Tag Archives: exterior treatment

Autumn Stings

It’s officially fall, which means Michigan’s woods and fields are buzzing with stinging insects fueling up for winter; and some of them are grumpy.

Yellowjackets are especially not in the mood to be trifled with as they can be really intolerant this time of the year. As things begin to wind down in the fall, they can become aggressive.We receive numerous calls each fall season with homeowners claiming to have a nest somewhere on their property Homeowners will notice singleton bees and wasps hanging out around their doors, windows, and soffits; they searching for any crevice to squeeze into. Yellowjackets often nest in the ground in colonies that can reach 4,000 to 5,000 workers. The entrance holes they are searching for might’ve been there since spring— but autumn is when the colony reaches its largest and when the insects become feisty. One reason is the last hatch consists of next year’s queens, which are the future of the colony.

Encounters

Swat a stinging insect and you might trigger and even more threatening response: Like a honeybee, a dying yellowjacket releases a pheromone that alerts the nest. Meddling or even stepping in the wrong place can trigger a full-on attack with the wasps swarming and pursuing.

Humans are most likely to encounter stinging insects as they look for food. Their diet somewhat changes. Throughout the summer wasps are predators, feeding on other insects. In the fall they develop somewhat of a sweet tooth. Fermenting fruit, colas, ciders, fruit juice, become more attractive to the wasps. Because of this, they tend to linger about orchards, cider mills, picnic areas, outdoor restaurant seating, and barbecues— all popular fall hangouts for Michigan residents.

Similar to mosquito bites, wasp stings contain a protein that can cause itching. They can and will sting multiple times, along with hornets. Both wasp and hornet stings can be painful and swell for up to 24 hours as they inject venom into their victims.

Honeybees, on the other hand, have a barbed stinger and can only sting once, as they die after stinging. The stinger remains in the victim’s skin until someone removes it. You can easily scrape it out with a fingernail or with a credit card.

Overall, avoiding these insects in any season is the best method to prevent stings. Knowing the correct precautions to take not only keeps your fall season safe but above all, fun!

For more information on how to distinguish stinging insects from one another, be sure to check this out!

Here are some examples of nests to avoid:

Miller, Korin. “Is That Stinging Insect a Bee, Wasp, or Hornet? Here’s Exactly How to Tell.” Prevention. 18 May 2020, www.prevention.com/life/a32389815/bee-vs-wasp-vs-hornet-difference/.

Boxelder Bugs

A fall nuisance, boxelder bugs get their common name from the fact that they are often found on and around boxelder trees. The species is native to the western states; however, they can live wherever boxelder trees are—from eastern Canada throughout the United States to eastern Nevada. The bugs are primarily a nuisance pest as they enter structures, including homes, sheds, and garages to overwinter.

Boxelder Bugs Appearance

Boxelder bugs are black with orange to reddish markings on their back. Adult boxelder bugs have somewhat-flattened and elongated oval bodies and are about one half of an inch in length. They have six legs and two, non-segmented antennae that are typically half of their body length. Nymphs look similar in shape to the adults but lack wings and are bright red.

Infestation Signs

Boxelder bugs generally become a problem in the fall (and when they emerge in the spring) when they invade structures. Like many pests that overwinter, homeowners may see evidence of these bugs as the temperatures rise. This is when the insects emerge and go back outdoors.

Habits

Overwintering boxelder bugs emerge from hibernation in late March to early April when the boxelder tree buds open. During this time, the adults leave their hibernation sites to return to their host trees for the warmer months. They first feed on fallen boxelder seeds, later moving to the female boxelder trees where they will feed on the newly developing leaves. Occasionally, boxelder bugs will also feed on apple and plum trees.

The adult females lay clusters of straw-yellow eggs on stones, eaves, grass, shrubs, and trees; but especially in crevices in the bark of boxelder trees. The eggs will turn red as the embryos develop, hatching in about two weeks. The nymphs will feed on fallen boxelder seeds and then on freshly budded leaves. There are most commonly two generations per year in the warmer regions of the United States.

Threats

Inside, boxelder bugs are primarily just a nuisance pest; however, their fecal material can cause a red stain on curtains, drapes, clothing, etc. When crushed or handled roughly, boxelder bugs also produce a sharp, disagreeable odor.

