Increased Arachnid Activity

If you haven't taken notice already, you may start to see an increase in spider activity in the next couple of weeks as the temperatures begin to cool off making way for Fall. While it is not widely known, male spiders typically seek a mate around late Summer early Fall. This includes tarantula spiders, which according to Mount Diablo State Park rangers, they have already begun seeing tarantulas popping up early due to the cooler temperatures. Be advised that mating season usually lasts through the end of October. 

It's good to keep in mind that while tarantulas are intimidating to look at (for all you arachnophobes!) they are quite docile and non-aggressive unless provoked (which we DO NOT recommend!) Most female tarantulas remain in their burrow, so if you run into a tarantula while out hiking or if you live on acreage, chances are it's a male. Fun fact: Male tarantulas have been known to search for up to four miles to find a mate! Kind of romantic! 

On a separate note, general household spiders will also be seeking mates around this time frame. As always, we recommend staying consistent with your pest control services and doing your best to eliminate the arachnids main food source which are of course other bugs, but most importantly FLIES. If you find yourself having a particularly intense fly infestation, whether outside or inside your home, we recommend picking up a fly catcher or trap at either Home Depot or Lowes to help out. These usually cost anywhere from $5.00 to $7.00 depending on the brand or type you buy. Making sure your trash bids are secure and covered is also a good idea, since this is a popular place for spiders to set up camp. (Coincidence? We think not.) 

We hope this helps answer some of your questions about the increase in spider activity as of lately. If ever you have a concern or need your pest control technician to come back out to do a respray for you, don't hesitate to give us a call!

The Bullet Ant

Parponera Clavata

aka "Bullet Ant"

Thought you had an ant problem? Try living in the Amazonian Forest and having to deal with Bullet Ants. If your living in Nicaragua, Honduras, Paraguay or Costa Rica you know just what kind of ant I am talking about. The Bullet Ant is also known as the 24hour Ant which describes the lasting pain after a sting. A sting from the Bullet Ant can leave its victim weak, swollen and wiped out. In question to whether or not a Bullet Ant can kill a human is most likely only if the victim has an allergic reaction to the bite  or not.

Be Warned

The Bullet Ant will never attack unless provoked. They will first release a strong odor to serve as a warning before it will attack. While they are intimidating they will warn you first, don't say I didn't tell you so.

Tribe Rituals

Some native tribes use the Bullet Ants in initiation ceremonies for bringing young men into adulthood. The elders of the tribe first gather many of the ants and sedate them with a drug to make them drowsy long enough to place them into large woven mitts. Next, the young males must wear the mitts filled with the angry waking Bullet Ants for 10 minutes. They must endure the continuing pain of the bites for at least the next 24hours.  This ritual is done a total of 20 times in order to bring the young men into adulthood. Good thing we do not have Bullet ants here in the states!

Just Plain Ants

While you probably don't have a problem with angry Bullet Ants on your hands you may have a pesky plain ant problem taking over your kitchen, and if that is the case you need a Professional to help you with that. Call Black Knight Pest Control and ask about our Ant Control Service. We have a plan that will work for you!

The House Fly

House Fly

The house fly is the most common fly with an expected life span of less than a month.  They typically stay within 1-2 miles from where they were born, and the batches of eggs are usually in groups of 100 or more. Flies are only able to feed on liquids but can turn a solid into a liquid. A single house fly can carry over 100 different diseases for this reason along with the annoying factor we do not want them flying around us, or our homes. There are some things that can be done in your home to help keep them away.

• Darken the house, close blinds, flies are attracted to light
• Keep pet food covered as much as possible
• Shut windows
• Repair torn blinds
• Cover trash can
• Keep kitchen counter tops clean
• Throw away rotten food/ fruit, flies can lay eggs on spoiled fruit
• Spray them with Windex, this will dampen their wings and make it easier for you to swat

If you find that all your attempts are failing give Black Knight Pest Control a call and we have several things that we can do to help you with your house fly invasion. A quote is always free so call today and stop the buzzing !

Black Knight Pest Control 951.694.8100

5 Reasons Why You Might Be Attracting Ants Into Your Home

ants-home

If you find ants in your home, maybe once in a month, you will need to get rid of them but there is nothing much to get worried about. It could be summer and the heat is driving them indoors or simply an isolated case. The cause of worry starts when you spot them every few days. This means you are actually inviting them in for dinner literally! Many things we do cause the ants to scurry to our homes and they all center on food. When one ant finds food, it sends a signal to the rest through certain pheromones and the rest of the colony will join in the party. If you wonder why ants seem to be following a specific path, it is because they are – well, they are following the pheromone secreted by their colleague.

Understand what ant-invitation cards you have sent out in your home and see if you can try to cancel the invitations!

               1.       The spills and crumbs

One common statement is “I will do that later”. We say that when we spill a drink on the counter but do not want to miss a second of our favorite program or when we are too sleepy to get rid of the crumbs. In a matter of minutes, you have ants crawling up. The solution is to obviously clean up after a mess. After having a meal, a snack, cooking, or even doing dishes, ensure you wipe up the counter or table with a damp cloth to remove all sticky messes.

              2.       The dirty dishes in the sink

You may be too tired or simply lazy to do the dishes immediately but do not leave a huge mess at the sink. At least ensure you rid the food remains from the plates into the bin and place the dishes in the sink or in the dishwasher. When you leave them in the sink, pour some water over them to avoid the food sticking on the plates and the scent attracting ants.

              3.       The hurried cleaning

Many people clean the house on a daily basis but they perform a simple hurried clean of the areas one can see. Ensure that at least once in a week you clean under the fridge, the shelves, the microwave, and the area where you keep the bin. These areas tend to accumulate grease from food particles and make a buffet for the ants.

              4.       The open and ripening food

Ripe fruits do not attract ants but fruit flies that are harmless but a great nuisance. Instead of buying ripe groceries buy those about to ripen such that by the time you get to consume them they are not overripe and calling out for flies. Also, do not leave food uncovered even if it is in a dish. Place all food and ripe fruits in the fridge and well covered.

             5.       The wood lying around

If you have wood in your house such as timber or logs you use for firewood or for construction ensure they are kept in a dry areas and away from the ground. Decomposing and wet wood is food for termites and a home to carpenter ants. Once you invite one pest, the rest will come following so make sure you pay attention to this!

If you have a pest problem leave a comment or call us for advice.