Though fruit flies aren’t likely to survive outdoors in winter, they can live in your warm home. In winter, these flies won’t be flying in through open doors. Fruit flies lay eggs under the skin of fruit, so they’re often brought inside on produce from the store. The eggs can hatch in your home, causing an infestation. Fruit flies are commonly seen near trash bins, fruit bowls, and open bottles or cans.
Drain flies can also spend the winter months in homes. While cold temperatures can slow their development, they can still cause problems in your house. The biofilm found in drains and pipes can protect drain fly larvae from the cold. Because these pests are attracted to stagnant water and decaying matter, you’re likely to spot them near sinks, buckets with water, and shower or bath tub drains.
Like other small flies, phorid flies can be found in homes in winter. These flies are known to bury themselves under organic matter to keep warm. They will feed on the organic matter too. In your home, phorid flies will gravitate to decaying matter and areas with moisture build-up. They’re typically seen near rotting food, drains, garbage disposals, trash bins, and recycling bins.
Fungus gnats can also be active in winter. These small flies are attracted to damp soil and are often spotted in gardens and potted plants. When you bring your plants in for the winter months, these pests can easily hitch a ride inside. They can also be brought home on plants from the store. As long as they have access to damp soil and your house is kept warm, they will be more than happy to stick around for a while.
If small flies have snuck into your home this winter, there are things you can to do to get them to leave. Minimizing conducive conditions and using pest control products can help to keep your home free of these pests. Check out a few tips to help get rid of small flies.
Though it would be nice for small flies to disappear in winter, these pests don’t always get the memo. Being prepared and pest-proofing your home can help to keep these pests away. If you’re dealing with a small fly problem, we’re here to help! For a more environmentally and family-friendly solution, check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products.
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Though fruit flies and fungus gnats are often mistaken for one another, there are difference in their appearance. Fruit flies are tan or black with a two-toned abdomen, while fungus gnats are dark gray or black. Fruit flies are rounded and similar in shape to other flies. Fungus gnats have long legs and resemble a mosquito. Fruit flies have two large, red or dark eyes that are easy to spot. Fungus gnats have small, dark eyes that aren’t as visible. These pests are similar in size, growing to about 1/8".
Fruit flies sneak into homes looking for food and a place to breed. They are attracted to overripe or decaying produce as well as fermented drinks and food. Because of this, they’re often found in kitchens. You’re likely to spot these flies hanging out near fruit bowls and trash bins. These flies will breed on produce and in trash cans, drains, and garbage disposals.
Fungus gnats are attracted to moisture and damp soil. They lay eggs on the surface of wet soil. Their larvae feed on fungi and organic matter in the soil as well as the roots of plants. These pests are typically found in gardens and potted plants. They end up in homes when infested plants are brought indoors. Fungus gnats can also be seen near windows and lights.
To keep fruit flies and fungus gnats out of your home, you’ll want to take the time to remove potential attractants. We’ve made a list of tips to help prevent these pests.
If fruit flies or fungus gnats have invaded your home, there are things you can do to get rid of them. Check out how to kick these pests out of your house.
It isn’t any fun dealing with fruit flies and fungus gnats. Though these pests like to trick you, there are ways to tell them apart. If you can identify the problem, you’ll be able to eliminate an infestation. If pests are bugging you, we have your back! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products for a more environmentally and family-friendly solution.
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To keep small flies out of your space, you need to know what’s attracting them to your home. Fruit flies are attracted to overripe produce and fermented food and drinks. Drain flies and phorid flies thrive in areas with moisture build-up and organic matter. Fungus gnats are attracted to damp soil, making houseplants a favorite hiding spot.
Preventing a pest problem is always easier than trying to control an infestation. With a little effort, you can make your home less attractive to small flies. We’ve made a list of tips to help you keep your home free of these pests.
To keep small flies away, you need to make sure they can’t find a way into your house.
Small flies are attracted to moisture, so you’ll want to keep your space as dry as possible.
Kitchens are a favorite hangout spot for small flies, so it’s important to take steps to make this room less welcoming.
Fungus gnats gravitate to houseplants because of the damp soil. Properly caring for your plants can help to prevent these pests.
If you’re dealing with a small fly infestation, there are things you can do to get rid of these pests. Check out a few tips to help kick small flies out of your home.
Flies buzzing around your home is an annoying sight. With a few preventative measures and the help of pest control products, you can keep these pests from bugging you. If you’re dealing with small flies or other pests, we’re here to help! For a more environmentally and family-friendly solution, check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products.
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Sealing potential entry points can help to keep spiders out of your basement. You’ll want to check your home for cracks or holes where spiders could slip indoors and seal any you find. These pests often enter homes through cracks in your home’s foundation and gaps between siding or bricks. Check for cracks near door and window frames too. You’ll also need to repair or replace damaged window and door screens.
Spiders will have a harder time finding hiding spots if your basement is clean. Take some time to organize your things and reduce clutter. Store your items in sealed bins, instead of cardboard boxes to keep spiders from getting in them. Vacuum and dust regularly, removing any spider webs you come across. Pay special attention to the corners of the room since spiders are likely to gravitate to these areas.
Bugs, like mosquitoes and flies, are tasty treats for spiders. Keeping your home free of other pests can help to deter spiders. Remove food sources, like crumbs and spills, that can attract bugs. Minimize moisture build-up in your home, and keep your basement as dry as possible with dehumidifiers or fans. Bright lights can attract pests, so consider swapping your white light bulbs for warm-hued bulbs instead.
If spiders are hanging out close to your home, it won’t be long before they make their way indoors. You’ll want to keep the perimeter of your house clear. Mulch can provide spiders with shelter and warmth, so avoid placing it close to your home. Remove leaves and other debris as well. Overgrown vegetation can also be attractive to spiders, so keep your plants trimmed. Woodpiles can serve as shelter for spiders too, so store them away from your house and don’t place them in your basement.
Spraying the perimeter of your house with a plant-based insecticide spray can help to keep spiders and other pests out of your home. Our Yard Bug Spray kill pests on contact and provides residual repellency. The repellent properties act as a protective barrier, helping to deter pest activity. You’ll want to apply the spray in a 2-to-3-foot band around the foundation. You can also spray common entry points with our Home Bug Spray to discourage spiders from entering your home.
If spiders have taken over your space, pest control products can help. Plant-based insecticide dusts, like our Spider & Insect Dust, provide longer-lasting protection. Apply dust to areas where you have seen spiders and in cracks, crevices, and other spots where spiders like to hide. You can also use our Spider & Insect Trap to help control spider problems. Place the traps in areas with spider activity, especially along walls or edges. You’ll want to replace the glue board every three months or when it is full.
Having spiders infest your basement isn’t an ideal situation. Taking the time to pest-proof your space can help to keep these arachnids away. If you’re dealing with a pest problem, we’re here to help! For a more environmentally and family-friendly solution, check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products.
