Since this week was so busy and I neglected the blog a little (Sorry!!), I figured we would extend Rat Week in to Rat Weeks. There will be a new pest posted Sunday!
So, drum roll please...... SOME FACTS ABOUT RATS!
1) Rats can be very lovable and social. They love to be around humans or other rats and will often sleep next to each other. When they are alone, rats often become sad and depressed. So when you find one rat you're likely to find more!
2) Rats are extremely intelligent. Once they figure out a path or way to get to something they want, they aren't likely to forget it
3) There is an entire temple dedicated to the rat
4) An adult rat can fit through an opening the size of a quarter (most adult rats are between 6-10 inches long depending on the breed)
5) Most rats breed within their own family: They will mate with brothers, sisters, and even young! This is what makes the rat so prevalent!
(Source: http://oddstuffmagazine.com/some-interesting-but-strange-facts-about-rats.html)
Hope you enjoyed my list! Anything you're shocked about? Talk about it in the comments section!
Friday, November 30, 2012
Friday, November 23, 2012
Knowing you have Rats
Well, I hope that everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving! I know that ours was good! But now, back to business. Here is the post that I promised you.... How to know that you have rats!
Rats are able to adapt easily to their surroundings. Generally, we see rats as most active during the hour following sunset and before dawn; however, rats can alter their patterns of nocturnal behavior in order to cope with human activity. Many people believe that rats are nocturnal creatures but this is NOT always true, they just tend to move more frequently at night because that's when their predators are least active.
Norway rats prefer to live in burrows next to buildings rather than actually IN the building. This is significant because blocking homes and businesses from holes is not helpful in keeping out the Norway rat; they will still find a way in. The way to be rid of the Norway rat is by eliminating the nest they are living in outside the building.
In a large infestation around a farm, for example, grain bins may collapse. The rats will burrow under and around areas that can be covered with vegetation or cobwebs, making it very difficult to locate the nest.
Rats will exist and live where there is food. Once the food, old and new, is removed, the rats will end up leaving or dying.
So how should you go about looking for signs of rats? Look for bite markings in the basement, under sinks, or in your kitchen. Pay attention to sudden electrical problems as rats LOVE eating wires. Overall, if you suspect something is amiss, GET HELP! A professional will be able to tell you for sure if you have an infestation, where it is located, and the best course of action.
Rats are able to adapt easily to their surroundings. Generally, we see rats as most active during the hour following sunset and before dawn; however, rats can alter their patterns of nocturnal behavior in order to cope with human activity. Many people believe that rats are nocturnal creatures but this is NOT always true, they just tend to move more frequently at night because that's when their predators are least active.
Norway rats prefer to live in burrows next to buildings rather than actually IN the building. This is significant because blocking homes and businesses from holes is not helpful in keeping out the Norway rat; they will still find a way in. The way to be rid of the Norway rat is by eliminating the nest they are living in outside the building.
In a large infestation around a farm, for example, grain bins may collapse. The rats will burrow under and around areas that can be covered with vegetation or cobwebs, making it very difficult to locate the nest.
Rats will exist and live where there is food. Once the food, old and new, is removed, the rats will end up leaving or dying.
So how should you go about looking for signs of rats? Look for bite markings in the basement, under sinks, or in your kitchen. Pay attention to sudden electrical problems as rats LOVE eating wires. Overall, if you suspect something is amiss, GET HELP! A professional will be able to tell you for sure if you have an infestation, where it is located, and the best course of action.
Monday, November 19, 2012
The Norway Rat
This week, we're going to talk about the Norway Rat. This rat is the most common rat found in cities today. An interesting tidbit on the Norway Rat? It is NOT originally from Norway! The rat actually came out of Central Asia and was most likely classified in Norway, thus the name "Norway Rat."
Aww, so cute right?
This rat is one of the larger rats that can be found: an average adult is on average 16 inches in length (including tail) and about 12 ounces. The media really enjoys making these rats out to be bigger than they actually are. In fact, the largest Norway Rat ever found was in North Carolina, and it weighed 1.36 pounds!
What are other common names for the Noway Rat, you may be asking. Common names include: brown rat, sewer rat, barn rat, wharf rat, and water rat. Yes, these are the rats that are equally as common off a boat (how they came to America) as they are in the sewer in the city, as the are in a barn in the country.
Next post will be about what to look for in regards to knowing if you have rats. Check back soon!!
Aww, so cute right?
This rat is one of the larger rats that can be found: an average adult is on average 16 inches in length (including tail) and about 12 ounces. The media really enjoys making these rats out to be bigger than they actually are. In fact, the largest Norway Rat ever found was in North Carolina, and it weighed 1.36 pounds!
