How to Find a Snake in Your House?

No matter how snake-proof your property is, if snakes find a way to slide into the house, don't panic! It can be alarming and may come as a surprise, but you've got to keep your cool than freak out and scare the snake instead, even if you’re suffering from ophidiophobia or trypophobia.

So, if you saw a snake crawl to your house but cannot find it, you need to call the professionals as soon as possible. However, to keep you and your family safe, you can find the snake through a couple of methods and try to get rid of it.

We've listed ways how to find and get rid of snakes from your house and prevent them from coming back.

 

How to find a loose snake in the house?

There are several ways to find a loose snake in the house, and if it's your first time dealing with it, it's crucial to keep calm and not go haywire seeing one. If you have any pets or kids in your house, bring them to a safe spot away from the snake.

Here are 4 hints on how to find a baby snake in your house:

1. Lower the ambient temperature

Snakes are cold-blooded reptiles, and to keep themselves warm during winter, they tend to search for warm places to mate. If they try to find a warm spot in your house, you need to stay alert until the professional arrives. Lowering the temperature of your rooms can push the snake to find warm areas and make them move. It's one way to find loose snakes in your house.

2. Place a heating pad with newspapers and a hiding box

If you’re wondering where do snakes hide in a house, read on. Since snakes are ectothermic or cold-blooded, placing a heating pad in a hiding box covered with newspaper can be the best place for snakes to coil up. So, if you know, there's a snake in your house but cannot find it, do this to lure the snake into the box.

3. Use flour in several rooms to monitor snake activity

If the snake doesn't seem to budge from its hiding place even after trying different methods, sprinkle flour on the floors so you know where the snake is once it moves. It's one way to find a lost snake in your house.

 

How to get rid of a snake from the house

Snakes are, of course, dangerous, and there is little you can do until a professional arrives. Here’s are some tips on what to do when you find and get rid of one.

When you spot a snake

Don't provoke. Snakes are shy and only get defensive when provoked, so don't do anything to harm the snake. Keep calm and quietly keep your pets and children away from the area. Close the door if it has gone to a room or keep an eye on its movements. You should stay alert until the professional arrives.

Getting rid of the snake

You can try to lure the snake to move outside of your house or backyard by using a broom and a bucket. Though this is a little dangerous if you have no professional experience, you can use the broom to navigate the snake out of your house by maintaining some distance from it.

Snakes like dark places, so you can use a damp bag where the snake can rest and then catch it once it has curled up in the bag. Create a barrier around it, so it doesn't trail off before the pest control management arrives.

Other means to get rid of snakes

If you find a snake in backyard, spray it with a hose from a distance or use smoke to keep it away. You can use glue traps to capture it or use natural repellents such as vinegar, clove, or sulphur to lure it outside. However, these are just temporary solutions.

 

 

How to prevent snakes from entering the house

You can prevent snakes by building a snake-proof environment around your house. Here are three ways you can do it:

Trim your garden regularly

Keep your backyard well-maintained, trim bushes and trees as they can be great hiding spots for snakes. If you have a pond or fountain in your backyard, maintain it regularly to avoid inviting snakes

Don't keep your pet food outside

It's always good to keep pet foods inside or give your pet the food inside your house to avoid dealing with snakes. Pet foods kept outside attract rodents, and rodents attract snakes. So, it's a chain. Snakes are attracted to water and rats, so keep all the places clean every day.

Get a snake-proof fence installed

You can install a snake fence around your house to prevent snakes from slithering into your front door. Plus, the steel mesh fence is a lot more secure than traps and keeps snakes away for a long time.

For residential pest control, you can reach out to us and request an estimate to know more about it.

 

Conclusion

Now that you know how to catch a snake and the snake removal methods, it's time you maintain your garden and build a snake-proof environment around your house to keep you and your pets safe if you have one. If you find a snake in your home, you can contact us for animal trapping, and our professionals will be there at your place in no time.

The following blog post How to Find a Snake in Your House? Find more on: www.bugguyservices.com

Original post here: How to Find a Snake in Your House?

What Are the Tiny Bugs on My Plants?

Seeing your gorgeous plants growing and alive can be the best thing for any plant-lover. But even after taking care of them well, you may find pests on your plants which can be alarming. Regular pest control is a must to keep your plants healthy and thriving apart from the sunshine and watering.

If you find little black bugs on your plants, don't worry! There are plenty of ways to get rid of them. Black bugs on plants can damage them entirely if you don't detect them at the early stages. Several types of bugs with distinct characteristics make it easy to identify them quickly.

So, if you see anything unusual on your plants, it's time to look for the types and get rid of them immediately. Here are the common bugs found on plants and ways to prevent them from entering your garden.

 

Identifying common black garden pests

Taking care of houseplants is a lot of work, but it's all worth it when you see them healthy. If you find anything unusual while watering your plants, here are the ways to detect these house plant bugs and get rid of them for good.

Aphids

Aphids are winged pests and soft-bodied that feed on ornamental and homegrown plants. They can cause stunted growth or turn the leaves yellow if not treated on time.

Colorado potato beetles

Mostly found on potatoes, eggplants, and tomatoes, these little bugs are tri-colored with black, brown, and yellow stripes on their wings. If you find clustered eggs under the leaves, you need to treat your plants soon

Flea beetles

As the name hints, flea beetles resemble fleas and hop around like fleas creating pinholes on the leaves of the plants. It's a common pest found on vegetable crops.

Squash bugs

Squash bugs are found in pumpkins and squash. They are flat-backed and pretty large than other bugs. It is one-half inch in size and dark brown.

Fungus gnats

These flies infest the soil and any organic decomposition matter. They chew the roots and damage the whole plant. They feed on fungi in the soil but are short-lived.

Thrips

Thrips puncture the leaf's outer tissue, scrap the plant's flowers, and suck their juices. They are slender with fringed wings and are less than 2 mm in length.

Black vine weevil

They feed on broad-leaved greens, notch, and cut-off leaves. So, if you find the same at the center of the leaves, weevil’s are the culprits! They are slate-grey or black with elbowed antennae that cannot fly.

Blister beetle

These beetles are yellow or grey and are long and narrow. These plant-feeding insects are harmful to human beings as they cause blisters. When crushed, these beetles release a blistering agent called cantharidin, which is toxic.

Pillbugs

Pillbugs are nocturnal and can roll into a ball. You can find them under the leaves or in dark places during the day.

 

 

Different methods to treat pests

You can control pests by treating plants at home regularly as a part of your plant-care routine. There are some homemade remedies you can try too. Here is how to get rid of little black bugs on indoor plants:

Hand-picking

If you find any bugs on the plants, you can use rubbing alcohol and remove the bugs by hand using cotton or cloth.

Vinegar

Add one cup of vinegar to 3 cups of water with dish soap and spray it on the plants to eliminate the bugs. However, don't spray too much of it as it can harm the plants.

Tobacco

Nicotine sprays such as tobacco are a great way to deter plant bugs as the bugs can't stand their smell.

Washing the leaves

If there are little bugs on the leaves, you can wipe the leaves with soap water to get rid of them. If the pests are too much, you can go with other alternatives.

Soil covers

You can use soil covers to prevent gnats from breeding. Remove about half an inch of soil and replace it with fresh soil. You can add sand or decorative moss on top of the soil to prevent gnats from coming back.

Insecticidal soap

You can spray insecticidal soap on the plants to prevent the tiny black bugs on plants from destroying them. It can be neem oil, soap, or chill pepper spray to eliminate the bugs.

