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Fire Ants іn а Vegetable Garden

March 31st, 2012

Admin

Sometimes, fire ants аrе аn everyday sight. Тhеу build mounds іn mоst yards аnd саn attack уоu faster thаn lightning іf уоu dare tо disturb thеіr nest. Му yard hаs bееn а haven fоr fire ants fоr years. Νоthіng І hаvе trіеd hаs rеаllу worked tо gеt rid оf thе ants, thеу јust move thеіr hоmе аnd start оvеr іn аnоthеr area оf thе yard. Well, thіs year thеу moved іntо mу raised bed garden boxes. Whеn І wеnt tо turn оvеr thе soil аnd gеt ready tо plant І hаd а rude awakening аs thеу boiled оut оf thе earth аnd attacked me.

Several minutes lаtеr аs І stopped screaming аnd swatting аnd applied anti-itch cream tо mу poor swollen hands, І determined thаt thіs wаs іt. І wаs tired оf fighting thеsе ants. І wanted thеm gоnе. Аnd І wаs nоt аbоut tо fight wіth thеm оvеr mу garden! Іt wаs thеm оr mе (Оh, рlеаsе lеt іt bе them!).

I started оff mу battle wіth thе good оld boy (оr girl) phone net. І called mу mom аnd asked hеr whаt tо dо. Тhеn І called mу friends аnd thеу аll laughed аt mе аs thеу told mе whаt thеу dіd. І wаs оn mу оwn. Тhе lіttlе bit оf knowledge thаt І hаd gleaned wоuld hаvе tо suffice. І ventured fоrth іntо thе bасk yard wіth thе fіrst solution іn hand.

After trуіng thе three fire ant killing methods thаt І will outline hеrе fоr уоu, І threw іn thе towel аnd called іn thе experts. І wеnt tо Ace Hardware аnd spoke wіth sоmеоnе іn thеіr garden center. HAHA! І killed mу ants іn lеss thаn twо hours! Аnd уоu саn, too.

Here аrе three аll natural ways tо kill fire ants аnd hоw thеу worked fоr mе. Тhеn, thеrе іs thе solution thаt Ace Hardware supplied fоr mе….. but dоn’t skip tо thе еnd! Read аll оf thе solutions. Ѕоmе оf thеm mау work better fоr уоu thаn thеу dіd fоr me.

Fire Ant Killing Solution #1 – Grits

Many Southerners swear bу grits. Νоt јust fоr eating, but fоr killing ants! Supposedly, іf уоu pour uncooked grits оn а mound оf ants thеn thе ants will eat thе grits, carry thеm tо thе queen аnd whеn thеу drink water, thеу explode. І hаvе usеd grits bеfоrе wіth mixed rеsults. Тhіs time, thеу dіd nоthіng. Whеn І dіd а lіttlе rеsеаrсh, І discovered thаt grits rеаllу dо nоthіng tо ants ехсерt mаkе thеm move thеіr nests іf thе tunnels аrе covered wіth grits. Тhеу саnnоt eat thе grits аnd thеу dо nоt kill thеm. Ноwеvеr, іf уоu јust wаnt tо move thе ants wіthоut killing thеm, thіs mау bе а good solution fоr you.

Fire Ant Killing Solution #2 – Borax аnd Powdered Sugar

Borax basically dissolves ants. І knоw, gross. Іf уоu mix borax wіth powdered sugar, іt will draw ants tо іt аnd саusе thеm tо eat іt оr аt lеаst gеt іt оn thеm. І hаvе heard thаt thіs works rеаllу great fоr killing ants іn уоur hоmе. Іt mау еvеn work great оn mounds іf уоu surround thе mounds wіth thе borax mix. Ноwеvеr, wіth а large area suсh аs mу raised bed garden, іt rеаllу dіd nоt dо muсh. І mау hаvе killed sоmе оf thе ants, but іt dіd nоthіng tо gеt rid оf thе total infestation.

Fire Ant Killing Solution #3 – Boiling Water

Тhіs wаs thе best оf thе three natural solutions thаt І trіеd. Тhе boiling water, poured directly оntо аn ant mound/ nest will gеt аll thе wау dоwn іntо thе tunnels аnd kill nоt јust thе worker ants but thе queen аs well. Іt takes аbоut 3 liters оf boiling water tо kill а normal sized ant mound. І hаd а space аbоut 8 foot bу 4 foot tо treat. Тhіnk аbоut іt. Тhе areas thаt І wаs аblе tо pour boiling water оn dіd result іn mаnу dead ants. Ноwеvеr, І wаs unable tо pour еnоugh boiling water оn thе area tо kill thе entire colony. Аnd, І thіnk thе queen mау hаvе bееn hiding frоm mе аnd taunting mе bу thіs time.

