Why Spiders Are Scarier Than Freddy Krueger

On May 19, 2015 / Blog

I love horror movies and the scarier the better. I will read ghost stories at night when I am home alone. There is something about that little thrill that you get that I actually like. One thing I don’t like – Spiders! Anyone that knows me is aware that seeing a spider can actually bring me to tears. Spiders are terrifying and that led me to write this blog – Why Spiders Are Scarier Than Freddy Krueger.

(and trust me, they are)

Seriously. That spider is way scarier!

FREDDY – Freddy Krueger haunts your dreams. If you fall asleep you become vulnerable to him. Unless you choose to pull him into the real world he is left behind when you wake up.

SPIDER – Spiders are not a nightmare at all, they are very much part of our waking lives. 24/7/365

SONY DSC

FREDDY – Armed with a glove of razor sharp knives you may think Freddy is scary than a spider. But think of it this way, you can see that big glove coming! That makes it easier to get out of the way.

SPIDER – Spiders fight with venom. There is a chance that you won’t even know you are in danger. Suddenly you notice a red lump on your arm or leg…the venom has already been injected!

FREDDY – Let’s face it, Freddy can’t hide just anywhere. I mean, he’s human size. This limits him on where he can go. Most likely in a closet or under a bed – and isn’t that the first place we would look for a boogie man?

SPIDER – These little devils are small! They can hide anywhere. Tucked into the corner of a room, behind your headboard, in the shower. (eek!) There are so many places that a spider could hide we could never check them all.

FREDDY – Freddy preys mainly on children. Now I’m not saying that’s a good thing, but as an adult you really don’t have much to worry about. I’m just throwing that out there.

SPIDER – A spider doesn’t care how old you are. They don’t care if you’re male or female, how much money you make or what your hobbies are. They are an equal opportunity frightener. Scurrying out from dark closets or dropping down from the ceiling, right in front of your face, they will get a scream every time.

I think I have made my point. If you find your home has spiders or any other scary pest, give Rapid a call. We have a treatment to fit your needs.

Because Timing Is Everything.

5 Things Lady Gaga Has In Common With Bugs

On May 12, 2015 / Blog

You might be thinking ‘What? That’s crazy!’ But it’s true. I have created a list of five things that the very talented Lady Gaga has in common with the bugs that Rapid Pest Solutions fights.

BEAUTIFUL MUSIC – Lady Gaga has been making chart topping music for years. I’m sure that you are familiar with at least a few of her songs. Some insects also make wonderful music. Cicadas and crickets make a gentle night music. Bugs also make music when they fly by producing unique wing beat frequencies. The houseflies wing beat is in the key of F.

MEAT DRESS – Surely you must have heard about the infamous Meat Dress that Lady Gaga wore to the 2010 VMA’s. Her dress, hat and shoes were made entirely out of raw meat. I would think that in order to wear raw meat for several hours as clothing means you must like beef. Well, some bugs like beef too. Raw beef, just like the dress. When yellow jackets are foraging they are attracted to raw meat and of course the blowfly likes raw meat too.

BORN THIS WAY – The Lady Gaga song ‘Born This Way’ speaks of self-acceptance. The idea being that there are no mistakes in the way you are made – you were born this way! Even though most of us don’t like bugs and consider them quite the nuisance they were just born this way. Insects can no more help their predisposed nature than us humans can.

AMERICAN HORROR STORY – Lady Gaga has confirmed that she will be joining the fifth season of American Horror Story. I love this show and I can’t wait to see what type of character she plays. I also consider insects to be part of my very own American Horror Story. Especially spiders, or as I like to call them, miniature nightmares. They are terrible!

ALEIODES GAGA – What is that you ask? Well, in 2012 Lady Gaga received the honor (?) of having a newly discovered parasitic wasp named after her. The Aleiodes Gaga was named by researchers at the University of Thailand. You can’t get more in common with a bug than that!

Is there another singer, actor or entertainer that you think has a lot in common with pests? We would love to hear your thoughts. If you find that you have an insect problem in your home or business contact Rapid Pest Solutions. We have the answer you need!

Questions?

Happy Mother’s Day

On May 8, 2015 / Blog

This Sunday is Mother’s Day – the day that we honor our moms or the mom-type figures in our lives. Who else would nurse us back from sickness, defend us to the death and love us unconditionally? Be sure to let the moms in your life know how special they are and how much you love them.

There are two insects that lead the race for best mother. The Earwig and the Wolf Spider. Earwig mothers will keep their eggs warm, clean them and protect them for predators. Once the eggs are ready to hatch she will help them out of their shell and then look after her babies for the next couple of months including feeding them. The Wolf Spider carries its eggs with her instead of leaving them in the web. Once the babies hatch she will continue to carry them with her until they are old enough to fend for themselves.

