Termites may be one of the most feared pests, but they’re also one of the most fascinating—to termite experts and entomologists, anyway. As destructive as they are to family dwellings and business structures, their colony formation and caste system are intriguing to pest pros. Termites live through a very unique life cycle in which they are eventually assigned a unique “role” depending on the needs of the colony.
From nymphs and reproductive (warmers) to queen termites, there are many castes within a termite colony. Today, the experts at Loyal Termite & Pest Control are here to focus on two of the main roles: worker and soldier termites. Read on to learn more!
Termite Caste System
The most important individual in a termite colony is the queen termite. If there are a million termites in a colony; each and every one of them is there for one main purpose and that is to serve the queen. Reproductive termites, also known as swarmers, will leave the termite colony to mate and form new colonies. These termites are often confused for flying ants. Beyond the reproductive castes and the queen, the main population of a termite colony is made up of workers and soldiers.
Termite Workers vs. Soldiers
Termite workers and soldiers make up the majority of a colony. Here’s how they differ:
Termite workers make up the largest number of individuals within a colony. Workers are wingless, white to creamy white, and ¼ to 3/8 inch long. They do all the work of the colony: feeding the other castes, grooming the queen, excavating the nest, and making tunnels. In working, they chew and eat wood, causing the destruction that makes termites economically important.
Termite soldiers resemble workers in color and general appearance, except that soldiers have large, well-developed brownish heads with strong mandibles or jaws. Soldiers defend the colony against invaders, primarily ants.
Termite Colonies in Eastern & Central Virginia
It is important for all homeowners to understand termites in general and why they can be so destructive to the structure of your home and/or business. If you think you have spotted a termite colony in or near your property, it’s time to contact the termite exterminators at Loyal Termite & Pest Control.
Termites are one of the most dreaded pests for all homeowners. Unfortunately, they are a risk for all types of homes here in Virginia. Many people believe that termites are only a risk for wooden structures, but their destruction doesn’t end there. With Termite Awareness Week upon us, the experts at Loyal Termite & Pest Control are here to share all you need to know about what makes a home at risk for termites in our region.
What Buildings Do Termites Infest?
Believe it or not, it is a myth that termites only infest wood homes. This is because there are many things that are attractive to termites, not just the materials made to build a home. So while a brick home may be more difficult for termites to enter, once inside, they can still infest many items. For this reason, it’s smart to always work with a professional who can pinpoint what may put your home at risk for termites and keep you safe from infestations.
6 Things That Attract Termites to Your Home
Moisture. Leaky pipes, broken sprinklers, or clogged gutters can all lead to moisture problems in your home. In turn, this could attract subterranean termites (not to mention hoards of other pests) inside.
Cellulose. Termites may be infamous for infesting wood, but they’re actually after the cellulose contained within! This cellulose is a main component that can be found in wallpaper, plants, mulch, drywall, and more.
Proximity to soil. Subterranean termites need contact with soil to live. Any wood items, whether it’s your home, porch, or firewood in the yard, in contact with soil is at risk for a termite problem.
Warmth. Termite problems are generally more common in warmer, humid parts of the world. This puts our Southern state at a higher risk of termite activity year-round.
Decaying wood. If you have logs, trees, or stumps that are rotten or in decay, you can be sure termites will seek them out.
Landscape. Termites can infest mulch, making it important to keep it away from the perimeter of your home. Also, trim back tree branches that may be too close to your property.
Eliminating Termite Risk Factors
Bottom line: no matter what type of home you live in, it’s important to team up with your local termite control experts. At Loyal, our exterminators will inspect your property to pinpoint any vulnerabilities that could invite termites right inside. Contact us today to set up your inspection!
Occasional invaders are a group of pests that you will start to see in abundance in the spring as our Central Virginia weather becomes warm and more humid. With the warm weather trends, insects are compelled to procreate and their populations grow in size because of it. Oftentimes, these pests will make their way into your home for a number of reasons. “Occasional invaders” include many types of insects you’re already familiar with: earwigs, silverfish, springtails, boxelder bugs, lady beetles, stink bugs, and ants.
