Prevent Mice & Rats

Mice enter buildings in search of food and shelter. They search for food source and quiet areas to nest. By removing food sources and sealing up small entry points, mice will be less likely to enter your home or business when the weather turns cooler. Mice are not picky eaters and are typically found feeding on scraps and leftovers which can harbor harmful bacteria. So, by reducing food wastes will decrease the possibility of mice spreading diseases such as Salmonella or Hantavirus.

The first step to solving a rodent problem is to know what which rodent you're dealing with. In this case, you need to be sure you have mice and not a rat(s) or any other rodent infestation such as voles or moles. As rodents are nocturnal, it may be unlikely that you'll actually spot a live rodent during the day. However, if you do, mice are easy to identify. When compared to rats, mice are smaller in size; they have longer, thinner tails with fur, and have smaller, rounder ears.

Knowing how to identify mice from rats and becoming familiar with the signs of a mouse problem is critical to controlling or eliminating an infestation. This is where a professional can really help. Correct identification by Gladhill Services will help you choose the most affordable control method without any worry.

Ants - The Ultimate Survivor

Ants will always find their way into your home as they forage for food. This doesn't mean you have an infestation of ants or that a colony is nearby though. Ants roam from sun up to sun down in search of what they need to survive. Sometimes they may cross into your home and never return unless that is... you leave something for them behind. 

Ants, big or small, will enter your house through the tiniest of crack and crevices. No home is completely safe from them! Even with monthly pest prevention, ants may end up breaching your home’s professional pest barrier.  Pest control experts agree that to date, there is no one single explanation for ants entering the home showing little to no effects from pesticide applications. Until further research can explain how ants are capable of this feat here are some of the more common needs of ants that may bring them into your house on what many professional consider a suicide mission. 

Ants are fascinating creatures - they live in colonies continuously overcoming and adapting themselves to all environments. Ants - regardless of species - do not interfere with other nearby ant colonies. Like shepherds tending sheep, black carpenter ants will herd aphids protecting them from rain and harsh weather. This is because the ants feed on their feces, which is very sweet and commonly called honeydew. Aphids, if let go, may cause certain plant species in your garden to turn black with a sooty-like substance on the leaves. This is the honeydew. The carpenter ants collect and feed off of this sooty mess keeping plants clean and free of any soot-like feces. The aphids and ants together perform a symbiotic relationship to benefit you, your garden and nature itself.  Ant mounds in your garden should be considered a blessing since they aerate the soil for your plants to grow well. 

So, why am I telling you all this?
Well... because I want you to have a clear understanding of what you are up against when it comes to ants entering your home. In the garden, you may not want to disturb ants as they continue protecting the natural environment around your home. But, when they breach your personal threshold and begin scurrying around your countertops and kitchen floors then, it may be time to call your bug guy back.

First, don't get mad at him or her thinking they didn't do their job. This isn't the case most likely. Your pest professional will be the first to tell you that ants have the ability to accomplish this. Before anything can be applied for the control of ants, your professional must consider several things. First, the type of ant must be considered, then, the location of the colony in relation to the area of their activity. Where ants are currently active inside the home is another aspect of ant control that must be considered. Do you have children or pets? Once these aspects are thoughtfully considered it is then, and only then, a solution may be applied. Sometimes ants feed on sugary foods while other times during the year these same colonies may need protein-based foods. Some ants are called sweet-feeding because they are commonly found in the kitchen only foraging for water and sugar left behind on floors and counters. 

Professionals must incorporate several types of control. Exclusion, baiting, granular, and liquid applications may all be needed at different times to fully eradicate an ant colony. If you do not have a professional service for ants then there are a few things you can consider at home and try yourself. DIY ant control is possible.

Preventing Ants In Your Home

You can follow three simple rules in DIY ant control. 

1. Keep your kitchen, pantry and cabinets clean at all times.
2. Clean up any spills immediately
3. Keep your floors and countertops free of food debris especially sugary foods.

Top 5 Most Dangerous Pests Inside Your Home

When it comes to household insects most are of little concern. Unless, that is, you fear them. With only a handful of household pests actually being capable of harming you, it's good to know which ones you should be cautious of.

