Dave's Pest Control

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  • Termites, Us and Them

    Termites, Us and Them

    Imagine one day you just finished watering your favorite garden tomatoes in your yard in Ormond Beach, Florida, and you notice there is a small leak dripping from the shut-off valve. No matter how tight you turn the handle, it still has a small drip. But it’s not that bad, so it gets put into the, “I’ll get to fixing that next week”, file. Eventually, later, it gets fixed.

    Little did you know, a small amount of moisture was found by a subterranean termite scout. He sent back a complex set of pheromones signaling to the rest of his colony. “I FOUND WATER!”

    The Astonishing

    Three years later, on a warm spring evening, you settle into your favorite chair to enjoy some mindless television with a cold glass of sweet tea. That’s when you see them, thousands of swarming termites. They are everywhere. They’re surrounding your windows and lights. They’re in your tea. They’re in your chair. Your mind is racing with thoughts as you look at the horror-like sight of thousands of bugs swarming in your home. What can you do? Then you remember, your coworker recommended Dave’s Pest Control last week during your quarterly budget meeting. His home had a similar problem which was quickly solved. Dave’s Pest Control also provides once-a-year termite inspections going forward for your peace of mind.

    The Family Ghost

    Subterranean termites are an unseen menace hardwired to seek and destroy all the wood in your home. Drawn like a moth to flame, they go unnoticed, eating away at your most important asset you have, your home. Gradually, they eat away at the wooden studs within your walls. Like a ghost, they live within the walls, haunting the living. From unknown origins, they fly in your face, and die upon our feet.

    From where did they come from? What can I do to get rid of them? How do I keep them from returning?

    Termites need food, (cellulose such as wood) and moisture to survive. Wooden materials that we use to build our homes can offer an ideal environment for these wood destroying insects to thrive. Air conditioning units that have run-off moisture can give enough water to sustain a large subterranean termite colony. Typical subterranean termite colonies can contain between 60,000 to 1 million termites.

    Damage from these pests are both expensive and extensive. Subterranean termites cause more damage to homes in the United States than storms and fires combined. Damaged wood can sometimes be so bad that a home’s structural integrity can become compromised. Damage can go unseen for years until the colony gets so large they swarm to form a new colony. Swarming termites is a sure sign you have a mature colony hidden somewhere inside your home or business.

    It is estimated that 60% of homes in Florida have some evidence of termites. We see termite infestations in Daytona Beach and surrounding areas all the time. Houses between 50 and 70 years of age have the highest chance from suffering termite damage. Almost every house built in the United States has wood construction. Wood has always been abundant and plentiful in the United States. Trees provided wood for the first settlement at Jamestown in 1607 and 90 percent of homes today are built with wood. It is faster, easier and more cost efficient then building with bricks and cement.

    Termite Bug Info

    The earliest termite fossil known in existence, dates back to over 130 million years ago. Preserved in tree resign called amber, entomologists have been able to gain important information regarding the relationship between protozoa and termites. Dating back to the Cretaceous period, samples of termites from 80 million-year-old amber found that oxygen levels were 35% higher than today. This supercharged oxygen content saw the emergence and evolution of giant insects.

    Termites are closely related to cockroaches and are under the order Isoptera. (Greek for two pairs of straight wings.) For years, termites were known as white ants until the use of microscopes helped distinguished different features between the two. Termites like cockroaches, have survived millions of years due to their social characteristics. They can go undetected by most predators, and the division of labor is much like ants, bees, and wasps. One prominent difference, are termites can be male or female. This ability to be any caste in the colony greatly increases the chance of survival.

    The Imminent Threat

    Termites are social insects closely related to cockroaches. They have an incomplete metamorphosis. A typical termite colony will have eggs, larvae, workers, soldiers, and a male king and female queen. A termite colony’s life cycle will start with eggs that hatch to larvae. These nymphs will turn into workers and soldiers which feed on cellulose. Cellulose is essentially plant fiber that is extracted from wood pulp. Termites have microorganisms in their gut called protozoa which breaks down the cellulose. Reproductive adult winged termites called, “Alates”, will turn into a new king and queen. They will lay eggs start the life cycle again. This whole process can take from five to eight years. Overall swarming activity takes place in eastern Florida around late February to late May and June.

    There’re two main types of termites that are the most problematic in Florida. The Eastern Subterranean Termite, and the Drywood termite. Both will swarm, and distinguishing between both is important. They’re several different treatment options available depending on what kind of termites you have.

    Subterranean termite colonies live underground and can enter through plumbing pipes, cracks to your home’s foundation, and any wood to ground contact. Porch and deck supports, as well as landscaping mulch, can harbor termites. They will build mud tubes and tunnels to reach wood several feet above the ground, and will travel back and forth between the ground and the wood.

    Drywood termites live within wooden structures. They tunnel out galleries inside the wood and will often “push out” a mixture of wood and feces, called frass. These holes are often called kick out holes and are sure sign drywood termites are feeding. These termites are often more difficult to get rid of and often require fumigation to control them. Drywood termites can have many colonies within a structure depending how long they have been present.

    Control and Prevention

    In the United States, subterranean termites cause over 2 billion dollars in damage each year. Prevention of termites in your home can be achieved by keeping water from accumulating along your home’s foundation. Fixing plumbing leaks, and replacing wet, rotting wood. Trees on your property should also be inspected, as well as old stumps that may be present. Subterranean termites benefit the natural process of organic decay. Trees grow old and eventually die. The decomposing branches, limbs, and stumps are consumed by termites which have protozoa in their gut. Termites cannot digest cellulose without this protozoa. New born termites are fed feces from older adult termites that have protozoa.

    CSI bait stations can also be used, but can be slow acting. They are non-repellent and accumulate in the colony before mortality occurs. They kill the brood first and will eliminate the colony regardless of distance from baiting.

