Houseflies Who are They

Housefly in the Mississippi gulf coast; Southern Pest Control
houseflies

Houseflies have been exceptionally bad this year. A lot may have to do with
the mild winter we had and the amount of rain we have experienced this spring. Looking at the stores it appears everything pertaining to eliminating flies is totally empty of the shelves. We at Southern Pest Control would like to share some information about houseflies that may be useful.

Houseflies are scavengers and land on us because they like us: The human body, like some of their favorite food sources — feces, food and rotting flesh radiates a sense of warmth and nourishment. And while not interested in biting, the common housefly, or musca domestica, does want to suck up the salt, dead skin, oil and whatever they find edible on the exposed epidermis with their straw-like tongues.

Thanks to hearty appetites aided by an excellent sense of smell and a pair of complex eyes that cover half of their heads, houseflies also land on us and everything else in sight because they’re constantly on the hunt for a nice warm place to poop, vomit and lay eggs. This charming land-and-defecate-everywhere routine has made flies vectors of communicable diseases, ranging from typhoid to tuberculosis. The pathogens transmitted by houseflies, picked up after feasting on things like dung heaps and dead animals, are carried on their legs and around their mouths. Think
about it: Each time a fly lands on your arm or takes a stroll around the rim of your mug of morning coffee, it could be shaking a whole lot of germs off of its hairy little legs.

The easiest, most inexpensive way to make the area in and around your home a “no fly” zone as you put it is to take basic preventative measures. If you have a dog and aren’t quick to pick up and dispose of its poop you should start making this your number one priority. There’s a reason why the filthy, winged critters love dog poop: It serves as both an all-you-can-eat buffet and an ideal egg depository. Also, don’t leave food out for too long, maintain a clean  and tidy house (pay special attention to kitchen surfaces), empty your garbage cans regularly and keep an eye out for organic rotting matter. It’s about keeping a spic-and-span, sanitary home.

If houseflies keep on inviting themselves into your home, you should obviously shut windows and doors but also check for cracks and holes (particularly around window screens).

We your friends at Southern Pest Control hope this information was helpful. Please remember when you have unwanted pests or animal problems our expert technicians are there to help. Just call our office at 800 527-9832 to set up a free estimate inspection. We have been serving the Gulf Coast for over 40 years. Please visit our website at https://www.southernpestcontrol.biz/ to meet our team and learn more about our services.

 

Spiders Are They a Problem

Spider closeup on white background in the Mississippi gulf coast; Southern Pest Control
Spiders

There are 21 unique species of spiders found in Mississippi. Most of these are unable to puncture human skin, and if they do, their venom is not generally harmful to humans. There are three main species in Mississippi that health officials worry about — the Black Widow, Brown Recluse and now the Brown Widow.

For lots of people, encountering one of these eight-legged creatures can be
a fearful experience. Many people hate the thought of having spiders in their homes, but indoor and outdoor they can provide value. Spiders primarily feast on other insects and are actually quite helpful in controlling insect populations, as well as potential infestations of other types of more harmful pests.

There is also the misconception that all should exist outside of the home,
and that it is unnatural for them to be inside. In actuality, there are both
indoor and outdoor types of spiders. Almost every type of indoor spider species lives exclusively indoors, as they do not have the ability to survive in an outdoor setting. Likewise, many outdoor spider species live exclusively outdoors for similar reasons. Most indoor spider species are carried into the home through egg sacks that are attached to items that are brought in from one space to another. Most spiders are quite harmless; spiders are more interested in eating other bugs than in causing harm to humans.

One of the most common questions that people ask is whether or not they are poisonous. The majority are indeed poisonous, in the sense that they contain venom, which they use to paralyze and kill their prey. Even though most spiders contain poisonous venom, it is a small threat to humans, as their fangs are often not long enough to break through average human skin. As stated previously of all of the species of spiders commonly found in Mississippi, there are only three that you should ever have to really worry about: the infamous Black Widow spider, the Brown Recluse , the Brown Widow.

We at Southern Pest Control are here when spiders become a
concern at your home or office. We have been ridding people in the Gulf Coast Region for over 39 years, with a trained professional staff. Please visit our website at www.southernpestcontrol.biz to meet our team and the services we offer.

