Month: December 2023

Chemical and non-chemical pest control solutions don’t have to be mutually exclusive. A balanced approach and meticulous attention to safety ensures optimal results.  

Pest control has played a pivotal role in contributing to healthy living environments and public health for many years. The practice has come a long way since ancient Sumerians first discovered that sulfur could kill insects in 2500 B.C. Modern pest control solutions effectively protect health and hygiene in residential and commercial settings in addition to safeguarding crops on farms and in gardens.  

When it comes to tackling any type of pest problem, people can choose from three primary approaches: chemical, non-chemical, or a responsible blend of the two. Both chemical and non-chemical pest control offer benefits and drawbacks. Working with trained professionals can ensure the safest use of chemical treatments and the most effective use of non-chemical strategies.  

With decades of experience in providing effective, eco-friendly pest control in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire, Catseye Pest Control understands that delicate balance. Let’s explore both pest control approaches to help you better understand what may be right for your home or business.  

The Chemical Approach 

Chemical pest control has roots that literally span thousands of years of history. In the 1600s, arsenic and nicotine were popular options for controlling insect infestations. By the 1920s, it became clear that pesticides were hazardous, expensive, and often poisonous to beneficial plants. Beginning in the late 1930s, synthetic pesticides hit the market, with DDT serving as a significant breakthrough in chemical pest control. 

Today, modern chemical pest control has made great strides. Low-dose options and safety standards make chemical pest control treatments safer than ever when used according to recommendations found on Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). With proper use, chemical treatments effectively eliminate challenging pest infestations with minimal risk to people, pets, and the environment. 

Effectiveness 

Chemical control of pests incorporates a broad category that includes fungicides, which kill fungi that can damage crops and create health concerns. This segment also includes herbicides that control plants, insecticides that control insects, and rodenticides that control rodents.  

In short, chemical control methods have been used for centuries because of their efficacy. Chemical measures typically work quickly to bring pest populations under control efficiently and with minimum fuss. In turn, chemical control yields: 

• Improved crop productivity and reduced losses  
• Control of vector-borne diseases, including malaria, for livestock and humans 
• Improved food quality 
• Better maintenance of grounds for entertainment venues, residential facilities, and commercial properties 
• Protection of wooden structures from wood-boring insects like termites 

Convenience 

Easy application is a big draw. Chemical pesticides may come in various forms, including baits, sprays, granules, and fumigants. Although care must be exercised when applying chemical pesticides, these solutions typically produce significant results in as little as one application.  

Residual Action 

Pesticides come in two main forms: residual and nonresidual. Nonresidual pesticides work immediately and dissipate in a relatively short period. Aerosol sprays, contact insecticides, and many pyrethrum-based formulas are nonresidual.  

Other pesticides remain effective over a longer period. These pesticides leave a residue — hence, the term residual — that keeps working over time. The length of time the chemicals last depends on the surfaces where the chemicals are applied, and the formulas used. The effects of residual benefits can be tremendously helpful in controlling otherwise challenging pests. 

Drawbacks 

Safety concerns are the chief drawback of using chemical pest control measures. Exposure to some pesticides can cause serious health effects in humans and animals. Organic compounds like DDT can pollute lakes and other bodies of water and damage fish, birds, and other lifeforms that rely on those waters. Other potential drawbacks include: 

• During application, chemical pesticides can unintentionally move through water or air to negatively impact the environment, animals, and people. 
• Chemicals may change form, which increases health and environmental complications. 
• The potential exists for insects and other pests to avoid the chemicals or become immune to them over time, making the process ineffective. 

The potential negatives associated with chemical pest control underscore the importance of working with trained, licensed professionals. 

The Non-Chemical Approach 

In 1962, questions were posed about the safety of chemical pest control and the adverse effects of its use. Silent Spring, a book by Rachel Carson, created public awareness of pesticide safety and eventually led to public policy changes throughout the following decade. Integrated pest management (IPM) gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s and formed the basis of the protocols that many pest control companies rely on today.  

