Venice Pest Blog

5 Fall Tips For Tick Prevention Ticks are plentiful during the fall, and they can be one of the biggest health hazards for people who hike, spend time in parks or even do yard work. These are some important tips to follow as the invigorating fall weather arrives and the outdoors beckon. 5 Ways To Prevent Ticks This Fall 1. Whenever possible, walk on trails or paths. When you walk through tall grass or brush, you increase the risk of picking up ticks considerably regardless of preventative measures. Follow this advice even on your own property. Ticks can live on bushes and landscaping plants as well. Discourage kids from playing in piles of leaves. 2. Treat your clothing with permethrin. This substance is essential if you plan to hike or camp. Be sure that the solution has a minimum of 0.5 percent permethrin. Put it on boots, socks, pants, shirts and...

When you spend a lot of time making your yard look beautiful, you want to be able to enjoy picnics, barbecues, and other fun times outdoors without being attacked by mosquitoes. Since these pests are known to transmit serious diseases, it is vital to learn how to prevent these creatures from taking over your home. Besides spreading disease, individuals may have adverse reactions to mosquito bites. It is common for affected sites to suffer from mild irritation and inflammation. However, if a person is allergic, intense swelling may occur. If a person scratches a bite and causes an open wound, an infection may begin as well. Ways to Prevent Mosquitoes Stop Mosquitoes from Breeding. Mosquitoes breed in stagnate water. To avoid eggs from becoming a problem, it is best to eliminate all standing water from your home and yard. This includes unused pools, clogged gutters, ornamental ponds and bird baths, and...

If you are concerned that your pets might have fleas or ticks, then you might be wondering what steps you can take to confirm your suspicion and to keep your animals safe. The good news is that checking for these tiny parasites is not difficult once you know the proper steps. When your pet has fleas or ticks, it's important you address the problem right away so that you can prevent it from progressing.  If you don't take action, then you could be putting the health of your pets at risk, and your well-being could also be in danger, but the following tips will help you determine whether fleas or ticks have invaded your home. Checking for Fleas and Ticks When you want to keep fleas and ticks away, checking your pets for possible red flags is a great place to start. Inspect your pet's fur by dividing it; fleas will...

The Zika virus has recently arrived in the United States. Spread by the Aedes species of mosquitoes, this virus can cause birth defects in pregnant women. The mosquito that spreads the virus bites aggressively in the daytime, so individuals are at risk at any time of the day. Once infected, individuals may develop flu-like symptoms and can pass the virus on to someone else.  How Does Zika Spread?  While it can be spread sexually, Zika is spread primarily through mosquitoes. Once a mosquito bites someone with the virus, they carry it to any other person that they bite. The only way to prevent the virus is by keeping yourself from being bitten by the mosquito. Long-sleeved shirts, pants and closed-toe shoes reduce the amount of skin that can be bitten. In addition, using window and door screens can prevent mosquitoes from coming inside. Some American cities are now spraying for mosquitoes...

Florida is one of the most beautiful and relaxing states in the country. However, its warm nature means its lawns are constantly under invasion by a wide variety of lawn pests. One of the most common and destructive of these is the chinch bug. What exactly is a chinch bug? It is a small beetle-like creature with a black upper body and long yellow wings. The wings commonly have black markings on them that resemble crossed swords. They are particularly common throughout Florida, being a big fan of St. Augustine Grass. This grass is one of the most popular of all turf in Florida, meaning millions of homes are at risk of chinch bug invasion. As a result, Florida pest control agents have declared war on these dangerous insects. How do chinch bugs damage grass? They attach themselves to a blade, insert their feeding tube, and drain it dry. Grass is...

Florida is home to a wide variety of ant species. Identifying the proper one can help your pest control specialist find a control solution appropriate for your infestation. Argentine Ant This little bugger originated in Argentina as an invasive pest that quickly builds large colonies. They love living indoors and are fairly small and black, with long antennas. Look for them under moist areas in your home or yard. Big-Headed Ant It's hard to miss this one: its head is unusually large and its color light brown to dark brown. Thankfully, they don't usually live indoors, but they will make their home near sidewalks and other areas. Due to their size, their pincers hurt more than most ant bites. Caribbean Crazy Ant This invasive ant is named because of its odd and erratic foraging behavior, as they seem almost aimless or lost when seen in the wild. They are a usually...

Of all the uninvited pests to have in your home, nothing is worse than a bedbug infestation. Not only do they feast on your blood, but they are nearly invisible to the human eye. To check for a possible infestation, look underneath your mattress corners. If you have bedbugs, you will see their feces, which form clusters of small dark specks. Bedbug feces contain digested blood, which came from your body. Bedbug bites can leave welts on your body. But not everyone has the same reaction to a bedbug bite. While some people may experience skin irritation, others may not feel anything. It is also possible for bedbugs to live undetected in your home or business for years.  They resemble something from an old horror flick. Like vampires, bedbugs sleep in the daytime and then drink your blood at night while you sleep. Unlike other insects, filth doesn't attract bedbugs. They appear wherever a blood meal is available....

