Holiday Baking? Watch Out For This!

On December 9, 2014   /   Blog  
Holiday Baking? Watch Out For This!

KNOW YOUR ENEMY

Indian+Meal+Moth.jpgIndian+Meal+Moth

Before I tell you how to get rid of your pantry pest problem, you should probably know what you’re looking for. The term Pantry Pest encompasses a variety of very small beetles and moths. The biggest of these is only about 5mm in length (that’s about 1/5 of an inch) with the exception of the Indian Meal Moth which is about 9mm in length, still very small.

Confused+Flour+Beetle.jpgConfused+Flour+Beetle

I look forward to traditional holiday treats each year. What’s your favorite? Is it the cookies, pies and fudge. Maybe you’re more into the fruit cake or bread pudding. No matter your preference, you don’t want to be in the middle of whipping up your favorite recipe and find that your ingredients have been infiltrated by pests! unfortunately this could happen. Pantry pests are a common problem but they are also easily taken care of. Following the simple steps below should take care of any pantry pest problem that you run into and you’ll be back to baking before you know it!

  • Before you start, check expiration dates on all your baking ingredients and other dry goods. Throw out anything past the date and visually inspect the products. Pantry pests are small but still visible to the naked eye. Items you should check include herbs, spices and seasonings as well as flour, rice, pasta and dried beans. Dry pet food and treats can also become infested.
  • Empty the cabinets and wipe out the insides with warm soapy water. This will not only clean up any crumbs and spills that feed and attract these pests but will clean out any of the little guys that may be hiding inside.
  • Using proper storage receptacles is key. Store your pantry items in glass or plastic containers that have tight fitting lids. Not only will you be protecting your food but also helping to keep items fresher for a longer period of time.

Christmas+Cookies.jpgChristmas+Cookies

If you find that you have some unwanted guests this holiday season (of the insect variety) contact Rapid Pest Solutions. We will inspect, identify and treat the situation so that you can go back to enjoying the holidays with your friends and family.

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What Is Your Christmas Tree Hiding?

On December 4, 2014   /   Blog  
What Is Your Christmas Tree Hiding?

NOT ALL HOLIDAY SURPRISES ARE GOOD ONES

Christmas+Pickle.jpgChristmas+Pickle

What is your tree hiding? A lucky Christmas Pickle? Maybe your Elf On The Shelf is peering out from the branches? Unfortunately there is the possibility that your tree is hiding something not quite as nice. If you use an artificial tree you’re probably in the clear. But anyone that has a live tree, especially one they cut down themselves, may have some unwanted visitors. Christmas Trees can be home to a variety of pests.  These include Bark Beetles, Mites, Praying Mantis, Spiders and more. Keep in mind that these ‘critters’ reside on LIVE trees outside and do not really want to be in your home. Not every live tree will have this little hitchhikers but it’s easy to follow a few quick steps to help ensure your home stays pest free.

  • Shake It! – Some tree lots may have mechanical tree shakers but if they don’t, just shake it vigorously yourself. This will help dislodge insects that may be making their home there. It will also get rid of loose needles. BONUS!
  • Check The Branches – Look for any kind of insect egg mass. Especially those of the Praying Mantis. If you find any, simply clip the twig with the nest and leave it on a bush or tree that will be staying outside tamiflu medicine.
  • Birds Eye View – While a birds nest may look cool tucked in your Christmas Tree, you don’t necessarily want it in your home. Birds can have mites and these mites may still be found in the nesting material after the birds have gone. Remove any nests to be safe.

If by chance a few little unwanted guests do make it into your home, don’t worry. The types of pests that may be in your tree do not want to be in your home. The conditions are not conducive to their life cycle. You can easily vacuum up any stray little guys that you see.

One word of caution: DO NOT USE AEROSOL INSECT SPRAY ON YOUR TREE AS THEY ARE EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE!

Please do not let any of this deter you from getting a real tree this Christmas. There is nothing quite like the wonderful smell of pine that you get from having a fresh cut tree in your home.

If you find that you have some unwanted pests in your home contact Rapid Pest Solutions. We can help!

