Blog - Yes Pest Control

What Bugs Feed on Human Blood? Blood Eating Bugs

Wed, 15 Jun 2022 22:11:40 GMT

Insects that feed on human blood can cause incredible discomfort. In many cases, we don't even know we've been bitten until after they have had their meal. Some inject an anticoagulant into the bloodstream to suck up their meal faster, while others clamp on and indulge in our life-preserving liquid. It helps to know which of these creatures to be watchful of before they attack. That way, we can take active steps to avoid the misery before they get a chance to start.

Mosquitos

Mosquitos are probably the most familiar of all the blood-sucking insects we must contend with. However, only the females are biters, and your blood provides the proteins they need to produce eggs. That itchy feeling you get after a bite is from the saliva she releases to prevent your blood from clotting while she feasts. Unfortunately, the same saliva exposes you to many diseases like Zika, malaria, and West Nile Virus.

Lice

Many different types of lice want access to your blood, but the body, head, and crab lice are the ones that cause the most problems for humans. You can identify the body and head lice because of their elongated shape, but crab lice will look more like a crab.

These bugs can be quickly passed from one person to the next by sharing infested products. Head and crab lice prefer to lay their eggs in human hair and will be found on combs and brushes used on heads that have been infested. There is no doubt that they can be a real nuisance. Still, only the body lice carry infectious diseases like typhus or bacterial infections.

Bedbugs

Bedbugs have an uncanny way of hiding themselves in dark places in your home. They are called bedbugs because they usually prefer to hide in the seams of your mattress and wait until you go to bed at night before they come out to eat. They have been known to survive for months without a meal, but they will indulge in their new feast once a warm body is supplied. Their bites leave red, itchy sores behind, which can be highly uncomfortable. It isn't easy to get rid of bedbugs, and you may find that you will need to completely dispose of anything they have infested before you can be sure they are truly gone.

Ticks

There are also parasitic insects that will enjoy feasting on your blood. The tick can be a very serious pest to you and any pets you may have. Commonly known to transmit Lyme disease and other similar illnesses, these bugs literally burrow their heads underneath your skin, latch on, and gorge themselves. If left undisturbed, they can consume as much as 200 times their body weight before they fall off to lay their eggs.

Needless to say, if your home is being invaded by any one of these pests, it's time to call on a professional to help you get rid of them. They are, at the very least, an unpleasant annoyance. Still, they can also be carriers of many diseases that could put your life and family in danger.

Can Fleas Travel on Clothing?

Wed, 15 Jun 2022 22:11:37 GMT

We often think of fleas as a nuisance for your cat or dog. They have an annoying way of getting into their fur, and it can be a real problem to get them out. But it is their uncanny ability to get into your home and cause a significant infestation that is a source of concern for many, especially if their presence is not properly eliminated.

This has become a significant problem for many people. No doubt, the best way to ensure you don’t get a flea infestation in your home is to make sure they never get inside in the first place.

Avoid Bringing Them Home With You

Fleas do not fly, but they are excellent jumpers. A typical flea can jump up to 13 inches to get where they want to be, which is as much as 200 times the length of its body. So, all you have to do is walk on a pathway where they are waiting, and in less than a second, they have a free ride to your home. So, as you’re walking about in your community, a flea’s ability to jump onto your clothing and hitch a ride is definitely possible.

How Long Can They Live on Clothing?

Fleas usually like to set up camp close to a reliable food source. Since they feed on blood, you can bet that if they get on your clothes, they will want to stay where a good meal is available when they are ready, which is inside your home. However, their preferred environment is in a moist or shady area, not in the folds of your garments. When outside, they will most likely be found under tree branches, on a freshly watered lawn, or in piles of leaves.

So, once inside your home, they will look for a good substitute for those perfect conditions. Most likely in the safety of your furniture, bedding, or dark corners. The good news is that they won’t live very long in your clothes.

The main point here is that they will quickly find a more favorable environment to settle into once they are in your home. As long as they can find a good meal, they will be happy to nest in the crevices of your furniture, in your bed, or in any other place where they can get a good food source.

How to Avoid an Infestation

You pick up fleas in the same way your pets do. There are likely fleas nearby whenever you’re outside in grassy areas or dense foliage. By taking a few basic steps , you can prevent an infestation before it begins:

Be diligent about sweeping and vacuuming your floors, carpets, and rugs
Clean your bedding frequently
Always remove clothing and wash after walking in areas where fleas are found

Since it is much harder to get rid of fleas than to keep them out, if you’re already dealing with an infestation, it’s best to call in the pros at YES Pest to get the situation under control to take back your home.

Are Bed Bugs Visible With the Naked Eye?

Wed, 15 Jun 2022 22:11:36 GMT

Waking up with tiny little bite marks all over your body is never a good thing. As you look at your irritated skin with the tell-tale red spots that itch persistently, you're sure that they result from bed bugs. No one wants their bed infested with these creatures, so you want to get rid of them as soon as possible.

But before you decide to launch an all-out attack on these irritants, you need to be sure of what you're dealing with. Unfortunately, plenty of other pests may invade your mattress, and using the wrong treatment to eliminate the problem could delay getting you relief or even worsen the situation. Before you decide on a method of extermination, you need to make sure of what you're actually dealing with.

Still, because these bugs are so tiny, you might wonder if they can be seen with the naked eye. The answer is - sometimes. Bed bugs are usually visible in the later stages of development, but there's a good chance that if you can identify bed bugs in their adult stage, many younger ones are lying around, just waiting to take a bite out of you.

Stages of Life

Bed bugs have several different stages of life, and whether you can see them or not depends mainly on those stages.

Eggs are almost impossible to see with the naked eye.
Their bodies are around the size of a pinhead
Pearly white color
If they are more than five days old, they will have a tiny little eye spot you might be able to identify.
Nymphs are younger bed bugs that haven't fully developed yet.
Much smaller than the adults
Translucent or a whitish-yellow appearance. Usually, these
They can only be seen if they have been recently fed
Size depends on the stage of growth.
1.5 mm - first stage
2 mm - second stage
2.5 mm - third stage
3 mm - fourth stage
4.5 mm - 5th stage.

Adults can be easily seen with the naked eye.
They are about the size of an apple seed.
Their oval-shaped bodies are usually flat, but they will get even larger after they have gorged themselves.
On closer examination, a true bed bug will have:
A beak with three segments
An antenna with four parts
Wings
And tiny golden-colored hairs covering their bodies.

So, after careful inspection of your mattress, if you've determined that you will have to evict a few bed bugs, what is your next step? Your best bet is to have an expert deal with the problem. These annoying little creatures are well-known to be prolific breeders and busy little eaters. If the issue is not addressed quickly, you could have many more to deal with in a very short amount of time.

The best option is to get professional help as quickly as possible to eliminate the problem. These experts are trained to find these guys, identify them, and eliminate the problem quickly so that you can get back to having a good night's sleep free of these annoying little pests.

Are Carpet Beetles Dangerous?

Wed, 15 Jun 2022 22:11:34 GMT

As their name implies, carpet beetles infest carpets and other fibers and are especially active during springtime. The first sign of an infestation is often a dead carpet beetle trapped in a window sill. But you can be sure if there’s one; there are many more.

Carpet beetles typically live outdoors but are wintering insects . They will seek the warm cozy interior of your home after temperatures drop, and once inside, they become a threat to your property and food and can cause rashes with their tiny hairs.

Carpet beetles feature:

“Mottled” coloring of black, brown, white, or yellow.
Oval-shaped bodies.
Adult length between 1/16 - 1/8 inches.

The first concern with any infestation is safety.

Indirect Threat of Carpet Beetles

Rest assured, these invasive bugs won’t put you in immediate danger.

Carpet beetles:

Don’t bite humans or feed on blood.
Don’t have stingers.
Aren’t poisonous or venomous.

However, that isn’t to say carpet beetles aren’t harmful to humans. These tiny fuzzy bugs are covered in small, colorful fibers that they leave behind wherever they go. Many people are allergic to these fibers and will develop ‘carpet beetle rash.’

Carpet beetle rash includes:

Hives
Itchy skin
Red or watery eyes
Runny nose
Gastrointestinal problems

Carpet Beetles Harm Food and Property

Carpet beetles' danger to your property and food is often a more significant concern.

Adult carpet beetles only feed on plant pollen, but the real problem stems from their children. Adult carpet beetles lay 50-100 eggs at a time. After a few weeks, each egg hatches into a ravenous monster intent on eating anything they can find.

Carpet beetle larva eat:

Plant and animal products used in clothes and furniture
Like wool, linen, silk, feathers, and leather.
Lint and dust
Pet hair

The larva put many household items at risk, especially items stored in attics or overwinter. Unfortunately, by the time you notice the damage, it may already be too late, and your beloved sweater will likely be full of holes.

Another major threat is contaminated food. If larva gain access to your cereals, flour bags, or rice, they’ll happily graze on it, leaving behind excrement, salvia, and rash-inducing fibers. These droppings can quickly spread germs and diseases or cause carpet beetle rash.

Controlling Carpet Beetles

A proactive approach is best to minimize the risk of infestation.

Dry clean clothes before storage to kill any eggs.
Only use mothballs, crystals, or flakes with caution as they can be hazardous.
Monitor likely spots for infestation regularly.
Attics, basements, storage containers, undisturbed areas, rugs, and curtains.

Once an infestation occurs, it can be challenging to thoroughly eliminate the bugs, larva, and especially the tiny, unseen eggs. Methods to combat carpet bugs include boric acid, diatomaceous earth, insecticides, and thermal disinfection.

If you’ve identified carpet beetles in your home or suspect them, they can very quickly get out of hand. Call us here at YESpest before harm comes to your family or property. Contact us any time, and our team with decades of experience will help you handle these nasty pests.

What Spring Bugs Should You be on The Lookout For?

Wed, 15 Jun 2022 22:11:32 GMT

As spring approaches and temperatures begin to rise, all sorts of creepy crawlies emerge in search of food, warmth, and a place to reproduce. Unfortunately, your home could be the perfect place to find all three. If you're not quick to eliminate these pests, you could have a serious infestation on your hands. Here are a few spring bugs that you should keep an eye out for as winter comes to an end.

Ants

Ants don't hibernate in winter like many other insect species. However, in colder weather, they'll seek shelter deep underground and enter a state of dormancy.

Ants are very sensitive to temperature changes. So when they sense temperatures starting to rise, they become active again and emerge from their nests searching for food. During the day, when the sun is out, ants go about their business outside. However, when the sun starts to set, and the air begins to cool again, ants will frantically search out the nearest available source of heat. In many cases, this is your house.

Boxelder bugs

Like ants boxelder bugs, boxelder bugs emerge in springtime in search of warmth. These small black and red insects pose no threat to humans but can be a nuisance because they show up in huge numbers. On a sunny day, it's not uncommon to find hundreds or even thousands of boxelder bugs on the sun-warmed side of a house.

Cluster Flies

Often mistaken for common house flies, cluster flies are one of the most despised springtime pests. In an effort to escape the cold, vast numbers of these flies sneak into attics and basements through gaps in siding, around windows, or any space big enough for them to squeeze through. They remain dormant through the winter months, but when spring arrives, cluster flies become active once again and can flood your home from the inside.

Wasps and Hornets

During the colder months, queen wasps hibernate in tree trunks, under rocks, or anywhere where they can find safety from the harsh winter conditions. Then, when spring arrives, the queen will emerge from her den to lay her eggs and start her colony. Very quickly, when once she has a sufficient workforce, the queen will take her wasps to a new location to build a nest. And for many homeowners, these nests are in or around their homes.

Usually, stinging insects like wasps and hornets prefer to keep to themselves. However, when they claim an area of your home as their own, they will fearlessly defend their territory. Certain species, like bald-faced hornets , are notoriously aggressive and will swarm anything or anyone that comes into close proximity of their nest.

Have you Spotted Spring Time Bugs?

If you've started noticing spring bugs in or around your home, don't hesitate to contact YESPest right away. Remember that most insects reproduce at an alarming rate. So identifying the problem as early as possible can prevent it from escalating into a massive infestation. Our team of licensed exterminators is dedicated to providing the very best pest control services to the Bloomington and Colombus areas. Call us today to set up a free consultation and receive a quote to start the spring season off pest free

Are Spiders Active in Winter?

Wed, 15 Jun 2022 17:14:50 GMT

Aracniphobs everywhere look to winter as a moment’s respite from spiders. The myth goes that spiders are cold-blooded and can’t survive the winter, but the truth is complex.

There are 400 different species of spider in Indiana and 3,500 nationwide. Each one has different behaviors and approaches to surviving the cold. Some die off before winter, like the North American black and yellow garden spider, but others adapt.

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How Do Spiders Survive in Winter ?

Some spiders live for many years. The record-holder was a 43-year-old trapdoor spider named Number 16. Trapdoor spiders also live in Indiana, so how do spiders like these survive the winter and live to a ripe old age?

Spiders Pr epare For the Winter

Many spiders will sense winter coming and prepare, but does that mean they swarm into your house during winter? The truth is, indoor and outdoor spiders are very distinct. Less than 5% of spiders you see indoors have ever been outdoors.

Instead of migrating indoors, spiders seek out secure, dark spaces to lay their eggs outside and wait out the winter.

Spiders Hibernate In Winter

Many spiders will hunker down during winter to survive. For example, fishing spiders and tarantulas use scattered bark and other debris as shelter. Wolf spiders even dig their out bunker underground.

Spiders Use Antifreeze to Survive

Arachnids have some unique biological tools to help them survive. Unlike humans, their body chemistry changes to combat the cold. When they sense winter coming, their body produces an antifreeze called polyhydroxy alcohol.

Spiders Stay Active

Almost all house spiders continue as usual during winter, living happily in our heated buildings. But there are, surprisingly, outdoor spiders that continue undeterred by the cold. Still, these survivors are less active in winter, and their metabolism slows.

But don’t be surprised if you accidentally dig one up or even see a rare spider taking a walk over the snow.

How to Deal With Winter Spiders

For the most part, spiders can be left alone. They’ve developed an undeserved reputation, but in general, spiders pose minimal risk to humans and provide beneficial services. They eat pest insects like mosquitoes, for example.

However, the brown recluse spider is the noteworthy exception to the rule. It is a deadly spider that will seek shelter in structures during the winter. If they bite a human, it can leave a black, ulcerous open wound that lasts for months.

Stay safe from brown recluse spiders:

Identify them by their large brown bodies with a violin shape on the back.
Keep your house clear of any debris or clutter they may shelter in overwinter.
Seal your home to block points of entry.

Consult with the Experts

Call YESPest If you feel there may be dangerous or unwanted spiders in your home. YESPest is the most trusted pest control service in Indiana. Our team has trained to handle even the worst invaders. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

How to Get Rid of Moths

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 01:10:00 GMT

Moths can be pretty pesky little things; the larvae they leave behind can quickly chew through a wide variety of substances, including your clothes, bedding, and food. You may even be shocked to learn that you may be allergic to the small hairs on moths’ bodies. Another reason to consider exterminating moths from your home.

While moths play an important role in our environment, they tend to be unwelcome guests when they decide to set up housekeeping in our homes. If you are dealing with moths invading your living space, here are a few tips to help you get rid of them quickly and safely and even prevent the moths from coming back.

Vacuuming Regularly

Moths are attracted to the dirt and dust that accumulate in your home. Keeping those to a minimum makes them less likely to set up camp in your home. When you vacuum, concentrate on cleaning out any cracks and crevices where they may lay their eggs. Difficult-to-reach places are ideal for leaving their larvae until they mature.

Use Moth Traps

These are sticky pieces of flypaper that have been lined with moth pheromones designed to attract the adults. When they land, they stick to the paper and cannot get free. Hanging these traps in closets, storage areas, and the kitchen can effectively eliminate the problem.

Cedarwood

If moths are gathering in your closet, switch to hangers made from cedarwood to prevent moths from consuming your clothing. Cedarwood has a natural pesticide that these creatures do not like. Keep in mind that if you use this method, you will have to apply a coat of cedar oil every few months to the hangers to keep them from coming back.

Herbs

Some herbs are very effective in repelling moths . The scents are unpleasant to moths, and they will quickly retreat. Try making a sachet of the following herbs and hang it in your closet:

You can also make a solution of these essential oils and water and spray a coating of it inside your closet. If you choose this method, it might be best to remove any clothes first to avoid getting any solution on your clothing and staining them.

Getting rid of your moths is just the first step. Later, the eggs and larvae left behind will become a new nuisance.

Try extreme cold and heat if you want to permanently get rid of these critters. Neither the eggs nor the larvae can survive in cold or hot temperatures.

If you can’t stand keeping your home at extreme temperatures, try putting your clothes in a plastic bag and freezing them overnight. It will kill off any eggs or larvae that may be left behind. Or, you could take your clothes and run them through a hot wash and dry to get the job done. Just make sure that you read the care labels before doing this, so you don’t ruin your clothes.

Exterminate Moths With Help From the Pros

If these strategies are not effective enough to keep your infestation at bay, it may be a good time to enlist the aid of a professional exterminator like us here at YesPest. We will make sure that the job gets done quickly and efficiently.

What Types of Ticks are Dangerous?

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 00:44:00 GMT

At first glance, ticks do not appear to be dangerous. But don’t let their tiny size and small mouths fool you. These guys are voracious eaters, and the females are known to suck at least 200 times their body weight in blood. They need this feeding cycle to develop through the different stages in their life cycle.

These tiny little creatures have an uncanny knack for literally getting under your skin. While a tick bite doesn’t cause any harm to the victims, they are known to carry pathogens that cause different illnesses.

Do All Ticks Carry Disease?

However, not all ticks are disease-bearing. So if you’re planning on spending a lot of time outdoors this spring and summer, it pays to know which ticks to look out for.

How Can I Protect Myself From Bites?

Even if you don’t see or feel the effects of a tick bite, always assume that you have been exposed and call your doctor if you develop a rash, chills, fever, or a headache after being outdoors.

The best way to protect you and your family from tick bites is to prevent them altogether. Whenever you are outdoors, make it a habit to use insect repellent with DEET on your skin, clothing, and any gear you are carrying. Wear light-colored clothes that give you full coverage so you can quickly and easily spot ticks and remove them. And finally, stay away from heavily wooded areas with tall grass and heavy brush since these are areas where ticks are likely to be hiding.

If you find that you would like to take extra precautions to ensure the safety of your family, don’t hesitate to contact us !

How to Get Rid of Moles in Your Yard

Sun, 30 Jan 2022 21:32:00 GMT

Nothing can make a homeowner more proud than the exterior beauty of a perfectly landscaped yard. However, all your dedication to beautifying your outdoor space can be tainted when you have underground guests come to visit.

When you start to notice a series of small holes in your yard that seem to emerge out of nowhere, it is time to be concerned. These 3-to-5-inch holes, shaped like miniature volcanoes, are tell-tale signs that you have a mole who has set up housekeeping. If you don’t deal with the problem swiftly and efficiently, you’re in for a world of damage.

In a very short amount of time, they can burrow tunnels under your yard, destroying the roots of your plants and creating all sorts of havoc on your beautiful landscape. If this has become a problem in your yard, here are a few things you can try to send them packing.

Poisons

The most common reaction is to spread chemicals that can be poisonous to moles. While this may seem like an easy solution, the method has a few problems.

Eliminate the Source of Food

Moles are in your yard because there is plenty of food there for them. They usually dine on grubs and other insects that live in your soil. Eliminate their food source, and they will move on to another location. An effective way to do this is by using nematodes , microscopic insects that attack the grubs that moles like to feed on.

This method is less risky than using chemicals, and with the right nematodes to target specific pests, they won’t be harmful to any beneficial insects you want to keep in your garden.

Traps

Traps are an effective and humane means of getting rid of moles. The key to success with traps is knowing how and when to use them.

Once a mole is trapped, release them in a rural location at least five miles from your home to ensure that these determined little guys do not find their way back to your home.

If you are having an ongoing problem with these pesky rodents, it may be necessary to get help from professional exterminators to get rid of them. They can do the job quickly without damaging your property, life, or the environment in the process.

Getting rid of moles is not always an easy thing to do. It takes time and patience to deal with the situation, but if you do, you can be confident that your lawn will keep its beauty and continue to enhance the curb appeal of your home.

Can Mouse Droppings be Harmful?

Sat, 15 Jan 2022 21:28:00 GMT

So you've been noticing strange things happening in your house, and you assume you have a rodent problem. You've noticed the corners of your cereal boxes appear to be chewed on. You found a hole in your couch cushions. You may have even seen a mouse or two in the house! But now you've found a pile of mouse droppings. This is a tell-tale sign that your rodent intruders aren't just visiting but that they've set up shop in your home. But can mouse poop really make you sick?

What Do Mouse Droppings Look Like?

The first step is to ensure that the droppings you've found come from a mouse. Mouse droppings are usually brown or black in color and 3-7 millimeters long with a granular shape resembling rice grain. You'll usually find mouse feces in small piles close to a nest .

Are Mouse Droppings Dangerous to Your Health?

Yes, they can be. Mouse droppings carry and can transmit several harmful diseases. Two of the most common illnesses are Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome and Salmonella.

How Long Are Mouse Droppings Dangerous?

Now that we know the dangers that can come from mouse feces, it is also important to note how long these dropping can pose a problem to you and your family. Typically, the hantavirus found in mouse droppings can live for about one week outside of the host. This time is cut to just a few hours when met with direct sunlight. No matter how long these droppings are dangerous, though, it is super important to clean them up the right way.

How to Properly Clean Mouse Feces?

When you first notice mouse droppings, your first instinct might be to clean them up right away. However, to do it safely, there are some critical steps you should follow.

Do you Have a Mouse in your House? Contact the Pros!

If you're dealing with a family of uninvited house guests, contact YES Pest right away! Our goal is to keep you and your family safe and free of illness by removing mice and any other pests that have entered your home and preventing them from returning in the future. Contact us today for a free quote!

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Is Pest Control Necessary In The Winter?

Fri, 31 Dec 2021 17:53:00 GMT

One comforting thought that can get us through even the harshest winter is that bugs hate the cold. Many bugs seemingly vanish from the earth for months after the first freeze.

Does this mean we can ignore pest control during winter?

A great number of bugs do go dormant, die off, or seek shelter during winter, but the warmest and most comfortable place for them to seek shelter is in your house or business. So, if you were asking yourself “is pest control really necessary in the Winter?” The answer is a resounding yes!

Many homeowners experience their worse pest problems of the year during winter. Still, others find that they seemingly have no pests during the cold, but come spring, all of the eggs and overwintering bugs they’ve ignored explode into action and overwhelm the building.

Winter pest control is vital to keeping your properties free of infestations.

What Kind of Pests Are Winter Problems?

Below, we will break down a list of some of Indiana’s most common winter pests for which you might need pest management during the Winter.

How Can You Protect Yourself From Pests During Winter?

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggests some basic steps everyone can take to reduce pests. This advice is doubly true during the winter when bugs and rodents are actively trying to invade.

To prevent pests, remove their sources of food, water, and shelter.

Of course, if you are suffering from a Winter pest infestation, you might want to count with the professionals.

Do You Need Pest Control in Winter?

As we have now discussed, pest control treatments and pest control service is needed to keep your home pest-free throughout the year. An infestation of carpenter ants, bed bugs, or even rats and mice can happen in cold weather as well as warm seasons.

There’s only so much anyone can do alone to prevent infestations. For the rest, rely on YES Pest Control .

Our services include residential and commercial protection from all of Indiana’s most fearsome pests in all four seasons, no matter what property or business you operate.

We know how much the environment matters to our generation and the next, which is why we provide solutions with environmentally friendly pesticides, and in some cases, no chemicals at all.

Next time you need to fortify your property against pests, call YES Pest Control to schedule your inspection and free consultation.

The post Is Pest Control Necessary In The Winter? appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

How To Keep Bats Out of Your Home

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 17:50:00 GMT

Bats have something of a public relations problem. Our first reaction to bats might be disgust or horror, but they are a vital part of the ecosystem by all accounts. They pollinate crops and eat pest insects like mosquitoes.

In fact, a 2011 study suggested that bats save the US economy an average of 23 billion in pesticide costs every year.

Bats can be welcome guests on our property, but nobody wants uninvited house guests.

How to Prevent Bats From Entering

Stopping bats from becoming your roommate can be accomplished in two ways .

How to Remove Bats From Your Home

If you’re already playing host to unwanted bats, removing them is a job best left to the professionals at YESPest Solutions .

If you must clear out the bats yourself, keep the following in mind.

Consider waiting until Fall or Winter. The bats will leave by themselves to hibernate. You can easily fortify your home against bats while they’re away.

The post How To Keep Bats Out of Your Home appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

Are Horsefly Bites Dangerous

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 00:33:00 GMT

Even though horseflies are intimidatingly large, there is good reason to worry about what effect they can have on your health. No one is ever happy to see insects flying around their home, but the thought of a bite from one of those large beastly flies can strike more than alarm in the hearts of many.

Despite their large size, the way they bite can cause severe damage to the skin of its victims. Because the fly’s mandibular (or jaw) does not just bite but cuts into the skin instead. It then locks onto the bite site with tiny hooks to have easy access to the blood supply.

This type of bite leaves an unusually red mark surrounded by an enlarged and painful area of skin referred to as a hive.

Horseflies usually attack humans, dogs, and horses in search of a good meal. The females tend to be more aggressive and persistent and will likely chase their victim down if there is any chance of something tasty in their sites.

Are the Bites Dangerous?

While the bite can leave you with a powerful burning sensation, after the fly has released its grip, you can expect to feel itchiness and inflammation around the area of the bite. In some cases, a bruise may develop.

Still, it is rare for these bites to transmit diseases similar to what you might get from a tick or mosquito. However, that does not mean you’re out of the woods.

How to Avoid Infection

Because horsefly bites can be pretty large and can leave considerable damage to the skin, they can take a lot longer to heal than other insect bites. The longer it takes to heal, the more risk you have of infection setting in if the area is not treated carefully.

To avoid infection, make sure that you do the following:

What About Allergies?

In some cases, allergic reactions can cause additional symptoms. If you find that after a bite, you start to experience:

Then you are likely having an allergic reaction to the bite. In such cases, you need to get medical help immediately.

Everyone loves to spend some time outdoors, but there are times when your enjoyment of nature can be short-lived because of the many pests you encounter. In contrast, most insect bites are not much to worry about and will usually clear up in a matter of hours with little to no treatment; horsefly bites are different. It pays to take precautions to reduce their presence in the first place.

If you have to deal with a large horsefly infestation, it may be wise to take a proactive approach and get expert help in relieving you of that anxiety. Consider hiring a professional that knows how to remove the risk entirely from your environment so you can claim your right to enjoy nature on your terms.

The post Are Horsefly Bites Dangerous appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

Are Brown Widow Spiders Dangerous?

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 00:31:00 GMT

Specific names come to mind when we think about poisonous spiders, such as the southern black widow spider and the brown recluse. These two species are some of the United States’ deadliest spiders commonly found in Indiana State .

But what about the brown widow spider? Are brown widow spiders dangerous or poisonous to humans? Fortunately for the residents of Indiana, this spider isn’t common. However, if you’ve moved from or recently visited Hawaii, Florida, or the Caribbean Islands, then you may have encountered this spider. It is important to be able to identify the brown widow as well as understand just how dangerous it can be.

Identifying the Brown Widow Spider

The brown widow spider is closely related to the highly venomous black widow spider, but there are apparent differences.

The Color of Brown Widow Spiders

As the name suggests, the coloration of a brown widow spider is a mottling of tan and brown combined with black accent markings. The color is a visible contrast to the shiny black bodies of black widow spiders.

The Distinguishable Markings of Brown Widow Spiders

The easiest gender to distinguish is the mature females with a dorsal longitudinal abdominal stripe with three diagonal stripes on each flank. In addition, you’ll find a visible black, square-ish mark at the top of each diagonal stripe.

The brown widow spider does have the distinctive hourglass shape that’s common among widow spiders, but it’s usually a shade of orange. When you encounter black widow spiders, the hourglass shape is a more vivid red color.

Did you know? Brown widow spiders are difficult to differentiate from immature western black widow spiders. Being able to tell the difference will require some experience.

The Egg Sacs of Brown Widow Spiders

The egg sacs of most spiders look like little cotton balls with indistinct edges when detached from surfaces. However, the egg sacs of brown widow spiders are distinct and readily recognizable because they have tiny spikes all over the surface. These spiders also produce more eggs and offspring than black widow spiders.

The Habitat of Brown Widow Spiders

Like most spiders, brown widows seek to build their webs in secluded, protected sites around your home or woody vegetation with branches. Typical web building sites include:

Are Brown Widow Spiders Dangerous to Humans?

It is important to know that, although brown widow spider bites are rare, the spider is venomous and its bite can be harmful. Thankfully, the amount of venom that they inject in each bite is miniscule compared to their cousins the black widow. Ultimately, to most people, the brown widow spider bite is not dangerous and does nothing more than leave an irritating sore. However, some people may be sensitive to the venom and things could become more severe, so if you suspect that you have been bitten and you are experiencing severe symptoms, it may be best to speak with a medical professional.

How Venomous is The Brown Widow Spider

Brown spiders are poisonous and, although their venom can be just as toxic as other widow species, a spider bite’s potential to cause harm depends on more than just venom toxicity. Another factor is that brown widow spiders tend to be smaller than black widows and inject less venom when they bite. Therefore, the bite of a brown widow spider has been known to be less harmful compared to the bite of a black widow.

Symptoms of a brown widow bite include:

Eliminate Poisonous Spiders From Your Home

While it’s not common for people to die from the bite of venomous spiders like the brown widow spider, it’s never fun to get bitten. So if you’ve noticed an increase in the number of spider webs around your home, it may be time to call the YES Pest Pros, Inc. experts.

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Where do Flies Go in the Winter?

Sat, 30 Oct 2021 02:54:00 GMT

There is nothing more enjoyable than a nice picnic or backyard barbecue. But those enjoyable times are often short-lived for most of us. It seems that we’re not the only ones who like to bask in the sunshine during those warm spring and summer days.

Flies can be more than a troublesome nuisance. Because they carry several diseases, the dangers of flies can also put you and those in your household at risk. It’s not just an annoyance to be inundated with pesky little flies but also a health concern.

It may make us wonder why these little critters are often nowhere to be seen during those colder months. Is it possible that flies have someplace to go in the winter months that we don’t know about?

Stages of Development

The fact is that flies are always around. Where they are when they are not bothering you depends on the species in your region and its stage of development. Depending on where you live, several different species can be found in your area.

Flies have four different stages of development. We usually notice them only when they are in the maggot stage feeding on the produce in your garden and at the adult stage when they are searching for a mate or a place to lay their eggs.

During these first two stages, these pests are rarely noticed. You will see evidence of their presence after eating up much of your foliage if you are a gardener, but otherwise, they tend to go completely unnoticed.

Pest Management With YES! Pest

So, whether you have a problem with fruit flies, house flies, horse flies, or deer flies, the best time to get control of your fly situation is during the first two stages of development. Therefore, springtime might be the best time to address these pests rather than waiting for the summertime infestation.

If this is a situation you find yourself contending with every year. You may want to enlist the aid of a professional so that next summer, you can enjoy your time outdoors without being inundated with these uninvited guests.

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Common Mosquitos in Indiana

Fri, 15 Oct 2021 02:51:00 GMT

Most people do not feel comfortable in the presence of bugs, but there are hardly any insects that are more annoying than pesky mosquitoes. Not only is their unwanted buzzing in your ears a source of frustration, their bites can cause irritating itching that can last for hours, if not days. Add to that; they are one of the most common carriers of devastating diseases that can infect humans and other animals alike.

Mosquitos, like other insects, come in a wide variety, each one related to a specific region of the world. If you live anywhere in Indiana, it is estimated that you will, at some point, come in contact with at least 15 different types of mosquitos and at least carry with them life-threatening diseases. Below we have a list of three different types of mosquitoes that everyone should be aware of.

Anopheles

The anopheles mosquito is a known carrier of malaria, filariasis, and arbovirus infections in humans. They are also known for carrying the heartworm parasite that can seriously affect the health of your dogs and cats. Being able to identify this pest can save a life.

Of course, the mosquito doesn’t cause the diseases but is merely a carrier. So, to infect someone, they have first to bite someone who is already infected with the disease and then transmit it to another person through a second bite. The mosquito does not suffer any ill effects from the presence of these parasites.

Culex

The culex species is also known as the house mosquito or the West Nile mosquito . These are known to transmit the West Nile Virus along with several others. This common species has gained its reputation for its insufferable buzzing that keeps us up at night.

They love to find corners in your home and usually wait to attack in the wee hours of the morning. Because these insects are purely nocturnal, they rarely strike during daylight hours, reserving their energy for bites sometime between sunset and sunrise.

Since these bites usually occur while we sleep, it is not uncommon for you to wake up with several bites on your arms and legs. This habit is their effort to get enough blood to lay eggs and complete their biological cycle.

Culiseta

The culiseta is known for transmitting several diseases to humans, birds, horses, and other pets. It is most commonly known for transmitting the Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus, a rare condition that causes encephalitis, a form of brain infection.

This disease is quite deadly, with approximately 30% of people who contract it dying. Those lucky enough to survive usually spend the remainder of their lives struggling with ongoing neurological problems.

The mosquitos listed here are only a shortlist of the problem mosquitos you would find in Indiana. However, these pesky little creatures are also known for transmitting other diseases and triggering a host of allergic reactions in many. It always pays to be on the lookout for these critters, but the best way to avoid the threat is to hire professional exterminators to help you remove them safely from your property.

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What is a Carpet Beetle?

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 04:49:00 GMT

Year-round we have to protect our homes from unwanted pests by investing in insect and pest control. But, unfortunately, while some critters might seem harmless, pests will eventually harm your family and home.

Carpet beetles are one of those pests that are common in Oklahoma. They usually infest carpet and other animal-based fabrics such as wool, fur, felt, silk, feathers, and skins. The main species found in Oklahoma include:

If you suspect you have a carpet beetle infestation, it would be best to understand what carpet beetles look like, if they are harmful to your family, if they can cause damage to your home, as well as how to get rid of them. In this article, we will consider all of these things.

What do Carpet Beetles Look Like?

Carpet beetles have oval, dome-shaped bodies with wings that create a crease down the center of its body. Under the wings, you’ll find its abdomen and thorax, and they also have six legs. Their heads aren’t always visible, but when they are, you will notice they have two antennae that have a handlebar shape because they’re thicker toward the tips.

The color will depend on the species but can range from black to a mottled mixture of brown, white, tan and black, or even orange tints.

Are Carpet Beetles Harmful or Dangerous

As with any pest, the first thing we want to know is: are carpet beetles harmful to my family or home? You can rest assured that they don’t bite or pose any danger to humans. But do keep in mind that some people can develop a carpet beetle rash .

Even though they aren’t very dangerous to humans, they can cause damage to the following materials:

Carpet beetles will cause damage when they’re in the larval stage. The female can lay more than 100 eggs at one time that hatch into larvae within seven to 35 days. Since carpet beetle larvae will take nine months to two years to develop into adults, they can be very destructive.

Signs of Carpet Beetles

If you begin to notice adult carpet beetles trying to make their way outside through windows or doorways, then you might need to look for a local insect and pest control company to look for a possible infestation.

Don’t let your bug problem reach that point by looking out for these possible signs of carpet beetles:

Get Rid of Carpet Beetles With Professional Pest Control

The damage caused by carpet beetles is often confused with that of other pests. The YES Pest Pros are the best solution to identifying and getting rid of your carpet beetle infestation. Even though many would like to try DIY pest control techniques, this type of pest can prove to be very resilient.

If you need carpet beetle pest extermination, save money, time, and frustration by contacting our insect and pest control experts to schedule your inspection, including a free consultation .

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Guide to Common House Spiders

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 04:36:00 GMT

Catching sight of a spider in your home can be nerve-wracking, especially if you have a phobia. Unfortunately, as the temperature drops, you might start seeing more spiders inside your attic, basement, bathroom, and other areas of your house.

Having spiders in your home is not necessarily a bad thing. Of course, if you have a significant fear of these arachnids, you might not agree. However, most spiders are harmless and helpful predators that offer free insect and pest control.

Being aware of the different types of common house spiders will help you avoid panic when spotting one of these around the vicinity of your house.

Common House Spiders

The following are some of the most common house spiders you might come across:

Even though most of these can bite, there are only two that you should be concerned about causing severe harm: the black widow and the brown recluse spiders.

Black Widow

Black widow spiders are distinguished by their red hourglass-shaped marking on the underside of the abdomen that stands out on their shiny black body. Black widows like making their webs near the ground in dry and dark places.

Yet, a false black widow spider is very similar, common in Oklahoma, and can easily be confused with an actual black widow spider. Although these false black widow spiders do carry venom, their bite is relatively harmless.

It’s important to distinguish the difference between the two. You don’t want to take the chance and think the spider is a false black widow because that can mean the difference between a few hours of pain and a trip to the emergency room.

Brown Recluse

Their violin pattern can help identify the brown recluse spider, but this isn’t a reliable marking and leads to the misidentification of a brown recluse. Instead, it’s best to look at the eye pattern since most spiders have eight eyes in two rows of four, but the brown recluse spider has six eyes in pairs.

These spiders avoid humans as much as possible. They usually build their webs in dark, secluded places and go unnoticed, making it difficult to control an infestation. However, if you catch sight of one, there likely are more.

A bite from a brown recluse is not likely. When it does happen, it’s by mistake or because it’s provoked. Symptoms from a bite vary depending on the amount of venom and the person’s sensitivity. Still, since there is no antivenom, it’s best to seek immediate medical attention if bitten.

Black Widow And Brown Recluse Pest Control

The best way to avoid an infestation of common house spiders is to reduce clutter, keep a clean environment, sealing any cracks or entry points, and counting on excellent home pest control. Of course, you especially want to be cautious of black widow and brown recluse spiders.

If you suspect either one, contact a specialist at YESPest immediately.

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What Are Voles?

Sun, 29 Aug 2021 02:38:00 GMT

As a part of the rodent family, voles are similar in appearance to mice and moles. They mainly eat plants, roots, and stems but occasionally feed on meat, like tiny insects or animal remains when food is scarce.

Voles also prefer to burrow around the outside edge of buildings or driveways or chew their way through the grass, which leaves a very noticeable mark!

Is it a Vole?

The vole has distinct characteristics that can help us tell it apart from other rodents, which include:

Signs of Voles

If you’ve yet to see the creature and have only observed the damage or marks it’s leaving behind in your yard or garden, here are some signs to look for:

How to Get Rid of Voles

Now that you know what to look for to identify voles, you’re better equipped to handle the problem! Whether voles have made their way into your yard or garden, these are some things you can do to protect your property.

The Solution

As vole populations can multiply quickly, don’t fret if you still see evidence of voles even after your best efforts. Yes Pest Pros has trained professionals to help you get rid of voles or any other pests on your property. Our practical, effective, and environmentally safe solutions are at your service!

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What to Know About Crickets

Sat, 14 Aug 2021 02:33:00 GMT

Autumn is approaching, which brings Indiana’s fall foliage. However, the beautiful scenery isn’t all that fall brings to Indiana. Those peaceful fall afternoons and evenings can easily be absorbed by the distracting sound of crickets chirping inside your home.

Crickets Common in Indiana

There are around 100 different species of crickets in the United States. Out of these, the following are found in Indiana:

How to Get Rid of Crickets

Once crickets have invaded your home, they can become a nuisance. The following steps will help get rid of them:

Crickets naturally look for warm living conditions, food, and an ideal breeding environment, making your home an excellent place. Taking the necessary precautions will help get rid of crickets and avoid the damage they can cause indoors.

Pest Control Near me

While crickets tend to live outside in warm weather, they like going inside homes when temperatures drop. So if you realize you’ve done all you can and aren’t able to get rid of the crickets, then it’s time to leave it to the experts.

You can count on YESPest for all your pest control needs to ensure you enjoy a quiet, peaceful, pest-free autumn.

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Different Pests You Find in Your Pantry

Sun, 25 Jul 2021 18:42:00 GMT

Your pantry is a haven for your cereal, baking ingredients, and snacks that you eat in your home. However, no matter how clean you keep your pantry, even the most organized pantries will have pantry pests at some point.

While a pest inspection is the best way to identify what kind of pests are living in your pantry, you can locate them on your own if you know how to tell them apart. Here is a brief overview of common pantry pests that make their home among dried goods.

What are Pantry Pests?

Pantry pests are tiny insects that infest dried foods such as flour, rice, crackers, or cereal. At times, these small insects originate at the point of purchase instead of your home. But, unfortunately, they make their way inside your pantry by hiding among the packaging of these products. Although they may go unnoticed for some time, you’ll start to notice these bugs when they leave the infested foods to fly around your home.

Common Pantry Pests

Ants

Ants are the most common of the pantry pests. Perhaps it’s because ants live in large colonies and easily find their way into your home through doorways and windowsills. There are many species of ants , but sugar and Pharaoh ants are generally the species that find their way into your pantry.

One of the best ways to get rid of these bugs is to set out bait for them to take back to the colony. However, if you find that this is only a temporary fix, schedule a pest inspection for a professional to determine the best course of action.

Weevils

Grain weevils, also known as granary weevils, are small, dark brown insects with long snouts. Their larvae are white and legless and generally left inside whole kernels or seeds. Instead of feeding on processed foods and cereals, weevils eat grains, beans, and seeds.

While rare, you may see weevils inside foods such as flour, macaroni, or nuts. Keep in mind, though, that weevils can easily chew through paper and plastic packaging, so moving your dried goods into an airtight glass or steel container is recommended.

Indian Meal Moths

Indian meal moths thrive in pantries due to their food of choice. They love to eat grains, dried fruits, nuts, and cereals — all foods that live in your pantry year-round. However, they are small enough to burrow through bags, so it’s better to store food in airtight containers to keep them from getting through.

Contact YESPest for a Pest Inspection in Your Pantry

If you suspect that you’re dealing with a pest infestation in your pantry, don’t sit back and let your dried goods go to waste. The professionals at YESPest can provide you with a pest inspection to identify the pests you have and create a plan of action to get rid of them.

Reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation. Give us a call or fill out our online contact form to get one step closer to a pest-free pantry.

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The Benefits of Home Pest Control

Sun, 11 Jul 2021 18:37:00 GMT

Little creatures outside can’t tell the difference between your well-kept household and the next place they’ll choose to reside. So pests can find your home just as comfortable as you do. That’s where home pest control comes in.

Why Home Pest Control?

We know how unnerving an infestation can be for anyone. Unfortunately, even a common little bug can bring much discomfort in a home when there’s a plethora of them. So when it comes to home pest control, what are some key benefits that Yes Pest Pros Inc. can bring to the table?

The Benefits

Should You Try it on Your Own?

While we all admire an industrious, go-get-them attitude, the use of pesticides and home remedies can be both dangerous and ineffective . Sometimes a home remedy can’t reach the source of a problem, as it may be deep in a crawl space or in the foundation. And using pesticides on your own can be extremely dangerous to children and pets if misused or used too much.

Give Yes Pest Pros Inc. a Call!

We never know what kind of pest could decide to come into our home. By the time we see signs of their presence, is the situation already out of our hands? By no means! Yes Pest Pros Inc. is here to help you, providing peace of mind that comes from having a clean and secure home.

Along with education regarding prevention, our team is ready to provide the assistance you need to protect your health, your family and get your house back to the way it’s supposed to feel, like home!

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Rats vs. Mice — What’s The Difference?

Fri, 25 Jun 2021 21:23:00 GMT

Are you hearing sounds around the house all through the night? Scratching, thumping, and tiny feet scurrying around? If, in addition to this, you’re finding little black pellets lying around, then you’re most likely looking at a rodent problem.

A rodent problem will make anyone uneasy, but what kind of rodent are you dealing with? Many people use the words rat or mouse interchangeably, but the truth is that they aren’t the same. So let’s understand some of the main differences between rats and mice.

