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Excellent Results – Outstanding Reputation
Excellent Results – Outstanding Reputation
Ants can be very difficult to control. Many do-it-yourself ant treatments kill only the ants you see leaving thousands still in the nest. ARAB Termite & Pest Control will use modern products and techniques to penetrate the nest and prevent these pests from returning. We will then customize a service plan to protect your home or business from future infestations.
CARPENTER ANTS
1/4 to 3/4 inches long. These large black or black and red ants tend to burrow in damp wood but have also been known to damage solid wood. They do not eat the wood, but simply remove it in order to build a nest.
ODOROUS ANTS
1/16 to 1/8 inches long. These small brown or black ants prefer sweets and are often referred to as “sugar ants”. They are normally found in kitchens or bathrooms where there is plenty of moisture. When crushed these ants give off the smell of rotten coconut giving them their name.
CITRONELLA ANTS
1/8 to 3/8 inches long. These larger yellow ants prefer to nest in areas of high moisture, and could be a sign of a moisture problem if nesting within the structure. They feed on honeydew from aphids and other sap-sucking pests. When crushed or threatened they emit a lemon or citronella scent giving them their name.
PAVEMENT ANTS
About 1/8 inch long. These small black to light brown ants generally make their nests outdoors in pavement cracks, under rocks, or along curbs. They often infest buildings while foraging for food, but can nest indoors inside walls or under floors. They prefer greasy foods but will eat most foods consumed by humans. They have small stingers and will sting and bite.
PHAROH ANTS
About 1/16 inch long. They are a small yellow or light brown almost transparent ant. These ants are commonly found in hospitals and nursing homes, where they are capable of transmitting Staphylecoccus and Psuedomonas infections. Pharaoh Ants also invade restaurants, apartment buildings and similar dwellings.
ANTS WITH WINGS
Ants with wings can easily be mistaken for termites, which may lead to a wrong treatment. In comparison, ants have a very narrow thorax (mid-section), while termites’ bodies are more uniform. Also ants have longer wings in the front and shorter in the back, while termite wings are all the same length.
Bed bugs have largely been thought of as being a problem of the past. Unfortunately, we are now experiencing a widespread recurrence of bed bugs in the United States and abroad. The most significant factor that explains their return is the increase in international travel. Bed bugs easily get into clothing or luggage and are brought home. Even the finest hotels are not immune.
A bed bug does not actually live under your skin, but will simply drink a few drops of blood while you are sleeping. You cannot feel its bite, even though it is actually piercing the skin. Although some saliva will get into the bite, bed bugs are not known to pass on any diseases to humans.
The different species of bed bugs have different feeding preferences. Some prefer human blood while others prefer bats and birds. Bed bugs primarily reside in their target’s nests or nesting areas
While many bed bugs hide in mattresses, some may also hide in a sofa or chair, or behind wall paper or pictures. Thoroughness is the only real way to get rid of bed bugs. Every corner and crevice needs to be searched. As you might guess, this means that simply getting rid of an infected mattress will not solve the problem.
Bed bug bites often cause redness and some swelling. Antihistamines and corticosteroids may be given to help relieve the itching. Approximately 50% of bed bug victims do not show any evidence of bites.
These tenacious pests are about 3/8″ long and are visible to the naked eye. Amazingly, they are able to go without food for as long as a year. After getting their fill of blood, the females will lay eggs in batches of up to 200 at a time.
Since their reappearance, researchers have found that the new Bed Bugs are much more resistant to chemicals that have previously been in use. Insecticides that are often used for roaches and similar insects are ineffective. Bed bugs, in particular, require professional pest control management.
We use a combination of pesticides, physical barriers, traps, and monitors. Using this approach along with your cooperation we have a proven track record of ridding hotels, apartments, and houses of bed bugs. We offer free inspections and quotes, or give us a call and we can answer any questions you may have.
