As Halloween quickly approaches, many people are planning their costumes and preparing for ghosts and goblins. However, Fall brings much scarier things than ghosts. The beginning of the colder seasons also invite spiders and other insects into the inviting warmth of your home. Which spiders should you be most concerned about? What steps can you take to keep the spider population in your home low? The following paragraphs will address these important questions. 

The Most Dangerous Fall Spiders 

Spiders do provide many benefits by serving as natural predators for other insects and bugs. However, there are a couple of varieties of venomous spiders that can be dangerous. Do you know how to recognize them? 

Brown Recluse Spiders

Brown recluse spiders are very common throughout many parts of the United States. They are typically a medium brown color but can also be dark brown or a dull yellow. Brown recluse spiders have a unique identifying mark in the shape of an upside down violin on their back. They also have jointed legs that have a slightly different appearance to other common spider species. 

As the name implies, brown recluse spiders are shy and docile by nature. They attempt to avoid human contact for the most part and prefer to hide in dark areas of the home instead. This can make closets, shoes, and clothing an appealing place for them to reside. Brown recluse spiders will bite when provoked. If you are unaware of their presence and put on an infested article of clothing, it is possible to sustain a painful bite. Brown recluse spiders inject a venom that is necrotic in nature. Once a bite is inflicted, your skin surrounding the area of the bite can begin to decay. Therefore, it is important to have brown recluse spider bites treated promptly. 

Black Widow Spiders

Black widow spiders are well-known for the bright red hourglass shape that is present on their abdomen. Black widows spin very irregular webs where they will sit and wait for prey to become trapped. Outdoors, black widow spiders prefer to reside near piles of wood or under groups of rocks. Male black widow spiders are docile. Females can be very aggressive, especially while laying or watching over their eggs. 

When dealing with annoying pests that disrupt your peace of mind, it can be very tempting to try to solve the problem yourself using a variety of home remedies. You've likely walked into a variety of stores and seen numerous pest control products lining the shelves. While these products are advertised as a quick and affordable solution to your problem, it's not always so easy. The fact is, self-treatment options for pest control are often more trouble than they're worth. In the paragraphs that follow, we will discuss four main reasons that home remedies for pest control simply don't work well.

Failing to Address the Root Cause

To completely eliminate pests, you have to determine where they are coming from and understand the mechanics of how they function. This can be very different depending on what type of pest you are dealing with. For example, ants live in huge colonies. Ants are very good about leaving behind scent trails that allow other ants from the colony to find their location. Simply treating the ants you see is not enough. To get rid of the infestation and keep them from returning, you must eliminate the entire colony and remove the scent trails within your home. Most home remedies for ants or any other type of pest simply treat the symptoms but fail to get to the root cause of the issue, which means more work and expense for you in the end.

Underestimating the Pest

Sometimes homeowners fail to see the true nature of the pest they're dealing with. Some types of pests, especially rodents, have developed keen mannerisms to outsmart even the best home remedies designed to get rid of them. Professional pest control companies have employees that are trained in many different types of pest control treatment options and will be able to find one that will work for the specific pest in question.

Treating the Wrong Areas

Treating the wrong areas of your home or failing to treat all the right areas will lead to an exasperating and costly experience. Part of treating the correct areas is having a full understanding of the pest you're dealing with and how to properly remove it and keep it from returning. This can be difficult for the average homeowner but will be much easier for those specifically trained in pest removal techniques.

Underestimating the Severity of the Problem

Infestations often run much deeper than what the eye can see. For example, you may not even know about a termite infestation for a long period of time. The same is true of rodents and many other pests. You may only see one or two, but there may be dozens throughout your home in various locations. It's not only vital to understand how the pest functions but also to know the severity of the infestation so that it can be handled accordingly.

With the warm weather of summer on hand, many people will embark on exciting summer vacations to relax, to unwind and to have fun. If you are planning a trip over the summer, keep in mind that traveling increases the risk of bedbugs. This does not mean you need to live in fear, but keeping a few tips in mind is a smart move that you don't want to overlook. You can take many steps to safeguard yourself from the threat, but you will never eliminate the danger. The warning signs that you will learn to spot will allow you to address the problem in the early stages, making it that much easier to handle.

