Pest of the Month – Subterranean Termites

Posted by peetvc on March 2, 2012 None comments

Termites are eusocial insects in the epifamily Termitoidae that live in a strict caste society (like that of ants) where labor is divided. Several hundred to several million individuals may live in a single colony. Colonies typically contain nymphs, workers, soldiers, reproductives (both male and female) and one or more queen. Termites are found all over the world except in areas with intense, cold winters. One of the most common termite pest species in the United States is known as the Subterranean Termite.

What are Subterranean Termites?

Subterranean termites are any termites who nest in the soil, making them very adaptable to certain environments, including urban and suburban areas. Most subterranean termites are pale white in color, and may also be known as “white ants”. They flourish in areas with a warm climate, particularly in tropical regions, being a significant species of decomposition of wood and plant material. A common habit among these termites are the creation of soil tubes, that connect the termites to and from an exposed area.

Subterranean termites feed on wood or any other items that contains cellulose, including paper, fiberboards and even some fabrics.

Why do I have them?

Arkansas is home to three types of termites that, in their natural environment, aerate the soil and break down decaying materials. Unfortunately termites do not know the difference between a tree and your wooden walls. One particular type, the Formoasn Termite is not considered ‘established’ in Arkansas, though they are well known in neighboring states such as Texas and Louisiana. Simply living in an area with termites or living near a wooded environment puts you at risk for an infestation.

Are these pests dangerous?

Termites are of little concern to your health and in many cultures they are even considered a delicious snack! However, termites can cause extensive – and potentially dangerous – damage to the structure of your home or other building, and it is not uncommon for Formosan termites to also cause damage to concrete, brick or plastic. They have also been known to fell trees – a potential risk if your home just happens to be in its path.

How do I know if I have them?

You may be unlucky enough to happen across their destructive habits in your home, come across individuals in the colony or even find a nest. Soil tubes are also a tell-tale sign that you have termites – these little dirt tunnels may appear on your walls. Termite damage may not be realized for many years, and just because it’s not seen, doesn’t mean it’s not there. A trained pest control professional can give you a through home check to make sure you do not have any termites. The most frequently damaged structures include doors, window frames and wooden floors.

How do I prevent Subterranean Termites?

Preventive measures are always a good way to begin, especially if building a new home. Wood can be pressure-treated and the soil surrounding your home can also be chemically treated to create a barrier. Individuals in a colony can also be exterminated using baits such as feeding stations.

Pest of the Month – German Cockroach

Posted by peetvc on February 3, 2012 None comments

Among the most common of insects found on Earth, the cockroach has been around for over 300 million years. But being common does not make you liked, and indeed the cockroach is probably one of the most hated of all insect species. The German cockroach in particular is a big nuisance pest for many homes around the country, including Arkansas.

What are German Cockroaches?

The German Cockroach (Blatella germanica) is a widespread urban pest that can be found in almost any building – from your home or apartment to hotels and restaurants. The German Cockroach is originally from Africa and as such does not tolerate colder temperates very easily; in places of frequent cold weather, these roaches are typically only found near human dwellings. The usually mild winters, warm summers and vast natural and urban landscapes of Arkansas make this state a perfect home for German Cockroaches.

German Cockroaches are tan or brown in color and are usually about 1.2 to 5/8 of an inch long. They prefer moist environments and are common not only in kitchens but also in bathrooms (nothing worse than a roach running around the toilet seat!). Like most other cockroach species, the German Cockroach is an omnivore and scavenger, preferring starch, sugar, meat and grease. During food shortages they may also turn cannibalistic, eating the legs and wings off other cockroaches.

German cockroaches are notoriously hard to get rid of once an infestation has started. The female produces are very large number of offspring in each egg case, with juveniles reaching sexual maturity quickly.

Why do I have them?

Contrary to popular belief, it is not just “dirty” people who have cockroaches – any home, office or other building can be a perfectly comfortable home for this pest. Think about it – you provide them with a nice, warm environment with plenty of places to hide, a freshly stocked pantry to feed on and fresh water from leaky faucets or pipes.

