Month: December 2022

 

 

Last week we met two visitors to the Hawaiian Islands who put down roots and stayed, the pretty but sometimes invasive bamboo orchid and an unidentified orchid-attending ant. This week we return to Hawai’i to meet a long-distance wanderer that recently made these islands their home, the beautiful monarch butterfly. In previous episodes we learned of the struggles of eastern and western populations of our migratory North American monarchs imperiled by habitat loss, climate change, disease, and pesticides. Ah, but on several of the Hawaiian Islands these regal travelers appear to be doing just fine. With the introduction and establishment of tropical milkweed, Asclepias curassavica, to the islands sometime in the mid-1800’s, it was not long before monarchs arrived on Hawai’i. Scientists pinpoint the arrival sometime between 1841 and 1852. By the 1960’s, monarchs had successfully colonized Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui, Lanai, and Hawaii.

How did these remarkable voyagers arrive on the most isolated of all land masses on Earth? Most of us are familiar with the annual long-distance migrations of eastern monarchs from their summer breeding grounds in Canada to their over-wintering refuges in the Oyamel fir forests of Mexico, a trip spanning some 2,500 miles. Less well known is the fact that monarch butterflies have colonized several oceanic islands and with some regularity have been seen as far away as England, having crossed the Atlantic Ocean from North America. Owing to their ancient wanderer-gene and abetted by some good fortune, monarchs colonized distant parts of our planet, including the islands of Hawaii. On trips to Oahu and Hawai’i I was amazed to see legions of monarchs on milkweeds in parking lots and landscape plantings as they fluttered about tropical milkweed and another introduced member of the milkweed clan, crown flower, Calotropis gigantea. Hawai’i’s monarchs are no longer migratory and with a benign climate with ample milkweed hosts for caterpillars, they appear to be thriving for the most part.

In the Hawai’i Tropical Bioreserve and Garden, eggs laid on milkweeds by female monarchs hatch and young, pooping caterpillars become leaf-eating machines before forming a gorgeous chrysalis. From the surrounding landscape, males arrive in the milkweed garden to sip nectar and find mates. Called by some “the wanderer”, marvelous monarch butterflies and their milkweed hosts reached the Hawaiian Islands more than 150 years ago.

One curious twist on the evolutionary journey of monarchs on these islands involves a relatively rare mutant monarch that retains the standard black coloration along wing veins but the brilliant orange coloration of wing scales is replaced by white. These mutants, a.k.a. white morphs, are found only on Oahu and none of the other islands. However, with the introduction and escape of two species of insect-eating bulbul songbirds, Pycnonotus jacosus and Pycnonotus cafer, in the 1960s, frequencies of the white morphs increased from historical levels as white butterflies seemingly escaped some bird predation. As monarchs thrive on Oahu and their young become more abundant, the frequency of white morphs has recently declined as bulbuls switched from selectively eating mostly orange adult butterflies to indiscriminately eating caterpillars, whose orange or white adult identity is not apparent in the larval stage, a fascinating story of behavior and evolution at work. If by some stroke of good fortune, you find yourself on the Big Island and want to visit monarchs, stop by the Hawai’i Tropical Bioreserve and Garden just north of Hilo in Papaikou. This nonprofit garden paradise highlights the rich floral biodiversity of the islands. Recent plantings of milkweeds are designed to provide opportunities for visitors to observe magnificent monarchs on their tropical island home.

Acknowledgements

We thank Dr. Dan Gruner for stimulating discussions about the ecology of Hawaiian flora and fauna and Dr. Paula Shrewsbury for images used in this episode. Several fascinating studies and publications including “Insects of Hawaii” by Elwood E. Zimmerman, “Predator induced colour polymorphism in Danaus plexippus L. (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) in Hawaii” by John Stimson and Mark Berman, “Decline in the frequency of the white morph of the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus L., Nymphalidae) on Oahu, Hawaii” by John Stimson and Maiko Kasuya, and “The genetics of monarch butterfly migration and warning colouration” by Shuai Zhan, Wei Zhang, Kristjan Niitepõld, Jeremy Hsu, Juan Fernández Haeger, Myron P. Zalucki, Sonia Altizer, Jacobus C. de Roode, Steven M. Reppert, and Marcus R. Kronforst were used in preparation of this episode. We also thank the wonderful staff of the Hawai’i Tropical Bioreserve and Garden for allowing us to record their burgeoning monarch population.

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Discover the Signs of Roof Rats and How to Prevent the Rodent from Taking Over Your House or Business

Roof rats carry dozens of potential diseases ranging from the bubonic plague and typhus to salmonellosis and rat-bite fever. These rodents are excellent climbers that prefer nesting in the upper areas of buildings and structures. When threatened, they can also be aggressive.

Rats can squeeze through tiny openings to gain entry to buildings after climbing rough surfaces, vines, trees, and power lines. The ability to act quickly is essential for preventing roof rats from taking over because they can reproduce quite quickly.

