Frequently Asked Questions

• Look for a reputable company with representatives knowledgeable about pest and/or termite habits, types of construction, treatment specifications and state regulations.
• Ask friends and associates to recommend companies they have used.
• Look for memberships in industry associations such as the Arizona Pest Management Association (APMA) or the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) that provide ethical guidelines and technical information.
• Find out if continued coverage is offered that includes treatment for re-infestation and repairs for future damage and ask if it is renewable.

Be certain the company is licensed by your state’s regulatory agency!

Ants are foragers. They need food and water to survive. If you are supplying them with these necessities, it makes your home a much more favorable nesting site. Carpenter ants also nest within the home itself. If they have easy access to food, then your home will be more appealing than the one next door. It’s not your fault you have ants in your home. There are some steps you can take to help reduce the problem though.

Do not crush ants in your home! Dying ants release distress pheromones that heighten the activity of the whole nest.

Do I have an ant problem?

If you’re asking yourself this question, the answer is likely, “Yes.” There are several species of ants that are much more common that others. Determining whether or not you have an ant problem begins with a few questions, though. An infestation depends on the ant type and location. Certain ants live inside your walls and damage your home, others are primarily outside but aggressive. We’ll cover the most common types and signs below. If you encounter any of these signs, you should call the experts at Anteater Exterminating Inc.

What are the most common ant types in Arizona?

Our local ant control specialists treat for a wide variety of Arizona ant species, but some are much more common than others. The most common types include the following:

What you should know about carpenter ants.

Carpenter ants live in walls and flooring. That makes them particularly damaging to a home. Similar to termites, carpet ants burrow into a home. You’ll want to look for holes in woodwork and small piles of sawdust or “frass” around these holes. You may also hear a very faint noise from inside the walls. You can you a cup as a makeshift stethoscope to amplify the sound.

What do carpenter ants look like? Carpenter and a dull black and have dull red hued legs. They do not have a stinger. Worker ants are typically 1/4 to a 1/2 inch in length.

What you should know about fire ants.

Fire ant mounds are typically found outdoors. The mound doesn’t actually have entrance though. The nest is reached from other openings. These ants scavenge in the mornings and evenings. Because they have a such a painful sting, you want to get rid of them quickly. They can even overtake small animals. Some people may have allergic reactions to their venom as well.

What do fire ants look like? There are 2 invasive varieties and one native to Arizona. Native fire ants are burnt orange in color. Their heads and butts are roughly equal size and these two sections are connected by four pieces of the thorax. Workers range in size from 1/10 of an inch to 1/3 of an inch. Imported fire ants look similar but are a much darker red. Argentinian fire ants are yellow in color. All species are aggressive and have stingers.

What you should know about harvester ants.

Harvester ants nest near plant heavy areas like gardens. They have an incredibly painful sting. Though they aren’t aggressive foragers, they will aggressively defend their nest. That makes them a major problem near frequently used areas. People with ant venom allergies may need medical help when stung by a harvester ant.

What do harvester ants look like? These ants are roughly 3/8 of an inch long. They may be black or red depending on the species. You’ll know a harvest mound when you see it. These ants clear several feet around their nest entrance of all vegetation.

Additional ants species we treat for include:

• Acrobat Ants
• Argentine Ants
• Citronella Ants
• Pharaoh Ants
• Formica Ants
• Leafcutter Ants
• Red Pavement Ants
• Red Velvet Ants
• Thistledown Velvet Ants

How can I stop ants from infesting my home?

There are steps you can take to make your home less appealing to ants. If you believe you have an ant problem, do the following:

• Clean your home. You want to clean indoors and outdoors. Eliminate areas where ants can hide or set up a nest. Make sure to remove crumbs and other food sources. That may mean relocating food or getting air tight containers to seal it properly.
• Reduce moisture. Stop any leaks in and around your home. Make sure downspouts and gutter are clear and direct water outwards from the home.
• Prune outdoors. Don’t let brush and branches touch your home. These act as bridges to the home for ants.
• Remove debris. Get rid of landscaping timber and mulch within 3 feet of the home. Store firewood away from the home.

Why do I need professional ant control?

DIY ant control is incredibly difficult. There is a wide range of reasons to choose Anteater Exterminating Inc. Consider the following before you DIY.
Over the counter ant control products are dangerous if misused. They can be poisonous, and in the case of items like diatomaceous earth can cause problems years later. If you forget where you set bait, or overuse certain products, you are putting yourself and your family in danger. Our exterminators use commercial grade products applied in the safest manner possible.
Stirring an ant colony can lead to larger problems. Certain ant colonies respond very poorly to specific treatment methods. Some nests go on high alert and may storm their surroundings. Others may view the existing area as dangerous and move to another area in the home. Colonies can even split into two. We know how each ant species functions, what control methods to use, and how to use them.
We guarantee our results. With DIY methods you may end up making the problem worse or failing to address it. Our ant control is backed by a service warranty that guarantees you an ant-free home for an agreed upon length of time. This provides security and the knowledge that one of Arizona’s leading pest control companies has you covered.

Everything You Need To Know About Bed Bugs

Bed bugs get their name from their favorite hangout—the bed. They are reddish-brown to brown and have a flat and ovular shaped body about the size of an apple seed. They range in size from about 1/6th of an inch to 1/8 of an inch.

Generally favoring the lower, foot-end of the bed, they feed on the feet and legs of people as they sleep. However, they are also found in furniture, clothing, and around warm spaces like heaters. Because they favor the warmth, they can also hide in electronics. The best way to visually inspect for them on your own is to check the creases at the bottom of your mattress for what looks like ground black pepper. They also leave small, red stains in bedding from expelled blood after a meal.

Do I have a bed bug infestation?

Visual confirmation is required to determine if you have a bed bug infestation. If you’ve seen a bed bug, then you have one. That’s because bed bugs have an extremely fast gestation cycle. They breed quickly, and if you don’t stop them quickly they can infest multiple areas of your home or even spread to friends and family. Your best option for bed bug relief is a qualified exterminator from Anteater Exterminating Inc.

How to check for bed bugs.

Bed bugs leave signs behind. Some of these may require a magnifying glass for a better look, but others will be very obvious. Look for the following:

• Bed bugs feed on you when you sleep. They frequently get crushed beneath bed sheets and beneath mattresses. If you find blood stains, it’s a big red flag.
• Bed bug feces looks like a tiny speck of a marker stain. It’s roughly the size of this dot. •
• Because bed bugs grow so quickly, they shed their shells often. These sheddings are pale yellow/whitish and look like an empty bed bug shell.
• Eggs and their casings are the same color as molted shells. They are pear-shaped and 1mm across.
• Live bed bugs are the most obvious sign. Lift your mattress and shine a light underneath it. Bed bugs will run for cover and you may seem them scurrying away.

How did I get bed bugs in my house?

Bed bugs get into the home a number of ways. One of the largest culprits is your own luggage. Bed bugs will hitch a ride during a vacation. If you stay in an infested hotel room or your luggage is packed next to infested luggage, they will sneak in. Because bed bugs are so flat and small, they can hide in a light socket. That makes luggage no match.

Also be very careful about purchasing second-hand furniture. Bed bugs commonly get into new homes this way. They can also travel into your home when guests come over. Just like how they hide in luggage, they’ll also hide in purses and packs. Inspecting everyone who comes inside is a bit much. If your guest has previously talked about bed bugs locally or in their own home, consider asking them what they have encountered and when.

If you suspect you have bed bugs. Do not have company over! Bedbugs sneak a home in bags and purses too!

Where do bed bugs hide?

