Ants
Everything You Need to Know About Ant Control in Orange County
Ants can pose quite an issue to the home or business owner, especially if they come into your property. With more than 270 different species of ants in Orange County, these pests can be hard to control. The good news is that here at Pro Pacific Pest Control, we can help you.
Argentine Ants
Argentine ants have made their way to Orange County from Brazil. These little pests made their way here during the 19th century and are likely to have hitched a ride on some coffee beans. Since then, Argentine ants have become something of a pest.
With no natural predators, the colonies can be full of millions of ants and multiple queens and can be hard to manage. However, Argentine ants are not the only type of ants to cause a nuisance in Orange County, there are many others that need to be controlled.
How We Get Rid of Ants in Your Home
When you have an ant issue you need to know that a pest control company can effectively remove them. This is where we can come in and help. We can use methods that are safe for you, your family, and your home.
Here at Pro Pacific Pest Control, we use methods that ensure the whole ant colony is affected. We use products that we spread within the colony, ensuring that every ant is eliminated.
Before we use any elimination method we will come to your home for a free inspection. This is to ensure that we know exactly where the ants are and what methods we need to use to control them.
We want you to have peace of mind and to be able to relax in your own home. This is why we will ensure we do what it takes to eliminate every ant.
How to deal with the ants until in your home until we arrive
Remove ant scent trails by wiping them with a cloth soaked in bleach or disinfectant. A mix of vinegar and water can also be effective. Alternatively, you may wish to blend citrus smells together as the scent will deter ants. Dip a cloth into the mixture and mop the floor with it.
How We Get Rid of Ants on Your Business Premises
Ants have the potential to affect your customer experience, your storage area, and your sales floor. When dealing with an ant infestation on your business premises we will do what it takes to get rid of them. We will use products that we spread within the colony, ensuring that every ant is eliminated.
This will ensure you have peace of mind once more so that it’s business as usual.
How to deal with the ants on your business premises until we arrive
Discard any waste that could potentially attract ants. Remove ant scent trails by wiping them with a cloth soaked in bleach or disinfectant. A mix of vinegar and water can also be effective. Alternatively, you may wish to blend citrus smells together as the scent will deter ants. Dip a cloth into the mixture and mop the floor with it.
Contact Us Today
If you have an ant issue please contact us today. We can act quickly so that the infestation does not get any worse. Here at Pro Pacific Pest Control, we know how to ensure ants are no longer an issue. Contact us now so we can give you peace of mind.
Ants
How to Get Rid of Fire Ants in Your San Diego House?
A fire ant infestation is more than just a nuisance – it can lead to property damage and severe health problems for you and your family if left untreated.
Fire ants found in the wild are actually a different kind of insect than the ones that invade homes. Unless you step in their nests, wild fire ants are generally harmless. However, red imported fire ants (RIFA) are an invasive species that can cause severe damage, ranging from property destruction to health issues stemming from bites.
These insects love the warm climate here, so fire ants extermination in San Diego is difficult but possible. Here are a few ways you can get rid of these pesky pests.
Find Their Nests
The mounds you see in your yard aren’t the only place fire ants live – they build large networks around a property, often deep underground and in hidden crannies. Nests can be in gardens, under pavement, and near power lines, among various other places.
In particular, ants like electrical currents; they’ve been known to swarm around electrical equipment like air conditioning units and transformer boxes. The precise reason why is unknown, but they can destroy electrical equipment if allowed to nest nearby.
HVAC units are also one of the many ways they can gain access to the interior of your home. If you’re having trouble figuring out where ants are coming from, a professional exterminator can help you identify unknown access points and hidden nests.
Remove Their Food Source
Ants will establish their colonies near reliable sources of food. They are primarily scavengers, feasting on dead insects and tiny morsels of food left from other animals, but they’re also known to kill and eat small animals and insects. They love sugar but will consume almost anything they can find – even pet food left out in a bowl.
It’s critical you do your best to remove their access to food. Vacuum and sweep regularly and thoroughly, don’t leave food exposed on the counter, and keep compost bins shut tightly.
However, red imported fire ants are known to stockpile the food they find, meaning sweeping up crumbs often isn’t sufficient to wipe out an infestation. Because an ant infestation may happen as a result of another pest problem (like aphids, which are locally notorious), professional pest control in San Diego is needed to address the root causes of infestations and fully treat them.
