Hello, my Loyal “dog-blog” enthusiasts! Thank you for joining me, once again, for this week’s edition of “What’s Buggin’ You?”^SM. In this edition, I’m as excited as a kitty-cat to feature a NEW product which was developed by lead scientists at DuPont. This product has set a new standard in the treatment of termites and termite infestations. Its name is ALTRISET.

Perhaps you have heard of it. DuPont has been advertising its recent introduction into the market via an influx of radio and print advertising ads. Only the most reputable termite and pest control companies are authorized to use it. Why? This is a very high profile product that DuPont has spent millions of dollars on to develop. The manufacturer wants ALTRISET to be used responsibly, by responsible distributors. They do not want to have the product’s name tarnished in any way because of a company’s incompetence in its use, and indifference to total customer satisfaction by the end consumer. Loyal Termite and Pest Control; a Quality Pro Company (our industry’s most respected designation), is very proud to be an authorized user of this remarkable breakthrough product.

---

ALTRISET is the first major innovation in termiticide technology since the year 2000. It is a unique combination of powerful, effective, and environmentally smart. After 8 years of intensive study; industry and Government experts are giving it high marks because it has a very low impact on the environment including mammals, birds, bees, fish and other animals. The end consumer is most concerned about their children and pets; you know my being a pet, I like that! Ruff-Ruff! ALTRISET is the first and only liquid termiticide that does not have any signal word such as WARNING or CAUTION on the label! It does not require any specific first aid intervention if anyone is exposed. Technicians are not even required to wear any protective equipment like gloves or eyewear. In the world of termite and pest control, this is an absolute first.

What makes ALTRISET so special? DuPont scientists discovered breakthrough chemistry while studying natural insect repellant substances found in certain tree and shrub bark. Here’s how it works. Our Loyal termite control specialist applies ALTRISET to targeted areas. The first wave of termites to come in contact with ALTRISET walks through it, ingest it, and carry it on their bodies. They can not taste or smell it. Termites are social insects. Exposed termites perform increased grooming and interaction so they spread the ALTRISET among other colony members. The active ingredient works by paralyzing the mouths of termites. Termites live to eat wood. If the worker termites cannot eat they will die. If the worker termites are not available to feed the rest of the colony; the colony will eventually die. Mission accomplished!

Because I am a trained K-9 Termite Detective; I know the amount of destruction a colony of termites can inflict on a home. The combination of ALTRISET, with Loyal Company’s expertise in its use; WILL take care of any termite infestation problem, you or anyone you know, might have. Call us for a FREE inspection today!

If you have any questions call us at 804-737-7777, “Like” us on our facebook page, facebook.com/loyalpest, Follow us on Twitter, @loyalpest, or fill in the contact section on our website, loyalpest.com.

Until then, this is Hunter; Loyal’s Certified K-9 Termite Detective, asking, “What’s Buggin’ You?”

I know you all have been out there, panting in anticipation for this week’s sequel to last week’s bed bug thriller, The Return of the Blood Suckers. Pant no more, The Return of the Blood Sucker #2; is right before your very eyes! Hello, “dog-blog” fans; Hunter, Loyal Company’s K-9 Termite Detective is back to complete my 2 part series for your educational pleasure.

Last week we talked about bed bugs; what they are, their habits, and their intuitive thirst for their primary food source, human blood! This sequel is all about bed bug awareness, and the keys to avoiding a bed bug infestation in your home.

The first thing all of us should know; there is currently a bed bug pandemic happening right now in the United States and around the World. No one is immune to the possibility of bringing bed bugs into their home. These critters are very coy. They are hitchhikers by nature. This is how they have been able to proliferate from near zero population in the 1950’s, to now having a Global presence. Why? It’s because time and technology have enabled people to travel worldwide on a regular basis. The human traveler IS the carrier for bed bug relocation and settlement. It is very important you understand the issue and be prepared.

Now that I have put a little scare in you; I want to get into some detail on what you can do to prevent an encounter with bed bugs:

Always, inspect your hotel room when you first arrive. While you’re doing this, leave your luggage unopened, near the room door entrance. Inspect your mattress, box springs, and parts of your headboard, especially around the edges. Look at the bottom of the box springs. Pull back the sheets and look along the ribbing and corner of the mattress. You’re looking for the bugs themselves or for little brown spots indicating that they have been around. If there are signs, leave the room, tell management and request a room on a different floor. If you ever travel and wake up with mysterious bites, usually in short rows of 2, 3 or 4; tell hotel management immediately!! Change to a room on a different floor; then re-inspect the new room.

