Venice Pest Blog

Pests don't just invade homes; they also infest offices and cause problems for workers and customers. In fact, a pest infestation can deter customers from returning to your business. With a few simple steps, you can prevent a pest infestation and make the office a much happier, cleaner place to work. Keep food areas clean. Make sure the employees eat in a designated area, and keep all food out of the work space. All trash belongs in the garbage bins and should be taken out every day. In addition, clean up any spills as they happen to prevent ant and roach infestations later. Keep the garbage under control. Indoor and outdoor garbage bins should have tight lids to prevent trash from falling onto the ground. If the outside garbage bin overflows, invest in a second garbage bin if possible. Maintain both garbage areas each day to prevent rodent and insect infestations...

February 14 is the day of love. It's also the one day of the year when you are allowed to enjoy candy without concern for calories or fat grams. From cute candy hearts etched with terms of endearment to boxes of gourmet chocolates, it's a tradition to give someone special a sweet treat for Valentine's Day. The problem is that most of these gifts are boring and outdated. If you're tired of giving the same presents year after year, it's time to step into modern times and give your loved one a gift to remember. This is best accomplished by offering chocolate-covered bugs instead of yet another red heart filled with the typical chocolates. While we work hard to keep bugs from infesting your home every year, there is no denying that bugs have nutritional benefits. If you were stranded in the wilderness, you would actively hunt worms and a variety...

By far, the most abundant rodent pest in Florida is the roof rat. This creature ranges in color from dark brown to black. Including its tail, it can be anywhere from 13 to 18 inches long. Weighing five to nine ounces, it is slender in build, with large, virtually hairless ears. In short, roof rats are neither cute nor cuddly, and you definitely do not want them to infest your property. One way to determine if they are over-running your home is if you see a lot of their long, cylindrical droppings. Perhaps you also are hearing them running around in the upper levels of your home, particularly the attic. This, along with ceilings, is a prime nesting location. They also love outdoor places such as woodpiles and dense vegetation. Roof rats do much more than just annoy you with their scampering. In fact, they can eat through pipes and wiring....

Is there a secret to effective pest control? While your neighbors or friends may swear by a particular regimen, the answer isn't quite so easy as jumping on the bandwagon. The only proven way to manage pests is to get an annual plan tailored to your property.   Different Tactics for Different Pests Pests come in many forms; each species leaves a unique calling card to mark its presence, but these traces are difficult to distinguish. In most cases, you need some professional experience. Property owners with annual pest control contracts get the benefit of working with someone who can keep an eye on continuing problems and devise a plan that combats serious issues with the appropriate responses.   When Should I Get Started? The New Year is by far the best time to get an annual contract plan started. During the height of the coldest season, many insects enter a...

Homeowners may occasionally hear scratches, scurrying sounds or other noises coming from the ceiling area. These sounds may seem to persist during the winter months; however, they are probably more audible because people tend to spend more time indoors when it is cold. While it may seem amusing during December to tell the kids that these sounds are just the hoofs of Santa’s reindeer, the truth is that these noises are probably being generated by pests. Attic Pests  Common attic pests thrive in the dank and dark areas above the ceiling. These critters may penetrate into other areas of the home when searching for food and water. They can quickly move between rooms by using the hollow vestibules between different walls.  If there are sounds coming from the attic during the cold months of the year, you might have one of these common winter pests: •Mice •Rats •Roaches •Spiders Insects, rodents...

Pest control services protect private property, but the elimination of common pests can also improve the health of the inhabitants as well. One of the major barriers to accessing these benefits is the simple understanding of how pests hide inside the structure of the building. This knowledge can help homeowners and businesses decide if they are facing a silent pest invasion. Common Pests Some of the most common pests can easily hide in crevices, attics, basements and other concealed areas without being detected for extended lengths of time. Homeowners often know next to nothing about the best methods used to detect an infestation. They might not know how to look for trails, eggs, carcasses or other signs of an active pest presence. Another problem involves the process of interpreting the meaning of a single pest. For example, some homeowners may spot a single mouse, roach, spider or other pest without thinking...

The season of cooler temperatures is upon us, and you will no doubt want to spend more time on the inside of your warm and cozy home. Unfortunately, several outdoor pests will also want to escape the elements and share your warm home right along with you. You may find such unwelcome visitors as spiders, stink bugs, beetles, roaches, silver fish, ants and centipedes inhabiting your home, but there is a way to avoid this unpleasant occurrence. Those bugs won't be able to enter your home through even the tiniest of openings when you choose to have a professional pest control company provide you with perimeter protection services. Timely Application Insects tend to gather in large numbers towards the end of the fall season when temperatures become unpleasantly cool to them. You will want to make arrangements for your perimeter protection services before those insects have had the chance to make...

