Bug Blog

How do you know if a bite is a bed bug?

Bed bug bites are skin reactions resulting from the bites of bed bugs (Cimex lectularius). These insects feed on the blood of humans and animals during the night. Bed bug bites often appear as small, red, itchy welts on the skin. The bites are usually arranged in a cluster or a line and can be found on any part of the body, especially areas that are exposed during sleep.

It’s important to note that not everyone reacts to bed bug bites in the same way, and some people may not show any visible signs of being bitten. The bites themselves are not known to transmit diseases, but they can cause itching and discomfort.

If you suspect you have bed bug bites, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, addressing the presence of bed bugs in your living environment is crucial to prevent further bites. This may involve hiring Go Green Pest Control to eliminate the infestation.

Remember, identifying and treating bed bug infestations early is key to preventing their spread and minimizing the impact on your health and well-being.

Recognizing bed bugs and preventing infestation

Bed bugs are known for their ability to move through small spaces and can easily travel between rooms and different locations. They are often found in cracks and crevices, making it challenging to eliminate them completely without proper treatment.

To minimize the risk of spreading bed bugs, it’s crucial to take swift action if an infestation is suspected. Here are some general tips:

  1. Isolate Infested Items: Try to keep infested items contained in one area to prevent the bugs from spreading further.
  2. Professional Pest Control: Consult Go Green pest control service to assess the extent of the infestation and determine an effective treatment plan.
  3. Thorough Cleaning: Regularly clean and vacuum your living space, paying attention to cracks and crevices where bed bugs may hide.
  4. Seal Entry Points: Seal any cracks or gaps in walls, furniture, or other surfaces where bed bugs could potentially hide or travel through.
  5. Wash and Dry Bedding: Wash and dry bedding, linens, and clothing at high temperatures to kill any bed bugs or eggs.

Remember, addressing a bed bug infestation promptly and thoroughly is crucial to preventing further spread. If you’re dealing with this issue, consider seeking Go Green Pest Control assistance for effective and targeted treatment.

YIKES Silverfish everywhere!!!

Silverfish are small, wingless insects known for their silvery, metallic appearance and distinctive wriggling movement. They are often found in damp, dark environments and are attracted to starchy substances. Here’s some information related to silverfish in the specified locations:

  1. In Cardboard Boxes: Silverfish are attracted to the glue used in cardboard boxes, as it contains polysaccharides and other substances they feed on. To prevent silverfish in cardboard boxes, consider using plastic storage containers instead. These containers are less appealing to silverfish and provide a more secure barrier.
  2. In the Attic: Silverfish thrive in humid environments, making attics a potential habitat. To control silverfish in the attic, it’s important to reduce humidity levels by ensuring proper ventilation and using dehumidifiers if necessary. Additionally, seal any cracks or openings where silverfish could enter, and consider using insecticides or natural repellents.
  3. Under Sinks: Silverfish are often found in bathrooms and kitchens, where moisture levels are higher. To address silverfish under sinks, fix any leaks promptly, ensure proper ventilation, and use a dehumidifier if needed. Seal cracks and crevices, and consider using insecticidal dust or traps specifically designed for silverfish.

In general, maintaining a clean and dry environment, reducing clutter, and sealing entry points are effective measures to prevent and control silverfish infestations. Additionally, natural remedies like diatomaceous earth or cedar oil can be used as deterrents. If the infestation is severe, consulting with a pest control professional may be necessary.

Rats vs Mice – What’s worse

Both rats and mice can be considered pests, and their presence can pose health and safety risks. However, the severity of the issue can depend on various factors such as size, behavior, and the specific species involved. Generally, rats are larger than mice and may cause more damage due to their size and strength. They can also carry diseases and contaminate food supplies.

Mice, while smaller, can still carry diseases and cause damage by gnawing on various materials. Both rodents can reproduce rapidly, making it essential to address infestations promptly.

Whether rats or mice are “worse” depends on the context and the specific problems they cause in a given situation. If you’re dealing with an infestation, it’s advisable to consult with Go Green pest control professionals to determine the most effective course of action.

Both rats and mice can be challenging to eliminate once they infest a space, but the difficulty can depend on various factors. Generally, rats might be considered more challenging to get rid of than mice due to their larger size, intelligence, and wariness of new objects in their environment. Rats are often more cautious when it comes to traps and baits.

