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  • How to Remove Carpenter Ants: Top 10 Methods

    How to Remove Carpenter Ants: Top 10 Methods

    One of the most common threat to homeowners in the United States are the infestations of carpenter ants. They build their nests in the wood by making tunnels and thus cause damages to homes. These are very expensive to repair. Unlike termites, they don’t eat wood. Knowing how to kill carpenter ants is necessary for many reasons, let’s explore them in this article!

    Do carpenter ants bite?

    You may ask yourself, do carpenter ants bite? They do bite, but it is a rare thing. Carpenter ants bite only when are provoked in any way.But, even when they do, their bites are light and pose no risk to the health of humans and pets. You might sense a slight burning feeling, but it will go away quickly. Unlike fire ants, the bites of carpenter ants cause problems like small swelling, etc.

    10 Ways for how to kill carpenter ants

    how-to-kill-carpenter-ants

    Got the problem? Here are ten proven methods of how to kill carpenter ants and to keep your home free from them:

    1. Find the Nest:

    Your first course of action in the endeavor of how to kill carpenter ants would be to locate their nest. The signs you can look for are piles of sawdust, noises of movement in walls, or a group of ants trailing along the way to the wet wood.

    2. Use Ant Baits:

    Place purchased or homemade ant baits on the ant routes. Worker ants will transport the bait back to the nest, thus they will spread the poison and rid the colony. It can be said that one of the best alternatives to how to kill carpenter ants is this method here.

    3. Use Non-Repellent Insecticides:

    Apply a non-repellent insecticide around the house boundary. Carpenter ants would not be able to sense those insecticides hence they will walk through them and would eventually carry the toxins back to the nest.

    4. Powder Insecticides:

    Dust the wall voids, baseboards, or other infested areas with insecticide. The dust gets stuck on the ants and penetrates throughout the colony, making it an efficient way to kill carpenter ants.

    5. Boric Acid and Borax:

    Both boric acid and borax are kid and pet-safe as long as followed basic safety rules. Feed the ants sugar or peanut butter mixed with the substances, and in no time, they will consume the food. These baits work slowly and thus give the ants enough time to spread the poison.

    6. Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth:

    Dust diatomaceous onto ant trails and other places they are entering the house through. The product, being all-natural, cuts off the water supply and kills the ants in one fell swoop. It is a non-toxic way to how to kill carpenter ants.

    7. Close the entry:

    Close the openings like cracks, gaps, and holes with the help of sealants for windows, doors, and foundations to not let the ants in. By doing this, you not only keep those creatures away, but you also send them to bait stations.

    8. Eliminate Dampness:

    Carpenter ants simply adore waterlogged wood. Therefore, it makes sense that eliminating excess moisture, fixing leaks, more natural ventilation, and keeping wood dry would repel these pests.

    9. Cut Off Vegetation:

    Remove the extension of tree branches and shrubs close to your house. Ants heavily rely on these to access our homes so by trimming you effectively reduce their reach.

    10. Consult a Professional:

    If your own attempts at pest management are unsuccessful, contact a pest control service. Professionals have access to a wider variety of products and have the necessary skills. They safely and thoroughly exterminate a big infestation, thus giving you full relief from the problem.

    What kills carpenter ants?

    how-to-kill-carpenter-ants

    Know what kills carpenter ants, to end their infestation. The most favorable outcome is achieved using a combination of the most suitable baits and insect poison.

    • Bait that is enhanced by a combination of Boric Acid, Abamectin, and Fipronil: This kind of new bait has proven to be very useful in ant eradication. The transport of the bait by the ants to the nest causes the destruction of the entire colony, along with the queen.
    • Repellent-free reception of Aerosols: The products filled with zeta-cypermethrin or any other similar ingredient are able to get rid of ants immediately upon contact and at the same time, they keep affecting the ants going through the treated surfaces.
    • Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth and powdered Borax: Those are the natural ways of ant control that are non-toxic to your pets and are functional in a way that the ants are killed by either causing damage to their exoskeleton or by disturbing their digestive systems.
    • Perimeter Insecticide Dust: It is possible to go to the extent of the colony in to kill them where other methods such as sprays and baits do not have the reach. 
    • Chemicals that are of Professional Grade: People who carry licenses can employ special baits and sprays that are not accessible to the public and as a result, they can solve severe infestations more comprehensively.

    Just adhere to the label’s instructions so as to safeguard pets and also do not put baits or chemicals where pets can get access to them. Always observe pet safety instructions and avoid baits or chemicals in places where pets can easily find them.

    Conclusion

    After you have acquired the knowledge and you understand how to kill carpenter ants, you will protect your home and your pets from damage and discomfort. Ants is a persistence issue in homes, so you have to follow all the instructions and keep your house dry and clean all the time. If at any moment, you feel the need to go to others for help, please do not postpone contacting the professionals.

  • Silverfish vs Earwig: A Complete Guide for American Homeowners

    Silverfish vs Earwig: A Complete Guide for American Homeowners

    Household pests remain a mystery to many people since both silverfish vs earwig often create a misinterpretation of their appearance. Household invasion occurs from these pests, although various distinctions stand out, ranging from their physical characteristics to the types of harm they create. The resolution of earwig infestation and silverfish infestation demands complete knowledge about these bugs as a beginning point for successful management practices. This article explains all essential aspects of silverfish vs earwig by describing their patterns of appearance as well as their threats and effective defensive methods against them in homes.

    silverfish-vs-earwigs

    Silverfish vs Earwig: Appearance, Size, Color, Habitat, and Diet

    Appearance and Size

    • Silverfish: Silverfish are so called because of the silvery color and fish-like shape of their bodies. Adults are 1/2 to 1 inch (12 to 28 mm) long, with three elongated, thread-like appendages projecting from their posteriors and without wings. The body is covered with short hairs, which make it have a glossy and wet appearance.
    • Earwigs: On the other hand, earwigs are usually dark brown, with some being light brown, black or even black with an orange head. In length, their measurements range from 1/4 to 1 1/4 inches (6 to 25 mm). Earwigs have a feature like pair of instruments of a pincer shape with hard materials at the end of their abdomen. Although they rarely use them, some earwigs are capable of airborne flights.

