A-1 Pest Control Blog
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[content] => <p>It’s summertime in North Carolina. You know what that means… road trips to the Outer Banks, or your favorite swimming hole, fishing, tubing, rafting, and of course… <a href="/pest-library/profile/flies">fruit flies</a>. Yuck. While you’re focusing on having fun this summer, fruit flies will be trying to find food to lay their eggs. Here’s how you can prevent fruit flies in your house and property this summer! </p>
<h3>What are fruit flies? </h3>
<p><img alt="" height="384" src="https://bcms-files.s3.amazonaws.com/Rv4pXBZmdK-1114/images/fruit-fly-219392_640.jpg" width="544"></p>
<p>Fruit flies are tiny with black and gray bodies and translucent wings. They most commonly have red eyes, but some species can have brownish or black eyes. Fruit flies attempt to build their numbers during the spring and summer until they reach their peak during the fall harvest season. </p>
<h3>What do fruit flies eat?</h3>
<p><img alt="Fruit flies on a piece of fruit " height="357" src="https://bcms-files.s3.amazonaws.com/Rv4pXBZmdK-1114/images/PIXNIO-31741-550x357.jpg" width="550"></p>
<p>These flies feed on and lay their eggs on ripe, decaying, or fermenting food meaning it’s essential to make sure they can’t get to food, garbage, sticky drinks, or other debris. </p>
<h3>What attracts fruit flies?</h3>
<p>As their name suggests, fruit flies are attracted to ripened fruit and vegetables, but also alcohol, sugary drinks, and <a href="https://www.terro.com/articles/fruit-fly-questions-answered">cleaning supplies</a> such as damp mops, moist cleaning rags and sponges, and buckets of wastewater. They only need a small amount of moist film of fermenting material to thrive and multiply. Here are some areas and objects that are likely to attract fruit flies: </p>
<ul>
<li>Indoor or outdoor garbage cans without locking lids</li>
<li>Open beverage containers</li>
<li>Fruit/food out on the kitchen table/counter</li>
<li>Dirty or clogged drains</li>
<li>Moist organic materials like open compost piles or animal feces </li>
</ul>
<h3>Fruit flies spread disease</h3>
<p>Though a fly here or there can seem harmless, flies can spread more than 100 pathogens and parasites to humans. While buzzing around your food and garbage, they pick up bacteria and parasites on their bodies and legs and transfer them to your kitchen counters, surfaces and directly on the food you eat. So, how can we prevent fruit flies? </p>
<h3><br>How to prevent fruit flies at home</h3>
<p>If you’re noticing fruit flies around your property, here are some steps you should start taking right away. Not seeing any? Prevention is key! </p>
<ul>
<li>Eliminate potential water sources by fixing leaky outdoor pipes or fixtures and make sure that gutters are clean and are working properly to direct water away from the outside of your home.</li>
<li>Empty trash cans frequently and secure outdoor garbage cans with tight-fitting lids. If you have a dumpster, do not fill to overflowing and do not pile up crates, boxes or other trash outside of it.</li>
<li>Clean your kitchen drain/garbage disposal with boiling water and wipe down the inside of trash cans often.</li>
<li>Change sponges and dishcloths regularly.</li>
<li>If you have fruit trees or a vegetable garden, harvest fruits and vegetables often and remove any that have fallen to the ground.</li>
<li>Do not let pet feces accumulate outside (<a href="https://pestcontrol.a-1pc.com/buster">sorry, Buster</a>).</li>
<li>Replace or repair screens covering doors and windows and seal any holes or openings on the exterior of your home.</li>
</ul>
<h3>More tips and home remedies to prevent fruit flies</h3>
<p>Keeping your house clean is the best way overall to prevent fruit flies. Here are some more steps you can take if you’re looking for eco-friendly solutions. </p>
<ul>
<li>Don't store fruits and vegetables on your countertops. It’s always best to keep fruit and vegetables in the fridge, but if you have to keep them out, wash them well and cover them with a cloth as soon as you get home from the store.</li>
<li>Make an <a href="https://www.thespruce.com/get-rid-of-fruit-flies-1388144">apple cider vinegar trap.</a></li>
<li>Love <a href="https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/make-sure-you-never-have-fruit-flies-again/">essential oils</a>? Fruit flies hate basil, peppermint, eucalyptus, lemongrass, lavender, and clove. Use a diffuser to deter them. </li>
</ul>
<p>So, before you leave for your big vacation this summer, don’t leave dishes in the sink and the trash out! Keeping tidy around the house and doing frequent wipe downs and outdoor inspections will help keep flies away. If you're still having problems after following these tips, give us a call. Our Home Shield plans will help keep out flies plus a lot more.</p>
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Jul 16 2021
