Bug Bizz Quarterly

A publication of Emergency Pest Patrol, Inc.

Winter 2009/2010

December    -    January    -    February

          The news is out…El Nino is on it’s way. What does that mean? Well, I don’t know, except the weather will not be average. So assuming not average weather, we’ll assume rats, rats and more rats. On a brighter note, Subterranean termites are preparing for their annual swarm too. You see, rats and termites don’t realize the economy is on the brink.

          First, we’ll review the rats. Most of what we have in the Bay area is Roof rats. People know them as citrus, fruit or tree rats. The most common Roof rat symptom that generates the call is noises coming from the attic. This warm blooded creature, seeking a warm shelter area, enters through amazingly small openings, usually near the eave and nests in the attic. Since it is nocturnal, most sounds are heard as it they enter and exit the attic in the evening or dawn.

http://www.emergencypestpatrol.com/library_rodents

Rarely do we encounter Norway rats, but they are still out there. They are commonly known as sewer and wharf rats. This species commonly boroughs under the foundation and enters via the crawl space of your home.

          A very common mistake is to try to correct the problem by sealing the opening or passage. The word rodent means “to gnaw”. Sealing the opening without solving the infestation, will only cause the problem to move to a new opening and agitate the animal too. Wire and pipe chewing is the most common response. I had a call once from a customer that had another pest control company perform the rodent control by closing the openings. She called us when the rats chewed many holes in the ceiling. The rats kept looking through the holes to find a way out. She didn’t mind the faces as much as their tails hanging through the holes.

          Roof rats are herbivores but will eat nearly anything. Peanut butter still remains to be the most attractive food to place on traps, but chocolate, fresh bread, tomatoes and bell peppers all remain to a great alternative.

          For a live infestation, we recommend trapping. It is cleaner, more controlled and humane. Death is nearly instant. We never recommend baits to control a live infestation. Don’t let the rodenticide marketing label fool you into believing the animal will get thirsty and leave to die. Ask anyone that’s used a rodenticide for control and they’ll tell you about the smell, flies and maggots. Baits do have there place and it’s not for control of a live infestation. A special note concerning rodenticides. In 2010, rodenticides will no longer be available to the general public. So, if you love to use them, build up your inventory!

          Subterranean termites swarm! So many people think that only Drywood termites swarm. Another myth is that if termites swarm, you’ve got to tent. Wrong again. Subterranean termites are not affected by fumigation and Drywood termites are not affected by a ground injection of Termidor or any bait on the market.

http://www.emergencypestpatrol.com/library_termites

          It is extremely important to determine what you have or you could pay a lot of money for nothing! Subterranean termite swarmers are black with clear wings. They emerge in the daytime and fly towards light. Many people are at work at the time of the swarm and never realize it occurred. The body of the swarmer looks like a baby roach and vacuumed up. This is not good, since Subterranean termites do more damage than most natural disasters combined. After the flight, they break off their wings and look for a mate and the conditions they need to survive, which is dirt, wood and water. If these conditions are not found, they die within 24 hours. This does not mean you are out of the woods. It is the workers doing the damage, not the swarmer. An interior swarm clearly indicates, you have active workers eating away at your home.

          We offer home remedies for nearly all pests, but Subterranean termites should not be left to the home owner to attempt to rectify. Our inspection is free and very valuable whether you have them or a mistaken ant swarm. Our library has lots of pictures if you wish to verify before you call.     

          If you have any questions about rats, termites or any other pest, please feel free to call

                 1(877) ON-PATROL

or email questions@emergencypestpatrol.com anytime. We are here to help.

          Our Subterranean termite special continues through January 31, 2010. Go to http://www.emergencypestpatrol.com/specials to find out more.

          Thanks to all of you who have helped us through the years by referring friends and family. We sincerely appreciate you and your confidence in us! Happy New Year!!!!!

                                                                Curtis Rudolph

                                                                President