Happy New Year!

A New Year is like a blank book, and the pen is in your hands. It is your chance to write a beautiful story for yourself. Happy New Year!

How to Inspect Your Home for Bed Bugs | Pest Control

Catching bed bugs early on can save your lot of money in the long run and so where do you look for bed bugs? Watch this video to find out.

Merry Christmas!

May you have the spirit of Christmas which is Peace, the gladness of Christmas which is Hope, and the Heart of Christmas which is Love.

Why Cockroaches Are So Hard To Kill

Cockroaches are one of the most widespread and resilient creatures on this planet. They are practically everywhere around us, hiding in the walls, sewers, and perhaps your cupboard. They are also one of the most hated creatures by humans. If you are like most people, you will become determined to kill all of the roaches when you see them in your house. Despite such hatred towards them, how do cockroaches manage to thrive all around the globe?

What Do Carpenter Ants Look Like?

What do Carpenter Ants Look Like? - The first step in controlling carpenter ants is to find them and identify them. But what is the difference between a carpenter ant and a regular ant? How can you tell the difference between a carpenter and a termite? Watch this video and see three things to look for, as well as how to identify if it is a carpenter ant or not.

See How Termites Inspired a Building That Can Cool Itself | Decoder

How do you cool a building without air conditioning? Using an approach called biomimicry, see how architect Mick Pearce harnessed the ingenuity of termites to design a natural cooling system for the largest commercial building in Zimbabwe.

Tips for Selecting a Pest Control Service

How do we select a competent pest control service?
First of all, many of us as homeowners, renters and landlords can control household pests through a combination of preventive measures, including proper sanitation and good home maintenance practices. However, some pest infestations may be extensive, or a particular pest may be difficult to control, requiring the services of a pest control company.

You should select a pest control company the way you do any other service - Look for Quality and Value. Costs and competency are important. When selecting a pest control service, cost should not be the only factor that determines the company you pick. It is important to make sure the pest control company you choose is competent. If pesticides are misused, both health and property can be damaged. Before contracting with a pest control company, consider the following:

Take Your Time/Do Your Homework
When most people discover a pest problem, they want the problem eliminated immediately. However, most problems can wait a few days so you have time to select a competent, reasonably priced company. It is wise to obtain several estimates from prospective companies. Most companies will provide free estimates.

Questions to Ask a Prospective Pest Control Firm

How many years have you been in business at your present address?
Contact organizations such as the Better Business Bureau, the States Departments of Agriculture, or the States Attorney General’s Office, or the EPA to determine if complaints have been filed against the company or its applicators for misusing pesticides.

Would you provide me with a list of references?
Contact several references to find out if they are satisfied with the service provided by the pest control company.

Will the person(s) performing the services be a certified, licensed pesticide applicator or a licensed technician? Each company must have at least one certified, licensed commercial pesticide applicator in the proper service category. Other company applicators must be certified applicators or licensed technicians under the direct supervision of an certified applicator.

Licenses may be verified by calling the various State Departments of Agriculture.

Would you provide me with a copy of your pest control license, copies of the labels for all pesticides used and the rates at which they will be applied?
Reliable applicators will show you their credentials and will be able to provide you with copies of pesticide labels that indicate how the product should be applied, including the proper application rates, and the necessary precautions.

BEWARE OF COMPANIES OR INDIVIDUALS THAT.......

• Want to do pest control as part of a package deal, such as general home repair or tree trimming or that will give you a special price if treatment is done immediately.
• Don’t have a listed or working telephone number.
• Sell services door-to-door or target the elderly or infirm persons who live alone. CHECK THEIR IDENTIFICATION AND CREDENTIALS!!!
• Arrive unexpectedly and show you insects they have found in your neighbors house as evidence of a neighborhood problem.
• Quote a per-gallon price. Termite control can require several hundred gallons of diluted insecticide.
• Claim to have a secret formula. All pesticide products must be registered by the U.S. EPA and the States Departments of Agriculture. Registered pesticide labels contain a list of active ingredients.
• Try to pressure you into immediately signing a contract by suggesting your house is structurally unsound and may collapse if not treated.
• Claim to have excess material left over from a previous job and offer a reduced price for immediate treatment.
• Claim to be endorsed by the States Departments of Agriculture, the U.S. EPA or other government agency. Government agencies DO NOT endorse any service company or specific pesticide product.

