Fleas are the most widespread external parasite found on mammals and birds. There are over 2,000 species of the flea found worldwide, with more than 300 species being found in the United States alone. As fleas are a significant potential threat to human health, an infestation in your home calls for the prompt services of professional pest control in Fort Worth.

What do fleas feed on?

Fleas thrive in warm, humid environments and feed on the blood of any warm-blooded vertebrates, including dogs, cats, rabbits, squirrels, rats, mice and humans to name a few.

Where do fleas live?

Once a flea attaches to a host the flea will feed, mate and lay eggs. The eggs frequently fall off of the host onto the lawn, bedding or carpeting for example. Fleas are blind and will avoid sunlight, preferring dark places such as sand, cracks, crevices and bedding. They can be located almost anywhere, in a home infested with fleas.

How dangerous are fleas?

Fleas not only cause discomfort from biting, they are vectors for disease. Fleas transmit viral, bacterial, and rickettsial diseases to humans and other mammals. In addition, fleas can also transmit protozoan and helminth infestations. An example of a helminth infestation that fleas can be responsible for in pets is a tapeworm, where the flea serves as an intermediate host.

Fleas are known to be the vector of epidemics such as murine typhus, which is transmitted to humans through infested rats; bubonic plague is an additional example that is well known for wiping out a third of Europe’s population primarily during the 14th century. Don’t risk your family’s health, call for professional pest control in Fort Worth today.

Signs of Flea Infestation in Dogs:

• Flea droppings in the fur and on the skin. This gives the appearance of dirt in the dog’s coat
• Excessive scratching, licking and biting of skin
• Allergic dermatitis
• Wounds and hot spots
• Hair loss
• Pale gums, which may indicate anemia due to excessive feeding by fleas
• Tapeworms

How to Prevent a Flea Infestation

There are a few tips that people should follow to prevent fleas from becoming a nuisance around the home. Controlling fleas on your pet in a home already infested won’t rid the home of fleas. The following tips will assist in prevention and control, but in an active flea infestation, pest control in Fort Worth will provide the most effective means of eliminating the problem.

Maintaining a clean home will help to avoid an infestation.

• Vacuum carpets, floors and furniture frequently, and wash bed linens regularly, to remove any existing fleas and to help prevent the laying of eggs.
• Keeping a lawn tidy and well-trimmed helps to prevent rodents and their fleas from entering your home. This includes regular mowing of the lawn, replacing loose mortar and maintaining weather stripping around doors and windows, and eliminating standing water and other sources of moisture around the home. Lawns can also be treated for fleas with professional pest control in Fort Worth.

Providing Pet Care

• Check pets thoroughly for fleas, especially after outdoor activity.
• Provide routine baths for pets.
• Wash pet bedding, collars and plush toys frequently.
• Talk to your veterinarian about flea prevention treatments. It’s important to be aware that flea treatments for dogs can be hazardous to cats. In addition, dog flea and tick ointment can be hazardous to humans, use and handling should be according to instructions.

How do I get rid of fleas?

Flea infestations are difficult to control due to their rapid reproduction rate. If your home has a flea infestation it’s important to contact a pest control in Fort Worth professional. If your home has a flea problem, contact The Bug Dude for the professional treatment of your home.

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Spiders | Pest Control Fort Worth

Worldwide, approximately 41,250 species of spiders have been identified, with approximately 3,400 species that call North America home. In the U. S. the Black Widow spider is the most venomous, while the Brown Recluse claims the largest number of bites in the U. S. The presence of either of these dangerous animals in the home should be met with pest control in Fort Worth. Routine treatment may be necessary, as they tend to restore populations in their former dwelling even after treatment. This is most likely due to the home providing a favorable environment for them.

Talking to your pest control expert can provide you with tips to make the home less attractive to spiders.

The prolific spider can rapidly infest a home. If you suspect an infestation and suspect the species are the Black Widow or Brown Recluse, call for pest control in Fort Worth.

Prevention is the best means of spider control. Making the home less attractive to spiders and providing routine pest control in Fort Worth will be the most effective means of preventing spiders.

Black Widow Spiders

Black Widow spiders are the most poisonous spider in the U.S.

Adult Black widow spiders are recognized for the red hourglass shape under their abdomen. Its name comes from the popular belief that the female black widow spider eats the male after mating, this actually occurs rarely. On the other hand, juvenile Black Widow spiders display a pattern of tan and white stripes. As the spider grows and molts, females will display increasing amounts of black coloring in the integument with each molt, whereas males will retain the juvenile pattern of tan and white stripes.

