How to Tell If You Have Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are a nuisance! They are little pesky insects that feed off the blood of animals and humans. You can tell the difference between adult ones and younger ones by the color. Adult bed bugs are reddish-brown, whereas the younger ones are translucent or yellowish, making them very difficult to locate. Bed bugs can be found almost anywhere, including homes, apartments, hotels, dorm rooms, cruise ships, buses, and other public places. Continue reading as we delve into further details about these tiny pests and how to recognize the early signs of an infestation. Learn more about Absolut Pest Control’s bed bug services here!
How are Bed Bugs Caused?
Bed bugs enter homes and properties through other infested areas. For instance, if you live in an apartment, bed bugs can travel from one unit to another throughout the entire building. They are prone to latching onto furniture and other objects. Keep in mind that these insects are tiny and can easily enter homes without your knowledge, as they are very adept at hiding.
Can Bed Bugs Harm My Health?
To clarify, bed bugs are not considered a danger. There is no clear evidence that they can spread diseases, but their bites are itchy and very uncomfortable. Try not to scratch a bed bug bite, despite how itchy it may be, because it can lead to a severe infection. If you are allergic to bites, it can escalate to hives, blisters, and increased itching.
What are the Signs of Bed Bugs?
The first signs of bed bugs are usually itchy bites found on your skin, most likely on your arms or shoulders. They usually leave several bites, rather than just one or two, but in other instances, they don’t leave any bites at all. Stay on the lookout for:
- Blood spots on bed sheets
- Tiny yellow eggs or eggshells
- Tiny black dots, also known as bed bug poop
- Shedded skins
- White eggs the size of an appleseed
- Musty odors within your bedroom
How You Can Check for Bed Bugs
If you suspect that your home is infested with bed bugs, investigate your bed and mattress carefully, and don’t forget to check the crevices as well. They are prone to hiding in these areas, which grants them easy access to bite. They can also be found within the seams, piping of box springs, and within the cracks of bed frames and headboards. Other locations include:
- Between couches and chairs
- In curtains
- Drawers
- Electrical outlets
- Clothing
- Under loose wallpaper
- Under carpeting
- And more.
Contact Absolut Pest Control in Amesbury, MA for Bed Bug Control Services
Bed bugs are more common than you think! Our team of experts has been removing bed bugs for decades while ensuring that they do not return. If your home or property is infested with bed bugs, contact Absolut Pest Control in Amesbury, MA, today for an effective removal process. Don’t forget to ask for a free estimate! Contact us today at (978) 388-4589 or complete our contact form.
How to Get Rid of Horse Flies
Horse flies are pests found almost anywhere and are always hunting for blood! They usually reside within forests, fields, and even backyards. If your home or property is facing a horse fly problem or infestation, don’t worry! We have highlighted valuable information about proper removal and prevention moving forward! Contact us today if your home is under a horse fly attack!
What Do They Look Like?
Horse flies are large insects capable of growing up to one and a quarter inches long. Their colors are usually black and yellow, featuring black wings and a yellow or sometimes orange body. Horse flies may even appear all black with orange legs. Their eyes are known to be significantly larger than most insects and are sensitive to motion, which helps them locate prey quickly. Overall, horse flies are unlike any other insect in appearance and can easily be recognized if you have never encountered them before!
Horse Fly Prevention
Horse flies gravitate towards very moist areas, so removing any type of standing water near your property can heavily reduce the risk of horse flies approaching. Believe it or not, horse flies repel the scent of oil, specifically citronella oil! Spraying citronella oil around your yard or property is an effective solution to keep horse flies away! Fun fact! Many insect repellents are made from citronella oil! Flowers are also an excellent solution for keeping horse flies out of sight. Most flowers attract bees, and horse flies hate bees and tend to keep a far distance from them.
How to Protect Yourself
Horseflies are a nuisance that attack in the middle of the day. Repellent sprays containing citronella are the most effective solution for keeping them away. If your home is still under attack, other key tactics include wearing clothing to cover up skin. If you are experiencing a horsefly attack during the heat, be sure to wear light clothing.
When Do Horse Flies Usually Arrive?