What is The Difference Between Rats and Mice

It’s vital to know the difference between a rat and a mouse because identifying the rodents crawling around your home will help you begin to figure out how to get rid of them.

The main differences when comparing rats vs mice include:

Below, we will consider the main factors that will help you to identify the differences between rats and mice.

Size and Weight Between Rats and Mice

When it comes to the size of a rat and a mouse, the difference is pretty significant. Mice are generally smaller in body length compared to rats. Since rats are bigger, naturally, their tails are longer, measuring around seven to nine inches. But keep in mind that the mouse has a longer tail in proportion to its body length compared to rats.

Since mice are smaller, they typically weigh between half an ounce to three ounces. However, rats can weigh anywhere from 12 to 24 ounces.

Appearance Differences

While none of us would want to take the time to analyze the physical features of your unwanted guest, there are many differences. One difference is in the nose because rats have a more blunt snout compared to mice. You can also take a look at the ears and tail of your rodent. Rats are generally medium sized to large while mice are considerably smaller. So, if you are surprised by the sheer size of the pest in your home or business, it is probably a rat.

You can also take a look at the ears and tail of your rodent.

Mice will have more prominent ears compared to the smaller head, and the rat’s ears are smaller. In addition, mice have long thin tails that are hairy, matching the color of the fur on their body. Rats, on the other hand, have tails that are thick, hairless, and scaly.

Type of Droppings in Rats Vs Mice

The rodent’s size also affects the size and shape of their droppings. As a result, mice will leave more droppings for you to find, and the shape of those droppings will be similar to grains of rice.

Rats will leave fewer droppings around your home because they will be bigger. Rat droppings are more rounded and can be the size of olive pits.

Behavior Differences

Another key difference between these rodents is the way they behave. If you want to get rid of mice, you have to set multiple traps and watch for nests in higher areas. This is because mice tend to be bolder, making them curious and more likely to fall into traps.

Rats, although bigger, live a more fearful life, making them very cautious about exploring new things. This behavior means you will need to put in an extra effort to get rid of rats. Watch out for their nests in the lower levels of a structure, like a basement or a crawlspace.

Common Rats and Mice in Indiana

The most common rat in Indiana is the Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus), while the most common mouse is the house mouse (Mus musculus). If you believe your house is infested with rats or mice, let the experts at YES Pest Pros provide the solution as quickly as possible.

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Different Types of Termites

Sat, 12 Jun 2021 21:15:00 GMT

While no one wants to have any insect infestation in their home, a termite infestation may be the worst thing you could have. Each year in the United States, termite damage is discovered in around 600,000 homes and structures.

The cost associated with a termite infestation is extremely high, which is why it’s vital to learn about the different types of termites so you can identify them sooner than later.

Termites in the United States

Did you know? There are over 2,000 species of termites all over the world. Of that figure, 50 species live across the United States.

Termite species are divided into the following three categories:

Subterranean Termites

The most common type of termite found in every state except Alaska is the subterranean termite. This species lives typically underground or aboveground in moist secluded areas. Each of their colonies can contain close to two million members, making them the insects with the largest nests in the United States.

The subterranean termites will create distinctive pathways known as “mud tubes” to access food sources. This method allows them to protect themselves from open air and become the most destructive species in the U.S.

Some subterranean termite species include:

Drywood Termites

Drywood termites will typically cause less damage than subterranean termites because their colonies are smaller. This species is found mainly in wood material like dead trees, structural timbers, or hardwood floors.

Another difference is that drywood termites do not require contact with soil since they don’t require as much moisture to survive. They also have large mouthparts and large sets of wings.

While none of the drywood termite species are familiar in Indiana, they can be found from traveling inside wooden objects. Some species include:

Dampwood Termites

As the name suggests, dampwood termites are commonly found in heavily forested areas of the country because they survive in wood with high moisture content. For this reason, it’s less common to find them damaging homes or other manufactured structures which typically don’t have enough moisture for their liking. But keep an eye out for them if your home is located in an area that’s prone to flooding.

Some dampwood termite species include:

Termites Function in a Caste System

Identification of termites may be more challenging because, even within the same species, they’re separated into these three different castes:

The Best Protection Against Termites

While identifying termites early is best, the best protection against termites in Indiana is an annual inspection by the trained termite professional at YES Pest Pros, Inc . While there are signs to look out for to catch a termite problem early, they have been known to remain hidden until it’s too late.

If you fear the infestation of termites, contact us today for a free quote!

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What Are Swallow Bugs?

Mon, 31 May 2021 17:06:00 GMT

Many different insects can make you home their new home. One of these insects is the swallow bug.

What is a Swallow Bug?

Swallow bugs are often mistaken for bed bugs. They’re small and similar in appearance, and many people often feel they are suffering from a bed bug infestation when they spot them.

However, swallow bugs get their names from the birds they infest. Swallow bugs are tiny parasites that make their home in swallow nests. They live off them by sucking the blood of them and their babies.

How Long Does a Swallow Bug Live?

A female swallow bug will lay up to 30 eggs at a time. An adult swallow bug will live for 2-3 years, although their life is entirely dependent on whether or not they have a host. Although they don’t multiply as fast as other bugs, they can live for many years if they constantly find a host to live off.

Where Will Swallow Bugs Live in Your Home?

Swallow bugs may not necessarily live in your home; however, if a swallow nest is nearby your home or apartment, the bugs can find their way inside. Once inside the house, they will hide inside cracks in the floor, mattresses, or even in closets and wardrobes.

Swallow bugs will bite humans when their primary source of nutrition, the swallow birds, is not around.

How to Get Rid of Swallow Bugs in Your Home

Since swallow bugs only come around through swallow nests, you’ll need to go to the source. Once the swallow birds have left the nest, the nesting area should be treated by exterminators and removed.

Swallow birds will often build a nest in the same location, so you’ll need to discourage the birds from returning. Although you can temporarily treat swallow bugs with bed bug spray, this isn’t a permanent solution.

If you wish to treat your home from swallow bugs thoroughly, it’s recommended to contact a professional pest controller to ensure that they won’t return.

Differences Between Swallow & Bed Bugs

Although swallow bugs and bed bugs are often mistaken for each other, a closer look reveals that they have many differences. When viewed up close, swallow bugs have a visible antenna, while bed bugs do not. Bed bugs are larger than swallow bugs and a reddish color but swallow bugs are grayer in appearance. Another difference is that swallow bugs will have a fine layer of hair on their body, but bed bugs do not.

Contact YESPest for Swallow Bug Removal

Whether it’s a bed bug situation or maybe swallow bugs, you’ll need professional help to remove them. YES Pest Pros has been providing homeowners with pest control and extermination solutions for decades.

To rid your home of swallow bugs, reach out to schedule your free consultation. Our expert exterminators can track the pests, remove them, and remove the swallow nests causing the infestation, ensuring that your home will be swallow bug-free. Give us a call or fill out our online contact form to get started.

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Millipedes: Are They Harmful To Humans?

Sat, 15 May 2021 16:54:00 GMT

Millipedes can quickly run chills up and down anyone’s spine. But despite the stomach-churning concept of a million tiny legs crawling on your body, do these critters mean any harm?

Most pests create damage and cause harm, but millipedes might be the exception to the rule. A few things to look into are:

What Are Millipedes?

Millipedes are considered arthropods due to their segmented body and legs, bilateral symmetry, exoskeleton, and their ability to molt. These critters have a worm-like appearance with two pairs of legs on each segment of their bodies, usually measuring an inch long with a hard, round, cylindrical body. Their color can vary anywhere from a brownish to blackish color.

Millipedes usually hide during the day and come out at night when the humidity is higher, and dew is on the ground. Many times millipedes and centipedes can be confused as the same thing. Although they are similar in some aspects, there are several differences, which include:

Why Do Millipedes Appear?

Finding a millipede inside the house is rare. They can’t reproduce indoors and usually come inside only when there is a period of extreme wetness, like in rainy seasons, or when searching for somewhere to pass the winter, usually in the late fall.

When they do go indoors, they will more likely seek shelter in a garage, basement, or the lowest level in your residence.

Are Millipedes Harmful To Humans?

No. Although it may cause disgust to find a millipede or have one run across your hand, millipedes are of no harm to humans.

To deter any predators, millipedes will release a fluid secretion that comes from their segments. This liquid may cause minor irritation if it comes in contact with sensitive skin or the eyes and may have an unpleasant smell but is of no grave harm to humans.

Millipedes can not bite or sting when they feel in danger or are disturbed; instead, they will curl up into a spiral in an attempt to stay safe. The only damage a millipede can genuinely make is to your plants and vegetables. Their diet consists of seedlings, roots, and leaves, making gardens a prime spot for millipedes to feed.

Although millipede infestations are possible, it’s rare for one to occur in your home.

How to Get Rid of Millipedes

When you find yourself overwhelmed with millipedes eating up your plants, fruits, and vegetables, YESPest can help you rid your plants of these tiny critters allowing you and your family to enjoy your beautiful garden in peace.

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How to Get Rid of Brown Recluse Spiders

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 00:32:00 GMT

“Spider!” — Probably not the word you want to be screaming because that means you’ve found one. In Indiana state , one of the two spiders that can inflict serious injury to humans is the brown recluse spider.

But how can I differentiate the brown recluse from the over 400 spiders that inhabit Indiana State ?

Brown Recluse Identification

The brown recluse spider is scientifically known as Loxosceles reclusa . You can begin to distinguish this spider by its:

The Physical Characteristics of the Brown Recluse

The brown recluse is usually between 0.24 and 0.79 inches, although it may grow bigger. The name identifies its color that’s typically light to medium brown. This spider usually has markings that, combined with a black line coming from their cephalothorax’s dorsal side, make a violin’s appearance.

Some other distinctive features include:

Brown Recluse Bite/Venom

The brown recluse is a spider with necrotic venom. Necrotic venom, according to Compound Chem , “necrotic, or cytotoxic venoms, are those which cause cell and tissue damage after envenomation.” When a brown recluse bites and injects its venom, this can lead to:

Inflammation

Lesions

Blisters

It’s rare to die from a brown recluse spider bite, but it’s still vital to seek medical treatment. The dangers exist in cases where the venom triggers a devastating and massive breakdown of red blood cells.

Brown Recluse Web

Brown recluse spider webs are frequently found in woodpiles, sheds, closets, garages, cellars, and any other place that’s dry and mostly undisturbed. Their webs are irregular (asymmetrical), and in most cases, include a shelter consisting of disorderly threads.

Be careful when disturbing isolated spaces in your home since these spiders attack when they feel threatened. The brown recluse is also known to leave its webs at night to hunt.

Getting Rid of Brown Recluse Spiders

As its name suggests, brown recluse spiders seek hiding spaces around the home. If you want to get rid of these spiders, the easiest way is to eliminate their favorite living conditions. Other methods include:

Are Home Remedies Not Working?

It’s always nicer to find a home solution to your brown recluse problem. But if these options don’t seem to get rid of them, then you might need extra help, especially if you find yourself with an infestation.

If brown recluse spiders have established themselves in your home, the environmentally friendly pest control experts at YES Pest Pros are ready to help. Contact us today!

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When Are Mosquitoes Most Active?

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 00:30:00 GMT

In some regions, mosquitos are only active through the summer months because, for the most part, mosquitoes can only live in weather where the temperature is above 50 degrees. If you live in an area with mosquitoes year-round, or if your region is approaching the warmer summer months, you’ll want to know when mosquitoes are most active so you can be prepared for them and avoid those irritating mosquito bites.

What Time of Day Are Mosquitoes Most Active?

The time of day mosquitoes are active depends mainly on the species that live in your area. Depending on the region, mosquito bites can be more than an irritant; they can be deadly.

For example, the species in the genus Aedes are more active during the day and are more likely to bite humans in the mornings and the late afternoon. These mosquitoes cause diseases such as Zika virus, dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever.

Mosquitoes in the genus Culex are more active during the night and spread the West Nile virus, as are the Anopheles mosquitoes, who also tend to bite during dawn and dusk.

Regardless of the mosquitoes that live in your region, you’ll see the most mosquito activity at dawn and dusk because it is between both day and night.

For most mosquito species in the United States, direct daylight can be deadly and dehydrating to mosquitoes. Because of this, they prefer cooler, shaded areas such as in the woods and wetlands.

How Can You Protect Yourself Against Harmful Mosquitoes?

Female mosquitoes are responsible for all the bites we experience. That’s because they need the blood to lay their eggs. Mosquitos also need water to breed and lay eggs. That is why there tend to be more mosquitoes near ponds, planters, birdbaths, and rain gutters than in dryer areas.

Because the baby mosquitoes in the water then grow into adult mosquitoes that will bite humans and repeat the process, it’s important to keep areas clear of standing water and dry. Mosquitoes only travel a few hundred feet from their breeding sites, so less water means fewer bites.

Other ways you can prevent mosquito bites include:

Keep the Mosquito Population Under Control

The pros here at YES Pest provide the best pest control services, including mosquito control . Call us today for a free quote!

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Do Cockroaches Have Wings?

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 03:37:00 GMT

For those of us who have seen cockroaches in our homes or businesses, there’s one important question: "do cockroaches have wings?” Or perhaps more to the point, “Can cockroaches fly?”

The majority of cockroaches do have wings. Because they have wings, does that mean they can fly? Most cockroaches with wings can fly, but some don’t. Consider some facts that will help you identify these unwelcome pests.

What Types of Cockroaches Have Wings?

Do all roaches have wings? Almost all do, especially adult cockroaches. Still, take comfort in the fact that not all cockroaches can fly.

Cockroach wings vary in size and strength depending on the age and type of cockroach. Cockroach Facts explains that only a few species can fly at a distance of a hundred feet at a time, while others use their wings to “jump” out of dangerous situations. It also states that some cockroach species have wings that are too small to fly, and only the male’s wings are large enough to make air.

Types of Cockroaches in Indiana

Indiana is home to many species of cockroaches, including roaches with wings. Consider the most common cockroaches in Indiana:

German Cockroach: A german roach is small in size but large in number. They are the most common roach found in homes where food is stored. They have wings that can fly a short distance but prefer to use their legs for speed.

American Cockroaches: Also known as water bugs, they have large reddish-brown wings. The wings are larger on males, but both sexes can fly and do so when looking for food.

Oriental Roach: The oriental cockroach’s wings are dark brown and shorter than the body. It’s one of the few winged roaches that can’t fly.

Brown-Banded Cockroach: Small in size, and both sexes have wings, but only the male can fly for short distances.

Wood Cockroach: Wings are dark brown. Females and males have wings, but only a male can fly and does so for short distances like the brown-banded roach. Wood roach males can grow up to an inch long.

Cuban Cockroach: Not commonly found in Indiana but more known in Texas and Florida. This roach is still worth mentioning due to its flying skills. They are attracted to light and can fly far and high distances to reach their desired destination. Both males and females are skilled fliers. They are easy to identify because of their unique green color.

Smoky Brown Cockroach: Most commonly found in Texas and Florida, as the Cuban cockroach, but has been seen in northern Indiana. Their name comes from their color in the body and wings. You can identify them by the transparent tips on their wings that can fly. Both sexes of this species can fly.

For more information on identifying different types of cockroaches, visit our “Got pests?” page and select Cockroaches . This resource can help you determine what type of cockroach infestation you may have.

How Many Wings Do Cockroaches Have?

It may come as a surprise, but roaches with wings have two pairs of wings, equalling four total. According to Cockroach Facts , the first pair of wings are stiff and protect the membranous wings underneath.

As mentioned, some cockroaches' wings are functionless, while others allow them to fly up to 100 feet.

Are Flying Cockroaches More Dangerous?

Both flying and non-flying cockroaches can pose a threat to human health. Why?

On our Cockroaches page, you will see that cockroaches do pose a threat to our health due to the diseases it carries such as:

Flying cockroaches are not more dangerous to our health because all roaches with or without wings dwell in the garbage and fecal matter that contains these diseases. Whether a cockroach flies into your house or crawls, it will carry these diseases with it.

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Can You Die From a Black Widow Bite?

Mon, 15 Mar 2021 03:31:00 GMT

Almost everyone is scared of spiders! One of the most well-known and feared species is the Black widow spider. But what does a black widow spider look like, and where are you most likely to find them? How harmful is a black widow spider bite?

What Does a Black Widow Spider Look Like?

Black widow spiders receive their name because the female often kills and eats the male after mating. The females are about one inch in size and display a hard, black, and shiny large and round abdomen. Both genders are identified by a reddish to yellow hourglass design on the bottom.

The males will be smaller compared to the females. Pairs of red and white stripes on the abdominal region’s sides will distinguish them from the female.

Where Will I Find Black Widow Spiders?

Black widow spiders will usually spin webs that are tangled and messy. They seek places that are dark and rarely disturbed. For this reason, you will commonly find them in:

Can You Die From a Black Widow Bite?

The fear of these spiders surges from the idea that the black widow bite will kill you . But can a black widow kill you? The short answer is yes!

In Indiana , black widows are one of two spiders capable of inflicting serious injury to humans. But the truth is that black widow deaths related to the bite of these spiders are rare. The American Association of Poison Control Centers reported that in the United States, since 1983, there have been no deaths due to black widow spiders.

Even bites themselves from these spiders are rare because they naturally hide and won’t come after you. But like any creature, if it feels threatened, it will bite!

Is a Black Widow Spider Bite Harmful?

Even though people don’t usually die from black widow spider bites, they are still venomous spiders. But one of the reasons they wouldn’t be fatal is that the venom they inject isn’t potent enough for the human body’s size. Spider venom is meant to serve as a defense mechanism on smaller animals.

Sometimes you may get lucky, and no venom injected (also known as a “dry bite”). But the bite will leave tiny puncture wounds and cause local swelling. It’s possible to feel little to no pain from a “dry bite.”

If it turns out to be a more severe bite, then you can expect some of the following symptoms:

If you believe that a black widow spider has bitten you, seek treatment if you aren’t sure how severe the bite was.

Concerned With Black Widow Spiders?

Do you seem to have a lot of black widows around? YES Pest Pros are ready to provide the best pest control services in Bloomington and Columbus, Indiana.

Call us today for a free quote!

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Types of House Ants

Sat, 27 Feb 2021 21:38:00 GMT

When we see ants in our homes, it always puts us on alert. Knowing what type of ant helps determine the actions required to let the visitors know they are not welcome. This article will discuss the differences between carpenter ants, odorous ants, pavement ants, rover ants, and crazy ants.

Carpenter Ants

Do you hear rustling sounds in your walls? Do you have small, winged creatures flying in and out? Then you most likely have Carpenter Ants. They do not eat wood as commonly understood, but they create holes and barrows in wood for nests that can threaten your infrastructure if not addressed quickly.

Identifiers

Size: ¼-½ of an inch.

Color: Most commonly black.

Unique structures: Has wings.

Found in: Wood in the house with holes and barrows. Nests are in trees or wood near dwellings.

Signs inside: Fragments of wood or sawdust around the house.

For more information on how to say goodby to these pests, you can visit our page about carpenter ants.

Odorous House Ants

As the name may indicate, these are stinking intruders. Odorous ants have similar characteristics to sugar ants, but they are typically smaller, and their smell is the most identifying difference. Many notice the common house ants smell when crushed. Treehugger states the scent is similar to blue cheese or rotten coconut. They are seen on rainy days searching for somewhere dry and something sweet to eat.

Identifiers

Size: Small in size.

Color: Dark brown or black.

Found in: Cupboards or where sweets are stored. More commonly found in homes on rainy days. Nests are in bushes or trees near houses.

Signs inside: Marching in lines.

Pavement Ants

Pavement ants, like many others, love their sweets and dry, warm spaces on cold rainy days. These ants are not as innocent as they may seem. If you find pavement ants in your home, you may find as many living as you see dead. Pavements ant colonies will fight to the death for their territories.

Identifiers

Size: Small.

Color: Dark brown or black.

Found in: Homes on rainy days, around sweets and greasy foods, and in basements. The Nests are on sidewalks and under rocks.

Signs: Clusters of dead ants found.

Rover Ants

A rover ants size makes it ideal for stealing sweets and crumbs off your plate without your notice. Their size may make it hard to get the more oversized ticket items off your counter, but their strength is in numbers, and they work together. You will find these intruders in swarms inside containers or on tables with left-out food.

Identifiers

Size: ⅙ of an inch.

Color: Range from brown to blonde.

Found in: Groups and numbers.

Signs inside: Clusters of ants on table or kitchen counter.

Crazy Ants

Unlike traditional ant uniforms, you will find crazy ants in irregular patterns throughout your house. They are found in the south, nesting among wires and electronics for installation. Nests can grow in numbers of thousands.

Identifiers

Size: ⅛ of an inch.

Color: Red and brown.

Found In: Sugar, wires, and circuit boards.

Signs: Ants in walls or wires.

If you suspect you have any of these ants or other kinds in your home, please contact us for a free inspection.

The post Types of House Ants appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

Types of Fleas

Sat, 13 Feb 2021 21:35:00 GMT

There are over two thousand species of fleas around the world. Each adult female can lay up to 500 eggs per day! So it is common to encounter fleas at some point in your life, especially if you have an outdoor-loving furry animal living with you.

Fleas live outside of their host and love to hide in furry environments. The most common fleas you are most likely to find:

Each flea shares similar traits and does not limit itself to one type of host; they freely feed on various kinds of warm-blooded mammals.

How do Fleas Look?

Brown in color and oval-shaped, a flea is about an eighth of an inch long. They have six legs, are wingless, and their strong hind legs are designed for jumping up to fifty times their body length! The perfect anatomy for quickly moving and jumping from host to host. Although small in size, their appetite is not. These parasites feed daily and consume about fifteen times their body weight, sucking blood for up to 30 minutes per meal.

Are Fleas Harmful to You or Your Pet’s Health?

Yes. Fleas can cause animals to injure themselves by scratching and biting their skin to try and alleviate the pain or possible allergic reaction from a flea bite. Which can result in a bacterial infection that may cost you an expensive trip to the vet, but more importantly, it can cause more pain to your pet.

Are they dangerous to humans? They can be. Their bite will cause your skin to become irritated; some people have experienced an allergic reaction from their saliva. For humans, mostly just a gross annoyance, fleas such as the oriental rat flea can carry and transfer a life-threatening disease with only one bite!

What Should You Do If You Notice Fleas?

If you see your pet displaying excessive biting or scratching and notice little brown dots, this means you are dealing with a flea infestation. Fleas will lay their eggs between tufts of fur and can fall anywhere, sticking to other surfaces like carpets, couches, or bedding. Anywhere your pet chooses to go! You can risk spreading the eggs and even triggering early hatching if you try to get rid of them yourself. However, keep in mind there is no guarantee they will not survive. These can then grow in number, making them harder to get rid of on your own.

Thankfully our experienced staff at YES Pest Pros, Inc. will make sure to keep any harmful pest from infesting your living spaces.

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Bed Bugs: What do They Look Like and Where do They Come From?

Sat, 30 Jan 2021 02:35:00 GMT

“Goodnight, sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite.” Unfortunately, in many cases, that is easier said than done. Once a few bed bugs make their way into your home, they can quickly spread and take over. Recognizing what bed bugs look like and how they can enter your home is crucial to keeping your home free of these uninvited parasitic guests.

What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?

Bed bugs are flat, oval-shaped insects with a reddish-brown color. Typically an adult bed bug can measure between 3/16 – 1/4 inch long. However, size can vary, depending on if a bed bug has recently eaten. Much like mosquitos, the abdomens of bed bugs that have just gorged themselves on blood will take on a swollen, elongated appearance.

Bed bugs come from the order of Hemiptera or “true bugs” as they have segmented mouthparts designed for sucking, four-part antennas, wings unusable for flight, and a body covered in tiny hairs.

To properly identify bed bugs, It’s essential to understand their appearance in each phase of life. These tiny insects can live between six months to a year, during which they undergo a three-part transformation process.

Egg Phase – Bed bugs hatch from white, pearl-shaped eggs that are small enough to fit on a pinhead. As the eggs develop, eye spots begin to appear, giving groups a similar appearance to crushed black pepper.

Nymph Phase – Newly hatched bed bugs are called nymphs. These juvenile insects have a translucent yellowish color and can be just as hard to spot as the eggs that they hatched from. During this phase of life, the bugs resemble thinner, paler versions of their adult counterparts.

Adult Phase – Bed bugs reach their adult form in about five weeks. At this point in life, they reach their full-size reddish-brown coloration.

Where Do Bed Bugs Come From?

Much like other parasitic insects, like fleas and ticks, bed bugs are hitchhikers, and your luggage is their favorite mode of transportation. Anytime a purse, suitcase, or backpack comes in contact with an unfamiliar upholstered surface such as a bed or couch, you are at risk for bringing bed bugs home with you.

While bed bugs do have tiny wings, they can’t fly. Even so, they can travel from room to room quite quickly. If an infestation isn’t addressed early, it can quickly spread through an entire home.

Are There Bed Bugs in Your Home?

Since bed bugs are nocturnal and only emerge to feed at night, your chances of spotting one during waking hours are slim.

More often than not, the first indicators of an infestation will come from various other signs rather than the bed bugs themselves. Here are a few things to look out for.

Eliminating the Infestation

The EPA suggests that the most efficient way of eliminating bed bugs from a home is to hire an “experienced, responsible pest control professional.” For the average homeowner, trying to handle the issue alone may be futile or even dangerous.

At Yes Pest Control, we’re dedicated to keeping homeowners in the Bloomington and Columbus areas informed and up to date about the hazards of pest infestations, including bed bugs. If you suspect that you have a bed bug problem, please don’t hesitate to contact us right away. With our state of the art, environmentally-friendly heat treatment , we can usually eradicate any bed bug infestation from a home in just one day. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection.

The post Bed Bugs: What do They Look Like and Where do They Come From? appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

How Much Does it Cost to Remove a Yellow Jacket Nest?

Sat, 16 Jan 2021 02:28:00 GMT

You spotted a bee-like insect, and you’re not sure if it’s a yellow jacket or some other kind of bee. So, what does a yellow jacket look like?

If you want to get rid of a yellow jacket nest, you will want to know a little bit more about yellow jackets first, like if they’re harmful or how to correctly identify a yellow jacket nest. The next step after that would be to locate a yellow jacket exterminator in Indiana to help you with getting rid of your yellow jacket pests.

Are Yellow Jackets Harmful?

Yes, they can be harmful. These insects are very territorial; they can get aggressive even when unprovoked and attack repeatedly since they do not lose their stinger. Their venom can be harmful if you are allergic or have been stung several times. A yellow jacket sting can be extremely painful, and these flying insects are mean: they will swarm you and sting you for as long as you are nearby. If you plan on getting close to inspect a nest, you should wear long sleeves or wear other protective clothing.

How to Spot a Yellow Jacket Nest

Do you have wasps, hornets, honey bees, or yellow jackets?

How you know you have yellow jackets:

Yellow jackets tend to find many different locations to nest, becoming a pest to the landowner:

You might spot them swarming near your flowers or garbage, gathering food. Knowing how to spot these nests can help keep you and your family safe until you can have them properly removed.

Best Time to Remove Yellow Jacket Nests

Once you locate the nests during the day, you can spray the nest with an aerosol to get rid of the yellow jackets. The best time to do this is after dusk or before sunrise. At this time, the yellow jackets have reduced vision, which will help avoid getting hurt by their powerful sting.

If you’d like to try doing this yourself, check out How to Get Rid of Yellow Jackets .

The Cost of Yellow Jacket Removal

You can avoid the risk of getting hurt by a painful sting or using your own time to remove a yellow jacket nest. Let a professional take care of all of the dirty and time-consuming work involved with clearing out these pesky nests.

The cost of yellow jacket removal varies greatly depending on the number of yellow jacket nests as well as the location of the nests and the sizes of the nests.

If you think you might have pests nearby, Yes Pest Pros, Inc. offers a FREE inspection and $25 off of your first service call, pest control service, or any signed annual service agreement. Same-day treatment and removal are available for your convenience. Call (812) 332-2423 and get a free quote for any pest control issues or concerns.

The post How Much Does it Cost to Remove a Yellow Jacket Nest? appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

What is a Leaf-Footed Bug?

Tue, 29 Dec 2020 04:22:00 GMT

It doesn’t matter which season of the year we are in because, as homeowners, we must be aware of the crawling creatures that appear in or around our homes.

One of those pesky creatures you can find is the leaf-footed bugs . Let’s consider:

What is a Leaf-Footed Bug?

There are a variety of insects that take on the appearance of leaves . So how can you differentiate the leaf-footed bugs, scientifically known as Leptoglossus?

What They Look Like Before Adulthood

As with many living things, leaf-footed bugs change in appearance as they grow. When the female lays eggs, usually in mid-late June, they look like short chains of small and brown cylinders.

Eggs take about ten days to hatch, and then you get nymphs. These nymphs have dark heads, dark legs, and bodies that range in color from orange to reddish-brown. It takes about five weeks for the nymphs to reach adulthood.

What They Look Like in Adulthood

The name itself allows us to identify these bugs by the leaf-like protrusions on each hind leg. The protrusions have a similar appearance to dry brown leaves, so the insect isn’t easily noticed.

They have a narrow brown body in adulthood and will range from about half an inch to one inch in size. All species are also distinguished by long antennae and white markings in a zig-zag pattern on their wings.

The more common leaf-footed bugs come in three main species:

Are Leaf-Footed Bugs Dangerous?

The leaf-footed bug has a piercing/sucking mouthpart. That might make them seem terrifying, but they are only a threat to the different things they feed on like:

If you find them in your garden around your home, don’t be afraid; they don’t bite humans. Keep in mind that they have been known to fly, but they aren’t poisonous and haven’t been known to carry parasites. But how can you keep the things you plant safe?

How Can I Get Rid of Leaf-Footed Bugs?

Leaf-footed bugs will harm your fruits and vegetables, which is why you should get rid of them. Some natural ways of getting rid of these bugs are:

Do You Still Have Leaf-Footed Bugs?

Sometimes you won’t be able to get rid of an infestation using natural methods. If you have leaf-footed bugs or any other bug infestation, contact the YES Pest Pros for a free consultation.

We offer solutions to your pest problems using environmentally-friendly pesticides, and in some cases, no pesticides at all!

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Where Do Spiders Go in the Winter?

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 04:14:00 GMT

When winter rolls around, we usually worry less about our greenery, especially if you live in areas like Indiana . Due to the harsh weather conditions during this season, you might notice fewer insects outside your home.

One of the insects that causes terror is spiders. You might start to wonder where do they go? Are they inside your home?

Where Do Spiders Go in the Winter?

The biggest myth surrounding spiders is that they will come inside to escape the cold winter. Spiders that are adapted to outside conditions will typically not survive inside and vice versa.

Out of approximately 170 species of spiders, about 137 live outside, 25 live indoors, and eight can survive both inside and outside, meaning where spiders go in the winter depends on the type of spiders that have settled in or around your home.

Different species will:

When Do They Lay Eggs?

The most direct answer is that spiders lay eggs throughout the whole year, depending on the species, but most will lay eggs in spring or fall.

Laying Eggs in the Spring

But some species of spiders will lay eggs during the spring. Once these baby spiders hatch, they will be able to survive the winter as young nymphs. These include:

Laying Eggs in the Fall

Many species of spiders will lay their eggs in the fall. The female spider will look for a safe and warm place for their egg sacs. Those baby spiders that will hatch, however, aren’t made to live in the winter.

Some of these include:

Hatching doesn’t last all winter. What happens is that the spiderlings hatch but remain inside the sac to keep warm. An egg sac can contain anywhere from 150 to 200 eggs.

When the warmer weather begins, those that survived will use their fangs to make a hole in the sac. They will emerge through this hole and start looking for a new home.

A Spider’s Lifespan

The lifespan of a spider, depending on its species, is about one year or more. Those that live a year are among the spiders that lay their eggs in the fall. They dedicate their lives to preparing a safe place for the next generation.

Spiders like the tarantula or the fishing spider can live longer and are amongst the spiders that lay eggs in the spring. To survive the winter, they try to seek refuge to hibernate under tree bark and rocks. Others can hide between the ground and the snow, making holes in the soil or spinning a web in their hiding place.

Adapt For the Winter

You see fewer spiders during this season because they are cold-blooded creatures, which means their body temperature depends on their environment.

To be able to survive, their body naturally produces a chemical called polyhydroxy alcohol. This chemical acts as an “ antifreeze ” that works with the existing fluids in their bloodstream to prevent ice crystals from forming inside their bodies.

Need to Get Rid of Spiders?

YES Pest Control experts have you covered when it comes to dealing with your pesky intruders. Our services include inspecting, managing, exterminating, and preventing spiders that are bugging you.

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Types of Hornets in Indiana

Sat, 28 Nov 2020 00:09:00 GMT

Hornets are a kind of wasp, both of which are very similar in that they are known for aggressively defending their nests. Unlike bees, they do not produce honey and are much less efficient at pollinating plants. However, they prove to be somewhat beneficial by eating other insects that would otherwise damage crops.

Regardless, the stinging venom can be extremely dangerous to individuals that have a wasp or hornet allergy. What types of hornets and wasps are common in Indiana?

Types of Hornets in Indiana

The Importance of Hornet Identification

Identifying wasp and hornet nests around your property will help you determine if you need to hire a professional to remove the colony. But before trying to eradicate all wasp-like insects from your property, you may want to consider that some wasps, such as the paper wasp, could be beneficial to your crops. On the other hand, hornets are especially dangerous to humans if their colony is threatened, which is why you should never try to remove a colony on your own.

The safest and most efficient way to eliminate harmful insects like hornets from around your home is to contact YES Pest Pros, Inc.

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Are Bed Bugs Dangerous?

Sun, 15 Nov 2020 23:34:00 GMT

What Are Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are parasitic insects that rely on the blood of mammals to survive. While they prefer humans, they are also known to feed on household pets such as cats and dogs.

Bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed and have flat, oval bodies. They usually look brown, but after feeding, their bodies are redder in appearance.

While bed bugs are quick when moving across floors, walls, and ceilings, they cannot fly.

Bed Bugs in the Home

Bed bugs commonly enter the home by attaching themselves to luggage, clothing, and furniture, especially beds and couches. When not exterminated by a professional, they can spread through other rooms and even to nearby apartments.

To prevent a bed bug infestation in your home, you can take a few critical measures. For example, if you stay overnight anywhere outside your home, check the bed for bed bugs. That includes under the sheets, along the seam of the mattress, and around the headboard. If the room is seriously infected, you will find them in the furniture, so be careful about where you set down your luggage.

When making purchases, make sure to check all items before bringing them into your home. That includes clothing, stuffed animals, furniture, and even appliances.

Are Bed Bugs Dangerous?

Can bed bugs kill you? It’s improbable but not entirely impossible. Bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases directly through their bites. However, they can cause some health risks that, if left unattended, could lead to infections.

Itching is the most common health problem that can come from bed bug bites. Some people may not have any reaction at all. However, red bumps and welts are common in the days and weeks following a bug bite.

Bed bug bites have the appearance of a mosquito bite, but irritation may persist a little longer, sometimes up to two weeks.

The danger from a bed bug bite often comes from scratching the itching areas. It is the most likely way to experience severe reactions to bed bugs. Scratching can be damaging and may cause infection of the weakened areas of the skin. Experiencing persistent redness could be a sign of an infection, and you should seek medical attention.

Although bed bugs can’t transmit diseases from human to human, research has shown that they can share the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which causes Chagas disease. Chagas disease can result in death.

While it is worth noting that the risk of Chagas disease through bed bug bites exists, cases are much more common in Latin America.

Bed Bug Extermination

For the most part, bed bugs are more of an annoyance than a danger to humans. Still, they disrupt your daily life and can cause quite a bit of physical and mental irritation. If you suspect a bed bug infestation in your home, contact the professionals at YES Pest Pros, Inc. to quickly and effectively exterminate the problem and restore comfort and peace of mind.

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How Cockroaches Affect Your Home

Sat, 24 Oct 2020 00:13:00 GMT

If you’ve ever had to deal with an infestation of cockroaches in your home, you know getting rid of them for good is tough . Just the thought of seeing a cockroach run across the floor sends chills up the spine.

Cockroaches are more than just a nuisance. They can be harmful to the health of your family if they’re allowed to reside in your home.

The Affect Cockroaches Have on Your Home

The biggest concern you should have if there are cockroaches in your home is their ability to spread dangerous diseases. It turns out cockroaches have a pretty large appetite ranging from food scraps to feces. That’s right. Cockroaches feed on poop.

That’s enough to make you want to kick out this unwelcome guest, but it gets worse. The bacteria found in the cockroaches diet can survive its digestive system for months.

If you leave any food out on the counter, the cockroach may either defecate or vomit on it. Now, when you eat that food, you have that same dangerous bacteria in your system.

It’s flawed thinking to assume there’s only one roach in your home. Try taking into consideration that if it’s a female cockroach, she may have just laid between ten and forty eggs.

All these babies can then live up to twelve months and will make more babies of their own. Next thing you know, you’ve got a cockroach infestation.

Steps to Keep Your Home Safe and Clean from Cockroaches

If you live in an area prone to cockroaches (hot, humid climates), remember these essential steps to keep your home safe.

Clean Your Home Regularly and Thoroughly

Inspect Your Home

Types of Cockroaches in Indiana

If you’re wondering whether or not you’re at risk for cockroaches here in Indiana, be assured, you are. Here is a list of the five most common cockroaches found in Indiana.

Get Professional Pest Control Today

If you are experiencing a cockroach infestation, it is nothing to take lightly. The health of your family is at stake. Contact Yes Pest, Inc and remove these invaders from your home once and for all.

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Top 7 Biting Insects in Indiana

Sat, 10 Oct 2020 00:12:00 GMT

Nobody likes insect bites. They can burn, sting, itch, and swell. From no see ums in Indiana to biting flies and bed bug bites – bites and stings are awful! Depending on the person and the specific insect that bit them, bug bites can even be deadly. Unfortunately, there are plenty of biting and stinging insects in Indiana.

If you live in Indiana or are planning on visiting anytime soon, it’s good to know which insects might pose a threat. It will help you plan on how to prevent bug bites as well.

Biting Insects Found in Indiana

You’ll most likely find this spider in dry, quiet areas such as woodpiles, basements, and unused closets. Getting bitten is rare and typically causes light pain and swelling.

We usually label this spider as extremely dangerous. However, most people bitten by a Black Widow notice no effects at all, and at the most, they experience temporary and mild pain. Keep in mind, though, that its secretions can be very harmful to animals and humans.

While they don’t bite, they do sting. Yellowjacket venom is much more potent than honey bees and can be dangerous, especially if a person is stung multiple times.

We call it an ant, but it’s technically a wasp without wings. Its sting is excruciating, and it is even referred to as “the cow killer” by some who claim the stings can take down cattle.

The venom released by the stinger can have a severe effect on humans. It can even cause tissue necrosis. For the most part, these bugs will leave you alone unless they feel threatened.

It’s no secret that Deer Ticks carry Lymes disease. Tens of thousands of people are diagnosed with Lymes disease each year, and most of them got it from a Deer Tick. Joint pain and chronic exhaustion can last up to six months and can resurface years later.

Most of us know the annoying itching and, at times, swelling that a mosquito bite can cause. But despite the discomfort, mosquito bites can be quite dangerous. They are known to carry Malaria, West Nile Virus, Dengue, Zika Virus, and Yellow Fever. Of course, it’s unlikely your Indianan mosquito is carrying any of these diseases, but it’s still a good idea to be cautious.

Beyond the bugs listed above, there are other biting and stinging insects like biting flies in Indiana, bald faced hornets, female no see ums, paper wasps, biting midges, and more.

What can you do to prevent the harmful effects of insect bites and stings? What should you do to treat a bit or sting?

Insect Bite Prevention and Treatments

Preventing insect bites before they happen is ideal. This is especially true if you’re allergic to certain bug bites or stings, such as bee stings, which can cause serious health problems and even death.

If you do get bit or stung, in most cases, it is not a medical emergency. However, there are a few ways you can diminish the pain that comes with an insect bite.

If you are allergic to the insect that stung or bit you or you have an adverse reaction, such as difficulty breathing, severe rash, or other serious health effects, you should immediately seek medical attention.

“Call 911 or other emergency services if you're having a serious reaction to a bee sting that suggests anaphylaxis, even if it's just one or two signs or symptoms. If you were prescribed an emergency epinephrine autoinjector (EpiPen, Auvi-Q, others), use it right away as your doctor directed,” advises Mayo Clinic .

Yes, bug bites and stings can be serious, so it is important to do all you can to protect yourself and those around you. What can you do to insect-proof your home?

Protect Your Home From Biting Insects

Our homes could host any one of these biting insects. It is crucial to get professional help to remove these pests from your property and prevent them from returning. The pros at YES Pest Control can help. Give us a call today!

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How to Get Rid of Weevil Bugs

Mon, 28 Sep 2020 17:48:00 GMT

One of the worst things to find in your home is the infestation of bugs. If you have had this happen, you probably remember the gross sensation where you keep feeling bugs crawling all over you.

One of those pests that can invade your home is the weevil bug, also known as flour bugs. What are these creepy crawlers? How can you help prevent them? And if your home is currently, how can you get rid of them?

What Are Weevil Bugs?

Weevil bugs are a type of beetle that are known for their elongated snout. The snout has a mouthpart that excavates tunnels into the grains. In these holes, they will lay their eggs, usually a few eggs a day for months.

There are thousands of species of the weevil bug, including rice weevils, grain weevils, and maize weevils. Some, like the rice weevil, can also fly. When they make their way into your home, they can damage many types of stored grain.

How Can You Help Prevent Weevil Bugs?

If you live in an area prone to any bug infestations, you will want to take measures to avoid weevil bugs. Since you may see weevil bugs in flour and grains, you want to store small amounts of these products if you don’t use it much.

A useful tip is to store flour and other grains in hard, airtight containers. Where ever you store your food, make sure it’s a dry place because weevil bugs are attracted to moisture. Depending on where you purchase your products, you might also want to put it in a freezer bag and freeze it for at least a week.

Various natural products that can be placed in cabinets to act as repellants for weevil bugs include:

Another alternative is an open matchbox since the weevil bugs don’t enjoy the smell of sulfur.

How to Get Rid of Weevil Bugs

The first thing you have to do is find the source of the weevil bug infestation. Check your cereals, grains, spices, dried fruits or vegetables, and even candy. Anything that has adult weevil bugs should be thrown in the trash outside.

Once you find the source, you need to clear everything out of the area and clean it. The best thing to use is a vacuum so you can make sure to get all the weevil bugs and any eggs they have laid.

The next step is to pick up anything that might have been left behind wiping the area down with a soapy washcloth. You can then make a mixture of half water and half white vinegar (or eucalyptus oil) to swipe over the surface areas to act as a repellant.

For the next couple of months, you will want to keep an eye out in case some eggs or adult weevil bugs were missed.

YES Pest Control

Got pests? If you can’t seem to get rid of these or other pests, YES Pest Control can help! Contact us today for a free consultation.

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How to Get Rid of Pincher Bugs

Sat, 12 Sep 2020 17:26:00 GMT

Have you ever had that horrible nightmare where you feel a bug crawl into your ear and dig a hole in your brain? Anytime we have a bug infestation, we probably have the fear this will happen.

The bug that we most likely picture in our minds is the earwig, or a pincher bug. What is an earwig? How can we prevent them or get rid of them? If you’re having trouble figuring out how to get rid of pincher bugs in your house, you will want to keep reading.

Pincher Bugs Vs. Earwigs: What is an Earwig or Pincher Bug?

Earwigs and pincher bugs are two ways to refer to the same insect; it received its name based on the myth that it crawled into a person’s ear and ate into their brain. The nickname comes from the scary looking pincer-like appendages in their abdomen. Pincher bugs are also sometimes called pinch bugs or pinching bugs.

Pincher bugs look similar to an ant in the upper part of the body. They can range from a black color to a brownish color. Some species can have small stripes or even a reddish coloring.

