Spring Cleaning Pest Control Tips

Warming temperatures and increased rain, starting from March through May, results with insects such as ants, sow bugs, earwigs, flies and of cause mosquitoes to spring into action. Ticks and fleas are a major concern as well due to the relatively warm winter in which they survived. Rodents like mice and rats add to the problem as they are always happy to invade homes and businesses year-round.

What can homeowners do to protect their family and friends from these pesky, disease carrying invaders? What can business owners do to protect their employees and/or customers?

Spring Into Action

There are three things that insects and rodents need for survival and to reproduce, they are:
1. Food
2. Water
3. Shelter

Let's begin with food. Insects and rodents are small, so it doesn't take much to satisfy their hunger. If you keep garbage cans and/or dumpsters clean and keep the lids on them, pest will be forced to find food somewhere else. It's even helpful to have dumpsters and garbage cans treated at least once a month during the spring and summer as an added protection.

                                                                           

Replace cans and lids if they have holes in them. Holes in the lids not only allow access but allows rainwater to collect in the cans which can result in a breeding area for mosquitoes.

Let's consider water. Insects and rodents thrive when water and moisture are readily available, in fact like humans they can go longer without food than water. Eliminating water and moisture around the foundation, crawlspaces, basements and attics is very important. Take a look at the condition of your downspouts as an example.


 

If your downspouts are damaged or not working properly, water can accumulate around the foundation and slowly seep down into the basement creating an excellent environment for insects and rodents to breed. Even if you don't have a basement water sitting around a slab on grade brings insects of all types. Downspouts should extend at least six feet. Additionally, the grading around a structure should have enough of a slope so rainwater can drain away. Also make sure gutters are clean, free of leaves and dirt, and properly in place.


Finally let's take a look a shelter.  Outdoors, rodents have to move about undercover, that's because they're constantly hunted by predators like birds and cats. Keeping grass cut low and eliminating weeds will help keeps rodents at bay. Low cut grass and a weed free perimeter makes them easily seen by predators and so will discourage them from coming around the property. Keeping firewood away from the exterior walls will help reduce termite and carpenter ant infestation. It's wise to keep the perimeter of the structure as dry as possible, so remove items that will create a cover for insects and that holds moisture.

Cutting vegetation back at least one foot away from the structure will also keep rodents and insects from invading your home or business.

If vegetation is allowed to grow on the building it will only invite both insects and rodents. The pictures to the right and left are great examples of maintenance that was neglected at this house. As a result of this overgrowth mice, bugs, mosquitoes and mold growth was found both inside and outside the house creating an unhealthy environment. Repairing doors, screens, windows, attic louvers, thresholds and cracks on the exterior walls will help keep unwanted guess away.

 Be aware of wood mulch. Wood mulch looks nice and enhances the appearance of plant beds. It's also great for plants as wood mulch retains moisture to the plant's roots, thus reducing the need for watering, but it also attracts wood destroying insects. Having wood mulch treated with Eco friendly products monthly helps reduce wood destroying insect infestation.


Keeping pest away takes a little time and effort. If you want to keep spring and summer pest from taking over your home or business, then spring maintenance is not an option. Your local pest control professional will also be happy to give you tips and help with any pest control needs or concerns you may have.

Facts You Should Know About Bed Bugs

Most adult bed bugs are about 3/16" long and are oval and flat in shape. They are brown to reddish brown in color after a blood meal. Nymphs (young) resemble adults but are smaller and pale in color. After molting (shedding their skin) they are white in color and then light tan before feeding. Bed bugs have no wings; however, they can crawl long distances (in excess of 100 feet) for a blood meal. 

The flat, oval shape of bed bugs allows them to hide under mattresses, mattress beads and buttons, in box springs or their coverings as well as in any crevice of a wooden bed frame, such as where wooden members join. Beds, including the frame and headboards are typically the initial infestation site and the first place a Pest Control Professional will inspect. 

In time other places can become infested such as upholstered furniture, dresser draws, curtains, picture frames, mirrors, light switches, electrical outlets, door and window frames, under carpets, baseboards, crown moldings, radios, clocks, televisions, telephones, stuffed animals, shoes, wall voids, between floor boards, etc. Bed bugs love clutter as this gives them the best chance of survival and reproduce. So, it's important to keep all room neat and clean as possible.

