Pest Control Services in Great Falls, Virginia

Welcome to Backyard Bug Patrol, where we’re here to help you banish those pesky pests from your property. With our organic pest control services in Great Falls, Virginia, we’ve got the tools and expertise to tackle any infestation.

From the buzzing mosquitoes to the sneaky rodents, we’ve got you covered. But what sets us apart? Well, let’s just say that we have a secret weapon that keeps those critters at bay, and it’s all about going green.

Curious to know more? Well, you’ll have to stick around to find out how we make pest control both effective and environmentally friendly.

Outdoor Pest Control

When it comes to outdoor pest control, we understand the importance of effectively managing ants, mosquitoes, and ticks. These pests can’t only be a nuisance, but they can also pose health risks to you, your family, and your pets.

At Backyard Bug Patrol, we offer a range of organic solutions to help eliminate and prevent infestations, ensuring a safe and enjoyable outdoor environment for everyone.

Our Barrier Spray Programs are designed to reduce and prevent the following outdoor pests from invading your yard:

• Ants
• Mosquitoes
• Ticks

Indoor Pests

Are you struggling with pesky indoor pests in your Great Falls, Virginia home or business? Don’t worry, Backyard Bug Patrol is here to help!

We offer a variety of natural remedies for indoor pests, such as ants, rodents, and spiders. Our organic pest control methods are safe for both you and the environment. Our green pest control services eliminate the following indoor pests:

Ants Mosquitoes Ticks

Snakes Spiders Stink Bugs

We understand the importance of keeping your indoor spaces pest-free, and our knowledgeable technicians are ready to provide effective solutions for your pest problems.

Trust Backyard Bug Patrol to keep your home or business pest-free, naturally.

Rodent Control

If you’re dealing with unwanted indoor pests in your Great Falls, Virginia home or business, rest assured that Backyard Bug Patrol has effective solutions for rodent control. We understand the frustration and health risks that come with a rat infestation.

Our team of experts is trained in identifying and eliminating these pests using safe and organic methods. We’ll work with you to develop a customized plan to ensure your property is rodent-free.

Don’t let rats take over your space, contact us today for professional rodent control services.

Commercial Pest Control

Backyard Bug Patrol offers comprehensive commercial pest control services to businesses in Great Falls, Virginia, ensuring a pest-free environment for your employees and customers.

Our team of experts understands the importance of pest prevention in commercial settings and is equipped with the knowledge and tools to effectively address any pest issues that may arise.

We provide tailored solutions to meet the specific needs of your business, utilizing our expertise in organic pest control methods to minimize any potential harm to the environment.

With over 10 years of experience, our family-owned and operated business is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and environmentally friendly solutions.

From ticks and mosquitoes to termites, rodents, snakes, and ants, our licensed professionals are well-trained to tackle all your pest control needs. Trust us to keep your property pest-free while minimizing any negative impact on the environment.

Contact us today for guaranteed satisfaction with our exceptional service and commitment to green pest control.

Six Simple Steps to Protect Your Family From Lyme Disease

Protect Your Family from Lyme Disease, Deer Ticks, and Other Dangerous Backyard Pests

Lyme Disease, a bacterial infection transmitted by deer ticks, is the most common bug- or animal-borne illness in the United States today. Cases of Lyme Disease have more than doubled in the last 20 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Sometimes dubbed the “Great Imitator”, Lyme Disease comprises symptoms that closely resemble those of many other diseases, including Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Fibromyalgia. While imminently treatable in the early stages of detection, Lyme Disease can cause blindness and even death in some individuals, and chronic Lyme Disease symptoms can last for years.

Most of us, at one time or another, have pulled adult ticks off of our dog or the kids after spending the day outside. Did you know, however, that up to 90% of instances of Lyme Disease are caused by the nymph tick, which is the size of a tip of a pen? These ticks are so small that they’re almost impossible to spot in your hair or on your pet. That’s why, when it comes to Lyme Disease, an ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure. Below are a few basic tips to tick-proof your yard and protect your family from this potentially deadly illness.

Keep it neat. Ticks don’t like to be out in the open; keep your grass closely mowed at all times.

Maintain separation.Ticks generally hang out in the “fringe areas” of your yard – those spots between the grass and any peripheral woods or bushes. Create a three-foot wide transition zone of wood chips or gravel between these areas and your yard. Place your lawn furniture and children’s swing sets out in the open in full sun; don’t locate them in the fringe areas.