More Points to Consider

Some pest control companies offer service contracts in which structures are routinely treated for a particular pest. Contracts may be necessary in some situations such as warehouses that receive crates often infested with cockroaches. In general, routine pesticide applications in and around your home are not good unless there is a constant infestation by a pest and non-chemical methods have failed to control the pest. Service contracts for the homeowner should include periodic inspections, but pesticides should not be applied unless the pests are actually present and cannot be controlled by other means.

Generally, it is customary for termite control work to be guaranteed from one to five years. Make sure you know what the guarantee covers and determine if there is a yearly inspection charge. In addition, find out if the pest control company is responsible for structural damage if the treatment fails to control the termite infestation. The guarantee is only as reliable as the company that offers it.

If the service person asks you to do certain things before, during or after the pesticide application, cooperate and follow instructions. For example:

• If the service person asks you to remove personal items from the floor, empty kitchen cabinets and remove pets, make sure you have done this before they arrive.
• Do not allow children or pets into treated areas until the pesticide spray has dried.
• Aquariums should be removed from the treatment site or covered with heavy plastic and the air pump turned off.
• Remove all other household pets from the treatment area.
• If the service person suggests non-chemical methods of pest control in addition to the pesticides, be sure to follow the instructions.

Good cooperation between you and the pest control company will help eliminate pests and reduce pesticide use.

Pesticides are inherently toxic and may cause health problems and/or damage to the environment if used in a manner inconsistent with the label directions. Certain pesticides may pose greater risks than others. To determine the pesticide that best fits your needs, contact your local University Extension Service.

Article Source: https://www.epa.gov/safepestcontrol/tips-selecting-pest-control-service

The Loathsome, Lethal Mosquito - Rose Eveleth

Everyone hates mosquitoes. Besides the annoying buzzing and biting, mosquito-borne diseases like malaria kill over a million people each year (plus horses, dogs and cats). And over the past 100 million years, they've gotten good at their job -- sucking up to three times their weight in blood, totally undetected. So shouldn't we just get rid of them? Rose Eveleth shares why scientists aren't sure.

Lesson by Rose Eveleth, animation by Karrot Animation.

5 Pest Control Myths

If you have recently become aware of a potential pest control problem in your home or business, you do not have time to waste with repellents or trap ideas that don't work! Taking quick action to deal with the problem and guarding your home or business against further invasion is essential in preventing a larger infestation.

Unfortunately, there are many old wives tales and ineffective DIY methods spread across the internet and social media. To help put some of these misconceptions to rest, here are top five pest control myths that tend to mislead consumers.

MYTH: A cleanly kept home will not have mice or bugs

Although keeping an immaculate home is an important way to reduce the risk of vermin challenges, it does not guarantee it. Bed bugs, for example, can be found everywhere from upscale homes to low-end hotels. The reason for this is that they are not drawn to dirt, clutter, or garbage - they are attracted to blood. Where ever people are living and sleeping, so too might bedbugs!

Therefore, whether your place is amazingly clean or overflowing with clutter makes no difference to a bed bug. Bed bugs can be brought home from hotels, nursing homes, libraries, movie theatres and more. You might be shocked and surprised by the top 10 bedbug infestation spots.

The only reason a dirty household would be more susceptible to a bed bug infestation would be due to clutter hiding early warning signs of a problem.

Mice are another undesirable that can be found in clean homes but they will need a food source before they will attempt to make your home theirs. So with this one, it does help to keep the home free of clutter and to eliminate all possible food sources.

MYTH: Professional control treatments are dangerous

The use of harsh chemicals is a thing of the past for responsible companies. Where stronger treatments are needed, the health and safety of the residents can be adequately planned to ensure there is no unnecessary risk. The majority of treatment options today, however, are completely safe for you, your family, and the environment.