If you know you have encountered bed bugs; don’t bring them into your house!! Unpack outside your home. Put all your clothes in large plastic bags. Wash in the hot cycle of your machine, and then dry in the dryer for at least 20 minutes… Leave suitcases outside and inspect closely. Loyal will also treat your luggage if you are suspicious.

If you are in a situation where you think you have bed bugs in your home, call Loyal, ASAP! Don’t try to treat the problem on your own since over the counter pesticides can make the problem worse. The bugs you don’t get can now sense the chemicals and will run away. This can cause the spread to other parts of your home making the problem much worse. If you are a heavy traveler and want to be proactive about bed bugs, call Loyal. There are now several ways that, as a Quality Pro designated company, we can help protect you and your family in a safe and responsible manner against the outbreak of a future bed bug infestation.

I hope my blogs have given you a better understanding of bed bugs. Having this knowledge could be the key to protecting you and your family against the World’s current bed bug pandemic.

If you have any questions call us at 804-737-7777, “Like” us on our facebook page, facebook.com/loyalpest, Follow us on Twitter, @loyalpest, or fill in the contact section on our website, loyalpest.com.

Until then, this is Hunter; Loyal’s Certified K-9 Termite Detective, asking, “What’s Buggin’ You?^SM“

Sounds like the title of a horror film, doesn’t it? For many Americans; to experience the heartache of a bed bug infestation in their home IS horrifying. I’m Hunter, Central Virginia’s exclusive K-9 Termite Detective. I’m proud to work, and bark, at Loyal Termite and Pest Control. Welcome back to my “dog-blog”, “What’s Buggin’ You?^SM“. This week’s blog is intended to educate my readers about some really creepy little critters; bed bugs. Education is the most important element in understanding these bloodthirsty creatures; what they are, their habits, and how they can be avoided!

So I don’t give you information overload in one blog, I will continue this bed bug saga in next weeks sequel blog, “The Return of the Blood Suckers #2”. Humankind and bed bugs have been coexisting since the cave people; just like fleas and the Earth’s first known dogs. The single most desired food source for these kissing bugs (insect speak for bloodsuckers) is human blood. They emerge from hiding, during the middle of the night, and are attracted to the carbon dioxide secreted by humans while they are sleeping. They settle on the skin and inject a painless probe into their victim allowing them to feed until fully gorged. This takes about 5 minutes; before retreating to digest. One feeding may suffice for several weeks, or several months, depending on blood availability. The more they feed the more they multiply; resulting in a bed bug infestation; a scary situation for any homeowner.

---

The 1950’s began the era of chemical warfare on bed bugs. Because of the use of DDT, and other harmful compounds, the spread of bed bugs across the globe came to a screeching halt; until the early 1990’s that is. The harmful chemicals were taken off the world market, a chemical resistant bed bug began to emerge, international travel exploded, and now bed bugs are evident in all 50 states. Some experts say it’s not IF we will experience bed bugs, it’s WHEN! The consensus is, “this bug isn’t going away soon”.

There is a positive message in this bed bug story. New technologies are introduced weekly in the fight against bed bugs. Scientists are constantly exploring eco-friendly methods to attack and eliminate bed bug infestations. Here at Loyal, our Quality Pro inspectors and technicians practice continuing education to stay ahead of our local bed bug problem. Our company works closely with our clients to provide them with the safest and most effective means currently available in the eradication of bed bugs from their home.

As I said earlier, education is most important in understanding and coping with, America’s bed bug pandemic. “The Return of the Blood Suckers #2” sequel will give you readers as much information as possible about bed bug recognition, and specific steps you can take to avoid bringing these persistent hitchhikers into your home.

If you have any questions call us at 804-737-7777, “Like” us on our facebook page, facebook.com/loyalpest, Follow us on Twitter, @loyalpest, or fill in the contact section on our website, loyalpest.com.

Until then, this is Hunter; Loyal’s Certified K-9 Termite Detective, asking, “What’s Buggin’ You?^SM“

Hello “dog-blog” fans! Hunter here once again. Thank you for joining me in another weekly edition of “What’s Buggin’ You?”(sm) In all my previous blogs, I have worked like the dog I am to provide you with useful information about the termite and pest control world; and how you can better protect, yourself, your family, and your home; against the misery that can be imposed on you by our regional household pests. In my future blogs; I will continue doing this for your educational pleasure.

