American Extermination Plus

Bee & Wasp Control In Portland

americanextermination_j7tf2w — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 13:53:16 +0000

Bees, Wasps, and Hornets can be nasty unwanted guests in the Portland area.

Honey Bees
In Spring, Honey Bees can swarm while looking for a new home. While not dangerous unless disturbed, a nest of drones surrounding and protecting their queen can be disconcerting.

We will not exterminate Honey Bees. They provide a necessary service for the area by pollinating the fruit trees and flowers to make our outdoor spaces bloom. Honey Bees have been under pressure from Hive Collapse Disorder and an array of other parasites that have caused their numbers to dwindle.

If you see a swarm, there are trained experts that will respond quickly and relocate the nest to a safe place where they can provide their beneficial mission. Just search for Bee Keepers in your area.

Wasps and Hornets
Wasps and Hornets, on the other hand, have a well-deserved reputation for being aggressive. We have no compunction about eliminating these threats.

Paper Wasps are noticeable by the nests that they build. Typically, they will find an overhang or tree branch and build there. A nest hanging from your eaves can bring them into close contact with doorways and windows where they will infiltrate your living areas.

Hornets are more solitary but like to nest under porches and behind shutters. Have you ever experienced the fury of hornets interrupting your bar-b-que? Not a pleasant experience.

Yellow Jackets have a habit of moving into your house, making a nest in your attic, and causing a variety of issues. They can even chew through drywall and enter your living areas if not controlled.

We can help you to identify your problem bees and provide you the best solution to your problem.

Wasps
Wasps make their first appearance in early spring after hibernating from their protected shelter that can be under tree bark, in stone walls, and sometimes attics. Only a mated queen from the previous year’s colony will overwinter. She will begin the process of building a nest and starting a new colony. After laying eggs she begins foraging for food to feed them. In social wasps, after the first brood emerges as new adults her only duty is to continue laying eggs. The new adults take over caring for the eggs and expanding the nest.

Insect Classification Order

Wasps belong to the Hymenoptera order of insects and includes bees, wasps, ants, and sawflies. This means that most in this category have two pairs of wings with the hind pair usually smaller than the front pair. They have mouthparts that are adapted for chewing and the ability to drink liquids such as nectar. Most have compound eyes and a thin pedicle or waist where it joins the thorax as if it were pinched together and develop through a complete metamorphosis.

Stinging Behavior

Often the first sight of these insects brings fear and apprehension to many. Caution is justified as the sting from these insects is painful and dangerous for those who may have a life-threatening allergy that can send them into anaphylactic shock. However stinging behavior generally results as a reaction to the colony or nest being threatened, or when an individual bee or wasp is trapped or threatened. Some species may be more likely to sting during the latter part of their annual cycle in August or September as food they are foraging for becomes limited.

Are they Pests?

Wasps and bees can become pests when nests are located where people frequent such as our parks, homes, or other structures. Control measures are justified based on each given instance such as nests in poor locations relative to the safety, comfort, or other interests of people. Locations such as under the front steps of a home, in a school playground, or other areas that present an imminent hazard warrant control measures, especially if there is a health and safety risk to people or pets. Nest locations such as a high shade tree or remote areas unlikely to be bothered by the activities of people or pets near ground level can usually be left undisturbed.

Various wasp species display different habits, some are social and live in colonies, while others are solitary.

Solitary Wasps

Solitary wasps do not have a colony group, even though they may nest in the same areas each female lives and breeds independently. Many of these species raise their young by laying eggs in or on other insects during any part of its life stage from egg to adult. Most solitary wasps young are carnivorous, feeding on mostly insects and spiders while adults feed mainly on nectar. Adult females build a cell for each egg and provisions each cell with an insect or prey for the larva to eat. Because of this behavior these wasps can be valuable in horticulture and sometimes as a biological pest control method for some insects. Some species can effectively transport pollen and are in that sense pollinators of several plant species, however most species are predatory and play no role in pollination. Wasps and bees are considered beneficial insects in most circumstances.

Characteristics of Social Insects

Caring for offspring from other individuals
Generations overlap within a colony of adults
Division of labor into reproductive and nonreproductive groups
Specialized behavioral groups within an animal society called castes.
Colony cast differences

Queens and reproductive males are the sole reproducers
Soldiers and Workers work together to create favorable living situations for the offspring.
Social Wasps

Social wasps do live in colonies like those of ants. They have a queen that produces eggs, female workers and males called drones. Some social wasps are omnivorous, feeding on fallen fruit, nectar and carrion such as dead insects. Adult male wasps sometimes visit flowers to obtain nectar. Many species are pollen vectors contributing to the pollination of several plants, while others are predators of pest insects.

Establishing the Nest

These social wasps build nests called a carton. In northern regions, new colonies are formed each year with only the mated queen overwintering and hiding in protected areas. In early spring, she will establish new nests and colonies by collecting material from exposed and weathered wood surfaces such as fences, siding, dead tree limbs and loose bark, combining this material with salivary secretions to form a paper like carton for her nest. Each carton has a small number of cells and she places an egg in each one.

