For every human on this planet, there are approximately 2.5 million ants. Recent research revealed that the global ant population is 20 quadrillion — possibly more.  

With that kind of number, it’s little wonder that these small, industrious, important members of the ecosystem also routinely top lists of common household pests. The National Pest Management Association reports that infestations of carpenter, odorous house, and pavement ants are among the most common. Infestations occur everywhere, including single-family homes, apartments, office buildings, restaurants, hospitals, and more.  

Dealing with ants can be very frustrating, and it’s essential to approach ant control with care and caution. Although it’s natural to consider DIY ant control for a fast fix, these methods often open the door to more problems while failing to eliminate the ants.  

Let’s explore ant removal and control methods to better understand all the available options and the pros and cons of each one.  

The Risks of DIY Ant Control 

On the plus side, DIY ant control methods like ant baits and insect sprays are readily available and relatively inexpensive. However, although these methods may appear to be a cost-effective and easy solution to the problem at hand, DIY ant control is rarely effective. Not only will you most likely not eliminate the infestation, but you will expose yourself, family members, and pets to potentially dangerous chemicals.  

DIY Methods Rarely Solve the Problem 

You may see short-term ant control after spraying an insecticide, but once the product wears off, the pests often return. Chemical products can be too weak or too harsh to safely eliminate the problem. You could still have an ant infestation, even after risking poisoning people or pets with the chemicals in DIY pest control products.  

When you try to deal with an ant infestation on your own, you are only addressing the ants you see. These options do little to get to the root of the infestation, which can eventually lead to large, expanding colonies and property damage. 

Ant Bait Must Be Carefully Tailored to the Ant Species 

Additionally, it’s important to note that different ants require different treatments. For example, if you are using ant baits, odorous house ants prefer baits that are sweet, while other ants prefer protein or grease-based baits. Likewise, fast-killing baits may work too quickly to eradicate the entire colony. Not using enough bait is equally problematic because it only kills a portion of the ants, allowing the rest of the colony to continue to grow.  

DIY Ant Control Relies on Harsh Chemicals 

Even if you are not using bait stations, you are likely turning to cans of ant-killing sprays that contain potentially hazardous chemicals. These products can cause irritation of the skin and eyes, respiratory problems, and allergic reactions. Inadvertently swallowing or inhaling these chemicals can be harmful, which is why following label directions is essential. Trusting the application process to licensed professionals helps ensure that it is done safely and effectively. 

Benefits of Professional Ant Control  

Using DIY ant control methods rarely eliminates ant infestations at the source and poses potential hazards to people and property. That’s why Catseye Pest Control recommends leaving ant control to the professionals. Licensed, trained technicians can mitigate the risks while providing thorough, effective ant removal and preventing future infestations.  

Experts Can Tailor the Treatment to the Species of Ant Invading Your Space  

Not every treatment option works for every type of ant. That’s one of the major failings of DIY options. Professionals, on the other hand, have the education and expertise to identify the ant species infesting your home or business and provide appropriate treatments.  

Professionals Safeguard Your Health and Well-Being 

Catseye’s technicians are highly trained and educated on safety and the proper use of all pesticides and other ant control strategies. Pros can advise you on if and how long you and any other people and pets should avoid treatment areas, and they use commercial-grade equipment to eradicate infestations safely.  

You Will Save Money in the Long Run 

At first glance, DIY products seem like the most budget-friendly option — until you factor in the ineffective performance and possible health risks. Many people use sprays, baits, and natural DIY treatments first, only to end up calling for professional help anyway. By that point, the infestation has often grown significantly, requiring more extensive services.  

Catseye Pest Control’s Approach to Ant Control  

At Catseye, we do things a little bit differently. We are dedicated to not only meeting, but exceeding our customers’ expectations, starting with our free inspections and customized treatment plans. Our approach to ant control starts with a thorough inspection to locate the colony, identify the ants, and decide on the optimal treatment strategy. We inject the nests to flush them out, add bait treatments when appropriate, provide spot treatments, and repair damage as needed.  

When to Call a Professional  

Ideally, you should call a professional as soon as you realize you have an infestation. If you try DIY methods and don’t get results within a week or you notice ants returning, it’s time to call a pro. So much more goes into eradicating and controlling ant colonies than simply spraying the ants you see. A professional will provide safe, effective treatment that gets lasting results.  

Don’t Risk DIY Ant Control, Contact Catseye to Get Rid of Ants Permanently 

DIY methods for ant removal and control may seem like they are inexpensive and easy, but they don’t get to the source of the infestation, allowing the colony to continue growing. When you work with Catseye, you will enjoy long-term results and cost savings. You also enjoy the peace of mind that only comes from knowing your home is protected from ants and other pests, including rodents and nuisance wildlife.  

Contact us today to learn more about our ant control services or to schedule your free inspection.  

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This week we turn to the Bug of the Week mailbag to explore why some folks are seeing more spotted lanternflies (SLF) around their homes and in their landscapes.

Reason 1. Since first detected in the US almost a decade ago, SLF has made an astounding range expansion from their entry point in Berks County, Pennsylvania to Huntington County, Indiana more than 580 miles away. This feat was not accomplished on their own. SLF are believed to move only a matter of several miles by walking, hopping, and flying. Nope, these vagabonds are super stowaways and heinous hitch hikers, moving as eggs, nymphs, and adults on vehicles, lawn furniture, plants, and other natural and human-made objects. Here in the DMV and adjacent states like Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, they made beachheads and rapidly colonized several counties. All counties in New Jersey and Delaware house breeding populations, with Maryland not far behind. Larger states like Pennsylvania and Virginia still have uninfested counties but one look at Figure 1 suggests that these states are trending toward full saturation. Bug of the Week’s outdoor SLF tracking site near Antietam Battlefield in Maryland discovered a couple dozen SLF adults in 2022. Last week hundreds of adults festooned branches and trunks of trees. Dramatic population explosions are underway in several landscapes in the DMV and in some 14 states in eastern North America with new detections of infestations being reported on a weekly basis. So yes, due to range expansion there are indeed more lanternflies to be seen today in the US than there were just a few years ago.

