# Pestech - Pest Control and Exterminator services > Serving Poughkeepsie, Ferndale & East Syracuse NY ## Pages - [Moving](https://pestech.com/moving/): Start a New Chapter in a Home Free of Pests Your new home deserves a fresh start without pest problems... - [PestFree365 - Preventative Pest Control for Your Home](https://pestech.com/programs/pestfree365/) - [Terms of Use](https://pestech.com/terms-of-use/): Introduction 1. 1 These terms and conditions shall govern your use of our website https://pestech. com/. 1. 2 By using... - [Pest Control for Rome, New York](https://pestech.com/oneida-county/rome/) - [Pest Control Locations](https://pestech.com/about-us/pest-control-locations/) - [Rensselaer County](https://pestech.com/rensselaer-county/) - [Places To Find Us On The Web](https://pestech.com/places-to-find-us-on-the-web/) - [Columbia County, NY, Pest Control Services](https://pestech.com/columbia-county-ny-pest-control-services/) - [Delaware County, NY, Pest Control Services](https://pestech.com/pest-control-for-delaware-county-new-york/) - 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[Contact Us](https://pestech.com/contact-us/): Get immediate and long-term protection from pests Do you need to speak with a certified Pestechnologist? If you’re having a... ## Posts - [Why Squirrels Are Dangerous to Your Home](https://pestech.com/blog/why-squirrels-are-dangerous-to-your-home/): You have likely never heard the words “squirrel” and “dangerous” in the same sentence. These rodents are usually viewed as... - [Tick-Borne Diseases on the Rise in New York: Are You at Risk?](https://pestech.com/blog/tick-borne-diseases-on-the-rise-in-ny/): Over the last few years, the number of ticks and tick-borne diseases in New York has significantly grown. If you... - [Most Common Fall Invaders in New York (And How to Get Rid of Them)](https://pestech.com/blog/common-ny-fall-invaders-and-how-to-get-rid-of-them/): You may have noticed an influx of pests in and around your home or business during the fall. Pests come... - [Things You're Doing to Attract Ants in Your Home](https://pestech.com/blog/why-ants-love-your-home/): If you’re having a problem with ants invading your home, don’t panic. There are several practical steps you can take... - [How To Get Rid of Mosquitos](https://pestech.com/blog/how-to-get-rid-of-mosquitos/): The hot weather in summer is a great time for the outdoors. However, if you live in areas prone to... - [Types of Termites and How to Get Rid of Them](https://pestech.com/blog/types-of-termites-and-how-to-get-rid-of-them/): No one wants to find termites around their property. These insects reproduce quickly and chew up wood, actually eating the... - [What Are Carpenter Bees and What Damage Do They Cause?](https://pestech.com/blog/what-are-carpenter-bees/): Bees are a hallmark of summer. Although nostalgic for some, these buzzing insects can make others feel uncomfortable. The good... - [A Guide to the Most Common Rodents in New York](https://pestech.com/blog/most-common-rodents-in-new-york-state/): New York is the most populous U. S. city, but humans aren’t the only inhabitants — countless rats and other... - [Nuisance Wildlife Species in New York — Identification and Control Measures for Homeowners and Businesses](https://pestech.com/blog/new-york-pest-wildlife/): Animals and insects in their natural habitat are usually not a problem. Sadly, human-caused habitat loss is a threat to... - [What to Know About Bed Bugs When Traveling](https://pestech.com/blog/what-to-know-about-bed-bugs-when-traveling/): When you’re getting ready to travel, pests may be the last thing on your mind. However, they’re worth preparing for,... - [What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?](https://pestech.com/blog/what-do-bed-bugs-look-like/): Could anything be worse than having tiny bugs crawl over you and bite you in the night? Unfortunately, statistics indicate... - [How Pest Control Can Help You Prepare for an SQF Audit](https://pestech.com/blog/how-pest-control-helps-prepare-for-sqf-audit/): A Safe Quality Food (SQF) audit is required by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) to ensure your business is... - [Surefire Signs of a Possible Pest Infestation](https://pestech.com/blog/signs-of-a-pest-infestation/): Pest infestations bring unwelcomed insects, rodents and more into your home, business and property. You must prevent the destruction and... - [The Most Common Kitchen Restaurant Pests](https://pestech.com/blog/most-common-kitchen-restaurant-pests/): Pests are attracted to food, making your restaurant an ideal place for them to want to be. New York has... - [7 Most Common Bugs in Hotels](https://pestech.com/blog/most-common-bugs-in-hotels/): Running a business in the hospitality industry can be a challenging task, and when pests are added to the equation,... - [Why Are Pests Such a Problem in Schools?](https://pestech.com/blog/why-pests-problem-in-schools/): While schools are meant to provide a safe and comfortable learning space for kids, pests can quickly disrupt that environment.... - [6 Bugs That Eat Clothes — And How to Protect Your Retail](https://pestech.com/blog/bugs-that-eat-clothes/): Fabric bugs or clothing bugs are a group of fabric-eating bugs usually found outdoors. They come indoors because of a... - [How to Control Pests in Hospitals and Health Care Facilities](https://pestech.com/blog/control-pests-hospitals-health-care-facilities/): Hospitals and health care facilities must maintain high levels of sanitation and cleanliness to prevent the spread of pathogens and... - [Who Is Responsible for Pest Control in a Rental Property?](https://pestech.com/blog/pest-control-in-rental-property/): Whether you’re a tenant or landlord, pest control for rental properties is essential to maintain a safe and habitable environment.... - [Most Common New York Pests](https://pestech.com/blog/most-common-ny-pests/): New York is home to various pests, from carpenter ants and cluster flies to wildlife like mice and bats. These... - [Bed Bug Life Cycle](https://pestech.com/blog/bed-bug-life-cycle/): Bed bugs are sneaky — you might not realize that you have been bit by one due to the anesthetic... - [German Cockroach vs. Water Bug: How to Tell the Difference](https://pestech.com/blog/german-cockroaches-vs-water-bugs/): When you notice an insect in your home, you usually don’t have the time or extensive knowledge to identify it.... - [What Are Bald-Faced Hornets?](https://pestech.com/blog/bald-faced-hornets/): As a homeowner, you want to ensure you’re keeping harmful pests away from your home. Insects can be especially detrimental,... - [Vole vs. Mouse: What's the Difference?](https://pestech.com/blog/vole-vs-mouse/): Some people find voles and mice adorable. They scurry around with tiny paws, little whiskers, cartoonish ears and innocent-looking faces.... - [What to Do When You Have Crickets in the Basement](https://pestech.com/blog/crickets-in-the-basement/): While crickets are not dangerous, they are a nuisance and can potentially damage your belongings. If you believe you have... - [Swarmer Pests](https://pestech.com/blog/swarmer-pests/): Swarmer Pests Swarmer pests result from the reproductive activities of highly organized insect colonies, consisting of various social classes. The... - [Termites vs. Ants](https://pestech.com/blog/termites-vs-ants/): Termites vs. Ants Ants and termites are swarmers — the members of their reproductive castes grow wings and swarm during... - [How to Prepare for Termite Season](https://pestech.com/blog/how-to-prepare-for-termite-season/): How to Prepare for Termite Season Most homeowners prefer to keep a healthy distance between termite colonies and their living... - [Baby Raccoons: Things You Should Know](https://pestech.com/blog/baby-raccoons-faq/): Raccoons are one of those cute animals you want to faun over from a safe distance. While they’re undoubtedly cute,... - [Where Do Stink Bugs Hide In a Home](https://pestech.com/blog/stink-bugs-hiding-places/): Where Do Stink Bugs Hide In a Home With their unpleasant odor and knack for infestation, stink bugs do an... - [Raccoon Dangers to Be Aware Of](https://pestech.com/blog/raccoon-dangers-to-be-aware-of/): Since raccoons look like cute, harmless animals, you may be surprised to learn they carry several health risks. Because raccoons... - [A Guide to Carpet Beetles](https://pestech.com/blog/guide-to-carpet-beetles/): Whether you are fond of our insect friends or grimace whenever you see one, carpet beetles are a foe through... - [Risks of Bug Bombs and Foggers](https://pestech.com/blog/risks-of-bug-bombs-and-foggers/): No matter where you live or how clean you are, pests can find their way in. By the time you... - [Pest Prevention for Homes With Pets](https://pestech.com/blog/pet-friendly-pest-control/): Keeping your pet safe can be a complex operation. While you’ve opened your heart and home to them and made... - [Most Common School Pest Infestations](https://pestech.com/blog/most-common-school-pest-infestations/): Parents depend on schools to be safe, engaging places for their children to learn and grow. This means providing good... - [Cleaning Tips for a Pest-Free Home](https://pestech.com/blog/cleaning-tips-for-pest-free-home/): Having the peace of mind that comes with a pest-free home is attainable and well within the realm of possibility,... - [Cockroach Prevention Tips](https://pestech.com/blog/cockroach-prevention-tips/): Cockroach infestations are frustrating to deal with and notoriously difficult to handle on your own. Yet, every year, these annoying... - [Ways to Winter Pest-Proof Your Home or Business](https://pestech.com/blog/winter-pest-proofing/): When winter is on the way, it’s a good idea to do some preparation work on homes and businesses for... - [5 Pest Prone Areas in Retail Stores](https://pestech.com/blog/pest-prone-areas-in-retail-stores/): There are many responsibilities when it comes to owning and operating a retail store. Be vigilant of the most common... - [Effective Rodent Control Tips](https://pestech.com/blog/rodent-control-tips/): We’re looking to give you the tips to not only get rid of these rodents but help prevent the problem... - [5 Rodent Prevention Methods for Schools](https://pestech.com/blog/rodent-prevention-methods-for-schools/): As students and staff go about their day, teaching, learning and navigating the halls, they should be confident in knowing... - [10 Ways to Repel Mosquitoes at Home](https://pestech.com/blog/how-to-repel-mosquitoes/): It’s important to protect yourself and your family from mosquitoes because these pesky insects can carry dangerous diseases. There is... - [How to Keep Mice Out of Your Warehouse](https://pestech.com/blog/keep-mice-out-of-warehouses/): Many warehouses are vast, open structures filled with materials. The same characteristics that make these warehouses ideal places for shipments... - [How to Keep Flies Away From Food](https://pestech.com/blog/how-to-keep-flies-away-from-food/): How to Keep Flies Away From Food Sharing an outdoor meal with friends and family is an enjoyable and unique... - [How to Get Rid of Ladybugs](https://pestech.com/blog/how-to-get-rid-of-ladybugs/): While some insects are pretty to observe, they’re far more fun to look at when they’re not inside your house... - [How to Prepare Your Yard for Mosquito Season](https://pestech.com/blog/how-to-prepare-yard-for-mosquitoes/): Mosquitoes live in almost every part of the world. Many types of mosquitoes bite humans and animals, causing itchy, raised... - [Food Safety With Pest Control](https://pestech.com/blog/food-safety-with-pest-control/): As pests are naturally attracted to food, the food industry is particularly vulnerable to pest infestations. And as pests pose... - [Allergies Caused by Pests](https://pestech.com/blog/allergies-caused-by-pests/): Pests carry bacteria as they travel from one property to another. You might be familiar with the bites and bumps... - [Heat vs. Residual Sprays: Treatment for Bed Bugs](https://pestech.com/blog/bed-bug-treatment-heat-vs-sprays/): Bed bugs are a common problem in the tri-state area. While these pests used to be associated with crowded buildings,... - [How to Keep Nuisance Wildlife Out of Your Home or Business](https://pestech.com/blog/how-keep-nuisance-wildlife-out/): Wildlife can sneak into your New York home or business looking for food and warm shelter. Your neighbors might have... - [23 Bed Bug FAQs You're Itching to Ask](https://pestech.com/blog/questions-about-bed-bugs/): If you’ve been suffering from itchy red spots or unexplained hives or have spotted blood stains around your house and... - [Termite Damage](https://pestech.com/blog/termite-damage/): Termite Damage: Everything You Need to Know Termites are an important part of the earth’s ecology. They usually feed on... - [Emotional Effects of Pest Infestations](https://pestech.com/blog/emotional-effects-of-pest-infestations/): Aside from the physical health concerns surrounding pests and the damage they can do to your home or business, an... - [DIY Commercial Pest Inspection Checklist](https://pestech.com/blog/diy-commercial-pest-inspection-checklist/): If you own a business, integrated pest management (IPM) services can help you eliminate pest activity to maintain the integrity... - [Home Pest Inspection Checklist](https://pestech.com/blog/home-pest-inspection-checklist/): Your home comes with the possibility of rodents, insects and other wildlife visiting you. These critters tend to sneak in... - [Houseplants That May Attract Pests](https://pestech.com/blog/pest-attracting-houseplants/): Plants have long been a popular way to bring some of the great outdoors into the home. Whether you have... - [5 Common Houseplant Pests](https://pestech.com/blog/common-houseplant-pests/): Bringing a plant indoors can bring pests along with it into your home. In other cases, your houseplants might naturally... - [Home Entry Points for Pests](https://pestech.com/blog/home-entry-points-pests/): It’s been said that love knows no bounds, and that’s certainly true when it comes to the love pests have... - [How to Protect Your Plants From Pests](https://pestech.com/blog/protect-houseplants-pests/): Houseplants are a joy to have around the home, but the happiness plants bring can quickly sour if they become... - [Houseplants That Deter Insects](https://pestech.com/blog/pest-repelling-houseplants/): Your home is where you go to be with your family and rest up after a hard day’s work, so... - [Top 5 Most Expensive Pest Infestations to Exterminate](https://pestech.com/blog/expensive-pest-infestations/): You definitely don’t want any type of pest infestation in your home, but certain kinds can be more expensive to... - [Everything You Need to Know About Pests and Gardening](https://pestech.com/blog/garden-pest-prevention/): Gardens are a perfect way to beautify your yard and grow your own produce. Some studies even suggest gardening is... - [Is Pest Control Worth It?](https://pestech.com/blog/are-pest-services-worth-it/): We humans must share the earth with all types of pests — everything from rodents and bed bugs to ants,... - [Known Diseases Carried by NY Pests](https://pestech.com/blog/ny-pest-diseases/): Having pests in your home is annoying, but pest infestations can also cause problems beyond annoyance. Some pests are known... - [What Happens to Pests in the Winter?](https://pestech.com/blog/winter-pest-activity/): Between the icy roads, dry skin and freezing temperatures, there isn’t much to look forward to when snow begins to... - [Bed Bugs in Hotels](https://pestech.com/blog/bed-bugs-hotels/): Bed Bugs in Hotels: Everything You Need to Know Travelers visit hotels and resorts to get some well-deserved rest and... - [Pest Exclusion](https://pestech.com/blog/pest-exclusion/): When you need a reliable pest control team in New York on your side, Pestech Pest Solutions is ready to... - [Do Cockroaches Lay Eggs in Clothes](https://pestech.com/blog/do-cockroaches-lay-eggs-clothing/): You may have stumbled across this blog because you’ve seen a cockroach egg and are looking for answers, or you... - [Little Known Facts About Termites](https://pestech.com/blog/interesting-termite-facts/): When you think of the word “termite,” you may find yourself imagining all the squeamish things associated with the term... - [Common Spider Species in New York and Where They’ll Be Hiding](https://pestech.com/blog/common-ny-spiders/): For many Americans, spiders evoke a sense of fear. In fact, according to Chapman University’s Survey of American Fears in... - [Why Are Raccoons Pests?](https://pestech.com/blog/why-are-raccoons-pests/): Have you ever heard rustling or rummaging near your trash at night? From Canada, through the U. S. and down... - [The Difference Between Mice and Rats](https://pestech.com/blog/mice-vs-rats/): While mice and rats have a few traits in common, they are separate species. Depending on which type of rodent... - [Got Mice? When to Call an Exterminator](https://pestech.com/blog/mice-when-to-call-exterminator/): Eek! A mouse in the house! As the weather gets colder, mice start looking for warm places to stay, including... - [Commercial Entry Points for Pests](https://pestech.com/blog/commercial-entry-points-pests/): The cleanliness, appearance and safety of your business’ facilities play a significant role in what customers, especially first-time customers, think... - [How to Identify Bed Bug Bites](https://pestech.com/blog/identify-bed-bug-bites/): Bed bugs are tiny parasites that feed on blood from humans and other warm-blood animals, though the two main species... - [Five Pests That Stick Around During Winter in New York](https://pestech.com/blog/pests-that-stick-around-during-winter-ny/): In New York, you’re used to seeing plenty of bugs in the spring and summer. One of the advantages of... - [Top 3 Hardest Pests to Get Rid Of](https://pestech.com/blog/hardest-pests-get-rid-of/): If you spot a pest in your home, you may wonder if you have a serious infestation. Luckily, you can... - [Tick Awareness](https://pestech.com/blog/tick-awareness/) ## Pests - [Stink Bugs](https://pestech.com/pests/stink-bugs/) - [Mosquitoes](https://pestech.com/pests/mosquitoes/) - [Mice](https://pestech.com/pests/mice/): Identification Roof Rats are 6 to 8 inches and normally a grown to gray-black color. The tail is longer than... - [Ants](https://pestech.com/pests/ants/) - [Birds](https://pestech.com/pests/birds/) - [Termites](https://pestech.com/pests/termites/) - [Bed Bugs](https://pestech.com/pests/bed-bugs/) - [Bats](https://pestech.com/pests/bats/) - [Fleas](https://pestech.com/pests/fleas/) - [Spiders](https://pestech.com/pests/spiders/) - [Cockroaches](https://pestech.com/pests/cockroaches/): ggs # # Detailed Content ## Pages - Published: 2026-06-05 - Modified: 2026-06-08 - URL: https://pestech.com/moving/ Start a New Chapter in a Home Free of Pests Your new home deserves a fresh start without pest problems tagging along. Just focus on settling in, and we’ll make sure pests aren’t part of the welcome. (844) 482-3922 Moving to a new place? At Pestech Pest Solutions, we know relocating comes with enough stress. That’s why we’re offering a move-in pest protection special to give you one less thing to worry about. When you schedule service before your move, our technicians will secure your new property so it’s protected the moment you walk through the door. Our team will inspect your new property and develop a custom treatment plan. We’ll identify potential trouble spots and create a protective barrier before you even arrive. Plus, as a new move-in customer, you’ll qualify for exclusive offers and special savings. Consider it our way of welcoming you home! (844) 482-3922 Our Three-Step Process 1. Share your new address When you connect with our team, make sure to provide your new property details. We’ll schedule your move-in treatment around your timeline. 