For multiple reasons, people may fear ants or spiders in general. Some might freak out at the mere sight of a cockroach or silverfish scurrying through the pages of an old book that hasn't been open in years. Even though most insects cannot hurt you in any way, people fear them. As with anything, knowledge and insight fosters a greater understanding and thus this post. As a pest professional, I have spent more time over the years educating the public about insects than preventing or eliminating them. Fact is, insects serve a purpose and killing them is not always the way to go about resolving your fears. Instead, pest prevention is vital for not only their survival but, in limiting the frightful feelings you may experience when coming face to face with one. I have created the top 5 most dangerous insects to have inside your home. 

Black widow

As with most spiders, black widows can be spotted in their webs. While they typically won't be found outside of the web, these venomous spiders do have the ability to send infants and elderly people to the ER. The last report I read stated there are no known deaths resulting from a black widow bite in the United States but, we do not want to take chances as their bites are very painful.

Flies

If the blackish blur and annoying buzz flying about your space wasn't enough remember flies love sitting on Sh*!. Flies land on bacteria and land on you. The common house fly is capable of transmitting hundreds of pathogens into your home.

Centipede

Centipedes live in dark, moist areas like soil feeding on plant and other insects. While they typically won't venture into daylight there may be the occasional encounter with one in your bathroom or kitchen as it seeks out water. Centipedes do have the ability to deliver a painful bite so be careful when removing them. Putting a centipede in a cup or glass to move it outside is a great way to avoid being bitten. 

Ticks

Yes, the infamous deer, cat, and dog ticks are on this list for certain. Deer ticks transmit Lyme disease, a chronic infection that effects the immune system. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is another infection ticks may transmit when your bitten. 

Mosquitos

The ultimate disease carriers are mosquitos. As a blood feeder, mosquitos can transmit West Nile virus, Malaria, encephalitis, and more. Preventing mosquitos is paramount around any home.

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Can Bed Bugs Infest A Clean Home?

For more information about bed bugs follow our blog as we present new DIY practices, tips and insights each week. If you would like a professional inspection for bed bugs call 717-597-1040

In recent years, Bed Bugs have developed a reputation for becoming pests that only infest filthy homes and cheap hotels. While cluttered homes that are never cleaned,  run down hotels, and improperly maintained housing complexes are common places to find bed bugs, the conditions of these places are not what typically attracts bed bugs. 

Truth is bed bug infestations have been discovered in the cleanest of homes, in the most well kept of hotels, and in the most expensive housing communities.  The main determining factor in a bed bugs ability to thrive is its ability to hide in the tiniest of cracks. So even if you keep your home spotless and uncluttered, there’s still a chance bedbugs may enter. 

Here's a little secret though: when a bud bug enters your home the chances of you finding it early increases as you clean, flip your mattress, dust behind the headboard and so forth. But, remember, bed bugs hide in the tiniest of places so even when cleaning you can easily miss it. 

Bed Bug Travel Guide

As you head out on vacation this year be careful not to bring bed bugs home with you. Learn how to protect yourself wherever you go this summer with our free guide. 

Most of us head out of town during the summer and travel off to a stress-free destination for some long over due time off. Whether you’re headed off to the beach or a mountain lake, to another country or remain in the U.S., remain aware of bed bugs.

Bed bugs are masters at hitchhiking and may infest five-star hotels, planes and vacation homes, along with everything in between. Rest assured that while bed bugs don’t spread disease, they can inflict itchy swollen welts. And who wants to spend their vacation time digging at their flesh or making an unexpected trip to Urgent care?

I am often asked: can you actually see bed bugs? The answer is yes, you can! The adult bed bugs are about a 1/4-inch long by roughly an 1/8-inch wide. Bed bugs are a reddish brown in color, but may appear more red after feeding. Bed bug nymphs,(or young) are visible as well, but hard to see as they are smaller - about 1/32 inch.
 
The last thing you want to do is bring bed bugs home back from vacation with you! I have been told over and again about how horrible people have felt after taking bed bugs from a hotel to a friend or relative’s house. While it's not really your fault, we definitely encourage everyone to take these steps to vacation bed bug-free.  
 
