Leyland Cyprus trees are generally resilient to most insect infestations because they are coniferous trees. Many insects prefer to nest and feed off of deciduous trees, however not all of them. One such pest is the spider mite. Pest control experts say spider mites are one of the top tree pests that can have a serious and damaging effect on the Leyland Cyprus tree. Thankfully, with the help of professional pest control specialists, you can protect your tree from the negative effects of this insect.

According to pest control authorities, spider mites have proven, along with bagworms, to be one of the most difficult insects to control. Since spider mites have been an irritant for Leyland Cyprus trees for so long, they have developed immunity to many of the different pest control treatments that had been used to eliminate these destructive insects. Spider mites pierce the tree with their mouths and suck out the sap (which is essentially the life force of the tree), resulting in discolored needles. If spider mites are allowed to feed without interruption, the needles will ultimately turn brown, die and fall off.

Spider mites can be a death sentence to the Leyland Cyprus, so it is important to have qualified pest control experts help you get populations under control as soon as possible. Pest control authorities do not favor the use of insecticides because other beneficial bugs will also be killed when the insecticide is applied. It is important to allow spider mite predators such as ladybugs to remain on the tree and create a natural pest control solution. For this reason, miticides are the recommended solution to heavy spider mite infestations.

To learn more about keeping your Leyland Cyprus safe from unwanted pests, call your local pest control company.

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Insect activity is a serious problem for Leyland Cyprus trees, according to pest control experts. Because this tree is a conifer and not a deciduous tree, it makes it an uninviting host for most insects. However, it is not altogether out of harm’s way when it comes to insects. Bagworms and spider mites are two of the most menacing bugs. Their presence can cause discoloration, defoliation and sometimes even death if they are left untreated and allowed to continually feed and breed on and within the Leyland Cypruss.

Bagworms are a real problem because with each generation, the infestation becomes larger and larger. A female bagworm lays between 500 and 1,000 eggs before she dies. When the bagworm larvae emerge, they either remain on the host tree or they will spin a silken thread and “fly” to a nearby tree or plant. Because of their ability to transfer to other plants, bagworms not only pose a threat to the Leyland Cyprus, but to all nearby trees and shrubs. Unfortunately, only a few generations of bagworms can annihilate an entire landscape. While the larvae cocoon in the bags they create, they feed on the surface of the leaves, stripping the leaf of its epidermis, or the skin of the leaf.

As they develop into caterpillars, entire branches of the Leyland Cyprus can become completely defoliated. Pest control experts say it is easier to control bagworm infestations by manually removing the bags they form in the early spring or fall before the larvae have hatched. However, if the Leyland Cyprus is too large for this to take place, the tree can be sprayed with an effective insecticide to eliminate current populations. If the bagworms have already hatched, they are more difficult to control with sprays, which makes preventative care so important.

Call your local pest control authority for more information on protecting the Leyland Cyprus from bagworms.

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Ants can be a frustrating problem when it comes to them invading your home. Ants can smell food from many miles away, so if there are any crumbs, food left out or spills, ants will find a way into your home to clean up after you. You can always rely on baits, but if you have children or pets in the home, here are a few natural remedies that are effective but safe for the entire household.

Grits. Yep, that’s right. Use more food to get rid of ants by using quick grits. The end result for the ants isn’t pleasant, as the grits expand in their stomachs and cause the ants to die. You can sprinkle the grits in any area where you have notice ants and voila! They will be gone.

Boric acid. Boric acid can is effective, but pest control specialists warn that you should be careful not to inhale the fumes from the acid as it can cause breathing problems. The toxicity is low to humans, but if you have asthma or other breathing complications, you may want to try one of the other methods. Janitorial experts recommend mixing two parts of something sweet with one part boric acid.

Lemons. Make a concoction of half lemon juice and half water in a spray bottle. Spray around areas where ants frequent, and as well as areas where they may gain entrance to your home such as windows, doors, etc.

Spices. Pest control experts say there are a wide variety of spices that can be used to eliminate ants; however, you have to strategically make a line of the spice that will make it hard for the ants to travel around. Peppermint oil, black pepper, cayenne pepper and cinnamon can all be used to get rid of your ant problem.

Pest control authorities say all these remedies will be effective, but the best way to keep ants out is by cleaning up crumbs and spills as soon as possible and not leaving food out.

