Dave's Pest Control

Tag: Pest Control

  • Bed Bugs: What are the first signs of Bed Bugs?

    Bed Bugs: What are the first signs of Bed Bugs?

    Bed Bugs! Two words that most people don’t want to hear or even think about finding in their residence whether temporary or permanent. The very thought sends chills down the spine.

    Unfortunately, these pests and difficult to spot and even harder to get rid of without the help of a licensed & experienced professional.

    That’s why we are here to educate you on the most common signs of Bed Bugs and help you eradicate these pests if found.

    Bed Bugs are tiny reddish-brown wingless insects, about the size of an apple seed or flaxseed, that most commonly live in the crevices or seams of your mattress or box spring but come out when you are sleeping to feast on human blood. Bed Bugs’ favorite and main food source is human blood but there have been known to feed on other vertebrates.

    Bed bugs can also be found almost anywhere humans inhabit such as single-family homes, condos, apartments, hotel rooms, motels, and RVs. There have also been reports of bed bugs infesting businesses such as retail stores, movie theaters, cruise ships, retirement homes, public transportation, and restaurants.

    Where do Bed Bugs come from?

    These little blood-sucking hitchhikers have been around for thousands of years. It is a common belief that these insects were the first cave dwellers that fed on Bat blood but switched over to their human blood diet as we exited from cave dwellings long ago.

    But how did they get on you? Bed Bugs, though tiny, are deceptively fast, crawling about 5 ft in 1 min. They can crawl into your luggage or laundry to hitch a ride or they may crawl in to just lay eggs before returning to their hiding spot.

    Bed bugs can live about 10 months and can go weeks or months without food. They can also travel behind walls and loose wallpaper.

    What are the most common early signs of Bed Bugs?

    The first sign of a Bed Bug problem is often bed bug bites. If this is the case you will need to search for live bed bugs. They can be difficult to find so you will need to examine their favorite hiding places first. The tight cracks, seams, and crevices of the mattress and box spring, bed frames, headboard, pillowcases and bed sheets. It is also a good idea to search couches and all upholstered furniture as well as baseboards.

    The next most common sign of bed bugs is shell casing from the molting process. These casings will be yellowish-brown and a translucent shed of their exoskeleton. There may be various sizes of shed exoskeletons due to the fact that bed bugs will molt 5 times during their life from nymph to adult bed bugs.

    Yet another telltale sign of the pests is bed bug eggs. These tiny eggs and egg shells are only around 1mm long and the width of a pinhead. A female bed bug can lay up to 7 eggs a day and these usually hatch within 10 days.

    A few more signs that you have these insects are bed bug excrement, bloodstains, or a musty odor. Fecal spots or droppings will be dark spots that almost look like ink pen dots. Similarly, Blood stains will be random tiny specks of blood. Both may appear on the mattress, box spring, linens, and pillowcases. Some people can detect a musty odor that may smell a little like cilantro or coriander and in severe cases, it will smell like rust, wet towels, or moldy laundry.

    While most people may show no signs of an allergic reaction to bed bugs, 20% of the US population are allergic and may show symptoms of bed bug bites. This 20% could suffer possible severe itchy welts, hives, and even blisters.

    Can Bed Bugs hide on your body?

    The easy answer here is No, they can not. Bed bugs may attach themselves to clothing in order to transport to a new location or to lay eggs but they will only feed while their host is sleeping so that their presence isn’t detected before going back into hiding. Bed Bugs also can not fly. They are wingless insects but bothersome nonetheless. For more common myths around Bed Bugs

    How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs

    If you have or suspect a bed bug infestation or have any of the numerous signs of bed bugs, your best bet is to call a licensed exterminator who will know the proper pesticides to use.

    Many chemicals and strong pesticides were banned or weakened decades ago due to their toxicity and proximity of use to our families and pets. For a history of this, here is another blog post with more info.

    Dave’s Pest Control has over 40 years of experience exterminating bed bugs. We are your #1 exterminator for not only Bed Bugs but all manners of Pest Control. Get to know other common pests in your area by checking out this Scary bugs and Bites Post.

    With services in Lakeland, Port Orange, Orlando, Sanford, Palm Coast, New Smyrna, Ormund Beach, Deland, and Daytona Beach, we cover the greater Polk, Seminole, and Volusia, Florida Counties.

