Carpenter Ants Vs. Black Ants: What’s the Difference?
Carpenter ants and black ants may look similar at first glance, but they behave very differently and pose very different threats to your home. The main distinction comes down to size and damage: carpenter ants are larger and can tunnel through wood, while common black ants are smaller and mostly a nuisance. Knowing which pest you are dealing with helps you respond quickly and protect your property from costly structural harm. Homeowners across Amesbury, the North Shore of Massachusetts, and the MA-NH border often struggle to tell these two apart. Learn how to identify each species, the risks they bring, and how Absolut Pest Control can help with our ant control services.
How Can You Tell Carpenter Ants and Black Ants Apart?
You can tell them apart mainly by size, color, and body shape. Carpenter ants are noticeably larger and usually black, though some have a reddish tint, while common black ants stay small and uniform in color. Looking closely at their bodies gives you the clearest answer, since carpenter ants have a rounded, evenly curved back and a single node at the waist.
A few quick clues make identification easier:
- Size: Carpenter ants are among the largest ants you will find indoors, while black ants remain tiny by comparison.
- Behavior: Carpenter ants often appear near wooden structures, while black ants march toward food in your kitchen.
- Sawdust trails: Small piles of wood shavings, called frass, are a strong sign of carpenter ants nearby.
Why Are Carpenter Ants More Dangerous to Your Home?
Carpenter ants are more dangerous because they excavate wood to build their nests, which can weaken the structure of your home over time. Unlike black ants, they do not eat the wood, but they hollow it out to create smooth tunnels for their colonies. This activity often goes unnoticed until the damage becomes serious. They tend to target moist or damaged wood first, such as areas near leaks, window frames, or decks.
Common warning signs of a carpenter ant infestation include:
- Rustling sounds: You may hear faint crackling inside walls where a colony is active.
- Winged swarmers: Flying ants near windows often signal a mature nest inside your home.
- Wood damage: Soft or hollow-sounding wood points to tunneling activity.
Catching these signs early makes professional pest control far more effective.
Do Black Ants Need Professional Ant Control?
Black ants still need attention because a small trail can quickly grow into a full ant infestation. While they rarely cause structural damage, they contaminate food and multiply fast once they find a reliable source. A few ants on your counter often mean a much larger colony hides nearby. Store-bought sprays may kill the ants you see, but they rarely reach the nest at the root of the problem.
Effective ant prevention starts with a few simple habits:
- Seal entry points: Close gaps around doors, windows, and utility lines to block easy access.
- Clean up spills: Wipe counters and store food in sealed containers to remove attractants.
- Manage moisture: Fix leaks and reduce dampness that draws ants indoors.
What Does Professional Ant Extermination Involve?
Professional ant extermination involves identifying the species, locating the nest, and applying targeted treatments that eliminate the entire colony. This approach works far better than surface sprays because it addresses the source rather than the symptoms. Our team inspects your home to identify entry points, nesting sites, and conditions that attract pests.
Our process usually follows these steps:
- Inspection: We confirm whether you have carpenter ants, black ants, or both.
- Targeted treatment: We treat nests and trails with methods matched to the species.
- Ongoing prevention: We recommend steps to keep future colonies from returning.
Carpenter Ant & Black Ant Control Services in Amesbury, MA
At Absolut Pest Control, we bring years of local experience to every ant control and pest extermination job. Our team proudly serves homeowners in Amesbury, the North Shore of Massachusetts, and the MA-NH border with dependable, lasting results. Learn more about our ant control services and get started today. Contact Absolut Pest Control by calling 978-388-4589 or by filling out our contact form.
Tick Season in Massachusetts: Everything You Need to Know
Tick season in Massachusetts is a real concern for homeowners who love spending time outdoors. Ticks become active as the weather warms, and they can turn a peaceful backyard into a hidden health risk for your family and pets. Residents across the North Shore of Massachusetts and the MA and NH border line deal with these tiny pests every year, especially near wooded areas, tall grass, and leaf litter. At Absolut Pest Control, based in Amesbury, MA, we help you understand and manage this seasonal threat. Keep reading below to learn when ticks are most active, where they hide, what they carry, and how our team can help!
When Is Tick Season in Massachusetts?
Tick season in Massachusetts typically runs from early spring through late fall, though ticks can stay active during mild winter days. These pests thrive as temperatures rise and moisture stays high, making our humid New England climate ideal for them. Peak activity often happens in spring and early summer, when young ticks emerge and search for hosts. Warmer autumns can also extend their active period well into the colder months. Because they stay busy for so long, ongoing tick protection matters throughout most of the year.
