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Pest Control Tips
General tips for keeping your home free of pests year-round.
 The other day a client of ours told me we were their “Summertime Saviors.” You see, they have a beautiful backyard with huge trees and lots of landscaping, it really is very aesthetically pleasing and relaxing to be back there. That is, of course, until the mosquitoes took over!Often times we have to take the bad with the good in a lot of different situations, it is no different with beautiful landscaping. Although it looks great and offers shade for you and your family, it also offers harborage to a variety of pests, in particular mosquitoes. Thick ground coverage, decks, tree canopies, shrubs; all of these can offer great cover and breeding grounds for mosquitoes, especially if there is ever any standing water around there.
This particular yard had just been overrun by mosquitoes such that they could not enjoy sitting outside or playing with the kids, even with tons of bug spray on. They tried everything from yard “bombers” and foggers, to bug zappers, CO2 traps, and lots of spraying the kids. That’s when a friend of theirs told them to call Venus Pest Company for their mosquito control problems.
You can fill in the blanks on the rest to get us back to the original point…she said we were their Summertime Saviors. No more mosquitoes in their yard means they have the ability to enjoy themselves again. Venus Pest Company offers guaranteed mosquito control programs; we can be your Summertime Saviors too!
That also got me to thinking...what are some other Summertime Saviors?
- Swimming Pools
- Beer
- Baseball Season
- Hot Dogs & Hamburgers
- Jetskis
- Fishing
What else is there?
 As summer rolls in to full gear it brings a lot of “fun” things to watch out for in the pest world. One in particular is swarming fire ants. As we enter extended periods of dry weather, fire ants really begin to take hold around our homes and businesses. We all get lulled into a false sense of security because we haven’t seen a bunch fire ant mounds around, or seen them inside our homes yet. That’s when a big rain storm blows through and all those feelings of security disappear.
After a long stretch with no rain followed by a storm, you may start noticing some really large ants crawling around on your patios and swimming in your pools, some have wings and some don't. No need to panic just yet as these are fire ant re-productives. After a spring or  summer rain, fire ant colonies often send out winged potential kings and queens hopeful of finding suitable mates. The reason for a coordinated swarm is to help make sure these unions form between mostly non-related individuals: hybrid vigor, the same as in most of the animal kingdom.
The male will quickly die while the female chews off her wings and tries to start a new colony. In the beginning, she will lay both fertile eggs and non-fertile "trophic" eggs, which are for feeding the developing colony. This will go on for about 6 weeks before the colony starts to forage and becomes noticeable to you, a good time to apply fire ant bait.
* Another interesting fact is that during flight, these females are very attracted to reflective surfaces. That is why so many end up in pools and on shiny patios.
* You’ll also notice a slew of new fire ant mounds and active fire ants after it rains as they are attempting to repair their fallen tunnels and rebuild their colony.
* Watch this video of fire ants invading a home...ignore the cheesy commentary.
Venus Pest Company offers a very affordable fire ant control program. Of course there are many types of ants that will send out winged reproductives, so if you’re unsure of what you see, call a pest management professional. Also, keep your eyes on the puddles left behind by rain as they will soon let loose deluges of hungry mosquitoes. Call us and ask about our guaranteed mosquito control programs.
 Most people don’t look closely enough at ants when they see them to discern what type of ant they are. Well those people are missing out in my professional opinion because there are some crazy ant species around, not to mention actual “crazy ants” which are becoming more prevalent in the States. Today though, we’re talking about the Acrobat Ant, how to identify them, and what dangers they pose to your home or business.
Why are they called acrobat ants? As you can see in the image above, they have the ability to carry their abdomen above their heads. Typically performed when agitated, this gives them the appearance of an acrobat walking on their hands. When viewed from above, their abdomen in heart shaped, which gives you two very easily identifiable traits if you come across these ants. If you can’t tell, mess with them a bit and see if they lift up their abdomens in frustration.
What Threats Do They Pose?