Reason 2. The second and perhaps more salient reason why there seem to be more SLF has to do with their seasonal phenology, that is the regular progression of development, survival, and activity throughout the year. In a previous episode in early May, we met tiny SLF nymphs as they hatched from eggs that survived winter’s onslaughts. Shortly after hatch, active feeding stages of spotted lanternfly were at their peak. Since early May, local populations of SLF dramatically declined as lethal weather events like cold and rain, murderous predators like spiders, mantises, and assassin bugs, diseases caused by fungi, and pesticide applications have taken their toll. The illusion that there are now more SLF than there were a few months ago has two explanations. First and foremost is the fact that adult SLF are roughly 10 times larger in size than tiny hatchling nymphs. Bigger bugs are easier to see. Second, these adult rascals are on the move, taking wing and winding up on the side of a house, on a sidewalk, lawn chair, or favored tree. While young, SLF nymphs feed on a wide variety of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants, more than 70 species of host plants are known. Nymphs are widely distributed in the landscape. Adults are most frequently found on a smaller sample of trees with invasive tree of heaven high on the list, and maples, walnuts, and a few others also commonly mobbed. Highly mobile adults and hordes of sap-sucking adults create a mien of many more lanternflies.

As we enter the period of adult migration, feeding, honeydew production, grape vine ravaging, and general annoyance, people will be wondering what to do. One popular and highly touted tactic is to do a little tap dance on SLF adults stranded on sidewalks or on the ground. The logic here is that every other SLF killed will be one less to lay eggs. Oh, every other bug because only females lay eggs and the sex ratio is likely 50:50, get it? Unfortunately, in the early stages of the SLF invasion, some 1.5 million SLF were killed by noble volunteers in Berks and nearby counties, yet these scoundrels managed to spread to surrounding counties and states more than 500 miles away. The contribution of stomping and squishing to reductions in SLF populations remains a mystery. Nonetheless, as Sheryl Crow opined, “if it makes you happy, it can’t be that bad”, so squish away if it makes you happy.

In April and May when millions of spotted lanternflies hatched, this year’s crop of lanternflies was at its zenith. As tiny black and white nymphs dispersed, they fed on myriad herbaceous and woody plants. Their colors changed from black and white to red, black, and white as they developed. Their numbers dramatically declined as weather, beneficial insects and diseases, and human interventions took their toll. Although fewer survived, when large adults gather to feed on favored trees or land on humans and buildings, their presence will be observed by more people. Many will perish on sidewalks and roads beneath the tires of vehicles and feet of humans.

What’s the bright spot here? Well, my tree care guys, certified arborists near ground zero in Pennsylvania, report that SLF populations have declined noticeably since the early years of the invasion in the late 20-teens. How so? Well, the aforementioned push-back by Mother Nature’s hit squad of predators, parasitoids, and pathogens coupled with host plant removal and highly efficacious and well-timed insecticide applications all help mitigate problems created by SLF. Quarantines enacted by several states appear to be slowing the spread of SLF on a regional scale. Let’s hope that the combined efforts of Mother Nature and clever humans can help keep this nocent invader at bay.

Acknowledgements

Bug of the Week thanks members of the Penn-Dell and Mid-Atlantic chapters of the International Society of Arboriculture for providing the inspiration for this episode and Dr. Shrewsbury for spotting and wrangling spotted lanternflies. We acknowledge the great work of scientists contributing to our knowledge of this pest with particular thanks to authors of articles and aforementioned websites used as references, including “Perspective: shedding light on spotted lanternfly impacts in the USA” by Julie M. Urban, “Dispersal of Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) Nymphs Through Contiguous, Deciduous Forest” by Joseph A. Keller, Anne E. Johnson, Osariyekemwen Uyi, Sarah Wurzbacher, David Long, and Kelli Hoover, “The Establishment Risk of Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) in the United States and Globally” by Tewodros T. Wakie, Lisa G. Neven, Wee L. Yee, and Zhaozhi Lu, and “Applications of Beauveria bassiana (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) to Control Populations of Spotted Lanternfly (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), in Semi-Natural Landscapes and on Grapevines” by Eric H. Clifton, Ann E. Hajek, Nina E. Jenkins, Richard T. Roush, John P. Rost, and David J. Biddinger. Thanks to Brian Eshenaur and the entire team at the New York State Integrated Pest Management Program of Cornell University for providing the updated maps of spotted lanternfly in the US.

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A few years ago, we met the remarkable caterpillar of the Imperial moth as it meandered along the scenic C & O canal trail near Sharpsburg, Maryland. We learned about the dramatic, disturbing decline of Imperial moths and other members of the silk moth clan including Royal Walnut moths and Cecropia moths in New England where populations of these gorgeous giants have been extirpated in several locations. There is growing evidence from around the world that several human related activities, including habitat destruction, agricultural intensification, pesticides, invasive alien species, climate change, and other factors acting independently and in concert contribute to these declines. Disappearances of several species of moths in New England are linked to parasitoid flies imported decades ago to help control dastardly gypsy moth caterpillars. Sadly, they also attack and kill several species of native moths, including some of our giants.

In late summer and early autumn, Imperial moth caterpillars depart their lofty feeding grounds in the canopies of trees. After a perilous journey across human-made structures like pathways and roads, they reach the safety of soil where they will disappear underground to form pupal chambers. With the return of warm weather and foliage on trees, beautiful adult moths will emerge from the earth to mate and deposit eggs on leaves.

Another factor linked to the decline of large, nocturnally active moths is sky brightness caused by artificial lights. High intensity street lamps and security lights on the outside of buildings are extremely attractive to night-flying moths. Many insects use distant light sources such as the moon and stars to navigate the nighttime skies. “Near” light sources, lights illuminating buildings and streets, disrupt the ancient navigation systems evolved over eons by nocturnal flyers. Rather than flying in one direction, they spiral inward to near light sources. As insects collect around these artificial illuminators, they may be exposed to predators, which pick-off moths and other night fliers. Next time you visit a nighttime sporting event in the summertime at a field illuminated by high intensity lights, check out the massive swarms of insects attracted to the lights. Don’t be surprised to see bats swooping in and out of the milieu for easy meals. Artificial lights also may disrupt other vital activities of nocturnal insects such as locating mates and finding correct places to deposit eggs.

Circling back to the raison d’etre for this episode was an encounter with a lovely but imperiled Imperial moth.  While stopping at a local coffee shop on a recent trip to Selbyville, Delaware, I spied a very cool Imperial moth woefully out of place. Beneath a high intensity light, clinging to the leg of a black plastic chair, an Imperial moth (gender undetermined) quaked in a morning breeze. While photographing the moth, a pair of caffeinated tourists stopped to see what all the fuss was about. Having pointed out the moth, out came the iPhones for a photoshoot and moth love fest. After agreeing on the moth’s beauty, they departed with the comment of how lucky they were to have seen the moth. Well, perhaps bringing nature to a parking lot where it can by witnessed by humans is reason enough for high intensity lights on buildings, but maybe this is not so good for moths.