Horse flies usually appear during the hotter months of the year, but can appear as early as April. These pests have a reasonably short lifespan, arriving in the spring and disappearing by the fall. Oddly enough, horse flies are seen as seasonal pests and are only a nuisance for a short period.
Horse Fly Bites
Horse flies are known to be very aggressive and tend to bite humans, causing painful wounds. These pests are known to bite any part of the body, whether it’s the neck or as low as your ankles. Humans may attempt to fight back, but unfortunately, it’s too late, and the horse flies usually fly away immediately after the bite.
Contact the Experts at Absolut Pest Control
The most effective solution for horse fly removal is to leave it to the professionals! Absolut Pest Control is always here to help Massachusetts and New Hampshire residents with a proper and effective pest control process. Contact us today by calling (978)388-4589 or filling out our contact form for a free quote!
Everything About Silverfish
Silverfish are small silver insects with bizarre appearances, including scales and antennae that resemble fish. Believe it or not, these insects can be found in New England! Their bodies are flat and oval-shaped and approximately ¾ of an inch long, with two antennas and three tails. These pests prefer the dark and hide during the daytime to avoid sunlight. If exposed to sunlight, they will quickly escape to a dark location.
Female silverfish are constantly laying eggs once they reach their adult stage. They usually lay their eggs in crevices and small cracks around homes and properties that hatch within 3 weeks. You can tell the difference between young silverfish and ault ones by their white color and small size. A fun fact about silverfish is that they can live without food for up to a year and depend on high humidity to live!
Common Locations
Silverfish grow mainly in dark and damp locations. Larger populations are found in newer buildings that include wet brick and stone. Aside from these places, do not be surprised to find them within basements, sinks, bathtubs, closet shelves, and behind baseboards, bookcases, windows, and doorframes.
What Do They Eat?
Did you know that silverfish are chewers and general feeders? Their preferred diet consists of carbohydrates and protein. Their preferred choice of food is just as bizarre as their appearance. Some examples of food include flour, rolled oats, dried meat, paper, cardboard, books, glue, vegetables, cereals, and dead insects.
Are They Dangerous?
Silverfish are not dangerous, nor can they hurt you, but they keep them away from food because they are known for contamination. These pests contaminate food with their feces, so check food that can be accessed easily throughout your home, especially if you suspect silverfish are present. As mentioned, silverfish are chewers prone to destroying homes and can chew through your belongings. Silverfish gravitate toward materials like glue, paper, and linens, which are considered to be prime food sources. If you suspect your home is facing a silverfish problem, be sure to check objects that include these materials!
How to Avoid and Eliminate Silverfish
Eliminating silverfish can be challenging, especially if your property is facing an infestation! Luckily, we have provided tips and techniques to help you avoid and overcome your silverfish problem moving forward!
Seal Accessible Food
Silverfish are always on the hunt for food, especially food that is easily accessible to them. It’s in your best interest to seal off open food containers to avoid the damage and infestation issues these tiny pests will cause.
Use a Dehumidifier
Silverfish are attracted to humidity and water, so one of the best techniques to remove and avoid them is by placing a dehumidifier in spots you suspect they may arrive within. Another tip is to keep locations with water close by clean, such as baths, showers, sinks, and laundry rooms.
Use Insecticides
Using insecticides is an effective way to eliminate silverfish! Using it can protect your property for up to 45 days. Spray areas that you suspect silverfish can gain entry through and infected areas. Doing so will irritate them and force them to exit the premises.
Contact Absolut Pest Control!
If you have any questions about silverfish or are facing a silverfish infestation, contact the experts at Absolut Pest Control! We have years of experience removing and exterminating bugs within Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Make the first step by calling 978-388-4589 or filling out our contact form!
What are June Bugs?
June bugs are a type of beetle that can be found across North America, especially in New England. June bugs are tiny pests that usually emerge from the soil around May or June. A fun fact about these bugs is that they are weak flyers that are often found crashing into windows and screens. They range in size from just over a half inch to one inch, with colors varying from reddish brown to black.
The Lifecycle of a June Bug
Depending on the species, the average lifespan of a June bug is one to a few years. They arrive right after winter and tend to be seen the most during the evening of each day. Female June bugs burrow themselves a few inches into the soil after mating to lay dozens of eggs in July and August. The eggs then eventually hatch into larvae, which are called white grubs. The white grubs stay underground for about two seasons and feed on grassroots.
