Control Pests Before They Control You
You are not the only one who enjoys living in a place with ideal climate, pests do to. Southern California is home of a variety of pests, most of which you do not want in your home or business. Below is a description of some of the species you may come accross.
Don’t Let Bugs Get The Best Of You!
ANTS
The ant feeds voraciously on sweets, grease, and food matter. Some species can strip all of a tree’s leaves in just one night. Over twenty species invade homes. They usually nest in the ground, but create pathways through foundations, wall openings, and cracks to plunder kitchen and food storage areas. Species… There are seven species of ants in California that are household pests. Argentine ant is the most common and found throughout California.
Treatment & Control
The bee pollinates fruit trees, flowers, and plants to make honey to feed the colony. Bees can create a hive or swarm in attics, block walls, irrigation boxes, trees, or bushes.
BEES
The bee pollinates fruit trees, flowers, and plants to make honey to feed the colony. Bees can create a hive or swarm in attics, block walls, irrigation boxes, trees, or bushes.
Treatment & Control
Bees are beneficial insects, however if their nest is located in or close to an occupied structure, then control is warranted. Live removal of honeybees is desirable. If honeybees must be killed in a wall void or attic, pesticide application should be done in the early morning or evening as bees insects receive their energy from the sun.
COCKROACHES
The cockroach eats food of any kind, and destroys fabrics, clothes, books, and rugs. It’s found in pantries, closets, basements, and any other dark, moist area with easy access to food. The cockroach usually comes out at night.
Treatment & Control
There are several types of cockroaches and each prefer different kind of harborage, have different life cycles and require different treatment strategy. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program will effectively eliminate the roaches from a structure.
FLEAS
The flea carries disease and causes itching from biting both animals and people. It feeds on the blood of dogs and cats, and humans if available. It can be found on animals, and in rugs, beds, and the fabric of furniture.
Treatment & Control
Treatment of the host animal, if you don’t have a dog or a cat, it is important to inform the inspector so that we can look for the presence of another outdoor vertebrate on the property (Raccoon, Skunk or Opossum). Use of a broad spectrum pesticide to kill the adults and use of a Insect Growth Regulator to control the nymphs and juveniles.
SILVERFISH
Silverfish like to eat starch in wallpaper and book bindings, and also starch found in laundered clothing. They live in walls that are wallpapered, dens and libraries, closets, and storage areas.
Treatment & Control
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles will produce excellent control of silverfish in a structure. Silverfish would also be addressed upon the initial service of the property if the client wishes to have their interior sprayed.
SPIDERS
Spiders found in California include 46 unique species. It is important to remember that spiders seen in California are not bound by the territorial lines decided on by humans, therefore their distribution is subject to change. Occasionally, spiders can be found well outside of their known range due to being intentionally or accidentally transported by humans in cars, luggage, and other belongings. Spider travel by whats called Ballooning- a process by which spiders move through the air by releasing one or more gossamer threads to catch the wind, causing them to become airborne at the mercy of air currents.
Treatment & Control
A Program utilizing Integrated Pest Management protocol Such as Web Dusting will be implemented to monitor, control and evaluate ant infestation on a regular interval. Every other month (EOM) monitoring and service is recommended for optimum control of Spiders.