Frequently Asked Questions About Disinfecting Services

Here in Las Vegas, the coronavirus continues to surge. With cases continuing to rise, it can be overwhelming and distressing to know how to best protect yourself and your property from the dangers of COVID-19. At Rentokil of Las Vegas, we are committed to limiting the spread of coronavirus in our communities with our commercial disinfection services. Whether your hotel has had a recent case of COVID-19 or you’re looking to safely reopen a property and want to take all precautions, our disinfecting service can help. Our experts are here to answer many of the commonly asked questions about our commercial disinfection service.

Are Commercial Disinfecting Services Safe?

You can trust that our services are completely safe and follow strict guidelines. All of our technicians are trained to uphold a number of safety protocols. A few of the safety measures we take during the service include:

  • All technicians will wear suitable PPE, including respirators, N95 masks, goggles, coveralls, rubber boots, and more.
  • Every technician is extensively trained in safety procedures to minimize risks in exposed environments.
  • During every stage of the disinfection service, a team member will ensure safety procedures are applied and comply with legislative requirements. 

How Long Does Disinfection Take?

Before we begin our service, a trained technician will walk you through what to expect, including how long the service may take. The time it takes for our disinfecting service depends on several factors, including the size of the building. Different types of buildings will take varying amounts of time to disinfect the space needed. No matter the time it takes to disinfect your property, the premises will be safe for use in about half an hour after the treatment. There are also different levels of disinfection available depending on the contamination, which can affect the time our services will take.

What Type of Disinfectant is Used?

Basic cleaning products won’t hold up against the virus, making it important to use a registered product. Western utilizes an EPA-approved disinfectant that is registered on List N, which is a registry for products approved for use against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This disinfectant is highly effective and proven to kill not just disease-causing bacteria but also viruses and fungi. We will work with your facility and provide written documentation of the product used to disinfect your property.

Trusted Disinfection Services in Las Vegas

We are dedicated to working with you to meet your every need before, during, and after the commercial disinfection service. Our commercial disinfection service is ideal for any high-traffic business, including rec centers, schools, grocery stores, hotels, restaurants, and more. To schedule service, contact our team of experts today!

Why Fall Pest Control is Important

When the long days of summer draw to a close and the cooler weather of fall approaches, so do fall invading pests. At Western Exterminator we realize that we all have some kind of bug that plagues us, and to understand why fall pest control is so important, you first have to look at the problem. And it’s not pretty.

Mice and rats can get into your walls, chew on wires, and nibble on sheet rock. So, besides being disease carriers that can run through your garage, pantry and food drawers, they can also create problems with your electric, phone, internet, and television wiring. Rodent control discourages and eliminates mice and rats from your home.

Fall invaders also bring viruses and disease.  Cockroaches can passively transport microbes on their body surfaces including pathogens that are potentially dangerous to humans. Cockroaches have many negative consequences for human health because certain proteins (called allergens) found in cockroach feces, saliva and body parts can cause allergic reactions or trigger asthma symptoms, especially in children.

Cockroaches will eat almost any organic matter no matter how rancid. Once inside the home, they will seek out food scraps, unsealed food containers, sugar and grease deposits, pet food, rancid meat, glue and even bookbindings. If you see a clump of pepper-like specs in your kitchen cupboards, it is likely cockroach feces marking their courtship and nearby nesting territory.  Cockroach control can rid your home of these disease producing pests.

In fall, bugs and rodents are looking for a place to hibernate or overwinter and that’s why fall pest control is so important. A pest professional can treat your property and set up devices that watch for harmful insects, like cockroaches, scorpions and spiders. Monitoring insect activity can help to prevent many bugs from entering your home.