Call a Professional
Above all else, these insects are resilient. The workers protect their queen at all costs – they build rafts if they sense an increase in water, ration their food, and quickly rebuild destroyed mounds. The longer an infestation has been around, the more effort is needed to fully treat the problem. As they can build an extended network of nests around a property, regular pest control is needed over time to ensure complete eradication.
Request a Free Estimate
If you suspect you have an infestation and are in need of fire ants control in San Diego, contact us at Pro Pacific Pest Control to request a free estimate. We understand the pervasive nature of these ants and will work with you as long it takes to free your home of these dangerous pests.
Ants, Bees, Birds, FAQ, Featured, Fleas, food, General Pest Control, General Rodent, Pest Control, Spiders, Ticks, Uncategorized, Wasp
A Bug-Free BBQ
The countdown has begun! One of our favorite holidays has to be the Fourth of July! It’s a perfect time to spend with family and friends, enjoying each other’s company and commemorating the birth of the nation. Many Americans choose to celebrate with pool parties, BBQs, and major events. But just like every other outdoor activity, Pests can strike without warning! Let’s face it, bugs are JUST AS American as mom, baseball, and apple pie… in fact, bugs are worldwide!!! This year, though, we’re going to help you avoid those flying,crawling, and squirming party crashers. Below are our top tips for having a bug-free Fourth!
1) Stay Away From Water
“One if by land, two if by sea!” doesn’t just apply to Paul Revere! Given the chance, insects will come from any direction possible… Land, sea or air! Stagnant bodies of water are particularly popular with insects… in fact, that’s where many insects breed and lay their eggs.
As picturesque as having your outing by the lake may seem, consider moving the festivities (or at least the food) a bit further away to cut down on insect presence.
Also, be sure to scout out the area before setting up. If you notice there there is already a heavy insect presence, then BY ALL MEANS don’t set up shop there! Remember, prevention is ALWAYS easier and far less hassle than dealing with it after the fact!!!
2) Cover Your Food
Let’s face it… in a lot of ways, insects are just like us… they love, love, LOVE sticky sweets. And with that fine spread out on the table (hot dogs, potato salad, watermelon, and cobblers), it acts like a big target sign to attract bugs looking for a meal. The best way to stop them? Cover up! Use Tupperware containers for an eco-friendly solution, or cover your food with plastic wrap or tinfoil.
3) Put the Off ON!
Bug repellent comes in many forms, most notably in lotions (or sprays) that you can apply directly to your skin. This is useful for kids especially, as they are often unaware of potential “bug zones” and these lotions may assist in providing a barrier as they play.
If you’re averse to the idea of putting repellent on your body, there are other methods available. Some people swear by pest repellent candles or citronella “torches.” Another alternative (and not quite so “eye-grabbing” is to use insect-repellent incense. Incense can come in the form of small sticks, or in a spiral shape that slowly burns down and repels most insects (notably mosquitoes).
4) Clean Up!
Just like setting up shop near a lake can be ideal, it can also be tempting to put the trash receptacle very close to the table or close to where everyone is congregating. After all, who wants to walk away from the action just to throw food away? Well, aside from obvious health concerns about having garbage in the midst of activities, the trash can also be a HUGE attractant to wayward insects. They just LOVE the smell of fresh food! Walk a few extra steps to throw away trash and it can help you eliminate the need to swat flies or wasps while eating!
Sure, these methods won’t guarantee 100% bug eradication, but they’ll definitely reduce the amount of unwelcome visitors at your Awesome 4th of July celebration! Have additional tips or tricks you’d like to share? How about a favorite BBQ recipe? Let us know in the comment section or Tweet us so we can share it with the Pro Pacific Community! Call us today for all your pest control needs!
Ants, Cockroaches, General Pest Control, Gophers, Mice, Pest Control, Rats, Silverfish, Spiders, Uncategorized, Wasp
Springing Into Cleaning (AND Pest Control)
Spring is officially underway. For many people, that means the long arduous task of “Spring Cleaning.” Most of us will spend a weekend or two cleaning the house of old, unwanted clutter. For other people, it means (FINALLY) putting the Christmas tree/lights away. But aside from a tidier home when guests arrive, spring cleaning can be excellent for your home when pests arrive.