The Black Widow can lay up to nine egg sacks during the summer, and each sac may contain up to 400 eggs that will hatch in two weeks. The egg sacs are white, fading to brown as it dries out. Despite its prolific breeding, the Black Widow doesn’t claim the most bites among humans. This title goes to the Brown Recluse. Give us a call for pest control in Fort Worth.

A bite from a female black widow spider soon results in slight swelling and faint red marks, then within a few hours’ severe pain and stiffness set in. Other symptoms related to the bite include chills, fever, weakness, headache, elevated blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, and severe abdominal pain. Young children, the elderly and those with high blood pressure are at greatest risk. Medical attention should be sought for the symptoms if you are bitten. A black widow spider antivenin is available, but is rarely necessary.

If you are seeing Black Widow spiders in your home, you may have an infestation. Don’t risk it with the potentially deadly Black Widow Spider. Give The Bug Dude a call for prompt pest control in Fort Worth.

Brown Recluse Spiders

The characteristic trait of the Brown recluse spider is a dark brown violin marking on their back. These spiders spin irregular webs, which are used as a retreat. They prefer to build their web in dry locations that are generally undisturbed, such as closets, in stacked or piled clothes, in gloves, in dressers and sleeping sofas, and in the bedsheets of seldom used beds to name a few. The Brown Recluse bears potentially deadly hemotoxic venom. Infection due to necrotic tissue is common and requires immediate medical treatment. If you routinely see these spiders in your home, you may have an infestation, give The Bug Dude a call for prompt pest control in Fort Worth. Let us eradicate these potentially deadly spiders from your home.

The Brown recluse lays her off white egg sac May through August. Each egg sac contains 40 to 80 eggs, which hatch in 24 to 36 days. Up to 3 eggs sacs may be laid a year.

The bite of a brown recluse will include some pain or burning within the first 10 minutes of the bite, along with itching. Some of those bitten complained of a temporary pain with slight burning that last only a second or two, followed by intense itching. The bite assumes a bull’s-eye appearance with a blister in the center. When the blister breaks it leaves an ulcer that scabs over. The ulcer can spread and attack the underlying skin and muscle, causing severe pain, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, and anemia, and gangrene. Bite victims should seek medical attention, especially if the wound does not heal or symptoms of infection are present.

The area of the bite can become a deep red, swollen with pain present. The affected area can become quite large. As the tissue surrounding the bite necrosis, the wound area will take on a purple cast in some areas and may or may not be draining. If the victim has not already seen a physician at the point of the wound swelling and turning red, the victim must immediately seek medical attention as the infection can quickly overwhelm the body.

Brown Recluse bites can result in death due to infection and gangrene. They have been known to invade homes and present the threat of infestation. They are not aggressive, and will bite only when threatened or mashed (usually accidentally as in putting on shoes where the spider resides). However, due to the risks they pose, if you see these spiders often you may have an infestation populating and breeding in the walls or under your home. Don’t risk it, seek pest control in Fort Worth for spider control.

Spider control can be a serious concern for homeowners. 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 brown recluse. They can rapidly become an infestation, especially with the Brown Recluse, and require pest control in Fort Worth.

If spiders are infesting your home, give us a call. We will inspect your home, identify the species of spider and provide the appropriate pest control in Fort Worth for spider control. Thanks, for visiting the The Bug Dude.

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Termites are difficult pests to detect, as they typically enter through the soil. They eat their way through the structural wood of your home and before you know it, can cause significant and costly damage. If you have termites in your home, fast action is required to prevent further damage to your home or other structures. Give us a call for a thorough inspection and review of treatment options. We provide professional pest control in Fort Worth and the surrounding regions.

Prevention of termites by denying them the conditions they favor goes a long way in termite prevention. Unfortunately, termites may occur despite a homeowner’s best effort. The best means of preventing costly damage to your home is by utilizing the following tips, along with routine professional pest control in Fort Worth

The prevention tips homeowners can use as a termite deterrent include:

• Use synthetic wood or other similar building materials for garages, fences, decks or other structures that contact the soil.
• Remove any wood piles, untreated fence posts, tree stumps and buried scrap wood near structures. Do not leave brush piles near your home.
• Keep wood piles off the ground to prevent any contact with soil. For example, building materials or firewood should be elevated off of the ground on concrete blocks or slabs or other non-wood materials.
• Keep attic, crawlspaces and foundation areas well ventilated and dry to deter the moisture that attracts termites.
• Repair foundation cracks and seal openings on exterior walls to prevent termites from entering.
• Keep wooden exteriors of your home well-maintained and sealed with paint or stains. Caulk cracks around windows, doors and fill any holes in the wood structure appropriately. In addition, seal all intrusions such as where gas lines or water lines enter the home.
• Keep gutters and downspouts clear of leaves so moisture does not build up. Use splash guards to direct rain water away from the home’s foundation.
• Keep trees and shrubs trimmed and not touching the house.
• Regularly inspect porches, decks and foundation wood for signs of termites. If you see signs of termites call a professional for pest control in Fort Worth.
• Repair leaking outdoor faucets, or other leaks that provide the moisture termites love.
• Crawl spaces should be covered in plastic by a minimum of 90% coverage.
• Repair any rotted wood on your home, as well as exterior repairs that may allow termites an access point. This includes leaky roofs, and keeping gutters clean.
• Direct sprinklers to spray away from your home. If water contacts the walls shorten the spray to not contact home or near the foundation.
• Use attic ventilation to reduce humidity.
• Inspect the home’s foundation for mud tubes. Termites use these to reach your home. If you see cracked or loose paint, tap it. If it sounds hollow termites may be present.
• Firewood should be stored at least 20 feet away from the home, and elevated off of the ground.
• Don’t use wooden trellises on exterior walls.
• Don’t use mulch against your home. Mulch should be of non-wood material and at least 6 inches away from the foundation to prevent moisture.
• If your basement routinely floods, consider having a sump pump installed to pump the water away from your home.
• Have your home and surrounding structures routinely treated with professional pest control in Fort Worth for the best defense against termite infestation.

Termites can’t be controlled with DIY treatments by homeowners. Once termites are spotted damage is typically already present. Immediate action by professional pest control in Fort Worth is required to stop costly damage to your home.

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Prevent Vector Born Disease | Pest Control Fort Worth

Mosquitoes and ticks are on the rise due to elevated temperatures and increased rainfall in large portions of the country. Prevention is critical in the prevention of vector born disease by pests such as mosquitoes and ticks. Give The Bug Dude a call for pest control in Fort Worth.

With the spreading of Chikungunya mosquito disease, and Lone Star Tick Disease, families must be more vigilant than ever in mosquito and tick control around the home, as well as in their outdoor activities. Family members should apply Deet to exposed skin, and permethrin to clothing, keep grass cut and avoid wooded and brushy areas. It is also recommended that when outdoors, you should wear long sleeves and pants in light colors to help protect against mosquitoes and ticks.

As of June 17, there have been 57 cases in the U. S. of travel-related Chikungunya reported to the CDC this year. However, doctors don’t have to notify the CDC of suspected Chikungunya infections, so the number could actually be higher. Chikungunga can be transmitted to other persons if a mosquito bites an infected person, and then bites someone else. Chikungunga has no cure, and though rarely fatal, causes debilitating severe joint pain for as long as several months. It is a devastating disease, and calls for pest control in Fort Worth.

The Lone Star Tick Disease causes a variety of symptoms from large sores and rash that can be anywhere but the feet and hands with fever, GI distress, joint pain, cough and just recently the CDC announced, it appears to be responsible for thousands of southerners who have developed an allergy to red meats, with life threatening anaphylactic reactions, among other symptoms.

It doesn’t take long to see, aggressive actions are required to prevent the diseases these vectors are causing. Pest control in Fort Worth will be one the most effective actions in preventing mosquitoes and ticks from breeding upon your property.

You may be wondering what else a homeowner can do, besides applying Deet, keeping lawns manicured, and providing professional pest control in Fort Worth. If your property adjoins woods, apply a layer of wood chips or gravel between the lawn and woods to help deter ticks. Eliminate anything where standing water can accumulate to deter mosquitoes. Ensure all screens are intact and provide repair for even tiny holes where pests can enter. Check your pets after taking them outside and avoid tall grass when they are outside. Talk to your vet regarding prevention and treatment options and wash bedding frequently.

Check each family member carefully, especially in folds, and bends and the hair for ticks after being outdoors, place clothing in a hot dryer on high heat for one hour to kill any remaining ticks. Mosquito activity peaks at dawn and dusk, so avoid being outside during those times, and always wear insect repellent.

Finally, the lawn should be treated to prevent mosquitoes and ticks. The Bug Dude can provide the lawn treatment you need to help prevent ticks and mosquitoes on your property with pest control in Fort Worth. Give us a call for an appointment, and thanks for visiting The Bug Dude.