How Your Home Might Be Attracting Fruit Flies
It’s summertime in North Carolina. You know what that means… road trips to the Outer Banks, or your favorite swimming hole, fishing, tubing, rafting, and of course… fruit flies. Yuck. While…
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[content] => <p>The words “venomous” and “poisonous” are often used interchangeably - or used as a catch-all to describe “bugs and animals I don’t want to be around.” But do you know the difference? </p>
<p>According to Britannica, “the term venomous is applied to organisms that bite (or sting) to inject their toxins, whereas the term poisonous applies to organisms that unload toxins when you eat them.” While most people think of snakes as being poisonous, they are actually venomous because they need to bite you to inject their venom. Examples of poisonous animals include amphibians like frogs, toads and salamanders, which carry toxins on their skin to protect them from being eaten by other animals (or humans). </p>
<p><br>It’s pretty easy to avoid eating or licking frogs, but what happens if you come across a venomous snake? </p>
<h3><br>Venomous Snakes in North Carolina </h3>
<p><br>In North Carolina, there are six kinds of venomous snakes, the most common being the Copperhead and Cottonmouth Snake. You can read more about dangerous snakes and pests here. </p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Cottonmouth</strong> snakes have bodies with dark crossbands with light olive or brown colored centers. They are almost always found near a water source.<br><br></li>
<li><strong>Copperheads</strong> have stout bodies, typically between two and four feet in length. They are colorful, with patterned dark bands that create an hourglass-like shape. They typically live in wooded areas.<br><br></li>
<li>Read more on Cottonmouth and Copperheads <a href="/pest-library/profile/wildlife">here</a>. </li>
</ul>
<p>Snakes are most active between May and September, and they usually come out around dawn and dusk when the heat isn’t as intense. Copperheads can appear in both urban and rural environments. Though snakes don’t want to bother humans, they can move into human inhabited areas in search of food or shelter. If you see snakes in your yard, get rid of messy areas like wood piles, tarps or upside-down plastic swimming pools. You’ll also want to make sure they don’t have access to any food - including <a href="/pest-library/profile/mice">rodents</a> - and pet or animal feed. Since snakes like cool dark places, make sure access to your basement or any crawl spaces are sealed. Check out more tips for managing snakes around the house here. </p>
<p><br>If you accidentally disturb a snake, they will usually try to get away from you, but if they do hold their ground, back away slowly. </p>
<h2>How to treat venomous snake bites </h2>
<p><br>If you can’t avoid being bitten, call 911 immediately. <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-snake-bites/basics/art-20056681">According to the Mayo Clinic</a>, while you’re waiting for medical help: </p>
<ul>
<li>Move away from the snake’s striking distance</li>
<li>Try to remain still and calm to slow the spread of venom.</li>
<li>Remove jewelry and tight clothing around the area.</li>
<li>Position yourself so that the bite is at or below the level of your heart.</li>
<li>Clean the wound with soap and water and cover it with a clean, dry dressing. </li>
</ul>
<p>In humans, <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/snakes/symptoms.html">venomous bite symptoms include</a>: </p>
<ul>
<li>Redness</li>
<li>Swelling</li>
<li>Bruising</li>
<li>Bleeding, or blistering around the bite</li>
<li>Nausea</li>
<li>Vomiting or diarrhea</li>
<li>Changes in heart rate or blood pressure,</li>
<li>Disturbed vision</li>
<li>Numbness and more. </li>
</ul>
<p>Do NOT use a tourniquet, apply ice, cut the wound or attempt to remove the venom. And definitely DO NOT try to <a href="https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/news/20180525/how-to-survive-snake-season-even-if-you-get-bitten">suck out the venom</a> (this is a myth that is very dangerous). Similarly, if your cat or dog gets bitten, bring them to an emergency vet immediately and don't try to treat them yourself. </p>
<h2><br>Venomous Spiders in North Carolina </h2>
<p>Besides snakes, you should also watch out for venomous spiders. In North Carolina venomous <a href="/venomous-spiders-of-north-carolina">spiders</a> include: </p>
<ul>
<li>The Black Widow</li>
<li>Brown Recluse</li>
<li>False Black Widow</li>
<li>Yellow Sac Spider</li>
</ul>
<p>Read more about common spiders in North Carolina <a href="/pest-library/profile/spiders">here</a>. Some of the <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/spider-bites#black-widow">symptoms</a> of venomous spider bites include an itchy, painful red spot or blister and reaction such as fever, chills, headache, nausea or vomiting. Especially if you see two puncture wounds you should see a doctor. </p>
