Differences Between Mice & Rats

Mouse and rat identification in Springfield VA - Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor'sAs two of the most common pest rodents, rats and mice can cause Virginia homeowners a lot of problems. They may have similar features and habits, but there are also many differences between mice and rats as well. All rodents are joined by one shared trait in particular: their incisor teeth that never stop growing. Because rodent infestations can be destructive and downright dangerous for you and your family, it’s important to know what pest you are dealing with. The team at Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor’s is here to share all you need to know about identifying rats and mice.

Similarities Between Rats and Mice

Rodents are most known for their shared habit of gnawing and chewing on just about anything. This is due to the fact that they have incisor teeth that grow constantly. Rats and mice alike can exhibit similar behaviors inside your property if they have infested your home. Rodents are infamous for their ability to carry and spread a number of potentially dangerous diseases. They also can trigger allergies in people. A rodent problem can be a mess to clean up due to the amount of droppings and urine left behind. Lastly, they can cause significant damage to your home. Both mice and rats will chew through insulation, cardboard, wood, and electrical wiring, which can create a fire hazard in your property.

How do Mice and Rats Differ?

We all know rats are bigger than mice, but that’s not their only difference. Some of the traits to identify rats and mice include:

  • Mice
    • Most mice are only 2–4 inches long.
    • Mice typically have larger ears and tails compared to their body size.
    • The droppings mice leave behind have pointed ends and are just 1–2 mm long.
    • Mice are omnivores but mostly feed on seeds, grains, and fruits.
    • They are more prolific: Mice produce 5–10 litters a year with up to 14 mice in each litter.

Difference between rats and mice in Springfield VA - Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor's

  • Rats
    • While they differ between species, rats typically have larger bodies that are about 6–9 inches .
    • Rats have small, hairy ears and larger feet.
    • Their droppings are much bigger than those of mice at 10–20 mm long.
    • Rats produce 3–6 litters a year with up to 10 pups in each litter.
    • Rats are opportunistic feeders that will eat meats, grains, seeds, and much more.

Have a Rat or Mouse Infestation?

If you suspect there are rodents in your home or business, it’s important to enlist the help of a professional rodent exterminator such as Ehrlich. We can easily identify the rodent species you are dealing with before executing a plan to control the infestation. To learn more, give us a call today!

The Rise of Rodents During the Pandemic

Rodents are infesting homes in Springfield VA during the pandemic - Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor's

If you’ve been noticing more rodents in or near your home, you’re not the only one. Since the start of the pandemic, the CDC has suggested that rodents are more active and aggressive than ever. This is mostly in due part to the restaurant closures—the lack of food sources for rats and mice has caused them to be more desperate. And now with the weather changing, they will be drawn inside your own home not only to escape dropping temperatures outside but to look for food. This Rodent Awareness Week, the team at Ehrlich is here to help clear the air about rodents during the pandemic and to provide tips on preventing them. Read on to learn more!

Are Rodents Connected to COVID-19?

There has been a lot of information spread about how rodents are connected to the coronavirus. The good news is that there is no current evidence or research to show that rodents are transmitting SARS-CoV-2 to humans. When it comes to rodents during the pandemic, the main things to worry about is that they are getting more aggressive in nature, can carry other diseases, and could cause damage to your property.

Restaurant closures have caused an uptick in residential rodent sightings as rats and mice become more bold in their hunt for resources. This directly correlates to a bigger risk of infestations and rodent-spread issues. While they won’t transmit COVID-19 to you or your family, rodents still can spread other diseases including hantavirus, salmonellosis, and many more.

5 Tips to Prevent Rodents This Year

The last thing you have time to worry about this year with everything else going on is a rodent problem. To avoid the discovery of rats in your home, there are a few things you can do to keep them out:

  1. Seal holes around pipes. Use caulk or wire wool to cover up gaps and openings near pipes and other openings.
  2. Cover vents. Install mesh screens on your vents. Also consider installing screens on doors and windows.
  3. Use tight lids on trash cans. Rodents love to rummage in the garbage! If possible, keep your trash cans sealed and stored.
  4. Store food properly. Securely store food in tight-fitting containers with lids.
  5. Protect eaves. Fix any damaged roofing and use wire mesh to seal gaps in your eaves.

Rodent Infestations During the Pandemic

No Rodent Awareness Week feels quite as important as this year’s with the surge of infestations we are experiencing. Our rodent exterminators are dedicated to protecting you from these pests not just this week but all year long. For more information, contact our team today.