These are sneaky pests. They are very small and like warmth. That means hiding places are typically near a food source in a warm area. Typical hiding places include:

• Anywhere the width of a credit card can fit. They have a thin profile, that makes nearly everywhere a hiding spot.
• Because they are warm, bed bugs like hiding in electronics and appliances. Look in and around heaters and heater vents.
• Drawer joints are also a common spot. Bedside tables should be inspected especially carefully.
• Wall hangings and wallpaper are good hiding places. Have a flashlight ready so you can spot any movement right away.

What can I do to prevent a bedbug infestation?

• When you buy second-hand items make sure to inspect them thoroughly. Bed bugs can go without feeding for over a year depending on the temperature. A cold storage unit could harbor bedbugs for a very long time. If you buy used bedding, furniture or mattresses be wary. The cost of an infestation is much greater than what you’ll save.
• If you’re going to a hotel, always inspect the bedding first. Lift up the mattress and inspect the bed sheets. Look in the corners of the bed frame. Inspect the back of the headboard. Only place your luggage on the bed or furniture after an all clear inspection. If you find signs of bed bugs immediately leave the room with your luggage.
• If you travel, make sure to inspect your baggage on occasion. This can help you catch any signs of bed bugs before you bring them into your home.
• Protective mattress covers can help reduce the likelihood of bedbugs. Some leases actually require them.

How do I get rid of bedbugs?

The first thing you want to do is call a local bed bug exterminator from Anteater Exterminating Inc. We will perform a thorough inspection and determine whether your not your home or business is infested. The second thing you want to do is take steps to keep the infestation from spreading. These steps can help keep your bed bugs contained until treatment can be started.

When you remove items from the room. Seal them in an airtight bag. These will need to be treated. Another option is to leave them in the bag until the bed bugs expire. Because of they are so resilient, this may take as long as 400 days.

Every time you vacuum you want to empty it into an airtight, sealed bag. This works best with bagged vacuums. Emptying a container style vacuum is no guarantee that bed bugs aren’t still hiding in it. You may want to consider purchasing a bagged model and discarding your existing vacuum.

Remove bed bugs from your furniture if you can. If you aren’t able to, make sure that no one else takes it home. This can best be accomplished by destroying the furniture. Make it complete un-usable. To be safe, you can take a marker and write “bed bugs” in a prominent area. This will keep it from being re-used.

Why do I need professional bed bug treatment and control?

Bed bugs are a menace. If you aren’t 100% positive that you can eliminate the problem, call in the professionals. Bed bugs can destroy your ability to get a goods night rest. The health problems they create aren’t just limited to bites and rashes. Don’t let bugs have the run of your home. Call us today.

How do I know if I have a bee problem?

Bees are incredibly helpful. They are the primary pollinators of the natural world. Without them, we wouldn’t have gardens full of vegetables and yards full of flowers and trees. That’s what makes bees one of the more delicate problems homeowners have. Are your bees a problem, or are they better left alone? This depends on the species and the location of the hive. If your yard is crawling with bees or you have a hive in or attached to your house, you may have a serious problem. The best solution? Call Anteater Exterminating Inc. We’ll inspect your property, determine your species, and let you know what all of your options are.

What kind of bees are there in Arizona?

Important pollinating bee species.

• Honey bees – These bees typically live in rocky outcroppings or hollow trees. If you have an active hive of honey bees in a poor location, your best option is likely removal. As pest experts, we understand the importance of honeybees in the eco-system. Extermination of an active colony is the last resort. We may refer you to local beekeepers who often remove honeybee colonies free of charge and re-home them in a man-made hive.
• Bumble bees – Bumble bee species nest underground. Hives may be found in burrows and beneath boards as well. They are prolific pollinators, particularly in vegetable gardens. They are important to the eco-system and we will thoroughly inspect the hive location and options before advising extreme measures.
• Squash bees – Bees are specialists. As the name implies, squash bees pollinate pumpkins and other gourds. Their hives are located underground and they are often located in pumpkin patches. They look similar to honey bees in striping though they have wider set eyes and one species has a red abdomen.

Potentially problematic bee species.

• Africanized honeybees – Also known as killer bees, this species has run rampant across Arizona. They are an extremely aggressive hybrid between African honey bees and European honey bees. If you are ever attacked by an AHB, run in a straight line. They are slow fliers and can be outrun. Do not dive underwater. They will wait for you to surface.
• Carpenter bees – These black bees typically nest in cactuses and hollow logs. That makes homes susceptible to carpenter bee hives. They nest in unpainted, dry wood. Nesting targets include fence rails, decks, wooden furniture, and doors. Look for entrance holes around the suspected area.
• Sweat bees – Sweat bees are attracted to the salt in sweat. This can make them a major nuisance. Since they typically nest on dry dirt, plants are the best method for keeping them away. These bees do sting and bite, so you may need removal services if multiple nests are in a single area.

Additional bee species we treat for include:

I have bees in my house, what now?

Depending on the species we will recommend removal or extermination.

Do not do any of the following:

Never plug up the entrance holes to the nest or hive. This won’t stop the problem. It will force the bees to create a new exit. This exit may not lead outside the home. A house full of angry bees is a much worse problem to have than a wall full of docile ones.

Never pour chemicals onto an outdoor hive. This doesn’t just kill bees, it contaminates the surroundings. Chemicals destroy the soil and may not penetrate the hive deeply enough to wipe it out.

Why do I need professional bee removal?

There are a variety of reasons to get professional removal services. Depending on the bee species you may risk stinging, bites, and a swarm if the hive is agitated. If anyone in your home is allergic to bees, this is not a risk you want to take.

1. Failure to eliminate the bees before removing the hive can result in injury. It also will not remove the heart of the problem, the bees themselves.
2. Pest controllers will identify the bee species. We know the best methods for different species and their hive locations.
3. We remove the destroyed hive. This prevents wax and honey from melting into the walls of your home. This also removes dead bees and pupae.
4. Removal of certain bee species requires a commercial license. We are licensed to take care of your bee infestation.

The best way to stop a bee problem is to head it off as soon as possible. Colonies grow and expand. The longer you wait, the larger the colony. We quickly diagnose bee infestations. After determining your bee species, we present you with every available option. Get help now. Call us today.

Do you need bird control services?

Treatment methods depend entirely on the problem bird species you are facing. In Arizona, there are a wide variety of non-native birds that have taken root. This leads to property damage and worst of all, the reduction and flight of native bird populations. If you’ve got a problem with wild birds or pigeons you want bird removal services from Anteater Exterminating Inc. We will confirm the species and take the correct measures to remove the problem bird species and keep it from returning.

What are the most common pest birds in Arizona?

1. Urban pigeons – We know you aren’t surprised. Pigeons are incredibly hardy. They are a larger problem in cities where nesting sites and food sources are plentiful. That doesn’t mean they won’t roost in a home, shed, or barn. Pigeons are multi-generational roosters. The sooner you eliminate the problem the better.
2. Starlings – They may look beautiful when the sun shines just right, but starlings are a menace. They are highly aggressive and responsible for driving out native bird populations. Because their flocks can be so large a starling population can continue to grow larger and larger.
3. Grackles – These are extremely aggressive birds. Grackles typically habituate the same areas as the common crow. They aren’t strangers to foraging and in addition to garbage, scraps, and other ready food they can decimate fledgling crops. Grackles will eat seeds from a freshly planted field and ruin a harvest.
4. Sparrows – Sparrows like to nest in the same site over and over. If that site happens to be the side of your home then you may have a problem. Though they aren’t staying full-time and will return south during the winter, sparrows can leave a mess behind before they do.

Additional Pest Birds We Can Help With:

Do you have damage caused by birds?

Birds cause a wide range of damage to different structures, and it can really add up. If you’ve encountered any of the following, it may be time for bird removal services.

