Monthly Archives: June 2024

Like honey bees and butterflies, wasps are pollinators that play an essential role in the environment. But they are also highly aggressive and territorial, stinging anyone who seems a threat to their nests. While a beekeeper should relocate a honey beehive on your property, wasp nests should be removed by qualified pest control specialists. DIY wasp nest removal can trigger swarms of angry wasps that may attack not just the person responsible but also any neighbors, children, and pets nearby.

The Many Dangers of Removing Wasp Nests Yourself

We get it. You don’t want to call for pest control services for every wasp or creepy crawly you see. And there’s no need to worry when you see a few wasps visiting your flowers. DIY efforts are great for preventing pests and dealing with nuisance critters, but wasp nests are dangerous. It may be tempting to grab a baseball bat and start swinging, but this is a terrible idea. Not only can it land you in the hospital or worse, but it’s also unlikely to be effective. Wasps will repair a partially destroyed nest and may rebuild on the same site.

Various DIY wasp nest removal techniques are dangerous for the following reasons:

• Wasps fiercely protect their nests and their young, repeatedly stinging any potential threat.
• Social wasps emit an alarm pheromone that calls in other wasps to join the attack.
• Unlike honey bees, wasps don’t die after stinging once. They sting over and over again in defense of their nest.
• An allergic reaction to wasp stings causes life-threatening anaphylaxis and trouble breathing.
• One or two stings can cause a person to develop an allergy to wasp stings.
• Too many wasp stings can be fatal, even without an allergy.
• People can slip and fall off the ladder they use to reach the nest when wasps fight back.

When contemplating the risks of DIY wasp nest removal, remember that surviving wasps are likely to rebuild in the same location. Mosquito Joe® professional wasp control services treat the nest site to keep displaced wasps from returning.

Reasons Why You Should Not Attempt DIY Wasp Nest Removal

Many DIY home maintenance tasks are fun and educational, with failure merely being disappointing, not dangerous. DIY wasp nest removal is an entirely different story. The risks to the person attempting removal and those nearby are too severe to take lightly. Consider the following reasons to leave wasp nests to the professionals:

DIY Wasp Nest Removal Can Be Dangerous

In addition to the dangers involved in removing wasp nests, homeowners lack the proper tools and protective equipment to do so safely. Further, they don’t know wasp behavior like the pros, making them more likely to get stung.

DIY Wasp Nest Removal Is Difficult

Wasps often nest in inaccessible areas, with only part of the nest visible. DIY wasp nest removal often leaves part of the nest intact, where wasps rebuild. Professional wasp removal services are guaranteed, but your own efforts are not.

DIY Wasp Nest Removal Might Cost You More Than You Bargained For

Making mistakes can be costly, causing stings and potential property damage. Wasp removal professionals are fully insured against injury or any property damage that might occur. Are you? And do you want the hassle? Further, a failed attempt to remove a nest can make follow-up removal services more difficult and potentially more costly.

DIY Wasp Nest Removal Can Be Harmful to the Environment

Amateur wasp nest removal attempts can threaten beneficial insects and local wildlife. The injudicious use of insecticides can impact birds and small mammals that prey on sprayed wasps and other affected insects. It can even poison the soil and water sources.

Is DIY Wasp Nest Removal Worth the Risk?

DIY wasp removal is one of those things that seems reasonable until you really think about it. That’s why you did your research to learn whether it was worth the risks. Now that you know how dangerous it can be for you, your family, neighbors, pets, and local wildlife, it’s best to call in the experts. Trust the pros at Mosquito Joe to eliminate the problem for you.

Why Hiring a Professional Is the Smart Choice for Wasp Nest Removal

Hiring professional wasp nest removal is a smart choice for many reasons beyond leaving the dangers to the experts:

• Accurate species identification: Professionals tailor their wasp removal strategies to the behaviors and biology of the specific insects they face.
• Professional-grade insecticides: Professional solutions are more effective at eliminating specific pests without undue damage to pollinators and the environment.
• Understanding nest structures: Wasps build elaborate structures that are often concealed or partially concealed within walls or underground. The pros know where to look and how to remove these hard-to-reach nests.
• Tools and protective clothing: Wasp control professionals have the training and experience to do the job right, as well as the appropriate tools and protective clothing.
• Integrated pest management: Professionals will advise on sealing entry points, removing attractants, and other strategies that prevent wasps from returning.
• Follow-up and guarantees: Professionals guarantee their work, providing follow-up service if needed to eliminate the issue.

