There are four main different types of carpet beetles, and these types are separated into two different categories. This first type is known as the black carpet beetle and is in a category all until itself, mainly because it looks quite different from other types of carpet beetles. The black carpet beetle is not surprisingly, black in appearance and has an abdomen that is oblong-shaped. They are usually anywhere from 1/8” to 3/16” in length.

The other three types of carpet beetles make up the second category. These are called varied, common, and furniture carpet beetles. They are about the same size but they vary in color from brown to white, and they may also have spots or stripes. Their abdomens are also much rounder than that of the black carpet beetle and their wings will also have many different patterns.

All carpet beetles, regardless of type, go through a specific life cycle. They begin as an egg, and then transform into larvae. At this stage, they begin to crawl around. They will then become a pupae as they wrap themselves in a cocoon and finally, they will emerge from their cocoon as an adult beetle. It’s most common for homeowners to notice the carpet beetles in their larvae form first, because they are quite noticeable at this stage. They are quite hairy and have distinctive tails that are quite hairy. It is also at this point that homeowners might notice the most damage because it’s the larvae of carpet beetles that eat and chew holes through fabric.

Carpet beetles mainly like to chew on fabrics such as carpet. They will chew large, irregular holes through the carpet, causing a great deal of damage. It is rare however, that they will actually chew right through the base of the carpet. Carpet beetles also love feasting on pet hair, something that is often found woven deeply into carpets. However because of this, they may also be found in areas such as a pet’s bedding. Other areas that carpet beetles like to set up camp in are clothing, dead animal carcasses, dried pastas, cereals, and other grains.

There are a few different ways to get rid of carpet beetles however they can be a difficult pest to control. Insecticides and pesticides may be useful in mild cases of carpet beetle problems. But if the problem becomes very bad and the carpet beetles are causing severe damage at an alarming rate, you may need to call in a professional.

Can an earwig sting or pinch you with them? And if not, will an earwig bite you?

People may refer to an earwig’s attack as a bite, but those prongs are there for a reason and if you ever feel an earwig “biting” you, it’s actually pinching you with those prongs – hard! These are also called earwig stings, and they are quite aggressive and quite painful. These prongs are an earwig’s only defence system against predators such as birds, spiders, rodents, and other insects. And, if an earwig feels as though it’s in danger, it will stick these prongs out quite far and quite wide, ready to pinch whatever it views as a threat.

Even though an earwig sting or pinch is very painful, it doesn’t usually require a lot of treatment, and it’s definitely not poisonous or toxic in any way. The area may be red and swollen, and there will probably be two distinct red marks where the earwig’s prongs broke your skin. In addition to being painful for a short while after the sting, the area may is also likely to become very itchy. The area around the sting may also become swollen. If so, apply ice to keep the swelling done. If the area becomes hard, one or both of the earwig’s prongs are probably still inside of your skin.

It’s extremely important that if the area feels hard, or if you can see a portion of the earwig’s prongs still inside the area, that you do not try to remove the prongs yourself! If the prong has been left in, there is a serious risk of infection, which could lead to all other kinds of unpleasant health issues, and could be difficult to clear up. If the area is hard or you think the prong has been left behind, see your doctor immediately. They will be able to remove it for you and make sure that the wound gets proper after-care to ward off infection.

Accuracy Plus can handle all of your pest control needs, both inside and outside. Visit our site for more valuable information or give us a call at 888-675-0258.

Ants

Ants are one of the most common household pests. Ants generally prefer to live outdoors but sometimes enter a person’s home looking for food. It’s a common misconception that ants are attracted to sweet things like sugar. And although this is true for some types of ants, others prefer a diet that’s made up of mostly protein, while others are happy to eat anything that comes across their path. Ants follow pheromone trails that lead from their colony to food sources, and this is why you’ll often see ants following a specific path. You can usually get rid of an ant problem on your own with things like ant traps.

Cockroaches

When it comes to household pests, most people think of cockroaches as not only one of the most common, but also one of the most repulsive. And if you’re among this group, you’re not wrong. Not only are cockroaches extremely hard to get rid of, but they also carry a lot of diseases and can cause severe allergic reactions for many people. There are some home remedies that can be tried to get rid of cockroaches but large infestations usually require a professional exterminator.

