PETS & PESTS – Fleas
So my birthday was coming up and I asked for a Beagle puppy. Well, we ended up getting two. Sisters. And they came with a special bonus … fleas!
To say the least, seeing those little puppies scratching and nipping at their hindquarters was horrifying to me. Now they were on my front room carpet and I could just see the fleas bouncing off their unwitting hosts and swan diving into my carpet. I was ‘itching’ for days to follow. Certainly this was all conjured up in my mind (the swan dive anyway), but nevertheless, it was unacceptable!
If you think your pet has fleas, here are the tell tale signs to look for.
Top 5 Ways to know if your pet has fleas:
1.Flea Dirt: If flea dirt is visible on your pet, you can be assured that fleas are present. Flea dirt, as it is commonly referred to, is nothing more than flea feces (digested blood). Flea feces can be identified by placing some of the ‘dirt’ (which looks like black specks) on a wet paper towel. You will know this is flea dirt if it spreads out like a small blood stain within a few minutes.
2.Itching and Wimpering: If your pet is scratching constantly, primarily on the lower back, tail and the abdomen surrounding the urogenital and anal opening, he more than likely has fleas. Wimpering for no apparent reason could also be an indication that fleas are biting and feeding on your pet.
3.Skin Irritation and Hair Loss: When you inspect down into your pets fur, you will see irritation on the skin. You may also see spots of hair loss as well.
4.Bites on you: Bug bites on your feet, ankles and calves may appear. These bites are generally small and red. They are typically hard and cause more pain than itching. But you will more than likely notice if fleas have been biting you.
5.Physically Visible on Skin: Fleas can sometimes be seen moving in a hurried, agitated way along the surface of the skin. They appear as tiny, dark copper colored dots. They are more likely to hide in ‘darkness’, such as the fur of your pet, since they have an aversion to light.
*Although the 5 ways listed above will give you a good idea of whether your pet is suffering from fleas or not, diagnosis and treatment should be made by a licensed veterinarian. A Veterinarian may take a thorough history of your pets health and perform a physical exam. If fleas are not visible, a skin-allergy test may be performed. Whether your pet is suffering from fleas or a malady of a different sort, a veterinarian will be able to develop a treatment plan specifically tailored for your pet’s needs. This can include oral antibiotic and/or anti-parasitic medication.
Remember, the life cycle of the flea makes it a formidable opponent and it is imperative that you treat the host animal as well as the indoor and outdoor environment. Once fleas establish themselves in your home, your pet or your outdoor environment, it may take several treatments to eliminate them. Therefore, do not take a flea infestation lightly. Strict eradication is the only effective treatment for fleas.
The good news is that you will know your efforts have been successful when your pet experiences decreased scratching and healthy skin.
Posts Tagged ‘Common Pests’
Top 5 Ways To Know If Your Pet Has Fleas
Saturday, February 27th, 2010Crickets – The Sound of Good Luck
Saturday, February 27th, 2010What’s Buggin’ you?
CRICKETS – The Sound of Good Luck
Can you hear it? That chirping noise gets faster and faster the warmer the weather, yet as the temperature cools, the chirping slows down. Chances are, you’re hearing a male cricket and the sound is not coming from it’s mouth! That’s stridulation; noise that’s produced by rubbing together certain body parts. Male crickets make this sound to attract females and scare away other male crickets. And the sound actually comes from the underside of their wings as they rub them together. In many cultures the cricket is thought to bring good luck and prosperity.
Crickets are omnivores and scavengers which feed on organic materials such as dead insects, seeds, leather, paper and old cloth (especially if the cloth is stained by food or perspiration). They are particularly fond of wool and silk. Crickets become predatory and will eat their own dead when there is no other source of food available. Because of their relatively powerful jaws, they have been known to bite humans, mostly without breaking the skin. The bite can, however, be painful and cause sores. Crickets are known to carry a large number of diseases which can be spread through their feces, bite, or physical contact.
Crickets are somewhat related to grasshoppers. They have a flattened body, long, thin antennae, hind legs modified for jumping, three-jointed tarsal (foot) segments, and two slender abdominal sensory appendages (called cerci). The two forewings are stiff and leathery, and the two long, membranous hind wings are used for flying.
Keeping the health of the occupants of your home or structure as the first priority, we offer several different approved pest control techniques for the treatment of crickets. These methods may include handspraying, dusting, fogging, baiting and the use of residual crack and crevice aerosol products among other treatments. Because each occurrence is different, treatments will be employed as applicable in specific situations.
