ANTS

Northern Michigan ants can be difficult to control and the rule with ants is easy to remember - no matter what the size, if you have the ants, you have an ant control problem. As annoying as they may be, the little ants that swarm on your countertops and in your pests’ food bowls aren’t the most menacing. It’s their big-boy cousin the carpenter ant that you should really be concerned with when it comes to ant in control.

Carpenter Ants

If you see a swarm of carpenter ants in your house band news, you definitely have an ant infestation problem and will have to implement some form of ant control. Call Chemical Control Company to eliminate and prevent future infestations. To prevent carpenter ant infestations and to maintain good ant control, move debris, wood, and earth away from your home, because carpenter ants love moisture.

Odorous House Ants

Smaller odorous house ants don’t tunnel through wood, they’re often more visible than carpenter ants. Like humans, odorous ants love food, so the best thing you can do for good pavement ant control - in addition to the preventive steps listed for carpenter ant control above, is to make sure your home is clean and free of food particles. If the odorous ant situation gets out of hand call Chemical Control Company to assist you with the ant control problem.

Pavement Ants

Found in all 50 states, the dark brown pavement ant gets its name from its tendency to build nests under pavement or in the cracks in pavement. Pavement ants are voracious eaters and will chow down on almost anything, including: insects, meats, nuts, breads, honey, melons and cheese. Although they don’t pose a serious health threat, pavement ants can contaminate the foods they love to eat, so effective payment ant prevention and pavement ant control are both important. To deter pavement ants from building their nests near your home, eliminate standing water, keep tree branches and other plants trimmed and away from your home, and sealed any cracks or openings around your house. You can also deter pavement ants by moving firewood and other building materials away from your house, because like their fellow ant species, pavement ants like to build nests in stacks of wood.

Prevention: Because carpenter ants require a water source, eliminate sources of moisture or standing water. Keep tree branches and other plants cut back from the house. Sometimes pests use these branches to get into your home. Make sure that there are no cracks or little openings around the bottom of your house. Sometimes pests use these to get into your home. Make sure that firewood and building materials are not stored next to your home. Pests like to build nests in stacks of wood.

BEES

Bumble Bees

Bumble bees are beneficial insects because they pollinate crops and plants. The occupant of a disturbed bumble bee nest will buzz in a loud volume. They defend their nests aggressively. Bumble bees often nest in the ground, but can be found above ground around patio areas or decks. They will sometimes build their nest in soffits of attics. As part of their aggressive defense of their nests, bumble bees will chase nest invaders for a considerable distance. The bumble bee sting is one of the most painful. Unlike honey bees, bumble bees can sting more than once.

Prevention: Bumble bees can be prevented through inspection of potential nesting areas and removal of potential harborage materials. Because bumble bees will sting when threatened, homeowners are advised not to address the infestation themselves.

Honey Bees

Honey bees are social insects found all over the world. They are an extremely important beneficial insect because of their role in pollination. Honey bees pollinate more than 100 crops in the U.S. Honeybees are active pollinators, and produce honey which feeds their young in colder months. The honeybee is the only social insect whose colony can survive many years. Honeybees produce honey from pollen and nectar of the plants they pollinate. They store the honey in honeycombs in their nests. They often build their nests in tree crevices, but will occasionally build nests in attics or chimneys. Honeybees do sting, but they only sting once. The sting can be extremely painful if the stinger is not immediately removed from the sting. Persons allergic to insect stings will have a more severe reaction.

Prevention: Honeybees should be addressed by a professional. Removal of a honeybee nest and the honey product can be very messy. Because honeybee colonies are so large, only a pest control professional or experienced beekeeper can safely remove a honeybee nest.

BEETLES

Let’s face it when many of us first come in contact with a beetle, the last thing we want to do is to study its habits in order to figure out what kind it is. So it’s important to hire a qualified Chemical Control Company professional to help determine the kinds of beetles you may have in your home, as well as what you can do to get rid of those beetles.