    Color

    • Silverfish: Silvery gray, shiny, and almost metallic126.
    • Earwigs: They are brown to black in color; however, some of them may have reddish heads while others present striped legs.

    Habitat

    • Silverfish prefer to stay in Shadowy, damp spots indoors, such as basements, bathrooms, and attics, or places having the Moist air conditions. They usually attract toward the areas that have paper, starchy material, or fabric.
    • On the other hand, earwig are outdoor creatures who like living in areas like under mulch, rocks, or in rotting wood. Nevertheless, they can enter your premise when the local climate becomes hot, dry, or rainy, and they look for wet, cool places such as laundries and bathrooms.

    Diet

    • The dietary habits of silverfish are limit to the consumption of the starch and protein in the household items: paper, glue, wallpaper, books, and some fabrics. The most common reason for this kind of damage is the consumption of stored documents, wallpapers, and old books.
    • Earwigs are omnivorous animals. They live by feeding on rotting plant matter, flowers, and on some occasions, insects. They are more likely to snack on garden plants, but their damage indoors usually small compared to that of the silverfish.
    Silverfish

    Earwig Infestation and Silverfish Infestation

    Both earwig and silverfish infestation can be pretty creepy; however, these pests are know to appear in different ways:

    Earwig infestation

    Earwigs are more of outside creatures, so you are likely to see them only when they are present in large numbers, especially in the backyards or under the mulch. They might be attracted to humid areas indoors, but generally, they appear during specific months and when Shifts in climate. The presence of visible physical clusters, especially at night, will serve as a good hint of the situation.

    Silverfish infestation

    These pests are not only shy but also very mobile, so finding them can be quite difficult. You are going to have to look for the signs as in that they are making holes in books, wallpaper, or cardboard, that you are also going to notice yellow stains on the fabric or paper. If you spot the quick, slithery little insects out and about in dark corners, bingo! you know you have a silverfish infestation.

    Both earwig infestation and silverfish infestation are more common in homes with high humidity and clutter, but the damage they cause is different-earwigs may harm plants, while silverfish target paper and textiles.

    Dealing with Both the Pests

    The control of earwig infestation and silverfish infestation can be of a combined nature and include prevention, monitoring, and directed treatments.

    For Silverfish:

    1. Humidity Reduction: Employ dehumidifiers and introduce aeration to high humidity zones.
    2. Seal the Entrance: Closing up all the gaps around your windows, doors, and baseboard with caulk is an effective method of preventing them from entering the house.
    3. Destroy Food Sources: Keep books, papers, and clothes in airtight containers. Quickly clean up crumbs and spills as soon as they occur.
    4. Use Traps and Natural Deterrents: Placing a sticky trap is a great way; alternatively, you can use a glass jar trap which is covered with tape. Other methods involve the use of cedar oil and leaving some dry bay leaves as repellants.
    Earwig

    For Earwigs:

    1. Moisture Decreasing: Repair the leaks and minimize the watering of the garden. Keep bathrooms and basements dry at home.
    2. Remove Outdoor Hiding Spots: Remove mulch, leaves, and other materials accumulated near the foundation of your house.
    3. Traps: Dig shallow cans, fill them half with oil or beer and place them in the soil to catch earwigs. Damp newspapers rolled up can also used to attract and collect earwigs for ultimate disposal.
    4. Natural and Chemical Treatments: Safety weapons for the home are things like dusting diatomaceous earth around the doors and windows. In a critical time of tons of earwigs, a good recommendation is spraying Spinosad insecticides or getting the job done by professionals.

    Regular cleaning, decluttering, and moisture control are the best defenses against earwig infestation and silverfish infestation.

    Conclusion

    Home protection requires knowledge about the different characteristics between silverfish vs earwig during their confrontation. These insect species share no resemblance except for their physical appearance because their habitats change differently, and they have alternate eating habits and distinct damage patterns. Silverfish infestation leads to damage to household possessions, but earwig infestations remain primarily outdoors until they enter your house accidentally.

    Earwig infestation combined with silverfish infestation requires immediate attention because the signs of both pests should not be ignored. Quick pest control step,s including mold prevention and leak blockin,g followed by purpose-built trap measures will defend your house against pests. Pest control services will efficiently resolve both persistent silverfish infestations and earwig problems so your property remains safeguarded against these pests.

    Having knowledge which sets silverfish apart from earwigs establishes your superiority in pest management practices. Keeping watch and responding swiftly with prevention measures helps your home stay completely protected against unwanted intruders.

  • Where Do Silverfish Come From? Understanding Them

    Where Do Silverfish Come From? Understanding Them

    Silverfish have existed with humans for centuries, being dormant insects while homeowners remain uncertain about their original habitat. Bathroom floor scuttle or basement corner concealment commonly causes worry among people, where do silverfish come from, silvery bugs. The following discussion examines the beginnings of silverfish as well as reasons for their infestations and their dietary preferences, and effective measures to stop these enduring creepy-crawlers from invading homes.

    What is a Silverfish Infestation?

    A silverfish infestation starts when these bugs chill and start to produce young quickly. Silverfish are insects, and they are more active at night, so it is very difficult to inspect them until they become numerous. Silverfish find their most comfortable living environment in places having the humid level high, such as washrooms, basements, laundry, and attics, and they make infestations in such places. The silverfish are most dangerous due to their high reproduction capacity, so a small number of pests can grow over time into a full-fledged silverfish infestation unless tackled at the beginning.

    silverfish-infestation

    Where Do Silverfish Come From?

