Anchor Pest Team

Are Pesticides Harmful to Humans and Pets? Here’s What to Know

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by Anchor Pest Team

How to Get Rid of Ticks from Your Property and Pets

Whether climbing up your legs, latched onto your pets, or merely scurrying across the ground, ticks are one of the most feared and troublesome pests. These blood-sucking arachnids are known to harbor several diseases, making finding even one a call to action.

This article will delve into everything you should know about ticks, from etymology to how to get rid of them.

What Are Ticks?

You may be tempted to refer to ticks as insects, though that's a common misconception. Ticks are members of the arachnid class, along with several types of New Jersey spiders, including scorpions, mites, harvestmen, and sun spiders.

The primary difference between spiders and insects is their number of legs–arachnids have eight, while most insects have six.

Generally, there are three major tick species prevalent in New Jersey: the deer tick, the lone star tick, and the American dog tick. Unfortunately, all three species are known to transmit disease, making tick infestations far more dangerous than any regular nuisance pest.

For example, ticks are known to transmit various diseases, including:

• Lyme disease
• Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
• Anaplasmosis
• Babesiosis
• Ehrlichiosis

Each disease presents uncomfortable side effects, with some even lingering for life.

Why Are Ticks in My Yard?

Ticks aren't likely to travel long distances independently; they can't fly, move slowly, and are extremely small when not engorged with a host's blood. So how did they get into your yard?

Most likely, ticks migrated into your yard with the help of an infested wild animal like a deer, possum, squirrel, raccoon, bird, or even a lizard! They may also gain access to your home or yard through a family pet or hitch a ride on your clothes or body after a run or hike through a wooded area.

What Seasons Do Ticks Come Around?

While ticks can be active anytime the weather is above freezing temperatures, adults are typically most active between March and mid-May and mid-August to November. Nymphs, or juvenile ticks, generally are most active from mid-May to mid-August. Both nymphs and adults are capable of spreading disease.

Tips for Avoiding Ticks

With ticks posing such a threat to the health of you, your family, and your pets, doing your part to avoid them whenever possible is essential. Here are some tips to prevent tick encounters and bites.

Stay on the Trail

Ticks typically hide in dense, bushy, wooded, or grassy areas, hoping to reach an unsuspecting host to which they can attach themselves. For this reason, it's always best to stay on clear paths when hiking, camping, or running.

The same rule applies to pets as well. Keeping your pet on a leash during walks, hikes, or runs in wooded areas is the best way to prevent a tick infestation.

Treat Outdoor Clothing

If you have a set of clothing or shoes that you usually wear to hike or exercise outdoors, try spraying them with a permethrin-based repellent. These chemicals can help repel any ticks you encounter, preventing them from latching to your clothes or skin.

Wear Long Clothing

While no one enjoys long clothing on a hot day, it may be the difference between receiving a tick bite or not. Long clothing forms a barrier between ticks and your skin, creating one more obstacle for ticks to get through.

Inspect Yourself and Your Pets Immediately After an Outdoor Activity

After partaking in an activity outdoors, immediately inspect yourself and your pets for ticks. Some ticks may not bite immediately, and several tick-borne illnesses require the tick to be attached to a host for 36-48 hours to pass the infection.

Due to the tick's small size, it's essential to inspect yourself and your loved ones thoroughly. Check under the arms, in and around the ears, inside the belly button, in hair, around the waist, near the ankles, and between the legs.

Shower Immediately

This step is often done in conjunction with inspecting yourself. Showering as soon as possible can rinse loose ticks off your body and out of your hair before they can latch on.

Symptoms of an Untreated Tick Bite

If you miss a tick bite for an extended period, there are some side effects to keep an eye out for that may allude to a Lyme Disease infection. These include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Chills
• Muscle and joint aches
• Flu-like symptoms
• Erythema migrans rash

If a tick has bitten you in the past 30 days and you are displaying any of these symptoms, you should bring it to the attention of a medical professional immediately.

How to Treat a Tick Bite

If a tick bites you, remove the pest immediately.

Unfortunately, thanks to their strong jaws, it's nearly impossible to safely grab and remove the arachnid with a simple tug.

To effectively remove a tick, follow these steps.

• Locate the Necessary Tools. To remove a tick, you'll need a pair of sharp tweezers and rubbing alcohol. Cleaning the area of the bite is critical to preventing infection, and the small-tipped tweezers are far more accurate than fingers or square-tipped versions.
• Clean the Affected Area. Before attempting to remove the pest, clean the immediate area to prevent infection.
• Remove the Tick. At this time, you can attempt removal. Grab the tick as close as possible to the skin, preventing ripping or squishing the pest. Pull upwards with steady yet gentle pressure. It may take some effort, but the tick will likely release its grip. Do NOT twist or wiggle, as this may leave portions of the tick's mouthparts embedded in your skin, leading to infection.
• Clean the Affected Area Again. After successful removal, clean the area once more with rubbing alcohol to prevent infection.

After removal, you have two options–dispose of the tick or have it tested. To dispose of the tick, either:

• Drop it into a container of rubbing alcohol
• Flush it down the toilet
• Tightly wrap it in tape

Contact your local lab or government if you wish to have the tick tested.

Ways to Get Rid of Ticks in Your Yard

While preventing bites and other symptoms is valid, tackling an infestation at the source is always best. Here are some methods to treat ticks in your yard.

• Use a Tick Spray. While treating your yard with insecticides may not be your first choice, it's an effective means of killing juvenile and adult ticks. Tick sprays are relatively affordable and can be safely applied around your property to prevent their entry.
• Apply Diatomaceous Earth. Diatomaceous earth is an excellent natural insecticide. You can sprinkle this powder throughout yards and near entry points of homes. When ticks pass through the powder, it scours their hide and causes dehydration, eventually leading to death. The product typically kills 12 hours after contact.
• Keep Your Yard Tidy. Ticks hide in leaf litter, overgrown grass, and unkempt bushes. As a result, one of the best treatments is to keep a clean and tidy yard. Doing so reduces hiding places and minimizes your and your pet's chances of picking up the pests outdoors.
• Utilize Tick Tubes. Another solution is tick tubes; these outdoor treatments are packed with insecticide-treated cotton, which tick-infested rats and mice collect. The insecticide eventually leaches into the tick, causing death.
• Natural Sprays. Neem oil and Cedar oil are effective natural insecticides that are safe for pets and humans. Cedar oil is an excellent repellent–spraying it on affected areas will help to drive ticks from your yard. Neem oil is a natural contact killer–spray the substance anywhere you've noticed tick activity to eliminate the pests.
• Contact an Exterminator. If the above methods are less-than-effective, consider contacting a professional. Anchor Pest Control offers tick control for all species of ticks, including American dog tick control.

