Bug Out Jacksonville

Every service performed by Bug Out carries our family name and reputation. We always work hard for your complete satisfaction. Bug Out Service is a part of your local community, and is sensitive to local needs and customs. We’re not an impersonal national corporation; we're a local business that values being a part of your everyday life. 5951 Arlington Expwy Jacksonville, FL 32211-5628 904-562-6093 Find us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Google+!

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Everything you need to know about Chinch Bugs

Chinch Bugs are comparatively easier to recognize, but hard to locate. They are about 1/5” long with dark gray bodies and white wings on their backs. The newborns are yellow and they soon turn red as they age. They have white stripes across their bodies. Chinch bugs are common in Florida so if you have a lawn you have these bugs. If your lawn is healthy then the bugs are naturally controlled but if it starts to develop brown strips then the Chinch bug population may have gone out of control.

Your Lawn is Dinner to Chinch Bugs

You take care of your lawn, water it, and feed it with manure regularly, yet you notice damage to your lawn in some spots. In case you live in the south and have St.Augustine grass or zoysia grass then your lawn might be home to a whole pack of Chinch bugs. These creepy bugs suck your grass blades dry. They induce poison which eventually kills your lawn, hence the brown strips. But you can prevent and manage chinch bugs.

How to confirm a Chinch Bug Breakout

Chinch bugs are not easy to locate, but you can find them. If you bend down on your lawn and try to see these bugs and still can’t then try the tin can method. Cut out both ends of a tin can and push the end of the tube into the ground, pour some water and let it be for about ten minutes. If you see chinch bugs floating to the surface then you have many of these nasty bugs in your lawn. Chinch bugs vary from pink to red in color and they have white stripes across their bodies.

If your grass has brown strips that show damage in areas especially along the sidewalks then your lawn is already dinner to these bugs. Yellow or dried out dead grass spots mean you have these bugs. If you have checked for chinch bugs and you’re still not sure then call a professional before your lawn dies. You can use insect killers to prevent and kill chinch bugs, but it’s best to call in a professional to do it who knows how to use these chemicals.

 Controlling Chinch Bugs

Pesticides do not work on chinch bugs since they have become immune to them. Even DDT won’t help because chinch bugs are resistant to them since the early 1950s. There are a number of insecticides that eliminate chinch bugs, but there are a few that stand out above the rest. Acephate which is made of bifenthrin and acephate has been the best insecticide that has yielded excellent results over the years in eliminating chinch bugs. This can be done by the homeowner, but it’s recommended you call in a professional to help. Talstar is the best insecticide in eliminating these bugs and turf pests such as mole crickets, ants and other lawn bugs.

For better results, water the area before applying these insecticides. Spread the insecticide equally throughout the lawn and water the area again after application. Where the population of chinch bugs is a lot, treat it every 2 weeks until you’ve killed the bugs and also the newly hatched.

One of the easiest ways to control these bugs is to make sure that the top layer of soil is moist. But the lawn should be moist and not saturated. Healthy lawns are green and the ones with a brown or yellow tone are infested with chinch bugs. If the lawn is not on even turf then peaks tend to dry of faster so it is important to maintain the moisture level. In Florida, chinch bugs are common and you might need professional help in getting rid of them. If you try things on your own it might be too late to save your lawn.

If you suspect chinch bugs, then call a professional lawn care specialist who understands lawn pests. A professional will know exactly which pesticide to use to destroy the chinch bugs and hopefully save your lawn. Use a hose end sprayer to spray Talstar liquid at the rate of ½ ounce per 1000 square feet. If you opt for granules then apply them at the rate of 25 pounds per ¼ acre and irrigate immediately after applying the insecticide. Removal of thatch is essential to eliminate the conditions that are favorable for chinch bugs to survive. Nitrogen fertilization slows chinch bug reproduction although if these are St. Augustine then they are heavy feeders and prefer fertilizer and other grasses.

To get rid of chinch bugs and get your lawn back call in a professional from the nearest agency for hep.

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Everything You Need to Know about Killing Sod Webworms

Gardening is something most people have a passion about. It requires countless hours to grow and maintain plants and it can be frustrating when you see your garden in trouble due to pests. Killing these pests may look simple enough to do, but is a complicated task, which first requires an understanding of these worms. Sod Webworms are not like other worms. With more than 20 types, each different from the other, you must first understand their life cycle to exterminate them permanently.

As Sod Webworms are different from other types of worms, treating your garden to exterminate them requires some background about their life cycle. A Sod Webworm has 3 stages of life from an egg to pupa to a larval with a full life cycle of 5 weeks. A fully grown worm is called a moth and cannot harm your garden. However, it can lay eggs which can multiply and cause trouble. While larval is the only stage in the worm’s life cycle that can destroy your plants and in turn your garden.

