Pest Information – Glossary

• What They Are: Ants are social insects that live in large colonies and are often found around food sources.
• Why They’re Pests: They invade homes in search of food and can be difficult to control due to their numbers.
• Problems They Cause: Ants can contaminate food, especially in kitchens, and certain species may damage property by nesting in walls or foundations.
• Seasonal Trend: Ant activity increases in the warmer months, with peak infestations during late spring and summer.
• Signs of Infestation: Trails of ants, particularly around food storage areas, and small dirt mounds outside or near entry points.
• Control Methods: Keep food sealed, clean up spills, and use ant baits or sprays along trails. Professional treatments may be needed for severe cases.

Do you have problems with Ants? We offer Ant Control Services

• What They Are: Rodents are mammals known for gnawing and burrowing. They are common in urban and rural settings.
• Why They’re Pests: They spread diseases, contaminate food, and cause structural damage.
• Problems They Cause: Rodents can carry diseases like leptospirosis and hantavirus, and their gnawing can damage electrical wiring, leading to fire hazards.
• Seasonal Trend: Rodent activity is higher in winter as they seek warmth indoors.
• Signs of Infestation: Droppings, gnaw marks, nests made of shredded material, and scratching noises in walls or ceilings.
• Control Methods: Seal entry points, set traps, and use bait stations. Professional pest control is recommended for significant infestations.

Do you have problems with Rodents? We offer Rodent Control Services

• What They Are: Termites are wood-eating insects that live in colonies and can cause extensive damage to buildings and structures.
• Why They’re Pests: They weaken wood structures, leading to costly repairs and safety risks.
• Problems They Cause: Termites can cause structural damage to homes, particularly in areas with wood.
• Seasonal Trend: They swarm in warmer months, often after rain in spring and early summer.
• Signs of Infestation: Mud tubes along walls, hollow-sounding wood, and discarded wings near windows or doors.
• Control Methods: Remove wood and debris around the home, treat with termite-specific pesticides, or hire professionals for fumigation.

Do you have problems with Termites? We offer Termite Control Services

• What They Are: Bed bugs are small, blood-sucking insects that typically infest beds and furniture.
• Why They’re Pests: They bite humans and cause itchy, uncomfortable welts, often leading to sleep disturbances.
• Problems They Cause: Bed bug bites can lead to skin irritations and allergic reactions, and infestations can be costly and difficult to eliminate.
• Seasonal Trend: They are a year-round problem but may be more easily spread in warmer months due to increased travel.
• Signs of Infestation: Small reddish-brown stains on bedding, shed skins, and clusters of small bites on exposed skin.
• Control Methods: Wash bedding and clothing in hot water, use mattress encasements, and contact professional exterminators for extensive infestations.

Do you have problems with Bed Bugs? We offer Bed Bug Services

• What They Are: Mosquitoes are flying insects that breed in stagnant water and feed on blood.
• Why They’re Pests: They transmit diseases such as malaria and dengue fever, and their bites can cause itching and discomfort.
• Problems They Cause: Mosquito bites can lead to infection and transmit diseases, particularly in warmer, tropical areas.
• Seasonal Trend: Mosquitoes are more active in warm, humid months, particularly in late spring and summer.
• Signs of Infestation: High mosquito presence, buzzing sounds, and bites on exposed skin.
• Control Methods: Eliminate standing water, use mosquito repellents, and install window screens. Professional treatments are effective for large-scale mosquito control.

• What They Are: Spiders are arachnids commonly found in homes, gardens, and outdoor areas. While most are harmless, some can be venomous.
• Why They’re Pests: Many people fear spiders, and certain species can deliver painful or even dangerous bites.
• Problems They Cause: Venomous species, like the sac spider, can bite humans, causing discomfort and potential allergic reactions.
• Seasonal Trend: Spiders are more noticeable in spring and summer when they are active and building webs.
• Signs of Infestation: Webs in corners, under furniture, or around windows, as well as sightings of small to medium-sized spiders indoors.
• Control Methods: Keep homes clean and clutter-free, vacuum regularly, and seal gaps in windows and doors. If venomous spiders are present, professional pest control may be needed.

• What They Are: Fleas are small, jumping insects that feed on the blood of animals, particularly pets like dogs and cats.
• Why They’re Pests: Fleas cause itching and can transmit diseases between animals and humans.
• Problems They Cause: Fleas can lead to skin irritations, allergies, and can even spread tapeworms to pets.
• Seasonal Trend: Fleas thrive in warm, humid conditions, so infestations are more common in late spring and summer.
• Signs of Infestation: Frequent scratching by pets, red spots on bedding, and sightings of small, dark fleas jumping on or around pets.
• Control Methods: Regularly wash pet bedding, treat pets with flea prevention products, and vacuum carpets fr

• What They Are: Wasps are stinging insects that are often found around outdoor structures, gardens, and garbage bins.
• Why They’re Pests: They can be aggressive when disturbed and deliver painful stings, especially when defending their nests.
• Problems They Cause: Wasp stings can lead to allergic reactions and, in some cases, cause anaphylaxis.
• Seasonal Trend: Wasps are more active during warmer months, particularly in late spring and summer.
• Signs of Infestation: The presence of wasp nests, which are often paper-like structures found in eaves, trees, and sheds, and sightings of wasps flying around.
• Control Methods: Avoid leaving food or sugary drinks outdoors, seal garbage bins, and remove nests if they are close to human activity (preferably done by professionals).