Division of labor

After the eggs hatch into larvae she forages for food to feed them until pupation occurs. This food is usually caterpillars or other insects. Adults feed on liquids such as nectar, honeydew and juices from the bodies of insects fed to larvae. When the adults emerge, they are sterile female workers that will take over nest building and brood rearing while the queen stays on the nest. There is only one egg producing queen in the colony, workers protect and maintain the nest, forage for food and water, and care for the eggs, larvae, and pupae. Late summer to early fall adult males and newly produced queens leave the parent colony, colonies die off and newly mated queens find a protected location to overwinter. Population of future colonies may be diminished due to excessive rain or moisture, dryness, excessive cold or harsh winter conditions and competition with other queens.

Paper Wasps sometimes referred to as umbrella wasps

Like yellowjackets and hornets, paper wasps are social insects. They prey on caterpillars and other soft-bodied, leaf-feeding insects. Adult paper wasps also feed on nectar, and can be see foraging on flowers. Queens winter over, and build a nest in early spring, she places an egg in each cell and feeds them with the insects she captures. Adult female workers emerge about one month after eggs are laid. Like other social wasps, adult workers take over maintaining the nest, foraging for food, and tending to larvae. The queen’s only job is to produce eggs and when early fall arrives males emerge, leave the nest then mate with newly developed queens. Males then die and the queen finds a protected place for the winter. Paper wasps are similar in appearance to yellowjackets but have a slimmer elongated body shape and are long-legged. Their paper nest resembles an open umbrella with individual comb cells open to view from below. Usually found suspended beneath horizontal surfaces, such as eaves of a house, beneath window ledges or porch roofs. It is a simple nest called a comb consisting of one tier or layer of cells and is rarely more than 6 – 8 inches in diameter and seldom more than 100 – 200 workers at any one time. Paper wasps secrete a chemical that repels ants which protects the loss of eggs or brood. Paper wasps can sting multiple times, although they may sting if unprovoked generally they attack if they themselves or their nests are threatened. They do however have a territorial area they will protect and their stings are painful so if a nest is in an inhabited area it could present a safety hazard. There are many species of paper wasps and each have slight differences in relationship to their nest building materials and behavior. These wasps are pollinators also feeding on garden pests and are considered beneficial by gardeners.

Hornets
One of the most fear-provoking social wasp’s nests is large grayish brown carton structures seen hanging from a tree or bush. Resembling a very large, inverted tear drop or bloated soccer ball these nests belong to hornets, however; entomologists may consider them yellow jackets. Like a paper wasp nest yet is has several tiers and a continuous paper envelope surrounding the whole nest with a single opening at the lower tip of the nest. As new combs are added this opening will be positioned to the side of the nest.

Bald-Faced Hornet

With black and white markings on the thorax and abdomen, this is a moderately large wasp and may have whitish or yellowish markings on the front of the head between the eyes. This species is a yellow jacket wasp, not a true hornet. Distinguished from other yellow jackets by their white and black coloring. Colonies may contain 400 to 700 workers. It builds a characteristic large hanging nest found in forested areas or in vegetation around urban areas. Usually located in trees and bushes but can occasionally be found under rock overhangs or the sides of buildings. The queen collects cellulose from weathered and rotting wood chews the wood adding her saliva to make this papery material to construct the nest. She creates a few brood cells within the nest and deposits eggs in them, she then feeds and cares for the larvae as they develop. As with other social wasps, newly fertilized queens will overwinter and the rest of the colony will die shortly after the first hard frost. Bald-faced hornets are omnivorous, considered to be beneficial due to their predation of flies, caterpillars, spiders and other yellowjackets. They will also help pollinate flowers when searching for nectar. Their aggressively defensive nature makes them a threat to humans who wander too close to a nest or when a nest is constructed too close to human habitation. They are known to vigorously defend the nest, with workers stinging repeatedly. The bald-faced hornet has a unique defense in that it can squirt venom from the stinger into the eyes of nest intruders. The venom causes immediate watering of the eyes and temporary blindness. A pest control service is highly recommended for this type of nest. They will have the necessary safety equipment and expertise needed to remove this nest without harm to themselves or others.

European Hornet

A European Hornet body is brownish with markings of orange, and the only true hornet present in the United States, it had its start along the Atlantic Coast and has spread to the mid-western states.

Nesting in natural cavities such as hollow logs or stumps and occasionally within a structure. Female workers construct the nests into a paper-pulp mixture by chewing dead bark, trees or other plant matter, surrounding soil and combining these elements with their saliva.

