German Cockroaches wreak havoc!

/in , /by

German cockroaches are a very serious threat to anyone that has respiratory problems. Their feces or dead bodies put our some nasty allergens that can cause allergic reactions and asthma. This is especially detrimental to young children or elderly. These roaches will reproduce in droves and their numbers can quickly expand.They have been known to transfer some diseases also. It is important to get started eliminating them at the first sign of infestation.

The insects can enter your home in many ways. Some examples: groceries, neighboring houses, piggybacking from baggage after traveling to name a few. They are also not limited to dirty conditions. I have found them in some of the cleanest homes. They can actually feed on proteins of some cleansers.

The Bug Guy will recommend 2-3 treatments (and sometimes more) depending on how severe the infestation. The Bug Guy will use a combination of spray, baits and possibly dust in order to gain control of the roaches. Feel free to give us a call for a free bid or if you have any questions.

Termites are Active Year-Round

/in , /by

hiresPeople often ask me when are termites active. They are active in Oklahoma City all year. Yes, it is a fact that spring is the most active time. The swarmers come out in spring and in rare times right before fall. The swarmers are only looking to start a new colony. The swarmers will come out of different areas in droves! The swarmers will try to find a mate and if they find the right soil conditions, start a new colony. The swarmers themselves do not do the damage to wood like the workers do. If a swarmer does not find a mate within a few days, they will drop their wings and then die within a few days.

Termite workers, however, work all year long eating providing nutrients to the rest of the colony. I have found live termite workers under a 2 x 4 that was laying up against the outside of a house in 28 degree weather. So it is a myth that termites go away in the winter months! The main termites that we deal with in Oklahoma are Eastern subterranean termites. They do colonize under the ground. In rare occasions will they colonize in gutters or on flat roofs that may have collected soil on top of a roof.

I highly recommend having your house inspected at least once a year especially if it has not been treated within 5 years. Even brand new houses need to be inspected after 1-2 years for termite activity. Give us a call and set up your free termite inspection. The only time we charge for a termite inspection is if the house has a crawl space, is outside the greater OKC area or if you need a report for a real estate transaction.

Black Widow Web- OKC Pest Control

Is there a good spider?

/in , /by

Is there a spider that is good for my garden? Which ones are poisonous pests that I need to get rid of? We will look at some common spiders you will see around your home in Oklahoma.

Is there a good spider?

Chances are, you’ve run into a few spiders (and their webs) around your home. You will commonly find most spiders in cool darker places, such as attics, crawl spaces, closets, and under furniture. In this article, for simplicity, we will classify spiders as good and pests.

  • Good Spiders – The yellow garden spider  will build its web in your garden, as it attracts other bugs, and this spider will act as a natural pest control. These are non aggressive spiders, however if they do bite, it is comparable to a bee sting. Generally speaking, other garden spiders tend to set up shop in gardens for the same reason: to catch the bugs that can damage plants.
  • Pests – There are two spider species to be cautious of in the state of Oklahoma: The black widow, and the Brown Recluse. The Black Widow can be identified by its two red markings that form an “hour glass” shape. If you are bitten by a Black Widow, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. A Brown Recluse is a shy spider that hides out in areas with low activity. They are light or dark brown and recognized by their dark, fiddle-shaped marking that stretches from the back of their head to their rear. If bitten by a Brown Recluse, it is also important to seek immediate medical attention.

As always if you have any questions or concerns about spiders at your home, contact The Bug Guy, the best professional pest control service in OKC!

When your ant comes to visit.

/in , , /by

Have you every had a problem with ants in your house? Here’s an article about ant treatment and how to minimize their presence in your home.

When your ant comes to visit

Ants are fine when they are out in the woods crawling through the grass, but when they get on the counter top by the thousands, then we have a problem! Ant problems begin when they invade a building looking for food and water. They are attracted to many things, but especially to sweets, meats, fats, and oils. When they find what they’re looking for, they go get their buddies. They can also build their nests in walls, foundations, and cracks and crevices in your home. Here’s how you can get rid of them.

  • Preventative Measures – Make sure all food crumbs, left overs, dishes in the sink, etc., has been cleaned up. Over flowing trash cans should be emptied, and counters wiped down. Doing this will limit their options in your home. Although, good housekeeping doesn’t always prevent you from getting ants, it’s a great place to start.
  • Call in Reinforcements –  Ant treatment is very common, and calling in a professional exterminator will help keep the ants at bay. The exterminator will create a perimeter around your home, like a line of defense, warding off future trespassing by our small friends.

Weather it is ants, or any other bug, you don’t want them invading your home. If you are looking for treatment options,  contact The Bug Guy, the best pest control solutions in OKC!

Did I just see a Scorpion?

/in , , /by

Whenever you hear of a scorpion, it may conjure up images of the Sahara Desert. Believe it or not, there are actually between three and five different species of scorpions in Oklahoma! In this article we will discuss some of the attributes of Oklahoma’s common Bark Scorpion.

Did I just see a Scorpion?

Bark Scorpions can be found in various locations such as: woodpiles, closets, beds, garages, cellars, attics, under rocks, sheds, and near ponds. It is common to see these little guys in the OKC metro area, so we will list some of their attributes.