Fall Pest Prevention Tips:

  • Screen attic vents and openings to chimneys, and any other areas where homes may be open to the outdoors, like mail slots and animal doors.
  • Keep basements, attics and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry. Pests are attracted to areas of moisture, something they need to survive. Using dehumidifiers in basements and garages will help keep these areas dry.
  • Seal cracks and crevices on the outside of the home using caulk and steel wool. Pay close attention to where utility pipes enter the structure. Some rodents can fit through a hole the size of a dime.
  • Keep kitchen counters clean, store food in airtight containers and dispose of garbage regularly in sealed receptacles. Crumbs and a buildup of garbage are attractive to pests scrounging for food. It is recommended to clean up after each meal and to properly close garbage cans when they are stored in the home or garage.
  • Replace weather-stripping and repair loose mortar around the foundation and windows. These are easy ways to keep not only pests, but also cold air out of the house.
  • Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house and keep shrubbery well trimmed. Removing areas where pests can hide near your home can reduce the chance of them finding a way inside.
  • Install door sweeps and repair damaged screens. Torn window screens and cracks under doors are an ideal entry point for household pests. When you open the window, you could be letting in more than just fresh air.
  • Inspect items such as boxes of decorations, package deliveries, and grocery bags before bringing them indoors. Pests can find creative ways to get inside a home. Shake out or inspect anything that has been left or stored outside.
  • Avoid leaving pets’ food dishes out for long periods of time. Pests don’t discriminate between people food and cat food. Pet dishes that have been left sitting out are enticing for all kinds of insects and rodents.
  • Have a proper outdoor drainage system. Installing gutters or repairing an existing system will help draw water and moisture away from your home, preventing any leaks or build up that might attract pests.

 

If you live in Las Vegas or Henderson, you don’t have to live in fear of bugs and rodents. Proper fall maintenance can keep your home and your family safe, and bug free. Don’t make the common mistake of stopping pest services during this time of year, a mistake that could easily lead to more serious pest problems. To learn more about protecting your home and family from pests year round, contact us today at 702-385-1269.

 

5 Steps to Keep Ants Out of the Kitchen

5 Tips to Keep Ants Out of the KitchenAs the weather cools down, ants need a place that is warm and safe so that they can spend winter in a comfortable haven. In most cases, this haven happens to be your home.

An ant infestation can drive almost anyone crazy, trying to keep up with the problem, only to find they’re back a few hours later can cause frustration to just about anyone. Ants are a very common occurrence in the Las Vegas and Henderson areas and although some homeowners may never experience an ant infestation, others can constantly be plagued by these little nuisance pests.

Odorous house ants and argentine ants tend to start showing up in the spring, and once temperatures reach triple digits, they often march inside homes in search of food and water sources. And no one wants to invite them into their home and support their large ant families.

While different species have different requirements, all have three things in common: the need for food, shelter, and water. Controlling access to these three requirements is vital in preventing an ant infestation and it’s probably not a surprise that the kitchen is considered a favorite ant hangout. Here are a few tips to keep ants out of the kitchen:

 Clean Up and Don’t Leave Dishes In The Sink Overnight

The first, and perhaps easiest measure to take, is to keep a clean kitchen. Ants will scavenge for the tiniest particles of food and ensuring that leftovers are not kept out overnight is not enough. Counters and dishes should be wiped down and spills should be wiped up with soapy water as soon as possible. Besides keeping the environment clean for humans, this also ensures that any pheromone trails laid by ants will be washed away.

Sweep and Mop Your Kitchen Floor

Ants leave pheromone trails behind. Just mopping or sweeping your floor won’t eliminate the ant trail; it needs to be cleared away with some disinfecting cleanser. Try mixing a solution of ½ vinegar and ½ water in a spray bottle, and apply to your kitchen floor before you mop. Make sure to target ant areas where you have witnessed ant activity.

Pick Up Pet Food Bowls

Your pets may not be the only ones eating from their dishes. Ants are often found swarming in food and water bowls because they need water and love the protein in pet food. When feeding, try to place the bowls away from foundation walls. It’s very easy for ants to trail in from outside and find Fido’s food. Keep pet dishes slightly elevated if you can, and pick up and discard any uneaten food every night before you go to bed

Keep Food in Sealed Containers

Ants are in search of sugar-based foods and protein-based foods. Be sure to store all open food in containers with tight fitting lids. Glass and plastic containers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. If you feel an ant can get into a certain type of food, just store it in an airtight container to prevent access.