• Birds are causing damage to surrounding areas like gardens or fields and displacing native species.
• Bird chirping is creating a nuisance around your home or living area.
• Birds are showing aggressive behaviors towards you, other family members, or your pets.
• Bird droppings are coating nearby structures, vehicles, and other areas. (Droppings carry disease and are acidic.)
• Bird nests attract additional pests like slugs, mites, and gnats. They can also clog pipes and drains.
• Birds carry other pests with them like ticks, fleas, and lice. These can transmit additional diseases.

What diseases can birds spread?

Different bird species are known for spreading different bacteria and diseases. Depending on the type of bird, its nesting location, and the presence of droppings, different diseases will be of greater concern. Just some of the viruses these pest birds can spread include:

Why do I need professional bird removal?

Many birds are federally protected. That means you cannot trap or kill them without severe repercussions. Unfortunately, even if you are targeting non-protected species, if you harm a protected species you can be prosecuted in the same manner as if you were just targeting the protected species. That’s where we come in.

Our pest removal experts know which bird species you can target, and how to successfully and safely remove their nests, clean affected areas, and keep them from returning. Much of bird removal is not about elimination, it is about exclusion. Creating an environment that is unfriendly for your particular species of pest bird without risking harm to protected birds is key. That’s what we specialize in.

Where can we remove birds?

What bird control methods do we use?

Depending on the type of bird our certified professionals will use a variety of commercial grade methods. These may include:

• Nest removal and cleanup. We remove existing nests and fully clean the site before beginning exclusionary methods.
• Exclusion methods based on species. Depending on what you hope to achieve we can perform exclusion geared towards specific outcomes.
• Eliminating food sources is key. We will analyze your property and locate primary food sources of the problem bird population.
• We will trap and remove birds that can be trapped and removed.
• Specialized guards will be placed on nesting ledges to prevent birds from resting on your building.
• Our technicians will seal off access points that birds use to enter your property.

If you have a bird problem it is likely to get worse. The last thing you want to do is harm a protected bird species and fail to fix the problem. We remove that risk. Don’t tempt government fines or even incarceration. Get professional bird removal and get rid of problem birds. Call us today.

Where do cockroaches hide?

Roaches are excellent at hiding. They prefer places that are moist and dark. That’s why you’ll often find roaches in the kitchen. It offers a wide range of areas to hide, ready access to a water supply, and plenty of food to eat. If you suspect you have roaches, arm yourself. Grab a flashlight and take a closer look in the following areas:

• Check your ceiling while turning on the lights.
• Look at pipes beneath cabinets and in the basement.
• Investigate the crevices around furniture cushions.
• Bathroom sinks, tubs, and showers are common hiding places.
• Always check the kitchen in full. It has everything a roach is looking for.
• Lift up stacks of paper and cardboard, especially if wet.
• Pull out and up small appliances like toasters and coffee makers.
• Food cabinets and cupboards may also contain roaches.
• Crouch down and look beneath and around baseboards and molding.
• Roaches may be small so look closely around knick-knacks and decor.

The only other sign of cockroach other than finding one alive or dead is the presence of feces. This looks like coffee grounds. You’ll likely find it around feeding areas, so pay careful attention to dishes left overnight, food in cupboards, fruit left out, and other easily accessible food sources.

Are cockroaches dangerous?

They don’t typically bite, cannot sting, and do not have pincers. The main reason cockroach infestations have to be treated is because of bacteria, disease, and the biggest problem of all, dead cockroaches.

What diseases do cockroaches carry?

There are a variety of different bacteria and diseases spread by roaches. Because they are constantly leaving feces behind them in addition to regurgitating their food, you can imagine how quickly they can contaminate an area. Some of the most common problems they cause in humans include:

How do dead cockroaches cause allergies?

The biggest problem with a roach infestation isn’t the living ones. The exoskeleton of dead roaches turns into a very fine powder after it decays. When this powder gets into air-circulation it can be breathed in by humans. That makes a roach infestation in a home with air condition especially problematic. Roach dust from roaches in the vents can easily move throughout an entire home. This dust is a known cause of allergies in children who have never experienced them before. In humans who already have allergies, it can cause them to worsen or even lead to an asthma attack in asthma sufferers.

How can I prevent a cockroach infestation?

Roaches are pretty basic creatures. They just want their core needs to be met. That means there are two critical ways you can prevent cockroaches.

Cut off a roaches food supply. You can do this by keeping your home or business tidy. Clean up all food scraps, wash your dishes regularly, don’t leave fruit out, and make sure dog food and other dry goods are sealed in air-tight containers.

Cut off a roaches water supply. Check your home for leaking pipes and areas of moisture. If you find any, take corrective actions to make sure these areas stay dry.

Do I need professional cockroach control?

If you’re asking yourself that question, the answer is likely, “Yes.” Our technicians will treat your home for roaches and help you identify and correct all of the areas that are making your home attractive to roaches. You don’t have to fight roaches alone. Just call or contact us today.

Why do I have crickets in my house?

Do you keep hearing a familiar chirping sound but you can’t seem to locate it? Does it sound like your phone is ringing, but you’re looking right at it? If that sounds like you, you probably have crickets hiding out in your home. You’re most likely to find crickets in your home during the winter months. This is when they like to come indoors. It’s warm, there’s food, and they don’t have to worry about predators. If you can’t find those crickets, a pest control expert from Anteater Exterminating Inc. will.

How do I prevent crickets from getting in?

Much like cockroaches, the best thing you can do is eliminate the reason the cricket came indoors in the first place.

• You want to remove anything that captures moisture outside of the home. Get rid of wood piles, refuse, and mow your lawn. This will help reduce areas of moisture that are particularly attractive to crickets.
• Ventilate your home. Is your basement damp? DO you have a leak in your air duct system that’s causing moisture buildup? Seal-up and air-out these areas. You want them dry and moisture free.
• Seal up the entrances crickets use to get in. Crickets typically get in beneath door gaps and around open windows. Take precautions and put in place items like window screens and tight fitting door jams.

Do crickets cause damage?

Crickets are omnivorous. That means they’ll eat meat and plant matter. Unfortunately, a cricket that’s made its way indoors will also eat fabrics. They will consume clothing, upholstery, curtains, and other items of fabric. This leaves behind holes that aren’t easily patched.

Do crickets cause disease?

Crickets are fairly innocent as far as pests go. They do carry Salmonella and E.coli in their waste products which can be harmful. They do not typically bite though. This makes sickness a bigger concern than injury from the cricket itself.

How fast do crickets reproduce?

If you’ve ever noticed how cheap it is to buy crickets at the pet store, you’ve got an idea. A female cricket lays 100 eggs in her lifetime. This occurs over the course of just 10 – 15 days and a cricket eggs hatch in 13 days. Because crickets have a short lifespan at just two to three months, they can breed very quickly. That can turn a small cricket problem into a large one if it isn’t taken care of in a timely manner.

Do I need cricket control?

If you’ve decided that you have a problematic number of crickets in the home, it’s time for cricket control. Our pest control experts can safely eliminate crickets throughout your home, and help you keep them from returning. If you’ve only found a couple of crickets, you may just have some intruders that haven’t yet started breeding. Just make sure the population doesn’t boom. Cricket control is much cheaper than replacing your entire wardrobe, carpet, reupholstering the furniture, etc. So when you need cricket control, call or contact us.

Why are there flies in my house?

If you’re dealing with an infestation of flies, you may be wondering what they’re doing in your house. The answer doesn’t lie with the flies you can see, it rests with the eggs you can’t see. Flies are attracted to places they can reproduce. This differs depending on the fly. The end result is the same though, you want to target the areas where flies breed. If you need help identifying these areas the best thing you can do is call in an exterminator from Anteater Exterminating Inc. We will help you identify and eliminate these areas.

What kinds of flies are there in Arizona?

There are a wide variety of fly species in Arizona, and more than 120,000 worldwide. The most common flies we encounter include:

Where do flies breed?