Some companies are even offering green options for pest control that are less toxic to humans and, as an added benefit, are often less costly than traditional options that include pesticides. The focus of these types of treatments is on preventing rodents and insects from getting into your house in the first place, rather than eliminating them once they are already present. For example, a door sweep, which covers up the hole between the bottom of your door and the floor, can be added to a home to block off the tiny space that a rodent can easily utilize to enter a home.

MYTH: bedbugs are not visible to the naked eye

In fact, adult bed bugs are easily seen with the naked eye. The challenge is that they are nocturnal and they are good at staying hidden during the day.

MYTH: Ultrasonic repellents as deterrents

Ultrasonic devices are designed to use ultra-high frequency sound waves to drive vermin away. It seems like a great idea, but the problem is that manufacturers of these products have yet to support their claims with scientific evidence.

MYTH: Consult a professional expert only when there is a serious problem

Thinking that a problem will clear up on its own is a mistake. By the time you notice the first signs of pests, your home or business could already be infested. Don't wait until you have a serious problem before you take action.

If you suspect even the slightest pest control problem, contact a professional to get advice immediately.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9724953

Why Are There So Many Insects? - Murry Gans

If insects suddenly morphed into large beings and decided to wage war on us, there’s no doubt that humans would lose. There are an estimated 10 quintillion individual insects on earth, outnumbering humans by more than a billion to one. So what’s their secret to success? Murry Gans details the reasons behind insect abundance.

Lesson by Murry Gans, animation by Echo Bridge Pictures.

Why You Should Hire a Pest Control Service

Many people try to fight bugs using store-bought chemicals, only to lose the battle in the long run. If you're having problems with insects, a pest control service can get rid of the issue once and for all. These are just a few of the reasons why you should go with a professional rather than try and handle an infestation on your own.

Costs

A pest control service may cost you hundreds of dollars each year, but that amount is only a fraction of what you'll pay if carpenter ant colonies or termites are allowed to do damage to your home. You could be looking at several thousands of dollars in repairs and structural problems that possibly cannot be fixed. A professional will conduct regular inspections of your property and take care of any problems before serious issues can occur.

Customized Plans

Whether you are treating an older home or trying to protect a new one, a pest control service can provide you with a plan that will meet your exact needs. A professional will take several factors into consideration when recommending the plan that is best for you, including the size of your home, the level of infestation that has occurred, and what methods will best bring about long-term prevention.

Safety

Technicians undergo extensive training in how their products work and how to safely place them inside and outside of a home. Several companies have turned to environmentally friendly sprays that are safe for humans and pets. This is in stark contrast to the dangerous chemicals you can find at your local store.

In addition, professionals also know how to safely attack potentially dangerous areas such as beehives and wasps' nests. A novice could easily disturb a hive, for instance, and cause a swarm that could result in serious injuries. If you have an infestation of mice and don't know how to properly eliminate it, you could unknowingly allow them to scatter and spread potentially severe diseases.

Convenience

It can be a hassle to try and find places where bugs are gathering and eliminate them. If you don't want to spend your entire day trying to play the role of an exterminator, let a professional handle it. Most pest control service companies will work around your schedule, allowing you to focus on things you'll actually enjoy doing. Professionals will also continue to monitor your property and re-treat any problem areas should an infestation unexpectedly return.

When you call a pest control company, you can rest easy knowing that you and your family will be protected from infestations for months at a time. You won't have to waste money on harmful chemicals, and you'll get quality, guaranteed service that will rid your home of unwanted visitors.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8806735

How to Find a Good Exterminator | Pest Control

Bugs are infesting your house and what are you going to do about it to get rid of them? You're going to go out and try to find a good pest control company. But what is a good pest control company? What defines a good pest control company? Find out in this howcast video.

The Weird and Wonderful Metamorphosis of the Butterfly - Franziska Bauer

In order to become a butterfly, a caterpillar’s body dissolves almost completely and is rebuilt from its own juices. Butterflies are just a few of the 800,000 insect species that transition from larvae to adults through complete metamorphosis. But how exactly does this process work? Franziska Bauer explains how these squishy larvae emerge as armored, aerodynamic, and nimble adults.

