November 2022 - Pest

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Month: November 2022

Crickets might be a great reminder that the summer is at its peak, but these loud insects are nothing but trouble when they inhabit homes. 

While there are over 900 cricket species, some of them developed a particular taste in human homes. They might be completely content in the field during the summer, but need additional shelter and food during the winter months, and unfortunately, our homes are the perfect locations.

So, if loud cricket chirping is keeping you awake at night, and you worry about the additional health risks, keep on reading to find the best ways to get rid of crickets once and for all.

Cricket

What Are House Crickets?

Crickets come in different shapes and sizes, but the most common species that you can encounter in your home is the Acheta Domesticus (Linnaeus) or house cricket. They have strong jumping legs like all other crickets, but smaller bodies between about 3/4 to 7/8 inch in length.

The loud chirping sound is produced by male crickets in an effort to attract females and quickly reproduce while the conditions are favorable. Cricket mating can produce over 400 eggs from a single female in a year, so the infestation can quickly become severe if not controlled. 

You can identify the cricket infestation if you notice a few signs such as:

  • Multiple adult crickets (a few of them is usually not a cause for alarm)
  • Famous loud chirping, especially during the night
  • Damage on your clothes, papers, and furniture (make sure it’s not from moths)

Crickets might not be dangerous like termites, but when they are hungry and in large numbers they will become quite the nuance. Loud chirping during the night, damage to your belongings, and even diseases and pathogens they can transmit are not to be taken lightly.

In addition, crickets in your garden and your home will attract other pests that feed on them such as spiders and raccoons, so it’s a good idea to go over our list of potential remedies, and even contact the local exterminators for additional help. It’s always better to deal with the pests while the numbers are low and they are not causing too much damage to your property and valuable items.

Cricket

How to Get Rid of Crickets?

Now that we are familiar with crickets, their habits, and most of all the danger they represent to your health and valuable items, it’s time to find the best solutions to get rid of them. Keep in mind that during the summer it’s normal to see a few crickets lost in your home, but if their numbers are growing make sure to act immediately before they make your home theirs.

Here are a couple of suggestions to try:

Glue Cricket Traps

One of the easiest and most efficient ways to deal with a smaller cricket infestation in your home is to use glue traps. These durable and strong adhesive papers will catch any pests that lurk around your home, and considering they are laced with additional scents to attract the crickets you don’t have to use any separate lures.

When choosing the best glue trap for crickets in your home make sure it’s non-toxic and poison-free as you can place it in high-traffic areas for up to one year.

Diatomaceous Earth Powder

Diatomaceous Earth is a natural powder that can help you with various pests including crickets, roaches, silverfish, bed bugs, and more. This unique powder dries out the exoskeleton of insects dehydrating them to death. This way you can deal with entire cricket colonies while using eco-friendly and safe solutions.

Keep in mind that it’s best to use Diatomaceous Earth powder with a duster that has a long nozzle attachment. This way you can apply the powder to all the nooks and crannies the bugs might hide in, and make the entire process less messy.

Cricket Killer Sprays

For larger cricket infestations and prolonged protection of your home and yard, it’s best to use killer sprays. The odorless and residue-free formula will kill all the pests in your home and garden, and leave a protective layer that will repel other insects from entering again.

Cricket spray

Cricket Yard Granules

For additional protection against crickets and other insects in your yard, it’s a good idea to choose granulated insect baits. The main ingredient in the granules is Boric Acid known to be efficient on crickets, ants, roaches, snails, slugs, and other pests that might find your yard and later your home the perfect breeding ground.

When dealing with any kind of pests, but crickets, in particular, it’s always the best approach to protect the entire house including your yard from the start. Most of the crickets will come from your yard to your home in search of shelter and food, so it’s very important to deal with the infestation before it becomes severe.