A bee or wasp problem in or your home or yard can disrupt daily life and put both you and your family in danger. If a family member is allergic to a bee and is stung, the reaction might be serious enough to warrant a trip to the hospital. A bad reaction can occur even if the allergy had previously been non- existent or mild. Also, an individual’s allergy can worsen after repeated exposure to bites. Multiple bites can be quite dangerous, especially with regard to the elderly or small children. Regardless, bee stings hurt even without an adverse reaction.
Exterminating bees or wasps on your own can be difficult and even dangerous. Sometimes a homeowner will attempt to exterminate pests alone, using chemical sprays from a hardware store or supply center. If these sprays are not applied in the correct locations, most of the bee or wasp colony will survive. The most challenging nests to control are those that located deep inside the walls of a home or in the attic. Often, a homeowner does not even know where the actual colony is located. He or she only sees where the wasps are flying back and forth through a crack or hole in the home. If there are bees or wasps anywhere in your home, extreme caution is advised.
Outdoors, bee and wasp nests near human activity can pose a potential problem. Some wasps may become aggressive scavengers around human food and are attracted to outdoor activities where food or drinks are served. Most bees and wasps will not attack if left alone. However, some people are curious to observe a nest or unknowingly surprise a member of a hive. If provoked, a bee will sting in defense of its nest or itself. Insect sprays should be used with caution. Some of the more caustic over-the-counter sprays on the market can cause harm to children and pets.
If you attempt to exterminate pests yourself, you could literally spend hours shopping for costly pest control sprays or trapping devices. You could then spend even more time trying unsuccessfully to kill the wasps or bees, putting yourself or your family at risk in the process. Your ARAB technician will have the training needed to safely and efficiently take care of your pest problem. Contacting a professional exterminator can save you both time and money. The sooner you call a licensed exterminator, the sooner your family’s home and lives can return to normal.
Beetles make up the largest category of insects in the world, accounting for approximately 25% of all life forms on earth. In fact, there are more than 5 million different species of beetles.
Beetles are easily identified by their hard outer shell, which covers their wings. Their wings are exposed only during flight. A beetle’s body consists of three sections: a head, a thorax, and an abdomen.
Several types of beetles feed on wood. This can cause a lot of damage to wood structures primarily because while the wood is being eaten, the beetles remain unseen. This is true of Powder Post Beetles, Old House Borer Beetles, Bark Beetles, Citrus Long-Horned Beetles, Asian beetles, and other species. Powder Post Beetles grow from eggs that are laid in the wood. Another species of beetle, the Citrus Long-Horned Beetle, was introduced into the United States as recently as 1999, and is currently without any natural enemies. The damage these beetles will create is expected to be extensive.
Other beetle species feed on garden plants, such as the Colorado Potato Beetle, the Boll Weevil, the Rose Chafer, the Western Corn Rootworm, and many more. Each of these beetles can cause millions of dollars in damage to crops of many different kinds. The presence of just a few beetles usually indicates that more exist, so it is best to contact a qualified Pest Control agency.
Treating for beetles requires proper knowledge of the type of beetle species you are trying to eliminate. Wood destroying beetles, for instance, cannot be effectively treated using sprays because they are located deep within wood. Some beetles are seasonal and will invade your structure at different times of the year. ARAB Termite & Pest Control will customize a service plan to protect your home or business year round.
Millipedes and centipedes are similar pests. Though they may be unusually repulsive, they are not a major threat to people or animals.
Centipedes in the south tend to be the largest. They can grow up to six inches in length. A centipede can be easily distinguished from a millipede because it has fewer legs; specifically, one set for every segment of its body. Millipedes have two sets of legs for every segment, and when they move, their legs appear to be moving in a wave-like motion. A millipede’s legs are also shorter and, in general, a millipede cannot move very fast. A centipede, with its fewer legs, can travel considerably faster.
