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

http://www.catopestcontrol.com/content/termitecontrol  http://www.catopestcontrol.com/

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. 

http://www.catopestcontrol.com/content/readMore1/infobox/news/template/default/active_id/9

http://www.catopestcontrol.com

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
http://www.catopestcontrol.com/content/readMore1/infobox/news/template/default/active_id/1

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 

http://www.catopestcontrol.com/content/readMore1/infobox/news/template/default/active_id/1