    The question of where do silverfish come from is easy and at the same time unexpected. In nature, silverfish dwell in the spaces under rocks, the shade of leaves, bark, and even bird nests, which are perfect shelters, yes wet and with food. The insects adapt quickly and thus it becomes easy for them to move from outside to the inside of the houses.

    People who live in places that are infested by them know how they get into their homes. What happened with them is that the little creatures went into the house either through open spaces, or the owner unknowingly opened the packaging of infested things, books, papers, or clothes. They quickly hide themselves from view, hiding in the stuff stored in the dark and humid corners farthest from people, e.g., walls, cabinets, and attics.

    How Do Silverfish Infestations Spread?

    Silverfish infestations can spread like a wildfire due to their ability to reproduce swiftly and survive in various settings. They place eggs in tiny cracks, fissures such as under objects or in untouched corners, so it is difficult and sometimes impossible to trace them. They emerge rapidly and survive in high humidity and warmth. Therefore, those homes that are not airy or do not take care of the moisture problem will be prone to a silverfish infestation.

    They may live in your house for quite some time while hunting for food, that’s why they try to find a place near constant food supplies. They are quiet, fast, and hide in shadowy corner, which makes it very difficult to detect a silverfish infestation until it becomes very severe.

    what-do-silverfish-eat

    What Do Silverfish Eat?

    Knowing the reasons that trigger silverfish infestation is of paramount importance if this problem is to be avoided. At the same time, it is a fact that there are not many silverfish insects that could have a very strong rejection to any type of food. Their main source of nutrients is the carbohydrates and proteins in your home, of course. So they mainly feed on:

    • Paper, books, and cardboard
    • Wallpaper and glue
    • Fabrics as cotton, silk, and linen
    • Dandruff, hair, and dust
    • Several dried foods, for example, flour, oats, and cereals
    • Dead insects and even the whole silverfish

    With the consumption of such a variety of things, silverfish cause a lot of damage to books, documents, clothes, and even groceries. They normally make their presence visible by the first thing, namely, the small holes in paper or the yellow stains on textiles. Typically, these are the types of damage that people tend to notice first.

    Conclusion: Protecting Your Home from Silverfish

    Thus, the question your mind will ask is Where do silverfish come from? The answer is rather simple. Their only way of existence in the entire world is the search they make for the three basic natural elements, which are food, moisture, and shelter-regardless of those elements being outside or within your house. And as we all know, a silverfish infestation is most likely to occur in areas with these conditions mentioned earlier. These areas are dark, wet, and also full of starch or protein-rich things.

    To lessen the chances of being visited by these pests:

    • By employing dehumidifiers and taking care of the leaks while you are at it, you can control the level of humidity in your home.
    • A good suggestion comes in the form of storing the books, the papers, and the clothing in containers that are not only dry but are also sealed.
    • It is a wise idea to sweep, the hidden corners, the closets, and the storage spaces of your house on a regular basis.
    • Before placing the boxes and the second belongings in your house, it would be better to have them examined thoroughly.

    The knowledge of where do silverfish come from and what causes a silverfish infestation is the best treatment available to deal with these pests. Should you observe clear symptoms of an infestation that lasts for a long time, such as damaged books or stains whose origin is unknown, the fight against pests by yourself may not be the ideal way you take or that you should consider. It might be time to call a real professional to handle the urgent situation properly and safely. If you find that an insect is on the loose and you are not able to control it, you had better consult an exterminator.

    A slight improvement to your peace of mind can be achieved by the awareness and readiness that helps you protect your home, your belongings, and your soul from the sneaky silverfish.

  • House Centipede vs Silverfish: Know the Difference, Signs

    House Centipede vs Silverfish: Know the Difference, Signs

    If you have ever caught sight with your own eyes of a fast-creeping, ultra-legged animal moving across the bathroom floor of your house or a shining bug wiggling in your basement, then it is certain that either a house centipede or a silverfish has been encountered by you. Though both pests are typical of American households, it is very important to know the differences between the two for efficient control. In this article, we are going to learn everything about house centipede vs silverfish their appearance, behavior, the role of people, and the most effective ways of their elimination simultaneously.

    House-Centipede-vs-Silverfish

    House Centipede vs Silverfish

    The identifying features of the physical appearance of house centipede vs silverfish are, at first:

    Appearance & Size:

    1. The display style of house centipedes is with a body that has the form of a long tube and is flattened; the color of this animal normally comes in a yellowish-brown base with narrow, black lines seen most often in three places on its back. The reason why this particular kind is so extraordinary happens to be that it is equipped with 15 pairs of long, thin legs, which not only give it a hairy look but also give it the ability to move fast. Adults of this variant can grow to be one and a half inches in height.
    2. Meanwhile, the silver fish is even smaller when you compare it with the house centipede, it is about half an inch to one inch long. Its body is teardrop-shape in silvery-gray color, cover with fine scales, and has three long, thread-like appendages at the rear end, and also six short legs as it is also its other way of living.

    Color:

    1. House centipedes are yellowish-brown with dark stripes.
    2. Silver fish are pale to dark gray or silver, often shiny and without stripes.

    Habitat:

    In a similar way, dark and humid places are their favorite ones; both pests like to dwell in such places as a basement, bathroom, attic, and closet. Thus, high levels of humidity are the most critical factor for attractive living spaces for both house centipedes and silverfish.