Are June Bugs Harmful?
June bugs do not bite or sting people and pets, but they are not necessarily harmless. These pests will come out at night and are attracted to the light, and they also like to snack on your plants. The white grubs can harm lawns and gardens because they eat grassroots, vegetables, and decorative plants. Look for spongey grounds if your home or property is infested with June bugs.
The Pros of June Bugs
Believe it or not, having a decent amount of June bugs on your property benefits soil aeration. On the other hand, excessive tunneling from June bugs can damage lawns by breaking the attachment through plant roots and soil. It makes it difficult for your lawn to receive water and nutrients. Another fun fact and pro about June bugs is that they can make excellent bait for fishing! If you plan on fishing anytime soon, check your yard first for June bugs.
Removing June Bugs
As we previously mentioned, June bugs are prone to causing severe lawn damage, so it’s in your best interest to have them removed if you are facing an infestation. Be sure to maintain your lawn’s elegance by performing proper irrigation, fertilization, and other maintenance practices to minimize the damage these pests create. You can remove these pests on your own by using insecticide, which is an effective treatment that implements chemicals into the soil. If you notice that your removal procedures aren’t working correctly, it may be time to contact the professionals at Absolut Pest Control.
Contact The Experts at Absolut Pest Control for Bug Removal Services
If you notice that your June bug or any bug problem is becoming out of control, contact Absolut Pest Control immediately. Our experts are always available, fully trained, and prepared to take on the tiny pests causing issues on your property. For a free consultation, call 978-388-4589 or fill out our contact form today!
Everything You Need To Know About Stink Bugs: Identification, Prevention, & Control
Stink bugs, notorious for their unpleasant odor, are commonly found in homes and gardens across the United States. These shield-shaped insects, belonging to the family Pentatomidae, can wreak havoc on crops and become a nuisance indoors. Understanding how to identify these pests, implement effective prevention strategies, and employ control measures is crucial for managing their impact. In this guide, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to know about stink bugs in order to recognize their distinct features, prevent them from entering your home, and tackle infestations efficiently! For additional information about stink bugs or to get a free estimate on an insect control service for your home or business in Massachusetts or New Hampshire, please contact our team at Absolut Pest Control today!
Identifying Stink Bugs
Stink bugs are shield-shaped insects, typically measuring about ½ to ¾ inches long. Depending on the species, their color ranges from brown to green, with the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug being one of the most common types. Key identifying features include their straight antennae with alternating dark and light bands along the edges of their abdomen. Stink bugs release a pungent odor as a defense mechanism when disturbed or crushed, making their presence easily noticeable. Understanding these traits is essential for correctly identifying and managing stink bug populations!
How To Prevent Stink Bug Infestations
Preventing stink bugs from entering your home involves sealing entry points, using barriers, and maintaining a clean environment. Start by inspecting and repairing any cracks or gaps in windows, doors, siding, and utility pipes. Then, screens on windows and doors can be installed or repaired to create a physical barrier. Applying weather stripping and using door sweeps can further reduce entry points. For even stronger defense against stink bugs, you can consider using outdoor lighting that is less attractive to insects, such as yellow bulbs. Keeping the area around your home free of debris, such as leaf piles and overgrown vegetation, can also help deter stink bugs. Regularly vacuuming and cleaning indoor areas where stink bugs are commonly found will reduce their chances of settling inside. One final way to prevent stink bug infestations is to spray natural repellents like essential oils (e.g. mint or neem oil) diluted in water around entry points.
How To Get Rid Of Stink Bugs
Eliminating stink bugs involves physical removal, traps, and chemical treatments. For minor infestations, vacuuming is an effective method; use a vacuum with a disposable bag to avoid the lingering odor. Sticky traps placed near windows and entry points can also capture these pests. For more severe infestations, professional pest control treatments may be necessary. Contact our team at Absolut Pest Control today for a free insect extermination estimate in MA & NH!
Contact Absolut Pest Control!
If you have any questions about stink bugs or are currently experiencing an insect infestation in your Massachusetts or New Hampshire home or business, please contact our team at Absolut Pest Control today! We provide home and business owners in MA & NH with a wide range of affordable pest removal & extermination services! Get a free pest control estimate today by calling us at (978) 388-4589 or by filling out the contact form on our website!
