News & Updates from Fullscope Pest Control

Wasps and bees can be a huge pain for homeowners as they mainly show up at homes during late spring and early summer as they prepare their nests. In this article, we'll tell you all about what you should know about wasp and honey bee nests. 

Signs You Have Wasps and Honey Bees Around Your Home

If you suspect that you have wasps and honey bees around your home, there are several signs to look for.

Buzzing Noises

This is an apparent issue, yet it is one that many people overlook or forget. If you're hearing buzzing sounds in your walls, it's likely that a swarm of bees or wasps has settled within. The swarm grows in size as the buzz grows larger and more frequent. Serious infestations have resulted in millions of bees residing in a single house, creating a very terrifying and hazardous situation.

Sudden Appearance

So you've been lazing around your house on a lazy Sunday and haven't gone out. Despite this, you notice a large honey bee buzzing over your head. What caused this to happen? While it's possible that this single bee pushed his way through the cracks in your exterior and winged his way inside, it's also possible that he's simply one of many that dwell within your walls.

Walls or Ceilings With Dark Spots

If you detect dark stains on your walls or ceilings, you may have a honey bee infestation. Here is because honeybees have constructed a nest between your walls or above your ceiling, indicating that this is where the honey is made. Honey from these nests will leave dark spots on your walls or ceilings. This, together with an abundance of bees around your property, indicates that you have a honey bee infestation.

How Long Do Wasp And Bee Nests Last?

The majority of wasp colonies only survive for one season at a time. As is the case with bumblebees, only the queens of the colonies are able to build new colonies; the rest of the members of the colony perish. Warmer temperatures and different geographical regions help a colony survive longer.

There is only one use for a nest. If you want to prevent wasps from building a nest in the same location the following year, it is recommended that you leave at least part of the nest construction in place after the nest has been abandoned. This will prevent the wasps from returning to the same spot to build their nest.

This is because social wasps are quite territorial and, as a general rule, tend to avoid forming new colonies in close proximity to other nests. The reason for this is related to the fact that social wasps are very social insects. In point of fact, some wasp repellents take advantage of this idea by constructing a "dummy" nest in the area in order to discourage queen wasps from establishing new colonies there. You can continue reading to find out more about this below.

What's Next?

Bees and wasps may have a single-minded drive for pollination and propagation, but that doesn't mean you should let them dwell in your yard full-time. Fullscope Pest Control will carefully remove any troublesome nest from your property, giving it a more secure environment for your family to relax and play. Contact us right away.

Have you ever walked on or otherwise crushed trailing ants and smelled a weird odor—a bit like rotten coconuts? If so, it is plausible that those ants were odorous house ants—and you can understand how they received their name!

Odorous house ants can be observed trailing through kitchens in homes all around the U.S. This ant is most prone to invade homes after heavy rains when it is attempting to escape flooding of its tiny nest. Odorous house ants are little but swift. They generally travel in lines, but if they are disturbed or scared, they will dash around randomly, emitting their odor as they run. Some people have also compared their stench with a type of a peculiar pine fragrance, albeit decaying coconuts are the most prevalent comparison. 

Mint

For ant repellent, place mint plants around the perimeter of your property. Peppermint has long been used as an insect repellant. Planting mint around your home or using peppermint essential oil as a natural ant control remedy can help keep ants at bay. Your home will smell minty fresh, which will keep ants away. Mint should be planted around your property's entrances and around the perimeter. Apply peppermint essential oil with a cotton ball to the afflicted areas and wipe away. As an extra precaution, place a peppermint oil cotton ball in areas where ants are known to congregate, such as cabinets.

Bait

Baits are usually the greatest solution for eradicating ants that have gotten into the residence.

Ant baits can be found at most home and garden stores. Following all label directions, the bait should be placed where ants have been seen. Because ants can be finicky and prefer different sorts of foods at different seasons of the year, you may need to test several baits. But be patient. The ants will feast on the bait, then transport it back to the nest to feed the colony. It is through this feeding that the insecticide will be delivered to and kill the queen and other colony members.

