The German Cockroach: 10 Things to Know

German cockroaches are best identified by the two dark lines on their heads. Western Exterminator of Las VegasThere are several common types of cockroaches in the Las Vegas area, but none more prolific than the German cockroach. Not only does this roach species breed at a rapid speed, they also are capable of spreading disease and dangerous pathogens. Infestations are most common in homes, multi-family units, restaurants, schools, hotels, and more. Because they are such a troublesome pest to get rid of, it’s important to learn how to identify the German cockroach by its habits and behaviors.

The experts at Western Exterminator of Las Vegas share the top ten German cockroach facts to know.

German Cockroach Facts You Didn’t Know

Because German cockroaches are such a problem in the Las Vegas area, it’s important to understand their unique behaviors and habits to identify them by:

  1. German cockroaches are best identified by their pronotum (protective plate behind the head), which has two longitudinal dark stripes.
  2. These roaches are most commonly found in residential and commercial kitchens or bathrooms.
  3. German cockroaches typically prefer areas of high temperatures and high humidity.
  4. German roaches are almost entirely found indoors. While rare, they have been known to survive outdoors in warm weather.
  5. German cockroaches have an extraordinary rate of reproduction. One female cockroach and her offspring can theoretically produce hundreds of thousands of offspring a year!
  6. The ootheca (egg case) of the German cockroach contains between 35–40 eggs, which take one month to hatch.
  7. German cockroaches can carry or transmit diseases and pathogens that may be dangerous to humans.
  8. German cockroach infestations have been tied back to causing severe asthmatic reactions in some people.
  9. They are able to climb on smooth surfaces because they have a sticky pad on their feet; this sticky pad is called an arolium.
  10. German cockroaches prefer to spend their lives hidden and protected. They are known to hide inside walls, behind cabinets, inside appliances, and more.

Preventing German Cockroaches

No one wants to deal with a cockroach infestation, which is why it’s so important to learn how to prevent them in the first place! Some of the ways you can lessen the risk of a cockroach infestation include:

  • Keep all food in sealed containers, secure your garbage securely, and store pet food in sealed containers with tight-fitting lids.
  • Regularly clean your surroundings, eliminate clutter, and be wary of carrying in old items before inspecting them for German roaches.
  • Promptly address leaks or excess moisture in the home, such as standing water.

German Cockroach Extermination

If you have German roaches in your home, you’re almost certainly going to need the help of a professional exterminator to get rid of them. Without the help of a professional, roaches can spread quickly throughout your entire property. At Western Exterminator of Las Vegas, our cockroach extermination will ensure complete removal of this pesky roach.

2020 Pest Season – 6 Pest Predictions

There are 6 pest problems to look for in 2020 - Western Exterminator of Las Vegas provides tips on preventing them in your Henderson NV home.Hindsight may be 20/20, but when it comes to pests this year, Rentokil is looking into its crystal ball to help homeowners proactively defend their homes against pest infestation.

The experts at Rentokil used their field experiences and examined trends and company data to determine the following six pest predictions.  Along with the predictions, we are offering some quick tips for homeowners to help keep their homes pest-free in the new year.


Mosquitoes

Populations of disease-spreading mosquitoes, such as the yellow fever mosquito and the Asian tiger mosquito, have surged in recent years in some Western states. These mosquitoes, along with the already well-established common house mosquito, can spread diseases such as West Nile virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), and Zika virus, as well as the parasite that causes heartworm in pets.

Homeowner Tips: To protect yourself and your family, dispose of standing water from your property.  It only takes a tablespoon of water for mosquitoes to breed. When spending time outdoors, protect yourself and your family by always wearing an EPA-approved insect repellent.


Rats

In recent years, in major metropolitan areas across the country,  rat populations have surged. Expect to see that trend continue and watch for rat activity to increase in suburban areas, as well. Warmer winters, a booming construction pipeline, lack of sanitation control, and an affordable housing crisis are all issues that have contributed to the swell of recent rat activity.

