Some people call squirrels – big eyed rats with fussy tails, others call rats – baby squirrels that haunt the night. I say they are rodents that transmit diseases. Both rodents can carry the plague – yes the one from the medieval ages, the deadliest infectious disease. Squirrels are also know to transmit tularemia ( very high fatality rate), typhus and ringworm through bites or other forms of direct contact, like feces. Then there are rats, these little night devils can carry even more diseases including hantavirus, leptospirosis, lymphocytic choriomeningitis, and salmonella. So you ask which one of these vermin is worst when it comes down to transmitting diseases, well on a scale of 10, rats are 9/10 and squirrels are 8/10 (mostly because the high fatality rate of tularemia).
Bed bugs and cockroaches are both common household pests, but they have distinct differences in terms of behavior, appearance, and the issues they cause.
Bed Bugs
Appearance: Bed bugs are small, flat, oval-shaped insects with a reddish-brown color. They grow to about the size of an apple seed (4-5 mm).
Habitat: Bed bugs are typically found in cracks, crevices, and hidden spots near where people sleep—usually in and around beds, mattresses, and furniture.
Feeding Habits: Bed bugs are blood-feeding insects. They bite humans (or other animals) while they sleep, causing itchy red welts. They tend to feed at night, hiding during the day.
Life Cycle: Bed bugs can survive without feeding for months, making them difficult to get rid of. They reproduce quickly, laying eggs in hidden locations.
Health Risks: While they don’t transmit diseases, bed bug bites can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and secondary infections due to scratching.
Cockroaches
Appearance: Cockroaches are larger, with long, flat bodies and antennae. They range in color from brown to black and can grow up to 2 inches or more (depending on the species).
Habitat: Cockroaches prefer dark, warm, and moist environments like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. They are often found near food sources and in cracks in walls, under appliances, and in trash.
Feeding Habits: Cockroaches are omnivores and scavenge on various organic materials, including food scraps, garbage, and even paper.
Life Cycle: Cockroaches reproduce quickly, with females producing egg cases that hatch into nymphs. Cockroaches can also survive without food for long periods, but they need water.
Health Risks: Cockroaches can spread bacteria, allergens, and pathogens that may lead to respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and infections.
Key Differences
Feeding: Bed bugs only feed on blood, while cockroaches eat a wide variety of food, including garbage and organic waste.
Appearance: Bed bugs are much smaller and more flattened, while cockroaches are larger and have long antennae.
Habitat: Bed bugs are mostly found in sleeping areas, while cockroaches are more common in kitchens, bathrooms, and other places with food.
Health Issues: Bed bugs are mainly a nuisance with itchy bites, but cockroaches pose a broader health risk by spreading diseases and allergens.
Both pests can be difficult to eradicate, but their methods of control differ based on their behaviors and environments.
Yes, feral cats can be effective at keeping rodent populations in check. They are natural hunters, and their presence can help reduce the number of mice, rats, and other small animals in an area. However, their effectiveness depends on several factors, including the size of the rodent population, the environment, and the cat’s hunting abilities.
Feral cats are particularly skilled at controlling rodents in urban or rural areas, where there may be a high density of prey. But while they can reduce the population of rodents, they may not completely eliminate them. Additionally, some concerns arise about feral cats harming wildlife and other animals, especially birds, and their impact on local ecosystems.
In areas where rodent control is the goal, a combination of strategies, such as using traps or other pest control methods, is often more effective and humane than relying solely on feral cats.
A feral cat is a domestic cat that has either never been socialized to humans or has reverted to a wild state after being abandoned or lost. Unlike house cats that are accustomed to human interaction, feral cats tend to avoid humans and can be wary or fearful of them. They are typically born in the wild or in environments where they have little to no contact with people.
Feral cats live outdoors and often form colonies in places like alleys, fields, or near food sources. They are self-sufficient, hunting for their food, such as small rodents, birds, or insects. Feral cats are different from strays, who are lost or abandoned cats that were once socialized to humans and might be more comfortable around people.