2. Get a custom protection plan A Pestech Pest Solutions technician will inspect the property and create a personalized treatment strategy based on any existing pest issues and vulnerable areas. We’ll walk you through everything and confirm your move-in special. 3. Arrive to a protected home Before the moving boxes come off the truck, we’ll have already treated your new home. Your first night will feel comfortable, safe, and free of pests.... - Published: 2026-03-20 - Modified: 2026-04-21 - URL: https://pestech.com/terms-of-use/ Introduction 1. 1 These terms and conditions shall govern your use of our website https://pestech. com/. 1. 2 By using our website, you accept these terms and conditions in full; accordingly, if you disagree with these terms and conditions or any part of these terms and conditions, you must not use our website. 1. 3 If you register with our website, submit any information to our website or use any of our website services, we ask you to expressly agree to these terms and conditions. 1. 4 You must be at least 16 years of age to use our website; and by using our website or agreeing to these terms and conditions, you warrant and represent to us that you are at least 16 years of age. 1. 5 Our website uses cookies; by using our website or agreeing to these terms and conditions, you consent to our use of cookies in accordance with the terms of our privacy policy. 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Reviews Products We Use Blog Contact US Search Search Search Search Pest Solutions Contact Us Login Menu Online Guides Home › Online Guides Everything You Need to Know About American Cockroaches November 24, 2020 By Pestech Pest Solutions Guide to U.S. Cockroaches Does the word “cockroach” make you shiver? No one wants to open a kitchen cabinet, or worse, a box of cereal, and find two antennae pointing at them. Yet, cockroaches are one of the most common pests in homes and businesses, and these six-legged critters are tough. Cockroaches have been around […] Mice Pests November 24, 2020 By Pestech Pest Solutions Are Mice Pests? Mice may be cute in a cartoon, but it’s a different story when they invade your home or business. If you’ve found mouse droppings, chewed-through food packaging or heard scurrying behind your walls, you probably can’t wait to kick... - Published: 2020-07-22 - Modified: 2025-07-11 - URL: https://pestech.com/contact-us/ Get immediate and long-term protection from pests Do you need to speak with a certified Pestechnologist? If you’re having a pest issue and want to know what we can do to help, or even if you just have a question you want answered, then get in touch with us! We’re right down the road. Name* Email* Zip* Phone* Pest * By providing your phone number, you agree to receive transactional text messages and/or calls using automated means from Pestech Pest Solutions, a Rentokil-Terminix Brand. Please visit our Privacy Policy or Terms and Conditions for more information. Message frequency will vary. Message & data rates may apply. To opt out, you can reply “STOP” at any time or “HELP” for more information or assistance. Your consent is not a condition of purchase. Is fire hot or cold? Δdocument. getElementById( "ak_js_1" ). setAttribute( "value", ( new Date ). getTime ); ## Posts - Published: 2024-10-10 - Modified: 2024-10-10 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/why-squirrels-are-dangerous-to-your-home/ You have likely never heard the words "squirrel" and "dangerous" in the same sentence. These rodents are usually viewed as cute outdoor animals, busy collecting nuts and waving their fluffy tails in the fall breeze. They're considered a staple of typical American neighborhoods, and most homeowners ignore them or even feed them. However, squirrels can cause significant damage if they decide to gnaw into your home. During their nesting season, squirrels may decide to have babies inside your insulation. Once indoors, they'll chew on structural wood, electrical wiring and even plumbing. If you have a squirrel infestation, it's essential to call a pest control company as soon as possible. Signs of a Squirrel Infestation Here are a few squirrel infestation signs to look for: Sounds of running in the attic Visible gnaw marks Droppings and urine stains Most homeowners notice strange noises coming from their attic first. Further investigation will help you discover if you have a squirrel problem — look for droppings, gnaw marks and disturbed insulation. Squirrels often tear apart insulation for their nests. Sometimes, homeowners find a nest of squirrel babies when examining their attic. Walk around your home and examine your roof for gnawed holes where squirrels have gained entry. In some cases, you might even see squirrels entering or exiting your home through the roof. Once inside, squirrels may also gnaw through wood, electric wiring or other materials to help keep their teeth short. Sometimes, it may be challenging to tell whether you have a... - Published: 2024-09-06 - Modified: 2024-09-06 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/tick-borne-diseases-on-the-rise-in-ny/ Over the last few years, the number of ticks and tick-borne diseases in New York has significantly grown. If you live in New York, it’s important to understand where ticks live, what they look like and how to avoid being bitten. Ticks carry several dangerous and potentially life-threatening diseases. Knowing your risks and understanding how to respond after a tick bite is important for both homeowners and business owners living in New York State. Although they're more likely in rural areas, tick bites can also occur in the middle of a city. Thankfully, you can take many preventative measures to protect yourself, your family or your clients from tick bites. Use this guide to learn more about tick-borne diseases in New York and how to stay safe while enjoying the great outdoors. Tick-Borne Disease in New York Many people are concerned about tick bites because they can spread Lyme disease, an extremely serious illness. In 2022, New York had the sixth-highest incidence rate for Lyme disease in the United States. That same year, New York had the highest number of cases by far, with more than twice as many as the next highest state. Tick populations have been rising for several years. From 1991 to 2018, reported cases of Lyme disease in the U. S. have almost doubled. In New York State specifically, there are over 7,000 tick-borne illness cases reported every year. However, Lyme is only one of several tick-borne diseases in New York. These pests can also spread... - Published: 2024-07-29 - Modified: 2024-09-20 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/common-ny-fall-invaders-and-how-to-get-rid-of-them/ You may have noticed an influx of pests in and around your home or business during the fall. Pests come inside for different reasons, like mating or raising their offspring. Some are seeking shelter, water and food. Regardless of their reason for coming inside, it’s much healthier and safer for you to keep them out! These eight pests are the most common fall invaders in New York. Learn about each type to prevent them from entering your building and correctly respond if they do. If you are struggling with a pest invasion, contact a professional pest control service to help you become pest-free again. Spider Infestations While some spiders live inside your home permanently, others prefer to live outside. House spiders tend to be spindly, while outside spiders are often beefy, hairy and more likely to send a tingle down your spine. Unlike many other pests, spiders don’t come inside to get warm. They can survive in cold temperatures due to several amazing survival mechanisms, like entering a temporary state of dormancy. If you experience an influx of creepy spiders during the fall, they're most likely looking for a mate. There are several things you can do to prevent seeing spiders inside: Seal up any cracks or crevices around windows and doors. Keep windows and doors closed during the fall season. Treat your home’s interior and exterior for spiders. Wolf spiders are a common species that comes indoors during the fall. This species can get large, and they eat insects... - Published: 2024-06-20 - Modified: 2026-07-08 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/why-ants-love-your-home/ If you’re having a problem with ants invading your home, don’t panic. There are several practical steps you can take right away to help with the problem. Like other pests, ants come inside in search of three things — food, water or shelter. To kick ants out of your house, you can make food and water inaccessible. Ants are hard-working foragers, and they’ll look elsewhere if they can’t meet their needs inside your house. In some cases, sealing up food and water might not be enough — especially if the ants in your home eat wood and live inside the walls. If you try these steps and the ant invasion doesn’t go away, a professional pest control service is your next line of defense. What Attracts Ants in My Home? In the wild, ants find food, water and shelter in various ways. However, it’s often easier to access these resources inside a structure like your home. When ants move indoors, they also escape the perils of nature, like weather and predators. Food Sources Food is the number one thing attracting ants to your home. If you leave dirty dishes in the sink, have crumbs on the floor or leave food containers accessible, ants may show up to investigate and carry the crumbs away. Ants have a strong sense of smell and like to eat many different things: Sugar Carbs Grease Salt Protein Because they’re attracted to sweet smells, they may also enter your house in pursuit of laundry detergent, candles... - Published: 2024-05-24 - Modified: 2024-09-20 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/how-to-get-rid-of-mosquitos/ The hot weather in summer is a great time for the outdoors. However, if you live in areas prone to mosquitoes, these pests can interrupt your time spent outside. Mosquitoes can live outdoors and indoors and are active throughout the day and night. There are over 3,500 species of mosquitoes, and they all belong to the Culicidae family. Through their bites, mosquitoes can transmit infectious diseases like yellow fever, malaria, Zika, West Nile Virus and dengue. Mosquito control is essential to the safety and health of everyone — learn more about the prevention and removal of these pests. Understanding the Threat: Why Mosquito Control Is Essential Many consider mosquitoes to be humanity's most dangerous animal due to their ability to spread a large number of deadly diseases. According to the World Health Organization, the Anopheline mosquito causes an estimated 219 million malaria cases globally and results in over 400,000 deaths annually. Dengue, spread by the Aedes mosquito, causes over 96 million cases and 40,000 deaths a year. Besides the danger of spreading diseases, mosquitoes are also a nuisance. They can can cause itching and discomfort, and may trigger allergies in some people. Whether at home, a hotel or a restaurant, the presence of mosquitoes is not pleasant. The pests diminish the quality of life for people who are affected, making it essential to eradicate these pests. Mosquitoes are found everywhere in the world, with the exception of Antarctica. Female mosquitoes lay eggs in water, so controlling and monitoring any standing... - Published: 2024-05-08 - Modified: 2024-09-20 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/types-of-termites-and-how-to-get-rid-of-them/ No one wants to find termites around their property. These insects reproduce quickly and chew up wood, actually eating the inside of your home or business. Because they live inside the walls and floor, termites can cause significant structural damage before they’re discovered. Thankfully, treatment options are available so you can rescue your property from these hungry insects. Keep reading to learn more about the types of termites you may encounter, how to look for signs of an infestation and what to do if you suspect you have a termite problem. The Impact of Termites on Your Home Termite damage is serious because it can cause structural issues that affect a building's safety. To gain energy, termites eat through wood, creating passages that weaken the wood’s integrity. While searching for wood they can eat, termites may also chew through electrical wires, drywall and other interior components. Well-established colonies will send winged termites to create new colonies elsewhere, further spreading damage. The longer termites work uninhibited, the more expensive it will be to repair the damage to a building. Which Termites Do the Most Damage? You'll find many different species of termites, and some do more damage than others. For example, Formosan termites reproduce very quickly and can weaken structures much faster than other species. The termites that do the most damage are the ones you don’t find — those that live inside your walls for years, silently eroding the building's structure until it has extensive deterioration. To protect yourself from... - Published: 2024-04-23 - Modified: 2024-09-19 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/what-are-carpenter-bees/ Bees are a hallmark of summer. Although nostalgic for some, these buzzing insects can make others feel uncomfortable. The good news is that most bees aren’t the least interested in people. They have plenty to do throughout the summer, and bothering humans isn’t on their list. Unfortunately, sometimes regular bee activity can cause active harm — like when carpenter bees riddle your porch or shed with so many holes that the structure is no longer safe. Here’s everything you need to know about carpenter bees and how to handle these industrious insects. Signs of Carpenter Bee Infestation How can you tell if you have carpenter bees? There are a few tell-tale signs that will let you know if these insects are buzzing around your home: Wood shavings, also known as “frass” Holes bored into wooden materials Sightings of large yellow and black bees Carpenter bees are sometimes confused with bumblebees because they’re similar in size and shape. However, bumblebees live in the ground and don’t ever drill holes in wood. If you see a large bee climbing out of a hole in your porch, you have carpenter bees. How to Identify Carpenter Bees You can identify carpenter bees by their appearance and behavior. Carpenter bees have similar coloring to bumblebees, but their abdomens are a smooth, shiny black instead of yellow. The way these bees fly is also different — bumblebees typically have smooth, straight flight paths, while carpenter bees zigzag and chase each other. Although you’ll find both types... - Published: 2024-04-09 - Modified: 2024-04-23 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/most-common-rodents-in-new-york-state/ New York is the most populous U. S. city, but humans aren't the only inhabitants — countless rats and other rodents have also made their home in the Big Apple. Brown and black rats arrived in America about 250 years ago on ships from Europe and Asia. But rats are not the only concerning rodents in the state. This article explores the most common types of rodents in New York state and discusses the dangers of rodent infestations. New York's Rodent Population Chicago has been home to America's largest rat population for nine consecutive years, closely followed by Los Angeles. However, New York's rat community has increased by an estimated 1 million in the past decade, swelling to approximately 3 million rats. These numbers continue to grow. One of the primary causes of the increasing rat population in New York is the abundance of waste in the city — a tempting buffet for rodents who feast on the food scraps. Most rodents use familiar routes, frequenting areas where they have found food before. In addition to rats, mice, squirrels and chipmunks are other rodents that plague New York property owners. These rodent populations are smaller, with over 2,000 squirrels living in Central Park. Identifying the Most Common Rodents in New York Knowing which rodents could threaten your property and health is essential. In this list of common rodents in New York, we'll discuss the characteristics of each rodent so you know what to look for. Rats — The Dominant Rodent... - Published: 2024-02-05 - Modified: 2024-09-19 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/new-york-pest-wildlife/ Animals and insects in their natural habitat are usually not a problem. Sadly, human-caused habitat loss is a threat to wildlife species’ survival. Driven out of their homes, many animals gravitate to cities and towns searching for food. Accessible garbage bags in homes and restaurants provide an accessible food source for pests. During the winter or breeding season, wildlife can seek shelter and protection in any building with entry — and most pests can fit through tiny spaces. Many wild animals in NYC carry diseases that can harm the pets and people they live alongside. All this easy access to food and shelter means higher reproduction rates, so the pest problem keeps growing. To keep living conditions sanitary, it’s imperative to identify and manage pests that invade human living spaces. Pestech Pest Solutions expertly serves property