Save yourself the time, stress, and dangers involved in wasp nest removal. Call on the stinging insects pros at Mosquito Joe.

Hire a Pro, and Let the Wasp Wars Be Someone Else’s Problem!

Mosquito Joe is your best answer to how to get rid of a wasp nest. Our service professionals will efficiently remove the problem. You can trust our services to be thorough because the Neighborly Done Right Promise™ and the Mosquito Joe Satisfaction Guarantee back everything we do. We take pride in our work and do the job right the first time.

Request a free quote today. We’ll take that wasp nest out of your way so you can enjoy your outdoor spaces again, sting-free!

Rats are clever, curious rodents who thrive on the outskirts of our homes and businesses. They make a better living off our scraps and trash than they can in truly wild lands. These canny critters are extraordinarily adept at survival, making getting rid of them challenging. Rather than using powerful poisons or cruel traps that can harm other forms of wildlife, the most effective way to get rid of rats in the yard is to stop giving them what they need. When you roll up the welcome mat, rats move on, looking for a cushy home elsewhere.

Signs You Have a Rat Problem in Your Yard

The most obvious sign you have rats is when you see one scuttling across your path or spot that long, naked tail whisking away through the foliage. (Ugh!) But there are other signs you may spot that indicate you have rats in the yard:

• Rat Droppings: Rat droppings look like small, dark, rice-like pellets, pointy at one end and rounded at the other. You’ll find droppings near food or the rats’ runways.
• Gnaw Marks: Rats’ teeth never stop growing, so they must gnaw constantly to keep them worn down. Gnaw marks on wooden fence posts, plant stakes, bags of soil, or organic plant food are common signs.
• Damage to Plants and Vegetables: Like many pests, rats feast on our plants, especially fruits and vegetables. Half-eaten veggies or plants indicate someone is busy in the yard.
• Burrows: Rats form burrows near walls or fences. A burrow has an opening about 2 to 4 inches wide, and all debris is cleared away from the hole.
• Funky Smell: A weird smell, like stale ammonia, can indicate a rodent problem.
• Footprints: Soft soils and mud may show tiny, thin footprints as rats go about their business. Rat tracks show four toes on the front feet and five on the back.

If you note any of these signs, it’s time to learn how to get rid of rats in the yard.

Why It’s Important to Get Rid of Rats in Your Yard

Some homeowners want an oasis free from anyone but family, while others are not just tolerant of wildlife — they cultivate it. The world is big enough for both views, but even wildlife lovers should not welcome rats as neighbors. Not only are the rodents utterly filthy, scattering their urine and feces everywhere they go (sorry!), but they also carry a wide range of diseases, bacteria, parasites, and germs that can make people and pets sick. Further, unlike most wildlife, rats are delighted to move right into your outbuildings or even your home, where they promptly cause significant property damage. Feed the birds and watch the deer if you like, but getting rid of rats in the yard is critical.

Understanding Why Rats Invade Your Yard

Rats are highly practical and come to your yard looking for just three things: food, water, and shelter. These essentials are typically easier to come by in our yards than “in the wild.”
While rats can climb trees in search of nests full of eggs or baby birds, rooting around in our garbage is far easier and more rewarding. Spilled birdseed and leftover pet food are also welcome meals. Leaky faucets, full catch trays, and water caught in tire swings or debris offer the water they need. Cultivated soil, long grass, and overgrown shrubs and flower beds provide plenty of shelter. Eliminating these attractants is the key to getting rid of rats in the yard.

How to Make Your Yard Unattractive to Rats

Leaky faucets and spilled birdseed act like the equivalent of a neon motel “vacancy” sign on the highway. The best way to get rid of rats in the yard starts with eliminating the amenities they come for. Take these steps for effective rodent control:

• Eliminate food sources in the yard.
  • Temporarily remove bird feeders.
  • Clean up all spilled birdseed, and tightly secure any stored seed.
  • Tightly seal all garbage cans and keep them clean.
  • Keep the composter tightly closed.
  • Harvest fruits, vegetables, and nuts promptly.
  • Don’t leave pet food outdoors.
• Eliminate leaks and standing water.
  • Fix leaky faucets and irrigation.
  • Empty plants’ catch trays and bird baths until the problem is resolved.
  • Eliminate clutter that can hold water after a rainfall.
  • Unclog and clean gutters and downspouts.
• Eliminate hiding and highways.
  • Mow the grass regularly.
  • Trim all shrubs, vines, and trees, keeping growth away from the walls and roofline.
  • Chop up fallen leaves, and do not mulch more than 3 inches deep.
  • Choose large bark chip mulch rather than finely shredded materials.

