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.

Tuck in your shirt tail when adult ticks are active

Posted on July 10, 2020

Adult ticks typically latch on about knee level, while nymphs commonly latch on at shoe level. But ALL ticks tend to crawl upward; so while nymphs crawl upward under pant cuffs, adult ticks will crawl up the outside of pants, then readily continue to crawl upward under an untucked shirt. It... more

An Introduction to Ants

Posted on July 9, 2020

Ant facts Ants belong to the insect order Hymenoptera and are close relatives of bees and wasps. More than 12,000 species occur throughout the world. Ants are common pests in homes, restaurants, hospitals, and warehouses. Ants enter buildings seeking shelter, food, and water. ... more

Tagged with: ant facts, Ants

First Aid For Stings

Posted on July 7, 2020

The health impacts from insect stings vary widely. Most people experience pain, itching, redness, and localized swelling, which can be reduced with over-the-counter antihistamines and an ice pack. Cleansing the affected area with soap and water can also help prevent infection. Conversely—... more

Tagged with: bee sting, bees

Life-cycle of Ixodes scapularis (a.k.a. blacklegged or deer tick)

Posted on July 6, 2020

Life-cycle of Ixodes scapularis(a.k.a. blacklegged or deer tick) in the northeast/mid-Atlantic/upper mid-western United States. Larval deer ticks are active in August and September but these ticks are pathogen-free. Ticks become infected with pathogens when larvae (or nymphs) take a blood meal... more

Tagged with: tick life-cycle, ticks

Happy Independence Day from A1

Posted on July 4, 2020

You're Not The Only One Celebrating! Mice and other pests don't take breaks on holiday's. If you need HELP with pest issues call any one of our many offices. Quick Tip: If you know where mice are breaking in, wad up some foil and firmly jam it in the hole. We don't know if mice don't like the... more

Tagged with: mice, pest control, rats, rodents, ticks

Wasp and hornet stings

Posted on July 3, 2020

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Wasp and hornet stings are a serious threat to public health. Allergic reactions to these venomous insects account for about 225,000 emergency room visits and as many as 100 deaths per year in the U.S. (a mortality rate that may be under-reported due to deaths mistakenly attributed to heart attacks... more

Tagged with: hornet, hornet stings, wasp, wasp sting

Bed Bugs! The little invaders!

Posted on July 2, 2020

Bedbugs are small, reddish-brown parasitic insects that bite the exposed skin of sleeping humans and animals to feed on their blood. Although bedbugs aren't known to spread disease, they can cause other public health and economic issues. About the size of an apple seed, bedbugs hide in the... more

Tagged with: bed bug infestation, bed bugs

Lyme disease begins in up to 60 to 80% of patients

Posted on June 30, 2020

Lyme disease begins in up to 60 to 80% of patients as a slowly expanding reddish rash known as “erythema migrans”, typically 3 to 32 days after the bite of an infectious tick. This rash, which may not be apparent on dark-skinned people, usually begins at the location where the tick attached... more

Tagged with: lyme disease, ticks

Preventing Bee Stings

Posted on June 29, 2020

Here are some general tips on avoiding insect stings; Don’t swat at flying insects. If they land on you, gently brush them off, and then walk away. Observe the flight pattern of the insects to determine their nest site, and then avoid it. Avoid floral perfumes, lotions and hair... more

Tagged with: bees, preventing bee sting

Bees are fuzzy

Posted on June 26, 2020

Bees are fuzzy, flying insects with yellow and black stripes. There are two common types of bees: honey bees and bumble bees. Bees are beneficial to humans because they pollinate plants, whereas wasps and hornets help out by eating other insects. However, all three can be hazardous. Stings can... more

Tagged with: bees, bees are fuzzy