Pest Phobias You Didn’t Know About

By Leadhub Pest Control 0 Comments
What is it called when you're afraid of spiders?

The world wide web can often help you solve most problems, but is there something else bugging you? Maybe it’s the tiny insects you find sneaking in and around your home? Your local pest control company can help your bug fears disappear. However, not all of them can be solved with a simple extermination. If you’re creeped out by creepy crawlers, you might relate to some of these pest phobias.

  1. The fear of cockroaches is known also as katsaridaphobia, and we don’t blame you. This phobia is an extreme anxiety caused by roaches and often varies from person to person. Whether it’s a photograph or actual cockroach, katsaridaphobia can cause an individual to experience rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing or dizziness.
  2. The fear of ants is recognized as myrmecophobia and can occur at any point during a person’s life. These insects are smart, and if you’ve seen Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, you know they’re scary. Keep your floors and countertops clean and these pests will stay out of your way.
  3. The fear of spiders is arachnophobia. You might recognize this one, as these creatures are known for their size and many legs. This phobia is also the oldest and most common in Western culture, so rest assured – you’re not alone.
  4. The fear of crickets is orthopterophobia. While they’re relatively small, these shiny, black and crunchy insects can appear to come out of nowhere. To get rid of these little guys you can set baits, use bug spray or call your local pest control company.
  5. The fear of wasps is also known as spheksophobia. This isn’t too shocking. If you’ve ever been stung by a wasp, you know the pain. The scariest part is that, unlike bees, wasps do not leave their stinger behind – often stinging their victim over and over. Ouch!

Bugs are scary, there’s no denying it. If you think you might have a bug infestation or you have questions to ask, call Apple Pest Control today and we can guide you to find the right bug-free solution.

5 Fun Facts You Didn’t Know About Bugs

By Leadhub Bee Removal • Pest Control 0 Comments
Apple Pest Control in San Antonio

Are you bugging out? Whether it’s ants in your kitchen or crickets in your living room, bugs are everywhere. The tiny pests you find in your home might not be welcome, but your local pest control company can help with that. Here are some fun facts about bugs that you probably didn’t know.

  1. Only one insect can rotate its head — the praying mantis. You better watch out because this insect is watching you from all angles possible. Known to help them hunt for food, the praying mantis has extra flexibility located between the head and prothorax. You’re in luck though because these insects are not often found in homes.
  2. A female black widow’s bite is 15 times deadlier than a rattlesnake’s. While all black widow spiders are poisonous, mature females do the most harm. Black widow spiders that are either male or babies don’t go after humans or have too small of mouthparts to inject venom.
  3. There are more kinds of beetles than all plants. If you were to pick an existing species, most likely it would be a beetle. The beetle has been around for a while; some fossils go back to as far as the Permian period. These tiny creatures have a knack for bypassing extinction.
  4. The honey bee requires the nectar from millions of flowers to make one pound of honey. Considering a colony can produce up to 100 pounds of honey per year, it’s easy to see why they’re called worker bees. These four-winged bugs communicate through dance are responsible for 80% of the pollination that happens in the U.S.
  5. Fruit flies are the first living creatures to be sent to space. In 1947, the United States brought these pesky insects into space inside a V-2 rocket. That’s one small step for man and one giant leap for bugs.

No matter how fun the facts may be, the truth is that bugs don’t belong in your home. Safe pest control can sometimes be the only way to get rid of these tiny creatures, call Apple Pest Control today to find your bug-free solution.

4 Movie Villains and Their Bug Counterpart

By Leadhub Funny 0 Comments
Popular bugs

Villains and bugs have one thing in common: their intrinsic evilness. But do you ever wonder what kind of pest your favorite villain would be if he or she were in a bug movie? From comic book characters to children’s movies, here’s a breakdown of a few villains and the types of bugs they most identify with.

Lord Voldermort

As Lord Voldemort took hold of the Dark Arts in the Harry Potter series, the cockroach embraces the darkest areas of your home. Whether you’ve seen one creeping behind your dirty laundry hamper or crawling around your washing machine, these tiny creatures are just as evil and scary as the on-screen villain. If you’ve seen one too many of these in your home, call a pest-control muggle.

The Joker

The Joker is often pictured rubbing his hands together in a devious, yet creepy way – just like the common housefly. Just when you think they have left you alone, they are back to buzz in your ear and ruin your nice afternoon. Either way, the twitchy nature of both the fly and The Joker will leave you wondering what comes next.

The Wicked Witch

The Wicked Witch of the West is depicted as a green-skinned witch who ruins Dorothy’s trip to Oz. Similarly, the green stink bug can ruin anyone’s day after releasing the foul odor it uses as a defense mechanism. This smelly bug will get you, and your little dog, too

Freddy Krueger

Just like Freddy Krueger attacks during night time, the bed bug also strikes while you’re sleeping. While the bed bug won’t kill you, this stubborn parasite can leave behind itchy bites that will have you scratching for days. One…two they’re coming for you.

