Pest Control

The Most Common Types of Scorpions

home to dozens of species of scorpions. While all scorpions have venom that they might use to capture their prey, not all scorpions have venom that is harmful to humans and animals

doesn’t have the largest scorpions in the world nor the deadliest scorpions in the world, but it does have a scorpion with a rather potent venom: the bark scorpion. At best, a sting from that scorpion can be rather annoying, or, at worst, the scorpion sting can be extremely painful with longer lasting effects

Deaths from scorpion stings are very rare. People who are prone to have allergic reactions to stings, and those with undeveloped or compromised immune systems (the very young and very old), may have strong or severe reactions. Small pets may also have adverse reactions.

Centruroides sculpturatus is the well-known bark scorpion. It is readily distinguished from all other scorpions in the area by having long, slender hands and fingers, along with a long, slender tail or metasoma. In the desert, it is typically uniform tan-yellow to orange; at higher elevations, it may be striped. When at rest, the metasoma is held at the side and coiled to where the sting is directed to the base of the fourth segment

Hadrurus arizonensis is the popular giant hairy scorpion, the largest scorpion in the United States. Hairy scorpions are just that: hairy. The metasoma and pedipalps are densely covered in setae (hairs). No other American scorpions have such a dense covering of setae on the appendages. The pedipalps and metasoma are also relative in size; not robust, not slender. Dorsal surface dark; appendages yellowish, appearing greenish due to slight fluorescence. Interocular area of carapace unpigmented in ​the crescent from median to lateral eyes.

Scorpion Control in Surprise

Pest Control, we’ve been providing scorpion control in Surprise and the surrounding areas since 2003! As a locally owned company and a proud part of our community, we know exactly how to handle whatever pests the desert throws our way!

scorpion control services go beyond just eliminating existing scorpions from your home and property. When you partner with Pest Control for your scorpion control needs, our team will:

Work to eliminate pests around your home that scorpions feed on, including insects, spiders, and mice.

Identify entry points that scorpions may be using to enter your home, offering custom recommendations to seal scorpions out and prevent future infestations.

Use only EPA-approved formulas to control populations of scorpions around your home, eliminating breeding sites and making your home less hospitable to scorpions.

We know that choosing a pest control company is a personal choice, and that’s why we set ourselves apart from our competitors by focusing on exceptional customer service. Every member of our team is trained to deliver service that exceeds your expectations so that you can feel comfortable knowing that we’re caring for your family and your home.

Same-Day Services

As part of our commitment to exceptional customer service, when you call before noon we will send one of our scorpion exterminators to your home the same day.

Free Inspections

When it comes to scorpions, out of sight isn’t necessarily out of mind. Our scorpion experts offer free inspections, using UV lights to seek out scorpions wherever they may be hiding on your property. Don’t let scorpions hide in your home with a free inspection

Protect Against the Bark Scorpion

The West Valley is home to many species of scorpions, like the Giant Hairy Scorpion, Stripetail Scorpion, and Yellow Ground Scorpion. But only one species in the western United States has venom that’s dangerous to humans

Scorpions

Identification

long, thin segmented bodies

long tails equipped with stingers

eight legs and pincer-like mouthparts

glow a fluorescent green/blue color under black light

Nesting Habits

spend the day resting underneath objects on the ground and come out at night to search for prey

seek dark protected areas to hide indoors

Diet

small arthropods

Significance

venom may cause swelling, inflammation, discoloration and pain

most scorpion stings are similar to bee or wasp stings

IPM Recommendations

Anyone stung by a scorpion should collect the scorpion and immediately contact a physician or the poison control center for medical instructions.

If scorpions are suspected in or around a structure, conduct a systematic inspection at night using a black light.

Find and seal any openings or crevices in exterior walls.

Repair leaky air conditioners or other outside water sources.

Prune trees and shrubs up and away from the ground.

Remove leaf litter, large mulch, debris and other harborage around buildings.

Install tight-fitting screens and weather stripping around windows and doors.

Scorpions

SCORPION IDENTIFICATION

Most scorpions found in the United States live in the warm, dry southwest and western regions of the country. More closely related to spiders and ticks than insects, these stinging pests look a lot like crabs. Depending on the species, scorpions vary in color from pale yellow-brown to nearly black. Most common types grow 2 to 3 inches long, but some species measure 8 inches or more.

Scorpions have eight legs and two large front pinchers that they use to hold their prey as they sting it. Their long, segmented tails end with a venom-filled stinger. Some scorpions curve their tails high over their backs, but others curve theirs to the side. While most scorpion stings aren’t life-threatening for humans, reactions can be painful and severe.

SIGNS OF SCORPIONS

Scorpions hide under rocks during the day and come out at night to eat creatures from insects to lizards, and even mice. Scorpions don’t damage plants, but they do unsettle people when they sneak into homes and surprise them.

To check your property for signs of scorpions, look for the pests — carefully — at night. Patrol your home’s perimeter with an ultra-violet “blacklight” flashlight. Because of a substance in their bodies, scorpions appear to glow under UV light. Be sure to look up as you patrol; some scorpions are very good climbers.

HOW TO CONTROL SCORPIONS

When you live in scorpion country, effective control means keeping these creatures away from your home and the people and pets inside. For best results, treat for scorpions late in the day, right before they come out to hunt at night.

How to Get Rid of Scorpions

Scorpion Quick Facts:

1. A full-size scorpion can squeeze into a crack the width of a credit card.

2. Adult scorpions can live six to eight months without food. A scorpion’s diet consists of live insects and their favorite food is crickets.

3. Female scorpions give birth to their babies alive; they do not lay eggs like other pests do. There are typically 20 – 30 babies born at one time. Immediately following birth, baby scorpions crawl onto their mother’s back where they will stay for about two weeks until they are ready to survive on their own.

Scorpion Control Best Practices:

Keeping a thorough and consistent barrier in place will help tremendously in your fight against scorpions. Come in and see us for all of the products and instructions you’ll need to stop scorpions dead in their tracks.

Outside

Apply micro-encapsulated spray to foundation of home.

Apply granules to perimeter of landscaped areas.

Dust hiding places with long lasting insecticide dust.

Inside

Apply low odor, nonstaining, fast knockdown spray to key target sites as needed.

Dust hiding places with long lasting insecticide dust.

