Alliance Pest Blog

Carpenter bees are often categorized into two genera- Xylocopa (large carpenter bees) and Ceratina (small carpenter bees). These two genera do not have the same size, and this is probably the most obvious characteristic used in differentiating between both of them. While Xylocopa is around 12-25 mm long, Ceratina is less than 8 mm long. Carpenter bees derive their name from the fact that they build their nest in woods. Large carpenter bees have the same size and appearance as bumblebees. However, the top of their abdomen has a somewhat glossy look as they lack the visible hair that is found on those of bumblebees. Unlike Ceratina, Xylocopa infestation is easier to detect because they make their presence known through property damage. The insects can be black, purplish blue, metallic blue or greenish black. Yellowish hairs can be found on the legs, abdomen, and thorax of both the male and female......

Introduction and Overview Fleas are one of the rampant external parasites that infest pets like cats and dogs. These blood sucking parasites are not only limited to dogs and cats but infect other mammals too. Severe health and skin issues result from minor flea infestation in pets and other mammals. But this can become life-threatening in cases of major infestation in animals. The infestation of fleas if left unchecked in the home will make such home a breeding ground. This leads severe cases of infestation from the continuous hatching of eggs. Managing such situations via treatment is very frustrating and tasking. In pets such as dogs and cats, the foremost root of skin problems is sensitivities to fleas. The truth is; pets like cats and dogs can painstakingly remove fleas from their body. They groom themselves in this manner. This reduces the number of fleas in the bodies of animals suffering......

No doubt, it can be all fun and games to throw a backyard party but that’s when there is no swarm of blood-thirsty mosquitoes around, dining on you and your guests. These days, quite a good number of people have suddenly discovered the need of having an efficient spray work against mosquitoes in their backyards. Of course, no outdoor party would be complete without a reliable bug spray. If you are planning on organizing an entertaining outdoors party or wedding this summer, here is what you need to do to prevent those pesky mosquitoes from ruining your special event. When it comes to preventing mosquitoes in the backyard, there are certain preliminary actions you might be required to perform, such as Checking the bird bath Mowing tall grasses               Eliminating standing water, etc. However, have you ever thought of what to do when the mosquitoes are already there? Do you know that y......

The problem of ants around the home can happen during specific seasons or sometimes all through the year. There are various species of ants; some species often construct their nests outside the house whereas other builds theirs inside the house. However, whichever it is, their presence in the home poses huge problems for home owners and resident alike, particularly if the colony of ants involved are those that enter and build their nests in the insides of buildings, thus becoming permanent residents in such buildings. This is mainly because ants as insects are social in nature and therefore they live in colonies, which depending on the specie could comprise of several hundreds to millions of ants. However, the species of ants that belong to the latter group and invade homes include odorous, thief, acrobat, pharaoh, carpenter, and pavement ants. Been in a position of constantly dealing with ants in the home......

The Zika virus is the latest mosquito-borne illness to spread across the world. This disease is caused by ZIKA virus which is transmitted by the mosquito Aedes aegypti. According to the Brazilian Ministry of Health, there are studies that verify the occurrence of sexual and perinatal transmission, and the possibility of transfusion transmission. The Zika virus was identified in a few parts of the world, especially in Africa. And it is called Zika in honor of a forest in Uganda where the virus was discovered. It was detected in 1947 in monkeys for the first time. The contamination in humans occurred in Nigeria in 1954. However, it was in Brazil, especially in the Northeast, that it was disseminated with more intensity. "The scientists believe that the virus can mutate. Although there is still a plausible explanation that the virus is in Brazil due to the influx of tourists during the World......

Bird mites are mostly found where birds (including pigeons, sparrows, starlings, and poultry) reside (where their nests are situated).In the first weeks after the birds have left their nests, these bird mites will go on to infest living homes in their search for a suitable blood meal from humans. Bird mites predominantly occupy warmer regions (including Australia). Although there are quite a number of species of bird mites out there, the most common species that affect humans is the Starling mite, also known as Ornithonyssus bursa and comes from the Macronyssidae family. Bird mites are tiny creatures and measure less than 1mm in length with eight legs. They are very mobile creatures and are semi-transparent in color (at least until blood has been ingested they tend to appear reddish or blackish). They are oval in shape and have a sparse over their short hair. This article attempts to establish some facts......