Once mature, roof rats can produce two to six litters per year. Each litter can have upwards of eight young.

How Do You Know if You Have Roof Rats?

One surefire sign of roof rats is seeing one, either dead or alive. However, these animals are nocturnal like most other rodents, so you might not see them at all. Instead, it’s possible to notice other common signs of roof rats, such as:

• Droppings: Roof rat droppings are approximately 1/2 inch long with pointed ends.
• Gnaw marks: Roof rats often chew on household goods, packages of food, and wooden structures.
• Sounds: Rats often make clawing or screeching sounds at night, particularly in the attic or walls.
• Rub marks: Tracks of dark, greasy marks from the rats moving along walls, rafters, and fixtures become noticeable.

Roof Rats vs. Norway Rats: What’s the Difference?

The most common rats found throughout New England are Norway rats, while roof rats are not as common in the area. So, it’s more likely that the rodent creating a headache for you to be the Norway rat.  

The approach to eliminate them using effective rodent control measures is similar. However, these two rats have some significant differences that help with identification. Size, appearance, and behavior are three ways to identify the type of rat causing the problem.

Although rare for the area, homeowners and business owners should still have an understanding of what to look for in terms of roof rats and the importance of a professional handling the situation.

Roof Rats’ Size and Appearance

Roof rats are the smaller of the two rats. These critters usually measure between three and eight inches in length, with a long tail and brown/black fur with white or gray undersides. Norway rats grow anywhere from 10 to 18 inches long, with brownish-gray fur and hairless ears and tails. 

Roof Rat Behavior

Roof rats love finding their shelter and food above ground. These rodents aren’t afraid to climb branches and scamper across utility lines to access roofs of businesses and homes in search of food and shelter. Norway rats prefer to stay at ground level, often burrowing into the ground or trash piles. These rats also use drainpipes, vents, and gaps to move around or gain entry into buildings.

How to Eliminate a Rat Infestation

At Catseye Pest Control, we take a three-step approach: removal, cleanup, and exclusion. Trapping rats without professional help or using poisons to kill them can lead to additional problems, particularly because handling rodents poses a significant health risk.

Professional rodent control is always a go-to for effective, lasting results. Additional measures to take include eliminating rats’ food sources by storing food items in sealed containers and cleaning up any fruit or debris outside. Sound and visual deterrents can provide short-term relief, although roof rats are very adaptable and will eventually return.

Sealing off potential entry points to prevent these rodents from getting in or returning is one of the most effective ways to get rid of them for good. Pay close attention to the roof area and seal gaps and cracks with metal, steel wool, or concrete. Wildlife exclusion systems are available for residential and commercial use. These permanent barriers protect vulnerable areas, providing safe, natural, lasting results.

Frequently Asked Questions About Roof Rats

What Sound Does a Rat Make in the Roof?

Roof rats make all kinds of noises when they’re active, usually at night. You might hear gnawing, scampering, scratching, chirping, and screeching. These sounds may be noticeable in the roof area, attic, or walls.

Where do Roof Rats Live During the Day?

Roof rats are active at night and spend most of the day in their nests. Common areas for roof rats to nest include the space above drop ceilings and inside attics.

What is the Fastest Way to Get Rid of Roof Rats?

The fastest way to get control of a roof rat infestation is with professional pest control. Companies like Catseye use integrated pest management methods (IPM) to quickly and safely get rid of roof rats and other pests.

What Attracts Roof Rats to Your House?

Lush landscaping and dense vegetation outdoors attract roof rats in search of shelter and cover, making them more likely to infest nearby homes and buildings. Easy access to food sources like fruit trees and garbage also attracts roof rats.

Get Help with Rat Control from Catseye Pest Control

If you suspect a rat infestation, don’t try to handle the situation on your own.

These rodents quickly reproduce, and the population can quickly explode, creating more damage and chances of possible health issues. At the first signs of roof rats, contact Catseye for efficient, effective removal and control, starting with a free, detailed inspection.

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Discover the Best Ways to Keep Rats Out of Crawl Spaces and What Attracts the Rodent to That Area of the House

Crawl spaces offer the perfect combination of humidity, darkness, and stable temperatures, making them attractive spots for rats and other pests to nest and seek shelter. These narrow spots between a home’s first floor and the ground offer additional support for living areas above them. They also serve as a buffer between the house and the ground.

However, they are also usually unfinished and cramped, making them out-of-the-way spaces that many homeowners never visit. Pipes and vents typically run through these areas, and rats can exploit various entry points. Gaps and cracks in the foundation, openings around pipes and wires, and spaces under doors can all serve as a beacon to these scurrying critters.