• What They Are: Flies are small flying insects attracted to food, garbage, and decomposing organic material.
• Why They’re Pests: Flies can transmit pathogens, contaminating food and surfaces.
• Problems They Cause: Flies are known carriers of bacteria, which can lead to illnesses like salmonella, cholera, and E. coli infections.
• Seasonal Trend: Flies are most active in warmer months, from spring through early autumn.
• Signs of Infestation: Frequent sightings of flies indoors, particularly in kitchens, around garbage, and near food sources.
• Control Methods: Keep trash sealed, use fly screens on windows, and store food properly. For large infestations, insecticides or pest control services may be needed.

• What They Are: Silverfish are small, wingless insects with a metallic sheen that thrive in dark, moist areas like bathrooms, basements, and kitchens.
• Why They’re Pests: They feed on starches and sugars found in paper, fabrics, and food, leading to damage in homes.
• Problems They Cause: Silverfish can damage books, wallpaper, clothing, and stored food products.
• Seasonal Trend: Silverfish are active year-round, as they prefer stable, humid indoor environments.
• Signs of Infestation: Small holes in paper products or clothing, yellow stains, and sightings of small, silver-colored insects.
• Control Methods: Reduce humidity levels with a dehumidifier, store paper and food items in sealed containers, and use silverfish traps. In severe cases, insecticides may be needed.

• What They Are: Pigeons are common birds in urban areas, often roosting on roofs, balconies, and building ledges.
• Why They’re Pests: They create unsightly droppings, carry diseases, and can damage property with their nesting.
• Problems They Cause: Pigeon droppings can corrode building materials and pose health risks by spreading diseases like histoplasmosis and psittacosis.
• Seasonal Trend: Pigeons are active year-round but may nest more frequently in spring and summer.
• Signs of Infestation: Accumulation of droppings, nesting materials around ledges, and frequent pigeon sightings.
• Control Methods: Install bird spikes, netting, or wire to prevent roosting, use bird repellents, or hire professional pigeon-proofing services.

• What They Are: Ticks are small, parasitic arachnids that attach to animals and humans to feed on blood, found in grassy and wooded areas.
• Why They’re Pests: Ticks are vectors for diseases, making them a health hazard to pets and humans.
• Problems They Cause: Ticks can transmit illnesses such as Lyme disease and tick-bite fever.
• Seasonal Trend: Ticks are most active in warmer months, especially in spring and summer.
• Signs of Infestation: Ticks attached to pets or people, especially after being outdoors.
• Control Methods: Regularly inspect pets, keep grass and shrubs trimmed, use tick preventatives for pets, and wear protective clothing in high-risk areas. For outdoor infestations, consider professional pest control.

• What They Are: Lice are small, parasitic insects that infest humans and animals, particularly the scalp and hair.
• Why They’re Pests: Lice cause itching and can spread easily through close contact, particularly among children.
• Problems They Cause: They cause itching, scalp irritation, and can lead to secondary infections if scratched excessively.
• Seasonal Trend: Lice can be a problem year-round, often spreading quickly in schools and shared spaces.
• Signs of Infestation: Persistent itching, nits (lice eggs) attached to hair strands, and adult lice in the hair.
• Control Methods: Use lice treatment shampoos, regularly wash bedding and clothing, and avoid sharing personal items. Persistent infestations may require professional cleaning treatments.

• What They Are: Squirrels are small rodents that often nest in trees but may enter homes, especially attics, in search of shelter.
• Why They’re Pests: They can damage property by chewing on wood, wires, and insulation.
• Problems They Cause: Squirrels’ gnawing can lead to structural damage and create fire hazards by exposing wiring.
• Seasonal Trend: They are more likely to seek shelter indoors during cooler months but can be active year-round.
• Signs of Infestation: Noises in attics or walls, chewed wood or wiring, and visible droppings.
• Control Methods: Seal entry points, use humane traps, and install deterrents around the home. For persistent problems, professional wildlife removal may be needed.

• What They Are: Caterpillars are the larval stage of butterflies and moths, feeding voraciously on plant leaves.
• Why They’re Pests: Certain caterpillar species, like the armyworm, can devastate gardens and crops.
• Problems They Cause: They damage plants by eating leaves and stems, impacting agricultural yields and garden health.
• Seasonal Trend: Caterpillar infestations are common in warmer months, often peaking in late spring and summer.
• Signs of Infestation: Visible damage to plants, chewed leaves, and sightings of caterpillars on foliage.
• Control Methods: Remove caterpillars by hand, introduce natural predators like birds, and use insecticides if needed, especially for crop protection.

• What They Are: Moths are nocturnal insects attracted to light, with larvae that feed on fabrics, grains, and stored food.
• Why They’re Pests: Moth larvae can damage clothing, upholstery, and stored pantry items.
• Problems They Cause: Moth larvae create holes in natural fibers and contaminate food supplies by laying eggs in pantry items.
• Seasonal Trend: Moths are active year-round, but indoor infestations can be more noticeable in warmer months.
• Signs of Infestation: Holes in clothing, shed larval skins, webbing in food storage, and sightings of adult moths.
• Control Methods: Use airtight containers for pantry goods, store clothing in sealed bags, vacuum regularly, and use moth repellents. Severe infestations may need fumigation.