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Cockroaches are one of the most common pest complaints in any area of the country, including Fort Worth. After a rain, particularly, they just seem to find their way into our homes, wreaking havoc on our nerves and patience. To win the war on cockroaches, let’s learn a little about them for proper pest control. If you would rather not learn more about these pests, simply stop reading and call us right away!

Cockroaches can enter our homes in many different ways, from outside through cracks and crevices, vents, sewer and drain pipes, and even on bags, boxes, or even on ourselves! Cockroaches love your home because there is warmth, plenty of breeding ground, and food. They can stay active year-round because of these amenities you provide them. They also reproduce quickly, so if you see one, there are most likely many, many more behind your walls.

Cockroaches can irritate allergies, even asthma in some people because of the dropping, cast-off skins, or dead bodies, so it is important to get the problem alleviated as soon as possible. Using homemade remedies or over-the-counter insecticides are probably not strong enough to completely mitigate the problem, as their eggs are naturally protected from you and these particular chemicals. Without specific pest control equipment, materials, and know-how, cockroach control can be a losing battle.

The best way to deter roaches from infesting your home is to put away food that has been left out and taken away any water sources. Pest control companies can do the dirty work, using desiccants, insect growth regulators, specially-developed sprays, aerosols, foggers, or emulsifiable concentrates to combat your cockroach problem.

Call us today to take a look at your home. If you have seen one cockroach in the evening, chances are it has been overcrowded and there are many more at bay. Get the problem resolved before you have a real infestation on your hands.

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Springtime Pest Control in Fort Worth

Spring is here, the birds are chirping, the winds have changed, the yard is turning green and the trees are budding. With all of these wonderful signs of the season come the pests, out of hibernation and out to welcome the season just like we are. A common, sometimes painful nuisance even in our own Fort Worth backyard is the fire ant. Native Texans know to keep our distance, but sometimes children, pets, or even adults stumble upon this common irritant. Considering pest control for fire ants? Let’s learn a little about the them, shall we?

Did you know fire ants are not native to North America? It was actually imported in the 1930s on a cargo ship to Alabama. They love warm, sunny weather, so they stay in the southern US states: Florida to Texas, and all the way to California. They also like dryer weather to rainy conditions. Their mounds look like sandy hills and are much more visible after a rain.

Fire ant stings are very painful, and even fatal to some. Their sting includes alkaloid venom which is highly irritating that result in red bumps and white pustules. Fire ants are also known to attack a potential threat in large numbers, which could mean a LOT, because a colony can contain 100,00-500,000! Call your pest control service in Fort Worth if you suspect fire ant activity around your home. You definitely don’t want them coming inside! Your pest control company will inspect your property to determine the best route to proceed.

The best way to prevent fire ants is to be conscientious about putting food and drinks away after use. Take the trash out to a proper area and leave it covered. Leaving food out, especially sugary foods will entice these pests into areas you do not want them.

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Fort Worth Pest Control

An exterminator, or pest control professional, is trained in all facets of pest elimination, and uses a variety of methods to prevent future infestations from occurring. Fort Worth is no different from any other part of the country, in that we all have common household pests. Whether its yellow jackets or mice, we are here to rescue you!

A variety of tools are used to protect homeowners from invaders, but it is very important that your pest control professional uses the right tool for the job. It’s silly to think about a mouse trap being set for a cockroach, isn’t it? The professionals are trained to know what is best for each situation they encounter.

Traps are one method of pest elimination and they offer kill and no-kill options. They are not designed for large infestations, but can be very effective. Some variations include spring-loaded traps (traditional), catch-and-release models, sticky traps and electronic traps. Spring-loaded, electronic and multi-catch traps are most commonly used for rodents and snakes, while sticky traps are effective against a wide range of insects. Visual traps that use light to attract pests are effective against many types of insects as well.

Baited traps involve placing poison bait in a “bait station” that lures the pest into the trap. The pest then eats the poison and leaves the area.

Fumigation requires the location to be sealed off while it is filled with poison gases or pesticides. It is an easy way to target a large area quickly and efficiently if the home can be completely sealed. This is especially convenient for small insects or large infestations.

Poison spray targets a specific area and is most commonly used to exterminate insects.

If you are interested in other green or humane pest control options, there are also no-kill traps, diatomaceous earth, biological control agents like nematodes and mites, or just plain preventative measures.

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Pest Control for Dallas

Have you seen remnants of bugs or rodents in your Dallas home? Typically the places to look are along baseboards and window sills, in cabinets, and near doorways or openings in the wall. If you suspect you may have an infestation of one of these common household pests, call The Bug Dude for all of your pest control needs.

