Category Archives: General Pest

Have you ever heard of a seed tick? You may think it’s a type of tick, but it actually refers to the larval stage in the tick’s lifecycle when it’s as small as a poppy seed. Even though a seed tick isn’t a full-grown tick, it can cause more damage than you might think!

Since they’re so tiny, it’s not uncommon for people or pets to pick up a seed tick or two without even noticing it. Unfortunately, this makes seed tick bites very common. Their bites can lead to health risks and other issues. If you notice them on your or your pet’s body, take action quickly.

What Is a Seed Tick?

There are four phases to a tick’s life cycle, including egg, larva, nymph, and adult. Although ticks spend most of their lives in the nymph stage, the larval stage is still significant.

Since they rely on blood to develop into nymphs, they need to find humans or animals to latch on to and may transfer diseases or cause infections with their bites.

Habitat and Behavior of Seed Ticks

Much like full-grown adult ticks, seed ticks prefer moist environments where they will have the right amount of humidity and shade to survive. You can often find them in tall grasses and wooded areas, as well as along paths used by animals and pets. Since they are so small, they can’t travel far, so being where the animals are makes finding a host easy.

Since ticks can only crawl or climb, they’ll partake in something called “questing.” As a host comes by, they climb to the tips of grass or leaves and extend their legs to attach to the passerby. Despite their size, they still need a decent amount of blood to grow!

Since seed ticks have just hatched from eggs, they are most commonly found in clusters. This is why it’s not uncommon to find multiple bites in one spot.

Although many of their behaviors are similar to those of adult ticks, seed ticks differ in that they do not stay attached to their host after biting. Once they are done feeding, they will drop off and move to a different location to rest until they develop into a nymph.

Identifying Seed Tick Bites

Since you probably won’t spot the actual tick on your skin, it’s even more important to know what a tick bite looks like. Since they are so small, their bite will often simply look like a small red bump, similar to a small mole or freckle.

Health Risks Associated with Seed Ticks

Like any other insect bite, seed tick bites can carry health risks. The tiny biters can spread big diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease, babesiosis, tularemia, and bacterial infections.

Concerning symptoms include fever, chills, muscle pain, headaches, nausea, sweats, or fatigue. Keep your eyes peeled for skin rashes, too. Small red or purple spots, also known as petechiae, could be a sign of Rocky Mountain spotted fever. An expanding bullseye rash is typically a sign of Lyme disease or STARI, a disease contracted from the Lone Star tick. These symptoms can pop up from two to 14 days after you’ve been bitten, so keep a close eye on your bite site and seek medical attention if needed!

Humans aren’t the only ones who can contract these common tick diseases. Dogs and other animals are at risk, too! If you find a seed tick on your pet, monitor them for symptoms, such as a loss of appetite, lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, or swollen lymph nodes. If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian immediately.

How to Get Rid of Seed Ticks

Make your property less appealing to them by keeping your lawn well-maintained. Remove excess leaves, brush, weeds, and overgrown grasses. The less overgrown, shaded places for ticks to live, the better!

You can also prevent ticks from moving into your yard by creating a barrier between your lawn and any wooded areas. Since seed ticks can’t jump, they can only crawl into your yard. Installing a barrier composed of materials they can’t live on or in, like wood chips or gravel, will eliminate the chances of them moving into your space.

In addition to creating an unwelcome space for seed ticks, your property should also be unwelcome for the wildlife that carry them, like deer and rodents. When you install a fence or remove their food sources, these critters will find somewhere else to go—and take their seed ticks with them!

As you prepare for tick season in your yard, don’t forget that barrier sprays, eco-friendly treatments, and other tick control services can help stop the problem before it starts. The best part about being proactive about seed ticks is that when you remove them, you also wipe out large nests of baby ticks, making your fight against adult ticks even easier!

Protecting Yourself and Your Pets from Seed Ticks

No one wants to spend all summer worrying about avoiding seed ticks. Instead of stressing yourself out or trying treatments that don’t work, call your local Mosquito Joe®! Our local pest professionals know exactly how to spot an infestation and get rid of it quickly.