Bag your leaves. Fall leaves are beautiful while on the trees, but they become a perfect home for ticks once on the ground. Bag leaves and dispose of them promptly, and NEVER let your kids jump in leaf piles. Make sure to cover yourself from head to toe while raking the leaves, and change your clothes in the garage or in the laundry room; you don’t want those pests hitching a ride into your house.

Keep the deer at bay. Lyme Disease is transmitted by deer ticks, which, not surprisingly, live on deer (as well as on squirrels and birds). Each deer harbors up to 1000 ticks, and female ticks can lay a lot of eggs.  I’ve heard up to 18,000 eggs. The result? Thousands of ticks infesting your yard. According to the Rutgers Agricultural Extension Service, deer do not like strong smelling herbs. So if you have a green thumb, plant deer-repelling herbs such as anise, catnip, sage, horseradish, lavender, lemon balm, marjoram, mint, oregano and rosemary in your garden.

Watch for rodents. Rodents, particularly the white footed mouse, are known tick carriers; in fact, at one stage in the deer tick’s lifecycle, it actually lives with white footed mice. Firewood and other debris are ideal rodent hiding places, so stack your firewood neatly, and keep your yard free of debris.

Call in the experts. Hire a qualified tick control professional who specializes in the eradication of ticks – and make sure they clarify that they are tick removal experts. Generally, these professionals will come to your property and spray the areas where ticks reside, killing them on contact and establishing a preventative barrier.

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Mosquito Spray: 11 Most Frequently Asked Questions

 11 Most Frequently Asked Mosquito Spray Questions

Everyone is familiar with mosquitos, those irritating blood suckers that leave angry welts all over your body. Besides their annoyance, they are responsible for more human deaths than any other living creature. Every year mosquitos cause more than a million deaths worldwide. They are a threat to public health not only worldwide, but here in Virginia, Maryland, the DMV area and around the entire country. In the US, mosquitos cause West Nile Virus, Heart Worm in dogs and Eastern Equine Encephalitis, not to mention cases of Malaria and Dengue Fever. Recently, a new deadly disease that has started to take hold in the Caribbean called Chikungunya. It’s only a matter of time before it moves to the US.

Mosquitoes need water to lay their eggs. But it doesn’t have to be fresh water, they can lay their eggs in salt marshes and brackish pools. One mosquito can be responsible for one billion offspring (assuming they all survive) in one month! Removal of standing water on your property is crucial.

If only the golf course where Patrick Durkin was playing had employed an effective Mosquito Control program… It would have saved him and his family from his near death experience with West Nile Virus.

Shockingly, in 2010 almost 10% of all deaths in the United States from West Nile Virus occurred in VA, MD and DC according to the CDC.

How does a mosquito spray work?

Our techs use a backpack sprayer. The sprayer shoots out a high powered, very fine mist that kills mosquitoes on contact and will put up an invisible barrier that will last up to three weeks. We offer two different barrier sprays. The first is Flower Power which is made up of a synthetic derivative of the chrysanthemum flower. The second is called Simply Organic and is 100% organic.

How often do you need to spray?

For Flower Power we come out every three weeks. For Simply Organic every two weeks. The season lasts from April through the end of October.

What happens if we have mosquitoes after you spray?

After your first spray we will generally kill 80 to 90% of the mosquitoes in your yard. Nature however is unpredictable. If we get a heavy rain and you have some standing water in your yard, a mosquito bloom is possible in as little as 7 days. It happens. No worries. If you are on a seasonal plan just give us a call and we will come out and get it taken care of free of charge. Check out our warranty.

How long do we have to stay out of the yard after spraying?

Our sprays generally dry in about 30 minutes. Please stay out of the yard (pets too) until the product has a chance to set and dry. If it looks wet give it a bit longer to dry. After it is dry, please feel free to enjoy your mosquito free yard.

Do I have to be home when you spray?

No. You’ll of course be notified via email the day before that we are coming out. We just need to be able to access your entire yard with gates unlocked. Later that day we will notify you that we’ve sprayed.

How do you prevent mosquitoes from flying in from the neighbor’s yard?

While we can’t prevent them from flying in, we have come up with an ingenious way of eradicating them. Mosquitoes use the blood they suck from you to produce and lay eggs. They don’t eat the blood, they actually feed on glucose found in plants. So, when a mosquito flies into your yard if you’re not around for them to suck your blood, they hang out on the underside of dense vegetation feeding on the plants. Our sprays coat all the vegetation so that when the mosquito that flew in from your neighbor’s yard needs a rest and get a quick bite to eat, they feed on the treated plants and it kills them. Simple as that.