- Wood Destroying Insects: While acrobats don’t eat wood, they do live and nest in wood much like carpenter ants. They are particularly attracted to old rotting or decaying wood as it’s obviously easier to excavate. They feed on sweets and proteins and as their colony grows they will destroy more wood.
- If you have an infestation of acrobat ants, you will often see piles of “frass” or sawdust, and also dead ants that have been removed from the colony and dropped out of an exit point. These ants are very clean and meticulous, always removing any clutter from their homes.
- The inside of your home or attic provides these ants with all the shelter and comfort they need and thus if an infestation begins in or around your home, it can grow incredibly fast if not treated accordingly.
How Do You Protect Yourself?
- Most importantly, keep all trees and shrubs trimmed away from your house, especially if anything is touching the house. This simply creates an easy access highway for these ants to crawl out of the trees and into your home.
- Clean out your gutters! Gutters often become filled with leaves, twigs, and other organic matter that begins to decay. This not only attracts many insects, including acrobat and carpenter ants, but also decreasing the functionality of your gutters. Clean your gutters often, or look into gutter protection systems to avoid having to repeat this chore in the future.
- Replace rotting and decaying wood around your home. Treating rotting wood with an insecticide can be an effective way to kill a bunch of ants and keep them away for a short while, but replacing the wood is truly the best way to ensure they don’t come back.
Acrobat ants, while fun to look at and mess with sometimes, do pose a serious threat. In short, they must be eliminated from your home or business to avoid future complications and destruction of your property. If you’re not sure what kind of ants you might have running around your home, call Venus Pest Company and we can help you sort it out.
 Recently, I was at one of the huge retail hardware stores here in the area and had an epiphany…why on earth do they carry so many different products to take care of your pest control needs? In this picture above, the left side of the picture represents the pest control section at one of these stores. Granted, there is one little section where weed control products are mixed in, but there is at least 50-75 feet of just pest control products, stacked on shelves 8-10 feet high.
Now I would like you to view the right side of the picture. That is a three tier shelf that is 13 inches deep and it contains everything, and I do mean everything, that I need in my van to perform every kind of pest control necessary. What I have on that shelf can protect homes and business from ants, cockroaches, spiders, termites, scorpions, earwigs, silverfish, wasps, crickets, pill bugs, centipedes, millipedes, even rats and mice…I could keep listing them all day, but the point is I can cover anything and everything with a much smaller, more specific selection of pest control products.
Not only that, but all of our services are guaranteed to work or we do what it takes to make it right. Try getting a guarantee from a 30 pound bag of some granular yard spread that you buy from the hardware store, at least I don’t think you can. Some of these products do actually work on occasion and have similar active ingredients as the products we use professionally, so I’m not saying that none of them work at all. I guess I just love the fact that I am able to provide outstanding services to people, all fully guaranteed, using a fraction of the stuff they try to sell to consumers in big box stores.
A quick related story before I go. Prior to moving back to town, my Mom had a pretty big ant problem at her house. She was waiting for me to get back to town so I can treat for her ants, but the problem got bad before I was able to get there. So, she bought a big bag of “ant killer” from one of the big stores and spread it all over the back side of her house. The directions on the bag said to lay a line out across their path and pile it places of high activity. These ants were all trailing along the bottom of her garage door and heading straight into one of her weep-holes into her house. Naturally, she laid out a long line of this stuff across the garage and against the house where the ants were.
When I arrived, the first thing I noticed was the awful smell! The product smelled so bad that you could smell it inside the house, it almost made me nauseous. Not only that, now there are piles of stuff laying all over the place. The worst part, upon close examination, the ants were trailing right through the stuff, not even affected by it one bit, and still walking right into her house! I couldn’t even find any dead ones around to prove that it at least worked a little bit.
