Latest news with #Terminix
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Spider Season Is Here—These Expert-Approved Tips Will Keep Them Out of Your Home for Good
To keep spiders out, seal up entry points, keep your home clean and clutter-free, eliminate other bugs they feed on, and tidy up your yard. For stubborn infestations, calling in a pest control pro can help identify the species and create a targeted treatment plan. Though they're not ideal inside the home, most spiders are harmless to humans except two dangerous species to watch out are a scary-looking bunch. They have their eight legs, beady little eyes, some fur (that is often microscopic), and fangs! This combination of features can be terrifying, but thankfully most spiders (which are part of the arachnid class that includes scorpions, ticks, and mites) are harmless to humans and can be beneficial to their natural environment—they indirectly help with pollination and consume pests like mosquitos! So while spiders certainly have their positives, they're not exactly the most desirable housemates. If you're dealing with creepy-crawlies, there are steps you can take to remedy the situation—we asked a pest control expert for their best tips and advice on how to keep spiders out of your house. Related: 7 Surprising Mistakes That Could Be Inviting Spiders Into Your Home Fear not! There are plenty of steps you can take to ensure you'll be spidey-free. Because spiders are so itty-bitty, they can navigate through the cracks and crevices of your home with ease. According to Jay Dihonov, ACE, PCQI, Technical Services Manager at Terminix, the most frequent points of entry are windows, doors, roof eaves, foundation cracks, and ventilation openings. He suggests addressing many of these zones by doing the below: A weather-flexible caulk or sealant should be used to eliminate any cracks or openings. Any damaged door strips and sweeps should be replaced preventing access to the inside. Proper screening mesh material should be used behind the crawl space and attic vent openings. Placing caps over the fireplace chimney and exhaust pipe openings should be completed as well. A well-maintained home bustling with lots of activity is not an ideal location for spiders. Dihonov explains, 'Spiders prefer dark, undisturbed areas like stored boxes in basements, attics, closets, and areas of the home that don't get much daily activity, as well as under and behind furniture.' Constantly tidying up is a must to keep spiders at bay. He suggests vacuuming both inside and outside the home, recommending the long extension of your vacuum to reach all the corners, nooks, and crannies. (When you're done, always empty the vacuum or dispose of the collecting bag.) A dusting tool fitted with a telescoping handle can be used for web removal as well. He adds, 'Clutter is the ideal invitation for them—a pile of clothes on the floor, accumulated garbage bags, holiday decorations scattered around and so on.' So it's crucial to keep things in order. Dihonov says the only way to truly deter spiders is to minimize the insect activity around your home. 'No prey means no food for them and they will move away searching for it. So pest-proofing your home is the biggest deterrent in spider control,' he says. You can opt to use chemical-free solutions to curb eight-legged guests, such as essential oils and homemade concoctions (like soapy water), but Dihonov notes those will only go so far, saying 'The results are objectively unreliable with short-term relief in the overall issue.' He does say that mint, lavender, and lemongrass have natural insect repellency. According to him, 'Incorporating those types of plants into your garden, flower beds, or exterior perimeter can reduce the overall pest pressure and help decrease the attractiveness of your home to spiders, as well.' So if you want to go the natural route, that's probably your best bet. However, he adds that the best and time-proven method of reducing spider activity around your home is to keep your home in good physical condition by utilizing preventative, sanitation, and mechanical measures. You've addressed the interior of your home, but you really shouldn't forget the exterior—that's where they're coming from after all! Dihonov says there are many important steps you can take to decrease the attractiveness of your home to spiders, such as: Sealing or screening doors, windows, and other gaps around the structure. Move lights to off-building locations or simply point the lighting towards the house