Lesson by Franziska Bauer, animation by Avi Ofer.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Here’s to enjoying the company of good friends and family. Baker Pest Control wishes you a happy Thanksgiving!

What Can an Exterminator Do for You?

An exterminator is a professional to call when you are dealing with pests of any sort. The fact is any type of infestation can go from being a nuisance to being a long-term problem if you do not take care of it right away. The good news is that there are plenty of options available to help you with this. You should not put off getting the help you need to bring the infestation back under control, or even to get rid of it altogether. Do you think you need a professional? If you think you can just handle the problem yourself, think again. It may be more of a problem than you realize.

Find the Source

One of the most important things that an exterminator will do is to find the source of the problem. If you have ants in your home, they may be coming from the neighbor's yard. They could be coming from the woodpile outside your home. Once the source is located, the next step can begin. That is to get rid of the pests at this location so that you stop the infestation from occurring.

Pinpoint Damage

Did you know that many types of pests do more than just annoy you? Some of them carry diseases and can be deadly to come in contact with. Others actually do damage to your home. If you are like many people, you don't crawl around in your attic often and you may not realize that the mice have destroyed the wiring or the raccoons have gotten into the insulation. A professional can spot all of the potential problems so you can take care of them properly. Some situations, such as termites eating away at the wood structure of your home, can be extremely serious if left untreated.

Treat the Problem Safely

There are both eco-friendly and chemically based products on the market for dealing with pests. It is up to you and your exterminator to determine the best possible solution for getting rid of the problem. One thing is for certain, though: with the aid of these professionals, you can cut down on the risk of your children or pets getting sick because of the chemicals you are using. They will also handle the problem safely, so that pests are kept away from you and your family.

No matter how large or small the infestation is, it is a good idea to call a professional to manage it. An exterminator can help you to get rid of the problem and find a long-term solution, and ultimately can give you your house back.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7373379

Why Do Cockroaches Even Exist?

Roaches are more than just pests that crawl around our homes. Here's how they are actually beneficial and even essential to the environment.

5 Fascinating Facts About Rats

You are probably familiar with rats because they live pretty much everywhere. But here are 5 facts you DIDN’T know about our furry rodent friends!

What Home Pests Bite? | Pest Control

Learn about biting insects in the home in this Howcast pest control video with expert Jeff White.

Removing Honeybees From Heavy Truck Tire

Watch the removal of a massive bee colony that has made a giant tire their home.

How to Avoid Hotel Bed Bugs | Pest Control

Learn how to avoid hotel bed bugs in this Howcast pest control video with expert Jeff White.

Beauty Through the Microscope: Bugs Like You’ve Never Seen Them Before | Short Film Showcase

Levon Biss takes sports portraits for a living. He's worked with world-class athletes and published front-page photographs. Wanting a project to work on at home that would combine his passion for photography and nature, he started taking macrophotographs ... of bugs. The result? "Microsculpture—a unique photographic study of insects in mind-blowing magnification." In this short film, Biss explains what is required to portray one insect and delight the audience with an unforgettable viewing experience.

How to Prevent Pantry Pests | Pest Control

Learn how to prevent pantry pests in this Howcast video featuring expert Jeff White.

Winter Pest Control Tips

As the temperature drops during the fall and winter months, rodent control becomes an important concern. Just as humans and pets seek shelter inside cozy warm homes, so do unwelcome visitors including mice, rats, and other animals. Rodents can represent a major health risk to you and your children as they can carry and transmit many different diseases. In order to avoid having these dirty, diseased pests in your home, this article will provide a three-step approach to blocking entry to your home, making your house less appealing to pests by removing food sources, and finally, in the event you still have a pest problem, ridding your home of the rodents.

Mice and other small rodents can squeeze through very small cracks and holes, so be sure to seal any visible openings or cracks along the exterior or your house. Carefully look near windows and doors - as foundation settling can be significant, and gaps will often appear along these areas. Be sure to also look for and seal any openings inside your home: look around your baseboards, behind kitchen cabinets and appliances, closets and other areas rodents may gain entry.