How to Get Rid of Occasional Invader Pests
The invader group of pests is primarily dormant during the winter months. Some, like stink bugs and boxelder bugs, are very sneaky and will find their way into your home through the smallest of entryways as winter approaches. They will hunker down until spring when the warm weather arrives. If you see just a few of these invaders in your home, you can bet there is a bunch more hiding out in their comfort zone somewhere in the house, the attic, or crawlspace. When you see them, it’s important to get rid of them. Rather than crushing the bugs or vacuuming them up, it’s best to sweep them, drop them in a bag, and take them outside. Vacuuming certain bugs, like stink bugs, can make your vacuum cleaner unusable.
Tips to Prevent Occasional Invaders
The best way a homeowner can control occasional invaders is to prevent them from entering your home in the first place! This includes:
Sealing up doors, windows, and other entryways with caulk.
Installing tight-fitting screens on windows and doors.
Keeping a tidy yard with trimmed vegetation to deter insects.
Inside, cleaning your home regularly and wiping up spills and crumbs.
Fix or repair any moisture issues caused by leaky pipes or faucets.
Spring Pest Control With Loyal
To avoid dealing with occasional invaders on your own this year, it’s best to team up with a local expert you can trust: Loyal Termite & Pest Control. We have the experience required to safeguard your home against not only occasional invaders, but all types of pests. Contact our residential pest control experts today to learn more!
Homeowners rarely see termites. However, termites can leave behind evidence of their activity. Knowing these signs of termites can help stop an infestation from wrecking your property. Although termites are active year-round, the spring and summer months are when we see an increase in their activity. To better prepare yourself to prevent termites, it’s important to learn how to recognize them early on. The pros at Loyal Termite & Pest Control are here to share their expert knowledge on the most telling signs of termites in or near your home.
Top 6 Signs of Termite Problems
If you notice any of the following signs, you may have a termite problem on your hands. Here’s what to keep your eyes peeled for:
These pencil-sized tubes protect the termites from outdoor elements as it blocks out cool, dry air.
Seeing mud tubes along the outside of your property is a top sign of termites.
Termite swarms
Every year, reproductive termites (also known as alates and swarmers) will leave their colony to mate and form new ones.
Swarmer termites are frequently mistaken for other flying insects, especially carpenter ants.
Seeing winged termites in the spring or summer months is a sign of termites spreading.
Piles of wings from swarmers
After they swarm, the reproductive termites no longer need their wings and will shed them.
Termite wings are all the same size and translucent in color.
After being shed, they can often appear in a pile together.
Termite frass
As they tunnel through dry wood as well as when they swarm, drywood termites create kick-out holes in the wood.
This is when their droppings, also known as frass, can be found.
Termite frass most closely resembles sawdust or coffee grounds, and can appear in groups.
Damage from termites
Seeing damage caused by termites is indicative of a serious infestation.
Damage most frequently appears in wood around the home. Common damage includes unexplained cracks on walls, beams, and rafters.
Termites can cause sagging wood in your floors, as well as hollow-sounding wood.
Sometimes wood damage can lead to weakened baseboards and floorboards.
Help With Finding Signs of Termites
Finding signs of termite activity is often a bad sign there is a serious infestation. For this reason, it’s important to team up with a professional pest control company for regular termite inspections. Contact the termite exterminators at Loyal today to learn more about the signs of termites.
Wood-destroying insects, termites included, are infamous for their ability to tunnel through wood. Their activity often results in tiny, round holes found in wood. So how do you know whether you’re dealing with beetle activity, or something worse? Termite exit holes, also known as kick-out holes, have several unique characteristics that set them apart from holes created by other insects. They are created when drywood termites swarm, often in the spring or summer. While it can be difficult without the expert eye of a termite exterminator, there are several things to know about finding and identifying termite exit holes.
Do All Termites Create Exit Holes in Wood?
Termites are all known to swarm to form new colonies, but only one common termite is responsible for creating holes in wood: drywood termites. While subterranean termites swarm just as drywood termites do, they do not leave exit holes in the wood. This is because subterranean termites build nests underground and travel through mud tubes. These mud tubes also serve the purpose of being their exit from the nest. For this reason, seeing termite exit holes indicates the active or previous presence of drywood termites in your property. Drywood termites are often found in wood above ground, such as attics, garages, and trees.
