Other Pests – Simmons Pest Management

Ants

<div><img class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-314" src="/wp-content/uploads/ant-150x99.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="99" /></div> Ant infestation is the most commonly reported pest problem. These tiny scavengers will enter your home or business looking for moisture and an accessible food source. Rotting or damp wood that is moldy can attract ants. Ants also feed on sugar, cheese, meats, vegetables, grease, peanut butter, and dead insects. Ants often enter a home through cracks around windows or doors, but they can find numerous entrances to your home or building. Once inside, the growing ant colony can become a problem quickly, as ants mature from juveniles to adults within a matter of days. It is necessary to properly identify the ant species that you have in order to effectively eradicate them. Of the thousands of species of ants, the four listed below are the most commonly found in the United States. Carpenter Ants: are about five eighths inches long. They tend to burrow in damp wood but have also been known to damage solid wood. They do not eat the wood, but simply remove it in order to build a nest. Red Imported Fire Ants: vary in size from one-eighth to three-eighths inches. They construct large mounds for nests and administer painful stings. Pavement Ants: are about one-eighth inch long. They generally make their nests in pavement cracks and are also capable of infesting a building. Pharoah Ants: are about one-sixteenth inch long. These ants are commonly found in hospitals and nursing homes, where they are are capable of transmitting Staphylecoccus and Psuedomonas infections. Pharoah Ants also invade restaurants, apartment buildings and similar dwellings. Ants with wings can easily be mistaken for termites, which may lead to a wrong treatment. In comparison, ants have a very narrow thorax (mid-section), while termites' bodies are more uniform. <a href="/contact/">Contact Simmons for service today.</a>

Bees & Wasps

<img class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-258" src="/wp-content/uploads/bee-wasp-150x100.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="100" />A bee or wasp problem in or your home or yard can disrupt daily life and put both you and your family in danger. If a family member is allergic to a bee and is stung, the reaction might be serious enough to warrant a trip to the hospital. A bad reaction can occur even if the allergy had previously been non-existent or mild. Also, an individual's allergy can worsen after repeated exposure to bites. Multiple bites can be quite dangerous, especially with regard to the elderly or small children. Regardless, bee stings hurt even without an adverse reaction. If you want to make sure that bee or wasp stings do not pose a danger to you or your family, let a professional exterminator address the problem. Exterminating bees or wasps on your own can be difficult and even dangerous. Sometimes a homeowner will attempt to exterminate pests alone, using chemical sprays from a hardware store or supply center. If these sprays are not applied in the correct locations, most of the bee or wasp colony will survive. The most challenging nests to control are those that located deep inside the walls of a home or in the attic. Often, a homeowner does not even know where the actual colony is located. He or she only sees where the wasps are flying back and forth through a crack or hole in the home. If there are bees or wasps anywhere in your home, extreme caution is advised. A professional exterminator will know exactly where to spray in order to eliminate your bee or wasp problem for good. Outdoors, bee and wasp nests near human activity can pose a potential problem. Some wasps may become aggressive scavengers around human food and are attracted to outdoor activities where food or drinks are served. Most bees and wasps will not attack if left alone. However, some people are curious to observe a nest or unknowingly surprise a member of a hive. If provoked, a bee will sting in defense of its nest or itself. Insect sprays should be used with caution. Some of the more caustic over-the-counter sprays on the market can cause harm to children and pets. A professional exterminator knows which sprays to use that will not harm any of your loved ones. If you attempt to exterminate pests yourself, you could literally spend hours shopping for costly pest control sprays or trapping devices. You could then spend even more time trying unsuccessfully to kill the wasps or bees, putting yourself or your family at risk in the process. A professional exterminating service can take care of your pest problem efficiently. Calling a professional can save you both time and money. <a href="/contact/">Contact Simmons for service today.</a>