Just as rodents are looking to stay warm during winter months, they're also looking for food! Any available food supply makes an attractive target for rodents and should be cleaned up to cut down on possible infestation. If you store food in kitchen cabinets or a pantry, be sure to keep it in sturdy containers. Any thin or loose-fitting food bag is no match for a hungry animal. The same goes for pet food and garbage. Keep pet food in a heavy plastic or metal container that can seal out unwanted critters and keep your garbage area clean. Promptly remove especially messy trash and any food waste and consider using a garbage container with a lid.

Taking precautionary steps to eliminate sources of entry and sources of food will go a long way toward keeping pests outside your home this winter. But what happens if those nasty pests still find their way inside? The next step is pest removal or eradication.

Before dealing with a bug or rodent infestation, ask yourself if you are willing to tackle the problem on your own. Depending on the nature of the problem, some rodents, especially larger ones, should be handled by professionals. These critters carry a risk of disease and other health hazards. It's not advisable to mess with them if you aren't sure what you're doing. However, if you're up to the challenge, the first step in taking care of rodents is identifying what type of pest you have.

Identifying rodents can be easily done if you actually witness them, but if they're aren't visible you can tell by signs left such as gnaw marks, droppings, body trail marks (body marks left by animals running alongside wood), odor, etc. Once you know what uninvited guests you have, you can take the appropriate measures to get rid of them.

Handling a rodent infestation usually means using traps and bait, repellents, poison and more. Types of traps typically include live traps, glue traps, electric traps and snap traps. Plan ahead to determine the most appropriate trap for your situation. For example, live traps require you to remove the trapped animal, otherwise, the rodent will suffer a painful death. Poison traps may result in a poisoned rodent dying in an out of the way place you can't get to, resulting in foul odor and disease from the decaying carcass. Finally, the use of poison represents a major health risk for your family and pets.

Be sure to wear gloves, protective clothing, and a mask when discarding trapped or dead animals to avoid contact with parasites, the risk of being bitten and other dangers. If you aren't willing or able to deal with the necessary steps to physically block pests from entering your home including removing food sources, or to properly identify and eradicate pests (including with handling dead animals), consider contacting a professional pest control company.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/John_C._Muller/330877

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5455399

Spider With Three Super Powers | The Hunt | BBC Earth

Known for eating other spiders, Portia is a genus of the jumping spider that is able to leap up to 50 times her own body length. Captured by the stunning close-up footage, we get to witness this amazing spider use its superpowers to dine on prey three times her size.

Where Do Bed Bugs Hide? | Pest Control

Learn where bud bugs hide in this Howcast pest control video with expert Jeff White.

All About Ants

Missy Henriksen with the NPMA discusses basic information about ants, America's number one pest nuisance.

What Is a Bed Bug? | Pest Control

Learn everything you need to know about bed bugs in this Howcast pest control video with expert Jeff White.

See How Easily a Rat Can Wriggle Up Your Toilet | National Geographic

A rat's ribs are hinged at the spine, enabling it to easily squeeze through the tightest spaces—like the pipes draining your toilet. And rats are great swimmers too; they can hold their breath for up to three minutes. See how quickly a rat can go from the city streets to your bathroom.

Why Invest In Reliable Pest Control Services

Getting professional pest control services offers several great benefits as opposed to controlling pests like spiders, termites, or rodents on your own. Reliable service providers have qualified, trained technicians who know and understand where to treat as well as how to handle infestations. If you want to protect your new home or perhaps to treat an old property, a pest control service is certainly a smart choice.

5 Reasons For Getting Pest Control Services

Customized Plans - Protecting your home from invaders will mean having the best protection. If you send professional service providers, they are sure to set up plans which are very specific to your needs. They will take into consideration the size of your home, long-term prevention, and the level of infestation. Also, you will have the option to do pre-treatments on new construction to keep pests at bay along with emergency services in order to treat nests and hives.

Hazard - Pest control technicians know how their products will work and where to put them in and out of a home. Lots of companies are now going green and are utilizing products which are safe for the home and environment.