Plus, our work is backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise™️ and the Mosquito Joe Satisfaction Guarantee, which means we’ll do the job right! Our pride in our work and dedication to our customers have made us our neighbor’s go-to tick control specialist.

Are you ready to enjoy your outdoor space without unwanted seed ticks? Request a free quote today!

This article is intended for general guidance only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property and your situation. Mosquito Joe is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of any advice or guidance derived from blog content. For the most accurate guidance, contact your local Mosquito Joe for more information and a professional on-site assessment.

FAQs About Seed Ticks

Since 2010, Mosquito Joe professionals have protected families like yours from nasty biters that would have you itching and scratching your way through summer. As an industry leader dedicated to environmentally sound pest control, we’re happy to use our many years of experience to answer your most frequently asked questions about seed ticks.

Can seed ticks burrow under the skin?

Fortunately, no, seed ticks can’t burrow completely under your skin. Its body stays on the outside of your skin to fill up with blood. Ticks are only able to penetrate the skin using their calcified, spear-like mouthparts.

Can seed ticks live in your bed?

No, ticks prefer warm outside spaces, not your mattress. They would rather attach themselves to a host than to your bed!

Can you squish a seed tick?

You shouldn’t squish a seed tick. Even though they are very small, they may still carry infection-causing organisms.

This article is intended for general guidance only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property and your situation. Mosquito Joe is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of any advice or guidance derived from blog content. For the most accurate guidance, contact your local Mosquito Joe for more information and a professional on-site assessment.

It’s a common belief that mosquitoes are attracted to light. That’s why many mosquito-repellent products like outdoor bug zappers use special light bulbs marketed as deterrents. It’s also why many people will turn the lights off outdoors to avoid mosquito bites. But are mosquitoes really attracted to light? If not, what are mosquitoes attracted to? Learn more about mosquito behavior to help keep them away from your living space.

Are Mosquitoes Attracted to Light?

No, mosquitoes are not attracted to the light like other types of bugs. Mosquitoes usually demonstrate negative phototaxis, which means they tend to avoid light. They may use light to navigate their surroundings, but mosquitoes are attracted to other elements. In fact, mosquitoes are often more active from dusk to dawn and when the air is calm.

What Attracts Mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes are mainly attracted to elements that signal food. Since blood is their primary food source and way of living, they will look for signs that people or animals are close. Mosquitoes will utilize a variety of receptors, including carbon dioxide, odorant, ionotropic, and gustatory receptors, to detect carbon dioxide and certain smells. Mosquitoes’ reliance on chemical and thermal cues to find humans and animals explains why light is not a significant attractant, setting them apart from light-oriented bugs like moths and beetles.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

The carbon dioxide we exhale is one of the main things that attracts mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are extremely sensitive and attracted to carbon dioxide naturally released by humans and animals when we breathe. They can find possible hosts by using their ability to sense carbon dioxide up to 50 yards away. It’s even more appealing when CO2 levels are higher, such as during physical activity or in a crowd.

Scent and Body Odors

Mosquitoes are drawn to certain body scents that indicate blood is near, including the substances in perspiration, skin germs, and natural oils. Certain people may be more appealing to mosquitoes than others due to the lactic acid, ammonia, and other substances that the skin produces. This can also happen for those who eat bananas, avocados, and other potassium-rich foods that promote lactic acid production.

Body Heat

Additionally, the heat from our bodies attracts mosquitoes. Body heat helps them focus on carbon dioxide after they’ve located it. That’s why people who just worked out or who are on the warmer side tend to draw more mosquitoes. Mosquitoes have cooling and heating cells that allow them to identify these temperature differences.

Are Mosquito Lights Effective?

While mosquito lights and bug zappers may kill some mosquitoes, they are not an effective solution for fully controlling mosquito populations. These devices tend to draw in other potentially beneficial insects and leave mosquitoes buzzing around your home. To truly get rid of them, it’s essential to focus on prevention strategies like eliminating breeding sites and using targeted methods like professional mosquito spraying.