New termite population estimates are likely to set the hair of most Florida residents on end: it is estimated that by 2040, half the structures in South Florida will be infested by termites. This is the highest concentrated growth of termites in the nation. Why is the termite population predicted to grow so quickly in Florida? The intermingling of the two most prominent termite species (Asian and Formosan) in one state is to blame. Florida is the only state in the country that is infected by these two damaging pests, which doubles the potential impact and spread of termites and damage in your home. Where do these termite species interlace? Mostly in the south, near Palm Beach County and Key West. However, the Formosan also spreads as far north as South Carolina, making them the more dangerous of the two termite breeds. What kind of damage could the surge in termite...

When it comes to pests, home owners are understandably concerned with the diseases they spread. Mice, rats, mosquitoes, and ticks spread potentially deadly diseases and cannot be tolerated. However, termites rarely, if ever, spread diseases, but they are just as dangerous. If termites don't spread diseases, what danger do they pose to you and your family? Simply put, they put your entire family at risk by threatening the structural integrity of your home. Remember, termites eat cellulose, which they most commonly find in wood. If termites make a nest inside your house, they are going to start attacking important structural areas, such as posts, your foundation, and other vital areas. After all, they have to eat, and they don't understand what they are damaging. Even after termites have created their nest directly in your wooden structures, they won't stop devouring all your wood. Termites are extremely voracious and often eat all...

Maintaining your lawn is part of being a responsible homeowner, but this does not mean that you should have to spend several hours outside each week trying to take care of lawn-related problems. It is better to find the solutions to these problems, as opposed to continually putting bandages on them. For instance, when you have a pest problem, you should get lawn pest control services. Maintain a Healthy Lawn Although you will still want to take care of your lawn by mowing it and making sure it gets enough water, you should not have to spend so much time handling pests. Also, even with your dedication and persistence to resolving the pest problem, you might not be able to maintain a healthy looking lawn, which only reinforces how important it is to get professional pest control. Fewer Issues to Fix Each pest has its own problems that it causes, and it also has its...

If your yard hasn't been up to snuff lately, any number of lawn pests could be at the root of the problem. One particularly nasty pest is the billbug, and if your yard has suddenly gone brown, thin, and has developed patches, the billbug may be your culprit.  Actually a small type of weevil, the billbug grows to only 1/3 of an inch. Although easy enough to spot when it's walking across a sidewalk or paved road, billbugs are almost impossible to see once they've burrowed down into the turf. That's why most people are unaware that billbugs have invaded their lawns until it's already too late. The results of their presence, unfortunately, can soon be clearly seen. Billbugs leave a distinct calling card. Billbugs first feed on the inside of turfgrass stems and crowns, then move to feed on roots... Fine, whitish, saw-dust-like frass can be observed on the soil surface. Damaged...

Most people associate termites with the destruction of the wood in their home. While that is understandable, it's important to know that termites actually eat a wide variety of substances. And while they greatly prefer eating wood, they aren't against chowing down on the decorative plants inside of your home. This fact surprises a lot of people, primarily because they're so familiar with the concept of termites eating wood. And while that is their primary source of food, they are more than happy to eat plants. Why? Plants also contain cellulose, the material that termites need to survive. So, while termites will always go for wood when they get the chance, they will also eat the plants in your home. Another thing that may surprise you is the fact that termites will also eat anything that's made out of wood in your home, including paper, and even some forms of sheets...

Florida residents know that for those living here, the changing of seasons is not as distinct as it is for people living further from the equator. According to theNew Floridian, our four seasons according to climate are not nearly as distinct as the other seasons that Florida is known for: Hurricane Season, Snowbird Season, Strawberry Season, Fishing Season, and Alligator Mating Season. As we move from spring to summer, however, longtime Florida residents know that this time of year brings special lawn care concerns.  First, summer means rain, and with rain comes ancillary problems. Low-lying areas quickly become swampy and can provide perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other moisture-loving pests. Since torrential rain is common in Florida, especially in summer, those who live in low-lying areas should make proper provisions for drainage. Second, summer is the beginning of one of the seasons mentioned above, Hurricane Season. Florida homeowners are therefore encouraged to prepare their lawns at the beginning of the season...

Nobody likes having mosquitoes in their backyard, but most people feel like there is little they can do about it. However, mosquitoes spread a wide variety of dangerous diseases that make it imperative that you get them out of your yard as soon as possible. Some of these diseases include: Malaria - The parasite that causes malaria is often found in mosquitoes, though usually most prevalent in Europe. That said, over one million deaths a year are caused by mosquito-borne malaria, making this a dangerous concern. Dog Heartworm - Even your pets are not safe from mosquito bites. Heartworm is one of the most dangerous parasites a dog can have, as it clogs up their blood and cause serious and fatal heart problems. That's why heartworm medicine is such a necessity for dogs. Dengue - Though few people know about this disease, it heavily impacts warmer areas of the country, such as Hawaii, Florida,...