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Anyone who is an animal owner probably knows that dogs and cats will eat the strangest things – including bugs. In fact, in my house, if there’s a fly, all I have to do is alert my cat to this fact (if he isn’t already on the job) and he will flit about the house until he catches that fly with his paw and quickly maneuver the insect into his mouth where he happily chews this buzzing treat. It’s gross, but honestly, I have no problem with it.

Letting our pets do our bug hunting for us is an all-too-easy task and you may not see any harm in the habit. In most cases, you both win – you get rid of the bug and the pet gets an apparently tasty snack. However, we may not consider that these insects could be hazardous to our furry friends.

If you or your neighbors have your lawn or landscape treated by a pest control company, there may be areas where you need to keep your family pet away from so he doesn’t come into contact with the chemicals. But what if insects that have had contact with the treated plants get into your home? They may have remnants of the pest control spray on them which could pose a serious threat to a cat or dog if ingested.

If your yard is being treated by a pest control company, you may want to ask about child- and pet-friendly applications. If those aren’t available, take steps to ensure your pet stays away from the area and for the time being, and dissuade them when possible from eating insects. This might mean you’ll actually have to do the bug-squashing yourself and your pup or kitty might get angry that you took away the hunt, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

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Pest control professionals often find that when they’re called out to a job where the homeowner is complaining of excess bugs, the simple is actually quite simple: be mindful of your garbage can.

Even if your garbage can in under a sink or somewhere else that isn’t out in the open, bugs can find a way in because the odors are still being emitted. Pest control experts recommend never throwing any organic material into the waste bin. If you are not able to dispose of the material outside, place the food in a sealable plastic bag (such as a freezer bag) and then dispose of it. Even better, you can place these materials in a plastic bag and add them to your compost pile later on. If you choose this option, however, make sure your compost pile is far away from your home and cover the food scraps with leaves or dirt to prevent attracting unwanted animals.

Make sure you change your garbage bag often. Do not simply empty the contents and leave the bag inside the can. Replace the bag with a new one that will not have food particles on it that will further attract bugs.

Pest control experts also recommend cleaning out your garbage can with bleach from time to time. If the bag has leaked or a piece of food missed the bag and went down the side, the odors are still present and can send out an inviting signal to pests.

Pest control against bugs can be as simple as making that extra effort to be choosy about what garbage goes into your garbage can.

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Pest Control Tip: Make a Plastic Ziploc Bag Trap

• Place a few slices of an apple or other sweet fruit inside a freezer bag.
• Open that bag about an inch to allow the fruit flies to enter and surround the fruit.
• Zip the bag closed, trapping them inside and release them outside.

Vacuum Cleaner Method

• Pest control experts say fruit flies tend to congregate in certain areas, so if your vacuum is powerful and has a good filter you can easily suck up lots of them and eliminate them from your home.
• Use the vacuum cleaner attachment and to suck the flies into the shaft.
• Trick the flies. Dip a couple pieces of paper towel or cotton swabs in jelly or cider vinegar and then securely tape them inside the vacuum cleaner attachment. When the flies start going inside, turn on the vacuum cleaner and get them by surprise!

Pest control experts recommend disposing the dust and other contents of the vacuum outside or get rid of the inner bag in order to keep these flies from getting back into your home.

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Earwigs are insects that really don’t cause any problems and are virtually harmless, but their appearance and quick reproduction still make them an unwelcomed pest. Pest control experts say the only real problem earwigs pose is their excretions, which cause a foul odor.

Earwigs are nesting insects, and typically nest outdoors around the foundation of your home, in leaves, mulch or straw. Pest control technicians recommend removing the nests to stop them from entering your home through unsealed cracks and crevices at night when they are most active.

Within the home, earwigs are often found in areas of clutter, which serve as excellent hiding spots for these insects. They are commonly found in piled up newspapers and even in some house plants. Earwigs feed on almost anything, so virtually everything is a food source for them, as long as they’re allowed to hide within the clutter of your home.

If earwigs are a serious problem around the home, your local pest control company will spray around your foundation and seal any cracks or crevices. They will also spray around windows, plumbing, doors and garbage cans. This application should keep earwigs out of your home until the next treatment is due. Call your pest control company for more information on keeping your home earwig-free.

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Termites are not the only insect that can cause serious damage to the structure of your home; woodworms will bore into the wood of your house, furniture and other areas where they are afforded a woody protection.

Pest control experts say woodworms often go undetected for years because the adults, also known as Furniture Beetles, will lay their eggs in the wood of your furniture. Once the larvae have emerged, they will bore into the wood and remain there for a few years. They will also leave the furniture and get into the structural wood of your home, where their boring can cause serious damage.

