Monthly Archives: April 2019

Itsy Bitsy Spiders

In the pest control industry, we are no stranger to dealing with very real fears. Many of the critters we deal with have some kind of a phobia attached to them— whether it be general fear, anxiety induced by the diseases they carry, etc. We know that we are often dealing with sensitive nuisances. This is why it brings us so much pride to come to the aid of our customers. We truly have seen it all, and are pretty much desensitized to most. However, there are some creepy crawlies that will cause even the most seasoned PCO to jump— namely, spiders.

Spiders are among the top concerns for homeowners. It is important to know that not all spiders are “bad”. Many are extremely helpful to the ecosystem. Moreover, the presence of spiders ensures that the insect population is being controlled naturally. Despite the positives, many have an instinctive fear of spiders and will not tolerate their presence in the home. This is where we come in. There are a few main issues that we hear about concerning spiders: the fear of bites, the visual unpleasantry of their presence and webs, and the potential for structure staining and damage from their droppings.

Spiders are generally an unpleasant sight in outdoor seating areas, as well as on the exterior of structures. Spiders and their webs cause an unsightly problem for both owners and guests. Their droppings leave stains and with time they can do damage by causing build up, especially with vinyl siding. Have you ever returned your cottage or cabin only to walk through webbing to reach the door? Are you sweeping webbing off your screens? Do you have to wash the spider mess off your windows more than once a year? These problems are very common in wooded and heavily-scrubbed areas as well as waterfront properties. In our great state it seems that many seasonal homes are located in these areas.

While there are many different types of spiders in Michigan, most of them are simply web builders and house invaders. There are only two spiders in Michigan that we consider dangerous: the Brown Recluse the Northern Black Widow. Fortunately, these are not very prevalent and we rarely find them in or around homes.

The Brown Recluse

The Brown Recluse rarely bites unless pressed against the skin. It is common to its name in the fact that it hides in dark areas, gloves, undisturbed clothing and bed sheets, and it is non-confrontational. We identify the Brown Recluse by the violin shaped marking and can range in color from cream to brown to dark brownish gray. If bitten by this spider it is imperative you seek medical attention immediately as it can turn into severe skin lesions.

The Northern Black Widow

The Northern Black Widow is shiny black in color and can be identified by a red hourglass marking on the underside of the abdomen, which is incomplete or split in the middle. It can also have white stripes on the abdomen. This spider is timid and chooses to flee when disturbed, therefore rarely bites. If bitten pain is felt almost immediately and increases for 1 to 3 hours. There has only been a 1% mortality rate from a Black Widow bite.

We have many species of spider that help to control mosquito, wasp, hornet, and even other spider populations. However, their legginess and seemingly erratic movement patterns make them all equally unwelcome house guests for most. Your every day home invaders include the common house spider, wolf spider, daddy long-legs, orb weaver and the jumping spider. Most are quick to dodge anything you throw at them and their disappearance can cause uneasiness for even the toughest person.

If you are noticing spiders in your home, especially in the spring months, it is important to call a licensed pest control professional. Spiders will lay between 2 and 1000 eggs, depending on the species, so a small problem can become much larger in a short amount of time! Identification is key with these pests, and we always ask our customers to try and save a specimen for the professional to identify and treat accordingly.

Hogarth’s Pest Control specializes in the removal and prevention of spiders in and around homes. If you are experiencing an unpleasant spider issue, do not hesitate to give us a call today!

Holy Mole-y

If you’ve ever caught sight of a mole, you know they’re really quite strange looking. Sure, they are small and furry— but that is more or less the extent of their cuteness. Moles have inconspicuous ears and eyes, meaning these features are not prominent; because of their subterranean lifestyle, they are practically blind, as they do not require their eyes to tunnel so they remain closed at all times. New research suggests that certain species of mole are evolving without eyes all togetherⁱ, according to a team of researchers led by J Martin Collinson from the University of Aberdeen. Their front legs were designed for digging, equipped with large webbed paws with 5 finger-like appendages; whereas their back legs are reduced and nowhere near as powerful, though webbed as well.

Moles cause major problems for anyone who appreciates the cosmetics of well-manicured lawn. They burrow underground tunnels just below the surface, feeding on various insects, earthworms, roots, seeds, fruits, and vegetables. Under good conditions a Mole will produce tunnels at a rate of 15 feet per hour. When tunneling, moles dump excess soil upward which creates molehills that are made of loose dirt. This seriously destroys the cosmetic appeal of lawns and golf courses. There are various species of mole, all of which share some similarities.

Types of Moles

There are two types of moles we commonly deal with in Michigan: the eastern and the star-nosed mole. Both species have several traits in common; for example, both moles can dig from 30-100 yards a day. The distance is dependent on temperature and soil quality. The eastern mole, the most common, has a very large range that can sometimes span multiple acres. They dig horizontally and have ravenous appetites, sometimes consuming 100% of their bodyweight daily! Their diet mainly consists of grubs and earthworms, but they will also feed on ants, centipedes, snails, and slugs as well as grass seed, dog food and any human food left on the ground.

