Worldwide Pest Control Blog

For many of us, our shared knowledge about the world comes from a vast array of sources. Unfortunately, a good chunk of those sources is not exactly the best, meaning that much of our knowledge of the world and how it works is misrepresented at times. When it comes to pest control, there are a lot of myths out there, both on how to manage pests as well as what it means to have a problem. Because of the persistence of these myths, a lot of people can make a pest problem worse, meaning that it’s imperative to squash those myths like a roach in a motel. So, with that in mind, let’s tackle some of the most prevalent myths about pests you may find in your home. Mice and Rats Prefer Peanut Butter, Not Cheese This myth can be traced back to medieval times when cheese was one of the onl......

For a growing number of people, apartment living is the way of life. While renting is a cost-effective way to live in the most desirable areas, one aspect of being in a building with a bunch of other people is that pests can take hold rather quickly. In a house, you can control any pest problem relatively easily. However, when you’re renting an apartment, things can get a little trickier. So, with that in mind, we want to look at the best methods of pest control to use while renting. Step One: Live Clean One of the most significant issues with pest control in an apartment building is that pests can take root in other apartments in the building, which means that they are always close by. However, if you can remove many of the attractions that would compel pests to come into your apartment, you can help prevent any infestation b......

An attic can provide an ideal spot for a variety of critters to call home. A dry and mostly secluded area with lots of insulation that can be used as bedding pretty much fits all of the requirements for any animal looking for a spot to nest. However, these pests can damage your home and put your family at risk. Understanding what pests are likely to find their way into your attic and knowing the warning signs can help you identify the problem and take steps to remove these unwanted guests. Mice and Rodents Mice can squeeze through very tight spaces, so any holes or gaps can become an access point and allow rodents into your home. A rodent infestation is easy to spot because you’ll see plenty of their droppings, which can make humans sick. Mice are also notorious for chewing electrical wires which can pose a fire risk. Squirrels A......

Bed bugs are a major nuisance that can cause discomfort and spread quickly if left unchecked. When you know the signs of a bed bug infestation, you can identify the problem and implement a solution. Here’s how to spot a bed bug infestation. Bites and Other Skin Irritation Perhaps the most noticeable indication of a bed bug infestation is skin irritation. These tiny insects bite humans and survive off of the blood they collect during feedings. Small bites and cuts on exposed skin are usually the first sign of a problem. If you suspect a bed bug problem, check your body for bites as soon as you wake up. It may take several days for the bites to begin to itch, and the discomfort can last for up to nine days. Keep a Lookout Conduct a thorough search to look for both bed bugs and their eggs. Bed bugs can range f......

When it comes to pest control for your home, the best offense is really a good defense. Preventing problems is much more effective than needing to treat them later on. There are things that you can do to prevent and discourage pests from coming into your home. When you plan ahead, you can avoid many costly issues later How to Make Your Home Pest-Resistant Repair and seal any openings This is one of the most important things that you can do for preventing pests from entering your home. You need to make it difficult for them to get in. Check for gaps and cracks, especially in the basement and in any crawl spaces and in the siding on the outside of the house. Exterior outlets, utility meters and laundry vents can also have openings. Fill in these spaces. Make sure your weather stripping is secure on doors and that you repair......

The changes in weather and seasons greatly affect pests in your yard and your home. No matter what the season, you may notice these pest population fluctuations. Because of these changes, it can be hard to control insect infestations. By understanding how weather affects pests, you will better be able to combat this issue. How Weather and Seasons Affect Pests Spring During the spring, any ice melts and the temperature warms up. Pests come out of their nesting spots. Bees and wasps wake up, and you may see termites and ants as well. Most pests are busy mating in the spring, so they remain outside. There are some that look for protected places to build a nest. In order to combat issues, take note of insect patterns around and in your home to notice any changes and talk to a pest control professional. Want to keep bees out of your Springtime......

Halloween is a time of the year when you begin to see bat decorations, but you probably don't want real bats hanging around your house. You can hire a professional bat control company like Worldwide Pest Control to help solve the issue or use a few tips to keep them away on your own. An easy way to keep bats away so that you can enjoy time outside as well as the Halloween season is to put mothballs around the exterior of your home. Put a few mothballs in a cloth to hang in your attic or in areas where bats could easily get inside your home. Replace the mothballs frequently so that the smell continues to exude from them, keeping the bats away. When you spot the area where bats are getting into the home, you need to use some kind of sealant to block off the entrance. Sometimes, bats......