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The 12 Days Of Christmas – Rapid Style

On December 1, 2014   /   Blog  
The 12 Days Of Christmas – Rapid Style

Today is December 1st and this month all the blogs I write will have a holiday theme. What better way to kick off this special time of year than with the carol The 12 Days Of Christmas. Of course I have modified the original version to fit our specialty – Pest Control. Have a look.

Fly+With+Santa+Hat+And+Snowman.jpgFly+With+Santa+Hat+And+Snowman

On the 12th day of Christmas, Rapid took care of this for me…

  • 12 Roaches Sneaking
  • 11 Flies A Buzzing
  • 10 Spiders Weaving
  • 9 Skeeters Biting
  • 8 Ants A Crawling
  • 7 Wasps A Stinging
  • 6 Bed Bugs Sleeping
  • 5 Furry Bees
  • 4 Centipedes
  • 3 Earwigs
  • 2 Silverfish
  • And a mouse in my favorite sock drawer.

Fly+Reindeer.jpgFly+Reindeer

Many of us are beginning the process of decorating for Christmas. Putting up trees with shiny decorations, twinkling lights outside, a wreath on the door. This video shows an insects Christmas – Santa Claus decorates a tree for the forest creatures.

Rapid Pest Solutions wishes you and your families a wonderful and magical holiday season. If you find that you have a pest issue please contact us. We have the treatment option that is right for you.

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Happy Thanksgiving!

On November 26, 2014   /   Blog  
Happy Thanksgiving!

Give Thanks For All You Have

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and many feel this is the kickoff to the holiday season. When thinking of Thanksgiving dinner most people picture a big meal with turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, corn and cranberry sauce, maybe a little green bean casserole. Then some pumpkin pie for dessert. Sounds delicious and you can’t go wrong with these classics. But what if you’re looking for something different? Do you want to be known for a having the most quirky Thanksgiving meal? If you’re the more adventurous type and you’re feeling very brave you can try some of the suggestions below. As for myself, I’ll stick with the turkey.

  • Mealworm Stuffing
  • Roasted Crickets (tastes like sunflower seeds)
  • Waxworm Cranberry Sauce
  • Deep Fried Dragonflies (tastes like soft shell crab)
  • Chocolate Covered Ants

grasshopper mouth

Many people think that eating insects is actually very good for you. They contain a lot of protein and iron. When adding insects to a recipe you want about 25% to be insects and the other 75% to be made up of traditional ingredients.  Any more than this and it could be quite a shock to the taste buds. Also, you want the insects to blend in and add an essence of flavor. Many are considered to have a nutty taste. Chomping on a mouthful of cricket could prove hard to chew because of their exoskeleton.

Maybe Thanksgiving Day isn’t the time to try out your insect cooking skills. For great recipes any time of the year check out one the many handy-dandy cook books available on Amazon.

tgiving

Thanksgiving is a time to be grateful. For instance, I am grateful that I will not be eating bugs tomorrow. Or any other time if I can help it. What are you thankful for?

I Am Thankful For…

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Bats – The Facts And The Fiction

On October 30, 2014   /   Blog  
Bats – The Facts And The Fiction

Bats are a familiar symbol of Halloween and since that ghoulish holiday is tomorrow, I thought I would take a moment to fill you in on the facts and the fiction behind these very interesting creatures.

Personally I think that bats are super cute. I’m not afraid of them and in general I think they get a bad rap. Take a look at some of the pictures and info below. Maybe I can convert you into a bat lover too.

FICTION

Vampire+Bat.jpgVampire+Bat1 Vampire Bat

  • Blind as a bat – They use echolocation to navigate but they can still see.
  • All bats have rabies – False. Less than 1% of bats have rabies.
  • Bats will drink your blood – Nope. There is such a thing as a vampire bat. They feed off of cows, chickens and other animals. They make a small incision in the skin with their teeth and then lap up the blood with their tongue. They do not swoop down onto a human, bite their neck and suck the blood.
  • Bats are a major pest – Not really. Bats are very beneficial. They help control insects like mosquitoes. And who doesn’t like that?
    • Bats are dirty – They are really fairly clean. Bats                                                                  groom themselves much like a cat.

