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Brown Cockroach Identification And Prevention
August 18, 2021
Brown cockroaches are a small-bodied but highly invasive cockroach species. They got their name thanks to their dark brown bodies…
Brown cockroaches are a small-bodied but highly invasive cockroach species. They got their name thanks to their dark brown bodies and light brown wings.
What Does A Brown Roach Look Like?
Brown roaches are characterised by two light brown wings running across their dark brown bodies. They are two inches long, making them smaller compared to most other cockroach species. But like every other cockroach, they have an oval shape with two long antennae and six legs. Male roaches grow whole wings reaching the end of their abdomens. Females have underdeveloped wings that make it hard for them to fly and are darker than males. With their brown colour, brown cockroach blend perfectly into furniture and cabinets.
Brown Cockroach Lifespan
Brown roaches can live for up to 206 days and reproduce at higher rates than other roach species. Females lay around fourteen egg capsules throughout their life. Every capsule contains ten to eighteen eggs, making the population of these “brownies” grow at an alarming rate.
Habitat And Behaviour
Every part of your home can be a shelter for these cockroaches. Think of bathrooms, behind picture frames and kitchen cabinets, among other places. Brown cockroaches are small and nocturnal, which can make it challenging to detect them. But you can still see them moving around during the day. They thrive in drier areas. And when they get threatened, the males fly while the females will run since they cannot fly.
Signs Of Brown Cockroach Infestation In Your Home
- Keep in mind that it could be challenging to spot this kind of roach because its brown colour matches the surroundings.
- One indication of an infestation is the droppings roaches leave behind. The droppings look like black smears or specks and are prevalent where cockroaches spend most of their time.
- Yellowish egg cases laid by the females are another sign. They are 5 mm long and commonly found under the furniture. After some time, the embryos developing inside the eggs become more visible.
- The sight of brown roaches roaming around your house is a significant sign. Once you see a single brown cockroach, the chances are high that there are many others. Therefore, an immediate cockroach inspection needs to be done.
Threats Posed By Smoky Brown Roaches
Brown cockroaches are notorious for causing a range of health problems. Their tiny bodies are a hub of disease-causing pathogens. Roaches carry germs on their legs as they crawl on sewage and other dirty matter. They then bring all that dirt into food leading to the contamination that can cause dysentery and cholera. Roaches are also carriers of allergens that can trigger asthma attacks and severe allergies, especially in kids. Some of the allergic reactions include sneezing, itchy eyes and running nose.
Brown Cockroach Diet
No food is off-limits for brown cockroaches as they feed on almost everything, even other species of roaches. They love eating stuff with high levels of starch, particularly book bindings and wallpaper glue. Besides their usual diet of boxes and leftovers, cockroaches are known to eat fingernails and eyelashes. With their weird eating habits, you can easily see why they can infest any part of your home.
How To Manage Smoky Brown Roaches The Natural Way
Here are some natural ways to repel and even eliminate roaches that are invading your dwelling:
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Boric Acid
Mix equal amounts of sugar, boric acid and flour to create a dough. Make small dough balls and set them around your house. Brown roaches will gladly feast on the sugar and flour, but the boric acid will kill them within a few minutes. However, it would be best to be careful since boric acid can severely affect your pets and kids.
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Fabric Softener
Fabric softener is an excellent repellant because cockroaches hate its smell. In a spray bottle, mix the softener with water, then treat all the areas you will likely find brown cockroaches.
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Eliminate Smoky Brown Roaches With Fresh Coffee Grounds
Brown cockroaches are caffeine addicts despite it being toxic to them. Place coffee grounds where there is roach activity. They will get attracted to the caffeine but die later on because of the toxicity.
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Sugar And Baking Soda
This mixture works exactly as boric acid. Even better, it is safe for pets and kids. Mix an equal amount of sugar and baking soda, then sprinkle anyplace you have spotted brown roaches. The sugar will attract them, while baking soda ends their life.
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Onion, Cayenne And Garlic Powder
Brown cockroach detest the smell of spices. Sprinkle the spicy powder around the house to repel roaches.
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Essential Oils For Brown Cockroach Extermination
Oils like mint, clove and tea tree come in handy in getting rid of roaches. Mix one of the oils with water and spray the resulting mixture where you frequently spot cockroaches.
When To Call A Brown Roaches Control Service
For effective brown cockroaches management, consider hiring a professional pest control service. Professionals will visit your home regularly to ensure that it is roach-free. With their expertise and quality products and techniques, you can rest assured of getting a long-lasting solution to your cockroach problem.
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American Cockroach Facts And How To Control Them
August 18, 2021
Your house could be home to all manner of critters, including cockroaches. When it comes to cockroaches, differentiating them can…
Your house could be home to all manner of critters, including cockroaches. When it comes to cockroaches, differentiating them can be challenging, given the many different species of roaches. But there is one type of cockroach that is commonly found in most homes – the American cockroach. American roaches are the largest common cockroach species. Anyway, this should not be something to worry about at all. They are manageable regardless of their huge size.
What American Roaches Look Like
An adult American roach is around 1.5 inches long, with the biggest roach growing up to 2 inches. It is reddish-brown and features a yellow band behind its head. Like all other cockroaches, it has six legs, a pair of antennae and an oval body shape. Additionally, it has wings that enable it to fly short distances.
Reproduction
Females lay eggs with capsule-shaped protective cases and deposit them in warm, hidden areas. On average, a single egg capsule contains about sixteen eggs. After the eggs hatch, small nymphs come out of the capsule. Cockroach nymphs go through a series of moults and emerge as adults from their last moult. American cockroaches can go from hatching to adulthood in less than six months with ample food.
Behaviours That Help You Notice An American Cockroach Infestation
American cockroaches develop wings when they are adults. The wings enable them to fly away when they are threatened. They mainly inhabit outdoor spaces. You will readily find them under mulch or around flowerbeds. Some people refer to them as palmetto bugs since they like living on fan palms too. Another place they love hanging around is inside sewer systems.
Although American roaches are primarily outdoor creatures, they invade houses in search of food and water. They gain entry through garages, weather stripping and basement windows. Once they are inside, they proceed to the kitchen, basement, bathroom or laundry room. Then, they make themselves at home in appliances, drains and cabinets. Hungry, they will feed on anything they find, including crumbs, spilled food, dead insects, glue and wood.
