All City Lawn & Pest Control Inc.

01/12/2024

02/11/2019

Insights on the Roof Rat

Like the Norway rat, the roof rat is an Old World rat native to Asia, specifically the forests of Southeast Asia. It also spread west through human migration, but it arrived in Europe and North America earlier than the Norway rat. Once the more aggressive Norway rat reached the United States, roof rats began to decline. Whereas Norway rats are found in every state, roof rats tend to dominate in coastal cities or along waterways in warmer climates.Although they generally don’t occur more than 100 miles inland, they may be transported inland and establish local infestations.

As their name implies, roof rats are arboreal and are more likely to infest higher structural areas, such as attics, soffits, drop ceilings and upper wall voids. They do very well in neighborhoods with mature landscaping - especially if it includes fruit and nut trees - and easily travel along fences, through trees, on utility lines and rooftops. Roof rats are able to rely on natural food sources and aren’t necessarily dependent on people for food.

The roof rat’s arboreal nature means management methods must be placed higher than usual for Norway rats. However, that doesn’t mean that efforts shouldn’t be made at ground level as roof rats will forage and sometimes dig burrows in dense vegetation. Snap traps and bait stations should be placed along travel routes marked by gnawing, droppings or rub marks. Many roof rats can be caught by securing traps or stations to the utility conduits they travel. They’ll mostly be caught trying to bypass the traps.

12/10/2018

Insights on the German Cockroach

German cockroaches are domestic pests that rely on humans for food, harborage and transportation.

Although named the German cockroach,the most widespread cockroach pest in the world probably originated in Southeast Asia and expanded to urban areas through human travel and commerce.

German cockroach management usually fails when treatments aren’t applied directly to harborages because they weren’t found during an inspection.

11/28/2018

Bringing Nature into the Living Room – The Holiday Season

Every year at the end of November, millions of people in the U.S. purchase a live Christmas tree, bring it into their home, and dress it up with festive decorations. I find it amazing how many people do this, yet how few people recognize where this tree came from and that it has been growing outdoors, exposed to all aspects of nature for the past 6-8 years. Despite this, people are frequently outraged or disgusted when they find a living insect on a tree that they have brought into their home. It is important to recognize that there may be insects on a live Christmas tree, but very rarely are they of concern.
Insects and other arthropods you may find:
• Aphids
• Adelgids
• Mites
• Praying mantids
• Psocids
• Scale Insects
• Spiders
Helpful resources:
For reliable and accurate information regarding insects on Christmas trees, use resources from University Extension publications or webpages (that end with “.edu”), the National Christmas Tree Association (http://www.realchristmastrees.org)

The Trees for Troops campaign delivered its 200,000th tree in 2017. Watch the journey the 200,000th tree took. Help support the campaign and donate.  