Where Can You Find Ticks Around Your Property?
You can find ticks in shaded, humid spots where they wait for a host to pass by. They cling to grass blades and low plants in a behavior called questing, ready to latch onto people or animals. Around North Shore homes, they gather in areas that hold moisture and provide cover.
Common tick hotspots include:
- Tall grass and weeds: Overgrown lawn edges give ticks the shade and humidity they need.
- Wooded areas: Trees and brush along property lines create ideal resting spots.
- Leaf litter and mulch: Damp debris near foundations offers shelter during hot days.
- Stone walls and woodpiles: These features attract mice and other small animals that carry ticks.
What Do Ticks Carry and Are They Dangerous?
Ticks carry several diseases that can affect both people and pets. Not all ticks carry illness, but the risk is high enough that removal and prevention should be taken seriously. The deer tick is the most concerning in our region because of its link to serious infections.
Ticks in Massachusetts can transmit:
- Lyme disease: The most well-known illness, often spread by deer ticks.
- Anaplasmosis: A bacterial infection carried by the same species.
- Babesiosis: A parasite that affects red blood cells.
Prompt tick removal lowers your risk, but preventing bites in the first place offers the best protection.
What Are the Common Types of Ticks in New England?
The most common types of ticks in New England include the deer tick, the American dog tick, and the lone star tick. Each behaves a little differently and prefers slightly different environments. Knowing which one you are dealing with helps guide the right pest control approach.
- Deer tick: Small and reddish brown, this species is the main carrier of Lyme disease.
- American dog tick: Larger with pale markings, often found in grassy fields and along trails.
- Lone star tick: Recognizable by a white dot on the female, becoming more common in our area.
Contact Absolut Pest Control About Tick Issues in Massachusetts & Southern New Hampshire
Understanding tick season is the first step toward protecting your family. If you have any questions bout identifying and preventing ticks in Massachusetts or Southern New Hampshire, contact Absolut Pest Control today! We specialize in various extermination, removal, and prevention tactics at affordable prices. Contact us today by calling 978-388-4589 or by filling out our contact form.
How to Keep Mosquitoes Away This Summer
Mosquito control is the most reliable way to keep these biting pests away from your yard and reclaim your outdoor space. Knowing how to keep mosquitoes away, understanding their life cycle, and recognizing when to call for help can make a real difference in your comfort. Homeowners across the North Shore of Massachusetts and the MA-NH border line deal with these pests every warm season, especially near wetlands, ponds, and shaded yards. Gain further insight about practical prevention tips, how long mosquitoes live, and how Absolut Pest Control can help with our mosquito control services in Amesbury and the surrounding areas.
How Do You Keep Mosquitoes Away From Your Yard?
You keep mosquitoes away by removing standing water and reducing the shaded, humid areas where they rest and breed. Mosquitoes need only a small amount of water to lay eggs, so eliminating these sources is the first step toward effective backyard mosquito control. Even a clogged gutter or a forgotten bucket can become a breeding ground in just a few days. Small changes around your property can dramatically lower the number of pests buzzing near your patio.
A few simple habits help reduce mosquito activity:
- Empty standing water: Dump out birdbaths, planters, toys, and buckets regularly to stop eggs from developing.
- Clean your gutters: Clogged gutters trap water and create hidden breeding spots along your roofline.
- Trim back vegetation: Cut tall grass and overgrown shrubs where adult mosquitoes rest during the heat of the day.
- Improve drainage: Fix low spots in your yard where rainwater tends to pool after a storm.
These steps create a strong foundation, but persistent problems often call for professional mosquito treatment.
How Long Do Mosquitoes Live For?
Most mosquitoes live for a few weeks, though the exact lifespan depends on the species, the weather, and whether they are male or female. Female mosquitoes typically live longer than males because they need time to feed and lay multiple batches of eggs. In the warm, humid conditions common across New England summers, they can thrive and reproduce quickly. This short but active life cycle is exactly why infestations seem to grow so fast once the weather heats up.
Understanding their life cycle helps explain why ongoing prevention matters:
- Egg stage: Eggs are laid in or near standing water and can remain viable until conditions are right for hatching.
- Larva and pupa stages: These develop in water before maturing into biting adults.
- Adult stage: Adults search for food and new water sources, restarting the cycle within your yard.
Because new generations can appear so rapidly, breaking the cycle early is the key to lasting relief.
Why Are Mosquito Bites a Problem In New England?