Beetles

<img class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-263" src="/wp-content/uploads/beetle-150x100.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="100" />Beetles make up the largest category of insects in the world, accounting for approximately 25% of all life forms on earth. In fact, there are more than 5 million different species of beetles. Beetles are easily identified by their hard outer shell, which covers their wings. Their wings are exposed only during flight. A beetle's body consists of three sections: a head, a thorax, and an abdomen. Several types of beetles feed on wood. This can cause a lot of damage to wood structures primarily because while the wood is being eaten, the beetles remain unseen. This is true of Powder Post Beetles, Old House Borer Beetles, Bark Beetles, Citrus Long-Horned Beetles, Asian beetles, and other species. Powder Post Beetles, amongst others, grow from eggs that are laid in the wood. Another species of beetle, the Citrus Long-Horned Beetle, was introduced into the United States as recently as 1999, and is currently without any natural enemies. Although not known as yet, the damage they will create is expected to be extensive. Adult beetles do not eat wood, only the beetle larvae do. When you see holes in either structural wood or in furniture, it is because the larvae have already left and you are seeing the exit holes. This could be an indication of a nearby infestation. Generally, beetles are attracted to the same type of wood from which they were born. Other beetle species feed on garden plants, such as the Colorado Potato Beetle, the Boll Weevil, the Rose Chafer, the Western Corn Rootworm, and many more. Each of these beetles can cause millions of dollars in damage to crops of many different kinds. The presence of just a few beetles usually indicates that more exist, so it is best to contact a qualified Pest Control agency. Some beetles, such as the common Ladybug, are actually advantageous to have around. They are known to keep down the population of other insects, so you should not attempt to destroy them or any other beneficial beetle species. Treating for beetles requires proper knowledge of the type of beetle species you are trying to eliminate. Wood eating beetles, for instance, cannot be effectively treated using sprays because they are located deep within wood. If you think you may have a beetle infestation, your local pest professionals will have the knowledge,resources and solution to the problem. <a href="/contact/">Contact Simmons for service today.</a>

Box Elder Bugs

Thriving on box elder, ash or maple trees, box elder bugs are easily recognizable by their tiny pincers, dark brown bodies and red markings on the abdomen and wings. When disturbed, box elder bugs release a foul-smelling (and bad-tasting to birds) substance that can stain curtains, walls and furniture. Their preference for congregating in warm or sunlit areas frequently causes staining of other household items due to leaving excessive amounts of excrement behind. <img class="alignright wp-image-217" src="/wp-content/uploads/Boxelder-296x300.jpg" alt="" width="197" height="200" />Rust-colored box elder eggs are often spotted clinging to host trees in small clumps. Nymphs resemble adults but do not possess mature wings and are gray and red instead of dark brown and red. Nymphs tend to eat the seeds produced by box elder trees while adults prefer to consume the sap released by maple, ash and box elder trees. Although box elder bugs are not destructive, they are considered a nuisance and can evolve into a tenacious infestation if not properly eliminated by a professional extermination company. During fall and winter, these bugs will actively seek warmer environments and secrete themselves in walls and siding of homes. Continually running heating systems keeps them energetic and in search of food, water and mates, which promotes the infestation further. Homeowners who see only a few box elder bugs in their residences during the summer will probably witness an explosion of them as soon as the weather changes and the bugs search for warmer conditions. At the first sign of an active box elder bug infestation in your home, contact Simmons Pest Management for an immediate evaluation of your box elder bug issue. As an established, licensed extermination company, we have the knowledge and materials needed to safely and effectively rid your home of a box elder bug infestation. <a href="/contact/">Contact Simmons for service today.</a>