Call Professional Exterminators

If the cricket infestation is severe, and the damage they cause on your valuable papers, furniture, clothes, and plants is substantial it’s time to call professional exterminators. While most people are able to deal with a few crickets that come into the house on accident, and minor infestations can be eliminated with the tools, tips, and tricks mentioned above, if the situation is getting out of control it’s a good call to hire professionals.

Pest control teams in your area know how to deal with various pests, and have the experience and the knowledge, but overall they have the best and most efficient tools and chemicals. The best way to deal with any pest infestation is to act immediately, and rely on pest control if you are not able to manage the infestation on your own.

So, even though a few crickets in the garden can remind you of warm summer weather, make sure they don’t find permanent shelter in your home.

Moths might be distant relatives to butterflies but they are far more destructive to your property and belongings. Although they are important contributors to ecological balance and pollination, the developing stage of moths called the caterpillar will eat and damage your clothes, plants, and other items.

This is one of the reasons why so many people are looking for the best moth traps and finding the optimal solutions to repel or kill the moths before the damage is done.

If you are dealing with a few fliers in your home and want to make sure the moth infestation is managed properly keep on reading as we discover the best moth traps on the market. Stay tuned until the end for additional tips and tricks that will help you with pest issues in your home.

The Best Moth Traps

Now that we know a bit more about the destructive moth caterpillars you might be wondering what is the best way to get rid of them completely. 

Even though the caterpillars are the most dangerous form for your clothes and valuable items, we need to look at the bigger picture and eliminate the male moths primarily. This way you will stop the procreation cycle and end the moth infestation in your home. You will notice that most of the moth traps are based on luring the male moths with female pheromones, but keep in mind that it’s always a good idea to have the intense pheromones in the trap itself rather than buying separate lures and strips.

Here are the best moth traps on the market:

1. Clothes Traps

Moths primarily attack and feed on your clothes so the first logical step in the elimination of these pests is to set up traps in your closet. The best traps on the market are Professor Killamoth Clothes Moth Traps which include the extra sticky glue infused with pheromones.

This makes the traps easy to use and very efficient in attracting and capturing all the male moths that sense the infused pheromones. Keep in mind that once the male moths are gone the females and eggs will eventually disappear.

Simply remove the protective cover and place the clothes moth traps in your closet or hang them on the hangers for optimal success.

Photo of a moth clothes trap

2. Pantry Traps

Another location many moths love is your pantry, so make sure to place a few of Dr. Killigan’s Premium Pantry Moth Traps on the shelves. These traps also contain very strong and durable glue that will attract and capture all the male moths in your pantry.

Depending on the size of your pantry as well as the number of moths it’s always a good idea to set up multiple traps to end the infestation faster. Make sure to check on the traps occasionally to see if they are full or if the infestation is managed successfully.

3. Cedar Repellents

Moths might be resilient and resourceful but they are also sensitive to certain smells such as the smell of Eastern red cedar. This reliable and all-natural wood is one of the best ways to repel the moths from your closet and your home.

Cedar repellents come in many shapes and sizes, and the most efficient ones are usually the special rings you can place on your hangers. The aroma is pleasant and the natural ingredients are completely safe for your family and pets, but very repulsive for the moths.

There are also cubes and sachets made out of Cedar wood that you can place in drawers and shelves for the best results.

Cedar clothes repellents

4. Moth Balls

Moth balls might be the most popular and well-known solution on our list if you are looking for a way to kill all the moths, but also some other pests such as carpet beetles too. 

Modern moth balls are made with the active ingredient Paradichlorobenzene which is potent and effective, but less offensive than traditional Naphthalene mothballs. You can be sure that moth balls will kill all the moths if you place the mothballs in a tight container with the clothes.

Enoz Para Moth Balls are one of the best options on the market because they are versatile and will eliminate all the destructive moths, moth eggs & moth larvae. They are long-lasting and seasonal, but the clothes will easily air out once you unpack them.

5. Herbal Moth Repellents

If you want an all-year and natural repellant in your home to fight against pesky moths you should look into herbal solutions such as the Richards Moth Away/Herbal – Value Pack. These lavender-based sachets are easy to use, smell amazing and efficiently repel the moths from your closet.