owners in New York while maintaining ecological balance and ethically removing pests. Keep reading to learn more about identifying and controlling pest populations in New York. Identifying Common Nuisance Wildlife Species in New York Neighborhoods When people think about pests in New York, they may picture animals like rats. However, many other kinds of wildlife have adapted to city life across New York state — including raccoons, squirrels, rabbits and coyotes. Understanding New York's Diverse Wildlife Habitat In New York City, diverse wildlife habitats include wetlands, forests and meadows in the parks and suburbs. The more rural parts of the state are home to many stunning state parks with forests and lakes. Due to... - Published: 2023-11-20 - Modified: 2024-04-23 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/what-to-know-about-bed-bugs-when-traveling/ When you're getting ready to travel, pests may be the last thing on your mind. However, they're worth preparing for, especially if you're staying in hotels or rental homes during your trip. Specifically, travelers often encounter bed bugs in accommodations away from home, and these pests can become a severe nuisance quickly. Unlike other pests, bed bugs can be difficult to get rid of, so it's essential to understand how to protect against them while traveling. Understanding and Identifying Bed Bugs Bed bugs are reddish-brownish-colored, wingless insects that are roughly the size of an apple seed. While they're not known to spread diseases, their bites cause allergic reactions and severe skin reactions. These pests live in colonies that nest in crevices and cracks in all kinds of furniture, like bed frames, couch cushions and rugs. They can also live in objects near or around beds, couches or chairs. Bed bugs are nocturnal, so they only come out at night to feed, and humans are their preferred hosts. A bed bug bite looks similar to and shares some symptoms with other insect bites and skin rashes. Look for the following signs when checking for bed bug bites: Inflammation: Inflamed red spots with a dark spot in the middle are a common sign of bed bug bites. Itchiness: If you're experiencing an uncomfortable itchiness in a certain spot, you may have a bed bug bite. Sore arrangement: Bed bugs typically bite in lines or cluster formations, so look for these patterns on... - Published: 2023-11-17 - Modified: 2024-09-19 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/what-do-bed-bugs-look-like/ Could anything be worse than having tiny bugs crawl over you and bite you in the night? Unfortunately, statistics indicate that one in five Americans has either experienced bed bugs themselves or knows someone who has. Bed bugs are a very common problem. Since they’re so prevalent, it’s important that you have the tools you need to recognize them. The sooner you reach out for professional help, the faster and easier it will be to get bed bugs out of your home and business. Here’s everything you need to know about identifying bed bugs. Identifying Bed Bugs 101 The first step for how to tell if you have bed bugs is to know what they look like. Because they are small and can hide so well, bed bugs can be difficult to find. However, you should have no trouble finding bugs or evidence of bugs if you have a heavy infestation. What Do Bed Bugs Look Like? Fully grown bed bugs appear a reddish-brown color and may look striped. They can be flat or round, depending on how recently they’ve eaten. As adults, bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed. More technically, an adult bed bug usually measures 5-7 millimeters or 3/16-1/4 inches long. Another way to identify bed bugs is by the musty smell they emit from glands on their bodies. Unlike many other small insects, bed bugs don’t fly, hop or jump — they crawl to get around. Bed bugs also have antennae that they... - Published: 2023-08-29 - Modified: 2024-09-20 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/how-pest-control-helps-prepare-for-sqf-audit/ A Safe Quality Food (SQF) audit is required by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) to ensure your business is worthy of receiving an NSF Food Safety Certification. You are graded based on the number of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) you earn throughout the audit. A large part of the audit consists of pest management solutions and the precautions taken to prevent pest-related issues. Pest management is an important part of the audit, and passing it means meeting a lot of different standards. This guide will help you avoid common pest management mistakes made during SQF audits so you can pass with flying colors. Find out everything about what an SQF audit is, the standards involved and what the audit prioritizes during pest-related inspections. Pest Control and SQF Audits All businesses and establishments that work or specialize in making and handling food need a proactive system for dealing with pests. These systems are implemented to help you prevent the contamination of any products, packing or raw materials. Your system must support efforts to minimize pest activity and ensure you can properly respond to the first signs of an infestation. In order to ensure your pest control system complies with SQF standards, you should look into working with a Pest Control Association (PCA) registered pest control company. Together, you and the company must be able to create an effective way of monitoring pest activity, responding to it and dealing with it properly while adhering to health codes and the... - Published: 2023-08-22 - Modified: 2024-04-23 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/signs-of-a-pest-infestation/ Pest infestations bring unwelcomed insects, rodents and more into your home, business and property. You must prevent the destruction and health hazards they bring as soon as possible, but some infestations are hard to identify right away and can escalate quickly. This guide will teach you the surefire signs that will help you identify a possible pest infestation so you can counteract it quickly and effectively. What Is a Pest Infestation? A pest is any unwanted organism in an area populated by humans. Pests cause human concern, spread disease, cause destruction or are a general nuisance. A pest infestation is when many pests are present in an area and are causing disruption, damage or inconvenience. Many species are considered pests, and you can identify the most common pest infestation signs in many ways. Knowing what to look for means you are one step ahead and can arrange the proper control or prevention strategies for a large-scale or problematic infestation. What Are the Signs? Each type of pest leaves its own specific “calling cards. ” However, a few common signs of pest infestations are universal. You must familiarize yourself with these common telltale indicators that will help you identify and catch potential infestations early. Droppings Every type of pest leaves behind droppings. The type of droppings can serve as crucial evidence that tells you what kind of infestation you may be facing. Rodent droppings are small and oblong, much like a grain of rice. They range from dark brown to black.... - Published: 2022-12-19 - Modified: 2026-07-08 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/most-common-kitchen-restaurant-pests/ Pests are attracted to food, making your restaurant an ideal place for them to want to be. New York has over 90,000 food service establishments that offer plenty of stored and spilled food for insects and rodents. It's necessary to take precautions and prevent pests before they multiply. Pests can pose serious health risks to restaurant employees and guests and cause financial loss. If your restaurant experiences a pest infestation, you will lose customers and may close temporarily or permanently. Your reputation may never be able to recover. The best way to prevent an infestation is with routine pest control services and thorough sanitation and hygiene practices. This guide will review why pest control in the food industry is important, common kitchen pests, signs of infestation and what you can do to prevent it. Why Pest Control in the Food Industry Is Important Pests are more than a simple nuisance. When they invade restaurants, they can: Spread disease: Various pests are known to cause health issues. For example, rodents can carry over 35 diseases, and cockroaches can trigger allergy and asthma symptoms. Damage property: Pests like to chew through things, such as wires, walls and food containers, which causes damage to your equipment and establishment. Contaminate food: Rodents and insects contaminate food and workstations, putting employees and customers at risk for health problems. Damage reputation: Word-of-mouth is one of the best advertisement methods in the restaurant industry. However, if a customer sees a cockroach in your restaurant, they will likely... - Published: 2022-12-09 - Modified: 2024-09-20 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/most-common-bugs-in-hotels/ Running a business in the hospitality industry can be a challenging task, and when pests are added to the equation, it can become even more difficult. With the average hotel facing up to seven infestations every five years, it's easy to see how pests can be quite costly for businesses. Beyond monetary costs, hotels risk their reputation if word gets out about infestations. Luckily, you can take a few steps to prevent these tiny pests from becoming a big problem. Below are the most common bugs found in hotels and tips for protecting your building, guests and reputation. 1. Bed Bugs Bed bugs are some of the most common hotel bugs. They can be brought into hotels by guests, employees and even laundry carts, though they're often difficult to see due to their small size. While guest rooms are the most common areas for bed bugs to gather, dining areas, bars and lounges can also become infested, creating health implications for your staff and guests. Bed bugs can infest spaces in or around: Mattresses Bedding Carpeting Cracks in furniture Behind the headboard Wallpaper Clutter beside a bed Box springs and dust ruffles While the most common bugs found in hotels, bed bugs can also be the trickiest to spot. You can check for bed bugs in your hotel and quickly detect them by following these steps: Pull back bed sheets and blankets. Check the mattress and box spring seams for bed bugs, especially near the head of the bed. Keep... - Published: 2022-11-28 - Modified: 2024-09-20 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/why-pests-problem-in-schools/ While schools are meant to provide a safe and comfortable learning space for kids, pests can quickly disrupt that environment. Pests like cockroaches, termites, bed bugs and rats can get in the way of learning and pose serious health risks for students and staff. School officials can ensure student and faculty safety by establishing environmentally conscious Integrated Pest Management (IPM) at their schools. Partnering with a licensed pest control professional can also help you implement pest-proofing throughout the year and deal with infestations quickly and safely. Learn more about the importance of pest control in schools, common school pests and how to prevent, detect and get rid of them. Most Common Pests in Schools Various pests can be found in school settings. Cockroaches, flies, ants, spiders, rodents and stinging insects are some of the most common, though head lice are also problematic among students. Here are some of the most common pests in schools and the potential problems they pose: Cockroaches: Cockroach infestations occur very quickly and can collect in populations of hundreds and even thousands, spreading bacteria and triggering allergic reactions. Rodents: In addition to being unsightly, rodents can damage equipment, wiring and even structures. They also carry pathogens and diseases and can contaminate food and packaging materials. Termites: Termites can cause significant and costly structural damage to buildings. These pests often cause issues before leaving any visible signs. Flies: While flies can be irritating, some types can bite and have been known to carry disease-causing pathogens from person... - Published: 2022-11-18 - Modified: 2026-07-08 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/bugs-that-eat-clothes/ Fabric bugs or clothing bugs are a group of fabric-eating bugs usually found outdoors. They come indoors because of a food source or via items made from animal fibers. These insects feed upon and damage fabric and paper. It's possible to see them, but generally, you only see holes and other damage left behind. Several insects feed on fabric. When one makes its way into your business, it can rapidly multiply and become an infestation. The best method to deal with an infestation is to prevent it. This guide will review what bugs eat clothes and how to prevent them. Most Common Fabric Pests The two most common fabric pests are clothes moths and carpet beetles. Clothes moths feed exclusively on animal fibers, but carpet beetles do not. When carpet beetles feed on fabrics, they choose the same ones as clothes moths. They do similar damage, so carpet beetles are often mistaken for clothes moths. It's essential to know how to identify carpet beetles and clothes moths. The damage they cause may be similar, but the treatment methods are different. 1. Clothes Moths Clothes moths feed on all animal fibers, but they prefer wool, fur, silk, feathers, felt and leather. Typically, they won't attack cotton or synthetic fabrics unless it's blended with wool or soiled with food stains or body oils. These insects are half-inch beige or buff-colored moths with narrow wings fringed with small hairs. Since they look similar, clothes moths are often mistaken for grain moths. Unlike grain... - Published: 2022-11-08 - Modified: 2026-07-08 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/control-pests-hospitals-health-care-facilities/ Hospitals and health care facilities must maintain high levels of sanitation and cleanliness to prevent the spread of pathogens and keep patients and workers safe. Employees and patients are at risk of contracting diseases without proper sanitation, which can lead to patient health complications during treatment. Pests are a dangerous threat to medical facility sanitation and a top spreader of diseases. They can: Damage equipment and structures. Contaminate products and materials. Damage your brand and reputation. Cause patients to take legal action against you. Effective pest control services for hospitals and health care facilities are the best way to prevent this. This guide reviews the causes of pests in health care facilities, the most common ones and what you can do to stop them. Causes of Pests in Health Care Facilities Pests enter health care facilities from within the structure or through the items brought in by staff and visitors, such as flowers, food and clothing. During winter, pests move indoors. Rodents enter through utility openings, loading dock doors or vegetation like trees and shrubs close to the building. Leaking pipes attract flies, cockroaches or other pests that like excess moisture and give them an entry point. Another easy access point for insects is through uninspected food deliveries. The cardboard boxes the deliveries come in provide shelter for pests if they aren't disposed of properly. Clothes, bags and purses can bring in pests like bed bugs, and laundry collection can spread them. The Most Common Pests in Health Care Facilities... - Published: 2022-10-28 - Modified: 2024-09-20 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/pest-control-in-rental-property/ Whether you're a tenant or landlord, pest control for rental properties is essential to maintain a safe and habitable environment. While pests can present health problems for tenants, they can also damage the property itself. When you have small animals invading through unpatched holes or ants and roaches from improper cleaning, removing them should be your top priority. If you rent property to others, this issue raises a critical question — who is responsible for pest control when renting? Keep reading as we break down landlord and tenant responsibilities and how to address pest control for rental properties. Landlord vs. Tenant Responsibility Generally, the landlord's responsibility is to ensure the rental property is up to code and habitable. New York's Housing and Maintenance Code states that tenants have a right to a bed bug-free living environment. Landlords must disclose a history of bed bugs to future tenants, and infestations are a violation landlords must address within 30 days. Landlords will likely pay for pest control as well. While these laws are specifically about bed bugs rather than all pests, New York is an excellent state for enforcing the warranty of habitability, which covers tenants in most cases. However, the financial responsibility for infestations might fall upon a renter whose lifestyle causes the pest problem. For instance, a messy apartment with incorrectly stored food is an example of living conditions conducive to pest issues. Landlord Responsibilities Is a landlord responsible for pest control? In most cases, the answer is yes. If... - Published: 2022-10-18 - Modified: 2024-09-20 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/most-common-ny-pests/ New York is home to various pests, from carpenter ants and cluster flies to wildlife like mice and bats. These pests are drawn to the warm, dark and tiny spaces within your home and can be a nuisance for many New York residents, with some even causing structural damage or carrying disease and bacteria. Learn more about identifying these pests and how Pestech Pest Solutions can safely control them to protect you and your family in the event of an infestation. 