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!
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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?”
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.
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.
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.
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).
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
Spiders
Black Widow Spiders Are Being Replaced By Another Arachnid
There are varying degrees of arachnophobia that can cause reactions from a slight startle to a shrieking scream with a full sprint and flailing hands in the air. The sight of a black widow spider is no exception. This bright red hourglass, eight-legged creature has been causing unnerving scares to people since its existence.
But could these days of chilling terrors and spinning silk webs be over for the black widow?
We can’t say for sure but there is definitely some competition for living territories with the west coast’s new widow – The brown widow.
The brown widow has been spotted more frequently in territories that are expected to contain black widows, according to study researcher Richard Vetter of the University of California, Riverside. Agricultural settings are still predominately inhabited by black widows, but in urban settings the black widow seems to be displaced by this newcomer.
Researchers tested various habitats in Southern California where black widows would normally nest – including urban areas, farms, and undeveloped lands. Twenty times more brown widows were spotted at the 72 sites tested with the most common locations being underneath outdoor tables and chairs, and hidden within crevices of exterior walls and fences.
From a human standpoint, this may be good news since the brown widow spiders are less toxic and none (thus far) have been found inside homes or buildings. This occurrence can reduce the number and frequency of black widow spider bites in the region.
Currently, there are approximately 2,500 black widow bites every year in the United States. The venom released affects the body’s nervous system causing severe abdominal pain and muscle cramps. It is rare for a bite to be fatal – only commonly seen with small children and the elderly.
Black widows are native to Southern California, but the brown widow is no stranger to the United States. They were confirmed in southern U.S. by the 1930s and first spotted in Torrance, CA by 2003.
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.
Bees, Cockroaches, Mice, Pest Control, Property Managers, Rats, Realtors, Silverfish, Spiders, Ticks, Wasp
Are Foreclosed Homes Causing Pest Problems?
An ideal nesting spot for pests is an enclosed space that offers a nearby food source and has low foot traffic. You may consider these conditions all in one place a rarity but this type of environment commonly exists within residential neighborhoods and densely populated areas. They are typically referred to as foreclosed homes or abandoned properties – Yes; these are a pest’s paradise.
Pest problems within a foreclosed home can significantly increase the risk of pest infestations to adjacent properties. The pest population can outgrow the abandoned house and begin to overflow to other homes in the neighborhood.
Common Pest Infestations In Foreclosed Homes
Mosquitoes breed in pools and bird baths that have stagnant water from the lack of cleaning and rainfall. Rodents use unoccupied structures to nest and hide during the day, then travel to neighboring properties for food at night. Eventually the rodent population will become too large and will be forced to seek shelter elsewhere – possibly your home.
If conditions are right, honeybees will invade any home. It is possible to have a hive of thousands of bees neighboring your house. Be cautious of beehives and nests of other stinging insects during spring and summer months since this is when they are most active. The slightest noises or motions can disturb the nearby colonies.
Ticks can thrive in lawns that are unmaintained and contain high grass and overgrown weeds. Rodents or pets that run through these lawns are subject to become a host for these parasitic creatures, thus indirectly spreading them to your home. Keep your pets away from lawns that are not groomed.
Defend Your Home From Neighboring Pests
If a home near you is not maintained, you should contact the property owner. For foreclosed homes, the party responsible for the property is often banks or managing real estate companies. If no action is taken by the party you contacted, advise the municipal animal control services.
In the meantime, get regular pest control treatments to provide a preventative barrier protection around your property. Most pests will be unable to migrate into your home with bi-monthly treatments.
Applying weather stripping to doors and pest repellent screens to vents and windows is a great preventative measure to keep pests away. Also, seal any exterior hole the size of a quarter or larger on your home with gnaw-proof materials, including steel sheeting, hardware cloth, galvanized steel and concrete.
Pest Control, Pesticides, Rats, Spiders
Is Your Christmas Tree Causing Pest Problems?
The holiday season is time for celebration and reflection of yesteryear. Family and friends gather for gift exchange and hearty feasts. But the one element that significantly contributes to the festive season can put a damper on your Christmas events.
Many residents are spotting small pests in the vicinity of their Christmas tree. The unwanted holiday guests were aphids that can be spotted by carefully inspecting on the leaves of the trees or where the branches meet the base.