Crickets are an unwelcome sight and can be unnerving, disrupting your peaceful home or building. It is for this reason that we suggest a recurring service plan for residential or commercial properties. This will maintain a healthy barrier around your structure should crickets come crawling.
SPIDERS- The Original Webmasters
Friday, February 26th, 2010What’s Buggin’ you?
SPIDERS- The Original Webmasters
Itsy, bitsy? Not always. There are over 35,000 known species of spiders in the world. Of course, only a few species regularly live in buildings. Those found inside usually get there by wandering in, but more often they are carried in on things like firewood, flowers, or laundry.
The majority of spiders are harmless to people, but beware, some species can mete out a serious poisonous bite when disturbed. In this area of the country, the most common poisonous spider is the Black Widow. Other common spiders in our area are; Jumping Spiders, Tarantulas, Cellar Spiders (sometimes referred to as Daddy Long Legs), Wolf Spiders, Orb Weavers and House Spiders. For example, the Brown Recluse (or Fiddleback Spider) is one of the most poisonous spiders in existence, yet because of it’s ordinary appearance, it may be perceived as nothing more than a harmless little arachnid. Obviously, when it comes to spiders, judging by appearance can get you in a lot of trouble!
Spiders can be identified by their two body regions linked by a narrow waist or pedicel. The fused head-thorax or cephalothorax has two jaws or chelicerae, two palps, eight legs and usually many eyes. The abdomen is unsegmented and in females, ends in spinnerets which produce silk for web-making.
Spiders are predators. They find their food simply by gathering it from their carefully constructed webs or by direct seizure. Do you want to keep spiders out of your living area? If you do then remember, spiders are rarely a problem in areas where there is no prey.
Keeping the health of the occupants of your home or structure as the first priority, we offer several different approved pest control techniques for the treatment of Spiders. These methods may include handspraying, dusting, fogging, baiting and the use of residual crack and crevice aerosol products among other treatments. Because each occurrence is different, treatments will be employed as applicable in specific situations.
Spiders are an unwelcome sight and can be unnerving, disrupting your peaceful home or building. It is for this reason that we suggest a recurring service plan for residential or commercial properties. This will maintain a healthy barrier around your structure should spiders come crawling.
Silverfish – Why are Silverfish Here?
Friday, February 26th, 2010What’s Buggin’ you?
SILVERFISH – What are they after? Why are they here?
What are they after? Why are they here? These are valid questions that may cross your mind when these slithering, creep crawly insects make their way into your home.
Otherwise known as ‘fishmoths’ (due to their fish-like movements and silvery light grey and blue color), these small, wingless pests are after the glues and pastes in the bindings of your magazines, books and papers. Although they are also quite fond of carbohydrates such as sugar, starches, and cereals, it’s the valuable documents, fabrics, prints and etchings they attack which cause the most concern to the homeowner. Silverfish enjoy moisture and because there is little molding behind which they can hide and the smooth bowl of wash basins or bathtubs make it difficult for them to get out, they are often spotted in bathrooms.
Silverfish are known as one of the most primitive of all insects. Some believe they evolved even before the cockroach. These insects are certainly long lived, known to survive for several years. Carrot-shaped, long and slender, these bugs are wide at the front-end and more narrow at the rear. Usual size is between a half to a full inch long with short legs, long slender antennae and three tail-like appendages called bristletails at the end of the body. There are 13 known species of silverfish in the United States, most of which can be found indoors, while a number of species establish themselves in the nests of ants, termites and birds. Silverfish prefer warm and temperate climates with lots of humidity. They can be found in basements and around water pipes and are commonly brought into new homes in cardboard cartons and books and papers that have come from infested sites. It is uncommon to find these insects outdoors.
Bringing about a change in the environment and effectively eradicating moisture in the immediate area of infestation will reduce potential harborages for these pests.
Keeping the health of the occupants of your home or structure as the first priority, we offer several different approved pest control techniques for the treatment of Silverfish. These methods may include handspraying, dusting, fogging, baiting and the use of residual crack and crevice aerosol products among other treatments. Because each occurrence is different, treatments will be employed as applicable in specific situations.
Silverfish are an unwelcome sight and can be unnerving, disrupting your peaceful home or building. It is for this reason that we suggest a recurring service plan for residential or commercial properties. This will maintain a healthy barrier around your structure should silverfish come crawling.
Rats – Yuck – Rats Spread Disease
Friday, February 26th, 2010What’s Buggin’ you?