Homeowner Tips:  To deter rats, take the following steps: Eliminate excess vegetation, especially dense low-vegetation that serves as hiding places for rats. Keep trees cut back from the roofline. Seal any exterior openings larger than a nickel with rodent-proof material such as hardware cloth or flashing. Finally, ensure that all trash is sealed in bags and placed into garbage cans with well-fitting lids to prevent an infestation.


Termites

Termites are the most destructive pests in North America, causing $6 billion in property damage each year. These wood-destroying pests are a continual problem for homeowners in the Western U.S., and this year could bring heavier pressure than usual. Rentokil experts have seen an increase in activity from subterranean and dampwood termites in many areas this year.

Homeowner Tips:  To deter termites, eliminate soil to wood contact and avoid moisture accumulation near your home or structures’ foundation. Remove excess wood (stumps, lumber, etc.) from your yard. Unfortunately, termites can be present for years before homeowners ever seen signs of their activity, causing extensive and costly damage. To avoid this, have a termite protection plan in place. Speak to your pest control provider about risk and protection options for your home.


Cockroaches

Cockroach populations have boomed over the past several years, due in large part to wetter springs and winters. Cockroaches carry diseases, infest stored food, and spread these diseases through their excrement. Cockroach removal is vital as infestations can be serious if not taken care of in a timely manner.

Homeowner Tips: The biggest attractant for cockroaches is food. Keep a clean kitchen, mopping or sweeping up any spills. Cockroach-proof your home by sealing small cracks and crevices around windows and door frames with a silicone-based caulk. Ensure that door seals, including the one on your garage, are in place and intact. If you’re experiencing cockroach problems, speak with your pest control professional to determine the best solution for your home.


Flies

If you have noticed more flies in your area, you aren’t alone. Filth flies – house flies, bottle flies, flesh flies – are more abundant than we’ve seen in previous years.  You can thank increasing population density, waste management practices that haven’t kept pace with growth, and a general trend toward a warming climate for the fly pressure.

Homeowner Tips: Fly activity can be difficult to control, but there are preventative steps homeowners can take to keep them at bay. Screen all windows and doors. Keep trash stored away from your home and ensure that all trash cans have tight-fitting lids. If flies are bothering you when sitting outside, use a box or oscillating fan to keep them away. When air is moving, flies have a hard time landing.


Spiders

Last year, spiders arrived early and more people reported seeing spiders in their homes. Spiders eat other insects, therefore, heavy rain and record-breaking temperatures over the last few years have created the perfect conditions for the smaller insects that spiders love to eat. With a steady food source, spider populations are increasing. Although beneficial for our ecosystem, most people prefer spiders to stay outside where they belong.

Homeowner Tips: Fortunately, most species of spiders can not survive indoors as their systems are built for outdoor weather. If the thought of spiders lurking around freaks you out, try changing your white outdoor light bulbs to yellow light bulbs, which attract fewer insects that can serve as food for the spiders. There are a few species of spiders that can live indoors and need to be controlled by spider removal experts.


The experts at Rentokil agree that a proactive approach is the first step any homeowner can take to prevent pest issues. With these 2020 pest predictions in mind, take time to evaluate your current pest control plan and ensure that you have the protection you need to protect yourself and your family from pests this year.

8-Step Checklist for Rodent Control

Compared to most of the states in the country, Las Vegas experiences pretty mild winters. However, that doesn’t mean that residents don’t experience winter pest problems all the same! Rodents are a common problem throughout the entire year, but infestations are especially common in the colder months. As temperatures drop, rats and mice will seek out warmth and shelter inside of homes. Once indoors, they can cause a lot of damage, making it important to know how to prevent them from getting in in the first place! Keep reading for expert tips from Rentokil on rodent control this winter.

Can Rats & Mice Survive the Cold?

Although many types of animals hibernate during the winter, the same cannot be said for rats and mice. In fact, they seem more active than ever with how common infestations are this time of year. In fact, The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) has reported that 21 million homes in the U.S. are invaded by rodents each winter!

Mice are infamous for being able to squeeze their bodies through the tiniest holes, which is why it’s crucial to seal your home properly.

