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Bed bugs could potentially be one of the worst things to happen to your bed. Not only do they bite and leave bit marks on the body, they are extremely difficult to get rid of. Exterminators have to come in and do a very intensive procedure to get rid of them. This is no fun for you, or the exterminators. One of the most common reasons bed bugs arrive in your home is due to traveling. While you are traveling and staying in different hotels they like to hitch a ride back on your luggage. Let’s give you some tips to help you prevent bed bugs from ever becoming an issue for you.

When traveling pay attention to these five tips:

1. Secure the Area

Search the room high and low for any signs of bed bugs before staying in it. Keep your luggage out of the room or in the bathroom before setting them on the carpet in the room. The bed bugs will most likely jump on to your luggage. Exterminators know the signs of bed bugs and you should become acquainted with the signs too.

Some signs you can search for in the room are:

•    Spots of blood stains on the sheets or pillow cases

•    Rusty spots of bedbug excrement’s

•    Egg shells, or shed skins

•    Musty Odor

2. Get Out of There

If you believe there is any slight chance of bed bugs, get a different room. Trust me, it’s worth getting a different room than spending the night with bedbugs. One night, and they want to come home with you. Do not get a room that is across the hall or adjacent to the infested room. Request a room that is far away, potentially in a completely different building. Bedbugs can easily spread to rooms near the birthplace of infestation through housekeeping carts.

3. Wrap Your Luggage

Even if you feel confident that your room is bedbug free, go ahead and take the extra step to cover your luggage. Don’t keep your luggage on the ground or the bed. If you can, use a luggage rack to keep it a safe distance from the floor where any potential pests could be lurking. Wrapping your luggage in a plastic bag can ensure no bedbugs will borrow into your suitcase or clothes. They can’t survive on a surface such as plastic. Then when you are leaving you can just take the wrapping off your luggage.

4. Pretend the Floor is Hot Lava

The floor is not safe. Be sure to keep clothes in your suitcase and not on the floor. Luggage and clothing are two of bedbug’s favorite transportation services. This tip goes beyond the hotel room, in any public place, the floor of the airport, the floor of the taxi. You can never be too careful. Your local exterminators can tell you more about where bedbugs like to hang out. Bedbug can lurk in peculiar places despite the name. A safe rule of thumb, don’t put any personal belongings on the floor.

5. Give Your Suitcase a Bath

When you arrive home after your travels the best thing to do is throw all your clothes in the washer machine and take a scrub brush to your suitcase. Well, before scrubbing your suitcase exterminators suggest you run a thorough check on your luggage. Make sure there are no signs of eggs or shed skin. A good way to ensure no bedbugs made it home with you is to steam or suitcase. The hot steam will kill off any bugs or eggs. Be sure you wash your all of your clothes, even the ones you didn’t wear.

If you are constantly traveling then these tips are beneficial for you to follow. Bring souvenirs back from your trip, not bedbugs. When all else fails and you fall victim to a bedbug infestation, call your local exterminators Vancouver Wa to take care of the problem.

Mice are not the only pests you might come across this winter. Believe it or not, you may find that you have a group of squirrels lingering around your home. They can be much peskier then house mice. These pesky rodents can cause damage around your home, particularly in your attic, on the roof and even in the crawl space located in your home. With their hyperactive personalities, squirrels can cause unwanted noise and disturbance to homeowners. Rodent control can help you get rid of troublesome squirrels this winter.

Behavior

The most common squirrels in this area are the red tree squirrel or the gray tree squirrel. Their living and behavioral habits are quite similar to each other. Due to the colder temperatures in the winter, squirrels find their way into the home and most likely nestle in the attic or garage. They find their way in by chewing through the exterior walls for your home. Once they have settled into the home, they build their nest and store food. You can also find them populating trees around your home due to humans expanding their homes into wooded areas. The squirrels are then forced to search for other means of shelter.

Signs of Infestation

•    Gnawing damage

•    Nesting sites

•    Collections of nuts or seeds

•    Sounds of activity

•    Damage to insulation

•    Squirrels running along utility lines near your house (Be sure to seek professional advice from your Portland rodent control before prevention involving power lines.)

