Cockroaches are the largest insects that will infest your home. In fact, this type of insect was native of Africa as far back as the 17th century. These are difficult pests to rid your home of, simply because they are so large and can be a significant pest. Today we have some tips to help you understand these pests and how to rid your home of them. Read on to find out more.

Understanding cockroaches

These insects are reddish-brown in color, and have a yellowish figure-8 pattern on their head. They have 6 legs, are shaped like an oval, are up to two inches long, have antennae, and are found throughout the world. These insects can enter your home or other structures through pipes and drains. These are often more active when the temperature is higher, though they can survive even when it is cold, as well. These cockroaches can be found in grocery stores, homes, hospitals, food processing plants, and schools. These pests can also be found in large quantities in basements, alleys, or yards.

Cockroach problems

Not only are these pests big and difficult to be rid of, but the most significant problem is that they spread more than thirty kinds of bacteria. They also carry worms and other types of pathogens that can greatly affect humans. Not only are these a problem, but they will actually travel through sewers and pick up bacteria. After this has happened, they may walk across or eat some of your food, and then dispose of this bacteria into your food. This creates the chance that you will ingest this food on your own, with the contaminated bacteria.

Getting rid of cockroaches

The best way to keep cockroaches from your home is to make sure that you properly sanitize it as much as you can. This includes taking out garbage, cleaning up food in the kitchen, and vacuuming often. This also means that entrances into your home need to be sealed up, such as pipes, holes in walls, and other surfaces and areas. If you find evidence of an infestation of cockroaches in your home, speak with our professional team immediately. We can help you get rid of this problem in your home, and get you on your way to having a better result.

Cockroaches are a difficult pest to rid your home of. If you have any questions about how to rid your home of this particularly gruesome pest, speak with our Las Vegas pest control specialists today. We can help you understand what it is you need to do to get these pests away from your home, and get your home back on track for looking great and having much less problems. If you are careful, you will be grateful that you never have to deal with these pests, and you will love being in your home more than you did before. Don’t hesitate to call us today! We can help you with your cockroach problems.

House flies are actually the most common pest that you will see in your home, hence their name. Flies that are adults will actually possibly grow up to one quarter of an inch long and may live anywhere from 2 weeks to a month. This article will help explain what these flies are, and the best way to rid your home of them. Read on to find out more.

Understanding flies

These flies are typically dark gray, have six legs, are shaped like a small oval, are 1/4 of an inch in size, and have antennae. These flies will only feed on liquids, but you then may wonder why they often land on solid foods. This is because they have a mechanism with the ability to break down solid foods into liquids. House flies actually taste things with their feet, and these are much more sensitive to sugar than that of a human tongue. House flies will tend to stay likely within about 1 mile of where they were born, but if they can find food, they have gone anywhere from 15 to 20 miles away to find this. These flies are pesky and carry a lot of germs. While they won’t bite you or hurt you, their disease and germ-ridden bodies are risks to you and your family.

House flies are pests that will not always cause significant problems, but they can be annoying and ones that you just simply want to rid your home of. If you are not careful,you will likely find yourself with a home full of flies, especially in the summer. The most important thing that you can do is to keep yourself on the right track by being careful and cleaning your home. House flies can become more and more of a problem if you continue to have them in your home. The best way to keep yourself safe from these house flies is to make sure that they do not continue to be a problem for as long as you can help it. The most important thing is to keep yourself safe as long as possible.

Getting rid of flies

House flies can be vanquished by making sure you have the proper amount of sanitation in your home. Be sure to get rid of your trash and garbage consistently. Use garbage bags that seal well and will not create problems. Be sure to clean up any pet waste as quickly as you can. Use mesh screens on your doors to make sure windows don’t allow flies to get in.

If you do each of these things, you will find yourself with much better luck as you try to get rid of flies in your home. In fact, you will be much happier if you do this in the proper manner. If you have any questions about how best to do this, speak with our Pest Control Las Vegas specialists. We can help you understand what exactly it is that you need before you go through anything.

Mites have been a very common pest in the United States for years, and have actually recently resurfaced in the news and the media. Dust mites found in your home are actually very difficult to get rid of on your own, so today we have some information about them and what you can do to prevent them.

Understanding Mites

Dust mites that are found in your home are actually quite difficult to see unless you have some type of magnification. Dust mites are called such because they are known to feed on protein materials as well as dead skin that is shed from humans, which actually makes up dust.

