Afraid of Rodents and Bugs? 2021 May Not Be Your Year

Entomologists from Western Exterminator Provide their Pest Predictions for 2021

READING, Penn. (Jan. 4, 2021) — As if 2020 didn’t present enough challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, 2021 could be a banner year for pests around the country.

To help residents prepare for 2021, entomologists from Western Exterminator used field knowledge and data to provide their predictions for pests in the upcoming year.

1. Rodents, Rodents Everywhere:

With shutdowns across the country, it’s no surprise that rodents are on the rise nationwide. Empty buildings, the scarcity of food and warmer winters have combined to create a rodent apocalypse.

“We’re seeing more rats in urban, suburban and rural settings because of the shutdowns,” said Marc Potzler, Board Certified Entomologist with Western Exterminator. “Food sources are cut off, and rats are having to travel to scavenge for food. We’ve seen rats out in public during the day, which is highly unusual.”

Warmer winters have also allowed for mice populations to boom in residential areas as it allows for a longer breeding season and there is a lower population loss due to hard freezes.

“Right now is the perfect time to rodent-proof your home,” said Potzler. “Make sure to repair any gaps on the exterior of your home, such as around garage doors, windows or pipes.”

2. Mosquitoes on the Move:

Mosquitoes populations have been increasing over the last few years. Aedes species, which are disease-carrying mosquitoes, are also moving to new areas. These mosquitoes can carry West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and Zika virus, among other diseases.

“There is an increase of mosquitoes across the country, but notably on the West Coast, and they are adapting each year,” said Eric Sebring, Associate Certified Entomologist with Western Exterminator. “We have seen evidence of behavior adaptation, where mosquitoes lay their eggs strategically to hatch throughout the season.”

Protect yourself and your family from mosquitoes by removing any standing water on your property. Mosquitoes can breed in as little as one teaspoon of water. Also, wear EPA-approved insect repellent while spending time outside.

3. Bed Bugs:

The chatter about bed bugs was quiet in 2020, but that’s not because they have gone away.

“As people begin to travel again, we will start to hear about bed bug infestations,” said Sebring. “Bed bugs can be dormant for several months at a time, so they can emerge when a food source, humans, become available.”

Bed bugs are considered hitchhikers, traveling from place to place on people, luggage, clothing and other personal belongings. Homeowners and businesses such as hotels, colleges, hospitals, senior living facilities, retail stores, and libraries have experienced problems with bed bugs.

If traveling, inspect the bed by pulling back the sheets to examine the mattress. Check your luggage before packing and unpacking, and look for signs of living or dead bugs the size of an apple seed or black fecal smears.

4. More Time Outdoors = More Pests.

From hiking to gardening to dining al fresco, there is no doubt that the pandemic has forced people to spend more time outdoors.

In 2021, we will see the outdoor pest pressures continue:

Ticks: Ticks are responsible for transmitting several diseases, including Lyme disease, to humans and animals. These small insects are found in grassy areas and in the woods, so it is important to inspect yourself and your pets after spending time outdoors. Cover as much skin as possible while outdoors, wear long pants, long sleeves, closed-toed shoes, and tuck pant legs into socks. Light-colored clothing will also help any ticks you pick up stand out.

Ants: “As soon as the weather starts to warm up, we will see an increase in ant populations,” said Tom Dobrinska, Board Certified Entomologist. “Most of the ants we are dealing with are odorous house ants. When spending time outside, make sure to clean up any food, water or sugary substances and ensure that your home is free of any holes or cracks for them to enter.”

Stinging Insects: Stinging insects, such as wasps and yellow jackets, emerge at the first sign of warm weather, and as warm weather seasons are getting longer, stinging insects have more time to create issues. Make sure you check for nests early in the spring as they are smaller and get early nest treatment. Make sure to keep windows and doors shut, and secure outside bins so stinging insects are not attracted to the contents.

5. Termites Aren’t Going Anywhere

Termites are a pesky problem, and unfortunately, are not going anywhere. Termites can cause extensive damage to structures, especially homes. As people are moving out of cities during the pandemic to more suburban areas, education about termite protection is key.

“We received more calls for termites this past year than we have in many years,” said Potzler. “It’s important to raise awareness for homeowners now to have proactive protection to keep from costly repairs in the future.”