Cockroaches, fleas, spiders, mice, and ants are just a few of the pests that can come make themselves “at home” in YOUR home! The first sign of one of these pests should alert you that there could be many more hiding in and around your home.

Cockroaches can enter your home in many different ways, through cracks and crevices, vents, pipes, and more! They can flatten their bodies so much that it is hard to keep them out. They reproduce quickly and typically live behind your walls. Anywhere that is warm and damp is a perfect breeding ground for this pest.

Fleas are tiny and feed on organic debris. A common sign you may have a flea problem and need some pest control is that animals continually scratch and groom themselves. Adult fleas will feed on the pet’s blood and it is annoying and uncomfortable for them.

Spiders, although feared by many humans, control populations of many other insects. However, having spiders as guests in your home is usually not a welcomed thought. There are many, many different kinds of spiders and many are not poisonous. Different spiders like different climates: some like it dry and warm, others like it cool and damp. Look for them in dark, undisturbed areas.

Mice can be a terrible nuisance. They enter seeking food, water, and warmth. They tend to be rapid breeders, some year-round. They can damage and contaminate food and also bring in other pests like fleas and ticks into your home. Look for small holes (even holes you think are too small) along the floor.

Ants are probably the most common household bug for pest control. They seek sweet or greasy food substances most commonly found in the kitchen or pantry. They can nest almost anywhere, and can uproot and move when threatened. They leave an invisible chemical trail which contains pheromones for others to follow once they locate the food source. That’s why you see them in a line.

If you are having trouble with these or any other household pests, call The Bug Dude, your Dallas pest control company.

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Pest Control in Ft. Worth

If you have a pest problem that is taking over the peace of your Ft. Worth home, you may want to make the investment to hire a professional company to do the dirty work. A licensed professional has the time and ability to research your specific problem, safely apply the appropriate procedures and materials to control it, and should have years of experience to back up their solution.

A professional pest control service in Fort Worth, who practices integrated pest management methods and keeps up-to-date about the latest technologies, can provide you with the safest and most effective management strategies, especially if the solution required toxic chemicals.

Before hiring a company, do some research about your specific pest control problem and be somewhat familiar with the identified management method. Get recommendations from family, friends and neighbors about pest control services they have used. Research the company and know a little about what they believe and why they do what they do. Ask about required licenses, certificates, and insurance. Ask the company to inspect the site and review the solutions with your professional. Retrieve an estimate for services in writing and review it thoroughly. And probably the most important step is to stay in touch with pest control company and inform them of any changes in pest populations and then do your part to help manage the pest. Things like cleaning up food and fixing plumbing leaks can do wonders for deterring pests in your home.

Understand that you are buying value, not just price. Who wants uninvited guests over and over again that can ultimately cost much more than wiping them out the first time around.

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Get The Most Out of Your Rodent Control

Mice, rats, squirrels, and other rodents are common problematic pests. They live where we live (especially in urban areas), eat our food, and carry diseases that are extremely harmful to our pets, children, and families. They are adaptable, able to climb seemingly unsurpassable places, and are nocturnal, making them hard to find and catch. Rodent control is a three-step process, so doing the first two yourself will give you an overwhelming advantage when it’s time to call us.

First, clean and seal off your home.

The first rule of rodent control is “don’t leave food out overnight.” Store as much as you can in glass or metal containers that they can’t chew through. The idea here is to cut off the rodent’s food supply, discouraging them to come and feast. Also, remove any pet food that hasn’t been eaten after every meal. Make sure your trash can is sealed and keep all of your kitchen surfaces clean and disinfected. Don’t leave dishes in the sink overnight. Lastly, seal off any cracks or holes you find along baseboards with caulk, steel, or concrete. Inspect every crevice for a place a rodent could get in. Also, seal off pipes, dryer vents and gas lines as these are common entry points.

Consider natural methods of extermination.

Do you have a cat? Cats are natural mice and rat hunters. They love to do it and are good at it. A few catches might ward off future infestations. Snap traps are also a cheap way to rid your home of mice. The trap can be a minor nuisance when considering small children or pets, but the cleanup is quick. Peppermint oil and cat or snake urine is also a great natural rodent control method. They hate the smell and will stay away. Ultrasonic repellent machines are available too, but are controversial as being truly effective.

Chemical extermination methods.

If you are experiencing a truly bothersome problem regarding rodent control in Dallas, call us to help employ our methods to rid your home and get it. One of the most effective measures to eliminate your mouse problem is to call a professional pest exterminator. We get the job done quickly and effectively!

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