I’m chasing another kind of ball in this blog. In celebrating my 10th blog entry on our Loyal Termite and Pest Control website, I am going to dedicate this and every future tenth blog to Loyal company’s unheralded, hard-working, and very talented employees. In keeping with Papa Joe Lupini’s past history as a professional baseball umpire, I will enjoy using the term Loyal Team All-Stars, when I refer to these very special people. I have been pawing through the files searching for fun to read Loyal client testimonials; residential and commercial. The office receives comments like this daily. Before they go in their personnel files, Daddy Nick or Mama Gena, read them at our Friday morning meetings. With each, there is a nice round of applause. It reminds me of a good belly rub. This is my favorite part of our company meeting. I hope you enjoy these very kind, and well deserved, reviews from our Loyal clients, about our Loyal Team All Stars!

“I just wanted to take a quick minute to let you know how happy I am to continue to use your service on a regular basis. The very main reason I do so is your technician Lorenzo (Johnson). He is always willing to schedule an appt. with short notice and arrives with a very positive and upbeat attitude. It is because of him and the service he provides that we will continue to use Loyal as our pest control service for preventive services. Thank you and please let him know he is doing a great job! Regards, R.C.

---

---

From Receptionist: “Mrs. F. called and said Cory (Bangert) did a wonderful job and she hopes he is the one that comes back to her house.”

 

---

From Receptionist: “T.P. called to praise Cory for his service and in ‘going out of his way’ to solve her ant problem.”

---

“Hi Patrick (Fitzgerald), I wanted to thank you for taking care of the inspection at (Home Address) with such short notice! I will certainly be using your service again. I have a home that we currently own on the market now. Perhaps we could have you take a look at it. Thanks again! S.N. (Realtor)

---

From Receptionist: “Mr. S. said, Andrew (Heiskill) was absolutely wonderful and the kindest person he has ever met. Was very professional and did a wonderful job and took his time.”

 

---

From Receptionist: L.M., Thinks Sarah (Sikes) is wonderful!!

 

---

From Receptionist: D. w/R.E.M. “Had good things to say about Sarah, ‘she is wonderful and her service superb!”.

 

---

Sarah’s Account: Gentlemen, Thank you so much for the efficient service you have provided for us this past year. It is greatly appreciated by everyone here. B.S.

 

---

Connie (Lesko), you are fabulous! I hope your employer appreciates you. L.B. (L.B., the Lupinis’ appreciate our very competent Administrative Assistant, very much!)

 

---

Call in: Ms. C., said: “We are so lucky to have the ‘best of the best’ receptionist in Shirley” (McClenny). (We think so too Ms. C.)

 

---

Email to Nick Lupini (President): Nick, I just wanted to let you know that I just got your fax & appreciate you getting back to us. Also, I wanted to let you know that we had a very positive experience with Leon (Evans) yesterday. While my husband was the one that talked to him more than me, his remark was that he was very knowledgeable and extremely professional.

 

---

Email to Nick Lupini (President): Please pass along to Phillip (Mulligan) how truly prompt and efficient he worked and resulted in the closing to be able to occur. Loyal really made two sets of clients VERY HAPPY and relieved to complete their real estate transactions. I am truly grateful and appreciative of having you as my ONLY, Termite and Pest provider!

 

---

Many, many thanks to Phillip! Best, T.G. (Realtor)

I have really just scratched the surface of my doggie-door in posting these client comments. I look forward to the next time when I can howl more about these wonderful Loyal Team All Stars!

If you have any questions call us at 804-737-7777, “Like” us on our facebook page, facebook.com/loyalpest, Follow us on Twitter, @loyalpest, or fill in the contact section on our website, loyalpest.com.

Until then, this is Hunter; Loyal’s Certified K-9 Termite Detective, asking, “What’s Buggin’ You?^SM“

This is the second in a series of blogs I am writing to help educate the average homeowner, and/or commercial superintendent, about termites; their traits, habits, tendencies, and their innate will; to consume your wood based dwelling like I go after a fresh steak bone. I’m Hunter, Loyal Company’s exclusive Certified K-9 Termite Detective. Welcome to the 4^th installment of my blog “What’s Buggin’ You?^SM”

Last time I went over basic information about the termite strain that inhabits our part of the country; the Eastern Subterranean Termite (EST). They live in colonies where the colony goal is to search and destroy, (consume) cellulose (a.k.a. wood). They are active all year round being primarily dormant during the winter; however, they feed most ferociously on spring wood when the ground they inhabit is moist and damp. They will eat 24/7, transferring from their underground colony site to their food source. They build mud tubes to cross over adverse conditions when necessary. When our Loyal inspectors spot these mud tubes, they know there is current termite activity. Immediate treatment is imperative to halt the destruction these buggers can cause.

