GENERAL PEST CONTROL
Cockroaches
Damage: Cockroaches spread human disease by depositing disease organisms on food
and utensils. The American cockroach, which comes into contact with human excrement in sewers or with pet droppings, may transmit
bacteria that cause Salmonella and Shigella. German cockroaches are believed to be capable of transmitting disease-causing
organisms such as Staphylococcus, hepatitis, and coliform bacteria. They also have been implicated in the spread of typhoid
and dysentery.
Recent studies have found a strong association between the presence of cockroaches and increases
in the severity of asthma symptoms in individuals who are sensitive to cockroach allergens.
German Cockroach
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American Cockroach
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Detection and Treatment: Cockroaches may
become pests in homes, restaurants, hospitals, warehouses, offices, and virtually any structure that has food preparation
or storage areas. These pests are common even in the cleanest of crowded urban areas and older dwellings. It’s usually
not difficult to discover an infestation, because they are often visible. Treatment usually involves sealing cracks and crevices
to block entrance; keeping food and trash areas clean to avoid providing food; and the professional application of insecticide
and bait on a regular basis. Click here for more info.
Rodents
Damage: Rodents consume and contaminate food. They also gnaw on electrical wires,
wooden structures, and tear insulation in walls and ceilings for nesting. Rodents can also transmit disease to humans, pets,
and livestock. They have been found to transmit typhus, leptospirosis, trichinosis, and salmonellosis.
Detection
and Treatment: The presence of mice and rats is usually detected by the damage they cause to food and structures,
by their droppings, and by their nests. Treatment involves eliminating all entry points and population reduction by the application
of rodenticides and traps.
Ants
Damage: Ants cause various types of damage, depending upon the variety. Carpenter ants
tunnel through wood, destroying structures. Pharaoh ants may transmit serious diseases. A fire ant’s sting is potentially
deadly to susceptible individuals, and all ants contaminate the food they infest.
Carpenter Ant
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Red Fire Ant
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Detection and Treatment: Ants build massive
colonies, so their presence is generally detected when you see their nests, or the ants themselves. Treatments involve baiting,
insecticide, and sealing off entry to buildings.
Spiders
Except for poisonous spiders, such as the black widow and the brown
recluse, spiders are not harmful to humans. When it’s important to eliminate spiders, chemical control is used, along
with destruction of webs and eggs. Since they feed on insects, measures that eliminate unwanted insects will also reduce spider
populations.
Brown Recluse
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Black Widow
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Biting and Stinging Pests
Damage: Bees, wasps, and scorpions are dangerous because of their
painful and potentially harmful stings. Fleas and ticks can carry potential disease and bloodthirsty bedbugs leave an irritating
bite.
Detection and Treatment: Wasp nests and
beehives can be removed by our professionals with protective gear. Insecticides are also used. Scorpion problems are usually
treated chemically. Click here to learn more about other insects.
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