Like other social wasp’s workers forage for food, feed the larvae, and collect cellulose to expand the nest and protect it from threats. Colonies may reach 300 workers by September or October. These workers are unique for their ability to forage at night. In spring workers, actively forage for natural food sources and then in fall scavenge around garbage cans, picnics, and other areas. They will aggressively defend their hive and food sources. Their diet consists of large insects, such as wasps, large moths, or other bees. They are larger than the common wasp and are known to eradicate the domestic honeybee hive. They may even steal prey from a spider’s web.

Yellow Jackets

Yellow Jacket nests are normally underground and workers will come and go through a hole at the surface. Nests may be formed in abandoned mammal burrows or similar underground cavity’s and then enlarged as the colony develops. Yellow Jackets have built extensive nests within the voids of concrete block foundations or below railroad ties. They prey on other pests such as caterpillars, aphids, flies or other garden pest and therefore are beneficial in garden areas. However, they are aggressive in some situations and a nest located in or around a home is a concern.

German Yellow Jackets

Introduced in the Northeastern United States they are also found in Midwestern to the Western United States. Nests can be in wall voids, attics or crawl spaces using available holes and cracks on the exterior of buildings. Whether in the ground or within a wall void, Yellowjacket nests are made of a carton and resemble the bald-faced hornet nests. Several thousand workers may be produced in one season. Colonies in certain areas may persist for more than a year ultimately developing more workers than typical annual colonies.

Some species forage exclusively on live prey, such as flies, caterpillars, and other insects, while others forage strongly for meat from carcasses, garbage, and picnic tables. They may also forage on sugar sources such as beer, fruit, and sweet beverages. Workers may also forage on the honeydew of aphids to feed the Queens produced in the late summer.

Their tendency to scavenge human food sources puts yellowjackets in frequent conflict with people, particularly in late summer and early fall when the number of workers out foraging is at its peak, and food sources are declining.

Tending to be somewhat unpredictable in response to humans approaching the nest, they may completely ignore one person or sting someone simply walking by. Most serious stinging incidents occur when the nest is accidentally disturbed.

Workers foraging away from the nest usually ignore humans and stinging incidents are usually caused by the accidental trapping of the worker against a body, such as between folds of clothing, under an arm or leg, or in the mouth when swallowing a beverage from a container. Because of the insects nesting and foraging behavior and the potential for it to induce severe life-threatening allergic responses in certain sting victims, many experts consider yellow jackets to be the most dangerous of the social Hymenoptera classification.

Non-social, or Solitary Wasps

Sphecid wasps include only solitary nesting species. Unlike the Vespidae family of social wasps, these wasps do not fold their wings, holding them separately they lay them one on top of the other in a flat position on top of their bodies. Female workers build nests with several cells and may build more than one nest. In each cell, she places live prey such as an insect or spider then lays an egg on the prey and seals up the cell, they will then develop and emerge as adults. Distinctive from true hornets, these wasps are known to excavate burrows in the ground sometimes placing several unsightly nests in a lawn.

Cicada Killer

The Cicada Killer is a large insect up to 2 inches long with a black body and strikingly yellow markings, it is often mistaken for a hornet. Females will excavate large burrows leaving a mound of dirt at the entrance. Paralyzing her prey and placing it in each cell then laying an egg on it, she seals the cell. Each burrow is the result of a single female and the only real damage done by Cicada Killer wasps is to lawns or flower beds. Most often female wasps will not sting unless handled however, their sting can be painful.

Mud Daubers

Mud Daubers a Sphecid wasp species, they build nests of mud and are frequently found visiting the edges of mud puddles in the summer. Nests can often be found around rafters of attics, garages, outbuildings or on the sides of buildings. They typically prey on spiders. Chances of being stung by a mud dauber are remote, however, their nests should be approached with some caution. Their nest is associated with Dermestid beetles, such as cabinet and carpet beetles that can infest homes. Because of this nests should be removed and destroyed after control is achieved.

Bees
Bees (Families: Apidae, Xylocopidae and Bombidae)

Bees can become pests in and around homes due to their ability to inflict stings, some species may also cause structural damage because of their nest-building activities.

Honey Bees

Wild or domesticated European honey bees become a serious pest when they establish a nest in or on a structure such as when a swarm of honey bees locate a small opening in an exterior wall, down a chimney, or behind faulty flashing of a home, and then nest in a wall void or another interior area. Large amounts of wax and honey may build up within the wall, if the bees keep this honey cool by fanning it the honey stays firm, however if the bees are collected without removing the nest it may be absorbed into the plaster or similar porous material leaving a permanent stain. Neglecting to remove a nest is also an attraction for other pests such as flies, ants, or beetles to infest the structure. Therefore, it is important to completely remove the nest as soon as possible after the colony is controlled, even if it requires carpentry and repairs to the structure.

Honey bees are a social species with queens, drones and workers, there is only one egg laying queen per colony and some larger colonies have been known to have 20,000 to 50,000 bees. Like other social insects’ workers feed the larvae and maintain the nest. Honey bees produce large supplies of reserve honey used as food by all the members of the colony during times of unfavorable conditions. A colony can survive throughout the winter and bees do not need to establish a colony annually unless there is an unfavorable placement of the nest.

