Ladybug beetles, also known as Asian Lady Beetles are beneficial in the garden and cultivated fields during the spring and summer season. These little insects will control pests, such as aphids, white mites, flies, and scale insects. Unfortunately, when fall arrives, they become a nuisance by invading homes and businesses in search of a place to hibernate. Helpful outdoors or not, people simply don’t like insects in their homes, and typically call for pest control in Fort Worth when Ladybugs invade their home.

Asian vs. Native Species

The ladybugs accumulating on your walls and windows are most likely the Asian Ladybug Beetle, although native Ladybug species are just as likely to gather there. Imported from Asia in 1916, the Asian Ladybug beetles were released to control other species of insects. Today, they are in every part of the United States, and considered a nuisance inside homes. Call to schedule Pest Control in Fort Worth.

Ladybug Beetle Behavior

The first frost sends ladybug beetles in search of a cool place to spend the winter. They congregate on the south-facing exterior walls, and often find their way inside homes through cracks and holes in the siding, and around screens and doors. They are not destructive of any materials inside your home, and simply want to hibernate within your walls, attic, and other out of sight locations. When the weather warms up in the spring, the ladybugs will scamper to find their way outdoors. The best time for professional pest control in Fort Worth is after the insect has emerged from hibernation and has made its way outdoors.

Why Ladybugs are Active in Homes during the Winter

Once they are inside a home where the indoor temperature is warmer, the ladybugs metabolism enters their summer mode. They will instinctively move toward light, commonly the windows. With their metabolism raised for summer, and no food source available, they rapidly use up their winter reserves and die, piling up in window sills. This is the reason you will continue to see a few Ladybugs in your home during the winter. Warm days can also result in an increased number of the insect indoors. This is likely a sign they have found entrance into your walls where they can be present in large numbers. Contact The Bug Dude to schedule pest control in Fort Worth.

Indoor Invasions

Control Ladybug Beetle invasions by sealing cracks and crevices around windows, eaves, doors, and siding. In addition, seal gaps surrounding pipes, conduits, and wires entering your home. Sealing a multistoried structure can be difficult, and is why many homeowners prefer professional pest control in Fort Worth.

Allergies and Bites

Although it is uncommon, Asian Ladybug Beetles can cause allergic reactions in some people. Symptoms include itchy eyes, sneezing, congestion, and a runny nose. Sinus irritations and mild skin irritations have been associated after encounters with the Asian ladybug beetle. Medical studies indicate the severity of sinus issues subside once the beetles are removed from the home with pest control in Fort Worth.

For those adversely affected by the insect, it is essential to provide proper sealing of the home, frequent vacuuming, and routine pest control in Fort Worth. Asian Ladybug Beetles do not carry disease, and are not toxic or venomous. You may feel a slight prick on your skin when handling the beetles. This is due to small spurs on the beetle’s hind legs.

Pest Prevention Tips

The pest prevention tips for Ladybugs have the added benefit of working to prevent the entry of other pests. In the following, we look a little closer at locations that may be overlooked:

1. Sealing gaps, cracks and holes will assist in preventing the entry of Ladybugs, as well as other crawling and flying insects, and mice. It also has the added benefit of potentially reducing the energy bill! Start with the exterior walls, by sealing cracks and gaps in siding, especially around windows and doors if unsealed. Use a silicone or polyurethane-based caulking product to allow for expansion and contraction of the vinyl window.
2. Seal large gaps around cables, wires, pipe, and ducts with steel wool, and fill the remaining gap with expanding foam. You can also use an expanding foam product alone for small gaps and cracks.
3. Attach screen wire to the inside of foundation and attic vents, and seal ventilation pipes on the roof. However, for hot exhaust pipes such as for a gas furnace or gas water heater, a heat tolerant type of metal mesh is required.
4. Trim shrubs and tree limbs back from the house. Insects and animals will use them to gain access to your home.
5. Feed pets indoors, and don’t leave food out overnight.
6. Don’t stack firewood, or pile debris near your home.
7. A clean house deters pests. Wipe the dishes clean, and store in a closed dishwasher if you are unable to wash them before going to bed. Ensure garbage cans are tightly sealed, and empty often.
8. As water attracts pests, it pays to have leaks repaired.
9. Repair or replace damaged screens, and ensure the frames fit snugly without gaps.

To prevent Ladybugs and other pests in your home, contact The Bug Dude for professional pest control in Fort Worth. Our pest control professionals serve Fort Worth, Dallas and the surrounding areas with quality pest control services. In addition, if you also have a problem with opossums, armadillos or other wildlife, our professionals offer humane wild animal control services.

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Termites cause billions of dollars in property damage throughout the U.S. every year, and homes can be reach the point of being structurally unsound without your even being aware of an infestation. All termites consume cellulose-based plant materials, and every home has numerous sources, which can provide food for termites. Give The Bug Dude a call for a suspected termite infestation, our professionals will provide the pest control in Fort Worth that you need.

Termites feed on dead plants and trees as well as dead parts of living trees, and including wood and wood in the soil. A termite’s feeding habits are capable of causing significant damage to property. Subterranean termites typically construct their nests in the soil. When a colony has matured, termites in a home will swarm, and the winged insects will be attracted to windows and doors. Winged termites are most active in the spring. However, they are active year round, working 24 hours a day. If you see termites in or near your home, contact The Bug Dude for pest control in Fort Worth.

What Can You Do to Help Protect Your Home?

Professional pest control in Fort Worth is required for a termite infestation. However, you can take steps to make your home less inviting. Eliminating moisture and food sources will go a long way in deterring termites from your property.