Take Out The Trash

Ant colonies will find your trash as treasure. Food items should never be left in the garbage pail to sit for days, so trash should be taken out frequently. Make sure all perishables are bagged well before throwing them away. As garbage breaks down, it takes on an even stronger odor, so keep your outdoor garbage bins as far from your home as possible and rinse out with soap and water regularly.

If you apply these methods and still experience ant issues, Western Exterminator has compiled an Ant Resource Center to help you not only identify what types of ants you’re dealing with, but help you get your problem under control. We also provide expert solutions to help our customers keep their homes and businesses ant free. Give us a call if you decide you need help combating these invaders.

5 Plants That Repel Mosquitoes and Other Insects

Using Plants for Organic Pest Control

Are you an insect magnet? You can plant herbs that repel insects, including mosquitoes, and add a touch of beauty to your backyard at the same time. The Las Vegas summer heat can be devastating for new plant growth, so experts recommend starting a garden in early spring or fall, which is right around the corner! Seeds should be planted when nighttime temperatures are around 50 degrees.

Our Southern Nevada climate (mild winters and hot, dry summers) is similar to some Mediterranean regions where many of the following insect repelling herbs originated, and that makes your backyard a perfect place to grow mint, basil, rosemary and lavender. Although these plants help repel insects, know that simply including some of these herbs in your garden won’t get rid of every pest.

BASIL

basil to help keep mosquitos away
Basil repels house flies and mosquitoes.

Basil emits its’ aroma without crushing the leaves, so you can grow basil in pots and put them in your backyard to control mosquitoes.  Pinch flowers off and give afternoon shade.

 

LAVENDER

Lavender repels moths, fleas, flies and mosquitoes.
Lavender repels moths, fleas, flies and mosquitoes.

Although people love the smell of lavender, mosquitoes, flies and other unwanted insects hate it. To control mosquitoes, keep potted lavender plants around seating areas on your patio, backyard and garden and in a sunny location.

 

MINT

bushes that repel insects Las Vegas NV
Mint repels mosquitoes, ants and aphids.

Ants hate the smell of mint! However, never plant mint in the garden, as it is dominant and will take over. Plant in pots and plug the drainage hole to keep the mint contained.

 

CHIVES

Chives to repel insects
Chives are pretty, easy to grow and make good insect repellents.

Chives will repel garden and household pests like ants, aphids and Japanese beetles. Chives are members of the lily family grown for their leaves and flowers, which are equally popular in the garden and in the kitchen. Plant in full sun.

 

ROSEMARY

rosemary to repel insects Nevada
Rosemary repels mosquitoes and insects harmful to vegetable plants.

Mosquitoes often strike while we are barbecuing outdoors. When grilling, throw some stalks of rosemary on the hot coals to give a mosquito repelling aroma. This simple trick will turn your barbecue into a natural mosquito repellent and adds delicious flavor to your food.

If you apply these methods and still experience ant issues, Western Exterminator has compiled a Pest Library to help you not only identify what types of insects you’re dealing with, but help you get your problem under control. Give us a call if you decide you need help combating any home or garden invaders.

Cockroaches – A Crawling Asthma and Allergy Trigger

May marks National Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month, and the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) warns families that cockroaches are a leading trigger of allergies and asthma attacks. The pests saliva, droppings and decomposing bodies contain allergen proteins known to trigger allergies and increase the severity of asthma symptoms, especially in children.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, a cockroach allergy is a common trigger of year-round allergy and asthma. Additionally, children who are allergic to cockroaches, and are exposed to them, need to go to the hospital for asthma more often than other children with asthma.

“Most people are aware of typical indoor allergens including mold, pet dander, dust and second-hand smoke, but they should also be mindful of any cockroach infestations in their home or other places such as schools,” said Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for the NPMA. “Cockroach allergens are typically found in areas that are hard to see, such as under appliances and sinks, so it’s important to periodically check those areas, keeping them clean and dry.”