•    Squirrels hanging around your chimney

•    Squirrels eating in your garden or yard

Control

If you think you have a squirrel infestation it is best to call your Portland rodent control for further advice and confirmation. There are many protected species of squirrels so it is best to ask your rodent control the best approach to handling the issue. First, find any entry points that squirrels could potentially find or gnaw their way into. Once you have discovered their points of entry it will be easy to note their schedule of activity. Try to identify how many squirrels inhabiting your home and if they have babies, they are nesting. They tend to burrow into insulation seeking warmth, so it could be difficult to find their nests. Your best and safest option is to call rodent control to take care of the issue since squirrels can be particularly hard to handle.

Prevention

If you want to avoid the potential issue of squirrels invading your home, there are some things you can do to prevent them. Not only can they cause damage but they can also bring a potential health risk to you and your family, as they can carry disease. Before you try to take care of the problem yourself be sure to call rodent control first.

Prevention methods you can take include:

•    Trim or remove limbs that are near the roof of your house

•    Remove bird feeders

•    Install wire fencing around your garden

•    Use a tree collar around young trees

If you believe you are faced with a squirrel infestation be sure to contact your Portland rodent control for help being that squirrels can be very difficult to get rid of. Professionals are your best resource when it comes to handling a squirrel infestation. Since they are larger rodents they can cause severe damage to your home as well as carrying diseases similar to ones that mice carry. Squirrels are very active rodents and cause a lot of damage and noise. It can be difficult to determine whether or not your problem is due to squirrels but your Portland rodent control can confirm the issue.

Are you having pest control problems? Are you trying to tackle the issues yourself? Well stop and take a second to fully examine your situation. You could be using tactics that are not helping solve the issue and maybe even making it worse. Sometimes the best thing you can do for your home is call professional pest control services. However, if you are stubborn and feel the need to tackle the issue yourself, then here are some myths to debunk before you continue on. These myths might have you thinking twice about going on alone in your pest control issues.

1. Myth: Cheese is the best bait to use for mice or rats.

Truth: Pet food, peanut butter, or sweets are better for attracting mice or rats into a trap.

2. Myth: Pests never live in a clean house.

Truth: Yes, having a clean house is very helpful to keeping good pest control. However, some pests do not care how clean your house might be. Pests such as bed bugs, ants, and termites are just looking for a warm place for the winter.

3. Myth: Using boiling water to get rid of ants.

Truth: Sure, scalding hot water being poured onto the ant nest will kill all the ants it touches, but the ants further down in the nest will be totally unscathed and therefore continue to reproduce and cause a nuisance in your home.

4. Myth: Pets keep rodents away.

Truth: Your pet can scare off a mouse your two but if you have yourself a full on infestation then you furry friend cannot do much.

5. Myth: You can treat bed bugs on your own.

Truth: Bed bugs can be the most difficult infestation you might ever have to deal with. It takes a lot more than a few pesticides to get rid of bed bugs. Plus, they are extremely harmful. Professional pest control will use greener systems that are much more effective than an over the counter pesticide.

6. Myth: Bees only sting once.

Truth: Honeybees will only sting once, however, wasps, yellow jackets, and hornets, can sting and bite repeatedly.

7. Myth: Your neighbor’s pests will invade your home after fumigation.

Truth: Pest will die before the fumigation has even ended. If they do realize fumigation is occurring they typically will run inside the home and then die.

8. Myth: Your house has a concrete slab therefore will never have termites.

Truth: If you have wood framework then they will still find their way even through the cracks of the concrete.

The most effective pest control involves knowledge, strategy, and common sense. When you are trying to tackle your own pest problems remember these myths and avoid creating extra snags for yourself. If your pest problems are still persisting even with a little TLC then go ahead and just call your local pest control in Portland Or. They know what they are doing and can help you totally obliterate any issues you are having. They can inspect you situation and design an approach that best suits your pest needs.