 

Pest Control Company

Professional Exterminators in the Mississippi gulf coast; Southern Pest Control
Pest Control Company

A professional pest control company can provide quicker and more effective results than if you tried to handle the infestation issue yourself. Because of their experience and chemicals that may not be readily available to consumers, they can quickly implement extermination plans and efficiently eliminate all pests in a relatively short amount of time, which means your home and family are pest free much sooner than if you attempted to complete these services yourself.

Most companies can complete pest control treatment services within one to six hours, while larger problems that require fumigation can take up to a week.

The cost to hire a pest control company may even save you money over time. Finding and buying the right chemicals could cost you a great deal in expense and time. Also, the quantity sizes you may be forced to buy may be more than you would ever use.

Many pests and rodents can damage your home — destroying carpets, clothes, foundations, floors, furniture, rugs or walls. This can eventually force you to repair the damage or pay to have it fixed.

Paying a licensed professional to eradicate the pest infiltration quickly and effectively can protect your property. Also remember that a licensed professional Pest Control Company will always use environmentally safe products.

The exact price of pest control treatment depends on the type of pest, size of your property, severity of the problem and the professional you hire.

You can also contract with exterminators to proactively treat your property at periodic intervals during the year to ensure your home remains pest-free* all year long.We at Southern Pest Control have been serving the Gulf Coast region for over 39 years. Our team of professionals have all been through extensive training to ensure that we rid your home of the pest problem in a safe and professional manner.

Please visit our website at https://www.southernpestcontrol.biz/ to meet our team and learn more about the services we offer. Please call us at 800 527-9832 to set up an appointment for a free estimate.

Houseflies are a Problem

Housefly in the Mississippi gulf coast; Southern Pest Control

Houseflies

Houseflies are scavengers and land on us because they like us: The human body, like some of their favorite food sources — feces, food and rotting flesh — radiates a sense of warmth and nourishment. And while not interested in biting, the common housefly, or musca domestica, does want to suck up the salt, dead skin, oil and whatever they find edible on the exposed epidermis with their straw-like tongues.

Thanks to hearty appetites aided by an excellent sense of smell and a pair of complex eyes that cover half of their heads, houseflies also land on us and everything else in sight because they’re constantly on the hunt for a nice warm place to poop, vomit and lay eggs. This charming land-and-defecate-everywhere routine has made flies vectors of communicable diseases, ranging from typhoid to tuberculosis. The pathogens transmitted by houseflies, picked up after feasting on things like dung heaps and dead animals, are carried on their legs and around their mouths. Think about it: Each time a fly lands on your arm or takes a stroll around the rim of your mug of morning coffee, it could be shaking a whole lot of germs off of its hairy little legs.

The easiest, most inexpensive way to make the area in and around your home a “no fly” zone as you put it is to take basic preventative measures. If you have a dog and aren’t quick to pick up and dispose of its poop you should start making this your number one priority. There’s a reason why the filthy, winged critters love dog poop: It serves as both an all-you-can-eat buffet and an ideal egg depository. Also, don’t leave food out for too long, maintain a clean and tidy house (pay special attention to kitchen surfaces), empty your garbage cans regularly and keep an eye out for organic rotting matter. It’s about keeping a spic-and-span, sanitary home.

If houseflies keep on inviting themselves into your home, you should obviously shut windows and doors but also check for cracks and holes (particularly around window screens).We your friends at Southern Pest Control hope this information was helpful. Please remember when you have unwanted pests or animal problems our expert technicians are there to help. Just call our office at 800 527-9832 to set up a free estimate inspection. We have been serving the Gulf Coast for over 39 years. Please visit our website at www.southernpestcontrol.biz to meet our team and learn more about our services.

 

Bugs and Rain in the Spring

Kids and pests in the rain in the Mississippi gulf coast; Southern Pest Control

Bugs and Rain- Spring has gone and Summer is definitely here. How does the weather impact how bugs come out and belong a problem?

Pests are always looking a warm, safe shelter and dependable food source. And your home may be the perfect alluring place for them.

Since pests are influenced by the seasons, the threats they pose shift as the weather changes. To keep pests out and protect your home from invasion it is important to be aware of spring and summer pest patterns and take the proper precautions during these seasonal weather shifts.

In the spring temperatures warm up and the flowers bloom. With this mix of warmth and moisture pests emerge from their winter nesting spots and activity starts to increase. Bees and wasps awaken from their dormant state, termites may swarm and excess rains might bring ants indoors in search of higher-ground.