Cockroaches also spread disease such as Salmonella by picking up germs on the spines of their legs, easily contaminating food and surfaces that they touch. They spread at least 33 kinds of bacteria, six types of parasitic worms and at least seven other kinds of human pathogens.

Locally, in Las Vegas and Henderson, we have three species of cockroaches that are predominant pests: The American cockroach, which is the largest cockroach species in the southwest, the Oriental cockroach, which is darker and smaller in comparison, and the German cockroach, which is the smallest and most difficult to eradicate.

Predominant cockroach species in Las Vegas and Henderson

American Cockroach

Oriental Cockroach

German Cockroach

Follow these tips to prevent cockroaches from infesting your home:

  • Seal cracks around the outside of the home to prevent pest entryways.
  • Vacuum frequently and dispose of garbage regularly.
  • Keep counters and floors clean and free of crumbs that attract pests.
  • Pay extra attention to kitchens and bathrooms, especially under appliances and sinks as these areas are particularly vulnerable to cockroach infestations.
  • If you suspect an infestation, contact a licensed pest professional to identify the species and recommend a course of treatment.

The above are a few ways you can protect your home from a cockroach infestation. A little work will help to keep roaches out, and your family comfortable. If you want to learn more about cockroaches and the health threats they pose, visit our Pest Identification Library.

Don’t Let Ants Drive You Nuts This Spring

Homeowners in Las Vegas and Henderson at one time or another have seen an ant or two creeping across their kitchen floor or counter top.  During the spring season, this is especially true as nuisance house ants start to emerge from behind walls and baseboards in search for food.  Don’t worry, though, Western Exterminator is ready to help you fight these troublesome insects.

There are two species of ants in our valley that are common home invaders.  They are the argentine ant and odorous house ant. Although these ants are not typically aggressive, nor do they cause damage to the structural integrity of our homes or the contents within, they can aggravate homeowners and contaminate our food supply with their droppings.

Whether you live in Summerlin or Anthem, house-infesting ants are some of the hardest insects to control.  Simply killing the foraging insects will not get rid of the ant problem; you have to eradicate the entire colony to keep them from coming back.  Many people take great pride in tackling home improvements on their own, but do-it-yourself baits and sprays are generally not effective, can be dangerous and often times actually make the problem worse.  There are, however a few things you can do to help make your home less attractive to these annoying insects:

  • Eliminate any standing water around or near your home
  • Repair leaky faucets or drains
  • Keep food, including pet food, in sealed containers
  • Dispose of garbage daily
  • Clean crumbs and spills immediately
  • Keep trees and shrub branches cut back away from your house
  • Seal cracks and holes around your home with caulking

Keeping Ants Out of Your Home

Because of their small size and persistence, ants are a frequent nuisance for many homeowners. Treating an infestation can be time-consuming and costly, and so the best method for dealing with ants is prevention. Ants require food, water, and shelter, and denying them these three things is the key to ensuring that a home will not be a target for an ant infestation.

AVOID ANTS WITH A CLEAN HOUSE

The first, and perhaps easiest, measure to take is to keep a clean house. Ants will scavenge for the tiniest particles of food and ensuring that leftovers are not kept out overnight is not enough. Counters and dishes should be wiped down and spills should be wiped up with soapy water as soon as possible. Besides keeping the environment clean for humans, this also ensures that any chemical trails laid by ants will be washed away.

Since ants often come indoors seeking water, leaks and drips should be fixed around the house. Not only does this keep thirsty ants away, but it keeps water damage from occurring and leading to an inviting environment for ants to nest. Certain ant species can and will nest in the instabilities that form in walls, floors, and building foundations from water damage. Keeping an eye out for these damaged areas and removing them removes a potential nesting site for ants. Sealing cracks in walls and foundations also ensures that ants cannot enter a home.