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There are many spiders in the world, but only some are likely to invade homes. Though spiders share several characteristics, each species varies in appearance. Check out how to tell the difference between these common house spiders.
Knowing where spiders hide can help you identify an infestation. Spiders typically prefer to live in dark, secluded areas. However, each species has their preferred hiding spot.
Spotting spiders in your home is the most obvious sign of an infestation. However, there are other ways of identifying a problem. Check out a few signs that spiders have invaded your space.
Spotting the occasional spider isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but you don’t want them taking over your home. Before you can kick them out of your space, you need to know what you’re facing. If you’re dealing with spiders or other pests, we have your back! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products for a more environmentally and family-friendly solution.
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The best way to avoid a run-in with spiders is to seal potential entry points. If these creepy crawlies can’t find a way into your home, they’ll move on to a new location.
When spiders enter your home, they’re often looking for something to eat. These arachnids eat insects like ants, cockroaches, and flies. Keeping your home free of these pests will help to prevent spiders.
A messy home can be a welcoming sight to spiders looking for a place to hide. Taking the time to tidy up your space can help to keep these pests away.
If spiders are hanging out in your yard, there’s a good chance they’ll try to find a way inside too. To keep spiders out of your home, you’ll want to keep your outdoor space clean and remove attractants.
Spiders are known for the webs that they weave. Knocking down webs can help to discourage spiders from hanging out in your home.
When pests invade your home, you may need some backup. Insecticide sprays, dusts, and traps can help to control spider problems.
Having spiders as roommates can be a little frightening. With a few preventative measures, you can keep your home free of these pests. If spiders or other creepy crawlies are bugging you, we have your back! For a more environmentally and family-friendly solution, check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products.
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Spiders often enter homes looking for something to eat. These arachnids feed on insects like flies, mosquitoes, cockroaches, and ants. If these pests are hanging out in your house, then there’s a good chance spiders will want to stop by. To keep spiders away, you’ll want to make your home unwelcoming to other bugs. If there’s a spider hiding in your house, then other spiders may also arrive. You’re likely to notice an increase in spider activity in fall during their mating season.
Changes in weather can cause spiders to seek shelter in your home. Your house can serve as an escape from hot or cold temperatures as well as rainy conditions. Once spiders make their way inside, they won’t be quick to leave if they can find a good hiding spot. They are drawn to dark and secluded areas. You’re likely to spot them in basements, attics, closets, bathrooms, garages, and in corners of rooms. Spiders will also use clutter to their advantage and hide under piles of clothes, papers, and other misplaced items.
Spiders are attracted to damp environments, which is why they gravitate to basements and bathrooms. Excess moisture in your home is attractive to spiders. You’ll want to be on the lookout for leaky pipes, dripping faucets, and appliance leaks. Clogged drains that cause standing water in sinks and tubs can also attract spiders to your house. Keeping your home as dry as possible will help to keep spiders away.
Spiders prefer dark environments, so light on its own won’t attract these creepy crawlies. However, other bugs that they like to eat are attracted to lights. If your exterior lights are luring potential prey to your house, then spiders will take notice and follow them to your home. Warm-hued lights are less attractive than white lights, so consider changing your light bulbs to avoid attracting pests.
Even if your home has everything a spider is looking for, they’ll only be a problem if they can find a way inside. Cracks in your home’s foundation or on the exterior of your house can provide spiders with an easy entry point. When doors and windows without screens are left open, they can easily slip inside. Damaged screens can allow spiders to enter your home too. Spiders can also sneak inside on items that you carry indoors including firewood and plants.
Having spiders take over your space isn’t an ideal situation. If you can identify why they’re in your home, you can take steps to kick them out. If you’re dealing with a pest problem, we’re here to help! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products for a more environmentally and family-friendly solution.
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To keep pests away, you need to make sure they can’t find a way into your home. Bugs are tiny and can slip through small cracks, gaps, and holes. You’ll want to thoroughly examine the exterior of your house for places where these pests can sneak inside.
A bit of winter cleaning can help to keep bugs out of your house. Cleaning will help to remove potential attractants that could lure pests to your space.
Clutter can provide winter pests with hiding spots. To help keep bugs away, you’ll want to take some time to organize your home. Pay attention to areas where overwintering pests like to hide including attics and basements.
When pests, like cockroaches, enter homes, they often look for a source of water. Minimizing moisture build-up in your house can help to get rid of these pests.
Cozying up next to the fireplace is great in winter. However, you’ll need to make sure that bugs aren’t using your fireplace as a means of entering your home.
If bugs are hanging out in your yard, then they aren’t far away from your home. Making your outdoor space unwelcoming to pests can help to keep your home free of bugs.
Overwintering pests, like Asian lady beetles, stink bugs, cluster flies, and boxelder bugs, gather on the sunny side of homes before heading indoors. If you notice these pests on your house, you can use your garden hose to remove them. The pressure from the water will be strong enough to help dislodge the pests. This won’t actually kill them, but it will help to discourage them from gathering. Knocking these pests into a bucket with soapy water can help to kill them.
In addition to sealing entry points and removing attractants, pest control products can help to keep pests away from your home. Insecticide sprays, baits, and dusts are effective solutions against winter pests.
Bugs may think your house is warm and cozy, but that doesn’t mean you have to invite them to stay. Implementing preventative measures and using the right pest control products can help to protect your home from winter pests. If you’re dealing with a pest problem, we’re here to help! For a more environmentally and family-friendly solution, check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products.
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Keeping pests out of your home starts with sealing potential entry points. Bugs can easily squeeze into small spaces including tiny cracks and holes. You’ll want to examine your home for spots where pests can sneak inside.
Pests settle down in homes if they can find a safe place to hide and food to eat. Taking the time to clean can help to remove attractants, which can help to prevent pest problems.
Bugs are likely to hang around your home if they can find a water source. It’s important to minimize moisture in your home and yard to keep pests away.
If pests are attracted to your yard, it won’t be long before they make their way into your home. Pest-proofing your outdoor space can help to prevent indoor bug problems too.
Sometimes pests sneak into your home on items you carry in. It’s important to be on the lookout for hitchhiking bugs when you carry things into your house.
Pest control products can help to protect your home from bugs. Our plant-based insecticide sprays kill pests on contact and provide residual repellency. To create a protective barrier, you can spray the perimeter of your yard and home with our Yard Bug Spray. You can also spray common entry points with our Home Bug Spray to help deter pests. A plant-based insecticide dust, like our Spider & Insect Dust, can be applied to cracks and crevices where bugs like to hide to help keep pests from hanging out in your home.
Sharing your home with bugs isn’t an ideal way to spend the winter months. With a few preventative measures, you can avoid pests this winter. If you’re dealing with a bug problem, we have your back! For a more environmentally and family-friendly solution, check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products.