Most of us will probably get our Mom a card, some flowers and maybe some candy. Really lucky moms might get a champagne brunch or a spa day. These are all very nice things but remember that it’s not always all about the material things in life. Talk to your mom and tell her how you feel. Whatever it is that makes your mom special to you, let her know!

Rapid Pest Solutions wishes all the Moms out there a wonderful Mother’s Day!

Honeybees – What Happens Without Them?

On May 5, 2015 / Blog

Honeybee

Recently there was an article circulating about what your salad bar would look like without bees and other pollinators. The truth is, there wouldn’t be much left. There is talk about saving the Honey Bee and Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). So how worried should we be? There is a quote that is attributed to Einstein that says “If the bees disappeared off the face of the earth then man would only have four years left to live.” Wow! So, should we be stocking our underground bunkers now in preparation for the end? Calm down. There’s more to it than that.

First, there are many types of bees, more than 240 species actually. They all help with pollination. As do butterflies, hummingbirds and bats. Honeybees make up only about a fifth of the pollinators.
Second, Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) only affects honeybees. All those other bees and pollinators are safe.

WORST CASE SCENARIO

Alright, let’s pretend that ALL pollen spreading insects die out. While this would be tragic and possibly lead to mass starvation it is doubtful that it would be the end of mankind. There are many plants that would survive. Corn, potatoes, carrots and leafy vegetables can be grown with out the help of insects.

Now this doesn’t mean that we should throw in the towel on trying to save the bees. It is still important to be aware of our environment. For instance, if you find a honeybee hive on your property don’t kill them. There are beekeepers that will come and move the entire hive for you, some at no charge.

If you have bees or any other type of pest, call Rapid Pest Solutions. We have the answers you need.

Because Timing Is Everything!

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Save The Trees

On April 28, 2015 / Blog

The Emerald Ash Borer is a type of beetle that is native to Asia and Eastern Russia but has recently begun to spread around the United States. Accidentally brought in from overseas shipments the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) was first discovered in Michigan in 2002. These beetles infest Ash Trees and lay their eggs in the barks cracks and crevices. Once the eggs hatch the larvae chew through the bark to the center of the tree where they live creating feeding galleries. These galleries interrupt the natural flow of nutrients and water that sustain the life of the tree. Eventually the adult EAB’s will emerge from the tree by chewing their way out and leaving small D shaped holes in the bark.

KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR! The Emerald Ash Borer – Smaller than a penny with a red body under it’s wings.

Often times a tree has been infested for several years before the infestation is noticed. At that point it is usually too late to save the tree. Some signs that a tree has an Emerald Ash Borer infestation include,

Bark Splitting – There may be vertical splits in the bark from feeding galleries being formed underneath.
Canopy Dieback – The leaves and branches will begin to die off from the top down. It will begin in the top 1/3 of the tree.
Water Sprouts – Also known as suckers, these are sprouts that grow from the trunk and roots of the tree.
Serpentine Galleries – The feeding galleries of the EAB will weave back and forth in a snake like manner.
Increased Woodpecker Activity – Woodpeckers will feed on the EAB larvae. You may see large holes or damaged bark caused by the birds foraging.

Take a look at the pictures below for examples of the damage the Emerald Ash Borer can cause.

This shows what the feeding galleries of the larvae look like. You can see these underneath the bark of the tree.

This is an exit hole. Once the larvae has matured the EAB’s chew their way out of the bark leaving behind small D shaped holes.

You an see the canopy dieback as well as the water sprouts at the base of this tree.

The Emerald Ash Borer is a real threat. They are active in our area. Hundreds of trees in Hammond and Munster have been effected and cut down because of this issue. If you see signs of damage on your trees, or if you see the culprit itself, it is asked that you contact the Indiana Department of Natural Resources IMMEDIATELY. 317.232.4120

If you have questions about the Emerald Ash Borer or need help with identification please contact Rapid Pest Solutions.

Because Timing Is Everything.

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3 Eco-Friendly Holidays Coming Up In April

On April 16, 2015 / Blog

There is a lot more awareness about the environment than there used to be. People are concerned with “Going Green” and helping to make a positive impact on the world around them. There are a couple of days coming up in April that are marked for celebrating green and Eco-friendly holidays.

BAT APPRECIATION DAY – FRIDAY 4/17/15

Bats are all around us although you may not be aware of them. I have heard some people call them flying rodents but that is not true. Bats are beneficial to us – THEY EAT MOSQUITOES! And isn’t that something that we can all agree is a good thing? Take a trip to the zoo to learn more about these interesting creatures. Brookfield Zoo has fruit bats in the Australia House or you can visit the Small Mammal & Reptile House at Lincoln Park Zoo. It’s sad to say that half the bats in the U.S. are listed as rare, threatened or endangered. For more Myths and Facts about bats click here.