Mosquito bites are a problem in New England because the region’s wet springs and humid summers create ideal breeding conditions throughout the warmer months. Beyond the itching and irritation, mosquito bites can pose health risks, making consistent mosquito removal important for families who spend time outdoors. Yards near marshes, ponds, and wooded areas tend to see heavier activity. Reducing bites starts with limiting where mosquitoes breed and rest near your home.
You can lower your chances of getting bitten by following a few practical tips:
- Limit outdoor time at dusk and dawn: Mosquitoes are most active during these cooler parts of the day.
- Use protective clothing: Long sleeves and lighter colors help reduce exposed skin and attention from pests.
- Support yard treatments: Professional applications target resting areas that personal repellents cannot reach.
While these efforts help, lasting protection comes from a treatment plan built for your specific property.
Why Is Professional Mosquito Control Worth It?
Professional mosquito control is worth it because it targets every stage of the mosquito life cycle, not just the pests you can see. Store-bought sprays offer short-term relief, but they rarely reach the hidden breeding and resting areas around your yard. At Absolut Pest Control, we begin with a thorough inspection to find the sources fueling the problem. From there, we apply targeted mosquito treatment to high-activity zones and provide guidance to keep populations down throughout the season. Our backyard mosquito control approach focuses on long-term results so you can enjoy your outdoor space again.
A successful plan usually includes these steps:
- Inspection: We identify breeding sites, resting areas, and conditions attracting mosquitoes to your property.
- Targeted treatment: We treat the specific zones where mosquitoes gather and reproduce.
- Ongoing prevention: We recommend follow-up care to maintain protection during peak season.
This complete approach gives you reliable relief that quick fixes simply cannot match.
Contact Absolut Pest Control for Mosquito Control in Amesbury, MA
Keeping your yard comfortable starts with understanding how to keep mosquitoes away and partnering with a team experienced with mosquito control. At Absolut Pest Control, we provide expert mosquito control services that help homeowners protect their families and enjoy their outdoor spaces again. Our experienced team proudly serves Amesbury, the North Shore of Massachusetts, and the MA-NH border with dependable mosquito removal and prevention services. Contact us today by calling 978-388-4589 or by filling out our contact form.
The Difference Between Yellowjackets & Wasps
Yellowjackets & Wasps are often grouped together, but they are not the same pest, and they do not create the same risks around your home. Knowing the difference helps you respond appropriately, especially during the warmer months when nests appear near decks, siding, rooflines, and yard spaces. For homeowners in Amesbury, the North Shore of Massachusetts, and the MA-NH border area, understanding these insects can make safe removal and long-term pest control much easier. Keep reading to learn how to tell them apart, where they nest, when they become a problem, and how Absolut Pest Control can help with safe removal and relocation services.
Understanding Yellowjackets And Wasps
Yellowjackets are a type of wasp, but they tend to be more aggressive and more likely to sting when they feel disturbed. Wasps, as a broader group, often have slimmer bodies, narrower waists, and hang their legs while flying, whereas yellowjackets usually look stockier and have bold yellow-and-black markings. This difference matters because nest location and behavior often affect how dangerous an infestation becomes around your property. If you are also seeing bees nearby, it is important not to guess, since bees, wasps, and yellowjackets all require different approaches to safe removal.
A few common differences stand out:
- Yellowjackets: They often build nests in the ground, wall voids, or hidden cavities. They are highly protective and can react fast when a nest is disturbed.
- Paper wasps and similar wasps: They usually build visible hanging nests under eaves, railings, and overhangs. They can still sting, but they are often less aggressive unless you get too close.
Where Do Yellowjackets And Wasps Usually Nest Around Homes?
Yellowjackets & Wasps usually nest in sheltered areas that protect the colony from weather and foot traffic. Around homes in New England, that often means soffits, attics, porch ceilings, sheds, mulch beds, and spaces along foundations. Yellowjackets may also nest underground, making yard work or mowing especially risky. Because many nests are hidden, professional pest control can help locate the full source of activity instead of only treating the insects you see.
Common nesting spots include:
- Roof edges and eaves: These areas offer cover and warmth, especially during active summer months.
- Ground holes and landscape voids: Yellowjacket relocation often starts with finding concealed nest entrances in the lawn or near stone borders.
- Wall gaps and attic spaces: These protected spots can support larger nesting activity without being noticed right away.
When Should You Call For Safe Removal Or Relocation?