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When you arrive at your hotel, you’ll need to inspect the room for bed bugs. Check out where these pests are likely to hide.
If bed bugs are hanging out in your room, you’ll want to take steps to deal with the problem and protect your items. We’ve made a list of things to do if you find bed bugs in your hotel room.
After your vacation, you’ll want to make sure you don’t bring any hitchhiking pests into your home. Check out a few tips to help keep bed bugs from sneaking inside.
Finding bed bugs in your hotel room can be worrisome, which is why it’s important to know how to handle the situation. Be sure to notify management and take steps to protect your belongings. If you’re dealing with bed bugs or other pests, we’re here to help! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products for a more environmentally and family-friendly solution.
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You aren’t the only one that enjoys traveling to a new place, bed bugs do too. Hotels are a hotspot for these pests because many people are coming and going from hotels. This provides bed bugs with plenty of opportunities for a bloodmeal. Not only can they infest hotel rooms, they can also be carried home with you. Bed bugs can easily slip into your luggage, backpack, or hand bag. When you get home, these pests can spread throughout your home. Before settling into your room, make sure to check for these pests.
If your neighbor or friend is dealing with bed bugs, these pests could become a problem for you too. Bed bugs can easily travel between walls in apartments and college dorm rooms. If your neighbor has an infestation, these pests could make their way into your space. It is also possible that someone could unknowingly carry bed bugs into your home when they visit or you could bring bed bugs homes after visiting their place. Bed bugs can latch onto clothes and bags and ride home with you.
Bed bugs can be a problem anywhere people spend time. Public spaces, like libraries, movie theaters, airports, and schools, can house these pests. Public transportation can also be infested with bed bugs. These pests have been found on planes, buses, and trains, and they typically gravitate to the upholstered seats. If you visit a place where bed bugs are hanging out, there’s a chance these pests will follow you home.
You can usually find a good deal at flea markets and yard sales. Shopping these deals is great, but it’s important to be on the lookout for bed bugs. These pests can hide in cracks and crevices on used furniture. They can also be found on used clothing. Before bringing your new pieces home, thoroughly check them for bed bugs. You’ll also want to look for dark or red stains on the items since this can be a sign of bed bugs. Make sure to wash any clothes you purchase as soon as you bring them home. Hot water and high heat will help to kill bed bugs.
Unfortunately, bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers, which is why you have to be on the lookout for these pests. Knowing where they are likely to be found will make it easier to avoid an infestation. If bed bugs or other pests are bugging you, we have your back! For a more environmentally and family-friendly solution, check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products.
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Before you can start checking for bed bugs, you need to know what they look like. These pests have an oval-shaped body and are about ¼" in length. Bed bugs are flat and brown before they feed. After a bloodmeal, they will turn a reddish hue and enlarge. When trying to identify an infestation, you will also want to look for stains. When crushed, bed bugs can leave behind red stains, and their droppings can cause dark stains.
To check for bed bugs, you need to inspect areas where these pests are likely to hide. It’s important that your inspection is thorough and you look in the right spots. There are a few tools that can aid your search including a flashlight, a magnifying glass, a flat, narrow tool like an old credit card or a putty knife, and a pair of gloves. After gathering your supplies, you’ll be ready to start your inspection.
Bed bugs like to stay close to people, and they are most commonly found on beds. You’ll want to check your bedding including sheets, blankets, and pillowcases. After examining and removing your bedding, you need to check your mattress. You’ll want to pay close attention to folds, piping, and seams. You can use a flat tool to help push bed bugs and their eggs out of cracks. Once you examine the top of your mattress, flip it over and inspect the bottom. You will also need to check your box spring, headboard, and bed frame.
After thoroughly inspecting your bed, you can start looking at other pieces of furniture. Bed bugs are likely to be found on furniture that is close to the bed. Examine your nightstands and dressers. Be sure to empty any drawers, and remove them to inspect the bottom. You will want to examine cracks and joints on your furniture as well. Bed bugs can also hide in upholstered furniture. Look for bed bugs between the cushions of sofas and chairs. Don’t forget to look under your furniture since bed bugs like to hide in dark areas.
Once you’ve examined your furniture, you’ll want to move on to the perimeter of the room. Bed bugs can easily slip into cracks on walls, baseboards, molding, and the trim around doors and windows. Don’t forget to check your curtains while looking near windows. Bed bugs can also hide in any gaps near wall outlets or light switches. These pests are sneaky and can use picture frames and wall décor as hiding spots too. If you have loose wallpaper, you’ll want to make sure bed bugs aren’t hiding behind it.
When dealing with a serious bed bug infestation, it’s possible for bed bugs to spread to less common hiding spots. You’ll want to take the time to check smaller items, like your alarm clock and décor, to make sure there aren’t any hidden bed bugs. If you enjoy reading in bed, you’ll need to examine your books too. These pests can hide in the space between the spine and binding of a book. If you’re inspecting your child’s room, you’ll want to check their toys as well. Don’t forget to examine your furry family member’s bed and toys too.
Bed bugs can also be found on your clothing. As you examine your dressers, be sure to check your clothes for these pests. You should also take the time to inspect your closet. If you find bed bugs on your clothes, you’ll want to place them in a sealed bag until you can wash them. It’s best to use hot water and high heat when washing and drying infested clothes. Your luggage is also an ideal hiding spot for bed bugs and should be checked, especially after traveling. You can vacuum your suitcase to help remove these pests.
Having bed bugs invade your home is never any fun. Identifying an infestation is the first step to getting rid of these pests. Make sure to thoroughly examine your space and to look at all possible hiding spots. If you’re dealing with bed bugs or other uninvited guests, we have your back! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products for a more environmentally and family-friendly solution.
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Bed bugs are most often found on beds and bedding. Before settling into your hotel room, you’ll want to inspect the bed for these pests. Bed bugs are small, about ¼" in length, flat, and brown. In addition to looking for these pests, you’ll also need to be on the lookout for dark or red stains. Carefully examine the mattress, pillows, and bedding. These pests can also be found on headboards and bed frames.
Though bed bugs prefer to hide on beds, they can also be seen in other areas. Check upholstered furniture like chairs and couches. Inspect the nightstand and dresser, and look inside the drawers. Bed bugs can hide behind picture frames and other décor in the room too. They will also hang out in carpet and rugs, especially areas close to the bed. Bed bugs are sneaky and will hide in any crack or crevice they can find, so you’ll want to do a thorough search of the room.
Taking the time to pack well can help to avoid a run-in with bed bugs. When choosing your luggage, you may want to opt for a hard-shelled suitcase. It will be more difficult for bed bugs to slip inside hard-shelled suitcases than other suitcases. To protect your items from these pests, it’s a good idea to place them in sealed plastic bags. You can also choose to use a suitcase cover designed to prevent bed bugs when traveling.