While feral cats can sometimes be socialized and adopted into homes, they generally prefer to live independently in the wild or in urban environments where they can maintain their distance from humans.
Severe cases can lead to kidney damage, liver failure, meningitis, or even death.
Prevention:
Avoid contact with contaminated water (wear boots/gloves if working in high-risk areas).
Control rodent populations by managing waste and sealing food sources.
Vaccinate pets and livestock where possible.
Treatment:
Antibiotic Therapy: Early administration of antibiotics is crucial. Common choices include doxycycline or penicillin. For severe cases, intravenous antibiotics may be necessary.
Supportive Care: This may involve hospitalization for intravenous fluids, dialysis for kidney failure, or mechanical ventilation for respiratory distress.
Recent Outbreaks:
New York City, USA (2023): The city reported 24 cases—the highest number in a single year—with infections largely associated with exposure to environments contaminated by rat urine. nyc.gov+1forbes.com+1
Valencia, Spain (2024): Two probable cases were identified among volunteers assisting in flood cleanup efforts. Both individuals showed good recovery after treatment. cadenaser.com+1as.com+1
Finland (2024): Several dogs were diagnosed with leptospirosis, raising concerns due to the zoonotic potential of the disease. huffingtonpost.es
Leptospirosis outbreaks are often linked to heavy rainfall, flooding, and areas with poor sanitation. Preventive measures include avoiding contact with potentially contaminated water, wearing protective clothing, and controlling rodent populations.
Food: Cockroaches are omnivorous and eat almost anything, but they especially love greasy foods, sweets, starches, and protein. Even tiny crumbs or spilled liquids can be enough to attract them. Kitchens, where food is often prepared or stored, are prime locations for roaches to find food.
Water: Like all living creatures, cockroaches need water to survive. Kitchens have easy access to water from sinks, dishwashers, refrigerators (especially those with water dispensers), and even pet water bowls.
Shelter: Cockroaches like dark, secluded places where they can hide during the day and emerge at night to forage. Kitchens have many such areas, such as behind the fridge, under cabinets, or inside appliances like stoves and dishwashers.
Warmth: Cockroaches are drawn to warmth. Kitchens, with cooking appliances like stoves and ovens, provide a comfortable environment for cockroaches.
Signs of a Cockroach Infestation
Visible Roaches: If you see cockroaches during the day, it could be a sign that you have a larger infestation. Cockroaches are nocturnal, so seeing them during the day could indicate they are no longer hiding as much.
Droppings: Cockroach droppings resemble small black pepper-like specks. They are often found around areas where cockroaches feed or hide.
Egg Casings: Cockroaches lay eggs in casings known as oothecae. These casings are typically brown or black and can be found in hidden areas.
Smell: A strong, musty odor can sometimes indicate a cockroach problem, especially if there are many of them.
Why Cockroaches Are Hard to Get Rid Of
Resilience: Cockroaches are extremely resilient creatures. They can live for weeks without food and survive without their heads for several days. They can also adapt to many chemicals and environments.
Reproduction: Cockroaches reproduce quickly. A female can lay up to 40 eggs at a time, and the eggs hatch within a few weeks. This rapid reproductive cycle can lead to a full-blown infestation in a relatively short amount of time if not addressed.
Hiding Places: Cockroaches are skilled at hiding. They can squeeze into tiny cracks and crevices in walls, floors, and cabinets, making it difficult to find all of them and eliminate the problem.
How to Prevent and Get Rid of Cockroaches
Cleanliness:
Seal Entry Points: Inspect your kitchen and home for cracks or gaps in walls, around windows, doors, pipes, and vents. Seal them to prevent roaches from entering.
Fix Water Leaks: Address any plumbing issues in your kitchen. Cockroaches are drawn to moisture, so leaky pipes or faucets should be repaired immediately.
Use Traps and Baits: Cockroach traps: Sticky traps can help you monitor the extent of an infestation. These can be placed in areas where cockroaches are likely to pass through, like behind the fridge or under cabinets. Bait stations: These contain poison that cockroaches will eat and carry back to their hiding places. It can help to eliminate roaches over time.
