How to Get Rid of Carpenter Bees

Carpenter bees, often confused with honey bees because of their similar appearance, are an interesting nuisance due to their wood-boring habits. Unlike honey bees that home in the ground, carpenter bees drill into wood to make their homes, causing significant damage to homes and structures. If left unchecked, these pests can cause serious harm over time. Fortunately, pest control services offer effective solutions to eliminate carpenter bees and prevent future infestations. This article outlines the steps involved in getting rid of carpenter bees with the help of Secure Pest Services.

Understanding Carpenter Bees

Carpenter bees are large, robust bees that bore into wood to lay their eggs. They prefer untreated, unpainted, or weathered wood, making decks, eaves, and wooden siding ideal targets. The female carpenter bee creates a perfectly round hole to make a tunnel where she lays her eggs. Over time, multiple bees can expand these tunnels, weakening the wood and causing structural damage.

While carpenter bees are solitary, they tend to nest in the same area year after year, exacerbating the damage. The presence of these bees is often indicated by the sight of sawdust or wood shavings, as well as the appearance of round entry holes in wooden structures.

The Role of Secure Pest Services

Secure Pest Services provide comprehensive solutions to manage and eliminate carpenter bee infestations. These professionals are equipped with the knowledge, experience, and tools necessary to address the issue effectively. Here are the steps typically involved in the process:

Inspection and Assessment

The first step in dealing with carpenter bees is a thorough inspection by a pest control expert. They will identify the extent of the infestation, locate all entry holes, and assess the damage. This evaluation helps in formulating a targeted treatment plan.

Treatment Plan

Based on the inspection, pest control professionals will devise a treatment plan tailored to the specific situation. This plan may include a combination of chemical treatments, physical barriers, and preventive measures.

Chemical Treatments

Pest control experts often use insecticidal dust or sprays specifically designed to target carpenter bees. These treatments are applied directly into the entry holes and tunnels. The insecticide kills the bees inside and prevents new bees from occupying the same tunnels.

Physical Barriers

After treating the infestation, it’s crucial to seal the entry holes to prevent re-infestation. Pest control experts use wood putty or other suitable materials to close off these holes. In some cases, they may recommend painting or staining the wood surfaces, as carpenter bees are less likely to drill into treated or painted wood.

Preventive Measures

Long-term prevention is key to avoiding future infestations. Secure Pest Services may suggest several preventive measures, such as:

• Replacing Damaged Wood: Replacing severely damaged wood with treated or composite materials.
• Painting and Sealing Wood: Regularly painting or staining wooden structures to deter bees.
• Using Bee Traps: Installing specially designed carpenter bee traps to catch bees before they can bore into the wood.

Follow-Up Visits

Effective pest control often requires follow-up visits to ensure that the treatment has been successful and that there are no signs of re-infestation. These visits allow pest control experts to monitor the situation and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.

Benefits of Professional Pest Control Services

Hiring Secure Pest Services to deal with carpenter bees offers several advantages:

• Expert Knowledge: Secure Pest Services professionals have the expertise to accurately identify carpenter bee infestations and understand their behavior.
• Effective Treatments: They use specialized tools and treatments that are more effective than over-the-counter solutions.
• Safety: Handling insecticides and dealing with stinging insects can be dangerous. Professionals are trained to safely perform these tasks.
• Long-Term Solutions: Secure Pest Services provide immediate relief as well as long-term solutions for preventing future infestations.

Contact Secure Pest Service

Carpenter bees, though valuable pollinators, can cause significant damage to wooden structures if not properly managed. Secure Pest Services offer a comprehensive approach to eliminate these pests and prevent further damage. By utilizing their expertise, homeowners can protect their homes and maintain the structural integrity of their wooden features. If you suspect a carpenter bee infestation, contact Secure Pest Services promptly can save you time, money, and frustration in the long run.

The Itsy Bitsy Spider

I was 18 years old in Army basic training, having just come back to the barracks from a field training exercise. As always, we were beaten and worn from days of living in the most basic of conditions, exposed to the unforgiving natural state of the elements and wildlife alike. Before we could see our first shower in over a week, there was one thing standing between the platoon and our long sought running hot water- equipment cleanup.

Hurriedly, we sped through the cleaning of all equipment, with our first hot meal in a week invading our senses from the chow hall nearby. The entire platoon systematically rummaged through the heap of sorted equipment consisting mainly of tent parts. I chose my target- piping used to support the canvas of the tent. I nearly stuck my finger in the pipe, but decided to clear the equipment of dirt by banging it on the floor first. To my dismay, out came a black widow spider.