Once you make it to your hotel room, you’ll want to protect your suitcase from bed bugs. While examining your room, leave your suitcase on the tile floor in the bathroom. This will make it harder for bed bugs to reach it. After examining the luggage rack, you can move your suitcase to it. Storing your suitcase off the floor can help to keep bed bugs out of it. It’s best to avoid placing suitcases on the bed or other pieces of furniture.
When you’re ready to unpack your suitcase, you’ll want to take steps to keep bed bugs off your clothes. Hang your items in the closet, and don’t place them on furniture, especially the bed. After wearing your clothes, avoid leaving them on floor. Instead, place them in a sealed plastic bag. When you get home, take your clothes straight to your laundry room. Wash clothing with hot water and use high heat settings when drying them. This will help to kill any hitchhiking bed bugs.
Bed bugs aren’t good souvenirs, so it’s important to protect your items from these pests. If you notice bed bugs or their signs when examining the room, notify management immediately. You’ll want to change rooms and avoid being placed in a room adjacent to the infested one. If bed bugs get carried home with you, our Bed Bug Killer dust can help to get rid of these pesky bugs.
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Silverfish are known to eat food found in your pantry and kitchen. They prefer carbohydrates and protein. These pests will eat dried meat, dried pasta, flour, cereal, oats, and other grains. Silverfish aren’t just attracted to the food you eat. Your pet’s food can also be a snack for these pests. Storing your pantry items in sealed containers is the best way to protect them from silverfish and other pests.
Items that contain starches are attractive to silverfish. This means that they will eat paper products like books, magazines, documents, and pictures. Silverfish also feed on cardboard boxes. They often leave behind yellow stains on paper products. Silverfish gravitate to damp and humid areas in your home including basements and attics, so you’ll want to avoid storing your paper items in these areas.
Your fabric items, like clothes and towels, could be a food source for silverfish. Their feeding can lead to holes or yellow stains on your items. Silverfish prefer cotton, silk, and linen. Clothing with stains from food or drink spills are more attractive to silverfish. These pests will also feed on upholstered furniture, curtains, and bedding. As with paper products, you should store your fabric items in a dry environment to help keep silverfish away from them.
Silverfish are fond of carbohydrates, and these can be found in glue. Tubes and bottles of glue can be attractive to these pests. Silverfish are also known to eat the adhesive used to hang wallpaper. The glue found in book bindings and photo albums can be a tasty treat for silverfish too. Make sure to store glue bottles and items containing glue in a safe place where silverfish can’t access them.
Many of your hygiene products contain cellulose, which can be attractive to silverfish. These pests are known to feed on shampoo, toothpaste, shaving cream, soap, and other hygiene products. They will feed on residues found in sinks, on counters, and in bathtubs. To prevent silverfish, you’ll want to clean up product spills and ensure lids are placed securely on these items.
Silverfish seek out food sources that contain protein, and dead insects can provide them with the protein that they need. Silverfish don’t just eat other insects; they have been known to feed on dead silverfish too. Sometimes silverfish will also eat the molted skin of insects. Keeping other pests out of your home can help to prevent silverfish.
Silverfish will eat many things found in homes, and their feeding can often cause damage to your belongings. Properly storing your items can help to keep silverfish from snacking on them. If you’re dealing with a pest problem, we want to help! For a more environmentally and family-friendly solution, check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products.
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Silverfish are tiny and can easily squeeze into small spaces. They can enter homes through cracks and gaps on the exterior of your house. Cracks in your home’s foundation or at ground level provide easy entry into your home. These pests can also slip inside through gaps where utility lines enter the house. To prevent silverfish, you should check your home for these openings and seal any you find.
Silverfish can walk into your home through your doors and windows. Cracks in door and window frames can allow them to head indoors. Damaged weather stripping or door sweeps can make it easier for them to enter too. If your door or window screens have any tears, silverfish can use them as an entry point. You’ll want to be on the lookout for problem areas and repair the holes you find.
Though silverfish typically enter through holes close to the ground, they can also climb to higher spots on your home. Holes in your roof or gaps between shingles can allow them to sneak into your house. Wooden roofs are especially attractive to silverfish because they contain cellulose and often hold moisture. If these pests enter through the roof, they will likely stay in the attic. When you examine your home for entry points, don’t forget to check the roof.
Silverfish don’t always access homes through cracks or holes. These pests can be carried inside on infested items too. They are commonly found on firewood. Silverfish also hide in boxes containing paper items or fabric since they feed on these things. You may bring silverfish in with you when you carry in your groceries as well. These pests are known to infest pantry items. Before carrying anything inside, check to make sure there aren’t any hitchhikers.
If silverfish can find an opening, they will quickly make themselves at home in your space. Identifying and minimizing potential entry points will help to keep these pests out of your home. If you’re dealing with silverfish or other pests, we’re here to help! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products for a more environmentally and family-friendly solution.
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Like other pests, cockroaches can’t resist a good food source. Odors and food particles can quickly lead these pests to your home. Cockroaches will eat a variety of things including sweets, starches, meats, and greasy food. They will snack on crumbs, spills, trash, and food left on dirty dishes. Open food containers in your pantry can attract these pests. Cockroaches will also eat your pet’s food. Non-food items, like cardboard and soap, can be food for cockroaches too.
Cockroaches will sneak into homes looking for water. Once they make their way inside, they often head to damp areas including bathrooms and basements. They are attracted to leaky pipes and dripping faucets. Clogged drains and standing water can cause cockroaches to move into your house. These pests are also attracted to wet towels left on the floor and wet bath mats. Your furry family member’s water bowl can also be a source of moisture for cockroaches.
These creepy crawlies may enter your home in search of shelter. Your home provides warmth and hiding spots for cockroaches. These pests often hide in and under furniture as well as behind and under appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, and microwaves. Cockroaches are also attracted to cardboard boxes, items left on the floor, and overstuffed shelves. They like to slip into wall voids and cracks or crevices in walls, ceilings, and trims too.
Your outdoor space could also attract cockroaches. If they are lured to your yard, it’s likely they will try to sneak into your home. Cockroaches are attracted to leaky spigots and water found in flower pots, birdbaths, and clogged gutters. They like to hide in piles of leaves, sticks, and other yard debris. Tall grass, overgrown vegetation, and mulch can also provide cockroaches with shelter. Compost piles and outdoor trash bins can attract hungry cockroaches too.
Cockroaches have to find a way inside to access the food, water, or shelter attracting them. If they can’t find an easy entry point, they will move on to a new place. Cracks, gaps, and holes can help cockroaches enter your home. They can also sneak inside through tears in door and window screens. Sometimes cockroaches will hitch a ride inside in packages, in bags, and on woodpiles. Check your items before bringing them in and seal entry points to avoid letting these pests into your home.