Eliminate Moisture Problems

• Repair water leaks, both indoors and outside of the home. Moisture creates an ideal environment for termites, and repairing leaks and other causes of moisture will deter termites.
• Divert water from the foundation by ensuring gutters are functional and in good shape, and free of clogging debris. Use downspout diverters to carry water safely away from your home or have them plumbed to empty into the municipal sewer system.
• Remove excessive plant cover and wood mulch. Foundation plants should be at least 12 inches from the foundation, and trimmed to ensure they don’t touch the walls.
• Contact a roofer for repair of leaky roofs.
• Keep all ventilation pipes free of debris and open. In addition, covering vent pipes with a screen will prevent insects from entering your home through the pipe.
• Seal entry points around water and utility lines or pipes to keep pests like termites out of your home, in addition it may assist you on your energy costs.

Termites need moisture to survive, and will die if exposed to sunlight or open air for more than a few minutes. Their tunnels protect them from the elements. High moisture areas like basements and crawl spaces are very attractive to termites and can serve as starting points for an infestation. Once inside, termites can infest any part of your home.

When you contact The Bug Dude for pest control in Fort Worth, we will provide an examination of your home and provide suggestions for deterring termites and other pests.

Remove Termite Food Sources

• Store firewood, and lumber as far from your home as possible. Twenty feet is the minimum you should consider. Termites can travel as far as 130 feet from the colony, and once they detect a food source, they leave a chemical trail for others to follow.
• Piles of brush, limbs, sticks and other woody debris are attractive to termites and other pests. Cleaning up around your home goes a long way in termite prevention. In addition, have stumps removed to deter termites. Once your property is free of the cellulose material termites love, contact The Bug Dude for pest control in Fort Worth to rid your property of existing termites.
• Routinely inspect decks and wooden fences for termite damage. Remember, termites are attracted to dead or rotting wood. A deck or fence in good repair is less likely to attract termites. An even better solution is to utilize synthetic materials that won’t rot.

Signs of Termites

The following are some of the signs of a termite infestation, and an indication of the need to call for prompt pest control in Fort Worth:

• Wood that sounds hollow when tapped.
• Mud tubes on exterior walls, wooden beams, on the foundation or in crawl spaces.
• The presence of discarded wings from swarming insects indicated an infestation.
• Buckling paint or small holes in the wood may indicate the presence of termites.
• Swarming termites inside of your home are evidence they have infested the structure.

Although termites may only be visible during the spring and summer, termites are active even when they are not visible. If you see termites inside your home, remember it means damage may already be underway. Contact our knowledgeable professionals for pest control in Fort Worth.

Any home in the southern U.S. is vulnerable to a termite infestation, and should be routinely inspected by a professional for termites. In the South, termites cause millions of dollars in damage to homes each year. Even if your home has a concrete block foundation or basement, termites can enter the home. No home is immune, but The Bug Dude can provide your best defense with professional pest control in Fort Worth.

Termites typically emerge during on warm days after rain. Spotting termites outdoors near tree stumps, brush piles or other outdoor locations, is not an indication that your home has an infestation, but does mean they are present on the outside.

Subterranean termites nest in the ground and build mud tubes that connect the moist nest to the food source. The presence of mud tubes may indicate an active termite infestation, although a lack of the tubes does not necessarily mean the structure is termite free. Termites can access the wooden structure of your home through tiny cracks or voids in the foundation wall, beneath outside stucco or siding, through earth-filled porches, steps, and other means. Breaking the tubes open will allow you to determine if an active termite infestation is present.

If termites are infesting your home, give The Bug Dude a call. We will inspect your home, identify the species of termite and provide pest control in Fort Worth to rid your home of termites. Once termites are spotted damage has often already occurred. Immediate action with professional pest control in Fort Worth is required to stop the damage, termites are inflicting to your home. The professional results you need are just a phone call away, so call today.

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Bed Bug Infestation Prevention

Experts believe the growing problem of bed bugs in the U.S. is due to increased travel, and the increased resistance of the pests to many pesticides. The environment that bed bugs require to thrive can be found inside your home. While the thought is cringe worthy, there are specific steps you can take to discourage them from infesting your home. Use the following tips to assist in making your home less attractive to these pests, and call The Bug Dude for treatment of an active infestation with pest control in Fort Worth.

The Elusive Bed Bug

Bed bugs are elusive pests who like to hide in cracks and crevices. An area that you can slide a business card into is the hiding place of choice for a bed bug. Though named bed bugs, they are not limited to this location. However, it is one of their preferred locations, so check under the mattress, bed frame and the headboard. Inspect for small rust-colored spots on bed sheets, mattress tags, seams, and bed skirts. If you find a bed bug infestation, or the potential signs give us a call for professional pest control in Fort Worth.

Use Mattress Covers

Before a bed bug infestation occurs, place the mattress and box springs in sealed mattress covers that entirely encase the mattress/springs, and seal with zippers. Although this protects the mattress, it does not get rid of an active infestation. An active infestation requires professional pest control in Fort Worth

Bed bugs typically feed at night, but when an infestation exists, they can generally be found during the day within a 5-foot radius of the bed.

Discouraging Bed Bugs

• During extermination, bed bugs will take refuge in power outlets until it is safe to come out. Plug unused power outlets with childproof safety plugs.
• Use the vacuum to help rid the home of these pests. Thoroughly vacuum all mattresses, box springs, and floors ensuring careful vacuuming of the crevice where the floor and wall meet. Inspect other furniture, and vacuum thoroughly if infestation is suspected. An abundance of caution is preferred in bed bug infestations. Vacuuming may nip a bed bug infestation before it gets out of control.

After vacuuming is complete, remove the bag, place in a sealed trash bag, and dispose in the garbage can outdoors. For vacuums with removable canisters, empty them into a trash bag outdoors. This precautionary measure can prevent the pests from escaping back into your home.

