An ominous buzzing followed by a streak of yellow and black – and all of a sudden, it’s panic at the backyard barbeque! Here in the Pacific Northwest, we’re no stranger to stinging insects. With the warm weather of spring and summer comes all manner of creatures buzzing through the air. Our expert discusses bees and wasps and the differences between each.
While the different species of bees serve an incredibly important role for the environment and our everyday lives, the many varieties of wasp are likely to be more aggressive. Knowing how to spot the distinctions between these insects will give you peace of mind outside, so we’ve prepared a guide to help you differentiate between bees and wasps. Our bee expert walks you through the key differences and is always ready to help with advice on safely managing, protecting, and preserving bee colonies.
Bees and wasps look so similar because they are closely related. Both belong to the insect order, Hymenoptera, and share a variety of traits. There’s a vast number of both bee and wasp species, and this can sometimes make correct identification difficult even for the experts. That being said, here are some general ways to tell the two apart.
Appearance of Bees vs. Wasps
An example of a hairy bee.A wasp
Bees tend to appear more round and large when compared to wasps and are generally thicker through the middle (with bumblebees being especially big and round). Wasps are typically thinner than bees, with longer bodies, legs, and wings. Wasps (especially Yellow Jackets, which are known as the “common wasp”) often have a thin waist where their thorax and abdomen meet.
In regards to color, while both are known for being black and yellow with stripes, this is only sometimes the case. Bees tend to have more tan, brown, or orange coloring mixed into the areas we would normally think of as “yellow,” while wasps are more often the bright yellow we expect.
One of the easiest visual differentiators is that bees are most often hairy, while wasps are not.
Do Bees and Wasps Sting Differently?
Probably the difference you’re most concerned with. Both varieties sting, but in different circumstances and with different results. Honeybees, specifically, die upon delivering a sting – unlike wasps and other bees. Wasps can and often will sting a target multiple times, and the venom they deliver is usually much stronger. Bees, even those that can sting multiple times, are largely non-aggressive creatures, and will only sting as a last resort when defending their nest or their life. Even then, bees can be seen issuing warnings to interlopers by flying over or into them before becoming violent. If a bee approaches you away from a hive, they likely don’t mean any harm and shouldn’t be feared. Wasps, on the other hand, can be very aggressive depending on the species and can sting with minimal provocation.
As mentioned above, bees tend to be far more cool, calm, and collected than their wasp relatives. As pollinators, bees have important jobs to perform, and it’s very rare for them to go out of their way to be aggressive, especially when unprovoked. Bees don’t like human food, and they can be spotted around flowers and bushes.
Wasps are full of anger, and while one isn’t likely to sting you for no reason, many species are highly aggressive and not afraid of confrontation. Wasps love meat, trash, and human food – so if something is pestering you at the grill or the picnic table, it’s probably a wasp.
Bee or Wasp Problem at Your Home? Get Professional Help, Fast
Bee swarm
It’s all summer fun and games until you spot an infestation. When bees are swarming or wasps have turned your shed into their new fortress, you want the problem gone, as soon as possible. Because of the threat these pests can pose, it’s always advisable to call in the pros. That’s where Bug Zapper comes in. Our expert staff has experience in dealing with all types of wasp, hornet, and yellow jacket, and our trained beekeepers are masters of beehive relocation. We offer same-day service, and all of our treatments are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Want the bees, waps, or other pests gone? Schedule a consultation today and let our bee experts put your worries to rest!
How can you get rid of ants is the first thing that comes to mind when facing an infestation. If you see ants in your home, there can likely be many more you are not seeing. An ant infestation: you hate to see it and definitely want to avoid it. Taking preventative measures, in addition to using expert ant control services, will keep these pesky invaders at bay and is how to rid your home of ants.
They’re the worst possible roommate. They don’t pay rent, they make a mess of your pantry, and they seem to multiply overnight. Yep, we’re talking about ants in Oregon, and how to get rid of them. It never fails: one ant enters your home, others follow, and all of a sudden an entire colony has settled in for the long term. Whether you’re dealing with carpenter ants, odorous house ants, or another species, ants won’t just go away on their own. And if you’re using a store-bought ant solution, you may be making your ant problem worse. But don’t worry – we’ve got some steps you can take to help prevent ants from entering your home, and some tried-and-true solutions for Oregon homeowners to get rid of ants for good.
Ants love Oregon’s mild, moist climate. Carpenter ants scale lush trees to access your home via the roof, while odorous house ants find cracks in your foundation and simply slip inside. And once inside your home, ants quickly acclimate to the warmth, shelter, food, water, and comfort of your home. What starts as only a few scattered scout ants can seemingly overnight morph into a steady line of ants ready to take advantage of your warm walls and stocked pantry. But before you reach for that Raid or jar of cinnamon, take a deep breath – there are some better solutions to tackling an ant invasion.
The Truth About Raid
We’ll be straight with you: using store-bought ant killers is a bad idea. A close look at the label can tell us why. Most products labeled as “ant killers” are pyrethroid-based. Products with pyrethroid often fail to eliminate ants, and can often make your infestation worse. Because while pyrethroids kill ants quickly – well, kill a few ants quickly – the product never has time to travel back to the queen and colony. Consequently, a few worker ants are killed, but these are quickly replaced by a productive queen, hidden away from the treated area. Additionally, pyrethroid products are repellents, which means they push insects away. This actually encourages ants to move or divide the colony, resulting in ants “popping up” in new rooms or previously uninfested areas – or worse, they break apart to form satellite colonies.
What About Terro And Other DIY Ant Killers?
Good question! This might seem like the logical next step after Raid or other pyrethroid-based ant killers. But in an effort to make DIY products – like Terro – safer for the general public, these products come in a less potent concentration that pest management professionals are allowed to use. One example of this is Terro Liquid Ant Baits. This product, commonly available to homeowners, has a 5.4% Borax active ingredient. The counterpart used by licenced pest professionals is 10% Borax – almost twice as potent! It’s no wonder that, while Terro occasionally works, it often just leaves homeowners frustrated.
Like the defensive line of the 1970’s Pittsburgh Steelers, a good defense can be a winning strategy to rid your home of ants. Sure, we’re talking about ways to preventative pest control to protect your home from ants, but the same principle applies. Here’s a couple of solid defensive strategies for protecting your home from ants:
Seal entry points: Check for cracks around windows, doors, and utility penetrations. You can seal or caulk around frames, providing extra security on the exterior of your home.
Remove food sources: Ants can find even the tiniest crumbs, so make sure all available food sources are cleaned up or stored in containers. This especially applies to pet food and dishes.
Trim outdoor plants: Cut back or remove plants that are touching the exterior of your home – these are basically ladders to your house for plants. It’s also a good idea to eliminate any bark mulch that touches your foundation.
Even with the best defensive strategies, you still might need to end on offense. Ant infestations don’t get rid of themselves, so at some point, you’ll need to call in the experts.
Our Comprehensive Ant Elimination System
At Bug Zapper, we’ve developed a powerful proprietary ant elimination system to eradicate ants. Our scientifically developed ant control products, combined with our meticulous application method, make pest-free living a reality. We leverage three strategies to ensure your home or office remains free of pests:
Time Delay: Our ant extermination products have a time delay, which allows worker ants to interact with the products and bring them back to the heart of the colony. By the time the products activate, they’ve been spread throughout the colony and to the queen, allowing us to effectively eliminate the entire colony at once.