What Types of Cockroaches Live in New England?
One of the most resilient pests are cockroaches. According to Census.gov, cockroaches have been spotted in about 10% of homes in the United States. These dirty insects can be found in almost all places, including restaurants, farms, offices and of course homes. Cockroaches are attracted to food, moisture, and dark, sheltered places. Here in New England, there are five different types of cockroaches that are commonly found, each of which we’ll touch on in this article. If you have any questions about cockroaches or are looking for a cockroach exterminator in Massachusetts or New Hampshire, please contact Absolut Pest Control today for a free estimate!
German Cockroach
German cockroaches are some of the most commonly found cockroaches in New England. German cockroaches are typically about ½” long, oval-shaped, and light brown in color. These cockroaches are not native to New England (or the United States in general), but have likely been here since the late 18th century. These cockroaches are highly allusive, and when an infestation begins, they often require professional extermination services to eradicate.
Brown-Banded Cockroach
Brown-banded cockroaches are another common cockroach species in the 6 New England states. Much like German cockroaches, brown-banded cockroaches are about ½” in length with brown, oval-shaped bodies. The easiest way to differentiate between these two cockroach species is that brown-banded cockroaches have two light brown-colored bands that wrap around their bodies. These cockroaches have been found in the USA since the early 1900s. Brown-banded cockroaches prefer warm environments, so you may find them in your home near appliances that give off heat.
Oriental Cockroach
Oriental cockroaches are larger and darker in color than the two above-mentioned roach species, as they are typically about 1” long and dark brown to black in color. These cockroaches prefer cooler, moist environments, so they are often found in drains, sewers, and under debris like wet leaves.
American Cockroach
American cockroaches are the largest cockroaches that are commonly found in New England, as they are typically at least 1 ½” long. These cockroaches are brownish-red in color with a light brown band behind their heads. Despite their name, American cockroaches are not native to the Americas; they are native to Africa and are believed to have been brought to the United States during the 1600s. Like oriental cockroaches, American cockroaches are often found in drains and sewers because they prefer dark, humid environments.
Smoky Brown Cockroach
Smokey brown cockroaches are a shiny, brownish-black roach species that are typically 1”-1 ½” in length. These cockroaches are often confused for American cockroaches because of their similar appearance, but smoky brown cockroaches do not have the light brown band behind their heads that American cockroaches do. Smoky brown cockroaches are most commonly found outdoors in leaf piles, mulch, and other dead organic matter.
Contact Absolut Pest Control For Cockroach Extermination Services!
If you have any questions about cockroaches or are currently experiencing a roach infestation at your Massachusetts or New Hampshire home or business, please contact our team at Absolut Pest Control today! We provide home and business owners in MA & NH with a wide range of affordable pest removal & extermination services! Get a free pest control estimate today by calling us at (978) 388-4589 or by filling out the contact form on our website!
How To Prevent Earwig Infestations In Your Home
Earwigs are a menacing-looking insect due to the large pincers that are located on the back side of their abdomen, but these pests are harmless for the most part. Legend has it that earwigs got their name from the suspicion that they would crawl into people’s ears when they sleep, but this rumor has no scientific basis and is most likely false. Even though earwigs are not particularly harmful, they are still an unsanitary insect that you should aim to keep out of your home or business! In this article, we’ll offer you some tips on how to prevent earwig infestations in your home! If you have any questions about earwigs or would like a free estimate on an insect control service at your Massachusetts or New Hampshire home, please contact our team at Absolut Pest Control today!
Limit Excess Moisture In Your House
Earwigs are attracted to moist, secluded environments, so one of the best ways to prevent infestations in your home is to limit any excess moisture in cabinets, basements, bathrooms, etc. If you’ve noticed earwigs in your home recently, you should perform a thorough inspection for pipe leaks or other sources of moisture that may be attracting these insects.
Seal Gaps & Cracks In Foundation & Walls
Earwigs’ most common entry point into homes is through cracks, gaps, or holes in the walls or foundation of the home. Sealing up these cracks with caulking or liquid cement is an excellent way to prevent earwig infestations, but can also prevent infestations from a wide range of other insects and rodents.
