Jeff King

When the weather grows cold here in Northeastern Pennsylvania, it is time to seek refuge indoors. While dropping temperatures may mean pumpkin pie, Christmas trees, and holiday fun, it could also be a time for a nasty pest infestation.

We’re not the only creatures that seek refuge from the frigid weather; stink bugs are also desperate to find a warm place to spend the winter months. Unfortunately, that could mean your home if you aren’t prepared.

Whether you’re in the Poconos, Scranton, Hazelton, or Wilkes-Barre areas, if you want to keep your home stink bug-free for the winter, here are nine ways to stop these pests from making an appearance this year.

What Are Stink Bugs?

The brown marmorated stink bug is a small insect typically found in gardens, fields, or around homes. An invasive species native to Asia, it was mistakenly brought here in the mid-1990s.

The defining feature of these insects is the scent they release when deterring predators. While they may seem non-threatening, they can cause some pretty big problems for such little bugs.

How to Identify Stink Bugs

Stink bugs are known for their distinct appearance, most notably their shield-shaped torsos and speckled brown coloring. Stink bugs also have smooth, rounded shoulders and alternating dark and light bands on their abdomen and antennae.

On average, stink bugs are about 12-14mm long and known to be pretty good flyers. While the sound of them buzzing around your head may be worrisome, they will not sting you.

Before they hit maturity, their earlier form is known as a nymph. Unlike the brown color of the adult, the immature nymphs are yellow and red with red eyes. As they mature, the yellow tapers off to white.

How do stink bugs get into my home?

Like most insects, stink bugs enter a home through the smallest of openings—ripped or torn window screens, gaps in a window or door frame, or cracks in a wall.

Once inside, stink bugs are skilled at hiding and prefer low-traffic areas of a house. Look for them in folds of curtains or draperies, attics or crawl spaces, or basements.

The most effective way to protect your home against stink bugs is to secure any openings. Walk around your home’s exterior and inspect it closely. Seal any cracks or crevices, close all windows and doors tightly, and fix any gaps in windows or door frames.

What Attracts Stink Bugs to Your House?

There are a few main reasons stink bugs enter residential homes, with the biggest being warmth, food, and light. Stink bugs cannot survive the harsh temperatures during the winter months, making them more likely to seek the warmth of your home this time of year.

Stink bugs are also in search of food, particularly fruits and vegetables. Keeping your kitchen clean and properly disposing of garbage can deter these pests from entering your home in search of food. Lastly, stink bugs are drawn to light sources, which is why you may notice these pests swarming around lamps and outdoor lighting.

9 Ways to Get Rid of Stink Bugs

1. Essential Oils

An easy and natural way to repel stink bugs and other winter pests is by using essential oils like mint. Mint is a pleasant herb that emits an aroma that stink bugs can’t stand. It acts as a repellent, not a killer.

Lemongrass oil is another essential oil you can use to deter stink bugs from your home. These are safe and non-poisonous deterrents that can leave your home smelling fresh as well. You can spray a mixture around window frames, doors, or any possible entry points.

2. Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is a natural sedimentary rock that will keep stink bugs away. This compound contains silica, alumina, and iron oxide. This rock breaks down the protective waxy layer on the exoskeleton and dehydrates it, making diatomaceous earth effective in getting rid of stink bugs.

If you choose to use this method, be sure it isn’t heat-treated. You can spread this around any point of entry, and it will kill off invaders.

3. Garlic Spray

Another potent but non-deadly repellent is garlic. While humans may love this delightful and flavorful bulb, stink bugs are less enthusiastic about it. This natural method keeps stink bugs away with an odor they can’t stand. Spread garlic cloves on window panes or create a spray to deter any would-be pests from entering or staying in your home.

4. Block All Entryways

The best way to keep stink bugs away is to stop them from entering in the first place. Preventing stink bugs requires a thorough inspection of your property, so be sure to check your windows and doors for any cracks or open spaces.

Additionally, make sure all screens are patched or replaced. Cover vents and any other openings with a screen as well. Another step you can take to be sure these pests stay away is putting up repellent. You can use dryer sheets on screens, spray garlic or mint, or spread the diatomaceous earth. Build up a barrier to keep stink bugs out!

5. Vacuum Them Up

If stink bugs manage to sneak their way inside, an easy way to take care of them is by vacuuming them up. You don’t want to squish them; otherwise, you will get to experience why stink bugs are called stink bugs.

You can trap these invaders in a sealed bag or container by scooping them up in a vacuum. After vacuuming, empty them into a trash bag and seal it tightly. From there, you can discard the bag outside or put the bugs in soapy water, ultimately killing them.

6. Keep it Dry

Stink bugs are attracted to warm places with high moisture. When they are looking for a place to hide out for the winter, they look for three main essentials: warmth, food, and water.

Dripping pipes, wet towels, and clogged drains are irresistible draws for these pesky bugs and other pests. If these areas are left unchecked, you may end up with more than stink bugs in your home. Be sure to fix any leaky plumbing and get rid of excess moisture to prevent stink bugs from making themselves at home in your home.

7. Turn Off the Light

Like many insects, stink bugs are attracted to light sources. Whether it’s a porch light, a living room lamp, or the bulb in your garage, bugs are drawn to the glow. If you keep lights on in the evening, inside or out, you may be giving them a beacon.

Additionally, stink bugs may become trapped inside these light fixtures, and their dead bodies can attract other pests. To avoid this issue, keep lights off or purchase motion-activated ones.

8. Cut Off Food Access

During the winter, stink bugs are looking for a warm, wet place to wait out the cold weather. If they find a plentiful pantry, they may never leave. Keep food sources to a minimum by sealing trash up tight. Also, regularly clean all counters and floors, and be sure to eliminate any food spills or crumbs. Without a food source, stink bugs may look elsewhere.

9. Clean Up Outside

Inside isn’t the only place to look to fortify against bugs. Sometimes, these pests are drawn to your home because of your yard. Stink bugs and other pests are drawn to overgrown areas.

To avoid any infestations, keep your yard trimmed and clear. Store firewood away from the home and off the ground. All bushes and trees should be paired down. Additionally, clear out overgrowth, leaves, and other trimmings.

If the pests aren’t drawn close, they will not find their way inside your home.

Should I Squish A Stink Bug?

Squishing them is arguably the worst way to handle a stink bug. Whether threatened or not, stepping on or swatting a stink bug is likely to release their stinky spray, resulting in a pungent odor that’ll fill the area where they were killed.

For this reason, it’s always best to use less aggressive tactics when eliminating stink bugs.

What Happens if a Stink Bug Releases Its Scent?

While seemingly innocuous, killing a stink bug can have lingering effects. Not only does the chemical produced by stink bugs smell, but it also releases pheromones that attract other stink bugs. With numerous stink bugs roaming through your home, it’s only a matter of time until you’re stuck with a smelly infestation!

What Season are Stink Bugs Most Active?

Stink bugs are most active between the months of March and September, but this can vary depending on how warm or cold the winter months are during a particular year. For example, stink bugs may continue to be active during a warm winter instead of going into diapause, the period of life when they do not feed and are inactive.

When to Call a Professional

While seeing the odd stink bug in your house may not seem like a big deal, it is always wise to contact a pest control professional to assess any possible infestations. If your bug problem is too big to handle, don’t hesitate to contact our pest control experts. With a few simple steps, you can prevent stink bugs from entering your home. Make the preparations and keep your home bug-free!

FAQs

Can stink bugs harm humans or pets?

Stink bugs are not harmful to humans or pets, as their mouths do not allow stink bugs to bite or pierce through the skin. The foul odor they produce when squished may cause mild irritation for people who are sensitive to strong smells, but this odor is typically harmless.

What are the health risks of stink bug infestations?

There are no significant health risks of stink bug infestations, as these pests do not bite and do not carry diseases. As mentioned earlier, the odor produced by these insects may be difficult to tolerate for people who are particularly sensitive to smells. Still, other than that, there are no known health risks of having stink bugs in your home.

How can I get rid of stink bugs in my garden?

Stink bugs can become a nuisance to gardeners, as these pests are known to enjoy feasting on the stems and leaves of plants. To get rid of stink bugs in the garden, a simple combination of hot water, dish soap, and white vinegar sprayed onto your plants can effectively stop stink bugs from invading your outdoor space.

How did stink bugs get their name?

“Stink bug” is not the most flattering identifier, but it’s certainly appropriate. These insects have glands in their abdomens that produce a chemical with an offensive smell.

What gives stink bugs their smell?

The chemical produced in their glands when these insects feel threatened is what gives stink bugs their smell. Resist the urge to step on or crush a stink bug, as the odor will linger on your shoes or whatever you use to get rid of them.

When a stink bug finds a winter home, they give off a different scent that is undetectable to humans. This scent is intended to entice fellow stink bugs to come and join them in their warm, cozy new habitat.

Why can only some people smell stink bugs?

Despite a stink bug’s offensive smell, not everyone notices it. Just like humans’ pheromones or natural scents, the chemicals that make up the stink bug’s odor can vary from one insect to another. Likewise, the intensity of the smell will vary from one person’s nose to another.

