Ask the Orkin Man

I have been getting flea bites and actually seen fleas in the house. Can they survive in the house and how are they getting in?

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 18:27:48 -0400

Question: We have no pet in the house and never have had. there are stray
cats which frequently sleep in our garden or under the house. I have been
getting flea bites and actually seen fleas in the house. Can they survive
in the house and how are they getting in? My orkin man has sprayed all the
rugs more than two weeks ago.

ANSWER   It is possible to have a flea problem in the house, and people receive bites even though you do not have a pet. There are a few possibilities for this:

1) The previous owner or tenant may have had animals.  If those animals had fleas, when they vacated they left fleas behind in the carpeting or some other floor covering.  Now those flea larvae have become adult fleas and those fleas are looking for a meal.Without a dog or cat available, people become the host.

2) Stray animals can bring flea problems to porches, decks, ctawlspaces, and around doors of houses. Skunks, squirrels, raccoons, opossums, and, of course, stray dogs and cats can leave behind adult fleas or flea eggs when they spend time around the house.

Controlling fleas indoors (when you don't have a pet) begins with vacuuming. Vacuuming removes some flea larvae and eggs. It also causes adult fleas to come out of their cocoons, so the carpet treatment will work better. Continue to vacuum for several days after the carpet has been treated.

Contact your technician to arrange a carpet treatment. If there are any other preparations, he or she will tell you before the treatment.

The past two summers I have noticed what appear to be wasps getting into my home.

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 18:25:50 -0400

Question: The past two summers I have noticed what appear to be wasps
getting into my home, most are already dead when I find them, near the
front picture window; however, some are still alive. I was out of town
this past week and when I returned home on Sunday, April 2nd. I found 9
dead ones. The problem appears to be getting worse and I don't know where
they are coming from. Would Orkin be able to investigate the situtation
and find out where they are coming from?

ANSWER This may be a sign that there was a nest in the house (maybe in the attic) last year, and these queens are becoming active and will be looking for a place to leave and begin the process of founding new nests.

A single colony of wasps does not continue from year to year. Workers and the original queen die with the onset of winter. Queens for the next year are formed in the colony at the end of the season (August and September). With the onset of winter these new queens seek a place to spend the winter, and they often more under shingles, in chimneys, wall voids, and attics.

Contact the local Orkin branch. They will be able to explain the service in more detail and to schedule service.

I am writing to get a quote, I have the tiny black/brown ants, the sugar eating kind. How much would it cost for you guys to get rid of them?

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 18:14:30 -0400

Question:
I am writing to get a quote, I have the tiny black/brown ants, the sugar
eating kind. I have been finding them all over my house. I have cleaned
and tried many other options to get rid of them. My question for you is
how much would it cost for you guys to get rid of them? I do have a dog
and a cat, so I also want to make sure they are safe. I have an 1100sq
foot house on a crawl space. Can you help?

ANSWER The small black ants you have seen may be 'odorous house ants'. They typically nest outdoors. They make trails along the outside of windows and eaves of houses to enter kitchen areas to forage for various food materials. They are strong trail followers, so you may be able to see them outside and see where they are coming into the house.

If you can locate the nest site, then a liquid insecticide can be applied for control. If not, then the use of baits can be effective. Place several baits near the trail where they will find them. Leave the baits undisturbed for a week or more (try to tolerate the ants moving in and out of the bait). Liquid baits are more attractive to the ants.

It may seem to be an easy task to provide an estimate for the cost of service via e-mail. However, insect problems and infestations are different, each house is different, and the conditions of each property are different. Thus quotes and estimates for the cost of control are best done locally and perhaps with an inspection by a service technician.

You should contact the local Orkin branch office for estimates on the cost of pest control service and for scheduling service.

This the second year that I have has wasps in our house. Please help!

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 18:12:30 -0400

Question: This the second year that I have has wasps in our house. They
are red with black wings. Last year one stung my 1 year old in our living
room. We can't figure out where they are coming from. I think there is a
nest somewhere in our home. Please help

ANSWER In the late summer, wasps in the house or attic may be queens that will be founding nests the following spring. They may be looking for shelter for the coming winter.

In the early spring, wasps inside may be a sign that there was a nest in the house (maybe in the attic) last year. They may be new queens that are becoming active and will be looking for a place to begin founding new nests.

A single colony of wasps does not continue from year to year. Workers and the original queen die with the onset of winter. Queens for the next year are formed at the end of the season (August and September). With the onset of winter these new queens seek a place to spend the winter, and they often more under shingles, into chimneys, wall voids, and attics.

What causes very tiny mites (red in color) to come into your home?

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 18:10:48 -0400

Question:
What causes very tiny mites (red in color) to come into your home? Do you
have any treatment for these? Can you give me an idea for your pricing range? How do you compare with Terminex in terms of effective solutions, service
and pricing?

ANSWER What you have seen are probably clover mites. They are small, reddish mites, about the size of the head of a pin and usually moving around very quickly. Problems with these mites usually occur in the spring, but there are regions that also experience population increases in the fall.

These mites live and feed in turfgrass and for the most part remain unnoticed. Every once in a while populations get very large and the mites start to migrate from the grass. They usually move out of the grass and up the sides of houses. Sometimes they enter houses through windows and doors. They will not reproduce in the house and will not bite people or pets. They can be a nuisance and if they are crushed, they will leave a stain.

A quick control method is to wash them off the side of the house with a garden hose. You can vacuum them from sites indoors.

It may seem to be an easy task to provide an estimate for the cost of service via e-mail. However, insect problems and infestations are different, each house is different, and the conditions of each property are different. Thus quotes and estimates for the cost of control are best done locally and perhaps with an inspection by a service technician.

You should contact the local Orkin branch office for estimates on the cost of pest control service and for scheduling service.

Every late spring/summer, my apt. gets invaded with what I've heard call camel crickets. Can Orking take care of those BEFORE they show up?

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 18:08:56 -0400

Question: I live in an apt. in an old house with a storm cellar. Every late
spring/summer, my apt. gets invaded with what I've heard call camel
crickets. They are horrible looking. Can Orking take care of those
BEFORE they show up? Also, will the spraying be harmful for me and my
pet?

ANSWER Camel crickets live in dark and moist areas, and are often found in basements, crawlspaces, and garages. They don't do any significant damage to household materials, they feed on fresh and dead plant material. They can be a nuisance by their habit of forming large aggregations and surprising the unsuspecting homeowner when he or she moves a box or gets into the crawl space under the house.

The best control would be to remove as much of the stuff they use to hide in.

Contact the local Orkin branch office to discuss the service or to schedule a service. Check the crawlspace doors and vents to be sure they close properly or have screens.

I have caught some mice in my home; they appear to be deer mice. I would like to know roughly how much does it cost for follow up visits?

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 18:07:10 -0400

Question: I have caught some mice in my home; they appear to be deer mice.
I have been using glue traps and this does not seem to be solving the
problem. I understand that there is a free home inspection; I would like
to know roughly how much does it cost for follow up visits?

ANSWER The best control for mice indoors is to use snap traps. Use a lot of them-the theory of one mouse one trap rarely works! Lots of traps will ensure that you get them, and quickly. Bait the traps with small amount of food, little pieces of string, or bits of cotton or cloth.

Baits may be effective, but oftentimes the mouse dies behind the wall and there is a lingering odor for several weeks. The story that they leave the house after eating the baits and there is no odor is simply not true!

It may seem to be an easy task to provide an estimate for the cost of service via e-mail. However, insect problems and infestations are different, each house is different, and the conditions of each property are different. Thus quotes and estimates for the cost of control are best done locally and perhaps with an inspection by a service technician.

You should contact the local Orkin branch office for estimates on the cost of pest control service and for scheduling service.

I was wondering if bed bugs can could live within the wood of the bed.

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 18:05:41 -0400

Question: I was wondering if bed bugs can could live within the wood of
the bed. I am doing an interior design project dealing with inovations in
furniture in the 1800's and they had bed bug problems as well. However by
changing furniture styles and bedding styles they were able to discourage
these bugs almost completely and with much success. I honestly don't know
why I am telling you this and you might now even care but I think that if
people of the past could get rid of these bugs by merely changing from
wooden beds to metal beds then maybe our population might want to try a
simple change like that, if these things are as bad as the media is making
them out to be. Now back to the wood question so I can corrilate to this
story...if bed bugs live in wood (wood framed bed) then getting a metal
bed would be way worth the while in order to try to get rid of the
problem. I would like an answer to my question and some feedback on my
crazy idea if you don't mind.

ANSWER Bed bugs do not have a preference for wood or metal. They hide in narrow harborages close to where the potential host sleeps. This might be anywhere within several feet of the bed (baseboards, dressers, nightstand). Bed bugs were probably not eliminated after the 1800s by changing furniture style, nor will they be eliminated now by changing to metal beds.

Some people suspect that the resurgence of bedbugs is due to the increase in international travel in the last few years.

I only see bugs from April through maybe the middle of September. How can I keep them from coming in during the summer months or for any time for that matter?

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 18:03:49 -0400

Question: I only see bugs from April through maybe the middle of
September -- ususally centipedes, spiders, ants, and some kind of bug that
looks like a roach but is much bigger and not a roach. How can I keep
them from coming in during the summer months or for anytime time for that
matter?

ANSWER That is a rather broad list of insects, and they may not all occur at the same time. A perimeter application would probably help. You should contact the local Branch office for their service plans.

General ant control begins with trying to locate the nest , then using baits. Some ants make trails from their nest to a food supply. It should be possible to follow the worker ants from the food back to the nest, then apply some liquid insecticide directly to the nest. Other species do not make strong trails, so locating the nest is more difficult.

In general, baits are the best method of ant control.  This takes time and patience. There are some dry or granular baits available, but the seem to prefer liquids. Place the baits beside the ant trail where you have seen the most activity. Ant feeding behavior depends on the time of year, whether they are rearing young in the colony or not, and in the availability of other food sources. You may need to use several different kinds of ant bait, and switch them periodically. Control does take time.

Spraying a liquid insecticide around the perimeter of the house or structure can be used for control. It may help by placing a residual insecticide on the surfaces that the ants will walk on as they try to enter the house.  Granular insecticides can be effective when applied to the ground around the perimeter of the house.

There are a few species of centipedes that can be in houses. Perhaps the most common is the house centipede. It is gray, with very long and bent legs, and very long 'antennae' at the front and long legs at the back. They move very quickly, and may climb walls as easily as they walk on the floor. There is another species that is dark brown, flattened, and stays close to the ground, it moves slowly and stays on the floor .
Probably what you have seen is the second one, the brown centipede. It is about 1 to 2 inches long and will usually be found in rooms at ground level. These like the house centipede will come indoors on occasion. If they appear often you may be able to stop them by using sticky traps near the doors and windows. They are relatively harmless, will not bite humans , and they are predators of spiders and insects.

Spiders are predators of insects, so the start of a control program is to limit their food supply. If outside, it might be best to reduce the use of outdoor lights, which attract nsects.

Spiders indoors can be controlled by a regular vacuuming program. Be certain to get the webs and the egg sacs in the webs, and get the spider when you see them. Sticky traps (like the ones for cockroaches) can help reduce the number of spiders indoors. Put the traps in dark areas where spiders have been active. Spraying outdoors on the foundation can help reduce the number of insects that try to enter the home. Make sure exterior doors close securely -- weatherstrip if necessary.

I had a termite inspection of my home for potential resale

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 17:53:36 -0400

Question: Recently I had a termite inspection of my home for potential
resale. The inspector found past evidence of subterranean termites in our
garage. This evidence consists of three small areas on the brick
foundation on the inside of the garage and it did not reach the wood
walls. This inspector gave me two options. One is to treat the area by
drilling holes into the concreat floor, applying liquid treatment, and
then closing the holes. Second options is to install a baiting system
around the entire house. Because I'm planning to sell the house, I am not
going to purchase the baiting system. Do you have other suggestions?
Maybe liquid treating the ground outside of the garage?

ANSWER Liquid application may be the best strategy for this situation, since there is no evidence of an active infestation. The pest control company you select my want to 'spot treat' just the area of concern, or do a complete perimeter treatment--I think the complete treatment is the best option.

I found a bug that is brown hard shell long and it jumps what could it be?

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 17:06:47 -0400

Question: HI, I found a bug that is brown hard shell long and it jumps
what could it be? Do cockroaches jump?

Camel crickets live in dark and moist areas, and are often found in basements, crawlspaces, and garages. They don't do any significant damage to household materials, they feed on fresh and dead plant material; but they can be a nuisance by their habit of forming large aggregations, and surprising the unsuspecting homeowner when they move a box or get into the crawl space under the house.

The best control would be to remove as much of the stuff they use to hide in, then maybe a general spraying with a garden insecticide of the infested sites. The garden upply store may have an insecticide bait for crickets. Try to close up the entrances so new problems can't develop in the future.

Can a colony reproduce queens? Sometimes these large ants have a clearer color to them, what is that?

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 17:04:55 -0400

Question: Live in the Bay Area... California. We have a usual
black/odorous any infestation. Howere it's been raining alot lately and
there has been an influx of larger ant amongst the normal fair. These
larger ants seem to attract alot of attention from the regular ants. I
suppose enterage would be the word. My thought is that they are queens
driven from their nests by the rains. However I've spoted upwards of 10
of them. Web searches reveal that such colonies can have a number of
producing queens but I'm not sure these are them. Possibility they are
queens? Can a colony reproduce queens? Sometimes these large ants have a
clearer color to them, what is that?

ANSWER Yes, these are probably queens....some colonies have multiple queens (actually most do), and colonies can produce more queens as the need arises. The ants you describe may be Argentine ants, since they frequently move indoors when outdoor conditions are not favorable.

Behind my house my yard seems like it has been eaten up in a random pattern.

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 17:01:25 -0400

Question: Behind my house my yard seems like it has been eaten up in a
random pattern. In segmnets, about an inch wide and several feet long, the
grass has been eaten away and you can see the dirt. And this problem
exists over about 7 sq feet my lawn. When I went to inspect it from
upclose. I found a bunch of little black things. Im not sure what they
are, but I think they might be pillbugs. Im worried that they might
completely destroy my lawn. What should I do.

ANSWER I'm not sure about the little black things, but the description of the damage fits an infestation of white grubs in the lawn. They live in the soil and eat the grass roots. In the spring you should consider applying a liquid or granular (probably better) insecticide once the weather warms and the ground temperature is above 55 F.

According to your site, they are from Anobiid Powderpost Beetles? How do I get rid of these?

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 16:59:52 -0400

Question: We live in Phoenix, AZ and just bought new furniture that came from Guadalajara, Mexico. We've had it for about five weeks and this morning I noticed a couple piles of 'frass' on two different drawers. There were two round holes (that I found) with piles on either side. The holes went completely through the front panels of each drawer. According to your site, they are from Anobiid Powderpost Beetles? How do I get rid of these?

ANSWER If you think the infestation is limited to the drawers (of course, it may not be and you don't know it yet), you can try to treat the drawers separately. A local pest control company can apply (spray or brush it on) a liquid insecticide to the surface of the unfinished wood--this will penetrate a short distance and provide control of the adult beetles that might emerge in the future. Injecting the wood with a liquid insecticide (drill holes and apply below the surface) is another option. If the infestation involves more than the drawers, talk to a pest control professional for more treatment options.

Is there any way to get rid of mosquitos?

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 16:58:06 -0400

Question: Is there any way to get rid of mosquitos?

ANSWER Mosquitoes around the house or yard are not easy to control. You have to start by locating their breeding site and eliminate it.

The common house mosquito does not move very far from its breeding site of standing water (tin cans, old tires, clogged gutters, birdbaths, and similar items that hold water). If there is a problem in the yard or around the house, look first in the yard or adjacent property for standing water. There are some products that can be added to standing water (in back yards) that will kill mosquito larvae, see the website gardeners.com (Mosquito Control Rings)and gaiam.com (Mosquito dunks).

Fogging the yard or the use of electronic devices may not provide long term control (ore even immediate relief), use repellents, and the citronella candles will help.

Do you use environmetally friendly products?

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 16:56:32 -0400

Question: Do you use environmetally friendly products?

ANSWER The pest control products used by Orkin are registered with the EPA. The product label directs the application so the treatments are effective against pests while minimizing risk to people or pets.

I have a poinsettia on my porch. I was warned that I should get rid of it because termites are attracted to it. Is that true?

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 16:42:42 -0400

Question: I have a poinsettia on my porch. I was warned that I should get
rid of it because termites are attracted to it. Is that true?

ANSWER That is completely NOT true!

I have noticed some mice in my apt. They are very small, dark,colored and move very fast.

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 16:40:48 -0400

Question: Dear Orkin man,Very recently,I have noticed some mice in my
apt.they are very small,dark colored and move very fast.I haven`t had a
good look at them,but I think they are house mice.I am giong to try shock
traps to get rid of them,and try to find where they got in,But my question
is, do those sonic rodent repellers that plug into an outlet really work?

For rodent control, the data may indicate that these devices can provide some level of control for a short period of time. But rodents may easily learn to avoid the mechanisms used. Mice may be easily frightened by strange or unfamiliar noises, they quickly become accustomed to regularly repeated sounds. Ultrasonic sounds have limited use in rodent control because they are directional and do not penetrate behind objects. Testing of sound devices shows that about half the sound energy is gone within 15 feet of the device.

It might be best not to completely rely on these devices for pest control.

There is evidence of some pest bringing soil into the house

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 16:39:19 -0400

Question: At the interface of the sill plate and concrete wall, in our
basement, there is evidence of some pest bringing soil into the house.
There are clumps of dirt at this interface, and it has fallen down into
the floor. There is no evidence of sawdust in the soil.We live near Cincinnati.What do I have?

ANSWER The soil fragments you describe fit the characteristics of a subterranean termite infestation. This is typical of this kind of termite, but it could be something else (something less serious)-so it would be best to have a professional pest control operator look at what you have found and make a on-site determination. This can be followed with an inspection of the entire house if the damage is by termites.

What is the prevalence of Brown Recluse spiders in Western Pennsylania

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 16:37:49 -0400

Question: What is the prevalence of Brown Recluse spiders in Western Pennsylania. I am a nurse practitioner and just some a man who was biten by one and is now losing his finger.

ANSWER I don't think they are considered 'common' in that part of the country, not as they would be in the south and westerner states.

These spiders are NOT easy to control or eliminate from a house (personal experience!).

These spiders are found in many states, but seem to be more common in the southern and southeastern U.S. They can be confused with some other common (but relatively harmless) spiders, so be certain that it really is the brown recluse that you have in the house. The light brown color and the violin shape mark on the head-thorax region are the best means of identification. Other spiders may have similar marks. The brown recluse spider is nearly uniformly colored brown.

The best strategy for control of this spider is to start with sticky traps (those for rats and mice are probably the best). Place them in dark, secluded places in all the areas where you have seen the spiders and everywhere you don't want to see them! Use lots of sticky traps! Be sure the traps are out of reach of children and pets.

Everywhere you have seen these spiders, apply insecticide behind the baseboard or in cracks and crevices in that area. There is no need to treat exposed surfaces because the spiders spend most of the time hiding. To get the best results, treat behind, in cracks and crevices. Keep the trapping and spraying program up until you don't see any spiders, then do it another month. Be sure to find and seal up places where spiders can enter the home so tghere is not a re-infestation. People have not been known to die from a recluse spider bite, but the reaction is nasty. If someone is bitten, get to a physician immediately, the wound can be treated so that there is less chance for a scar.

We either have BOTH fleas and bedbugs or just fleas.

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 16:36:19 -0400

Question We either have BOTH fleas and bedbugs or just flea:s. We have indoor/outdoor cats & dog and fleas happen every year like clockwork. This year we've done some traveling and ran into bedbugs on the road. We took major precautions to not bring them into the house to the point of throwing out suitcases, bleaching and sani-washing items, etc. But now when we wake up and find a bite on one of us we don't know what we're dealing with. Can Orkin help us figure this out and treat it?

ANSWER Well, I think it is probably bed bugs.

Control of bed bugs begins with taking the bed apart. Start with the frame, and disconnect as many parts as possible so you can clean all the cracks and crevices and spray with an aerosol insecticide (any of the common aerosols will be fine - the product label will mention bedbugs). If you don't want to use an aerosol, use a hair dryer (set on high) to blow hot air into the cracks and crevices of the bed. This will drive out the bugs and kill some of them. Professional control methods include the use of an alcohol-based insecticide to treat the mattress and box spring, and the use of steam to kill bed bugs on surfaces that people will come into contact.

Once the frame is clean, do the same for the head board and the box spring: clean the cracks and crevices, then clean and maybe vacuum the seams of the mattress. With what is left in the aerosol you can spray the baseboards of the room. Start with the area near the bed, and try to get the spray under or behind the baseboard (where bedbugs may also be hiding). These insects can travel far to find a blood meal, so don't fail to clean and treat the room. They can live long without food, so even old beds (not used in while) can have them.

Does orkin have tick control measures like sprays or tick tubes?

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 16:34:40 -0400

Question: Does orkin have tick control measures like sprays or tick tubes?

ANSWER The local Branch office may have a program for treating outside for ticks.

Ticks are difficult to control in the area around the house because they can continue to re-infest from outside this area. They can be carried indoors on small animals, such as field mice and other small animals.

The first step in reducing the ticks around the outside of the house is to limit the presence of small animals, so keep the grass cut short, trim shrubs and bushes, and remove plants that may be used for food. The yard can be sprayed for tick control with a garden insecticide. This may have only a limited impact on the ticks present, and is not generally advised, since it kills things that are not harmful.

The blacklegged tick (formerly known as the deer tick) is the primary vector of Lyme disease. Managing these ticks involves keeping the grass cut and reducing activity along edge environments. Most cases of Lyme disease are from infected blacklegged nymphs. Their habits are somewhat different than those of adult ticks. The nymphs spend most of their time on the ground, in the turfgrass or the ground cover in the wood or the forest edge. This is the same habitat as their host, the white-footed mouse. Applyinginsecticide granules to these areas may be an effective control for blacklegged tick nymphs (and adults).

Use insect repellent on pants and socks during the time ticks are active (spring), and be certain to inspect small children for ticks when the play in areas known to be infested.

I worry that I may have a mouse problem.

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 16:33:19 -0400

Question: I worry that I may have a mouse problem. I was wondering what it costs to control such a problem. Rough estimate.

ANSWER: The best control for mice indoors starts with finding their entry point. The entries must be sealed to prevent re-infestation.

Snap traps are probably most effective for getting control of mice in a home. Use a lot of them; the theory of one mouse one trap rarely
works! Lots of traps will ensure that you get them, and quickly. Mice are curious and they will go to a trap to see what it is. The traps may need to be re-set (and maybe be re-positioned) several times until the mice have been caught. If necessary, traps can be baited with small amounts of food, scraps of cloth, or pieces of string or yarn. Avoid putting traps in areas where pets might be attracted to them. Make sure children cannot reach the traps.

Mouse baits may be effective, but often the mouse
dies behind the wall and there may be an odor.

It may seem to be an easy task to provide an
estimate for the cost of service via e-mail. However,
pest problems and infestations are different, each house is different, and
the conditions of each property are different. Thus quotes and estimates for the
cost of control are best done locally and usually with an inspection by a
service technician.

Are you familiar with Indian Meal Moths and how to get rid of them?

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 16:31:46 -0400

Question: Are you familiar with Indian Meal Moths and how to get rid of them?

ANSWER: The adult moth is brown and tan colored, and the caterpillars can range from green to pink. The caterpillars may appear to be maggots because of their crawling habit and their pale color. Many people think they have a maggot problem when they first encounter Indian meal moth caterpillars.

The caterpillars of these moths infest stored food materials, such as flour, meal, mixes, cereal, spices, birdseed, dry pet food, dry flowers, and other similar material. You can identify the infested material by the webbing over the surface. The caterpillars often move out and crawl on walls and the ceiling when they are full grown.

The adult moths live for about three weeks, and can persist after the caterpillars have been controlled.

The best control method is to inspect all kitchen cabinet and pantry areas and discard all food that is infested. Then vacuum the area very well. No need to use soap and water. Soap and water simply wets the flour and makes a paste, when it dries it continues to be food for these and other pests, but is not easily removed. After vacuuming, replace the material, and vacuum again in about a week.

There are some commercial pheromone (scent) traps for these moths. They act by attracting the male moths to a scent of the female. Control is achieved by removing the males from the population, and by preventing females from mating and reproducing. (These traps have a sticky surface, so jkeep them away from children and pets.) You can find these traps at the local home or hardware store or maybe the garden center.

Do you guys know how to locate the wasps' nest, in order to kill them?

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 16:30:06 -0400

Question: Hi - I seem to have a place where yellowjackets are getting into my house, but I'm not really sure I know from where. I think I know the area but I there are no visible holes that I can see. I suspect there is a nest in this wall somewhere. c Thanks

ANSWER: The local branch office can help with this...it can take some time to locate the entry point...control is a lot more difficult.

Control should proceed with caution.

First, you will have to locate the opening to the nest; you can do this by carefully observing (not too close) the coming and going of wasps in the area. Try to pinpoint the opening; you will have to be able to find it later, in the dark.

Get one of the aerosol sprays that are designed for wasp nest control, these aerosols deliver a concentrated stream of liquid that can penetrate the nest and immobilize the wasps quickly (get two of them!). Work at night (well after dark), wear protective clothing (especially on your head); don't work alone (good luck in getting someone to help!). Use a red light to guide you (insects don't see red). If you can direct the aerosol liquid to the nest opening or even close, that may immobilize the wasps inside for a while. Give it a good dose of the aerosol liquid; it evaporates quickly and you want to soak the area around the nest.

The next day there may be wasps flying around the nest site, give them a day or so to wander off.

Please, avoid the temptation to use of gasoline or some other creative material you think would work better than the commercial aerosols and liquid insecticide. Gasoline and similar products are dangerous, do not work as well as you might think, and things can happen that are not always good.

Once the wasps have been killed you will have to remove the nest if it is in the wall or attic of a house. Leaving the nest will only attract other insects, such as carpet beetles and moths that feed on stored food.

How do I get rid of gnats?

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 16:28:35 -0400

Question: How do I get rid of nats? I do believe they are nats they are really,really tiny and look like black dots. I bought a house spray and have been spraying about 4-6 times a week. They are only in my kitchen at the base of my back door. I can't tell where ther are coming from. What must I do? P.S. My home is new construction would this be a factor?

ANSWER: If you have gnats in the house, it usually means the presence of one or both of these small flies:

FUNGUS GNATS. If the flies are small, black, and flying around windows or potted plants; then they are probably fungus gnats. These flies live as larvae in the moist to wet soil in house plants (they don't damage the plants). To control these you can simply let the soil of the houseplants completely dry before the next watering time.

FRUIT FLIES. If the flies are small, light brown and seem to be attracted to places in the kitchen, then they are probably fruit flies. To control these flies you have to start with the removal of over ripe fruit and vegetables. They lay their eggs in the fruit and this is where the larvae live. To remove the adults, which can live for a few weeks, you can place a small amount of vinegar in a shallow pan, and place this pan in locations where the flies are common. They are attracted to the vinegar and some may get trapped in the liquid, and you can use an aerosol to spray the others that are waiting there.

PHORID FLIES. If the flies are small, light brown to black, and have a rather jerky or erratic walking behavior when there are on a surface, they run in a zig-zag rather than a straight line, then they may be phorid flies. These are sometimes called sewer flies. They are similar in size to fruit flies, but the walking separates them, and they seem to be active at night, while fruit flies are not. Phorid flies usually have a direct connection to a broken sewer line (inside or outside the house). If these are the flies you have, it is best to get the sewer or septic tank system looked at.

What pesticides do you use to treat a home for flea infestation?

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 16:26:53 -0400

Question: What pesticides do you use to treat a home for flea infestation. How exactly do you do it - what methods? What are the dangers of the chemicals to small children. I assume you would only come once. How much would that cost?

ANSWER: It may seem to be an easy task to provide an estimate for the cost of service via e-mail. However, insect problems and infestations are different, each house is different, and the conditions of each property are different. Thus quotes and estimates for the cost of control are best done locally and usually with an inspection by a service technician.

Household flea control begins with treating the animal, then treating the house. Both steps have to be done and they have to be done together.

PET. There are some very effective on-animal flea control products, either from the veterinarian or one of the over-the-counter products. The pet or pets must be treated first before you can hope to rid the house (carpeting) of fleas. Be sure to wash or replace the pet bedding at the same time.

HOUSE. Vacuuming the carpet can help to remove the eggs that drop there from the fleas on the pet, and maybe a few larvae. Vacuuming will cause adult fleas to come out of their cocoon, so the carpet treatment will be more effective. Continue to vacuum for several days after the carpet has been treated.

The local Branch office can provide the details on the application method, and the number of treatments necessary to get control.

Safe solution to my scorpion problem without hurting my birds?

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 16:25:22 -0400

Question: I have 2 birds in my house, 1 of which is a very expensive African Grey. I also have a scorpion problem. Can you guys provide a safe solution to my scorpion problem without hurting my birds?

ANSWER Scorpions are difficult to control and difficult to keep out of houses. You can start with reducing the vegetation that is around and close to the house. Scorpions can use this vegetation as a hiding place. Move firewood as far away from the house as possible. They also hide under rocks and bury themselves in loose sand. Care must be taken when working outdoors, it is best to wear gloves!

They are most active during warm periods when temperatures are above 75 F. Most insecticides may not last long enough to have a long-term impact on scorpions. Spraying the outside foundation may help. Indoors they move around so much that there would be few predictable places to spray.

There is no easy way to keep them out of the house. The first step is to seal the door thresholds. Plastic screen can be used in the vent openings in brick exteriors - it keeps out the scorpions but allows air to circulate. Indoors, you can use a black light to periodically inspect the house. Scorpions glow a yellowish green under black light. You can use an aerosol or a vacuum to pick up the scorpions once you locate them with the light.

There are some dangerous scorpions that occur in the southwestern U.S. The species that are the least dangerous produce a local swelling, or red spot on the skin. The species that is the most poisonous (Centuroides sculpturatus) DOES NOT produce a swelling or discoloration at the site of the sting, however the location may become quite painful. The lack of any swelling following a scorpion sting should be considered a warning that a potentially serious sting has occurred. See a physician immediately.

REPLY: Thanks Bill, I greatly appreciate your response. We have had them pretty much under control in the past but since I inherited the birds I'm afraid to get the house sprayed again. If there is no safe way to get rid of them I may just have to have you guys spray every other area of the house and take my chances. These suckers are getting pretty big and I have killed 3 in the last 2 days. Again thanks for answering my email!

Wondering if you can tell me what kind of spider I have?

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 16:23:34 -0400

Question: Wondering if you can tell me what kind of spider I have? They are black, hairy and have a small yellow spot of their back. They are about as big as a common barn spider. Any ideas?
Thank You!

ANSWER Probably one of the many (many!) wolf spiders (Family: Lycosidae). These spiders are usually large and 'hairy' (their legs will have long hairs on them). They are fast moving and will seem threatening by this rapid movement, but they are trying to get away and not chase you.

These large spiders look more dangerous than they really are. They are hunters of insects and do not build webs. They usually live outdoors, but sometime are found indoors such as around lights and in doorways, where insects are common at night.

The best control for wolf spiders is to use a vacuum. They can be picked up with a vacuum cleaner and then the bag disposed of. Spraying is generally not effective because they move around a lot and you can't predict where they will be.

My cat has fleas, and I want them out of my home.

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 16:21:39 -0400

Question: My cat has fleas, and I am wondering what I need to do to get them out of my home.

ANSWER: Household flea control begins with treating the animal, then treating the house. Both steps have to be done and they have to be done together.

PET. There are some very effective on-animal flea control products, either from the veterinarian or over-the-counter products. The pet or pets must be treated first before you can hope to rid the house (carpeting) of fleas. The pet's bedding should be washed or replaced at the same time.

HOUSE. Vacuuming the carpet can help to remove the eggs that drop there from the fleas on the pet, and maybe a few larvae. Vacuuming will also make adult fleas come out of their cocoons, so the carpet treatment will be more effective. Continue to vacuum for several days after the carpet has been treated.

Treat the carpet with an insecticide that is designed for carpet treatment. Follow the label directions for mixing and application. The directions will probably require that people and animals stay off of the carpet until the treatment has dried completely.