The sod webworms are not big and are difficult to detect. They only measure up to.5 to .75 inches and have brown spots on their body. Each worm is different in color, ranging from tan to gray. The best place to look for webworms is near a shade. They tend to live in flower beds and turfs though they do not feed on it, they may lay eggs nearby.

A larval, which is the only stage dangerous in a Sod Webworm’s life cycle, can vary from .75 to 1 inch in length. There are many Sod worms which you can find in your garden if you are living in Florida. Their peak season is from June to August. As soon as winter arrives, these worms tend to diminish as they are unable to survive the cold weather.

Is pesticide the only option for extermination?

Although treating your garden with a spray of pesticides can be helpful, it should not be practiced. The treatment involves specific technical instruments and the use of poison which requires safety gear. That is why it is highly advised to call for a professional service to handle all the hard work. Doing a treatment yourself is not only dangerous but mostly unsuccessful as the whole termination process involves at least 2 to 3 applications of pesticides.

A single spray of pesticides may show you some results but in the long run you will see more worms in your garden that will be stronger than the previous ones. This is because the first application only kills the living caterpillar and not the eggs or pupa. The pupa usually goes underground where the caterpillar leaves a silver lining that serves as a sealant from pesticide applications. The sealant protects the worm by blocking the pesticide to enter the burrow.

The second application is the only solution to this problem. It will make sure that as soon as the egg hatches, a pesticide spray will kill them and stop further production. The newly hatched caterpillars also have a stronger immune system so killing them as soon as they are born is very important.

Considering all the reasons mentioned, a complete know how of the webworms and their life cycle is very important if you want to completely eradicate pests from your garden.

Calling a pest control company near you is the best and most viable option when you are planning to exterminate all kinds of bugs and pests from your lawn.

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Protect Your Home Against a Squirrel Invasion

During autumn, squirrels assess the territory in which they live for potential shelter in which they can spend the winter. If your house has points at which they can chew their way in, they might choose your attic as their winter home. After all, it’s filled with cozy insulation; it’s warm; and there are no predators.

Although squirrels seem so adorable as you see them scamper through the tree branches, they can actually cause quite a bit of damage to your yard and your home, according to pest control experts. Furthermore, squirrels carry a wide variety of diseases, according to a paper published by Florida Health. To protect your property and family, you need to evict these unwanted guests. Here are some tips from pest control professionals:

Evict Squirrels From Your Home

The only way to keep squirrels out of your home for good is to have a pest control professional remove the pests and seal off any possible entry points. Otherwise, squirrels will gnaw through wood and other materials to create a passageway into your home, causing damage at their entry points and exposing your family to diseases they carry.  

Evict Squirrels From Your Yard

Even the trees in your yard can fall victim to squirrel damage. Since squirrels eat tree bark, they can strip entire branches of their protective covering, causing the affected branches to die and drop off your trees. A University of Florida report has more information about how to protect your trees from this kind of squirrel-caused damage.

Squirrels, who feed on plant matter, may wreak havoc in your garden. Not only will they eat your produce, but they may also dig up your plant bulbs for food. If you create a protective wire mesh cover for your garden, squirrels are less likely to gain access. Make sure that the weave of the mesh is ¼ inch or less and covers the top as well. Squirrels can squeeze into larger openings, according to a study published by Wildlife Damage Control.

To discourage squirrels from meandering into your yard in the first place, remove uneaten pet food or feed your pets inside. Clear out any yard debris that could provide shelter for squirrels or other pests. Check your bird feeders to make sure that they are not overfilled, broken, or spilling food.

Enlist the Help of Pest Control Professionals

Because state laws protect squirrels from removal by amateurs, it’s important for you to call in professional help when squirrels invade your home. These highly-trained experts will not only remove the squirrels from your property safely, but they will also clean up and seal your home after they remove the squirrels. When you know that the squirrels are gone for good, the peace of mind you’ll have is well worth the price of professional removal.

Most pest control services provide free assessments of your property to determine your risk for squirrel or other wildlife infestations. If you think you may have a squirrel problem, call your local pest control service today.

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Termite Tips for Southern Homeowners

People who live in the Southern U.S. are particularly vulnerable to termite home invasions, particularly drywood termite infestations. If you live in that region and are in the market for a home, ask if the wooden parts of the homes you consider were pre-treated for drywood termites prior to construction. According to a University of Florida study, that is the only way to assure yourself that your new home will not become home to a huge colony of drywood termites as well.

If, however, you have already purchased a home, you may need a few tips to deal with these destructive creatures.

Know Your Enemy

Termites live by consuming dead wood. Whether it’s branches, fallen trees, or your living room floor, it’s all a feast to them. Drywood termites are especially dangerous to homes because they don’t need as much moisture to survive as other termites. That means that even though your home is well-protected against moisture, it may still be vulnerable to these pests.  

