Lawn Pests

To find out more about any of the above pests just click on their image for detailed information about these specific Lawn Pests

Lawn Pests If you are concerned about fire ants, minimizing flea and tick populations, or simply eliminating the pests that eat your lawn and garden, call  Arrest A today. We want to help you fight this battle that seems never-ending. We will eradicate the infestation and help prevent them from making their way into your home. There are many different types of lawn pests. To eliminate the infestation, we have to first identify the insect. Each pest requires a different approach. Therefore calling a professional will help you identify and eliminate the pest most effectively. Lawn pests can be either below or above ground feeding. A good example of a below feeding insect  is a grub. These can be dangerous because they will destroy the root system in your lawn. The larvae will attract different birds that will make your yard a mess trying to get to them. You can identify if you have a grub problem by searching for small brown spots on your lawn. In this case you should call a professional because this problem can only be treated from under the soil. Chinch bugs and sod worms are good examples of above ground feeding insects. These can be harmful to your lawn by sucking juices from and eating the blades of grass. You should also call a professional in this case because they have treatments that do not come off the grass with rain or sprinklers. Lawn pests include:
  • Billbugs
  • Sod worms
  • Chinch bugs
  • Grubs
  • Earwigs
  • Millipedes
  • Centipedes
  • Crickets
  • Armyworms
Arrest A Pest can help you no matter what the lawn pest problem is! We want to make sure you keep your lawn healthy and pest free. Having a healthy lawn adds curbside appeal to your home and gives you a sense of peace.

Bed Bugs: Identification, Prevention, and Professional Treatment

Identification and Biology of Bed Bugs

Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are small, oval-shaped insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. Despite their name, these pests can be found in various locations beyond just beds. Understanding their appearance and behavior is crucial for early detection and prevention.

Physical Characteristics

  • Size: Adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed, measuring 4-5 mm in length.
  • Color: They range from light brown to reddish-brown, becoming more red after feeding.
  • Shape: Bed bugs have a flat, oval-shaped body that becomes more elongated and swollen after feeding.
  • Wings: They have wing pads but cannot fly.

Bed bug nymphs (young bed bugs) are smaller and lighter in color, often appearing translucent or whitish-yellow. As they grow and molt, they become darker and more visible to the naked eye.

Life Cycle

Understanding the bed bug life cycle is essential for effective control:

  • Eggs: Female bed bugs lay 1-5 eggs per day and up to 500 in a lifetime. Eggs are tiny (about 1 mm) and pearly white.
  • Nymphs: Bed bugs go through five nymphal stages before reaching adulthood. Each stage requires a blood meal to molt.
  • Adults: Adult bed bugs can live for several months to a year under favorable conditions.

The entire life cycle from egg to adult can take about 37 days under optimal conditions. However, bed bugs can survive for months without feeding, making them particularly resilient pests.

Preferred Habitats

Bed bugs are experts at hiding and can be found in various locations throughout your home:

  • Mattress seams, box springs, and bed frames
  • Cracks and crevices in furniture
  • Behind baseboards and electrical outlet plates
  • Under loose wallpaper or paint
  • In the folds of curtains
  • Inside books, electronics, and picture frames

Their flat bodies allow them to squeeze into tiny spaces, making thorough inspections crucial for detection.

Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation

Recognizing the signs of a bed bug infestation early can help prevent a small problem from becoming a major ordeal. Here are key indicators to watch for:

Visual Clues

  • Live bugs: Although small, bed bugs are visible to the naked eye. Look for them in the seams of mattresses, box springs, and other hiding spots.
  • Shed skins: As bed bugs grow, they molt, leaving behind light brown exoskeletons.
  • Eggs and eggshells: These are tiny (about 1 mm) and pale yellow.
  • Fecal spots: Look for dark, rust-colored stains on mattresses, sheets, or nearby surfaces. These are bed bug droppings.
  • Blood stains: Small blood stains on sheets or pillowcases can indicate crushed bed bugs.

Physical Symptoms

While not everyone reacts to bed bug bites, many people experience:

  • Red, itchy welts on the skin, often in a line or cluster
  • Bites commonly found on exposed areas of the body during sleep
  • Allergic reactions in some individuals, ranging from mild to severe

It's important to note that bed bug bites can be similar to those of other insects, so visual confirmation of bed bugs is crucial for accurate identification.

Prevention Tips: Keeping Bed Bugs at Bay

Preventing a bed bug infestation is far easier and less costly than treating one. Here are essential prevention strategies to protect your home:

Regular Inspections

  • Conduct thorough inspections of your bedding, mattresses, and furniture regularly.
  • Pay special attention to seams, tufts, and folds where bed bugs like to hide.
  • Use a flashlight and magnifying glass for a more detailed examination.