These types of mites actually also feed on pet dander as well. you may find them in food that contains a lot of protein, adn they actually do not prefer types of products that have a lot of moisture. You will be more likely to find them in something that is dry. The female dust mites actually can lay somewhere between 75 and 90 eggs, and these populations can completely overwhelm your home if you are not careful.

Where will I find dust mites?

Dust mites are actually most commonly found in beds because there is a lot of dander and dust in this place. They may also be found in areas that are more commonly lived on or in, such as furniture, clothing, and carpet. There are test kits available to use in your home if you wish to find out if you have dust mites.

What are the threats?

A lot of people are actually allergic to dust mites. You may hear someone allergic to “dust”, but it is actually probably the mites. There will not be any sort of rash that is indicative of the reaction, but it is more likely that it will cause respiratory problems. They may also find eyes that are very watery and itchy, as well as symptoms similar to that of asthma.

Getting rid of mites

If you wish to rid your home of dust mites, be sure to change your bed sheets frequently. If you have a serious problem with dust mites in your home, you can get a cover tested for problems. It is also wise to vacuum frequently, keep your humidity in the home as low as you can, and avoid playing with animals on an area that may be carpeted.

Mites are difficult to control, and you may find yourself with significant problems if you are not careful. The best way to control mites in your home and keep them at bay is to contact a Las Vegas Pest Control specialist. We can help you understand if you do have a problem, and we can rid your home of any signs if you call us today! We know the best ways to get rid of these pesky pests, and will help you keep your home mite-free.

For more information on this pest, click here.

Woodpeckers are pesky birds, and may wreak serious havoc on your home if you’re not careful. They may damage your home or the surrounding areas, and thus quickly become a pest that you’ll understandably want to get rid of. Today we have some tips about understanding woodpeckers and how to get rid of them if they’re a problem in your home.

Understanding woodpeckers

Twenty-one species of woodpeckers inhabit the United States. These birds are federally protected and cannot be destroyed. Woodpeckers vary by species, but the color is mostly red on the had, and most have various patters of black and white on their bodies. They have two legs, are shaped like a common bird, are seven to fifteen inches in length, and don’t have any antennae.

Habits

Woodpeckers usually peck at dead or diseased trees/limbs, but they have also been known to peck at buildings, siding, metal and/or air conditioners. Woodpeckers peck in order to find food, excavate areas for nesting, or create room for food storage. These birds can have two or three broods per year, each with three to six young.

Habitat

These birds are found mostly in or on the edge of wooded areas due to food prevalence and preference for living in or near trees. They can nest in structures, fences, sign posts, and poles. These birds may harm your home more than they help it, and it’s important to realize and understand these problems going into it.

Threats

Damage caused by woodpeckers in structures can range from holes in wood to damaged siding and air conditioning units, making woodpecker management vital.

Preventing woodpeckers

Woodpeckers cannot be killed because they are protected under law. Woodpecker prevention is based upon physical barriers and scare techniques. Physical barriers created created in pecking areas will help get rid of woodpeckers by preventing entry. Commonly these are made of steel mesh. Noise scare techniques are also effective in some cases. Remember, woodpeckers are protected and any prevention or woodpecker control is subject to compliance with federal law.

If you have any questions about how best to prevent these pest from inhabiting your home or yard, contact a Las Vegas Pest Control specialist today. We can help you understand what you need to do to get rid of these pesky birds in your yard. It’s important that you do this in the proper manner, so as not to harm the birds, which is where the trickiness comes in. We have the techniques that are needed to get rid of these problems in an ethical and safe manner. We understand just how much annoyance these pests can cause, and want to help you get rid of said annoyance. Contact us today for more information!

Pest control is a tricky business. If you feel you have a pest problem in your home, the wisest choice is to call a pest control specialist to come eradicate the problem for you. However, if you think it’s simple enough to solve on your  own, first start out with these tips:

Grub damage

To prevent grub damage, homeowners and gardeners can simply distribute hair, animal fur, or cayenne pepper over their lawns to preserve their health and also to keep animals such as raccoons and skunks away.

Getting rid of ants

If you have a pesky ant problem, you may be able to rid your home of these little pests by saving your coffee grounds. These are a great ant deterrent – they do not like them and will not come anywhere near them. This also won’t use any chemicals that will stink up your home, or make it dangerous for you and your family.

Bye bye flies

Fill a glass container with 1-2 inches of apple cider vinegar. Wrap the top of the bottle neck with plastic wrap and poke holes. Fruit flies will actually drown themselves in the vinegar after they are lured in by the sweet scent.