08/22/2018

6 Tips to Keep Your Home Safe from Pests During Hurricane Season
With forecasters from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicting a 75 percent chance of a near- or above-normal hurricane season in 2018, it is important for homeowners to ensure their homes are prepped for the damaging effects of these natural disasters. While reinforcing windows and bunkering down ahead of extreme weather are top priorities, other risks (in the form of pests) still lurk long after storms have passed. Downed trees and standing water force many species of insects to seek higher ground and safe shelter – oftentimes in our own homes. To fully prepare for and combat a probable spike in pest populations in the days and weeks after a hurricane, follow these six pest prevention tips. And, for those of you who live on the East Coast, take heed through November 30, which is the Atlantic hurricane season!
1. Amp Up Your Pre-Storm Pest Control Efforts
Before reports of a potential hurricane start to roll in, you can help prevent hurricane season pests by conducting both interior and exterior inspections of your house to identify and address any structural issues that may be worsened by the impending storm. Cracks should be sealed with a silicone-based caulk, any existing water damage should be fixed, and the household property should be sloped so that water flows away from the foundation rather than towards it. Furthermore, potential pest breeding sites such as garbage cans and mulch should be placed relatively far from the house in order keep pests away.
2. Drain Standing Water to Prevent an Influx of Mosquitoes
Though it may seem that the flooding and heavy rains associated with storms would effectively eradicate any existing mosquito populations, the standing water left behind serves as an ideal breeding ground for these biting pests. Mosquitoes need only a bottle cap full – half an inch – of water to breed. As a result, homeowners should assess and address sources of standing water if possible, which can be found in obvious places where flood waters collect, but also in birdbaths, clogged gutters, flowerpots, grill covers, garbage cans and lids. By draining and emptying these water receptacles, you can prevent the development of a mosquito population in your own backyard.
3. Get Rid of Tainted Food and Damaged Debris to Avoid Flies and Rodents
Spoiled food caused by extended power outages during bad weather can invite flies into your home. Flies breed in rotting food, potentially exposing family members to disease. Deposit any spoiled food in a sealed trash bag outside of the house to avoid attracting flies. Food waste and clutter can also entice rodents that are displaced by the storms and seeking food and shelter. For this reason, ensuring that discarded food is picked up by sanitation workers in a timely manner is critical. These workers usually prioritize dealing with common garbage over construction debris in the aftermath of a natural disaster, so homeowners should separate these materials to ensure that trash is quickly picked up and organize debris piles away from the home.
4. Identify and Assess Any Water Damage to Stop Termite and Ant Infiltrations
Rotting wood, caused by water damage, may attract troublesome termites – a pest that can silently chew through your home’s wood joists and flooring, etc., and inflict thousands of dollars in damage over time. Additionally, excessive moisture around your property can over saturate soil and cause insects living underground, such as ants, to seek higher ground and shelter inside your house. To mitigate these threats, remove rotting debris that could harbor pests, fix any damaged pipes that could be leaking, and make sure your property slopes away from your home to prevent water from pooling around the foundation of the structure.
5. Check for Any Openings Caused by Structural Damage
High winds, rain and hail caused by storms can damage houses, as well as displace surrounding wildlife. This unfortunate combination encourages larger pests such as rats, mice, raccoons and squirrels to seek shelter in homes. Damaged roofing, siding and soffits can serve as welcoming entry points for these and other small animals that are on the hunt for a refuge. Look for any signs of damage on the exterior of the home and fix it as soon as possible. Additionally, seal any openings around windows and doors with caulk and steel wool to further barricade against pests during hurricane season.
6. Contact a Pest Control Professional for a Home Inspection
If you suspect or experience a pest infestation in your home, contact a licensed pest control professional to conduct an inspection and work with you to develop a treatment plan. A professional assessment can help identify any issues before they get out of control.

08/03/2018

Hairyflower wild petunia (Ruellia ciliatiflora)
Many people are familiar with Ruellia simplex or Mexican petunia as it is a common landscape plant and has been shown to be invasive in Florida. A lesser-known Ruellia species is the hairyflower wild petunia (Figure 2). It does not grow as large as R. simplex but is a troublesome w**d in its own right. Hairy petunia is native to South America and has been naturalized in Florida as it was once considered an ornamental. It is primarily a problem w**d in landscape beds parts of South and Central Florida.

06/27/2018

Mosquitoes And The Zika Virus
The U.S. has been battling mosquito viruses for some time now, and we've come up with all kinds of ways to fight. Viruses like malaria, West Nile, chikungunya, and yellow fever claim the lives of 1 million people every year according to the World Health Organization. But here in America, we've been successful at keeping the death toll down below a mere hundred. This is due to several factors such as the use of DDT back in the 1950s, widespread mosquito abatement, early warning systems, and the immediate availability of medical services. But the Zika virus, which is spreading at alarming rates through Central and South America, has our government on high alert. It has even prompted the governor of Florida, Rick Scott, to declare a state of emergency in four counties where people have been diagnosed with the Zika virus.
Why the fear? Because, although at this moment there is no evidence that this virus is being spread through local mosquito populations, it could start at any time. And, Zika virus has been directly connected to microcephaly, a congenital condition in newborns that is characterized by an abnormal smallness of the head and incomplete brain development. Not only is there no vaccine, but it has also been discovered recently that Zika can damage babies at ALL stages of pregnancy. For a country that has done so well to fight mosquito-borne viruses, an outbreak of Zika could spread panic.