Are these pests dangerous?

Roaches that frequent human environments tend to carry a variety of diseases and parasites. Carried on the legs and bodies, different forms of gastroenteritis (food poisoning, diarrhea, etc.) may end up on food or kitchen utensils. Fecal matter and cast skins are also known to cause a number of reactions such as watery eyes, congestion and asthma. You certainly don’t want these pests around you or your family!

How do I know if I have them?

Cockroaches in general are known to be quite fast. Most species are also nocturnal and you won’t even see a one until you turn on a light and see them scurry away! If you have a heavy infestation, you may well see German Cockroaches out and about during the daytime. Stress (such as lack of food) can also cause them to come out. A trained pest professional can also be contacted to search for roaches and may also leave out traps.

How do I prevent German Cockroaches?

As mentioned before, it isn’t just “dirty” people who have cockroaches, but maintaining a clean home environment (especially around the kitchen area) is essential to deterring cockroaches. Baits put in cracks or in baseboards are usually an effective method to control German Cockroaches, although usually about 95% of the roaches must be killed to control the infestation.

Pest of the Month – Indian Meal Moth

Posted by peetvc on January 1, 2012 None comments

Be on the look out because a ‘cereal’ killer is on the loose! One of the most common pests found in your pantry and food storage areas are the Indian Meal Moths. They are also known as Indianmeal Moths, North American High-flyers, Pantry Moths or Flour Moths. As the names suggest, they are part of a group known as ‘pantry pests’ that feed on stored food. These moths are found worldwide, which also means we get to deal with them here in the United States.

What are Indian Meal Moths?

The only known living species of the genus Plodia, the Indian Meal Moth is a fairly small yellow grey or dark grey moth with copper colored wing tips. Females lay eggs around potential food sources that hatch into very hungry caterpillars that are capable of tearing through cardboard and plastic. They typically won’t wander far from a food source until it’s time to pupate. After stuffing themselves full, the caterpillars create a cocoon and eventually hatch into an annoying, flying moth. You will typically find moths in October and February, although if conditions are right, they can appear at any time during the year.

Why do I have them?

As gross as it may sound, this pest is brought in from the food you bought at the store. Being such a common pest species around the world, it is very hard to keep all food products pest free (although companies do try very hard!). They enjoy a wide range of products with a vegetable origin (pasta, bread, rice, cereal or flour) as well as nuts, dried fruit and pet foods. Almost anything you store in the pantry is fair game for these moths.

Are these moths dangerous?

While you may realize your food contains something a little extra a bit too late , you don’t have to worry, because apart from adding a bit more protein into your diet, these moths don’t carry any serious diseases. This species is more of a nuisance pest than a health hazard.

How do I know if I have them?

Infested food will often be ‘webbed’ together and you may see the small, cream-colored caterpillars squirming around. Adult moths are most often caught at night, when they are seen flying towards a light source such as a lamp.

How do I prevent Indian Meal Moths?

Getting rid of the food source will often disrupt the moth’s life cycle, seriously decreasing the number of moths in your home. If you notice meal moths in your home, here are a few things to do:

  • Thoroughly inspect the surrounding area and toss out any infested food.
  • Consider moving food (such as cereal) into a container with a tight lid, instead of an open box.
  • Clean the area with soapy water and make sure to clean up any spilled food.

    • Indian Meal Moth

    Holiday Plant Care

    Posted by peetvc on December 12, 2011 None comments

    Many of us may receive plants for the holiday season (either wanted or not), and thankfully most of the plants you are likely to be given are not fussy and require only a little bit of attention here and there. Since it’s been nearly a year since we last had to worry about caring for these plants, here’s a little refresher course on some of the more popular plant gifts this season.

    Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera)

    Flowers on the Christmas CactusA rather unlikely plant for the holiday season, these colorful cacti originate in tropical rainforests, and unlike their desert cousins, prefer bright indirect sunlight (meaning an east or west facing window). Water when it becomes dry and keep in temperatures between 65 and 80 (although they are very adaptable, extreme high or low temperatures can damage the plant). If you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant this season, the Christmas Cactus is both long-lived and easily grown from cuttings. But be warned, they may not always bloom when you expect (such as around Christmas)!