    Diet:

    1. House centipedes operate through their behaviors to eat mainly insect species including cockroaches and spiders alongside silverfish. Other pests bound to be present when house centipedes dwell in the area.
    2. Silverfish operate as decomposers because they mainly feed on paper products together with cellulose materials and glues and textiles. The insects endanger more stored items including books wallpapers and clothing because of their destructive nature.
    Silverfish

    Signs That May Attract House Centipede vs SilverFish

    To be able to successfully prevent these pests from invading your house, you need to have a good understanding of what actually attracts them. The things that primarily cause house centipedes to become interested in your place are as follows:

    House Centipedes:

    • Other insects attract the drone flies because these insects provide them their nourishment.
    • The species prefer habitats with excessive humidity and moisture which includes leaky basements and crawlspaces and bathrooms.
    • Both clutter and walls or floors that show cracks offer insects the chance to hide.

    Silver Fish:

    • Drawn to starchy materials-books, cardboard, wallpaper, and even pantry goods.Prefer damp, dark spaces with high humidity, such as attics, laundry rooms, and under sinks.Accumulated paper, fabric, and food crumbs can encourage infestations.
    • Drawn to starchy materials-books, cardboard, wallpaper, and even pantry goods.
    • Prefer damp, dark spaces with high humidity, such as attics, laundry rooms, and under sinks.
    • Accumulated paper, fabric, and food crumbs can encourage infestations.

    The main difference here is that house centipedes attract toward the presence of other pests as well as moisture, while silverfish are mostly looking for sources of starchy food and the moisture they need.

    How to Get Rid of Centipedes and Silver Fish

    To get rid of centipedes and silver fish that the house shelter has become, you should apply the following directed method:

    For House Centipedes:

    1. Reduce Humidity: Do this by using a dehumidifier and repairing leaks to lower the humidity in the places like your basement and bathroom where the centipedes usually come from and live.
    2. Seal The Holes: The physical barriers in the form of wall, window and foundation to invading activities of the pest are also to closed down.
    3. Light-Weight Insects: Because the house centipedes primarily live on other insects, if you remove their potential prey, there is no reason for them to come to your place. bases that you suspect are their shelters, cleanup can only bring the result of a big reduction in the population of house centipedes.Selfmade Natural
    4. Sprays and Glue Traps: The traps need to be placed at the vulnerable areas, making sure that the effects of mobility will not be experienced, only sticking on the walls for instance. Moreover, natural sprays like tea tree, lavender, or peppermint are to used.
    5. Sticky Traps & Natural Repellents: Hot glue traps can stop indoor pests while natural repellents paired with essential oil scents like tea tree, lavender, and peppermint should used for pest prevention.
    House-centipedes

    For Silver Fish:

    1. Keep Clean and Well Organized: Clear out mess, such as piles of paper, cardboard, and old clothes. Seal food in airtight containers to prevent silverfish infestation.
    2. Avoid Moisture: The same strategies must used as in the case of house centipedes, namely, moisture elimination and leak fixing.
    3. Frequent Vacuuming: Keep this practice in your daily household routine. Being a source of both food and eggs, vacuuming can help to prevent and eliminate the house population in such a simple way because it only targets the adult and the young.
    4. Professional Help: When faced with major infestations of either pest, there’s no better way to handle the situation than to hire the services of a competent pest control company. They will be able to provide the necessary treatment and monitor the situation on a regular basis

    Conclusion

    In the question of house centipede vs silverfish, as much as both of them are unwelcome, they still come to your place for different reasons. Moreover, an interesting point is that although house centipedes may frighten you due to their fast motion and abnormally large number of legs, they actually are effective at maintaining the rest of the pest population in your home. Quite the contrary, silverfish may cause a lot of harm to your possessions when feeding on them as much as they can eat the starchy matter.

    If you want to keep the house free from both house centipedes and silverfish, then the way to go is to keep your home dry, seal the entry points, and keep your living space clean and uncluttered. If you find any of these pests, take action immediately to prevent a serious problem.

    By using an appropriate approach, you can safeguard your home and live stress-free even when the pest problem is found.

  • The Truth About the Flying Cockroach: Facts, Origins, and Removal

    Most people consider the flying cockroach to be the most frightening household pest. Cockroach sightings on the floor surface tend to create distress but the moment they start flying sends panic throughout your body. Planning to address whether cockroaches can achieve flight and the prevalence of flying cockroaches in American residences is a common question. This blog will help you to gain information about the genuine truths of flying cockroaches, which include their origin, i.e, Where Do Flying Cockroaches Come From, and what you need to do to prevent these pests.

    Can Cockroaches Fly?

    The query, Can cockroaches fly, is the most common question one can ask because many individuals don’t know the fact that cockroaches can fly, and due to which they usually ask Can cockroaches fly. . Yes and no answers are both possible, depending on the species. While almost all adult cockroaches do have wings, not all will make a real, sustainable flight. Most of them just use their wings for gliding. Their flight muscles are much less efficient than those of insects such as bees or butterflies, so a flying cockroach actually flies rather short distances or only glides from up to lower surfaces.

    The American, Australian, and smoky brown cockroaches are the most common in the United States, and these are also those that can fly or glide. On the other hand, the German cockroach, which is every indoor pest’s best buddy, is rarely if at all, known to be capable of flight.

    Do-Cockroaches-Fly

    Do Cockroaches Fly?

    This question comes to everybody’s mind: Do cockroaches fly? Because there are a lot of people who do not know that cockroaches can fly, and as a matter of fact, most cockroaches would rather run than fly. They usually fly only as a last resort while escaping predators, seeking mates, hiding from predation, or foraging for food and shelter under extreme conditions such as hot temperatures, etc. For instance, when temperatures rise over 85°F, a flying cockroach seeks a cooler environment and is, thus, apt to enter the airspace.
    Not all the winged cockroaches are actually flying. Many species, for instance, the Oriental and German cockroach, have either undeveloped wings or wings that are not strong enough for flying.