If the cat goes outside, it might be necessary to treat outside with insecticide. Follow the label directions for mixing and application. Since immature fleas cannot survive very long in direct sun, most of the fleas will be in the shady parts of the yard. Be sure the shady areas are treated thoroughly.

In my garden there appear to be smal piles of dirt...What could be the cause?

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 16:19:58 -0400

Question: In my garden, grass and other soil areas in my yard we have
what appears to be small mounds or piles of dirt. It does not look
like a 'mud tube/tunnel' as I have seen in photos for termites. What
could be the cause?

ANSWER: There may be a variety of reasons for these mounds. They could be caused by ground-nesting ants - there are several species that make mounds. There could be somthing burrowing in the soil including moles or other small animals.There could be something digging in the soil for food. An example of this might be the skunk or the armadillo, which dig up grubs from under the soil. If there is abody of water nearby, or if there is a very high watertable, this could be crawfish. It may be helpful to contact the local Orkin branch office to arrange an inspection.

We have a bug that looks like a roach but its wings are light in color...What is it?

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 16:18:14 -0400

Question: We have a bug that looks like a roach but its wings are light in color, some one said it was a flying roach, I do not see them fly and they are a light brown and are out in the day time. What is it?

ANSWER: Most household cockroaches have wings and several of them can fly...so I don't know if you have a cockroach or not....but if it 'might' be you can start control now.

The best control strategy for the control of household cockroaches is to use baits, perhaps combined with liquid sprays. Use either the plastic bait stations or the gel formulation that comes in a plastic syringe. These are generally available in stores. This type of control strategy is much more effective than an aerosol spray (fogging)treatment.

Baits should be placed where you have seen the cockroaches. The plastic stations are best placed in corners in cabinets, under the sink, and by the refrigerator. They can remain active for a long time (about three months) and provide continuous protection. The gel formulation should be applied to cracks and crevices in the places that you have seen the cockroaches. The small gel placements may be eaten quickly by the cockroaches, so be sure to replace the bait where you see it has been eaten. The small nymphs (babies!) and the adults will eat the bait, even several days after you apply it. Bait not eaten will remain effective for several months.

German cockroaches (small roaches - about ½" long) can be controlled by using either bait stations or gel baits. Large cockroaches, such as waterbugs (oriental cockroaches) and American cockroaches are best controlled with the gel formulation. Re-apply the bait when it is eaten. Give this method about three weeks to work. Be sure to seal up any entryways to prevent a re-infestation.

Is the palmetto bug one of the many kinds of roaches listed on this site?

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 16:16:46 -0400

Question: Is the palmetto bug really one of the many kinds of roaches that are listed on this site or is the bug actually called a palmetto bug?

ANSWER: This is the American cockroach. It is sometimes called by other names, but "Palmetto Bug" is a name that is used in many parts of the country.

Is there a way to get rid of coachroaches in your home for good?

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 16:15:17 -0400

Question: Is there a way to get rid of coachroaches in your home for good? How much will it cost to debug a 3 bedroom 2 story home?And how long should the family wait to return to the home after insecticide spraying?

ANSWER: Cockroaches are sometimes difficult to control, and any method used takes time and patience, it is not likely to be one treatment.

The best control strategy for the control of household cockroaches is to use baits, perhaps combined with liquid sprays. Use either the plastic bait stations or the gel formulation that comes in a plastic syringe. These are generally available in stores. This type of control strategy is much more effective than an aerosol (fogging) spray treatment.

Baits should be placed where you have seen the cockroaches. The plastic stations are best placed in corners in cabinets, under the sink, and by the refrigerator. They can remain active for a long time (about three months) and provide continuous protection. The gel formulation should be applied to cracks and crevices in the places that you have seen the cockroaches. The small gel placements may be eaten quickly by the cockroaches, replace the bait where you see it has been eaten. The small nymphs (babies!) and the adults will eat the bait, even several days after you apply it. Bait not eaten will remain effective for several months.

German cockroaches (small roaches - about ½"ong) can be controlled by using either bait stations or gel baits. Large cockroaches, such as waterbugs (oriental cockroaches) and American cockroaches are best controlled with the gel formulation. Re-apply the bait when it is eaten. Give this method about three weeks to work.

Be sure to seal up any entryways to prevent a re-infestation.

It may seem to be an easy task to provide an estimate for the cost of service via e-mail. However, insect problems and infestations are different, each house is different, and the conditions of each property are different. Thus quotes and estimates for the cost of control are best done locally and usually with an inspection by a service technician.

Can roaches be eliminated from a dwelling completely?

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 16:13:27 -0400

Question: Within the last 2 weeks I have noticed roaches in my apartment. I have been here for 6 months without a single pest problem. I can't stand it. I have a few months left in my lease but I need this issue addressed before moving. Can roaches be eliminated from a dwelling completely?

ANSWER: Cockroaches are sometimes difficult to control, and any method used takes time.

The best control strategy for the control of household cockroaches is to use baits, perhaps combined with liquid sprays. Use either the plastic bait stations or the gel formulation that comes in a plastic syringe. These are generally available in many stores. This type of control strategy is much more effective than an aerosol spray treatment.

Baits should be placed where you have seen the cockroaches. The plastic stations are best placed in corners in cabinets, under the sink, and by the refrigerator. They can remain active for a long time (about three months) and provide continuous protection. The gel formulation should be applied to cracks and crevices in the places that you have seen the cockroaches. The small gel placements may be eaten quickly by the cockroaches, replace the bait where you see it has been eaten. The small nymphs (babies!) and the adults will eat the bait, even several days after you apply it. Bait not eaten will remain effective for several months.

German cockroaches (small roaches - about ½" long) can be controlled by using either bait stations or gel baits. Large cockroaches, such as waterbugs (oriental cockroaches) and American cockroaches are best controlled with the gel formulation. Re-apply the bait when it is eaten. Give this method about three weeks to work.

How can I permanently get rid of roaches and pest?

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 16:11:55 -0400

Question: How can I permanently get rid of roaches and pest? We have sprayed and done almost everything to get rid of them. They will go away for a few months and then they start to reappear. Our neighbors have them really badly; can that make it hard for us?

ANSWER: Cockroaches are sometimes difficult to control, and any method used takes time.

The best control strategy for the control of household cockroaches is to use baits, perhaps combined with liquid sprays. Use either the plastic bait stations or the gel formulation that comes in a plastic syringe. These are generally available in large department stores. This type of control strategy is much more effective than an aerosol spray treatment.

Baits should be placed where you have seen the cockroaches. The plastic stations are best placed in corners in cabinets, under the sink, and by the refrigerator. They can remain active for a long time (about three months) and provide continuous protection. The gel formulation should be applied to cracks and crevices in the places that you have seen the cockroaches. The small gel placements may be eaten quickly by the cockroaches, replace the bait where you see it has been eaten. The small nymphs (babies!) and the adults will eat the bait, even several days after you apply it. Bait not eaten will remain effective for several months.

German cockroaches (small roaches - about ½" long) can be controlled by using either bait stations or gel baits. Large cockroaches, such as waterbugs (oriental cockroaches) and American cockroaches are best controlled with the gel formulation. Re-apply the bait when it is eaten. Give this method about three weeks to work. Be sure to look for entryways to prevent re-infestation.

I have encountered small brownish bugs...What are they?

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 16:10:37 -0400

Question: I have encountered small brownish bugs that resemble a speck of dirt when not moving inside & outside of our home. They are mostly on the south side of our home & seem to filter in our home when it becomes quite hot outside & the temps are cooler inside. What are they??? They do not seem to bite. I have heard they are very common in the month of June?

ANSWER: What you have are probably clover mites. They are small, reddish mites, about the size of the head of a pin and usually moving around very quickly. Problems with these mites usually occur in the spring, but there are regions that also experience population increases in fall.

These mites live and feed in turfgrass, and for the most part remain unnoticed. Every once in a while populations get very large and the mites start to migrate from the grass. They usually move out of the grass and up the sides of houses. Sometimes they enter houses through windows and doors. They will not damagethe house(but the can leave a red stain if they are stepped on) and will not bite people or pets.

A good control method is to wash them off the side of the house with a garden hose, and you can vacuum them from sites indoors. Most modern insecticides are designed for insects (theses are mites), and using a garden insecticide to control clover mites may not always be effective, or you may have to apply it several times.

Could you get rid of birds in my air vents

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 16:09:17 -0400

Question: Could you get rid of birds in my air vents?

ANSWER: Contact the local Branch office, they can help with this.

Any ideas on what beetle-like bug resides in my home?

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 16:07:44 -0400

Question: Hi, the last few days we have had very tiny beetle-like bugs crawling up through the floorboards from the basement and onto the window sills in our living room. They are very very small...the size of a small tick. Brown and cream colored. They seem to be able to fly, but not for long distances. They seem to be attracted to the light of the windows. I thought maybe they were carpet beetles but online descriptions seem to indicate they are too small to be a carpet beetle. Any ideas?

ANSWER: Well, I'm not sure about this....they may be powderpost beetles emerging from wood infested in the flooring. It would be best to get them identified to be certain.

I have a problem with ants.

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 09:52:37 -0400

Question: I have a problem with ants, I believe some carpenter ants and some pavement ants. I was wondering what the cost is to have the yard sprayed or treated for this problem. We do not have them in the house at this time, but all over the yard. I also believe I have found two ant hills so far.

ANSWER: A large number of ant species can inhabit the typical yard. Most of these species are associated with the aphids and other plant feeding insects on the ornamental plants and trees. Ants get most of their food from the honeydew of aphids and other insects that suck the sap of plants.

Any attempt at controlling any or all of the ants in a typical yard would not be advised or even feasible. Ants are either predators of other insects or they utilize aphid honeydew. Only a few species of ants are pests of plants, shrubs, or vegetables; they don't eat plant material.

Broad spectrum application of insecticide for ant control is not usually effective, because as soon as the existing colonies are gone, new colonies will move in and become established.

Can you explain your expertise on bugs that cause itchy bites at home?

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 09:50:51 -0400

Question: I'm having some issues with pests in my
apartment--specifically with mosquitos and possibly other biting insects. Before I set up an inspection, can you please explain your expertise in dealing with bugs that cause itchy bites in the home?

ANSWER: How about a description of the problem, or at least of the
bites.

Question: I've been getting random bites that appear to be like mosquito bites.
Sometimes I'll realize right after I've been bitten and the area isn't
red, but is actually very pale surrounded by some red. My reaction has
been different than my girlfriend's, who is suffering as well. They
seem to be more pronounced in the morning.

ANSWER: You may have bed bugs. In some regions of the country the
frequency of bed bugs has been increasing. While they are a nuisance and deliver
some painful bites, bed bugs can be controlled with some careful cleaning and
a little insecticide. These small, reddish-brown insects hide during the day, and emerge at night to take a blood meal from people sleeping. They will also bite other
mammals. The bed bug takes 3 to 15 minutes to feed, and then it may not
feed again for 2-3 days. The bite produces a hard swelling, and is whitish in
color; it is sometimes irritated and may continue to bleed. It may turn into
an itchy rash in a day or so.

Control of bed bugs begins with finding the source. Many times bedbugs are brought in from business trips, school, or the gym. Treatment starts with taking the bed apart. Start with the frame, and disconnect as many parts as possible so you can clean all the cracks and crevices and spray with an aerosol insecticide (any of the common
aerosols will be fine - the ones you can not clean). If you don't want to use an
aerosol, use a hair dryer (set on high) to blow hot air into the cracks
and crevices of the bed-this will drive out the bugs and kill some of them.
Once the frame is clean, do the same for the head board and the box spring: clean the
cracks and crevices, then clean and maybe vacuum the seams of the mattress.
With what is left in the aerosol you can spray the baseboards of the room.
Start with the area near the bed, and try to get the spray under or behind the
baseboard (where bedbugs may also be hiding). These insects can travel
far to find a blood meal, so don't fail to clean and treat the room. They
can live long without food, so even old beds (not used in while) can have
them. Check to see that there are no new or recently abandoned bird nests
close to the room (check the attic and the area outside the window). There are 'cousins' to bed bugs that live in these nests (or are associated with bats) and can move from there to feeding on people.

Question: Thanks for the tips--I will follow these instructions.
I've suspected it might be bed bugs, but some of the symptoms don't
really align with what I've read about bed bugs.
I can't recall a single time that either of us have had multiple bites
in a row, and there has been like no carryover to my girlfriend's bed,
even though she's alternated beds dealing with this for a couple of
months now. She said she thought she saw a flea once, but we don't have any pets.
Is that a possibility as well? Does Orkin offer treatment of bed bugs (if that's what it is)? Would it make sense to have a representative come and check out my apartment to try to objectively identify the problem? I had a guy from another companycome out yesterday but he had his mind made up when he walked in the door that it was bed bugs, but I'm not really convinced. I'm just looking for an objective, informed view and possible solution.

Do you use super heating, to kill bed bugs?

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 09:39:10 -0400

Question: Do you use super heating, to kill bed bugs???

ANSWER: Probably not, but you can check with the local Branch office.

Control of bed bugs begins with making sure that no one is bringing them in - from business trips, from school, or from the gym. Treatment begings with taking the bed apart. Start with the frame, and disconnect as many parts as possible so you can clean all the cracks and crevices and spray with an aerosol insecticide (any of the common aerosols will be fine - the ones you can not clean). If you don't want to use an aerosol, use a hair dryer (set on high) to blow hot air into the cracks and crevices of the bed-this will drive out the bugs and kill some of them. Professional control methods include the use of an alcohol-based insecticide to treat the mattress and box spring, and the use of steam to kill bed bugs on surfaces that people will come into contact.

Once the frame is clean, do the same for the head board and the box spring: clean the cracks and crevices, then clean and maybe vacuum the seams of the mattress. With what is left in the aerosol you can spray the baseboards of the room. Start with the area near the bed, and try to get the spray under or behind the baseboard (where bedbugs may also be hiding). These insects can travel far to find a blood meal, so don't fail to clean and treat the room. They can live long without food, so even old beds (not used in while) can have them.

Can bedbugs come through the walls?

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 09:37:10 -0400

Question: I live in an apartment and there is a unit in the same building that has bedbugs. They have sprayed that apartment but will that kill them? Can they come through the walls? I have heard that they should spray the entire building at once but my apartments have not done so. My concern is them getting to my apartment through the walls. Please help!

ANSWER: They can move along and through wall voids; I don't think every apartment has to be treated, but those adjacent to the infested ones should be.

Control of bed bugs begins with taking the bed apart. Start with the frame, and disconnect as many parts as possible so you can clean all the cracks and crevices and spray with an aerosol insecticide (any of the common aerosols will be fine - the ones you can not clean). If you don't want to use an aerosol, use a hair dryer (set on high) to blow hot air into the cracks and crevices of the bed-this will drive out the bugs and kill some of them. Professional control methods include the use of an alcohol-based insecticide to treat the mattress and box spring, and the use of steam to kill bed bugs on surfaces that people will come into contact.

Once the frame is clean, do the same for the head board and the box spring: Clean the cracks and crevices, then clean and maybe vacuum the seams of the mattress. With what is left in the aerosol you can spray the baseboards of the room. Start with the area near the bed, and try to get the spray under or behind the baseboard (where bedbugs may also be hiding). These insects can travel far to find a blood meal, so don't fail to clean and treat the room. They can live long without food, so even old beds (not used in while) can have them.

Is there anything I can do to get rid of insects in my apartment?

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 09:35:19 -0400

Question: I moved in an apartment that is heavily infested by ants. The owners do not care to exterminate the insects from all the building, just spray some domestic remedies in certain areas. If I ask for help from Orkin Man, they might not allow to enter the areas outside my apartment. Is there anything else I can do to get rid of insects that crowl ower my electronic equipment, dishes, bed and food?

ANSWER: General ant control begins with locating the nest site, then using baits. Some ants make trails from their nest site to a food supply, so you may be able to follow the worker ants from the food back to the nest; then apply some liquid insecticide directly to the nest. Other species do not make strong trails, so locating the nest is more difficult.

In general, baits are the best method of ant control, but this method takes time and patience. There are some dry or granular baits available, but the best formulations are liquids. Place the baits near the ant trail in the areas where you have seen the most activity. Ant feeding behavior is very variable. It often depends on the time of year, whether they are rearing young in the colony, and in the availability of other food sources. Try to remove any spilled food so the bait will be the only thing they find. You may need to use several different kinds of ant bait, and switch them periodically. Control will take time.

Spraying a liquid insecticide around the perimeter of the house or structure can be used for control. It may help by placing an insecticide on the surfaces that the ants will walk on as they enter the house, but when exposed to the sun and humidity most insecticides do not last long. Granular insecticides can be effective when applied to the ground around the perimeter of the house.

The baits or liquid insecticides for household pest control are used at low concentrations and are little or no threat to house pets. It is best to keep dogs and cats away from treated surfaces until the application is dry.

Can you tell me how you treat a bed bug problem?

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 09:31:09 -0400

Question: Can you tell me how you treat a bed bug problem? Is it safe and effective? I have children and pets. I've been treating my bedroom for the infestation and thought I had it under control for about a week now and thought it was under control and it seems there back. What do you charge for this service? I'm shocked as we keep our house so clean. Thanks.

ANSWER Control of bed bugs begins with making sure no one is bringing them into the house from schools or the gym. Treating the infestation involves several steps. Start by taking the bed apart. Start with the frame, and disconnect as many parts as possible so you can clean all the cracks and crevices (and spray with an aerosol insecticide (any of the common aerosols will be fine) the ones you can not clean). If you don't want to use an aerosol, use a hair dryer (set on high) to blow hot air into the cracks and crevices of the bed-this will drive out the bugs and kill some of them.

Once the frame is clean, do the same for the box springand the head board: clean the cracks and crevices, then clean and maybe vacuum the seams of the mattress. With what is left in the aerosol you can spray the baseboards of the room. Start with the area near the bed, and try to get the spray under or behind the baseboard (where bedbugs may also be hiding). These insects can travel far to find a blood meal, so don't fail to clean and treat the room. They can live long without food, so even old beds (not used in while) can have them.

It may seem to be an easy task to provide an estimate for the cost of service via e-mail. However, insect problems and infestations are different, each house is different, and the conditions of each property are different. Thus quotes and estimates for the cost of control are best done locally and usually with an inspection by a service technician.

You should contact the local Branch office of Orkin for estimates on the cost of pest control service and for scheduling service.

Question: Thanks for your prompt response. I have clean and rest matress covers on the mattress and box springs of the bed. These covers are guaranteed to trap bed bugs and dustmites. I have been using an aerosol called Pronto (it kills bedbugs and dustmites) all over the box springs where the infestation was and then I covered the box spring with the box spring cover. I then:
sprayed the frame, mattresses, walls, floor boards, around the window frames, took down pictures, washed the curtains and have completely took off the fancy bedspread and pillows that were once on my bed. These have been wrapped in plastic now for about two weeks and sitting in the hot sun everyday.

I have being washing my bedding daily for about 11 days, hanging pillows on the clothes line daily in the sun AND STILL there is at least one bed bug in our bed, I saw one black dropping this morning. I'm being persistent even though my husband thinks I've gone crazy. (actually he is pretty pissed off) The pillows go out on the clothes line, (these also have the clean and rest covers on them) I spray them with the aerosol as well and wipe down them down several times with very hot water.

I'm not sure where they are hiding - I have a king size brass bed. I heard they cannot climb up smooth surfaces with this include brass? This whole clean up has taken up most of my free time but it was worth it last night I actually slept and had one bite. I think I will try the hair dryer idea on the bed posts and bed frame of the brass bed and do the crevices on the floor. The only thing left is to tear down the walls.

How long should I continue this process? It sounds like these bugs can hide out and starve for months and then return. Is there anyway to get completely rid of them?

Thanks

ANSWER: Most bed bug control treatments by professionals in the U.S. and Europe take 3-4 treatments--so you are not doing badly, it does take time. I think you have done all there is to do, but go after the frame again, and make sure you treat along the baseboards (they may actually be finding harborage behind the baseboards and in the wall voids--but hold off on taking down the walls for now). Keep in mind that some bed bugs are resistant to some insecticides, I suggest that you switch brands and ingredients (check the back of the can). You're winning this, it just doesn't seem that way now.

Question: Maybe I should check out the Raid brand of products and see if they have something - what ingredients should I look for that would be safe for kids/pets. Not that they are in the room but just to be cautious. I've been looking for the big black pool of crap and haven't really found one. Just on the bed frame of my brass bed which was hard to get off. I think they were harboring in one of the twin box springs. I'm not giving up - my room currently mimmicks a hospital room. Nothing fancy just purely clean.

Yes I feel like I'm winning the battle and have become obsessed with this whole thing. Anyway I really do appreciate your advise and time.

I will go after the bed frame and box springs again. I heard they cannot climb up smooth surfaces with this include brass? Is this true?

ANSWER: Aerosol insecticides use one of the pyrethroids...(most of them end in - thrin such as allethrin); they are all used a low concentrations andif they are applied into cracks and crevices, there should be no threat to people or pets. If the pyrethroid in the can you are now using is not working, simply find another brand that uses another active ingredient.

Do bedbugs fly?

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 09:29:15 -0400

Question: Do bedbugs fly? I recently seen something that looked like a bedbug but had wings and flew on the wall?

ANSWER: They do not fly.

Are red ants also known as fire ants?

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 09:27:31 -0400

Question: is Red ant also known as Fire ants?

ANSWER: I'm not sure about this name (red ants)....but, in fact, fire ants are small and brown...not red.

The Difference between Termites and Winged Ants

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 09:25:25 -0400

Question: I was replacing two window screens and when I took apart the
aluminum frame, what appeared as 100s, if not 1000s, of what looked like
termites fly out from within the aluminum frames. Looking at the wood
around the window frame, could not see any evidence of termintes, only
inside the aluminum frame.

I have not taken off any other window screeens as this was two of two.
I was not aware that termites would nest in an aluminum frame. No
apparant tracks fromt he screen into the window frame was visible.
Were these really termites or some other type of flying ant?

ANSWER: Sometimes it is difficult to tell the difference between winged ants and winged termites. There are three body parts that are distinctive -- waist, wings, and antennae. You have to look closely. It may help to have a magnifying glass.

Winged ants have a pinched "waist" and three distinct body segments. Winged termites do not have a "waist". Their body seems to be made up of just one segment -- long and slender.

Winged ants (swarmers) have a pair of large front wings and a smaller pair of bsck wings. Winged termites have two pair of same-size wings.

Ants have bent or "elbowed" antennae. Termites have straight antennae.

If you are not sure, call the local Orkin branch to have a termite specialist come and identify the insects.

ANSWER: Sometimes it is difficult to distinguish winged ants from winged
termites. These two insects can look very similar. It helps to have some
magnification to make the distinction. There are some body parts that are
different and you'll have to look closely.

ANTS (winged ants) can be distinguished by the presence of a narrow waist,
three distinct body segments, two pair of uneven-length wings, and antennae
that are usually bent or elbowed. Ant colonies may produce swarmers at
different times during the year, from spring to fall.

TERMITE (swarmers) can be distinguished by having no waist, long and
even-length wings, and more or less straight antennae. Most termite colonies
produce swarmers in the spring, and rarely in the summer or fall.

Question: Thank you for your response.
I can say having the swarms within the aluminum frames of two window screens really was a puzzle to me.
I guess that means I probably have ant colonies sitting inside the aluminum frames of other window screens.
Ants were not visible around the outside of the frames, nor in the windows, nor along the inside or outside walls. I will probably put ant bait granules on the outside window frames with the hope that they are taken inside the frames.
Any other suggestions?

ANSWER: Controlling carpenter ants is only part of the task,then you have to figure out how and why the wood was moisture damaged,and solve that problem---or the ants will be back and the wood will get worse.

Question: Are you telling me that the swarm of flying ants are carpenter ants?
However, I do not have any moisture damaged wood, as the ants werer in the aluminum window screen frame.

Do you offer some type of service that is non toxic to cats?

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 09:07:47 -0400

Question: Do you offer some type of service that is non toxic to cats?? Specifically for inside ant issues.
Thanks

ANSWER Most pet owners are concerned about safety during pest control service. Tehcnicians appreciate those concerns, so they make careful choices about the method of treatment and the area to be treated.

Pesticides for household pests are designed to be applied at low concentrations and to specific sites in the house. Aerosol and bait products are usually applied into cracks and crevices. This makes them effective against small insects and spiders without leaving any material on exposed surfaces. Dust applications are usually placed in cracks and crevices or inside of walls where the pests live and travel.

Most pesticide labels recommend keeping pets away from treated surfaces until the treatment has dried. This normally takes just a few minutes, but may vary depending on ventilation and the environment.

Pest control and newborn baby in the house

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 09:03:58 -0400

Question: Is your product safe to use if we will be having a newborn baby in the house? Can people be at home when you apply the spray? Are there any fumes?

ANSWER: Parents in households with small children are normally concerned about exposure to insecticides during treatment. Certainly, technicians appreciate those concerns and use caution in selecting the products they use and the areas where they treat.

The insecticides used for the control of household insect pests are applied at low concentrations, and are usually placed in cracks and crevices and other inaccessible locations. This way they are effective against pests with very little chamce of people or pets being exposed.

Baits are often used for cockroach and ant control, and these are used in small quantities and usually not applied on exposed surfaces. Liquid insecticides are used at very low concentrations. Many of these liquid products are applied outdoors and present little threat to people or pets.

As far as leaving the house,the insecticides used for household pest control are normally applied in inaccessible locations so there is little or no airborne material that can affect infants. Most product labels specify that people stay out of the treated area until the application is dry. Modern pesticides have very little odor and by the time the treatment has dried, any odor has usually disappeared. Each individual has a different sensitivity to odors, so technicians can often change the method of treatment to suit a particular situation.

Depending on the season and the particular pest problem, it may be possible to avoid treatment in the baby's room on most service visits. It might even be possible to treat only the outside of your home and prevent pests from entering. Talk to the local Branch office for more details about the products and treatment methods that are available in your situation.

Tiny beetle-like bugs crawling through the floorboards

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 09:01:39 -0400

Question: The last few days we have had very tiny bettle-like bugs crawling up through the floorboards from the basement and onto the window sills in our living room. They are very very small..the size of a small tick. Brown and cream colored. they seem to be able to fly, but not for long distances. They seem to be attracted to the light of the windows. I thought maybe they were carpet beetles but online descriptions seem to indicate they are too small to be a carpet beetle. Any ideas?

ANSWER Well, I'm not sure about this....they may be powderpost beetles emerging from wood infested in the flooring. It would be best to get them identified to be certain..

I first noticed the stinkbug last fall when they were swarming in my yard

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 16:57:16 -0400

Question: HI, I first noticed the stinkbug last fall when they were swarming in my yard. I had the door open and about 50 flew in. I vacuumed like crazy, but I continued to see a few over the winter. Now, I am vacuuming up 10-20 everyday. I see them outside on my soffits. We have lived here 20 years and it is the first time I have encountered this is problem. I read online that sprays do not deter them after about two weeks. Can you give me more information? Thanks

ANSWER Probably what you have is one of the common species of stink bugs. They can be pests in the fall when they enter houses, and during the winter and spring before they leave to return to the outdoors. There are several species that have become household pests in the last few years, probably because their numbers have increased in some regions of the country.

Stink bugs are one of the several species of insects that overwinter as adults in protected places, sometimes around the outside and inside houses (boxelder bugs and ladybird beetles also overwinter). The 'stink' they make is from a small gland on the abdomen, it is for defense purposes!

These insects can be removed from indoors with a vacuum cleaner; in the fall you can try spraying the perimeter of the house (the vegetation and mulch) with a garden insecticide to discourage them from moving to the house and then inside. They don't sting or bite, and they don't infest the house.

I was wondering if you have a solution for getting rid of Grounding Bees?

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 11:58:56 -0400

Question: I was wondering if you have a solution for getting rid of Grounding Bees. They come out every spring for about a month.

ANSWER The small bees nesting in the soil, and making the small holes in bare soil, are solitary bees. They are sometimes called sweat bees. They do not live in large colonies, but each female makes her own nest and rears a few larvae in galleries in the soil. These bees often occur together in large numbers, and give the appearance that there is one large colony. They are not usually aggressive, but they may sting when the nest site is approached.

To control these bees in a lawn or other outdoor recreation area you can use a garden insecticide and spray the surface of the soil. You may have to spray more than once. Any garden insecticide will be effective. It might be best to treat early in the morning or after sundown.

I was looking at a house that had some beam damage in the basement from some type of insect.

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 17:47:42 -0400

Question: I was looking at a house that had some beam damage in the
basement from some type of insect. It is in jackson MI. I had a friend
look at it and he said it was probably termite damage and I should stay
away from it. My question is could it be ants instead of termites causing
the damage. I really like the house and it is a great deal. I would kinda
hate to miss out on it because I was misinformed.

ANSWER Wood that is infested or damaged by one of the several wood-infesting insects-including subterranean and drywood termites, powderpost beetles and wood-borers, and carpenter ants has some characteristics that can be used to help identify the pest.

Subterranean termite infested wood is characterized by the presence of earthen tubes over the surface, and soil lined galleries inside the wood. Termites do not produce 'sawdust' in the wood; the primary evidence of the presence of these termites is the soil in the wood. There are few to no openings (holes) in the surface of the wood.

Wood infested with drywood termites is characterized by presence of small (rounded and seed-like) pellets that collect in one portion of the galleries. The galleries themselves may be narrow and smooth-sided, but they contain no soil and there are no mud tubes or tunnels in the wood. There are few to no openings in the surface of the wood, except for a few places where the pellets may be pushed out.

Wood infested with powderpost beetles may show signs of piles of powdery sawdust; this material is fine powder and with no fibers, it may feel a little gritty when rubbed between your fingers. The holes close to the sawdust will be small (size of pencil lead) and round.

Wood infested by a wood borer (typically the old house borer) will have large, oval holes and the sawdust coming from these holes will be a fine powder, with perhaps some barrel-shaped clumps in it.

Wood infested by carpenter ants has extensive, smooth-sided galleries, and there may be some fiber-like wood shavings in one portion of the gallery system. Sometimes this material is pushed out of the galleries at one location. The wood is also characterized as usually have some amount of wood decay evident, perhaps as dark stains.

It may be worthwhile to contact a pest control professional for an inspection and identification.

We have some kind of tiny flying ants in our basement.

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 17:24:39 -0400

Question: We have some kind of tiny flying ants in our basement. Twice we
have found a bunch of wings on the floor and little black looking ants on
the floor. It's mostly wings all over the floor. What is this? We live
in Calvert County, Maryland. Can they be some kind of (Florida) love bug?

ANSWER The wings scattered on the floor fit the characteristics of a subterranean termite swarm. This is typical of this kind of termite, but it could be something else (something less serious). It would be best to have a professional pest control operator look at what you have found and make an identification. This can be followed with an inspection of the entire house for evidence of infestation. .

We are having a lady bug problem in one room, I do not know what to do, could you help?

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 17:17:01 -0400

Question: We are having a lady bug problem in one room (the bathroom) and
I don't know if I need an exterminator or if there is just a spray to buy?

ANSWER What you have is the Asian ladybird beetle (Harmonia axyridis). These insects make a nuisance of themselves throughout the country. They usually make their presence known in the fall and winter when they collect in large numbers around the perimeter of houses and buildings. A large number of them make their way inside.

These beetles were introduced into the U.S. to control aphids. Adult beetles and the larvae can eat hundreds of aphids each day and are considered beneficial insects.

Asian ladybird beetles overwinter in protected places, and sometimes this includes coming inside the house. The adult beetles often return to the same sites year after year to spend the winter, and they can live for 2 to 3 years.

The best control strategy for the beetles that have come indoors is to use a vacuum cleaner to remove them from the windows and walls. They are harmless, but if crushed indoors they can leave a stain on carpeting or drapes.

Outdoors in the fall you can try spraying the aggregation of beetles that are on the side of the house with a garden hose and water to discourage them.

Make sure that windows, attic vents, and crawlspace vents are all properly screened. Check weatherstripping on exterior doors.

I noticed a hole in the baseboard and found tiny insects crawling out.

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 17:11:30 -0400

Question: I noticed a hole in the baseboard and found tiny insects
crawling out. They are about the size of a pencil head. What are they,
what's the treatment.

