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.

How to identify Fleas

Posted on August 14, 2020

Identification Adult: body dark, laterally flattened, wingless; hind legs adapted for jumping; mouthparts adapted for piercing skin and sucking blood; row of large bristles often present on head and/or thorax (called genal and pronotal combs) Larva: pale legless worm-like body covered... more

Tagged with: fleas, How to identify Fleas

Pesticide Use Around Pets

Posted on August 13, 2020

People often use pesticides in their homes or yards to control a variety of pests such as insects, weeds and rodents. Pet owners may also apply pesticide products directly to their pets to control ticks and/or fleas. Although these pesticides can be beneficial, they have the potential to hurt... more

Tagged with: Pesticide spraying at home, Pesticide Use Around Pets

7 Quick Ways to Prevent Mosquito Bites

Posted on August 11, 2020

Dump out any standing Water Keep mosquitos outside Use mosquito repellent Wear light-colored clothing, especially outdoors Stay indoors during dusk and dawn Make yourself less appealing Try a natural repellant By: Medical... more

Tagged with: Prevent Mosquito Bites

Hornets and Yellow Jackets — What’s the Buzz

Posted on August 10, 2020

Hornet The most common hornet species is the bald-faced hornet (D. maculata), which is stout-bodied and marked with dark and white striping. Stings from hornets usually occur when nests are disturbed. Yellow Jacket Yellow jackets (Vespula spp.) are banded yellow or orange and black and... more

Tagged with: bees, hornet, Yellow Jackets

Ants — When is the best time to start managing for pest ants?

Posted on August 7, 2020

Ants crawling inside of home on the floor

For most ants, foraging activity usually declines in late fall when temperatures cool, and picks back up again in early spring as days get warmer. Timing your management strategies to coincide with these seasonal changes in activity can improve management success, particularly into the summer... more

Tagged with: Ants, pest ants

Fleas can be tough to spot

Posted on August 6, 2020

Despite their busy jumping schedules, fleas can be tough to spot – they measure in at 1/16 to 1/8-inches long. And that’s just the adult, well-fed (not to say chonky) fleas we’re talking about, not young specimens. But just because you don’t always see them, it doesn’t mean they are... more

Tagged with: dog and cat fleas, fleas

Carpenter Ants Like to Chew

Posted on August 4, 2020

Carpenter ants get their name from the fact that they chew through wood to make nests. However, they do not eat wood like termites. They eat sweet foods, pet food, and other insects. Carpenter ants are commonly found in wooded areas, nesting in trees, logs, and stumps. Carpenter ants may also be... more

Tagged with: carpenter ants, chewing ants

Why is it often necessary to make multiple applications to eliminate a cat flea infestation?

Posted on August 3, 2020

The need for multiple applications has a lot to do with the flea’s biology and behavior. Fleas undergo complete metamorphosis, meaning they have four life stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult. During both the egg and the pupal stage, fleas are protected from hazardous environmental conditions by... more

Tagged with: flea infestation, fleas

Know the enemy—We’ve got intel on what makes fleas and ticks tick

Posted on July 31, 2020

They think of your dog as their summer home and they plan to take up residence for generations unless you evict them. And it’s not just that these parasites are pesky and nasty. There is also a risk of your pet contracting various diseases and developing certain health issues because of the... more

Tagged with: fleas, ticks

Insect Repellents and Children

Posted on July 30, 2020

Choosing an Insect Repellent for Your Child Mosquitoes, biting flies, and tick bites can make children miserable. While most children have only mild reactions to insect bites, some children can become very sick. One way to protect your child from biting insects is to use insect... more

Tagged with: fleas, Insect Repellents and Children, ticks