There are specific areas where different fly species breed, but many commonalities across fly species. Just some of the areas you’ll want to clean include:

Garage and waste areas: This includes kitchen garbage cans, break-room garbage cans, and outdoor dumpsters and garbage drop-off areas. These are prime breeding grounds for a wide variety of flies and provide them with a ready food source as well. [highlight]Keep garbage away from your building.[/highlight] This can help discourage outdoor flies from coming inside and creating a new home. You may also want to consider airtight garbage cans. Though flies can fit through very small spaces this can discourage them.

Feces and carcasses: You may think this only applies to livestock owners, but you’d be wrong. Homeowners that don’t clean up excrement from pets are inviting flies into their yard. The more waste you allow to build up, the further the smell will carry and the more flies it will attract. The best thing to do is [highlight]regularly clean up after your pet[/highlight] and place waste products into an airtight can. In the event you find any animal carcasses make sure to safely, carefully, and legally dispose of them before they become a breeding ground.

Drains and standing water: You’ll want to dry areas of standing water as well as regularly clean drains. This will prevent certain species of fly like the drain fly which specifically breeds in and inhabits drains that have become clogged with hair, fat, skin and other refuse. Keeping a clean environment can actually resolve the vast majority of a fly problem because [highlight]when they have nowhere to breed your property becomes much less attractive[/highlight].

How can I get rid of flies?

Remove breeding areas, keep your home clean, and place fly traps around the areas flies are breeding. The best thing you can do is maintain a clean environment. That will remedy most fly infestations. If you continue to have a fly infestation problem you should contact one of our local fly control exterminators. We can show you where the breeding is occurring, identify what a how you should clean the areas, and help you create a plan to keep flies from coming back again.

Do I have gophers in my yard?

Many homeowners aren’t sure whether or not they have a gopher or a mole problem. That’s what makes an exterminator from Anteater Exterminating Inc. when combating pests. Many pests have similar modes of operation. Ground squirrels, rats, and voles all tunnel as well. Determining whether or not you have a pocket gopher infestation is the first key. There are some signs that can help you distinguish one from the other, though.

How are pocket gopher mounds different than mole mounds?

The primary difference is the shape of the cone and where you’ll find the exit hole.

Gopher mounds – Because gophers surface diagonally, they have diagonal shaped cones. Look for cones that are crescent shaped. These will have an opening coming out of the side. Other holes you may find are feeder holes. These occur when a gopher pokes its head out to feed on vegetation. It will fill the hole back in afterward, so you’ll typically find a recessed indent in the hole.

Mole mounds – When moles surface they do so vertically. Coming straight up out of the ground means they leave a volcano shaped hole in their wake. Moles feed beneath the ground on grubs and other insects. They do not leave behind the same types of feeding holes that gophers do. Moles may also leave tunnels. These typically follow around blocked areas, so they may run parallel to a path or building foundation.

What kind of damage do pocket gophers cause?

Aside from tearing up your yard, pocket gophers are perfectly happy to feed on bulbs and underground root systems. As herbivores, they stick to greens. If you’re trying to grow a garden of any type or maintain your existing fauna system they can be a serious menace. In addition to eating plant roots, they’ll often pull an entire plant into their burrow so they can eat it in safety.

Gopher holes cause serious irrigation problems. Not only do they steal your plants, they cause soil erosion as well. Gopher holes funnel water and can damage soil stability. If a hole is next to your foundation it can also cause water to wear it away, leading to cracks in a property foundation that are expensive to repair.

Gopher holes and be a serious tripping hazard. One of the biggest dangers of a gopher hole isn’t to adults, it’s to pets and small children. These family members have a much easier time getting their feet and legs caught in gopher holes. That can lead to trips and falls if their lucky, and leg or ankle breaks if they aren’t.

Do pocket gophers hibernate?

Unfortunately, pocket gophers are active all year. They do not hibernate and tunnel systems can cover thousands of square feet. Because they are active 24 hours of the day and have irregular sleeping schedules, it means your problem will only get worse until it is taken care of.

What can I do about pocket gophers?

There are a variety of options for treating gopher infestations in your area. These are best discussed with a pest control expert. Because they live underground it makes treatment particularly sensitive. Improperly treated gopher infestations can contaminate the water and soil. When the goal is to regain your landscape, DIY gopher control can be disasterous.

How do you know if you have a mouse infestation?

This is the first question many homeowners ask when they hear scurrying sounds in the walls An infestation is a relative term. There isn’t a hard number. What you do need to know is that a breeding pair of mice is capable of producing thousands of descendants in a year. That doesn’t mean your home will overflow with mice. Like many animals, mice colonies won’t grow larger than an area can support without some of them moving. What it does mean is that a small mouse problem can quickly become a large one. The best way to determine if you have an infestation is with an inspection. The pest inspectors at Anteater Exterminating Inc. determine exactly that. If you suspect mice, there are some signs you can look for though.

Signs of mice in the home.

• How small are mouse droppings? This is a telltale sign. Droppings are typically 1/4 inch in length. They look like small brown grains of rice. Never touch droppings with bare skin.
• Is that smell rodent urine? The smell of rodent urine is consistent between mice and rats. It smells strongly of ammonia, and the more urine, the stronger the smell.
• What do mice use to build nests? Mice use fibrous materials for nest building. That means cardboard, paper, and cloth. They’ll typically take materials from areas that offer protection—under and behind a couch, papers close to a wall, etc. Check the corners of furniture closely. Clothes that have been left out may be chewed on as well.
• What do mice sound like? Listen to this for a great example of the sound a mouse makes in the wall. You may hear scuffling, scratching, and the occasional squeak.

How do I mouse proof my house?

There are several areas you should address. If an area doesn’t provide what a mouse is looking for, it will find one that does. The three primary motivating factors for a mouse are food, water, and shelter. You may not be able to remove every instance of each, but you can severely limit a mouse’s options.

Mouse-proof the outside of the house.

1. Seal your garbage cans. Garbage is the easiest meal for a rodent. When a trashcan isn’t airtight it lets the smell out. Sense of smell is measured by olfactory receptor genes. Mice have 1,130 olfactory receptors. For reference, humans only have 396. Sealing off this easy meal forces mice to look elsewhere. The first step to keeping mice out of the home is making the surrounding area less attractive.
2. Remove clutter. This is as true for your garage or sheds as it is for the yard. Many people have left an old car in the yard only to find it was a rodent nest years later. When a covered structure is already prepared, mice don’t have to do as much work. Remove any refuse in the yard like brush piles, wood piles, and old appliances. Clear out your shed or garage of anything you aren’t actively using.

Mouse-proof the inside of the house.

1. Block entry points. Mice can fit through an area the size of a dime. Copper wool is your best option for filling cracks. Rodents cannot chew through this and it won’t rust like steel wool will. Only use this for small entry points. Window screens are best used for larger areas.
2. Seal up food sources. That means an air-tight seal! You’ll want to eliminate bags in your cupboard and pantry. Make sure anything that isn’t in a can is inside an airtight container. This doesn’t have to be glass, though glass is your strongest option for obvious reasons. Don’t forget to seal off pet food. This is the one homeowners often forget. Use airtight containers like metal bins for dry dog and cat food. Don’t use endless feeders or leave out bowls with leftover food.

What diseases do mice carry?

These fall into several categories based on transmission. One of the biggest reasons to consider hiring an exterminator is to eliminate an infestation early. Mice don’t have to be present in the home to cause a problem. Not only will exterminators eliminate mice, they’ll also clean up the areas that contain disease-causing rodent feces.

Diseases transmitted by bite.

