Ask the Orkin Man

Are you traveling for Labor Day? Do you know how to detect bed bugs?

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:15:03 -0400

According to travel group AAA, more than 34.4 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home for Labor Day – an increase of nearly 10 percent from travelers last year. With bed bugs being reported in hotels, cruise ships and even movie theaters, Orkin offers a few tips to let travelers know what bed bugs look like and to help to know how to avoid bed bug bites.

Many people ask if bed bugs can jump, but they can’t. They are actually hitchhikers that hide in our belongings and then travel with us from place to place. Click here for a printable bed bug guide with easy steps to help you avoid bringing bed bugs back home as a vacation souvenir.

For more facts and tips about bed bug detection, bed bug symptoms and how to get rid of bed bugs, visit our Learning Center.

How can I prevent summer bugs from ruining my backyard barbeque?

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 12:04:08 -0400

Summer is peak pest season, and some pests can do more than ruin your picnic or barbeque. Bees and wasps or fire ants and scorpions can bite or sting, causing pain or more serious allergic reactions for some people. Other insects like mosquitoes and ticks can transmit harmful diseases like West Nile virus or Lyme disease, respectively, to you and your family members.

While there may be no such thing as a bug-free summer, there are simple steps homeowners can take themselves — in addition to partnering with a professional — to reduce pest populations and summer pest threats.

Check out this video with outdoor pest control tips, specifically for wasps and mosquitoes, from Orkin entomologist Shane Hill.

Does Spring Cleaning Help Get Rid of Bugs?

Mon, 05 Apr 2010 15:21:33 -0400

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Does Spring Cleaning Help Get Rid of Bugs?

Common spring cleaning chores like dusting, vacuuming and cleaning out closets can help reduce pests in and around your home. Dirt and dust can provide food for cockroaches (insects that eat just about anything). Plus, extra clutter can make it more difficult to find signs of pest activity.

To help get your home ready for spring, check out this video with pest control tips from Pat Wicker, Orkin assistant region service manager.

When Do Termites Start Swarming In The Spring?

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 09:32:38 -0400

I’m Matt Peterson, an entomologist and Orkin’s southeast division technical services manager. Swarming termites in March isn’t really breaking news. In fact, it’s typical to see termite swarms in places like Florida in the spring — even as early as February some years. Because of the wacky weather this year, swarms have followed a roller coaster pattern, emerging when it’s warm, only to disappear from sight when the cold fronts come back through.

Few homeowners think about termites when it’s unusually cool, but they should. Subterranean termites are active year-round. Swarmers begin to emerge after the last winter freeze, when the temperatures rise to the low to mid-70s. Besides swarms, one of the other most common warning signs for termites is mud tubes, which are tunnels made out of soil that subterranean termites use to travel to wood sources around homes.

If you live in Florida, Georgia, or other parts of the Southeast, you should be on the lookout for signs of termites now. Homeowners in the Northeast, Midwest and Northwest also may begin to see swarms in the weeks ahead if spring temperatures rise to the 70s; however, there are steps you can take to help prevent and control infestations — before or after swarming takes place.

For more information on termites’ spring activity, click here.

How do you get rid of yellow jackets under your siding?

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 22:13:57 -0400

Question: How do you get rid of yellow jackets under your siding?

ANSWER

Yellowjackets are common in many different environments, from the home yard to wooded sites. These insects are predators of flies and caterpillars during the spring and summer. In the fall they often prefer sweets and can be a pest outdoors around soft drinks. They are not easily controlled, especially after they have established a large nest under the siding of the house. These nests may contain hundreds of workers and they have the ability (and an attitude!) to sting many times. 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.

^{Yellow Jacket}

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. 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. These material 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. Seal up the opening so next year's wasps cannot use the same nest site.

Small reddish brown bugs in kitchen

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 01:30:55 -0400

Question: I began to see tiny, small reddish-brown bugs in my kitchen, mainly in opened sacks of flour etc. Now I'm starting to see them in my bathroom. It appears that they like the bathroom cabinets which are on the opposite side of the kitchen. I do occasionally see them in my daughter's room.

What exactly are these bugs? How do I get rid of them? They are starting to gross me out.

ANSWER Maybe what you have are cigarette beetles. They are common household pests. This small, (about 1/8 inch long) brown beetle is a commonly found around food storage areas. The grub stage can feed on a great variety of food materials, including spices, flour, noodles, bird seed, and tobacco.

Control of this stored food pest takes a little time. The first step is to locate the source of the infestation, the infested food, and discard it. This may mean taking everything from the cabinets and drawers. Finding the infested material is the key to getting them eliminated.

Once the cabinets are empty, vacuum them very well . This will remove any hidden insects and all debris. Replace everything, and vacuum again in about a week. Make sure all the cracks and crevices are clean of food scraps and flour. Inspect material at the grocery store to be certain it is not infested. Avoid buying packages that are broken or opened. Store foods in sealed containers.

Tiny black ants in kitchen cabinet

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 00:58:03 -0400

Question: I have tiny black ants in my kitchen. They are all over the sink, cabinet, and floor. 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 and treating the nest site or using baits. Some ants make trails from their nest site to a food supply. You may be able to follow the worker ants from the food back to the nest;. When you have found the nest, then apply some liquid insecticide directly to it. Some ant species do not make strong trails, so locating the nest can be 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 most effective formulations are liquids.

Place the baits where you have seen the most ant 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 try 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. Because of the sun and humidity most insecticides must be re-applied periodically. Granular insecticides can be effective for ground-nesting ants. They are applied to the ground around the perimeter of the house.

Related Questions:
The Orkin Man used the information above to also answer the following questions submitted by Orkin.com users.

Question: We periodically have tiny ants. Specifically what chemicals would be used in and around our home?

Question: I have very tiny ants in the kitchen, about the size of a bread crumb or a poppy seed. I also find a lot of dead ones at one area in my basement, on the top of a tool cabinet. I have a cat and wondered how Orkin would handle this and if I would have to leave my home with the cat if treatment was required. Thank you.

Question: I have ants in my kitchen around the sink area. What type of treatment would you use to get rid of them and would it require me to have to pack up all my dishes that are in close proximity to my sink?

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.

Question: How do I get rid of ants in my kitchen? I keep my sink and counters cleaned. Where are they coming from?

Flea control and furniture

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 00:12:13 -0400

Question: I need flea and spider control, how will it affect my furniture? Do I need to be worried?

ANSWER Neither treatment will affect the furniture.

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. If the pet spends time outdoors, the yard may need to be treated as well. Read more about treating fleas.

Big red spiders on my porch

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 23:09:21 -0400

Question: What are the big red spiders that are outside and on my porch?

ANSWER Probably what you have is an orb-weaving spider. This is a large family of spiders, and several hundred species are found in the U.S. Almost all of these spiders spin a large and sometimes complicated web of concentric rings. They often locate the webs on the sides of houses or on trees and shrubs, especially near outdoor lights.

Orb-weaving spiders are often brightly colored and attract attention as they sit in or near their web. They are waiting for prey to become stuck and shake the strands.

Some of the most dramatic of the orb-weavers are the spiders in the genus Argiope. These spiders are striped black and orange, or black and white. They construct large webs that have a zig-zag pattern of silk in the center of the web. They are usually found hanging head down in the center of the web.

While orb-weaving spiders are large and look threatening, they are not aggressive to people. Certainly, you can be bitten if you try to handle one of these spiders, but they will usually try to get away from people. When their web is damaged they will usually leave and re-build it somewhere else.

Limiting the use of outdoor lights at night can help reduce the number flying insects that gather there. These insects are the food for these and other spiders around the outside of the house. Changing porch lights to the yellow "bug light" bulbs may help. It is sometimes necessary to place curtains or shades on windows to reduce the amount of light that shines out to attract flying insects.

How do you get rid of fleas in home?

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 23:00:46 -0400

Question: Our house is infested with fleas. What does Orkin do to get rid of them.? Is there anything we have to do in preparation for your treatment?

ANSWER

The best way to get rid of fleas is an integrated approach which first treats any pets in your household and then your house itself.

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. At least the pet should be the first treated.

PET. There are some very effective on-animal flea control products. Some are available from the veterinarian and some are 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 when the pet is treated.

HOUSE. Vacuuming the carpet can help to remove the eggs that drop there from the fleas on the pet. Vacuuming will remove a few larvae and the debris that the larvae eat. Vacuuming will cause the adult fleas to come out of their cocoons while the carpet treatment is fresh and effective.

Continue to vacuum for several days after the carpet has been treated. It is normal to see fleas for a couple of weeks after the treatment.

The local Orkin branch will explain any other preparation steps. They can also answer any questions when you call them to schedule the service.

Closeup photo of a flea:

Read more:More information on flea control from our pest library

Related Questions:
The Orkin Man used the information above to also answer the following questions submitted by Orkin.com users.

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?
Question: We have had problems with fleas for sometime now. We live in a home that was built in the 1800's. The house has wood floors that from what I have read harbors fleas. What would it take to treat out home? Would it require treating the yard as well? What's the average price to treat this situation and how often would treatments have to be applied?
Question: How do you eliminate flees in our home with it being safe for my 2 infant children?
Question: Hello!
Recently I noticed a flea in our living room. I only seen it for a second, but Im positive it was a flea. Since then my two year old has been having bites on him (no one else in the family however has had any bites). I have been running the vacuum frequently. Is there anything I should be doing to prevent them from getting worse? Can I use the flea powder you put on animals and sprinkle it on the carpet? Do you have any home remedies that might work? Am I suppose to throw away the vacuum bag after every use? The animals each have a new flea collar on. I didn't think you could get fleas in the winter. We live in New York and have snow now. Any suggestions on how I can try to get rid of them would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Question: My boyfriend and I are looking at a townhome in Davison, MI. The "model" that was shown to us had fleas in it. Is this a treatable thing or would you suggest NOT moving there?

ANSWER: It is treatable, but probably something you want done before you get there. The best solution would be to remove and replace all the carpets, second choice is to have all (all!) the carpets shampooed--this will kill the flea larvae that are in the carpet.
Question: I unfortunately moved into an apartment that was infested with fleas. I don't have any animals and Orkin has treated the place twice. I've been doing a lot of vacuuming and I haven't seen a flea for a week. Does that mean that they're totally gone now? When can I be confident that they are totally gone? Is it possible that there are still eggs in the apartment that could hatch weeks and months later, or can I assume that all the eggs have hatched by now?

ANSWER: There are no eggs that will hatch months later; if you're still worried you can shampoo the carpets...this kills any larvae that are in the carpet.

Get rid of earwigs in my home

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 22:50:07 -0400

Question: Why do I have earwigs in my home? How do I get rid of the earwigs?

ANSWER Earwigs in and around the house look dangerous, but they are not aggressive. In spite of their common name, they do not enter ears at night. They are predators of other insects, but will also eat plant material.