What Does a Termite Exit Hole Look Like?
Termite exit holes will be seen in any source of dry wood, often above ground or away from the foundation of your home. A few ways to identify termite exit holes are as follows.
Termite exit holes are round and only about ⅛ of an inch (or smaller!).
After swarmers (called alates) leave the nest, the termite nymphs within the nest will use a paste made out of frass to plug the holes.
The holes are plugged quickly, making it rare to see uncovered holes in the wood.
Wood that has been kicked out looks like tiny mustard seeds and can appear in a pile.
Can Beetles and Wasps Leave Holes in Wood?
Termites are not the only insect to leave behind holes in wood. Holes made by other wood-destroying insects can often be confused with those made by termites and vice versa. Some of these insects include carpenter bees, carpenter ants, powderpost beetles, bark beetles, and more. Each of these exhibits unique behaviors and have different wood preferences, making it difficult to know which wood-boring insect you’re dealing with. This is why it’s always important to contact your local pest control experts for help identifying termite holes in or near your property.
Termite Exit Holes in Eastern & Central Virginia
Finding and identifying termite exit holes can be difficult without the trained eye of a professional. As soon as you suspect termite activity in or near your property, it’s time to call the termite exterminators at Loyal Termite & Pest Control! Our experts will help to quickly identify any termite kick-out holes you may have.
Here in Virginia, we deal with many types of pests year-round. Many people assume that cockroaches are a spring and summer pest problem, but they are actually common all year long. Cockroaches are more than just a household nuisance; they are also a significant danger in the home. Believe it or not, cockroaches can pose a health threat to humans by spreading many different types of bacteria that can cause asthma and allergy symptoms, especially in children. Due to the dangers they can bring into your property, it’s crucial to know how to stay safe from cockroaches. Loyal Termite & Pest Control is here to help!
Why Are Cockroaches Dangerous?
The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) reports that cockroaches are known to spread diseases like Salmonella by picking up germs on the spines of their legs. Furthermore, their saliva and droppings contain allergen proteins known to cause allergy flare-ups and increase asthma symptoms. During the colder months, the threat for accumulated cockroach allergens is elevated because people spend more time indoors, thus increasing their chances of encountering cockroaches. Because cockroaches can be potentially harmful for you and your family members, the best thing to do is to learn how to prevent them!
How to Stay Safe From the Dangers of Roaches
Roaches prefer warm, moist places with available food sources, so it’s important to eliminate those attractive environments. Some of the top cockroach prevention tips include the following.
Clean your kitchen. Roaches will gladly feast on food crumbs and spillage in your kitchen. Clean up after mealtimes to keep them away.
Fix leaky pipes and avoid excess moisture. Attracted to moisture, cockroaches will assemble in damp areas created by plumbing problems in the home.
Seal cracks and crevices. Roaches can squeeze inside through small holes. Use caulk to seal cracks and holes that permit entry into your property.
Eliminate their food sources. Keep all of your food stored in airtight sealed containers to limit food sources to roach populations.
Pick up pet food from the floor. If you tend to leave out pet food 24/7, you should think twice. Pet food is a common contributor to pest and roach problems.
Declutter your property. Roaches will gladly hide in dark, damp corners of your property. Avoid clutter and regularly clean your surroundings.
Be wary of cardboard boxes. Cockroaches are known to live in and breed in cardboard boxes. Be cautious when moving them and consider using plastic tubs for storage instead.
Take out garbage regularly. Don’t let cockroaches ravage your trash: make sure to take it out regularly and secure it in a bin with a tight-fitting lid.
Cockroach Prevention in VA
If a cockroach infestation is suspected, it is recommended you contact a licensed pest professional. Roaches can be more dangerous than you think. The team at Loyal can help—call our roach exterminators today to learn how!
Entomologists from Loyal’s parent company, Rentokil Provide their Pest Predictions for 2021
READING, Penn. (Jan. 4, 2021) — As if 2020 didn’t present enough challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, 2021 could be a banner year for pests around the country.