How to Trap Rats in Your Yard

We know you’d rather clean up the yard ten times than trap a single rat. The tips listed above will eventually succeed in getting rid of rats in your yard, but if you’ve got a bad infestation, you may be reluctant to wait.

When ridding your yard of rats is urgent, snap traps are highly effective. Set the trap along the rats’ runways and bait it with peanut butter. A nonlethal trap that catches multiple animals without hurting them is a tall, smooth-sided bucket with peanut butter and crackers in the bottom. Provide a ramp for the rodents to climb and use a purpose-built lid that drops the hungry rodent into the bucket. The smooth sides prevent the rats (mice or squirrels) from climbing back out. Then, drive at least a mile away to release the animals away from housing.

Considering Professional Rodent Extermination

If your rat problem is bigger than you can manage, consider rat exterminators. Mosquito Joe® offers effective methods for getting rid of rats in your yard, so you don’t have to face the problem alone. We’re mindful of the potential impact on the environment and other wildlife, so we avoid potent poisons and killing traps. Instead, we use humane lures to trap every rodent on your premises. We remove them from your property and leave a repellent in strategic locations to prevent local populations from moving in.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Mosquito Joe!

When knowing how to get rid of rats in the yard isn’t enough to get ahead of the problem, call on the pros at Mosquito Joe. We’ll make sure they scuttle away and leave your property in peace. Not sure what kind of pest you have in your yard? Our Mosquito Joe pros can tell the difference between rats or other rodents. The Neighborly Done Right Promise™ and Mosquito Joe Satisfaction Guarantee back all of our pest control services, ensuring your satisfaction.

If you’ve got something better to do than learn how to get rid of large rats outside, we’re ready to help! Request a free quote today.

Everyone loves the summer. One of the seasonal perks is that you can wear looser clothing and give your skin a break from being covered up all fall and winter. Unfortunately, the summer is also filled with pests—like mosquitoes—ready and waiting to make you their next meal. Seeing pesky insects outside your home during the summer can be upsetting because it takes away from your ability to relax by your pool, on your deck, or patio.

Since we’re committed to making the outdoors fun, we’re going to explain how to get rid of summer bugs in your house and share insight into how you can manage these summer pests so you can take back your outdoor spaces. We’ll get started with a quick review of the most annoying summer pests.

Mosquitoes: When it comes to summer pests, mosquitoes are the belle of the ball. These annoying pests buzz around our ears, jab us, then bodies, looking for the perfect place to bite. Once they get their stinger into you, it leaves an itchy bite that gets slightly raised the more you scratch it. Mosquitoes love areas with standing water because it allows them to lay their eggs comfortably.

Flies: There’s nothing quite as annoying as flies that crash your outdoor activities. Flies are pros at wreaking havoc at any backyard event. If the constant buzzing isn’t enough to drive you crazy, the thought that they can also transmit harmful diseases, will put you right over the edge. Keeping them at bay and away from food and drinks is a full-time job.

Fire Ants: While not quite as annoying or mobile as mosquitoes and flies, ants can be a huge summertime problem. Ants come in a variety of shapes and sizes. And while most are harmless (sans the fire ant), you still don’t want them around your home or backyard activities. Ants are masters at getting into seemingly impossible crevices within your home, which can cause structural damage.

Wasps: and Hornets: A painful sting makes wasps and hornets some of the most dangerous summer pests you can encounter outdoors.Their activity usually heightens during mid to late summer, when the weather in most areas is warmer. If you encounter a hive in your yard, it’s best to seek professional help, as they can quickly become aggravated and aggressive.

Ticks: Ticks are stealthy pests that lurk in the shadows, literally. They are much more subtle in their approach to humans and pets. Rather than flying around (which they can’t do), they wait for just the right time to latch on to a host for a free meal. Unfortunately, ticks are not just a summertime problem anymore. Depending on where you live, ticks can be present all year long. In some cases, these blood sucking parasites can leave with more than just a red welt. Some ticks can transmit bloodborne diseases that cause serious illness.

Fleas: While most people think fleas are only found on our furry friends, the truth is, fleas can infest carpeting and furnishings too. And like the other pests we mentioned, they can also carry diseases that cause illnesses in humans and pets. Fleas also have the ability to lay large numbers of eggs, which enables them to multiply rapidly.