Ticks are a species of pest that no one wants in their home or yard. These blood-sucking arachnids are known to transmit several potentially dangerous diseases, making the sight of even one tick a call to action.

If you've noted an increase in ticks in your yard or on your pets, try the above methods to eradicate them. Otherwise, contact your trusted local pest experts at Anchor Pest Control if all else fails. Our experts can set you up with an effective treatment against ticks or any other common New Jersey pests.

We also offer flea and tick control as part of our Pest-Protect 365 plan for ongoing service, protecting against over 40 different species of pests.

How to Get Rid of Ticks FAQ

Are ticks dangerous?

Ticks are known vectors for several harmful diseases, including Lyme disease. As a result, treating a tick bite immediately and contacting your doctor may be necessary to stem any associated infection.

Where do ticks hide in my yard?

If you or your pet find ticks on themselves, it’s most likely because one of you passed through a thick brush. For the most part, ticks hide in leaf or grass piles, bushes, and tall grass.

What are the best ways to avoid ticks?

Avoiding ticks is relatively easy as long as you know their preferred hiding places and behaviors. Tips to prevent contact with these pests include:

• Staying on hiking paths and trails.
• Wearing long, protective clothing outdoors
• Treating clothing with a permethrin-based repellent.
• Showering immediately after returning home from an outdoor activity.
• Thoroughly inspect your body for ticks, including under the arms, between the legs, in and around the ears and hair, around the waist, and in the belly button.

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by Anchor Pest Team

The 7 Most Dangerous Bugs in New Jersey

Aside from the psychological trauma of seeing a pest in your home, many pests can carry diseases and harm your health.

While not all pests are dangerous, several species in New Jersey can be toxic or deadly.
To help you avoid these pests, we’ve listed the seven most dangerous bugs in New Jersey.

1. Black Widow Spiders

The black widow spider is one of several types of spiders in New Jersey, but it comes with the deadliest bite.

While not as common as the New Jersey brown recluse, Black widows have been observed across the state. Specifically, the Northern black widow, or Latrodectus variolus, can be spotted periodically throughout random parts of New Jersey.

Female Northern black widow spiders are easily identifiable by their glossy black bodies with white striations and red spots atop their abdomens and characteristic red hourglass on the underside. Male Northern black widows are smaller than females and feature similar markings without a distinctive, bulbous abdomen.

Female black widows possess a powerful bite loaded with neurotoxic venom that can cause severe illness in specific individuals. While black widow bites often cause no long-term effects, severe reactions may occur. For example, black widow bites may cause nausea, vomiting, painful abdominal cramps, light-headedness, shortness of breath, muscle pain, and localized swelling and irritation.

2. Kissing Bugs

Triatominae–also known as “kissing bugs” or “conenose bugs”–are a subfamily of insects in the United States, Central America, and South America. These insects feed on the blood of invertebrates that they nest alongside, including humans.

Kissing bugs are known to bite people on or near the lips and mouth, hence their nickname. While less common in the Northern U.S., kissing bugs are known vectors of Trypanosoma Cruzi–the parasite responsible for Chagas disease in humans.

When infected with Chagas, humans may experience a slow development of health issues, including severe heart conditions and digestion issues.

As a result, it’s best to avoid these dangerous bugs whenever possible. Fortunately, you can spot these insects by their ovular brown bodies, cone-shaped heads, thin antennae, and legs.

3. Spotted Lanternflies

While not directly harmful to humans or pets, the spotted lanternfly is an invasive bug in New Jersey with devastating effects on several important crops, including walnuts, grapes, hops, apples, and stone fruits.

This invasive planthopper is native to Asia but was first introduced to the U.S. in 2014 by vessels transporting cargo to Pennsylvania. Since then, the SLF population has significantly enlarged, wreaking havoc on the Northeast’s cash crops.

This insect is identifiable by its inch-long body, black head, yellow-striated abdomen, gray spotted forewings, and red hindwings. If you spot the insect, or its grayish, plaster-like egg sacks, it’s recommended to destroy them to prevent further spread and economic damage.

4. Asian Longhorned Tick

The Asian long-horned tick is an invasive species from Asia, initially found in New Jersey in 2017. Since then, the Asian longhorned tick has been found across six New Jersey counties, including Hunterdon, Union, Middlesex, Mercer, Bergen, Somerset, Passaic, Camden, and Monmouth.

Like most ticks, this particular variety is a vector for disease. It may also cause harm to animals due to blood loss in the event of a severe infestation.

Asian long-horned ticks are identifiable by their reddish-brown bodies and poppyseed size when unfed and pea-sized, gray appearance when filled with blood. These ticks are ovular in shape and lack antennae.

If you locate what you believe to be an Asian long-horned tick, it’s best to isolate the arachnid and place it in a sealed bag.

5. Wasps

New Jersey is home to various wasp species, including yellowjackets, paper wasps, and baldfaced hornets.

Wasps are social creatures and highly aggressive pests that will sting if threatened. Unlike honey bees, wasp stingers are not barbed, allowing them to sting multiple individuals multiple times throughout their lifetimes.

While most wasp stings cause localized pain, swelling, and redness, those with severe allergies to wasp venom can get anaphylaxis. If left untreated, anaphylactic shock can lead to death in adults and children, thus earning wasps a spot on this list.

If you spot a wasp’s nest on your property, it’s best to leave the insects alone if possible. However, contact a pest professional wasp control company to avoid injury if the nest is close to buildings or inhabited dwellings.

6. Mosquitos

Not only are mosquitos irritating, but they’re also potentially dangerous due to their propensity to spread disease. While uncommon, mosquitos carrying West Nile Virus, Zika Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, and several other diseases have been found in the continental United States.