The Powassan virus is a flavi-virus that is transmitted by ticks. This infection or disease was named after a town called Powassan in Ontario, where it was first identified in a young boy who died eventually following health complications from it. Powassan is an uncommon tick-borne disease which is caused by a virus. It can cause encephalitis (swelling of the brain) and also in the membranes around the spinal cord and brain. (Sometimes called meningitis). Only about 78 cases were reported in the U.S. over the past ten years. Experts warn that the disease could start to spread faster now than it is being transmitted by the deer tick. Another statistics shows that every year in the US, there is an average of 33,000 cases of Lyme disease (a major complication from the Powassan virus) reported to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Experts believe that the actual number......

Stinging insects such as yellow-jackets, wasps, hornets and bees, are pests that are common in summer periods which their stings can be very painful. Those who are allergic to stings are at higher risk, although someone can suffer if a large number of them swarm and sting at the same time. One way to protect yourself and your family from types of stinging insects, such as wasps and hornets this summer, is to ensure your properties are free of hives and nests. On a regular basis, go around outside your home, giving special consideration to the ledges, eaves, the bottom of the porches and the deck for nests. If you found a nest on your property, did not grope to remove it yourself. The colony can become a defensive and mass attack. Instead, contact a qualified pest control specialist who will be able to safely remove the hive. Types of Stinging......

Mosquitoes and Zika: Best Ways to Protect Yourself Mosquitoes are pests, there’s no denying that. But is there anything worse than a pest spreading a deadly virus? Well, that’s what the Aedes aegepyti is, a species of mosquito responsible for spreading yellow fellow, dengue fever and know Zika virus. The effects of the Zika virus (babies with abnormally small heads) has been all over the news especially in places like South America. With the latest report of the Zika virus spreading to the shores of the United States, it becomes that much more crucial to know how to protect yourself from this disease. How to Protect Yourself from the Zika Virus As of now, there are no treatments or vaccines to combat the Zika virus and considering how quickly it spreads, added to the numerous birth defects it has caused, it’s safe to say everyone would want a way of protecting thems......

For commercial buildings, the prospect of bird infestations is enough to keep owners awake at night. While there are some who believe the presence of birds is nothing to worry about, experienced owners know better. If a bird infestation is allowed to flourish without professional assistance, the damages that can be done to commercial buildings are dire. Warehouses, airports, hospitals, transportation and shopping centers are all equally susceptible to the damages that are caused by pest birds and those who own commercial buildings would do well to read on and learn more about the multitude of issues that are associated with their mere presence. Nest Damage Birds who reside in commercial buildings tend to build their nests in particularly problematic areas. Rain gutters and roof corners are common refuge areas and when birds are allowed to live on the rooftops of warehouses and other commercial structures, they can cause collapses and......

While most of us would prefer not to experience a bat infestation in our homes, they tend to take place more often than we might have hoped. If you are under the belief that you are currently experiencing a bat infestation, you will want to read on and learn more about all of the telltale signs, so that you can remedy the problem as soon as possible. Bats Flying Around Home Bats that are residing in and around your home tend to be most visible during certain times of day, so if you are consistently seeing bats flying around your house during sunrise or sunset, this is a sign that you have a bat problem. They are nocturnal creatures that sleep during the day, so you will never see them while the sun is actually out. The Scent of Ammonia Have you ever found yourself wondering why a home that has......

Pest control is one of the yardsticks for determining the quality of man’s life. Most homeowners do not prevent pest invasion at first. This negligence results in the infestation of homes by pest such as bugs, carpenter ants, crickets, earwigs, spiders, fleas, mites, roaches, rodents and others. Since these organisms not only destroy food and belongings but some are also vectors, it is crucial to protect human beings from them. Proper pest control involves killing the pests as well as preventing them from entering or reoccurring at homes. Though some individuals may try DIY pest control, but not when the house is invaded by rodents, termites, stinging insects, ground beetles and centipedes. Hiring an expert in pest management becomes imperative. These professionals will ensure that individuals have a pest-free environment. They will block the entry points of these pests into spaces and kill those that have entered. They can also check h......

Termite infestation can cost you a lot if you don’t prevent it or nip it in the bud. There are several effective pest control methods. One of the commonest methods is to invite pest control experts to inspect the infected areas. They can deploy monitoring stations which are placed within soil of infested areas. When the infestation is confirmed, bait stations are used to replace monitoring stations. Thereafter, worker termites will be attracted by the baits and they will feed the bait to other members of their colonies and they will all be killed. In fact, several generations will be killed. This method is highly effective but it is very slow. The slow pace gives termites enough time to cause more damages. The longer the termites remain alive the more damages they will cause. Another method is the application of liquid insecticides. It is also advisable to reduce or completely eliminate f......

