Afraid of Rodents and Bugs? 2021 May Not Be Your Year

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Entomologists from Pest Defense Solutions’ parent company, Rentokil Provide their Pest Predictions for 2021

READING, Penn. (Jan. 4, 2021) — As if 2020 didn’t present enough challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, 2021 could be a banner year for pests around the country.

To help residents prepare for 2021, entomologists from Rentokil used field knowledge and data to provide their predictions for pests in the upcoming year.

1. Rodents, Rodents Everywhere:

With shutdowns across the country, it’s no surprise that rodents are on the rise nationwide. Empty buildings, the scarcity of food and warmer winters have combined to create a rodent apocalypse.

“We’re seeing more rats in urban, suburban and rural settings because of the shutdowns,” said Marc Potzler, Board Certified Entomologist. “Food sources are cut off, and rats are having to travel to scavenge for food. We’ve seen rats out in public during the day, which is highly unusual.”

Warmer winters have also allowed for mice populations to boom in residential areas as it allows for a longer breeding season and there is a lower population loss due to hard freezes.

“Right now is the perfect time to rodent-proof your home,” said Potzler. “Make sure to repair any gaps on the exterior of your home, such as around garage doors, windows or pipes.”

2. Mosquitoes on the Move:

Mosquitoes populations have been increasing over the last few years. Aedes species, which are disease-carrying mosquitoes, are also moving to new areas. These mosquitoes can carry West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and Zika virus, among other diseases.

“There is an increase of mosquitoes across the country, but notably on the West Coast, and they are adapting each year,” said Eric Sebring, Associate Certified Entomologist. “We have seen evidence of behavior adaptation, where mosquitoes lay their eggs strategically to hatch throughout the season.”

Protect yourself and your family from mosquitoes by removing any standing water on your property. Mosquitoes can breed in as little as one teaspoon of water. Also, wear EPA-approved insect repellent while spending time outside.

3. Bed Bugs:

The chatter about bed bugs was quiet in 2020, but that’s not because they have gone away.

“As people begin to travel again, we will start to hear about bed bug infestations,” said Sebring. “Bed bugs can be dormant for several months at a time, so they can emerge when a food source, humans, become available.”

Bed bugs are considered hitchhikers, traveling from place to place on people, luggage, clothing and other personal belongings. Homeowners and businesses such as hotels, colleges, hospitals, senior living facilities, retail stores, and libraries have experienced problems with bed bugs.

If traveling, inspect the bed by pulling back the sheets to examine the mattress. Check your luggage before packing and unpacking, and look for signs of living or dead bugs the size of an apple seed or black fecal smears.

4. More Time Outdoors = More Pests.

From hiking to gardening to dining al fresco, there is no doubt that the pandemic has forced people to spend more time outdoors.

In 2021, we will see the outdoor pest pressures continue:

Ticks: Ticks are responsible for transmitting several diseases, including Lyme disease, to humans and animals. These small insects are found in grassy areas and in the woods, so it is important to inspect yourself and your pets after spending time outdoors. Cover as much skin as possible while outdoors, wear long pants, long sleeves, closed-toed shoes, and tuck pant legs into socks. Light-colored clothing will also help any ticks you pick up stand out.

Ants: “As soon as the weather starts to warm up, we will see an increase in ant populations,” said Tom Dobrinska, Board Certified Entomologist. “Most of the ants we are dealing with are odorous house ants. When spending time outside, make sure to clean up any food, water or sugary substances and ensure that your home is free of any holes or cracks for them to enter.”

Stinging Insects: Stinging insects, such as wasps and yellow jackets, emerge at the first sign of warm weather, and as warm weather seasons are getting longer, stinging insects have more time to create issues. Make sure you check for nests early in the spring as they are smaller and get early nest treatment. Make sure to keep windows and doors shut, and secure outside bins so stinging insects are not attracted to the contents.

5. Termites Aren’t Going Anywhere

Termites are a pesky problem, and unfortunately, are not going anywhere. Termites can cause extensive damage to structures, especially homes. As people are moving out of cities during the pandemic to more suburban areas, education about termite protection is key.

“We received more calls for termites this past year than we have in many years,” said Potzler. “It’s important to raise awareness for homeowners now to have proactive protection to keep from costly repairs in the future.”

6. Pests in the News:

There are a few pests that will continue to steal the limelight in 2021.

The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug is an invasive pest that has been making its way across the country since it was first introduced from Asia in 2001. Besides its pungent odor, this stink bug has become a nuisance for homeowners as it gathers in large numbers on the sides of houses and buildings and enters through small cracks in the home. “The brown marmorated stink bug is here to stay,” said Dobrinska. “We will continue to see this species emerge in late spring in large numbers.”

