Like a lot of pests that are drawn to outdoor areas, and gardens in particular, the sow bug isn't a threat to humans. They don't spread disease or contaminate your food. They won't bite you and will leave you alone if they wander into your house.
That doesn't mean they aren't as annoying as other pests. If your planting is located too close to your home, you're likely to see some sow bugs, also called pill bugs, make their way indoors. Taking steps to limit their access is how to minimize the intrusion.
Their name is actually a misnomer, because sow bugs aren't bugs at all. They're crustaceans that have adapted to land life and have more in common with crayfish than they do with insects.
Be that as it may, if they have enough vegetables and moist soil where they can thrive outdoors, they're likely to increase in numbers to the point that you may have to call in the experts. Professional pest control outfits like Abell Pest Control will be able to assess the scope of your problem, customize a plan of action for pest removal and give you tips on how to prevent another infestation in the future.
You're most likely to find sow bugs in your plant beds at night when they're typically active. Young plants are particularly susceptible to them and at a point when they're trying to take root. Sow bugs gravitate to your garden's seedlings, new roots, lower leaves and any fruit or vegetables that are directly on the soil or near a damp soil surface.
Much like with other pests drawn to flower and vegetable gardens, there should be some distance between plantings and the house to prevent easy entry into your home.
They're also drawn to piles of firewood, particularly if it's damp. To prevent sow bugs from settling into a wood pile, dry it out as much as possible in the air, then store it away from soil by creating a raised platform from bricks or concrete blocks.
Moisture in cracks and crevices near your house's foundation can also draw these pests indoors. Fill even the narrowest crack, because the small size of sow bugs allows them to permeate entry points quite easily. By doing this, you're also taking steps to prevent other pests from getting into your home.
Clean out any damp debris and organic matter you have cluttering your property because sow bugs are likely to end up feasting on that as well.
Because of the high amount of traffic and the versatility of the facilities, pests are naturally attracted to long-term care institutions. Many nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and other care facilities include on-site kitchens and cafeterias as well as private rooms and common spaces. All of these places are susceptible to attracting pests because of the presence of food, water and viable habitats.
During the summer months, some people love to go camping with family and friends. Yet this fun trip can be ruined with a few unwanted visitors, most notably different types of bugs. Crawling spiders, hungry mosquitoes and buzzing flies can become annoying quickly. How can you avoid these pests when you're outdoors? Consider these tips to keep bugs out of your campsite.
Carpenter ants can chew through the strongest studs and stringers in a house as they hollow the wooden beams out for nesting. The resulting damage can weaken the home's structural support and require expensive repairs. Professional pest control workers can remove a colony of ants, but the best practice for homeowners is to learn the best ways to keep out an ant colony and prevent the problem before it begins.
As the weather cools, you'll probably see fewer pests than you did during the warmer months, but that doesn't mean they're all gone just yet. Some insects can actually come out in full force during the autumn, while others might seek refuge in your warm home. Here are some key tips to keep in mind as fall gets underway:
As the middle of summer approaches, you need to be vigilant about keeping your garden free of pests. Many insects breed during the summertime, which means they're on the lookout for great places to lay their eggs. For many bugs, that means near a source of food. In fact, some species of insects will lay their eggs inside budding vegetables and fruit so their larvae have something to eat as soon as they hatch. That's why you have to keep harmful bugs out without damaging the bugs that could help you, such as bumble bees.
You might have noticed that, with the exception of the kitchen, you find more pests in your bathroom than in the rest of your home. This is because insects and rodents see the bathroom as a convenient watering hole. Pests love leaky pipes and standing water because these offer them a hydrating oasis in the otherwise dry biome that is your house or apartment. And if your bathroom develops mold, all the better for pests, who may eat fungus or use it to lay their eggs.
The kitchen is largest gathering place for pests in a residential home. The reason is simple: pests can grab a bite to eat and take a sip of water while they're here. And when they find such a bountiful place, they will return home to their nests and report the finding - before you know it, your whole pantry is a buffet for ants! The problem could get even worse if a piece of food falls somewhere and begins to rot. Similarly, fruit and vegetables you bring into your home may be harboring unseen pests waiting to hatch.
In the summer months, people love to stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables. Some even venture to farmers markets where the food is cheaper. However, not only do fruits come home with you, fruit flies may too. Once they've gotten acclimated in your home, they might stay all summer. These pests breed quickly, and tend to spread through whatever food you've got around. They also are happy to join in on any meal you have, be it a sit-down dinner or a barbecue in your backyard. Worst of all, like other flies, they carry disease. Consider these tips on how to prevent fruit flies from coming home with you.