Are Termites Active in the Fall & Winter?

Termites can infest Springfield VA homes in the fall and winter. - Ehrlich pest Control, formerly Connor'sPeople often assume that springtime is “termite season”. However, termites are active throughout the entire year here in Virginia. While termites don’t swarm in the fall and winter, they remain active in or under your property. The only thing that changes during this time of year is their routine. Many types of termites will move deeper in the ground through tunnels to escape colder temperatures. However, they can still cause damage to your home and, even worse, grow their colony. For this reason alone, it’s important to know how to look for signs of termites in your home, even in the fall. Keep reading to learn more.

What are the Signs of Termite Damage?

Signs of termite damage often appear when you have a more serious infestation in your property. In the fall, winter, and all other seasons, it’s important to look for the following signs of termite damage:

  • Ceiling/wall discoloration
  • Termite frass (feces)
  • Sagging sheetrock
  • Buckling floors
  • Loose tiles
  • Bubbled floors
  • Holes in drywall
  • Crumbling wood
  • Hollow windows and/or doors
  • Shed swarmer wings

Termite Activity in the Autumn

Termites may not be swarming in the fall and winter, but that doesn’t mean they’ve gone dormant. The termite queens lay eggs year-round and at a steady rate. This means that termite colonies will not only stay active but continue to grow during the fall and winter. Maturity is the number one determinant in a colony’s ability to damage your home. A two to four-year-old colony can cause damage in your property any time of the year. Termites need to stay warm in colder temperatures, which is why they will nest 25 to 30 feet down in the soil during the winter. This is why it’s unlikely to see termites this time of year even though they’re active.

Termite Infestations in the Fall

Because termites are active all year long, you need to be preventing them all year long. The termite exterminators at Ehrlich know how distressing it can be to discover an infestation, which is why we work to prevent them in the first place with preventative services. Reach out to our team today to learn about all of our termite treatment and prevention options!

Seeing Bugs on the Side of Your Home?

Boxelder bugs are a common fall invader in Springfield VA - Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor'sEveryone welcomes the fall season. Unfortunately, the shorter days and brisk weather entices two insects in particular to come out in full force here in Virginia: the boxelder bug and the stink bug. Both of these bugs are infamous for the odorous scent they emit when they feel threatened. Boxelder bugs and stink bugs will congregate on the sides of homes, particularly on south- or west-facing walls. They may be an eye-sore outside, but the real trouble begins if and when they get inside your property. While not the most dangerous pests, they can become a real nuisance and are difficult to get rid of. The Ehrlich team has gathered all the need-to-know information about these fall invaders—read on to learn more!

Boxelder Bugs vs. Stink Bugs in Virginia

These insects congregate on the sides of homes to soak in the sun on shorter days in the fall. When the temperature dips even more, they will take advantage of any available crack and crevice in your home’s exterior to gain access to the warmth of your home. Adult stink and boxelder bugs will search for cracks and holes in walls, in window trim and molding, and in your foundation. Here’s what to know about identifying them:

  1. Stink bug: The backs of stink bugs look like shields, and they can blend easily within foliage. If threatened, these insects release an odor. There are two main types we see in the states: the brown marmorated stink bug and the green stink bug.
  2. Boxelder bug: These bugs have dark brown bodies with unique red markings. They emerge out of hibernation in the springtime. True to their name, they live in boxelder trees as well as maple, ash, and fruit trees. They can use their mouthparts to pierce skin, although this is very rare.

Stink bug and boxelder bug identification in Springfield VA - Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor's

How to Keep Fall Invaders Out of Your Home

Exclusion is the key to preventing boxelder bugs and stink bugs. By sealing your home, you can keep these bugs on the outside of your property! Some of our top tips are to:

  • Replace torn screens on windows and doors.
  • Check the caulk around the molding of the windows and vents.
  • Repair any cracks in stucco and bricks.
  • Clean out any debris around the foundation of the house.
  • Trim back trees and bushes to keep all vegetation away from the perimeter of the home.
  • Clean and repair the corners of fences, decorative rocks, old piles of wood, and patio furniture.
  • Seal up cracks around roof soffits, windows, siding, and foundation.
  • Consider using low-pressure sodium exterior lighting, as UV rays attract the insects.

Long-Term Insect Prevention

These bugs will likely show up year after year, but they don’t have to be a problem! If you need help keeping boxelder and stink bugs out, or already have an infestation inside, the residential pest control team at Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor’s can help.