ANSWER Well, there are many possibilities, but we can start with them being either ants or termites.

Sometimes it is difficult for people to distinguish winged ants from winged termites. They can look very similar. There are three body parts that are different -- waist, wings, and antennae. You'll have to look closely. It helps to have some magnification to make the distinction.

Ants (winged ants) can be distinguished by the presence of a narrow "waist" and three distinct body segments. Winged termites do not have a "waist". Their bodies appear to be only one long segment.

Winged ants have a large pair of front wings and a smaller pair of back wings. Winged termites have two pair of same-size wings.

Ants have bent, or "elbowed" antennae. Termites have straight antennae.

If you are not sure, contact the local Orkin branch office to have a termite specialist come identify the insects. He or she can check your home for signs of infestation.

How can I try to kill spiders that are all over my porch?

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 17:05:43 -0400

Question: How can I try to kill spiders that are all over my porch?

ANSWER Spiders are predators of insects. This is the food supply and this is where they will be most abundant and active. A program to reduce the spiders around the outside of the house should begin by reducing the presence of insects around the outside of the house.

When spiders occur in large number, such as on the porch, try to reduce the use of outdoor lights. The lights attract insects and the spiders come for the insects. If you cannot reduce the time that the lights are turned on, consider reducing the wattage or switching to "bug light" bulbs.

We have a problem with mice in our home, can they spread disease to our dogs?

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 17:00:06 -0400

Question: We have a problem with mice in our home, can they spread disease
to our dogs?

ANSWER Although mice do not often transmit diseases directly to dogs, they often harbor ectoparasites such as fleas, ticks, and mites. These arthropods are often vectors of disease.

Fleas can be responsible for transmitting tapeworms to dogs and humans. Sensitive dogs can get Flea allergy dermatitis from flea bites.

The best control for mice indoors is to use snap traps. Use a lot of them-the theory of one mouse one trap rarely works! Lots of traps will ensure that you get them, and quickly. Bait the traps with small amount of food, little pieces of string, or bits of cloth or cotton.

Baits may be effective, but many times the mouse dies behind the wall and there is a lingering odor for several weeks. The story that they leae the home after eating the baits and there is no odor is simply not true!

Do you treat for silverfish and centipedes?

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 16:55:14 -0400

Question: Do you treat for silverfish and centipedes? What is the usual
source of these in a home? What chemicals does orkin use and where are
they applied? Are the MSDSs available for th chemicals?

ANSWER The local Branch office can provide you with the names of the chemicals used to control these two pests. The MSDS should be available from them.

The household silverfish (Lepisma saccharina) is usually found in houses and rarely in natural settings. It gets into houses in packaging material, furniture, and perhaps stored clothing. Silverfish can live in a variety of places, including kitchens, bathroom, basements, and in attics. They feed on starchy material, but can usually find food wherever they are in the house.

They can damage fabrics and paper goods. They can be a nuisance and annoy people by their presence. They don't carry any disease organisms, they don't bite, and generally stay out of the way.

Insecticide applications are often made into cracks and crevices behind baseboards in the area where silverfish have been active.Sticky traps (such as those for cockroaches) in these locations are also helpful. Insecticide applications on the outside foundation can help prevent them from coming into the home.

Contro of silverfish often involves removing or modifying their harborage. In cases where they have infested boxes in a garage or storage shed, it is often necessary to unpack the boxes. Removing and discarding the boxes often eliminates the infestation.

House centipede. There is basically one species, but they can vary in size and color (from light brown to pale brown) depending on their age and the region of the country. Their long and many legs, and their rapid movements can be a little threatening, but they are relatively harmless to humans.

The house centipede can is usually found around the foundation of houses and other buildings. They prefer to rest in secluded places during the day. They seem to prefer places like ivy growing on the side of the house or in thick, loose mulch against the foundation of the house. From these sites the centipedes may enter ground level rooms. They may use door thresholds or gaps in the foundation. They do not come through drains (myth).

These animals are predators of spiders and insects indoors. There are no nests of centipedes; they are independent hunters and do not gather together in one place. The young forage for themselves; they are smaller than the adults and about the same coloration (and speed).

Insecticide applications are often made behind baseboards in areas where they have been active. Sticky traps (such as those for cockroaches) are also a common control tool. An insecticide application on the outside foundation can help prevent insects (and centipedes) from entering. Make sure exterior doors close snugly -- weatherstrip if necessary.

We have carpenter bees in the supports, dirt, and walls under our back porch. Is this something Orkin could take care of?

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 16:51:13 -0400

Question: We have carpenter bees in the supports, dirt, and walls under
our back porch. Is this something Orkin could take care of?

ANSWER These are the large bumble bee looking insects that create holes in outside wood; they will nest in siding, soffits, decks, posts, and the wood of barns and sheds. These bees only nest in wood, they do not eat it.

They are solitary bees, but often occur in large groups and females may use the same entrance hole into a piece of wood, but have separate galleries once inside. Females can sting, but they are not usually aggressive. The males will threaten if you get too close--but they have no stinger!

The best control is to place dust insecticide at the nest opening so the bees will contact it when they move in and out;. In the fall plug the holes with caulking .

Call the local Orkin branch office for more information about the service or to schedule service.

Is there a safe treatment of Bed Bugs for a household with pets?

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 16:45:23 -0400

Question: Is there a safe treatment of Bed Bugs for a household with pets?
And how long would a common Bed bug treatment take?

ANSWER There should be little or no exposure to pets from bed bug control.

Control begins with taking the bed completely apart. Start with the frame, and disconnect as many parts as possible so you can clean the frame and treat all the cracks and crevices with an aerosol insecticide. If you don't want to use an aerosol, use a hair dryer (set on high) to blow hot air into the cracks and crevices of the bed-this will drive out the bugs and kill some of them.

Once the frame is done, then do the same for the head board and the box spring: clean and treat the cracks and crevices. Next, clean and vacuum the seams of the mattress. With the aerosol treat the cracks and crevices behind the baseboards of the room. Start with the area near the bed, and get the spray under or behind the baseboard where bedbugs may also be hiding. These insects can travel far to find a blood meal, so don't fail to treat the entire room. Night stands and even picture frames on the walls can be hiding places, so be thorough.

Check to see that there are no new or recently abandoned bird nests close to the room (check the attic). There are 'cousins' to bed bugs that live in these nests and can move from there to feeding on people.

I have a major water bug problem in the basement. What can I do and how much will it cost?

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 16:40:39 -0400

Question: I have a major water bug problem in the basement. the are huge
and starting to move to other parts of the house. What can I do and how
much will it cost? yesterday when moving my trash cans(they sit
outside)there were literally 10 of then that scattered from underneath the
trash can. I hate bugs and worry about this problem. Please instruct me on
things that can be done. Can you give me an estimate without coming out
and if you need to come out can it be treated in the same day?

ANSWER Waterbugs are cockroaches. Oriental cockroach is the official common name. The habits of this species are not different from the other, more common household species.

They generally live in basements or other cool areas. If they are a problem in apartments it will usually be on the ground floor. They may be found in bath tubs and in kitchen sinks, but they do not come in through the drain pipes. They lack the sticky pads on their feet that other cockroaches have, so once they get into the tub or sink they can not crawl out because of the smooth sides.

Control of waterbugs can be achieved with the use of baits. There are several formulations of cockroach control baits (plastic stationsand gels), but the best for waterbugs is the gel formulation. Place small amounts of gel (usually comes in a plastic syringe) in the places where you have seen these cockroaches. Re-apply the gel when it is eaten. Give this control method a few weeks to work.

An inscticide application on the outside foundation can help keep them from coming inside. Make sure exterior doors close properly -- weatherstrip if necessary.

The local Orkin branch can explain the service in more detail and set a schedule.

I have seen a type of centipede bug in my home and I am wodering if it is dangerous and how do I get rid of it?

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 16:32:11 -0400

Question: I have seen a type of centipede bug in my home and I am wodering
if it is dangerous and how do I get rid of it.

ANSWER Probably what you have seen is a house centipede. They can vary in size and color (from light brown to pale brown) depending on their age and the region of the country. Their long and many legs, and their rapid movements can be a little scary and threatening, but they are relatively harmless to humans.

The house centipede is usually found around the foundation of houses and other buildings. They prefer to rest in secluded places during the day. ,They seem to prefer places like ivy growing on the side of the house or thick, loose mulch against the side of the foundation. From these sites the centipedes may enter ground level rooms. They may use door thresholds or gaps in the foundation. They do not come through drains (myth).

These animals are predators of spiders and insects. There are no nests of centipedes; they are independent hunters and do not gather together in one place. The young forage for themselves; they are smaller than the adults and about the same coloration (and speed).

House centipedes are not easily controlled. You can apply an aerosol insecticide into the cracks and crevices behind baseboards where you have seen them. You can also place sticky traps (such as those for cockroaches) in dark corners where they might hide. (Keep the traps out of the reach of children and pets.

An insecticide application on the outside foundation can help keep insects (and centipedes) from entering. Make sure that exterior doors close properly -- weatherstrip if necessary.

I seem to have clover mites,just wondering if you could help me with a solution to this problem.

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 16:26:35 -0400

Question: I seem to have clover mites,just wondering if you could help me
with a solution to this problem.

ANSWER These mites live and feed in turfgrass and for the most part remain unnoticed. Every once in a while populations get very large and the mites start to migrate from the grass. They usually move out of the grass and up the sides of houses. Sometimes they enter houses through windows and doors. They will not lay eggs inside the house and will not bite people or pets. They can be a nuisance. and if they are crushed, they will leave a stain.

A quick control method is to wash them off the side of the house with a garden hose. You can vacuum them from sites indoors. A pesticide treatment on the outside foundation can help prevent them from entering. Look for a product that lists clover mites on the label. Follow the label directions for mixing and application.

Check to see that exterior doors close snugly -- weatherstrip if necessary.

I noticed tiny white "mites" crawling on the front of my refrigerator/freezer.

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 16:03:44 -0400

Question: I noticed tiny white "mites" crawling on the front of my
refrigerator/freezer, then noticed dead clusters of them in and around the
freezer ice dispenser & door gaskets.

I found the host: A unseen muffin carton on top/back of the frig with
live larve. I have cleaned the entire frig with vinegar and borax but
still have a few signs.

ANSWER Probably what you have are psocids (soo - cids) or booklice (an unfortunate name, since they are neither lice nor always associated with books).

These very small, pale yellow to brown insects live in humid areas such as bathrooms and kitchens, but they can occur in other locations in the house (especially in humid weather). Most of the time they are wingless, but sometimes you can encounter winged forms. They feed on microscopic mold and fungi, and some are associated with stored food materials which may also have some mold.

The best control in the kitchen and kitchen cabinets is to remove everything from the cabinets. Vacuum them very well , then inspect carefully to see if there is a moisture problem. Two common sources are: a leaking drain pipe under the kitchen sink and aleaking icemaker connection behind the refrigerator.

In the bathroom look under the sink and in the plumbing access for the tub.

For psocids in other places in the house, or on pieces of furniture, the best control is to lower the humidity. ,Dry out whatever or wherever these insects have been found. This may mean using a dehumidifier or taking items outside to dry in the sun. Solving the moisture problem almost always solves the psocid problem.

I have spiders, crickets and roaches...but the only time I see them is in the spring. Why is that?

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 15:59:34 -0400

Question: I have spiders, crickets and roaches...but the only time I see
them is in the spring. Why is that?

ANSWER Outdoors, these creatures are most active in the spring. Indoors, they can be active yearround because the temperature is favorable and there is usually food.

Spiders are not easily controlled. Since they are predators of insects, the first step in spider control should be eliminating their food.

Web-building spiders are often found on porches near porch lights. Changing the bulb to a "bug light" can reduce the number of flying insects. Indoors, a broom or vacuum is a good way to discourage web-building spiders in corners or near windows.

Hunting spiders are usually active at night. Sticky traps (the ones for roaches and mice) work well for hunting spiders. If they persist, apply a thin stream of aerosol insecticide into the cracks and crevices in the areas where they have been active. An insecticide application outside can help prevent insects from invading. Make sure that exterior doors close snugly -- weatherstrip if necessary.

Field crickets are the shiny black species that often come into the house. They can be a problem throughout the house by their chirping (the males) and just being there! They have become adults in the last few weeks and are trying to mate, lay their eggs in the soil, and die.

Field crickets migrate to the edges of houses and will enter through garages, doors, and windows. Remember that they can fly and will fly to light. Keep the porch light off or switch to a "bug light" bulb. Indoors, they seem to find a dark, quiet place to hide -- then they chirp!

Control of these insects is not easy. Perimeter treatment of the house may be effective in reducing their numbers. Follow the insecticide label directions for mixing and application.

Control of these insects indoors may be accomplished by using sticky traps, such as those sold for cockroach control. Place them near doors and windows at ground level and where you have heard crickets chirping. Make sure children and pets cannot get into the traps. (Rolling the trap into a tube-shape keeps dust off and limits children and pets from getting into the glue.)There are baits available for crickets. The specialists at the garden center can probably point them out.

What can be done for Head lice infestation?

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 18:22:57 -0400

Question: I am a school social worker and from time to time we have
families that acquire head lice and they have difficulty riding them from
the house. First is there something that you can do for this kind of
infestation. Second have you considered offering this service on a
limited basis to indigent families for low/no cost?

The reason I ask is that the children are required to go home and miss
school until the problem is resolved. (Shampoo can go just so far) Then
there is the reintroduction to the other children. As you know the
problem is cyclical and on going.

ANSWER Head lice is not something a pest control company can treat. Lice survive a very short time when they leave a host, so they do not infest buildings in the way insects like roaches do.

Head lice are often a problem with school-aged children (and sometimes with adults).
Controlling these small creatures requires the diligent use of the shampoo material and the small comb that comes with most control 'kits'. Follow the directions for the length of time the shampoo must remain on the hair, and use the comb to remove the eggs from the base of the hair (use it close to the scalp).

The directions on many products indicate that the shampooing will have to be done twice (within about 10 days), and in between the shampooing the comb should be used.

Some experts suggest that family members of persons affected by head lice should avoid sharing pillows, towels, hats, combs and brushes, and similar items. If the pharmacist cannot provide more information, it may help to consult a doctor.

Thinkning about having our house sprayed for bugs and pests before the start of Spring.

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 18:18:31 -0400

Question: Thinkning about having our house sprayed for bugs and pests
before the start of Spring. Is it true that when you to have someone
spray for bugs, when they do spray it kills the majority of the bugs, but
I have also heard that other bugs then are forced out of their hiding
areas and you tend to see more bugs than before? Is that true? Thank you
for your feedback.

ANSWER Many people who do not have a pest problem use pest control service to keep their homes free of insects and other pests.

Since most pest problems begin outside, many families receive routine treatment only on the outside of their home. This helps prevent insects and other pests from entering. If a pest problem is ever found inside, the treatment for that pest can be done at that time.

The local Orkin branch can explain the service and schedule a service.

Do you spray for treatment of Asian Beatles? If so, how effective is it from keeping these bugs from entering the home?

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 18:12:00 -0400

Question: Do you spray for treatment of Asian Beatles? If so, how
effective is it from keeping these bugs from entering the home?

ANSWER You'll have to call the local Branch for the service they provide for these beetles.

The best control strategy for the beetles that have come indoors is to use a vacuum cleaner to remove them from the windows and walls. They are harmless, but if crushed indoors they can leave a stain on carpeting or drapes.

Outdoors in the fall you can try spraying the aggregation of beetles that are on the side of the house with a garden hose and water to discourage them.

How to tell the difference between a flying ant and a termite.

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 18:02:53 -0400

Question: How to tell the difference between a flying ant and a termite.

ANSWER Sometimes it is difficult for people to distinguish winged ants from winged termites. They can look very similar. There are three body parts that are different --waist, wings, and antennae. You'll have to look closely. It helps to have some magnification to make the distinction.

Ants (winged ants) can be distinguished by the presence of a narrow "waist" and three distinct body segments. Winged termites do not appear to have a "waist". Their bodies seem to be one segment -- long and slender.

Ant swarmers have a pair of large wings in front and a pair of smaller wings in back. Termite swarmers have two pair of same-size wings.

Ant antennae are bent, or "elbowed". Termites have straight antennae.

If you are not sure, collect some specimens and have a pest control professional examine them. The inspector can identify the insects and check your home for signs of infestation.

We are experiencing something biting us but cannot identify what it is. What can we do?

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:59:49 -0400

Question: We are experiencing something biting us but cannot identify what
it is. We presume it to be microscopic since we have not seen anything.
It leaves marks similar to flea bites and involves severe itching. We are
told it could be mites. Can Orkin treat for mites in addition to fleas
and any other household biting insect? What can we do?

ANSWER It is possible that you have bed bugs. They are not a common problem, but there is always the possibility of having these blood-feeding insects. While bed bugs are a nuisance , they can be controlled with some careful cleaning and a little insecticide.

These small, reddish-brown insects hide during the day, and emerge at night to take a blood meal from people sleeping . The bed bug takes 3 to 15 minutes to feed, and then it may not feed again for 2-3 days. The bite sometimes produces a hard swelling. People who are bitten over an extended time sometimes report itching or irritation.

Control begins with taking the bed completely apart. Start with the frame, and disconnect as many parts as possible so you can treat all the cracks and crevices with an aerosol insecticide.

Once the frame is treated, then do the same for the headboard and the box spring: clean and treat the cracks and crevices.Next, clean and vacuum the seams of the mattress. With the aerosol you can treat the cracks and crevices of the room. Start with the area near the bed, and try to get the spray under or behind the baseboard where bedbugs may also be hiding. These insects can travel far to find a blood meal, so don't fail to treat the entire room. Night stands and even picture frames on the walls can be hiding places, so be thorough.

I believe I have a problem with termites.

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:50:01 -0400

Question: I believe I have a problem with termites. I live in a condo and
noticed somethings flying around sometime late October. I started to
notice them more and more. I see them flying around my condo, sitting on
the popcorn ceiling and on my walls. I tried to determine what they are
but I have never seen anything like this creature before. So I started
looking on the internet for photos of termites and I believe I have the
"swarming" type.

I have a wooden wall unit in my dining room area and there were hundreds
of dead bugs on the floor near the unit. I just looked this evening and
they appear to be more in that area than any other area of my home.

My question is, if I throw the unit out, will that help my problem? If
not, and since I live in a condo, is there a termite service that would
handle the problem in my unit only or would I need to contact my condo
association in case it is a building problem.

ANSWER I'm not certain that you have termites (and if you do it may be drywood termites).

Sometimes it is difficult for people to distinguish winged ants from winged termites. They can look very similar. There are three body parts that are different -- waist, wings, and antennae. You'll have to look closely. It helps to have some magnification to make the distinction.

Ants (winged ants) can be distinguished by the presence of a narrow "waist" and three distinct body segments. Winged termites do not appear to have a "waist". Their bodies are long and slender.

Ant swarmers have a pair of large front wings and a pair of smaller back wings. Termite swarmers have two pair of same-size wings.

Ants have bent, or "elbowed" antennae. Termites have straight antennae.

It would be best to get a professional company look at the specimens and help you make a treatment decision.

I have many ladybugs in my house and it is very irritating. How do I get rid of these pests?

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:46:11 -0400

Question: I have many ladybugs in my house and it is very irritating. How
do I get rid of these pests?? or how can I prevent them from entering my
home??

The best control strategy for the beetles that have come indoors is to use a vacuum cleaner to remove them from the windows and walls. They are harmless, but if crushed they can leave a stain on carpeting or drapes.

Outdoors in the fall you can try spraying the aggregation of beetles that are on the side of the house with a garden hose and water to discourage them.

Make sure exterior doors close snugly -- weatherstrip if necessary. Check to see that all windows, attic vents, and crawlspace vents are screened properly.

I have these little tiny round bugs. They have black and brown stripes on the back. Can you help identify them for me?

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:32:53 -0400

Question: I have these little tiny round bugs. They have black and brown
stripes on the back. I have only seen two of them. I have seen them on the
walls. Can you help identify them for me?

Carpet beetles are common household pests. They can feed on a wide variety of things, from wool, leather, and other animal products to noodles and flour, meal, and other stored food and plant products. This feeding habit also makes them difficult to control. They can infest almost any part of a house.

The best control strategy is to do a thorough vacuuming of the suspected sites. Then do a thorough cleaning, which includes looking for all the material that could be infested. In the kitchen, discard all infested food packages. In the bedroom, if there are infested woolen garments, dry clean them and store them carefully.

An insecticide application on the outside foundation can help prevent new adults from coming inside. Make sure exterior doors close securely -- weatherstrip if necessary.

How do you get rid of those pesty asian bettles and boxelder bugs?

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:28:54 -0400

Question: How do you get rid of those pesty asian bettles and boxcellar
bugs?

ANSWER Control of boxelder bugs outdoors is not easy, because they often occur in large numbers.

Outside: Boxelder bugs can be killed with nearly any insecticide, so pick an insecticide that includes boxelder bugs on the label. Follow the label directions for mixung and application.

Outdoors in the fall you can try spraying the aggregation of beetles that are on the side of the house with a garden hose and water to discourage them.

Make sure exterior doors close securely. Weatherstrip if necessary. Check to see that windows, attic vents, and crawlspace vents all have proper screen.

My ex is paranoid over bedbugs she thinks she has them and has given them to me?

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:54:57 -0400

Question: Hi, my ex is paranoid over bedbugs. She thinks she has them and
has given them to me ? I have small marks on my skin 1/32 to 1/8 in
diameter. They look like pimples or small round red dots. None itch and I
havent seen any blood dots on my bed, a lady bug crawling on me wakes me
up. Any opinion?

ANSWER Probably you have bed bugs--there is nothing else (well, except spiders) that would give this skin reaction. They are not a common problem, but there is always the possibility of having these blood-feeding insects-and in some regions of the country the frequency of bed bugs has been increasing. While bed bugs are a nuisance and deliver some painful bites, they can be controlled with some careful cleaning and a little insecticide.

These small, reddish-brown insects hide during the day, and emerge at night to take a blood meal from people sleeping (and they will also bite other mammals). The bed bug takes 3 to 15 minutes to feed, and then it may not feed again for 2-3 days. The bite produces a hard swelling, and is whitish in color; it usually is irritated and continues to bleed.

Control begins with taking the bed completely apart. Start with the frame, and disconnect as many parts as possible so you can clean all the cracks and crevices (and spray with an aerosol insecticide (any of the common aerosols will be fine) the ones you can not clean). If you don't want to use an aerosol, use a hair dryer (set on high) to blow hot air into the cracks and crevices of the bed-this will drive out the bugs and kill some of them.

Once the frame is clean, then do the same for the box spring: clean the cracks and crevices, then clean and maybe vacuum the seams of the mattress. With what is left in the aerosol you can spray the baseboards of the room. Start with the area near the bed, and try to get the spray under or behind the baseboard (where bedbugs may also be hiding). These insects can travel far to find a blood meal, so don't fail to clean and treat the room. They can live long without food, so even old beds (not used in while) can have them.

Check to see that there are no new or recently abandoned bird nests close to the room (check the attic), since there are 'cousins' to bed bugs that live in these nests (or are associated with bats) and can move from there to feeding
on people.

What can you do to address carpenter bee problems?

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:52:51 -0400

Question: Can you tell me what you can do to address carpenter bee problems?

ANSWER The local Branch office can help with these pests.

Carpenter bees can be a serious problem in the spring. They look like bumble bees and are often seen visiting flowers. These bees build nests in wood. They create holes in exposed wood. They nest in siding, soffits, decks, posts, and the painted and bare wood of barns and sheds. These bees only nest in wood, they do not eat it.

They are solitary bees, but often occur in large groups and females may use the same entrance hole into a piece of wood, but have separate galleries once inside. They are not usually aggressive, but the males will threaten if you get too close, but they have no stinger!

These bees are not easily controlled, and whatever is done this year will probably have to be repeated next year. The best control is to place some liquid in or around the hole. Dust insecticide can be effective if placed at the nest opening so the bees will contact it when they move in and out. You can also place a mothball in the hole. In the fall plug the holes with caulking or a dowel.

We have ants, quite small in size, redish/orange in color, backmost segment of it is of a lighter shade.

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:51:41 -0400

Question: We have ants, quite small in size, redish/orange in color, back-most segment of it is of a lighter shade.

The ants I have are the same basic coloring, and are of about 1/4 of an inch in length. I think these are Pharaoh ants. What would you say they are and what am I to do about them?

ANSWER Well, most likely they are Pharaoh ants.

General ant control begins with locating the nest site, then using baits. Some ants make trails from their nest site to a food supply, so you may be able to follow the worker ants from the food back to the nest; then apply some liquid insecticide directly to the nest. Other species do not make strong trails, so locating the nest is more difficult.

In general, baits are the best method of ant control, but this method takes time and patience. There are some dry or granular baits available, but the best formulations are liquids. Place the baits where you have seen the most activity. Ant feeding behavior is very variable. It often depends on the time of year, whether they are rearing young in the colony, and in the availability of other food sources. You may need to use several different kinds of ant bait, and switch them periodically. Control will take time.

Spraying a liquid insecticide around the perimeter of the house or structure can be used for control. It may help by placing an insecticide on the surfaces that the ants will walk on as they enter the house, but when exposed to the sun and humidity most insecticides do not last long. Granular insecticides can be effective when applied to the ground around the perimeter of the house.

The baits or liquid insecticides for household pest control are used at low concentrations and are little or not threat to house pets. It is best to keep dogs and cats away from treated surfaces until the application is dry.

Alternative Pest Control Methods Are Not Working for Ant Problem

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:50:12 -0400

Question: I have tiny black ants in my kitchen all over the sink, cabinet, floor, and I have sprayed, cleaned, put cinnamon, boric acid, baking soda, ant hotels, and still no effect! They return 2 days later in full capacity. What can I do??

ANSWER: General ant control begins with locating the nest site, then using baits. Some ants make trails from their nest site to a food supply, so you may be able to follow the worker ants from the food back to the nest; then apply some liquid insecticide directly to the nest. Other species do not make strong trails, so locating the nest is more difficult. In general, baits are the best method of ant control, but this method takes time and patience. There are some dry or granular baits available, but the best formulations are liquids. Place the baits where you have seen the most activity. Ant feeding behavior is very variable. It often depends on the time of year, whether they are rearing young in the colony, and in the availability of other food sources. You may need to use several different kinds of ant bait, and switch them periodically. Control will take time. Spraying a liquid insecticide around the perimeter of the house or structure can be used for control. It may help by placing an insecticide on the surfaces that the ants will walk on as they enter the house, but when exposed to the sun and humidity most insecticides do not last long. Granular insecticides can be effective when applied to the ground around the perimeter of the house. The baits or liquid insecticides for household pest control are used at low concentrations and are little or not threat to house pets. It is best to keep dogs and cats away from treated surfaces until the application is dry.

Causes of a Bed Bug Infestation: Hotel? Used Furniture?

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:49:09 -0400

Question: Hello- I have a question for you about bed bugs (or bugs in that family, bat bugs for example). Eight days ago exactly, I walked into my room in the middle of the day to find what looked exactly like a bed bug (according to my internet research) on my bedroom ceiling, approximately four feet away from my bed. I killed it, and it did have some blood-like fluid in it. Please note that I have never been bitten, and know that I would react, which I'll explain why in a bit (as I'm aware some people don't). Anyway, after I found this bug, I checked my bed, headboard, linens, etc...and found nothing (no fecal matter, blood, bugs, casings). I vaccummed my room like a mad woman, checked the canister, and found nothing. I have not seen another bug since eight days ago and continue to have no bites. Can I rest a little bit (and stop freaking out), that there may be no more bugs in my room? You should also know that I recently stayed at a hotel and bought second hand furniture...doesn't make the situation look any better, I know...but I did check my bag (which was placed on a table at the hotel and not on the floor), as well as the furniture, and found nothing. About three years ago, I had found the same bugs in my room (came out of nowhere, I had not traveled at all). I had gotten a few bites (maybe two, three), but had only found about three bugs over the course of a few months. After that, they just "went away"...disappeared. To my knowledge, bed bugs don't just disappear, which is what makes me think that they may be bat or bird bugs. Help! In case you can't tell, I'm freaking about a tad over this...when I've only seen ONE bug, over ONE week ago, and have ZERO bites. Thank you so much for your help.

ANSWER Well, you have covered everything....and finally mentioned the part about the furniture and the hotel stay. I am thinking that what you found came from the furniture and/or the luggage in the hotel. This is probably a single event and the house is not 'infested'...but you should keep checking. Control of bed bugs begins with taking the bed apart. Start with the frame, and disconnect as many parts as possible so you can clean all the cracks and crevices (and spray with an aerosol insecticide (any of the common aerosols will be fine) the ones you can not clean). If you don't want to use an aerosol, use a hair dryer (set on high) to blow hot air into the cracks and crevices of the bed-this will drive out the bugs and kill some of them. Professional control methods include the use of an alcohol-based insecticide to treat the mattress and box spring, and the use of steam to kill bed bugs on surfaces that people will come into contact. Once the frame is clean, do the same for the box spring: clean the cracks and crevices, then clean and maybe vacuum the seams of the mattress. With what is left in the aerosol you can spray the baseboards of the room. Start with the area near the bed, and try to get the spray under or behind the baseboard (where bedbugs may also be hiding). These insects can travel far to find a blood meal, so don't fail to clean and treat the room. They can live long without food, so even old beds (not used in while) can have them

Bed Bug Chemicals: Safety & Treatment

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:48:10 -0400

Question: Hi. I am from the Ithaca area and I just found out that I have a bed bug problem. Again. Last year, I got an exterminator to come to the house I was living in and they treated twice. I was moving out 2 weeks later, so I am guessing that the eggs traveled with me to my new place and hatched later. First, I was wondering what types of chemicals your company uses for bed bugs (there is a cat and also a woman who is pregnant who lives downstairs that I am concerned about the interaction with these pesticides). How effective it the treatment. How many re-treatments are typically used? What is the average price of a three bedroom home? Have you ever had to deal with bed bugs in this area?

ANSWER: The local Branch office can tell you what insecticides are used; the number of treatments needed to get control is (national average) 3-4 treatments. Control of bed bugs begins with taking the bed apart. Start with the frame, and disconnect as many parts as possible so you can clean all the cracks and crevices (and spray with an aerosol insecticide (any of the common aerosols will be fine) the ones you can not clean). If you don't want to use an aerosol, use a hair dryer (set on high) to blow hot air into the cracks and crevices of the bed-this will drive out the bugs and kill some of them. Professional control methods include the use of an alcohol-based insecticide to treat the mattress and box spring, and the use of steam to kill bed bugs on surfaces that people will come into contact. Once the frame is clean, do the same for the box spring: clean the cracks and crevices, then clean and maybe vacuum the seams of the mattress. With what is left in the aerosol you can spray the baseboards of the room. Start with the area near the bed, and try to get the spray under or behind the baseboard (where bedbugs may also be hiding). These insects can travel far to find a blood meal, so don't fail to clean and treat the room. They can live long without food, so even old beds (not used in while) can have them.

Pet Friendly Pest Control: Safe for Cats, Birds, Lizards & More

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:47:03 -0400

Question: I have carpenter ants and I'm afraid to use any pest control services because I have an exotic bird, 3 cats and many lizards and other reptiles. Do you offer pet friendly control options?

ANSWER Using baits may be the best (only) strategy here....the local Branch office can help plan this control.

Carpenter ants nest in moisture damaged wood, but do not eat the wood. If there is a carpenter ant nest associated with the house, it is because there is moisture-damaged wood somewhere. It may be in the bathroom where the tub or shower are not draining properly (or have overflowed and wet the wood), or a porch that is holding moisture, a roof leak, a door frame that gets wet from rain, a downspout or gutter that is not working.

These ants are usually active indoors in the early spring. They may be found in the kitchen and some other parts of the house in February and March. This is usually an indication that there is a nest in the house. In late spring these ants will move outside and not forage of food indoors again, and this may give the false indication that control has been achieved. When carpenter ants are found in the house in late spring it is usually an indication that the nest is outdoors and they are simply foraging for food indoors.

The best control for carpenter ants is to locate the source of the nest. A thorough inspection of the house for moisture damaged wood is necessary. Correcting the problem is the first step, in the process the ant nest can be removed or sprayed.