For those of you who have laid eyes on a star-nosed mole, you know they look eerily similar to the demogorgon from Stranger Things— the face only a mother could love. Unlike the eastern mole, the star-nosed mole tunnels vertically and creates the largest mounding problem for lawns. They burrow deeply until deciding to turn back around and burrow nearly to the surface, creating substantial mounds. These moles are semi-aquatic and many of their tunnels will exit in the shallow end of bodies of water. Star-nosed moles are usually treated by methods other than trapping, such as certain rodenticide treatments.

Eradication of Moles

Mole problems can and will persist if proper eradication and prevention does not take place. Moles do not hibernate and remain active all year long. As the soil freezes deeper, moles stop making surface tunnels and tunnel further into the ground. Once they reach below the frostline, they remain there for the duration of winter feasting on insects and earthworms. It is important to know that there is no way to stop moles from getting in to the property, so preventative measures are fruitless. There are, however, a few means to mole eradication and control depending on the species and extremity of the situation. One of the most common ways is via trapping. It is important to trap as many mating pairs as possibly to significantly cut back on the population.

Alternatives Methods

Due to the range of certain mole species, trapping is not always the best option. The most effective and cutting-edge way (also our preferred way) to solve a mole problem is by the use of a machine that produces carbon monoxide called the BurrowRX. These machines fill the soil with just the right amount of of CO so that all existing moles will be eradicated in 10-15 minutes. This method is by far the quickest, however it is important that all humans and animals remain indoors for the duration of the treatment as CO is harmful if inhaled. The BurrowRX assures users that secondary kills of non-target species are not likely when the machine is properly operated.

Moles are in my yard. What now?

It is important to continue taking preventative measures in order to keep moles from damaging your lawn. Unfortunately, there is no permanent solution or way to physically block them from entering. In order to keep the moles from taking over once more, we suggest a monthly maintenance program to ensure no further damage. At Hogarth’s Pest Control & Wildlife Removal, we specialize in the removal and control of moles and will work with you to create a program that works best for your situation. If you are suffering from mole damage, please do not hesitate to give us a call today!

Sources

BMC Biology. “Genetic Explanation For Moles’ Poor Eyesight.” ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081020191534.htm (accessed April 13, 2019).

Mice in Michigan

In recent years, rodent populations have seemingly increased. Mice in particular are common household pests that can become an out-of-control problem if not nipped in the bud. They multiply quickly and in great numbers; two can turn into twenty within weeks. While unaggressive, these rodents can cause quite a scare for homeowners and an infestation can lead to health problems along with potential fire hazards from their tendency to gnaw on electrical wires. Mice control requires three methods of defense: trapping and removing, baiting from the exterior, and exclusion…but more on those later! In Michigan we have 4 species: white-footed, house, deer, and field. It is important to properly identify which type of mouse we are dealing with before eradication, as each species comes with their own set of preferences and tendencies.

“How do mice get in my home?”, you may ask. Mice are notorious gnawers, and will chew their way into virtually any structure; including homes, cabins, restaurants, hotels, factories, nursing homes, hospitals, food processing plants, commercial kitchens, RV’s, air conditioning units, heat pumps, outbuildings, and airplanes. Mice chew through window and door seals, and are known to damage weather stripping.They can squeeze through holes as small as a dime! Really there is no structure a mouse won’t chew its way into if given the chance.

Remediating an Existing Issue

There are three methods of defense to remediate and/or prevent future infestations from occurring; trapping and removing, baiting from the exterior, and exclusion. If the inside of your home is deemed to be infested by a licensed pest control professional, the mice must be trapped and removed by using various traps. Snap traps and glue boards work well to catch mice on the interior as we will not and do not recommend that poisons are used inside. Using bait inside will cause the mice to die inside, creating a whole new problem.

Bait stations are set around the exterior of the structure so that the mice outdoors will be lured in. Our bait stations are designed to be the strongest on the market so that problems aren’t created with non-target animals, and pet safety is one of our biggest concerns. The stations are tamper-proof, weighted, and locked to ensure the bait is protected. We also scan our stations for digital data tracking. Exclusion is the process of sealing any cracks or holes around the exterior of a structure to prevent mice from squeezing through.

Hazards

While the mice themselves will not cause harm as they do not generally bite unless held. The real threat comes from the health problems they can cause. Mice are known to carry parasites, and their waste can cause diseases such as salmonellosis and hantavirus. Hantavirus is particularly threatening because it lives in feces and when disturbed becomes airborne. The virus can be contracted by so much as breathing in contaminated dust from nests and/or droppings, so it is important to call a licensed pest control professional for proper remediation and clean-up. If you believe to have come across a mouse nest in your home, do not touch it! During the professional clean-up, every effort will be made to avoid stirring up any dust as well as a respirator to ensure there is no inhalation.

