A Bed Bug Free Holiday Season

It's officially November which means that it's officially the holiday season! As you already know, this is the time where travel becomes a lot more frequent and you may find yourself staying in hotels or even guest bedrooms as you visit friends and family for the holidays.

A good rule of thumb when settling in to wherever you are staying it that bed bugs can essentially hide anywhere. Contrary to popular belief, bed bugs are not limited to just beds. Meaning, they can hide in couches, luggage, behind picture frames, in closets, in purses, or even coat racks. Wherever people are, bed bugs can hitch a ride and find a new victim to feed on, which makes hotels a perfect place for this. *Cue look of disgust*

Bed bugs are parasitic insects that feed on blood. The Cimex Lectularius, which is the most common among bed bugs, prefers to feed on the blood of humans. (Kinda like vampires...gross!) You can always tell you have a bed bug problem from the tell tale signs:

1. Rusty or reddish stains on bed sheets or mattresses caused by bed bugs being crushed.
2. Dark spots (about this size: • ...)
3. Eggs and eggshells, which are tiny (about 1mm) and pale yellow skins that nymphs shed as they grow larger.
4. Live bed bugs.

If you are unfamiliar with what live bed bugs may look like, they are flat, reddish-brown, oval insects up to 4 to 5 mm long or the size of an apple seed. After a meal, they typically swell up and become more of a reddish color.

Bed bugs are tenacious little buggers (pun intended) because they are constantly moving from one victim to another and are pros at hiding. One way that we can eradicate a bed bug problem is using the thermal heat treating method to kill off the mature adults but also the eggs that they've laid, preventing them from spreading. 

Our advise to have a bed bug free holiday season?

1. Always do a thorough inspection of the bed by pulling back the sheets and observing the mattress seams. 
2. Do a brief inspection of the baseboards, outlets and picture frames remembering to inspect the curtains or drapes. 
3. After traveling, never place your luggage on your bed. Always unpack your luggage in the garage or laundry room and do laundry right away to avoid any bed bugs from spreading, preferably with the hottest water setting possible. 
4 . Call Black Knight for a free bed bug pest inspection so we can prevent an infestation from spreading. 

Happy Holidaying!

New Soy-Based Wiring Attracting Rats

Rat caught in the act of chewing through wires in an engine compartment. (AP Photo: WFTV.com)

     Early February, Forbes Magazine published an article stating that several car companies are experiencing problems with using soy-based wiring in newer cars. This has effected automobile brands such as Honda, Volvo, Mazda and Toyota.
    While older cars are often swapped out for newer vehicles that offer better fuel efficiency and meet the emission standards required by state, many are realizing that older cars are not being effected by the rats. 
    "Some newer model cars use materials like soy that are more biodegradable than plastics. It’s all part of an effort to make car parts more environmentally-friendly" (Dunne, 2017). While intentions are good,  dealerships are finding that the environmentally friendly wiring is attracting rodents in both rural and suburban communities, causing more harm than good. 
     Have you purchased a new car recently? It wouldn't hurt to take it into the nearest dealership and inquire if the new soy-based wires are covered by the warranty. You will thank us later!
     
      

References

Dunne, M.J. (2017, February 19). Rats! New Cars' Soy-Coated Wires Give Rodents Plenty to Chew On. Forbes Magazine. Retrieved from http://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/news/rats-new-cars-soy-coated-wires-give-rodents-plenty-to-chew-on/ar-AAn7aey?li=BBmkt5R&ocid=spartanntp

WFTV.Com. (2016, December 20). Florida woman sues Toyota for rodent chewed wires. Fox25 WFXT. Retrieved from http://www.fox25boston.com/news/florida-woman-sues-toyota-for-rodentchewed-wires/477497824

Argentine Ants

Argentine Ants

Argentine Ant Dwelling Mounds

Argentine Mounds

Argentine ants though they may be tiny can create a large problem. Most of us have come across their large size mounds consisting of many tiny holes along cracks in the concrete. You may have noticed them even more now with the recent rain we have been having since they are likely trying to escape from flooding they are experiencing in their dwellings. Argentine ants may cause a problem while trying to seek shelter by creeping into your home in search for dry ground and food. This is the time to make sure your home is protected. Seal any cracks along window seal and doors and make sure that no food is left on the counters. If you do come across a trail wipe it away with a little soap and water. Pest Control is also an option if you can not fend them off yourself.

Having a problem with Argentine ants or any pest? Call Black Knight Pest Control for a free quote we have many different pest control options to meet any of your needs no matter what the pest may be.

Slow and steady beats the race

Snails

With the rainy weather bringing out all kinds of insects in search of higher ground you may have come across a snail in your path or maybe you have seen its slimy metallic trail dragging across the sidewalk. The mucus that they leave behind acts as a lubricant to reduce friction which allows them to move upside down and along corners. They are known to hibernate in the cold winter weather, and also in the summers that are accompanied with a drought, by covering themselves in a thin mucus to prevent drying out, which may explain why you have not seen them too much this year. We all know that snails and slugs are extremely slow, but ever wonder just how slow? Snails have a top speed of 50 yards per hour, they are one of the slowest insects alive. Surprisingly, snails have an average lifespan of 5 years and in unusual situations they can live up to 25 years! The biggest snail weighed in at 2 pounds and 12 inches long. Don't bother asking a slug to hurry up because they can't hear you they can only see.

Snails and Pest Control

nails are not an insect you want to see in your beautiful green garden as they feed on over 500 types of plants. Slugs and snails destroy crops by eating stems, leaves and fruit. While you may be tempted to throw some salt on them, seeking out a Professional would be the better option. Black Knight Pest Control offers a Snail Control Service, call and ask about it today! Call 951.694.8100

Rat Race

Rat Facts  

It's that time again, with the cooler weather brings Rodent Season. That's right, your not the only one wanting to head inside after a chilly day, Rats are also wanting to get into your warm and cozy home. I am sure they are one guest you are not in a hurry to let in from the cold. If you do see one creeping through your house or maybe you have heard that scatter of footprints coming from your attic but you do not dare to look you may want to call a Pest Control Professional before it's too late and you are over run by these pests. The more time that passes the more time they have to breed and that doesn't take long at all for Rats, usually only 22 days at that. Interesting isn't it? Only 22 days. There are other facts that you may not know about Rats, for that I have created a list of some top facts that I found interesting. Still doesn't mean I want them in my house!

• Rats can start breeding at 5 weeks of age.
• With out companionship rats become lonely and depressed.
• A rat can go longer than a camel without having a drink of water.
• An adult rat can fit through a hole as small as a quarter.
• Rats are clean animals, cleaner than cats!
• Rats have very poor eyesight and are colorblind.
• Each year a rats' front teeth grow 4 1/2 to 5 1/2.
• A female rat can mate as many as 500 times with various males.
• A rat can survive being flushed down the toilet.

What did you learn by reading these amazing rat facts? Perhaps that they breed quickly and often? Or could it be that they are extremely resilient animals, not even a toilet flush could kill them.

Are you thinking you may need a rodent exclusion for your home? Black Knight Pest Control can take care of that for you. Call to book an appointment for your quote today! 951.694.8100