Also, best pest control involves green, environmentally friendly approaches. Being conscious about the environment is extremely important when it comes to solving pest problems. It is easy to start spraying harsh chemicals all over the place. However, sometimes it takes much more than just pesticides to take care of your pest issues. Some pest services might completely over look the idea that they are harming the environment. Be sure to choose a company who has the environment in mind while they are helping you achieve your pest control goals.

The count down to Christmas has begun! This means all the holiday festivities are starting and you don’t want them to include pests. One of the most common pests during the winter season is a deer mouse. They like to find their way into your home when it’s cold outside. They are not ideal pests to have because they often carry the Hantavirus. This virus can cause fever, muscles aches, and fatigue. It has symptoms similar to the flu. The lungs can fill with fluid and cause coughing and shortness of breath. This is not something you want to endure your holiday season. This virus can be very serious and does involve a visit to the doctor. If you think you have deer mice for Christmas call a mouse exterminator so they can come and take care of the issue right away.

Appearance

The deer mouse is small ranging from 7 to 10 cm in length. They usually are round and slender looking. They have a pointed nose and black eyes. Their ears are large with not a lot of fur to cover them. Their coloring is a brownish color. They have a long tail that is dark on top and light underneath.

Habits

They enjoy nesting in logs or tree holes. They are most commonly found the rural areas and prairies. They are sneaky and hard to find if they are living in your home. They do not like humans and will avoid them. They enter homes during the winter to find better shelter from the cold weather and to look for food while food is sparse during the winter season as well. They build their nests from their own fur and weeds. They do not hibernate, so they are active during the winter. A mouse exterminator knows about the their habits and can help you locate them and point out any damage they have caused to your home. Deer mice do not produce at the rate of bunnies but they can have two to four litters a year. And they mature at 8 weeks. Litters can contain up to five individuals.

Hantavirus

The deer mice can carry the Hantavirus also known as the Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. People can get it from inhaling the virus where deer mice have left urine or feces. A mouse exterminator is the best person to have come remove the mice and all their droppings. It is very easy to contract the virus and it can be fatal. If you have any signs of mice in your home call a mouse exterminator right away. The exterminators have to wear OSHA-approved masks in order to get rid of the mice and their droppings.

Damage Caused by Deer Mice

They are small in sized and therefore can gain entry into housing very easily. They like to store food and will use your home as a place to nest and build of their food supply. They like to gather seeds and acorns. If you are finding collections of nuts, seeds, or acorns this is a good indicator that you can have deer mice. They can cause damage to your mattresses, upholstering on the furniture, clothing, and any paper goods they may find to create their nests.

Get Them Out!

Deer mice are much more dangerous to have in your home then the average house mouse. They carry disease that cannot be cured and is even fatal. If you have an inkling of deer mice call your local mouse exterminator Portland Or to take a better look at the situation. It is very important that professionals remove the deer mice from your home. They have special gear that will protect them from any harm and will make sure to properly disinfect all areas where the mice were. Don’t let deer mice ruin your Christmas!

It’s the time of year to start looking out for termites. Not just any termites, but Dampwood Termites. Yes, it is what you’re thinking, they like wood that is damp and decaying. What more perfect termite for the Pacific Northwest? However, our homes are not a place for these termites to hang around. They should be out in the forest where the real damp and decaying wood can be found. So, how can you avoid this? It rains non-stop here. Well, first of all you should address all water damage issues you could possibly be having. This is your first armor of protection. Secondly, your local exterminators can come in and eliminate the problem.

Behavior and Habits

The Dampwood Termites are very common along the Pacific coast. These termites are significantly larger than any drywood termites. They typically found in soggy logs or decaying wood. They do not nest in soil but the actual wood itself. A few winged termites will found the colony. They start by finding a suitable damp or decaying log typically then they lay a few eggs. It is common for the colony to start out very small and grow. As the colony grows they create numerous chambers connect through an intricate tunneling system. The winged termites are especially for mating and starting new colonies elsewhere.