To help residents prepare for 2021, entomologists from Rentokil used field knowledge and data to provide their predictions for pests in the upcoming year.
1. Rodents, Rodents Everywhere:
With shutdowns across the country, it’s no surprise that rodents are on the rise nationwide. Empty buildings, the scarcity of food and warmer winters have combined to create a rodent apocalypse.
“We’re seeing more rats in urban, suburban and rural settings because of the shutdowns,” said Marc Potzler, Board Certified Entomologist. “Food sources are cut off, and rats are having to travel to scavenge for food. We’ve seen rats out in public during the day, which is highly unusual.”
Warmer winters have also allowed for mice populations to boom in residential areas as it allows for a longer breeding season and there is a lower population loss due to hard freezes.
“Right now is the perfect time to rodent-proof your home,” said Potzler. “Make sure to repair any gaps on the exterior of your home, such as around garage doors, windows or pipes.”
2. Mosquitoes on the Move:
Mosquitoes populations have been increasing over the last few years. Aedes species, which are disease-carrying mosquitoes, are also moving to new areas. These mosquitoes can carry West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and Zika virus, among other diseases.
“There is an increase of mosquitoes across the country, but notably on the West Coast, and they are adapting each year,” said Eric Sebring, Associate Certified Entomologist. “We have seen evidence of behavior adaptation, where mosquitoes lay their eggs strategically to hatch throughout the season.”
Protect yourself and your family from mosquitoes by removing any standing water on your property. Mosquitoes can breed in as little as one teaspoon of water. Also, wear EPA-approved insect repellent while spending time outside.
3. Bed Bugs:
The chatter about bed bugs was quiet in 2020, but that’s not because they have gone away.
“As people begin to travel again, we will start to hear about bed bug infestations,” said Sebring. “Bed bugs can be dormant for several months at a time, so they can emerge when a food source, humans, become available.”
Bed bugs are considered hitchhikers, traveling from place to place on people, luggage, clothing and other personal belongings. Homeowners and businesses such as hotels, colleges, hospitals, senior living facilities, retail stores, and libraries have experienced problems with bed bugs.
If traveling, inspect the bed by pulling back the sheets to examine the mattress. Check your luggage before packing and unpacking, and look for signs of living or dead bugs the size of an apple seed or black fecal smears.
4. More Time Outdoors = More Pests.
From hiking to gardening to dining al fresco, there is no doubt that the pandemic has forced people to spend more time outdoors.
In 2021, we will see the outdoor pest pressures continue:
Ticks: Ticks are responsible for transmitting several diseases, including Lyme disease, to humans and animals. These small insects are found in grassy areas and in the woods, so it is important to inspect yourself and your pets after spending time outdoors. Cover as much skin as possible while outdoors, wear long pants, long sleeves, closed-toed shoes, and tuck pant legs into socks. Light-colored clothing will also help any ticks you pick up stand out.
Ants: “As soon as the weather starts to warm up, we will see an increase in ant populations,” said Tom Dobrinska, Board Certified Entomologist. “Most of the ants we are dealing with are odorous house ants. When spending time outside, make sure to clean up any food, water or sugary substances and ensure that your home is free of any holes or cracks for them to enter.”
Stinging Insects: Stinging insects, such as wasps and yellow jackets, emerge at the first sign of warm weather, and as warm weather seasons are getting longer, stinging insects have more time to create issues. Make sure you check for nests early in the spring as they are smaller and get early nest treatment. Make sure to keep windows and doors shut, and secure outside bins so stinging insects are not attracted to the contents.
5. Termites Aren’t Going Anywhere
Termites are a pesky problem, and unfortunately, are not going anywhere. Termites can cause extensive damage to structures, especially homes. As people are moving out of cities during the pandemic to more suburban areas, education about termite protection is key.
“We received more calls for termites this past year than we have in many years,” said Potzler. “It’s important to raise awareness for homeowners now to have proactive protection to keep from costly repairs in the future.”
6. Pests in the News:
There are a few pests that will continue to steal the limelight in 2021.