Natural fly repellent

To rid your home of other types of flies aside from fruit flies, use cloves, eucalyptus and clover blossoms in a sachet and hang it from your ceiling. This will attract flies and they won’t be able to withstand the chemicals.

Ridding your home of mothball smell

Do you have a bad mothball smell in your home? Simply make a sachet to hang in your closets using dried mint, peppercorns, rosemary, lavender, bay leaves, cloves, and cedar chips. You’ll rid your home of the odor once and for all.

Keeping rats away

If you wish to repel rats, add one tablespoon of peppermint castile soap with half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper and eight cups of water, then spray the mixture along your baseboards. This will keep the rats from entering your home.

Roaches 

To get rid of roaches, spice them up! Place 2 tablespoons of very hot sauce in 1 quart of water and then mix well and spray where problems exist. You’ll never see a roach again.

Ridding your home of termites

To get rid of termites, combine 4 tablespoons of grape jelly, 3 tablespoons of canned cat food, and 1 tablespoon of boric acid. Place a teaspoon of this recipe in locations you think these pests may be nesting (don’t place it in locations where pets can find it). The workers will bring this mixture back to the nest and offspring. You will shrink the nest in no time.

Following these simple tips may help you rid your home of small infestations. However, if you have large problems or simply don’t have the time to do this yourself, contact our offices today! We can help you with even the largest types of pest invasion problems, and get your home back in order in no time. Las Vegas Pest Control is the place to call!

Pigeons are pesky birds that may inhabit your property more than you might desire. Today we are going to give you some information about pigeons and how to get rid of them. Read on to find out more about pigeon problems, and contact Las Vegas Pest Control if you have any questions or pigeon problems.

Understanding pigeons

Pigeons, also known as Rock Doves, are monogamous and will lay one to two eggs which hatch within eighteen days. Young are fed “pigeon milk” which is regurgitated food from both males and females. While mating occurs year round, the peak mating seasons are spring and fall. These animals are commonly gray with a whitish rump, two black bars on wing feathers and a broad black band on the tail, and red feet. The have two legs, are up to about 11 inches and 13 ounces, and are found throughout the US.

Pigeon habits

Pigeons prefer grains for food and people will commonly feed pigeons unintentionally by spilling food or it in open trash containers. Pigeons roost in areas above round and will readily nest in steeples, as well as voids on outside areas of buildings and other protected areas.

Pigeon habitats

Pigeons are dependent on humans to provide them with food, roosting and nesting sites. They are commonly found around agricultural areas as well as warehouses, feed mills, and grain elevators. They are also commonly found in cities around parks, buildings, bridges, and any other structures.

Pigeon threats

Pigeons are filthy birds, causing disease and damage. Their droppings are known for triggering human slips and falls, as well as accelerating the aging of structures and statues. This makes it imperative to get rid of pigeons in highly trafficked areas. More seriously, pigeons may carry diseases such as cryptococcosis, toxoplasmosis, salmonella, food poisoning, and more. Also, their droppings may harbor the growth of fungus which causes hisoplasmosis. Other pests may live on these birs, including lice, mites, ticks, fleas, and other pests. Pests may also infest nests such as stored product pests.

Getting rid of pigeons

To prevent or get rid of pigeons, homeowners need to make roosting and nesting areas impossible and inhospitable. Filling in access to voids, sloping resting areas, and preventing landing by using devices will help. Scare balloons, plastic birds, or plastic snakes rarely work except for a very short period. Keep all food and standing water out of reach of pigeons. In commercial settings do not participate in pigeon feeding.

If you have any questions about how best to get rid of pigeons, speak with a professional today. We can help you understand how to do this, and help you get rid of these problems in your yard. If you are wondering how you can do this without harming your family or home, talk to us today. We incorporate integrated pest management that will get rid of pests in the most effective way without harming your home. Contact us today for more information on this type of pest management.

When you think of birds, you may not think they would be pests you would need to control at your home. However, this is not true. While birds may seem harmless, they become a problem when there are many of them near your home, or if they are taking over your yard. Truthfully, many pests are that way – they’re not a problem until there are so many of them that they overwhelm you. This article will help you understand what these pests are and how to rid your home of them.