Baits are best when the nest cannot be located. Liquid baits are preferred by ants, but most baits will work if you locate them near the foraging ants. Baiting takes time, but it will get to the queen in the colony and that is best approach. Killing the worker ants with sprays is not effective.

Where do Silverfish come from, and how can I permanently remove them?

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:41:57 -0400

Question: We have what I think are "silver fish," how can I get rid of
them forever? And where do they come from?

We have little red spiders. There are piles of them on the window sill.

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:40:29 -0400

Question: We have little red spiders. There are piles of them on the
window sill. I vacummed them last week, now they are back in droves. How do I get rid of them?

ANSWER What you have seen are probably clover mites. They are small, reddish mites, about the size of the head of a pin and usually moving around very quickly. Problems with these mites usually occur in the spring, but there are regions that also experience population increases in the fall.

These mites live and feed in turfgrass and for the most part remain unnoticed. Every once in a while (and we don't know why!) populations get very large and the mites start to migrate from the grass. They usually move out of the grass and up the sides of houses. Sometimes they enter houses through windows and doors. They will not infest the house and will not bite people or pets (remember, they are plant feeders), but they can be a nuisance.

A good control method is to wash them off the side of the house with a garden hose, and you can vacuum them from sites indoors. Most modern insecticides are designed for insects (these are mites), and using a garden insecticide to control clover mites (on the outside of the house) may not always be effective, or you may have to apply it several times.

What is the definition of a residual pesticide and a non-residual pesticide?

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:08:41 -0400

Question: What is the definition of a residual pesticide and a
non-residual pesticide?

ANSWER Residual insecticides remain effective where they are applied for some length of time . The length of time depends on the formulation (dust, liquid, etc.), the type of surface (soil, brick, wood, etc.), and the condition of the surface (wet, greasy, etc.). Termiticides are examples of insecticides with very long residual. They are applied in the soil under homes to prevent subterranean termites from attacking. Most homeowners hope that the termiticide will remain effective and protect their home for years.

Non-residual insecticides have no residual activity--they work now, then they are gone within a fairly short time. Pyrethrum (an extract from flowers) is an active ingredient in many non-residual insecticides. Probably the most widely-used non-residual insecticides are the aerosol sprays for flying insects.

I have many webs in my basement. Is winter a good time to have orkin come out and prevent a spring spider problem?

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:00:45 -0400

Question: I have many webs in my basement. I want to finish it but I
don't want spider eggs to hatch after I am done. Is winter a good time to
have orkin come out and prevent a spring spider problem?

ANSWER Spiders are predators of insects. The webs are very likely abundant near lights or windows where insects are active.

The start of a control program is to limit their food supply. If outside, then reduce the use of outdoor lights, which attract insects and in turn attract spiders.

Spiders indoors they can be controlled (in your basement) by a regular vacuuming program. Be certain to get the webs and the egg sacs in the webs, and get the spider when you see them. A regular vacuuming will reduce the population. Remove insect hiding places like firewood (move it outside away from the house).

Make sure the basement windows have screens. Exterior doors should close securely and have weatherstripping to keep insects out. An insecticide application on the outside foundation can help prevent pests from trying to crawl inside.

I have seen 2 types of ants in my apartment. What can I do to get rid of them?

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 09:54:33 -0400

Question: I have seen 2 types of ants in my apartment.. trails of small black ants
in my kitchen, and the occasional large black ant. What can I do to get
rid of them? Do I have carpenter ants? and about how much does a
professional solution cost?

ANSWER The local Orkin branch office can explain the service and schedule a service.

The small black ants you have seen may be 'odorous house ants'. They typically nest outdoors. They make trails along the outside of windows and eaves of houses to enter kitchen areas to forage for various food materials. They are strong trail followers, so you may be able to see them outside and see where they are coming in the house.

If you can locate the nest site, then a liquid insecticide can be applied for control. Follow the label directions. If not, then the use of baits can be effective. Place several baits near the ant trail where they will find contact them and leave the baits undisturbed for a week or more. Re-fill the bait if necessary so the ants don't run out of bait. Liquid baits are most attractive to ants.

The large black ants may be one of the carpenter ant species (Genus: Camponotus). There are several species of carpenter ants across the U.S. Most are large black ants, but some are red and some are red and black. Most of the species produce swarms (winged males and female ants) in the spring. These ants feed on other insects and honeydew from aphids on plants and trees.

Carpenter ants nest in wood, but do not eat the wood. If there is moisture-damaged wood, the ants will choose it over dry, sound wood. It is common to find carpenter ants in areas where there has been a moisture problem, such as in the bathroom where the tub or shower are not draining properly (or have overflowed and wet the wood), or a porch that is holding moisture, a roof leak, a door frame that gets wet from rain, a downspout or gutter that is not working.

Carpenter ants make a mest outdoors, then they forage indoors for food or water. If they find food or water, they often start a satellite colony indoors near the food supply. It is common to see ants in a trail moving bewteen the nest outside, the food supply, and the satellite nest. They are most active at night.

I have these tiny tan worms in my bathroom. One got in my toothbrush and I'm totally grossed out. What are they?

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 09:46:57 -0400

Question: Hi Orkin man. I have a question. I have these tiny tan worms in
my bathroom. One got in my toothbrush and I'm totally grossed out. What
are they, how did they get in and what can I do?

ANSWER Probably what you have found are carpet beetle larvae. They are characteristically brown, they may look banded with brown and pale stripes, and with long 'hairs' at the tail end. They are slow moving across walls and floors. The molted skins of these larvae are often found in cabinets and in closets, and are an indication of an ongoing infestation of carpet beetles. The adults are often seen indoors in the spring.

The larval stage can feed on a variety of material, but most often it attacks woolens, skins, leather, feathers. They also feed on stored food materials (from birdseed to spices, cereals, and flour), and when these are not available it can live on dead insects.

The best control for these beetles is to vacuum thoroughly. Have any infested woolens dry cleaned and stored in a sealed container. Check the kitchen for infested food packages. Throw away any infested packages. Regular vacuuming and inspecting food materials will keep them under control.

Which chemical precisely do you use for flea treatment/control?

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 09:38:00 -0400

Question: Flea control.Which chemical precisely do you use for flea
treatment/control?

ANSWER The local Orkin branch office can tell you what product they use.

Household flea control begins with treating the animal, then treating the house. Both steps have to be done and they have to be done at teh same time.

Pet. There are some very effective on-animal flea control products, either from the veterinarian or one of the over-the-counter products. The pet or pets must be treated first before you can hope to rid the house (carpeting) of fleas. The pet's bedding should be washed (or replaced) at the same time.

House. Vacuuming the carpet can help to remove the eggs that drop there from the fleas on the pet and maybe a few larvae. Vacuuming will also make adult fleas come out of their cocoons, so the carpet treatment will be more effective. Continue to vacuum for several days after the carpet has been treated.

Are there some risks with chipmunks?

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 09:29:25 -0400

Question: I have two kind of rodents. Chipmunks in the front yard. In the
back yard I have a rodent, but I do not what kind of animal it is.
1st.Q: Are there some risks with chipmunks? For me they look like mice,
therefore, I do not like in my yard. I would not like kill them, but what
can I do for they do not live in my yard?
2nd Q: In the backyard, it isn't a chipmunk. Can you check what kind of
animal it is and how much is the cost for that service????. I hate the
idea of picking death rodents up.

ANSWER Chipmunks are not an easy animal to control when they become a nuisance. They can 'nest' in wooded areas around houses, and in stone walls around houses. They move from their nest sites to eat nuts and to dig in flower beds to eat bulbs.

They have litters in the spring (May) and again in summer (July), and overwinter in their nesting sites. If they are a serious you may be able to discourage them by removing as much of their food as possible. If there is an adequate amount of food and nesting sites, control may be limited, since other chipmunks would move into the area as soon as you removed some of the current residents.

The local Orkin branch office may be able to identify the other animal and explain the service.

My house seems to be infested with ants - black, small in thousands!

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 09:16:53 -0400

Question: My house seems to be infested with ants - black, small in
thousands! I have placed several ant traps and have used sprays, nothing
seems to be working.

ANSWER The small black ants you have seen may be 'odorous house ants'. They typically nest outdoors. They make trails along the outside of windows and eaves of houses to enter kitchen areas to forage for various food materials. They are strong trail followers, so you may be able to see them outside and see where they are coming in the house.

If you can locate the nest site, then a liquid insecticide can be applied for control. Follow the insecticide label directions. If you cannot find the nest, then the use of baits beside the ant trail can be effective. Place several bait stations near the ant trail. It helps if you can put the bait outdoors so you can attract the ants away from the house. Make sure that children and pets can't tamper with the stations. The bait should remain for a week or so. Re-fill the bait if necessary -- don't let the ants run out of bait. Liquid baits are most attractive to ants.

Does your service take care of Asian Beetles (the things that lool like lady bugs) and box elder bugs?

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 09:04:53 -0400

Question: Does your service take care of Asian Beetles (the things that
lool like lady bugs) and box elder bugs?

ANSWER The local Branch office can help you with these pests.

Boxelder bugs. There are few other insects that have this coloration. Boxelder bugs are red and black.

Boxelder bugs are plant feeding insects that usually utilize the seeds of boxelder and maple trees for food. They generally prefer to be on the female (seed-bearing) trees, and arrive there in the spring when the seeds are beginning to form.

These insects have 2 to 3 generation per year. The fall generation overwinters in protected places. The overwinter sites are often around and in houses, which makes the bugs a nuisance. They have some chemicals (called pheromones) that help them to cluster together in large numbers, so often thousands of them will gather in one place to spend the winter.

Outside: Boxelder bugs can be killed with nearly any insecticide, so an application will be made on the outside. The technician will inspect in order to point out any openings
that need to be sealed.

Inside: Boxelder bugs can be removed from inside the house with a vacuum cleaner. You may have to keep doing this for several days to get them all. During the winter they can be active during warm and sunny days. They don't bite or sting or lay eggs in houses, but if crushed they could stain fabric.

Asian ladybird beetle (Harmonia axyridis). These insects are making a nuisance of themselves throughout the country. They usually make their presence known in the fall and winter when they collect in large numbers around the perimeter of houses and buildings, and a large number of them make their way inside.

These beetles were introduced into the U.S. to control aphids. Adult beetles and the larvae can eat hundreds of aphids each day and are considered a beneficial insect.

Outdoors in the fall you can try spraying the aggregation of beetles that are on the side of the house with a garden hose and water to discourage them.

I have a bee or wasp nest near my home

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:39:10 -0400

Question: I have a bee or wasp nest near my home. This became evident
when I was running a drill outside my house, and they came out in full
force. However, I was unable to identify where they were coming from. Is
this something that Orkin can do for me (identify where the nest/hive is?)

ANSWER Since these bees can travel miles from the nest site, it is not practical to try to find it.

Electronic Pest Control

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:17:14 -0400

Question: I have a cricket problem, and I heard there was something I could
plug into the wall that gives off a silent sound that they don't like. Do you know of anything like that?

ANSWER There is limited data on the efficacy of electronic or high frequency sound devices for household pest control. These devices may be called ultrasonic, electronic, microvibration, or electromagnetic pest repellers. They propose to use high frequency sound waves or electromagnetic output to repel insects (cockroaches, fleas, house flies, mosquitoes), rodents, moles, and other pests.

There is little or no data available that shows these devices are effective in insect control. Research with cockroaches and fleas have shown these devices to be ineffective (see Journal of Economic Entomology 83[6]: 2306-2309).

For rodent control, the data may indicate that these devices can provide some level of control for a short period of time. But rodents may easily learn to avoid the mechanisms used. Mice may be easily frightened by strange or unfamiliar noises, they quickly become accustomed to regularly repeated sounds. Ultrasonic sounds have limited use in rodent control because they are directional and do not penetrate behind objects. Testing of sound devices shows that about half the sound energy is gone within 15 feet of the device.

It might be best not to completely rely on these devices for pest control.

I have been inundated with what looks like mosquito bites. I'm not sure what it is that's attacking me full force. Any suggestions?

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:14:44 -0400

Question: I have been inundated with what looks like mosquito bites. Are
there any other types of insects that might invade ones home that would
cause a bite that would cause red whelts and itch? I don't hear or see any
mosquitos in my home? I'm not sure what it is that's attacking me full
force. Any suggestions?

ANSWER Maybe what you have are bed bugs. They are not a common problem, but there is always the possibility of having these blood-feeding insects-and in some regions of the country the frequency of bed bugs has been increasing. While bed bugs are a nuisance and deliver some painful bites, they can be controlled with some careful cleaning and a little insecticide.

These small, reddish-brown insects hide during the day, and emerge at night to take a blood meal from people sleeping (and they will also bite other mammals). The bed bug takes 3 to 15 minutes to feed, and then it may not feed again for 2-3 days. The bite produces a hard swelling, and is whitish in color; it usually is irritated and continues to bleed.

Control begins with taking the bed completely apart. Start with the frame, and disconnect as many parts as possible so you can clean all the cracks and crevices (and spray with an aerosol insecticide (any of the common aerosols will be fine) the ones you can not clean). If you don't want to use an aerosol, use a hair dryer (set on high) to blow hot air into the cracks and crevices of the bed-this will drive out the bugs and kill some of them.

Once the frame is clean, then do the same for the box spring: clean the cracks and crevices, then clean and maybe vacuum the seams of the mattress. With what is left in the aerosol you can spray the baseboards of the room. Start with the area near the bed, and try to get the spray under or behind the baseboard (where bedbugs may also be hiding). These insects can travel far to find a blood meal, so don't fail to clean and treat the room. They can live long without food, so even old beds (not used in while) can have them.

Check to see that there are no new or recently abandoned bird nests close to the room (check the attic), since there are 'cousins' to bed bugs that live in these nests (or are associated with bats) and can move from there to feeding
on people.

I don't see centipede listed in your other pests list. Does your treatment take care of the centipede?

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 13:46:52 -0400

Question: I don't see centipede listed in your other pests list. Does your
treatment take care of the centipede?

ANSWER Yes, contact the local Branch office. Probably what you have seen is a house centipede. There is basically one species, but they can vary in size and color (from light brown to pale brown) depending on their age and the region of the country. Their long and many legs, and their rapid movements can be a little scary and threatening, but they are relatively harmless to humans. It's the spider and insects in the house that have something to worry about, since they are the preferred food for centipedes!

The house centipede can and does live outdoors, but is usually found around the foundation of houses and other buildings. They prefer to rest in secluded places during the day, and this may include ivy growing on the side of the house or in thick, loose mulch against the side of the house. From these sites the centipedes may enter ground level rooms. They may come in as nymphs or adults and use door thresholds or gaps in the foundation. They do not come through drains (myth).

These animals are predators of spiders and insects indoors. There are no nests of centipedes; they are independent hunters and do not gather together in one place. The young forage for themselves; they are smaller than the adults and about the same coloration (and speed).

House centipedes are not easily controlled because they move around a lot (searching for food) and are out mostly at night, or during the day in dark basements. You can try spraying an aerosol insecticide (any of the 'crawling insect' sprays will do) behind baseboards where you have seen them or placing sticky traps (such as those for cockroaches) in the area. These animals move fast and can be scary, but they do not harm people or pets.

Could you please tell me approximately what I could expect to pay to have cockroaches exterminated from my kitchen?

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 13:44:00 -0400

Question: Could you please tell me approximately what I could expect to
pay to have cockroaches exterminated from my kitchen?

ANSWER It may seem to be an easy task to provide an estimate for the cost of service via e-mail. However, insect problems and infestations are different, each house is different, and the conditions of each property are different. Thus quotes and estimates for the cost of control are best done locally and perhaps with an inspection by a service technician.

You should contact the local Branch office of Orkin for estimates on the cost of pest control service and for scheduling service.

The best control strategy for the control of household cockroaches is to use baits, either the plastic bait stations or the gel formulation that comes in a plastic syringe. These are generally available in large department stores. This type of control strategy is much more effective than aerosol sprays and liquid treatments.

Baits should be placed where you have seen the cockroaches. The plastic stations are best placed in corners in cabinets and under the sink and by the refrigerator. They can remain active for a long time (about three months) and provide continuous protection. The gel formulation should be applied to cracks and crevices in the places that you have seen the cockroaches. The small gel placements may be eaten quickly by the cockroaches, so replace the bait where you see it has been eaten. The small nymphs (babies!) and the adults will eat the bait, even several days after you apply it. And bait not eaten will remain effective for several months.

German cockroaches will be effectively controlled by using either of the baits; large cockroaches, such as waterbugs (oriental cockroaches) and American cockroaches (called palmettobugs in some places) are best controlled with the gel formulation. Remember, re-apply the bait when it is eaten. Give this method about three weeks to work.

What happens when a rat dies in the walls or under the house. Does it smell?

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:39:32 -0400

Question: What happens when a rat dies in the walls or under the house.
Does it smell? Would it better to catch the stupid thing and kill it?

ANSWER Yes, it will smell--maybe for a long time.

The best control for rats indoors is to use snap traps, but use a lot of them. The theory of one rat one trap rarely works! Lots of traps will ensure that you get them, and quickly. Rats are shy of new objects, so make the traps attractive. Bait the traps with small amount of food and tie it on securely.

Baits may be effective, but as you said, the rat often dies behind the wall and there is a lingering odor.

Rat-rpoofing the building is the best control program for rats. Preventing their access to buildings is less expensive and easier than trying to get rid of them after they have arrived. Make sure exterior doors close snugly and have proper weatherstripping. Rats can follow utility lines or tree branches to get onto the roof. Once on the roof they can enter the attic through un-screened vents. Trim tree limbs away from the building. Repair screens on attic vents. It has been said that a rat can squeeze through a hole as small as a quarter (25¢), so all potential access points for rats should be inspected and sealed.

Do we need to leave the apt, during the treatment and if so, for how long?

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:32:24 -0400

Question: If I get treatment for bed bugs in my apt. ( my roommate has
bites and saw only one bug), Do we need to leave the apt, during the
treatment and for how long? are chemicals sprayed? if so, how long must we
wait to wash floors, etc.? I'd like to know these things before my
roommate arranges for treatment.

ANSWER Insecticide applications are effective if applied correctly. You would not have to leave the room and would not have to wash the floors.

Control of bedbugs begins with taking the bed completely apart. Start with the frame, and disconnect as many parts as possible so you can treat all the cracks and crevices with an aerosol insecticide .

Once the frame is treated , then do the same for the head board and the box spring: treat the cracks and crevices. Then clean and vacuum the seams of the mattress. With the aerosol treat the cracks and crevices of the room. Start with the area near the bed, and treat under or behind the baseboard where bedbugs may also be hiding. These insects can travel far to find a blood meal, so don't fail to treat the room. Night stands and even picture frames on the walls can be hiding places, so it is important to be thorough.

Does your company have a safe way to get rid of the ants in my home and still be safe for my pets.

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:24:07 -0400

Question: Hello I am written to you for information regarding ant control
and my pets. Does your company have a safe way to get rid of the ants in
my home and still be safe for my pets. If so I would like to hear back
from you because I would like to set up an appointment for service.

ANSWER General ant control begins with trying to locate the nest site. , then using baits--this is method is safe for pets.

Some ants make trails from their nest site to a food supply, so you may be able to follow the worker ants from the food back to the nest, then apply some liquid insecticide directly to the nest. Other species do not make strong trails, so locating the nest is more difficult.

In general, baits are the best method of ant control, but this takes time and patience. There are some dry or granular baits available, but the ants seem to prefer liquid baits. Place the bait stations beside the ant trail where you have seen the most activity. If you are using gel bait, apply it into cracks and crevices near the ant trail.

Ant feeding behavior often depends on the time of year, whether they are rearing young in the colony or not, and in the availability of other food sources. You may need to use several different kinds of ant bait, and switch them periodically. The bait should be kept full until the ants have stopped feeding. Control does take time.

Spraying a liquid insecticide around the outside perimeter of the house or structure can be used for control. It can help by placing a residual insecticide on the surfaces that the ants will walk on as they try to enter the house. Children and pets should stay away from this application until it has dried. The insecticide label will have more details.

Granular insecticides can be effective for ground-nesting ants when applied to the ground around the perimeter of the house. They must be watered after they are applied.

Is a house mice problem easy to get control of after Orkin treats the home and is the treatment harmful to dogs?

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 10:07:17 -0400

Question: Is a house mice problem easy to get control of after Orkin
treats the home and is the treatment harmful to dogs?

ANSWER The best control for mice indoors is to use snap traps, but use a lot of them. The theory of one mouse one trap rarely works! Lots of traps will ensure that you get them, and quickly. Bait the traps with small amount of food, little pieces of string, or bits of cotton or cloth.

Put the traps in the area where you have seen the mice, but be sure children and pets cannot reach the traps. The traps may have to be re-set a few times until the mice are all caught.

Baits may be effective, but often the mouse dies behind the wall and there is a lingering odor for several weeks. The story that they leave the house after eating the baits and there is no odor is simply not true!

What do you call the pest that you don't see and the bytes are very itchy and looks like hyves but bigger than hyves?

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 10:00:45 -0400

Question: What do you call the pest that you don't see and the bytes are
very itchy and looks like hyves but bigger than hyves?

ANSWER Perhaps it is scabies mites.

Scabies mites are one of the most common problems among school-aged children, and sometimes adults. There is no (or shouldn't be!) social stigma attached to having a problem with these mites. They are easily passed between children and between children and adults, and schools are often the site where this occurs.

There is no need to apply pesticide to the building. These mites remain on humans. They are not like the clover mite or bird mites that wander around and can be killed with a pesticide application. The scabies mite, Sarcopties scabei var. hominis, is found on people. They are spread by direct person-to-person contact. The female mite burrow beneath the skin (usually on the fingers, wrists, elbows, and other tender places) and lay her eggs. A red rash can develop and the itching can become intense, and may persist for a long period ("seven year itch") if not treated.

These mites are easily controlled by prescription or over-the-counter materials. The pharmacist may be able to help. If not, it may be necessary to see a doctor.

I just got a new hickory wood floor. I think I have Powder post Beetles. What is the best way to get rid of them.

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 09:44:10 -0400

Question: I just got a new hickory wood floor. I think I have Powder post
Beetles. What is the best way to get rid of them.

ANSWER The term "powderpost beetles" may refer to several different kinds of wood-infesting insects. The term is used for beetles that only infest hardwoods (such as flooring, trim, or even ornamental pieces), or for beetles that only infest softwoods (such as wall framing and support joists), or for beetles that infest both hardwoods and softwoods. In your situation, hardwood floors, I suspect that you have lyctid powderpost beetles--but I'm not sure.

Damage: The damage produced by these beetles may be small round holes (about the size of pencil lead), or large (quarter of an inch in diameter)oval holes in the wood surface. The first signs of an infestation (past or present) is usually a small amount of frass or sawdust or powder in or around a piece of furniture, drawer, or cabinet. If the powder is a little gritty when rubbed between your fingers, then it is anobiid beetle damage; if the frass is soft and not gritty, then it is lyctid beetle damage (and probably coming from a hardwood).

Lyctid Powderpost Beetles (Family: Lyctidae). The damage from these small (1/8 inch) beetles may be found in various places in the house, such as kitchen cabinets, baseboard trim, hardwood flooring (all hardwoods), and in ornamental pieces of wood such as picture frames. They infest only hardwoods, and generally infest only new wood, usually less than 5 years old. They can re-infest, but this is not always the case. The life cycle takes 1-2 years.

Anobiid Powderpost Beetles (Family: Anobiidae). The damage from these small (1/8 inch) beetles may be found in floor joists in crawl spaces of houses, sometimes in attic joists and wall studs. They infest primarily softwood, but will also attack hardwoods. Their life cycle is 1-2 years and they will continually re-infest structural wood, sometimes causing structural damage.

Control of these beetles depends on first determining that there is an active infestation. The holes and the powder (called frass) that falls from the holes may exist for many years, but is NOT an indication that there are beetles alive in the wood at this time. If the infestation is active (= recent holes or the sound of feeding is heard), then there are several treatment options. The damaged wood may be able to be removed and replaced. Treatment may include the application of liquid insecticide to the surface of the infested wood; or the injection of liquid below the surface, into the feeding galleries or tunnel; or the tenting and fumigation of the entire structure (but this is reserved for only severe infestations). The insecticides used for control will provide control by killing the larval stage in the wood.

It would probably be worthwhile to call the supplier of the flooring to see if they have had problems in their stock. You can call the local Orkin branch to come inspect and discuss the options.

I'd like to get an idea as to how much your pest control and termite treatments cost.

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 09:40:15 -0400

Question: I'd like to get an idea as to how much your pest control and
termite treatments cost. I have a 1450 square foot house and I already
have the termite bait traps in place. I live in north Euless, Tx

What is the best solution for eradicating mice?

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 09:33:34 -0400

Question: What is the best solution for eradicating mice?

Baits may be effective, but oftentimes the mouse dies behind the wall and there is a lingering odor for several weeks. The story that they leave the building after eating the baits and there is no odor is simply not true!

I have these little bugs, mostly in the kitchen on the counters. Would you have an idea of what kind of bug these are?

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 09:30:34 -0400

Question: I have these little bugs, mostly in the kitchen on the counters.
The counter is covered every morning with these little (about 1/8 of an
inch)bugs. They have a hard shell, they dont move very fast and have six
little legs. I put some in a ziplock baggy at 6 a.m and at 5 p.m they
were still alive. Would you have an idea of what kind of bug these are?
I live in west central ohio.

ANSWER Probably what you have seen in the cabinets is one of the several species of beetles that infest flour and meal. As a group, they are often called Stored Product Beetles. There are several species, including the saw-toothed grain beetle, drugstore beetle, confused flour beetle, and cigarette beetle.

Stored product beetles are common in nearly all households. Sometimes their numbers increase dramatically. They will infest a variety of food material, including flour, mixes, spices, noodles, and other grain or flour-based material.

The best control is to remove everything from the cabinets. Inspect all of the food packages and discard what is infested. Then vacuum the cabinets very well.

What I have appeares to be a very large ant, and I am fairly sureit would classify under Hymenoptera.

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 09:24:27 -0400

Question: I am sure you get this all the time, I am trying to identify an
insect. What I have appeares to be a very large ant, and I am fairly sure
it would classify under Hymenoptera. This insect is black in color with
six legs well defined head, thorax, and extremely large abdomen. The
antennane and mouthparts resemble that of an ant. With the abdomen being
so large it would appear that this may be a queen of some sorts but there
are no workers around.

ANSWER Probably what you have is one of the carpenter ant species (Genus: Camponotus). There are several species of carpenter ants across the U.S. Most are large black ants, but some are red and some are red and black. Most of the species produce swarms (winged males and female ants) in the spring. These ants feed on other insects and honeydew from aphids on plants and trees.

Carpenter ants nest in wood, but do not eat the wood. If there is moisture-damaged wood the ants will choose it over dry, sound wood. It is common to find carpenter ants in areas where there has been a moisture problem, such as in the bathroom where the tub or shower are not draining properly (or have overflowed and wet the wood), or a porch that is holding moisture, a roof leak, a door frame that gets wet from rain, a downspout or gutter that is not working.

These ants make a nest outdoors, then forage inside for food or water. If they find food or water, they often start a satellite colony inside the house near the food. It is not unusual to see ants trailing between the outsidenest and the satellite colony amd the food source. They are normally active at night.

What kind of bug likes to hang out in wet/damp areas and has 4 or more legs on each side with 2 long crab like pintchers.

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 09:18:28 -0400

Question: What kind of bug likes to hang out in wet/damp areas and has 4
or more legs on each side with 2 long crab like pintchers. Is the size of
a tick and has the body of a crab.

ANSWER What you have may be a pseudoscorpion. A bad name for this animal, since it has no relation to scorpions!. Pseudoscorpions are predators on mites and small insects. They will not bite people or pets. They live in wooded areas and they are usually brought into house on the fur of pets or the pant cuffs of people that have been in the woods.

No need to worry, they will not reproduce in the house and can be removed by hand or using an insecticide. Follow the label directions for application.

What are the teeny-tiny red dot bugs that show up in my windows and near doors?

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 16:24:24 -0400

Question: I have a 2-3 year new townhouse. What are the teeny-tiny red
dot bugs that show up in my windows and near doors? Are they dangerous to
the integrity of the house?

ANSWER What you have seen are probably clover mites. They are small, reddish mites, about the size of the head of a pin and usually moving around very quickly. Problems with these mites usually occur in the spring, but there are regions that also experience population increases in the fall.

These mites live and feed in turfgrass and for the most part remain unnoticed. Every once in a while (and we don't know why!) populations get very large and the mites start to migrate from the grass. They usually move out of the grass and up the sides of houses. Sometimes they enter houses through windows and doors. They will not infest the house and will not bite people or pets (remember, they are plant feeders), but they can be a nuisance.

A good control method is to wash them off the side of the house with a garden hose, and you can vacuum them from sites indoors. Most modern insecticides are designed for insects (theses are mites), and using a garden insecticide to control clover mites (on the outside of the house) may not always be effective, or you may have to apply it several times.

What type of treatment do you provide for clover mite infestations?

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 16:22:44 -0400

Question: What type of treatment do you provide for clover mite
infestations?

ANSWER You'll have to contact the local Branch office for what they can provide.

They are small, reddish mites, about the size of the head of a pin and usually moving around very quickly. Problems with these mites usually occur in the spring, but there are regions that also experience population increases in the fall.

These mites live and feed in turfgrass and for the most part remain unnoticed. Every once in a while (and we don't know why!) populations get very large and the mites start to migrate from the grass. They usually move out of the grass and up the sides of houses. Sometimes they enter houses through windows and doors. They will not infest the house and will not bite people or pets (remember, they are plant feeders), but they can be a nuisance.

A good control method is to wash them off the side of the house with a garden hose, and you can vacuum them from sites indoors. Most modern insecticides are designed for insects (theses are mites), and using a garden insecticide to control clover mites (on the outside of the house) may not always be effective, or you may have to apply it several times.

In the past few days, I have experienced localized itching on my skin. Is it possible for you to identify if there are pests in my house/bedroom, what kind they are and eliminate them?

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 16:19:06 -0400

Question: In the past few days, I have experienced localized itching on my skin.
This happens only when I sleep on my bed. I was out of town last week and
I was fine. When I came back home, and slept in my bedroom, the reaction
started again. Is it possible for you to identify if there are pests in my
house/bedroom, what kind they are and eliminate them?

ANSWER Probably you have bed bugs. They are not a common problem, but there is always the possibility of having these blood-feeding insects-and in some regions of the country the frequency of bed bugs has been increasing. While bed bugs are a nuisance and deliver some painful bites, they can be controlled with some careful cleaning and a little insecticide.

These small, reddish-brown insects hide during the day, and emerge at night to take a blood meal from people sleeping (and they will also bite other mammals). The bed bug takes 3 to 15 minutes to feed, and then it may not feed again for 2-3 days. The bite produces a hard swelling, and is whitish in color; it usually is irritated and continues to bleed.

Control begins with taking the bed completely apart. Start with the frame, and disconnect as many parts as possible so you can clean all the cracks and crevices (and spray with an aerosol insecticide (any of the common aerosols will be fine) the ones you can not clean). If you don't want to use an aerosol, use a hair dryer (set on high) to blow hot air into the cracks and crevices of the bed-this will drive out the bugs and kill some of them.

Once the frame is clean, then do the same for the box spring: clean the cracks and crevices, then clean and maybe vacuum the seams of the mattress. With what is left in the aerosol you can spray the baseboards of the room. Start with the area near the bed, and try to get the spray under or behind the baseboard (where bedbugs may also be hiding). These insects can travel far to find a blood meal, so don't fail to clean and treat the room. They can live long without food, so even old beds (not used in while) can have them.

Check to see that there are no new or recently abandoned bird nests close to the room (check the attic), since there are 'cousins' to bed bugs that live in these nests (or are associated with bats) and can move from there to feeding
on people.

Do you have solutions for centipedes, millipedes, daddy longlegs?

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 16:17:57 -0400

Question: Do you have solutions for centipedes, millipedes, daddy
longlegs?

ANSWER Probably what you have seen is a house centipede. There is basically one species, but they can vary in size and color (from light brown to pale brown) depending on their age and the region of the country. Their long and many legs, and their rapid movements can be a little scary and threatening, but they are relatively harmless to humans. It's the spider and insects in the house that have something to worry about, since they are the preferred food for centipedes!