Travel Precautions

  • Inspect hotel rooms thoroughly before unpacking.
  • Keep luggage elevated and away from beds and walls.
  • Upon returning home, wash all clothes in hot water and dry on high heat.
  • Vacuum suitcases before storing them.

Second-Hand Items

  • Carefully inspect all second-hand furniture, mattresses, and clothing before bringing them into your home.
  • Consider treating these items before use, either through professional heat treatment or thorough cleaning.

Reduce Clutter

  • Minimize clutter in your home, especially in bedrooms.
  • Fewer hiding spots make it harder for bed bugs to establish themselves and easier for you to spot them.

Use Protective Covers

  • Encase mattresses and box springs in bed bug-proof covers.
  • These covers trap any existing bed bugs and prevent new ones from infesting your bed.

Seal Entry Points

  • Seal cracks and crevices in walls, floors, and furniture.
  • Pay attention to areas around electrical outlets and baseboards.

Regular Cleaning

  • Vacuum frequently, including mattresses, carpets, and upholstered furniture.
  • Wash bedding, curtains, and clothing in hot water regularly.

Be Cautious in Shared Spaces

  • Be vigilant in places like laundromats, movie theaters, and public transportation.
  • Avoid placing personal items on upholstered surfaces in public areas.

Remember, early detection is key. Check your house after having guests, moving, or returning from a trip. These are prime opportunities for bed bugs to enter your home.

When to Call a Professional Exterminator

While prevention is crucial, sometimes professional intervention becomes necessary. Here are signs that it's time to call Arrest-A-Pest for bed bug treatment:

Confirmed Infestation

If you've positively identified bed bugs in your home, it's best to call professionals immediately. Bed bugs are notoriously difficult to eliminate without proper expertise and equipment.

Widespread Problem

If bed bugs have spread beyond a single room or area, professional treatment is usually required for complete eradication.

Recurring Issues

If you've attempted DIY treatments but the problem persists or returns, it's time for professional intervention.

Health Concerns

If you or family members are experiencing severe reactions to bed bug bites, professional treatment becomes urgent to protect your health.

Peace of Mind

Even if you're unsure about an infestation, a professional inspection can provide peace of mind and catch problems early.

Remember, bed bugs are resilient and can quickly spread. Don't hesitate to call Arrest-A-Pest at the first sign of trouble. Our experienced technicians use advanced techniques and EPA-approved treatments to effectively eliminate bed bug infestations.

The Arrest-A-Pest Bed Bug Treatment Process

At Arrest-A-Pest, we take a comprehensive approach to bed bug elimination:

  • Inspection: Our technicians conduct a thorough inspection to determine the extent of the infestation.
  • Treatment Plan: We develop a customized treatment plan based on the inspection findings.
  • Preparation: We provide guidance on how to prepare your home for treatment.
  • Treatment: We use a combination of methods, including heat treatments, targeted insecticide applications, and dust applications in voids and cracks.
  • Follow-up: We conduct follow-up inspections and treatments as necessary to ensure complete eradication.

Bed Bug Behavior and Risks

Understanding bed bug behavior can help in both prevention and early detection:

Feeding Habits

  • Bed bugs typically feed at night while hosts are sleeping.
  • They can detect the carbon dioxide we exhale, leading them to their hosts.
  • A bed bug feeding session lasts 3-10 minutes.
  • They can survive several months without a blood meal.

Movement and Spread

  • Bed bugs don't fly or jump but are excellent crawlers.
  • They can spread quickly through a building by crawling through wall voids, electrical conduits, and other hidden pathways.
  • They often hitch rides on luggage, clothing, or furniture to enter new locations.

Health Risks

While bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases, they can pose other health risks:

  • Allergic reactions to bites, ranging from mild to severe
  • Secondary infections from scratching bites
  • Anemia in severe, prolonged infestations (rare)
  • Mental health impacts due to stress, anxiety, and sleep deprivation

Conclusion: Stay Vigilant and Act Quickly

Bed bugs can be a persistent and distressing problem, but with the right knowledge and professional help, they can be effectively managed. Remember these key points:

  • Regular inspections and prevention measures are crucial.
  • Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.
  • Professional treatment is often necessary for complete eradication.
  • Don't hesitate to call Arrest-A-Pest at the first sign of bed bugs.

At Arrest-A-Pest, we're committed to helping you maintain a pest-free home. Our family-owned business provides personalized, professional service to meet your specific needs. Don't let bed bugs rob you of your peace of mind – contact us today for a free estimate and let us help you reclaim your home from these persistent pests.

Remember, when it comes to bed bugs, it's always better to be safe than sorry. Stay vigilant, act quickly, and trust the experts at Arrest-A-Pest to keep your home bed bug-free.