Prevention

Do you have an old house? Is your house sitting in moisture? Is the wood in your home rotting away? You could have termites, and you also probably should move because your house is falling apart. However, the exterminators can help you work through your termite issues. If you have any water damage in your home this can attract the termites. Issues with roofing and siding leakage tend to lead to water damage. Be sure to pay attention to your rainwater drainage and any plumbing issues too. These can all lead to potential termite habitats if not taken care of properly. If all potential moisture problems have been addressed and termites still find their way in, the best thing to do is contact the exterminators.

Signs

These termites are different from your ordinary drywood termites. They do not tunnel through soil or have any contact with soil. They like to build tunnels and nest within the wood. The damage you might find will be clean and smooth tunnels inside the wood. They will eat across the grain of decaying wood. They will use their fecal pellets to see the crevices for which they are living in. If the wood is soggy enough the pellets will stick to the sides and will be easily visible. If you notice swarms of winged termites this is another tall tail sign you have an infestation. These winged termites can be confused with winged ants, professional exterminators can help you tell the difference if you are having troubles.

Things to look for:

•    Smooth tunnels
•    Chambers
•    Fecal pellets
•    Winged termite swarms

Exterminators Portland, Or

Termites give you nothing but problems. The moment you notice you might have an issue, take action and get rid of them. If caught in the early stages the wood can easily be replaced. The best approach would be to first have an inspection to determine whether or not you have an infestation. If you don’t have termites, then you are off the hook. If you do have termites then the exterminators will help you create a plan and decide the best approach to solve the concern. It is very important that you allow professional exterminators to handle the dilemma of having termites infest the wood of your home.​

The welcome mat for weirdness has been out in Portland for as long as anyone can remember. Before you get too cozy with the “normal oddities” of the city, remember, the century is still young. Odd and terrible insects are expanding to new territories and your neighborhood could be next. Strangely, these five weird bugs have yet to find their way here.

Red Velvet Ant

You may be thinking of sweet red velvet cake. Unfortunately, nothing is sweet about the Red Velvet Ant. The critter is about the size of your finger and covered in a thick coat of red and black hair. It isn’t an ant, it’s a wingless wasp. People have given it the nickname ‘cow killer’ for a good reason. The velvet ant packs a massive stinger and the venom yields an exquisite pain. The cow killer has been found in central Oregon and it won’t be long till you find it in your own backyard.

The Rock-Pool Mosquito

Stock up on bug repellent, because you’re going to need it. Most mosquitoes will bite you at dawn or dusk. That isn’t enough for the Rock-Pool mosquito. It’s mean, hungry and ready to attack at all times of the day. When this bad bug comes to town, the number of bites will increase dramatically. If that wasn’t bad enough, they are also efficient carriers of dengue fever, West Nile, and encephalitis. If you see a black mosquito with distinctive white bands on its legs… smash it.

The Asian Longhorn Beetle

This bug is nasty. The Asian longhorn beetle spends most of its life as a pasty grub, chewing on and devouring the living tissues of trees. Your favorite elms, maple, willows, poplars, and lindens are a couple of bites away from this menace killing them dead. Adult beetles lay eggs under the bark. Larvae emerge, and chew their way into the trees’ living tissue and disrupt sap flow. Older larvae will burrow deep into the heartwood; their feeding destroys the structural integrity of the tree. Infesting beetles will kill the tree and ruin your landscape.

Raspberry or Tawny Crazy Ant

The crazy ant is new to America. Scientists named the ant because of its erratic movement. Crazy is a great way to describe the insect, because like us, it loves electronics. That means all your favorite stuff is at risk, including; computers, tablets, cell phones, air conditioners, and televisions. Crazy ants don’t eat electronics; they just love building nests inside of them. Small ant bodies bridge electric gaps and cause systems to burn up and short circuit. Keep your electronics far away from crazy ants.

Formosa Subterranean Termite

This termite makes other varieties look peaceful. People have found it in California, which is only one state away. Formosa Subterranean Termites queens produce bigger colonies and a lot more offspring. The nests have a lot more mouths to feed and that means damage occurs faster. They construct their tunnels out of saliva, feces, mud and chewed up wood. Your home could be destroyed in under a year.

These five creepy crawlies are expanding into new areas. Don’t let them catch you unprepared. No matter what bug has taken over your home, Interstate Pest control has a solution. We’ll keep the six-legged weirdoes away.

