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 

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

How does a pest control treatment effect my pet?

Understandably a lot of people are concerned about the safety of their pets during a pest control treatment.
The products that are approved for extermination of insects in the state of New Jersey, are safe on larger pets such as cats and dogs.But you will always want to follow precautionary measures when animals and small children are in proximity to pesticides. The time to be most careful of your pets is during the actual treatment. Never allow your dog or cat to make contact with an applied pesticide while it is still wet. Most pesticides are perfectly safe for exposure to animals and children once they have dried. If you have concerns about your pets or children it is a good idea to keep them outside, in another room or with a friend or neighbor during treatment.  If you have smaller pets such as hamsters, gerbils and birds they should absolutely be moved to a safe area while the treatment is taking place.
If you have a koi pond and you are receiving a yard spray or an outdoor perimeter spray be sure to inform your pest control professional of it's location in advance. He or she will want to be extra careful around this area so as not to over spray or spray in an area where run off will be a concern.Some chemicals breakdown at different rates than others and different pesticides are recommended for different uses, so you'll want to ask your pest control provider for the product safety information on the chemicals that will be used in your home. Be sure the instructions on the label are followed.
It is rare but possible for a small dog or kitten to experience harm from pesticides. If you should notice your pet acting lethargic after a pest control treatment call poison control or your local animal hospital immediately. you will want to have ready the exact name of the pesticide in question when you call.
For more information on safe environmentally sound pest control go to
www.catopestcontrol.com

Welcome to What's the Buzz with Pest Control

This blog is mainly to offer interesting facts about bugs and critters, to tell you when and why they make news and to inform home and business owners on how to keep their property pest free. 

Cato Termite and Pest Control is a family owned and operated exterminating company that provides pest control services to Southern New Jersey. We believe in educating our customers on an integrated approach to pest management. 

There is so much that a home or business owner can do to lessen the odds of infestation. Prevention is worth a pound of pest control treatments! Simple habits can go a long way in helping to keep an environment pest free. It's surprising sometimes what people don't know. For example keeping mulch and plant material a few feet away from the home can help prevent bugs from entering the home. 

Sounds obvious doesn't it? Not so much, next time you're out riding around, take a look at some random houses. Notice how many bushes, trees and flowers are planted right up next to the structure. Bugs eat plants, drink from plants and live on plants. If the plants are set back from your home then the bugs will be set back from your home. 

Logical right? 

Sure, but not the first thing that most people think of when they are in the landscaping planning stages. Many gardens have been laid out by builders and often bushes and trees are already in place when a home is purchased. If this was the case for you. You might consider transplanting the smaller plants so that they are set back at least 18 inches from the structure.

If larger trees or bushes are the problem be sure to cut away any branches that grow in the direction of the building.Check back soon for more useful tips. In the meantime read more steps that you can take to keep your environment pest free on our website  Click Here