How to Reduce Mosquito Attraction

To reduce mosquito attraction around your home, eliminate standing water, which is where they thrive. This can include draining flower pots, changing bird baths, addressing clogged gutters, and refreshing your pet’s water. Wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothing during peak hours at dawn and dusk, and apply repellents when spending time outdoors. Plant marigolds, citronella, and lavender, and keep your yard tidy by removing debris and mowing the grass regularly. To help keep mosquitoes out of your home, install tight-fitting screens on windows and doors.

Get Rid of Pesky Mosquitos with Maintenance and Effective Pest Control

In addition to basic ways of deterring mosquitoes, many homeowners benefit from seeking professional mosquito control services. Our Mosquito Joe® pest control services will effectively identify and target these pests so you can enjoy the outdoors again. We offer traditional mosquito barrier sprays that will address hot spots in your yard and prevent those biters from coming back. We also have eco-friendly options that utilize essential oils for effective prevention. You can also consider our mosquito traps and automated misting systems.

We offer free inspections and free estimates to help you understand potential mosquito control solutions. Our work is backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise™ and our own guarantee to ensure you’re happy.

Contact us today to request a free quote and explore your options for a bite-free property from a locally owned and operated company you can trust!

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. Mosquito Joe is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact your local Mosquito Joe location for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.

Eek! Is that rat poop? Learning how to properly identify rodent droppings is one of the easiest ways to stop an infestation in its tracks.

Early detection is key to preventing potential health risks, minimizing property damage, and stopping the spread of rodent-borne diseases. Let’s talk more about how to identify rat droppings and what to do if you happen to find some little presents from an unwanted furry visitor.

Characteristics of Rat Droppings

Rat excrement is never something you want to stumble upon, but as a homeowner, you should know how to identify it quickly. Ignoring signs of a rat infestation could lead to more severe problems in the near future.

So, what do rat droppings look like? Rat poop is generally about half an inch long, brown, and cylindrical in shape. When it is fresh, it will appear shiny and then turn gray as it ages.

Rat Poop vs Poop from Other Pests

While investing in rodent control services is a good idea for most homeowners, rats aren’t the only pests that could invade your home. Being able to tell the difference between rat poop and other pests’ droppings will help you develop a plan to rid your home of these unwanted creatures more quickly.

Generally, rat poop is the biggest type of pest droppings. Mouse poop is much smaller, only about an ⅛ to a ¼ inches long, with pointed ends. You’ll typically find groups of droppings instead of just one or two.

Squirrel droppings are similar to rat excrement. While they are about the same size, they are lighter in color and have more rounded edges. Many homeowners say that squirrel droppings look similar to olive pits.

Cockroaches are another common household pest. Their droppings are significantly smaller, often resembling ground coffee or black pepper. Bigger cockroaches will produce larger pieces of excrement, but they’re still not as big as a rat’s.

Where You’ll Find Rat Droppings

If you spot a dropping or two, check for more! Start in places where rats could nest privately. Pay special attention to hidden areas such as your attic, garage, shed, or basement. Rats also enjoy the safety of crawl spaces and other wall cavities.

Another place to check is near food sources. Examine cluttered pantries, spaces behind appliances, and areas near trash cans. These are often dream homes for rats!

Health Risks of Rat Droppings

A rate infestation isn’t just unsanitary. It can also be hazardous to your health.

Diseases such as hantavirus, leptospirosis, salmonellosis, and lymphocytic choriomeningitis can be transferred to humans and pets through rat poop. These diseases can lead to things like kidney or liver damage, neurological issues, or fatal pulmonary issues.

Preventing these dangers by removing rat droppings from your living space is extremely important. If you find rat droppings in your home, look into rat extermination services to make sure you get rid of them completely before they become a bigger problem.

How to Safely Clean Rat Droppings

Once you’ve spotted rat droppings, it’s important to clean up your space. Immediately open the closest windows to provide ventilation. Avoid sweeping or vacuuming up the droppings, as these actions could introduce dangerous particles into the air.