From on-screen to in-home, it’s easy to see that bugs and villains have a lot in common. If you have any evil pests that you need handled, contact us to schedule a pest control appointment today. Our team of experienced exterminators, not only help get bugs under control but can spot areas of risk.

What To Do If A Wild Animal Gets Into Your Home

By Leadhub Wildlife Control 0 Comments
What to do if you have a raccoon in your home

In Texas, it’s not unheard of to wake up with a squirrel, opossum, raccoons, armadillos or snakes in your home. Surrounded by nature even in the busiest areas, wildlife can often make its way into the houses of unexpecting San Antonio residents. Today we are sharing what you should do in the event that a wild animal is trapped in your home.

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How Apple Pest Control Saved Our Office From Crazy Ants

By Apple Pest Control Ant Control 0 Comments
Crazy Ants Extermination

“What is that?”

“They look like little ants.”

Randomly scattered in the corner of our office were little bugs. Within a week they seemed to be everywhere. We couldn’t find the source. We couldn’t even Google the right terminology for this mysterious insect crawling around our office, but we knew one thing; we had an infestation. It seemed like they were falling from the sky. These little black insects mysteriously crawling across our keyboards, running across our desks and basically taking over.

“We should get some bug spray when we go to the store.” It was time for our monthly birthday celebration and we figured we could get some bug spray when we went to pick up the cake to nip this problem in the bud.

Within an hour our office smelled of the rich citrusy aroma from the bug spray. Sadly the only thing it killed was our nasal senses. This pungent over the counter bug spray should have just been labeled as an air freshener. It did nothing to stop the bugs from running around.

Knowing we needed help to handle our little problem we knew what we had to do.

“I’m calling Apple Pest Control.”

When our team called Apple, we hoped that they would be able to get us on their schedule the next few days but they actually fit us in that day!

Towards the end of the day, George came in and sprayed our office and identified our uninvited guests as, “Crazy Ants.”

George was so friendly and let us know exactly what he was doing and what we needed to expect the next few days. There was no intense or dizzying smell of pesticides when he left. In fact, had we not seen him spraying there would be no sign that he came in.

Apple Pest control on the job

 

The next day when we came into work, we still saw the bugs except for on that day they were dead!

No more looking for a tissue to crush an ant as it dashes away. No more worrying about insects falling into that warm cup of coffee.

Apple Pest Control did a fantastic job! If I ever have a pest control problem at home, they will be my first call. They will also be the first call Leadhub makes if we ever have another pest issue. Thanks, Apple.

 

This blog post is a guest post from Dia Darling at Leadhub.

 

Common Pests in Christmas Trees

By Apple Pest Control Pest Control 0 Comments
Are there bugs in my Christmas tree?

Nothing says Christmas quite like a freshly cut Christmas tree. They are so beautiful and fill your home with a lovely aroma, but bringing home a living tree also invites small pests and insects along with it. Thankfully there are many ways to get rid of these critters, but first let’s discuss the types of pests that could be inhabiting your tree – and now your home.

Aphids are inactive, tiny and usually go unnoticed. They can only survive by feeding on certain plants and will not feed on your houseplants. Aphids can be found on the lower boughs of the tree and are common in Evergreen, Balsam Fir and Spruce trees.

Bark beetles are hard-bodied, red, black and brown bugs that are about the size of a grain of rice. They create small holes and sawdust trails on the trunk of the tree and are common in Monterey pines, White Fir and Junipers.

Mites are not a threat to people or animals, but they can cause premature needle dropping and make small, red stains on ornaments or carpets. They are found in white pines, Douglas fir, spruce trees and Fraser fir.

Praying mantises can be found on any type of Christmas tree. They are walnut sized and a light tan color.  Praying Mantises swarm over the tree in search of food.

These pests are just a few of the many that can be found in your Christmas tree. The good news is that there are ways to prevent them – like leaving the Christmas tree in your garage for a few days or vacuuming up any insects you see in or around the tree. You can also dust the tree with DichotomousEarth or spray to kill any bugs still on the tree.

If you are in need of pest control services contact Apple Pest Control. We provide San Antonio and the surrounding area with commercial and residential pest control service, tree and lawn care and wildlife removal. We also provide organic pest control services.

Rodents and Your Insulation

By Apple Pest Control Rodent Control • • 0 Comments
rodent damage in your insulation

With temperatures dropping, many homeowners will begin to prepare their homes for the change in seasons. While several pests seem to be less of a problem during these months, your house is still at risk of a different type of infestation – rodents. Rats, mice, squirrels, raccoons and even possums consider your home as cozy as you do and will not hesitate to move in. The crawl space below your house, walls and attic are all perfect hiding spots for these pests. Rodent insulation damage is the biggest concern once discovering an infestation.