Signs of Rats in Crawl Spaces

Finding rats in a crawl space is no easy feat. Residents must be willing to crawl into the darkest corners of a house to look for signs these pests have invaded. Signs of a rat infestation in a crawl space area commonly include:

• Burrows: If the crawl space has a soil floor, rats will likely burrow inside.
• Droppings: Each rat can produce up to 50 pellets of fecal matter every day, making it a telltale sign of their presence. But these droppings can be difficult to locate sometimes. Rats prefer to pick a specific area as their bathroom, a behavior known as “latrining.”
• Insulation Damage: Rats love nesting behind insulation and often disturb materials as they move around.
• Rat Tracks: Dark, greasy-looking rub marks are like runways where rats enter, exit, and travel along floors, beams, and other areas
• Odor: Experienced professionals can spot a rat infestation by the strong smell, which is a combination of droppings, urine, and possibly dead rats.

H2: How to Get Rid of Rats in Crawl Spaces

Effective rat control no longer relies on dangerous poisons to eliminate the problem. Although these chemicals were once the go-to solution, today’s pest control industry relies on an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach for efficacy, safety, and less harm to the ecosystem.

Poisons can harm people, pets, and other wildlife, but IPM methods identify the infestation as well as how and why the pests are getting inside. Additional steps include:

• Removing rats from the premises
• Repairing damaged areas of the structure, replacing insulation, and sealing entry points
• Cleaning and disinfecting the area to avoid health risks and minimize the chances of attracting future infestations
• Taking ongoing steps like monitoring, routine maintenance pest control, and exclusion to keep crawl spaces and the property rat-free and pest-free

Rat-Proofing Your Crawl Space 

Homeowners, renters, and businesses can take preventive steps to rat-proof their crawl spaces. Keeping food away from the crawl space and eliminating moisture and humidity are two practical steps in making the crawl space less inviting for rats and other pests that thrive in humid conditions.

Crawl space vapor barriers and a dehumidifier can help. Ensuring landscaping is graded to divert moisture from the foundation and installing gutters to keep rainwater away from the property can also help remedy moisture problems in the crawl space.

Are Rat Slabs in Crawl Spaces Enough to Prevent Infestations?

Rat slabs are thin layers of concrete poured over the dirt floor of a crawl space. It forms an impermeable layer that rats and other pests can’t burrow through. On its own, this method is effective, but it doesn’t address every way that rats can enter the space.

Wildlife exclusion systems like Cat-Guard’s Trench Guard provide a rigid, chemical-free barrier. It gets installed using underground trenching to prevent rats and other pets from burrowing into crawl spaces and other subterranean areas while also sealing off cracks, gaps, and other openings.

Frequently Asked Questions

With more than 30 years in the pest control business, Catseye Pest Control has treated rat infestations of all types. Some of the questions we commonly get about dealing with rats in crawl spaces include the following:

Is it Common to Have Rats in a Crawl Space?

More than 14 million homes across the United States deal with rodents every year. Given the warm, damp condition in many crawl spaces and the easy access and shelter they offer, these spaces are relatively common spots for rats to create nests.

How Do I Keep Rats Out of My Crawl Space?

The most effective way to keep rats out permanently is by eliminating any moisture and food sources and sealing off entry points. Even small gaps, cracks, and openings can act like an open door to these pests. Wildlife exclusion systems that prevent rats from burrowing under the foundation offer a permanent, chemical-free, long-term solution.

How Do I Get Rid of Rats Under My House?

Rats can be incredibly destructive. They also carry more than 35 diseases and can be aggressive when threatened. Professional pest control is the best way to get rid of rats in crawl spaces and underground areas. Experienced pros can safely handle removal and elimination to restore peace of mind while keeping homes and loved ones safe.

Should I Put Rat Poison in My Crawl Space?

No. Rodenticides are a tool that can be an effective component of a greater rodent control plan.

However, rodenticides should only be utilized by a licensed and trained professional in conjunction with other approaches such as exclusion, environmental modification, sanitation improvements, and other methods.

Schedule a Free Inspection to Identify and Eliminate Rats in Your Crawl Space

Catseye Pest Control has more than three decades of experience and expertise in managing pests, rodents, and wildlife for homeowners, renters, and commercial clients. From removal to monitoring and disinfection to exclusion — we do it all.

Our multi-step process starts with a free, detailed inspection that allows us to assess the situation, search for entry points, and develop a plan tailored to each client’s unique property. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a free inspection.

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Learn Some of the Most Common Rodents That Inhabit the State of Massachusetts and How Professional Rodent Control Can Keep Rodents Outside

Massachusetts is home to a diverse population of wildlife, including more than 80 different species of mammals. Of those, 15 species are considered common rodents in Massachusetts, with critters ranging from tiny mice and shrews to subterranean big brown rats and spiky porcupines.

All rodents potentially carry health risks and could damage buildings, structures, and properties. Homeowners and business owners who encounter rodents or an infestation are encouraged to contact the pest and nuisance wildlife technicians at Catseye Pest Control.