As the number one vector for Dog Heartworm, mosquitos also pose a severe threat to your pets. This parasitic roundworm is passed through the bite of an infected mosquito, where it quickly wreaks havoc on your pet’s internal organs, leading to lung damage and heart failure.

While mosquitos are relentless pests, taking the necessary steps to keep the insects away from your family and pets is essential.

7. Deer Ticks

Last on the list are deer ticks, another species known to be a vector for disease in humans. These arachnids can harbor such diseases as:

• Lyme Disease
• Anaplasmosis
• Ehrlichiosis
• Powassan Virus Disease
• Borrelia Disease
• Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)

Female deer ticks are identifiable by their reddish-brown color, black shield-shaped markings on the top of their abdomens, and black legs. Males are similar in appearance, though they feature primarily black bodies and are generally smaller than females.

If a deer tick bites you, it’s best to immediately remove it and contact your health professional, especially if you develop flu-like symptoms.

If you’re dealing with an infestation of any of the dangerous bugs listed above, contact your qualified local pest professionals at Anchor Pest Control. Our team of experts has provided New Jersey residents with thorough and cost-effective exterminator services for over 25 years and can clear your property of unwanted pests in no time.

Dangerous Bugs in New Jersey: FAQ

Which species of widow spider is commonly found in the Northeastern United States?

The Northeastern United States, including New Jersey, is home to the Northern black widow spider. This arachnid features a glossy black body, a large abdomen, and iconic black and white markings across its body, making it difficult to miss. Female black widows pack a dangerous bite, full of neurotoxic venom that may lead to serious health issues.

Where do Kissing Bugs get their name?

“Kissing Bug” is a nickname given to members of the Triatominae family due to their preferred preference of where to bite humans. These insects traditionally bite humans around their lips and mouth, thus the title!

Why are spotted lanternflies on the list?

While these dangerous bugs don’t cause direct harm to individuals, their voracious appetites for New Jersey’s cash crops can have a devastating effect on food availability and the state’s economy. As a result, any sighting of these insects should be reported, and any living adults or unhatched egg sacks should be destroyed.

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by Anchor Pest Team

7 Benefits of a Pest Control Maintenance Plan for Homeowners

Most of us take having a pest-free home for granted until we actually have to deal with an infestation.

The emotional toll of having a private and safe place infested by cockroaches and rats is impossible to quantify. For many, it’s enough to force them to sell their homes.

While preventative pest control may be the last thing on your mind in an inflationary economy, you could save significantly in the long run.

According to Architectural Digest, general preventative pest control could cost homeowners between $400 to $950 annually. However, Home Advisor estimates that the average cost of one-time bed bug treatment could be $5,000 for bed bugs and $8,000 for termites.

Additionally, emergency treatments don’t factor in the cost of home repairs associated with termite damage, which totals over $5 billion annually.

Like health insurance, no one plans for an accident or an illness, but you’re thankful to have insurance to help you manage the costs. As you’ll see, a preventative pest control maintenance plan can give you a lot of the same security you get from an insurance plan.

What Is a Pest Control Maintenance Plan?

A pest control maintenance plan is a generalized and comprehensive pest management program designed to prevent infestations and keep your home pest free.

At Anchor Pest Control, we offer Pest Protect 365, an annual pest management program designed to ward off over 40 pests from your home.

Between preventative measures, such as quarterly chemical and non-chemical treatments, and generalized directions to help keep your home pest free, our pest control maintenance plan is designed to thwart infestations before they occur.

Additionally, our plan offers routine on-site inspections to identify areas where your home is vulnerable to pests.

Most pest control maintenance plans offer monthly, quarterly, or annual inspections and reports to ensure your home is pest free.

At the very least, I recommend having an annual check to ensure no pests are lurking in your home where you can’t see them.

What’s Included in a Pest Control Plan?

A pest control maintenance plan will differ by exterminator, but most residential pest control programs, include:

• Regular inspections and pest treatment (chemical or non-chemical)
• Comprehensive reports with guidance to prevent future pests
• On-demand onsite treatment of any growing infestation
• Special discounts for emergency treatment
• Specific treatments for individual pests, including fleas, bed bugs, termites, cockroaches, and more
• 24/7 termite monitoring programs (exclusive to Pest Protect 365)

Plans may also be customized around specific pests native to your area or landscape.

Now that we understand what’s included in a pest control maintenance plan, the question becomes whether one is right for you.

7 Benefits of a Pest Control Maintenance Plan

1. Ensures a Pest Free Home

If peace of mind is important to you or if you’ve previously dealt with a pest infestation, you probably value the comfort of having a pest-free home.

With a routine pest control plan for your home, you can rest easy knowing that your home will be free of any pest presence inside or outside and that your plants and home’s framing will be safe from pest damage.

Not only is this peace of mind something that is priceless, but it’s actually very cost-effective in the long run.

2. Lower Cost than Emergency Service

While high-end treatments for bed bugs and termites may cost you thousands of dollars, this doesn’t factor in finding a place to live for a few days while treatments are conducted. Additionally, this number doesn’t include the cost of home repair and the damage to foliage that an infestation may cause.

Even more affordable treatments for ants, ticks, or mosquitos could cost you $500 per treatment for one-time treatments and still leave you vulnerable to reinfestation.

Overall, an annual pest control maintenance plan will cost you significantly less than more expensive treatments for termites and bed bugs and around the same for a one-time treatment for any generalized pest–after the infestation has spread.

3. Prevents Infestations Caused by Neighbors

If you’ve ever lived in a major city, you’re probably used to dealing with rats and cockroaches in apartment buildings or areas where many live.

Unfortunately, having a clean home won’t prevent an infestation caused by a dirty neighbor. So while you may think you’re safe from roaches and rats, when one neighbor deals with an infestation, it may leave your home vulnerable.

For example, cockroaches can travel under doors, through sewer pipes, and even outside from home to home and spread across entire communities in weeks.

Prevention of cockroaches from a neighbor is almost impossible without proper chemical treatment to prevent them from penetrating any barrier of your home.

4. Protects the Health of Your Family and Pets

Indeed, the emotional toll of a cockroach or rat could be enough to warrant preventative service, but lots of pests can also pose a significant health threat to you and your pets, including:

• Ticks
• Mosquitos
• Fleas
• Rodents
• Cockroaches

Many of these pests can be vectors for diseases impacting plants, animals, and human health and should be treated immediately to prevent disease.