Time & Flexibility - Nobody wants to take time off just to wait for the "bug guy". And reliable pest control companies know this and are very willing and committed to working around your schedule. When you request for a free inspection along with a price quote for service, you will certainly find that most exterminators will work past sunset and on weekends. Controlling pest infestations will take time, and employing pest control products at the right time is considered the key to protecting your home successfully. You must know that pest control companies will track and report every time they will spray and know if they must retreat before the products will stop working.

Risks - If you use the wrong elimination method, it will have similar consequences with many pests. But by hiring the experts to do the job, risks will be minimized, if not eliminated, since they know exactly how to deal with possible nests and pests. Indeed, getting expert help will make you rest assured that your family will be safe from harmful chemicals. Apart from that, a significant amount of your time and money will also be saved by getting a professional, trusted service.

Cost - When termites damage your home, this might cost you thousands of dollars in home repairs. You might not be aware of how to perform a proper pest inspection. Termite control firms are knowledgeable of what to look for. Moreover, the cost of their service is a lot cheaper as opposed to repairing prolonged termite damage.

Getting professional building and pest inspection services will help ensure that you will have a damage-free and pest-free home.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Ben_Layman/1894303

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9183614

Top 10 Massive Insects That Are Actually Real

Do you like big bugs? Neither do we. But unfortunately, there are lots of big insects in nature. Whether it’s the Goliath Beetle, the Tarantula Hawk or the Giant Water Bug, these giant bugs are so big they’re scary! WatchMojo counts down ten of the largest insects we can’t believe exist in nature.

When to Immediately Call a Pest Control Service?

If you happen to experience the titter tatter of pests too often in your home, then you must take measures to get rid of this nuisance before they multiply and infiltrate your home complete with their presence. The first thing to prevent these little devils is to use different sorts of home remedies.

There are home remedies that work for a specific bug, while others work for all sorts of pests whether they are fruit flies, termites, mosquitoes or rodents. However, if all else fails, you must call a professional services provider:

Here are some situations where you must call a professional services provider:

1. The clothes in your closet have little holes in them - if you notice little holes in your clothes in your wardrobe, then it's a clear sign that you have an unwanted presence of pests in your home. Bugs love to penetrate into dirty and contaminated spaces and their numbers increase if you don't take measures to get rid of them.

2. Your body itches and you have red spots on your body - bed bugs often get into your bedding and pinch your skin while you're lost deep in your sweet sleep. It is only when you wake up to an itchy body that you realize you weren't alone in bed! Bed bugs can be quite a nuisance every night, so before it becomes a nightmare, call a pest treatment service to inspect your home and make it pest free.

3. You see bugs in every room of your home - If you've ignored pests for too long, they are likely to feel at home and multiply over time. If you see a cockroach or a termite popping out of the corner of your sofa, it's time for some serious pest control measures. Cockroaches usually take over your home in no time if you don't spray them down with an insect spray.

It is smart not to DIY when the pest control problem goes out of hands. It is best to hire a professional pest control company that can help you get rid of all the pests and nuisance caused by them from your home. This is because you don't want to take a risk with your home; you can't trust any layman to work on your home that is such a precious asset.

A DIY job can certainly fix your pest control problem temporarily, but don't expect it to be at bay for long. You are likely to have the same situation again, so call a pest control service provider in the first instance to help solve your problem.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Stephen_Roshy/1814644

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8341938

How Rats Take Advantage of Human Failure

Rats are grosser than we thought, but it's not their fault.

It's estimated that there are over 2 million rats in New York City alone. They often carry infectious diseases like E. Coli and Salmonella and gnaw on infrastructure, causing billions of dollars in damage every year.

But is any of this the rat's fault? Rodentologist Bobby Corrigan says that rats can only succeed in the midst of human failure. If we were smarter mammals, better at disposing our trash and taking care of our infrastructure, then we wouldn't have to worry about rats in our cities.

Why Cockroaches Are So Hard To Kill

Cockroaches are one of the most widespread and resilient creatures on this planet. They are practically everywhere around us, hiding in the walls, sewers, and perhaps your cupboard. They are also one of the most hated creatures by humans. If you are like most people, you will become determined to kill all of the roaches when you see them in your house. Despite such hatred towards them, how do cockroaches manage to thrive all around the globe?