Pincher bugs not only look like a real threat, but they also move really fast making anyone react in fear. As if this isn’t enough, they can congregate in large numbers.

The truth is that they only look menacing; they are harmless . The pincher bug uses its pinchers as a defense mechanism against other insects and causes little to no harm to humans. Even if, for some odd reason, they bite you, it isn’t painful.

How to Prevent Pincher Bugs

To prevent pincher bugs from invading our home, we must understand the things that attract them. They are nocturnal creatures that are attracted to bright lights, so they will find places like patios or porches to make their home.

The diet of the pincher bug consists of leaves, flowers, and the insects that inhabit and eat these. It’s important then to constantly check any greenery that’s in your home.

Pincher bugs are also attracted to moisture. You want to make sure that your home you seal any cracks or holes that are visible on the outside of your home. If you have garden areas around your home, these could attract them and use such gaps to make their way inside.

Next, we will discuss how to get rid of earwigs.

How to Kill or Get Rid of Pincher Bugs

The first go-to solution to get rid of pincher bugs in your house is using pesticides that will penetrate a pincher bug’s skin and kill them.

Some of these include:

Using a pesticide is not always the safest solution to your pest problem — especially when you’re attempting to get rid of pincher bugs without the help of a professional. Other safer mixtures that can be used in your home to lure and kill pincher bugs include:

Another natural way to help get rid of these pests is why attracting one of their biggest predators around your home. Bird feeders and houses will not only make your home look lovelier, but the birds they bring around will feed on pincher bugs.

Hire the Pest Pros to Help You Get Rid of Your Pincher Bug Infestation Today

If time after time you find yourself trying to get rid of pincher bugs with no success, you might need to hire an exterminator. At YES Pest Control we have proven to be an efficient, reliable, and green solution to your local pest problems.

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Getting Rid of All Kinds of Flies

Sat, 29 Aug 2020 15:22:00 GMT

Shoo, fly, don’t bother me!

We can all relate to the words to this classic nursery rhyme. The sound and sight of a single fly buzzing around your home is enough to disturb your peace of mind.

Beyond being a nuisance, flies can also pose a threat to the health of your family. Since they are known to land on both feces and food, some flies have been proven to spread disease. Other flies even bite!

The National Environmental Health Association warns that houseflies “Can carry more than 1 million bacteria on their bodies and can transfer these to contaminate surfaces and food,” adding that “The common housefly can transmit the pathogens that cause shigellosis, typhoid fever, E. coli, and cholera.”

The point is, you don’t want flies in your home. What kinds of flies live in Indiana, and how can you get rid of them?

Here are the most common types of flies in Central Indiana, along with tips on how to get them out of your home, besides the classic fly swatter approach.

House Flies

Perhaps the most common fly, the house fly, is easily identifiable with its characteristic blackish-yellow body, translucent wings, and often red-toned eyes. The house fly’s multi-directional vision and speedy reflexes make it hard to catch.

Tips for getting rid of house flies:

Fruit Flies

Only 1/8-inch in length, the fruit fly is known for its tiny brown body and its ability to reproduce quickly. You may find fruit flies swarming in your trash or around your fruit bowl. Since they are so small and are often found by the hundreds, it can be hard to get rid of them.

Tips for getting rid of fruit flies:

Drain Flies

Due to their resemblance to moths, drain flies are also called moth flies. Drain fly larvae can be found in the decomposing, organic sludge found in kitchen and bathroom drains. Some adult moth flies appear hairy, and their scales leave behind a film of fine dust when touched.

Tips for getting rid of drain flies:

Horse Flies

Though similar in appearance to house flies, there is one key difference; female horse flies bite! Larger in size than a housefly, horse flies typically have bright green or black eyes and colored or transparent wings.

Tips for getting rid of drain flies:

Pest Control Services in Bloomington, IN

If you’re struggling to get rid of flies in your home, contact Yes Pest, Inc. for professional fly pest control . We have the expertise and equipment necessary to manage pests in a safe and environmentally-responsible way. With offices in both Columbus and Bloomington, we’re here to help free your home of pests.

The post Getting Rid of All Kinds of Flies appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

Types of Beetles in Your House

Sat, 15 Aug 2020 15:18:00 GMT

You might be a fan of The Beatles, but you’re probably not a fan of real beetles, especially in your house.

As the weather changes this fall, you may notice an influx of beetles making their way into your home. Beetles generally don’t harm humans, but several species of beetles can pose a threat to your property. A beetle infestation can even cause structural damage to your home.

Here are some common types of beetles in Indiana and what you can do to prevent beetles from making a home in your house.

Asian Lady Beetles

More commonly known as ladybugs, Asian lady beetles are usually yellow, red, or orange with black dots on their wings and white dots on their head.

“The Asian lady beetle, Harmonia axyridis, was introduced to help control aphid and scale populations in orchards and field crops. The good news is it worked.” says the Indiana Department of Natural Resources . “The bad news is with its high numbers and habit of amassing on homes in the fall, this insect has become a major nuisance for homeowners.”

Ladybugs can give off an unpleasant odor and may appear in large numbers around your home.

Lyctus Beetles

The long and slender Lyctus beetle is a powderpost beetle species, which is known for damaging wood and structures. Black or reddish-brown in color and less than 1/4-inch long, Lyctus beetles can bore into hardwood.

“Sub-flooring, hardwood flooring, joists, sills, plates and interior trim are the parts of buildings most frequently attacked,” says Gary W. Bennett of Indiana’s Purdue University . “If infestations in wood are not treated, the structural strength of the wood can eventually be seriously depleted.”

If you have a Lyctus beetle infestation, it’s important to act fast to eliminate the pests before your home sustains severe damage.

Carpet Beetles

Named for their meal of choice, carpet beetles feed on natural fibers and other organic matter. There are a variety of carpet beetles, each varying in color and shape. They are usually about 1/8-inch long, and adults are brown or black.

“Carpet beetle larvae prefer to feed in dark, protected places, consuming and damaging wool, fur, silk, cashmere, feathers, bone, and synthetic and cellulose-based fibers that contain some amount of animal fibers,” says the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors .

Keep on the lookout for these small beetles, since they often go undetected.

June Bugs

A blanket term for various beetle species, June bugs include Japanese beetles, May beetles, and hundreds of other leaf-eating beetle species that vary in size, shape, and color. These nocturnal insects are attracted to light and often make a loud buzzing sound.

While they don’t typically invade houses, June bugs can damage your plant-life surrounding your home. An outdoor June bug infestation may ruin your beautiful landscaping.

How to Get Rid of Beetles

Methods for ridding your home of beetles will depend on the species and severity of the infestation. The best strategy is taking practical measures to prevent an infestation in the first place.

Tips for keeping beetles out of your home:

If beetles have already overrun your home, it may be time to seek professional pest control services.

Professional Pest Control for Beetles in Indiana

The pest control experts at YES Pest, Inc. have experience tackling all types of insect infestation. If you need help tackling your beetle problem, get in touch . We provide the residents of Bloomington, Columbus, and surrounding areas with conservative and environmentally friendly pest control solutions.

The post Types of Beetles in Your House appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

The Bed Bug Life Cycle

Mon, 27 Jul 2020 14:29:00 GMT

Those who are plagued by bed bugs can’t help but marvel at the resilience of the tiny invasive creatures.

If you have been battling bed bugs in your home, you’ve likely attempted all manner of DIY bed bug remedies pulled from Google searches and YouTube videos. Just when you think you’ve conquered them, a resurgence rears its ugly head.

Perhaps a look at the bed bug life cycle can help you identify them at all life stages and strategize on how to get rid of the bed bugs in your home.

Life Stages of a Bed Bug

Egg

A bed bug’s life begins as a teensy 1mm egg. Bed bug eggs look almost like a miniature off-white Tic Tac candy. An egg can take between one and two weeks to hatch.

These eggs are visible to the human eye. Look for them in nooks and crannies around your home.

1st Stage (Nymph)

Once the baby bed bug has hatched, he will begin looking for his first meal.

The EPA describes bed bugs at this stage as “Smaller, translucent or whitish-yellow in color; and if not recently fed, can be nearly invisible to the naked eye because of coloring and size.”

2nd-5th Stage

During the succeeding stages (two through five), an immature bed bug will progressively grow from a nymph to an adult.

“Immature nymphs molt five times (they shed their outer exoskeleton) before reaching adulthood,” explains the University of Minnesota . “Bed bugs need to feed at least once before each molt, although they could feed as often as once a day.”

Each molt represents a progression on to the next stage in a bed bug’s life cycle.

Adult

Bed bugs that reach adulthood are darker in color and can be clearly seen in the home. Even their fecal matter is visible to the human eye, seen as small black dots.

“Adult bed bugs are about 3/16-inch long and reddish-brown, with oval, flattened bodies. Their coloration is similar to an apple seed although their size is closer to a lentil,” advises the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture .

The shape and size of a bed bug can actually change based on how recently it has fed. If a bed bug has just had a big meal, he will be longer and redder in appearance.

Life Span of Bed Bugs

Bed bugs feed exclusively on blood, whether human or another source. This food supply is required for them to grow through the above stages and reach adulthood and reproduce.

“The life expectancy of bed bugs is between 2 and 4 months. However, if they do not get a blood meal they go into semi-hibernation. When that happens, they can live up to a year,” says Pest Guide .

Unfortunately, that’s plenty long enough to multiply, filling up your bed and just about every other surface in your home. In fact, due to fast reproduction rates, bed bugs can produce multiple generations within a year.

Professional Bed Bug Exterminator

YES Pest, Inc. offers chemical-free bed bug control in Columbus and Bloomington, Indiana. Our non-toxic bed bug heat treatment effectively eradicates bed bugs and can help you put an end to your bed bug battle.

This ‘green’ method of pest control can kill bed bugs at all life stages within just eight hours!

Contact the pros at YES Pest today to get started. Plus, new customers can get $25.00 off their first service call charge with any pest control service or with any signed annual service agreement.

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Are Silverfish Bugs Harmful?

Fri, 17 Jul 2020 14:38:00 GMT

Virtually any type of insect in the home can be bothersome. However, some insects pose more of a threat to you and your home than others. How about silverfish? If you’ve seen one in your home, you’re likely wondering: “are silverfish harmful to me, my pets, or my property?” Here is the rundown on these peculiar looking insects.

What are Silverfish Insects?

Scientifically known as Lespisma saccharina (Linnaeus), silverfish have a tell-tale three-‘whisker’ tail, six legs, and two big antennae. They measure under .75 inches in length and are found in Indiana as well as many other geographic locations.

Silverfish get their name from their fish-like shape and movements as well as their metallic “silver” appearance. Silverfish have other names such as “bristletails” because of their three bristle-like appendages.

Where can these slippery creatures be found in the home?

Silverfish Insect Behavior

Silverfish are nocturnal and tend to inhabit high-moisture areas of the home (i.e. basements, bathrooms, etc.). They can be rather elusive and may fly under the radar for some time before you notice them in your home.

Keep an eye out for silverfish in dark, warm, humid areas of the house.

Are Silverfish Bugs Harmful to Humans?

When first observing silverfish, many people assume that they are harmful in some way. You can never be sure if a bug doesn’t bite or isn’t poisonous.

So, are silverfish poisonous to humans or pets?

Thankfully the answer is no. Silverfish are not harmful to ingest, and they don’t bite. While they do appear creepy and potentially dangerous, they do not bite humans or pets, and they are not poisonous. They are also not known to spread disease.

Are Silverfish Harmful to my Home?

Due to their diet, silverfish can cause damage to your belongings.

“Silverfish are drawn to dry starchy substances commonly found in pantries. The glue that binds old book pages together is also appetizing to a silverfish,” says Insect Identification , adding “They are harmless to humans, though their presence is usually considered a nuisance.”

Silverfish snack on dry pantry goods as well as other things made of organic materials such as wallpaper, documents, photographs, and fabrics.

While silverfish do not bite humans or animals, they can be a threat to your property such as precious heirlooms or other items in your home. Silverfish transmit bacteria by contaminating improperly stored foods such as cereal or flour.

In view of this, you may find silverfish to be a very unwelcome visitor in your home.

How do I Get Rid of Silverfish in my House?

As is the case with many pests in the home, there are a number of steps you can take to minimize silverfish by making your hose an unwelcoming environment for them to live in.

Things you can do at home to prevent silverfish:

Professional Silverfish Extermination – Columbus, IN

In some cases, DIY efforts at removing silverfish from the home are simply not enough. If you are dealing with a silverfish infestation, it’s time to seek professional pest control experts for silverfish control.

YES Pest Pros offer environmentally friendly pest control services in Bloomington and Columbus, Indiana. With over 35 years of experience, you can trust us to effectively and safely handle your pest problem.

Get in touch with the pest control professionals at YES Pest today to tackle your silverfish infestation.

The post Are Silverfish Harmful? appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

Are Brown Widow Spiders Dangerous?

Mon, 29 Jun 2020 20:22:00 GMT

Identifying the Brown Widow Spider

The brown widow spider is closely related to the highly venomous black widow spider, but there are apparent differences.

The Color of Brown Widow Spiders

The Distinguishable Markings of Brown Widow Spiders

Did you know? Brown widow spiders are difficult to differentiate from immature western black widow spiders. Being able to tell the difference will require some experience.

The Egg Sacs of Brown Widow Spiders

The Habitat of Brown Widow Spiders

Like most spiders, brown widows seek to build their webs in secluded, protected sites around your home or woody vegetation with branches. Typical web building sites include:

Empty containers
Mailboxes
Storage closets
Garages
Undersides of outdoor furniture

Are Brown Widow Spiders Dangerous to Humans?

How Venomous is The Brown Widow Spider

Brown spiders are poisonous and, although their venom can be just as toxic as other widow species, a spider bite’s potential to cause harm depends on more than just venom toxicity.

Another factor is that brown widow spiders tend to be smaller than black widows and inject less venom when they bite. Therefore, the bite of a brown widow spider has been known to be less harmful compared to the bite of a black widow.

Symptoms of a brown widow bite include:

Severe pain at the point of the bite
The bite leaves a red mark

Eliminate Poisonous Spiders From Your Home

How to Get Rid of Moles in Your Yard

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 17:45:00 GMT

Any avid gardener or landscaper can tell you how much of an annoyance moles can be. From the unsightly raised tunnels and broken earth, to destroyed shrubs and vegetable plants – moles can be a major nuisance.

Not to worry, though. There are some practical things you can do to get rid of moles in your yard.

Signs of Moles in Your Yard, Lawn, and Garden

Mole control can be difficult, and it is even harder if you don’t know the signs of moles. Unfortunately, the great majority of the signs that moles leave behind are underground and not visible: mole tunnels. However, mole infestations will eventually become obvious through the destruction of gardens and lawns in the forms of dirt piles or mounds that are typically used by the mole as an entrance to their tunnel or a place where they push dirt out of their tunnels to get rid of it.

Once you identify a mole infestation it will be easier to kill moles or to otherwise get rid of them from your yard, garden, or lawn with the help of a professional mole exterminator.

The Best Ways to Get Rid of Moles in Your Yard

Below, we will consider some of the most effective strategies that professional pest control experts at YES! Pest employ to get rid of moles in your yard quickly and easily.

Placing Mole Traps in Your Yard

One method to get rid of moles in your yard is trapping. There are several types of mole traps. You’ll want to consider the trap’s longevity, price, and of course efficiency.

Another consideration is safety. Although trapping moles can be effective when done properly, mole traps can also present some dangers. Many mole traps protrude above ground and could pose a potential danger to children or pets.

There are two primary reasons homeowners fail to catch moles with traps in their yard. The first is that they place the traps in the wrong spot. To be effective, traps have to be places in the traveling tunnels (the longest and straightest tunnels). If the traps aren’t placed properly, they will fail. The second is that most homeowners make the mistake of only using one trap when many traps are needed.

Mole Repellant For Yards

Another method to get rid of moles in your yard is to use a repellent. Some common mole repellents include castor oil pellets or liquids, sonic repellants, and electronic repellants.

Some homeowners and gardeners believe that repellents are not a good way to get rid of moles in a yard, but they can help prevent moles from taking over in the first place. That said, using mole repellant may at least help you protect a specific area of landscaping or gardening.

Control Mole Food Sources

If you’ve got moles in your yard, it’s because there’s something good underground that they want to eat. That’s usually earthworms. Where there is an abundance of worms, there is almost certainly an abundance of moles. However, since worms are beneficial to a lawn, you shouldn’t try to completely eradicate them.

Moles will also eat insects such as ants and beetle larvae, called grubs. By making the yard less hospitable to grubs, you may be able to reduce the mole population in your yard. One method to get rid of grubs in the yard is with the use of lime on the lawn.

A common misconception in homeowners, however, is that a grub control treatment for their lawn will resolve their mole problem. And while this may benefit the lawn, it likely won’t completely eradicate the moles, because their number one food source is earthworms.

Professional Mole Removal

While moles are not necessarily dangerous to humans, they can certainly be a nuisance, especially to a gardener, landscaper, or homeowner. If you’re dealing with a mole problem on your property the pest control experts at YES Pest Pros in Bloomington and Columbus have the solution. We will rid your property of these pests in a professional and environmentally responsible way, and all at an affordable rate!

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A Hiker’s Guide to Insect Control

Fri, 29 May 2020 05:00:00 GMT

Now that spring has hit its stride, it’s one of the best times of the year for hiking. A foray into the great outdoors does wonders for the mind and body. Yes, there’s nothing like a deep breath of fresh air.

Still, a good hike can easily be ruined – or at least tainted – by pesky insects. Mosquito bites, ticks coming home on your clothes, and bee stings are quite unwelcome. Not only is such an experience annoying, but it can also endanger your health. What can you do to keep you protect yourself from bug bites and stings?

Yes Pest, Inc. is here with some important tips, just in time for hiking season.

How to Repel Mosquitoes

As thirsty blood-suckers, mosquitoes are the culprit of carrying and spreading many diseases, including the Zika Virus .

When you’re on a hike, it’s best to wear long sleeves and long pants to protect as much surface area of your skin as possible. If the temperature is hot outside, try wearing ultra-light fabrics, designed for hiking.

Bring a fold-up mosquito screen with you to set up if you decide to stop for a picnic. Avoid stagnant water, as this is often a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Finally, wear mosquito repellent. Find a brand with ingredients you feel comfortable wearing, and apply it according to the directions on the bottle.

Are you wondering which mosquito repellent works best? Check out NPR’s report on a 2015 study conducted by the Journal of Insect Science on which is the most effective mosquito repellent on the market.

How to Keep Watch for Ticks

Beyond mosquitoes, it’s important to protect yourself from ticks .

While hiking, it’s wise to periodically check your clothing, hair, and skin for ticks. If you’re hiking with a friend our spouse, ask for their help to check your back, neck, and top of your head.

With regard to dress and grooming, the Appalachian Mountain Club recommends “Wearing light-colored garments makes it easier to spot a tick crawling on you. Ticks latch easily onto coarser weaves, such as those in heavy canvas pants; opt instead for smoother, tightly woven fabrics.”

The Club also recommends tucking your pant legs into your socks. It may not be the most fashion-forward statement, but it might save you from Lyme disease.

Find out more about effective tick prevention and repellent from the Global Lyme Alliance .

How to Avoid Bee, Wasp, and Hornet Stings

A bee sting is unpleasant for anyone, but it can be serious and even life-threatening for someone who is allergic to bees.

Here are things to help you avoid the wrath of a bee, wasp, or hornet:

If you have had an allergic reaction to bees in the past, ask your doctor about getting an emergency epinephrine autoinjector (EpiPen) and carry it with you at all times. Take extra precautions to avoid bees and cover your skin.

Mayo Clinic also recommends “Talk to your doctor or an allergy specialist about prevention measures such as immunotherapy (‘allergy shots’) to avoid a similar reaction in case you get stung again.”

Beware of the bees!

Residential Pest Control

Hiking is a sure-fire way to run into insects, but sometimes you don’t have to go too far from your home to find them. Often, insects will find you.

If you’re tired of dealing with insects invading your home, get in touch with Yes Pest, Inc. We offer professional mosquito , tick , and bee control. Our pest control services will help you take back your property and get back to enjoying your lovely spring.

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How to Rodent-Proof Your Restaurant

Fri, 15 May 2020 04:49:00 GMT

Few things are as detrimental to a restaurant’s reputation as a rodent scurrying across the dining room. How can you save your restaurant from this tragic food industry faux-pas? You need to rodent-proof your restaurant.

No matter how cute Pixar’s Ratatouille is, the fact remains that mice are pests and do not belong in a restaurant. Here are six important steps you should be taking to protect your restaurant from pests, namely, mice and rats.

Take Out the Trash

Taking out the trash is restaurant 101. It may sound basic, but I’m sure you would agree that it’s an easy chore to put on the back burner when you have other, more important things to attend to at your restaurant. Meanwhile, the garbage bin turns into a local landfill and becomes a beloved rodent hangout.

When the trash is full during a shift, take it out. Tie it up tight, and pitch it in the dumpster (which should not be right next to your building). Then, when closing time comes, take the trash out again, whether it’s full or not.

Consider splurging on trash bins that have a lid.

Keep Food Covered

Air-tight containers are your friend! While it’s impossible to keep everything safely stowed away in the refrigerator 24/7, it’s important to strategize on how to only take out what you need while you’re cooking, and then put each item away as soon as it is done being used.

Invest in high-quality food containers and storage bags. Don’t store food out in the open or leave food items out on the counter or, worse yet, floor.

Anything left out is a fair game rodent magnet.

Inspect the Premises

Take a look around your restaurant, inside and out. Keep your eyes peeled for any nooks or crannies that look like rodent nest potential. Close up any openings, and set traps if necessary. Prune back any shrubbery that touches the exterior of the building

Be on the lookout for signs of an existing mouse or rat problem, such as droppings or shredded materials, like insulation. If you notice signs of a rodent problem, promptly contact Yes Pest, Inc.

Clean, Clean, Clean

We cannot overstate the value of cleaning. Due to the hygienically sensitive nature of foodservice and the fact that many people come in and out during any given shift, restaurants especially need regimental cleaning.

Surfaces must be wiped down repeatedly during opening hours, but take care not to neglect the floor. Just remember, the crumbs that the baby from Table 5 threw down from his high chair or the couple of fries that slid off your waiter’s tray on the way to serve them can easily become a rat’s next happy meal.

Read the National Restaurant Association’s new guidelines for keeping restaurants clean , especially in view of reopening post-COVID-19 pandemic.

Maintain Your Building

Beyond your everyday cleaning protocols, it’s crucial to set aside time and money for building maintenance. It’s admittedly tough to spend hard-earned profits on preventative maintenance, but this smart use of your funds can go a long way in avoiding bigger and more costly problems down the road.

Tuning up your restaurant and making sure everything is in good repair will help save you from becoming the victim of a rodent infestation.

Hire Pest Control Services in Columbus, Indiana

Just one rodent in a restaurant is one too many. Don’t let a mouse compromise the good name and future of your restaurant.

As soon as you suspect a rodent problem, get in touch with Yes Pest, Inc to request our commercial restaurant pest control services . We make it our business to protect yours.

The post How to Rodent-Proof Your Restaurant appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

Fleas – How to Protect Your Family and Pets

Thu, 30 Apr 2020 01:05:00 GMT

Fleas are a well-known nuisance we Indianans have to battle nearly all year-round. They are small and may seem more like a rather harmless source of irritation than a threat. However, fleas are actually a form of external parasite that can carry diseases that put you and your family at risk.

What are the health conditions associated with fleas and what can you do to protect you, your family, and your pets from harm? Indiana’s professional pest control service, Yes Pest, Inc. is here with some insights on how to keep you and yours safe from fleas.

The Dangers of Fleas

Fleas are best known for infecting cats and dogs. Often, pets bring fleas into the home, where they can easily spread to furniture, clothing, carpet, and yes, humans.

Since fleas reproduce rapidly and their eggs are invisible to the human eye, a couple of fleas brought in on your pup’s coat can quickly snowball into an infestation. What, though, are the health risks of fleas in your home?

“Fleas can carry and transmit several potential illnesses of importance to humans, including typhus and plague, and can transmit ‘cat scratch disease’,” says the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) . “Additionally, fleas serve as an intermediate host for tapeworms, which can infect your pet and occasionally humans,” the Council warns.

Yes, these tiny, flightless, elusive insects are out for blood, and they are tough to get rid of. How, then, can you protect your pets and the people you love most?

Protect Your Pets from Fleas

As a pet owner, you’ve probably noticed there are countless methods and medications that can be used for protecting your dog or cat from fleas. From flea and tick collars to tablets and chews to kennel spray and coat shampoos – there is a wide variety of strategies that can be employed to help minimize your pet’s risk of getting fleas.

Each pet is unique, so it is wise to get your veterinarian’s recommendation on what flea prevention measures will be safest and most effective for your pet. A good, healthy diet rich in vitamins can help promote healthy skin in your pet as well.

Still, what if you already have fleas in your home? Treating your pets won’t be enough. How do you get rid of fleas?

Get Rid of Fleas – Protect Your Home & Family

Once fleas have made their way into your home, they can be especially difficult to eradicate. They are had to spot, and tough to squash.

Take these steps to get rid of fleas in your home:

Unfortunately, in many cases, fleas will stick around until special treatment methods have been taken to remove them from your home.

In this case, professional pest control is necessary to tackle your flea problem.

Pest Control Pros in Columbus, Indiana

Some jobs are best left to the pros, and getting fleas out of your home is one of those jobs. Our team of experts here at Yes Pest, Inc. has the know-how and experience it takes to help your home be flea-free.

Equipped with knowledge about the life cycle of a flea, we will locate and target potential breeding grounds of fleas within your home. Our exterminators will make a thorough inspection of the property to make an analysis of the scope of the flea problem and then create a customized plan to eliminate adult fleas as well as their eggs and larvae.

Beyond that, we will create a tailored flea-management plan for your family to help you prevent a future flea infestation in your home.

Get in touch today to schedule your professional pest control consultation. We will help you get your Columbus or Bloomington home back to normal!

The post Fleas – How to Protect Your Family and Pets appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

3 Risks of Rodents in Your Home

Tue, 14 Apr 2020 01:00:00 GMT

Just the thought of rodents nesting in your walls is enough to make you cringe. First off, nobody has time to deal with a rodent infestation , and second of all, it’s just gross. Sure, mice are cute enough, but it’s not so cute when you see one scurrying across your kitchen floor.

When faced with an infestation of mice or rats, it can be tempting to take a passive approach, hoping they’ll go away on their own or counting on the cat to start doing his job.

Still, the hassle is only part of why mice and rats have been categorized as ‘pests’. Beyond the annoyance and the ‘ew’ factor lay even bigger reasons why not to ignore an infestation. Rodents can put your health, home, and routine at risk.

1. Mice and Rats Carry Disease

Rodents have been proven to be carriers of a number of dangerous, and even deadly diseases including:

Additionally, rodents are associated with Salmonella, Bubonic Plague, Rat-Bite Fever, Hepatitis, and Dysentery. Rat and mice urine and droppings create unsanitary conditions that pose a threat to the health of you and your family.

2. Rodents Can Cause Structural Damage

With their sharp teeth, rats and mice can tear into insulation and even chew through wood. This can cause damage to your property and even compromise the structure of your home.

Since rodents can nest and multiply quickly, it usually doesn’t take long for them to do damage or at least make a mess inside your walls or other out-of-sight spaces in your home.

This type of damage is not only tough to access and dangerous to clean up, but also potentially costly, especially if the problem has been allowed to continue for some time. Investing in pest control now can help you save big on repair costs down the road.

3. Nocturnal Pests Disturb Your Sleep

Mice and rats are nocturnal creatures. While you’re awake during the day, they are asleep in their nests. However, many homeowners with pest problems claim that as soon as their head hits the pillow, it seems the mice come out to play.

Yes, it’s tough to get a full night of good sleep when you have mice or rats scratching around in your walls. Beyond irritation, the sound of mice in your house can even cause fear, anxiety, and stress. Not to mention, you’ll be suffering the next day from your poor night of sleep.

Columbus, IN Pest Control

Here at Yes Pest, Inc. , we specialize in helping keep your home safe, clean, and most of all, pest-free. With offices in both Columbus and Bloomington, we help our neighbors keep rats, mice, and other pests where they belong – outside.

Right now, we’re offering a $25 discount for first-time customers on their first service call for any pest control service. Contact us to schedule a professional pest inspection for your home or business, which includes a free consultation. Our customers love us…so will you!

The post 3 Risks of Rodents in Your Home appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

Preventing A Bee And Wasp Infestation This Spring

Tue, 24 Mar 2020 18:33:00 GMT

As the winter season comes to an end and spring approaches, insects of all types begin to emerge from hibernation. While ants, flies, and mosquitos can be quite annoying, larger flying insects such as wasps, bees, and hornets can be much more intimidating. Here’s how to prevent a bee and wasp infestation this spring.

The Problem with Stinging Insects

Flying insects like wasps and bees are scary to us because they sting! While the effects of these painful stings are usually temporary, they can pose a far more severe, or even life-threatening danger to those with allergies to them.

Most of the time, stinging insects mind their own business, but when your home becomes their territory, they won’t hesitate to defend it. Some species, such as Bald-Faced Hornets, have a reputation for being notoriously aggressive. Just coming into close proximity with them can result in many painful stings. Obviously, you want to avoid this from happening, so what can you do if you have a bee, wasp, or hornet problem?

How to Prevent a Bee or Wasp Infestation

Your ultimate goal is to stinging insects as far away from your home as possible, here are a few tips you can use to prevent bees or wasps from getting too close (or even inside) to your home.

Plant Flowers a Reasonable Distance from Your Home. Flying insects are naturally attracted to flowers, so obviously, if you want to keep them away from your house, you may consider moving your flower beds a little farther into your yard.

Regularly Inspect the Exterior of Your House. Be sure to carefully check areas such as soffits, the corners of windows, and the undersides of decks. These are common areas where flying insects tend to build their nests.

If you notice any small nests, remove them immediately. Wasps multiply very rapidly, so the sooner you can eliminate the issue, the better. You can purchase a variety of sprays at your local hardware store to terminate the wasps.

Repair Cracks and Holes ASAP. Small holes and cracks in siding are also common locations where flying insects love to live. Any small opening can be prime real estate for pests. The last place you want an infestation is in your walls, so be sure to cover or repair any cracks or holes ASAP.

What to do if You Already Have a Problem.

It may be that your bee or wasp problem has grown into an all-out infestation. If this is the case, your best option is to contact a pest control specialist. There are different ways of addressing the problem, depending on the type of insect you are dealing with. A trained professional can help you ensure that the problem is completely eliminated and that it doesn’t occur again.

Give Us a Call!

If you have noticed bees or wasps in or around your home, please don’t hesitate to contact us . We can help answer any of your questions regarding pest control, and help you eliminate any infestations safely and efficiently. Our experienced team of licensed exterminators is dedicated to providing the very best pest control services to the Bloomington and Colombus areas. Call us today to set up a free inspection!

The post Preventing A Bee And Wasp Infestation This Spring appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

Spring Ant Infestations: How to Handle Them

Tue, 10 Mar 2020 18:32:00 GMT

Ah, springtime. The snow is melting, warmer weather is quickly approaching, and flowers are blooming. While most of us look forward to spending more time outdoors in spring, the ants may have other plans. If you notice ants in your house in the spring, you may find yourself fighting a losing battle. Here’s how to handle spring ant infestations.

Why Spring Ants Want To Get In Your House

For many homeowners, springtime is the start of a major ant problem. As soon as the temperature begins to rise, the ants immediately find their way into your house, like clockwork.

Why do ants come in the house in the spring? This is because, during the winter months, ants hibernate. They prefer to stay hidden away deep underground or within trunks of trees to wait out the frigid Indiana temperatures. However, as the weather begins to warm, the ants emerge from their nests and resume their usual pesky daily routine.

During the day, the ants have no problem going about their business outside. But, as night falls and temperatures begin to fall closer to freezing, they scramble to make their way into the warmest available location. The sheer warmth of your house is enough to attract ants. This is why you often wake up in the morning to a long trail of the pesky insects.

The warmer temperature of your home compared to outdoors at this time of year may draw the ant colony indoors, especially if they can find a food source, like spilled sugar and leftover food crumbs.

The Dangers of Ant Infestations

When we talk about an ant infestation, we are almost always dealing with carpenter ants. While this particular ant species does not pose any danger to humans, if left untreated, this type of ant can wreak havoc on the structures that they are infesting.

These tiny insects don’t actually eat wood, but they do prefer to build their nest in wooden structures, especially those that have been exposed to severe moisture or water damage. If the problem is identified and resolved early, severe damage is rare. However, if prolonged periods of infestation occur, the ants can cause serious structural damage to a home. For this reason, ant nests should be addressed sooner than later.

How can you get rid of ants and stop them from invading your home every spring?

Invasion of Ants in the Spring - What Can You Do?

If you walk into any local hardware store, you will find dozens of ant baits and other products designed to kill and prevent ant infestations. While these ant control products can be relatively effective, they often only offer temporary results. Once ants get into your home, it can be incredibly challenging to get rid of them. You can spray them, try to poison them, or even block all their entry points, but they still manage to keep coming back.

The best thing you can do is contact ant control professionals. To completely eliminate an infestation, the problem must be treated at the source. After a detailed inspection to locate an ant nest, the exterminator may choose to use a granular, liquid, or gel bait to ensure that the entire nest is treated and not just surface areas.

After the problem has been eliminated, your pest control expert may recommend repairing any damage caused by carpenter ants, depending on the duration and severity of the infestation.

Contact Us Today!

If you have noticed ants have made their way into your home, don’t hesitate to contact us right away. Identifying the problem early is the best way to prevent the infestation from getting out of hand. Our experienced team of licensed exterminators is dedicated to providing the very best pest control services to the Bloomington and Colombus areas. Call us today to set up a free inspection and receive a quote to start the spring season off pest free.

The post Spring Ant Infestations: How to Handle Them appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

Is a Pest Control Program Worth It?

Tue, 03 Mar 2020 16:39:00 GMT

Sometimes, we talk to clients who are skeptical of a pest control maintenance program. They feel like it would be cheaper and easier to just pay for a one-time service when they have a pest control issue. Of course, we can help customers who just want a one-time service. However, two or three one-time services later, these customers could have saved their time and money by just enrolling in the pest control management program. So, is it worth it?

What is a preventative pest control program?

You could think of a preventative pest control program like insurance for pest control problems. It puts your pest control on a schedule, so you can sit back and let someone else make sure your home is treated on a regular basis. Initially, a pest control professional visits the home to inspect and treat any existing pest control issues. Then, the home or business is treated every three months to ensure no new pest control issues arise until the next treatment is needed. Meanwhile, you can enjoy a pest-free home, and are guaranteed help if an issue does arise.

Set It and Forget It

Work, soccer practice, Aunt Judy’s 90 ^th birthday party – there are plenty of things that get in the way of remembering to treat your home. A pest control program is perfect for a busy family, or for folks who really just don’t have a desire (or knowledge) to treat their home and follow-up with DIY pest control. But, with a preventative pest control program, you can schedule your pest control treatments ahead of time to make sure your next pest treatment happens before your last one stops being effective.

Save Money

Like we mentioned earlier, you can certainly have a one-time pest control service. This will solve a specific issue easily enough, and we can even give you tips to prevent this issue from recurring. However, what we see frequently, is that a few months of no maintenance pass, and before you know it, we’re servicing the same house again for the same problem. Two or three of these one-time services later, and you’ve spent more than what the program would have cost you in the first place. And what’s great about the preventative pest control program is that you’re guaranteed to be pest-free for the duration of your membership!

Use Fewer Pesticides

Especially if you have pets or kids running around, you might be concerned about the use of pesticides. With a pest control program, we are able to use fewer pesticides because we usually don’t need to treat an existing infestation, rather we’re treating to prevent future problems. Typically, the only time we have to use pesticides inside the home is during the first treatment. After that, we are able to treat the exterior to prevent pests from coming inside.

So, Is It Worth It?

Save time, save money, use fewer pesticides, and not have creepy-crawlies running amuck in your home? Signs us up! But really, folks. If you’re thinking about pest control, now is the time to have us out for a free inspection. We’ll be able to talk to you about any existing issues you have, or any areas that may present problems come spring. Give us a call today to see how we can help.

The post Is a Pest Control Program Worth It? appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

Recurring Pest Control Issues

Fri, 28 Feb 2020 18:54:00 GMT

There’s nothing worse than working hard to get rid of ants in your kitchen, only to find that they’ve come back the next week. Recurring pest control issues are certainly frustrating, but they’re really not all that uncommon.

Why do I keep having problems with the same pests?

There are a few reasons you may be having recurring pest control issues in your home, and there are a few ways to stop it once and for all.

Completely eradicate pests.

Any time you’re DIYing pest control, it’s important to make sure you’ve completely eradicated the pests you’re having a problem with. Any pests that survive are going to reproduce and, you guessed it, become a headache for you.

For example, if you believe there may be bed bugs in an area of your home, you will do what you can to stop them before they get worse. Of course! You might take action immediately to wash all bedding and carefully declutter the room. However, completely ridding a room of bed bugs is extremely tedious and darn near impossible without a professional. So, while you might be able to reduce the bed bug population for a while, you will almost certainly find yourself with the same problem in a few short weeks.

Prevent future pest control issues.

Once the pest problem is under control, the next step is to prevent their return. Many times, this just means you’ll have a to make a few small adjustments or repairs to your home. Some common ways to prevent pests include:

Enroll in an annual pest control plan.

Finally, the easiest way to stop recurring pest control issues is to enroll in an annual pest control plan with YES Pest Pros. We’ll be able to customize a plan to fit the needs of your home and budget. And what’s best of all is that it’s guaranteed! We’re pretty sure you won’t have any recurring pest issues once we are able to treat your home, but if you do, we’ll fix it!

Give us a call today to get started. Say goodbye to those pests for good!

The post Recurring Pest Control Issues appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

Can You Fumigate in the Winter?

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 18:55:00 GMT

Although our troubles with household pests often wanes in the winter, that doesn’t mean we’re completely exempt from dealing with them. In fact, there are several types of pests that don’t really care what the weather is like. They are perfectly at home in our homes. If you’ve been dealing with a pest control issue, you may be considering fumigation to help eliminate pests such as bed bugs, cockroaches, or termites. You may be wondering, “Can you fumigate in the winter?” Yes!

A fumigation can actually be done any time of year. Often, it’s the types of pests that are hardest for a homeowner to eradicate on their own that continue to thrive during the winter. For these pests, a winter fumigation might be just what your home needs.

What is fumigation?

Fumigation is a pest control method where a structure is completely filled with a gaseous pesticide, often Vikane , to suffocate or poison the pests within the enclosed space. There are two fumigation methods. One method is to seal the structure with plastic, tape, or other sealing materials. The other method is to completely enclose the structure in a “tent” of vinyl-coated nylon.

Fumigation is so effective because the gases are able to get into hard-to-reach and closed off places that you wouldn’t be able to treat otherwise. When the entire structure is tented, gasses can also get into eaves, chimneys, and around external structures. Any overwintering pests living in the targeted fumigation area will no longer be an issue.

Why fumigate in the winter?

Of course, no one really wants to have to fumigate. However, in some cases, fumigation becomes the best course of action. Some pests, such as carpenter ants and termites can cause damage to your home. Others such a bed bugs and cockroaches can spread bacteria and cause anxiety.

Choosing to fumigate in the winter will not only relieve your home of these pests, but it will mean fewer pests in spring. Certainly, you only see a fraction of the pests that are living in your home. Targeting them now means that you won’t have them crawling out of your home as the weather warms.

Some pests can cause structural damage to the home, no matter the weather. For example, termite colonies remain active all year long. When the weather cools in the winter, they simply move further into the interior of your home, where they will cause even more damage. Stopping them now can prevent them from doing any more damage.

YES Pest Pros is an experienced fumigation company.

Fumigation can be done at any time of year. No matter the season, it is important to select a pest control company that is knowledgeable and experienced in fumigation. The team at YES Pest Pros has the knowledge, skills, and tools to make sure any pest issues will be resolved quickly, efficiently, and most of all – safely.

If you have questions or would like to schedule fumigation service, give us a call today. We look forward to assisting you with your pest control and fumigation needs.

The post Can You Fumigate in the Winter? appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

How to Get Rid of Cockroaches

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 18:03:00 GMT

Cockroaches are some of the most common household pests around the world, and they’re everywhere. It is estimated that there are more than 4,600 species of cockroaches in the world, but here in Indiana, you’re most likely to encounter only two or three of these species.

Two or three species out of 4,600? That doesn’t seem too bad, right? Sure, but I wouldn’t leave it to chance. Cockroaches are notoriously hard to get rid of. After all, they’ve found a way to survive on this planet for 350 million years! Roaches are some of the most quickly-reproducing pests and they can live up to two months without food or water. If you’ve spotted a couple cockroaches in your home or business, it’s time to act. Here are a few tips to get rid of cockroaches.

Ways to Get Rid of Cockroaches

Before we get too far, we want to point out that cockroaches can carry bacteria that can result in diarrhea, allergies, rashes, and food poisoning. Once they have infested an area, they can multiply quickly and pose a threat to your comfort and health. It is important to get rid of cockroaches before an infestation occurs. Please be sure to contact a professional for help if you should need it.

That said, there are certainly some methods you can try to get rid of cockroaches on your own.

Identify problem areas

Start by examining your home for possible roach infestation sites. This is most easily done using a flashlight and roach glue strips. Use the flashlight to search in popular roach hiding spots, like under the sink, behind the refrigerator, or in bathroom cabinets. Most types of cockroaches prefer warm, dark, moist areas like bathrooms, basements, crawl spaces, and drains.

Based on your flashlight inspection, decide on the most strategic areas to place roach glue strips. Monitor these areas for a few days. The strips in high-traffic areas will catch the most roaches, so these areas will need the most treatment.

Use bait stations

Once you have found the areas with the highest roach populations, you can try using bait stations as a roach killer.

Bait stations usually work by attracting roaches into stations to feed on poison. The poisoned roach then travels back to its home where it dies from poisoning and is eaten by the other roaches (yuck!). The poison is then transferred to other roaches, and the cycle repeats.

Gel roach bait usually comes in a tube that can be applied under baseboards and in cracks and crevices in the areas that you identified during step #1. While bait can be an effective way to get rid of cockroaches, it can also result in lots of dead roaches lying around your home. They also only work to partially get rid of roaches and do not target all roaches in the home. For a larger-scale infestation, DIY pest control approaches may not be effective.

Eliminate their food sources

One of the best ways to reduce populations of cockroaches (or any pest, for that matter) is to simply cut them off from food. Do this by being diligent about cleaning up anything that may serve as a food source for them – even crumbs. Be sure to keep the home, counters, and sink clear of any dirty dishes. Take out the trash nightly, and keep it covered with a tight-fitting lid. Keep food in sealed containers. Clean up spills quickly.

Remember to clean behind areas that don’t get a lot of attention, like behind the fridge and under the sink. These areas are often appealing to pests but don’t get cleaned regularly.

Eliminate entry points

Taking steps to eliminate areas that may serve as points of entry can help to get rid of cockroaches as well. Shut out any future invaders by sealing up gaps around your doors, windows, and even gaps in tile. Install new door sweeps and use clear caulk around windows. Repair torn window screens and seal any areas that may be possible entry points.

Eliminate hiding places

Cockroaches love to hide in cluttered areas where there are lots of nooks and crannies, especially around cardboard and paper. Cleaning up clutter and reducing hiding spots for them will deter roaches from taking up residence in your home.

Hire a professional

Lastly, the best way to be sure any cockroach infestation is taken care of is to contact a pest control professional. As we mentioned above, going the DIY route certainly can be helpful in some cases, but this isn’t always reliable. While taking steps to prevent infestations is always a good move, there are circumstances where more help is needed. Especially since cockroaches can pose a threat to your health, this may not be the time to keep your fingers crossed.