    Give Dave’s a call today for a free inspection!

  • Palmetto Bugs – Do You Have an Infestation?

    Palmetto Bugs – Do You Have an Infestation?

    Palmetto bugs are common pests in Florida. They like warm and damp environments that are common throughout Florida, including Daytona Beach, Holly Hill, Ormond Beach and other parts of Flagler and Volusia Counties. They look like cockroaches because they technically are cockroaches, the American Cockroach. They’re reddish brown and get as big as 1.5 inches if not a little larger. Both male and female palmetto bugs have wings although they’re used mostly for gliding.

    Palmetto bugs are almost always in groups. If you see one palmetto bug, that means there are usually more–often many more; palmetto bugs usually show up in large groups, as in hundreds or thousands. Palmetto bugs are rarely seen during the day; they hide from humans and other predators, so the ones you see are usually just the tip of the iceberg and an indicator of a bigger infestation. Even seeing just a single palmetto bug is often an indicator of a common problem.

    Since they hide from humans, you probably won’t notice them until after they have become a problem. Any sign of palmetto bugs is a warning, and homeowners should do everything to stop a palmetto bug “gathering” from turning into a full blown palmetto bug infestation.

    Often you might even see palmetto bug eggs and not the palmetto bugs themselves. They can go 2-3 months without eating, so they’re not going to rush to expose themselves. They lay an egg sack weekly. The thin brown sack is almost half and inch long. While palmetto bugs move, their eggs don’t.

    Given their efforts to stay hidden, homeowners in Florida should look for signs of a broader palmetto bug problem, especially if you see one or two of them. Palmetto bugs give off a musty smell, but they leave lots of visible evidence of their presence–chew marks on papers, curtains, book bindings, and even some clothes. You can also looked for shedded skin from when they molt along with their droppings, which will most likely be found in cracks and crevices around your home.

    Palmetto bugs do pose health risks from contaminating plates, utensils, toothbrushes and other parts of the home in the process of crawling over hidden areas like drawers and drains. If you see any sign of palmetto bugs, do not hesitate to call Dave’s Pest Control if you live in central or south Florida, we offer expert pest extermination in Port Orange, Daytona, Orlando, Sanford, Lakeland, Coral Springs and other areas of Florida.

  • How to Treat For Ghost Ants

    Pest Control Tips: Identifying ghost ants and where they live

    One of the most common ants we encounter in the pest control field is ghost ants. Many homeowners may refer to them as sugar ants or other colorful phrases like “piss ants”. The ghost ant is associated with species known as “tramp ants” that is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Ghost ant workers are extremely small, approximately 1.5 mm long, and monomorphic (one-sized). The head and thorax are a deep dark brown (black in appearance) and the abdomen are opaque or milky white almost appearing transparent hence the name ‘Ghost ant”. Ghost ants issues are among the eight most common ant pest control issues in the state of Florida.

    Ghost ants are highly adaptable in their nesting habits. They can nest readily indoors or outdoors. Their colonies are moderate to large in size containing numerous reproducing females. They are opportunistic nesters that will nest in areas that remain habitable for as little as a few days to a few weeks. Many of the sites in which ghost ants like to nest are usually too small or unstable to support larger colonies. While ghost ants are generally observed in kitchens and bathrooms, they are not limited to those areas. Some of the other areas they are commonly found nesting include potted plants, cabinet voids, and wall voids. Homeowners may be able to identify ghost ant workers by their “erratic” patterns while foraging. They will “zigzag” along trails almost appearing drunk.

    Within a very short time, multiple queens will spread out into multiple sub-colonies. This process is known as budding, which is when one or more reproductive females, accompanied by several workers and possibly some brood (larvae and pupae), leave the colony to start a new nest. There is no infighting between members of different colonies or nests, which allows ghost ants to flourish in numbers. In addition to the internal colony characteristics previously mentioned that promote colony growth, the ghost ant also has symbiotic relationships with other species, which also allows ghosts ants to proliferate. For example, ghost ants have even been observed in some areas nesting with other species like spiders on the underside of leaves. While the spiders provide protection from predators and parasites, the ant nest is used as a foundation for web construction. For larger infestations, contact Dave’s Pest Control for a free inspection and assessment.