Varied Carpet Beetles

Varied carpet beetles look like a piece of multi-colored carpet. And the 1/16” round varied carpet beetles don’t just resemble carpeting – they also like to dine on it, along with wood, dead insects, fur feathers, horns, silks, and bones. Naturally varied carpet beetle control is a valid concern for a homeowner. Despite their small size, varied carpet beetles have a long development period. It can take between 249 days to three years for carpet beetles to grow from an egg to an adult. Carpet beetles damage the materials they feed on, and they can cause significant damage to upholstery and clothing. For carpet beetle prevention, store your clothing in plastic containers and make sure clothing is dry cleaned before it’s stored for a long period of time.

Prevention: As with moths, to avoid varied carpet beetle infestations, store clothing in plastic containers. Dry clean clothing thoroughly before storing for long periods of time.

Powderpost Beetles

Named for the powder-like dust they leave behind when they attack wood surfaces, powderpost beetles are second only to termites in their wood destruction abilities, so beetle control is important. Reddish-brown powderpost beetles’ bodies allow them to slide into wood areas. Powderpost beetles lay their eggs in cracks of wood and the larvae tunnel into the surface, filling it with a very fine powder-like dust. Adult powderpost beetles are very active at night, enjoy flying and are attracted to the light. Powderpost beetles often attack hardwoods, and can be found in hardwood floors, timbers and crates, antiques and other objects made of hardwood materials.

Prevention: Powderpost beetles can be prevented through vigilant inspection of wood sources in the home.

Saw Toothed Grain Beetles

Saw toothed grain beetles can be found in grain – such as: cereals, cookies, macaroni and cake mixes – in all 50 states. The dark brown saw toothed grain beetles also love chocolate. Approximately 1/8” long, saw toothed grain beetles have six saw-like teeth on each side of their bodies, allowing them to chew through grain products. Saw toothed grain beetles can contaminate grain products and infest stored foods, so saw toothed grain beetle control is important. For saw toothed grain beetle prevention, discard all infested grain products and clean all spilled grain and other food products in your pantry.

Prevention: Discard infested packages. Clean spilled grain and food sources.

COCKROACHES

Cockroaches and ants are the most common pests. Luckily, cockroaches don’t cause any structural damage to your home, but they do spread germs and can be a trigger for children’s asthma, so Northern Michigan cockroach control is important. If you see a cockroach in your house at night, don’t panic – many types of cockroaches are very active at night and one may have just wondered into your home. If you see a cockroach in your house during the day however, you could have a severe cockroach infestation, and cockroach control from Chemical Control Co. is necessary.

For ultimate cockroach prevention and control, seal all the holes and cracks that may provide an inlet for a cockroach. Also, keep your house clean. Cockroaches feast on everything from garbage to wallpaper paste, so cockroach control can be tough. But keeping your home free of food particles will send cockroaches packing in search of a dirtier place.

Cockroaches have been reported to spread at least 33 kinds of bacteria, six kinds of parasitic worms, and at least seven other kinds of human pathogens. They can pick up germs on the spines of their legs and bodies as they crawl through decaying matter or sewage and then carry these into food or onto food surfaces. Germs that cockroaches eat from decaying matter or sewage are protected while in their bodies and may remain infective for several weeks longer than if they had been exposed to cleaning agents, rinse water, or just sunlight and air. Recent medical studies have shown that cockroach allergens cause lots of allergic reactions in inner city children. They were even shown to cause asthma in children. These allergens build up in deposits of droppings, secretions, cast skins, and dead bodies of roaches.

American Cockroach

The American cockroach is the largest of the house-infesting cockroach.

American cockroaches are found in food processing areas and food storage areas, as well as other types of buildings. They are active when the temperature is 70 degrees or higher, but they can survive lower temperatures with the right conditions.

