Do Pest Problems Trigger Seasonal Allergies?

Cockroaches may trigger seasonal allergies in Virginia - Connor's Termite & Pest ControlSpringtime in Virginia is something everyone looks forward to each year. Unfortunately, it’s also the time of year when millions of people suffer from bad allergy symptoms. From a runny nose to itchy eyes, seasonal allergies are dreaded by all. But what if it’s more than the blooming trees and changing weather causing your symptoms? There’s a chance that certain pests are triggering your allergies. With May being National Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month, it’s important to learn about pest allergens in your home. Allergens created by the presence of pests can be dangerous for your family, making it crucial to learn how to prevent pests in your home in the first place! The team at Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor’s has gathered info on how to stay protected against pest allergens in our latest blog post–keep reading to learn more!

Are Pest Allergens Dangerous?

Pest problems can be hazardous for a number of reasons, allergies included. Cockroaches in particular can trigger allergies and asthma, especially in children. Roach droppings, saliva, shed skins, and other parts contain allergy proteins. If you have a cockroach problem in your property, these pest allergens can be dangerous for your family. Other pests tied to allergies include stinging insects–yellow jackets, fire ants, wasps, and more. Stings can trigger a wide range of reactions in people, from itching and hives to more serious symptoms.

**If you experience severe symptoms of an allergic reaction such as swelling, wheezing, dizziness, or trouble breathing, call 911 or get medical attention immediately!

9 Ways to Prevent Pests & Allergens

The good news is that the key to preventing pest allergens is to prevent pests altogether. Simple pest prevention tactics can effectively reduce the chances of getting pest allergens in your home. Our top tips for avoiding pests and their allergens include:

  1. Storing all food in airtight containers 
  2. Cleaning your kitchen on a daily basis or after mealtimes
  3. Disposing of garbage regularly and using a tight-fitting trash can lid
  4. Sealing cracks and holes in the home
  5. Sealing entry points for pipes, and placing screens over doors and windows
  6. Ensuring your basement and crawl space are well-ventilated and dry
  7. Washing your blankets, rugs, and bedding in hot water 
  8. Vacuuming and dusting your property frequently
  9. Keeping pet food sealed, cleaning up after pet messes, and washing food bowls

What to Do About Pest-Triggered Allergies

Allergies this time of year are already bad enough–you don’t want a pest problem making them any worse! If you’ve done all you can to prevent pests and pest allergens in your home but still are having issues, it’s time to call the experts at Ehrlich. Our team is committed to keeping our customers safe from the many dangers of pests–allergies included.

How to Prevent Mosquitoes

Install screens on your windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes in the Virginia area - Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor'sIt’s National Pest Month, and the pest season is only just beginning! This spring, it’s important to prepare your Virginia home for the onslaught of mosquitoes in the coming months.No one wants to deal with mosquitoes ruining their outdoor barbecues come summertime. Thankfully, there are a number of things homeowners can do right now to greatly reduce the risk of mosquitoes in your property.

From installing screens and fans to various yard work tasks, keep reading to learn how to prevent mosquitoes from the experts at Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor’s.

Mosquito Prevention Tips

With the weather warming up, now is the time to learn how to prevent mosquitoes in your yard! Some of the things you can do include:

  1. Eliminate standing water. Dump out standing water in buckets, flower pots, bird baths, tarps, and more. Mosquitoes use standing water to breed!
  2. Install screens on your windows. Installing screens on your doors and windows can keep mosquitoes from getting indoors every time you try to get some fresh air.
  3. Add fish to ponds and agitate water. Certain types of fish will feed on mosquito larvae. In addition, adding an agitator will stop mosquitoes from laying eggs in the water.
  4. Trim vegetation. Regularly maintain your garden and lawn to keep the grass short. Also keep plants and bushes trimmed to prevent mosquito resting spots.
  5. Get the air moving. Mosquitoes hate wind and are not strong fliers. Use fans to help force them away from your outdoor areas.

Protecting Your Family from Mosquitoes

During mosquito season, it’s important to be aware of how to prevent being bitten by these pesky insects. Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn, and tend to gather in areas with standing water. When going outdoors, try to wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and pants. In addition, apply an EPA-registered insect repellent on areas of the body that are not covered. Always consult your pediatrician before use on children.