Install insect monitoring devices to catch scorpions at critical entry points.

Keep a can of our plant-based, fast killing aerosol on hand for unexpected sightings

Additional Tips

Eliminate scorpion entry points and hiding places by:

Sealing cracks and crevices that are the width of a credit card or larger – scorpions can enter these areas and hide for months.

Adjust or replace weather stripping around exterior doors.

Install screens inside exhaust vent covers in laundry rooms and bathrooms.

Stack lumber and firewood piles away from the home and up off of the ground.

Remove leaf litter and bark chips next to the home.

Do not put large stones such as river rock or rip-rap next to the home – keep it at least six feet away.

Keep tree limbs, shrubs and bushes trimmed so they do not contact the home.

Eliminate moisture directly next to the home – leaking hose bibs and air conditioner condensation lines are sources to look for.

How to Spot Termites in Your Home

Every year, termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage in the United States. Termites are known as “silent destroyers” because of their ability to chew through wood, flooring and even wallpaper undetected for years—damage that isn’t covered by most homeowners’ insurance policies.

As spring approaches and the ground begins to warm across the country, termite populations will emerge in search of new structures to invade. Starting from South to North, termite explorers, referred to as swarmers, will look for hospitable homes, with buildings that have sustained damage from severe winter weather particularly at risk. Once swarmers have determined your home to be a good fit, it’s likely that the rest of the termite colony will follow, resulting in a full-blown termite infestation.

By becoming familiar with the species of termites that are most prevalent in their area along with their habits, homeowners are better equipped to detect the warning signs of an infestation, and call in a pest professional to assist with termite identification before the problem gets out of hand. Here’s a handy guide to help you learn how to spot termites in your home and identify their species correctly.

Termite or Flying Ant?

Many people will see termite swarmers in homes during the spring and mistake them for flying ants; this can end up being a costly mistake if the rest of the termite colony follows the swarmers. Winged termites have a straight waist, straight antennae and their wings are equal in size. Flying ants on the other hand have waists that are pinched in the middle, bent antennae and two sets of wings, with the top set being larger than the lower. Termites are also most likely to swarm in the spring, while flying ants may swarm at various times of the year.

Subterranean Termites

Found in every U.S. state except Alaska, subterranean termites are creamy white to dark brown or black and 1/8 inch long. They live in underground colonies or in moist secluded areas aboveground that can contain up to two million members. Subterranean termites also build telltale “mud tubes” to gain access to food sources and protect themselves from the open air. This termite species is considered to be by far the most destructive of all termites throughout the United States.

Formosan Termites

Formosan termites are similar in color to subterranean termites but can grow to 1/2 an inch long. They can be found in Hawaii, California and much of the southern U.S. Originally from China, Formosan termites are the most aggressive known termite species, capable of consuming one foot of 2X4 wood in just 25 days. They live in huge underground colonies with an average of 350,000 workers and build intricate mud nests inside the walls of a structure. Because of their aggressive nature, Formosan termites are difficult to control once they infest a building; a mature Formosan termite colony can cause severe structural damage to a home in as little as six months.

Dampwood Termites

Dampwood termites can be spotted throughout the pacific coastal and adjacent states, the desert or semi-arid southwest, and in southern Florida. This termite species is typically between 1/2 and 5/8 of an inch long. As the name suggests, dampwood termites infest wood with high moisture content and don’t usually infest structures because of their need for excessive moisture, but it is important to avoid attracting them as they can cause serious property damage if they make themselves at home.

Drywood Termites

Unlike subterranean and Formosan termites, drywood termites do not require contact with the soil. They are typically between 3/8 and one inch long and often establish nests in roof materials and wooden wall supports, along with dead wood that may be around the home. They are found in the southern states, from North Carolina through the Gulf Coast and in to the coastal areas of California. They form colonies of up to 2,500 members and usually swarm on sunny, warm days after a sudden rise in temperature.

Differences in Castes

Termites have three different castes, each of which performs different roles within the colony. Each caste has unique physical features to help it fulfill its role in the colony. Even within the same species, termites that belong to different castes can look very different.

Workers Worker termites tend to be lighter in color. Workers are the smallest of the castes. In general, workers and nymphs are soft-bodied and look like larvae.

Soldiers

Soldiers tend to have worker-like bodies, but with hard heads that are often dark in color and have large jaws. Soldier termites have soft bodies with hard, enlarged heads and large jaws (mandibles) that help them protect the colony. Fully mature, reproductive termites have wings and hard bodies that prepare them for leaving the nest to start new colonies.

Alates Or Flying Termites

Alates (swarmers) have wings and hard exoskeletons that may be very dark in color. Additionally, flying and swarming termites can be recognized by their prominent wings. Flying termites have two sets of wings of equal length, and these wings are almost twice the size of the termite’s body. Termite swarmers appear to have two body segments with a straight abdomen, and straight antennae.

Carpenter ants

look very similar to swarming termites due to the fact that both reproductive stages have wings. If you find signs of winged insects, don’t panic and assume that they are automatically termites. Carefully pick one up and look at under a magnifying glass. Look for the most common sign – the color. Subterranean termite swarmers are solid black, drywood swarmers are solid red, while carpenter ants are usually red and black or dark brown. The other big difference is in the body. Termites all have a long body with no small segments attached. Ants always have a thin neck and a thin waist. Check out the chart below to help determine the difference. If you think you have carpenter ants, then don’t go any further, because carpenter ants require a totally different treatment than termites. Click here for more info on Carpenter Ants.

Ants species that are commonly confused with subterranean termite swarmers are carpenter ants and fire ants. Both of these ant species have winged reproductives that swarm in the early spring and randomly during the year. The important thing to remember however, is that subterranean termites only swarm in the spring in the US, and occasionally in the fall. Subterranean termite swarmers are very poor fliers and only use their wings to swarm. They will break them off soon after swarming to make crawling easier. They will then search out a mate and pair off to start a new colony. You may encounter piles of broken wings, especially on window sills, and near areas of sunlight such as doorways, etc.

What are the signs of a termite infestation?