Because they spend their lives inside the wood, it is difficult to detect their presence. They may have chewed through a support beam before you discover their arrival. If you don’t know if your home was treated before its construction, it may be a good idea to have it checked by a pest control expert before the creatures do serious damage to your home, particularly if you live in an area in which drywood termite infestations are more common, such as the American South.

Hire an Inspector

Your local pest control professional first will check your home for evidence of a termite infestation. She or he will look for termite droppings, shed wings (which are a sign that a swarm has occurred recently), and damaged wood.

Treat the Infestation and Prevent Reoccurrences

If your pest control professional finds that drywood termites have invaded your home, she or he will next suggest a treatment plan. The best pest control companies usually will recommend that you have your entire home sealed off from the outside by a special tent and completely fumigated. Only fumigation can reach parts of your home that can’t be treated by methods such as dusting and borate applications.

To prevent future infestations, have your home inspected and treated regularly by a licensed pest control company. If you live in the South, and it has been a while since you have had your home inspected for termite damage, call your local pest control professional today.

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How an Irrigation Update Can Transform Your Lawn

Proper irrigation can transform your lawn from “Blah” to “Ah!” this summer. One of the common misconceptions—that the more you water your lawn, the greener it will be—can actually kill your grass or cause it to become susceptible to everything from fungi to pests. If, on the other hand, you change your irrigation system to a configuration that fits your lawn’s unique needs, your grass will get healthier, stronger—and greener.

Stress—the Nemesis of a Healthy Lawn

Just like in humans, stress in plants can cause stunted growth and susceptibility to diseases. One of the biggest causes of stress in lawn grasses is overwatering. When you overwater your grass, the water pools at the soil’s surface. The grass doesn’t need to grow a deep root system to get water. A shallow root system produces weak, stressed-out plants that attract pests and become vulnerable to disease.  

Excess Moisture Attracts Fungi, Mold, and Pests

Mold and fungi grow best in a moist environment. Insects and other pests need water to survive, so they, too, are attracted to a lawn that has been overwatered. Combine these factors with the lawn’s compromised immune system, and you have a recipe for disaster. If you have brown spots in your lawn, fungi and molds are the most likely suspects.  

Smart Irrigation Eliminates Excess Moisture in Low-Lying Areas

Lawns usually have high spots and low spots. Because water runs downhill, excess water can pool in the low-lying areas of your yard. Instead of watering your lawn evenly, upgrade your irrigation system to one that takes advantage of smart technology. These systems use hydrometers as sensors to tell the system when a certain section in your lawn needs to be watered. If the hydrometer senses that the area is damp, it will not turn on the irrigation in that section.

How to Water Your Lawn

Various types of grasses need specialized care, depending on the region and weather conditions where you live. Most grasses, though, thrive if you remember to wait to water them until the soil’s top layer dries out. This practice keeps fungi, molds, and pests at bay while forcing the grass to develop strong, deep roots and a healthy immune system.

Call in a local lawn care professional if you notice trouble spots in your lawn. Pest damage, brown patches in the lawn, or areas in which you see fungi or mold growing indicate that you may need an expert to assess your situation. He or she will check your irrigation system, provide solutions to the lawn care challenges you face, and check to make sure that your lawn is draining properly.

Once you have implemented your lawn care professional’s plan to provide the proper amount of water for your lawn, it is your responsibility to keep the system running well. If you don’t have the time to inspect your irrigation system regularly, set up a schedule for your local lawn care company to make regular visits to make sure the system is running properly. Check your sprinkler heads and valves. If they are broken or leaking, replace them immediately. If you have a timer, check it often to make sure that watering times change with the seasons.  

Your local lawn care expert can help you identify common lawn problems caused by a dated irrigation system and help you transform your lawn into the backyard oasis of your dreams. Give your local Jacksonville pest control service a call today.

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Conserve water without changing your irrigation system

Save money on your water bills without buying a new irrigation system

With summer’s heat closing in fast, at least in the Northern Hemisphere, water becomes more scarce—and more expensive. It’s challenging enough to pay your bills every month, so you don’t want to invest more money on a new irrigation system. How in the world can you conserve water without a new system, though? Here are some ideas that may help you conserve water and save money.

Routine Maintenance May Uncover Some Problems

Because drip irrigation emitters and sprinkler heads use tiny holes to deliver the water to your plants, it doesn’t take much to get some of those holes clogged. Dirt, dust, grass—all can cause your system to back up. If the pressure builds up to a certain point, your system may spring a leak. To avoid that happening, simply clean off the holes from time to time. Check your system often for any indication of clogs.