5. All-Season Prevention

While some people consider spring and summer the most popular seasons for pest infestation, many pests retreat to warm basements and attics for refuge during the colder months. In general, I recommend inspecting your home for the following pests during the winter:

• Rodents
• Box elder bugs
• Cockroaches
• Stink bugs
• Spiders
• Beetles
• Silverfish

Routine preventative pest control will ensure your home is pest-free during all seasons, not just in the warm summer months.

6. Ensures Responsible Use of Pesticides

Many forgo preventative pest control in favor of DIY chemical treatments, such as pesticides. Unfortunately, many pesticides can harm your home, health, plants, and pets.

Hiring a qualified exterminator ensures the responsible use of pesticides and the right choices for each treatment. The pest control experts at Anchor Pest Control only use safe pesticides and treatments for you, your pets, and your home and will never cause illness or harm.

7. Protection Against Invasive Species like the Spotted Lanternfly

Finally, preventative pest control is a great strategy to prevent invasive species like the spotted lanternfly or emerald ash borer from infesting your property. Unfortunately, these species are challenging to spot because they are foreign bugs and require active maintenance to prevent their spread further north and throughout New Jersey.

A qualified pest control expert will identify any potential invasive pests lying around your property, even if they’re dormant during the winter, to prevent a full-blown infestation come spring or summer.

In many instances, pest prevention starts with identifying and treating pests before they can spread and multiply. The problem with emergency pest control programs is that they treat the spread after it’s too late and significant damage has been done to your home or health.

While the financial incentives are there to invest in a routine pest maintenance program, the peace of mind our customers have is so much more worth it.

Additionally, our programs help our customers retain their home’s integrity and value, so they don’t have to spend extra money to deal with the damage from a pest infestation.

FAQS

1. How much does a pest control plan cost?

Most pest control programs cost between $400-$950 annually, although our program is customized based on a customer’s property size and treatment needs.

2. What are examples of different types of pest control?

There are several types of pest control used to treat residential properties, including:

• Chemical: Commonly used for emergency and routine treatment. Chemical treatments attack the nervous system of pests to exterminate them and prevent breeding.
• Biological: Pathogens or predators may be used to reduce the population of a specific pest.
• Physical: Barriers are erected, and pathways are sealed to prevent pests from entering a home or property.
• Electronic and ultrasonic: Electronic gadgets are used to push away pests from a property.

3. How do you prepare for routine pest control?

If you’re preparing for routine pest treatment or emergency service, we always recommend our customers do a few things in advance:

• First, clean your kitchen and eliminate any pest food sources.
• Second, move furniture from walls so experts can investigate and treat barriers in your home.
• Third, allow adequate access to experts to explore parts of your home where pests commonly lie.
• Finally, restrain pets from giving experts proper time and room to operate.

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by Anchor Pest Team

How to Get Rid of Cockroaches | 11 Cockroach Removal Options

The common Cockroach in New Jersey is an insect that strikes fear into home and business owners alike.

Unfortunately, the Tri-state area is home to several varieties of cockroaches, most commonly the American Cockroach, the German Cockroach, and the Brown-Banded Cockroach.

These everyday household pests are renowned for their vigor, persistence, and stealthy ability to hide large-scale infestations.

Thankfully, there are several tips and tricks to resolve an infestation, including DIY methods and professional treatments, as well as ways to prevent these pests from coming back.

Why Are There Cockroaches in My Home?

It’s essential to understand where cockroaches come from to stop them.

Cockroaches are creatures of necessity, settling anywhere that their primary three needs can be met:

• Food
• Water
• Shelter

Since your home likely has a fair share of each, it's reasonable that cockroaches may opt to take up residence there.

In many cases, cockroaches may infest a relatively clean home, as long as it has access to any of these needs in a warm basement or attic.

The key to stopping an infestation is first to identify one. Unfortunately, when it comes to cockroaches, it often only takes one to tell you that more are lurking around.

Do I Have A Cockroach Infestation?

Cockroaches are nocturnal pests. For this reason, it isn't abnormal for an infestation to go unnoticed for weeks or even months.

If you suspect an infestation but can't locate any physical insects, look out for these tell-tale signs:

• Droppings: Think black pepper. These tiny droppings will often be found scattered near their feeding sites and dwellings.
• Foul Odors: Any distinctive, musty odor can signify an infestation. As the size of the infestation grows, so will the smell!
• Egg Capsules: Cockroaches lay their eggs in capsules–reddish-brown, pill-like, leathery sacks filled to the brim with eggs, containing about 16-50 eggs.
• Shedded Skins: Like most arthropods, cockroaches shed their skins multiple times throughout their life cycles. The presence of cockroach exoskeletons is a definite sign that you may have an infestation.
• Smear Marks: Check baseboards and walls for dark-colored smear marks. Some cockroaches drag their abdomens along surfaces they're standing on as they walk, leaving these tell-tale markings.

11 Ways to Get Rid of Cockroaches.

If you've confirmed the presence of cockroaches in your home, several treatment options exist to get rid of them. Our pest experts have compiled a list of the most effective remedies that can be done DIY or with the help of a professional.

Glue Traps

Glue traps are an effective means of cockroach removal and can even be used on other pests, such as carpenter ants. These sticky, adhesive-lined sheets are often treated with a bait that'll attract the insects; once they walk onto the strip, they'll quickly become immobilized and die.

While effective against small infestations, you may need more extensive treatment options for a full-blown cockroach infestation.

Bait Stations

Bait stations are one of the safest forms of administering an insecticide due to their enclosed design, which makes them only accessible to insects. These stations attract the cockroaches to a slow-acting bait, allowing them to take the insecticide back to their dwellings and share it with other insects. By the time the insecticide starts to set in, several insects will have been exposed to the toxic chemicals and perished as a result.

Liquid Concentrate

Liquid concentrates can come in several formulas, from growth inhibitors to deterrents, to pure insecticides. These chemicals are generally administered directly to cockroaches or high-traffic areas, ensuring the insects come into contact with the chemicals. Be sure to check the toxicity of any liquid concentrate and consult with a professional before use for added safety.