Carpenter Ants

<img class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-219" src="/wp-content/uploads/Carpenter-Ant-150x150.png" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Carpenter ants are a common pest that can infest homes and other buildings when they are seeking a place to build their nests. Although other species of ants may be little more than a nuisance, carpenter ants can pose a serious risk to a person’s property. As carpenter ants burrow through wood, they create tunnels and galleries that cause structural damage to buildings. Over time, a carpenter ant infestation can lead to damaged walls and other surfaces that can be costly to repair. To control a carpenter ant infestation, it is important to be able to identify the ants so that a plan can be implemented to eradicate them from your building. Carpenter Ant Identification Carpenter ants are frequently confused with termites; however, they can easily be identified by a few of their most obvious characteristics. Carpenter ants are generally identified by their bodies which are dark in color. When wings are visible on the carpenter ant, you will notice that the hind wings are shorter than the front wings. Additionally, carpenter ants are more likely to venture out into the open during the day, while termites are more likely to stay in their colonies. Preventing Carpenter Ants Although carpenter ants can be difficult to prevent, there are a few ways to lessen their attraction to your building. First, try to keep moisture away from any wood in your building. Carpenter ants frequently seek out water-logged wood that is easier to burrow through when building their colonies. If there is wood around your building, then it is also helpful to keep it away from your exterior walls. Be sure to keep your branches trimmed away from your home and move any firewood up above ground level. Controlling an Infestation Once carpenter ants have invaded a home or building, it can be difficult to get an infestation under control. Many of the traditional home remedies do little more than stir up the nests and make the problem worse. At Simmons Pest Management, we have experience in handling carpenter ant infestations, and our technicians are trained in the best pest removal techniques. In addition to providing you with professional pest control services, we can also help you to make a plan to ensure that the carpenter ants do not return so that your property is protected from further damage. <a href="/contact/">Contact Simmons for service today.</a>

Carpenter Bees

<img class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-218" src="/wp-content/uploads/Carpenter_Bee-134x150.jpg" alt="" width="134" height="150" />Often confused with the bumblebees they closely resemble, carpenter bees are a nuisance that every homeowner is at risk to encounter when the arrival of spring brings warmer weather. These bees have a propensity for nesting in the tunnels they bore in exposed wood; fence posts, children's play sets, fascia boards, decks, exterior window trim and even the underside of a favorite Adirondack chair can all play host to these bothersome pests. If you know what to look for, carpenter bees are easy to identify by their appearance and behavior. Unlike bumblebees, whose bodies are completely covered in yellow and black hair, carpenter bees have smooth, bare metallic-black abdomens. Carpenter bees are also larger than bumblebees, and the yellow-faced males of the species, who may appear to be hovering closely about with intent to attack, do not have stingers. Females, who have black faces, will protect their nests but are generally docile when out gathering food and do not sting unless caught in hand. The damage done by carpenter bees is distinctive; the approximately half-inch round holes they bore in wood appear to have been cleanly formed by a carpenter's drill. If caught and treated early, most damage is superficial. However, carpenter bees can be difficult to eradicate; a few nests can soon lead to a large infestation and damage can become cumulative over time. Eliminating established carpenter bees is a tough job. Pesky adults can be effectively managed with bee, wasp and hornet killers; however, nests are usually impervious to liquid sprays. Instead, each must be located and treated individually. Carpenter bee nests can be many inches deep and are often turned at right angles to the original entry bores; nests may be as many as 25 feet overhead. Chemical dusts will kill the larvae as they emerge from these hard-to-reach nests, but proper, safe application is a time-intensive and tedious job. Simmons Pest Management is experienced and professional. We have safe, effective ways to help you with your carpenter bee control problem. <a href="/contact/">Contact us for an inspection today.</a>

