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.

Bug Tip Tuesday | Precautions can help prevent bed bugs

Posted on October 15, 2019

Check secondhand furniture, beds, and couches for any signs of bed bug infestation before bringing them home. Use a protective cover that encases mattresses and box springs to eliminate many hiding spots. The light color of the encasement makes bed bugs easier to see. Be sure to purchase a high... more

About Rats and Mice

Posted on October 14, 2019

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There are many species of rodents, including squirrels, chipmunks, beavers, prairie dogs, rats and mice. Rodents native to the United States play an important role in the health of grasslands and forest, and are a major source of food for many predators and scavengers, including hawks, fox,... more

Tagged with: about mice, about rats, mice, rats

Distinguishing characteristics of Deer Mice

Posted on October 13, 2019

Deer mice have large protruding black eyes; large, scantily furred ears; and long, coarse whiskers. Most adult deer mice vary in color from grayish-brown to reddish-brown. Deer mice utter high-pitched squeaks, trills and chatters. Sometimes they emit a shrill buzz that lasts from five to 10 seconds... more

Tagged with: deer mice, mice, mice rodents

Introduction to Bed Bugs

Posted on October 12, 2019

A1Exterminators bed bug size millimeters

The common bed bug (Cimex lectularius) has long been a pest – feeding on blood, causing itchy bites and generally irritating their human hosts. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the United States Department of Agriculture... more

Tagged with: bed bugs, bed bugs size, introduction to bed bugs

Difference between Wasp and Bee Body Structures

Posted on October 11, 2019

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One way to tell the difference between bees and hornets, yellow jackets and other wasps is appearance. Wasps, hornets and yellow jackets have a slender body that narrows at the waist area. They look like they are shiny and have a smooth body surface. Bees on the other hand are "plumper" than wasps.... more

Tagged with: bees, Difference between Wasp and Bee, wasps

EEE Symptoms & Treatment

Posted on October 10, 2019

Symptoms The incubation period for Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) disease (the time from infected mosquito bite to onset of illness) ranges from 4 to 10 days. EEEV infection can result in one of two types of illness, systemic or encephalitic (involving swelling of the brain, referred... more

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Bug Tip Tuesday | Cold Weather Impact on Wasps and Bees

Posted on October 8, 2019

In the cooler fall months wasps will change their focus from insects and other protein sources to carbohydrates. If you have ever gone to your kid's soccer games in the autumn you have undoubtedly noticed yellow jackets flying about, landing on soda cans and in garbage receptacles. They are looking... more

Tagged with: bees, Cold Weather Impact on Wasps and Bees, wasps

Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV)

Posted on October 7, 2019

Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) is a member of the genus Alphavirus, family Togaviridae. Other medically important alphaviruses found in the Americas include Western equine encephalitis virus (WEEV) and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV). EEEV has a single-stranded, positive-sense... more

Tagged with: Eastern equine encephalitis virus, EEEV, Mosquito

Use Insect Repellent

Posted on October 5, 2019

Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents External with one of the active ingredients below. When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women. DEET Picaridin (known as KBR 3023 and... more

Tagged with: insect repellent, mosquito repellent

Find the Repellent that is Right for You

Posted on October 4, 2019

Use the search tool below to help you choose the repellent product that is right for you. You can specify : mosquitoes, ticks or both; protection time; active ingredient; or other product-specific information. Consider these factors when choosing a repellent: Do you need protection... more

Tagged with: applying repellent, bug repellent, ticks