- AntsDepending on your geographical location, termite swarms should be visible in the early spring. Termite swarms can be confused with flying ants. Telltale signs of termite infestation include soft wood in the home, mud tubes in the interior or exterior of your home (often near the foundation), and darkening or blistering of wood structures.
- TermitesTermites are wood-destroying insects. Their presence dates back to the dinosaurs. While they play an important role in nature, experts estimate they cause $5 billion of property damage each year.
- Bed BugsThere HAS been an increase in bedbug infestations. Our member pest control companies who received 1 or 2 bedbug calls a year are now reporting 1 to 2 each week. That’s 50 times more calls.
- BeesCertain species of stinging insects can pose a large property threat. Carpenter bees are wood-destroying insects that can cause serious structural damage if not caught in time and properly controlled.
- WaspsSeveral pests are included in this category. The most well known are bees, wasps and hornets. Some species of ants, such as fire ants, are included in this category as well.
- MosquitoesMosquitoes are a common pest to find during the summer months. Check out these tips from NPMA experts on how you can prevent a bite from this pest.
- FliesThe first step in controlling any pest is to identify it correctly. There are many kinds of beneficial flies that closely resemble wasps, and there are many kinds of "solitary" wasps, such as sand wasps, which also look exactly the same as yellow jackets, but pose a lower hazard. After the type of pest is identified there are a variety of control methods that a professional could take. Many pest control professionals practice a new technique called integrated pest management, or IPM. This technique involves removing the pest's food, water and shelter. In the case of stinging insects, this could involve cleaning up your yard and sanitizing outdoor areas. The professional will use appropriate steps and techniques to address the particular type of infestation. Vacuuming is a new technique in stinging insect control.
- BeetlesAbsolutely. Carpenter ants, carpenter bees and powder post beetles are all categorized as wood destroying insects. That’s why it's important to have a professional identify the source of your problem and provide the treatment to control it.
- Hornets
- Yellow JacketsMany types of stinging insects, such as yellow jackets, are social insects. They will sting to protect themselves and members of their colony. The insects give off pheromones, which cause other members of the colony to react as well. The chaotic reaction is too dangerous for a homeowner to address alone.
- Stinging InsectsHomeowners can take a clue from the professionals and practice integrated pest management to avoid stinging insects and other types of pests. Again, it is important to consult a pest management professional to address an infestation correctly.
- Birds
- Rodents