The first thing I did was sweep everything away to get rid of the smell and the unsightly piles. Then, with a perfect ant potion, I put down a protective barrier all around her house. Immediately I could see the ants scurrying, trying to flee the area, some already dying. Most importantly, no mess, no smell, you couldn’t even tell it was there after it dried. Actually, most importantly is the fact that there were no more ants after a very short timeframe and I know the results will last for a long time, effectively reducing their numbers down to zero.
It’s good knowing the services you provide not only work, but also keep homes and businesses clean and presentable…and protected!
 We’ve had an influx of calls in recent weeks regarding scorpions invading peoples’ homes and yards, so we figured we’d put some information out there for those who know little about this creature. Since ancient days, scorpions have been the fodder for disgust, contempt, and fear. For the most part, this is an unfair label. First, we must consider that scorpions have been around for over 420 million years, with little change to their morphology (or body makeup). If a species did not have a beneficial niche in this world, it could not survive for that long.
There are approximately 1,500 species of scorpions that have been identified, and only about 20 of those are toxic enough to cause serious injury in humans. Parts of Africa and South America appear to have the largest concentration of potentially lethal scorpions. Although there are a lot of scorpions in this area, I don’t remember hearing of any serious injuries due to stings. Scorpions do eat live prey, and if they are seen at all, they are usually in search of a meal. Humans are not part of their diet, so any problematic encounter with a scorpion is typically because they are trying to defend themselves from an obviously much larger opponent, us. Have you ever seen those videos of guys eating live scorpions? Go find them on YouTube if you want to be a little grossed out!
Some species of scorpions can spend up to 97% of their lives inside their burrows, only adventuring out to find meals. Their neurotoxins are believed to target specific kinds of prey, usually different species of insects. For humans, a scorpion sting is typically less painful and agitating than a wasp, or bee sting. Not that we all want to run out and get stung by a scorpion to find out, but it’s important to understand they are not as lethal as some folks believe. If you are stung by a scorpion, it is recommended that you wash the area with soap and water, ice it down, then elevate the area to minimize swelling. If symptoms worsen, visit a medical facility where they can treat the sting with modern techniques.
Although we are trying to dispel some of the myths about scorpions so they don’t seem so scary, we still don’t want them in or around your home. If you suspect you might have, or see scorpions, here are some things you should consider.
- Do not stack, or pile rocks, wood, or anything else next to your house. Scorpions love these piles and can find harborage in the many different cracks and crevices.
- Be mindful of reaching your hands into places you cannot see, especially if you have seen scorpions around before.
- Treat all the places you inhabit.
Remember, where there is one, there are usually many more. Even if you do everything you can think of, scorpions are resilient enough to find a way, especially if you live in a heavily wooded area, or rural setting…remember 420 million years! Luckily, there are proven methods of scorpion control to eliminate any infestations and prevent future ones around your home, just call a pest management professional.
 Household pests bring with them a wide variety of health and aesthetic concerns for homes and businesses. Cockroaches can trigger asthma attacks and are responsible for a slew of other gross bacteria and health risks. Bed bugs cause itchy welts when they bite you to get a blood meal, and can also transmit bacteria and disease. Rats, please, if we have to tell you how gross rats are, you’re in trouble!
Did you know April is National Pest Management Month? For more than 30 years the pest management industry has observed April as National Pest Management Month. In honor of National Pest Management Month this year, the NPMA is raising public awareness about the risks posed by household pests and encouraging homeowners to take proactive steps to prevent pest infestations in their homes and properties.
The Professional Pest Management Alliance (PPMA), in conjunction with the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) has released a new PSA campaign to heighten awareness. Check out this funny commercial where they’re interrogating a roach, a rat, and a bed bug.
There are serious implications when it comes to pests in and around your homes and businesses. Don’t let yourself be overrun and create additional problems that could have been easy to prevent by calling a pest management professional.