    Liquid termiticides are fast acting and can kill up to 16 feet from treatment area. Liquid termiticides can also kill by a secondary repellency and transfer of the chemical to other foragers. Full elimination of a large colony can take some time regardless of which treatment method you choose.

    Termites are remarkable insects that inhabit almost every climate on earth. They provide a vast array of importance for the breakdown of organic materials in our natural world. This ongoing recycling is important for a healthier ecosystem; however, these bugs can also destroy your home or business. If you find termites in home or business, call Dave’s Pest Control.

  • The Alien Invasion – Roaches

    The Alien Invasion – Roaches

    There is an alien invader living amongst us. It is a creature of nightmares. It can take over our homes. It feeds on everything humans have ever created. It thrives on human settlements and human waste.  It will cannibalize, eating their own to survive. It can even live for up to two weeks – without its head! They give off a repugnant, unmistakable odor. You know them and you fear them. What is this alien creature that threatens and plagues the human race?

    Blattella germanica: The German Roach

    As if they were from another planet, roaches have plagued us from the beginning of time. Seeing just one scurry and dash across the floor can send a chill up your spine. They disgust us. They repulse us. Abhorrent creatures from which nightmares are born. Why my home? Why me? Why do they exist you may also wonder. What process would create such a vile and loathsome bug? What part do roaches play in nature? When they breach our threshold of conscious perception, our fright or flight response forces us to take action.

    Earth

    The earliest known roach fossil dates back to the Carboniferous period. Earth had a higher oxygen content than it does today and invertebrates like cockroaches were humongous. Fossil evidence show roaches and many other insects dated to this period were monstrous in size. Originating from warm, tropical regions, roaches have had 300 million years to expand and adapt to new environments all over the world. Luckily for us, giant roaches are now extinct. It would be shocking and horrifying to see a 60 pound roach, the size of small child, crawling across your kitchen floor!

    The German Cockroach did not originate from Germany at all. Entomologists agree they most likely originated in southeast Asia millions of years ago. As Europeans traveled to South Asia for trade, it is entirely possible that roaches went along for the ride. Establishing themselves in new environments, these insects were a favorite diet for leopard gekos, lizzards and frogs. However they reproduced very quickly and flourished, dispite being swallowed whole by cold blooded lizzards, frogs and other amphibians.

    So what is so German about these roaches? Truth is, they have absolutely nothing to due with the Germans. In the early 18th century, scientists used Latin names for identifying insects. Blattella is Latin for, “an insect that shuns the light”. So they were named Blattella Germanica as they were thought to originate in Germany. They were found all over European homes and the name stuck. Entschuldigung Leute aus Deutschland.

    Coming to America

    As Europeans traveled and settled in the New World, so did these roaches. Hidden among ships and the cargo they held, roaches easily adapted to new environments. Without natural predators, these roaches spread quickly. Rapid infestations were common. There were no chemical control measures and people had to smash them when they inevitably crawled out from the bacteria infested refuge from which they hide. Omnivorous scavengers seeking out sugars, starches and decaying organic matter. Even known to consume hair, grease, glue and finger nail clippings. When populations of roaches become extreme, they will cannibalize their own for food. This cannibalistic behavior is actually common among many insects. There is over 1500 insects that are recorded to consume their own species for food. Yummy.

    Today, there is roughly 7 billion humans on Earth. Compared to insects, which are estimated to be 10 quintillion. Thats 10,000,000,000,000,000,000! Thats alot of bugs. German roaches are one of many social insects that produce huge populations. They can adapt to almost any environment but prefer damp, humid conditions. They also favor electrical outlets and appliances. Mainly nocturnal, they will run when exposed to light. However, some roaches like the Asian cockroach are attracted to light surfaces. All roaches are believed to use pheromones to communicate and distinguish between different populations of cockroach by odor. German roaches give off a pungent, awful smell. This is exacerbated when populations become large. One German roach can have up to 50 nymphs. They carry an egg sac called an ootheca on their back. It is composed of a hard material that protects it from predators and insecticides. Once the nymphs are born, it takes on average 100 days to grow into an adult. If this was not bad enough, german roaches can spread bacterial diseases that cause food poisoning like Salmonella. You can get stomach pain, dysentery and diarrhea from infected food. They can also spread bacteria such as Streptococcus and Staphylococcus.

    Get Rid of them

    All people really want to know is how to get rid of them. That is ware facts and fiction begin to blur. There are hundreds of videos and opinions on how to get rid of german roaches. Many people try to do it themselves in two ways, The organic and “natural” home remedy way, or the spray can way from the local store. An example of a more natural way would be to use diatomaceous earth.

    Diatomaceous earth which is made from the fossilized remains of tiny, aquatic organisms called diatoms. When insects like roaches crawl thru diatomaceous earth, their internal moisture is absorbed thru its exoskeleton and the roach will dry out and die. Additionally, diatomaceous earth is sharp and will cut into the roach, expediting the process.

    Unfortunately this method does not work well when dealing with german roaches. They reproduce much quicker than diatoms can kill them. Furthermore, you cannot put diatomaceous earth in certain areas. As an example, you would be ill advised to put diatomaceous earth in your toaster or microwave.

    Doing it yourself with store bought pesticides is the most common way people deal with German roaches when they see them for the first time. Spraying a few roaches may temporarily seem to fix the problem, but many people soon recognize they have a considerable larger problem. Tiny German roach nymphs begin to appear weeks after your initial sighting. What may look like different roaches altogether, are in fact german roaches. They’re just at different stages in their life cycle. German roaches have an incomplete metamorphosis: the egg, nymph, and adult. It takes about 100 days to complete their life cycle.

    So the question still remains: How do I get rid of german roaches?


