Synergy Jackson Pest Control: Answering Your Questions February 21, 2021

What are mayflies?  How do you get rid of mayflies?

Mayflies, also known as lake flies or shad flies, are a common swarming insect in the southern U.S. especially during the spring months of April through June.  Mayfly prevention is all but impossible.  Limiting Mayflies around the home can be accomplished by restricting exterior lighting that attracts them.

Similar to aquatic midges, mayfly hatches last up to 72 hours.  To prevent Mayflies from coming inside, keep doors and windows closed during mayfly hatches.

I saw lice eggs in my child’s hair.  What is the best lice treatment to get rid of lice?

There are a number of different lice with the most common being head lice.  Head lice is not a pest control problem and should be treated as a medical problem.  Head lice are tiny insects that are found on human scalps feeding on blood.  Signs of head lice including visible head lice and eggs as well as itching.

Head lice are treated with both over-the-counter and prescription medications, usually in the form of shampoos, lotions, and gels.

What is the best bed bugs treatment to get rid of bed bugs on mattresses?

Often the first signs of bed bugs are either bed bug bites on the skin or a sighting of bed bugs on mattresses or bedding.  Either of these are good indicators of a bed bug infestation but just getting rid of bed bugs on your mattress is not going to solve the problem.

Getting rid of bed bugs permanently means first completing an extensive bed bug treatment preparation process: Washing all clothing and bedding in very hot water, taking apart bed frames and furniture, and removing all clothing and linens from drawers and closets.

To get rid of bed bugs permanently, a bed bug treatment by a pest company specializing in bed bug removal is the best option.  It may take several bed bug treatments to completely solve your problem.  For more info on bed bugs visit:

https://synergy2ms.com/signs-of-bed-bugs-early-signs-to-identify-bed-bugs-and-get-rid-of-them-for-good/

https://synergy2ms.com/precautions-you-should-take-when-dealing-with-a-bed-bug-infested-bed/

What do earwigs look like and how do you get rid of them?  Do earwigs bite?

Earwigs may look scary but really aren’t.  Earwigs are dark brown with very large pinchers.  To get rid of earwigs, look for areas of moisture as the cause of an earwig infestation.  Earwigs prefer areas known for moisture such as bathrooms and basements.  Also, earwigs come from outside so address any structural issues with your home including gaps in door seals and cracks in siding.

Earwigs do not bite but they can use their pinchers in self defense.

For more info on getting rid of earwigs, visit:

https://synergy2ms.com/synergy-jackson-pest-control-answering-your-questions-december-13-2020/

https://synergy2ms.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-earwig-control-and-prevention/

What are house centipedes and how do you get rid of centipedes? Do centipedes bite?

Centipedes are considered to be an occasional invader to homes.  The most common type of centipede is the house centipede.  To prevent centipedes or get rid of centipedes, think of centipedes just like you do earwigs.  Centipedes are attracted to areas of moisture in your home.

House centipedes do bite and a centipede bite can be very painful.

Liquid insecticides applied as a fine mist and insecticide dusts are recommended to help control centipedes in the home.

For more info on centipedes visit:

https://synergy2ms.com/occasional-invaders-and-miscellaneous-pests/

https://synergy2ms.com/synergy-jackson-pest-control-answering-your-questions-january-29-2021/

How to get rid of cockroaches, especially German cockroaches?

Cockroaches in your home are no fun.  In addition to the sanitation issue with cockroach droppings, cockroaches can also transmit diseases.  German cockroaches are some of the smallest cockroaches but can be extremely difficult to get rid of.  German roaches are also prolific breeders so your cockroach problem can get out of control quickly.

To get rid of German cockroaches, the most important and first step is sanitation.  Figuring out what is attracting German roaches to your house is critical.  

After correcting sanitation issues, there are a variety of cockroach killers available.  Don’t just think pest sprays for roaches.  For German roaches, you will want to include some type of bait with an IGR in it.

For more info on getting rid of cockroaches, visit:

https://synergy2ms.com/can-you-tell-an-american-cockroach-from-an-oriental-cockroach-your-guide-to-the-different-types-of-cockroaches/

https://synergy2ms.com/top-10-faqs-on-cockroaches-how-to-get-rid-of-cockroaches/

What do carpenter ants look like and how do you get rid of carpenter ants?

Carpenter ants are very large ants, usually black in color and up to 5/8 inch in size.  Carpenter ants are beneficial to the environment as they chew through decaying wood.  They become a problem; however, when they get in or around your home.  Carpenter ants do not “eat” wood like termites, but chew through it making tunnels.  Most of the time the wood they use to attack is moist due to moisture problems.

To get rid of carpenter ants, first eliminate the moisture problem that is attracting them in the first place.  Next find the outdoor nest of carpenter ants that may be causing the problem.  Carpenter ant nests are found in old decaying wood.  Treat the nest and trail of carpenter ants with insecticide dusts, sprays, and baits.