The infestation size can be from a few hundred to thousands. These tiny, green sap-sucking pests do not pose any health threat to you or your family but can stain carpets or like materials when smashed. And since your seasonal tree is a temporary, disposable home décor you won’t have to worry about the effects on the tree.
Farmers usually treat for aphids and other similar pests before placing them on the retail market, so these instances of pest problems are rare. Nevertheless, there are occasional circumstances that allow an aphid infestation to prevail.
Replacing the tree is a solution to eliminating the pest infestation in your home but will require temporarily taking down your decorations and transporting the infested tree to receive a new one.
An effective approach without evicting your current tree is to use a quality vacuum with a crevice tool extension. Do a thoroughly vacuum and inspect the tree afterwards. Spraying pesticides on the tree is not recommended. The treatment can pose a health risk to pests or children and leave you with hundreds of aphids dead on your floor – creating a huge mess!
Fake Christmas trees are also not a sure solution to avoiding pests. Artificial trees are ideal nesting locations for rodents and spiders. A thorough inspection is required of these trees as well.
Overall, this is a time to relax and enjoy your invited holiday guests. Don’t let bug problems stress you out.
Pro Pacific Pest Control wishes you a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!
Ants, Cockroaches, Fleas, Mice, Pest Control, Rats, Silverfish, Spiders, Ticks
The Complexities Of Pest Control For Apartment Complexes
The complexity of exterminating bugs in apartment complexes stems from a pest’s ability to easily move to other units. When treatment is applied in a specific area bugs can avoid baits by moving to other areas. Common or thin walls with shared plumbing and electrical wires are a pest control company’s kryptonite and a pest’s escape route.
Pests can congregate to only a few particular units within a complex because of accessibility and abundance of food and water supply. Small crumbs and leaking pipes are a perfect meal for nuisance pests like German roaches or mice. Inspecting pipes for leaks and thorough daily cleaning can lower your risk for pests invading your apartment unit.
But in most situations as the pest population grows within the complex, the infestation becomes more evenly distributed. Pest exterminators typically take one route to handle bug problems in multi-unit buildings.
A one-time treatment in the vicinity with a heavy pest infestation does not offer a lasting solution. As stated previously, bugs are able to avoid treatment by evacuating the treated area through shared walls. Only bugs in the immediate area will be eliminated, but the bugs that escape will eventually return.
To effectively eliminate bugs from each individual unit, the perimeter and outdoor areas must be treated first. This will eliminate bugs nesting outside the structure and in the landscape. The residue from the treatments will also help eradicate insects when they venture outdoors.
As the pest population thins out, the exterminator can narrow down the possible locations of the pest problem. The focus will be shifted to apartments still experiencing pest problems after exterior treatments. Affected units will receive indoor treatments and are inspected to identify potential pest entries. Sealing up the cracks and crevices with durable materials will prevent pests from entering your home. Your apartment home will be like a sealed box, unaffected by outside elements like bugs.
Remember, simple routine tasks like dusting and vacuuming go a long way in pest management. Pest control professionals are not the only ones that can prevent bugs from invading your home. You can contribute to not only keep bugs out of your home but also the homes around you.
Ants, Cockroaches, General Pest Control, Mice, Pesticides, Rats, Spiders
Protect Your Home In The Fall With Defensive Pest Control
With colder temperatures and shorter days occurring in San Diego, Riverside, and Orange County, your home needs a strong defensive pest control strategy to keep invasive bugs out. Nuisance pests like roaches, spiders, and crickets are attracted to your home in the winter months because of the warmth and lights.
The best defensive pest control technique is entry prevention. Seal all entries that pests can potentially enter to invade your home.
But effectively guarding your home from pests will not be an easy task. It requires a thorough inspection, ample time, and the ability to think like a pest. Identifying and sealing any crack, crevice, or opening in the exterior of your home is the first step.
Search every inch of your home for small cracks or large holes. Openings where pipes or electrical wire enter your structure should be plugged with caulk, cement, urethane expandable foam, or steel wool. Areas on the foundation where outdoor faucets, clothes dryer vent, and telephone cable wires enter can be overlooked. Pests and rodents will surely not miss these opportunities to enter your home.
Obvious entrances for bugs that are often overlooked are the entrance we use. Front doors and garage doors need a seal to exclude ants and other small insects. Exterior doors should have door sweeps. Make sure the bottom corners form a seal when closed. Garage doors need a rubber seal on the bottom.