Diatomaceous Earth

This natural insecticide is highly effective and safe for use around pets and families. While it may cause mild irritation, the product contains no active chemicals or insecticides. Diatomaceous earth is spread in thin layers around areas with high pest traffic. The product lacerates the insect's exoskeleton and dehydrates it, leading to death.

Boric Acid

Boric acid is a favorite for DIY-ers. This chemical contains no insecticides or deterrents, meaning that cockroaches won't actively avoid it; however, repeated passes through the acid will lead to death. Try mixing the chemical with powdered sugar or other baits and spreading it to high-traffic areas.

Baking Soda

While cockroaches won't seek out pure baking soda, mixing it 50/50 with sugar or other baits will attract insects. Cockroaches tend to die off within hours of ingesting the mixture, so this could be a cheap option for those on a budget.

Growth Regulators

Growth regulators are often found in liquid form and are an alternative to contact killers or bait stations. These chemicals prevent juvenile cockroaches from reaching sexual maturity, ensuring they can't reproduce. This DIY method is great at slowing or even stopping infestations altogether while you apply other treatment methods.

Essential Oils

While reviews are mixed, some claim that essential oils such as peppermint and tea tree do an excellent job of deterring cockroaches. When misted near high-traffic areas, you may note a reduction in pest activity.

Insecticides/Contact Killers

Generally used as a last resort due to the harsh nature of the chemicals, insecticides are highly effective roach killers, particularly contact killers. These chemicals are typically neurotoxic in nature, directly affecting the insect's nervous system and leading to death in seconds.

Sealing Entry Points

Arguably, the best way to prevent an infestation is to keep cockroaches out in the first place! Sealing any potential entry points–such as gaps in siding or cracks in window and door frames–with appropriate caulking can prevent them from gaining entry into your home and wreaking havoc.

Professional Assistance

If all else fails, don't hesitate to contact a qualified pest professional. With over 25 years of experience, our experts at Anchor Pest Control can assess your infestation, map out a treatment plan, and execute the extermination, often in as little as a single day!

Cockroach Prevention Tips

Unfortunately for homeowners, these pests don't ask permission before they move in, and they're notoriously difficult to evict. As a result, it's generally a good idea to focus on preventative maintenance as well as treatment, making your home less inhabitable to cockroaches in the first place. Ways to do so include:

• Managing Indoor Trash Receptacles: Cockroaches will consume just about anything they can get their mandibles on. Everything from pet food to table scraps from an open trash can is on the menu. Try utilizing a trash can with a lid and taking the garbage out regularly to prevent attracting cockroaches.
• Removing Excess Moisture: Like all living things, cockroaches require water to survive. By stripping them of water sources, they'll likely be forced to migrate elsewhere. Try taking a thorough walk around your home, checking for leaky pipes, dripping faucets, or excess dampness in basements. Repair any sources of moisture and watch the bugs disappear!
• Don't Leave Dishes In The Sink: Have a habit of leaving dirty dishes in the sink? You may be attracting cockroaches. Instead, try rinsing them clean at the least, or preferably loading them into the dishwasher immediately.
• Eliminate Hiding Places: Cockroaches are naturally shy insects that tend to avoid humans if possible. For this reason, it's good practice to eliminate potential hiding places in your home, ensuring no bugs are hiding out in dark corners.

Concluding Thoughts

Whether you prefer non-toxic treatments, preventative maintenance, or jumping directly to the can of contact killer under the sink, hopefully, you've learned a thing or two about taking care of cockroaches at home. Of course, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local exterminator. Professional pest control can often be more affordable, safer, and effective than DIT treatment methods.

How to Get Rid of Cockroaches: FAQ

Is it ok to step on a cockroach or squish it?

Most professionals recommend against squashing cockroaches. Not only do cockroaches release an acid that attracts other cockroaches, but some cockroaches can survive getting squished. According to the WHO, squishing a cockroach may also present several hygiene risks for you or your loved ones.

How long will a cockroach stay in your house?

Cockroaches may occupy a home for their entire lifespan (20-30 weeks) as long as they are properly fed and sheltered.

What treatments are safe to use around pets and families?

While some may cause minor skin irritations, the least toxic treatments include diatomaceous earth, baking soda, boric acid, and essential oils.

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by Anchor Pest Team

Pincher Bugs: What Are They and How to Get Rid of Them

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by Anchor Pest Team

Signs of a Termite Infestation | Tips to Prevent Termites

Have you noticed sawdust around doors, discarded wings, or even holes in your wooden supports?

Unfortunately, the cost of termite treatment doesn’t just stop at getting rid of these pests. In many cases, termites can cause significant structural damage to your home if not properly dealt with in time.

Infestations can sometimes go unnoticed for years, as termite colonies can consume up to 5 grams of wood each day. While termiticides are certainly effective, professional treatment is always recommended.

In this article, we want to inform you of eight tell-tale signs that you might be dealing with a termite infestation.

8 Signs of a Termite Infestation

One of the most important factors in any termite treatment is how early an infestation is caugh. That’s why there are several early warning signs any homeowner should be aware of so they can plan accordingly.

Hollow/Damaged Wood

Termites mainly snack on untreated wood. So as termites burrow through wood wall studs, floor joists, and trim, they’ll leave behind tunnel-like grooves in the cellulose, often hollowing out nearly the entire board without ever emerging.

As a result, impacted wood tends to become light, weak, and hollow-sounding. If you happen to break open or crumble a piece of termite-infested wood, you’ll likely uncover these distinct grooves running along the grain.

Mud Tubes

Subterranean termites nest within the ground and require extremely specific conditions to thrive, including humidity and temperature regulation. So instead of emerging from the soil and climbing up concrete foundations to gain access to wooden structures, they construct “mud tubes” that run from the soil directly to the wooden structure, allowing the insects access to your home without ever exposing themselves to the elements.

These tubes are just thin enough to run along any concrete structure and allow termites to travel undetected.

Buckling Flooring

Is your hardwood flooring buckling or blistering? This is likely a sign of termite damage below the surface. Termites are attracted to softwood, such as subfloor and floor joists. Unfortunately, damage can be costly to repair, especially if the infestation has gone on long enough to note considerably buckled and warped flooring.