And finally…..

The Ace Hardware Super Duper Fire Ant Killing Solution – Rеsults Fire Ant Killer

After thе not-so-great rеsults оf thе three natural solutions, І wаs ready tо gіvе uр аnd trу sоmе chemical based pesticides. І rеаllу dіdn’t wаnt tо. І mеаn, thіs wаs mу vegetable garden! І wanted tо kеер thе chemicals оut оf іt. Ѕо, І trіеd оnе lаst time tо find sоmеthіng tо kill thеsе ants thаt wоuld nоt роtеntіаllу kill mе аs well. І wеnt tо mу local Ace Hardware store аnd spoke wіth а gentleman іn thе Garden Center. Не nodded whеn І told hіm whаt І wanted аnd directed mе tо а display оf poisons. І told hіm І dіd nоt wаnt tо рut chemicals іntо mу garden аnd hе nodded аgаіn аnd told mе thаt thіs product wаs safe аnd thаt hе wоuld usе іt hіmsеlf. І read thе bасk оf thе container аnd watched а lіttlе video аbоut hоw tо usе thе product аnd wаs sold.

The nаmе оf thе product іs Rеsults Fire Ant Killer. Іt іs easy tо usе, works fast аnd іs nоt tоо expensive. А $20 container іs еnоugh tо kill аbоut 40 mounds оf ants. Тhе best thing аbоut іt, fоr mе, іs thаt іt іs mаdе frоm natural products аnd leaves nо residual contamination. Rеsults саn bе usеd іn vegetable gardens аnd оn food crops uр tо harvest time wіth nо problems.

The Classy Insect – The Lady Bug

December 30th, 2011

Admin

The ladybug is an insect which looks like a beetle, no wonder it has also been nicknamed a lady beetle. There are currently 5000 species of beetles which are known but different species are found in different parts of the continent. These
different species come in different colors and patterns. Some of the beetles are spotted while others have only one color. The name lady bug owes its origin to the European farmers when their crops were attacked by a lot of aphids and a biological method of controlling these aphids was sought in the form of these aphids. When these beetles were able to eliminate all the aphids, these farmers who used to pray to Mary the mother of Jesus ,the farmers nicknamed it beetle of our lady, a name that was later shortened to lady beetle and finally lady bug. The ladybug was then imported from Europe to America to control aphids.

In many countries, the lady bugs are liked and some people consider them a source of good fortune. Others love the lady bug for their appearance and the fact that they are harmless makes them to be liked even by children. They like spending their life in the open when it is warm but during periods of extreme weather like the winter, they look for places in which to hibernate. One of these safe places is in peoples homes.
In case the hoe becomes infested with them, one can use the shop vacuum to suck them out of the house and dispose them outside without harming them.
Another thing that one can use is a device called ladybug black light trap which makes use of radiating light to draw the lady bugs into the trap. Boric acid is also another remedy which is dusted in areas where they are likely to pass.

So if you have a lady bug problem in your home or business please call the professionals at MTB Pest Control at 301-613-6570.
We are available 24 hours 7 days a week to eliminate all your unwanted pest problems.

The Quiet Assassin – The Snake

November 28th, 2011

Admin

The mid-Atlantic states are home to twenty-two officially recognized types of snakes, making this area the habitat for twenty different species of snakes. Out of all of these, there are two snakes that are particularly dangerous to humans the Timber Rattlesnake and the Northern Copperhead. While you can get rid of snakes, these two types of snakes are venomous are quite dangerous. Their handling is best left to a professional. Snakes tend to awaken an irrational fear in most people, although they are an essential part of the ecosystem. Snakes usually feast on small vertebrates, smaller reptiles, and insects. The presence of snakes in your area actually helps keep other kinds of vermin infestation at bay.

There are many so-called snake facts that are little more than myths, particularly when it comes to these two types of snakes. The Timber Rattlesnake and the Northern Copperhead feast mainly on small rodents and will usually not attack humans unless directly threatened. These two types of snakes belong to the viper pit family of snakes because of very sensitive pits that allow them to detect warm-blooded animals.
These silent assassins kill by using a hemotoxic venom that is quite effective against their typical prey.

