The Rise of Rodents During COVID-19

Rodents infest Vermont homes during a pandemic - Vermont Pest Control

With everything else going on this year, the last thing you want to deal with is a rodent infestation. Unfortunately, rodent problems are on the rise due to the pandemic. When restaurants, bars, and cafes were put under regulations to limit operations, rats and mice were suddenly depleted of their number one source of food. This in turn emboldened rodents to turn to residential properties for food, shelter, and water. Paired with their tendency to get indoors to escape dropping temperatures this time of year, the chances of rodent infestations in your home are high. That said, you don’t have to let rodents indoors at all if you know how to seal your property to them. This Rodent Awareness Week, the experts at Vermont Pest Control are sharing their top tips for preventing rats and mice.

Rodents in the Time of Coronavirus

Rodents have been tied to a number of dangerous diseases, but what about COVID-19? While rats and mice have been linked to certain coronaviruses, there is no current evidence or research to show that rodents are transmitting the current strain (SARS-CoV-2) to humans. Here’s what to know about rodents during the pandemic:

  • Due to the restaurant shutdowns and lockdowns, there have been a number of reported cases of rats and mice becoming more bold and rampant in the absence of food sources.
  • While they won’t transmit COVID-19 to you or your family, rodents still can spread other diseases including hantavirus, salmonellosis, and more.
  • Once inside your home, rodents can cause damage with their chewing and nesting habits.

How to Keep Rodents Out of Your Home

Keeping rodents out requires sealing the spots through which they could enter. Some of the best ways to make your property less attractive to rats and mice include:

  1. Securely storing food in tight-fitting containers with lids.
  2. Using caulk or wire wool to cover up gaps and openings near pipes and other openings.
  3. Installing mesh screens on your vents. Also, consider installing screens on doors and windows.
  4. Using tight lids on trash cans. Rodents love to rummage in the garbage! If possible, keep your trash cans sealed and stored.
  5. Protecting eaves. Fix any damaged roofing and use wire mesh to seal gaps in your eaves.

Rodent Infestations During COVID-19

At Vermont Pest Control, we make sure to inform our customers every Rodent Awareness Week about the dangers of rats and mice. This year is especially important with the ongoing rise in infestations during the pandemic. For help protecting your property from the dangers of rodents throughout the year, contact our rodent exterminators today!

What Are Asian Lady Beetles?

Asian lady beetles crawl into Vermont homes in the fall - Vermont Pest Control

Every fall, Vermont residents report sightings of three insects in particular: stink bugs, boxelder bugs, and Asian lady beetles! Often confused for ladybugs, Asian lady beetles will congregate on the sunny side of your home in the fall months to escape the dropping temperatures. From there, they often make their way indoors if given the chance. While they aren’t necessarily the most dangerous pest, they can still be a nuisance to deal with. When inside your home, they can be found lingering in windowsills, curtains, or in attics. At Vermont Pest Control, we know how frustrating any pest problem can be inside your property, especially in the fall. Our experts are here to share expert information on this common fall pest problem.

What to Know About Asian Lady Beetles in the Fall

It’s easy to see how Asian lady beetles and ladybugs are confused for one another. However, the beetle is slightly larger than your average ladybug. Asian lady beetles also vary in color and can be more orange or yellow in tone than ladybugs. The key identifying marks on this beetle are two white, oval markings on the pronotum (just behind its head) along with an occasional M-shaped marking on the pronotum. Asian lady beetles are most known for their habit of flocking to the side of structures and even crawling indoors at times.

How Do I Keep Asian Lady Beetles Out?

Before the winter weather settles in, Asian lady beetles may get into your home for shelter and warmth. To keep these beetles and other fall pests outside, it’s important to implement exclusion tactics to make your home impenetrable to them! Here’s how:

  • Seal cracks around windows, doors, utility pipes, siding, behind chimneys, and around any other openings.
  • Repair or replace damaged screens on doors and windows.
  • Replace the weather stripping around windows and doors.
  • Consider planting mums in your garden or around your home. These beetles are not fans of the plants and will avoid them at all costs.
  • Try out a natural deterrent using citrus or citronella scents. Make a spray with orange or lemon essential oil diluted with water, and spray around your windows or doors.