Proper Application: Without the right application, even the best products won’t effectively eliminate ants. To ensure every service is as effective as possible, we provide extensive, hands-on training and ongoing education to every Bug Zapper technician. This allows us to consistently deliver exceptional results and outstanding customer service every step of the way.
Preventative Solutions: Our goal is to help you live pest-free year-round. After treating an ant infestation, our technicians will suggest preventive measures to help keep future ant colonies away from your resilience. We’ll take a close look at your home and landscaping to identify and close off potential entry points.
Once your ants are eliminated, we suggest a follow-up ant control treatment every two months to make sure new ant colonies never even get started inside your home.
New Ant Baits And Elimination Products
Over the last few years, ant control within homes has changed in major ways. Professional new ant baits and elimination products have allowed us to guarantee effective ant removal.
Research And Development
Ant bait formulation has been and continues to be the subject of substantial research, organized to determine what flavors and formulas are most readily accepted by foraging ants. These studies have led to a greater understanding of seasonal changes and needs within ant colonies. At Bug Zapper, we are able to use this research to supply the right bait at the right time to quickly eliminate ant colonies with menial product exposure to home occupants.
Streamlined And Effective Ant Control
New technology only requires a mere 20 percent of the foraging colony to pick up and transport ant killing ingredients back to the remaining 80 percent of the colony. This streamlined form of ant control has never been so effective. In fact, ants cannot detect this new elimination method, and a delayed effect allows them to transport the product deep inside the colony before the entire colony – including the queen – is killed. Rather than acting as a band-aid to the problem by simply repelling ants, these innovative new products kill the whole ant colony within a few days.
Ant Control In Oregon: Our Guarantee
Because our Bug Zapper technicians use the best grade commercial products to protect your home, children, and pets from ant invasion, you can be sure that our method will work. Unlike box store products that never seem to do any good, our professional control methods are so effective that we guarantee our ant control treatments 100% of the time.
Contact us today to learn more about our permanent ant elimination service.
If you are done with ants, then contact us here or call to join our ant free family.
No one likes unwanted guests – especially when they aren’t even human! Just how are these rotten pests getting in, anyway? Well, there are a number of ways motivated and capable critters might be using to get inside your home. Doorways, cracks, foundations, vents, and access points around the roof are some of the common ways bugs get into your home.
The good news? We know what they are and how to address each, so the problem can be solved. It’s time to kick the worries out with the pests! We walk through the top ways pests are getting in and how you can protect each area of your home with a few simple steps.
What are the Most Common Pest Entry Points into the Home?
Doorways and Windows
Gaps around doors and window frames are often the greatest culprit when it comes to pests entering your home. In many cases, homeowners have exterior doorways with sizable gaps that allow pests to squeeze inside… and these gaps may be newly formed. Because doors endure so much use and wear, it’s easy for openings to form over time. Additionally, the natural shifting of home foundations and house “settling” can widen spaces around your door frames.
It’s important to check the seals around your doors and windows at the start of every season. Even the smallest gap or crack can be a welcome invitation to pests. Spiders and insects (even the biggest cockroaches) are capable contortionists, but so are rodents. Mice are even able to fit through gaps as small as ¼ inch! If daylight can pass through an opening from the outside, so can a wide variety of household nuisances.
Weatherstripping can be added to windows, door jambs, and door frames to create tight seals, and door sweeps can be attached to the bottom of doors to fill-in gaps. Window screens and screen doors with holes should be replaced, and windows should also be carefully inspected for any cracks or spaces around the seals. Garage doors can also present opportunities for pests if the door doesn’t make a proper seal against the ground, a garage door specialist can replace the rubber strip at the bottom of the door.
Foundations and Siding
The walls of your castle can be a huge vulnerability if left unchecked. Shifting ground and weather conditions can put cracks in your home’s foundation or gaps in your home’s siding. Even if these gaps appear too small to worry about, they might not be; spiders and other insects can pass through openings the width of a credit card. Exterior caulk and foundation gap fillers should be employed to seal any openings around the base and walls of the home.
Vents
Exhaust vents in the side or roof of your home carry out furnace fumes, remove excess moisture, and balance interior air pressure – so they’re important openings into your house. But that doesn’t mean critters of all sorts can’t use them for entry. A screen or metal mesh can be placed over these vents to prevent pests like squirrels or roof rats from coming inside – and many homes already have these screens in place. Screens should be added and maintained, but for overall home safety, it’s important to never obstruct air flow out of these ventilation components. Cracks or gaps around these vents should be treated the same as all other exterior gaps and should be filled with exterior caulk or roofing tar.
Landscaping Features
If that beautiful tree in your yard is getting too close to your roof, it may turn into a problem… and not just for the roof. Plant limbs and gardening features can act as highways into your house for opportunistic pests. All tree limbs, shrubberies, and plants should be regularly trimmed back from roofs and walls to prevent access. Debris and clutter in the yard or around the exterior of the home should be eliminated to remove possible foraging and breeding grounds for pests. Firewood – and all other forms of wood, cardboard, or paper – should be stored a minimum of 20 feet from the home in order to prevent termite and carpenter ant infestations.
You
Once the house is sealed and bridges for pests are removed, your home still has one major vulnerability: you. Your family, your pets, and you yourself might be carrying unwanted hitchhikers into your house. These stowaways might be dreaded bed bugs, fleas, ticks, or other advantageous insects.
Here, caution is key. When traveling, check the furniture for bed bugs ahead of time. When you return home from a trip, inspect your luggage carefully, and unpack on a hard surface. Clothes and luggage should be washed immediately after arriving home.
Additionally, it’s not a good idea to bring “free” used furniture in from outside. It may be free now, but you’ll be paying for it later.
To keep fleas and ticks at bay, inspect yourself, your children, and your pets when returning home after outdoor activities.
Let Bug Zapper Transform Your Home into a Fortress
Do you need a 100% guarantee that your home will be secure? We’ve got you covered.
At Bug Zapper, we’re not just the #1 ranking pest control service in Oregon – we’re also licensed, bonded, and fully insured specialty contractors (Oregon CCB #153907) – and no pest exclusion job is too big or too small for our team. We tailor all of our exclusion, prevention, and treatment plans specific to the customer. Every homeowner and home is unique and special, and we believe every treatment plan should be, too! We’re famous for our amazing customer care and outstanding services, and that’s why we’re able to back every job with a 100% guarantee of quality and satisfaction.
Spring in the Pacific Northwest, means longer days, warmer weather, lush natural spaces, and… unwanted visitors in your home. Along with the spring showers and beautiful flowers, you might have noticed a few (or more) pesky little ants scavenging around your house.
If ants are more active in your home this spring, you may be asking yourself why. Ants are more active in the spring for a couple of reasons. Ants are drawn to food and water resources, and in the spring are often driven indoors to escape the spring rains and to find a food source. Ants become more active in spring as they begin to emerge from a dormant state and are on the lookout for a new area grow their colony. So they are drawn to a place that is warm and dry and where water and food are accessible. With that in mind, if your home is prone to getting ants, one important piece of advice is to be very attentive to food droppings and crumbs and to not leave any food out and uncovered. Be sure to wipe down counters often with warm soapy water. Keeping up with your cleaning crumbs and food debris will go a long way to discourage the ants during the spring.
