General Pest Frequently Asked Questions

Bioluminescence in insects, such as fireflies, is primarily used for communication, including attracting mates and deterring predators. This glowing effect is produced by a chemical reaction in specialized cells, involving a substance called luciferin and an enzyme called luciferase. The light produced is incredibly efficient, with nearly 100% of the energy emitted as light rather than heat.

Insects breathe through a series of tubes called tracheae, which are connected to openings on their bodies called spiracles. Oxygen enters the spiracles and is transported directly to the tissues through the tracheae. This system allows for efficient gas exchange, which is vital for the insect's survival.

Mayflies have one of the shortest lifespans of any insects. Some species live as adults for only 24 hours. Their primary purpose during this phase is to mate and reproduce. The majority of a mayfly's life is spent in the larval stage, which can last for one year.

Yes, several insect species have adapted to live underwater for all or part of their lives. Aquatic beetles, dragonfly nymphs, and mosquito larvae are examples. These insects have developed various adaptations to breathe underwater, such as absorbing oxygen through their skin or trapping air in special structures.

The African cicada is considered one of the loudest insects, capable of producing sounds up to 106 decibels, which is about as loud as a chainsaw. Cicadas produce these sounds using special organs called tymbals, which they contract rapidly to create their distinctive chirps.

Professional pest control is superior to DIY methods for several reasons. Trained exterminators possess in-depth knowledge of pests' behavior, habits, and appropriate control measures. They can accurately identify the infestation's root cause, ensuring more effective and targeted treatment. Professionals use materials and methods that may not be available to the public. DIY approaches might provide temporary relief, but pests may return if not adequately addressed.

Additionally, pest control companies offer ongoing monitoring and maintenance, preventing future infestations. DIY attempts can be time-consuming, costly, and may pose health risks if not handled properly. Overall, professional pest control guarantees a more comprehensive, efficient, and lasting solution, allowing homeowners to regain peace of mind and a pest-free environment. 

Rodents, such as mice and rats, are known carriers of diseases like hantavirus, leptospirosis, and salmonellosis, transmitted through their urine and droppings. Cockroaches can trigger allergies and asthma in sensitive individuals due to their shed skin and feces. Mosquitoes are vectors for diseases like malaria, dengue, Zika virus, and West Nile virus. Ticks can transmit Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. Bed Bugs can cause itching and skin irritations.

Pests, like ants and flies, can contaminate food, leading to foodborne illnesses. Also they can affect mental health, causing stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.

Prevent infestations promptly through proper sanitation, regular inspections, and seeking professional pest control assistance when needed. 

Start by sealing any cracks or gaps in doors, windows, and foundation to prevent pests from entering. Keep your living spaces clean and tidy, regularly sweeping and vacuuming to eliminate food crumbs and debris that can attract pests. Store food in airtight containers, and promptly dispose of garbage in tightly sealed bins. Fix leaky pipes or faucets, trim vegetation and bushes around your home and keep firewood and other outdoor materials away from the house. Install screens on doors and windows to keep flying insects out. Regularly inspect your home's exterior and interior for signs of pest activity, such as droppings, chew marks, or nests, and address any issues promptly. 

Common pests found in homes include insects like ants, cockroaches, and spiders. Termites can silently wreak havoc on wooden structures, leading to costly damages. Additionally, Bed Bugs, notorious for their nighttime feeding on humans, are a nuisance that requires immediate attention.

Rodents, such as mice and rats, can be major problems in households, causing damage to property and transmitting diseases through their droppings. Flies and mosquitoes are common pests that can spread illnesses and disturb outdoor activities. Other occasional invaders include silverfish, centipedes, and earwigs, which may cause minor annoyances. Regular inspections and proactive measures can help homeowners maintain a pest-free environment. 

Pests can develop resistance to over the counter pesticides over time. When exposed to pesticides repeatedly, certain pest populations can undergo genetic changes that make them less susceptible to the effects of the chemicals. This resistance can diminish the effectiveness of pesticide treatments. Pest control companies employ various strategies to combat resistance, such as rotating different classes of pesticides, using combination treatments, and implementing integrated pest management (IPM) practices that focus on multiple control methods to reduce reliance on pesticides. Regular monitoring and adaptation of pest control strategies are crucial in addressing resistant pest populations effectively. 