    Call a professional and reputable pest control company like Dave’s Pest Control. Do not be ashamed you have roaches. There is a stigma attached that your home must be dirty if you have roaches. This is not true. Many people have accidently brought German roaches into their home just by purchasing a kitchen appliance. What is true is that roaches will feed on anything. A dirty home will intensify a roach colony more rapidly than a clean home.

    German roaches are much more resilient to chemical methods. Recent studies have found german roaches are rapidly developing resistance to many of the common insecticides being used today. Since they typically live about 100 days, they are able to quickly pass their genes to the next generation. German roaches cannot live without water. They can live up to 6 weeks without eating, but without water, they will die much quicker. Since roaches cannot live without water, they are often found near sources of water. Kitchen and bathrooms are the most common. Damp basements and other areas of homes with high humidity can also harbor roaches. The electrical current that powers our homes attract german roaches. They seek out the warmth created from the flow of electrons in our appliances wiring. Refrigerators, toasters, microwaves, crock pots and dishwashers are all common items that German roaches will infest.

    Calling a professional pest control company like Dave’s Pest Control is the best advice. Having a professional means your getting decades of combined experience in combating these repulsive insects. Our pest control technicians are experts in identifying german roaches. They will find their hiding spots, and eliminate them. Most people who have tried to do it themselves, inadvertently made the problem much worse by driving them deeper into the walls and cabinets of their homes. This can give the impression that they are unable to be wiped out completely. This is false. If identified quickly, and treated correctly, they can be eradicated. No matter how bad the problem is, Dave’s Pest Control can rid your home of all pests.

  • Common Pest Control Problems HOA’s Deal With

    Common Pest Control Problems HOA’s Deal With

    Like everyone else, there are times when homeowner’s associations are responsible for dealing with pest control problems. Each HOA is different and has different responsibilities for pest control for their properties. If you serve on a homeowner’s association board, chances are at one point or another you’ll have to deal with pest control problems. In today’s blog at Dave’s Pest Control, we talk about some of the common pests that HOA’s have to deal with.

    If your business or homeowner’s association is in need of professional and effective pest control services for your property, contact our team at Dave’s Pest Control today for help throughout Flagler and Volusia County.

    Roaches

    If you ask any group of people what their least favorite pest is, they will likely almost unanimously say “cockroaches.” Roaches are difficult to get rid of, carry diseases, and everyone has a sense of unease when they see one scuttling across the floor of their kitchen.

    Termites

    Termites are another common pest that Dave’s Pest Control helps homeowner’s associations with. In situations where you are dealing with termites, it’s crucial to act quickly. The longer you wait for pest control services for termites, the more damage they can do to your structures. If termites are left untreated long enough, they can even make the building they have set up shop in dangerous and unstable!

    Wildlife Removal

    Raccoons, snakes, skunks, squirrels, and other wildlife can sometimes find their way onto the property you manage. You may be tempted to handle these situations on your own, but we encourage you to work with a pest control professional for wildlife removal if it’s not a situation you can easily handle. For example, raccoons may look innocent and cute, but if they feel threatened or trapped, they can become aggressive and dangerous quickly.

    Rodents

    Rodents are one of the most common pests that we help HOA’s and commercial properties deal with. Rats and mice are often crafty and their infestations can quickly get out of hand. At Dave’s Pest Control, we have years of experience helping homeowner’s associations quickly, safely, and completely remove rodents from their properties. Give us a call today to get a quote and learn more about our pest control services for homeowner’s associations.

    Bees

    Bees, wasps, and hornets are another type of pest that Dave’s Pest Control often helps HOA’s with. This is because these insects often make a nest in public areas like pools, gyms, garage structures, and anywhere else they find suitable. As an HOA responsible for pest control in public areas, it is best to have bees and other similar insects taken care of right away in order to avoid your residents trying to take care of the issue themselves and getting hurt.

    Commercial Pest Control for HOA’s and Dave’s Pest Control

    At Dave’s Pest Control, we have years of experience working with all manner of pests. From raccoons to roaches, termites, and more, we can handle it all. If you are a homeowner’s association looking for pest control services you can rely on, don’t hesitate to reach out to us! We operate in Southern and Central Florida.

  • The Fly

    The Fly

    A man builds a machine that can teleport him from one room to another. His molecular DNA is broken down in one pod, and reassembled in another. Upon entering the first pod, a fly has also entered the pod unnoticed. The DNA of the fly is now mixed with the mans DNA and a hybrid fly-man is born out of the second pod he teleported to. 

    This is the plot of the 80s movie The Fly. It is perhaps just science fiction, but outlines how a basic pest like the fly, can wreak havoc on sensitive science experiments and medical equipment. Truth is, flies, gnats and mosquitos are the biggest pests known to mankind. In the research and development of life saving vaccines and medicine, it is of utmost importance to have a sterile working environment. Great lengths are taken to isolate samples from ever coming into contact with the outside world. Without these precautions, life saving medicines would not ever be able to be produced. And as for our fictional fly-man, he meets his demise rather quickly, like many flies do.

    The House Fly

    The most common and annoying pest of man undoubtedly is the house fly. An adult fly can lay up to a thousand eggs. There are over 90 thousand different species of flies.  Nothing can disrupt your zen of cooking a meal for your family more than the common house fly.  Or perhaps you are at a fancy restaurant, hailed by foodies and bloggers for the best bacon wrapped rib-eye steak this side of the Mississippi. You see a fly buzzing and zipping past you, only to land on your steak. You try in vain to swat, slap and smash this uninvited pest. But alas your efforts are futile. Not to mention your dining experience was fouled by one little fly. You think to yourself, “If I see one more fly, I’m out of here”.

    So-what exactly happens when a fly lands on your food? Why is it so bad? To get a better understanding, let’s look at some of our most loathed pests in more detail.