Termites are often referred to as “silent invaders” because of their ability to enter into and live virtually undetected by property owners. It typically isn’t until the damages that they have caused are finally noticed that the termite infestation is discovered. Termites can work undetected from weeks, months, or in some cases even years. Signs of a termite infestation include:

• Finding wood in or around your home that is splintered, weathered, or that has small holes on its surface.
• Flooring that “feels” spongy when you walk across it.
• Walls which sound hollow when you tap on them.
• Doors and windows that appear warped and are no longer opening or closing properly.
• Finding mud tubes running along the ground toward your home, running up your home’s foundation, or running along your home’s basement walls. Termites travel to and from their nest to their food source in these mud tubes to limit their exposure to outside elements and predators.
• Observing a termite swarm. During the spring season winged termites will fly from a mature colony to mate creating a termite “swarm” in the process.

Roach Control

When dealing with cockroaches, it’s best to hire a professional – they can be very good at hiding and even better at hiding their eggs. They reproduce very quickly and in a short time. As the largest of the home infesting pests, they are easier to spot, yet leave no trace of their existence in your home. If a cockroach infestation is not addressed within a timely manner, it could get out of hand and cause significant damage. The inside of your home is a great place for them to thrive with unlimited food, water, warmth and places to hide. Roaches can be a pest all year long! They can be brought in by hiding in deliveries, grocery bags, used appliances and electronics and personal items like purses or backpacks. Some roaches can even carry and transfer disease as well as a variety of pathogenic organisms such as food poisoning, diarrhea and other illnesses

Types of roaches:

American Roaches

Brown Banded Roaches

German Roaches

Oriental Roaches

Pennsylvania Wood Roaches

German Cockroach Biology Basics

Have been on earth for over 300 million years.

Commonly found indoors in restaurants, bars, grocery stores, homes, apartments, etc.

Adults are 1/2-5/8 inches long, tan to light brown, and have 2 dark parallel lines from the back of the head to the wings.

Have developed wings but do not fly.

Have 3 development stages: egg, nymph, and adult.

Female carries purse shaped egg capsule containing up to 48 eggs and can produce 4 to 8 capsules in her lifetime – 1 every 6 weeks.

Can become an adult within 8 weeks and have a life span of 20-30 weeks.

1 female can be responsible for over 10,000 offspring in one year.

Mostly active at night but send over 75% of their life in a crack or crevice harborage.

Prefers to live in an environment close to food, water, shelter, and warmth.

Over 75% of an infestation consists of pre-adults.

Can trans-locate from neighboring and adjoining buildings.

German Cockroaches Transmit Disease

German cockroaches transfer disease and a variety of pathogenic organisms such as: parasitic protozoans, food poisoning, dysentery, diarrhea, and other illnesses.

German cockroach excrement and cast skins dramatically contribute to allergies and asthma.

German Cockroaches Are Brought In By:

Food, beverage, and all other commercial deliveries

Paper packaging and cardboard boxes

Grocery bags

Used appliances and electronics

Personal items such as: clothing, backpacks, purses, radios, etc.

How Cockroaches Get Into Homes

seeing a cockroach every now and then is not unheard of. It is unpleasant, though, and it’s something that you hope occurs when you aren’t in your own home.

The Dangers of Cockroaches

Cockroaches aren’t just unsightly bugs. They can actually cause a number of problems for homeowners, and they are definitely unwelcome in your home.

Cockroaches are unsanitary. They spend a lot of time in areas such as garbage cans and sewers, picking up the bacteria, germs, and parasites that are rampant in those areas. When they gain entry to your home, they bring all that filth with them into your living areas. These germs are then scattered wherever cockroaches roam. Your countertops, food prep areas, and your food itself are all vulnerable to contamination, leaving you susceptible to a host of illnesses, such as Salmonella, dysentery, and parasites such as tapeworm.

How Cockroaches Get Into Your Home

Although they seem enormous when you have a surprise encounter with one, cockroaches are not that large. Their rather flat bodies have the ability to squeeze through fairly tight spaces. They can get into your house through spaces under doors, cracks in your foundation, and tears in your screens. Even small openings may be large enough to permit cockroaches to enter your home. Perform an inspection around the outside of your home and seal off any areas you find where they may be gaining access.

Why Cockroaches Get Into Your Home

Several things will attract cockroaches to your home. If any of these sound familiar, take the necessary steps to eliminate them and you’ll reduce the chance of cockroaches entering your home.

Roaches are attracted to water and moisture. If they’ve found their way into your home, you’ll often see them in moist areas, such as the bathroom, under the kitchen sink, or in your basement. If there are leaky pipes in your home, or other water-damaged areas, repair them immediately. If humidity is high in your home, improve ventilation and use dehumidifiers to get rid of excess moisture.

Excess moisture outside your house will also attract cockroaches. If your yard tends to be wet or there are other areas of moisture, work to reduce them.

If you leave garbage out, cockroaches will be attracted to it. Outside, cover trash bins with tightly-fitting lids. Inside, remove garbage frequently from your home.

New Research Reinforces Cockroach-Sanitation

To keep these pests from invading, follow the common-sense rules of cleanliness. To kill them, use traps and bait. Don’t bother using foggers, sprays and aerosols, which are less effective and can contaminate food, floors and counters.

These insights were confirmed by a seven-month collaboration between Rutgers University-New Brunswick and the New Brunswick Housing and Redevelopment Authority and led by Changlu Wang, professor of entomology at the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. The resulting study is published in the Journal of Economic Entomology.

Wang and his team did their survey in a public housing project with 258 apartments in 40 buildings. Their first step was to find out which pests, and how many of each pest, lived in those buildings. Cockroaches were present in 28 percent of the apartments; rodents in 11 percent; bed bugs in 8 percent. Surprisingly, this kind of pest data for an entire community is hard to come by, Wang said

“The usual way to figure out how many of what pests are in a community is to count complaints,” Wang said. “And complaints are just not very reliable, because not everybody complains.”

Wang and his team visited all accessible apartments in the community and set traps in strategic spots in each apartment, which not only helped them identify pests but identify where they were coming from. They then treated those apartments using baits and traps and reduced the number of cockroach infestations by 85 percent over seven months

Roach Control

Roaches

Roaches are one of the nastiest pests to deal with; they reproduce quickly, carry diseases, and are very resilient.  They are rarely seen during the day and often go unnoticed until it’s too late. At Green & Safe Pest Control, we have all the necessary means to eliminate roaches in their entirety. Taking care of the problem quickly is the best approach. We provide roach control in Fort Worth and surrounding cities.