---

Spring is upon us and those crafty little termites are raring to go. This is the time of year you may see “swarmers”. These are termites with wings. Not to be confused with flying ants, (flying ants have 3 distinct body parts, swarmers have 2 distinct body parts), swarmers are actually the founding fathers, and mothers, of new termite colonies. In pairs, they burrow into the soil after breaking off their wings. They mate and only produce a few eggs the first year. When a “queen” matures, she will produce 5,000 to 10,000 eggs per year. The queen may live many years. The “workers”, the wood consumers, may live for 1 or 2 years. It takes several years for a colony to reach a mature size of 60,000 or more workers. A few swarmers may be produced after 3 or 4 years. Swarming typically occurs during the spring, on mornings following a warm rain. And so begins another colony life cycle. EST colonies are typically located in the ground, below the frost line, but above the water table and rock formations. When a vulnerable food source is discovered by the colony; the party begins, and the ferocious gorging commences and continues until there is little left. For a homeowner, that’s a “Ruff” situation!!

In my next 2 blogs we’ll get into what methods and materials Loyal Termite and Pest Control use to take care of your termite problems; both, to avoid ever having a termite problem, as well as, what is done to eliminate an existing termite problem.

If you have any questions respond to this blog, call us at 804-737-7777, “Like” us on our facebook page, facebook.com/loyalpest, Follow us on Twitter, @loyalpest, or fill in the contact section on our website, loyalpest.com.

Until next time, this is Hunter the Loyal K-9 Termite Detective, asking the question “What’s Buggin’ You?^SM”

Hello Folks!! Hunter here; Loyal Company’s Certified K-9 Termite Detective, welcoming you back to my weekly blog, “What’s Buggin’ You?^SM”  This edition will complete my 5 blog series dedicated to a household pest that will literally “eat you out of house and home” from the ground up.. TERMITES!!

Of the 4 prior blogs, two were about termite behavior. The next two were about termite elimination; (1) Loyal’s eco-friendly approach to immediate elimination of active termite infestations and, (2) protective measures against potential termite colony infestation problems. This “dog blog”, if you will, “Ruff – Ruff”, is dedicated to Loyal’s two most seasoned, termite fighting veterans; Andrew Heiskill (15 years w/Loyal) and Leon Evans (13 years w/Loyal). These two heroes are out there every day, doing everything that they have been trained to do while working under the strict guidelines of Integrated Pest Management and “QualityPro” practices; to totally eliminate our client’s termite infestation problems.

---

These guys are great! We kid with each other a lot. Andrew calls me “Shorty”. I don’t much like that name, so I get back at him and call him “Goldy” because of his gold front tooth. We howl laughing most every morning. We have fun but when it gets down to business we are all very serious. We all arrive at the office at 7:30 sharp! The work day is meticulously scheduled by our very competent support staff. Andrew and Leon organize their Loyal work trucks, and off they go to “fight the fight” against termites and potential termite damage.

My job is to “sniff out” termites undetectable during a routine visual inspection. Their job is to attack and kill termites wherever they may hide; visual and non-visual. Since I don’t go on technician calls, I ask the guys what their typical day might entail. They were a big help to me in writing this blog.

With brand new construction they pre-treat in two phases; first, they treat inside the foundation perimeter, in the block, and everywhere current wood and upcoming wood construction may exist or will exist. All applications are according to label instructions. This rule is mandated by the Federal Government. Andrew and Leon are very careful that all treatments are within Federal Guidelines. After the house is fully constructed and landscaping is completed, they come back and dig a shallow trench around the outside house perimeter. They apply our eco-friendly termite killer, TERMIDOR, in spray form, saturating within the trench. After they complete the spraying process they re-fill the trench. They go through this trenching process to eliminate ANY chance of product runoff.

