Are Cockroach Infestations Worse in the Summertime?

Here in Las Vegas, cockroaches can be a frustrating household pest all year long. Because we live in a warmer climate, they are a frequent pest for homeowners and business owners alike. However, their population peaks in the summertime as the weather gets warmer than ever. A cockroach problem is the last thing you want to deal with in the summer, which is why it’s important to learn what you can do to keep them out in the first place. The team at Western Exterminator of Las Vegas is here to share expert information on summertime cockroach problems as well as tips to prevent them.

Do Roaches Prefer the Heat?

Cockroaches can survive in a variety of environments and climates. In fact, they’re infamous for their ability to withstand a number of atmospheres! That said, they still prefer warmth and are thus most common in the summertime. In addition to their attraction to the warmth, cockroaches are also drawn to sources of moisture. This is why they are most commonly seen in bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and crawl spaces. Because infestations can be so large in the summer, it’s important to know what to do to avoid them.

How to Avoid a Cockroach Infestation

Preventing cockroaches from finding your property attractive is the best way to avoid an infestation. Our top roach prevention tips are:

  1. Inspecting the perimeter of your home and seal cracks and crevices. Seal windows and doors or install screens.
  2. Keeping a clean kitchen and bathroom. Wipe or clean up any spills or messes as soon as possible.
  3. Picking up pet food bowls after mealtimes. Try to avoid leaving food out overnight or for days at a time.
  4. Securely storing all food in tight-fitting airtight containers, and refrigerating unsealed food.
  5. Ensuring your garbage cans are sealed with a tight-fitting lid, and routinely take it out when needed.
  6. Avoiding leaving piles of clutter or junk both inside and outside of your property.
  7. Promptly fixing any leaky pipes or clogged rain gutters to avoid moisture problems.

How to Deal With a Cockroach Infestation

Cockroach infestations are known for being gross, but they can also be very dangerous. Roaches spread germs and bacteria, and can even trigger allergic reactions in some individuals. DIY cockroach control is never a good idea due to the size of the infestations. Always contact your local cockroach exterminator for help with infestations.

How to Prevent Ticks on Your Pets This Summer

Ticks are a parasitic pest dangerous to pets in Henderson NV - Western Exterminator of Las VegasHere in Las Vegas, the warmer months of the year bring about more insects than ever. One in particularly that flares up with the heat is the tick! If you spend time outside in your yard or hiking, there’s a chance you may encounter a tick problem in your family. These blood-suckers can latch onto people and pets alike. They are most infamous for spreading Lyme disease, the most common vector-borne disease in the United States. For this reason, it’s crucial to learn how to prevent ticks on your pets this summer. The team at Western Exterminator of Las Vegas is here to help with expert tips.

5 Tips to Prevent Ticks on Pets

Ticks are a very dangerous pest–and more common than you may want to believe. In the summer, there are several things you should do to keep ticks away:

  1. Trim your shrubs and mow your lawn. By mowing your lawn regularly, you can make your yard less attractive to ticks. In addition, implement rodent prevention tactics to discourage rodents that could carry ticks.
  2. Ask your vet about tick preventatives for your pets. Talk to your veterinarian about prevention or treatment options, including heartworm protection.
  3. Inspect any pets that go outside for ticks on a daily basis. When inspecting, focus on areas under the legs and around the neck and ears. In addition, look out for excessive scratching, licking, or grooming behavior.
  4. Avoid areas with tall grass or off-path trails. Ticks are known to be in areas with high grass, be careful to stay on trails when hiking or walking.
  5. Protect your family from ticks. During the summer, regularly check yourself and family members for ticks after being outdoors. They can easily hop from you to your pets!

The Threats of Ticks for Dogs

Ticks are a parasitic pest that feed on the blood of their victims, including humans and pets. When an infected tick attaches to a dog for a few days, it’s possible for them to transmit Lyme disease, a serious bacterial infection. If you notice your pet is showing symptoms, including signs of depression, loss of appetite, fever, lameness, or swollen joins and lymph nodes, it’s important to contact your veterinarian. Ticks can also occasionally cause anemia in pets. Cats rarely get ticks, but could easily carry them into your home. From there, they can easily hop off you and onto other pets or family members, which is why it’s crucial to stay vigilant about their presence in your property.

How to Get Rid of Ticks in the Summer

If you or your pets are experiencing symptoms aligned with tick-borne disease, it’s important to act quickly and receive medical attention. Regularly clean your home on the inside and wash your pets bedding to keep ticks at bay. If you’re dealing with a tick problem, contact the exterminators at Western for advice and assistance!

