Category: Pest Control

Frequently searched questions on pest control

What is the difference between termites and ants?

Yes, for some who still associate termites with ants due to its name label white ants, both pest species have vast differences. In terms of outlooks, the termite has a thicker waist, straight antenna and uniformed wings. Besides their appearance, their food choice and habitat is different to those of ants. Termites feed on wood and moisture, live underground forming colonies and work 24/7. As such, to get rid of termites, termite treatment carried out is different on how you will get rid of ants.

How to get rid of ants?

They are tiny and generally harmless, yet they annoy many households because of their persistent presence. Particularly, they crawl along the kitchen top and along the wall, and despite how we try to remove the ant infestation, success seems low. This includes using insecticide spray, sticking traps or utilises repelling methods such as natural ingredients including chalk, vinegar and spices. Ant control is necessary to remove its nests and root source, and detect areas with high risks of ant activities for added measure. This includes monitoring and ongoing pest control services to keep condition under control.

What Does termite infestation look like?

Majority search on termites amongst many pests due to its ambiguity and complexity. Because they are not physically present or visibly seen, signs of termite infestation can be challenging to take notice. While some pests illustrate clear signs of infestation such as droppings and scratch marks, termite infestation signs are less straightforward.

Why do I have booklice in my home?

Given their name as a hint, most would think books cause booklice infestation. However, this is just a mythical statement and rather booklice is a result of high moisture and humidity. They feed on mold and mildew and perhaps the reason why we associate this unusual pest with books is their presence on books as they feed on mod among them. Ensure the home is well ventilated, humidity level is reduced and remove any poor condition of items that grow mold and mildew on them.

Does citronella repel mosquitoes effectively?

One of the most common go-to mosquito prevention remedies in response to the high dengue cases is the use of citronella or lemongrass. Mozzies dislike the scent and will repel them for a short while, however, mosquitoes used receptors to track and follow their hosts as they picked up the carbon dioxide as we exhaled. They also used their strong sense of navigation in detecting the body warmth and heat we exude and thus, getting rid of mosquitoes should not rely on the repel method. Instead, ensure adequate mosquito control that eliminates mosquito breeding and adult mosquitoes are in place.

Home & Garden Pest Management Guide

The Home and Garden Pest Management Guide provides information on identification and management of pests, diseases and weeds in the home and garden, with emphasis on pest prevention and Integrated Pest Management.

This publication:

Includes information on over 400 common pests and diseases of fruits, vegetables, ornamental plants, and lawns, and how to manage them;

Contains hundreds of photographs of plant pests and weeds to aid with identification;

Provides information on new invasive pests and weeds that may threaten agriculture, forestry and the environment;

Provides tips on composting, fertilizing, lawn care and safe use of pesticides.

Integrated Pest Management

Integrated Pest Management is a decision-making process for managing pests in an effective, economical and environmentally sound way. An Integrated Pest Management approach can be used for crops and livestock pest management, and in the home garden.

Techniques used in Integrated Pest Management programs range from preventative and cultural measures to the use of biological, physical, behavioral and chemical controls. One or several measures may be coordinated into a management program for a target pest, or for the entire pest complex of insects, mites, diseases and weeds affecting a particular crop.

The Six Elements of Integrated Pest Management

Planning and managing agricultural production systems to prevent insects, plant diseases and weeds from becoming pests

Identifying pests, their natural enemies and damage

Monitoring populations of pests and beneficial organisms, pest damage, and environmental conditions

Making control decisions based on potential damage, cost of control methods, value of production, impact on other pests, beneficial organisms and the environment

Using strategies that may include a combination of behavioural, biological, chemical, cultural and mechanical methods to reduce pest populations to acceptable levels

Evaluating the effects and efficacy of management decisions

Natural Pest Control Guide

Garden Pests A-Z

Ants, Aphids, Birds, Caterpillars, Cats, Deer, Dogs, Earwigs, Fleas, Gophers, Mealy bugs, Mice, Mildew, Mold & Fungus, Moles, Opossums, Scale, Slugs, Snails, Spider Mites, Thrips, Voles, Whitefly

Natural Pest Repellants

Garlic Fire Spray, Smothering Oily Mixture, Rhubarb Spray, Molasses Blend, Vinegar Blend, Scale Mixture, Fish Fertilizer

Even when using natural sprays, do as little harm as possible and don’t try to outgun nature.

You will have some advantage in managing garden pests if you are gardening organically as you will be encouraging natural biological control. Still it’s wise to be prepared for action should your plants come under attack.

Beneficial Garden insects and creatures: Here’s how toattract these good critters to help with natural garden pestcontrol

Regulatory Directive: Guidelines for the Registration of Microbial Pest Control Agents and Products

This directive outlines the requirements for the registration of microbial pest control agents and products proposed for pest management at this time. The data requirements are essentially harmonized with the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Microbial pest control agents are naturally occurring or genetically modified microorganisms, including bacteria, algae, fungi, protozoa, viruses, mycoplasmae or rickettsiae, and related organisms.

