December 31, 2012
Thought Your Holiday Guests Departed? Not Spiders.
When the holidays conclude and harsh winter weather begins in earnest, spiders are re-discovering one of their favorite places to build webs — homes. While most spiders are mere annoyances, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) warns that the brown recluse and black widow spiders can pose health risks.
Known to inject poison with its bite, the brown recluse spider typically does not bite humans unless threatened. These spiders can produce painful bites and cause open sores. Measuring about a half inch with a dark brown violin marking on its back, brown recluse spiders build their webs in warm, dry, and dark environments, notably basements and closets.
Similarly, black widow spiders do not bite humans instinctively. However, when they do bite, they can cause extremely painful bites, especially for children and the elderly. Recognized for its red hourglass shape under the abdomen, these spiders spin their webs close to the ground and are most often found in woodpiles and undisturbed areas.
“Although most spiders are nuisance pests, homeowners must keep these more dangerous species from gaining access to their homes,” says Jim Fredericks, technical services director for NPMA. “With firewood being brought indoors to warm homes, spider prevention is necessary as these pests seek refuge from cool winter temperatures.”
NPMA offers the following tips to help prevent contact with spiders:
• Avoid keeping clothing and shoes on the floor, especially if in an area known for spiders; consider storing inside plastic containers.
• Seal cracks and crevices around the home.
• Vacuum or sweep away webs in and around the home.
• Shake out all clothing that has been in the laundry basket before wearing or washing.
• Keep garages, attics, and basements clean and clutter free.
• If a spider bites you, contact your primary care physician for medical advice.
If you have an infestation in your home, contact Pest Ops to inspect and treat the pest problem. Due to the health risks associated with some species, do not attempt to control spiders on your own. To schedule an appointment, click here or call our office at (865) 966-0750.
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December 17, 2012
Tis’ the Season to Be Wary of Household Pests
When the holiday season approaches, families across the country will begin pulling out boxes of decorations and digging into pantries for baking ingredients. But with these annual traditions comes the risk of bringing a variety of pests — from mice, rodents, and spiders to a group of insects known as “pantry pests” — into homes. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) encourages homeowners to use caution to prevent unwelcome pest guests this season.
“Mice, rodents, spiders, and other pests find their way into homes by hiding in boxes of holiday decorations that have been stored in attics, basements, and garages since last season,” says Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for the NPMA. “They create homes in these undisturbed items and then find new places to infest once these boxes are moved into family living quarters such as dens and kitchens.”
To prevent such pests from hitchhiking into homes, NPMA recommends that homeowners keep holiday decorations — especially items like dried foliage, potpourri, and Indian corn — in airtight containers during off-seasons. Decorations should be unpacked outside and inspected carefully. Similar caution should be taken to inspect live foliage that is brought indoors during the holidays, including Christmas trees, wreaths, and garlands that can harbor pests.
Pantry pests, meanwhile, earned their name because of their tendency to be found in pantry foods including flour, cereal, dry pasta, spices, dried nuts, and fruit. They can also be found in decorations that contain dried flowers or potpourri. The most common pantry pests include beetles, ants, weevils, and Indian meal moths.
“Pantry pests are often brought into homes through infested packages of food from the store,” says Henriksen. “It is important to carefully examine pantry items before use — especially items that haven’t been used since the past year. If you do find pantry pests, consult with a pest professional to keep them from multiplying and contaminating other foods.”
The NPMA also recommends the following tips to keep pantry pests away:
• Store food items in insect-proof containers such as glass or plastic, with tightly sealed lids.
• Do not mix old and new food items, as this can spread an infestation.
• Never purchase groceries if the packaging is broken.
• Keep cabinets, pantries, and countertops clean and free of crumbs.
• Dispose of any food that is expired or shows signs of a pest infestation.
To remediate pest infestations, contact Pest Ops so a trained professional can inspect, identify, and control the problem. To schedule an appointment, click here or call our office at (865) 966-0750.
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December 12, 2012
Don’t Pick Up Hitchhiking Bed Bugs during Holiday Travels
Over the next several weeks, with images of vacations, family reunions, and time off dancing in their heads, millions of Americans will be hitting the roads, skies, and rails, traveling to various holiday destinations. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) advises travelers to take some simple precautions to avoid the most unwanted holiday present — an encounter with bed bugs.