    Interesting Fact -  Unlike the more familiar desert versions, this cactus has no spines and is an epiphyte, meaning it grows on other plants in a non-parasitic way. There are also Thanksgiving and Easter cactus, all of which originate in Brazil.

    More Information - “How to Properly Care for your Christmas Cactus”

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    Norfolk Pine (Araucaria heterophylla)

    Norfolk Pine branch

    Suited especially for the indoors, this pine looks beautiful year round and makes a wonderfulliving Christmas tree. The Norfolk Pine prefers indirect lighting and cooler indoor temperatures. Water when the top inch of soil becomes dry, giving it enough to allow some excess to escape through the bottom. This pine requires minimal care and will be attractive for many years. Mist the tiny tree every week or so to keep foliage green and healthy.

    Interesting Fact - Although commonly known as the Norfolk Pine, this tree is not a real pine but a conifer. If given proper care and in the right environment, the Norfolk Pine can grow up to 200 feet tall.

    More Information - “Norfolk Island Pine Care”

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    Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)

    A beautiful Poinsettia

    Out of all the plants available during the holiday season, the poinsettia is probably the most well-known and the most popular choice. Poinsettias can be bought in the standard red color, but they also come in white, dark blue/black, and white and red stripes. Many of them are also covered in bows and glittery gold sparkles. Unfortunately, most of these plants will get tossed after the holidays are over. It’s true that this plant is very fussy, but with patience and dedication, you can get it to bloom for years to come. Show off your Poinsettia in a well-lit place (such as a window) and try to keep the temperature below 70 degrees F (this prevents fading). For now, all you need to do is water it whenever it becomes slightly dried out and admire its beautiful colors.

    Interesting Fact - The Poinsettia is named after Joel Roberts Poinsett, who introduced the plant to the US in 1825. It is also known as Zack Wood, noche buena, Flor de Pascua and, to the ancient Aztecs, Cuitlaxochitl.

    More Information - “Poinsettia Care” and “Pampering Poinsettias”

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    Christmas Pepper (Capsicum annuum)

    Colorful peppersThis unusual plant is not particularly fond of the indoors, but if you keep the soil moist and give it some bright, direct sunlight, it can thrive. They prefer cooler temperatures and are great if you want a no-hassle plant after the fruit fall off – when the display is over, this annual is ready for the compost pile. You can also grow this one yourself as well from seed, making it a cheap way to have a pretty plant for the holidays.

    Interesting Fact - Originally from South American, the peppers on this plant are extremely hot, which can cause burning in the eyes or skin. Take care if you have pets or small children.

    More Information - “Caring for Ornamental Pepper Plants”

    Green Crafts: Make Your Own Wreath

    Posted by peetvc on December 7, 2011 None comments

    Crafting for the Holidays! What I love most about the holiday season are the wonderful smells, from a fresh cut Christmas tree to peppermint cookies and gingerbread men, nothing brings the holiday season more to life. What better way to bring the holiday season inside (or out!) than by crafting your own wreath – this fun idea will add beauty to your home and bring in that fresh pine scent, and it’s also a great craft to do with the family.

    What can I use? There are many different types of greenery you can use for your wreath, most of which you may find in your backyard, such as pine boughs, magnolia leaves and box hedge stems. Holly, mountain laurel, ivy, fir, spruce….there are so many types to choose from! To add a decorative flair to your wreath, use pine cones, holly or other red berries, acorns, pecans or fruit.

    What do I need? A few items you will need before you begin are: a clean working space (preferably in a garage or shed for easy clean up – we all know those pine needles can get everywhere!), wire wreath frame or two wire coat hangers, bows and/or ribbons and scissors.

    Where do I start? If you feel crafty today or just want to try something new, Southern Living has a great article on making a magnolia wreath. If you don’t have a magnolia of your own, this very common tree might just be found in your neighbor’s backyard (but it might be a goodidea to ask the owners before snapping off branches!).