1. Lyme Disease – Transmitted by tick bites, this can be passed onto humans when ticks hitchike indoors. Deer mice are the most common carriers.
2. Rat-bite Fever – This is passed on by a mouse scratch or bite. It’s caused by bacteria and causes a fever that can last months.
3. Typhus – Flea bites from infected rats pass this on. It causes rashes, headaches, fevers, and even respiratory attacks.

Diseases transmitted by excrement.

1. Samnolla – Repsonsible for food poisoning, this is spread by rodent feces. That’s why sealing up food items is so critical.
2. Hantavirus – Spread by urine and feces, this is common in deer mice. It causes renal failure, flu symptoms and can lead to death.

Why do I need professional mouse control and extermination?

Mice breed so quickly it can make getting a handle on the problem difficult. Children are also more susceptible to the diseases mice carry. DIY home treatments may catch one mouse at a time, but an infestation is systemic. Our local mouse control exterminators can eliminate your mouse infestation and give you back control over your home. Call us today.

Do I Have a Rat Infestation?

This is one of the first questions homeowners ask themselves after they spot a rat. Whether or not you have an infestation depends on a number of factors. If there’s just been a heavy rain and you haven’t spotted a rat before, it may be a single intruder.

If you notice symptoms of an infestation and multiple signs, there may be more than one. Rats also breed very quickly. A pair of rats can produce as many as 2,000 descendants in a single year. They are also much more clever than your average mouse.

The best way to determine if you have a problem? Call an exterminator from Anteater Exterminating Inc.

Signs of a Rat Problem

There are some simple ways to identify whether you have a rat or a mouse problem. Rats have behaviors that mice don’t and leave some key clue differences behind.

Droppings

These are much larger than mouse droppings and maybe 1/2 to a 3/4 inches in length. They will be brown or dark colored and elongated like a grain of rice. Unlike mice droppings, Norway rat feces ends may be rounded or blunt instead of pointed. Roof rats feces averages 1/2 inch and has pointed ends.

Oily rub marks.

Wild rats are oily and greasy. They travel on familiar routes, and that makes it easy to identify areas they frequently rub against. A rubbed area is grayed and stained with dirt and grease. This happens on walls, boards, and even items.

You find live or dead rats.

The most obvious symptom is visual proof. Rats are easy to distinguish from mice. They are much larger and have longer tails and more pointed faces. If you see a live rat or find fresh dead ones (not mummified), your home is likely infested.

Scratching and scuffling noises.

One of the biggest problem rat species in Arizona is the black rat. They are great at climbing, earning them the nickname “roof rat.” If you hear scuffling noises in the rafters look upwards. You may spot a rat running from one location to the next.

Holes

If you find tiny little holes at different places; be it the ground, wall or anything like that, it is another sign that rat infection has become a problem you need to handle.

Foul smell

Of course, this one can’t be missed. If you have too many rats living at your home and they tend to eat, spread clutter, multiply, and even defecate, there is bound to be a pungent smell in your apartment.

Urine puddles

The smell of rat’s urine is very typical and extremely foul. So, even before you see a puddle, you are likely to understand that the apartment has been infested with rodents.

Where do roof rats nest?

Rats nest nearly anywhere. Indoor rats like attics, eaves, and lofts. They will collect soft materials to make a nest out of. Pillow fluff, thread, cloth, toilet paper, and cardboard are all fair game.

How do I rat-proof my house?

The first step to take is to follow our mouse proofing instruction. There are additional steps required to prevent roof rats though.

Trim away any outdoor vines on walls. If you have a wall or rockery outdoors with vines growing on it, remove them. This removes the cover that rats use for nesting. Without the dense foliage, a wall or rockery makes a much less appealing nesting site.

Trim tree branches that are near or touching the roof. Rats want easy access to the areas they frequent most. If your roof helps them get indoors to a food supply or safe space, they will use it. A nearby tree or bush that is tall enough to reach the roof provides a perfect pathway for foraging.

What diseases do rats carry?

While rats are known for spreading the plague, they carry a wide range of other diseases as well. Even their feces carry dangerous pathogens, so do not clean up rat feces and urine without proper protection.

Wear a respirator if you work in a dusty or enclosed environment. This can prevent airborne pathogens from entering the lungs.

Diseases transmitted by a flea.

1. Murine Typhus – Much like the plague, this disease is carried by the fleas that live on rats. It is more common in the summer months. It is caused by the Rickettsia bacteria. Symptoms include rashes and neurological signs like seizures, confusion, and stupor. It also includes fever-like symptoms like a headache, nausea, and muscle pain.

Diseases transmitted by a bite.

1. Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome – The hantavirus is transmitted by contact with droppings, saliva, or urine. That means you can get it just by cleaning up after an infestation. It can be deadly. Symptoms are similar to that of the flu including dizziness, headaches, fevers, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Diseases transmitted by excrement.

1. Leptospirosis – AKA Weil’s disease, this bacteria is carried by rats. They may not show any signs and humans that come into contact with rat feces or urine may become infected. Symptoms vary. The disease may be fatal in some cases while other show very few signs of contraction. Symptoms include vomiting, rash, fever, muscle aches, and headache.
2. Eosinophilic Meningitis – This is caused by a rat lungworm, and can be spread by direct contact with an afflicted rat. It causes a brain infection and an increase in the count of white blood cells.

Rats are one of the common pests which can be traced in a lot of homes. Having even a few of them can lead to endless troubles and problems as they are definitely very damaging. So, if you would like to get your hands on the rat exterminator guide, we are here with the details you need to know to handle the problem before it becomes much more than what you can deal with.

The problems they pose

Rats end up damaging not just the property but they are also the bearer of a great deal of diseases too. There was a time when rats were confined to small and dingy places but they seem to have spread to just about everywhere.

By constantly burrowing, they can do massive damage to your furniture and end up ruining the overall appeal of your home. Not only this, it can infect your food and can lead to tons of medical ailments. They are known to be the bearer of various infections and can also lead to epidemics as well.

So, the last thing you want is to have rats at your place and some breeds tend to multiply quicker than you can imagine. So, you have to be really careful and cautious.

What can lead to rat infestation?

Rat infestation can be caused because of a number of different factors. Let us see what some of them are.

Sanitation issues

Rats tend to live mostly in dingy and unclean neighborhoods. If you feel that your place isn’t hygienic enough or it seems to be clustered with too many unhealthy things, you should see that as a warning sign of facing the troubles of rat infestation.

Scattered food particles

If your apartment is the kind wherein food particles loiter here and there, it is time to make a right call and do something at the earliest. As rats tend to pick up on scattered bits here and there, it is likely that you will have a rat infestation.

Old buildings

If your apartment seems to be an old building, the chances of facing rat infestation are pretty high. Even if you have a construction going, the chances of facing rat troubles could worsen. Rats tend to be attracted to old buildings as they can find many places to thrive there.

Plumbing problems

If you have water leakage in your house, it could be one of the biggest causes of rat infestation. This tends to give them the right passage to enter and they are likely to multiply and grow as well.

Mice infestation

This could be a little surreal but if you have mice infestation at your place it is very likely that it will culminate into a rat infestation too. Rats hunt mice so it is likely that they will chase them there.
Now that you know some of the possible places and causes of rat infestation, let us look at other details.

Rat extermination

So now that you know the symptoms, the next thing is to know how to get rid of rats in the right manner. Let us see some of the possible ways.

Know the breed

First of all it is important to understand the type of rats that had led to a problem. You should try and find out more details about the rat which has infested your home and then you can act accordingly.

Clean your place

The next thing you should do is come up with a rigorous cleaning regime. Like we told you, rats tend to prefer dingy and dark places. So, cleanse the place thoroughly and try and keep the rooms well illuminated even at night. This can help you spot the rats and even keep them away.

The food source

Rats would surely need something to eat so as to thrive. Keep all your food securely locked and away from the access of rats. Doing this is a great way to curb the problem of rats.