Springtime is also mating season. Although pest activity increases in the spring, majority of pest movement and patterns tend to occur outside of the home as pests seek food and water and look to mate. Some pests, however, will be looking for protected places, such as your home, to build a nest. You should be mindful of any changes you notice inside your home, such as a pile of bug wings or ant invasion. If you remain aware of regular insect patterns around and in your home each spring you’ll be better poised to notice abnormal insect or pest behavior and note your observations to a pest control professional.

Outside of ant invasions during rainy times, summer typically offers a reprieve from insects and pests seeking shelter in your home. The outdoors offers plenty of food and shelter. But remember summer is however the perfect time for our unwelcome friends the mosquito and the gnat. And, increases in the number of mosquitos and gnats often result from heavy summer rains, as water sources are a common breeding site. Both these pests make it hard to enjoy a nice summer evening on your back porch or patio.

In addition to the mosquito and gnat there are other insects include ticks, bees and wasps that become a problem in the summer. Bees and wasps may build their homes in any opening of your house, beneath overhangs or in the ground near the foundation of your home. Bees and wasps are annoying and present health risks when they attack humans, just like mosquitos and ticks. Trying to make sure that you deter these insects from building their homes near you and establishing a presence in your yard requires you to make an effort. However, by doing so it can definitely increase your ability to enjoy your outdoor space this summer.

We at Southern Pest Control hope that this information was beneficial. Remember if you have an out of control pest problem in your home or outdoors, we are here to help. We have been in the Pest Control business for over 37 years serving the entire Gulf Coast Region. Please call us at 800 527-9832 if we can help. Please visit our website at www.southernpestcontrol.biz to meet our team of experts and learn more about our services.

Pest Control -Insects in Cold Weather?

Insects during the Winter in the Mississippi gulf coast; Southern Pest Control

insects in cold weather

Insects in Cold Weather – All insects have some ability to withstand cold weather. One of the most common strategies is to bury themselves underground, beneath leaf litter, or to burrow under tree bark for protection and hibernate for the season. These protective maneuvers work well most winters, allowing insect populations to remain relatively stable.

Warmer than average winters over the last few decades, however, has allowed the populations of some types of creepy crawlies to explode. When winter temperatures never reach a truly deep freeze, bugs make it through to spring unscathed and ready to multiply.

For instance, Lyme-disease-carrying deer ticks — which are not actually insects, but eight-legged arachnids, like spiders — are now seen in larger quantities and have spread farther to the north than they once roamed.

When temperatures drop well below 0° F, though, many individual insects die. The colder the temperature becomes, the fewer survive.

Fleas, however, are a year-round nuisance, but they can die off outside when outside temperatures dip below freezing. In fact, once the temperatures fall to 37 degrees F, it’s cold enough to kill mature fleas as well as eggs, larvae and pupae.  But those temps need to be sustained for 10 days or longer outside.

Inside the home, however, where it’s nice and toasty warm, fleas survive all winter long no matter what the temperature is outdoors. Often the pupae can go dormant in cool areas like basements or crevices in the home, then re-infest once the temperatures warm up again. You may need to treat pets year-round.
Temperature has a strong influence on termite activity–both on a daily and seasonal basis. Termites exposed to freezing temperatures without shelter are usually killed within a short period of time.

Well whether Winter or Summer, we at Southern Pest Control are here to help protect your home and offices from unwanted pests year-round. We have been in the pest control business for over 37 years with trained professionals ready to identify your pest problem and insure that your home is protected. Please call us if we can help. Also visit our website, www.southernpestcontrol.biz  to meet our team and learn more about us.

Winter Pests that Invade Your Home

Raccoon in yard in the Mississippi gulf coast; Southern Pest Control

winter pests

Winter Pests – Some pests will go into hibernation during the winter months while winter pests enter you home looking for a warm place to live and for food sources.

The National Pest Management Association encourages homeowners to take several precautions against winter pests like mice, rates, raccoons, cockroaches, and spiders. Here are some tips that can help.

House Mice

These rodents are the most common encountered. They like to usually nest in dark, secluded areas like attics and basements. They can cause serious damage to drywall and wiring that could start a fire. These mice can contaminate food and spread disease including Salmonella.

