Category: Permatreat Blog

Spiders – Beware!

Don't let spiders invade your home

Black_Widow_11-06I’m about a half an inch in body length, shiny black with long black legs. I live in attics, garages, basements, and lots of other secluded places around your home and yard. I can inflict a nasty bite, which requires medical treatment in some cases. Contrary to popular belief I don’t eat my mate, and by the way I have a red hourglass on the underside of my abdomen, sometimes it is a red circle or square or even dots on the top of my body. Have you guessed what I am yet?

That’s right I’m a black widow spider and you would do well to know what I look like and avoid me. Because I can be rather aggressive at times especially after forming egg sacks, you know those silky sacs that are in the web. I’ll tell you something else about spiders, I’m not the only one that can be dangerous, the brown widow spider has been turning up in more places than ever before. Two more spiders to look out for are the brown recluse, and the hobo spider. Although they are not commonly found in the southeastern U.S. there are documented cases of people being treated in this area for bites from these spiders, Spiders like many other insects travel very well. Folks grab suitcases, boxes, bags, and clothes that have been tucked away for who knows how long, and these items get thrown into a truck, insects and all, and transported all over the country.

Yellow_sac_spiderA few more spiders worth mentioning are the sac spider, this spider is responsible for a majority of the indoor spider bites. Usually their bite results in localized redness and possibly burning, rarely does a necrotic ulcer occur as in the case of the brown recluse or hobo spider bite. Other annoying spiders include the wolf spider, the cellar spider, the grass spider and the house spider, many of which are capable of biting but not a venomous bite.

THE SOLUTION TO YOUR SPIDER WORRIES- Let the experts at PermaTreat perform a free inspection and let y ou know what needs to be done to control those dangerous pests, and from now on be extra careful when you handle those items that have been sitting around for a while, you never know who or what may have taken up residence in them.

Ants…Answers to your Questions

ants_142Sometimes it best to get back to the basics. Below are some of the questions our customers ask when they call us about an ant infestation.

What causes ants to come into the house? – Answer: Worker ants are looking for a food source. They travel everywhere and like to live close to where they find food.

Why do ants only surface just before my social events? – Answer: Most likely the social event involves food or drink which is attractive to ants.

If I have ants – is that a sign of termite activity? Answer: No, but it does not mean you do not have termites either.

What is the difference between an ant and a termite? Answer: Ants have distinct segments on their bodies or a pinched waist, termites do not.

Do ants bite?…Are they harmful? Answer: Some ants can sting but very few are harmful. It is best not to handle any insect unless you are informed.

What are the different types of ants that I will find in my area? Answer: Pavement ants, odorous house ants, pharaoh ants, field ants, carpenter ants, citronella ants, little black ants, and velvet ants are most common here. The velvet ant is actually a wasp and should be avoided because it can deliver a powerful sting.

Do you have pictures of the various ants? Answer: Yes "click here"

What are the signs to look for with an ant infestation" Answer: Sand piles, ant trails, sawdust or accumulating debris.

How would you apply your products to control my infestation? Answer: Methods differ with the type of ant and location of the nest. An inspection should precede the treatment.

Is the treatment harmful to wildlife? Answer: No, applications are pest specific and products used have low mammalian toxicity and are placed where non-target creatures can't access them.

If you have a question regarding an ant problem that did not get answered in this blog contact me at: protectingyou@permtreat.com and I will get the answer for you.

Ants are a problem this time of year and everyone has them. Contact us for your free inspection…it's best to get them under control early as opposed to waiting until your social event!

Winter Pest Infestations

2011 was a year best not remembered by some consumers.

As we tightened our belts and made sensible purchases as opposed to extravagant ones we may have forgotten what pest management really entails.

When considering the health and property threats posed by pests maybe we should re-evaluate our thoughts of pest management being a luxury as opposed to a necessity.

Just because our yards may be covered with snow doesn't mean that pests are not active. Spider, cricket and rodent infestations are at the top of the list followed by moisture and fungus in our crawl spaces and basements.

How to Pest Proof your home for WINTER

In the fall, when days grow shorter and outdoor temperatures begin to plummet, pests with four or more legs begin to resurface inside homes.

Pests don’t go away when it gets warmer, cooler, dryer, wetter, or windier. They simply adapt to the environment. Homeowners need to take steps to ensure their houses keep pests out rather than in.

This time of year, the house mouse is the most common pest in and around homes. They eat and contaminate our food, chew up woodwork and can create electrical fires by gnawing on wires. Other rodents such as chipmunks, squirrels, raccoons, and opossums can get into open areas seeking food.

The National Pest Management Association offers ten tips for winter pest proofing:

1. Seal up any cracks and holes on the outside of your home including areas where utilities and pipes enter your home.
2. Make sure vents are screened and gaps around windows and doors are sealed.
3. Keep tree branches and shrubbery well trimmed and away from the house.
4. Inspect boxes, grocery bags and other packaging thoroughly to curb hitchhiking insects.
5. Keep basements, attics, and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry.
6. Store garbage in sealed containers and dispose of it regularly.
7. Store fire wood at least 20 feet away from the house and five inches off of the ground.
8. Repair fascia and sofits and rotted roof shingles; some insects are drawn to deteriorating wood.
9. Replace weather-stripping and repair loose mortar around the basement foundation and windows.
10. A licensed and qualified pest control professional is your best resource to ensure these steps are completed properly.

For further tips, visit pestworld.org

Continue to protect your family, pets and home from infestations…maintain your pest control service contracts throughout the year to ensure that the quality of your environment is intact and pest free.

Click Here to Learn more about PermaTreat and Integrated Pest Management.

 

© All Rights Reserved.