Centipedes

Millipedes and centipedes are similar pests. Though they may be unusually repulsive, they are not a major threat to people or animals. Centipedes in the south tend to be the largest. They can grow up to six inches in length. A centipede can be easily distinguished from a millipede because it has fewer legs; specifically, one set for every segment of its body. Millipedes have two sets of legs for every segment, and when they move, their legs appear to be moving in a wave-like motion. A millipede's legs are also shorter and, in general, a millipede cannot move very fast. A centipede, with its fewer legs, can travel considerably faster. Both centipedes and millipedes are generally hatched from eggs, but some varieties are born live. Some centipedes may live as long as six years. <img class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-264" src="/wp-content/uploads/milipede-150x100.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="100" />Centipedes actually have the ability to bite, and are poisonous. The poison from their fangs, located behind the head, is used to kill insects, which are their primary food. To a human, a bite feels like that of a bee sting, and can be dangerous,especially if there is an allergic reaction in response to the bite. Children will be more sensitive to a centipede's bite. Millipedes are not poisonous and do not have fangs, but they can emit an obnoxious fluid to defend themselves. Some varieties can spray this fluid several inches. The fluid can cause irritation to the skin in some people and should be removed right away. Additionally, it may take some scrubbing to get rid of the odor. Millipedes feed on decaying plant matter and sometimes living plant roots. Millipedes can damage those roots if there are too many of the pests in the soil. Some varieties are known to be especially bothersome to greenhouse plants. If this occurs, you may need to contact a pest control agency to eliminate your millipede infestation. House centipedes are an indoor variety. They can move quickly and do not require the moisture that the other varieties need. Centipedes are beneficial to the control of other insects, which may be a good reason to keep them around. The most likely time of year to see centipedes in your home is in the spring or fall.

Cockroaches

<img class="alignright wp-image-336 size-thumbnail" src="/wp-content/uploads/american-cockroach-150x125.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="125" /> Having a cockroach infestation is a vile and disgusting situation one may have to deal with. Cockroaches are not only ugly, but carry bacteria and disease wherever they go! If you have a cockroach infestation you will definitely need outside help from a professional. Read on for signs of the German cockroach, risks to you and your loved ones from a cockroach infestation, and why a professional should be called to help solve this problem. There are a few ways you can easily tell if you have a German cockroach problem. If you frequently see live or dead cockroaches in your kitchen and/or bathroom, it is likely that you have a German cockroach dilemma. When you find a dead cockroach, pick it up wearing a pair of gloves and look at the head and back of the insect; check to see if there are two black stripes running from the top of its head to the bottom of its head (beginning of the actual body of the roach); the black lines indicate it is likely a German cockroach. Risks of a cockroach infestation can include bacteria, viruses, worms and disease from their fecal droppings and physical body. They can also trigger asthma and allergies in some people who are particularly susceptible. Breathing problems can be an extremely important risk if your loved one suffers from any kind of breathing issue. Because these insects can cause so much harm to your family and your home, a professional is really the only solution. With an army of thousands, millions, a person cannot fight this problem by themselves. A professional pest control team knows how to identify the problem, assess the risks, and properly treat and dispose of the cockroaches by infiltrating their food, families, water, homes and other important factors. <a href="/contact/">Contact Simmons for service today.</a>

Flies

<img class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-265" src="/wp-content/uploads/fly-150x115.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="115" />Flies, typically considered a nuisance, exist in all regions of the United States. There are more than 240,000 different species of flies in the world. Approximately one third of them, including mosquitoes and gnats, can be found in the United States. A true fly has only one set of wings. All flies are known disease carriers, many of which can be transmitted to humans. Flies typically breed in garbage, excrement of animals and humans, sewers, compost piles, and any other place where matter is decaying. This enables them to pick up various kinds of diseases which can be transmitted to people by biting or by landing on food, where the bacteria and viruses are released. Since flies are able to transmit disease so easily, it is necessary to seek insect control quickly. The diseases that they can carry include malaria, yellow fever, encephalitis, dengue fever, and more. All flies have a rapid rate of growth and go from egg to adult in about seven days. Maggots are just one stage in the early development of a fly. Maggots of some fly varieties, such as the Carrot Rust fly, can be a problem because they eat the roots of some vegetables. The most common flies are the Fruit fly, the House fly (which have four stripes on their abdomen), the Cluster fly (which is dark gray in color), and the Garbage fly (which has a metallic color that is either green or blue). Another kind of fly, the Stable fly, typically exists around livestock. The Horse fly and a few other varieties of flies actually have mouth parts and can bite humans. Most other flies have a sponge-like mouth and can only drink up their food. One benefit of flies is that they help reduce the population of other pests. They also help to break down carcasses and other decaying matter faster by preparing it to reenter the ground. Properly controlling flies includes not only killing the adults, but also destroying their eggs and larvae. Call a pest professional to manage any fly problems you encounter. <a href="/contact/">Contact Simmons for service today.</a>

Mosquitoes

Moths

Rodents (Rats. Mice, etc.)

