Avoid walking dogs in tall grass, where fleas and ticks often hide, and inspect pets for ticks on a routine basis. Just like humans, pets can contract Lyme disease from blacklegged ticks.
Choose Proper Clothing
If you’re going to be spending time in wooded areas or tall grasses, wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and closed-toe shoes. Wearing light colored clothing will make it easier to spot ticks.
Maintain Your Yard
To keep your own yard tick-free, keep grass cut low and remove weeds, woodpiles and debris, which can attract ticks and other pests. Keep shrubs, bushes, and other vegetation well pruned, particularly around patios and play areas.
Wear Insect Repellant
Wear a bug spray containing at least 20% DEET when outdoors, and reapply as directed on the label.
Hike Smart
When hiking, do your best to stay in the center of trails, away from vegetation where ticks may be hiding and waiting to hitch a ride.
By following these tips, you and your family can take advantage of beautiful summer days without the dangerous health consequences that a tick bite can cause. If you consistently notice ticks on your property, contact a PermaTreat Pest and Termite Control to determine the best course of tick control and treatment.
Over the years, countless invasive species have made their way into the United States, both intentionally and accidentally. Read on to learn more about 7 of the most common U.S. invasive species and the threats they pose to human health and property.
Red Imported Fire Ants are an invasive species found throughout the southern part of the U.S. These ants, and their telltale mound nests, should be avoided at all costs. Interfering with a fire ant nest can cause them to sting en masse, resulting in painful welts.Stink Bug: This invasive species arrived from Asia to the U.S. in 1996, and has since rapidly spread throughout much of the country. They are a significant threat to agriculture, and are known to invade homes in large numbers, where they emit an unpleasant odor when disturbed or crushed.Formosan Termites: Because of their aggressive nature, this invasive termite species is difficult to control once they infest a structure. A mature Formosan termite colony can cause severe structural damage to a home in as little as six months.Norway rats are believed to be of Asian origin, but are now found throughout the world. They can cause damage to structures through their gnawing, and are also vectors of serious diseases including plague, jaundice, rat-bite fever and salmonellosis.European Starlings were introduced intentionally to New York over a hundred years ago by Shakespeare enthusiasts who wanted to introduce every bird mentioned in the playwright’s works to the U.S. They have since spread throughout the country. Their droppings may cause significant structural damage to buildings, as well as promote fungal growth in soil and lead to diseases.A dangerous stinging insect, Africanized “killer” bees are highly aggressive and have been known to chase people for more than a quarter of a mile in defense of their hive. While their venom is no more potent than that of regular honeybees, they tend to attack in greater numbers, which increases the threat to humans.Asian Tiger Mosquito: This invasive mosquito species can be found throughout the U.S., but is most prevalent in southern regions. They are capable of transmitting diseases including West Nile virus, Chikungunya virus and dengue fever. Unlike native mosquito species, they typically feed during daylight hours.
If you find any of these pests in or around your home, contact PermaTreat Pest and Termite Control right away to determine the best course of treatment.
Most occasional invaders enter structures because outside weather conditions become too hostile for their survival. However, occasional invaders are often just nuisance pests because they cannot survive for long periods of time indoors.
Take, for example, the brown marmorated stink bug, which has become notorious for its “smelly” reputation. The stink bug earned its name from its tendency to release an odor when disturbed or when crushed. Many other insects have these same characteristics, including some species of ants, beetles and other bugs.
To prevent stink bugs from entering homes and buildings, seal cracks around windows, doors, siding, utility pipes, behind chimneys, and underneath the wood fascia and other openings. Use a good quality silicone or silicone-latex caulk. Damaged screens on doors and windows should be repaired or replaced. A licensed pest professional can treat for stink bugs in the late summer or fall just prior to bug congregation. Stink bugs have the potential to spread throughout the country, which could be harmful to the agricultural industry, as they destroy crops. Although stink bugs are not known to bite humans, their tendency to invade homes in high numbers can be a nuisance.
If you need to get rid of stink bugs that have already entered a home or building, a vacuum cleaner can aid in the removal of live or dead stink bugs. The bag must be discarded to prevent odor from permeating the area. If an infestation has developed inside the home or building, a licensed stink bug control operator should be called to evaluate and assess the problem. Call PermaTreat Pest and Termite Control today! To schedule an inspection click here.