“Whether going to grandma’s house or a hotel, travelers should be on the lookout for signs of bed bugs. Parents whose children are returning from college should also inspect their belongings before bringing laundry and packed bags inside, as infestations have been reported on campuses across the country,” said Missy Henriksen vice president of public affairs for NPMA.
“However, there is no need to be alarmed or alter travel plans. With a few simple steps, travelers can diminish their risk of dealing with bed bugs,” added Henriksen.
Travelers should remember the following tips from NPMA:
- Thoroughly inspect the entire room before unpacking. Don’t put luggage on the bed.
- Pull back bed sheets and inspect mattress seams, particularly the corners, for telltale brownish or reddish spots. Bed bugs can also be found in box springs and behind baseboards, electrical switch plates, picture frames, wallpaper, as well as in upholstery and furniture.
- If changing rooms within the same hotel, ensure the new room is not adjacent to the possibly infested room.
- If staying at a residence, inform the homeowner immediately of a suspected bed bug problem.
- Use a large plastic bag to store luggage.
- Upon returning home, inspect and vacuum suitcases before bringing them into the house.
- Wash all clothes — whether worn or not — in hot water or take them to a dry cleaner
If you suspect an infestation in your own home, contact Pest Ops to have a trained technician inspect the property. To schedule an appointment, click here or call (865) 966-0750.
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December 5, 2012
Biting Temperatures Send Rodents Scrambling Indoors
Across the country, bitter cold temperatures and winter force more than just people indoors. Rodents such as mice, rats, and squirrels can pose significant risks to people and their properties. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) offers solutions for homeowners on how to keep rodents from coming indoors during the winter season.
“Rodents invade an estimated 21 million homes in the United States every winter,” says Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for NPMA. “Not only can rodents cause serious and costly property damage, but the health risks associated with them should be of serious concern to homeowners.”
Bats and rodents can also pose real threats to the health of a homeowner and his or her family. The accumulation of their feces can spread bacteria and viruses. Once this accumulated mass becomes dry, it can be hazardous to those who breathe it in.
Mice are capable of dropping up to 25,000 fecal pellets each year, an estimated 70 times each day. Rodent droppings can trigger allergies and spread disease including Hantavirus — causing headaches, fever, nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Rodents can chew through wallboards, cardboard, wood, and even electrical wiring, increasing the risk of a house fire. Henriksen points out that rodents only need an entry point the size of a nickel to access your home.
NPMA offers these important measures to prevent a rodent infestation during the winter season:
• Inspect wires, insulation, and walls for signs of an infestation.
• Store boxes and containers off the floor and organize items often to prevent rodents from residing in undisturbed areas.
• Seal cracks and holes, including areas where utilities and pipes enter the home.
• Keep tree branches, shrubbery, and ground covering well-trimmed and away from the house.
• Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house and five inches off the ground.
If you find rodent feces, hear sounds of scurrying in the walls, or observe other signs, contact Pest Ops so our trained professionals can inspect and treat the pest problem. To schedule an appointment, click here or call our office at (865) 966-0750.
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December 3, 2012
No Matter the Season, Rodents Find a Reason to Come Indoors
With high heating bills and snow to shovel, homeowners have plenty to worry about in the winter months. Yet winter brings one more concern that most homeowners rarely consider — that is until it becomes a problem. According to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), winter is a prime season for rodent infestations with 24% of homeowners reporting mice infestations, specifically in the winter.
Rodent infestations can be more than just an annoyance. Mice bring other pests, such as fleas, mites, ticks, and lice indoors, which can quickly spread throughout homes. More, these rodents can contaminate food sources with feces that can spread Salmonella and Hantavirus.
In addition to health problems, mice can also cause structural damage to homes. “Mice are known to bite through walls, wood, and wires,” says Jim Fredericks, technical services director for NPMA. “The damage to wiring within walls can cause house fires.” Additionally, mice have the potential to breed up to a dozen babies every three weeks, which makes it important to take steps to prevent them from entering your home before a major infestation can develop.
NPMA recommends that homeowners take proactive steps to prevent a rodent infestation during the winter:
• Inspect wires, insulation, and walls for any signs of gnaw marks, which may indicate an infestation.
• Store boxes and containers off of the floor and organize items often to prevent rodents from residing in undisturbed areas.