• Clutter provides a safe sanctuary for bed bugs so tidy up. Organize and properly store items to prevent their becoming a refuge for bed bugs. If bedbugs are still present after you declutter and follow all other tips, contact us for professional pest control in Fort Worth.
• Vacuum-sealed bags are a solution for storing clothing and extra bedding such as sheets, quilts, and blankets. Not only will they keep the contents clean, dry and free from pests, they enable you to neatly organize and maximize closet and storage space.
• Monitor pet bedding for bed bugs. Select pet beds you can wash and dry on the highest setting.
• Be cautious of purchasing used items. Used furniture, clothing, electronics and other used items can appear clean, and harbor bed bugs. Remember to check the cracks, crevices and ventilation areas.
• Public laundry facilities are a haven for bed bugs, transferring them from one location to another. Consider using plastic garbage bags rather than an open laundry basket.
• Inspect rooms when staying in hotels. Inspect the bed, furniture, and artwork for signs of bed bugs. If bed bugs are in the room, ask to be moved far from its location, as adjacent rooms are likely to also be infested. When repacking for the trip home, carefully inspect the luggage for pests, and keep it off the bed. Do not store luggage in your bedroom when you return. Place clothing from the luggage in the dryer on the highest heat for 15 minutes after you return. If bed bugs are present after a vacation contact The Bug Dude for professional pest control in Fort Worth.
• Seal cracks and crevices on the outside and inside of your home. Inspect windows and screens for torn or damaged areas and repair or replace.

Help is Only a Phone Call Away

If you already have a bed bug infestation, or suspect one, contact The Bug Dude for professional, and effective treatment. Scheduling routine pest control in Fort Worth is an essential component of preventing pests. Our professionals are trained and knowledgeable in identifying your home’s specific pest control needs. Furthermore, our technicians are up-to-date on the latest in pest control techniques, enabling us to provide a custom treatment plan for every situation. Contact The Bug Dude today for effective pest control in Fort Worth, Dallas, and the surrounding areas.

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In the fall, insects and rodents are looking for a warm shelter for the winter. Unfortunately, our homes provide an inviting place for pests with food, water, and warmth. Termites and ants will invade a home and burrow into the wood, creating tunnels through the framework and support beams. The damage can be devastating, and the cost of repair excessive – when repair is possible at all. Scheduling professional pest control in Fort Worth can take control of invading pests, and prevent additional infestations.

Rodents will enter the wall spaces, chew on wires, and eat holes in sheetrock. They create the risk of fire by chewing on electric wires, and cause problems by chewing through phone, internet and other cables and wire. Locating the damaged wires can be difficult, and costly to repair, and rodents bring the risk of numerous diseases. The Bug Dude can treat your rodent problem, contact us to schedule effective pest control in Fort Worth.

Cockroaches are a common reason for homeowners to call for pest control in Fort Worth. There is a good reason for treating the problem, as cockroaches carry the risk of disease into your home. They crawl over dishes in the cabinets, through packaged goods such as sugar and flour, crawl over the silver wear in the drawer, and leave feces behind with the stamp of viruses and bacterial diseases.

These creepy crawlies are not alone in their attraction to your warm home. Ticks will try to shelter there, and carry the risk of Lyme’s disease, Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosos, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Tularemia to name a few. In addition, spiders, wasps, and fleas will try to enter your home, along with ladybugs, stinkbugs, silverfish, centipedes, and a host of others. Professional pest control in Fort Worth provides the solution to your pest problem.

You do not have to dread the fall migration of insects and rodents seeking shelter. Proper fall maintenance by sealing the potential entries of cracks and gaps, and scheduling professional pest control in Fort Worth can treat your yard and home, stopping many pests before they can even enter.

Actions a homeowner can provide to deter pests in conjunction with professionally provided pest control in Fort Worth include:

• Replace worn door sweeps on exterior doors, and install a steel or aluminum threshold
• Inspect the door seal under garage doors and replace if gaps are present
• Replace or repair damaged screens (see below repair tip)
• Ensure the proper fit of all exterior doors, if gaps have arisen that weather stripping is unable to seal replace the door and/or door facing
• Use screen over vents and chimneys. Ensure you utilize high temperature tolerant metal mesh over the chimney
• Seal cracks, crevices, and gaps on the outside of the home, including the areas where utilities, cables, ducts and pipes enter the foundation
• Store nonperishable food in airtight plastic or glass containers
• Store garbage in tightly sealed containers and dispose of regularly
• Replace loose mortar and weather stripping around the basement foundation, doors, and windows
• Eliminate moisture by repairing leaking pipes, faucets, and clogged drains
• Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house, and do not bring extra into the home or on the porch
• Keep shrubbery and tree branches trimmed at least 12 inches from the walls and roof
• Have dead trees and stumps near the home removed
• Keep the lawn neatly trimmed, and free of leaf or debris piles
• Do not use wood mulch, consider using gravel or rock instead
• Replace rotted materials on the home such as fascia, for example
• Repair roof leaks and loose flashing
• Porch posts should sit on concrete, and not the soil
• Clean countertops, tables and floors routinely to prevent crumbs and other foods from attracting pests
• Do not leave dirty dishes on the counter or in the sink. If you are unable to wash them for some time, store them in the dishwasher
• Do not leave pet food out overnight
• Maintain a neat, clean and clutter free home to help prevent pests
• Frequent vacuuming can eliminate pests and eggs
• Do not store newspaper, magazines or other paper products, dispose of them properly on a routine basis
• Properly treat pets for fleas and ticks, and inspect them before bringing back indoors
• Professional pest control in Fort Worth will help to prevent fleas and ticks in the yard that can attach to pets
• Ensure tightly fitting crawlspace doors, to keep out pests and snakes as well
• Screen the air vents that provide ventilation for the attic

Screen Repair

Screen repair may be possible for small holes. Use household cement, instant glue, or clear nail polish to seal tiny holes. Trim larger holes in a neat square, and patch with a new piece of screen about ½ inch larger than the hole. Press some of the teeth on the patch through the screen and bend them to hold in place. Use epoxy to seal the patch in place on metal screen, or instant glue for vinyl or fiberglass screens. Large tears or holes will require screen replacement.