RATS – YUK!
I have yet to find anyone who doesn’t get squeamish at the site and sound of these rodents. The mere sound of them scratching away in your attic as you lie awake at night is enough to bring some people to tears! And that initial fear is there for a reason. Rats can hurt you in a myriad of ways. But take heart, with good information and some due diligence, you can get these scurrying varmints under control. Yes, a good nights sleep is just around the corner!
First, let’s look at the threat these rodents pose to the human populace. As most of us are aware, rats are the vehicle by which many diseases are spread. An extreme example of this is the ‘Bubonic Plague’ which swept through Europe in the mid 1300’s causing the deaths of one third of the population. Not only do rats spread disease by carrying insects (such as fleas in the case of the plague), but they are also known to carry transmittable diseases such as Rat Bite Fever, Typhus, Salmonellosis, and Trichinosis. These diseases are spread by the rat excrement which is referred to as ‘droppings’. Rat droppings are usually soft, shiny and dark when fresh. After a few days the feces can be recognized as dry and hard, and when even older they become dull and grayish and crumble when pressed with a stick. Rat droppings can range in size and are usually up to ½ inch long, spindle shaped and can be curved or blunt (depending on the species of rat). Although disgusting, it is important to be able to identify the droppings in order to exercise caution in disposing and cleaning since bacteria which causes disease is commonly spread by direct contact.
Rats by nature are not predatory or aggressive animals, so it’s not likely that they will seek you out and eat you piece by piece or bite you as you sleep (even though this is a common fear). Rats are looking for many of the same things humans are; warmth, water, food and shelter from the elements. Foods such as grains, meats, fish, nuts, fruits, snails, slugs, avocados and citrus fruits are especially appealing to some varieties of rats. And where do they hang out? To make up for their poor eyesight rats are known to follow “odor trails”. Rats can commonly be found under piles of garbage and waste, rubbish and behind or under boxes, boards and thick vegetation. Rats also possess a keen sense of touch which is detected by the specialized hairs along their body and whiskers. They prefer continual body contact with at least one vertical surface (a fence or wall) as they travel. Tree branches which meet the rooflines of homes and other structures provide a feasible ‘highway’ to rats seeking to gain entry, however they are also known to climb, jump or swim through sewers entering through toilets or broken drains.
Keeping the health of the occupants of your home or structure as the first priority, we employ the use of rodent feeding stations among other methods of eradication. Because rats are especially sensitive to new objects placed into a familiar environment they are able to quickly detect and avoid traps for several days. Feeding stations placed in attics, subareas, and wherever droppings are found can be left in place and refilled with baits as necessary.
Rats are an unwelcome sight. Not only do they present a health hazard to humans but they can also be unnerving, disrupting your peaceful home or building. It is for this reason that we suggest quick and decisive action when signs of rats are noticed. The earlier the problem is addressed, the more effective the treatment will be.
Fleas – The Circus Performers of the Insect World
Friday, February 26th, 2010What’s Buggin’ you?
FLEAS – The circus performers of the insect world
Yes, you heard that right. Dating back to the 1800’s imaginative directors have utilized the aboriginal traits of the flea to entertain and delight audiences. Fleas could be observed walking tightropes, juggling, and even dancing! However, fleas are even more notorious for their specialized talents in tormenting mankind. The chief fame of the flea rests in it’s ability to transmit disease, therefore we must look at it in more than just a jocular vein.
The body of the flea appears to be well adapted for forward movement. Dark colored adults are flattened from side to side with many bristles or ctenidia that point backwards and facilitate forward movement through fur, hair, or feathers. Fleas are wingless creatures, with strongly developed legs and hind legs that are especially adapted for jumping (and dancing, apparently!). Their sucking mouthparts also make them well equipped for a parasitic lifestyle on many animals and birds.
While difficult for some of us to imagine, some individuals become accustomed to fleas and are not disturbed by them in the least! Others are extremely irritated by the mere presence of fleas, let alone their painful bites. Fleas are common in the United States because of the even temperatures and high humidity. Newcomers are especially susceptible to flea bites, even though some individuals have to be bitten repeatedly to become sensitive to the bites, and often become immune after being bitten over a long period of time. Flea bites may be mistaken for a rash but various cooling preparations will often give relief to those who are sensitive to the bite.
Since the tendency of the flea is to feed on several different species of animals, it is prone to carry disease from one animal to another, for example, from rat to man. The flea life cycle varies according to the living conditions. In hot weather and with no blood to feed upon, fleas may live from two to five days. However, when fleas have a blood source to feed upon, they may live for a month to almost a year!
