Carpenter Ants, or winged termites

Spring is the time for the reproductive members of a colony to fly away from the main colony, mate and then scout out a place to create a new colony. This is true for termites as well as many kinds of ants. Step one for you is to be sure which you are dealing with. Here is a link that will tell you if you are looking at a flying ant or a termite http://www.catopestcontrol.com/content/Insectidentification
Once you're sure you are dealing with carpenter ants, you need to figure out if the nest is in fact in the home or outside of the home. If you are seeing the occasional ant indoors in the summer there is a good chance that the nest will be outdoors. Sorry to say that carpenter ants, especially the winged members found indoors during the winter or early spring can indicate the presence of an indoor nest. Carpenter ants are attracted to moist conditions such as those that are found Carpenter ants are attracted to excessive moisture conditions around windows, doors, showers, bathtubs, dishwashers, leaky pipes and drains, and under leaky roof shingles. They have also been found in dry areas such as hollow-core doors and false beams, and Blueboard foam insulation. Your best bet is to find the nest if you can and destroy it. if you can locate a new young colony you have better odds of complete elimination. If the colony is well established your best bet is to hire a knowledgeable professional. Pesticides that are available over the counter to the unlicensed novice are often seriously diluted versions of pesticides that require licencing to apply. Follow this link to read up on carpenter ants.http://www.catopestcontrol.com/content/carpenterbeescarpenterantspowderpostbeetles When looking for a quality pest control professional be sure you are well informed and don't hesitate to ask questions. If you need more info and you happen to be in South Jersey feel Free to call our pest control companyhttp://www.catopestcontrol.com

Do it yourself termite treatment

treating your own home with products available to the public may sound like a good idea or perhaps a money saving idea. In the long run many a frustrated home owner who must now pay for a thorough treatment and extensive damage repair has learned the hard way that when it comes to treating termites it may save you time and money to find a knowledgeable professional to solve your problem correctly from the start. The problems with do it yourself termite treatments are two fold. one is that termites are not visible above ground. in order to locate termites, one must have knowledge of their nature and habits and must know the signs of their presence in an area. Many over the counter pesticides are designed to kill pests on contact. it may be difficult for the novice to make contact with a subterranean creature such as the termite without digging and drilling like the professionals do. A licence is required in most states to purchase chemicals that are potent enough to wipe out established colonies entirely. Chemicals that are sold over the counter usually contain only trace elements of these chemicals. The homeowner who has tried repeatedly to combat a termite problem season after season may find the colony is becoming more established each year and may have even divided in to several satellite colonies. The damage a termite colony that is allowed to thrive can to to a home can be extensive and costly. It is best to hire a knowledgeable professional from the start. For information on termite Control in South Jersey

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Carpenter Bees or Bumble bees?

Can you tell the difference between bumble bees  carpenter bees ? Bumble bees are usually seen around flowers or later in the summer in their nest. Male carpenter bees will be seen this time of year flying back and forth across the yard. Males have no stingers. It is the female that will sting in defense of her nest. Unless you get close to a nest you won't encounter a female.You can tell if you have bumble bees or carpenter bees by looking at them up close but I know you don't want to do that! So, quietly and calmly go out into your yard. Find a spot at a safe distance where you can observe the bees. See where they are going. Watch to see if they hover around any wooden structure such as a picnic table, deck, garage or wooden trim on your home. If they do, wait til the temperature cools down and they are not active then check the deck, table etc... for round holes the size of a nickle. If you find these holes then it is carpenter bees that you are dealing with It is best to have these bees treated. In time they can do a great amount of damage to a structure and they will return season after season after season growing larger in numbers each year.
Here is a helpful article on Carpenter bees in Moorestown 08057http://www.catopestcontrol.com/content/readMore1/infobox/news/template/default/active_id/6