Main Signs Of American Cockroach Infestation
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A Large Roach
Seeing a giant reddish-brown cockroach with a yellow stripe is an outright sign American cockroach have infested your home. However, they usually run fast and hide in dark areas, making it challenging to spot them often. If startled, they can also take flight.
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Droppings
American cockroaches usually defecate in dark parts of the house, where they mostly hide. The feces are small, cylindrical, black or brown, and have blunt ends with ridges on the sides. Look for droppings around your house to confirm an infestation.
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Egg Cases
The egg capsules of cockroaches average 38 mm in length. They are blackish or reddish-brown and commonly found in laundry rooms, bathrooms, kitchens, basements, inside cabinets and behind appliances.
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Odour
Cockroaches secret a chemical known as aggregation pheromone. The chemical releases a distinct smell that binds roaches together in groups. On noticing a musty smell, know that your house is already infested.
What Kinds Of Diseases Do Roaches Carry?
When American cockroaches infest your home, the health of your family is under threat. These bugs carry germs that they transfer onto food leading to food-related illnesses, including diarrhea, cholera, dysentery and typhoid. Besides contaminating food, they can cause leprosy, fever, poliomyelitis, asthma and allergic reactions.
Other American Cockroach Facts
Here are more facts about American cockroach you should know to help deal with them effectively:
- They are quick runners with the ability to move as fast as fifty body lengths per second.
- Their population can grow at an alarming rate, with the possibility of going as high as five thousand cockroaches in one sewer hole.
- They are the largest roach species growing up to 2 inches long or more.
- American cockroaches can moult thirteen times before metamorphosis.
- They have the longest lifespan among all cockroach species living up to seven hundred days.
- The scientific name of cockroach is Periplaneta Americana.
- An American roach can hold its breath for up to forty minutes.
- They are older than dinosaurs, with their origin traced back to almost 359 million years ago.
How To Eliminate American Roaches In Your Home
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Insecticide Sprays
When spraying, focus on entry points and hiding spots. Make use of recommended insecticides such as D-Fense SC, Cyper WSP, Demon WP and Cyzmic CS. Spray both inside and outside. Outdoors, target dryer vents, pipe openings, doors and windows. Indoors, spray corners and dark spots, basically where they usually hide. Alternatively, use insecticide granules, applying them around the base of your house.
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American Cockroach Infestation Bait
Baits are super effective in keeping American cockroaches in check. Use efficient baits like InTice 10 Perimeter Bait or InVict Xpress Granular Bait for outstanding results. Place the baits in attics, crawl spaces and other areas cockroaches frequent.
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Diatomaceous Earth
American cockroach usually die shortly after coming into contact with this highly effective powder. Apply the powder anywhere you notice the presence of these insects. The powder works by dehydrating roaches to death. Though the powder is safe for both people and pets, follow the usage guidelines for safer and better application.
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Baking Soda And Sugar
DIY cockroach management is made possible with this powerful solution. Mix baking soda with a pinch of sugar and place the mixture where cockroaches pass or enter through. Cockroaches get attracted to the sugar, and when they ingest the baking soda, they die instantly.
Call An American Roaches Control Company
Managing American cockroaches can be a harrowing ordeal, especially with massive infestation. Probably you have tried all you can to keep them away, but they keep coming back. If this is the case, hire a professional pest control company right away. With expert skills and tools, eliminating American roaches is easy as can be. A good roach control company will first assess your home to determine the extent of the infestation before proceeding with the extermination. Working with professionals is highly recommended to avoid recurring infestations.
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All About Flying Roaches And How To Eliminate Them
August 18, 2021
Often, you will see cockroaches crawling on surfaces. But have you ever seen a cockroach fly? Not all cockroaches fly.…
Often, you will see cockroaches crawling on surfaces. But have you ever seen a cockroach fly? Not all cockroaches fly. However, several species of roaches have wings specifically for safety and travel.
Do All Cockroaches Have Wings?
Several species of roaches have wings enabling them to fly. Wingless cockroaches usually crawl around in search of food. Wood cockroaches and smoky brown cockroaches have strong wings making them better flyers than the rest.
Why Do Cockroaches Fly?
Cockroaches fly when they feel threatened and need to move away fast. Roaches also use their wings much like gliders to move from higher to lower places. They also fly if the conditions encourage them to do so. Flying roaches love warm and moist areas and will fly and gather inside heating ducts, near heaters and around leaky air conditioners.
Types Of Roaches That Fly
Species of roaches that fly include smoky brown cockroach, Asian cockroach, Pennsylvania wood cockroach and Australian cockroach. The American cockroach is not a good flyer. But it can glide from a high place like the top of a cabinet down to a countertop.
For more help on identifying other types of roaches in your Adelaide or Gold Coast home, see our comprehensive guide – Types of Roaches & How to Identify Them.
WHAT ATTRACTS FLYING ROACHES
Flying cockroaches get attracted to indoor lights like lamps and TV screens and can fly around the house. Probably you have not noticed them yet because they are nocturnal by nature.
Signs Of Flying Roaches Infestation
While it may be hard to spot roaches that fly as they are nocturnal, these signs are solid proof of infestation and are usually evident.
- A musty or mouldy odour.
- Dead roaches around the house.
- Tiny droppings that look similar to black pepper flakes or coffee grounds.
- Tan or brown oval egg casings beneath or behind furniture.
Problems Posed By Cockroach With Wings
- Food Contamination And Disease Transmission – Flying cockroaches carry and transmit bacteria that contaminate food, causing illness.
- Countertop Access – With their ability to fly, no countertop is too high for flying cockroaches. They can easily access countertops and contaminate the food and other edibles available there. Consuming food contaminated by roaches can lead to food poisoning and dysentery.
- Challenging To Manage – Flying cockroaches enter homes through open doors and windows. Thanks to their small, flat bodies, they can gain entry through siding, windowsills and frames as well. They can also fly behind cabinets or gaps under appliances, making it hard to control them by yourself.
- Allergic Reactions – Cockroach droppings and shed skins are potent allergens that can cause allergic reactions and even trigger asthma.