1. Bees, Hornets and Wasps These flying bugs are some of the most common insects of New York. Some are more beneficial, while others are more aggressive. Learn the difference between bees, hornets and wasps: Bees There are hundreds of bee species in New York, though the most widely recognized are honeybees and bumblebees: Honeybees: Domesticated for honey production and pollination, honeybees pollinate more than 100 crops in the U. S. They are oval-shaped with bands of yellow and brown hairs, while some appear black. They build nests in tree crevices, attics and chimneys. Bumblebees: These insects have a round black and yellow body covered in soft, fuzzy hair. Their colonies are typically smaller than honeybees, and they often nest in the ground, though they can also be found in decks and attics and under roof beams. Female bumblebees can sting repeatedly, though they tend to ignore humans. They will generally only sting when they feel threatened, which can be especially painful. Carpenter Bees Carpenter bees resemble bumblebees but... - Published: 2022-09-09 - Modified: 2024-09-16 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/bed-bug-life-cycle/ Bed bugs are sneaky — you might not realize that you have been bit by one due to the anesthetic and anticoagulant it can inject after feeding. A few days later, the bites will appear like a mosquito bite and begin to itch or become irritating. By then, the bugs could have multiplied. Fully grown bed bugs are small, reddish-brown and wingless insects with oval-shaped bodies. They have a life cycle that can progress quickly and cause them to spread if you do not exterminate them. Continue reading for more information on the average bed bug life cycle. Stage One: Egg Like most insects, a bed bug's life cycle begins as an egg. An individual egg can be the size of a pinhead, barely visible to the eye. Sometimes, bed bug eggs are laid in clusters, which can be easier to spot. Each individual egg is pearly white in color and will be marked by an eye spot if it is more than five days old. An egg will hatch between 4-12 days and begin the nymph stage of its life. Stage Two: Nymph After the bug hatches, it will immediately begin to feed and grow into the first molt nymph. A nymph will pass through several molts before it matures. To continue to grow through these stages, a nymph must continue to feed. Each blood meal will take around 5-10 minutes, which is why they inhabit areas where people sleep or lie still for extended periods. A nymph is... - Published: 2022-08-31 - Modified: 2024-09-20 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/german-cockroaches-vs-water-bugs/ When you notice an insect in your home, you usually don't have the time or extensive knowledge to identify it. Your first reaction may be to get rid of it. When you do spot a bug in your home — especially if it's something that looks like a water bug — it's essential to get a good look at it and see what it really is. Why Know the Difference Between German Cockroaches vs. Water Bugs? Knowing the difference between a German cockroach and a water bug will help you determine what to do next. While water bugs can deliver a painful bite, they aren't toxic to humans. German cockroaches, on the other hand, carry allergens that can cause asthma. They also carry harmful bacteria that can cause illness if ingested. German cockroaches can often be confused with water bugs. If you do have a cockroach problem, however, you'll want to call a professional service to get the problem taken care of as soon as possible. What Are German Cockroaches? The German cockroach has a small, flattened, oval-shaped body and a shiny, leathery exterior usually colored light brown. It has long, threadlike antennae protruding from its head and two dark stripes running down its back. Though they have wings, the German cockroach prefers running to flight. These types of cockroaches like to live in dark, humid environments — kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms are all likely places for German cockroaches to nest in. They're able to find their way into homes... - Published: 2022-08-02 - Modified: 2024-09-20 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/bald-faced-hornets/ As a homeowner, you want to ensure you're keeping harmful pests away from your home. Insects can be especially detrimental, as they can easily hide from view but do a lot of damage. One pest that you'll want to keep an eye out for is the bald-faced hornet. These fierce insects can be a danger to your home and the people you live with. To defend against bald-faced hornets, you have to understand what they are, what they look like, the signs that they're present and how to prevent them from infesting your home. What Is a Bald-Faced Hornet? A bald-faced hornet is a relative of the yellow jacket and other wasps. It has a unique appearance and is usually characterized as a hornet because of its size and aggressiveness. You'll usually see them active during the day. They will attack anything that invades their space and carry venom in their sting that will cause pain, itching and swelling on the skin. Some people may suffer from an allergic reaction to the sting. Unlike honeybees, whose stingers fall off after one sting, the bald-faced hornet life cycle allows it to sting over and over again. This makes bald-faced hornet removal tricky and explains why it should always be left to a professional service for safety. Bald-faced hornets are found throughout the United States. They will usually build nests three to four feet above the ground, ranging from around 14 inches in diameter to 24 inches in length. You could find... - Published: 2022-07-05 - Modified: 2024-09-20 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/vole-vs-mouse/ Some people find voles and mice adorable. They scurry around with tiny paws, little whiskers, cartoonish ears and innocent-looking faces. Yet, that innocence vanishes once they start causing problems in your home, lawn or garden. Voles and mice share several other similarities, leading many people to confuse voles and mice with each other. Though knowing the difference between these rodents may seem unnecessary, it is essential for dealing with infestations. As mice and voles have different appetites, habitats and behaviors, they also respond differently to control measures. Thus, knowing those differences can help you respond to an infestation effectively. Learn more about the differences and similarities between mice and voles. Are Mice and Voles the Same Species? Mice and voles are not the same species, but they are both mammals of the rodent order, belonging to the Muroidea superfamily. However, that is as far as their taxonomic similarities go. Voles belong to the Arvicolinae subfamily, along with muskrats and lemmings. In contrast, mice belong to the Murinae subfamily and are relatives of rats and gerbils. Furthermore, there are also various mice and vole species. Under the genus Mus, for mice, there are 38 species. Except for the common house mouse, most mice species in the United States belong to different genera. There are approximately 60 species under the genus Microtus for voles. The most common vole species in the Northeastern U. S. are: The meadow vole, or Microtus pennsylvanicus, otherwise known as a field mouse The red-backed vole, or Clethrionomys... - Published: 2022-07-05 - Modified: 2026-03-10 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/crickets-in-the-basement/ While crickets are not dangerous, they are a nuisance and can potentially damage your belongings. If you believe you have crickets in your home, you'll want to get rid of them quickly and efficiently. Use the following guide to determine if you have crickets and learn how you can eliminate them on your own. How Do Crickets Get Inside? Crickets are tiny and can make their way into your home through cracks, openings in windows or door frames, or other entry points that aren't properly sealed. Typically, crickets enter your house looking for water, food or shelter. They are most attracted to warm, damp environments, making the basement an ideal location for them to invade. Signs You Have Crickets Unlike some pests, crickets are easy to notice. Here are common signs to watch for that may indicate you have a cricket problem in your home: You see crickets inside: The surest way to know you have crickets is if you spot them. Mature house crickets are yellowish-brown with three dark bands on their heads, and they are slightly less than an inch long. You hear crickets: You may also notice the distinct chirping male house crickets produce by rubbing their front wings together. Crickets are nocturnal, so you're most likely to hear these noises at night. You find chewed fabric: Since many crickets invade homes searching for food, another key sign of a cricket infestation is chewed material. Look for tiny marks less than 1 millimeter wide along the edges... - Published: 2022-06-24 - Modified: 2024-09-20 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/swarmer-pests/ Swarmer Pests Swarmer pests result from the reproductive activities of highly organized insect colonies, consisting of various social classes. The swarmers become kings and queens once they start new colonies. Swarmers become nuisances for property owners when they attempt to form new colonies around homes and businesses. When you see swarmers, take that as a warning sign. Swarmers are the first danger sign of a larger problem. In this article, we’ll look at the swarming activity of four different pests — termites, ants, wasps and bees — and how to prevent infestations. Termites Termites are social insects that feed on cellulose, of which wood and cotton are the primary sources. There are several termite classes, including the soldier, worker, swarmer, king and queen. The two types that homeowners encounter are either workers or swarmers. Workers make up 90 to 98% of termite colonies and are responsible for foraging, building tunnels and caring for the young. Swarmers represent the reproductive caste within termite society. Once they develop wings, they leave to mate and start a new colony. After mating and settling down, the termite couple becomes the king and queen of their colony. Homeowners most often detect a termite infestation during swarming season. At other times throughout the year, termites remain hidden. Termite swarmers are around 1/4-inch to 3/8-inch long and range from coal black to pale, yellowish-brown. Depending on their development stage, they may also have four wings of equal size. The workers are the same size as swarmers, have... - Published: 2022-06-09 - Modified: 2024-09-20 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/termites-vs-ants/ Termites vs. Ants Ants and termites are swarmers — the members of their reproductive castes grow wings and swarm during mating season. While most ant species behave differently than termites, some, like carpenter ants, cause similar damage. Knowing the differences between termites and ants can help you quickly identify an insect problem in your home or business. Continue reading to learn more! Physical Differences Flying ants and termites may appear indistinguishable, especially from a distance or when they fly straight at you. However, after swatting or looking at one under a magnifying glass, you will see several differences in their wings, body shape and size. For instance, termite swarmers have: Black or dark brown bodies. Straight antennae. Four transparent, equally sized wings. A straight waist that is uniform with the rest of their body. In contrast, flying ants have: Black, brown or reddish bodies. Kinked antennae. Two large front wings and two small hind wings, all brown-tinted. A pinched waist and three distinct body regions. Though these differences are hard to spot from far away, they should help you quickly decide which pest is creating a problem from up close. Carpenter Ants vs. Termites Many people cannot tell whether they have carpenter ants or termites because these insects look so similar at first glance. Both species have wings, dark bodies and live inside wood in your home. Thankfully, several visual distinctions can help you distinguish between them. Wing Length: Carpenter ants' wings are just a little longer than their body.... - Published: 2022-06-09 - Modified: 2024-09-20 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/how-to-prepare-for-termite-season/ How to Prepare for Termite Season Most homeowners prefer to keep a healthy distance between termite colonies and their living spaces because of the extensive harm they can cause. Although every season is technically termite season, there are times when you want to show extra vigilance against termites. Here are some tips and helpful information to help you prepare for termite season. When Is Termite Season? Official termite season varies with each termite species and coincides with their swarming or reproductive periods. When such insects swarm, certain members of their social order fly from their nests in search of mates to start their own colonies. Most subterranean termites swarm in the spring and early summer months. Unless you uncover a termite infestation, you are unlikely to see termites at other times in the year. That said, termites remain active all year long, and termite activity depends on the termites' life cycle stage. The colonies consist of workers, soldiers and reproductive: Worker Termites The workers make up around 90-98% of termite colonies. These are the essential workers of a termite society — responsible for foraging, building tunnels and caring for the young. All worker termites are blind and colorless, and you likely won't see them unless you uncover an infestation. Soldier termites The soldiers make up anywhere between 2-10% of termite colonies. As their name suggests, they form the military force in termite colonies — defending the colony from enemies like ants, responding to breached tunnel walls and keeping the horde... - Published: 2022-04-08 - Modified: 2024-09-20 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/baby-raccoons-faq/ Raccoons are one of those cute animals you want to faun over from a safe distance. While they're undoubtedly cute, they're not as innocent as they may seem. In the wild, raccoons are beneficial predators that regulate the populations of various rodents. However, they cause many problems when their world overlaps with ours. With that in mind, we've answered several baby raccoon FAQs so you can know the proper steps to take if you encounter one near or in your home. Why Are Baby Raccoons a Problem? Baby raccoons are adorable little menaces. While it's easy to see pests like cockroaches, bats or skunks as problems, baby raccoons may make you feel somewhat conflicted. However, they can create serious issues . In many ways, the problems stem from their mothers, but baby raccoons can cause problems of their own. Here are some ways that baby raccoons are problematic: 1. Nesting Sites Inside Your Building or Home Raccoons go from endearing critters to nuisances the moment they start looking for nesting sites inside your home or building. As they search for shelter to give birth and nurture their young, they can cause significant damage to the internal structures of your home or building. Mother raccoons may rip off fascia, shingles and rooftop vents to get inside your attic. They may also destroy insulation in your walls or around your air conditioners and heating ducts. Other areas they may find worthy of a home include uncapped chimneys or crawl spaces underneath porches... - Published: 2022-04-08 - Modified: 2024-09-20 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/stink-bugs-hiding-places/ Where Do Stink Bugs Hide In a Home With their unpleasant odor and knack for infestation, stink bugs do an excellent job of making sure nobody likes them. However, they don't do well at taking the hint that nobody wants them around, as they continue to invade our homes, gardens and fields in rising numbers. To combat their persistence, it is important to know where to find stink bugs so you can put up the proper defenses in your home or building. With this article, we'll tell you all about stink bugs, including information on popular stink bug hiding places and how to get rid of stink bugs. Understanding a Stink Bug's Lifecycle All stink bugs have a hemimetabolous lifecycle consisting of egg, nymph and adult life stages. Hemimetabolous lifecycles are also called incomplete metamorphosis. In contrast, a butterfly goes through a complete metamorphosis because it involves a pupation stage when it is inside a cocoon, where it transitions from a larva to its final adult form that bears little resemblance to the larva. As a hemimetabolous insect, a stink bug's lifecycle does not include a pupa stage. Stink bug nymphs, or teenagers, transition directly into the adult stage through frequent molting, where they cast off their outer layer and form a replacement layer. While butterflies undergo a complete transformation, stink bugs just get larger. The length of each stage varies with each type of stink bug — of which there are a lot! For example, green stink bugs develop... - Published: 2022-03-28 - Modified: 2024-09-20 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/raccoon-dangers-to-be-aware-of/ Since raccoons look like cute, harmless animals, you may be surprised to learn they carry several health risks. Because raccoons often live near humans, they may pose a danger to you and your family. It's crucial to be aware of these risks, so you can stay safe and know the potential effects of approaching a raccoon. They're usually shy animals and will run at the sight of a person. However, on some occasions, such as if they feel cornered or are suffering from a disease, raccoons may attack humans. Here are the various raccoon dangers to be aware of. Rabies Rabies is a treatable but potentially fatal disease. It's a disease that affects the brain, starting with symptoms like fever, discomfort and fatigue, then progressing to cerebral symptoms like anxiety, confusion, hallucinations and insomnia. It's rare for humans to get rabies, but one of its primary modes of transmission is through raccoons. Signs a Raccoon Is Rabid You might assume any raccoons they see during the day could have rabies. Though it is rare for these nocturnal creatures to be out in the daylight, a willingness to do so isn't necessarily a sign of illness. The animal could be moving to a new home or foraging for food for its family. But you can look for some telltale signs that will tell you if the raccoon is rabid: Staggering walk Random wandering Discharge from eyes or mouth High-pitched noises Wet, matted hair on face Oblivious to noise Self-mutilation These could... - Published: 2022-03-28 - Modified: 2026-03-10 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/guide-to-carpet-beetles/ Whether you are fond of our insect friends or grimace whenever you see one, carpet beetles are a foe through and through. In this guide to carpet beetles, we explain all you need to know about these little critters, including why you should protect your home or workspace from them and what you can do to get rid of them. What Are Carpet Beetles? Carpet beetles belong to the family of beetles known scientifically as Dermestidae, or skin beetles in layman's