High intensity security lights like one above this door attract many night-flying insects. Beneath the light, on the leg of a plastic lawn chair, a beautiful Imperial moth quivered in the morning breeze. Is it likely that a mate will be found in this alien environment? Not so much, but an inattentive footfall could bring an end to this pretty creature. The moth was rescued and released in a sweet gum grove far from artificial lights.  

How can we reduce problems associated with artificial light pollution? Scientists list a few things we all can do to help. Use motion detectors to activate outdoor lights whenever possible, instead of using lights that burn all night. Use directional covers above or around lights to illuminate only places that need light. Yellow colored lights attract fewer moths than white or blue lights (other species of insects may differ in their responses), so use longer wavelengths if you can. Scientists also recommend reducing the amount of artificial light in rural areas to help reverse losses of night-flying moths in these less human-altered landscapes. But the best piece of advice is to simply shut off lights at times and in places when they are not necessary.

What of the Imperial moth marooned on a chair near a coffee shop? Well, the chance of finding a mate on the leg of a plastic chair seemed infinitesimally smaller than that of being inadvertently trampled by a caffeinated tourist. Yes, we did violate the Non-Interference Directive of Starfleet. The moth was gently collected, placed in an elegant bug cage, one fit for royalty, transported to a grove of sweet gum trees far, far from a streetlight, and released. Good luck majestic moth.

Acknowledgements

Bug of the Week thanks Peter and Whitney of the Moth Project for inspiring this episode and Dr. Shrewsbury for photographing and wrangling the star of this story. Several great reads on giant silk moths and artificial light pollution include the following: “Light pollution is a driver of insect declines” by Avalon C.S. Owens,  Précillia Cochard, Joanna Durrant, Bridgette Farnworth, Elizabeth K. Perkin, and Brett Seymoure, “A window to the world of global insect declines: Moth biodiversity trends are complex and heterogeneous” by David L. Wagner, Richard Fox, Danielle M. Salcido, and Lee A. Dyer, “Declines in moth populations stress the need for conserving dark nights” by Frank van Langevelde, Marijke Braamburg-Annegarn, Martinus E. Huigens, Rob Groendijk, Olivier Poitevin, Jurriën R. van Deijk, Willem N. Ellis, Roy H. A. van Grunsven, Rob de Vos, Rutger A. Vos, Markus Franzén, and Michiel F. Wallis DeVries, and “The Devastating Role of Light Pollution in the ‘Insect Apocalypse’” by Jason Daley.

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Are you considering joining the 400,000 American households that have pet rodents? Perhaps you’re concerned that having a pet rat might attract unwanted wild rats or that having pet mice could lead to a rodent infestation.  

The good news is the assertion that pet rodents will attract other rodents into your home is a myth, with no scientific studies backing up this suggestion. In fact, the American Veterinary Medicine Association points out that rodents can make excellent pets. Some are solitary, while others are social. Some are calm, while others enjoy much more activity, making it easy to find a pet rodent that matches your lifestyle.  

Having a pet rodent doesn’t attract other rodents from outdoors or increase the risk of an infestation. However, if you don’t clean up after yourself and your pet, it can open your home up to the risk of an invasion of other rodents and pests.  

Will My Pet Rat Attract Rodents?  

Research suggests that mice and rats leave scent trails, which are pheromone-laden scents that provide a path for others to follow. At first, you might think that this suggests rodents will be attracted to the scent of your pet and find their way indoors. However, when you consider typical rodent behavior, it becomes apparent that the risk of this happening is quite low. Rodents tend to be social but only within their social circles.  

So, the risk of your pet rat attracting other rodents to enter is minimal based on scent alone. However, scavenging rodents can easily be attracted to the food inside your pet’s cage and all the other typical things that attract them. It’s critical to keep the cage and your home clean at all times to ensure crumbs and other matter left by your pet don’t serve as a lure.  

Keep in mind that mice, rats, and other rodents can squeeze into tiny openings and are often searching for items to satisfy their needs, such as: 

• Shelter: Wild rodents often come into human spaces in search of warm, safe places to nest. They often gnaw through insulation, wood, and wires along the way. 
• Food and water: Mice and rats aren’t picky about what they eat. Crumbs, unsecured garbage, pet food, birdseed, and easy sources of water like pet water bowls and dripping pipes can draw their attention.  
• Compost: Your compost pile and even waste from other pets can attract rodents to your home or garden.  
• Plants: Indoor plants, particularly fruit trees that provide a food source, can also attract rodents. Additionally, large potted plants may offer an easy source of shelter.  
• Access: Rodents can squeeze through small cracks and openings. If they find access along the foundation, roof soffits, vents, and other spots, they will enter. 

What Can I Do to Keep Other Rodents Out? 

Pet rodents can create an environment that is conducive to attracting other rodents. Like wild rodents, pets can be quite messy, littering whatever space is available to them with crumbs and food waste. Keeping your pet’s cage clean is essential, but it’s not the only way to protect your home.  

Secure All Food Sources  

Rats and mice can chew right through cardboard and thin plastic wrappers. They also are known to scavenge in pet food bowls, bird feeders, and anywhere with crumbs. Storing all your food items in plastic, glass, or metal containers can help keep rodents out. Likewise, ensure all garbage is securely bagged and kept in receptacles with tight-fitting lids to keep hungry wild rodents out. 

Clean, Sanitize, and Check for Leaks 

Although rodents can also infest clean spaces, decluttering, keeping surfaces clear of crumbs, and regularly cleaning indoor spaces can help minimize the risk. Additionally, routinely checking indoor and outdoor areas for leaks can help avoid further damage while preventing wild rodents from finding a water source.  

Keep Outdoor Spaces Mowed and Tidy 

What you do outside can make a significant impact on whether rodents infest indoor spaces. Keep the lawn neatly mowed, trim all overgrown vegetation, and remove debris. Additionally, avoid storing firewood against the house. Clean up after all pets and keep compost in secure containers to reduce the temptation for rodents and other pests. 

Seal Off Openings 

Perhaps the most critical thing you can do to keep other rodents out of your home and prevent infestations is sealing openings. Mice and rats can enter gaps as small as the width of a pencil. Inspect the interior and exterior of the home to seal off potential entryways. Examples include spaces around pipes, dryer and air vents, floor drains, utility lines, fireplaces, and roof lines.  

Likewise, look for gaps and cracks around doors and windows, behind appliances, and in crawlspaces and attics. Fill holes with steel wool and caulk over them. Other materials you could use include cement, metal sheeting, and lath screens.  