EARTH DAY – WEDNESDAY 4/22/15

The goal of Earth Day is to bring awareness and appreciation to the Earth’s environment. If you’re interested in finding out what your ecological footprint is you can take the quiz here. There are many ways to help the environment including recycling, use your cruise control, turn lights off, etc. Here is a list of 50 things you can do to Go Green.

SAVE THE FROGS DAY – SATURDAY 4/25/15

The Save The Frogs Organization has been around since 2009. They promote a society that respects and appreciates nature. Save The Frogs fights against the extinction of amphibians by petitioning against frogs as food (frog legs), the dissection of frogs in schools and protecting wetlands among other things. Check out the website to see more detailed information.

Rapid Pest Solutions uses Integrated Pest Management – or IPM.

IPM is an environmentally sensitive approach to pest management. It involves a combination of practices to control pests with the least possible hazard to people, property and the environment.

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3 Reasons Why You Should NOT Do Your Own Pest Control

On April 11, 2015 / Blog

Spring is here and with it come the home invaders. Money is a concern for many of us and it may seem like doing your own pest control is a good idea. While there are times when this might work it isn’t always the best idea. Professional pest control companies have technicians that are specially trained and licensed in the correct application of the chemicals used. Also, most companies will offer some type of guarantee on their work. Here are three reasons you shouldn’t try and handle your own pest control.

EFFECTIVENESS – Professional technicians are trained not only in the correct use of pesticides but also in pest identification. If you are unsure what type of pest you are trying to get rid of you may use the wrong product or even the wrong technique. This can lead to more time and money being spent to combat an issue that could have been taken care of in one treatment.

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES – Pest control products are closely regulated to make sure local environments are not destroyed. Incorrect mixing of products or the use of multiple products in one location can cause damage to plants and wildlife. They may even prove harmful to you or your family if not used properly. Professional pest control companies train their technicians in the proper use of all products. Rapid Pest Solutions uses Integrated Pest Management, or IPM. This means that we solve pest problems while minimizing risk to people and the environment.

PERSONAL SAFETY – Even the pest control products that you buy at the hardware or home improvement stores contain chemicals that can be harmful to you and your family if not fully understood. Don’t use guess work when it comes to your well being and that of your family. Contact a professional.

Pests will always be around it’s how you choose to deal with them that is important. If you find that you have some unwelcome invaders in or around your home, contact Rapid Pest Solutions. We can customize a treatment to fit your specific needs.

Because Timing Is Everything.

RAPID PEST SOLUTIONS NOW OFFERS MOSQUITO CONTROL.

Happy Easter

On April 3, 2015 / Blog

If you are looking for some fun and family friendly (including the fur-babies) things to do this weekend I have some suggestions. It looks like it’s shaping up to be a pretty nice little Saturday. So if you have some time here are three events you might want to check out.

CROWN POINT EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA – This event takes place at the Indiana Lake County Fairgrounds. Gates open at 7a and the fun begins at 9a. Free to everyone, there will be games, prizes, an egg hunt and 2 helicopter candy drops. !!!

HIGHLAND BAKE SALE & PHOTOS WITH THE EASTER BUNNY – Paws Resale Shoppe will be hosting an event Saturday from 10a – 6p. Baked goods will be available and you can get pictures with the Easter Bunny for $6 so bring the family! Both children and pets are welcome for pictures.

FLASHLIGHT EASTER EGG HUNT – The Heartland Christian Center in Valparaiso is hosting a flashlight egg hunt that will begin at 7p. There will be inflatables, food and games. This event is free and open to the public.

Rapid Pest Solutions wishes you a Happy Easter.

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April Fools Day Pranks You Can Use

On April 1, 2015 / Blog

Are you a fan of April Fools Day? Do you enjoy pranking your friends and coworkers or do you get a good laugh out of the pranks that are played on you? I do not like April Fools Day. Not at all. It is basically a day where I trust no one and nothing. I look forward to the time when I can climb in bed and put the whole day behind me. But in honor of this silly holiday I have searched for some April Fools pranks that you might enjoy. And of course they involve bugs!

The Insect In The Lampshade – This would make me run screaming for sure! Use regular paper to cut out insect shapes. Tape them on the inside of a lamp shade. When the light gets turned on it will look like there is a giant bug on the inside of the shade. CREEP FACTOR – 5

Mouse In The House – Get some beetroot and clean the ends up a bit. Place the end of the beetroot just inside a box of crackers or sticking out from behind a shelf. With a quick glance it will look like a mouse has made it’s way into your home. CREEP FACTOR – 3

Sometimes even big names in business will get in on the fun. Every year in the UK, BMW puts out an April Fools prank just plausible enough to be believed. Here is one from 1996.

You can find a list of many of the other April Fools Day jokes that BMW has pulled by clicking HERE.