6. Pests in the News:

There are a few pests that will continue to steal the limelight in 2021.

The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug is an invasive pest that has been making its way across the country since it was first introduced from Asia in 2001. Besides its pungent odor, this stink bug has become a nuisance for homeowners as it gathers in large numbers on the sides of houses and buildings and enters through small cracks in the home. “The brown marmorated stink bug is here to stay,” said Dobrinska. “We will continue to see this species emerge in late spring in large numbers.”

The Spotted Lanternfly will continue to wreak havoc across the Northeast and beyond. The invasive pest, first found in Pennsylvania in 2014, is spreading across the Northeast, with New York reporting its first sighting this year. The pest can significantly damage trees and plants.

“The Spotted Lanternfly is becoming a big problem in the Northeast, and it will continue to spread,” said Potzler. “It can be devastating for agriculture and is a nuisance for homeowners.”

The egg masses look like a smear of mud on trees and outside of homes. It’s important to scrape the egg mass off, put it in a bag with rubbing alcohol and throw it away, and then call the state department of agriculture.

The infamous “Murder Hornet,” also known as the Asian giant hornet, grabbed many headlines, causing homeowners to panic trying to decipher the difference between stinging insects in their yards and this aggressive species. The Asian giant hornet is the largest hornet species in the world, growing up to 3 inches in length. Currently, the Asian giant hornet has only been found in the Pacific Northwest.

“We know that there was one colony found and eliminated in Washington State,” said Sebring. “Unfortunately, if there is one, there will be more.”

While your chances of being stung by an Asian giant hornet are fairly low, the sting can be dangerous as the venom volume is higher, causing more pain. The hives are primarily built underground or in hollows in trees. If you suspect it is an Asian giant hornet or any stinging pests, call your pest management provider to assess the situation as soon as you spot activity.

How to Keep Pests Away From Your Patio

Outdoors, pests are a fact of life. Here in Las Vegas, we are used to the influx of insects in the summer and fall months. You’re likely looking to spend time outside in your backyard or on your patio with the summer winding down. You also likely don’t want to deal with any pests when you do so. While it can be difficult to avoid insects altogether in your yard, there are a few things you can do to make your property less attractive to pests.

The team at Western Exterminator of Las Vegas are here to share their top outdoor pest-proof tips.

What Pests Are In My Las Vegas Backyard?

The warm weather invites all types of pests and insects. Whether you have an outdoor living set or a play set for your kids, it’s important to know what pests you might encounter right in your backyard. These are the pests you’re likely to see or have problems with:

Pest-Free Outdoor Living Tips and Tricks

If you are planning to have family barbecues or gardening sessions outdoors, you don’t want to deal with pests. It’s important to know how to make your yard less attractive to insects. Some of our top tips include:

  • Get rid of standing water. Stagnant water is one of the biggest attractants for mosquitoes.
  • Keep your lawn and shrubs trimmed. Ticks and mosquitoes will shelter in overgrown vegetation or tall grass.
  • Know how to identify nests or ant hills. Even a tiny mound can contain thousands of ants inside.
  • Inspect all wood structures. Wood-destroying pests (carpenter ants and termites) will damage your wooden decks or porches.
  • Apply an insect repellent. Most store-bought repellent containing DEET will help repel mosquitoes and ticks.
  • Clean your patio or space regularly. Spills or leftover food will surely bring ants around.

Long-Term Pest Prevention For Your Yard

Keeping pests away from your property can be difficult. If you’ve done all you can to prevent pests in your outdoor living space and still find yourself with scorpions or a wasp nest, contact the residential exterminators at Western Exterminator today. We are committed to keeping our customers safe from pests both inside and outside the home.

It’s Time to Start Ant-Proofing Your Home!

Sweeping your floor regularly is a top ant-proofing tip in Henderson NV - Western Exterminator of Las VegasWhen the weather starts to warm up every spring in Las Vegas, the ants return! Warmer temperatures encourage worker ants to leave their nests in search of food, which means this is the time of year you may start to see more ants in your property. To prevent the chance of them making their way indoors, the time for ant-proofing is now! Ant infestations are notoriously difficult to control once you have them, making it important to learn how to keep them out in the first place. Keep reading for expert ant-proofing tips from the team at Western Exterminator of Las Vegas!