Often, the miscellaneous clutter that we accumulate (and leave forgotten in a nook, corner, or box) makes prime real estate for pests to move in. Low-traffic areas, such as attics, garages, and closets, can become safe havens for rodents and insects to move in and stake their claim.
At Pro Pacific Pest Control Escondido, we’re big supporters of pest prevention over pest extermination. We’ve mentioned it several times before, but it’s far easier (and cheaper) to prevent an infestation than it is to evict one. Here are three handy tips for your spring cleaning efforts to keep the bugs at bay:
1) Drain the Tub… And Everywhere Else.
“I’ve had a very ruff day.”
Moisture creates an ideal spot for many bugs, and often entices them to set up shop wherever they can find standing water. Rodents (such as shiprats and sewer rats) will often find sources of water and decide to set up shop nearby — often within the walls or even in the attic of your home! Mosquitoes use stagnant puddles for reproduction and can often swarm nearby as a result. Silverfish LOVE moist, cool, dark places, and you’ll often catch them scurrying away if you flip on the light in a crawlspace that is not properly sealed. reptiles and other pests will also seek out similarly cool, damp places. Eliminating these sources of water can go a long way to not only preventing the hassle of insects, but it can also prevent disease such as dengue, malaria, and others that are carried by mosquitoes and their kin.
As you’re doing your annual cleanse, check your home to make sure you don’t have a leaky faucet or pipes. Although Southern California doesn’t have to worry about pipes freezing over the winter months, pipes which have not been used in a long time or are in disrepair can be the catalyst for a full-blown invasion!
2)Dust Those Bunnies!
Cleaning in furs. Lucy has always been a class act.
Ever run face first into a spider web? NOT a fun feeling! The flailing, spit-takes, and panicked shuffling that results can be embarrassing, to say the least. One way to avoid such nestings is to sweep and dust nooks, crannies, and eaves inside and outside the house. In some homes, it is harder to reach these areas because a ladder is needed.
This is a prime task for your friendly neighbourhood pest control company! After all, who wants to drag a ladder out of storage, put it up, sweep, climb back down, and repeat the process all the way around (and inside) the house? Pest control companies often have the equipment to do these task quickly and efficiently.
Basically, though, you want to target all those “low traffic” areas in and around the home. Corners, closets, and eaves are prime spots for spiders to set up shop.
3) Don’t Be A Packrat.
“Eat your heart out, chipmunks.”
We get it, some things are just too cool to get rid of, or there’s something “nostalgic” about them, or… well, we’ll admit that maybe we’re just being lazy at times. But keeping those odds-and-ends, scrap materials, or “vintage” goods from the local flea market can cause you more headache than you realize.
Keep your home clear of clutter. If you have a shed or workstation in your backyard, be sure to clean (or at the very least organize) any discarded pieces of wood or tools. Rodents love to nest in piles like those and it can ALSO be a prime location for bees and wasps to form nests. In fact, we’ve seen a bee’s nest between two garbage can lids that hadn’t been moved in months! Clearing out spaces like these can go a LONG way to helping your pest control efforts, and a little bit of effort on the “front end” can keep your cost down in the long run.
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Of course, we offer FREE inspection/estimates for pest control and can identify potential trouble spots and offer ongoing solutions to keep your home safe (and beautiful) throughout spring and into summer.
Ants, Bees, Cockroaches, Featured, Fleas, funny, General Pest Control, Silverfish, Spiders, Ticks, Wasp
Buggin’ Out! Pop Goes Pest
This week we’re taking a slight detour as we look at popular bands who have used their musical talents to immortalize insects. Previously, we touched on artists who were bitten by “the love bug”.
There have been, of course, a plethora of bands with pests in their names (The Beatles, Adam and the Ants, the Scorpions, the Rats, etc). We could compile multiple playlists just based off their names! For today, though, we’re jumping into the songs themselves, looking at 10 artists who have “immortalized” insects in their music. As before, you can follow this playlist on Spotify… So sit back, turn the speakers up, and enjoy!
Crazy, Man!