Your YES Pest Pros pest control specialist will thoroughly inspect the area to determine where the roaches are coming from and the severity of the infestation. This allows your pest inspector to create a customized plan specific to your needs. This is done in conjunction with our environmentally-responsible Integrated Pest Management program.

Not only is hiring a professional to take care of the problem the most reliable way to get rid of cockroaches, it also provides you with valuable insight on what you can do to prevent them from returning. You’ll know any vulnerable areas and will be able to keep an eye on them to prevent another infestation in the future. And with a professional, you won’t have any unsightly roach hotels lying around your home!

If you’re struggling to get a pest control problem under control, give us a call today!

The post How to Get Rid of Cockroaches appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

What Happens to Bugs in the Winter?

Mon, 30 Dec 2019 13:30:00 GMT

Where do bugs go in the winter? Aruba, Jamaica – wait a second. These tropical destinations might be where we humans like to go (or dream about going) in the winter, but for bugs, it’s a different story. So, what happens to bugs in the winter? Insects have a variety of methods to survive the chill of the colder months.

They die.

That seems a little dramatic, but as you might have been hoping, many insects do indeed die when temperatures drop. This doesn’t mean an entire population is wiped out, though. By the time they die, most of these insects have already completed their true mission of reproduction.

Insects, such as the field cricket, who die in the winter, spend their last days by preparing the next generation for the upcoming spring. They do this by laying eggs in covered areas or storing food for their larvae to survive the winter. So, although the adult bugs won’t survive the winter, their offspring will be ready to go when the temperatures rise.

They overwinter.

The offspring of adult bugs who perish in cold weather are protected by overwintering, or simply living through the winter. Many insects are able to wait out the colder weather in their various stages (larvae, nymphs, eggs, or pupae).

Many insects successfully pass the winter in their immature stages thanks to where their parents decided to nest in the fall. The protection of leaf litter or similar shelters protect many insects in the larval stage until temps rise. Some insects overwinter in the pupal stage and simply emerge as adults in the spring.

They hibernate.

Like many other types of animals, some insects hibernate in their adult state. Hibernation could be considered a type of overwintering. Insects will go into two types of hibernation to avoid cold.

One type of insect hibernation is called diapause. Many types of mosquitoes overwinter in this way. This is when an insect releases a natural antifreeze called glycerol that replaces the water in their bodies to raise their freezing temperature. Insects in this state go dormant through the winter but remain alive and reemerge in spring.

Many insects, such as stinkbugs and lady bird beetles hibernate in their adult stage in covered areas. These insects find covered areas often at high elevations, such as barn eaves or attics where they enter into a dormant state where they remain until temps rise in the spring.

They migrate.

You might be surprised to find out that migration is one strategy that insects use to survive winter. The Monarch Butterfly is a prime example, but other insects, such as dragonflies also migrate. Some insects engage in a one-way migration to warmer climates where they reproduce, die, and send a new generation northward to begin the cycle again. Some insects engage in a less direct migration where their daily activities continuously move them toward warmer climates. Thanks to their continuous movement, these populations never experience harmfully cold temperatures.

They remain active.

Yep! Some insects continue to thrive through winter simply by changing the areas where they live and work. Some of these insects move far underground. However, many of these types of insects such as termites , cockroaches, or wasps find other warm areas like our homes! As long as these insects have food and shelter, they don’t bat an eye at falling temperatures of winter.

That means that just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you won’t see a few bugs (or even have a full-on infestation behind the drywall – eek!) inside your home. For help finding and eliminating insect populations at any time of year, give us a call!

The post What Happens to Bugs in the Winter? appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

Can Bed Bugs Survive Cold Temperatures?

Wed, 18 Dec 2019 15:44:00 GMT

Even people who hate winter can agree that it’s nice to take a break from the never-ending buzz of flies and mosquitoes of summer. However, there is one pesky little bug that really doesn’t mind the cold – bed bugs.

Bed bugs have a high cold tolerance.

Bed bugs are incredibly resilient. They have a high cold tolerance and can remain active at temperatures as low as 46 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive at temperatures even lower that that! Like some other types of bugs, bed bugs are able to lower the freezing point of their bodily fluids through a process called diapause . This essentially allows them to enter into a state of hibernation, remaining alive but dormant. However, if bed bugs are exposed to extreme cold (below 0° F) for several days, they will die.

Will freezing bed bugs get rid of them?

There is a DIY bed bug extermination method called cold treatment that has the potential to kill bed bugs. For this process to be successful, the temperature must be very low (0 degrees or colder) and the item that is being frozen has to remain at this temperature for at least four days. There are several reasons why this process isn’t practical for many people.

What is the best way to get rid of bed bugs?

Cold treatment for an item that has been in an area with bed bugs may be effective if conditions are right. However, in many cases, it simply isn’t enough to completely eradicate a bed bug population. The best way to control bed bugs is through Integrated Pest Management. This is a combination of prevention, monitoring, and treatment. Because bed bugs have been known to become resistant to pesticides, many bed bug sprays and chemicals are no longer effective. This means that what may be effective for one bed bug population won’t necessarily work for another. Only through close monitoring and appropriate treatment can you truly expect to get rid of bed bugs.

Call YES Pest Pros for bed bug extermination in Bloomington, Indiana.

Bed bugs are very resilient. Complete bed bug extermination is extremely difficult for those inexperienced in pest control. The pest control experts at YES Pest Pros receive continuous training on the most up-to-date technology and methods of bed bug extermination. We use various methods of bed bug control, including a highly-effective heat-treatment .

We’re committed to keeping our community and clients informed about the risks and dangers of all pest infestations . This, of course, includes bed bugs. Early detection and treatment of a bed bug infestation is key to successful extermination. So whether you are certain of, or just suspect an infestation, call YES Pest Pros today to set up a free inspection and consultation. Give us a call today to get started.

The post Can Bed Bugs Survive Cold Temperatures? appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

Six Indiana Pests: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Tue, 26 Nov 2019 15:02:00 GMT

Indiana is home to more than 800 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and mussels, as well as 800 species of insects. That’s a lot of diversity! Here’s our list of six Indiana pests that we think qualify as “the good, the bad, and the ugly.”

The Good

Not all pests are bad. Some can actually be helpful under the right circumstances. Two insects that we think qualify as “good” pests are praying mantises and centipedes.

Praying Mantises

In some cultures, seeing a praying mantis is considered good luck. You might consider yourself lucky to find a praying mantis around your home or garden. Praying mantises are predators of most pest insects, mites, eggs, or any insect in reach. Even while young, mantises have enormous appetites, eating various aphids, leafhoppers, mosquitoes, caterpillars and other soft-bodied insects when young. As they grow, they will eat larger insects, beetles, grasshoppers, crickets, and other pest insects. It isn’t likely that you’ll find many praying mantises inside your home, but if you find one in your yard, say hello, and thank her for helping with the pest situation.

Centipedes

Full disclosure, we weren’t sure if centipedes should be in the good category, or in the ugly category. Sure, they’re kind of ugly, and definitely not considered good luck like the mantis, but we think they are pretty helpful, too. Like praying mantises, centipedes provide a little pest control of their own.

While it isn’t likely you’ll find a praying mantis in your home, you might find a centipede or two (or three, or four…). They’re nighttime hunters, known for killing pests that you REALLY don’t want in your house. They prey on other pests such as cockroaches , termites , spiders, flies , and even wasps. Centipedes aren’t dangerous to humans. They don’t make a nest or web, so they really don’t leave a mess. They don’t eat wood or destroy property. All in all, these little guys are pretty helpful, and just want to eat other bugs. That said, if you find yourself with more than you care to have in your home, give us a call.

The Bad

As we all know there are certainly plenty of unwanted pests hanging around, too. The two we think have potential to do the most damage are bed bugs and termites.

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are definitely at the top of our list of “bad” guys. Bed bugs are notoriously difficult to get rid of, as they can survive for months without food and they can withstand wide ranges of temperatures. These small, elusive parasitic insects survive by feeding nocturnally on the blood of humans, or other warm-blooded animals. They do not fly or hop, but are fast-moving feeders, gorging themselves while their host is asleep, thus the name bed bug.

Bed bugs can be hard to detect, and often their populations get out of control before the homeowner even realizes what is going on. Complete bed bug extermination is extremely difficult for those inexperienced in pest control. Elimination of a bed bug infestation typically requires the services of pest control professionals who understand bed bugs’ habitats and biology and know how to find and treat all of the places the bed bugs or eggs may be present.

Termites

In case you’re unfamiliar with them, termites are wood-boring insects that are known as hidden threats. They can cause extensive damage, often with few external signs. In fact, termites are responsible for an estimated $1 to $2 billion in property damage annually in the US. The average home or business owner how finds themselves in the midst of a termite infestation spends $3,000 to repair damage.

Discovering a termite infestation inside your home or business is of course financially frustrating but can also be an emotionally trying experience. The thought of thousands of tiny insects silently feasting on your largest investment is enough to upset anyone. Although termite activity can be difficult to locate and often go undetected by the home owner, YES Pest Pros use technology that enables them to detect, treat, and monitor termite activity. The Sentricon Termite Colony Elimination System is used in conjunction with our Integrated Pest Management System green pest control program to find and manage termites as needed. This reduces the need for unnecessary pesticides and insecticides.

The Ugly

One might argue that almost all pests in Southern Indiana could qualify as “ugly,” and sure, they’re not all the prettiest things. But there are two in particular that we think could top the ugly list.

Moles

It’s possible you haven’t seen a mole before, since they spend their lives underground. In fact, if you’ve even seen one, it’s likely that it was already dead. While moles aren’t necessarily dangerous, they can certainly be a nuisance, especially to gardeners and landscapers.

Moles are insect-eating animals that belong to the same family as shrews and bats. They have large paddle-like front feet that make them very efficient diggers. Their diet consists mainly of earthworms, larvae, insects, and grubs, so while they don’t eat your plants, they can certainly disturb them. The two most common signs of mole activity are raised ridged areas in lawns, and the traditional molehill.

Slugs

Slugs are in the mollusk family, but unlike many other mollusks, they lack a shell. Instead, they secrete a mucusy film for protection. They’re often thought to be a snail without a shell, and that’s exactly what they look like! Slugs often emerge in spring, when they are happy to make a meal of fresh spring gardens. Left unchecked, slugs can cause a gardener a major headache.

Slugs just want to live their best lives. Unfortunately, that often involves destroying hostas and other common Indiana perennials. They may be slimy and pretty ugly, but thankfully they aren’t dangerous to humans.

Good, Bad, or Ugly – We Can Help.

No matter which pest is “bugging” you, we can help! YES Pest Pros is not your typical pest control company. We offer solutions to your pest problems using environmentally-friendly pesticides, and in some cases, no pesticides at all! Our mission is to provide our customers with quality pest control services, while always keeping our environment a priority. Give us a call today to see how we can help!

The post Six Indiana Pests: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs

Tue, 19 Nov 2019 13:01:00 GMT

If your home is in a wooded area, you may find yourself battling stink bugs this time of year. Sure, they’re harmless, but they’re also kind of weird and creepy, and we’re betting you don’t really want to share your home with them. Here are a few ways to get rid of stink bugs in your home and prevent them from taking over.

Getting Rid of Stink Bugs

New ParagraphYou may think that stick bugs are harmless, but how important is it to parenting stink bugs from entering your home? While stink bugs do not pose a danger to those whom home they enter, getting rid of them can be especially tricky because you don’t want to get rid of them yourself, running the risk of smelling their distinct stench. In this article, we’ll discuss all ways that you can prevent stink bugs from entering your house.

Seal Possible Entrances

Really, the best way to get rid of stink bugs is simply to prevent their entry in the fall. Stink bugs typically enter homes through windows, door frames, chimneys, and other openings. Sealing the home's exterior is often the best method of preventing stink bug infestations.

Change Outdoor Lights

Like other insects, stink bugs are attracted to light. Try using outdoor light bulbs with colors less likely to attract them (orange, pink, and yellow). This can be helpful if you are seeing large populations around your home.

Get Rid of Stink Bugs ASAP

When a brown marmorated stink bug ( the kind we have here in Indiana ) finds a location that will be suitable for overwintering (say, your home or garage), it releases a chemical called an aggregation pheromone. Although we cannot detect this pheromone, the scent attracts other stink bugs to the area. If you find just one stink bug in your home during the fall months, remove it as quickly as possible. This will help prevent the arrival of his friends. Just this simple bit of prevention can help reduce your chances of an infestation.

Don’t smash them

Stink bugs get their name from the smell they emit when they’re smashed, so we recommend against smashing stink bugs. However, if you’re not too squeamish, you can pick them up with a paper towel or a cup and piece of paper and flush them down the toilet. If you prefer to stay at arm’s reach, using the vacuum is an easy way to eliminate stink bugs. However, doing this may cause the vacuum to take on the characteristic smell of the stink bug (sort of a cilantro-type smell).

Call YES Pest Pros.

If stink bugs (or any other pest) is really causing a stink at your house this season, give us a call. We’ll not only be able to help you get rid of stink bugs, but we can help you find ways to prevent them from coming in again next year. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment.

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FAQs: Rodents in Crawl Spaces

Wed, 30 Oct 2019 17:04:00 GMT

Is your home keeping a dirty little secret? Maybe, and it might be closer than you think. Here’s what you need to know about rodents in crawl spaces and how to keep them out.

What is a crawl space?

A crawl space is an open area between the ground and the underside of a house. It’s like a creepy little basement, usually 3 to 4 feet deep. Crawl spaces are a type of building foundation that are often found built beneath homes without a functional basement or houses with a concrete slab or combination foundation. Most crawl spaces are made using cinder blocks with a brick facing. Some have concrete flooring, while others have gravel or soil.

What is a crawl space for?

Crawl spaces are meant to allow easy access to plumbing, electrical wiring, and ductwork. This makes installation and repairs easier. In addition, a crawl space keeps the house off the ground, providing protection from damage in flood areas. This can also be helpful in preventing pest infestations, especially in termite-prone areas.

Does my house have a crawl space?

Of course, if you really need to know the answer to this question, you might have to do a bit more investigating that just reading this blog post, but we’ll try to help. Houses that often have crawl spaces include doublewide manufactured homes (or pre-fab homes), modular homes, traditional or older homes, and homes without a functional basement. In these types of homes, the crawl space can usually be accessed from the outside or inside of the home.

What types of pests might be in a crawl space?

Crawl spaces are known for being a perfect area for pests. If not properly maintained, a crawl space will be damp and warm, providing perfect conditions for many types of pests. Rodents, such as mice and rats, and insects, such as termites , carpenter ants , cockroaches , crickets, and more, can all infest a crawl space.

Why do rodents like crawl spaces?

Rodents are attracted to crawl spaces because they are often warm, damp, and protected from the elements. In addition, a poorly-maintained crawl space will supply plenty of entry points for rodents to find food, such as trash. Crawl spaces are usually not monitored by homeowners, so rodents can live lavishly for months without being discovered.

How can you tell if a crawl space has rodents in it?

There are a few telltale signs of rodents in crawl spaces.

What happens if rodents get into a crawl space?

Besides just being gross, rodents can wreak havoc on and from your crawl space. They can destroy insulation and gnaw through wiring and air ducts, creating fire hazards. They often carry parasites and a number of diseases, which could be transmitted to a human via the rodent’s urine or fecal droppings.

Once inside your crawl space, the rodents are able to easily gain access to the main interior of your home. They can follow heated air ducts, electrical wiring, or water pipes into your house, which leaves you vulnerable to a new set of problems.

How can I prevent rodents from getting into my home’s crawl space?

There are several steps you can take to prevent rodents from infesting your home’s crawl space .

YES Pest Pros can help prevent rodents in crawl spaces.

By far, the easiest and most effective way to remedy a pest problem in your crawl space is to get help from YES Pest Pros. Whether you’re sure your crawl space needs attention, or you just want to be sure, we can help. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment.

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Indiana’s Creepiest and Crawliest Pests

Thu, 17 Oct 2019 17:55:00 GMT

It’s October and most of Indiana is getting geared up for Halloween. Costumes, candy, and those little fake spider webs strung on the front porch. Sometimes getting creeped-out is kind of fun. At least, when the spiders aren’t real. So, as our Halloween contribution, here are what we consider to be four of Indiana’s creepiest and crawliest pests.

Centipedes

It seems that the more legs a bug has, the creepier it is. Most types of centipedes in Indiana have 15 sets of legs, so 30 legs total. If they lose a leg, they just grow it back. Their legs make them super-fast too, which just ups their creepy-factor.

Centipedes pose no threat to humans or other mammals like your cats or dogs. They just want to find a meal of other bugs – bugs you REALLY don’t want in your home. Centipedes are known to catch and eat bugs like roaches, mosquitoes, and even wasps!

Stinkbugs

If you live in an area with a lot of trees, you might find that stinkbugs like to hang out around or inside your home, especially in the winter months. This is because they like the shelter and warmth your home offers. In winter, they enter a semi-dormant state, and just like to hang out in one place to wait for spring.

Sometimes during a snap of warmer weather, they can come out of their dormant state and fly (or “fall”) around aimlessly in the home. They seem to drop out of nowhere. This can be especially creepy for a homeowner who suddenly finds a half-asleep stinkbug in their coffee.

Cicadas

Cicadas are well-known for their 17-year emergence cycle. Every 17 years, there appear hordes of cicadas on what seems like every natural surface in Indiana. We do see other species of cicadas in the years in-between, but not in such huge numbers. Walking past a group of trees in the summer, especially on the 17 ^th year, seems to elicit an unusually loud “song” of the cicada’s buzzing sounds. It can be pretty eerie.

Another reason cicadas are on the list of Indiana’s creepiest pests? Their shells. Exoskeleton, really. Cicadas live most of their lives as a nymph underground. At night, they emerge from the soil, climbing to the nearest vertical surface, and split the exoskeleton down the middle to allow the emergence of the adult cicada. So now, we’re left with both a very large flying bug, and a crunchy shell stuck to a tree. Creepy.

Black Widow Spiders

Black Widow spiders are actually the only pest on our list that are dangerous to humans. Though there are horror stories of their venom killing humans, this is rarely the case. They are not aggressive and do not want to be disturbed. While Black Widow spider bites are rare, but they may be serious enough to land you in the hospital and cause severe pain.

Of course a venomous spider is creepy enough as it is, but what’s even creepier about a Black Widow is how it got its name. Their name and scary reputation actually come from the females’ unusual ritual of eating her male counterpart after mating. Only females are venomous. Males and juvelines are harmless.

Worried About Indiana’s Creepiest and Crawliest? Call YES Pest Pros.

Many of the pests in Indiana aren’t necessarily dangerous to humans (although some of them do carry disease, but that’s a story for another blog post), and some of these creepy little guys are actually good. But we get it – you don’t want them in your home! Give us a call today to get Indiana’s creepiest and crawliest pests back to their homes.

The post Indiana’s Creepiest and Crawliest Pests appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

What’s the Deal with Centipedes in Indiana?

Mon, 30 Sep 2019 15:25:00 GMT

It seems like the greater the number of legs they have, the creepier they are. And with their 15 pairs of legs, centipedes might be the creepiest of Indiana’s indoor pests. What’s worse is that these little guys are nearly impossible to catch thanks to their super-fast speed, traveling 1.3 feet per second.

As creepy and crawlie as a centipede might be, you might want to think twice about squashing it next time you see one. Like almost every other bug out there, a centipede does have a purpose. And yes, that purpose is actually good.

Centipedes Hunt Other Bugs

The common house centipedes that we see here in Indiana are mostly nighttime hunters, and they’re known for killing pests that you REALLY don’t want in your house. They prey on other pests such as cockroaches , termites , spiders, flies , and even wasps.

Centipedes use the two legs closest to their head to sting and inject venom into their prey, and their other legs to scoop up the bug. This is called “lassoing,” and they can actually carry multiple bugs in their legs at one time. (Yeah, bugs are weird.)

Are House Centipedes Dangerous to Humans?

“Are house centipedes poisonous?” you ask. Although centipedes do carry venom, they are not considered dangerous to humans. While it is possible that a centipede might sting a person, it would likely take picking up and handling one for that to happen. And thanks to their super speed, that would be hard to do. Besides, house centipedes typically reserve their venom for food, and humans are just not on the menu, so a house centipede bite would be rare.

If someone does happen to get stung by a centipede, it would likely just cause a small red bump that would disappear in a few days. People who are especially sensitive to bee stings and other insect bites may want to see a doctor to be sure they don’t experience an allergic reaction. However, most people will feel no effects of house centipede venom.

How to Get Rid of Centipedes in Your Home

House centipedes are not harmful to humans, and they are even helpful in controlling other bug populations, but we get it. They’re gross and you don’t want to see them and their countless body segments hanging out in your shower anymore. If you want to get rid of centipedes, the trick is to get rid of their food source – other pests.

Indiana homeowners can follow these tips to get rid of centipedes in their homes:

Seal off cracks around windows and doors.
Reduce moisture indoors by using a dehumidifier or installing a fan in the bathroom.
Be sure that downspouts drain at least ten feet from the home.
Clear the perimeter of the home of debris, bushes, or other plants that may allow moisture to accumulate around the home.

Still, if you’re best efforts don’t conquer your centipede problem, what else can be done?

Professional Pest Control Company for Centipedes in Indiana

Of all indoor pests, centipedes aren’t really that bad. They aren’t harmful to humans, don’t make a web or create a nest. They don’t eat wood or destroy your walls. Centipedes really just want to go after other bugs.

But, of course, even centipedes can become a nuisance too. If you have too many centipedes in your house, that is probably an indication of a deeper pest control issue. It may be time to schedule a residential pest control treatment with YES Pest Pros. Not only can we help get rid of centipedes, but in doing so, we’ll be eliminating the reason they’re attracted to your home – other bugs!

Give us a call or send us a message today to schedule an appointment!

The post What’s the Deal with Centipedes? appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

Is Fumigation Safe?

Sun, 15 Sep 2019 15:16:00 GMT

Occasionally, we meet folks who are afraid to have us visit their homes for fumigation . And we get it! It seems kind of scary. But let’s set the record straight. Fumigation is an incredibly effective method of pest extermination and is totally safe – provided you follow the “rules” of fumigation. Fortunately, when you work with YES Pest Pros for fumigation, you get a team of precise and skilled technicians who are thoroughly trained in fumigation safety procedures. Even still, there are some inherent dangers of fumigation. So, let’s take a minute to dig in to some of those concerns you have about the safety of fumigation.

What is Fumigation?

Fumigation is a pest control method where a structure is completely filled with a gaseous pesticide. The aim of fumigation is to suffocate or poison the pests within the enclosed space. There are two fumigation methods. One is to seal the structure with plastic, tape, or other sealing materials. The other method is to completely enclose the structure in a “tent” of vinyl-coated nylon.

Prior to fumigation, any living things in the home need to be relocated for two to three days. The pest control technicians will drape heavy sheets of vinyl-coated nylon tarps over the structure and secure these with tape and plastic sheeting to form a tent. Then, gaseous chemicals are pumped into the home to kill termites or bed bugs , as well as virtually any other living thing within the home. When the tent is removed, the chemicals escape into the atmosphere, and the technicians test the air before allowing the homeowners to move back in.

Is Fumigation Safe for My Pets?

Fumigation is a process designed to exterminate living things. Under no circumstances should you leave your pets at home during the fumigation process. This includes any and all pets you may have: dogs, cats, rodents, fish, and so on.

That said, there will be no lingering effects of fumigation inside the home that would pose a hazard to pets when you get the all-clear to return. Your technician will thoroughly test air in the home to ensure the chemicals have dissipated and it is safe to return.

Simply put, the process of fumigation is in no way safe for animals. However, after the process is complete and you can move back in to your home, your pets will not be at risk.

Is Fumigation Safe for My Plants?

Any houseplants inside during fumigation, may or may not be safe, and we can’t guarantee their survival. If you are concerned for their safety, we recommend you just move them out of the house. If that isn’t possible, your plants may stand a better chance if you water them well the night before fumigation.

Is Fumigation Safe for My Stuff?

While most of your possessions will be just fine remaining in the home during the fumigation process, there are a few exceptions. All foods and medication should be removed or placed in special bags that are provided. This is required by law.

Most other items, such as clothing, furniture, hygiene items and electronics will be completely fine during the process. The gas has no odor and leaves no residue, so removing these items is not necessary. In fact, once you can move back in, you don’t even have to wash the items that were inside during fumigation. (More on how to prepare your home for fumigation here .)

Is Fumigation Safe for People?

Our answer to this is basically the same as our answer to whether fumigation is safe for animals. If you DO NOT follow the rules of fumigation, it is not at all safe for humans. If you DO follow the rules, you’re all good!

So, to sum it all up, fumigation does involve dangerous chemicals that are designed to completely exterminate pests. That’s why it is required by law that people, pets, food, and medications are removed from the property prior to fumigation. HOWEVER, after the process, your home will be safe! And even more safe than it was when you left is because those nasty bed bugs (or termites, or wood-boring beetles, or spiders, or cockroaches, or – you get the point -) are gone!

Questions?

We love answering your questions about fumigation! Give us a call or send us a message today.

The post Is Fumigation Safe? appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

Mosquitoes Don’t Just “Fall” Away After Summer

Sun, 25 Aug 2019 11:01:00 GMT

Although the summer heat hasn’t left Southern Indiana, many of us are already looking forward to fall. Fall may mean the end of pool outings, but it also brings the relief from the sticky, hot weather. For many, the end of summer also signals the end of mosquito season. However, that’s not always the case. Even though the weather will be cooling off soon, we might still have to battle mosquitoes for a while longer.

Mosquitoes Continue to Thrive in Cooler Weather

So, when do mosquitoes finally leave for the year? Although the itchy welts of mosquitoes are most often associated with summer, these pests still flourish well into the fall months. Many homeowners don’t realize that mosquitoes will remain active until temperatures are consistently below 50 degrees. Here in Indiana, our weather doesn’t typically reach that consistent 50-degree mark until later in the fall.

Very Cold Temperatures Signal the End of Biting

In the early fall months, mosquitoes are quite comfortable in the cool, but not cold, weather. The brisk temperatures also mean that they are more active during the day instead of dawn and dusk hours, like in the summer. As the weather continues to cool, most mosquitoes either enter into hibernation or die off.

Some species may be able to survive the winter, but once temps drop significantly, they won’t be out biting. Typically, the first frost is when you can finally say goodbye to mosquitoes for the year. Until then, we can help make sure you’re still able to enjoy being outdoors without having to battle the bugs.

Tips to Prevent Mosquito Populations for Next Year

Just like so many other critters, mosquitoes spend the fall preparing for winter. Some mosquitoes over-winter, while others completely die off. Before that happens, they lay the groundwork for the following spring.

Some mosquito species lay winter-hardy eggs that can survive the winter, then hatch when temperatures and rainfall levels rise in the spring. In other species, the females go into hibernation in protected places, such as under tree bark. Come spring, the female emerges and lays eggs.

Although we may have a few months left to battle mosquitoes, there are a few things you can do to prevent a mosquito infestation in the coming months.

Inspect your property for items that may be holding water and dormant mosquito eggs. These items may include empty flower pots, bird baths, tire swings, wheel barrows, grill covers, and any other items that may allow water to collect. You may choose to empty these items, cover them, or place them upside-down so they will no longer allow water to collect. Unclog gutters and drains to allow water to flow freely. Drilling holes in other items where water may be collecting, such as tire swings or wheel barrows, may be a good step as well.

Call YES Pest Pros for Help

If you’re concerned about a mosquito problem , or have been battling an infestation, schedule an appointment with YES Pest Pros. We use a three-pronged Integrated Pest Management program to stop mosquitoes dead in their tracks. This system includes:

• A thorough inspection of the surrounding property.
• Source Elimination Recommendations to reduce habitats, and therefore populations.
• Treatment 0ptions, including the use of larvicides, and the use of barrier treatments.

YES Pest Pros’ licensed and trained pest control technicians will carefully and thoroughly treat your property with an application of materials that will put up an invisible curtain of protection that most mosquitoes will not be able to penetrate.

No matter the time of year, we can help protect your family and your property. Give us a call today!

The post Mosquitoes Don’t Just “Fall” Away After Summer appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

Pest Control Tips for Selling Your Home

Mon, 19 Aug 2019 16:34:00 GMT

Buying or selling a home comes with a never-ending to-do list. Declutter, repaint, keep up with showings, and sign a thousand papers, all while juggling your work and family life. It’s a lot to keep up with! Fortunately, there are a few things you can do improve your home’s curb appeal and make it more appealing to buyers, all while delivering a powerful pest control punch. Here are a few pest control tips for selling your home.

Curb Appeal and Pest Control

In some cases, pest-related issues are symptoms of a home maintenance issue. Of course, this isn’t always the case, but a pest issue can certainly be a big turn-off to buyers. In a buyer’s mind, a pest control issue may be an indication of a homeowner who neglected maintenance in other areas as well. Any realtor will tell you that improving your home’s curb appeal is essential to increasing the “sellability” of your home. However, a bit of smart landscaping can do a lot more than attract buyers. It can also help repel unwanted pests.

Maintain your lawn.

Keeping up with your lawn is an easy way to enhance your home’s curb appeal. A cluttered yard or untrimmed bushes not only look bad, but can be attractive to pests as well.

Mow the lawn. Uncut grass is a great hiding place for pests such as crickets, mice, snakes, and grasshoppers.

Clean up the yard. Remove sticks, branches, compost heaps, and other debris. This often contributes to standing water and creates a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Prune vegetation near the house. Trees and bushes too near the perimeter of your home often serve as a bridge for pests to gain access to your home. Keep surrounding vegetation pruned back at least two feet from the home.

Eliminate moles and voles in the yard. Unsightly and annoying, mole tunnels and holes can uproot landscaping and be dangerous to little feet and ankles playing in the yard. Have a professional eradicate moles, then repair any damage and replant grass.

Routine Home Inspection

Most buyers opt for a general home inspection before they close on the sale. While this inspection is focused on the overall condition of the property and not necessarily pest control issues, it may point out pest issues.

Have your home professionally inspected by a pest control specialist.

The last thing you want is your buyer discovering a pest control problem with your home before you do. As we mentioned earlier, a pest control issue could raise concerns in a buyer’s mind about the overall condition of the property. If you are aware of pest issues, you can remedy them before you list your home.

Have termite stations installed and maintained.

Termites aren’t just interested in homes with wood siding. Having termite stations installed and enrolling in a residential termite program can give peace of mind to a buyer.

Enroll in a residential pest control program.

Not only will a residential pest control program make the rest of the time at your home more enjoyable, but your home will be more attractive to buyers as well. No more unsightly cobwebs hanging around your front porch. No crickets in the basement. And no need to worry about a pest control issue being the deal-breaker for the sale of your home.

Schedule a home inspection with YES Pest Pros.

Ready to get moving? Give YES Pest Pros a call today to see how we can help make your home more attractive to buyers by eliminating pest issues. We’ll remedy current issues, point out potential areas of concern, and make suggestions for what you can do on your own to prevent future pest problems. Use this form to contact us , or give us a call at (812)376-7575 today.

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Horse flies: Not Horsin’ Around

Thu, 25 Jul 2019 11:51:00 GMT

Your first impression of horse flies might be innocent enough – they’re often confused with regular flies. That is, until they bite! The horse fly is a voracious feeder, and a swarm of females can relieve victims of as much as 2 cups (1 pint) of blood in less than a day.

Like another loathed summer pest, the mosquito, horse flies require a body of water (preferably stagnant) to breed. And females require a blood meal from a victim before they can reproduce.

Horse flies have found their niche in the livestock community. Since bodies of water and large warm-blooded mammals such as horses and cattle are often found together, horse flies tend to gravitate toward areas that offer both. This, of course, is how the horse fly got its name. This also explains why we tend to notice them more when we’re hanging out at the lake or pool.

How to Spot a Horse Fly

In flight, a horse fly is easily mistaken for a house fly. However, when they land, you can see how much bigger they are. Horse can be anywhere from ¾ inch to 1 inch long. They typically have clear or colored wings with bright green or black eyes. Horse flies are active during the day and prefer to fly in direct sunlight. Movement, warmth, shiny surfaces, and exhaled carbon dioxide draw the attention of the female in an attempt to find a blood meal. Males feed only on nectar and do not suck blood (thanks, guys).

Horse Flies Bite!

Female horse flies actually have scissor-like jaws (gross!) that slice your skin to get to your blood. Then she will lap up the blood similar to how a dog might lap up water (even grosser!). This explains why you will certainly notice a horse fly bite immediately. They’re painful!

Horse flies have also been recognized as a carrier for many infectious diseases, most notable swamp fever, or Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA). Thankfully, EIA does not affect humans – only equine animals – however, it can be life-threatening to our equine friends.

Fending Off a Horse Fly

We have another bit of bad news about horse flies. It is generally quite difficult to fend of hungry horse flies, since they don’t respond to insect repellants, even ones that contain powerful chemicals such as DEET or Picaridin.

Some biting insects, such as mosquitoes, are dainty and fragile, but that is not the case with the robust and hardy horse fly. While a single well-placed swat may send a mosquito to misery, a horse fly may pursue its chosen prey for miles without ceasing. (Talk about dedication!)

The best way to minimize the risk of being bitten by horse flies is to stay inside. However, it’s summer and we know you want to swim or go fishing with your buddies. While you’re out, wear heavy clothing and hats to make it more difficult for a horse fly to bite. Carry a fly swatter and practice your aim.

Preventing horse fly infestation is also important. You can do this by eliminating bodies of water that may serve as breeding grounds, or kill all the flies while in the larval stage. Not only will eliminating bodies of water help reduce your chances of getting bit by horse flies, but it will help reduce mosquito populations as well.

Contact YES Pest Pros for Help

If horse flies (or any other creepy-crawlie) is really “bugging” you this summer, give us a call. YES Pest Pros has developed an eco-friendly approach to residential pest management. This system includes the use of green pest management substances, inspection to eliminate breeding sites, and sanitation to keep more flies from entering the area. Give us a call or send us a message today for more information.

The post Horse flies: Not Horsin’ Around appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

Summer Pests that Affect Pets

Tue, 23 Jul 2019 15:07:00 GMT

We love most things about summer: baseball, cookouts, pool parties, the list goes on. But one thing we’re not so crazy about? Bugs! (Ok, to be candid, we kind of like bugs. That’s why we’ve made them our profession, but just stick with me here.) The heat and humidity of summer – especially a Southern Indiana summer – provides the perfect environment for a plethora of pests to thrive. These pests don’t just bug us, they bug our furry friends as well! Here are a few common summer pests that affect pets.

Fleas

When most people think about pests that affect pets, they immediately think of fleas . Fleas are small, wingless insects that are usually reddish brown in color. They are parasites that draw blood from a host, and most fleas are introduced to a house via pets or other mammal hosts.

A fairly common nuisance, fleas are usually associated with cats and dogs, but they can be more of a problem than just for pets. Fleas can easily transfer to humans and they bite, looking for a meal of blood. Flea bites can cause uncomfortable itching, and they can also spread disease and cause tapeworms. A flea infestation can be frustrating because once they get into your home, they can be difficult to get rid of on your own due to their rapid reproduction cycle.

Ticks

Ticks are arachnids, which puts them in the same class as spiders and other creepy-crawlies. These parasites are usually very small, barely bigger than the head of a pin, and they feed entirely on blood to grow and reproduce. Southern Indiana is home to approximately 15 types of ticks, including four species that have been documented to carry disease: deer ticks, American dog ticks, brown dog ticks, and lone star ticks. Ticks are well-known bloodsucking external parasites of humans, pets, livestock, and wild animals.

Despite the commonality of ticks, they can pose a serious health risk to their host, especially to humans. Ticks can carry and spread a number of diseases, including spotted fever, tularemia, and Lyme disease. Lyme disease is an infectious disease that can become fatal if not treated, and can sometimes be difficult to detect and treat, both in animals and humans.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are more pests that affect pets. Just because Fido is covered in fur doesn’t make him any less attractive to mosquitoes ; he is still vulnerable in places where skin is exposed such as his ears and nose. These tiny flying insects are known for their diet of blood, and the itchy bumps they leave behind on their hosts. They first start to emerge during the spring months, and continue through the fall. Their favorite time to dine is during dawn and dusk hours.

As with humans, a bite from a mosquito can result in everything from an annoying itch to more serious parasitic diseases. In dogs, heartworm disease is the primary concern.

Horseflies

Horseflies got their name from their tendency to feast on horses, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t interested in biting other mammal pets as well. Horseflies are typically larger in size and prefer sunny areas where water is abundant. (This is why you might notice them frequently at the lake or near the pool.)

A horsefly bite can be painful for both humans and animals, but the tarm is usually short-term minor irritation of the skin, typically in the abdomen, legs, and neck. Despite this, horseflies are capable to transmitting disease such as anthrax, Lyme disease, tularemia, and the virus of equine infectious anemia.

Protect Your Pets from Pests

We aren’t vets, but we do know that many of these pests annoy our animals just as much as they bother us. Please remember to follow your vet’s recommendations on medications or treatments to prevent pest problems for your pets this summer.

Take the next step in preventing pest issues by scheduling an appointment with YES Pest Pros . We offer residential services that are pet friendly, so you know you are giving your little guy the very best care. We know your pets are a part of your family. Let YES Pest Pros help protect them (and you!) from common pest problems this summer. Give us a call or follow this link to schedule an appointment today. We look forward to hearing from you!

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House Shopping? Keep an Eye Out for These Pests.

Wed, 10 Jul 2019 19:14:00 GMT

Let’s face it: buying a new home is hard work. Keeping an eye on the market, checking out house after house, and finally negotiating with the seller and completing paperwork. Not to mention that a home is typically the most expensive purchase someone will ever make. It’s a big deal!

So, of course, if you’re committing to homeownership, you want to be sure that you make the best decision possible. In most cases, a home inspection is required before the loan is finalized. But in all the hustle and bustle, one important thing often goes overlooked: pest control. Here are a few pest control tips when buying a home.

Termites

These tiny pests come in big colonies, and the damage they can do is even bigger. Many buyers who are purchasing a home with wood siding opt for a termite inspection, but it may come as a surprise that termites don’t discriminate: they will be happy to make their homes in your home , no matter what type of siding you have!

Why it Matters

Termites cause billions of dollars in damages to structures in the US annually. If a colony is living in your prospective home for long, it could end up costing you far more than you ever wanted to spend on a home. What’s worse is that many insurance companies don’t cover termite-related damage!

What to Watch Out For

(Check out this blog to read more about common signs of termites.)

Bedbugs

One of the most feared indoor pests, bedbugs are another creepy-crawlie to keep an eye out for while house shopping.

Why it Matters

It is a common misconception that bedbugs only live in a bed, and that simply getting rid of the infested mattress will cure a bedbug infestation. This is not true! While they are most noticeable in areas where a host will spend a lot of time asleep (a bed), bedbugs love living in any little nooks and crannies, and will happily make the journey to any food source.

What’s more is that bedbugs are notoriously difficult to eradicate. They can even survive for about five months without a blood meal. This means that even if a house has been empty and unoccupied for months, a bed bug population can still remain alive and active, despite their lack of a host.

What to Watch Out For

Bedbugs are one pest that are difficult for the untrained eye to spot. They are typically no bigger than an apple seed and are great at hiding. There are a couple things to watch for, but if you have any concerns, be sure to thoroughly read the seller’s disclosure statement, and specifically ask about pest infestations.

Mice, Rats, and Wildlife

Why it Matters

While rodent damage isn’t typically as expensive to repair as the damage caused by termites, mice, rats, and other wildlife can have serious human health impacts, ranging from allergies and asthma, to life-threatening illnesses.

What to Watch Out For

Be a Savvy Home Buyer

Pests are experts at hiding and often choose to infest areas that are out of the way or completely hidden from view. Although spotting pests may be difficult for a novice, there are some telltale signs of pest problems. Just knowing what to look for can give you a heads-up on whether or not you want to invest in a property.

Your best bet is to use a qualified home inspector . Review with them any areas of concern or conditions that may be conducive to pest issues, such as moisture leaks. Also ask your realtor if it is possible to have YES Pest Pros inspect the home prior to closing. This will give you a clearer picture of the home you’re buying and give you peace of mind that you’re not getting more than you bargained for.

The post House Shopping? Keep an Eye Out for These Pests. appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

Are Termites Invasive?

Fri, 14 Jun 2019 15:46:00 GMT

Termites love living in areas that have plenty of warm, humid places, and Southern Indiana in the summer is just that. While a single termite is typically no bigger than half an inch, a mature colony of termites can aggressively attack the wood in a structure, causing thousands of dollars in damage.

It is estimated that the average Subterranean Termite colony in the U.S. has between 60,000 and one million termites, and that there can be 13 to 14 colonies per acre. This means that there can be several colonies under or around a home.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, some species of termites are invasive, specifically the Formosan Subterranean Termite. An invasive species is a species that is not native to a specific location, and that has a tendency to spread to a degree believed to cause damage to the environment, human economy, or human health. These termites were accidentally introduced to the U.S. in the 1960s, after being carried over on cargo ships from the Pacific. Today, these termites cause billions of dollars annually to structures all over the United States, particularly in humid climates.

What to Know

The first signs of termites are often swarmers – basically, termites with wings. Swarmers are termites that are in the middle of mating and reproduction, flying around to new locations to find a new place to call home and start a colony of their own.

It’s not the swarmers themselves that cause the damage, but they are a sure sign that there are termites somewhere on or near your property. Only a mature colony will produce swarmers, so if you see one, it has certainly come from a large population of termites. Because termites are invasive, they will find a food source, eat all that they can, and move on to the next food source – hopefully not within your home!

What to Do

Just knowing signs of termites and what to be on the lookout for can go a long way in damage control when it comes to termites. Keep an eye on your property and inspect it periodically for any signs of termite activity. Monitor areas in and around your home that are often damp, and use a dehumidifier to keep indoor areas dry. Keep downspouts at least ten feet from the foundation, and keep gutters free of leaves and debris. Remove mulch and firewood from around the perimeter of the home. Finally, if you suspect termites, don’t waste time in addressing the issue. Call a professional for an inspection as soon as possible.

What to Watch For

Some of the main signs of termites include the following:

Who to Call

Although they are an invaluable part of the ecosystem, termites can do thousands of dollars’ worth of damage to a home if left untreated. That is not a chance many homeowners are comfortable taking. At the first sign of termites, call YES Pest Pros for an inspection. We’ll thoroughly inspect all areas inside and outside your home, then consult with you about the best course of action. We can make sure that any existing termite issues are addressed and prevent them from returning.

The post Are Termites Invasive? appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

Bed Buggie Smalls: The Notorious B.U.G.

Tue, 14 May 2019 15:59:00 GMT

Bed bugs! Notorious for being one of the most feared indoor pests in Indiana. They reproduce extremely quickly, they are resilient, and difficult to eradicate. The Notorious B.U.G.’s? Yup.

Notorious Reproducers

Part of what makes bed bugs the Notorious B.U.G. is that they reproduce notoriously quickly. On average, a female bed bug lays about one to seven eggs per day after a blood feeding. During her lifetime, a female bed bug with access to regular meals will lay anywhere from 200 to 250 eggs during her lifetime. Pregnant female bed bugs are more likely to travel in an attempt to avoid being mated with again, which means that just a single pregnant female bed bug can cause an infestation of more than 5,000 bed bugs within a six-month period.

Notoriously Resilient

You might think these guys would be “Ready to Die” after months without a blood meal, but that’s not necessarily true. Depending on the age of the bed bug, it is usually expected to live for four to six months, although some types can live for more than a year.

Bed bugs are often considered notoriously resilient because they can survive for a surprisingly long time, even without food. Newly hatched bed bugs, called nymphs, typically feed frequently to reach maturity. Despite this need for frequent feeding, they can still survive for several weeks without feeding. Adult bed bugs can survive for about five months without a blood meal. This means that even if a house has been unoccupied for months, a bed bug population can still remain alive and active, despite their lack of a host.