Simply add a few sachets to your clothes, drawers, and hangers to ensure moths can sense the lavender and move away from your home. This is a perfect, safe, and natural solution that will last for a long time and make your closet smell amazing.

Call Professional Exterminators

When dealing with any kind of infestation and pests it’s always a good idea to consult with professionals while you take all the precautionary measures. Moths might not be irritating as bed bugs or dangerous as roaches, but it’s still not wise to neglect the issue and leave the moth population unmanaged.

Professional teams have the experience and the tools needed to manage and end any pest infestation you might be dealing with. And while you might be able to handle a few months on your own, always keep in mind that professionals can do it faster and prevent any further damage to your valuable items.

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Terminix might be one of the most well-known exterminator companies on the market but do you know what Terminix prices are, and if it’s worth it? We’ll discover all the details you need to know and add a few additional tips and tricks that will help you save a lot of money and get rid of pests at the same time.

So, let’s discover the Terminix price plans and which one might be the best solution for you.

What is Terminix and How Does it Work?

Terminix is one of the most popular exterminator companies in the United States, with a base in Memphis, Tennessee. This pest control giant has almost one century of experience, considering they were established in 1927 and this credibility pushes them forward.

The pest control industry might have humble beginnings but they are now dealing with all pests you can imagine including insects, birds, rodents, and even wildlife. In addition, the Terminix brand expanded to prevention and protection to offer even more to its customers.

But, even with so many services, they have fierce competition like Orkin, so you might want to know the prices before you choose the best solution for your problem.

How Much Does Terminix Cost?

Depending on various factors the Terminix cost can go anywhere from $200 up to $2.000. This massive difference in price is determined by the type and severity of the infestation, as well as the one-time option or ongoing service.

Terminix might not be the cheapest pest exterminator on the market, but they are in the business for a long time and have the reputation to back up the price.

Even though many people choose the one-time, and cheaper options, you can save quite a lot of money with the custom ongoing treatments.

Here are the Terminix prices you need to know:

  • Approximately $300 per mosquito treatment
  • Around $350 for rodent, bird, or other wildlife traps
  • Around $400 for flea and tick control
  • $500 to $1,500 for bed bug extermination - with the option to repeat the visits multiple times
  • The typical pest management package costs between $550 and $800 per year (includes satisfaction guarantee and quarterly or monthly service)
  • $2,000 or more for continuous termite inspection and prevention

Keep in mind that the prices can vary and you should ask for an estimate on the official Terminix website before making the final decision.

How Is Terminix Price Determined?

As mentioned before the price for any pest control or management treatment can vary a lot depending on a couple of factors, including:

Is Terminix’s Service Worth the Price?

Many people consider Terminix pricing to be on the high side, but they are also a trusted and well-established company with reputable results. It’s a good investment if you want to get rid of pests fast and efficiently, and it can save you a lot of money in the long run especially if you are dealing with pests that cause damage to the property.

It’s safe to say that even though Terminix prices are slightly higher they are a wise investment. It’s also a good reminder to always go for long-term solutions rather than one service offer, even when they cost more initially. 

Like with any other service on the market, it’s a good idea to look for the best price-quality ratio and always check multiple extermination companies before making the final decision. With our guide, you now know the estimated prices, and how they are formed, so it’s going to be easier to find the pest control company you need.

FAQs for Terminix

Depending on the pest at hand and the severity of the infestation the professionals will use different products in your home and on your property. While they are checked and approved to be safe, it is not suggested that children or dogs be present while the exterminator services are being offered. Always talk to the exterminators about the safety measures you need to take.

Yes, Terminix has a satisfaction guarantee that is mostly included in its annual plans and pest control. Some of the one-off services also have additional perks, so make sure to ask the agents about free treatments, assessments, and satisfaction guarantees.