With their distinct sound, the B-52s definitely stand out from the other artists included in this list. Though most people can sing along to their most popular song “Love Shack,” in a rousing bout of karaoke, most people would be hard-pressed to offer the same performance for “Junebug.” It just doesn’t get the same airtime. Nevertheless, this song still delivers the classic B-52s vibe that fans have come to associate with the band… as well as all the free lovin’ that the band espouses.
Serious about those weevils!!!
There are numerous versions of “Boll Weevil” out there, but perhaps the most iconic is the rendition done by Old Lead Belly. A definite “throwback,” this song is reminiscent of an older time in music… The haphazard, casual intonations definitely give this song the feel of a laid-back evening on the porch, belting out old folk songs for the fireflies to hear.
Tom Waits: a look to match his voice…
This entry isn’t so much a song as it is narrated speech over music. “Army Ants” is very reminiscent of a National geographic documentary meets the grind of a seedy nightclub mixed with the delivery of Mitch Hedberg… a scattered offering of “one-liner” facts related to insects. Waits’ gravelly voice also amps up the “creepy” factor of this piece, which is quite fitting, considering it’s about insects.
Miriam Makeba: International Songstress
“Qongqothwane” has been described as a traditional wedding song from the Xhosa people of Africa. As native English speakers do not have the linguistic ability to pronounce some of the sounds, it became commonly referred to as “The Click Song.” “Qongqothwane” is a song about where the village’s witch doctor can be found. Though his physical appearance is just like everyone else (not the stereotype that most people think of when they picture witch doctors), he is compared to a “knocking beetle,” which (in local folklore) leads the way home. The witch doctor leads the newlywed couple to a new future together in the same way that the beetle leads children home to where they belong.
photo courtesy themysticmangos.com
In this peculiar song, Ava (and her mangos) chronicle the journey to becoming an entomologist. Ava starts off by catching her bugs in the “local salad bar” (eww!) Catching, cataloguing, classifying, and displaying insects for others to see. Not necessarily an exciting life, but it was interesting enough to earn its own song. Now if we could just find our own “pest control” ode.
Audioslave: like a moth to the flame?
Like Kid Icarus, Audioslave gets too close to the sun in this song. A much lesser known single by a superb band, the lyrics truly capture the disillusionment that failure can cause. Notable lyrics: “I was a king, I was a Moth with painted wings made of cloth / When did the flame get so high and get so hot?”
Blake has quite the sweet tooth!!!
The only country music offering in the list, Shelton’s “Honey Bee” is a self-aware tune, and he even admits in the lyrics that the song “comes out a little country.” The song basically likens him and his girl as two complimentary parts in a couple (at least, that’s the intent… we’ve never heard of mixing wine with whiskey, but who are we to judge?) The song is, as most love songs are, stereotypical, but a good guitar riff and a catchy chorus make that fact easy to overlook.
Coral Necklace? Check! 90s Pose with Sunglasses? Check!
Arguably the most popular entry in our list, The Dave Matthews Band (“hardcore fans call him Dave“) offers up “Ants Marching,” which is one of their most recognizable hits. Horns are on loop through the background under Dave’s vocals, adding to the lyrical idea that nothing is ever changed, much like the “ants marching” from the title.
The Wire (the band, not the TV show)
This English rock band offers a peculiar piece. the lyrics are not deep at all. In fact, on may suggest that Colin Newman (lead vocals and guitar) channels Randy Newman based on the simplicity of this song. There is no story arc provided, but simply a song that is easily played in the background as you go about your day. This UK band sets up an anthem of sorts within the song — “I am the Fly” becomes a chant which begins to crescendo over a “clap-track” until its sudden end.
They had to use a stand-up for the cover, as the boys were getting their beards washed.
The Bearded Ones came up with their own ode to the common black fly. It starts off with the typical ZZ guitar riff, then continues into a song that, while lyrically not too deep, is fun to play air guitar to. This song contains all the innuendo that is to be expected of a ZZ Top song, while the guitar drives the momentum and keeps it moving forward.
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BONUS TRACK:
OK, obviously this song does not have insects in the title itself… but we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to include the King of Parody in our list… Perform This Way earns him a spot based on its lyrics: Weird Al dons a suit made of bees (and poking fun at Lady GaGa in the process).
Simply “abuzz” about Weird Al’s fashion sense!
Well played, sir.