Use Insecticides: If the infestation is larger, you may need to use cockroach insecticides. There are sprays, powders, and gels available that can help eliminate cockroaches. Boric acid is a commonly used and effective treatment for cockroaches, as it’s toxic to them when ingested. It’s best applied in areas that roaches frequent.
Health Risks
Cockroaches can be more than just a nuisance—they can also pose health risks. Some of the potential issues include:
Allergies and Asthma: Cockroach droppings, shed skins, and saliva can trigger allergic reactions, especially in sensitive individuals or children. Their presence is a common trigger for asthma symptoms.
Disease Transmission: Cockroaches can carry bacteria, viruses, and pathogens on their bodies. They can contaminate food, kitchen surfaces, and utensils by walking across them, leading to foodborne illnesses such as Salmonella, E. coli, and even parasitic infections.
Bacterial Growth: Cockroaches can transfer bacteria from dirty environments to clean areas. Their feces can also contribute to bacterial growth, further increasing the risk of contamination.
Conclusion
Finding cockroaches in your kitchen usually points to factors like available food, water, and hiding spaces. If the problem is minor, regular cleaning and sealing up potential entry points can help. However, if you see signs of a large infestation or continued sightings, you may need to take further action, such as using traps, baits, or professional pest control services.
It’s important to act quickly, as cockroaches can reproduce rapidly and become harder to eliminate the longer they’re allowed to stay.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a sustainable approach to managing pests that combines various strategies to minimize the use of chemical pesticides and reduce environmental impact. It focuses on long-term prevention and control of pest populations through a combination of biological, cultural, mechanical, and chemical methods. Here’s a breakdown of the key components of IPM:
1. Prevention
Cultural Practices: Crop rotation, selecting pest-resistant plant varieties, and proper irrigation methods help create an environment less favorable for pests.
Sanitation: Removing plant debris and cleaning tools or equipment reduces the habitat for pests.
Exclusion: Using barriers like screens or nets to prevent pests from entering an area.
2. Monitoring
Regular Inspections: Monitoring pest populations through visual inspections, traps, or sensors helps detect problems early before they become severe.
Pest Identification: Proper identification of pests is critical to implementing the most effective control methods. Some pests may require different treatments based on their life cycle, behavior, or resistance to certain chemicals.
3. Biological Control
Natural Predators: Introducing or encouraging natural predators like ladybugs, predatory mites, or birds can help control pest populations.
Biopesticides: These are natural substances or organisms, such as bacteria or fungi, that can control pests.
4. Mechanical and Physical Control
Traps: Sticky traps, pheromone traps, and mechanical traps are used to capture pests.
Barriers and Fencing: Physical barriers such as row covers or netting can be used to protect crops from insect pests.
Hand-Picking: In some cases, pests can be removed by hand (e.g., picking off caterpillars from plants).
5. Chemical Control
Selective Pesticides: When pest populations exceed the action threshold, targeted and selective use of chemical pesticides may be necessary.
Reduced Toxicity: The goal is to use chemicals that are less toxic to non-target species (such as beneficial insects or humans) and to apply them in a way that minimizes environmental impact (e.g., using the least amount necessary).
6. Thresholds
Action Thresholds: These are pest population levels at which control measures are needed to prevent damage to crops or structures. The idea is to act before pest numbers reach a level that causes economic or aesthetic harm.
7. Education and Collaboration
Educating farmers, gardeners, and the public about IPM practices helps them make informed decisions and collaborate in reducing pest-related problems. Sharing knowledge and data, such as pest forecasts or emerging pest threats, can aid in overall pest management efforts.
IPM is adaptive, meaning it is continuously modified based on monitoring data, new scientific knowledge, and feedback from pest management experiences. Its overall goal is to manage pest populations in a way that balances environmental health, economic costs, and social concerns.
Carpenter ants can be a real nuisance during this breeding season, especially when you start seeing winged ants inside your house.
Why are there winged ants in my house?
Winged carpenter ants are typically reproductive ants (also known as alates). They leave the main colony in a process called nuptial flight, where they mate and then seek out new locations to establish new colonies. This often happens in late winter, spring and summer. If you’re seeing them indoors, it could mean they are either from a nearby nest or you’ve got a satellite nest or colony nesting within the walls of your home.