However, the difficulty in eliminating either rodents depends on the specific circumstances, such as the size of the infestation, the location. It’s essential to use a combination of preventive measures, traps, and, if necessary, contact Go Green pest control services to effectively deal with rat or mouse infestations.

How to get rid of woodpeckers – pecking your house?

Sure thing! To deter woodpeckers from pecking your house, you can try a few methods:

  1. Reflective objects: Hang reflective objects, like old CDs or aluminum foil strips, near the affected area. The movement and reflections can scare away woodpeckers.
  2. Visual deterrents: Install scarecrow-like devices or decoys of owls or predatory birds. This might make woodpeckers think there’s a threat nearby.
  3. Noise deterrents: Play recorded predator calls or loud noises around the area. Woodpeckers are generally scared off by the sound of potential threats.
  4. Protective barriers: Cover the affected area with hardware cloth or bird netting. Ensure it’s not directly against the house, so the woodpeckers can’t reach the surface to peck.
  5. Repellents: There are commercial woodpecker repellents available. These often use a combination of taste and odor to deter birds from pecking.

Remember to check local regulations, as some methods may be subject to restrictions.

How to Get Rid of Rodents in your BBQ Grill

Rats can be quite the unwanted guests, especially around outdoor spaces. To keep them away from your barbecue grill, try these tips:

  1. Cleanliness is key: Regularly clean your grill and the surrounding area. Remove any food residue or grease that might attract rats.
  2. Store food properly: Don’t leave food scraps or leftovers around the grill. Seal food in airtight containers and dispose of garbage promptly.
  3. Use natural deterrents: Rats are known to dislike certain smells, such as peppermint, eucalyptus, and citronella. Consider placing cotton balls soaked in essential oils with these scents around the grill.
  4. Pee and pheromones: While the idea of using human pee might be unconventional, some people believe it can deter rats. Similarly, certain pheromones can act as repellents. However, scientific evidence on these methods is limited, and it’s essential to consider ethical and hygiene aspects.
  5. Physical barriers: Place mesh or wire screens around the grill to prevent rats from accessing it. Make sure there are no gaps or openings they can squeeze through.

Remember, it’s crucial to use methods that are safe and considerate of the environment. If the rat problem persists, you may want to consult with a pest control professional for more effective solutions.

Are Raccoons pests?

Raccoons can indeed be considered pests in certain situations. Here’s some information about raccoons as pests:

  1. Nuisance Behavior: Raccoons are known to rummage through trash cans and can create a mess. They may also damage gardens and crops in search of food.
  2. Property Damage: Raccoons can cause structural damage by tearing holes in roofs and walls in their attempts to find shelter. They can also damage attic insulation.
  3. Health Concerns: Raccoons can carry diseases such as rabies, which poses a risk to humans and pets. Their feces can also contain parasites that can be harmful.
  4. Noise and Disturbance: Raccoons are nocturnal animals, so their nighttime activities, including vocalizations and movements, can disturb residents and disrupt sleep.
  5. Pet Interactions: Raccoons may interact with domestic pets, which can lead to confrontations or the spread of diseases.

If you are dealing with raccoon-related pest problems, it’s essential to consider humane and legal ways to manage them. This might involve securing your trash cans, removing potential food sources, and, in some cases, contacting Go Green Pest Control help with exclusion or relocation. Always check your local regulations, as the methods for dealing with raccoons may vary depending on your location.

It’s Skunk Season – Hold your Nose!!!

Skunk odor is a strong and unpleasant smell produced by skunks as a defense mechanism. If you’re dealing with skunk odor, here are some helpful tips to address the issue:

  1. Stay Calm: Skunk spray can be powerful and overwhelming, but try to remain calm to address the situation effectively.
  2. Ventilate: Open windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate and help dissipate the odor.
  3. Identify the Source: Determine the source of the skunk odor. This could be a pet that was sprayed or the spray itself on a surface.
  4. Pets: If your pet was sprayed, bathe them as soon as possible. Use a skunk odor removal shampoo specifically designed for this purpose.
  5. Clothing: If the odor is on your clothing, wash them with detergent and add a cup of baking soda to the wash cycle.
  6. House: Clean surfaces that have been affected by the skunk odor with a mixture of one quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, a quarter cup of baking soda, and a teaspoon of liquid dish soap. Be cautious, as this mixture can bleach fabrics and surfaces.
  7. Air Purifiers: Consider using air purifiers with activated carbon filters to help remove odors from the air.
  8. Neutralizers: You can also use commercial odor neutralizers or enzymatic cleaners to help eliminate skunk odor.
  9. Professional Help: In severe cases where the odor persists, consider seeking the help of professional odor removal services.

