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Red Termites: Identification and Control Guide

red termites

Termites are an expensive problem to have at home. They can destroy almost anything, including wooden structures, insulation, books and filtration systems. Even the plants and trees in your backyard aren’t safe from these pests. They’re hard workers, wreaking havoc all year round. The needed repairs can leave a gaping hole in homeowners’ wallets.

While termites are common household pests, you might be surprised to see red variants invading your home. These are most likely drywood termite swarmers. It helps to know more about their characteristics and habits so you can identify them and control them.

Of course, you’ll need the help of pest control specialists. They have the tools and expertise to control termites and restore peace and comfort. It’s better to contact them sooner rather than later to prevent damage to your home.

Do Red Termites Exist?

We may not know it, but termites are all over the world. There are around … Read Full Post »

Mice in the Walls but Not in the House

a mouse outside

Did you know it’s common for a mouse colony to live in your house undetected? Mice are discreet and cautious pests that spend the daytime hiding and sleeping. However, at night, they emerge to hunt for food, water and nesting materials.

When you have a mouse infestation in your home, it’s common to hear them scurrying around in your walls, especially at night. It will sound like scratching inside your walls. You may notice it long before you see an actual mouse inside your home.

Mice can fit through tiny spaces, which is how they often enter homes unnoticed. However, several signs will alert you to their presence, such as finding holes in your clothes, spotting mouse droppings and smelling their urine.

Mouse pee smells like strong ammonia when it is fresh. Over time, the odor changes to smell like damp wood.

You do not need to see an actual mouse to know that … Read Full Post »

Why Do Some Ants Have Wings?

a group of winged ants

Did you know that there are over 15,000 known species of ants? With that many different types of ants, it’s understandable to see some that don’t look like the rest. For example, some ants actually have wings. Keep reading to learn about ants with wings and the ant life cycle.

Why Do Some Ants Have Wings?

Some homeowners are surprised to learn that certain ant species have wings and can fly. Some ants have wings because they use them as part of the reproductive phase of an ant colony.

For example, like other insects such as wasps and termites, some ant species mate in flight. Reproductive ants in an ant colony leave their nest at the same time to find a mate and establish new colonies.

Winged ants, also known as alates, take part in the “nuptial flight” to protect their species’ survival. Specific environmental factors are required to develop sexually mature winged ants, … Read Full Post »

What is the Life Span of a Mosquito?

How long do most mosquitoes live? Understanding the lifespan of common mosquito species can help you better control mosquitoes around your property. To understand the mosquito lifespan, you need to learn about their life cycle and the phases they go through.

Next, there are key differences between female versus male mosquitoes. Understanding how each sex looks and behaves can help homeowners keep them at bay.

Finally, mosquito bites are uncomfortable, and everyone reacts to them differently. Keep reading to learn how to treat a common mosquito bite.

What is the Life Span of a Mosquito?

Two of the most common species of mosquitoes are the Aedes and the Anopheles mosquitoes. It’s important for homeowners to understand the life span of both species since they are most likely to encounter these pests.

The best way to treat a mosquito problem is to control them at all stages of their life cycles, from egg to adult. Keep … Read Full Post »

How To Identify Fire Ants With Wings

fire ants with wings

Fire ants are annoying pests that can cause pain when they bite and sting. It’s important for homeowners to understand the different types of fire ants, particularly winged fire ants versus non-winged fire ants.

Fire ants with wings are the reproductive members of the colony. You may see them swarming between the spring and fall seasons when they mate. Spotting a fire ant swarm is a sign that a fire ant colony is nearby. Keep reading to learn more about how to identify fire ants with wings.

How To Identify Fire Ants With Wings

Fire ants with wings are called “reproductives” because they are the sexually mature male and female members of the ant colony that reproduce. Unlike other colony members, they have wings so they can fly away from the nest to mate and establish new colonies.

Reproductive fire ants look similar to other fire ants with the addition of wings. They have … Read Full Post »

Do Bats Hibernate?

a bat in a tree

Bats are intriguing creatures to learn about. They’re known for their echolocation capabilities and being nocturnal by nature.