Start by inspecting the outside of the house. Remove as many earwig hiding places as possible. Stack firewood on a rack and move it away from the house. Rake mulch and dead leaves away from the foundation -- try to make a 12" clear zone. It is sometimes necessary to have trees trimmed to allow more sunshine on the yard.

Make sure exterior doors close tightly and replace any missing weather-stripping. An insecticide barrier applied to the outside foundation will help keep them away. The barrier will have to be re-applied from time to time because of the sun and rain.

Indoors, eliminate any excess moisture and dampness in the home. An aerosol or dust insecticide can be effective. Apply it into the cracks and crevices where these pesky insects would hide during the day. Sticky traps (the small roach and mouse traps) might help get control quicker.

Brown recluse spiders in the home

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 23:59:31 -0400

Question: How common are brown recluse spiders in the home?

ANSWER They are not that common. There are several species of recluse spiders in the United States. They are found in almost every part of the country. However, other types of spiders can deliver a similar bite, so the bite does not confirm the spider as a recluse.

Follow these simple guidelines for identifying a spider as a recluse. They are nearly uniformly pale brown to light brown spiders. Their legs are not striped and not especially 'hairy".

The violin shape on the 'head region' is distinct. Some people call these "fiddleback spiders" because of this marking. The brown recluse when full grown, and legs extended is about the size of a 25¢ coin. The body is about ½" long.

^{Brown Recluse Spider}

Recluse spiders, as their name suggests, hide during the day. They hide in pl;aces like closets, garages, crawl spaces, and storage sheds. Of course, when in doubt it is always safe to be cautious. They are not aggressive animals, and usually only bite when cornered or brushed against.

If someone is bitten, watch them closely for a reaction. If the victim is taken for medical attention, try to take the spider for identification.

Related Information:

Roach problem in walls

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 23:35:31 -0400

Question: Can you control a roach problem in a single apartment unit, if other apartments still have roaches?

ANSWER

That depends on the level of infestation....these pests can move from apartment to apartment. The small German roaches can travel inside the walls and move from one unit to another. It is sometimes necessary to treat the voids inside of the walls to block their movements. Dust insecticide is best for wall void treatments.

Buying a home with roaches

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:20:56 -0400

Question: My husband I are currently looking for a home. We looked @ one last night that we really liked, however we saw 2 Raid cans in different rooms, all cabinets were open in the house and we say a few dead bugs which I think to be roaches. The house was "flipped" and is totally redone on the inside and out now. Should we be concerned. If a professional comes out to spray, will the roaches come back?

ANSWER If it has been vacant for a while, the cockroach infestation may be gone, but to be certain it might help to place baits in the house before you move in.

Since the large roaches live outdoors, homeowners can prevent them from invading. Check exterior doors. Make sure they close tightly and replace missing weather-stripping. Rake mulch and dead leaves away from the foundation. Store firewood on a rack and move it away from the house. Keep lids on garbage cans and move recycle bins away from the house.

The small German roaches often "hitch" rides into homes. People bring them in without realizing they are doing it. These little roaches sneak into backpacks, briefcases, grocery bags, and items at yard sales. Check bags and boxes carefully before you bring them inside.

The German cockroaches are best controlled using either stations or gel formulations. Larger cockroaches, like the Oriental and American, are only really affected by gels. Both the stations and gels are types of cockroach baits. These are, currently, the most effective control methods (sometimes an integrated approach including liquid sprays is needed). The stations are plastic units for use right out of the packaging. The gels are sold in plastic syringes and ready for immediate use, as well. Hardware stores and larger home stores will typically carry them. These are much more effective than aerosol / fogger treatments. Even being a better method, the process takes time to work.

Place the bait where you’ve seen cockroaches active within the house. Plastic stations are designed to go in corners of recessed areas and the open around appliances and furniture. They are sturdy and resilient. The bait stations can remain effective against cockroaches for up to three months.

Gel roach bait formulations are best utilized in small openings like crevices and cracks. The gels are subject to be eaten quickly because of the small amounts applied. Monitor the areas often and replace bait that’s been consumed. Both young and adult will eat the gel formulations. They aren’t as durable as the stations but will remain effective for several weeks.

Buying a home with powderpost beetle infestation

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 23:58:43 -0400

Question: I am thinking about buying a home that has an active powderpost beetle infestation. What are the costs and concerns of this type of pest?

ANSWER The term "powderpost beetle" may refer to several different kinds of wood-infesting beetles. The term is used for: 1) beetle species that only infest hardwoods (such as flooring, trim, or even ornamental pieces), or 2) for beetles that infest softwoods (such as wall framing and support joists).

The damage produced by these beetles may be small round holes (about the size of pencil lead). The first sign of an infestation is usually a small amount of powder, called frass. The frass appears in or around a piece of wood that has been attacked by the beetle larvae.

The appearance of the frass is a clue to the type of beetle that has been active inside the wood. If the powder is a little gritty when rubbed between your fingers, then it is a sign of anobiid beetle damage. If the frass is soft and not gritty, then it is a sign of lyctid beetle activity.

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 , 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 the wood. 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, and 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 begins with 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 infestation is active, there will be recent holes or the sound of feeding will be heard.

The treatment will depend on the severity of the infestation. The simplest treatment is to remove and replace the infested wood. Other options include application of liquid insecticide to the surface of the infested wood or injection of liquid into the feeding galleries.

Pieces of furniture can be fumigated in a special vault or chamber. Tenting and fumigation of the entire structure is usually reserved for severe infestations. The insecticides used for control will work by killing the larval stage or the adult stage when it emerges from the wood.

It might be a good idea to call the local Orkin branch office. They will arrange to have an inspector meet you at the house. The inspector can identify the type of beetle that has been active. The inspector can also determine if the infestation is still active and discuss the most effective and economical treatment options.

Related Questions:
The Orkin Man used the information above to also answer the following questions submitted by Orkin.com users.

Question: Is there information on your site about powder post beetles or other wood drilling beetles?

Question: What are powderbore beetles? Are they health hazards? Do they infest food, if so how do you know? What is the course and cost of treatment?

Question: I have a bookshelf constructed of antique wood. I am finding small pinholes with sawdust. Could you tell me what it could be?

Fruit flies in my kitchen

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 23:44:53 -0400

Question: Please help me find the right way to get rid of multiple "fruit flies" that are flying around my bedroom, bathrooms and kitchen. I am really grossed out by this! Just the right spray and instructions if you could?

Answer What you have is probably one of the two common species of fruit flies. They are the small brown flies that may be hovering in the kitchen or in the food pantry or closet . Check those potatoes for any rotten ones at the bottom. These flies are active nearly year round, but more so in the summer and fall.

The common fruit flies are light brown in color and with red eyes. They are attracted to and breed in over-ripe fruit and vegetables. In houses they are usually found in the kitchen, and sometimes around the sink or garbage container. They are attracted to the odors that come from the disposal or material in the sink or garbage.

^{Fruit Fly Illustration}

The dark brown fruit fly (without red eyes) is also common in houses. This species breeds in decaying organic material and even in animal feces. Check the fruit for red-eye fruit flies and decaying material for dark-eye fruit flies.

Control of these flies begins with removing the breeding material. This will stop the breeding but would not get the adults, since the adults can live for a week or so.

You can remove the adults from the house by placing some vinegar (or wine) in a shallow pan. Place the pan near where the adults have been seen. They will be attracted to the liquid and some will become trapped. The remainder will be around the pan, so you can use an aerosol insecticide to get those. Read more about Fruit Fly Control

More Fruit Fly Information:

Related Questions:
The Orkin Man used the information above to also answer the following questions submitted by Orkin.com users.

Question: I been noticing Fruit Flies in my kitchen. I am not sure what brought them in, but how do I get rid of them?
Question: Please help me find the right way to get rid of multiple "fruit flies" that are flying around my bedroom, bathrooms and kitchen. I am really grossed out by this! Just the right spray and instructions if you could?
Question: How do you kill fruit flies?
Question: I have gnat-sized flying insects that appear at night when I turn on a lamp. They attach to the inside of the lamp shade. They appear to be slightly red in color. Any idea what they could be?
Question: I have a fruit fly problem but have very little money. Every time I think there gone they appear again. I used to work at nursing home where a pest company had some stuff that we dumped down the drain. I think that might be what I need. Please help.
Question:We've recently been infested with fruit flies. We've owned this house for 4 years, and had never had a problem until a month and a half ago. We've taken all garbage outside, closed all closable drains, and put out home-made traps (cider vinegar mixed with soap in bowls covered with cellophane with a small hole). The traps are effective, but the flies don't go away.
Answer:The adults will live for about three weeks, so if you have removed the source, the adults may still hang around. Check to make certain that there is not a stray potato, an apple, or something that has gotten loose and rolled where you can't see it....if this problem has gone on for as long as you say, there must be a breeding site somewhere in the house
Question: I was wondering how to get rid of fruit flies - I was told that you can pour a 1/4 cup of bleach down the drain. I have tried that and still no luck. Do you have any other suggestions?
Question: Can dogs be infested with fruit flies? We have a fruit fly problem in our house but I also noticed my dogs have the black "flea dirt" on them which is adult flea fecal matter. I found two things on one of my dogs this morning which I thought was a flea but it had wings. This was in the bathroom when I was in the shower and I also noticed "fruit flies" flying around in the bathroom. Then I noticed the two flea like creatures on my dog. Just curious if they are fruit flies on my dogs or fleas?
Answer: They would be fleas and not fruit flies.
Question: I have Orkin service...I am being bombarded with these little annoying flies in my kitchen, I have no idea where they are coming from. Is this something you treat or can you give me an idea on what to do?
Question: How do we get rid of fruit flies in a restaurant? No matter how much we clean we cannot get rid of them. We have set up traps and everything. Please help.
Question: You'll have to do a thorough inspection and clean-up; if this is a persistent problem there is a breeding site somewhere (decaying fruit or vegetable). They may be coming from outside, but most likely inside.
Question: How do I get rid of fruit flies? I have no fermented fruit. I've cleaned the kitchen drain. I dispose of fruit peelings, etc immediately. I've tried sprays but nothing seems to work. What can I do? I live in an apartment.

Maggots in the kitchen

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 23:36:56 -0400

Question: We have found maggots in the corners of the kitchen floor. The home is only about 7 yrs old w/sound brick structure. No signs of anything to "feed off of" in the floor, under the windows, or in the crawl space. Where could they come from and why are they here?

ANSWER What you have are probably caterpillars of Indian meal moths. The adult moth is brown and tan-colored. The caterpillars can range from white to 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.

House is infested by rolly-pollies - what can I do to stop them?

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 23:34:13 -0400

Question: My side of my house is being infested by "rolly-pollies". Is there anything you can do to stop them from coming into my house?

ANSWER Sowbugs or pillbugs (rolly pollys) are not actually insects. They are related to crayfish. There is a slight difference between sowbugs and pillbugs: sowbugs cannot 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 houses. A favorite location is under the bottom logs of the woodpile, 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. They enter under doors and around ground-level windows. They don't reproduce in 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.