Steam

Stream treatment is another excellent way to treat your plant and reduce pests from infesting.

Neem oil

You can use neem oil spray on the leaves as a homemade alternative for treating plants.

 

Prevention

Getting new plants is great until you find out they are infested with pests. So, to prevent old and new plants from being damaged here is how to get rid of black bugs on plants.

• Inspect new plants before bringing them home. Carefully check under the leaves and flowers for any pinholes or larvae before bringing the plants home. You never know when your garden will be infested once you bring the new plants.
• Put new plants in solitary confinement for a few weeks. There might be bugs that you can’t see. To avoid dealing with severe damage to the plants, keep the new plants in a separate area for some days and see if any bugs surface. If they don't, you can keep them in your garden next to the old ones.

 

Conclusion

Having plants can be great, and working with them can be therapeutic until black bugs on the plants start bugging you.
But, if you find your garden to be infested with too many pests, you might need the help of professionals. They can treat your garden with the right tools so you don’t have to worry about long-term damage to your plants. You can contact us to help you with residential pest control and request an estimate. We will get back to you in no time.

What Are the Tiny Bugs on My Plants? Read more on: www.bugguyservices.com

Original post here: What Are the Tiny Bugs on My Plants?

Proven Ways to Keep the Geese Away from Your Property

A flock of geese can turn into a nuisance pretty soon. They leave droppings, mess up your yard, and even spread infections. Worst of all, geese can attack people and leave scratches on your arms or legs.

Are you experiencing similar geese trouble? Do you want to keep the geese away?

This blog will reveal valuable tips to attain success in keeping geese off the lawn and private spaces. Additionally, we will learn how to recognize geese and why they are better avoided.

So, let’s dive in right away!

 

 

Identifying geese: What to look for

Many families of birds make up the goose species. The most common is the Canada goose found in the USA and neighboring regions. You can easily identify a Canada goose by its:

• large, brownish body
• pale lower body and chest
• black neck and a white patch on the cheek
• black legs

Additionally, snow goose, Ross’s goose, and other species are common in the USA. They generally flock together and also fly in groups. However, Canadian geese are the ones to cause the most trouble.

 

Why geese are a problem

Geese may appear cute and friendly from a distance, but the reality is quite different. You see one or two of them in your yard, and before you know, it has turned to a flock. These birds like to stay together, and you can end up with 50 to 100 geese destroying your yard.

Additionally, a flock of geese can:

• graze and destroy your grass
• leave a lot of droppings (2 to 4 pounds per goose)
• spread diseases and infections from their feces
• attack people and kids

Therefore, it is a good idea to keep these birds away from your lawn.

 

 

How to keep geese away from your yard

We have a few ways if you are wondering what will keep the geese away. Some methods need absolutely nothing, while others will make you visit a local hardware store. Below are a few tested and tried ways you can try:

Introduce a predator

What are geese afraid of?
Many people wonder how to scare geese away. You can do it by introducing a predator like a dog on your lawn. Dogs are natural predators of geese and able to scare them off. Humans can also chase geese away as they are bigger in size. However, you will need to put in an effort and give time.

Visual deterrents

You can try artificial decoys to scare geese, like a coyote or alligator. However, they should be moving so that the geese don’t find out they are fake. Do note these are primarily temporary solutions.

Audio deterrents

A range of audio deterrents can keep the geese away. You can try making loud noises or banging utensils to scare off the geese. Even air horns and firecrackers can work wonders. Special equipment that emits high-pitch noises or predator calls is also available. It ensures you don’t have to deal with loud sounds yourself.

Tallgrass

Geese like open spaces so that they can keep an eye on predators. Therefore, you can make your lawn appear unfriendly to geese by growing tall grass (6 inches or more). However, you should let your grass grow to 20 inches or more if your yard has a pond. This method is effective but can hamper your lawn’s aesthetic.

Tall plants and bushes

clear sight of the geese and make them unable to watch out for predators. Best of all, your lawn won’t look bad with tall grass. However, this method is not suitable for larger spaces as the geese will avoid the bushy areas.

Don’t feed the geese

Geese like to stay in places where they can find food sources. So, feeding a couple of geese one or two days will make them permanent residents of your yard. So, refrain from feeding geese and remove any food source from your lawn.

Liquid repellent

You can buy liquid geese repellant and spread it across your garden to drive geese away. The Environmental Protection Agency has approved such products as they don’t harm geese. Additionally, you can easily spray them around your property, and you need to do it every time you mow it.

Reflective objects

Reflective objects work just like decoys to keep the geese at bay. They feel something is not right and slowly fly away. So, hang a few streamers or pieces of glass around your garden. You need to change the objects constantly. Otherwise, the geese will get used to them.

Install a fence

Geese like to walk around open spaces. Therefore, installing a fence can restrict their movement and force them to leave. It can be a bit expensive and time taking but works as a permanent solution.

Put up chicken wire

Chicken wire can work like fencing to drive the geese away. However, it can appear unsavory, and your pets can get stuck to the wire. So, adopt caution while using chicken wire.

Call professionals

demand the intervention of experts and professional bird control.

 

Final thoughts

You can keep the geese away by using a decoy, a natural predator, loud noises, and more. However, it is best to call in professionals in case of geese infestations. Contact the best bird control services in Coachella Valley and ask for a FREE estimate today.

Proven Ways to Keep the Geese Away from Your Property Find more on: Our Website

Original post here: Proven Ways to Keep the Geese Away from Your Property

Are Flies Harmful?

Would you ever eat food without washing your hands, say after cleaning up your dog’s poop or taking the trash out? I'm sure the answer is a resounding no, but what if a pesky housefly just happened to sit on the food you're about to eat?

Eating food that house flies sit on is almost the same as, if not worse than eating food without proper hand sanitation after touching garbage.

Why? Because flies aren't just a pesky nuisance, they're organisms that thrive in unhealthy environments, such as sewage and garbage. They bring all the germs and diseases right into your homes.

In this article, we’ll discuss what you need to know about flies, the diseases they cause, as well as their control and their management.

 

What is a fly?

Musca domestica, or the common house fly, is a pest that thrives all over the world. Irrespective of geological variations, most typically persistent during the monsoon season.

The female fly is typically larger than the male. The female mates only once in its life and stores the sperm. It lays about 100 eggs at a time, on dead, decaying matter, like feces, wet waste, and such. The eggs hatch to release larvae that feed on semi-solid waste they're born into and develop into adults, and the cycle repeats.

There are different types of flies:

• Bluebottle flies
• Drain flies
• Fruit flies

Depending on the types of flies, you may have to deal with different problems.

Are fruit flies harmful? You bet they are. Despite its innocent name, fruit flies that thrive on decaying fruit are extremely dangerous.

Are drain flies harmful? Drain flies are flies that emerge from stagnant drainage water and are a hotspot for many dangerous diseases.

Bluebottle flies originate from dead remains of animals and cause many lethal infections.

 

Why are house flies a problem?

According to the World Health Organisation, or WHO, due to the major part of the growth and development of house flies occurring in an unhygienic environment, they become carriers of extremely dangerous diseases.

These diseases are carried right into your homes by the fly, just landing on the food you eat, the water you drink, or even the clothes you wear.

 

Do flies carry disease?

Yes. Flies carry multiple diseases. Here are a few of the most common yet dangerous ones:

Typhoid fever

Typhoid fever is a severe fever caused due to infected food and/or water.