Our technicians have the technical know-how and training needed to careful handle rodents found throughout the New England area.

Mice

Mice are among the most common rodents across the country, with more than 70 species frequently invading homes, businesses, and properties.

In Massachusetts, the house mouse, deer mouse, and white-footed mouse are the biggest offenders. In addition to leaving messy droppings and chewing food packaging and structural elements, mice pose a possible health risk, as they could carry dozens of diseases.

Health risks associated with mice includes hantavirus, leptospirosis, and lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV).

Rats

Rats are common New England rodents, especially in MA.

Norway rats, sometimes called big brown rats, are originally from Asia but are typically found wherever people live. These rodents tend to have poor vision and are colorblind, but their other senses, including hearing, smell, touch, and taste are strong.

They frequently burrow in soil near riverbanks, woodpiles, under low-clearance areas like decks or sheds, in addition to other areas.

Like other rodents, Norway rats typically enter homes in the fall when outside food and water sources become scarce. And despite their size, these rodents can fit through a hole the size of a quarter, easily entering homes or businesses to nest.

Squirrels

Squirrels can be incredibly destructive to buildings and properties. These fluffy-tailed rodents often gain entry to homes and other structures by climbing branches or utility lines.

Once inside, they destroy insulation, build nests, gnaw wires, and pose a health hazard. Although there are hundreds of different species of squirrels, the most common types in MA are the eastern gray squirrel and the red squirrel.

Chipmunks

Chipmunks are plentiful across the country, and the eastern chipmunk is one of the most common rodents in MA. Chipmunks thrive in rocky areas and spots with dense brush. Because they tend to burrow into the ground and under structures, these small rodents can do significant damage. They also carry parasites and love to steal birdseed from feeders.

Groundhogs

Groundhogs and woodchucks are often mistakenly thought of as two different rodents, but they are one and the same.

The rodent typically measures anywhere from 16 to 27 inches long as adults. These stocky rodents have bushy tails and coats in varying shades, ranging from deep brown to gray, often with white tips that lend a silver appearance.

Groundhogs often burrow under structures, gnaw on power cables, and eat plants of all sorts from gardens and landscape beds. Their tunneling behavior poses the greatest damage for homeowners and businesses.

American Beavers

The American beaver plays a key role in ecosystems across the United States, including areas of MA, building dams, and creating habitats for various other wildlife.

Beavers are the largest rodents on the continent and one of the most common New England rodents. They weigh up to 71 pounds and measure 35 to 46 inches in length, on average. Because they reroute water, beavers often create flooding problems. They can also clog drainpipes.

Moles

Moles can be quite destructive with tunneling habits. These rodents live almost exclusively underground and have a distinctive look with large, shovel-like front paws and webbed feet designed to make digging easier. Moles have hairless, scaled tails, pointed snouts, and fur in shades of brown, silver, or black.

Voles

People often confuse voles with moles, but voles actually look like stocky mice with rounder ears.

Voles eat plant matter, including tree bark, potentially causing limbs or entire trees to die. The rodent also eats roots, seedlings, bulbs, and more. Evidence of voles in outdoor spaces typically consists of shallow runways and damage to vegetation.

Shrews

These small rodents are among the most common rodents found throughout MA. They have some similar characteristics to mice, but instead shrews have long snouts and sharp teeth. Shrews have grayish-brown fur, hairless tails, and they eat vegetation, worms, and insects.

These critters typically cause damage to vegetation and dig tunnels on properties. If shrews venture indoors, they can leave foul odors and potentially spread diseases.

North American Porcupines

The second largest rodent on the continent is the North American porcupine. This spiky critter measures an average of 23 to 36 inches and has black or brownish-yellow coloring.

Porcupines’ quills are part of their defense mechanisms, helping to protect against predators like coyotes and wolverines. In addition to posing a threat to pets and other wildlife, porcupines like to chew and have been known to gnaw on everything from houses and lumber to cars and plants. 

Common Muskrats

Beavers aren’t the only swimmers who build essential ecosystems. Muskrats are semi-aquatic rodents with scaled tails and dark brown fur. They are often mistakenly identified as a big gray rat or a member of one of the large rat breeds, but these rodents spend the bulk of their time in water, helping create habitats for waterfowl. Unfortunately, their burrowing habits can compromise levees and create flooding risks.

Tips to Prevent Rodents from Damaging Your Property

The only sure-fire way to prevent rodents from moving in and setting up shop in and on your property is with professional pest control, including routine monitoring and wildlife exclusion systems. Catseye uses Integrated Pest Management practices to identify the rodents, remove them, and keep them out using environmentally friendly approaches.