    Beatior Quam Musca In Stercore

    The house fly is a true insect. It belongs to the order of insects named Diptera. This name is from ancient Greece and means two wings. There are over 90 thousand different species of flies. The two wings on the house fly fold back and give it a triangular appearance and are transparent. Being a true insect, the common house fly has three body parts. The head, the thorax and the abdomen. Flies have a compound eye and are very large. They are divided into over 4000 individual facets or “lenses”. This mosaic vision gives the house fly incredible sight during day, and the night. In addition, between its compound eyes, flies have three simple eyes called oceli. Despite having this incredible vision, the house fly depends on its highly sensitive antenna for sensing odors it is attracted to. 

    Flies have feet called pulvilli which enables them to stick to almost any surface. They can climb walls and walk upside down. These specialized feet also are what enables flies to transmit bacteria, germs and disease.

    Flies are attracted to rotting and decaying organic matter. This would include not only rotting food, but also decaying animals and excrement as well. Thousands of tiny hairs on the fly would pick up bacteria from these items and can transfer them to your food. If that is not bad enough, flies do not have mouth parts for biting and chewing. Instead, they vomit up enzymes which break down the food and they suck it back up with a tube like snout called a proboscis. A most disgusting way to eat indeed. This feeding organ can be extended and retracted almost completely into the head. Disease, germs and parasites can attach to the lips of this feeding organ and be deposited on other surfaces. They can travel up to 20 miles, which means it is very possible for a fly to land and feed on a dead animal in the road somewhere, and then land on your birthday cake at home.

    Drosophila Melanogaster 

    Drosophila Melanogaster is the common fruit fly. It can smell food from over a kilometer away (0.62 miles). Rotting fruit gives off a chemical smell that can be received by the flies attene fixed on the flies head. Acidic acids, decaying fungi and bacteria are picked up by the fly and once they hone in on the sent, it is nearly impossible to keep them at bay. 

    Fruit flies are about the size of a sesame seed. They can fit thru the smallest of gaps, cracks and screens in your home. The adult fruit fly has a stripped abdomen and large eyes. One female fruit fly can lay up to 100 eggs a day and hatch within 24 hours. The larval maggots tunnel under the fruit skin and feed off the microbes as the fruit rots. In a few days the hatch as fully grown fruit flies and start the cycle again. A home can go from zero fruit flies to a full blown infestation in 2 weeks.

    Swatting fruit flies is impossible as they have 270 degree vision. They can see you coming from the front, the side, and the back (just about every angle possible). They can calculate your angle of attack and escape with ease. They do all this in as little as 100 milliseconds. Fruit flies can even change directions in .01 of a second and flap their wings over 200 times per second. Trying to kill fruit flies by swatting them is truly fruitless.

    If fruit flies become a problem in your kitchen, you can create a simple trap by filling a jar with apple cider vinegar. Cover the jar with plastic wrap and poke holes in it. Fruit flies will be attracted to the acidic vinegar and get them selves stuck in the jar. They will find a way in, but will not be able to get back out.

    Phoridae
    The Phorid Fly

    Phorid flies, also known as humpback flies, are a common problem in both commercial and residential kitchens. They have dark colored eyes and are often hovering over sinks and drains. About 1/8 of an inch long, they will feed and breed on decaying organic matter around moisture. The slime inside your your kitchen or bathroom plumbing is all they need. This is why they are most often seen hovering above kitchen and bathroom sinks. They are also found around floor drains, trash cans, potted plants and cat litter boxes. Plumbing lines should be checked regularly for leaks.

    Practicing good sanitation and keeping your plumbing lines clean is the best way to keep these pests away. There are biological microbial grease degraders that come in liquids and foams that naturally eat away at the microbial film that builds up on all drains and garbage disposals over time. In addition to keeping your drains clean, do not let food spoil on counter tops. Take trash out frequently and clean litter boxes daily. 

    Psychodidae
    Drain Flies

    Drain Flies look like small fuzzy moths and breed in dirty garbage disposal units, water “P” traps in plumbing lines and any other location with decaying organic matter. They are often called sewer flies, sewer gnats, filth flies or sink flies.

    The presence of drain flies could mean you have a plumbing leak or a moisture problem. Inspect for leaks regularly in kitchens and bathroom sinks. Homes built with a crawl space should be inspected for leaks also. A small drip every 10 minutes would build up over time potentially causing not only flies, but also many other insects into your home.

    Commercial Kitchens and Restaurants

    Commercial kitchens spend hundreds of thousands of dollars each year in controlling pests in kitchens. Flies are a constant issue in all food preparation and food serving establishments. These annoying pests are directly attracted to the protein nutrients, which is in abundant supply. They tend to live off small areas that are not often cleaned or noticed. They can spread diseases like Samonella, Tuberculosis and bacteria that causes Cholera and Typhoid fever.

    When pest control professionals are dealing with flies in a residential or a commercial kitchen, they should know the difference between fruit flies, phorid flies and drain flies. Although they have similar breeding habits, their location could be vastly different meaning different treatment methods would be required. 

    Fruit flies have red eyes and have different feeding sight preferences compared to the dark-eyed phorid fly. For example, the red-eyed fruit fly prefers rotting produce while the dark-eyed fruit fly prefers the organic matter in drain lines, beer taps and soda stations. Good sanitation practices are needed in trying to control flies. Even the small areas on the bottom of chair legs could be a perfect breeding sight for small flies.

    With a good understanding of the most common flying pests in our kitchens today, we can eliminate many of the food born bacteria and germs they can transmit. If you’re having a problem with flies in your home or business, give Dave’s Pest Control a call.