American Cockroaches are one of the largest types of roaches. They are brown  and can fly.  Roaches can carry diseases and transmit them to humans by walking on food preparation surfaces. If you see one in your home, give us a call as soon as possible!

German cockroaches are mid-sized and are found in the US. They are a tan color with two black stripes down the back. German cockroaches can reproduce very quickly. A single egg can contain 20-30 larvae. They secrete a “musty” odor. Often that’s how you will detect that you have a problem. Like all roaches, they spread bacteria and need to be eliminated.

Oriental Roaches, also known as “Water Bugs,” often use plumbing to access your home.  They are dark brown and sluggish compared to other roaches. While they are native to Asia, hence their name, they have become a widespread issue in North America.

Roaches are one of the most difficult pests to eradicate, especially after they have already established a colony. Cockroaches reproduce at a rapid rate, so they can become a major issue very quickly. When it comes to roaches, it is better to be proactive instead of reactive. We suggest getting started on one of our general pest control programs before you see any signs of roaches. Prevention is your best line of defense against these disgusting creatures. That being said, if you already see signs, it’s definitely time to give us a call. The problem might be bigger than you realize!

TIPS FOR COCKROACH PREVENTION

There are over 4,500 species of cockroaches worldwide, but only around 70 species are found in the United States. Most of these live in wooded habitats and are rarely seen. Phew! But a few species are considered major pests, and the best way to tell them apart is their size. German cockroaches are small and light brown with two black stripes on their backs. Larger cockroach species are dark brown with developed wings and are often called “palmetto bugs,” especially in South Carolina

Pain & Prevention

Aside from being downright icky, cockroaches are a health and safety issue. They are known to spread bacteria and trigger allergies and asthma. They will also contaminate any food, utensils, and surfaces they crawl on. Infestations can start when cockroaches come inside the home. Sometimes this is hard to avoid, but there are plenty of things you can do to prevent both small and large cockroaches from sticking around.

Keep both the inside and outside of your home clean, dry, and uncluttered.

Wipe up spilled food and water.

Don’t leave food sitting out, and don’t let trash accumulate inside.

Regularly clean appliances and countertops.

Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture on a regular basis to remove crumbs and other food debris.

Eliminate moisture issues outside, like standing water, clogged gutters, or excessive amounts of mulch, pine straw, or leaf litter.

Keep bushes and tree limbs trimmed back from the house.

Store firewood away from the home, and eliminate as much clutter and debris as possible from around the foundation.

Turn off unnecessary lights at night, and don’t leave uneaten pet food out overnight.

Make sure screens on windows, doors, and vents are in good condition and seal up holes surrounding pipes in the foundation wall.

Habits & Habitat

German cockroaches have adapted to living with humans for so long that they are now only found indoors near water sources. They like to live in warm, dark areas near moisture, including cracks, crevices, and voids around kitchen and bathroom cabinets, as well as around or inside appliances like refrigerators, stoves, toaster ovens, and microwaves. Large cockroaches, or palmetto bugs, prefer similar environments but mostly live outdoors. However, they will wander inside homes in search of food and shelter, and when conditions are right, they can live and breed indoors. Cockroaches will eat just about anything humans eat, and they need water on a daily basis.

HOW TO KEEP A SCORPION AS A PET

A scorpion is a pet you can never hold. He won’t learn to recognize or interact with you, but he will make up for his lack of cuddliness by providing your with hours of fascinating observation. Scorpions are either jungle species or desert species. Since the habitat and care differ for the two types, it’s crucial to know which type of scorpion you have. For beginners, the Amateur Entomologists’ Society recommends large, jungle species such as emperor scorpions (Pandinus imperator), Thai black scorpions (Heterometrus spinifer) and Javanese Jungle scorpions (H. javanensis).

Place a 2- to 4-inch layer of substrate in the bottom of the aquarium. Use clean, chemical-free sand for desert species. Use a finely ground organic substrate covered with a thin layer of coarse bark for jungle species. Mist organic substrates with a fine spray of water until they are moist but not wet.

Add a flat rock or ceramic ornament to give your scorpion a place to hide. Other ornaments aren’t necessary for the scorpion but may add to your enjoyment.

Place a shallow water dish in one corner of the aquarium and keep it full for jungle species. Remove the dish with tongs and wash it thoroughly with soap and water every few days. For desert species, provide a damp piece of natural sponge in the corner of the aquarium. Some species can get all the moisture they need from the air, but if you aren’t sure about your scorpion, it’s best to give him a sponge.

Attach a heat mat to the side of the aquarium with tape. A heat mat designed for use with reptiles is ideal.

Place the container that holds the scorpion inside the aquarium and cover the aquarium with a tight-fitting habitat lid. Secure the lid in place with aquarium lid clips. Remove the container with tongs once the scorpion moves out into the environment.

Mist the substrate in jungle habitats daily. Desert habitats rarely need misting.

Feed the scorpion once or twice a week, at night. Feed small scorpions small crickets, or pinheads. A large scorpion will eat three to five adult crickets per week. Remove uneaten crickets after a few hours. Be aware that uneaten food may indicate illness or improper habitat, so consult your specialist.

Top Scorpion Species Suitable as Pets

Emperor Scorpion

For beginners, the most universally recommended scorpion species to keep as a pet is the emperor scorpion. This scorpion is fairly docile, and the venom of its sting only causes a mild, localized reaction in most people. Some say this scorpion is more likely to try to pinch you with its claws than sting you, but it typically won’t become aggressive unless it feels threatened.

Tanzanian Red-Clawed Scorpion

The Tanzanian red-clawed scorpion is from the same genus as the emperor scorpion, though it is smaller than its popular cousin. It also tends to be more aggressive and willing to sting than the emperor scorpion, so it is not recommended for beginners. But its venom is mild like a bee sting. Red claws can live for around eight years in captivity.

Malaysian Black Scorpion

The Malaysian black scorpion is a large, rainforest-dwelling species that is harder to find as a pet than the emperor scorpion. It also is more aggressive than the emperor scorpion and not ideal for beginners. It’s prone to using its claws rather than stinging for protection. Its venom is mild, just causing localized pain and inflammation in most cases, which is why people still choose to keep it as a pet.