<img class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-372" src="/wp-content/uploads/Mouse-150x100.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="100" />Of all the pests that can invade a home, rodents are the most disgusting. Rodents enter a home around plumbing pipes, dryer vents and other openings to the outside. Homes on slabs are less likely to have rodent problems, but the determined pests can still get in through cracks where the home meets the foundation. Signs of Rodent Infestation The most noticeable sign of rodents is their droppings. Mice leave tiny black droppings that are about the size of a grain of rice. Rat droppings are much larger. Droppings are usually found on the floor in corners, along baseboards, inside cabinets and behind furniture. Droppings found on furniture or countertops indicate a serious infestation. Less noticeable than waste pellets is rodent urine which looks like small drops or puddles when wet and a yellowish film when dry. Rodents are known for chewing into boxes and containers, especially pet food bags or grain products. Piles of shredded paper in an infrequently disturbed location can indicate a rodent nesting area. Rodents also make scratching noises inside walls, under bathtubs, under floorboards and behind furniture. Gnaw marks on baseboards or doorframes and tracks in dusty areas are also indications of a rodent infestation Rodent-Borne Diseases Rats and mice carry a number of harmful viruses, bacteria and parasites, including hantavirus, typhus, salmonella, bubonic plague, leptospirosis, fleas and ticks. Some people who think they have a flea problem are actually experiencing a rodent incursion. Call a Professional When it comes to rodents and the deadly diseases they carry, it’s better to trust a professional. They know the most effective and up-to-date means to rid your home of the rodents that are already there, and prevent new pests from coming in. <a href="/contact/">Contact Simmons for service today.</a>

Stinging Insects

<img class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-258" src="/wp-content/uploads/bee-wasp-150x100.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="100" />One of the few pitfalls of owning a home with a yard is that stinging insects may be attracted to the vegetation. Whether you enjoy growing a big garden or just like having ornamental landscaping as a part of your outdoor environment, you are probably already aware that stinging insects can be more than a simple nuisance. However, there is no need to allow stinging insects to negatively impact the quality of your life. Extermination methods exist that are environmentally friendly as well as effective that will ensure you and your family's safety and comfort. The most common stinging insects are hornets, wasps, fire ants, yellow jackets and honeybees. They are all fairly easy to identify, and it should be kept in mind that all of these insects live in colonies. If you see one insect, it's likely that thousands more are close by. Yellow jackets are found in a variety of climates and are black with yellow stripes. They frequently build their nests underground or in woodpiles or cracks in buildings. Hornets are usually black although they can sometimes be brown. Yellow, orange or white markings adorn their bodies, and they primarily build their nests in trees. Paper wasps have sleek, thin bodies that are either brown or black with yellow and red markings. Their comb-shaped nests are easy to identify and are usually found under eaves, in shrubs or small trees with dense foliage or hidden in woodpiles. Those who live in warmer climates may experience infestations of fire ants. These ants live on mounds and are probably the most aggressive of the stinging insects, attacking with little warning. Honeybees are round, fuzzy and colored with yellow and dark brown marking. They like to built their nests in protected sites such as trees and old tires. No matter what the infestation, a professional will be able to eliminate the source of the pests and provide you and other household residents with a safe outdoor environment. <a href="/contact/">Contact Simmons for service today.</a>

Spiders

Wildlife

Simmons Pest services