Fleas & Ticks

To find out more about any of the above pests just click on their image for detailed information about these specific Fleas & Ticks.

Ticks: Most ticks are located near areas of high vegetation. Depending on the species, ticks differ in size and color. Ticks are interested in the blood of mammals, reptiles, and birds. They are notorious for biting deer, humans, livestock, cats and dogs. It is crucial to make sure  your cat or dog is on one of the preventative products such as Revolution, frontline, or Advantix. There are many options you can utilize in tick prevention and control. Maintain your lawn by keeping the grass cut short. This will prevent the ticks from nesting in the long grass. Check yourself, children, and pets for ticks before coming into the house where they hide in small spaces. Ticks find their way into your home by latching onto people’s clothing, skin, and pets.If you can see a tick, there is a high chance there’s a bite. A medical professional can verify a diagnosis. Therefore, you should repair or fill any of the gaps or crevices you have to prevent the ticks from nesting in them. If you find a tick on you or one of your pets, you should proceed with caution. If you notice any medical issues arise as a consequence of the bite; immediately go to the doctor.When removing a tick, grab it with tweezers behind the head. Tweezers are the most effective method of tick removal. If you do not have the means of using a tweezers; make sure your hands are washed before tick removal. You need to remove the tick slowly from the skin because having the tick burst will release their fluids.These fluids can be very dangerous to anyone infected. Ticks carry many different  diseases and bacteria that are harmful to humans and animals.After the removal, disinfect the area and make sure that it is thoroughly washed. If you think that you may have a home infested with ticks, call  Arrest A Pest immediately. We can help in the removal and future prevention of tick infestation. We want to make sure that your home is safe for you and your pets. Fleas: Fleas are small parasites that feed on blood. They can jump long distances and like to jump from host to host. They are mostly found on animals that contain a lot of hair or fur. They feed on any wild or domesticated animals such as mice, cats, dogs, rats, and rabbits. For fleas to come into your home, they catch a ride on a mammal such as a pet. From there, they can jump to whoever is their next meal. You can take similar preventative measures for fleas as you do with ticks. Check your pets and  fill the gaps and crevices in your home so rodents with fleas can’t get in. It is easy to detect a flea problem. However, it is crucial that you locate the eggs that can be in hidden places. Call  Arrest  A Pest if you suspect a flea infestation. We can eliminate and provide you more helpful information on how to get rid of these pests.

Wasps & Bees

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Regardless of how bees contribute to our ecosystem, they are a serious issue when inside the home. They can be very harmful to you, your family, and your pets,especially if someone is allergic. We know that once you find the nest, you feel pressured to eradicate the insects,You should not confront  bees and wasps yourself. Please call  Arrest A Pest to eradicate your bee and wasp problem safely. If you suspect a stinging insect infestation, call  Arrest A Pest today. Our trained professionals will listen openly to your concerns and devise a plan of action. We can help you eliminate and prevent future infestations. Bees: It is good to know a little about bees in order to understand where they come from and how they work. There are three tiers in the bee kingdom. The male drones that exist for the sole purpose to fertilize the queen are at the bottom. Next there are female worker bees that  maintain the hive and keep it alive. The top tier  is the queen bee. She is responsible for laying eggs and mating. Bees are attracted to flowers due to pollination and the nectar they contain. When eradicating the bees entirely from your home; it is important to destroy their nest. If you kill the bees and then leave the nest, another swarm of bees or wasps will come to nest there. Other insects such as roaches or ants will also be attracted to the abandoned nest due to the honey. Many people mistake bees for wasps because they look similar. They have different eradication treatments, so it is important to make that distinction. When you call  Arrest A Pest, we will be able to make that distinction for you. Do not worry, we are here to help and get rid of your bug infestation as fast as possible. Wasps: When eradicating wasps, you should know where they like to nest. Some typical nest areas include: inside hollow tree trunks, inside (or on) fence posts or play sets, behind shutters, and. underneath roof awnings. You should also check mulched areas because yellow jackets are typically underground.You can see them coming and going from a small hole, typically  found under a shady  tree. If you find a wasp nest outside, you can use Raid® Wasp & Hornet Killer. Make sure to spray the nest in its entirety. Read the label  how far to stand while spraying. It is not safe to spray  from a close stance directly. After 24 hours, you can leave the nest or remove it. The sprayed nest will not be sought after by other wasps. When you remove the nest, you should always wear gloves. If you find a wasp inside the home, they are usually looking for a place to nest. In order to prevent this,check your screens for holes.  Check windows and doors for cracks; rinse recycling before putting it in the bin, and keep garbage bins far from entrances to the home. You should not attempt to remove  these insects alone. They can be dangerous, and need to  be handled by a professional like Arrest A Pest.