My guess is that your house has something favorable for them...thick mulch, leaves, moisture...if you reduce these, there should be fewer rolly pollys. Stack firewood up on a rack and move it away from the house. Rake mulch and dead leaves away from the foundation. Check exterior doors to be sure they close tightly. Replace any missing weather-stripping. Mke sure down spouts drain away from the foundation.

My apartment is infested with spiders

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 22:55:13 -0400

Question: My apartment seems infested with different kinds of spiders. Can you treat all of them and is it safe for my children after treatment?

ANSWER

Spiders, like most arachnids, are predatory. The majority spin webs to capture prey, but some are hunters. Their diet consists primarily of insects. Controlling a population of spiders is best done through reduction of food supply. Either by reducing the use of exterior lighting or changing bulbs to yellow “bug lights”, homeowners can decrease the number of insects in their surrounding areas.

A help in eradicating an outdoor spider problems is removing habitats friendly to insects. Piles of wood and mulch, leaves, and tall grass in unkept areas. Have the maintenance staff at your apartment complex make sure your doors are closing tightly and make sure the weather-stripping is working properly. Also, an insecticide barrier around the building can help reduce the number of insects and, therefore, spiders you encounter.

Indoor spiders can be controlled by routine vacuuming. You must get the webs, egg sacs, and spiders (when you see them). Small sticky traps designed for mice can work well, too. Place them in dark corners or near webs where you know the spiders to hang-out.

The local Orkin branch office can arrange to have a technician make an inspection. This will be necessary to determine the most effective treatment. Please contact them directly for more information or to schedule service.

Related Questions: The Orkin Man used the information above to also answer the following questions submitted by Orkin.com users

Question: What can I do to keep spiders out of my house and kill them and the insects they're eating?

Question: why do I have so many spiders around my house and backyard? My walls and windows are always covered with spider webs.

Question: Does treatment for spiders kill the egg sacks? I do not know if that is what they really are or if they are old, but there appears to be egg sack looking brown balls behind the fridge in my new apartment. An Orkin Man sprayed while I was away and didn't think to ask about it in time.

How much is the cost of an exterminator?

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 22:38:07 -0400

Question: How much is the typical cost of an exterminator?

ANSWER

The price of a “typical” exterminator ranges. I am not well versed in the pricing packages of other pest control companies therefore I am not sure what the typical cost is. However, if you would like to know more about Orkin services and possibly our prices, I would recommend that you call a local Branch office so that they can help you determine the right solution to your pest control problem.

What chemical does Orkin use for bed bug infestations?

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 22:33:18 -0400

Question: What chemical does Orkin use in treating a bed bug infestation? How often do you treat the apartment? What follow-up measures do residents need to take? How long do they need to vacuum, for example?

ANSWER The local Orkin Branch office can tell you the insecticides that they are currently using, and the treatment process. There should not be any unusual vacuuming involved. The branch office can explain any preparation and follow-up that is involved.

You can find the local branch here: www.orkin.com/locations/

Read more about controlling bed bugs in your home.

Flying ants on home siding and foundation

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 22:23:08 -0400

Question: Hello, I've recently found some flying insects swarming my foundation,and siding. I have also seen them in flower beds away from the house.They don't look like anything on your charts of pests. They look almost like a flying ant.We live in Maine.(Are there termites in Maine?) Any advice?

ANSWER Winged ants or flying ants may be seen almost any time of the year, but most often in the spring and the fall.

Ant colonies commonly produce these winged reproductives (called swarmers, which are males and females. Their job is to fly out from the colony to start new colonies. The presence of swarmers is an indication that there is a mature ant colony close by or in the house.

If you can locate where the winged ants are coming from, you will have a good idea where the nest is. You can direct treat the nest directly with insecticide. .

When you cannot find the nest, the best control strategy is to use baits. There are several types of ant bait, but liquid baits are usually the most effective. Baiting is a slow control method but it will eliminate the queen (or queens!). That will stop egg production and eliminate the colony.

There are several different ant baits available -- some are protein and some are sweet. Sometimes it is necessary to try more than one. Ants change their feeding habits and food preferences during the year, and you can meet these better by having more than one bait available for use.

If the workers are moving around, put the bait next to their trail. Keep the bait filled until the ants have stopped feeding.

Related Questions:
The Orkin Man used the information above to also answer the following questions submitted by Orkin.com users.

Question: What do I do for flying ants? They are in my skylights.

Question: There seem to be a lot of flying ants around the outside of my home is there anything I can do to correct this problem?

Tiny reddish-brown bugs in bathroom

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:04:14 -0400

Question: We've been having a problem with tiny reddish-brown bugs in the master bath of our brand-new home. They are heaviest on the tile closet floor, in the shower and around the toilet. They are very tiny, almost like fleas, but are reddish in color and do not fly. (We live in Missouri, and they started up in the middle of the summer.) Any ideas what we could be dealing with?

ANSWER It's hard to be sure, but from the description, they sound like carpet beetle larvae. They are brown and banded with brown and pale stripes. There are long 'hairs' at the tail end. They move slowly. People often find the molted skins of these larvae in cabinets and in closets. They are an indication of an ongoing infestation of carpet beetles. The adults are often seen indoors in the spring.

The larvae can feed on lots of different kinds of material. Thus, it can infest almost any place in your house. It often attacks woolens, skins, leather, feathers and stored food (from pet food to spices and flour). It can even live on dead insects.

Here are some thing you can do:

Vacuum thoroughly.
Dry-clean and store woolens in sealed containers or boxes.
Check leather items, dried flower arrangements, and even silks -- flowers and garments.
Check the pantry and kitchen cabinets for infested food.
Throw away any infested packages.
Vacuum shelves in cabinets

If your inspection doesn't turn up anything, check the attic, crawl space and outside of the house. Look for bird, wasp, or rodent nests where the carpet beetles could be breeding.

Wasps nest under cedar siding of our home

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:52:50 -0400

Question: Wasps have made a nest under the cedar siding of our home. We have tried a variety of sprays but there is no good way to get most products up and under the siding. We have also tried to caulk the opening but they just keep coming back. Any suggestions?

ANSWER Yellowjackets are common in many different environments, from residential yards to forests. These insects are predators of flies and caterpillars during the spring and summer.

They are not easily controlled, especially after they have established a large nest under the siding of the house. These nests may contain hundreds of workers and they have the ability (and an attitude!) to sting many times. Control should proceed with caution.

First, you will have to locate the opening to the nest--I guess you have done that. Try to pinpoint the opening; you will have to be able to find it later, in the dark.

Get some 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 more than one can!). Work at night (well after dark), wear protective clothing (especially on your head); don't work alone. 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 gasoline or some other "unusual" material instead of the commercial aerosols and liquid insecticide. Things like gasoline are dangerous, do not work as well as people think, and things can happen that are not 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 attract other insects, such as carpet beetles, moths, aqnd other scavengers.

Prepare for flea extermination

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:44:32 -0400

Question: I have a flea extermination scheduled. What do I need to do to prepare my condo?

ANSWER The carpet will be treated, so it should be cleared of clothes, shoes, toys, and any other loose items.

If you have pets, wash the pet bedding. Vacuum furniture that pets come into contact with. Tell the pest control technician where pets normally rest.

Vaccuum around the house as well.

If the yard will be treated, be sure the grass is mowed. Pick up any pet dishes and move any lawn furniture out of the shaded areas where the technician will be treating.

It is normal to see fleas for a couple of weeks after the carpet has been treated. Your technician will explain the treatment process and any follow-up procedures besides vacuuming.

Read more about getting rid of fleas in home here: http://www.orkin.com/ask-the-orkin-man/get-rid-of-fleas-in-home

Mice in crawl space and attic

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:42:31 -0400

Question: We think we have a mouse (hopefully just one) in our crawl space. There may even be one in our attic. What should we do besides put traps out?

ANSWER: Mouse control takes a little time and patience. Mice usually stay close to their nests, so if there are sounds in the attic and the crawl space, there may be more than one problem. Noises in the attic might also be rats or squirrels. The time when they are active will be a clue. Squirrels are active during the day. Mice and rats are usually active at night.

The control program really should begin with the question: "How did they get in here?" Take some time to inspect the exterior of your house. You’re looking for any potential entry point that the mice could enter through. It may be a small opening that seems harmless or something larger. Particularly, pay attention to cracks, openings around wiring or pipes, and garage and other doors providing access to interior areas. If you find anywhere that a mouse could potentially enter, be sure to block it. When inspecting upstairs, be sure to check the roof. Trim any tree limbs that are hanging over the house.

Once all entry points are located, it’s time to capture the mice already inside. The most effective method is traps. The more snap traps you use, the quicker and more effective your campaign will be. Mice simply breed too fast for one or two traps to be effective for infestations. I always like to incentivize them, so my mouse traps have bait in them. Be it food, string, or cloth, mice like these and will be drawn to the traps. Take care to keep out of reach of children and pets.

Though poisonous baits are effective, they don’t control the mouse’s actions after eating. Often time, mice will eat these baits and end up behind a wall or other inaccessible area to die. They create a very unpleasant odor for weeks and attract other pests.

Centipede bugs in home

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 23:16:01 -0400

Question: I have a centipede issue. These bugs are in my home. Does anything kill them and keep them from coming back?

ANSWER What you have seen is a house centipede. They can vary in size and color from light brown to pale brown. Their long legs and their rapid movements can be a little scary. Centipedes can deliver a painful bite if they are handled. 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 lives outdoors, but is often found around the foundation of houses and other buildings. Centipedes prefer to rest in secluded places during the day. From these sites they 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 out mostly at night. You can apply an aerosol insecticide into the crack behind the baseboards where you have seen them. Placing sticky traps (such as those for cockroaches) in the area can be very helpful.

Make sure exterior doors close tightly and replace any missing weather-stripping. Move the woodpile as far from the house as possible. Rake mulch and dead leaves away from the foundation and keep grass mowed. An insecticide barrier on the outside perimeter can help prevent insects and centipedes from trying to get inside.

Related Questions:
The Orkin Man used the information above to also answer the following questions submitted by Orkin.com users.

Question: I have a centipede problem in my house, what is the best way to get rid of them, and how much would you charge to do that for me?

Question: Do you have solutions for centipedes and millipedes?

Question: Does Orkins treatments take care of centipedes?

Question: We had used Terminix about 4 years ago trying to get rid of a problem with centipedes but the company was never successful. Can you get rid of centipedes? Do centipedes come from the drain pipes?

Question:My girlfriend and I recently moved into a condo in Brighton MA. Recently we have been seeing the house centipede. Would your company be able to get rid of either of these bugs in our unit or does the entire condo need to be exterminated?

Does Orkin deal with digger wasps (cicada killer)?