Why do I need professional rat control and extermination?

Rats are prolific breeders. You don’t want an infestation to get out of hand. They spread many diseases by waste products. Because rats leave trails of urine to follow, these contaminants are tracked all over a home. Our exterminators can stop your rat infestation and restore your home. Don’t wait until you get sick. Call us today.

Do I have a scorpion infestation?

Scorpions breed very quickly and are creatures of habit. If they determine that your home is the best environment to live in, that’s where they will go. One of the best prevention methods is to make sure the outside of your home isn’t inviting first. After their first molting, baby scorpions will leave their mother. If she is hiding under a rock outside of your home, guess where the babies are heading? That makes scorpion control from the certified technicians at Anteater Exterminating Inc. critical.

How do scorpions get inside?

Scorpions enter homes in a number of ways. Many scorpions are adept climbers. They may crawl into a home from beneath it, entering through gaps in the foundation. They are also thin enough to fit under doors or crawl inside of ground level windows. Scorpions can also hitchhike indoors. They may hide inside of shoes, firewood piles, and other items left outdoors. Because of the way their lungs are structured, scorpions can even get in through your plumbing system.

Why are there scorpions in my house?

Scorpions are attracted to a number of different things. They need shelter, a food source, and water.

• Scorpions like the dark. Scorpions are nocturnal predators. Being active at night helps them conserve valuable resources. That’s why the basement is such a common area to find them in. Eliminating indoor items with space beneath the for scorpions to hide eliminates dark and inviting hiding places.
• Scorpions eat insects. Insects make up the largest portion of a scorpion diet. If you have a separate pest problem it can provide a food source for scorpions. That makes your house an ideal hunting ground and means current scorpions will harbor there and new scorpions will be moving in.
• Scorpions need a steady water source. This is nearly impossible to avoid, but you could consider fine mesh drain covers. These will prevent any scorpions larger than the mesh allows from getting into your home. Outdoor areas should always be cleared of damp leaves and debris. These provide scorpions with moisture and cover.

What kind of scorpions are in Arizona?

There are a wide variety of scorpions in Arizona. Some of the most common varieties you are likely to encounter include:

1. Arizona bark scorpions: Depending on how you look at it, it’s lucky that the Arizona bark scorpion is North America’s most poisonous scorpion. That’s because a sting isn’t deadly, just painful. It causes pain, vomiting, numbness, and tingling for up to 72 hours. You’ll know this scorpion by its thin pincers and tail. Colors range from orange to tannish yellow.
2. Arizona striped tail scorpion: As the most common variety of scorpion in Arizona, you may have already been introduced to a striped tail scorpion. They do sting but it isn’t more painful than that of a wasp. This species can be recognized by the black stripes along its tail. Be wary when outdoors. These scorpions hide under rocks and like humid areas.
3. Arizona giant hairy scorpion: These scorpions can be as long as 4 inches. They do sting, but it’s typically compared to a bee sting. You can spot them because of their unique hairiness and color combination. As the hairiest North American scorpion, you’ll want to look at their legs and stinger for black hairs. Their back (dorsal) area is dark, and they’re limbs are a very light yellow.

Why do I need professional scorpion control?

You’ll never succeed in exterminating every scorpion if you live in Arizona. That makes exclusion the very best available option. Taking the first step is easy. Walk around the perimeter of your home. Remove any low slung rocks that create inviting habitats for scorpions. Removing the areas they like to hide in helps to move them to a different area.

Scorpion exclusion the right way.

Scorpion exclusion seals your home against scorpions. We’ll perform a number of different treatment methods, both working to eradicate existing scorpions and keep new pests from entering the home. We focus our efforts on entry points. Using the highest quality materials is important. Our products stand up to moisture, sunlight, and time. Our service is tiered. Starting small and working up to full home exclusion can eliminate the problem early in the process. If initial services are effective we can maintain your current level of scorpion control.

Don’t let scorpions have the run of your home. You shouldn’t live in a state of constant vigilance. Our technicians locate and eliminate scorpions. We make your home uninviting to pests, and more inviting for you at the exact same time. If you have a scorpion problem, call or contact us today.

I have a spider infestation in my house!

Don’t panic. Whether you’ve just discovered a serious infestation in the basement, or anywhere else, don’t panic. Spiders are not like they are in the movies. They prefer to build their web, sit in it, and wait for a meal to fly right in. Many spiders are actually quite beneficial. They help keep problem insect populations down. That doesn’t mean you want them in your home though, and we can help. If you’ve got a spider infestation or have identified a dangerous spider make sure to contact Anteater Exterminating Inc.

Why are there spiders in my home?

• It’s easy for spiders to get inside. One of the largest predictors of spiders in the home is how easy it is for them to get inside. This is why you’ll frequently see so many spiders in older homes. Because windows have started to separate and nothing closes as tightly as it used too, spiders have a much easier time coming indoors when they want to.
• The weather is changing. Like many other creatures, spiders prefer a certain temperature and climate. When that changes they’ll look for a home with a consistent temperature and humidity that they find appealing. Unfortunately for humans, we keep our homes at a very comfortable level for spiders. This is one of the reasons you’ll find many more spiders in your home immediately after a heavy rain. They were seeking shelter, and that shelter happened to be your house.
• You’re supplying them with food. What do spiders eat? Other bugs. This includes flies, flying ants, flying termites, moths, and a host of others. If they can catch it in a web, they will eat it. One follows the other as well. If you have a problem with one of the pest types that spiders prey on, they will move in seeking an easy food source. Pretty soon you’ll have a spider problem too.

Are there dangerous spiders in Arizona?

There are two poisonous spiders that can pose a serious risk to humans in Arizona. If you encounter any of the following your best course of action is to leave them alone, make sure you keep any children and pets far from the area and contact a pest control expert as soon as possible.

1. Black Widows These spiders are easy to locate by their large black bodies and red hourglass shaped pattern. They typically spin their web in low slung and protected areas. This can make them difficult to spot and more dangerous for it. Black widows only attacked if they feel threatened. Unfortunately, a misplaced hand can seem very threatening to a spider. Because they can produce a large number of offspring, you’ll want to contact an exterminator as soon as you locate a black widow.
2. Brown Recluse These spiders can be found all across North America. They are extremely venomous and often live inside of closets, woodpiles, cellars, and other dry areas. They hunt at night, making an encounter much more likely. Luckily, bites are fairly uncommon. If you see one do not approach it. Call an exterminator immediately.
3. Arizona Brown Spider These poisonous spiders live in the desert. That makes encountering them extremely rare. They may most often be found in packrat dens. Because this spider is so reclusive, you are unlikely to run into one. They even avoid green lawns.

Do I need spider control?

If you’ve got any sort of spider infestation, it can be helped with professional spider control in your area. Encountering a deadly spider is definitely cause to call in help, though. Species like the brown recluse have venom that causes necrosis. This can leave irreversible scars, and the risk is better left to the professionals.

Do I have a termite infestation?

If you’re asking yourself that question, you need a professional inspection. Termites cause serious damage. They eat away at the structural integrity of your home. Unlike some other pests that confine themselves to one area, termites will inhabit walls, ceilings, and floors. If it’s made of wood, they will eat it. That includes support beams. Your best option is a home inspection from one of the certified pest technicians at Anteater Exterminating Inc.

What kind of termites do I have?

The way we treat your property depends on what type of termite you have. In Arizona, there are 4 species responsible for the most damage. They all look and act a little differently, so you may be able to identify the species yourself. Look for the following tell-tale signs to help you narrow it down.

What are subterranean termites?

Subterranean termites in Arizona come in two different species. The desert subterranean termite is only active in a small area, but the arid-land subterranean termite inhabits a much larger portion of the country and is responsible for the most damage. Both have unique features that make them identifiable.