What if I have lots of vegetation?

Our backpack sprayers will shoot a very fine mist that will penetrate the vegetation. Our techs will
generally walk the perimeter of the heavy vegetation and spray into it. If they can walk around an area of thick bushes they will. They won’t trudge through thick brush.

How safe are your products?

All of our mosquito spray products are extremely safe. In most cases, common household products found under your sink and used in your home are much more toxic than the products we use. Please see the toxicity chart comparing our Flower Power and Simply Organic programs with other common items. All of our techs, after a training period, must be licensed by the local jurisdiction to spray and are fully up to speed on safety regulations.

What if we have dogs?

First off, all of our products are safe for people and pets. If you have dogs or other pets that play in the backyard all we ask is that you bring them inside before we spray. If you work, not a problem, please keep the dogs inside that day and our techs will unlock the gate and spray the yard. Please let the product dry before letting your pets out again. Generally 30 minutes or so should do it. At the time of order please let us know that you have outdoor pets and provide gate instructions.

How much does it cost?

Our prices are based on the size of your yard. The easiest way to think about it is that our sprays generally cost a little bit more than your lawn service per cut. Please email or call us for a quote.

What can our customers do to help keep mosquitoes at bay?

Mosquitoes need water to lay their eggs. Removal of standing water on your property is crucial. Our guys will tip over any standing water they see but please do the same when you’re out and about in the yard. Also, if gutters are clogged they can be a major mosquito breeding area.

Contact us to find out more.

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The Types of Rodents That Carry The Hantavirus

In our previous post, we discussed Hantavirus – a virus that is spread by wild rodents like mice or rats. It causes the Hantavirus infection that can prove fatal to human beings. Someone comes into contact with the virus through the feces, urine, or saliva of infected rodents.

In this post, we’ll look at three rodents that carry different types of hantaviruses.

Deer Mouse

They are the host of the Sin Nombre Hantavirus. They have soft fur that may range from gray, to brown to reddish brown or even blackish, depending on the species. They have big eyes and ears, but the tail may be shorter than their bodies or way longer.

Deer mouse, (genus Peromyscus), any of 53 species of small rodents found in a variety of habitats from Alaska and northern Canada southward to western Panama. They have bulging eyes and large ears, weigh from 15 to 110 grams (0.5 to 3.9 ounces), and are 8 to 17 cm (3.1 to 6.7 inches) long. The tail may be shorter than the head and body or strikingly longer, depending on the species.

All deer mice have soft fur, but colour varies both between and within species. The fur is nearly white in some populations of cotton mice (Peromyscus gossypinus) in the southeastern United States, but it can range from gray through bright buff, brown, reddish brown, and to blackish in P. melanurus, which inhabits the mountain forests of southern Mexico. Read more from Britannica…

The deer mice are mostly nocturnal but you may find them active in the early evenings as well.

White Footed Mouse

They carry the New York Hantavirus. The fur on their backs ranges from light brown to more reddish brown, while the fur on the stomach and feet is white, hence the name. They range from 150-205 mm in length with the tail being a third the length.

White-footed mice range from 150 to 205 mm in total length and tail length from 65 to 95 mm. They weigh 15 to 25 g. The upperparts of the body are pale to rich reddish brown and the belly and feet are white. In some parts of the range it is difficult to distinguish P. leucopus from other, closely related species, such as P. maniculatus, P. eremicus, P. polionotus, and P. gossypinus.

White-footed mice are larger than P. eremicus, and the soles of their hind feet are furred in the heel region of white-footed mice but not in P. eremicus. P. maniculatus has a generally longer tail than white-footed mice that is distinctly bicolored. In white-footed mice, the tail is indistinctly bicolored. P. gossypinus can usually be distinguished by their longer hind foot, greater than 22 mm, whereas hind feet in P. leucopus are generally less than 22mm. P. polionotus is generally smaller than white-footed mice.

Other North American species of Peromyscus can generally be distinguished from P. leucopus by tail length. Read more from Animal Diversity Web…

White-footed mice are very adaptable and can survive in a wide range of habitats but mostly prefer warm dry forests and brushlands.