Rodent Control Checklist

Rodent control checklist for your Las Vegas or Henderson NV home this winter - Western Exterminator of Las Vegas

Inspecting your property is a great way to lessen the risk of a rodent infestation. Locating and fixing anything that is in need of repair can effectively keep rats and mice outdoors. There are eight areas in particular to inspect to prevent rodents:

  1. Roof: Replace and repair shingles or any other roof damage
  2. Vents: Cover all vents securely
  3. Screens: Fix or replace any damaged window, door, or porch screens
  4. Vegetation: Keep a tidy yard and cut tree limbs back away from your home
  5. Gutters: Clean debris from gutters and downspouts
  6. Outside: Securely seal trash cans and keep a clean yard
  7. Garage: Make sure your garage closes flush to the ground
  8. Foundation: Seal any cracks or crevices larger than a dime

Year-Round Rodent Prevention

If you’ve done all you can to prevent rats or mice and still have noticed the signs of an infestation, it’s time to call the rodent exterminators at Rentokil. Our team specializes in preventing pest problems before they begin, making us your local leaders in rodent control and removal. To learn more about keeping rats and mice out of your home during the winter and all year long, call us!

5 Ways to Prevent Winter Pests

Rodents infest Las Vegas NV homes to escape dropping temperatures in the winter - Western Exterminator of Las VegasLas Vegas may not have the extreme temperatures during the winter that some parts of the country do, but that doesn’t mean we don’t deal with winter pest problems all the same! Changes in the weather cause rodents, insects, and other pests to squeeze their way inside your homes in search of shelter and warmth.

For this reason, it’s important to learn how to protect your home from pests in the wintertime. The experts at Rentokil have compiled their top tips on how to prevent winter pests in your Las Vegas home!

What are the most common winter bugs?

During the wintertime, there are many bugs and pests that look to enter homes. Some of the pest problems you may face during this time of year include infestations from:

  • Argentine ants. These fast breeding ants start to produce eggs in the late winter, which is why it’s important to prevent them.
  • Rats & mice. House mice and Norway rats in particular are known to squeeze their way indoors during the cold months.
  • Spiders. House spiders are typically harmless, but black widows are known to get indoors this time of year.
  • German cockroaches. One of the most popular cockroach species, they are known to be especially troublesome in the winter.

Prevent Winter Pests in 5 Steps

Keeping pests out of your home in the winter months requires many of the same efforts of preventing pests year-round. Five ways you can prevent winter pests include:

  1. Seal cracks and crevices outside your property to keep pests from making their way inside.
  2. Place screens over vents and chimneys to eliminate entry points inside the property.
  3. Store firewood away from the home and eliminate clutter in your yard to discourage nesting.
  4. Eliminate sources of excess moisture by promptly fixing leaking pipes and clogged drains.
  5. Promptly clean up spills, dispose of garbage regularly, and avoid excess clutter.

Professional Winter Pest Control

To avoid the frustration of a pest infestation during the winter, you need to learn how to protect your property against pests. Rodents, cockroaches, and spiders are common pest infestations in Las Vegas winters, which is why it’s so important to implement winter pest control into your home maintenance routine. If you need help or want to learn more about how to prevent winter pests, give the experts at Rentokil a call today!

How to Prevent Common Christmas Tree Pests

Inspect your Christmas tree for pests and insects before bringing it into your Las Vegas or Henderson NV home - Western Exterminator of Las Vegas‘Tis the season for picking out a Christmas tree for your home! In addition to looking and smelling great, Christmas trees are quintessential decorations for the holiday season for many families. Unfortunately, a single Christmas tree can be harboring more than 20,000 insects! For as much festive cheer a tree can bring into your home, it can also bring unwanted pest infestations. To prevent an infestation from ruining your holiday spirit, read on to learn Rentokil’s top tips on how to prevent Christmas tree pests.