Better yet, invest in an exclusion system. Cat-Guard Exclusion Systems provide a safe, humane, permanent barrier for targeted protection. These three chemical-free systems can be used singularly or together to keep rodents and nuisance wildlife from entering vulnerable areas.  

Keep Your Home Safe and Free of Other Rodents with Catseye Pest Control 

Even after taking careful precautions, it’s possible for wild rodents to enter your home. When rodents invade, turn to the professionals at Catseye for prompt removal and preventive measures. Our trained technicians will help keep you, your family, and your pet rodents safe and healthy while eliminating the infestation. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a free inspection.  

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This week we leave the world of worms and return to the realm of six-legged creatures. Back in mid-July, an inquisitive mathematics teacher shared an image of a striking large green scarab beetle groveling in a bare patch of soil. On recon to the property, I was amazed to see scores of large bumble bee–like fliers zooming just above the surface of the turf. Occasionally one of the fliers would dive-bomb into the grass. After examining one such crash site, I realized these were not demented bumble bees, rather they were very large scarab beetles known as Green June Beetles. The flight patterns and buzzing sounds of Green June Beetle adults are strongly reminiscent of large bumble bees. Perhaps, these behaviors are a clever way to ward off would-be predators that learned not to mess with large buzzing, stinging insects. 

At first glance, this backyard appears perilously infested with large swarming insects that just might sting. On closer inspection, these aerial acrobats turned out to be harmless Green June Beetles. They love to eat fresh fruit. This one took a break from its antics to enjoy a sweet cherry I placed in the lawn.

While most beetles spread their hard outer wings to fly, Green June beetle and their kin simply lift their hardened outer wings, expand membranous hind wings, and take off. Male beetles zoom in the morning as they search for mates. Females also fly low as they search for suitable places to deposit eggs in the soil. Once the female locates a favorable spot, she burrows several inches into the earth, makes a large sticky ball of soil and proteinaceous goop (technical term), and deposits eggs in it. Eggs hatch in a few days into small C-shaped white grubs. During the day the white grubs rest in a burrow underground, but at night they move to the surface of the earth to eat decaying organic matter. 

Watch as green June beetles take flight first at full speed and then slowed by 95%. See the unusual position of the wings where hard outer wings remain closed and membranous hind wings extend outward and are used for flight.

These unusually large grubs have an equally unusual mode of getting from place to place. Although Green June Beetle grubs have well developed legs on their thorax, legs are not the primary mode of locomotion when they rise from the earth. These wiggly critters have a series of stout hairs on the upper surface of their back. To move above ground, the grub rolls on its back and with peristaltic motions it wriggles across the surface of the ground. The stout dorsal hairs contact the substrate and provide ample traction for surprisingly rapid movement. 

Using a backstroke even Michael Phelps would admire, a Green June Beetle larva races across my patio.

Soils with organic mulches and farm fields that receive applications of manure are highly attractive to the egg-laying females and may be loaded with grubs. The lawn which inspired this episode receives liberal nutrient subsidies from the household pooch and trespassing deer. Unlike their more destructive relatives, Japanese beetles, Asiatic Garden Beetles, and Oriental Beetles, Green June Beetles are not serious pests of roses, lindens, or other plants. The burrowing activity of grubs causes problems on highly managed turf in golf courses. Their primary foods are thin-skinned fruits such as berries and grapes. I have also observed several adults congregating on a wounded tree to slurp fermenting exudates. Fresh fruit and fermenting beverages sound just fine on a hot summer’s day. These Green June Beetles just may be a bit smarter than we think. 

Acknowledgements 

We thank Chris Millward for sharing the image of the Green June Beetle that inspired this episode. Information for this Bug of the Week came from Daniel Potter’s excellent reference book “Destructive Turfgrass Pests”, and the interesting article “Mimicry of Hymenoptera by Beetles with Unconventional Flight” by R.E. Silberglied and T. Eisner.

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Spring, summer, and autumn are gorgeous seasons, ideal for spending time outdoors enjoying fresh air, sunshine, and moderate to warm temperatures. Unfortunately, these same seasons also usher in the increased risk of encountering certain pests, including hornets and wasps.  

These stinging insects can be a real pain, both literally and figuratively. Some species of hornets and wasps are aggressive, stinging humans and other animals without being provoked. Less aggressive species will still attack when they feel threatened or if the nest is threatened. Even worse, many are social wasps or hornets that release pheromones to alert others to come join in the action.  

Wasps and hornets send more than 500,000 people to the emergency room every year. With a single nest potentially containing as many as 15,000 insects, you should always approach these stinging insects with caution.  

So, what do you do if you find a nest? Spoiler alert: You don’t swat it or try DIY methods that could leave you facing an angry mob of insects. The safest, most effective option is to call for professional wasp nest removal and schedule preventive services to keep outdoor spaces free of hornets and wasps.  

What Does a Wasp Nest Look Like?  

Hornets and wasps build nests that look very similar with a paper-like exterior. Depending on the insect, nests may be round, umbrella-shaped, or oval.  

Hornet nests are typically gray or tan, with an outer covering, single entrance, and hexagonal-shaped combs inside. Hornets make their nests from wood pulp and saliva and tend to build larger nests with enough space to accommodate 200 to 400 hornets, on average.  

On the other hand, wasp nests are typically made of mud or a papery material and are usually smaller with enough space for approximately 25 insects. The color of the nests can range from golden to grayish brown.  

The National Pest Management Association recommends that businesses and homeowners provide frequent inspections in common nesting locations. Places to check include:  

• Under eaves or ceiling beams in barns, sheds, garages, and attics 
• Under porches and inside wall voids  
• On tree limbs, dense shrubbery, and overhangs 
• Under rocks, fallen limbs, or concrete slabs 
• Behind shutters, light fixtures, or mailboxes 
• Inside children’s toys, play sets, and grills  

How Can I Tell If It’s an Active Nest?  

Observing the nest is the best way to determine if it’s active or not. Watching for hornets or wasps flying in or out of the nest during the day or early evening can help you determine if it’s an old nest or a new problem that needs to be handled. You may also be able to tell based on the size of the nest and the time of year. Wasps and hornets don’t reuse their nests, so if you find a large one in spring or early summer, it’s probably a nest from the previous year.  

When Are Wasps Active?  

Wasps are typically active in spring, summer, and autumn, with late summer and autumn being peak seasons for activity. Hornet and wasp populations are usually highest toward the end of summer. Additionally, they often start preparing for the upcoming cold weather by scavenging for food at that time. 

It’s also notable that wasps and hornets tend to be active during the day when they head out of the nest to find food sources. At night, they usually remain inside the nest with minimal activity.  

What Should I Do If I Find a Wasp Nest?  