Cotton Rat

They carry the Black Creek Hantavirus. They are stout-bodied with small ears, with coarse fur ranging from grayish brown to dark brown. They eat mostly plant materials, making them notorious agricultural pests.

The average adult weight of a cotton rat is between 100 and 250 gm. The name Sigmodon comes from the sigmoid enamel loops on the grinding surface of the molar. Sexual dimorphism is not prominent, but males and females can be distinguished based on the size of the genital papilla and distance from the anus.

The cotton rat is distinguished from the Norway rat by its smaller size, shorter tail, and longer grizzled fur. The lifespan of the hispid cotton rat is less than 6 months in the wild but in captivity animals have a survival span up to 23 months of age.

The cotton rat (Sigmodon) species has been recognized as a significant animal model for diseases caused by a variety of human and rodent pathogens. The primary research use for cotton rats is for studies into infectious disease and immunology. Read more from National Library of Medicine…

Cotton rats are active through the day and night. They mostly inhabit cultivated fields with tall crops. These rodents are not only a danger to crops or fields but may carry the hantavirus spreading infections to people.

Rodent control is crucial in Virginia homes to prevent damage to property and potential health risks. By implementing effective measures, homeowners can protect their homes from structural damage caused by rodents and avoid contamination from their droppings and urine.

Do not hesitate to contact us at Backyard Bug Patrol for effective rodent control services.

 

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Types of Stink Bugs: What You Should Know

As their name suggests, stink bugs release a foul or stinking smell when they are squashed; a mechanism meant to keep predators away. They belong to the order Hemiptera, and family Pentatomidae.

Stink bugs can do great harm to your garden as they can damage plants while feeding on them. They come in various colors and patterns, so can be identified easily.

Here are the stink bugs you are most likely to encounter in your garden:

Brown marmorated stink bug

They are speckled brown-gray with a white bind on their antenna. They have dark and white bands around the edges of their abdomens, with white markings that look like triangles.

A bug so terrible they turned it into a four-letter word – BMSB – you don’t want to see the marmorated stink bug around! Halyomorpha halys is native to eastern Asia but has traveled the world and established itself throughout Europe, eastern North America, Australia, and Chile by hanging out on imported goods. It’s a highly invasive species that overwinters in structures, so you might find them in your home once it gets cold.

It’s larger than most stink bug species, growing up to 17 millimeters in length. It has a mottled coloration of light and yellow-brown with red stripes and a white band along its legs and on its five-segmented antennae, but its five nymphal stages give it a lot of variation throughout its life cycle. It loves fruit trees and vegetables, making them a problem in many orchards, farms, and backyards. Read more from Epic Gardening…

Marmorated stink bugs love fruits and vegetables, so they can create quite a disaster in your garden. They are also attracted to sweet corn and can easily damage corn fields during an infestation.

Red-shouldered stink bug

These bugs are green with a pink to red stripe on their protonum or shoulder. They may also have a pink marking on the bottom part of their bodies. They can grow up to 1 cm long.

The red-shouldered stink bug is a relatively new pest found on soybean in Ohio. It resembles the red-banded stink bug, which is causing significant concern in southern states. The red-shouldered stink bug, while a concern, does not cause nearly the amount of injury that the red-banded can produce. Adults are green, usually with a red-pink stripe across the protonum, which is basically its “shoulder,” although sometimes this stripe is not as evident. The adults may also have a pink marking on the tip of the triangle (scutellum). There is no spine on its abdomen between the hind legs. Nymphs are mostly white with dark red and black markings on the thorax and colored stripes on the abdomen. Read more from Ohioline…

They feed on juices and a variety of trees and shrubs. They are herbivorous, so you will often find them in weedy habitats.

Green stink bugs

These bugs are on the larger side and can grow up to 19 mm long. As their name suggests they are solid green in color with either yellow spots or a yellow-hued green. This variation depends on whether you are looking at an adult bug or nymph.

The green stink bug feeds on many plants, including native and ornamental trees, shrubs, vines, weeds, and soybean. The preferred hosts are generally wild plants, but as these plants mature these bugs move to soybean.

Green stink bug is a flattened, shield-shaped bug, named for the offensive odor it produces. The adult is bright green and about 2/3 inch (17 mm) long. It is easily distinguished by the triangular-shaped plate that partially covers its wings. The nymphs hatch from clusters of barrel-shaped eggs. They closely resemble the adults throughout their several nymphal stages. However, the nymphs are wingless, black and red in color and lack the triangular plate.