It’s also important to note that ants may also be drawn to the habitat and environment around your home. Plants, trees, and even houseplants may encourage ants. Ants are naturally drawn to sweet-smelling flowers and plants are usually damp and provide a coveted source of water.
Be aware that if you are seeing ants there’s a good chance that a colony may be nearby. Once these scouts report back to their colleagues (informing them of a great real estate deal featuring lots of free food and water), your home could be rapidly invaded. The good news is that with a little knowledge and preparedness, you can have the edge you need to stop ant infestations before they start. We’ve put together our best advice on why you are seeing ants, and what you can do about it.
Keep the Ants Out
Ants don’t hibernate in winter, but they do enter a dormant state during the cold, resource-light months. During this period, the ants survive off of foods they have stockpiled during the previous summer and fall. Temperature fluctuations in the early spring can prematurely awaken dormant ant colonies, who then begin searching for new sources of food. When temperatures are still low during this period, ants scouting for resources are driven to search areas that are warmer and provide a greater amount of food sources – and that means they’re headed to your house… if you let them. When foraging ants locate a source of food or water, they lay a pheromone trail that acts as a map for other ants to follow. The good news is that, with a few simple measures, these ants can be easily deterred.
Ants are attracted to sources of food, and that can be something as seemingly small as crumbs under a counter, grains of sugar in a corner, or a single dried spot of a spilled drink. For this reason, keeping a clean kitchen and dining areas is one of the most important practices to maintaining an ant-free environment. Remember to clean up after meals, wipe down surfaces, and thoroughly vacuum spaces where food debris may be present. Food should not be left out, spills should be cleaned immediately, and dirty dishes shouldn’t be left in the sink or on the counter for extended periods of time.
Practice Proper Landscaping
Ants and other pests can be living in debris on your property, and they can use certain landscaping features to acquire access to your home. All debris and roughage can harbor ant populations and should be removed. Tree limbs should be trimmed away from roofs and walls, and plants and shrubs should be trimmed at least two feet from the exterior walls of the home. Mulch, firewood, and lumber should also be stored a minimum of two feet from the home, and grass (and other plants) should not be allowed to grow against your home’s foundation.
Eliminate Moisture
Ants need steady sources of water to maintain a colony, and so they like to build nests near areas with persistent moisture. All leaks, water damage, and faulty drainage around a structure should be repaired immediately for proper ant prevention. Basements, crawlspaces, kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and any spaces below these areas should be inspected for leaks or standing water. Leaking faucets, pipes, or AC units should be immediately repaired. Gutters, downspouts, and splash blocks should be maintained to ensure water is properly carried away from homes and foundations.
Seal Entry Points
Finally, points of ant ingress into the home should be eliminated. This means sealing all cracks and gaps along your house’s foundation, utility pipes, siding, windows, and doors. Crevices should be filled with exterior caulk (or mortar, for large openings in concrete), and damaged or inadequate weatherstripping must be replaced. Holes in screens for windows and doors should be repaired, and deteriorating wood or shingles around the home’s exterior need to be immediately replaced.
Leave Ant Infestations to the Professionals
Preventative measures and inspection of your home will give you the upper hand against ants this spring, but even the most prepared and protected house can still fall victim to these persistent pests. Ant infestations are frustrating, and effective treatment can be tricky to achieve without potentially exacerbating the problem. Do-it-yourself products are plentiful in the market, but these products often only achieve temporary results, and many DIY compounds contain active ingredients that cause ant populations to divide into multiple colonies that become harder to track and treat. Bug Zapper technicians have special, professional-grade compounds that get the job done right – and our industry expertise allows us to completely GUARANTEE that every ant control service will be 100% effective.
If you need help with ant prevention, identification, or total elimination this season, don’t hesitate to contact our staff of licensed, knowledgeable, and friendly technicians. Experience the Bug Zapper difference, and let us help you start living a life free of obnoxious ants!
The beautiful Northwestern spring is here… and that means the pests are back, too! But with a little preparedness and know-how, this year you’ll have the upper hand. Here are some of the most common problem pests that Pacific Northwest residents face with the onset of spring, and how you can keep them out of your home.
The beautiful Northwestern spring is here… and that means the pests are back, too! But with a little preparedness and know-how, this year you’ll have the upper hand. Here are some of the most common problem pests that Pacific Northwest residents face with the onset of spring, and how you can keep them out of your home.
What Pests Are Active During Springtime And How Can I Treat Them?
Ants
Ant activity often increases in the spring as colonies go into a form of hibernation in winter months, and so spring is an especially busy time for them as they reawaken and head back to work foraging for food sources (like those that your home may offer). Ants send scouts to locate significant sources of food, water, and shelter, and these scouts then send pheromone signals to attract more worker ants. Because of this, even a sighting of a scant few ants in the home can be cause for worry. Some common ant varieties in the region, like “odorous ants,” largely serve as a nuisance, but other varieties, like “carpenter ants,” can cause significant structural damages when left unchecked.
How to Prevent Ants From Entering
DIY preventative measures for ants include the sealing of gaps and cracks in the exterior of the home, as well as debris removal and proper landscaping practices. Outside plants should be kept at least two feet away from exterior walls, and plant and tree limbs should be trimmed away from exterior walls and roofs to greater prevent ant access to the home. Debris near the home should be removed, trash and refuse should be properly stored, and pet food should be secured inside in a sealed bin. Ants are also attracted to sources of moisture, so all leaks and standing water around a home should be eliminated. Gutters, downspouts, and other drainage systems should be inspected for proper functionality.
What To Do If Ants Enter Your Home
If you encounter an ant infestation or possible signs of one, DIY removal methods are not recommended. The products sold at garden and hardware stores contain repellent ingredients that often divide ant colonies and make infestations worse, with only short-term, surface-level results. As licensed pest control professionals, Bug Zapper technicians not only have the skills and experience to solve your ant troubles, but also the ability to administer safe, commercial-grade ant control substances that achieve incredible results.
Rodents like mice and rats pose a year-round problem, though the period of “spring cleaning” is often the best time to reassess points of rodent entry into the home. Rodents carry a myriad of dangerous pathogens and diseases, and they can also spread fleas and ticks to our furry friends. Additionally, rodents and their strong teeth can be a serious source of home and property damage.
How To Prevent Rodent Infestations
To prevent rodent incursions into the home, all openings, cracks, holes, and gaps in structures should be filled-in with caulk. Mice can fit into spaces as small as ¼ inch, so any spaces larger than the end of a pencil should be filled. Attic vents, chimneys, and pipe openings should be screened with mesh. Debris and clutter both inside and out of the house should be removed, as these can provide nesting and foraging space for rodents and other small critters. Trash and pet food should be secured in sturdy containers, and food-related spills and messes should be immediately and thoroughly cleaned.
Effective rodent inspection and proofing can be a tedious, difficult, and demanding job – and that’s why Bug Zapper has expert technicians like Nathan Rohan who understand how mice and rats think, and what keeps them out. If you need a 100% guarantee that rodents won’t get into your home, check out our completely chemical-free methods of long-term rodent exclusion.