rather than having them on it. Change the bulbs near the entrance doors or the porch from the bright white to the yellow hue ones. Keep both inside and outside premises free of debris and clutter. Mow your grass to 3 inches or less, and keep other vegetation trimmed and away from the building. Remove any new spider webbing that you see and inspect your house at least monthly for that. If you find that the spiders have seriously taken over your home, and the actions you've taken to mitigate this haven't helped, it might be time to call a professional. Dihonov recommends taking a high-quality, clear photo of the spider (or even capturing one in a plastic zip top bag or jar) to help them identify the species. He says this 'is paramount in preparing a comprehensive plan of attack.' A thorough inspection will be performed, and insect monitors might be placed around the home. He details the rest of the process saying, 'An outside perimeter treatment with approved chemicals will be completed as well. Physical removal of webbing and possible spider egg sacs will take place. Some trained professionals also offer exclusion services.' There are over 3,000 types of spiders in North America but a majority of them are safe to coexist with! However, Dihonov warns of two spiders that are major threats to humans—the brown recluse spider and the black widow spider. Brown recluses are primarily in the South, but black widows can actually be found across the country. Dihonov strongly recommends inspecting these outdoor areas regularly so they don't creep into your home: Firewood or rock piles Behind siding or rain gutters and downspouts Any electrical or cable boxes Foundation cracks and gaps Under decks and patios Window shutters Under the eaves and corner gathering areas Related: 7 Bad Habits That Are Attracting Bugs to Your House Read the original article on Real Simple
CBS News
02-07-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Asian needle ant's sting left Massachusetts man feeling sick: "I could feel the pain spreading."
Man says he was stung by Asian needle ant near his backyard pool Man says he was stung by Asian needle ant near his backyard pool Man says he was stung by Asian needle ant near his backyard pool A Massachusetts man said the sting of an Asian needle ant left him feeling sick. The invasive insect has been spreading across the U.S., and experts say their venomous sting can potentially be deadly. Norman Chipman was cleaning his backyard pool in Bridgewater in June when he felt a pain in his hand. "I didn't really pay attention to it until it kept stinging me," he said. "That's when I looked down and saw that it was an ant." Painful sting He shook the ant off and kept going about his business - but the sting kept hurting. "I could feel the pain spreading a little bit throughout my hand," Chipman said. "After about 20 minutes I started to just not feel well. I got a little bit of a headache, just felt lethargic." He said he continued to feel sick the next day, but has felt fine since then. Chipman said it was a "good-sized" ant, and he fished more out of his pool. He said pest control company Terminix confirmed he had Asian needle ants on his property. "I thought, this might be the one of those needle ants that are showing up on my Facebook feed," he said. "When Terminix came out, he looked at it and said, 'yeah, that looks like what we've been told about.'" The invasive Asian needle ant. American Association for the Advancement of Science Asian needle ants A Terminix scientist told WBZ-TV that Asian needle ants are outcompeting native ants in local ecosystems, and reports of them in the northeast are on the rise. They say the ants prefer wet areas like pools, and homeowners should limit moisture around their home by checking hose faucets and air conditioning for any leaks. A U.S. Forest Service report from 2021 says the ants are "beginning to cause problems in North America." It said the most troubling characteristic of the invasive species is their sting. "While they are not terribly aggressive, like the more familiar red imported fire ants, their stings are painful, often affecting different people in different ways," the report said. "In fact, the sting can result in life-threatening anaphylaxis, an acute allergic response." People who are sensitive to ant or bee stings should always keep an epinephrine auto-injection device on hand, experts say. "Unfortunately, as with many invasive species, it appears Asian needle ants are here to stay," the Forest Service said.