That’s the benefit of wildlife exclusion systems, also known as Cat-Guard. These chemical-free, all-natural barriers prevent rodents and other wildlife from entering protected areas for long-term protection. Other ways to prevent New England rodents from damaging homes, structures, and properties include:

• Cleaning up debris and keeping shrubs and trees trimmed to reduce areas rodents can use as shelter.
• Eliminating easy food sources by switching to tightly lidded garbage cans and storing all food (including pet food) in airtight containers.
• Sealing gaps, cracks, and openings around pipes, doors, vents, foundations, and windows.
• Planting rodent-repelling herbs and flowering plants like mint, lavender, and amaryllis near areas that need protection.

Contact Catseye to Remove and Exclude New England Rodents

Investing in regular pest control and maintenance can restore your peace of mind. Contact us today for a free, detailed inspection to start the process.

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Bed Bugs are Back After a Record-Setting Summer of Travel — Discover How to Protect Yourself and Loved Ones

Summer 2022 was a record-breaking travel season. Sadly, for many travelers, souvenirs aren’t the only things they brought home. Bed bug season typically peaks from June through October, and it’s expected to remain high throughout fall and well into the cold weather months.

Bed bug infestations aren’t only an issue in New England. People across the country are scrambling to figure out the best tips for protection from bed bugs — and for good reason.

In late September, an Amazon fulfillment center had to shut down in Amarillo, Texas. In early October, the Athens-Clarke County Library in Georgia had to close for several days. What did they both have in common? Bed bug infestations.

It’s no coincidence that bed bug season peaks just as people are traveling and returning home. Bed bugs love hitching a ride on clothing, luggage, and pets. Understanding what causes bed bugs, how to spot signs of bed bug infestations, and how to get rid of them can help everyone keep homes and loved ones safe.

What is the Main Cause of Bed Bugs?

Travel is among the top causes of bed bug infestations spreading. These critters are most commonly found in locations where people and their belongings frequently visit, including the following:

• Hotels and motels
• Cruise ships
• Public transportation like trains and ride share vehicles
• Outdoor campsites
• Apartments
• Dorms

Do Bed Bugs Travel on People?

These creepy crawlies love to hop into people’s belongings and stow away until they find a spot to feed, breed, and call home. Bed bugs will stow away in purses, in backpacks, and on upholstered or soft surfaces.

Can Bed Bugs Spread Diseases?

Bed bugs aren’t a known carrier of diseases or illnesses, according to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These blood-sucking parasites are more of a nuisance for people who have to deal with them. Physical reactions to bed bug bites range from negligible symptoms to itching and redness to an allergic reaction that could be life threatening.

How to Protect Yourself from Bed Bugs While Traveling

Bed bugs love soft folds, upholstery, and cozy nooks they can nestle into while traveling to each new destination. Swapping soft-sided luggage for hard-shell suitcases and packing belongings inside resealable plastic bags can help lower the risk of taking these pests home.

Other tips for avoiding bed bugs in hotels and other travel destinations include:

• Place luggage, purses, and other belongings on luggage racks or in the bathroom until you have a chance to inspect the area.
• Inspect the mattress, bed frame, box spring, pillows, linens, under beside lamps and tables, and in the folds of drapes.
• If you suspect a problem, call the front desk or management to work with the hotel, resort, or facility to find an effective solution.
• Protect yourself when you get home by inspecting your luggage, purse, and bags and washing/drying all your clothing using the high heat setting.

Early Stage of Bed Bug Infestations

The earlier you catch a bed bug infestation, the easier it is to treat and eliminate it. That’s why year-round preventive maintenance and treatment from pest control professionals can be so effective.

Some of the early signs to look for include:

• Live bugs in areas like baseboards, couch cushions, and mattress seams.
• Tiny, pearly-white, oval-shaped eggs.
• Dark smears and spots on fabric from bed bugs’ fecal matter.
• Bloodstains on sheets, pillows, or clothing.

How Long Does It Take for Bed Bugs to Appear?

It can take up to two weeks to notice bite marks after initial exposure. Every day, females can lay up to five eggs, which take anywhere from four to 12 days to hatch. As a result, full-blown infestations occur within a matter of days.

What to Do if You Get Bed Bugs from a Hotel

It’s a good practice to get into a bed bug prevention routine after traveling. After arriving home, keep luggage and other belongings in the garage or on the porch. Remove washables and transfer them to a garbage bag before putting it in the washer.

Keep everything else outside until each item can be inspected and treated, if necessary.

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs in Luggage

Several methods can help eliminate bed bugs in suitcases and other bags, but there is no replacing professional bed bug control.

First, use a stiff bristled brush to scrub every part of the luggage to dislodge bed bugs and eggs. Then vacuum the luggage thoroughly, focusing on each seam, nook, and pocket. Remove the vacuum bag or empty the cup and dispose of the content in a tightly sealed garbage bag.

After vacuuming the luggage, it is ideal to place it in a freezer, if possible, for a few days to kill everything.

If bed bugs are found, it is advisable to leave these items in a tightly sealed plastic bag until a professional pest control technician is able to mitigate the situation.