How To Get Rid Of Cockroaches Flying In Your Home
Now that you know how problematic cockroach with wings can be, you need to get rid of them as soon as you notice an infestation. First, take the time to discover their source, then move on to eliminate them. There are many ways to combat roaches, but the most important thing is to ensure that you use the safest and most effective strategy.
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Flying Cockroach Traps And Baits
Baits and traps do a fantastic job when it comes to eliminating flying roaches. They function by attracting cockroaches then killing them instantly upon eating the bait. Cockroaches that feed on the bait not only die but also go on to contaminate the food and eggs of their counterparts. In turn, this breaks their breeding cycle, presenting a long-lasting solution to the infestation. Place the bait around fridges, washing machines and bathroom cabinets.
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Flying Roaches Spray
Cockroach spray is an instant solution because it kills roaches in their tracks. Surface sprays offer long-term preventative control.
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Repellant
There are numerous sprays and powders you can use to repel cockroaches instead of killing them. Apply such repellants around entry points to keep out cockroaches that fly.
DIY Remedies To Eliminate Cockroach With Wings
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Sugar And Baking Soda
Baking soda is a proven flying cockroach killer. Mix it with something sweet like honey or sugar and place the mixture where roaches breed or live. The sweet stuff will attract cockroaches with the baking soda leading to their death.
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Sugar And Borax
Mix one part sugar and three parts borax. This mixture works the same way as commercial roach killers by dehydrating the exoskeleton of cockroaches. The combination works faster and is cheaper besides being eco-friendly and fume-free.
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Essential Oils For Roaches That Fly
Essential oils present a chemical-free and natural way to manage flying cockroaches. Add citronella, tea tree, cypress and peppermint oils into the water in a spray bottle. Apply the concoction directly on cockroaches or their entry points and nests.
Call A Flying Roaches Exterminator
To properly deal with a cockroach infestation, get in touch with our expert Adelaide roach exterminators or Gold Coast roach exterminators.
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9 Simple Ways To Get Rid Of Bees Nests
August 18, 2021
We are all aware of the critical roles bees play in our ecosystem. However, having bees around your residential or…
We are all aware of the critical roles bees play in our ecosystem. However, having bees around your residential or commercial property can be dangerous. Understanding how to get rid of bees nests is vital to any property owner. This article focuses on how to remove bees nest effectively from your home. But before indulging in that, let’s first look at why bees are important, then why it is necessary to remove them around your home.
Why Are Bees Important?
When most people think about bees in their homes, they do not feel positive about them. The first thing a person thinks is being stung. It is pretty understandable because no one likes being stung by a bee. Nevertheless, bees are essential in sustaining life on earth. They play a critical role in pollination, which is crucial in helping maintain our food production system. Other benefits of bees include:
- Economic sustainability.
- Improved biodiversity.
- Medicinal benefits from honey.
So, are bees important? Yes! Yet, there comes a time you need to be wary of them.
Why Should You Remove Bees Nest?
- Bee Stings – With bee nests near your home, the risk of bee stings increases for you, your family, and your pets. The stings can cause severe injuries or even death.
- Allergy To Bees – If you are or have a family member allergic to bees, learning how to remove a bee nest can save you from complications arising from a simple bee sting.
- Aggressive Bees – Bees usually become aggressive when protecting their nests. And also, if they do not get flowers to pollinate due to hot weather. It is, therefore, reasonable to look for ways to remove bees nest more effectively to avoid the aggression and injuries that may arise.
Now that we understand the importance of bees and the reasons to get rid of their nests, let’s now look at the most effective and simplest ways of removing bees nests from your home.
The Best Bee Hive Removal Techniques To Apply
There are various ways of removing bees nests. Some of them are natural, while others are artificial. Thus, before you pick a particular method, you need to be sure of the final results you want to attain. Consider if you’re going to kill the bees or want them to move away and relocate to another habitat away from your home. Here are the top methods you can apply:
1. Call A Bee Control Service
Professionals can handle bees safely and offer you long-lasting solutions. They can help remove bees nest without killing the inhabitants. With their vast knowledge of handling insects like bees, they can get rid of them from your residence and help them get a new dwelling. They do this by removing the honeycombs inside the beehive while ensuring that the queen bee is not agitated. The experts transfer the honeycombs to another hive away from your home with the queen safe inside. The other bees follow her to the new beehive automatically. The other great thing about working with a bee control service is that they use approved techniques and products to free your home from unwelcome bees.
2. Remove Bees Nest Using Spray
Spraying bees using the right products is another long-lasting solution to bee infestations in your home. When using sprays, you need to be aware that some kill bees, and you may not want this to happen due to their importance to the ecosystem. You can get many approved bee removal sprays to eliminate these insects without exterminating them. Sprays work effectively during the night. So, as you plan to get rid of bees nests, do so when it is dark. Use a red flashlight in the process because bees cannot see this colour.
When using a red flashlight, you can see the bees, but they will not see you. You get an excellent opportunity to spray them more competently. A good bee spray should chase them away within a few hours. Therefore, if you notice some bees the following day, consider respraying. Repeat the process until your home is free of bees. When using sprays to remove bees nest, you should:
- Read the instructions on the spray label. All sprays do not work the same way. As a result, make sure you get a bee spray adequate for your job.
- If you are not sure about the type of bees on your property, you do not just spray them. It is advisable to involve a bee control service to determine the type of bees and the best spray to apply.
3. Removing Bees Nest Using Powder
Applying bee powder on the bee nest can also help eliminate undesirable bees from your home. The powder works in the same way with sprays meaning some powders can kill bees, which may not be your intention. Always seek help from a bee control service to help determine the best powder to apply in the process. As you use the powder, make sure you wear gloves to avoid contaminating your hands. Wear a helmet too to help you approach the bee nest safely and avoid stings. Besides, wear long socks to prevent bee stings on uncovered body parts.
Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Bees
There are several techniques to remove bees naturally from your home. The great thing about using basic home remedies is that they do not have side effects on people or the environment. They offer the perfect solutions to bee problems on your property.
4. Get Rid Of Bees Nests Using Vinegar
Vinegar works as a brilliant bee repellant. Vinegar can help in getting bees away from your home totally with no side effects involved. It is simple to make and also use in the process. The other advantage of using vinegar is that it repels bees rather than killing them. Vinegar works effectively in removing bee nests because of its foul smell that keeps bees away. You can use vinegar as a bee repellant in two ways:
- Fill several water cans and put drops of vinegar into each of them. Place the water cans strategically near the bee nest. The foul smell keeps bees away from the nest, making them move away from your home.