The bacteria infect your intestines, causing many gastrointestinal abnormalities like abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, fever, and weight loss.

Studies showed that the bacteria that causes typhoid was present in the legs of the common housefly, causing the disease in otherwise healthy individuals.

Cholera

Cholera is another incredibly dangerous infection of the intestines caused by the organism Vibrio cholerae.

This occurs due to contaminated water that causes incessant diarrhea or rice-watery stools, leading to severe dehydration and death if not treated promptly. The common housefly is one of the most important vectors of this life-threatening disease.

Dysentery

Dysentery is a disease of the intestines causing blood-filled stools and is fatal if not treated almost immediately after infection.

It is caused due to contaminated food and water. The most common cause of infection is, you guessed it right, the housefly.

Shigellosis

The bacteria shigella causes a life-threatening condition, inflaming the intestines, leading to blood-filled stools and vomit, which need prompt medical diagnosis and intensive treatment.

Yet again, caused by the common housefly.

Escherichia coli

Escherichia infection starts mild, with a tender stomach, body pains, mild fever, and loose stools. These symptoms rapidly develop into a severe form, leading to bloody stools, stomach cramps, and overwhelming fatigue.

This is especially common if you happen to live near a cattle farm and your house has a fly infestation.

Salmonella

Salmonella is a type of bacteria related to typhoid fever causing bacteria. Salmonellosis is a gastrointestinal disease, causing symptoms like perforation of the intestines, bleeding -- and in untreated cases, death.

This disease is in close association with people that have a house fly infestation near a poultry farm.

Anthrax

A serious and rare bacterial disease is caused by contact with an infected organism or inhaling bacteria spores. Unlike the previous diseases, the infection is characterized by respiratory symptoms like breathlessness, wheezing, scabs, and rashes. Despite the infection typically being that of animals, the common housefly infects humans.

Tuberculosis

This respiratory infection is caused by the bacteria mycobacterium tuberculosis. Symptoms include severe cough sometimes with blood, weight loss, chest pain, difficulty breathing, night sweats, swollen lymph nodes, and overall failure to thrive.

 

Control and prevention

If you struggle with a housefly infestation, get your entire household cleaned professionally. Hire professionals who have an in-depth knowledge of the pest, its lifecycle, the key areas it may thrive in, whilst also meeting your requirements and expectations. It also doesn't have to be an expensive affair. Find out here how much it may cost you to get your house thoroughly deep cleaned.

Other methods of prevention include:

• Ensure proper waste disposal.
• Do not leave your food and water uncovered.
• Ensure the windows and door have a secondary net for protection during monsoons.
• Keep a fly swatter, and alcohol rub handy to kill any flies you may encounter and promptly spray the area with alcohol or disinfectant spray.
• Do not leave puddles of water or even your swimming pools open for days together, unattended.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the common housefly isn't just an annoyance, but also a very big threat to the health of you and your family members.

Ensure to keep a close eye on your food and water. Double-check your toilets are not leaky, and the garbage disposal is done properly.

If you are troubled with an infestation, it’s time to reach out to professionals. Contact the Bug Guy Pest Control services today!

Are Flies Harmful? was originally seen on https://www.bugguyservices.com

Original post here: Are Flies Harmful?

Using Abamectin Insecticide for Pest Control

There are days when it’s particularly nice and sunny outside, and you probably feel energized enough to leave the bubble of your shelter and walk around a little bit. Unfortunately, insects also feel the same way about that kind of weather despite their obviously unwelcome presence.

This is why they’ve left their own homes to roam around yours. And your house already has everything they need anyway: warmth, comfort, shade, food, and water.

So whether you’ve been bugged by ants marching across your kitchen counter, roaches crawling by the dark corners, or fruit flies hovering near your sink, abamectin insecticide might just be the solution for you.

 

What is abamectin?

A solution of avermectins (80% avermectin B1a & 20% avermectin B1b), abamectin is a common insecticide. Also an acaricide and a nematicide, farmers use it to control insects like leafminers, whiteflies, cockroaches, mites, and fire ants.

It was originally introduced as a crop insecticide in 1985. Today, it is the only avermectin (discovered in 1967) used in agriculture and pharmaceuticals.

 

How abamectin works

When the chemical makes its way into the insect’s nervous system, it disrupts its neuromuscular transmissions, paralyzes the insect, and eventually kills it.

Since abamectin is a slow poison (a delayed-action insecticide), it gives the insect in question time to consume the insecticide and unknowingly take it back to its colony, thus erasing the rest of them spreading the poison through contact with the other insects.

 

Where is abamectin used?

Abamectin is largely favored in agriculture to control insects and mites. It’s also used in residential areas to kill insects like ants, roaches, spiders, and even solve rodent issues.

Other insects that can be controlled by abamectin include termites, bed bugs, mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, wasps, and many other stinging insects.

Controlling fire ants is one of the major uses of abamectin, and a very small portion of avermectin is also fed orally to horses to deworm them. In rare cases, abamectin medicines are recommended to cat owners to keep their fur free from fleas.

Around the spring and summer months, abamectin is very useful when pest activity is on a high level. Additional exterminator chemicals used would include alcohol therapies and anti-inflammatory agents, but those are still being studied for confirmation.

 

 

Benefits of abamectin

What is the abamectin insecticide mode of action?

• Efficient: works on a variety of pests
• A systematic insecticide: can be added in a small amount to other insecticides and increase their competence
• It brings less pollution to the environment
• Not only an insecticide but also an anthelmintic
• Safer for the plants
• Safer for other animals around the area

 

Disadvantages of abamectin

• It takes a bit more time (2-4 days) than other insecticides to kill pests
• Expensive in comparison to other insecticides
• Far more dangerous for dogs than any other mammals
• Degrades when exposed to light
• Accidental consumption in significantly large amounts can prove to be fatal for humans as well
• Highly toxic to bees, not only with consumption but also direct contact

 

Is abamectin safe?

Now, you may be wondering, “Is abamectin a systemic insecticide?” So, is abamectin insecticide dangerous? While abamectin can be highly toxic, it’s been made safe to use by reducing its toxicity after adding other formulas to it. Except, it’s more toxic for some beings than others. For example, Abamectin is mostly safe for birds, but can severely harm bees.

After being applied on the crops for a few hours, though, abamectin slowly either degrades from the leaves or gets absorbed and eventually goes back to being safe for bees. It also happens to be environmentally friendly to systems of water.

Thoroughly following the guidelines on the label, keeping a mask on when spraying it, and thoroughly washing your hands after the process is always the safest way to go.

Although intoxication from abamectin is not exactly a common occurrence, its lethal dose is said to be 10 mg/kg. Vomiting, seizures, and tremors are some of the side effects that have been recorded.

 

How to properly use abamectin as an insecticide?

Taking all of the safety and effectiveness measures into consideration, you need to wear proper protective equipment. You also need to determine what kind of spray would be best for your situation. Always keep your pets and children away from the treated space until the insecticide has dried fully.

• In the case of mites, apply abamectin when they initially appear and keep repeating the process to maintain control.
• For whiteflies, consider the same process as mites.
• Try a different mode of action for 2-3 weeks before returning to abamectin for continued and more effective control.

This way, the insects don’t grow resistant to the active ingredient after repeated use. When spraying a tree, make sure you go for stems about 10 feet from the ground.

In case you accidentally inhale the insecticide or get it on your skin, you might experience teary eyes, coughing, and a little difficulty in breathing.