Keeping the health of the occupants of your home or structure as the first priority, we offer several different approved pest control techniques for the treatment of Fleas. These methods may include handspraying, dusting, fogging, baiting and the use of residual crack and crevice aerosol products among other treatments. Because each occurrence is different, treatments will be employed as applicable in specific situations. IGR (Insect Growth Regulators) are used to disrupt the life cycle of the eggs and larvae so they cannot grow to become biting adults. Once adult fleas have mated, the female flea will not lay eggs until she has a blood meal. Fleas can get their blood meal from a variety of sources. Rat or cat fleas may attack humans who come into a house where the preferred host has been removed.
Fleas are an unwelcome sight and can be unnerving, disrupting your peaceful home or building. It is for this reason that we suggest a recurring service plan for residential or commercial properties. This will maintain a healthy barrier around your structure should fleas come crawling.
Earwigs Wig Me Out
Friday, February 26th, 2010What’s Buggin’ you?
EARWIGS- Wig Me Out
These creepy looking little pests are characterized by a pair of sensory, forcep-like appendages at the end of the abdomen. These cerci are used for offense as well as defense.
The earwig gets it’s name from the word “Earwicga”, which means ‘Ear Creature’. At one time thought to purposefully crawl into sleeping peoples ears, it was believed by gullible people to be able to bore into the brain and kill people. Some earwigs, such as the European earwig and the ring-legged earwig are omnivorous by nature and are found throughout the United States.
Commonly reported invading buildings, this is a nocturnal species that scavenges. They will avoid light by hiding in cracks or crevices, under rocks or litter outdoors. In California and other warm regions of the United States the shore earwig can be found. This species is a predator and scavenger but is not known to damage living plants. Contrary to other species of earwigs, the shore earwig is attracted to lights at night, thus it can more commonly be found inside. It is important to note that all species of earwigs in the United States have one generation per year.
Keeping the health of the occupants of your home or structure as the first priority, we offer several different approved pest control techniques for the treatment of earwigs. These methods may include handspraying, dusting, fogging, baiting and the use of residual crack and crevice aerosol products among other treatments. Because each occurrence is different, treatments will be employed as applicable in specific situations.
Earwigs are an unwelcome sight and can be unnerving, disrupting your peaceful home or building. It is for this reason that we suggest a recurring service plan for residential or commercial properties. This will maintain a healthy barrier around your structure should earwigs come crawling.
Pest Control | Cockroaches – The Ultimate Survivors
Friday, February 26th, 2010What’s Buggin’ you?
COCKROACHES- The ultimate survivors
The ‘old timers’ of the ecosystem, Cockroaches have remained practically unchanged in form for over 320 million years. The fact that they have outlasted about every other life form known to man can in large part be attributed to their ability to adapt to practically any situation. Able to detect changes in barometric pressure, cockroaches instinctively know when a severe storm is imminent. Able to eat just about anything, these scavengers will consume human hair, eyebrows, fingernails, garbage, cigarette butts, soap, glue and even other cockroaches. And in those rare instances when they must, they can survive without water for two weeks and headless or without food for a month! Not only are they astute weathermen with revolting dining habits, but they are fast. Cockroaches are capable of moving 50-body lengths per second. Boarding boats, trains, airplanes, trucks, moving boxes and even grocery bags, they spread quickly and easily.
The biggest problem caused by cockroaches would have to be the bacteria, viruses and disease they carry on their bodies. Cockroaches have been found to carry pathogens that cause tuberculosis, cholera, leprosy, dysentery, and typhoid and are responsible for many major allergies as well as asthma. Even though they leave trails of fecal matter when they walk, leaving stains and odors behind, many times people don’t notice their presence until the cockroaches run out of room to hide and are forced out into the open.
Cockroaches can be identified by their brown or black color. They are usually about half an inch to two-inches long (not counting the antennae). Their heads are built for ramming and even though the males have wings, they cannot fly. Turn on a light in a dark room infested with cockroaches and you will see and hear them scatter.
So what can you do to keep cockroaches from setting up a ‘roach motel’ in your home? First, be sure to keep your home clean. Second, cover and seal your food tightly. Third, completely block all roach entrances to your home. Once you have done this, have a licensed pest control technician treat your home. Here’s what we do.
