Sep 26, 2018 | Pests
Calling all Roaches…
Would you be able to tell what type of roach just went crawling by? There are actually 4600 different species that roam around human habitats. Don’t worry…only 5 species are more common to the general public. You may recognize the names as American, German, Brown-banded, Oriental and Smoky brown.
Where did they all come from?
Cockroaches date back to historic times and are one of the hardiest insects. Think twice if you want to move to an area where cockroaches do not exist. They can survive in a wide range of environments – from the tropics to the Arctic. Even though they can live in the Artic, they prefer warmer conditions.
Many species live in log piles, leaf litter, and dark refuges making the kitchen and bathroom cabinetry with the drains and pipes the perfect hiding spot giving them access to food and water. However, a cockroach can live for more than 2 weeks without water and over a month without food. Cockroaches can populate quickly with the female producing from 300-400 offspring in a lifetime with an average lifespan of 1 year.
Cockroach Diet 101
What do cockroaches live off of? American cockroaches will eat plants and other insects. Other types of cockroaches feed on almost anything; soap, glue, toothpaste, sugary starchy foods, wallpaper paste and book bindings. As they crawl through dirty areas they are tracking the bacteria and germs into our homes. They contaminate food by shedding their skins which can cause allergic reactions especially in children. Roaches are known to carry over 33 kinds of bacteria including E.coli and Salmonella.
Prevention is the Key!
How do I prevent or control roaches? Control methods range from baking soda (has not been found to be effective) to garden herbs including catnip, mint, and garlic. The most effective practice is to keep good sanitation.
- Clean, clean, clean – especially kitchen and bathrooms.
- Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink.
- Seal bags of opened cereal, crackers, etc. in the pantry
- Take out the trash frequently – keeping it as sealed as possible
- Seal entrances around utility pipes and ventilate crawl spaces to prevent moisture buildup.
Self-help applications can appear to be helpful, however, if an infestation is evident – a licensed pest control professional may need to be called in for a thorough inspection and chemical treatment. Call Buckaroo Pest Protection for more information or to get on our schedule for a free inspection.
Sep 11, 2018 | Pests
How to identify a paper wasp?
Paper wasps are slender in shape with a narrow waist. Typically identified with black wings that fold along the body when at rest. Colors vary between brown with yellow markings to over all reddish brown. The nest cells are open and uncovered and can be found under home eaves, attached to structures and even on plants. A paper wasp will build the nest from wood fibers that they collect from wood posts and occasionally will take fiber from live plants. The wasp nest may be a neutral gray to brown color and houses their eggs and food ration. Most nest will be hanging from a single filament in a downward position. You will see colony members resting at night on the nest as they forage during the day.
Did you know…
- Paper wasps sting other insects, paralyzing them to bring back to the nest. The dead insects will be stored in the nest cells with a fertilized paper wasp egg. Once that egg hatches, the wasp larva will eat the dead insect as food and emerge as a winged adult after pupation
- Paper wasps do not chase after people, however, they WILL sting if their nest is disturbed
- Paper wasps were the inventors of paper, long before the Egyptians!
- Paper wasps use bird droppings as nesting material
- Paper wasps will congregate beneath barn swallow nests during the summer
- If your garden is not over run with insect pests…the wasp may be the contributor
How to dislodge or remove a nest?
- Best bet is to call a professional exterminator to remove the wasps nest
- If you choose to eliminate them yourself….best to approach the nest at night when the wasps are less active
- Wear protective clothing
- Keep children and pets at a safe distance
- Douse the nest with a pesticide spray or insecticidal dust
- DO NOT burn the nest
- DO NOT use water – as it will only flood the nest and will not remove the inside pest
- If you are allergic to bee/wasp stings – call a professional
If you prefer to call a professional – schedule your appointment today with Buckaroo Pest Protection at 469-742-2345
Sep 4, 2018 | Pests
NEW TICK DISCOVERED
Tick species are exploding in the U.S. with a new species that was identified in seven states in recent months. The Asian longhorned tick, native to Asia, was first discovered in New Jersey last summer. This tick is known to carry a dangerous virus that kills 15% of the people it bites. According to John Aucott, MD, director of the Lyme Disease Research Center at Johns Hopkins University Medical Center, the Asian longhorned tick has only been found in a few places in the United States.
TICK PARALYSIS
Cases of disease spread by ticks has doubled since 2004 with climate changes fueling growth of the tick population. Dr. Aucott states the public should pay more attention to the actual ticks that are native to the United States such as deer ticks which can spread Lyme disease, Powassan virus, and anaplasmosis and tick paralysis. What is tick paralysis? It can be caused by several species of ticks, including deer ticks and dog ticks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that tick paralysis is a rare disease caused by a toxin in tick saliva. Once the tick is removed from the suspect, the paralysis symptoms usually subside within 24 hours.
TICK REMOVAL IS IMPORTANT
When a tick bites into a human or animal’s skin and begins feeding, it can transmit bacteria, viruses or parasites. This is why tick removal, as early as possible, is so important.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND A TICK?
- Experts say it’s best to use a pair of pointy fine-tipped tweezers to grasp close to the skin and pull straight out.
- Remove the tick shortly after it attaches – resulting in a reduced chance of being infected
- Place the tick in a zip lock baggie in case you need to save for testing purposes or flush down the toilet
- Treat the bite with rubbing alcohol keeping an eye on the site for several weeks
- Recommendations for wearing long pants and using insect repellant when spending time outdoors is a good preventative
- Spray your clothing with a permethrin based spray which will cause the ticks to fall right off
- Protect your pets with a topical treatment that specifically treats for ticks
WHAT NOT TO DO?
- Do not try to suffocate or heat up a tick which can cause it to burrow deeper into the skin
- Grandmother’s remedies such as Vaseline, lighting a match or using essential oils are not successful elimination techniques
- Avoid folklore remedies such as painting the tick with nail polish
- Don’t crush a tick with your fingers
If you develop a rash or fever see your doctor. If you take precautions – you can still have a great time outdoors!
For more information or to schedule your free in-home pest control estimate call or text Buckaroo Pest Protection at 972-362-4026
