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 – 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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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 1 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.