Why Bedbugs Target You

Because many people stay at hotels while they are away from home, hotel rooms are the perfect place for bedbugs to spread, and if you place your suitcase in an infested area, it won't take long for the insects to get inside and to follow you home. You are unlikely to notice one or two bedbugs, but the parasites will spread before you know it. You can also pick up bedbugs in taxis and other public areas. Some people believe that bedbugs target buildings that have a lot of clutter, but these insects only care about finding a human host on which to feed.

How to Prevent Bedbugs

If your goal is to keep bedbugs away, learning how to stop them from getting into your house is a useful step. When you travel, carry a small flashlight and a few trash bags in case you encounter them. The moment you arrive at your hotel, place your suitcase in the bathroom, keeping it away from the carpet and bed. Next, use your flashlight to inspect the mattress for bugs or small blood stains. If you spot any signs of trouble, you must leave the area and request a new room.

How to Check Your Suitcase and Clothes for Bedbugs

Even when you take steps to safeguard yourself, you will still want to check your clothes and luggage when you get home from your summer trip. Putting clothes in a plastic bag before you go inside will work wonders for containing the problem. You will then want to take everything into the bathroom or garage, carefully unfolding your shirts and pants under a bright light. If you see any bedbugs, put your clothes in the dryer on the highest heat setting for at least an hour.

Pest Control Solutions Inc.

Despite your best effort, bedbugs can still follow you back and make their way into your home without your knowledge. If you have spotted them or think that you could have bedbugs, contact Pest Control Solutions Inc. right away.

Pest Control Solutions Inc. provides critical services to our clients in Las Vegas. Birds migrate through this region of the country all year, and they can annoy the residents and business owners. Our pest control services are designed to correctly identify these birds, which is essential for taking appropriate action.

Top Nuisance Birds in Las Vegas

The most common birds in this region can be annoying. We carefully analyze the appearance, behavior, and habits of the birds in the area. We use this information to come up with effective solutions. Here is a short list of birds that create a nuisance to residents, visitors and business owners in Las Vegas:

• Band-tailed pigeon: Although this particular pigeon is quiet compared to other species, it still has an annoying habit of leaving a trail of droppings in any place where it travels. They are voracious eaters, and they are always looking for a meal of insects and other small pests. They will also eat human food as well. When visitors to Las Vegas have to step over or around a pile of bird droppings, there is a good chance that a band-tailed pigeon was involved.

• Cackling goose: These birds have a distinctive appearance, and there are several different sub-species found in Las Vegas. This bird has a long neck with a black head and a white strip of fur around the neck area. The feathers are light brown and tan, and this bird has a unique voice that is annoying to some people. The female and male produce different sounds.

• Woodpeckers: Woodpeckers are notoriously irritating because of the repetitive sounds they make when they are pounding their beaks against the wood of various Las Vegas trees. In addition, they may also perform this activity on other wooden structures as well. Some people report woodpeckers rapping against the walls of their garage or home. This can disturb your sleep, but it can also damage the property.

Most people look forward to the warm weather of spring and summer, planning vacations, cookouts and more. Although it's the perfect time to go outside and enjoy yourself, remember that pests are a problem that you won't want to overlook. Each year, people face ant infestations but don't know what to do about it. Most house ants are harmless and won't cause much trouble, but they are unpleasant to have around and will get into your food if they have the chance. With a painful sting, fire ants take the problem to the next level. If you don't want the situation to get worse than it already is, it's time to take action to protect yourself. You are going to learn some at-home solutions and why contacting a professional is a safe bet.

Case Study

When faced with ants, some people will take extreme measures to get rid of them, and learn from their mistakes will prevent you from falling into the same trap. According to a story published by CBS, a 21-year-old man attempted to eliminate an ant problem by using matches. The man, however, did not notice the flammable materials that were nearby and caught the house on fire as a result. The man was able to escape, and nobody else was home when the fire took place, but three pets were lost during the incident.

Common Solutions

In addition to fire, you will also come across a range of at-home solutions that claim to get the job done right. You have likely tried different sprays and traps in the past without much luck, and this is because most of the products that you can find in stores and online are not as effective as you would expect. Even if you have a viable ant repellent, it won't be enough to reach your desired outcome unless you have the training and experience to go with it. Inability to get your ant problem under control promptly will give them time to spread.

Pest Control Solutions Inc.