IN HOTELS

• Place your luggage on smooth-surfaced furniture away from the bed, like a desk. If using a luggage rack, inspect it for bed bugs before placing your luggage on it - it only takes a few seconds. Look underneath, check the frame and so forth.
• Pull back the four corners of bedding and check the mattress and box spring for bed bugs - follow the seems as this is where bed bugs typically hide. If you notice black dots on the mattress, that could be an indication of a problem.
• Inspect all night stands, desks and headboards for signs of bed bugs.
• If you believe your hotel room has bed bugs, call the front desk and ask for a different room. Each time I stay at a hotel I ask if there has been any bed bug issues I need to be aware of at the time of check in.

 
AFTER TRAVEL

• Before unpacking, inspect your luggage for bed bugs. Do this outside.
• Place clothing from luggage in the dryer for at least 15 minutes on high heat. This will kill any bed bugs that may have come back with you. 

By following these simple steps you can easily enjoy your vacation this year without worry of bed bugs keeping you up in your hotel room at night. You need to relax and have as much fun as possible so what are you waiting for? Have a great vacation!

Avoid Sand Fleas This Summer

Not to bust your summer fun or time on the beach but... our number one bug for the summer is the sand flea. Otherwise known of as a sand hopper, these tiny little creatures are actually crustaceans. Due to their ability to inflict irritating bites, the name "sand flea" is often used to describe a wide variety of insects like midges, biting gnats, flies and your typical flea. With each of these insects, the aftereffects of their bites are similar leaving itchy, red welts that can, well... make for a memorable vacation.

Sand fleas can easily be found on beaches along Atlantic coastal areas and marshes, but can also be found in the desert as well. Before you get too worried relax because truth is sand fleas will never really come home with you from vacation. Unlike bed bugs, they prefer their ocean view habitat. Now, before you get too relaxed know that the female sand flea has the ability to burrow under your skin to lay her eggs

How ToAvoid Sand Fleas

• Sand fleas typically feed in the early morning and late afternoon so, avoid the beach during those times. I know, right?
• Avoid placing your towel (or blanket) right on the sand. Make use of folding beach chairs and lounges instead. (Ladies, here is a great selling point for the hubby for renting one.)
• I would say wear close-toed shoes but, then why walk the beach to begin? Sand fleas can't jump that high so... your call.
• Spray on some insect repellent if you do end up getting bit - it is the most effective prevention.
• Avoid areas with seaweed since this is where they can usually be found feeding.

What To Do When Bitten

According to the National Institute of Health, if bitten by sand fleas avoid scratching. While extremely rare for the female to deposit her eggs in your skin, look after bites and if you find a black center to one consult your physician immediately.

Pantry Moths

Moths are mostly nocturnal creatures and some beautiful but, most people enjoy them when they remain outside. Sometimes the occasional invader might fly inside the home by accident and frantically try to find their way back out amid the interior lighting. But, many people feel differently when certain moths make their way inside the home, especially when one moth turns into several in less than a week. Soon your pantry and kitchen becomes garden like so, then what?

Both moths are readily found during each stage of food production. From packaging to retail these two insects can infest almost any type of packaged food product, including flour, cereal, chocolate, beans, dried fruits, birdseed, and pet food. Additionally, you may unwittingly purchase interior or holiday décor that is already infested.

Common Pantry Moths

If you have moths in your pantry or kitchen, good chance they’re one of these two types:

Indian meal Moth The body of these tiny moths are white with copper-like spotting on their front wings. Females deposit eggs in food. The larvae hatch then tunnel through food making their way out to then form cocoons.  Indian meal moths are very slow fliers and are typically seen resting on ceilings or walls.

Mediterranean Flour Moths While they are the same size, Mediterranean flour moths front wings are pale gray with some spotting. After the eggs are deposited and hatched, the larvae spin silk feeding tubes. The mediterranean flour moth flies in a zigzag pattern.

Preventin Pantry Moths

When trying to eliminate these household pests the first step is to contain any food that may be infested. 
Follow these simple steps if you find moths in your pantry or  kitchen:

• Locate and get rid of infested food, the packaging and any possible decorations.
• Freeze flour and grain-based foods for a week before placing in cupboards or pantry.
• Clean shelves and cabinets that stored infested foods with soap and water.
• Use only tightly sealed storage containers for dried goods.
• Contact a professional pest control service, like Gladhill Services if in need of additional help.

And remember that pantry moths are not the same moths that can damage your clothing. You can read more about Clothes Moths in this post.