Few homeowners really know the danger that white grubs create for their yard. Unfortunately, these pests lurk underground and can be hard to spot. Utilize the following signs and symptoms to know when they've arrived: Persistent brown patches - Although your lawn isn't likely to mature all at the same time, persistent brown patches almost always indicate white grubs. These spots are where they are focused and centered, giving you a nice little "heads-up" on where to find them. Sudden appearance of dead spots - During the middle of summer, you might suddenly see dead spots appearing throughout your lawn. This usually indicates a hatching of white grubs, especially if you've noticed an excess of flies in your yard. Invading lawn pests - A sudden increase of skunks, birds, racoons, and moles in your yard is a good sign they have found something yummy to eat. And what do these annoying...

Commonly found throughout Florida and other southern states in densely-populated urban areas, the Southern House Spider has several distinguishing characteristics. They are relatively large, build easy-to-spot tangled webs, and prefer hiding in crevices.  Southern House Spiders come from the Genus Kukulcania. The genus name, erected in 1967 by Pekka T. Lehtinen, is after the Mayan god Kukulcan (Cameron 2005). It translates to “plumed serpent,” similar to the Aztec’s Quetzalcoatl. In Latin, hibernalis translates to “wintry (pertaining to winter)” (Spiders) The most important detail about Southern House Spiders, however, is that it is easy to confuse them with the deadly Brown Recluse Spider. Because the bite of the Brown Recluse is so toxic, it is important that you know how to spot the difference between the two. According to experts at North Carolina State University, there are seven basic qualifying characteristics of Brown Recluse Spiders. Because Southern House Spiders share several of those characteristics (relative size, coloring, a violin shape, and hiding...

Insects are not the only creatures who prompt calls to Florida lawn care professionals. The Sunshine State is also home to several, small mammals that have a tendency to destroy lawns. Among them are Geomys pinetis. They are also not-so-affectionately known as pocket gophers and you’ll find them wreaking havoc in a number of Florida counties. How do people distinguish these underground pests from mole crickets or other culprits? For one, the tunnel systems tend to be longer and the openings differ. For instance, mole cricket tunnels typically do not go beyond 50 feet in length and are rather narrow when compared to that of pocket gophers. Plus, they tend to leave the tunnel openings exposed. Pocket gophers, on the other hand, tend to be more cautious. Their tunnels typically reflect their body sizes and sheer muscle power. As such, the creatures worry about same size or smaller predators wriggling into...

Is your home suffering from severe foundational damage that you can't figure out? Foundation damage is a serious problem: it can cause your home to shift, causing cracks in walls, an inability to close doors, and any number of other problems. What does this have to do with termites? Plenty: termites have been known to attack the wooden support structures in a home's foundation. The damage is often severe enough to cause cracks in the cement foundation, shifting the foundation and causing your home to shift. How does this happen? Well, termites actually prefer cool, damp, and dark places to make their nests. That's why you're not as likely to see termites lurking your living areas: that's much too bright (not to mention too populated) for most termites to handle. As a result, you'll find most of them lurking in the basement. And what kind of wood are they going to find...

We always seem more aware of lawn pests during the summer months. There are several reasons for this. First, most of us spend more time outside during the summer. Second, without freezing temperatures and a layer of frost or snow on the ground, insects are more actively visible. That doesn't mean that winter is a time to ignore pest control, however, because most insects have strategies to combat cold weather. Red fire ants, for example, can burrow down so deeply into the soil that they're largely unaffected by cold weather.  “They tend to be quite ‘insulated’, if you will, from the extreme temperature changes — unless there’s a very long sustained cold, which may slowly make its way down into the depths,” said [Erfan Vafaie, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service integrated pest management specialist] (Texas A&M University). Other insects winter in the ground as larvae or grubs, thus reducing their water content while simultaneously raising...

Have you ever dug in your lawn in the summer and seen the squirming, disgusting presence of white grubs? Hopefully not: these annoying pests can be highly destructive to your yard. Yes, they make great fishing bait, but that just isn't worth keeping them around. White grubs, which are the larva of multiple types of insects, root their way into your lawn and feed in order to grow into adulthood. Unfortunately, they like to feed on grass and grass-roots and are especially damaging if they are present in high levels in your lawn. For example, they can devastate grass-roots and cause the soil around it to become soft and "spongy." The sod in these infested areas can then be peeled away like a banana, a major problem for a person trying to keep their lawn healthy and beautiful. Grubs also attract a wide range of annoying and destructive lawn pests, such...