    How To Get Rid of Ghost Ants

    The best method for getting rid of ghost ants is liquid baiting on the interior along with a liquid treatment around the exterior. A good pest control technician should try to get the liquid bait as close to where they are trailing as possible. The ants will gather around the liquid bait in a circle, gathering the bait to take back to the colony and the queen which will eliminate the nest. The workers don’t eat the bait; rather they take it to the queen, who in turn, digests the bait which will cause the colony to collapse.

    A good exterminator should be careful not to contaminate the bait when treating the interior with any pesticides. Exterior treatments should consist of treating around foundations, window and door frames, and any areas that might be holding moisture. For best results, use a product like Phantom or Fuse (any product containing Fipronil). Although ghost ants will feed upon many household foods, they seem to show a preference for sweets, feeding on sugar, cakes, and syrups. A good pest control technician will find the pheromone trail (an invisible trail of dots ants use to navigate from the nest to their food source) and placing the bait close to where they are trailing will optimize the effectiveness and time it takes to get rid of ghost ants in Florida. It’s important to remember that every situation is unique, so the inspection process is critical to success. Dave’s Pest Control technicians are highly trained to solve ghost ant problems so if you have ants problem in your home and you live in central or south Florida, just give us a call. We have the best exterminators in Port Orange, Lakeland, Davenport, Orlando, Davie and Weston.

     

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • Palmetto Bugs vs Cockroaches: What’s the Difference?

    Palmetto Bugs vs Cockroaches: What’s the Difference?

    Depending on where you’re at and who you ask, you could point to the same exact bug and have two people call it two very different names: palmetto bug or cockroach. In today’s blog, our exterminator talks a little bit about palmetto bugs, how they differ from cockroaches, and other species palmetto bugs are falsely identified as. Many people are of the school of thought that they don’t care what type of bug it is and they just want it gone.

    If this is the case for you, don’t hesitate to contact us at Dave’s Pest Control for our exterminator services. No matter where you are in southern or central Florida, we can help you get rid of roaches (or palmetto bugs) quickly and completely. 

    Palmetto Bug vs German Cockroach

    Palmetto Bug

    Simply put, the palmetto bug is a roach, but a roach isn’t necessarily a palmetto bug. Much like a Kleenex is a tissue, but not every tissue is a Kleenex. The term palmetto bug is commonly used to identify any cockroach in the Southeastern United States. However, the palmetto bug is actually a species of cockroach. Cockroaches encompass thousands of species and palmetto bug is one specific species of pest. Palmetto bugs are technically the American Cockroach but got their nickname from the leaves of the palmetto tree where they live. 

    Palmetto bugs are large roaches in comparison to many of their cockroach relatives. They are also generally dark brown in color, are winged, and have markings just behind their heads that are two colored circles that resemble sunglasses. Palmetto bugs generally prefer damp environments very different from inside most homes. It’s not unheard of for palmetto bugs to be in a home, but typically people have a problem with them outside their home around their property. If you have palmetto bugs in your home or on your property, contact our exterminators at Dave’s Pest Control today. 

    The German Cockroach

    The German cockroach is the most common cockroach that people find in their homes. Their ideal environment is a kitchen, bathroom, or any area where food is stored or prepared. They also can go from one or two cockroaches to an entire infestation very quickly. This is no only unsettling because of the fact that there are bugs in the home, but it is also dangerous because they carry many forms of diseases and can be very harmful to the residents’ health. Whether it’s a German cockroach or a different species, it’s a good idea to contact an exterminator sooner rather than later. If you spot any roaches or signs of any roaches in or around your home, contact our exterminator right away.

    Dave’s Pest Control

    We hope that you have found today’s blog post helpful and that you can more easily identify the difference between palmetto bugs and other cockroaches. Now you’re sure to impress everyone with your vast knowledge at your next social gathering! And as always, if you have any questions or need exterminator help, don’t hesitate to contact our team at Dave’s Pest Control.

  • Welcome to Our Blog!