Like the chemical approach to pest control, non-chemical options also offer pros and cons that consumers must consider when choosing pest control methods. 

Environmentally Friendly 

Non-chemical pest control doesn’t rely on chemicals at all to eliminate pest problems. Instead, these methods rely on plants, herbs, natural elements, and the use of natural predators as methods of pest control. These treatments are specifically designed to provide effective results without harming the environment. 

Sustainable 

Eco-friendly pest control methods have a lower carbon footprint than their chemical counterparts. They won’t damage the ecosystem or contaminate the surrounding soil. These methods don’t kill indiscriminately and have a lower risk of harming plants, beneficial insects, or other animals. The sustainability of non-chemical pest control measures allows owners to effectively control pests using options that are typically plant-based or otherwise natural. 

Reduced Resistance 

With heavy or regular use of chemicals, pests can develop resistance. This makes those pest control methods less effective over time. In contrast, non-chemical methods have a low risk of resistance because they are made from natural sources. In turn, these methods may be useful for long-term results, particularly when used in conjunction with preventive measures like commercial or residential exclusion systems. These systems provide long-term, chemical-free barriers to prevent pests from entering protected areas. 

Effectiveness and Time-Consuming 

Non-chemical methods often take more time to achieve results. Using pest-proofing methods, setting human traps, and using biological or temperature controls can all lead to effective results. However, they typically take longer to control infestations and may require additional work, such as staff members who must check traps and relocate pests.  

Striking a Balance 

In an ideal world, non-chemical pest control would be enough to solve every problem, but that isn’t always the case. Chemicals aren’t always the answer, but sometimes they must be used to eradicate the problem at hand. What’s the solution? As with so many things in life, balance is the key to achieving successful, safe pest control. Routine monitoring, like the coverage achieved with Catseye’s premium home protection, combined with a balanced approach to pest control using integrated pest management can offer a win-win proposition.  

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) 

IPM is a science-based approach to pest control that is designed to offer a sustainable solution. It combines various approaches, including physical, biological, cultural, and chemical approaches. IPM strategies provide a way to effectively control pests while reducing risks to the environment and the health of people and animals. It features a multi-step process that relies on sound decision-making along the way to achieve the best results with the least amount of harm. 

For example, Cat-Guard Exclusion Systems provide a chemical-free IPM approach. This permanent, rigid barrier prevents pests from entering protected areas. Additionally, preventive measures such as environmental modifications, like removing debris piles and standing water, also provide effective non-chemical pest control.  

Eco-Friendly Chemicals 

Manufacturers have made great strides in creating environmentally friendly pesticides with lower toxicity levels and improved targeting. Pest control technicians use these chemicals as a last resort to achieve the necessary control, using careful techniques to ensure minimal harm to the environment and its inhabitants.  

The Catseye Difference 

All Catseye pest professionals are certified and licensed by the state to perform their services. Every member of the team follows robust safety and effectiveness protocols. This allows us to ensure your pest problems are solved while keeping people and pets safe. Many of our technicians pursue and obtain higher licensing to ensure Catseye remains the Best of the Best. 

Our certified technicians undergo thorough training from our in-house entomologist. They also attend training sessions led by industry experts, complete online courses, and partake in hands-on instruction in the field. Additionally, Catseye is committed to ongoing education. We host monthly training events in a classroom setting and our service management conducts regular one-the-job training and coaching. 

Catseye’s balanced approach is so effective because we customize our treatment strategies to each individual property and situation. Every treatment begins with a detailed inspection of the property, including: 

• Assessing conditions 
• Evaluating contributing factors 
• Determining the location of current pests 
• Applying a deep understanding of species behaviors and pest contributors 

Our technicians never spray indiscriminately. We work to remove environmental contributors and apply preventive measures in addition to localizing necessary treatments to ensure safety and effectiveness. 

Schedule an Inspection with Pest Control Experts You Can Rely On 

Chemical pest control has come a long way, as have non-chemical options. Ultimately, every pest infestation is unique and requires tailored treatment plans. Many situations require knowledgeable professionals to determine the best possible treatment options. Catseye approaches every property and situation with a combination of concern for safety and the use of environmentally friendly solutions.  

