As I said last week, the worst thing about being a dog is dealing with ticks and fleas and the dangers they pose. I spoke at depth about how we pets have to be very careful, especially during the warm months of the year, not to become a victim to Lyme disease and/or “tick paralysis” caused by infected ticks who latch on to us, get a nice blood meal, while infecting us at the same time. Ticks are really bad, and they are a danger to us all, but so are fleas. This blog will speak to our dilemma with fleas, and how to prevent some of the problems fleas can bestow on our cute little hairy bodies.

Hi, my faithful dog-blog fans. Again, this is Hunter, Loyal’s loyal Termite Detective bringing you a pet’s perspective of what we have to deal with when it comes to spring and summer pests. By informing you pet owners; I hope to lessen the negative effect these critters have on the animals that many of you consider being a very important part of your lives; dogs and cats who, like me, are loved family members.

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Fleas are a common pest that often affects us dogs and cats. The most common species of fleas plaguing American homes and domestic animals is the “cat” flea. I’m glad cats get the rap for these little buggers. Their bites can cause itchy, red bumps that can lead to excessive scratching. Fleas can cause conditions such as anemia, flea allergy dermatitis (had it, hate it), and can transfer tapeworms. I told you these little things are bad news.

Adult fleas lay their eggs on their host, where they hatch and reproduce. Eggs can also roll off onto nearby surfaces such as carpets, couches, pet bedding; usually, anywhere a family pet has access to and particularly like to lay. Fleas can be hard to find since they are so small and move very fast along the surface of the skin. In addition to being hard to find, they breed fast. One adult flea can lay as many as 20 eggs per day and the eggs hatch within 2 to 14 days. As a result, a flea infestation can grow quickly. A large infestation of fleas can be difficult and time-consuming to eradicate. A flea infestation in your home should always be left to a licensed pest professional to handle. They will have the knowledge, tools, and experience to treat the infestation safely and effectively.

Wait a minute, hold it, not again? The tune is back in my head. I can’t help myself! Who ya’ gonna’ call? Pestbusters!! No, Who ya’ gonna’ call?  Call Loyal!!  Man, I love that tune! I’ve got a few folks in the office humming this one.

Of course, the best way to protect your pets and your home from common household pests is to prevent an infestation before it ever happens. Luckily, there are many steps pet owners can take to protect their pets from pests like fleas. Some of these are similar steps I wrote about last week to ward off ticks. It’s a good exercise to frequently practice these protective measures:

• Bathe dogs regularly, using a shampoo that can kill pests.
• Consult with a veterinarian to determine if a preventative medicine is recommended for your pet.
• Wash your pet’s bedding, crate, toys, food bowls and sleeping areas on a regular basis.
• Keep your home clean and clutter free to deter pest infestations and make it easy to spot any pests that do find their way indoors. Vacuum frequently and wash linens on a regular basis.
• And most importantly; if you suspect your home is infested with fleas, contact a licensed professional.

Oh boy, perfect timing for another round of my favorite tune, ready? Who ya’ gonna’ call Pestbusters!! No, no, Who ya’ gonna’ call? Call Loyal!!

I think this one may stick around for a while.

By following these tips and keeping your pet (and your home) pest free, you’ll help ensure that your pet has many happy, healthy years ahead of them. To me, and my many pet pals, this sounds good.

If you have any questions, you know who to call! You thought I was going there again, didn’t you? I’ll save some of my howling chops for next time. Until then, this is Hunter, your favorite dog-blogger, asking, What’s Buggin’ You? Bark at you later. Ruff! Ruff!

Hello, my “dog-blog” friends. This is Hunter, your dog gone Loyal Pest Control blogger; anxious to provide you with another informative morsel of educational goodness. Seriously folks; this blog contains important information that we all need to know; the facts about Lyme disease and its effects on those who contract it.

Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium that is carried by many types of wild animals. The bacterium, which is called Borrelia Burgdorferi, is ingested by ticks that feed on the animals and carried in the stomachs of the ticks. If a tick bites a human (or pet!), the bacterium is transferred to the human (or pet!) resulting in Lyme disease. (Note: Currently there is a pandemic among tics themselves. About 50% of them are infected. If you are bitten by a tick, you have near a 50% chance of contracting the disease!) (Talk to your veterinarian about precautions for your pet!). Lyme disease symptoms will gradually worsen until they become very serious if untreated. It can easily be treated if it is diagnosed early, but unfortunately, many doctors are grossly uninformed in how to recognize the first symptoms of Lyme disease.

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Some people who develop Lyme disease are not even aware that a tick has bitten them until its already taken hold. If you are spending time in the woods doing activities such as camping or hiking, it is important to know these early warning signs so you can alert your doctor at the first sign of illness:

*Strange Looking Rash (See Illustration)

One of the first symptoms of Lyme disease is inflammation and rash at the sight of the tick bite. The rash spreads as the bacteria spreads into the bloodstream. Some rashes develop a bulls-eye pattern, characterized by a red spot in the center, surrounded by a ring. In people who were not aware that they had been bitten by a tick, the rash identifies the site of the bite and removes all doubt.

*Flu-like Symptoms

The first symptoms of Lyme disease are similar to the flu, so they often get ignored. It is when the ‘flu’ persists that people start to realize that something is wrong. If you are sick for several weeks with symptoms worsening, you may have Lyme disease.

*Headache and Fever

Typical Lyme disease symptoms include a persistent headache and fever that gradually worsen and do not respond to medications such as Tylenol. Chills will usually accompany the headache and fever.

*Muscle Aches

Muscle aches, similar to those that accompany a flu virus, are typical symptoms of Lyme disease. These aches are different, however, because they don’t respond to pain medications and steadily grow worse. As the disease progresses, most people develop stiffness in the neck caused by swollen lymph nodes.

*Chronic Fatigue

The fatigue develops when the first flu-like Lyme disease symptoms appear then become worse as Lyme disease progresses. People with Lyme disease in its advanced stages become so weak that they are unable to get out of bed.

Lyme disease in its advanced stages begins to affect the central nervous system and also causes swelling of the heart causing palpitations and possibly heart failure. What began as muscle aches eventually develops into chronic arthritis.

If you think that you may have Lyme disease, it is essential that you seek treatment immediately! If your doctor isn’t receptive to this idea, it may be wise to seek a second opinion. It may also help to go into your doctor’s office armed with information about the early symptoms of Lyme disease to help you better illustrate the reason for your concern.

Don’t wait until you are seriously ill before getting treatment for Lyme disease. There is no need to suffer from Lyme disease symptoms. With proper treatment, you can be feeling better in no time.

In closing; if you were not aware of Lyme disease before reading this blog, you are well informed now. This is my purpose in providing essential information to my Loyal friends and “dog-blog” fans.

Remember: if you have any questions or concerns about pests or pest control; Who you gonna’ call? Call Loyal! Once more; Who you gonna’ call? Call Loyal!

This is Hunter, your Loyal K-9 dog-blogger signing out with one final question; What’s Buggin’ You? I’ll bark at you again next week! Ruff! Ruff!

Hello; friends, fans, and blog followers, Hunter here. I’m back again this week to give you another morsel of pest education goodness. This week I’ll be providing important information about West Nile Fever (WNF). WNF is a direct effect from the West Nile Virus.

If you have been watching the news lately you know that there are patches of West Nile Fever epidemics happening in several areas across the United States. From Texas and continuing throughout the South WNF is occurring at an alarming rate. The reason is; the very mild winter the south experienced this year, followed by record heat this summer. Mosquitoes are harboring and reproducing in mass quantities in any accumulated water source they can find. Many of our southern cities are on emergency status and are implementing all possible means to get the mosquito situation under control. We can expect this situation to continue deep into autumn.

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The reason there is so much fear is that WNF is potentially fatal to humans. The reality is that 1/1000 people who are infected by West Nile Virus will end up dying. That happens if the WNF progresses to the third strain of the disease. Birds and horses frequently suffer death from the virus infection. Humans are at much less at risk of dying. That’s nice to know, isn’t it?