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 23:08:36 -0400

Question: Does Orkin deal with digger wasps? Not sure that is what I have, but they have burrowed in the ground and they do fly and they look like large wasps.

ANSWER Probably what you have seen is a cicada killer. The scientific name is Sphecius speciosus. These are large wasps, indeed one of the largest you are likely to see. They can look very threatening, but in general, they are not. They are dedicated to making a nest, provisioning it with food, and laying an egg on that food.

The wasps prey on the annual cicada, so they have to be large enough to handle these big insects! The wasp typically grabs a cicada from the branches of a tree, stings the cicada to immobilize it, and then carries it back to the hole it has made in the soil.

The cicada is pushed inside the hole and the female wasp lays an egg on top of it. The egg hatches in a few days and the immature wasp feeds on the cicada. When full grown the wasp spins a cocoon and will not emerge from the ground until next summer. This is a big and threatening wasp, but they are not very aggressive. They prefer soft soil and can be controlled with a light spray of insecticide on the soil surface.

The local Orkin branch can answer any questions about the service process. Please contact them directly for more information or to schedule service.

Related Questions:
The Orkin man used the information above to also answer the following questions.

Question:I have a large insect flying around my yard and have recently noticed several mounds of sand/dirt piled up around my concrete porch. I have not yet been able to accurately identify the insect, or how to eliminate it and whatever might be living underground. Please contact me as soon as possible to discuss.

Question:I have about 12-20 holes in my yard. they have been dug by these wasp- looking insects. They have the body of a wasp, with wings more like a bee. They look like they have stingers. The holes are about pinky-sized. The bugs don't seem too aggressive but their nests cover most of my yard. I have an infant so I'm uncertain about taking her outside. The bugs seem to hover over the area of their nests. We have tried spraying at night when they have all gone back into their holes but when we spray one hole, they come out of another, which makes me think that their holes are all connected, like little tunnels. Some are as small as 3/4" and a few are about 1"-1 1/2". i live in Logansport, Indiana. Is there any way you could help me find out exactly what these little pests are. I am highly allergic to bees and wasps, and most stinging insects.

Question:: Every year during the month of August we have a swarm of bugs in our back yard only. To me the bug looks like a hornet. But I cannot find any pictures that look like the bug in my yard. The bugs swarm the grass only, and there are many of them like 50 or more! Please can you tell me what type of flying insect this is.

Do you treat brown recluse spiders?

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 23:00:56 -0400

Question: Do you treat brown recluse spiders? if so what is the cost of a treatment?

ANSWER

The brown recluse spider is often misidentified, or to put it another way, some other species of spiders are mistakenly identified as brown recluse spiders.

Follow these simple guidelines for identifying a spider as a recluse. They are nearly uniformly pale brown to light brown spiders. Their legs are not striped and not especially 'hairy. The violin shape on the 'head region' is distinct, but some other spiders have this mark. The brown recluse when full grown, and legs extended is about the size of a 25¢ coin.

Of course, when in doubt it is always safe to be cautious. It is of little value to over-react to the presence of any spider. They are not aggressive animals, and bite when cornered or brushed against.

The bite of a brown recluse spider can be serious. Experts recommend seeking medical attention for a bite victim. If possible, take the spider along for positive identification.

As for cost of treatment, please contact a local Orkin Branch.

Wasp nest above our door

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 22:37:48 -0400

Question: We have a wasp nest above our front door and we don't know how to get it down or get the wasps out of it. My question is, how do we get rid of a wasp nest that is high up above our heads?

ANSWER Controlling wasp nests is not easy and often dangerous, be careful!

If the nest is out of the way--as yours seems to be -- it may be best to leave it alone. These insects are not naturally aggressive if the nest is not disturbed. The workers and queen will die when winter comes. The new queens will hibernate until spring when they will start new nests.

If the nest must be removed, consider these procedures. 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.

Use 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 more than one can!). Work at night (well after dark), wear protective clothing and goggles, and don't work alone.

At night the wasps will be in the nest. Use caution -- when the stream of insecticide hits the nest, some of the wasps will come out. Try to avoid standing on a ladder to do the treatment -- many people get excited and fall off of the ladder when the wasps start flying around.

After the wasps have been killed, the nest may attract insect scavengers unless you can knock it down and throw it away.

Avoid Sharing Your Spring Break with Bed Bugs

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:17:56 -0500

Next Video >>

Travel Tips to Help Avoid Bed Bugs on Spring Break

Spring breakers want sun, fun and relaxation – not bed bugs – on vacation. Check out these travel tips from Orkin to help you avoid bringing bed bugs home as souvenirs:

-- Inspect the mattress for bed bugs or black, ink-like spots. Alert hotel management if you find either.
-- Check your luggage rack. If it’s clear of bed bugs, store luggage on the rack instead of the floor.
-- Inspect your luggage for bed bugs before check-out and once you return home.

Watch this video for more helpful tips before you travel.

Still want more info? Click here.

What is the best time for termite treatment?

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:49:55 -0500

Question: What is the best time for termite treatment?

ANSWER

^{Orkin Man Completing
Treatment for Termites}

Now. A home is a major investment that you want to protect, and protection starts with termite prevention. Almost all homes should have a termite treatment and be inspected by a licensed pest control company like Orkin. The company should not only treat but evaluate the environmental factors around the home looking for attractive conditions for termites such as woodpiles, water leaks, and foundation penetrations.

How do I get rid of moths?

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:45:33 -0500

Question: How do I get rid of moths?

ANSWER The appropriate treatment for moths depends on the type of moth present in your home. Some moths infest dried food, some attack fabrics, and others may simply fly inside after being attracted to lights. Identification is extremely important when dealing with moths as there are several thousand different species. If you notice these pests in your home, call your local pest control expert who can identify the type of moth and suggest appropriate treatment methods.

How do I keep spiders out of my home?

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:26:08 -0500

Question: How do I keep spiders out of my home?

ANSWER It is important to note that if you have a spider problem, you likely have a pest problem. Spiders are predators and make a living eating pests such as bugs. They may wander in your home searching for these pests. If you want to rid your home of spiders, a great first step is to contact a licensed pest management professional to first rid your home of the spider’s food source which is other pests. In addition the specialist can employ spider control tools to catch or repel the spiders. Finally there are some highly effective strategies Orkin recommends you can do to make your home less attractive to spiders:

• Seal off potential entries like cracks and crevices, spaces under doors (install door sweeps), holes in screens, etc.
• Inhibit their ability to create webs by cleaning, dusting, removing clutter etc.
• Reduce lights on the outside which may attract other pests.

What should I look for when choosing a pest control company

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:16:52 -0500

Question: What should I look for when choosing a pest control company / professional?

ANSWER There are several important qualities a pest control company / professional should possess, such as:

• A pest control license
• Ability to provide a free on-site inspection before providing a quote for treatment
• Expert knowledge of pest identification and treatment
• A guarantee of service from a stable company with a reputation for providing effective pest prevention, treatment and control

I have a clean house but still have bugs – why?

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:12:42 -0500

Question: I have a clean house but still have bugs – why?

ANSWER Pests want what we have – food, water and shelter. Many pests such as roaches and even rodents can fit through tiny cracks and crevices in search of these resources. This can happen no matter how clean your house may be. Other pests like bed bugs are not related to cleanliness at all. They are hitchhikers in search of a blood meal that people can easily – and often unknowingly – provide. It is best to have a trusted professional conduct a thorough inspection to identify pest risk factors around your home. For tips on protecting you and your family from unwanted pests, please visit HiddenHomeThreats.pdf

How do I know if I have a termite swarm?

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:09:28 -0500

Question: How do I know if I have a termite swarm?

ANSWER

^{Termite Swarm}

In some cases, homeowners have no idea there is an infestation until they see hundreds to sometimes thousands of winged termite swarmers or they see their discarded wings on windowsills, floors or in spider webs. Another sign a homeowner may notice is the termite damage, such as eaten pieces of wood, or sand-grain like droppings.

While termite colonies are extremely difficult to see, there are several signs of termite infestation/activity that every homeowner should know.

Subterranean Termites: Mud Tubes - Subterranean termites usually invade the home from the ground. Mud tubes are built above ground so termite workers can reach wood or cellulose areas of a structure from their underground nests. The purposes of the mud tubes are to protect the termites from predators like ants and to prevent them from drying out since they need high relative humidity.

Drywood Termites: Frass (Termite Droppings) - Drywood termites don’t usually attack from the ground. They invade by the swarmers entering structures through cracks in the structure and then boring directly into the wood, sealing the hole and mating. As they eat their way through wood, they produce frass, or droppings, that are all the same size and shape though they may vary in color from tan to brick red to black depending on the color of the wood.

What is the Orkin Fight the Bite campaign?

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:46:52 -0500

Question: What is the Fight the Bite campaign?

^{Photo of a Mosquito Biting a Human}

ANSWER Orkin created its Fight the Bite campaign to help save lives in Africa and help American homeowners reclaim their yards by waging war on mosquitoes and the deadly diseases they can carry. In cooperation with Nothing But Nets, a non-profit group dedicated to malaria prevention in Africa, Orkin and its sister pest control companies have donated over $125,000 in 2008 and estimates at least another $120,000 in 2009. For every new mosquito customer Orkin contributes $10 for 10,000 long-lasting, insecticide-treated mosquito bed nets to be delivered to the areas of greatest need in Africa.

One hundred percent of each $10 contribution goes directly toward purchasing and distributing a net and teaching the recipient to use it properly.

Is there financing available for termite control services?

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:43:03 -0500

Question: Is there financing available for termite control services?

ANSWER Convenient financing is offered for up to 100% of the agreement. Benefits include:
-- No penalty for early payoff
-- No collateral requirements
-- 90 days same as cash
-- Affordable monthly payments
-- Immediate approval at your home

Does Orkin help with raccoons, rats, varmint or wildlife?

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:39:05 -0500

Question: Does Orkin provide service for raccoons or rats? Do you do varmint & wildlife control?

ANSWER Orkin recently launched a Wildlife Management Service in some parts of the country to assist customers with birds, squirrels, raccoons and other wildlife control. This program includes capture and relocation, as well as exclusion services. For details regarding Orkin’s Wildlife Management Service and to find out if it is available in your area, call your local branch.

What is the difference between a regular ant and a carpenter ant?

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:10:40 -0500

Question: What is the difference between a regular ant and a carpenter ant?

ANSWER Carpenter ants can be black, brown, red, or a combination of these colors. They can be easily distinguished from most other pest ants by the carpenter ant’s “heart-shaped” head. Carpenter ants can be found throughout the U.S. and are named for their ability to excavate nests in wood, creating smooth tunnels or galleries. In the U.S. few other ant species have this behavior.

Carpenter ant damage is sometimes confused with that of termites, which also damage wood. Unlike termites that eat wood, carpenter ants hollow out wood, leaving behind small piles of sawdust. Carpenter ants prefer to build nests within decaying, moist wood – sometimes creating multiple nests in a single area. They are commonly found in porch pillars, roofs, windowsills, dead trees and dead parts of living trees.