It all begins with a thorough, free inspection to determine what pests are infesting the area, how they are entering the premises, and other relevant details. Schedule your free inspection today or call us at 888-292-6894 to learn more.  

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Decorating homes and gifts with tiny sprigs of holly leaves and berries dates back to the Roman holiday of Saturnalia, the festival honoring Saturn at the time of the winter solstice. Saturn, the god of agriculture, abundance, and renewal reassured Romans that the darkness of the winter season would be followed by yet another year of light, prosperity, and plenty. And as we decorate our homes and gifts with holly, Mother Nature’s bounty of beautiful bright red berries on the holly tree attract many fascinating feathered friends such as mocking birds, blue jays, and cardinals to a winter feast. The berries provide a nutritious meal and, in return, the birds distribute the holly to new places by depositing seeds in their droppings.

Recently, while photographing a gorgeous native holly, I spotted several holly berries distinctly green rather than scarlet red. Inside these fruits were tiny yellow maggots, larvae of the holly berry midge. In the spring when hollies were in bloom, the adult holly berry midge, a small mosquito-like fly, deposited eggs into the developing fruit of holly. These eggs hatched into larvae that fed within the berry. During the past growing season, the maggots consumed tissue of the fleshy fruit. In winter, larval development slows, but when the warmth of spring returns, these maggots complete development and become pupae from which emerge small midges that mate and deposit eggs into the developing berries, thereby completing the cycle of life.

Inside the holly berry, tiny holly berry midge larvae consume juicy plant cells. At less than 2 mm in length it’s hard to tell which end is which. In this video the head end is to the left and the rear end is to the right. Next year tiny flies called midges will emerge from the berry.

For a small maggot, life in a holly berry is precarious. Its fate is tied to a red berry that advertises, “eat me” and hungry birds and squirrels happily oblige. These frugivores could literally eat the holly berry midge out of house and home. However, the larva of the holly berry midge has a clever trick to lessen its risks of disappearing down the gullet of a bird along with its fruity home. Berries infested by holly berry midge fail to turn red like normal holly berries do. The midge and an associated fungus prevent formation of bright red pigments by the berry. Infested berries remain green all winter. Through a series of detailed observations, researchers found that green holly berries were much less likely to be eaten by squirrels and birds than red berries on the same tree. By preventing the berry from turning red, holly berry midge has found a way to avoid the attention of fruit eating critters, thereby enhancing its chances for survival. So, as you deck your halls with boughs of holly, should you spy a green berry, you will understand why green is good for the cunning holly berry midge.

Bug of the Week is taking a Holiday break and will see you again in the New Year. Get ready to meet some interesting insects from the oldest rainforest on the planet in 2024. Have a wonderful Holiday Season and a joyous New Year!

 

 

Acknowledgements

We thank John Davidson for providing the inspiration and images for this week’s episode. The interesting references “Managing Insects and Mites on Woody Landscape Plants: an IPM Approach” by John Davidson and Michael Raupp, and “Selective Avoidance by Vertebrate Frugivores of Green Holly Berries Infested with a Cecidomyiid Fly (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae)” by Vera Krischik, Eric S. McCloud and John A. Davidson were used to prepare this episode.

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Bed bugs have made a major resurgence worldwide. Headlines detail outbreaks in Paris, Singapore, South Korea, and even the Tesla factory in South Buffalo, New York.  

Dealing with a bed bug infestation can be a real nightmare, but you don’t have to tackle the problem alone. Data from the National Pest Management Association suggests that 97% of United States pest control professionals have treated bed bugs within the past year. These tiny blood-sucking pests can be found practically anywhere, from single-family homes to hotels, schools, hospitals, and other locations. 

Their widespread prevalence makes it easy for one of these bugs to hitch a ride into your home. Bed bugs like to burrow into dark cracks and crevices, coming out at night to feed and causing itchy bites and sleepless nights.  