Termites: While ants and fleas are no picnic, termites are a whole different level of pests —ones you definitely don’t want in or around your home. While many termites feed off of wood, some have evolved to consume concrete. So whether you live in a wood or CBS construction home, an infestation could mean trouble for your property. If you think you have termites, get professional help immediately.

As you can tell, there is no shortage of annoying pests to contend with during the summer months. But what’s the best way to manage these summer pests?

How Can You Manage the Most Common Summer Pests?

How to keep bugs out of the house in summer starts with a proactive approach. The important thing to note here is don’t wait until you have a pests problem to act, take the necessary steps now. When it comes to pests, taking preventive measures now can help you avoid bigger headaches later. Here are some of the things you can do to ensure your home remains free of insects, such as:

Seal up Any Holes or Gaps

If there are any gaps or holes around your home, you can be sure insects will find them and invite themselves in. Failing to seal these entryways is like laying out the welcome mat for pests. Eventually, they will make themselves comfortable in your home. Inspect your home for potential areas where insects may enter and use suitable material to seal them. Our professional team of pest inspection pros can help here too.

Close Doors and Windows When Not in Use

Sometimes, during warmer weather, we may keep our doors and windows open to increase ventilation. However, this is another open invitation for insects of summer to come in and find a cozy spot. If you want to keep your doors and windows open, install screens that effectively keep pests out.

Keep Your Home Clean

Once pests enter your home, they begin looking for food and shelter. An uncovered trash can or food left on a counter is like ringing the dinner bell for insects. Flies, in particular, love food crumbs and will buzz around your house, looking for every scrap they can find. To combat this, immediately clean up crumbs and don’t leave garbage cans uncovered.. If things have already gotten out of hand, call in the local pros for help.

Keep Your Yard Groomed

When you don’t keep your yard groomed, it’s an open invitation for insects of summer to come and hang out. As mentioned, mosquitoes love standing water because it’s the ideal place for them to lay their eggs. And overgrown grass is where ticks love to hide. Inspect your yard periodically for signs of insect infestation, eliminate any areas with standing water, keep your lawn at a manageable height (about 3 to 5 inches).

Conduct Tick Checks

Ticks are masters of disguise, which is why they often go undetected. What looks like a speck of dirt could be a tick. Since you can’t feel a tick bite, always check yourself, children, and pets for ticks after being outside for an extended period. If possible, perform a tick check before anyone enters the house. And be sure to follow these 7 Tips for Preventing Ticks In Your Yard. If you do find a tick on you, a family member or pet, follow these instructions on What to Do If a Tick Head Is Stuck in Your Skin.

Inspect Wood Structures

As mentioned, termites love eating wood, it’s also a great hiding place for many other insects, so inspect any wooden structures for signs of insects. Look for signs of deterioration, peeling paint, holes, or other damage to the wood. If you store firewood, always inspect it before bringing it into your home.

Protect Your Home From Summer Pests With Mosquito Joe®

Warm weather and the outdoors go together like peanut butter and jelly. However, managing the insects of summer can be a challenging task for any family, especially when you’re not equipped to deal with them. Taking a proactive approach to pest control is a great first step towards keeping them away from your outdoor activities.

If you need additional help, Mosquito Joe offers an extensive range of pests control services, including perimeter pest control, to help keep summer pests away. And as part of the Neighborly family of home service brands, all our work is backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise™, which guarantees your satisfaction. So, don’t let summer pests ruin your summertime, request a free quote today!

Bzzzz — Ow! That is the soundtrack to living with insects that sting. But stinging insects are just defending their nests, albeit vigorously. They attack anyone threatening their nests, sometimes singly and sometimes in groups. Some sting once and then die, while others are equipped to sting over and over again.

Still, flying insects that sting are far easier to avoid than the bugs that bite. We’re just a nuisance to them. Mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks are looking for a blood meal, and we’re on the menu.

Flying Insects That Sting: Bees, Wasps, and Hornets

Bees, wasps, and hornets are the most common insects that sting.

Bees

In the wide world of bees, only the beloved honey bee stings once and dies. Its stingers are barbed, embedding in the skin when it stings. When it flies away, the stinger, venom sac, and related tissues are torn from the bee, which then dies. Other bees, like the bumble bee, have smooth stingers they can use repeatedly. Bees are naturally shy, typically stinging only when their nest is threatened or the bee is stepped on. You can identify a honey bee sting by the stinger left in the wound.

