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Grass eating termites

Grass and termites

Grass, termites and what they may eat. Here is Arizona we have a grass eating termite. Typically they eat desert cellulose cleaning up the desert. In the picture they are just eating the old dead tree bark. Sometimes you will see them building little castles in the yard. They usually don’t do any harm but it does freak out some people and from time to time we can treat around trees to stop them from doing any perceived damage.

You will occasionally see them in areas that are dry and they will build little tunnels over the lawn. This buildup looks like little castles and often look kind of unique in the yard or litter areas. They will buildup over leaves, small pieces of wood or twigs, manure, cactus and plant structures. They also are known as agricultural termites.

Vines and the world of pests

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Vines and the pests they may bring in

The art of pest management is what can be seen but also knowing what isn’t there, when looking at potential issues. Hiring a professional isn’t just about spraying, it is the knowledge that the Pro has to offer. Book knowledge is great but actually having real world experience is even better. In a perfect world everyone would ask my opinion before planting or just in general building a house. Opening can be a real problem but vines can cause further damage to pre-existing holes or openings. Damage can occur from trees pushing up on roofs just like you can see damage from tree roots pushing concrete sidewalks up.

Vines allow pests to hide and prevent you from noticing damage or possible entry points. Box Elder bugs can squeeze through very small opening, rodents can also get in and damage pipes and wires. Wildlife like rabbits and birds may nest in these areas. Knowing your property is a great plus in keeping damage and issues to zero.

Ants come a crawling…

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You know that old adage about the mechanic that never fixes his own car, cause he’s so busy or the pest control operator that never practices what he preaches – not me by the way. But by allowing that tree or bush to touch your home you may allow the ants to come into your home by the the millions.

ants trees

That colony could have lived in that tree for years, never attempting to go into your home but that new highway just afforded them that option. In their social hierarchy, some members forage for food and if they come across a new source like your kitchen it could all be over for your peaceful setting. They will take some food and make their way home leaving a pheromone trail for others to follow.

Did you know?

There could be 1 million in their colony, maybe more.
There are 1 million ants per person on Earth.
All those ants you see are female.
They have great eyesight but their antenna’s are the thing that really helps them in finding food.
They live about 45 – 60 days but probably have lived on Earth for over 1oo billion years. Queens may live 30 years.
If you weighed all the ants it would be more than all the humans. WOW, right?
The Maricopa Harvester ant is the most venomous insect on Earth and guess where it lives? Clue is Maricopa… and it’s sting is equal to 12 bee stings.
The Red Imported Fire Ant in Florida builds rafts to float during massive rain storms.
Their worst enemy is ProBest technicians, no just kidding but it’s other ants. Our technicians are good at what they do, but remember the ants are always on guard against intruders.
They can make their nest almost anywhere, don’t make it easy for them. Think about the types of landscape and decorations you place around your home.

Do you plant right next to your home?

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When you plant bushes, trees or plants next to your home, are you creating an environment for pests and termites? Probably so. My rule of thumb is not to plant anything within 2 feet of your structure. Normally this is what I call the dripline of your home, that is the area of the roof over hang. Sometimes we really don’t have a chance, the picture below is an example of this. Because of the sidewalk there isn’t any room and when and if a termite job is required on this home, all those plants will probably be destoyed or hopefully they can be moved. The other issue is when the plants attract pests, could they then move into your structure? So think before you plant and things should be OK on the bug side…

Hantavirus is serious, what precautions can you take?

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Alert: New Mexico Health Department confirms fatality in NorthWest New Mexico.

Hantavirus is a deadly disease transmitted by infected rodents through urine, droppings or saliva. People can contract the disease when they breathe in aerosolized virus.

CDC Hantavirus site

Tips:

Seal the home or cabin.
Trap or use outside rodent bait/trap stations to reduce numbers, I also suggest TickBoxes.
Reduce food sources, don’t leave out dog/cat food.
Don’t allow clutter to get the best of your home.
Trim trees and bushes.
When cleaning cabins or homes, use a dust mask and follow the CDC guidelines on cleaning.
Rodents cause other issues, be safe and follow CDC guidelines.

The tips for keeping the bugs out, what are they?

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To a Pest Management Professional the slogan – Integrated Pest Management is really important. Why, you ask? Because it is at the heart of what we do, everyday! I don’t think that many of us that really want to harm nature and there is a fine line to doing that and protecting us from the bugs that could kill us.

At its core is this principle – “Integrated Pest Management is a process involving common sense and sound solutions for treating and controlling pests. These solutions incorporate three basic steps: 1) inspection, 2) identification and 3) treatment. Treatment options vary from sealing cracks and removing food and water sources to pesticide treatments when necessary.”

But you and I both know that it isn’t always easy controlling certain pests like cockroaches in apartments, so its take everyone’s cooperation and help to solve the dilemna. The same goes for scorpions, home-sealing is just one step to controling these beasts.

So heer are a few tips to help you in your mission to keep your home or business bug free.

Home-seal your home or buisness (fill in cracks and crevices).
Fix any leaking pipes.
Don’t stack firewood or any material against your house, the idea is to be clutter free.
Keep trees and bushes clear from your home.
De-clutter.
Don’t bring in used furniture until you check it completely.
Repair screens and door thresholds.
Those holes at the roofline are to allow the attic to breath, don’t let birds or wildlife make their home there.
A clean home is less attractive to wildlife and pests.

Tips for preventing pests at Christmas time.

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I’m not talking about uninvited people showing up at Christmas time and/or those over staying their welcome. Let’s talk about bringing in Christmas trees and the creatures we may be bringing in as well.

Always check your Christmas tree for things like squirrels, remember the “Christmas Vacation” movie (I really love that movie) hilarious.
Use caution when bringing things down from the attic, go through and make sure there are no rodents, bats or wildlife living in the boxes.
While you are in the attic, do a little inspection – check for termites (mud or dirt and damaged wood), do you see feces from rodents or bird nests.
Use caution when putting up Christmas decorations outside, you might disturb wildlife and you may accidentally fall.
Use caution putting decorations into trees or bushes, critters may live there.

Yikes, how did that get in there?

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Rats and mice nomally can squeeze through small opening (mice – dime and rats – quarter), I think this guy just had a bad day. I suppose it ate some bait or got bit by something, cause it looks like it has some room to wiggle. Just a caution on mice/rats, rodents in general they have teeth and aren’t afraid to use them. They will gnaw on electrical wiring around pool pumps, car engines and equipment of all sorts. By the way this also goes for rabbits, they will also go after wiring. So what precautions can you take:

Check you home monthly for signs of pests, I know I say it often but eventually you might listen to my advice.
Check for holes or loose screening, including those weep holes at the roofline.
If you see bees flying in and out, check it out but use caution.
Don’t stack firewood against the house.
Don’t let trees or bushes touch the house, super highway for rodents and ants.
Have a Professional Termite company do an inspection for termites.

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Grass and termites

Vines and the pests they may bring in