Landscaping Around Your Home
One more way to prevent earwig infestations in your home is to be vigilant about the landscaping in your lawn. As mentioned above, earwigs are attracted to moisture, so removing moisture-filled items from the perimeter of your home can help prevent infestations inside. Be sure to clean up leaf piles, trim back vegetation, and store wood piles at least 10 feet from your house!
Contact Absolut Pest Control!
If you have any questions about preventing earwig infestations or are currently experiencing a pest problem at your Massachusetts or New Hampshire home, please contact our team at Absolut Pest Control! We provide home and business owners in the region with a wide range of affordable pest removal & extermination services! Contact us today to get a free estimate by giving us a call at (978) 388-4589 or by filling out the contact form on our website!
Tips On Pest-Proofing Your Home For The New England Winter
The cold wintertime in New England can drive a wide range of pests into your home that are seeking shelter. Some of the most common winter pests in New England and the surrounding regions are rodents, carpenter ants, cockroaches, stink bugs, ladybugs, bed bugs, earwigs, and more. In this article, we’ll give you some tips on how you can prepare your home for the wintertime in order to prevent pest infestations from rodents, insects, and more! If you have any questions about pest prevention or are currently experiencing a problem with any kind of pest at your northeastern Massachusetts or southern New Hampshire home, please contact our team at Absolut Pest Control today for a free pest control estimate!
Seal Gaps & Cracks Around The Exterior Of Your Home
One of the best ways to prevent rodent and insect infestations in your home during the wintertime is to ensure that these pests can never enter the house in the first place! To do this, you should perform a thorough inspection of your house’s foundation, doors, windows, and siding. If you notice any cracks or gaps anywhere on the exterior of your home, you should be sure to seal them up in order to prevent pests from entering through them. Even if the crack or gap seems insignificant, they should still be sealed, as adult mice can squeeze through spaces that are only about the size of a dime. In order to seal off cracks and gaps, you can use screens, caulking, spray foam, steel wool, and more.
Landscaping Around Your House
Another great way to prevent pest infestations during the wintertime is to keep up with the landscaping around the exterior of your house. You should be sure that any tree branches around your house are trimmed back to at least 10 feet from your roof, as they can act as a bridge for insects and rodents. Additionally, piles of firewood should be placed at least 5 feet from your home’s walls, as pests living in these stacks could otherwise gain easier entry into your house. Finally, be sure to properly deal with the leaves that fall from the trees around your house, as pests often live and hide underneath debris. Rake your yard regularly to keep up with leaves and clean out your gutters!
Properly Dispose Of Garbage
One more way to prevent pest infestations this winter is to be vigilant about the way you store and dispose of your trash. Improper garbage storage is one of the most surefire ways to attract pests to your home, especially during the wintertime when pests’ typical food sources are more scarce. Be sure that your trash and recycling bins have tight fitting lids that are being utilized while the trash is still in your home and while it’s on the curb awaiting pickup, as rodents and small mammals like raccoons may try to break into your trash cans to find an easy meal. You should also be sure to regularly clean your trash cabinets in order to pick up any spills and crumbs that may be attracting ants, mice, and other pests!
Contact Absolut Pest Control!
If you have any questions about preventing pest infestations in the wintertime or are currently experiencing a pest problem at your Massachusetts or New Hampshire home, please contact our team at Absolut Pest Control! We provide home and business owners in the region with a wide range of pest removal & extermination services at affordable prices! Contact us today to get a free estimate by giving us a call at (978) 388-4589 or by filling out the contact form on our website!
What Are Powderpost Beetles?
“Powderpost beetle” is a term that refers to several species of beetles that tunnel through wood, damaging the structural integrity of whatever they are attacking. There are three different families of beetles that can be classified as powderpost beetles: Lyctidae, Bostrichidae, and Anobiidae. Because powderpost beetles are wood damaging insects, they are often mistaken by homeowners for termites or carpenter ants when they begin to attack a house. Without actually being able to see the beetles themselves, the best way to differentiate powderpost beetle infestations from other wood-damaging insects is to look at the damage they’ve caused. Powderpost beetles create narrow, circular tunnels in the wood they are burrowing through, leaving behind a powdery, sawdust-like material. Below, we’ll dive deeper into the three main types of powderpost beetles so that we can help you identify the insects that are damaging your home! If you have any questions about powderpost beetles or are a Massachusetts homeowner that is currently struggling with a wood-damaging insect problem, please contact our team at Absolut Pest Control for a free pest control & extermination estimate!
