reach out to a pest control professional immediately.

    Hollow-Sounding Wood

    If the termites happen to be the ones who dismantle the wood, they will go through the wood to consume it from the inside, thus the outer surface may still be intact, but there will be hollow cavities inside. The wood will carry a particular hollow sound if you hit i,t which is the same effect cause by the issue of the wood that has eaten by termites. Professional inspectors usually perform this “sounding” method as part of their process of locating hidden termite damage.

    The wood that sounds hollow can be the one in the floors, walls, baseboards, and other wooden structures. This sign most probably indicates a termite infestation that has deepened into the place; thus, it takes some time for termites to produce significant internal damage.

    Termite Frass (Droppings)

    Drywood termites have a very strange way of communicating, writing, and giving. Because of this, they produce one-of-a-kind droppings called frass. Frass is uniform-sized, six-sided pellets. These tiny oval-shape pellets are about 0.04 inches in length and are color due to the wood that was eaten. The frass is similar to sawdust, coffee grounds, or little piles of black pepper in appearance.

    Besides being seen in the air, dust can also settle in certain places. Dust can fall on the floor, kitchen counter, or in places where there is furniture or wood, and it can be very noticeable, as in some places the dust piled up. Dust can be a sign of termite activity. The fact that frass is available means that the termites are their food and thus are their waste.

    Structural Changes and Damage

    Termites might have caused structural changes in your house.

    • Floors that are warpe or have blisters: Termites that live underground can damage subflooring, thus resulting in the floor surfaces being change visually
    • Drooping floors or ceilings: A situation that has gone too far with a group of termites may result in loss of structural integrity to the house
    • Noisy floors: Floor supports become weaker due to the damage of termites, thus they become more sensitive to movement, which results in increased squeaking
    • Paint that is bubbling or coming off: The paint can blister and bubble due to moisture that is create by the activities of termites, thus it looks like water damage
    When Termites Are Most Active

    When Termites Are Most Active

    Knowing termite patterns of activity will help homeowners plan their antitermite strategy accordingly. Although the termites are always active throughout the year, their work/species energizing is more customized to certain seasons.

    The time for swarming of the insects in spring is most of the time the period when the activity of termites is most pronounced and becomes most obvious to the homeowners. The winged reproductive termites usually come out after the last winter freeze when the temperature is consistently in the low to mid-70s range. In the places that are warmer, such as Florida and Georgia, the start of the swarming can be as early as February.

    Peak activity of most of the species of termites occurs during the summer period, which is due to the hot weather and the availability of food being increase. The times in the summer when the homeowners are busy with their construction or landscaping projects, it will be easy for the termites to find new food sources.

    As it gets colder during the fall, some species of termites decide to move to other places in search of a better environment, which is called a migration period, and therefore this period can convert the new areas, which were previously affect by the pests, into places where they infest.

    The Importance of Professional Inspection

    If the professional termite inspection is done, only then can accurate identification and assessment of the situation of the infestation of termites achieve. A professional inspector will look at the whole house, both the interior and the outside places where there might be signs of termites such as mud tubes, wood that is damaged, and places that are suitable for them to live in.

    The inspectors employ special instruments, which include moisture meters, infrared cameras, and probing tools, to reach out to hidden places and thus uncover termite activities that are not easily visible to them. They further go on to identify those places that can easily infested in the future due to some conditions, such as the presence of moisture or areas where wood and soil are in contact.

    Don’t Wait: Take Action Today

    A termite infestation certainly is not going away by itself. These tireless creatures are incomparable to robots operating 24/7 and 7 days a week, and thus, it can only imply that they are wreaking havoc on the integrity of your house. The longer you take to treat the termite infestation, the more damage will continue spreading, and fixing the damaged area will also keep on increasing its costs.

    If such an incident of termite infestation occurs in your home, it is of crucial importance that you seek the assistance of a professional pest control service without wasting time. Detecting and treating the problem at the early stages can not only save your wallet but also keep your house structurally protected. It goes without saying that with termite prevention and early intervention, the cost will be much less than fixing the damage caused by them later.