FACTS

upside down bat Malayan Flying Fox Bat

  • Bats are the only flying mammal.
  • Bats can eat up to 1000 mosquitoes in an hour.
  • Bats live an average of 10 to 20 years but it’s not unusual for a bat to live 30+ years.
  • The largest bat is the Malayan Flying Fox. It weighs about 2 pounds and can have a 6 foot wingspan.
  • The smallest bat is the Kitti’s Hog-Nosed Bat. It weighs about as much as a dime and has a wingspan of about 6 inches.

Kitti+Hog-Nosed+Bat.jpgKitti+Hog-Nosed+Bat Kitti’s Hog-Nosed Bat

Is Dracula disguising himself as a bat?

In the past bats and vampires were thought to be combined. The video sequence above shows Dracula changing into a bat in order to make his escape. I don’t think they do this as much in movies anymore but the bats in the picture below make me think they could easily turn into a debonair Dracula style vampire!

Hanging+Bats.jpgHanging+Bats

It is possible that a bat may find its way into your attic. If this happens don’t panic. There are companies that will remove the bats for you. Once this is done you may want to consider having some exclusion work done. Exclusion basically means you are making your home ‘bat proof’ and fixing the area where the bats were able to gain access. Poison is not used for bat control. Many species of bat are found in our area and some are protected by state law so contact a professional for help. If you suspect bats call Rapid Pest Solutions.

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Scary Videos and Cute Costumes / Rapid Brings You Halloween

On October 27, 2014   /   Blog  
Scary Videos and Cute Costumes / Rapid Brings You Halloween

As the weather cools down the insect activity slows down. However, it is always ‘summer’ in your home. Pests will be looking for a warm retreat. Remember to contact Rapid Pest Solutions for any pest concerns you have, both bugs and mice.

The time for ghost stories, costumes, tricks and treats is here. It’s time for Halloween! As I was thinking about what to include in this blog I thought that Rapid could share some Halloween fun with you.

Happy+Halloween.jpgHappy+Halloween

Below are four movies that involve creepy crawlies. Have you seen them? 

  • Eight Legged Freaks – It just wouldn’t be Halloween without a movie about giant spiders. In this movie a noxious chemical has caused some poisonous spiders to increase to mega size!
  • Mimic – Imagine discovering that roaches are carrying a deadly disease and someone genetically creates an insect to kill those roaches. Now imagine the worst possible outcome…the new insects begin coming after mankind. This is that movie.
  • Empire of the Ants – Giant ants take over some real estate in the Florida Everglades. Just think of your typical 1970’s B horror movie.
  • The Fly – I personally like this one. An experiment gone wrong leads to a man/fly hybrid. It’s pretty gross.

Can’t get enough creepy movies? Check out this list of 100 Killer Animal/Insect Movies provided by IMDB.com.

Although we needn’t worry about the movies above coming true, there are plenty of real life horrors that we could worry about. I am including two of the most disturbing YouTube videos involving bugs invading the human body. Be warned – These videos are graphic.

Scary.jpgScary

Since I wouldn’t want those images to be the last thing you remember from this blog, lets look at some of the cutest costumes for kids and pets.

Dogs+In+Costume.jpgDogs+In+Costume

Kids+Bug+Costumes.jpgKids+Bug+Costumes

Rapid Pest Solutions wishes you a Happy Halloween filled with wonderful treats and not to many tricks.

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9 Helpful Hints For Dealing With Mice

On October 8, 2014   /   Blog  
9 Helpful Hints For Dealing With Mice

Do You Have A Mouse In Your House?

Let’s hope not! But if you find that you have some uninvited visitors Rapid Pest Solutions is here to help. We offer a 5 Month Winter Seasonal Program to control rodent activity in your home. Contact us for details.

WHAT CAN I DO?

  • Store garbage in metal or heavy-duty plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. Keep kitchens clean and food stored in secure containers. Also, keep any pet food or bird seed sealed as well.
  • Keep yards clean so that mice don’t have shelter or food. This includes cleaning up weeds, trash piles and garbage.
  • Inspect buildings carefully, especially in the early fall. Make sure there are no holes or cracks for mice to gain entrance. This is one of the most important things you can do to protect your home.
  • Take advantage of seasonal change. Make sure that rodents are controlled during winter and there will be fewer around to breed in the spring. This can help prevent a year of problems.

I SOLVED MY PROBLEM – NOW HOW DO I CLEAN UP?