Stuck/Rubbing Windows and Doors

As termites burrow through the cellulose of wooden headers, studs, and support beams, the wood is weakened and, therefore, tends to buckle and bend. As a result, once well-functioning windows and doors may begin to rub, stick, or sag.

Swarmers

At certain times of the year, male swarmers (winged termites) are on the hunt for mates and can be observed flying erratically in massive groups around affected areas. Therefore, if you note a swarm in or around your home, you can be almost certain that a well-established colony is hiding nearby.

Discarded Wings

In a rather gruesome series of events, swarmers tend to twist off and discard their wings after settling at a new location to build a colony. As a result, you may notice discarded wings on window sills, outside doors, or near other potential entry points to your home.

Termite Droppings

As termites gnaw through cellulose, they produce mounds of drywood droppings that must be expelled from their newly-formed tunnels. To do so, they create pinholes in the wood where they kick out the excreted pellets, leaving small mounds resembling sawdust or coffee grounds.

Bubbling Wallpaper/Drywall Damage

Termites consume cellulose as their only food source, which is also found in paper and cardboard. So what’s on the back of drywall? Paper! Termites have been known to consume the backsides of drywall and often leave small exit tunnels in the surface, marked by dark specs.

Tips to Prevent Re-infestations

Being the stubborn pests that they are, you may assume that you’ve tackled a termite infestation, only to find that more damage has ensued or a new colony has settled in the following months. For this reason, following these critical tips is essential to best protect your home against re-infestation.

Keep Food Sources Out of Reach

Since termites are attracted to cellulose, keeping potential food sources away from your property is important. Outdoors, this means keeping firewood elevated on metal or composite racks and keeping these racks 6 inches from your home at a minimum. Trimmed tree branches should also be placed far away from structures to prevent termites from spreading.

Indoors, try ridding your home of any unnecessary cellulose, such as empty cardboard boxes, old stacks of paper, or scrap wood in basements and garages.

Keep a Well Kempt Yard

Certain species of termites don’t nest underground; instead, they reside under foliage, logs, felled trees, and other organic structures. To prevent termites from settling in your yard, trim trees, and bushes and remove old logs, stumps, and organic debris.

Cut Down on the Mulch

Mulch is a staple of DIY landscapers, adding freshness to planters and dirt areas. However, the mixture of decomposing wood and moisture makes for an ideal termite snack. For this reason, it’s best to limit mulch usage or opt for reclaimed rubber mulch.

Have Yearly Inspections

Though all of the aforementioned tips are useful, there’s no better trick to preventing re-infestations than being vigilant. Conducting routine inspections can mean the difference between a minor infestation and serious structural damage to your property.

Professional Termite Control Services

Some things are better left to the professionals, and termites are one such problem. Due to the nature of termite infestations, the potential danger to your property, and the sheer size of most colonies, it’s important to have termite issues handled by trained pest experts, such as your trusted local professionals at Anchor Pest Control.

Experts can conduct a variety of treatments to rid your home of an infestation, such as:

• Fumigation
• Chemical barriers
• Physical barriers
• Termiticide applications
• Bait traps
• Underground bait stations
• Moisture removal

Every infestation brings a new set of challenges due to the extent of the infestation, the type of infestation, the location of the infestation, and your home’s unique construction type. As such, the first step to any treatment is a termite inspection.

Overall, it’s best to leave termite treatments to professionals trained to handle them, ensuring the greatest chance of success against an infestation.

Termite infestations are no joke and should be treated as such. At the first inclination of termite presence in your home, it’s best to reach out to a trained professional to assess the infestation and recommend a treatment plan.

Additionally, there are several ways to proactively reduce the risk of an infestation, including limiting food sources, removing excess water, removing hiding places throughout your yard, and having routine inspections. For termite advice or any other inquiries, contact Anchor Pest Control at (732) 636-8761.

Quick Q&A Recap

How much wood can termites consume in a day?

On average, a colony of 60,000 to 1 million termites can pack away 5 grams of cellulose in a day; that’s 4 lbs per year! With that much destruction, termites can cause serious structural damage to floor joists, wall studs, header boards, and other wooden structures.

Why are termite infestations best left handled by a professional?

Termites are sneaky pests, often going years unnoticed while they wreak serious havoc on wooden structures. In addition, termites are difficult and time-consuming to treat, even with professional assistance. So while DIY treatments may impact termite populations, you likely won’t have luck wiping out the colony.

What are Swarmers?

Swarmers are winged termites, most commonly of the subterranean variety. These insects emerge from their nest in mass quantities to search for mates and locations to build up a new colony. Only found during certain times of the year, these termites tend to settle towards windows, doors, and other potential entry points of your home.

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by Anchor Pest Team

Cockroaches in New Jersey: Common Types & Prevention Tips

During winter, homeowners need to be on the lookout for several pests, including rodents in New Jersey,  spiders, and, most scary of all, cockroaches. 

Unfortunately, cockroaches don’t hibernate during the winter, meaning they’ll need to seek shelter in a warm home with abundant food. 

However, you can stop cockroaches from entering your home by identifying the signs of an infestation and educating yourself on ways to prevent cockroaches. Find out various prevention tips and how to identify different species of cockroaches from a proffesional exterminator by reading below. 

Signs of a Cockroach Infestation

Cockroaches are notoriously stealthy little insects, rarely presenting themselves in the daylight or around humans. Instead, you’ll likely stumble across a cockroach as you open a door into a dark room, move a piece of furniture, or open a box that’s been closed in the garage for some time. 

For this reason, it tends to be difficult to identify an infestation until it’s grown rather large. Luckily, we’ve devised a list of identifiers to help you spot an infestation in its early stages. 

Smear Marks

Small brown-shaped marks on trim, whitewalls, and baseboards could indicate that cockroaches are lurking. Unfortunately, these signs often get ignored because they are so irregular, and they chalk them up to a pet or someone in the house. 

Droppings

Cockroach droppings can range from large dark spots to small pellets on the floor. Nevertheless, droppings can be difficult to distinguish because they look similar to coffee beans and may be attributed to something else. 

Egg Capsules

However, cockroach egg capsules are one of the easiest ways to identify an infestation. These distinct, cylindrical capsules are around the size of a small pill and generally feature a segmented pattern and a reddish-brown outer layer. These egg capsules can carry up to 30 nymphs, making it essential to destroy them before they can hatch. 