Wear protective gear, like rubber gloves or an N95 mask, and spray the droppings and the area around them with disinfectant or a bleach and water solution. Allow the disinfectant or solution to soak the droppings for a few minutes to kill any bacteria and pathogens.

Using a paper towel, remove the droppings and place them in a sealed plastic bag. Put that bag into another bag to discourage contamination.

Once you’ve removed the rat poop, clean the area with disinfectant again. After this process, wash your hands, and come up with a plan to get rid of the rats in your home.

Keep Your Home Safe by Spotting Rat Droppings Early

Did you spot short, round, black rat droppings in your home? There’s no need to get wrapped up in the nitty-gritty of rat-dropping identification.

Mosquito Joe® services can get to the root of the problem quickly. All of our work is backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise™ and the Mosquito Joe Satisfaction Guarantee, which means you can rest assured that we’ll get the job done right!

The next time you spot some rat poop, don’t worry! Mosquito Joe has your back. Request a free estimate today to learn more about how our rodent control services can protect your home from all sorts of pests!

This article is intended for general guidance only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property and your situation. Mosquito Joe is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of any advice or guidance derived from blog content. For the most accurate guidance, contact your local Mosquito Joe location for more information and a professional on-site assessment.

We know that fleas can be dangerous for pets, but are fleas harmful to humans, too? As it turns out, fleas aren’t just a menace that causes health issues for your furry friends. They also carry several illnesses that can affect humans.

Let’s learn more about what fleas do to humans, where they come from, and how to prevent them from taking over your home.

Can Fleas Make Humans Sick?

Why are fleas bad for humans? Fleas are known to carry and transmit several diseases. Their bites also commonly cause itching, scratching, and skin irritations. Intense scratching can break open the skin, introducing bacteria and leading to secondary infections.

Another serious danger of flea bites is allergic reactions. If a person is allergic to fleas, their itchy bite can turn into serious swelling, redness, and discomfort at the bite site.

If you start to experience extensive swelling, redness, or persistent itching, consult a medical professional. You could be having an allergic reaction that needs attention.

Even if you don’t experience an allergic reaction, monitor yourself for symptoms such as a fever, headache, fatigue, body aches, or swollen lymph nodes after a flea bite. All of these symptoms could be a sign of a more serious problem that requires medical attention.

Diseases Transmitted by Fleas

One of the most serious effects of fleas on humans is the transmission of dangerous diseases. Flea-borne illnesses like typhus and murine typhus have symptoms including fever, headaches, and rashes. If left untreated, they can turn into more severe illnesses.

Although rare, fleas can also transmit the plague. Symptoms include a sudden fever, chills, headaches, fatigue, muscle aches, and swollen and painful lymph nodes. In some severe cases, the plague could cause necrosis, where the skin turns black and dies.

How Fleas Spread to Humans

Most of the time, our pets bring them into the home. Once inside, they infest bedding, carpets, and furniture, where they can hide until they get the chance to bite.

However, they don’t always fall off their host and find a new spot. Sometimes, they remain on your furry friend. Since fleas can jump, it’s not hard for them to move from animal to human as you bend down to play with your dog or cat.

Wild outdoor animals, like rodents and birds, are also good hosts to hungry fleas. If you spend a lot of time outdoors with a high wildlife population, you could also pick up a flea or two that way.

In very rare cases, fleas can jump from human to human. This can happen in particularly overcrowded or unsanitary conditions. If you find yourself in a rare situation like this, be sure to check yourself for fleas before getting comfortable in your own home again.

Protecting Yourself from Flea-Borne Diseases

Since fleas have a quick life cycle and procreate quickly, a small problem can quickly become a big infestation. Females can lay between 40 to 50 eggs daily, leading to hundreds in their lifetime. They start quickly, too, often within 24-36 hours of their first meal.

If you spot a flea, notice your pet acting strangely, or feel a bite, invest in high-quality flea control services to get them taken care of quickly. If you give them too much time, it can turn into a full-blown infestation!