  • A Complete Guide on Cockroaches

    A Complete Guide on Cockroaches

    Cockroaches are one pest that receives very little sympathy from homeowners, business owners, and exterminators alike. While they are fascinating and unique pests, they are not very welcome anywhere they go. In today’s blog , we will talk a little bit about what cockroaches are, signs you may have them, and how to remove them from your property. For help removing cockroaches from your property, get in touch with one of our cockroach exterminators at Dave’s Pest Control today.

    What are Cockroaches?

    Cockroaches are notoriously difficult-to-get-rid-of pests that carry diseases and give nearly everyone the heebie-jeebies. They are a species that has been around for millions of years and has thousands of different varieties. Many of them are unobtrusive and have little to no effect on mankind. However, there are a few species that make their way into our homes and businesses and create problems. Here in Florida, we most commonly encounter Palmetto Bugs. Palmetto Bugs are in fact another name for the American Cockroach. Cockroaches excel at surviving in practically any conditions, which is what makes them so difficult to get rid of.

    Signs You Need Cockroach Extermination

    There are a few things that you can look for if you suspect that there are cockroaches in your home or business.

    • Seeing a cockroach: Perhaps the most obvious sign that there are roaches on your property is seeing one. Cockroaches are nocturnal which means they are mainly out and about at nighttime. This means that if you spot one in the day time, you may have a serious roach infestation.
    • Seeing droppings: Like many other pests, you would call an exterminator for, cockroaches leave behind droppings that make you aware of their presence. Droppings vary in size depending on the size of the roach. Cockroach Droppings can look as small as grains of pepper or be larger than coffee grounds and pellets.
    • Roach Eggs: Roaches don’t lay individual eggs, they instead have something called oothecae. An oothecae, in essence, is a sack full of cockroach eggs. There can be anywhere between 10 and 50 eggs in each one and they are often found in areas that are not easily accessible.
    • Odor: As the cockroach infestation goes untreated, it will create a stronger and stronger odor. If you notice a musty, unpleasant odor that is getting stronger, it could be a sign of roaches — or children’s laundry.

    How to Remove Cockroaches From Your Property

    At Dave’s Pest Control, our exterminators never recommend trying to deal with cockroaches on your own. Unfortunately, by the time most people notice they have a roach problem, it is too late to handle it without professional assistance. Additionally, cockroaches are incredibly difficult to exterminate. They are astonishingly adaptable and have the ability to withstand almost anything you can throw at them. In order to be certain that every roach is taken care of for good, you need the help of a professional exterminator.

    If you see or suspect that your property is in need of cockroach control, don’t wait. Call our exterminators at Dave’s Pest Control and get a free estimate for your home.

  • Rats vs Mice: What are the Differences?

    Rats vs Mice: What are the Differences?

    Rats and mice are commonly mistaken for one another. It’s easy to see why, too. They are both rodents, look practically the same, and act very similarly. Most people aren’t concerned with whether the critter in their home is a rat or a mouse, they just want them gone! But for those of you who are curious about the distinctions between the two, today’s blog at Dave’s Pest Control is for you. Keep reading to learn more about the difference between rats and mice and, if you are in need of pest control to remove them from your home, reach out to us right away.

    Difference Between Rats and Mice

    Lets explore how rats and mice are different from each other. From size to behavior, we will compare everything to make it easy for you to find the differences.

    Size

    One of the easiest ways to tell a rat from a mouse in the size of the rodent you’re seeing. Obviously, sizes will vary — it’s not unheard of to have a tiny rat or a goliath mouse. But in general, mice tend to be a little bit smaller. On average, mice are about 4 to 8 inches long and rats are generally between 6 and 15 inches long. The bottom line? If the pest is bigger, there is a good chance that it is a rat.

    Head

    Another great way to distinguish a mouse from a rat is the shape of their head. Mice have a more narrow, triangular-shaped head with long whiskers. Also, mice tend to have larger, floppier ears than their rat counterparts. Rat heads have a more blunt snout rather than a narrow and triangular snout. The ears of a rat are typically smaller than those of mice, too.

    Are you looking for pest control services to quickly and safely remove rats from your property? Reach out to us at Dave’s Pest Control now!

    Tails

    The tails on mice are very long, thin, and hairy. The tails of rats are often hairless and have a scaly appearance. Rat tails are also thicker in appearance than mice’s are. This is partially due to the general size differences between the two rodents. But, even smaller rats don’t have the same thin, wispy size to them. It’s also worth noting that rat tails are usually a pinkish color whereas mice’s tails generally match their color.

    Believe it or not, mice are usually quite a bit braver than rats are despite their smaller stature. Mice are much more susceptible to being caught in a mousetrap due to their curious nature. If you see a rodent and they stare at you rather than running away immediately, that bold fella is probably a mouse. Behavior of rats tend to be much more skittish and unwilling to investigate. Unfortunately, this makes them a little more difficult for pest control purposes since they aren’t as likely to fall for a trap.

    Droppings

    Even if you don’t see the creatures themselves, you can still distinguish whether it is a rat or a mouse from the droppings. Mice tend to have longer, more pointed droppings. Rat droppings are often larger in size and have more rounded ends.

    Professional Rat Exterminators

    Regardless of whether you are dealing with a rat or mouse, Dave’s Pest Control is the pest control team for the job. Contact us today for help with rodents, get a free estimate and schedule your appointment.

  • Our Sleeping Foe – The Bed Bugs

    Our Sleeping Foe – The Bed Bugs

    “Good night!, Don’t let the bed bugs bite!”

    A phrase we probably all have heard at some point in our lives. Bed bugs are a feared and horrid bug that has plagued mankind for centuries. They were mentioned in ancient Greece over three thousand years ago. It was even written in ancient Rome that bed bugs are of medicinal value in curing ear infections. I wouldn’t want to be that patient! “Ok, come here Romulus Maximus”, ”I’m going to put some little bugs in your ear” . ”Yes, it’s perfectly safe”, ”the oracle has approved”, ”this is state of the art medicine” -in this case, we do not do as the Romans do.