Spiders are predators of other insects and their webs act as perfect traps to allow a pest control professional to check for nearby pest activity. The residential pest control of spiders can normally be accomplished through vacuuming of webbing and live spiders. Identifying spiders in New Jersey is important prior to interacting with a potentially dangerous spider. A pest control professional can best identify the invading arachnid and suggest the method to get rid of spiders. A pest control spray can be helpful around the perimeter of your home. To find out more on how to get rid of spiders call 1-844-SEC-PEST to receive a free pest quote today.

Introduction to Secure Pest Services

With over 25 years of developing quality pest solutions, Secure Pest Services strives to deliver the discreet solutions that you need. Asset and brand protection, along with your health and well-being, are the promise of our industry-leading professionals. We Secure what you value most.

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Do I Need a Bed Bug Heat Treatment?

One of the more common questions asked of me after confirming an infestation is: what treatment will be best for me? The most common treatment options employed today are chemical, heat, or cryogenic, with the former being the most popular. All levels of infestation and treatment options are an investment in time, money, and mental health. Let us take a look at how they have measured up to customer standards throughout the years as experienced through the eyes of a pest professional.

Cryogenic Treatment

Method of Eradication: Freezing

Cost: High

Preparation: Moderate

Retreat Rate: 25%

Pest Professional Grade: C-

Cryogenic treatments freeze the insects on contact. While doing studies with one of the largest pest control providers in the world, freezing bed bugs was found to be ultimately unreliable. Seeing as most hard to reach places received little or no treatment, this well-intended green option has lost its luster and falls to the bottom of our list.

Heat Treatment

Method of Eradication: Sustained 150 Degree Heat

Cost: High

Preparation: Moderate

Retreat Rate: 5%

Pest Professional Grade: A-

The second of our two green options was found to be much more effective at ridding customers of bed bugs. The treatment is conveniently performed in one day. This option was found to be best used for those that have difficulty conforming to the more demanding preparation of a traditional chemical treatment or those with very high insect activity rates. Rising temperatures were found to further embed insects in a structure in select cases. While getting rid of your bed bugs in one day is indeed the greatest feature of this treatment, be prepared to pay approximately 2 ½ times what you would expect to pay with the more traditional chemical option.

Chemical Treatment

Method of Eradication: Contact Killers, Residual Materials, and Insect Growth Regulators

Cost: Moderate

Preparation: High

Retreat Rate: >1%

Pest Professional Grade: A+

While your regular chemical treatment is most effective and least costly, the average duration of time taken to perform this three part service is 21 days. This is by far the most sought after treatment option. With initial reactions from those infested being one of panic, chemical solutions do not seem to be the most attractive. However, once we compare price and effectiveness, you can see why over 95% of all those seeking solutions for getting rid of bed bugs choose approved pesticides applied by a licensed pest professional to do so.

Are There Bugs in Your Christmas Tree?

Christmas is a time for giving. It is a time for friends and family to visit and the well wishes that follow. However, few people are aware of the visit that they may be receiving from unwanted guests living in their Christmas tree.

Conifer trees are known to host their fair share of common outdoor pests. While many pests die during the winter chill, some insects will try to sustain through the winter under loose bark. Other insects will lay their eggs in Christmas trees, awaiting the thaw of the spring. This winter season has been especially warm, allowing some adult insects to remain resilient thus far. Even though many adult insects may have already succumbed to the cold weather, the warmer conditions of the indoors can mimic the change of seasons and trick insect eggs into hatching in your home.

Here is a list of some of the more common insects that may be invading your tree this Christmas and what to look for.

Spiders

Overwintering Species: Yes

Egg Concern: Yes

Human Harm Index: Moderate

While not all species of spiders overwinter, a significant portion do. Egg sacks may be primed to begin to hatch when exposed to warmer indoor temperatures. As a predator of other insects, spiders may be less inclined to leave their home in a typical bug-filled tree, but if no source of insects is present to prey upon, your unwelcomed guest may be soon to wander.

Aphids

Overwintering Species: No

Egg Concern: Yes

Human Harm Index: None

Aphids of many types are found on a large variety of plants throughout the warmer months. They may be mistaken for ticks at a glance, but have six legs rather than eight. While aphids eat plants and are otherwise harmless to people, their sheer numbers upon hatching will certainly not earn them a kiss under the mistletoe.