These pests are often feared for their painful stings, but they also play an essential role in the ecosystem. Hornets and wasps are effective pollinators that help keep plants and crops healthy and thriving. Many species also feed on other insects, which can provide natural control of plant-destroying pests. 

For that reason alone, many businesses and homeowners opt to leave nests they find alone and simply avoid them. However, others want or need to remove wasps and hornets from the premises to protect their pets and loved ones.  

At the end of the day, DIY methods like planting eucalyptus and spraying wasps with vinegar increase the risk of getting stung. Additionally, using the wrong products can have harmful effects on other insects, pets, and people. If you end up getting stung, the experience is not only painful but could trigger an allergic reaction.  

Professional wasp control and nest removal is the safest, most effective, and environmentally friendly option. Technicians identify the insects and provide tailored treatments. More importantly, pros have the education, techniques, and equipment needed to eliminate the risk to you and anyone else in the area. 

Professional Wasp Nest Removal and Control 

Catseye Pest Control can provide professional wasp nest removal, hornet and wasp control services, and preventive treatments. Keep your home or business safe while minimizing the risk that you or someone else on the property could get a nasty sting.  

Contact us today to schedule a free inspection.  

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Last week we met hammerhead worms as they slithered around a landscape preying on hapless earthworms and mildly terrorizing homeowners and their pets. This week we once again depart from our usual six-legged theme to meet another invader from Asia which is now a pariah in our gardens and natural landscapes. Despite not having legs, these snaky wigglers go by the name of jumping worms. Jumping worms are not close kin to hammerhead worms, which belong to the clan of repulsive creatures including liver flukes and tapeworms. Jumping worms are annelids, relatives of more familiar non-native earthworms like nightcrawlers, those large soil dwellers we gathered after a rainstorm to use for fish bait. One of the most common species of earthworm is the European nightcrawler, Lumbricus terrestris. Its deep vertical burrows help aerate soil, facilitating gas exchange for the roots of plants. Its burrowing behavior helps to reduce soil compaction and allows water to infiltrate soil, thereby giving plants critical raw material for photosynthesis. Waste products excreted by earthworms, called castings, are rich in nutrients vital to plants and act as a natural fertilizer, improving soil structure and fertility. 

If worms in your garden behave more like snakes than slowly moving nightcrawlers, it’s a good bet that they are jumping worms. Wrangling them for fish bait can be challenging. Watch as one begins to drop its tail, a clever trick called autotomy which may help it escape from predators.

But not all worms create deep burrows in soil. Nor do they feed on soil and organic material underground, facilitating a slow steady release of nutrients to plants. Some worms make their living on the surface of the soil in what is called the epigeic zone. This is the realm of jumping worms, and several species have invaded North America dating back to the 1800s. One species of jumping worm, Amynthas agrestis, has been in Maryland since the 1930’s. Jumping worms also seem to be spreading throughout our nation. A report in 2021 enumerated 15 states with jumping worms. A peek at the current jumping worm map in iNaturalist indicates their presence in more than three dozen states. Jumping worms are highly active and slither with rapid snake-like movements when plucked from the soil. When harassed by humans and presumable predators, they will drop their tail segments in a feat called autotomy. The missing tail can be regenerated by the worm. This may give a would-be predator an appeasement snack while allowing the rest of the worm to escape and live another day.

What threat do jumping worms pose? Their ability to rapidly breakdown leaf litter at the soil surface and their lack of creating burrows in the soil dramatically alters the composition and subsurface nutrient content of soil. Soil infested with jumping worms tends to be drier with a consistency similar to coffee grounds. This radically changes the diversity and composition of micro and macro-organisms that live in the soil. As a result, well-established associations of microbes, plants, and animals in our forests and managed landscapes are disrupted. Scientists suggest that these perturbations disfavor our native flora and fauna and open the door for invasions of non-native species. Management of these invaders mirrors that of other soil borne invaders, including hammerhead worms. Jumping worms move in soil and soil amendments including mulch, so prevention is the key. When purchasing mulch be sure it has been processed, meaning that it has been heated to a temperature that will kill all life stages of jumping worms. Unprocessed mulch purchased in bags or bulk can be placed in the sun for several days in their bags or covered with plastic sheets if purchased in bulk. Several days of temperatures of 105 Fahrenheit or better will kill the worms and “cocoons” that harbor their eggs. Soil on tools, pails, or footwear may also transport eggs from one location to another, as will movement of plants from infested soils. When you find these snaky devils in your soil, bag them and destroy them by whatever means is your pleasure and dispose of them in the garbage. Don’t trade plants with others if your flower beds are infested. Anglers may also unwittingly move jumping worms if they purchased worms commercially for fishing. Purchasing something with a name like Alabama Jumper or Georgia Jumper is asking for trouble. Even if you buy good old nightcrawlers, when you are done fishing and left with a Styrofoam cup of dirt, please don’t leave it on the riverbank. It may contain eggs of jumping worms. Put it in a sealed plastic bag if you can and dispose of it in a garbage can.

To learn more about jumping worms, please click on this link:  https://extension.umd.edu/resource/invasive-jumping-worms

Acknowledgements

We thank Deak and Sheri for sharing their jumping worms which served as the inspiration for this episode. Dr. Shrewsbury was the worm wrangler and provided lovely images of worms. Our thanks to her. “Invasive Jumping Worms That Violently Thrash If Handled Now in at Least 15 U.S. States” by  Jason Murdock, “ Invasive Jumping Worms” by Christa Carignan, and “Jumping/Crazy/Snake Worms – Amynthas spp.” by  Tawny Simisky and Dr. Olga Kostromytska where consulted to prepare this episode.

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Rhode Island is known for its hundreds of miles of New England coastline, fresh seafood, charming villages, vibrant art scenes, and miles of trails. From historic homes to bustling cities, “Little Rhody” has no shortage of things to do, see, and experience.  

Unfortunately, a diverse population of insects is among the list of things residents will experience. With various service locations in Rhode Island, Catseye Pest Control has first-hand experience with some of the unique insects that homeowners and businesses encounter. We also have the equipment and expertise needed to eliminate these common Rhode Island bugs.  

Ants  

Ants are the most common pest across the country, and Rhode Island is no exception. Fortunately, out of more than 12,000 species in existence, only about 25 typically infest homes and businesses. Two common ants that invade homes in Rhode Island include carpenter and odorous house ants.  

Carpenter Ants  

Carpenter ants are large and may bite when threatened. More problematic is the carpenter ant’s preference for tunneling into dead and damaged wood. They can live in wall voids, attics, crawlspaces, and other areas. Because they live inside wood, you may not see live ants, but you may notice piles of sawdust and insulation near nest entrances. 