    Where Do Flying Cockroaches Come From?

    Several cockroach species across the United States are grouped under the name flying cockroach. Despite its prevalence as the most common flying cockroach species the American cockroach (Periplaneta americana) prefers hot and humid climates found inside the house, including basements and kitchen areas, and sewer pipes.It can float a significant distance from high places and is more active in the southern states.

    Warm climates in Australia are home to the predominantly present Australian and smoky brown cockroaches. Light acts as a magnet that draws the smoky brown cockroach from its southern U.S. territory because this species follows illumination. This results in these flying insects being drawn toward porch lights throughout the evening. Wood cockroaches that occupy forests demonstrate flight capability which enables them to enter residential zones either to mate or follow artificial light sources.

    Flying cockroach are attracted toward water, food, and a place to live. You can invite Cockroaches through leaky pipes, standing water, and open containers. So avoid doing all these activities.

    How-to-Get-Rid-of-Flying-Cockroach

    How to Get Rid of Flying Cockroach

    The best way to get rid of a flying cockroach is through a combination of prevention and targeted control:

    1. Seal Entry Points: Seal cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and utility lines to keep cockroaches from getting inside your house.
    2. Remove Moisture: Repair all the leaks and keep the house fully ventilated, as cockroaches love the humidity, so avoid that.
    3. Remove Extra Food: Store food in good, tight containers, and clean your kitchen and house. Make sure not to keep pet food overnight.
    4. Natural Remedies: You can also use boric acid, baking soda, and sugar traps. Many oils, like eucalyptus, lavender, and tea tree to get rid of cockroaches.
    5. Professional Pest Control: Professional pest control services are the best solutions when it comes to the eradication of cockroach infestations that are persistent and large. The expert treatment used can deal with both crawling and flying cockroach populations quickly and effectively.

    Conclusion

    The flying cockroach is a widespread problem in American households, even though not every cockroach species possesses flight abilities. The majority of insect species choose to move by ground scuttling, but they will activate their wings only in essential situations. People can better confront and stop these pests through learning can cockroaches fly, since they understand these answers about cockroaches.

    Proper sealing of entry points alongside moisture reduction and food storage, along with known remedies, function together to remove flying cockroach from your home. Contact professional help without delay for persistent cockroach infestations, since timely and forceful action provides the best results in cockroach control.

  • Tick Borne Diseases: 10 Threats You Must Know

    Tick Borne Diseases: 10 Threats You Must Know

    Ticks can spread Tick Borne Diseases to both pets and people. These are caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites that ticks transfer to humans or animals when they feed on them. These diseases are not just a bothersome factor, they are so severe. If the diseases are left untreated, the situation may get out of hand. Therefore, learning and realizing this fact as soon as possible about the mode of transmission of these diseases may be of a lot of help to your pet’s health.

    Top 10 Tick Borne Diseases with Their Symptoms

    1. Anaplasmosis-

    This disease, which is tick-borne and transmissible through the black-legged ticks, results in symptoms such as-

    • Fever
    • Energy loss
    • Joint pain
    • Time to time vomiting
    • Diarrhea

    The condition may also be presented as low platelet counts that eventually cause bleeding problems.

    2. Babesiosis-

    The parasites of Babesia are the ones that destroy red blood cells, thus, causing anemia.

    Signs of this disease are of such a clear nature as-

    • Pale mucous membranes
    • Icterus
    • Dark-colored urine
    • Fever
    • Lethargy

    It is evident that the serious forms of the disease are those that can bring about mere weakness and a significant decrease in weight.

    3. Bourbon Virus-

    It is a different kind and bourbon virus is very deadly.

    The symptoms of this disease are-

    • Fever
    • Fatigue
    • Rash
    • Nausea
    • Vomiting
    • Headache
    • Body aches
    • Diarrhea

     The most severe cases are the ones requiring professional medical care.

    4. Colorado Tick Fever-

    It a viral disease, is the reason for fever, chills, headache, body aches, and sometimes a rash. It’s most common in the western U.S.

    5. Ehrlichiosis-

    The infection of Ehrlichiosis, generally occurs from the bite of a brown dog tick.

    The symptoms of this disease are-

    • High temperature
    • Enlarged lymph nodes
    • Fatigue
    • Loss of appetite
    • Weight loss
    • Neurological disorders
    • Bleeding problems as well.

    6. Lyme Disease

    Carried by various Borrelia bacteria, this infection results in recurrent problems.

    The symptoms of this disease are-

    • Fevers
    • Headaches
    • Muscle
    • Joint aches
    • Rash

    7. Crimean-Congo Fever- CCHF-

    It is another of the rare but very dangerous viruses carried by ticks in the USA.

    The symptoms include-

    • Fever
    • Tiredness
    • Headaches
    • Muscle pain
    • Loss of white blood cell counts in the body.
    • In extreme instances, it can lead to hospitalization.

    8. Lyme Disease-

    It is possible that Lyme disease is the most common disease of all.

    The symptoms include-

    • Swollen joints
    • Fever
    • Lack of appetite
    • Lethargy.
    • In some cases, it may harm the kidneys.

    9. Fast-Growing Spotted Fever-

    It causes a high fever, lack of appetite, painful lymph nodes, joint inflammation, vomiting, diarrhea, and a characteristic rash. Severe cases can progress to neurological symptoms and bleeding.

    10. STARI

    Through carrying the bacteria and having symptoms of such, STARI can cause the person affected to be frightened.

    The symptoms usually include-

    • Fever
    • Fatigue
    • Muscle aches
    • Skin rash

    How Tick-Borne Diseases Are Spread

    Ticks do not jump or fly. As your dog goes through, the tick will attach itself and search for a biting spot, usually around the ears, neck, or under the legs. As soon as it attaches itself to you, the tick will insert its feeding tube and begin sucking blood immediately.