Mites

Overwintering Species: Yes

Egg Concern: Yes

Human Harm Index: Low

Different species of overwintering mites may become active soon after a Christmas tree is introduced to an indoor climate. The predatory and cannibalistic character of mites could act as a slight bit of assisted pest control unto itself. Although a relative of chiggers, few mites are of concern to humans in their adult stage. However, bird mites are parasitic and considered a vector for carrying diseases such as Lyme disease. Bird mites will usually die within two to three weeks of bird removal, but will search out a new host, possibly human, before simply succumbing to a less than plentiful holiday season.

Bark Beetles

Overwintering Species: Yes

Egg Concern: No

Human Harm Index: None

The bark beetle is a dark-colored wood-boring insect that creates small holes in the trunks of trees. Looking for these small holes and fine sawdust is an indicator of this otherwise harmless insect turning into a residential pest. Most wood-destroying insects, like termites and carpenter ants, prefer wood that has died. However, this insect prefers the moist conditions of a living tree, leaving your mother’s dining room table adorned with Christmas dinner safe from invasion.

Other Possible Christmas Tree Invaders: Adelgids, praying mantids, scale insects, and psocids.

Note: Aerosols should never be used to control a pest problem with your Christmas tree, as aerosols are flammable. While some Christmas pests invading your holiday season can be controlled with simple vacuuming, a licensed and local pest control professional is always standing by for a free pest inspection at 1-844-SEC-PEST or use our contact form.

Not a Creature Was Stirring, Not Even a Mouse… Except in My House!

This time of year, Santa may not be the only one trying to find a way in and squeeze through an opening in your home. Mice are notorious for being the ultimate unwelcome opportunists and exploiting the smallest spaces to escape the cold winter season. Needing no more than the width of your pinky to gain entry, prevention can be a problem. Here are some steps to getting rid of mice and keeping a mouse-free home.

1. Exterior Inspections. Taking a walk around the perimeter of your home to check for openings is the first line of defense. Check around pipes or wires leaving the home, around basement windows, and along areas where siding meets the foundation of the home, as mice enter into structures on the ground level. All areas that you may consider to be possible entry points should be sealed with steel wool.
2. Baits. Baiting for rodents on the exterior next to areas previously used to gain entry will likely be most successful. All animals are creatures of habit, allowing for behavior to become more predictable. While interior baiting devices are useful, they do not preclude entry or draw the rodent on the outside.
3. Traps. If rodents are already in the home, a collection of well-placed glue boards and snap traps will help reduce activity. While getting rid of mice may start with the ground level of your home, many mice use pipes to travel to the attic. Insulation is then turned into nesting material. This is a perfect area for traps that cannot be used around children and pets. This is also a good option of green pest control for those opposed to using rodenticides.

While these steps may act as a guide for do it yourself pest control in minor cases, a pest control professional should always be consulted when considering using any pesticide. To schedule a free pest control estimate for affordable pest control, call Secure Pest Services at 1-844-SEC-PEST today.

Pest Control Technician Wanted For Career Opportunity

Secure Pest Services is a family owned and operated pest control company operating out of Linden, New Jersey. This is a ground-level opportunity with what will be an industry leader. The founders of Secure Pest Services are skilled in all aspects of the industry-leading pest control companies, having been successful within their ranks before creating our unique brand.

We are seeking a part time technician to join our team; a perfect opportunity as a second job with a growing company. Full time employment may be an option as the business continues to grow. The amount of work will vary weekly dependent upon the number of jobs going on at any particular time. Expect one or two days weekly to begin. Also, commission will be paid for any sales self-generated by you. There is no cap on your potential to earn if you take an interest in the sales aspect of the business as well. No pest control experience is needed, as we are willing to train the right versatile candidate.

QUALITIES NEEDED:

Communicates effectively, both orally and in writing.

Team player and ability to work independently.

Reliable and punctual for all work assignments.

Willingness to grow with a newer company.

Possess a clean driving record.

Pass a skills assessment, drug screening and Criminal Background check.

Successfully completing initial training.

Ability to stand, lift and move around freely.

Basic computer skills.

Must have your own vehicle to get to and from the office.
Please attach a copy of your resume, a few words on why you believe yourself a good fit for this opportunity, and send all inquires to tpomponio@securepestservices.com. Thank you.