What purpose does a stink bug serve?

Less-than-complimentary nickname aside, some stink bug species are helpful.

After feeding, the brown marmorated stink bug releases carbohydrates that are beneficial to plant pollination and natural pest control.

Some stink bug species are carnivorous and will eat insects like beetles, caterpillars, or aphids—pests that typically feed on plants. The insect-hungry stink bugs help keep the pest population down and growers’ crops prosperous.

Some stink bug varieties are believed to have medicinal properties.

An old wives’ tale says having a stink bug in your house is good luck. If you are superstitious, think twice about getting rid of any you find in your home!

Pests can be very troublesome when they invade your home, but none is more destructive than the termite.

Termites come in many types and are known to cause crippling amounts of damage as they literally eat you out of your Northeastern or Southeastern PW house.

While these invaders can cause catastrophic amounts of damage, they can be surprisingly difficult to spot. Therefore, understanding the signs of a termite infestation and their behavior will help you avoid a destructive termite infestation and save you money.

To learn more about termites, here are fifteen important facts about termites in Northeast PA and the US.

15 Important Facts About Termites

1. There are three main types of termites living in the United States.

The US is populated by three main termite types: Subterranean, drywood, and dampwood termites. The most common termites in Northeast PA and the most destructive are the subterranean termites. These termites tend to dwell beneath the soil of your home and then make their way up when the right conditions are present (i.e., there is wet softwood available).

Drywood termites are less common in the area and tend to come from above in wooden structures. Dampwood termites are even less common and only tend to feed on wet or decaying wood that has already lost much of its integrity.

2. Blistering or hollow wood are two main signs of termite infestation.

Termite damage can either be visible or audible. Termites can cause wood surfaces to blister, or they can leave wood hollow. The physical damage can be very apparent and may look very similar to water damage.

Additionally, termite-infested wood will have a hollow sound. Termites can damage any wooden surface in your home from cabinets and furniture to ceilings and floors. Also, pay attention to your outer structures like window panes, siding, and porches.

3. Evidence of swarms can indicate a termite problem.

A clear indicator of a termite problem is evidence of swarms. If you discover piles of discarded wings, it’s possible you may have an issue. Additional evidence includes finding black or brown dead termites. These swarms usually occur after rain or when the weather is cloudy.

4. Mud Tubes can indicate the presence of Termites.

Termites need to maintain moisture when they venture out to feed. They often create mud tubes on outer or inner walls and they are about the width of a drinking straw. If you spot these muddy structures, follow them; they connect termites to their food source.

5. Drywood termites leave droppings.

Drywood termites normally nest in hard, dry wood. When they consume wood, they leave droppings behind in mounds. These fecal pellets often resemble sawdust or coffee grounds. Additionally, termite-infested areas tend to have a mildew or mold scent.

6. Termites are present in all states except Alaska.

Termites are mostly hot-weather pests that cannot stand cold temperatures. However, this doesn’t mean that your home is safe during the winter, as these pests venture indoors during the winter months.

7. Termites constantly feed.

Termites must constantly feed to keep their colony prospering. They eat 24/7, often resulting in billions of dollars of damage every year. It’s imperative to catch a termite problem immediately to avoid costly repairs.

8. Termites are social insects.

Termites live in well-organized colonies with a queen, workers, and warriors. These pests can consume more than 100 lbs of wood in one year. Therefore, if you spot one of these insects, odds are there are many more you haven’t seen.

9. Termites can fit in cracks as thin as 1/32 of an inch.

Termites do not need much space to slip into your home. They can fit through slits no thicker than a piece of paper. If you do not take care of your foundation or home’s exterior, termites can sneak in very easily.

10. Subterranean Termites are the most common in the US.

Subterranean termites are known to cause the most damage of all the termite species. They nest in the soil below homes and travel up. They can often find their way in through cracks, vents, and other open areas.

11. Formosan Termites are coastal termites.

Another type of subterranean termite, these creatures come up through the ground and can cause more damage. They are known for traveling through mud tubes and are attracted to places with high moisture.

12. Drywood termites do not nest in soil.

These pests nest in hard, clean wood. Any type of dry lumber they have access to makes a good home. They can infest any wooden structure inside or outside of your house.

13. Termites will keep coming back if you do not protect against them.

Treatment alone will not keep termites away permanently. While treatments could be effective for a short time, the only sure way to keep these bugs out is by properly fortifying your home. Block all entry points, inspect your house regularly, and you will avoid any future infestations. Additionally, we offer Sentricon termite systems designed to thwart any termites that do make their way onto your property.

14. Termites cause up to $5 billion in damage each year.

These very small, hard-to-spot pests can have a severe effect on your home. Since it’s difficult to detect a termite problem, they can end up causing much more damage. Each year, termites can cause up to $5 billion in damage; often, insurance won’t foot the bill.

15. Sometimes, The Only Way To Find A Termite Problem Is By Scheduling An Inspection.

While swarms, hollow wood, and mud tubes are good indicators of an infestation, termites tend to remain hidden until the problem gets out of hand. Professional pest control specialists are knowledgeable about termite habits, living spaces, life cycles, and building methods. If you suspect you may have termites, the best way to be sure is to schedule an appointment.

While you should definitely keep an eye out for any signs of termite damage in and around your home, a formal inspection by a pest control professional is always best. An experienced pest control expert will have the tools and knowledge to be able to properly identify the severity of an infestation, as well as come up with a unique plan of action to get rid of the termites for good.

In turn, regular termite inspections can:

• Save you money.
• Keep your home safe.
• Keep your wooden furniture safe.

Signs of Termite Damage

There are several undeniable signs of termite damage, but they can be easily overlooked if you don’t know what to look for. While we’ve discussed some already, some telltale signs of a termite infestation in the home include:

• Hollow-sounding wood when tapped
• Buckling or sagging floors
• Mud tubes or tunnels on walls or foundation
• Discarded wings near windows or light sources
• Small holes in wood surfaces
• Cracked or bubbling paint on wood surfaces
• Pin-sized holes in drywall
• Accumulation of sawdust-like frass
• Uneven or bubbling paint on walls
• Difficult to open or close windows or doors
• Termite droppings (small pellets)
• Sagging or weakened wooden structures
• Blistered or distorted areas on wooden surfaces
• Hollowed-out wooden beams or furniture

In each termite colony, insects known as “swarmers” leave the colony to mate and produce their own colonies. These swarmers can be identified by their six legs and straight antennae, as well as their wings. Swarmers often appear in various colors, ranging from black and dark brown to beige or tan and even red.

Identifying swarmers early is key in stopping termite colonies, as termites outside your house can spread colonies across your property.

However, these signs may not be as obvious as you think and can often be attributed to water damage, foundation damage, or other natural events. So, when it comes time to inspect for termites, you need to have the right tools and knowledge at your disposal to pinpoint the source of an infestation.

DIY Termite Prevention Tips

There is no greater form of prevention than inspection, but there are several DIY approaches you can take to prevent termites, including:

• Install termite barriers
• Prevent wood from contacting soil
• Seal cracks
• Keep homes and yards clean
• Fix leaks

With that said, don’t wait until it’s too late. Now that you know the signs of behavior of termites, you can act quickly. Contact The Pest Rangers for an inspection to take control of your termite problem.

FAQs

Why are termites a problem?

Termites can cause extensive damage to homes and buildings by feeding on wooden structures, leading to costly repairs and structural issues if left untreated.

How long do termites live?

The lifespan of a termite depends on its role within the colony. Worker termites live approximately 1 to 2 years, while queens can live for decades under optimal conditions.

Can termites be controlled naturally?

Some natural methods to control termites include using nematodes (parasitic worms that feed on termites), applying orange oil, or using boric acid. However, effectiveness can vary, and professional treatment is often recommended for severe infestations.

When it comes to household pests, clover mites are not usually the first to come to mind. Many people consider other types of pests like termites, rodents, and cockroaches to be more destructive and difficult to get rid of, which is true, but clover mites can also become a headache for many homeowners if there is a significant presence in or around your home.

One of the biggest issues with clover mites is that these pests are so small that they can easily go undetected until you start to notice damage to your plants and foliage outside of your home. If you suspect you may have clover mites on your property, here is everything you need to know about these tiny pests.

What Are Clover Mites?

Clover mites are a small species of mite that are part of the arachnid family. Clover mites do not feed on blood, but rather plants, which is where they get their main nutrients from. Clover mites get their name from the way they suck plant juices from clover, grass, and other plants frequently seen on lawns.

How to Identify Clover Mites?

Clover mites are very small, typically between 0.03 and 0.033 inches in length, making them difficult to see unless you’re looking for them. They are oval-shaped with eight legs and are typically reddish brown or dark green/brown in color. Clover mites have scales on their abdomens and a distinct dark spot on their backs that leaves a red stain when crushed.

Where Are Clover Mites Commonly Found?

