Insect Pests
Below is a brief description of some common insect pests
Ants
Most ants
are not a problem if they remain outdoors. When they invade our living
and work spaces some species can be a serious health hazard or
structural threat. Carpenter Ants: This is definitely a pest problem
that should be left to the experienced professional. If you see larger
ants in your home, save a specimen. Atlantic Graduate will identify it
and recommend a control solution. For more information and photos see
this web
page
House Centipede
Often
found in older homes where it feeds on flies, spiders and other
arthropods. They do not do any damage to stored foods or household
furnishings. Cleaning up clutter reduces their hiding places and
vacuuming them up along with any other insects that they rely on for
food will help in long term control. We have found that using a series
of well placed 'sticky glue-traps' is a good control method as well.
Yellowjacket Wasp
Eliminating these pests can be risky, especially
for anyone allergic to stings. Let us safely take care of this problem
for you. If you can't find the nest...
Build
your own wasp traps
More
information about wasps, hornets and bees
Earwig
A
nuisance pest which can sometimes build up to high populations during
warm weather. They are primarily nocturnal scavengers on decaying animal
and plant material. Often they will occur along foundations of homes or
under crawl spaces where it is cool and damp and enter homes through
cracks and ducts. Mulched flower beds and compost pits are also a prime
habitat. Chemical treatments in areas where the earwigs breed are
effective.
Food Infesting Pests
There are a number of insects that can find their
way into your pantry and establish a place to breed. They may go
unnoticed for some time resulting in large populations and considerable
food contamination.
Silverfish
This nocturnal pest is difficult to find and
control for the inexperienced. If left uncontrolled, they can damage
books, important paper files and contaminate food.
Cockroach
Modern
control methods can safely eliminate roaches in residential and
commercial structures. Atlantic Graduate has the solution.
Sow Bugs
Not a
destructive or serious pest in buildings but an indication that moisture
levels are high. Spraying pesticides offers only a temporary short term
solution.