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Mosquitoes are one of the most persistent insects you might be dealing with, and their unstoppable appetite drives them to bite all the time. But, did you notice that some people attract more mosquitoes while others are not bothered so much?

If you want to find out the science behind mosquito bites and what might be attracting them the most you are on the right page.

We have all the interesting details that explain why mosquitoes bite and offer the best ways to deal with those pesky biters. Let’s jump right in!

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Mosquito on skin

Why Do Mosquitoes Bite?

Mosquitoes are one of the most dangerous insects on the planet but it’s good to know that only female mosquitoes bite humans and feed on their blood. Male mosquitoes like to eat fruit and flower nectar while females depend on human and animal blood for procreation. This might be a useful idea to explore while dealing with mosquito problems and their procreation process.

Mosquitoes might be small but their ability to transmit deadly diseases such as Malaria, Yellow and Dengue fever, Zika, and West Nile viruses makes them the most deadly pests. This is one of the reasons why so much research has been done and why we have all the information you need to keep mosquitoes away. Different species are attracted to different things, but there are a few common factors that seem to lure in mosquitoes everywhere, so keep on reading to find out more.

What Attracts Mosquitoes?

Before we dive into the detailed list of what attracts mosquitoes the most, let’s take a look at the research for the Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association.

“Mosquito attraction responses to substances collected from human skin and placed on glass Petri dishes were studied. Mosquito response varied according to the source of the substance. Substances removed from the head and hands elicited the greatest attraction response in laboratory-reared mosquitoes. Mosquito response lasted up to 6 h when the substance was aged and was increased by warming the samples from ca. 25 degrees C to 37 degrees C. Of the 12 mosquito species studied, attraction response was greatest in Aedes aegypti.”

We can see that mosquitoes are definitely not attracted to all humans the same and a lot of the attraction depends on the smell and the temperature of the specimen. With this in mind, we have a comprehensive list of the most obvious and researched attractants that will make you a delicacy for mosquitoes.

Mosquito repellant

1. Clothes

Mosquitoes are attracted to certain colors that resemble the color of blood such as red and dark colors, and they also love floral and bright patterns. 

This means that if you want to be less appealing to mosquitoes you should wear neutral colors and loose-fitting clothes, as they can easily penetrate through the fabric and bite you if the clothes are tight enough.

2. Smell

Other than colors mosquitoes also rely on smell to find the perfect victim. 

This is why they will bite people who are sweating and exercising more, and also love to bite exposed places that have a fruity smell. In addition, if you are drinking beer it’s surely going to attract more mosquitoes as they will sense the yeasty and sweet smell on your skin, and unfortunately, pregnant women are also a great target because of the increased body temperature and blood flow.

So, you should be cautious with your perfumes and deodorants, but also try to sweat less in highly-populated areas or repel mosquitoes with airborne repellents that will mask your smell.

3. Blood type

Research tells us that mosquitoes are significantly more attracted to the O blood type and they prefer it over any other blood type in humans. These insects are more likely to land and bite people with the O blood type. If you know your blood type it’s a good idea to be extra cautious and apply more topical repellents to prevent mosquitoes from biting you and potentially transmitting diseases.
Mosquito biting

4. Standing water

Apart from direct attractions, you as an individual might have it’s also worth noting that mosquitoes like many other insects love standing water. They rely on any standing water for mating and egg development, so make sure you are not hanging around any lakes and bodies of water during summer, and that you keep your backyard dry and tidy. This can include even small water surfaces like dog bowls and puddles in the sandbox after rain.

5. Tall grass

Even though mosquitoes spend most of their time hunting and feeding they also need a place to rest and hide from predators. The tall grass and vegetation are a perfect spot for clusters of mosquitoes to hide in and wait for the opportunity to bite, feed on blood, and produce eggs.

So, in addition to avoiding tall grass areas in the summer, you also need to ensure your backyard is not cluttered, the grass is mowed and all the vegetation is trimmed and tidy. You can add a few bug zappers on your patio to lure in and kill all the mosquitoes that might be hanging around.

Find Professional Exterminators

Mosquitoes are one of the most persistent and dangerous insects that you can encounter in your home and garden. While there are solutions to deal with mosquitoes on your own, if the infestation becomes severe you should rely on professional exterminators.

The specialized teams are prepared with the right tools and experience to deal with any kind of pests, including mosquitoes. So, if you consider them to be too much of an issue for you to handle alone or you simply want to ensure the best results call your local exterminators.

Cockroaches are commonly thought of as pests, but did you realize they may also be dangerous to your health? 

These insects are known to transport and transmit infections that can cause a variety of ailments in humans. So, it’s not just unpleasant to see a roach crawling through your home, but they are actually more dangerous than other pests such as bed bugs. 