If you see water spurting up from a spot in your system, of course, that’s an obvious indication that you have a clog or a leak. There are, though, other signs to alert you to look for clogs or breaks in your system. If your lawn is green near the sprinkler head, but has a brown ring or spots farther away from the sprinkler, you may need to replace your sprinkler head.

If your emitter is clogged, you will probably see some wilted plants in certain areas of your lawn or garden. Those wilted areas indicate where the clog is located. If your plants near the end of the drip line are dying, you may have an actual leak or a broken pipe. Locate the broken section and replace it.

Make Your System More Efficient

In addition to regular maintenance, you need to configure your irrigation system  to make it work more efficiently. Try overlapping your sprinklers’ spray zones. That way, even the plants at the end of each sprinkler’s spray zone will get adequate water. You’ll find that it takes less time and less water when each of the sprinklers gets help from the others. If overlapping the spray zones isn’t enough, you may need to replace some of the sprinkler heads to more efficient ones.

Drip irrigation systems should be routinely inspected by lawn care professionals. These systems need to be rearranged as your plants grow and your landscape design changes. If your emitters are too large or too small for the types of plants you have growing in a given area, you need to install emitters that are properly sized for the plants in that area of your garden.  

Want more ideas about how to irrigate your lawn and garden more efficiently? Contact Bug-Out Jacksonville your local lawn care and pest management professionals.

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The Differences in Termite Species in Your Home

The Differences in Termite Species in Your Home

Several types of termites may be living in your home. Even if they are different from one another, they are all still part of the Isoptera order. These tiny pests feed on our homes as they eat the rotting wood, plants and roots that surround us. While termite differences are only slight, they are not related at all to the ant, even if they both live in social colonies. Learn more facts about termites and how to identify them so that you can get a better pest control treatment.

What Termites Can Do in Your House

Termites are nature’s personal recycling plant. They work hard to remove all of the dead and rotting wood from an area while returning the nutrients to the soil. This allows these nutrients to be reabsorbed by plant life, creating crops and forests. Termites have a specialized bacteria that helps them to digest the plant material. They thrive by eating cellulose, a substance found in the cell walls of plants. There are three different species of termites a typical homeowner may have to deal with, including subterranean termites, dampwood termites and drywood termites.

Differences in Termite Species

There are several different species of termites that look alike. They might appear at different stages of life. Swarmers are very common inside the home, as these are termites that are emerging. Drywood termites will shed their wings right after they emerge, which leaves a visible residue behind. These shells are usually found on windowsills. If you see an odd bug in this area, you should call an extermination professional straight away. When swarmers are found dead in the home, it may mean subterranean termites are present.

Subterranean termites are slightly smaller than drywood termites, although they have other things that allow you to tell them apart. Size and color play a huge role in identification. For example, dampwood termites usually have a wide body and a rich caramel color.

Subterranean termites also build large mud towers that have vast underground tunnels and chambers built around a food source. The structure they build has a natural cooling system and air circulation. Drywood termites, on the other hand, live within the dried wood they eat. Their tunnels are built as they devour the wood, which can be very bad news for a homeowner!

Looking for Termites

A simple way to see if your home has termites is to look for signs of their presence. Swarmers can usually be seen around doors and windows. Frass, or leavings, might be found on the wooden boards around the house. Small 1 to 2 mm holes may also be found in the wood.

How to Deal with Termite Infestations

When you start to see signs of an infestation, contact a local pest control specialist for an inspection. Those who understand termites can suggest the best treatment option for your home and give you preventative information. This helps to control your current and future termite populations. Contact a specialist near you today!

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How Can I Have a Gorgeous Lawn This Summer?

Most Americans want their yard to be a welcoming spot for friends and family. Yet many American homeowners struggle with the challenge of lawn care. Here are some ideas that will help you have the lawn of your dreams this summer:

Early to Rise

Your lawn will look its best over the long, hot summer if you rise early to water it every day. Though there are exceptions to this rule, grass usually does better with early morning watering. If you can nudge yourself out of bed before 8 a.m. every morning to water your lawn, your grass will thank you.

The reason early morning watering is best for grass is that droplets of water on grass act like tiny magnifying lenses. Intensified by the water drop prism, the sunlight can quickly burn out the delicate blades. Water early in the morning, and the blades of grass will dry out before the hottest part of the day.

Moisture also attracts fungi that wreak havoc with your lawn. Because their spores are airborne, wet grass allows the spores to stick to the blades. If you water late in the day, the sun won’t be able to dry out the blades to kill the spores.

Pesticide Treatments May Affect Your Watering Schedule

You may find that your lawn has been invaded by soil-borne pests. Applying pesticide later in the day may be more effective. If you apply pesticide in the late afternoon, it will have more time to do its work before it dries.