Other common pest and rodent entries include windows, chimneys, and roof vents. You can prevent unwanted guests from entering these areas by installing wire mesh screens. Screen with the smallest gap is best.
Now that your home is protected, you’ll want to prevent pests from living on the exterior of your property.
Wood piles should be stacked neatly and stored away from the base of your home. Knock off bark on firewood before bringing indoors. Pests can hide within the wood blocks.
Also, wash out syrup and liquid from recyclables and don’t let the pile build up for too long. Unsealed cans or bottles provide shelter for roaches, ants, and flies. Clean out gutters from excessive debris as well to prevent obstructing the flow of drain pipes and providing harborage for insects.
Effective defensive pest control takes time and is a continual process to ensure new entries or unexpected pest infestations have formed.
A professional pest control service pairs best with defensive pest control. A pest-free home is a healthy home. Enjoy the refreshing feeling of living in a home without bugs or rodents.
Contact for effective pest control services & guaranteed solutions. Free inspections & estimates in San Diego, Riverside, & Orange County!
bed bugs, Cockroaches, General Rodent, Mice, Pest Control, Rats, Spiders
Haunted Houses & Spooky Activity Caused By Pests
Ghost hunters, paranormal investigators, or people fascinated by the supernatural would love to pin a definitive culprit to the spine-chilling events in haunted buildings. But with minimal proof of lurking spirits being the reason for the terrifying events, a more substantial explanation should be accepted: Pests!
A thriving pest population on your property can make your home easily resemble a haunted house. And bugs and rodents are the best at hiding so they can’t be seen – just like ghosts. Their unnoticed behavior can easily be translated into a false haunting.
Here are some occurrences that may seem like paranormal activity but are really pests making your home feel eerie this Halloween:
Disappearing Food On The Counter – It can be strange leaving some perishables on the counter and the next morning they have vanished. This mysterious happening can be attributed to rodents.These furry creatures are nocturnal. Most of their activity is done at night while you’re sleeping. If you are hearing scurrying in your attic or objects falling over, the culprit is probably a rat or mouse. So, don’t be alarmed if fruit you left out on the table is gone – blame it on the rat!
Blood Spots On Your Bed Sheets – Nothing is more spookier than waking up to find small blood spots on your bed sheets. But before heading for the hills, there is a logical explanation for this finding. The most common cause of this type of occurrence is bed bugs. Blood spots can be created on your mattress from rolling over bloated bed bugs in your sleep. This rapidly reproducing insect is creepy by itself. But an overlooked bed bug infestation can be even creepier. So, you don’t have to contribute this shocking find to vampires. To identify these blood-sucking pests, inspect bed seams or around the tags on your mattress.
Cobwebs In Every Corner Of Your Home – If you didn’t set up any Halloween decorations, then you have the real deal. Spiders are active around the Halloween season and they could be making their home in yours. These dual-fanged arachnids hide in the dark corners of your home. And while they don’t cause much commotion, the webs they spin definitely insinuate a haunted house appearance. Plus, what can cause more of a cringe than walking directly into a spider web. Dual bite marks and ghoulish webs are most likely caused by a spider infestation, unless you have up your seasonal decor.
Bacteria Lurking In Every Crevice – Although you may not be able to see it with the naked eye, it still does exist – creepy, huh? Bacteria is all around us, but cockroaches seem to spread it around like wildfire. The diseases and filth that a roach can possess will intimidate even the most vile zombie. A roach can probably spread around harmful bacteria faster than any other living (or dead) creature. Stop the zombie apocalypse by eliminating roaches from your home.
Noises In Your Attic– Have you ever awoke to scurrying or high-pitched squeals coming from your attic? While this seems like almost a guarantee that your place is haunted, again there is an easy explanation to all the ruckus. Bats, opossums, raccoons, or rodents of all types can be attributed to the disturbance from above. Although this doesn’t leave you at ease, we can now definitely rule out paranormal activity. If you are squeamish, a pest management professional can help “exorcise” the problem. Bat, often compared to vampires and Dracula, these flying rodents have a laundry list of myths stated about them. Although, bats do hang upside down and some feed on blood, it is unnatural for a bat to attack a human. However, bats can roost in your attic and are nocturnal mammals like rodents so any commotion you hear at night can be bat, rodent, or wildlife activity.
