American Pest Acquires Atlas Exterminator Co. Inc.,
09/08/2020
Fulton, MD, August 31, 2020—American Pest, Washington DC’s leading provider in modern, preventative pest management, acquires Atlas Ext...
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Every fall it's the same ol' thing, bugs and rodents start scaling your walls like a counter terrorists squad. They squeeze in through cracks, and pile up on the window sills. They get into your food, and creep up the walls in every room. They're nasty, and they're destructive. Here are a few pests you can expect this fall, and how to keep them outside, where they belong.
Stink bugs
The brown marmorated stink bug is a small shield shaped bug that looks like bad television reception. This is an agricultural pest that seeks to overwinter in homes, when the chill comes. Their ability to climb on walls is disconcerting, and their propensity for gathering up on window sills is revolting, but what makes most people unable to live with these bugs is the viscous fluid they excrete from their abdomen, that smells like dirty feet. If you're one of those people who likes the smell of dirty feet in the morning, you'll love these bugs. But the rest of us can live without them.
Boxelder bugs
These bugs get their name from the tree they feed on most: the boxelder. They can also live on maple trees, and some fruit trees. This is where you'll find them all summer. But when fall comes, these bugs prefer to be inside. Boxelder bugs are similar to stink bugs. They don't generally bite, but if you squish them, they'll smell up your home, and leave a stain.
Spiders
Most spiders that care to dwell with humans are harmless, or at least "not deadly". If you've ever woken up with a red welt under your eye--that you were sure wasn't a pimple or a mosquito bite--there is a good chance you were the victim of a passing spider. Since spiders don't generally bite unless they are threatened, tossing and turning in bed at night, while a spider is crawling on you, is the best way to have them bite you.
Two spider you would not want to bite you are the black widow, and the brown recluse. The venom from the black widow is able to kill, and the brown recluse has a venom that rots flesh, which can lead to disfigurement, if untreated.
Most spiders don't generally want to be in your house, but when fall comes, if they are in close to your home, they will attempt to move in to where it is warmer.
Mice
Mice are tiny little rodents that live in the fields. They aren't generally dangerous to humans, unless they have been exposed to something nasty, and bring that rot into your house, in their fur. There is also a small change they can spread disease with their droppings, which they love to leave in your food cabinets.
The biggest reason people don't want mice around, is because they make a racket in the wall voids at all hours of the night. And, while they're in there, they chew on wires and cables, which can be a real nightmare to fix.
When fall comes, mice look to overwinter. They'll usually stay in a hole in the field. But if you make it easy for them to get in your home, they'll be happy to nest in your walls or attic.
How do I prevent these pests from getting in?
Seal your home. Fix areas where wood has rotted. Put caulking in any holes you find. And make sure all your screens are in good working condition. Don't give them a way to get in.
This will deter most of the bugs and rodents. But no home can be completely sealed. If a bug is determined, it will find a way to breach your defenses. So, it is a good idea to mix these preventative measures with a professional bug treatment. Pest professionals can spray the exterior of your home, and keep the bugs off. They can also assess your current threats, and give you common-sense ways you can make your home 100% pest free.