Tom's Guide
22-06-2025
- Tom's Guide
I'm a mattress expert — this is the one thing I recommend to control bed bugs this summer
I hope you haven't just eaten: Terminix has released its annual guide to the Top 50 bed-bug infested cities in the US and yes, it's just as horrifying as you were expecting. With a top 50 that bounces across the US you might be rethinking your 4th of July trip for fear of creepy crawlies. However, the right bed bug treatment can keep your home pest free, no matter how far and wide you travel. As a mattress expert I've heard every type of bed bug removal method, from never-going-to-work old wives tales to skin-peelingly harsh chemicals. But there's one bed bug control tip that continuously comes up as effective, affordable and safe to use: diatomaceous earth. Harris Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth 2lb: from $16.98 at AmazonDiatomaceous earth is an effective (and pet safe) pest control that's widely available at hardware stores and from online retailers. Available in both pool grade (or garden grade) and food grade options, opt for food grade to fight against bed bugs as due to its lower levels of crystalline silica, it's safer to use indoors. As well as fighting bed bugs, diatomaceous earth is commonly used in garden pest control so this one bag can have a lot of useful applications. If your home city cracks the bed bug top 50, or your upcoming long weekend getaway is in a bed bug heartland, I recommend investing in a bag of diatomaceous earth and below I'll explain why and how to use it. Of course, bed bugs are a global problem so before you head off on your vacation, check out our travel tips to avoid bringing bed bugs home. Diatomaceous earth is the fossilized remains of diatoms; a type of algae. Containing a high amount of silica, this soft rock is crumbled into sand for easy application. When bed bugs (and other types of insects) come into contact with diatomaceous earth the fine powder sticks to the exoskeleton and absorbs moisture, causing the bug to die of dehydration. Unlike some forms of pest control, diatomaceous earth doesn't lose potency. Once you've set your trap, you can leave it to work for as long as necessary. Diatomaceous earth is also safe to use around pets, although you should avoid getting it directly on the skin as this can cause irritation. I can't guarantee that diatomaceous earth will keep your home bed bug free — these pests are annoyingly hard to spot, impressively fast and capable of surviving a long time without food. However, following these methods can help prevent a bed bug outbreak before they've destroyed your mattress... As mentioned, I've probably thought more about bed bugs than the average person, which means I've been exposed to pretty much every bed bug treatment under the sun (although I'm always willing to learn more.) A quick response is the best way to save your bed but if it's too far gone, our guide to the best mattresses we've tested can help you find a new one. But while the methods below aren't guaranteed to fix a bed bug problem (except maybe the last one...) they do have a good hit rate and are typically either inexpensive or rely on common household appliances:
Yahoo
22-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Check those sheets: This Georgia city is one of the worst in US for bed bugs
A city in Georgia has landed on a list no city wants to top, the top 10 bed bug-infested cities in the U.S. The study, by Terminix, is based on the number of bed bug control services across the country. With Atlanta consistently near the top, experts say residents and travelers alike should take extra precautions to avoid them. Here is what we know. According to the study, Atlanta takes the No. 6 spot, making it the most bed bug-prone city in Georgia. Philadelphia New York Cleveland-Akron (Canton) Los Angeles Dallas - Ft. Worth Atlanta Houston Washington, D.C (Hagerstown) San Francisco - Oak - San Jose Indianapolis Bedbugs are tiny pests capable of causing significant disruption with just one infestation. These small, brown, oval-shaped bugs spread rapidly. Adult females produce 200-500 eggs over their 6-12 month lifespan. Bedbugs were eradicated in the middle of the 20th century but made a triumphant return as the human population began to travel more, according to the UC Riverside Center for Invasive Species Research. Today, they can be found in dark, tight, hidden spaces. Here are some ways you can protect yourself and your belongings against infestation: Reduce clutter Vacuum frequently Keep your belongings away from others' Seal cracks Check and clean secondhand furniture and clothes Other than checking for the live bugs themselves, look for signs of: Reddish stains from bedbugs being crushed Dark spots from bedbug excrement Eggs, eggshells and shedding skins Wash bedsheets, clothing, linens and curtains in hot water. Then, put them in the dryer on the hot setting for at least 30 minutes. Use a stiff brush on mattress seams to remove bedbugs and their eggs. Vacuum your bed and the surrounding area. Place the vacuum cleaner bag in a plastic bag and put it in a trash can outside. Encase your mattress in a bed bug mattress cover and keep this on for at least a year since bed bugs can survive up to that long without feeding. Repair cracks in walls or plaster and glue down peeling wallpaper to limit hiding places. Get rid of clutter around the bed. While these tips can help, using chemicals is the most effective way to exterminate bed bugs. WebMD suggests hiring an experienced exterminator for the best results. Vanessa Countryman is the Trending Topics Reporter for the the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at Vcountryman@ This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Georgia city ranks worst in America for bed bugs. Check your sheets