Brownbanded Cockroaches

Brown banded cockroaches get their name from the two lighter bands they have across their dark brownish bodies. In addition to the distinctive banding, males have full wings, which reach beyond the tip of their rather pointed abdomens, but females have underdeveloped wings, much shorter than their broad, rounded abdomens. The lighter band markings are much more distinct in nymphs than in adults of either sex. Male brownbanded cockroaches have been observed to fly indoors. Among cockroach species, brownbanded cockroaches have the most distinctions between sexes. Females have larger abdomen and shorter wings than males. Brownbanded cockroaches often hide their egg cases in or under furniture. Within a room, these roaches tend to prefer warmer, drier, and higher locations than do any of the other urban pest roaches. They are often found in upper cabinets or in other rooms than the kitchens (food preparation areas) or bathrooms.

Oriental Cockroach

Oriental Cockroaches are large very dark (almost black, but sometimes dark reddish-brown), shiny cockroaches which live in sewers and similar wet, decaying organic matter. They are sometimes called “water bugs” because they come out of drains, and “black beetle cockroaches” because of their smooth, dark bodies. Males are about 1 inch long, with wings that cover only about 3/4 of their abdomen; females are about 1 1/4 inch long, and have only short stubs of wing pads. This species of cockroach often travels through sewer pipes. It survives on filth and enjoys temperatures from 68 to 84 degrees. This is a cooler temperature than that preferred by other cockroach species. Oriental cockroaches are often found in sewers and will enter structures through drains. They find indoor harborage in basements and crawl spaces. They can also be found in leaf piles and firewood outdoors.

Prevention: Good sanitation and habitat reduction, along with vacuuming, surveillance, a baiting program, and some sealing of cracks can usually quickly reduce or eliminate a cockroach population.

FLEAS

Fleas are parasites that feed on the blood of any warm-blooded body. The most common species is the cat flea, which often feasts on cats, dogs and humans. Fleas transport themselves on rodents and other mammals. They infest both household pests and wild animals. Fleas use their powerful legs to jump as high as 8 inches vertically and 16 inches horizontally. Fleas usually remain on their warm-blooded hosts at all times. They can also be found on shoes, pant legs, or blankets, which can transfer the fleas to new environments. They are often found infesting opossums, raccoons, and skunks in urban settings. Fleas are the most common transmitter of the rare Bubonic Plague. They also transmit the bacterial disease murine typhus to humans through infected rats. Their saliva can cause serious Flea Allergy Dermatitus in pets, and their debris has been reported to cause similar allergic reactions in humans. Fleas can also transfer tapeworms and cause anemia in pets. Flea bites commonly cause painful, itchy red bumps.

Prevention: Clean and vacuum frequently to help remove flea populations and prevent the laying of eggs. Keep your lawn groomed to avoid rodent habitation. Protect pets by keeping them on a leash when outside, bathing and grooming pets regularly, visiting a veterinarian annually, and using flea treatments according to direction. It is important to hire a pest professional to rid your home of rodents and fleas.

FLIES

Spring and summer bring carefree lazy days relaxing by the pool, festive barbeques with friends… and unfortunately, house and fruit flies. Yes, when summer arrives, often so does the fly. House and fruit flies can all put a damper on outdoor and indoor fun, so fly control is important.

House Flies

House flies get their name from being the most common fly found around homes. Adult house flies can grow to one-quarter of an inch long and usually live between 15 and 25 days. They are only able to feed on liquids but have the ability to turn many solid foods into a liquid for them to eat. House flies taste with their feet, which are 10 million times more sensitive to sugar than the human tongue. House flies tend to stay within 1-2 miles of where they were born; however, they have been known to migrate up to 20 miles to find food. These insects have been known to carry over 100 different kinds of disease-causing germs, which make them very bad house guests.

Prevention: House flies can be controlled through vigilant sanitation. Remove trash regularly and use well-sealing garbage receptacles. Clean up pet waste immediately. Use fine mesh screens on doors and windows to prevent fly entry.