Although most failed attempts to handle an ant population don't cause house fires, a lot of people experience frustration when they are unable to solve the problem. If you want to save yourself the trouble, contact the team at Pest Control Solutions Inc. as soon as you can. Each member of our staff has what it takes to tackle any pest control issue that you can imagine, and we will do what is needed to show you that you are in good hands. With our attention to detail, we won't miss anything, and the ants that are on your property won't stand a chance.

Since bees are so important to the environment, exterminating them should always be left as a last resort. Honeybees in particular are harmless and only sting when they're provoked, but if they're still interfering with your backyard BBQs, then there are steps you can take to prevent them from crashing any more parties.

Remove Any Food Sources

Nectar is the main food source for bees. This doesn't mean, however, that you have to get rid of your whole garden. Since bees are attracted to sugar, you can limit access to this food source outside of your home. If possible, you can leave out old snacks and sodas in a place far from where you have your BBQ; this will act as a diversion. Also, be more vigilant about how you dispose of trash, and don't keep open containers out in the open. Bees are able to travel long distances for their food and can live for a long time on food reserves stored in their hives, which means they won't get angry at you for taking this step.

Remove Wood Structures

If your yard has become the home of carpenter bees, this next step is very important. Carpenter bees like to bore holes into wood, but they prefer wood that's unvarnished and unpainted. If you can't remove a wood structure - for example, your eaves and fascia will have to stay - then it's a good idea to have it painted over. This will keep the bees from buzzing around your home.

Eliminate Patches of Bare, Dry Earth

Many species of bee live in underground burrows. To make their nests in the first place, they need patches of dry soil. You can prevent these bees from dwelling in your yard by overseeding and watering those bare spots.

Call a Pest Control Professional

When worse comes to worst and the bees start stinging to defend their territory, you'll need a pest control expert to come over. Pest control companies can usually remove hives without having to exterminate the bees. There are methods, though, for extermination, including non-residual insecticide sprays. These insecticides usually have a knockdown effect, where the bee is paralyzed by the chemicals. For burrows, an insecticide dust is most often used. The nests of bees, wasps, and yellowjackets can also be eliminated through freezing.

There are a lot of amazing benefits to living in Nevada, from the gorgeous desert skies to the fantastic Las Vegas strip. One drawback, however, are the bugs. The state of Nevada is home to 23 species of scorpions, and if you’re not careful, you could end up with some unwelcome visitors in your home.

The Bark Scorpion: A Common Pest with a Nasty Sting

The most common species in the state is the bark scorpion. It also happens to be the most venomous type in the country. The venom from the stinger on the tip of the scorpion’s tail is toxic, causing symptoms such as vomiting, muscle spasms, heart palpitations, breathing difficulties or even death.

Steering Clear of Stings: Watch Those Nooks and Crannies

Scorpions take refuge from the desert heat in any cool, dark place they can find, which often poses a threat to humans. If you leave your shoes by the front porch before you come inside, be sure to check them the next morning or you might discover an unpleasant surprise.

It’s not just your shoes, either. You’ll need to be careful about any dark nooks and crannies. Scorpions are great at climbing and can find their way up onto closet shelves, bookcases and even kitchen cupboards. They’ll also hang out beneath sinks or in basements where moisture might be present. Although scorpions don’t require much water to live, they do enjoy hanging around moist areas to hunt for other bugs.

Avoiding Scorpions in the Home: Crucial Steps

1. Clean Things Up

Pest Control Solutions, Inc. is a local pest control company that provides exceptional services to business and residential customers in the greater Las Vegas vicinity as well as the surrounding areas. Our commitment to professionalism extends to every aspect of our company. This includes a variety of service methods, which we instill into our team. Service begins with the customer’s initial contact with our company representative, and it extends to our on-site protocols, ongoing communication and follow-up methods.

Our Commitment

We hire only the most qualified service professionals to represent our company. Providing reliable service is also an integral part of our marketing plan because we rely on satisfied clients to tell others about their experiences. Reliable service is an essential part of our commitment to offering an exceptional experience that you can count on for years to come. Our company provides the most reliable and cost-effective services to all of our customers.

Customer Reviews

Our customer reviews highlight the exceptional quality we provide to everyone who trusts us with their pest-control needs. We address the most common pest problems that affect people in any community. We tackle a variety of pests because different areas get infested with different pests. This includes rodents, spiders, beetles, birds, termites and other common pests. We offer a comprehensive treatment plan that includes advanced technology, a lifetime warrantee, gold-standard service and EPA-approved products.