CBS News
20-06-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Dallas-Fort Worth ranks 5th in worst bed bug-infested cities in the U.S., study says
DFW is the 5th most bed bug-infested area in the U.S. DFW is the 5th most bed bug-infested area in the U.S. DFW is the 5th most bed bug-infested area in the U.S. If you need some motivation to get your laundry done, Dallas-Fort Worth is one of the most bed bug-infested areas in the country, according to call data released this month from the pest control company Terminix. The annual study ranks DFW as the fifth worst city for bed bugs in the U.S., topped only by Los Angeles, Cleveland, New York and reigning champ Philadelphia. The rankings are determined by the number of bed bug control services. The study says it's likely due to our warm climate, plus a high rate of tourism and travel. Bed bugs thrive in warm, humid conditions and love to hitchhike. How to identify bed bugs Full-grown bed bugs are brown or reddish-brown with an oval-shaped body about the size of an apple seed, the EPA says, while their young are much smaller, translucent or whitish-yellow, and can be very hard to see. Bed bugs come out at night to feed on human blood. Bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases, but their bites can cause allergic reactions. Bed bugs can be found in a variety of places, including homes, hotels, public transportation, and even some businesses. How to know if you've been bitten by a bed bug Bed bugs eat all three meals of the day at once, so look for the "breakfast, lunch and dinner" sign. The bites themselves often look like red bumps, but can also vary slightly from person to person. It may take several days for the marks to appear. Bed bugs are not attracted to dirt and grime and do not have a preference for specific blood types. Some people may have a strong reaction to bed bug bites, while others have little to no reaction, and it may appear that bed bugs are targeting specific individuals. According to the Mayo Clinic, bed bug bites don't usually need treatment and disappear on their own within a week or two. If needed, you can ease symptoms by using a skin cream containing hydrocortisone or an oral antihistamine. Travel tips When you arrive at a hotel or vacation rental, do a thorough search of the bed — underneath it, behind the bed frame, on the sides of the mattress and in between the mattress and frame. Bring a flashlight; check the seams of the bed sheets. If you see anything that looks like rust, call management. If you're able, turn over the mattress, no matter what size. Bed bugs like to congregate in dark places. You can also look for blood stains or small black dots that look like mold or ground pepper. Spraying with isopropyl alcohol can kill bed bugs, and it can kill their eggs — but it only kills on contact. The bugs must be sprayed directly, and it can be very difficult to find and expose them. Keeping your belongings off the ground in your accommodations is another way to prevent bedbugs from hitching a ride. Instead, opt to place items on the tops of dressers or other spots higher up. Believe it or not, the safest place in a hotel room to keep your luggage is in the bathtub. The critters are less likely to be found in the bathroom, where tile floors are less inviting. Examine your luggage when you repack and inspect it for any black or brown spots and launder all the clothing you brought with you with the hottest water when you get home. Preventing bed bug infestations If you've got some time on your hands and want to busy yourself with a home DIY project, you can buy some caulk and work to seal the cracks and crevices in your home, the EPA suggests. This will help prevent bed bugs and other pests from entering. Keep personal belongings as well as bags you've brought in from outside off the floor and away from your bed. Treating bed bug infestations Call an exterminator. Treatments cost anywhere from $1-$8 per square foot. Look for EPA-registered pesticides that have bed bugs listed on the label. Don't use pesticides and other powerful chemicals meant for outdoors, inside. Wash clothing and bedding at a high temperature. Seal mattresses and box springs in protective covers, the EPA says. With covers that seal, the bed bugs will get trapped inside and die. Steam cleaning and vacuuming can help, but may not be enough to rid your home of the critters. Keep inspecting for bed bugs at least every 7 days in case any eggs remain.