• Subterranean desert termite features: Swarmers measure roughly 3/8th inches long. They are pale yellow to brown. Their wings each have two veins running through the front. Soldiers have thin and long mandibles.
  • Swarming habits: Swarming occurs at night between July and September. This typically occurs after it rains.
  • Travel methods: Because they need to stay moist, these termites construct and travel in mud tubes. You may find these indoors on any surface, even the ceiling.
  • Damage patterns: Damaged wood will be “honeycombed”. They prefer springwood and will consume dry or moist woods. You can tap on suspect areas and listen for a hollow reverberation. Infestations typically start from the ground up. That makes the basement one of the most likely entry points.
• Arid-land subterranean termite differences: Swarmers are roughly 1/3 of an inch long. They have white wings with brown veins throughout. Bodies colors range from brown to black. Soldiers have thicker jaws than their desert cousins.
  • Swarming habits: Swarming typically occurs between the months of January and March in Arizona.

What are dry wood termites?

Western drywood termites typically sneak into a home in furniture and timber. They grow their colonies slowly. That means that damage to a home typically becomes noticeable and problematic when multiple colonies inhabit the same space. One of the best prevention methods is to remove dead and dry wood and stumps from around a property. Always inspect wood furniture, especially antiques, before you bring it into the home.

• Western dry wood termites features: Swarmers are typically 1/2″ inches in length. They have brown abdomens and orange/brown heads and pronotum. There are 3 dark veins in the front wing. Soldiers are most easily identified by their antennae. These will have large endings that look like clubs.
  • Swarming habits: Swarming happens on warm sunny days. A colony will swarm after roughly 4 years. Flying dry wood termites typically enter adjacent structures through areas of poor workmanship. This makes home upkeep important.
  • Travel methods: Because drywood termites will inhabit nearby drywood it makes clearing this out important. Be vigilant and prevent drywood termites from entering your home in the first place. Remove nesting sites from around the home. Check wood joints and furniture pieces for signs of damage.
  • Damage patterns: Look for 6-sided, concave waste pellets. This waste shape is unique to drywood termites. The surface of infested furniture may be blistered. You’ll also want to look for holes that have been sealed behind themselves by termites.

Though less common, we do occasionally encounter desert dampwood termites. These typically infest wood below ground level like grapevines and citrus trees. Infested manmade structures are likely to be moist and untreated. This includes fencing, posts, and poles.

Why are there termites in my house?

The most common reason for termites is construction related. Termites can fit through an area only 1/32 of an inch. That means even hairline cracks in your foundation are entry points. Moisture damage is also very desirable. Subterranean termites must stay moist, so these areas are particularly inviting.

Some of the other ways a property can become more appealing to termites include:

Why do I need professional termite control?

Have you read over your homeowner’s insurance lately? Does it cover the cost of termite damage? The answer is almost always “No.” That means it’s up to you to stop a termite infestation. Termite colonies continue to grow until mating season when they split off. That’s the time when new colonies are established. This often occurs in the same structure.

Failing to eliminate an infestation before swarming season can result in multiple infestations in a single home or commercial building.

We treat the existing colony and provide preventative treatments.

Our technicians identify how large the problem is, where it has spread, and what species caused it. Every treatment is customized around this information. We treat every property a little differently. Treatment methods depend on the termite species. Once the initial infestation is treated, we take steps to make sure it won’t come back.

We provide ongoing treatment. This is designed to prevent termites from re-infesting your home. Treatment schedules are unique to each property. It really is the best way to keep your home termite free. Don’t let your investment suffer. A house isn’t a home when it’s overrun by termites. Get help now. Call or contact us today if you suspect a termite infestation.

The Damage termites can do

Everything You Need To Know About Ticks

Ticks belong to a group referred to as arachnids and are associated with mites and spiders. There are many species of ticks that are found around the world and over twenty-five species occur in Arizona.

Ticks belong to a group referred to as arachnids and are associated with mites and spiders. There are many species of ticks that are found around the world and over twenty-five species occur in Arizona. Of this number, the majority of folks probably will encounter just a few species. Here’s everything you need to know about ticks in Arizona.

Of this number, the majority of folks probably will encounter just a few species. Here’s everything you need to know about ticks in Arizona from one of the state’s top pest control companies.

Can a house have a tick infestation?

A house can become infested with ticks — and it’s as bad as it sounds. This doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong, though.

A tick infestation often occurs because of a single tick. They are frequently brought into the home by pets, but if you’ve been hiking, in a field, or anywhere out in nature you only have to brush against one. Because ticks feed on blood, they position themselves on game trails and other areas where animals are likely to walk by. Once one does they’ll catch a ride and position themselves to feed later on.

If you’re dealing with a tick infestation, a pest control expert from Anteater Exterminating Inc. can help.

Where do ticks lay eggs?

Ticks typically lay eggs between floorboards in your home.

This is the root cause of any tick infestation. A good way to prevent a tick from entering your home is to make sure you and a partner check one another after venturing outdoors.

If you take your dog out to play or have an indoor/outdoor cat, they should be checked before re-entry into the home as well.

When are ticks most active?

Unfortunately for the residents of Arizona, ticks are active year-round. They become even more active after a rain, and it’s recommended you are especially vigilant after-wards. That is one of the primary times for ticks to climb to high up places where they have a better chance of catching onto a host.

What diseases do ticks carry?

Because they feed on blood, they’re able to transmit disease from one animal host to another, making them a health concern. In Arizona, tick-borne diseases are unheard of, yet they may be serious. There are different kinds of ticks that can transmit various diseases.

Lime disease

A serious issue in most parts of the United States is Lyme disease. This is one of the most well known tick-borne diseases. Some individuals naturally fight lime disease but others have regular flair-ups for the rest of their lives.

Symptoms include joint swelling, fever and fatigue, and muscle pain. These same symptoms will occur during a flair up.

But, as of the year 2007, no one has contracted Lyme disease as a result of a tick bite which happened in Arizona. The vector for disease within the west is the Ixodes pacificus, Western black-legged tick. This tick family requires high humidity in order to survive and typically can’t reside in the arid climate in Arizona.

The western black-legged tick in Arizona has an extremely restricted distribution. It’s just known within the higher elevations of the Hualapai Mountains and just in early spring and late winter.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

In Arizona, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is perhaps the most typical tick-borne disease, even though there usually are less than 12 cases a year. RMSF is caused by bacteria.

It can lead to serious complications and symptoms typically show up within 2 to 14 days of a bite. This can include rashes, vomiting, headache, and more. Look for a small flat red or purple dots around the ankles and wrists.

The brown dog tick in Arizona may be a “vector” for RMSF and transmit the bacteria from one host to another.

Colorado tick fever

Colorado tick fever is a viral infection resulting from the bite of an infected wood tick. Symptoms are similar to that of the flu and include sensitivity to light.

Tick-borne Relapsing Fever

Another disease of concern is well-known to be vectored by ticks. Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever is rare; however, is can be transmitted by the “soft tick,” genus Ornithodorus. Such ticks are periodically encountered in woodpiles and rustic cabins. They’re night feeders and just stay attached for a brief time, 15 – 30 minutes.

Classifying Ticks and Understanding Their Lifecycles

The most typical in Arizona includes the Rhipicephalus sangiuneus, Brown Dog Tick. The ticks’ 4 life cycle stages. The first stage is the egg, the next is larva, nymph, and adult. Once they hatch, a tick must have a blood meal before it is able to develop into the following phase. The “seed ticks” or larvae are less than 1/16” in length and have 6 legs.

After a blood meal it’ll molt and enter the nymph phase. Nymphs still are small, less than1/8” in length, and have 8 legs. Within the last adult phase, a blood meal permits the female to lay eggs. She’ll deposit as many 5,000 eggs then die. Ticks at any development stage may live several months without having to feed; the adult brown dog tick is able to survive as long as 2 years without a meal.