Notoriously Difficult to Eradicate

“Life After Death?” Not quite. But bed bugs are notoriously hard to exterminate on your own. And even if you are able to reduce the population, they will just continue to multiply until they are completely eradicated.

So why are they so hard to kill? The factors we’ve already mentioned make it extremely difficult for someone will no experience to completely eradicate a bed bug population. They are notoriously resilient, reproduce quickly, and are even hard for homeowners to find. Another factor is that bed bugs have developed a resistance to the most common chemicals historically used for bed bug extermination – DDT, chlorfenaphyr, and bifenthrin. This means that even with the use of some pretty dangerous and nasty chemicals, bed bugs can still thrive!

That’s a Rap: Professional Bed Bug Extermination

So what’s the solution? Truthfully, the only reliable way to effectively eradicate bed bugs is to hire a professional. Elimination of the infestation requires the services of pest control professionals who understand bed bugs’ habits and biology and know how to find and treat all of the places bed bugs or eggs may be present.

Luckily, the pest control experts at YES Pest Pros receive continuous training on the most up-to-date technology and methods of bed bug extermination. Using highly-effective heat treatment or fumigation services, bed bug infestations are often solved in just one visit.

Early detection and treatment of a bed bug infestation is key to successful extermination, so whether you are certain of, or just suspect a bed bug problem, contact YES Pest Pros today to set up a free inspection and consultation. With YES Pest Pros, you can rest assured that the Notorious B.U.G. won’t be bugging you anymore.

The post Bed Buggie Smalls: The Notorious B.U.G. appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

Does Bed Bug Activity Increase in the Summer?

Tue, 07 May 2019 17:07:00 GMT

We all know that many types of pests are most active during the spring and summer months. Wasps, mosquitoes, moles – the list goes on. But what about indoor pests? What about those pests that never really have to escape the cold, or go into hibernation or dormancy? What about bed bugs?

We often get asked whether or not bed bugs are more active during the summer months like most other insects. The answer is yes, but not for the reasons you might expect. Here’s some insight into why bed bug activity seems to increase during the summer months.

Bed Bugs are Active Year-Round

As indoor pests, bed bugs aren’t really dependent on the weather to find suitable food and living conditions. They do not die out or go dormant during the winter like many other pests, but remain active through the year.

Although bed bugs are active year-round, their activity does seem to peak through the months of May through September. At first thought, you might expect the reason behind this to be due to the increase in heat and humidity, but the most common theory behind the increase in activity is simply the activity of their hosts – humans!

Human Activity Allows Bed Bugs to Travel

It’s highly debated as to why bed bug populations are on the rise. Bed bug infestations are turning up in increasing numbers in every location imaginable: businesses, schools, nursing homes, hospitals, daycares, transportation service, movie theaters, hotels and motels, dormitories, and of course houses. Suggested reasons for bed bug growth vary from global warming to changing human travel patterns. One factor that might be contributing to bed bug population growth in recent years is portable technology. Laptops and tablets, for example, provide a warm, enclosed place for bed bugs to travel and spread.

Typically, pest “activity” refers to the amount of time an animal or insect spends to feed and breed. Because bed bugs don’t have a period of dormancy, they are constantly active. However, more movement, more travel, and more activity by their hosts in the summer inevitably means an increase in bed bug activity as well. This is because bed bugs are given the opportunity to hitch a ride on luggage, pets, and people as they travel, welcome home college students, and host out-of-town guests – all most common during the summer. As people continue to travel, the bed bugs are able to populate each stop the come to, such as homes, hotels, hostels, and other well-populated areas.

So, it’s this increase in travel that allows the increase in bed bug activity during the summer months. And to top it off, bed bugs are extremely resilient and reproduce very quickly. So even a few nymphs that have managed to attach to an overnight bag can be the building blocks of a large-scale infestation at your next travel destination.

Schedule an Appointment with YES Pest Pros

Bed bugs are notorious for being illusive and difficult to eradicate. Although an infestation may begin with only a few individual bugs, it won’t take long to become a major problem. Luckily, the pest control experts at YES Pest Pros in Bloomington and Columbus offer the most effective, proven methods of bed bug eradication available – bed bug heat treatment and fumigation .

If you think you might have a problem with bed bugs, don’t hesitate to schedule an inspection with YES Pest Pros today.

The post Does Bed Bug Activity Increase in the Summer? appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

Termites or Carpenter Ants?

Tue, 30 Apr 2019 13:33:00 GMT

Spring has sprung, and you know what they say! “April showers bring May pest infestations.” Ok, maybe that’s not what they say, but sometimes it seems like that might be the case. Spring is a time of increased activity for most species of animals and insects, and pests are no exception. As the weather warms, many types of pests emerge from dormancy looking for their next meal and place to nest. If you’re not careful, they might make that meal or nesting area your home.

Two common spring pests in Indiana are carpenter ants and termites . They can be tricky to tell apart if you aren’t sure what you’re looking for. We’ll be looking at a few ways to tell if the pests around your home are termites or carpenter ants and the difference between ant damage vs. termite damage.

Termites

Termites are known as hidden threats and can cause extensive damage, often with few external signs. In fact, termites are responsible for an estimated $1 to $2 billion in property damage annually in the US. The average home or business owner that finds themselves in the midst of a termite infestation spends $3,000 to repair damage.

Clearly, any signs of termites should not be ignored. It is often difficult for a homeowner to detect and treat a termite infestation on their own, especially if the colony is already established. However, simply knowing how to identify termites and signs of termites will be helpful in the event of a pest problem. Going a step further - knowing the signs of carpenter ants vs. termites can help you know the best way to go about finding the correct solution to your problem.

What do Termites Look Like?

Termites are secretive and are rarely seen by an untrained eye. You’re far more likely to spot signs of termite damage before you’ll see the termites themselves. There is an exception, though – swarmers. Termite swarmers (flying termites) are often confused with carpenter ants. The main difference is that termite swarmers will have straight antennae, a broad waist, and both pair of wings similar in length.

Signs of Termites

As we mentioned above, the thing to really be on the lookout for are signs of termites, rather than the termites themselves. Often, a suspected termite problem turns out to be a problem with carpenter ants or fire ants, because they look so similar.

Carpenter Ants

While carpenter ants are not necessarily dangerous to humans, they can certainly pose a threat to the structures they’re infesting. They don’t eat wood, but they build tunnels inside of it to make their nests. If treated early, carpenter ant infestations are seldom responsible for serious damage to houses and buildings. And certainly, compared with the extent of damage caused by termites, carpenter ants are nothing more than a nuisance. However, if left undiscovered or untreated for an extended period, they could cause serious damage, so they are definitely not something to ignore.

What do Carpenter Ants Look Like?

Carpenter ants are often difficult to distinguish from other species of ants based only on physical characteristics. Carpenter ants are “polymorphic,” which means that there are workers of varying sizes in the colony, but typically size ranges from 3.4 to 13mm. They can also present with black, dark brown, red and black, yellow, or red coloration.

Carpenter ants are often mistaken for termite swarmers. The most important characteristics to look for when distinguishing carpenter ant swarmers from termite swarmers are elbowed antennae, a pinched or constricted waist, and a front pair of wings that is longer than the back. If your insect has these characteristics, it is a carpenter ant.

Signs of Carpenter Ants

Like many other insects, carpenter ants are great at working quietly behind the scenes and are easily undetected, especially if you don’t know what to look for. Here are some of the most common signs of carpenter ants.

Get Rid of Termites or Carpenter Ants in Bloomington, IN

Whether you have a problem with termites or carpenter ants, or you just want to be sure you’re covered, give us a call! The humid Indiana spring and summer months are perfect conditions for termites and carpenter ants to thrive and grow. Don’t let these unwelcome guests invite themselves to your home! Send us a message , or give us a call today.

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Do I Need Annual Pest Protection for My Business?

Thu, 11 Apr 2019 17:53:00 GMT

When you started your business, you probably didn’t give much thought to pest control. It’s really one of those “out of sight, out of mind” things. Besides, you have a thousand other things to worry about – customers, contracts, employees, vendors, the list goes on. But we’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again. When it comes to pest control, the old adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” couldn’t be more true. Let me explain.

There have been plenty of times I’ve mentioned the benefits of annual pest protection to business owners, only to be brushed off. And trust me, I get it. It’s not something most people want to spend money on, and some people think I’m just a salesperson trying to push a product. But that’s not it at all. The reason why our annual pest protection program even exists is to solve your current problem and prevent you from having the exact same issue down the road. Here are a few of the benefits of enrolling your business is our annual pest protection plan.

Save Money

Of course, if one of our customers truly only wants a one-time service, we will provide them with that service without a problem. However, what we see more often than you’d expect is that as soon as their initial problem is solved, the same customer is having problems with other pests (or even the same pest), and they still only want a one-time service. And guess what? Two or three one-time services later, they’ve paid more for their one-time treatment than they would have for a full year of protection.

Fewer Pesticides

When you spend your resources protecting against pests instead of getting rid of an infestation, you’ll reduce the amount of pesticides used in and around your business. Once the initial inspection and treatment is completed, our technicians are able to keep on top of anything suspicious. This means that if they see signs of, say, cockroach activity, they will be able to stop it in its tracks without the use of heavy pesticides before it becomes a real issue.

Protect Your Reputation

One of the most unnerving things for any business owner, especially those in the food service or hospitality industries, is a pest sighting. With social media, news travels fast. Just one pest sighting in a restaurant or hotel can be enough to tank the next few weeks of business and ruin your reputation. Who cares if you serve the best ribeye in town if you have bugs in your restaurant?

Operate Your Business Pest-Free

With an annual pest protection plan for your business, you won’t have to give pest control a second thought. Your pest control technician, who has the advantage of coming back to your business on a scheduled basis, will work primarily on the exterior to keep pests out in the first place. After the initial treatment when any pests on the interior are taken care of, your technician will rarely need to treat the interior. Instead, most of their work will be done on the exterior, laying down a barrier each time they are there. As the business owner, this is one less thing for you to worry about.

Annual Pest Protection for Your Business

At YES Pest Pros, we know every business has different needs and we’ll help you prevent pest concerns before they arise. During our scheduled service, your YES Pest Pros pest control expert will thoroughly inspect your home or business, treat where necessary, and provide a detailed report. Regular services occur at a frequency that is tailored to meet your needs and budget, with quarterly, monthly, or bi-monthly services.

By protecting your home or facility against pest infestations before they begin, you’re sure to save yourself headaches down the road. After all, the best offense is a good defense. Let us help!

The post Do I Need Annual Pest Protection for My Business? appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

Five Spring Pests to Be on the Lookout For

Thu, 28 Mar 2019 16:21:00 GMT

Spring is a time of increased activity for most of species of animals and insects, and pests are no exception. As the weather warms, many types of pests emerge from dormancy, ready to reproduce and wreak havoc on your home or yard. That is, if you let them. Luckily, just knowing what to look for can go a long way in damage control when it comes to spring pests. Here are five common springs pests to be on the lookout for.

Termites

A single termite is tiny, but a colony can do some serious damage to a building. Termites feed on the cellulose found in wooden items, and their presence in your home could lead to some major issues.

Although termites remain active year-round, most above-ground termite activity is seen during the spring months, when a colony sends out swarmers (termites with wings) to find new areas to inhabit. Since termites are responsible for a huge amount of property damage (an estimated $5 billion annually in the US), it is paramount to have your home inspected and treated early enough in the season to prevent damage.

Carpenter Bees

Carpenter bees are another common spring pest, and most activity is seen during May and June. A carpenter bee is large, hairless, and shiny with a black abdomen.

Unlike termites, carpenter bees do not feed on wood, but they make their nests inside of it. They burrow holes into rough, unfinished wood, causing serious damage to valuable wooden structures. Not only will carpenter bees damage your home, but they can be aggressive as well. Female carpenter bees are known to sting people when they are disturbed or feel threatened.

Carpenter Ants

The most common household pest in Southern Indiana, carpenter ants are the largest pest ant in the United States. Carpenter ants tunnel through wooden structures to form galleries and “roads” leading to their nests. Although they are not necessarily dangerous to humans, they can certainly damage your home.

Carpenter ants are most often noticeable to homeowners during the spring months when they, like termites, send out swarmers (ants with wings) to reproduce and begin a satellite colony. Although carpenter ants are not responsible for nearly as much damage as termites, you certainly don’t want to allow them to go untreated.

Fleas

Spring is also when fleas become active again. Fleas are parasitic insects which suck blood from their hosts, usually dogs and cats, but they can make a meal of humans as well.

Fleas can cause uncomfortable itching, and they can also spread disease and cause tapeworms. A flea infestation in the home can be frustrating because they reproduce extremely quickly and can be difficult to control and eliminate on your own. If you notice fleas in your home, it’s often not enough to just treat your pets – you need to treat your home as well.

Moles

Moles are insect-eating rodents that have large, paddle-like front feet that make them very efficient diggers. They are rarely seen, as they live underground, however homeowners can spot signs of mole activity pretty easily in their yards. The two most common signs of moles are raised ridged areas in lawns, and the traditional molehill.

While moles aren’t necessarily dangerous, they can be a nuisance to homeowners, destroying lawns and landscaping, and disturbing plants. Moles are most active during the spring and summer months, and are often first noticed in early spring, especially after a mild winter.

Schedule an Inspection with YES Pest Pros

So, what should you do if you see signs of these spring pests? Or what if you just want peace of mind that your home is protected? Easy! Call YES Pest Pros . We’ve been in the business since 1983, and we’ve got the tools and experience to get the job done quickly and efficiently. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

The post Five Spring Pests to Be on the Lookout For appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

Signs of Carpenter Ants

Wed, 27 Mar 2019 18:43:00 GMT

Spring is right around the corner here in Indiana, and we’re ready! Daffodils, farmer’s markets, spring soccer, gigantic carpenter ants – yep! We’ve got it all.

Wait a second! Carpenter ants ? We know – not what you bargained for. But carpenter ants are another pest to keep an eye out for in the spring months. If you’re not paying attention, they could do some serious damage to your home. Here are a few signs of carpenter ants to watch for this spring.

What are carpenter ants?

Like termites , carpenter ants are another common pest that leaves wooden structures at risk. It’s a common misconception that only homes with wooden siding are at risk for damage by carpenter ants, but almost all structures have some type of wood in them that could leave them vulnerable.

Carpenter ants are one of the most common household pests in Southern Indiana, and the largest pest ants in the United States. Although carpenter ants are not necessarily dangerous to humans, they can certainly pose a risk to the structures they’re infesting. They do not eat wood, but they make their nests in wood structures, especially structures that have been exposed to severe moisture.

If treated early, carpenter ant infestations are seldom responsible for severe damage to a structure. However, left if left undetected or untreated, a carpenter ant infestation could be the cause of extreme structural damage to a building.

Know The Signs of Carpenter Ants

Part of being a good homeowner is keeping an eye on the state of your house at all times, including pest activity. Many pests are great at working quietly behind-the-scenes and are easily missed, especially if you don’t know what you’re looking for. t would help if you knew the signs of carpenter ants in your house.

If you have a serious carpenter ant infestation, the signs of carpenter ants in your home will be plentiful, especially if you perform a thorough examination of the areas of your home where you don’t frequent as often, such as a basement or attic. These big black ants can quickly cause serious damage to your home, so it is important to know what a carpenter ant infestation looks like.

What should I do if I find carpenter ants around my home?

Although the damage caused by carpenter ants is not as severe as the damage caused by termites, a carpenter ant infestation in your home has the potential to cause significant damage over a period of years. As the colony grows, the ants expand through the wood, causing more and more damage. If you want to keep your home safe from carpenter ants and the damage they can cause to the wooden structures of your home, it is time to take action.

What Should I Do If I See Signs of Carpenter Ants?

If you find swarmers (or other signs of carpenter ants) on the outside of your window, take notice. Carpenter ant swarms don’t last long or travel far. If you have swarmers on the outside of your home, it is likely there is a mature infestation somewhere on your property.

If you find swarmers (or other signs of carpenter ants) on the inside of your home, there is little doubt that there is a mature nest inside your walls. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize the implications of finding swarmers inside their home and simply clean up the ants.

Signs of carpenter ants, especially swarmers inside your home, shouldn’t go ignored. Because carpenter ants build two types of colonies (parent colonies and satellite colonies), extermination can be a challenge for a pest control novice. YES Pest Pros will fully inspect the area indoors and outdoors to find any nesting areas, both parent and satellite colonies. After a thorough and meticulous inspection of the structure, we will then recommend a treatment plan tailored to your situation and your needs.

Knowing what to watch for when it comes to any household pest can go a long way in preventing damage and controlling an infestation — and that is no different when it comes to the signs of carpenter ants in your home.. Schedule a free inspection with YES Pest Pros today to make sure your home doesn’t become home to any unwanted guests this spring.

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Is My Home at Risk for Termites?

Tue, 26 Feb 2019 18:53:00 GMT

It’s a common misconception that only homes with a wooden exterior are at risk for termites . But the truth is that even homes with brick, stone, or vinyl exteriors can be at risk as well. Termites are responsible for billions of dollars of damage in the US each year; they’re not to be taken lightly. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to prevent a termite infestation, regardless of what your home is made of.

One of the best things you can do to prevent termites is to understand how termites get in your house in the first place. If you know how houses get termites, you can learn to prevent an infestation if you realize you are at risk for termites.

Risk Factors for Termites in Homes

If you want to know why termites are in your house, you will want to take a look at the following list of risk factors for termites. If you don’t yet have termites but are wondering how houses get termites in the first place, this is a good place to start your prevention measures.

Too Much Moisture Near the Foundation

Subterranean termites (most common termites in Indiana) are attracted to moisture. The ground your house is built on provides the perfect home for termites, and the wood inside of your house is a source of food. Along with standing water in or around your home’s foundation, this provides the perfect environment for termite activity. Termite colonies made up of dampwood termites thrive in areas with too much moisture such as coastal areas that receive a lot of rain.

Cracks or Openings in Your Home’s Foundation, Roof, or Walls

Where there is an opening, a termite will find it. In their search for moisture, termites will take advantage of any breach in your home’s integrity. Subterranean termites build mud tubes that essentially serve as a “highway” for termites. Any crack in your home’s structure provides an opening where a mud tube could be built, allowing termites access to your home. Windows and doors, as well as damaged wood can become an entry point for drywood termites as well as dampwood termites. No matter the type of termite, taking away their entry points is a good way to prevent an infestation.

Wood Structures that Come into Contact with the Foundation

Like we mentioned above, more than just homes with wooden siding can be at risk for termites. Wood is commonly found around the home, whether it’s in the form of siding, a wooden deck or porch, wood framing, fence posts, or even mulch. Even if your house isn’t made of wood, if there is wood too close to the foundation of your home, your home may be at risk for termites. Any wood that comes into contact with your home’s exterior may create an opportunity for termites to infiltrate your home’s interior.

Geography

Another factor that affects how likely your home is to be at risk for termites depends on geography. The map shown here was developed by the US Forest Service and serves as a depiction of an estimate of various subterranean termite zones based on studies conducted by the Forest Service. Typically, warmer, wetter climates are more likely to experience difficulties with termites. As you can see from the map, Indiana is at a moderate to heavy risk for termites.

Beyond considering the risk factors for termites and understanding how houses get termites in the first place, it is also very important to keep an eye out for signs of termites. This may require termite inspection from a professional pest control company.

What Can I Do to Protect My Home against Termites?

Along with following the prevention tips above, contacting YES Pest Pros for help preventing or stopping termite damage can save you thousands of dollars in the long run. To schedule a free inspection, follow this link , or give us a call today.

The post Is My Home at Risk for Termites? appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

What Happens to Termites in the Winter?

Thu, 14 Feb 2019 18:22:00 GMT

Termites are known as hidden threats, causing more damage to structures in the US than fires or storms. In fact, according to the National Pest Management Association , termites are responsible for an estimated $5 billion in property damage annually in the US. Whoa!

Generally, we tend not to think too much about pests until we have an issue with them. Unfortunately, this doesn’t really work with termites . We recommend you learn a bit about them now to prevent them from making your home their next meal.

When are termites active?

Clearly, discovering a termite infestation in your home can cause financial headaches, but it can be an emotionally trying experience as well. The thought of thousands of tiny insects silently feasting on your largest investment is enough to upset anyone. Once termites infest a property, they feed 24/7 – even through winter. Worst of all, most property insurance policies don’t cover termite damage.

Many people believe that termites are only active during the spring and summer months. Though flying, reproductive termites swarm in the spring, and thus become visible to homeowners, the colonies themselves remain active all year.

While many other types of pests slow down their activity in the cooler months, termites may actually ramp up their tunneling activity during this time. As cool weather approaches, termites burrow deeper into soil and wood to say warm. As long as they are warm, they can continue to keep working. And as long as they keep working, they keep threatening your home.

Termite infestations rarely begin in winter, but as discussed above, termites in an existing infestation may still remain active. Infestations typically begin during fall, when they seek out moist, decaying wood that they can burrow through easily. If this wood happens to belong to your home, they won’t stop tunneling all through the winter.

How can I tell if I have termites?

Many homeowners first notice signs of a termite problem during the spring when the termites begin their reproductive cycles. There are a few telltale signs of termites to keep an eye out for.

Mud Tubes

Most termite species cannot crawl freely on the open ground like ants or other pests. Instead, they build mud tubes to serve as roads between their colony and food sources.

Wood Damage

Termite activity can be evidenced by wood damage in areas such as a firewood stack, under mulch, and beams of your porch.

Swarmers

When a termite nest reaches maturity, the colony will produce a king and queen who will leave the nest to mate and spread to another colony. These termites are called swarmers because of their wings. They do not live long, but if you see them, they are a sure sign of a mature termite colony.

Wings

Even if you don’t see the swarmers themselves, you may notice the wings that they shed during their mating process. The wings are transparent and silvery, an often found on window sills, driveways, walkways, and porches.

How can I prevent termites?

Preventing a termite infestation on your own typically starts with moisture control. Check around the perimeter of your home from the outside looking for any plumbing leaks. Check every faucet, hose, utility connection, and even the AC unit. Any amount of standing water could cause damage to your home and attract termites. Next, make sure your yard is free of excess moisture. Make sure your gutters and downspouts aren’t clogged and are sending water at least 10 feet from your home. Finally, look for any vulnerable wood around your home. Try to cover up any wood that isn’t at least 5 inches away from the soil.

By far, the best thing you can do to prevent termites from destroying your home is to contact a local pest control company. Termites can be extremely difficult to control and exterminate on your own . And even if you are successful in eliminating one colony, there are often more nearby. A professional will have the tools and knowledge to get the job done quickly and efficiently.

The post What Happens to Termites in the Winter? appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

What You Need to Know About Stink Bugs

Thu, 24 Jan 2019 16:56:00 GMT

If you’ve lived in Indiana for long, you’ve probably noticed stink bugs in or around your home a few times. Known for their “smelly” reputation, stink bugs aren’t dangerous to people, but can damage crops and cause a nuisance to homeowners. Here are a few things you need to know about stink bugs in Indiana.

Stink bugs are not native to North America.

In the mid-1990s, stink bugs were accidentally introduced to North America from their native home of Eastern Asia. Although they are not native to the United States, the climate in the U.S. is ideal for them to thrive. The first stink bug in the U.S. was collected in Pennsylvania in 1996, but not recognized or identified until 2001. Today, stink bugs – specifically the brown marmorated stink bug – have been identified in 44 states and the District of Columbia.

Stink bugs are mainly an agricultural pest.

While stink bugs are not dangerous to humans, they have certainly been known to damage crops. Japanese farmers have seen widespread damage to their soybean crops thanks to stink bugs. American farmers have been fighting the same damage since the 1990s. Stinkbugs not only damage soybeans, but also apples, green beans, cherries, and other crops.

Stink bugs can become a household pest in fall and winter.

During the fall, stink bugs often make their way into homes, garages, and other structures to escape the winter weather. Once they’ve found shelter, they will enter a state of hibernation to wait out the winter. On occasion, a warm snap during the winter can be enough to trick the bugs out of hibernation and into activity. When this happens, they fly around clumsily and may seem to fall out of nowhere. Needless to say, this can be startling to unsuspecting homeowners.

Stink bugs aren’t dangerous to humans, but they do stink.

Stink bugs earned their name from their tendency to release an odor when disturbed or crushed. This odor, often described as similar to that of cilantro, is a defense mechanism meant to protect them from predators such as birds or lizards. Fortunately, they present no known threat to humans, they are not dangerous, and they are not known to carry disease. However, anyone who has ever had stink bugs in their home knows what a nuisance they can be.

Stink bugs release a pheromone to attract other stink bugs to a suitable home.

When a brown marmorated stink bug finds a location that will be suitable for overwintering (say, your home or garage), it releases a chemical called an aggregation pheromone. Although humans cannot detect this pheromone, its scent attracts other stink bugs to the area. (As a note, this is not the same as the scent stink bugs release when disturbed.) Because of this pheromone, if you find just one stink bug in your home during the fall months, removing it as quickly as possible can help prevent the arrival of others.

Stink bug infestations in your home can be prevented.

Stink bugs typically enter homes through windows and door frames, chimneys, and other openings. Sealing the exterior of the home is often the best method of preventing stink bug infestations. Link other insects, stink bugs are attracted to light, so using outdoor light bulbs with colors less likely to attract them (orange, pink, and yellow) may be helpful if you are seeing heavy populations around your home. If you already have stink bugs inside your home, don’t smash them. Instead, you can remove them with your vacuum hose or flush them down the toilet to keep the smell from spreading. And if the stink bug population (or any pest) in your home is really causing a stink, give Yes Pest Pros a call today.

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How to Check Your Hotel Room for Bed Bugs

Mon, 14 Jan 2019 17:11:00 GMT

Bed bugs are notoriously illusive little guys. In fact, most people who have a bed bug infestation in their homes never actually see the bugs themselves, rather they see evidence that the bugs have been there. And unfortunately, even in the nicest hotels, many bed bug infestations go unnoticed. With so many people coming and going, hotels tend to be a hotspot for bed bugs. To prevent bringing home unwanted guests, we recommend you always check your hotel room for bed bugs before you snuggle in for the night. Here are a few tips.

Step 1: Protect your belongings and prepare for the inspection.

First things first: don’t unpack anything until after you check your hotel room for bed bugs. Instead, just put your luggage on the luggage rack (usually in the closet) or inside the bathtub. Be sure to keep everything off of the floor until you’re finished with the inspection.

Next, there are a few “tools” you’ll need to be able to thoroughly inspect the room. Make sure you have some kind of flashlight – the flashlight on your phone should work. You’ll also need a credit card or something similar. You’ll use these to check in tight, dark areas where bed bugs like to hide.

Lastly, quickly read through this blog about signs of bed bugs so you know what you’re looking for. You’ll be keeping an eye out for copper-colored stains (excrement or blood spots), sticky, translucent eggs, or the bed bugs themselves, which are about 4mm long and usually dark brown or black.

Step 2: The Inspection.

Contrary to popular belief, bed bugs don’t just live on the bed, so you’re going to inspect a few other places in the room as well. Keep your flashlight and credit card handy so you can inspect each of the following places:

Bed Linens

Take all of the blankets and linens off of the bed. Lay the sheets out flat or as flat as possible. Inspect each sheet with your flashlight, paying particular attention to corners and folds.

Corners of the Mattress

Next, with your flashlight and credit card, you’re going to closely examine the folds and seams in the corner of the mattress. Use your credit card to get underneath the folds and creases in all four corners. Bed bugs often lay eggs in the creases around the bed’s corners. (Remember, they look like very small, clear or translucent beads.)

Mattress Seams and Folds

Just like you checked each corner with your flashlight and credit card, do the same in the seams along the perimeter of the bed. Anywhere there’s a crevice, check it!

Under the Mattress

While all of the linens are off of the bed, lift up the mattress itself to look beneath it. Bed bugs love to hide in dark, cramped spaces, especially during the day. Use your flashlight to look for any stains on the underside of the mattress.

Top of the Mattress

Now that you’ve checked in some of the most likely places you’d find bed bugs, work your way along the top of the mattress. Check closely for any of the signs we mentioned: eggs, bugs, or stains.

Headboard and Nightstand

Bed bugs will hide anywhere they think they’ll be able to get a meal, so check in other parts of the room as well. Use your flashlight to carefully inspect the grooves and any crevices in the headboard. Look behind and under the bed and nightstand.

Upholstery

In the same way you used your flashlight and credit card to check in crevices of the bed, check in folds and crevices of any upholstered furniture in the room.

Curtains

Finally, the last place you’ll check is inside the curtains. Smooth out any wrinkles in the curtains to be able to inspect either side of the curtains.

Step 3: Enjoy your vacation!

If you followed each step and saw no signs of bed bugs, it is very unlikely that you will be entertaining any uninvited guests on your vacation. We know it might be a pain to inspect your hotel room this thoroughly, but trust us, bed bugs are a lot more annoying than this! They can reproduce extremely quickly, so if you accidentally bring them home with you, you’ll have even more to deal with than a hotel room inspection.

Worried You Have Bed Bugs?

In the case you think you may have brought bed bugs home, check out this blog , and give us a call right away! If you think the steps above were thorough, you should see how we handle a bed bug infestation! We know a pest infestation of any kind can be a major stressor for homeowners. Let us help make sure you can relax even when you come home from your vacation.

The post How to Check Your Hotel Room for Bed Bugs appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

What Happens to Mosquitoes in Winter?

Mon, 31 Dec 2018 15:19:00 GMT

It seems the days leading up to the holidays are full of lively chatter, lights, and warm drinks by the fireplace. But, after the excitement passes, we’re left with only cold, biding our time until the days grow longer, and spring brings new life.

Although winter gets a bad rap, there is one thing in particular that we really don’t have to worry, or even think about, in winter: mosquitoes. It’s a common misconception that mosquitoes just simply die when the weather turns frigid. But what really happens to mosquitoes in winter?

Diapause

While many types of bugs do die off during colder months, mosquitoes are actually able to survive the winter. The process that allows them to survive colder temps differs by species.

Some mosquito species are able to survive winter in the egg stage. As temperatures turn colder, adult females deposit their final batch of eggs in items that can hold as little as a half-inch of water. While the adults eventually die, the eggs enter a state of diapause. This process suspends their development during the colder months.

As rainfall picks back up and temperatures rise again in spring, the dormant eggs are re-submerged in this rainfall. From there, they are able to hatch and start the next generation of mosquitoes, beginning this process again.

Glycerol

Other species of mosquitoes are able to survive winter by seeking shelter. After mosquitoes mate in the fall, the male dies, and the female finds shelter. These adult females spend winter hiding in piles of dead leaves, under loose tree bark, or in cracks in buildings.

When temperatures turn frigid, a biochemical process replaces some of the water in the mosquito’s body with a substance called glycerol. Glycerol, which acts like an antifreeze, does two things.

First, glycerol reduces ice formation within the mosquito’s cells so that water hardens but does not form ice crystals that can damage cells. With the help of glycerol, the mosquito’s tissues are able to freeze and thaw without any real damage.

Secondly, glycerol promotes supercooling. Supercooling lowers the temperatures at which a fluid freezes within the mosquito’s body. This means that the insects are able to survive temperatures below freezing. So, unless we face an unusually harsh winter, many mosquitoes will make it to spring.

Thanks to this biochemical process, the adult female mosquitoes that have survived winter return to their normal state as temperatures rise. They come out of hiding and look for a place to lay the eggs that have been fertilized since the previous fall. If the female is able to find a tasty meal of blood from a warm-blooded mammal (say, from you or me), she is able to survive for longer, lay more eggs, and begin yet another generation of mosquitoes.

Preventing Mosquitoes’ Return Now

Although mosquitoes aren’t at the top of our minds now, just wait a few months – they will be. Luckily, you can take action now to reduce your chances of a yard full of mosquitoes come spring and summer.

For now, you can enjoy your mosquito-free weather. However, if you find yourself in a mess of mosquitoes this spring, just give us a call!

The post What Happens to Mosquitoes in Winter? appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

What if I Stayed in a Hotel That Had Bed Bugs?

Fri, 14 Dec 2018 21:33:00 GMT

This time of year, it seems that we’re always on the move. The hustle and bustle of the season is exciting for many of us, and we cherish moments with friends and relatives. Often, travel is part of our holiday plans, and just adds to the magic of the season. But you know what’s not magical? Bed bugs. What if you stayed in a hotel that had bed bugs ? Or what if a relative that was coming to visit you had just been sleeping in a hotel with bed bugs? Now what?

Don’t Panic.

First things first, don’t panic. Just because you think (or are even positive) the hotel had bed bugs does not necessarily mean that you brought them home with you. Granted, bed bugs are notoriously difficult to eradicate on your own, so it’s a good idea to act as if you may have picked up a hitchhiking bed bug or two. If you kept your luggage away from the bed (say in the closet, or on the storage rack), your risk of bringing bed bugs home is lower.

Wash Everything.

Luckily, you probably don’t have to discard all of your belongings, but you do have to be careful not to bring them inside. When you get home, put all of your luggage and other belongs outside immediately. Place anything washable in a garbage bag and transport directly to the washing machine. Wash everything on a high temperature or sanitary cycle for at least 30 minutes. Placing everything in the dryer on the hottest setting for 30 minutes will also kill bed bugs and larvae. Immediately after you’re finished putting clothing in the washer, tie up and throw out the empty garbage bag in an outdoor trash bin.

Treat Anything Else.

Any luggage items such as toiletries, shoes, or jewelry that cannot be washed, should stay isolated outdoors until they can be carefully inspected and treated. To kill bed bugs with heat, place items in a plastic bag in a hot, sunny location and raise temps to 120 degrees for an hour or more. To kill bed bugs with cold, place items in a chest freezer for at least 24 hours. At-home insecticides are also available on the market, but use these with caution and do your research first.

Call a Pest Control Expert.

If you are still worried that you might bring bed bugs into your home, contact a local pest control company. They will be able to help you inspect your luggage and your home for any signs of infestation. They can also give you tips on what to look out for in the coming days and weeks.

For bed bugs in Columbus, Indiana, YES Pest Pros is the obvious choice in pest control. We have the tools, knowledge, and experience to get the job done quickly, efficiently, and safely. If you are worried you have bed bugs, just give us a call!

The post What if I Stayed in a Hotel That Had Bed Bugs? appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

Keeping Your Home Pest-Free for the Holidays

Wed, 28 Nov 2018 19:59:00 GMT

Ah, yes. The magic of the Holidays is upon us, friends. The lights, the music, the food, the fun. These are the moments that make memories, right?

Whether you’re hosting parties this season, or just cozying up by the fire with a mug of eggnog, you probably aren’t interested in entertaining any uninvited guests. And no, I’m not talking about the in-laws. I’m talking about bugs!

Pest control isn’t a thing we think a lot about during the colder months. Many of the most common pests in Indiana lay dormant in winter, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t deal with infestations. Here are a few tips for holiday pest control so you can get your merry on.

Inspect Holiday Decorations

Pests can get creative when it comes to getting inside a home. Most people store their holiday decorations in the attic, basement, or garage – perfect hiding spots for pests. Before bringing decorations in for the season, be sure to shake them off and inspect them for creepy crawlies. To prevent pests getting in your stored decorations next year, try storing them in air-tight sealed containers.

Be Mindful with Firewood

What’s better than the warm glow of a crackling fire during the holidays? Maybe the warm glow of a crackling fire that doesn’t include a home invasion by pests.

Stacks of firewood become the perfect home for all sorts of bugs, especially ants and spiders. When you bring firewood inside, you may be inadvertently inviting them in to your home for a visit. Before bringing wood inside, tap it on the ground to shake off any bugs that might be living in it. Avoid storing firewood indoors for too long to keep pests from making your home their home.

Having a stack of firewood near the house is convenient, but you probably don’t need a surplus stacked against your home year-round. Leaving the firewood next to your home all year encourages pests to make their home next to yours – a little too close for comfort, I’d say. After the season, move any unused firewood away from the home.

Check Trees, Plants, and Greenery

Many folks like to use fresh Christmas trees, wreaths, garland, and other live plants to decorate for the holidays. Live Christmas trees and other holiday plants are often home to spiders, insects, and other pests. Before bringing them inside your home, give them a gentle shake to knock any critters loose.

Another method to get rid of pests on live plants is to make a peppermint spray. Add about 20-30 drops of peppermint essential oil to water in a spray bottle. Most bugs are repelled by peppermint and other minty plants. Spraying interior plants and Christmas trees with this safe solution can help keep the bugs away. Bonus points: your house will smell even more Christmassy!

Call Yes Pest Pros

Of course, one of the easiest solutions to home pest control at any time of year is to call a professional. Whether you’re battling bed bugs , spiders, rodents in a crawlspace, or any other pests (except the in-laws – you’re on your own with that one), we’re your guys . Our team is a group of pest control experts who are continuously trained and ready to tackle any job. Give us a call today!

The post Keeping Your Home Pest-Free for the Holidays appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

Top Four Reasons You Should Invest in Annual Pest Protection for Your Business

Wed, 14 Nov 2018 18:48:00 GMT

You’ve spent countless hours building and maintaining your business. The last thing you want is for it to all come undone because of a pest problem! Save yourself some time, money, and stress by enrolling in annual pest protection for your business. Here are the top four reasons why.

Commercial property insurance typically does not cover pest damage.

From rodents, to termites, to bed bugs. There are plenty of pests that can cause structural damage to your commercial property or cause you to have to trash your furniture and start from scratch. Unfortunately, most typical commercial property insurance policies consider pest damage to be a maintenance problem, and is excluded from the plan. This means that they likely won’t cover any repairs or replacements due to pest damage. Investing in an annual pest protection plan for your business can save you the headache of trying to battle it out with the insurance company and the stress of repairing damage.

Preventing pest problems is cheaper and easier than eradicating an existing infestation.

They say that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and that saying couldn’t be truer than with pest control. Preventing a pest infestation is always the easiest form of pest control, hands down. Pest infestations can be hard for non-professionals to identify. By the time a business notices or is made aware of the problem, an infestation can be firmly established with large populations that can be difficult to eradicate. Enrolling in an annual pest protection plan for your business can ensure that pests are stopped in their tracks before they ever have a chance to reproduce and cause damage.

DIY pest control can be tricky, unsuccessful, and a liability.

Most people do not have the specialized training and knowledge that a pest control professional has to effectively eradicate pests. Trying to control a pest problem on your own can be time consuming and is often unsuccessful. What’s more, misuse of a pesticide by a business employee could result in liability to the business.

Pest problems in your business can damage your reputation.

Of course, for many business owners, the biggest fear during a pest infestation is the reputation of the business. It only takes one cockroach, one bed bug, one rodent sighting to send your customers away for good. That’s not a chance many business owners are willing to take. Making the investment in annual pest protection for your business can give you peace of mind knowing that your business and reputation are protected from pest problems.

Enroll your business in an annual pest protection plan today.

YES Pest Pros offers a full range of environmentally-friendly services performed by our licensed pest control professionals. We are dedicated to serving you using the latest, most effective products available.

During our scheduled service, your YES Pest Pros pest control expert will thoroughly inspect your business, treat where necessary, and provide a detailed report. Regular services occur at a frequency that is tailored to meet your needs and budget. Choose from quarterly, monthly, or bi-monthly service programs. Protect your facility against pest infestations before they begin.

Ready to invest in annual pest protection for your business? Give us a call or send us a message today!

The post Top Four Reasons You Should Invest in Annual Pest Protection for Your Business appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

Bat Removal in Columbus and Bloomington

Thu, 25 Oct 2018 09:13:00 GMT

Happy Halloween, Columbus!

Spiders, bats, owls, even black cats! As a pest control company, we find some humor in these typical Halloween decorations, but we get it! These guys can all be pretty creepy. However, the good news is that if you are educated about them, there is no need to be afraid of them.

In our last blog, we discussed one of the most feared household pests: spiders . Today, we’re going to talk about another misunderstood pest that gets a bad rap: bats.

Are bats dangerous?

Unfortunately, many people are afraid of bats simply because they do not understand them. The truth is that bats play an important role in our ecosystem. They are beneficial to controlling insect populations, pollinating plants, and spreading fruit seeds. Bats are not dangerous or aggressive, but, like any wild animal, they do carry some risk of diseases.

There are no vampire bats in Indiana. All of the bats here are insectivores, which means they eat only insects. Bats eat a tremendous number of insects each night in spring, summer, and fall, which can help homeowners control the insect population without using harmful pesticides.

It is a common misconception that bats are trying to attack humans when they swoop nearby. However, bats are blind and they search for insects using echolocation. Since insects are attracted to people, if a bat swoops near you, it is likely that it is just trying to home in on the insects around you. If a bat lands on you or touches you, it is purely by accident.

Bats are not aggressive and rarely bite humans. In fact, almost every person who gets bit by a bat does so because they pick up a sick or injured bat. Like any other wild animal, bats should never be handled, especially when found on the ground or in a home.

Although getting bit by a bat is unlikely, there is always the chance that a bat could carry a disease like rabies. A very low percentage of bats actually ever contract rabies, but if you get bitten or scratched by a bat (or any other wild animal), seek immediate medical attention.

Although bats are meticulous about their hygiene and grooming habits, they can carry parasites like fleas, ticks, and bat bugs, which are pests themselves and have been known to carry diseases.

The smell associated with bats is due to the accumulation of bat droppings, called guano, under their roosting areas. Guano can contain fungal spores that can cause histoplasmosis, a disease that attacks the lungs.

Is it illegal to kill bats in Indiana?

In Indiana, bats are a protected species . In fact, some types of bats are endangered, and others are of special concern. This means that it is illegal to catch, trap, harm, or kill an Indiana bat unless you are a licensed animal control technician that is licensed through the state.

Trying to trap or remove bats on your own can do more harm than good in many cases, and it is illegal. This is why it is crucial that you contact a pest control professional if you need bat removal.

Bats are useful and advantageous to our ecosystem and environment. They are misunderstood creatures that are actually intelligent and fascinating. They are excellent at insect and mosquito control, and the only mammal capable of true flight!

So, don’t sweat it next time you see a bat. Instead, just take a moment to appreciate their valuable qualities. Then, call YES Pest Pros for affordable bat removal in Columbus.

Call YES Pest Pros for professional and DNR licensed bat removal services in Columbus and Bloomington. We are highly trained and qualified bat removal and control specialists with years of experience in the industry. We provide a range of bat control services, such as removal, prevention, DIY advice, and more. Call us today to learn more about bat removal and control in Columbus and Bloomington.

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Indiana Spiders: Helpful or Harmful?

Sun, 14 Oct 2018 17:28:00 GMT

According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, there are more than 400 species of spiders in Indiana. If you live in one of the many rural farming communities in Indiana, it is likely that you see a few of these little guys in your home every day. Luckily, only two of these species are capable of inflicting serious injury on humans – brown recluse spiders and black widow spiders.

Brown Recluse Spiders

When outstretched, a brown recluse spider is about the size of a half-dollar. They are unusual because they only have six eyes, whereas most spiders have eight.

They often have a dirt or sandy brown body, with a darker brown violin-shaped marking on their back. Although many people are taught to identify a brown recluse by this violin shape, many spiders have this marking, so this alone is not a significant enough to identify a brown recluse. Many common house or jumping spiders have stripes on their legs, whereas a brown recluse does not. So, if you see a spider with striped legs, it it not a brown recluse and you have no need to worry.

Brown recluse spiders often live in dark, dry areas such as sheds or barns. As stated above, they are not aggressive and do not want to bother you. However, because their bites are venomous, if you see one, you should contact a local pest control company.

You can find more on how to identify a brown recluse spider here , or how to identify a brown recluse spider bite here.

Black Widow Spiders

Named for their unusual ritual following mating during which the female sometimes kills and eats the male, only adult females are venomous; males and juveniles are harmless. They spin irregularly-shaped webs and like to build them near the ground. Female black widows are most identifiable by their shiny black bodies with red or yellow markings (usually an hourglass shape) on their bellies. They are much smaller than the brown recluse, about the size or a penny with their legs outstretched.