Using Chalk, Cinnamon, or Cornmeal

Incorporating a common household product such as cinnamon, chalk, or cornmeal into your pest control strategy will help prevent not just the entry of odorous house ants but also the entry of a variety of other ants and insects.

Chalky substances such as chalk, cinnamon, and cornmeal can disturb the waxy exoskeleton of odorous house ants, which is important for keeping them hydrated and holding in moisture. You can take advantage of the fact that odorous house ants will generally avoid walking over these things by scattering cinnamon, cornmeal, or chalk along the perimeter of your property, around ant nests you discover outside or along doorways and garages to keep ants at bay.

If you use these methods and still have any problems, contact FullScope Pest Control. We offer expert advice to help our customers keep their homes and businesses free of ants. Please contact us if you believe you require assistance in combating these intruders.

Wood-destroying insects (WDIs) consume and chew on wood, as one might assume. These insects create headaches as well as money for repairs. They are cunning, forming huge colonies within the confines of your home. Furthermore, they frequently go unnoticed for years, implying that you may be living with them right now.

Termites

Termites are winged insects that feed on the cellulose in wood and chew through it, creating a network of tunnels. The wood appears good on the surface, but it crumbles when pushed with a screwdriver or other tool. The most frequent varieties are subterranean and dry wood termites. Subterranean termites live underground and require moisture to survive. They infest wood that is close to the soil, particularly in moist basements, and are commonly found in foundation joists and structural lumber. Drywood termites, as the name implies, consume dry wood such as structural lumber, fence posts, and dead tree branches. They do not build their nests underground and then enter your home through the roof.

Powderpost Beetles

Powderpost beetles have elongated bodies and short heads. Depending on the species, they range in length from 1/8 to 3/4 inches. Powderpost beetles lay their eggs on top of or near the surface of the wood. When the eggs hatch, the larvae eat on the wood for one to five years, chewing a tunnel to the surface. Hard and softwoods are both eaten by bugs. The species determines the type of wood consumed, and damage is frequently observed in floors, planks, paneling, door frames, furniture, and molding.

Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants don't eat wood, but they use it to build colonies. Depending on the species, these huge ants appear in a variety of hues, such as red, black, yellow, and brown. Carpenter ants, like termites, have wings. Unlike termites, which have equal-length wings, carpenter ants have longer front wings than back wings. Carpenter ants find the perfect entry point into your home through rotting wood. They're frequently seen in basements or around rotting timber along window sills or leaky pipes. A carpenter ant infestation might be indicated by piles of wood shavings.

Wood Borers

Wood borers are a type of bug that consumes trees, acorns, and nuts. When these insects emerge as larvae, they leave holes in the wood, but they do not cause structural harm. Metallic wood borers, wood wasps, bark beetles, and long-horned beetles are examples of common wood-boring insects. The appearance of each species differs. Some are tiny, such as the 1/8-inch-long bark beetle, while others, such as the 2-inch-long long-horned beetle, are enormous. Timber borers are frequently discovered in firewood, log homes, and structural wood. 

When it comes to destructive wood insects, don't let them ruin your day or your home.

Please follow your instincts and contact FullScope Pest Control if you suspect that you have a wood-destroying insect infestation in your home. Our professional termite and WDI inspectors are well-versed in the warning signs of these wood-destroying pests and know where to look for them in the first place.

Pests are one of the most common causes of homeowner stress, but with this detailed report, you can have the information you need to keep pests out of your life for good. After the pests of March, we're now into the seasonal transition period that runs from April to June. This is when many migratory animals that have been in hibernation or hiding from winter storms are starting to come out and explore the area. If you've dealt with even a mild invasion of bugs in your home this spring, you're probably familiar with the damage and inconvenience it can cause.

Additionally, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) reported that with warmer temperatures and rainy weather forecast for much of the country, NPMA entomologists anticipate a bothersome pest season with ants, mosquitoes, termites, and ticks on the way.

To prepare for another busy season, below are some typical pest problems we see for the months to come. We've also included tips on dealing with them so you can spend less time dealing with pests and more time enjoying your life.