To prevent pest infestation in your home, or to treat a current one, contact The Bug Dude to inspect, identify and provide effective, professional pest control in Fort Worth. Our pest control professionals are up-to-date on the latest techniques and treatments for control of pests. We serve Fort Worth, Dallas and the surrounding areas with quality pest control services.

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Cute to some, while horrifying to others mice do not appear to be especially threatening. Nevertheless, do not underestimate the damage and the threat these unwanted pests can cause in your home. With the fall season upon us, mice and other pests will be seeking alternate food sources inside structures, such as your home. The Bug Dude is ready to take your call for professional pest control in Fort Worth. You can rely on our knowledgeable specialists for pest control services.

When mice seek food in your home, not only can they spoil it with their droppings and urine, but can transmit dangerous bacteria, to countertops and food preparation areas, and can contaminate food by chewing through its packaging. Maintaining a clean home, and routine pest control in Fort Worth will help to ensure a pest free home.

In addition, mice are a significant threat to your home’s structural integrity. They destroy insulation, and can chew through wallboards, cardboard, wood, and electrical wiring. In fact, rodents are the cause of an estimated 25 percent of house fires in the United States every year. Do not take the risk if your home has mice. Contact us for professional pest control in Fort Worth.

Good sanitation practices are one means of keeping mice out of your home successfully. Keep counters clean and free of clutter; eliminate clutter throughout the home, and routinely collect and empty garbage, and trash. In addition, be sure that all garbage receptacles indoors and out, have tight-fitting covers.

Preventative action is the best means for ensuring your home remains rodent-free. Mice are opportunists that will look for a way inside a structure in search of food, water, and shelter, and during the fall and winter, you can count on mice searching for a way into your home. The following tips, and professional pest control in Fort Worth will assist you in taking preventative action against mice.

Mice Prevention Tips

Outdoors

1. Seal cracks, gaps and holes on the outside of your home. Possible routes of entry include areas where utilities lines, cables, and pipes enter the home. This includes high points as mice can climb, and can jump up to 12 inches high, and can squeeze through the tiniest of openings.
2. Replace loose mortar around the basement or crawlspace foundation, and seal cracks and gaps.
3. Do not store firewood near your home, and use blocks or other to raise it above the ground high enough to see under.
4. Keep shrubs and trees trimmed away from your home, cut the grass regularly, rake leaves, and remove debris piles in the yard.
5. Controlling insects in the yard help to control mice populations. Contact the Bug Dude for professional pest control in Fort Worth.
6. Inspect the weather stripping on the garage and exterior doors, and replace if necessary to eliminate gaps.
7. Do not forget to check the screens on the dryer and other utility vents for tears or openings, and replace if necessary.
8. Inspect the screens on windows, and ensure they fit tightly without gaps. Replace screen frames if they are warped, and screen wire or mesh if tears are present.

Indoors

1. Seal gaps around plumbing, wire, and cable entries on the inside of the home with caulking, expanding foam, or steel wool. Sealing cracks and holes in your home prevents mice and other pests from gaining access to your house.
2. Mice eat up to twenty times per day, and look for a location with easy access to food. Accessing cabinets, (even the top ones) pose no difficulty for mice to find entry. Place food in plastic or glass containers with tight fitting lids to deter mice. This includes all packaged goods in cabinets and the pantry. This does not mean you have to open all the packaged food. Simply store packaged goods in tightly sealed plastic containers in the pantry. Cabinet size plastic containers can store your packaged goods, and can either lift out, or purchase tightly sealing plastic containers with hinged lids.
3. Do not leave leftovers and vegetable parings, dirty pots and pans or dishes out until the next morning. To mice, this practice throws out a big welcome mat. Place food in a tightly sealing trash can, rinse off dishes and utensils to remove food residue (do not forget to run your garbage disposal), and store in a closed dishwasher until you are ready to run a cycle. Clean up food spills and dropped food. Remember, if mice are unable to obtain food, they will not hang around your home. If mice are infesting your home, contact us today to receive effective pest control in Fort Worth.
4. Clean your closet and utilize plastic totes rather than boxes to keep mice and other pests away. Drawers anywhere in the home are favorite nesting spots for mice. Clean drawers routinely and store seldom used items in zip style bags, or vacuum seal bags. This will prevent mice from defecating and urinating on your little used clothing.

Scheduling routine pest control in Fort Worth is an essential part of good housekeeping practice to deter mice and other pests. Our professionals are trained and knowledgeable in evaluating your property and identifying your home’s specific pest control needs. Contact The Bug Dude today for effective pest control in Fort Worth, Dallas, and the surrounding areas.

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The presence of spiders in and around the home is a common trigger for homeowners to schedule pest control in Fort Worth. There have been estimates of a thousand known species of spiders in Texas. While arachnologists say there is no need to call for treatment of non-threatening spiders, we understand that few persons want spiders in their home. Give us a call for professional pest control in Fort Worth. Some of the non-poisonous spiders commonly seen in and around our homes are:

Agelenopsis spp. (Grass Spiders)
As members of the funnel weaver family Agelenidae, grass spiders spin dense, sheet like webs with a funnel type retreat where they hide.

The cephalothorax is pear shaped, with two dark stripes running the full length. The abdomen is an elongated oval. Legs are spiny and hairy with a mottled appearance.

Agelenopsis is typically found on funnel webs among the grass, in the corners of buildings and other man-made structures. The spider spends most of its time in its funnel-like retreat, except for when waiting for prey. Males will leave the web at night to hunt, and can enter the home.

The Bug Dude will provide professional pest control in Fort Worth for the treatment of your home of spiders and/or other pests.