^{carpenter ant picture}

What kind of training do Orkin technicians go through?

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:08:09 -0500

Question: What kind of training do Orkin technicians go through?

ANSWER Orkin’s pest and termite specialists are the best trained in the industry. The Orkin Training Center is one of the industry’s only hands-on training facilities in the country. The Training Center includes a fully functional house which provides Orkin experts with real-life pest, rodent and termite control experience. Orkin TV, a one-of-a-kind satellite television network, links to our 8,000 employees across the country to provide ongoing training on pest control products and service methods.

Additionally, all Orkin employees undergo rigorous drug screenings and criminal background checks prior to being hired. These screenings are followed by annual motor vehicle report checks and random employee drug testing.

Orkin’s thorough training and screening measures are what set Orkin pest control specialists apart from the average exterminator.

I am having a problem with geckoes

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:14:54 -0500

Question: I am having a problem with geckoes - I know they can't harm me but I am really afraid of them and don't want to think about them being in my house. I know they are good because they eat bugs - but I prefer they stay outside. How can I keep them out of my house?

ANSWER Geckoes are common in houses and buildings that are surrounded by vegetation especially homes that have shaded yards. They are pests simply by their presence indoors. They do not live in or infest houses, but come in from surrounding vegetation to find insects (food).

Usually they are following the insects that are attracted to outdoor lights. Lights often attract moths and many other insects. Of course, geckoes don't bite people or animals, and would eventually move out of the house, unless they get lost indoors.

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

What is the cost to get rid of wasps?

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:06:36 -0500

Question: What is the range of cost to get rid of a wasp nest near a window air conditioner on the 2nd story of a house.

There is no straightforward formula which can be used to determine the cost to get rid of wasps. The type of wasp, location, danger to people, and size of the infestation will all play into determining the cost to get rid of wasps.

Wasps can be stinging and aggressive or relatively docile. Only female wasps sting but many wasps sting repeatedly and if they are aggressive, this can be life threatening to those with allergic reactions. Some wasps build paper or “cell” nests and these typically must be removed.

Removal or stinging insects requires special care. The cost to get rid of wasps will usually start at several hundred dollars for a relatively small infestation to higher prices for more extensive infestations. There is specialized safety equipment and tools necessary and therefore the reason for this price range.

When pricing our services, we take into account many factors such as the square footage, foundation, and geographic location of your home. Though you did mention the square footage of your home, only an inspection by a technician will allow Orkin to give the current cost of the wasp removal service. The technician will be able to identify the species, the severity of the infestation and, of course, other factor already mentioned.

Please contact a local Branch office to schedule an inspection today.

Bugs that look like ants in house

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:52:07 -0500

Question: I was wondering I found these ant looking bugs in my house. The smaller ones look like a regular ant but the bigger one look the same but they have wings could these be a type of termite and if so I think I have found the majority of them. How is the best way to kill them.

ANSWER Ant colonies and termite colonies produce swarmers during a certain time of the year. For ant colonies, these are sometimes called 'flying ants' or swarmers. These individuals are males and females (future queens) and are capable of reproduction. The workers in an ant colony are usually sterile females and can not lay eggs. The process of swarming is important for starting new colonies.

You can distinguish swarming ants from swarming termites by looking closely at some important body parts. (A magnifying glass can help with the identification.) Ants have a narrow waist and bent antennae, and they do not immediately shed their wings. Winged termites have no waist and straight antennae. They shed their wings soon after they emerge. If there is some doubt as to what you have, it might be best to have a professional look at the swarmers to make a determination.

Remove bats in house attic

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 13:41:15 -0500

Question: I have bats in the attic. What is the best way to remove them?

Question: I bought this house and it has bats in the living area since. Can you help. I know they are protected, but I would like to keep my wife.

ANSWER Bats are not easily eliminated from inside the attic or wall voids of a building. In most areas there are restrictions on killing them, so the methods used to 'encourage' them to leave and take up residence somewhere else have to be humane. When bats are roosting in houses or other buildings, the main objective is to get them to leave, and then prevent them from reentering. Netting and other exclusion devices are intended to let bats out, but not let them back in.

Despite the risk of rabies, bats are beneficial in controlling insects. States usually have laws protecting bats. There are no pesticides registered to control bat.

Bat removal should not be undertaken when there are young that might be left behind in the roost, usually form May until mid-August. Check with the local Fish and Game Dept. for the specific timing.

In many areas, the best time to control bats is in late summer or fall (when the bats have left for the winter) and not in spring and summer. Sealing should be done between September and February.

Bats leave their overwintering sites to form 'nursery colonies' in early spring. Attics and spaces between ceilings and the roof are primary "nursery" locations. The young are cared for until they can fly in 3-7 weeks.

After the bats are excluded from the attic or other roost site, you will need to treat the site with a residual insecticide. This will kill mites and bat bugs which may be there. If there is an accumulation of droppings, you will need to take precautions against inhaling fungal spores that cause respiratory diseases. Consider gently wetting the droppings with a disinfectant before trying to remove them.

Are small brownish jumping bugs carpet mites?

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 13:07:58 -0500

Question: We found small brownish jumping bugs, 2mm, very small. I thought it was dirt then, it jumped. They are in the edge of the carpet/tile areas. Is it carpet mites? I know they are not fleas,beetles,silver fish,bed bugs. They are very small. They don't bite or itch, just don't want them in my home.

ANSWER Probably what you have are springtails. This is a good name for them, since they hop by using their tail. Springtails do not bite people or pets, but they can be a nuisance when they occur in large numbers.They are often found in moist locations outside houses. Sometimes they are found inside in kitchens, bathrooms, and ground-level rooms.

These small insects do not reproduce in houses; they simply invade from the outside. They prefer humid locations and must have high humidity to survive. They are easily controlled by vacuuming or finding a way to dry the site.They may also be controlled with the use of an aerosol spray.

The best long-term solution is to dry the location and keep it dry. A dehumidifier may be helpful in a damp basement. If the crawlspace is damp, check to be sure the vents are open and not blocked. If dampness continues to be a problem, look outdoors at drainage. Make sure gutters are clear and downspouts drain away from the house.

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

^{springtail picture}

Related Questions:
The Orkin Man used the information above to also answer the following questions submitted by Orkin.com users.

Question: How do you get rid of springtails?

Question: Looks like we have an infestation of flea-like critters. They jump, aren't easy to squish with just pressure, but don't seem to bite. They're getting into the kitchen, bathroom, and now into some fabric. They have two pronounced antenna and most are smaller than 1-2mm. They are all over the outside of the house, and have appeared most recently when a field behind out house was plowed.

Question: Hi. I've been searching the web forever and can't identify these little critters. They are very small, but visible. They live seemingly in the dirt and rocks outside my home, but do come in frequently. They definitely jump. However, they dont resemble any flea photos I've seen. My best description is like a tiny almost clear colored cockroach.They dont seem to favor any one place, they are absolutely every where. If you could help, Id greatly appreciate it!

Milky colored worms with reddish orange heads

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:54:46 -0500

Question: We recently noticed weird worm/larvae type things in our house, mostly on our couch and chair, last night we noticed them on our curtains and TV as well as cocoons on the curtain. They are less than an inch long, milky color with red/orange heads - any idea what this is and how to get rid of it? I am washing all of my curtains and furniture and carpets this weekend, any input would be great.

ANSWER Maybe what you have are Indian meal moths--the caterpillar stage. The adult moth is brown and tan colored, and the caterpillars are usually a dirty beige, but they can a;so range from green to pink. The caterpillars may appear to be maggots because of their pale color.

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 silken webbing over the surface of the food. The caterpillars often move out and crawl on walls and the ceiling when they are ready to change into adult moths.

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

The best control method is to remove everything from the kitchen cabinets. Inspect all of the packages and discard any food that is infested. Then vacuum the area very well. After vacuuming, replace the material, and vacuum again in about a week.

Try to inspect items that you bring home from the store. As much as possible, store food in sealed containers.

Does table salt kill fleas?

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:04:20 -0500

Question: I am having trouble with fleas, does table salt kill fleas? I cannot call or I would because I'm allergic to flea bites.

ANSWER Table salt might kill a flea, but it will probably not control a flea infestation.

Home flea control begins with treating the animal, then treating the home. Both steps must be done simultaneously. Your yard might need to be treated also.

Read more about Orkin home treatment for fleas.

Avoid bringing bed bugs when you move

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:57:14 -0500

Question: I have questions about Bed Bugs. I am currently renting a room in a house, which I did not know at the time, is infested with Bed Bugs. Since my landlord is not going to fix the problem I am going to move out. I plan to move out, but I would like some information to make sure these bugs are not transported to my new place.

^{Bedbug on Mattress}

1) What should I do about my clothes?

2) What should I do about my luggage/suitcase and briefcase?

3) Is it safe to transport my television and laptop computer?

4) What should I do about my books?

5) What should I do about the moveable book shelf?

ANSWER Bed bugs will usually not infest your clothes, they prefer resting and laying eggs in cracks and crevices. Thy will often nest near the place where they feed at night. They are usually found nesting near beds -- on bed frames, head boards, bedframes, and behind baseboards.

Luggage can become infested, you might want to inspect it carefully. If you are not sure, place your luggage outside on the patio or out in the garage (someplace very cold) for a few days before you pack. (In summer, put the luggage in a black plastic bag and set it out in the direct sunshine for a couple of hours.) The television, laptop, books, and bookshelf should be fine.

Pesticide used to protect the inside and outside of home

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:49:50 -0500

Question: What is the pesticide that is used to protect inside and outside?

Do you come back to re do and when is it necessary to redo? If the chemical gets on your clothes, can it be transferred to say the car seat?

ANSWER In most cases different insecticides are used to treat outside and inside. The actual choice of material will depend on the particular pest that is being treated. The insecticide would not get on your clothes, and it would not be transferred to a car seat.

The local Orkin branch office can provide more details about the service and the service schedule. Please contact them directly.

Book lice control - do I have book lice?

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 21:26:16 -0500

Question: I live in Arlington, Virginia. We have noticed in the last several days small (about the size of a small pepper flake) brownish 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? Are they book lice? How to get rid of them? I did not see anything like them in your pest library on the web site.

ANSWER Probably what you have are psocids (soo - cids) or booklice (an unfortunate name, since they are not really lice nor always associated with books).

These very tiny, pale yellow to brown insects live in humid places like bathrooms and kitchens. Sometimes they can be found in other locations in the house. Most psocids feed on mold and mildew that you cant see. Some are found in or near stored food materials. However, some psocids are associated with cereals and in quite dry kitchen cabinets.

Solving a psocid problem usually starts with solving the moisture or humidity. This will eliminate the mildew that the psocids eat. Many times there is a plumbing leak or clogged drain. In the bathroom you can check the sink drain for leaks. Check the tub trap too - there is often a trap door in a wall near the front of the tub.

