Do termites really eat wood?
Yes, termites actually eat wood. Using bacteria, protozoa and microbes that live inside their stomach, they are able to digest cellulose, the main constituent of wood.

Can termites make their way through concrete?
Termites cannot go through solid concrete, but they can get through a crack only 1/32 of an inch. Openings this size or bigger often occur where two pieces of concrete are joined together and around pipe openings.

How quickly can termites infest a house? If a residence has been treated and there is no evidence remaining of termite infestation, how soon could they reappear?
Subterranean termites can infest a structure during its construction phase if they are present in the soil. Conventional soil barrier treatments to control subterranean termites do not eliminate the termite colony; they block potential entry points into the structure. Soil treatment zones are intended to control termites for extended periods of time, however they may be breached due to physical disturbance (landscaping, construction, erosion, tree roots, etc.) and natural degradation of the termicide.

My kitchen is inundated with small- and medium-sized ants. They seem to cluster in my dishwasher. I've used ant traps and boric acid and nothing works. What should I do?
It is important to identify the ant involved before trying to control it. Some ant species can be controlled using ant baits, while others cannot. The key to success is following the ants back to their colony and treating the colony directly (except when dealing with pharaoh ants).

How effective are bait traps for controlling cockroaches?
Bait stations may be effective in controlling cockroaches if placed properly. However, they rely on every cockroach in a population to feed on the bait before the infestation can be eliminated. Bait stations should be combined with other control efforts such as crack and void treatments.
 
Is it possible to get rid of cockroaches and keep them from coming back?
Cockroaches can be eliminated from a home, but re-infestation can occur depending on the particular species involved and where the home is situated. Outdoor cockroaches, like the large smoky browns in the Southeast or Oriental cockroaches in the Northeast and Midwest, may continually try to enter a home from the outside. Regular exterior service in addition to sealing outside cracks will limit such infestation.

How do I get rid of mice?
Mice are best controlled by using traps, either snap traps, live traps (e.g., Tin Cat) or a combination of the two. When using snap traps, use different baits (chocolate, peanut butter, etc...) on the traps and place them where the mice are active ­but where children and pets can't get to them. Also, seal exterior cracks and holes and put weather-stripping on doors to prevent new mice from entering. Mice only need 1/4-inch in space to enter. Numerous mice indicate a more serious problem and should be dealt with by a professional.

Is it possible to get rid of rats?
It is possible to eliminate rats, but it takes a lot of effort. Traps are often best for controlling them because the bodies can be easily removed. In some cases, baits should not be used because rodents will die inside a wall and will quickly start to smell. In many cases, both traps and baits are needed.

What is the best mouse/rat bait and how should I use it in my traps?
Contrary to popular belief, cheese is not a good bait for mice. Peanut butter and chocolate work well as long as you don't put too much on the trap. Work the bait onto the trap's trigger so that it is hard for the mouse to get it off and it will be forced to climb onto the trigger.

I have moths in my clothes, and have indoor pets that may get into mothballs. What are my alternatives?
The first step is to clean the affected clothing and other clothing items that were stored with it. Next, thoroughly clean the closet, dresser, or storage area. Cracks in these areas may also be treated using a properly-labeled indoor pest control product. Pheromone traps are available to monitor for moth activity.

I have discovered small, worm-like bugs which are tan colored and taper at one end to a darker brown color. They are living in the carpet and area rugs. What are they? How can I remove them?
The description sounds like carpet beetles or cabinet beetles. These beetles feed on woolen items as well as dead insects, pet and human hair, and food items. They can be very difficult to control so it is recommended you consult a professional.

What can I do to keep spiders out of my home?
You can take the following steps to minimize spiders in your home or apartment: seal all cracks around windows and door frames and around light fixtures, vents and ceiling fans; seal all openings around pipes; place sticky traps designed for cockroaches near doorways; and regularly remove webs and spiders by vacuuming.

What is the best way to treat a flea-infested home?
Flea control requires treatment of pets and the infested premises. Vacuuming removes soils and debris that might interfere with the treatment, removes adult fleas, and opens carpet fibers so the treatment can penetrate to flea larvae and pupae. An insect growth regulator (IGR) should be used together with a product targeted at the adult fleas. The IGR affects only the flea larvae and prevents them from molting into adult fleas which do the biting. It is important to treat pets the same day as the home is treated and to consult a veterinarian.