- Mix an equal amount of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Then, spray the nest while wearing protective clothing as you approach it. Note that the spray makes it hard for bees to fly and, at times, may kill them.
5. Design A Bee Trap
You can trap bees by luring them into a container they can enter but never escape. Commercial traps are explicitly made to trap unwanted bees, but the method used in designing them can be replicated using easy-to-find items in your home. Create a bee trap with a narrow entry into an ample space. To attract bees inside the trap, add a sweet solution. You can use natural sugar, artificial nectar, or maple syrup mixed with water.
Bees get attracted and enter through the small hole, then get trapped since they cannot escape from the container. A two-liter bottle can work effectively as a DIY bee trap. Since your goal is to remove bees nest without killing the residents, you need to trap and set them free at another desirable location.
6. Remove Bees Nest Using Cucumbers
Cucumbers are also an effective home remedy to get rid of bees. Here is how to use them:
- Slice cucumbers into small circular shapes.
- Place them on an aluminium surface.
- Then put them in a strategic point near the bee nest.
The aluminium surface and chopped cucumbers react, producing a scent that helps keep bees away. You can also peel the cucumbers and place the peels on the window. Bees do not like the smell emitted, making them keep away from your home.
7. Peppermint
Planting peppermint around your home can keep bees away wholly. The scent emitted by peppermint is strong, making bees and other insects uncomfortable. Another great way is to buy peppermint oil and dip pieces of cotton wool in the oil. Then, place them at strategic areas in your home or around the nest to keep away bees.
8. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a versatile spice that works effectively in bee hive removal. It produces a stench that bees cannot withstand. If the nest has a cinnamon smell, they will move away and look for another place to stay. You can chase them away by sprinkling on or near the hive. As you sprinkle, wear protective equipment since some bees may attack you once they smell the unfriendly smell from cinnamon. It takes a few days to have bees eliminated from your home. Cinnamon helps remove bee nests naturally and without killing any bee.
9. Get Rid Of Bees Nests Using Garlic Spray
Garlic produces a spicy, pungent smell that bees dislike. So, you can use it in removing bees nests efficiently since you already have this spice in your kitchen.
- To create a strong repellant with garlic, you require two heads of garlic and half a cup of boiled water.
- Mince or crush it finely and put it in hot water.
- Give it a night for the mixture to seep.
- Strain the mixture into a spray bottle and throw the big garlic pieces.
- Spray the mixture on flowering plants to get rid of sources of food for bees. You can also spray directly to the hive while wearing protective clothing.
Protection And Precaution
When applying all the above techniques to get rid of bees nests, ensure you follow all protective measures. Bees can become aggressive instantly and attack you dangerously. Thus, it is advisable to wear protective clothing before you apply any method. Besides, as you deal with bees, only do so at night when they are sleeping. Better avoid confrontations that can lead to injuries through stings when you suddenly get attacked by an aggressive swarm of bees.
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10 Things To Know About German Roaches
August 18, 2021
If pests infest your home, you have probably gotten bitten several times. We are used to bites from blood-hungry bugs…
If pests infest your home, you have probably gotten bitten several times. We are used to bites from blood-hungry bugs like mosquitoes and bed bugs. But do palmetto bugs bite or other types of cockroaches, for that matter? Cockroaches do bite but rarely. And they do so not to feed on blood. Instead, they bite as they eat the dead skin or food crumbs on our bodies. German cockroaches are biters you need to beware of because their bites cause discomfort. Before discussing German roaches bites, here are some tips on how to recognise them.
How To Identify German Cockroaches
Adult German roaches are light brown with two black horizontal stripes behind their head. Nymphs are darker than adults but still have black lines at the back of the head. Adults grow as much as 13 to 16 mm long. They have wings too, but they seldom fly. Mostly, you will find them crawling or running. Identifying their presence is as easy as noticing droppings, egg capsules, and a musty smell.
German Roach Bite In Detail
German cockroaches are omnivores since they eat both plant and animal matter. They bite when nibbling on fingernails, eyelashes, or the dead skin on your hands or feet. The bite can lead to swelling, irritation, lesion, and minor infection. Here are more details about their bites and how to stay safe from harm.
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The Roaches Bite During The Night
German cockroaches are nocturnal by nature. They come out of hiding at night searching for food and water because they are cautious of people. Since they attack at night while you are sound asleep, monitoring them can be challenging. In case you get bitten, you will recognise the bite when you wake up feeling pain.
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German Roach Bite Certain Areas
Like bed bugs, German roaches typically target specific parts of the body. Therefore, be mindful of your mouth and hands, essentially the body parts used for eating. Leaving food crumbs on such areas is a major attractant for hungry roaches. Before going to bed, it is advisable to wash the mentioned body parts to keep German cockroaches away for a good night’s sleep.
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Cockroach Bites Are Unique From Other Pest Bites
A German roach bite is quite different from that of other pests. You can tell a roach has bitten you if you catch it on the act or while it is scampering away. But this can be hard since they do so as you sleep. To know what bit you, check the bite. A cockroach bite is bigger than that of other insects such as bed bugs. It is also bright red and comes with swelling and itchiness. The bite worsens when infected, swelling up more and filling up with pus.
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German Roaches Bites Are Powerful
Despite being small, the bite is powerful. It is five times stronger than a human’s and has a force 50 times stronger than the cockroach’s body weight. You may not feel a thing while a German cockroach bites you, but you will experience a painful sensation afterward. Your body’s tolerance level determines the amount of pain you feel. If your body has low tolerance, then the bite may be excruciating. The discomfort felt lasts for a short time and even fades away faster if promptly and adequately treated.
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The Bite Can Cause Allergic Reactions
Cockroach bites can trigger allergic reactions and asthma symptoms. The bite itself is not toxic, but the biter could be carrying allergens that lead to the problem. Bites from German cockroaches commonly cause skin reactions, mainly swelling and itchiness, that last for a few days.
