One of our technicians was sent out to a Klamath Falls home that had a serious Carpet Beetle problem—or at least that’s what they thought, and we did too. But these pests weren’t going away after repeated treatments. Turns out that these little buggers were Larder Beetles, whose larvae and juveniles look confusingly similar to Carpet Beetles. Larders are what museums sometimes use to remove all of the flesh from dead animals to obtain a clean skeleton. They are basically the piranhas of the beetle world, and had been feeding off the carcasses of dead mice underneath this house, and then moving up through the floor into the house in droves. Once we eventually figured this out, we modified our treatment and proceeded to slowly but surely eliminate them, first by removing all of their food source (rodent carcasses), then by treating them with a combination of our NatureLine™ products. Larders are extremely resistant to most pesticides, so it took our technician approximately 14 re-treats over a period of 3 1/2 months to finally rid this homeowner of their persistent problem. How much did it cost? Luckily, the client won our PREMIUM PRO package in a raffle that All Natural had donated to the local fire department which covered the entire beetle bill for only a fraction of the cost. What a...
You may think Autumn was the end of your pet problems, but unfortunately, the colder seasons can only provide so much natural pest control for your home. Winter might bring snow and ice, but the truth is that your home may still be susceptible to a few pests. Here are a few of the most common pests to be wary of this winter. House Mice Mice are the most common winter pests to look out for in your home. They usually nest in dark, secluded spaces like attics or basements, but make sure you’re checking your cupboards regularly, as well. Mice can fit through openings as small as a dime, so the best way to prevent an invasion is to seal up your house the best you can. If you notice any mouse droppings around your home, call your local pest control company immediately. Norway Rats Norway rats nest in some of the same spaces that house mice do, but they’re also known to gnaw through just about anything they can get their not-so-little teeth on. Not only that, but Norway rats have also been known to spread diseases like jaundice and cowpox virus. German Cockroaches These pests, above all else, are incredibly hardy. They’re even able to live for one whole week without a head. The only reason they die is from a lack of water. The best way to prevent these critters from entering your home is to keep surfaces clean and pay attention to the spaces under your appliances and sinks, as cockroaches love dark, moist environments. Brown Recluse Spiders If you see a brown recluse...
The warmth of summer might be gone, but if you thought all of your pest problems were over, you’re wrong. Unfortunately, not even the cool autumn days can deter pests from invading your home and waging war on your peace of mind and autumn baking. If you’re unsure what to look for or how to prepare, you’ve come to the right place. Here are a few of the most common autumn pests to be on the lookout for this season. Rodents Just like you, rodents such as rats and mice are looking for a warm place with lots of food to spend the colder months. However, you might not be a fan of sharing your warm place with the rodents. The biggest problem these pests bring is their friends. Mice and rats rarely travel alone, and can fit through the smallest of holes in your home. To help prevent their arrival, store food in airtight containers and seal up any cracks and holes before the snow starts falling. Stink Bugs While these pests aren’t necessarily dangerous, they do pack a bit of a smelly punch. If you do notice one in your home, gently return it outdoors using a cup or a plastic container. The best way to prevent a stink bug invasion? Thoroughly check your belongings and hire local pest control services. Bed Bugs Approximately 99% of pest control contractors have treated bed bugs in the past year, and there’s no doubt they’re nasty pests to deal with. These bugs are notorious hitchhikers, which means if you’re in an area where you suspect bed bugs, you should thoroughly...
Cockroaches are disgusting little creatures that not only cause overwhelming stress, but horrendous nightmares, too. On an unrelated note, cockroaches can live for one month without food, one week without water, and can survive a few weeks after being be-headed. Think that will help those nightmares? As you can see, they are horrible pests that need to leave your home as quickly as possible, which is why you should work with natural pest control services. The first step, though, is to see whether your home actually has a cockroach infestation or not. Seeing One Roach The easy way to find out if there are cockroaches in your home is to simply look around. If you find a cockroach it’s pretty safe to say that there are more around your home. Keep an eye out at nighttime because roaches are nocturnal. Quietly walk into a dark room and then quickly turn on the light. If they are present they will scatter away and try to hide. All it takes is one, though, so as long as you see one cockroach, you should contact a natural pest control company to handle the infestation. Cockroach Feces Cockroaches will eat just about anything and will leave behind roach droppings throughout your house. There are different kinds of cockroaches that actually leave behind various types of feces, but if you see any strange piles around your home, you should seek professional assistance. Consult a local pest control company that can identify the feces and exterminate these unwanted pests. Their feces look like pepper or coffee grounds, but some droppings can be as large as...