The house centipede can and does live outdoors, but is usually found around the foundation of houses and other buildings. They prefer to rest in secluded places during the day, and this may include ivy growing on the side of the house or in thick, loose mulch against the side of the house. From these sites the centipedes may enter ground level rooms. They may come in as nymphs or adults and use door thresholds or gaps in the foundation. They do not come through drains (myth).

These animals are predators of spiders and insects indoors. There are no nests of centipedes; they are independent hunters and do not gather together in one place. The young forage for themselves; they are smaller than the adults and about the same coloration (and speed).

House centipedes are not easily controlled because they move around a lot (searching for food) and are out mostly at night, or during the day in dark basements. You can try spraying an aerosol insecticide (any of the 'crawling insect' sprays will do) behind baseboards where you have seen them or placing sticky traps (such as those for cockroaches) in the area. These animals move fast and can be scary, but they do not harm people or pets.

Common turfgrass millipede. They are characterized by the numerous legs on each side of the body, thus the name 'thousand legger'. These animals are common household invaders, especially this time of year (actually from spring to fall!).

They live outdoors in moist and decaying organic material (dead leaves, flower garden mulch, even the thatch layer in turfgrass), and usually go unnoticed at these locations. Sometimes millipede populations increase rapidly, or their environment get too wet, and they start to migrate to get away from these conditions. They usually move to the sides of houses (where it may be warmer and drier) and sometimes come inside under door thresholds and around windows at ground level.

The best control is to remove as much of the moist mulch around doors as possible; this reduces their breeding sites and the favorable areas for them, and make certain the door thresholds are well sealed. These animals don't infest houses, in fact they die soon after they enter because the environment is too dry for them.

Daddy longlegs are active this time of year. They are not actually spiders, but close enough to be disliked by most people.

They are predators like spiders, and feed primarily on insects (but they don't each much), and some may eat plant material. They are usually found outdoors and near outdoor lights (near doors) because the lights attract insects and the daddy longlegs can find plenty of food there.

Control of daddy longlegs can begin by reducing the outdoor lights at night, then using a broom to move them away form the door. These 'spiders' don't bite people or pets and are rather harmless.

My husband and I are finding it difficult to live with the House Centipedes that appear out of nowhere.

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 16:15:52 -0400

Question: My husband and I are finding it difficult to live with the House
Centipedes (scutigera coleoptrata) that appear out of nowhere. From what
I've read- they are actaully helpful as they eat other smaller insects,
but we are still wondering if there are any tried and true methods for
getting rid of them for good.

ANSWER House centipedes are not easily controlled because they move around a lot (searching for food) and are out mostly at night, or during the day in dark basements. You can try spraying an aerosol insecticide (any of the 'crawling insect' sprays will do) behind baseboards where you have seen them or placing sticky traps (such as those for cockroaches) in the area. These animals move fast and can be scary, but they do not harm people or pets.

I have house mice. Is there a spray to be sprayed around my house to keep them out? How do you catch them? How much does this cost run?

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 16:14:19 -0400

Question: I have house mice. Is there a spray to be sprayed around my house to
keep them out? How do you catch them? How much does this cost run?

ANSWER The best control for mice indoors is to use snap traps, but use a lot of them-the theory of one mouse one trap rarely works! Lots of traps will ensure that you get them, and quickly. Bait the traps with small amount of food, but at least on one of the trap attach a piece of cotton (sew it on!)-this will attract the females and help reduce the population quicker.

Baits may be effective, but oftentimes the mouse dies behind the wall and there is a lingering odor for several weeks. The story that they turn to stone after eating the baits and there is no odor is simply not true!

It may seem to be an easy task to provide an estimate for the cost of service via e-mail. However, insect problems and infestations are different, each house is different, and the conditions of each property are different. Thus quotes and estimates for the cost of control are best done locally and perhaps with an inspection by a service technician.

You should contact the local Branch office of Orkin for estimates on the cost of pest control service and for scheduling service.

It looks like a pillbug, and has gotten into my dry food boxes and I see them crawling on the kitchen counter occasionally.

Sat, 25 Jul 2009 19:19:51 -0400

Question: I have searched for answers to what kind of bug is infesting my
kitchen and can't find anything!
It looks like a pillbug, and has gotten into my dry food boxes and I see
them crawling on the kitchen counter occasionally.. they don't appear to
roll up in a ball or anything.. just wander around.
I am tired of opening unopened boxes of food and finding that these
critters have already gotten in the box.. what are they? And how do I get
rid of them?

ANSWER Perhaps you have larder beetles. There are several species of household beetles that are called larder beetles, and they are all in the family Dermestidae. The actual 'larder beetle' (Dermestes lardarius) is a common household pests. It is about one-quarter inch long or a little smaller, blackish brown and with a pale yellow, horizontal stripe on the back. These beetles are usually found in kitchen cabinets or places where food is stored. The larvae and adults feed on a variety of plant and animal material.

The best control is to remove everything from the cabinets. Inspect all of the food packages and discard what is infested. Then vacuum the cabinets very well before you replace the food packages on the shelves.

I have a MAJOR roach infestation that I cannot seem to get under control-I have tried sprays. Can I have my house tented and sprayed?

Sat, 25 Jul 2009 19:12:28 -0400

Question: I have a MAJOR roach infestation that I cannot seem to get under
control-I have tried sprays, bait, boric acid etc. nothing seems to work I
have a daughter that has severe asthma and I was told that the roaches
might be triggering her asthma, I need to get rid of the roaches now not
six months from now as all the other pest control companies have told me,
can you help? Can I have my house tented and sprayed?

ANSWER Fumigation is not necessary.

The best control strategy for the control of household cockroaches is to use baits, either the plastic bait stations or the gel formulation that comes in a plastic syringe. These are generally available in large home or hardware stores. This type of control strategy is much more effective than aerosol fogging and liquid treatments.

Baits should be placed where you have seen the cockroaches. The plastic stations are best placed in corners in cabinets and under the sink and by the motors of appliances like the refrigerator. Baits can remain active for a long time (about three months) and provide continuous protection. The gel formulation should be applied to cracks and crevices in the places that you have seen the cockroaches. The small gel placements may be eaten quickly by the cockroaches, so replace the bait where you see it has been eaten. The small nymphs (babies!) and the adults will eat the bait, even several days after you apply it. And bait not eaten will remain effective for several months.

German cockroaches (small roaches-about ½" long) will be effectively controlled by using either of the baits. Large cockroaches, such as waterbugs (oriental cockroaches) and American cockroaches (called palmettobugs in some places) are best controlled with the gel formulation.

Remember, re-apply the bait when it is eaten. Many bait programs fail because there is not enough bait for all the roaches and the ones that didn't get the bait are able to reproduce.

Give this method about three weeks to work.

I keep seeing this bug around my house, mainly in our basement it looks like a small grasshopper/beetle.

Sat, 25 Jul 2009 19:07:13 -0400

Question: I keep seeing this bug around my house, mainly in our basement
(which has been finished),it looks like a small grasshopper/beetle. It is
brown in color with yellow stripes and it's head is a solid reddish brown.
It is pretty fast in running. It has 4 small legs with 2 larger hind legs.
My husband and I have never seen this type of bug and was wondering if you
know what it is. Also, it seems to come from our wood pile in the
basement. Whenever I throw a few pieces of wood in our wood-burning stove,
one or two seem to come out. I can't find any kind of a nest in the wood,
but I have killed about a dozen in the past week. Can you help us identify
this bug.

ANSWER Probably what you have found are common camel crickets (sometimes called cave crickets). These insects have become pests in recent years. They look a bit strange with their long antennae, large hind legs, and absence of wings, but they are crickets.

Camel crickets live in dark and moist areas, and are often found in basements, crawlspaces, and garages. They don't do any significant damage to household materials, they feed on fresh and dead plant material; but they can be a nuisance by their habit of forming large aggregations, and surprising the unsuspecting homeowner when they move a box or get into the crawl space under the house.

The best control would be to remove as much of the stuff they use to hide in. Then maybe an insecticide treatment of the infested sites. Follow the insecticide label directions for application. Look outside for things they could be hiding under. Make sure door thresholds are sealed. Check screens on basement windows.

My car is infested with small black ants that were picked up when the car was parked for several days near a wooded area.

Sat, 25 Jul 2009 19:02:12 -0400

Question: My car is infested with small black ants that were picked up
when the car was parked for several days near a wooded area. They are
living primarily in the fender wells, etc and not inside the car, though I
have been finding some in the car. What is the best solution to get rid
of them without setting off a fumigator in a garage?

ANSWER They are not likely to remain there, but for now--vacuum the car as thoroughly as possible, then place some ant bait stations inside; they will find these stations and take up the poison bait. Spraying the wheel wells with a water hose may help.

I've heard that there is something that can be done before a house is built to help prevent future termite problems.

Sat, 25 Jul 2009 18:56:23 -0400

Question: I've heard that there is something that can be done before a
house is built to help prevent future termite problems. I am going to be
building a home in Palos Park IL and wanted to know if there's anything
you would recommend.

ANSWER Treating houses during construction, when the foundation and the soil and/or gravel that forms the bed of future concrete slabs are exposed, is the best time to protect against subterranean termites. The foundation block and the footing for the block or poured concrete wall are treated on the outside and inside. Sometimes the wood sill plate and joists for the flooring are treated (usually with a different insecticide).

This treatment is called 'pretreatment' by pest control operators and is done routinely. It will need scheduling in advance. There may be a second treatment when the foundation has been back-filled and the final soil grading has been made. It is best for a professional company to do this treating, since it requires special application equipment and a large quantity of liquid termiticide.

How do I cetch or get rid of moles in the house ? trap or baits anything.

Sat, 25 Jul 2009 18:51:17 -0400

Question: How do I cetch or get rid of moles in the house ? trap or baits
anything.

ANSWER You probably don't have moles in the house, these animals live outside. I have seen them at doorways in very wet conditions, but my guess is that these are mice.

The best control for mice indoors is to use snap traps, but use a lot of them. The theory of one mouse one trap rarely works! Lots of traps will ensure that you get them, and quickly. Bait the traps with small amount of food, little pieces of string, or bits of cotton or cloth.

How long does it take to get rid of German Cockroaches?

Sat, 25 Jul 2009 18:44:13 -0400

Question: How long does it take to get rid of German Cockroaches?

ANSWER The best control strategy for the control of household cockroaches is to use baits, either the plastic bait stations or the gel formulation that comes in a plastic syringe. These are generally available in large home or hardware stores. This type of control strategy is much more effective than aerosol fogging and liquid treatments.

Baits should be placed where you have seen the cockroaches. The plastic stations are best placed in corners in cabinets and under the sink and by the motors of appliances like the refrigerator. Baits can remain active for a long time (about three months) and provide continuous protection. The gel formulation should be applied to cracks and crevices in the places that you have seen the cockroaches. The small gel placements may be eaten quickly by the cockroaches, so replace the bait where you see it has been eaten. The small nymphs (babies!) and the adults will eat the bait, even several days after you apply it. And bait not eaten will remain effective for several months.

German cockroaches (small roaches-about ½" long) will be effectively controlled by using either of the baits. Large cockroaches, such as waterbugs (oriental cockroaches) and American cockroaches (called palmettobugs in some places) are best controlled with the gel formulation. Remember, re-apply the bait when it is eaten. Give this method a few weeks to work.

I am curious what type of bug I may have in my home.

Sat, 25 Jul 2009 18:41:00 -0400

Question: I am curious what type of bug I may have in my home. It's body
and had are just two sections it has brown body with light brown stripe in
the center.

ANSWER There are several species of household beetles that are called larder beetles, and they are all in the family Dermestidae. The actual 'larder beetle' (Dermestes lardarius) is a common household pests. It is about one-quarter inch long or a little smaller, blackish brown and with a pale yellow, horizontal stripe on the back. These beetles are usually found in kitchen cabinets or places where food is stored. The larvae and adults feed on a variety of plant and animal material.

The best control is to remove everything from the cabinets. Inspect all the food packages and discard what is infested. Then vacuum the cabinets very well before replacing the food packages.

I live in Ohio and have seen little worms all over the basement and even outdoors.

Sat, 25 Jul 2009 18:36:05 -0400

Question: I live in Ohio and have seen little worms (about 1-2 cm) all
over the basement and even outdoors. It seems like all they do is die on
the carpet or corners. They don't have long legs like a millipede. Can you
please tell me what they are?

ANSWER Probably what you have is the common turfgrass millipede. They are characterized by the numerous legs on each side of the body, thus the name 'thousand legger'. These animals are common household invaders, especially from spring to fall.

They live outdoors in moist and decaying organic material (dead leaves, flower garden mulch, even the thatch layer in turfgrass), and usually go unnoticed at these locations. Sometimes millipede populations increase rapidly, or their environment get too wet, and they start to migrate to get away from these conditions. They usually move to the sides of houses (where it may be warmer and drier) and sometimes come inside under door thresholds and around windows at ground level.

The best control is to remove as much of the moist mulch from against the foundation and around doors as possible. This reduces their breeding sites and the favorable areas for them. Make certain the door thresholds are well sealed. These animals don't reproduce in houses, in fact they die soon after they enter because the environment is too dry for them.

I have a number of mice in my apartment me and other neighbors, what type of poison will kill these little monsters?

Sat, 25 Jul 2009 18:28:58 -0400

Question: Hello, I have a number of mice in my apartment me and other
neighbors, what type of poison will kill these little monsters? I went to
the Hardware store and bought these little pellets and some Boric Acid.
But what kind of strong poison should I get that is odorless?

Put the traps where you have seen the mice. You may have to re-set or re-position the traps before all the mice have been caught. Be sure that children and pets cannot reach the traps.

What is a very fast moving lizard looking pest that is imposible to catch and impossible to poison?

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 11:39:10 -0400

Question: What is a very fast moving lizard looking pest that is imposible
to catch and impossible to poison?

ANSWER I'm thinking it might be a gecko.

Small lizards, skinks, and geckoes are common pests in houses and buildings that are surrounded by vegetation or are close to areas of dense (sometimes shaded) plants. They are pests simply by their presence indoors; they do not live in or reproduce in houses. They come in from surrounding vegetation seeking food, which is primarily insects.

Usually they are following the insects that are attracted to outdoor lights. Of course, they don't bite people or animals and would eventually move out of the house, except for those that get 'lost' indoors. I am not aware that these animals present a threat to people or pets.

The best control strategy is to keep them out by keeping doors and windows closed or screened;. Reducing the vegetation around the house and limiting outdoor lights at night may also be helpful.

Why do spiders not die from the residual spray?

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 10:27:55 -0400

Question: Why do spiders not die from the residual spray? They can only
be killed on contact correct? Are there any product methods that
successfully kill spiders without being in direct contact.

ANSWER Spiders simply do not spend much time walking on any treated surfaces. Some spiders are web builders and spend most of their time on or near their webs. Hunting spiders don't build webs, but they stay hidden in cracks and crevices when they are not hunting.

It is easier to control spiders by getting rid of the insects that they eat. Make sure exterior doors close properly and have weatherstripping. Screen attic and crawlspace vents. Install "bug light" bulbs in outside lights. Insecticide applications on the outside foundation will help reduce the number of insectrs that come into the home. Sticky traps can help reduce the spider population. Put them in dark places where spiders might hide.

I have recently developed a flea problem in my home. What do you recommend?

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 10:20:19 -0400

Question: I have recently developed a flea problem in my home.I do not
have pets but we did recently bring in a piece of furniture that was given
to us and at the same time a noticed a few cats hanging around so I am
unsure on where they came from?But what I want to know is what do you
recommend from the store for me to use and also have much does orkin
charge to spray for fleas?I went and bought Bengal full season plus flea
spray but haven't used it yet because I am scared I will hurt my 15 month
old child with the spray but I must do something because my son is being
biten badly.you would think he had chicken pox or measles the way these
fleas are biting him.I have seen the fleas on me but don't have marks.

ANSWER It is possible to have a flea problem in the house, and people receive bites even though you do not have a pet. They may have come in on that furniture you mentioned.

Controlling fleas indoors (when you don't have a pet) begins with vacuuming. Vacuuming will pick up some flea eggs and larvae. Vacuuming will also make the adult fleas come out of their cocoons so the carpet treatment will work better.

Use an insecticide that is designed for carpet application. Read the labels to be sure. Follow the label directions for application. You and the family will probably have to stay off the carpet until the treatment is completely dry - the label should tell you how long.

Continue to vacuum for several days after the carpet has been treated. The insecticide label will tell you whether you should treat the carpet again.

I have the centipede insects in my house mostly from spring to summer, but occasionally during the winter.

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 10:12:10 -0400

Question: Question #1
As per your pest id section, I have the centipede insects in my house
mostly from spring to summer, but occasionally during the winter. I have
noticed baby ones during the summer months. I had assumed they got into my
house through the sink/tub drains. Can these be controlled?

Question #2 On my parent's farm is both an old farm house and a brand new
home. Both houses are plagued with hundreds if not thousands of houseflies
in the spring. We have tried for years to figure out how they get into the
house and assumed it was because very old house. But the new home has the
same infestation as well. These are not like the summer flies that have
some smarts to them, these are big dumb black flies that simply cluster
around the windows/lights. Can these be controlled?

ANSWER Centipede. Probably what you have seen is a house centipede. There is basically one species, but they can vary in size and color (from light brown to pale brown) depending on their age and the region of the country. They're long and have many legs. Their rapid movements can be a little scary and threatening, but they are relatively harmless to humans. They are predators of spiders and insects.

The house centipede can and does live outdoors, but is usually found around the foundation of houses and other buildings. They prefer to rest in secluded places during the day, including ivy growing on the side of the house or in thick, loose mulch against the foundation. From these sites the centipedes may enter ground level rooms. They may use door thresholds or gaps in the foundation. They do not come through drains (myth).

These animals are predators of spiders and insects indoors. There are no nests of centipedes; they are independent hunters and do not gather together in one place. The young forage for themselves; they are smaller than the adults and about the same coloration (and speed).

You can try spraying an aerosol insecticide into cracks and crevices where you have seen them or placing sticky traps (such as those for cockroaches) in the area. These animals move fast and can be scary, but they do not harm people or pets.

Flies: What you have seen are probably cluster flies. They are sometimes mistaken for house flies because they look similar to the common house fly. Cluster flies have a completely different life cycle. These flies are most common inside houses especially in early spring.

The life cycle of the cluster fly (Polenia rudis) begins in the spring when they leave the overwintering sites (attics and wall voids of houses) and lay their eggs in the soil. The larval or maggot stages of this fly attack and eat earthworms. There are several generations of cluster flies during the summer, and each time the female returns to lay eggs in the soil.

However, the flies of the last generation spend the winter relatively inactive in attics and wall voids. They begin searching for a place to spend the winter during the last month of summer, usually in late August and early September. They will seek out the sides of houses that are warmed by the afternoon sun, and collect there by the hundreds or thousands.

Control of these flies is not easy. You can try spraying the sides of the house in the fall to kill the flies that are there or prevent them from collecting there. Follow the insecticide label for mixing and application instructions.

Make sure that windows, attic vents, and crawlspace vents all have screens. You can try using a total-release fogger in the attic if they get in there (winter). A vacuum cleaner can be used to remove them from windows if they get into the house.

I have a daycare in my home, one of the children has lice. Do I need to and how do I treat the house?

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 10:04:13 -0400

Question: I have a daycare in my home, one of the children has lice. do I
need to and how do I treat the house?

ANSWER Head lice are often a problem with school-aged children (and sometimes with adults).

Controlling these small creatures requires the use of the shampoo material and the small comb that comes with most control 'kits'. Follow the directions for the length of time the shampoo must remain on the hair, and use the comb to remove the eggs from the base of the hair (use it close to the scalp). The comb is one of the effective control methods, so don't skip using it. The comb is there to help in removing the eggs. The directions on most products indicate that the shampooing will have to be done twice (within about 10 days), and in between the shampooing the comb should be used.

Families of children with head lice should avoid sharing towels, combs and brushes, hats, pillows, and similar items. The bedding should be washed. It is not necessary to apply any pesticide to the house or the grounds for head lice.

Recently I had a termite inspection of my home for potential resale.

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 09:44:34 -0400

ANSWER Liquid application may be the best strategy for this situation, since there is no evidence of an active infestation. If I understood your description, drilling the garage floor will put the treatment on the inside of the brick foundation. It sounds like that's where the inspector found the evidence. The soil treatment outside would be less intrusive, but would be outside the foundation and away from the termite damage. It sounds like drilling and treating the floor is the right choice.

However it's been raining alot lately and there has been an influx of larger ant amongst the normal fair.

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 09:35:12 -0400

Question: Live in the Bay Area... California. We have a usual
black/odorous any infestation. However it's been raining alot lately and
there has been an influx of larger ant amongst the normal fair. These
larger ants seem to attract alot of attention from the regular ants. I
suppose enterage would be the word. My thought is that they are queens
driven from their nests by the rains. However I've spoted upwards of 10
of them. Web searches reveal that such colonies can have a number of
producing queens but I'm not sure these are them. Possibility they are
queens? Can a colony reproduce queens? Sometimes these large ants have a
clearer color to them, what is that?

ANSWER Yes, these are probably queens....some colonies have multiple queens and some colonies can produce more queens as the need arises. The ants you describe may be Argentine ants, since they frequently move indoors when outdoor conditions are not favorable.

Very recently,I have noticed some mice in my apt.

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 09:18:51 -0400

ANSWER There is limited data on the efficacy of electronic or high frequency sound devices for household pest control. These devices may be called ultrasonic, electronic, microvibration, or electromagnetic pest repellers. They propose to use high frequency sound waves or electromagnetic output to repel insects (cockroaches, fleas, house flies, mosquitoes), rodents, moles, and other pests.

For rodent control, the data may indicate that these devices can provide some level of control for a short period of time. But rodents may easily learn to avoid the mechanisms used. Mice may be easily frightened by strange or unfamiliar noises, they quickly become accustomed to regularly repeated sounds. Ultrasonic sounds have limited use in rodent control because they are directional and do not penetrate behind objects. Testing of sound devices shows that about half the sound energy is gone within 15 feet of the device.

It might be best not to completely rely on these devices for pest control.

Our indoor cat will be there and I'd like to know what to expect and if any product will be within his reach.

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 09:12:41 -0400

Question: Our association hired Orkin to treat termites indoors at Ocean Village in Oceanside,Ca next week, using "a safe product made by the Bayer Environmental Science Corp. that is non toxic." Our indoor cat will be there and I'd like to know what to expect and if any product will be within his reach.

ANSWER Termite control will not be a threat to an indoor pet.

The application will be made under the concrete slab indoors and into the soil outside. There should be no termiticide exposure to people or animals. For the cat's safety, the technician will probably ask that the cat be kept out of the work areaduring the job.

When the technician arrives, he will probably explain the entire treatment process. If there are any other precations, he will explain them at that time.

We are having an exterminator come to spray the office because of an ant problem that we have, is it necessary to have everyone out of the office?

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:54:12 -0400

Question: Hello, we are having an exterminator come to spray the office
because of an ant problem that we have, is it necessary to have everyone
out of the office.

ANSWER There would be no reason to move anything.

General ant control begins with trying to locate the nest site, then using baits. Some ants make trails from their nest site to a food supply, so you may be able to follow the worker ants from the food back to the nest, then apply some liquid insecticide directly to the nest. Other species do not make strong trails, so locating the nest is more difficult.

In general, baits are the best method of ant control, but this takes time and patience. There are some dry or granular baits available, but the best formulations are liquids. Place the baits where you have seen the most activity. Ant feeding behavior is very variable, and it often depends on the time of year, whether they are rearing young in the colony or not, and in the availability of other food sources. You may need to use several different kinds of ant bait, and switch them periodically. Control does take time.

Spraying a liquid insecticide around the perimeter of the house or structure can be used for control. It may help by placing a residual insecticide on the surfaces that the ants will walk on as they try to enter the house (so you should treat thoroughly), but when exposed to the sun and humidity most insecticides do not last long. Granular insecticides can be effective when applied to the ground around the perimeter of the house.

I want to prevent roach infestations, what can I do?

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:52:49 -0400

Question: I want to prevent roach infestations, do you have a (bi-)monthy plan?

ANSWER The best control strategy for the control of household cockroaches is to use baits, either the plastic bait stations or the gel formulation that comes in a plastic syringe. These are generally available in large department stores. This type of control strategy is much more effective than aerosol sprays and liquid treatments.

Baits should be placed where you have seen the cockroaches. The plastic stations are best placed in corners in cabinets and under the sink and by the refrigerator. They can remain active for a long time (about three months) and provide continuous protection. The gel formulation should be applied to cracks and crevices in the places that you have seen the cockroaches. The small gel placements may be eaten quickly by the cockroaches, so replace the bait where you see it has been eaten. The small nymphs (babies!) and the adults will eat the bait, even several days after you apply it. And bait not eaten will remain effective for several months.

German cockroaches will be effectively controlled by using either of the baits; large cockroaches, such as waterbugs (oriental cockroaches) and American cockroaches (called palmettobugs in some places) are best controlled with the gel formulation. Remember, re-apply the bait when it is eaten. Give this method about three weeks to work.

I am curious if Orkin thinks it is dangerous for pregnant women to be exposed to the chemicals.

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:49:10 -0400

Question: I work at a restaurant (Pazzo Ristorante) in Portland, OR where
Orkin sprays for flies once a month. I have heard that the chemicals
Orkin uses at my restaurant are plant-based and not harmful to humans but
I would like to know exactly which chemicals are used. I would also like
to know how long Orkin recommends before restaurant workers return to the
restaurant after the chemicals have been sprayed. Often I have to arrive
to work less than an hour after the restaurant has been sprayed. Also, I
am curious if Orkin thinks it is dangerous for pregnant women to be
exposed to the chemicals.

ANSWER You'll have to contact the local Branch office to find out what they are using in the restaurant.

The insecticides used for the control of indoor pests are applied a low concentrations and are usually placed in cracks and crevices and other inaccessible locations. Baits are used for cockroach and ant control, and these are used in small quantities and usually not applied in exposed sites. These and liquid insecticides are used at concentrations of 1% or less and present little or no threat to people or house pets. Pregnant women or people in households with small children may be concerned about exposure to termiticides or other materials during the application phase of treatment. Certainly, caution and concern during these critical times is understood and you may want to delay treatment.

Most liquid insecticides have little or no odor, or if there is an odor it will remain for only a short time. Because pregnancy often brings a high sensitivity to chemical odors, it maybe best that pregnant women not be in the house during treatment. This may remove the potential of a reaction to a temporary odor indoors. Infants and small children may also react to slight odors, and their absence during treatment may be helpful. Remember that the odors associated with most insecticide applications are linked to the solvent system of the pesticide formulation and not the actual insecticide (which is usually odorless).

We have a bug that is only in our laundry room.

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:47:43 -0400

Question: We have a bug that is only in our laundry room . It is very tiny and black. They multiply quickly and hang out on the dirty laundry. We also found some in our dogs bisquits they turned them to powder. Could you let me know what they might be and what kind of problems they can cause?

ANSWER Probably what you have found is one of the several carpet beetle species that can occur in houses. The most common of these is the furniture carpet beetle, Anthrenus flavipes. This is a small beetle (a little larger than the head of a pin), that is somewhat oval in shape and a mixture of black and gray patches. It is characterized by moving very slowly, and rolling over as if dead when touched. The larvae of these beetles have brown bands and long 'hairs' at the end of their body. The adults are most often seen on walls moving very slowly. They are active in summer and relatively inactive in the winter (few if any eggs are laid in winter). A closely related and similar looking species is Anthrenus verbasci. It is a little larger than the furniture beetle, but occurs in the same places and is active in the spring and summer.

Carpet beetles are one of the most common household pests. They can feed on such a wide variety of things, from wool, leather, and other animal products, to noodles and flour, meal, and other stored food and plant products. This feeding habit also makes them difficult to control. They can be everywhere in a house, and control in one location may not eliminate them from another.

The best control strategy is to do a thorough vacuuming of the suspected infested sites, the do a thorough cleaning, which includes looking for all the material that could be infested. Discard what you can, dry clean and store what is appropriate and hope that you got the bulk of it. Remember that these insects can infest many materials in a house and you may never have them all eliminated. Spraying insecticides for carpet beetles may be useful when there is a heavy infestation, but the problem is where to spray to get the best results! Clean up and vacuuming can do much to get control.

I have carpet beetles. Is there something I could put out or spray that won't harm my cat and dog that will get rid of the pets?

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:46:39 -0400

Question: I have carpet beetles. I first found some in a folded up
feather/down comforter. I had it cleaned and packed it in plastic.
But I now find them in the kitchen sometimes, crawling up the wall from
behind the stove/range. Is there a home remedy? Is there something I could
put out or spray that won't harm my cat and dog that will get rid of the
pests?

ANSWER Carpet beetles are one of the most common household pests. They can feed on such a wide variety of things, from wool, leather, and other animal products, to noodles and flour, meal, and other stored food and plant products. This feeding habit also makes them difficult to control. They can be everywhere in a house, and control in one location may not eliminate them from another.

The best control strategy is to do a thorough vacuuming of the suspected infested sites, the do a thorough cleaning, which includes looking for all the material that could be infested. Discard what you can, dry clean and store what is appropriate and hope that you got the bulk of it. Remember that these insects can infest many materials in a house and you may never have them all eliminated. Spraying insecticides for carpet beetles may be useful when there is a heavy infestation, but the problem is where to spray to get the best results! Clean up and vacuuming can do much to get control.

I have a very small beatle like bug that started in my bedroom but is now everywhere.

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:45:00 -0400

Question: I have a very small beatle like bug that started in my bedroom
but is now everywhere. It is black with white spots and is about a third
of the size of an apple seed...maybe even 1/4. I live within 30 miles of
Seattle.

How do you look for Bedbugs? How do you know if you have them?

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:43:24 -0400

Question: How do you look for Bedbugs? How do you know if you have them?

ANSWER Control begins with taking the bed completely apart. Start with the frame, and disconnect as many parts as possible so you can clean all the cracks and crevices (and spray with an aerosol insecticide (any of the common aerosols will be fine) the ones you can not clean). If you don't want to use an aerosol, use a hair dryer (set on high) to blow hot air into the cracks and crevices of the bed-this will drive out the bugs and kill some of them.

Once the frame is clean, then do the same for the box spring: clean the cracks and crevices, then clean and maybe vacuum the seams of the mattress. With what is left in the aerosol you can spray the baseboards of the room. Start with the area near the bed, and try to get the spray under or behind the baseboard (where bedbugs may also be hiding). These insects can travel far to find a blood meal, so don't fail to clean and treat the room. They can live long without food, so even old beds (not used in while) can have them.

Check to see that there are no new or recently abandoned bird nests close to the room (check the attic), since there are 'cousins' to bed bugs that live in these nests (or are associated with bats) and can move from there to feeding
on people.

I had a company spray my house for bugs and my pet lizerd died, two or three days after. Was it the spray is it toxic?

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:41:53 -0400

Question: I had a company spray my house for bugs and my pet lizerd died, two
or three days after. Was it the spray is it toxic?

ANSWER The death of the lizard may be linked to the use of pesticides; it would be best to contact the pest control company and find out what chemical was used.

I have boxelder bugs all over the inside of my home. What can I do to eliminate them?

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:40:40 -0400

Question: I have boxelder bugs all over the inside of my home. I have a
boxelder tree in my backyard which I know is the cause of them. What can
I do to eliminate them - now! I am very tired of picking them up!!

ANSWER Control of boxelder bugs outdoors is not easy, but they are susceptible to most garden insecticides, so you can kill a lot of them. Because they often occur in large aggregations, you may have to spray several times to contact them all with the insecticide.

Outside: It might be best to use an insecticide that is recommended for treating ornamental plants, so if some of the spray contacts shrubs around the house it will not damage the leaves. Boxelder bugs can be killed with nearly any insecticide, so if you don't get control immediately do not assume they are resistant to the chemical. They may not have been contacted because of the large number at one place, simply spray again to contact them all.

Inside: They can be removed from inside the house with a vacuum cleaner. You may have to keep doing this for several days to get them all. During the winter they can be active during warm and sunny days. They don't bite or sting or infest houses, but if crushed they could stain fabric.