<h2><br>Are bee stings venomous? </h2>
<p><br>Another common venomous insect is the bee! <a href="/pest-library/profile/stinging-insects">Bees, wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets</a> all contain venom within their stinger. This is what causes pain and swelling in the area. A mild reaction can result in a sharp, burning pain to the site, a red welt, and slight swelling. These stings don’t need medical attention and usually get better in a few hours. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>If you’re allergic to bee stings, however, a sting could lead to a life-threatening reaction. Severe allergic reaction <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bee-stings/symptoms-causes/syc-20353869">symptoms</a> include: </p>
<ul>
<li>Skin reactions</li>
<li>Hives and itching</li>
<li>Flushed or pale skin</li>
<li>Difficulty breathing</li>
<li>Swelling of the throat and tongue</li>
<li>A weak, rapid pulse</li>
<li>Nausea</li>
<li>Vomiting or diarrhea</li>
<li>Dizziness or fainting or loss of consciousness</li>
</ul>
<p>You should seek medical care immediately if you have any of these reactions to a bee sting. </p>
<p><br>Similar to snakes, bees don’t want to bother humans, but will be attracted to food, water and shelter. To deter bees from your property you should maintain your yard, don’t plant flowers too close to your house and don’t leave out food or trash. </p>
<p>If you’re concerned about potentially venomous creatures in your house or yard, <a href="/contact-us#schedule">contact us</a> for a free estimate. Although most animals do not want to attack humans, sometimes you want peace of mind, and that’s when you call A-1. </p>
<p><br>For more info on wildlife control: <a href="/wildlife-control">https://www.a-1pc.com/wildlife-control</a> </p>
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Jun 16 2021
Venomous and Poisonous: What's the Difference?
The words “venomous” and “poisonous” are often used interchangeably - or used as a catch-all to describe “bugs and animals I don’t want to be around.” But do you know the…
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[content] => <p><a href="https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/state/north-carolina/article230619419.html">Parts of North Carolina rank among the worst in the country</a> when it comes to <a href="/pest-library/profile/mosquitoes">mosquitoes</a>. With mosquito season starting in July, an uptick in the numbers of this pesky insect occurs right in the middle of summer. Obviously, North Carolinians want to do whatever they can to keep this large horde of mosquitoes (and their scratchy bites) as far away from them as possible, and one of the easiest ways to do this is to use that easily accessible mosquito repellent. But does mosquito repellent work? </p>
<h3>Mosquito Repellents That Work </h3>
<p>Luckily, many mosquito repellents that you will find on many store shelves have been proven to be both safe and effective when it comes to keeping mosquitoes away from your person. <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2018/06/30/623865454/a-guide-to-mosquito-repellents-from-deet-to-gin-and-tonic">According to a 2015 study</a>, there are three separate ingredients contained in mosquito repellents that have been shown to be most effective: DEET, picaridin, and lemon eucalyptus oil (otherwise known as PMD). One or more of these ingredients are found in the following common mosquito repellents: </p>
<ul>
<li>OFF Deep Woods</li>
<li>Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus </li>
<li>Repel 100 </li>
<li>Cutter Skinsations </li>
</ul>
<p>There are <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2018/06/30/623865454/a-guide-to-mosquito-repellents-from-deet-to-gin-and-tonic">a few other products</a> that experts have noted do a good job repelling mosquitoes: </p>
<ul>
<li>Victoria’s Secret Bombshell perfume </li>
<li>Off Clip-On </li>
</ul>
<p>So now we know that there are a large number of repellents on the market that do a good job of repelling mosquitoes -- in fact many more than the products listed above, which is not a comprehensive list, but just some of the most effective research for this specific study. But what about repellents that don’t work? </p>
<h3>Mosquito Repellents That Don’t Work </h3>
<p>There is something charming about the idea that age-old home remedies can be a great solution for repelling mosquitoes, and a feeling of modernity and tech-savviness that some newer technologies can replace repellents that have been in use since at least the 1950s. But the truth is that the tried-and-true repellents with those 3 special ingredients do a much better job at keeping mosquitoes away than anything very new, or very old. Here is a list of some mosquito repellent products that simply don’t do their job very well: </p>
<ul>
<li>Vitamin B1 skin patches </li>