What’s more annoying than trying to make dinner and having your ceiling drops of water fall on you? Or worse hearing a guests’ scream from the bathroom because he or she saw an insect in the guestroom. Ideally, you want your home to be your sanctuary and personal domain. It is where you sleep, eat, entertain, and carry out any other activity you choose. It is also where you'll create some of your precious memories and grandest dreams. After investing a lot of time, effort and money into your home, you want it as close to perfection as it can get. So, having to deal with moisture and pest problems can ruin your home. How Excess Moisture Leads to Pest Problems One of the many purposes of a home is to provide you with protection from the elements of weather. But sometimes, moisture gets into you home through leaking roofs, clogged and......

There are many insects that can cause a lot of damage in the home. Some of them carry diseases and can make small children ill. People find wildlife roaming around the garden as well. These animals are larger and can be dangerous as well. However, termites are considered to be the insect which can cause some of the worst damage, eating into the wood of your home. Damage Termite Cause to Wood The problem with termites in the home, is that they are very difficult to spot. Most people don’t realize that these insects are eating away at their wooden furniture or wooden ceilings until it is too late. Because they work in colonies, they do damage very quickly, and the structure of the home begins to deteriorate over a short space of time. This makes it unsafe, and often families have to move out of the home for an extended p......

After the cold winter months, a lot of homeowners find themselves suddenly swarmed with termites and winged ants. The unwelcome visitors take advantage of the warm weather to reproduce and multiply, making a nuisance of themselves. It’s not surprising that with so many shared similarities many people confuse termite swarmers and winged ants. To the untrained eye, they both look eerily similar. However, both pests do have distinct differences. It is worth knowing some of these differences so you know how to best arm yourself against these little critters. 1. Morphology • Termite swarmers Termite swarmer wings (also known as antennae) are straight, of equal length and both back and front wings can be of two colors either the wings are transparent or they are milky in color. The antennae also display several veins, a lot more than in winged ants. Termite antennae are also almost twice the size of the ins......

Ants are group of animals with one of the highest level of sociality among other animals. They are known to be able to solve complex tasks due to their ability to communicate with each other (pheromones, touch and sound), and the use of division of labor. These characteristics can be likened to human community. In the scientific classification of animal kingdom, ants belong to the Phylum-Arthropoda, Class-Insecta, Order-Hymenoptera, Superfamily-Vespoidea, and Family-Formicidae. Ants are able to survive in most part of the world due to their high level of social organization which makes it easy for them to protect themselves (biting and stinging), and compete favorably in the ecosystem. Ants vary in size ranging from 0.8mm-60mm long. They also have different colors though most are black. Thousands of different species of ants have been identified. The body of an ant is divided into head, thorax (mesosoma), and abdomen (metasoma) like other insects,......

It is hard to find someone who would have something negative to say about the amazing springtime. The weather becomes warmer, snows start melting, and flowers start showing their first buds. Springtime brings with it a relaxed cheer and a long awaited break from the frigid cold of winter. Unfortunately, with the temperatures dropping, spring also heralds the unwanted debut of termite swarms. Termites have always been a nuisance to most homeowners. A massive swarm of termites can bring all sorts of structural damage to your home. Although the common belief is that termites only come out in spring, the truth is they can be active all year round. The only difference is that termite swarms are mostly visible around springtime. Most homeowners can live entirely unaware of the fact that their homes are infested with termites until they see a swarm or notice some structural damage while remodeling. As a......

It can be frustrating to find creepy crawly insects in the home, either in the pantry or somewhere in the kitchen. New Jersey is renowned for various types of pests in the home. They are often difficult to get rid of. Not only will you come across them inside the home, but you may find insects as well as larger rodents and more dangerous animals outside of the home, which need to be dealt with. It is important to be aware of this, and make sure you take action as soon as this becomes a problem. Here are a couple of pests that you come across in New Jersey Carpet Beetles – These types of beetles can do a lot of damage they dig into the wool of your carpet. They begin to eat the material. They are small enough that you don’t notice them. Some of them are black and oth......

Now that the spring season is almost upon us, it is time to safeguard our homes and properties against the upcoming onslaught of springtime pests. While the days of digging out from the snow and bundling up every time we head outside are soon drawing to a close, springtime presents its own unique struggles. There are a wide range of pests looking to make their way into your home once the weather starts to warm up, so be sure to read on and learn more about the following tips that are designed to help you prepare for springtime pests and safeguard all of the most crucial areas of your residence. Check Your Roof As you might have imagined, the roof of the home does not always receive the proper attention and when homeowners begin to neglect their roofing, they are leaving themselves susceptible to any number of springtime pests. Damaged roof......