If cockroaches have access to food, water, and shelter, it can be difficult to get them to leave. Identifying and removing potential attractants can help to prevent cockroach problems. If cockroaches or other pests are bugging you, we’re here to help! For a more environmentally and family-friendly solution, check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products.
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Your kitchen is a go-to spot for cockroaches because these pests are likely to find sources of food and moisture. Cockroaches are known to hide in cabinets and in open food packages. They often slip behind or under appliances including refrigerators, ovens, microwaves, and dishwashers. Not only can they find crumbs and moisture, but the appliances can help to keep them warm. Trash can also attract these pests. To keep cockroaches out of your kitchen, store your pantry items in sealed containers and clean up any crumbs or spills.
Cockroaches also gravitate to bathrooms where they can easily find water. These pests will hide in bathroom cabinets that house pipes. These areas are dark, and leaky pipes can provide moisture. Clogged drains that cause standing water can also attract them. Cockroaches like hiding in piles of dirty laundry and wet towels left on the floor. They aren’t picky eaters and will snack on soap and toothpaste. To prevent cockroaches, check for and repair leaky pipes, and be sure to keep your bathroom clean.
These creepy crawlies can use your furniture as shelter. If you enjoy a snack on the couch, there’s a good chance crumbs will get left behind. Cockroaches can easily find these crumbs and will settle down in between and under cushions. They can also hide under furniture and shelves. Cockroaches are known to lay eggs on pieces of furniture too. Vacuuming can help to remove cockroaches and their eggs as well as the crumbs that attract them. Vacuum under furniture to ensure you catch any cockroaches hiding there.
Cockroaches like to hide in dark and secluded areas, and they will be happy if they find an available crack or crevice. These pests are thigmotactic insects, which means they seek contact with other objects, making tight spaces the perfect place to hide. They have a flat body that allows them to squeeze into these small spaces. Cracks on walls, ceilings, floors, and trim can be potential hiding spots. To prevent an infestation, you’ll want to seal cracks or gaps in your home
If your home has a lot of clutter, cockroaches won’t hesitate to move in. Clutter provides cockroaches with places to hide. Piles of paper or books can quickly become a source of shelter. They can also hide behind items on overfilled shelves. Leaving things on the floor, like piles of clothes, can attract cockroaches. These pests are also fond of cardboard boxes and are often found hiding in them. Not only can they hide in boxes, they can also feed on cardboard and paper. To make your home less appealing, keep things organized and store items in plastic bins with lids instead of in cardboard boxes.
Cockroaches don’t make the best roommates, which is why you’ll want to minimize hiding spots and attractants. If these pests can’t find the resources they need, they’ll be less likely to stick around. If cockroaches or other pests are bugging you, we have your back! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products for a more environmentally and family-friendly solution.
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Spotting bugs in your yard is normal, but you don’t want pests taking over your space. If you’re dealing with an active infestation, you’ll want to treat your yard for bugs. Backyard pests can be a problem from spring to fall, but they’re most active in summer. There are different insecticides available to help you control the various pests that can be a problem.
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Gardens are a great addition to yards, but they can also attract pests. Aphids, scale insects, and mites are a few pests that can harm plants. They feed on plant juices, which can weaken your plants. If you have a garden, you’ll want to take steps to protect it from hungry pests.
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Having uninvited guests crash your outdoor parties can quickly ruin the fun. Mosquitoes are likely to make an appearance in hopes of finding a blood meal. To avoid these party crashers, you’ll want to bug-proof your space before the event. Using a Mosquito Fogger can help to keep these pests away.
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Preventing a pest infestation is easier than controlling an active infestation. To minimize bug activity, you can do a preventative perimeter treatment. You’ll want to treat your yard in spring when pests are just emerging as well as in fall when pests are likely to head indoors to escape the cold weather.
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Bugs may love your backyard, but you don’t have to share your space with them. Treating your outdoor space can help to keep pests from bugging you. Whether you’re fighting an active infestation or trying to avoid a run-in with pests, we have your back! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products for a more environmentally and family-friendly solution.
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Anytime you’re dealing with an active infestation, you can treat your home for bugs. Though bugs are most active in spring and summer, they can be a problem throughout the year. It’s important to remember that different types of insecticides work in different ways. Plant-based insecticide sprays kill pests on contact, while baits have to be consumed by pests. This will affect how you treat for bugs.
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In spring, the warming temperatures allow bugs to become active. These bugs are hungry and aren’t afraid to head indoors looking for something to eat. A preventative treatment in spring can help to deter pests from moving into your home. Our Home Bug Spray and Spider & Insect Dust have repellent properties that can be used to create a protective barrier. This barrier will help to keep pests out of your home.
Application Tips:
When fall arrives, pests start preparing for the approaching cold weather. Some pests, like stink bugs and boxelder bugs, will try to find a warm and secluded hiding spot in your house. These overwintering pests release pheromones that alert other pests to their location, causing them to invade in large groups. A preventative treatment early in fall can help to protect your home from overwintering pests.
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It’s never easy when uninvited guests show up, which is why it’s important to treat your home for bugs. Whether you’re dealing with an active infestation or trying to prevent a bug problem, we’re here to help! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products for a more environmentally and family-friendly solution.
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Anytime you’re using an insecticide spray, you want to make sure you’re using it correctly. Here are a few tips to help you use our Yard Bug Spray.
It’s always important to apply insecticide sprays at the right time. You can spray your yard throughout the year to keep bugs away. In spring, pests emerge from their winter hiding spots. This is also when eggs begin to hatch. Spraying in spring can help to catch any early bug problems. In summer, pest populations are at their peak, so spraying your yard can help to control and prevent any infestations. In fall, overwintering pests start trying to sneak into homes. Treating the perimeter of your house can help to deter these pests. When possible, it’s best to spray your yard in the evening or morning when it’s cooler outside.
To get a thorough application, you need to know the best places to spray in your yard. Check out a few spots you don’t want to skip when applying a yard bug spray.
When dealing with ants, boxelder bugs, fleas, mosquitoes, and ticks, your lawn is one of the main areas where you will be spraying for prevention and control. You’ll want to start at the spot that’s farthest away from your hose spigot. From there, work backwards until you have sprayed your entire lawn. Apply spray in a sweeping motion, overlapping the spray for best coverage.
Some pests, like plant pests, mosquitoes, and ticks, harbor in dense vegetation. Include your trees, bushes, and heavy vegetation in your treatment plan. Spray thoroughly, making sure to get deep into the vegetation. You’ll want to spray to the point of runoff.
Spraying your yard can help to control some garden pests like aphids and beetles. Spray to wet foliage to the point of runoff. Be sure to spray the underside of leaves too. To minimize potential burning of delicate plants, you’ll want to apply at a lower rate of 500-600 sq ft per minute. It’s always best to test treat a small area of the plant before spraying the entire plant.