Satisfied customers are the hallmark of our company. We use the feedback of our previous customers to inform our team of how to deploy the best practices. This includes every aspect of our customer’s service experience. We extend this professionalism to the scheduling process as well. Our customers appreciate our process for making appointments, which includes confirmation messages and instant replies. We have a track record of fast response times and friendly engagement with customers who have questions about our products. Our exceptional customer service protocols include text messages and reminders for easy re-scheduling and quality assurance during every step of the process.

Our Company

Many of our most satisfied customers tried other solutions before calling our company. There are many reasons to call our service team for your pest-control needs. We provide you with a complete examination of your property in order to target the areas that are most likely to create a breeding ground for pests. We maintain long-term relationships with our clients, and we openly encourage our customers to provide us with feedback and any comments you have about your experience. We encourage you to contact Pest Control Solutions to set up an appointment.

Don't Gamble With Bedbugs

Bedbugs are small round pests that are brown in color. Their bodies are flat and tiny, which allows them to stay concealed. These pests were common in the 1930s but were nearly eradicated after a nationwide outbreak. However, they are growing in numbers again as more foreign travelers bring them to the United States. 

Interesting Facts About Bedbugs

These little invaders are unique from other bugs in several ways. One of the surest ways to identify one is to smash it. If there is red blood, it is a bedbug. However, not all bedbugs have recently had a blood meal. These are five useful facts to remember about bedbugs:

• Bedbugs can live well over a month without a blood meal.
• Bedbugs are most active at night.
• Bedbugs only feed on a host for up to 10 minutes.
• Bedbugs can survive in temperature ranges between 35 and 122 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Bedbug populations in urban areas are at least triple the size of populations in rural areas.

How Bedbugs Enter Your Home

Bedbugs can come into your home in your purse, with your travel luggage, on your clothing or even on your child's backpack. Schools are common places for transmitting bedbugs, and the workplace can also be a risk area. However, hotels pose the biggest risk. It is smart to bring bedbug pillowcases, bedbug spray and sealed suitcases when traveling. Also, check the online Bedbug Registry to see if a specific hotel has multiple reports. Bedbugs come out more at night when people are sleeping because of the attractive carbon dioxide exhalation vapors.

Where To Find Bedbugs

You may find a stray bedbug crawling on your coat, bag or clothing. However, you can find them anywhere if you have an infestation. They prefer furniture, clothing and bedding. Since they are flat, they can stay hidden until you fall asleep. One telltale sign of an infestation is reddish-brown dirt residue on furniture or bedding. This is their excrement. Also, piles of transparent tan exoskeletons that have been shed may be visible. You may notice a musky smell near the site of an infestation. If you notice several red bumps in a straight line on your skin, these may be bedbug bites.

If you see one bedbug, there are likely more nearby. It only takes a matter of weeks for a bedbug population to grow out of control. They can take over an entire house and feed off of both pets and humans. Our pest control professionals can help remove a problematic infestation and treat your home to prevent future occurrences. Contact Pest Control Solutions, Inc. of Nevada for a free estimate.

The Dangers of Pigeons

When you and your family are enjoying a walk in the city or a trip to the park, you might be amused by the sight of pigeons strutting around and looking for food. However, if a group of pigeons were to take up residence inside or outside your home, it would be a much different story. Those pesky birds would be putting every member of your household in danger.

For one thing, pigeon waste contains fungal spores, tiny particles that humans can inhale. Those fungi can cause an infection called histoplasmosis, which is a condition that often feels like having the flu. It can induce a fever and even pneumonia. If you suspect that you're suffering from one, you should seek medical care as soon as you can. Other health problems associated with pigeon droppings include Saint Louis encephalitis and E. coli infections.

As soon as some pigeons move into a building, others may follow. In short order, you might find predators hanging around your home as well, especially if you live in a wooded area. Those animals can detect pigeons and will often try to turn them into a meal. Among the creatures that like to devour pigeons are cats, hawks, falcons, owls, foxes, and rats. Worse yet, those beasts can carry diseases of their own. 