    The longer a tick feeds on the host, the higher the chances of disease transmission. For example, the Lyme disease bacteria mostly need 24-48 hours of attachment to spread. While some like those causing ehrlichiosis or Rocky Mountain spotted fever can transmit within a few hours. That’s why regular tick checks and relatively early removal are important.

    A solitary tick bite can pass more than a single illness. It is possible that dogs don’t have symptoms at first, for some signs might show up weeks, and even months post exposure.

    Conclusion

    For health-conscious pet parents, preventing your pets and your family from Tick Borne Diseases is a priority. A little prevention goes a long way in the battle against Tick Borne Diseases, so you and your pup can continue to enjoy the great outdoors without a care in the world.

  • Tick Types: Most Common in America

    Tick Types: Most Common in America

    Introduction to Types of Ticks

    Several Tick Types in America can be the carriers of dangerous diseases like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and ehrlichiosis. The knowledge of the most common Tick Types and the signs of tick growth in pets can be a certain protection for pets from these tick bites.

    5 Common Tick Types in the United States

    5 Tick Types that are currently in the United States, and that are most likely to come into contact with your dog are-

    1. American Dog Tick (Dermacentor variabilis)

    • The American dog tick has always been one of the most common Tick Types in the US. Adult specimens are about to be found just at first glance due to the combination of their brown bodies with white or silver markings on their backs. When engorged, female ticks change color to gray.
    • American dog ticks are well known for causing diseases like tularemia to dogs and humans. Dogs seem to be their preferred victims but they can easily switch to other species. For example, people in addition to cattle and wildlife.
    • These ticks are mainly seen in the spring and early summer. After a feast, the female tick may spawn thousands of eggs, hence an infestation is hard to be rectified. Ticks virtually never infest buildings but are quite a threat where there is a little canopy of trees outdoors.

    2. Blacklegged Tick

    • Western regions know it by the name blacklegged tick, and in the east, it goes by the name deer tick. The black-legged tick is tinier than the dog tick yet it is very dangerous. The adult black-legged tick is about 0.9×0.5mm in size and is almost two times smaller than the adult dog tick. They are usually found in grassy and woodland areas.
    • Due to global warming, the ticks are increasing. They are mostly present in the Midwest and Northeast and along the Pacific Coast. They are predominant in areas where the rodent reservoirs are and later transmits to humans.
    • These ticks are well known for being the transmitters of Lyme disease, as well as babesiosis, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis. Nymphs of these species are dangerous since they can hardly be detected. These tick species are active from spring to the end of autumn, and one bite can transmit Lyme disease if the tick is not removed in time.

    3. Lone Star Tick

    • This tick has a single white dot on the back of the adult female. Lone Star ticks are not only aggressive biters but are also very likely to bite dogs, humans, and wildlife. They cause red and itchy rashes and transmit ehrlichiosis, tularemia, as well as another disease-STARI.
    • Important- Some people, that have been bitten by the Lone Star ticks, become allergic to meat, and this disease is called alpha-gal syndrome. These ticks are most active during early spring and late fall.

    4. Brown Dog Tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus)

    • Brown dog ticks are bicolored and have a conical, elongated form. The larvae, nymphs, and adults of this species are the cause of a theoretical illness called erliquiosis, amongst the symptoms of which are: headache, sore muscles, fever, etc. Toddlers, seniors, and the one with weaker immunity are the most likely to catch the infection.
    • Brown dog ticks are only found indoors, so their hosts are strictly limited to dogs, and they survive by remaining in one place an entire life-cycle. The ticks can move from a pet to its owner and cause severe symptoms. The transmission of the pathogens to the bloodstream can lead to the growth of the disease.

    5. Rocky Mountain Wood Tick (Dermacentor andersoni)

    • Rocky Mountain wood tick can be found in the states near Rocky Mountains and in the parts of the Pacific Northwest. These are similar to the American dog tick, which has a red-brown body with silver spots.
    • Mostly these ticks are active during the spring and the beginning of the summer. Their preferred habitats are grassy, bush, or forest areas in highlands. The infection by Rocky Mountain Wood Tick from one host to another can be Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Colorado tick fever, and tularemia.
    • Moreover, they have the potential to cause tick paralysis in canines and humans-a rare but very serious condition. If you go hiking or camping in the Rockies, don’t forget to check your dog (and yourself) in time after every outdoor adventure!

    Conclusion

    If you’re a pet owner, one of the responsibly common things to do is get yourself familiar with the Tick Types in America for dog protective measures and for the safety of your family.

    The thorough understanding of a species individual behavior, and risky diseases is quite crucial when it comes to seeking the best preventative measures while some other strategies like regular tick checks, unstoppable prevention, and on-time extraction will give the results. The constant protection of your pet (and yourself) against ticks is important.

  • How to Get Rid of Hornets: An Expert Guide

    How to Get Rid of Hornets: An Expert Guide

    Substantial outdoor areas can become dangerous zones because hornets pose particular threats to those who suffer from allergies to stings. Understanding the nature of these pests will lead to finding how to get rid of hornets. The advice presented here will help anyone control both hornets in their garden and home setting effectively.

    How-Do-Hornets-Look-Like

    How Do Hornets Look Like?

    Identifying a hornet pest is the first step towards controlling an infestation. Often, it happens that individuals mix up the hornet with the wasp and the yellowjacket, however, the former has several specific features:

    • Colour: Many hornets have a black and yellow colour. But some Hornets also have black and dark orange colour, which belongs to the European side.
    • Size: The size of a hornet bug is 2 inches long, and they are the largest compared to a bee or wasp in size.
    • Body Structure: They have six legs, wings that are a bit see-through, and a broader middle part than that of the yellowjackets. Their heads are also notably bigger and darker.
    • Habitat: Normally, hornets build their nests up high in the trees or bushes, but today some species build in such sheltered places as empty tree trunks.