    If you are looking for something more traditional, you can try this article and make a wreath using pine or ferns. You can also watch a short video here or a slightly longer onehere. For more information on the types of greens you can use, try this website. It’s also great because it includes the different types of decorations you can use, how to keep your greenery fresh and some safety information for pets and children.

    And that’s it! If you decide to make your own wreath this holiday season, we’d love to see it!

    Pest of the Month – Rodents

    Posted by peetvc on December 1, 2011 None comments

    As cold weather sets in, you may feel a sigh of relief that many of our insect worries have left (or died) for the winter. No longer do we wince at the sight of wasps or hear the buzzing of mosquitoes. Unfortunately for us, however, that noise has been replaced by the scurrying of rodents. Hearing them in the walls is annoying enough, but seeing their presence in gnawed food packages and left over droppings is just disgusting. Unlike many insects that die off or remain dormant, rodents are quite happy to move inside for the winter and remain permanent house guests.

    So what exactly are rodents?

    In scientific terms, a rodent is any mammal of the order Rodentia. They are characterized by large incisors that continually grow, which are kept short by constant gnawing. Many common animals are in this order, such as mice, rats and squirrels. Historically rodents have been a pest animal for humans for many centuries, eating stored food and spreading diseases.

    Why do I have rodents?

    Like many other pest species, your home is a wonderland when it comes to a supply of food and water. The pantry is often well stocked with food, there may be dirty dishes left in the sink, and there is plenty of water thanks to leaky faucets and pipes. When it’s cold outside and the temperature drops, your warm, dry home or office provides a nice place for rodents to live in relative safety

    Are they dangerous?

    Rodents can pose a risk to both you and your family by carrying diseases such as Salmonellosis, Lymphocytic choriomeningitis and Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (which is potentially fatal!). They can also bring in fleas, ticks and other parasites. Rodents tend to leave droppings wherever they roam as well and cause electrical and structural damage with gnawing. Among the most common rodents are mice and rats, both of which can be very shy and very fast, making them hard to get rid of. They are also prolific breeders – one female can have up to four litters a year, each with between 4 and 6 pups. Your attic is a perfect nest, which can become filled not only with little “bundles of joy” but also urine and feces – yuck!

    How do I know if I have rodents?

    Besides seeing a rat or mouse scurrying along the floor, there are other ways to tell if your building has become infested with rodents. Check for droppings and any damage done to food packaging or building structures (rodents gnaw constantly – check wires and pipes). Evidence of nesting may also be found, which includes pieces of paper, fabric or other soft materials.

    How can I prevent them from entering?

    To discourage rodents from entering your building, there are a few steps you can take to help avoid infestations:

    • Start outside! Bird and squirrel feeders attract rodents, so try to place them as far away from the house as possible. Empty and clean out outdoor pet bowls daily and do not leave food outside overnight.
    • Check your building (inside and out!) for any holes or cracks that may allow entry inside and make sure to seal them up.
    • Keep food areas clean and tidy. Use thick containers with tight lids made of metal or plastic and remove any trash on a regular basis.

    The CDC website offers a very detailed guide to preventing rodents infestations. Click on each step to learn more!

    A short humorous video produced by Howard Universities CapComm lab shows how your home is perfect for rodent “vacations”.

    If you are experiencing rodent problems, we can help! Visit us at www.commandpest.comfor more information.

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    Ants in Your Plants – How to Keep Them Out of Your House

    Posted by kwilder on July 9, 2011 None comments

    The bad thing about ants is that they show up in your house when it’s rained a lot and their colonies get flooded. The other bad thing about ants is that when it hasn’t rained in a long time, they show up in your house looking for water.

    Yes, ants are everywhere, and while they don’t really hurt anything (unless they’re fire ants, or army ants – those are a whole different story…) they’re a big, fat nuisance. They march around like they own everything, and nobody wants that in the kitchen when the guests come over for a barbecue! Never mind that they’re relatively harmless, that they are some of the most efficient and social creatures on earth – they’re still creepy crawlies!