Prevent South Jersey Pest Control Problems

It is true that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Bugs and small animals that target a business or living space are harder to get rid of the longer they're allowed to stay. Many of these creatures have strong drives given to them by nature that cause them to be determined to hold on to their territory once they claim it. If an area (aka your home or business) provides adequate food, water and shelter for an insect or small animal, it can become entrenched in the location. When a pest feels secure in an environment it will begin nesting and breeding thereby increasing not only in population but also in determination to remain in position. Even seasonal creatures will return year after year to a home that has been "good" to them. Unfortunately for these creatures, their habits and tendencies are predictable to trained experienced professionals. This predictability will give us an advantage over nature, the sooner the better. Here is a list of early signs that you can look for to find out if your home or business is vulnerable to becoming, or has already become a home for unwanted invaders.http://www.catopestcontrol.com/content/readMore1/infobox/news/template/default/active_id/17 

Sometimes furniture and mattresses can be treated. Most mattresses can be saved if they are treated and properly fitted with bedbug safe covers. But when the bed bug infestation is severe getting rid of mattresses and infested furniture can be the best option. Bed bugs don't remain on beds during the day. They hide on cracks and crevices around the room so be sure whoever treats for you, does a thorough job finding all of the hiding spots. This can take a long time and can be expensive. Call around and ask a lot of questions to find an affordable knowledgeable company. Many companies offer steam treatments. Not only are they effective but they eliminate concerns about pesticides.
Here's an article with pictures of what to look for and tips on preventing spreading and keeping the bugs from reaching the bed at night. 

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How to tell if your dog has fleas

It is easiest to tell if your dog has fleas by inspecting the parts of the dog that are without fur. Also because they seek warmth, fleas usually gravitate to the groin area. To tell if your dog has fleas turn the dog over and inspect the belly and the groin area. You may see a flea or two but more than likely, once this area is exposed the fleas will quickly run and hide in the dog's fur. Look for small red or brown lumps on the dogs skin. They may have become scabbed over from repeated scratching. Also look for tiny black specks in the dogs fur. It is easiest to find these using a flea comb. This is flea excrement. It is no bigger than the period on your keyboard. If you see these things chances are good that your dog has fleas. For more on what to do about fleas go to
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Warm Fall weather brings Fleas to South Jersey in droves.

 Here in South Jersey weather conditions have been just right for fleas this season. Many of our customers have reported a worse than usual season.Getting rid of fleas for good can be a complicated process. Because their life cycle involves constant laying and hatching of eggs there are almost always fleas and eggs present at the same time. Many off the products available over the counter do not address the eggs. There are professional grade products that will not only kill the fleas but will also prevent fertile females from laying new eggs that may hatch after the pesticides have faded. An infestation that has gone on for a month or more may need to be handled by someone who understands the flea life cycle and can use a multi pronged approach to rid your home of the problem for good.

If you have cats or dogs you'll have to time the treatment of your home with the treatment of your pets.Some vets are beginning to suggest that fleas may have developed a resistance to certain products that are applied to the base of a pets neck. Read the ingredients if you use these products and go for one that is less common. This will reduce the odds of resistance.
Also if you look for a professional pest control company, be sure to enter your location, example South Jersey Pest Control Fleas 

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South Jersey Weather grows cold, Mice seek indoor shelter

Rodents can cause endless problems for a homeowner. Their feces can carry disease that can spread to humans.Working in partnership with a knowledgeable pest control company can eliminate the problem. When rodents choose to make your home theirs it is because they are seeking food, water or shelter from the elements. It is important to make sure that your living environment does not offer these things to unwanted creatures. Follow these steps to keep mice and rats outdoors where they belong. 
South Jersey, rodent control, pest control

Have Raccoons Chosen Your South Jersey Home as Theirs?