Mice are known to carry salmonella and other diseases. If you find that you have a mouse problem, clean up is important. Mice leave urine and feces everywhere they go and are probably tracking it around with their feet as well.

  • When cleaning up after mice you should wear gloves.
  • Sweep up the area and dispose of the waste.
  • Clean the area with a disinfectant or bleach mixture.
  • Be sure to launder any clothing or bedding that may be contaminated.
  • Make sure to thoroughly wash your hands after cleaning and disposing of the waste.
Rodent Program Quote
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What I Learned From Ferris Bueller

On September 13, 2014   /   Blog  
What I Learned From Ferris Bueller

Or, How I Learned To Stop And Smell The Roses

Most of my blogs are full of words, either teaching, descriptive or how-to.  This time my blog is going to be mostly visual. There are so many beautiful and very interesting things that surround us every day. In this business it is easy to forget how amazing nature is and think only of getting the pests to stop ‘pestering’ you. I would like to take the opposite view this time and see the interesting, beautiful and very cool world around us.

How do you start your day? Maybe getting the kids off to school? Commuting to your job? Running errands? Everyday we do hundreds of mindless tasks – tasks that we complete on autopilot. How often do we really stop and look at the world around us? At all the beautiful and really cool things in nature. If you’re like me, then the answer is, not enough. As Ferris Bueller said “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

Ferris+Bueller.jpgFerris+Bueller Ferris Bueller

I am going to show you some pretty cool things from the world we live in. Take a minute to look around. What do you see that you don’t want to miss?

Butterfly+Eye.jpgButterfly+Eye Butterfly Skull

This butterfly looks eerily like an eye in this skull

Caterpillar+Bird.jpgCaterpillar+Bird Birds or a funny caterpillar?

At first glance I thought this was a really strange caterpillar. Closer inspection showed me it was really some very cute birds.

Lizard+With+Butterfly.jpgLizard+With+Butterfly Peaceful

This lizard looks content having the butterfly resting on him. Peace among the species is always beautiful.

Lemur+And+Dragonfly.jpgLemur+And+Dragonfly Lemur and a Dragonfly. Lunch?

I’m not sure if this Lemur is trying to catch the Dragonfly for food or if he is just reaching out due to curiosity. Either way it is a wonderful picture.

Glass+Butterfly.jpgGlass+Butterfly Glass Butterfly

This butterfly’s wings are clear. An already delicate creature has wings that resemble glass.

Spiderweb+Covered+In+Water.jpgSpiderweb+Covered+In+Water Web of Water

It is estimated that it takes approximately an hour for a spider to build a web. This web covered in rain drops is stunning. It’s hard to believe that something so complex can be completed in such a short amount of time.

Bird+Feeding.jpgBird+Feeding Perfectly Timed Picture

This perfectly timed photo shows a bird catching its next meal.

Puppy+With+Preying+Mantis.jpgPuppy+With+Preying+Mantis Puppy and Preying Mantis

Although the puppy is bigger it seems that the Praying Mantis is not going to back down. Hopefully this confrontation ended with neither party getting hurt.

Snowflakes.jpgSnowflakes Real Snowflakes

While not a true ‘pest’ in the usual sense of the word, these up-close pictures of snowflakes show the beauty and wonder of the world around us. I know sometimes snow can seem pesky but I find it mind boggling how every snowflake is different and how very pretty they really are.

Beauty+Of+Animals.jpgBeauty+Of+Animals Beauty of Nature

I like this collage of pictures because it makes me smile. The turtles are hatching, coming up from the sand and finding their way to the water. The small lizard looks like he is giving his friend a helping hand and those Dragonflies make a perfect heart together. How can you not feel happy looking at these pictures?

Night+Sky+And+An+Eye.jpgNight+Sky+And+An+Eye Night Sky and an Eye

The beauty of life around us extends past the things here on earth. I find the night sky to be beautiful and intriguing. I think we have all asked ourselves the question “Are we alone in the universe?”

So I guess the biggest thing I learned from Ferris Bueller is that I need to take time to enjoy the world around me. For him it was a baseball game, a museum and a fast car, among other things. For me it’s watching the squirrels outside, the blueness of the sky, laughing with my friends and family and maybe a nice glass of wine. What is it for you? We are always on the go so that maybe we don’t stop and look around as much as we should.