Pests can be as common as pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving Thanksgiving is a time of feasting and family, and those who are planning to either host or attend a large holiday get-together should be aware that uninvited guests may want to drop by. Rodents and bugs are often attracted to the excess food, people and activity that comes with a Thanksgiving celebration. Whether you’re traveling across town or across the country to visit family Thanksgiving weekend, you should be aware of the possibility that small insects can travel there or back with you. Even the cleanest of homes can have a pest invasion that goes unnoticed, such as bed bugs in the spare bedroom or fleas on the family pet. Cockroaches and ants can end up sneaking into luggage or hitching a ride on a pair of shoes, and just those few sneaky pests can turn in to a full-scale invasion...

Venice, Florida has a relatively small population, especially when the snowbirds are out of town. By 'small population' we mean people. The number of pests that enjoy the good life in Venice is actually rather staggering. The database at Insect Identification [[http://www.insectidentification.org/insects-by-state.asp?thisState=Florida]] lists 299 creeping, crawling, flying and biting pests that can invade your Florida home. Here are the top five: Palmetto Bug The warm, humid climate of Florida offers ideal conditions to roaches and palmetto bugs. If you live here, you will eventually have them in your house. They eat anything, and only a professional exterminator can get rid of them for good. Ants Ants are all over this part of Florida and not just one kind. Sarasota County is home to dozens of ant species, and none of them are fun to live with. Brown Recluse spiders Of all the spiders that inhabit Florida, this is by far the...

Being a homeowner is an experience that comes with many joys and unique privileges. The fall season is a time of change that offers families a chance to remain indoors and enjoy one another's company over the holidays. However, with the approach of Halloween, there is one trick-or-treater you want to avoid being greeted by at your doorstep. The dreaded houses spider is one of the greatest fears a homeowner will encounter, and once he has made himself comfortable in your home, he is not going to want to leave anytime soon.  Spiders not only wreak havoc on your peace of mind but also have the power to cause problems for your home. In fact, spiders can be one of the more aggravating pests in your home. Once you have them they grow in numbers pretty quickly. This is achieved primarily through egg laying. They will also make themselves comfortable in...

Fruit flies are tiny insects. The creatures are known for feeding on and residing in fruit, but they do eat other types of food. The bugs are located throughout the world, and they reproduce quickly, which makes them ideal for scientific research.  What do They Look Like? The insect species is typically a reddish brown shade, and their wings are translucent. Most fruit fly species are small, and they measure approximately 0.08 to 0.2 inches long. However, a few types grow to larger lengths and can become almost as big as a regular housefly.  How do Fruit Flies Get into Your Home? Fruit flies can get into your home in different ways. Often, you’ll bring them into your home by purchasing produce, but the bugs can also enter your residence through small cracks and holes in your walls, floors or windows.  Treatment Tips  Be sure to remove any food that is...

Bedbugs can infest almost any type of building, including homes, theaters and shops. They have even taken up residence in subway cars. Unfortunately, schools are no exception. This persistent pest finds its way into classrooms by hitching rides on backpacks, clothes and textbooks. It can put every student's home at risk. Recent News Educational institutions in many parts of the country have suffered infestations. Staff at two public schools in Kentucky recently discovered bedbugs in the classrooms, according to WDRB-TV. A pest control service helped the district quickly eliminate these insects. In February, CBS reported that a Yonkers charter school experienced a minor infestation and came under criticism from angry parents. Another facility endured a more significant bedbug invasion last November. Employees at a junior high school in Chicago had to call a pest control firm after the bugs were found in several rooms. They infested a locker area, multiple classrooms...

Wouldn't it be nice to be able to keep mosquitoes at bay without the use of citronella candles, bug sprays and other annoying solutions? Most people would agree with that statement, so it comes as no surprise that many have turned to ultrasonic mosquito repellents to ward off these pesky, biting pests. There's just one little problem, though: Ultrasonic mosquito repellents don't work. Don't Waste Your Money Ultrasonic mosquito-control devices are little more than placebos. Some people insist they work merely because they've spent a lot of money on them and don't want to admit that it was a big waste. The fact is that several studies have been conducted, and all of the most reputable ones have reached the same conclusion: These devices don't work, and people are essentially being ripped off. Studies Prove Ultrasonic Mosquito Repellents don't Work Manufacturers of ultrasonic mosquito control devices claim that the ultrasonic noises...