Odorous House Ants  

When threatened or crushed, these ants release a strong blue cheese-like scent as part of their defense mechanism. They often nest under toilet seats, inside dishwashers, inside wall voids, or anywhere that is warm and close to water. Although they don’t sting, bite, or damage structures, they can contaminate food.  

Ticks  

Ticks are dangerous parasites related to arachnids like spiders and mites. They feed on the blood of humans, pets, and other animals. Not only are they notoriously tricky to spot until they start feeding, but they can also spread serious diseases like Lyme disease and Colorado tick fever. Tick prevention and awareness are vital for keeping people and pets healthy.  

Deer Tick  

The deer tick, also called a blacklegged tick, typically feeds on deer. These ticks can spread Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis. These reddish-brown pests frequent wooded areas like trails and forests but can be found anywhere deer roam. 

Dog Tick  

The American dog tick is reddish-brown with light yellow or white markings. Although these parasites prefer feeding on dogs, they can also feed on humans. Dog ticks spread tularemia and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, an illness that causes rash, fever, and other symptoms. 

Lone Star Tick  

Although the Lone Star tick was once more common in the Southern United States, it has made its way into New England and the Northeast. This tick has a characteristic white spot on its back. A bite from a Lone Star tick can cause Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness (STARI), characterized by an expanding rash. These ticks may also carry Ehrlichiosis, which causes fever and muscle pain. Bites can also trigger an Alpha-gal allergy, which can cause a serious allergic reaction from eating foods like pork and beef.  

Bed Bugs  

Bed bugs are a problem throughout New England and across the country. These small blood feeders hitch a ride on clothing, luggage, and upholstered items. Once they reach indoor spaces, bed bugs find dark, out of the way crevices to nest in and only come out to feed. Common areas where these pests nest include the seams of mattresses and box springs, the underside of wall hangings, the folds of curtains, and along the crevices in baseboards.  

Cockroaches  

Although it’s rare, cockroaches can actually bite humans. The larger problem, however, is that these pests are a health hazard that spread germs and can trigger allergic responses. Cockroaches have existed for thousands of years and can be notoriously challenging to eliminate. 

American Cockroaches  

One of the larger species found in Rhode Island, the American cockroach has a reddish-brown body that is up to 1 1/2 inches long. They hide in shady areas and eat meat and plants. These cockroaches can easily contaminate food sources, counters, floors, and other areas and can cause digestive illnesses. American cockroaches can also trigger an allergic reaction in people sensitive to their droppings or skin shedding. 

Oriental Cockroaches  

These cockroaches are among the few outdoor scavengers that have a strong drive for water. They often can be found in bacteria-laden areas like sewers and trash zones with decomposing food, making them dangerous sources of contamination. Oriental cockroaches are black or dark brown with bodies about 1 inch in size. 

German Cockroaches  

German cockroaches have wings but rarely fly, preferring to stay in low, concealed spots. They have small, tan, or light brown bodies with two vertical stripes and average 1/2 inch in size. These cockroaches prefer staying together in groups and are known for emitting a musty scent that can mimic a moldy smell.  

Flies  

This buzzing pest can be downright dangerous because it can carry organisms that cause serious diseases like typhoid fever, dysentery, and anthrax. Different types of flies enjoy different habitats and food sources. Some of the most common types include the house fly, fruit fly, and gnats.  

House Fly  

People sometimes call the common house fly a “filth” fly in a nod to its love of organic matter (both decaying and fresh) and the likelihood of it spreading diseases. House flies have characteristically loud buzzes, red eyes, and bodies with four black stripes. 

Fruit Fly  

These tiny terrors affect people worldwide on every continent, except Antarctica. Fruit flies don’t bite humans, but they can be irritating. They feed on organic matter — not just in fruit bowls but also in the garbage. Fruit flies have small tan bodies and are challenging to spot until they appear in large groups.  

Gnats  

Gnats look a lot like fruit flies but with black bodies. They don’t bite humans or pets, but they feed on decaying plant matter and plant roots and can transmit pathogens to plants that humans eat. Infestations are common in greenhouses and in over-watered potted plants. Eliminating these pests typically requires allowing the soil to dry out, which, unfortunately, could also kill the plant.  

Mosquitoes  

Whether you’re hitting the beach, taking a hike, or relaxing outdoors, protecting yourself and your loved ones from the itchy bites of mosquitoes is a must. These buzzing insects can spread diseases, including West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis. Wearing loose-fitting clothing and using EPA-registered insect repellents can be helpful. Additionally, removing sources of standing water in outdoor spaces can help reduce mosquito breeding grounds.  

Spiders  

Rhode Island’s spiders may look scary, but many are beneficial to outdoor spaces because they eat other insects, which helps naturally control pest populations. The common house spider can grow up to 5/16 inch and has a body in colors ranging from brown to off-white. You may also encounter one of the following spiders in the state: 

Bark Crab Spider  

With coloring that resembles tree bark and a sideways walk that looks similar to a crab, this arachnid makes it easy to understand how it got its name. Its black body sports cream-colored or tan speckles and a flat, wide abdomen. Bark crab spiders eat insects and can be found in wooded areas and parks.  

Arrow-Shaped Micrathena 

This colorful orbweaver spider spins intricate webs and has a distinct, triangular-shaped body. Females have sharp spines on their abdomens and typically have red bodies with bright yellow on the abdomens. Males are usually black with white around the edges. These spiders are venomous to other insects but harmless to humans.  

Eastern Harvestman 

The Eastern harvestman is an arachnid that looks like a spider but doesn’t have fangs or venom. They use their long legs to move around and to help them sense their surroundings. The Eastern harvestman has a dark, round body that lets it easily blend into the environment. It can spray a strong-smelling component from its first pair of legs as part of its defense system.  

Black Widow Spider 

Black widow spiders aren’t usually a significant problem in New England, but they have been spotted here in Rhode Island. The black widow is renowned for its strong venom, painful bite, and females’ habit of biting and killing their mates.  

Termites 

These Rhode Island bugs are more than just a nuisance — termites can cause widespread destruction to properties. The most common species found in Rhode Island is the eastern subterranean termite, which thrives in moist, dark environments. Termites can be difficult to find and require professional intervention to eliminate them. 

Other Unique Rhode Island Bugs 

From ladybugs to “assassins,” the Ocean State contains some of the most remarkable bugs and insects found in New England.  

