Pest infestations can be tricky to resolve. According to our February 2024 survey of 1,000 homeowners who experienced a pest problem within the last two years, respondents who resolved their pest issue themselves spent an average of 38 days applying treatments. Although every infestation is different, pest control companies have the knowledge and expertise to…
Wasps help the ecosystem with pollination and pest control, but unlike other creatures, these insects are not friendly neighbors. Unlike honey bees, butterflies or other winged pollinators in your backyard, many types of wasps don’t have an easygoing nature. If they feel their hive is threatened, they will sting repeatedly. While wasps and bees do…
Japanese beetles are metallic, green and copper insects that have scuttled across North America since the early 1900s. This invasive species is a common nuisance to gardeners and romantics alike — Japanese beetles are known for eating beautiful rose blooms as well as grapes, ornamental fruit trees and hundreds of other plants. Luckily, there’s no…
Although there are more than 20,000 species of bees on the planet — including an estimated 3,600 species in North America — very few are likely to take up residence in the American home. Bee problems are likely linked to honeybees since they tend to interfere with your structures. “Honeybees are the only kind of…
Having critters make their way into your home is an unpleasant experience that often requires pest control experts. Birds are no exception. While most of us love to see birds cascade through the sky, having a woodpecker set up shop in your attic is a different story. While birds can find their way into your…
Termites are sneaky creatures. Concealed by the wood and soil where they reside, termites feast away on your home. These wood-destroying insects (WDIs) often go unnoticed as they feed on structural components such as studs, rafters and floor joists from the inside out. “Unaddressed termite damage can greatly affect the structural integrity of a home,…
The German cockroach is a survivor, with ancestry predating the dinosaurs and the mobility to outpace the panicked stomps of your shoe. They distinguish themselves from more beefy American roaches through their tiny size — no larger than the width of your index finger — and quick reproduction cycle. This means they can hide easily…
Brown recluse spiders are venomous — bites from these pests can lead to illness, tissue necrosis and, in rare cases, death. As their name suggests, brown recluse spiders often reside in undisturbed areas of the home, particularly if there is a nearby food source. While they’re not known to be aggressive, they can bite if…
Knock, knock! Who’s there? It’s your neighborhood woodpecker, a bird known for its strong beak and ability to peck holes in various surfaces. Unfortunately, these birds sometimes go after your home instead of nearby tree trunks. Woodpeckers, including the yellow-bellied sapsucker, may drill holes in your wooden siding or trim, or damage your home’s exterior…
Fungus gnats are among the most common types of flying pests found in homes in the United States. “There are many species of gnat, but the most encountered inside homes is the fungus gnat,” said Craig Sansig, certified associate entomologist and service director for Viking Pest Control. Fungus gnats don’t bite humans, but they are…
Finding snakes on your property or in your home can be startling. They can also present a serious threat to you, your children and your pets if they’re venomous. “The best way to get rid of snakes in your yard and garden is to get rid of food sources and shelter,” said Brad Woods, an…