Spiders
Now that insects are back out and about, so are their arachnid predators. It is a common misconception that spiders die off when winter comes, as many varieties actually enter hibernation during the winter season. The space they choose for this hibernation can even be within the home, in small spaces like those behind furniture or under baseboards. Three spiders of note live in the PNW region: the hobo, giant house, & the western black widow.
How To Prevent Spiders From Entering Your Home
As with other pests on this list, sealing of gaps and removal of debris around the home are effective ways to prevent spider entry and reduce foraging spaces. Additionally, to help prevent spider surprises or spider bites, clothes and other items should be kept off of floors, and wearable items like boots and gloves should be kept in sealed containers or inspected before being worn.
Spiders, while seemingly a nuisance, are often beneficial members of the ecosystem that eliminate other pests. However, black widow spiders are the most venomous spider variety in the US, and should be regarded with extreme caution. If you are bitten by a black widow, it is necessary to immediately seek medical attention. If you have questions about spider removal or identification, don’t hesitate to give Bug Zapper a call!
Wasps
Wasps, yellowjackets, and hornets are among the most common spring pests and are quite possibly the nastiest. They are social creatures, and will aggressively attack anyone that threatens their nest. Wasp varieties like the “paper wasp” die-off at the start of winter, with only the queen entering hibernation. With the arrival of spring, the queen will emerge to build a new nest and begin a new colony. As the spring season begins, it’s important to be aware of wasp activity and possible nest construction near, on, or inside the walls of the home.
Buildings and property should be inspected for stinging insect activity. Wasps construct grayish, papery nests under eaves, on gutters, beneath porches, or on other corners and ledges. Yellowjackets build nests under the ground, or within trees or bushes. A buzzing sound can often be heard near nests.
What To Do If You Spot A Wasp’s Nest
If you spot a wasp, yellowjacket, or hornet nest, it’s best to leave it to the experts. Bug Zapper’s team of pest control technicians use professional-grade safety equipment and commercial repellent products that eradicate whole colonies in mere minutes. These products are so effective that they not only kill wasps but also prevent their return!
An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure
As with all things, preparedness goes a long way. Full-scale pest infestations are costly and emotionally taxing, not to mention the lasting damage they can have. That makes it all the more important to thoroughly inspect, secure, and protect our living spaces this spring. If you need help with pest identification, prevention, or elimination this season, don’t hesitate to reach out to Bug Zapper’s expert staff of fully licensed and knowledgeable professionals. We’ll tailor-make a preventative treatment plan that fits your individual needs, we’ll do it right the first time, and we’ll keep those pests out for good. Our staff and methods are so incredible that we’re able to offer a guarantee of 100% satisfaction on every one of our services, so don’t be a stranger, and contact us with any of your questions or needs today!
Winter is finally almost over, and lush green leaves, birdsongs, and warm sunshine are about to fill the air again… but the bugs and pests are coming, too!
Unwanted visitors may already be prowling around the edges of your home, awakened from their winter slumber and searching for weaknesses in your property or structure. Throughout Oregon, spring is the time for many homeowners to start up their pest control program. Here are some tips on getting started, and how you can help get the maximum results from your pest control services from Bug Zapper. The good news is with some simple preventative measures, a little professional help, and a head start, those pests won’t be able to gain an inch in the battle for your home!
Hey, follow me, I know a nice house nearby!
Inspect and Seal Entry Points to Your Home
Most pests that become active in spring are capable of crawling into your home through incredibly small spaces or gaps – and that doesn’t just mean spiders and insects. Rodents like mice can squeeze their bodies to fit into openings as small as ¼ inch! As snow melts and home foundations shift, new gaps, cracks, holes, and other openings can appear in your structures. Homes should be thoroughly inspected for new entry points every spring, both inside and out. Holes or breakages in doors, windows, screens, and moldings should be repaired, and caulk should be used to seal any gaps in the home larger than the end of a pencil. Attic vents, pipe openings, and chimneys should be screened.
If you don’t know where to start, have challenging entry points to find and seal, or if you just have a few questions, Bug Zapper is here to help. No pest exclusion job is too big or too small for our team of licensed, bonded, and fully insured specialty contractors (Oregon CCB #153907). Our results and 100% satisfaction guarantee speak for themselves!
Just like us, pests need to eat and drink to stay alive – and they aren’t going to enter your home merely looking for shelter. Pet food can be a big attractor to pests, and should always be stored inside, in a sealed container. It is also not recommended to leave pet food out overnight. Counters, kitchens, and other eating or dining spaces should be cleared of all crumbs or leftover food residue. Additionally, water and moisture should be managed to eliminate pest drinking and living spaces. Attics, basements, crawlspaces, kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms should all be inspected for the presence of leaks, moisture, or standing water. All leaks or drips should be fixed, and gutters, downspouts, splash blocks, and sump pumps should be checked to ensure that all water is being directed away from homes and structures.
Remove Trash and Debris
Removal of clutter and trash is one of the most effective methods to reduce pest foraging, hiding, and nesting spaces in or around the home. Yards and other exterior areas around the home should be properly cleaned and maintained. Clutter should be removed from basements, garages, and interior spaces. Garbage dumpsters or trash cans should remain closed and properly sealed. Plants and tree limbs should be trimmed away from roofs and exterior walls, and all firewood should be stored at least 20 feet away from the home. Wood, cardboard, and paper products can serve as rodent nesting materials or as food for termites, and should therefore be cleaned up or removed.
Get a Professional Treatment and Inspection
Professional evaluations and treatment plans are the final step to ridding yourself of the most persistent and invasive pests. Bug Zapper service professionals are ready to put their incredible knowledge, training, experience, and grade-A customer service to work on turning your property into a veritable fortress against pest invaders. And at Bug Zapper, no prevention or control solution is ever one-size-fits-all. We work with every customer to tailor-build a treatment plan that fits all of their wants and needs, and every single service provided is backed by our famous customer care and 100% guarantee of quality and satisfaction. Our treatments are safe and effective for you, your family, and your pets. On top of that, pest-proofing also has the added benefit of making homes more energy-efficient and weather-resistant, leading to reductions in heating and cooling bills. We offer prevention services, one-time treatments, and ongoing plans, all at fair and affordable rates.
Oregon’s diverse environment is home to various creatures, including several species of roaches. In this blog, we’ll delve into the different types of cockroaches that residents might encounter in the Beaver State.
Identifying the Types of Roaches Found in Oregon
There are three main cockroach species that are prevalent in Oregon. These are the German cockroach, Oriental cockroach, and American cockroach. Let’s take a look at each one.
German Cockroaches
In Oregon, the German cockroach is the most prevalent species. German cockroaches reproduce rapidly and have the potential to infest a home entirely in a short period. It’s not only found statewide but also globally, posing potential health risks, especially to children.
Distinct Characteristics
To recognize a German cockroach, note that adults are smaller than many other roaches, measuring about a half inch in length. Their light caramel-brown bodies are elongated, but the most distinguishing feature is the two dark stripes located just behind their head.
It’s essential to differentiate between young German cockroaches and their mature counterparts. The younger stages are dark and small, lacking the distinctive stripes behind the head. Surprisingly, they closely resemble the young stages of American roaches.