What to Do When You Have Asian Lady Beetles Inside

If Asian lady beetles get inside, there’s no need to worry too much. These beetles may bite, but their bites are not known to be dangerous. You can use a vacuum cleaner to contain them, but make sure to dispose of them in a sealed bag. The residential exterminators at Vermont Pest Control know how distressing any type of pest problem is inside your home, which is why we’re here to help. Contact us today!

Best Fall Rodent Prevention Tips

Rodents infest homes in the fall in Vermont - Vermont Pest Control

Rodents are a nuisance pest throughout the entire year, but they are especially troublesome in the fall here in Vermont. As soon as summer wraps up and the early days of fall begin, dropping temperatures encourage rodents to get indoors for food, water, and shelter. Needless to say, rodents inside are any property owner’s worst nightmare. Besides the damage they can cause, rats and mice also are able to contaminate surfaces and spread potentially harmful diseases. Here at Vermont Pest Control, we know how important it is to keep your facility or building safe from rodents. Our team of rats and mice pest control experts are here to share their best fall rodent prevention tips.

How Do Rats & Mice Get In?

Rats and mice in particular are known for their ability to squeeze through the tiniest of openings to get indoors. Once inside, rats and mice will take shelter in attics, basements, kitchens, and garages. Mice can scale walls, squeeze through tiny openings, jump, and build nests in just about any room you can imagine. A rat or mouse problem often begins when the rodents get in through your chimney, pipes, air vents, and more. In addition to contaminating surfaces and spreading germs, rodents can chew through materials with their ever-growing teeth, making them capable of causing a lot of damage.

8 Fall Rodent Prevention Tips & Tricks

The best form of rodent control is prevention. A few of our tried-and-true tips to prevent rats and mice this fall and all year long include:

  1. Store food properly. Securely store food in tight-fitting containers with lids.
  2. Keep a tidy yard. Cut back any tree limbs or vines that are attached to or near the home.
  3. Seal holes around pipes. Use caulk or wire wool to cover up gaps and openings near pipes and other openings.
  4. Get rid of excess moisture. Fix leaking pipes and clogged drains.
  5. Store firewood away from your home. Piles of lumber will surely attract rodents and other pests to get close to your house.
  6. Cover vents. Install mesh screens on your vents. Also consider installing screens on doors and windows.
  7. Protect eaves. Fix any damaged roofing and use wire mesh to seal gaps in your eaves.
  8. Use tight lids on trash cans. Rodents love to rummage in the garbage! If possible, keep your trash cans sealed and stored.

Year-Round Rodent Exclusion

Finding out you have a rodent problem in your home is distressing. To avoid this, it’s crucial to take the time to implement rodent exclusion and prevention methods. As soon as you suspect the signs of rodents inside, call us. Our rodent exterminators can work with you to develop a rodent prevention plan suited to the needs of your property.

Look Out For These 2 Spiders This Fall

Fall spiders can be dangerous in Vermont. Learn more from Vermont Pest Control

Spiders are a common pest problem all year round here in Vermont, but they are especially abundant in the late summer and early fall. Spiders typically hatch in the springtime. Come August and September, spider populations can be at their largest. This is also when spiders traverse into your home for several reasons. Whether to escape the heat or to look for food, water, and shelter, spiders inside your home are typically harmless. However, there are a couple spiders in particular that are more dangerous: black widows and brown recluse spiders. The team at Vermont Pest Control is here to share expert info on spiders this fall in your home.

Why Do Spiders Come Into the House?

Spiders are just like other pests in their need to seek out food, water, and shelter in order to survive. The key to keeping them away is making your home less attractive to them! Broken screens or crevices in your doors and windows often let spiders in. An unkempt yard or lawn will invite spiders to your property. You may also notice more spiders when you have other bugs and insects in your property. Spiders will be more drawn to properties that provide them with shelter and food (bugs) inside. By eliminating the conditions that invite bugs and pests indoors, you can effectively prevent spiders as well!