How do I know if my bedroom has been infested with biting mites?

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:59:15 -0400

Question: How do I know if my bedroom has been infested with biting mites? If it has, how do get rid of them? I suspect by the marks that I have been getting, that they are living either in a pillow or in my mattress. If I replace either of these thing, how can I be sure that they are gone?

I have a big problem. I have wood worms and I don't know where they are comming from or how to get rid of them.

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:57:00 -0400

Question: I have a big problem. I have wood worms, and I don't know
wher they are coming from or how to get rid of them.

ANSWER The term "wood borer" or "wood worms" may refer to several different kinds of wood-infesting insects. The term is used for beetles that only infest hardwoods (such as flooring, trim, or even ornamental pieces), or for beetles that only infest softwoods (such as wall framing and support joists), or for beetles that infest both hardwoods and softwoods.

Damage: The damage produced by these beetles may be small round holes (about the size of pencil lead), or large (quarter of an inch in diameter)oval holes in the wood surface. The first signs of an infestation (past or present) is usually a small amount of frass or sawdust or powder in or around a piece of furniture, drawer, or cabinet. If the powder is a little gritty when rubbed between your fingers, then it is anobiid beetle damage; if the frass is soft and not gritty, then it is lyctid beetle damage (and probably coming from a hardwood); if there is frass next to an oval hole in softwood (pine, spruce, fir), then the damage is from the cerambycid, the old house borer.

Lyctid Wood Boring Beetles (Family: Lyctidae). The damage from these small (1/8 inch) beetles may be found in various places in the house, such as kitchen cabinets, baseboard trim, hardwood flooring (all hardwoods), and in ornamental pieces of wood such as picture frames. They infest only hardwoods, and generally infest only new wood, usually less than 5 years old. They can re-infest, but this is not always the case. The life cycle takes 1-2 years.

Anobiid Wood Boring Beetles (Family: Anobiidae). The damage from these small (1/8 inch) beetles may be found in floor joists in crawl spaces of houses, sometimes in attic joists and wall studs. They infest primarily softwood, but will also attack hardwoods. Their life cycle is 1-2 years and they will continually re-infest structural wood, sometimes causing structural damage.

Cerambycid or Old House Borer (Family: Cerambycidae). The old house borer is one of the wood borers that feed only on softwood. The feeding of the larval stages of this beetle can be heard, the sound is a scraping noise. These beetles infest structural wood, such as floor and attic joists, wall studs, and shelving. The life cycle extends form 3 to 7 years normally, but can extend to more than 10 years. They will re-infest wood, and may cause structural damage.

Control of these beetles depends on first determining that there is an active infestation. The holes and the powder (called frass) that falls from the holes may exist for many years, but is NOT an indication that there are beetles alive in the wood at this time. If the infestation is active (= recent holes or the sound of feeding is heard), then the treatment may include the application of liquid insecticide to the surface of the infested wood; or the injection of liquid below the surface, into the feeding galleries or tunnel; or the tenting and fumigation of the entire structure (but this is reserved for only severe infestations). The insecticides used for control will provide control by killing the larval stage or the adult stage when it emerges form the wood.

I think there are carpenter ants comming through the light fixtures in my ceiling.

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:55:45 -0400

Question: I think there are carpenter ants comming through the light fixtures in my ceiling. Some are carrying little white things. Are these eggs and should I go about getting rid of them if I am on a budget?

ANSWER Carpenter ants nest in moisture damaged wood, but do not eat the wood. If there is a carpenter ant nest associated with the house, it is because there is moisture-damaged wood somewhere. It may be in the bathroom where the tub or shower are not draining properly (or have overflowed and wet the wood), or a porch that is holding moisture, a roof leak, a door frame that gets wet from rain, a downspout or gutter that is not working.

These ants are usually active indoors in the early spring. They may be found in the kitchen and some other parts of the house in February and March. This is usually an indication that there is a nest in the house. In late spring these ants will move outside and not forage of food indoors again, and this may give the false indication that control have been achieved.

When carpenter ants are found in the house in late spring it is usually an indication that the nest is outdoors and they are simply foraging for food indoors until there are insects and aphids to feed on outside.

The best control for carpenter ants is to locate the source of the nest. A thorough inspection of the house for moisture damaged wood is necessary. Correcting the problem is the first step, in the process the ant nest can be removed or sprayed.

Baits are best when the nest can not be located; liquid baits are preferred by ants, but most baits will work if you locate them near the foraging ants. Baiting takes time, but it will get to the queen in the colony and that is best approach. Killing the worker ants with sprays is not effective.

I have a bed bug problem and have already had the place done by a professional but the bugs are still biting!

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:54:32 -0400

Question: I have a bed bug problem and have already had the place done by a
professional, but the bugs are still biting! I called the professional back,
and he said its useless to come back to my place until three weeks later as
the stuff they used is residual and all they need to do is walk threw it.
Is their anything I can do to stop them from biting wile I wait for them
to die? Also are you in canada?

ANSWER These small, reddish-brown insects hide during the day, and emerge at night to take a blood meal from people sleeping (and they will also bite other mammals). The bed bug takes 3 to 15 minutes to feed, and then it may not feed again for 2-3 days. The bite produces a hard swelling, and is whitish in color; it usually is irritated and continues to bleed.

Control begins with taking the bed completely apart. Start with the frame, and disconnect as many parts as possible so you can clean all the cracks and crevices (and spray with an aerosol insecticide (any of the common aerosols will be fine) the ones you can not clean). If you don't want to use an aerosol, use a hair dryer (set on high) to blow hot air into the cracks and crevices of the bed-this will drive out the bugs and kill some of them.

Once the frame is clean, then do the same for the box spring: clean the cracks and crevices, then clean and maybe vacuum the seams of the mattress. With what is left in the aerosol you can spray the baseboards of the room. Start with the area near the bed, and try to get the spray under or behind the baseboard (where bedbugs may also be hiding). These insects can travel far to find a blood meal, so don't fail to clean and treat the room. They can live long without food, so even old beds (not used in while) can have them.

Check to see that there are no new or recently abandoned bird nests close to the room (check the attic), since there are 'cousins' to bed bugs that live in these nests (or are associated with bats) and can move from there to feeding
on people.

Since my initial Orkin service one week ago the ant problem has gotten worse.

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:53:03 -0400

Question: Since my initial Orkin service one week ago the ant problem has
gotten worse. The ants are in the kitchen now where initially they were not.
What can be done to keep the ants at bay while waiting for extra service?

ANSWER Well, you might consider getting some ant bait stations.

General ant control begins with trying to locate the nest site, then using baits. Some ants make trails from their nest site to a food supply, so you may be able to follow the worker ants from the food back to the nest, then apply some liquid insecticide directly to the nest. Other species do not make strong trails, so locating the nest is more difficult.

In general, baits are the best method of ant control, but this takes time and patience. There are some dry or granular baits available, but the best formulations are liquids. Place the baits where you have seen the most activity. Ant feeding behavior is very variable, and it often depends on the time of year, whether they are rearing young in the colony or not, and in the availability of other food sources. You may need to use several different kinds of ant bait, and switch them periodically. Control does take time.

Spraying a liquid insecticide around the perimeter of the house or structure can be used for control. It may help by placing a residual insecticide on the surfaces that the ants will walk on as they try to enter the house (so you should treat thoroughly), but when exposed to the sun and humidity most insecticides do not last long. Granular insecticides can be effective when applied to the ground around the perimeter of the house.

I have a mole inside my slab house.

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:51:44 -0400

Question: I have a mole inside my slab house (no basement). No web sites
give any information on getting rid of one in the house. Any advice would
be greatly appreciated.

ANSWER I think it is probably a house or field mouse.

The best control for mice indoors is to use snap traps, but use a lot of them-the theory of one mouse one trap rarely works! Lots of traps will ensure that you get them, and quickly. Bait the traps with small amount of food, but at least on one of the trap attach a piece of cotton (sew it on!)-this will attract the females and help reduce the population quicker.

Baits may be effective, but oftentimes the mouse dies behind the wall and there is a lingering odor for several weeks. The story that they turn to stone after eating the baits and there is no odor is simply not true!

Can Orkin help with box elder bugs inside one's home?

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:50:37 -0400

Question: Can Orkin help with box elder bugs inside one's home?

We have these tiny little bugs that seem to keep coming in through the windows. Any idea what it could be and what I should do?

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:49:11 -0400

Question: We have these tiny little bugs that seem to keep coming in
through the windows. Size of a pinhead, move very slowly, round body,
sortof black with brown. I find one here and there, primarily on
windowsills, so I assume they are coming in through the window. It doesn't seem to be a full-blown infestation Any idea what it could be, and what I should do?

ANSWER What you have seen are probably clover mites. They are small, reddish mites, about the size of the head of a pin and usually moving around very quickly. Problems with these mites usually occur in the spring, but there are regions that also experience population increases in the fall.

These mites live and feed in turfgrass and for the most part remain unnoticed. Every once in a while (and we don't know why!) populations get very large and the mites start to migrate from the grass. They usually move out of the grass and up the sides of houses. Sometimes they enter houses through windows and doors. They will not infest the house and will not bite people or pets (remember, they are plant feeders), but they can be a nuisance.

A good control method is to wash them off the side of the house with a garden hose, and you can vacuum them from sites indoors. Most modern insecticides are designed for insects (theses are mites), and using a garden insecticide to control clover mites (on the outside of the house) may not always be effective, or you may have to apply it several times.

I have a problem with Voles...they have done considerable damage this winter.

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:47:23 -0400

Question: I have a problem with Voles...They have done considerable damage this
winter. Is there anything you can do to rid me of this problem?

ANSWER Voles (primarily the woodland vole) are small rodents that are similar to mice. However, they are quite different from mice and moles (which also tunnel underground). Voles are grayish-brown and about 5-6 inches long. Unlike the house mouse, voles have a blunt nose, short furry ears, and small eyes.

Voles live outdoors in shallow burrows in the soil; they feed on the roots and tubers of trees and plants, and can cause extensive damage to plantings and orchards. They are sometimes found in sheds and in basements, but do not naturally infest houses. Vole populations peak in natural cycles every few years, and during this time they can be very abundant. They prefer grassy areas or areas with heavy mulch and ground cover. They travel in above ground runways and underground burrows.

Controlling these animals is not easy, but the best a homeowner can do is set some snap traps at the entrance of the active burrows. You may have to set a number of traps to determine what burrow is being used at that time. In the spring and fall they are more active and trapping at this time may be more successful. Indoors they may not be attracted to typical snap traps and glue boards may be the most effective control.

I looked on your site and I've got a silverfish problem. Can you treat this problem without harming my 2 cats?

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:45:42 -0400

Question: I looked on your site and I've got a silverfish problem. Can
you treat this problem without harming my 2 cats?

ANSWER The household silverfish (Lepisma saccharina) is found only in houses and rarely in natural settings. It gets into houses in packaging material, furniture, and perhaps stored clothing. Silverfish can live in a variety of places, including kitchens, bathroom, basements, and in attics. They feed on starchy material, but can usually find food wherever they are in the house.

They don't do much damage indoors, but they can be a nuisance and annoy people by their presence. They don't carry any disease organisms, they don't bite, and generally stay out of the way.

Household silverfish are difficult to control. They move around a lot, which makes spraying less effective than treating other household pests, thus applying insecticides is not always effective.

Pesticides for household insects are designed to be applied at low concentrations (typically less than 1%), and usually to specific sites in the house. For example, dusts are usually applied to cracks and crevices (away from exposure to people or pets). The insecticide concentrations are high enough to be effective in killing small insects and spiders, but are no threat to pets that walk on treated surfaces after the application has dried.

Treated surfaces usually dry quickly, so there is little chance for exposure from them. The residue that remains on the surface will be toxic to insects but it is no threat to people or pets. It usually does not last very long (but hopefully long enough for the target insects to contact it).

The best strategy to keep pets safe is to keep them off any treated surface until it is dry—this may take 1-2 hours.

Do you treat clover mites? I have tiny red bugs crawling in my windows.

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 19:51:32 -0400

Question: Do you treat clover mites? I have tiny red bugs crawling in my
windows.

ANSWER These mites live and feed in turfgrass and for the most part remain unnoticed. Every once in a while populations get very large and the mites start to migrate from the grass. They usually move out of the grass and up the sides of houses. Sometimes they enter houses through windows and doors. They will not reproduce in the the house and will not bite people or pets. They can be a nuisance. If they are crushed, they will leave a stain.

A quick control method is to wash them off the side of the house with a garden hose, and you can vacuum them from sites indoors. An insecticide application on the outsdie foundation can help prevent them from invading the home.

Call the local Orkin branch for more information about this service or to schedule a service.

How do I get rid of centipedes and silverfish?

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 19:41:54 -0400

Question: We live in Edmonton Alberta Canada. Spring is just approaching; lots of snow on the ground but it is starting to melt. We have noticed about 3-5 centipedes and silverfish every couple of days. We vacuum them up and then more show up. We have two dogs, and so we are worried about spraying chemicals. How do these creatures get into our house, and can you tell me more about your process for getting rid of these things in our basement without causing any problems for our dogs?

ANSWER The household silverfish (Lepisma saccharina) is often found only in houses. It gets into houses in packaging material, furniture, and perhaps stored clothing. Silverfish can live in a variety of places, including kitchens, bathroom, basements, and in attics. They feed on starchy material, but can usually find food wherever they are in the house.

They can damage clothing and paper products. They can be a nuisance and annoy people by their presence. They don't carry any disease organisms, they don't bite, and generally stay out of the way.

You can try spraying (aerosol insecticide) into cracks and crevices in the area that you have seen them. It may help to sticky traps (such as those for cockroaches) in these locations. If they are a problem in areas where items are stored - garages or storage sheds - it may help to unpack the boxes. The storage boxes are often the hiding places for the silverfish.

House centipedes are long, slender creatures. Their bodies are rather flat. and wormlike. Most body segments have one pair of legs. Centipedes are predators of insects and spiders. They are usually active at night.

They do not gather in nests, but they spend the daytime hiding in dark areas. Centipedes prefer areas that are high in humidity like basements.

Control of centipedes often requires changing their environment. In extreme situations, this may mean reducing the humidity in the areas where they have been a problem. They are easily removed with a vacuum cleaner. Sticky traps, like the ones for mice or cockroaches, can help reduce the centipede population quickly.

Outdoors, remove potential harborages. Move firewood piles as far away from the house as possible. Close up entryways. Keep vents and ground-level windows screened. Make sure that exterior doors close securely and have proper weatherstrip. Move mulch away from the foundation. An insecticide application around the outside foundation may help prevent them from entering.

What is the best way to get rid of roaches inexpensively?

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 19:34:26 -0400

Question: What is the best way to get rid of roaches inexpensively.

ANSWER The best control strategy for the control of household cockroaches is to use baits, either the plastic bait stations or the gel formulation that comes in a plastic syringe. These are generally available in large home or hardware stores. This type of control strategy is much more effective than aerosol fogging and liquid treatments.

Baits should be placed where you have seen the cockroaches. The plastic stations are best placed in corners in cabinets and under the sink and by the motors of appliances like the refrigerator. They can remain active for a long time (about three months) and provide continuous protection. The gel formulation should be applied to cracks and crevices in the places that you have seen the cockroaches. The small gel placements may be eaten quickly by the cockroaches, so replace the bait where you see it has been eaten. The small nymphs (babies!) and the adults will eat the bait, even several days after you apply it. And bait not eaten will remain effective for several months.

German cockroaches (small roaches-about ½" long) will be effectively controlled by using either of the baits. Large cockroaches, such as waterbugs (oriental cockroaches) and American cockroaches (called palmettobugs in some places) are best controlled with the gel formulation. Remember, re-apply the bait when it is eaten. Give this method a few weeks to work.

Is there any way to avoid water bugs?

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 19:23:15 -0400

Question: Is there any way to avoid water bugs? We were moving into a new house and found some in our basement.

ANSWER Waterbugs are cockroaches. oriental cockroach is the official common name. The habits of this species are not different from the other, more common household species.

They generally live in basements or other cool areas, and if a problem in apartments it will usually be on the ground floor. They may be found in bath tubs and in kitchen sinks, but they do not come in through the drain pipes. They lack the sticky pads on their feet that other cockroaches have, so once they get into the tub or sink they can not crawl out because of the smooth sides.

Control of waterbugs can be achieved with the use of baits. There are several formulations of cockroach control baits (plastic stations and gels), but the best for waterbugs is the gel formulation. Place small amounts of gel (usually comes in a plastic syringe) in the places where you have seen these cockroaches; re-apply the gel when it is eaten. Give this control method a few weeks to work.

Check to be sure that exterior doors close tightly and have weatherstrips. An insecticide application outside on the foundation might help. Granular insecticide can be applied in flowerbeds.

Does the Orkinman do individual apartments?

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 19:21:02 -0400

Question: Does the Orkinman do individual apartments? I have a severe case
of roaches, and we have tried everything: baits and three seperate building
treatments.

ANSWER You'll have to call the local Branch for service.

The best control strategy for the control of household cockroaches is to use baits, either the plastic bait stations or the gel formulation that comes in a plastic syringe. These are generally available in large home or hardware stores. This type of control strategy is much more effective than aerosol fogging and liquid treatments.

Baits should be placed where you have seen the cockroaches. The plastic stations are best placed in corners in cabinets and under the sink and by the motors of appliances like the refrigerator. They can remain active for a long time (about three months) and provide continuous protection. The gel formulation should be applied to cracks and crevices in the places that you have seen the cockroaches. The small gel placements may be eaten quickly by the cockroaches, so replace the bait where you see it has been eaten. The small nymphs (babies!) and the adults will eat the bait, even several days after you apply it. And bait not eaten will remain effective for several months.

German cockroaches (small roaches-about ½" long) will be effectively controlled by using either of the baits. Large cockroaches, such as waterbugs (oriental cockroaches) and American cockroaches (called palmettobugs in some places) are best controlled with the gel formulation. Remember, re-apply the bait when it is eaten. Give this method a few weeks to work.

I live in an apartment which has been sprayed for roaches three times.

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 19:16:42 -0400

Question: I live in an apartment which has been sprayed for roaches three
times and still has them. I would like to get a price quote.

ANSWER It may seem like an easy task to send a quote or estimate for service by e-mail. In fact, every pest problem is different, every home is different, and the conditions around every neighborhood are different. It is better to make a quote locally with an inspection by a service technician.

Call the local Orkin branch office for a quote on service and to schedule service.

How can I get rid of a large family of arachnids that I found in my backyard?

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 19:11:01 -0400

Question: How can I get rid of a large family of arachnids that I found in
my backyard?

ANSWER Spiders are predators of insects. A program to reduce the spiders around the outside of the house should begin by reducing the presence of insects around the outside of the house.

When web-buildibng spiders occur outside the house in large number, such as on the porch or on the ornamental shrubs, try to reduce the number or the wattage of outdoor lights. "Bug light" bulbs may also reduce the number of flying insects for spiders to trap. When the food is scarce, the spiders will migrate.

When hunting spiders are the problem, try to reduce the number of crawling insects. An insecticide application on the outside foundation can help prevent insects from entering the house. Make sure doors close snugly and have weatherstrip. Crawlspace vents and ground-level windows should have screens.

How can I get rid of ladybugs in my house?

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 09:59:02 -0400

Question: How can I get rid of ladybugs in my house?

ANSWER What you have is the Asian ladybird beetle (Harmonia axyridis). These insects often make nuisances of themselves throughout the country. They usually make their presence known in the fall and winter when they collect in large numbers around the perimeter of houses and buildings. A large number of them make their way inside.

These beetles were introduced into the U.S. to control aphids. Adult beetles and the larvae can eat hundreds of aphids each day and are considered beneficial insects.

Outdoors in the fall you can try spraying the aggregation of beetles that are on the side of the house with a garden hose and water to discourage them. Check to be sure doors close snugly and have weatherstrip. Windows, attic vents, and crawlspace vents should all be screened.

I live in Snohomish, Washington and have recently found a bug problem in my house. Could you tell me what kind of bug it is and how can we get rid of it?

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 09:54:55 -0400

Question: I live in Snohomish, Washington and have recently found a bug
problem in my house. I am not able to identify the bug or find where they
are coming from. They are oval shape, black with white zig-zag lines and
a bit larger than a flea. They have been showing up along my baseboards
where the carpet meets the wall as well as near my air vents. Could you
tell me what kind of bug this is and how to get rid of them?

Carpet beetles are common household pests. They can feed on a wide variety of things from wool, leather, and other animal products to noodles and flour, meal, and other stored food and plant products. This feeding habit also makes them difficult to control. They can infest almost any part of a house.

The best control strategy is to do a thorough vacuuming of the suspected infested sites. Then do a thorough cleaning, which includes looking for all the material that could be infested. If they are in the kitchen, discard any infested food packages. If they are in a bedroom, dry clean any infested woolen garments and store them carefully.

An insecticide application on the outside foundation can help prevent adult beetles from coming inside. Follow the insecticide label directions for mixing and application. Make sure doors close snugly and have proper weatherstripping. Check windows, attic vents, and crawlspace vents for proper screening.

We have one inch long, black, worm-like bugs found primarily on the kitchen floor. What could it be?

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 09:49:46 -0400

Question: We have one inch long, black, worm-like bugs found primarily on the kitchen floor. What could it be? Where would it come from? What products do you recomend?

ANSWER Probably what you have is the common millipede. They are characterized by the numerous legs on each side of the body, thus the name 'thousand legger'. These animals are common household invaders, especially from spring to fall.

They live outdoors in moist and decaying organic material (dead leaves, flower garden mulch, even the thatch layer in turfgrass), and usually go unnoticed at these locations. Sometimes millipede populations increase rapidly, or their environment get too wet and they start to migrate to get away from these conditions. They usually move to the sides of houses where it may be warmer and drier. Then some of them come inside under door thresholds and around windows at ground level.

The best control is to remove as much of the moist mulch from against the foundation and around doors as possible. A gap of 6 to 12 inches would really help reduce the number of pests that invade. Make certain the door thresholds are well sealed. An insecticide application around the outside foundation can also help keep them from coming inside.

I am interested in getting information on the cost of extermination for cockroaches.

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 09:47:08 -0400

Question: I am interested in getting information on the cost of
extermination for cockroaches and if service is available in springfield
massachussets.

Do pesticides pose a danger to our newborn?

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 09:44:38 -0400

Question: We have a newborn in our house, and I'm wondering if it is safe to spray for pests. Should we avoid the house for a few hours after our Orkin guy comes? He sprays for ants and roaches--it looks like 1.34 is the product type, with menthod 93 and equipment is "B". Please advise of any extra precautions we should take with a newborn in the house.

ANSWER Depending on the application, it would be best to remain out of the house for a few hours after spraying.

Pesticides for household insects are designed to be applied at low concentrations. The various formulations are intended for particular areas of the home. Dusts and aerosols are intended to be applied into cracks an crevices. This makes them effective against pests with no residue on the surface for people to be exposed to.

Baits for ants or roaches are injected into cracks and crevices or put into plastic bait stations. The stations are placed out of the reach of children.

Insecticides that are intended for application onto exposed surfaces have very specific directions on their labels. The directions have instructions for mixing and appliction. Th directions also require that people stay off of the treatd surface until the treatment has dried.

Technicians also select treatment methods according to the particular situation. Since most pest problems begin outside the home, many homes receive routine treatment only on the outside. This prevents most pests from getting into the home. The family can request indoor treatment if they see a pest indoors.

When the ants and roaches are under control, you may want to talk with your technician to see if this type of treatment would be right for your situation.

Why are there lady bugs in my house this year?

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 09:38:07 -0400

Question: Why are there lady bugs in my house this year?

ANSWER What you have is the Asian ladybird beetle (Harmonia axyridis). These insects are a nuisance throughout the country. They usually make their presence known in the fall and winter when they collect in large numbers around the perimeter of houses and buildings, and a large number of them make their way inside.

These beetles were introduced into the U.S. to control aphids. Adult beetles and the larvae can eat hundreds of aphids each day and are considered a beneficial insect.

Outdoors in the fall you can try spraying the aggregation of beetles that are on the side of the house with a garden hose and water to discourage them. Check exterior doors to be sure they close snugly and are weatherstripped. Attic and crawlspace vents should all be screened.

How do you get rid of Box Elder Beatles?

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 09:28:57 -0400

Question: How do you get rid of Box Elder Beatles?

ANSWER The local Orkin branch office can explain the process of service for this pest. They can also et a service appointment.

Outside: Boxelder bugs can be killed with insecticide, so an application will be made outside. If there are preventive measures that you can take to make the treatment more effective, the technician will point them out during the service.

Inside: The quickest way to remove them from the home is with a vacuum cleaner. You may have to keep doing this for several days to get them all. During the winter they can be active during warm and sunny days. They don't bite or sting or lay eggs in houses, but if crushed they could stain fabric.

I found little black bugs crawling in my kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. How much do you charge to come out after the free inspection?

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 09:22:22 -0400

Question: I found little black bugs crawling in my kitchen, bathroom, and
bedroom. They were also in my cabinets attacking the brown sugar and in
the bathroom closet attacking the mouth wash and cough medicine. Are these
ants? I have been spraying inside and it is helping some but i am still
getting them. Also i have bad insulation that got wet and moldy that I am
in the process of removing, could they be living in there or would they be
more likey to be in my crawl space or outside in my alluminum sidding?
How much do you charge to come out after the free inspection?

ANSWER The small black ants you have seen may be 'odorous house ants'. They typically nest outdoors and make trails along the outside of windows and eaves of houses. They enter kitchen areas to forage for various food materials. They are strong trial followers, so you may be able to see them outside and where they are coming in the house.

If you can locate the nest site, then a liquid insecticide can be applied for control. Follow label directions for mixing and application. If you cannot find the nest, then the use of baits can be effective. Place several baits beside the ant trail where they will contact them. Leave the baits undisturbed for a week or more (try to tolerate the ants moving in and out of the bait). Ants seem to prefer liquid baits.

It may seem to be an easy task to provide an estimate for the cost of service via e-mail. However, insect problems and infestations are different, each house is different, and the conditions of each property are different. Thus quotes and estimates for the cost of control are best done locally and perhaps with an inspection by a service technician.

You should contact the local Orkin branch office for estimates on the cost of pest control service and for scheduling service.

We have terrible bug issues, but I have other fears as well.

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 09:18:15 -0400

Question: Not so much a bug question as a safety question. My husband is
a cancer survivor, and I have a baby who's about to start crawling. I'm
concerned about the safety of the chemicals used - especially for my baby,
as she puts everything in her mouth. What if she finds something that's
come into contact w/ the chemicals (i.e. a toy that's fallen into a corner
where the spray was put down)? We have terrible bug issues, but I have
other fears as well.

ANSWER Pesticides for household insects are designed to be applied at low concentrations. The various formulations are intended for specific applications. Dusts and aerosol products are intended to be applied into cracks and crevices. This way they are effective against pests but there is no residue on the surface for people or pets to contact.

Insect baits (for roaches and ants) are either injected into cracks and crevices or put into plastic bait stations which are installed out of the reach of children. Insecticides that are intended for surface application have specific directions for mixing and application. These directions also require that people stay away from the treated area until the treatment has dried.

Additionally, technicians select treatment methods according to paricular situations. For example, since most pest problems begin outside, many homes receive routine treatment only on the outside. Most pests are prevented from entering. There also is less disruption to the family's routine. The family can request treatment inside if here is a particular problem.

Your technician can discuss treatment options that will solve your pest problems and be sensitive to your concerns. The local Orkin branch office can schedule an inspection at your convenience.

My sister has a racoon in her roof top.

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 09:12:39 -0400

Question: My sister has a racoon in her roof top. This is the third one in
three weeks. Do you handle this type of removal if so what is your cost.
If not can you please lead me in the right direction.

ANSWER The Raccoon (Procyon lotor) is native only to the Americas, and is one of the most successful animals in the urban and suburban habitat. It has adapted well to utilizing human garbage for food and the sites around houses and outbuildings for shelter. The adults are active almost through the year. Males travel a wide area, but females generally remain close to their den The young (about 5 per year) are born in April-May.

These animals are difficult to control. The first step is to understand that raccoons learn quickly. If they encounter garbage or other sources of food around houses they will return to those sites often. Keep garbage in sealed containers, close off any sites under porches, crawlspaces, or sheds that may provide a nest site. Traps may be set for them, but it would be best to contact the local authorities first-there may be local restrictions. There are some pest control companies that specialize in large animal removal. These animals sometimes carry rabies, do not attempt to handle them. They are cute, but they can bite and they are not as friendly as they look!

What is your recomendation on treating your house and property for termites?

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 09:06:29 -0400

Question: What is your recomendation on treating your house and property
of termites: the liquid that you drill into the slab around the house or the Sentracom system? And why would you recommend one over the other?

ANSWER There are several different termiticides available to pest control professionals and there are also several different baiting programs. Some may be better suited for certain soil types or climates and so they may not all be used in every area of the country. Consult a professional pest control operator. He or she should inspect your home and property, identify at the infestation, and provide a control strategy that is designed for your situation.

We have caught about ten mice and still see one or two daily.

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 22:31:30 -0400

Question: We have caught about ten mice and still see one or two daily. We
bought mouse/rat traps, but are not sure how many are nearby. How much do
you charge for rodent control in Stockton, CA?

Are the chemicals used for spiders dangerous to humans?

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 22:27:40 -0400

Question: Are the chemicals used for spiders dangerous to humans?

ANSWER Pesticides for household insects (including spiders) are designed to be applied at low concentrations. Each formulation is intended for a particular application. Dusts and aerosol insecticides are intended to be applied into cracks and crevices. This makes them effective against pests but leaves no residue on the surface for humans or pets to contact.

Products that are designed to be applied to surfaces have very specific directions on their labels. The directions cover mixing and application. The directions also require that people and pets stay away from the treated surface until the treatment has dried.

The most effective spider control is done by eliminating the insects that they eat. Web-building spiders can often be controlled by sweeping down the webs and reducing the time that lights are left on. Since the lights attract flying insects, this reduces the number of spiders.

The number of hunting spiders can be reduced by sealing openings outside where insects might try to enter the house. Check weatherstripping on exterior doors. Make sure that attic vents and crawlspace vents are all properly screened. An insecticide application on the outside foundation can help keep insects out. In garages, a sticky trap on both sides of the garage door (in the dark corners) can often catch insects and spiders before they get into the house. (Fold the trap into a tube-shape to keep dust off and to keep children and pets from getting into the glue.)

I treated for subterranean termites back in december, but they are back in swarms.

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 22:22:16 -0400

Question: I treated for subterranean termites back in december, but they are back in swarms. The exterminator can't get back her until next week. Is there some type of homeopathic way to keep them in check until a professional can get out?

ANSWER You could vacuum up the swarmers so they don't become a nuisance. Since they are trying to find mates, they can't do much harm.

We periodically have tiny ants. Specifically what chemicals would be used in and around our home?

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 22:19:10 -0400

Question: We periodically have tiny ants. Specifically what chemicals would be used in and around our home?

ANSWER You'll have to check with the local Branch office for the products they use.

General ant control begins with trying to locate the nest . Some ants make trails from their nest site to a food supply, so you may be able to follow the worker ants from the food back to the nest. When the nest is located, apply some liquid insecticide directly to the nest. Follow the directions on the insecticide label.

Other ant species do not make strong trails, so locating the nest is more difficult. In general, baits are the best method of ant control, but this takes time and patience. There are some dry or granular baits available, but the ants seem to prefer liquid baits. Place the baits enxt to the ant trail where you have seen the most activity. Ant feeding behavior often depends on the time of year, whether they are rearing young in the colony or not, and in the availability of other food sources. You may need to use several different kinds of ant bait, and switch them periodically. Control does take time.

Spraying a liquid insecticide around the perimeter of the house or structure can be used for control. It may help by placing a residual insecticide on the surfaces that the ants will walk on as they try to enter the house. Apply the insecticide to the foundation at the soil line. Follow the label directions for mixing and application. Granular insecticides can be effective, especially for ground-nesting ants. Granules are applied to the ground around the perimeter of the house.

How does one get carpet beetles and how does one get rid of them?

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 22:15:04 -0400

Question: How does one get carpet beetles and how does one get rid of
them?