Life Cycle and Reproduction
German cockroach populations undergo a life cycle known as incomplete metamorphosis. It starts from an egg, then the nymph stages, and finally the adult stage. A single female German cockroach can produce several egg capsules in her lifetime, with each capsule containing 30-40 eggs. This rapid reproduction is why infestations can quickly spiral out of control.
Habitats and Hiding Spots
Primarily, German roaches are found inside buildings, but in warmer months and when their numbers swell, they can be spotted outside, especially near trash dump sites and dirty areas. Their preferred habitats are within electronic devices and electrical outlets.
Initially, they tend to populate kitchens, hiding in electrical outlets, refrigerator compressors, toasters, microwaves, coffee makers, and kitchen cabinets.
As their numbers grow, German roaches expand their territory, moving to bathrooms and eventually bedrooms. Typically, they’re nocturnal creatures, becoming more active at night, especially when their numbers are few. Daytime sightings often indicate a significant infestation.
Prevention
Understanding their behavior and preferences is key to preventing an infestation. Here are some preventative steps:
Maintain cleanliness to deter these pests.
Vacuum regularly to remove food particles and potential egg casings.
Store food in sealed containers.
Promptly repair any leaks to deprive them of moisture.
Remember, German cockroaches are vectors for diseases such as E. coli and salmonella. They can also trigger allergies and asthma, particularly in children. If you suspect a German roach infestation, it’s crucial to seek professional intervention. These pests are resilient, necessitating specialized treatments. Thankfully, our trained professionals are well-equipped to handle them, understanding their habitats, entry points, and behaviors.
Oriental Cockroaches
The Oriental cockroach is a common pest that can be easily identified by its distinctive appearance and habits. Almost black in color with a penchant for damp environments, these roaches pose potential health risks if they invade living spaces. Here’s what you need to know about identifying this particular pest.
Distinct Characteristics
How can one recognize Oriental cockroaches? For identification, focus on their size and color. Oriental roaches are almost black, exhibiting reddish undertones, and measure between 1 to 1.25 inches in length.
They bear a resemblance to beetles, equipped with wings but lacking the ability to fly. Their bodies are distinctly flat with a glossy exterior. A notable trait is their affinity for moisture, which leads them to frequent areas close to toilets, sinks, and exposed plumbing indoors.
Life Cycle and Reproduction
The life cycle of an Oriental cockroach spans about a year, depending on the environment. The female produces around eight egg capsules in her lifetime, with each containing about 16 eggs. Once hatched, nymphs undergo seven to ten moltings before reaching adulthood.
Habitats and Hiding Spots
Like most cockroach species, Oriental cockroaches thrive on decomposing organic matter, showing a preference for dim, moist environments. While they are predominantly outdoor pests, they commonly inhabit areas like water meter boxes, underneath leaf piles, and in the vicinity of trash containers.
When found indoors, it’s usually in spaces below the ground, such as basements or crawl areas. Their inability to navigate smooth surfaces can sometimes trap them in bathtubs. A significant concern with Oriental roaches is their penchant for water and sewage, making them potential carriers of harmful bacteria.
If they invade kitchen areas, there’s a risk of transmitting these bacteria, which can lead to various health issues like food poisoning and gastrointestinal troubles.
Prevention
Often mistaken for palmetto bugs, the Oriental cockroach is a moisture-loving pest that can pose significant health risks if not managed properly. Below are some prevention tips to keep infestations at bay:
Manage moisture; use dehumidifiers in damp areas.
Fix leaky pipes to minimize water sources.
Ensure good ventilation, especially in basements or crawl spaces.
Oriental roaches traverse through sewers and decaying matter, making them potential carriers of germs and pathogens. A clean home is less attractive to these pests and can mitigate health risks.
Should you encounter Oriental roaches in your living space, know that solutions are available. Our technicians utilize professional-grade products to effectively and swiftly eradicate these pests.
American Cockroaches
The American cockroach, often mistaken for a palmetto bug, is a sizable pest distinct in its appearance and behavior. As we delve deeper, we’ll explore their habits and common hiding spots within homes.
Distinct Characteristics
Known for its size, often measuring between 1.5 to 2 inches or even larger, this reddish-brown pest boasts an oval shape and wings that allow it to fly short distances. Although known to dart quickly when exposed to light, it’s not just their speed that’s noteworthy; their feeding habits and preferred hiding spots make them a unique challenge in pest control.
Life Cycle and Reproduction
American cockroach nymphs undergo several molting phases, taking around 600 days to mature into adults. A female can produce up to 90 egg capsules in her life, each containing about 15 eggs. This species has a longer life cycle compared to the German and Oriental cockroaches.
Habitats and Hiding Spots
American roaches have a diverse palate. While they favor decaying organic matter, they aren’t picky eaters. From book bindings and paper to cloth, syrups, and sweets, they can consume a wide variety of materials.
So where might one encounter these roaches indoors? Typically, they seek out dark, secluded areas. Basements, crawl spaces, and even sprinkler irrigation boxes are among their favored spots. Additionally, they can be found lurking around tubs, inside clothes hampers, drainage pipes, or outdoors under broken concrete.
Prevention
One of the more recognizable types of cockroaches, the American cockroach, is known for its size and speed. While not as rapidly reproducing as the German cockroach, its resilience makes prevention paramount. Below are tips to prevent an infestation:
Ensure proper home insulation to deter these warmth-seeking pests.
Seal cracks and gaps around the home.
Store food properly, using airtight containers.
Like other roaches, American cockroaches can carry pathogens due to their scavenging habits. Regular home inspections and professional treatments can reduce the risk they pose.
Managing American cockroaches requires a strategic approach. Given their adaptability and diverse hiding spots, tailored solutions are essential to tackle their presence effectively if a cockroach infestation has already taken hold. Enlisting professional help can ensure a thorough assessment and application of the most effective treatment to keep these pests at bay.
Are Cockroaches Found throughout Oregon?
Absolutely. Roaches have been found in various cities across the state. The influx of people moving to the Northwest from warmer climates, where cockroaches are more common, has significantly contributed to the rise in cockroach populations.
Both urban areas, including prominent regions like Portland, and rural settings are not immune to these pests. Their prevalence is often linked to areas with suboptimal sanitation, providing them ample opportunities to feed and reproduce. Unfortunately, the inadequate sanitation practices observed in some cities can inadvertently encourage their growth.
However, it’s not just large cities that face this issue. Smaller towns are equally vulnerable. Cockroaches have a knack for infiltrating spaces in numerous ways. They can hitch a ride inside cardboard boxes, groceries, appliances, and other household items.
Due to their small size, they can easily conceal themselves in minuscule cracks and gaps, finding entry points into homes. Once inside, their stealthy nature allows them to remain hidden, often going unnoticed as they prefer dark, secluded spots.
Stop a Roach Infestation in Its Tracks Today
To address this pervasive issue, Bug Zapper offers integrated pest management and cockroach control solutions that are both swift and highly effective. Leveraging our deep knowledge of common cockroach behaviors, we tailor our approach to suit the unique challenges each roach species presents, ensuring complete cockroach elimination from all corners of your home, office, or living space.
Don’t take chances with your health. All roaches spread disease and are nasty. Call us at 541-672-6339 or contact us here to schedule a 100% guaranteed roach cleanout and prevention treatment today.
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Call or Text 541-636-0146 or contact us here to schedule today.