    Habitat Of Hornets

    The life of a hornet bug differs depending on the bee’s role in the nest:

    1. Workers: During the warm season, workers can live for about 3 to 4 weeks.
    2. Hornet Queen: In comparison to workers, the lifespan of a queen is amazingly long and can reach up to one year. After the wintertime, she comes out in the spring, sets up the nest, and at the end of the next summer or in the fall, the young queens are fertilised, so the old one can die.
    3. Males: The drones’ life span is very short, as they live only for a few weeks before dying. The main reason they exist is for mating and they do so in the warm season before the weather gets cold.
    hornet-queen

    The Hornet Queen: The Centre of the Family

    The hornet queen is the most basic and the very first part of the hornet family. During the springtime, she comes out of her hiding, which was the place she overwintered and begins to search for the best one. After this is done, she:

    • Constructs the initial nest and the egg-laying process.
    • Feeds the first workforce that converts the colony, as the next group of workers becomes the foragers.
    • Dedicates all her energy to laying eggs, reaching as many as 400 per day.
    • Produces and releases pheromones for both the management of the colony’s social system and the workers’ reproduction inhibition.
    • At the end of summer, she gives birth to queens and males, ensuring the life of the colony in the next year. The original queen of the hornet and all the workers die when winter is coming, the new queens stay in hibernation.

    How to Get Rid of Hornets

    At first sight, a hornet bug invasion can be scary, but here are very efficient and simple steps on how to get rid of hornets:

    Identify the Nest

    You need to find the hornet nest, which is usually at a high place in trees or under eaves. Do so at a safe distance and watch the hornets as they fly.Choose the Right Time: Always visit the nest after dusk or in the very late hours of the night when hornets are not so active and are less likely to attack.

    Use a Hornet Spray

    You should use a wasp and hornet killer that is commercial and can reach up to 22 feet. Put the nozzle into the entrance and shoot the nest thoroughly. These sprays kill hornets immediately upon contact and can kill all the hornets and the nest as well.

    Set Up Traps

    Homemade or commercial traps loaded with sweet baits could help reduce the density of hornet bugs in and around your home.

    Remove Food Sources

    Make sure to keep outdoor trash well-covered and do not leave sugary drinks or food outside as these are the food items which will attract hornets.

    how-to-get-rid-of-hornet

    Target the Hornet Queen

    The eliminating of the hornet queen in the start of the season stops the creation of the colony. Traps can be of great help for the successful capturing of queens before they start to build new nests.

    Professional Help

    If the infestation level is high, contact the professional pest control provider as they can help you to deal with the problems in the best way.

    Wear Protective Clothing: Always make sure you are well covered with long sleeves, pants, gloves, and even a face net when the fun is for a DIY removal.

    Conclusion

    It is important to know how to get rid of hornets as you can avoid damage to your family and home. Knowing how to handle the hornet bug, learning about the role of the hornet queen, and following safe removal practices, you are able to kill and prevent insects from growing. Remember: early action, the right tools, and sometimes professional help are the keys to keeping your property hornet-free.
    Are you searching for products that are reliable and are the services of a professional expert to attend to how to get rid of hornets? Access the services and products we recommend and your home will stay secured throughout the year

  • How to Get Rid of Earwigs in House: Effective Control Methods

    How to Get Rid of Earwigs in House: Effective Control Methods

    Seeing earwigs bugs as they move across your bathroom floor or find hiding spots in your basement can cause you great concern. Earwig include small insects that possess pincers alongside their night-time habits, and this combination frequently creates unnecessary fear in people. Many homeowners who wish to deal with the problems of how to get rid of earwigs in house share their curiosity about the best possible methods. The guide offers accurate knowledge about these misinterpreted insects which provides effective control methods.

    Understanding Earwigs

    The common earwig is typically defined as a Dermaptera creature that has forcep-like pincers that come out from its abdomen, which is a quick way to notice the earwigs. These pincers known as cerci look at first sight to be curved when equipped by males, and straighter when carried by females.

    Being insects, earwigs bugs usually can survive in dark and wet places and are active during the night only which means that they are nocturnal. At the same time, they are hiding during the day and do not produce any sounds, so they are still and silent.

    Early morning, when the dew covers the ground, the air becomes chilly inside the home, and there is food on the table, some earwigs find a way into the houses through cracks, gaps around doors and windows, foundation crevices, and unscreened vents. They can also embark on the journey through different places such as newspapers, boxes, greenery, or any other objects that people store in places with high humidity. The moment the earwig enters the place, it goes directly to the bathroom, kitchen, basement, or wherever there are plumbing leaks to get the needed moisture.

    earwig

    Do Earwigs Bite?

    Many homeowners are concerned about do earwigs bite. While it is true that earwigs can bite, technically, they are relatively harmless. With the pain level, it’s more equivalent to a very light mosquito bite. Another thing to consider is where that bug came from. The bite itself doesn’t always look noticeable, but some people may develop an allergic reaction to the bug bite.

    One of the questions that public has actively debate is whether or not the earwigs will become a serious problem.

    Are Earwigs Dangerous?

    Even though earwigs look pretty awful, they do not harm people. The bugs are not carriers of various illnesses, they are not poisonous, and they only cause mild pain if handled too roughly.

    Not necessarily threatening to humans but European earwigs might attack gardens by eating seedlings, small fruits, and flowers such as dahlia, rose, and marigold. What’s more, the earwigs’ presence in large numbers could be a sign of problems with a house’s humidity, which, in turn, could result in a variety of other issues.

    are-Earwig-dangerous

    Do earwigs get into your ear?