Are you having issues with fruit flies? Once fruit flies have settled in to you home, it takes some perseverance to kick them out. With the holidays coming up there is going to be a lot of food hanging around your house. While you get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season, fruit flies might be getting caught up in your home. Any food that sits out and around the house for long periods of time will attract fruit flies. This alone will cause fruit flies to appear. They are constantly laying eggs and hatching. Non-toxic pest control can get rid of fruit flies. Five simples steps can help you prevent and lose the fruit flies.

Here are 5 steps you can follow:

1. Remove any fruit or food that is attracting the flies.

By simply removing their source for survival this will discourage them from sticking around. It could be any food that is sitting out. Also, taking your garbage out regularly and limiting the rotting food that is around your house. This is a simple step towards non-toxic pest control. Removing the source of the problem is a huge step towards eliminating them. Keeping your cleaned fruits and vegetables in the fridge is the best way to discourage fruit flies. Any juice containers, or vinegar containers should be thoroughly cleaned before putting them into the recycling bin. This includes containers that hold ketchup, or cooking wine.

2. Keep areas that attract flies thoroughly clean.

After preparing and cooking a meal make sure to properly clean the areas after use. All dishes should be totally rinsed. Make sure there are no remnants of food particles on the counters, in the sink, or on any dishes. Make sure to clean out the sink and scrub it down after cleaning dishes. It is extremely helpful to clean the seals of the refrigerator and the inside on a regular basis. Regularly clean around your dishwasher and stovetop as well.

3. Catch and release methods.

The catch and release method is a great way to utilize non-toxic pest control. Take a piece of rotten fruit and place it into a large jar. Then place a funnel on top or a cone made out of paper inside. This allows the fruit flies to get into the jar but not out. Put the jar in an area that is concentrated with fruit flies. Once you have collected a good amount you can release them back outside.

Another nontoxic pest control method you can try is making a trap. You can use a jar, a bowl, or even a cup. Place some fruit in the container and pour a little amount of vinegar in with the fruit. Then, take plastic wrap and place it on top of the container. Poke little holes into the plastic wrap. Once you feel like you have caught a fair amount go ahead and release them outside.

4. Alternative methods to capturing fruit flies.

Besides luring the fruit flies in with fruit and traps you can use a few alternative methods. Making sure all your windows and doors have updated screens is a good place to start preventing fruit flies. Also, placing a household fan near any concentrated areas can catch the flies in a crosswind. Then, place a bottle trap away from the flies.

5. Suck the flies up into the vacuum.

This may seem like the simplest nontoxic pest control method to get rid of the flies, but it takes some patience. Any of the areas heavily populated with fruit flies you can take the vacuum and suck them right up. There is no release to this method. You can also swab some vinegar into the hose of the vacuum to help lure them near then turn the vacuum on.

Don’t let fruit flies take over!

Once fruit flies have decided to settle in, it takes a lot of work and perseverance to get them out. Take extra steps to preventing them. If they have already taken over try some at home nontoxic pest control. If your problem still persists call your local nontoxic pest control Portland Or for any further advice or questions.

They may include various types of ants like carpenter ants and odorous ants, bed bugs, fleas, and mosquitoes. Some people try to get rid of this problem as they become active in warm weather on their own but they rarely become successful in their efforts as they haven’t had suitable equipment and materials required for exterminating them effectively. In such condition, you must contact a pest control service to deal with the problem as soon as you notice the activities of these bugs in your home. They can exterminate them effectively before they start contaminating the environment.

Odorous House Ants

Odorous House Ants are known as odorous, as they release a pungent odor like rotten coconut when crushed. You can find them indoor as well as outdoor. During warm weather, they are usually found outdoors where they have a number of food sources but during rain, they shift indoors to search other food options. These ants thrive in a moist environment so to reduce their infestation in your home you should ensure to resolve the problem of moisture in and around your home. They are usually found near the backsplash area behind your kitchen sink. If you are unable to control them, call a professional pest control company for this purpose.