The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug is an invasive pest that has been making its way across the country since it was first introduced from Asia in 2001. Besides its pungent odor, this stink bug has become a nuisance for homeowners as it gathers in large numbers on the sides of houses and buildings and enters through small cracks in the home. “The brown marmorated stink bug is here to stay,” said Dobrinska. “We will continue to see this species emerge in late spring in large numbers.”
The Spotted Lanternfly will continue to wreak havoc across the Northeast and beyond. The invasive pest, first found in Pennsylvania in 2014, is spreading across the Northeast, with New York reporting its first sighting this year. The pest can significantly damage trees and plants.
“The Spotted Lanternfly is becoming a big problem in the Northeast, and it will continue to spread,” said Potzler. “It can be devastating for agriculture and is a nuisance for homeowners.”
The egg masses look like a smear of mud on trees and outside of homes. It’s important to scrape the egg mass off, put it in a bag with rubbing alcohol and throw it away, and then call the state department of agriculture.
The infamous “Murder Hornet,” also known as the Asian giant hornet, grabbed many headlines, causing homeowners to panic trying to decipher the difference between stinging insects in their yards and this aggressive species. The Asian giant hornet is the largest hornet species in the world, growing up to 3 inches in length. Currently, the Asian giant hornet has only been found in the Pacific Northwest.
“We know that there was one colony found and eliminated in Washington State,” said Sebring. “Unfortunately, if there is one, there will be more.”
While your chances of being stung by an Asian giant hornet are fairly low, the sting can be dangerous as the venom volume is higher, causing more pain. The hives are primarily built underground or in hollows in trees. If you suspect it is an Asian giant hornet or any stinging pests, call your pest management provider to assess the situation as soon as you spot activity.
Rats and mice are two of the most common pest problems here in the Richmond VA area. A rodent infestation can be bad no matter which type of rodent you’re dealing with! Rats and mice may share similar characteristics and habits, but they are different in a number of ways. For example, mice tend to breed at a more rapid rate than rats. Because both of these rodents can cause such destruction and bring dangers into your home or business, it’s important to know what you’re facing. At Loyal Termite & Pest Control, we want to inform our customers about the differences between rats and mice. Keep reading to learn more!
What Are the Signs of Rats and Mice?
Rodents are unlike other pests in that they make their presence known pretty quickly. The most common signs you have rats or mice in your home include foul odors, odd noises, gnaw marks, chewed up nests, burrows or tunnels, and droppings or urine spots. Besides being a nuisance to get rid of, rats and mice alike are dangerous due to their ability to transmit some of the world’s worst diseases. As soon as you spot the signs of rats or mice, it’s crucial to contact your local rodent exterminator to further investigate.
All About Mice
Mice are known to be much smaller than rats, but their differences don’t stop there. Some of the traits that set mice apart from rats are as follows.
Mice are typically no more than 4 inches in length,
Mice often have larger ears and tails compared to their body size.
Mice droppings have pointed ends and are just 1–2 mm long.
A mouse population can reproduce at a faster rate with 5–10 litters a year and up to 14 mice in each litter.
Mice are omnivores but mostly feed on seeds, grains, and fruits.
5 Rat Facts
We all know that rats are bigger than mice. They differ in a number of other ways as well:
Rats can be up to 9 inches in length, tail not included.
Rats have small, hairy ears and larger feet.
Their droppings are much bigger than those of mice at 10–20 mm long.
Rats produce 3–6 litters a year with up to 10 pups in each litter.
Rats are opportunistic feeders that will eat meats, grains, seeds, and much more.
What Are the Signs You Have a Rat or Mouse Problem?
When rats or mice infest your home, they leave behind many signs of their presence. Common signs you have rats or mice in your home include foul odors, odd noises, gnaw marks, chewed up nests, burrows or tunnels, and droppings or urine spots. Besides being a nuisance to get rid of, rats and mice alike are dangerous due to their ability to transmit some of the world’s worst diseases. Rats and mice leave some of the same signs of their activity–if you see these signs, it’s time to enlist the help of a professional rodent exterminator.
Rat and Mouse Infestations in Virginia
If you think you are dealing with rats or mice, it’s best to call your local rodent control team at Loyal. We are committed to keeping you and your family safe from the dangers both of these pests can bring into your home year-round. Contact us today to learn more!