West Nile Virus exists in 3 stages. In the first stage, the sufferer does not feel any symptoms and would not even know they were infected. In over 70% of cases, this is as far as the disease goes and it does not progress to any of the 2 more unpleasant strains – West Nile Fever or West Nile encephalitis/meningitis. In about 25 or 30% of instances, the sufferer experiences West Nile Fever symptoms, the incubation period of which is 3 to 8 days. Less than 1% of all infected with West Nile will suffer from one of the brain complications; encephalitis or meningitis.

So, what are the main West Nile Fever symptoms? Firstly, it should be said that all of these symptoms could be a result of infection of other diseases and so you should see a veterinarian. Oops… I mean doctor to be sure if you have WNF. The main symptoms, then, are high fever, headaches, swollen glands, heavy sweating, shivers, and fatigue. Sufferers may also get upset stomachs and feel nauseous, have diarrhea (a pretty word but unpleasant condition) and vomit regularly. Most of these symptoms will disappear on their own after about 10 days. However many infected have complained of feeling fatigued for many weeks after and having swollen glands for several months.

What should you do if you feel West Nile Fever symptoms? In reality, there is not a lot you can do since there are no cures for the illness. Also, since it is viral infection antibiotics will be of no help as they can only battle bacterial infections. The best you can do is seek the advice of a doctor about the best supportive treatment that you can do for yourself to reduce the unpleasantness of the symptoms.

The best way to avoid an encounter with WNF mosquitoes is first, head to my previous blogs, on how to discourage a mosquito bite through precautionary measures.

If you have any questions; give us a call, contact us on our website, or social media.

This is Hunter, Loyal’s K-9 Termite Detective, asking What’s Buggin’ You? I’ll be barking at you next week, Ruff! Ruff!

Hello friends, I’m stick chasing, and Frisbee flipping happy to be back with you again for this week’s edition of my blog, What’s Buggin’ You? I recently wrote this article for my column, Hunter’s Backyard, in our August ‘12 newsletter, The Loyal News. Not everyone who visits our website to read my blog is on our newsletter mailing list. Because of this, I decided to post this article on our newly designed website as a blog. You can now sign up for our monthly newsletter on our new website Homepage. I hope you enjoy this blog and learn a little bit from it.

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My topic here is backyard BBQ’s and how to ward off uninvited guests. I’m not speaking about the Uncle Harrys’ who crash your cookout and eat all the food. No, I’m speaking of an uninvited guest list that includes ants, flies, mosquitoes and other stinging insects that are very capable of disrupting your outdoor festivities. I’m going to make a few suggestions that may help prevent pests from putting a damper on your summer fun.

There is nothing more bothersome than trying to enjoy your BBQ fare while a buzzing bug is flying around your food. Personally, I jaw snap, or paw slap, to keep the intruders out of my bowl of delicious dog food. I have observed the Lupini family over the years hosting many outdoor BBQ’s. If you practice these tips, they may help in keeping the little Uncle Harrys’ from ruining your summer gathering:

• Prior to the party, check screen doors and repair any holes.
• Remove sources of standing water in your yard, including birdbaths, wading pools or garden ponds.
• Have insect repellant containing an EPA-registered active ingredient like DEET or Picaridin available for you and your guests.
• Adorn your deck or patio with citronella candles that can help minimize the presence of mosquitoes.
• With guests coming in and out of your house, make sure the doors close behind them.
• Plan to serve food and beverages indoors and reserve outdoor space for eating and entertaining.
• Keep food sealed in containers whenever possible, and wipe tabletops frequently.
• Clean trash, spills, and crumbs immediately from tables and other surfaces.
• Bring utensils and dishware indoors shortly after the meal.
• Rinse all beverage bottles and cans, and dispose of them in tightly closed garbage containers.

 

If pests become intolerable, you may have a larger problem and a need for professional assistance. Sometimes pest pressure can get out of hand; for example, you notice large mounds of ants or stinging insect nests around the property; you’ll want to contact a professional to help safely remove the infestations as they can be a threat to your safety.