Many people in this situation wonder if a bed bug infestation is one that they can treat on their own or if they need to call for professional help. Let’s explore the benefits and drawbacks of DIY bed bug control and review some guidance from Catseye Pest Control to help you make an informed decision.  

Pros of Treating Bed Bugs Yourself 

It’s natural to think you may be able to handle the situation on your own. However, it’s a complex process, and your chances of success depend on many factors, including your ability to treat all infested areas. Regardless, DIY bed bug treatment does offer some advantages, including the following: 

Cost Effective 

In doing it yourself, you pay for the treatment but don’t have to spend any extra money for labor. You can go to your local home improvement store and find treatment options that suit your budget. DIY bed bug control typically costs an average of $100. However, that cost increases significantly with repeated treatments and prolonged infestations caused by ineffective treatment methods.  

Immediate Action 

No waiting is necessary. You won’t have to make an appointment or wait for a professional to schedule your service. With DIY bed bug control, you can start immediately after identifying the infestation and getting treatment materials.  

Privacy 

As their names imply, bed bugs often infest bedrooms. Wanting to maintain a measure of privacy, particularly when dealing with intimate spaces, is natural. Handling a bed bug infestation on your own avoids the issue and allows you to maintain your bedroom’s privacy. 

Cons of Treating Bed Bugs Yourself 

Despite some convincing benefits, several considerable disadvantages exist for going it alone. Let’s take a closer look at the downside. 

Limited Expertise 

Professional pest control technicians receive extensive training to help them identify pests, handle equipment, and provide innovative, effective pest control measures. As a homeowner, you likely don’t have any expertise in dealing with bed bugs, pesticides, or bed bug control techniques. Your limited expertise increases the risk that you miss something, meaning your efforts may not be effective in the long term. 

Risk of Spreading 

Bed bugs are very small and love to hide in out-of-the-way spots. The likelihood of eradicating all of them on your own is minimal. You may believe you have effectively treated bed bugs, but in fact, many over-the-counter pest control products repel bed bugs, causing them to spread to other areas of your home.  

Pesticide Resistance 

At one time, the pesticide DDT killed bed bugs. Today, these blood-sucking pests are resistant to DDT and can survive its use. Although DDT has been banned in the U.S. since 1972, it serves as a cautionary tale. Pests can develop mutations and pesticide resistance that homeowners and anyone not in the industry may not know about or understand. Additionally, frequently using large amounts of a pesticide can encourage future pesticide resistance. 

Reinfestation 

Taking all the necessary steps to eliminate bed bugs is critical. Not only can it help stop the spread, but it can also help reduce the odds of reinfestation. Females can lay up to 500 eggs during their lives. Miss just a few bugs, and you will be itching and scratching again before long. With professional treatment, monitoring is often part of the plan, allowing professionals to be proactive at the first signs of a reinfestation. 

Health and Safety Concerns 

Perhaps the most significant concern with DIY bed bug control is the potential for health issues. Handling dangerous chemicals is dangerous, particularly if you don’t know how to do so safely. Used improperly, hazardous materials can be released into the air, putting yourself and your loved ones at risk.  

Guidelines for DIY Bed Bug Treatment 

If you decide to try bed bug control on your own, it’s essential that you follow some basic guidelines. Doing so can help increase the odds of eliminating all live bugs and eggs.  

Notify Everyone Involved 

If you live in a multi-family home or an apartment, contact your landlord and talk to your neighbors. If you live in a single-family home, talk to everyone living there and inspect all living spaces.  

Create a Plan 

Build a detailed plan to help guide you. Note the dates and any locations where you find bed bugs, which can help you track them later as you monitor the effectiveness of your DIY treatment.  

Prevent the Spread 

Remove all bedding, curtains, clothing, and stuffed animals and place them in sealed plastic bags. Wash everything you can with hot, soapy water. Dry items that can be placed in the dryer for at least 30 minutes using the hottest setting. 