Shredded Exoskeletons

Cockroaches generally shed their exoskeletons 5 to 8 times during their life cycle, leaving behind “skins.” These exoskeletons are usually found in their dens or primary habitats; if you spot an exoskeleton, it’s best to pay attention to that particular area. 

Unpleasant Odors

Cockroach droppings have a rather unpleasant odor which some describe as “musty” or “damp.” This scent can attract other cockroaches, making for an even larger infestation. Therefore, if you note an unusual odor, especially in a dark corner of your house, there’s a chance that cockroaches have moved in. 

Should I Be Worried About One Cockroach in My House? 

Even if you spot just a single cockroach in your home, there are likely more hiding nearby. Unfortunately for homeowners, cockroaches aren’t loners. These insects tend to live in large colonies and reproduce extremely rapidly. 

Cockroaches are also nocturnal, meaning they generally become more active at night. So many people can go for days or weeks without even noticing their presence. 

For this reason, we recommend any homeowner seek immediate help for any cockroach in New Jersey you spot. Most likely, this will be the German cockroach, although there are several species you should be aware of.  

Types of Cockroaches in New Jersey

Across the globe, there are over 4500 different species of cockroaches. Luckily, only 7 of these species are found in New Jersey. While differing in size and color, they all share several general characteristics, including an: 

• Ovular shape
• Long, thin antennae
• Shield-shaped plate just behind the head 
• Long spined legs

Now, we’ll dive deeper into the specific characteristics that set these seven species apart from one another. 

1. German Cockroach

German cockroaches account for nearly all home infestations across the globe, especially in the United States. These insects are identifiable by their ½ to ⅝-inch size, golden brown and dark brown bodies, and two distinct stripes down their pronotum. This species also features large wings, though the insect is incapable of flight. 

2. American Cockroach

American cockroaches are much larger than their German counterparts, with adults ranging between 1 ½ to 2 inches. These cockroaches feature a distinct reddish-brown color with sporadic yellow markings just behind the heads. As adults, American cockroaches also have wings, though, unlike German cockroaches, they will occasionally use them to fly in warmer temperatures.  

3. Oriental Cockroach

Oriental cockroaches are far less common in New Jersey than the previous two insects, though they can occasionally be observed. These insects reach lengths of 1 to 1 ¼-inches and feature dark brown bodies. In addition, male oriental cockroaches feature long wings covering 75% of their bodies, while females do not. Fortunately, neither can fly. 

4. Brown-Banded Cockroach

Similar in size to the German cockroach, the brown-banded cockroach is a small, light-brown to brown insect that features darker brown bands across the body. Males and females both feature wings. However, only the males can fly. 

5. Spotted Mediterranean Cockroach 

The spotted Mediterranean cockroach was accidentally introduced to the states from Europe sometime in the mid-20th century. This species is perhaps the most unique looking on the list, featuring a small ⅜-inch length, light yellowish bodies with several dark spots, and wings. Though rarely infesting homes, these cockroaches are often found flying outside buildings in New Jersey. 

6. Pennsylvania Wood Cockroach

This species ranges from ¾ to 1 inch in length and features a dark brown body, with females sporting a slight red hue. Males possess wings and can often be found flying, while females are wingless. Pennsylvania wood cockroaches rarely travel indoors, preferring to hide under decaying tree matter.

7. Surinam Cockroaches

Surinam cockroaches are arguably the most rare species found in New Jersey, primarily living in the dirt. These cockroaches feature ¾ to 1-inch-long segmented brown bodies. 

In the U.S., only females of the species are present. However, they can reproduce without mating. Therefore, these cockroaches are not commonly found indoors, though they can be accidentally transferred indoors or into greenhouses through infested soil.

5 Ways to Prevent Cockroaches

Cockroaches are pesky little pests that prove difficult to remove permanently. For that reason, prevention is the best practice to eliminate cockroaches before they arrive.

1. Seal potential entry points: Cockroaches often enter through cracks in siding and sometimes under doors.
2. Store food in sealed plastic containers: Eliminate all food sources to prevent them from entering your home in the first place. 
3. Eliminate clutter, especially in dark, secluded areas: Cockroaches like to hide under clutter, so give them nowhere to hide. 
4. Wash dishes immediately. In addition, don’t leave any food on your plates or any standing water in your sinks. 
5. Use covered trash receptacles. Seal off any food aromas, and immediately remove garbage bags when they fill up. 

Act Quickly

Unfortunately, cockroach infestations spread quickly and can be difficult to maintain. As a result, professional treatment is almost always necessary.

Furthermore, pesticide use may be safe when used by professionals but dangerous as DIY methods. Since most cockroach infestations require fumigation or pesticide use, it’s best to call a professional immediately. 

Contact the professionals at Anchor Pest Control for your free quote on residential and commercial treatment. Check out our Pest Protect 365 for year-round prevention against pests, like cockroaches, and over 40 different species. Act now to stop an infestation from continuing!

FAQs

What are the tell-tale signs of a cockroach infestation? 

Several indicators of cockroach infestations include smear marks on walls, exoskeletons, droppings, egg capsules, and unpleasant odors. Any of these signs are likely indicators of a cockroach infestation and should be taken seriously, as infestations can rapidly grow and intensify. 

How many species of cockroaches reside in New Jersey? What are they? 

Though over 4500 species of cockroaches are present worldwide, only seven reside in New Jersey. These include the German cockroach, the American cockroach, the oriental cockroach, the brown-banded cockroach, the spotted Mediterranean cockroach, the Pennsylvania wood cockroach, and the Surinam cockroach. 

Should I worry about the presence of a single cockroach in my home? 

Unfortunately, cockroaches live in colonies. If you happen to find one, there are likely several others nearby. If you’ve only found one, it’s best to thoroughly investigate your household in search of additional insects or the aforementioned signs of an infestation.   Contact us below for immediate help.

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by Anchor Pest Team

Watch Out for the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug in New Jersey

As Winter settles in New Jersey, several insect populations will significantly diminish due to the cold weather and lack of resources. Bees, wasps, mosquitos, flies, and countless others practically vanish after the first freeze, making for a seemingly pest-free landscape.