If the guys have an assignment in older construction, where a current termite infestation is active and termite damage is imminent, they take the “full assault” approach. Every house has either a crawl space or is built on a concrete slab. In both cases; exterior foundation perimeter trenching is performed and the treatment process is applied. If there is a crawlspace; trenching and treatment is performed around all support structures. Around the exterior foundation perimeter, small holes are drilled into the mortar every 12”. A small rod is inserted and treatment is applied as directed on the label instructions. After the TERMIDOR has been applied, the trenches are re-filled. Then the drill holes are re-filled, (you would never know they were there). Leon and “Goldy” have now treated all possible avenues of termite entrance and travel. Bottom line; our heroes WILL take care of the problem!! The termite infestation has been treated and a brand new protective barrier has been applied in and around the structure. No more termites!! Yaaaaa!! Makes me want to do 3 body roles and chase after my tennis ball!!

The Lupini family is very proud to have these two dedicated termite warriors as members of the Loyal Team. If our Loyal inspectors tell you that you have a termite problem, Andrew and/or Leon WILL responsibly take care of your problem!!

I pawed through Andrew and Leon’s files to grab a customer comment on each. Their files are packed with kind comments. This blog is running a little long; I’m actually starting to pant! I chose one from each of their files to share with you:

“The termite prevention service was completed Friday without a hitch. My tech was Andrew. He came to my house perfectly within the time frame that was set up and he called on his way over here. Andrew told me what was to be done when he drove up and gave me the estimated time of completion. He was polite, friendly, efficient, and knowledgeable. Many thanks for sending him over. Glad I used your company and thanks again!!” M.T.

“I wish to commend Loyal Termite and Pest Control, Inc. for the excellent service I recently received. Leon Evans could not have been more helpful, courteous, and knowledgeable. He was scheduled for a morning application. When he arrived he answered my many questions with patience and professionalism. He knows what he is doing and it seems that he enjoys his work. Your employee made my termite invasion so much easier.  Thank you, Mr. Lupini, for your wonderful, caring staff!”  V.M.

As always, if you have any questions; respond to this blog, call us at 804-737-7777, “Like” us on our facebook page, facebook.com/loyalpest, Follow us on Twitter, @loyalpest, or fill in the contact section on our website, loyalpest.com.

Until next time, this is Hunter the Loyal K-9 Termite Detective, asking the question “What’s Buggin’ You?^SM”

Hello blog fans! This is Hunter once again; Loyal Termite and Pest Control’s exclusive Certified K-9 Termite Detective. I have had fun writing these informative and, I hope entertaining, weekly blogs. This is now the 6^th edition of my blog, “What’s Buggin’ You?^SM”

Last time I compared Loyal Companies active Termite infestation product TERMIDOR, to The Terminator. The reason?; it works as relentlessly to eliminate an active termite infestation, as The Terminator is relentless in eliminating humans trying to protect Sarah Connor. People liked that analogy, so this week I’m going to give it another try. This week’s blog focuses on our highly respected Termite Colony Elimination System…… SENTRICON!!

---

I’m going to compare SENTRICON to a very well trained and determined Pit Bull Guard Dog, (I’m personally scared to death of Pit Bulls)!! Gentle and loyal to his family and fellow pets; imagine this Guard Dog as a “Bone-ified” killer should an intruder attempt to violate his family’s property. He will make sure that absolutely all intruders are totally eliminated, never to be seen again!!! That’s a Baaad dog, Huh?

SENTRICON, an eco-friendly product, and is the most respected and effective ongoing termite monitor system in the marketplace today. Not all pest control companies are qualified, and privileged, to use SENTRICON. Loyal Termite and Pest Control is one of the few local authorized dealers.

This is how the incredible “Guard Dog” works. Termite monitoring stations are strategically located in the ground and safely locked in place around the perimeter of your home. If there is a termite colony forming anywhere around your home, termites will find and consume the attractive cellulose material within each monitoring station. Trapped termites are detected when our skilled technicians make a scheduled visit to your home and check the stations. If termites are present, the termite monitors are swapped out and a bait tube is installed. The same procedure is performed if termites are found in any other of the monitoring stations. Because termites have a very acute communication system, more and more termites will return to the termiticide bait station. Once the bait is consumed, the “worker” termites; the wood eaters, and colony feeders, cannot “molt” i.e. shed their outer shell. When a worker termite can’t molt, he dies. If the colony “workers” die, the colony will starve to death; eventually leading to total colony elimination!