In addition, pigeon waste can clog gutters, which makes damage from rainwater more likely. This matter can likewise degrade the materials that a home is made out of, leading to structural problems over time. Not to mention, groups of pigeons flapping their wings inside a home can scare people, young children in particular. 

What attracts pigeons to a house or other building? Food is the primary cause. Those birds might be drawn to your open garbage cans, your bags of seeds, or the berries on your property. What's more, be sure that all of your windows and vents have secure screens; pigeons could be looking for an opening. 

5 Ways Scorpions Can Find a Way into Your Condo

Nevada is home to 25 scorpion species, but bark scorpions are the most deadly and troublesome. They are yellowish brown and measure between 1 and 3 inches on average. Homeowners in Las Vegas and rural communities are just as likely to encounter these venomous arachnids. Scorpions in Las Vegas can easily invade local homes and apartments in one of the following ways.

1. Doors and Windows

Bark scorpions can squeeze through openings that are as thin as a credit card. They often pass through gaps between exterior doors and the threshold. Windows are also vulnerable if they aren't sealed or if the screen is damaged.

2. Roofs and Eaves

Venomous bark scorpions are skilled climbers. They can scale smooth walls and trees that are planted around your condo. Overhanging limbs give scorpions an easy way to climb onto your roof where they can enter through the eaves and vents.

3. Firewood

Be careful when storing firewood on your patio or balcony or even inside your home. Scorpions love hiding in damp, dark woodpiles. If you're bringing firewood inside, burn it immediately.

4. Outdoor Items

Any item that's been stored on your balcony or in your courtyard can harbor scorpions. Boxes, houseplants, patio furniture, trash containers, damp towels, laundry and shoes are great hiding places. You should be alert whenever you bring these items indoors.

Property Managers, Don’t Let Bed Bugs Invade Your Building This Holiday Season

The holiday season is a period of festivity and inclusion, but even during this special time of the year, no property manager welcomes bed bugs to their building. Why are bed bugs such a problem? These hearty pests are incredibly hard to get rid of; in fact, dealing with a bed bug infestation requires the assistance of a resourceful pest control professional.

Bed Bug Basics

What do you need to know about bed bugs? Here are several important facts to keep in mind:

• Bed bugs infest human homes because they enjoy making a meal of human blood. Cleanliness doesn't matter; bed bugs don't care about grime. They are attracted by heat and carbon dioxide, and the human body naturally emits both of those things.
• Bed bugs are masters of hitchhiking. Anyone who enters an infested location may find themselves an unwitting host to a bed bug, but they prefer areas where they won't be disturbed, so it is more common for them to gain entry to homes by riding in on items like luggage, clothing, bedding and upholstered furniture.
• Naturally nocturnal, bed bugs often infest bedrooms and sleeping areas because slumbering humans make easy prey.
• It can be hard to get a good look at a bed bug because they tend to hide. About the size of an apple seed, adults are brown with flat oval-shaped bodies if they haven't fed. Bed bugs that have recently enjoyed a meal are reddish-brown with an elongated body that balloons out a bit.
• You can smell bed bugs. Glands on the lower side of their body produce an odor that is a distinctive combination of musty and sweet.
• While bed bugs are not known to transmit any diseases to the humans that they bite, their saliva can trigger an allergic reaction. Bed bug bites often cause local reddening, minor swelling, inflammation and intense itching. Frequent bites can even interfere with a person's ability to sleep.
• People who want to prevent bed bugs from moving into their homes should inspect any second-hand or rental furniture carefully before bringing it inside. Taking precautions when traveling is also smart. Always check a hotel room for signs of a bed bug problem before settling in and never place luggage on the bed or the floor. When you return home, dry clean or launder clothing before returning it to your closets and store the suitcase outside of the bedroom.

Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation

Bed bugs may shun the spotlight, but there are several things that can reveal their presence. Warning signs of a bed bug infestation include:

• Unexplained bug bites that are itchy and red
• Rusty, reddish brown spots on the sheet
• Live bed bugs
• Dead bed bugs

The owners of Pest Control Solutions Inc. have more than 25 years of combined experience, so you can be confident that we truly understand the ins and outs of pest control. Serving the area of Las Vegas, Nevada, we bring a wealth of expert knowledge, a willingness to work hard and a firm commitment to our customers to every job that we tackle, and we're ready to help you with all of your pest control needs. Contact us today to request our assistance.