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So there you have it: 10 songs (plus a bonus track!) about common pests.. some of these songs hit pretty high on the charts, too! What do you think? Are there any we missed? Leave a note in the Comments section or tell us via Facebook or Twitter
Ants, Ticks, Uncategorized
Top Ten Cartoon Bugs (Bunnies Not Allowed)
Bugs aren’t something that most people want in the house… yet if you have kids, it seems like they’re EVERYWHERE! And we’re not just talking about the bugs that come around because of ice cream your son or daughter dropped on the brand new rug… we’re talking about bugs popping up in TV cartoons, as toys, and even on DVDs…
So for this post, we decided to list the top ten cartoon bugs… Sorry, no bunnies allowed.
10 The Caterpillar – Alice in Wonderland
The Caterpillar’s most famous line? “whoooo are you?”
Though not very verbose, the Caterpillar is one of the most recognized supporting characters in Alice in Wonderland. Originally short, a bit rude, and aloof, he eventually turns into a butterfly… although an angry one.
Why he’s number 10:
The Caterpillar showed the potential for change… but didn’t take advantage of it, keeping his distant attitude even AFTER changing into a beautiful butterfly.
9 -Bert the Caterpillar – Sesame Street
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5g2ZKYSJXcM
Our second caterpillar on the list (already?!?!) comes courtesy of Sesame Street’s Butterfly Pageant. Bert gets corralled by Ernie to act out the life cycle of a butterfly. As usual, Bert is his less-than-enthused self. Bet Ernie makes the most of Bert’s participation in this musical rendition.
Why he’s number nine:
Bert CLEARLY does not want to be involved in the pageant, and doesn’t play the role of a team player well AT ALL. Had he shown a little more enthusiasm, we probably would have put him higher on the list!
8 Zorak – Space Ghost / The Brak Show
“It’s bad, it’s very BAD!”
Zorak originally appeared in an animated series by Hanna Barbera, Space Ghost and Dino Boy in 1966. Originally, Zorack was one of Space Ghost’s most fearsome enemies, but Cartoon Network revamped him decades later as a comic foil to Space Ghost in a late night talk show, Space Ghost Coast to Coast and then again revamped him as a “best-bud” to a fellow Space Ghost villain, Brak, in The Brak Show.
Why he’s number eight:
Grumpy doesn’t go over well, just ask Bert and the Caterpillar! Zorak edges out Bert because of his sarcastic sense of humor and his willingness to go along with a plan, but falls flat because of his attitude problem.
7) The Cockroaches – Oggy and the Cockroaches
Run run RUN!!!
In this French cartoon, Oggy the cat is constantly vexed by three roaches: Joey, Marky, and Dee Dee. The three troublemakers cause unbelievable amounts of mayhem for poor Oggy, often interrupting his attempts to have a peaceful dinner, swim, or venture into small business.
Why they’re number 7:
These little guys are as resilient as their predecessor, Jerry the Mouse… though they often up the antics to the extreme, often sabatoging their own plans in the process.
6 Zipper – Chip ‘N Dale Rescue Rangers
“zzzzz zz zzzzzz zzz zz zzzz!”
A close friend to Monterey Jack, Zipper is the only Rescue Ranger who doesn’t really speak… but in most cases, he doesn’t need to.
Why he’s number 6:
He’s small in size, but has a huge heart… and a huge temper, which has caused a headache or two for his Rescue Ranger teammates in the past. It even led to Monterey Jack losing his home in the first episode they appeared in.
5 Baxter Stockman – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
“What on earth are you? I suppose I’ll have to dissect you to find out!” – Baxter Stockman
Baxter Stockman was a misguided inventor who tried to sell his Mousers to the Ajax Pest Control company. The company threw him out of the building, saying that the machines were TOO efficient and would put them out of business. The Shredder approached him shortly afterward and offered him a job to build evil constructs to get rid of the Ninja Turtles. Hey Stockman! Forget the evil thing… we’re ALWAYS looking for advancements in pest control technology!
Why he’s number 5:
Stockman is the epitome of scientific genius, creating his “mousers” in an effort to eliminate rats…. Now if only he’d use that genius intellect for good!
