In this Pest Profile series, we're highlighting fire ants. The clocks have moved forward an hour which means spring and summer are quickly approaching. While enjoying time outside, the last thing you want to deal with is a fire ant invasion.
Surprisingly, fire ants were brought into North America accidentally. They were brought in on a cargo boat from South America, which arrived in Alabama in the 1930s. Since then, they have spread aggressively, especially in the South, where warmer weather makes it easy for them to survive. Fire ants live in colonies, which can contain over 200,000 ants. Growing a visible colony this large takes several months. Colonies are typically comprised of female worker ant and one queen responsible for laying the eggs. For many, the thought of a DIY project seems promising and exciting. Maybe you’ve wanted to re-upholster that hand-me-down chair or paint your kitchen cabinets. While these may seem like easy tasks to tackle, pest control is one thing you should never take on yourself. In addition to being potentially dangerous, it can cause more harm than good.
We are in the thick of winter here in North Carolina, and that means pests are constantly looking for a warm place to stay. With that in mind, you may notice more stink bugs making their way inside as they look to keep warm.
Did you know stink bugs were named because of the odor they release when they’re crushed or when they sense a threat? There are more than 200 kinds of stink bugs in the United States with many also calling North Carolina home. This invasive species was first found in Pennsylvania in the 1990s. Stink bugs feed on plants, fruits, and crops, which makes them a huge threat to farms and gardens. The holiday season is here once again. Naturally, you don't want pests to make an appearance in your home during holiday parties, family get-togethers, and festive fun. Here are our top 10 tips for a pest-free holiday season so you can enjoy your Christmas and New Year celebrations without worrying about unwanted bugs and critters:
The holidays bring feelings of celebration and togetherness – yet, you don’t want to bring pests along with your holiday cheer. The last thing you want to deal with among the festivities is a pest infestation. Keeping up with pest control can make your holiday go even smoother and prepare your home for a pest-free spring.
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