Green stink bug may appear in soybean fields from mid-July through harvest time. Often they are most numerous in the border rows next to weedy or wooded areas. Read more from Purdue University

Green stink bugs suck juices from a variety of agricultural plants like corn, tomatoes, soybeans and also from fruits and seeds.

Stink bugs can cause great damage to your gardens, fields, fruits, and vegetables. Do not hesitate to contact us at Backyard Bug Patrol in case of a stink bug infestation in your Dunkirk, MD home. We are here to help.

 

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Scientific Facts About Mosquitoes That You Should Know

Mosquitoes are flying insects that are found in many parts of the world. Not all mosquitoes bite, but when they do, they can transmit diseases. Adult mosquitoes can live up to four weeks depending on humidity, the species, and many other factors.

Here are some facts about mosquitoes that you should know:

Species of mosquitoes

Mosquitoes come in different species all over the world. From biting mosquitoes to those that do not bite, some spread diseases while others are just vectors transmitting germs.

There are more than 3,000 species of mosquitoes, but the members of three bear primary responsibility for the spread of human diseases. Anopheles mosquitoes are the only species known to carry malaria. They also transmit filariasis (also called elephantiasis) and encephalitis. Culex mosquitoes carry encephalitis, filariasis, and the West Nile virus. And Aedes mosquitoes, of which the voracious Asian tiger is a member, carry yellow fever, dengue, and encephalitis.

Mosquitoes transmit disease in a variety of ways. In the case of malaria, parasites attach themselves to the gut of a female mosquito and enter a host as she feeds. In other cases, such as yellow fever and dengue, a virus enters the mosquito as it feeds on an infected human and is transmitted via the mosquito’s saliva to a subsequent victim. Read more from National Geographic…

The most common species is the one that spreads malaria, Anopheles mosquitoes, a worldwide fatal disease.

Mosquitoes are attracted to carboxylic acids

Carboxylic acids are compounds that are secreted by the human skin that attract mosquitoes to people. These acids are also found in ‘’stinky’’ cheeses like limburger.

Carboxylic acids are commonplace organic compounds. Humans produce them in our sebum, which is the oily layer that coats our skin; there, the acids help to keep our skin moisturized and protected, Vosshall says. Humans release carboxylic acids at much higher levels than most animals, De Obaldia adds, though the amount varies from person to person. The new study had too few participants to say what personal characteristics make someone more likely to produce high levels of carboxylic acids—and there’s no easy way to test your own skin’s carboxylic acid levels outside of the laboratory, Vosshall says. (She muses, however, that sending people skin swabs in the mail could make for an interesting citizen science project in the future.) Read more from Scientific American…

Different people produce different levels of carboxylic acids, which is why some are more prone to mosquito bites than others.

Mosquitoes are deterred by eucalyptol

Eucalyptol is a chemical compound that is found in plants and acts as a deterrent for mosquitoes. As a result, mosquitoes will not be attracted to someone who is on a diet that has a high concentration of this compound.

Using this system, we were able to discern through a small screen of six individuals that the most attractive human had a scent signature that was dominated by a class of molecules called airborne carboxylic acids. These are compounds produced by microbial metabolism on human skin. Interestingly, two of those carboxylic acids are also found in the headspace of cheeses, like Limburger cheese.

 

On the flipside, we found that one participant had a scent signature that was dramatically different from the others. It was depleted of airborne carboxylic acids and enriched for a compound known as eucalyptol, which was likely derived from the individual’s plant-based diet. Read more from Johns Hopkins…

This type of information is useful for creating repellents that might ward off mosquitoes.

Mosquitoes are very dangerous insects, so one should be vigilant about them to prevent the spread of disease. At Backyard Bug Patrol, we are fully equipped and experienced to help you prevent the spread of mosquitoes around your home. Call us today for assistance.

 

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What Causes Termite Infestation in a Home?

For the most part, termites are harmless in their natural habitat, but they can cause serious damage to your home, especially if they come into contact with wooden structures; they chew on wood slowly but can do it non-stop. They can be difficult to see as they tend to hide in cracks and dark spaces.

There are certain conditions that encourage termite infestation in a home. Here are some of them:

Local Climate

Unfortunately, you may live in a place that is prone to termite infestation because of the local climate. Even so, termites can be found in most states in the U.S.