Animals choose an environment for what it has to offer them. Is your yard, attic or shed shelter from the elements? or perhaps it offers a food source. At a time when the raccoons are not around inspect the area where you last saw them. Look for holes in fences, damaged wood on sheds or garages, plants that have been gnawed on. Find out what is making your property vulnerable and fix it. Be careful if you should spot a live raccoon. they can become easily agitated and have been known to attack when they feel threatened.Consider a professional to trap any animals that could pose a threat. For more on the topic of animal (wildlife) control and removal see
http://www.catopestcontrol.com/content/Animalcontrol

Mice Control South Jersey

Mice can get through a hole as thin as a pencil. Make sure that all tiny openings are sealed up. Mice can enter through the connections behind the dishwasher, stove, washer and dryer. They crawl up drain pipes under the sinks and

Where the water pipes and the wiring enter the house

Keep limbs from touching the roof, and check for tiny openings in crawl spaces too. Check all over the outside. Be sure there are no holes anywhere. Mice can squeeze through holes that you may assume are too high for them, a mouse can easily climb up a vertical surface. If you can fit your little finger in a whole then a mouse will have no problem getting in either.

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Pest Control South Jersey

FAQ - Flies everywhere, where did they come from

You don't mention the temperature where you live. Are flies still active outside? If so, have you checked
around the windows and doors to see that there are not cracks or holes that they are using to gain access from the outside?
Are there any garbage cans left close to an entry way or in the garage? Many people leave their garbage by an entry. Garbage attracts flies and when a door is opened they are attracted to the more favorable temperature inside. (air conditioning in summer, heat in winter)
It's best if you discover the source of the problem and fix it.
An indoor fly problem can com from a small animal carcass that may be in a wall or chimney. Your problem doesn't seem severe enough for this.
Fly traps and papers that you can buy at a supermarket or hardware store can be helpful for a less severe problem like yours. If it gets worse there are treatments that are available to professionals that aren't on the market to the public.

South Jersey Pest Control

Get rid of wasps South Jersey

 Pain, redness itching and swelling are all normal reactions to a wasp sting. Allergic reactions include trouble breathing, nausea dizziness fever and fainting. If you experience an allergic reaction seek immediate medical attention.
For more on the subject of wasps see
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Ant Control South Jersey

Many people use over the counter pest control products such as traps, sprays and gels to get rid of ants. What they don't realize is that pesticides are highly regulated. The products that are available to the public do not contain high enough concentrations of chemicals to destroy a large colony of ants. When ants are exposed to small concentrations of pesticides some members of the colony may die and disappear from an area. It may appear that the problem is solved but behind the scenes the weak concentration of chemicals has irritated the colony. As a defense, a stress reaction is triggered causing the colony to reproduce at a faster pace in order to ensure its survival. The ants may avoid the treated area, the homeowner believes the problem has been solved in the meantime the ants will appear in another location of the home. A single ant colony may have many satellite colonies located throughout the home. Often times a home owner may discover one of these satellite colonies, believing it is the main colony they again attempt to destroy it. If it is not the main colony, then once again the rapid breeding stress reaction has been triggered. Instead of solving the problem, unbeknown to the home owner he has caused the colony to grow. A cycle like this could go on for years when the home owner believes he has solved the problem and that new ants infest the home again and again when really all along one large colony is growing and expanding with satellite colonies throughout the home. Until the colonies are killed the ants will continue to live and grow in the home.

Ant Control South Jersey

Stink Bugs

By now everyone is familiar with the bothersome Asian native that made it's way into Pennsylvania in the mid nineties. The stink bug, aptly named because of the offensive smell that it omits when handled is similar in appearance to the assassin bug. how can you tell these two bugs apart, which one is harmful and which one is merely annoying? click to find out
Stink Bugshttp://www.catopestcontrol.com/content/stinkbugreadmorepage

Wood Boring Insects

Wood Boring Insects     Termites, carpenter ants, carpenter bees, powder post beetles and other wood boring insects if left untreated can cause extensive damage to your home and furniture. to repair or replace items that have been destroyed can be expensive. Fortunately if you catch them early the chances are good that they can be thoroughly eliminated thus saving your greatest asset from harm. Learn the signs of infestation so that you can get expert intervention before it’s too late.
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Hornets and Wasps and Bees Oh My!