Although black widow spiders bites are rare, you definitely don’t want to mess with these guys (ahem, ladies). If you see one in your home, just call us.

Learn how to identify a black widow spider here , and learn to identify a black widow spider bite here.

Other Types of Spiders in Indiana

So what about the other 398 species of spiders in Indiana? Well, we’re happy to say they’re pretty harmless . Some of them may bite if they feel threatened, but it their bites are not venomous and will not cause injury. If anything, you can feel encouraged by the presence of spiders – they’re doing you a favor and ridding your home of other pests!

Of course, that doesn’t mean you really want them around. If you aren’t too keen on these eight-legged friends, give us a call.

The post Indiana Spiders: Helpful or Harmful? appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

Weather Effects on Pest Patterns in Indiana

Tue, 25 Sep 2018 09:17:00 GMT

We all know that the weather can affect our energy bills, what we choose to wear, and even our moods. But have you ever considered the weather effects on pest patterns?

Here in Indiana, we have a saying. “If you don’t like the weather, just wait ten minutes. It’ll change.” If you’ve been a Hoosier for long, you know that saying holds truth. From extreme summers, to frigid winters, and everything in-between, weather effects on pest patterns in Indiana plays a big role in which pests we have to deal with and when they are at their worst.

Fall

As the temperatures begin to drop in the fall, many pests and insects will prepare for winter. As a result, you may start to see an influx of insects such as spiders or beetles coming into your home. These pests often stay out of sight and go unnoticed, and are usually harmless.

However, larger pests such as mice or chipmunks may be searching for an entry point into the home. Fall is an important time to make sure that any cracks, holes, or gaps are sealed. Following some simple preventative pest control maintenance procedures in the fall can pay off in the winter months.

Winter

For most insects and pests, winter weather indicates that it is time to find shelter for the season. Many pests hibernate to conserve energy and avoid extreme climates. Others migrate to warmer weather. Some species outlast the winter months by remaining only in nymph, egg, or larvae stages underground or in the water.

Other pests, such as rodents , are not as tolerant of winter weather any may seek shelter indoors. Pests who have found a way into the home often take residence in basements, attics, crawl spaces , and even inside the walls themselves. Be sure to contact a professional right away if you suspect a pest infestation in the winter months. Rodents can spread disease and damage the home.

Spring

As the ground begins to thaw and temperatures rise from spring, most pests begin to awaken from their dormant state. With the mix of warmth and moisture from spring showers, pests emerge from their winter nesting spots and activity increases. Bees and wasps awaken, termites swarm, and rains often bring ants indoors in search of dry ground.

Not only are pests becoming more active during the spring months, but they also begin their mating season. We often see increased activity as these pests are finding a suitable location for their nests, seeking food and water, and looking to mate.

Although the majority of pest movement in spring occurs outdoors, some pests will be looking for protected places, such as a home or barn to build a nest. Keep an eye out for any changes you notice inside your home, such as an ant invasion or other evidence of pest activity. Remaining aware of insect patterns around the home each spring will help you better notice any abnormal pest behavior to stop an infestation before it starts.

Summer

As the temperatures continue to rise and rain showers become less frequent, summer typically offers a reprieve from insects seeking shelter indoors. Usually, all they need is outside: food water, mates, and shelter.

Mosquitos aren’t the only pests to look out for in summer. Other common summertime insects include ticks, bees , and wasps . Bees and wasps may build nests in openings of your home, beneath overhangs, or in the ground near the foundation. Like mosquitoes, ticks , bees, and wasps can present health risks to humans. You can help keep these pests from establishing a presence in your yard by enrolling in an annual pest control program like this one.

Being Aware of Seasonal Pest Patterns Can Keep Them at Bay

Paying attention to the seasonal pest patterns in your area can help keep them at bay. You’ll be able to catch an infestation before it starts and take action to prevent further damage.

To schedule a free inspection or enroll in our annual pest protection program, submit this contact form, or give us a call at (812)376-7575 today.

The post Weather Effects on Pest Patterns in Indiana appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

Five DIY Pest Prevention Tips for Fall Pests in Indiana

Thu, 13 Sep 2018 19:44:00 GMT

During the cooler months, most of us don’t pay as much attention to the outside of our home as we do during spring and summer. The weather is cooling down, the leaves have fallen off the trees, and plants don’t require as much maintenance. However, failing to maintain the outside of your home can create a welcoming invitation for many types of fall pests , especially as they seek a warm place to wait out the winter.

The saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” certainly applies to pest control. While preventative pest control can help no matter the season, there are few things you can do in the fall to help deter pests through the cooler months.

Keep basements, attics, and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry.

Many types of pests love good soggy crawl space and are often attracted to areas with a lot of moisture. Seal all openings in crawl spaces and attics and use a dehumidifier in basements and garages to help keep these areas dry.

Replace weather-stripping and repair loose mortar around the foundation and windows.

Keeping these areas well-sealed not only prevents pests from entering but can help keep cold air out of the house as well.

Seal cracks or other openings on the outside of the home.

You can often make these repairs yourself by using caulk and steel wool. Be sure to pay close attention to where utility pipes enter the home These are ideal entry points for pests. Some rodents can fit through a hole even as small as a dime! Repairing torn screens and installing a door sweep can also help seal entry points.

Move firewood away from the home.

Stacks of firewood are especially attractive to pests such as termites, as they serve both as shelter and a food supply. Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your home and store it off the ground if possible. Removing areas where pests can hide near your home can reduce the chances of them finding a way inside.

Inspect decorations or items that have been stored outside before you bring them into your home.

Pests can get creative when it comes to getting inside a home. Before you store cushions or patio furniture, be sure to shake them off and inspect them for pests. Likewise, any decorations that you bring into your home from the basement, garage, or attic should be inspected as well.

Of course, if your preventative efforts seem like a lost cause or if you suspect an infestation, we are here to help. To schedule an inspection, ask questions, or get our opinion, just give us a call or submit this contact form. We are eager to hear from you!

The post Five DIY Pest Prevention Tips for Fall Pests in Indiana appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

Ways to Get Rid of Bed Bugs

Mon, 27 Aug 2018 09:29:00 GMT

Even though bed bugs aren’t known to spread disease, they can cause an itchy rash and can certainly cause a good deal of anxiety for a homeowner. So what should you do if you suspect bed bugs ? Here is a basic list of your options to get rid of bed bugs.

1. Go the “do nothing” route and hope for the best.

While we certainly don’t recommend this option, it is, of course, still an option. We know that sometimes, bug problems can be seasonal and can just go away on their own. However, that is not true with bed bugs. Bed bugs reproduce extremely quickly and are very resilient. A female bed bug can lay up to 500 eggs in her lifetime and they can live up to 18 months with food. And, in fact, adult bed bug can live up to five months without even eating a blood meal! So, even an unoccupied home can host bed bugs. If you go this route, just know that the infestation will not get better. It will inevitably get worse and you will find yourself with more damage and headache than when you first discovered the problem.

2. Attempt DIY bed bug control.

If you suspect a bed bug problem, you might want to attempt some DIY bed bug control before calling a professional. (As you’ll see below we offer a free inspection and consultation, so if you even suspect bed bugs, it can’t hurt to give us a call.) Most DIY bed bug control options just include cleaning, reducing clutter, and removing items that are hosting bed bugs. When attempting to clean an area with bed bugs, be mindful that items from the infested area can transfer bed bugs to other areas. It is best to bag them in plastic while still in the room.

• Reduce clutter (stuffed animals, books, papers, electronics, etc.)
• Launder or discard infested garments and linens
• Remove dresser drawers to check for bed bugs and clean
• Dismantle bed frames to clean
• Scrub infested areas with a stiff brush to remove eggs
• Vacuum extensively

3. Call a professional for bed bug removal.

By far, the easiest and most efficient way to get rid of bed bugs is to just call a professional. Many companies offer a free inspection, so you can get an idea of how bad the infestation is and what your options are. In general, most pest control companies deal with bed bugs in two ways: heat treatment and fumigation .

Whole room heat treatment for bed bugs

During a heat treatment remediation service, a pest control specialist will use specially designed equipment to raise the temperature in the home or business to kill all stages of bed bugs (adults, nymphs, and eggs). Remote thermometers will be placed throughout the structure to make sure the right temperature (usually between 135°F and 145°F) is reached. A heat treatment typically takes between six and eight hours, depending on the condition of the area being treated.

Fumigation for bed bugs

Fumigation is a pest control method where a structure is completely filled with a gaseous pesticide, often Vikane, to suffocate or poison pests within the enclosed space. There are two fumigation methods. One method is to seal the structure with plastic, tape, or other sealing materials. The other method is to completely enclose the structure in a “tent” of vinyl-coated nylon.

Call YES Pest Pros for a free bed bug inspection.

We strongly recommend against trying to get rid of bed bugs by yourself. It is extremely difficult to get rid of bed bugs without the help of a professional. Using various methods of bed bug control, we aim to solve your bed bug problems in one visit. Early detection and treatment of a bed bug infestation is key to successful extermination, so whether you are certain of, or just suspect an infestation, call YES Pest Pros today to set up a free inspection and consultation.

Connect with us on Facebook , submit this online contact form , or give us a call today at (812)376-7575.

The post Ways to Get Rid of Bed Bugs appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

Signs of Bedbugs

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 14:42:00 GMT

There are a lot of myths surrounding bedbugs and bedbug infestations. For example, many people believe that bedbugs are microscopic or just very small. The truth is, though, that bedbugs are great at hiding in areas away from the light, where they are unlikely to be found. They usually spend a lot of time on a bed because that’s where they can feast on blood for a without being disturbed. They usually feed from three to 10 minutes until they become engorged before they go back into hiding until the next night. While bedbugs are certainly illusive, there are a few telltale signs of bedbugs infestations .

1. You notice itchy spots when you wake up in the morning that weren’t there before.

Most bedbug bites are initially painless, but later turn into itchy welts. They can appear on any area of skin exposed while sleeping. The bites may be difficult to identify, as they can sometimes be confused for flea bites, eczema, or fungal infections, and some people do not react to bedbug bites at all.

2. There are blood spots on your sheets and blankets.

Typically, the blood spots on the sheet or blankets are caused by the bedbugs becoming crushed (because, for example, you roll over in your sleep) after they have feasted on your blood.

3. There are dark or rusty spots of bedbug excrement on your sheets, mattress, blankets, or pillows.

Bedbug excrement can often be seen on sheets and mattresses that are lightly colored. It is dark or rusty brown in color and will often bleed like a marker spot on fabric.

4. You notice bedbug egg shells or shed skin in area bed bugs may hide.

Eggs and eggshells are tiny (about 1mm in diameter) and appear clear or white in color. Nymphs, or baby bedbugs, must shed their exoskeleton five times before becoming a full-grown adult. The skins they shed may appear pale yellow or brown and can vary in size.

5. You find live bedbugs.

Obviously, if you see live bedbugs, you know that you have a problem. Small-scale infestations can sometimes be difficult to identify correctly , though, because they are often mistaken for carpet beetles or other insects.

What should I do if I have bedbugs?

A female bedbug can lay hundreds of eggs in her lifetime and they are surprisingly resilient. This is why bedbugs are notoriously difficult to get rid of on your own . At the first sign of bedbugs, it is imperative that you call a pest control professional right away.

If you see some of these signs of bedbugs in your home, call YES Pest Pros today. Connect with us on Facebook , submit this online contact form , or give us a call at (812)376-7575 now.

The post Signs of Bedbugs appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

Common Fumigation Questions Answered Part Two

Mon, 30 Jul 2018 08:22:00 GMT

When pests invade, there are many options for eradication. Fumigation is one of the most effective forms of pest control. In a sense, it is like flipping the “reset” switch. It is a powerful weapon to use against pests and you might say that fumigation is “in tents.” In this blog, we take a look at some of the most common questions people have about fumigation.

(Also see our last blog for more answers to your fumigation questions.)

Is fumigation dangerous?

Absolutely . Fumigation is used for one reason – because it is poisonous. It is used to suffocate or poison pests throughout the entire structure. Before fumigation begins, you must remove all living things, including plants, pets, and people. You should also remove all consumables such as food, medicine, and hygiene items.

Why do we have to remove our food?

Fumigants are powerful gasses that are dangerous even to humans, and no chances should be taken. Food that is not in cans must be removed from the home, or double-bagged in the provided bags for protection.

Do I need to wash my dishes and clothes after fumigation?

No. The fumigants do not leave a residue, so they do not need to be washed off after the treatment. However, in our experience, many customers prefer to wash their dishes for peace of mind.

Are leftover fumigants dangerous?

No. There are no leftover fumigants. After the tent is removed, the gases used in fumigation will dissipate quickly. No harmful gases will remain in the structure.

Why is a tent used during fumigation?

Fumigants are dangerous to humans. A building is sealed, often with a large tent, to keep dangerous fumigants where they are supposed to be.

Are buildings the only things that can be fumigated?

No. This pest control option can be as big or as small as it needs to me. From large warehouses, to a single piece of furniture, anything can be tented.

Will my home be safe during fumigation?

Yes. We take exceptional measures to make sure your home and belongings stay safe during fumigation. We will consult with you to make sure you understand your responsibilities to prepare your home for fumigation and will be available for any questions you may have. The gases we use are not only EPA approved, but they are non-corrosive, non-staining, and non-flammable. When you return home, you’ll find it just as it was when you left it.

Still have fumigation questions?

YES Pest Pros is Columbus and Bloomington Indiana’s top choice for pest control. With over 30 years in the industry, we have the knowledge and experience to meet your needs. Connect with us on Facebook, submit this online contact form , or give us a call today.

The post Common Fumigation Questions Answered Part Two appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

Answers to Your Questions About Fumigation

Sun, 15 Jul 2018 16:43:00 GMT

While preventative pest control is always the best pest control method, there are plenty of situations where pests are still a problem. From causing property damage, to spreading disease, to being downright creepy, bugs and pests can cause a lot of problems for homeowners. Fumigation is an effective way to remove many types of invasive pests. In this blog, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about fumigation .

What is fumigation?

How long does fumigation take?

The length of the fumigation treatment depends on the scale of the infestation, but in general the fumigation process itself typically takes around 6-8 hours. However, because the fumigants are poisonous, you cannot be in your home during the fumigation or in the days following the treatment. You should plan to be out of the house for three days and two nights unless special arrangements are made.

Which pests can fumigation kill?

Fumigation is used to eradicate several types of pests, including termites , bed bugs , spiders, rodents , wood boring beetles, cockroaches , and more. For most of these pests, fumigation is used as a last resort because it is such an intensive process. However, depending on the type of pest and scale of the infestation, it may be recommended immediately by your exterminator.

What do we need to do to prepare our home for fumigation?

To prepare your home for fumigation, you must remove all living things from the home, including plants, pets, and people. You should also remove all consumable items, such as medication, food, tobacco, and hygiene items. Your exterminator may also provide special bags that can be used to protect food and hygiene items if desired. Open all cabinets, doors, and windows to allow the gasses to penetrate the entire structure. (Read this article for more thorough preparation instructions.)

Still have questions about fumigation?

Fumigation is one of the most effective ways to eradicate pests, but it is not to be taken lightly. If you have more questions about fumigation, connect with us on Facebook , submit this online contact form , or give us a call.

The post Answers to Your Questions About Fumigation appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

Top Eight Industries that Need Pest Control in Indiana

Fri, 29 Jun 2018 07:46:00 GMT

Any business owner knows how important a good reputation is to their business. One sure-fire way to damage that reputation is a pest infestation. More than that, though, a pest infestation can be downright dangerous to customers and employees. Many pests carry disease, which can also be a serious liability for the business owner. We’ve compiled a list of the top eight industries that need pest control in Indiana.

8. Multi-Family Housing

Property managers constantly work to ensure the profitability, property value, and housing quality of the properties they manage. Their tenants trust them to provide a safe housing environment . A pest infestation can strain the tenant-manager relationship, put tenants at risk, and result in liability issues for the property manager.

7. Grocery Stores

When it comes to grocery stores and supermarkets, there are few things that can scare away consumers like a pest sighting. Shoppers want to feel safe, knowing that where they’re purchasing their food is pest-free.

6. Hospitality

More than any other industry, consumers expect a hotel to cater to their needs and provide a comfortable, safe experience. Nothing can ruin a guest’s experience (and your reputation!) like a pest infestation. Cockroaches, bed bugs, rodents, and even ants and flies can drive guests away and leave them with a poor impression of your brand.

5. Pharmaceutical

Every year, pests cause an enormous loss in the pharmaceutical industry through contamination of raw product, compromised pharmaceuticals, and damaged equipment. Physicians, pharmacies, clinics, and patients all depend on pharmaceuticals to provide a clean, safe, and hygienic production of their supplies. A pest infestation can ruin your brand reputation, or worse – put the public at risk.

4. Food and Beverage

Public awareness about food quality and safety is increasing thanks to social media and easy access to health inspection data. Concern about food-borne illness and sanitation, and news of a pest infestation can put food and beverage processors under scrutiny.

3. Restaurants

When your business revolves around food, that last thing you want to worry about is a damaged reputation due to a pest sighting. A diner’s restaurant experience that involves pests can go viral in seconds, and just one negative review can cause irreparable damage to your brand.

2. Schools

Pests can make their homes anywhere – even in schools and universities . Pest control issues in a school and disrupt class and put staff and students at risk. Pest control problems in a dorm building can spread from room to room very quickly. Pests can not only be a nuisance, but they can pose a health risk and become dangerous for staff and students in the facility.

1. Healthcare

If you run a hospital, nursing home, or senior living facility, you have no time for pests. By their nature, healthcare facilities are busy places and it can be difficult to prevent pests from entering. More than a nuisance, though, these pests can pose a serious risk not only to your reputation, but to the safety of your patients and staff.

Keep your reputation, your business, your staff, and your customers safe! YES Pest Pros will help you address your pest control problem areas and make environmentally-friendly recommendations with a pest control plan customized to fit your needs. Connect with us on Facebook , submit this online contact form , or give us a call today!

The post Top Eight Industries that Need Pest Control in Indiana appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

Talkin’ Trash: Ways You are Accidentally Attracting Pests to Your Home

Fri, 15 Jun 2018 12:06:00 GMT

Of course, none of us actually want a pest infestation. Chances are, the moment we think something’s up, we start paying extra attention to what is causing pests and looking for ways to get rid of them. But what about preventing pest infestations in the first place? There are a few common things you might be doing that are actually attracting pests to your home by mistake.

You offer pests a free lunch.

There may be no such thing as a free lunch, but when it comes to pests, you’re stuck footing the bill. Leaving dirty dishes in the sink, garbage cans uncovered, and food out on the counter can be a pretty appealing to insects. Deter pests by keeping all food (including pet food) in sealed containers instead of rolled and sealed with a clip. Wipe up fruit juice or other sticky, sugary spills right away.

You’re a casual gardener.

Landscaping pros know that pine straw, compost piles, and untrimmed hedges or lawns attract insects faster than spring bulbs in bloom. Discourage pests by keeping your lawn and garden neat and keep plants two to three feet away from the perimeter of the house.

You’re a pack rat.

Nothing says “home” to pests like a pile of junk. Papers piled in drawers, clutter shoved in closets, and boxes of things you never found time to unpack can create a field day for pests.

You like fresh air.

Leaving windows and doors open for insects can Even once the kids are finally trained to close the door when they go in and out of the house, pests can still find ways in. Vents, fireplaces, broken window screens, and cracks in the window and door frames can all be entry points for pests.

You like fresh fruit.

Most of the time, fruit flies enter your home as a few lucky eggs who are able to hitch a ride on fresh produce from the grocery store. Store all produce in the fridge, where the cold temperature will not allow the eggs to hatch. Wash your fruits and veggies before eating or cooking with them.

Your home is a little soggy.

Lots of pests love moisture, and if it’s there, they’ll find it. Fix the leak in the bathroom. Don’t leave dishes in the sink overnight. Control moisture in the basement with a dehumidifier.

You live around trees.

Being out in nature is beautiful, until it finds its way into your home in unwanted ways. Ticks , spiders, and little critters like chipmunks and mice all love living around trees. The best way to deal with pests in a home that is situated in trees is to just hire a professional like YES Pest Pros for ongoing pest control.

Despite out best efforts, sometimes we just need a little help from a professional. Whether you have a pest problem right now, or just want to make sure that doesn’t happen, YES Pest Pros is eager to help. Give us a call, submit this online contact form , or connect with us on Facebook to see what we can do for you.

The post Talkin’ Trash: Ways You are Accidentally Attracting Pests to Your Home appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

Keeping Pests Out of Your Crawl Space

Tue, 29 May 2018 17:12:00 GMT

Have you been hearing something scuttling around in the ceiling? Heard scratching sounds coming from your walls? Seen piles of dirt or rodent droppings just outside your home? No, it’s not a horror film. It sounds like you might have rodents living in your crawl space.

Left to live in your crawl space, rodents will gladly take the opportunity to nest in your home where they will likely cause a lot of damage. As if rodents weren’t bad enough, wood-eaters and insects such as termites , cockroaches , and spiders also love the moist environment of an unmaintained crawl space. Here are a few steps you can take to protect your crawl space from rodents and other pests.

What is a crawl space?

A crawl space is an area of the home with limited height (where an individual would have to crawl) between the ground and underside of your house which gives access to plumbing and electrical wiring. A crawl space is like an open door for rodents and other pests to gain access to the interior of your home. Once inside, pests can follow air ducts, electrical wiring, or water pipes into the rest of the home.

You probably don’t visit your home’s crawl space often, which makes it more vulnerable to mold or pest infestations than other areas. If you don’t properly care for it, you may be harming your home without even knowing it!

How can I keep pests out of my home’s crawl space?

Step One: Seal all openings.

Even the smallest hole is enough of an invitation for rodents such as mice or moles. Check both the interior and exterior of the crawl space for holes, cracks, or other openings. Seal everything with caulk, foam insulation, or wood.

Step Two: Spread a vapor barrier.

One reason crawl spaces are so appealing to rodents and pests is because they are often damp. Protect your crawl space from moisture by spreading a vapor barrier such as a thick rubber membrane or strong plastic.

Step Three: Set traps.

Lay traps around the area where you suspect rodent activity. Continually inspect your traps and remove any that have been tripped. When you find that there has been rodent activity, identify the point of entry and seal it.

Step Four: Call a professional for help.

If you believe you already have a pest infestation, it is especially important to call a professional first. Many rodents and pests are known to carry diseases. Whether you’ve tried all or none of these steps, calling a professional can only help. They have experience, knowledge, and tools that you don’t have access to.

The post Keeping Pests Out of Your Crawl Space appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

How to Prepare Your Home for Fumigation

Mon, 14 May 2018 10:24:00 GMT

From causing property damage, to spreading disease, to being downright creepy , bugs and pests can cause a lot of anxiety to homeowners . Fumigation is an effective way to remove many types of invasive pests.

For some infestations, fumigation may be a necessary step for pest removal. Fumigants are, of course, poisonous to pests , but can also be harmful to house plants, pets, and people, so it’s important to take precautions. Here’s what you need to know to prepare your home for fumigation.

Remove all plants and animals.

This should be common sense, but it is important, so we’ll say it again. Fumigation is dangerous if not used properly! Before the fumigator comes, please be sure to remove all plants and pets away from the home.

Remove all food items and anything consumable to store off-site.

Anything consumable could be contaminated by the fumigants, so they need to be removed and stored off-site. This includes all food, medicine, dental products, tobacco, and pet food.

Make sure you have alternative lodging.

Once fumigation begins, you will not be allowed to reenter the home, so make sure you have somewhere else to stay for two to three days. Talk to the fumigator about how long the process is expected to last so you can make arrangements.

Rake gravel and mulch at least a foot away from your foundation.

Being able to seal the area is a big piece of the fumigation-puzzle. Removing items that may obstruct the tent is important. Your fumigator will talk to you about items that may need to be moved away from the perimeter of the home. These may include gravel, mulch, and plants.

Unlock and open all doors and cabinets.

Allowing the fumigant to pass through every space is what makes it so effective in removing pests. Unlock and open all doors, cabinets, drawers, appliances, and safes. Also, raise all blinds and window coverings to the fumigator has access to every area.

Talk to your pest control professional about the process.

Prior to fumigation , YES Pest Pros will schedule a consultation with you to discuss the process of fumigation, your responsibilities, and timeframe. At this time, we will be able to answer all of your questions and help you feel prepared for the process.

The post How to Prepare Your Home for Fumigation appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

Thinking about DIY Fumigation for Bed Bugs? Stop.

Fri, 20 Apr 2018 07:00:00 GMT

Bed bugs are an increasingly common in America. They’re found in all 50 states and are present in any living condition, even clean ones. But although home and business owners hate these pests, they sometimes won’t hire a professional pest control service to eliminate them and will choose a less-surefire DIY method to deal with the situation. Sometimes, people will even go as far as trying to attempt DIY bed bug fumigation .

For many reasons, this is a bad idea.

What is Fumigation?

Fumigation is the process of filling an encapsulated (tented, enclosed, sealed) area with gases, which suffocate or otherwise kill pests. Yes Pest Pros specifically uses Vikane ® gas to kill off bed bugs and bed bug eggs.

Why Homeowners Attempt DIY Fumigation

Fumigation evidently seems simple enough for do-it-yourselfers to attempt, as a number of Google searches shows. People attempt DIY fumigation for various reasons, which boil down to price and convenience. Homeowners and small-business owners can drive to the store anytime and purchase cheap products in an attempt to eradicate their pests. While this may seem like a great idea, the benefit is only short-lived.

What Goes Wrong with DIY Fumigation

The first issue is the effectiveness of the products these DIY fumigators use. For fumes to effectively kill bed bugs and their eggs, the pests need exposed to the fumes for several hours. DIY fumigators are unlikely to achieve the length of time and concentration of gas required to completely eliminate bed bugs because they cannot seal off their home or business the way a professional pest control company can. The fumes, therefore, are able to dissipate before they fill in the nooks and crannies where bedbugs hide and before the gasses reach a concentration that will absolutely kill the bed bugs.

If DIY fumigation doesn’t eliminate bed bugs, do-it-yourselfers will have to return to the store and repeat the process — and expense — if they don’t want to hire a professional the second time.

The second issue has to do with safety. Fumigating involves chemicals that can potentially harm or kill your family, pets, and animals if used incorrectly or without proper training. And depending on the type of fumigant, its danger may not simply disappear after the fumes have dissipated. Items exposed to the fumes may need disposed in a certain way.

Therefore, if you do decide to DIY fumigate — which we do not recommend — you must decide whether the risk is worth the dollars you’ll save and make sure you carefully read all the safety warnings and requirements on the fumigant of your choice and follow instructions to the letter.

Hiring a Pest Control Professional is Worth It

It may seem appealing to attempt to fumigate bed bugs on your own in order to save money, hiring a professional is well worth the investment in the long-run. Hiring a professional guarantees that the right chemicals are used in your house and that the bed bugs are ultimately destroyed.

Professionals are good choices, too, because they have encountered many problems that commonly come up during fumigation. Plus they have the training and licensing that helps them complete their jobs competently. Professionals familiarize themselves with the products they use to severely limit the risk for building occupants.

In our opinion, the risks far out way the rewards when it comes to DIY fumigation. Hiring a reliable company takes away the risks, however, and with certainty can get your life back to normal. Take advantage of the experience and up-to-date training a professional staff offers.

The post Thinking about DIY Fumigation for Bed Bugs? Stop. appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

Getting Rid of Cockroaches with Vikane

Sun, 15 Apr 2018 14:26:00 GMT

Homeowners across the globe deal with unsavory insects and critters infesting their residence. Infestations, whether insects or creepy critters, affect the structural integrity of a home and the health of all those inside. A cockroach infestation is among the list of creatures no one wants in their home. However, it can be eliminated through fumigation.

Health Hazards

Cockroaches live in all kinds environments and travel up into homes and buildings searching for food and warmth. As they travel around the ground, cockroaches leave behind bacteria, parasites, and pathogens . These remnants of cockroaches affect humans of all ages with disease and unhealthy environments.

Cockroaches don’t have to contaminate anything within a household to cause problems — they do so by existing. Their droppings, urine, decaying roach bodies, and molted skin break down and become airborne particles. These particles pose a serious risk to people with asthma, especially children, as the roach dust enters the lungs and produce allergic reactions. Symptoms of the allergic reactions include:

Cockroach Facts

Although cockroaches are generally despised, they are a creature with many interesting facts and characteristics. According to scholars, cockroaches have been around since the time of the dinosaurs, evolving into some of the most adaptable pests on earth.

Approximately 4,000 species of cockroaches inhabit the earth. In the United States, 70 species of cockroaches inhabit homes. These species, American cockroaches, prefer warm, dark, and wet areas surrounding or underneath houses. Unfortunately, they are also common in restaurants, grocery stores, and hospitals.

Explaining the Fumigation Process

To get rid of cockroaches from your home, fumigation using Vikane ^® is recommended. As a gas fumigant, Vikane ^® is labeled to eliminate all cockroaches because it reaches areas conventional treatments miss or cannot reach.

Prior to fumigation , all domestic animals and desired plants are removed from the area. Deactivated flames and pilot lights ensure no reaction with the gas, and the occupants remove all sealed food located in the house when they leave. The sealed structure allows the gas to penetrate all areas of the house for a prolonged length of time. The recommended amount of time ranges between 2 and 72 hours for maximized potency. In addition to the Vikane ® fumigant, the fumigator releases a warning agent called chloropicrin. The agent deters people from entering the structure during the process.

The amount of time for the fumigation ultimately depends on the specifics of the job, level of infestation, and type of infestation. The amount of Vikane ^® used for termites differs from a treatment for cockroaches.

After the fumigation , the professional fumigator will air out the structure using fans for a prescribed amount of time. Doing so ensures the structure is safe for the inhabitants.

No one wants an infestation within their home. Least of all a cockroach infestation which can be detrimental to the health and atmosphere of the house and occupants. We at Yes Pest Pros are the experts in the control and removal of such pests. Through the help of Vikane ^® , our team of highly-trained professionals strive to give you the highest level of service to ensure you have a pest-free tomorrow.

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Six Types of Bed Bugs in the United States

Fri, 30 Mar 2018 07:00:00 GMT

Did you know there are more than one type of bed bug? While the common bed bug is the bed bug species you’re most likely encounter, there are five other types of bed bugs in the United States you might come in contact with.

Common Bed Bug

The common bed bug ( Cimex lectularius ) is one of the most common pests in the world. It lives on every continent and can be found everywhere from the Excalibur Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas to the Days Inn in Columbus, Indiana.

The common bed bug grows to about the size of an apple seed after it’s eaten blood and is a darkish-red color as an adult. They tend to hang out in cracks and crevices near the place they feed, such as a bed (hence their name).

While bed bugs are a nuisance, a single bed bug bite is no worse than a bite from a mosquito . Unlike mosquitos, however, bed bugs haven’t been proven to spread disease , though they do sometimes carry diseases. Bed bugs have been known to carry MRSA (Staphylococcus aureus) and VRE bacteria (Enterococcus faecium).

Bat Bugs

“Bat Bug” by NY State IPM Program at Cornell University. Used under license .

Bat bugs, as their name suggests, feed primarily on the blood of bats. And while they look exactly like their bed bug cousins (unless you use a microscope), they are a different species. Bat bugs species range from Africa ( Afrocimex constrictus ), western and eastern parts of the continental United States ( Cimex pilosellus and Cimex adjunctus ), to parts of Europe ( Cimex pipistrelle ).

Although bat bugs mostly hang around their nocturnal mammal or choice, they will bite humans if given the opportunity. They usually come into contact with humans if bats infest a building in which people occupy. Even then, the bat bugs will generally stay close to where the bats nest. They’ll only explore the rest of the building after pest control experts have removed the bats or the bats have migrated.

If they do find humans, they may move into mattresses and bed frames like common bed bugs.

Tropical Bed Bugs

Tropical bed bugs ( imex hemipterus ) like common bed bugs are resurging in numbers throughout the world. The main difference between tropical bed bugs and common bed bugs is that the tropical variety prefers warmer climates and therefore usually lives in more southern locations. In the U.S., they range in southern states. They look similar to common bed bugs except for some small physical differences.

While tropical bed bugs don’t normally live in Indiana, Hoosiers vacationing down South can bring them back in their luggage . And in the warmth of a controlled indoor environment, they will reproduce.

Poultry Bug

It’s rare that they get the chance, however. Unless a poultry bug is residing on a bird that makes its nest in somebody’s home, or unless people spend the night close to a roosting area, the bugs are unlikely to bother anybody.

Swallow Bugs

While these bugs won’t hide around beds and take up residence in your rooms, they can find their way into people’s homes and will feed on humans. They typically do so in late winter and early spring when they come out of a dormant state in anticipate of the return of swallows. After the swallows leave at the end of the summer, the bugs return to a dormant state.

Chimney Swift Bugs

Like swallow bugs, chimney swift bugs live close to where their hosts live. They, too, can find their way into homes through cracks and crevices.

Compared to bed bugs, chimney swift bugs are slightly smaller, and they differ in behavior. For example, chimney swift bugs aren’t nocturnal, meaning they are active during daylight hours. They also have claws, unlike bed bugs, so they’re able to crawl on smooth surfaces.

If you’ve treated your house for bed bugs and they continue to bite, it might be that you don’t actually have a bed bug infestation. If chimney swifts or other birds have taken up residence in your building, have a pest control professional remove the birds and inspect the bugs. Professionals can tell what species of bug they are and can treat the affected areas so you can rest easy at night.

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How to Properly Ventilate Your Crawl Space

Thu, 15 Mar 2018 14:35:00 GMT

A crawl space , by its literal definition, is a shallow space beneath the first floor or the roof of a building especially meant for accessing plumbing and wiring. Ventilation refers to the flow of air in and out of a space.

Home buyers often underestimate the impact crawl spaces and crawl space ventilation, specifically, have on their homes. Although few regularly visit their crawl spaces regularly like other parts of their home, the condition of the crawl space has far-reaching effects. Crawl spaces , if not properly cared for, negatively affect the value and safety of your home.

Problems Developed Over Time in Crawl Spaces

Over time, crawl spaces can develop a number of serious problems. These small spaces can become havens for fungi, molds, mildews, and pests, as these things thrive in moist conditions.

Moisture in crawl spaces occurs when insulation traps water vapor. The dark, warm conditions thus also encourage mold and fungus to grow. These organisms can then spread throughout the entire house and cause considerable damage. Black mold is often blamed for human health issues, as well.

Requirements for Crawl Space Ventilation

Requirements for crawl space ventilation are outlined in the International Residential Code (IRC). The IRC includes rules meant ensure safety and health of all inhabitants in a house.

Ventilation

According to the IRC, a crawl space should have one square foot of screened vent for every 150 square feet of space. To further reduce moisture, homeowners can cover bare ground with an approved vapor-barrier material. The IRC also requires each corner of the building to have one ventilated opening to allow the cross-flow of air.

Ventilated Openings

The IRC states the openings in the structure’s corners should be at least one square foot in size. The following materials ensure the efficient cross-flow of air for ventilation:

These materials allow for the limited but proper air flow to eliminate humidity within the space and make it “breathable” in order to keep moisture from collecting. The openings at each corner of the structure allow air flow to come from multiple directions and to ensure the air flows through the crawl space efficiently and evenly.

Unventilated Crawl Spaces

Some homeowners prefer to not vent their crawl space to try and prevent thermal heat loss. Recently, the IRC allowed the option for nonventing crawl spaces if the builders mechanically circulate air between the upper, conditioned area and the crawl space. For this to happen, the crawl space floor area and foundation walls must be completely sealed with material ( encapsulation ) that slows the entry of water vapor.

Airing out your Crawl Space

Adding ventilation to a crawl space takes time, and there are several options depending on the building or foundation type. Most crawl spaces are vented to the outdoors, but over the past decade, another procedure called encapsulation has gained popularity for its energy efficiency. Encapsulation refers to the process of covering floors, walls and support structures in plastic sheeting to keep the space dry. The following are more options for venting the crawl space:

Making your crawl space a safe, hazard-free environment is a complicated process with many options. The team of professionals at Yes Pest Pros can help. We’ll provide an affordable solution to keep your crawl space well ventilated and free of pests, fungi, molds, and other unwanted inhabitants. Contact us today for a free quote.

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How to Get Rid of Termites Using Vikane

Wed, 28 Feb 2018 20:29:00 GMT

What is Vikane Gas Fumigant?

Vikane ® is a colorless, odorless gas that quickly penetrates materials during fumigation of an entire structure. The gas quickly dissipates from the fumigated structure and does no harm to the surrounding environment when released. Considered the No. 1 brand in whole-structure termite fumigation for more than 55 years, Vikane® gas fumigant has protected two million homes. Historical landmarks, churches, museums, research facilities, colleges, hotels, and ships have all utilized the fumigant in order to protect themselves from termites.

Drywood Termites Facts

Drywood termites are a group of termites that build their nests within wood that’s free of moisture. Because drywood termites live inside wood where water is scarce, they have the ability to create water from the wood they eat. Their intestines absorb the water, mainly found in the droppings left behind. These droppings are one of the signs of drywood termites; piles of them surround infested wood.

It’s important to know the difference between drywood and subterranean termites, as they are both common pests. The critical difference between them is their habitat. Subterranean termite colonies live in underground nests close to moisture, as they require moisture for survival. Drywood termites, however, do not require as much moisture and live in dry environments.

How the Fumigation Process Works

Because Vikane® is a gas, the infested structure must be sealed before the fumigation process can begin. The gas absorbs into the wood within the sealed structure, eliminating all termites present. All doors and windows seal off the building with tape and a plastic sheet. Once sealed, the building stays closed for 2 to 72 hours, depending on the severity of the termite infestation. During this time, electronic equipment monitors Vikane® levels in the structure so levels remain constant. Afterwards, the building is ventilated for at least six hours, after which people can reenter.

Although Vikane® is efficient in fumigation, an agent called chloropicrin is also released during fumigation to further ensure all termites are truly gone. This agent also acts as a warning for humans who might enter the building prematurely, as it causes watery eyes and a scratchy throat. If occupants experience the previous symptoms in a building recently fumigated, they should leave immediately and contact the pest control company to have the facility retested.

Exterminators recommend tent fumigation as the most effective treatment in the removal of termites and other wood-destroying insects.

Yes Pest Pros is dedicated to providing homeowners with peace of mind that comes with complete and lasting freedom from pests. For three generations, we have provided termite removal services in residential and commercial areas. Our termite pest control includes innovative and environmentally sensitive solutions like Vikane® that are safe for you, your family, and the environment. Contact us today for a free estimate and experience immediate results so you can terminate the pests in their tracks.

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Types of Pest Mice You’ll Find Inside Your House

Thu, 15 Feb 2018 18:45:00 GMT

In the wild, mice help control insect populations and provide food for predators like bobcats and owls. They’re a natural part of the food chain and benefit the ecosystem. But inside your house, they have no such benefits. Indoors, they spread disease and damage everything from textiles to electrical systems.

Mice can get inside houses and other buildings fairly easily. Their bodies are small enough that they can squeeze through cracks and holes as small as a dime. And once inside they can be hard to control because they’re both territorial and shy. Thus, they’ll make their nests in a variety secretive places and do their best to hide from people.

You can identify a mouse infestation through a variety of ways. Seeing a mouse is an obvious indication that pest mice have found their way inside. The appearance of a mouse during the daytime can actually indicate that the mouse population is quite large because the animals are naturally secretive and nocturnal. Mice droppings are another way to identify an infestation. Other ways to identify an infestation include footprints and tracks, nests, chewed debris, and mice odor.

If you have a mouse or general rodent infestation , the best thing to do is to call a trained rodent pest control expert . Professionals know not only how to most effectively eliminate mice populations but can stop further mice from coming inside and sanitize your home after the infestation is eliminated.

Types of Mice

In North America, there are three kinds of mice you’re likely to encounter indoors: house mice, deer mice, and white-footed mice. All mice are nocturnal, meaning they’re most active during the night. They are also all omnivores, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. Mice commonly eat seeds, insects, berries, bark, grains, nuts, fruit, flowers, and fungus.

Also common among mice is the damage they case. Because mice are rodents, they gnaw to shorten their front teeth, which never stop growing. Mice gnaw on wires, furniture, textiles, books, plastics, and anything else they can use to sharpen and shorten their teeth.

Furthermore, all mice are vectors for various diseases. While some diseases are specific to certain mouse species, there are a few diseases that all mice can transmit. These diseases include Leptospirosis , salmonella (food poisoning), rat-bite fever , and typhus .

House Mouse

“House mouse” is more than a term for any mouse that finds its way indoors. It’s actually the most common indoor species of mouse. The body of a house mouse is covered in short hair that’s gray or light to dark brown in color. Their bellies have lighter-colored hair. And their ears and tales have much less hair than their bodies. Adult house mice grow 3 to 3.9 in. from nose to tail tip.

A house mouse will rarely travel more than 100 feet from its nest. And they usually don’t stray far from buildings or human populations.

Diseases house mice spread include pox ( rickettsialpox ) and lymphocytic choriomeningitis besides diseases common to all mice.

Deer Mouse

The second most common mouse you’re likely to find in your house is the deer mouse, also known as a field mouse. Deer mice have a triangular head; pointed nose; and large, black, beady eyes. They have large ears with little fur covering them. Their fur is a grayish-brown to reddish-brown, and the hair gradually whitens at the belly and legs. Deer mice’ bodies are slender, and they grow larger than house mice. They measure 4.7 to 11 in. head to tale as adults.

Deer mice mostly live in rural, bushy areas and are abundant in forested areas next to agricultural land. They do sometimes find their way inside, however, especially as the weather grows cold. Indoors, they prefer attics, basements, and crawl spaces.

Besides common mice diseases, deer mice spread hantaviruses, which produce hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in North America. The disease is deadly. About 40 percent of people identified with the disease die from it.

White-Footed Mouse

The white-footed mouse is the third mouse species you’re likely to find inside. It closely resembles the deer mouse, except for a few features. The upper parts of its body are reddish-brown to brown in color, and it has a white underbelly. Its feet are also notably white, and its tail is distinctly bicolored, meaning it’s dark on the top and light underneath. White-footed mice grow 5 to 8 in. long from head to tail.

White-footed mice generally like warm, dry forests and brush lands in low- to mid-elevations. They do live in higher forests and semidesert areas, too. Some have even adapted to suburban and agricultural settings. They’re the most abundant rodent in mixed forests in the Eastern U.S.

Unlike house mice, white-footed mice are mainly solitary. They also differ from house mice in that they store food for winter.

Among the three mice species mentioned here, the white-footed mouse is the least likely to find its way inside. However, during winter months they occasionally take up residence in ground-floor walls, where they build nests and store food.

Like deer mice, white-footed mice are vectors of hantaviruses. They also carry deer ticks, which transmit Lyme disease .

If you’ve discovered mice in your house, call an expert you can trust to handle the infestation. Yes Pest Pros is located in Bloomington and Columbus, Indiana. We’re well experienced at eliminating rodents and can apply a variety of methods, from traps to tent-and-gas, to deal with them. Call or email us today to find out how we can help.

The post Types of Pest Mice You’ll Find Inside Your House appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

Does Mold Attract Bugs and other Pests?

Tue, 30 Jan 2018 20:42:00 GMT

People with mold in their home often notice an increase in the number of indoor bugs. It’s appropriate to wonder, therefore, if mold and bugs are related. Well, they are. Mold — and the environment that fosters it — attracts bugs of many forms.

Conditions that Foster Mold Growth

Mold and bugs are attracted to the same environment, one with warmth and high levels of moisture. Mold needs at least an approximate 70 percent relative humidity to begin growing at temperatures as low as 60 degrees. And some insect species, such as camel crickets, centipedes, and cockroaches, require a lot of water. That’s why they seek out damp environments in homes and other buildings. The more moisture you have, the more of these insects you’re likely to find. Moisture likewise attracts subterranean termites, which feed on wooden supports.