Javanese Jungle Scorpion 

Native to rainforests of Indonesia, the Javanese jungle scorpion can live for five to eight years in captivity. But it is fairly aggressive and territorial. These scorpions are most likely to protect themselves with their strong claws, and they also feature a stinger with mild venom. Unlike many other scorpion species, they can be kept in groups, though some might end up fighting.

Food & Diet

Feeding scorpions in captivity is simple. A healthy scorpion will eat almost anything small enough for it to grab.

Gut loaded crickets and mealworms are an ideal source of food. They are readily available at pet stores and online and are inexpensive. Gut loading is the process of keeping the insects well fed so they pass along additional nutrients to your pet.

You should feed your pet every few days to a week. If you have a communal tank make sure you provide enough prey for everyone to eat. If everyone is happy and well fed the chances of fighting or cannibalism is reduced.

The amount of food in the scorpion’s diet should be monitored to ensure a healthy pet. A healthy scorpion is not too skinny or overly fat.

The age of the animal is also a factor in how much it will eat. Young scorpions will eat almost continuously, since they are growing rapidly.

Sometimes a pet will refuse to eat for long periods of time. Do not be alarmed. Healthy adult males have been known to take long fasts lasting months.

A shallow, sturdy water dish should be provided. If you have a communal colony it is a good idea to provide more than one water dish. The dish should be no more than half an inch deep. Fresh water should be provided daily and the bowl cleaned regularly.

Species not recommended for the novice

Hadrurus sp: Hairy Scorpions. A large scorpion (10cm) which does well in the desert setup described above and requires no water (getting all it needs from the atmosphere) – they dislike being misted. They are also considerably more aggressive than Emperor Scorpions with a more potent sting.

Scorpions from the Genus Androctonus are relatively large scorpions from Africa and the Middle East. They are extremely dangerous and care should be taken as some of the larger species (particularly A. bicolor) have a passing resemblance to the Emperor Scorpion – make sure you are confident that your dealer knows exactly what they are selling. Androctonus bicolor have more slender pedipalps (commonly called pincers or claws) than Pandinus imperator and a much thicker tail. Note: Narrow pedipalps on a scorpion often indicate a potent sting.

Bark Scorpions (eg Centruroides and Tityus) should also be avoided by those new to keeping scorpions. Bark scorpions can be recognised as they carry their tail curled to the side of the body rather than arching over the top (ie. the traditional image of scorpions).

What a scorpion habitat requires

Scorpions don’t require a huge amount of space. A ten gallon terrarium should do it. They are fairly small after all, and prefer to spend much of their time burrowed in substrate. You should be aware, however, that these arachnids can squeeze through tiny spaces, climb walls, and lift lids. In other words, your scorpion habitat needs to be secure.

Scorpions are generally safe to keep in groups, but it is possible for a member of the group to be bullied or eaten. If you’re going to keep more than two scorpions, you’ll need a slightly larger terrarium.

Unlike many exotic pets, scorpions do not require UV lighting, but it’s a good idea to put a heat pad under one side of the tank to provide temperature variation. This allows your pet to select the area where the temperature is most comfortable, as well as helping them to regulate their body temperature. Scorpions are most comfortable in an environment around 75 to 90 degrees F. That goes for both desert and jungle species.

The big difference between the two types of scorpions is their substrate requirements. Jungle scorpions require damp substrate and more humidity in their tank (about 80 percent humidity). A glass terrarium makes it easy to maintain the right humidity levels. And peat moss or potting soil are recommended substrates.

Desert scorpions, on the other hand, are fine with dry play sand. For either type of scorpion, you should provide a hide area (or multiple hides if you have multiple scorpions in a habitat).

How to Get Rid of Bats in the Attic

Know Your Neighbors

There are hundreds of types of bats in the world, but if you live in New England and you’ve got bats in your attic, they are almost certainly brown bats. Little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus) have a wingspan of approximately 8 inches and weigh less than half an ounce. Big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) can grow to be twice the size of little brown bats. Males typically roost individually, but female brown bats of both sizes form colonies in attics or barns when they are preparing to give birth (typically in June). Once the young have been born, little brown bats leave the buildings behind, preferring to hibernate in caves during the winter. Big brown bats, however, often hibernate right in homes — so if you’ve got winter houseguests, they’re probably of the big brown variety.

Why Are There Bats in My House?

Female bats are attracted to small sections of homes for nesting purposes. The most common areas to find bats include the walls, attic, and chimney.  Covered porches also provide the shelter bats are looking for in nesting sites.

A warm attic with low light is the perfect area for a bat to nurse her young. Unfortunately for the humans, bat feces and bat urine can accumulate and lead to foul smells and health issues.  Did you know that histomplasmosis is a dangerous disease associated with bat guano?

Bats enter homes through small gaps. A bat only needs a half-inch crack in a structure’s mortar to enter the area. The animals most often access homes through gaps between the soffit overhang and exterior siding.

On rare occasions, a bat could fly into your home through an open window. This is unlikely, and if it occurs, homeowners see the animal immediately. When bats sneak in through cracks, it can take years for people to notice.  Oftentimes, the first sign of a long-standing bat infestation is the overpowering smell of bat guano and bat urine.

5 Effective Home Remedies To Get Rid of Bats

1. Moth balls

The moth balls are also referred as naphthalene balls. They are among the best solutions to get rid of bats. They not only chase away the bats from your houses but also make sure that they do not re-enter your home ever again. These moth balls are readily available at pest control stores and shops. The method of using these moth balls is quite easy; you just need to tie them in a fine hardware cloth and hang that fabric in the house. The efficiency and effectiveness of this moth ball depend on the ventilation of the moth ball. If the moth ball is placed where the ventilation is poor, the results will be poor as well. The balls should frequently be placed for better results. The moth balls must be used very carefully because if it is employed in large quantities, it can cause health risks.

2. Sealants

If you have enough netting material and sealants, you have the way to get the bats out of your house. You just have to look for the residing areas of the bat and observe their entry and exit timing. Once you get to know that the bat has left the place in search of food or for roaming you need to clear the area at once.

3. Phenol

Phenol is the best one to make the bats leave your place. This repels very annoying and bad odor to repel the bats. It makes the place very unpleasant and unbearable for them to reside in. The place starts irritating them.  It encourages them to leave the place and find a more clean and peaceful place to live in. The best one recommended is the white phenol. You can use it in a water spraying bottle and spritz it all over the place where the bats reside. The best way is to keep spraying it until the odor gets so strong that the home bats leave. It is a unique method to drive the bats quickly.