Clover mites are typically found outside of homes with lawns, as they feed on grass, clover, and other plants grown on lawns. When it comes time to molt and lay eggs, clover mites prefer to hide in various cracks and crevices, commonly underneath the loose bark on trees, under the siding of homes, and around window frames. While clover mites are usually found outdoors, they may make their way into your home if the weather outside becomes too hot or too cold, and will enter through any cracks or crevices in your walls or floors.

Are Clover Mites Harmful?

While clover mites are not harmful or dangerous to humans or pets, they can cause a lot of damage to your lawn and garden. Because they like to eat grass, clover, and other plants, these mites can eat away at your lawn and foliage if not treated promptly. The more clover mites that are present in your yard, the more significant the damage will be. These pests can also leave behind red stains when crushed, which can look unsightly on your home, shed, or garden beds.

How to Get Rid of Clover Mites

While dealing with clover mites can be difficult, there are several things you can do to get rid of them:

• Vacuum them up (if you find them inside your home)
• Create a barrier around your home using diatomaceous earth or baking soda
• Use pesticides to target and kill clover mites
• Create your own DIY clover mite traps and deterrents

How to Prevent Clover Mites

Preventing clover mites isn’t as difficult as it may seem and it’s often the best solution for long-term relief. Here are a few things you can do to protect your home and garden from these pests:

• Regularly trim tree branches and shrubs to keep them away from your home
• Keep plants at a distance of at least three feet from your home
• Remove fallen leaves from your yard
• Invest in ongoing pest control from a trusted exterminator

While clover mites are not as destructive as other household pests, such as cockroaches or rodents, they can still become a nuisance if left untreated. If you suspect you are dealing with a clover mite infestation in your home or on your lawn, contact us today to talk about your pest control options!

FAQs

Can I use pesticides to eliminate clover mites?

Pesticides are generally not recommended for controlling clover mites indoors because they are ineffective and can pose health risks. Instead, focus on preventive measures and physical removal.

Do clover mites damage plants?

Clover mites can feed on plant sap, but they rarely cause significant damage to plants unless present in very large numbers. They are more of a concern for aesthetic reasons than for plant health.

When are clover mites most active?

Clover mites are most active in the spring and fall when temperatures are mild. They tend to become more noticeable when they migrate indoors seeking shelter from extreme heat or cold.

When it comes to household pests, wood-eating insects are some of the most dreadful. Not only is dealing with any kind of pest an unpleasant experience, but wood-eating pests, in particular, are notorious for being destructive and can cost homeowners a ton of money in repairs and extermination fees.

However, before you rush to grab the termite spray, you must first identify what type of pest you are dealing with. With over four types of common wood-destroying insects in Pennsylvania, understanding what you’re up against will help you get rid of them faster.

If you suspect you’re dealing with a wood-eating insect infestation in your home but aren’t quite sure which specific insect it is, here is a helpful guide!

The Danger of Wood-Eating Insects

Wood-eating insects are so dangerous due to their damage to homes and wood. Each year, these insects cause billions of dollars in damage to homes and buildings across the United States. Not only are these repairs costly and dangerous, but homeowners must also invest in pest control and maintenance to ensure these pests don’t return.

In extreme cases, a termite infestation or other wood-destroying insect invasion could render your home unsafe to dwell in.

Previous wood insect damage could also impact your resale value and increase insurance rates.

For the sake of your home and your wallet, it’s important to eliminate wood-destroying insects as soon as you spot them.

4 Common Wood-Eating Insects in Pennsylvania

Before you can eliminate wood-destroying insects from your home, you need to know which ones you are up against. Here are four common wood-destroying insects in Pennsylvania.

1. Termites

When it comes to wood-eating insects, the first ones that come to mind for many homeowners are termites. There are two main types of termites in NEPA: subterranean and drywood. Subterranean termites are more common in the Northeast and live primarily underground. Drywood termites are less common and live above ground. However, both types of termites are incredibly destructive and can cause a huge headache for homeowners who run into them.

In particular, subterranean termites are known to damage wood inside homes and are considered more destructive. You must act quickly if you spot the early signs of a subterranean termite infestation.

Signs You Have Termites

There are several signs to look out for when trying to determine if you are dealing with a termite infestation. These include:

• Mud tubes
• Discarded insect wings
• Frass
• Termite swarmers
• Wood damage
• Cracked or bubbling paint

Our home protection plans feature Sentricon systems to prevent and eliminate any termites that venture onto your property.

2. Carpenter Ants

While ants are not typically the first insect that comes to mind when you think about household pests, carpenter ants are among some of the most destructive. Carpenter ants are large black ants that excavate wood to create tunnels and create their nests inside. If unchecked, they can be nearly as destructive to your home as termites.

Signs You Have Carpenter Ants

The signs of a carpenter ant infestation include:

• Seeing live ants
• Sawdust piles
• Frass
• Hollow-sounding wood
• Rustling noises
• Discarded insect wings

You can get rid of carpenter ants using special ant baits and traps or by sprinkling diatomaceous earth on places where they dwell.

3. Wood-Boring Beetles

Wood-boring beetles are another type of wood-eating insect that can cause a lot of structural damage to a home. There are many different types of wood-boring beetles, including deathwatch beetles, powderpost beetles, and ambrosia beetles.

Signs You Have Wood-Boring Beetles

When it comes to determining if you have wood-boring beetles on your property, some signs to look for include:

• Holes and tunnels in wood
• Frass
• Seeing live beetles
• Unexplained stains on wood
• Clicking sounds

Special borate-based insecticides may need to be applied to eliminate these pests.

4. Carpenter Bees

While carpenter bees are not known to be particularly aggressive, they can cause a lot of structural damage to a home if not treated promptly. Carpenter bees can be identified by their large, black bodies and shiny appearance.

Signs You Have Carpenter Bees

Some telltale signs of a carpenter bee infestation include:

• Holes and tunnels in wood
• Buzzing sounds from within walls
• Stains on wood
• Seeing live carpenter bees

Many organic sprays may be effective against carpenter bees. If you are worried about harming other insects, then talk to a pest control specialist.

Tips to Eliminate Wood-Destroying Insects

Getting rid of wood-destroying insects can be challenging, but it is not impossible with the help of an experienced pest control specialist. If you suspect you may be dealing with a wood-eating insect infestation, it is imperative that you contact an exterminator immediately.

In addition to seeking professional help, there are a few things you can do to prevent these insects from returning to your home:

• Seal any cracks or crevices in your home
• Use treated wood when adding onto your home
• Reduce excess moisture
• Perform regular inspections and know the signs to look for

When to Call an Exterminator

You should always call an exterminator at the first sign of a pest infestation of any kind. Even if you suspect you may be dealing with some kind of infestation, it is better to be safe than sorry. Contacting a pest control professional immediately will ensure that the problem is dealt with promptly so you can return to enjoying your peace of mind in your own home.

FAQs

How do wood-eating insects damage structures over time?

Many ways wood-eating insects can damage your home over time, with the most common being eating through the wood in your home. These insects can slowly eat away things like decks, porches, and other structures, and you may not even notice the damage that has been done until it’s too late.

Are there specific regions or climates where wood-eating insects are more prevalent?

While it is possible to deal with wood-eating insects in most parts of the country, there are certain regions and climates where specific insects tend to be more active. For example, termites tend to prefer warmer clients, whereas wood-boring beetles usually prefer to stick to damp or coastal areas.

Overwinter pests are a common concern for many homeowners in Northeastern Pennsylvania, Southeastern Pennsylvania, and the Lehigh Valley, as the temperatures rise and pest season rears its ugly head again.

Some of the most common overwinter pests in the area include boxelder bugs, stink bugs, ants, cockroaches, and ladybugs, the latter of which is considered fairly innocuous and symbolic.

However, ladybugs are often mistaken for their nasty doppelgangers, the Asian Lady Beetle–also known as the Halloween Beetle! This pest can wreak havoc on gardens and soon become an uncomfortable infestation if not properly reigned in.

With over 5,000 species of ladybugs worldwide, it can be easy to mistake this docile garden resident for another species that can be much more troublesome.

If you have a problem with ladybugs in your home, here are a few things you should know about getting rid of ladybugs and why you should.

The Trouble with Ladybugs and Asian Lady Beetles

The ladybug, also known as the lady beetle or ladybird beetle, is often confused with an invasive species in NEPA called the Asian lady beetle. Ladybugs are helpful garden pest exterminators that tend to be more docile insects. They prefer to stay outside when the temperatures drop.

Asian lady beetles, on the other hand, overwinter bugs. While they perform the same function as a typical ladybug, these insects tend to be a bit more aggressive, sometimes going so far as to bite people.

As overwinter pests, the Asian lady beetle hides out when temperatures drop and reemerges in the Spring. It tends to accumulate on windows, lights, and other areas with warmth and light.

They can also release an odor with an awful chemical scent that can linger for as long as a year. Other Asian lady beetles will be drawn to these pheromones, which means they will return to your home the following year.

Thankfully, they don’t carry diseases, and they won’t cause structural damage. However, they can leave yellow streaks wherever they land. While one or two may not be a problem, lady beetles usually hatch in large numbers.