Lyctid Powderpost Beetles
Lyctid powderpost beetles are typically 1/16-1/4 inch long with reddish-brown bodies. Lyctid powderpost beetles most commonly target newly manufactured products with wood that is less than five years old, and infestations are often caused by wood that already contained eggs or larvae at the time the product our house was built. Lyctid beetle infestations are especially common in tropical hardwoods, as the storage and drying process for these types of woods prior to their arrival in the USA can attract the insects.
Bostrichid Powderpost Beetles
Bostrichid powderpost beetles range in size from 1/8-1/4 inch long with elongated, cylindrical bodies. While these beetles are similar in color to Lyctid powderpost beetles, they can be differentiated by their downward-facing heads and rough-textured thorax. Bostrichid powderpost beetles target both seasoned softwood and hardwood, and their damage can often be found in unfinished hardwood flooring, furniture, & other wood products with high starch and moisture content.
Anobiid Powderpost Beetles
Anobiid powderpost beetles are the most dangerous family of powderpost beetles that homeowners can face a problem with because they can seriously damage homes by tunneling through beams, joists, and other essential structural elements of houses. These beetles have similar appearances to the other powderpost beetles mentioned above, but their life cycle is significantly longer, sometimes lasting up to ten years. Anobiid powderpost beetle damage can be found in both hardwood and softwood products like subflooring, plywood, paneling, molding, flooring, and furniture.
Contact Absolut Pest Control!
If you have any questions about identifying, preventing, or treating a powderpost beetle infestation in your Massachusetts or Southern New Hampshire home, please contact our team at Absolut Pest Control! We provide various pest removal and extermination services at affordable prices throughout the region! Give us a call today at (978) 388-4589 or fill out the contact form on our website!
Everything You Need To Know About June Bugs
June bugs, also known as June beetles or May bugs, are scarab beetles that are commonly found on the east coast during the early to mid-summer, which is where they get their name from. June bugs are much larger than the average beetle found in New England, as they are typically ½” to 1” long. These beetles are reddish-brown with fat, oval shaped bodies and six legs. There are nearly 300 species of June bugs, but the most prevalent are the common June bug and the green June beetle.
Are June Bugs Harmful?
While June bugs do not bite and will very rarely infest homes, they can be harmful to the plants around your home and in your garden. While adult June bugs can damage plants by feeding on their leaves, they are most harmful when they are in their larvae stage. Adult June bugs lay their eggs in the soil, and the larvae that hatch out of these eggs are called white grubs. White grubs feed on the roots of grass and garden plants, which cuts off the plants ability to absorb nutrients, quickly killing them. To make matters worse, June bug larvae attract moles and other subterranean rodents, which can also eat crops and damage yards & gardens.
How Can I Prevent June Bugs?
There are a few different signs that can point to a June bug problem around your home:
- June bug sightings
- Patches of dead, brown grass around your lawn
- Ragged holes in plant leaves
- Noticing an influx in mole populations
- Small holes appearing in your lawn
If you notice any of these signs in May, June, or early July, there is a good chance that you have a June bug problem around your home! The good news is that there are a few different ways to prevent June bug infestations:
- Reduce fertilizer & chemical use on your plants, which will increase the number of natural predators that kill June bug larvae.
- Attract birds to your home with bird feeders and bird baths. These birds will eat adult June bugs, and some species will eat the white grubs out of the ground.
- Remove debris and dead grass from your lawn, which will help nutrients, air, and water reach the soil and can help reduce white grub populations.
- Hire a pest control professional to treat your lawn.
Contact Absolut Pest Control!
If you have any questions about June bugs or believe that you have a pest problem in or around your Massachusetts or New Hampshire home, contact Absolut Pest Control! We provide various pest removal services at affordable prices throughout the region! Contact us today by giving us a call at (978) 388-4589 or by filling out the contact form on our website!