Many Las Vegas residents mistakenly believe that mosquitoes don’t exist out here in the desert. However, as long as there is stagnant water, mosquitoes can thrive. Even in the desert, these pests can make your life miserable with irritating bites and even the transmission of diseases. Learn about these frustrating pests and how you can protect yourself from them with this guide from the pest control Las Vegas experts you trust.

The Life of a Biter

It is really important to understand that you do not have to live in a swamp-like climate to experience mosquito life-cycles. The two most common types of mosquitos will lay their eggs in any kind of standing water. This includes bird baths, rain barrels, tin cans and roof gutters.

When the eggs hatch, they become larvae that wiggle around in the water and eat microorganisms on the surface of the still water. The larvae grow into pupa and then adults only a few days after hatching.

Once they are adults, the male mosquitoes feed on plant nectar and juices for a week or two until they die. Female mosquitoes live for about a month and are the ones responsible for stealing your blood. The blood feeding is necessary for them to lay their eggs.

Beat the Bites

If you are bitten by mosquitoes, it is most likely going to happen in the evening hours. With that being the case, it is a good idea to stay indoors if you really want to reduce your risk of being bitten. Clothing that covers the skin is also a good idea.

There are also mosquito repellants that you can use to keep the biters away while you are outside. You can opt for topical applications or little devices that claim to prevent them from entering your general space. However, it is said that those devices – like candles and electric lamps – really are not effective in getting rid of the bugs or keeping them from biting you.

Take Them Out

One way you can get rid of mosquitoes is to destroy their breeding grounds. Find the standing water and eliminate it. Empty and dispose of old buckets, cans and tires that may be collecting water. Keep your rain gutters clean and change the water in your bird baths at least once a week.

You can also contact the best exterminator Las Vegas offers to manage an invasion of mosquitoes for you. For more information about the exterminator Las Vegas trusts, contact R and C Pest control at 702.257.2847.

Cockroaches are invaders that absolutely no one likes to see in their home. Follow these suggestions from the best exterminator Las Vegas offers to prevent and treat cockroach infestations.

Prevention

Cockroaches love kitchen drains. That is because they are dark, damp and contain plenty of little bits of food for them to feast on. You can stop roaches from living in and coming up the drain by pouring boiling hot water down there on a regular basis. This will kill any bugs or eggs that are living down there.

It is also a good idea to keep the kitchen sink clear of dishes. If there aren’t leftovers constantly in the sink, they won’t have quite as much to be attracted to. Under the sink, make sure there aren’t any leaks that can be attracting thirsty bugs.

You want to take similar preventative measures in the bathroom. Plug drains to keep these nasty critters from rising out of the darkness. You also want to make sure you fix any leaks under the sink as soon as you notice them.

Keep your home as clean as possible to avoid attracting cockroaches out from their hiding spaces in the walls or your neighbors’ homes. Keep garbage cans tightly covered. Keep kitchen floors and countertops clean. If you eat anywhere in your home besides the kitchen table, make sure you are cleaning up spills as soon as they happen.

Cockroaches also love to eat paper products. So make sure you don’t leave stacks of magazines or newspapers lying around. Place magazines in containers that keep them off of the floors and recycle everything you don’t want to keep.

Treatment

If these frustrating pests are already in your home, you can approach treatment from a couple different directions. Before you treat, however, you need to try to figure out where the roaches are coming from.

If you notice that they are coming in through cracks in floorboards or near cupboards, you can seal them out with caulk.

Another simple and inexpensive treatment is cockroach traps. You can find them at most grocery stores and hardware supply stores. Put them where you notice the most bugs. Just remember that there are a lot of different kinds of traps so do a little research before you make a purchase.

The most effective treatment, of course, will be a professional pest control Las Vegas treatment. R & C Pest Control offers the best pest control Las Vegas trusts at prices you can afford. With these experts, you can trust the job will be done right the first time. If you’d like more information or a quote from this exterminator Las Vegas trusts, contact 702.257.2847.

Snakes are not usually the first thing that comes to mind when you think about the pests that can enter your home. Unfortunately, here in the desert, it can happen. This is an especially scary thought when you think about all the poisonous snakes that call the Las Vegas desert their home.

If you live in central Vegas, it is not likely that you’ll find a snake in your home. However, if you live in a newer housing development that sits on the outskirts of the city (or your home is near a lot of vacant land) your risk increases significantly.

Look, Don’t Touch

Before you try to do anything along the lines of catching your foe, look closely at the snake. The color and pattern of the snake’s skin can tell you a lot about the type of snake you are dealing with. Since most of the snakes that enter homes in the Valley are non-poisonous, you probably have nothing to worry about. Anything can happen, however, so do a little research to be sure.