Black Widow vs Brown Recluse Infographic - Vermont Pest Control in VermontBlack Widow vs. Brown Recluse Spider

It’s easier to tell apart a dangerous spider from your regular house spider than you think. This is because black widows and brown recluse spiders have a couple of unique characteristics:

  1. Black widows
    1. These spiders have a characteristic red hourglass shape on its body.
    2. They build sticky, tangled cobwebs in garages, sheds, and near the ground.
    3. They can bite when they feel threatened.
  2. Brown recluse spiders
    1. Brown recluses have a darker brown violin-shaped mark on their brown bodies.
    2. They build loose, dome-shaped webs for shelter.
    3. A brown recluse bite is known to be very painful.

What to Do When You Have a Spider Infestation

If you’ve done all you can to prevent spiders and are starting to see them on a daily basis, it’s time to take action! A professional spider exterminator such as Vermont Pest Control can help you not only control any current infestation, but also prevent future ones from happening.

The Dangers of Fleas & Ticks in Vermont

Ticks and fleas are dangerous and can transmit disease in Vermont - Vermont Pest Control

Fleas and ticks may be tiny insects, but they can be two of the most dangerous pests. This is because they are parasitic, meaning they have to feed on the blood of their hosts to survive. As if this wasn’t scary enough—fleas and ticks are capable of transmitting some of the world’s most dangerous diseases. Cats and dogs are most commonly affected by fleas and ticks, but are they dangerous to people as well? Unfortunately, yes! Ticks in particular can transmit blood-borne diseases (including Lyme disease) to people. For this reason, it’s very important to do everything in your power to prevent fleas and ticks on your family and pets.

Diseases Spread by Fleas

When you think of fleas, you likely think of your pets. In addition to getting on your pets, fleas are often brought into the home on rodents if you have an infestation. Although it’s rare, fleas can get onto humans, too. These tiny, reddish brown insects can cause itchy bites and, in serious cases, allergic reactions. Fleas have been linked back to typhus, plague, cat scratch disease, and tapeworms. Because these diseases can be dangerous for you and your pets, it’s essential to prevent fleas.

Tick-Borne Diseases

Ticks can similarly latch onto pets or people, especially outdoors in areas with high grass. There are several types of ticks, and many of them are able to transmit disease. The most common of these is Lyme disease which, if left untreated, can cause damage to the heart and nervous system. Other diseases associated with ticks include Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMDF), Ehrlichiosis, and Tularemia. With such a list, it’s crucial to stay aware of ticks whenever you are outdoors.

How to Prevent Fleas & Ticks

To prevent fleas and ticks, the number one thing you can do is regularly check your pets for them. Especially after a walk or hike, look at your cat or dog’s fur for these tiny insects. Also consider getting preventative medicines from your veterinarian. Fleas and ticks are most often carried by rodents and wildlife. To prevent the parasitic insects, you must also prevent nuisance wildlife infestations. To do so, try implementing the following tips:

  1. Keep a tidy and clean landscape by avoiding piles of debris, mowing the lawn, and trimming back trees and foliage.
  2. Ensure garbage cans are securely stored with a tight-fitting lid.
  3. Don’t leave pet food—or any other food for that matter—outside.
  4. Because fleas cannot survive in direct sunlight, keeping your home and yard sunny may be a natural deterrent.
  5. Seal holes and any areas of entry into the home to detract rodents from getting inside. 

Preventing Fleas and Ticks in Vermont

Vermont is home to both of these dangerous insects, making it important to learn how to effectively prevent them. If you notice flea or ticks nearby and have more questions, the residential pest control experts at Vermont Pest Control are here to help. Contact us today to learn more!

Is Coronavirus Spread By Rodents?

Rats do not transmit COVID-19 - Vermont Pest Control

Rats and mice are known to be dangerous for their ability to directly or indirectly spread some of the worst diseases. From what we currently know, SARS-CoV-2, or COVID-19, is thankfully not one of them. Here at Vermont Pest Control, we understand that new information is being released daily about the nature and spread of this virus. For that reason, we are committed to staying up to date with information from the CDC and WHO. During these uncertain times, we have seen a lot of questions about how exactly this virus is spread, including the role of pests and animals in the transmission. Although rodents have been linked to other coronaviruses and other dangerous diseases, there is no evidence to currently suggest they are transmitting or spreading COVID-19.