Several regulatory proposals, including PRO98-01, Guidelines for the Registration of Microbial Pest Control Agents and Products, dated January 30, 1998 and PRO93-05, Research Permit Guidelines for Microbial Pest Control Agents, dated November 25, 1993, invited comments on proposed registration requirements for microbial pest control agents. Approximately 65 detailed comments on PRO93-05 were received from interested parties in the biotechnology, agri-food and forestry sectors, and eight comments were received on PRO98-01 and incorporated as appropriate.

Foreword

This directive outlines the requirements for the registration of microbial pest control agents and products proposed for pest management at this time. Microbial pest control agents are naturally occurring or genetically modified microorganisms, including bacteria, algae, fungi, protozoa, viruses, mycoplasmae or rickettsiae, and related organisms.

This directive reflects progress in several important areas:

The data requirements are essentially harmonized with the United States (U.S.) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). accepts all U.S. guidelines for conducting studies. Both countries require efficacy data to be generated. International activity involving the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Working Group on Pesticides has developed a document, Guidance for Registration Requirements for Microbial Pesticides, which will be published in 2001. The document proposes guidance for registration requirements for microbial products, and indicates where there are differences among countries.

The Guidelines will help enable products that have the potential to contribute to alternative pest management to be considered for registration because the data requirements are specifically developed for these types of products.

The Guidelines support effective and sustainable pest management and the introduction of new pest management technology, fundamental elements of the Pest Management Regulatory Agency’s (PMRA) overall program to reduce risk to humans and the environment.

Several regulatory proposals, including PRO98-01, Guidelines for the Registration of Microbial Pest Control Agents and Products, dated January 30, 1998 and PRO93-05, Research Permit Guidelines for Microbial Pest Control Agents, dated November 25, 1993, invited comments on proposed registration requirements for microbial pest control agents. Approximately 65 detailed comments on PRO93-05 were received from interested parties in the biotechnology, agri-food and forestry sectors, and eight comments were received on PRO98-01 and incorporated as appropriate.

Pricing Guide for Pest Control Business Owners

As the owner of a new pest control company, one of the things you may be struggling with figuring out is how much to charge for your services to remain competitive. If you charge too little, you won’t make enough profits, and you won’t be able to grow your company.

Additionally, some owners believe that up-charging customers and inflating prices is an effective strategy because it gives the appearance of legitimacy and quality. However, studies have found that this is not the case. If you price your services too high, you can end up driving customers away.

So, just how much should you charge for pest control jobs? In this article, we’ll cover all of the things that should go into your decision. By the end of the article, you’ll know exactly how to price pest control services so that you can remain competitive in the industry.

How Much Does Pest Control Cost?

Before setting your price, you should investigate the average price for pest control services in your area. How much does an exterminator cost these days anyway? The average pest control costs can vary depending on where you are. For instance, the price of pest control jobs rodent infestation

Not All Pest Control Pricing is the Same

The other thing to consider when determining how much to charge is that not all pest control pricing is the same. Numerous factors go into the price of a project. We’ve highlighted some of those factors below.

Keeping Snakes Away

For many, the sight of a snake in or around the house is the stuff of nightmares. Unfortunately many companies take advantage of people’s fear of snakes to sell products or services that are ineffective, and in some cases they may even recommend the use of products that increase the danger to family members and pets.

First off, the likelihood of a snake showing up on your doorstep depends on several factors, including: your location (north vs. south); surrounding landscape (urban vs. rural); presence of a water source (ponds, lakes, rivers); and your lawn and garden design and maintenance schedule. If you are finding snakes in or around your home, keep calm and follow the tips below:

Do…

Mow grass often and keep it short. Snakes are less likely to hang out and move through short grass because it increases their exposure to predators (e.g., coyotes, hawks). Short grass also makes snakes easier to spot by you and your family members.

Avoid watering your lawn. Watering of your lawn and garden may attract prey species (e.g., worms, slugs, frogs) which may attract snakes seeking a meal.

Keep trees and shrubs trimmed. Trim trees and shrubs away from your home and garage, and keep branches away from the ground. Creating a 24-36″ space under trees and shrubs will reduce snake use and will make snakes easier to spot if present.

Move the bird feeder. Birds are messy eaters and often leave seed scattered below their feeder. Seed on the ground attracts rodents which may attract snakes seeking a meal. Move feeders away from the house or stop feeding altogether. Store bird seed in a metal can with a tight fitting lid.

Install a perch pole. Hawks and owls are natural snake predators that can be attracted to an area with the aid of a well placed perch pole. Poles should be placed in open areas so the hawk or owl has a good view of the yard and surrounding area. Learn more.

Feed pets inside. Feeding pets outside can attract insects and rodents which attracts snakes. If feeding outside is necessary, be sure to cleanup uneaten food right away. Store pet food in a metal can with a tight fitting lid.