As if you didn’t already have enough to worry about in 2020, rodent infestations are currently on the rise. With Rodent Awareness Week upon us, now is the time to learn how to protect your property from rats and mice infestations. The pandemic is one of the leading causes of the rise in rodent problems due to restaurant closures. Rodents that once relied on restaurants and bars for food were suddenly deprived of their main resource. And now with the weather changing, they will be drawn inside your own Virginia home not only to escape dropping temperatures outside but to look for food. Keep reading to learn all about the plight of rodents during the pandemic and what you can do to prevent them.
Are Rodents Connected to COVID-19?
There has been a lot of information spread about how rodents are connected to the coronavirus. The good news is that there is no current evidence or research to show that rodents are transmitting SARS-CoV-2 to humans. Due to the restaurant shutdowns and lockdowns, there have been several reported cases of rats and mice becoming more bold and rampant in the absence of food sources.
While they won’t transmit COVID-19 to you or your family, rodents still can spread other diseases including hantavirus, salmonellosis, and more. They also can cause structural damage by their nesting and chewing habits. The main concern with rodents right now is their aggressive behavior and abundant populations getting into homes.
Here’s How to Prevent Rodents in 2020
To keep these aggressive rodents far away from your home, you have to make your property less conducive to an infestation! Some of our best tips include:
Put outdoor garbage bags in metal garbage cans with securely fitted lids to stop them from feeding on contents.
Seal off cracks and crevices around openings. Mice can squeeze inside dime-sized holes
Securely store all food in metal or glass containers with tight-fitting lids.
Clean inside the house and around the garden. Less clutter means fewer places to hide.
Clean up pet food and bird seed debris, and store pet food in robust containers with fitted lids, preferably above ground level.
If you have a compost heap don’t include organic food waste, as this will attract them.
Inspect your garage, attic, crawlspaces, and vents for potential rodent hiding spots.
Year-Round Rodent Control
Rodent Awareness Week allows our team to focus on the dangers of rodents, which seems more important than ever during the current pandemic. For more information or assistance preventing rats and mice on your property, our rodent exterminators are here to help. Call us today!
Rats, spiders, and bats—oh my! You may gladly hang up spooky webs and fake spiders as decorations this Halloween, but you certainly don’t want the real thing infesting your home. A few pests in particular are very common this time of year. Infestations are also common right now as you start to pull out boxes containing all your seasonal decorations. To keep pest problems from ruining your Halloween festivities, the team at Loyal Termite & Pest Control is here to shed light on creepy-crawly pests to keep an eye out for.
Common Pests During Halloween Time
Pest infestations in the fall months are very common. This is due to the fact that many pests begin to seek shelter indoors to escape the impending drop in temperature outdoors. Here are the pests to look out for this season:
Rats. Rodents infamously squeeze their way inside this time of year for warmth, food, and shelter. They could be nesting in your boxes of decorations.
Spiders. Spider populations are abundant in the fall and many get indoors. They may be lurking in your box of decorations!
Bed bugs. While common at all times of the year, traveling or college students lead to an increase in infestations. They also could be found on second-hand costumes.
Stink bugs & boxelder bugs. These seasonal bugs appear on the sides of homes and could crawl indoors if given the chance.
How to Prevent Pests This Halloween
You may be putting fake rodents or bats out as decorations, but you definitely want to prevent the real ones from getting indoors! As you would any other time of the year, it’s important to implement preventative measures to keep fall pests away. This includes sealing all cracks and crevices in your home with caulk, installing new window or door screens, cleaning up your yard’s foliage, keeping a tidy kitchen with sealed food containers, and storing all seasonal decorations in airtight plastic bins. If you are having trouble sealing off your home to pests this fall, it’s often best to contact your local pest control expert for more prevention tips and tricks.
Seasonal Pest Control
The last thing you have time to deal with this holiday season is a pest infestation. Always be extra cautious when unpacking your decorations or buying secondhand items. If you find yourself with an infestation or want to further protect your Virginia home from seasonal pests hibernating in your home, the residential exterminators at Loyal are happy to help.