Cow Killer Ants 

Also commonly called “red velvet ants,” these insects aren’t ants at all but a type of wasp. Females don’t have wings, which gives them an appearance that resembles huge red and black ants. Males have wings and look more like a wasp. These insects have powerful, painful stings and lay their eggs inside beehives. When the eggs hatch, young cow killer ants eat the bumble bee larvae inside the hive.  

Assassin Bugs 

This category of insects contains about 200 different species, with bodies ranging from brown or gray to black, orange, yellow, and red. Assassin bugs have six legs and narrow heads, and they prey on other insects. They can be beneficial outdoors, but they have sharp beaks and painful, venomous stings that don’t discriminate.  

Wheel Bugs 

This type of assassin bug has a spiny, wheel-shaped back and a vicious looking fang on top of its head. Wheel bugs use their fangs to stab their victims multiple times. Although they typically feed on insects, wheel bugs can also stab humans with their fangs.  

The Masked Hunter 

Another species of assassin bug, the masked hunter has a painfully strong fang that it can use to repeatedly stab anything — or anyone — that gets in its way. Young masked hunters are covered in sticky hairs that get coated in dirt, dust, and lint, making them look like a creature from another planet. This insect’s primary diet consists of bed bugs, so seeing masked hunters typically signals a bed bug infestation. 

Evergreen Bag Moth  

Not a worm at all but actually a type of moth, these pests create bags from silk and plant foliage. From Providence to Barrington and beyond, these moths cause significant damage to host trees, which include arborvitae, juniper, pine, sycamore, maple, and cedar. Females don’t have wings and look similar to grubs, while males are dark, winged, and hairy. When a young bagworm caterpillar lands on its host, it attaches to it, with only its head and thorax emerging as it moves.  

American Pelecinid Wasp 

Despite its fearsome appearance, the American pelecinid wasp doesn’t sting. Females use their long, tail-like abdomens to deposit eggs on the backs of underground grubs. When the eggs hatch, the young wasps burrow inside the grub and use it as a food source. 

Beetles 

Some beetles carry toxic substances, while others can infect plants with diseases or damage them. With more than 450 species of ladybugs, they are among the more common beetles in Rhode Island. In addition to these dome-shaped beetles with shiny red, orange, or yellow bodies, the state is also home to many other types of beetles. The calligrapha beetle looks similar but has calligraphy-like swirls on its yellow, orange, brown, white, or gray body. Antelope beetles feed on rotting wood and look formidable with their large, wide heads and long pinchers.  

Stink Bugs 

Although these smelly pests are sometimes confused with beetles, stink bugs belong to the halyomorpha family, known as “true” bugs. They have a shield-like back and are typically brown or green. These insects eat vegetation, including popular crops like tomatoes and apples. Stink bugs often move indoors when the weather gets cold and are harmless to people. However, they do release a characteristic odor that is not pleasant.  

Best Ways to Prevent and Control Pests in Rhode Island 

Knowing what to look for is only part of the solution. Prevention and control vary widely from pest to pest, but residents can typically follow various standard recommendations for all pests. Keeping foliage trimmed back from buildings, keeping food neatly stored, and securing garbage are important practices for reducing the risk of pests making their way indoors.  

However, the best way to keep homes, businesses, and other establishments pest-free is with routine preventive treatments and professional pest control. Catseye Pest Control’s Platinum Home Protection is the best defense against pest damage and dangers. This comprehensive program is customized for each client. We provide pest removal, seal gaps and cracks, apply environmentally safe pest deterrents around the perimeter, and more. With bi-monthly follow-ups and our 100% service guarantee, this protection offers the ultimate peace of mind.  

Contact Catseye Today 

Whether you have caught sight of some creepy crawlies or you simply want to prevent any pests from invading, Catseye can help. Our trained, licensed technicians will perform a thorough inspection inside and outdoors before creating a custom plan to keep your property pest-free. Schedule an inspection of your Rhode Island home or business today to get started. 

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Ok, I know, this is supposed to be Bug of the Week, not Worm of the Week, but sometimes something so weird and creepy pops up that we need to spend some time on it. Last week a friend called and inquired if I had ever heard of hammerhead worms. I have heard of hammerhead sharks, hammerhead flies, and, of course M C Hammer from back in the day, but hammerhead worms, not so much. Turns out that a residence in northern Virginia is beset with creepy, slithering, predatory flatworms which make early morning forays to hunt and dine on unsuspecting earthworms, molluscs, and other small invertebrates in the landscape, as well as each other. These rascals from Asia are largely unseen in the lawn but clearly visible as they glide in slow motion across a driveway on a cool dewy morning.

Attempts to capture and remove the worms results in spontaneous fracturing of their bodies. Is this the demise of these creepy invaders? Not at all. Here’s why not. My first encounter with the clan of flatworms, the Platyhelminthes, was in high school biology where we met cute cross-eyed planaria. We were encouraged to cut these creatures in half so we could observe the mysterious and baffling phenomenon of body part regeneration. That’s right, slice these little guys in half and they fully regenerate the complementary portions of each body part, a miraculous two from one deal. Well, as members of the flatworm clan, it turns out that hammerhead worms can also regenerate missing body parts. My friend reported the individual segments of his fractured hammerhead worms independently slithered off the driveway into the grass where we can assume that they regenerated missing parts and resumed their hunt for small invertebrates. Hammerhead worms lack true mouthparts and they don’t chomp prey with jaws as do beetles or wasps. These flatworms immobilize victims with a coating of sticky slime, evert part of their digestive tract, and plunge it into the prey, where they slurp up body fluids and small particles of tissue.

In a small Tupperware bowl filled with soil and earthworms, hammerhead worms reveal how they got their name and how they roll. Their genus, Bipalium, is Latin for two-shovel and their expanded head does indeed resemble a two-sided shovel or spade. Watch as one cruises the container, investigating soil with its expanded head. Awhile later, I found it caressing the carcass of an earthworm. Potent tetrodotoxin secreted by the worm may help it subdue prey. Soon thereafter the worm investigated the deflated remains of one of its kin. Hammerhead worms are cannibalistic. Worms courtesy of Kevin Ambrose.

While this was my first encounter with hammerhead worms, they have been here in the US since 1901. They are commonly found in greenhouses in more than 14 states. Beyond greenhouses, iNaturalist reports thousands of sightings of hammerhead worms throughout the US, including several here in the DMV. So be on the lookout for these slimy rascals and if you spot one, please add your sighting to iNaturalist and maybe report your find to the state Department of Agriculture.  

