Termite UPDATE Through Spring 2007 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.
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.
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.
Updated Pest Forecast Through Late Fall 2010! Hot, dry weather has been replaced with cooler, wetter conditions which is causing an increase in Smokey Brown Cockroach and Asian Tiger Mosquito calls. Remember to empty containers with standing water and keep vegetation trimmed near your home. Look for openings in walls and roof lines which would allow unwanted critters in. However, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center just released its winter outlook, predicting that most of the Southeast will experience warmer and drier conditions than usual through February, 2011.
Updated Pest Forecast Through Winter 2011! Cold, snowy weather has continued, which is keeping calls constant for Smokey Brown Cockroaches and Rodents. Remember to keep vegetation trimmed near your home and look for openings in walls and roof lines which could allow unwanted critters access. Also, when it snows, try to keep snow piles away from your foundation to prevent excess water when it melts. Call us today for an evaluation and estimate if any unwanted critters try to stay in your home for the winter. And remember to "SLEEP TIGHT, BUT DON'T LET THE BED BUGS BITE"!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Updated Pest Forecast Through Late Summer 2010! Hot, dry weather with the occasional thunderstorms have been the rule so far this summer. With this type of weather, Ants and Fleas have been on the increase. In ornamental plantings, Bagworms have exploded early. Unfortunately, it is too late to kill the current "crop", but they can be treated to reduce the damage and spread for next season now. Biting yellow flies are quite bothersome now and treating the vegetation on your property will give relief from these as well as ticks and mosquitoes.
Updated Pest Forecast Through Winter 2010! Cool, dry weather has been replaced with colder temperatures, which is still causing an increase in Smokey Brown Cockroaches and additionally, Rodent calls. Remember to keep vegetation trimmed near your home and look for openings in walls and roof lines which could allow unwanted critters access. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration?s Climate Prediction Center's winter outlook has not happened, so pests will surely be looking for more warmth, and most homes fit the bill! Call us today for an evaluation and estimate if any unwanted critters try to stay in your home for the winter. And remember to "SLEEP TIGHT, BUT DON'T LET THE BED BUGS BITE"
Updated Pest Forecast Through Spring 2011! Warmer weather has finally filtered in, which is increasing calls for Smokey Brown Cockroaches as they start to move outdoors, and Rodents looking for food. Remember to keep vegetation trimmed near your home and look for openings in walls and roof lines which could allow unwanted critters access. Termites are beginning their springtime swarming, so be on the look out! Call us today for an evaluation and estimate. And remember to "SLEEP TIGHT, BUT DON'T LET THE BED BUGS BITE"!
Updated Pest Forecast Through Summer 2011! Hot with scattered thunderstorms are making for summer, tropics-like weather, which is increasing calls for Smokey Brown Cockroaches and Roof Rats looking for food and even cooler temperatures. Remember to keep vegetation trimmed near your home and look for openings in walls and roof lines which could allow unwanted critters access. Mosquitoes and Ticks especially Tigers and Culex sp., are annoying yard get-togethers. Lone Star ticks are also hanging on vegetation and waiting for passing blood meals. With more media coverage involving Lyme and West Nile, along with a few newer diseases creeping in, the call for money-strapped state and city mosquito agencies to spray is getting louder. We have developed an effective treatment for yards, minimizing chemicals but still giving effective results. See our new service page for more information.