The Spotted Lanternfly will continue to wreak havoc across the Northeast and beyond. The invasive pest, first found in Pennsylvania in 2014, is spreading across the Northeast, with New York reporting its first sighting this year. The pest can significantly damage trees and plants.

“The Spotted Lanternfly is becoming a big problem in the Northeast, and it will continue to spread,” said Potzler. “It can be devastating for agriculture and is a nuisance for homeowners.”

The egg masses look like a smear of mud on trees and outside of homes. It’s important to scrape the egg mass off, put it in a bag with rubbing alcohol and throw it away, and then call the state department of agriculture.

The infamous “Murder Hornet,” also known as the Asian giant hornet, grabbed many headlines, causing homeowners to panic trying to decipher the difference between stinging insects in their yards and this aggressive species. The Asian giant hornet is the largest hornet species in the world, growing up to 3 inches in length. Currently, the Asian giant hornet has only been found in the Pacific Northwest.

“We know that there was one colony found and eliminated in Washington State,” said Sebring. “Unfortunately, if there is one, there will be more.”

While your chances of being stung by an Asian giant hornet are fairly low, the sting can be dangerous as the venom volume is higher, causing more pain. The hives are primarily built underground or in hollows in trees. If you suspect it is an Asian giant hornet or any stinging pests, call your pest management provider to assess the situation as soon as you spot activity.

What is Pest Seasonality?

Ants are a common seasonal pest in Albuquerque NM - Pest Defense Solutions

Here in Albuquerque NM, we deal with pest problems all year long. Of course, spring and summer sees an increase in pest activity, but pests are active in the fall and winter months as well. Pest seasonality is a term used to describe pest activity in fall, winter, spring, and summer. In order to better prepare yourself for an infestation, it’s important to know what pests are most common during different parts of the year. Following information released by the NPMA, the team at Pest Defense Solutions is here to share need-to-know info on pest seasonality in our area.

Pests in the Fall and Winter Months

Our mild and wet summer may mean a longer mosquito and tick season that may last through the fall months. Because we don’t experience the harsh cold winters that many parts of the country do, we can expect to deal with pest infestations through the winter months. One of the biggest pest threats this time of year is rodents, who will seek out shelter indoors this time of year. Ants and cockroaches may also find a way inside to seek out moisture that they may be lacking outside.

Winter pests in the South Central United States map
Rodent
Fly
Mosquito
Ant
Cockroach

Spring & Summer Pests in Albuquerque

Every spring and summer, you can expect pest activity to rise again. Our weather encourages all types of pests to reproduce and thrive throughout most of the year. Here’s the ones to look out for:

  • Flies. While mostly a nuisance, fly populations boom in the summertime and can quickly ruin your outdoor events.
  • Stinging insects. Bees, wasps, and hornets will construct nests near residential properties and can be a threat to families.
  • Termites. Our climate is a haven for termites, who swarm in the spring and are at full force in the summertime.
  • Mosquitoes. Mosquitoes lay a lot of eggs in standing water during the summer months, which is when they’re most problematic.

Pest Seasonality Prevention and Control

No matter what season it is, you don’t want to deal with a pest problem. The best way to prevent seasonal pests is to work with a professional pest control company that can protect you year-round. At Pest Defense Solutions, our exterminators will work with you to determine a custom pest control plan suited to the unique needs of your home.

Tips to Help Identify Wasp Nests

How to identify a wasp nest in the Albuquerque NM area - Pest Defense Solutions

Wasps are a fact of life in the summertime here in Albuquerque. Many types of wasps become more and more active in the summer into early fall, making it likely you might spot a nest or two. Wasp nests can contain anywhere from a few hundred to thousands of insects, making it important to never approach them on your own. However, it is wise to learn how to identify the different types of wasp nests you may come across. The team at Pest Defense Solutions is here with tips to help identify wasp nests in your area–keep reading to learn more!

Where Do Wasps Construct Their Nests?

Wasps are known to build their nests in or near trees, but they can be found in other spots too. Yellowjackets favor areas near the ground, in hollow trees, under porches, and a number of other areas. Mud daubers tend to build their nests in sheltered areas, including under eaves, garages, attics, or on the sides of buildings. Paper wasp nests are often located under and within the eaves of structures, in attics and wall voids, and in other enclosed areas. Bald-faced hornets, on the other hand, like to build nests high up off the ground. This can mean in trees, but also on structures.