DIY pest control methods can carry risks. Over-the-counter pesticides may not be properly applied, leading to inadequate control or accidental exposure to humans or pets. Lack of knowledge and training can result in misidentification of pests and the use of inappropriate treatments. Ineffective control measures may worsen infestations and cause pests to spread further. It's crucial to consult with professionals to ensure safe and effective pest management. 

The frequency of professional pest inspections depends on various factors. Generally, it is recommended to schedule inspections at least once a year. However, properties located in areas prone to specific pests or with a history of infestations may require more frequent inspections. Proactive inspections help identify early signs of pest activity, enabling timely intervention to prevent major infestations. Consulting with a pest control professional can provide personalized recommendations based on your property's unique circumstances. 

Some of the most common insects living in North Carolina yards include ants, beetles, crickets, chinch bugs, cockroaches, lawn grubs, ground pearls, and spiders. Not only can some of these creatures do extensive damage to your soil and vegetation (like those ground pearls), but they also might be prone to exploring and infesting the interior of your home. Those invaders include many different spiders, ants, and American cockroaches specifically. This behavior often happens when the weather turns colder but can still occur at most times of year. It is wise to be alert for signs of an infestation inside and out. 

Bugs require sleep to give their bodies time to rest and recover from activity. Scientists have learned that animals with a central nervous system must have regular periods of sleep or inactivity very similar to what people think of as sleep.

However, different types of bugs can have very different ways of sleeping. Insects live on a circadian rhythm that gives them a cycle between rest and activity-based. Interestingly, the circadian rhythms can be individual, or population based.  

Like almost every other animal, if bugs are sleep-deprived for a long time, they need additional rest during their normally active periods. 

“Do it yourself” pest control with store-bought chemicals or home remedies has serious limitations. You are likely to worsen your pest problems while wasting time and money. Homeowners can follow instructions on a can exactly and not address their problem. Even worse, improperly applied chemicals can directly threaten people, especially children and the elderly. 

Your home or business needs a professional assessment of your structures, and the particular pest risks you face. Selecting the most appropriate exclusionary methods and materials helps protect your family and property while minimizing the danger of exposure to chemicals that often comes with DIY applications. 

The key to an effective pest control program is year-round prevention. The colder months are the best time for thorough inspections of attics, crawlspaces, and possible entry points into your home or business. In addition to being the best time for installing exclusionary barriers and sealing off the openings that pests exploit, winter is a good time to inspect for drainage and excess moisture issues.

Regular treatments in cold weather also ensure that pests searching for warm feeding and breeding spaces are eliminated before establishing permanent colonies. Our professional pest management programs also rely on record-keeping throughout the year to provide the most effective treatment methods for your property.

Even though we in North Carolina are blessed with four distinct seasons, and we certainly experience some seriously cold weather for a while in winter, the bugs we have present problems for families throughout the year. Some pest species stay hidden away as eggs or larvae to wait out the winter, and some hibernate as adults. Others remain active if they have food and warmth. We find that people who only get professional pest treatment in the warm months end up with higher overall costs compared with homes that have all-year protection. When we can identify, exterminate, and exclude pest species, they cannot re-establish themselves in the unseen, hidden places in your home.

Your pest control plan should involve the less active cold months as much as the warm weather times of the year. Pest species have their own life cycles that handle the winter season, allowing them to survive cold weather and decreased activity.  Some species migrate to warmer climates in winter. Others pass the winter as larvae and remain largely inactive while waiting for warm weather to mature. Many insects have life spans that last longer than a single year and hibernate in cold weather as adults. For example, adult wasps often seek winter shelter in attics and the eaves of houses to maximize warmth and to remain dry while they go inactive until warm weather returns.

Even if you do not see bugs, you may have several pest species active inside your home. Bugs constantly search out sources of food and water and a safe shelter for nesting and breeding. They have evolved to avoid detection by predators and usually avoid open or well-lit areas. 

When not professionally controlled, bug colonies rapidly grow inside homes unseen in walls, attics, garages, and crawl spaces. If you see even a single roach or ant, you can be certain that there are potentially thousands of others hidden away nearby. Bed bugs also prefer hiding away inside furniture and carpeting.