4 The Tick – The Tick
“Destiny’s powerful hand has made the bed of my future, and it’s up to me to lie in it. I am destined to be a superhero. To right wrongs, and to pound two-fisted justice into the hearts of evildoers everywhere. And you don’t fight destiny. No sir. And, you don’t eat crackers in the bed of your future, or you get all… scratchy.” – The Tick
Baxter Stockman may have used his brains for bad, but The Tick uses his Brawn for Benevolence! Though we don’t always get his allusions, or metaphors, or… well, pretty much anything that he rambles on about, he’s got a heart of gold and a penchant for the dramatic!
Why he’s number 4:
Whether battling the uncommon cold, or going prehistoric on Dinosaur Neal, The Tick only has one modus oprandi: Justice!
3 Flik – A Bug’s Life
Did I do that?
Flik is the zero-turned-hero in Pixar’s “A Bug’s Life.” Seen as a social outcast, Flik manages to screw up everything he’s involved in, which quickly leads his colony to enact a strict “Flik-can’t-touch-ANYTHING” policy. He’s eventually sent to recruit help to fend off grasshoppers that have been terrorizing the colony, but returns with circus performers instead.
Why he’s number 3:
Sure, Flik is clumsy, but he’s likeable… and he has big ideas and even bigger dreams. We can definitely see why the Princess fell for him! Plus with some quick thinking (and some help from a giant bird), he’s able to save the colony from any more grasshopper attacks!
2 Atom Ant – The Atom Ant/Secret Squirrel Show
Co-star of The Atom Ant/ Secret Squirrel Show, Atom Ant was THE pinnacle of modern luxury… his anthill had a mainframe computer, exercise equipment, and other state of the art items. But don’t worry, he didn’t let these great resources go to waste… Atom Ant often fought the likes of Ferocious Flea and Professor Von Gimmick.
Why he’s number 2:
Possessing flight, superspeed, and superstrength, Atom Ant was the miniature version of Batman, assisting the police department whenever needed… no case was too small!!
1 Jiminy Cricket – Pinocchio
Let your conscience be your guide… even if he messes up the idiom.
Jiminy is Pinocchio’s right hand ma— errr, bug. The Blue Fairy appointed this comical umbrella-toting, top-hat-wearing hopper to be Pinocchio’s guide, and to act as his conscience.
Why he’s number 1:
Selfless, courageous, and even a little daring, it’s nice to know Jiminy has always got your back… and he’s a pretty good singer, too.
So there you have it, our Top Ten Cartoon Bugs. There are many MANY more… Especially in the “golden age” of cartooning. So what do you think? Should we have included some different characters? Which ones are your favorites and why?
Ants
Tiny…Little…Black…Ants…Everywhere…What Should I Do?
Did come home or wake up to hundreds of tiny critters uniformly marching in a line to you kitchen, pet food bowl, or restroom?
No need to panic –
There is a solution!
Hot, humid weather creates the perfect storm for persistent ants to head into your home in search for food and water. The endless clusters of them may seem unstoppable but there is an effective way to combat them.
But first, let’s learn a little bit about these unwelcomed guests.
Who are these guys? And What Are They Doing In My House?
Little black ants can come in a variety of colors ranging from dark-brown, black and jet black. They can be found throughout the United States, including the southern half of California and in the San Francisco Bay area.
Just like their name, they are about 2mm in length and have two nodes on its pedicel. The little black ants are very similar in appearance to Pharaoh ants except for its darker coloration.
Where Are They Coming From?
Almost all little black ant colonies originate from an outside dark covering. Tree stumps and piles of wood and bricks are common nesting areas for this type of pest. Once inside, they can be found in wall voids, underneath the edge of carpet or t-mold, cabinets, or masonry.
Don’t be deceived if the problem has progressed and it appears the ants are coming in from all around – the infestation originates from one source. The source will be found in one of the nesting areas mentioned above. The next step is to find this location by tracking the ant trail(s) using some professional techniques.
Our previous blog post covers in detail how ant trails are formed and typical pathways they take to get to food sources.
Be One With The Ants…Or At Least Know How To Follow A Trail
Following a clearly defined trail of hundreds of ants may not seem difficult; but, when you add breaks in the line, obstructions, coverings, or multiple trails – it can get tricky. To successfully track, follow the ant trail in the opposite direction that the majority of the ants are headed.