How can you tell the difference between a wasp, a hornet and a bee?
Hornets are actually a type of wasp. There are two obvious ways to tell a wasp from a bee. Wasps are slender and bees are plump, wasps are smooth skinned while bees will have hair. Another difference between the two is that bees will die after stinging. their stingers are barbed and will remain inside the victim as the bee tries to fly away after the sting. A wasp has a smooth stinger and can use it again and again. Wasps can become aggressive when agitated. It is best if you encounter a nest of wasps to call a trained professional to remove it.
Wasps nests can be found in a variety of places, in trees and shrubs, in abandoned burrows, under eaves, inside attic walls, behind shutters and in the ground. For more on Wasps Hornets and bees go to  http//:www.catopestcontrol.com
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Carpenter Bees Standing Guard

Have you ever been minding your business outdoors, doing yard work or just sipping iced tea when suddenly out of nowhere you are attacked by a large angry buzzing black bee. if so you have encountered a female carpenter bee standing guard of her nest. without realizing it, you've come to close to the nests entry hole and the mama bee feels as though you are a threat to the larvae inside. She will defend the nest aggressively. Many people make the mistake of thinking that if they kill this fiercely protective creature then they have solved the problem, but complete eradication of a carpenter bee infestation is much more involved than that. A carpenter bee population if left ignored year after year may grow to include hundreds of holes. Each of the holes penetrates the wood an inch or two and then makes a 90 degree turn. At the end of the turn will be numerous larvae. It's the larvae that complicates the process. Larva may end up hatching way after the adult bees have been treated. By this time the chemical used to kill the adults has worn off and the larva have a good chance of survival. Carpenter bees will instinctively inhabit the same nest for generations so even if you kill of the initial population, without tending to the larva within the nest then you will have bees in the same location year after year. each hole has to be treated individually with a product that will remain long enough to kill larva as they hatch. Click for more on the habits of the carpenter bee .

Will tossing the Mattress Get Rid of the Bedbugs?

No. It is a myth that Bedbugs live in the mattress. They actually hide during th day in cracks and crevices around a room. At night they sense the heat of the human and crawl onto the bed by way of a bedside table or the legs of the bed or an adjacent wall. (bedbugs cannot fly or jump) Getting rid of the mattress will help if there have been eggs laid in it but that is not necessary. There are casings that can be put around the mattress that will seal in the bedbugs and prevent them from escaping if they do hatch. They will die in place. The real key to a successful bedbug treatment is not so much what you do as how you do it. knowledge of the typical places that a bedbug will hide is a must. A detailed attentive application of pesticide or extreme heat in these areas will go a long way toward total bedbug eradication. http://www.catopestcontrol.com/content/occasionalinvaders

New Safer Termiticide

Atricet, the newest environmentally sound and effective termiticide on the market has been introduced by Dupont. Altricet is specifically formulated to work on biological processes unique to termites. Because human beings do not possess the biological process that Altiset targets it poses no risks to human beings and pets.
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South Jersey Pest Control Company Responds to Economic Down Turn

South Jersey Pest Control Company responds to the economy. Tom Murry of Cato Termite and Pest Control in Southern New Jersey stated recently that his company will embark on a massive pricing overhaul in response to recent economic down turns."Insects, rodents and wildlife don't stop invading properties just because a homeowner loses his job." says Tom Murry. Mr Murry maintains that while the average homeowner or renter has experienced an income reduction in the past few years, the need for pest control remains constant.As the owner of Cato Termite and Pest Control, Tom Murry has recognized the need to accommodate the decrease that many of his current and potential customers may be experiencing."It's our way of supporting the economy. If prices are too high for the average home owner than services can't be provided, money doesn't change hands and the economy remains stagnant." Mr Murry explains. "When we drop our prices, more people can afford our services, more money changes hands and the local economy has a chance to recover."