Blog - A1 Exterminators

Pest Control Blog About Bugs and Rodents

Welcome to A1 Exterminators’ Uninvited Guests blog!

Here we talk about anything and everything bug related. Big and small, from ticks and bed bugs to roaches and termites; from bugs and insects to mice, rats, squirrels and rodents. Follow us to keep track of the new pests you should be worried about in your area. Get the latest news on pests, tips on how you can keep pests away from your home and business, and some other fun and interesting tidbits about bugs.

Prevent Carpenter Ants from Coming into your Home

Posted on July 2, 2021

Firewood, stumps, trees. Carpenter ant activity in a tree is often a secondary issue and can be a sign that the tree has wood rot. Untreated landscape timbers, decks, porch steps, and pillars Structural modification Discourage ants by replacing moist or rotting wood with pressure... more

Check your clothing for ticks

Posted on July 1, 2021

Ticks may be carried into the house on clothing. Any ticks that are found should be removed. Tumble dry clothes in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks on dry clothing after you come indoors. If the clothes are damp, additional time may be needed. If the clothes require washing first,... more

What do wasps feed on?

Posted on June 29, 2021

Wasps satisfy their nutritional need for protein by preying on other insects. They feed on a variety of garden pests. The diet of a paper wasp, for instance, includes corn earworms, armyworms, tobacco hornworms, etc., while yellowjackets and bald-faced hornets feed on house flies, blow flies, and... more

Tagged with: wasp, Yellow Jackets

Common carpenter ant nesting sites

Posted on June 28, 2021

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In or outside the home Damp areas where rainwater comes in or where plumbing leaks or seepage occur: Window and door sills Behind downspouts In walls where gutters overflow Under shingles Below a leak in a roof valley Under dishwashers and washing machines Under shower or... more

Tagged with: Ants, Common carpenter ant nesting sites

What should I know about Bedbug habitat and feeding habits?

Posted on June 25, 2021

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They generally live in small groups as opposed to nests or hives. The bugs lay eggs, and the eggs hatch into incredibly small nymphs, only about 1/16th of an inch long. The nymphs go through molten stages and grow into adult size in about 5 weeks. They reproduce quickly. The females of the... more

Tagged with: Bedbug habitat and feeding habits, bedbugs

Tick Precautions before You Go Outdoors

Posted on June 24, 2021

Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin. Permethrin can be used to treat boots, clothing and camping gear and remain protective through several washings. Alternatively, you can buy permethrin-treated clothing and gear. Use Environmental Protection Agency... more

Tagged with: Tick Precautions before You Go Outdoors, ticks

Where are mosquitoes found?

Posted on June 22, 2021

Mosquitoes are found throughout the U.S. although some species are more common in certain regions. One of these, the Asian tiger mosquito, is found primarily in the South although it has moved into the northeast over the past few years. Asian tiger mosquitoes are unique in that they feed during the... more

Tagged with: mosquitoes, Where are mosquitoes found?

Know where to expect ticks

Posted on June 21, 2021

Ticks live in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas, or even on animals. Spending time outside walking your dog, camping, gardening, or hunting could bring you in close contact with ticks. Many people get ticks in their own yard or neighborhood. By:... more

Tagged with: Know where to expect ticks, ticks

Carpenter Ant Food sources

Posted on June 18, 2021

Carpenter ants eat almost anything people eat and are especially fond of sweets, fats, and proteins. Other insects, dead or alive, are a major part of their diet. Unlike termites, carpenter ants do not actually consume the wood of trees, stumps, or structures but they do use it for... more

Tagged with: Ants, carpenter ants

Are mosquitoes more attracted to some people over others?

Posted on June 17, 2021

Yes. Studies have shown that certain factors have an effect on how attractive a person is to mosquitoes. Some of these, such as wearing dark colored clothing or perfume, can easily be avoided. Other factors like blood type, body temperature and the presence of naturally occurring bacteria on skin... more

Tagged with: mosquitoes