The good news is the U.S. government has begun a program, with the aid of American Pest, to create mosquito trapping programs to study seasonal trends of mosquito populations and the diseases they transmit, including the Zika virus. These surveillance sites are vital in tracking disease vectors and the potential threat to human populations.

It is important to understand that, as of this writing, Zika has only been found in travelers who have recently been to countries where Zika is widespread. Government health departments are watching this virus closely and will inform news agencies when the virus is found to be spreading locally. But, be aware that Zika often shows no symptoms. That means it may spread a great distance before it is detected by health authorities. That is why it is vital to take extra measures to prevent mosquito bites, especially if you are pregnant.

05/23/2018

Mosquitoes 101
A Guide to Mosquitoes and Mosquito Prevention
There are different types of mosquitoes found throughout the world, including all regions of the U.S. They are an annoyance to most because of the itchy mosquito bites they leave behind, but they can also pose a far more serious threat. In fact, mosquitoes are often described as one of the deadliest animals in the world due to the diseases they can transmit. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mosquito bites result in the deaths of more than 1 million people every year - the majority of these deaths are due to malaria. The CDC helped eliminate malaria as a major public health problem in the United States in the late 1940s. However, it reports that approximately 1,500 cases of malaria are documented each year in the United States due to imported cases, mainly from travelers. West Nile virus and dengue fever are of greatest concern in the U.S.

What does a mosquito look like?
Mosquitoes are very small, about 1/8 - 3/8" long. They have six legs and long mouthparts called a proboscis. Their coloring varies from grey to black with some having white, green or blue markings. Individually, mosquitoes are very difficult to spot as they fly because of their small size and because they are most active from dawn to dusk.
Do mosquitoes only feed on blood?
Only female mosquitoes bite and feed on humans. They need a blood meal in order to lay fertile eggs. Most species of mosquitoes breed continuously, so a female will search for a blood meal approximately every two days in order to lay another batch of eggs. However, both male and female mosquitoes feed on nectar from flowers as their main source of energy.
Are mosquitoes more attracted to some people over others?
Yes. Studies have shows that certain factors have an effect on how attractive a person is to mosquitoes. Some of these, such as wearing dark colored clothing or perfume, can easily be avoided. Other factors like blood type, body temperature and the presence of naturally occurring bacteria on skin are unavoidable.
Where are mosquitoes found?
Mosquitoes are found throughout the U.S. although some species are more common in certain regions. One of these, the Asian tiger mosquito, is found primarily in the South although it has moved into the northeast over the past few years. Asian tiger mosquitoes are unique in that they feed during the day, unlike many mosquitoes that feed only at dusk and dawn..
As mosquitoes lay eggs in water, they are common around marshes and lakes but can breed in as little as a ½ inch of standing water. This underscores the importance of homeowners regularly checking their property for containers that could be collecting water and providing a safe harbor for mosquitoes to grow.
Are mosquitoes dangerous?
Yes. Many people are bitten by mosquitoes with no side effects except the typical itchy welt. However, mosquitoes can be vectors for many diseases. If a mosquito feeds off a diseased host, some can transmit pathogens that can infect other hosts it subsequently bites.
In the U.S., mosquitoes are known to spread West Nile virus, eastern equine encephalitis and dengue fever. Worldwide, they also spread yellow fever, malaria and chikungunya. These illnesses do not have specific treatments. People can have varied reactions to each virus and each has been fatal in some cases.
There is heightened concern in the U.S. about chikungunya as it recently appeared in Caribbean countries. Some Americans traveling to infected areas have been diagnosed with the virus upon arriving home. There have not been any locally-transmitted cases of chikungunya in the U.S., but health officials are keeping a close watch of this virus. The best way to avoid any mosquito-borne disease is to prevent mosquito bites.
How can I prevent mosquitoes?
Most counties have a mosquito abatement program in place to minimize the local population and help keep the public safe. These programs typically involve trapping mosquitoes in different areas and testing them for known pathogens. This helps monitor the spread of diseases and warn the public of risks in the area. County programs may also include plans for periodic spraying or fogging to eliminate adult mosquitoes.
Mosquito prevention at home starts with removing areas of standing water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in water where the larvae develop, so it is important to empty containers such as empty tires and flowerpots, pool covers and baby pools after a rainstorm. Water in birdbaths should be regularly changed as well.
Most types of mosquitoes are active around dusk and dawn, so avoiding the outdoors at those times will reduce the likelihood of getting a bite. If you're outside, wear long sleeves, long pants and insect repellent to protect skin from mosquitoes. A small fan at outdoor gatherings may also reduce mosquitoes, as they are not strong flyers.
It is especially important to wear effective insect repellents and protective clothing if traveling outside the U.S. Mosquito-borne diseases that may be rare in the U.S. are common in many foreign countries.