If you find that the snake isn’t poisonous, proceed with caution. These snakes still have fangs and can bite you if they feel threatened. An easy way to get rid of these types of snakes is to use a broom and gently push it out of the home.

If you find that the snake is poisonous, DO NOT TOUCH IT. Don’t try to be a hero and trap it. If there is a way you can contain the snake, like closing a door, do that. Then call the experts in snake pest control Las Vegas homeowners trust. The pros are trained to handle these kinds of things so don’t place your life in unnecessary risk.

Prevention

Keep snakes from ever getting into your home by spraying snake repellent inside and outside. You can DIY if you would like and purchase a repellent from the local hardware store. You can get a solution that is much stronger by contacting an exterminator Las Vegas can rely on for the most effective pest control services.

You also want to inspect your home for possible entry points. Snakes are slender and flexible creatures so they can get into even the smallest of holes and cracks. Check out your home – inside and outside – for possible entrances. Fill smaller holes and cracks with caulk. Patch up larger holes with materials from your local supply store.

If you are unsure about dealing with snakes in your home yourself, that is okay. Call R and C Pest Control to effectively get rid of intruding snakes. For more information about the pest control Las Vegas service, contact 702.257.2847.

There are pests that frustrate everyone simply by existing. Ants, cockroaches and spiders are just a few of the annoying pests you can have. Unfortunately, there are some pests that are more than frustrating: They are a down right menace. Here is a quick guide about the worst of the worst in the insect world from the exterminator Las Vegas homeowners rely on.

Locusts

This insect has been plaguing mankind for literally thousands of year. The locust was a major player in the original biblical plague. These guys only become a worrisome threat when they swarm. As a swarm, they can destroy crops in massive numbers. That is because swarms of locusts fly around with the direction of the wind eating about 2 grams of vegetation every day.

Mormon Cricket

This large cricket is actually not a cricket at all. It is called a katydid and it can destroy crops in a way that is very similar to that of the locust. Their appetites are so voracious, they will even eat each other without a second thought.

As if that wasn’t enough, these bugs create slick spots on the road when crushed which can cause cars to get in accidents.

Termites

Termites also form swarms to travel from one place to another to mate. Thankfully, termites are essentially harmless as a flying swarm because they are more concerned with mating and surviving. However, once you find one or two or three in your home, it is time to schedule the pest control Las Vegas homeowners trust. These guys will literally eat your home.

Of out all the different species of termites, the species residing in the US is one of the most destructive types.

Fire Ants

After coming from South America on a ship almost 100 years ago, fire ants have effectively become a frustration in every corner of the country. If you find a fire ant nest in your yard, you’ll want to contact an exterminator Las Vegas can trust to manage that for you. Disturbing a fire ant nest can result in a very painful experience for you.

While they are small, fire ants have a relatively potent venom. Their venom can kill small animals and even people who have an allergic reaction to them.

Yellow Jackets

This is a type of yellow and black wasp that is aggressively dangerous. They will pursue any perceived threat and sting repeatedly. In areas with warmer climates, this is a frightening thing because yellow jackets don’t get killed off by the winter weather. That means a yellow jacket nest can grow to astronomical levels.

Emerald Ash Borer

This insect is fond of the ash tree. The larvae of the insect find their way into the tree and feast on the life plant tissue under the bark. This makes it so that the tree can’t get water and nutrients up to the top branches of the tree. This devastation of ash trees can be seen most in urban areas.

Stink Bugs

As the name suggests, these insects smell terrible when they are crushed or even when they feel threatened. You can see how that would be a problem when you try to take care of an infestation in your home. If you notice even just a few, there is a good chance you are already dealing with an infestation. Call a pest control Las Vegas service instead of trying to manage this yourself. Your home and your nose will thank you.

Gypsy Moth

This is a moth that is particularly frustrating. Swarms of these moths have an appetite that is so large, they will eat just about everything off of the tree they are living in all the way down to the branches. Their tree of choice is the hardwood tree.

Many of these pests on this list will literally eat the home around you. If you notice one or two, don’t wait to find out just how bad the infestation is.  Contact the experts at R & C Pest Control because they are the exterminators Las Vegas residents trust the most. For more information about the best pest control Las Vegas has, contact 702.257.2847.

Ants are frustratingly annoying little pests. There is no doubt about that. Even so, the more you know about this tiny bug, the better you can protect your home and your family with the help of the exterminator Las Vegas trusts.