If there are multiple trails, this may take more time, but you will eventually find their home. It’s similar to solving a maze puzzle: Start with one route and if you come to a dead end, start from another route.
When you have followed the trail outdoors, removing grass or vegetation from the foundation, driveways, and sidewalks will be beneficial to continuing the hunt. Hidden trails can be found this way. Also, consider raking any vegetation or mulch around trees and shrubs. Ant colonies can be found underneath anything that is in contact with the soil – including sprinkler heads.
The most common nesting area for little black ants is tree stumps, dead wood or piles of items (bricks or stones). If located within a tree, the ants could be traveling up and down the trunk to a dead limb or hole high up – accessing this location may be difficult. Having a tree company prune any dead branches can remove the current ant colony and prevent any future ones from occurring.
If you still can’t find the nest, there still are methods for controlling the ant problem. Place baits near trail entrances into your home. This can attract many more ants for a couple of days before they start to subside. The baits will be collected by the ants and taken back to the nest to feed the rest of the colony. How’s that for a little bit of trickery?
Hooray, You Found The Ant Nest!
Now that you know where the hundreds of ants that were in your home are residing, you can take them out in one fell swoop. Use residual insecticide on and around the nest. As a preventative measure, applying treatment around the perimeter of your living space can prevent other pest problems from occurring.
Continually monitoring pest activity around your property and even plugging up entrances that you saw the ant trails use can make for a solid pest prevention plan.
A Shorter Summary Of Eliminating Little Black Ants
Just in case you zapped through the above looking for an easy-as-ABC control process, I have provided some quick bullet points. However, please note that the above provides very useful details (and some really cool images) for eliminating your ant problem.
- What Are Little Black Ants? A 2mm ant that can be black, jet-black, or dark brown found throughout all of the United States. They are very common in Southern California.
- Where Are They Coming From? Common nesting place for little black ants are tree stumps and piles of wood and bricks. Foraging ants located inside can be found in wall voids, underneath the edge of carpet or t-mold, cabinets, or masonry.
- How Can I Locate The Source? By using tracking techniques you can follow the ant trail in the opposite direction to find their nest. Smashing the visible ones in your home is a temporary fix, the nest has hundreds to thousands more that will invade. Find the ant’s nest to resolve the infestation.
- What Treatment Do I Use For The Ants? Spraying the nesting location with residual insecticide should eliminate the problem. Also, creating a barrier of treatment around your home is a good preventative technique.
If you have any other questions or comments, please leave them in the comment section below. Good luck and happy ant trail hunting!
Ants
Common Household Items That Help Get Rid Of Ants – Organic Method
Trails and trails of ants can line countertops, floors, bathtubs etc. at the most unsuspecting times. Identifying the attractant that caused their abrupt appearance can be baffling and usually misdiagnosed. But the focus of this article is to not help you detect what’s causing your tiny insect dilemma, but give you the ingredients to resolve the problem – using common household goods.
Scour no further for how to combat the perseverance of an endless ant trail; you can accomplish this feat with some items you probably have sitting in your pantry now.
Disclaimer: This method works for most ant infestations. Severe infestations should be examined by a pest management professional (such as ourselves 😉 ) and treated accordingly. Professional pest control service is the only way to eliminate persistent pest problems.
Despite what you have heard (or read), combining corn starch and cinnamon to help with deterring invading ants. A few months ago we suggested this technique on the Pro Pacific Pest Twitter and received a reply back of success. Here’s proof if you don’t believe this testimony.
Proof That It Works:
How It Works
To effectively implement these cooking ingredients and spices in your pest control plan, you must know how each item plays into the process.
Cinnamon is used as a barricade. Ants are sensitive to scents and the strong odor that cinnamon releases is too much for the nuisance bugs. So you will use the cinnamon to contain the ants and limit their journey.
Corn starch is your catalyst. The ants will carry small portions of the corn starch back to the nest to feed the colony. Ants cannot digest the starch and it will eventually kill them.
Proper Steps To Eliminate the Ants
Step 1 – Identify the Entry Point
Follow the ant trail back to where they are entering your home. You will eventually want to seal up the entry points after you seeing no more ants.