Remember that the smell should dissipate over time, but taking prompt action can help speed up the process. Additionally, it’s essential to prevent future encounters with skunks to avoid a recurrence of the issue.

Why are rats so disgusting? Easy, humans associate rats with illnesses, dirty environments and taboos

The perception of rats as “disgusting” is subjective and can vary from person to person. There are several reasons why some people might find rats unappealing:

  1. Disease Transmission: Rats are known to carry and transmit diseases such as leptospirosis, hantavirus, and salmonellosis, which can be a health concern for humans.
    1. Leptospirosis: This bacterial disease can be transmitted to humans through contact with rat urine. It can lead to symptoms such as fever, headache, and muscle aches.
    2. Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS): Hantaviruses are transmitted through the inhalation of aerosolized rat droppings, urine, or saliva. HPS can lead to severe respiratory symptoms.
    3. Salmonellosis: Rats can carry Salmonella bacteria and transmit it to humans through contact with contaminated food or surfaces. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
    4. Rat-Bite Fever: This disease can be contracted through bites or scratches from infected rats. It can cause flu-like symptoms, joint pain, and skin rashes.
    5. Plague: Although rare, rats can harbor fleas that carry the bacteria responsible for the bubonic plague. Symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes, and weakness.
    6. Rat Ringworm: Fungal infections like ringworm can be transmitted from rats to humans through direct contact. It causes itchy skin rashes.
    7. Tularemia: While more commonly associated with rodents like rabbits, rats can carry the bacterium Francisella tularensis, which can cause symptoms like fever, swollen lymph nodes, and ulcers.
  2. Filth and Infestations: Rats are often associated with unsanitary conditions and infestations, particularly in urban areas. Their presence can lead to property damage and contamination.
  3. Fear and Phobia: Some individuals have a fear or phobia of rodents, which can contribute to a negative perception of rats.
  4. Appearance: Rats are often depicted as having long tails, sharp teeth, and a reputation for rummaging through garbage. These physical characteristics can be off-putting to some people.

It’s important to note that not everyone finds rats disgusting, and there are even those who keep pet rats as companions. Rats are intelligent creatures and have been used as service animals. People’s perceptions of rats can vary widely, influenced by their experiences and cultural beliefs.

Sugar Ants in Your House – How dare they !!

If you’re dealing with sugar ants in your house, you’ll want to take steps to eliminate them. Here are some tips and ultimately the only real solution to help you with this common pest problem:

  1. Professional Pest Control: If the infestation is severe and the home remedies suggested below aren’t working, consider contacting Go Green Pest Control Corp. for a more comprehensive solution.
  2. So first, try to identify the Ants, use google lens to take a picture: Make sure you’re dealing with sugar ants and not another type of ant. Sugar ants are small, usually brown or black, and attracted to any food that hits the floor.
  3. Locate the Source: Try to find where the ants are coming from. Look for their entry points into your house. Common entry points include the foundation of your house, cracks in walls, windows, and doors. Although we mention these they rarely work.
  4. Remove Food Attractants: Sugar ants are attracted to proteins and carbohydrates : sugary substances and food crumbs. Keep your kitchen and eating areas clean, store food in airtight containers, and wipe up spills promptly. Although we mention these they rarely work.
  5. Try  Natural Repellents: There are several natural repellents that you’ll find on google that you can use to deter sugar ants, such as vinegar, lemon juice, or cinnamon etc ….. These can be applied to ant-prone areas. Although we mention these they rarely work.
  6. Set Traps: Use ant traps or make your own using a mixture of borax and sugar. The ants will take the bait back to their colony, wishfully eradicating them. Although we mention these they rarely work.
  7. Seal Entry Points: Use caulk or other sealants to block the entry points the ants are using to get inside. Ants are small and this is again is a wish and a prayer attempt. Although we mention these they rarely work.

Remember that consistency is key when dealing with sugar ants. If home remedies aren’t working, consider contacting Go Green Pest Control Corp.  for a more comprehensive solution.