ANSWER There are several carpet beetle species that can occur in houses. The most common of these is the furniture carpet beetle, Anthrenus flavipes. This is a small beetle (a little larger than the head of a pin), that is somewhat oval in shape and has a mixture of black and gray patches. It is characterized by moving very slowly, and rolling over as if dead when touched. The larvae of these beetles have brown bands and long 'hairs' at the end of their body. The adults are most often seen on walls moving very slowly. They are active in summer and relatively inactive in the winter.

Carpet beetles are a common household pest. They can feed on a wide variety of things, from wool, leather, and other animal products to noodles and flour, meal, and other stored food and plant products. This feeding habit also makes them difficult to control. They can almost any part of a house.

The best control strategy is to do a thorough vacuuming of the suspected infested sites. Then do a thorough cleaning, which includes looking for all the material that could be infested. In the kitchen, discard any infested food. In the bedroom, dry clean infested woolen garments and store carefully.

Spraying insecticides for carpet beetles may be useful. If the infestation is heavy, treat the cracks and crevices in the area where you have seen them. An application around the outside foundation can help keep adults from moving inside.

Make sure doors close snugly and have weatherstripping. Check window screens to be sure they fit properly. Since some adult carpet beetles eat pollen and nectar, it might help to inspect any flowers that you bring into the house.

What should I do if I have found a black widow spider in my house?

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 22:07:09 -0400

Question: What should I do if I have found a black widow spider in my
house?

ANSWER The black widow spider (and the other species known as widow spiders) is not uncommon in many parts of the country. It is usually found in undisturbed places around the house. Common sites include wood piles, in and around downspouts , and in sheds. Another common site is in crawl spaces, near the entrance and near the circulation vents.

While this spider can deliver a very toxic venom, it is rarely provoked to bite people. The black widow spider makes a somewhat 'unorganized' web with a small central tunnel. The webs are usually in secluded places. Most often the female is seen in or near the web.

The tell-tale mark on the underside of the spider is not always an hour-glass. The marking is always red and the abdomen is always rounded and shiny, so this spider is easily distinguished from others. The male spider and the young spiderlings are marked with red, orange, and white. They are small, inconspicuous and not as dangerous as the female.

If there are black widow spiders around, then it is always a good idea to wear gloves when working in that area. If a bite occurs, see a physician immediately.

An insecticide application around the outside foundation can help keep insects and spiders from trying to come inside. Follow label directions for mixing and application. Make sure that doors close snugly and are weatherstripped. Check crawlspace doors and vents to make sure they are closed or properly screened. Move firewood as far away from the house as possible.

I have these very small worms.

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 22:05:13 -0400

Question: I have these very small worms. I found these dead, but I keep getting more. They look brown and they are curled up.

ANSWER It sounds like what you have found are carpet beetle larvae. They are characteristically brown, they may look banded with brown and pale stripes, and with long 'hairs' at the tail end. They are slow moving across walls and floors. The molted skins of these larvae are often found in cabinets and in closets, and are an indication of an ongoing infestation of carpet beetles. The adults are often seen indoors in the spring.

The larval stage can feed on a variety of material. Most often it attacks woolens, skins, leather, feathers and stored food materials (from birdseed to spices, and flour). When these are not available it can live on dead insects.

The best control for these beetles is to vacuum thoroughly. In the bedroom, take any infested woolens to be dry cleaned and then store them in a sealed container. Check all food packages in the kitchen. Throw away any infested packages. Regular vacuuming and removing food materials will keep carpet beetles under control.

An insecticide application around the outside foundation can help keep adult beetles from moving inside. Follow label directions for mixing and application.

We have discovered an insect that looks similar to a silverfish, but not quite.

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 21:59:35 -0400

Question: We recently moved into an older building and discovered an
insect that looks similar to a silverfish, but not quite. Same size, shape
and fast. The coloring is brownish and cream colored stripes, like a bee.
What type of insect is this and how do I get rid of them?

ANSWER Perhaps you have firebrats; they are closely related to silverfish, and with the same basic biology and habits.

What are the little brown worms curled up in our basement?

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 21:56:24 -0400

Question: What are the little brown worms in our basement that curl up and
get crunchy when dead? We live in south central Iowa and have had these
worms in our basement practically year-round. Is there a way to get rid of them?

ANSWER Probably what you have is the common turfgrass millipede. They are characterized by the numerous legs on each side of the body, thus the name 'thousand legger'. These animals are common household invaders, especially from spring to fall.

They live outdoors in moist and decaying organic material (dead leaves, flower garden mulch, even the thatch layer in turfgrass), and usually go unnoticed at these locations. Sometimes millipede populations increase rapidly, or their environment get too wet, and they start to migrate to get away from these conditions. They usually move to the sides of houses (where it may be warmer and drier). They sometimes come inside under door thresholds and around windows at ground level.

The best control is to remove as much of the moist mulch around doors and away from the oundation as possible(make a 6 - 12" gap between mulch and house.). This reduces their breeding sites and the favorable areas for them. Make certain the door thresholds are well sealed. These animals don't reproduce in houses, in fact they die soon after they enter because the environment is too dry for them.

An insecticide application around the outside foundation can help prevent millipedes from coming inside. Pick an insecticide that lists millipedes on the label. Follow label directions for mixing and application.

I have a small beetle type bug. It's head and rear is black with brown in the middle. What is it?

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 09:42:48 -0400

Question: I have a small beetle type bug. It's head and rear is black
with brown in the middle. What is it?

ANSWER There are several species of household beetles that are called larder beetles, and they are all in the family Dermestidae. The actual 'larder beetle' (Dermestes lardarius) is a common household pests. It is about one-quarter inch long or a little smaller, blackish brown and with a pale yellow, horizontal stripe on the back. These beetles are usually found in kitchen cabinets or places where food is stored. The larvae and adults feed on a variety of plant and animal material.

The best control is to remove everything from the cabinets. Inspect every package and discard what is infested. Then vacuum the cabinets very well. Then vacuum again in a week after you have replaced the material.

I am wondering about millipedes, Do they look for dampness or dryness?

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 09:39:54 -0400

Question: I am wondering about millipedes, if what I see occasionally are
in fact millipedes. Do they look for dampness or dryness? I've seen a
couple in the last 2 weeks.

ANSWER Probably what you have is the common turfgrass millipede. They are characterized by the numerous legs on each side of the body, thus the name 'thousand legger'. These animals are common household invaders, especially from spring to fall!).

They live outdoors in moist and decaying organic material (dead leaves, flower garden mulch, even the thatch layer in turfgrass), and usually go unnoticed at these locations. Sometimes millipede populations increase rapidly, or their environment get too wet, and they start to migrate to get away from these conditions. They usually move to the sides of houses (where it may be warmer and drier) and sometimes come inside under door thresholds and around windows at ground level.

The best control is to remove as much of the moist mulch around the foundation (6 - 12" gap) as possible; this reduces their breeding sites and the favorable areas for them. Make the door thresholds are well sealed. These animals don't reproduce in houses, in fact they die soon after they enter because the environment is too dry for them.

The bug has a hard shell like back and is about the size of a like shape.

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 09:35:03 -0400

Question: I'm trying to identify a bug I never seen before till the past
year. the bug is a grayish brown color, shaped like a shield or diamond
like shape. The bug has a hard shell like back and is about the size of a
dime or nickel. The bug also is very loud when it flys, and also has a
strong odor when killed.

ANSWER Probably what you have is one of the common species of stink bugs. They can be pests in the fall when they enter houses, and during the winter and spring before they leave to return to the outdoors. There are several species that have become pests in the last few years, probably because their numbers have increased in some regions of the country.

Stink bugs overwinter as adults in protected places, sometimes around the outside and inside houses (boxelder bugs and ladybugs also overwinter). The 'stink' they make is from a small gland on the abdomen, it is for defense purposes!

These insects can be removed from indoors with a vacuum cleaner; in the fall you can try spraying the perimeter of the house (the vegetation and mulch) with a garden insecticide to discourage them from moving to the house and then inside. They don't sting or bite, and they don't infest (live and breed) the house--they are just a nuisance (and they stink).

My girlfriend lives in an apartment building and has bed bugs in her room. Do you treat bed bugs and how much would it cost to have them eradicated?

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 09:30:53 -0400

Question: My girlfriend lives in an apartment building and has bed bugs in
her room. She has bombed the entire room about three times and they are
still infesting the room. Do you treat bed bugs and how much would it cost
to have them eradicated?

ANSWER It may seem easy to send an estimate or a quote by e-mail. However, every pest problem is different. Every home is different. The conditions around each home are different. It is probably easier and more effective to get quotes locally.

If you would call the local Orkin branch office, a technician can inspect the infestation and discuss the treatment with you. The office can set a service appointment.

In general, bedbugs hide during the day, and emerge at night to take a blood meal from people sleeping. The bed bug takes 3 to 15 minutes to feed, and then it may not feed again for 2-3 days. The bite sometimes produces a hard swelling. People who have been bitten for an extended time sometimes report irritation at the bite location.

Control begins with taking the bed completely apart. Start with the frame, and disconnect as many parts as possible so you can treat all the cracks and crevices with an aerosol insecticide.

Once the frame is treated, then do the same for the head board and the box spring: treat the cracks and crevices, then clean and vacuum the seams of the mattress. Next, treat the baseboards of the room. Start with the area near the bed, treat under or behind the baseboard where bedbugs may also be hiding. These insects can travel far to find a blood meal, so don't fail to treat the entire room. Night stands and even picture frames on the wall can be hiding places, so it is important to be thorough.

Check to see that there are no new or recently abandoned bird nests close to the room (check the attic), since there are 'cousins' to bed bugs that can live in these nests and can move from there to feeding on people.

During the inspection they found a dormant wasp/hornet nest.

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 22:59:19 -0400

Question: We are buying a house in Edmonds, WA. During the inspection
they found a dormant wasp/hornet nest. It was very large 2-3 feet in
diameter. They sellers had it removed, is there anything I should do to
insure the wasp/hornets don't come back? Or do they only nest for a year?

ANSWER The nests are used only once. You can remove the old nest and dispose of it.

The best control for wasps that are in the yard and around the house this time of year is to use a few of the plastic wasp traps that can be purchased at large home or hardware stores or garden centers. Tthey have an attractant in them and the wasps become trapped inside the plastic container.

There are several different types of yellowjacket traps. Some are prebaited, usually with a sweet liquid bait. Some traps drown the yellowjackets; others hold them until they die or you dispose of them. Some traps are disposable, yellowjackets and all. Others are reusable.

You can't eliminate yellowjackets by trapping but you can manipulate them to be elsewhere. Place traps to draw yellowjackets away from the sites you want to "protect". Traps placed around the perimeter of picnic areas will draw yellowjackets away from the food and way from children. In general, traps hung low in trees or bushes will be more attractive to yellowjackets than traps in the open. Children should be supervised so they avoid the traps.

In the fall bait the traps with a sweet liquid. Empty traps and change baits frequently, according to your catch and manufacturer directions.

I have wasps -- I think they're yellow jackets and they make hives that look kind of like a beehive.

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 22:55:54 -0400

Question: I have wasps -- I think they're yellow jackets and they make
hives that look kind of like a beehive. From what I've read, the queen
stays alive during the winter but is the only wasp in the nest. I'd like to knock the nests down before they start to multiply for the season. Would it be fairly safe to knock out the nests at this time of
year?

ANSWER The nests are empty this time of year, and they will not be used again--so you can remove them. Wasp control is best done in the spring when queens are building new nests.

I have an ant problem in the kitchen area and basement under the kitchen area.

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 22:50:18 -0400

Question: I have an ant problem in the kitchen area and basement under the kitchen
area. would like a free inspection and cost to control this problem.

I've been noticing a number of one insect in my house. It is black with a red stripe on its back.

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 22:47:33 -0400

Question: I've been noticing a number of one insect in my house. it is
black with a red stripe on its back. I live in illinois des plaines with
zip code 60016. do you know what they are? I have also noticed holes in my
hardwood floor and sawdust above it... can those insects be the cause? if
not, what can be the cause?

ANSWER Probably what you have found are boxelder bugs and perhaps powderpost beetles--first the boxelder bugs.

Boxelder bugs are plant feeding insects that usually utilize the seeds of boxelder and maple trees for food. They generally prefer to be on the female (seed-bearing) trees, and are there in the spring when the seeds are beginning to form.

These insects have 2 to 3 generation per year. The fall generation overwinters in protected places. The overwinter sites are often around and in houses, which makes them a nuisance. They have some chemicals (called pheromones) that help them to aggregate in large numbers, so oftentimes thousands of them will gather in one place to spend the winter.

Outside: Boxelder bugs can be killed with nearly any insecticide, so pick an insecticide that lists boxelder bugs on the label. Follow label directions for mixing and application.

Inside: They can be removed from inside the house with a vacuum cleaner. You may have to keep doing this for several days to get them all. During the winter they can be active during warm and sunny days. They don't bite or sting or infest houses, but if crushed they could stain fabric.

The holes in the floor may be from powderpost beetles. The term "powderpost beetles" usually refers to insects that specifically infest hardwoods such as flooring, trim, or even ornamental pieces. These are lyctid (Family: Lyctidae) powderpost beetles. The damage produced by these beetles is small (about the size of pencil lead) round holes in the surface of hardwood.

Control of lyctid powderpost beetles depends on first determining that there is an active infestation. The holes and the powder (called frass) that comes from the holes may exist for many years, but is not an indication that there are beetles alive in the wood at this time. The powder may fall from the holes when the wood is jarred or moved-still not making it active.

If the infestation is active (= recent holes), then the treatment may include the application of liquid insecticide to the surface of the infested wood; or the injection of liquid below the surface into the feeding galleries or tunnel; or the tenting and fumigation of the entire structure (but this is reserved for severe infestations). The insecticides used for control will provide control by killing the larval stage inside the wood.

Having Problems with ants and we have a salt water fish tank is there any way of treating ?

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 22:41:55 -0400

Question: Having Problems with ants and we have a salt water fish tank is
there any way of treating ?

ANSWER General ant control begins with trying to locate the nest site. Some ants make trails from their nest site to a food supply, so you may be able to follow the worker ants from the food back to the nest, then apply some liquid insecticide directly to the nest. The insecticide label may recommend covering the fish tank and turning off the filter if you are treating in the same room. (After the treatment has dried, the filter can be turned back on. Follow the label directions.

Other ant species do not make strong trails, so locating the nest is more difficult. In general, baits are the best method of ant control. This takes time and patience. There are some dry or granular baits available, but the ants seem to prefer liquids. Place the baits beside the ant trail where you have seen the most activity. Ant feeding behavior often depends on the time of year, whether they are rearing young in the colony or not, and in the availability of other food sources. You may need to use several different kinds of ant bait, and switch them periodically. Control does take time.

Spraying a liquid insecticide around the outside perimeter of the house or structure can help with control. It may help by placing a residual insecticide on the surfaces that the ants will walk on as they try to enter the house so you should treat thoroughly.

How do we get rid of the small black ants appearing thoughout the house?

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 22:36:26 -0400

Question: How do we get rid of the small black ants appearing thoughout
the house?

ANSWER The small black ants you have seen may be 'odorous house ants'. They typically nest outdoors. They make trails along the outside of windows and eaves of house to enter kitchen areas to forage for various food materials. They are strong trial followers, so you may be able to see them outside and where they are coming in the house.

If you can locate the nest site, then a liquid insecticide can be applied for control. If not, then the use of baits along the trail can be effective. Place several baits near the trail. Leave the baits undisturbed for a week or more (try to tolerate the ants moving in and out of the bait). Liquid baits are most attractive to ants.

Question: I have live in a cockroach infested aparment for the last 3 months.

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 22:31:54 -0400

Question: I have live in a cockroach infested aparment for the last 3
months. I have had it baited, we have tried spraying and yet there is
still a large infestation. I have decided to move out of this apartment
seeing as though the situation doesn't seem to be getting better
regardless of what has been tried, even a building wide spray has not
helped. What would you suggest I do to make sure I don't bring these
pests with me to my new place? I know that electronics and appliances are
a very big concern? Is there anything I can do to make sure that I don't
bring the roaches in them. If so how effective are these methods?

ANSWER You can avoid taking cockroaches with you when you move by doing some simple things to control them now and when you get to where you are going.

The use of the plastic bait stations can be effective here. ,While you are packing to move place a plastic roach bait station in each box you pack from the kitchen or bathroom,. Close the box and seal it.

Before you unpack at the new place, put out some of the plastic stations or gel baits in the kitchen and bathroom. The plastic stations go in the corners of cabinets. The gel roach bait goes into cracks and crevices. In this way, the first meal a cockroach may get when it gets to the new place (if it traveled with you) will be itslast.

How do I get rid of drain flies?

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 22:27:02 -0400

Question: How do I get rid of drain flies?

ANSWER The immature stages of drain flies live in the accumulated organic matter in the drain. The larvae feed on this slimy material, and are usually 'buried' in it. The fact that they are deep in the material makes them quite resistant todrain and pipe cleaners.

The best (only!) control for these flies is to remove the breeding site, which is the organic material that collected in the drain. If these flies are present in the house there is almost certainly a clogged drain. Find the drain and physically clean it out. You've got to physically remove the material causing the clog. Once the material is removed (along with the larvae) the problem is solved, except for the adult flies. They will live about 20 days. Since they will have no place to lay eggs, when the adults die, the problem is gone.

In the summer, we had a problem with lady bugs and/or the japanese beetles. Is there anything we can do about this?

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 22:22:39 -0400

Question: In the summer, we had a problem with lady bugs and/or the
japanese beetles. They seem to have made it into our house and have
hibernated for the winter. With the temperature changes that have
occurred in our area, we keep finding numerous ones(over 20 at at time)
dead on our basement floor, as well as some live ones in the house. Is
there anything we can do about this?

ANSWER What you have is the Asian ladybird beetle (Harmonia axyridis). These insects make a nuisance of themselves throughout the country. They usually make their presence known in the fall and winter when they collect in large numbers around the perimeter of houses and buildings, and a large number of them make their way inside.

These beetles were introduced into the U.S. to control aphids. Adult beetles and the larvae can eat hundreds of aphids each day and are considered a beneficial insect.

Outdoors in the fall you can try spraying the aggregation of beetles that are on the side of the house with a garden hose and water to discourage them. Make sure doors close snugly and have proper weatherstripping. Windows and crawlspace vents should all be screened. Check attic vents to make sure the screens re in good repair.

Last summer we had a terrible time controlling the fleas on our dog. Do you have yard service for eliminating fleas?

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 17:37:40 -0400

Question: Last summer we had a terrible time controlling the fleas on our
dog. After baths and bombing the house we decided he was picking them up
in the yard. Do you have yard service for eliminating fleas?

ANSWER The local Orkin branch can explain the details of flea control service. Call them to schedule a service appointment.

Can you effectively get rid of boxelder bugs and lady bugs from inside the house?

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 17:32:07 -0400

Question: Can you effectively get rid of boxelder bugs and lady bugs from
inside the house? Please tell me about the plan and how it works. What is
the estimated cost?

Inside: Boxelder bugs can be removed from inside the house with a vacuum cleaner. You may have to keep doing this for several days to get them all. During the winter they can be active during warm and sunny days. They don't bite or sting or lay eggs in houses, but if crushed they could stain fabric.

Ladybugs usually make their presence known in the fall and winter when they collect in large numbers around the perimeter of houses and buildings, and a large number of them make their way inside.

These beetles were introduced into the U.S. to control aphids. Adult beetles and the larvae can eat hundreds of aphids each day and are considered a beneficial insect.

Outdoors in the fall you can try spraying the aggregation of beetles that are on the side of the house with a garden hose and water to discourage them.

We have noticed black bugs in our bathtub below the ceiling fan. How can I get rid of it?

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 17:29:18 -0400

Question: I live in Arlington, Virginia. We have noticed in the last
several days small (about the size of a small pepper flake) black bugs in
our bathtub below the ceiling fan/vent (not near the drain or faucet), and
around some of our windows. Any idea what they could be? How to get rid
of them? I did not see anything like them in your pest library on the web
site. Thanks for any help you can provide.

ANSWER I suspect what you have are psocids (soo - cids) or booklice (an unfortunate name, since they are neither lice nor always associated with books).

These very small, pale yellow to brown insects live in humid areas such as bathrooms and kitchens, but they can occur in other locations in the house (especially in humid weather). Most of the time they are wingless, but sometimes you can encounter winged forms. They feed on microscopic mold and fungi, and some are associated with stored food materials which may also have some mold.

In the bathroom inspect carefully for a moistur problem. Look in the tub plumbing access in case something is leaking in there. If there is nothing leaking, consider whether there is sufficient ventilation in that bathroom. Reducing the humidity almost always solves the psocid problem.

For psocids in other places in the house, or when you find them on pieces of furniture, the best control is to lower the humidity. This may mean using a dehumidifier or simply taking items outside to dry in the sun,.

Can moskitos pass aids from person to person by biting them? If so or not please explain.

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 17:24:48 -0400

Question: Can moskitos pass aids from person to person by biting them? If
so or not please explain.

ANSWER This has been researched several times and found not to be true. The virus is not sustained in the body of the mosquito, so the mosquito does not spread the virus.

We have carpenter ants I think, can they be removed, and is it safe to have those chemicals in the house?

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 17:20:26 -0400

Question: We have carpenter ants I think, can they be removed, and is it
safe to have those chemicals in the house if we are going to be bringing
home a baby with in a few weeks, and the fact i am pregnant? I don't want
to do anything to harm his health

ANSWER There are several species of carpenter ants across the U.S. Most are large black ants, but some are red and some are red and black. Most of the species produce swarms (winged males and female ants) in the spring. These ants feed on other insects and honeydew from aphids on plants and trees.

Carpenter ants nest in wood, but do not eat the wood. If there is moisture-damaged wood they will choose it over dry, sound wood. It is common to find carpenter ants in areas where there has been a moisture problem, such asin the bathroom where the tub or shower are not draining properly (or have overflowed and wet the wood), or a porch that is holding moisture, a roof leak, a door frame that gets wet from rain, a downspout or gutter that is not working.

These ants make a nest outside, then forage inside for food or water. Many times they start a satellite colony indoors near the food or water. It is common to see ants in a line moving between the parent colony, the satellite colony, and the food source.

What do I need to do or buy for my house in order to deal with cockroaches and mice?

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 17:10:21 -0400

Question: What do I need to do or buy for my house in order to deal with cockroaches and mice?

ANSWER The best control strategy for the control of household cockroaches is to use baits, either the plastic bait stations or the gel formulation that comes in a plastic syringe. These are generally available in large home or hardware stores. This type of control strategy is much more effective than aerosol fogging and liquid treatments.

Baits should be placed where you have seen the cockroaches. The plastic stations are best placed in corners in cabinets and under the sink and by the motors of appliances like the refrigerator. They can remain active for a long time (about three months) and provide continuous protection. The gel formulation should be applied to cracks and crevices in the places that you have seen the cockroaches. The small gel placements may be eaten quickly by the cockroaches, so replace the bait where you see it has been eaten. The small nymphs (babies!) and the adults will eat the bait, even several days after you apply it. And bait not eaten will remain effective for several months.

German cockroaches (small roaches-about ½" long) will be effectively controlled by using either of the baits. Large cockroaches, such as waterbugs (oriental cockroaches) and American cockroaches (called palmettobugs in some places) are best controlled with the gel formulation. Remember, re-apply the bait when it is eaten. Give this method a few weeks to work.

The best control for mice indoors is to use snap traps, Using several traps will ensure that you get them, and quickly. Bait the traps with small amount of food, little pieces of string, or bits of cotton.

Baits may be effective, but often the mouse dies behind the wall and there is a lingering odor. The story that they leave the house after eating the baits and there is no odor is simply not true!

When is a good time to spray for spiders and paper wasps?

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 17:01:22 -0400

Question: When is a good time to spray for spiders and paper wasps?

ANSWER Spiders are predators of insects, so the start of a control program is to limit their food supply. If outside, then reduce the use of outdoor lights, which attract insects and in turn attract spiders. An insecticide application on the foundation can help prevent insects and spiders from trying to come inside.

Spiders indoors can be controlled by a regular vacuuming program. Be certain to get the webs and the egg sacs in the webs, and get the spider when you see them. A regular vacuuming will reduce the population. Sticky traps in dark places and insecticide applications in cracks and crevices can help.

As for paper wasps, the best time to spray is when the nest is very small. Evening or early morning are the best times.

We have a beetle type bug that is all over our home. Any idea what this is, and if it can cause any damage?

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:58:50 -0400

Question: Hello! We have a beetle type bug that is all over our home, and
is swarming around certain windows. It looks like a skinny beetle, black
with orange markings on the back,and can have wings. Approx 1/2 inch
long. Any idea what this is, and if it can cause any damage? Live in
Chicago suburbs.

ANSWER Probably what you have found are boxelder bugs. There are few other insects that have this coloration. Boxelder bugs are red and black.

Boxelder bugs are plant feeding insects that usually utilize the seeds of boxelder and maple trees for food. They generally prefer to be on the female (seed-bearing) trees, and are there in the spring when the seeds are beginning to form.

These insects have 2 to 3 generation per year. The fall generation overwinters in protected places. The overwintering sites are often sites around and in houses, which makes them a nuisance. They have some chemicals (called pheromones) that help them to aggregate in large numbers, so oftentimes thousands of them will gather in one place to spend the winter.

Outside: Boxelder bugs can be killed with nearly any insecticide, so pick one that lists boxelder bugs on the label. Follow label directions for mixing and application.

I have been warned that Formosa Termites are a New Orleans infestation. Is this likely to be true?

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:50:58 -0400

Question: I have been warned that Formosa Termites are a New Orleans
infestation that is likely to be spread by mulch sold nationwide from
mulched trees from hurricane damaged areas of Louisiana. Is this likely
to be true?

ANSWER That's all this is...the Mulch Myth.

Does Orkin have any products that can get rid of mice?

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:45:12 -0400

Question: Does Orkin have any products that can get rid of mice?

ANSWER The local Branch Office can provide this service, please call them directly.

The best control for mice indoors is to use snap traps. Using several traps will ensure that you get them, and quickly. Bait the traps with small amount of food, little pieces of string, or bits of cloth or cotton.

Baits may be effective, but oftentimes the mouse dies behind the wall and there is a lingering odor. The story that they leave the house after eating the baits and there is no odor is simply not true!

We have brown recluse spiders.

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:43:30 -0400

Question: We have brown recluse spiders. Do you treat for these and can
you control them? How much is the cost to treat the house? I haven't
seen anything on your website that says what your service costs. Would
you e-mail me some information on this?

ANSWER Brown recluse spiders are a serious problem when they occur indoors. They can be dangerous, and control is necessary.

These spiders are found in many states, but seem to be more common in the southern and southeastern states. They can be confused with some other common (but relatively harmless) spiders, so be certain that it really is the brown recluse that you have in the house. The light brown color and the violin shape mark on the head-thorax region are the best means of identification.. The brown recluse spider is nearly uniformly colored brown, and it is a light brown.

The best strategy for control of this spider is to start with sticky traps (those for rats and mice are probably the best), and place them in dark corners in the areas where you have seen the spiders. Everywhere you find spiders, treat behind the baseboard or in cracks and crevices in that area. There is no need to treat exposed surfaces, treat behind, in cracks and crevices; this is where the spiders are spending time. Keep the trapping and spraying program up until you don't see any, then do it another month. People have not been known to die from a recluse spider bite, but the reaction is nasty. If someone is bitten, get to a physician immediately, the wound can be treated so that there is less chance for a scar.

It may seem to be an easy task to provide an estimate for the cost of service via e-mail. However, insect problems and infestations are different, each house is different, and the conditions of each property are different. Thus quotes and estimates for the cost of control are best done locally and perhaps with an inspection by a service technician.

You should contact the local Orkin branch office for estimates on the cost of pest control service and for scheduling service.

We have tiny red bugs that seem to be coming through all of our windows.

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:40:14 -0400

Question: We have tiny red bugs that seem to be coming through all of our
windows. Most are in the bathroom but also throughout the house. I
looked online and it sounds like they are chiggers. If this is what they
are...is there something that can be done. Our home is only 3 years old
and everything seems to be sealed alright. In fact my husband resealed in
the main windows above our whirlpool tub where they seem to be
accumulating. I have to clean the whirlpool and floor everyday. We also
pressure washed the house this past weekend and it seemed as though they
were coming from underneath the siding. Anyway, the problem is so
disgusting and just want to know what can be done.

ANSWER What you have seen are probably clover mites. They are small, reddish mites, about the size of the head of a pin and usually moving around very quickly. Problems with these mites usually occur in the spring, but there are regions that also experience population increases in the fall.

These mites live and feed in turfgrass and for the most part remain unnoticed. Every once in a while (and we don't know why!) populations get very large and the mites start to migrate from the grass. They usually move out of the grass and up the sides of houses. Sometimes they enter houses through windows and doors. They will not infest the house and will not bite people or pets. They can be a nuisance. If they are crushed, they can leave a stain.

A quick control method is to wash them off the side of the house with a garden hose, and you can vacuum them from sites indoors. An application of insecticide on the foundation might help repel them. Use an insecticide that has clover mites listed on the label. The specialists at the garden center may have suggestions on controlling them in the yard.

I am considering buying a commercial property that I recently found out is infested with carpenter ants and powder post beatles.

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:36:07 -0400

Question: I am considering buying a commercial property that I recently
found out is infested with carpenter ants and powder post beatles.
Apparently they are in hard to access areas. I've heard you'll inspect a property for free; can we setup an inspection and get a written estimate for killing them even though I don't yet own the property?

ANSWER There are several species of carpenter ants across the U.S. Most are large black ants, but some are red and some are red and black. Most of the species produce swarms (winged males and female ants) in the spring. These ants feed on other insects and honeydew from aphids on plants and trees.

Carpenter ants nest in wood, but do not eat the wood. If there is moisture-damaged wood the ants will choose it over dry, sound wood. It is common to find carpenter ants in areas with a moisture problem, such as in the bathroom where the tub or shower are not draining properly (or have overflowed and wet the wood), or a porch that is holding moisture, a roof leak, a door frame that gets wet from rain, a downspout or gutter that is not working.

These ants make a nestoutside, them forage inside to find food or water. If they find food, they often start a satellite colony inside the building. It is very common to see trails of ants moving from the satellite colony to the food source and from there to the parent colony outside. They are usually active at night.

The best control for carpenter ants is to locate the nest. A thorough inspection of the house for moisture damaged wood is helpful. Correcting the moisture problem is the first step. The ant nest can be removed or sprayed.

Baits are best when the nest can not be located. Liquid baits are preferred by ants, but most baits will work if you locate them near the trail of foraging ants. Baiting takes time, but it will get to the queen in the colony and that is best approach. Killing the worker ants with sprays is not effective.

The term "powderpost beetles" may refer to any one of several different kinds of wood-infesting insects. The term is used for beetles that only infest hardwoods (such as flooring, trim, or even ornamental pieces), or for beetles that only infest softwoods (such as wall framing and support joists), or for beetles that infest both hardwoods and softwoods.

Damage: The damage produced by these beetles may be small round holes (about the size of pencil lead), or large oval holes in the wood surface. The first signs of an infestation (past or present) is usually a small amount of sawdust or powder (called frass) in or around a piece of furniture, drawer, or cabinet. If the powder is a little gritty when rubbed between your fingers, then it is anobiid beetle damage; if the frass is soft and not gritty, then it is lyctid beetle damage (and probably coming from a hardwood); if there is frass next to an oval hole in softwood (pine, spruce, fir), then the damage is from the cerambycid, the old house borer.

Lyctid Powderpost Beetles (Family: Lyctidae). The damage from these small (1/8 inch) beetles may be found in various places in the house, such as kitchen cabinets, baseboard trim, hardwood flooring (all hardwoods), and in ornamental pieces of wood such as picture frames. They infest only hardwoods, and generally infest only new wood, usually less than 5 years old. They can re-infest, but this is not always the case. The life cycle takes 1-2 years.

Anobiid Powderpost Beetles (Family: Anobiidae). The damage from these small (1/8 inch) beetles may be found in floor joists in crawl spaces of houses, sometimes in attic joists and wall studs. They infest primarily softwood, but will also attack hardwoods. Their life cycle is 1-2 years and they will continually re-infest structural wood, sometimes causing structural damage.