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Do Not Scratch A Roach Bite
The first thing a person does when they get bitten by an insect is scratching the affected area. That may not be a good idea when bitten by a German cockroach. While it may be itchy, scratching makes the situation worse. Instead, wash the bite spot with water and soap to clean off germs because German roaches carry bacteria and allergens. If swelling occurs, apply ice instantly to reduce inflammation and relieve irritation. Alcohol application on the bite is another excellent option to prevent swelling.
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German Cockroach Rarely Bites
Biting is not a hobby of German roaches. They only bite when under threat and when nibbling at food residue on a part of your body. Though the bites are rare, you should avoid them because German cockroaches are known disease spreaders. And you do not want to experience the discomfort brought about by a bite.
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A Bite From A Roach Can Be A Sign Of A Major Infestation
Once you get bitten by a roach, know that your home could be heavily infested. When desperately looking for food and water for survival, cockroaches invade all manner of places. If you have food residue on any part of your body, they will target you. On experiencing a cockroach bite, plan to perform prompt and thorough extermination.
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German Roaches Bites Are Not Venomous
Most people fear a German cockroach bite thinking it is fatal or leads to severe injury or impairment. But this is never the case. The bite is not poisonous. However, it causes swelling and an itchy feeling.
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The Bite Is Treatable At Home
The good news is that you can treat a German roach bite without having to go to the hospital. Some of the home remedies suitable for treatment include lemon juice, tea bags, and aloe Vera. These remedies work by soothing the bitten area, hence reducing swelling and itchiness.
Bottom Line
There you have it – the most important things to know about German cockroach bites. Now that you are aware that German cockroaches can bite, be vigilant to ensure they do not infest your home. The best action to take going forward is working closely with a pest control service to free your home from these creepy, annoying creatures. Professionals understand how to effectively deal with all kinds of insect infestations no matter the size, and German roaches are no exception.
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Can Mice Carry Diseases That Affect Humans?
August 18, 2021
Rats and mice are the most common household pests. These rodents invade homes looking for food or a nice place…
Rats and mice are the most common household pests. These rodents invade homes looking for food or a nice place to inhabit. There is much concern about the embarrassment and damages these furry pests are famous for, but you should be more worried about the health problems caused by mice infestation and the rats infesting your home. Mice and rats are linked to over 35 diseases. The diseases are transmitted to humans by directly handling a rat or mouse (dead or alive), touching their urine or faeces, or getting bitten by them. Additionally, transmission happens through other pests like mites, fleas, and ticks that feed on infected rodents.
What Diseases Do Mice Carry?
Below are the most common diseases mice carry as well as rats:
1. Hantavirus
Hantavirus is a group of viruses that causes diseases of the blood, kidney, and respiratory system. Rats and white-footed mice commonly cause it. You can get infected by the virus by contacting the urine, nesting materials, and fresh droppings of a rat or mouse. Getting bitten may also expose you to this harmful virus.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms associated with Hantavirus show up within two to five weeks after getting exposed to the saliva, faeces, and urine of infected rodents. If not checked and treated, the problem can escalate to the fatal Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome. Some early signs of Hantavirus infection include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, and painful back, thighs, and hips. Also, watch out for abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, and diarrhoea. Late symptoms of the infection are shortness of breath, coughing, and severe respiratory distress.
2. Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCM)
Another disease caused by rats and mice is Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCM), resulting from the Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus (LCMV). If you have a pet rat or mouse, you are more likely to get ill from this virus. Transmission occurs when you get exposed to the saliva, fresh urine, nesting materials, and droppings of an infected rodent through touch or inhalation. A bite also increases your risk of exposure to the virus. More infections are reported during the cold months when rodents seek refuge in homes.
Signs and Symptoms
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis features two phases. The first phase is marked by symptoms like loss of appetite, malaise, fever, vomiting, headache, nausea, and muscle aches. Other symptoms include chest pain, sore throat, salivary gland pain, testicular pain, joint pain, and coughing. The second phase is characterised by more severe symptoms such as inflammation of the meninges and brain, sensory disturbances, confusion, stiff neck, extreme fever, and motor abnormalities. Worth noting is that if a pregnant woman gets infected, they can transmit the disease to the foetus.
3. Plague
Plague is the most prevalent disease caused by mice and rats. It is instigated by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. You can get the disease by handling an infected rat or mouse or from a flea bite. A bite from a plague-infected flea is the primary cause of plague in humans. Therefore, watch your cat or dog as they can bring disease-ridden fleas into your house.
Signs and Symptoms
- Bubonic Plague – Common symptoms include chills and headaches. Buboes (tender, inflamed, and painful lymph nodes) also appear near the area where the bacteria entered your body. These signs manifest three to seven days after exposure. Bubonic plague transmission is caused by contacting infected rodent fluid or tissue.
- Septicemic Plague – Septicemic plague occurs as the first sign of plague or due to untreated bubonic plague. It is characterised by extreme weakness, chills, fever, septic shock, and abdominal pain.
- Pneumonic Plague – Symptoms include fever, weakness, headache, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Pneumonic plague is the most common and dangerous type of plague as it can cause respiratory shock or failure. Moreover, it can be transmitted from person to person by inhaling respiratory droplets containing bacteria.
4. Rat-Bite Fever
Rat-bite fever is a disease caused by bacteria transmitted by rodents. You can get infected when scratched or bitten by a rat or mouse. Most bites result in infection, so you need to be vigilant. Symptoms include muscle pain, vomiting, fever, joint swelling, rash, and headache.
5. Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is triggered by bacteria known as Leptospira carried by several rodents and passed to humans through infected urine. Water and soil that have been urinated on are the primary causes of infection. Signs of Leptospirosis include muscle aches, chills, high fever, abdominal pain, red eyes, vomiting, jaundice, and headache.
6. Monkeypox
Monkeypox is another virus mice and rats carry. You get infected with the virus if bitten or when you handle the body fluids of these pests. Note that the virus can also be transmitted from person to person through breathing in respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing. Symptoms take between seven to fourteen days to show. Initial signs include backache, fever, chills, muscle aches, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes.
Mice And Rat Faeces Dangers
Accumulation of rat and mice faeces in your residence can lead to contamination of food and the spread of disease-causing bacteria. When rodent faeces dry up, they crumble easily, forming airborne dust. Inhaling the dust is hazardous as it causes allergic reactions. Besides, the faeces contain viruses that may result in illness.