Fruit Flies

Fruit flies feed on decaying fruits and vegetables. Fruit flies feed on decaying matter, especially fruits and vegetables. Fruit flies are small pests that are commonly found in homes, restaurants and other facilities where food is processed. They are found on moist, decaying matter that has been stationary for several days. Fruit flies are found in unsanitary conditions, so they are a potential heath concern, especially when present in health facilities.

Prevention: Fruit flies are best prevented through vigilant sanitation practices. Remove kitchen trash daily, and keep counter surfaces clean.

BALDFACE HORNETS

Baldface hornets are social insects with queens that lay fertilized eggs, workers that are sterile females and males that come from unfertilized eggs in late summer. Only queens overwinter. In spring a queen builds a nest from chewed up cellulose, and lays one egg in each compartment or cell as she builds it. She feeds the larvae protein from other insects, and flower nectar. When the first workers emerge a month later, they take over feeding and nest building, while she continues to lay eggs. Eventually there will be 3-5 combs or clusters (of several hundred cells each) which are attached one below the other. The nest will have 100-400 workers at its most active time. Later, when the colony is declining, larger cells are built to raise queens and males. Newly hatched queens and males leave the nest to mate. The queen that started this year's nest, the workers, and the males all die. Only the new queens survive the winter by hibernation in sheltered places. Baldface hornets are beneficial. They eat many pest insect species. However, a nest near a structure or close to the ground may be a nuisance and may need to be removed. Call a Chemical Control Co. Specialist if baldface hornets are becoming a problem.

MICE/RATS

Deer Mice

The deer mouse rarely invades homes, and is found in rural areas. The deer mouse prefers the outdoors. The deer mouse makes its home outdoors in sheltered areas such as hollow tree logs or piles of debris. On the rare occasions the deer mouse comes indoors, it prefers undisturbed areas such as attics. The deer mouse transmits the potentially fatal Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome. The disease can be transmitted through contact with mouse carcasses, or by breathing in aerosolized urine droplets of infected deer mice.

House Mice

The house mouse is the most common rodent pest in most parts of the world. It can breed rapidly and adapt quickly to changing conditions. House mice can breed throughout the year and can share nests. House mice live in structures, but they can live outdoors. Micro droplets of mouse urine can cause allergies in children. Mice can also bring fleas, mites, ticks and lice into your home.

Norway Rats

These rats have smaller eyes and ears and shorter tails. Rats are excellent climbers and often enter a home in the fall when outside food sources become scarce. Norway rats live in fields, farm lands and in structures. Rats are often found in woodpiles. Rodents can gain entry to a home through a hole the size of a quarter. Rats can chew through wiring, causing fires. They also spread numerous diseases.

Roof Rats

Roof rats get their name from their tendency to be found in the upper parts of buildings. Ranging in size from 6 to 8 inches in length, not including their tails, they have very poor vision and are color blind. They do have extremely strong senses of hearing, smell, touch and taste. Roof rats are known for the damage they cause by chewing on materials and eating stored foods. Roof rats can be found in the upper parts of buildings, and can also be found under, in and around structures. They only need a space of one-half inch to get into buildings. Roof rats secured their place in history by spreading the highly dangerous bubonic plague. They support many ectoparasites and urinate on food.

Prevention: To keep mice and other rodents out, make sure all holes of larger diameter than a pencil are sealed. Mice can squeeze through spaces as small as a nickel. Seal any cracks and voids. Don't overlook proper drainage at the foundation and always install gutters or diverts which will channel water away from the building. Use heavy gloves and protective breathing gear when working in an area populated by deer mice.

MOSQUITOES

One of the best known summer pests, mosquitoes breed in stagnant water or soft soil and can develop from egg to adult in 10 to 14 days. Female mosquitoes suck our blood. Male mosquitoes feed on plant nectars. They are most active from dusk to dawn and will fly up to 14 miles for a blood meal. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water sources such as storm drains, old tires, children's wading pools and birdbaths. Mosquitoes are well-known to spread diseases such as West Nile Virus, malaria and dengue fever.