Starling stats

Starlings are typically dark with light speckles on their feathers, though the speckles aren’t obvious from a distance. They have a yellow beak except in colder temperatures when it darkens to tan or gray. They have 2 legs, are shaped like a bird, and are approximately 6 inches and 3 ounces. These are found throughout the west.

Starlings were introduced intentionally in New York over a hundred years ago. Since then, they have spread in population and area. These birds may produce two clutches of offspring per year, each with four to seven offspring.

Habits

Starlings feed on a variety of substances. They will readily feed on different types of seeds, but they have a preference in spring and summer for invertebrate animals such as insects in their larval stages (grubs). They will readily forage in open trash containers and will eat spilled food in parks and picnic sites. Starlings will roost or rest in trees and consume fruit, making themselves a major agricultural fruit pest.

Habitats

Starlings can be found in nearly every setting from agriculture to metropolitan areas. They have a tendency to travel in flocks and will commonly be found grazing in short grass. Common in residential settings, the starlings will occupy trees or will be found perching on gutters, which may be clogged and filled with water. These clogged gutters provide a much needed water source for the starlings.

Threats

Starling droppings may cause certain types of steel buildings to degrade and lead to significant structural damage. A potential health risk arises from soil enriched with starling droppings, which can promote growth of fungi as well as lead to diseases. Starlings are also know for bird strikes of aircraft, which may cause crashes.

Prevention and control

If you wish to prevent or get rid of starlings, all the openings in your home are yard greater than one inch should be sealed to prevent nesting. Trimming trees,  which are known to be popular resting spots for starlings, can be pruned to reduce the attractiveness. For additional starling management, eliminate horizontal surfaces that are easy for nesting by adding obstructions such as professionally installed wire repellents. Keep all animal food and trash covered and make it inaccessible to birds. Keep gutters clean to prevent water pooling. Sound and other frightening devices may be effective in dispersing starlings before they establish territory.

If you have any questions about a bird problem in your home or yard, talk to our Las Vegas pest control specialists. We have all the tools you need.

You may have heard a lot recently about bed bug problems in different hotels. However, bed bugs have been around for thousands of years. They feed on blood, but do not spread any diseases to humans. Some people can be allergic to their bites. Getting rid of a bed bug infestation is not easy, but there are steps you can take to control the problem. Read on to find out more about controlling bedbugs in your home.

What are bed bugs?

Bed bugs are small, flat, wingless insects that are reddish brown in color and about one quarter inch long. They hide during the day on beds (mattress seams, box springs, bed frames, headboards) and in crevices and cracks of walls, furniture, and floors. They come out at night. These bugs do not fly or jump, but can crawl rapidly.

How can bed bugs get into my home?

Bed bugs can come from other infested areas, or from used furniture. They can hitch a ride in purses, backpacks, or luggage. They can also travel between rooms in multi-unit buildings, such as apartment complexes or hotels.

How can I avoid bringing bed bugs to my home?

When you are staying in a hotel, keep your bag on a suitcase stand rather than on the bed or the floor. Keep the rack away from walls or furniture. When you are returning home, wash the clothes from your trip and put them in a hot dryer. It is also important to inspect new and used furniture before you bring it inside. Look in seams, tufts, and under cushions.

How do I know I have a bed bug problem?

You will see the bugs themselves, or shed skins, or the droppings in mattress seams and other items in a bedroom. There may also be blood stains on the sheets.

How do I control a bed bug problem in my home?

It can be done, but it usually requires an “integrated pest management” approach. This combines techniques that pose the lowest risk to your health as well as the environment. Try the following strategies:

• Clean and rid your room of clutter
• Move your bed away from walls or other furniture
• Vacuum molding, windows, and floors every day. Vacuum sides and seams of mattresses, box springs, and furniture. Empty the vacuum or the bag immediately and dispose of it outside
• Wash sheets, pillow cases, blankets, and bed skirts and then put them in a hot dryer for at least 30 minutes.
• Seal cracks and crevices and any openings where pipes or wires come into the house.

If you do these things, you will rid your home of bed bugs before you know it. Bed bugs are a very common problem, but they’re not too difficult to get rid of if you know the proper techniques. Remember that bedbugs are not a significant harm to your health, but their bites are painful and annoying, and nobody wants to sleep with bugs.

For more information,talk to a Las Vegas Pest Control specialist for more information.

Las Vegas pest control  is a member of integrated pest management and supports it completely. Integrated pest management is a great way to make sure that pests are removed in the best possible way, but also with the smallest harm to you.  Today we have some interesting ways to help you understand what integrated pest management is and how you can incorporate it into your daily life.