Random Facts

1. Ants can flatten their tiny ant bodies to be able to squeeze through the smallest of cracks. They come into your home looking for anything they can carry to feed their colonies. Their favorites are sweet or greasy food particles.
2. Ants follow a trail of pheromones to find their way to and fro. Once they find food in your kitchen, the only way to keep them from finding their way back is to block the pheromone trail.
3. Depending on the species, ants can build their nests in trees, lawns, stumps and even in your walls or foundation. If you think you have an internal infestation, call for the pest control Las Vegas relies on right away.
4. An ant colony can have as many as half a million ants. Even with these massive numbers, these little guys can easily pick up shop and relocate if they feel threatened.
5. One colony can live as long as 15 years, which is how long the queen usually lives. Once she is gone, the colony dissipates.

The Life Of An Ant

The life cycle of an ant comes in four stages. Depending on the species, a full life cycle can last only a few weeks to as long as several months.

Baby Ants

Tiny ant eggs are laid by a fertile queen ant in hiding. The eggs are oval shaped, white and transparent, and about half a millimeter big. Ants stay in this stage for about two weeks.

Child Ants

Once an egg hatches, it becomes larvae. Larvae look like tiny grub with no legs. A large part of the adult ant’s life is spent feeding larvae with food that is eaten and regurgitated.

Adolescent Ants

After a time, larvae molt and become pupae. There are two ways to tell pupae from adult ants: they are a lighter color and their legs and antennae are folded against their bodies.

Grown Up Ants

It is not until an ant is fully grown that it leaves the colony to terrorize your home. However, the only ants that forage for food are worker ants. Worker ants are wingless female ants that do not reproduce. They find food, feed the larvae and protect the colony. The fertile females become queens and never leave the nest. Male ants have wings and do not work. Their only purpose in life is to mate with the queen.

Contact the experts at R and C Pest Control to take care of any kind of ant problem. For more information about a great pest control Las Vegas company, contact 702.257.2847.

If you thought cockroaches were disgusting, you are right. They thrive in the gnarliest of situations and carry diseases that can cause some serious issues to humans. Learn just how disgusting this critter is with this 101 guide to cockroaches.

There are literally thousands of roaches that exist in the world but the most common are the Periplaneta americana, Blattella germanica and Blattella orientalis. As you probably already know, this insect will eat just about anything. Feces, toe nails, food crumbs and even fellow roaches all make the menu. They prefer to eat things that are made with sugar and starch. That is usually why you can find cockroaches in kitchens.

Because of everything they eat, these insects tend to contaminate any surface they crawl over. If you are dealing with an infestation, you want to be extra careful to wash utensils and dishes before you use them. If you don’t, you could end up getting ill from a bacterial, viral or fungal infection from the germs that hitch a ride on these guys’ backs. This process of indirectly transmitting diseases to humans is called mechanical transmission.

In fact, more than 30 types of bacteria have been found inside and outside of a cockroach. Some of those dangerous germs include E. coli, salmonella and staphylococcus. These are the germs that cause urinary tract infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, cholera, dysentery and general infections.

As if that isn’t enough, it is believed that cockroaches caused a massive outbreak of hepatitis A in a L.A. housing project in the late 50’s. The number of cases reported continued to climb until the infestation of cockroaches was finally managed with the help of a new insecticide. After that, authorities determined that it was because the roaches that traveled between homes, sewer and back again that so many people were coming down with the disease.

This may be because cockroaches carry bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. Ethiopa conducted a study in 2012 to test this theory and found it to be true. Many of the bacteria found living on and in cockroaches were found to be resistant to as many as twelve common antibiotics. That means that these bugs are carrying bacteria into our homes that are more resistant to treatment than we may be used to. You can see how this trend can cause problems if it continues.

Make sure your home and your family are protected from the dangers of cockroach infestations. As soon as you see one, contact the best exterminator Las Vegas offers. R & C Pest Control offers the best pest control Las Vegas trusts at prices you can afford. Contact 702.257.2847 for more information or to get a quote.

You can thank the weather here in Vegas for all the pests that bother you throughout the year. Here is a quick guide about the pesky pests that are most likely to bug you in Las Vegas.

Scorpions

This is a particularly creepy crawler with venomous stings that can cause nausea, numbness, vomiting and difficulty breathing. While no one has ever been known to die from a scorpion sting in the U.S., it is an injury that should be taken very seriously. You are most likely to see scorpions in your home in the winter when they seek shelter from the cold. Watch out for them in cracks around baseboards, light switches and light fixtures. Seal as many cracks as you can see and call the exterminator Las Vegas trusts to get rid of them for you.

Cockroaches

This insect is not deadly but that does not make their presence any less frustrating. You are most likely to see these bugs at night feeding on crumbs left around the home. It is possible to get rid of cockroaches yourself, however, it can be tough. A better bet is to seek out the help of the best exterminator Las Vegas offers to get the job done right the first time.