    Welcome to our blog at Dave’s Pest Control! We are a pest control service that has been operating all throughout Flager and Volusia counties for more than 40 years — and we have no plans of slowing down. In our blog, you can expect to find helpful, pest control information, tips, tricks, and resources to help your home or business with uninvited houses guests (in-laws not included). In today’s post at Dave’s Pest Control, we talk a little bit about us, the services we offer, and the various cities we operate out of. Be sure to check our blog regularly for new content regularly and contact our team at Dave’s Pest Control for your exterminator services.

    Exterminator Services We Offer

    Over the last few decades, we have picked up some invaluable experience working with countless pests. Some of our most common exterminator services include:

    Mosquito Control – No matter where you are in Florida, mosquitos always seem to be an uncontrollable nuisance. Luckily, our team at Dave’s Pest Control offers mosquito control services that not only keep mosquitos away but they are effective against mosquito larvae and approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). We use a mosquito control system called In2Care® that is consistently effective against mosquitos and safe for the environment. Check out our mosquito control page to learn more.

    Cockroach Control – Cockroaches aren’t only unsightly, they can also carry diseases and create much bigger problems for you and anyone else around them. We have extensive experience with cockroach control and can make sure we nip any infestations in the bud before they get out of control. Learn more about how our exterminators can handle cockroach problems on our cockroach control page.

    Palmetto Bugs – Palmetto Bugs are subspecies of the cockroach also known as the American Cockroach. They are especially common in the parts of Florida our exterminator services cover (Flagler and Volusia counties) and can very quickly get out of hand. If you see one, there are almost certainly many more you don’t see. Check out our Palmetto Bugs page to learn more.

    Lawn Spraying – One aspect of our exterminator services that can sometimes go overlooked is our lawn spraying services. This is a preventative pest-control service that includes a multitude of benefits for the greenery in your yard. Not only does it help protect against pests, but it also protects your plants and trees from disease, fungus, and other potential problems. Learn more on our lawn spraying page.

    Bed Bug Treatment – Bed bugs spread quickly, are elusive, and are nearly impossible to treat on your own. At Dave’s Pest Control, we understand how tricky bed bugs can be. That’s why we employ a variety of techniques and make sure to have several follow-up inspections so you can be confident that your bed bug treatment was effective. Get more information on our bed bug treatment page.

    Termite Treatment – As many people know, termites eat wood and can cause tremendous structural damage when left untreated. Termites need to be taken care of right away — and we’re just the exterminator to do it. We offer free termite inspections at Dave’s Pest Control, so there is no reason not to call if you suspect that you may have termites! Discover everything you need to know on our termite treatment page. 

    Wildlife Removal – Most people love their homes — they’re safe, warm, and provide protection from the outside world. Unfortunately, wildlife loves your home for the same reasons. Animals like squirrels, raccoons, skunks, moles, and other critters can make their way on or in your property. When they do, you can trust our exterminator services to safely and quickly remove them from your home. Learn more on our wildlife removal page. 

    Rodent Control – Mice and rats are clever creatures that can go unnoticed for quite some time. Many people will see the signs of rodents before ever actually seeing one. If you suspect that your home has mice or rats, you can trust Dave’s Pest Control’s rodent control services. We use methods like glue boards, catch-alls, bait boxes, and other means to remove these creatures from your home. Learn more on our rodent control services page.

    Bee Removal – When you notice bees or wasps nests around your property, it’s almost never a good idea to try to take care of it yourself. Don’t risk being stung or bitten, call our professionals at Dave’s Pest Control for safe and effective bee removal.

    Areas of Operation

    We operate across a large service area throughout southern and central Florida. The most common counties our exterminator services work out of include but are not limited to: 

    • Brevard
    • Broward
    • Flagler
    • Hillsborough
    • Lake
    • Miami-Dade
    • Orange
    • Osceola
    • Palm Beach
    • Polk
    • Seminole 
    • Volusia

    If you are unsure whether or not our exterminator services cover your area, don’t hesitate to contact us today!

    Call Dave’s Pest Control

    Thanks for checking out today’s blog post from Dave’s Pest Control! We hope that it has been an illuminating resource that you can continue to reference in the future. Feel free to reach out to our exterminator team anytime with questions about our service, more information, quote requests, or to start your exterminator services.