Bed bugs are one of the few pests that truly terrify people. A professional bed bug inspection and treatment will identify the extent of the problem and quickly eliminate the unwanted pests.
If you suspect you have bed bug bites—likely because of the tell-tale red bite marks they leave on you and your family members—it can lead to anxiety and fear, which can feel uncontrollable. Scheduling our team of bed bug experts is the easiest way to restore the peace of mind you and your family deserve.
Bed bugs are notoriously difficult to find and wipe out, but preparing for bed bug extermination will help our experts do their job: the specialized work of finding where the bed bugs are, learning how far these creatures have traveled, eliminating them, and making sure that the proper steps are taken to prevent a re-infestation
Here are some things you need to know about the process of preparing for a bed bug treatment so you can eliminate your family’s worries.
Step 1: Bed Bug Inspection
Having a professional inspect for bed bugs as part of the first treatment allows a trained technician to make adjustments in the treatment plan based on the following:
What life stage the bed bugs are in
Where they are getting their feeding source
Where their shed skins, eggs, breeding grounds, and travel lines are found.
By completing an exhaustive search of your home, our experts are much better equipped to craft a treatment plan that will eradicate adult bed bugs and their offspring quickly.
A typical bed bug inspection is completed just prior to completing treatment and takes about 30 minutes to complete. A professional will check your beds, nightstands, baseboards, couches, sofas, wheelchairs, and any other places where people sleep, relax, or watch television for an extended duration.
Once the inspection is carefully completed, you will be provided details regarding our findings. In the event of mistaken identity, we’ll give advice on what to do next.
Step 2: Bed Bug Treatment
How to Prepare Your Home for Bed Bug Treatment
Our bed bug inspection and treatment is completed on the same visit to avoid delays in effectiveness. Prior to our arrival you’ll need to ensure that your home is ready for the inspection and treatment of bed bugs.
Prepping your home for a bed bug extermination takes time. Following these steps in advance to prepare your home for a bed bug treatment will help ensure the fastest results.
(Warning: Completing every step is mandatory to a successful treatment. If all preparation steps are not completed upon arrival, then your first treatment may need to be rescheduled.)
Pick up clothes on floors and hanging over chairs and run through a hot dryer cycle for a minimum of 40 minutes. Place, these clean dry clothes in a large garbage bag sealed at the top until the treatment has been completed.
Cabin beds/beds with built-in storage. Remove all clothing items from these storage areas and dry at high heat for a minimum of 40 minutes. Place these clothes in a large garbage bag sealed at the top until the treatment has been completed.
De-clutter. This will assist in removing potential bed bug harborages. Check items for signs of infestation.
Move all furniture items away from the walls to allow access to the baseboards around the entire room.
It is not necessary to remove clean clothing or other items from drawers or cupboards unless these items within 5 feet of a bed or clearly infested (visible bed bugs). Ornaments and other items can be left in place.
Vacuum baseboards to remove dust build-up from these areas. Remove the vacuum cleaner bag or contents of the canister, place in a plastic bag, and dispose of in the trash can outside your apartment/home.
Cover fish tanks, terrariums, and small animal cages with a clean towel or sheet.
Dismantling of bed frames will be performed as part of the service program. If your bed frame requires special tools to dismantle, please have these tools available for your technician.
We will remove the cheesecloth on the underside of each box spring for the required treatment application.
Finally, remove all sheets, covers, dust ruffles, comforters, pillows, and any other bedding covers from your mattress and box spring in all bedrooms being treated. Wash all bed linens in the hottest water possible and then run through a hot dryer cycle for a minimum of 40 minutes.
DO NOT RE-ENTER TREATED AREAS FOR 4 HOURS AFTER SERVICE.
DO NOT SPRAY ANY PESTICIDES OR CLEANING PRODUCTS IN TREATED AREAS AFTER THE TREATMENT. THIS WILL RESULT IN CONTROL FAILURE.
IT IS ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL THAT SLEEPING LOCATIONS NOT BE CHANGED AFTER THE INITIAL INSPECTION. CHANGING SLEEPING LOCATIONS CAN PULL BED BUG INFESTATIONS TO NEW AREAS OF THE HOME AND INCREASE THE TOTAL TREATMENT COSTS.
Allow the treatment time to work, do not clean, or remove the spray barriers. In most cases, barriers will have been applied in inconspicuous areas, but if the infestation was suspected behind baseboards or electrical outlets, a 2” spray barrier may have been applied on the wall above or around these installations. Under certain lighting conditions, these barriers may be visible. Leave these in place until you are certain that the infestation has been eradicated. The barrier will remain active for up to 3 months if left undisturbed but is easily removed with kitchen or bathroom cleaner when required.
Our bed bug treatment process is 100% effective and is used in hotels, apartment housing, homes, and many other locations all over Oregon. One of the reasons our bed bug treatment process is so effective is that we are highly detailed. No corners are cut, no steps are skipped.
When the inspection and treatment process is carefully followed, we have no doubts about the effectiveness of our service, and we can confidently guarantee complete bed bug eradication.
What Happens after We Treat for Bed Bugs?
Usually, after a bed bug service, your technician will explain the extent of the infestation found, the locations of the bed bugs, and details regarding the service performed. Follow up services will be performed as needed 30 days after the initial service to ensure 100% eradication of bed bugs.
Live bed bugs may be visible for 2-3 weeks after the treatment. Affected bugs may be seen wandering in unusual places, this is a sign that the treatment is working. Remember that bed bugs may not leave their harborages for a number of days after treatment, and nymphs hatching from eggs will not be affected until they cross a spray barrier. However, all bed bugs will die within 3-7 days after coming into contact with treated areas. Please contact our office at 541-636-0146 if you still see live bed bugs 30 days after treatment.
It’s important to note that rather than using heat treatments that are expensive and potentially damaging to your belongings, or using harsh chemicals in your home, we use a natural product developed within the last few years. It uses natural spores that attach to the bodies of bed bugs that cross treated areas. Foraging bed bugs will bring our product back to other bed bugs in hiding and spread the product before dying. Essentially, that allows the product to be effective without directly spraying every bed bug on site. That’s important because bed bugs are incredible at hiding and can go weeks without coming out.
Our detailed inspection and treatment leads for 100% guaranteed results, that are much safer, faster, and less expensive than alternative options.
Why DIY Methods Fail
While there is nothing wrong with trying to solve a bed bug problem yourself, the success rate of those who attempt it is quite low. More often than not, the infestation seems to go away but only returns in the weeks to come. This can be very costly, and mixing store-bought pesticides is a dangerous idea. You may end up exposing yourself and your family to harmful chemicals. Not only that, but if those DIY chemicals are not effective and you call a professional in, the chemicals you applied will signifcantly slow down the effectiveness of a professional treatment.
Also, most do-it-yourself products act as repellents, which means they can push bed bug populations away from treatment areas into other parts of the room or into other portions of the house. This makes the whole problem much more difficult to solve.
As a general rule, removing bed bugs from a home on your own is a much-bigger job than you’ll initially suspect it to be, and it’s going to take diligence, time, and multiple treatments with very carefully chosen products applied just the right way to make all of it work. A misstep or unknown factor during DIY treatments can end up multiplying the cost of treatment several times over. In short, going it alone for bed bug removal is generally a bad idea.