If you suspect rodents have gotten into your home, you must follow steps to control the problem before it gets out of hand. Take some time to learn about the issues you could face when rodents get into your home and cause damage. You will then understand the importance of taking fast action to contain the threat, and doing so will give you peace of mind. Once you discover the top issues you could encounter, you will have a clear picture of what you need to do to protect yourself and your home. Rodents Taint Your Food Controlling and containing rodents is essential if you don't want to waste your food. It won't take these invaders long to find your kitchen and other food storage areas, and they will chew through your bags and containers before you spot the signs of trouble. Since you can't risk eating food that rodents have......

There are many environmental conditions that contribute to mosquito infestations, and some of them can be addressed. If the area is humid and warm during certain parts of the year, mosquitoes will tend to appear, for example. In addition, these pests gravitate towards stagnant bodies of water, which are common in certain regions and territories. Understanding the top signs of a mosquito infestation can help you to take the necessary precautions. Top Mosquito Symptoms Mosquito bites can be painful, and in some cases they can cause illness. Some mosquitoes carry diseases, so you will have to be alert to this particular danger. Always check with the local health agencies and disease prevention service organizations to determine if there is a mosquito infestation in your area. If a mosquito bites into the skin, they can leave marks behind; however, this can happen without the bite victim being aware that a mosquito is......

When it's time for kids to go back to school, bed bugs are not something that you want them to take to class in their bags or on their clothing. Whether they are in elementary school or college, there are a few ways that you can check for bed bugs to keep them from spreading to other people and to see if they are in your home after some time of being back in class as this can be an indication that the pests have been brought home from someone else. If your child goes to someone else's house or brings someone home, you need to check all bags and clothing after the visit to ensure that there are no bugs present. If a child takes bed bugs into the classroom, the bugs can quickly spread from one person to another, resulting in an infestation with all the students. It would......

Scorpions belong to the same insect family as spiders and ticks. These are known as arachnids, and there are many different species. This means that an infestation of scorpions will require the pest control expert to have experience in correctly identifying the particular species of scorpion. The tail of the scorpion gives it a bad reputation, and there is a good reason for people to fear this pest. Although most scorpions do not have the ability to poison their victim, the sting from a scorpion’s tail can be traumatic. Many people compare the scorpion’s sting to the sting of a wasp or a bee. However, if the scorpion happens to be poisonous, the victim could suffer serious injuries. Top Three Facts, Scorpions Preventing a scorpion infestation can help you to guard against the potential dangers of encountering a poisonous scorpion. Keep the area free from debris and trash as an important ste......

Bed bugs are one of the toughest pests you can encounter. They get everywhere, almost before you know it, and the steps to get rid of them are long and labor-intensive. Their range throughout the Austin area is wide and ever-growing. During the Austin City Limits Music Festival this year, which is being held October 5th to the 7th, and October 12th to the 14th, there will be people from all over coming together. While there will be plenty of fun to be had thanks to Paul McCartney, Shawn Mendes, and many more, there will also be plenty of time spent in hotels nearby. Bed bugs love to stay in places such as hotels, and we are here to help visitors leave bed bug free. Take a look below at some bed bug tips so you can be prepared for your trip to Austin City Limits. What Attracts Bed Bugs? The......

You might be a little freaked out if you see a scorpion scurry across your kitchen or even your driveway. Although they're nocturnal predators that mainly feed on insects, they can be harmful to some pets and people if they feel threatened. Since scorpions have some similarities with other arachnids, it's helpful to know how to identify them in case you need scorpion control services. Appearance Scorpions are very distinguishable by their appearance. Two eyes are in the middle of their heads, and a few more sit on the sides. Scorpions also have a set of claws or pincers, eight legs and a long, segmented tail. At the tip of the tail is a larger segment with a barbed stinger. In Arizona, the striped bark scorpion is the most common to invade homes. This species is yellow with two dark stripes down the body and a slender tail. They only grow......

Those who spend enough time outside will feel the familiar sting of a bee or wasp at some point, and the situation can cause sharp pain, redness and mild skin irritation. The symptoms of a sting usually last for a few hours but can persist for a few days in some cases. If you think you or someone you know might get stung, learning to treat stings is a smart move that you won't regret. When you use the proper plan and keep a few tips near the top of your mind, you can reduce the pain and speed up the recovery process. Treating bee stings does not need to be complicated, and learning what to do won't take too long once you understand the basics: Remove the Stinger The first step you will take after a sting depends on the type of insect that stung you. If a honeybee was......