Respectfully,

Tony Pomponio

Vice President

Termite Treatment Options

Traditional:

Traditional termite treatments are still the top choice to rid homeowners of termite infestations. The treatment consists of trenching a small area around the home and drilling into areas such as blacktop or concrete. The intention is to create a chemical barrier around the home by saturating the soil with termiticide. With nowhere to run or feed, a mature colony succumbs to the chemical change in their environment quickly. Traditional termite treatments are priced by linear foot. There is a mark-out that needs to be done by the state prior to the service being performed. This ensures that nothing in the ground can get in the way of the termite treatment. Most mark-outs take an average of two weeks, and the one-day treatment may begin the day after the mark-out is completed. Please be sure to tell your pest control professional about any alterations that may have been made to the property that may interfere with treatment. Traditional termite treatments come with a one year warranty. Extended warranty plans are available. Extended warranties may be renewed year-to-year or be obtained for a reduced price at the time of treatment. For more on termites, please visit our pest library. A pest professional is standing by to answer any further questions that you may have.

Monitoring and Baiting

In-ground baiting devices are an important part of a pest professional’s arsenal and have been gaining in popularity. The use of contained and well-placed baits allows for treatment in areas close to water and on properties where there are wells. In fact, any area where seepage is of concern, monitoring and baiting stations are the termite control of choice. The way baiting stations work is that foraging workers from the termite colony stumble upon the bait station, which are placed in a close perimeter around the home, and see the material inside as an acceptable food source. The worker makes its way back to the colony while setting down a chemical trail that lets the rest of the colony know that food is present at that location. The workers flock to the bait stations and carry food back with them to feed the rest of the colony. This Trojan horse method poisons the colony with the insects as active participants in their demise. All bait stations should be monitored a few times per year and baiting material be replaced as recommended by the pest professional. This termite treatment option may be a bit slower than its chemical counterpart, but the results are still a termite-free home. A pest professional is always standing by to answer any further questions that you may have at 1-844-SEC-PEST .

Next- Termite Inspections: Termite Swarmers vs. Ant Swarmers

Termite Inspections and Swarmers

Termite inspections by a state certified pest professional are necessary when purchasing a home. Home inspectors will work with a pest professional affiliate to conduct a WDI (wood destroying insect) inspection. This inspection is not for termites alone. A WDI is also used for carpenter ants, carpenter bees, and powder post beetles. Legal documentation is provided to give the best assessment possible with the visibility and access available at the time of inspection. A discount is available for all termite treatments that occur as a result of a home purchase inspection. The benefit of a yearly termite inspection is also available to all of our residential customers at the time of regularly scheduled service.

Damage from termites and ants may be confused in a number of ways. Galleries chewed into wood may look very similar to most people. However, there are a few key difference to determining whether you are under siege by termites or carpenter ants.

Frass in a basement.

Termites frequently create mud tunnels to help keep their bodies cool and protect against predators. These mud tunnels may be present leading up to the wood acting as a food source or within the galleries themselves. Carpenter ants will not have signature mud tunnels present and instead produce frass. Frass is the chewed particles of wood left behind by ants that resembles saw dust. This is due to the fact that carpenter ants are not using the wood to feed, but instead as shelter. Treatments will also vary greatly, as termites live in the ground and the main nest of a carpenter ant colony is typically in a tree.

The most common misidentification of termites vs. carpenter ants is when seeing swarmers present. Swarmers are the new reproductive version of the colony released to establish their own new colony. One easy identification method is to understand that termites swarm during the spring, while carpenter ants swarm late spring until mid-summer. However, during the months where both are present, identifying differences in the physical characteristics of swarmers will give you the final insight into what treatment options are available to you.

The ant swarmer looks most like an ant with wigs. There is a typical segmented body, their antennae are longer, and the wings of an ant swarmer are closer to the length of the insect’s body. The termite swarmer differs in these ways. A termite swarmer has short antennae, possesses no well-defined segments present in the body, and has wings nearly twice its size. To learn more about the difference between the two, visit our pest library.

To understand termite treatment options , contact your Secure pest professional to schedule your free general termite inspection today.

Secure Pest Services Executive Speaks Yankees to Bloomberg

Founding partner of Secure Pest Services , Louis Scafidi , was recently interview by Gerry Smith of Bloomberg regarding the Yankees blackout. Comcast Corp removed the YES Network from its lineup last November, leaving approximately one million people without the opportunity to view the upcoming spring training and providing greater mystery as to the ability of Comcast customers to view regular season games. This has the Brooklyn-born business owner feeling like Comcast and the Yankees are striking out.

A lifelong Yankees fan, Louis has supported the team he loves since Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris roamed the outfield. When reached for comment, Scafidi was quoted as saying, “I enjoy watching the games with my son and discussing them with my 86-year-old mother the next morning. It is just not right that loyal and dedicated fans are the ones that are cheated”.

Follow the hyperlinks to see more on Gerry Smith’s article in Bloomberg or the Chicago Tribune.