Watch Out For These 2 Spiders

Spiders can be dangerous during the fall in the Springfield VA area - Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor'sAre you noticing more spiders in or near your home? The late summer and early fall months is notorious for the influx of many types of pests, spiders included. These eight-legged creatures typically hatch in the spring. By the time August and September roll around, it can seem like spiders are out in full force. The good news is that most spiders are harmless, even if they’re invading your home. There are two in particular, however, that you need to be on the lookout for throughout the year: the black widow and the brown recluse. Read on to learn Ehrlich’s expert info on spiders in the fall.

Black Widows and Brown Recluse Spiders in the Fall

Spiders certainly strike fear in the hearts of many people. Most house spiders are harmless and want nothing to do with you whatsoever. That said, it’s important to be on the lookout for two spiders in particular in the fall and all year long:

  • Black widow: These spiders have a characteristic red hourglass shape on its body. They build sticky, tangled cobwebs in garages, sheds, and near the ground. They can bite when they feel threatened.
  • Brown recluse: Brown recluse have a darker brown violin shape on their brown bodies. They build loose, dome-shaped webs for shelter. A brown recluse bite is known to be very painful.

Spider Prevention Tips

Whether it’s a more dangerous black widow or a small house spider, no one wants spiders invading their property. To keep them out this fall and year-round, there are several exclusion tips to make your Virginia home less attractive to the creepy crawlers:

  1. Inspect your property and seal any cracks and crevices. Inspect the inside and outside of your property for tiny spots that may be inviting spiders in, and seal properly.
  2. Install or repair screens on doors and windows. Tight-fitting screens are the key to keeping insects, spiders included, out.
  3. Thoroughly inspect boxes and used items before bringing indoors. Egg sacs and adult spiders may be taking shelter in them.
  4. Maintain and tidy your yard and lawn. Overgrown bushes, shrubs, piles of wood, and more can attract spiders to your property and eventually indoors.
  5. Regularly clean your home. By keeping a clean environment, you will prevent insects that spiders like to prey on and eliminate hiding spots for pests.

How to Get Rid of Spiders in the Fall

If you’ve done all you can to keep spiders out of your property and still are finding them daily, it may be time to contact your local pest control pros at Ehrlich. Our spider exterminators can thoroughly inspect your property to determine the root cause of the spider infestation. From there, we will use the industry’s best spider control tactics to control current problems and prevent future ones as well.

Tips for Bug-Free Outdoor Living

Stay bug-free in your Springfield VA backyard with tips from Ehrlich pest Control, formerly Connor's.More than ever, families are looking to spend time in their backyards, porches, and patios. With the weather still mild, you likely want to take advantage of outdoor activities as much as possible. Unfortunately, pests are out in full-force right now. Wasps, mosquitoes, ticks, and flies can quickly turn an enjoyable time spent in your outdoor living space sour! For that reason, it’s important to learn how to implement pest prevention into your backyard maintenance routine. At Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor’s, we want to help our customers comfortably enjoy their time spent outdoors without the presence of pests. Keep reading for our top bug-free outdoor living.

What Pests Are in My Backyard?

If you are going to be spending time outside, you can be sure pests will be out and about as well! Insects are drawn to a number of things right in your backyard. The most common pests you are likely to come across in your backyard include: 

8 Ways to Get Bug-Free Outdoor Living

Pest prevention is just as important outside as it is inside your home. To keep pests away from your garden, barbecue area, deck, or other outdoor living space, implement the following tips.

  1. Apply an insect repellent. Any repellent with DEET will help repel mosquitoes and ticks.
  2. Remove standing water. Mosquitoes only need a half inch of standing water to breed.
  3. Keep your lawn and shrubs trimmed. Overgrown grass or vegetation provides mosquitoes and ticks with shelter.
  4. Be on the lookout for ant hills. Even a tiny mound can contain thousands of ants inside.
  5. Thoroughly inspect wood structures. Your deck or porch may be vulnerable to termite or carpenter bee activity.
  6. Regularly clean up your outdoor space. Crumbs or spilled liquids will attract ants and other insects.
  7. Burn a few citronella candles. While not a long-term solution, this will repel mosquitoes during outdoor activities.
  8. Try replacing light bulbs. Yellow bulbs or sodium vapor lights will not attract as many insects.