Vacuum and Treat 

Vacuuming can help contain smaller bed bug infestations. It’s essential to use a vacuum with disposable bags that can be sealed and disposed of outside the home. Vacuum every crack and crevice, including the seams in mattresses and furniture, behind wall hangings, and along baseboards and molding. 

Inspect, Inspect, and Inspect Again 

Perform routine inspections every few days to look for evidence of live bugs or eggs. Repeat vacuuming and treatment as needed. Continue inspections for up to a year to ensure you have completely eliminated the problem.  

Know When it’s Time to Consult a Professional 

The longer a bed bug infestation is left unsuccessfully treated, the worse it gets and the more involved the treatment measures need to be. If you do decide to try your hand at effective pest control measures, knowing when to call in the pros is critical. Some of the signs that it’s time to seek professional help include the following: 

A Resurgence in Bed Bugs 

If you think you eliminated the problem and then find more bed bugs afterward, the infestation is likely more widespread than you know. You may not have treated the root problem, or you may have inadvertently spread the infestation.  

You Have Health and Safety Concerns 

Whether you’re worried for yourself, your family, or your pets, health and safety is mission critical in the home. Additionally, although bed bugs aren’t poisonous, they can trigger allergic responses and become an itchy nuisance. Professionals can offer a guarantee for their work, ensuring your home’s health will be back in tip-top shape sooner rather than later.  

The Infestation Is Large-Scale 

A sickly-sweet odor often accompanies large infestations. If you catch the scent or you notice bed bug activity in multiple rooms, the scope of the project will be too large for any DIY measures to handle.  

Contact Catseye to Learn More  

Catseye has decades of experience and an unparalleled commitment to providing the utmost customer service. With our innovative treatments that prioritize safety while offering maximum effectiveness, we are the go-to solution for bed bugs in the region. Learn more about our effective pest control measures or schedule an inspection to get started. Contact us today.  

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Holly trees play a significant role in the beliefs and traditions of the season. To the Romans, hollies were the trees of the god Saturn and wreaths of holly were given as gifts during his holiday, Saturnalia. In Celtic legends, the evergreen hollies with their beautiful red berries announced the triumph of the Holly King during winter over the Oak King, who ruled the forest with his green leaves in summer. For Christians, the pointed leaves of holly are associated with the crown of thorns worn by Jesus and bright red holly berries symbolize drops of his blood. For a bug guy, this is the season to marvel at a pair of fascinating flies whose lives are intimately tied to our stunning native holly.

On my neighbor’s beautiful American holly, red fruits intermingle with deep green leaves. Some leaves have unusual sinuous trails on their surface. Within the trails are the larvae of small flies, the young of the native holly leafminer. Back in the warmth of spring the adult stage of native holly leafminer, a small black fly, pierced the holly leaf with a structure on the tip of its abdomen called an ovipositor. This egg-laying appendage was then used to deposit an egg through the tough leaf surface into the soft tissue beneath. Upon hatching, the tiny larva consumed nutritious cells of the holly leaf and snaked its way through the leaf, enlarging the trail as it grew. In the dead of winter the larva rests, but on warm days during winter and early spring, the leafminer will continue to feed until it completes development and forms a pupa in spring. Before the larva changes into a pupa, it cuts a small window in the surface of the leaf to enable the adult fly to escape.

See the tiny yellow leafminer larva near the tip of the forceps on the inside layer of leaf epidermis. As it feeds within the leaf, it creates a snake-like serpentine mine.

The emergence of the adult fly is timed to coincide with the appearance of tender new holly leaves in spring. In addition to laying eggs, the female holly leafminer uses her sharp ovipositor to poke holes in the leaf’s surface. These small holes exude droplets of sap thereby providing a source of food for the hungry female. Leaves with many feeding holes are often curled or puckered. A horticulturalist once told me that these holes were caused by holly leaves with sharp spines bumping into one another, but now we know differently. As you gather holly sprigs to decorate your home, don’t worry if a leaf or two bears the serpentine signature of the native holly leafminer. They will not emerge in your home.

Spoiler Alert: Get ready for one more story about a fascinating fly found on holly in next week’s episode. 