Tips:

  • Seal cracks and holes on the outside of your home with steel wool and caulk.
  • Keep areas clean and store boxes off the floor
  • Regularly inspect the home for signs of mice, such as droppings, gnaw marks and damaged food.

Norway Rats

These pests like to live in basements. They will gnaw through almost anything including plastic and lead pipes looking for food or water. These pests also spread diseases.

Tips:

  • They can fit through an opening as small as ½ inch. Inspect the outside of your home for any gaps or crack and fill them with silicone caulk.
  • Eliminate sources of moisture in your basement or crawl apace.
  • Regularly inspect the inside of your home for signs of infestation.

Cockroaches

German cockroaches are the most common breed of cockroach throughout the world. Your home is a perfect place for them to live. They like to live in small areas close to food and moisture. These creatures find their way into your home via grocery bags, boxes and used appliances. Your kitchen and bathrooms is normal where they migrate to. These pests can contaminate food sources and spread diseases.

Tips:

  • Always ask for plastic bags when shopping
  • Try to keep boxes and used appliances outside for a day if possible in the direct sunlight. These will cause the roaches to leave these areas while outdoors.
  • Keep counters and floors as clean as possible of crumbs
  • Take out your garage regularly

Raccoons

These animals are commonly found in the wooded eastern portions of the country. They however have become a problem in our areas due to wooded areas we have close by commercial dumpsters.  They occasionally will enter the home through the attic or even chimney. Raccoons area major host for rabies.

Tips

  • Be sure your outdoors trash cans and recycling bins are sealed. A good idea would be to place them in a locked outdoor shed.
  • Inspect the inside of your home for places they can get in, such as broken vent covers.
  • Place a mesh cover over your chimney and exposed openings to prevent entry.
  • Keep tree branches trimmed back from your home.

Spiders

The brown recluse spider prefers to spin their web in undisturbed places like closets, attics, crawl spaces, and basements. These spiders can bite and inject venom. These spiders are dangerous to humans.

Tips

  • Store clothing and shoes in plastic containers
  • Keep trees and scrubs trimmed away from the home and cut back limbs overhanging the roof.

We at Southern Pest Control hope this information will be helpful to you as winter approaches. Remember that we are here to help you stay pest free throughout the year. Please call us at 800 527-9832. Our friendly and experienced staff is waiting to help.

Autumn Animals and Insects

Animals and Insects in Autumn in the Mississippi gulf coast; Southern Pest Control

 

autumn animals and insects

Autumn Animals and Insects- Many types of mammals, invertebrates and amphibians sleep through the coldest months. Some species, like hedgehogs, truly hibernate. Others, such as frogs, enter a state of torpor from which they rouse easily to look for food or stretch.

Gardeners can help by ensuring garden wildlife has somewhere cool and dry to rest undisturbed until spring – here are tips you can do to help get wildlife through the winter.

For your Pond

Male frogs often spend winter in the muddy depths of ponds, breathing through their skin. But if the pond freezes over, gases caused by decaying plant material can get trapped and poison them. Remove debris from ponds now, and float a tennis or golf ball on the surface to prevent ice from sealing it.

Use Twigs

Put bundles of twigs at the back of borders, or in a plant pot on its side, where invertebrates and small mammals can shelter.

Use Plant Pots

Leave stacks of plant pots in a sheltered spot to offer shelter for bees and other insects needing a cool, dry place.

Remove Leaves

Remove leaves from paths or lawns but transfer them to a corner or beneath a hedge, where hedgehogs and other animals can crawl for shelter.

Inside Your Home

Like butterflies, ladybirds may choose to overwinter in your home and will be disturbed by the heating coming on. As they hibernate in large groups, it may be best to leave them alone and if you can, leave the room unheated. If not, using a dustpan and brush, tip them gently into an empty box and move them to the shed.

Nest Boxes

Birds don’t hibernate, and they require a lot of energy to keep themselves warm at night. Clear out nest boxes now so that birds can take shelter in them on cold nights.

 

We, at Southern Pest Control, hope that this information about autumn animals and insects is helpful as we enter the Fall Season. Please remember when any pest control problem arises, our trained team of experts is ready to help. Please call us at 800 527-9832 if we can help. Please visit our website at www.southernpestcontrol.biz to meet our team and learn more about us.