Got a Bed Bug Infestation? We Can Help You with That!
Professionals have the experience, equipment, and knowledge to eliminate bed bugs in all stages of their life cycle. These experts can also provide you with advice on how to prevent future infestations.
Bed bugs really are a solvable problem, and we’ll act promptly to restore peace to your home and your life. If you think you have bed bug activity at home, call all or text (541) 636-0146 for information today!
Well, it’s finally happened. You’ve put months of effort into perfecting your lawn. Your garden is thriving, and your grass has never been greener. But one morning you wake up to find the dreaded mole mounds dotting your yard.
Now you’re wondering how to get rid of moles from your lawn. While you might be tempted to use a tried – and not-so-true – home remedy like chewing gum or car exhaust, now might be a good time to take a breath, identify the source of the moles, and leave the situation to the experts.
Moles in Oregon are a major problem, we know; we receive calls from customers with mole problems daily who want to know if moles can be controlled, and we’ve caught many, many moles. First, let’s take a moment to examine just what a mole is, why it does what it does to your lawn and how to remove moles from your lawn.
What Are Moles?
Contrary to popular belief, moles are not rodents, but insectivores. They’re more closely related to hedgehogs, shrews, and even anteaters than they are to gophers or other rodents. Most of the mole’s closest relatives either live underground or feed there. Moles can be active year-round and are known to occasionally push up a new mound even in snow! They do try to store food for the colder months when their activity will often be subdued, but moles are not above tunneling even in freezing temperatures.
Moles primarily feed on earthworms, beetle grubs, ants, and other arthropods and animals found in the soil. Moles eat just above the grass-root level, creating a trap door effect. As bugs and worms move through the loose soil, they fall into the tunnel system. The moles simply circle around the tunnel system and pick up food – a lot of food. Moles can eat up to a third of their body weight per day – up to 50 lbs of worms in a year! So although it may appear they are eating your plant and grass roots, moles are actually after worms, and in the process of feeding, they inadvertently kill the grass by separating the roots from the soil. In this regard, moles probably serve a check-and-balance role in soil ecosystems and in nature. Their tunnels also provide some aeration, and allow the rainwater to access some areas – and thus probably help to promote plant and tree growth.
When Are Moles Most Active?
You’ll probably notice most mole activity in the spring and fall, especially on damp days or following rain showers. This type of weather makes it easier for moles to tunnel or push up mounds. When the ground surface becomes frozen during winter – or very dry during summer – moles retreat to their deeper burrows. Do mole hibernate? This is a common misconception. Moles do not migrate or hibernate during winter. In fact, they remain active and are able to go undetected in the winter months.
Spring is also mating for moles. Mating occurs during February and March, with a single litter of three to five young born in late spring. Young moles grow rapidly, and they look and behave like adults at about one month old. Young moles may use their families’ burrow system for up to six months before dispersing to establish their own burrow system nearby. So if you notice increased mole mounds or tunnels during the spring, it might be a good idea to take action and contact your local mole removal experts.
While moles serve a vital role in the ecosystem, you probably still don’t want them hanging around your yard. Because once moles have created a tunnel system through your lawn, they’re on a roll – literally. The most prevalent type of mole in our region, the Townsend mole, can dig at a rate of 18 feet per hour. And if they are already inside a previously excavated tunnel, they can run up to 80 feet per minute – forward or backward – underground. And to make matters worse – yes, worse than 80 feet per minute – moles dig two types of tunnels, surface runways and deep runways:
Surface runways are feeding tunnels just below the soil surface. They are commonly seen as the raised ridges running through lawn areas. Moles are capable of extending these runways by 100 feet per day! Subsurface runways may be used daily, revisited at irregular intervals, or may be used only once for feeding and then abandoned. Generally, few or no mounds are produced as the result of the production of subsurface runways.
Deep runways are located between 3 to 12 inches below the surface. They are used daily as the moles travel to and from subsurface runways. The soil excavated from deep tunnels is deposited on the surface through short, vertical tunnels in volcano-like mounds. Mole mounds, unlike the gopher’s horseshoe-shaped mound with a central round plug, are round and lack any noticeable hole or plug.
Unfortunately, the number of mounds or subsurface runways cannot be used to estimate the number of moles infesting a lawn. Generally, one acre of lawn supports one to three moles at a time – and one mature mole can create a dozen mounds in one week.
Differences Between Moles and Gophers
While gophers prefer vegetation, moles prefer worms and grubs, and occasionally small insects. There are three types of moles in our region, but by far the most prevalent is the Townsend Mole. They range about 5-8 inches, depending somewhat on age, and they are the largest moles in North America. They can dig approximately 18 feet per hour, if needed, and if they are already inside a previously excavated tunnel, they can run up to 80 feet per minute forwards or backward underground. Moles in Oregon seldom leave the protection of their tunnels and do not venture above ground unless they have to (fear of a predator, such as a snake, or flooding of tunnels).
Gophers:
Gophers eat plant matter and unearthing their tunnels often reveals a cache of roots stripped from nearby plants. They often have a density of 30+ per acre and live in short linear tunnels often only 15 feet long. The main tunnel is easily detected due to a series of mounds in an approximate line. Frequently gophers are found on hillsides with dry rocky soil. Gopher mounds are easily identified by their horseshoe shape containing a round plug about three inches in diameter near the center of the mound.
Moles:
Moles seem to be the most evasive of home remedy controls. These little devils can each make hundreds of mounds per year and often only 6 are found per acre. They eat worms and traverse extensive tunnel systems containing deep (10-12″) and shallow (4″) tunnels. Their mounds look like little volcanoes and have an uncanny ability to tunnel along any hard landscaping surfaces like sidewalks or lawn edging.
Gopher Mounds
Mole Mounds
Call In The Mole Removal Experts
We get it: you’re frustrated and ready to try anything to remove moles from your yard. But we’re begging you to put down that bottle of Tabasco sauce. Common “home remedies” to mole infestations are usually ineffective – we’re looking at you, chewing gum, auto exhaust, and dryer sheets – but thankfully, our trained technicians are here to help. At Bug Zapper Pest Control, our trained technicians trap moles and gophers to remove them, with a 100% success rate. We provide mole removal services for city parks, commercial sites, and homeowners. Our success rate is 100%, and often we achieve complete mole eradication overnight or within a few days. And every mole removal service we provide is 100% guaranteed for three full months. So if you’re fed up trying to think like a mole, schedule an appointment with us today.
The first step to winning the war on moles and gophers is contacting us for a free estimate. We know how to get rid of moles and gophers promptly and expertly. Cleanout trapping service starts at $295 and is based on yard size and infestation density.
Contact us to learn more about mole removal and additional pest removal services Bug Zapper Pest Control provides.
Ants are fascinating creatures known for their industrious nature and complex social structures. However, when they invade our homes, they become unwelcome guests, foraging for food and water and often building colonies within our living spaces. Food preparation areas, such as a kitchen counter with a few sugary treats or spilled juice, are very appetizing places for ants to collect.
But we can’t just think of our food as an ant’s only meal source. There’s plenty more to attract and feed them than what didn’t make it into your garbage can.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what attracts ants to a home, how they find their way inside, and how to prevent infestations. We’ll also discuss ways to prevent ants from seeking out water in your home and offer advice on safe ant-removal methods, including when to know if it’s time to call for professional pest control.