Remember the movie “Ghostbusters”? Well; Who you gonna’ call? Call Loyal!! One more time; Who you gonna’ call? Call Loyal!! I really love that song. Remember it!

Thank you for joining me this week, and please contact us if you have ANY questions about this article or pest control in general. Until next time, this is Hunter, Loyal’s K-9 Termite Detective, asking What’s Buggin’ You?

Hello friends, Hunter here; welcome back to my weekly dog-blog, What’s Buggin’ You? Last week I wrote about the Red Imported Fire Ant and the danger they pose to you if you disturb their mounded nest. This week I’m going to write about another very dangerous creature that we all should be aware of; the Black Widow Spider.

You may or may not be familiar with the black widow spider. Many of you have seen them on occasion during your lifetime. If you do come in close contact with one; back off and avoid their bite at all costs! The males and juveniles of both sexes pose no danger to humans; however, be aware of the “lady in black and red”, the female black widow’s bite is very dangerous to humans and any other living creature.

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Their lethal blends of neurotoxins reap havoc on a victim’s nervous system, blood pressure, and respiratory rate; in smaller prey, the strike can often lead to death almost instantly. The venom also breaks down skin, muscle, and even bone into liquid form for the Black Widow to digest, which in humans can take as little as thirty minutes to an hour. The only reason Black Widows are not one of the leading causes of death in North America is because of the spider herself. She fears humans, and will only strike when there is no other option. Even when she feels completely trapped and forced into attacking, her focus is still on escaping alive. Therefore, the Black Widow only injects a trivial amount of venom before releasing a human and running for safety. It is this reason alone that the tiny 1% fatality rate from Black Widows is not enormously greater. Personally, I hate spiders. If I see a Black Widow I’m taking off like I’m being chased down by an angry Pit Bull!

Like all species of spider, the Black Widow is nocturnal and prefers to hunt for prey during evening hours. The females are easily identified by their solid black color and signature red hourglass shape on their lower abdomens, while the males are closer to light brown in color with various tan markings. Both sexes weave an unsymmetrical web in various shape and sizes and contain a stronger silk compound than any other spider.

The average lifespan of a female Black Widow is between nine and fifteen months, during which time she can produce in upwards of 700 offspring. Their primary diet consists of other spiders, mice, insects, moths, crickets, and other small mammals. The greatest threat to them comes from predatory birds and many of the same species they feed upon.

Black Widows normally live a life of solidarity except when mating or caring for their young, so infestation of this species is not common unless an overwhelmingly abundant presence of insects are available. This can be avoided by removing any standing water from your property since this typically serves as a breeding ground for flies and mosquitoes Another approach would be to make your residence less attractive to spiders by cutting back the shrubbery, removing any tree limbs close to the roof, and raising firewood and any other debris at least twelve inches off of the ground.

Most spiders, including the Black Widow, only require a small crack to pass through so also make sure to thoroughly caulk every crack and crevice around the outside of your home, Also, routinely inspect areas such as doorjambs and windows to ensure a proper seal.

If these sensible tips do not keep the Black Widow outside of your residence, call Loyal. We’ll get ’em!!

If you have any questions; don’t hesitate to call us, go to our website, or get in touch through popular social media.

Until next time, this is Hunter your Loyal K-9 Termite Detective asking “What’s Buggin’ You?” I’ll bark at you later!! Ruff! Ruff!

Welcome back to this week’s “dog-blog”, What’s Buggin” You? I’ve been barking about a lot of different subjects since I started this blog and I hope you have been learning a thing or two about the world of pest control and responsible pest control management; that is my intent. The next few weeks are important because I will be writing about various insects and other bugs that are beyond home wreckers and nuisance pests. No, this group of bugs is downright DANGEROUS to humans and other living things; living things like my cute little self.

An invasive species of ant known as the red imported fire ant (RIFA) is making its way across the Southern U.S., raising concern among residents in Florida, California and every other southern state in between. We reported on our facebook page that a RIFA mound was discovered in the West End of Richmond on the median of Ridgefield Parkway. RIFAs are aggressive and are known to swarm and sting humans and animals when their mound-like nests are disturbed. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) encourages people to use caution should they encounter RIFAs in their homes or on their properties.