Grow a healthy crop

The focus of integrated pest management is on cultural practices that are aimed at keeping your crops healthy. Selection of varieties that are resistant or tolerant to pests is an important aspect. Attention to soil, nutrient and water management is part of growing a healthy crop. Many integrated pest management programs adopt a holistic approach and consider a wider range of agro-ecological parameters related to crop production.

Managing the agro-ecosystem

It is important to do this in such a way that your pests remain below economic damaging levels, rather than attempt to eradicate the pest. Prevention of the pest build up and encouragement of natural mortality of the pest is the first line of defense to protect the crop. Non-chemical practices are used to make the field and the crop inhospitable to the insect pest species and hospitable to their natural enemies and to prevent conditions favorable to build up weeds and diseases.

Apply external inputs 

External inputs may include predators or parasites, labor to remove the pest manually, pest attracting lures, pest traps, or pesticides. The choice of external input varies for each situation. Pesticides are generally used if economically viable pest control is not available, or fails to control the pest. These are applied only when field monitoring shows that a pest population has reached a level that is likely to cause a positive effect on net farm profits. Selection of products and applications techniques should aim to minimize adverse effects on non-target species.

Different groups use different interpretations of IPM. Claims of individual pesticide companies that products are IPM-compatible, or fit in IPM strategies do not imply that an IPM strategy is actually pursued. IPM is broader than any rationalization of pesticide use, such as stretching intervals of of calender-based applications, or limiting number of applications by observing economic levels.

If you have any questions about integrated pest management, talk to our professionals today. We have all the tools you need to help you on your way to getting rid of pests, and doing it in a way that will harm your home and family as little as possible. We provide tools to you and your home for removal of pests.

Our pest control in Las Vegas specialists know just how to control problems for you and keep your home pest free. For immediate service, or if you believe you have a pest problem in your home, contact us today. We can help you understand what you need.

For more pest control tips, click here.

Nobody likes the redness, swelling, and uncontrollable itchiness that comes with a mosquito bite. Because of this, many people turn to store bought insect repellents to keep the mosquitoes away, but these repellents often contain a toxic pesticide that is dangerous to health. This pesticide is known as DEET. Heavy exposure to DEET has been linked to many health problems, and is particularly toxic to children. Read on to find out more about controlling mosquitoes in a natural way.

Homemade citronella candles

Citronella essential oil is one of the most effective natural mosquito repellents in the world, and one of the best ways to take advantage of this wonderful oil is in candles. These candles are easy to make, all natural and will release an aroma that keeps mosquitoes away. Place a few candles around your patio or garden and create a mosquito proof barrier.

Lavender

Lavender is loved by humans all over the world, but mosquitoes are not fans. To keep mosquitoes out of your home, add a drop of lavender to some ribbon and place it around open windows. The mosquitoes will think twice about entering.

Lavender body oil

Adding 30 drops of lavender essential oil to two tablespoons of vegetable oil or olive oil will help if you rub it on exposed skin. Not only will you smell great, but mosquitoes will not land on you.

Mosquito repellent sunscreen

Getting sunscreen that has mosquito repellent is multi-purpose. It protects from harmful UV sun rays like any good sunscreen, but it also repels bugs and mosquitoes. On top of that, it’s all natural and contains no toxic chemicals found in many over-priced store-bought sunscreens.

Throw some rosemary on the barbecue

Mosquitoes often strike while we are barbecuing, but this simple trick will turn your barbecue into a natural mosquito repellent. This also adds a delicious flavor to your food. Throw some stalks of rosemary on the hot coals to give a mosquito repelling aroma.

Plant mosquito repelling plants

There are many plants that have mosquito repellent properties. Some examples are citronella, lavender, and catnip. Plant these in flower beds or containers placed around your garden to keep mosquitoes away.

Eat more garlic

This will repel mosquitoes, but it may also repel your friends too. After eating a lot of garlic, garlic oil is gently released from your pores. This garlic oil acts almost like a barrier between your skin and mosquitoes.

Doing these things are the most natural ways to keep mosquitoes away from you and your home. If you do this, you will find that mosquitoes are gone and you’re much happier. Most of these remedies smell a lot better than mosquito repellents, anyway.

If you have any questions about keeping mosquitoes away from your home or yard, talk to our pest control specialists in Las Vegas. We have everything you need to keep mosquitoes away from your home.

For more mosquito-repelling tips, click here.