Several types of beetles feed on wood. This can cause a lot of damage to wood structures primarily because while the wood is being eaten, the beetles remain unseen. This is true of Powder Post Beetles, Old House Borer Beetles, Bark Beetles, Citrus Long-Horned Beetles, Asian beetles, and other species. Powder Post Beetles grow from eggs that are laid in the wood. Another species of beetle, the Citrus Long-Horned Beetle, was introduced into the United States as recently as 1999, and is currently without any natural enemies. The damage these beetles will create is expected to be extensive.
Both centipedes and millipedes are generally hatched from eggs, but some varieties are born live. Some centipedes may live as long as six years.
Centipedes actually have the ability to bite, and are poisonous. The poison from their fangs, located behind the head, is used to kill insects, which are their primary food. To a human, a bite feels like that of a bee sting, and can be dangerous, especially if there is an allergic reaction in response to the bite. Children will be more sensitive to a centipede’s bite.
Millipedes are not poisonous and do not have fangs, but they can emit an obnoxious fluid to defend themselves. Some varieties can spray this fluid several inches. The fluid can cause irritation to the skin in some people and should be removed right away. Additionally, it may take some scrubbing to get rid of the odor.
Millipedes feed on decaying plant matter and sometimes living plant roots. Millipedes can damage those roots if there are too many of the pests in the soil. Some varieties are known to be especially bothersome to greenhouse plants. If this occurs, you may need to contact ARAB Termite & Pest Control to control your millipede infestation.
House centipedes are an indoor variety. They can move quickly and do not require the moisture that the other varieties need. The most likely time of year to see centipedes in your home is in the spring or fall. They can seem beneficial because they feed on small insects such as cockroaches, silverfish, and other common household pests, a house centipede infestation can grow quickly. ARAB termite & Pest Control will customize a service plan protecting your home or business year round.
Since there is a cockroach infestation, it can be very hard to get rid of them. Cockroaches multiply very quickly, and they also adapt quickly, too. It is important to contact ARAB Termite & Pest Control quickly if you see them in your home or business.
There are over 4,000 different varieties of cockroaches, but only about thirty of them can comfortably live with humans. This number can be further reduced to include only four varieties; the main species that cause problems in homes and businesses in America.
The four main species are the German, Oriental, American, and Wood cockroaches. These vary in size from about 1/2″ (German), up to 2″ (American). In America, the species that is most common in homes would most likely be the German cockroach.
Cockroaches increase in population at a very rapid rate. The German cockroach female lives about 200 days. Each egg case that she lays includes thirty to fifty eggs. In her lifetime, she will produce between four to six egg cases. Under ideal conditions within 6 months 2 German roaches can turn into 60,000 roaches. German cockroaches are clearly able to thrive.
When cockroaches infest a home or business, they are rarely seen. Cockroaches are nocturnal and can live up to a month with little or no food. They can also survive by eating book bindings, furniture, glue, soap, dead insects, shoe linings, human hair, and more.
The presence of cockroaches can lead to a definite impression of uncleanness- especially if your guests see them. Contrary to popular belief, a cockroach infestation is not necessarily an indication of poor hygiene. However, an untidy environment will make it all the more difficult to get rid of them. The presence of cockroaches can also lead to health problems, including asthma in children. If you spot a cockroach at home or work, there are likely more of them concealed nearby. Contact ARAB to avoid letting an infestation get out of hand.
Your ARAB technician will inspect and provide a treatment tailored to your specific needs. Using modern products and techniques we will effectively get rid of these unwanted pests. ARAB will then customize a service plan to protect your home or business from future infestations.
Flies, typically considered a nuisance, exist in all regions of the United States. There are more than 240,000 different species of flies in the world. Approximately one third of them, including mosquitoes and gnats, can be found in the United States.
A true fly has only one set of wings. All flies are known disease carriers, many of which can be transmitted to humans. Flies typically breed in garbage, excrement of animals and humans, sewers, compost piles, and any other place where matter is decaying. This enables them to pick up various kinds of diseases which can be transmitted to people by biting or by landing on food, where the bacteria and viruses are released. Since flies are able to transmit disease so easily, it is necessary to seek insect control quickly. The diseases that they can carry include malaria, yellow fever, encephalitis, dengue fever, and more.