4. Aerosol

You can easily get the per aerosol repellents in your pest control stores nearby your houses. You simply need to buy these repellents and spray them where the bats reside. Soon they will go and find a peaceful place to live in. It does not physically harm the bats. If you see bats at the roosting spot avoid spraying

5. Mylar balls

It is the most creative way to chase away the bats residing nearby. Once you see that the bats have left their place immediately hang these Mylar balloons. These balloons are filled with helium.  You should keep the balloons in motion. These Mylar balloons are mainly kept in motion to scare the bats away. You should go for the Mylar balloon that shines the most. Hang the ball move near the bat’s nest. Once they get, the scared chances are that they will never return. One thing is that you have to make sure to fill the balloon with helium regularly.

Smells That Can Repel Nuisance Bats

A simple, safe, and humane method to consider for bat prevention: sprinkle certain spices or scents around your home that bats hate! That’s right! Just like humans, bats don’t like certain smells either, particularly strong or pungent ones. Some smells bats hate so much, they’ll stay away from them like Superman does Kryptonite! Continue reading to learn three common smells to use around the exterior of your home as a safe and humane means of bat control.

Mothballs

Have you noticed bats are never caught lingering old coat closets? That’s because mothballs are so pungent, bats cannot stand the smell of them. Although they are not safer household pets or children, mothballs can be used as an effective preventative maintenance against bats and other nuisance wildlife. Play 15 mothballs inside a bowl, and place them around the exterior of your home where bat activity has been noticed. But be careful where you put these, and monitor them regularly to ensure the safety of others.

Menthol

Just like mothballs, menthol has a very strong odor. In bats do not like strong smells. Now you don’t want to go breaking up menthol cigarettes and sprinkling the tobacco all over the place, as this could be toxic to pets and hazardous to children. But you can purchase menthol extract or rub, and then place a tablespoon of it in a bowl with water for a non-toxic, fresh-smelling bat repellent. Place the bowl outside of your home where you know bats have been active and replenish as needed.

Mint

Another strong-smelling scent that repels nuisance bats is mint. You can purchase mint vapor rub, spearmint extract, peppermint extract, or mint leaves. Then simply mix it (grind mint leaves) with water, and place it in a bowl outside of your home where you have spotted bats. You may even so cotton balls and mint extract and place those in a bowl outside of your home as well. This is a bit stronger, and may be more effective for large colonies of bats. You can also do this with menthol extract.

Signs of Bats in the Attic

Their droppings carry disease too. This is why having bats in the attic of a house can be extremely dangerous to humans and other animals. You should regularly check your attic to ensure that bats haven’t taken up residence there. Look out for these bat signals that might mean it’s time to contact a humane animal removal company.

1. Bats at sunrise or sunset

Bats are nocturnal animals, so you won’t see them during the day. But if you see one flying around early in the morning or at night, there might be more living in your attic.

2. Bat droppings

If your attic is infested, you’re likely to encounter the droppings, or guano, outside your home, particularly near any entry points. It’s also possible to come across the droppings on decks, porches, windowsills and in the attic.If you can’t see them, you might smell them. Guano produces a strong, toxic odor similar to that of ammonia.

3. Chirping sounds

Generally, bats communicate by making chirping sounds, which also helps them navigate through specific paths at night and locate food. Listen for these sounds in the evening, at night or before dawn.

4. Scratches on the walls

Scratches or scurrying in the walls of your house might point to a colony of bats in your attic.

5. Stains at entry points and exits

A bat has a layer of grease on its coat. It leaves a greasy spot when it enters your home. Look out for these spots around holes in your house, on the walls and even on your roof. If you see these stains, be sure to clean and sterilize the area to prevent the spread of fatal diseases.

What to look for in a rat control professional

When you find out your home or business has a rat infestation, the best thing to do is get rid of it as quickly as possible. There are a lot of DIY methods on the market, of course, but missing a couple of rats can lead to a full re-infestation. This is why hiring an experienced rat exterminator who can offer comprehensive rat control and prevention is so crucial

What do you do to find the best pest control company to get rid of rats and prevent them from coming back? There are a number of things to consider before making the right choice for your home and business, but what are they?

In this article, Ehrlich takes a look at the key things to consider when choosing a rat exterminator. However, if you think you have already seen the signs of a rat infestation around your property, contact your local Ehrlich Pest Control office right away to discuss our rat removal and prevention methods.

Licensing and certification

It takes special skill to be a qualified and certified pest control specialist. If you want to hire a pest control company to get rid of rats or any other pest problem, ask them about their certification and licensing. States, counties, cities require rat control companies to be licensed for a wide variety of pest control services, including rats. The company should have these licenses and be willing to show them to you.

Experience in rat control

Being an effective rat exterminator means a lot more than just showing up and spraying chemicals or setting a bunch of random traps and bait boxes. It takes a certain professionalism and understanding of the way a building is structured, where the rats are more likely to be hiding, and where the rat control treatment is most likely to be effective. This knowledge takes years of experience to develop. Ask the rat control company how long they’ve been in the business, and how long they’ve been getting rid of rats specifically.

Treatment options available

What treatment options are available from the pest control company to get rid of the rats? A qualified and top-notch rat exterminator will listen to your needs and understand the causes of the infestation. A qualified rat control professional will take your pets and children into consideration to provide the best possible solution. Follow up treatments will likely be necessary, so be sure to discuss these as well.

HOW TO PICK A GOOD RODENT CONTROL COMPANY

There’s no easy way to know if a company is truly a good rodent control company unless you are willing to do a little research and legwork on your end. We recommend starting your search online. You can use Google to search for companies in your area then look at their reviews. We suggest looking for a good rodent control company based on the reviews and comments on those reviews. Look for one that has many reviews, not just a few. You can also look at Yahoo and Angie’s List. Both of these online companies allow customers to leave reviews of the services used. Next, talk to neighbors and co-workers. They’ll be more than willing to share their good and bad experiences with you.

When it comes to rodent control, there is no one size fits all. Each home is different even if they were built at the same time. So then what should you look for when picking a good rodent control company?

Someone with construction knowledge: Having a professional who understands construction and how homes are built from the ground up gives an edge in knowing where there may be gaps the rodents are using to enter into your home or business.