Honey bees are about 2/3 – inch long, may be various shades of yellow, black brown, or orange, with the head, antennae, legs and parts of the abdomen being dark. The body is covered with light-colored hairs. They can be aggressive at times and it is wise to call a beekeeper for advice and help if you have encountered a nest in an unfavorable or dangerous place.

In recent years, there has been a decrease in the Honey Bee populations. Colony collapse disorder is thought to have many possible causes and research is still ongoing to find a cause and solution to this. It is thought that there is not one cause but a mixture of elements contributing to the overall decrease in population. Honey Bees are an important part of our ecosystem because of their pollination of plants used in agriculture and their decrease will influence many areas. If possible leave a nest undisturbed, however if a nest location is a hazard and safety issue it is recommended that a beekeeper is contacted for help.

Carpenter Bees

Carpenter Bees are nonsocial bees; they bore long tunnels in wood and divide them into cells where individual larvae will develop. While many females may be nesting in wood of the same structure or site, each is acting in a solitary fashion. Sometimes confused for a bumble bee, this Carpenter Bee is black and may have areas of yellow hair but the dorsal sides of the abdominal segments have no areas of yellow hair. Some species of Carpenter Bees of other genera may have different coloring such as black, green purplish and have various markings of whitish, yellowish, or reddish hair with the dorsal surface of the abdomen generally bare.

The Carpenter bee bores a tunnel in the wood surface going inward for a short distance and then turning sharply upward and running in the same direction as the grain of the wood. Unlike a wasp, she does not use live prey but places an egg on a ball of pollen before closing the cell with a mass of wood pulp. She creates a series of cells while working backward out of the gallery. Often using existing tunnels these can develop into a complex system over years and if enough tunnels are made in the wood it may reduce the structural strength of the timbers. Common sites for these bees may be in siding, window trim, eaves, wooden shakes, porch ceilings or similar areas. Many types of wood may be used but softer woods are preferred. A possible indication of a Carpenter Bee infestation may be galleries or tunnels found or a yellowish or brownish excrement stain on the siding below the entrance holes.

Carpenter bees take one year to complete a generation in most areas. Tunnels are prepared and eggs laid in spring, larva and pupa develop in early summer. Adult bees emerge in late summer and return to the same tunnels to hibernate for winter. In the spring, adults mate and females lay eggs, completing the cycle.

Bumble Bees

Unlike Carpenter Bees, Bumble Bees are social insects and their nest is generally underground in abandoned mouse burrows, under piles of grass clippings and leaves, stones, logs or other similar locations. There is rarely a conflict unless nests are established close to a sidewalk, near a foundation or another location where conflict with people or pets is inevitable. Some species are more likely to sting people or pets than other species. If the nest area is directly threatened they will attack and sting the intruder as a defensive reaction.

Horntails

Horntail wasps infest dying trees or recently felled logs. They are a medium to large-sized wasp and emerge from wood that has been in a building for only a few years. The female wasp deposited eggs in the wood, the developing larvae bore tunnels 1 to 2 feet long, packing them with frass and cast skins from each larval molt. Pupation occurs close to the wood surface and the new adult emerges using its strong jaws to chew out of the wood. Emergence holes are about ¼ inch in diameter. Most infestations are in softwoods although sometimes hardwood logs of firewood can be infested. Normally horntails take 2 or 3 years to complete a life cycle. Usually found in low-cost rough timbers salvaged from diseased or fire-damaged trees because such wood is seldom kiln dried, a process that would have killed any eggs or larvae. Horntail wasps do not infest lumber after it has been cut, and they usually occur in small numbers. If a horntail wasp emerges it is ok to use a general-purpose household aerosol insecticide to destroy it as it will not re-infest.

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If You Give A Mouse A House

americanextermination_j7tf2w — Thu, 12 Nov 2020 20:52:42 +0000

Cold weather is here, and people across the Portland Northwest are turning on their heaters for the first time. As we start nestling in for the cold and rainy season, someone else is seeking warmth and comfort too! Between the cozy atmosphere and a steady stream of cookie crumbs and comfort food scraps in the garbage bin, your home has an alluring appeal to mice and rats. Once they find a way in, they’ll invite all their friends and family over for the holidays – and believe me, they have a LOT of obscure relatives!

The best way to keep mice and rats from making your nest their home, is to make sure they can’t find a way in. Start by looking for any vents, such as the ones from laundry appliances. Not only do they provide an entry point, but they also blow enticingly warm air outdoors. We recommend putting screens over all vents and entry points. It’s also a good idea to check your foundation for any holes or cracks, especially where any gas or water pipes enter. Mice and rats have the incredible ability to squeeze through the smallest of spaces. Once inside, they’ll seek out dark hiding places. They’ll chew their way into cardboard boxes and nest in that pair of rollerblades you haven’t used since the late 90’s. Cleaning clutter and making sure they don’t have access to hiding places and food will make all the difference.