Ants

Ants can enter your home through the smallest cracks. You can usually find them traveling in a line because they are following the scent of pheromones to food. If you so choose, there are many ways for you to get rid of ants naturally on your own. Just be careful when dealing with red fire ants. They have a bite that hurts and can even cause allergic reaction in some people.

Spiders

There are plenty of spiders in the desert but you want to watch out for the desert recluse, black widow and the camel spider the most. All three of these spiders have a bite that is dangerous to humans. If you find one of these in or outside of your home, schedule the pest control Las Vegas residents love to take care of these dangerous arachnids.

Elm Root Borer

This is a huge black or brown beetle that looks a lot like a larger type of cockroach. It can grow to be as large as eight inches and can fly. It prefers to eat tree root so it can be difficult to notice a developing infestation until it is too late. Because of that, infestations can be tough to get rid of. If you see one in your home, there are many more close by. Call the best exterminator Las Vegas offers to get rid of them right away.

Bees

The most established bee in Nevada is the Africanized honeybee. They tend to build their nests in places where people are likely to accidently bother them so be careful. If you find a nest on your property, call an exterminator or bee keeper. Don’t try to remedy the issue on your own unless you have experience dealing with bees.

Crickets

These pests are annoying but completely harmless. Perhaps the most frustrating thing about them is their high pitched chirps in the middle of the night.

Cicadas

This is another harmless insect that makes annoying noises during the evenings in summer. It is unlikely that you will find these guys inside your home. They live underground for most of their lives. They surface for about two months as an adult before they die.

Whether the pests you are dealing with are harmless or harmful, you deserve to be pest free. Contact the experts at R & C Pest Control because they are the exterminators Las Vegas residents trust the most. For more information about the best pest control Las Vegas has, contact 702.257.2847.

It is becoming more and more common for people to try to remove pests from their homes the natural way. Regardless of your reasoning for the choice, here is some additional information on how you can remove ants from your home without the help of dangerous pesticides.

Natural Insecticides

1. Dish soap and water: If the ants are already in your home, you want to kill them. Fill a spray bottle with dish soap and water and shake it until it’s mixed. Spray the solution over ants when you see them. They should suffocate instantly. Clean up the ants with a paper towel or a disinfectant wipe. Just remember, this is a temporary fix. You’ll have to figure out where the ants are coming from if you want to stop them for good.
2. White vinegar and water: Create a solution of half vinegar and half water and fill a spray bottle with it. Use it in the same way you would use the soapy water solution. If you spray this solution anywhere you see the ants getting in, you can keep them at bay.
3. Lemon juice and water: This is a good alternative if you don’t like the smell of vinegar and you want to save your dish soap for your dishes. Make a solution of one part lemon juice and three parts water. Spray it around your home near the windows, doors, and anywhere else you see the ants entering to keep them out.
4. Diatomaceous earth (DE): As long as you get the food-grade DE, it is harmless to humans and pets. So, sprinkle a little around your home anywhere you see the ants entering. The little crystals in the DE will cause the bodies of the ants to dry out, resulting in their death. If it is humid inside your home for any reason, the DE will not work.
5. Boric acid: This product poisons ants when they eat it. You can find it as a blue or white powder and sprinkle it around your home. It is not technically toxic but it shouldn’t be ingested by humans or pets. To be safe, don’t use it where animals or children commonly play.

The Root of The Problem

No matter how effective you are in getting rid of the ants in your home, it won’t matter without finding where they are coming from. Know what kind of ant you are dealing with so you can know how so solve the problem.

• Black ants – this is the most common form of ant found in most homes. They are small, black and travel in long lines. If you follow the line outside, you’ll probably trace it to a nest nearby that is sheltered on some way.
• House ants – These ants like to build their nests inside the walls and window frames of your home. They also like woodpiles, mulch and rock shelters. You can tell you have this kind of ant because it smells terrible when you crush them.
• Pavement ants – These ants are small, brown and prefer to make their nests inside the cracks of pavement.
• Fire ants – These larger, red-colored ants rarely travel into your home. They can still be frustrating, however, because a nest in your yard will usually keep you from enjoying your backyard space. You can find a fire ant home by looking for a mound that is raised above the ground made of sand.

Once you have found the nest, you can kill them by pouring boiling water into the nest. If that does not work, the problem is more severe that you may realize. Contact the Las Vegas pest control company that has years of experience dealing with ant infestations. For more information about one of the best Las Vegas pest control companies, contact R and C Pest control at 702.257.2847.