Step 2 – Create A Barricade Of Cinnamon
Use the cinnamon like a wall or fence to keep the ants trapped within a small vicinity. For example, if ants are entering through a crack through a window, sprinkle the cinnamon along the sill or on the ground near the window where they are travelling. Make sure that it encloses their path and there is no route to get around.
Step 3 – Apply The Corn Starch
Place the corn starch in the vicinity where you trapped them. Do not pour mounds of the starch but a hefty portion to supply enough for the entire colony.
Step 4 – Observe & Repeat
Over the next few days, examine the progress of your plan. You should see a gradual decline in ants within a couple of days. If you see progress, continue applying the corn starch and cinnamon as needed.
Remember, severe infestations will require more than a couple of spices and ingredients to eradicate the ants in your home. Professional pest service is recommended for severe or unresolved ant problems.
Please leave your comments below on your success stories using organic techniques or household goods. Good Luck!
Ants, Fleas, Spiders, Ticks
Unusual Pest Numbers from Unusual Weather Temperatures
A rant of frustration and discontent from unwanted pests in homes is usually not so prevalent in the winter months; however, pest season this year seems to be an all-year dilemma.
In most areas throughout the United States the temperatures way above the norm during the winter. The usual drop in temperatures during the winter impedes the activity and reproduction rate of insects. Since the temperatures were never quite chilly, the warm temperatures allowed the bugs to continue reproducing and have the larvae grow at normal, fast rates.
While a large portion of an insect population dies off during sub-zero temperatures, this year they were able to thrive and build up their army during the winter.
Some of the top performers during this pest season appear to be ants, fleas, ticks, earwigs, and black widows.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), June 2011 to June 2012 was the warmest 12-month period since record-keeping began in 1895.
The heat is not the only thing making critters of all size more noticeable. The drought that some parts of the country have been experiencing causes bugs to head indoors for moisture.
Inspect your pets for fleas often. Fleas are abundant are can easily attach themselves to animals in dog parks, lawns, or other areas with heavy pet traffic.
The Solution to Pest Problems
Effectively combating this pest invasion epidemic will require clean and tidy habits. A thorough cleaning of areas where food is cooked, stored, or eaten should be cleaned after use. Food and drink spills should not be left for the next day – clean immediately.
Outside you should focus on removing clutter in lawns. Compost or leave piles should be picked up or turned regularly. Store all wood piles at least a few feet from the structure of your home.
Implementing these tasks into your daily routine and in combination with a regular pest control service, you should have no problem with pest infestations this summer.
Ants, Bees, General Pest Control, Pest Control, Pesticides
Dog Friendly Pest Control Service
Homeowners often ask about their pest control service harming outdoor pets, specifically canines. The answer is simply no.
The treatments used to eliminate insects are strong enough to take out a group of insects but not potent enough to harm people or animals – just insects.
The concentration levels of the pesticides that are applied are low – less than %1 of the volume. It is commonly suggested by pest control companies that outdoor pets be kept indoors until the treated areas are dry, but the residual should not affect dogs or other pets.
Generally the treated areas will dry in about 1-2 hours after service. Then the dried pesticides residue will only have affect on the insects and bugs, not your dogs or cats.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides tons of useful information on pesticides and methods to protecting your family and pets.
Alternative Pest Control Options For Dogs & Other Pets
Integrated Pest Management techniques (IPM) are becoming a more popular method implemented in pest control service. Pest control operators are more conscious of the effect pesticides can have on the environment and responding by minimizing the use of pesticides.
Alternative options like reducing the frequency of service treatments and installing pest proofing techniques that do not require the use of pesticides have contributed significantly to the “green” pest control movement.
Rodent proofs and bee proofs have become a popular choice with homeowners. These proofing services seal all cracks and crevices in your home so that penetrating your home is impossible for invading pests.
Live Bee Removal is also a common service used to remove bees from a property without a drop of pesticides. The bees are collected using a specialized bee-vacuum and then transported to a beekeeper.
Botanical pesticides can be used to control your pests but more frequent visits and foul odors deter homeowners from using this alternative option. Many property owners perceive botanical pesticides to be ineffective. However, it is not that botanical treatments are ineffective – it’s that they require much more work at a higher cost to maintain.
The best strategy to prevent illness to pets that contact pest control treatments is to keep them off treated surfaces until the treatment dries – usually 1-2 hours.