A full-service company: A full-service company provides a specialist to come out to your home and inspect your property not just give you an estimate over the phone. This is extremely important as you cannot give an accurate estimate without seeing the property. Each property is different, each rodent issue is different and the difference is not something known until an inspection is done.

FREE Inspections: You should not be charged to have your property looked at to decide the best way to control rodents. A good rodent control company will look in the attic, crawl space, basement, and go around the exterior of the home.

Rodent Control

The word rodent means to “to gnaw.” We will mostly be reviewing the type of rodent called “commensal rodent.” The word commensal means “sharing one’s table.” The three types of commensal rodents are the House Mouse, the Norway Rat, and the Roof Rat. These rodents carry diseases and eat and contaminate our food. These rodents co-exist with humans and closely associate with human habitats for food, water, and shelter. If living conditions for the rodents (food, water, and shelter), are right, they can multiply quickly. In your rodent control program, the essential first step is to eliminate or control their food, water and shelter provisions. After this first step, use the methods of trapping and baiting to get rid of the rodent population. Other types of rodents, such as the white-footed mouse, deer mouse, harvest mouse, pocket mouse, or pack rats may enter buildings, particularly if they are near wooded areas or fields.

Size Difference Between Mice and Rats

Rats are larger than mice, with correspondingly larger heads and feet. Rats also have coarser fur than mice. Mice are curious, while the rat is cautious. You will find Norway rats in burrows and the lower levels of a structure, while Roof rats prefer the upper levels of structures. Inspecting the rodent activity is essential. Use a flashlight to inspect their particular activity. Look for their “droppings”, rodent tracks, gnawing damage, burrows, runways, urine stains, rub/grease marks, and any other sitings of dead or live rodents. They also make screeching sounds, digging, or scratching sounds. If an infestation is well established, you may be able to detect a rodent odor.

To successfully get rid of mice and rats, it is critical to determine which type of rodent you have for effective control. For example, choosing the correct size trap is critical. A mouse trap would be too small for a rat, and a rat trap may not be sensitive enough to catch mice

Behavior Difference Between Mice And Rats

Since rodents are dependent on their environment, it may be difficult to describe typical behavior and habits. But there are generalizations of their habits for practical purposes of rodent control around and inside buildings. For further information, go to “About Rats”, or “About Mice”.

Rats:

Rats tend to eat most of their food at one time.

Rats are excellent swimmers and can swim up to 1/2 mile in open water and go through sewer lines.

Norway rats prefer food with high carbohydrate and protein content, although they eat almost any types of food.

Roof rats prefer to eat grains, fruit, sweets and peanut butter and nut butter but will eat what is available in their environment. They are “picky” eaters, due to their natural suspicion of new items in their environment. Roof rats do not readily accept meat or fish.

Rats tend to be cautious and with new objects. Since they are cautious of new elements in their environment, it may helpful to set unset rat traps

Rats cannot survive long with without water, while mice may survive longer.

Norway rats are not often found indoors, they typically nest outside in burrows. A young norway rat may be mistaken for a mouse. The young norway rat has a rounder body than the slender house mouse.

Roof rats like habitat in attics and trees. They may enter your home with a power line or a tree. Like mice, the roof rat is an excellent climber. The larger norway rat is not as agile as the roof rat or mouse. Since roof rats are often found in the upper levels, they may be undetected for a while.

A norway or roof rat will move within a diameter of 98 to 164 ft. and a house mouse, 10 to 33 ft. If conditions are unstable or there are changes such as new building, they may expand the diameter. They may also expand their range in protected areas such as in sewers, in passages between buildings, and under groundcovers.

Roof rats and norway rats are both opportunistic and will eat almost anything that is available.

Mice:

Mice will nibble a little at a time. If food is plentiful, they may make 20-30 visits to their food source at night. They feed heaviest at dawn or dusk. Mice prefer grains and seeds, but may eat meats, peanut butter, and sweet items.

Mice are curious about new objects, so it is easier place new traps or bait placements in their habitat or running space. It is easier to trap mice than rats.

A mouse may spend its entire life in a building in an urban/city setting. In rural/surbuban settings, they can be found both inside and outside among foundations, shrubs, below structures, or in ground burrows. Once inside, they may establish their nests close to a food source. Common inside nesting sites include within appliances, in walls, closets, cabinet and ceiling voids, storage boxes. Mice make their nests with soft material that has been chewed up from paper, insulation, furniture stuffing, etc.

Mice constantly explore their territory. They investigate any changes due to their curisosity. Their average territory ranges between 10-30 feet, but mice readily adapt to their environment. They nest close to food sources. Their territory is less when they have abundant food sources close to their nests.

Rodent Control Strategies

Use exclusion and sanitation tactics to get rid of rodents in a safe and cost-effective way. The most effective long-term solution is to keep rodents out in the first place. Measures such as sealing entry points prevent rodents from entering buildings and help you avoid a full-scale invasion.

Rats and mice are not only a nuisance but can also cause property damage and transmit diseases. You’ll know they’ve arrived if you see rodent droppings near a food source or shredded fabric or paper. If you identify rodents, there are several steps to take to ensure permanent removal of these pests.

Removing rodents with traps or poisons will not keep rodents out of your home in the future. To permanently keep rats and mice out of your home or business, you will need to prevent access by sealing all possible entry points. It is equally important to eliminate rodent attractions such as food and water by keeping food in tightly sealed containers and repairing leaky pipes

Once you have blocked the access points and removed sources of food and water, you’ll need to eliminate the remaining rodents. The following sections offer an overview of different treatment options and serve as useful guidance for keeping your home or business permanently free of rats and mice

Promote Natural Predators

Natural predators such as snakes, hawks, and owls can help to control rodent populations by feeding on rats and mice. Barn owls are efficient hunters and a family of barn owls can eat as many as 3000 mice per year. To encourage barn owls to nest and stay in your area, consider installing a nesting box. Strategic placement of nesting boxes combined with the use of traps and other preventative measures will go a long way to managing your rodent problems.

How to Choose A Rodent Removal Company

So you’ve got rats in your attic… now what? If you’re dealing with a rodent infestation, time is of the essence. You’ll want to call a professional rodent removal company right away to remove any lingering rodents, protect your family’s health and prevent lasting damage to your home.