terms. As a type of skin beetle, carpet beetles feed on dry animal carcasses and products. Although they naturally congregate outdoors, they are a common domestic pest, often wreaking havoc in homes, museums, warehouses and any space that provides a food source. Why Are They Called Carpet Beetles? Carpet beetles receive their name from their tendency to infest carpets. Although they prefer to hide out in dark, damp areas, they also lay their eggs in areas dense with natural fabric since that is what larvae typically feed on. As such, carpets often serve as an ideal breeding ground for carpet beetles, as long as the carpet is natural and not synthetic. Types of Carpet Beetles Here are the most common types of carpet beetles you may encounter. Black Carpet Beetles Black carpet beetles (Attagenus unicolor) are the most common type of carpet beetle in New York and the surrounding states, as they are not as well-suited to warmer temperatures as other types of carpet beetles. As you may assume... - Published: 2022-02-24 - Modified: 2026-05-21 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/risks-of-bug-bombs-and-foggers/ No matter where you live or how clean you are, pests can find their way in. By the time you start seeing bugs, they have most likely already made themselves at home. Once they make themselves at home, it can seem impossible to get rid of them. While professional pest control is the most effective, many try to save money by using over-the-counter pest solutions. Some of the most popular at-home pest control products are bug bombs and foggers. While they may seem like a great alternative to professional fumigation, these products can pose a dangerous threat to your health. What Are Bug Bombs and Foggers? So what are bug bombs? Bug bombs and foggers are aerosol pesticides used to cover a certain area. Bug bombs target fleas, cockroaches, bed bugs and other pests. Foggers release their repellent at once, fumigating the entire room in which it is located. People often turn to bug bombs instead of other at-home treatments as they feel the bombs will be able to quickly cover all areas of a room, including places that are hard to reach with other forms of pesticide. Although this is true, people think bug bombs act like a fumigant, which is a gas, and that it'll go everywhere but actually, the particles are shot up into the air and then fall, more or less, straight down, therefore they really only hit the tops of things. A fumigant will go into everything, but a fog will not. Foggers are also... - Published: 2022-02-24 - Modified: 2026-05-21 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/pet-friendly-pest-control/ Keeping your pet safe can be a complex operation. While you've opened your heart and home to them and made them a part of your family, there are other creatures that you'd much rather stay away. This article will help you identify which pests are dangerous and which are simply nuisances, as well as how to prevent or eliminate them while protecting your pet's health. Are Pest Control Services Safe for Pets? One of the biggest questions for pet owners facing a pest problem is whether or not the treatment will be safe for their pets. While pets often find it stressful to leave their familiar surroundings, their health and safety is always your primary concern. Luckily, whether you're applying pesticides yourself or calling a professional, pest control is completely safe as long as you take a few minor precautions. Read the Label Pesticide safety labels include all the information you need to know. Check the label for any product you use to learn how to apply and store it safely, first aid instructions and emergency contact numbers. Always keep products in their original packaging, so their labels are easily accessible. Choose Your Location If you're using bait traps instead of sprays, ensure you locate them somewhere your pets can't access. Bait traps often include ingredients to make them more appetizing to pests, which could also make them appetizing to your pets. Do Your Research If you have questions about a particular chemical or product, contact a professional. Your veterinarian... - Published: 2022-02-08 - Modified: 2024-09-16 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/most-common-school-pest-infestations/ Parents depend on schools to be safe, engaging places for their children to learn and grow. This means providing good teachers and challenging coursework — it also means keeping the building safe and clean. Just because schools are a place of learning doesn't mean they're immune to infestations. The social atmosphere also makes it easier for students to transmit parasites or diseases to each other, especially if they're young. Many types of pests can make their homes in school buildings. It's important to prevent these infestations at the source or otherwise control them as soon as possible to avoid parasites or diseases from spreading among students. Here are some of the most common school pest problems and what you can do to prevent them from infesting your building. Ants If you've ever had a picnic or discovered an old cookie trapped under your kitchen table, chances are you're familiar with ants. Ants are small, social insects that live in colonies of thousands of individuals. Many types of ants, such as carpenter ants, burrow into wood. Others, like fire ants, have bites that cause painful welts and blisters. Some ant species can even fly. Once ants find food, they lay pheromone trails to direct other ants to it. This allows them to quickly infest any food they find, contaminating it and making it unsafe to eat. Fire ants can also be dangerous to those allergic to them. Once ants infest a building, they are difficult to remove unless you destroy the... - Published: 2022-02-08 - Modified: 2023-06-01 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/cleaning-tips-for-pest-free-home/ Having the peace of mind that comes with a pest-free home is attainable and well within the realm of possibility, even if you've struggled with pests in the past. It may seem overwhelming to have to keep everything spotless to prevent pests from taking up residence in your home. However, it’s best to keep your home clean to deter pests rather than spending money to replace the walls, wires and personal belongings they destroy. Taking the time and effort needed to maintain a clean home is well worth the investment, as pests can cause danger or disease to you or your loved ones. In this article, we’ll provide you with eight cleaning tips for pest prevention. 1. Watch Out for Standing Water Although the tip of preventing standing water in or around your home is not the first one people think of to prevent pests, it’s a very important tip to remember because pests of all sizes need a water source to survive. Don’t let standing water sit around your home or on your property, as it could attract unwanted guests. Water sources can be anything from a birdbath to a leaky pipe to pooled up water after washing your car. To ensure that you’re in the best situation after a rainstorm, check that your gutters and downspouts aren’t worn out or won’t cause water to pool or leak into your home. Other sources of water to watch out for include shower water staying on the floor — which means... - Published: 2022-01-24 - Modified: 2022-01-24 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/cockroach-prevention-tips/ Cockroach infestations are frustrating to deal with and notoriously difficult to handle on your own. Yet, every year, these annoying pests find their way into homes and businesses across the country. If you're dealing with cockroaches, you're definitely not alone, but it is important to get this issue taken care of as soon as possible. These roaches are not just gross, they can pose health hazards to your family and cause damage to your home or business. We understand that when you see a cockroach in your home or business, you want to get rid of it right now. While getting professional pest help is always the best solution, there are a few tips for preventing cockroaches that you should be aware of. Tips for How to Prevent Cockroaches To help prevent cockroaches from setting up camp in your house, follow these helpful tips: Watch for Hitchhikers Cockroaches are known hitchhikers. The best way to avoid an infestation is to be cautious of boxes and bags entering your home. Roaches like to hide in crates and boxes which means you can bring them right in your home from the store without even knowing! They will even hide in packages delivered to your house. Clean Up the Kitchen and Watch Out for Crumbs Any food prep areas and places where you eat are the most attractive to pests like cockroaches. In fact, having food out and accessible and leaving crumbs all over the floor are top reasons for what causes roaches... - Published: 2022-01-17 - Modified: 2023-06-01 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/winter-pest-proofing/ When winter is on the way, it's a good idea to do some preparation work on homes and businesses for the colder weather. One big thing to be aware of for any type of building is pest-proofing. Many different types of pests — including mice, spiders, cockroaches and more — are also making their preparations for winter and seeking warmth and shelter for the long, cold winter months. Many of these pests are more than just annoying to deal with and may cause damage to structures or pose a health risk to all inhabitants. Pest-proofing your house for winter can help keep these critters at bay for a healthier interior environment. Pest-Proof Your Home or Business With These 8 Tips Winter pest-proofing can help keep your home or business safe all season long. Try these tips for winter pest prevention: 1. Seal Up All Cracks and Holes It can be tricky to find all the cracks and holes around the building that let in small pests, but the more spots you can seal, the better off you'll be at preventing pests from entering. Inspect your home's perimeter, looking for small cracks around doors and windows or near vents and pipes. Use caulking, foam, weather stripping or other appropriate fillers to seal the structure. As a bonus, this step should also increase energy efficiency by making it easier to regulate indoor temperatures. 2. Keep Bushes and Trees Well-Trimmed If you have trees and bushes on your property, it can beautify your... - Published: 2021-12-15 - Modified: 2021-12-15 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/pest-prone-areas-in-retail-stores/ There are many responsibilities when it comes to owning and operating a retail store. Be vigilant of the most common retail store pests and how to prevent pest infestations. The one kind of traffic you don’t want in your store is that of mice, ants, cockroaches and other bugs. Having these critters in your stores, whether it's in dry goods, fresh produce or clothing, could cause a loss in business and permanently tarnish your reputation. Having pests in retail stores is more common than you might think, whether it's a bird in the rafters or a cockroach hiding near your bakery's fridge where it’s cool, moist and dark. Although common, it's possible to treat and prevent infestations altogether. You're already taking the first step — the fact that you're reading this article demonstrates a proactive approach to preventing bugs in your retail store. 1. Pests Love Dry Goods One of the most common pest-prone products in your store is dry goods, particularly the grocery kind. Favorites include flour, rice, cake mixes, seeds, nuts, chocolate, teas, cereal, dog food and birdseed. These products attract swarms of pests, such as meal moths, mice and grain beetles. Keep all storage and display areas clean and free of spills. For example, if a customer spills flour in your baking aisle, be sure to clean it up immediately — any hesitation could attract pests. Taking steps to prevent spills does not guarantee you won't have pest problems. Mice, grain beetles and other critters can also... - Published: 2021-12-08 - Modified: 2024-09-20 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/rodent-control-tips/ We’re looking to give you the tips to not only get rid of these rodents but help prevent the problem from happening at all. The Basics of Rodent Control Pest management is all about consistency and thoroughness. Protecting properties against pests and rodents can take a toll on your lifestyle if it isn’t addressed. There are plenty of strategies people take to solve this issue, some of which we’ll cover in a bit, but the basics are pretty simple. By following these best practices, you’re giving yourself and your property the best chance of protection. Effectively controlling rodents comes down to three parts: seal up, trap up and clean up. Limiting the ways rodents can get into your property is a good start, but if they manage to get inside, then setting traps and eliminating open food sources will discourage them from making a home. Looking for more tips? Read some of our top guidelines below! 5 Tips for Effective Rodent Control Maintaining a rodent-free place isn’t a one-time deal where you solve one problem and they never come back. Unfortunately, people often drive these rodents and pests away, only for them to return a few months later. Treating rodent problems is about recognizing the issue and solving the situation before it quickly grows into something serious. Achieving success lies in being proactive and working to prevent infestations before they happen. Rodent-proofing your place is the key to protecting your property from future invasions. Here are some top tips to... - Published: 2021-11-23 - Modified: 2024-09-16 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/rodent-prevention-methods-for-schools/ As students and staff go about their day, teaching, learning and navigating the halls, they should be confident in knowing their building is safe from rodents. Rodents can raise numerous problems, ranging from disease risk to emotional trauma for staff and students. It's vital to find preventive tactics and label your building as a place that emphasizes cleanliness and safety. But with the amount of area a school covers and the constant traffic of food and trash that cycles through your facility every day, it could leave you wondering, what is the best way to prevent rodent infestation? Here are some great strategies for implementing rodent prevention for schools. 1. Handle Food Carefully Food is one of the main reasons rodents try to get inside a building in the first place. It's essential to identify areas where food might be left open or unattended. Classrooms: Teachers or students might leave containers of lunch open or drop snacks accidentally onto the ground, making classrooms prime places for rats and mice to target. Food should be handled carefully or eliminated from the classroom altogether. Food storage areas: Food containers could leak or contain rips and holes, making them liable to rodent infestation. Thoroughly inspect boxes and packages containing food and make sure they're free from damage. Cafeterias: Naturally, cafeterias are one of the main places food will drop onto the ground and spill onto tables. Since a cafeteria is such a large area, it's easy to miss some food and have it... - Published: 2021-11-02 - Modified: 2024-09-16 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/how-to-repel-mosquitoes/ It's important to protect yourself and your family from mosquitoes because these pesky insects can carry dangerous diseases. There is no way to know what exactly attracts mosquitoes to some people more than others. Some mosquitoes are attracted to sweat and bacteria, and others are attracted to body odors and carbon dioxide. Mosquitoes are also attracted to certain people based on blood type, genetics, metabolic rate and body temperature. The best mosquito solutions include covering your natural scent to reduce their attraction, presenting scents that deter them and creating barriers that keep them from reaching you. The chemical DEET is used in many bug sprays to mask human scents. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approves DEET as a safe substance to repel insects, but it can cause skin irritation for some people. Thankfully, you can use various natural ways to get rid of mosquitoes without the use of DEET. Many of these methods involve using scents to repel mosquitoes. Some substances cover our natural human scent to reduce insects' attraction to our skin, and other substances give off smells that mosquitoes don't like. You can use different scents to apply to the skin, spray around the yard or even ingest to change your body's natural scent. If you or your family members are sensitive to scents or simply don't enjoy scents, you can explore ways to repel mosquitoes without any scented ingredients. By creating barriers, increasing airflow or wearing colors that deter mosquitoes, you can lessen their presence around you.... - Published: 2021-11-02 - Modified: 2024-09-16 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/keep-mice-out-of-warehouses/ Many warehouses are vast, open structures filled with materials. The same characteristics that make these warehouses ideal places for shipments and deliveries also make them irresistible to mice. Unfortunately, rodents can create structural issues and also carry various diseases. Among the many responsibilities you must juggle as a warehouse owner or manager, a rodent problem shouldn't be another item to add to your to-do list. Here, we'll share our top tips for making your property less likely to attract unwanted guests. Why Do Mice Go to Warehouses? Warehouses offer warm, spacious places to nest and roam. In the winter, a warehouse can act as a shelter from the cold. Warehouses may also be an excellent source of materials mice can use to make their nests, and sometimes an added mess or some open food can attract the rodents. Since shipments frequently come in and out, mice have ample opportunities to enter. Sometimes they can sneak in through a hole in the exterior, and other times they may be able to run right through an open garage door. Or, mice might even be unwitting stowaways, coming to your warehouse with a shipment. With the vast amount of ways mice can infiltrate your warehouse, it's crucial to identify tactics to counter them. 12 Ways to Keep Mice Out of a Warehouse Communicate with employees to keep a clean, organized environment Inspect containers & boxes regularly for rips, hols, or droppings Seal off vents, doors, corners, pipes and other openings Keep landscaping in... - Published: 2021-10-15 - Modified: 2024-09-20 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/how-to-keep-flies-away-from-food/ How to Keep Flies Away From Food Sharing an outdoor meal with friends and family is an enjoyable and unique experience — except when buzzing house flies crash the party. It's hard to relax and have fun when you're distracted by the flies circling your head and plate of food. Instead of engaging in conversation and enjoying the weather, you're left wondering whether the food on your plate is safe after a fly landed on it. Your concerns are valid. Flies are more than just a nuisance — they carry and spread numerous pathogens that threaten human health. When dining outdoors, it's important to be aware of how flies pose risks and to limit their contact with you and your food. Tips for Keeping Flies off Your Food Reduce Breeding Environment Use Fans in Your Dining Area Cover Food and Eliminate Trash Keep Your Trash Bins Clean Seal Off Enticing Drinks Use Bug-Repelling Plants Use Bug Repellant Use Essential Oils and/or Candles Set Sticky Traps Use Natural Repellants Treat with Insecticides Make DIY Fly Traps There are many methods of fly pest control based on the insect's biology and behavior that work more consistently than swatting at the bugs. Fly management includes a few distinct categories, including sanitation, exclusion, chemical control and non-chemical measures. Here are several effective tips for keeping flies away from you and your outdoor party: 1. Reduce the Breeding Environment One of the first ways to prevent fly problems is to eliminate their breeding grounds. Flies... - Published: 2021-08-25 - Modified: 2026-03-10 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/how-to-get-rid-of-ladybugs/ While some insects are pretty to observe, they're far more fun to look at when they're not inside your house — and ladybugs, or lady beetles, are no exception. These small, short-legged insects have antennae and round or oval-shaped domes. Their distinctive red coloration and black spots make them easy to spot against grass or plants, and they're commonly considered a sign of good fortune. However, ladybugs in the house are not so lucky. As ladybugs tend to hibernate in human-occupied structures, they can become nuisances in the fall and winter. If you've noticed an influx of ladybugs in your house, you'll want a reliable way to remove them. Are Ladybugs Dangerous? Do you have anything to worry about if you see ladybugs in your home? While ladybugs may not be as immediate a threat as other pests, they can still pose substantial problems to your home. Here are a few ways ladybugs can potentially harm you and your home. Do Ladybugs Bite? Yes, ladybugs may bite if they feel provoked. However, they can't break human skin, so you'll only feel a slight pinch. When a ladybug lands or crawls across your skin, they may scrape it with their sharp mouthparts. While ladybug bites aren't overtly dangerous to people and won't expose you to any diseases or parasites, some individuals may be minorly allergic to ladybug bites. These allergic reactions may take the form of a raised red bump or welt, a rash, sneezing or itchy eyes. These insects may... - Published: 2021-07-28 - Modified: 2026-03-10 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/how-to-prepare-yard-for-mosquitoes/ Mosquitoes live in almost every part of the world. Many types of mosquitoes bite humans and animals, causing itchy, raised welts. Mosquitoes that do not spread diseases are commonly known as nuisance mosquitoes because they represent an annoyance, but are not harmful. On the other hand, some mosquitoes, known as vectors, can spread dangerous pathogens and germs from animals to people, potentially causing sickness. Mosquitoes can transmit various illnesses, including malaria, Zika virus, yellow fever and dengue fever. Learning how to prepare your yard for mosquito season can help reduce the insect population in and around your home. Graphic from pestworld. org 5 Ways to Manage Mosquitoes in Your Yard 1. Eliminate Standing Water Mosquitoes lay their eggs in and around standing or stagnant water. Research has even shown that female mosquitoes may prefer to lay eggs in water stored or collected in human-made containers. Stagnant water often attracts female mosquitoes as an ideal place to deposit eggs until they hatch into mosquito larvae. In some cases, mosquitoes may lay their eggs on the walls of a water-filled container. These eggs can survive for up to eight months even if they dry out. However, as soon as the eggs get wet, they will hatch and increase local mosquito populations in only one week. Reducing outdoor containers, especially those that regularly collect water, can help prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs in your backyard. Mosquitoes are incredibly resourceful and only need a capful of stagnant water to lay their eggs. You can... - Published: 2021-06-08 - Modified: 2024-09-20 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/food-safety-with-pest-control/ As pests are naturally attracted to food, the food industry is particularly vulnerable to pest infestations. And as pests pose a number of threats to food preparation facilities, including food contamination, the transmission of disease and property damage, food businesses need proper pest control. In this handy guide, we'll take a look at the most common restaurant and food facility pests, the various problems they can cause and how to deal with these unwanted guests. Types of Pests in Food Facilities The types of pests you deal with often depend on climate, geography and the food ingredients you work with. But there are some pests that are found practically everywhere in the world and in most food industries. These pests include: Cockroaches The cockroach is one of the most universally hated pests, and for a good reason. They're known to carry a variety of parasitic worms, bacteria and human pathogens, which include salmonella Typhimurium, polio and Entamoeba histolytica. Cockroach legs often pick up germs and debris while traveling through unclean places. They can then transfer that to workstations, food and equipment used for food processing, which increases the risk of contamination. Cockroaches are also good at hiding in tiny crevices, making them sometimes hard to spot. They also have a varied diet, allowing them to find viable food sources in different environments. Rodents Rodents, which include mice and rats, are one of the food industry's biggest problems. There are various ways to identify an infestation, which include visual sightings, droppings,... - Published: 2021-05-26 - Modified: 2024-09-20 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/allergies-caused-by-pests/ Pests carry bacteria as they travel from one property to another. You might be familiar with the bites and bumps caused by mosquitoes and stinging insects, but can you be allergic to pests? And how do pests cause allergies? Some rodents and insects have chemicals and proteins in their skin, saliva and dander that lead to allergic reactions and asthmatic symptoms. Your home or business might have a pest infestation if you, or someone in your building, has allergies that last longer than a few weeks. Explore how to deal with allergic reactions to pests to protect the people in your residential or commercial space. Allergens Caused by Cockroaches Since cockroaches can live in a wide range of temperatures, they tend to make a home in many United States buildings. The National Pest Management Association estimates 63% of homes in the country contain cockroach allergens. Urban areas or densely populated cities could have even more dander from these harmful pests. Cockroaches cause allergic reactions and worsen asthma symptoms. You might have an infestation if you or someone in your building has the following: Postnasal drip Skin rashes Itchy and watery eyes Coughing Ear infections Congestion Wheezing General feelings of anxiety Chest tightness These pests carry bacteria as they travel through your property. They cause allergies with the following types of waste that contain potent allergen proteins: Droppings Saliva Shed skin Deposited body parts An estimated 17 to 41% of Americans have adverse reactions to cockroach allergens. Protect yourself and others... - Published: 2021-04-07 - Modified: 2023-06-01 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/bed-bug-treatment-heat-vs-sprays/ Bed bugs are a common problem in the tri-state area. While these pests used to be associated with crowded buildings, we now know that they can infest even the cleanest homes. Bed bugs are very small and can easily latch onto clothing without being noticed. You can pick up bed bugs from any areas where you're around other people, from public transportation to hotels to schools and other public spaces. Once bed bugs get into your home, they hide in mattresses and other places where you're unlikely to notice them. Because bed bug infestations can be challenging to eliminate, professional bed bug treatments are essential. When it comes to heat vs. conventional treatment with residual sprays and dusts, conventional bed bug treatment is much more effective. Bed Bug Heat Treatment Because bed bugs are such resilient, pervasive pests, professional treatment is the best way to eliminate an infestation. Heat treatment for bed bugs works by drying out the bed bugs' bodies. It requires special equipment to raise the temperature in your home to approximately 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Every inch of your home must reach this temperature, and the temperature must be maintained for a minimum of five hours to eliminate the bed bugs and their larvae. To prepare for heat treatment, you must remove clutter and clear off surfaces. You must then vacuum these surfaces, paying special attention to baseboards, cracks and crevices. All of your household items need to be exposed, which means you must open closet doors and... - Published: 2021-03-25 - Modified: 2023-06-01 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/how-keep-nuisance-wildlife-out/ Wildlife can sneak into your New York home or business looking for food and warm shelter. Your neighbors might have had rodents, raccoons or squirrels lurking around their properties. In that case, you probably want to prevent these creatures from coming near your building. This guide explains how to keep rodents and squirrels out of your home and make your property off-limits to wildlife. What Is Nuisance Wildlife? The term "nuisance wildlife" describes menacing or destructive animals. The following wildlife are prevalent in New York and may become pests in your home or business: Rodents Squirrels Raccoons Voles Chipmunks Opossums 1. Mice and Rats Rodents might come into your home or business when it's cold outside. They can cause severe building damage, chewing through wires and spreading waste. Since they tend to multiply quickly, if you see one, you probably have many more hiding somewhere. Mice and Rats Entry Points: Foundation cracks. Gaps in your roof. Holes from utility lines and vents. Garage door or wall cracks. Missing or cracked siding. 2. Squirrels Squirrely usually invade an indoor property when they need a warm place to stay. Like mice and rats, they chew through wires and utility lines. Once they set up a nest, they might also reproduce quickly and can even bring fleas and ticks inside. Squirrel Pest Entry Points: Missing pieces on the roof. Garage door or wall openings. The top of the chimney. 3. Raccoons Raccoons are nocturnal, so you might not even notice when they try... - Published: 2021-01-06 - Modified: 2024-09-20 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/questions-about-bed-bugs/ If you've been suffering from itchy red spots or unexplained hives or have spotted blood stains around your house and on your furniture, you may have a bed bug infestation. These small, disc-like brown bugs survive on the blood of animals, including humans. They are experts at hiding, though they can stain linens and mattresses and do leave behind itchy marks that sometimes trigger allergic reactions. If you have an infestation, it's nearly impossible to get rid of it on your own. If you notice any of these signs, we recommend contacting a professional! Pestech is here to help. Below, we've answered your burning questions about bed bugs and are happy to answer more during an inspection of your home or business! 1. Do Bed Bugs Bite Cats and Dogs? Although bed bugs typically prefer human blood, they can also feed on any warm-blooded animal, including cats and dogs. They may also bite pet rabbits, birds and rodents. 2. Can Bed Bugs Live in Your Hair? While it is possible for bed bugs to live in your hair, it's unlikely. They don't have the physical capabilities to embed into your hair follicles and would wash away easily. Any bed bug sighting while combing your locks is likely a one-time result of misdirection or accident. Bed bugs prefer skin with easily accessible blood vessels. If you're worried, you can comb your hair, wash it in a very hot shower and dry it thoroughly with a hairdryer. If you see bugs in... - Published: 2020-12-14 - Modified: 2024-09-20 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/termite-damage/ Termite Damage: Everything You Need to Know Termites are an important part of the earth's ecology. They usually feed on rotting and decaying wood, making them a crucial part of the earth's natural recycling process. When they are out in the wild, they're fulfilling a necessary role. Yet, people feel the same way about termites as they do about any pest that serves a natural function. You want them to stay out of your home or business. If they happen to show up, you want them gone. Termites pose a grave threat to your building's structural and aesthetic integrity. People around the United States have to take action when termites start devouring the important wood structures of their homes and businesses. The feeding of termites not only looks ugly, but it can even lower the value of your property. You've invested a lot of hard-earned money, and the last thing you want is termite damage. Part of being a responsible homeowner or business owner is understanding the behavior and activity of termites. You need to be able to identify termites as soon as possible and take the necessary action to deal with them. Avoid the stress and frustration that comes with finding a termite colony in your building after it's too late. Know how to deal with termites and take precautions now to stay one step ahead of these pests. Contents: 10 Things to Know About Termites Signs of Termite Damage Termite Damage Timeline Cost of Termite Damage Preventing Termite... - Published: 2020-10-02 - Modified: 2023-06-01 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/emotional-effects-of-pest-infestations/ Aside from the physical health concerns surrounding pests and the damage they can do to your home or business, an infestation can also result in emotional and psychological effects. Knowing the harm rodents and insects could have on your home and business can help you prevent an infestation from happening to protect your property and promote your family or staff’s well-being. Pests can have an emotional impact on the whole family, whether you have older parents or little children living with you. In commercial buildings — such as hotels — rodents, insects and wildlife can drive away guests and employees, harming your business and leading to lawsuits in extreme cases. Learn more about the emotional effects of a pest infestation and contact Pestech to help prevent the likelihood of this problem ever affecting your home or business. Psychological Effects of Pests An infestation involves all five senses. Pests are ugly, and they produce a disgusting smell that changes how you perceive an environment. You could hear rodents scurrying around in the walls, or feel bed bugs crawling on your skin. As a result, you may experience nightmares, flashbacks or a general fear of going into a room where you saw bugs. Explore the psychological and emotional effects of pest infestations in your business or home. 1. Phobias A phobia is an intense fear of a person, place or object that results in disorientation or impairment. This psychological phenomenon produces such an irrational and extreme terror that the person negatively reacts... - Published: 2020-09-10 - Modified: 2023-06-01 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/diy-commercial-pest-inspection-checklist/ If you own a business, integrated pest management (IPM) services can help you eliminate pest activity to maintain the integrity of your company and protect the health of your employees and customers. Even if you have an IPM program in place with a pest control company, you should inspect and clean your facility seasonally between your appointments to keep your business safe from pests. Use this free commercial pest inspection checklist to inspect and help prevent rodents, wildlife and insects from sneaking into your business. Download Commercial Pest Inspection Checklist/a> How to Spot Pest Activity The most common types of pests to infest commercial areas are rodents and insects, especially cockroaches. Rodent Activity Look for the signs of rodent activity in your company’s building. Rodent droppings on countertops or the floor, particularly near areas with food or moisture. Greasy marks on cabinets or walls from mouse or rat hair. Movement, gnawing or squeaking sounds in ceilings, walls and cupboards. Debris from cardboard, rags, straw or paper that rodents could use to make nests. Gnawing marks on food containers, wood, conduits, soap, soft metals or cables. Insect Activity Check your facility for signs of an insect infestation, including: Insects in the sticky traps you’ve placed throughout the property. Evidence of debris or damage that may have come from insects. Body parts of insects, such as a shed exoskeleton or wings. Cockroach Activity Inspect the interior of your commercial building for the following signs of cockroach activity: A musty smell that could... - Published: 2020-08-31 - Modified: 2023-04-18 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/home-pest-inspection-checklist/ Your home comes with the possibility of rodents, insects and other wildlife visiting you. These critters tend to sneak in through holes in the attic, windows and doors, and they could damage your indoor and outdoor living space. Regular cleaning and inspecting of your property should help prevent pests from coming into your home. Use this home pest inspection