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RIFAs were first found in Alabama in 1930 after they were brought into the country on cargo ships arriving from their native South America. Without natural predators in the U.S., the invasive species has thrived and expanded into at least 14 southern states. The small, reddish-brown ants are often found in landscaped areas, garages and near structural foundations. A single colony can contain 250,000 ants.

“Red imported fire ants are just one of more than 700 ant species found in the U.S., but are one of the most dangerous,” says Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for the NPMA. “Their painful sting can cause blisters of white pustules, infections, and severe allergic reactions. Due to these health risks, people should not attempt to control an infestation on their own. Instead, contact a licensed pest professional (I recommend Loyal Termite and Pest Control Ruff! Ruff!) if signs of a red imported fire ant colony are found near your home.

It is important to follow these tips in order to protect your family from RIFAs:

• Seal cracks and holes around your home.
• Wear protective, closed-toe shoes and long pants when in outdoor areas where fire ants may be present.
• Frequently inspect your property for signs of infestation. Look for mound-like nests, paying special attention to yards and landscaped areas, patios, sidewalks, compost piles, under trees and around electrical equipment.
• If a nest is found, do not disturb it. Contact Loyal!!

Now that you are educated about RIFAs; you can be a watchdog for your neighbors, family, and friends. I hope you got something out of this edition of What’s Buggin’ You?

If you have any questions, remember to call us, contact us on our website, or through social media. Until next time, this is Hunter, Loyal’s K-9 Termite Detective wishing you a happy week. I’ll bark at you later; Ruff! Ruff!

Hello, Loyal “dog-blog” friends. Welcome back to this weeks edition of my blog; “What’s Buggin’ You? (sm). Because this comes to you every week, the frequency of posting allows me to bark about many diverse subjects connected to the termite and pest control world. I’ve written about many of the bugs themselves, and will continue to do so, however; it is very important to also understand pest habits in general, their lifestyle if you will. The most important lifestyle element and this will vary from pest to pest, is harborage. Loosely defined, harborage is a safe haven or the locations and conditions where pests can live, thrive, reproduce, and feed. The conditions may vary in temperature, but generally, there is moisture present and a reliable food source is close by.

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Termites like living, or harboring, in colonies underground, in moist soil, very close to their food source; the wood of your home’s structure. An infestation of termites, once discovered, needs immediate attention. Who you gonna call? Call Loyal!! I was just thinking about the song, “Ghostbusters”. Forgive me; I’ll get back on track.

Inside the home, many people are anxious about encountering unwanted pests. As such, homeowners often take preventive measures as part of their seasonal maintenance routine. However; there are several rooms in a house that can be easily overlooked in the process of pest proofing – primarily the attic and basement. Rodents such as mice and rats tend to be the most common invaders of attics and basements, but a slew of insects can also make themselves at home here if given a chance. Some of the usual suspects include cockroaches, spiders, ants, and stink bugs. These tenacious pests usually seek shelter, food, and water inside; due to changes in weather, such as extended periods of rain or the onset of cooler temperatures.

Pests can find entry points into homes through almost any opening, including cracks and crevices as small as a nickel in the structure’s exterior. Once mice/rats find their way into attics or basements, they can cause serious and costly property damage. Rodents are capable of destroying insulation in attics and chewing through walls, baseboards, and electrical wires. Rodents cause up to 25 percent of house fires in the United States each year!

Luckily, there are many effective pest-proofing measures homeowners can use to discourage unwanted guests from taking shelter in the forgotten rooms in your home. It is important to pay special attention to the home’s insulation by replacing loose mortar and weather stripping around the basement foundation. In addition, items that are kept in basements and attics should be stored in plastic, sealed containers, off of the floor, and not in cardboard boxes to prevent pests from nesting inside. Attics and basements should also be kept well ventilated and dry. Moisture is well known to encourage harborage conditions. Homeowners can run a dehumidifier and install gutters or diverts.

