You’re not the only one looking forward to fun summer activities. Pesky mosquitos also enjoy warmer weather, so it’s best to prepare to share the great outdoors with a few insect friends. Getting rid of them isn’t as easy as getting rid of stinkbugs, and nothing’s more annoying than scratching at red, itchy bug bites on your skin or hearing buzzing around your ears. And on a more serious level, the itty-bitty insects can also cause some dangerous health concerns. According to Joseph Conlon, technical advisor for the American Mosquito Control Association, mosquito-borne diseases—like malaria, Zika virus, Dengue fever, chikungunya, yellow fever, and West Nile Virus—have been on the rise over the past few ...

Treating termites before construction starts can help you defend against possible claims in the future as they frequently dwell where there is a high concentration of moisture and dampness. In old houses, these are frequent problems because they tend to live in obstructed or blocked water supply and sewerage pipes. Several projects’ construction specifications require protection for termites in their finishing, and several others request a termite-free environment. Pre-Construction Termite treatment in pre-construction stages includes several procedures that must be done to ensure an area of termite-free construction. Treating the soil before any slab placement with insecticides is the most common method of termite treatment. It will form a chemical barrier ...

Of all the insect infestations you can be cursed with, silverfish might just be the most skin-crawling — right after cockroaches, of course. Silverfish are mostly a (super-creepy) nuisance pest, but they can destroy books, wallpaper, and clothes with their excrement, according to the experts at Penn State’s Department of Entomology Cooperative Extension program. If you find silverfish in your home, you definitely want them gone fast, but pesticides aren’t the only way to go. Follow these steps for an effective pest-control plan. 1. Seal Up Food KITTIBOWORNPHATNON/SHUTTERSTOCK You don’t want to pour out a bowl of your favorite cereal just to find it’s swimming with these squirming insects. Penn State recommends sealing dry goods like ...

Out of the umpteen insects, critters, rodents and other pests, termites seem to be the most dangerous ones. They are one such pest that can ruin your house’s foundation in just a few years. The worst part is that they are not even noticeable in the first few years. This means that they don’t come with a warning. It can be too late once you realize that your house has been infested by termites. Your home is precious and in no way you can take a chance to re-invest because of the mere pest. It becomes crucial that you take steps and precautions to protect your home from termites. Before we ...

It probably won’t surprise most vegetable gardeners that insects outnumber humans many millions of times over. While some insects can be beneficial for certain plants, gardeners are all too familiar with the destruction of many tiny crawly critters. Fortunately, nature offers plenty of non-toxic ways to discourage and manage detrimental insects. The following six steps can help a gardener reduce pest problems without toxic chemicals. Remember: Prevention is always the first and best line of attack. 1. Build Healthy Soil Soil supplies the nutrients, water, oxygen, and root support that plants need to thrive. Research shows that the healthier the soil, the better plants are able to withstand pest attacks.1 Building ...

Mosquitos aren’t just an outdoor nuisance — they’re a legitimate cause for health concerns. So far, 2012 has been the worst year on record for reported cases of West Nile virus in the United States, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the virus’ season will extend into October. Luckily, this doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your outdoor area. A variety of mosquito-repelling tools in every price range can help you get rid of these pests. Make sure you can use the outdoor area you’ve spent so much time on for the rest of this year and the next with these effective solutions. 1. Mosquito Misting Systems There ...

Mosquitoes are annoying.  They also carry serious diseases, but for most of us, the issue is that they buzz, bite, and just are a nuisance.  We understand how the itching from the mosquito bite feels and how it annoying can it get when you have to rub it. If they try to crash your barbecue, gardening or kids playdate, follow you during your morning walks, and deprive you of your sleep, you don’t have to take it.  You might not eradicate the earth of mosquitoes, but there are a few things you can do to lessen that odds that you will get bitten. KEEPING MOSQUITOES FROM BITING Wear light colored clothes When ...