Carpenter ants

These household ants are the biggest threat in Portland. They build their nests by making tunnels through walls which may damage the structure of your home. To avoid such damaging condition it is better to exterminate them as soon as possible. As a homeowner, you can reduce the damages caused by carpenter ants by removing decayed wood and plants touching your home all around. If the problem persists then you can call pest control Portland OR service providers for effective treatment.

Bed Bugs

The infestation of bed bugs is dangerous for any kind of furniture and clothing, new or old. They can remain underground for the entire year without food but come out in warm weather to find their food. These bugs are difficult to exterminate without professional pest control services, as they have all the equipment and materials required for their effective removal.

Fleas

Adult fleas are mostly found on cats and dogs but they also jump anywhere and bite you unknowingly. The reproduction of fleas is very fast as they lay eggs on your pets which fall on their bed as the eggs are not sticky. From the bed of your pet, they spread all over your home to contaminate its environment. In order to get rid of these fleas, you will have to treat yours as well as your pet’s home as they can re-infest if not treated properly. If you are not able to treat your home and the home of your pet effectively then you should call professional pest control company for this purpose.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are abundantly found in Portland OR during the months of warm weather. They breed more around abundant greenery and on water standing in and around your home due to rain or any other reason. They usually ruin the outdoor as well as indoor environment during summer. You as a homeowner can reduce the problem of mosquitoes by reducing greenery and eliminating standing water in and around our home. Though some people use mosquito repellents to save them and their family from their contaminated bites but to exterminate them from your home you are required to treat your home properly with the help of a pest control service.

SPIDERS! IPM has had a surge of spider related calls this past month. It is unknown as to why the spiders have been on an incline this year, with reports of larger than normal amounts of webs, in door ways, vents, eves, bushes , windows, to finding many, creeping around the interior of homes.

The most common being brought into our office in jars and spotted in homes is a garden, funnel weaving spider that is native to the NorthWest:

Species Tegenaria domestica – Funnel Weaver

• Other Names: Common House Spider (in the Pacific Northwest), Barn Funnel Weaving Spider, Drain Spider (becomes stuck in sinks and can’t crawl out)
• Coloration of the domestic house spider varies from grayish-brown to dark chocolate brown. Most domestica appear at first glance as smaller, darker spider (when compared to its cousins). It has banding or stripes on its legs (which can be very faint), but will distinguish it from the hobo spider.
• Habitat: Often darker areas, such as flower beds, wood piles, and areas where it can weave a funnel-web. When it is found in homes, it often is found in the basement, in the darker recesses such as closets and corners. It is a nocturnal spider, so generally it is discovered when the lights are turned on and the spider darts for cover (and/or its web). These spiders are not seasonal, but rather, can be found year round (if in a survivable environment). They are generally more scared of you than you are of them, but will show aggression if cornered or feels threatened. This spider is not dangerous to people, but is often confused with the T. agrestis (Hobo Spider), which may or may not be dangerous. If you are unsure of the exact species, just be mindful of this confusion, and use caution when dealing with the spider.

Which brings us to T. Domestica’s bad boy cousin:

Hobo SpiderTegenaria agrestis – Hobo Spider

Aggressive house spider (incorrect name, but commonly used). Please see below.

A common misconception is that agrestis means “aggressive”, giving it the name “aggressive” house spider. This spider is not aggressive, and would rather flee than fight, unless it feels threatened without the option to escape. (This misconception is often used to help fuel fears about the potential hazards of this spider.)

• Size: All measurements are for only the body, and do not include the legs.
• Female: 11-15 mm (1/2 – 2/3 inch);
• Male: 8-11 mm (1/4 – 1/3 inch).
• Identification: Very difficult to ID from photos. The actual spider (not a photo) needs to be examined by an expert for a definite identification. Often your local university extension office, agricultural office or Interstate Pest Management, will have resources to assist you (with identification and control).

There is no dimorphism in color or markings. The appearance of hobo spiders is not unattractive, but their coloration is rather subdued, being a mixture of brown and rust earth shades. They have a herringbone pattern on the top side of their abdomens. Although most Agelenidae have very “hairy” looking legs, the legs of this spider are fairly smooth.