CHECK ALL WOOD STRUCTURES AND TREES FOR ANT COLONIES

Some ants nest in rotted wood, and so both wooden structures in the home and trees surrounding a home should be checked. Any dead portions should be removed, and foliage should as a rule be kept trimmed back from a home in order to keep ants from coming close. Any nests noticed outside should be treated to keep them from spreading indoors. Certain species of ants are capable of multiplying rapidly, expanding their nests into mega colonies with multiple queens. These interconnected nests can take up a large amount of territory and need a lot of food.

KILL ANTS IMMEDIATELY

If ants are seen indoors they should be killed immediately. Ants send scouts ahead to search for food, water, and potential nesting sites. Killing these scouts ensures that any information about food or water in a home does not make it back to the nest.

Prevention may be the best means of dealing with ants but it is not foolproof. If an infestation occurs, a licensed pest control professional should be called.

If all of your attempts to prevent these insects from entering your home fail, Western Exterminator is ready to help!  We offer effective ant control in Las Vegas and Henderson that will curb your ant infestation.  Contact Western Exterminator today to get those invading ants out of your Southern Nevada home.

Ant Infestations – Where Do Ants Hide?

Ants are one of the top nuisance pests in our Las Vegas valley. If you’ve ever found ants crawling across the kitchen counter or noticed a trail of little black ants on the bathroom floor, you’re probably not alone. Ants enter homes year-round in search of water and food, making them the #1 nuisance pest in America. With spring around the corner, now is the perfect time to learn about the most common ant-infested areas in a home and how to prevent an unwanted infestation.

A recent survey of pest professionals across the country, conducted by the National Pest Management Association, found kitchens (96%) and bathrooms (89%) to be particularly vulnerable to ants.

Kitchen

It’s probably not a surprise the kitchen is considered a favorite ant hangout. In addition to food access, the sink provides a water source that ants need to survive. If you’re lax about immediately cleaning up crumbs and spills, you may be inviting ants in.  Here are a few tips to keep ants out of the kitchen:

  • Store sweet staples like sugar, syrup and honey in plastic containers that snap shut, and wipe them down to remove any sticky residue. You can also place a bay leaf inside canisters of dry goods like flour to keep the ants out. The herb’s pungent scent repels ants and other common pantry pests.
  • Clean up grease spills from countertops and floors as soon as they happen.
  • Any empty juice or soda containers should be rinsed out before recycling or throwing away. And, make sure to take the trash out regularly.
  • Check the fruit bowl – any over ripe fruit will attract ants.
  • Keep an eye out for water buildup in the sink and leaks around the faucet.
  • If you have pets, be sure to pick up any leftover food and wash the bowls regularly.

Bathroom

 

Areas around the house with excess moisture are known to attract ants, so bathrooms are highly susceptible to an infestation.  To prevent an infestation in the bathroom, homeowners should:

  • Occasionally, inspect sinks, toilets and tubs for any leaks or drips.
  • Give the bathroom a thorough cleaning by scrubbing the floors with disinfectant cleaner, and wiping down the inside of drawers with warm soapy water.
  • Check to ensure shampoo, lotion and soap bottles are secured and no contents have spilled out of their containers.

Do It Yourself & Keep The Pests Out of Your Home

The above are a few ways you can protect your home from ants moving in this summer. A little work will help to keep ants out, and your family comfortable. However, if you do encounter a pest problem this summer, seeking the advice of an experienced pest control company can help you get rid of these unwanted visitors.

 

6 Natural Ways To Get Rid Of Ants

Argentine and Odorous house ants are common in many Las Vegas and Henderson homes. There’s nothing like walking into your kitchen first thing in the morning, bleary eyed and ready for your morning cup of coffee only to find that your home has been invaded. Below are some of the best natural remedies you can try to get rid of the ants infesting your space.

1. Mint

Plant mint around perimeter of your home to repel insects.

Peppermint is a natural insect repellant. You can plant mint around your home or use the essential oil of peppermint as a natural remedy for control of ants. Ants hate the smell, and your home will smell minty fresh! Plant mint around entryways and the perimeter of your home.  Place a few drops of peppermint essential oil on a cotton ball and use it to wipe suspected areas. You can also place a peppermint oil cotton ball in areas such as cabinets where the ants frequent.