Spiders

Spiders are generally harmless and thankfully, most of them like to live outside. But living with a large amount of them is certainly enough to give anyone a serious case of the creepy-crawlies. If you have a large amount of them, there are also different traps and tricks that you can try and should work fine for you. Also make sure to get rid of any webs as these can hold spider eggs within them. If you have a real problem on your hands, capture one in a jar so that you can show it to a professional. This will give them the chance to study the spider and understand what type of spider they’re dealing with before trying to eliminate them.

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs were once the most common household pest found in the United States but after people started recognizing them and becoming more aware of them, their presence seemed to have died down for awhile. Unfortunately, the cases of bed bugs being found in homes are on the rise, and they are once again becoming one of the most common household pests. They do feed on humans and they can be treated, but it usually takes a professional coming in to do the job.

Termites

Termites are the bane of many homeowners’ existence, and they can be a nightmare to get rid of. These household pests are extremely common and can do a great amount of damage to homes and other structures. Because termites get so deep into wood structures, and because there are so many of them, a professional is also usually required to take care of a termite problem.

Accuracy Plus can handle all of your pest control needs, both inside and outside. Give us a call at 888-675-0258 for a free Orange County pest inspection.

It’s important to regularly examine the perimeter of your home including the attic, all windows and vents, your chimney and any other area that looks like it could be an entry point.   Seal these locations up or repair them to ensure wild animals can’t get in.  You may also want to keep your tree limbs trimmed so animals don’t have a convenient way to get on to your rooftop.

If you do happen to get an unwelcome visitor in your attic, you’ll have to act before it starts breeding or damages the walls and ceiling.  These creatures are notoriously hard to catch, so it might be worth your while to call a pest control service that has experience with just these kinds of challenges.  Not only will a reputable service be able to track down and trap your pest, they will have excellent suggestions for future prevention as well.

The attic is a common hideout for pests of all kinds, and because few of us go up there on a regular basis, long periods of time can pass before you notice trouble.  We always recommend inspecting your entire property each season to keep alert to potential problems.

For a free Los Angles pest control inspection, give us a call at 888-675-0258 or go to http://www.accuracypluscalifornia.com/.

While some pesticides are developed specifically for use with your pets to control things like ticks and fleas, other formulations that are used for controlling ants, roaches or rodents may actually be dangerous to them.  How can you protect your pet from these chemicals?  Whether you are using a pesticide you’ve bought at the store or you’ve hired a pest control service, keep these tips in mind:

• Before you begin applying pesticides, remove your pets from the area until you are finished.  During the pesticide application, remove their toys, food, and bedding from the area.
• Read the directions on the label and follow them precisely.
• Bring your pets back into the area only after the pesticide is dry and the area has been ventilated.
• When using baited traps, make sure you place them in areas that your pet cannot reach.
• Avoid secondary poisoning:  a pet being poisoned by eating a pest that has previously been poisoned.
• Discuss your concerns with your pest control provider and find out what options you have that will best accommodate your pet and the rest of your family.

If by some chance you fear your pet has managed to get into some pesticides, do not hesitate to call your veterinarian’s office immediately.  These kinds of chemicals can be fatal to small animals, and even larger pets may sustain injury by ingesting them. 

For a free Los Angles pest control inspection, give us a call at 888-675-0258 or go to http://www.accuracypluscalifornia.com/.

As the weather changes it’s a good idea to review your pest control procedures and preventions to make sure you are ready to meet the challenges of the coming season.  Make sure you have done a complete examination of the perimeter of your house and checked for entry points including grates, windows and other spots where wear and tear may have made it easy for curious critters to get inside your walls, floors and attic.  Look for anything that looks out of place such as scratch marks, droppings, or prints in the dirt.

You’ll also want to talk to a professional pest control service about setting traps or baits if you have a history of infestations.  Pest control professionals can sit down with you and give you a complete picture of what to look out for and which specific pests are in your area.  They can help you get rid of existing pests, and set up a system for pest prevention which changes with the seasons.

Prevention is always the best way to solve a pest problem.  Home owners can rely on companies like Accuracy Plus California to keep their property pest-free despite the changes throughout the year.   Their experience and specialized equipment will end up saving you money and time in the long run. For a free Los Angles pest control inspection, give us a call at 888-675-0258 or go to www.accuracypluscalifornia.com.