The ferocious “Guard Dog” (a.k.a. SENTRICON), has done his job and protected your home and family from being attacked by these very determined house eaters! Our technicians return on schedule to check the monitoring stations. The Guard Dog continues his loyal duty of protecting your home. Another terrific story where the “Dog” saves the day!! Yaaaaa….for dogs!!

Next time I will speak about our Loyal Company termite technicians. These individuals are highly trained, are totally dedicated to their work, and extremely loyal to our company philosophy and “QualityPro” designation. It’s about time somebody threw them a bone. Who better to do that job than their dedicated K-9 friend, co-worker, and blog writer; Hunter the bow-wow!!

As always, if you have any questions; respond to this blog, call us at 804-737-7777, “Like” us on our facebook page, facebook.com/loyalpest, Follow us on Twitter, @loyalpest, or fill in the contact section on our website, loyalpest.com.

Until next time, this is Hunter the Loyal K-9 Termite Detective, asking the question “What’s Buggin’ You?^SM”

I loved the movie, The Terminator…especially when he says, “I won’t be baaaark” Hunter here, Loyal Termite and Pest Control’s exclusive Certified K-9 Termite Detective, welcoming you baaaark to my blog “What’s Buggin You?^SM”

In my two prior blogs, I spoke, in depth, about our local termite strain, (Eastern Subterranean). I discussed a termite’s life cycle, their habits, and their innate power to destroy your home by literally eating it from the ground up. I hope you enjoyed the information and learned something from those two blogs.

---

In this blog, I will talk about the termite product Loyal Company uses, once pesky little termites are detected; the product is TERMIDOR. TERMIDOR is very effective. Applied properly, it will eliminate your termite problem as through as; the Terminator eliminates anyone in his way while he is trying to snuff out Sarah Conner.

TERMIDOR is a termiticide. It is applied directly to termite infested areas by our expert termite technicians. This happens immediately after termites are discovered by our highly trained inspectors. Loyal is a “QualityPro” company. We are committed, as a responsible Pest Control Management company, to apply products of the highest caliber that will not harm children, or any non- targeted animals. This includes all household pets. I am a working pet in this industry, so I really appreciate our company’s philosophy on child and pet safety. TERMIDOR is undetectable. An undetectable is; colorless, odorless, and tasteless. Termites unknowingly travel through the TERMIDOR barrier. It then adheres to their bodies. Termites are social insects and are in constant contact with each other. This social activity spreads the product throughout the colony. TERMIDOR affects an enzyme inherent only in termites; the eradication process begins and continues until the whole colony is eliminated.

As The Terminator is relentless in pursuit of Sarah Conner, TERMIDOR is relentless in eliminating termites anywhere a termite gallery may hide; in a structure’s interior and exterior, outlying structures, trees, fence posts, landscaping timbers, docks, anywhere cellulose is present. Our Loyal clients can trust that the most critical areas of their termite infestation are addressed directly, and controlled quickly. Once a client’s termite problem is treated thoroughly and effectively, this termite dog can proudly howl, “We won’t be baaaark”!! Until next year that is, when we perform our annual warranty follow-up to make sure our client will never have to deal with a brand new colony infestation problem.

In my next blog, I will discuss termite prevention. Loyal Company’s “QualityPro” approach to termite colony prevention that is respected by our clients AND our peers.

Remember, if you have any questions; address them to this blog, call us at 804-737-7777, “Like” us on our facebook page, facebook.com/loyalpest, Follow us on Twitter, @loyalpest, or fill in the contact section on our website, loyalpest.com.

Until next time, this is Hunter the Loyal K-9 Termite Detective, asking the question “What’s Buggin’ You?^SM”

When I sit down to write my weekly blog, “What’s Buggin You?” I do my doggone best to inform you Loyal readers about pertinent subjects within the pest control world that may have a direct effect on you and your family now, or in the very future. To be prepared is critical when dealing with the potential hazards associated with certain insect species. I learned this from Daddy Nick and he is very keen about being prepared to confront infestations of new species arriving in our geographical region. He considers it our duty as a responsible pest control company to always be on top of our game, and be ready to provide relief for our customers suffering from the effects of all insect species.