Wasps

Another insect that stings is the wasp. Like bees, wasps are often striped with yellow and black, but unlike fuzzy little bees, their bodies and stingers are smooth. They typically nest in sheltered spaces like trees, under roofs, or underground and will repeatedly sting, defending their nests in swarms if they feel threatened. Wasps also use their stingers to immobilize other insects they prey on, like caterpillars, beetle larvae, and flies.

Hornets

Hornets are among the largest, most aggressive flying insects that sting. They are a larger type of wasp that build big, rounded nests of paper pulp by chewing wood and mixing it with their saliva. They nest in tall trees, under roods, and in eves, aggressively defending their young in large, angry swarms. Like wasps, hornets can repeatedly sting to catch large insects like grasshoppers, beetles, and other wasps and bees for food.

Other Bugs That Sting to Watch Out For

There are some pretty creepy insects out there, like the Tarantula Hawk wasps, which pack a powerful punch when they sting people. Some, like the scorpion fly, certainly look like they could. But beyond bees, wasps, and hornets, the bugs that sting are ants.

Ants

Two types of true ants (not to be confused with “velvet ants” that are actually wasps) living in the United States employ painful stings to protect their nests and bring down prey. Fire ants are active throughout the southern states from Florida to California. Harvester ants thrive in the arid regions of the southwest, including Texas, Arizona, and California.

Signs of Infestation

Finding a few bees, wasps, hornets, or ants on your property is not a cause for concern. However, when you see many of the same insects, especially if they all seem to go to and from the same location, then you have a problem. You do not want any of these insects that sting nesting on your property.

A line of ants heading toward a food source almost certainly means they are taking the food back to a nest. Fire ants build nests from mounded soil, often in the lawn. Harvester ants build soil mound nests with a flattened top, surrounded by small pebbles and debris.

Wasps and hornets build large nests from papery wood pulp, often in trees or under the eves of your home.

Staying Safe: Prevention Tips

While most insect stings are merely painful, those who are allergic to them can suffer anaphylactic shock from getting stung. And those who are not allergic can become so after being stung several times. So, now that you know which insects sting, how can you protect yourself and your pets?

Clothing & Scents

Insects that sting are often attracted to bright colors and dark shades, so wear light white or beige clothing. Since loose clothing can envelop and trap an insect near your body, select fitted pieces. It’s best to wear long pants and sleeves where there are many stinging insects. Avoid sweet or floral scents, which can attract unwanted attention from insects, and be mindful that sweet foods can do the same. Consider using an insect repellent. Products containing DEET, picaridin, lemon oil, or eucalyptus oil can provide protection.

Nest Awareness

The best way to avoid being stung is to leave the nest alone. Keep pets and small children well away from insect nests. Some nests are built in the open, while others are well hidden. If you see insects repeatedly returning to the same spot, they are likely visiting a nest.

Removing a wasp nest or a large ant nest on your own is dicey. It’s best to call the pros to remove established nests to avoid getting hurt and to keep from harming other wildlife. Trust the experts at Mosquito Joe® to get rid of insects that sting and set up their homes on your property. We provide comprehensive pest control services tailored to your specific needs. The Neighborly Done Right Promise™ and our Mosquito Joe Satisfaction Guarantee back all our work, ensuring outstanding quality.

What to Do If You’re Stung

If you get stung by an insect, it is critical to remain calm and leave the area if there are other stinging insects around. Then, take the following first aid steps immediately.

Basic First Aid

First aid following an insect sting must be prompt to minimize the reaction:

1. Remove the stinger if it remains in the wound.
2. Clean the area with soap and water.
3. If stung on an extremity, elevate the leg or arm.
4. Apply ice or a cold pack for 10 to 20 minutes each hour to reduce swelling.
5. Apply hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion, or baking soda paste.
6. Watch for signs of an allergic reaction, including trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling of the lips, eyelids, or throat, rapid pulse, dizziness, or a severe rash.

Get emergency medical assistance if any of these symptoms occur.

If the person stung is known to be allergic to stings, immediately administer the epinephrine pen if they have one. Get to the emergency room even if the person seems to be improving. Anaphylaxis can recur or worsen.

Insects that sting are no joke. Even if you weren’t allergic as a little kid, you can develop an allergy to stings, and anaphylaxis is deadly. If you have a nest or infestation on your property, don’t hesitate to contact Mosquito Joe. Request a free quote today for a pest inspection on your property.