Cockroaches: Facts and Identification

Cockroaches are one of the frequently found domestic insects. Haven't you  ever seen them roaming around the dark corners of your home? These, often noticed household pests, are also known as "roaches". Let us discuss about the facts and identification traits of cockroaches.

This disgusting pest disturbs us by spoiling our food and household items. Some of them, mostly the adult ones, make gliding flights. These deadly pests have a shining appearance, two long front antenna and spiny legs. Cockroaches are scientifically classified into the order known as "blattaria", which comes from the Latin root word "blatta", meaning cockroach. Cockroaches have flattened bodies, which allow them to enter buildings through cracks of loose fitting doors, windows, and electric lines or also through pipelines. They prefer to remain in the dark, moist areas of basements, floors etc.

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Some facts about cockroaches:

• Cockroaches prefer warm atmosphere and are frequently found in the corners of buildings.
• These deadly pests can move on difficult terrains too.
• They are mainly nocturnal in nature and run away when exposed to light.
• They remain in dark places where many of their kin are around.
• Cockroaches are also found in hot or subtropical climates.
• They make hissing and chirping sounds.
• Female cockroaches carry eggs in the end of their abdomen.
• Cockroaches have high radiation resistance.
• Sturdiest insect: Some cockroaches can remain alive without consuming food for a month.

By knowing the above characteristic features, we can identify a cockroach. However, for immediate identification of the species, we need to go through the following facts about cockroaches.

• They have long feelers in front side and spiny legs.
• Cockroaches live on food that we, human beings, and our pets eat.

Types of cockroaches:

There are almost 4,000 species of cockroaches and four of these species are known as pests. From the whole, only 30 species of them are found in human dwellings. Some of the popular types of cockroaches are:

• The American cockroach, which is known as Periplaneta americana. The cockroaches that fall into this type, are about 30 millimeters (1.2 in) long.
• The German cockroach, known as Blattella germanica.
• The Asian cockroach, or Blattella asahinai.

Apart from these, there are the oriental cockroach, tropical cockroach and the Permian Apthoroblattina, which are large in size.

What do cockroaches eat?

Cockroaches are mainly omnivorous. They generally feed on waste of human beings, garbage, starches, grease, plants, vegetables and fruits. However, this disturbing domestic insect also feeds on all household items like clothes, leather and also, flakes of dried skin, starch in book binding, kitchen crumbs, beer, sweets, meat products etc. There are various protozoa and bacteria in their digestive system that help in their digestion.

Are cockroaches active during the day?

No. Cockroaches are not active during the day. They are nocturnal in nature, hence, they come out at night to have their food or prey. During the daytime, they hide in the sub floors, wall cavities, corners of doors, and cracks in various places.

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Pigeons have become public enemy number one as far as pest birds are concerned. The common pigeon also known as a rock dove first came the North America by people from Europe who settled in Canada in the early 1600s. pigeons that escaped from settlers formed the wild flocks you see in our cities today. These wild birds live among city buildings, bridges, and other man-made structures in the same way their ancestors used to live among cliffs and rocky ledges. Pigeons can live up to 15 years and mate of life. Their homing instincts will bring them back to their same nesting and roosting areas. It has become a widespread problem in cities and suburbs alike. Pigeons cause thousands of dollars a year in cleanup and repair costs to homeowners, building owners, municipal buildings and others.

Pigeons make flimsy nest, and will reuse the location repeatedly, building new nests on top of old ones. Pigeons do not bother to remove the feces of their young, so the nest turns into a hard, pot like mound that gets larger each month. Un-hatched eggs and the mummies of dead nestlings will also get cemented into the nest making it even more of a health hazard. Nest sites are used repeatedly and nesting material is added for each new brood, making for very unsightly displays. A pair may raise 5 or more broods a year. Pigeons do not migrate, but if displace from a nesting area, can return from long distances because of their homing ability.

Controlling Pest Pigeons:

Federal law does not protect feral pigeons and most states do not give them protection. State and local laws should be consulted, however, before any control measures are taken. Some cities are considered bird sanctuaries that provide protection to all species of birds.