What Does a Wasp Nest Look Like?

Summertime in Las Vegas means insects are buzzing around all the time. One of the most common insects you’ll see during this time of year is the wasp! Whether you’re used to seeing paper wasps in your backyard or yellowjackets at the park, you’re accustomed to wasp activity in the summertime. Different types of wasps build very different types of nests, making it important to learn how to identify them. That said, it’s crucial to never attempt a wasp nest, even if it appears abandoned. Stinging insects can be very aggressive when it comes to defending their nests. Keep reading to learn about the main types of nests you’ll see this time of year.

Where Do Wasps Build Nests?

Wasps certainly build nests on trees and buildings, but they can be found in other spots too. Yellowjackets favor areas near the ground, in hollow trees, under porches, and a number of other areas. Mud daubers tend to build their nests in sheltered areas, including under eaves, garages, attics, or on the sides of buildings. Paper wasp nests are often located under and within the eaves of structures, in attics and wall voids, and in other enclosed areas. Bald-faced hornets, on the other hand, like to build nests high up off the ground. This can mean in trees, but also on structures.

What does a wasp nest look like in Henderson and Las Vegas NV? Western Exterminator of Las Vegas

Identifying Types of Wasp Nests

Here in Las Vegas, we commonly see activity from paper wasps, yellowjackets, mud daubers, and bald-faced hornets. Here’s what their nests look like:

  1. Yellowjackets. Likely the most common nest you may see, yellowjacket nests are a papery material and have a single opening. The inside of a yellowjacket nest can have up to 100 tiers of cells. Yellowjackets can also build underground nests that can be enormous in size.
  2. Paper wasps. These nests famously look like upside-down umbrellas. Paper wasp nests are often open, and can get quite large in size. They are typically supported by a single stalk and consist of a paper-like material.
  3. Mud daubers. True to name, female mud daubers construct their nests out of mostly mud. The nests are small and tubular in size, often looking like organ pipes. They are typically found in cracks or crevices.
  4. Bald-faced hornets. These nests are almost always at least three feet off the ground. They are made of chewed wood fibers mixed with saliva. They often grow to be the size of a football or basketball.

How to Get Rid of Wasp Nests

If a wasp nest is built on or near your property, it’s important to take caution. Avoid going near it, and do not try to knock it down yourself. Certain types of wasps become much more aggressive if their nest is threatened, and they can sting you multiple times. Always contact the wasp control team at Western Exterminator of Las Vegas for help with wasps.

What Attracts Termites to Your Home?

Mulch is something that may bring termites to your yard. Western Exterminator of Las Vegas.Termites are active right now, making it the best time to know what may attract them to your property. Damage caused by termites often goes unnoticed, as they can be tricky to spot until you have a serious infestation. For that reason, it’s important to do everything you can to prevent a termite problem from starting in the first place. The first step to preventing termites is to know what actions may be attracting them to your property to begin with. The team at Rentokil is here to share their expert info on actions that could be inviting termites to your home–read on to learn more.

3 Things That May Attract Termites

  1. Firewood or wood piles: Many homeowners keep firewood stacked against their home or on the stoop for easy access. This is appealing to termites and can draw them toward a home and provide a point of entry. To avoid this, always store wood piles at least 20 feet away from the house, and 5 inches off the ground. Also avoid leaving stumps or logs in the yard, especially those that are in decay.
  2. Faulty or improper drainage: Moisture problems will attract subterranean termites, the most destructive species nationwide. Ensure you do not have any clogged gutters. Divert rainwater away from the foundation of your property with down-spout extenders.
  3. Mulch: Any mulch near your property could serve as a source of food for termites. Mulch retains moisture, which attracts termites. Try to minimize the usage of mulch or at least keep it 15 inches away from the foundation of your home or property.

Other Ways to Prevent Termites

In general, it’s best to get a regular inspection from a professional pest control company when you want to avoid termites. In addition, stay on top of home repairs: fix any damaged roofing, and seal any cracks or crevices in your property. Keep your garden neat, trim back trees and bushes away from the foundation of your home, and regularly inspect any outdoor furniture, porches, or decks.

Keeping Termites Away

Termites are the number one most destructive pest in the nation. For that reason, it’s essential for all homeowners in the Henderson area to stay proactive about preventative maintenance. For more information on what attracts termites to your home or how to prevent them, contact the termite exterminators at Rentokil today!

What are Murder Hornets?