How to Distinguish Between Ladybugs and Lady Beetles

Ladybugs are harmless and helpful, but Asian lady beetles are less beneficial. They both consume garden pests like aphids and don’t congregate in large numbers, but the Asian lady beetles seek shelter outdoors.

The Asian lady beetle came over in the 1970s. They are brownish-orange in color, not the vivid red like ladybugs. They are bigger and can be identified by the white M on their heads.

Lady beetles also let off a strong scent to alert other beetles of danger. This pest multiplies quickly and often leaves behind yellow stains. Where normal ladybugs die off in the fall, Asian lady beetles hibernate.

These beetles will enter buildings in the spring or as winter approaches. Once inside, they’ll amass in dark, warm, secluded places.

Overall, there is no alarming cause for concern. However, these pests can be cumbersome and even bite you and your pests. If you’re tired of dealing with stinky Lady Asian Beetles and ladybugs, then you need to know how to get rid of them.

12 Tips to Get Rid of Ladybugs and Lady Beetles On Your Property

While ladybugs may be innocuous critters, preventing them and any similar beetle from entering your house is important to avoid an infestation. Here are some tips to get rid of ladybugs and Asian Lady Beetles.

1. Act Immediately

Sometimes, even with all the prep, you can find yourself face-to-face with a lady beetle infestation. The best course of action is to act quickly once you notice them. Asian beetles multiply quickly. Your infestation can easily go from manageable to overwhelming. Don’t wait for it.

2. Winterize your home

The best way to stop an Asian beetle infestation, as well as many other pest issues, is to winterize your home. Don’t give them a way in. Plug up holes, seal doors, and caulk your windows. Inspect your home’s exterior and interior to make sure there is no way for them to get in. If they can’t find a way inside, there’s no need to worry about an infestation.

3. Check Screens

Likewise, with any door frames, cracks, or other openings, check the screens around your home. Ladybugs can easily fly through a window screen and make their way inside. Repair any screens that may have been damaged throughout the year.

4. Keep Your Yard Trim

Lady beetles are drawn to overgrown areas. It’s a good idea to keep your yard and garden trimmed. Any wood should be stored at least 20 feet from the house, and plants should be maintained.

5. Turn Lights off at Night

Like many insects, lady beetles are drawn to light. While you can’t exactly turn off the sun, the next best thing would be turning off your outside lights at night. If you need to have a light on, make sure it’s a motion-sensor light. Also, use a bulb that won’t give off too much heat.

6. Keep A Garden

A simple way to keep them outside is to provide ladybugs with a place to feast. Give them an alternative to your home by planting a garden.

Ladybugs and Asian beetles both love feeding on garden pests, like aphids. It doesn’t matter if you are planting edible treats for your family or lovely flowers; having flora around your home can be enticing enough to keep these insects out.

If you don’t want lady beetles anywhere near your home or garden, or you don’t want to go through the effort of planting an entire garden, try planting or potting some mums. Lady beetles do not like mums and will avoid them.

If you want to ward these pests away, keep plants just outside the house at entry points: the doors, the windowsills, or even make a window box. Mums are a simple, inexpensive way to keep the lady beetles away.

7. Make a Light Trap

If you want to get rid of lady beetles, use their attraction to light as a defense against them. You can construct or use a light trap to gather these pests and remove them from your home. This guide provides a simple tutorial on how to construct a light trap using common household goods.

8. Vacuum Them Up!

A quick and easy way to dispose of Asian beetles is to vacuum them up. This method will not kill the pests, but it will make it easier to transfer them out of your home.

Before sucking them up, be sure they are going into a sealed container, whether it’s a vacuum bag or a closed container. After you have sucked them all up, you can seal the bag, take them outside, or dispose of them.

9. Diatomaceous Earth

If you want to kill the Asian beetles and a few other pests like stink bugs, you can use diatomaceous earth. Diatomaceous earth is a powdery substance that is made of fossilized remains of algae and abrasive properties.

Basically, this substance dehydrates insects to death. This substance is non-toxic to humans and pets, but it is very effective at killing many different pests.

10. Remove The Scent

If you don’t want to kill your little invaders, you can try to ward them away by removing their scent from your home. Asian lady beetles have a distinct odor. Try to hide it with citronella or citrus oil. These scents act as a repellent for lady beetles; if they can’t smell their home, they will look elsewhere.

11. Try Cloves Or Bay Leaves

If you want to get to work at repelling these annoying little pests but don’t have any of the items listed above, look no further than your spice cabinet. Cloves or bay leaves are two spices that Asian beetles can’t stand. Place these spices near windows and other infested areas to shoo away your ladybug infestation.

12. Spray Them

Asian lady beetles are found in large numbers. A good way to get a bunch of them all at once is to spray them with a spray bottle.

Fill your bottle with citronella or soapy water. This will not only deter and possibly kill quite a few of these insects, but the scent will keep them from coming back. It’s a simple and quick way to eliminate these unwanted pests.

Keeping Pests Out for Good

In the long run, Asian lady beetles are more annoying than harmful. That doesn’t mean they belong in your home. They stink, they can bite, and they multiply like crazy.

If you want to get rid of your infestation and you’ve exhausted all these methods, consider reaching out to a pest control expert. Our residential pest control plans are designed to create a barrier that prevents and eliminates dozens of common pests in Northeast PA, including common beetles and ladybugs. Don’t wait; reach out to us before they make their way into your home this coming winter.

FAQs

Why are there so many ladybugs in my house?

Ladybugs may enter your house seeking warmth and shelter, especially in the fall when temperatures drop.

Are there any natural repellents for ladybugs?

Citrus-scented cleaners or sprays made from diluted vinegar can help deter ladybugs from entering your home.

When is the best time to take action against ladybugs?

Early fall is ideal for sealing entry points and taking preventive measures before ladybugs seek shelter indoors.

Anyone who has ever owned a restaurant can tell you that it is one of the most stressful jobs out there. Not only is being a restaurant owner time-consuming, but it is also incredibly expensive to maintain. Whether you’re buying new food, ordering new plates and silverware, or hiring staff, there is never a moment to relax when running a restaurant.

Pests are something that every restaurant owner will have to deal with at some point. Whenever you’re serving food or drinks, pests are bound to make their way in one way or another. However, it becomes an issue when the odd pest here and there turns into a full-blown infestation, compromising the health and safety of your customers and staff.

At The Pest Rangers, our pest control quality inspectors help guide restaurant owners on the latest practices developed under the Food Safety Modernization Act. Using the highest standards of cleanliness and general pest prevention, we can keep your kitchen and your commercial space free from harmful pests.

If you’re a restaurant owner currently dealing with a pest infestation or simply wondering how to prevent one from forming, here is everything you need to know about restaurant pest control.

What Is Restaurant Pest Control?

Restaurant pest control is the practice of treating and preventing pest infestations in restaurants.

Quality restaurant pest control will identify your restaurant’s vulnerabilities and the types of pests that are more likely to enter your building, while also creating a unique plan of action to target and prevent these pests in your kitchen.

Common Pests in Restaurants

It’s no secret that restaurants, in particular, hold the three key things all pests need to thrive in abundance: food, shelter, and water.

Therefore, you may come across many pests lingering outside of restaurants, near dumpsters, and in other areas where food waste is present. However, it’s once they come inside that they become a problem. Here are a few types of pests that are more commonly found in restaurants:

• Cockroaches
• Rodents
• Ants
• Flies
• Spiders

If you spot any of these pests lingering inside your kitchen–especially in excess–then it’s time to call a pest control company.

5 Harmful Consequences of Pests for Restaurants

Unfortunately, the consequences of a pest infestation are felt even more acutely by restaurant owners who rely on their reputation for their business.

Some of the consequences of pest infestation inside your restaurant could lead to:

1. Food Safety Concerns

Due to the number of diseases and bacteria pests like roaches and rodents can carry, having a pest infestation in your restaurant can pose a serious risk to customers and staff who get sick after eating there.

2. Property Damage

Pests like termites and other wood-destroying organisms can damage the physical structure of your restaurant, leading to several code violations. In addition, rodents like rats and squirrels can chew chew materials and damage goods, such as storage containers, physical equipment, wiring, and even food you have stored.

3. Failed Health Inspection Report

The mere sighting of a pest is enough to completely fail a health inspection report and get your restaurant shut down.

4. Damaged Reputation

Having pests in your restaurant can seriously damage your reputation, especially if you receive a negative Google review or word-of-mouth gossip. Your restaurant can quickly become known as an unclean place to eat, which is the last thing you want as a restaurant owner.

5. Expensive Pest Control

Pest control can be expensive, especially if you’re treating a larger, more serious infestation in a restaurant. You can easily end up spending thousands of dollars treating a pest infestation instead of being proactive.

Restaurant Pest Control Solutions

If you are a restaurant owner who is curious about your options for pest control, you have several options.

Preventing pests starts with keeping an impeccably clean interior and kitchen area. Tables should be wiped down after every customer, floors should be regularly swept and mopped, and garbage cans should be emptied and taken outside to the dumpster after every shift. It is also important to ensure that food is being properly stored at the correct temperature and kept on shelves off the floor.