    The story behind the name “earwig” embraces the notion that these insects crawl into people’s ears when they are asleep. However, the question of how to get rid of earwigs in house comes down to the fact that it is a very rare occasion for earwigs bugs to enter the ears of human begins.

    Earwigs bugs are not even slightly the least bit interested in human ears, and the idea of them burrowing into your brain or laying eggs there is fabricat.

    People have contiued to spread this false misconception for ages and in turn, makes people fear these harmless creatures unnecessarily.

    How To Get Rid of Earwigs in House

    If you are dealing with the problems of how to get rid of earwigs in house. Don’t let an earwig infestation get out of control by taking the following steps:

    1. Decrease moisture: Fix leak pipe problems in your house, enhance drainage, and use dehumidifiers to absorb moisture from air.
    2. Clean your house: Clean hidden parts and remove visible earwigs bugs using the vacuum cleaner.
    3. Set traps: Combine soy sauce and vegetable oil in a dish and place the dish where there is a earwig pollution, especially during the dark hours of the day. This very cheap device you make on your own, will be surprisingly efficient.
    4. Use natural sprays: A mixture of dish soap and water or rubbing alcohol and water can eliminate earwigs whenever they come across them.
    5. Use diatomaceous earth: This material is 100% natural and it removes the moisture of earwigs because it injures the exoskeleton’s moisture barrier.
    6. Seal off openings: Wrap the areas such as the shell of the house and the frame of the window or the doorbell with a caulking gun to avoid such insects from getting in.
    how-to-get-rid-of-earwig

    Eliminate the inhabited situations: Do away with piles of leaves, a lot of mulch, and other debris from around your house’s exterior.

    Conclusion

    Even though earwigs are highly unwanted in one’s home, it should not be forgotten that these bugs are more annoying than dangerous. To be convinced that earwigs are insect irritants, don’t get bitten by people deliberately, are not hazardous, and will not sneak into your ears with evil intent, that will make worry cease.

    The most effective method for how to get rid of earwigs in house comprises some operations, namely not only eliminating moisture removal, but also hiding places, sticky traps as well as sealing door openings. Accordance with these methods will enable you to carry out the control of earwigs.

  • Life Cycle of Blacklegged (Deer) Tick: A 2 Year Process

    Life Cycle of Blacklegged (Deer) Tick: A 2 Year Process

    The Life cycle of blacklegged tick or a deer tick. It is an extremely small spider-like creature that is known for giving Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis by its bite. These dangerous parasites are the reason for most of the infection cases with Lyme disease in 14 states in the northern part of the country. Ticks are carriers of the infectious agents and they are distributed to humans by a bite of the parasites during the absorption of human blood by the latter.

    Life Cycle of Blacklegged (Deer) Tick

    The Life Cycle of the blacklegged (Deer) tick, Ixodes scapularis, takes place during two or even three years and consists of the four stages:

    1. Egg Stage-

    In early spring, after feeding on a host, adult female blacklegged ticks lay thousands of eggs in moist, sheltered spots near animal trails or under leaf litter.

    These eggs are tiny, often red-brown in color, and almost invisible to the naked eye. Laying eggs in such strategic locations ensures the next generation will have easy access to passing hosts.

    2. Larva Stage-

    The eggs hatch into six-legged larvae, sometimes known as “seed ticks.” These larvae are really tiny-no larger than a grain of sand-hungry and thirsty for their first “blood” meal.

    The most delicious dishes for the newborn ticks are small mammals, such as a mouse or a bird such as a sparrow. They don’t spread the diseases while in the larvae stage, biting an unhealthy animal, they can acquire bacteria that cause Lyme disease.

     After three days of sucking, the larvae leaves the host, transforms into nymphs, and are often to be found in the hiding place.

    3. Nymph Stage-

    The following spring, nymphs are out and now with eight legs and a little bit bigger than their former size, approximately poppy seed in size.

    The danger with a Tick Life Cycle is its very next phase, i.e. nymphs.

    They are active at the period between May till July and are mainly responsible for the transmission of pathogens that cause tick-borne-diseases.

    The main reason is due to the fact that they are small, difficult to see and also they can pick up the infection from their larval feeding. The nymphs fall off the host after feeding, and molt once more to become adults.

    4. Adult Stage

    Adult blacklegged ticks are most likely to be seen in the fall and will continue being active throughout the winter if it never gets too cold. Adults are easier to spot due to their larger size. Females are easily identifiable by the red-brown body and black legs they have. This is the time the ticks move towards bigger hosts like deer, dogs, or even humans.

    Females need another full blood meal for reproducing, but males only mate and shortly thereafter, they die. Once the female has mates, she will lay eggs in the spring, and the Tick Life Cycle will begin again.

    Features of the Blacklegged (Deer) Tick

    Host Switching- One of the features that distinguish Life Cycle of Blacklegged (Deer) Tick is that blacklegged ticks usually have a different host at every stage. This increases their exposure to a wide range of animals and thus the possibility of disease transmission. For pet owners, it means that the dog is likely to be exposed to ticks. He has been on wildlife before and were carrying dangerous pathogens.

    Conclusion: Life Cycle of Blacklegged (Deer) Tick

    The Life Cycle of Blacklegged (Deer) Tick is a process that starts with an egg and ends with an adult tick. Each stage being a chance for the tick to acquire a host and transmit disease. This article has explained the Tick Life Cycle and the best ways to avoid the tick seasons. This ensures that your dear pets do not fall sick from tick-borne diseases. It is important that you provide vet-approved products for tick prevention and make sure that your yard is always clean. It is worth noting that with knowledge and care, you can still enjoy your outdoor activities. Have fun with your pets in a safe, and a no-tick environment!