Water-soluble pesticides also may alter your routine. Water late in the afternoon to allow the lawn to stay damp during the night. The chemicals will be better able to soak into the ground, ensuring better results. Alternatively, you may also choose to use a time-release granulated pesticide. If you have a difficult time choosing which pesticide to use, consult your local pest control professional.

Other pests that keep your lawn from being a welcome haven from the world include mosquitoes, beetles, chiggers, fleas, and ants. If you need help ridding your lawn of these annoying creatures, call your local pest control company for assistance.

Lawn Fertilizer May Temporarily Alter Your Watering Schedule

Because the chemicals used to fertilize lawns are so strong, they may burn some of the grass in your lawn unless you use them correctly. Pay attention to the instructions on the fertilizer bag and follow them closely.

With liquid fertilizers, you need to give your lawn a thorough soaking—about ¼ inch of water—within 24 hours before you plan to fertilize. Afterward, give your lawn a light misting to wash the fertilizers off the grass and into the soil.

Granulated and time-release fertilizers also have specialized instructions. The first day, spread them on the lawn. The next morning, though, water your lawn at the normal time. The water will help the fertilizer work its way into the ground, where it can nourish the roots of your lawn.

Pest control services do more than get rid of pests. They can also help you with most lawn-related issues. If you want your lawn to look its best this summer, call your local pest control company today.  

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How Can Mice Squeeze into My Home?

Popular culture often portrays mice as cute, inquisitive and harmless creatures. Like Jerry of cartoon fame, mice are indeed inquisitive. Harmless, though? Hardly. Once they get inside your home, they can cause a lot of damage in little time.

“But how do they squeeze into my home?” you may wonder. After all, you have sealed all but the tiniest cracks. No mouse could possibly squeeze inside the narrow gaps in the seals on your doors—or so you thought.

The truth, however, is that they can. Like Jerry, mice are always looking for a new way to get inside a warm home, where they can have free rein to roam in their constant search for better food, water, and shelter. Like sensors, their sensitive whiskers alert them to cracks and holes into which they can squeeze.

Have you ever wondered how Jerry always was a couple of steps ahead of Tom? Perhaps it was because he was modeled after one of the characteristics of real mice—their flexibility. This allows them to get into the tiniest spaces. Once they are in, they gnaw into your walls and woodwork to create holes, just like the ones to which Jerry slunk away in the cartoons.

Mice Multiply

It’s not just Jerry. It’s Jerry and his mate that can cause huge problems. Once Jerry gets romance into his life, his partner can have up to 14 babies every month. That can add up to big trouble in a hurry.

The news gets worse. Not only are mice destructive, but they are also dangerous. The fleas that live on mice are the same ones that cause the Bubonic Plague. Deer mice, who live in barns and rural homes, also spread a disease caused by the Hantavirus. Hantavirus causes a serious, often fatal, respiratory illness. As an airborne virus, Hantavirus can be inhaled when you clean up mouse scat and urine, or even when you clean out mouse nests in your barn or garage.

It is very important, therefore, to pay attention to any respiratory symptoms that develop after you clean up after a mouse infestation. Get immediate medical help if the symptoms go beyond just a case of the sniffles.

Giving Jerry the Boot

Let’s face it. Mice don’t belong in your home. They belong outside, where predators can keep their population under control.

If your home has been invaded by mice, call your local pest control company. Their expertise in solving even the toughest pest problems can be put to good use for you. They can advise you about the best way to kick your home’s unwanted guests to the curb. They even have humane alternatives to traditional mouse traps and poisons, so you need not feel one twinge of guilt.

After you have removed the mice, you’ll need to ensure that they do not return. Ask your local pest removal company to provide exclusion service. With this service, trained experts will look for and seal any tiny openings you may have overlooked. If you have mice living in your home, they won’t leave on their own. Do yourself a favor. Call your pest control service today.

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Stink Bugs, Spiders, Fleas, Gnats, Bed Bugs, Flies, Fruit Flies Ticks, Ants, Carpenter Ants, Wasps, Ground Digger Wasps (Cicada Killers), Carpenter Bees, Mosquitoes, Roaches

How to Get Rid of Pests: Naturally or Otherwise

Note: Cat Owners beware of what you are exposing your cat to, they are especially sensitive! Review the article for cats under “Fleas” (italicized below) to find out what to keep in mind when considering various methods of pest control.

Stink Bugs 15+ Ways: Get Rid of Stink Bugs Naturally. Or, simply Kill a Stink Bug.

Spiders 10+ Ways: Get Rid of Spiders in the House. Or, just Make Spider Repellent at Home.