Staying Pest-Free in Your Yard

It can be overwhelming to know how to keep pests away from your outdoor living space. If you find yourself with a full-blown pest problem, it’s time to contact your local exterminators. Here at Ehrlich, our team is committed to providing our customers with pest-free living both inside and outside their home.

The Surge of Summertime Cockroaches

Cockroaches are a common summer pest in Springfield and Sterling VA - Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor'sDid you know that cockroaches are more active than ever in the summertime? While roaches are certainly a year-round pest, the summer heat encourages them out even more. Here in Virginia, both homeowners and business owners deal with cockroach problems, especially in the summer months. Although roaches breed year-round, the reproduction rate goes up during the summer. They also will come inside to escape the heat, making an infestation more likely during these months than ever. To learn more about the surge of roaches in the summer and what all you can do to keep them away, keep reading for tips from Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor’s.

Cockroaches in Virginia Summertime

Cockroaches are one of the most common pest problems in residential and commercial properties. They also can adapt to a wide variety of climates and environments. So why are they more populous in the summer? Most roach species are drawn to warm or moist environments, which is why they frequently inhabit bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.

Many cockroaches are less active in the winter, but rising temperatures encourage them to resume activity. When there is extreme heat, cockroaches that otherwise stay outdoors will flood inside in search of food, water, and shelter. This is why we get so many calls for roach infestations in the summer.

Prevention Tips for Cockroaches

A cockroach problem is anyone’s worst nightmare. To avoid the frustration of a roach infestation in your property this summer, follow these tips to keep them out:

  1. Clean your property regularly. Make sure your kitchens and bathrooms are free of any spills or crumbs. Avoid clutter and messes.
  2. Thoroughly inspect the perimeter of your home and seal cracks and crevices. Seal windows and doors or install screens.
  3. Always pick up pet bowls after feeding times, and avoid leaving the pet food out overnight or for days at a time.
  4. Securely store food items in airtight containers, and refrigerate any unsealed food.
  5. Ensure your garbage is sealed with a tight-fitting lid, and routinely take it out when full.
  6. Quickly fix any leaky pipes or clogged rain gutters to avoid moisture problems that attract roaches.

Need to Control a Summer Cockroach Infestation?

Seeing just one cockroach in your property is usually a bad sign there are many, many more nearby. If you are dealing with a cockroach problem this summer, it’s not just their presence you need to worry about. Certain roaches carry bacteria and germs that can contaminate food and sicken members of your family. They also are tied to allergic reactions! To get rid of a summer roach problem, contact your local cockroach exterminators for assistance.

4 Types of Wasp Nests in Virginia

Wasp nest identification in Virginia - Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor'sVirginia summertime is known for its sunny weather and, unfortunately, influx of insects! Wasps are a common summer pest, and their activity can be a nuisance when you’re spending time outdoors. More likely than not, you’ll come across a paper wasp, mud dauber, bald-faced hornet, or yellowjacket this summer. That said, no one wants a nest built on or near their home. It’s important to know how to identify different types of wasp nests in order to know what you’re dealing with. The team at Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor’s has tips on identifying the different kinds of nests you may encounter this summer–read on to learn more!

4 Common Wasp Nests

Many wasps are confused for yellowjackets, but they’re all different in several ways. The easiest way to identify them is to learn what their nests look like:

  • Paper wasps
    • Look like upside-down umbrellas
    • These nests are more open, with cells visible
    • They are typically supported by a single stalk and made out of a papery substance
    • Found beneath eaves of structures, in attics and wall voids, and in other enclosed areas
  • Mud daubers
    • Nests are built by female wasps only
    • They are small and tubular in size, often looking like organ pipes.
    • Typically found in cracks or crevices that are sheltered
    • Often found under eaves, garages, attics, or on the sides of buildings.

Learn how to differentiate between different wasp nests in North Springfield VA - Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor's

  • Yellowjackets
    • Consist of a papery material and have a single opening
    • Interior can contain up to 100 tiers of cells
    • Also nest underground, sometimes with thousands of members
    • Otherwise build nests in hollow trees, under porches, and a number of other areas
  • Bald-faced hornets
    • Almost always at least three feet off the ground
    • Consist of chewed wood fibers mixed with saliva
    • Can grow to the size of a football or basketball
    • Usually in trees, bushes, or wooded areas, but also can be on buildings

How to Remove Wasp Nests Safely

DIY nest removal is never a good idea. Not only could there be thousands of stinging insects inside the nest, they also could be aggressive and sting repeatedly. This is especially dangerous for anyone who is allergic to wasp stings. When you notice a nest forming on or near your home, try to stay away. Always call the wasp removal experts at Ehrlich for assistance and advice. Our team has the experience needed to provide quick, safe nest removal services.