In this post, we’ll look at the link between cockroaches and food-borne pathogens and talk about how you can protect yourself and your family from these harmful bacteria.

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Cockroaches carrying diseases.

Cockroaches and Food Poisoning

Cockroaches can transport and spread food-borne illnesses because they scavenge for food in the garbage, sewers, and other unclean areas. They can carry hazardous bacteria and other organisms on their legs and bodies, then transfer these diseases to food or contaminate surfaces in food preparation areas when they crawl over them.

Roaches love to hang out in human homes because there is always an abundance of food and plenty of places to hide. This is especially true during winter when roaches and other pests seek shelter in your warm home.

When bacteria the roaches leave behind are consumed, they can produce a variety of food poisoning symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. Food poisoning can cause major consequences such as renal failure, dehydration, and even death in extreme cases.

It is crucial to remember that not all cockroaches transmit food-borne infections and that cockroaches do not cause all cases of food poisoning. The presence of cockroaches in a food preparation area, on the other hand, is a clear symptom of inadequate hygiene and should be treated quickly to prevent the spread of potentially hazardous microorganisms.

Cockroach on food.

As Eric S Donkor researches in his study:

“Food-borne disease is a widespread and escalating public health problem globally. About a quarter of the microorganisms isolated from cockroaches are food-borne pathogens including Escherichia coli O157:H7, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Shigella dysenteriae, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhi, Rotavirus, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Cryptosporidium parvum. Thus, cockroaches could be an important reservoir and mechanical vector of food-borne pathogens.”

Food Poisoning Symptoms Caused by Cockroaches

Food poisoning symptoms vary based on the organism involved, however, some frequent symptoms include:

  • Vomiting and nausea
  • Cramps and discomfort in the stomach
  • Diarrhea
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Muscle pain
  • Appetite loss

These symptoms can range from mild to severe, and they might emerge hours or days after eating infected food. Food poisoning can sometimes lead to more serious issues, such as renal failure, dehydration, and even death. 

If you suspect you have food poisoning, get medical assistance as soon as possible. But even if you don’t have any symptoms yet but you do notice a few roaches in your home, deal with them as soon as possible with roach glue traps or call professional pest control.

Food poisoning from roaches

What Are the Most Common Cockroach Diseases?

While not all cockroaches carry diseases, several species have been linked to a variety of disorders in humans. 

The following are some of the most frequent cockroach-borne diseases:

  • Salmonellosis is a kind of food poisoning caused by the bacterium Salmonella, which is frequently found in cockroach excrement. Diarrhea, fever, stomach pains, and vomiting are all symptoms.
  • Dysentery is an intestinal infection caused by the bacteria Shigella, which is commonly carried by cockroaches. Symptoms include bloody or mucousy diarrhea, fever, and stomach discomfort.
  • Cholera is a potentially fatal infection of the small intestine caused by the bacteria Vibrio cholera. This bacteria can be carried by cockroaches on their legs and spread to food and water sources. Watery diarrhea, vomiting, and muscular cramps are among the symptoms.
  • E. coli infection is a gastrointestinal illness caused by the bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli). This bacterium may be carried by cockroaches on their legs and spread to food and water sources. Diarrhea, stomach pains, and vomiting are common symptoms.
  • Gastroenteritis is a broad word for stomach and intestinal inflammation. A number of infections, including those spread by cockroaches, can cause it. Diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pains are among the symptoms.

How to Prevent Cockroaches from Spreading Diseases?

Here are some suggestions to keep cockroaches from transmitting disease:

particularly in the kitchen and food preparation areas. Cockroaches and other pests will find it less appealing as a result. You can always add some Diatomaceous Earth Powder with a long nozzle duster in areas that might have roaches as it’s a safe solution for your family and pets.

To keep cockroaches from foraging for food, keep food in sealed containers and dispose of rubbish on a regular basis. Keep the leftovers in the fridge and deal with the infestation as soon as possible.

Repair any leaks or plumbing issues that might supply cockroaches with a source of moisture. To keep cockroaches out of your home, seal any holes or gaps in the walls, flooring, or baseboards.

To control and remove cockroach infestations, use bait stations, traps, or pesticides.

It’s also crucial to maintain basic kitchen hygiene, which includes thoroughly washing your hands before handling food and frequently cleaning and sanitizing surfaces and equipment. This will aid in the prevention of the spread of hazardous infections, whether carried by cockroaches or not.

Call Professional Exterminators

If you have a roach infestation, it is best to call an exterminator as soon as possible. Roaches can carry diseases and can be difficult to get rid of on your own. An exterminator will be able to assess the extent of the infestation and recommend the best course of action to get rid of the roaches and prevent them from coming back. If you see one or two roaches, it may be worth trying to get rid of them on your own, but if you are seeing several roaches regularly, it is best to call an exterminator.
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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.

Find the best exterminators in your area
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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.