Author Archives: Greg Pettis
Exterminators Winning the Race to Eradicate Spotted Lanternflies
June 20, 2022Spotted lanternflies: They are more colorful and attractive than most pests, so why are they so bad?
First, they are an invasive pest that feeds on a large variety of plant species, including those in the agricultural, timber, and ornamental industries, as well as backyard plants.
While they may not actually kill the trees they feed on, they are considered to be a plant stressor and may contribute to long-term weakening of established plants and trees. When combined with other stressors such as other insects, diseases, or weather, they can cause significant damage. They especially settle in grapevines and maple or black walnut saplings or trees.
As for their appearance, they belong to the insect family Fulgoridae, or planthoppers. This group of insects was named after “Fulgora,” the Roman goddess of lightning, because they were thought to be luminescent like lightning bugs. However, they are not!
Battling the spotted lanternfly in South Central Pennsylvania
The lanternfly eggs are laid in the fall of the year (September to November) and hatch in the spring (late April to June). In south central Pennsylvania, the adult flies begin to emerge in July and remain active as adults until they are killed by hard freezes later in the fall. The adult flies are large, about 1 inch in length, have black bodies, and are very mobile. Their forewings are gray with black spots, and the tops are black with gray veins, while their hind wings are red, black, and white.
Keep those Pesky Mosquitoes Out of Your Yard and Patio
May 25, 2022Mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks. . . sometimes it seems they are all lining up to see how they can ruin your summertime cookouts, barbecues, or yard games. The challenge of eradicating lawn pests can seem never-ending in south central Pennsylvania and makes lawn pest control a priority for most homeowners in this area.
Mosquitoes Spread Disease
Mosquitoes are the biggest culprit of all the patio and lawn pests, not just because of their nasty bites but also because of their role in spreading disease such as the Zika Virus or West Nile Virus. For a number of years now, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has conducted an active program for combatting West Nile Virus and targets specific areas for mosquito treatment each year.
How Much Does It Cost To Get Rid Of Termites?
March 12, 2022Termites can be extremely costly for homeowners to deal with. If you have a termite infestation (or suspect an infestation), you may be nervous about how much you’ll have to spend to get rid of these pests. So let’s get right to it. How much does it cost to get rid of termites?
Most professional termite exterminators charge somewhere between $400 to $700. That said, it could cost as much as $900 or more, depending on the exterminator, your location, and how big your house is.
Keep reading to find out what else you should be thinking about when preparing for professional termite removal.
How To Tell If You Have Termites In Your Walls (8 Common Signs)
January 14, 2022If you’ve ever experienced a termite infestation before, you know how destructive they can be to your home and how difficult they are to eradicate.
If you think your walls might be filled with termites, there are a few signs you can look for to determine if this is the case before you decide on a treatment solution.
So how can you tell if you have termites in your walls? Look for the following 8 common signs.
How To Dispose Of Bed Bug Infested Furniture
December 31, 2021If your house has been infested with bed bugs, it may feel very tempting to dispose of all of your furniture to be extra sure the pests won’t come back. Our team has treated hundreds of bed bug infestations, and our partner company Cooks CleanOUT Services has disposed of a lot of bed bug infested furniture, so we put together this article as a resource to help you decide how and where to dispose of your furniture if you choose to do so.
How Long Can Bed Bugs Live In An Empty House?
November 12, 2021When bed bugs infest your one and only home where you live, there is clearly an urgent need to get them removed right away. But what if they infest a property you own that you’re not living in? Tempted to let the bed bugs die off on their own, you might be wondering, “how long can bed bugs live in an empty house?”
How Fast Do Bed Bugs Spread From Room To Room?
September 8, 2021How Long Does It Take To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs & Keep Them Away?
June 9, 2021Most people want to eradicate bed bugs from their house the moment they find out there’s an infestation. In addition to the inconvenience of dealing with the repercussions of bed bugs, it is also difficult to resume a normal social life until these pests are eliminated since they spread so easily. So if you’re currently dealing with a bed bug infestation and you’re eager to get over it, you may be wondering, “How long does it take to get rid of bed bugs?” In short, the answer is:
How Much Does It Cost To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs?
May 5, 2021
Spotted Lanternflies Help Stinging Insects Thrive
September 2, 2020No doubt about it. Stinging insects are some of the most common pests we’re asked to control. Increasingly, service calls to kill the Spotted Lanternfly are high on the chart too.
This year, we’ve gotten more calls than ever regarding both! There’s an abundance of bald face hornets, yellowjackets, wasps, and European hornets joining the swarms of spotted lanternflies. (European hornets look like Murder hornets, but they are not. The Asian Giant hornet is dubbed the “murder hornet.” Learn more.)
Service calls to control yellowjackets, wasps, and other stinging insects have increased dramatically this year and started earlier. Greg Pettis, Dominion’s president, recently went out into the field to help catch up on stinging insects calls. Scary!