You should call for safe removal or relocation as soon as you notice repeated insect activity near entry points, outdoor seating areas, or children’s play spaces. Trying to spray or knock down a nest on your own can trigger swarming and increase the chance of painful stings. This is especially important when you are not sure whether the insects are bees, wasps, or yellowjackets. Our trained team can identify the species, assess the nest site, and choose the appropriate plan for relocating a hive, wasp, or yellowjacket nest.
Our process focuses on clear steps:
- Inspection: We identify the insect, the nest location, and the level of activity around your home.
- Treatment or relocation plan: We determine the safest response based on species, nest placement, and surrounding conditions.
- Prevention guidance: We help you reduce attractants and lower the chance of future nesting.
Why Is Professional Pest Control Better Than DIY Nest Removal?
Professional pest control reduces risk and addresses the problem more completely. Store-bought sprays may only affect surface activity, while the nest and remaining insects stay active behind siding or underground. We also know when relocation is the better option, especially when bees may be involved or when a nest is in a difficult spot. A professional approach protects your household while helping you avoid repeat problems later in the season.
Free Yellowjacket And Wasp Removal Estimate in Amesbury, MA
We help homeowners understand Yellowjackets & Wasps and respond with practical solutions that fit the situation. At Absolut Pest Control, we serve Amesbury, the North Shore of Massachusetts, and the MA and NH border area with safe removal, relocation, and targeted pest control services. If you are seeing nest activity around your home, our team can inspect the problem and recommend the safest next step. To learn more or request service, contact Absolut Pest Control by calling 978-388-4589 or by filling out our contact form and receiving a free estimate.
How to Keep June Bugs Away This Summer
June bugs can quickly turn a beautiful summer evening into a frustrating experience for property owners. Understanding proper June bug prevention is essential to protecting your lawn and enjoying your outdoor living areas. At Absolut Pest Control, we provide effective solutions for residents across the North Shore of Massachusetts and the northern MA-NH border. In this blog, we will discuss practical ways to keep these pests away and how our expert pest control services can protect your home.
What Attracts June Bugs to My Property?
June bugs are primarily attracted to bright outdoor lighting and healthy lawns with moist soil. During the early summer months, these pests emerge from the ground to mate and feed on local vegetation. They look for ideal environments to lay their eggs, which eventually hatch into destructive grubs. Understanding what draws them in is the first step in effective pest management.
Common factors that draw these pests to your yard include:
- Bright outdoor lights: White and blue exterior lights serve as beacons for swarming adults at night.
- Overwatered lawns: Damp soil provides the perfect breeding ground for their eggs to survive.
- Thick thatch layers: A buildup of dead grass gives grubs a safe place to hide and feed out of sight.
How can I Achieve Effective June Bug Prevention?
Effective June bug prevention starts with making your yard less appealing to these nighttime fliers. Adjusting your landscaping habits is the first line of defense against a full-blown infestation. Simple changes can significantly reduce the number of insects flying around your porch or damaging your grass. Reducing excess moisture discourages adult females from choosing your yard as a nesting site.
- Switch your light bulbs: Replace bright white exterior lights with yellow bug lights that are less visible to insects.
- Adjust your watering schedule: Water your lawn deeply but infrequently to let the soil surface dry out.
- Maintain your grass: Aerate your lawn regularly to reduce thatch and make the soil less hospitable.
While these steps help, a professional exterminator can evaluate your property to find vulnerabilities you might miss.
When is Professional Extermination Necessary?
Professional extermination becomes necessary when you notice large swarms around your home or brown patches developing on your lawn. Dying grass often indicates that grubs are feeding on the roots below the surface. Over-the-counter products rarely penetrate deep enough into the soil to reach the true source of the problem. Waiting too long to address the issue can result in severe root damage, ruining your entire landscaping.
We use specialized treatments for June bugs that target them at every stage of their life cycle. Our experts identify the specific areas where the insects breed and feed. Applying targeted solutions ensures we eliminate the current population while protecting your lawn from future generations.
Get Reliable Pest Control from Absolut Pest Control in Amesbury, MA
Keeping your yard free of invasive insects requires a proactive approach and expert knowledge. We offer comprehensive treatments for June bugs that keep your outdoor spaces comfortable and your grass healthy. Do not let a growing infestation ruin your summer evenings outdoors. Our dedicated pest removal experts have the proper tools and training to restore peace to your property.
Our experienced team at Absolut Pest Control proudly serves homeowners in Amesbury, the North Shore of Massachusetts, and the MA-NH border region. To learn more about our extermination services and get started today, call 978-388-4589 or fill out our contact form.
How to Get Rid of Silverfish?