In the kitchen, check the pipes under the sink for leaks. If there is moisture, be sure to dry the cabinet thoroughly before replacing everything that is stored there.

When you find psocids on rugs or pieces of furniture, the best control is to lower the humidity, that is, to dry out whatever or wherever these insects have been found. This may mean taking items outside to dry in the sun. When the item is dry, the mildew will die and so will the psocids. A de-humidifier may be necessary in a damp basement.

I have wasps in my attic

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 11:43:42 -0500

Question: I have wasps that are either in my siding or in my attic. Both of these are inaccessible places. What solutions can you provided to rid me of them?

ANSWER Wasps or other yellowjackets 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 yellowjackets does not continue from year to year. Workers and the original queen die when winter comes. 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.

In the fall and during a winter warm spell, sluggish queens can begin emerging inside. Yes, they may sting when they become active this time of year.

The local Branch Office can provide you service, please contact them directly.

How do you know if you have termites?

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 23:56:06 -0500

Question: How do you know if you have termites? Had some winged insects
that came out after a heavy snow day between sidewalk and brick patio.

ANSWER

^{Termite Damage in
Wood Siding}

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 -- the waist, the wings, and the antennae. You'll have to look closely. It helps to have a magnifying glass to make the distinction.

Ants (winged ants) can be distinguished by the presence of a narrow waist. The ants have three distinct body segments. Winged termites seem to have a long slender body that is made of one segment.

^{Termite Damage}

Winged ants, called swarmers, have two pair of uneven-length wings. The front wing is much larger than the back wing. Termite swarmers have two pair of identical wings - the front wings and the back wings are the same.

Ants have antennae that are bent or elbowed. Termites have straight antennae.

If you are still not sure what the insects are, call the local Orkin branch. An inspector can come by and help with the identification.

How or where do bed bug infestations originate?

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 21:10:08 -0500

Question: Hello, I am a 8th grader attending the middle school I.S.119. We are doing a feature article and I had picked the topic on Bed Bugs. I was wondering if you could answer some question for me so I could include them in my article.

You do not have to answer all of the questions I have listed, however, I would appreciate it if you answer as many as possible.

-How or where do the infestations originate? How do I prevent it?
-Would their bites cause any concern?
-How do I know whether I have been bitten?
-How do I know whether or not I have bed bugs?
-What do you think the worst effect from bed bugs are?
-Are there techniques to get rid of bed bugs?
-What was the worst case of bed bugs you've encountered?

Answer: These small, reddish-brown, wingless insects hide during the day. They emerge at night to take a blood meal from people sleeping. Nymphs (immature bed bugs) are whitish until they take a blood meal. Adult bed bugs resemble watermelon seeds.

The bed bug takes several minutes to feed, and then it may not feed again for 2-3 days. Most people do not notice the first few bites. If a person is bitten repeatedly (over a long period of time), he or she might develop skin irritation at the bite sites. The good news is that there have not been any documented cases of bed bugs transmitting diseases to humans.

Bed bugs hide in cracks and crevices. They produce a "sweet" odor This odor can be obnoxious if there are a lot of bed bugs present. Since bed bugs bite people while they are asleep, there are often blood stains on the bedding. People also often find dark stains where the bed bugs hide. These dark stains are the bed bugs' droppings.

Infestations can be brought in with luggage, back packs, or gym bags. People also bring bed bugs home in items that they buy at thrift shops and yard sales. There have even been cases of bed bugs in the seats of a movie theater. People brought bed bugs home in their clothing.

With what is left in the aerosol you can treat the cracks behind 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 treat the entire room. Night stands and picture frames on the wall can also be bed bug hiding places, so be thorough.

Flying bug clinging to light

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 15:02:00 -0500

Question: I think I have identified my bug problem, but want to make sure I'm correct. Are there indian meal moths in PA? I really noticed them flying in the house tonight It appears as if they are a red color under their wings. They cling to light. I see them during the day near my plants & climbing the sunlight filled windows.

ANSWER Probably what you have are Indian meal moths--yes they are in PA. The adult moth is brown and tan colored, and the caterpillars can range from green to pink.

Carpenter bee infestation

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 13:40:35 -0500

Question: I have an infestation of Carpenter Bees. Does Orkin take care of carpenter bee problems or what do i have to do to get rid of them?

ANSWER The Local Orkin Branch will be able to provide this service, call them directly.

Carpenter bees can be a serious problem for owners of conventional houses and log houses. Carpenter bees are the large insects that look like bumble bees. Carpenter bees have shiny abdomens. Bumble bees are covered with tiny hairs, so they look fuzzy.

Carpenter bees create holes in wood around homes. They will make holes in siding, soffits, decks, posts, and the painted and bare wood of barns and sheds. They have evn been found making holes in wooden lawn furniture. These bees make holes in the wood, they do not eat it. They use the holes for nests and for places to deposit their eggs.

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

The treatment involves placing 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 or a dowel. Paint or a surface sealer might make the wood less attractive to carpenter bees.

Backyard tick treatment

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 20:21:15 -0500

Question: I am interested in having my backyard treated for ticks-what are the precautions for tick treatment with dogs and children-I mean, is there a certain amount of time that people and pets have to wait after the treatment before they can go into the treated area?? And is tick treatment needed to be re-occurring?

ANSWER Ticks are difficult to control in the area around the house. They can continue to re-infest from outside this area. They are easily carried in on small animals, such as mice and rabbits.

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, and remove plants that may be attractive for food.

The yard can be sprayed for tick control. Most insecticide labels require that people and pets stay off of the treated surface until it is dry. Because of the effect of weather, the treatment may have to be re-applied periodically. The local Orkin branch office can explain the details of the service. Please call them directly for more information.

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 from those of adult ticks. The nymphs spend most of their time on the ground, in the duff of turfgrass or the ground cover in the wood or the forest edge. This is the same habitat as their host, the white-footed mouse. Treating 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 they play in areas known to be infested.

Related Questions:
The Orkin Man used the information above to answer the questions below.

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

Question:Is there any safe and effective treatment for getting rid of or at least minimizing ticks in our yard?

Question: How do I get rid of ticks and keep them GONE?

Found a flea on my dog

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 18:47:14 -0500

Question: I found one flea on my dog last night. I know that the odds of there being just one are slim to none. Since it is winter time, what is my best bet to control the problem before it becomes a total infestation?

ANSWER You need to treat your dog, and other animals, at the same time.

There are effective on-animal flea control products: many come from the vet, and others are OTC products. Follow the instructions on the labels of these products. Also, clean or treat any pet bedding you ay have.

In your house, vacuum the carpet to remove some of the flea eggs and larvae. This will also remove the organic materials that the larvae eat. The vibration of the vacuum will cause the adult fleas to come out of their cocoons while the carpet treatment is fresh and effective.

Treat the carpet with a combination of insecticide and insect growth regulator. This will get rid of active fleas and prevent future fleas. Be sure the product label states that it is designed for use on carpet. Follow label; directions for application. People and pets should stay off the treated carpet until it is dry. Vacuum regularly after the carpet has been treated.

Here is more information about killing the fleas in your home.

Can you spray for rats?

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 18:39:14 -0500

Question: I'm working in a granite shop, and we have a lot of rats. They are big and ugly. I wonder if there exists any spray or some thing similar which can kill rats. Please let me know.

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

Rats are shy of new things, so leave the traps un-set for a day or two. After the rats get used to them, set the traps. Rat traps are very strong, so be careful. Be sure that children and pets cannot reach the traps.

Baits may be effective, but oftentimes the rat dies behind a wall and there is a lingering odor for several weeks.

The best control program for rats is prevention. Preventing their access to buildings is less expensive and easier than trying to get rid of them once they have arrived. Rats can follow utility lines or tree branches to get onto the roof, and they can climb up downspouts. Once on the roof they can enter the attic through vents. They can move from room to room and apartment to apartment in the attic by following pipes.

Rats can enter through openings as small as a quarter (25¢ coin). All potential access points for rats should be inspected and sealed. Trim tree limbs that hang over the building. Make sure exterior doors close tightly and replace any missing weather-stripping.

Carpenter ant problem in home

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 20:54:13 -0500

Question: We had an ant problem at our home.

They look like carpenter ants according to the pictures on your web site. Since it is still winter time, the ants are not that much (we found 1 or 2 every 2 or 3 weeks.). But during the warm season, there are so many they give us headache (even after we put in different ant-baits). We are just wondering when it is a good time to start the ant-control treatment. Right now when they are still not that much or wait for the warm season when they become active?

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. Carpenter 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 a moisture problem in the house, the ants will seek out wood that has been damaged. They prefer this damp wood over dry, solid wood. Carpenter ants find damaged wood, whether it is 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. They find wood that has been damaged by moisture from a roof leak, a door frame that gets wet from rain, or a downspout or gutter that is not working.

Carpenter ants come into the house for food or water. Many times workers come into the house, get food, and go back outside. Sometimes the ants move the entire colony into the house. And once in a while, the ants make a satellite colony inside the house and leave the main colony outside.

Carpenter ants are active at night and on cloudy days. They move around in trails. It is often possible to follow the line or worker ants to find the nests.

The ideal control for carpenter ants is to locate the nest. A thorough inspection of the house for moisture damaged wood is necessary. Correcting the moisture problem is the first step in the process. When the ant nest is located, it can be removed or treated with insecticide.

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 trail. When the ants start to eat the bait, keep checking to make sure they do not run out of bait. 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.

Related Questions:
The Orkin Man used the information above to also answer the following questions submitted by Orkin.com users.

Question: We have had an ant problem at our home. They look like carpenter ants -- at least they look like the pictures on your web site. Since it is still winter time, the ants are not that much (we found 1 or 2 every 2 or 3 weeks.). But during the warm season, there are so many they give us headache (even after we put in different ant-baits). We are just wondering when is a good time to start the ant-control treatment. Right now when they are still not that much or wait for the warm season when they become active? Thanks.

Question: I didn't have any ants in my house this summer. Now in the dead of winter I have ants all over the lower level of my house What do I do to get rid of them?

Question: Help, we have a live carpenter ant colony under our house.

Question: I live in a heavily wooded area, and I am not sure where to begin with pest management. During my home inspection I was advised I would have to take measures for prevention of carpenter ants and termites. Where do I start?

carpenter ant picture

How to kill hobo spiders

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 20:32:18 -0500

Question: I love Orkin, I also love the men who have helped me. I read an article last night on the internet that said, Hobo spiders can't be killed by anything but traps, and all chemicals do is make the spiders angry, nothing else. Please tell me that is not true.

ANSWER The group of spiders that make up the yellow-sac spiders and Hobo spiders are responsible for a large number of spider bites indoors in the U.S. Hobo spiders are not good climbers, so when they come indoors they are more common on lower floors.

