Midwestern Pest Blog

Carpenter ants and termites are similar in several ways. They can be about the same size and damage buildings because they burrow into wood. Both types of insects also swarm to mate during the spring. After taking a closer look, however, you can see that they differ significantly. Carpenter Ants As one of the largest types of ants in the United States, carpenter ants measure 0.13 to 0.5 inches long. Most species are black, while others can be red, yellow, light or dark brown, or orange. Some species are even black and red. The large mandibles that the workers have are another way to identify these insects. However, they're most identifiable by their cinched waist, bent antennae and longer front wings. Decayed wood is the preferred nesting material for all carpenter ants. Nests that remain active for years can cause severe damage. One colony can spread to satellite colonies nearby. Following......

Frass control is a critical part of any insect removal program. Understanding the properties of frass can help you to identify it and make decisions about your pest-control needs. Frass can be used as a source of food or even as construction materials. This means that you will need to eliminate this material from your home as a part of your long-term program for pest control. About Insect Frass Frass is a term that refers to insect fecal matter, which can have different appearances. Each type of pest will digest materials from their diet and leave the excrement behind. This becomes a sign of their presence, and it can be used to determine the kind of pest infestation you are experiencing. Frass can be composed entirely of fecal matter, but some insects will also excrete the parts of the wood that they consume as food. This can show up in the......

When wood in your home decays, termites are often the first thought that comes to mind. Termites can cause severe damage to wood in homes since they feed on timber in order to survive. In the natural environment, termites feed on fallen logs and trees that are starting to die. Wet logs are preferred by termites since they are easier to eat. Termites are, therefore, often assumed to be synonymous with rotten wood. In reality, termite infestations and rotten wood are separate issues that you should understand how to distinguish. Signs of Rotten Wood Although building codes try to establish rules that reduce the chances of wood rotting in modern homes, wood decomposition is still a possibility for homes of any age. It is unusual for wood to rot without exposure to a source of water. Rotten wood can start to appear after a flood or a plumbing leak. Mold often......

Ants exist all over the world, and these little critters are always on the lookout for their next meal. If you aren't careful, your pantry just might become their next target. Adopting a few good habits can help prevent these pests from overtaking your kitchen. Keep a Clean Kitchen If you maintain a clean kitchen, ants will have fewer places to hide and less food to eat. After every meal, make it a habit to clean dishes immediately and wipe down the countertops and the dining room table. In the event of a spill or other food-related mess, clean it up right away. Be sure to use your vacuum or sweep the floors regularly, including areas outside of the kitchen where people eat. Don't forget about storing pet food properly; ants will dine on dog and cat food as well. Protect Your Food Leaving food out on the countertop is a......

Termites thrive in a wide range of natural habitats by consuming dead wood. Opportunistic feeders, these wood-boring insects do not make a distinction between a dead tree in the woods and the lumber used to build your home. Termites are a constant threat because they can attack wood-based architectural features year-round. They devour wood weakening the structural integrity of your home. You should take proactive measures to protect your investment by including a pre-construction termite treatment in your building plans and budget. Why Is Pre-Construction Termite Treatments Important? These pests can cause considerable damage before an infestation is discovered because they establish their colonies in inaccessible locations. The cost of these types of repairs is not usually covered by standard homeowner insurance policies. Instead of reacting to an infestation after your home is built, you can prevent these destructive insects from reaching your property by arranging a pre-construction termite control treatment.......