Prevention: Eliminate or reduce mosquito breeding sites by replacing all standing water at least once a week. This includes bird baths, ponds and unfiltered pools. Remove unneeded vegetation or trash from around any standing water sources that cannot be changed, dumped or removed. Introduce mosquito-eating fish such as gambusia, green sunfish, bluegills and minnows to standing water. Screen windows, doors and other openings with mesh. Avoid going outdoors when and where mosquitoes are most active: during dusk or dawn. Use insect repellent containing DEET on exposed skin whenever or wherever mosquitoes are likely to bite.

MOTHS

The indianmeal moth was given its name after an insect scientist found it feeding on corn meal, also known as Indian meal. From wing tip to wing tip, adult moths measure from five-eighths of an inch to three-fourths of an inch long. These moths like to feed on dried fruits, grains, seeds, nuts, chocolate, candies, bird seed, dog food, powdered milk, dried red peppers and candy. Attracted to the light, these bugs are found worldwide in areas where food is stored, such as grocery stores. Indian Meal Moths infest foods and can contaminate food products.

Prevention: Dried food products should be inspected thoroughly for signs of moth infestations. Discard infested foods in outdoor trash bins. Clean infested cupboards thoroughly with a vacuum and soap and water. Store food in sealed containers.

SPIDERS

Black Widow

Black widow spiders are most recognized for the red hourglass shape under their abdomen. Contrary to legend, female black widow spiders rarely devour the male black widow spider after mating. Black widow spiders spin their webs near ground level. They often build their webs in protected areas, such as in boxes and in firewood. Black widow spiders are often found around wood piles and gain entry into a structure when firewood is carried into a building. They are also found under eaves, in boxes, and other areas where they are undisturbed. The venom of a black widow spider is a neurotoxin and is used as a defense. Black widow spiders do not bite humans instinctively. The black widow spider bite can cause severe pain. Young children and the elderly are especially susceptible to a severe reaction to a black widow spider bite.

Prevention: Avoid black widow spider bites by wearing heavy gloves when moving items that have been stored for a long period of time. Spiders often hide in shoes, so check shoes and shake them out before wearing. When spider webs are visible, use caution before putting your hands or feet in that area.

Brown Recluse

Brown recluse spiders have a characteristic dark brown violin marking on their back. Brown recluse spiders are nocturnal and eat other bugs like cockroaches and crickets. Male brown recluse spiders wander farther than females and will crawl into shoes or other clothing. Brown recluse spiders often live outdoors in debris and wood piles. They can be found indoors in storage areas and dark recesses. Like the black widow spider, the brown recluse spider bites in defense and does not bite humans instinctively. They will bite humans when the clothing they are hiding in is worn. The brown recluse spider bite is painful and can produce an open, ulcerating sore.

Prevention: To avoid brown recluse spiders, avoid keeping clothing on the floor. Store clothing and shoes inside plastic containers, and shake out all clothing that has been in a hamper before wearing or washing.

TERMITES

Subterranean Termites

Subterranean termites live in underground colonies or in moist secluded areas aboveground that can contain up to 2 million members. They build distinctive "mud tubes" to gain access to food sources and to protect themselves from open air. Termite colonies are organized into castes depending on tasks -- workers, soldiers and reproductives. The characteristics of a subterranean termite are dependent on the termite's role in the colony. Cream-colored Worker subterranean termites are 1/8 to 3/8's of an inch in length. Soldier subterranean termites are of a similar body length, but are distinguished by their powerful mandibles. Solider termites have cream-colored bodies and brown heads. Reproductive subterranean termites are approximately one inch long. Subterranean termites live underground and build tunnels, referred to as mud tubes, to reach food sources. Like other termite species, they feed on products containing cellulose. Subterranean termites swarm in the spring -- groups of reproductive termites go off to start new colonies. Subterranean termites need contact with the soil to survive and live underground. They can build tunnels through cracks in concrete. Subterranean termites are by far the most destructive species. They can collapse a building entirely, meaning possible financial ruin for a homeowner. The hard, saw-toothed jaws of termites work like shears and are able to bite off extremely small fragments of wood, one piece at a time.