These two spiders are small, yellowish brown. They eat insects which they trap in funnel-lik webs. The hobo spider is concentrated in the Northwest and the yellow-sac spiders are found nearly throughout the U.S.

The first step in controlling spiders is to eliminate the insects around the home. Inspect the outside and seal any openings that they could use to get in. Make sure exterior doors close tightly and replace any damaged weather-stripping. Repair any damaged screens on vents and basement windows. Make sure the access door to the crawl space closes tightly.

Eliminate insect hiding places wherever possible. Rake mulch away from the foundation. Move firewood away from the house. Trim the grass that grows next to the foundation.

Inspect carefully, especially in basements. Remove any spider webbing with a vacuum. Sticky traps are a quick way to remove hunting spiders and males that are seeking mates. Place the traps in corners in dark areas like closets or basements. Make sure children and pets cannot get into the traps. Insecticide will kill spiders, but the treatment must be made to the areas where the spiders hide during the day. Dust insecticide can be effective when it is applied into cracks and crevices. Dust is also an effective treatment for the void inside of a wall.

More information on controlling hobo spiders.

Hobo Spider Video

Related Questions: The Orkin Man used the information above to also answer the following questions submitted by Orkin.com users.

Question: I live in Utah and believe I have thousands of Hobo spiders living around my foundation. Fortunately not many get inside my home for which I have placed spider traps throughout. My question is, do you have a way to eradicate this pest from my home keeping in mind that I am expecting twin boys in the next week or so?

Sugar eating ants

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.

odorous ant illustration

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's not easy to provide estimates without visiting your home. Contact the local Orkin branch office for estimates on the cost of pest control service and for scheduling service.

Related Questions:
The Orkin Man used the information above to also answer the following questions submitted by Orkin.com users.

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 bed bugs live inside wooden beds?

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 innovations 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 correlate 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.

Long, brown, hard shell bug that jumps

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?

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 (no chirping, though; something to be thankful for).

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 supply store may have an insecticide bait for crickets. Try to close up the entrances so new problems can't develop in the future.

Sometimes, you can try using some cockroach bait stations (plastic) or cockroach gel bait where you think they are resting.

camel cricket illustration

Yard has been eaten 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 segments, 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 of 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 granular insecticide once the weather warms and the ground starts to get warm. Always follow label directions for mixing or applying insecticides.

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.

Most common species of mosquito use standing water as the breeding site. The female mosquito lays eggs in almost any standing water -- tin cans, old tires, clogged gutters, birdbaths, and similar items that hold water. The adult mosquitoes often stay fairly close to the breeding site. If there is a problem in the yard or around the house, look first in the yard or adjacent property for standing water.

Fogging the yard or the use of electronic devices may not provide long term control (or even immediate relief). Try to avoid being outdoors at dusk and dawn -- this is when many mosquitoes bite. If you must be outdoors during these times, use repellents and wear light-colored clothing. Lighting citronella candles might help. A slowly rotating fan may keep biting mosquitoes away from porches or patios.

^{Image of an Asian Tiger Mosquito Biting a Human}

Related Questions:
The Orkin Man used the information above to also answer the following questions submitted by Orkin.com users.

Question: How to do mosquito repellent?

Question: I am interested to learn more about your mosquito spraying service. What area does it control, how often do you spray, how much is the service, and what kind of guarantees do you have to control mosquitos? We are building a house in Newbury, MA and am interested in learning about your approach.

Mice & ultrasonic sound devices

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 going 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?

ANSWER There is limited data on how well electronic or high frequency sound devices work for household pest control. These devices may be called ultrasonic, electronic, microvibration, or electromagnetic pest repellers. The manufacturers state that they 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 seem to learn to avoid the mechanisms used. Mice 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.

Go here for more answers on mouse control.

Related Questions:
The Orkin Man used the information above to also answer the following questions submitted by Orkin.com users.

Question: Do the ultrasonic devices by Vector or any of those other companies work at all?

Brown recluse spider prevalence

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

Question: What is the prevalence of Brown Recluse spiders in Western Pennsylvania. I am a nurse practitioner and just saw some a man who was bitten 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. They are called "recluse" spiders because they hide during the day.

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. It is important to be certain that it really is the brown recluse that you have in the house. The light brown color and the violin-shaped mark on the head-thorax region are the best means of identification. There may be other spiders that 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 in cracks and crevices. Follow label directions for applying insecticides. Keep the trapping program up until you don't see any spiders. Then keep a careful watch.

Be sure to find and seal up places where spiders can enter the home so there is not a re-infestation. People have not been known to die from a brown recluse spider bite, but the reaction is nasty. If someone is bitten, get to a physician immediately. If possible, take the spider along for identification.

^{Brown Recluse Spider}

Have both fleas and bedbugs

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.

Read this answer for more information on how to control bed bugs: www.orkin.com/ask-the-orkin-man/i-have-bed-bugs-in-my-apartment

How to locate a wasps nest

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 in my home?

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

Question: How do I get rid of gnats?

I do believe they are gnats 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 they 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 are the most common small fly in houses. They are small, delicate, black flies that are weak flyers and often collect at windows. The immature stages are small and maggot-like, but with dark brown heads. They live in the soil of potted plants. The immature stages feed on the decaying organic material in the soil. They generally do no harm to the plant roots.

The larvae are common in the moist soil of the plants that have been over-watered and the soil remains wet or very moist. This may occur in the fall when plants are brought inside for the winter, or in the winter when house plants (or office plants) are over-watered. Read more about gnat control.

^{Gnat Illustration}

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. Read more about fruit fly control from Orkin.

^{Fruit Fly illustration}

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. Read more about phorid fly control

^{Phorid fly illustration}

Related Questions: The Orkin Man used the information above to also answer the following questions submitted by Orkin.com users.

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?
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?
Question: How can I kill gnats? How much is your service usually?
Question: I have gnats, I think, and I want to know how to get rid of them or how much it would be for you to get rid of them. They are out of control.
Question: We have these pesky, small flies. We have no fruit plants. They seem to come from nowhere and we don't know how to get rid of them without getting rid of our plants or destroying them in the process.
Question: I have these tiny green bugs with wings that I keep finding in one room in my house. I find them dead in the windows, around the floors and on the top of the table. They look like a super tiny mosquito.

Answer: These are probably midges that are active this time of year (outside) and are attracted to lights at night...so it might be helpful to turn off outside lights.
Question: What can I do about "nat" bugs? I have a ton of them on my front door and around my windows at night.
Question: I have these small flies in my bathroom and kitchen areas. They are very small and they show up in bunches and die within a day. I clean the areas but they are back the next day in small amounts & build up. i check your site but am unable to match them up ?
Question: My apartment has been invaded by these tiny flying insects (I think they are gnats). They don't bite, they're just very annoying and are now getting into my refrigerator.
Question: How do you control little flying gnats?
Question: What can we do to get rid of gnats in our office.
Question: Help!! My apartment has become a home to these tiny flying insects. I don't know what they are, I just call them gnats. I don't believe they are mosquitoes because I don't see or feel any bites on me. They buzz by my ear making that tiny high-pitched buzzing sound. I have killed at least 30 of them, but they are next to impossible to catch and kill. I've been swatting at them with anything I can find. I first started noticing them in my bathroom, but now they have taken over the entire place. I know they are crawling on me as I sleep and I can't handle that!! I want to have someone come out and GET RID of THEM! What are they and what should I do?
Question: I have a problem with tiny flying gnats. They are very small - smaller than fruitflies. I have them year round. They are attracted to light and white surfaces. I live in Ohio and there are woods about 50 feet from my house.

What kind of spider do 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.

Bug that looks like a roach with wings

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 most effective strategy to control household cockroaches is plastic station or gel formulation baits. Both are very effective and can be paired with liquid sprays if the situation dictates. These are better than foggers but still take time to work.

Plastic bait stations are most effective when used in corners and recessed areas where cockroaches may transit. The gel formulations are best designed for insertion into cracks and crevices. When placing the bait, select locations that you know the roaches to frequent. After the initial application, continue to monitor the locations and add more baits as its consumed.

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:

It’s often a difficult battle to try and control cockroaches, and an method used is going to take time. The best strategy that I can give is to use baits (in combination with liquid sprays if needed). The most effective applications are gels in plastic syringes and plastic stations.

These two methods have their own applications. The gels are best used in small openings like cracks. Stations, on the other hand, are best used in corners, in cabinets, and under sinks. Be sure to place baits anywhere you’ve experienced cockroach activity. They are durable and will last, but you need to monitor them in case additional applications are needed. With both adults and youth cockroaches eating from the bait, they can quickly become depleted.

Though you want them gone immediately, controlling roaches will take some time. Be patient and remain diligent in your efforts. Results should begin to show in a few weeks.

Related Questions:
The Orkin Man used the information above to also answer the following questions submitted by Orkin.com users.

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?

Question: What is the best way to get rid of roaches inexpensively.

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.

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.

How do you treat bed bug infestations?

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.

^{Bed Bug on Mattress}

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 spring and 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.

Question: Thanks for your prompt response. I have clean and rest mattress 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 mimics 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 and if 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 bed bugs fly? I recently seen something that looked like a bed bug but had wings and flew on the wall?

ANSWER: They do not fly.

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 termites, only inside the aluminum frame.

I have not taken off any other window screens as this was two of two. I was not aware that termites would nest in an aluminum frame. No apparent tracks from the 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 back wings. Winged termites have two pair of same-size wings.

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

^{Winged Termite}

^{Flying Ant}

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.

Related Questions:
The Orkin Man used the information above to also answer the following questions submitted by Orkin.com users.

Question:We have small bugs like ants with wings on the back of them. What would they be?

Question: Hi, I found some kind of insects that hatched...all over my mobile home. They leave things behind that look like wings, separated, with a black vein. They themselves are brown and are about 1/4 in. long and skinny. Do you know what they are? Please help

Question:I live in a rural area, and have a dog & equine. I have 2 questions, 1st: in a few colonies I have found ants with wings, are they flying ants? or termites? 2nd: what is the best way to eliminate ants from my pasture without harming my animals?

Question:I have these little black bugs that have wings on them in my house. The wings have small white markings on them. I know that they are not termites, but I cannot figure out what they are and where they are coming from? Can you give me your thoughts.

Question:How do you tell if you have termites? Had some winged insects that came out after a heavy snow day between sidewalk and brick patio.

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

Question: I have some kind of insect outside that stays mainly in swarms. It looks like an ant, some are small and some are huge, and they have long wings that extend past their bottom. They don't have stingers that we can see. Any ideas on what these might be?? And what we can do to get rid of them??

Question: I am finding light brown winged bugs in my toilets. Are they termites? If not, do you have an idea of what they might be?

House with beam damage from insects

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.

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. .

Carpenter bees in walls and porch

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.

Small, round, brown bugs in house

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?

ANSWER

^{Carpet Beetle Larva Illustration}

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 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 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.