Termites tend to thrive in wet and warm regions like the tropics and subtropical regions. They have adapted to temperate areas and flourish effortlessly. To escape the cold winter season, termites can extend their nests deeper, within the soil or wood. Subterranean termites thrive in wet seasons better because they may die in harsher seasons while drywood termites can survive in wet or dry places.

During the rainy seasons, termite-winged reproductives swarm to find mates and new nest sites. They usually discard their wings after watching or finding a mate. These wings are one of the signs of their presence. If you find termites often, then it could depend on the nature of your region’s climate. Termite infestations are less likely to occur in colder climes. Read more from The Pest Informer…

Areas that tend to be hot and mostly wet can easily turn into infestation grounds as termites are attracted to such conditions.

Earth-to-wood contact

Wooden structures are usually prone to termites and thus should be placed away from the soil. If they are in direct contact with the earth, termites can easily chew on the wood and get to other areas of your home.

Even if the soil around your home has been treated by a pest control specialist, wood that serves as a bridge between the ground and your home may create a point of entry for termites. Termites feed on cellulose, an essential component of wood.

Subterranean termites will search out food sources that exist above ground in addition to their more readily available food supplies. Any wood that comes into contact with your home’s exterior may create an opportunity for termites to infiltrate your home’s interior.

To help lessen the odds of granting termites easier access to your home, remove any stumps, vines, mulch, trellises or other exterior wood such as stacked firewood that is in close proximity to your home’s foundation – especially if your home has wooden siding. Read more from Terminix…

Keep your firewood away from the ground as well; place them on concrete instead.

Moisture

Termites prefer moist or humid places, so even in the dry season, you can expect a termite infestation if there are humid areas in your home. This is one reason why plumbing leaks or poor drainage in your home should not be taken lightly.

Even if it’s not the rainy season, there can still be plenty of moisture in and around your home to attract termites. You might have standing water near your home because of poor drainage, or you might have too much moisture in an attic or crawl space because of poor ventilation. You can also have problems with moisture if your septic system backs up or your plumbing fails.

Do what you can to keep your area dry. Clean your gutters. Talk to a landscape specialist about proper drainage in your yard. Get a regular plumbing inspection, and make plumbing repairs as soon as they are needed. Have your crawl space and attic checked, and make any corrections that are needed to the ventilation. Read more from Varsity…

The foundation of your home should be well-ventilated to ensure termites do not invade and cause damage to your home’s foundation.

Termite infestation in your Potomac MD home should be taken seriously, even if it’s the slightest invasion. Call us today at Backyard Bug Patrol; we provide preventative termite control so you never have to worry about an infestation in your home.

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Venomous Snakes in Virginia That You Should Know

Virginia is home to a number of snake species, but there are three that have a bite that is poisonous to human beings. While the presence of any type of snake around your home is concerning, it’s especially important to be aware of these three venomous species so you can protect yourself and your loved ones should you come across one of them.

Eastern Copperhead

One of the most prominent features of the Eastern Copperhead is its triangular head. These are not the biggest of snakes as they measure 2 to 3 feet – very few reach 4 feet. They have pits on both sides of their snout and have cat-like eyes called elliptical pupils.

 

The Eastern Copperhead snake is the least venomous snake out of the three. They are easily identifiable by their dark, hourglass-shaped color bands that stretch across the top of their body. Many look-alikes for these snakes include bands that are similar, but do not stretch all the way across the top of the body or are more rounded in shape.

The average length of the eastern copperhead is 24-36 inches (60-90cm) with a record length of 53 inches (134cm). Baby copperheads have the same color patterns as adults with the addition of a sulfur-yellow colored tail. Eastern Copperheads prey on small mammals and reptiles, such as voles, shrews, salamanders, and lizards. Read more from Outforia…

Their venom contains hemotoxins that can temporarily damage tissue in the bite area.

Northern Cottonmouth

This is a heavily-bodied snake that is averagely 76 to 120 cm. It is a semi-aquatic snake, which means it can live on land and in water, and thus may be found around rivers, streams, and wetland areas. It has pit vipers with heat sensors and dorsal scales on its body and tail.

Cottonmouths, also known as water moccasins, are more commonly found in the southeastern parts of Virginia. They are semi-aquatic snakes. This means that they live both on land and on water. Cottonmouths have triangular heads as well as elliptical pupils. Adult cottonmouths have black tails but their tails aren’t always black. Baby cottonmouths are born with brightly colored tails which darken as they age.