Fleas 10+ Ways: Get Rid of Fleas Naturally. Or Get Rid of Fleas, and more specifically: Kill Fleas in a Home. For Pets: This Natural Flea and Tick Remedy with Apple Cider Vinegar is safe for both Cats and Dogs. Dogs: Kill Fleas on Dogs or consider making a DIY Natural Dog Flea Massage Oil. Cats: Kill Fleas and Ticks on Cats (Note: Cats are especially sensitive, this guide includes “What Not To Do” in Method 3, with 5 Steps). You can also consider making this DIY Herbal Flea Remedy for your Cat. 

Warning: Do not expose a cat to a flea medication meant for dogs. Many of the chemicals used in canine flea treatments are toxic to cats and may even cause death.

Gnats 10+ Ways: Get Rid of Gnats.

Bed Bugs Get Rid of Bed Bugs and learn how to Treat Bed Bug Bites.

Flies 10+ Ways: Get Rid of Flies in the House. Avoid unwanted chemicals and make DIY Natural Outdoor Fly Repellent with Essential Oils. Or more specifically: 15+ Ways: Get Rid of Fruit Flies. Consider Getting Rid of Fruit Flies with Cloves with this simple DIY. 

Ticks 15+ Ways: Get Rid of Ticks Around Your Home. For Pets: This Natural Flea and Tick Remedy with Apple Cider Vinegar is safe for both Cats and Dogs. Dogs: Get Ticks Off Your Dog. Cats: Kill Fleas and Ticks on Cats (Note: Cats are especially sensitive, this guide includes “What Not To Do” in Method 3, with 5 Steps).

Ants 10+ Ways: Get Rid of Ants Naturally. Or 20+ Ways: Get Rid of Ants. Or, more specifically: Get Rid of Carpenter Ants.

Wasps and Bees 15+ Ways: Get Rid of Wasps. Make a cheep and easy DIY Wasp Trap. If you wanted to attempt this on your own, make sure you’re extra prepared: Get Rid of a Wasp’s Nest. If you have a lawn infestation: Get Rid of Ground Digger Wasps (Cicada Killers). While they are generally not aggressive: Get Rid of Carpenter Bees.

Mosquitoes 15+ Ways: Get Rid of Mosquitoes. Or take precautions: Avoid Mosquito Bites. If you’ve already been bitten, here are ways to Get Rid of Mosquito Bites and How to Stop Mosquito Bites from Itching in the meantime!

Cockroaches Get Rid of Roaches.

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Understanding Fire Ants in Your Backyard

One of the common pest problems in Florida and Georgia is fire ant infestation. The people who have these bugs on their property already know that they aren't like other ants. Fire ants have a reddish brown or black color. They are small, measuring between one eighth and one fourth of an inch. The queen is slightly larger, usually measuring about half an inch. Fire ants are known for their high levels of aggression and ability to sting. The sting of a fire ant can cause some health complications. Fire ants can also damage driveways, sidewalks and other areas with their excessive stinging.

Like other ants, fire ants live in colonies that appear as mounds made out of soil. The mounds have a dome-like structure and may have one or more queens. The mounds are usually found in sunny areas, but they can also be found near shady trees or rotting wood. Mounds may also appear around pavement or the cracks of sidewalks. Should the mound ever be disturbed, worker ants will begin to attack very aggressively.

Every fire ant colony has at least one queen. Colonies that have a single queen tend to have between 100,000 and 240,000 worker ants inside. Larger colonies will house as many as 500,000 workers. The average lifespan of workers are between 30 and 180 days, with size playing a very important role. The queens; however, live for between 2 and 6 years. Their life cycle from egg to adult is between 22 and 38 days.

Colonies can also expand very easily with mating flights. The colony may also expand if part of the colony becomes independent. Reproductive swarmers will begin venturing out of the colony in about one year’s time. The mating flights will happen on a warm day. This allows the ants to scatter across large amounts of land. As many as 97,000 queens can be found in an acre of land, each one laying as many as 1,500 eggs per day. This makes managing the fire ants somewhat difficult.

The ants are always seeking foods that are high in protein, but will consume almost anything. Honey dew is a favorite among fire ants. This substance, which is found on many different plants, is produced by insects such as white flies, soft scales or aphids. The ants will harvest both the honey dew and the other insects. In many situations, treating the honey dew problem will help control the fire ant population in an area.

Different treatment methods are available to help you control the fire ant population around your home. Single mound treatments, such as mound drenches and dust treatments, are a popular choice but do not always reach the queen. Baits and home remedies are often more effective, even if they are being used as a broadcast treatment. The worker ants will bring the bait to the queen, which can effectively control the population.

Several treatment options and bait programs are available in your area. Contact us today to see how you can control the fire ant population in your backyard.