For the outside of your building, you should regularly sweep the sidewalks and clear trash from the parking lot. Having a sealed dumpster far enough away from the building can also prevent pests from entering your restaurant.

However, if you need additional help keeping pests at bay, then we highly recommend working with a pest control company. The Pest Rangers offers preventative commercial pest control plans guaranteed to thwart over a dozen common pests that enter restaurants. For more information, contact us for a quote and see how else we can assist you!

FAQs

What health risks do pests pose in a restaurant?

The presence of pests in a restaurant is extremely dangerous for a number of reasons, the most obvious being that pests are dirty and carry a variety of diseases and bacteria. Pests can compromise the food being served if they come in contact with the ingredients or even the surfaces the food is being prepared on.

How do pests impact a restaurant’s reputation?

Whether a restaurant relies on Google reviews or word-of-mouth referrals, a good reputation is crucial for any restaurant to thrive. Even just one customer seeing a cockroach or rodent in your restaurant can seriously damage your reputation, as it may make other people less likely to want to eat there. Your restaurant may also get written up by the health department and the reports made available to the public can be damaging.

What are the financial consequences of a pest infestation?

Taking care of a pest infestation can be expensive, especially for restaurants. Because cleanliness is so important for establishments that serve food or drinks, there is no room for error. Even the presence of one singular pest or dropping can lead to a bad health inspection report, and you will be forced to spend money to remedy the problem. Additionally, keeping up with future pest prevention can be costly and will vary depending on the severity of the infestation and the size of your restaurant.

For many NEPA homeowners, discovering a termite infestation is the biggest nightmare imaginable. Not only are termites unpleasant pests to have around but they are also known for causing catastrophic damage to homes that can result in thousands of dollars in repairs.

Although termites are notoriously one of the hardest types of pests to eliminate, there are ways to prevent them from damaging your home. Properly identifying a termite infestation is the first step in treating and preventing them, so arm yourself with the knowledge of what to look for and live a termite-free life!

1. Mud Tubes

Mud tubes are often the easiest sign of a termite infestation to spot, though they don’t last for long. Mud tubes are small, pencil-sized tunnels made of wood and dirt that termites build as a way to connect colonies and hide from predators. Mud tubes are visible to the naked eye and can usually be easily spotted in basements or on exterior walls of the home.

2. Discarded Wings

Once male termites find a mate, they will break off their wings to signal to other termites that they are off the market. Seeing discarded insect wings around your home may be a sign that you’re dealing with a termite infestation, so be sure to get in touch with a professional exterminator if you notice this anywhere in your home.

3. Hollow-Sounding Wood

If you knock on your wooden walls or floors and it sounds hollow, you may be dealing with termites and some other kind of wood-destroying organism. These pests will often create cavities in floors and walls by chewing the wood as they travel through, resulting in that hollow sound you may be hearing.

4. Frass (Termite Droppings)

Termite droppings, commonly referred to as frass, are frequently mistaken for dirt or wood shavings. Termites will often leave piles of frass around the home after digging through wood or drywall and kicking their droppings up behind them. If you notice small piles of what looks like dirt around your home, it may be a sign that you’re dealing with termites.

5. Bubbling or Peeling Paint

Termites produce moisture when they eat, which can cause the paint in your home to bubble or peel. If you notice the paint in your home looking unusual or warped in any way, you may want to get in touch with a pest control professional and have your home inspected for termites.

6. Tiny Holes in Drywall

Termites often leave tiny holes in drywall as they chew their way through. Holes in drywall and piles of frass often go hand in hand, so if you notice these things in your home, it could be a sign of a termite infestation.

7. Warped Doors or Floors

Being that termites produce moisture when they eat, they can often cause doors and floors to take on a warped shape. Oftentimes, you’ll notice a door or window sticking. While this usually happens during the summer months due to high temperatures, it may be worth looking into if you suspect a termite infestation.

8. Termite Swarmers

Termite swarmers are winged termites that leave their colonies to mate and start new colonies. They can be identified by their large, pale wings, which are equal in size, and their long, dark brown bodies. Look for swarmers in the spring, as this is commonly termite mating season.

9. Clicking Sounds from Walls

Termites often make clicking sounds when chewing through wood or communicating with other termites. This can often be heard by listening closely against a wall or floor. If you hear any unusual clicking sounds in your home, it may be time to call a pest control professional.

10. Live Termites

Finally, spotting live termites in your home is almost always indicative of a larger termite infestation. If you see live termites in your home or on your property, you should definitely contact a professional exterminator. At The Pest Rangers, we offer many home defense protocols specifically designed to zap termites, including Sentricon and powerful termite sprays.

What to Do When You Spot a Termite

If you spot a termite in your home or on your property, it is imperative that you contact a pest control professional immediately. Termite infestations are very serious and can quickly grow into a much larger problem, so you’ll want to make sure you receive treatment immediately.

The trained staff at The Pest Rangers will inspect your property to confirm if termites are present and devise a plan to eliminate them immediately and keep them from coming back. Contact us to learn more about termite control in Northeast PA!

FAQs

How do termites enter a home?

Termites can enter a home just as any other kind of pest could, typically through cracks or crevices in your home’s foundation or walls. Termites can also hitch a ride to your home on infested pieces of lumber or even infested mulch, so keep an eye out for the telltale signs of a termite infestation to protect your property.

What are the most common types of termites?

The two most common types of termites are subterranean and drywood. Subterranean termites live in colonies underground, while drywood termites live in wood above the ground. The termites you are most likely to see on the East Coast are subterranean termites. These types of termites can be identified by their small size and darker color compared to the drywood variety.

What do termites eat?

Termites mainly eat cellulose materials, which is the main substance in the cell walls of plants. These materials include wood, plants, cardboard, and animal feces.

Unless you were living under a rock in 2021, you probably remember the emergence of cicada Brood X. The 17-year periodical brood had many Pennsylvanians running for cover out of fear of getting hit by these flying insects. Even just walking to your car put you at risk of encountering these creepy-looking insects, but they all seemed to disappear just as quickly as they emerged.

This summer, two new broods are expected to emerge across different parts of the US: Broods XIX and XIII. While Pennsylvania is not expected to see any cicadas this year, many other states will be affected. Here’s what to know.

What Are Cicadas?

Cicadas are sound-producing insects that emit loud noises by vibrating membranes near the bases of their abdomens.

A cicada’s life cycle consists of three stages: egg, nymph, and adult. There are more than 500 different types of cicadas worldwide, with many species emerging every 17 years, the longest life cycle of any insect.

Cicadas can be identified by their unique appearance; adults are about 1 to 1.5 inches long with long wings that double their length. They typically have black or green bodies with orange veins running through their translucent wings.

2024 Will See Two Separate Broods

Broods XIX and XIII are expected to emerge this year, with the midwest and southeast states bearing the biggest brunt of these litters. While Pennsylvania is not expected to see the return of cicadas this year, we have experienced them in previous years. The most recent appearance of cicadas in Pennsylvania occurred in 2021 with the emergence of Brood X.

This year, the northern brood will emerge in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin, while the southern brood will emerge in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Additionally, people living in Illinois will possibly see both broods at the same time this year.

Pennsylvania Won’t See Cicadas This Year

Pennsylvania residents can breathe a sigh of relief this summer, as we are not expected to see any cicadas from either brood this year. Annual cicadas, commonly referred to as “dog day cicadas,” are common and can be heard every summer. However, these cicadas are different from periodical cicadas, which work in broods and live 13-17-year life cycles.

When Will Cicadas Return to Pennsylvania Next?

The next large cicada emergence is expected to happen in 2030 with the appearance of Brood II. After that, Brood IV will emerge in 2034, followed by Brood X in 2038. However, you may still notice the appearance of annual cicadas this summer if you travel down south.

FAQs

Do Cicadas Come Out Every Year?

The only types of cicadas known to appear each year are annual cicadas, due to their unsynchronized development, which allows some of them to mature each year. However, periodic cicadas only emerge during specific life cycles, ranging from 13 to 17 years.

What Is a Brood?

A group or population of cicadas is referred to as a “brood.” A brood includes all of the cicadas emerging in a particular year or in a specific region.

Do Cicadas Bite?

Cicadas do not bite, similar to the spotted lanternfly.

Are Cicadas Harmful to the Environment?

Cicadas are not dangerous and can actually be beneficial to the environment. Cicadas are eaten as a valuable source of protein for many predators, including birds, raccoons, and squirrels. However, if you have recently planted any trees or own an orchard or nursery, it may be wise to wrap your trees in netting, as cicadas can cut into tree branches to lay their eggs, harming younger trees.

Are Cicadas Toxic?

Cicadas are not toxic to humans or pets. In fact, many people like to cook cicadas and eat them!

If you are adventurous enough to try this, there are many recipes online with instructions on the best ways to cook and enjoy these insects. Dogs are also known to enjoy snacking on cicadas, and while they are not inherently harmful to dogs, too many cicadas may give your fur baby an upset stomach.