The area underneath your porch or deck could be the perfect hiding spot for some pests. This area doesn’t receive direct sunlight, causing it to be cool, damp, and dark. This creates the ideal harboring site for many pests including mosquitoes. You’ll want to spray under porches and decks to control any pests that could be there.
To prevent bugs from getting into your house, you can spray the foundation and perimeter of your home. Our Yard Bug Spray has repellent properties that will help to create a barrier that deters pest activity. You should spray the lower portion of the foundation as well as a 2–3-foot band around your home.
Though bugs like your outdoor space, it doesn’t mean you have to let them move in. With the help of a plant-based insecticide spray, you can make your yard unwelcoming to pests. If bugs have invaded your yard or home, we have your back! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products for a more environmentally and family-friendly solution.
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Anytime you’re using an insecticide, it’s important to read and follow label instructions. The label has information that will help to make sure you are applying the product correctly and maximizing the benefits of the spray. Reading the label will also ensure you are using the right product for your pest problem.
For an effective application, you’ll want to apply insecticide sprays at the right time. You can spray your yard when you’re dealing with an active infestation, but you can also spray to prevent infestations. Applications in spring, summer, and fall can help to protect your yard from pests throughout bug season. To avoid potential leaf-burn, apply yard bug sprays in the evening or morning when temperatures are cooler.
To keep your outdoor space free of bugs, you need a thorough application. When applying a hose-end yard bug spray, make sure to spray in a sweeping motion. Let the spray overlap to ensure your entire lawn is covered. You’ll also want to keep moving during the application. Moving around will help you cover the most ground possible. Our Yard Bug Spray is designed to cover up to 5,000 sq ft.
It’s important that you use the right amount of product when treating your lawn. For preventative treatments or light infestations, you can apply our Yard Bug Spray at a rate of 500-600 sq ft per minute. If you’re dealing with a heavier infestation, apply at a rate of 250-300 sq ft per minute. You can reapply monthly or as needed, but you may need to reapply more frequently if you’re dealing with a severe pest problem or after heavy rainfall.
Many pests harbor in vegetation, so it’s important to treat your plants, bushes, and shrubs. When applying a yard bug spray to vegetation, don’t just spray the top of plants and shrubs. Pests, like mosquitoes and ticks, hide deep in vegetation. It’s important that the spray reaches them. For a thorough application, spray foliage to the point of runoff. If you’re worried about plant sensitivity, it’s a good idea to test spray a small area before spraying the entire plant.
Yard bug sprays can protect your yard and also help to deter bugs from entering your house. In addition to contact kill, our Yard Bug Spray has repellent properties. You can spray your home’s foundation and perimeter to create a protective barrier. Spray the lower portions of the foundation and the perimeter to about three feet out. Avoid spraying your home’s siding.
Spraying your yard can help with pest problems, but you also want to implement other preventative measures that make your yard less appealing to bugs. Mow your lawn regularly, but wait a day or two after spraying your lawn to mow. Trim plants, shrubs, and tree branches, and make sure they aren’t touching the side of your house. Remove yard debris that can act as shelter for pests. Bugs are attracted to water, so minimize moisture build-up in your yard.
It can be annoying having pests crash your outdoor activities. To protect your yard from unwanted guests, you can spray your yard for bugs. Our Yard Bug Spray kills pests on contact and provides residual repellency. It’s formulated with plant oils, making it a more environmentally and family-friendly solution.
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Pests, like ants and cockroaches, enter homes looking for something to eat. If they can find crumbs or sticky residues, they’ll be happy. Food left on the counter or open food containers can cause bugs to show up. Flies like to see what food they can find in trash bins. Though bugs like to eat your leftovers, they’ll also snack on your pet’s food if given the chance.
Bugs aren’t just looking for a tasty treat, they also need to stay hydrated. Excess moisture in your house can attract bugs. Leaky pipes or dripping faucets can provide them with a source of water. Some areas in your home, like basements and garages, are more prone to dampness, and bugs are likely to gravitate to these areas. Keeping your home as dry as possible can help to prevent pest problems.
Many pests head indoors looking for shelter. Clutter and cardboard boxes can provide bugs with hiding spots. Changes in weather can also cause pests to move inside. Rainfall can lead to flooded ant nests, causing these pests to sneak into your home. When temperatures become too hot or too cold, bugs may seek refuge in your house. In fall, some pests begin looking for a place to overwinter. If they can find their way indoors, they’ll settle down in a warm and secluded spot.
Sometimes pests will wander into homes if they come across an opening. If they find a crack, gap, or hole on the exterior of your house, they may decide to check it out. Tears in screens can also allow pests easy access to your home. If you have a habit of leaving your doors open, bugs will use this to their advantage. If they find attractants in your house, they may decide to stick around.
Many bugs choose to work together, leading other bugs to your home. Some insects release pheromones that alert other bugs to their location. If an ant finds a good food source, it will release pheromones, creating a trail to the food. This will allow other ants in the colony to find it. Overwintering pests, like Asian lady beetles and stink bugs, release pheromones when they find a safe place to spend the winter months. This can result in large infestations.
Not all bugs actively walk into your home. Instead, they get carried into your house. Woodpiles, plants, and boxes can house hidden pests. When you carry them inside, the pests get carried in with you. Pantry pests may hide in grocery bags or infested packages. Your furry family members can also bring fleas inside after playing outdoors.
Unfortunately, pests may find your home inviting for a variety of reasons. Removing potential attractants can help to keep your home free of pesky bugs. If pests have invaded into your home, we’re here to help! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products for a more environmentally and family-friendly solution.
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Many bugs can’t survive cold temperatures. For most pests, their activity ceases when temperatures are consistently under 50° F. When temperatures start to cool in fall, bugs begin preparing for winter. Some seek shelter and others enter diapause. If pests can’t find a way to escape the cold, they will die. Though not all bugs go away, you will begin to see a decrease in bug populations once fall arrives.
The bugs that are determined to survive the cold months have to find shelter. Check out a few places where bugs are likely to hide.
Some bugs, like bees and ants, choose to stay in their nests during the colder parts of the year. Bees will huddle together for warmth, keeping the queen at the center of the nest. Ants often burrow underground. They seal the entrances to their nests, and their activity slows down. Once spring arrives, these bugs will become active again.
Not all bugs have a nest to hide in when it’s cold. These pests have to be resourceful. Items in your yard can act as shelter for bugs. Yard debris, logs, mulch, and rocks are potential hiding spots for bugs. Other pests will nest under the bark of trees. Any snow fall can actually help these bugs. The layer of snow on the ground acts as insulation, helping to protect bugs hidden under yard debris and mulch.