Related Questions: The Orkin Man used the information above to also answer the following questions submitted by Orkin.com users

Question: Trying to id a small dark brown bug...approximately the size of the head of needle or small gnat...slow crawler often remains motionless.
Question: I have a bug in my house and I do not know what kind it is. It is light brown with black spots on its shell. It looks like a tick. It has a hard beetle-like shell and has wings under it. And it has a small head. They are about the size of a pencil eraser. They are crawling on the couch that is built into the wall. I can't find anything that looks like it. We have sprayed twice and some of them are still alive. The bigger ones are about the same, but they have bigger heads and the shell is black with the little bit of light brown on it. If you could please help me to figure this out. And I live by woods if that helps any.
Question: All of a sudden we have very small, black, hard shell beetles getting into everything, they are maybe 1/16 of and inch, very small. They look like miniature ground beetles.
Question: I have these tiny reddish brown oval shaped beetle like bugs. They fly and are mainly around light fixtures and window sills. They seem to be more prevalent in the evening hours. I have tried to identify it but the closest I can come is a plaster beetle. Please help.

Tiny reddish / orange ants

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

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.

You can read more about pharaoh ants in the home here and get general pharaoh ant information here.

pharaoh ant image

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 vacuumed 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. To be thorough, I recommend taking the bed apart. Separate the frame, box spring, and mattress. Every crack, crevice, and seam needs to be diligently cleaned. If you can’t reach an area, use an aerosol spray insecticide (common ones are effective). Heat is, also, an effective tool against bed bugs. Taking a hair dryer set to high and blowing the hot air in potential hiding spots will chase the bed bugs from them. It will, also, kill some of the live ones. Each situation varies, so our local branch will work with you to best treat your situation. Some of the bed bug treatment methods include steam and alcohol-based insecticides.

After cleaning the frame, do the same for your box springs and mattress. Follow-up with a vacuum cleaner after using heat and aerosol is recommended to capture dead bed bugs as well as additional live ones (and any eggs, too). Also, clean the room’s furniture and baseboards. Be sure to focus on getting down into even small cracks to target areas where bed bugs are likely to hide. These are resilient pests and can go long periods without a blood meal. Bed bugs don’t move fast but will travel long distances to feed when necessary, so a thorough inspection of the room is needed. It will likely take more than one thorough cleaning effort to fully remove any bed bug infestation.

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).

^{Treatment for Bedbugs}

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. The first step to treating the problem yourself is taking your bed apart. The frame should be completely deconstructed to reach all cracks and crevices. For any unreachable areas, aerosols are useful. Another effective method of treating for bed bugs is a hair dryer. Turned on high, the heat will chase bed bugs from their hiding places while killing some. You’ll, also, want to treat the box spring and mattress. Professional treatments include insecticides and steam.

Upon cleaning the frame and box spring, target the specific places bed bugs like to hide like cracks in the frame and crevices and seams in the box spring and mattress. Be sure to thoroughly inspect and spray all furniture in the room including walls and baseboards. Getting into cracks and behind the baseboards are essential to killing any bed bugs present. It may not seem necessary to do such a thorough job on the entire room, but bed bugs will travel long distances for a blood meal. Also, be aware that these pests can survive for long periods without nourishment (especially the adults), so bedding not used for a while, a suitcase, or any used furniture brought into the house should be inspected thoroughly.

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Where do silverfish come from?

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?

ANSWER:

The household silverfish (Lepisma saccharina) is rarely found in a natural setting. Usually, they live indoors. They are introduced to the environment in a number of ways, but can survive no matter what area of a house they end up. Silverfish prefer to eat starchy foods, so it’s not a surprise to see them in the kitchen.

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.

It isn’t easy to control household silverfish.

They move around a lot, which makes spraying less effective than treating other household pests, thus applying insecticides is not always effective.

Try spraying insecticide in areas where you’ve seen the silverfish and any other places where they may be hiding. Also, sticky traps are an effective tool.

^Silverfish

^{Silverfish Illustration}

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Question: I put all my children's papers from school in a plastic bin with a cover and kept it in my office. I just opened it and there are little tiny white flat bugs. I also sometimes find them in between papers on my desk. especially in things that have not been touched for a while. Are they just bugs that like the dark and like to hide?
Question: Please tell me what silverfish do to wallpaper and walls. My wallpaper is off the wall at all corners of the seams of my first floor bathroom and open at the seams and now the corners of the kitchen wallpaper seams which is the room on the opposite side of that bathroom are lifting up. Thank you for help.
Answer: They used to be a pest of wallpaper, but with modern glues (inorganic vs. the old wheat paste) silverfish don't attack wallpaper very much anymore. There may be silverfish in these locations, but most likely there because of the harborage...they are there simply because it is a place to hide...not likely the consumed the paste, unless it was the old style past--the new stuff is not a food source.
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Little red spiders on 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 vacuumed them last week, now they are back in droves. How do I get rid of them?

ANSWER You probably have clover mites.

Clover mites are small and reddish. They move quickly. They tend to be the size of a pin head. They are most active in the Spring time. Some regions in the US have problems with them in the fall also.

Usually they reside in turfgrass. But sometimes the mites start to move out of the grass and into houses. Usually they enter homes through windows or doors. They will not infest the house. Since they are plant feeders, they wont bite people or their pets.

You should wash them off the side of the house or vacuum them from inside the home. You may have to use insecticides several times to be effective.

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Residual pesticide vs 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.

Tiny tan worms in my bathroom

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

Question: Hi Orkin man. I have a question. I have these tiny off-white, 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

^{Carpet Beetle Larvae}

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.

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Question: There is a worm-type bug that is in my apartment. They are probably close to a half-inch long and skinny (not flat, but just tiny). They are yellow-ish with dark red/brown heads. When disturbed, they curl up. What are they and how can they be disposed of. A pest control person comes into the apartment every three months and sprays stuff for routine maintenance, but nothing helps with the "worm" problem.

Question: I have these very small worms. I found these dead, but I keep getting more. They look brown and they are curled up.

Powderpost beetles in hickory floor

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 beetle” Is used to describe several different types of wood-infesting insects. The term is used for beetles that infest only softwoods, only hardwoods, and both. In your situation, hardwood floors, I suspect that you have lyctid powderpost beetles--but I'm not sure.

Damage: The damage produced by powderpost beetles can vary from a small round hole the size of pencil lead to a larger oval hole. Look for what’s called frass (wood shavings) near these holes. If there Is some, pick it up and rub it between your fingers. If the frass s soft, it’s from lyctid beetles, and if it feels gritty, then the frass is from anobiid beetles.

Lyctid Powderpost Beetles (Family: Lyctid): 1/8 inch in size, these powderpost beetles can be found throughout a house in hardwood (including flooring). They only like newer hardwoods. These powderpost beetles usually don’t re-infest wood and have a lifespan of 1-2 years.

Anobiid Powderpost Beetles (Family: Anobiidae): These powderpost beetles go for flooring and ceiling joists and wall studs. They are, also, small with a 1-2 year expected lifespan. This powderpost beetle prefers softwoods but will infest hardwoods, too. This is a beetle that re-infests wood and to the point of serious damage.

Control shouldn’t be too difficult to achieve. Once it’s established that the infestation is active, there are a few options. Liquid insecticide will target the areas where the powderpost beetles are since it’s inserted into the materials. If the damage is severe enough, then the flooring can be completely replaced. The final option is for the most extreme cases. This is when a tent it set-up and full fumigation of the structure takes place.

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.

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Question: 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..

Bugs with hard shell and six legs

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.

Bug with 4 legs on each side and 2 pincers

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.

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Tiny red dot bugs in windows and 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.

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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, sort of 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?

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Question: I have little tiny mite-looking red bugs walking on 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.

Question: Hi, I went to open some windows in my house today and noticed on some of my windowsills (mostly just the two windows in our above ground basement) there were what looked like tiny brown paint speckles but they were bugs. Most were not moving and appeared dead but there were a few that were alive and moving. There were also a bunch on the carpet below the windows. They were so tiny I could not even see what the looked like, but I just wondered if you have had experience with this before and if you can give me any info on this bug. Thanks!

House centipede spring and winter

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 10:12:10 -0400

Question: 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?

ANSWER Spray an aerosol insecticides where you see them - possibly cracks and crevices. Or place sticky traps (such as those for cockroaches) in the area. They move fast and can be scary, however they will not harm you.

^{Centipede Crawling}

More info about centipede problems in the home and centipede control.

Tiny black bugs in 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 biscuits they turned them to powder. Could you let me know what they might be and what kind of problems they can cause?

ANSWER Most likely you have one of the many carpet beetle species that can appear inside the various room of houses.

The furniture carpet beetle, Anthrenus flavipes, is the most common of these bugs. This is a small beetle (usually just larger than a pin head), that is mostly oval in shape with a mixture of black and gray patches. It moves very slowly, and rolls over when touched.

The adults can be observed moving slowly on walls. They are active in summer and relatively inactive in the 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 can feed on such a wide variety of items:

wool
leather and other animal products
noodles
flour
meal and other stored food and plant products.

Their feeding habits make them tough to control. They can be everywhere in a house, and control in one location may not eliminate them from another.

Vacuum your laundry room. Then do a thorough cleaning. Looking for any material that could be infested. Throw away what you can. Dry clean and store what is appropriate and hope that you got the bulk of it. These beetles can infest many materials in a house and you may never have them all eliminated.

If there is a heavy infestation, spraying insecticides for carpet beetles can work. However the problem is where to spray. The best advice is to clean up as much as possible and then vacuum as much as possible.

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Question: I live in Denver CO and noticed over the last year or so many little bugs on the walls and lino floor in several rooms of my house, bathroom, dining room. Size is 1/8" or smaller, move very slowly, very flat, dark gray/black color. When squished they leave a brown mark. Many of them so I'm not sure where they came from, I have 4 plants but no pets or children. Curious what the bug is.

Question: I have a very small beetle 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.

Question: I appreciate your company always answering my "bug" questions.
I hope I never need pest control, but if I do, I am going with your company!

My latest question involves a very small black bug- approx. 1/16 inch. It is oval shaped and seems to like windowsills and the baseboards. It moves so slow you don't even realize it is a bug sometimes. Most people probably wouldn't even notice it. I usually just suck them up with a vacuum. I probably find one or two a day (maybe more now than before). They don't seem to bite, don't seem to like food and wander around in the daytime aimlessly. Sometimes I see one crawling on wall. I have never seen more than one at a time except in a corner of a room when I vacuum. What are they?

Can you spray for carpet beetles?

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
Spraying for carpet beetles can be useful when there is a heavy infestation. However, the question is where to spray because they can be anywhere in your home.

Vacuum areas where you suspect the beetles to be and inspect personal materials that could be infested. Throw out infested materials.

More information: how to get rid of carpet beetles.

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?

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.

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 In the meantime, you might consider getting some ant bait stations.

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. You may need to use several different kinds of ant bait, and switch them periodically. Control does take time.