The Fourth of July should be a time of celebration and fun. When you’re firing up the barbecue, splashing around in your pool, or savoring a spectacular fireworks show, you shouldn’t have to worry about pests. What are some of the steps you can take to keep this special day pest-free? Mop up spills, and minimize standing water. Puddles of fruit punch and stray drops of juice are powerfully attractive to yellow jackets, flies, ants, and other pests. A kiddie pool or a pet’s water dish left standing for hours will draw mosquitoes and roaches. Perform quick clean-ups throughout the day. During parties or other holiday activities, trash accumulates rapidly. Don’t leave all the cleaning up for the end of the day. On a regular basis, remove used plates and cups. Sweep away crumbs and other food particles. With less trash building up, fewer pests will arrive. Keep your food covered. Minimiz......

If your dog or cat spends time outside, they may end up bringing home a pest or two. Fleas, ticks and other pests can cause skin irritation and put your pet's health at risk. Following a few tips can help prevent pests from taking up residence on your furry friend. Keep a Clean Home If your home is an easy target for pests, your pets will come into contact with these disease-carrying critters. Help dissuade pests from lingering by eliminating hiding places, including piles of clutter and garbage. Vacuum your carpets thoroughly and regularly to eliminate pest eggs, and wash your pets' bedding in the washing machine frequently. Make sure that your home doesn't have any easy access points for pests, such as gaps in the seals around your windows. Drive Pests Away from Your Yard Most backyards are full of things pests need to survive, including food, shelter and water.......

Your Memorial Day BBQ is a great way to spend time with family and friends, but the warm weather brings with it a rapid increase in the local bee population. Bee colonies also become increasingly likely to swarm from mid-March to early July. When you put these two things together, your BBQ might be courting disaster. Therefore, it's necessary to take action before your guests get stung. 1. Seal All Potential Nesting Spots Are you aware bees only need an access point the size of a quarter in order to move in and begin building their hive? If your home provides easy access, they may even become unwanted roommates inside your walls or attic. You can eliminate this risk by using caulk and metal screens to fill up every possible entry point. 2. Dissuade Ground Nesting Bees from Your Lawn Ground nesting bees look for a dry area to build their......

If asked to name a destructive insect with a fondness for chewing through wood, what would you say? Did you think of carpenter ants? Are termites the terror that popped into your mind? Either of these answers would be correct. With their ability to cause extensive property damage, both of these pests are bad news, but they do have their differences. How can you tell if carpenter ants or termites are bugging you? Antennae, Waists and Wings There's a fairly strong resemblance between carpenter ants and termites, but there are physical traits that can help you differentiate between them. To start from the top, carpenter ants have bent antennae that appear segmented; termites have straight antennae that look beaded. Their waists are also quite different. Carpenter ants have tiny, nipped-in waists, and termites have a more rectangular shape. Finally, when carpenter ants have wings, the front pair is bigger. When termites......

Frass is excrement from the digestive system of various pests. This material contains what the insect has been eating, and the term is often associated with wood-eating pests like termites or carpenter ants. Insect frass is a visible sign of an infestation, but there are different types of frass. They can appear similar to the untrained eye, but there are significant differences. The insect may also have a unique method of disposing of frass, and this can also help the pest-control professional to correctly identify the insect. What is Insect Frass The frass might be liquid, pellet-shaped or a soft clump of mixed materials. Frass will be located relatively close to the source of the infestation, and this is useful information. Common places for piles of frass include the attic, basement, garage areas and other places in the home where wood materials are used. Frass can also be used by some......

Bats are an important part of the ecosystem, but the animals can become a nuisance if they invade your attic. Like all wildlife, bats look for a comfortable place that is safe from predators and near a source of food. Your dark, secluded attic can provide the ideal location to set up a colony. If left unchecked, the animals will roost in large numbers. Bats can travel through the walls to other areas of your home. Bat droppings, also known as guano, can stain ceilings, attract other pests and pose a health risk. The waste matter also encourages the growth of a fungus that causes respiratory infections. You can take the following steps to keep these pests from invading your home. Home and Attic Inspection Begin the process by conducting a full inspection of the exterior of your home, including the roof, soffits, fascia and air vents. Look for holes, cracks......