checklist seasonally to check for pest activity and ensure your property is secure. Download Home Inspection Checklist Table of Contents click to explore content Physical Evidence of Pest Activity Checking Your Home for Pest Activity Pest Prevention: Making Sure Your Home Is Secure Physical Evidence of Pest Activity Here are some of the signs that you have pests in your house or backyard: Visible bugs or rodents: Check for dead pests or body parts throughout the home, including in any sticky traps you might have set. Pest droppings: Look around for droppings or a trail of urine on the floor or near food. The fecal matter from rodents might be easy to see, but if you look hard enough, you could also find small droppings from bugs. Chew marks: Inspect food containers and fabrics from furniture for bite marks from rodents. Outside of the home, you may notice little holes in your plants from insects. Termite tunnels: Inspect your attic and places with moisture for termite tunnels, which are about the size of a pencil. Evidence of nesting: Check for nests, such as piles of debris, insulation or dust in quiet... - Published: 2020-08-21 - Modified: 2021-07-06 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/pest-attracting-houseplants/ Plants have long been a popular way to bring some of the great outdoors into the home. Whether you have tall flowering plants that creep up the walls or simple potted succulents, these greens can give a fresh aesthetic to every room — but that’s not all they might be bringing into your home. While some plants naturally repel insects, certain others, along with the right conditions, can attract unwelcome visitors. The trick is to know which plants to select and which ones to avoid. Indoor plants tend to be more vulnerable to insects due to a few different factors. Shelter from the natural elements means there’s no rain or wind to blow pesky visitors away. The low natural atmosphere and humidity in the house can also contribute to attracting bugs. Because nature won’t take care of the pests for you, it’s your job as a homeowner to keep your plants safe. Conditions and environment will typically play a much bigger role in attracting pests than the specific type of houseplant you choose. Any indoor vegetable plants — particularly cabbage, cauliflower, tomatoes, onions and tuberous vegetables — are commonly known to attract pests. Sweet flowers, such as peonies and desert willow, are also associated with bringing ants into the home. If you have any of these plants on the premises, you should keep a particularly close eye and make sure your conditions aren’t optimal for a bug infestation. When it comes to any indoor houseplant, you’ll want to stay on... - Published: 2020-08-05 - Modified: 2021-07-06 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/common-houseplant-pests/ Bringing a plant indoors can bring pests along with it into your home. In other cases, your houseplants might naturally attract pests. In either situation, it’s important to address a pest issue early before it grows into an infestation. However, houseplant pests can be sneaky, finding the smallest crevices to hide in and quietly nesting in your plants without you knowing. By the time you notice bugs on houseplant leaves, it may be too late. To catch houseplant pests before they turn into a problem, you need to know the early warnings. This article will help you recognize the telltale signs of a potential infestation and figure out what to do if you spot them on your plants. Here are five common indoor plant bugs to be on the lookout for: Aphids Spider Mites Whiteflies Mealybugs Fungus Gnats 1. Aphids As one of the most common houseplant pests, aphids are small, soft-bodied insects. They are typically green, but they can also be brown, black, yellow or pink. Aphids are harmful to plants because they love to suck up their sap, which strips the plants of their nutrients. Here’s some more information on these critters, including what to do if you see these bugs on your indoor plants: Houseplants they love: Aphids are attracted to most plants and crops, especially young plants. Signs to look for: Because aphids feed on sap, look for yellowing and misshapen leaves, stunted growth or deformed buds. Aphids also excrete a shiny, sticky, sugary material called... - Published: 2020-07-25 - Modified: 2022-09-26 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/home-entry-points-pests/ It’s been said that love knows no bounds, and that’s certainly true when it comes to the love pests have for breaking into your home. From cockroaches to raccoons, you’ll find no shortage of creatures continually looking for ways to enter your living space in search of warmth and food. When too many of them succeed, you may have to call in professionals to deal with them. Luckily, you can take measures on your own to prevent those animals from getting in to start with. Contact Pestech { "@context": "https://schema. org/", "@type": "VideoObject", "name": "Home Entry Points for Pests | Pestech Pest Solutions", "description": "Learn more about where pests may be entering your home and how to seal off those entry points to prevent an infestation. Integrated pest management is a professional solution that focuses on this exact practice of finding entry points and effectively sealing them off to manage pest numbers on your property. Learn more about IPM solutions for your home in New York on our website- https://bit. ly/3qT3Yv3", "thumbnailUrl": "https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=3X7fkUaKz24", "uploadDate": "2021-01-26T05:00:00. 000Z", "contentUrl": "https://pestech. com/blog/home-entry-points-pests/", "duration": "2:44" } Most Common Pest Home Entry Points Many places around your home can become entry points for pests. But different points will play host to different types of pests and will require different treatments to be adequately sealed up. Here are some of the most common entry points you might find, and how to address them. Foundation Cracks Pests that love this point of entry: Insects,... - Published: 2020-07-13 - Modified: 2021-07-06 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/protect-houseplants-pests/ Houseplants are a joy to have around the home, but the happiness plants bring can quickly sour if they become infested. More than just annoying, an insect infestation in your house can be unsafe. Luckily, there are many methods for deterring and controlling such pests. To keep your houseplants from becoming infested, read this article for tips on how to prevent pests from entering your home and how to get rid of them if they do. How Do I Keep Bugs off My Houseplants? Before you can keep your houseplants safe from pests, you have to first know what common houseplant pests to look out for. Once you’re able to recognize the signs of an infestation, you’ll be better prepared to fight against it. Although the pests you encounter will depend on the climate you live in, here are some of the most common pests to watch out for: Aphids Spidermites Whiteflies Mealy Bugs Fungus Gnats Spotting one of these bugs might not seem like a big deal, but unfortunately, where there’s one, there’s usually more. If you don’t want to deal with a larger pest problem, it’s best to prevent pests from entering your home in the first place. Tips to keep pests from eating your houseplants: Consider the conditions: Before choosing your houseplant, think about the lighting conditions you live in and what type of plant is best suited for them. Plants that are not well-matched with the lighting conditions that they end up in endure a lot... - Published: 2020-05-29 - Modified: 2023-03-01 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/pest-repelling-houseplants/ Your home is where you go to be with your family and rest up after a hard day’s work, so there’s nothing worse than pesky bugs overrunning your place. From the buzz of mosquitos and flies filling the air to ground invasions from cockroaches and ants, fighting back insect attacks can eat up a lot of downtimes, so this is one of those situations where a little prevention goes a long way. Thankfully, there are quite a few houseplants well known for their pest-repelling properties. While pest management services are the best way to keep these creepy critters at bay, this post details some houseplants that can help deter insects and give you some peace of mind. 8 House Plants That Can Help Deter Pests 1. Basil and Mint Basil and mint are delicious ingredients, perfect for your favorite Italian fare or a cup of tea. However, mint and basil leaves smell terrible to insects. Keep these herbs growing in your sunny kitchen or place a few pots around your doorways. Both basil and mint are easy to grow and have been used as a form of pest control and mosquito repellent since ancient times. Pesky house flies, mosquitoes and fruit flies will not be a fan of these pungent plants. 2. Sage and Rosemary Sage and rosemary are two more plants that are lovely in their own right and can potentially serve as powerful bug deterrents. These zesty herbs can be added as ingredients to your favorite home-cooked meals.... - Published: 2020-05-26 - Modified: 2021-01-06 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/expensive-pest-infestations/ You definitely don’t want any type of pest infestation in your home, but certain kinds can be more expensive to exterminate, control and clean up after than others. The cost of a pest infestation depends on many factors, including the size of the infestation, its location and how much damage was caused. There are, however, certain kinds of pests that tend to be more costly than others. Here is a list of the five most expensive types of pest infestations in New York: 1. Bed Bugs Typical cost: $850 to $3,500 Time to control an infestation: Roughly four weeks One of the most expensive pest infestations to treat is bed bugs. These small, brown, oval-shaped insects feed on the blood of people and animals. They typically bite while their host is sleeping and like to live near a food source, so they’re often found on beds and couches. They may also live in carpets, curtains and furnishings or behind wallpaper or in cracks in the wall, among other places. Because bed bugs are so small, they’re hard to spot. Some of the most common signs of bed bugs include: Itchy bites and rashes that typically appear overnight Small blood stains on sheets Brown or rust-colored excrement spots Shed carcasses and eggshells A sweet, musty odor with larger infestations Why Is It so Costly to Control Bed Bug Infestations? There are several reasons why controlling a bed bug infestation can be difficult and relatively costly, including: They may go unnoticed: It... - Published: 2020-05-19 - Modified: 2024-09-20 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/garden-pest-prevention/ Gardens are a perfect way to beautify your yard and grow your own produce. Some studies even suggest gardening is a physically, mentally and emotionally beneficial way to pass the time. Unfortunately, pests can latch on to your garden plants and cause an array of problems. Whether you’re a novice or expert gardener, an understanding of common invading pests — as well as which plants attract and repel them — can help you protect your garden. How Pests Can Cause Damage The type of damage a pest inflicts depends on the pest itself. For example, chewing insects are responsible for the tiny holes and markings you may find on plant leaves, and piercing insects tend to suck sap and nutrients from a plant, causing discoloration or wilting. These are a few ways pests can damage your garden: Plant injury: Bugs and wildlife chew on different parts of plants, which can cause discoloration, wilting, holes, displaced roots, leaf curling, stunted growth, misshapen fruits or vegetables, browning or decay. Disease transmission: Harmful insects can accidentally, passively or actively pass pathogens to your plants, which leads to plant disease. Insects who do this are known as vectors. Stolen produce: Large pests like wildlife can quickly pillage and consume planted bulbs and ready-to-harvest fruits and vegetables. As they walk through gardens, they can also trample other plants, dislodging or breaking them. For many gardeners, this loss of crop can be a tremendous financial burden. Home invasion: Pests may enter your home undetected, where they... - Published: 2020-05-13 - Modified: 2024-09-20 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/are-pest-services-worth-it/ We humans must share the earth with all types of pests — everything from rodents and bed bugs to ants, cockroaches, spiders, termites, flies — the list goes on. We go to great lengths to eliminate these intruders from our homes and business establishments, often at significant expense to property owners. How much do we spend on pest management? In 2017, pest control companies in the United States generated approximately $8. 597 billion in revenues by helping home and business owners prevent and eliminate infestations. Examples of pest-specific expenditures include $860 million on rats and mice and $644. 7 million on bed bugs. With all the money spent on getting rid of pests, one crucial question comes to mind: Is pest control worth it? When you consider the ramifications of not controlling insect and rodent infestations, the answer is a resounding “yes. ” The Cost of Pest Management: Breaking It Down We know that residential and commercial property owners spend billions of dollars on pest control each year, but what are the costs for specific pest control services? It will depend on a variety of factors, such as whether you need one-time or recurring visits, the type of pests, and the level of infestation. You will also notice a difference between the cost of pest extermination vs. control: One-time visit: If you’re fortunate, the pest control service you hire may be able to identify and exterminate the pests in one visit to your home or business. But these calls are... - Published: 2020-03-13 - Modified: 2026-07-08 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/ny-pest-diseases/ Having pests in your home is annoying, but pest infestations can also cause problems beyond annoyance. Some pests are known to carry diseases that can spread to humans, so promptly managing your pest problem is essential to your health. In this guide, we’ll discuss some common NY pest diseases, what signs to look out for and how to prevent them. Curious about one pest in particular? Jump to that section: Rodents Cockroaches Flies Ticks Fleas Mosquitoes Bats Birds Do Rodents, Such as Mice and Rats, Carry Diseases? Rodents, such as mice and rats, are some of the most common NY pests, especially during the winter. These rodents can damage your house, get into your food and make you feel uncomfortable in your home- they may also carry diseases. In fact, worldwide, mice and rats can spread more than 35 diseases. In addition to conditions they can spread directly to humans, rodents can also spread diseases to people indirectly through ticks, fleas and other critters. The diseases that rats and mice can spread directly to humans include: leptospirosis, rat-bite fever, hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM), salmonellosis, lassa fever and south American arenaviruses. Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, or HPS, is spread by deer mice, white-footed mice, cotton rats and rice rats. This relatively rare disease is caused by a virus and can spread by direct contact with rats or mice, their droppings or their urine, as well as breathing in dust that’s been contaminated with rodent droppings... - Published: 2020-03-05 - Modified: 2026-07-08 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/winter-pest-activity/ Between the icy roads, dry skin and freezing temperatures, there isn’t much to look forward to when snow begins to fall. But there is one thing that many people celebrate at this time of year: A lack of bugs. Just because there are fewer of them out and about, however, doesn’t mean they’re dead and gone. Many pests seek warmth and food, and when those resources go away in the winter, bugs often migrate to more hospitable places. Others may enter a hibernation-like stage, and some even huddle together for warmth. Not all insects behave the same when the temperatures drop. Regardless of how cold it gets, you can’t neglect pest prevention in the winter. Instead, you may need to adapt it to match new pest activity in the winter. What Happens to Bugs in the Winter? Insects respond to cold weather in different — and sometimes surprising — ways. Not every bug makes it through the winter, but a good number of them do, especially if the winter is mild. Colder winters often mean fewer bugs the next summer because not as many of them are able to make it. Here's more information about how insects react to cold weather: For some insects, winter is the end of their natural life cycle. They mate, lay eggs and then die when the temperatures get cold. Other insects are actually able to safely freeze during the winter, due to a substance in their blood that's similar to antifreeze. When the weather... - Published: 2020-02-24 - Modified: 2024-05-24 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/bed-bugs-hotels/ Bed Bugs in Hotels: Everything You Need to Know Travelers visit hotels and resorts to get some well-deserved rest and relaxation time away from the responsibilities of day-to-day life. However, it's not always clear whether the room they've checked into is free from pesky critters — namely, bed bugs. To protect your guests and your property from bed bug infestations, brush up on the need-to-know information in our all-inclusive guide. Understanding Bed Bug Infestations Bed bugs can move around rather discreetly due to their small size and can be a real challenge to remove from a space. They're becoming more resistant to some pesticides, meaning new pest-removal innovations are essential for hotels to get ahead of the game and keep their property clean. Suitcases, plush toys, coats and pillows serve as taxis for bed bugs, allowing them to hitch a ride back to travelers' homes or other hotels and proliferate further. How Common Are Bed Bugs in Hotels? Unfortunately, the problem of bed bugs in hotels probably occurs more frequently than you’d like to think. They are a typical sight in hotels, offices, daycares, hospitals, nursing homes, dorms, apartment buildings, single-family homes and more. The problem of bed bugs has been on the rise in recent years, especially for hotels. Debunking Myths Around Bed Bugs in Hotels Bed bug