When the weather turns cold, you likely keep your home warm and cozy. Some bugs use this to their advantage and seek shelter in your house. In fall, overwintering pests will make their way to your home. They often gather on the sides of your house before slipping inside. Once they enter your home, they find a secluded place to spend winter. When it warms up in spring, these pests will leave their hiding spots to head outdoors.
Your house is an ideal place to overwinter, but there are ways to keep uninvited guests away. We’ve made a list of tips to help keep overwintering pests out of your home.
Though a break from pests would be nice, not all bugs are willing to leave you alone. Being prepared for their arrival will make it easier to prevent and control an infestation. If you’re dealing with a pest problem, we have your back! For a more environmentally and family-friendly solution, check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products.
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Before fall arrives, you’ll want to make sure pests can’t sneak into your home.
Food and moisture can quickly attract pests to your house, so it’s important to minimize these attractants.
To help prevent pests from moving in, you’ll want to do some fall cleaning.
If bugs are attracted to your outdoor space, it won’t be long before they slip into your home.
Green pest control products can help to control and prevent bugs in your home and yard.
Fall is supposed to be filled with changing leaves and cooling temperatures, not bugs. Implementing a few preventative measures can help to keep pests from invading your space. If you’re dealing with pests, we have your back! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products for a more environmentally and family-friendly solution.
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Spiders love having a place to hide, and they prefer dark and secluded areas. If spiders can’t find a source of shelter, they will be less likely to stick around.
Spiders are notorious for spinning webs in yards and homes. Knocking down spider webs can help to deter spider activity.
Spiders feed on bugs like mosquitoes, flies, ants, and cockroaches. Keeping your home and yard free of other bugs will help to keep spiders away too.
If spiders are hanging out in your yard, it won’t be long before they try to make their way indoors. To keep your home free of these arachnids, seal potential entry points and avoid bringing spiders in with you.
Plant-based insecticide sprays can help to keep spiders and other bugs from hanging out in your yard and home.
Spiders head into yards looking for something to eat. Unlike other pests, spiders aren’t attracted to your leftovers. They feed on bugs like flies, crickets, cockroaches, and garden pests. If other bugs are hanging out in your yard, then spiders could show up. Eliminating other pest problems can help to prevent a spider infestation.
The vegetation in your yard could be attracting spiders. Not only can spiders hide in vegetation, they can also build their webs on shrubs and bushes. Keeping your lawn and vegetation trimmed can help to minimize spider activity. Woodpiles and yard debris, like leaves, twigs, and grass clippings, can also act as sources of shelter.
Though spiders like vegetation, they can find other places to hide in your yard. Spiders prefer dark, warm, and secluded areas. They often hide under rocks or paving stones. Buckets, flowerpots, and other items in your yard can provide shelter too. You’re also likely to spot spiders in crawlspaces and under sheds and decks.
While spiders like to stay in the dark, some bugs are attracted to lights. Outdoor lighting can cause bugs to hang out in your yard. Spiders will head in the direction of these pests. Minimizing lighting at night or swapping your white light bulbs for less attractive bulbs can help to keep other bugs away. If spiders can’t find something to eat, they will move on to a new location.
Excess moisture in your yard can be attractive to spiders. Some spiders thrive in damp environments, and others just need a little water to stay hydrated. Items that collect water, like watering cans or toys left outside, can provide spiders with the moisture they need. You’ll also want to be on the lookout for leaky spigots and hoses that could cause spiders to visit.
If spiders have invaded your yard, then it won’t take long for them to find their way into your home. Spider-proofing your yard can help you avoid an infestation. If you’re dealing with creepy crawlies, we have your back! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products for a more environmentally and family-friendly solution.
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Stinging insect activity begins in spring. Queen wasps spend winter in a state of diapause, which is an insect’s form of hibernation. When it gets warm in spring, queens begin their activity. The queen searches for a place to nest and starts laying eggs. As eggs hatch and worker wasps develop, the colony will continue to grow. Stinging insects spend this time caring for the nest and the developing wasps.
As spring turns to summer, populations continue to grow. The work stinging insects have put into the colony has paid off. The worker wasps have taken over caring for the nest, and the queen is focused on laying eggs. Toward the end of summer, populations reach their peak with hundreds to thousands of wasps living in a colony. This population growth leads to more stinging insects buzzing around. Because there are more insects present, they will seem to be more active.
As temperatures start to cool in fall, stinging insects start preparing for winter. Their food supply is limited, so they have to be resourceful. You’re likely to see more of these pests hanging around when you eat outside. Not only are stinging insects hungry, they are also more protective of their queen. For a new colony to emerge in spring, the queen needs to survive. These two factors cause stinging insects to be more aggressive in fall.
In winter, you aren’t likely to find many stinging insects. These pests can’t handle the cold and most die. However, queen wasps enter a state of diapause. During this stage, their growth is paused. They spend winter in warm and undisturbed locations including under logs, in chimneys, wall voids, and attics. They remain inactive until things start to warm up in spring. You may notice these wasps in your house when they first become active.
Stinging insects are most active in the middle of the day. This is when the workers leave the nest and search for food. They will return to the nest in the evening and stay inside throughout the night. If treating a nest, you’ll want to spray the nest in the evening or in the morning when wasps are still in the nest. Our plant-based Wasp & Hornet Killer kills and repels wasps, yellow jackets, and hornets. It’s a foaming jet spray that reaches up to 18 feet, allowing you to keep your distance from the nest.
When spending time outside, it’s always helpful to know what pests you may encounter. Taking precautionary measures can help you avoid a run-in with stinging insects and other bugs. If you’re dealing with a pest problem, we’re here to help! For a more environmentally and family-friendly solution, check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products.
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Paper wasps are brown with yellow markings. They have a thin waist and long legs. They range in size from 5/8"-3/4". They construct nests from wood pulp, giving the nest a paper-like appearance. Their nests are gray or brown and made of hexagonal cells. Outdoors, these umbrella-shaped nests can be found on tree limbs, in shrubs, under porches and decks, and on the exterior of homes. Inside, nests are often seen in attics and wall voids. Paper wasps aren’t typically aggressive, but they will sting to defend their nest.
Yellow jackets are a type of wasp that live in large colonies. These stinging insects are black and yellow and grow between 3/5"-5/8". They have long wings and lack hair. Their nests are similar to paper wasp nests with a paper-like appearance. They typically have one round entry point. Yellow jackets construct underground nests with holes near the base of trees or in cracks in pavement. They also build nests in bushes, shrubs, garages, and sheds. Yellow jackets can be aggressive if they feel threatened.
European hornets are reddish-brown with yellow stripes. They have a pale face and can grow up to 1". Hornets have a pointed body and a wider waist than paper wasps. Their nests are made from wood pulp and have a papery appearance. They are shaped like teardrops and have one entry point. European hornets place their nests six feet or higher above ground and can be found in trees, attics, and wall voids. These hornets aren’t considered aggressive, but they will sting if they sense danger.