<li>Citronella candles </li>
<li>Bug-repellent wristbands and bracelets </li>
<li>Lemongrass and other essential oils </li>
<li>Sonic devices and misleading smartphone apps </li>
</ul>
<h3>Speaking of DEET…</h3>
<p>Consumers have long been concerned about the safety of DEET. If it can ward off mosquitoes, how can it possibly be safe for you and your family’s skin? <a href="https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-deet-bad-for-you-and-your-kids/">According to the Cleveland Clinic</a>, there is no reason to be concerned. First, as we mentioned above, DEET-based repellents are super effective at keeping mosquitoes away -- not to mention ticks to boot. Protection from the diseases that those insects can spread- like Lyme Disease and West Nile Virus- is incredibly important for health. And DEET-based repellents have been <a href="https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/reg_actions/reregistration/fs_PC-080301_1-Apr-98.pdf">approved as safe for application by the EPA</a>. <br> <br>But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t safety guidelines to follow when applying DEET, and as always there are a few exceptions to the rule. <a href="https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-deet-bad-for-you-and-your-kids/">Again according to the Cleveland Clinic</a>, safely using DEET-based mosquito repellent requires taking the following safety tips: </p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Don’t Overuse.</strong> Higher concentrations of DEET don’t work better, they just last longer. If you’re taking a short hike or spending an hour by the bonfire, reach for lower concentrations. Products with 10% DEET should repel bugs for about twp hours, while those with concentrations of 20% to 30% last around five. <br><br></li>
<li><strong>Limit exposure.</strong> Cover up with pants and long sleeves to minimize the amount of skin exposed to bugs (and bug sprays). Try not to spray on cuts or irritated skin and apply in well-ventilated areas to avoid breathing a DEET-cloud. When applying to kids, spray your hands and rub it onto their faces so they don’t inhale the vapors. (And keep it off little hands, which always end up in little mouths.) <br><br></li>
<li><strong>Only Apply Once a Day.</strong> Unless you’re out all day in a bug-infested forest, you probably don’t need to apply DEET more than once a day. Skip the bug spray/sunscreen combos, since you’ll definitely want to touch up your SPF. <br><br></li>
<li><strong>Babies and Pregnant Moms Should Stay Away.</strong> The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against using DEET products in infants under two months old. There aren’t any reports of issues in pregnant women, but DEET hasn’t been specifically studied in that group. Pregnant women should minimize their use of insect repellent by covering up with clothing and avoiding it when it’s not necessary.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Getting Rid of Mosquito Infestations </h3>
<p>Mosquito repellent is a very useful product to ward off mosquitoes, but it isn’t a permanent solution if you are dealing with a mosquito infestation on your property. First thing’s first: there are a few preventative measures we recommend that you take to decrease the chances of an infestation:</p>
<ul>
<li>Remove wet and rotting leaves and leaf piles.</li>
<li>Clear gutters to allow for proper drainage.</li>
<li>Dump standing water in pots, baby pools, or buckets.</li>
<li>Only use sprinklers when necessary, to avoid oversaturating the lawn and creating standing water.</li>
<li>Water flower beds and gardens enough to saturate plants but not leave puddles.</li>
<li>Rake vegetation away from the foundation of the house.</li>
</ul>
<p>If you already have an infestation, A-1 Pest Control can help! Here’s how our seasonal mosquito treatments work: <br> <br>We provide over-the-phone quotes if you know the size of the property you want treated. If you are unsure of your lot size or the most effective area to treat, we can provide a free in-person quote. <br> <br>Customers do not have to be home as the treatment is all exterior. Standing water in ponds and such are treated with eco-friendly products that will not harm fish, livestock, or pets. <br> <br>Your technician will leave a door hanger with the next treatment date and recommendations for things you might do around your property, such as dumping standing water or clearing gutters to increase drainage and prohibit mosquito breeding. <br> <br>In need of mosquito control today? Contact A-1 here and we can get started on developing your mosquito treatment plan ASAP! <br> </p>
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Jun 01 2021
Does Mosquito Repellent Actually Work?
Parts of North Carolina rank among the worst in the country when it comes to mosquitoes. With mosquito season starting in July, an uptick in the numbers of this pesky insect occurs right in the middle…