Although abamectin is far less toxic than other insecticides and the risk of insecticide poisoning is extremely low, it would be best to pay attention to your heath. Wash the chemical off and observe to ensure the solution isn’t causing any damage to your body.

The application of the product needs to be done according to labeled directions in the areas you are trying to get rid of pest infestations.

 

Conclusion

Now that we’ve looked into the workings, usage, pros, and cons of abamectin, you probably have enough information about the insecticide to decide whether or not it’s the best solution for your pest issue.

If you have pets living in your house, or other animals living around the area, abamectin might not be the best option for you because it has proved to cause complications in animals upon consumption—cats, dogs, cattle.

Although it’s human nature to want to solve every problem around your living space all by yourself, the safest way to get rid of pests is to reach out to professionals. Contact Buggy Guy Services today for a free quote!

The post Using Abamectin Insecticide for Pest Control Read more on: https://bugguyservices.com/

Original post here: Using Abamectin Insecticide for Pest Control

Tips on Keeping Possums Away From Your House

Are you struggling to keep possums away from your home? Have they stolen fruits and flowers from your garden? Are they creating a difficult situation by scaring your pets during the night? If you’re looking for some simple solutions on how to keep possums away, then this article is for you.

We'll be laying out all the important information you need to know so that you can find the best solution for yourself on how to keep possums out of your yard. Some of these solutions are very easy to implement, and you'll be able to apply them right away. So, let's get started.

 

Identifying possums

Interestingly, possums eat unwanted animals around houses, such as snails and slugs. These animals are nocturnal and only operate during the night. The most well-known characteristic of the animal is its ability to play dead in front of threats. They can't control when they do so or for how long. This state is a reaction to intense fear and stress that they face when they feel threatened by predators.

They also carry several diseases with them, which make them undesirable for people. Possums usually look for food sources and make a mess out of yards in search of it. As a result, the damage done to your yard can be significant if you don't deal with possums beforehand.

 

How to get rid of possums in your yard

There are several steps you can take today to do away with possums invading your property. In this section, we will show you both short-term and long-term solutions for dealing with the issue.

1. Get rid of the food source

Easy access to extra food is what attracts possums to your house in the first place. If you have garbage cans in your backyard, they should always be covered with a lid. Pet food and bird feeders should not be left outside as well. Also, keep the garden area clean and do away with any fruits or vegetables that might have fallen.

2. Install a fence

Installing a metal fence is one of the best defense tactics to protect your property against possums. The fence should be at least a few feet high and should be a foot beneath the ground as well since possums know how to dig. Bending the top away from your garden is also a great way to make it difficult for possums to climb over the fences.

3. Remove hiding spots

Since possums are lower on the food chain, they rely on hiding to keep themselves safe. So, clear out any extra vegetation around your houses, such as shrubs or bushes. Keep things as clean as possible since it reduces the number of hiding spots that these little creatures can find.

4. Use extra lighting

Since possums are nocturnal, they only come out in search of food during the night. They hate the light. You can use this information to your advantage by using motion sensor lighting. These lights turn on when they detect motion around the yard at night, and the possums will run back where they came from out of fear.

5. Use motion-detection sprinklers

Sprinklers can be used to surprise possums when they invade your house, and can also be useful for your garden. However, they might get used to the water since they have sharp memories. So, you might have to move the sprinklers around to properly deal with the possums in the long run.

6. Setting traps

Setting traps for possums is usually applicable when they've already made their way into your property. You'll have to contact the local game commission so that you can trap the animal and then release it. If you are given permission, make sure it is at least 10 miles away from your home.

7. Bad smells and tastes

Possums have a strong sense of smell and can be used against them. Here are some of the bad smells that you can use to keep them away from your house:

• Garlic
• Camphor
• Mothballs
• Onion
• Fish smell
• Blood and bone beal

While possums are known to eat absolutely anything that they can find, they hate the tastes of the following items:

• Onion
• Garlic
• Hot peppers
• Molasses
• Mustard
• Black tea
• Fish oil

 

How to make natural possum repellent

Now that we have learned what tastes and smells possums hate, we can make our own repellents for possums. There are several different kinds of repellents you can use to keep possums away, and here are the three best ones.

Garlic repellent

What you'll need:

• 2 tablespoons chopped garlic
• 1 liter of hot water

Instruction: Mix the ingredients in a bowl and let it sit through the night. Strain the mixture and then spray.
How to use: Spray outdoors, especially where possums eat. Apply twice per week or after rains.

Molasses repellent

What you'll need:

• Cup of molasses
• 1 liter of water
• Potassium-based detergent/ dish soap

Instruction: Simply mix the ingredients until the molasses dissolve. You can add the soap to make the solution thicker.
How to use: Spray onto foliage that possums eat.

Quassia chips repellent

What you'll need:

• 1 liter of water
• 50gm quassia chips
• Potassium-based detergent

Instruction: Boil the water and add the quassia chips. Let the mixture steep for an hour. Strain the repellent and add detergent to make it thicker. Dilute with water before using.
How to use: Spray around the garden, and use sparingly on flowers or other plants in your garden.

 

Conclusion

In this article, we've dealt with the various ways in which you can start keeping possums away today. The smells and taste of garlic, onion, and fishes are what will keep possums away from your house. The three kinds of repellents talked about are very easy to make and can be used to protect your house against these animals right away.

However, if you find it difficult to deal with the threat of possums yourself, it is best to call professionals for the most appropriate solution. Contact Bug Guys Pest Control now to get your free estimate!

The post Tips on Keeping Possums Away From Your House is available on bugguyservices.com

Original post here: Tips on Keeping Possums Away From Your House

How to Use Diatomaceous Earth for Pest Control

Are you struggling to cope with pests and are looking for a quick and easy solution to your problem? If so, using diatomaceous earth for termites and other bugs might be the best solution for you.

But, what is diatomaceous earth? Does diatomaceous earth kill bugs? Can you use it on your own to reach an effective solution? We will answer all these questions for you so that you can have a stress-free approach to dealing with termites in your home. This article will help you minimize the damage caused by the pests and get rid of them for a long time. So, let’s get started.

 

What is diatomaceous earth?

Diatomaceous earth or DE is formed from the remains of freshwater phytoplankton or algae that existed in prehistoric times. Over the years, they adapted to their surroundings and formed exoskeletons based on silica. As these creatures died and piled up on top of each other, they were converted into fossils. These fossils changed over time to form the sedimentary rock known as diatomite.

The rock is mined from riverbeds and lakes. It is found in stretches or colonies of water, similar to algae in the modern-day. It was first used as a component for dynamite but found its way into the toothpaste and polish industry upon discovering its abrasive qualities.

 

Types of DE

On the market, you will find diatomaceous earth in two forms. The first is known as pool grade DE, which has been calcinated or exposed to high temperatures. This turns the silica dioxide into crystalline silica. While these processes increase its filtration qualities, pool grade DE is harmful to the human respiratory system.

The other form of DE is food grade. As the name suggests, it is used as a dietary supplement. However, prolonged exposure to food-grade DE can also cause lung damage.

Of the two, food grade is used as a pest control solution since it is easily available and helps deal with various pests.

 

How does diatomaceous earth work?

If you have the chance to observe DE under a microscope, you will see cylindrical objects with barbs covered all over them. These barbs cause wounds in the bodies of the insects that let body fluid out. Being an absorbent, it also absorbs the fluid excreted, which kills the insect by drying it out.

 

What kind of bugs does diatomaceous earth kill?

Once applied in the proper place, diatomaceous earth takes at least a few hours to kill insects. But better results are observed a few days later.