Inspect Your Home for Bed Bug Infestations

Checking your living space for evidence of a possible infestation can confirm that you’ve got a problem or give you some peace of mind. Common areas that should be carefully checked for live bugs, dead bed bugs, and eggs include:

• Mattresses and box springs, including the seams and near tags.
• Pillows, particularly seams and folds.
• Headboards and bed frames, especially cracks and crevices.
• In the seams and between/under cushions of all upholstered furniture.
• On the underside and in the folds of curtains and drapes.
• Loose or peeling wallpaper.
• Cracks near where the wall and ceiling meet.
• Behind pictures and other items on walls.
• Inside electrical receptacles and appliances.

Schedule a Free Bed Bug Inspection with Catseye Pest Control

If you find evidence of an infestation or want to get professional help, contact us.

Catseye has more than three decades of experience treating everything from bed bugs to wildlife infestations — and everything in between. Effective bed bug treatment starts with a free, detailed inspection that we use to create a custom plan to eliminate these bloodsucking pests.

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Learn How to Protect Your Property by Identifying and Eliminating Bed Bugs

Bed bugs aren’t confined to dirty places. These tiny, dark-loving pests thrive in warm spots that have a ready supply of carbon dioxide and blood.

Research has found that at least 20% of Americans have either dealt with bed bugs or know someone who has.  

These small blood-drinking critters can be found everywhere from mattresses and bed frames to stuffed animals and purses. Bed bugs affect homes and businesses across the country, and approximately 97% of pest management professionals have provided bed bug treatments within the past year.

Popular tourist cities, including Chicago, Washington D.C., and New York City, are regularly on the list of places with the highest bed bug infestations. With some upscale hotels revealed to be bed bug hot spots, many people are justifiably worried about taking the problem home.

It’s easier to avoid a full-blown infestation if you know what bed bugs look like and where they like to lurk. If you suspect a bed bug infestation, seeking professional help as soon as possible to obtain bed bug treatment increases the likelihood of eliminating the problem.

It’s important to understand that do-it-yourself efforts will not eliminate a bed bug infestation.

These public health nuisances breed quickly and become more challenging to eliminate as the infestation grows. It’s essential to understand not just how to get rid of bed bugs, but also how to identify bed bugs to ensure proper treatment.

How to Identify Bed Bugs

Many people initially confuse bed bugs with other pests, including fleas. Although adult bed bugs have a similar reddish-brown color, these critters sport a flat body that has an oval shape.

They have piercing mouthparts that allow them to break through skin and suck blood from their hosts. Nymphs have a shape that’s similar to adults, but their coloring starts out as translucent and becomes an opaque brown during the maturing process.

What bed bugs look like may matter less than signs of their presence. Most people who discover they have bed bugs after waking up with bites. In addition to seeing live bugs and bites, other telltale signs of bed bugs include:

• Bites: Bed bugs feed anywhere they can find exposed skin. The small bite marks start painless and typically become itchy welts.
• Stains: Rolling over and moving about can inadvertently crush bed bugs. When these pests get crushed, they leave behind red stains and streaks on linens and other surfaces.
• Dark Spots: Red stains aren’t the only marks bed bugs leave behind. Dark spots on fabric indicate excrement left from bed bugs.
• Eggs: Tiny, pale yellow fragments could indicate freshly hatched nymphs or skin left behind as nymphs mature.

Where Bed Bugs Hide

In addition to knowing how to identify bed bugs, it helps to know where they like to hang out. Bed bugs are notorious hitchhikers, it doesn’t take much for these pests to survive. Bed bugs attach themselves to clothing, hide in luggage, and use pets as a form of transportation.

They have been found on second-hand furniture, inside moving boxes, in office buildings, in clothing stores, on public transit, and almost anywhere else imaginable.

Bed bugs can live up to 300 days and lay one to five eggs per day — which is absolutely terrifying. The good news is bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases, and all infestations are treatable with the help of a professional.

Areas to check for live bed bugs and eggs include:

• Seams of mattresses and box springs
• Cracks in headboards and bed frames
• Between cushions and in seams of upholstered furniture
• Folds in draperies and curtains
• Inside electrical appliances and receptacles
• Behind wall hangings and in cracks where the ceiling meets the wall

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs

Getting rid of bed bugs can be a significant challenge, which is why professional pest control is a must. Whether the infestation is in a residential or commercial location, pest control pros like Catseye Pest Control can help treat and eliminate bed bugs.

It takes a significant amount of effort, but the problem is not insurmountable. Professional treatment from Catseye relies on a combination of state-of-the-art freezing methods and monitoring to achieve effective, environmentally friendly control that targets specific areas of homes and businesses.

Although bed bugs can withstand cold temperatures as low as -13 degrees Fahrenheit, the pest cannot withstand being exposed to temperatures below 0 degrees Fahrenheit for several days. If exposed to extreme temperatures for an extended period of time, the freeloaders can be eliminated.