    So what can you do? Well, you could call us and have us come out and get rid of them before your barbecue. OR, you could take a few preventive measures first and see if that will keep them at bay.

    Don’t leave food out. This is kind of a no-brainer, but all your food should be in the fridge or in something airtight.

    Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink. It’s always best to clean up everything after a meal. Any pots and pans or other utensils that don’t go into the dishwasher should be washed and dried so that you don’t have wet stuff sitting in the sink. And wipe down the counters. A drop of watermelon juice is very enticing to an ant!

    Dog food should be kept inside or in airtight containers. Ants love dog and cat food. Don’t leave bowls of it out in the yard.

    Seal all openings to the areas where you see them. Use caulk or other sealant to permanently seal any cracks or small places where they could be coming in.

    Be sure you don’t have any leaky pipes, drains, A/C condenser lines, etc., which will not only attract ants, but termites as well.

    Keep shrubbery and plants away from your house. Keep trees and shrubs trimmed so they don’t touch your house, because if they are against your house, all insects have better access. Try to keep flowerbeds clean, without leaves and debris behind them. Ivy and ground covers in flowerbeds are the worst for hiding ants. While ants don’t eat leaves, they carry them back to their nests for other uses. Insects (like aphids) in shrubs close to your house may attract ants, also.

    Keep your property as clean as possible. If you have ants in your house, the actual ant colony may not be right by your house – it may be out in the yard in mulch beds, around trees or rocks. Any place that is protected – between garden edging and rocks, in cracks in the concrete, someplace where leaves piles up – makes a good place for ants to raise their young. Guttering should be cleaned on a regular basis.

    If you’ve done all of the above and still have a problem, you will need to call a professional to set bait and try to locate the nests and destroy the queen. It’s helpful if you note the places you see them on a regular basis. Ants actually send scouts out to forage for food and water, and the scouts leave scent trails that other ants can follow. That’s why you see them marching in a little line across the sidewalk.

    If you are going to try to control ants yourself, you must understand something of the nature of ants and you must have some patience. Ants are really smart. Ants can actually teach each other, and some farm and raise their own food, and each member of the colony has a specific job. Spraying something on them rarely (if ever) takes care of the problem. You will need to use bait that they think is food so they will take it and carry it home to the queen and the colony. You can’t use bait and then also spray, because then they won’t take the bait.

    Ant Trivia:

    Some birds intentionally put ants in their feathers, because ants spray formic acid which gets rid of parasites.

    Ants’ jaws open and shut sideways, like scissors.

    Each colony of ants has a distinctive smell so that they can quickly recognize intruders.

    In Africa and South America, large army ants are actually used as sutures. Rather than stitching up a wound, it’s pressed together and ants are applied. The ants bite the edges of the wound and lock their strong mandibles shut. Then their bodies are cut off, leaving the heads to hold the wound together. (My, that’s clever, but…yuck!)

    Throughout literature and films, ants are considered to be smart and hard-working. Consider Atom Ant! And what about the movie Them! Or Empire of the Ants? Although, in those, the ants were sort of trying to take over the world…

    Pest Control Alert – How To Avoid A Bad Mosquito Season in Little Rock

    Posted by administrator on May 13, 2011 None comments

    Recent heavy rains and the resulting flooding have a lot of people worried about the mosquito population this year. And with good reason. Standing water is the perfect breeding ground for mosquitos to lay their eggs.

    Mosquitos have been around for 170 million years and there are approximately 3500 species. A mosquito can grow from an egg to a reproducing adult in just 7 days. 100 female mosquitos can produce 5000 more mosquitos in 7 days, laying eggs every 3rd night of their lives. Those are pretty bad numbers when you think about the damage mosquitos do. Not only do they give you big, itchy bites, they can carry West Nile virus, dengue fever, St. Louis encephalitis, yellow fever, malaria, eastern equine encephalitis and heartworm disease.