Even though it’s still cool in the mornings, Spring is in full swing! That means a lot of different things; the birds are chirping more and more, half of us can hardly breathe due to allergies, and all the insects and other critters are all moving about working on mating rituals and the like. We’ve talked about this before with carpenter ants specifically, but one of the mating rituals that can really become a nuisance to us and our property is swarming termites. Seeing a swarm near your home could indicate that there are termites present at your property. 
In early Spring, colonies of subterranean termites that are healthy enough to produce reproductive members do so in preparation of their mating season. These “winged” members of the colony all take to the sky (or your living room) looking for suitable mates from other colonies that have also taken to the sky. They meet in the air, break off their wings, mate, then find a new home to start a colony. Certain conditions will trigger this annual event, and we’ve already received a bunch of calls to prove that it’s already happening this year.
 Subterranean termites can be found throughout most of the country, but are heavily concentrated in the Southeast. It can be quite intimidating to witness one of their swarms as they could number in the thousands. Different species of termites, like Formosan termites, swarm later in the year and will swarm at night. Subterranean termites swarm during the day and the swarmers are essentially harmless, unless they find a mate and start a new colony…then you’re obviously talking about some potential damage. It’s estimated by the National Pest Management Association that termites cause over $5 billion in damages per year in the United States alone.
If you believe you’ve seen swarming termites around your house, the best thing to do is call a proper professional for an inspection. There are  ways to identify termites and differentiate them from flying ants, but unless you’re experienced enough and confident in your identification skills, it’s best to leave it to a professional pest management company. If an infestation is found, typically the cost of an inspection will be backed out of any treatment costs that you may incur. The picture to the right shows an ant on the left and two termites on the right. You can see differences in their body shape, the color and shape of their wings, antenna, and more.
You can always call Venus Pest Company with any questions about swarming termites and termite control.
 There was an article at http://fireant.tamu.edu/ recently where they debunked a new myth that is spreading on how to kill fire ants. Somehow it got spread across the internet, where everything is true right? Then it got picked up by news outlets and spread even more, all without a credible source or any testing of any kind. The claim…pouring club soda over a fire ant mound will eliminate the entire colony, including the queen, in 48 hours.
Ok, this one has already been debunked but it’s still included here for comedic purposes. Below are three common misconceptions on how to get rid of fire ants.
o The carbon dioxide in the soda is supposed to choke out all the oxygen and suffocate the ants in the colony, including the queen.
o If you’re lucky, you might drown a few ants with this trick, but otherwise you will achieve nothing more than some “impressive bubbling action.”
- Soapy Water
o You’ll actually kill more ants with this one than club soda between drowning a few and the actual soap taking a few out as well.
o The soap will actually get you some mortality but its effects are very short lived and will have to be repeated many times. Not really worth the effort if you ask me.
o This theory suggests that fire ants will take in the rice, eat it, and die when their stomachs explode from the expanding rice.
o The problem is you have to trick the ants into eating the rice with a different ingredient, they are not naturally attracted to foods that will kill them.
o Finding the right way to make this work is not worth the effort when extremely effective baits are available.
We’ve written about a couple of these as well as other theories for natural and organic pest control in The Truth About Natural, Organic, or Green Pest Control. As previously mentioned, baits have been consistently proven to be the best form of fire ant control. It’s also been proven that broadcast treatments are more effective than individual mound treatments. Fire ants can forage several hundred feet away from the mound so they’ll pick up bait from a large area.
Lastly, please don’t pour gasoline on an ant pile and start a mini bonfire. Granted, you’ll probably kill the mound, but it’s never a great idea to pour gasoline in the ground. That’s all the Dr. Suess we have for this week.
If you need help with your fire ant control, call Venus Pest Company and ask us about the Texas 2-Step Program.
 People usually think of honey when they think of honey bees, but did you know that honey bees are also responsible for around 80% of all plant pollination? Around 1/3 of the human diet comes either directly or indirectly from insect-pollinated plants, thus conservation of honeybees is vital to our way of life. Interaction with bees is a necessary part of human life, so understanding what they are doing will go a long way towards helping us all get along! Below are answers to a few of the questions our clients most often ask about bees.
