Identifying pests is a key step in developing a pest control strategy. Correct identification gives information about the pest that can be useful in developing management tactics such as exclusion, quarantine, repulsion, or physical removal.
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Pests once relegated to the bedtime rhyme—are becoming an increasing problem for homes and multi-unit buildings. They can enter and spread rapidly, particularly in apartment complexes where many people share the same space. In addition, they are difficult to treat because many infested items go undetected and unreported by tenants, who then unknowingly transport them to other units and apartments.
Bed bug infestations are most likely to occur when they travel in luggage, backpacks, purses, and second-hand furniture brought in from outside. They can also be brought in through cracks and crevices, or on clothing or shoes worn in infested places such as hotels, college dorms and hospitals. Once inside, they hitch rides throughout the building on these items as well as on residents’ bodies and clothes, spreading quickly.
Infestations are challenging for professional pest control companies to deal with because of the invasive nature of these bugs, their ability to resist many types of insecticides, and the length of time they can survive without feeding. Most professionals use a combination of treatments. This includes a spray of a product that penetrates and kills the bugs, plus a treatment of the sleeping surface (mattress and box spring) and other upholstered items, treating seams, folds and cracks. In addition, a dust or powder that is able to penetrate and kill the pests is often applied around electrical outlets and other inaccessible areas.
Although some DIY products are available, it’s important to remember that the proper application of these chemicals is key to a successful outcome. Most homeowner products are not labeled for use on mattresses, and most require multiple sprays to be effective. Additionally, diatomaceous earth has limited effectiveness and can be messy to apply. Professionals have access to a variety of sprays and dusts that are more targeted and tend to be more effective.
Termites
When termites invade homes and businesses, the damage they cause can be extensive. Termite damage exceeds $1 billion annually across the country. Termites are wood eating pests that destroy structures such as home foundations, sheds, decks and porches. They also damage paper, books, swimming pool liners and filtration systems. There are more than 2,000 species of termite worldwide. The most common home-invading species are eastern subterranean termites, Pacific dampwood termites and southeastern drywood termites. Generally, a homeowner will only become aware of termite infestation when they see swarms of flying termites emerging from tree stumps, woodpiles or other sources outside the home.
Termites are more active in warmer temperatures as they work to store food for winter. In some areas, they are year-round pests. While a termite infestation can be difficult to detect, there are warning signs that can include wood that sounds hollow when tapped, bubbling or cracked paint on the exterior of the house or crawl space, and mud tubes connecting the colony to structures such as houses or garages.
There are a variety of methods for managing and controlling termite infestations. Conventional liquid termiticides create a barrier in the soil that prevents termites from entering buildings. However, they do not kill existing termites tunneling through treated surfaces and are often ineffective against established infestations. Bait stations, which contain slow-acting toxic chemicals that termites take back to their colonies, can be more effective but require regular monitoring and replacement of bait. Biological control agents such as beneficial nematodes and fungal pathogens that parasitize and infect termites are another option. These methods, along with homeowner assistance in reducing possible termite food sources and addressing moisture problems, can help to keep the population of these pests low.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes have an extraordinary biology, adapted to the environments they live in. The insect’s life cycle, anatomy and physiology make it a fascinating object of study for many academic departments. While mosquitoes have been known to transmit a variety of diseases, the most common and potentially dangerous of all mosquito-borne pathogens is malaria.
The first step in eliminating these bloodsucking insects is to drain standing water, which is where they lay their eggs. This includes emptying and scrubbing, turning over or covering anything that holds water like ponds, bird baths, planters, kiddie pools, tires, flower pot saucers, toys, garbage containers and other containers around the home, along with making sure gutters are cleaned out regularly.
Another important prevention step is to use an insect repellent, particularly one with a high DEET content. This will not only prevent itching and inflammation from mosquito bites, but it can also keep mosquitoes away from children and pets who may be unable to tolerate DEET.
Other ways to control mosquito populations include planting plants that repel mosquitoes, such as lavender, eucalyptus, catnip and marigolds. Regularly weeding and mowing lawns can help reduce the numbers of mosquito larvae and adults in your yard.
A final tip is to use a homemade mosquito-repelling spray. Combine one tablespoon of baking soda with one cup of water and shake well. The paste will create an alkaline environment that counteracts the acidity of sweat and saliva on which mosquitoes breed. The baking soda will also reduce itchiness and promote healing of bites. This natural remedy can be a good alternative to commercial chemical bug repellents, which can sometimes cause allergic reactions.
Fleas
Fleas are tiny, wingless parasites that survive by sucking blood from animals and people. They find their hosts by sensing body heat, movements and breathing. Once fleas locate a host, they latch onto the skin, fur or feathers and start feeding. Eggs are laid in the feces and saliva of the host (as well as in rugs, carpets, cat or dog beds, kennels, sand boxes and lawns). After 2 to 14 days the eggs hatch into larvae, which are white, worm-like and legless. They shy away from light and wiggle into carpet fibers, rugs and other protected areas where they have three molts and develop chewing mouthparts. When they are ready to become pupae, they spin silken cocoons that they camouflage with bits of debris. After a few weeks, the pupae emerge as adult fleas.
Because of the length of the flea’s life cycle, moderate to severe infestations may take months to eliminate. Control measures include sanitizing the indoor environment by washing all bedding and rugs, frequent vacuuming floors and carpeted areas and sweeping crevices in crawl spaces. Also, limiting outdoor access for pets and discouraging rodents (including rats, mice, squirrels, chipmunks, opossums and raccoons) from entering the home by screening vents, chimneys and openings in walls.
Regular use of a pet-safe topical treatment applied monthly to dogs or cats will also help eliminate fleas. These treatments, available as liquid drops or as chewable tablets, are absorbed through the animal’s skin and prevent reproduction. They also kill adult fleas. Liquid sprays are also available for treating indoor environments. Before applying sprays, remove all toys, clothing and stored items from floors and closets. Also, pet food and water dishes should be removed and fish tanks covered or their aerators disconnected. Sprays should be directed at areas where fleas, eggs and larvae are likely to be found, such as napping spots on furniture or in carpets.
Spiders
Spiders move into homes in search of shelter, food and safety from the elements. They also take up residence inside if there are pests, like flies, mosquitoes and ants, around, which spiders devour.
Good cleanliness practices can reduce spider infestations. This includes frequently sweeping and vacuuming to eliminate webs and crumbs, and thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables. Controlling other household insect populations will also help keep spiders away, as will putting down pest repellent near the exterior of the home.
Clutter and debris encourage spiders, whose webs may be used to capture and hold prey, inside the house. If possible, declutter the immediate area of your home and keep woodpiles, leaf piles and firewood stacks away from the structure.
Indoors, spray a nontoxic spider pesticide under furniture and along baseboards to create a barrier that repels and kills spiders. Store-bought sprays intended for this purpose typically contain insecticidal and/or pyrethrin compounds, which are less toxic than conventional chemicals but should still be applied in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Outside the house, use a spray formulation of your choice to treat areas where spiders commonly live and build their webs. These include eaves, corners of garages and the space under porches. Spraying in a pin stream rather than a mist can minimize the possibility of pesticide residues on skin and clothing.
A natural, nontoxic alternative to store-bought sprays is a homemade spider repellent made from equal parts white vinegar and water. Apply this solution in the same places you would spray a store-bought product, but avoid spraying within 10′ of plants where bees are foraging to prevent harming these beneficial insects. This is especially important for rhododendrons, arbor vitae and other evergreen ornamentals often planted up against homes.