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Predators:

Hawks and other large animal-eating birds (birds of prey) catch and eat pigeons. The Peregrine Falcon is a bird of prey that lives in some cities and feeds on pigeons. In many cities, however, pigeons have no enemies. One species of falcon, Merlin, eats so many pigeons its scientific name is Falco columbarius (with the "columba-" meaning pigeon) and it was formerly called Pigeon Hawk. Merlins are medium-sized falcons and although they are not very common in cities, you can bet they are preying on pigeons living in open parks near marshes and ponds. In cities where Peregrine Falcons have become established, they catch and eat feral pigeons, often carrying them back to feed to their nestlings. Red-tailed and Cooper's hawks also prey on pigeons in cities and in rural areas.

Habitat Modification:

Elimination of feeding, watering, roosting, and nesting sites is important in long-term pigeon control. Discourage people from feeding pigeons in public areas and clean up spilled grain around elevators, feed mills, and railcar clean-out areas. Eliminate pools of standing water that pigeons use for watering. Modify structures, buildings, and architectural designs to make them less attractive to pigeons.

Pigeon Deterrents:

There are several deterrents on the market that will help to keep pest pigeons off of your property.

Bird Spikes are the most common, economical and easiest to install of the physical deterrents. You simply install the bird spikes on the flat surface that the pigeons are landing on. The bird spikes make it so they can no longer land; thus they will move to another area.

Bird Netting is another physical deterrent that is used to exclude pest pigeons from areas such as warehouses, under eaves of homes, under canopies and other large open areas. A professional installer such as a pest control operator or bird control specialist best installs bird netting.

Shock Systems can also be used on commercial buildings to deter pest pigeons. They will receive a mild shock when they come in contact with the track. This will change their habit of landing on the surface. This is also a product best installed by a professional.

There are other method and products available to deter pest pigeons. It is recommended that if you have a large scale problem that you consult a professional to help determine the best method to get rid of the pest pigeons.

Author: Fran Prisco

Need help to get rid of pest birds? Contact Bird-B-Gone, Inc. the experts in bird control solutions since 1992. Call today 1-800-392-6915 or visit us at http://www.birdbgone.com

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How to Protect Yourself from Termites

Termites exist in every state except for Alaska, and they cause property damage (millions of dollars of damage to homeowners) everywhere they thrive. Termites are particularly prevalent in Florida and other warm-weather states, but they can be a problem just about anywhere.

How do you protect yourself from these pesky insects? There are several ways you can do it without spending a lot of money. Let's jump right in:

1. Treat Exterior Wood to Prevent Termite Infestations

It's a forgone conclusion that we're more likely to take action after we realize we have a termite problem, but it makes a lot more sense to prevent a problem in the first place. If you have wood decks or siding, it makes sense to have them treated with pesticides before you have a problem.

It costs $1,000 and up to treat a home that is already infested with termites, but you for less than $50, you can have an exterminator spray a newly built wood deck with a pesticide that keeps termites away.

2. Avoid Storing Firewood Next to Your House

A lot of people like to save money by heating their homes with a wood stove instead of central heat. Or maybe you just enjoy a fire in the fireplace once in a while. Either way, if you've got a pile of firewood, you need to make sure it's not placed somewhere that it will give termites easy access to your home.

Since termites are common in firewood piles, you need to be aware that they can easily travel from firewood to a wood-frame house. To avoid this, don't store firewood within 10 feet of your home.

In addition, if you use decorative wood chips as part of your landscaping, keep at least three feet between the wood chips and the foundation of your home (you can always use decorative stones near the house).

3. Check the Exterior of Your Home Regularly

Ideally, you'll prevent termite damage before it can even start, but if you don't succeed, the next best thing is to catch termites before they do major damage.

Be aware of when termites are worst. They swarm in clusters from February to May (depending on how early spring arrives in your climate). If you spot a swarm, you'll known they're in the vicinity. Also, if your neighbors are having troubles with termites, chances are you might be too. Termites are more common in homes that are 35 years old or older, but they can trouble new housing developments, too, if the division was built near an existing colony.

To check your home, look for narrow dirt tunnels or tubes that rise from the ground. Both inside and out look for tiny wings scattered on the ground/floor (indicators that a swam has been through). Knock on wood and listen: soldier termites will answer with a tapping that means they're alerting the other termites of potential danger.

If you suspect termites of entering your home, call an exterminator immediately for an inspection. Remember, it's most cost efficient to catch termites earlier (before they do a lot of damage) than later.

Read more about termites and signs of termites at this natural pest control site.