Rapid Pest Solutions reminds you that as Ferris said – “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

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6 Ways To Protect Your Home From Winter Pests

On September 5, 2014   /   Blog  
6 Ways To Protect Your Home From Winter Pests

It’s Hot Now – But Not For Long

Autumn+Colors.jpgAutumn+Colors

Here we are in September and the first official day of Fall is 3 short weeks away. Personally, I am very happy. I have had enough of the hot, humid weather and I am very much looking forward to crisp, cool temperatures. Fall is my absolute favorite season! Unfortunately pests don’t share my affinity for the cooling temps. They are going to be looking for ways to get into your home and make it their own. To them, your cozy house is a warm oasis from the harsh Winter, a year round Summer paradise.

Suburban+Home.pngSuburban+Home

Although the temperatures are still quite high, now is the time to begin making sure that your home is ready for the change in season.  Making sure that it is both energy efficient and secure against pests. One of Winter’s major intruders is mice. These little guys are looking for a warm place to build their nests and find food. A few common ways they get into your home is through an attached garage, around plumbing and electrical wiring leading into your home and cracks in windows and doors. You may also see ants, spiders and other ground crawling insects.

6 steps to help protect your home from pests seeking winter shelter

  • Clean out gutters and downspouts. The debris can provide a habitat for bugs.
  • Store firewood outside and away from your house.
  • Remove autumn leaves that collect against the house and porch.
  • Replace screens with storm windows. If you leave your screens in year-round, make sure there are no holes or openings.
  • Inspect around your foundation, doors and windows. Seal cracks and crevices with caulk or concrete. You can use steel wool in holes.
  • Be sure to store bird seed, dog food and items like this in sealed plastic containers, especially if you keep them in the garage.
  • Consider a preventative pest control treatment. This can be done around the outside perimeter of your home to create a barrier against pests.

Snowman.jpgSnowman

Before you know it we will be shoveling snow – make sure your home is protected from the pests looking for a warm retreat. Contact Rapid Pest Solutions for questions or scheduling. We look forward to working with you!

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IS THE HONEY BEE IN DANGER?

On August 29, 2014   /   Blog  
IS THE HONEY BEE IN DANGER?

Cute+Bee+Cartoon.jpgCute+Bee+Cartoon Sad But True

Colony Collapse Disorder

You have probably heard that the Honey Bees are disappearing. It seems that beekeepers first began talking about this very seriously in 2006. In some cases healthy bees were abandoning there nests completely and never returning. This phenomenon is called Colony Collapse Disorder. There are several theories as to what is causing this. Global warming, pesticide use, habitat loss and parasites are the most prevalent.

Crops+Pollinated+By+Bees.gifCrops+Pollinated+By+Bees Crops Pollinated By Bees

What Crops Will Be Effected

The disappearance of bees could turn into a very serious problem. There are many crops that rely on the pollination by bees or they simply cannot exist. Some of these foods include broccoli, blueberries, cucumbers, avocados and oranges. But there are many others. Many plants would die off, not just food plants. We would lose some trees and flowers as well.

Bees+In+A+Grill.jpgBees+In+A+Grill Honey Comb In A Grill

The Importance Of Honey Bee Relocation

Some scientists believe that the loss of the Honey Bee could be catastrophic. So what do you do if you find that Honey Bees have built a nest in or around your home? Don’t kill them! Relocation of the entire hive is possible. Contact a professional Honey Bee removal company or beekeeper. They will come to your home, remove the nest and queen. The worker bees will follow the Queen, so once she is removed the others should follow. The honeycomb will be removed and incorporated into the nest at the new location when possible.

Queen+Bee.gifQueen+Bee It’s Good To Be The Queen

It’s Good To Be The Queen

A Queen Bee has only one purpose. Reproduction. She can lay up to 2000 eggs per day. The worker bees take care of the Queen’s every need. They give her food, dispose of her waste and will protect her fiercely. It’s good to be the Queen!

Honey+Bear.pngHoney+Bear Honey Bear

If you think that you have Honey Bees, give Rapid Pest Solutions a call. We will do an inspection and provide you with information on the best way to handle your situation.

Are They Honey Bees?
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