Around the world, the brown dog tick can be found. This type of tick has adapted to living indoors and outdoors alike; therefore, it may survive cool climates by remaining inside a home. This tick’s principal hosts include dogs; however, if there’s a massive population, they also may feed on human beings.

The best prevention for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is tick control on pets and within the local environment. The Rocky Mountain wood tick, Dermacentor andersoni, also can transmit Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. The Rocky Mountain wood tick is just known in the northern part of Arizona within brushy regions.

The initial Rocky Mountain spotted fever symptoms are headache, muscle ache, chills, and fever. Oftentimes, a spotted rash develops 2 – 5 days later. Early RMSF treatment is effective. If a bite is suspected it ought to be reported to a physician so the disease may be diagnosed rapidly and treated with the suitable antibiotic.

How do I know if I’ve been bitten by a tick?

The largest tell-tale sign of a tick bite is a large red bullseye welt on the area you were bitten. Because ticks anesthetize the area they are biting, you won’t be able to feel it when it happens.

The rate of infectious transmission goes up the longer the tick is allowed to feed. Feeding can last as long as a week, and if you catch a tick within the first 12 hours and remove you there is a much better chance of avoiding pathogen transmission.

If you are bitten, follow our instructions for removing a tick. Wash the area thoroughly.

Watch for signs of illness and consider going to the doctor to rule out any transmission.

What should I do if I find a tick on my skin?

If the tick is found on your skin it immediately should be removed. Normally, a tick must be attached for at least a couple of hours before it’ll transmit disease to a host; therefore, fast removal significantly decreases the likelihood of infection.

Carefully grab the tick with tweezers

Removal ought to be accomplished with fine tweezers. Grab the tick as close to your skin as you can and softly pull the tick straight up. Don’t twist it or its mouthparts might break off and be left inside your skin. In addition, be careful to not squeeze the body of the tick, which may cause it to release fluids inside the tissue.

Clean the wound and save the tick

After you remove it, clean the area of the bite with water and soap, disinfect your tweezers and then wash your hands. Preserve all ticks taken from humans inside a leak-proof, small container in rubbing alcohol and then label with the area of origin, contact information, and date

How do I remove a tick?

You’ll want to grab the tick very close to the skin. Use tweezers and pull slowly. You want to avoid leaving the mouth of the tick in the skin.

This will allow continued transmission of pathogens even if the body has been removed. That’s why you should never use vaseline or other materials to snuff a tick. You do not want to risk the mouth remaining when pulling off a dead tick.

How do I prevent my pets from getting ticks?

There are a variety of chemical methods of providing protection for pets, which include dips, collars, shampoo, sprays, and “spot-on” treatments. Some treatments for ticks which are appropriate for dogs may be toxic to cats. Your vet may offer details on suitable applications considering the pet’s health and age.

How can I prevent a tick infestation?

The best way to prevent ticks is to master your environment. Each climate deals with different issues. Make sure that you take all the necessary steps to control ticks in your local area. Make sure that grass is cut low and that areas stay dry. Ticks can go a very long time without feeding, but they prefer moist areas. That’s one of the reasons they become so active after a rain. They like to get up high to latch onto victims, and that typically means climbing up long grasses and weeds.

Monitor your pets

Pets are the most likely mode of transportation of ticks from outside to inside. Because of their fur, pets offer the perfect hiding place. If you own a pet, inspect it on a daily basis and take off any ticks that you find. Brown dog ticks are more than likely to cause an infestation and oftentimes attach to the ears of the dog or between his/her toes.

Utilize eyebrow tweezers to slowly and gently take off the tick. Apply pressure then softly pull the tick away from your skin until the insect releases its mouth from the animal’s skin. With antiseptic, wash your hands, the wound, and your tweezers.

With cedar oil, spray the pet several times per day. Cedar oil will repel ticks but is safe for pets. Keep pets off furniture. If you live in an area with a high presence of ticks, limit the pet’s accessibility to areas of your house. Encourage him or her to just lie down on his/her own bedding.

Keep a clean home

Clean fabric, furniture, and carpets. Steam-clean furniture and carpeting, which includes all bedding. Washable fabrics ought to be laundered in hot, soapy water. If you take any fabrics to your dry cleaners, make certain that you tell them that you’re treating an infestation of ticks. Do not forget to wash the bedding of your pet.

Thoroughly vacuum your home on a daily basis. Besides vacuuming your home’s carpets, utilize the crevice tool to vacuum all areas, which includes curtains, furniture, and floorboards. Make sure you vacuum the back of your furniture. Do not forget to vacuum the bedding of your pet.

Discard debris and vacuum bags inside a plastic, sealed bag and immediately remove it from the house. In your home daily spray cedar oil. Spray every place you vacuumed. Spray under furniture, non-upholstered surfaces, and cracks in floorboards.

Do I need professional tick control?

If you’ve found multiple ticks in a day, ticks that are indoors and unattached, or have reason to believe you have an infestation—call a pest extermination company as soon as possible. Because they carry so many harmful diseases, you want to take care of an infestation as soon as possible.

How can I get rid of wasps & hornets?

Honey bees have been shown to be a great boon to any environment they live in. They pollinate plants and flowers that create beautiful landscapes and tasty fruits and vegetables. And the sweetness of honey can’t be beaten! Many kinds of bees aren’t aggressive and only sting if you threaten their territory. Some types of wasps & hornets, however, aren’t so docile. Not only can they be aggressive and hostile, but many kinds aren’t limited to a single sting either! Removing a nest can be a harrowing and dangerous experience. Fortunately, the professionals at Anteater Exterminating Inc. are here to help. We’ll take care of the nest for you and employ preventative measures to make sure they won’t be coming back anytime soon.

What’s the difference between wasps and hornets? While often used interchangeably, wasps, bees, and hornets are different creatures. Bees make and eat honey and can only sting once. Wasps are carnivorous and don’t have that limitation.  Only female wasps sting, but they can do so without losing their stinger, meaning they can attack repeatedly. Hornets are a specific kind of wasp. Usually, most people use “hornet” to refer to yellow jacket wasps, due to their aggressive nature that is similar to hornets on other continents.

Do wasps have a queen?

The goal of wasps and hornets is to protect the queen, the only member of a hive that can produce offspring. Workers don’t have the capacity to reproduce. Instead, they gather food for the queen and other members of the colony. They also continue to build the hive and make it grow larger. While wasps, especially yellow jackets, are naturally more aggressive than other stinging insects, this aggressiveness increases when their hive is threatened. They’ll protect their hive and their queen to the death, which is why removing the nest should only be done by trained professionals.

Where do hornets and wasps build nests?

If you see a small hive on your property, that doesn’t mean it’s the only one. Often, these hives form in clusters, and removing one of them won’t stop hornets and wasps from making your home theirs.

• Wood is a common place for wasps to hide. Dead tree limbs or wooden fences are common places to find nests. In natural environments such as areas with a high volume of trees, one colony can make a nest larger than a basketball.
• Queens pick a warm place to hibernate and survive the season. This means that you’ll often find nests in places that are hidden from the elements. Some common places include underneath eavestroughs and in attics.
• Wasps love sweet things. Because of this, you’ll often find them around garbage cans. Garbage cans can have heavy accumulations of sugar from wasted food that wasps and hornets can’t find in the wild, so try to keep these things contained!

Why do I need professional wasp and hornet removal?

Because wasps and hornets can be dangerous even to people without allergies, removal should only be done by experts. Unlike average homeowners, professional pest control companies have the right equipment and materials to protect themselves. This means that the nests can be removed while your property and the people around it stay safe. Not only that, but our local Wasp and Hornet Control Specialists make sure you won’t bothered by them again anytime soon!