If you have mold and bugs, you will need to address the sources of the moisture before anything else. Moisture can get into your house through a variety of means: leaky roofs, leaky pipes, unventilated bathrooms, spills, drafts, and your crawl space, to name a few.

To reduce moisture, you will have to contact the professional who can address its source. For all crawl-space related moisture problems, Yes Pest Pros in Columbus and Bloomington, Indiana, can provide the services you need.

Mold Itself Attracts Bugs

Bugs need more than moisture to survive, however. They need food, and mold is one source of nutrition. Many bugs feed on mold and decomposing matter. Booklice, for example, often inhabit moldy books. Fungus gnats and mold mites are two other pests closely associated with mold.

Cockroaches, camel crickets , slugs, and millipedes are attracted to mold, too, though not because they feed on it. They’re attracted to the organic matter that mold helps break down and decompose.

The smell of mold also attracts bugs. Many mold species produce gasses called microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs). These gasses are what people often associate with the musty smells of mold. While we might not like these smells, bugs do. Termites are one such bug attracted to mold smells. Because mold breaks down wood, it makes it easier for the termites to tunnel. Termites return the favor, of course, by providing mold more areas in which to grow — deeper into the wood.

How to Get Rid of Mold and Bugs

As said, the first thing you need to do is to address the sources of moisture. After addressing (or while addressing) the sources, you can then take care of the mold and bugs.

Bugs will likely disappear once you deal with the mold and moisture. However, if an infestation is severe, or if your home now houses carpenter ants or termites , you’ll need a local pest control specialist to exterminate them.

For wide-spread mold growth, you will have to call a remediation or disaster specialist, such as PuroClean . However, if the mold is limited to your crawl space, Yes Pest Pros can handle the issue. We’re licensed to treat all mold growth in crawl spaces and can make the space under your house so dry and clean you might actually want to go down there. Call or contact us today.

The post Does Mold Attract Bugs and other Pests? appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

Professional Pest Control: How to Get Rid of Rats Fast

Tue, 02 Jan 2018 20:00:00 GMT

The internet offers many DIY methods for how to get rid of rats, most commonly with rat traps. Indeed, if you are dealing with only one or two rats, you can likely handle them yourself. However, rat populations are usually larger than you expect, especially if you’re seeing them during the day. They also multiply quickly when they have access to food and water. If you have a rat infestation, the best solution for getting rid of rats, therefore, is to contact a local pest control professional , not to just set out a bunch of rat traps. Alone, the traps probably won’t get rid of the rats.

Pest control professionals will handle the problem right the first time before it gets out of hand. They have the methods, equipment, and training to handle rats. And they have resources to eliminate them humanely, too, which home- or business owners may not be able to accomplish themselves.

Getting rid of rats is important to achieve quickly because rats spread disease. The CDC reports rodents spread more than 35 diseases worldwide. In the U.S., diseases rats spread directly include the plague , leptospirosis , rat-bite-fever , and food poisoning . Diseases spread indirectly from rats in the U.S. include spotted fevers , typhus , and relapsing fever .

Besides disease, rats actively cause damage. They gnaw on and chew through wiring in buildings and vehicles. Rats also chew through wood and other material they run into, material such as paper, cloth, books, and insulation. And they make nests in crevices and enclosed area, which can stifle ventilation and can attract more pests.

Whether you decide to hire a pest control professional or take on the infestation yourself, the steps to getting rid of rats are the same. And successfully killing rats, of course, depends first on understanding the rodent.

Everything You Need to Know About Brown Rats

Among the rat species in the U.S., the brown rat (also known as a common rat, street rat, Hanover rat, Norway rat, Norwegian rat, sewer rat, water rat, wharf rat, and gray rat) is the one you’re most likely to encounter in urban areas.

Brown Rat Identification

Adult brown rat males typically weigh about 12 oz. and adult females about 9 oz., but the rats can weight up to a pound. They’re 6 to 8 in. long, have blunt noses and small ears. Their fur is shaggy, coarse, and varies in colors. Their tail is shorter than the head and body combined and is scale-like. In areas of the country where roof rat s are common, brown rats are identified by pulling their tale over back of their body. If the tail can’t reach the rat’s head, it’s a brown rat.

Brown Rat Habitat

Unlike mice and roof rats, which like to build nests, brown rats prefer to burrow . They’ll commonly burrow along foundations, beneath trash and shrubbery, and underneath concrete slabs. If they live inside, they usually build homes in basements or crawl spaces. However, if their population grows too large, they’ll move to attics and ceilings.

Active rat burrows are usually clear of vegetation, and they’ll have rat runways leading to them. Outdoors, rat runways are smooth and packed. Indoors, the runways are clear of debris and dust.

Active rat burrows are usually clear of vegetation, and they’ll have rat runways leading to them. Outdoors, rat runways are smooth and packed. Indoors, the runways are clear of debris and dust.

Rat Diet

The diet of a brown rat is much different than that of its cousin the roof rat, which is found primarily along coastal areas. Roof rats like fresh fruit and vegetables and eat insects and other invertebrates. Brown rats, on the other hand, prefer carbohydrates and proteins . It’s for this reason that in rural areas you’ll most likely find rats near barns, silos, granaries, and livestock areas. Rats are not picky eaters, however. They thrive on free food and will munch on whatever they can access.

Rat Habits

Rats are primarily nocturnal . Their activity levels peak just before dawn and after dusk. But if a population grows large, rats will begin looking for food and water during the day. It’s for this reason that you’re likely dealing with more than just a few rats if you see active rats during daylight hours.

Rats also don’t go far from their burrows. Typically, they will stray no more than 50 to 150 feet from their homes. When their population grows or they’re under stress, they will go up to 300 feet from their burrows in search of food and water.

How to Get Rid of Rats in Your House Fast

If you are serious about rat pest control, then you will want to find a professional rat exterminator near you. When you do, the pro, like one of our pros at YES! Pest, will perform the following steps to eliminate mice and rats while avoiding harm to children and pets.

Inspect Your Home For Rats

The first step to getting rid of rats is to perform an inspection . The inspection is important for several reasons.

Inspections confirm or reveal the pest. Accurately identifying the pest is important because methods for eliminating pests differ depending on what the pest is. A rat and a mouse, however similar they may appear, behave differently and require different techniques and tools to eliminate.
Inspections also identify where rats congregate and where they make their nests. Knowing where a rat population lives is important because they use the same paths to travel, and it’s best to put traps and bait where they commonly gather.
Inspections reveal food sources and access points.

It’s fairly easy to tell if you have rats even if you don’t see the animals. Signs of a rat infestation include burrows, runways, grease marks, urine stains, rodent sounds, rodent odors (a musky scent), gnaw marks, tail drags and footprints in dusty areas, and fecal pellets. Brown rat fecal pellets have blunt ends and average between ½ and ¾ in. Other signs include chewed-out holes. Rat holes are 2 in. or larger in diameter.

Once a rat population is confirmed, inspectors then look for their nest. To aid them in this task, they might use a UV rodent tracker or other UV light source to find urine, which glows under UV light. If the inspector has difficulty finding the rats’ nest, they might use a rodent-fluorescent-tracking powder to track them. UV tracking powder is nontoxic and catches onto rats’ bodies. After a few days of placing the powder, an inspector can return and better learn rats’ movements.

Exclude Rats From Your Home

The second step pest control professionals and DIY maintenance workers employ in getting rid of rats is exclusion . Killing rats is no good if more can invade. Exclusion involves cutting off rats’ points of entry into a building. If rats live outdoors, this alone may be enough to eliminate them from your premises. To exclude rats, all holes ½” and larger need covered or filled with mesh, hardwire cloth, metal flashing, foam, or other material. Really, all holes larger than ¼” should be filled and covered, as mice can get in these smaller holes.

Common access points into a building include vents, holes near cabinets, and closet doors leading to the outside or crawl spaces. Other entry points include pipes, cracked foundations, holes around windows and doors, and missing screens or covers.

Also important in the exclusion process is eliminating (as much as possible) the rats’ food sources. Common food sources for rats include unsealed food, pet food and water left out overnight, fruits and vegetables left outside the fridge, leaky pipes and faucets, and open trash or compost containers. Putting away food, fixing leaks, and sealing waste containers are all good ways to prevent rats from making a home on your property.

After the rats’ food and access has been addressed, the next step is to sanitize the area. Garbage will need removed, and the landscape should be maintained. Other sanitation considerations include lifting wood piles at least 18 in. off the ground and placing tight covers on all garbage containers and dumpsters.

Eliminate The Rats Professionally

At this point, you or the pest control professional can address the rats directly. Depending on the severity of the infestation, several methods you or the professional may use one of several methods to eliminate the population.

Rat Baits and Rat Traps to Get Rid of Rats From Your House Fast

By far the most common method of controlling rodents, rat traps and rat bait traps are relatively cheap ways to address a rat problem. There’s a definite technique to setting the traps, and it can take several weeks before the traps kill any rats. Rats are very intelligent animals, and they are cautious by nature. Before setting live rat traps, you or the professional you hire will have to set tripped traps with bait along the rat runways and in places they eat. It takes time for rats to trust new objects, and without patience this method of rat control won’t work.

We caution against using glue traps to capture rats for several reasons. The CDC warns that captured mice can urinate and increase the risk of spreading disease. Others are concerned that glue traps are inhumane, as they don’t kill the rats right away. The traps can also capture other animals, and they can become stuck to pets.

If you prefer animals not die, live traps are another method of capturing the rats. However, the CDC warns against live traps for the same reason as glue traps, and these traps will not work well at eliminating large rat populations. They may be good choices to employ if several alpha rats (extra cautious rats) avoid the snap traps.

Ultrasonic Technology

Ultrasonic technology offers a humane, chemical-free way to get rid of rats. It does not kill them but drives them away with sounds inaudible to the human ear. However, while professional ultrasonic products guarantee a reduction in rodent populations, they don’t promise to completely eliminate the animals. One of the most common mistakes people make with ultrasonic pest control, says one manufacturer , is that people try and use ultrasonic technology alone to control infestations. Alongside ultrasound, people should also use exclusion and sanitation techniques, they say. People should also use baits and traps in conjunction with ultrasound, the manufacturer says.

Rodenticides

For a larger rat infestation, it’s safer and more effective to contact a local pest control company in this situation. Traps and baits may not be enough, and professionals might have to employ rodenticides. Professionals know how to handle these chemicals and can apply them in the safest manner possible.

Rodenticides include grains, seeds, nuts and other foods that contain chemicals lethal to mammals. Most are used in bait traps or bait stations. Rodenticides are usually employed when other methods of eliminating rat populations have failed or when the population is especially large. Many types of rodenticides exist, and various techniques must be employed in successfully poisoning rats with rodenticide in order to successfully kill them.

Tracking Powder

Tracking powder is yet another method of killing larger rat populations. Powders such as DITRAC are used in limited situations and only by approved providers. They work by sticking to rats’ paws and fur and then entering the rat when it grooms. DITRAC’s manufacturer says the powder is best used in controlled environments where rodenticides haven’t worked well.

Fumigation

If DITRAC powder isn’t an option and bait has failed, pest control professionals also may fumigate a rat population. Fumigation involves sealing a structure with tent-like material and then pumping it full of fumigant, such as Vikane® . Fumigation with Vikane® results in the near-instantaneous death of rats in a building, and it doesn’t leave any residue after the building has been aired. While costly, fumigation is an effective and fast method to eliminate a dangerous rat population throughout an entire building.

Clean Up

Also, do not stir up dust by sweeping or vacuuming in an area where rats have been, as doing so will stir up urine and fecal matter that may be infected with disease. And when cleaning up urine and fecal matter, spray areas that need cleaned with disinfectant or a mixture of bleach and water and let the solution soak for 5 minutes. Afterward, clean up the area with a paper towel, and throw the paper towel away. After picking up the fecal matter and urine, again disinfect the area. Do the same when clearing out nests.

For big infestations, OSHA and state/local health lays may affect clean up and treatment. In such circumstances, OSHA may require respiratory devices, gloves, overalls, shoe coverings, etc. for workers.

If you want to get rid of rats, call a pest control professional you can trust to get the job done right. Yes Pest Pros in Columbus and Bloomington, Indiana, have years of experience and are able to treat both large and small rodent infestations in both commercial and residential settings.

The post Professional Pest Control: How to Get Rid of Rats appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

Rentals, HUD, and Laws About Bed Bug Treatment

Sat, 30 Dec 2017 14:15:00 GMT

As bed bug infestations become more common in Columbus and Bloomington, Indiana, landlords should pay special attention to their properties. According to the 2015 Bugs without Borders survey , rental units and condominiums remain the most common places for bed bugs to take up residence. And Indiana state law requires landlords to deliver their premises to tenants in “habitable condition.” Federal law also requires agents and owners of HUD housing maintain their premises in a “decent, safe, sanitary” condition. This means if bed bugs, rodents, or other pests invade your property, the property’s owner needs to address it.

Indiana State Code and Bed Bugs

Indiana state code IC 32-31-8-5 states “A landlord shall do the following: (1) Deliver the rental premises to a tenant in compliance with the rental agreement, and in a safe, clean, and habitable condition.” Notice the word deliver . In Indiana, state law does not require landlords to keep their tenants’ properties in habitable condition; it only requires that landlords deliver their premises in such condition. If a bed bug or other infestation occurs, the landlord is therefore not responsible for eradicating the pests if it’s stated in the rental agreement that the tenant is responsible for maintaining the property. If, for some reason, the landlord introduced the pests, the responsibility for killing the pests would, of course, fall on the landlord.

Single-Tenant Rental Units

For single-tenant rentals, distinguishing who introduced the bed bugs is fairly easy. If there were no bed bugs before a tenant arrived and a year or more later bed bugs infested the premises, it’s logical to conclude the tenant introduced the pest. However, for multiple-unit rentals, figuring out who introduced a pest becomes problematic.

Multi-Unit Rental Units

Killing bed bugs in a multi-unit facility without bickering over who introduced them is a good practice, anyway. As a landlord, you do not want a bed bug infestation spreading. An infestation will drive tenants out, and rumor might keep new tenants from moving in, even if the bed bugs are treated.

Landlords will also likely be responsible for paying to destroy bed bugs if there has been a history of bed bugs in a given unit, even if it is a single-tenant dwelling. Bed bugs are notoriously difficult to kill, and they have been growing resistant to insecticides . Sometimes it takes multiple treatments to eradicate a bed bug population.

For these reasons, it’s important to contact a pest control expert if you suspect an infestation. Professionals know how to identify bed bugs, and they can identify which treatment option will best kill pests in your property.

HUD Properties

Federal regulations require more of owners and agents of HUD housing than does the Indiana State Code of landlords. In a 2012 notice, the Acting Assistant Secretary for Housing Carol J. Galante informed HUD owners and agents of their responsibility to treat bed bug infestations.

Notice H 2012-5 states:

Prepare for Bed Bugs in HUD Housing

Because bed bugs are spreading, the notice suggests that HUD owners and agents create an integrated pest management (IPM) plan to prevent infestations before they begin. An IPM plan includes steps to educate tenants, stop infestations before they occur, respond to possible infestations, and following up on treatments.

Many pest control companies also offer pest protection plans , which HUD owners might want to consider. These plans involve regularly scheduled inspections and service, which can prevent infestations before they arise.

How Tenants Can Legally Respond to Untreated Bed Bugs

Photo courtesy of John Benson, “Moving Out.”

Addressing bed bug infestations is important because ramifications for ignoring an issue can be severe . For example, tenants might withhold or reduce their rent payment if a landlord does not respond in adequate time. They may also go ahead and hire outside company to conduct service and then deduct the cost from their rent.

Worse, the tenant might contact local authorities if you do not respond in a timely manner. If inspectors then come and find an infestation, they can issue an order for you to fix the problem and penalize your company. Worse, if the problem is pervasive and disturbs tenant’s ability to live in the building, the tenant can legally move out without notice. At that point, they might file a lawsuit.

When your tenant says, “bed bugs,” it’s important to respond without delay. Figure out later who will pay the bill. Protect your property and keep your tenants happy by killing bed bugs before they spread.

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Killing Bed Bugs in Hospitals and Health Facilities

Fri, 15 Dec 2017 13:48:00 GMT

Essentially eradicated in the West for 40 years, bed bugs have returned, and they’re more difficult to kill than ever. They’re here in south-central Indiana, too. Bed bugs have been reported at the Courtyard Inn in Columbus and at least nine hotels and motels in Bloomington. In a Monroe County survey taken a few years ago, half the companies that responded reported having to deal with bed bugs, and 69 percent of them thought problems with bed bugs were increasing. The increasing number of bed bugs means that hospitals and other medical facilities will have to — or have begun to — address bed bugs, as well.

Why Hospitals Must Address Bed Bugs

Hospital patients are already uncomfortable, so ensuring their comfort is a priority. Staff and medical personnel, too, will find bites distressing. They certainly will not want to take bed bugs home, either.

Bed bugs are also problematic at hospitals and medical facilities because their presence can serious damage the institutions’ reputation. Although the Indiana Health Department and other organizations have conducted campaigns to educate the public about bed bugs, myth and rumor remain. One difficult-to-dispel rumor is that unsanitary conditions cause bed bug infestations. (Research does show that bed bugs are attracted to dirty laundry , however.) If word got out, therefore, that a health facility housed bed bugs, people might think the facility uncleanly and not seek service there. Even if the public does not accept this myth, knowing there have been bed bugs at a facility might keep people away.

Regular Cleaning Isn’t Enough

It’s therefore important to develop a plan to treat bed bugs when they appear. Vigorous cleaning will not eradicate them. Although floors, furniture design, and medical equipment is designed for easy sanitation, bed bugs can fit in cracks as small as the width of a credit card. This means they can hide in plenty of places sanitizer won’t get to. And sanitizer will not kill bed bugs. Bed bugs also hide in soft materials such as mattresses, furniture, and drapes. They will also invade televisions, remote controls, and other electronic devices, such as call buttons and monitors by patient beds.

NPMA also suggests hospitals and medical offices begin training staff to handle infestations and promote awareness about the insect. Furthermore, NPMA warns against the overuse of pesticides. Besides health issues associated with these chemicals, bed bugs have been growing more resistant to pesticides , so the chemicals may not kill them.

Difficulties Treating Bed bugs in Health Environments

Dealing with bed bugs in commercial and health environments is difficult on a number of fronts. For one, modern architectural designs often include high ceilings and open floor plans. Many rooms in hospitals are quite large, too. These design concepts can make it difficult to treat bed bugs using heat. (Heat is one of the least costly and simple methods of killing bedbugs.) Hospitals and similar institutions also have to deal with the fact that people are constantly coming and going through all areas of the building — and potentially spreading bed bugs.

To prepare for an infestation and to respond to it quickly, hospitals and medical professionals should get in contact with a pest management service that offers a variety of methods to kill bed bugs and that will work with the company to develop a plan to kill the pests. Experienced professions know how to overcome the difficulties medical offices face. So, they can suggest which method of pest control will best eliminate an infestation.

If your hospital or medical institution would like to develop a plan with a local pest management company that offers 24/7 emergency service, contact Yes Pest Pros , located in Bloomington and Columbus, Indiana. Yes Pest offers fumigation, heat, and insecticide treatment for bed bugs. We can determine which method is most effective for a given situation.

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Fumigation: The Best Way to Kill Bed Bugs

Thu, 30 Nov 2017 13:21:00 GMT

Bed bugs live anywhere they can get a meal, whether that place be a luxury condominium or a preschool. They are not attracted to unhygienic conditions, contrary to popular belief. Rather, the only thing they need to thrive is human presence.

Most Effective Way to Kill Bed Bugs

According to Vikane® makers, U.S. Environment Protection Agency has verified that Vikane® will eliminate all life stages of bed bugs when pest control experts apply the proper dosage. Vikane® was developed by The Dow Chemical Company in the 1950s to control bugs and rodents infesting homes, buildings, construction materials, household items, shipping containers, and vehicles. It’s been in use for more than 50 years and has a proven track record.

Vikane® works well because it gets into every nook and cranny in a given area. Because the structure being fumigated is sealed, there’s no place to for bed bugs to hide from the gas, making their elimination certain .

Fumigation is a particularly good choice for structures for which heat isn’t an effective method to kill bed bugs. It can be difficult to heat large spaces to the temperatures required to kill the bed bugs, and making sure the room heats evenly can likewise be hard to achieve.

The Fumigation Process

After returning, occupants will have to throw away food, medications, beverages, and other ingestible items that aren’t sealed. All other items are safe to use because Vikane®, being a gas, doesn’t leave residue. Nobody has to worry about lingering effects from the gas, either. Even under experimental conditions, Vikane® has never been shown to cause birth defects or changes to human genetic structure.

If your business or institution is battling bed bugs, contact Yes Pest Pros to find out more about fumigation with Vikane®.

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Methods to Get Rid of Termites — Yes Pest Pros

Wed, 08 Nov 2017 20:55:00 GMT

Every year, termites cause $5 billion in damage across the United States. That’s no surprise considering that an individual infestation can cause thousands of dollars’ worth of damage to a building. It might be tempting to purchase termiticide from the hardware store and try to kill the pests yourself. But if your efforts fail, not only have the termites enjoyed additional time to dine on your dwelling, but you will have to contact a pest professional after already spending time and money on the problem. Termites are difficult to control, so we suggest you seek out a pest control expert if you discover an infestation. Professional pest controllers know which system will best exterminate the termites on your property, and they understand regulations you might not consider or know exist.

Depending on the situation and your preferences, a pest control professional will employ one of four treatments to kill the termites that have invaded your property.

Liquid Soil Treatment

One of the two most common treatment methods is liquid soil treatment. With this method, the pest control professional will spray a termiticide (insecticide formulated to kill termites), such as Termidor® , around the base of the building. This spray makes a “lethal zone” that the termites cannot sense. Termites will eat material covered with the termiticide spray and carry it throughout the colony and spreading it to other termites. The spray affects the termites’ nervous system, and they’ll die in approximately 11 days.

Pest control professionals may come back on a scheduled basis to reinspect the property and see how the application has worked. If needed, they may reapply the spray.

Bait Solutions for Termites

The second common method for killing termites is bait. Most bait solutions use an insect growth regulator or a combination of metabolic inhibitors and toxins that affect termites’ nervous system. The most tested bait-type termite control on the market is the Sentricon® Termite Colony Elimination System. When installing a bait trap like Sentricon®, pest professionals first identify where the traps need placed. They will then augur holes around the property, in some cases through concrete, and place the traps in the holes.

Termites love the bait even more than wood. They share the bait, and the colony soon dies out. Like with termiticide spray, pest professionals might monitor the property and replace the bait as needed.

Direct-Wood Treatments

Another method pest professionals sometimes use is a direct-wood treatment. This treatment method works best for drywood termite colonies that are compact and haven’t spread through the building’s structure. With this method, the wood itself it treated with a liquid, aerosol, or dust that contains chemicals that will kill termites. Applications that treat the surface of the wood have a limited ability to penetrate into the colonies. Some direct-wood treatments, however, apply the treatment through pressurized means directly into the termites’ nest, where it travels through their tunnels.

Another direct-wood treatment provides preventative protection. It is possible to pretreat lumber to make it distasteful to termites. Borate formulations are often used for this. Borate disrupts termites’ digestive system, but it is unclear how it does so.

Fumigation Method

Fumigation is sometimes used to dispel a widespread termite infestation. It affects the colony instantaneously, but it is also the costliest method.

During fumigation, professionals tent the building with impermeable material. They then pump fumigant, such as Vikane® gas, into the building. The fumigant reaches inside every pore inside the building, leaving no wood beam or rafter untouched.

If you have a termite infestation or are unsure whether you do , we can help. Call or contact us to speak to a professional or to schedule an inspection.

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Control Drain Fly Larvae in Indiana Restaurants

Mon, 30 Oct 2017 00:01:00 GMT

Have you ever noticed a small, fuzzy moth hanging out on the walls of your restaurant’s kitchen or near the bathroom? It could be a drain fly. Also called a moth fly, small fly, sink fly, sewer fly, sewer gnat, and filter fly (and less commonly a damp fly, moisture fly, pipe fly, and humidity fly), this insect makes its home in the gunk that collects in pipes. Don’t worry, though — they’re usually easy to identify and eliminate.

Identifying Drain Flies

Drain fly

Drain flies are often confused with moths, hence the alternative name moth fly . Despite its hairy appearance and oversized wings, they are a true fly, not a moth. They’re very small, about 2 to 5mm or 1/8”, and are light gray, tan, brown, or black. You can also identify them by the vein pattern on their wings, which runs generally parallel to the fly’s body when the wings rest folded on the fly’s back.

Drain flies don’t fly well, so you’ll usually see them hanging out on walls. For the same reason, they don’t stray far from where they hatched — a drain or standing water source of some kind.

Adults don’t feed and live about two weeks.

Where Drain Flies Live

Sewer gnats breed in damp, decomposing organic matter, like the goop that collects in kitchen and bathroom drains (and hence the name drain fly ). They do breed outside drains, though, and you can find their larvae in standing puddles or small pools, sewer lines, soil that’s been contaminated with sewage. If enough food collects on your kitchen floor or if you don’t clean your bathroom well, drain fly larvae can even live in damp or otherwise moist floors. Depending on the species, they can thrive in aquatic, semi-terrestrial, and sludge-like environments.

Drain fly larvae are tough survivors. They’ll survive high temperatures and in places with low oxygen. So, you can’t get rid of them by simply stopping the drain or flushing the drain with hot water.

Are Drain Flies Harmful?

Drain fly.

The good news about drain flies is that they don’t spread disease. Neither do they bite. And in low numbers, drain fly larvae can actually help break down material in your drains, which means you’re less likely to have clogs form.

On the negative side, drain flies can cross contaminate surfaces they land on and in that way spread germs. They also grow and multiply quickly and can thus become a nuisance. They’re even known to trigger asthma in some people.

Although they’re generally harmless, health inspectors — who often note these insects as small flies in their reports — won’t appreciate these residents in your restaurant kitchen and will require that you control them , as Indiana and other state codes indicate. Restaurant patrons likely won’t appreciate them either, especially if one ends up in their burger.

Finding Drain Fly Larvae in Your Restaurant

Discovering where in your restaurant the drain flies are breeding isn’t too difficult because they don’t stray far from where they breed. Simply find the drain flies and look for nearby drains.

If there are multiple drains situated near the flies, you’ll have to investigate a bit to discover exactly which drain or drains they’re breeding in. To find out where they’re growing, clean and dry off the drain inlets and then place sticky tape over the holes at night or over the weekend. Make sure to push a few holes through the tape for good airflow.

In the morning, check the tape. When adult moths crawl out of the infested pipe at night, they’ll get stuck to the tape, and you’ll be able to identify where they’re making their home. If you don’t find any moths, continue placing the tape at nights. Whether moths emerge from the pipes will depend on where in the breeding cycle they are. It may take up to 10 days for the next round of moths to emerge.

As noted, drain moths don’t only live in drains. And we’d be remiss to mention that they often breed in several sites, so if there’s more than one drain in your restaurant, you might find that several are infested with larvae. When looking for drain moths, also check floors, puddles, trash receptacles, grease, and any damp and dirty areas in your restaurant.

Other Places Where Larvae Might Live

Credit: Bonie Bogle. “Crawl space under kitchen.” License info.

If you can’t find the sewer gnat larvae in your restaurant using the tape method, they might be breeding in a hard-to-see location. Because drain flies are so small, they can crawl up through floorboards and through cracks into your restaurant. If that’s how they’re getting in, it might mean that they’re breeding in the crawlspace or perhaps in the pipes under your building. When that’s the case, you either have too much moisture in your crawl space or one of your pipes has a crack in it, which has allowed the moth fly larvae to congregate there.

If your pipes are cracked, contact a licensed plumber to repair the problem. If moisture is the issue, consider hiring a specialist to dry out the crawl space and either encapsulate it or install a vapor barrier. Encapsulating your crawl space is a good idea for the overall health of your restaurant anyway, as it will keep away pests that would otherwise be attracted to the damp conditions under your building and it will stop fungus and mold from growing.

Other hard-to-find places where drain flies breed include sump pump basins and moist mops.

How to Get Rid of Drain Fly Larvae

Once you’ve found where the drain fly larvae are living, you can go about killing drain flies. The key to destroying the larvae really comes down to getting rid of their food source, as the larvae themselves are quite resilient. As said, they can survive high temperatures and low oxygen, so you can’t simply flush them out with hot water.

Instead, start by cleaning. Clean the outside and around the infested area. Then clean the area itself. If the flies are breeding in a drain, first pour a few gallons of water into the drain to moisten it. Then use a metal pipe brush to clean the inside. You can use a plumbing snake to pull and break up grime, as well.

Next, use a drain cleaner. Drain cleaners come in gels and foams, and whether acid-based or enzyme-based, all work to dissolve organic matter.

How to Get Rid of Flies in Your Restaurant

Killing adult drain flies in your restaurant is much easier than killing their larvae. They don’t fly well, so they can’t evade a fly swatter like house flies can. Insecticide spray is another method you can employ to kill the adult flies. Alternatively, if you have only a few flies, you can wait them out. They don’t live long, so they’ll soon disappear if you’ve addressed their breeding site.

Another way to kill the adult flies is to use dish soap. At night, set out a bowl filled with equal parts sugar, water, and white vinegar. Add a few drops of dish soap in it. Dish soap has borax in it, which kills insects. Overnight, the flies will drink the liquid and die.

Prevent Sewer Gnats

As for your drains, keep them free of clogs either by cleaning them or regularly using an enzyme gel to eat away any organic matter that might collect in them. You can also occasionally spray insect growth regulator (IGR) down the drains. Some IGRs are specially formulated for drains.

If you’re experiencing a drain fly infestation and live in central Indiana, Yes Pest Pros can help get your restaurant up to code by controlling these pests. We can identify where the infestation is located and will take the necessary steps to rid them from your building.

If your crawl space is causing issues, Yes Pest Pros can also help with that. We offer a variety of means to dry out and maintain the space via dehumidifiers, drains, sump pumps, and encapsulation. We’re also certified to treat mold and fungus in crawl spaces.

If your Indiana-based restaurant or business has drain flies, contact us today. We’ll be glad to help and will answer any questions you have.

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Species of Ants in Indiana

Mon, 09 Oct 2017 19:23:00 GMT

The ants go marching one by one …

Did you know there are 136 ant species in Indiana ? Ants are very common throughout our state meaning there is a plethora of ant species in Indiana. And as helpful as they are — cleaning up messes, picking up our discarded food, attacking garden pests — they can also be a nuisance if they get into our house or building. In their tireless drive to scavenge food, ants will often make their home indoors and begin collecting anything edible, especially if it’s in the kitchen and not tightly sealed. What’s worse, some ant species not only pick up our crumbs, but they can even damage the structures of our homes.

Although there are many types of ants in Indiana, there are five you’re likely to run into. One of these you’re probably much less likely to run across than the other four as you’ll only find it in Hoosier country, so we thought it worthy of our list. Let’s get out our magnifying glasses and take a look at the ants here in Indiana!

1) Formica indianensis

Formica Indianensis

If I were to ever adopt a mascot (the current “Hoosier” mascot being … ambiguous), the Formica Indianensis would be a good choice. This medium-sized insect is found nowhere else in the world except the United States - its population in Indiana far exceeding that of the neighboring states. Not much is known about indianensis, but it can be identified by knowing about its specific features. Indianensis are a yellowish-brownish color and have a few golden yellow hairs. It’s not the smallest ant — workers grow to 6mm (just shy of 1/4 inch), and its legs are longer and stouter than you’d typically see on other common ant species.

2) Black Carpenter Ant

Eastern Black Carpenter Ant

Much more common than the indianensis, black carpenter ants are well-known pests. They build nests in damp or rotting wood in which they create tunnels from one section of their colony to another. Unlike termites, they don’t eat the wood. Rather, they chew it out with powerful jaws. They typically eat plants, fungus, and dead insects, so you won’t necessarily find them in your kitchen. But that doesn’t mean you won’t see them if they’ve made their home indoors, as their colonies can grow to include thousands of workers.

Black carpenter ants are dull black in color and have whitish or yellowish hairs on their abdomen. Black ants can grow quite large, ranging between 6 and 13mm (1/4 and 1/2 inch), with workers in the same colony ranging in size (polymorphism).

If ignored, these ants in Indiana can cause considerable structural damage to a building. Make sure to call a pest control professional in your area if you think you might have an infestation. Some may ask, “Are there fire ants in Indiana?” Well yes, but these are the far more common. With that in mind, make sure not to handle them. They will bite, and the formic acid they produce and cause quite a sting similar to fire ants we all dread and try to stay away from.

3) Red Pavement Ant

Pavement Ant Eating Honey. Credit: Fractality. CC 2.0

Usually found under large rocks and around concrete or asphalt, these little ants are quite common in the summer. They’re often found on sidewalks or around building slabs, where you can find little dirt mounts build around their entrances. While they usually stay outside, they can find their way into buildings and become quite a nuisance. Like other species, they never stop scavenging for food (they aren’t picky and will eat almost anything, especially sweets), and they will bite in defense.

You can identify them by their color and size. They’re a reddish or rust color, though they can be a blackish color. They’re small, too, growing between 2.5 and 4mm (1/10 to 3/20 inches) long.

As a note, red pavement ants aren’t actually native to America; they’re native to Europe and arrived in North America in the 1700s or 1800s.

These pests are persistent, and you may find it difficult to kill them using ant bait. If ant bait doesn’t work, contact a local pest control specialist to assist you in ridding them from your building.

4) Little Black Ants

Little Black Ants

Little black ants stand out from other ant species by sheer sheen. While most ants are dull, little black ants are shiny. They’re very small, growing to only 1 or 2 mm, and are dark brown or black.

Like red pavement ants, they’ll eat about anything, and are likewise highly adaptable to their environment. They usually live outside under rocks, decaying trees, or (like red pavement ants) under and around pavement. Inside, they’ll build nests in woodwork, baseboards, under carpeting, in wall voids, etc.

Little black ants are the stereotypical picnic raider. They’re known for their “roadways” on which they march one-by-one.

5) Velvet Ants

Female Velvet Ant

Surprise — velvet ants aren’t actually ants. They’re wasps. Also known as “cow killers,” females look like large, hairy hairs. Only males have wings, and they look quite different from their female counterparts.

Females are brightly colored — usually back and red or orange — and will inflict a painful sting if they feel threatened. If you see one around your home, you don’t have worry about an infestation. Velvet ants eat nectar, not human food. And they live solitary lives; they don’t form colonies.

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Bed Bugs Myths

Wed, 27 Sep 2017 20:28:00 GMT

Bed bugs are multiplying worldwide, and cities in Indiana like Columbus and Bloomington are no exception. The bed bug population explosion has people concerned, and misinformation hasn’t helped allay their fears. Some common myths are frightening, but they run contrary to facts.

We at Yes Pest Pros want to provide you accurate information about these pests so you understand these insects and how to best respond to them. Thus, we’ve put together a list of six bed bug myth “un-facts” so you can know what’s true about these pests.

Myth No. 1: You Can’t See Bed Bugs

It might seem like bed bugs are invisible or simply too small to see because they’re difficult to find. But this isn’t the case. They’re about the size of an apple seed, flat, oval-shaped, and brown to reddish brown in color. The reason they’re sometimes hard to see is that they’re very good at hiding. Adults can fit into crevices as thin as a credit card. And nymphs (young bed bugs) are even smaller.

Myth No. 2: Uncleanliness and Poor Hygiene Attract Them

It’s an unfortunate myth that uncleanliness and poverty attract bed bugs. The truth is these pests can be found in five-star hotels as likely as they can elsewhere. This is because they’re attracted to warmth and carbon dioxide, not dirt or grime. So, as long as there are human bodies, there is a potential for these insects.

Although it doesn’t cause bed bugs, clutter can be problematic when trying to exterminate the pests. Clutter provides additional places for bed bugs to live, which means it can be more difficult for pest control experts to kill them if the expert uses a method other than fumigation.

Myth No. 3: They Spread Disease

While researchers have shown that bed bugs have the potential to carry and transmit Chagas disease, and some bed bugs have been found to carry other human pathogens , there is no evidence that they transmit diseases to humans. The worst that usually happens is that a bite gets infected. Most often, the bites simply itch or form small blisters.

Myth No. 4: DDT Will Kill Them All

Some people have suggested that the current bed bug population growth can be traced back to when DDT was banned. However, bed bugs were resistant to DDT even when the chemical was legal. They’re are also starting to resist current pesticides, which kills insects through the same channel as DDT.

Myth No. 5: Spray Chemicals Will Destroy Them in Your House

Simply buying insecticide at the local hardware store and spraying a room in your house won’t kill all the bugs in the room. For one, bed bugs are sometimes resistant to these chemicals, so if they do come in contact with it, they may survive. More importantly, because the insects can hide in so many places, it’s unlikely that the spray will reach all of them.

Insecticide spray will also leave residue on household items. So, you’ll likely come in contact with the insecticide yourself if you don’t throw away and wash all the material it comes in contact with.

Myth No. 6: They Only Bite at Night

While bud bugs are primarily nocturnal, they will travel and feed during the daytime.

Myth No. 7: They Only Live in Beds

Bed bugs are commonly found in beds because people lie in beds for hours every night. But they can be found within several feet of anywhere they can get food. This means they can be found in carpets, bed stands, couches, near pets, and many other indoor locations. And the larger the population, the more spread out it is.

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Nine Common Fall Pests in Indiana

Wed, 13 Sep 2017 14:19:00 GMT

As the temperature drops during fall and food becomes scarce outdoors, pests naturally seek the shelter and food resources inside buildings. There are nine animals specifically that you’re likely to run into as the season changes to fall in Indiana. For the most part, these animals are preventable or at to get rid of. But a few — like bedbugs and fleas — will require an exterminator.

Fall Pests No. 1: Rodents

It’s common that squirrels, rats, and mice will try to take up residence at your home when the temperature drops during the fall season. Like other pests, they do so because man-made buildings provide warm shelter and sources of food and water during the winter when these resources because scarce in the wild.

You’re likely to find all three of these rodents in an attic. Squirrels are also attracted to chimneys and gardens. Rats and mice will also make their homes in or near air ventilation systems, gage storage, kitchens, laundry rooms, and trash.

Rodents get into buildings through small holes and gaps, so to keep them out, you’ll have to close out all possible entrances. It also helps if you put a cap over your chimney if you aren’t going to burn fuel in it regularly. And make sure to tightly store food and valuables so rats and mice can’t eat or make nests.

Fall Pests No. 2: Stink Bugs

Stink bugs come inside during fall simply because it’s warm. These pests are also attracted to light, so as the days get shorter and you run your lights more often, these bugs will find their way to your doorstep.

Like rodents, stink bugs get into your house through holes, cracks and crevice. Make sure to check around your ventilation system and the weatherproofing around your doors. And seal your windows.

An invasive species of stink bug, the brown marmorated stink bug, will actually secrete a pheromone when it finds a good nesting place. This pheromone attracts other brown stink bugs. So, if you find one of these brown stink bugs, make sure to kill it or throw it outdoors.

Also, if you do find a stink bug of any species inside, don’t worry about it harming you. These animals will release an odor when frightened, but they can’t hurt you, and they won’t damage your house.

Fall Pests No. 3: Ants

Ants do not hibernate during the winter. Rather, they remain active and look for food year-round. Obviously, this means that these pests will come inside during fall to look for food.

As with other pests, they get inside through cracks and crevices. But because ants are so tiny, it can be difficult to keep them out completely.

The best thing you can do to keep these animals outside is to clean regularly (especially your kitchen) and store food in tight containers.

Fall Pests No. 4: Cockroaches

These little pests are more than nuisance. Cockroaches are known to spread disease, and they can actually trigger asthma attacks. Some people are even allergic to them.

Cockroaches are attracted to decay and moisture, so you’ll most likely find them around gutters, downspouts, and plumbing. You’ll also find these critters around garbage, in your kitchen, in the laundry room, and anywhere you have food.

Cockroaches can be difficult to control once they get into your house. And if you see one, you can be sure there are more. If you find a cockroach, call a local pest control expert right away to analyze the situation and exterminate the pests.

Fall Pests No. 5: Fleas

While fleas can be a year-round problem, they’re especially pesky in the winter. These animals like to congregate in carpets and fabrics, and they’ll of course hitch a ride on your and your pets’ bodies.

To prevent fleas, treat your animals with flea prevention medicines, and clean regularly. However, these aren’t animals you can get rid of by yourself. You will have to contact a pest control expert to eliminate them if they’ve taken up residence indoors.

Fall Pests No. 6: Bed bugs

Bed bugs are an increasing problem around the world. These menacing little pests will hitch a ride indoors on clothing and make a home anywhere there is a crack or crevice.

Because they can’t crawl very far, they like to congregate in bedrooms or places where people commonly lie or sit still for long periods.

Bed bug populations tend to peak around the holiday season between fall and the onset of winter.

If you have bedbugs, wash your cloths and sheets in hot water and dry them at high temperatures. You’ll need to contact an exterminator to kill them because they’re impossible to destroy on your own.

Fall Pests No. 7: Bats

While some bat species migrate during the winter, others remain in the area and hibernate. Other bats do both. Those that do hibernate look for dry shelter where they can stay.

Because these animals increasingly lack natural places to stay, bats will commonly find shelter in chimneys and attics. This can be a problem because their feces can spread disease.

To prevent them, place a cap over your chimney and make sure there aren’t holes or gaps leading inside your attic.

Also, don’t try and remove bats on your own. Some bat species, like the Indiana Bat , are endangered. Contact a pest control specialist who can remove them safely.

Fall Pests No. 8: Birds

Like bats, birds that don’t migrate will look for places to overwinter. And they, too, will seek shelter in chimneys and attics. They’ll also commonly gather around garbage as they scavenge for food.

You can prevent these pests the same you prevent bats — by sealing entrances to your house and placing a cap on your chimney.

Fall Pests No. 9: Moths

Heat and light attract moths. Starting in the fall as the temperature cools, your house or building is the primary source of these things. So, moths will come inside and then find their way into your wardrobe. And if you store your winter cloths, they can find their way into your storage and then decimate fabrics.

You can find out if you have moths by checking for moth damage on a regular basis and by using sticky strips or moth killer strips. Also, it helps if you clean regularly.

If you have a moth infestation, contact a local pest control expert to help with the problem.

The post Nine Common Fall Pests in Indiana appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

Identify 5 Wasps You’ll Find in Your Yard

Fri, 25 Aug 2017 17:13:00 GMT

Identify Five Common Indiana Wasps

Summertime means gardening, cookouts, and camps. All that outdoor activity also means at some point you’ll likely encounter wasps. There are several varieties of wasp common in Indiana. We’ll take you through them and let you know which ones you can take care of on your own and which ones you’ll want to call a pest control expert to exterminate.

Common Wasps Around Columbus, Indiana

Yellow Jackets

Yellow Jacket

Yellow jackets are aggressive wasps that make nests both in the ground and in trees. They’re not hairy like bees, and like all wasps have a thin waist. Drones (male yellow jackets) guard the nests full-time, and they will actively defend the colony against any potential threats. Females are actually even more aggressive.

If you find a yellow jacket nest, identify the entrance and stay clear. It’s not suggested that you attempt to destroy the nest because they’ll likely attack you. And unlike bees, they won’t die after they sting. They will sting you multiple times.

If yellow jackets invade your picnic or barbecue, don’t swat at them or otherwise bother them. Not only will swatting anger them, but they’ll release a pheromone that alerts other yellow jackets to join the attack. The best thing to do if yellow jackets are pestering an outdoor gathering is to make sure you cover up the food and sweetened drinks and keep tight lids over trash.

Bald-faced hornets

Bald-faced hornet

Bald-faced hornets are another aggressive wasp species in Indiana. They don’t make nests underground like yellow jackets. Instead, they make big, football-shaped paper nests that can get as large as basketballs. Hives are usually gray and are open on the bottom.