    Bed bugs have been with humans since written history. New research has provided information that the first bed bugs were hosts to bats, and they adapted to humans who were living in caves. Bats would also roost in church steeples and attics which would also provide opportunities for bed bugs to feed on humans. As we traveled the world in exploration and trade, these tiny bugs have been along for the ride. Imagine the conditions our ancestors lived in. They had no pest control or ways to fight them off. Washing machines, dryers, showers and chemical pesticides wouldn’t be invented for hundreds of years. I suppose they would just burn any clothing or bedding if an outbreak would occur.

    By the twentieth century, 1 out of 3 Americans had bed bugs. The problem grew as populations grew. Most Americans who lived in cities, lived in tight close quarters. Bed bugs reproduced easily and spread unencumbered. Bed bugs feed on you at night when you are asleep. They inject chemicals such as an anticoagulant and anesthetic so you do not feel a thing. This gives them a nice steady stream of uninterrupted blood. After a blood meal, the bed bug will crawl back into the seams and folds of your mattress and wait for the next night. Most people will develop an allergic reaction to the bites, such skin infections and rashes as well as itching sensations. Pain and swelling are the most common reactions to being bit by bed bugs. They can also cause psychological issues due to poor sleep and and anxiety. Even years after a bed bug infestation, you can still have anxiety, paranoia and trouble sleeping. Seeing every dark speck as a bed bug when getting into bed would drive anyone mad.

    Insects Bring Disease, and Disease Brings Death

    Pest Control really began with mosquitos and war. When mosquitos would feed on us, they would transmit diseases like dengue fever, yellow fever, and malaria. Malaria was the biggest killer of humans in history. The malaria parasite would be transferred into our blood. Malaria would cause fever, loss of blood, convulsions, brain damage and coma. Military troops that got these diseases were decimated in weeks. The entire history of our civilization has been a battle against pests that cause sickness and death.

    During WW2 , the US army worked on fighting bed bugs, mosquitoes and disease. These were major problems that plagued our troops. Bed bugs could infest a whole barracks. Early in the nineteenth century, pyrethrins were extracted from flowers and were manufactured into a chemical pesticide. Eventually, pyrethrins in chrysanthemums were purified for commercial and home use. In addition , a new pesticide called dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, or more commonly known as DDT, was manufactured in laboratories. It was easier to produce. It was easy to apply, and persisted for a long time. Re-applications were seldom needed. Rain and weather would not wash it away. It was seen as safe, effective and hailed as a modern wonder. When sprayed or dusted along entry points, insects would die. Finally, after living with bed bugs for thousands of years, we can sleep in peace.

    By the 1940s and 1950s, the use of pesticides, like DDT, was extremely widespread and common. Farmers were able to produce more crops per acre than ever before. As people fled metropolitan cities and moved to the suburbs, the use of pesticides doubled and were seen as a blessing by keeping unwanted pests from entering a home. Specialized fogging trucks were designed to disperse DDT. Trucks would drive up and down city and suburban streets to rid neighborhoods from mosquitos. There are stories of children chasing and running behind these trucks as they fogged the streets.  DDT was responsible with saving thousands of lives and improving the quality of everyone’s life in America and worldwide. DDT was sprayed by air planes and helicopters on hundreds of acres of crops bound for the dinner table. The modern homes of the 1940s and 1950s that were treated with pyrethrins and DDT were bed bug free, and their presence faded into memory like a bad dream.

    A New Era is Born

    In 1962, a book called Silent Spring was published. It made claims that harmful and everlasting damage to our planet was being caused from pesticides like DDT. Soon, grassroot organizations formed and called for new laws from government. Eventually calling for a complete ban of many pesticides that were being used. This officially ended the “golden years of pesticides.” A new counter culture emerged and rejected the old way of life. Embracing not science, but holistic and “natural” remedies for bed bugs. Salt, vinegar and a host of other home treatments were used to combat these pests. Diatomaceous earth is another example of using alternate methods for control. Results from these methods were poor at best. Bed bugs were too resilient and were not going down without a fight.

    With the official ban of DDT in 1972, the path was cleared for stricter regulations on the use of pesticides for commercial and home use. Scientific studies were finding pesticides like DDT would bioaccumulate in fat tissues of exposed animals. Since it degrades so slowly in the environment, it moves up the animal food chain. Highly toxic to birds and fish, it has the potential to cause irreversible damage to the environment we live in. Other formulations of pesticides such as organophosphates do not persist as long, but are possibly more potent per application. While these pesticides worked extremely well in killing bed bugs, the cons were too much to ignore.

    Welcome to the New Age

    As usage of these pesticides declined, the rate of bed bug infestations increased. By the 1990s a huge resurgence was underway. This new breed of bed bugs were also showing signs of chemical resistance. Studies have found bed bugs have built up an immunity to the most commonly used pyrethroid pesticides today. They have faster metabolisms to strengthen their natural chemical defenses.  Researchers also found modern bed bugs have a thicker skin helping them to survive. In New York City between 2004 and 2009, bed bug infestations rose by 200 percent. That is an alarming number!

    In addition to chemical treatments, pest control companies are also using heat and steam more and more to eradicate bed bugs. They cannot survive in temperatures over 115 degrees. Using a steamer along the seams of a bed mattress or a couch will instantly kill any live bed bugs and their eggs. Using heat is an effective way to kill off a large colony of bed bugs in a room. Heating a room up to 120 degrees for 30 minutes will do the trick. This will also ensure that the eggs are destroyed. Chemical treatments do not kill eggs and by the time bed bugs hatch, the residual of a chemical can be reduced enough that they will not die if the treatment is not thorough.