How to Identify Wasp Nests in Albuquerque

In New Mexico, we commonly see activity from paper wasps, yellowjackets, mud daubers, and bald-faced hornets. Here’s what their nests look like:

  • Paper wasps. These nests famously look like upside-down umbrellas. Paper wasp nests are often open, and can get quite large in size. They are typically supported by a single stalk and consist of a paper-like material.
  • Yellowjackets. These nests are most recognized. They are a papery material and have a single opening. The inside of a yellowjacket nest can have nearly a hundred tiers of cells. Yellowjackets can also build underground nests that can be enormous in size.
  • Mud daubers. As their name suggests, female mud daubers construct their nests out of mostly mud. The nests are small and tubular in size, often looking like organ pipes. They are typically found in cracks or crevices. Mud daubers are mostly solitary.
  • Bald-faced hornets. These nests are almost always at least three feet off the ground. They are made of chewed wood fibers mixed with saliva. They often grow to be the size of a football or basketball.

Wasp nest identification in Albuquerque NM - Pest Defense Solutions

Getting Rid of Wasp Nests

No one wants to deal with a swarm of stinging insects anywhere near their property. It’s important to remember that DIY efforts to remove nests are never a good idea–there could be more wasps inside than you realize, which can be very dangerous. Certain types of wasps are capable of stinging multiple times. Because of the danger associated with wasp nests, always contact the wasp removal team at Pest Defense Solutions for any problems you’re having.

Everything You Need to Know About Murder Hornets

Murder hornet facts from Pest Defense Solutions - Albuquerque NM

You’ve likely heard about the infamous “murder hornets” in the past few months. These hornets have struck fear in the hearts of many, and it’s easy to understand why. The Asian giant hornet is by far the biggest hornet in the world. Their sting is known to inject potentially lethal amounts of neurotoxins that, with multiple stings, could be fatal. The main danger is the major threat they pose to the honeybee population. Although they’re mostly in Asia, the murder hornet was spotted in North America several months ago. Keep reading to learn all you need to know about murder hornets.

What Does the Giant Asian Hornet Look Like?

Murder hornets are infamously big and have a distinctive appearance. They have a light orange head with big, prominent eyes and distinctly sharp mandibles. In addition, their bodies are orange, black, and brown striped. They have 6 legs and a set of antennae, and their stingers are a quarter of an inch long! The most telling characteristic of the Asian giant hornet is their size. Queen murder hornets can exceed 2 inches in length, while worker hornets are about 1 ½ to 2 inches in length.

The Threats of Murder Hornets

Asian giant hornets typically do not attack humans unless they are provoked or feel their nest is threatened. A sting from a murder hornet is painful and contains neurotoxins. When multiple stings occur or when the victim is allergic, the neurotoxins can be very dangerous. Multiple stings can lead to organ failure and death.

Scientists are most concerned about how the honeybee population may be affected. Asian giant hornets attack honeybee hives, killing adult bees and devouring the larvae and pupae. A single murder hornet can kill dozens of bees in minutes, while a group of hornets can devour a hive of 30,000 bees in hours!

Are Murder Hornets in Albuquerque?

As of now, there have been no reports of Asian giant hornets in the Albuquerque or New Mexico area. The Asian giant hornet is typically found in China, Japan, and several other Asian countries. The first reports of them in the United States occurred in December 2019 in Washington State. It is currently unknown how these hornets first arrived in North America.

What is Being Done About These Hornets?

Scientists are currently leading the way to find, trap, and eradicate this pest before it becomes a major problem in the nation. Even though they haven’t been seen in our area, It’s important to stay away if you believe you’ve spotted one. With any type of stinging insect, it’s important to be very careful and always contact a licensed pest control professional. Pest Defense Solutions is ready to help.

Watch Out For These 3 Summertime Wasps

Summertime in Albuquerque means outdoor activities galore: picnics, hikes, camping, barbecues, the list goes on and on! Unfortunately, the warmer weather brings about an increase in wasp activity! Although there are more than 4,000 wasp species in the United States, there are three summertime wasps in particular to be on the lookout for: yellow jackets, paper wasps, and mud daubers. Because wasps can be aggressive this time of year, it’s important to know how to identify them and when to get help from a professional pest control company. Keep reading to learn more about summertime wasps from the experts at Pest Defense Solutions.

Yellow Jackets

These wasps are notoriously aggressive and very common, especially in the late summer. Some things to know about yellow jackets include:

  1. Yellow jackets congregate in colonies of up to or more than 1,000 workers.
  2. Their nests look globe-shaped and are built above ground, often near garages, sheds, and more.
  3. Yellow jackets will not bother you unless they feel threatened, in which case they may sting repeatedly.
  4. Yellow jackets can be best identified by the yellow and black horizontal stripes that run across their bodies.

Mud Daubers

As their name implies, mud daubers are known for constructing their nests out of mud. Although they aren’t as aggressive as yellow jackets, it’s important to know how to identify them:

  1. They are mostly black in appearance but may have light-colored markings. Mud daubers can be identified by their thin, thread-like waist.
  2. Nests are usually located in covered areas such as porch ceilings, sheds, and attics.
  3. These wasps are less social than other types, often preferring to be solitary.
  4. Mud daubers aren’t as aggressive and will only sting when directly handled or threatened.