  • Types of Beetles that Eat Wood

    When most people think of wood destroying organisms (WDO’s), they think of termites, specifically subterranean and drywood termites. However, there are many other insects that destroy wood. A less common but potentially devastating invader are beetles.

    The pest control industry assigns beetles that eat structural wood into two categories: beetles that reinfest wood and beetles that do not reinfest wood. Beetles that do not reinfest wood are typically forest insects that begin their life cycle in old trees that were milled into wood for infrastructure or furniture.

    When they emerge from structural wood or furniture in someone’s home, they are usually not able to reinfest the wood. Homeowners and commercial property owners should be concerned about the types of beetles that reinfest wood since these are the beetles that can create structural damage to wood.

    Below are some types of beetles that eat wood

    Beetles that reinfest wood

    • Anobiid Powderpost Beetles
    • Lyctid Powderpost Beetles
    • Bostrichid Powderpost Beetles
    • Old House Borers Beetles

    Beetles that do not reinfest wood

    • Ambrosia Beetles
    • Bark Beetles
    • Round-headed borers
    • Flat-headed borers

    Types of Beetles that Eat Wood

    There are different types of beetles that feed on wood and cause structural damage, few of them have been explained below.

    Anobiid Powderpost Beetles
    Anobiid Powderpost Beetles, also known as woodworms or wood borers, are found in unheated spaces where moisture can be high, such as a crawl space or a garage or a barn. They feed on the sapwood and heartwood of softwood and hardwood. When these beetles infest wood, they can chew for decades. One of the easiest ways to distinguish this beetle is that its head is hidden from above. For a more technical approach, these beetles have frass that is tapered and feels gritty. As adults, they grow to be 1/8th to ¼ of an inch.

    Lyctid Powderpost Beetles
    Lyctid Powderpost Beetles are found in new construction wood, stored wood, and furniture. Lyctid beetles feed on sapwood of ring porous hardwoods, such as oak, hickory, ash, mahogany, and walnut. The frass feels like flour when rubbed between fingers. Like the Anobiid beetle, adults reach 1/8th to ¼ of an inch; however, unlike the Anobiid Powderpost Beetle, the Lyctid’s head is visible from above.

    Bostrichid Powerpost Beetles
    Bostrichid Powerpost Beetles seldom damage wood that is being used actively, and will not reinfest structural wood. Bostrichid’s feed on sapwood. A unique way to identify Bostrichids is that they have rough particles that stick out on the pronutum, which is near their head. While the head is hidden from view like the Anobiid, the Bostrichid has antennal segments that stick out, while the Anobiid antennal segments are kept in a compact club near the head. Depending on the different species, such as the Bamboo Borer or the Oriental Wood Borer, the beetle can range from 1/8th of inch to ½ an inch as an adult.

    Old House Borer Beetles
    The Old House Borer attacks the sapwood of pine and other softwoods. They can be found in new pine log homes as well as siding or porch flooring exposed to high humidity, water leaks, or rain. The frass of an Old House Borer is fine with dull ended pellets. Another way to identify the Old House Borer is that their larvae can be heard in the walls making a rhythmic ticking noise. The adults like to eat wood less than 10 years old, and are larger than the previously mentioned beetles, measuring in at 5/8th of an inch to one inch.

    Wharf Borer Beetles
    The Wharf Borer attacks very moist wood, focusing on softwood. Where timber contacts moist soil is when they can be a problematic to homes and commercial buildings. These fives types of beetles can be exterminated in multiple ways.

    Ways To Exterminate These Beetles

    If the problem is rampant throughout the structure, tenting (tent fumigation) might be the best option. If a technician determines the beetles are isolated to small furniture, a technician or homeowner can store the furniture in a freezer for 72 hours at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. This should eliminate the pest.

    A heat treatment can also work if done properly, but can lead to the beetle spreading to other areas. A licensed technician can perform different chemical treatments, which is highly effective and the preferred method of the technicians at Dave’s Pest Control.

    There are different types of chemicals that can be used to exterminate wood destroying beetles. Premise and Talstar are possible options; however, Boracare is this best method in our opinion, and was proven in a controlled experiment by the Department of Entomology at the University of Georgia.

    Call Dave’s Pest Control if you suspect you have beetles or any wood destroying organisms (WDO’s), like termites that need to be exterminated, in your home or in your property.