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How to Keep Mosquitoes Away

Get Rid of Mosquitoes in Your Yard

Every summer, people deal with a common pest problem: mosquitoes. These pestsare never any fun and often arrive in droves. They cause painful and itchybites that annoy many homeowners. Not only are they annoying, they can also bevery harmful to both pets and people. Bites can carry traces of the West Nilevirus. They can also cause heart worm problems in dogs and cats. Getting these mosquitoes out of your yard is crucial to your summertime fun. Use these tips and tricks to help repel mosquitoes.

Avoid Leaving Standing Water in Your Yard

Standing water can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes, resulting in more mosquitoes to make their way into your yard. Removing the excess water is the first step in cutting down your mosquito population. Try getting rid of things like rain barrels, pet dishes or empty containers. Decor and pools that collect water should be covered.

Try looking for low points in your yard as well. These spots can fill with water, attracting mosquitoes. Fill these areas in to improve the drainage in your yard and keep the mosquitoes away.

Using Store-Bought Repellents

There are several different products that can be purchased in order to keep mosquitoes away. One popular choice is the citronella candle, which is known for being very effective. The only thing you would need to do is place them nearby and light them. Even though this method is effective, it is important to keep in mind that the candles have a very short range. The candles may also be a hazard if you have children or pets around.

Different bug sprays can also keep the mosquitoes away. These sprays are typically found in the camping or sporting goods section of your favorite store. The sprays work very well, but many people complain about their strong smell. When the spray comes in contact with the skin, it can also leave an oily film that many people dislike.

Invest in Pest Control

Choosing to contact a local pest control expert can be a great way to learn what it takes to keep mosquitoes away. Experts in your area are available to make a home appointment. They will be able to investigate your yard and find the best ways to keep these pests away. This will help save you time and money, as well as make you feel more comfortable.

Discover more information about mosquitoes and how to keep them out of your yard by calling a local pest control expert.

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Keep Termites Out of Your Home With These Hints

Termites are never lonely creatures.They live and work in colonies. This kind of groupthink on their part, however, creates billions of dollars in damage every year, because when they move in, they bring their whole group with them. Over time, that can damage the wood that keeps your home stable, such as its supporting beams. That can spell disaster for your home. To keep them away from your home, try these ideas:

Know Thy Enemy

The group mentality in a colony of termites gives rise to some behavior that you can use to stop them in their tracks. Did you know that a colony that gets too large sends out winged spies in advance? These scouts, called swarmers, look for homes to which their colony’s expanding population can move in.

Other colonies who live in the area may send out lone termites to scope out new food supplies. If they find food in your home, they will carry it back to their colony, feed it to their brethren, and settle down to a good-sized family dinner.

What these invaders do not know are the methods humans can use to stop their feeding frenzy. These behaviors can prove to be a colony’s undoing.

Create Defenses Tailor-Made to Each Situation 

When it comes to termites, pest control experts use two main methods to destroy existing colonies and keep them from invading homes. These treatments are liquid termiticides and baits.  

To Prevent Swarming: Use liquid termiticide to create a barrier around your home. Termites who come into contact with the chemical treatment are killed. In conjunction with this treatment, you may also want to set out baits. Those unlucky termites who venture onto your property from neighboring colonies will take the bait back to their colony and feed it to the others. Eventually, an entire colony can be disposed of by using these baits.

To Prevent Termites From Nearby Colonies From Entering Your Home: Again, use a combination of a liquid barrier and baits. These stray wanderers will not come around so often, and when they do, they will carry your poisonous gift back to their colony. You are doing your entire neighborhood a favor when you eliminate these colonies near you who want to set up housekeeping in your and your neighbors’ homes.  

To Eliminate Termites Who Have Already Invaded Your Home: Don’t panic if you discover that termites have already set up a colony in your home. Use the liquid termiticide to kill most of them quickly, and then set out baits to kill any others who may still be wandering around. Don’t forget to put a liquid termiticide barrier around your home so any other colonies will know they’re not welcome at your house.

Consult Your Pest Control Professional for Information

As the old saying goes, “forewarned is forearmed.” Your local pest control expert can give you valuable information about termites and other pests, as well as helping you create a strategy to boot them out of your home for good.

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Bug of the Month: American Cockroach

Dealing with theAmerican Cockroach

Clean and dirty areas-It used to be thought that only dirty homes and businesses got roaches. The highly adaptive qualities of the American roach proves that theory wrong. This bug will happily nest just about anywhere. Their extremely fast growth cycle makes their infestation alarmingly quick, they are able to take over your home almost overnight making them one of the most unwelcome guest to ever enter your home. It is possible for them to infest before you ever even see one of them.

Identifiable markings- This bug’s keen adaptive abilities has shot them past the abilities of other roaches in their species. They typically have reddish-brown to mahogany coloring with yellowish highlights behind the head. They reach three inches long and grow wings as they approach adulthood. They make a food source out of just about anything, enjoying everything from food scraps to leaves and algae.