Bald-faced hornets are easily identifiable not only from their nests but their color and shape. They’re usually white and black rather than the typical yellow-and-black wasp color, and they’re stockier than most other wasp species.

If you encounter a hornet nest, stay clear. Bald-faced hornets are extremely aggressive and will sting repeatedly. If the nest is small, you may be able to destroy it with insecticide spray found at a home improvement store. However, if the nest is large, we suggest calling a pest control professional to take care of it.

In any case, if you’re allergic to bee or wasp stings, don’t try and exterminate the hive by yourself. Ask a neighbor to help or call a local pest control expert.

Paper Wasps

Paper wasps, commonly misidentified as yellow jackets, make small paper nests in sheltered areas. Unlike hornets and yellow jackets, they don’t build hives. The celled nests they make are only for their grubs and for storing food. Like yellow jackets,

Paper Wasp

they’re striped yellow and black, but they’re sometimes red and black or have red coloring. They can also be distinguished from yellow jackets from the shape. Paper wasps are generally more slender than yellow jackets, and their abdomen is more oval shaped.

Paper wasps are great news for gardeners and organic planters because they kill lots of caterpillars. But they can be an annoyance to homeowners, especially if they build their nest close to an entrance or exit. Although they’re less aggressive than bald-faced hornets and yellow jackets, they will aggressively defend their nest if it’s disturbed.

You can usually destroy a paper wasp nest with pesticide, but if you’re allergic, we suggest getting help or calling a pest control expert.

Fun fact: some paper wasps can actually recognize each other’s faces and will attack other wasp species.

Potter Wasps and Mud Daubers

Mud Dauber Nest

Potter wasps and mud daubers are the insects that make those little mud huts and cells on your porch and under bridges. They don’t live in the nests. Rather, the nests are for their eggs and larvae, which they feed caterpillars and spiders. These wasps are much less apt to sting compared to other wasp species. So, usually if you leave them alone, they’ll leave you alone.

Are You Worried About Wasps in Your Indiana Yard?

If you or a family member have an allergy to wasp stings or you simply want to keep these pests far away from your home, the pros at YESPest can help! Your local Columbus and Bloomington, IN, pest exterminators are here to give you the solution to fit your specific needs. If you’re interested in finding out how we can help, contact us here ! We look forward to making your home safer soon!

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Identify and Prevent Camel Crickets

Tue, 01 Aug 2017 14:50:00 GMT

Eeek! You wake up in the morning, and before you have a chance to enjoy your coffee, you’re confronted by a long-legged, spidery bug with long antennae creeping across your kitchen floor. Although it may look icky, there’s really no need to worry: the insect is just a camel cricket.

While camel crickets may be a nuisance, the worst any one of these insects will likely do is frighten you, which may cause you to spill your hot cup of joe.

Camel crickets are also sometimes called sprickets, or spider crickets. Let’s first get a grasp on what these pests are before we dive into how you can get rid of camel crickets.

What is a Camel Cricket?

Camel crickets and closely-related cave crickets, also called “sprickets” or spider crickets, are common household pests found around the globe on every continent except Antarctica and on many islands. In the US and Canada, there are about one hundred species, with the Spotted Camel Cricket being the most common in the US, though the invasive Greenhouse camel cricket from China is outnumbering it and other native species in some locations.

What does a camel cricket look like?

You can tell camel crickets apart from true crickets fairly easily. True crickets have flat bodies and wings, with which they chirp. Camel crickets, however, are hunched backed and wingless as adults, and they don’t have any sound-producing organs, so they can’t chirp. They may be gross to look at, but at least they’re quiet.

True crickets are also typically smaller than camel crickets and darker in color. Camel crickets grow to be about 1” to 1¼” long, and most species are tan to dark brown; some have bands or spots as well.

Camel crickets are nocturnal, so you’re most likely to see camel crickets at night when they scavenge for food. They’re like the goats of the insect world and will eat everything from fungi to plant matter to other insects.

Are Spider Crickets Dangerous?

Camel crickets can’t hurt you, and they don’t pose any health risks. When disturbed, they’ll leap to frighten potential enemies. Jumping is their only defense mechanism, and it seems to work pretty well at scaring off humans.

At worst, they can become a nuisance inside your home, especially if they invade in large numbers, as they’ve been known to eat clothes and houseplants. Also, their feces can stain walls.

Outdoors, they can damage plants and lawn furniture fabric. They’ve even been reported to have fed on clothesline items.

So, in short, no, camel crickets are not dangerous.

Why are Camel Crickets in My House?

Inside, camel crickets are commonly found in wells, in basements, and crawlspaces. They’re attracted to moisture, so if you find them it may be a sign you need to dry things out.

Outside, they’re commonly found under sheds and near air conditioner units. They’re also attracted to wood piles and moisture-retaining ground cover like leaf piles and mulch.

How Do I Prevent Camel Crickets or Spider Crickets?

The best way to keep these insects away is to reduce moisture in and immediately around the outside of your home. Use a dehumidifier to dry things out inside, and seal off places where they can enter. Also keep your crawl spaces, basement, and attic well ventilated as sprickets enjoy basements and crawl spaces because they are dark damp areas and can easily become the site of a spider cricket infestation.

If your crawl space has too much moisture even with ventilation, you might consider installing a vapor barrier or encapsulating the area.

Outside, store fire wood at least 20 feet away from the house, and keep leaf piles and compost heaps away as well. Also, direct water away from your foundation.

Get Rid of Spider Crickets For Good

If these insects have invaded your home or business, consider contacting your local pest control expert to exterminate them, help identify where they’re getting in, and what moisture sources are attracting them.

The post Identify and Prevent Camel Crickets appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

How to Prevent Carpenter Bees From Attacking Your Wood

Tue, 25 Jul 2017 15:40:00 GMT

Termites and carpenter ants can attack your house from the ground up, but did you know there’s an insect that can damage it from the air? Carpenter bees, commonly confused with bumble bees, are large, black bees that burrow into wood, causing aesthetic and, if untreated, potential structural damage.

So, how can you prevent wood bees, otherwise known as carpenter bees, from destroying your home? The first step is to understand how to identify carpenter bees.

Carpenter Bees and Bumble Bees

Carpenter bees , also known as wood bees, are often confused with bumble bees because yellow or white hairs cover the thorax (the middle body section) of both insects. There are several noticeable differences, however.

Carpenter bees have no hair on the top of their abdomens (the third body section farthest from the head), while bumble bees do have hair on their abdomens. Also, carpenter bees are usually larger than bumble bees.

Carpenter Bee Infestation

It’s easy to identify a carpenter bee infestation. Carpenter bees burrow holes about the size of your finger into wood, under which you may find brown and yellow stains from bee excrement that the insects have pushed out of their nests. The excrement is not only gross but will stain paint and siding, etch glass, and mar wood grain. Also under the holes you’ll find coarse sawdust.

You also know you have an infestation because you’ll see the large bees hovering around and crawling in and out of the holes. You might even hear the bees tunneling, too, if there are enough of them.

If you want to know how to protect wood from carpenter bees, the best way would be to prevent them from infesting your home in the first place.

How to Prevent Wood Bees

To prevent carpenter bees from digging into your eaves, framing, and lawn furniture, you’ll have to prepare the wood. Because carpenter bees prefer bare, unpainted, or weathered softwoods, especially cedar, pine, redwood, and cypress, the best way to prevent them is to build with and paint over pressure-treated wood. If the furniture or framing is already built, paint is your best option to keep away the pests.

Another way to prevent wood bees is to keep your garage and shed doors closed in the spring and early summer when the bees are looking for nesting sites. This will keep the bees from finding any interior wood.

If you have already found carpenter bee holes, you should plug the hole with wood putty, then paint or treat the wood with citrus oil or almond oil to prevent further carpenter bee damage.

If you are worried about an extensive wood bee infestation, then you will want some extra help to kill those pesky wood bees.

Get Rid of Carpenter Bees Fast!

Carpenter bee nests filling homes with holes and causing structural damage to wooden structures and wood surfaces is no small thing. As wood bees eat the wood in your home and drill holes in your structure, they are causing damage that can result in serious safety concerns.

If you want to get rid of wood bees quickly, your best bet is to call a professional.

Keep Carpenter Bees Away With Yes! Pest

If you already have a carpenter bee infestation, the best thing to do is to contact your local pest control professional and then fill in the holes and paint over the wood. Carpenter bees reuse and enlarge their nests over time, so you’ll have to get rid of the holes to keep the bees away long-term.

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How to Identify Indiana Bedbugs

Sat, 15 Jul 2017 10:04:00 GMT

So your child has little, red bumps on his skin after sleeping. Could it be bedbug bites?

Bedbugs are small insects that live indoors and primarily feed on human blood. They’re a growing problem in Indiana due to increased poverty and drug use, and they can easily spread from house to house by traveling on clothes and hair.

If you suspect your home in Bloomington or Columbus, Indiana, might be infested with these pests, there are some simple ways you can identify their presence and keep them from spreading until your local pest control expert can kill them for good.

Prepare

If you suspect bedbugs, you’ll want to prepare before checking for them. Do this by wearing simple clothes — no collars, cuffs, or buttons. And avoid pockets. Essentially, avoid clothing with folds and places where bedbugs might hide. Also wear simple shoes that you can throw in the dryer if you do find evidence of bedbugs. You’ll want to wear a long-sleeved shirt tucked into a pair of pants, too.

When you arrive at the suspected infestation, only bring with you what you need. You don’t want any insects hitching a ride on your jewelry or purse, for instance.

You will, however, want to bring the following items:

Looking for Bedbugs

When looking for bedbugs, wear your rubber gloves over your sleeves to avoid contact with the insects and to make sure they don’t into your shirt.

Using the flashlight, look along the seams of beds, couches, and other upholstered furniture, as well as the edges of carpets. Because bedbugs are only about as thick as a credit card, they can hide in very small cracks and crevices.

If you think you’ve found evidence of an infestation such as eggs or shells and aren’t sure whether they’re from bedbugs or not, you can use the duct tape to pick them up to have a pest control professional take a look for you.

While checking for bedbugs, you’re looking for adults and evidence of adult activity. Adult bedbugs are about the size of apple seeds, are flat, oval-shaped, and brownish if they haven’t recently fed. If they have fed, they look reddish and have more of a balloon shape. Bedbugs are also known for a musty-sweet smell, which they secrete from their glands.

Young bed bugs (called nymphs) range from the size of a pinhead after coming out of the eggs to a little smaller than adults, and they look like miniature adult bedbugs. When they first hatch, they’re pearl white in color.

Signs of Bedbugs

Stop Bedbugs from Spreading

If you have found bedbugs, call a local pest control company and take the following actions from keeping the insects from spreading.

Place items you need to remove from the room in sealed, plastic bags. This keeps any bedbugs on the items from escaping and spreading. Also, if you vacuum, empty the cleaner after each use. If you use a bag vacuum, seal and throw out the bag into an outdoor container after each use. Also, do your best to limit exposure to the infested area to make sure the insects don’t escape.

If you’ve found bedbugs in your home or business or are concerned that you might have bedbugs, Yes Pest Control can help you identify and exterminate the pests to help create a clean living environment.

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Controlling Fruit Flies

Wed, 28 Jun 2017 18:55:00 GMT

The weather is warming up and the kids are going in and out of the door all day long. That’s sure to let a few bugs in, right? Right. But there is one sneaky pest that usually doesn’t fly in the doors at all. Fruit flies usually hitch a ride as eggs on fruit you buy and hatch when the conditions are right. And this time of year, we’ve got apples, strawberries, watermelon – you name it – out on the kitchen counters. Before you know it, that one fruit fly hovering over the bananas could turn in to a real headache – an infestation.

Why do I have fruit flies in my home?

Fruit fly infestations usually start with a few lucky eggs who are able to hitch a ride on your produce. Once they hatch, they only live for about 30 days, but they reproduce like crazy! One female fruit fly can lay hundreds of eggs in her short life span, and it only takes a week for those eggs to become adults. That means that you could be dealing with hundreds of fruit flies in only a matter of days.

How can I get rid of fruit flies and keep them from coming back?

If you already have a fruit fly infestation, getting rid of them means you have to be diligent about dealing with them, not just kill the ones you see (remember their quick reproduction times?). The best way to get rid of or prevent fruit fly infestations is to get rid of the things that are attracting them. Here are a few tips to get rid of fruit flies and prevent them from returning.

• Make sure you have a tight fitting lid on your trash can and empty your trash often. Fruit flies love a good meal of rotting produce. Make sure you don’t invite them to the buffet.

• Clean up all sweet spills promptly. Juice, soft drinks, jelly, wine – anything sweet can attract fruit flies.

• Don’t leave out dirty dishes. Best practice is to just wash the dishes after each meal, but if you can’t do that, put dirty dishes in a sink full of soapy water, rather than leaving them dry in the sink or on the counter.

• Clean out the drains . Fruit flies love all the food particles and bacteria that we don’t know about that are just sitting in our drains. An easy way to remedy this is to pour boiling water and bleach down the drain.

• Don’t leave food out on the counter. If you must leave produce out, as soon as it ripens, freeze it, cook it, eat it, or throw it away.

• Make a simple fruit fly trap. Using a small jar with holes punched in the lid, mix water, dish soap, vinegar, and sugar in the jar. The fruit flies with be attracted to the sugar, but will be trapped and killed by the vinegar. This may help reduce the infestation, but it won’t solve the problem entirely, unless you take the steps mentioned above.

If, despite all your best efforts, you are still dealing with fruit flies, take comfort in knowing that YES Pest Pros can help you. Our pest control technicians are trained in the most up-to-date methods to eliminate fruit fly infestations, and other household nuisance pests.

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Quality Commercial Pest Control: Choosing the Right Pest Control Company

Fri, 16 Jun 2017 16:10:00 GMT

An insect or nuisance pest sighting in your business can be a burden, but choosing the right commercial pest control company doesn’t have to be. When it comes to your business, doing your homework to ensure you’re working with the right pest control professionals will pay off. Here are a few things to look for when choosing a commercial pest control company for your business.

Credentials

Choose a commercial pest control provider who backs their pest protection with something that really matters – education. At YES Pest Pros, we are constantly seeking to educate our technicians on new techniques and better methods to provide our customers with the best in commercial pest control. Our team is continually plugged into advances in the pest control industry through our partnership with the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). All of our certified technicians are professional, knowledgeable, and educated.

Eco-Friendly

Owning or operating an eco-friendly business not only reflects well on your reputation, but it is simply a reward in itself. Choose a commercial pest control company that is committed to protecting their customers’ businesses through the use of environmentally-responsible pest control methods. YES Pest Pros follows the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program. IPM is an effective, eco-friendly, common sense approach to controlling pests. While traditional pest control involves the routine application of harmful pesticides, IPM focuses on pest prevention and uses pesticides only as needed.

Licensure

Make sure the company you choose is licensed and knowledgeable of your state and local standards. Our team is not only familiar with the pests we control, but we also understand the legal needs of your business. We comply with all government standards and regulations, and we are able to solve our customers’ pest control problems efficiently and affordably.

Reputation

Make sure the pest control company you choose has a good reputation with plenty of satisfied customers. As with any investment or purchase, reading testimonials and reviews while searching for the right commercial pest control company can really tell you who you’re dealing with. Ask your pest control company for referrals from other local businesses to whom they’ve provided commercial pest control services.

No matter what you’re looking for in a professional, quality pest control company, you can count on YES Pest Pros to meet your needs. We offer the most advanced pest control products and methods in the industry all with a single point of contact.

Protect your business with commercial pest control you can trust from YES Pest Pros. Our customers love us… so will you!

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Pest Control Survival Guide: Protect Yourself Against Ticks

Sun, 28 May 2017 10:33:00 GMT

For many of us here in southern Indiana, Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer. We’re hosting backyard cookouts, and our kids are playing in the sprinklers. We’re able to spend longer hours outdoors and enjoy the sunshine.

One thing to be on the lookout for while we’re outside, though, is disease-carrying pests such as mosquitoes and ticks. In our last post, we gave you some tips on using various plants in your yard and garden to help prevent mosquitoes. Today, we’re sharing tips on how to avoid ticks.

Why should I be on the lookout for ticks?

Although small, ticks can be carriers of diseases such as Lyme Disease, Mountain Spotted Fever, and Ehrlichiosis. They can not only pose a risk for disease transmission to our four-legged friends, but to humans as well. This may seem pretty scary, but remember that the chances of contracting a disease from a tick is pretty slim. So, while it’s not necessary to be afraid of ticks, it is necessary to be informed and be sure to follow a few simple guidelines to reduce your chances of contracting any diseases carried by ticks.

What can I do to avoid ticks this summer?

Check yourself for ticks.

Just spending a few minutes checking your head, body, and gear for ticks when you leave the woods can be incredibly beneficial. The sooner you are able to remove an attached tick, the less likely it is to transmit any diseases to you. For example, a tick carrying Lyme Disease has to be attached for 24 hours before it can begin to transmit the disease to you.

Check your pets for ticks, or use flea and tick repellent on them.

Just as it’s important to check yourself for ticks, be sure to check your pets as well. Cats are usually pretty good at removing their own ticks, but these ticks can then make their way on to you. Dogs, on the other hand, have a harder time grooming themselves and will need extra attention when it comes to removing ticks.

Wear appropriate clothing and insect repellent.

If a tick has a hard time finding uncovered skin to latch onto, it is less likely to stick around. Wear a hat or bandana, long pants, and long sleeves. Using insect repellent can also help keep ticks, mosquitoes, and other pests away.

What if I find a tick attached to me?

If you find a tick attached to your skin, the CDC recommends using fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure. When the tick is removed, clean the area with rubbing alcohol, or soap and water. Dispose of a live tick by flushing them down the toilet or submersing them in alcohol. Never try to crush a tick with your hand.

How can I prevent ticks from nesting in my yard?

YES Pest Pros pest control experts have years of experience in tick management and pest control, and are ready to help get tick infestations under control. Outdoors, areas that may be tick habitats will be treated thoroughly with products specially designed to kill ticks and prevent infestation of fleas, ticks, ants and other pests.

The post Pest Control Survival Guide: Protect Yourself Against Ticks appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

Four Mosquito-Repellent Plants to Keep Pests Away This Summer

Fri, 12 May 2017 20:28:00 GMT

From barbecues to pool parties – the days are growing longer and we’re all able to enjoy more time outdoors. But nothing can ruin an evening of outdoor fun like the constant buzzing and biting of mosquitoes nearby. You may have asked yourself at some point, “What plants can keep mosquitos away?” Well, thanks to the following list, here are a few tips on mosquito-repellent plants to add to your garden.

Plants That Keep Mosquitos Away

On your trip to the local nursery or hardware store this summer, be sure to consider the following plants that will help with the control of mosquitos.

1. Marigolds as Mosquito Deterrent

Marigolds are hearty, easy-to-grow annual flowers that emit a mosquito-deterring scent. They are often sold as potted plants at your local garden center and can be used decoratively on your porch or patio. Marigolds are also a popular addition to vegetable gardens. Not only do they deter mosquitoes, but they also repel other common garden pests as well.

2. Basil to Repel Mosquitos

Basil is a wonderful edible herb that can double as a mosquito repellent. Basil’s strong scent is what keeps flies and mosquitoes at bay. Basil is commonly used to make pesto, or it is used fresh or dried to season many types of dishes. Basil is easy for a novice gardener to grow as long as it is kept damp, has good drainage, and gets plenty of sun. It does well in containers or mixed in with other plants.

3. Citronella Grass to Keep Mosquitos Away

Citronella is a common ingredient in store-bought mosquito repellents, but the living plant is the most effective in keeping pests away. This perennial clumping grass gives off a strong “lemony” scent that masks mosquito attractants (you). Citronella Grass is low-maintenance and does well in large containers because it does not easily withstand frost. If you’re buying citronella plants, make sure you look for Cybopogon nardue or Citronella winterianus, which are true varieties, and will be most effective at repelling mosquitoes.

4. Lavender for Mosquito Control

Known for its soothing and relaxing properties, lavender’s fragrance is what keeps mosquitoes away. Some even argue that the sweet-smelling oil found on the leaves of the plant even hinders a mosquito’s ability to smell! Not only does lavender keep mosquitoes away, but dried lavender is often used in sachets to repel moths and other pests from closets and wardrobes. Lavender does best with full sun and good drainage. While it does well in many climates, it thrives in warmer areas.

Mosquito Control Near Me

It’s important to note that while planting these plants around your house helps in the effort toward repelling mosquitoes naturally, it isn’t a guarantee of a mosquito-free summer. If you find that you still have a mosquito problem – or a problem with almost any other type of nuisance pest – call the pest control professionals at YES Pest Pros.

The post Four Mosquito-Repellent Plants to Keep Pests Away this Summer appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

The Do’s and Don’ts of Home Pest Control

Thu, 27 Apr 2017 16:52:00 GMT

There is a lot to keep track of when you are a homeowner – yardwork, maintaining appliances, and pest control just name a few. Some of these take time to research and understand, and can be quite frustrating for someone who is inexperienced. Luckily, we have compiled this list of pest control do’s and don’ts, so you don’t have to guess when it comes to keeping pest problems at bay.

DO put pest prevention first.

Prevention is key with any effective pest control. Be sure eliminate any sources of food or water for the pests. Don’t leave food uncovered, and keep pet food in a closed container. Take out the trash frequently, and don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink. Eliminate clutter and standing water. Seal up any holes that may serve as entrances to your home for pests.

DON’T go overboard with pesticide.

For some, pesticides seem like the obvious and easiest solution, but this is not always true. Pesticides and insecticides can be helpful in certain situations, but they can sometimes cause more harm than good. Many pesticides can be harmful to people and animals, and can damage the environment as well. Before jumping to pesticide use, make sure you know that it is the best decision to solve your pest infestation.

DO make sure you know what type of pest you’re battling before you begin to take action against it.

Always thoroughly research the type of pest you suspect is harming your home before you begin to take pest control measures into your own hands. The best pest control solutions will certainly depend on which type of pest you’re dealing with. If you’re not sure what type of pest control problem you have, it’s best to call a local pest control company.

DON’T try to handle all pest infestations on your own.

Many types of pests including mosquitoes, bats, and rodents can carry diseases that can be transferred to humans. Some pests, such as bed bugs, are notoriously difficult to treat without professional help. A pest control professional will be able to treat your home quickly and efficiently, without having to guess about what will work best.

A pest control professional will be able to inspect your property for signs of an infestation, tell you exactly which type of pest you have, treat the problem, and make recommendations on pest prevention for the future. Sometimes, calling a professional first can save you a lot of time and money in the long run. If you’re battling a pest infestation or have questions about home pest control, call the pest control experts at YES Pest Pros.

The post The Do’s and Don’ts of Home Pest Control appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

True or False? Common Pest Control Myths Debunked

Fri, 14 Apr 2017 11:42:00 GMT

Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, and a Yeti – sighting these guys on your property would be a pretty serious pest control problem. Luckily, most of us feel assured these creatures won’t just show up at our door, and we view them only as myths.

What’s not mythical, though, is that there has been some false pest control information floating around for decades. Let’s take a look at some of those pest control myths and find out the truth behind them.

Myth #1: My cat will keep my property free of rodents.

While our animal companions can certainly earn their keep by scaring off a mouse or two, there is power in numbers. A true rodent infestation is more than any pet can handle, and where there is one rodent, there are bound to be more.

Myth #2: Bees can only sting once.

Many people believe that once a bee or wasp stings, it dies, and therefore can only sting once. This is true for honeybees, but other stinging insects such as wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets can sting or bite repeatedly.

Myth #3: Bug zappers will solve my mosquito problems.

The buzz of a zapped bug may be satisfying, but it’s likely that those zaps aren’t even mosquitos . You may kill a few mosquitos, but in reality, you’re probably doing the exact opposite of what you intend. Bug zappers attract and kill bugs, but mosquitos don’t really care about the bright light – they’re much more attracted to you.

Myth #4: I can’t get bed bugs because I keep my home clean.

Cleanliness certainly helps keep pest infestations at bay, but some pests, such as bed bugs , termites , and carpenter ants don’t care. They just want shelter and food. Bed bugs in particular are attracted to the warmth of your home, not its cleanliness.

Myth #5: I can treat a bed bug problem on my own.

Commercially available bed bug treatments are often ineffective at killing bed bugs and may actually do more to harm you than the bed bugs. Bed bugs are one of the most notoriously difficult pest to get rid of. You’re much better off contacting a pest control company that provides green pest control for bed bugs, such as heat treatment .

Myth #6: I only need pest control if there is a problem.

Unfortunately, this is not the case. In the world of pest control, the best defense is a good offense. Many pests can reproduce rapidly and an infestation can seem to come out of nowhere. Enrolling in an annual pest control plan with YES Pest Pros can help ensure that your home or business will remain pest-free year-round.

The post True or False? Common Pest Control Myths Debunked appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

Spring Signs of Termites

Fri, 31 Mar 2017 15:09:00 GMT

Signs of Termites this Spring: Tips from a Columbus, IN Pest Control Professional

Spring is here to stay here in Southern Indiana. While spring marks the beginning of warmer weather and baseball season, in the pest control industry, it also marks the beginning of peak pest season. As the ground thaws and temperatures rise, insects make their way out of their winter hiding spots and begin mating. The warm, wet soil is left moist and appealing to one of the most common and most costly pests – termites .

Because termites are most often outwardly visible during the spring months, many people are under the misconception that termites are only a problem in the spring. But the reality is that many termite species can remain alive and active year-round, silently destroying buildings and homes out of sight. Here are a few signs of termites to look out for this spring.

Mud Tubes

Most termite species cannot crawl freely on the open ground like ants and other pests. Instead, they build mud tubes to serve as roads between their colony and food sources (like the wooden interior of homes). These mud tubes are often found in secluded areas such as basements, so be sure to check for them thoroughly.

Wood Damage

If termites are on your property, you will likely find wood damage nearby. Check under mulch, in your firewood stack, and beams of your porch. If you see wood damage in these places, it is possible termites have also begun to damage the interior wooden beams of your home.

Swarmers

When a termite nest reaches maturity, the colony will produce king and queen reproductives that leave the nest to mate and spread to another colony. They are called swarmers because of their wings. They do not live long, but they are a sure sign of a mature termite colony on your property. If you see swarming termites in your yard, they did not travel far to get there. They may have even come from inside your own home.

Wings

Even if you don’t notice swarmers, you may find the wings that they shed during their mating process. Their wing are transparent and silvery, and are often found on window sills, driveways, walkway, and back porches.

Whether you’ve seen any of these signs or not, spring is a good time to call YES Pest Pros for a professional termite and pest inspection. The humid Indiana weather is perfect for subterranean termites. No Southern Indiana home should go without termite protection. YES Pest Pros offers both Sentricon and Termidor termite protection, in conjunction with their eco-friendly Integrated Pest Management Program . Contact YES Pest Pros in Bloomington and Columbus, IN to schedule your pest inspection today!

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Spring Cleaning for Pest Prevention: Part 2

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 19:57:00 GMT

Spring Pest Control Tips from a Columbus, IN Pest Control Expert

What’s that sticky mess in the back of your pantry? What’s hiding in the corners of your garage? What’s that constant puddle in the basement?

While these things might not take the #1 spot on our to-do list, they can certainly become bigger problems than this if left over time. Unsanitary conditions like these can cause serious pest control problems, especially as the weather warms up through spring and summer. Whether these problems hide your ability to see pest issues already happening, or they provide breeding grounds for bugs and rodents, these types of situations need to be taken care of before they become a bigger problem. Here are some more tips on keeping pests away from your home this spring.

(Click here to read our previous post with additional preventative spring pest control tips.)

Tip #5: Cut Shrubs and Trees Away from the House

Think of plants as bridges that insects can cross to enter your home. If you have grass or other plants growing right next to your foundation, insects are more likely to be present. We all know that many types of nuisance pests feed off of, or make homes in varying types of vegetation. Keeping a clear, plant-free zone around your home is an excellent habit for preventative pest control.

Tip #6: Reduce Clutter in Basements and Attics

Basements and attics are usually used as a storage space, don’t often see a lot of foot traffic, and certainly aren’t our top priority to keep clean. After all, “out of sight, out of mind.” Take the time to sort through some of the things that could become cozy habitats for unwanted guests. Shred old records and receipts, donate used clothing or other goods to your local charity, and install shelves to keep everything else off the floor. Check for any cracks or holes that could be an easy entrance for bats, rodents, or bugs, and have them sealed. Dust the walls, sweep the floor, and inspect for any other signs of pests such as droppings or dead bugs.

Tip #7: Eliminate Standing Water Inside and Outside

There are plenty of pests that would be happy to make their homes in standing water in and around your home – centipedes, silverfish, and mosquitos just to name a few. Indoors, standing water can not only provide breeding grounds for pests, but can breed mold. It can also be a sign of other structural or plumbing issues with the home. Seal any leaks, and use a dehumidifier to dry the affected area to prevent these pests from infesting your home. Outdoors, standing water can be home to mosquitos, notorious disease-carrying pests. When not in use, turn baby pools and buckets upside down to avoid collecting water and becoming a mosquito habitat.

Tip #8: Take Care of Any Pest Problems Now

Of course, the best way to control pests is to prevent them altogether. If you find one pest, there are almost always more hiding out of sight. Whether you find evidence of pest control problems during your spring cleaning, or you just want the assurance of a professional inspection, YES Pest Pros is the trusted provider of pest control in Bloomington and Columbus , Indiana. Contact your local pest control expert today to get started with your spring pest control and prevention.

The post Spring Cleaning for Pest Prevention: Part 2 appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

Spring Cleaning: Preventative Pest Control

Tue, 28 Feb 2017 21:52:00 GMT

A Bloomington, IN pest control specialist’s tips on how to keep bugs away this spring

Spring hasn’t officially arrived, but we’re already catching the first glimpses of the new season here in Southern Indiana. Daffodils are blooming. Little league teams are forming. And, yes, bugs are making their way out into the world again for another year.

Many types of bugs are dormant in the winter, so spring is the time of year when home and business owners realize that they may have a bug pest control problem. Sugar ants, carpenter ants , and spiders are all commonly spotted in and around homes. We also start to see the return of bees , fleas , ticks , and mosquitos . Yes, spring is nearly here, and so are the bugs.

Fortunately, there is plenty you can do to help keep your pest control problems at bay. Here are some preventative pest control methods to keep in mind during your spring cleaning.

Tip #1: Keep a Clean Kitchen and Pantry

Sure, no chef likes to do the clean-up work after a few hours in the kitchen. But for a pest, an unkempt pantry is like a buffet line – and they’ll be sure to invite all of their friends to the party. If food packages aren’t completely closed, pests will be happy to help you clean up. Sugar ants will discover a few spare grains of sugar in mere minutes, and if you see one ant, you know there are more to follow. These simple household chores, like making sure wash the dishes and properly store all food, serve as excellent preventative pest control methods.

Tip #2: Keep Tight-Fitting Lids on Trash Cans

Of course, any area in the home where food may be present acts as a magnet for many types of pests. Trash cans are a common weak point in pest control prevention, because they aren’t always in plain sight. As you work through your spring cleaning checklist, ensure that there are tight-fitting lids on your trash cans, and you take out your trash regularly.

Tip #3: Move Firewood Away from Your House

That pile of firewood outside the back door was handy in the winter, but it will serve you better this season at your summer bonfires – termites not invited. Move your firewood away from your home, and store it off the ground, if possible. Stacks of firewood are especially attractive to pests such as termites , as they serve both as shelter and a food supply. You certainly don’t want these guys making their homes next to yours!

Tip #4: Call a Professional if You Need Help

The best offense is a good defense, and we always like to help our customers prevent pests if possible. But we all know there are times when you just need a little extra help. This spring, if you find yourself in the middle of a pest infestation, call the friendly pest control technicians at YES Pest Pros in Bloomington and Columbus , IN. Our customers love us… and so will you!

Keep reading about spring pest prevention here .

The post Spring Cleaning: Preventative Pest Control appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

Welcome to Yes Pest Pros

Mon, 20 Feb 2017 16:37:00 GMT

Welcome to Our Blog!

For three generations, the Young family has had a passion for serving the community by providing affordable and effective pest control services through YES Pest Pros. As a local family-owned and operated business for over thirty years, we know that your family’s safety and comfort is your priority. As your professional pest control partners, it’s our priority, too. That’s why we don’t just eliminate your pest control problems temporarily, but we educate you on pest prevention and at-home pest control, and we do it all while caring for the environment.

Of course if you have a pest control issue, we are happy to help you! But part of what we love about this business is the opportunity we get to share our passion of green pest control with our community. We’ll use this blog to share information and tips that may be helpful to our customers regarding common pest control issues we come across here in Southern Indiana. In our experience, a great deal of pest control problems can be prevented or diminished by education on proper sanitation and the elimination of potential pest habitats. We want to keep our customers informed and educated so they are able to take control of the situation before it becomes an out-of-control pest problem. This not only eliminates much of the stress from a pest control issue, but it also reduces the need for unnecessary chemicals to be used.

We are proud to serve the communities of Bloomington and Columbus, IN and we love the people here just as much as we love the area itself. We are passionate about preserving the natural balance of the ecosystem, and using our business as a tool to help take care of the environment. That’s why we make recommendations to our customers using environmentally-friendly methods, and always try to solve pest control issues using the smallest amount of chemicals as possible. We’ve found that simply educating our community on how they can prevent pest control problems from growing helps to protect our environment on its own!

Thank you for giving us this opportunity to share some of what we’ve learned and some of the ways we’ve found to take care of our earth, while taking care of our families. We hope you enjoy our blog!

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Infestations: Does Mold Attract Bugs?

Mon, 30 Jan 2017 20:00:00 GMT

Conditions that Foster Mold Growth

Mold Itself Attracts Bugs

Female Fungus Gnat

Cockroaches, camel crickets , slugs, and millipedes are attracted to mold, too, though not because they feed on it. They’re attracted to the organic matter that mold helps break down and decompose.

How to Get Rid of Mold and Bugs

As said, the first thing you need to do is to address the sources of moisture. After addressing (or while addressing) the sources, you can then take care of the mold and bugs.

The post Infestations: Does Mold Attract Bugs? appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

How to Prevent Bugs and Mold in Crawl Spaces

Sun, 15 Jan 2017 20:00:00 GMT

When was the last time you looked at your crawl space? Have you ever? Too often, crawl spaces become havens for mold and bugs, which damage your house and impede your standard of living. When such infestations take hold, it’s important to treat them. More importantly, you need to address their source: moisture. But how does moisture keep bugs out of your crawl space? Remove moisture and you can prevent bugs and mold from taking control of your crawl space and invading the rest of your house.

Signs of a Moist Crawl Space

Signs of having too much moisture in your crawl space are fairly obvious. Fuzzies (i.e. mold growth) on the wood or across the ground under your house are one such sign. Other signs include bugs that make their way into the rest of your house — spiders, camel crickets, termites, slugs, centipedes, and millipedes all thrive where there’s moisture. Rats and damp smells are also signs of too much moisture under your house, as are pools of standing water or water that beads on surfaces.

How Mold Spreads

Mold can grow on virtually any organic structure as long as there’s enough moisture (about 70 percent relative humidity) and oxygen. Wood, paper, insulation, carpet, and dirt are all surfaces mold will grow on. As mold matures, it produces spores, which are the mold’s version of seeds. If the spores land in moist environments conducive to growth, the mold will spread. If left unchecked, it will eventually cause structural damage .

How Can You Stop Mold From Growing in Your Crawl Space?

To address moisture in your crawl space, you have to do more than install dehumidifiers. You have to address the source of the moisture.

Standing Water

Standing water is one source. Leaky and broken pipes, runoff, floods, and cracks in the foundation are all ways large amounts of water can enter your crawl space and pool up. As the water evaporates, it increases the humidity of the air. At the same time, the relative humidity also creases, which then keeps the remaining water from evaporating.

Standing water is a problem not just because it increases the humidity, which makes the environment attractive to mold, but it attracts pests. Think of the standing water as a pool in the Sahara. It will attract all sorts of lifeforms in the area: insects, arachnids, rodents (which eat the bugs), snakes (which eat the rodents), etc. In the summer, standing water can also provide breeding space for mosquitos.

To get rid of standing water, you will have to make repairs and deal with the incoming water. This means you might have to install a French drain or a sump pump. If your plumbing is leaking, you will have to call a qualified plumber to repair it. Also, you will have to pump out or soak up the pooled water.

Evaporation

Another major source of moisture in crawl spaces is from the ground. When the earth in your crawl space isn’t covered up, water is able to evaporate from it. The water vapor then gets trapped under your house, increasing the humidity down there. Moisture can also seep in or evaporate through cement blocks and concrete, as well.

You can address water vapor that enters your crawl space through evaporation by encapsulation the space. Once that is done, you can decrease the remaining humidity with a dehumidifier and fans.

Outside Ventilation

The third major source of humidity in your crawl space is outside ventilation. The ventilation, of course, doesn’t itself cause the humidity; the transfer of air does. In the summer, warm air enters under the house and cools it down. Because cool air cannot hold as much moisture as warm air (think of a sponge being squeezed), the relative humidity increases. And this, in turn, decreases evaporation.

This issue is also solved through encapsulating the crawl space and then using dehumidifiers to lower the humidity.

Poor Interior Ventilation

The fourth source of moisture in your crawl space is improper ventilation from inside your house. Air from your HVAC system or from your clothes dryer should never be directed into your crawl space. Likewise, air should never be sucked from your crawl space into your house. Crawl space air circulation is critical in ensuring that moisture does not take hold of this fragile space.

If your crawl space isn’t encapsulated, the HVAC system is likely sucking mold spores and unwanted odors into your house if it does this. It also provides vermin and bugs an easy way into your living space. If your crawl space is encapsulated, sucking air from the space will force the HVAC fan to work extra hard.

To fix problems with your ventilation, contact a licensed HVAC specialist in your area.

How Can You Stop Mold and Bugs From Infesting Your Crawl Space?

Who you call to handle any moisture problems in your homes depends on specific issues. If you have plumbing issues, you must call a certified plumber. HVAC issues will require an HVAC specialist. You can find a general contractor or one of many companies specializing in crawl space encapsulation for all other needs. Alternatively, you’ll have to call a remediation specialist if you have a large mold problem.

If you live in Columbus or Bloomington, Indiana, YES Pest Pros can provide for all your crawl space-related needs. YES Pest Pros treats mold, dries out crawl spaces, installs proper insulation, and encapsulates crawl spaces. We even install sump pumps and French drains. If You find that any of these meets your needs, we’re here to help. So give us a call, and we’d be happy to use our 30+ years of experience to keep your home healthy and safe!

The post How to Prevent Bugs and Mold in Crawl Spaces appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

Professional Pest Control: How to Get Rid of Rats

Sun, 15 Jan 2017 06:13:00 GMT

Besides disease, rats actively cause damage. They gnaw on and chew through wiring in buildings and vehicles. Rats also chew through wood and other material they run into, material such as paper, cloth, books, and insulation. They also make nests in crevices and enclosed area, which can stifle ventilation and can attract more pests.

Meet the Brown Rat

Brown Rat Identification

Brown Rat Habitat

Unlike mice and roof rats, which like to build nests, brown rats prefer to burrow . They’ll commonly burrow along foundations, beneath trash and shrubbery, and underneath concrete slabs. If they live inside, they usually build homes in basements or crawl spaces. However, if their population grows too large, they’ll move to attics and ceilings.

Active rat burrows are usually clear of vegetation, and they’ll have rat runways leading to them. Outdoors, rat runways are smooth and packed. Indoors, the runways are clear of debris and dust.

Rat Diet

The diet of a brown rat is much different than that of its cousin the roof rat, which is found primarily along coastal areas. Roof rats like fresh fruit and vegetables and eat insects and other invertebrates. Brown rats, on the other hand, prefer carbohydrates and proteins . It’s for this reason that in rural areas you’ll most likely find rats near barns, silos, granaries, and livestock areas. Rats are not picky eaters, however. They thrive on free food and will munch on whatever they can access.

Rat Habits

Steps for Getting Rid of Rats

Inspection

Exclude

Eliminate

Baits/Traps

Ultrasonic

Rodenticides

Tracking Powder

Fumigation

Clean Up

After killing the rats, it’s time to clean up the infested area. According to the CDC , proper clean up after an indoor rat population has been eliminated begins with ventilation. The CDC suggests ventilating the air for at least 30 minutes and to use cross ventilation where possible. The CDC also advises not to touch rats with bare hands. Rats carry parasites and disease, so if you must handle rats, wear rubber latex, or vinyl gloves. Also, do not stir up dust by sweeping or vacuuming in an area where rats have been, as doing so will stir up urine and fecal matter that may be infected with disease. And when cleaning up urine and fecal matter, spray areas that need cleaned with disinfectant or a mixture of bleach and water and let the solution soak for 5 minutes. Afterward, clean up the area with a paper towel, and throw the paper towel away. After picking up the fecal matter and urine, again disinfect the area. Do the same when clearing out nests.

For big infestations, OSHA and state/local health lays may affect clean up and treatment. Respiratory devices, gloves, overalls, shoe coverings, etc. may be required to keep workers save.

The post Professional Pest Control: How to Get Rid of Rats appeared first on Yes Pest Control .

Blog - Yes Pest Control

What Bugs Feed on Human Blood? Blood Eating Bugs

Mosquitos

Lice

Bedbugs

Ticks

Can Fleas Travel on Clothing?

Avoid Bringing Them Home With You

How Long Can They Live on Clothing?

How to Avoid an Infestation

Are Bed Bugs Visible With the Naked Eye?

Stages of Life

Are Carpet Beetles Dangerous?

Indirect Threat of Carpet Beetles

Carpet Beetles Harm Food and Property ﻿

Controlling Carpet Beetles

What Spring Bugs Should You be on The Lookout For?

Ants

Boxelder bugs

Cluster Flies

Wasps and Hornets ﻿

Have you Spotted Spring Time Bugs?

Are Spiders Active in Winter?

How Do Spiders Survive in Winter ?

Spiders Pr epare For the Winter

Spiders Hibernate In Winter

Spiders Use Antifreeze to Survive

Spiders Stay Active

How to Deal With Winter Spiders

Consult with the Experts

How to Get Rid of Moths

Vacuuming Regularly

Use Moth Traps

Cedarwood

Herbs

Exterminate Moths With Help From the Pros

What Types of Ticks are Dangerous?

Do All Ticks Carry Disease?

How Can I Protect Myself From Bites?

How to Get Rid of Moles in Your Yard

Poisons

Eliminate the Source of Food

Traps

Can Mouse Droppings be Harmful?

What Do Mouse Droppings Look Like?

Are Mouse Droppings Dangerous to Your Health?

How Long Are Mouse Droppings Dangerous?

How to Properly Clean Mouse Feces?

Do you Have a Mouse in your House? Contact the Pros!

Is Pest Control Necessary In The Winter?

What Kind of Pests Are Winter Problems?

How Can You Protect Yourself From Pests During Winter?

Do You Need Pest Control in Winter?

How To Keep Bats Out of Your Home

How to Prevent Bats From Entering

How to Remove Bats From Your Home

Are Horsefly Bites Dangerous

Are the Bites Dangerous?

How to Avoid Infection

What About Allergies?

Are Brown Widow Spiders Dangerous?

Identifying the Brown Widow Spider

The Color of Brown Widow Spiders

The Distinguishable Markings of Brown Widow Spiders

The Egg Sacs of Brown Widow Spiders

The Habitat of Brown Widow Spiders

Are Brown Widow Spiders Dangerous to Humans?

How Venomous is The Brown Widow Spider

Eliminate Poisonous Spiders From Your Home

Where do Flies Go in the Winter?

Stages of Development

Pest Management With YES! Pest

Common Mosquitos in Indiana

Anopheles

Culex

Culiseta

What is a Carpet Beetle?

What do Carpet Beetles Look Like?

Are Carpet Beetles Harmful or Dangerous

Signs of Carpet Beetles

Carpet Beetles Harm Food and Property

Wasps and Hornets