2. Vinegar

Mix a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray it directly on the ants to kill them, then wipe up the ants using a damp paper towel and discard them. You can also use vinegar and water as a deterrent; spray it around your windowsills, doorways and other places where you see ants coming inside.

3. Lemon Juice

Just like vinegar, lemon juice also seems to destroy the scent trails that ants follow. Try mixing up a solution of 1 part lemon juice to 3 parts water and use as an all-purpose spray. Spray the lemon solution around entryways and the perimeter of your home, or any areas where you see ants.

4. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a great option for killing ants. When an ant inhales cinnamon, it suffocates and dies. You can use ground cinnamon and sprinkle on the ants’ path or around an anthill opening. Cinnamon essential oil also works well to repel ants. Mix a few drops of cinnamon oil with water and spray on ant trails, around doors, windows and cracks.

5. Cayenne Pepper or Black Pepper

Both cayenne and black pepper repel ants.

Ants hate cayenne pepper. Black pepper will work just as well too. Locate the source of the ant infestation problem, sprinkle some pepper around that area and if possible, create a wall that will stop the ants from accessing your household. An alternative solution is to mix some pepper with water and spray the resulting solution at the ants. The pepper won’t kill the ants but it sure will deter them from returning.

6. Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth breaks down the exoskeleton of insects.

Food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE) also works well as an ant repellent. This powder is the fossilized remains of marine phytoplankton. The microscopic razor sharp edges of DE can cut through the ants’ exoskeletons, gradually causing their body to dry out.

  1. Gently sprinkle a thin layer of DE on windowsills, beneath the fridge, under cabinets, in and around garbage cans and any other places where you see ants.
  2. Repeat once daily until all the ants are gone.

If you apply these methods and still experience ant issues, Western Exterminator has compiled an Ant Resource Center to help you not only identify what types of ants you’re dealing with, but help you get your problem under control. We also provide expert solutions to help our customers keep their homes and businesses ant free. Give us a call if you decide you need help combating these invaders.

Scorpion Stings Can be Painful and Serious

A member of the arachnid family, scorpions are feared for their sting. Scorpions don’t have teeth, so they don’t bite, but they do sting. We have several types of scorpions in Nevada, but only two–the bark scorpion and the Arizona hairy scorpion–are capable of inflicting mild to serious damage to humans with their sting.  Scorpion stings are painful but rarely life-threatening. Young children, and sometimes much older adults, are most at risk of serious complications.

THE DESERT HAIRY SCORPION STING

Desert Hairy Scorpion Pest Control Las Vegas Nevada
Desert Hairy Scorpion

Arizona hairy scorpions, also known as desert hairy scorpions, are the largest scorpions in North America, ranging from 5 to 7 inches in length. These scorpions are yellow with brown coloration on the top of its body. They are found throughout the Las Vegas and Henderson valley, preferring to burrow under rocks. These scorpions are aggressive when disturbed, but their sting causes no more than a mild to painful reaction at the site unless the person stung has an allergic reaction to their venom.

THE BARK SCORPION STING

Arizona Bark Scorpion

Bark scorpions, also known as Arizona bark scorpions, are typically no more than 3 inches in length with a light brown body and their venom is the most potent scorpion venom in North America. A sting can cause symptoms from severe pain for up to three days, numbness in the affected limb, or convulsions. Death has been reported, though typically only in the elderly, very young, or those with scorpion venom allergies.

SYMPTOMS OF A SCORPION STING

The venom of a scorpion contains a variety of different chemicals, including both neurotoxins and enzymes that penetrate the skin and other tissues.

Most people who are stung by a scorpion will feel a sharp, burning pain not unlike a bee or wasp sting, or will feel like an electric shock. The initial sting can be quite painful, but for most people the discomfort will subside within an hour.