Argiope aurantia (Black and Yellow Garden Spider)
Often called a Garden Spider, and a Golden Orb Weaver, the female of the species can grow to enormous sizes, up to 28 mm, almost 3 inches! They spin an orb web with a zigzag band.

Body
Abdomen is semi oval shape, while the carapace is silver or white. The pattern on the top of the abdomen is black and yellow, while the underside is mottled black with two vertical, parallel yellow stripes. The adult male typically sports shades of brown and is considerably smaller than the female.

Legs are long with front two pairs of legs directed forward, while the rear two pairs of legs are directed backwards. Each distal leg tip has 3 claws. Common in forest edges, gardens, fallow fields, farms and orchards. The spiders prey are insects caught in the web, though they will occasionally capture lizards. These spiders seldom enter the home, though they may build nests between trees, and shrubs and the home’s walls. Contact The Bug Dude for professional pest control in Fort Worth to rid your home and property of pests.

Castianeira longipalpa (Ant Mimic Spider)
The Ant Mimic Spider is a distinctly patterned wandering hunter, catching prey at night and during the day. Their movements often mimic the carpenter ant, earning them the nickname “antmimic.”

Body
The abdomen is an elongated oval, typically brown, black, or dark red, with stripes of white or yellow hairs. The carapace is pear-shaped with a base color of black, brown, or dark red, though it is typically covered in white or yellow hairs. The legs are spiny, especially on the back legs, which are the longest. Two claws are located at the tips of the legs.

Typically lives in locations close to the ground in leaves, under rocks and logs. Habitat may also be close to, or in buildings. This spider is a hunter chasing its prey down and subduing it. If pests are a problem in your home, contact The Bug Dude for professional and effective pest control in Fort Worth.

Cheiracanthium mildei (Longlegged Sac Spider)
The Longlegged Sac Spider is pale green, tan, or yellow night hunter with very long front legs. Originally a native to southern Europe, this spider migrated to North America, where it has become fairly widespread. It is typically found indoors, where it prowls at night, looking for prey or mates.

Body
The cephalothorx and abdomen are about the same size. The abdomen in oval in shape. Legs are long relative to the body size. The legs have 2 claws.

In the United States, its territory are the walls and ceilings of houses. The spider does not spin a web, though it does spin a bed where it rests during the day. The Longlegged sac spider hunts at night. The Bug Dude’s professionals can provide the pest control in Fort Worth that you need to rid your home of pests.

Dolomedes tenebrosus (Dark Fishing Spider)
This spider is a large arachnid typically seen on tree trunks, fence posts, or the exterior walls of buildings, typically at night. They do not spin webs to capture prey, but ambush large insects, and occasionally minnows that come within striking distance when located near water.

The cephalothorax and abdomen are about equal in size, with the abdomen rounded in the front, and tapered towards the rear. The legs are long, especially in the males in proportion to the body size. They have 3 claws at the tips of their legs.

Pholcus phalangioides (Longbodied Cellar Spider)
Also called Daddy Longlegs, though it is not the six legged arachnid who shares the same common name.

The abdomen is cylindrical and elongated. The cephalothorax is beige and has two gray markings in the center. The legs are extremely long and slender with 3 claws at the tip.

This spider prefers low light areas in homes, buildings and caves. A disorganized web is used to capture insects, including spiders larger than itself. Contact The Bug Dude for pest control in Fort Worth today.

Scytodes thoracica (Spitting Spider)
Unlike many spiders with eight eyes, Scytodes has only six. Both the cephalothorax and abdomen, are rounded and about the same size. The legs are pale and spindly, with 3 claws at the tips. This spider hunts its prey and immobilizes it by spitting a mixture of silk, glue, and venom onto it. Scytodes resides in homes on walls and ceilings, in cellars, closets, and other dark areas at night.

Though their territory is typically indoors, they can occasionally be found outdoors in close proximity to homes, as well. Contact The Bug Dude for professional pest control in Fort Worth.

If poisonous or common spiders in Texas are infesting your home, give us a call. We will inspect your home, identify the species of spider(s), and provide the appropriate pest control in Fort Worth.

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For many of us, just hearing the word spiders causes us to shiver and shudder. They are among the least favorite of the creepy crawlies, and once they appear, a call is typically made to the local pest control in Fort Worth. The Bug Dude can take care of your pest control needs.

Of the 45,000 known species of spiders, 205 species of the arachnids have been involved in medical research. It turns out, that 40% of the species have a peptide that will revolutionize the treatment of chronic pain in the near future.

Current research reveals that spider venom in the 40% contains seven peptides, with the ability to block the ascending nerve pathway to the brain. Incredibly (considering it originates from spider venom), the new class of painkillers will offer fewer side effects than traditional painkillers.

There are nine sodium channels in the human body (Nav 1.1 through Nav 1.9), and each channel affects particular cells. In simple terms, sodium channels are the “gateway” of nerve function. Nav 1.7 channels provide a pathway for pain to the brain, and the identified spider venom peptides offer the promise to block the pain pathway.

Spider venom not only has the potential to block pain pathways, but also promises to be a non-addictive solution for those who suffer from chronic pain.

However, knowing about the current research may not change your opinion of spiders, or stop the shivers when you see one in your home. However, spiders are helpful outdoors by eating a number of insects. The majority of spiders are harmless to humans, as not all are able to bite through our skin. However, all spiders do have venom. Contact The Bug Dude today for professional pest control in Fort Worth.