  • Appearance – Bark Scorpions are actually smaller that most other scorpions at approximately 1-2 inches long. They have a long, slender body with four pairs of  legs and two narrow pincer-like arms. Their tail will typically curl over them with a poison gland and stinger at the end of it.
  • Diet – Scorpions are actually nocturnal creatures, and will consume insects, bugs, spiders and other scorpions too.
  • Their Stinger –  Most people have seen “that movie” where someone gets stung by multiple scorpions, and the results weren’t’ pretty. Still, a sting from a bark scorpion isn’t something to mess around with. Their stings can produce severe pain, numbness, frothing at the mouth, difficultly breathing, respiratory paralysis, and even convulsions. In this day and age, death is rare, as anti venom is available in severe cases. Some people can even experience life-threatening effects from the venom, much like how certain individuals experience similar allergic reactions to a bee sting.

Having a scorpion problem can be a real pain (no pun intended). Contact The Bug Guy for scorpions or any other pest control problems here in the OKC area!

April showers bring Mosquitoes!

/in , , /by

It’s raining, it’s pouring, now the mosquitoes are swarming! In this article we will discuss some simple steps to help deter our needle-nosed friends.

April showers bring Mosquitoes!

Mosquitoes are definitely in the top ten most annoying creatures on the face of the Earth. Most of us know if we are going to be outside doing “nature stuff,” we spray on the insect repellent. However, can we be more proactive when it comes to eliminating sources that attract mosquitoes? Let’s take a look.

  • Standing Water – Any source of standing water is a haven for these blood-suckers. A mosquito will lay its eggs in standing water. Something like a rain barrel under a downspout full of water is a mosquito breeding ground! Eliminating these places is definitely a good start.
  • Bug Light – If you enjoy sitting outside at the end of the day with the porch light on, you should replace the bulb with a bug light. These do not repel or kill bugs, but because of the color, it will attract fewer insects that a regular bulb.
  • Bug Zapper – During those evenings outside, bug zappers are great for… zapping bugs. A UV bulb attracts the bugs to a high voltage wire mesh inside the zapper were they are electrocuted.
  • Smoke – Smoke is a natural insect repellant, so the next time you want to do a backyard bonfire, the smoke will help keep the pests away.

Remember, if mosquitoes or any other bugs are trying to invade your home, contact The Bug Guy in OKC for professional service!

How Safe is Your Home from Pests this Winter?

/in , /by

Most people don’t think they need to get their homes sprayed for bugs in the winter due to the cold weather. Unfortunately, Oklahoma had a blackwidow-300x236very mild winter last year, and we haven’t seen a lasting freeze yet this winter.

We are getting a lot of calls for help with spiders and scorpions simply because it’s not getting cold enough and winter pest control is necessary. I strongly suggest for you to walk around your home and move any wood, rock, or brick piles away from your house. This will help prevent the further spread of spiders, scorpions, and other insects. Also, if you have a lot of landscaping, keep an eye out for sporadic webs which black widows are continuing to build since it’s not too cold for them yet.

Another thing I’ve been noticing a lot of is kissing beetles and box elder beetles around trees. Since the lack of a good freeze isn’t killing them, they are multiplying and they can move from trees to houses. If you look at your trees and see these bugs, the best thing to do is get an exterminator to spray them and prevent them from moving into your home.

Spiders and scorpions will also gather in garages, so it’s a really good idea to clean out your garage at least once or twice a year. It would be a good idea to clean out your garage the best you can, while you are putting your decorations away after Christmas. You can take a Shop-Vac and vacuum up any white egg sacs you find along with any spiders and insects you come across. Be sure to clean out your vacuum when you’re done and if you notice a lot of spiders, scorpions, or insects contact a professional!

Termites Myth: “Termites quit eating on homes during winter.” Most people believe they are safe from termites during winter, but it’s not true. During a termite inspection in 18 degree weather, I flipped over a piece of wood in a pile next to a house and termites were eating the wood right up next to the house.

If you think you may have a problem with spiders, scorpions, termites, or other insects, feel free to contact The Bug Guy at (405) 973-5522 and take advantage of our free inspections so that we may stop them quickly. If we don’t see any problems, you won’t be charged a penny!

Bee or Wasp? Which is It?

/in , /by

When we see a flying insect that resembles a wasp or bee, we usually don’t spend much time looking to see which it is. We run! But there are differences between the two that extend beyond appearances.

Spiders in Oklahoma

/in , /by
Zebra Spider Macro

There are many types of spiders in Oklahoma, although only the Brown Recluse and Black Widow spiders are considered dangers to people. If you are like a lot of people we know, it doesn’t matter if a spider can or will bite you. Just knowing one is hiding under your bed or crawling across your floor is enough for to want to call The Bug Guy and have us spray their home, getting rid of the pests once and for all. 

Zika and West Nile Virus

/in , /by
Beware Mosquito

Zika Facts
First isolated in Uganda’s Zika forest in 1949, the Zika virus has recently gained a lot of exposure in the Americas due mostly to an increase of birth defects. The Zika virus is related to The West Nile Virus, yellow fever and dengue fever. There are two known strains of the Zika Virus. The strain found in the Americas is most closely related to the Asian strain. This current pandemic began in 2007. Between 1951 and 1981 the virus spread throughout countries in Africa and Asia, however until 2007 confirmed cases of the disease were rare. The first confirmed case in Brazil was in May 2015.