Habitat

In autumn, boxelder bugs become gregarious and assemble on the south-facing side of trees, rocks, and buildings where the sun hits. After gathering in large masses, they will migrate to nearby homes or other structures to hibernate. They tend to hide in small crevices or cracks in walls to insulate themselves from the cold. In anywhere from late March to April, adults will leave their overwintering sites to return to their host trees for the warmer months.

Boxelder bugs are not known biters, but their piercing/sucking mouthparts can occasionally puncture the skin, producing a red spot similar to that of a mosquito bite.

How To Get Rid Of Boxelder Bugs

To prevent a boxelder bug infestation in your home or structure(s), be sure to repair holes in screens, seal crevices and cracks with a good quality silicone or silicone-latex caulk, and install door sweeps to all exterior entrances.

When getting rid of a boxelder bug infestation in homes or buildings, you should not make any attempt to eradicate them in wall voids. Insect carcasses can attract dermestid beetles (ie., carpet beetles, larder beetles, etc.). We recommend waiting until summer when all live adults have left the wall voids. To provide temporary relief, consider using a vacuum cleaner to get rid of the boxelder bugs. You should remove the bag to prevent the pests from escaping. Then, be sure to seal up all entryways into the living space – window and door frames, cracks in the baseboards, etc. – to prevent any future infestation. Remove the cover plate, seal and replace outlets, heating ducts, switch boxes, and air vents for electrical fixtures. For lights and ceiling fans, remove the fixture to its base plate, seal, and replace.

If you suspect a boxelder bug infestation, a licensed pest control professional should be contacted to evaluate and assess the problem.

Mighty Mosquitoes

Zika. West Nile. Malaria. Encephalitis. These are but a few of the dangerous diseases commonly associated with mosquitoes. While the threat for these diseases is nowhere near as high in the United States as it is in other countries, it is still something to be mindful of; as the mosquito’s real danger goes well beyond the prick of a sting or the resulting, itchy welt. According to the CDC, mosquitoes kill more people per year around the world than any other living creature! With these astronomical numbers, it is no wonder that we are always on high alert for these insects, especially when traveling.

It is important to know that mosquitoes are simply a vector for transmitting disease; the original host is usually a bird, and in some cases horses or deer. In Michigan, the bird suspects include Blue Jays, robins, and crows, which is why their populations are monitored by health officials. The insects feed on the blood of the infected animal, and then move on from host to host. Interestingly enough, it is only the female mosquitoes that bite as they require blood to develop eggs. Males, on the other hand, are rather innocuous, feeding on plant nectars and juices instead.

Mosquito Lifecycle

Michigan has roughly 60 different species of mosquito, including Aedes Egypti, Anopheles, and Culex; All 60 species fall into 3 main categories: permanent water, floodwater, and artificial container/tree hole mosquitoes. Aptly named, all three require some type of standing water source to breed and grow, such as ponds, flooded areas, old tires and water-filled buckets.

All mosquitoes start out as an egg which hatch when they are exposed to water. The larvae, called “wigglers” because of their movement patterns, will molt several times before turning into a pupa. In the pupa, or “tumbler”, stage the mosquito will not feed. This is the final stage before they emerge from the water as adults. Adult female mosquitoes can lay up to 100 eggs about every third night after mating only once! After laying three sets the mosquito will die; her eggs will hatch, thus starting the lifecycle over again. While this cycle typically takes up to two weeks, it can range from 4 days to as long as a month.

Zika and Mosquitoes

Since mosquitoes are cold-blooded, spring is the season in which they become active— hibernating once the temperatures drop below 50 degrees. In the extreme South and Hawaii, mosquito season has been known to last throughout the year! This is why we must be mindful when traveling abroad. Many of the diseases spread most commonly by mosquitoes are contracted in countries outside of the US; most prevalently the Zika virus. It is, however, important to know that while there is no current local transmission of the Zika virus in the United States, infection during pregnancy can cause certain birth defects; it transfers from a pregnant woman to her fetus. A great resource to remain up-to-date on Zika can be found here.

Other Threats

Despite the threat of Zika being minimal, there are other, more easily contracted ailments. Malaria and West Nile are the most well-known, and although both transmit through the insect’s bite there are several differences; primarily, malaria is a parasite, whereas the West Nile is a virus. Only Anopheles—and only females—can transmit malaria. Malaria is caused by plasmodium, a one-celled parasite. The female Anopheles mosquito picks up the disease by drinking the blood of the infected. Unfortunately, malaria kills 80% of its hosts.