Bed bugs are among the hardest pests to contain, so it’s important to act quickly.

Just one female bed bug could lay 113 eggs during her life, which can hatch in as little as 6 days.

However, bed bug infestations rarely start with just one-bed bug. If left unchecked, your home could be ground zero for a serious bed bug infestation that can spread rapidly.

Our K-9 bed bug inspections are designed to identify bed bugs in every hiding spot across your home so that none are left behind.

If you suspect you have bed bugs in your house, look out for the signs of bed bugs below.

25 Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation

Bed bugs are not subtle creatures by any means. Most bed bugs leave behind telltale signs that are easy for most homeowners to identify.

1. Spotting Live Bed Bugs

This should be the most obvious sign of a pest problem, but bed bugs are very small (between 5-7mm in length) and have several life stages making it difficult to pinpoint them. What’s worse is they could hide just about anywhere in your home, including behind molding, electrical outlets, and even cracked drywall.

2. Raised, Red Welts On Your Skin

Another classic sign of bed bugs is waking up to itchy, red, raised welts across your skin. While it doesn’t always implicate bed bugs, there is a good chance that some sort of bug lives beneath your sheets.

3. You Have Recently Encountered Someone Or A Place That Has Reported Bed Bugs

While this is no guarantee that you will get bed bugs, if someone you know has had them or recently discovered they have had them, it’s a good idea to check around your own home to be sure you didn’t pick up a stow-away. We recommend hiring a professional because you may be dealing with the early stages of an infestation, which are generally harder to identify.

4. Shells Or Molted Skins

While living bugs can be elusive, they leave a little present behind. Bed bugs shed their exoskeleton as they molt to the next stage. You will find these “leftovers” in cracks, under furniture, or anywhere they may be nesting.

5. Fecal Spots On Bedding/Mattress

Liquid fecal spots on your bedding are a sure sign of bed bugs. These small, liquid waste spots can be scattered across your bed depending on how often the bugs have fed.

6. Bloodstains On Your Sheets/Pajamas

If you are a host for a family of bed bugs, another sign would be bloodstains. The primary diet for bed bugs is blood from humans or other warm-blooded animals. Seeing unexplained spots of blood on your sheets could be a warning flag.

7. Dark Spots On The Walls Or Upholstery

Sheets aren’t the only place for bed bugs to hide. These little creatures can easily slip behind your wallpaper or into other enticing spots they can hide away during the day.

8. Multiple Bug Bites

Maybe it’s not mosquitos! If you wake up with multiple little red dots, you likely have bed bugs. The problem is, however, that you may not actually feel the bed bug bite if they are from a young bed bug. The bites may be painless, but they will most likely cause you to have a reaction.

9. Painful, Swollen Bumps With A Dark or White Center

If you aren’t 100% sure you have been bitten by a bed bug, one way to tell is by looking at the bite. They are often swollen with a dark center. In some cases, they can have a white center as well.

10. Burning And Itching

While the initial bite may not hurt, bed bug bites tend to leave victims with a burning and itching sensation.

11. Fever, Nausea, or a Swollen Tongue

Bed bug bites can cause a severe reaction in certain individuals. Coupled with the other signs of bed bug bites, such a reaction could be a sign of an infestation.

12. Marks On Exposed Skin

You may have bed bugs if you have rash-like patches, bites in a straight line, or burning hives on your exposed skin. Depending on the clothing you wear to bed, bed bugs will latch on to exposed skin for an easy meal.

13. Not Everyone Displays Symptoms; Others Have A Strong Reaction

It’s common for people to have different reactions to bed bug bites, even within the same household. Keep an eye on your skin and the skin of small children because it can be difficult to spot the sign without a reaction.

14. Uncomfortable Nights

Another sign of a bed bug infestation is an uncomfortable night’s sleep. While you may not feel the bites, your body may react in response to any interaction with these pests. They are quick and often run across your bed at night to feed. While you may not know the presence, your body may experience restlessness as a reaction.

15. Musty Smell

Bed bugs have a particularly musty smell. Much like the scent of a dirty, wet towel, where there is an infestation, there is often an overwhelming, damp scent.

16. Rusty Spots On The Bedding

Much like seeing spots of blood, a common sign of bed bugs is in the rusty spots from expelling blood and fecal matter.

17. Flat, Reddish Bugs

If you do happen to see a bed bug, they are about 5-7mm in length and they are no bigger than a sunflower seed. These small oval bugs are so tiny they can fit almost anywhere and are so light it’s hard to tell when one is on you.

18. Bug Exoskeletons Or Bodies

A sure sign of bed bugs is finding dead bodies throughout your house. These little creepers can find various spots to nest in your home, so don’t limit yourself to just the bedroom and mattress.

19. Eggshells Or Eggs

Bed bug egg shells are about 1 mm and are pale yellow. Like the exoskeletons or dead bodies, spotting eggs could mean you have a nasty infestation.

20. Shells In Drawers

Much like your bedroom, it’s possible for bed bugs to house themselves in your clothing drawers. They can hide between the cracks, underneath, or even in the clothes themselves.

21. Spots Near Electrical Receptacles And Appliances

Another spot you may find black and rust-colored spots is by electrical sockets. While it’s more common to find bed bugs in your mattress, it’s possible to find them just about anywhere in your home.

22. Box Spring Nightmare

If you have any bed bugs, the spot you will most likely find them is within your box spring. Bed bugs can squeeze themselves flat and fit in just about any little space.

23. The Head Of A Screw

While the most obvious places may give you difficulty, consider this possibility: bed bugs in a screw head. Depending on the severity of the infestation, bed bugs can fit themselves in some of the strangest places.

24. Bites On Your Animals

If you have any warm-blooded animals, like cats or dogs, you may want to inspect them. Bed bugs don’t just bite humans!

25. Overall Decrease In Personal Well-Being

If you find yourself covered in welts, having a rough night’s sleep, and can’t stand the smell of your bedroom, your well-being is likely suffering. Not knowing or treating the signs of a bed bug infestation can lead to a poor quality of life.

What Causes Bed Bugs

It’s important to understand what causes bed bugs to best avoid them. Unlike cockroaches or ants, which typically indicate a dirty home, bed bugs usually arrive from an external source. Some common sources of bed bugs include:

• Thrifted clothing
• Second-hand furniture
• Public transportation
• Hotels and motels

Therefore, thoroughly inspecting luggage, clothing, and your person after interacting with these sources could help you curb a bed bug infestation before it spreads.

How to Inspect for Bed Bugs

You can perform a bed bug inspection yourself, though we recommend hiring a professional. If you go the DIY route, here are some things to remember.

Where Do Bed Bugs Hide?

Bed bug bites may not be subtle, but bed bugs are better at hiding than most people expect. The most common hiding places for bed bugs are:

• Mattresses and Box Springs: Bed bugs commonly hide in the seams, tags, and piping of mattresses and box springs.
• Furniture Cracks and Joints: Cracks and crevices in bed frames, headboards, and other furniture provide ideal hiding spots.
• Baseboards and Carpet Edges: They often conceal themselves along the edges of carpets and underneath baseboards.
• Electrical Outlets and Appliances: Bed bugs can squeeze into tiny gaps in electrical outlets and inside or behind household appliances.
• Behind Wallpaper and Wall Hangings: Loose wallpaper, picture frames, and other wall decorations offer hidden spaces for bed bugs.

Should I Contact a Professional?

Since bed bugs are such difficult creatures to treat–pesticides are rarely effective–it’s best to contact a local exterminator at the first sign of a bed bug. Exterminators are equipped with the tools and knowledge to handle a bed bug infestation and route any remaining bugs without causing harm to you or your loved ones.

Bed bugs are a pest that no one wants to encounter. If you see any signs that may indicate an infestation, get rid of bed bugs as soon as possible. Your skin, pets, and furniture will thank you for it.

To learn more about our Bed Bug treatments, contact The Pest Rangers.

FAQs

What do bed bugs look like?

Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They are about the size of an apple seed and can be difficult to detect due to their nocturnal nature and ability to hide in small crevices.

How do bed bugs spread?

Bed bugs spread primarily through human activity. They can hitch a ride in luggage, clothing, used furniture, and other personal belongings. They are not known to spread diseases but can cause discomfort and anxiety.

Are bed bugs only found in beds?

No, despite their name, bed bugs can be found in various locations, including:

• Furniture (sofas, chairs, dressers)
• Curtains
• Luggage
• Behind pictures and wall hangings
• Under carpeting, especially near the bed

When it comes to pest control in Northeast Pennsylvania, no solution is more effective than preventative pest control.

That’s why our residential pest control plans focus so much on inspection, prevention, and active defense against several common types of insects, including termites, cockroaches, and more.

While the occasional ant may be easy to repel with a small mist of Raid, pests like bed bugs can be nearly impossible to eliminate on your own.

This doesn’t mean residents are powerless against pests. Even if you don’t invest in a preventative pest control program, you can still practice many housekeeping procedures that will help keep your home pest-free.

What is Preventative Pest Control?