05/21/2018

Know Before You Go
How to Prevent Bringing Bed Bugs Home From Travels
Before we know it, summer will be here and millions of people around the country will begin packing their bags to have some fun in the sun. Before embarking on vacations, many of these travelers will create a travel checklist to help them prepare for hitting the road. While packing sunscreen, turning off lights, cleaning out the fridge and locking doors are all likely to make the list, it’s also important for travelers to bring along another type of list to use before and after unpacking from their trips — the bed bug prevention checklist.

Even the most seasoned travelers are at a higher risk of encountering bed bugs when traveling because these blood-sucking pests are excellent hitchhikers and are easily transported from one place to another in human belongings like suitcases. As a result, bed bugs continue to remain a problem in lodging facilities. In fact, 75 percent of pest professionals have treated bed bugs in hotels and motels, according to the 2013 Bugs Without Borders Survey conducted by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) and the University of Kentucky.
All travelers will benefit from a little bed bug know-how to help ensure they don’t bring them home as an unwanted souvenir. If you and your family are planning on getting away this summer, here is your bed bug prevention checklist:
When You Arrive At The Hotel
• Thoroughly inspect the entire room before unpacking, including behind the headboard, under lights, and inside dressers, drawers, sofas and chairs.
• Pull back the sheets and inspect the mattress seams and box springs, particularly at the corners, for pepper-like stains, spots or shed bed bug skins.
• Place suitcase in a plastic trash bag during the duration of your trip to ensure that bed bugs cannot take up residence there prior to departure.
• Do not place luggage on upholstered surfaces. The safest place is in the bathroom in the middle of a tile floor or on a luggage rack after it has been thoroughly inspected. Do not use a luggage rack if it has hollow legs, where bed bugs may hide unseen.
If You Suspect Bed Bugs Are In Your Hotel Room
• Notify management and request to change rooms immediately.
• Do not move to a room adjacent and/or directly above/below the suspected infestation. Bed bugs can easily hitchhike via housekeeping carts, luggage and even through wall sockets. If an infestation is spreading, it typically does so in the rooms closest to the origin.
When You Arrive Home
• Inspect your suitcases outdoors before bringing them into the house.
• Vacuum your suitcase thoroughly before storing it. Consider using a garment hand steamer to steam your luggage, which can kill any bed bugs or eggs that may have traveled home with you.
• Wash and dry all of your clothes - even those that have not been worn – on hot cycles.
• Keep clothes that go to the dry cleaner in a sealed plastic bag until they can be transported.
If you get settled back in at home following a trip and suspect that you may have brought some hitchhiking bed bugs back with you, contact a licensed pest professional in a timely manner. Bed bugs are not a DIY pest and should be left to a professional.