Common Mosquito Breeding Grounds

Common mosquito breeding grounds in Northern VA - Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor'sMosquitoes can cause a lot of frustration for Virginia homeowners in the summertime. They can quickly become a problem in your yard when they find a suitable place to breed. Unfortunately, they are opportunists and need just a half inch of stagnant water to lay eggs. For this reason, it’s crucial to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds in your yard if you wish to avoid a mosquito infestation. Thankfully, three are a few ways you can make your property less hospitable to these dangerous blood-suckers.

Keep reading for expert tips from the team at Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor’s on getting rid of common mosquito breeding grounds.

Top Breeding Grounds for Mosquitoes

Female mosquitoes can produce anywhere from 100-300 eggs at a time, and their life cycle takes just two weeks for larvae to become adults. For this reason, it’s crucial to know how to stop mosquitoes from breeding in your yard. If any of the following items are harboring standing water, you can be sure they will attract mosquitoes:

  • Birdbaths
  • Gutters & clogged drains
  • Mud pots
  • Tree stumps & wood piles
  • Children’s play sets
  • Trash cans
  • Old tires

How to prevent mosquitoes in Virginia - Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor's

How to Keep Mosquitoes from Breeding

Any of the above items can easily welcome mosquitoes to breed and lay eggs if there is enough standing water. On a regular basis, it’s important to inspect your property for areas conducive to gathering water and dump them out. Also consider placing covers over items that tend to gather water. In addition, install screens on windows and interior doors of your home, reduce outdoor lighting at night, fix water leaks, keep your lawn trimmed, and use mosquito repellents following the manufacturer’s instructions. 

Summertime Mosquito Prevention

Mosquitoes are always looking for areas to breed. If you eliminate their availability to do so in your backyard, they will be forced to look elsewhere! Mosquitoes can be dangerous and will surely ruin any outdoor events you plan on having in the summer, which is why it’s so important to do all you can to keep them out. If you need help eliminating mosquito breeding grounds around your home, contact the team at Ehrlich today for mosquito control.

Tips to Prevent Ants This Summer

Tips to prevent ants in the summer here in Virginia - Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor'sNo one wants to deal with ants in the summertime. Unfortunately, they tend to overwhelm homes in Virginia this time of year. If you’ve had an ant infestation before, you know they can be downright frustrating. They tend to infest kitchens, bathrooms, and often can be seen crawling in trails along your floorboards. As the number one nuisance pest in the nation, it’s important to learn how to prevent ants this summer and all year long. The team at Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor’s has years of experience getting rid of these pests and is here to share expert tips to prevent ants this summer.

Prevent Ants with These 5 Tips

No one wants ants inside their home. Ants can be ruthless and the infestations never-ending, making it important to know how to keep them out in the first place! To prevent ants, try the following tips:

  1. Keep a clean home. Sweep your floors regularly to get rid of crumbs. Ants are attracted to sugary food sources and a few crumbs will keep them coming back for more.
  2. Store away food. Avoid leaving food out uncovered. Keep food in airtight containers or store them safely in cupboards and fridges.
  3. Seal entry points. Ants can crawl through the tiniest of cracks. Inspect your property and use caulk to seal any gaps, holes, or potential entry ways.
  4. Get rid of excess moisture. Areas with standing water or leaks will attract ants quickly. Attend to broken pipes and clean up spills quickly.
  5. Trim back trees and vegetation. Plants close to your home can encourage ants to come in. Make sure tree branches, shrubs, and bushes are trimmed away from the perimeter!

What Types of Ants Are Common in the Summer?

There are more than 700 species living in the U.S., which is why it’s crucial to know which one you’re dealing with in order to properly get rid of them! An infestation from any of these can be a major pain to deal with, making it important to know what you’re coming up against. A few of the most common types of ants you’ll likely encounter in our area are odorous house ants, carpenter ants, fire ants, and pavement ants. For help identifying these pests, it’s best to get the help of a professional.

What to Do When You Can’t Prevent Ants

If the ants are flooding into your property despite your best efforts to keep them out, it’s best to contact a professional ant exterminator. At Ehrlich, we have the experience and resources needed to prevent ants not just in the summer, but all year long. To learn more, call our experts today!