Silverfish have shiny silver bodies with long antennae, making them one of the creepiest insects that can be found within your home. Since they are attracted to areas with high moisture and humidity, silverfish are mostly found within bathrooms and kitchens. Even though these tiny silver pests don’t bite or sting, they can still cause severe damage around your home, such as feeding on clothes, books, and accessible food. Luckily, silverfish can be easily removed by employing various tactics and strategies, which we have provided below.
Remove Accessible Food Sources
Silverfish are attracted to sweet and starchy food items. When it comes to proper silverfish removal, your first step is to place accessible food in sealed containers or in a secured pantry space. If you usually leave fruits and vegetables out in the open or on top of kitchen countertops, it would be in your best interest to move these items into your fridge!
Place Clothes in Airtight Containers
Aside from accessible food, silverfish are also attracted to other unusual items, such as clothing, because these items can sometimes include moisture. The best step to take during this situation is to organize your wardrobe by season. Try placing seasonal clothes or clothes not in rotation in airtight containers to reduce the risk of silverfish appearing.
Regularly Dust Your Home
If silverfish have been spotted in your home, try getting into the habit of regularly dusting! These pests live off starch, and regularly dusting your home can significantly reduce the chances of silverfish arriving. Removing dust means fewer materials for silverfish to eat, which means they will be less likely to want to be in your home!
Utilize Essential Oils
Essential oils can serve as a healthier alternative to harsher repellents. Essential oils like peppermint and tea tree can effectively deter silverfish from your home with ease. Aside from removing silverfish, they are also effective in keeping mice and rats away due to their strong scents.
Place Sticky Traps Around Your Home
Sticky traps are an excellent solution for successfully and safely removing silverfish around your home. These types of traps can be purchased online and are prone to catching silverfish safely in various areas. Try placing these traps in various locations, such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and other areas.
Contact Absolut Pest Control for Silverfish Removal Services
Aside from removing accessible food, using essential oils, and placing sticky traps, contacting a professional like the ones at Absolut Pest Control is by far the most effective option for silverfish removal. Our team of experts is highly knowledgeable in successfully removing silverfish from homes in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Don’t let silverfish take over your home! Contact Absolut Pest Control today by calling 978-388-4589 or filling out our contact form.
How to Keep Earwigs Out of Your House
Earwigs are known as “pincher bugs” and are commonly found across North America. These bugs are small and are very rarely larger than an inch in length. They have long segmented abdomens and rear-mounted pincers, making them very easy to identify. Learn more about earwigs and how you can prevent them from entering your home below!
The History Behind the Earwig Name
There are several myths and misconceptions behind earwigs and their name. The most notable myth would have to be that earwigs crawl into the ears of humans once they are asleep. Although these stories are nowhere near the truth, the real truth is that earwigs actually do not like humans and very rarely approach them, especially when they are sleeping.
Why Do Earwigs Enter Homes?
Did you know that earwigs are nocturnal insects? These pests only come out at night and are attracted to light. So if you have a porch light, keep a close eye on earwigs making their way onto your property. A majority of the time, earwigs are in hiding and can be found almost anywhere. For example, they can accidentally be brought inside when residing on wood, boxes, and even newspaper. During the colder months of the year, like fall and winter, earwigs are prone to searching for warmth, which is another reason they may enter your home.
Can Earwigs Bite?
Believe it or not, earwigs actually do not bite. Due to their massive pincers and creepy appearance, they may seem like the type of insect to harm humans, but they do not. Don’t get it twisted; these insects are still harmful, carrying various forms of bacteria.
Effectively Removing Earwigs
Even though earwigs are not as dangerous as most think, they still have no place within your home. Learn more about how these insects can be removed effectively below.
- Use soap and water: Applying dish soap and water to areas within your home where earwigs have been seen is an excellent solution for proper prevention.
- Apply boric acid: If you are searching for an effective pesticide treatment, applying boric acid to areas where earwigs have been seen is a strong solution. Keep in mind that it should not be applied within areas where pets and small children will be present because it may cause skin irritation.
- Create a light trap: You can make a homemade light trap by simply filling a bucket with water and applying a light over it. Since we now know that earwigs are attracted to light, they will be prone to following it and falling into the water bucket.
Contact Absolut Pest Control for Earwig Removal & Prevention
The best way to remove earwigs from your house is by contacting a professional. The professionals at Absolut Pest Control in Amesbury, MA, have been successfully removing earwigs as well as many other insects from homes across Massachusetts and New Hampshire for many years through various methods and strategies. Contact us today by calling 978-388-4589 or by filling out our contact form.
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!