    Only the females bite, because they must have protein for egg development – that’s where you and your dog come in. Mosquitos find you by scent. They are extremely sensitive to carbon dioxide (we breathe IN oxygen and OUT carbon dioxide) and also sweat. They can smell us 100 feet away. Men are more likely to be bitten as well as those who are overweight, and those with blood type O.

    Mosquitos rest during the heat of the day – in your shrubs, on the side of your house, on tree trunks, and down in the grass where it’s cool. At dusk, when temperatures begin to cool, they come out and bite you. After biting someone, a mosquito needs to rest on a vertical surface to digest (again, like tree trunks, or the side of your house.)

    Here’s what you can do to help prevent mosquitos from visiting you:

    Every 3-4 days, empty anything on your property that might hold rainwater, including dishes under flowerpots, tire swings, buckets, dog toys, that old Frisbee in the yard.
    Every 3-4 days, change the water in anything on your property that normally holds water like pet dishes, wading pools, birdbaths, or water troughs.
    Keep guttering and downspouts cleaned out so water doesn’t stand in them.
    Correct areas in your lawn that have standing water after a rain – fill in low places with soil, keep ditches clear of leaves and debris, aerate your lawn, fill in hollow tree stumps with cement or sand.
    Make sure outside faucets aren’t leaky, creating constant puddles.
    Make sure sprinkler system heads aren’t aimed straight down, causing puddles, and check frequently for leaks.

    Keep grass short and shrubbery trimmed around the house where mosquitos may rest.
    Consider having your property professionally treated. It won’t necessarily guarantee that you never get bitten – a mosquito can always fly over a neighbor’s fence – but it will seriously reduce the amount of mosquitos in your yard. Get a Free Estimate for Mosquito Control.

    What level of Pest control do you need?

    Posted by administrator on May 13, 2011 None comments

    Residential, our primary service, consists of 5 treatments per year and includes free service calls. It covers the most common indoor pests (ants, spiders, roaches and rodents.) Additionally we use a Perimeter pest control system — which provides a pest buffer zone around the home. This is an excellent deterrent to future infestations. Pricing for this service is based on the size of the house.

    Monthly service programs are for areas with high pest populations—an excellent choice for properties that are near low ground, thick vegetation or other risk factors. Many clients will not require a monthly plan but a pest control agent can help recognize these problem areas for you.

    Seasonal service targets fleas & ticks, fire ants and mosquitos. These are priced based on the size of the area to be treated.

    Commercial services provide a safe pest control solution for restaurants, hotels, schools, offices, etc. These are usually a monthly service and, again, need to be looked at to provide a quote.

    Fire Ant control consists of a one-time blanket treatment to the landscape to prevent fire ants. This is guaranteed for one full year of control and is priced according to the square footage of your landscape.

    Termite control – You can read more about our conventional treatment methods here.

    Pre construction termite treatment treats the soil, making the ground unsuitable for termites to live. This service is highly effective when done prior to construction and is priced by the square foot. The treatment is a one time treatment and is guaranteed for one year with the option to renew the policy every year for a fee. The contract acts as a kind of insurance policy where we hold the liability against termite damage. Plus if the homeowner sells the house they will need a current termite policy to provide to the new lenders.

    Post construction termite treatment is designed to service an existing home, including the foundation and wall voids. The treatment is also a one time treatment and is guaranteed for one year with the option to renew the policy every year for a fee. The contract acts as a kind of insurance policy where we hold the liability against termite damage. Plus if the homeowner sells the house they will need a current termite policy to provide to the new lenders.

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    WE GET THE JOB DONE RIGHT THE FIRST TIME!

    Posted by administrator on May 13, 2011 None comments

    With many years in the pest control industry combined with highly trained personnel, we at Command Pest Control are more than qualified to get the job done right. Our guarantee says it all: if you are not happy, you don’t owe us a dime. Our customized service plans guarantee results. Residential and commercial customers alike will enjoy a professional, no-hassle relationship. Command Pest Control wants to build a relationship with its customers that will last a lifetime, and we’ll always go the extra mile to keep you satisfied.