It takes DE a day or two to kill ants and bed bugs. Darkling beetles or silverfish might take 1-3 weeks to completely disappear after application. Insects such as fleas and cockroaches are also susceptible to DE and will be controlled once used around the house.

 

Does diatomaceous earth kill bugs instantly?

No. It takes diatomaceous earth a few hours to start affecting bugs and killing them. The quickest to fall victim are ants, with an average timing of 16 hours being reported. But while it doesn’t affect bugs right away, it is a very effective, accessible, and inexpensive long-term solution for households.

 

How do you apply diatomaceous earth at home?

This section will tell you how to apply diatomaceous earth for ants, termites, fleas, and other bugs that might invade your household.

Before applying DE to kill the insects, you need to do some research. Find out potential gaps where the insects might try to get in and cracks from where water might come.

So, here is a simple 5-step process that shows you how to use diatomaceous earth for ants, cockroaches, bed bugs, ants, and other bugs that might invade your house:

1. Identify the problem and where it is coming from. Find the pests’ location, and familiarize yourself with the kind of insect you’re dealing with. These are usually places where vacuum cleaners and brooms can’t reach.
2. Spread the DE by forming a line in the location where the insects will likely cross. Apply the line behind furniture or appliances and use goggles and a dust mask if you have sensitive eyes and lungs.
3. Monitor the movement of the insects and re-apply the diatomaceous earth if they change their tendencies.
4. Ensure that the diatomaceous earth layer is dry and thick. Diatomaceous earth wet application does not work. It needs to be dry and absorbent to operate effectively.
5. Do not sweep, vacuum, or soak the DE layer once it has been applied for at least the next few days.

 

How to use diatomaceous earth indoors

When using DE indoors, ensure that it is applied in places where cleaning is less frequent. Moreover, ensure that you don’t tamper with the layer once it has been used.

How to use diatomaceous earth outdoors

Using DE outdoors is a little more work since you’ll have to reapply the line regularly since it will get removed again and again. Also, you’ll have to reduce moisture as much as possible before applying DE outdoors. Otherwise, it won’t work properly.

 

Are there any risks in using DE?

Now that we have discussed how to spread diatomaceous earth for ants and other pests is an effective solution for pest control. The main reason diatomaceous earth is so popular is that it is all-natural and not toxic for humans or pets. So, you don’t have to worry about it affecting children or pets in the household.

 

Conclusion

Using diatomaceous earth in termites, ants, and other bugs can be almost completely removed from your household quickly and inexpensively. Since DE is all-natural, you don’t have to worry about your family or pets’ side effects in the house. But remember that the line needs to be dry and thick so that it catches insects in their tracks. In any case, it is best to contact professionals in case of an infestation so that you can deal with the problem with the most reliable service.

How to Use Diatomaceous Earth for Pest Control Read more on: Bug Guys

Original post here: How to Use Diatomaceous Earth for Pest Control

Are Earwigs Dangerous to Humans and Pets?

Earwigs can be one of the most intimidating creatures you can come across. They have a pair of dangerous-looking pincers attached to the end of their abdomen, which makes them seem threatening. If you find them in your house, it's natural to wonder, “Are earwigs dangerous?”

And that is exactly what we will be addressing in this article. We will also tackle what you can do to spot infections and possibly prevent them from showing up in the first place.

 

What is an earwig?

An earwig is an arthropod, which means it has a hard exoskeleton. Its length can be between 6 to 25 mm long. Earwigs have two antennae and have six legs. While they have wings and forewings, they are rarely used, which is why they are called skin wings.

Earwigs are found on all continents except for Antarctica and are nocturnal. They need moisture to survive. Moist crevices are hiding spots for these insects during the day, and they feed on a wide variety of plants and animals during the night.

The pincers on the rear end of the end are used to defend themselves from threats. And while most creatures similar to them are venomous, earwigs are not. However, earwigs can release a yellow liquid if they feel the need to protect themselves, which is not venomous either. It simply gives off a foul smell that allows the insect to protect itself.

But why are earwigs called earwigs? These insects are known to crawl inside the ears of human beings and lay their eggs in the brain. However, this is not true and is simply a fantasy to instill fear.

 

Are earwigs dangerous?

It’s not a surprise if you consider earwigs dangerous, but thankfully, they are not.

Do they bite? No, they also don’t.

However, earwigs only pinch but do not bite. Their grip is not that painful either, and you might not even notice. They don't have any harmful substances inside their body which makes them less of a threat. In pets like dogs or cats, earwigs can pinch them for a while, but pets wouldn’t notice them since they are not painful. Even if your pets eat these insects, there isn't any problem since they are not poisonous.

 

 

Earwigs and plants

While earwigs are not damaging to humans and pets, they are bad news for your garden. These pests feed on garden flowers and hostas, as well as some garden vegetables. Since these insects rely on moisture for survival, they can be found in any dark and moist place.

Rotting wood, especially where mold has accumulated due to a lot of moisture, is one of the most common places for them to hide. Tender shoots of plants are susceptible to damage, especially if hordes of such insects are found.

But, while they are damaging to some plants, they also protect them to some extent.

What do earwigs eat?

Other pests like aphids and mites are prey for earwigs, and they help get rid of other pests that could be harmful to you and your pets. Dead leaves are also food for these bugs since several species are omnivorous.

 

Spotting infestations at home

It is difficult to spot an earwig infection at home unless a big number of these bugs infest your property. But if you are attentive, you can spot early signs of such Infestations to prevent any worsening of the situation.

Here are some signs that you should look out for to spot infestations at home:

• Foul smell: Since earwigs release a foul liquid when they are under threat, a number of them will give off a foul odor in your house.
• Check moist and unused rooms: Dark and moist places are the typical habitats for earwigs, and checking damp or uninhabited rooms is a good idea to spot an early infestation.
• Use night lights: Like moths, earwigs are attracted to bright lights. So, you should consider using dim lights if you suspect an infestation.
• Dead leaves or mold: Dead leaves, mold, and moist soil is habitat for them. If you have these around your house, there might be an earwig Infestation.

 

How to prevent earwig infestation?

Now that you know the different signs to look out for in the case of earwig Infestation, here are some steps you can take to prevent them:

• Use a dehumidifier to get rid of excess moisture so that the insects don't find a habitable environment near or in your place.
• Fix drains or pipes surrounding your house, so that excess water doesn't leak into the soil and isn't exposed to earwigs.
• Clear any decaying piles of leaves or rotting wood from your premises so that they don't have a proper food source to live on.

 

In conclusion

In this article, we've learned what earwigs are and whether or not they are dangerous. We also discussed what they eat and where they are mainly found. With all this information, it is easier for you to spot, deal with, and prevent infestations.

If you spot the signs, make sure you contact professionals to deal with the problem and get rid of the pests for good.

Are Earwigs Dangerous to Humans and Pets? See more on: Bug Guys

Original post here: Are Earwigs Dangerous to Humans and Pets?

What Is a Termite Bond?

Are you worried about termites infesting the woodwork in your house? If so, the most effective solution for you is to negotiate a termite bond with a pest control company.

Home insurance policies don't include damage from termites, which is a big reason why you should consider putting such a deal in place. Property owners often find themselves making trips to pest control services to claim insurance.

If you've ever contacted a pest control company for their services, you will be familiar with this contract. However, if you're not, this article is for you. We will explain what a termite bond is, why you need it and what it covers.

 

What is a termite bond?