But say they’ve already moved in? What if your no-good new roommates are already eating your food and leaving their messes everywhere? American Extermination Plus is here to help you issue the eviction notice. Our technicians are experts at finding and sealing entry points. Then, we strategically place special locking bait boxes that are kid and pet safe, and eliminate the problem quickly. Most infestations can be cleared within a month. With quarterly bait box refills and entry point inspections, we make sure they don’t come back- so you never have to worry about these unwelcome guests again!

Got pests?

American Extermination Plus can help. Call or e-mail today to book your free inspection!

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The Best Pest Control is Pest Prevention

americanextermination_j7tf2w — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 22:42:11 +0000

The best way to prevent pests is to exclude them from the building. Exclusion programs focus on core areas and take into consideration a structure’s unique features and purpose. Pest Control Management Professionals can provide advice on excluding pests from your home or commercial establishment. This is often the best method of pest control for both residences and businesses, because it minimizes the need for chemical treatments and improves the success of a pest control service.

Home Pest Prevention

Mice and Rats can enter through an opening as small as ¼ of an inch, and ants can enter through very small cracks and crevices. Utility lines such as gas, plumbing, electric, cable and air conditioning lines are all areas of concern. Sill plates, exterior doors without thresholds, and doors that do not seal well are also common entry points. Random holes left open during construction are great entry points because they are often undetected, giving a pest unhindered access. Rooves with openings around chimneys or vents are another common entry point. Using a stainless-steel mesh is helpful for excluding pests from these small openings. Sealing around these areas prevents pest infestations by excluding them from the building altogether. Cleaning and maintaining gutters is also vital for preventing pests, because they provide a water source for them.

Commercial Pest Control

Commercial buildings have similar access points to residential properties, and then some. Customer entry doors, roll-up and overhead doors left open are excellent pest entry points. So are roof top air conditioning units Installing door sweeps and using stainless steel mesh prevents rodents from entering the structure. Doors that are constantly opened and closed may come out of alignment or expand and contract with temperature change, creating gaps and entry points for pests.

Landscaping

Landscaping may also contribute to pest infestations. Avoid using plants that attract and harbor pests and those that will accumulate trash. This will help to prevent pest infestations such as rodents. Using barriers of non-decaying materials is also helpful.

Successful Pest Control

Your involvement can make or break a pest prevention plan. In commercial establishments, making sure dock doors are closed is important. Proper trash disposal will eliminate food supply. Keep vegetation from touching the building or structure. Don’t let firewood or other items touch the building, as they provide a nice shelter for pests.

Your Pest Control Professional Can Help

Your Pest Control Professional can help develop a plan for pest exclusion after completing an inspection of the building. Sometimes, your pest professional can provide exclusion services. In some cases, he may recommend specialized help from a structural professional, such as a plumber or roofer. At American Extermination Plus, Inc, we provide inspections and consultations free of charge.

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Choosing a Pest Control Company

americanextermination_j7tf2w — Thu, 08 Jun 2017 14:45:08 +0000

Ants and rodents and termites, oh my! The list of pests invading your home and disturbing your peace is long. You know you need the help of a professional, but who should you hire? What should you know before you hire a pest control service? Choosing a pest control company doesn’t have to be stressful. This article will highlight some key things to look for in an exterminator.

Do they offer thorough inspections and customized plans?

Pest control is not a “one-size fits all” industry. Completing a thorough inspection is absolutely vital to creating a tailor made plan for your specific, unique pest situation. After doing a detailed inspection, the pest professional should provide you with a plan of action that meets the needs of your situation. This plan of action should include the following:

The pests that need to be controlled.
How extensive the problem is.

Pesticides to be used and information about them.

This would be a good time to ask them for a Material Safety data sheet also called and MSDS sheet. Also, ask for information about the toxicity and the signal words about the products. This is important to understand and know if the risk is low or high for this product. For more information on the signal words placed on products, the National Pesticide Information Center has published an article on them. Click for more info

How they will apply these products to keep you and your family safe. And reduce the possibility of unnecessary exposure to them.
What are the non-chemical procedures that can be done to help eliminate the pest infestation, and who will do them? The homeowner or the pest control professional.

Special instructions to reduce the possibility of exposure to the pesticides as they are applied and to keep you safe from slipping on wet floors. Examples of instructions may be vacating the house, emptying the cupboards, and removing pets.

Cost is not the only factor you should consider.

Cost should not be the only factor you use to choose a pest control service. The pest professional you choose must have training in safe, practical, and effective pest management. They must know the laws for applying pesticides, how to follow the safety labels of those pesticides and how to apply those products safely to minimize exposure to pets, children, and seniors. It is very important to look for a qualified and licensed pest control professional. When hiring a pest control professional, you are receiving the benefits of their training and knowledge to apply pesticides in a manner that minimizes unnecessary exposure and yet is effective in controlling or eliminating a pest infestation. Belonging to a national, state, or local pest management association shows they care about the industry and providing a quality service.