Why Do Ants Invade Homes?
Ants are primarily attracted to homes for two essential resources: food and water. Understanding their behavior and motivations is the first step in effective ant prevention and control.
Ants can get their food supply from the following:
Human food. Ants are opportunistic feeders and will readily exploit any available food sources in your home. This can include crumbs and even pet food left out in the open.
Sugars. Many ant types have a sweet tooth. They are attracted to sugary substances like syrups, honey, and sugary drinks.
Proteins. Certain ants, like the grease ant, are drawn to protein-rich foods, such as meat, dairy products, and grease.
Plant-based foods. Some ants, such as the smelly house ant, are attracted to plant-based foods like fruits and vegetables.
Ants are thirsty little buggers. They require water to survive, so they are naturally drawn to damp areas in your home. Not only are they looking for a drink at the moment, but they actually carry it back to their colonies to store. These are where ants get their water:
Moisture. Leaks and high humidity can provide a constant source of moisture. During dry seasons, you may see ants trying to make their way in and spending time under your leaky faucets. Ants will also find moisture—not just food—in your houseplants.
Condensation. Ants can also extract moisture from condensation on windows, walls, and appliances.
Ants First Need a Way into Your Home
Ants don’t just build colonies underground or in sidewalk cracks. They are one of the most common insects to make your home their own. But before ants can make a snack out of pet food or the droplets of spilled watermelon juice you didn’t notice, they need to find a way inside. Given their size and sheer will, ants won’t have a difficult time finding their way into your home.
Open windows and doors are the most obvious option and the easiest to remedy. However, they’re savvy enough to find the smallest of cracks or gaps in walls, vents, baseboards, and even foundation walls so they can find a safe place to build their colonies. They want a space that’s warm (and we know that warmth is often provided by a nice, damp room), close to food and water, and dark—and once they’re in, they can cause a lot of damage to walls, wiring, and insulation.
Plants, Trees, and Flowers Are Ant Bait
Although ants might not be the first pests we associate with harming our house plants, they are indeed drawn to them. Flowers and fragrant plants lure ants, and occasionally, ants even act as pollinators. They prefer low-lying plants with smaller flowers, with some exceptions. In particular, ants are most drawn to peonies, which are not known for their small size. These ants can often be seen foraging on flowers, gathering nectar for their food supply.
Ants are highly adaptable creatures with diverse dietary preferences, so another reason you may see ants on your flowers and potted plants is the nectar left behind from aphids. Many ant species, including the notorious Argentine ant, engage in a mutualistic relationship with aphids. Ants “farm” aphids on plants, protecting them from predators and “milking” them for honeydew, a sugary secretion. In return, ants provide protection and even transport aphids to fresh plants. This relationship often takes ants to trees and plants where aphids are present.
They may also be attracted to your plants and trees for a very different reason: these two are a bridge into your home. We’ve already determined that ants want a safe, dark home, and the plant life surrounding you may be their way in. Where possible, creating distance between your home (or any openings in it) and trees or plants will be helpful if you’re noticing an ant infestation.
Dealing with Carpenter Ants and Fire Ants
Carpenter ants and fire ants are two types of ants that can pose specific challenges when they infest homes. Carpenter ants nest in wood and can cause structural damage. To get rid of carpenter ants, locate and remove the nest by following worker ants to their colony. As with other ant species, eliminate moisture sources that attract carpenter ants. And if all else fails, consult a pest-control professional for severe infestations, since locating and treating carpenter ant nests can be challenging.
Meanwhile, fire ants are known for their painful stings and aggressive behavior, but you can control fire ant colonies or mounds with bait or insecticides. Maintain a fire ant management plan for your property to prevent re-infestation.
How to Prevent an Ant Problem in Your Home
Preventing an ant infestation starts with eliminating the reasons for what attracts ants: reducing the ants’ access to food, water, and entry points. Here are some effective preventive measures you can take before you decide to call pest control.
Food Sources
Keep all food, especially sweet foods, stored in airtight containers.
Clean up crumbs and spills promptly.
Avoid leaving pet food out overnight.
Regularly clean kitchen appliances, like toasters and microwaves, to remove food residue.
Rinse recyclables before placing them in recycling bins.
Water Sources
Fix all plumbing leaks promptly.
Keep sinks, drains, and countertops dry.
Store wet towels and dishcloths in a dry location.
Empty and clean pet water bowls regularly.
Check for and seal gaps around pipes and drains where ants can access moisture.
Repair leaky pipes and faucets.
Use a dehumidifier to reduce indoor humidity.
Ventilate damp areas like basements and crawl spaces.
Fix roof and gutter issues to prevent water intrusion.
Entry Points
Seal cracks, gaps, and holes in your home’s exterior using caulk or weatherstripping.
Install door sweeps on exterior doors.
Trim branches and vegetation near your home to prevent ants from using them as bridges.
Use a commercial or homemade insecticidal soap spray with Castille soap to get rid of aphids infesting your plants.
While you can’t stop watering your plants if you want them to survive, you can use an insecticide or diatomaceous earth on the soil, which is safe for people, pets, and pollinators but deadly to ants.
Getting Rid of Ants at Home Safely
When dealing with an ant infestation, it’s crucial to prioritize safety and choose the right approach. Use bait traps and ant baits containing slow-acting pesticides to allow ants to carry the bait back to the nest, effectively eliminating the colony. Avoid using harmful chemicals that can pose risks to pets, children, and the environment. Consult with a pest control professional if the infestation persists or if you have concerns about the type of ant species involved.
When to Call for Pest Control
While many ant infestations can be managed through preventive measures and DIY solutions, there are situations where professional pest control assistance is necessary:
If you have a recurring or severe ant infestation that persists despite your efforts
If you suspect the presence of carpenter ants, as locating and treating their nests can be challenging without professional expertise
When dealing with potentially dangerous ants like fire ants, professional intervention is strongly recommended because of their aggressive nature and painful stings
Getting Antsy Because of Your Ant Situation? Contact Us!
If you’re worried your ant problem is more than just a few bugs surrounding leftover cookie crumbs, don’t try fixing these things by yourself. Let Bug Zapper help you! With our personalized approach, high-quality and effective products, and expertise, we can get rid of your ant problem efficiently. Call us today to learn more about our pest control services.
Understanding what attracts ants to your home, their sources of food and water, and their nesting habits is key to effective prevention and management. By adopting preventive measures, safely addressing infestations, and seeking professional assistance when needed, you can keep your home ant-free and enjoy a pest-free living environment.
Ultimately, ants are looking for the same thing all of us want: a safe, warm place to live and eat. While you shouldn’t make your home any less safe or comfortable, you can make it harder for ants to enter or even less desirable for them to stay long-term.
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An ominous buzzing followed by a streak of yellow and black – and all of a sudden, it’s panic at the backyard barbeque! Here in the Pacific Northwest, we’re no stranger to stinging insects. With the warm weather of spring and summer comes all manner of creatures buzzing through the air. Our expert discusses bees and wasps and the differences between each.
Contrary to popular belief, moles are not rodents, but insectivores. They’re more closely related to hedgehogs, shrews, and even anteaters than they are to gophers or other 