All flies have a rapid rate of growth and go from egg to adult in about seven days. Maggots are just one stage in the early development of a fly. Maggots of some fly varieties, such as the Carrot Rust fly, can be a problem because they eat the roots of some vegetables. The most common flies are the Fruit fly, the House fly (which have four stripes on their abdomen), the Cluster fly (which is dark gray in color), and the Garbage fly (which has a metallic color that is either green or blue). Another kind of fly, the Stable fly, typically exists around livestock. The Horse fly and a few other varieties of flies actually have mouth parts and can bite humans. Most other flies have a sponge-like mouth and can only drink up their food.
One benefit of flies is that they help reduce the population of other pests. They also help to break down carcasses and other decaying matter faster by preparing it to reenter the ground. Properly controlling flies includes not only killing the adults, but also destroying their eggs and larvae. Call a pest professional to manage any fly problems you encounter.
Mice and rats are a problem when they find their way into your home. They like to be near humans so that they have a ready supply of food. This has earned them the term “commensal,” which means “to share one’s table.”
The class of creatures called “rodents” actually encompasses more than just mice and rats. It refers to any animal whose incisor teeth continue to grow, so they must continually gnaw in order to keep them serviceable.
There are more than 2,200 different rodents. Together they make up more than 40% of all mammals. In this group you will find: mice, rats, squirrels, capybaras, nutria, chipmunks, prairie dogs, and many more.
Removing rodents can sometimes be as easy as setting a mouse trap; but a larger infestation (especially with rats or larger rodents) can be larger issue. Rats are smart and can learn to avoid traps.
Rodents can carry up to thirty-five diseases that humans are susceptible to, which is another reason to eliminate them as soon as possible. Cleaning up after a rodent infestation also requires a great deal of caution. The saliva, droppings, and urine from certain rodent species are known to transmit Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). Disturbing the nest can cause the dust to go airborne.
Rodents can also do physical damage your home or business. They easily chew through some types of siding and other building materials. They are also known to chew on electrical lines, thereby increasing the possibility of fire. They damage other materials as well, creating holes and gnawing on numerous objects, especially food or food containers.
Removing rodents can be difficult. ARAB Termite & Pest Control will come out and do a thorough inspection of the structure and surrounding area. This will help us determine the type and severity of the infestation. We will then form a strategy to eliminate the rodents from in and around the structure. This will include exclusion, baiting, trapping, and monitoring. We will also customize a service plan to protect your home or business from future infestations.
Spiders are generally good to have around, as they help minimize the population of harmful insects. The problem arises, however, when they negatively affect humans. The mere sight of a spider can be a real scare for some people. Aside from that, many spiders do bite humans and are poisonous. It is a good idea to have ARAB Termite & Pest Control address your spider infestation.
Several spiders pose a serious threat to humans. The two that are a risk to humans in Central Illinois are the Black Widow and the Brown Recluse. Since a few people die each year from the bite of either of these two spiders, it’s extremely important for any person who is bitten by one of these spiders to seek treatment immediately. In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary.
The Black Widow spider can be easily recognized because she is black with a red hourglass on the underside of her abdomen. The male is considerably smaller than the female, and he has a body up to half an inch long. The Black Widow typically remains outdoors.
The Brown Recluse spider has a darker brown fiddle-shaped pattern on its back. The Brown Recluse loves to be indoors and generally stays out of sight. It may never be seen until you startle it by reaching into a dark spot where it is hiding. Then it will bite.
There are plenty of other spiders in the United States, such as the Grass Spider, Wolf Spider, Hobo Spider, and the Saint Andrew’s Cross Spider, just to name a few. These spiders do not have the same strong venom in their bite, but all are painful and treatment may be required.
If you have noticed spiders in your home or business, contact ARAB Termite & Pest Control. Your ARAB technician will develop a strategy to safely and effectively control and monitor the spider problem. We will then customize a service plan to protect your home or business from future infestations.