Preventative pest control is the active process of preventing pests in your home or property by depriving them of food, shelter, and water.

If these essential ingredients, along with a few other specific attractants, can be controlled and deprived, pests will have seemingly no reason to visit your house at all.

However, preventative pest control is more than sealing food sources or eliminating standing water. Many pests, such as termites and bed bugs, often cannot be prevented by sheer DIY measures.

That’s why pest control programs rely heavily on a mixture of biological, chemical, and natural controls to provide full 360-degree defense against many common and dangerous pests.

Why Is Preventative Pest Control Important

The latest census data tells us that around 14 million households have spotted roaches and rodents in their home.

Unfortunately, if the sight of roaches and rodents isn’t enough to scare you, they also harbor many dangerous diseases, which could lead to illness and respiratory issues.

Likewise, wood-destroying organisms, such as termites, carpenter ants, and wood-burrowing beetles, can damage wooden furniture and the framing of your home if left unchecked.

Therefore, preventative pest control is essential because it protects you and your home.

If you need further incentive, preventative pest control is also much cheaper than exterminating pests using over-the-counter products or a local contractor.

13 Preventative Pest Control Tips

If you notice an uptick in pests, it’s a good idea to practice these preventative pest control tips.

1. Perform Routine Inspections

While you could perform an inspection on your own, we highly recommend hiring a professional. Your local exterminator will be able to search for pests in places you ordinarily wouldn’t look or know where to look.

By identifying a pest infestation early, you can save significant money by avoiding expensive treatments that require multiple rounds of spraying and follow-up.

We recommend performing a pest inspection at least once every season, though our plans include routine pest inspections more frequently at no extra cost.

2. Seal up Cracks

Weather and time can be cruel, especially to your property. The longer your home sits, the more wear and tear it will suffer. With that aging comes cracks, holes, and little opportunities for pests to invade.

Invaders like mice, cockroaches, and other creatures don’t need much space to slip into your home. Sometimes, a crack in the window or doorway is all it takes. To avoid surprise house guests, do routine checks around your home’s exterior and seal up any cracks.

Use weatherstripping around doors and windows, caulk around pencil-wide cracks, and spray foam around larger openings.

3. Keep Your Home Clean

An easy way to prevent pests monthly is to keep your home clean. The inside should be cleaned from floor to ceiling. Pests often search for a warm place to nest that offers plenty of food and nesting. If cleaning falls by the wayside, you are handing critters an open invitation.

Keep your home tidy, especially in rooms like the kitchen and dining room. Any food left unattended, whether it’s a splash from a boiling pot or a leftover pizza box, can serve as lunch to unwanted creatures. Without a source of food or ample living space, pests will look elsewhere.

4. Trimming the Verge

Most pests are drawn to overgrown areas. The damp and lush overgrowth provides a wonderful hiding place, and if it’s close to a food source, they may not ever want to leave. This can prove to be dangerous, especially with parasites like fleas or ticks. To avoid any blood-thirsty hitchhikers, regular yard maintenance is key.

5. Clear Yard Waste

Once you’ve cleared out your yard, it’s best to eliminate any piles lying around. Like with overgrowth, yard waste is an enticing place for pests; it provides shelter and nesting material. Even firewood can be an issue if kept too close to the house. Disposing of yard waste and keeping it distant from your home is just one easy step to avoid an infestation.

6. Keep Garbage Closed

Garbage is not just a monthly problem – it occurs daily. As our waste piles up, it needs to go somewhere, and it often lands in a garbage can inside, a canister outside, or one big dumpster.

The longer garbage sits, the higher a chance for pests. Invaders like mice and rats look for a source of food when they want to nest. Open garbage is like an invitation. Empty your garbage regularly and see that it is properly disposed of. Check your cans, lids, and bags and keep pests out.

7. Store your food

Like garbage, food storage is crucial for keeping pests away. When food is left out or isn’t stored properly, invaders like flies and cockroaches can sneak in for a snack. When left open, pests can contaminate your food, spreading sickness and disease. Keeping your food in airtight containers, including pet food, is a good way to ward off intruders.

8. Gut Your Gutters

A stuffed gutter can be a draw for many outdoor pests. Any gutter with standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes and a draw to other pests. Checking your gutter routinely will keep it clean, flowing, and pest-free.

9. Seal off Entryways

While cracks and holes are a problem, sometimes necessary vents can be a bigger issue. Open chimneys can be a haven for bats, while a vent can let insects inside. While it’s impossible to cover up every hole, you can shield it with mesh wire.

Though you only need to apply it once, checking these areas is important to maintain that protection.

10. Kitchen Maintenance

Kitchens are a draw to humans and pests alike. It is the main hub where we store our food and prepare our meals. Pests are constantly on the lookout for food. The best way to prevent an invasion is to keep the kitchen tidy.

Unlike the rest of your house, the kitchen is like a beacon. It’s important to deep clean this room at least once a month and maintain cleanliness in between. Keep an eye on appliances, storage, and any surrounding areas to keep your kitchen pest-free.

11. Watch Your Pipes

Pests looking for a new home need three main things: food, shelter, and water. Some creatures like rats and mice follow water to their next destination. To keep any unwanted critters out, you should check your pipes and drainage systems.

A damp basement can be enticing to silverfish and open drains make a good entryway. Try to routinely check your pipes to avoid any mishaps.

12. Look High and Low

While pests can find a cozy spot anywhere in your home, the two areas that pests hide away are often at opposite sides: the attic and the basement. These are areas that either have storage, pipes, or less foot traffic making them ideal hiding spots.

It’s important to check and clean these rooms often to spot any potential infestations.

13. Declutter Your Life

Monthly maintenance is the best course of action to keep away any potential invaders. Whether you need to clean out your yard, basement, or refrigerator, keeping any clutter or build-up to a minimum can help keep pests away.

It’s not enough to do a deep cleaning once a year; staying on top of your daily accumulation can save you from a headache in the end.

Where DIY methods fail, our preventative pest services come in. Whether it’s performing inspections, preventing termites with our Sentricon system, or even defending against bed bugs, The Pest Rangers is your best source for pest control in NEPA.

FAQs

Can I Do Preventative Pest Control Myself?

Yes, many preventative measures can be done by homeowners, such as keeping a clean environment, sealing entry points, and maintaining your yard. However, professional pest control services are more comprehensive and can provide treatments not available to the general public.

How Often Should Preventative Pest Control Be Done?

The frequency depends on various factors, including the type of pests common in your area, the age and condition of your property, and your specific needs. Generally, treatments are recommended quarterly, but some situations may require monthly visits.

Are Preventative Pest Control Methods Safe?

Our pest control products and methods are safe for humans and pets. Most over-the-counter products are, though they need to be handled with caution.

A pest problem is bothersome at best and downright dangerous at worst, especially when dealing with pests like cockroaches and rodents, which are known to carry diseases.

If you’re dealing with a pest infestation in your Northeast PA home, it is essential to know that you have options for getting rid of them. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to pest management, and different kinds of pest control can be effective for certain pests over others.

Understanding each type of pest control will help you find the best pest control provider or solution based on your needs

Signs You Need Professional Pest Control

First, a few factors will determine whether you need to actively implement various pest control measures or hire a professional.

• The type of pest you have
• The level of infestation
• The danger of not intervening

For example, social creatures, like termites and mosquitoes, almost always warrant intervention because spotting one pest usually means more are on the horizon. Likewise, the danger of forgoing pest control when spotting these pests could be dangerous.

For other pests, like rodents, ants, and spiders, volume will determine whether intervention by the homeowner or an exterminator is required.

If you do need pest control, whether DIY or professional, it’s important to understand what options are available.

5 Types of Pest Control

Following are five common types of pest control that can be practiced DIY or sought out by a professional.

1. Physical Pest Control

Physical pest control involves killing pests directly or setting up barriers to prevent them from entering a space. Methods such as fire, temperature control, mouse traps, other animals, and even firearms can be used.

Physical pest control is thought to be more effective on a smaller scale, as using this method when dealing with a large pest population can be time-consuming and expensive.

2. Chemical Pest Control

Chemical pest control involves using chemicals that are toxic to pests to kill them. Insecticides are some of the most commonly used chemical pest control methods and also some of the most effective.

For example, our mosquito yard sprays use a powerful insecticide that repels and kills mosquitoes and various pests after short exposure.

For those who are curious, insecticides are classified into four groups: organic, synthetic, inorganic, and miscellaneous compounds. Synthetic is by far the strongest compound, though many organic compounds may be effective for pest control.

3. Organic Pest Control

Unlike chemical pest control, organic pest control uses more natural methods. For example, neem oil and diatomaceous earth are considered organic forms of pest control.

Organic pest control focuses on long-term prevention and intervention rather than quick fixes or the use of harsh chemicals, making it appealing for homeowners with small children and pets.

Organic pest control can be highly effective when used correctly and administered by a pest control professional.

However, we caution homeowners against relying too heavily on organic pest control, especially when it comes to difficult pests, such as termites, mosquitoes, and cockroaches, which can be dangerous if left untreated.