Acknowledgements

We thank John Davidson for providing the inspiration and images for this week’s episode. The interesting references “Population regulation of the native holly leafminer, Phytomyza ilicicola Loew (Diptera: Agromyzidae), on American holly” by Daniel A. Potter, and “Seasonal allocation of defense investment in Ilex opaca Ation and constraints on a specialist leafminer” by D.A. Potter and T.W. Kimmerer, and the book “Managing Insects and Mites on Woody Landscape Plants by John Davidson and Michael Raupp” were used to prepare this episode.

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In forests and landscapes here in the DMV, exceptionally humongous crops of acorns were produced by several species of red and white oaks this autumn. These large acorn crops occur periodically and in many types of plants such uber-productive seasons are called mast years. The exact climatic conditions underlying a mast year are not yet fully understood, but what is well-known is the fact that eaters of acorns including small and large mammals such as chipmunks, squirrels, deer, and bears, and many species of birds such as turkeys, quail, blue jays, and woodpeckers enjoy an autumnal food bounty when oaks go into acorn overdrive. Do any insects take advantage of this bounty? You bet! Enter the amazing acorn weevil. 

The backstory to this episode begins with Stephanie, collector of native plant seeds, who was on a mission to gather seeds of our native pin oak tree. Soon after the acorns were collected, dozens of creamy, white, legless grubs appeared in the bottom of the collecting bag. At first glance this seemed like some incarnation of spontaneous generation – the appearance of life from non-life. However, on closer inspection, tiny, perfectly circular holes were visible on the hulls of many of the acorns. This was the work of the acorn weevil. Acorn weevils are remarkable creatures noted for their exceptionally long snouts. At the tip of the snout, or proboscis, are jaws that a female weevil uses to cut a hole in the husk of the developing acorn while it is still attached to a branch in the treetop. Into this hole, she deposits eggs that hatch and release tiny grubs which eat the nutritious meat of the acorn. In autumn, when the acorns drop to the ground, fully grown larvae chew small holes in the husk to escape their oaken nursery. They enter the soil and burrow several inches underground to pupate. They may remain in the soil for several years before emerging as adults in spring, with the return of leaves to the oak and the production of a new crop of acorns. Weevils emerge from the soil and climb to the canopy of the tree to feed and deposit a new batch of eggs. 

Periodically oak trees produce amazing crops of acorns in seasons called mast years. In addition to many birds and mammals, beetles called acorn weevils take advantage of the bounty. Female weevils deposit eggs inside acorns which hatch into larvae called grubs. Grubs develop during summer and escape in autumn through exit holes and enter the soil to pupate. A year or more later they emerge as adults and using jaws at the tips of their ridiculously long snouts cut holes in acorns, where the next batch of eggs are laid.

To observe these remarkable insects first hand, simply go outdoors to your favorite oak and collect a batch of acorns. According to one account, if you place these acorns in a container such as a pitcher or cooking pot filled with several inches of water and the acorns sink, they are usually intact and unlikely to be infested. Acorns that float have airspace within and are likely to contain weevil grubs or other interesting bugs. Crack a few of these open and observe the grubs inside. If you are really ambitious and desire a glimpse of the bodacious adults, you might try placing infested acorns in a pot with several inches of soil. This will provide grubs with the necessary habitat to complete their circle of life. The pots can be placed outdoors to expose the grubs to natural conditions of temperature and rainfall. Cover the pot with a bit of netting and, who knows, in a few years you may actually capture some fantastic beetles with schnozzolas so enormous, they would make Jimmy Durante jealous, ha cha cha cha.  

Acknowledgements 

Bug of the Week gives special thanks to Stephanie for providing the specimens and inspiration for this week’s story. The interesting article “The overwintering biology of the acorn weevil, Curculio glandium, in southwestern Ontario” by Hiroko Udaka and Brent J Sinclair was consulted for this episode. 

To learn more about acorn weevils, please visit the following websites: 

https://www.uky.edu/Ag/Entomology/ythfacts/allyr/yf804.htm 

https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/acorn-weevil

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