    The future story of bed bugs is unknown, but we are continually developing new methods for dealing with these pests. What may work for one home, may not work for another. What is clear is that bed bugs are changing their own internal chemistry to combat our efforts to eradicate them from the planet. As they change , so are our methods. In addition to new safer pesticides and using steam, we are successfully winning the war against bed bugs. Our ancient enemy , our sleeping foe, one bug at a time.

  • A Complete Guide on Rodents

    A Complete Guide on Rodents

    Unfortunately, rats and mice can easily make their ways into homes through tiniest gaps. While rodents have an easier time calling a messy property home, they can set up shop in a wide variety of conditions.

    In today’s blog, we will talk a little bit about what are rodents, their common types, signs you need rodent control, rodent infestation in homes, preventing them and how you can get rid of rodents.

    What Are Rodents?

    When we say “rodents”, we are mostly referring to rats and mice. However technically speaking, rodents can be chipmunks, hamsters, squirrels, and many more. The common rats and mice that make their way into people’s homes can carry disease, leave droppings throughout your home, make noise in the middle of the night, and be overall nuisances.

    If you need help safely dealing with rodents on your property, be sure to contact an exterminator at Dave’s Pest Control today!

    Common Rodents in Florida

    Florida is home to a variety of rodents. Here are the most common types of rodents found in Florida.

    1. Norway Rats

    Also known as brown rats, these rodents are found throughout Florida, especially in urban areas. They are known for their burrowing habits and ability to thrive in human environments.

    • Size: Up to 16 inches in length, including the tail
    • Diet: Omnivores—they eat anything from garbage to grains
    • Habitat: Sewers, basements, warehouses, and docks
    • Interesting Fact: Norway rats are strong swimmers and can enter homes through sewer systems.

    2. Roof Rats

    Also called black rats, roof rats are common in Florida, especially along the coast. They are excellent climbers and are often found nesting in attics, trees, and palm fronds.

    • Size: Around 13-18 inches long, including the tail
    • Diet: Fruits, nuts, seeds, and bird eggs
    • Habitat: Roofs, attics, and high places
    • Interesting Fact: Roof rats are highly adaptable and are often found in citrus orchards and near agricultural areas in Florida.

    3. Eastern Gray Squirrels

    Eastern gray squirrel is known for its bushy tail and love of acorns is mostly found in parks of Florida.

    • Size: 9-12 inches long, with a 7-10 inch tail
    • Diet: Acorns, nuts, seeds, and sometimes insects
    • Habitat: Hardwood forests, suburban areas, and urban parks
    • Interesting Fact: Eastern gray squirrels bury nuts in the ground, which helps plant new trees when they forget where they hid them.

    4. Cotton Rats

    Cotton rats are more common in rural and agricultural areas of Florida.

    • Size: 5-7 inches in body length, with a tail about half the body length
    • Diet: Grasses, seeds, and other vegetation
    • Habitat: Fields, farms, and grassy areas
    • Interesting Fact: Cotton rats are an important food source for many predators, including hawks, owls, and snakes.

    5. Beavers

    Beavers are found in wetlands across northern Florida. These industrious rodents are known for building dams and creating small ponds, which benefit many other species.

    • Size: Up to 3 feet long and weighing up to 60 pounds
    • Diet: Bark, twigs, leaves, and aquatic plants
    • Habitat: Wetlands, rivers, and ponds
    • Interesting Fact: Beavers have large, orange teeth that never stop growing, allowing them to chew through tough tree trunks.

    Common Signs of Rodents Infestations

    Even if you don’t see rodents, there are still other signs that may suggest that rodents are in your home. It’s always wise to keep an eye out and call a rodent exterminator near you when you see any of the following signs.

    Droppings

    You may notice little round droppings under your sinks or in cabinets and cupboards. Rats and mice go wherever and whenever they’d like. So if there are rodents in your home, you will likely stumble upon droppings at some point.

    Chewed Food Items

    Rodents are scavengers. They may chew through thin plastic bags or other food containers in order to snack on the food in your home.

    Chewed or Scratched Areas

    You may have noticed chewed or scratched areas where rodents have tried to take shelter in your walls, cabinets, or other wood structures around the home.

    Strange Pet Behaviors

    If you have a cat or dog, sometimes they know the rodents are there before you do. They may sit and stare intently at one location for hours on end. This can serve as a sign of rodent in your home.

    Urine Smell

    In some cases, you will smell the rodents before you ever leave them. Over time, a urine smell starts to develop if the rodents go unnoticed.

    Scratching/Rustling Noises

    Mice and rats aren’t always quiet. In many cases you can hear them scratching are rustling things around your home or in the walls.

    Common Problems Caused by Rodents

    Rodents are not being removed because they look creepy. There are a lot of other problems caused by them that residents of Florida want to get rid of.

    Property Damage:

    Rats and mice chew through walls, insulation, and electrical wiring, which lead to costly repairs.

    Food Contamination:

    Rodents contaminate food with their droppings and urine potentially spreading diseases like salmonella and leptospirosis.

    Disease Transmission:

    Some rodents carry diseases like hantavirus, plague, and rat-bite fever, which can be transmitted to humans through direct contact or through fleas and ticks.

    How to Prevent Rodent Infestations in Florida

    Rodent infestations can be prevent through several ways, lets discuss:

    Seal Entry Points:

    Rats and mice can enter your homes through tiny holes, insulation pipes or cracks. Seal any gaps around doors, windows, and pipes.

    Eliminate Food Sources:

    Store food in airtight containers, and keep garbage in sealed bins as rodents attract towards food.

    Clean Regularly:

    Remove food scraps and clutter from your home or yards.