The Link Between Rodents and Coronaviruses

Including the virus causing COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2), the three most recently discovered human coronaviruses have all created a serious threat to human life and death. All three have originated from a bat, which transmitted the virus first to other animals before eventually to human beings.

As mentioned previously, rodents are indeed capable of carrying a variety of coronaviruses. However, they have yet to be linked to any direct transmissions of this strain causing the current pandemic. According to numerous research studies, the rodents found to carry coronaviruses were kept in poor conditions on farms, markets, and restaurants in Vietnam alongside other animals. These unique circumstances make the risk of rats transmitting coronavirus to humans very, very unlikely.

Should You Worry About Rodents During COVID-19?

The good news is that we know rats aren’t currently directly transmitting SARS-CoV-2. However, there are still a few reasons why rodent prevention is very important—possibly more than ever. 

  1. Because of the nature of the lockdowns and restaurant closures, there have been a number of reported cases of rats and mice becoming more bold and rampant in the absence of food sources. This activity in itself increases the risk of infestations and rodent-related problems.
  2. Some rats and mice can spread other diseases, including hantavirus, salmonellosis, and plague. They also can indirectly transmit diseases from ticks, mosquitoes, lice, and fleas. Some of these include Colorado tick fever, Lyme disease, and others.

How to Stay Safe from Rodent-Related Disease

Whether we’re in the middle of a worldwide pandemic or not, rodent prevention is always crucial. Rats and mice are not only responsible for spreading bacteria and germs that can cause disease, they also simply are destructive! If you need help protecting your Vermont property from rodents, or if you need help with a current infestation, the rodent exterminators at Vermont Pest Control can help.

Tick Prevention Tips for Pets

Tick prevention tips for pets in Vermont this summer - Vermont Pest Control

Summer in Vermont beckons everyone to spend more time outdoors. If you’re a pet owner, you likely want to take your dogs for walks or hikes. But are you staying cautious of the potential dangers of ticks? Ticks are infamous for spreading Lyme disease, the nation’s most common vector-borne disease. As the weather warms up, ticks become more active. Whenever you’re outside with your family and pets, it’s important to learn how to protect yourself against them. The team at Vermont Pest Control is here with tick prevention tips for your pets this summer and all year long.

How Dangerous Are Ticks?

Ticks feed on blood when they bite an animal or human. Ticks can latch into your skin for anywhere from a few hours to a few days. When an infected tick attaches to a dog for a few days, it’s possible for them to transmit Lyme disease, a serious bacterial infection. If you notice your pet is showing symptoms of depression, loss of appetite, fever, lameness, or swollen joins and lymph nodes, immediately contact your veterinarian. Ticks are also known to cause anemia in more serious situations. Cats rarely get ticks, but could easily carry them into your home. Ticks can easy hop off of one animal and onto a dog–or you!

Tips To Keep Ticks Away from Pets

Ticks are more common than you think, especially this time of year. Rather than wait to find out your dog has been infected by a tick, it’s best to stay on top of it with tick prevention tips:

  1. Talk to your veterinarian about tick prevention. They may have professional recommendations for prevention or treatment options, including heartworm protection.
  2. Check your dogs or cats for ticks daily or whenever they go outdoors. When inspecting, focus on areas under the legs and around the neck and ears. In addition, look out for excessive scratching, licking, or grooming behavior.
  3. Mow your lawn regularly. By mowing your lawn regularly, you can make your yard less attractive to ticks. In addition, implement rodent prevention tactics to discourage rodents that could carry ticks.
  4. Avoid areas with tall grass on hikes. Ticks are known to be in areas with high grass, be careful to stay on trails when hiking or walking.
  5. Protect your family from ticks. During the summer, regularly check yourself and family members for ticks after being outdoors. They can easily hop from you to your pets!

What to Do When Your Pets Have Ticks

If you notice the signs of ticks in your property or have noticed symptoms in your pets, it’s important to contact a vet as soon as possible for treatment. Thoroughly vacuum your home and inspect for ticks as you would for fleas. For more tick prevention tips, the exterminators at Vermont can help!