What Are Ants Attracted To?

Just like many of us, ants have a sweet tooth and will go hunting for crumbs in your property. This makes kitchens particularly vulnerable to infestations. They also are attracted to moisture, making your sinks and cabinets a hot spot for infestations. Leaky pipes that cause excess moisture are a leading cause of ant problems. Lastly, ants can easily make their way indoors from cracks and crevices, and are drawn to homes that provide food and water.

Ant-Proofing Tips

With help from the NPMA, we’ve compiled a list of ant prevention tips for homeowners that will help guard your home against these pesky pests this year:

  • Inspect your property and seal any cracks or crevices using a silicone-based caulk.
  • Keep pet food bowls clean and always clean up messes made. Pick pet bowls up off the floor after meal times.
  • Ensure downspouts and gutters are all functioning properly so that water is flowing away from the foundation.
  • Similarly, check under sinks for excess moisture problems and repair leaky pipes promptly.
  • Trim trees and shrubbery in your yard to be at least 6 inches away from the home.
  • Wipe down your countertops and sweep floors regularly to clean up spills and remove crumbs.
  • Store food (including pet food) in airtight containers and place ripe fruit in your fridge.
  • Dispose of garbage on a regular basis and use trash cans with a tight-fitting lid.

Professional Ant Prevention

If you’ve done all you can to prevent ants but still see a problem forming in your Henderson or Las Vegas home, it’s best to call an ant exterminator. Many people attempt to address ant problems on their own, but they are infamously tricky to exterminate completely. At Western Exterminator, our professionals can help ensure your ant problem is taken care of quickly and efficiently.

Prepare for Springtime Pests!

Stinging insects surge in activity in the spring in Henderson NV. Learn how to prevent them from Western Exterminator of Las Vegas!Spring has sprung in Las Vegas! Unfortunately, with the warmer weather comes the return of pest problems. Pest infestations grow in numbers in the spring and summer, making now the time to safeguard your home. To avoid the many springtime pests that become active again this time of year, it’s best to implement some pest prevention measures into your spring cleaning routine. To learn how, keep reading for expert tips from the team at Western Exterminator of Las Vegas.

Springtime Pests in Las Vegas

While some of these pests are active year-round in the area, property owners see a peak in activity as soon as the weather warms up. The most common pests homeowners throughout the state deal with this time of year are:

  • Ants. With warmer weather comes hoards of ants in your home.
  • Termites. It’s swarming season. Termite infestations often start in the spring.
  • Rodents. Although they’re active year-round, rats and mice are a problem in the spring.
  • Stinging insects. Wasps and hornets are gearing up to build nests this time of year.
  • Stink bugs. After overwintering, people report a resurgence in stink bugs.

Preventing Seasonal Pest Infestations

With it being spring, there’s no better time to deep-clean your home and—in the process—prevent pests! When thoroughly spring cleaning your property, there’s a few areas to focus on. Clean your windows and doors, and make sure there are no cracks or crevices. Deep-clean your carpets by vacuuming, shampooing, or steam-cleaning them. Thoroughly sanitize your kitchen with a focus on your appliances. Crumbs and spilled liquids will welcome all kinds of bugs and pests.

Outside, clean up debris from your yard, gutters, and overhangs. Make sure to trim back tree limbs and shrubs away from the foundation of your home.

Protect Your Home From Pests Year-Round

Pest problems can be inevitable this time of year, even with all the prep work to prevent them. To avoid dealing with an infestation, it’s best to team up with a professional pest control company. The pest control experts at Western Exterminator will work with you to keep you, your family, and your home safe from pests in the spring and all year long.

Top Differences Between Carpenter Ants & Termites

When it comes to wood-destroying insects, both termites and carpenter ants can cause a lot of damage. They’re also commonly mistaken for one another! In the swarmer stages of their lives, they look quite similar and also swarm at the same time of the year. Although they are both destructive, these wood-boring insects are quite different. To learn about the many differences between carpenter ants and termites, read on for tips from the experts at Western Exterminator of Las Vegas.

How are Termites Different than Carpenter Ants?