How To Prevent Diseases From Rats And Mice
The best way to stay safe and healthy is by ensuring that your home is free of disease-bearing rodents. And here is what you can do to achieve that:
- Seal All Potential Entryways – Check your home for cracks and holes that act as possible entry points for mice and rats. Seal small holes and repair the large ones to prevent such rodents from coming inside.
- Trap Rats and Mice – Trapping is an effective solution to rat and mice infestation. With strategic placement, a baited trap will successfully catch the rodents giving you a hard time. Contact a mice control service for specific rodent trapping techniques.
- Clean and Disinfect your Home – Always keep your home spotless and sanitised to eliminate contaminants left behind by rats and mice, including urine, faeces, and nests. These contaminants carry viruses and bacteria that could cause health problems.
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Why Do Termites Eat Wood?
August 18, 2021
Termites are dreaded by property owners everywhere because of the extensive damage they are known to cause. They are tiny,…
Termites are dreaded by property owners everywhere because of the extensive damage they are known to cause. They are tiny, but there is power in numbers. A termite colony may contain tens of thousands to millions of termites. With such a vast population, it is easy to see why termites are the most destructive pests. Termites cause massive damage to property since they live in and feed on wood, and most buildings happen to have a wooden element either in household items or construction materials.
Why Wood Attracts Termites
- Source of Nourishment – Termites eat wood as it is their primary source of food. Wood contains cellulose that termites are fond of eating. Cellulose is found not only in wood but also in grass, hummus, leaves, vegetative materials, and herbivores’ manure. Wood-eating termites eat anything wooden, from pieces of furniture to structures in your home. By devouring wood, termites can flourish at the expense of your property.
- Wood is More Habitable – Termites love wood because it is habitable, making for a great nesting place. The more termite eggs hatch, the more worker termites burrow deeper into the wood to expand the habitat for the growing colony. The burrowing secretly takes place. Therefore, the resultant damage may be more devastating than you think. Keep in mind that not all termites prefer the same type of wood. Different species have different preferences.
Termite Wood Preferences
1. Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites prefer eating softwood leaving the more complex parts behind. They usually stay underground and depend on the soil for moisture. As they move out searching for food, they maintain a connection to the soil by making mud tubes.
2. Drywood Termites
Drywood termites eat dry wood. You will find them feeding on wood found in manufactured items such as furniture, flooring, and framing. However, they may be hard to detect because they eat wooden materials from the inside out.
3. Dampwood Termites
Dampwood termites look for moist, decaying wood, preferably rotting logs, tree stumps, and woodpiles. They invade buildings with moisture-associated damage.
Signs Of Termite Infestation
- Blisters in Wood Flooring – Blisters indicate feeding by termites beneath or within the flooring. The same goes for window trims and door frames. Subterranean termites cause damage that makes wooden structures seem to have water damage.
- Damaged or Hollowed Wood – Wood damage on surfaces such as floors, walls, and ceilings indicates an infestation. The damage is caused by termites when chewing on wood as they look for cellulose. A hollow sound or honeycomb interior characterises damaged wood.
- Mud Tubes – These are pencil-sized tubes created by subterranean termites that live underground and move up structures looking for food. Subterranean termites require favourable levels of humidity and temperature to survive. And that is why they make mud tubes. The tubes also protect them from predators.
- Drywood Termite Droppings – Drywood termites live inside wood, where they form colonies. They like keeping their place clean, thereby making kick-out holes to get rid of their excrement. Therefore, if you find small mounds of pellets resembling coffee grounds or sawdust, it indicates a drywood termite infestation.
Getting Rid Of Termites
Signs of termites eating wood in your home may not be that evident. Termite damage may go unnoticed for a long time. You may only notice the damage when it is already severe. That is why it is advisable to be proactive against termite infestation. Hire a qualified termite controller or take the necessary DIY measures to keep these dangerous critters away from your property. When it comes to dealing with termites, prevention is always better than cure.
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Things To Know About The King Termite
August 18, 2021
Termites live in colonies that are organised into castes. The castes are classified into three types of termites – soldiers,…
Termites live in colonies that are organised into castes. The castes are classified into three types of termites – soldiers, workers, and alates. Here we focus on the alates (reproductive termites) where termite kings fall.
What Is A Termite King?
Compared to worker and soldier termites, king termites are larger in size, growing up to one inch long. They are valuable personalities in a termite colony next to the queen. Together with the queen, the king plays the reproductive role. The king and queen spend most of their lives underground, meaning it is hard for you to see them since they do not move around with the other termites.
Constant reproduction ensures the continuity of a colony. Therefore, the termite king keeps mating with the queen to produce alates, workers, and soldiers. Alates or swarmers are mature male and female termites that leave the nest to form new colonies elsewhere. Workers and soldiers are immature termites, with their primary roles being taking care of the colony and defending the colony, respectively. Termite kings are darker in colour than other termites in a colony. Also, worth noting is that only the king termite and the queen have eyes. Other termites are blind and use scent and moisture to navigate.
Roles Of A Termite King
Besides reproduction, king termites play other crucial roles in a termite colony. When they develop wings, they take part in the social swirl commonly known as swarming. After losing the wings, they look for females to mate, signalling the commencement of a new colony.
1. Establish A Termite Colony
The king and queen usually search for the right place to establish their colony. A preferable place for them is a moistened cavity in wood. On finding a nest, they build an enclosure to prevent disturbance and then start mating. The king termite hangs around the queen because he has to supply sperm to her regularly.
During the initial years, the termite king helps maintain the nest, while the queen produces the soldiers and workers. The queen then distributes nest maintenance and other works to other termites in the colony. Workers and soldiers act as caretakers and housekeepers. They bring food and defend the nest to keep the king and queen alive.
2. Activation Of Pheromones
Pheromones are chemical hormones that prevent other termites in a colony from being reproductive. The king termite releases this chemical hormone to maintain the colony’s social status. Both the king and the queen work together to maintain balance in their colony.
3. Keep The Colony Alive
The termite king supplies sperm to the queen for egg fertilisation. Without the king, the colony will not be functional and ultimately end since the queen cannot reproduce alone.
How Do King Termites Develop?