Essentially, termite bonds are contracts between pest control companies and their clients. Think of them as maintenance or warranty contracts for termite infestations.

The paperwork contains important details about the service provider and the client's terms for an agreement. Among the details included in the contract are:

• the duration of the agreement
• termite control treatment, and
• whether or not repairs will be provided

A termite bond is normally used to cover the pest control company’s services if termites are discovered in the house. You can transfer these kinds of bonds from one owner to the next, and they can also involve a fee. The amount to be paid depends on the size of the house and can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.

There are several different kinds of bonds on the market with respect to the company contacted, and their terms are all different from one another.

 

Termite letter vs. termite bond

A termite letter, unlike a bond, is simply a formal statement that a house is, or is not free of termites at the time of inspection. A letter might also include mentions of other wood-eating pests like carpenter ants or bees.

A typical termite letter agreement can cost you anywhere between $35 to $100.

In essence, while a termite letter only declares whether or not termites were found upon inspection, a bond provides a means to cover the damage if it is found inside the house in context.

 

 

What does a termite bond cover?

As mentioned earlier, a termite bond is a warranty contract between a pest control service and its client. It states that the company will keep your house in check when it comes to termite infestations and will take additional steps, if needed, to deal with the problem.

Termite bonds start with a prevention treatment at the beginning of the contract. These deals usually last a few years and agree upon a schedule to disinfect the premises. You may agree to a routine checkup every few months or create a custom schedule by talking to the company themselves.

The best part about termite bonds is that you won't have to pay anything extra if these pests are found after an inspection. Starting from the contract term, you are not required to pay for any additional services provided by the company if termites are found.

 

Does a termite bond cover damage?

It depends on the company you're consulting. To be clear, damage means the costs of any repairs if termites damage parts of the house.

Depending on the company you agree on terms with, the contract will specify if it will cover the damage. They can provide you disinfection only or disinfection with repairs. It is important that you're clear with the service providers in this regard since a good agreement could end up saving you a lot of money when a bond insures you.

 

Do I need a termite bond?

One of the crucial things about having a termite bond in place is peace of mind. The company will keep an eye on your premises to ensure that termites don’t infect them, and you can end up saving a lot of money, as described earlier.

It is also important to be clear on the issue of termites when buying or selling a house. Inspection can delay the process if termites are discovered. So, if you're the house seller, it is a good idea to go for a termite bond instead of a single service visit. This ensures that the house is insured for the future and protects the property against subsequent infestations as well.

 

In conclusion

In this article, we've covered what is a termite bond, why it is needed, and what it covers. Due to the benefits, it is a great idea to invest in a bond to protect your property against future infestations.

In case of infestations, it is best to contact termite pest control professionals to help you out with the damage. So, consider using Bug Guy Services to help you tackle your termite problems easily. Contact them online and get a free estimate.

What Is a Termite Bond? was first seen on www.bugguyservices.com

Original post here: What Is a Termite Bond?

What Are German Roaches?

Cockroaches are some of the toughest pests on planet earth. Even a nuclear explosion might not be enough to wipe these creatures. However, you can still hunt them down individually with your newspaper.

Unless, of course, you have an infestation on your property.
You can’t really handle an army of cockroaches running around your home, especially if they are German roaches.

The average American household or office can have different types of roaches, like American, Asian, and German. Out of the three, German cockroaches are the most common in homes worldwide, including the US.

Are you curious to find out more?

Then jump into our blog to know all about German cockroaches, how they look, and differ from American roaches. Along with that, we will also teach you to spot the signs of German roach infestation.

 

Identifying German roaches

What does a German cockroach look like?

You can identify a German roach using physical features, habitat preferences, and lifecycle habits. We will discuss each elaborately to give you a better idea of what you are dealing with.

Physical appearance

German cockroaches are generally light brown or tan. They have distinct black parallel lines that run behind their heads up to the wings. Some of them can also be dark brown.

The German cockroach’s size is not very big. They usually range between 13mm and 16mm or ½ and 5/8 inches.

Male German cockroaches are slimmer and slender compared to females. They also have a tapered end. On the contrary, females have a wider body and a round posterior.

Habitat

German roaches are common around the world where humans live. However, they cannot live in cold temperatures or without the presence of humans.

Additionally, they prefer the hospitable environment of homes and restaurants rather than the outdoors. They are also more common where food is available like kitchen, living rooms, or your bedroom.

German roaches can also travel from infested sites in bags, appliances, and luggage to your home.

Lifecycle

The German cockroach life cycle consists of three primary stages: egg, nymph, and adult.
The lifecycle is of around 100 days, although factors like temperature or food can alter it. A German cockroach can also produce thousands of offspring every year.

 

German cockroach vs. American cockroach

How can you tell between a German and an American cockroach?

American cockroaches are the second most common roaches in the US. They can grow to become big and reach 4cm or even 2 inches. In comparison, German roaches measure less than an inch.

American roaches also have reddish or dark-brown bodies and a pale yellow thorax. German cockroaches, on the other hand, are primarily light brown.

Additionally, American roaches are generally found outside or in moist areas of homes like basements or bathrooms. On the contrary, German varieties mostly live inside homes closer to food sources.

Moreover, German roaches don’t fly, while American ones can.

 

What attracts German roaches?

German roaches like to live comfortably. Several things in your home can invite these cockroaches and provide refuge, like:

• Food
• Warmth
• Water
• Garbage

Food

German cockroaches eat almost anything under the sun, from pizza crumbs to your toothpaste. They can also devour pet food, book bindings, gum, and soap. As a result, almost any home can attract these pests.

Warmth

German roaches cannot live in cold temperatures. They are also missing in houses without central heating in northern regions.

So, a warm and cozy home is a nice incentive for them.

Water

We all need water to survive and so do cockroaches. Hence, water can also attract German cockroaches.

Garbage

German cockroaches also eat garbage. Therefore, your garbage bins can also invite them in.

 

 

Signs of infestation

Addressing an infestation is crucial as German roaches can put your health and wellbeing at risk. They can:

• Contaminate food with droppings and defensive secretions
• Bring on allergic responses
• Contaminate your utensils, toothbrush, and drinkware
• Invite many sicknesses like food poisoning and dysentery
• Cause physiological discomfort
• Bite and eat food from human skin like around the mouth

As a result, you should always stay proactive to identify and deal with a cockroach infestation.

How to know if you have German roaches?

A range of signs can help you determine if you have a German cockroach infestation in your home. Keep an eye for the following signs that indicate cockroaches have taken over your house:

Odor

A large number of cockroaches can create an unpleasant odor. In the case of German cockroaches, you can smell a “musty” or stale smell when too many of them end up inside your house.

Droppings

Droppings are a sure sign of cockroach infestation. German roaches have droppings that look like tiny dots or pepper. You can also find dark spots left by fecal staining around your house.

However, the most common areas include your kitchen shelves, door tops, room corners, and around cracks in walls or floors.

Active at daytime

German roaches are generally nocturnal insects. So, if you spot one or two of them scouting around during the day, you have enough reasons to get suspicious.

Empty eggs

German cockroaches can leave a lot of eggshells around your house. So, try to spot eggs or empty shells to find out if you have an infestation.

You may also sometimes find them safely deposited in corners or hard-to-reach places.

Shed skin

Cockroaches shed skin as they grow up from the nymph stage. So, look out for shed skins around the house, among other signs.

 

Final thoughts

German roaches are the most common unwanted guests in your house. You can easily spot them by their light brown color and parallel stripes. Contact a professional pest control service if you think you have an infestation for quick and sure extermination. You can also contact us for a free quote or a fool-proof pest control job.