How to get rid of them?
1. Fix Moisture Issues
Carpenter ants are attracted to moisture, and they prefer to nest in wet or decaying wood. So, it’s crucial to eliminate any moisture problems in your home.
Check for leaks: Look for leaky pipes, faucets, or appliances (like dishwashers, refrigerators, and washing machines) that could create moisture in your walls, floors, or ceilings.
Fix any water damage: If you notice water stains or soft, spongy wood, that’s a clear indication that moisture has been present and could attract carpenter ants.
Improve ventilation: Ensure your attic, basement, or crawl spaces are well-ventilated and dry.
2. Seal Entry Points
Ants can enter your home through even the tiniest cracks. If you find where ants are entering, sealing these gaps is an essential step in preventing new ants from coming in.
Inspect windows and doors: Check for gaps or cracks, and use caulk to seal them.
Seal cracks around pipes and wires: Carpenter ants can enter through small openings around pipes or wires. Use foam sealant or silicone caulk to close off these spaces.
Check vents and chimneys: Ensure vents are properly screened and chimney caps are in place.
3. Use Ant Baits – but don’t expect to get the results the description on the label suggests.
Carpenter ant baits can be an effective way to help control the population. Worker ants will take the bait back to the nest, where it might effect other ants in the nest but it will never get rid of the queen and nest.
Place baits near trails: Follow the ants’ movement and place baits along their path. Focus on areas where you’ve seen the most activity.
Choose both sugar and protein baits: Carpenter ants feed on a variety of foods, so it’s a good idea to use both sugar-based and protein-based baits to attract a wider range of ants.
Be patient: It may take a few days, weeks or never for the bait to slow done the colony.
4. Use Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
Diatomaceous earth is a natural, non-toxic powder that can help control carpenter ants. It works by dehydrating insects when they come into contact with it.
Sprinkle DE around areas of activity: Apply the powder around baseboards, entry points, and along ant trails. Just be careful not to use too much; a thin layer is effective.
Reapply if needed: DE can lose its effectiveness if it gets wet, so reapply it after cleaning or if you notice renewed ant activity.
5. Eliminate Food Sources
Carpenter ants are attracted to food, especially sweets, fats, and proteins. Reducing available food sources in your home can make your space less inviting.
Clean up crumbs and spills: Make sure to wipe down countertops, clean up crumbs, and wash dishes regularly.
Store food in airtight containers: This helps prevent access to food that might attract ants.
Take out the trash regularly: Don’t leave trash bags around, especially if they contain food scraps. Make sure trash cans have tight-fitting lids.
6. Preventive Measures
Once you’ve dealt with the current infestation, it’s essential to keep carpenter ants from returning.
Trim trees and bushes: Carpenter ants often travel from trees or shrubs that are too close to your house. Trim back branches that touch your home or roof to reduce pathways for ants to access your property.
Maintain wood: Keep wooden structures in your home (like decks, siding, or beams) in good condition. Ensure that wood is sealed properly to prevent moisture buildup.
Monitor your home: Periodically check for any new signs of ants, like sawdust or ants trailing along walls or ceilings. If you catch it early, you can prevent another infestation from becoming a major problem.
Where did they come from and answers to common questions?
The winged carpenter ants in your home most likely came from a nearby parent nest, which could be located in a tree, a nearby wooden structure, or even within your home itself (in walls, floors, or beams). They can live in satellite nests in walls or decayed wood, and when these nests grow large enough, winged ants are produced to find new sites to form colonies.
Do they live in satellite nests in a wet wood wall cavity?
Yes, carpenter ants often establish satellite nests in moist or decaying wood, especially in damp areas like wall cavities, basements, or areas near plumbing leaks. These wet conditions are ideal for carpenter ants because they soften the wood and make it easier to carve out galleries.
Does the main nest supply food, eggs, and water?