King termites come from swarmers – the potential queens and kings of new colonies. When a termite colony reaches a specific size, swarmers begin being produced, a process that may take three to five years. Swarmers, also referred to as alates, are termites with wings and are capable of flying. They have compound eyes which help them see during nuptial flights and are larger and darker than the workers and soldiers. A termite nuptial flight is when termites mate to produce babies.
A single termite colony can produce many swarmers that stay in the colony until the right time comes to leave. Swarmers are not the best flyers. Some break their wings as they struggle to fly. De-winged swarmers cannot fly as they look for the right place to start a new termite colony. A male swarmer will follow a female swarmer until she finds a suitable place for nesting where they start mating. On forming a new colony, the males become termite kings.
Is The King Termite Harmful?
The termite king lives a well-protected life underground. Its primary roles are to mate with the queen and to release pheromones. Since termite kings do not move out of the nest, they do not directly harm humans. But the fact that they contribute to producing other harmful termites means they cannot be considered harmless.
Do Termite Kings Have Wings?
Three forms of castes are found in a colony. The reproductive caste is comprised of winged or flying termites, also known as alates or swarmers. King termites eventually lose their wings when they move from one colony to another. Once termites develop wings, they fly away, find mates, and begin reproducing their own colonies in which they become kings and queens.
What Is The Size Of A King Termite?
Swarmer termites are around three-eighths of an inch in length. However, they continue to grow when they lose wings, with the king termite growing as much as half an inch long.
Why Do Termite Kings Produce Pheromones?
Every termite can become a queen or king. But if all of them do so, there will be chaos in the colony. A king termite, therefore, produces pheromones for termite regulation and chaos prevention. The chemical hormone ensures that the other termites in the colony do not become reproductive.
What Is The Average Termite King Lifespan?
The lifespan of king termites varies from one species to the other. An average soldier or worker can live for ten to fourteen months. A termite king can live for a period of one to four years. The queen has the longest lifespan, going up to twenty-five years and more.
Where Are You Likely To Find A King Termite?
Termites are a common sight in areas with trees, open land, and big gardens. Such features offer sufficient food and nesting places for termites. Termites also like inhabiting older structures with deteriorating timber. Rotting timber has the ideal moisture levels for termites to thrive. The perfect termite habitat is also warm.
What you are likely to see when checking out a termite colony are the workers and soldiers. The king termite is always hidden underground together with the queen. Essentially, no termite colony can exist without the king and queen. And as long as the king and queen are alive, the colony will keep expanding. An even more serious situation is finding de-winged termites that become kings and queens. It indicates new colonies are about to spring up, leading to more termite infestation in your home.
How To Eliminate King Termites
As mentioned above, it is hard to spot a termite king as it always hides underground with the queen. Anyway, it is evident that with other termites around, there is a king termite somewhere. Hence, to get rid of the king and queen entirely, you have to destroy their colony. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Identify The Termite Colony
To kill the king termite, you should find the colony it belongs to first. Check for rotten wood, especially where wood touches the ground. Mud tubes along foundations, joists, and walls will also direct you to the nesting place of termites. Drywood termites do not construct mud tunnels, though. They prefer to nest in dry wooden materials. Therefore, check for small digested wood pellets they leave behind when eating their way through the wood.
2. Apply Direct Chemicals
Direct chemicals can be applied inside your house for termite extermination. They are simple to use and highly effective when applied where a termite colony is located. Most of the approved chemicals are odourless. These chemicals work by expanding and then evaporating, leaving a residue that kills termites when they contact it. Applying the chemical directly to the colony kills all the termites, including the termite king and queen.
3. Beneficial Nematodes
Beneficial nematodes are microscopic roundworms. They are natural parasites to most garden insects, including termites. Nematodes kill termites by entering their bodies and releasing symbiotic gut bacteria that poisons their blood, killing them within a few days. You can buy nematodes in local stores or online. Mix them with cold water and potting soil, then apply the mixture to the termite colony.
4. Boric Acid
Boric acid application is a proven method for killing all the termites in a colony. Most, if not all, termite insecticides contain boric acid as one of the main ingredients. The acid dehydrates, subsequently shutting down the nervous system of termites. It is so effective that it can destroy an entire termite colony within a day or two. Apply it strategically in cracks and crevices in walls, floors, and ceilings.
5. Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth destroys termites by penetrating their exoskeleton and dehydrating them. It is a type of powder made from the sedimented fossils of aquatic algae known as diatoms. Sprinkle the powder around the termite colony and deeper to reach the termite king.
6. Contact An Expert
It is recommended to work with an expert termite exterminator for solid results. Termite colonies are challenging to eliminate, making it necessary to seek professional help. Termite control professionals have the skills and tools required for immediate and complete termite removal. Entrust them with the task of eradicating the termites slowly wreaking havoc on your property.
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What Do Termites Do To Humans?
August 18, 2021
Termites are one of the most notorious pests that infest homes. A severe infestation by termites can cause plenty of…
Termites are one of the most notorious pests that infest homes. A severe infestation by termites can cause plenty of damage to your property. Besides damaging structures, termites are dangerous to humans as they can bite. Let us delve deeper into what termites are capable of doing to humans.
Are Termites Dangerous?
Yes, they are! Therefore, it is good to have a look at how termites can affect you. While termites may not be as harmful to humans as other pests such as spiders, bees, and wasps, they bite. Their reason for biting humans or attacking other insects is to defend themselves. Naturally, termites are herbivores and not aggressive to humans unless disturbed or handled. Unlike most other pests like mosquitoes, bed bugs, and fleas, termites are not interested in human blood or flesh as their primary source of food is wood.
Which Termites Bite Humans?
Soldier termites are the ones that bite humans. Like soldier ants, the crucial role of soldier termites is protecting their colonies. They are not involved in reproduction and food collection. Soldier termites only attack when provoked. And this is when they can bite you. These termites are characterised by more giant heads and mandibles that they use in defence. The mandibles are strong enough to cause severe pain to humans when bitten. The pain from the bite is more severe in thin-skinned areas like the fingers. A soldier termite will bite you if you threaten it or the colony it is guarding.
What Do Termite Bites Look And Feel Like?
A powerful termite bite can cause a red, sore spot on human skin. Anyway, the bite does not have much effect other than minor skin irritation. Since the bite is not poisonous, it is not toxic to your body. Termites have saliva that helps them eat wood. That saliva is what causes irritation or skin rash from being bitten. Note that a termite bite may look similar to the bites of other insects. But you can differentiate it from the rest. If the bite mark lasts for more than a day or worsens with time, that is not a termite that bit you.