The blog post What Are German Roaches? was first published to https://bugguyservices.com

Original post here: What Are German Roaches?

Centipede vs. Millipede: Are Both Dangerous?

Centipedes and millipedes look alike and are common home pests all around the world. They are also found in Coachella Valley and can be crawling under your carpet right now!
However, you have nothing to worry about as these are not lethal. So, you can take a breath and read our centipede vs. millipede comparison to learn how to differentiate between the two. We will discuss their physical appearance and how you can recognize the unwanted guests in your house.

Additionally, we will also tell you how to eliminate and keep them away from your home.

 

Centipede vs. millipede: noticeable differences

You can identify between a centipede and a millipede by their appearance, where they live, food they eat, and more. We will take up each factor in detail to better understand what to look for.

1. Physical appearance

What does a centipede look like?

A centipede looks like an earthworm but has a segmented body. It crawls very fast and may sport different patterns on its body segments. They have multiple legs that grow away from the body. Now, how many legs does a centipede have?

A centipede has a pair of legs on each body segment that can be between 15 to over 100. Therefore, a centipede’s legs can range between 30 and over 100. Hence the name ‘centipede’ meaning a hundred legs!

What does a millipede look like?

A millipede looks like a centipede and also has a segmented body. However, it has two pairs of legs on each body segment, whereas centipedes have only one pair. Additionally, the legs of millipedes point towards the ground instead of spreading out.

You can also distinguish between centipedes and millipedes by their behavior. Centipedes will crawl away when they sense human presence. Millipedes, on the other hand, will curl up and stay at the same place.

2. Size

Both centipedes and millipedes vary greatly in size. The smallest centipede can be 1 cm or 0.4 inches long, while the largest can reach up to 30 cm or 12 inches.
Giant centipedes can even hunt and eat small mammals.

On the other hand, Millipedes range between 0.20 cm or 0.08 inches and 27 cm or 11 inches.

3. Habitat

Centipedes and millipedes live on the land and are present everywhere except Antarctica. They can live in both dry and humid conditions, though centipedes prefer dry habitats more. You can also find centipedes in the desert.

Millipedes, on the contrary, like to stay in moist environments. They are common in forests, grasslands, and even your washroom. You can also find millipedes under the soil and deep in mountain caves.

4. Food source

Centipedes are carnivorous predators and live off small insects and pests. They use their claws to poison their prey and hunt them.

Millipedes eat rotting plant materials like leaves. They do not hunt or kill other insects.

Are house centipedes poisonous?

Are centipedes dangerous? Do they bite you? What about those that enter our houses?
You can give a rest to your worries as centipedes are not dangerous. However, they can still bite you, and larger ones may puncture your skin to release venom. But their poison is not lethal, and the bite feels like a wasp sting.

Therefore, you are better off not handling those creepy crawlies by yourself. Also, centipedes will crawl away quickly once they detect human presence. So, it’s rare to get bitten by a house centipede.

Are house millipedes poisonous?

Now comes the question, are millipedes poisonous?

You will be relieved to know house millipedes are neither dangerous nor poisonous. In addition, they do not bite humans or cause any discomfort. However, they do release small amounts of chemicals as a defense mechanism when irritated. The chemicals can contain poison, such as cyanide, although in very small quantities.

As a result, you have nothing to fear about millipedes. You can handle them safely, but ensure to wash your hands thoroughly afterward to remove any chemicals.

 

How to get rid of centipedes and millipedes

Here are a few ways you can use to drive away centipedes and millipedes from your home:

1. Kill the creepy crawlies

You can try a few methods if you want to kill centipedes or millipedes present in your house. Your local hardware store will have insecticides that exterminate them instantly. You can also try natural insect killers like boric acid, soapy water, and cayenne pepper.

2. Use your vacuum cleaner

You can simply use your vacuum cleaner to get rid of centipedes. Plus, it works well for hiding spots where you cannot easily reach. Look to vacuum out all the corners and crevices in your home, so you can suck these arthropods no matter where they are hiding.
Just ensure to dispose of your dust bag far away from home!

3. Use sticky traps

You can lay sticky traps around your house to catch millipedes and centipedes. They are also great for catching other pests that lurk around in your home.

 

How to prevent centipedes and millipedes

Try the following so that these pests never return to your home:

• Use a dehumidifier to keep your home dry
• Seal all cracks in walls and floors
• Clean all hiding places around your house
• Get rid of clutter where they can hide
• Eliminate other pests that attract centipedes

 

Final thoughts

We hope you now know how to differentiate between a centipede vs. millipede. You can also try the ways we highlighted to get rid of them. However, for serious infestations, seek help from a professional pest control agency. You can contact us for residential pest control to get a free estimate.

Centipede vs. Millipede: Are Both Dangerous? was first seen on https://bugguyservices.com/

Original post here: Centipede vs. Millipede: Are Both Dangerous?

Why Do I Have Centipedes at Home?

Have you ever come across elongated earthworm-like creatures that seem to walk on tiny, furry legs? If yes, then you have seen a centipede in your house.

Honestly, most people can deal with rodents like rats and mice in their houses. They can even deal with tiny insects like bed bugs or carpet bugs. However, centipedes look disgusting and frighten most people to their cores. So if you find one in your house, you probably want it gone right away. But before that, you should know why you have centipedes in your home.

Centipedes walk creepily on so many legs and have a habit of getting everywhere. You look at walls, and they’re crawling on them. You turn to your floors, and you see them there too. So, let’s tell you why you see all these house centipedes on your property.

 

What is a centipede?

Centipedes belong to the arthropod group known as Myriapoda. Most people think that these are regular insects, but they are quite different in reality. These creatures have segmented bodies, and each segment of their body has a pair of legs.

The word “centipede” literally means “a hundred legs.” However, in reality, these arthropods don’t have a hundred legs. Instead, most house centipedes can have anything between 15 - 150 pairs of legs, each pair attached to each segment of its body.

Most centipedes are usually an inch or two long, though their legs can make them appear longer. They are also nocturnal creatures, so you may not easily find them unless you are a night owl too.

There are different species of this arthropod, like the feather-tail, aquatic, and the giant red-headed centipede. The centipede we see in our homes is the house centipede.

 

 

What does a house centipede look like?

Here are some of the characteristic features these arthropods have.

Body

You can easily spot this creature by its distinctive body. House centipedes have long, earthworm-like bodies. The difference is that the bodies of centipedes have many segments, and each comes with a pair of legs. They can have anything between 15 and 150 pairs of legs, but usually, they have an odd number of pairs.

Color

Most house centipedes are brown or reddish-brown in color. However, they can be of other colors too. For example, some are yellowish and can have stripes on them, which are usually darker than the body’s color.

Size

Usually, they are about 1 or 1 ½ inches long, which is about 25-38 mm. However, the size also depends on the species. Some of them can also be about 152 mm long.

Physical features

The head of a house centipede is very distinctive. You’ll find a pair of long, hairy antennae on their heads. They also have claw-like structures and a tiny mouth. Centipedes’ claws have venomous glands, which they use on small vertebrates like worms to paralyze them. Some house centipedes have well-developed eyes on each side of their body. On the contrary, some don’t have any at all.