Cottonmouths are known for their deadly venom which contains hemotoxins that break down blood cells and stop blood from clotting. Once a cottonmouth bites, it will take only a few moments for the venom to spread. This will lead to hemorrhaging of the prey’s circulatory system. These species of snakes should be avoided at all times as they have been known to kill humans.

Luckily, cottonmouths do not routinely prey on humans unless threatened.  Read more from AZ Animals…

Timber Rattlesnake

This venomous snake has zigzag blotches and dark brown to black crossbands on its dorsal scales. It has a triangular head with heat sensor pits and a black tail. On average, it measures 2.5 to 5 feet.

This large, thick-bodied species ranges in color from yellow to black and has dark chevron-shaped bands on its back. The snakes have several hardened segments on the end of the tail, which form the rattle. Young rattlesnakes look similar to adults but typically have one rattle segment. Adult rattlesnakes can reach up to 67 inches.

Timber Rattlesnakes are found in forests and rocky ridgetops in the mountainous portions of Virginia; the endangered canebrake rattlesnake can be found in the southeastern corner of Virginia.  Rattlesnakes eat small mammals, birds, and frogs.

Look-a-likes: No other species in Virginia has a hard rattle on the end of its tail, but Eastern Ratsnakes will often mimic rattlesnakes by flicking their tail rapidly against leaf litter and other objects to replicate a rattle-like sound. Read more from Wildlife Center…

The bite of a timber rattlesnake contains hemotoxins that affect the cells and tissues of its prey, which makes digestion easier.

Venomous snakes should be treated with caution; any attempt to kill them yourself may put you in danger. At Backyard Bug Patrol, we offer snake control for homes in Loudoun County including Ashburn and Leesburg, VA, and the surrounding areas using organic granular products that act as snake repellant, keeping snakes away from your home. Call us today for professional pest control at 703-621-7116.

 

 

 

 

 

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Ants! And Why You Need Pest Control

Ants are very little creatures but they can be incredibly annoying. They have the uncanny ability to get into just about any kind of home. The fact that they are little and seem harmless for the most part does not mean that you should not be concerned about their presence in your home. 

Here are some facts about ants that you should know:

They can destroy electrical devices

Some types of ants have been known to ruin electrical devices. A colony of ants usually consists of thousands of them, and in such a case, they can destroy the wiring of the electrical devices in your home once they invade. 

Tawny crazy ants, also deemed “Raspberry” ants after Tom Raspberry, are just as fearful. Raspberry is an exterminator who discovered the ants. He has campaigned for government help with the infestation in the Houston area, but has had no luck. Both types of crazy ants create “super-colonies” with multiple queens, making them nearly impossible to exterminate. Even when the ants are dead, piles of these ants have been found in every nook and cranny of homes and businesses. They can also kill animals. The ants’ odd attraction to electricity has ruined television sets, wiring and several other electrical devices. No wonder they’re called crazy. Read more from Listverse…

Despite their small size, ants can cause a lot of damage and cost you a lot of money fixing what they have destroyed. You’d also have to get rid of the colony, so it’s best to deal with the problem as soon as you notice they’re in your home to avoid unnecessary costs.  

Some ant species are the most venomous insects

Have you ever been bitten by an ant? Even if you haven’t, we all know that these tiny creatures can bite. Some species of ants can cause great pain that could last for quite a long time. Some are even venomous, so you may need medical attention if bitten.

The Maricopa harvester ant has a sting that is equivalent to 12 honey bees…

Their sting can cause incredible pain that can last for hours. They grab onto their victims with their mandibles, allowing them to sting numerous times. When they sting, they also release a pheromone that signals other ants in the area to attack. Word of advice: stay away from these ants!’’ Read more from The Environmentor…

You may not be familiar with all types of ant species to know which one can be venomous, which is why you should seek pest control help with any ant invasion.

They operate in large groups

Ants move in groups consisting of thousands of them. They also work as a team, so you’ll often see them form a line heading straight for a bowl of food left somewhere. You’ll have a difficult time counting just how many there are, even if you have the time. 

Ants can come together to form an enormous, coordinated “superorganism.” Just as humans are able to function because of all of the various organs that comprise our bodies, so do individual ants function as parts of a larger organism. There are a number of individual parts (ants) that fit together to cooperate and accomplish amazing feats. Rather than working as individuals, they function as parts of a collective whole, doing what is best for the colony as a collective. For example, a swarm of ants work together to select the ideal location for the hive, whereas a single ant may make a mistake. Ants are able to do this because of the way that they communicate (more on that later). They “talk” in such a way that they form a seamless, brain-like structure.’’ Read more from Futurism…

Because they are social insects, ants move in big groups, or colonies, and do not travel alone. In the unlikely event that you have only seen one ant, don’t assume that you don’t have an ant problem. It’s possible that it is surveying the region before the colony settles there.