Keeping the health of the occupants of your home or structure as the first priority, we offer several different approved pest control techniques for the treatment of cockroaches. These methods may include handspraying, dusting, fogging, baiting and/or the use of residual crack and crevice aerosol products among other treatments. The use of glue boards to monitor the number and activity of the cockroaches may also be used. Because each occurrence is different, treatments will be employed as applicable in specific situations.
Cockroaches are an unwelcome sight and can be unnerving, disrupting your peaceful home or building. It is for this reason that we suggest a recurring service plan for residential or commercial properties. This will maintain a healthy barrier around your structure should cockroaches come looking for food and shelter from the elements.
Pest Control – Boxelder & Carpet Beetles
Friday, February 26th, 2010What’s Buggin’ you?
BOXELDER AND CARPET BEETLES -
“The lowest kind of vermin and the one I most abhor, is the bug that ate my wife’s mink when it was only half paid for” – A.M.
Although it is said that there are over 2200 known species of beetles in North America – two of the most annoying to man are the boxelder beetle and the carpet beetle.
Beetles can be special pests of hides, meat and similar animal products. These beetles are often referred to as skin beetles, larder beetles, tallow beetles, and dermestids. Where the carcass of a dead animal is encountered, beetles will commonly be found feeding on the remains. Because of this, some species of beetles consider taxidermic specimens in the museum, or a cured hide in the warehouse, as fair prey. Museum caretakers and taxidermists beware, these beetles could be a regular trouble. On the good side, when used properly, these scavengers can be of value to the museum preparators for removing the flesh from skeletons, a delicate job for which they have no peer.
Beetles are also the common pests of woolens, rugs, carpets, upholstered furniture and materials of a like nature. In the case of the carpet beetle, the adults feed largely on pollen and nectar, frequenting flowers like the crepe myrtle. When in bloom, the crepe myrtle can be host to great numbers of carpet beetles, of which even the larvae are responsible for damage to commodities. Care should be taken not to bring these insects into the house or building on cut flowers. Onset of cool weather may drive the insects indoors. Nests of birds, rodents, insects, and spiders harbor large numbers of beetles whether inside or out. However, indoor nests are more apt to be heavily infested than those in the open as the protected environment provides drier conditions and favors survival of the insects. In some areas, carpet beetles are responsible for more injury to carpets, rugs and other woolens than even the clothes moth!
Keeping the health of the occupants of your home or structure as the first priority, we offer several different approved pest control techniques for the treatment of Beetles. These methods may include handspraying, dusting, fogging, baiting and the use of residual crack and crevice aerosol products among other treatments. Because each occurrence is different, treatments will be employed as applicable in specific situations.
Beetles are an unwelcome sight and can be unnerving, disrupting your peaceful home or building. It is for this reason that we suggest a recurring service plan for residential or commercial properties. This will maintain a healthy barrier around your structure should beetles come crawling.
What’s Buggin’ you? A PAIN IN THE ANTS
Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009A Pain in the ANTS –
So you’re wondering why these creepy crawly little pests are invading your space! I hear it all the time, people who want to know… “why me?”. Well, let me put your mind to rest, it isn’t personal! Let me explain.
In many cases, ants are looking for the same things humans are. Warmth, water, food and a home of their own. Many species of ants found in our area have broad diets and thrive on human food. Worker ants will search for their chow of choice, carrying some back to the others residing in the nest. This is when you will see long columns marching one by one in and around your home or workplace. Such species as the fire ant, thief ant, crazy ant, pharaoh ant and cornfield ant will eat both sweets and fats. Carpenter ants, pavement ants, velvety tree ants, honey ants and odorous house ants are what may be referred to as “sweet-preferring” ants. You will notice that when we experience heavy rainfall, the normal diet of honeydew from trees is washed away, this is what drives many species of ants into our homes looking for a substitute food source. Once they know where to find suitable food, they will invade in large numbers, establishing scent trails between the nest and the food.
Because of the diverse nesting and breeding habits of ants, the food and moisture requirements vary. It is important to make sure that your home is protected.
Keeping the health of the occupants of your home or structure as the first priority, we offer several different approved pest control techniques for the treatment of ants. These methods may include handspraying, dusting, fogging, baiting and the use of residual crack and crevice aerosol products among other treatments. Because each occurrence is different, treatments will be employed as applicable in specific situations.
Ants are an unwelcome sight and can be unnerving, disrupting your peaceful home or building. It is for this reason that we suggest a recurring service plan for residential or commercial properties. This will maintain a healthy barrier around your structure should ants come looking for food and shelter from the elements.