Several spiders pose a serious threat to humans. The two that are a risk to humans in Central Illinois are the Black Widow and the Brown Recluse. Since a few people die each year from the bite of either of these two spiders, it’s extremely important for any person who is bitten by one of these spiders to seek treatment immediately. In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary.
Subterranean termites are the most common and destructive termite in the U.S. Interestingly, they are found in every state except Alaska.
Subterranean, by definition, means “situated or operating beneath the earth’s surface; underground.”These insects make their home (a nest or colony) primarily in the soil or wood beneath the soil. They tunnel through the ground, searching for trees, brush and other decaying wood (preferred) found in nature. If this primary source is reduced or absent, termites look to other food sources, namely, your home.
Termites easily access a home through any wood in contact with the soil. As a result, nearly every termite prevention list advises storing firewood several feet from the house and keeping the surrounding grounds clear of other wood debris. A regular inspection by ARAB Termite & Pest Control is highly recommended. A pest control technician can save a homeowner thousands of dollars in home repair bills by conducting routine professional inspections on a regular basis.
Termites are insects with defined social strata. A mature termite colony may number in the millions, with each member fulfilling a defined biological role. The castes, not including nymphs (immature termites), are called workers, soldiers and reproductives. Typically, a queen and king reside in a mature colony. Winged adults are referred to as “swarmers.” They emerge from the colony and take flight (swarm) during certain seasons of the year, usually late winter to early spring. This marks the beginning of the termite reproductive cycle, as the swarmers are the primary reproductives. Swarming is also the time that they are most likely to be spotted by humans.
People often confuse swarming termites with flying ants. There are distinctive differences, however. In order to discern a termite from a winged ant, compare the visual biological differences:
Leading indicators of a termite infestation of the home are scattered, discarded wings on floors and window sills. Other visual evidence is their earth-colored mud tubes (protective tunnels constructed by termites for travel), which are often found in damp basement corners, walls, wooden support beams, posts, doors and window trim. The extensive structural damage termites inflict may go largely unnoticed for lengthy periods of time, as the infested building appears structurally sound from the outside. If you suspect an infestation or wish to take preventative measures as a homeowner, contact ARAB Termite and Pest Control to conduct a professional inspection.
Nearly everyone is affected by mosquitoes during the warmer months of the year. These pests swarm at outdoor events and breed prolifically in stagnant water–from bird baths to discarded tires–even puddles from the latest rainfall. Certain land features, such as swamps, reservoirs and retention ponds are virtual breeding grounds for mosquitoes. And, all it takes is one tenacious pest to infiltrate your home and make everyone inside miserable.
Contrary to popular belief, mosquitoes do not require blood to live, as they actually feed on nectar. The males are not blood drinkers; however, the female of the species requires it in order to lay eggs. Once she lays her eggs, a female mosquito will seek more blood in order to produce more young. She will continue this cycle during her short life span of about two weeks.
Though some may consider them an unpleasant nuisance, mosquitoes are responsible for more human deaths than any other insect. Mosquitoes feed off both humans and animals, thereby easily infecting host upon host.
A single mosquito bite can transmit diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and encephalitis. The well-known and well-publicized West Nile Virus (an Encephalitis virus) first appeared in the Western hemisphere in 1999 and quickly spread to infect people in every state in the US.
As a result, mosquito control is vitally important to human health and well-being. There are many varieties of mosquitoes, some of which carry more deadly diseases than others. Mosquito insecticide is often used on a wide-scale basis to combat mosquitoes and is generally very effective. If your property is prone to attracting and breeding a mosquito population, contact ARAB Termite & Pest Control to assess and manage the situation.
By the time you notice moths in your home, they have usually already found something they like to eat. Fortunately, their feeding choices are rather limited, and you can usually find where they are feeding rather quickly.
Moths that are found in the home are generally one of two basic kinds; either a food-eating moth or a fabric-eating moth. A food-eating moth, which is the most common, will most likely be found in your pantry. A fabric-eating moth will most likely be found in your closet.