Yes, the main colony provides food, water, and care for the queen and developing ants (eggs, larvae, and pupae). Worker ants are responsible for gathering food (mainly sugary liquids and protein), which is shared with the rest of the colony. If your home has moisture problems or is conducive to their nesting, ants may start living there instead of in the outdoors.
Why do they chew through wood and push out sawdust?
Carpenter ants don’t eat wood like termites do, but they chew through it to create galleries where they nest. They use their powerful jaws to hollow out the wood. The chewed-up wood is then expelled as sawdust (frass). This is a major sign of a carpenter ant infestation.
Do they leave pheromone trails?
Yes, carpenter ants, like many ant species, use pheromones to communicate and create trails. Worker ants will leave these chemical trails to lead others to food sources or new nest locations. These trails can often be seen as lines of ants moving along walls, floors, or ceilings.
Do they retrieve their dead and eat them?
Yes, carpenter ants will often carry dead ants back to the nest, but end up removing the carcasses from the nest. Some species of ants are known to engage in necrophagy (eating their own). They may do this to prevent the spread of disease within the colony or to recycle nutrients.
Overall, here’s a summary of what you should do:
Look for moisture problems (leaky pipes, water damage) and fix them.
Inspect your home for signs of carpenter ants: sawdust (frass), dead ants, or visible holes in wooden structures.
Contact Go Green Pest Control, if all the retail products don’t end up working.
There are a few types of beetles that are best kept outside your house due to the damage they can cause or the nuisance they bring. Some of these include:
Carpet Beetles – These beetles can damage fabrics, upholstery, carpets, and clothing. Their larvae feed on natural fibers like wool and silk.
Powderpost Beetles – Known for infesting wood, these beetles can damage furniture, beams, and flooring by burrowing into and feeding on the wood.
Ladybugs (Asian Beetles) – While they’re not necessarily harmful, they can invade homes in large numbers, particularly in the fall, to find warmth. They can be a nuisance and leave stains.
Drugstore Beetles – These beetles infest food products, especially dried foods like grains, spices, and pet food.
Woodboring Beetles – Similar to powderpost beetles, these beetles damage wood structures, including furniture and beams. They burrow into wood and can weaken it over time.
Stink Beetles (Stink Bugs) – While not technically a beetle, they are often mistaken for one. They emit a strong, unpleasant odor when threatened or crushed, which makes them a pest.
Filing Beetles – They can infest stored grains, cereals, and dried food products. The larvae feed on the food and contaminate it with their presence.
If you notice any of these beetles, it’s a good idea to address the infestation early to prevent further damage or discomfort.
During an apartment pest inspection, the inspector will conduct a detailed assessment to check for signs of pests and potential entry points that could lead to infestations. Here’s a breakdown of what typically happens:
Exterior Inspection: The inspector may begin by examining the exterior of the building, looking for any obvious signs of pest activity like droppings, nests, or damage to the structure (e.g., holes, cracks, or gaps in windows and doors).
Interior Inspection: The inspector will then move inside the apartment, inspecting common trouble areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, basements, attics, and closets. These areas tend to have moisture, food, or warmth, making them attractive to pests.
Hidden Areas: Using specialized tools, such as flashlights, ladders, mirrors, and magnifying glasses, the inspector will look in places that are harder to access—like behind appliances, under furniture, inside walls, or ceiling voids.
Identification of Pests: If pests are found, the inspector will identify the type of pest and determine how severe the infestation is. Common pests include rodents, cockroaches, ants, termites, bedbugs, or even fleas.
Prevention and Treatment Recommendations: After completing the inspection, the inspector will provide a report detailing their findings. This may include recommendations for pest prevention (e.g., sealing entry points) and possible treatments (e.g., traps, baits, or professional pest control treatments).
Follow-Up: In some cases, the inspector may schedule a follow-up visit to ensure that the treatment is effective or to further monitor pest activity.
Overall, the goal of the inspection is to identify potential issues early and provide solutions to prevent future infestations.
Yes, rats do leave pheromone trails, and it plays a significant role in their behavior and interactions, particularly when navigating their environment or communicating with other rats. Here’s how it works:
1. How Rat Pheromone Trails Work
Pheromones are chemical signals released by rats to communicate with one another. These chemicals can convey information about territory, food sources, and even mating status.