Tips to Control Spiders

Inside the Home

• Maintain a clutter free home, garage, sheds, basements and other storage areas
• Control humidity in attics, basements, and other dark areas of the home
• Seal boxes and any openings with tape
• Routinely vacuum up spiders, webs and egg sacs
• Seal cracks and crevices around doors, windows and foundations
• Always check shoes before putting them on
• Vacuum behind headboard often, it is a frequent spider habitat
• Pesticides require more frequent application for spiders than other insects

Outdoor Control

• Wood piles, and piles of debris attract spiders, clean them up to deter them
• Shrubs and other plantings should not be closer than 12 inches from the home to deter spiders and other insects
• Keep webs removed outdoors on patio furniture and items near the home
• Insects attract predatory spiders, keeping the prey down with pest control in Fort Worth will help to control spider populations

Of the approximate 3,400 species of spiders throughout North America, only two in the southern and western United States are potentially deadly – the black widow and the brown recluse. These two species can rapidly become an infestation, and due to the severity of the risk they pose, require pest control in Fort Worth. While some spiders like damp environments such as basements and crawl spaces, other like dry environments such as your heating and air conditioning system’s duct work, corners, and attics.

Black Widows

Black widows are shiny black in color, and are identified by the red hourglass marking on the underside of their abdomens. Typical measurements are 3 to 10 mm in size. Females are larger than males and can measure up to 13 mm in body length. Spiderlings (babies) are white and orange in color and resemble adult black widow males. However, the females will turn black as they mature. If you suspect a black widow infestation, contact The Bug Dude for professional pest control in Fort Worth

The black widow spider prefers dark, secluded areas woodpiles outdoors. Inside the home, they prefer sheltered, dimly lit locations such as garages, dark corners, basements, closets and cluttered areas. Black widows are nocturnal spiders, though they spin webs during daytime. They are abundant in the southern U.S.

Several species of widows are present in the United States. The most common in the American South are the southern widow (Latrodectus mactans), and the brown widow (Latrodectus geometricus). Bites can result in a severe reaction, or even death. Contact The Bug Dude today for effective pest control in Fort Worth.

Brown Recluse

The adult brown recluse will vary in color from dull yellow to tawny, dark brown. Younger spiders are lighter in color than adults are. Adults measure approximately 6 to 11 mm in length of body.

Brown recluse spiders are identified by the presence of a dark, violin-shaped mark on the dorsum of the arachnid’s cephalothorax, with the neck of the violin directed toward the abdomen. The violin marking has also earned this spider the name of fiddle-back spiders.

Brown recluse spiders prefer dark, sheltered places in homes, barns, and basements. Webs appear disorganized, and are typically located near the ground, or floor level. The spider is a hunter, so the web is not a tool to catch prey. The spider roams around searching for prey. The brown recluse inhabits the central southern part of the U.S., from Texas to the western section of Florida.

The bite can result in infection, gangrene, and death. Infestations can expand rather quickly. If you suspect a brown recluse infestation, call The Bug Dude for professional pest control in Fort Worth.

Tip: If you utilize glue traps to assist with spider control, a bug on the trap will attract spiders. Take notice of the spider’s location, if all spiders are located on one side, examine the wall on that side for cracks, and seal it. Leave the traps out, as a species may be nocturnal, while others are active during the day.

If spiders are infesting your home, give The Bug Dude a call for expert pest control. We will inspect your home, identify the species of spider, and provide the appropriate pest control in Fort Worth for spider eradication. Our trained professionals can take care of your pest control in Fort Worth needs.

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There are close to 900 species of spiders in Texas. Of these, only two groups are poisonous to humans. Persons who receive bites from either of these two groups of venomous spiders should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Give us a call today to schedule pest control in Fort Worth, and the surrounding areas.

Brown Recluse

Loxosceles reclusa
The brown recluse spider is one of the most widespread in the southern and central U.S. The shy recluse hides during the day, and is active at night. It lives in and around buildings in dark, warm, dry places, such as closets, under porches, in barns, etc. The spider is also known as ‘the fiddle back’ spider, because of the marking of a violin on its back between the eyes and the abdomen. The shape of the violin is easy to mistake, so the eyes are the best means of identifying a brown recluse. The spider has six eyes, rather than eight like the majority of spiders.

An additional characteristic of the recluse is holding its legs at a slant when resting. Amazingly, the spider can go months without eating, and the female needs to mate only once to produce fertile eggs throughout her lifetime, producing 150 or more spiderlings in a year. Once they establish residence in a structure, they are often difficult to control without professional pest control in Fort Worth. Hundreds of brown recluses can be living in a home, while only a few are seen due to their reclusive behavior.

The spider’s venom causes the gangrenous death and decay of the tissue surrounding the site of the brown recluse spider bite. While some persons only experience intense itching, others report the symptoms of chills, itching, fever, nausea, sweating and general malaise (sickness and discomfort). A blister forms, with the potential for a volcano lesion to develop, and may take as long as 8 weeks to heal. Though rare, death may occur. Due to the large numbers that can be present in a home, when present, professional pest control in Fort Worth is strongly recommended.

The National Institute of Health (NIH) recommends when bitten, wash the wound with soap and water, wrap ice in a cloth and apply 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off, repeating until you arrive at an emergency room. Bring the spider if possible for identification. Contact The Bug Dude for effective pest control in Fort Worth.

Other Facts

The brown recluse prefers dark, undisturbed locations, and is common in homes. It is wise to shake out shoes and clothing before putting them on, and to wear gloves while reaching into places where visibility is not good. The brown recluse does not use webs to catch prey but actively hunts its prey. Bites from the recluse are more common than from the black widow. If this spider is present in and around your home, contact us to provide pest control in Fort Worth.

Five types of brown recluses are known in parts of Texas: Loxosceles rufescens, Loxosceles apachae, Loxosceles devia, Loxosceles blanda and Loxosceles reclusa. The latter is the most commonly reported. The Bug Dude’s professionals can provide the pest control in Fort Worth that you need.

The Wolf Spider

The wolf spider is often mistaken for a brown recluse. Wolf spiders look similar to the recluse; however, they lack the violin shape on the head, and are hairy, unlike the recluse. They do not build webs to capture prey, hunting at night as the brown recluse does. The wolf spider is not venomous.