Bats possess incredible talents, which could be vital in survival situations like natural disasters. But have you ever considered whether bats hibernate like other mammals do?

Hibernation is an instinctual behavior used by animals during winter to conserve energy and survive harsh conditions. Of the over 1,400 bat species globally, only some hibernate. When they do, they might find comfort within your home or nearby spaces such as backyard sheds or treehouses.

Do Bats Hibernate?

During the winter months, when food becomes increasingly scarce, bats enter a state known as torpor. Their heart rates and breathing slow, their metabolic rates diminish, and body temperatures decrease to conserve energy and resources.

Hibernation allows bats to survive winter weather by tapping into their fat reserves while resting. However, not all species hibernate; some fly south, searching for warmer climates … Read Full Post »

What Is the Species of Wasp With Long Legs?

a paper wasp

There are over 100,000 species of wasps, making it hard for homeowners to tell them apart and identify which species are taking up residence on their property. However, some wasps are known for their extra-long legs that set them apart from other species.

If you have a wasp problem on your property, the best thing you can do is call in professional help. Contact a pest control specialist if you are dealing with a wasp infestation.

What Is the Species of Wasp With Long Legs?

The type of wasp known for its long legs is the paper wasp species. These wasps are also known for having very slender bodies. Their bodies typically measure one to one and a half inches long and have thin waists separating their thorax and abdomen.

Paper wasps also have two pairs of elongated wings. The first pair is slightly longer than the second. They are usually brown in color … Read Full Post »

Can Bed Bugs Bite Through Clothes?

a bed bug on skin

Bed bugs are pests that can leave behind stains, skins and a sour odor. Some homeowners also worry that bed bugs can destroy their clothes. While bed bugs can travel on clothes and hide in laundry piles, they cannot actually bite through clothes.

However, bed bugs can still crawl under clothing to bite their hosts. It’s important for homeowners to understand the difference between bed bug bites and hives so that they can identify a bed bug infestation.

Bed bug bites also look and feel similar to no see um bites. Even though no see ums are flies, and these two insects are very different, their bites are similar. Keep reading to learn how to tell them apart and what you can do to control both pests.

Can Bed Bugs Bite Through Clothes?

Bed bugs can leave itchy bites on humans. However, it is a myth that they can chew through clothes. Bed bug … Read Full Post »

Are Mosquitoes Active at Night?

a mosquito on jeans

Few things beat an evening sitting out on the porch or lounging in the backyard while the kids play in the pool. Of course, one thing that can wreck your entire evening is mosquitoes. They seem to come out of nowhere just after sunset and can be relentless.

You may have noticed that if you go inside and return later when it’s dark, the mosquitoes aren’t nearly as bad. So if you came out even later, would they be gone? Many homeowners wonder, are these pests active all night, or do mosquitoes sleep like us?

Mosquitoes are Indeed Active at Night

The short answer is yes, but that doesn’t explain why they’re such a nuisance at dusk. If you’re in the habit of walking or porch-sitting at sunrise, you’ve probably noticed they’re awful then, too.

There are many species of mosquitoes. Some, like the common house mosquito, are much more common than others. Some … Read Full Post »

How To Deter Mosquitoes

a mosquito on skin

Warm and sunny days are perfect for beach trips, hikes, picnics and barbeques. Unfortunately, mosquitoes can ruin all the fun. These common, flying insects prefer to breed in hot and humid weather, feasting on human blood to create healthy eggs.

Mosquito bites are itchy and annoying, but that’s the least of your concerns. They transmit various diseases, some of which can be fatal to humans. That’s why you should protect yourself and your family from these pests.

To help you, here’s a guide on how to deter mosquitoes. If they’ve already taken over your property, you should contact a pest control professional to safeguard you and your family.

How to Prevent Indoor Mosquitoes

Your home should be a stress-free zone, but mosquitoes can destroy your peace. They are especially bothersome at night, buzzing around and biting when you’re trying to get some sleep. Here are steps to prevent indoor mosquitoes.

Fly Screens

Equip all your windows … Read Full Post »