Understand Your Options.

There are two main types of rodent removal company out there – extermination companies and rodent proofing companies. Understanding what both types of companies really offer is crucial to deciding which company you’ll call.

Exterminators – Extermination companies focus specifically on killing live rodents and other pests. Companies advertising general pest control, that place emphasis on trapping and poisoning services are usually extermination companies. These companies will use things like rodent trapping and poisoning to control the rodent population in your home. If you plan on using an extermination company be sure to ask them about what kinds of poisons they may be used in your home as these can be harmful to pets and small children. Also ask them about discounts on ongoing service contracts as well, as rodents breed quickly and a single extermination session is unlikely to eliminate a rodent infestation permanently.

Rodent Proofing – Rodent proofing companies focus on sealing up entry points in your home to eliminate rodent infestations permanently. These companies are often made up of construction and cleaning specialists rather than traditional pest control specialists. Rodent proofing is a complex process, but is usually performed without the use of dangerous poisons or traps, which is ideal for people with curious pets or small children. Be sure to ask if they offer cleaning services as well as you will want to have the infested area thoroughly decontaminated after all rodent entry points have been sealed.

Choose A Company With A Guarantee.

It is crucial to work with a rodent removal company that guarantees their services and really stands behind their work. That way, if anything goes wrong or your home becomes reinfested you’ll be able to rest easy knowing that the company that did the work is also willing to take full responsibility for any mistakes and fix them promptly

Why do mosquito bites itch?

When a mosquito bite breaks the skin, a person’s body recognizes the mosquito’s saliva as a foreign substance. This causes an immune system response, which aims to flush out the intruder.

The swelling around the bite is caused by histamine, which is produced by the immune system.

Histamine increases blood flow and white blood cell count around the affected area, which causes inflammation or swelling.

Mosquito bites itch because histamine also sends a signal to the nerves around the bite.

The first time a person is bitten, their body may not react in this way. The immune response is something that the body learns after being exposed to a foreign substance.

Some people may never react to a bite. Others might become more tolerant to a mosquito’s saliva over time. For many, the reaction remains consistent, and mosquito bites continue to be an annoyance.

Why do mosquitoes bite us?

Mosquitoes bite humans to drink their blood. The nutrients contained in a human’s blood help female mosquitoes to make the eggs they need to reproduce. Only female mosquitoes bite people.

A mosquito uses the sharp tip of its straw-like mouth (proboscis) to pierce a person’s skin. It locates the blood vessel and draws blood up through its mouth.

As it does this, it injects saliva that contains an anticoagulant. This stops the person’s blood from clotting. If the blood were to clot around the mosquito’s mouth, it might get stuck.

Mosquito Bite Allergies & Reactions

Mosquito bites cause a reaction in most people’s bodies, some more severe than others. A slight swell and itchy red bump is the typical reaction. The female mosquito (males don’t need blood meals) injects saliva into your body to thin the blood and prevent coagulating for easier drinking. This mosquito saliva is the source of the mosquito bite reactions. However, some people are more sensitive to and even allergic to the saliva which can heighten the reaction. For instance, babies and small children can have a more swelling and a brighter red reaction due to their young sensitive skin. Bruising can even occur for those with the highest sensitivities.

SYSTEMIC MOSQUITO BITE REACTIONS

Although rare, those with a severe allergy to mosquito bites can experience nausea, hives, vomiting, wheezing, and swelling around the lips and mouth. Fever, asthma, and anaphylactic shock can even occur. Those who may have an allergic reaction to mosquito bites should seek medical care immediately.

SKEETER SYNDROME

Skeeter Syndrome is the name given to the severe local reaction to mosquito bites that occurs for some. Swelling can cause an entire limb to become twice its normal size within hours of being bitten. Sometimes it may take up to 48 hours after being bit by a mosquito for a serious allergic reaction to appear.

Risk factors for mosquito bites and Skeeter syndrome

Mosquitoes appear to prefer certain victims over others, including:

• men
• pregnant women
• people who are overweight or obese
• people with type O blood
• people who have recently exercised
• people who emit higher amounts of uric acid, lactic acid, and ammonia
• people who have recently drunk beer

Also, because mosquitoes are attracted to heat, wearing dark colors may make you more likely to be bitten. This is because dark colors absorb heat. People living in humid, tropical climates or swamplands are also at greater risk for bites.

Some people have a greater risk of an allergic reaction, too, such as younger children. People with allergies to some of the components of mosquito saliva, such as proteins and antimicrobial agents, may also be at a greater risk of developing Skeeter syndrome.

The best way to prevent the illnesses they spread is to avoid mosquito bites.

• Wear light-colored clothing to cover up.
• Put mosquito repellent “bug spray” on your bare skin.
• Get rid of places that water can collect around your home.
• Keep water in pools and landscaping moving.
• Use screens on your windows or a mosquito net when sleeping outdoors.

How to treat mosquito bites

Treating mosquito bites is a relatively easy task and can be done at home, and is similar to how you would treat other insect bites. You can treat mosquito bites by:

1. Cleaning the bite with warm soapy water.
2. Placing an ice pack on the bite to reduce the swelling
3. Taking an antihistamine to help relieve the itchiness.
4. Avoid scratching to reduce the risk of infection.

Home remedies for mosquito bites

On top of the usual insect bite treatments, there are also a handful of home remedies you can try, to help treat mosquito bites by reducing the swelling and relieving the itch.

• Toothpaste: The menthol flavor of the toothpaste helps to soothe the bite
• Honey: Honey is a natural antibiotic and will help with the swelling
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera is a natural antiseptic agent and can help reduce the pain, swelling, and itching.

How to get rid of mosquitoes

The best way to prevent mosquito bites is to prevent mosquitoes themselves. Eliminating the source of the problem will drastically reduce the possibility of getting bitten by a mosquito. The following items will also aid in getting rid of mosquitoes:

• Mosquito traps: Installing mosquito traps and zappers will help keep these biting insects away
• Remove standing water: Mosquitoes like to lay their eggs in stagnant water. Eliminating the potential breeding sites from your property will make it less appealing to mosquitoes.
• Professional treatment: Contacting a professional mosquito exterminator is the most effective way to get rid of mosquitoes. The range of mosquito services and solutions they can offer will help keep mosquitoes away, and reduce the risk of mosquito bites.