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How to Control the Grey Squirrel Population

Squirrels have three of four litters per year, with each litter producing an average three infants. They reach maturity in approximately 10 months and their average life span is 2 years.

Grey squirrels are part granivore and part omnivore. Common vegetation eaten by the grey squirrel includes acorns, flowers, tree shoots, nuts etc. aswell as fruits, roots and cereals. They also cause damage to trees by stripping off the bark and feeds off the sappy tissue beneath. Occasionally grey squirrels will feed on insects and bird eggs and they eat approximately 50 grams a day.

Control

The grey squirrel is a serious pest problem and control is necessary. They cause damage to trees by stripping the bark off them. They damage parks and gardens (by eating away at flower beds etc), and in urban areas they are often found damaging roof timbers, electrical wiring and plumbing after gaining access to the loft spaces.

Control methods include shooting, trapping by using cages and spring traps or the use of poisons. The use of poisons is strictly by professional use only and licenses are required under the Grey Squirrel (Warfarin) Order 1973.

Squirrel cage traps and squirrel traps designed to kill on impact are somewhat easy to set. Single or multi catch cage traps are readily available for grey squirrels. When using the single cage traps outdoors, one unit should be effective for up to one hectare, and spaced around 100 metres apart from another. If using a multi-catch cage trap, one unit is suitable for three hectares and should be spaced 200 metres apart.

The best position for cage traps is under trees which are known to be used by the pest or in hedges. Ideally the ground should be clear of vegetation,

Pre-baiting of the cage traps is essential to the successfulness of the programme. Maize is a good attractant and it should be placed inside the trap for five continuous days. The trap needs to be visited twice a day and users should expect immediate success after a couple of days of pre-baiting. Cages can also be used in roof spaces etc in the same manner.

Once grey squirrels are caught in cages, they should be immediately humanely destroyed. One method is by running the squirrel into a sack and striking it with a sharp blow to the head.

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The Rat Terrier is a lively, spunky, and intelligent dog. 

Find out more about this breed here.

It was back in 1820, in Great Britain, that the Rat Terrier was first developed by crossing the Manchester Terrier and the Smooth Fox Terrier. They became very popular in the United States when they were taken there in the 1890s. The breeders in America crossed it once more with the Whippet, the Beagle and the Smooth Fox Terrier. This is because they wanted to incorporate the bulkiness, hunting instincts and the red color of the Beagle, plus the brindle and blue colors, and the agility and speed of the Whippet. The smallest variety of the Rat Terrier was derived by crossing the Chihuahua with the Smooth Fox Terrier. Named by President Theodore Roosevelt, the Rat Terrier is a hard working breed used in farms to get rid of pestiferous creatures like Rats.

The Physical Features of the Rat Terrier

The Rat Terrier has powerful legs, solid neck, powerful shoulders, deep chest, and is well muscled. Although they are physically compact, they are muscularly substantive. The ears are usually ripped or upright and kept erect when it is alert. They are usually born with either full-length or short tails, which can be either docked when they are two days old, or left intact. They come in a variety of coat colors such as red brindle, blue and white, black and tan, solid red, tri-spotted, red and white, chocolate, sable, and pearl. Rat Terrier breeders that breed just working dogs are not particular about the specifications of the looks.

There are three sizes of Rat Terriers: The Standard Sized, which weighs 12 to 35 pounds, or 51/2 to 16 kg, and is 14 to 23 inches or 351/2 to 581/2 cm in height; the Mid-Sized, which weighs 6 to 8 pounds or 3 to 31/2 kg, an is 8 to 14 inches or 20 to 351/2 cm in height; and the Toy, which weighs 4 to 6 pounds or 2 to 3 kg, and is 8 inches or 20 cm in height.

The Temperament of the Rat Terrier

The Rat Terrier dog makes a great watchdog because it is always alert, lively, energetic, and spunky. This breed makes a good companion in the right kind of household, although it does require proper training, since it has the tendency of snapping if frightened. As long as it is socialized when it is a puppy it gets along well with other pets in the house. Care must be taken not to leave smaller types of animals unsupervised around it, if it has not been adequately socialized to be with them, or has not been raised with them.

The Rat Terrier can sometimes be willful and stubborn, and can also be reserved with strangers, although they do warm up quite quickly. Despite its small size, the Rat Terrier is often fearless, even when faced with a larger adversary, showing the true characteristics of the terrier breed. It is especially good in a single person home, providing the companionship and affection that is required.
Being highly intelligent, the Rat Terrier picks up training faster compared to other breeds. It is eager to learn and also eager to please its owner.