    If you suspect a rodent infestation, you should instantly contact a pest control professional to remove the infestations and prevent them from coming back.

    How to Exterminate Rodents

    There are common rodent control methods that many people use like mouse traps, glue traps, bait boxes, and more. These methods work well for some people, but it never hurts to work with an exterminator — especially if you have a more serious infestation. Contact the exterminators at Dave’s Pest Control today for rodent control in Florida!

  • Signs of Termites in Your Home

    Signs of Termites in Your Home

    In our previous blog, Termites 101, Dave’s Pest Control gave some basic information about what termites are, termite treatment, and signs of termites. In today’s blog, we dive a little deeper into the signs you can look out for that suggest you may have termites. Keep reading for more in-depth information about termite signs and don’t hesitate to contact us at Dave’s Pest Control for pest control services in southern and central Florida!

    Signs of Termites in your Home

    These signs would make sure your home is infested by termites and you need urgent termite treatment to safe yourself from financial setback.

    Hollow Wood

    Termites eat the cellulose that can be found in wood. As the termite infestation continues, the more wood they will eat. One sign that you can keep an eye out for if you suspect you have termites is hollow wood. If you tap or knock on your walls, floors, and other wood surfaces and discover they are hollower than you remembered, you may be in need of termite treatment.

    Termite Exit Holes

    Termites are very tiny pests, but even tiny pests leave behind evidence — especially pests that are destructive as termites. In the infested wood, if you caught the termites early, you will see pinpoint exit holes about ⅛ of an inch or even smaller. However, it’s much more likely that you will see the exit holes after they have already been sealed. Exit holes are sealed by nymph termites and have a brown cement sort of appearance.

    Have you noticed exit holes or hollowness in the wood around your home? Contact a pest control professional at Dave’s Pest Control today.

    Droppings

    Termites like to keep the areas they are working in free of debris like their own droppings. Because of this, they create small exit holes where they can evacuate their excrement. If you are near an area that you suspect is infested, look for small black mounds around the area. If you spot a small pile that looks like black sawdust or coffee grounds, you have likely stumbled upon termite droppings and are in need of termite treatment.

    Wings

    As terrifying as it may sound, termite swarms can actually fly. If you don’t actually see a swarm of termites flying around, you may stumble upon their wings. Termites discard their wings shortly after they land and find a new home. Finding termite wings on your property is a good indication that you may have a pest control problem.

    Mud Tubes

    Some termites are known as “subterranean” termites. This means that the termites are nesting underground and surface to eat. These underground nests serve as protection and help termites maintain the environment that best suits them. Mud tubes are roughly the diameter of a pencil and lead directly from their underground nest to their wooden food source. If you notice small tunnels leading to a shed, wooden patio furniture, or your home, you should reach out to a pest control service right away.

    Termite Treatment at Dave’s Pest Control

    At Dave’s Pest Control, we have years of experience identifying termite infestations and executing termite treatment. Our pest control team recommends that you do NOT try to deal with termites on your own. The risk associated with termites is too great to risk. If you notice hollowed wood, exit holes, droppings, wings, or mud tubes on your property, reach out to Dave’s Pest Control and get a free estimate right away. We are happy to provide termite control throughout Flagler, Volusia, and Brevard County.

  • Complete Guide on Termites

    Complete Guide on Termites

    Most people have heard of termites before, but not many know much more beyond the fact that they have a propensity for eating wood. Unfortunately, having termites can become a serious problem very quickly if they aren’t taken care of right away. If left untreated, they can compromise the foundation of your home, weaken major load-bearing structures, and create a very unsafe environment for you to live.

    In today’s blog at Dave’s Pest Control, we talk a little bit about what termites are, how to spot them, and how to get rid of them. If you suspect that you may have a termite problem, be sure to contact our exterminators right away.

    What Are Termites?

    Termites are tiny little creatures with six legs that feed on the cellulose found in wood. Termites live in colonies similar to ants, but they have a different look than ants do. Ants have multiple distinguishable sections of their bodies where termites don’t have quite the same separation. Additionally, termites often have a whitish transparent color to them and make an effort to go undetected.

    It’s important that you reach out to an exterminator as soon as possible if you believe that you have termites on your property.

    Common Signs You Need Termite Control

    Just because termites don’t always want to be found doesn’t mean that they don’t leave signs behind. Sometimes, there are more obvious signs like when you see them with your own eyes. Some types of termites can fly and can be seen flying around your property in small swarms. Additionally, termites have a similar appearance to ants. If you see tiny ant-like creatures that are lighter in color, appear to be white and somewhat transparent, and have a straight antenna, then you are looking at a termite rather than an ant. These are the few signs of termites which makes you feel worried and you should call a pest control to get rid of them.

    Other more subtle signs of a termite infestation include:

    • Wood that sounds hollow when tapped
    • Very small holes in drywall
    • Very squeaky floorboards
    • Termite droppings (appear as small piles of salt)
    • Discarded wings
    • Mud tubes

    How To Get Rid Of Termites

    There are common products that you can purchase that are specifically made to target termites. These products are made to be placed in the soil surrounding infested areas and the wood termites are in. For some people in some scenarios, these products work just fine. However, our team at Dave’s Pest Control always recommends calling an exterminator.

    An exterminator is a professional who can ensure that all of the termites are gone for good and won’t come back. With something as dangerous and damaging as termites, though, do you really want to risk DIY pest control? Work with an exterminator to ensure that your termite problem is taken care of swiftly and completely.

    Termite Exterminator Services at Dave’s Pest Control

    At Dave’s Pest Control, we offer years of termite exterminator experience. All of our exterminators are well-trained and armed with multiple different solutions to tackle any pest control problem you have. Contact us at Dave’s Pest Control today and get a free estimate for the termite service of your home.