Oh, there is one last bit of creepy business associated with hammerhead worms. I had to wonder how this kind of slow-moving creature could assail and capture prey including more massive earthworms or slugs. In addition to super sticky slime, hammerhead worms have one more trick to subdue prey. They secrete potent, paralyzing tetrodotoxin, the same lethal toxin found in puffer fish. Tetrodotoxin is believed to incapacitate large prey so they can be consumed by the worm. This nasty toxin may also help the worm defend itself from its own predators. Domestic animals that contact or consume these worms may experience discomfort or illness and people who have handled the worm report skin irritations. So, heed the warning delivered by the Hammer back in the 90’s when he said “you can’t touch this.”    

To learn more about hammerhead worms in the DMV, please click on this link:  https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2023/07/22/hammerhead-worms-invasive-poisonous-dc/

Acknowledgements

Bug of the Week thanks Kevin Ambrose for sharing images and specimens of hammerhead worms that served as the inspiration for this episode. Articles used to prepare this story include the following: “Land Planarians, Bipalium kewense Moseley and Dolichoplana striata Moseley (Tricladida: Terricola)” by P. M. Choate and R. A. Dunn, “Confirmation and Distribution of Tetrodotoxin for the First Time in Terrestrial Invertebrates: Two Terrestrial Flatworm Species (Bipalium adventitium and Bipalium kewense) by Amber N. Stokes, Peter K. Ducey, Lorin Neuman-Lee, Charles T. Hanifin, Susannah S. French, Michael E. Pfrender, Edmund D. Brodie III, Edmund D. Brodie Jr., and “Hammerhead flatworm/Hammerhead slug” by the Texas Invasive Species Institute. We also thank Joan Hahn for introducing students to the wonders of flatworms and biology at Randolph High School.

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Bats around the world continue to face critical threats to their population. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature lists more than 200 species of bats across 60 countries as critically endangered, endangered, or vulnerable. Of the 40 or so species that live in the United States, more than half are declining in number or already endangered. Among the nine species that call New England home, approximately five bats are listed on state or federal endangered species lists.  

Considering the essential role that bats play in maintaining the ecosystem, protecting these flying mammals is critical. Bats consume mosquitoes — eating as much as their body weight or about 1,200 mosquitoes every night, which helps keep the population of these harmful insects in check. Additionally, bats that feed on nectar and fruit help pollinate plants. 

Understanding the vital roles these often misunderstood animals play is only the beginning of the fight to protect them from extinction. Knowing the right steps to take if a bat enters your home is essential if you live in an area with bats. The process starts with professional bat control and removal.  

Why Are Bats Endangered?  

Declining bat populations can be traced to multiple challenges. In some cases, hunting and killing bats occurs because people aren’t informed about how they keep the ecosystem healthy and rarely harm humans. Climate change and loss of habitats due to the development of wilderness areas also contribute to the problem, particularly during the winter when bats need shelter to hibernate.  

Additionally, one of the biggest challenges bats face is a disease called white-nose syndrome. It affects bats all over the world and has been especially vicious here in New England. WBUR News called it a decade of “carnage,” with bat populations that were once in the thousands reduced to a dozen or fewer bats.  

This fungal disease causes the animals to wake up during hibernation, making it impossible for them to survive the winter. Since white-nose syndrome was first identified in 2006, it has killed millions of bats in New England and across North America. 

Endangered Species of Bats in North America  

Many animal species are protected by the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This federal measure provides protection for many bats, including the Hawaiian hoary, gray, Mariana fruit, and Virginia big-eared bats. It restricts how and when bats can be removed from homes and other buildings and puts additional measures in place to aid in the conservation of bat species.  

Some bats that aren’t on the federal list of endangered species may have protection under state laws and regulations. For example, in New England, the state-designated endangered bat species include the following:  

• The tricolored bat has a unique look with fur on its back that is dark gray at the base, yellow-brown in the middle, and dark brown at the tips. 
• The Northern long-eared bat has light brown fur that looks uniform across much of its body, except its back, which has fur that’s lighter at the tips. 
• The little brown bat has glossy brown fur and a two-toned appearance on its back and light fur on its underside.  
• The Eastern small-footed bat is one of the smallest species and has short, pink forearms, a black facial mask and ears, and golden fur.  
• The Indiana bat has short, blunt ears, a long tail, small hind feet, and pinkish-brown fur.  

What Can Be Done to Help?  

Across the globe, conservation efforts are in place to find ways to help protect bats. Researchers are trying to find treatments for white-nose syndrome, and various ESA and state regulations help protect bats from harm. Additionally, many biologists, researchers, and pest control companies are working to raise awareness of the importance of these animals.  

Ways that everyday people can help include getting involved in bat conservation and spreading facts to help others learn about how this wildlife species benefits the ecosystem. Other ways to get involved include: 

• Turning off unnecessary lights to minimize light pollution, which can disrupt bats’ habits. 
• Minimizing the use of pesticides in and around your home provides more insects for bats to eat. 
• Creating bat-friendly habitats and roosting sites by leaving dying and dead trees in place if they don’t create a hazard. 
• Planting a garden to attract insects, which also helps with plant pollination in addition to providing a food source for bats. 
• Building and installing bat houses to provide essential roosting spots and a safe place for females to raise their young.  
• Avoiding the use of poisons or trying to kill or remove bats on your own, which is illegal and inhumane.  

Instead, call for professional help if bats have invaded interior spaces where it isn’t safe. The professionals at Catseye Pest Control have the experience, equipment, and knowledge to safely remove bats according to all regulations.  

Professional Bat Removal and Control Services 

Professional bat control is a must. Bats can only be removed at certain times of year to ensure that mothers can raise their young and preserve the population. Additionally, professionals can recommend the most effective, humane, and chemical-free options to remove and control bats from homes and buildings.  

For example, residential exclusion systems provide a permanent barrier to protect vulnerable areas and prevent bats from entering the home. Commercial exclusion systems provide similar benefits for commercial structures. These systems target key areas of a building with a rigid barrier that seals the building off to keep bats, rodents, and other wildlife out.  

Additionally, with programs like Catseye’s Platinum Home Protection, you can rest assured that you get the best preventive services. It covers everything from insects and rodents to nuisance wildlife like bats. Technicians remove any pests on the premises, seal off any gaps or openings, and provide monitoring and bi-monthly follow-ups for the ultimate peace of mind. 

Contact Catseye Today to Learn More 

If you find a bat in your house or business, the best course of action is to call the experts.  

Our bat removal program encompasses multiple visits and uses several techniques to remove bats permanently without harming them. We also provide cleanup services and our exclusive Cat-Guard Exclusion Systems to deliver a safe, permanent solution. 

To get started, schedule an inspection of your home, garage, business, or other structure today.

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