April Pest Forecast

In April, you can expect an increase in rodent activity (brought on by the longer days), particularly in urban areas where they are more likely to contact humans. Keep your home clean, sealed, and clutter-free to deter rats and mice. Also, rodent-related incidents on school campuses and other kid-friendly locations may grow. Children can easily spread diseases like salmonella to the rest of the group, keeping them away from rodents and their droppings.

May Pest Forecast

As the days in May grow longer and the temperature rises, increase the number of bugs in your yard. While many people will enjoy spending time in their yards this May, they'll have to watch for ants and cockroaches. In addition, mosquitoes and gnats will be a nuisance this month. It's critical to maintain your home clean to deter them from visiting. If you have outdoor plants or gardens, bring them inside before they multiply. We recommend cleaning up your kitchen cabinets and pantry. Doing this now will help you avoid a flea infestation later in the year.

June Pest Forecast

June also ushers in a new season: mosquito season. Mosquitoes are likely to appear wherever that is continuously over 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The easiest way to prevent mosquito breeding is to drain standing water and keep gutters clear of debris. Summer heat increases termite and other pest management risks. Houseflies are still a problem and will continue to be unless you take action immediately. Bedbugs and other bloodsuckers may infest your home. The stink bug is another pest that has grown in numbers since early June.

Conclusion

Pests don't seem to care about our seasons and forecasts, so be vigilant no matter which time of year it is. Rely on professional help for pest prevention and treatment—it's a better option than risking a full-fledged infestation in your home or business. If you have any questions about pest control services from Fullscope Pest Control, don't hesitate to reach out! We're always happy to help.

Is there anyone in your kitchen who you didn't invite? Are they buzzing around your fresh produce or even your trash can? Perhaps you left some empty beer bottles out, and they're flying around those as well? Infested with fruit flies? Answer yes to any of these questions. What can you do to help eradicate these pests?

Attempt a Store-Bought Trap

If your homemade traps aren't working, go to your local hardware store and buy a sticky fly trap. These traps catch common flies and fruit flies. After a sticky area has been filled, remove the trap and trash it. The trap can be changed as needed.

Create a Vinegar Solution

You can also try making a vinegar trap to attract fruit flies. Here's how it works:

• Fill a single-use container halfway with water.
• Stir a few tablespoons of vinegar and sugar into the water.
• Stir in a few drops of dish soap to the solution.
• Place the container where the fruit flies congregate after mixing your solution. 

They should be drawn to this solution and will drown if they come into contact with it. Continue using this method until no fruit flies are visible.

Construct a Swimming Pool Trap

Have some red wine leftover that you don't intend to finish? Make a swimming pool trap for fruit flies. Here's how it works:

• Stir together some red wine and dish detergent in a disposable container.
• Wrap the container in plastic wrap. Vegetable flies need wide holes to enter.
• The wine should attract fruit flies, and the wine and dish detergent will immobilize and drown them. 

You can keep doing this until you no longer see any fruit flies.

Use the Rotten Fruit to Your Advantage

If you still see fruit flies, you can set a trap with items you probably already have in your kitchen. Any rotten or open food that attracts fruit flies falls into this category. Take the following steps:

• Instead of throwing away rotten or open food, place it in a disposable container.
• Wrap the container in plastic wrap.
• Make a few holes in the wrap and hang it near fruit flies.
• The flies should swarm within the trap. Then dispose of them how you like. 

Rep this process until all fruit flies are gone.

Keep the Common Areas Clean

After you've identified the source of the issue, inspect the drain in your kitchen sink. If it's clogged or needs to be cleaned, now is the time to do it. Fruit flies prefer warm, moist environments in which to live and breed. Don't forget to inspect your trash cans for fruit fly activity. Fruit flies have been observed laying their eggs in trash cans, exacerbating the infestation. If they're swarming around your garbage can, take it out and disinfect it with a powerful cleaner like bleach. Before reusing the cans, make sure they are completely dry.

Seek Professional Help

What's more, if you have a fruit fly infestation, don't delay treating it. Contacting a professional like FullScope Pest Control as soon as you see a problem is one approach to achieving this. Our professionals utilize only the most effective and safe methods to eliminate fruit flies from your house and keep them from returning!