The look of those eight hairy legs and those beady little eyes evokes fear and disgust in most people that encounter them. Spiders are some of the most hated pests in the world, and though they often do more good than harm, their poor reputation and spine-chilling appearance typically outweigh their benefits. It doesn’t matter how many bugs and pests spiders kill, something about these arachnids just makes our skin crawl. Below you will find some information about the advantages, disadvantages, and pest control services related to spiders. Three Reasons to Get Rid of Spiders Venom: Almost all spiders have venom, which they use to stun their prey. While most spider bites are relatively harmless to humans, some can be deadly. The brown recluse and black widow spiders are known for their toxic bites. Spider bites affect everyone differently, and those with insect allergies should be especially wary. For the most part, young children and the elderly are most vulnerable to complications from spider venom. Arachnophobia: The fear of spiders is a serious phobia that can be debilitating for the sufferer. It has been recorded that there are over 27,000 species of spiders in the world, ranging in size from the tip of a pinhead to the diameter of a dinner plate. Chances are if you’re scared of one, you’re scared of them all. Spider webs: While spider webs are completely harmless to humans, they are not pleasant to look at (or walk through in the middle of the night, forcing you to furiously jump around wondering if there’s a spider on you), especially when other insects become trapped...
”Sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite!” If you ever heard that phrase as a kid, you might have figured that bed bugs were merely made up creatures meant to scare young children, like the monster under your bed or the boogey man. If you’ve ever experienced a bed bug infestation, however, you know that bed bugs are real and they are no joke. According to a recent survey, 99.6% of pest control professionals have treated bed bugs in the past year, which is higher than five, 10 and 15 years ago. Bed bugs are a serious problem today, and it’s getting worse. Check out these five common misconceptions about those pesky little bloodsucking pests. Five Myths About Bed Bugs Bed bugs are too small to be seen with the naked eye. Actually, bed bugs are larger than people think. Young bed bugs are roughly the size of a poppy seed, and adult ones are about the size of an apple seed. They are oval-shaped little monsters with six legs and no wings. Young bed bugs are usually a very light color, while adults can range from brown to red (it depends on how much blood they’ve recently drank). Bed bugs are only found in unsanitary conditions. This is entirely false. Yes, bed bugs themselves can makeconditions unsanitary, but they’re just as happy in a tidy home. That’s why bed bugs can be found anywhere, including five-star hotels and spotless homes. Messy, unsanitary conditions will not cause bed bugs, but getting rid of clutter can help reduce the number of places the pests can live, hide, and multiply....
The end of the summer is fast approaching, which is great news for those who love the cool weather and vibrant colors of autumn. And with the summer, so goes its worst traits, like the overwhelming heat, persistent smells, and of course, those pesky summer bugs. But don’t lose the pest control services number just yet. While many bugs die off or at least settle down when the temperatures drop, others will try to survive the winter by retreating right into the nooks and crannies of your home. To get your home ready for autumn pests, check out these tips and reminders about pest control as the fall draws nearer: Decorations One of the best parts of fall is certainly the potential for decoration. The gourds! The carved pumpkins! The wreaths, Halloween gags, and garlands, the list goes on and on. But it is important to be mindful that some of those decorations can attract bugs, in particular, the perishable ones like gourds and pumpkins. Also, make sure to keep an eye out for any sleeping pests in the fall decor when you pull down the box from the attic. Some popular fall plants, like mums, are especially known for transporting bugs, and it’s important to be mindful of decorations that provide convenient homes for the pesky pests, like straw bales and scarecrows. Check For Openings The autumn is your last chance to check the exterior of your home for openings before it gets too cold. Openings in your walls and at the base of your house provide perfect doorways for pests that are looking to overwinter, especially as...