Often, it is easier to determine if the spider is not a hobo, rather than determine with certainty that it is a hobo. Both have been identified by our office to be fairly common in the Portland, Clark County and Cowlitz County areas. Although, Tengenaria Domestica is much more common than the actual Hobo Spider.

If you are having a concern about keeping these furry friends out of your home or have seen recent activity, IPM would be happy to give you a free estimate today! There is a one time treatment option that comes with a limited 3 month warranty available or a Eco-Science program that covers all of your standard nuisance pests including the spiders, that has an initial set up fee and a minimal charge quarterly. All in-between calls are no charge!

Call us TODAY at 360-218-2463 for prices and appointment availability!

PS. This is what troops face in IRAQ….

Camel Spiders….Gotta love the USA!

Now, I know you are thinking the lead singer/bass player from the 80’s rock group The Police! Although their tour this last year did pack a punch on the ol’ wallet if you went, …I was talking more on the lines of it being Yellow Jacket season!!!

Its been great BBQ and picnic weather lately here in the greater north west!  Perfect for outdoor concerts, mountain biking, swimming and many more of those fun outdoor activities we do up here and nothing could ruin a great day  with friends and family faster than a sweet little bee sting! (Or flipping your bike upside down..you know who you are)

Yellow jackets and miscellaneous wasp calls have been on the rise this last week or so. So in honor of our poky little friends, we are giving you some ideas on keeping your family and home/yard area “sting” free!

Wasps, such as yellow jackets, do serve a useful purpose. They aid in the pollination of flowers and eat small insects around our property. For most of us, however, the bad outweighs the good. Yellow jackets, are black and yellow striped, and have long abdomens.  Yellow jackets love sweets and meat. For this reason, you’ll see them hovering around picnic tables and garbage cans, making people nervous about approaching these areas. They’re also quick to sting and don’t always need a reason. Yellow jackets are social insects. Hundreds of these insects can live in one nest. If the yellow jacket feels threatened it will aggressively defend its nest and call in reinforcements to help. Unlike the bee, yellow jackets don’t die after stinging and will sting repeatedly if they feel threatened.

OOOOUCH!!!

• In the beginning of the season, have your pest technician treat bushes and plants with an environmentally safe pesticide. This will cut off the yellow jacket’s food supply forcing them to look for a more profitable bit of property in which to do their hunting.
• Keep trash cans tightly covered. Yellow jackets are attracted to food smells.
• Throw away empty food and beverage containers and don’t leave used paper plates and cups lying around.
• Keep barbecue and picnic food covered.
• Try not to wear perfume, hairspray or any other sweet scent that can attract yellow jackets to your property. Smelling “like a flower” may not be the best idea in all social gatherings. 🙂

If you want to rid your area of these pests, you must first locate the nest. If you’re not sure where the nest is located, try and observe the yellow jackets from a safe distance. These wasps usually build their nest in crevices in porches and decks or in the ground. For your own safety, don’t approach the nest.  Leave that to trained professionals with adequate protective gear. Think of Sting’s song…”Don’t stand so, Don’t stand so close to me!”

When facing a large army of yellow jackets, it’s best not to take any chances.

Don’t pour gasoline or other chemicals into underground nests. This is dangerous, illegal and not very smart. If the nest is in the cracks of your walls, don’t use caulk or foam (or anything else) to seal the crack. Yellow jackets can gnaw their way through sheet rock, wood and many other substances and may find their way into your home. It’s best to at least keep them on the outside of the house where they present less of a threat. If you have yellow jackets in the walls of your home, call an exterminator.

With the exception of some queens, the yellow jackets will die off once the weather gets chilly. They almost never reuse their nests. Don’t let a few yellow jackets force you to spend summer time indoors. Following a few precautions can discourage these backyard pests from paying your family a visit. Wouldn’t you rather enjoy the warm weather outdoors?

If you need professional assistance or have additional questions about yellow jackets or other stinging insects, please feel free to call our office for a free quote for wasp removal at 360-218-2463.