All about murder hornets - Western Exterminator of Las VegasChances are you’ve heard all about “murder hornets” in the past few months. But what are they? The Asian giant hornet, Vespa mandarinia, is the world’s largest hornet at over two inches long. They have received a lot of media in the past couple of months after the first-ever reports of sightings occurred in Washington in December 2019. It is true that their sting is known to be lethal, but the biggest danger of these murder hornets is the fact that they devastate the honeybee population. Keep reading to learn all you need to know about these hornets!

What do Murder Hornets Look Like?

It is rather easy to tell Asian giant hornets apart from other types of stinging insects. Here are their main characteristics:

  • Light orange head with an orange, black, and brown striped body.
  • Large, prominent eyes
  • Distinctly sharp mandibles
  • Workers are 1 ½ – 2” in length, Queens can exceed 2”
  • Six legs and a set of antennae
  • ¼” (6 mm) length stinger

Why are Asian Giant Hornets Dangerous?

Asian giant hornets typically do not attack humans unless they are provoked or feel their nest is threatened. A sting from a murder hornet is painful and contains neurotoxins. When multiple stings occur or when the victim is allergic, the neurotoxins can contribute to organ failure that can be fatal.

The main threat of these hornets is that they are a predator of the honeybee. They attack honey bee hives, killing adult bees and devouring bee larvae and pupae. A single murder hornet can kill dozens of honeybees in minutes, and a group of 30 hornets can devour nearly 30,0000 bees in hours. Needless to say, this can severely affect the honeybee population.

Where are Murder Hornets Found?

The Asian giant hornet is typically found in China, Japan, and several other Asian countries. The first reports of them in the United States occurred in December 2019 in Washington State. It is currently unknown how these hornets first arrived in North America. Needless to say, scientists are currently leading the way to find, trap, and eradicate this pest before it becomes more widespread.

Should You Worry About These Hornets?

These hornets definitely pose a threat to the honeybee population, and in severe cases have caused deaths in people. Currently, there are no reports of murder hornets in Nevada, and officials say it’s unlikely as the hornets prefer the wet climate. With any type of stinging insect, it’s important to be very careful and always contact a licensed pest control professional such as Western Exterminator of Las Vegas.

Fact or Fiction: Bed Bug Myths

Myths about bed bugs in Henderson NV area - Western Exterminator of Las VegasBed bugs were once a pest of the past, but had a resurgence in the 90s. Since then, there has been a lot of false information spread about these pests in due part of the fear people hold for them. In order to better prepare yourself for a bed bug problem, it’s important to learn the facts and to stop believing the bed bug myths. Bed Bug Awareness Week is here, and the team at Rentokil Las Vegas is here to dispel common misconceptions about these bloodsucking pests. Read on to learn more!

Bed Bug Facts and Myths

If you’ve had a bed bug problem before, you know how distressing an infestation can be. We receive a lot of questions about bed bugs and want to clear the air on the false information:

  1. Are bed bugs only active at night?
    • No! Bed bugs are active when their hosts are at rest. This usually means overnight, but they can adjust their schedule to fit yours.
  2. Do bed bugs only infest beds and bedrooms?
    • Bed bugs can infest anywhere–including chairs, sofas, cracks in the wall, and even power outlets. They prefer to congregate near where their hosts rest, making bedrooms the main target.
  3. Can you see bed bugs with the naked eye?
    • Although nymphs are nearly impossible to see, adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed and can absolutely be seen with your own eyes.
  4. Should you throw away infested furniture and mattresses?
    • No! In fact, you shouldn’t move infested furniture in the midst of an infestation. Doing so can contribute to bed bugs spreading into other areas.
  5. Are bed bugs attracted to messy homes?
    • This is one of the most common myths about bed bugs. No matter how clean or messy your property is, anyone can get bed bugs.
  6. Can bed bugs fly or jump?
    • No! Unlike fleas and ticks, bed bugs have underdeveloped wings and are only capable of crawling.
  7. Do bed bugs transmit disease with their bites?
    • Thankfully, no. Bed bug bites can leave you with red, itchy marks on your skin but they do not transmit diseases like mosquitoes can.
  8. Are bed bugs capable of living for months without feeding?
    • Yes, but it’s unlikely for them to live for a year unless they are in the most optimal conditions. Young bed bugs in particular must feed on a regular basis in order to survive.

What to Do About Bed Bugs in Las Vegas

Getting rid of bed bugs is no job for an amateur. If you have them, you’re almost certainly going to need the help of a professional to get rid of them. With so many people traveling to and from Las Vegas, it’s important to stay vigilant about preventing them. Contact our team today for more information.