Do not…

Do not use mothballs. The active ingredient in mothballs is naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene. These chemicals are toxic to insects and mammals, but are not effective against snakes (San Julian, 1985). Naphthalene may cause illness in humans, and have been linked to death in children. Using mothballs outside your home violates product labels, and puts your family and pets at risk. Do not use mothballs. Here’s a short video showing mothballs are ineffective against snakes.

Do not use sulfur. Many snake-away products claim that sulfur in their products will keep snakes away. Unfortunately sulfur is not effective at deterring snakes and is a waste of money (San Julian, 1985).. Here’s a short video showing ineffectiveness of snake deterring chemicals.

Do not use ceramic eggs or golf balls. If having issues with snakes in your chicken coop, using golf balls, or ceramic, glass or wooden eggs are not the answer. Snakes that eat these artifical eggs die a slow and painful death over many weeks, and new snakes will just show up to take that snake’s place. Instead, focus on improving your coop to prevent snakes from entering and follow the deterrents recommended above. If using ceramic or other artificial eggs to encourage a brooding hen to lay, be sure to glue the eggs down to prevent snakes from eating them. Note: The loss of few chicken eggs here and there is a small price to pay for natural rodent control. Snakes eat lots of rodents, and rodents pose a significant risk to human and livestock health.

Do not release kingsnakes, racers, or other snake predators. Capturing and relocating animals is rarely successful and may even be against the law. Please focus on the deterrents listed above. To learn more about wildlife relocation see (coming soon).

Do not relocate problem snakes. Snake relocation might seem like a good way to reduce human-wildlife conflict, but most research on the topic has found that the snakes die more often than not when relocated.  

Simple steps help keep snakes out of your yard

Feed your pets inside. No, snakes don’t like cat or dog food, but rodents do. Feed your pets inside and limit the food for rodents.

• Get rid of debris and leaf piles. Piles of leaves and other lawn debris not only attract rodents, but they also provide protection for snakes, making them a great place for snakes to set up shop.

• Keep your grass cut. This may seem basic, but tall grass provides cover for snakes. Keep it cut and not only is your lawn less desirable to snakes, you can more easily spot them. Your neighbors will appreciate it, too.

• Beware of birdhouses. Everyone likes seeing birds and hearing their young chirp, but these can be an attractant for snakes. Some snakes such as the gray ratsnake are excellent climbers. The gray ratsnake is also one of the most common snakes in Mississippi. Placing a birdhouse on a fence or tree limb is the equivalent of sending a dinner invitation to a ratsnake. Instead, place birdhouses on a metal pole of a wooden post that is wrapped with metal sheeting or has a conical barrier in place.

Most bites occur when people interact with snakes

That snakes were not naturally aggressive and always preferred to retreat. They will only bite humans if cornered, scared, hurt or provoked. Most bites occur when people try to kill or capture snakes”Snakes play an important role in many different types of ecosystems. However, their numbers are generally declining. Having snakes in and around your property means you probably have a healthy ecosystem in place. If you come across a snake in the bush or your yard, just calmly walk the other way.

Important Facts about Venomous and Not Venomous Snakes Which Will Help You Repel Them from Your House

Let’s get better acquainted with the habits of these weird creatures. Our snake fact sheet will help many people stop hating them. It will be useful for those who are not afraid of them as well. It is still better to treat even the most harmless snakes with caution and respect. The following fact sheet is drawn up on the basis of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries specialists’ information.

• Snakes are dangerous for pets. They consume decorative fish, toads and even small kittens.
• Do not lean close to a snake. Snake theoretically cannot jump to the head level of a person, and it is a bite in the face of both venomous and non-venomous snakes that is the most dangerous and even toxic and it can leave a scar on your face.  That is why do not to bend down and keep your distance when you try to get rid of them.
• Snakes are useful for farming and gardening. They eat mice, slugs and insect pests.  As a rule, it is beneficial to your mini-farm.
• Snakes are season animals. Despite their love for the heat, many snakes become sluggish when it’s hot. They even hibernate in the summer. Similar behavior occurs in the winter. The snakes are most active when breeding (in the spring and beginning of summer) and when it’s simply warm. Another interesting feature of them is that when it’s warm during the day, the crawl into the shade and after some cold period they, on the other hand, they crawl back into the sun. That is why you can often encounter them chilling in the sun of the pavement.
• Snakes are kings of hunger strike. They can easily survive several weeks of famine. They also do well with a smallest piece of prey for a long time. Snakes aren’t the greediest creatures ever.

How to Repel Snakes

Homeowners can take a number of steps to repel snakes from their lawns and gardens. First, try cultural control methods. This basically means, do not make the area immediately around your garden attractive to snakes for living, lounging or snacking. Clear away piles of debris and leaves from your immediate gardening area. Additionally, make sure there are no holes in the exterior walls of your house. Doing both will help keep snakes from residing in your yard, and it might just keep snakes from feeding in your yard.

An extreme measure to keep snakes out of the garden is to fence with hardware cloth, a mesh material, but the fabric must be buried at least four to six feet deep, and must be at least 38 inches tall. Unless you have a serious problem with snakes, this tactic is probably not worth the time and effort it takes.