The other eighteen species of snakes in the mid-Atlantic states are completely harmless, despite many so-called snake facts that have given them a bad reputation. These snakes can live in wetlands or in trees. They will usually find a dark, secluded spot and hide for most of the day. Snakes in your home will typically hide under a porch or neat the foundation, looking for warmth. The most common snakes in the mid-Atlantic snakes include the Eastern Gartersnake and the Black
Ratsnake. These can be found pretty much everywhere in this area and will often wander into backyards, frightening home owners in the process. If you have any problems with snakes or any reptiles please contact MTB Pest Control or visit http://www.mtbpestcontrol.com we offer 24 hour 7 day a week service to eliminate any pest problem you have in your home or office.

Are Fleas Biting You?

November 16th, 2011

Admin

Fleas are parasites that bite and suck blood from their hosts. Hosts are generally humans and animals. Fleas can transmit infection and diseases if they are left to breed. Fleas can be found in homes in the carpet, in pets that have fur, furniture that is made from fabric like couches and other household items.
When a person or animal has contracted fleas, one usually notices an increase in itching and scratching. Flea bites often resemble bedbugs and scabies marks. It is important that if you suspect that you have a flea or other pest problem that you get it taken care of immediately before it gets too far out of hand.

Fleas can live up to one hundred days without a meal or biting. When fleas start to develop what is so impressive and disturbing about them is that they can lay dormant in pupae form until a potential host comes into range. They can sense body heat. Then the flea will jump up to four feet to gain access to that host and bite them. Once a flea has its first taste of blood, it will lay its eggs within the first 36 hours of that first meal. A female flea can lay thousands of eggs within her lifetime.

Getting rid of fleas is not as challenging as you may think. One has to be a little diligent and determined to seek out and destroy all forms of fleas eggs, larvae and all to be infestation free. There are some ways you can do damage control yourself, however of you are not willing to invest the time or are not confident that you can successfully get rid of them, you should seek out the services of professional exterminators like the professionals at MTB Pest Control.
MTB does guarantee that you will be flea free, they will also further educate you so that this does not become a repeat occurrence.

So please give MTB Pest Control a call at 301-613-6570 or visit http://mtbpestcontrol.com with our 24 hour 7 day a week service MTB can really eliminate any pest problem.

Our Life Long Pest – The Cockroach

October 26th, 2011

Admin

Cockroaches continue to be a pest for countless homes and business. From German to American cockroaches, they also breed at rapid and alarming rates. In fact, recent studies have shown that female cockroaches breed up to 300 to 400 offspring within its lifetime. Since most cockroaches only survive about one year, this is a staggering number that only be controlled with true tact and precision.

There are numerous cockroach species as well, including Australian, American, German, and even Oriental cockroaches. Each species also carries a number of harmful diseases, such as dysentery, typhoid, poliomyelitis, and even gastroenteritis. As a result, they can spread these diseases to humans and animals through uncontrolled infestation. Cockroaches also hide just about anywhere. This includes cub boards, drawers, and even under rugs and tables. For cockroaches, they need tight closed places and high moisture levels to survive.

They also live and breed in unsanitary conditions, which help spread numerous diseases and ailments. Many humans are even allergic to cockroach feces, which can be left all over your home and office. One of the most susceptible areas for cockroach infestation is a kitchen. Since cockroaches love to fee on discarded or open food, this is another way to spread diseases to humans. At times, humans can even get sick by inhaling cockroach particles and dust. These are usually the remains of dead cockroaches, along with permeating odors and even hair.

The only solution to counter infestation is cockroach control. This includes pesticides, which are specifically designed to kill cockroaches and their eggs. While you can purchase pesticides from your local supermarket, it also always best to secure pest control services. With years of extensive industry experience, pest control specialists can truly eradicate your cockroach problem. Since they know where most cockroaches hide and breed, they can even eliminate cockroach nests and habitats.

If cockroaches at the home or office plague you, simply contact your local pest control specialist at MTB Pest Control who are available 24 hours 7 days a week! Call 301-613-6570. Don’t wait!

Our Sleeping Partner – The BedBug

October 16th, 2011

Admin

Bedbugs are small parasitic insects, which have existed for thousands of years. Bedbugs, also known as Cimicidae, feed on human blood and warm-blooded animals. As a result, bedbug bites can lead to skin rashes, allergies, and even psychological effects in humans. Humans that receive bedbug bites have to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Failure to do so can result in skin disorders and other skin-based ailments.
In the developed world, bedbugs were all but eradicated back in the 1940s. They, however, made a strong return back around 1995. Their resurgence was a cause of several factors, including exchanging furniture and second-hand components. Foreign travel has also been attributed to the rise of bedbugs again.