• Install gutters or diverts to channel water away from your home.
• Seal cracks and holes on your home’s exterior, including areas where utilities and pipes enter.
If you find rodent feces, hear sounds of scurrying in the walls, or observe other signs of an infestation, contact Pest Ops to inspect and treat the pest problem. To schedule an appointment, click here or call our office at (865) 966-0750.
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November 26, 2012
Winter Pest-Proofing Can Keep Rodents and Other Pests Away
For many homeowners, pest proofing is a chore relegated to the warmer months of the year. But many pests gain entry into homes in the winter as they seek shelter from the cold weather. In fact, according to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), rodents alone invade an estimated 21 million homes in the U.S. each winter.
With 24% of homeowners reporting mice infestations specifically in the winter, they are among the top pest issues of the season. Mice and rats spread diseases like Salmonella and Hantavirus when they contaminate food, and bring fleas, ticks, and lice indoors. Rodents can also cause serious structural damage by chewing through wood and electrical wiring.
Other winter invaders pose health threats, as well. Cockroaches and ants contaminate food sources, and cockroaches can trigger asthma attacks in children. Spiders bite when they feel threatened, causing serious reactions in some people.
“Pests including cockroaches, ants, spiders, and especially rodents are common home invaders in the winter,” says Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for the NPMA. “An infestation by these pests can cause serious health and property issues if not properly dealt with in a timely manner. However, homeowners can help prevent infestation troubles by taking a proactive approach in eliminating entryways into the home.”
To prevent pests from infesting your home this winter, NPMA recommends following these tips:
• Seal cracks and holes on the outside of the home.
• Inspect wires, insulation, and walls for gnaw marks, which may indicate a rodent infestation.
• Store boxes off of the floor to prevent rodents from residing in undisturbed areas.
• Keep branches and shrubbery trimmed away from the home.
• Store firewood at least 20 feet from the home and five feet off the ground.
To remediate pest infestations, contact Pest Ops so a trained professional can inspect, identify, and control the problem. To schedule an appointment, click here or call our office at (865) 966-0750.
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November 21, 2012
Taking Stock for a Pest-Free Pantry
When the holiday season kicks into full swing each year, family and friends gather in kitchens across the country to enjoy their favorite holiday treats. But some uninvited guests may also come to the table. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) encourages homeowners to thoroughly inspect their kitchens and pantries to avoid pantry pests from spoiling their holiday cheer — or at least their baked goods.
“Pantry pests” are insects known for infesting items often found in pantries, from flour, cereal, nuts, spices, and other dry goods to candies and chocolate. These pests can also be found in holiday decorations containing dried flowers or potpourri. The most common pantry pest is the Indian meal moth, although beetles and ants are also problems.
“When the holidays approach, many families dig out baking ingredients from the back of their pantry that haven’t been used since the previous year,” says Jim Fredericks, technical services director for NPMA. “Over time, these food sources may have attracted pests and food contamination becomes a concern. It’s important to thoroughly examine all food products before using them, and discard of any that may have been infested.”
NPMA recommends that families follow these tips to ensure a pest-free holiday season:
• Store food in tightly sealed plastic or glass containers.
• Pay special attention to pet food, which is a frequent source of pantry pest contamination.
• Always discard any food past the expiration date on the package or that show signs of pest infestation.
• Sift through flour, sugar, and other ingredients carefully before adding to your recipe.
• Keep kitchen counters, floors, and sinks clean as crumbs and spills quickly attract pests.
• Routinely clean out pantries and cabinets, checking in corners for signs of pests including fecal droppings.
To remediate pest infestations, contact Pest Ops so a trained professional can inspect, identify, and control the problem. To schedule an appointment, click here or call our office at (865) 966-0750.
Original source:
http://www.pestworld.org/news-and-views/pest-articles/articles/taking-stock-for-a-pest-free-pantry/
November 19, 2012
Keep Pantry Pests Out Of Your Plans This Holiday Season
When the holidays arrive, they bring with it many favorite tastes and sights of the season. Before putting the next pumpkin pie in the oven, though, homeowners should be on the lookout for uninvited pests that can cause unexpected problems with holiday meals and decorations.
According to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), Indian meal moths, part of a group of insects referred to as “pantry pests,” can infest common kitchen pantry items such as flour, dry cereal, spices, candies, and chocolate. These insects are also attracted to dried flowers and potpourri, which make holiday decorations another susceptible breeding ground for home infestations.