In addition to professional treatment and monitoring, it’s crucial to make the space less hospitable for these tiny bloodsuckers. Other helpful steps that homeowners, renters, and business owners can take include:

• Reducing clutter to reduce hiding spots.
• Washing linens, clothing, and stuffed animals in hot water and drying items on high heat.
• Scrubbing mattress and box spring seams with a stiff brush before thoroughly vacuuming.
• Repairing cracks and peeling wallpaper to reduce the number of potential hiding places.
• Using a special mattress cover to prevent bedbugs from entering or escaping the mattress.

Contact Catseye Pest Control for Professional Bed Bug Removal

Since female bed bugs can lay up to five eggs in a single day, it doesn’t take long for a small number of bed bugs to grow into a large infestation.

If even a single bed bug sign is spotted, don’t wait as it could already be a monstrous situation.

At the first sign of these pests, contact Catseye for professional control and monitoring that safely and effectively eliminates the problem.

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In last week’s visit to Hawai’i we met one of many species of small sucking insects known as psyllids that have evolved along with their iconic native host plant, the ʻŌhiʻa tree, one of the first colonists of lava flows. This week we return to the Kilauea volcano on the big island to meet two non-native invaders to these remote islands. Recall that this chain of land masses formed as the earth’s crust passed over a volcanic hot spot beneath the Pacific Ocean over the course of some five million years. Flora and fauna extant on this archipelago are comprised of descendants of ancient colonists or more recent travelers that arrived from elsewhere with or without assistance from humans. The stark beauty of the lava flow on Kilauea’s Iki trail is punctuated not only by the indigenous ʻŌhiʻa, but also by a drop-dead gorgeous orchid known as the bamboo orchid, Arundina graminifolia. Bamboo orchids are native to tropical biomes in several Asian countries but have been introduced to countries in Central America, the Caribbean, and several Pacific islands, including Hawai’i where they readily colonize newly formed volcanic soils. Plants are not alone in their abilities to colonize new lands. Insects are also renowned for their peripatetic abilities and amongst the best of these travelers are ants, anointed by famed entomologist and sociobiologist E. O. Wilson as the “little things that run the world.” Ants created quite a stir in the media earlier this year when scientists released their findings that we share our planet with some 20,000,000,000,000,000 members of this six-legged clan. Ants are found on every continent on earth except Antarctica, which seems strange as this continent is the only one with “ant” in its name (LOL). Several islands also lack ants, but not so for the Hawaiian Islands where more than 60 species of ants have been introduced over the last few centuries with an assist from humans, as imported plants and products arrived on the islands.

The lava lake on the floor of erupting Kilauea Volcano creates new land. Among the first plants to colonize a recent lava flow is the beautiful non-native bamboo orchid. Not surprisingly, an unidentified species of ant is one pioneer to make this newly formed land its home, where it searches orchid blossoms for sustenance.

While always on the lookout for bugs and their relatives, it was no surprise to find the non-native bamboo orchid colonized by one of the many non-native ants busily exploring its blossoms, apparently in search of a plant product like nectar or perhaps honeydew-producing insects like aphids. Described as “ecosystem engineers”, ants play vital roles in global ecosystems providing services such as seed dispersal for plants, biological control of crop pests, aeration of soil, linking trophic levels of food webs, and decomposition of organic matter. However, recent invasions of pestiferous “tramp ants” to Hawai’i, including little and tropical fire ants, pose threats to humans and pets by virtue of their memorable sting. These and invasive yellow crazy ants attack and kill other arthropods, including native and non-native invertebrates like spiders, crabs, and insects, and also small vertebrates, including birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. They may also defend colonies of sap-sucking insects like aphids that damage ornamental plants and crops.  A small dedicated band of scientists at the Hawai’i Ant Lab are tracking the spread of invasive ants. Their mission is to protect Hawai’i from new ant invasions, prevent the spread of established invasive ants, eradicate new infestations, and help homeowners, resource managers, and businesses to find new ways to manage the ongoing influx of these emerging pests. Don’t know if the tiny ants attending bamboo orchids are a boon or a bane to Hawai’i’s’ ecosystems, but they, along with these orchids are one of the first insect colonists to gain a foothold on new land. 

Acknowledgements

Bug of the Week thanks the ranger crew at Volcano National Park for suggesting locations to enjoy the spectacular natural beauty of the geology and biology found in the park. Enlightening discussions with Drs. Dan Gruner and Paula Shrewsbury helped shape this episode. Thr wonderful articles “The Little Things That Run the World (The Importance and Conservation of Invertebrates)” by Edward O. Wilson and “The abundance, biomass, and distribution of ants on Earth” by Patrick Schultheiss, Sabine S. Nooten, Runxi Wang, and Benoit Guénard, were consulted for content presented herein.