Rodents prefer safe, warm and sheltered environments – making the inside of your walls and attic the ideal home. Insulation that can be found in these places can be even more inviting since it is a source of warmth for the scurrying critters. The malleability of insulation makes it easy for nest to made, and insulation can be moved where ever needed. Once one nest is established and a rodent is comfortable enough, a colony of rodents can soon follow. With the displacement of materials, you could see a difference in the heating as warm air can now escape from your house in these areas.

Related: Prepare for Winter Pests 

Along with nesting in your insulation, droppings and urine can be found. This is an inevitable problem with a rodent infestation no matter the location. One of the biggest dangers of this is the air quality of your home can now be compromised. Rodents in general, and particularly rats, are vulnerable to carry disease that are often dangerous to both you and your pets.

Electrical insulation around cables and wires found in the lining of your house is also a great nesting resource. Mice and rats will chew wires bare to remove the insulation so that they may use it. Other times the softer casing is just a desirable material for rodents to gnaw on. Either way, this is extremely dangerous and a huge fire hazard.

In some instances, the insulation in your home can also be a food source for smaller animals. Not only will the rodents transport insulation throughout your house, but they will also eat it if edible. This is not just a disruption but the actual removal of your insulation, which will eventually need to be replaced.

Help protect yourself and your house from rodent insulation damage this winter by contacting your local pest control company.

Do I Have Insect Allergies?

By Apple Pest Control Pest Control 0 Comments
Signs you have a cockroach infestation and allergy.

Despite just the obvious annoyances, pests can cause a whole host of problems. From house damages to diseases, an infestation is not something anyone wants to deal with. While some infestations can be easy to spot by the physical damage to your home, another clue to a pest invasion could be your own health. Cockroach allergies are a common case and could be the reason behind your sneezing and coughing. Paying attention to your general health might uncover a pest-related problem that is affecting both your home and your health.

Signs and symptoms of cockroach allergies:

  • Coughing and sneezing
  • Congestion
  • Rashes and itchiness
  • Watery eyes
  • Ear/Sinus infection
  • Asthma attacks or wheezing
  • Runny nose
  • Itchy throat

While many of these symptoms seem common with any allergic reaction, they should still be taken into consideration. If someone was to experience any of these health problems year-round, rather than seasonally, it could be a sign that the problem could be found in your home. In many cases, some refer to feeling like they have had a common cold that they have not been able to get over. Those who have asthma seem to be particularly vulnerable to the allergy and can experience stronger symptoms and more frequent asthma attacks.

Along with dust mites, cockroaches carry a certain protein that commonly triggers asthma and allergies. This protein is found in their urine, feces and shedding. While a cockroach may never be seen or in direct contact with someone, any cross-contamination of these things can set off the reaction. Since an infestation usually is throughout a house, this leaves almost no space safe.

While there is no direct cure for a cockroach allergy, the symptoms can at least be treated if diagnosed by a doctor. Over-the-counter drugs can also help alleviate some of the discomfort. The best idea for solving the issue would be to contact your local pest control service for advice on how to control the infestation and to thoroughly clean your home.

Pest Control During Tailgate

By Apple Pest Control Pest Control 0 Comments
Keeping pests away from your tailgate

Football season is back – and more importantly, to some at least, so is tailgate season! While the two may go hand-in-hand, hot dogs and fire ants shouldn’t. Follow some of these outside pest control tips to help keep pests away from your UTSA tailgate.

Tailgate Pest Control Tips

Be Proactive

Plan ahead of time to prepare for the day’s activities. Take a look at the following tips and see what you can incorporate into your tailgate routine. Spray yourself before (and during) the tailgate with bug spray to get a jumpstart on the pest control and prevent mosquito bites.

Keep A Lid on it

Having all liquids and foods in sealed containers helps keep things fresh and from attracting unwanted guests. While the smell of BBQ can entice anyone, keeping sugary smells to a minimum will help prevent bees and wasps.

Stay Clean 

Pick up after yourself and don’t leave any trash lying around. If possible, seal your trash or remove it frequently to keep any ants or flies from gathering. Quickly clean up any messes and try to keep things dry. Any spilled liquid is like an open bar for bugs.

Keep It Cool

Bring a fan to the tailgate, and literally blow the flying annoyances away. Set the ambiance for the day and bring a candle or some essential oils. Natural smells of lavender, eucalyptus and peppermint are all beneficial to pest prevention. Place the grill in the sun and the fan toward the cook to keep the bugs frying and the chef from sweating.

Support The Team

Wear your best UTSA gear, and stay covered to keep mosquitos and rivals at bay. Party responsibly and keep these tips in mind to help keep pests and police from crashing your tailgate. (Throwing garlic on the grill also works for both.)

Summer Means Scorpion Season in Texas

By Apple Pest Control Pest Control 0 Comments
How to keep scorpions out of your house

Texas is a great state with a lot to offer, and that includes about 20 species of scorpions. Scorpions are arachnids that are equipped with a venomous stinger on the end of their tails. Many people believe scorpions are only found in the desert, but they can actually be found in grasslands, forests, caves and even residential areas.
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