Fast reproduction cycles- Their large batches of eggs come equipped with hard protective coverings making them resistant to household products. They go from hatchlings to adulthood in only five months.

What makes a good home- This big roach is generally attracted to dark, warm, and damp areas in or around your home. They can be found in mulch piles around your trees and flowerbeds, which brings them very close to your doorstep.

Prevention- Household products do little to nothing to stop this bug. Having professionals treat your home and the surrounding areas can help to set up a perimeter of protection. Taking preventative measures is the key to staying ahead of these roaches because once they have found a way in, being able to fit through microscopic openings with ease, getting rid of the infestation is quite the undertaking.

Finding professional services- You can find dozens of companies that will offer extermination services. Hiring the one that is right for you may require a little research. A company’s reputation is usually built upon their past work. Online customer reviews can offer some insight to the company’s performance and quality. The very first interaction you have with a company is usually with a representative. How well that representative is trained will show you the level of experience, knowledge, and professionalism that the company has. Dealing with a friendly individual that is happy to help you is a good start to reaching the nest level of service. Scheduling an on-site visit to assess you needs should be performed by a certified team member. When they are finished you should be presented with their recommendation and detailed explanation accompanied by a written estimate, which should be somewhere within the budget and timeline you provided them. Then you can rest assured a little more bug-free.

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Prepare Your House for Fumigation with This Checklist

If your home needs to be fumigated, don’t panic. It’s a common occurrence in climates where pests can easily gain a foothold on the interior of a home. It is easier to prepare for than you might have thought, provided you take a few extra precautions to get your home ready for the procedure. Here is a handy checklist that should help you breeze through the preparation with no trouble at all:  

First, Get Out the Nylofume Bags 

Made from sturdy nylon polymers, Nylofume bags are your consumables’ first line of defense from contamination from the gas used in fumigation. Double them to protect any opened food or pet food, as well as food in cardboard or pop top containers. Double bag any previously opened bottles of alcoholic beverages.

Also, you need to store any medications, tobacco products or other consumable items in these protective bags.

You will not need to use the bags to protect food stored in unopened glass containers, cans, or manufacturer-sealed plastic containers, as well as your toiletries. Unopened bottles of wine should be stored on their sides during the procedure.

Next, Get the House Ready

Bedrooms: Remove mattress covers, pillows, comforters, and duvet covers. Any place where bed bugs or other pests could possibly hide should be removed.

Kitchen and Dining Room: Open all of your drawers, cabinets, and other storage pieces. In order for the fumigant gas to work, it must be able to circulate.

Bathrooms: Again, open up all doors, drawers, and cabinets. Make sure that the door or curtain that leads to your shower is open.

Pets and House Plants: Don’t forget the other living things in your home. Even fish will be killed by the deadly gas. Make sure that all pets and house plants are removed to a place of safety. In the case of fish, remove the entire aquarium. If it is too big for you to manage, ask your fumigation company beforehand  how they can protect your finny friends from the dangerous gas.

HVAC System: Shut off the gas at the source, and shut down everything powered by natural gas or propane. Be sure to contact your HVAC professional to make sure that you have taken proper safety precautions.

Yard: Trim all bushes, shrubs, and other plants around the home so that the fumigation tent can fit around your home easily. Be sure to give your plants a good watering the day before the crew arrives to fumigate your home.

Vehicles: Give your car keys to the fumigation professionals so they can open all of the vehicles’ windows and trunks. It is important to make sure that pests do not hide in your vehicles.  

Leaving From and Returning to Your Home

Give the technicians in the fumigation crew full access to all of your home. Don’t worry, your safes and vaults will be safe—even safer once the pests are gone. Before the crew begins the process, they will walk through your home to make sure that everything that could be contaminated is sealed properly and that everything that needs to be exposed is open. To ensure that the fumigant circulates properly, technicians will open all of the windows. Your doors will likely be locked for safety, but will be opened if the on-site crew sees that the fumigant needs more air to help it circulate.

When you return, feel free to use everything as normal. Since the gas leaves no residue, you need not wipe down the surfaces nor feel fearful about sleeping on your beds. Once the crew posts the all-clear notice, you are safe.

As you can see, it is not difficult to prepare your home for fumigation. If you do need any help, do not hesitate to call the professionals at your local pest removal company. They will be happy to give any needed advice to help you get your home ready for the process.

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Termite Fumigation

Contact Jacksonville's best pest control service to get rid of a termite infestation before it's too late. They may be small but they can cause a large amount of damage quickly. 

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Bug Out Service has got you covered. Contact us to find out the location nearest you and get more information on other services we offer.