Types of Christmas Tree Insects

Even though most of the insects inside of Christmas trees are minuscule and not dangerous, no one wants their home invaded by bugs! A few of the most common types of Christmas tree pests include:

  • Aphids: These tiny sap-sicking insects are often located on the lower branches of evergreen, balsam fir, spruce, Fraser firs, and white fir trees.
  • Mites: Mites are known to cause needle loss in Douglas fir, white pine, spruce trees, or Fraser firs.
  • Spiders: In addition to adult spiders, spider egg sacs hidden within Christmas trees may cause an infestation.
  • Beetles: These wood-boring insects are about the size of a grain of rice. Holes in the branches or trunk of a tree are the biggest indicator of bark beetles.
  • Praying mantises: Adult praying mantises are green and can grow to be quite large. Egg sacs, which can contain up to 400 eggs, can also be found on trees.

Tips to Prevent Christmas Tree Pests

In order to keep the aforementioned insects out your property this holiday season, there are several ways you can prevent Christmas tree pests. The most important thing you can do is to thoroughly inspect the Christmas tree before purchasing it. Look for signs of pests or damage. From there, request that they vigorously shake out the Christmas tree before bringing it home. Prior to carrying it indoors, leave your tree in the garage for a couple of days. Lastly, use a vacuum to clean up fallen needles and stray bugs you notice.

Controlling Christmas Tree Insects

Nothing ruins the joy of the holiday season like a pest infestation. If you’ve bought an infested Christmas tree, it is recommended to return to the lot from which you bought it for an exchange. If you’re still dealing with pests after removing the infested tree, call the exterminators at Rentokil for more tips on how to prevent Christmas tree pests!

How to Prevent Bed Bugs During the Holidays

Inspect the bed sheets in your hotel to look for bed bugs. Western Exterminator of Las VegasBed bugs aren’t a common pest problem in the Las Vegas area, but infestations may start when residents bring them home after a vacation. Especially during the holiday season, bed bug problems can start when you stay in hotels or stay with out-of-state family members only to bring home bed bugs. To protect your home from bed bugs this Thanksgiving or Christmas, keep reading to learn how to prevent bed bugs.

Prevent Bed Bugs While Traveling

Bed bug infestations are often linked to instances when traveling was involved. Bed bugs are more common than you may want to believe in hotels, and can be spread by hitchhiking on suitcases.

When you’re packing for a trip, it’s important to pack smart to avoid bed bugs. Always pack your clothing in sealed plastic bags and use a hard-case suitcase as opposed to a soft-cover one. When you return from a trip, steam-clean your suitcase before bringing it indoors, if possible. It’s also important to wash all clothing in hot water.

Bed Bugs in Hotels

Bed bug problems in hotels are more common than you may want to believe. To avoid picking up bed bugs in the next hotel you stay in, there are several things to do:

  • Do your research before booking a hotel room by reading through reviews for mentions of bed bug problems.
  • Before settling into a hotel room, pull back the sheets to inspect the bed for live bugs or signs of bed bug activity.
  • Always place your suitcase on luggage racks, on top of furniture, or inside of a bathtub inside hotel rooms.

Professional Bed Bug Removal

If you find yourself with bed bugs even after implementing preventative measures, it’s important to call the exterminators at Rentokil. Bed bugs are resilient pests and always need to be dealt with by a bed bug exterminator. Our team can provide bed bug removal and help you learn how to prevent bed bug problems in the future.

6 Ways to Prevent Pantry Pests

Identifying and preventing Indianmeal moths and confused flour beetles in Henderson and Las Vegas NV - Western Exterminator of Las Vegas
Indianmeal moth (top) & confused flour beetle (bottom)

Far too many people have experienced the horror of digging through their pantries only to discover a pantry pest infestation! With the new year upon us, now is the time to inspect your kitchen shelves for signs of pantry pests. These stored product pests infest flour, cake mixes, grains, sugar, and more, and it’s easy for them to do so when you don’t store your dry goods properly. To learn how to prevent pantry pest infestations, keep reading for expert tips from Rentokil!

Pantry Pests 101

Beetles, ants, earwigs, and silverfish are just some of the many pests known as pantry pests. The most common types of pantry pests are the Indian meal moth and the confused flour beetle. These items they will infest include flour, sugar, cake mixes, open cereal boxes, powdered milk, and more! Some of the many insects will look for food sources around which they can build nests and mate. All four stages of development of the insect may be noticed, from their egg to the adult stage.