One of the best ways to protect yourself from flea-borne diseases is to prevent them from taking over your home in the first place. Invest in preventative measures, such as flea repellents and flea medications for your pets. Professional, proactive pet control solutions can also help keep your home pest and itch-free!

Professional Flea Control

If you don’t feel up to taking on a flea fight by yourself, reach out to your local pest control specials. Mosquito Joe® services will protect your home with high-quality pest control solutions. Our experts know exactly how to combat fleas so you can get back to enjoying your home!

Persistent fleas are no match for us! We’re so sure that you’ll be satisfied with our services that we back them with the Neighborly Done Right Promise™️ and the Mosquito Joe Satisfaction Guarantee.

Request a free estimate today to learn how we can help you stay itch-free!

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. Mosquito Joe is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact your local Mosquito Joe location for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.

So, you’ve called the professionals in. Now what? How do you prepare for a pest control visit?
Preparing your home before an exterminator visit ensures that the treatment you receive is targeted and thorough. By following a few simple steps, you can help the overall process be successful.

Why Preparation is Key for Effective an Exterminator Visit

The biggest problem exterminators face during in-home visits is limited access to spaces such as backyards, basements, crawl spaces, and attics. If locks, clutter, or personal items can block entry to these spots where pests nest, it makes it difficult to prepare a comprehensive treatment plan.

Effective pest control requires reaching every potential hiding place, so thorough preparation is essential for proper application. Without access to these areas, treatments may leave untouched spaces for pests to hide.

Additionally, not preparing your home for professional extermination services can result in unnecessary exposure to pest control products for families and pets. Not only will this inhibit the effectiveness of your treatment, but it could also present unwanted health risks.

The Do’s and Don’ts Before an Exterminator Visit

Preparing for pest control visits is an important part of the process. Follow these essential do’s and don’ts for your upcoming pest control treatment.

Before your pest control expert arrives, you should always:

• Move furniture and personal items that clutter the treatment space.
• Clean the area to remove any food crumbs or debris.
• Store all food items in airtight containers or remove them entirely.
• Cover or remove all of your pets’ bedding, food, and water bowls.
• Put pets and small children in another area of the home.

Be sure to avoid doing these actions in the days leading up to your exterminator visit:

• Don’t apply DIY treatments or products. They could interfere with your professional’s product of choice.
• Don’t skip follow-up instructions — it’s an important part of the process!
• Don’t disregard health-related precautions — they are there for a reason!

How to Communicate Effectively with Your Exterminator

Once your professional is on-site, open communication is key, as it helps achieve the best possible outcome for your home. Make sure to share any relevant information, including allergies or sensitivities to certain chemicals, pest sightings, or other related concerns. You should also discuss any previous DIY or professional treatments. This will help your new service professional understand what types of chemicals have been used before.

Before they leave, ask questions to better understand their methods and what you can expect during and after the treatment is applied.

What to Expect During and After the Exterminator Visit

If it’s the professional’s first time on your property, they will start with a thorough pest inspection of your home to identify the type and extent of any pest issues.

Based on what they saw during the inspection, they will discuss a treatment plan and go over traditional or eco-friendly pest control options. Once you’ve agreed, they apply the treatment products strategically for the best possible results.

One of the most common questions about exterminator visits is, “Do you have to tip an exterminator?” The answer is no, and your exterminator will give several tips on how to improve the effectiveness of your treatment.

Before they leave, they will discuss health precautions and what you should do to maximize the impact of your treatment. This is another opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

After they leave, continue to monitor for pest activity and report any concerns to your pest control specialist.

Make the Most of Your Exterminator Visits

Now that you know what to do before pest control comes, it’s time to schedule your appointment! Mosquito Joe® services can control your property of creepy crawlers, furry rodents, and everything in between!

Our services are all backed by Neighborly Done Right Promise™️ and the Mosquito Joe Satisfaction Guarantee, so you can rest assured that you’ve made the right choice. Stop fighting off outdoor pests yourself.

Request a free estimate from the professionals today!

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. Mosquito Joe is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact your local Mosquito Joe location for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.