                                                              

Reproduction

Female bed bugs lay around 1-5 eggs per day. The eggs are white, 1/32" long and are usually deposited in cracks in some of the items listed above or on rough surfaces and are secured in place with her transparent cement. The nymphs (young) go through five stages of growth. A blood meal is required before each growth stage or molting, that is the shedding of their skin.

Studies show that adults and nymphs can survive months, and in rare cases even up to a year, for adults without a meal. This is one key reason why they are difficult to control and why they are spreading throughout the United States.
 Because of their ability to hide deep into furniture and bedding, and live electrical equipment, it is best that a pest control professional be called in for an inspection and treatment(s) if you suspect bed bug issues.

We at EM Pest Control are committed to Service, Solutions, and Satisfaction for your home or business.

Visit and/or call us at:
www.empestcontrol.com
516-455-6742
516-491-2768

How To Prevent Mice from Entering your Home and Business

Winter is almost here which means that mice are trying to find shelter. House mice are in the top 5 most common pest in and around residential homes and commercial businesses. Why are mice such a problem in both urban and suburban areas? One main reason is their ability to breed rapidly, for example, according to the National Pest Management Association, mice reach sexual maturity in 35 days. They're ready to mate when 6-10 weeks old. How long is pregnancy? an average of just 19 days. The average litter size is anywhere from 5-8 mice. This means that a female mouse can have a new litter of mice about once every 40-50 days!

Other facts are that mice can climb very well, and can run up roughened walls with ease. It's no problem for them to run up the sides of brick or concrete exterior walls and into a cracked or open window. They too can run across ropes and wires easily, even upside down. They can jump up at least 12" high and without injuring themselves jump down 8 ft. Mice can even fit through holes no bigger than a quarter.

                                 Outside Life

Outside mice adapt very well, even thrive. They can be found quite abundantly in open fields living in burrows, vegetative debris and hollow trees. Mice are nocturnal by nature which allows them to avoid predators like birds and stray cats. They also make their homes in yards making their way into garages, stored firewood, old unused vehicles and broken concrete slabs. They can also survive extreme temperatures. With all these abilities, how can mice infestations be prevented?

                                 Mice Prevention

Like humans, mice want to be warm and sheltered from the dangers of the outside world.  To prevent mice from invading your home and even your outside property, start with a thorough inspection. 

• Keep your yard clean from vegetative debris, and unused stored items. If mice can't hide from their predators, they're least likely to come on your property. Keep garbage cans clean, tops securely fasten and garbage off the ground.

• Do you have pets? If so, make sure pet food is not left out as this will attract not only mice but other pests like raccoons. Feeding birds also attract pests. If feeding birds, clean up all bird seeds from the ground, seeds are one of mice favorite diet.

•  Now take a look at the structure. Are there any repairs or replacements to be made? For example, does the door close properly and securely? Remember mice can fit through openings as small as a quarter. 

• Is the threshold in good condition, set firmly and securely in place? If there are spaces between the ground and threshold, mice can easily squeeze through.  

• Do you need a door sweep, or does the one you have need to be replaced? Door sweeps are designed to keep pest out. If you see any daylight around the perimeter of your door, it needs to be corrected.

• Take a close look at any plumbing penetrations on the exterior walls, examples are HVAC lines and/or water faucets. Are they caulked or sealed properly? These are one of the main areas where mice can enter homes.

• Do you have a crawlspace? Make sure the crawlspace door and openings have metal mesh installed.

When it comes to garages, especially attached garages, it's important to make sure the garage vehicle door is in good condition and closes properly. Just as important are the components on the garage door such as the weatherstrip at the bottom of the door. It's not uncommon for the weatherstrip to go unnoticed, but it is often in bad shape and in need of replacement. The picture to the right shows how mice are entering this house because the weatherstrip has deteriorated leaving an opening in the corner.

Creating an environment that is unsafe for mice and their search for food unsuccessful are key ways that will help you keep your property inside and outside pest free.

Call us at 516-455-6742, 516-491-2768 or visit our website www.empestcontrol.com to find more information on mice and other pests. 

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Yellowjackets - How To Reduce An Infestation

Yellowjackets are very aggressive insects that, when threated, has the ability to inflict very painful stings to its victim multiple times. Its best to stay clear away from them, but just as important, property owners and managers must prevent an infestation.

Yellowjackets resemble Honey Bees because of their similar size and color, however unlike honey bees, yellowjackets are hairless.