Where did all these bees come from?
 This is a common question during early spring, like right now, or late fall. There are very few available sources of nectar for bees during these times, so their foraging may be ultra-concentrated on the few flowering plants or sometimes even soda cans. Fortunately, foraging bees are rarely a threat, they are simply gathering nectar or pollen to take back to their colony, which could be miles away. If bees are frequent visitors to your garden, use these helpful tips to avoid being stung.
When should I worry about bees?
If you notice bees entering or and exiting a hole into your house or other structure, there may be a colony in that structure. Honey bees will aggresively defend their colonies. With as many as 50,000 bees in a colony and Africanized bees in our area (aka Killer Bees), it is best to contact a pest managment professional and avoid the area. 
Another time to be concerned is if you see a swarm on your property. A swarm is easily noticeable by the large number of bees stuck together in a tight ball. Swarms most often occur in late spring and can be found anywhere from on the ground to in a tree. Bees swarm to establish a new colony when their old colony becomes too large, or the queen's health or reproductive ability begins to deteriorate. The bees are non aggressive during a swarm, which lasts one to two days until they find a suitable place to build their hive.
You don't want a swarm to build a hive on your house, so it's best to contact a pest management professional. Venus Pest Company will usually re-locate swarms if possible. Unfortunately, swarms must sometimes be destroyed.
What if I am attacked by bees?
Although you are more likely to be killed by lightning than by honeybees, knowing what to do if attacked can greately reduce the number of stings.
o You are allergic to bee venom
o You are experiencing difficulty breathing
o You have been stung repeatedly
Remember, if you are unsure of what you are dealing with, always call a professional that has the knowledge and training to keep everybody safe.
 You all know by now that inbreeding in the animal kingdom often yields less than desirable results in offspring. Well, the same rule applies to insects. When it comes time to mate and reproduce, even insects must leave their homes in search of a suitable partner. Each kind of insect does this in their own way, but today we’re talking about how carpenter ants accomplish this feat, what to look for, and how to protect yourself and your property. While carpenter ants do not eat wood for food, they do nest in wood. They build galleries by cutting tunnels through soft wood, attracted by rotting or decaying wood. As their colony grows, they must cut through more wood to make room for a larger population. Because of this, they are classified as wood destroying insects and considered a major threat to homes and businesses.
Swarming Carpenter Ants
· Once a colony reaches a certain size, they begin to produce “winged” males and females capable of reproduction. You can see one with wings in this picture.
· When conditions are right and typically after a rain storm, usually February to March in Texas, these winged ants will take a coordinated flight in search of a mate.
· If a mate is found, the new queen carpenter ant will search out a proper place for a new colony, remove her wings, and begin laying her first round of eggs.
Signs of Infestation
· Live Carpenter Ants: Carpenter ants are some of the largest ants, and have a variety of species and colors. Workers can be 1/2 inch and the queens can be up to 3/4 inch long. Go to our Pest Identification page for examples of carpenter ants and how to spot them.
· Carpenter Ant Evidence: Piles of sawdust or “frass” will appear under openings into their nest where they remove any loose particles and also dispose of their dead bodies and other waste. It’s pretty gross to come across a huge pile of ant carcasses and other bug parts in a dark corner of a room you don’t go into very often!
· Conducive Conditions: Moisture damaged wood or limbs touching your house make it easier for carpenter ants to get started.
How to Protect Yourself
· Trim back all tree limbs and shrubs touching your home, and closely monitor power lines that are contacting your structure.
· Replace any rotten or decaying wood.
· Eliminate sources of high moisture.
· Have your house inspected for wood destroying insects (i.e. carpenter ants & termites) by a pest management professional at least once per year.
If an infestation is present, a carpenter ant control treatment may be necessary to eliminate the colony and prevent future outbreaks. Correcting a few simple problems could make the difference in keeping them out of your home or business.
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