 

 

 

Identifying Different Wasp Nests

Identifying Wasps nests in Middletown Springs | Vermont Pest Control

Summertime in Vermont means more insects buzzing around. While this is to be expected, it’s important to keep an eye out for an increase in wasp activity. If you’ve observed a growing number of wasps flying to or from a certain area near your home, there’s a likely chance a nest is nearby. Wasp nests should never be approached—doing so puts you at risk of being stung.

Regardless, it’s important to learn how to identify the many different types of wasp nests you may see near your Vermont property. Read on to learn everything you need to know about wasp nest identification with the experts at Vermont Pest Control.

What Do Different Wasp Nests Look Like?

Different wasps build different nests, and it’s easy to confuse them. Here are the main types of nests we see in our region:

  • Paper Wasps: Their nests famously look like upside-down umbrellas. These nests are often open and can get quite large in size. They are typically supported by a single stalk and consist of a paper-like material.
  • Yellowjackets: Nests are a papery material and have a single opening. The inside of a yellowjacket nest can have up to 100 tiers of cells. Yellowjackets can also build underground nests that can be enormous in size.
  • Mud Daubers: True to name, these nests are made out of mostly mud. The nests are small and tubular in size, often looking like organ pipes. They are typically found in cracks or crevices.
  • Bald-Faced Hornets: These nests are almost always at least three feet off the ground. They are made of chewed wood fibers mixed with saliva. They often grow to be the size of a football or basketball.

Wasp nest infographic - Vermont Pest Control

Where to Look for Wasp Nests

When searching for wasp nests, it’s essential to be vigilant and cautious to avoid potential stings. Here are common locations to look for wasp nests:

  • Eaves and Overhangs: Check the eaves and overhangs of buildings, as wasps often prefer sheltered areas for nest construction.
  • Attics and Crawlspaces: Inspect attics and crawlspaces, where wasps may find secluded spaces for nest building.
  • Bushes and Trees: Be cautious around bushes and trees, particularly if you notice wasp activity, as some species build nests in branches.
  • Garden Sheds and Outbuildings: Wasps commonly build nests in garden sheds, garages, and other outbuildings. Check corners and hidden areas.
  • Under Decks and Porches: Examine the undersides of decks and porches, as these sheltered spaces are attractive to wasps for nest construction.

Regularly inspecting these locations can help detect and address wasp nests early, minimizing the risk of stings and ensuring a safer living environment. If you find a nest, it’s advisable to seek professional assistance for safe removal.

Can You Hear a Wasp Nest?

While the nests themselves remain silent, wasp activity can sometimes be audible, especially during peak hours. Here’s what to keep an ear out for:

Outside:

  • Daytime Activity: Wasps are typically more active during the day, with peak activity occurring in the warmer hours. They are diurnal insects, meaning they are most active in daylight.
  • Increased Buzzing Near Nests: Near the entrance of an outdoor nest, you may hear increased buzzing as wasps come and go. This can be more noticeable during their busy foraging periods.
  • Visual Clues: Observing wasps flying in and out of specific areas, such as eaves, trees, or ground-level nests, can indicate the location of an outdoor nest.

Inside:

  • Daytime Activity: Even if a wasp nest is inside a structure, the insects will still exhibit daytime activity. They may enter and exit through gaps, vents, or openings.
  • Buzzing Near Entry Points: If wasps have established a nest within a wall void, attic, or other indoor space, you may hear buzzing near entry points such as vents or gaps in construction.
  • Scratching or Rustling Sounds: In some cases, the movement of wasps within the nest may produce faint scratching or rustling sounds. These sounds may be more audible if the nest is close to living spaces. 

What to Do About a Wasp Nest Near Your Home

If you notice a wasp nest on or near your property, don’t panic. For the most part, wasps will not sting unless they feel threatened. Therefore, attempting to knock down a nest on your own is never recommended. Always call your local wasp control experts for help with any type of stinging insect. 

Call Vermont Pest Control today for a free quote!