“Indian meal moths are the most common type of pantry pest found in stored food products,” says Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for NPMA. “Although these pests may not directly cause disease or damage homes, Indian meal moths can contaminate food and quickly infest homes.”
Female Indian meal moths are able to lay up to 200 eggs in or near a food source in one week, leading to severe infestations in a short amount of time. NPMA offers the following tips to help homeowners keep holiday plans running smoothly:
•   When shopping, purchase sealed packages that have no signs of damage.
•   Use pantry items before the expiration date.
•   Keep cabinets, pantries, and counters clean and free of crumbs.
•   Store food in plastic or glass containers with secure lids.
•   Store seasonal decor including dried foliage, potpourri, and Indian corn in airtight containers during off seasons and unpack these decorations outside prior to displaying them inside the home.
If you suspect you have an infestation, contact Pest Ops to inspect and treat the problem. To schedule an appointment, click here or call our office at (865) 966-0750.
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November 12, 2012
Stink Bugs Expected to Invade Homes as Cooler Weather Approaches
As the season begins to change and cooler weather approaches, stink bugs are starting to leave the garden and seek warmth and shelter indoors. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) encourages homeowners to take proactive steps to prevent a stink bug infestation in and around the home this fall.
Since arriving from Asia, brown marmorated stink bugs have become a nuisance for homeowners in the Eastern United States. The species can be found from South Carolina to New Hampshire and west to Indiana, as well as in California and Oregon. Notorious for their “smelly” reputation, stink bugs secrete a bad-smelling, bad-tasting fluid when disturbed or when crushed. They are not known to bite humans but caution should be used when handling them to avoid a release of their odor.
“Homeowners should expect to see an increase in stink bugs in the coming weeks as they begin to take flight in search of overwintering sites,” said Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for NPMA. “Although these pests do not pose any serious health or property threats, their tendency to seek food, water, and shelter in homes during the colder months can be a nuisance.”
NPMA offers the following stink bug prevention tips:
• Seal and caulk cracks around windows, doors, siding, utility pipes, behind chimneys, and underneath the wood fascia and other openings.
• Repair or replace damaged screens on windows or doors.
• Keep outdoor lighting to a minimum as stink bugs are attracted to lights.
• If stink bugs have already entered a home, use a vacuum cleaner for their removal and dispose of the bag immediately to prevent odor from permeating the area.
If an infestation has developed, Pest Ops should be contacted to evaluate and eradicate the problem To schedule an appointment, click here or call our office at (865) 966-0750.
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November 7, 2012
Brown Recluse Spider is a Common Home Invader
When homeowners come indoors as cooler weather starts to blow in, they may not realize they have some hidden intruders: spiders. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) encourages homeowners to be particularly aware of the brown recluse spider, one of the more poisonous spiders in America.
“Although most spiders are harmless, it is important for homeowners to be aware that some can cause painful and severe bites like the brown recluse spider,” says Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for the NPMA. “It’s important to learn how to identify these poisonous spiders, where they hide, and then promptly remove them from the home.”
The brown recluse spider is about a half inch in size and has a dark brown violin marking on its back. It’s well adapted to living indoors and can survive months without food or water. It commonly inhabits dark spaces, woodpiles, and cool areas in attics and storage sheds.
Some people are mildly affected by the bite of a brown recluse spider, showing only a small red mark. Others may experience extreme allergic reactions and need to seek medical attention promptly. In this case, the bite may cause a lesion on the skin that is blue-gray or blue-white and ranges in size from an adult’s thumbnail to the span of a hand.
NPMA offers advice to prevent spiders from entering the home and avoiding bites:
• Shake out shoes and clothes before getting dressed.
• Examine towels and bedding before use.
• Do not keep boxes or other items under the bed.
• Install weather stripping, door sweeps, and tight-fitting screens on windows and doors.
• Seal cracks and crevices around the home.
• Remove clutter from basements, attics, and garages.
• Vacuum or sweep away webs in and around the home.
If you have an infestation in your home, contact Pest Ops to inspect and treat the pest problem. Due to the inherit health risks, do not attempt to control this pest on your own. To schedule an appointment, click here or call our office at (865) 966-0750.
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