Does the company guarantee or warranty its work?

Often a company will not guarantee pests will not return. However, they will come back and retreat after a waiting period. Be sure and understand what guarantee or warranty they have and what you must do to keep it in force and how long it lasts.

Considerations & Cautions To Be Aware Of

How many years has the company been in business. How long have they been at their current address? Length of time they have been in business can indicate a strong business or one that may be getting started.
Can they provide a list of references you can call or reviews that may have been written about them? It is difficult to not have any issues when providing customer service. What you should look for is that the company takes care of the problems when they do arise. Check to see that they do care about customers.
Does the company have the appropriate licenses? This is a legal requirement and if they do not have a license to apply pesticides they could be putting you and your family at risk. Each state has its own license requirements.Ask if the company can provide a copy of their license or at least the number and write it down.
Ask if the person performing the services is a licensed pesticide applicator or licensed technician and can they produce their license number.
Does the company have appropriate insurance? General liability insurance including insurance for sudden and accidental pollution
workmen’s compensation insurance incase their workers get injured on the job.
Ask if the Pest Control company you are interested in belongs to an industry association.

There are pest control associations on the local, state, and national level.

These associations have a code of ethics members are expected to abide by, belonging to these associations indicate they care about the industry and representing it well. These associations keep members up to date on new regulations, pest control methods, safety, training, research and much more. The National Pest Management Association’s commitment to the protection of public health, food, and property is reflected in the education of pest management professionals and getting information out to homeowners and businesses.

Be cautious of a company combining pest control with other services such as home repair or tree trimming and offering you a special price. First and foremost, make sure they have a license to apply pesticides with the appropriate state agency and that this license allows them to treat structures. A dedicated pest professional spending his day doing pest control will have knowledge learned from the experience of treating many structures or homes for pests. A company combining pest control spraying with services not related to the pest control industry may have limited knowledge and experience.

How to check a Pest Control Company with the state

What licenses are required a commercial operator’s license for the business an applicator or technician is also required to have their own certification or license.

Verify with state agencies

Who to contact:

Better Business Bureau (503) 226-3981 Oregon
State Department of Agriculture (503) 986-4635 Oregon
State Attorney General’s Office (Oregon Department of Justice (503) 378-4400

What to ask:

Does the business have a commercial operator’s license?
Do the applicators or technicians have current licenses, and can they apply pesticides to a structure or is it for lawn care only?
Does the company have appropriate insurance in the amounts required?
Are there any complaints against the company and have they been resolved?

References for more information:

(npic) National Pesticide Information Center
EPA Tips for Selecting a Pest Control Service How do we select a competent pest control service?
EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
EPA Citizen’s Guide to Pest Control and Pesticide Safety

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You found one bedbug, do you have an infestation?

americanextermination_j7tf2w — Tue, 25 Apr 2017 17:50:10 +0000

You found a bedbug, now what?

PCT (Pest Control Technology), a magazine for pest control professionals put out an article titled “You Found One Bed Bug -Now What?” back in January of 2017″. Pest Control Professionals offer advice and suggestions to help determine whether you have an infestation or an isolated bed bug sighting. The information is directed at professionals; however, this information is useful to every one. Finding bedbugs can send us into a frenzy, but does one bed bug indicate an infestation? Or could it be an isolated sighting?

Is it an infestation?

Once a bedbug is found, the location needs to be thoroughly inspected. The location the bug was spotted may be an indicator. Bedbugs will infest areas where they are likely to find steady meals. One bed bug found in a school, on public transportation, or in the doctor’s waiting room may have come in on a backpack or piece of clothing- and will likely leave the same way. This probably isn’t an area of an infestation, because the bedbug’s goal of finding a steady food source will not be met. Without a regular food source, an infestation can not be established.

What if you find a small number of bugs at home?

In your home, an inspector can identify places bed bugs are most likely to hide. They will also determine the severity and activity level of a possible infestation- and they may even be able to locate the source of your infestation. They may check luggage, furniture, sleeping bags, or articles of clothing to help determine the extent of a possible infestation. If only a small number of bedbugs are found, preventative treatments may be recommended- such as bedbug monitors, mattress encasements, reducing clutter, and frequent laundering of clothes and bedding. Identifying a source of infestation in apartments and condominiums may be more difficult, as the source could be any of your surrounding neighbors. Because of this, the apartment manager must be involved to allow thorough inspection of the entire building and not just one unit.

So, what do you suggest?

“Take a deep Breath”: a small number of bed bugs is not always a sign a large infestation is present!
Schools, public transportation, and office buildings are more prone to “transient” bed bug sightings.
DO get a comprehensive inspection to determine the size of an infestation and treatment options.
Your Pest Professional’s response should be measured, and focus on solutions appropriate to the level of the problem.

What can you do?