Do Flying Termites Bite?
Flying termites are serious trouble. They signal the beginning of a new termite colony. If you spot a swarm of flying termites inside or around your home, it should be a warning sign of either an existing termite problem or a potential termite infestation. Luckily, since none of the flying termites is a soldier termite, the chances of being bitten are zero, and even if they bite, you feel less pain due to their small mandibles. Better yet, flying termites cause no damage. It is their offspring that wreak havoc. Nevertheless, be worried about their presence in your residence because they signal termite invasion.
Do Termites Cause Health Problems?
Though termites can bite, the resultant wounds are not that serious. Termites are not venomous, nor do they spread diseases. However, if termites infest your home, you may suffer from asthma attacks and allergic reactions. Some people are usually allergic to termite droppings and saliva.
Bottom Line
Considering the massive damage termites may cause to your home, not forgetting their bites, always strive to keep your home free of these pests. One simple measure you can take is getting rid of damaged timber on your property, preventing termites. Having a proper plan for eradicating current infestation and preventing future invasion is the right way to go. To be successful in this, make sure to work with a professional termite control company in your locality.
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What Does Termite Frass Look Like?
August 18, 2021
Termites do poop and their faeces are also known as frass or pellets. Termites create tiny holes in wooden materials…
Termites do poop and their faeces are also known as frass or pellets. Termites create tiny holes in wooden materials to dump their excrement, which helps keep their nesting place less congested and free of droppings. Finding termite frass anywhere in your home is a sign of termite infestation, which calls for immediate detection and elimination of the termites. Failure to do so often results in costly property damage. But what does termite poop look like? Worry not if you have never seen termite poop images before. Read on to learn more about the frass termites leave behind.
Areas You Are Likely To Find Termite Excrement
There are a couple of areas where termite droppings are usually concentrated, including:
- On the floor
- Inside cracks in walls
- On the bed
- Under the carpet
- On wooden frames and sills
What Do Termite Droppings Look Like?
The look of termite poop depends on the termite species infesting your home. Common household termite species include subterranean, dampwood, and drywood. Generally, all termite feces are small, measuring about 0.04 inches long. They are light beige to black, depending on the kind of wood the termites eat. Additionally, termite excrement is oval-shaped with six concave sides. Termite excreta usually forms tiny mounds that look like small piles of dirt or sawdust.
1. Termite Droppings Vs. Ant Droppings
While the feces of both ants and termites may look similar, you can differentiate them by the pooping behaviour of the insects. Ants typically leave their droppings at the entry of their nests, while termites scatter their feces all over the place. Ant poop is also bigger and bulkier than that of a termite and contains insect remains of either dead ants or the insects that ants eat. Termite droppings are finer, resembling sand.
2. Termite Frass Vs. Sawdust
At first sight, it can prove challenging to differentiate between termite feces and sawdust. Although the two look pretty similar, they are distinct in shape. Termite frass is hexagonal with a more granular appearance. On the other hand, sawdust looks like small wood shavings and features shiny slivers that termite stool does not have.
How Dangerous Are Termite Droppings?
Termite excrement is not toxic and does not cause diseases. After all, termites only consume natural substances. Therefore, there is no need to worry about your family’s and pets’ health being adversely affected by termite stool. But since the droppings are like sawdust, you may suffer from skin irritation when you touch them. If you have asthma or any other respiratory issue, avoid termite dust piles or termite wood shavings as they can worsen your condition. Either remove the feces or debris yourself while wearing protective gear or hire an expert to safely get rid of them.
How To Differentiate The Frass Of Different Termite Species
1. Drywood Termite Frass
Finding piles of pellets in your house indicates a drywood termite infestation. Drywood termites are tricky to detect because they only leave a few signs. On creating their nesting place in wooden material, they close the entrance and never exit. Only swarmers get to leave to establish new termite colonies. Wood provides ideal living conditions for drywood termites, including ready food and favourable temperature. The only problem is unlimited space. Therefore, drywood termites puncture holes through the wood to push their droppings out. Drywood termite poop is tiny and oval-shaped. It measures about a millimetre long and is deposited in mounds that look like small piles of ground peppers. Drywood termite feces may differ in colour depending on the type of wood the termites ate.
2. Subterranean Termite Frass
Subterranean termites do not leave behind visible feces. They produce a more liquid form of frass, unlike that of drywood termites which is dry, that they mix with saliva and other debris to construct mud tunnels. Hence, it becomes challenging to differentiate their poop from their nest. Subterranean termites build tunnels to facilitate travel and protect themselves from predators and dry air. Check for wormlike mud tunnels running up a wall or the foundation.
How To Determine If Termite Droppings Are Old Or Fresh
Unfortunately, there is no way to determine whether termite frass is old or new. Finding termite droppings that seem old does not mean the termites have moved away. Such feces are those that termites have pushed out of their nest during cleaning, meaning there is still a termite infestation in your home.
Other Termite Residues To Examine
Dropped termite wings are another indicator of termite infestation besides termite poop. Adult reproductive termites, commonly referred to as swarmers, develop wings that they shed afterwards. Swarmers fly away from the nest and shed their wings when they arrive at their intended destination. If their destination is your home, you will find fallen wings. The wings are tiny, but you can quickly identify them, especially if there is a significant infestation. Look for them on window sills, hardwood floors, and spider webs that may be in your house.
How To Remove Termite Excrement
Removing termite droppings from your house should be an easy task. Since the faeces are usually dry, you can either sweep or vacuum them up. But this only applies to drywood termite frass. Subterranean termite excrement is used to build mud tunnels. Therefore, make sure you destroy and discard the tunnels. Note that removing termite frass is not the ultimate solution to termite invasion. Completely getting rid of the termites on your property is. Given the challenges involved in eliminating termites, it is advisable to enlist the services of a professional termite controller for the inspection, detection, eradication, and prevention of termite infestation. Once the termite colony gets eradicated, you will no longer find termite faeces in your home.
For help with termites as well as any other pests, get in touch with Pest Aid Adelaide or Pest Aid Gold Coast. Book an inspection online or call us on 139 007 to discuss.