However, not all insects go out without a fight; instead of perishing in the cold, several species of overwintering bugs opt to migrate to warmer locations to fare the Winter. Unfortunately for homeowners, the warmest, driest, and most convenient location for winter pests, like the New Jersey rodent, lies within your walls.

One of the most prevalent pests you’ll note in the Wintertime is the brown marmorated stink bug–a smelly little insect known for the foul-smelling liquid secreted when threatened, making for an unsatisfactory cleanup anytime they’re moved, squished, or startled. Considered an invasive species in New Jersey, these bugs can be a real pest to deal with.

The following article will cover everything you need to know about the brown marmorated stink bug, including their common identifiers, preferred habitats, and how to rid your home of them effectively!

Overview: What Exactly Are Stink Bugs?

Also known as shield bugs, stink bugs are a member of the Pentatomidae family of insects, belonging to the order Hemiptera.

In total, there are over 4700 species of shield bugs worldwide. However, only approximately 20 species are present in New Jersey; of these 20 species, you’ll likely only encounter one: the brown marmorated stink bug.

Native to Japan, this specific species first migrated to the Eastern US aboard container ships in the 1990s. Since then, the brown marmorated stink bug population has grown to overwhelmingly large populations, often seen infesting homes in the Winter months.

Brown marmorated stink bugs have some easy identifiers, separating them from other common overwintering insects in New Jersey. These insects feature a distinctive, shield-shaped body that’s both flat and wide, allowing them to squeeze into tight openings and cracks.

In addition, these insects generally feature a mottled gray/brown abdomen with long antennae, which, along with their legs, feature white banding between the joints.

Besides their physical appearance, brown marmorated stink bugs have developed a unique method of self-defense in which they secrete a pungent liquid from their abdomens. Originally intended to ward off lizards, birds, and other predators that liked to make a quick meal out of them, this liquid may also be secreted when the insects are threatened by humans or squished by a tissue (yuck).

Are Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs Harmful to Humans?

While they can make a big, stinky mess, stink bugs aren't inherently harmful to you or your family. For example, they aren't known to bite humans and won’t destroy your home like termite damage.

Besides their unpleasant stink and the unwelcome nature of their routine Winter home invasions, you don’t have to worry if you spot a stink bug indoors.

However, it is essential to note that if your pet consumes a brown marmorated stink bug, the insect’s secretions may cause your cat/dog to drool excessively or regurgitate.

Why Are Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs a Problem?

While these insects don’t cause any immediate harm to humans or homes, they tend to be viewed as a nuisance by most homeowners; after all, who wants an infestation of stinky insects?

Besides their mere presence and smell, stink bugs also possess long, straw-like mouth parts to suck the juices from fruits and vegetables, causing immense damage to orchards and crops if given a chance. However, this isn’t generally a concern in the Winter or to average homeowners.

How to Get Rid of Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs.

Since stink bugs tend to overwinter in large numbers, it’s not uncommon to notice a serious infestation in late Fall or early Winter. You can’t simply squish or pick up these insects without risking exposure to their smelly secretions.

Removal and disposal of these insects require special care. So try the following tips/methods:

Vacuuming

One of the most effective methods of stink bug removal is to use a vacuum cleaner, allowing you to avoid direct contact with the insects. With this method, there are ways to prevent stinking up your household vacuum, as the bugs are likely to secrete their foul-smelling odor once inside the vacuum or deceased.

• Nylon Stockings. To begin, cut the leg off of a nylon stocking. Next, insert the closed end of the stocking into the hose attachment of the vacuum, and secure the open end using a hair tie, rubber band, or zip tie. Once secured, simply fire up the vacuum and suck up the bugs as usual! Once finished, all you need to do is remove and dispose of the insect-filled stocking!

• Use a Wet/Dry Vacuum. If you’re against using the household vacuum, consider investing in an inexpensive wet/dry vacuum. These small vacuums are incredibly handy and simple to operate/empty. With a wet/dry vac, you can even fill the vacuum's canister with water, drowning the insects as they’re sucked in so they don’t excrete a foul smell.

Water Disposal

If vacuuming isn’t an option, stink bugs can easily be killed by sweeping them into a bucket of soapy water. However, be mindful, as this may sometimes trigger a smelly response.

Insecticide Treatments

Insecticides are also highly effective stink-bug killers, though they’re traditionally used as a last resort. For more information on insecticide use, contact your trusted local pest control experts.

Prevention

Perhaps the most effective way to rid your home of brown marmorated stink bugs is prevention. Do a thorough walk around your home, keeping an eye out for potential points of entry such as:

• Torn window screens
• Gaps in siding and trim
• Damage to attic/crawl space vent coverings

Additionally, try to keep food sources to a minimum. For example, remove fruits and vegetables from the counter, which may attract insects, and keep outdoor vegetation clean and well-kept.

Takeaways

While stink bugs aren't likely to harm you, your family, or your pets (unless someone takes a bite out of one), they aren't traditionally welcome additions to your household. Often coming in large numbers and reproducing rapidly, it’s important to remove and dispose of brown marmorated stink bugs accordingly. If the DIY methods listed above don’t make a considerable dent in your home’s stink bug population, don’t hesitate to contact your local stink bug exterminator at Anchor Pest Control.

FAQs

Are brown marmorated stink bugs harmful to humans?

Nope! In fact, these insects aren’t known to bite humans at all, making them both harmless and non-threatening. While they do possess long, straw-like mouth parts for piercing fruit, these appendages are tucked between their legs when not feeding and are not used for self-defense.

Are stink bug secretions poisonous?

While they may have a foul, pungent odor, stink bug secretions aren’t toxic or poisonous. However, if they happen to get in your eyes, you may experience an uncomfortable burning or stinging sensation. In rare cases, the secretions can also cause mild skin irritations, so it’s advised not to directly handle the insects.

When are you most likely to find stink bugs in your home?

While finding brown marmorated stink bugs roaming outdoors is common in the warmer months, they tend to move indoors only once the cold weather sets in. As overwintering insects, brown marmorated stink bugs like to find a warm, protected place to enter a state of diapause, often entering New Jersey homes in late fall or early winter.

If you have any issues with

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by Anchor Pest Team

What Are Termiticides? How Safe Are They? Here's Your Guide

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by Anchor Pest Team