How to Prevent Mosquitoes All Year Long

For long-term mosquito prevention, it’s recommended to talk with your mosquito control experts. At Ehrlich Pest Control, we provide mosquito repellents that are proven to keep your property protected against these pesky and potentially dangerous insects. To learn more about how we can help you prevent mosquitoes in the coming months, call our team today!

How to Prevent Springtime Pests

Prevent springtime pests by cleaning your Richmond or Northern Virginia home! Get Tips from Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor's.Spring is finally here! Many people welcome springtime with open arms. Unfortunately, that includes pests. This time of year is when pests start to peak in activity once more. To prevent the many types of pests that will likely look to invade your Virginia home, it’s important to implement some pest prevention measures into your spring cleaning! Keep reading for tips on common spring pest problems from the experts at Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor’s.

5 Cleaning Tips to Prevent Springtime Pests

Pests in spring are aggressive, but you don’t have to suffer from an infestation! There are several spring cleaning tips to lessen the risk of getting pests this time of year:

  1. Tidy up! Clean under furniture, wipe down surfaces, and inspect areas of your home that need some fixing up.
  2. Clean your windows and doors thoroughly. If you find any cracks or crevices make sure to securely seal them.
  3. Deep-clean your carpets and rugs. Vacuum, shampoo, or even steam cleaning works well.
  4. Sanitize and clean your kitchen with a focus on your appliances. Crumbs and spilled liquids welcome all types of insects and pests.
  5. Remove debris from your yard, and trim any shrubs or tree branches away from your home. Clear out your gutters and downspouts.

Pests to Look Out for This Spring

You know how to prevent them, but what exactly are the pests you need to worry about this time of year? Unfortunately, the list is rather long. There are five pests in particular that create trouble for property owners every spring: ants, stinging insects (wasps and hornets), stink bugs, termites, and rodents! Spring is simply the start of the pest season and can last well into the summer if pest control isn’t implemented right away. If you notice the signs of any of these pests, it’s important to act fast to prevent a full-blown infestation.

The Importance of Spring Pest Control

The time to protect your home from the onslaught of pests is now. By implementing preventative pest control into your spring cleaning, you can help reduce the risk of pest problems in the spring, winter, and fall. If you already have pests in your home, it’s time to call the experts at Ehrlich. Our exterminators will work with you to develop a pest control plan to keep you safe during each season.

Differences Between Termites and Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants are commonly mistaken for termites in Northern Virginia - Learn more from Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor'sDid you know that termites and carpenter ants are commonly mistaken for each other? Although they are both wood-destroying insects, these pests are quite different from one another. Termite and carpenter ant swarmers are active around the same time of the year and, from afar, look quite similar. However, termites are infamously the most destructive pest in the nation, making them much more dangerous than their lookalikes.

To learn the differences between termites and carpenter ants, keep reading for expert tips from Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor’s.

How are Termites Different From Carpenter Ants?

When comparing these two wood-destroying insects, one is much more dangerous than the other.

  • Carpenter Ants
    • Typically establish nests in wood that is already in decay, and later expand into sound wood, insulation, or wall voids.
    • Their damage is not usually visible. When it is, you can notice that the galleries they excavate appear to have been sanded.
    • For the most part, carpenter ants do not create the extensive damage termites do.
  • Termites
    • Usually make their way into a structure around basement windows, doorways, under siding, porches, or any structure in contact with the soil.
    • Established colonies can range from 60,000 to over a million workers and can consume nearly 5 grams of wood per day.
    • Termites are significantly more dangerous than the carpenter ant, as they can cause much more damage in a short period of time.

Winged Ants vs. Termites in Northern VA - Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor's

Differences Between Termites and Carpenter Ants

In the swarmer stage, termites and carpenter ants look very alike. Carpenter ant swarmers are black in color with slightly red coloring at times. Their wings are translucent with a reddish brown hue. The biggest difference is that carpenter ants measure 1/2″–5/8″ with antennae bent at a 45-degree angle. This makes them the biggest ant species in the nation.

Termite swarmers are dark brown to black in color and measure 3/8″ long including the wings. Their wings are a translucent to slightly milky or smoky color, may overlap, and are typically as long as or slightly longer than the body. This is the easiest way to differentiate them from carpenter ants.

What to Do With Wood-Destroying Insects

If you think you are dealing with a wood-destroying insect infestation, it’s necessary to enlist the help of a professional termite pest control expert. At Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor’s, our exterminators have the decades of experience required to provide effective carpenter ant or termite control.