4. Biological Pest Control

Biological pest control uses living organisms and the natural predators of certain pests to deter them. One of the most commonly used methods is importation, where the natural enemy of a specific pest is introduced to eliminate the pest in question. Biological pest control can be highly effective when done correctly but should only be attempted by a pest control expert.

5. Integrated Pest Management

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) uses various pest control methods and a basic understanding of pests to control them. IPM is one of the most environmentally friendly approaches to pest management, making it appealing to many homeowners. Talk to your local exterminator about IPM strategies for pest control and whether they offer any.

Benefits of Professional Pest Control

When it comes to treating a pest problem, hiring a pest control expert is always your best bet. Based on your situation, an exterminator can recommend the most effective pest control strategy.

For example, for homes with pets and children, your exterminator may use a safer organic insecticide or some IPM strategies to control yard pests.

Treating a pest infestation of any kind on your own can be difficult, especially when you don’t know which strategies to implement.

A trusted pest control professional will be able to inspect your home to determine the severity of the infestation and recommend a custom treatment plan to get rid of your pests safely and effectively.

FAQs

Are chemical pesticides safe for use around children and pets?

Using any kind of chemicals around children and pests can be dangerous, which is why it is imperative to seek the help of a pest control expert before handling these chemicals. A professional exterminator will be able to give you instructions on how to handle these types of pesticides and when you should avoid coming into contact with them.

What should I do if DIY pest control methods are not effective?

While taking a DIY approach to pest control may be tempting if you’re on a budget, seeking out professional pest control is always the smarter option. DIY pest control methods are not always reliable, and you may end up spending more money than you need to without seeing real, lasting results.

How often should I schedule professional pest control services?

While the frequency at which you receive professional pest control will depend on your unique situation, homeowners can typically expect to schedule pest control management quarterly or every two to three months.

Ants are one of NEPA’s most common household pests found in yards and homes alike.

The problem with ignoring an ant infestation is that ants tend to attract more ants until you gradually notice them swarming all across your kitchen and bathroom. For this reason, professional ant control is the only surefire way to deal with an ant problem.

However, if you want to get rid of ants on your own or don’t know whether to call a professional for help, follow the steps below.

Identifying Your Ant Colony

First, identify the type of ant you have and the severity of the infestation.

Common house ants, such as odorous and thief ants, can generally be dealt with using store-bought traps. However, carpenter ants should necessitate professional intervention to prevent damage to your home.

The most common types of ants in Pennsylvania include:

• Odorous House Ants: These ants are small, dark brown to black in color, and emit a distinctive odor when crushed, often described as smelling like rotten coconut.
• Pavement Ants: These ants are commonly found nesting under sidewalks, driveways, and patios. They are dark brown to black and are known for creating small dirt mounds around their nest entrances.
• Carpenter Ants: Carpenter ants are larger, typically black or reddish-black. They excavate wood to create their nests, which can cause damage to wooden structures if left unchecked.
• Allegheny Mound Ants: These ants build large mounds in open areas like lawns and fields. They are reddish-brown to black in color and can be aggressive if their nest is disturbed.
• Thief Ants: These tiny ants are pale yellow to light brown in color and often invade homes in search of food. They get their name from their habit of stealing food from other ant colonies.

Another thing to consider before dealing with these pests is whether you plan to use pesticides or chemicals. While effective, these treatments can be dangerous to children and pets, and may kill other insects or creatures that are essential to the ecosystem.

For this reason, we highly recommend professional assistance when dealing with pesticides.

Signs of an Ant Infestation

While the presence of ants crawling across your floors and walls is difficult to ignore, many ants can linger around your property for months without your knowledge. Here are a few signs that you might have an ant infestation on your hands:

• Visible ant trails: You might notice well-defined trails of ants moving back and forth between their nest and a food source. These trails can often be found along walls, countertops, or floors.
• Trails of frass: This is the number one telltale sign of a carpenter ant infestation, as these creatures will burrow through wood to make their nests.
• Rustling sounds in walls: While this may indicate another pest, it could also indicate an ant infestation.

7 Steps of Get Rid of Ants on Your Own

If you encounter an aggressive ant infestation in NEPA, here are seven tips for getting rid of them yourself.

1.  Keep the Inside of Your House Clean

Eliminating what attracts ants is an easy way to discourage them from entering your home. Ants are always looking for a comfortable place with easy access to food and water.

Here are some cleaning tips to get rid of ants already in your home and prevent future ones from arriving.

• Regularly clean your cabinets and seal food away in airtight containers.
• When you finish cooking or serving a meal, clean up any dishes and leftover food.
• Seal all sugars and spices and open food boxes
• Seal up pet food as well.
• Try to keep mealtime to one room.
• Keep garbage in a sealed container and empty it often.
• Eliminate any possible water sources like dripping pipes, pet water bowls, or even wet towels.
• Vacuum often and make your home ‘unappealing’ to avoid an ant infestation.

2. Seal Any Entry Points

Next, block out any additional ants that may have an established nest outside your home. Even sealing off any gaps and cracks will discourage other ants from making their way inside that may smell pheromone trails from other colonies.

Make sure to routinely check your windows, doors, and walls for any cracks. Ants don’t need too much space to wiggle through, so landscaper’s caulk and spray foam will be necessary to seal off tiny cracks.

If you do spot ants in your home, try to find and monitor where they are coming from. This will point you to their nests and allow you to eliminate them using one of the solutions below.

3. Keep Your Property Clean Outside

Before we arrive at individual products, it’s worth pointing out the importance of yard pest control for ant prevention.

You’ll most likely be able to spot an ant infestation by the large number of ant hills in your yard. Remove all ant hills immediately using boiling water or one of the solutions below.

Remove any possible food or water sources, like puddles, clogged gutters, or open trash bins. Additionally, remove any overgrown areas on your property; overgrowth is not only the perfect place for ant nests but many other unwanted and dangerous pests as well.

Trim bushes, cut the grass regularly, and be sure not to overwater any plants. This will discourage ant colonies and other pests from building their homes on your property.

4. White Vinegar

An all-natural cleaning product that’s effective against ants is a 1-to-1 white vinegar and water solution. Apply this mixture on hard surfaces, including hardwood floors, tile, and countertops to eliminate pheromone trails and keep ants away.

5. Diatomaceous Earth

If you do find that you have an infestation, a natural solution is a diatomaceous earth. It is a soft, sedimentary deposit formed from the fossil remains of diatoms.

This natural substance acts as a natural pesticide when placed around entry areas or near colonies. It dehydrates insects to the point of death. Also, it doesn’t have any known effects on animals and children.

6. Soapy Water

An easy and quick solution to ants can be found in your kitchen. It’s as simple as putting soap in water – because it is. Fill a water bottle with a dish soap concoction and spray those invaders.

Soapy water acts as a natural insecticide–in fact, you can take a bucket of soapy water and pour it on anthills in your yard. Be aware that if you want to spray them, you must lure them out for this method to be effective.

7. Baits and Sprays

If you’re going to go the chemical route, you can try ant baits or sprays to handle your ant problem. The key to this method is strategically placing bait, traps, or spraying where ants frequent.

It’s a better idea to use baits and traps near sinks, by the stove, or kitchen countertops. Sprays are best utilized on door frames, windows, and other entrance areas. Whether you use sprays or baits should depend on whether your ants have already established themselves in your home or are just finding their way in.

When to Call a Professional

Depending on the size and situation, it may be a good idea to seek professional help. If you’ve tried to get rid of ants on your own and they keep coming, the problem may run deeper than you think. Also, if you have pets or children, handling chemicals or having them around your home might be too risky.

Your local ant exterminator is equipped with tools and knowledge to get rid of ants in your home quickly and safely without putting your loved ones at risk.

FAQs

Can ants cause structural damage to homes?

Ants themselves typically don’t cause structural damage to homes like termites do. However, some species, specifically carpenter ants, can excavate wood to build their nests. Over time, this activity can weaken wooden structures, leading to potential damage. It’s essential to address ant infestations promptly to prevent any structural issues.

How long does it take to get rid of an ant infestation?

The time it takes to eliminate an ant infestation varies depending on several factors, including the severity of the infestation, the ant species involved, and the chosen eradication method. In some cases, natural remedies or DIY solutions may provide temporary relief but could take longer to completely eradicate the infestation.

Professional pest control services typically offer quicker and more effective solutions, with complete elimination possible within a few days to a few weeks, depending on the circumstances. Regular monitoring and preventive measures are crucial to ensuring that the infestation does not return.

What are the dangers of using chemical pesticides indoors?

Using chemical pesticides indoors presents various dangers. Health risks include respiratory issues and skin irritation due to exposure to toxic ingredients, environmental impact through the release of harmful substances into the air, water, and soil, and heightened vulnerability of pets and children to poisoning or adverse health reactions.

Persistent residue build-up on treated surfaces leads to ingestion of toxic substances, development of ant resistance to pesticides, indoor air pollution from volatile organic compounds released during application, and increased risk of accidental exposure through mishandling or improper storage, emphasizing the need for caution and consideration of alternative methods for ant control.