What are other common names for the Noway Rat, you may be asking. Common names include: brown rat, sewer rat, barn rat, wharf rat, and water rat. Yes, these are the rats that are equally as common off a boat (how they came to America) as they are in the sewer in the city, as the are in a barn in the country.
Next post will be about what to look for in regards to knowing if you have rats. Check back soon!!
Friday, November 16, 2012
5 Facts About Cockroaches you may not know!
1. Cockroaches can cause allergies. Yup!
2. There are 69 species of cockroaches in North America alone.
3.The American Cockroach is the most likely cockroach to be seen inside a home.
4.Bay leaves spread out in area that may be prone to cockroaches seems to work as a natural repellant.
5. Cockroaches have been evolving for 350 million years
2. There are 69 species of cockroaches in North America alone.
3.The American Cockroach is the most likely cockroach to be seen inside a home.
4.Bay leaves spread out in area that may be prone to cockroaches seems to work as a natural repellant.
5. Cockroaches have been evolving for 350 million years
Sunday, November 11, 2012
The Cockroach
Oh the cockroach. They are sweet and cuddly aren't they?
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| Fliker |
Just A-DORABLE!
Actually, cockroaches are one of the most successful animals in the evolution of earth. They are thought to have been around since the cavemen! Cockroaches can exist anywhere: hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, private homes, warehouses, and more. They are drawn to hot water pipes, moist kitchen sinks, and cracks in your home or business. Once you start seeing cockroaches, you may have a large infestation and should call a professional but there are steps that you can take in order to help guard your home or business against cockroaches.
1) Make sure that your home or business has taken steps to properly contain food and perform proper maintenance. If you have leaky pipes or faucets they need to be fixed sooner rather than later because cockroaches LOVE them. Cockroaches also love pet food that is left out 24/7. Make sure that you're careful about the frequency that you change their food and water!
2) Check for cracks and crevices that could be allowing cockroaches to enter. Cockroaches are mainly an indoor insect: they live outside but will most often move inside after a very short period of time. The less openings you have, the better it is.
3) Home treatment if you feel as though you only have a few (not for the squeamish!): Take an old cloth and wet it with dishwater. Put the rag on the floor near where you know the cockroaches are frequenting. Turn off the lights and leave the room. Every 30-45 minutes go back into the room and douse the rag with a liberal amount of scalding hot water causing the cockroaches hidden in the rag to perish.
In the next blog we'll talk about the dangers of cockroaches!
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Bed Bugs
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| Wikipedia |
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| University of Kentucky |
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| Animal Planet |
What are all these pictures showing? Bed bugs! Bed bugs are prevalent EVERYWHERE lately: you really have a hard time not hearing about them. These little bugs are all less than 1/2 an inch long. They tend to hang out in your mattress (pictured above in the middle) or in other small places like behind a picture frame hanging on the wall. These bugs come out in the middle of the night in order to feed on blood. If you have bed bugs, you will have red markings on your body after they bite that are extremely uncomfortable. These bugs can be picked up from a clothing store, a cruise ship, a hotel room, and many other places. Unfortunately, these bugs are very hard to get rid of so if you suspect an infestation, please call your local pest control company today!
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Boxelder Bug
As promised, here is the first real blog entry! We are planning to use this blog as a well to offer small home assistance... meaning things you can do without having to call a pest control company.
The insect of the week? The Boxelder bug!
The boxelder bug is not a dangerous pest, but one of annoyance. During the winter, these bugs will enter your home in search of warmth and a place to hibernate. You'll find them searching your home or business for food and a place to hang out. They are almost always found in large groups but won't do much harm other than leaving a small stain on the wall. The best way to remove these bugs is with a broom or a vacuum or simply picking them up and putting them outside. However, in severe cases (as most of these will be) you may need assistance.
Overall, the boxelder bug isn't something to be to concerned over. Make sure you come back for more posts in the future!
All-Way Pest Contronl, Inc
The insect of the week? The Boxelder bug!
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| Picture of the boxelder bug courtesy of wikipedia! |
The boxelder bug is not a dangerous pest, but one of annoyance. During the winter, these bugs will enter your home in search of warmth and a place to hibernate. You'll find them searching your home or business for food and a place to hang out. They are almost always found in large groups but won't do much harm other than leaving a small stain on the wall. The best way to remove these bugs is with a broom or a vacuum or simply picking them up and putting them outside. However, in severe cases (as most of these will be) you may need assistance.
Overall, the boxelder bug isn't something to be to concerned over. Make sure you come back for more posts in the future!
All-Way Pest Contronl, Inc
First Post
Hello everyone and welcome to the All-Way Pest Control, Inc blog! This is my very first post and I anticipate blogging a lot throughout the month. In fact, I plan to start with my first real post later today. Please feel free and leave comments... and that includes questions that you may have regarding pest control. You may also visit our website at All-Way Pest Control, Inc for more information regarding pest control.
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