In the event that you find that your pest problem is not a prank give Rapid Pest Solutions a call. We have a service to fit your needs.

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3 Urban Legends – Debunked!

On March 30, 2015 / Blog

URBAN LEGEND

What is it? An Urban Legend is a secondhand story told as the truth and it is just plausible enough to be believed. Most often Urban Legends involve a horrific event that supposedly happened to a real person. Because there is a definite ‘creep’ factor in an Urban Legend, insects play well into these types of stories. Below are three urban legends that involve pests. Maybe I can convince you that these stories just can’t be true.

Spider in an Oreo

THE SPIDER IN THE OREO – This is one that I have seen several times across Facebook. It serves as a warning to always take your Oreo’s apart before eating them because you never know what might be squished inside. <a href=”https://www.youtube price of tamiflu.com/watch?v=-i1oMwNgH2Q” target=”_blank”>The way that Oreo’s are made makes it highly unlikely that a spider could get caught in the center. When this legend was researched by David Emery, an urban legend expert, he was told by the original poster that they actually smashed the spider into the cream center themselves. Not such a scary story when you hear that!
ROACH EGGS ON AN ENVELOPE – I have heard this story for years. A woman is licking envelopes and gets a paper cut on her tongue. She thinks nothing of it but soon a lump appears. She goes to the doctor to have it looked at. When the doctor begins to lance the sore a cockroach comes out. The idea is that there were cockroach eggs in the glue on the envelope and when she got the paper cut the eggs made there way into the wound on the tongue and continued to grow. OK, the problem with this story is that a pregnant cockroach carries all of its eggs in a hard casing. The individual eggs are delicate and could not withstand being removed from the casing and scattered around the flap of an envelope. Although this makes for a creepy story you don’t have to worry about baby cockroaches flooding from your mouth.
MOUSE URINE ON SODA CANS – The story is that you can get sick and die from rodent urine that is on the lip of pop cans. It is said that because cases upon cases of pop are stored in large warehouses where rodents can run wild, the cans are dirty. Although rats and mice can carry diseases that are harmful to humans, drinking from these cans is unlikely to cause death. If you are still a little freaked out by this you can wipe down or rinse the top of your can before consuming.

Cockroach egg casing and babies after they hatched.

Don’t let Urban Legends scare you too much. Most of them have only the tiniest bit of truth and a great deal of embellishment. If you find yourself in a situation with some creepy crawlies don’t stress. Give Rapid Pest Solutions a call. We have the answers you need.

Servicing Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana

Call 219-836-5066 or 708-247-9700

Archive for the Blog Category

Why Spiders Are Scarier Than Freddy Krueger

(and trust me, they are)

I think I have made my point. If you find your home has spiders or any other scary pest, give Rapid a call. We have a treatment to fit your needs.

Because Timing Is Everything.

5 Things Lady Gaga Has In Common With Bugs

You might be thinking ‘What? That’s crazy!’ But it’s true. I have created a list of five things that the very talented Lady Gaga has in common with the bugs that Rapid Pest Solutions fights.

Is there another singer, actor or entertainer that you think has a lot in common with pests? We would love to hear your thoughts. If you find that you have an insect problem in your home or business contact Rapid Pest Solutions. We have the answer you need!

Happy Mother’s Day

This Sunday is Mother’s Day – the day that we honor our moms or the mom-type figures in our lives. Who else would nurse us back from sickness, defend us to the death and love us unconditionally? Be sure to let the moms in your life know how special they are and how much you love them.

Rapid Pest Solutions wishes all the Moms out there a wonderful Mother’s Day!

Honeybees – What Happens Without Them?

WORST CASE SCENARIO

Save The Trees

3 Eco-Friendly Holidays Coming Up In April

There is a lot more awareness about the environment than there used to be. People are concerned with “Going Green” and helping to make a positive impact on the world around them. There are a couple of days coming up in April that are marked for celebrating green and Eco-friendly holidays.

Rapid Pest Solutions uses Integrated Pest Management – or IPM.

3 Reasons Why You Should NOT Do Your Own Pest Control

Pests will always be around it’s how you choose to deal with them that is important. If you find that you have some unwelcome invaders in or around your home, contact Rapid Pest Solutions. We can customize a treatment to fit your specific needs.

Because Timing Is Everything.

RAPID PEST SOLUTIONS NOW OFFERS MOSQUITO CONTROL.

Happy Easter

If you are looking for some fun and family friendly (including the fur-babies) things to do this weekend I have some suggestions. It looks like it’s shaping up to be a pretty nice little Saturday. So if you have some time here are three events you might want to check out.

Rapid Pest Solutions wishes you a Happy Easter.

April Fools Day Pranks You Can Use

3 Urban Legends – Debunked!

URBAN LEGEND

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