Fall Insects and Pests are a Problem

American Cockroach in the Mississippi gulf coast; Southern Pest Control

fall insects

Yes, it is still very hot in the Gulf Coast Region, but don’t forget fall is just around the corner. We at Southern Pest Control want to make you aware of Fall insects and pest concerns so that you can be prepared.

Many insects spend the winter as an egg or larva or pupa, but a certain group of insects overwinter as adults. They must find a location to sleep the winter away that stays comfortably between 40.50 degrees Fahrenheit. If this can happen, they are alive in the spring to go back to dancing on the leaves and flowers and to scamper around and reproduce. That magic location for overwintering is often the wall void of a home, which is the space between the outside and inside walls. Once they are in, the only decision to make is on which side of the insulation to hibernate.

When any insects are indoors, they do not eat or cause damage. The damage occurs when the human that finds them crushes, smashes or creams them into the upholstery or lamp shades. These are stains that do not come out in most cases.

The key to not having unwanted guests is to do some late summer home inspection right about now. You are looking for cracks and crevices that an insect could slip through. That crack does not have to be any wider than the thickness of a credit card. If time is limited, start with the two sides of the house that are the warmest: the south and west sides where many insects hang out. Caulk cracks around windows and doors. Check around anything that is cut into the exterior of the house like a dryer vent, gas line or light fixtures that do not have a bead of caulk surrounding them. Check or repair door sweeps. Vinyl and aluminum siding offer many places for insects to slip under and this is not easy to fix.

We at Southern Pest Control hope this information was helpful. We are here to help you with any fall insect or pest problems that may arise. We have been serving the Gulf Coast Region for over 37 years with trained pest control experts. Please visit our website at ww.southernpestcontrol.biz to meet our team and learn more about us.

Bug and My Backyard – How to Stop

Backyard plants that repel pests in the Mississippi gulf coast; Southern Pest Control

bug and my backyard

 

Bug season increases in our backyards as the hot Summer months move in. We at Southern Pest Control would like to share some tips that may help you reduce the bug problem in your backyard this summer.

These Plants have been proven to help the bug situation.

Basil

Repels house flies and mosquitoes. Plant basil in containers by your house doors and in outdoor areas where you like to relax or entertain.

Lavender

Repels moths, fleas, flies and mosquitoes. Lavender has been used for centuries to add a pleasantly sweet fragrance to homes and clothes drawers. Although people love the smell of lavender, mosquitoes, flies and other unwanted insects hate it. Place tied bouquets in your home to help keep flies outdoors. Plant it in sunny areas of the garden or near entryways to your house to help keep those areas pest free.

Lemongrass

Repels mosquitoes. You’ve no doubt seen citronella candles in stores during the summer and read how citronella will keep mosquitoes away. Citronella is a natural oil found in lemongrass, an ornamental that can grow up to 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide in one season. (It’s worth noting that lemongrass isn’t just the name of one plant; it’s the umbrella name for plants in the Cymbopogon family, which also includes citronella grass.)

Lemon Thyme

This hardy herb can adapt to dry or rocky, shallow soil and will thrive in your herb garden, a rock garden or a front border as long as these are in sunny locations. The plant itself will not repel pesky mosquitoes. To release its chemicals, you must first bruise the leaves. To do this, simply cut off a few stems and rub them between your hands. Before you do that, though, it’s advisable to make sure the plant’s natural properties will not adversely affect you. Determine your tolerance by rubbing crushed leaves on a small area on your forearm for several days.

Mint

With a little work, the plant’s aromatic oils can be extracted and combined with apple cider vinegar to make a mosquito repellent. Containers of mint strategically placed in the garden or on the patio will help keep nearby plants insect free.

Rosemary

The plant itself and its cuttings are effective repellents. You can make a simple repellent spray by boiling 1 quart of dried rosemary in a quart of water for 20 to 30 minutes and then straining the liquid into a container at least a half-gallon in size that contains a quart of cool water. Put a cap on the combined liquid and store it in the refrigerator. Add the repellent to small squirt bottles as needed when going outdoors.

We at Southern Pest Control hope that this information was beneficial. Remember if you have an out of control pest problem in your home or outdoors, we are here to help. We have been in the Pest Control business for over 37 years serving the entire Gulf Coast Region. Please call us at 800 527-9832 if we can help. Please visit our website at www.southernpestcontrol.biz to meet our team of experts and learn more about our services