After the sting, there may be burning or numbness at the location of the tail strike. Some people may experience numbness beyond the sting site, seizures, difficulty breathing, blurred vision, or other severe symptoms. If any of these symptoms occur, you should get immediate medical attention as these are symptoms of anaphylactic shock.

SCORPION STING PREVENTION TIPS:

Eliminating food sources and harborage sites around your home is key to preventing a scorpion infestation. Make your home less attractive to scorpions by following these prevention tips:

  1. Eliminate standing water. Scorpions have a preference and need to settle near water and in moisture laden areas.
  2. Inspect cabinets, closets, and other dark places on a regular basis
  3. Clear away brush, debris, and woodpiles from the perimeter of your home. Keep firewood above ground and 30 feet away from your home.
  4. Repair damaged and torn window screens and seal cracks and crevices in your foundation. Scorpions only need the width of a credit card to gain access.
  5. Seal entry doors and garage doors.  If light can be seen streaming from the exterior, the seal beneath the door should be repaired.
  6. Eliminate food sources utilizing a professional pest management program. Since scorpions feed on insects, managing pests on your property will help to eliminate their food supply.

WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION

Get immediate medical care for a child stung by a scorpion.

Call the Nevada Poison Control Center Hotline at 1-800-222-1222 for advice if you’re concerned about a scorpion sting. This service provides a primary resource for poisoning and sting information and can help you to determine when to seek medical attention.

Seek prompt medical care if you’ve been stung by a scorpion and begin to experience widespread symptoms.

IF YOU SEE SCORPIONS IN YOUR HOME

Scorpions have been known to enter homes in order to escape the heat of the desert sun. In order to prevent these occurrences, cracks in walls and foundations should be sealed, ensuring that small scorpions cannot enter. Homes should also be kept clean in order to prevent incidental insects that scorpions may eat, such as ants and cockroaches. Items such as boxes that can serve as hiding places for scorpions should be removed.

If one or two scorpions are seen inside a home in a scorpion-prone area, it may not be a sign of a problem. Individual scorpions can be prevented by ensuring that home entry points are sealed and that items such as clothing are scorpion-free before entering a house. If multiple scorpions are seen in a short period of time it is a likely sign of infestation and a licensed pest-control professional should be called.

 

Bug of the Week ~ The Walking Stick

Walking Stick Pest Control Las Vegas Pest Control Western Exterminator Las Vegas Henderson NV
The Australian walking stick mimics leaves.

Although you don’t come across walking sticks often in Las Vegas and Henderson, our pest professionals have spotted the insect on valley trees and shrubs. Stick insects are so named for their effective camouflage among the woody plants where they feed. They’re typically brown, black, or green, with stick-shaped bodies that help them blend in as they perch on twigs and branches. Some even wear lichen-like markings to make their disguise more authentic. Stick insects imitate twigs swaying in the wind by rocking back and forth as they move.

Almost all stick insects have a body that is not exclusively designed for movement or efficiency, but also designed for camouflage. Their body and legs are elongated and some, like the australian walking stick have projections on their legs and body to mimic leaves or other natural occurring material.

Stick insects can shed and regenerate their limbs to escape attacks by predators.

Stick insects can shed and regenerate their limbs. Should a bird or other predator grab hold of a stick insect’s leg, it can still make an easy escape. The stick insect simply gives up the leg, using a special muscle to break it off at a weak joint. Juvenile stick insects will regenerate the missing limb the next time they molt.

Stick insects don’t bite, but they aren’t defenseless.

Stick insects can shed and regenerate their limbs.

If threatened, a stick insect will use whatever means necessary to thwart its attacker. Some will regurgitate a nasty substance that will put a bad taste in a hungry predator’s mouth. Others reflex bleed, oozing a foul-smelling hemolymph from joints in their body. Some of the large, tropical stick insects may use their leg spines, which help them climb, to inflict some pain on an enemy. Stick insects may even direct a chemical spray, much like tear gas, at the offender.

 

Resource: Debbie Hadley / About.com