On the other hand, only around 20% of those infected with the West Nile virus exhibit mild flu-like symptoms; it is easy to beat. If you do exhibit symptoms, however, there are no medications to treat the illness, though ver-the-counter pain medications can assist in relieving the flu-like symptoms. It is important to know that less than 1% of those infected with West Nile present with serious symptoms developing into neurologic illnesses such as encephalitis or meningitis.

Another, far less threatening issue caused by mosquitoes is nuisance of their bites. The red, itchy bumps are simply a summertime annoyance. The bumps are caused by histamine produced by the body to fight off the foreign substance (mosquito saliva) that enters the area through the broken skin. Some people react worse than others who become more tolerant to a mosquito’s saliva over time. For many, the reaction remains consistent, and mosquito bites continue to be an annoyance.

Treating Mosquitoes

There is no way to eliminate all of the mosquitoes on one’s property, but they can be controlled. One of these tools is to larvicide any standing water that cannot be emptied out around a home. These areas may include ponds and catch basins. Another tool is to chemically treat the barrier of the property or area. If you’re not a prime candidate for a barrier treatment, consider purchasing a fan for the deck, patio or lawn! Mosquitoes are not strong fliers, so a fan swathing back and forth will keep them out of the area you’re trying to enjoy. This will make your BBQ or family gathering much more enjoyable while also being eco-friendly. Maintaining awareness of the dangers that surround mosquitoes is by far the best method of protecting yourself from a potentially dangerous illness.

Sources:

Travelers’ Health
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/zika-travel-information

Mosquitoes in Michigan: Here’s What To Know To Help Keep Them Away
Frank McGeorge – https://www.clickondetroit.com/health/mosquitoes-in-michigan-heres-what-you-need-to-know-the-facts

Tips and Dangers Associated with Mosquitoes in Michigan
Laura Sternberg – https://www.tripsavvy.com/mosquitoes-in-michigan-1085463

West Nile Virus | West Nile Virus | CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/westnile/index.html

Malaria | About Malaria – Biology | CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/about/biology/index.html

Tips on Spiders

As spring in Northern Michigan draws closer and the days get longer, spiders get closer invading your home and covering your structure in webs. Spiders can do an extensive amount of damage to the surface of a home, no matter what type of siding, paint, or stain is used on the structure. As spiders begin to eat bugs caught in their webs, they urinate and defecate onto the structure, leaving an acidic substance that embeds into vinyl paints and stains. This results in more upkeep and maintenance on the homeowners part.

Hogarth’s Pest Control is your local expert in protecting your home from spider infestations before it gets too late. By routinely treating your home every spring, you not only protect your home for longer, but you also keep your home cleaner as a result. This eliminates the need to power wash and paint more frequently. Here are a few tips to keep spiders at bay, on top of your routine pest control:

1. Routinely knocking down any webs will put serious strain on the spider; by either humanely killing or forcing them to seek new harborage.

2. Keep a minimum distance of 6 inches between your structure and any sort of vegetation to maintain air flow.

3. Maintaining low humidity in your crawlspace or basement will make it difficult for spiders and their prey to live. Spiders are hunters, and without a proper source of food they will cease to exist in those areas.

Spiders and Web Sweeping

One of the main pest issues in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula is spiders, their webs, and the droppings they leave on homes and businesses. In most cases, spiders only need to be treated from the exterior of the home. This prevents them from building webs and getting inside. We include a web sweeping service with our spider spray treatment. We use poles and extensions to reach webs and nests in the high peaks of your home. Removing the webs along with an exterior spray can make a huge difference for your home. This spray also prevents against other crawling insects and bees, wasps, and hornets.

There’s often a misconception that power washing the home will reduce a spider and web problem. This is an added cost that isn’t needed on a regular basis. Our annual spring treatment will cut down on the cost of an extra service, as well as reduce the number of insects in and around your home. However if you power wash your home, it is important to do so before a spider treatment as it will wash the product off the structure.

Perimeter spraying the outside of a structure is the best way to prevent against spiders and other insects and to control the amount of webbing. However, if you seem to have an abundance of spiders inside your home we do offer an interior treatment. This will rid the inside of your home from the spiders currently there, while the exterior treatment will prevent them from getting inside in the future.

We begin our spring treatments as soon as the snow melts! Be sure to call us right away to get on the schedule and have your home treated as soon as possible.