05/17/2018

Spring Swarmers
Understanding the Termite Life Cycle
When you think of spring, you probably envision blooming flowers and the return of warmer weather. But in the pest control industry, spring marks the beginning of peak pest season, when most insects are coming out of their winter hiding spots, mating – and in some cases – finding their way into our homes. Unfortunately, one of the most common springtime pests is also one of biggest threats to our homes and properties – termites.
Termites have been around for more than 120 million years. They are social insects and live in colonies that are usually located in the ground or in wood. Termites feed on the cellulose in wood and wood by-products, such as paper. They are estimated to cause $5 billion in property damage every year. What’s worse, this damage is not typically covered by homeowner’s insurance, and – because they tend to remain out of sight – their damage can go unnoticed for many years, until serious issues arise. Therefore, it’s important to understand the life cycle of termites, and the signs that a colony has taken up residence in your home.

05/16/2018

Fleas 101
Fleas are the most prevalent parasite found on fur-bearing animals, such as dogs and cats. There are an estimated 2,000 species of fleas worldwide, and more than 300 types are found in the United States. The cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis, is the most common domestic flea. Other kinds of fleas include dog fleas, human fleas and rat fleas.
What does a flea look like?
Fleas are small, wingless, flat insects with three pairs of legs. Adult fleas are about 1/8 of an inch long (1 to 3 mm). They are dark reddish-brown in color and have biting mouthparts. They can be very hard to spot because they move so fast along the animal's body. Flea-combs and wetting an animal's hair can help you grasp them for a visual inspection.
What do fleas eat?
Fleas feed on any warm-blooded body, including humans. However, they prefer to dine on hairy animals such as dogs, cats, rabbits, rats, mice, opossums, raccoons and skunks.
Where do fleas live?
Once a flea hatches and becomes an adult, it uses its powerful legs to jump onto a host, where it likely remains at all times. While attached, the flea will feed, mate and lay eggs. The eggs often fall off of the host into the yard, bedding, carpeting or blankets.
Are fleas dangerous?
Fleas not only cause discomfort from biting, but they are also vectors of the bubonic plague. While there are few cases reported today, this rare disease wiped out one-third of Europe in the 14th century. Additionally, they can spread the bacterial disease murine typhus, which is transmitted to humans through infected rats. In pets, fleas serve as an intermediate host for tapeworm. The saliva of these biting pests is known to cause serious flea allergy dermatitis in dogs and cats.
How can I prevent a flea infestation?
There are a few tips that people should follow to prevent fleas from becoming an itchy nuisance.
Around the House
• Maintain a clean home. Practicing good sanitation is key to avoiding an infestation.
• Vacuum carpets, floors and furniture frequently, and wash ben linens regularly, to remove any existing fleas and help prevent the laying of eggs.
• Since fleas can transport themselves on rodents, it's important to eliminate any rodent harborage points by keeping the lawn properly landscaped. This includes mowing the lawn on a regular basis, replacing loose mortar and weather stripping around the basement foundation and windows, and removing all moisture sites around the property.
Pet Care
• Check pets' coats thoroughly for fleas, especially after spending time outdoors. Be aware of excessive scratching and licking.
• Bathe pets after walks or playtime with other animals.
• Wash pet bedding, collars and plush toys frequently.
• Speak to a veterinarian about flea prevention treatments.
How do I get rid of fleas?
Fleas have the ability to reproduce quickly, which makes flea infestations very difficult to control. In fact, fleas can produce as many as 400 to 500 offspring in their lifetime. A veterinarian can recommend the best methods and products for treating fleas on your pet. However, if you discover fleas in your home, it's important to contact a licensed pest professional to assist with flea control.