Bald-faced hornets can also show up in yards. These hornets have a black body with white markings on their face and body. They grow between 1/2"-3/4". Like European hornet nests, their nests are made from wood pulp with a paper-like appearance. You will often find their teardrop-shaped nests at least three feet above the ground. Bushes, shrubs, fences, and structure overhangs can house their nests. Bald-faced hornets are very protective of their nests and can be aggressive if they feel threatened.
Mud daubers vary in appearance depending on the species. Some mud daubers are black and yellow, while others have a metallic blue coloring. They have a very thin body and grow between 1/2"-1". Mud daubers are solitary insects that don’t live in colonies. They construct their nests from mud, and nests often look like cylinder-shaped tubes. They build nests in sheds, attics, on porch ceilings, and in other sheltered areas. Unlike other insects on this list, mud daubers aren’t very protective of their nest and will rarely sting.
Carpenter bees have a shiny, black body and range in size from 3/8"-1". Their thorax has fuzzy, yellow hair, but their abdomen doesn’t. These bees get their name from their habit of constructing nests in wood. They prefer to bore into unfinished or decaying wood. Nests can often be identified by a round entrance hole. Male carpenter bees are protective of their nests and will fly around people if they get too close. However, they lack a stinger and won’t be able to sting. Female carpenter bees have a stinger that isn’t barbed, so they can sting multiple times.
Bumblebees are often seen buzzing around flowers. These bugs are black and yellow with a fuzzy body. They grow between 1/4"-1". Bumblebees prefer to build their nests in hidden spots and can be found above or underground. Hollow logs, piles of rocks, and thick vegetation are common nesting spots. These bees often line their nests with leaves and other debris. Bumblebees are beneficial insects that help to pollinate flowers. These helpful bugs can and will sting to defend themselves and their nest. Like carpenter bees, they are able to sting more than once.
Honey bees have an orange-brown or black body that is covered in pale hair. They grow between 1/2"-5/8" and are oval-shaped. Honey bees are social insects that live in colonies. Their nests are more recognizable than bumblebee nests. Honey bees construct their hives with wax, and they have clusters of honeycombs. They can be found in sheltered locations including hollow trees and cavities of structures. Like bumblebees, honey bees are beneficial insects and help with pollination. They aren’t aggressive, but they can be defensive. Their stingers are barbed, so they can only sting once.
Not all stinging insects cause problems, but you’ll want to be able to identify the ones that do. Being aware of these bugs and taking precautions can help you avoid a run-in with these stinging insects. If wasps, hornets, or other pests are giving you a fit, we have your back! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products for a more environmentally and family-friendly solution.
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Spotting one or two wasps doesn’t necessarily mean your space is infested. However, seeing several wasps on a regular basis could mean they have settled down in or near your home. Wasps are most active in the middle of the day when it’s warmest. This is when they leave the nest in search of food. If you notice wasps, you can identify them by their coloring. Paper wasps have a brown body with yellow stripes. Yellow jackets have a black body with yellow markings.
Finding a wasp nest in your home or yard is another sign of an infestation. Nests are grayish-brown and have a paper-like appearance. Paper wasps build nests in trees, shrubs, attics, and wall voids. Yellow jackets often build nests underground. To spot these nests, you’ll want to look for wasps coming and going through a hole in the ground. If you’re having trouble locating a nest, you can follow the wasp’s flight path when they return to their nest in the evening.
Wasps construct nests from wood and saliva. They are known to strip wood from trees, fences, or exposed wood on homes. If you notice holes or scratches in wood, it could be a sign of wasps. Holes in wood can also be an indicator of carpenter ants and carpenter bees, so you’ll want to make sure you correctly identify the pest problem. When collecting wood, wasps may also leave behind small traces of dust.
Stinging insects often create noises when completing their daily tasks. Wasps emit a buzzing sound when flying and constructing nests. The larger the infestation, the louder the buzzing will be. You may also hear tapping or scraping noises, especially if they are building a nest in your home. If you start noticing these noises, there’s a chance that wasps have moved into your space.
An occasional wasp isn’t always a problem, but an infestation is more worrisome. If you identify a wasp infestation, you’ll want to take steps to get rid of these pests. Check out a few tips to help keep your space free of wasps.
If you want to keep your home and yard free of wasps, you’ll need to know how to identify an infestation. If wasps or other pests are bugging you, we have your back! For a more environmentally and family-friendly solution, check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products.
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Ants are common invaders of picnics and outdoor meals. Many ant species can be found in backyards. These pests are attracted to food crumbs and sugary residues. Your yard also provides them with nesting spots. Ants often create nests in soil, which will look like mounds of dirt. If left alone, their colonies can grow quite large. Another problem is their proximity to your home. If these pests are in need of food or shelter, they can easily march into your house.
The buzzing of stinging insects can quickly send you running indoors. Paper wasps, yellow jackets, and hornets are frequently seen in yards. They build nests in trees and shrubs, under decks and porches, and in eaves. Yellow jackets are known to build nests in the ground. Though stinging insects like to feed on plant nectar, they won’t turn down a sweet treat or a protein-packed snack. Strong, sweet fragrances and moisture can also lead them to your yard.
Mosquitoes also like to hang out in your backyard. Female mosquitoes are on the hunt for a blood meal so they can produce eggs. Their bites can cause itchy, red bumps. These pests thrive near sources of stagnant water. Potted plants, leaky hoses or spigots, kiddie pools, and water left on pool or grill covers can attract them. They also like to hide in dense vegetation and shady spots around your yard.
Ticks are arachnids that need a host to survive. There are several species of ticks, and they all have a preferred host including humans and animals. Ticks like areas with tall grass or ground vegetation. Backyards close to wooded areas are more attractive to these pests. Ticks hang out in vegetation, waiting for a host to approach. When a host comes close, these pests latch onto it and begin looking for a place to bite.
Having to swat at flies isn’t the ideal way to spend your time outside. Your yard may be attractive to these annoying pests for several reasons. Garbage provides flies with food and a breeding spot. Trash cans without secure lids or crumbs and spills from your outdoor meal can cause flies to show up. Flies are also attracted to decaying matter like leaf litter, grass clippings, and pet droppings.
Fleas are outdoor pests that can really bug your furry family members. Like ticks, fleas are on the lookout for a host. These pests can make their way into your yard by traveling on wildlife that’s passing through. Fleas hide in overgrown vegetation and tall grass. When animals or people walk by, they hop onto them. From there, they hitch a ride inside where they can quickly multiply and leave you and your pets with itchy bites.
Bugs may find your backyard inviting, but that doesn’t mean you have to share your space with them. Eliminating potential attractants will help to prevent pests from hanging out in your yard. If bugs have taken over your backyard, we have your back! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products for a more environmentally and family-friendly solution.
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