Common summertime wasps in the Albuquerque NM area - New Mexico Pest Control

Paper Wasps

Paper wasps aren’t as hostile as other wasps, but are common this time of year. Here’s what to know about this summertime wasp:

  1. They are similar in body shape to yellow jackets, but are mostly brown in color with yellow markings.
  2. These wasps are known for the papery nests they build, which look like upside-down umbrellas.
  3. Paper wasp nests often hang from tree branches and twigs, as well as porch ceilings and door railings. They typically contain up to 30 wasps.
  4. Paper wasps aren’t as aggressive as yellow jackets, but they may sting to defend their nests. Their sting is known to be especially potent.

Summertime Wasp Prevention & Removal

To avoid wasps this summer, it’s important to know how to prevent them. Keep food and drinks indoors, seal your trash cans, and know where to look for nests near your property. As soon as you see the signs of wasps or a wasp nest near your home, be cautious and contact the experts at Pest Defense Solutions. Our wasp removal services are quick, effective, and most importantly, safe!

Are Pests Triggering Your Allergies This Spring?

Pests can trigger allergies in the spring here in Albuquerque NM - Pest Defense Solutions

Many people deal with spring allergies this time of year. Runny nose, itchy eyes…the symptoms can range from mild to severe and definitely disrupt our daily lives. With the weather warming up and trees blooming, it’s easy to blame allergies on springtime. But what if there’s more to it? With May being National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, the Pest Defense Solutions team wants to shine light on the dangers of pest allergens. Spring allergies can be triggered by a number of typical household pests, making it important to know how to prevent them! Read on to learn our top tips for keeping pest allergens out of your Albuquerque home this spring.

How to Get Rid of Pest Allergens

Thankfully, you can prevent pest allergens in your property by practicing basic pest prevention tips! Some of these include:

  • Store food in sealed containers and clean kitchens on a daily basis.
  • Dispose of garbage regularly and use a tight-fitting lid.
  • Seal cracks and holes in homes, including entry points for utilities and pipes, screen doors, and windows.
  • Keep your basements and crawl spaces well-ventilated and dry!
  • Wash blankets, rugs, and bedding in hot water or get them dry-cleaned.
  • Vacuum and dust your property on a regular basis.
  • Keep pet food sealed in a tight container and wash food bowls.

Pests that Cause Allergies

You may be wondering what pests cause allergies in the first place. A lot of research has proven that cockroach droppings, skins, saliva, and more contribute to allergies and asthma, particularly in children. A roach infestation is often known to exacerbate allergic reactions. In addition, stinging insects such as yellow jackets and fire ants can cause allergic reactions for certain individuals.

In any case, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention if you suffer from an allergic reaction. Severe symptoms include shortness of breath, dizziness, swollen throat, and wheezing.

Professional Pest Allergen Prevention

Staying safe from pest allergens means staying away from pests in the first place! By keeping pests out of your home, you can greatly reduce the chance of having your seasonal allergies triggered by pests. For help keeping pests out of your property, our team is here to help. Give us a call today to learn more about how we can keep your family safe in spring and all year long.

How to Prevent These 5 Spring Pests

Prevent spring pests by spring cleaning your Albuquerque NM home! Learn more from Pest Defense Solutions.

It’s finally springtime here in Albuquerque! Most people rejoice the return of warming weather. The return of pests, however, not so much. Unfortunately, spring is only the beginning of the major pest season, which can last throughout the fall. Pest problems are obviously a fact of life all year long in New Mexico. With so many people spring cleaning their property, now is the time to implement some pest prevention measures! Keep reading for expert tips from the team here at Pest Defense Solutions.

What Pests are Common in the Spring?

Although some of these pests are active all throughout the year, now is the time that they come out in full force. So what pests do you need to be on the lookout for? The following are just 5 of the typical pest problems dealt with by property owners this time of year:

How to Keep Springtime Pests Away

‘Tis the season for spring cleaning…and pest prevention, while you’re at it. When thoroughly cleaning your property, there’s a few areas to focus on. Clean your windows and doors, and make sure there are no cracks or crevices. Deep-clean your carpets by vacuuming, shampooing, or steam-cleaning them. Thoroughly sanitize your kitchen with a focus on your appliances. Crumbs and spilled liquids are a goldmine for bugs and other pests.

Outside, clean up debris from your yard, gutters, and overhangs. Make sure to trim back tree limbs and shrubs away from the foundation of your home to keep outdoor pests just that—outdoor pests.

Pest Control in the Springtime

With pest season well underway, it’s important to realize that pests will be in full force for the next few months. To fully protect yourself and your home from an infestation, it’s smart to team up with a professional exterminator. Our team will work with you to develop a custom pest control plan suited to the unique needs of your property.