As swarmers, carpenter ants and termites are very easy to misidentify as the other. The best way to differentiate them is to look at their size and their wings:

  • Carpenter ant swarmers. These are black in color, with some species having slightly red coloring. Carpenter ants measure 1/2″–5/8″ with antenna bent at a 45-degree angle. Their wings are translucent with a reddish brown hue, laying over the posterior of the ant. Carpenter ants are by far the biggest ant species in the nation.
  • Termite swarmers. These termites are dark brown to black, and measure 3/8″ long including the wings. Their wings are a translucent to slightly milky or smoky color. Their wings may overlap, and are typically as long as or slightly longer than the body. This is an easy visual clue to differentiate them from carpenter ants.

Winged ant vs. termite in Henderson NV - Western Exterminator of Las Vegas

The Damage Caused by Wood-Destroying Insects

Both of these insects can be very dangerous and destructive, but one is more of a threat than the other. Carpenter ants typically establish their nests in decayed wood and then later expand into undamaged wood, insulation, or wall voids. Their damage is not always visible, but the galleries they excavate appear to have been sanded down.

Established termite colonies can range from 60,000 to over a million workers and can consume nearly 5 grams of wood per day. These wood-destroying insects find their way into a structure around basement windows, doorways, under siding, porches, or any structure in contact with the soil. Without a doubt, termites are capable of causing a lot more damage in a short amount of time than carpenter ants.

Carpenter Ants or Termites?

If you think you have wood-destroying insects in your home or business, it’s best to act quickly and contact a professional pest control company. The termite exterminators at Western Exterminator of Las Vegas know the differences between carpenter ants and termites that can help determine the type of infestation you’re dealing with. From there, we will implement the most effective, fast-acting termite or carpenter ant control methods to protect your property.

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.

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.

Avoid Pests: 5 Spring Cleaning Tips

Spring in Las Vegas is short lived and as the weather heats up, many insects and pests wake up from a winter’s nap and are ready to get busy finding food. If your Las Vegas or Henderson home proves to be a good source of food for foraging insects and rodents, they will gladly come invade your living space.

In order to prevent pests from getting into your home this spring, here are some indoor spring cleaning tips to keep your home pest free from the Las Vegas pest control professionals at Western Exterminator:

1. Secure Window Screens

Before opening up windows to let the spring breeze flow in, make sure that all windows are secured with screens that fit properly and have no holes. Windows are an easy way for small flying insects to gain entry, so you want to avoid the small holes and loose fitting screens before the windows go up. Also, make sure that if you are going to keep a door open for some extra air flow, you have a screen door to keep the pests out. Open doors are an open invitation for all size pests.

2. De-clutter Your Home

Clean out storage spaces such as the garage, attic, and outdoor sheds. These are perfect homes for pests any time of the year as they are less frequented by humans. Also, any stacks of newspapers or other items provide a great home for pests such as spiders, so you want to be sure that the clutter is gone.

3. Deep Clean Your Kitchen

A deep clean of your kitchen is another good tip to keep the pests out. If there are spills or open food, cockroaches, ants and rodents are likely to find their way into your home. Spend extra time to get rid of any build-up on areas such as under the fridge or stove, the sides of the stove, and in cupboards. It’s easy to let these hidden places be forgotten, but with any food build-up, the pests will try to take advantage.

4. Sanitize Food Surfaces

Make sure to sanitize and clean your food surfaces regularly to keep pests away. If cockroaches or rodents do happen to get into your home, they will leave counters and other food surfaces contaminated, so it is important that you are on top of keeping these places sanitized to protect yours and your family’s health.

5. Spruce Up The Yard.

Branches, leaves, weeds, and dead plants can attract pests. These areas provide a place for the pest to build a nest, and they might eventually come inside your home since the nests are near the building. Also, make sure to get rid of standing water in the yard, because the water could attract mosquitoes since they lay eggs in standing water.

By following these spring cleaning tips, you will be able to enjoy not only a squeaky clean home, but one that is free of any bugs or critters. Due to the amount of time we spend outside in the spring and with open doors and windows, it becomes very important to stay on top of the spring pest prevention measures.

If you tackle these 5 tips and bugs are still trying to take over your home this spring, contact the experts at Western Exterminator for highly effective residential pest control services designed to fit your home.