5 Ways to Prevent Pantry Pests

Pantry pests in Vermont - Vermont Pest Control

Many people have dug into the back of their pantry for a bag of rice or flour only to be surprised by hundreds of small bugs. True to their name, pantry pests are a number of tiny bugs that infest items often stored in your pantry. These insects are known to infest flour, cake mixes, grains, sugar, and more, and it’s easy for them to do so when you don’t store your dry goods properly. To avoid the horror of coming across an infestation, it’s important to learn what you can do to prevent pantry pests. The team at Vermont Pest Control knows how frustrating these pests can be–read on for our top tips on preventing them!

All About Pantry Pests

These pests are known to infest a number of items in your pantry, including flour, sugar, cake mixes, open cereal boxes, powdered milk, and more. Some of the many insects will look for food sources around which they can build nests and mate. There are several types of insects that are considered to be pantry pests. Some of them include:

Follow These Tips to Prevent Pantry Pests

No one wants tiny bugs invading their cupboards and food items! Thankfully there are a few things you can do to prevent pantry pests. Our 5 tips are:

  1. Securely store dry goods. To keep pests out, always store food and baking ingredients in airtight containers.
  2. Place bay leaves in containers. Sticking a bay leaf inside canisters of dry goods like flour, rice, and other grains. May help to repel pests.
  3. Inspect your groceries. At the grocery store and before bringing them indoors, check your purchased goods for any signs of damage or use.
  4. Check the date. Before you use your ingredients from a year or two ago, make sure to check the expiration date and toss any expired items.
  5. Keep a clean kitchen. Always wipe up spills or messes to avoid attracting pests, and clean out your pantry regularly.

Pantry Pest Control Services

Finding a pantry pest infestation can be overwhelming. It’s important to remove infested items and dispose of them securely. Always clean out your shelves as well! For assistance with or questions about your pantry pest problem, the team at Vermont is here to help. Contact our team today to learn more.

How to Prevent Fleas and Ticks in Vermont

Ticks are a common pest problem in Vermont - Learn more from Vermont Pest Control

Vermont summers are beautiful, making more people want to spend time outdoors. Unfortunately, ticks and fleas are common in the summertime. Not only are these pests a nuisance, they can be very dangerous as well. These two insects are both parasitic, meaning they feed on the blood of their hosts to survive. Ticks in particular pose an immense risk in that they can pass blood-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease, to their hosts. Cats and dogs are most commonly affected by fleas and ticks, and can spread them throughout your home once indoors. Rats and mice are also known to bring these pests indoors. The team at Vermont Pest Control is here with tips on how to prevent fleas and ticks in your property this summer and all year long.

Dangers of Fleas and Ticks

Fleas often attach to cats or dogs outside as they nestle in fur and spread to items inside the home. Rats and mice also bring them indoors sometimes. These tiny, reddish brown insects can cause itchy bites and, in serious cases, allergic reactions. Fleas can spread easily, making them a pain to deal with once they get inside.

Just like fleas, ticks latch onto the fur of animals as well as clothing and skin. An infestation is often caused when they’ve infested a rodent, raccoon, or another animal near the home. Certain ticks, such as the brown dog tick, does well living indoors, and many species of ticks transmit a number of viruses or infections. The most common tick-borne illness is Lyme disease. If left untreated, this disease can cause damage to the heart and nervous system.

5 Ways to Prevent Fleas & Ticks

No one wants to deal with fleas and ticks in the summer. In addition to getting any pets treated for fleas regularly, it’s important to make sure you implement preventative measures outside the home to keep fleas and ticks away. There are several things you can do to prevent fleas and ticks:

  1. Keep a tidy landscape by avoiding piles of debris, keeping garbage stored carefully, and trimming back trees and foliage.
  2. Don’t leave pet food outside.
  3. Fleas cannot survive in direct sunlight, so keeping your home and yard sunny may be a natural deterrent.
  4. Avoid walking in areas with high brush.
  5. Seal holes and any areas of entry into the home to detract rodents from getting inside.

Need Flea or Tick Control?

Getting fleas or ticks can be very overwhelming. When you have them, it’s important to get professional help to remove them. The team at Vermont Pest Control is here to help keep you and your family safe from these parasitic insects year-round in Vermont. Contact our team today to learn more!