There are about 16 species in North America, but three species - the eastern yellowjacket, the southern yellowjacket and the German yellowjacket are the main causes for concern to humans. Depending on the species, the adult workers are about 3/8-5/8" long, but the queens are about 25% larger.

What You Need To Know -  Yellowjackets are seen during the summer months but can be much more visible and in greater numbers in the late summer and early fall season. There are many things that will attract these pests onto properties such as:

1. Overgrown vegetation - if grass, shrubs and bushes are overgrown this will become an ideal area for them to build their nests, either in the dirt or on the shrubs and bushes. This becomes a real problem when people or pets come near the area. It too presents a stinging problem when someone attempts to do any landscaping in the area. So it's important to keep landscapes in good condition.

2. Building Maintenance - building maintenance is very important, since these insects like to nest in open wall voids, such as loose siding, gaps in outside molding, unrepaired or loose brick work, loose facia boards, openings in PVC fences etc. The point is keeping the outside building in good repair will help keep yellowjackets and other stinging insects from nesting on the structure.

3, Garbage - during the late summer into early fall, yellowjackets change their diets to sugar and fatty foods. Keep in mind however that they are opportunistic and will eat whatever is available such as ripe fruit, meat, sweets and garbage. This makes them especially a problem with outdoor eating. They are also found around garbage dumpsters and trash compactors at commercial properties. 

Keeping the inside of garbage cans clean, as well as the lids fully closed will help keep them away, Garbage dumpsters and trash compactors should be cleaned regularly- including scummy build up. In addition to this, keeping the garbage area clean from food scrapes, and liquid spills will help prevent and infestation.

                                                                              

4. Perfumes and Colognes -  yellowjackets are attracted to the scent of perfume and colognes. So  during the warm months be aware that perfumes and colognes can result in yellowjackets flying around and following you when outside. When you start to swat at them is when they often go into attack mode.

Taking practical steps can help avoid an infestation and attacks from yellowjackets.

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Yellow Jackets - Can Be A Stinging Problem

Yellow Jackets are social wasps. In the North America there are about 18 different species.
  During the summer of 2020, and heading into the fall season, an increased activity of Yellow Jackets has been noticed throughout the region. 

Yellow Jackets are considered beneficial insects because they mostly prey on various insects that are considered pests during the summer. But in the late summer and early fall they switch their diet to sugars like fruit and sweet drinks, but they are opportunistic and will eat whatever food is available, even raw meat.

Yellow Jackets can become  a stinging problem when they nest in or around structures. Areas where they commonly make their nests around structures are open voids in siding, soffits, loose or open bricks, facia boards, open ends of plastic fences and shrubs and bushes.

They also nest in the ground by selecting bare areas of vegetation, or they will clear an area around the entrance.

 Because they build their nests in these areas, they become a real stinging threat to people. And what makes them especially dangerous is a single yellow jackets ability to sting multiple times.

Because yellow jackets live in large colonies, this too makes them a stinging threat to people. They are a very organized colony with entrance guards. When people and/or pets come to close to the entrance, the entrance guards will fly close to the perceived threat and can inflict very painful stings that often require quick medical attention.

Our next post will feature what you can do to reduce your chance of an infestation, and what you should do if you have an infestation on or near your property.

If you're anywhere in the boroughs of  Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, 

Manhattan or you live or have a business in Long Island - Make an                                      online appointment

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Carpenter Ants - How to Prevent an Infestation

Carpenter Ants (Camponotus) are the largest ants found throughout the United States. They range in color, from black to brown, or a combination of both. Black carpenter ants are commonly found in the Northeastern side of the U.S. They have 6 legs, elbowed antennas, a slender waist and the size range from 1/4 of an inch, to 1/2 an inch for a worker ant, and 3/4 inch for a queen. Black Carpenter ant swarmers emerge from a mature colony usually beginning in early spring (May) through the summer. The carpenter ant swarmer's has 2 pair of wings, but the second pair are shorter than the first.
 Carpenter Ants can cause serious damage to wood inside and outside your home. Unlike termites that eat wood, carpenter ants excavate galleries and build nests to rear their young. This is especially harmful in wood support members such as sill plates, floor joists, rim joist, posts and beams, to mention a few. They can be found in logs, firewood, moist damp wood, and tree stumps. Though they can be found in dry wood, carpenter ants prefer wood with a high moisture content. The longer the colony stays in the wooden structure, the more damage they will do to your home. Over time any structural wood they attack can be weakened, resulting in unlevel, or sagging floors, bulging walls, or worse.
 Debris that carpenter ants produce from excavating wood, such as saw dust like shavings mixed with body parts of dead ants, is a clear indication of a nearby nest.