Although bees and wasps share an annoying trait, the ability to sting people, there are some significant differences between these insects.  The most noticeable one is that wasps are significantly more aggressive and have a greater tendency to attack in significant numbers, while bees tend to be more docile and usually do not attack unless they are threatened. Wasps can also sting multiple times as their stinger remains intact after it is used. Conversely, bees lose their stingers and die soon after they attack as they are ripped out after use, and their digestive systems are attached to them.  The types of nests that these insects build are different as well. Some wasps build them in hidden places, such as holes in and under houses, while others construct them in more open places like trees in the front and back yards and elsewhere. Hives built by bees are usually tucked inside...

  Disease control is one of the most serious problems involving pests around garbage cans. If they get close to the home, they may attempt to enter it later. Even if they enter the home and leave without being detected, they can leave a residual trail on the surface of the counters, carpets and furniture. Children who touch these surfaces may place their hands into their mouth or rub their eyes. This can spread diseases from the pests to the inhabitants of any nearby house. Common pests found around residential garbage cans include: Raccoons Squirrels Maggots Other pests may also be attracted to the activities of these critters. If the infestation is not controlled soon enough, it could become unmanageable. Useful Tips to Prevent Infestations Garbage cans will attract pests when odors escape from the enclosed area. The best way for homeowners to prevent bugs and other pests from converging around...

Summer is meant to be filled with backyard barbecues and dinner in the open air. While you're enjoying the weather, good food and the company of friends, though, you want to be sure to keep out uninvited six-legged guests. Outdoor pests can quickly ruin a get-together by harassing your guests and contaminating your food. Fortunately, there are ways to keep these nuisances away from your gatherings.  In the summer, ants and mosquitoes are two of the most aggravating pests. Ants are attracted to the food and sweet beverages at picnics and barbecues. Mosquitoes come to feast on the blood of you and your friends. Both pests can leave you with itchy bug bites. Bees and wasps can also be attracted to sweet beverages, like lemonade, and stings can be painful or even deadly to people with allergies.  The easiest way to protect yourself from these unwanted visitors is to prevent them...

As summer approaches, a threat to the plans for these warm months lurks in the background. Bees and wasps often swarm during this time of year, and this behavior can be very alarming. They may set up their colonies in a variety of places. This eliminates the family’s ability to enjoy areas around these fences and trees. Allergic reactions to bee stings are common, and the associated symptoms are often caused by the venom within the insect. While most stings are confined to a local area of skin, certain people will experience an intense allergic reaction to the same bee sting. These cases can be severe, and hospitalization is sometimes required when the person starts to lose the ability to breathe.  This condition is called anaphylactic shock. Other reactions associated with this condition may include headache, dizziness, swelling and difficulty with breathing. These symptoms can be alarming, and they can happen...

All pet owners should learn about the common pests and parasites that are attracted to household pets. Dogs and cats are especially susceptible to an infection by these pests. Their hairy bodies make warm and friendly homes for many fleas, ticks and other parasites. These pests may latch onto their fur or jump down from trees when the animals are outdoors. There is no single method for avoiding pests in the summer, but there are steps you can take to keep them pest-free.  Certain pests carry diseases, and they can make the animal sick. This situation may require a trip to the veterinarian, which is not cheap. It is less expensive to take the appropriate precautions in the early months of summer than it is to wait until the situation gets out of control. By that time, the dog or cat may be interacting with kids and spreading the illness. You...

Ants are lecherous creatures that can quickly and efficiently enter any residence where a weakness has been found. Once inside, they will excrete chemicals so that other members of the colony can find their way into the building. Ants can enter structures through doors, windows, cracked pieces of drywall, pipes, drains and small holes in basements and attics. Most invasive ants are looking for food and water. Once found, hundreds of ants will make their way into the kitchen or living room. Without professional assistance, they can be exceedingly hard to eradicate. The damage and health risks associated with various ant species can vary. Some ant species build nests in baseboards and walls. These critters must be eliminated before they can cause damage to the fixtures of the home. If residents are dealing with ants that do not nest indoors, the insects can nevertheless invade kitchens and pantries and ruin huge...

Nothing can ruin a nice summer day as much as an army of swarming pests in your yard. It might come as a surprise to you, but even a tiny pool of standing water can be a very hospitable place for pests of all kinds, such as insects, molds and rodents. While stagnant puddles of water might seem harmless, the reality cannot be further from the truth. For homeowners, it is important to be aware of the potential harm that standing water can cause and take prompt measures to address the situation.  Water Can Be a Pest Magnet It is common for water to accumulate, after a heavy rainfall, in areas with uneven surfaces or poor drainage. Your lawn can only absorb so much water after a rainstorm. Moreover, outdoor water containers, such as birdbaths, fountains and buckets, can collect a substantial amount of water if not drained periodically. Ignoring a...