The first kind of damage pests can cause is financial.  The costs associated with pest damage to your property can end up in the thousands of dollars when it comes to termites.  Other pests may not affect the structural integrity of your home, but cause serious aesthetic damage that will affect the resale value.  In fact, every kind of pest does its own economic damage that far exceeds the costs of regular pest control. 

The second type of damage done by pests is medical, or damages to health.  At the very least they can make your living area unsanitary, but many pests also carry diseases some of which can result in serious, life-threatening illness.  As if medical problems were not enough, the sad truth is that this also results in economic damage because of the high costs associated with health care and lost work that can result when you are recovering from illness.

Each year there are millions of dollars of damages done by pests, affecting personal homes and businesses across America.  Even if you’re willing to put up with the nuisance, you must consider whether the damages to your property are worth forgoing pest control services.  After all, for a nominal fee you can have a professional pest control company customize a pest control program to treat current pest problems, and help protect your family and your property from future infestations.

For a free Los Angles pest control inspection, give us a call at 888-675-0258 or go to www.accuracypluscalifornia.com

Insects like cockroaches and ants cannot survive outside when it freezes.  So if you want to keep them out of your home, you need to make sure any entry points into your house are sealed.  A thorough inspection of your property—inside and out—will reveal cracks and crevices which can welcome tiny critters inside.  Fill all these holes or repair cracks with caulking or spackle.  You may need to consult with a handyman about the best way to make repairs, but in the long run it will save your property and your money.  Outside, make sure you keep your trees and bushes trimmed and woodpiles cleared.  Insects can use those as a pathway into your house.

You’ll also want to be sure that you keep your home interior clean and free from crumbs or other food lying on countertops or the floor.  Make sure your garbage is sealed and emptied regularly.  In your pantry, keep your food in containers with air-tight lids and make sure any open packages are clipped shut.

When it comes to rodents, you’ll also want to patch holes in the roof or attic to make sure squirrels, rats and mice don’t make it in.  Store any materials that could be used for “nesting” in airtight containers.  This can include yard clippings, pillows and furniture cushions in your garage.   If you are planning to go out of town for the holidays, make sure you have everything secured before you go.  

Protect your home from wintertime pests by making a seasonal routine of preparing your home before the cold weather hits.  Don’t hesitate to call a pest control service if you suspect you are have some uninvited guests.  Most professional pest services will help you eliminate your current pest problem and assist you in identifying problem areas for the future.  For a free Los Angles pest control inspection, give us a call at 888-675-0258 or go to www.accuracypluscalifornia.com.

To keep your property free of pests, the first thing you need to do is have a regular self-inspection.  It’s also a good idea to make sure your staff knows what to look for and have them keep their eyes open for anything that could signify an infestation.  The earlier you can address a pest problem, the more likely you’ll be to eliminate it. 

Create a checklist that you and your managers can use to identify pests, droppings, tracks and other evidence–and keep a record of your findings.   Your checklist can even include a map of the facility where you can easily mark areas where you’ve found problems.  Be sure your staff has flashlights so that they can be thorough and look in cracks, pipes, or crevices where pests can remain hidden.

Once you’ve determined you have a pest problem, you don’t want to hesitate calling a professional pest control service.  Your restaurant’s reputation may be on the line, so find an experienced company as soon as possible and make sure they have other restaurant clients.  Be sure to take the time to interview with a representative and find out specifics about how often they visit and what exactly is covered under your contract. 

In addition to hiring someone to remove and control pests, you also want to consider making improvements in your facility which can help prevent future infestations.  If you are leasing your space, make a thorough list of the issues you find and bring it to the attention of your landlord.  If you own your space, be sure to have a maintenance schedule that includes making repairs, sealing openings in floors and ceilings, and keeping the food preparation areas clean and free of refuse.

Pest control is simply part of owning a restaurant, so don’t start to panic if you find you have a problem.  Rather, look for a way to take care of it quickly and think ahead to prevent future issues.  For a free Los Angles pest control inspection, give us a call at 888-675-0258 or go to www.accuracypluscalifornia.com.