Cockroaches are nasty creatures and they’re known for being indestructible. Once they hit, they’re incredibly hard to get rid of. You could try starving them out — but they can live for a month without food. You could try flushing them down the drain — but they can hold their breath for 40 minutes. You can try stomping on their skulls — but a cockroach can even go on living without a head (for a week or so, until it dies of thirst from lack of water). Thankfully, cockroaches are not as common in the Pacific Northwest as they are in some other areas of the country, but you might be surprised by how often Eugene pest control companies have to take on the call for roach extermination, especially in restaurants or food storage facilities. If just a few find their way into your home, it could spell real trouble. The best method of natural pest control is simple prevention. Follow these tips to keep your house roach-free. Keep surface areas clear of food. Keeping surfaces free of food is easier said than done, as even a small trace of food — drips from a blender, for example, or crumbs beneath the toaster — can invite a roach feast. Make sure all surfaces, including countertops, cabinets, and stove tops, are as clean as can be every evening before you go to bed. Get rid of leaks or spills. Cockroaches like water, too, and they’ll gather around a dripping faucet or a basement puddle like elephants around the watering hole. Wipe sinks and faucets dry after every use. Stop them...
The Pacific Northwest is full of creeping, crawling bugs and spiders of all kinds. Many of these pests thrive inside human dwellings, whether it’s laying eggs, eating the wood in your home, or hiding throughout winter. So what are the most common household pests to watch out for in Oregon? There are thousands of arthropods you can find in your home, but there are nine common species of insects and spiders that our local pest control services most often find in Oregon homes. The Most Common Bugs and Spiders in Oregon Homes… 1. Bed Bugs, aka Cimex lectularius Of all the pests on this list, bed bugs are perhaps the most feared. While they don’t pack a poisonous bite like black widows, or carry diseases like ticks, bed bugs are the stuff of nightmares. Like vampires, they seek out blood sources at night, literally sucking your blood as you sleep, then scurrying back into their hidey holes by day. Bed bugs love to hide beneath the baseboard of your bed, under your mattress, and in any crack or dark space, such as under bedding, behind wallpaper, picture frames, electrical outlets, and similar dark places. These bloodsuckers will lay one to five eggs a day, and up to 500 in their life, which means a few bed bugs can quickly turn into a full blown infestation with the right food source (that’s you). 2. Fleas, aka Siphonaptera If you have pets living in your home, then they can carry in fleas. To get rid of fleas on pets, you may need to visit the local vet. To get rid of...
There has been something of a bedbug epidemic in the past few years. According to the 2015 Bugs Without Borders survey, nearly all (99.6%) pest professionals have treated bed bugs in the past year, unchanged from 2013, but higher compared to five, 10 and 15 years ago. For some reason, these pesky critters just find it O.K. to make their homes in our beds and essentially upend our lives for up to a few weeks. For many, the discovery of bedbugs is a nightmare come true. They can lay one to five eggs a day, which comes out to around 500 eggs in a lifetime. They are most likely to be found in apartments/ condominiums, so watch out there, but single family homes and hotels and motels also have a high likelihood of having the nasty little guys. Before you do anything, take a look at these tips on how to prevent bedbugs or spy them early on: Be Aware of the Signs Often, the first signs of an infestation of bed bugs are bites. They look a lot like mosquito bites, but tend to be clustered into groups of three. You might find that they appear particularly above the line of bed sheets or blankets, and that they target areas that are exposed during sleep, like your neck, face and shoulders. Should you find any suspicious bites, conduct a thorough search by lifting up your mattress, boxspring, headboard, and any other visible parts of your bed. Buy Encasements for Your Bed and Box Spring This won’t prevent the bugs from entering and infesting your home, but it will...