Cerambycid or Old House Borer (Family: Cerambycidae). The old house borer is one of the wood borers that feed only on softwood. The feeding of the larval stages of this beetle can be heard, the sound is a scraping noise. These beetles infest structural wood, such as floor and attic joists, wall studs, and shelving. The life cycle extends form 3 to 7 years normally, but can extend to more than 10 years. They will re-infest wood, and may cause structural damage.

Control of these beetles depends on first determining that there is an active infestation. The holes and the powder that falls from the holes may exist for many years, but is NOT an indication that there are beetles alive in the wood at this time. If the holes are new or the sound of feeding can be heard, the infestation is considered active. Treatment may include removngand replacing the infested wood, it may involve the application of liquid insecticide to the surface of the infested wood; or the injection of liquid below the surface, into the feeding galleries or tunnel; or it may involve the tenting and fumigation of the entire structure (but this is reserved for only severe infestations). The insecticides used for control will provide control by killing the larval stage inside the wood. the wood.

It may seem to be an easy task to provide an estimate for the cost of service via e-mail. However, insect problems and infestations are different, each house is different, and the conditions of each property are different. Thus quotes and estimates for the cost of control are best done locally and perhaps with an inspection by a service technician.

You should contact the local Orkin branch office for estimates on the cost of pest control service and for scheduling service.

I found some a few bugs in my bathroom and I wanted to know if you could help me figure out what it is.

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:29:50 -0400

Question: I found some a few bugs in my bathroom and I wanted to know if
you could help me figure out what it is.
It is approximately no bigger than 1/8", oval shape and tan and black
strips any idea?

ANSWER Probably what you have found are carpet beetle larvae. They are characteristically brown, they may look banded with brown and pale stripes, and with long 'hairs' at the tail end. They are slow moving across walls and floors. The molted skins of these larvae are often found in cabinets and in closets, and are an indication of an ongoing infestation of carpet beetles. The adults are often seen indoors in the spring.

The larval stage can feed on a variety of material, but most often it attacks woolens, skins, leather, feathers and stored food materials (from birdseed to spices, and flour), and when these are not available it can live on dead insects that are scattered about.

The best control for these beetles is to vacuum thoroughly, have the woolens dry cleaned and stored in a sealed container, and check on the other likely infested items. Regular vacuuming and inspecting food materials will keep them in control.

I am experiencing small black flies in my home. Can you help me identify what type of flies I may have?

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:26:23 -0400

Question: I am experiencing small black flies in my home. I notice them
in the bathroom and on the window sills. We recently bought two new house
plants and it seems that most of the flies are in the same room. I have
done research, I think they are gnats or fruit flies (no fruits laying
exposed). Can you help me identify what type of flies I may have? Also,
what measures can I take to get rid of them?

ANSWER Gnats in the house usually means the presence of one or more of two species of small flies.

Fungus Gnats. If they are small, black, and weak flyers, and may be around windows or potted plants, then they are probably fungus gnats. These flies live as larvae in the moist to wet soil in house plants (they don't damage the plants). To control these you can simply let the soil of the house plants completely dry before the next watering time.

Fruit Flies. If the flies are small, light brown and seem to be attracted to places in the kitchen, then they are probably fruit flies. To control these flies you have to start with the removal of over ripe fruit and vegetables, this is where the larvae live. To remove the adults, you can place a small amount of vinegar in a shallow pan, and place this pan in locations where the flies are common. The adult flies will be attracted to the vinegar and some may get trapped in the liquid. You can use an aerosol to spray the others that are waiting there.

I have a pest that reresembles the smokey brown cockroach. How do I get rid of them?

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:22:59 -0400

Question: I have a pest that reresembles the smokey brown cockroach, but
the lines bordering its back are a little more red and defined a little
more crisp if u will. They are everywhere outside in every room in the
house and basement if you can tell me what they are and how to get rid of
them it would be greatly appreciated. In case I can't do it myself I want you
guys to do it for me.

These insects have 2 to 3 generation per year. The fall generation overwinters in protected places.The overwinter sites are often around and in houses, which makes them a nuisance. They have some chemicals (called pheromones) that help them to aggregate in large numbers, so thousands of them can gather in one place to spend the winter.

Outside: Boxelder bugs can be killed with nearly any insecticide, so pick one that has boxelder bugs on the label. Follow the label directions for mixing and application. The label will also have directions for re-treatments.

When treating for fleas, how often should there be a treatment or is it a 1 time treatment?

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:17:09 -0400

Question: When treating for fleas, how often should there be a treatment
or is it a 1 time treatment? Does it take care of the eggs that could
hatch in a couple of weeks too?

ANSWER Household flea control begins with treating the animal, then treating the house. Both steps have to be done and they have to be done together.

House. Vacuuming the carpet can help to remove the eggs that drop there from the fleas on the pet, and maybe a few larvae. Vacuuming will make adult fleas come out of their cocoons, so the carpet treatment will be more effective.

Treat the carpet with an insecticide that is labeled for carpet application. Follow the label directions for mixing and application. Continue to vacuum for several days after the carpet has been treated. Follow the label directions for re-treatments.

We moved to an apartment about 2 years ago, that had a really bad roach problem. What can we do about it?

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:13:57 -0400

Question: We moved to an apartment about 2 years ago, that had a really
bad roach problem we did not know about. we only lasted less then a month
there but caused a lot of damage to our furniture and so on. But
everywhere we go whatever little roaches were left in our furniture or
items populate and increase in numbers, we are tired of having to deal
with the embarrassment of these roaches showing up everywhere we live. we
are clean people but cant have guests over because we are afraid they
might crawl all over our guests what can we do??? we currently live in a
townhome, and are afraid that this situation might get worse.

ANSWER The best control strategy for the control of household cockroaches is to use baits, either the plastic bait stations or the gel formulation that comes in a plastic syringe. These are generally available in large home or hardware stores. This type of control strategy is much more effective than aerosol fogging and liquid treatments.

Baits should be placed where you have seen the cockroaches. The plastic stations are best placed in corners in cabinets and under the sink and by the motor of appliances like the refrigerator. They can remain active for a long time (about three months) and provide continuous protection. The gel formulation should be applied to cracks and crevices in the places that you have seen the cockroaches. The small gel placements may be eaten quickly by the cockroaches, so replace the bait where you see it has been eaten. The small nymphs (babies!) and the adults will eat the bait, even several days after you apply it. And bait not eaten will remain effective for several months.

German cockroaches (small roaches-about ½" long) will be effectively controlled by using either of the baits. Large cockroaches, such as waterbugs (oriental cockroaches) and American cockroaches (called palmettobugs in some places) are best controlled with the gel formulation. Remember, re-apply the bait when it is eaten. Give this method a few weeks to work.

I moved into a home about 3 months ago and just started seeing cockroaches.

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:09:11 -0400

Question: I moved into a home about 3 months ago and just started seeing
cockroaches. The home is a two family, and was remodeled about 6 months
ago. I've heard that in order to see roaches in the daytime, the situation
with them has to be pretty bad. How long would you say it takes for me to
start seeing these guys in the daytime? How many months to when they
first started in this home?

ANSWER I don't think you can determine the time it took to see them during the day.

The best control strategy for the control of household cockroaches is to use baits, either the plastic bait stations or the gel formulation that comes in a plastic syringe. These are generally available in large home or hardware stores. This type of control strategy is much more effective than aerosol fogging and liquid treatments.

Baits should be placed where you have seen the cockroaches. The plastic stations are best placed in corners in cabinets and under the sink and by the motors of appliances like the refrigerator. They can remain active for a long time (about three months) and provide continuous protection. The gel formulation should be applied to cracks and crevices in the places that you have seen the cockroaches. The small gel placements may be eaten quickly by the cockroaches, so replace the bait where you see it has been eaten. The small nymphs (babies!) and the adults will eat the bait, even several days after you apply it. And bait not eaten will remain effective for several months.

German cockroaches (small roaches-about ½" long) will be effectively controlled by using either of the baits. Large cockroaches, such as waterbugs (oriental cockroaches) and American cockroaches (called palmettobugs in some places) are best controlled with the gel formulation. Remember, re-apply the bait when it is eaten. Give this method a few weeks to work.

I found a few tiny black pellets on the kitchen counter & in the silverware drawer.

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:50:22 -0400

Question: I have never had an insect problem. Recently, I found a few tiny
black pellets on the kitchen counter & in the silverware drawer. Please
tell me this is not roaches, because I'll move!!

ANSWER These may be mouse droppings.

The best control for mice indoors is to use snap traps. Several traps will ensure that you get them, and quickly. Bait the traps with small amount of food, scraps of cloth or cotton, or little pieces of string.

Baits may be effective, but frequently the mouse dies behind the wall and there is a lingering odor . The story that they leave the house after eating the baits and there is no odor is simply not true!

Make sure all food is in sealed containers. Look for openings that a mouse could use to get in. Make sure the firewood pile is as far away from the house as possible - it is an excellent hiding place. Check doors to be sure they close snugly. Crawlspace vents should be screened.

I have 10 years of pest control experience ranging from tech to branch manager,how do I find out about openings in pennsylvania?

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:48:12 -0400

Question: I have 10 years of pest control experience ranging from tech to
branch manager,how do I find out about openings in pennsylvania?

Answer It would be best to contact the local Branch (in the area) about employment.

After it rains I have been noticing numerous small, flat charcoal gray colored bugs that come in. Can you tell me what these bugs are?

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:44:26 -0400

Question: After it rains I have been noticing numerous small, flat
charcoal gray colored bugs that come in. We have a slab home and they
crawl in from under the baseboards. I have been using indoor spray, but
they keep coming back. Can you tell me what these bugs are and how to get
rid of them?

ANSWER You may have sowbugs. Sowbugs or pillbugs, or 'rolly pollys' to some people, are not actually insects, but related to crayfish. There is a slight difference between sowbugs and pillbugs: sowbugs can not roll up into a ball when disturbed, and pillbugs can! They both live and breed in moist, decaying organic material and are usually found in areas around the perimeter of the house. A favorite location is under the bottom logs of the wood pile, under potted plants, or in wet mulch.

These animals usually remain outside, but may come inside when their habitat become too wet (or even too dry) or the population enlarges. They enter under doors and around ground-level windows. They don't reproduce inside houses or basements because it is too dry and there is no food there for them. They are usually found dead just inside the door they have entered. This is often the case when the habitat is very dry, and they can not find a protected and humid harborage.

Control begins with the removal of excess material around the house and doors. Pull mulch away from the foundation and make a gap of 6 - 12". Make sure the door thresholds and windows are well sealed.

I am moving in a couple of months, is there any way to kill the roaches in the appliances before I move?

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:38:05 -0400

Question: I am moving in a couple of months and was curious if the roaches
I have will travel with me in the appliances I am taking such as the
Television, Microwave, Computer monitor, etc? If so, is there any way to
kill the roaches in the appliances before I move?

ANSWER You can avoid taking cockroaches with you when you move by doing some simple things to control them now and when you get to your new home.

The use of the plastic roach bait stations can be effective here. As you are packing, place a plastic roach bait station in each box you pack from the kitchen or bathroom. Close the box and seal it. Any roaches that were in the items will find only roach bait for food inside the box.

Before you unpck at the new place, put out some of the plastic stations or gel baits in the kitchen and bathroom. Put the stations in the corners of the cabinets. Put the gel bait into cracks and crevices. In this way, the first meal a cockroach may get when it gets to the new place (if they traveled with you) will be its last.

We have found a couple of bugs in our bed. Can you help us figure out what we have?

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:35:42 -0400

Question: We have found a couple of bugs in our bed, on the top of the
comforter and rarely within the sheets. these bugs are small (1/4" or
less) rounded body and wingless. They are dark brown with tan stripey
slashes across the back. They do not bite; at least we don't have bites
on us. They don't fly but crawl around on the sheets. I've seen some
pictures of "bed bugs" and it's not the same one. Can you help us figure
out what we have?

ANSWER My first thought is that this is one of the Dermestid beetles. However, I can't be sure from your description. Have you seen them eating anything? Have you seen any larvae (they look sort of "bristley")?

We have small bugs like ants with wings on the back of them. What would they be?

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:33:10 -0400

Question: We have small bugs (like ants) with wings on the back of them.
They are in our basement. What would they be?

ANSWER Sometimes it is difficult for people to distinguish winged ants from winged termites. There are three body parts that are different - waist, wings, and antennae. You'll have to look closely. They can look very similar. It helps to have some magnification to make the distinction.

Ants (winged ants) can be distinguished by the presence of a narrow" waist", three distinct body segments. Winged termites do not seem to have a "waist".

Ant swarmers have a large pair of front wings and a smaller pair of back wings. Termite swarmers have two pair of same-size wings.

Ants have bent or "elbowed" antennae. Termites have straight antennae.

If you are not sure, call the local Orkin branch office. An inspector can check your home for signs of termites and identify the flying insects.

I was wondering about daddy long legged spiders. Do they leave marks or feces behind?

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:18:24 -0400

Question: I was wondering about daddy long legged spiders. We have a lot
of them outside of our house and it seems that where they hang out there
are now tiny brown spots on our siding. Do they leave marks or feces
behind?? Or is it from digestion? It just seems to be wherever the daddy
long legs are or hang out.

ANSWER The spots from daddylong legs are fecal deposits.

Daddy longlegs are not actually spiders. They are predators like spiders, and feed primarily on insects and some may eat plant material. They are usually found outdoors and near outdoor lights because the lights attract insects and the daddy longlegs can find plenty of food there.

Control of daddy longlegs can begin by reducing the outdoor lights at night, then using a broom to move them away form the door. They don't bite people or pets and are rather harmless.

I was wondering if you had any pictures of baby bugs?

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:15:33 -0400

Question: I was wondering if you had any pictures of baby bugs? because we
have little bugs and we was wanting to know what they were?

ANSWER What you have seen may be clover mites. They are small, reddish mites, about the size of the head of a pin and usually moving around very quickly. Problems with these mites usually occur in the spring, but there are regions that also experience population increases in the fall.

These mites live and feed in turfgrass and for the most part remain unnoticed. Every once in a while populations get very large and the mites start to migrate from the grass. They usually move out of the grass and up the sides of houses. Sometimes they enter houses through windows and doors. They will not lay eggs in the house and will not bite people or pets. They can be a nuisance. If they are crushed, they will leave a stain.

A quick control method is to wash them off the side of the house with a garden hose, and you can vacuum them from sites indoors. An application of insecticide on the foundation can help keep them from coming inside. Use an insecticide that also has clover mites on the label. Follow the label directions for mixing and application. Make sure doors close snugly and have proper weatherstripping.

The side of our house has been a playground for Box Elder bugs and Ladybugs. How can they be eliminated?

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:12:46 -0400

Question: For the last few years the side of our house has been a
playground for Box Elder bugs and Ladybugs. How can they be
eliminated/controlled?

ANSWER Outside: Boxelder bugs can be killed with nearly any insecticide, so pick one that is labeled for boxelder bugs. Follow the label directions.

Inside: They can be removed from inside the house with a vacuum cleaner. You may have to keep doing this for several days to get them all. During the winter they can be active during warm and sunny days. They don't bite or sting or lay eggs in houses, but if crushed they could stain fabric.

Ladybird Beetles. What you have is the Asian ladybird beetle (Harmonia axyridis). These insects can be a nuisance pest throughout the country. They usually make their presence known in the fall and winter when they collect in large numbers around the perimeter of houses and buildings, and a large number of them make their way inside.

These beetles were introduced into the U.S. to control aphids. Adult beetles and the larvae can eat hundreds of aphids each day and are considered a beneficial insect.
Asian ladybird beetles overwinter in protected places, and sometimes this includes coming inside the house. These beetles live outdoors during the summer feeding on aphids and perhaps some other pests of ornamental and vegetable plants. The adult beetles often return to the same sites year after year to spend the winter, and they can live for 2 to 3 years.

Outdoors in the fall you can try spraying the aggregation of beetles that are on the side of the house with a garden hose and water to discourage them.

Inspect the outside of the house carefully. Seal up any openings that the insects could use to get inside. Make sure that doors close snugly. Windows and attic vents should be screened.

We have very small bugs that we need help identifying.

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:08:07 -0400

Question: We have very small bugs that we need help identifying.
They appear to be black in color, and are very small (about the size of a
pin point)
We notice them in our house, on the ceiling and especially around our
front door area. If you try to remove them from a surface they leave a
bloody like stain.

ANSWER What you have seen are probably clover mites. They are small, reddish mites, about the size of the head of a pin and usually moving around very quickly. Problems with these mites usually occur in the spring, but there are regions that also experience population increases in the fall.

These mites live and feed in turfgrass and for the most part remain unnoticed. Every once in a while populations get very large and the mites start to migrate from the grass. They usually move out of the grass and up the sides of houses. Sometimes they enter houses through windows and doors. They will not lay eggs in the house and will not bite people or pets. They can be a nuisance. And if they are crushed, they leave a stain.

A quick control method is to wash them off the side of the house with a garden hose. You can vacuum them from sites indoors. An insecticide application outside can help. Use a product that is labeled for clover mites. Follow the label directions for mixing and application. A band on the foundation at ground level can help keep them out of the house.

I have a tortoise that eats the grass in my back yard.

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:05:06 -0400

Question: I have a tortoise that eats the grass in my back yard. Is there
something that can be used to kill fleas that will still allow him to eat
the grass?

ANSWER Immature fleas are rarely able to survive direct sun, so there is probably not much need to treat the grassy area of your yard.

I have little tiny mite-looking red bugs walking in the walls when it rains.

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:02:22 -0400

Question: I have little tiny mite-looking red bugs walking in the walls
when it rains. If I leave some water sitting out in the kitchen they
gather around it. They're not bigger than sawdust. Very small.

ANSWER What you have seen are probably clover mites. They are small, reddish mites, about the size of the head of a pin and usually moving around very quickly. Problems with these mites usually occur in the spring, but there are regions that also experience population increases in the fall.

These mites live and feed in turfgrass and for the most part remain unnoticed. Every once in a while populations get very large and the mites start to migrate from the grass. They usually move out of the grass and up the sides of houses. Sometimes they enter houses through windows and doors. They will not lay eggs in the house and will not bite people or pets. They can be a nuisance. If they are crushed, they leave a red stain.

A quick control method is to wash them off the side of the house with a garden hose, and you can vacuum them from sites indoors. An insecticide application on the foundation can help keep them out of the house.

We have a farmhouse that is a little over 100 years old and we are infiltrated with Box Elder Bugs and the orange ladybugs.

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 08:59:16 -0400

Question: We have a farmhouse that is a little over 100 years old and we
are infiltrated with Box Elder Bugs and the 'orange' ladybugs - inside and
out. Is there an indoor and outdoor treatment that Orkin offers to
control these pests? If so, I would like to schedule a free inspection to
get an idea of the options available and costs associated.

ANSWER Outside: . Boxelder bugs can be killed with nearly any insecticide.An application on the outside of your home will kill many of them. It will also prevent some from getting inside.

We just purchased an old house in VT and have noticed several wasps/hornets inside of our house recently.

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 08:54:54 -0400

Question: We just purchased an old house in VT and have noticed several
wasps/hornets inside of our house recently. The majority we find are in
one room, but often one or two will be found in other rooms. We've been
told that when the weather warms up, they will go back outside. At the
same time, we've been seeing more and more, and we're starting to think we
might have a problem. Do you handle wasps/hornets and how much does it
usually cost for service.

ANSWER Wasps in the house or attic this time of year are probably queens that will be founding nests the following spring. This may be a sign that there was a nest in the house (maybe in the attic) last year, and these queens are becoming active and will be looking for a place to leave and begin the process of founding new nests.

A single colony of wasps does not continue from year to year. Workers and the original queen die with the onset of winter. Queens for the next year are formed in the colony at the end of the season (August and September). With the onset of winter these new queens seek a place to spend the winter. They often move under shingles, in chimneys, wall voids, and attics.

In the spring and during a winter warm spell, sluggish queens can begin emerging inside. Yes, they may sting when they become active this time of year.

It may seem to be an easy task to provide an estimate for the cost of service via e-mail. However, insect problems and infestations are different, each house is different, and the conditions of each property are different. Thus quotes and estimates for the cost of control are best done locally and perhaps with an inspection by a service technician.

You should contact the local Orkin branch office for estimates on the cost of pest control service and for scheduling service.

There are flying insects in my home that are biting and tormenting me. What could they be?

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 08:50:13 -0400

Question: There are flying insects in my home that are biting and
tormenting me. I thought they were fleas, but they fly--they don't jump.
What could they be? I got my house professionally treated, but I am still
getting bitten.

ANSWER Without a description I can't identify what these biting insects are; how about your location---where do you live?

I have tons of bugs in my house. We also have tons of ladybugs. We need a quote.

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 08:44:48 -0400

Question: I have tons of bugs in my house. We live in the country and
they are black/brown with red lines on them. They are on the front of the
house in piles and I believe they fly as well. What are they?? We also
have tons of ladybugs! I need a quote as well.

ANSWER These sound like boxelder bugs.
Outside: Boxelder bugs can be killed with nearly any insecticide. Treating the outside of your home will kill many of them. It will also keep some of them from coming inside.
Inside: They can be removed from inside the house with a vacuum cleaner. You may have to keep doing this for several days to get them all. During the winter they can be active during warm and sunny days. They don't bite or sting or infest houses, but if crushed they could stain fabric.

It may seem like an easy task to send a quote for service by e-mail. However, pest problems are different, houses are different, and the climate is different from place to place. It is probably better to make a quote locally with an inspection by a service technician.

Call the local Orkin branch office. They can arrange an inspection and a quote. They can aslo schedule service.

Do you come in the rain if the major problem is outside the home?

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 08:42:08 -0400

Question: Do you come in the rain if the major problem is outside the
home. I'm a new customer

ANSWER There are some insecticidesthat could be applied in the rain and still be effective. What pest problem do you have that has to be treated when it is raining?

I'm trying to identify a strange type of bug. It looks like a staglatite. Could you please help to identify it?

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:27:23 -0400

Question: I'm trying to identify a strange type of bug. in my bathroom,
there was a bizaar thing hanging from my ceiling. It looked lika a
staglatite. It was brown and hollow, about 1/8" diameter and
approximately 2-3" long. I scraped at the ceiling with a spatula, and it
fell off onto the counter and broke. Inside was small yellow bug. there's
also a crackling noise in the attic, I assume, near the source of the hole
it created in the ceiling.
Can you determine what kind of pest it is and how i can get rid of
whatever is in my attic?

ANSWER I'm not sure what you have, but it sounds like it could be termites; it would be best to get the house inspected by a professional pest control company...soon.

I found three water bugs in my house. Please tell me what can I do about them?

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:21:55 -0400

Question: I think they are the things you call water bugs. i found 3 in my
house in the last 2 weeks . please tell me about them and what to do about
them. I have never seen this in my house before. why do they come in side?
and where did they come from? I found one on the papertowel holder one in
the basket I keep notes and the last one in my daughters room. Please
help.

ANSWER Waterbugs are cockroaches (oriental cockroach is the official common name). The habits of this species are not different from the other, more common household species.

They generally live in basements or other cool areas, and if a problem in apartments it will usually be on the ground floor. They may be found in bath tubs and in kitchen sinks, but they do not come in through the drain pipes. They lack the sticky pads on their feet that other cockroaches have, so once they get into the tub or sink they can not crawl out because of the smooth sides.

Control of waterbugs can be achieved with the use of baits. There are several formulations of cockroach control baits (plastic stations, gels), but the best for waterbugs is the gel formulation. The gel bait usually comes in a syringe. Place small amounts of gel in the places where you have seen these cockroaches. Re-apply the gel when it is eaten. Give this control method a few weeks to work.

How do you know if you have termites?

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:08:50 -0400

Question: How do you know if you have termites? Had some winged insects
that came out after a heavy snow day between sidwalk and brick patio.

Ants (winged ants) can be distinguished by the presence of a narrow waist, three distinct body segments. Winged termites have no "waist". Their bodies appear to be one segment.

Ant swarmers have a pair of large wings in front with a pair of smaller wings behind. Termite swarmers have two pair of same-size wings.

Ants have bent, or "elbowed" antennae. Termites have straight antennae.

If you are not sure, call the local Orkin branch. A termite inspector can come check your home for signs of termites.

I want to know how much do you charge for a 3 family house?

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:06:30 -0400

Question: I want to know how much do you charge for a 3 family house in
Lawrence?

Can you tell me if a black bug that is similar to a cockroach but I cannot find pictures of it anywhere?

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:03:15 -0400

Question: Can you tell me if a black bug that is similar to a cockroach
but I cannot find pictures of it anywhere? It is black all over and has a red V on it's back. It can also fly.

These insects have 2 to 3 generation per year. The fall generation overwinters in protected places. The overwinter sites are often around and in houses, which makes them a nuisance. Boxelder bugs have some chemicals (called pheromones) that help them to aggregate in large numbers, so oftentimes thousands of them will gather in one place to spend the winter.

Outside: Boxelder bugs can be killed with nearly any insecticide, so pick one that lists boxelder bugs on the label. Follow the label directions for mixing and application. The label will also have directions for re-treatments.

I would like to know how many times it would take to get rid of roaches?

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:00:41 -0400

Question: I have roaches, I do not know exactly what kind they are, they
are rather large, and there are not many of them, I only see a couple
every day, I mostly spot them, in the kitchen, and in the bathroom. I
would like to know the price for someone to come out and spray, and I
would also like to know how many times it would take to get rid of the
roaches.

ANSWER The best control strategy for the control of household cockroaches is to use baits, either the plastic bait stations or the gel formulation that comes in a plastic syringe. This type of control strategy is much more effective than aerosol fogging and liquid treatments.

Baits should be placed where you have seen the cockroaches. The plastic stations are best placed in corners in cabinets and under the sink and by the motors of the appliances like the refrigerator. The baits can remain active for a long time (about three months) and provide continuous protection. The gel bait should be applied to cracks and crevices in the places that you have seen the cockroaches. The small gel placements may be eaten quickly by the cockroaches, so the technician will replace the bait where it has been eaten. The small nymphs (babies!) and the adults will eat the bait, even several days after it is applied. And bait not eaten will remain effective for several months.

German cockroaches (small roaches-about ½" long) will be effectively controlled by using either of the baits. Large cockroaches, such as waterbugs (oriental cockroaches) and American cockroaches (called palmettobugs in some places) are best controlled with the gel formulation. Give this method a few weeks to work.

It may seem to be an easy task to provide an estimate for the cost of service via e-mail. However, insect problems and infestations are different, each house is different, and the conditions of each property are different. Thus quotes and estimates for the cost of control are best done locally and perhaps with an inspection by a service technician.

You should contact the local Orkin branch office for estimates on the cost of pest control service and for scheduling service.

Are your pest control chemicals safe to be used around pets scu as dogs?

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 10:57:40 -0400

Question: I am currently an Orkin customer and have been for approx. 13
years at the same location. My question: are your pest control chemicals
safe to be used around pets scu as dogs? If not, what are the risks and
how do you(we)avoid the potential dangers?

ANSWER Pesticides for household insects are designed to be applied at low concentrations. Products are usually designed for particular application methods and specific sites in the house. For example, aerosol insecticides and dusts are usually applied to cracks and crevices. This makes them effective against insects, but keeps them away from exposure to people or pets. Insecticide baits for ants or roaches are put into cracks and crevices or into plastic bait stations.

Insecticides that are intended for application on exposed surfaces have directions on their labels. The directions specify how the product is to be mixed and how it is to be applied. The directions also require that people and pets stay off the treted surface until it has dried.

If you have questions about a particular treatment method or a particular product, ask your technician before the next service.

We had bed bugs in our mattress while staying on vacation in Reno.

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 10:54:42 -0400

Question: We had bed bugs in our mattress while staying on vacation in
Reno. What are the chances that we have brought them home with us on our
clothes or in our luggage?

ANSWER It happens more than people realize. They may be carried as adults or nymphs, especially if your luggage was on the floor and close to the bed. Inspect your luggage and your clothes just to be sure.

Are there other signs of termite activity aside from seeing wood damage?

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 10:47:56 -0400

Question: I know that termites do their evil business and it normally
goes unnoticed. However, are there other signs of termite activity aside
from seeing wood damage? Normally, when there is noticeable wood damage,
things are really bad. I have a cupboard that gets a soft residue on the
floor that i am not sure what it is. The house is fairly new but that does
not necessarily mean it would be termite free. Is there a way that Orkin
can analyze the residue and tell me if it is wood? Any thoughts?

ANSWER This is not likely termite damage. It would be best to put a sample of the 'residue' in a plastic bag. The local Orkin branch office can probably send an inspector to look at it. The inspector should be able to determine what caused it. Call the Orkin branch office to schedule the inspction.

What termicide product do you use as liquid treatment and why?

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 09:53:01 -0400

Question: What termicide product do you use as liquid treatment and why?

ANSWER You should check with the local Branch office for the product they are using. There are many modern termiticides available today,and they are all effective. The soil type and the climate in each region of the country are considered when termiticides are chosen. These are factors in how long a termiticide remains effective.

We are considering installing pest tubes throughout the walls. Can you tell us how these work and if it is something you do?

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 09:50:04 -0400

Question: We are currently in the construction phase of our home and
considering installing pest tubes throughout the walls. Can you tell me
how these work and if it is something you do. Our house is two stories.

ANSWER The local Branch office may service these tubes. You could call them and ask. The tube system is supposed to be able to treat behind the walls of a house with insecticide. It presumes that all the pest problems you have originate behind the walls. In most cases, pest problems either originate outside or they are brought into the home.

If the pests are outside, an insecticide application outside would seem to be be more effective. If the pests are brought in, the treatment inside the home would seem to be more effective.

How do I get rid of fleas in the house?

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 09:46:09 -0400

Question: How do I get rid of fleas in the house? I have set off numerous
flea bombs but I still have a problem.

ANSWER Household flea control begins with treating the animal, then treating the house. Both steps have to be done and they should be done together.

Pet. There are some very effective on-animal flea control products, either from the veterinarian or one of the over-the-counter products. The pet or pets must be treated first before you can hope to rid the house (carpeting) of fleas. The pet's bedding should be washed or replaced at the same time.

House. Vacuuming the carpet can help to remove the eggs that drop there from the fleas on the pet, and maybe a few larvae. Vacuuming will make adult fleas come out of their cocoons, so the carpet treatment will be more effective.

Treat the carpet with an insecticide that is labeled for carpet application. Follow the label directions for mixing and application. People and pets should remain off the carpet until it has dried. Continue vacuuming for several days after the carpet has been treated.

I have a BIG problem with gnats. What can I do?

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 09:44:14 -0400

Question: I live in the 60136 area, and I have a BIG problem with gnats.
I can't open my windows ever! it was bad enough last fall, not being able
to open my windows.I even had them during this past winter when I opened
my window 'just a little bit.'I don't want to be turning on my air
condition just to get crisp fresh air! What can I do? are you able to
help?

ANSWER Gnats usually mean the presence of one or more species of small flies.

Fungus Gnats. If they are small, black, and weak flyers, and may be around windows or potted plants, then they are probably fungus gnats. These flies live as larvae in the moist to wet soil in house plants (they don't damage the plants). To control these you can simply let the soil of the house plants completely dry before the next watering time.

Fruit Flies. If the flies are small, light brown and seem to be attracted to places in the kitchen, then they are probably fruit flies. To control these flies you have to start with the removal of over ripe fruit and vegetables, this is where the larvae live. To remove the adults, which can live for a few weeks, you can place a small amount of vinegar in a shallow pan, and place this pan in locations where the flies are common. They will be attracted to the vinegar and some may get trapped in the liquid, and you can use an aerosol to spray the others that are waiting there.

Drain fly. Small flies that resemble moths. They have hairy bodies and wings. They are often small enough to penetrate ordinary screens. These flies lay their eggs in the slime inside of drains. The larvae eat the slime while they grow and mature. If these flies are present, it could mean a clogged drain or even a broken drain pipe. If there is a broken pipe, it will have to be repaired. If there is a clogged drain, it will need to be un-clogged. The slime will have to be physically removed, along with the fly larvae.

It might help if you would call the local Orkin branch. If an inspector could see some of the flies, it would be easier to identify them and prescribe the proper treatment.