Trail-following behavior: Rats often use their sense of smell to navigate their surroundings. When a rat finds a food source or shelter, it will often leave a trail of pheromones along its path. This allows other rats to follow the trail to the same food or nesting area.
Marking territory: In addition to food-related pheromones, rats also leave urine and glandular secretions that can act as territorial markers, signaling to other rats that the area is occupied. This can prevent other rats from entering, or encourage new rats to join if the territory is perceived as a safe spot.
2. How Long Do Pheromone Trails Last?
The duration of a pheromone trail depends on environmental conditions like humidity, temperature, and how frequently the trail is traveled.
In dry conditions, the pheromones may dissipate more quickly, but in humid or warm environments, they can remain detectable for longer periods, sometimes up to several weeks.
Regularly used paths: If rats frequently travel the same path, the pheromone trail can be reinforced over time, making it stronger and longer-lasting. Rats often continue to use the same route if the trail is still fresh.
3. How Pheromones Help Rats
Guiding others: The main purpose of pheromone trails is to guide other rats. For example, if a rat discovers a food source, it will leave a trail so that other rats can follow it. This is part of their social behavior and survival strategy.
Coordinating behavior: Pheromone communication helps rats maintain their social structure, mark boundaries, and coordinate foraging or nesting behavior.
4. How to Disrupt Pheromone Trails
Cleaning with strong disinfectants: To eliminate the scent trails, it’s important to clean areas where rats have traveled or urinated. Use a strong enzymatic cleaner or a disinfectant designed to break down pheromones and urine. Household cleaners like bleach may not be as effective for this purpose.
Vinegar: Some people use vinegar as a natural cleaner to disrupt the trail, although it’s not as potent as specialized cleaning solutions.
Odor neutralizers: In addition to cleaning, some people use odor neutralizers or sprays that are specifically designed to remove rat scents.
5. Preventing Reinfestation
Disrupting the trail: By thoroughly cleaning areas where rats have been, you can make it harder for new rats to follow the pheromone trail. However, it’s also essential to address the root cause of the infestation, such as sealing entry points and removing food sources.
Use of repellents: Natural repellents like peppermint oil or strong-smelling substances can help mask or repel rats, although these are typically not as effective as sealing entry points and removing the rats directly.
By removing these scent markers, you reduce the likelihood that other rats will be attracted to the same location, making it harder for them to find their way back.
Dealing with mice in the kitchen is definitely frustrating. Here are some ideas to address the issue:
1. Seal Entry Points
Inspect your kitchen for cracks, holes, or gaps in walls, windows, and around plumbing pipes. Seal any potential entry points with caulk, steel wool, or weather stripping.
2. Set Traps
Snap traps: Classic and effective for quick results.
Catch-and-release traps: If you prefer not to kill them, use humane traps.
Glue traps: These can catch mice, though some people find them less humane.
3. Use Natural Repellents
Peppermint oil: Mice dislike strong smells. Soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them around areas where mice are active.
Cloves and cayenne pepper: These can also act as natural deterrents. Sprinkle them around your kitchen or near known entry points.
Ultrasonic repellents: Devices that emit a sound that’s irritating to rodents but inaudible to humans.
4. Clean Up Attractants
Tidy up: Mice are often drawn to crumbs, food scraps, or unsealed food containers. Make sure the kitchen is spotless, including under appliances and in cabinets.
Seal food: Store food in airtight containers and keep pet food or any leftovers covered.
5. Professional Help
If the problem persists, call Go Green Pest Control, pest control experts. We can address not only the mice problem but also inspect for any underlying issues you might miss.
6. Use a Natural Predatory Deterrent
If you’re comfortable with it, having a cat can be an effective, natural solution to keep mice at bay. Just make sure your cat doesn’t become a bigger nuisance in the kitchen than the mice!
7. Consider a Rodent Repellent Spray
There are sprays available that are designed to deter rodents from entering or lingering in areas where you don’t want them.