Prevention

Carpenter Ants are usually found near moisture, and rotting or decaying wood. Home owners should make sure their gutters and downspouts are functioning properly. If holes or leaks exist in the gutter system, that can allow rain water to accumulate around the home, thus attracting carpenter ants. Replace all dysfunctional gutters and downspouts. Adding downspout extensions, or splash blocks is also helpful in keeping water from accumulating around the structure.
The grading around the structure should slope slightly to allow rain water to drain away, instead of toward the structure, or from settling around it.

Where wood is in contact with soil, these areas should be closely examined. If nests are discovered, replace the infested wood if seriously damaged. Exterior steps, posts, or railings should rest on concrete pads instead of in, or on the soil.

Stopping water from entering the home is very important. Repair all roof leaks and replace missing shingles if needed. Have the flashing on the roof inspected, especially roof penetrations such as plumbing vents and chimney flashings. Clean gutters of leaves and dirt to prevent them from overflowing.
Caulk and screen any potential entryway ants may use to gain access, like doors and windows, and outside water connections. Ventilate areas where moisture accumulates, or where high humidity exists, such as crawlspaces, attics and storage rooms.

Vegetation in the form of bushes, hedges and tree branches should be trimmed back at least one foot away from the exterior walls, and tree branches overhanging roofs should be cut back. When vegetation is in contact with exterior walls, or roofs, this is conducive for pest infestation.

While wood mulch is good for plants, it also attracts wood destroying insects, including termites. If you have wood mulch, or plan to have some put around your home, many pest control professionals strongly recommend having the mulch treated to prevent the infestation of wood destroying insects. Wood mulch can be sprayed, or granular bait can be applied.

 Carpenter ants have their place in nature, however, we don't want them in and around our homes. With careful planning, and good home maintenance and repair, we can reduce the use of pesticide and co-exist with the insect world.

Where Do Fruit Flies Come From?

Fruit Fly

Fruit flies are a common nuisance pest that usually invade orchards, breweries, restaurants, supermarkets, hospitals, canneries and homes. Adults measure about 1/8" in length and range in color from dull tan to brownish yellow or brownish black. Their eyes are usually bright red, but can also be very dark red or brown. They are found world wide and throughout the United States.

 Not only are they a nuisance pest, fruit flies may also act as disease vectors. In addition to this, adult females can lay up to 500 eggs that hatch in about 30 hours! That being the case, it is extremely important that integrated pest management (IPM) measures are taken to prevent, or at the very least, limit their breeding sites.

                                                                     Fruits & vegetables

Fruit flies are primarily attracted to fresh fruit and vegetables - nearly any material that is fermented by yeast. They are also attracted to decaying organic matter and can be found around fermenting water from refrigerators. In restaurants they are commonly seen in sink and floor drains where decaying food scraps are found. Dirty or sour mops and rags, and fermenting pet food are common breeding areas.


                                                                         Control Measures


 Eliminating all breeding sites is the key to controlling fruit fly infestation. In restaurants when floors are mopped and food preparation areas, such as counter tops are wiped down, accumulated food particles are often found in cracks and crevices where it ferments, thus providing ideal breeding conditions. Cracked, missing and loose floor and wall tile and missing grout should be repaired or replaced to eliminate food scrapes from accumulating. The use of  microbial floor cleaners is very effective for floors. Mops should be cleaned and/or replaced when dirty. Food can also be found under baseboards, so if it doesn't sit flush on the floor, sealing any gaps will greatly help eliminate breeding sites.

If you discover these pest are coming from outside, reducing the screen size (mesh) can be helpful since some species can easily penetrate ordinary screens. Floor drains should be cleaned with foam drain cleaners to break down the build up of biofilm.

 If problems still persist give us a call and a friendly and knowledgeable Pest Control Professional will conduct an inspection in and around your business or home, find any breeding areas and eliminate the problem for you. Call us.