Rat Terrier Care and Grooming

The Rat Terrier does not need much grooming. An occasional brushing with a rubber brush or a firm bristle is all that is required to get rid of any dead or loose hair. It needs to be bathed just about once in six months. If it's bathed too frequently it will result in removing the natural oils that exist in its coat, which can result in skin problems, which the Rat Terrier has a tendency for. During the cold weather, it should be protected adequately with sweaters, since it gets chill very quickly because of its short coat.

As far as exercising the Rat Terrier is concerned, it needs a daily walk or even a jog, for about 20-30 minutes per day. The Rat Terrier loves outdoor romps and challenging games.

Owning a Rat Terrier

If you are thinking of owning a dog of this breed, look for Rat Terrier puppies from Rat Terrier breeders that are reputable, or you could check out a Rat Terrier rescue and adopt one from there. Before actually purchasing one, however, make sure you know every character trait of this breed to see if it suits what you are looking for. They make great pets in families that are suited to them.

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Got Moles? Easy ID Tips

The first step in ridding your lawn and garden of ground moles is to identify that the pest you have is truly a mole. There are a few distinct identification tips you can follow to make sure you are chasing a mole.

Most people who see visible damage to their lawn or garden assume they have moles. Before you go after the moles, make sure that's really the rodent problem you have.

Physical Characteristics
The Eastern Mole is the most common. These moles are underground rodents that are 6.5 - 7 inches long at maturity. They are fur covered, with tails. The forefeet are large and are wider than they are long. The hind feet are small. The eyes and ears are concealed in the fur. Unless you trap a mole, you are likely never to see one. They do not come above the ground unless forced to.

Eating Habits
A common misconception about moles is that they eat roots and plants. This is not true, as moles do not eat vegetation. Moles only eat grubs and earthworms. However, moles will damage plants by tunneling through the root zone and even popping plants up out of the ground. Moles eat 70-100% of their body weight per day - they constantly tunnel to find new sources of worms to eat.

Where They Live
As stated, moles live underground. They feed by burrowing just below the surface of the soil, making unsightly raised tunnels or runs. However, they also burrow deep depending on the weather conditions. When they burrow deep, they push the excess soil up, thus creating mounds. These mounds resemble volcanoes and can show up anywhere. Often pocket gophers have similar tunneling traits with the exception that their mounds are kidney shaped and are usually in a line.

The Apple Test
An easy test to see if you have a mole versus a pocket gopher or chipmunk is to test it with an apple.
1.Find an active tunnel.
2.Cut an apple in half.
3.Place the apple on the tunnel.
4.Cover the apple with a bucket or flower pot (upside down).
5.Wait a couple of days.
6. If the apple has not been eaten - you have a mole!

Getting Rid of Moles
There are basically three methods to get rid of moles. One is to use a mole repellent, such as Molexit. A second method is to trap the mole - the easy set mole eliminator trap is proven effective. The third method is to poison the moles - I don't recommend this for safety reasons.

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Carpenter ants can be a huge pain in the butt.  Unfortunately, this pain is unavoidable. However, there are steps you can take to get rid of these little buggers, and home remedies for carpenter ants are the first step in getting the problem under control. 

What is a carpenter ant?  A carpenter ant is a black ant that can range anywhere from 1/4- 1 inch in size.  Contrary to popular belief, this ant does not eat wood, rather they carve tunnels in wood.  An easy way to recognize damage from carpenter ants is if you have small piles of sawdust. 

Another way to determine you may have a carpenter ant problem or you may be at risk for one, is if you see flying ants inside the home.  Chances are they are looking for a new place to build a nest.

If you have a nest in your home, you will not see many ants at once.  If you see an ant, try to watch where he is headed- chances are he's either leaving the nest, or going back to it. 

Similar to termites, Carpenter ants can cause much damage to the structure of your home if they are building nests inside the wood frames.  Once damage is done, the repairs can be very expensive, if not unreversibl, so it's a good idea to treat the problem as soon as you think you may have an infestation.  

The best way to get rid of them is by treating the nest first.  Spraying with pesticide is the first step you should do.  There are many home remedies you can try such as boric acid and such, but if this does not solve the problem, you may need to call out a professional exterminator. 

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