You should know by now that I am Hunter, Loyal Termite and Pest Control’s exclusive certified K-9 Termite Detective. Last week I finished what was a 3 part series about the recent arrival of foreign insects and the effect they are having on our American agriculture and local economies. This week is the first of a series about foreign insect arrivals that will have little negative effect on agriculture but will prove to be a huge nuisance to individuals, families, and business. Insects that will prove to be “pests” on steroids and what we can expect when they get here in large numbers. The first insect in this series is the Asian Beetle (AB)

Lady Bugs surrounding and invading your home by the thousands? millions? It’s not ladybugs; it’s probably the Asian Beetle. (AB’s) have become a homeowner’s worst nightmare. (AB’s), which are sometimes mistaken for ladybugs are familiar insects in many parts of the United States. The multicolored (AB) was first recorded as a pest in houses in 1988 in Abita Springs, Louisiana. The original infestation site was close to ports used for international shipping; including cargo containers from Asia. The beetle has rapidly expanded its range and is now commonly found throughout much of the U.S. Large congregations tend to be found on windows, doors, porch decks, and in the walls of buildings.

For the most part, this insect is beneficial to plants, gardens, and landscapes as it is a predator that eats aphids, scale, insects and many other insects that injure plant life. However, in many places, the multicolored (AB) has become a household pest.
Soybean crops are reportedly a favorite of (AB’s) and when the soybean crops get harvested in late summer/early fall, watch out! (AB’s) will be migrating to find a new place to live and breed. Maybe your home! Of course, springtime is also a good time to have an (AB) outbreak.

The greatest damage caused by the multicolored Asian beetle is the discomfort they give to homeowners. It is not uncommon for tens of thousands of beetles to congregate in attics, ceilings, and wall voids. When the heating is turned on, the beetles tend to move around inside these voids and exit into the living areas of the home.

In addition to biting, they exude a foul-smelling, yellow defensive chemical, which will sometimes cause spotting on walls and other surfaces. Most people are only annoyed by the odor of these chemicals. However, some individuals experience an allergic reaction to the defensive excretions. Sinus irritations and mild skin irritations have been reported subsequent to encounters with the (AB).

It may not be this spring, or next; however, sooner or later you will be dealing with a visit from this ladybug on steroids, the Asian Beetle. If you do encounter this irritating pest in large numbers, you really should call a professional. Who ya’ gonna’ call? Call Loyal!! That has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? Who ya’ gonna’ call? Call Loyal!!

If you have any questions, give us a call, go to our website, or contact us through social media. Until next time, this is Hunter, your K-9 “dog-blogger” wondering, What’s Buggin’ you? I’ll bark at you later, Ruff! Ruff!

Hello once again “dog-blog” fans; welcome back to this week’s edition of my blog, What’s Buggin’ You? As you probably already know, I am Hunter; Loyal Termite and Pest Control’s certified K-9 Termite Detective. I hope you are all doing very well.

One reason I write this weekly blog is to alert and educate our Loyal fans about any new changes or trends happening within our geographic pest environment. As noted in the title of this blog; there are Foreign Invaders slipping into our country and tearing up much of our agriculture. The severity of destruction is dependant on what the pest is and what specific form of agriculture each may prefer to destroy. This always starts at a point where the pest, and its destructive force, is first discovered. Last week in Part 1, I spoke at length about the Kudzu Bug. This week, in Part 2 of this series; I will tell you about The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB).

---

The Emerald Ash Borer is spreading quickly across much of the country. Currently, a high concentration in the state of Ohio is causing costly damages for local governments and residents. Much like other wood-damaging pests, this species can multiply quickly and totally destroy trees and hardwood. Native to China and Eastern Asia, the EAB is believed to have arrived in North America in wood packing used to ship goods: according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

“Just as a wildfire often spreads by sparks from the main fire, so the EAB is spreading through the state,” Joe Boggs, an Ohio State University extension service educator told the AP. “Once these little crackling fires are established, the population starts building until it explodes into full conflagration.”

The small but mighty bugs are responsible for the death or decline of tens of millions of trees in 13 states in the Midwest, along the East Coast and in parts of Canada. The EAB is costing millions of dollars in damage to trees and hardwood. The areas hardest hit have a quarantine that prohibits the transportation of firewood from these areas to prevent the spreading of potential infestations.

As with the Kudzu Bug, researchers are scrambling to better understand The Emerald Ash Borer and how to prevent these plant and hardwood destroyers from continuing to cost America billions of dollars in lost revenue.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact us by phone, our website, or through social media. Until next time this is Hunter, Loyal’s K-9 Termite Detective wondering, What’s Buggin’ You? I’ll bark at you again next week. Ruff! Ruff!