To learn more about invasive ants in Hawai’i, please visit this website: https://littlefireants.com/  

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As the weather cools down throughout North America, let’s head to somewhere hot, really hot, to the Mauna Loa and Kilauea volcanos on the big island of Hawai’i, where lava erupts from vents at some 2000 degrees Fahrenheit and creates some of the youngest land on Earth. The Hawaiian Islands are an archipelago, a chain of land masses formed as the earth’s crust passes over a volcanic hot spot beneath the Pacific Ocean. The northernmost islands in the string, Kaua’i and Ni’ihau, were born around 5 million years ago but the youngster of the bunch is Hawai’i, which arose from the seafloor only some half million years ago. It continues to grow with ongoing eruptions and lava flows.

A hike across a lava flow on the Kīlauea Iki trail provides fascinating clues to the formation of the rich floral and faunal diversity of the Hawaiian Islands. One of the first colonists to a virgin larva field is the sacred ʻŌhiʻa tree, Metrosideros polymorpha. This keystone species comprises some 80% of the native forests on the big island and provides habitat and food for many of Hawai’i’s endangered birds and insects. Scattered across the moonscape of a 1959 larva flow are young ʻŌhiʻa trees whose roots miraculously pierce the ropy lava to collect water and nutrients, which support a leafy canopy and brilliant ʻŌhiʻa blossoms. While examining these remarkable trees, we observed several with Hershey-kiss-shaped galls on the lower surface of many leaves. Galls are abnormal growths on plants created by several species of insects and mites that secrete potent chemicals into the plant’s undifferentiated tissues. These chemicals derail the normal developmental processes of the plant and create food and refuge for the insect or mite at the expense of the unwitting plant host. We met other species on gall making insects in previous episodes on oaks, tupelo, spruce, and elm.

Spectacular eruptions of Mauna Loa and Kilauea volcanos on Hawai’i transport lava from deep within the earth to the surface to form new land. One of the first plants to colonize virgin larva flows is a keystone species, the sacred ʻŌhiʻa tree. Strange Hershey-kiss-shaped leaf galls are home to one of some three dozen psyllid species that evolved on the Hawaiian Islands. Tiny sap-sucking nymphs with wing buds will soon mature and pop the top of their gall to emerge as winged adults ready to mate and colonize new ʻŌhiʻa trees. Adult psyllids utilizing ʻŌhiʻa are similar in appearance to the adult boxwood psyllid depicted here next to its shed nymphal skin.

Galls on ʻŌhiʻa are formed by a clan of sucking insects called psyllids, members of a large order of insects known as the Hemiptera – stink bugs, assassin bugs, bed bugs and their pernicious relatives like aphids, whiteflies, adelgids, scale insects, and many others. The tiny gall-makers on ʻŌhiʻa are members of a genus of psyllids named Pariaconus, a taxon with 36 named species on the Hawaiian Islands associated with Metrosideros polymorpha. Many of these psyllids are free-living and don’t form galls, while others form unique and interesting galls on stems and leaves. Why so many species of Pariaconus on but one species of plant? Well, it turns out that ʻŌhiʻa has a remarkable ability to colonize and thrive in many different soil types, zones of varying rainfall, and at many different altitudes found on the Hawaiian Islands. From the time the ancient ancestors of modern day Pariaconus arrived on these islands, which are the most isolated islands on earth, they were able to evolve and diversify in the myriad habitats occupied by Metrosideros polymorpha. These varied and unique niches spawned the great diversity of psyllids seen on the islands today. This form of diversification or radiation of species on islands was made famous by Darwin and his observations of the Galápagos finches in “On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection”.  

But all is not well for the iconic and irreplaceable ʻŌhiʻa tree and the insects and other creatures that call it home. While it seems to tolerate its psyllid guests reasonably well, it is threatened by two species of lethal fungi, Ceratocystis lukuohia and Ceratocystis huliohia, causal agents of Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD). First identified in 2014 on the big island, by 2019 it had infected more than 175,000 acres of trees. Through activities like moving infected wood, wounding trees with contaminated tools, and walking on or moving infected soil, humans are believed to help spread these fungi. Feral animals moving beneath infected trees and small bark beetles may also spread the disease. Efforts are underway to stop the spread of ROD and save this iconic tree so intertwined with Hawaiian culture and so important to the ecology and biodiversity of these unique and irreplaceable forests. 

Acknowledgements

We thank Dan Gruner for stimulating discussions about the ecology of Hawaiian flora and fauna and Paula Shrewsbury for images used in this episode. The great article “Making the most of your host: the Metrosideros-feeding psyllids (Hemiptera, Psylloidea) of the Hawaiian Islands” by Diana M. Percy was consulted for this episode.

To learn more about ROD and its management, please visit the following websites:

https://cms.ctahr.hawaii.edu/rod/THE-DISEASE

https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/hisc/info/species/rapid-ohia-death/

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