Food-eating moths come in a variety of types, but are usually frequenting your pantry or kitchen cabinets, pet food, or garbage can. They especially like to eat grains, cereals, flour, pastas, powdered milk, bird seed, and other similar foods. These foods are less likely to attract moths if they are stored in air-tight containers.
Moth eggs are laid in or near these foods. The eggs will develop into larvae, which will start eating the food. In their immature stages, you are unlikely to see them because they will be close to the same color as the food they are in.
The most common type of food moth is the Indian Meal Moth, which is also sometimes referred to as the North American High-Flyer. It is also the most destructive. The larvae are often referred to as “waxworms.” These moths are also known as flour moths or pantry moths. A female Indian Meal Moth can lay up to 300 eggs at one time. As adults, they grow to be about half an inch long.
Fabric moths include species like the Webbing Moth and the Casemaking Moth. Both of these moths are only about one fourth of an inch long, and do not like to be seen, and rarely are. Generally, the only way you will know that these moths are present is when you see holes in your fabric.
Don’t risk termite damage to your home. Contact ARAB Termite & Pest Control immediately if you suspect an infestation, or if you would like to schedule regular visits as a preventative measure. You and your home will be the better for it.
Termites love feeding on most people’s biggest investment: their home. In the U.S. alone, termites cause more than $5 billion worth of damage every year. Despite this, termite damage is not covered by most homeowners insurance policies. Since termites are found nationwide, there’s a constant risk of termite infestation. So trust in the Trelona ® ATBS ® Advance ® Termite Bait System, an advanced baiting technology, to protect the well-being of your home.
The superior design of Trelona ATBS leads to proven performance while maintaining a low profile.
While tunneling in search of a food source, termites find a Trelona ATBS bait station, feed, then leave a pheromone trail behind them as they travel back to the colony. Upon returning to the colony, they share the bait with others and recruit more termites to follow the pheromone trail back to the source. What they don’t realize is the bait contains Novaluron—an active ingredient that prevents the termites’ vital process of molting. Over time, more and more termites will have fed upon the bait and start to die, beginning the process of colony elimination.
Expert help. Unmatched results. Expert results are ensured by your Certified Trelona Specialist from ARAB who has been qualified to use Trelona to eliminate and prevent termite attack. He or she will install and maintain a ring of Trelona stations around your home. Your Certified Trelona Specialist will protect your home from termites.
Termidor termiticide/insecticide is a professional termite defense product effective on native subterranean termites, Formosan termites, Asian termites, and drywood termites. It utilizes nonrepellent, or “undetectable,” technology that termites cannot smell, taste, or avoid. Instead, they contact, ingest, and share Termidor termiticide/insecticide, completely unaware that doing so will inevitably kill them.
Termidor termiticide/insecticide kills termites by both ingestion and contact and through the genuine Transfer Effect where a lethal dose can reach individuals inside their colony. Whenever a termite ingests or touches Termidor termiticide/insecticide, it can become a “carrier” that transmits the active ingredient within the colony, producing devastating results. Termidor termiticide/insecticide is also effective at preventing future infestations and damage to your home.
In numerous trials across the United States and around the world, Termidor termiticide/insecticide has consistently proven to be extremely effective at eliminating termites from and protecting structures. It has also proven to be equally effective at preventing future infestations and damage.
When your home is treated by a Termidor pest professional, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your home is guarded by a Termidor Treatment Zone. With more than 10 million homes treated, Termidor termiticide/insecticide has proven consistently effective at eliminating termites in structures and preventing future infestations from causing devastating damage.
Expert help. Unmatched results. Expert results are ensured by your Certified Sentricon Specialist from ARAB who has been qualified to use Sentricon to eliminate and prevent termite attack. He or she will install and maintain a ring of Sentricon stations around your home. Your Certified Sentricon Specialist will protect your home from termites. You gain the peace of mind that comes from the No. 1 brand in termite protection.
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