The best pest control method to protect against woodworms is to not bring used furniture into your home. Pest control specialists say this is typically how most homes become infested with woodworms. However, the adult woodworm can fly and if a window or door is left open, they can easily fly into your home. If you notice that woodworms are present in your home, your local pest control company can apply a special insecticide. They can also apply or suggest polishes that are designed to protect your furniture from woodworm invasions. If you have windows that you like to keep open, make sure they have screens so adult woodworms cannot fly into your home.

If you notice holes in your wooden furniture, that is a sure sign that woodworms are present. It is important to contact your pest control company quickly before these insects can cause problems for your home’s structure.

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Rats are intelligent creatures that are very opportunistic when it comes to gaining entry to your home. While some people keep rats as pets, these rats are bought at the store and are generally a bit more domesticated than your run-of-the-mill rat you’ll find on the street. Furthermore, those who keep rats as pets do not allow them (we would hope!) to roam freely about the home. Rats can carry many diseases and are often infested with lice. If there is evidence that a rat has been hanging out in your home, call your pest control company immediately for effective rat pest control.

Preventative measures outside

Rats do not discriminate. Clean or dirty, they’ll find a way into your home if there is a food supply. If you are not already receiving treatment from a pest control company, it is recommended you look into perimeter pest control. In the meantime, keep the exterior of your home free from debris. If you have garbage cans outside, make sure they have lids that fit tightly and aren’t able to be easily removed or knocked off. Don’t leave any possible food source outside, including pet food. You also don’t want Fido and a rat to have a possibly dangerous tussle.

Taking care of the inside

On the inside of your home, make sure your food containers are sealed and food is not left out, including pet food. Many pet stores sell plastic containers in which to store pet food instead of leaving it in the bag. If your pet has had enough of its food, dispose of any leftovers. Pest control experts recommend a garbage can that has a top on it, so as to ensure that garbage does not overflow onto the ground and makes it more difficult for a rat to get inside.

A common area of the home rats prefer to frequent is the basement. Make sure all drains are cleaned regularly and there is no food on which they can feed. There may be spaces in your foundation where they are finding easy access, so conduct a thorough inspection to search for these entry points.

If you suspect you do have a rat, or you definitely want to prevent an up-close and personal interaction with one, call your local pest control company and have them complete a thorough inspection of your landscape and home. Their products are guaranteed and if there is a rat, they will be happy to take care of the problem for you.

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No one likes interacting with a skunk. The very image of a black animal with a white stripe down the back invokes the memory of that infamous odor that seems to linger on forever. But what should you know about skunks? Pest control experts maintain that they aren’t actually as bad as most people think, but they can do some serious damage to your yard due to their digging. Here is some basic information on this smelly menace.

Skunks often live underneath the deck or porch of a home, sometimes in search of a safe place to give birth and raise their litter, typically in a burrowed out hole. These nocturnal creatures go out in search of food under the shield of darkness, foraging for plants or insects.

If you smell the odiferous stench of a skunk, it might be because it is communicating with another skunk. They not only use their spray as a way to deter predators, but also use it to mark territory, especially males during mating season. If you or your pet comes face-to-face with a skunk, more than likely the skunk will raise his tail and let you have it. However, the smell isn’t the only aspect that is punishing. If you or your pet is unlucky enough to get sprayed directly in the face, the liquid can cause momentary blindness.

There is another hazard to skunks. They also carry rabies. It is unlikely you will be bitten by a skunk, but this could be a serious threat to your pet. But you mostly only have to worry about being sprayed. If this does occur, do not go for the tomato juice. Pest control experts recommend using a combination of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and liquid dish soap. Mix this concoction together and quickly shampoo repeatedly until the smell is gone.

Getting rid of skunks is fairly simple. Your local pest control company will be happy to come to your property and set traps. Setting a trap yourself might only result in you getting sprayed when you try to remove the trap. Pest control professionals often use a drape cloth to protect themselves.

Trap and removal are the only real effective options in keeping your property safe from a skunk. There are products that claim to repel skunks, but pest control specialists say these products are ineffective. If you have skunks in your area, try to block off areas where they can gain access underneath decks and porches.

Remember, for the most part, skunks are harmless. But they probably are not the ideal to have roaming around your property. If you suspect a skunk is living too close to your quarters, contact your local pest control company and have them safely remove the animal.

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