Prevention is the key to stopping the spread of a bed bug infestation. Bedbugs are notorious hitchhikers, and can catch a ride on anyone. We receive many calls concerning bedbugs, and they are a growing concern in the Pacific Northwest. Our page “http://americanextermination.com/bed-bugs-how-to-get-rid-of-them” has more information on bedbugs and steps you can take to prevent or resolve an infestation.

Do you have a bedbug infestation?

At AEPI, we offer free inspections, consultations, and quotes!

Request an Inspection

The post You found one bedbug, do you have an infestation? appeared first on American Extermination Plus.

The Best Way To Get Rid Of Ants Forever

americanextermination_j7tf2w — Mon, 17 Apr 2017 17:33:57 +0000

Seeing Ants?

Unfortunately, the ants foraging inside your house are just a tiny percentage of the colony- which usually consists of thousands of ants! What does that mean for you? Many natural products and DIY solutions only treat the small percentage of ants that actually make it into your house. It may seem like the problem is better for a little while, but if you don’t eliminate the colony, they’ll be back. The best way to get rid of ants forever is to get to the colony.

Why are there ants in my house?

Ants are social insects that depend on each other for survival. Each one has their own purpose or job in the colony. The ants outside the nest gather food and return to the nest to feed larvae that digest it for them and feed it back to the adults and the queen. Though the colony is outside, foraging ants will enter structures searching for food or water- and sometimes to nest. Products that only kill the ants you see in your house aren’t effective, because the colony will continue to send more ants.

How can I get rid of them?

Inspect the area surrounding the structure.
- Any trees, grass, or items like garbage cans and barbeques touching the building can provide a pathway. Garbage cans and pet food/water dishes can attract the ants, too.
- Look for ant trails around the building. Here are a few examples of good places to look:
  1. the top and bottom of fences
  2. sidewalk edges
  3. hoses and raised roots
  4. trees and shrubs touching the building
  5. electrical and gas lines entering the structure
- Once they make it inside, ants can quickly establish satellite nests indoors. They often settle in wall voids, behind electrical outlets and cupboards, or in window casings. Tracking ant trails helps determine where they are coming from.
Eliminate Food and Water Sources.
- Ants are attracted to kitchen scraps and bathroom water sources. They only need a tiny crack or hole to enter.
- If possible, remove the water source or food that is attracting the ants. For baits to work, the ants must have a need for the protein or carbs contained in it. That means that any food sources the ant finds will compete with the bait you want them to take and make it less effective.
- Repair any areas with moisture damage, such as around windows or under sinks. Even a small amount of condensation will attract them.
Create An Effective Treatment Plan.
- Know your products. Pest control product labels will tell you how to use them safely, and how to apply them.
- Knowing when and where to use baits and sprays will determine how effective they are. Using baits in combination with a spray may be ineffective, because the baits can absorb nearby odors and end up repelling ant instead of attracting them.
Evaluate.
- Treatments for ants can be a slow process. It doesn’t work overnight or with one spray or bait treatment. If, however, you aren’t seeing any results after a few weeks, it may be time to call in a professional. Pest Management Professionals are experts in troubleshooting treatment plans and finding the best product combinations to eliminate your unique infestation!

Important!

It is extremely important to follow all directions on the label of any product you purchase. These products have been researched and tested for safe usage to protect your pets and your surroundings. If you are enlisting the help of a professional, you should not use any additional products to theirs.

Our Home Pest Control Services page explains how we perform our pest inspections and what we look for while we are at your home. This page also includes information on Integrated Pest Management, how it is used, and why it is helpful for eliminating pests. There is also information on what to expect and how you can prepare for an inspection.

The post The Best Way To Get Rid Of Ants Forever appeared first on American Extermination Plus.

Cockroach Prevention and Do It Yourself Advice

americanextermination_j7tf2w — Thu, 11 Aug 2016 16:50:21 +0000

How do you know if you have cockroaches?

Cockroaches are nocturnal and they don’t like the light, so they tend to come out when it’s dark. Try turning the lights on late at night to see if you can spot them. Often with a cockroach infestation, you’ll notice a strong musty or oily smell. You may be able to find cockroaches or their feces under kitchen appliances, in dark corners, and in the back of cupboards. Cockroach feces is cylindrical, and resembles ground coffee or coarse ground black pepper. The amount of visible feces is an indicator of the size and duration of an infestation.

Where to look for cockroaches

Cockroaches prefer to have the side or top of their body touching another object. They like to walk along walls and close to furniture. Some of their favorite hiding places are small cracks and holes. They like to hide underneath and inside the electrical components of large appliances, such as stoves, refrigerators, and soda machines. They seek out any areas that provide darkness and hidden passages, such as the tops of cabinets and in the dark corners of the pantry. They can also be found, at times, behind loose wallpaper. Also check any areas with organic storage materials like cardboard boxes and papers.