It’s Wasp Season: Three Wasps to Lookout For

Summertime is just around the corner here in the Las Vegas area, and the season of wasps is about to begin! For many, summertime means backyard barbecues, picnics, swimming pools, and more. Unfortunately, it also means more stinging insects on the loose. As you begin to spend more time outdoors in the coming months, it’s important to learn what wasps you need to be on the lookout for: paper wasps, mud daubers, and, of course, yellow jackets! The team at Western Exterminator of Las Vegas is here to keep you informed about these three summertime wasps–keep reading to learn more.

 

Common summertime wasps in Henderson NV - Western Exterminator of Las Vegas

Three Summertime Wasps

Yellow Jackets

Yellow jackets are likely the most commonly known wasp. They are infamous for their aggressive behavior, particularly in the late summer months. As very social insects, yellow jackets congregate in colonies of up to or more than 1,000 workers. For the most part, yellow jackets will not bother you…unless you disrupt their nest. Disturbing a yellow jacket hive is something you want to avoid at all costs. They can repeatedly sting and can be very dangerous.

Mud Daubers

Just as their name suggests, mud daubers construct their nests out of mud. Mud daubers are usually black with light-colored markings or a metallic sheen. Their body is long and slender with a thread-like waist that makes it easy to tell them apart. A mud dauber nest is usually located in covered areas such as porch ceilings, sheds, and attics. These wasps are less aggressive than yellow jackets and tend to be solitary, making them less of a threat.

Paper Wasps

Paper wasps construct umbrella-shaped nests in a paper-like material. These nests often hang from tree branches and twigs, as well as porch ceilings and door railings. A mature nest can have between 20-30 adult wasps living inside. While social in nature, paper wasps are not as aggressive as yellow jackets. However, they may sting to defend their nests; a paper wasp sting is especially potent and could trigger an allergic reaction, making it important to avoid them when you do see them.

How to Prevent Summertime Wasps in Las Vegas

During the summer, it’s important to keep an eye out for summertime wasp activity. This includes inspecting your property for nests on a regular basis. Some of our top wasp prevention tips include:

  1. When outdoors, wear shoes, especially in grassy areas.
  2. Do not leave drinks or food in accessible areas.
  3. Keep windows and doors properly screened.
  4. Keep garbage in sealed receptacles.
  5. Do not swat at wasps as it increases the likelihood of an aggressive reaction.
  6. If stung, seek immediate medical attention, as reactions can be severe.

Need Wasp Control?

It can be difficult to identify summertime wasps, which is why it’s best to leave it up to the professionals. If you suspect wasp activity or spot a nest on your property, contact the wasp removal team at Western Exterminator. Our exterminators can safely and quickly cure you of your wasp problem this summer.

Is Your Backyard BBQ Ready?

Summer is the best time of the year for outdoor entertaining. If you’re looking forward to your next backyard BBQ, you will want to make sure that your property is ready. We’re not just talking gas for the grill and ice for the cooler- we want you to make sure that your property is pest free! Checking your property for current pest infestations and preventing future infestations is important as you start the summer season. Is your backyard BBQ ready? Here is a checklist of some things that our Las Vegas and Henderson pest professionals recommend for you to do to prevent pests in your yard this summer.

  1. Remove sources of stagnant water from the area to help prevent mosquito swarms. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so you want to check gutters, ditches, puddles and old flower planters for collected rainwater. If you have a birdbath, make sure the water is changed out regularly.
  2. Check around the property for any stinging insect nests. These can be built in the ground or in trees, the side of the home, in gutters or even in your grill- yikes! After you have taken a peek inside, keep the grill closed until you are ready to use it to help prevent any stinging insect surprises on BBQ day.
  3. Replace any window screens in the home that are broken or torn and make sure there is a screen door on all entrances. Open windows and doors are an easy way to let pests right into the home.

Before your BBQ, Graduation Party, summer party or any other outdoor events, we recommend checking around your property for any signs of pest problems. If you find something suspicious, give the pros at Western Exterminator a call. We can help you to prepare your property for outdoor entertainment season and keep uninvited guests such as ants, bees, wasps and mosquitoes from crashing your party!

If you live in Las Vegas or Henderson and would like to learn more about summer pest control services or you would like more info on ant prevention tips, ask a Western Exterminator professional today!

Now don’t forget the gas for the grill and the ice for the coolers and enjoy your summer backyard parties without the annoyance of pests in your yard!