Prevention: Avoid water accumulation near your home's foundation. Divert water away with properly functioning downspouts, gutters and splash blocks. Reduce humidity in crawl spaces with proper ventilation. Never bury wood scraps or waste lumber in the yard. Most importantly, eliminate wood contact with the soil. Maintain a one-inch gap between the soil and wood portions of the building.

Drywood Termites

These social insects infest dry wood and do not require contact with the soil. They form colonies of up to 2,500 members. Unlike subterranean termite species, drywood termite colonies do not have a worker caste. The work is done by immature termites before they reach adulthood. Drywood termites infest dry wood, like that found in attic framings. Drywood termites can infest structures and cause significant damage.

Prevention: Drywood termites can be avoided by making sure firewood and scrap wood is stored at least 20 feet from the home. Because drywood termites form new colonies by gaining access to wood through small holes, seal all cracks and crevices in a structure.

Dampwood Termites

As the name suggests, dampwood termites infest wood with high moisture content. Dampwood termites are normally larger in size than other termite species. Bodies of king and queen dampwood termites range in size from 1/2 inch to 5/8 inch long and have two pairs of wings that are equal in size and shape and extend beyond their abdomen. Nymphs range up to 5/8 inch and worker dampwood termites are up to 3/4 inch. Dampwood termite colonies, like drywood termites, have no worker caste. The nymph dampwood termites take care of the kings and queens of the colony and feed the soldier caste. Because of their need for excessive moisture, dampwood termites are not often found in structures. Dampwood termites do not usually infest structures because of the low moisture content of wood in structures. However, care must be taken to avoid attracting dampwood termites to a structure.

Prevention: To avoid dampwood termites, make sure downspouts and gutters are diverted well away from the structure, and avoid prolonged contact between a structure and large areas of moisture, such as ponds or snow drifts.

TICKS

The blacklegged (deer) tick is named for its dark legs, which are a contrast to its pale body. Blacklegged ticks are sometimes called deer ticks. These ticks like to feed on the blood of white-tailed deer, which is why they are sometimes called deer ticks. Blacklegged ticks prefer to hide in grass and shrubs. Blacklegged (deer) ticks can spread Lyme disease.

Prevention: When in an area where ticks are common, wear long sleeved shirts and pants, preferably light colored so ticks will be easy to detect. Tuck pants into socks. Use a tick repellent. When you return indoors, inspect clothing and skin thoroughly for ticks, including head. Wash clothes immediately.

YELLOW JACKETS

There are several species of yellow jackets. These flying insects typically have a yellow and black head/face and patterned abdomen. Many say, the pattern resembles stripes. Signature to species, the abdomen pattern can help an entomologist or pest professional identify specific types of yellow jackets. Yellow jackets nest in the ground or in cavernous areas such as eaves, attics, etc.... They feed on sweets and proteins and commonly invade outdoor activities. Yellow jackets can be found anyplace humans can be found. Check near recycling bins or other areas where sugars are common but keep in mind these pests also feed on protein. Yellow jackets become more aggressive in autumn when the colony begins to die out except for the queen. Yellow jackets pose significant health threats to humans as they may sting repeatedly and can cause allergic reactions. Stinging insects send over 500,000 people to the emergency room each year.

Prevention: Remain vigilant and call a pest professional if you suspect yellow jacket activity. Control requires specialized equipment and safety precautions. Do not leave sweet drinks or meats in accessible areas. For example, clean up and remove food and trash after picnics and outdoor events.