Southern House Spider

Kukulcania hibernalis looks slightly similar to a recluse, but is larger and does not have the violin-shaped marking on its head. Female southern house spiders build webs, while the male hunts, like the recluse or the wolf spider. This spider is not venomous.

Black Widow

Latrodectus mactans
Black Widows are found throughout the U. S., though it is most commonly seen in the southern states. It prefers dark corners and crevices, as well as protected cavities outdoors, such as sheds, garages, and other undisturbed places. The adult southern black widow is a shiny black spider with a distinctive red hourglass pattern on the underside of its globular abdomen. The northern black widow has a row of red spots down the middle of the upper surface of the abdomen, and two crosswise bars on the underside. Furthermore, the northern spider may be brown, rather than black.

The Black Widow’s name originates from the reputation of some of the females of the species of devouring the males after mating, but this is not true of all. Only the female is dangerous to humans. The bite feels like a pinprick when felt at all. Initially, there may be slight local swelling and redness, and two red spots in the area of the bite.

Symptoms usually start within 20 minutes to one hour after the bite. Pain may become intense within one to three hours and can continue up to 48 hours. Pain is typically localized in the abdomen and back. Other possible symptoms include muscle cramps, pain in the soles of the feet, swollen eyelids, nausea, weakness, fainting, chest pain, profuse perspiration, dizziness, tremors, difficulty breathing, and speech, and vomiting. The victim may experience a weak pulse, cold clammy skin, unconsciousness, convulsions, and even death may result if the victim does not receive immediate medical attention. Bites are uncommon and death is rare, though if seen in your home, pest control in Fort Worth is strongly recommended.

Do not risk the bite of the black widow spider, if you have seen this spider in or around your home, contact us to provide pest control in Fort Worth.

What to Do
Seek immediate medical attention. Those at the greatest risk of a serious reaction to Black Widow venom are small children, and the elderly. If symptoms are severe, call 911 for emergency transport, so treatment can begin.

Other Facts

Not all black widow bites contain venom. The spider can choose to bite while injecting venom, or to deliver a bite without venom. The venomous bite is more likely to occur when it feels its life is threatened.

Texas claims four types of black widow: Latrodectus geometricus, Latrodectus mactan, Latrodectus various and Latrodectus hesperus. The black widow builds webs, which makes it easier for you to see it. Contact The Bug Dude for pest control in Fort Worth.

If your home or office has a problem with venomous spiders or other pests, contact The Bug Dude to schedule effective pest control in Fort Worth, and the surrounding areas. Our technicians are trained, and knowledgeable of the latest in pest control techniques, which enables us to provide effective custom treatment plans for every situation.

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With summer in full swing, fire ants are active in their continued expansion across the southern U.S. Fire ants are prolific invaders, and each year cause approximately $6 billion in damages throughout the U.S. Control is the best defense, and professional pest control in Fort Worth is the best means of managing a fire ant infestation.

The fire ant now inhabits the southern United States, and continues to invade new regions, expanding its territory. The fire ant first entered the United States at Mobile, Ala., in 1918 aboard a cargo ship thought to be from Argentina.

Since then, the infestation has reached Central Texas, southern Tennessee, and as far as North Carolina’s southern coastal plain. Not even flooding can deter fire ants. They simply form a raft by locking arms, legs, and jaws and can survive for months in this formation. The stinging pests have adapted well to life in the U.S., thriving in the climate and landscape with little or no predator, except for humans and pest control in Fort Worth.

Experts initially thought the colder climates to the north and west may limit further expansion of the fire ant. Unfortunately, plant nurseries and sod farms delivering soil across the country appear to be opening new avenues of diffusion, while the pests range continues to expand despite all efforts.

The fire ant lives in immense colonies that produce mounds of dirt, typically up to three feet across and as much as two feet high. Each colony has a queen, and can number up to 500,000 ants, which may include new queens.

The new queens will fly to new territories where they lay about a dozen eggs and establish new colonies. The eggs hatch about 7 to 10 days later. Once the colony is established, a queen fed by worker ants may lay up to 800 eggs per day. Adults emerge within 15 days. Worker ants exhibit a range of sizes and typically live about 5 weeks, while queen ants can live 7 years or longer. Pest control in Fort Worth is the best means of controlling fire ant infestations.

A fire ant colony is omnivorous, feeding on plant and animal sources alike, such as seeds, young plants, and other insects. However, fire ants can be beneficial as they feed primarily on other pests. In urban areas, fire ants feed on flea larvae, chinch bugs, cockroach eggs, ticks and other pests. Unfortunately, the ants will attack anything that inadvertently disturbs their mounds, swarming to the surface and inflicting painful stings. The can invade homes, and have been known to attack infants, and very young children as they sleep in their beds. In addition, fire ants take their toll on newborn livestock birthed on or close to a nest.

When attacking, fire ants first use their mandibles to grip their prey, and then inject venom through a stinger. Fire ant stings are painful, and may be fatal to those who experience an allergic reaction. Ants can enter through tiny cracks, seeking water or food. The most common sign of an ant infestation is the observation of worker ants in the home. Fire ants in the home require immediate action, contact the Bug Dude for pest control in Fort Worth when the painful pest invades your home.

Typical fire ant colonies with one queen per nest are monogyne colonies. Others can have multiple queens and are polygyne colonies. The polygyne colony is more difficult to control as a single surviving queen will ensure the colony’s survival. Polygyne colonies frequently expand with satellite mounds, which occur when some of the queens and workers create new mounds nearby.

Polygyne colonies result in significantly higher mound densities per acre, and while 50 mounds per acre is typical in heavy infestations, infestations as high as 1,000 mounds per acre can occur in the southeastern United States. Effective treatment of fire ants requires professional pest control in Fort Worth.