What to do if you find a cockroach infestation

The first step is decluttering to reduce their hiding places and cut off their food supply. For instance, you’ll want to make sure there is no recycling for them to hide in. Make sure any food stored in cupboards or in the pantry are in sealed containers, and don’t leave fruits and veggies out on the counter. Rinse and drain bottles and cans- even a small amount of moisture is enough for them to survive off. For this reason, you also should not leave dishes to soak overnight. Don’t leave your pet food out overnight. Keep it in a sealed container, and make sure none is spilled. Cockroaches have a particular affinity for pet food!

If you find cockroach feces, it’s important to clean the area thoroughly because it contains a pheromone that attracts more roaches (and it can cause health problems!). If you plan to call a professional, it’s a good idea to do this after they have completed their inspection, because it can provide them with useful information. Pull out and clean under appliances such as refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers, and soda machines. They love crumbs and sticky, sweet substances, so pay special attention to those areas. Clean up any grease or oil build up, because it interferes with the long term effects of insecticides. Frequent cleaning also helps clear up infestations because it stresses out the cockroaches and causes them to forage more actively- which means baits become much more effective!

Outdoor prevention tips

Clean any piles of debris in the yard or areas surrounding the building, because this can provide shelter for your pests. Check your foundation vents and make sure they’re clear of debris. It’s a good idea to have these screened off with a fine metal mesh to prevent pests from entering through them. You should also check the foundation and siding for cracks that may need to be sealed or repaired. If you have plants or grass in the area, make sure it’s not touching the building. Garbage areas need special attention when you’re fighting a cockroach infestation. Make sure there aren’t any spills or residue on the ground or side of the bins. Lids should be tight at all times, and, if you can, keep the garbage inside sealed in plastic bags.

Additional building maintenance tips

Make sure screens on windows are in good condition. Fix dripping faucets and leaky pipes, and make sure the openings around these pipes are sealed well. If your pipes are sweating, you should insulate them. Even that small amount of water is enough for them to survive on. After treatment, inspect the walls for any cracks or gaps that need to be sealed to keep pests from re-entering.

Need professional help?

American Extermination Plus, Inc. is experienced in dealing with cockroach infestations. We offer free inspections, and would love to help you come up with a treatment plan to get rid of your infestation permanently. Click here to learn more about cockroaches!

Got Cockroaches?

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The post Cockroach Prevention and Do It Yourself Advice appeared first on American Extermination Plus.

Professional Pest Inspections

americanextermination_j7tf2w — Fri, 08 Jul 2016 04:58:57 +0000

Professional Pest Inspection

For a homeowner, an inspection is an important part of your pest control service. During the inspection, your Pest Management Professional will gather information about your home, the surrounding environment, and your infestation. The information they gather will enable your Pest Management Professional to advise you of the best treatment plans for your specific situation.

Integrated Pest Management

Integrated Pest Management is the method of applying a combination of preventative and corrective measures to minimize infestations and provide pest control services with minimum risk or hazard. This approach may involve removal of food sources, water, shelter, or other sanitation procedures. Utilized properly, these procedures may reduce or eliminate the need for chemical control measures to eliminate your infestation, and make lasting control possible. Each pest problem must be analyzed separately, because different pests have different needs, habits, and treatments.

IPM involves four basic steps:

Inspection
Detection
Correction
Prevention

The inspection is essential to solving pest problems and in determining the type of services required. It’s important to be able to talk with the homeowner and gather as much information as possible to ensure an effective and economical treatment plan. Once the Pest Control Professional has an idea of what measures are necessary, he or she can make an appropriate recommendation. Sometimes these recommendations include steps the homeowner needs to take, such as removing clutter or making building repairs.

What is the inspector looking for?

At American Extermination Plus, we prioritize effectiveness and safety. The information we gather during our inspections allows us to analyze your pest problems and provide the safest and most effective service for your needs.

A pest control professional’s knowledge of pest behavior, reproductive habits, and food sources helps them in locating pests and predicting their movements. Information such as moisture (or a lack thereof), the pests typical path of travel, and possible hiding places enables them to identify the proper control measures to use. Here is an example of some of the things we look for:

evidence of a pest infestation
what food and water sources are available
conditions that may determine what treatments will be effective and available for your specific infestation
possible entry points that may be used by pests
if there are pets or other animals that need to be considered
who is living in the home, and what possible health issues and concerns are present
the location of your home

Preparing for an Inspection

Set an appointment for a time when you will available to talk with the Pest Control Inspector.
Make sure the crawl space (or attic, in some cases) is accessible to you inspector.
If you have pets, make sure they are secured in a safe place until the inspector leaves.

At American Extermination Plus, Inc., we provide professional pest inspections at no charge to you. Our goal is to provide you with the information you need to make educated pest control decisions that will help protect your home and family. Our service plans are designed to fit the needs of your specific home or business. Please call us today to set an appointment with our Pest Control Inspector.

Book Your FREE Inspection!

Click Here And Schedule A Visit

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