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How To Get Rid Of Ants In Your Home or Business

     

One of the most successful life forms on earth are ants, in fact according to many pest management professionals ants are at the top of the list when it comes to structural pests. What makes them so successful is their efficiency, tenaciousness, resiliency and numbers. It's a good thing that most ants live outdoors, however, some make their nest in or around structures and therefore can become a nuisance, get into food, attack humans and/or cause structural damage. In order to successfully get of ants, properly identifying the type of ants and why they are drawn to the structure is key.                                                                                                                                                        

Types of Ants     

There are many different types of ants. Identifying these type of ants that are invading your property is huge because each species are drawn to different foods and environments. There are 3 types of ants that are commonly known to invade your house or place of business. Those 3 are Carpenter Ants, Pavement Ants, and Argentine Ants. Let's take a look at Carpenter Ants. Carpenter Ants are drawn to wood, but not just any wood. They like to nest in wood that has a high moisture content and suffered water damage and has been softened up by decay. High humidity is essential for the development of carpenter ant eggs and larvae. They do however have the ability to create an environment of humidity and can thus spread into sound wood.

        Pavement Ants are commonly found in commercial buildings. They get their name because of nesting under the pavement and sidewalks. They are known for making soil mounds commonly seen in sidewalks, pavement cracks, around foundations and decorative stones. Anything that provides a protective cover you can find pavement ants. Inside structures they can be found nesting inside walls, in wall insulation, and under floors. This species of ants particularly likes to be near heat sources. Indoor swarms can happen if they are found under slabs.

                                                            

Argentine Ants are seen above when indoor nests near moisture sources such as water pipes, sinks, and potted plants. When conditions outdoors are unfavorable, such as too wet or too dry, they can invade buildings in large numbers. Because they crawl over refuse, sputum, and carrion to mention a few, they are responsible for spreading disease organisms.

                                                                              

These are just three species of ants commonly found in structures, but there are many more such as Fire Ants, Acrobat Ants, Thief Ants, Odorous House Ants and the Little Black Ants each with their own habits and preferences, so identification is a key to long term control. Identifying the problem ant brings us to the next key formula of getting rid of ants - Inspection

                                                        

Inspection and Treatment

There are three components to an inspection -  1) Finding the Nest, 2) Detecting Foraging Routes and 3) Spotting conditions conducive to infestations. Many people use over the counter gels or liquid baits to fight an infestation. Improperly placements of gels or liquid baits will do little good. Also used are over the counter sprays, but this only kills the ants that are seen or foraging for food. Locating the nest goes a long way if you are to eliminate ants for good. Sometime locating the nest is not possible, so looking for other conditions is helpful. Look for and repair broken seals around windows and doors, water damaged wood and cracks in foundation walls. Of course sanitation is very important inside as well as outside. Correct any moisture related issues inside and outside the structure. Keeping the perimeter of the structure dry and keeping vegetation growth at least one foot from the structure will aid in ridding your home or business from ants.                                                                                                        

If these tactics are ineffective call your local pest control professional. They have experience in locating and treating the nest, applying a barrier treatment, baiting and applying a residual that is safe and long lasting.

                                                                                                                                                                                  

                                                       

                                                 

                                        

                                                                             

        

Difference Between Termite Swarmer and Flying Ant

 Termites that are most often seen by the general public are the winged reproductive adult termite also known as swarmers, alate, and flying termites. These termites have dark bodies about 3/8-inch in length. They are equipped with two pairs of gauzy wings identical in size and shape that extends beyond the body to twice its length. The antennae resemble a string of little beads.

Ants also have colonies that release winged reproductive,and because they swarm at the same time, (usually from March to July) flying ants are often mistaken for termites. Ant swarmers, like termite swarmers are dark in color. An example is the northeastern carpenter ant which is typically dark brown to black. Both species have wings that extend beyond its body. With both being similar in size and color and the fact they swarm at the same time, its easy to see why some mistake one for the other. Telling the difference between the two is very important for the purpose of an effective treatment.


                                                          Termite Swarmer vs Flying Ant 

                                        termite swarmer (left) and a flying ant (right) 

The termite has wings of equal size and cloudy.              Ant hind-wings smaller than fore-wings      

Many fine conspicuous veins through out wings            Very few dark conspicuous veins in wings

 Broad Waist                                                                      Constricted, slender Waist

Straight Antenna resembles string of beads                       Elbowed Antenna

                                                                      Inspection

If you suspect you have either one of these insects, or both contact a pest control company licensed in wood destroying insect extermination. Over the counter products cannot and will not get rid of these pest. A pest control professional (PCP) will conduct an inspection of your property to locate the nest(s), assess any damage, determine the extent of the infestation, ascertain conditions conducive for infestation and prescribe the proper treatment.