Fire ants will build mounds in almost any type of soil, but prefer open, sunny areas such as pastures, parks, lawns, and cultivated fields. New mounds can pop up almost overnight. Flooding causes colonies to leave their mounds and float until they can reach land to establish a new mound.

Tips to Discourage Fire Ants in the Home

1. Clean up food and drink spills, and keep food in tightly sealed containers. Do not throw kitchen waste on the lawn close to the home, as this will attract foraging ants.
2. Fire ants can gain entry inside the homes by many means. A common site of entry is through poorly sealed windows. Fire ants can also enter through gaps, and holes for wiring, cables, ducts, and plumbing. If you are able to identify points of entry seal them tightly, or contact The Bug Dude for pest control in Fort Worth.
3. Moisture problems caused by plumbing leaks may attract fire ants into your home, and may colonize walls, attics and other voids. Leaky outdoor faucets and roofs also attract the pests.
4. Potted plants provide an attractive oasis for fire ants during hot, dry summers. Be especially cautious of bringing potted plants indoors, ensuring fire ants are not within the pot.
5. Inspect other objects such as toys, before bringing them indoors. Fire ant will colonize the cavities of plastic toys, and other hollow objects.
6. Store open bags or boxes of pet food in tightly sealed containers. Clean up uneaten food as soon as possible. Do not leave uneaten food out to avoid providing a food source for fire ants.
7. Mulch is beneficial for plants, holding moisture in and preventing weeds. Unfortunately, mulch provides an attractive environment for fire ants as well. Talk to your expert pest control in Fort Worth about alternatives less favorable for fire ants in your area.
8. Keep shrubbery and trees trimmed back from the home to prevent providing a “bridge” for pests to enter the home.

 
Do-it-yourself pest control seldom succeeds in little more than a reduced number of fire ants, with new beds cropping up after treatment. Effective fire ant treatment requires professional pest control in Fort Worth. The Bug Dude can provide the treatment you require to get rid of fire ants, with professional pest control in Fort Worth. Do not suffer unwanted pests in your home or on your lawn, contact the reliable professionals at The Bug Dude to schedule effective pest control in Fort Worth. We serve Fort Worth and the surrounding areas with professional pest control services.

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Preventive pest control in Fort Worth is the best solution for maintaining a bug free home. If your home is invaded by carpenter ants, and action is delayed or ignored, serious structural damage may occur to your home. When you suspect a carpenter ant infestation, call The Bug Dude for professional pest control in Fort Worth.

Carpenter ants are among the largest species of ant in the U.S., and are extremely active during the spring and summer. They build their nests in moist, decaying, or hollow wood. Carpenter ants do not eat wood, but will cut galleries and interconnecting passageways in wood. They deposit the removed outside of the nest in small piles. Unlike termites, these ants do not line the galleries with mud. Carpenter ants will feed on meat and sweets given the opportunity, and on other insects.

Once they invade a home, you are likely to find them behind bathroom tiles, around sinks, tubs, showers, and dishwashers. While these areas are prone to the moisture carpenter ants prefer, they may invade other areas of the home. They can nest in the hollow space around doors, behind walls, in ceilings, behind siding, and in storage boxes containing wooden items such as picture frames. The damage is often unknown until it is too late.

Due to their large size of up to 13mm, carpenter ants are not hard to spot. If you see them in your home (and often you will not), on porches or decks, and on the lawn, being proactive is the best response. Contact the Bug Dude for eradication of carpenter ants with pest control in Fort Worth.

Carpenter ants build two types of nests, parent colonies, and satellite colonies. Parent colonies consist of the queen, her brood, and worker ants. Satellite colonies consist of workers, older larvae, and pupae. These pests build satellite colonies when the parent colony lacks sufficient space, or when there is an ample supply of food or water to support an increased population. A single parent colony can have multiple satellite colonies. Effective pest control in Fort Worth is the optimal solution for combating carpenter ants.

Pest Control

Controlling carpenter ants on your own can be an ongoing struggle that typically fails to achieve full eradication. Professional pest control in Fort Worth is the most effective means of ridding your home and property of the pest, and the best means of preventing future invasions.

Getting rid of carpenter ants requires finding and destroying their nest, and satellite colonies. When you consider all of the locations they may be in your home, the task is daunting, and rightfully so. Once treatment is complete, take care of the cause of moisture to prevent a recurrence of the infestation. Contact a plumber repair water leaks, provide sealing of tubs and showers, or replacement of leaky tubs, showers, sinks, and toilets.

Carpenter Ant Prevention

In order to prevent damage to your home, early professional pest control in Fort Worth is essential, and is the best carpenter ant prevention measure. Other tips to discourage carpenter ants around the home include:

1. Repair roof leaks, leaky chimney flashing, and plumbing leaks. If your home has a flood issue due to runoff after a rain, contact a plumber for a sump pump, French drain, or correction of gutter and downspout problems.
2. Trim tree limbs or branches that overhang, or touch the roof. These can act as a bridge to your home. Trim foundation shrubs that touch the walls. There should be at least 12 inches between the plant and wall.
3. Seal cracks and openings around the foundation. This includes utility pipes and wires or cables entering from the exterior.
4. Stack firewood as far from the home as possible, elevate it off the ground on a non-organic material such as bricks or blocks. Do not store firewood inside the home, or on a porch. Always inspect it before bringing it inside. Carpenter Ants love to nest in firewood.
5. The supportive posts of decks should rest on concrete, and not in contact with soil.
6. Have dead trees, and stumps that are located near the home removed.
7. Do not stack brush piles near the home.
8. Cover food and store in containers. If you have little ones dropping food in the home, clean it up and vacuum often.

If you suspect your home has been invaded by carpenter ants, call The Bug Dude at 1-800-310-BUGS (2847). We will treat the infestation with professional pest control in Fort Worth, and restore your peace of mind. With summer fully engaged now, mosquitos and the risk of disease are also all about us. Our professionals can take care of your pest control needs.

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