Termites and ants cause billions of dollars in damage to United States homes, but there are many differences that set them apart. Even though both are considered pests, there are different approaches and methods to deal with them correctly and efficiently.

It’s not always easy to know which insect is causing the damage and eroding the value and safety of your property, but in order to fully manage the pests you first need to learn how to recognize them.

With this idea in mind, we have the perfect list that will help you distinguish termites from ants and then make the best decision about the next steps you need to take to eliminate them. Let’s go!

Termites vs. Ants

To the untrained and inexperienced eye termites and especially carpenter ants might look the same. Depending on the species some ants such as the mentioned carpenter ones are often mistaken for termites because they cause wood damage and have winged specimens while reproducing. 

Even though no pests should be taken lightly, let’s see what the main differences between termites and ants are that might help you choose the best elimination method.

Body Shape

Termites and ants might look similar but if you have the opportunity to capture one using traps you will notice a well-defined waist in ants and quite a rectangular body in termites. Termites are usually described as wider-body insects while ants of any kind have a segmented body and are pinched in the waist.

Antennae

If you are fortunate enough to capture adult specimens of any pests before the considerable damage is done you can take a closer look at the small antennae on the head. Ants always have bent or elbowed antennae, while termites have straight antennae. This detail, even though it’s quite small, can help you determine what pests you are dealing with.

Color

Most of the time if you see a lot of insects and wonder if you have ants or termites the answer will be ants. Why? Because the termites will often hide and cause damage in walls, wood, and construction beams without being seen. 

In addition, the termites are lighter, almost translucent in color while ants usually have reddish or black bodies and heads. With all of the other features mentioned on our list, it will be easier to distinguish termites from ants.

Wings

You might not know it, but some ants and termites have 4 wings. This feature can help you make a difference between pests, and reveal what you are dealing with. Termites have proportional and equal wings that fall off easily, which means that you have termites if you see a lot of discarded wings around your home.

On the other hand, ants have wings that are not the same size considering their back wings are shorter.

Lifespan

This feature might be less significant for the initial categorization of pests in your home, but it’s good to know that ants live a significantly shorter life than termites. While both create colonies and have the queen for reproduction the ants live a few months on average. On the other hand, the termite queen can live for a few decades and the rest of the termites for a few years, meaning one colony can cause considerable damage to property and stay there for decades.

Wood Damage

Some ants such as carpenter ants will damage the wood and they are most of the time compared or mistaken for termites. But even though both species damage the wood, they don’t do it in the same way or for the same reason.

Termites eat wood and will attack anything based on cellulose. They consume the wood and create elaborate but rough tunnels filled out with mud. So, if you notice mud tunnels and hollow wood you are dealing with termites.

Carpenter ants, on the other hand, build nests in the wood and don’t consume it. So, when carpenter ants dig out the smooth tunnels they leave small residue or piles of sawdust behind.

How to Get Rid of Termites and Ants?

Now that we know how to differentiate ants and termites, you might be wondering what is the best way to get rid of the infestation fast. One thing is for sure the best way to deal with such hazardous and persistent pests is to call the exterminators. The professional teams have the experience and the tools needed to deal with any kind of pests you might have in your home. So, if you do notice any signs of damage or see adult specimens of any insects make sure to contact them.

In the meantime, there are some ready-made solutions on the market that can help you manage and control pests. 

Here are a few recommendations for ants and termites:

Ants

Termites

FAQs

While it’s not easy to compare, ants are known to be much more aggressive and persistent than termites. If it comes to resources and nest defense the ants are much more likely to wipe out entire termite colonies.

Both termites and carpenter ants are known to cause considerable damage in homes, but overall the termites are faster and will deteriorate the construction more efficiently. They are one of the most destructive insects and cause billions of dollars in damage each year.

Unlike termites that consume the wood carpenter ants eat other insects and high-fructose items. They are attracted to sweet things such as honey, sugar and syrup, and food leftovers, but they will eat smaller insects as well or drink the honeydew when needed.