infestations often come with negative connotations for a hotel — you may imagine a low-cost, undermaintained motel as the most likely candidate for an outbreak. However, bed bugs don’t discriminate based... - Published: 2020-02-12 - Modified: 2023-06-01 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/pest-exclusion/ When you need a reliable pest control team in New York on your side, Pestech Pest Solutions is ready to answer the call. We offer expert pest control services for both residential and commercial properties in the Hudson Valley area and beyond. We specialize in safe pest control methods that we can customize to meet your specific needs. We offer a 1 year guarantee on all workmanship in regards to exclusion. Pestech Pest Solutions provides quality pest prevention and control services that are second to none in our region. Our mission is to keep you, your family and your business safe from all types of pests, and our job is never done until your pest problems are taken care of completely. Call Pestech We offer pest management solutions for homes and businesses with existing pest problems. In addition, we can provide preventative pest control with our pest exclusion service. Learn more about our new standard in pest control and prevention. What Is Pest Exclusion? Pest exclusion is a pest control service that has become more popular in recent years. As opposed to pest control services that treat existing pest issues, pest exclusion is a strictly preventative process that focuses on finding interior and exterior vulnerabilities within a residential or commercial space and sealing them before pests can infiltrate. Pest exclusion reduces the chance that pests will enter your space in the future. Pest exclusion involves many steps. Depending on the size of your space, pest exclusion could take anywhere from... - Published: 2020-02-06 - Modified: 2023-08-30 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/do-cockroaches-lay-eggs-clothing/ You may have stumbled across this blog because you’ve seen a cockroach egg and are looking for answers, or you may simply be curious about the little pests. More specifically, you may be wondering if roaches lay eggs in your clothes. We’re here to give you an informed answer and also to let you know there’s always help around the corner. At Pestech, we provide green pest solutions for residences in Utica, Batavia, Wappingers Falls, Ferndale or other areas across the state of New York. Do Cockroaches Lay Eggs in Clothes? The short answer is yes. Cockroaches can lay eggs in clothes. Cockroaches prefer nesting in areas that are more likely to absorb their strong odor — places where you store paper, cardboard or wood. Thus, if you store your clothes in a wooden dresser, cockroaches will be more likely to lay eggs in your clothes. For the most part, cockroaches are found in kitchens, bathrooms or other areas that may be warm and moist. The insects also seek out food and water, so if they do find a way into your home or garage, they’ll seek out areas that have crumbs or traces of leftover food. Places to check regularly in your home for signs of cockroach activity include: Baseboards Appliances Sinks Countertops Water heater closets Trash cans Recycling bins Basements Laundry rooms Any place where snacks may be consumed Pantries, cupboards and dresser drawers may be culprits for cockroach eggs as well. What Do Cockroach Eggs Look Like?... - Published: 2020-01-29 - Modified: 2023-06-01 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/interesting-termite-facts/ When you think of the word “termite,” you may find yourself imagining all the squeamish things associated with the term “insect. ” However, if you consider all the wild things there are to know about the little creatures, you’ll find they’re nothing short of fascinating. For millions of years, termites have been munching on wood and other substances to build and feed large colonies taller than two-story homes. Termites are decomposers that never sleep — in fact, their whole lives are dedicated to hard work! We’ve compiled a list of 15 of the wildest facts about termites. Learning more about the pests may help you prevent them from infesting your home — plus, you may just find the pests to be more intriguing than you imagined. 15 Unbelievable Facts About Termites First things first, let’s define what termites are. Although many people associate termites with ants, they are actually a social kind of cockroach. These insects are often called “white ants,” and their bodies are divided into distinct sections: head, thorax and abdomen. While other insects possess the ability to see, termites are blind, except for the kings and queens. One of the most common facts people know about termites is that they eat wood — but to be clear, termites eat other things besides wood. There is also a multitude of other interesting termite facts to know about the insects: Termites have been around for millions of years: It’s estimated that the earliest termites lived about 250 million years... - Published: 2020-01-16 - Modified: 2024-09-20 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/common-ny-spiders/ For many Americans, spiders evoke a sense of fear. In fact, according to Chapman University’s Survey of American Fears in 2018, more than one-fifth of respondents said they were “afraid or very afraid” of insects and arachnids, like spiders. However, even for homeowners or business owners that aren’t afraid of spiders, these arachnids can still cause distress. One spider can lead to many more, and infestations can prove to be extremely costly. If you encounter spiders in your New York home or business, it’s helpful to be familiar with common New York spiders and know where NY spiders hide so you know which ones can potentially hurt you and how you can prevent poisonous spiders. Contact Pestech Pest Solutions to keep spiders out of your New York business or home. Top Ten Most Common Spiders Found in New York State Whether you’re a New York business owner or homeowner, spiders are pesky critters that can find their way inside and give your customers or family the creeps. Although not all spiders are harmful to humans, they are still uninvited visitors that can create unwanted webs in your business or home. However, there are some spiders with dangerous, poisonous bites you should avoid. To know which spiders pose a severe threat and which are simply pests, be on the lookout for these ten species of spiders found in NY. 1. Sac Spider You’ve probably heard of the brown recluse spider, but are you familiar with the sac spider? Sac spiders, scientifically... - Published: 2019-12-24 - Modified: 2024-09-20 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/why-are-raccoons-pests/ Have you ever heard rustling or rummaging near your trash at night? From Canada, through the U. S. and down to South America, the North American raccoon — the most common raccoon — has made its home. Raccoons are known to be highly intelligent mammals and are incredibly adaptive. These creatures have a black mask across their eyes, five to ten black bands ringed around their tail and shaggy, coarse fur. Raccoons are nocturnal, searching for anything to eat after the sun goes down. However, raccoons do more than steal trash from your trash can and have the potential to be very pesky critters. Short Answer: Why Are Raccoons Considered Pests? Pests = animals or insects known to cause problems, including damage or destruction, for people. Just what makes raccoons pests? In addition to creating a mess of your garbage can and scattering trash about, raccoons can ruin gardens and crops and are also known to make a home in buildings’ roofs, damaging your home or your business’s insulation, shingles, electrical wiring and more. Get Rid of Raccoons in My NY Home How Are Raccoons Dangerous? When people think of raccoons, they likely don’t consider them to be highly dangerous animals. Although they are nocturnal, it’s not rare for raccoons to make an appearance during the day. It is rare, however, for raccoons to show unprovoked aggression toward people. While some female raccoons may defend their babies, it’s highly unlikely for raccoons to chase someone. If a raccoon is exhibiting... - Published: 2019-12-03 - Modified: 2023-08-30 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/mice-vs-rats/ While mice and rats have a few traits in common, they are separate species. Depending on which type of rodent you’re dealing with, you’ll want to choose different pest control methods to remove them. Learn how to know if you have a mouse or a rat and spot mice vs. rat signs early. View Full Infographic How to Identify Mice The most common type of mouse found in homes and businesses is the House Mouse. These mice will cause considerable damage to your property. Spotting a Mouse Mice are fast. It may be challenging to get a good look at the perpetrator. If you catch a glimpse, mice have several distinguishing physical traits you can use to identify them: Large, floppy ears: Proportionally, mouse ears are enormous. Thin, hairy tails: Mice tails are long, thin and covered in short hairs. Smaller bodies: Mice are small rodents, generally measuring one to four inches long. Mice have sharper, triangular snouts and small heads. Their coats may be brown, grey or white. Mouse Behavior Mice can chew and climb through unexpected materials. Your walls, ceiling and attic can be torn apart by a mouse infestation. Mice typically build nests in quiet spaces and travel through your home, looking for food. Mice consume most of their water through food but may drink water if they find it. Mice leave between 40-100 droppings per day as well as urine trails for scent. Droppings are generally clustered near nests and food sources and resemble black grain.... - Published: 2019-11-29 - Modified: 2022-09-21 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/mice-when-to-call-exterminator/ Eek! A mouse in the house! As the weather gets colder, mice start looking for warm places to stay, including homes and businesses. Spot the signs of a mouse infestation and act fast. Knowing when to call an exterminator for mice can save you a lot of time, money and headaches. Mouse: Signs to Look For Mice can enter your home or business through spaces as small as 1/4 of an inch in diameter — and they’re happy to make more room if needed. Know the five signs to look for: Droppings: One of the most telling signs of a mouse infestation is mice droppings. Droppings range in length from 3-6mm and are generally clustered. Scratching: Mice travel and nest in walls and ceilings, tearing through insulation. They’re not always quiet about it. Scratching sounds in the walls can be a sign of mice. Damage: Mice build nests out of anything. Wires, insulation, drywall and more may bear signs of mouse damage. Food: Mice will destroy your pantry. Mice are vectors for disease and can contaminate your food. Look for damaged food packaging as a sign of mice. Mice: Seeing is believing. If you see a mouse, living or dead, you most certainly have more. Call a pest control company at the FIRST sign of a mouse in your home or business. Call Pestech What Happens if I Don’t Call Right Away? Mouse infestations only grow in severity over time. Mice present many dangers if left undisturbed. They’ll continue to... - Published: 2019-11-26 - Modified: 2023-06-01 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/commercial-entry-points-pests/ The cleanliness, appearance and safety of your business’ facilities play a significant role in what customers, especially first-time customers, think of your company. Because of this, a pest problem is of particular concern for commercial facilities. Commercial buildings often have a lot of shared ceilings, shared walls and common areas, meaning that it’s even more important to act quickly as even a small pest problem can rapidly become larger and harder to contain. Sightings of pests in common areas, such as bathrooms, lobbies, cafeterias, break areas and foyers, can be a huge turnoff for visitors and employees. Rodents and insects can also travel into occupied spaces that contain equipment and electrical wiring, creating even more issues. When pests enter work areas, they cause disruptions and lead to employees and patrons being uncomfortable in your facility. Pests like cockroaches and bed bugs can be brought into the workplace by employees when they crawl into personal belongings at home and back out when the employee reaches their workplace. Many pests can cause issues in an industrial building. Rats and mice can gnaw on wiring and create fire hazards or damage equipment. Ants may be drawn to electrical equipment and cause disruptions in power if they swarm the equipment in large numbers. Cockroaches can hide and multiply very quickly. This means identifying and tackling pest problems as quickly as possible is crucial for commercial properties. Top 5 Pest Entry Points for Businesses To keep pests out of your commercial building, it’s important to... - Published: 2019-11-15 - Modified: 2024-09-20 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/identify-bed-bug-bites/ Bed bugs are tiny parasites that feed on blood from humans and other warm-blood animals, though the two main species of bed bugs prefer human hosts. Bed bugs get their name from their preferred habitats in mattresses, sofas, clothing and other soft human furnishings, especially dark spaces. Bed bugs can cause a panic when found in dwellings, such as private homes, hotels, dorms, army barracks, shelters and cruise ships. However, these bugs do not transmit diseases through their bites. When people are bitten by bed bugs, they typically experience itchiness, irritation or sores. If you’re dealing with bed bugs, how can you treat them? Can bed bugs be prevented? How do you know if your symptoms are from bed bugs or another cause? Fortunately, you can reduce your chances of getting bitten by bed bugs, and there are also several treatment options, including antihistamines and good hygiene. To help you when it comes to recognizing and treating bed bug bites, we have put together this guide on identifying bed bug bites. Contents: Where to Find Bed Bugs Where Bed Bugs Will Bite Symptoms of Bed Bug Bites Common Misidentifications of Bed Bugs and Bites What Happens If Bites Are Left Untreated? How Do You Treat Bed Bug Bites? Call our team to schedule an inspection in NY if you suspect bed bugs in your home. Where to Find Bed Bugs Most Americans are worried about bed bugs, and many have encountered bed bugs. Because bed bugs can infest so many... - Published: 2019-10-19 - Modified: 2023-06-01 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/pests-that-stick-around-during-winter-ny/ In New York, you’re used to seeing plenty of bugs in the spring and summer. One of the advantages of cold New York winters is that many pests cannot survive them. But do all insects die during the winter? Unfortunately, the answer is no. There are a number of pests that stick around during winter, plaguing your New York home or business. What Pests Live During the Winter in NY? Here are five of the worst winter pests you may have to deal with during New York’s cold season: Cockroaches If you have lived in New York for any length of time, you are well-acquainted with cockroaches. Some roaches, especially German cockroaches and American cockroaches, move in before it gets too cold and will live anywhere in your home that’s dark and close to sources of food and water. You will often find them in basements or storerooms, and they will feast on whatever food you happen to leave laying around. Any management of a cockroach problem must include a maintenance program from Pestech. We’ll be sure to tell you exactly what you can do on your end through effective communication. Remember, when it comes to roaches only a team effort will control their population. Spiders Pests tend to swarm to homes to find harborage during the winter. If you have small insects in your home, you might also have a sizable spider population. These pests are occasionally dangerous, and should be addressed with a preventative service or program. Spiders... - Published: 2019-10-15 - Modified: 2024-09-16 - URL: https://pestech.com/blog/hardest-pests-get-rid-of/ If you spot a pest in your home, you may wonder if you have a serious infestation. Luckily, you can prevent them from invading in the first place. Let's look at the top three worst pets in your home, how to get rid of them and why some are harder to remove than others. What Is the Hardest Pest to Get Rid Of? Bed bugs, termites and cockroaches tend to be the hardest to eliminate. Less challenging ones include: Centipedes Grain moths Spiders Butterflies Gnats Let's learn what makes them so hard to eradicate and the most effective treatment options. 1. Termites Termites are eusocial insects sometimes mistaken as white ants. Two types of termites frequently infest homes — workers and swarmers. Worker termites are 3-4 millimeters in length. Swarmer termites are about 4 millimeters long, dark brown or black and rarely have wings. To determine if you have a termite problem, place your thumb on any exposed wooden areas in your home. If the wood crumbles, you likely have a termite infestation. Why Are Termites So Hard to Get Rid Of? Termites don't like to be out in the open. They stay hidden in wood panels and move when exposed to light. It is also easier for them — specifically workers, soldiers and young termites (nymphs) — to stay in the dark because they are blind. Adults, kings and queens are the only ones who can see. Apart from being blind, they are so stealthy that they can live... ## Pests - Published: 2020-10-05 - Modified: 2021-10-15 - URL: https://pestech.com/pests/mice/ Identification Roof Rats are 6 to 8 inches and normally a grown to gray-black color. The tail is longer than head and body combined. Prefer to nest on rooftops. Deer Mice have large eyes and ears with a tail that’s covered in short fine hair. They vary from gay to red-brown. Prefer to nest in shallow burrows, hollow stumps, or beneath small fallen logs. House Mouse is about 3 inches in length with a tail longer than its body. It had large ears and smalls eyes and usually are dark gray on top with a light belly. Usually nest in materials such as insulation. Norway Rat is about 8 inches long and can weigh up to 20 ounces. Normally brown with some black hair and has a shorter tail than its body and head combines. Prefer to nest in soil by streams, lakes, rubbish. - Published: 2020-10-05 - Modified: 2024-09-20 - URL: https://pestech.com/pests/cockroaches/ ggs