Pest Info Hub
Do I really need pest control?
Pest control is vital to your health, wellbeing, and safety. Insects and rodents not only pose a risk to your health and wellbeing, but they can also cause property damage.
Should I be worried about ANTS in my home?
One of the major concerns with ants in the home is the potential for food contamination. Certain species, such as carpenter ants and fire ants, can cause damage by tunneling through wood structures, leading to expensive repairs. Ants hold the title of the longest-living insect, with some species living up to 30 years. Ants are also the strongest creatures on Earth relative to their size, capable of carrying up to 50 times their body weight. The Jaw Ant holds the record for the fastest movement, with its jaw closing at an astonishing 140 miles per hour.
How do I know if I have BED BUGS?
Bed bugs are naturally elusive as a survival tactic. During the day, they remain hidden in places like mattress seams, box springs, baseboards, behind electrical switchplates, in picture frames, and even under wallpaper. However, at night, the carbon dioxide we exhale often lures them out of their hiding spots to feed.
While you may not see actual bed bugs, the telltale signs of a bed bug infestation include dark brown or black stains on the mattress from their excrement, along with bloodstains where bed bugs may have been accidentally crushed.
COCKROACH Concerns!
Cockroaches are incredibly resilient creatures, capable of surviving under harsh conditions. Remarkably, they can live for up to a week without their head due to their open circulatory system, which allows them to breathe through tiny holes in their body. They can also hold their breath for up to 40 minutes and go without food for an entire month. With more than 4,000 species around the world, cockroaches are not just a nuisance but also pose significant health risks. They are known to spread dangerous diseases such as salmonella, E. coli, Staphylococcus, and gastroenteritis. Additionally, cockroach droppings, shed skin casts, and saliva are common allergens that can trigger asthma and other allergic reactions in humans, making them a serious health concern.
Fascinating FLY Facts
Flies are fascinating yet problematic creatures, known for their ability to taste with their feet, thanks to sensors located on their tarsi (feet). They reproduce rapidly, which contributes to their large populations, and their fast digestive systems result in frequent defecation, a key factor in spreading diseases. Flies are capable of transmitting up to 65 diseases to humans, including foodborne illnesses and other infections.
RODENT Risks!
Rodents, including rats and mice, are persistent and destructive pests. Their teeth never stop growing, which drives them to gnaw on a variety of materials to keep them trimmed. These creatures are notorious for spreading up to 35 diseases to humans, with salmonellosis, hantavirus, and rat-bite fever being some of the most common. Rodents can reproduce rapidly, with females having up to 15 litters per year, each containing 10-12 offspring. This prolific breeding can lead to significant infestations, resulting in extensive damage to property and crops. If you suspect a rodent problem, look for droppings, gnaw marks, or listen for the sounds of chewing and scratching, as these are common signs of their presence.
Why it's important to protect your home from TERMITES!
Termites are among the most destructive pests, causing an estimated $30 billion in damages across the U.S. each year. They damage approximately 600,000 homes annually, silently eating away at wood and causing extensive structural harm. Termites consume wood at a rate of 2-3% of their body weight per day, which adds up quickly in a larger infestation. Their most distinctive signs include the presence of brown, mud-like material and tubes, discarded wings, damaged wood, or bubbling paint, which are indicators of active feeding and tunneling. Early detection and treatment are essential to prevent significant damage from these relentless pests.
Fast Facts about FLEAS
Fleas are incredibly prolific pests, with adult fleas laying up to 50 eggs per day, leading to rapid infestations. These parasites are known to carry a range of diseases and harmful organisms, including dog tapeworms and bacterial infections. One of the most notable diseases they transmit is Bartonella henselae, the bacteria responsible for Cat Scratch Fever, which humans can contract from infected cats. Fleas feed on blood, often biting up to 15 times a day. Signs of a flea infestation include bites on the ankles, feet, and lower legs, small brown bugs jumping on you or your pet, and flea dirt, which looks like pepper on bedding or carpets.
SPIDERS in Missouri
Missouri is home to over 300 species of spiders, including the venomous brown recluse and black widow. While these species can be concerning, most spiders are harmless and play a crucial role in the ecosystem by helping to control insect populations. Interestingly, spiders are not considered insects, as they have only two body segments, compared to the three body segments that define insects.