Pest proofing the forgotten rooms of a house should be viewed as a year-round commitment to protecting one’s property and health from the threats associated with pest damage and disease. Call Loyal and one of our experienced inspectors can recommend a prevention plan to help keep your home pest free. Who you gonna call? Call Loyal!! There I go again. I really love that song! Sorry.

If you have any questions; be sure to call us here at Loyal, go to our website, or check us out on social media. Thank you for joining me for this week’s “What’s Buggin’ You?”(sm) I’ll bark at you again next week. Ruff! Ruff!

When I write my blog, it is important to me that the readers learn something new in each weekly edition. It’s particularly important to understand the danger that some of our regional household pests pose to you and your family. Hello, my “dog-blog” friends. Thank you for joining me once again for this week’s edition of; What’s Buggin’ You? (sm)

Cockroaches; I can’t stand the dirty little buggers! When I think about children picking up disease, most common allergens causing Asthma from these household invaders; it makes me want to tear up my favorite stuffy toy!…. Well, maybe someone else’s stuffy toy. Anyway, after writing last week’s blog, “Cockroaches — Worldwide Distributors of Disease”, I was thinking, while I’m on the subject, it would be a good idea to arm my readers with several cockroach facts. Here is a list I’m calling Cockroach “fact mania” that will have you thinking about these nasty buggers and how incredibly adaptive they are:

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• The cockroach’s brain is in its entire body.
• Cockroaches can survive without food for one month.
• Cockroaches have white colored blood.
• A typical cockroach has six legs with at least 18 knees.
• A female cockroach mates once in a lifetime and remains pregnant for the rest of her life.
• Cockroaches spend 75% of their time resting.
• Cockroaches can hold their breath for 40 minutes. The best a human can do is 9 minutes.
• Cockroaches breathe through their sides.
• Cockroaches can run at a speed of 3 miles an hour; the walking speed of an average human.
• Cockroaches have been found to be one of the chief asthma-triggering allergens found in homes.
• Cockroaches originated about 280 million years ago.
• The largest ever cockroach was discovered in South America. It is 6 inches long and has a one-foot wingspan.
• Cockroaches mainly forage for food at night.
• Cockroaches have been found to be the triggers for over 30 diseases in humans.
• This last fact alone makes them a very dangerous pest especially if you have children. Cockroaches are known to bite human babies!!

That does it; now I’m growling mad! Leave the babies alone!! If you see cockroaches in your home, call Loyal! That way you can sit back and relax and not think about having the nasty little critters in your home messing with you and your family!

To understand how to best prevent having cockroaches invade your home, refer to last week’s blog.

If you have any questions; give us a call, visit our website, or contact us via social media. Until next week, this is Hunter, Loyal’s K-9 Termite Detective howling; What’s Buggin’ You? I’ll be barking at you once again next week.

This dubious title belongs to a bug whose fossil remains have been discovered to date back before the dinosaurs roamed the earth. Hello Loyal “dog-blog” fans. I’m Hunter, Loyal’s exclusive K-9 Termite Detective; welcoming you back to this week’s edition of my blog “What’s Buggin’ You?”^SM

I guess you figured I’d get to these creepy little critters sooner or later. Well, here we are. As it is my intent in all my educational blogs; I think it is important that we understand all of our regional household pests and how they affect each of us and our families.

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The most common of all cockroaches is the German cockroach. This particular species is found worldwide. They are found throughout structures but show a preference for warm and humid places. They are usually found in kitchens and bathrooms, but infestations often occur in rooms where people eat and drink. German cockroaches prefer to live in cracks and crevices near food sources and spend 75% of their time in such harborages. Because they prefer to live close to food and water is why their habitat includes residential and commercial kitchen environments.