If you’re asking the question, “what does a house centipede look like,” these features should help you identify them quickly when you see one on your property. Are these poisonous? While they do carry venom in their claws to attack their prey, they usually don’t cause any harm to humans. Unless you are handling them very closely, they will also not bite you. And if they do, you will experience pain much like that of a bee sting. However, sensitive people might develop allergic reactions, for which they might have to visit the doctor. But you will not die from a centipede bite.

 

What causes centipedes in the house?

Are you wondering how to get rid of these? Well, before that, you have to know what causes centipedes in the house. Here are some reasons why you see these in your home.

1. There’s moisture everywhere

Centipedes need damp and humid areas to stay alive and active. If you see too many of them in your house, it means that your home is probably producing lots of moisture. Your basement, kitchen, and bathroom are the areas where you want to look for excess dampness. Make sure to keep your house dry to prevent infestation.

2. Food source

All living creatures need food to survive. One of the things that attract centipedes is the right food. Do you have a garden with flowers in them? These may attract smaller bugs and spiders, which in turn make an excellent diet for them. So, if you see centipedes around your house, you may be having other bug problems too.

3. Temperature variations

What do you do when you feel cold outside? You look for shelter within your home. Centipedes are pretty much the same. When they find the exterior of your house too cold to survive, they can creep inside and hide there to stay warm.

 

Where do you commonly find centipedes?

Let’s look at the places where you should begin searching for centipedes.

1. Your garden is where most tiny bugs come to feed, and centipedes feed on these bugs. So, the first place to start looking for centipedes in your garden.
2. House centipedes need moisture to survive. If your bathroom is a damp place, you will find them hiding there in the corners. They can easily climb up through the drain pipes and enter your bathrooms, leading to an infestation in your house.
3. Most basements are dark and damp. So, the basement of your house is another place where you can find house centipedes.
4. Sometimes you can also find them under your bed in your bedroom. This place usually does not get enough light and is cold enough for centipedes to seek shelter.

 

Final thoughts

House centipedes are not dangerous and do not cause any severe harm to humans. But a large-scale infestation can damage your property. Centipede infestation also often means an infestation of other bugs in your house. In order to keep them away, make sure to follow all the proper precautions by keeping your place clean and dry.

In severe cases, professional help is necessary. You can rely on professional pest control services like Bug Guy Services. For a FREE estimate, contact us now.

The following post Why Do I Have Centipedes at Home? Find more on: Bug Guys

Original post here: Why Do I Have Centipedes at Home?

Rodent Infestation: Difference Between Mice and Rats

Did you see a large rodent scurry away and hide under the closet in your kitchen? It can be a mouse or a rat. There are subtle differences between these two rodents, and you need to be careful in identifying them. Unless you recognize the rodent infesting your house, you will be unable to choose the right solution. You also have to check how serious of a problem you have.

Usually, three types of rodents plague our house - the ordinary house mouse, the Norway rat, or the roof rat. But, how to tell the difference between mice and rats? Learn about mice and rats and the different ways you can identify them. Do you also need solutions for severe rodent infestation in your house? Read on to discover those as well!

 

Identifying rats vs. mice

Most homeowners will say that rats and mice are the same things, but they are not. Both mice and rats are small, furry and have a long tail. So, what’s the difference between them? The most significant difference is possibly the size of the rodents. The common house rat or Norway rat is much larger than the house mouse.

Apart from that, here are some other differences you can look out for when you are trying to identify rats vs. mice infestation in your house:

1. Rats have rougher coats of red, brown, or black color and a furless tail. On the contrary, mice have smoother fur, bigger ears, and small black eyes.
2. Mice droppings are more frequent but smaller in size. You will find them in dark areas where mice can hide. Rats poop less frequently, and their droppings are larger.

These are some of the visible differences between these two rodents. You can learn more about them in our article here.

 

Signs of infestation

Most house owners only catch glimpses of the rodents in their house when they scurry across their properties. There’s often no time to identify rats vs. mice physically. That’s why you look for other signs.

Let’s talk about the various signs by which you can tell the difference between rats and mice infestation:

1. Droppings

Rodent droppings are usually the easiest way to figure out an infestation in the house. If the droppings you see are smaller than 1/4th of an inch, you have a mice infestation. But if the droppings are larger and about 1/2 an inch in size, you have rats in your house.

Also, remember that mice poop more regularly than rats. So, if you see droppings all over your house and at all times, it’s probably mice that you have.

2. Odor

A nasty odor could mean that you have a rodent infestation. Rat and mouse urine have a strong, pungent smell. The bigger the infestation, the worse the smell.

If you can smell this musky odor, find out where it’s coming from. Look in the darker places of your house, like under the beds and closets. Urine smell is one of the earliest signs of infestation, so don’t ignore it.

3. Gnaw marks

Rodents leave gnaw marks. If you see gnaw marks in your gunny bags or other fabric lying around the house, it means you have a rodent problem. You can easily distinguish between the gnaw marks of mice and rats. If it’s a mice infestation, you will see tinier marks and neatly cut holes. But with rats, the holes are larger and cut more roughly.

 

 

Can rodents cause medical problems?

Sometimes mice or rat fur and droppings can trigger severe allergic reactions in human beings. In addition, these rodents can also cause significant medical problems like the following:

1. According to the CDC, Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome is a respiratory disease that can even be fatal at times. If the rats or mice infesting your property carry the Hantavirus, even breathing the air around their urine or droppings can cause health risks to you.
2. Rats and mice carrying the Salmonella germ can also transmit it to people. If these rodents in your house infect your food, you can contract Salmonellosis, a diarrhea-related disease.
3. These rodents can often bite you if you try to throw them out of your house. In such cases, you can also contract Rat-Bite Fever which can be a fatal disease if you cannot detect it on time.

The CDC says that rats and mice can spread almost 35 diseases all over the world. This is why it becomes necessary to know what’s the difference between rats and mice.

 

Damage to your property

Apart from your health, rats and mice can also cause severe damages to your property. As a property owner, you must check whether your property has rats vs. mice infestation. The most damage comes from these rodents chewing and gnawing through things. Mice can gnaw holes through wood, books, paper, or anything else they might find helpful in making their nests. They can also chew wires around your house, which can cause terrible fires.

Rats, on the other hand, can raid your pantry and infect your food items. Their teeth are also strong enough to cut through any metal. Like mice, they can also damage electrical wires leading to dangerous fires in your house.

 

 

Preventing infestation

Now that you know how to tell the difference between rats and mice and the possible consequences of infestation, let’s talk about solutions. Some measures you can take to stop rodent growth in your house are:

• Clean your house regularly. Look under the beds and wardrobes to find possible nesting areas of rodents and thoroughly clean them.
• Find the food sources of these rodents and root them out. If you have cereals in your pantry that you think rats or mice might consume, seal the cupboards properly so that they cannot enter them.
• Block the entryways and runways. If you have pipelines or cracks in walls where you find signs of rat urine or mice droppings, clean them and block the areas so the rodents can no longer pass through them.
• Use the various traps and baits available in the market. Most of the time, the poison in those traps helps kill mice and rats quickly.

You can also read more about controlling rat infestation in our blog here.

 

Final thoughts

Rats and mice can be a cause of serious worry for homeowners. In this article, we gave you information about rats vs. mice in your house. We also talked about how to get rid of them. However, these home remedies may work only to prevent an infestation. If you already have rats or mice infestation in your house, you may need to call professional pest control services like Bug Guy Services. Click here to contact us or for a free estimate!

Rodent Infestation: Difference Between Mice and Rats was originally published on https://bugguyservices.com/

Original post here: Rodent Infestation: Difference Between Mice and Rats