When ants invade your home, it can be extremely difficult to get rid of them on your own. Do not hesitate to contact Backyard Bug Patrol for the safest and most effective pest removal services in Leesburg, VA. We are here to help.

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Do You Have A Stink Bug Problem? Here’s How To Tell…

If you are a homeowner in Virginia, you know how annoying it can be to find stink bugs in your home. The foul smell they produce when threatened is meant to protect them against predators, but it also creates a very unpleasant experience for anyone in the vicinity for up to three hours.  To make matters worse, stink bugs can cause significant damage to plants and crops if left unchecked.

Stink bugs are predominantly outdoor pests, but you might find them inside as well. This is particularly the case in the winter months, as they try to escape the cold outside.

How can you tell that you have a stinkbug problem? Here are some of the things to be aware of:

How do stink bugs look?

They are large oval-shaped insects, according to many scientists. A more accurate description is ‘a shield-shaped insect’. This is because the wings of a stink bug cover its back like a shield when they are not flying.

 

Adult stink bugs can reach almost 2 cm in length. They are almost as wide as they are long. Their legs extend from the sides, so this makes the adult bugs look even larger than they really are.

Immature stink bugs, called nymphs, are very tiny when they hatch from their eggs. As they develop, the nymphs molt or shed their skin five times. Each time it molts, the nymph becomes larger. By the last molt, the nymphs are almost as large as adult stink bugs.

Adult stink bugs are good fliers and fold their wings on top of their body when they land. Nymphs do not have fully developed wings. The wings appear when the nymph becomes an adult. Fully developed wings are a way to identify adult stink bugs.  Read more from Orkin…

A stink bug may be brown, green or grayish in color, depending on the type of species.

Can stink bugs fly?

Adult stink bugs are good at flying and when they fold their wings on top their body when they land, it seems like they are shielding their bodies. Because immature stink bugs, do not have fully developed wings, they could be more difficult to identify than adult stink bugs.

Yes! Stink bugs can fly.

If you hear an erratic, strange buzzing noise in the distance, chances are that you probably think a helicopter is flying around overhead.

What else could it be, right?

Shockingly enough, stink bugs have wings which fold perfectly to create the shield of their backsides! When they’re ready to take flight, the wings pop out and off they go.

However, their ascension isn’t as smooth as one might assume. Their wings are bulky and awkward which creates a popping, buzzing noise when they lift off.

This droning is highly irritating and can quickly identify a swarm of stink bugs a mile away (sometimes literally)! Read more from Pest strategies…

On close observation, you’ll notice that stink bugs fly in a strange random pattern with no rhythm. In fact, their strange but unique flight patterns are still being studied.

What do stink bugs eat?

Stink bugs are mostly polyphagous, meaning that they eat off a wide variety of plants while some eat other insects. So, no they do not bite humans or pets, but your beautiful garden plants and orchids could be destroyed.

Stink bugs are often found in agricultural areas, gardens or other cultivated places. Depending on the species, they may be found on ornamental plants, vegetables, crops or fruits. They will eat both the flowers and buds of the following plants, as well as any seeds or fruits.

Common types of plants that attract stink bugs include grasses and weeds, corn and other grains, peach trees, soybeans, peanuts and pecan trees.

Ornamental plants that pique their interest include Eastern redbud, holly and mimosa, and they are often found on fruit trees including peach, apple and pear.

If you garden, you are likely to see them on sunflowers, berries, peppers and tomatoes. They may also snack on your beans, eggplants or okra. Read more from Terminix…

You can tell that stink bugs have attacked your plants when you notice pinprick holes that may have a cloudy area below them. Now that you are aware of how stink bugs look, why they would be in your home, and what they eat, you can quickly tell when they invade your home in Herdon, VA.

Reach out to us at Backyard Bug Patrol for the most effective control measures. We offer seasonal stink bug plans to prevent infestations. Our knowledgeable technicians will assess the situation and recommend an appropriate solution. We are just a phone call away.

The post Do You Have A Stink Bug Problem? Here’s How To Tell… appeared first on Backyard Bug Patrol.