Tips to Prevent an Infestation

Eliminate food sources
1. Proper storage of food sources in pantries, cupboards, and especially in garages can help to prevent mice from chewing their way in to access. Airtight containers and storing food off of the floor will also be helpful.
Safeguard your garbage
1. By storing your outdoor garbage in a contained space such as a tin lidded bin, rodents will be unable to access.
Carefully tend your vegetable garden
1. Any leftover fruits or vegetables are an attractant to mice foraging for food. Mice are omnivorous, which means they eat both plants, meat, fruits, seeds, and grains.
Block entry points
1. If you come across cracks or holes around the exterior of a structure, you may block them. Keep in mind any mice trapped inside may perish and cause a disturbing odor.
Reduce clutter
1. Reducing clutter creates less spaces to hide, nest, and travel. Mice are extremely resourceful and will use just about anything as nesting material. In homes, clutter is often found in attics, basements, and garages, the same sites of most mouse infestations.
Protect your pool
1. Pools are essentially giant water bowls for mice, who can easily fall in and drown. It is not uncommon to find deceased rodents in pools and jacuzzis. Always cover these when not in use!

By taking these steps, homeowners are able to make their property less appealing to mice and other rodents. The more you know, the more effectively we can work together. If you believe to have found evidence of mice in your home do not hesitate to give us a call. We have been keeping homes in Northern Michigan mouse-free for 25 years! We look forward to solving your problem.

The Ants Go Marching

Carpenter ants. You’ve seen them— the black, oversized bodies with pinchers on their faces. Aptly named after their nest building, carpenter ants burrow smooth tunnels in wood and are commonly referred to as the “Michigan termite”. Rather than eating the wood, they excavate to make their nests. This poses a threat for property owners if they gain access to a structure. Early detection is key! Unlike the termite, it takes years for their destruction to cause significant structural damage; however, it is still important to remain proactive in the prevention of an infestation.

But what do they do?

Carpenter ants attack wood that has been damaged by mold or water. While they begin with the weakened wood, they move deeper and can easily burrow in the dry, undamaged wood. In the wild, these ants make their homes in fallen trees, hollowed-out stumps, rotting fence posts, and under logs/lumber. However, water damaged wood around a structure or home is also alluring to carpenter ants. Homeowners will commonly find an infestation in areas that have experienced flooding such as kitchens and bathrooms. These ants gain access to structures through the damaged areas; as well as through cracks around doors, windows, plumbing, and electrical holes. If there are tree branches or electrical wires touching the structure, they can use those as a means to enter as well. Once inside, they begin to build their colonies.

The parent colony houses the queen, eggs, and young. Satellite colonies may branch off from the main but only once the parent colony is mature, which can take years. The workers and winged ants emerge from the pupae in the late summer months and begin mating flights. This process is called swarming and can be quite a disturbance for homeowners as it is a sign of an infestation. In some cases however, a homeowner may become aware of an infestation by hearing a rustling in the walls. Other signs of an infestation in the home include finding sawdust piles around the home, or seeing small holes in wood.

Carpenter ants are most active during dusk and dawn, though they can be seen out in broad daylight. They feed on plant and fruit juices as well as insects and other arthropods and will forage for food up to 700 feet from their nest in the wild. In the home, they enjoy kitchen grease, meats, sweets, and eggs.

Tips to prevent

Proper identification is key!
Trim branches and bushes from structure.
Be sure to fix and replace any water-damaged wood
Have an exterior preventative treatment applied to your structure. The best time to do is in the spring; however, if you have an infestation you should get treated by a professional immediately.
Keep food stored in airtight containers

If you believe to have found a carpenter ant in your home or structure, it is important to call a licensed pest control professional. While carpenter ant damage is slow-moving, these pests are best dealt with sooner than later. The first line of self defense a homeowner with an assumed infestation turns to is typically self-treating with store bought pyrethrin pesticides such as Ortho® Home Defense®. While this may seem to alleviate the issue, it will only kill the ants being seen and drive more ants inside the home! To eradicate a colony, the queen must be killed and store bought pesticides will simply not do the job. The best course of action is to work with a pest control professional to ensure proper and lasting eradication. Not only will a professional rid your home of ants, but they will also provide you with tips and additional services to prevent re-entry.

Hogarth’s Pest Control & Wildlife Removal specializes in these types of jobs and the exclusion work required to prevent it from happening again. We work with you on creating a program best-suited to your needs. Hogarth’s Pest Control & Wildlife Removal has been eradicating carpenter ant colonies in Northern Michigan for over 25 years, and we do not stop until the job is done!