No one enjoys being stung by any creature. Even if the foe isn’t poisonous, stings can be painful and itchy. Since spider bites and scorpion stings are the two most likely experiences you’ll have in the desert, here is a little information about both and how you can avoid them.

Scorpions

You can find scorpions in Africa, North and South America, the Caribbean and India. You can run into particularly dangerous species of scorpions in Arizona, New Mexico and the western side of the Colorado River. Since these area’s are so close to home, it is wise to be familiar with the species and their stings.

You definitely want to try to avoid these bites because it is possible to die from a scorpion sting. You can avoid being one of the 3,000 deaths that occur from scorpion stings by being aware of the places they like to hide.

Since they are nocturnal insects, you want to be extra careful to check dark hiding places inside your home. Shake out your shoes before putting them on and be careful about reaching into dark cupboards and pantries. If you live in an area that is known for scorpions, it may be a good idea to add a protective ledge of about eight inches to prevent the critters from getting into your home in the first place.

You can recognize a scorpion sting because they tend to be painful. For stings that are more severe, you may also experience sweating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, a rise in blood pressure or malaise.

If you are stung, treat it right away. For mild stings, an over-the-counter pain reliever and an ice compression are usually sufficient. For more severe stings, seek medical attention. You may be in need of an antivenom. When that is done, contact the Las Vegas exterminators to prevent if another sting from happening.

Spiders

Generally, you don’t have to worry about spiders. They aren’t usually aggressive or poisonous. In Las Vegas, you mainly need to watch out for the brown recluse and the black widow.

It can be harder to avoid spider bites. They hunt whenever they please and are much more able to get into your home through the tiny cracks and holes in the walls. As a general rule, they won’t bother you if you don’t bother them. However, if you see a brown recluse or a black widow, call the exterminator in Las Vegas experienced with handling poisonous insects.

Bites from a black widow can induce paralysis if the bite is serious enough. Bites from brown recluses are dangerous because they can cause damage to the tissue around the bite. They can even cause the tissue to die if the bite is not treated quickly enough.

In less severe cases, you can experience headaches, dizziness, swelling, skin rash, swelling around the eyes or trouble breathing. You may also feel pain and burning at the site of the sting.

If you are stung, treat with ice compression to help reduce the pain and avoid damage to tissue. If the sting is severe, head to a medical center right away to receive the necessary treatment to avoid tissue death.

We’ve said it before: if there is one creepy critter, there are others. Call the Las Vegas exterminators at R and C Pest Control because they are experts in finding and removing these dangerous bugs. For more information about the great Las Vegas exterminators, contact 702.257.2847.

With Halloween right around the corner, it couldn’t be a more appropriate time to talk about spiders. However, we aren’t talking about the fun rubber ones that you get to scare all your friends with. The spiders on this list deserve your respect. These spiders are the most dangerous Las Vegas spiders for a reason. We’ll tell you why and give you some clues to spot them.

If you notice any of these spiders in our around your home, call the one of the Las Vegas pest control companies that are experienced enough to handle dangerous pests. DO NOT try to tackle these guys on your own.

Black Widow

This is a spider that most people are familiar with. As the name suggests, the spider is predominantly black. You can tell it is a black widow by the trademark red hourglass on the body of the spider.

A bite from this spider is usually considered dangerous because the venom contains a neurotoxin called latrotoxin. You could be particularly concerned if the bite comes from a female black widow. The female spider has venom glands that are much larger than here male counterparts. If you are bitten, you can experience clammy skin, vomiting, difficulty breathing and unconsciousness.

Camel Spider

The camel spider is one you may not be quite so familiar with. It is a large spider with a hairy body that can range in color from beige to a deep brown. You are most likely to see them above ground in the warmer months of the year because these spiders don’t like the cold.

Surprisingly, this spider is not venomous. However, it still makes the list because of its massive pincher-like jaws. A bite from this spider can be very ragged. The torn skin and exposed flesh make it a bite that can easily get infected. If you get bitten from this spider, you should seek the help of a medical professional to properly clean and treat the wound.

Brown Recluse

The brown recluse can be considered the most dangerous spider on this list. It is a small spider with long legs and a light to medium brown colored body. You will most likely run into this spider at night when it leaves its lair to hunt.

A bite from this spider is a reason to go to the emergency room. You can experience a wide range of symptoms including, but not limited to, itching, burning, fever, nausea, muscle aches and even necrosis.

Don’t wait to call a Las Vegas pest control company when you notice one of these bad bugs around your home. R and C Pest Control exterminators are experts in dealing with the most dangerous insects in the desert. For more information about one of the great Las Vegas pest control companies, contact 702.257.2847.