Cockroaches have been reported to spread at least 33 kinds of bacteria, six kinds of parasitic worms, and at least seven other kinds of human pathogens. They can pick up germs on the spines or their legs and bodies as they crawl through decaying matter or sewage and then carry these into food or onto food surfaces. Germs that cockroaches eat from decaying matter or sewage are protected while in their bodies and remain infective for several weeks longer than if they had been exposed to cleaning agents, rinse water, or just sunlight and air. Medical studies have shown that cockroach allergens cause lots of allergic reactions, especially in children. They have also been shown to cause to cause asthma in children. These allergens build up in deposits of droppings, secretions, cast skins, and dead bodies of roaches.

Of all the household pests; cockroaches are the most dangerous in terms of distributing disease. It is important, especially if you have children, to do all you can do to prevent an infestation of cockroaches. Remember to:

• Seal cracks around the outside of the house to prevent pest entryways.
• Properly ventilate basements and crawl spaces to eliminate harborage points.
• Vacuum frequently and remove garbage from around the home on a routine basis.
• Do not allow dirty dishes to accumulate in the sink and remain there overnight.
• Keep food in the refrigerator or in containers with tight-fitting lids to prevent contamination.
• Periodically check and clean the evaporation pan under the refrigerator or freezer.
• If you suspect you have an infestation, contact Loyal too identify the species and recommend a course of treatment.

If you see two or three cockroaches, you’re likely to have an infestation that needs immediate attention. Call Loyal ASAP to solve your cockroach problem.

I appreciate you being with me this week. I hope you learned a little bit. If you have any questions; give us a call, or check us out on social media. Until next time, this is Hunter, your Loyal K-9 Termite Detective barking, “What’s Buggin’ You?”^SM

Hello “dog-blog” fans; Hunter here, welcoming you back to my weekly blog “What’s Buggin’ You?”^SM. As you all know, I graduated from Termite Detection Academy with a major in Termite Detection (I sniff ’em out), and a minor in Pest Control Management. I studied Pest Control history as part of my curriculum. I find the subject to be very interesting and thought you readers might also. This blog will give you an understanding of when and how the phenomenon of pest control evolved; from its beginnings to today.

If we assume that the very first fly swat was the first instance of pest control – and we know that large animals swat flies – it could be argued that pest control dates back way before humans came on the scene. The first recorded instance of pest control goes back to 2500BC when the Sumerians used sulfur to control insects. Then around 1200BC the Chinese, in their great age of discovery towards the end of the Shang Dynasty, were using chemicals to control insects. In this period pest control know-how was helped by the advanced state of the Chinese writing ability. Although progress in pest control methods undoubtedly continued, the next significant evidence does not come until around 750BC when Homer described the Greek use of wood ash spread on land as a form of pest control.

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Around 500BC the Chinese were using mercury and arsenic compounds as a means to control body lice, a common problem throughout history. In 440BC the Ancient Egyptian’s used fishing nets to cover their beds or their homes at night as a protection from mosquitoes. From 300BC, the Romans developed pest control methods and these ideas were spread throughout the empire. In 13BC the first recorded rat-proof grain store was built by the Romans. History shows pests were often seen as workers of evil – especially those that ruined food, crops or livestock. There were undoubtedly studies of pests during the dark ages; however, there is no recorded evidence of this.

It is not until the European Renaissance when more evidence of pest control emerges.

In 1758 the great Swedish botanist and taxonomist Carolus Linnaeus cataloged and named many pests. His writings were (and remain) the root and source of future study in pests; as well as plants and animals in general. The advancement of large-scale farming brought large-scale pest scares such as the potato famine in Ireland in 1840. Pest control management was scaled up to meet these demands, to the point that dedicated pest controllers began to emerge throughout the 20th century.

Today the need for pest control ranges from householders to large-scale agri-conglomerates. In between are restaurants, bars, and food production facilities. Pest control can make us more comfortable, as well as, it can protect us against the spread of disease.

To protect you and your family against unwanted household pests and possible disease; call Loyal Termite and Pest Control. As always, if you have any questions you can contact us by telephone, our website or social media.

I hope you learned something today. Thank you for joining me and my blog. Until next time this is Hunter your Loyal K-9 Termite Detective asking, “What’s Buggin’ You?”^SM I’ll be barking at you next week.