Hopefully this article provides some explanation and relief for the disturbing things going on in your home. Maintaining a pest-free home will not only reduce the scare factor in your home but create a healthy environment.
Ants, Bees, Birds, Cockroaches, Fleas, Mice, Pest Control, Rats, Silverfish, Spiders
Pest Control Tips To Maintain A Pest-Free Home
Keeping pests away from your home doesn’t have to be rocket science. You can prevent pest infestation with a few simple steps & household products.
If you already have a severe pest infestation, you may want to consider a professional pest control company. But if you’re looking to maintain and prevent pest problems, you can do this yourself!
Here are some pest prevention tips to keeping nuisance insects, rodents & birds out of your home:
•Use Door Sweeps & Screens – Install door sweeps on exterior doors and repair damaged screens.
•Use Screens On Structure Openings – Apply screens on vents and openings to chimneys to make it impossible for pests to enter.
•Seal All Cracks & Crevices – Seal all holes (areas where electrical wiring and pipes enter structure) and crevices on the outside of the home.
•Put Foods In Secure Containers -Keep food concealed in airtight containers and dispose of garbage regularly in sealed receptacles.
•Thoroughly Clean Areas With Food – Kitchens and dining areas should be free of food crumbs and particles (food left on dishes are a perfect meal for rats)
•Inspect Structure’s Exterior – Replace loose mortar and weather stripping around the basement foundation and windows.
•Fix Water Piping – Eliminate all moisture sites, including leaking pipes and clogged drains.
•Keep Coverings Away From Base of Home – Maintain wood and mulch piles and keep them preferably 20 feet away from the house; keep shrubbery well-trimmed.
•Trim Overhanging Branches – Pest can easily climb from tree branch to your roof and gain access through roof openings.
Continue to thoroughly inspect screens and sealants for damage & keep an eye out for any signs of pests (droppings, smells, etc). Effective pest prevention requires including some of these tips into your daily routine.
Ants, Cockroaches, Fleas, Pest Control, Silverfish, Spiders, Ticks, Wasp
How Often Should I Receive Pest Control Service?
Endless questions arise in a homeowner’s mind when a pest infestation occurs. How did the pesky bugs get in? Will they go away on their own? Can I remove the pests myself? Should I call a pest exterminator? Which pest control service should I get?
We understand…there is lots to ponder to ensure you effectively remove the bug problem while spending the lowest possible price. And we’re here to tell you there is actually a happy medium with effective pest control & pricing. Our regular pest control service keeps bugs away all year at a price you can afford.
The most cost-effective pest control is a bi-monthly pest control service. A pest control technician will provide treatment every other month and thoroughly inspect every corner of your property for potential pest problems. You’re fully protected from pests!
Why the bi-monthly service, you ask?
Well, a one-time treatment is a temporary solution. Sure, we guarantee our one-time pest control services for 30 days, but what about after that? Then, you’re in the same susceptible position as before for trails of ants and a mess of cobwebs & spiders.
After the first few services on the bi-monthly pest control plan, all nuisance pests in your home will be eradicated & a more preventative approach is taken. Our technicians will continue to treat targeted pests & areas but put a heavier emphasis on identifying potential pest problems. And usually at this point, pest problems can be controlled from the exterior of your property.
We also recommend service every other month because pest control products will generally remain effective for two months. After two months, the pest control products should be reapplied.
Another great feature of our bi-monthly pest control service is free re-treats between services. If you notice bugs on your property between service, a technician will come out promptly to eliminate the pests – at no additional charge. Basically, a bi-monthly pest service gives you pest control whenever you need it.
What about your other pest control options?
You can also buy pest control products from a hardware store. But you are buying products available at a consumer-level. Commercial pest control products, only available to licensed pest control applicators, are more effective and targeted.
Are you willing to put in the time, effort, and money into do-it-yourself pest control products? You may end up purchasing multiple products before you find one that effectively treats your pest infestation.
You will also need to know where to apply the DIY products. There are techniques to attracting pest to the products and effectively exterminating the problem. Our pest control technicians are licensed and trained on how to strategically treat targeted areas and pests.
Get on a bi-monthly pest service today
Receive bi-monthly pest control at only $69 every other month. You will receive effective pest control treatments & a knowledgeable pest control specialist. We’ll be like your very own personal pest control technician.
Get answers to anything about pests, have your pest control requests fulfilled, and enjoy a pest-free home!