Although this year, as was the case the last two previous years, has seen light scattered swarming periods in this area, the termites are still there. Our entomologist has seen smaller sized reproductive allates ("flying termite swarmers") and attributes their size and lesser sightings to the below-normal rainfall we have experienced in southeastern Virginia since December, 2006.
Termite experts are warning homeowners that by not seeing swarmers this spring in no way means the termites are gone. On the contrary, when termite colonies are stressed (in this case, less moisture), they will randomly seek moisture away from the main colony for their survival and will be even more likely to find homes that were not infested before as they hunt for food and moisture sources.
Structures that are not under a termite protection plan with a pest control professional should be inspected at least every 2 to 4 years. Although brand new homes can be attacked (we were called for active termites in an untreated addition that was less than 2 years old!), the average age for a home with active termites is 8 years. The termite chemical can break down after less than 5 years. You do the math!
Pest Update Through Fall 2007
The weather has finally cooled and rain has put a small dent in the drought conditions we are currently experiencing. Many calls are coming in for seasonal pests such as crickets and rodents.
So far late into the fall season, mice and roof rats are looking for more cozy homes in garages, sheds, and attics. We have seen a spike in rodent populations in our area so far the last half of the year.
Call Ewell Pest Control for an evaluation of your crawl space and attic today, before the rodents find the openings they need to make your house THEIR home this winter!
Pest Update Through Spring 2008
Beginning in February, our area has started to get normal rainfall amounts. After a few rain events preceded warm weather, we have seen termite swarmers come out more than we had the last three years.
Check out the differences between termites and ants, and if you suspect you have termites or even a moisture or leak problem, you will need to correct the source. Most homes in the area have increased in value, so it's more important than ever to protect your investment.
Call Ewell Pest Control for an evaluation of your crawl space and slab foundation today, before the problems and hidden damage becomes worse this spring!
Pest Update Through Late Spring of 2008
As of late May, we have seen an up tick (pun intended) in the number of reports of Deer and Lone Star Ticks, especially in the more rural southern parts of Chesapeake and Virginia Beach. Since these ticks can be vectors of Lyme Disease, this increased activity is particularly worrisome for children and the elderly. Pets and people should be checked carefully after walking in susceptible areas such as parks and along the edges of treed property lines. Even heavy shrubbery on property lots where wildlife and pets have frequented can be of concern. Deet can be used effectively as a repellant for people (read and follow the label) and your veterinarian can recommend a product for your pet, such as Frontline.
Another increase in calls comes from the urban areas of Norfolk and adjacent areas of Chesapeake and Virginia Beach for Roof Rats, also known as Black Rats and Tree Rats. As the name suggests, these destructive rodents nest in trees, attics, or any suitable areas higher up than our typical Norway Rat. Several years back, there was an increase in their activity reported by the local media, and the local governments had to get involved to treat public properties for proper control.
Call Ewell Pest Control for an evaluation of your property today, before these pests get any worse into the summer season!
Pest Update Through Late Summer of 2008
As we approach fall, cooler nights and more rain have caused pest movement indoors earlier than usual. Calls for rodents, spiders, and fleas have increased recently.
Now is a good time to take advantage of our pest exclusion service to seal off entry of pests looking for ways to make your home their home this winter. Click the New Service page to see what we have to offer you.
Updated Pest Forcast Through Late Fall of 2008!
As we approach winter, cooler nights and more rain have caused pest movement indoors. Calls for rodents, smokey brown cockroaches, and ants have increased recently. Weather patterns show continuing cooler but average moisture for southeastern Virginia. This will keep pest movements steady.
Now is still a good time to take advantage of our pest exclusion service to seal off entry of these and other pests looking for ways to make your home their home this winter. Click the New Service page to see what we have to offer you.
Updated Pest Forcast Through Late Spring of 2009!
As we approach summer, warmer and dryer weather have slowly caused more outdoor pests to increase and move nearer to conditioned homes. Calls for smokey brown cockroaches, and ants have increased recently. Ticks have started showing up in areas of heavy brush with small wildlife movement. Weather patterns show continuing warmer but lower moisture for southeastern Virginia. This will keep pest movements slowly increasing into mid summer.
Now is still a good time to take advantage of our pest maintenance service to prevent these and other pests from ruining your comfort this summer, not to mention health concerns and property destruction. Click the New Service page to see what we have to offer you.
Updated Pest Forecast Through Fall & Early Winter of 2009!
Ants continue to invade homes even as cooler weather approaches.
Mice & Rats are looking for nesting sites inside homes now and will continue to be a problem for homeowners if the colder weather forecast remains accurate. Smokey Brown Cockroaches are moving into warmer parts of homes also.
Call us today for an evaluation and estimate to evict these pesky critters before they make your home their home!
Updated Pest Forecast Through Winter and Early Spring 2010!
Although it has been a very cold and snowy winter in Hampton Roads, mice & rats are still looking for nesting sites inside homes and will continue to be a problem for homeowners before warmer weather arrives. Smokey Brown Cockroaches are still moving into warmer parts of homes also. Bed Bug calls have increased, I believe ,as homeowners return from holiday vacations after mistakenly picking up these hitchikers in their luggage. As they become established, they are seen more often.
Termite swarmers have been seen coming from warmer parts of homes. I expect as the warm weather arrives, the ground will be damp enough from recent rains for more calls than usual this spring.
Along with termites, I predict we will start seeing a dramatic increase in fire ant mounds in southern Hampton Roads, again due to the significant rains of last summer and recently. The fire ants will be relocating to drier areas and the mounds will be seen in warmer, sunny areas. See the pictures below.
Call us today for an evaluation and estimate to evict these pesky critters before they make your home their home!