How to Prevent Pantry Pests

To avoid dealing with the gross sight of pantry pests, it’s important to know how to prevent them from infesting your home in the first place. Six ways you can keep pantry pests out include:

  1. Securely store dry goods. To keep pests out, always store food and baking ingredients in airtight containers.
  2. Properly store seasonal items. Dried foliage, Indian corn, and other seasonal items should be kept in sealed containers while not in use throughout the year.
  3. Place bay leaves in containers. Sticking a bay leaf inside canisters of dry goods like flour, rice, and other grains. May help to repel pests.
  4. Inspect your groceries. At the grocery store and before bringing them indoors, check your purchased goods for any signs of damage or use.
  5. Check the date. Before you use your ingredients from a year or two ago, make sure to check the expiration date and toss any expired items.
  6. Keep a clean kitchen. Always wipe up spills or messes to avoid attracting pests, and clean out your pantry regularly.

Pantry Pest Control & Removal

If you’ve done all you can to prevent pantry pests and still end up with an infestation, it’s important to act fast. Toss any infested items in a secure trash can outdoors, and thoroughly clean out your shelves. If you’re still dealing with pests, it’s recommended to call an expert pantry pest exterminator such as Rentokil Las Vegas.

10 Tips to Prevent Mice and Roof Rats Inside the Home

You might be thinking mice and rats aren’t really a problem in Southern Nevada. Unfortunately, rodents are a year-round pest problem here in Las Vegas and Henderson. Believe it or not, rodents are actually a very common problem in the fall and winter months. This is because as our temperatures drop, rodents and other pests will look to make their way indoors to wait out the colder months. To avoid dealing with rodents inside your property this time of year, keep reading to learn Western Exterminator’s tips to keep them away!

Rodents in the Winter

Rodents are sneaky critters and often only come out at night when the house is at rest. Once they make their way inside and establish nests, you will start to see activity or at least signs of mice (or possibly roof rats). These common pests are resourceful creatures that can enter a building or home through the smallest opening or crack, and require very little space to travel inside. Mice can easily fit through spaces as small as a nickel!

Rats are common winter pests in Las Vegas and Henderson NV - Western Exterminator of Las Vegas

Mice and roof rats seek shelter indoors, especially during winter months, and once inside can cause more than just an unpleasant infestation. Rodents put homes at risk for electrical fires by gnawing through wires. More frequently, though, rodents serve as vectors, carrying bacteria, such as salmonella, on their bodies and contaminating food sources, kitchen surfaces, and equipment. The common white-footed deer mouse is also known to transmit the potentially fatal Hantavirus.

Simple Rodent Prevention Tips

Fortunately, there are many ways you can proactively prevent and get rid of rodent infestations in your home. Our top ten tips to prevent rats and mice in the winter and all year long are as follows.

  1. Install door sweeps on exterior doors and repair damaged screens.
  2. Screen vents and openings to chimneys.
  3. Seal cracks and holes on the outside of the home, including areas where utilities and pipes enter the home, using caulk, steel wool, or a combination of both.
  4. Store food in airtight containers and dispose of garbage regularly.
  5. Keep attics, garages, and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry.
  6. Replace loose mortar and weather stripping around the foundation and windows.
  7. Eliminate all moisture sites, including leaking pipes and clogged drains that provide the perfect breeding site for pests.
  8. Inspect items such as boxes, grocery bags, and other packages brought into the home.
  9. Keep shrubbery trimmed and cut back from the house.
  10. If you suspect a pest infestation in your home, contact a licensed pest professional to inspect and treat the pest problem.

How to Get Rid of Rodents in Las Vegas

If you spot evidence of a rodent infestation, do not hesitate to act to handle the problem. Rodents are known to reproduce quickly, and a small problem can turn into a big issue overnight if left untreated. For this reason, it’s always best to enlist the help of a professional rodent control company. Contact the experts at Western Exterminator of Las Vegas to learn how we can protect you from rats and mice!