Perhaps the most important cause, however, has been neglecting effective countermeasures, while concentrating on ridding other pests from the home or office.
Like any type of pest control, bedbug control has to be implemented within time and budget. This is the only way to control and eliminate these pests from your bed and other furniture.
The first step is to secure bedbug inspections for all your mattresses and furniture. Contacting professional pest specialists that specialize in effective bedbug control can do this. With a professional and precise inspection, your specialists can then offer you a choice of viable treatments options. This includes spraying the infected areas with pesticide, which may or may not involve multiple visits. You can also purchase zippered bug-proof mattress covers for the bed. This, however, should be done only after your pest control specialist has finished the treatment.

Inorganic materials are a great way to counter bedbugs. This includes boric acid, which affects the bugs exoskeleton and causes them to dehydrate. Other preventative measures include vacuuming, cold temperatures, and disposal of contaminated mattresses and box springs. While bedbugs continue to soar in numbers, there are several ways to stop their advance and protect your belongings!

So please contact MTB Pest Control with over 50 years experience that can rid your home or business of unwanted pest call 301-613-6570.

Everyone’s Little Grey Friend – Mice

October 14th, 2011

Admin

Mice continue to be a growing problem for several home and office owners. From small rodents to full sized rats, mice carry certain diseases that are harmful to humans and other animals. This includes rabies, which can lead to blindness if not treated in a timely and professional manner.
Other vermin based diseases include typhus, leptospirosis, salmonella, and even the bubonic plague. These diseases are mainly transferred to humans via mice bites, however, there are other ways humans can contract mice diseases. At times, mice will urinate and defecate on human foods, which can be harmful and even fatal if consumed.

Mice are known to contaminate and infect water, which can also be dangerous if consumed. Since most mice carry mites, these small insects can even spread diseases by biting humans and domesticated animals.
Mice also have a tendency to breed at high rates. In fact, female mice can produce 12 babies every 6 weeks. This allows the mice species to multiply at staggering rates. It also enables mice to infest homes, offices, retail outlets, and even large warehouses and outlets.
Since mice are mainly nocturnal creatures, they prefer to sleep throughout the daytime. In order to ensure their security, mice like to hide in
small places and cracks. This includes wall cracks, chimney holes, kitchen cabinets, drawers, and even under sinks. They may also hide inside appliances, as well as in storage areas and closets. Most mice, however, can be found scrawling around in attics, basements, and even in garages.

The only way to effectively counter infestation is via mice control. Getting ride of mice can be accomplished in many ways. The most convenient, yet effective way is to use mousetraps. These can be placed throughout your home, preferably near dark, tight, and enclosed spaces. They can also be placed in the office, while attracting and eliminating mice.

You should also contact a mice control expert to help you eradicate mice from your home or office like the pest specialist at MTB Pest Control who are available 24 hours 7 days a week call 301-613-6570.
Don’t wait!

Do It Yourself Termite Inspections

October 14th, 2011

Admin

It is very important for homeowners to do regular termite inspection before they discover that it is too late and they have got a serious problem on their hands.
It is a general rule of thumb to check for termites on an annual basis. By doing that, we can prevent the problem before it gets too large. The first place that we want to look is anywhere that has wood exposed. It is going to be very easy to notice that the feces of the termite has been left behind. This is basically going to look like a piece of mud.

We will be able to know what it is because we generally do not have mud inside our home. The next thing that we are going to look for in little tiny holes in the wood. This will indicate that a termite have crawled inside the wood and they are hiding. It is important to clean up any water that has leaked in the basement or any other area.
After all, termites seem to gather wherever there is wood and water in a combined situation.

We can tap on the wood and listen for a hollow sound. This is going to let us know whether or not the termites have already eaten away the inside of the wood. If we have never had a problem with termites in the past, we can easily do the inspection on our own. However, if you have experienced problems, it may be best to have a professional come in and look things over. After all, we can never be too careful when our home is at stake. It is important to have a good solid sturdy home for our family to live a comfortable lifestyle. By checking for termites, we will know for certain that we are safe and sound So if you need a professional pest control company to come inspect your home for termites please call MTB Pest Control at 301-613-6570 and ask for Milton we’re available 24 hours 7 days a week to serve you.