Are there really such things as "bed bugs?"
Bed bugs are small, oval, reddish-brown insects that are approximately 1/4-inch long as adults. They live in cracks in beds and walls as well as in furniture near beds. At night, they will crawl into the bed and bite a sleeping person. The bite is usually not painful and, fortunately, bed bugs do not transmit any diseases. Bed bugs can prove difficult to control so a professional should be consulted.

We have several small, almost microscopic bugs around our windows and sliding glass door. They are reddish-brown; and when killed, they make a tiny red dot that looks like blood. What are they, and should we be concerned if they are increasing?
The description sounds like clover mites that live in the grass and invade homes during the spring. During the fall, the adults will deposit eggs in cracks in the outside of buildings. When these eggs hatch in the spring, the tiny, red mite "larvae" crawl up the foundation and find their way inside. This problem is usually remedied by treating the exterior foundation and the ground several feet out from the house.

I have these bugs with multiple legs and long, thin bodies - like worms. They move slowly and are creepy. What are they and what should I do?
These sound like they are millipedes which are related to insects. They live in moist areas outside and feed on organic matter in mulch, lawns, and leaf litter. When it gets too hot, too wet or too dry, millipedes may try to enter a home. You will need to seal cracks and holes in the home's exterior walls. Keep mulch under 2 inches thick and try to keep it 10-12 inches from the foundation of your home. You may want to treat the foundation and ground around the home or call in a professional company.

How do I know if I have house centipedes?
If they have very long legs, they are likely house centipedes that can breed indoors and feed on spiders and insects. Homes with house centipedes usually have a crawlspace or basement underneath where the centipedes harbor. You may want to consult a professional to inspect.

What harm can Earwigs cause, and how can they be eliminated?
Earwigs do not bite and are not dangerous. In order to control them, treat cracks in the home's exterior and outdoor harborage sites (woodpile, landscape timbers, etc.). A residual aerosol or dust insecticide labeled for indoor crack and crevice treatment should be used indoors. Outdoors, a suitable exterior household insecticide can be applied to areas where earwigs might live. If the infestation is large, hire a professional.

I've heard that silverfish are extremely difficult to control. Is this true? If so, what should I do?
They are difficult to eliminate because they often hide deep within walls or attics where treatments are difficult to apply. Apply a residual pest control dust product into all cracks and voids where activity has been seen and continue treatment for several months. Experience has shown that homes with wood shingle roofs typically have the most silverfish infestations.

What can I do to keep crickets from taking over the exterior of my home and office?
Crickets are attracted to buildings by bright exterior lights. Changing commercial lighting to sodium vapor lamps and home lighting to yellow "bug light bulbs" greatly reduces the numbers of crickets. In addition, limit heavy ground cover (such as ivy), especially next to the building. Remove any sites where crickets could harbor, such as piles of lumber and bricks. Additionally, seal exterior cracks and holes and make sure all doors have weather-stripping on the bottom.

I think I have a gnat problem, but I'm not sure. What should I do?
It is very important to identify these flies or gnats. If the fly is tiny and black, it may be a fungus gnat that lives in the wet soil of potted plants. Small tan flies with red eyes are fruit flies that breed in fresh fruit and garbage. The first step is to identify the type of fly.

I have a problem with flies in my house during the fall and winter. They are black and 1/4-inch in size. What type of flies are these, and what can I do about them?
If they hold their wings flat over their abdomens, they are likely cluster flies. These flies enter the walls and attics of homes in large numbers to survive the winter. On warmer days, they may crawl into the living spaces of the home. Once inside the walls, they are difficult, if not impossible, to eliminate. You need a professional to inspect the home and make recommendations for sealing cracks where flies could enter. Treatments can be applied that can greatly reduce the numbers of flies seen inside.

I have wildlife in my attic. What should I do?
If a raccoon or squirrel decides to nest in your attic, or a group of bats is using your building for shelter, it is important to get them out as soon as possible.  If left, they will multiply and eventually create health issues because of the fleas, ticks, mites and diseases they carry.  They can also cause property damage, as these animals gnaw on wires causing fire hazards as well as computer and alarm malfunctions.  Metro Pest Control can humanely remove these animals from your property.  Once removed, Metro Pest Control will seal the openings to prevent other pests from re-infesting the structure.
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