What To Do If You Have Bats In Your House

a Little Brown Bat in the hand of a pest control worker

You catch something out the corner of your eye. Did you imagine it? Then you hear the flutter. Your heart flutters along with it as you realize there is a bat in your home.

Do not panic. Reach out to Environmental Pest Management for a free quote today.

Your first step is to determine if it is a single bat led astray or more than that. The two situations are dealt with very differently.

Single Bat

Again, do not panic. You can do this!

The bat is most likely lost and is frightened itself. According to The Humane Society of the United States, there are things you should and should not do when it comes to bats.

The bat will generally fly until it finds a perching place. They like to stay close to the ceiling and fly in a U pattern. Curtain rods and pants are a favorite, as they can hang on them.

Get all the children and pets out of the room and close off any interior door. Open all windows and outside access—windows, doors, and skylights. Hopefully, the bat will exit by itself.

If the bat is still there, wait until it lands before trying the next steps.

Put on suitable work gloves—not knit, as the bat claws can latch on to those. If you do not have any, roll up a t-shirt. Bats usually will not get into your hair, but a reasonable precaution.

Never use bare hands when handling a bat. If you are worried about your hair, pull it back or put on a hat. Bats usually will not get into your hair, but a reasonable precaution.

Find the bat in it’s landing spot. Have a plastic tub or a container and piece of cardboard ready. Cover the bat with your container and carefully slide a piece of cardboard under, covering the entire box.

Your bat is now trapped safely! You did it!

Next, you want to go near a tree and tilt the container and let the bat climb onto the trunk. Bats can not fly from the ground, so do not release them in your yard.

If you do have contact on your skin from a bat or wake up and see a bat, contact your doctor. Some bats may carry rabies, just like any mammal. While rabies is always fatal in humans, it is also 100% preventable with proper treatment.

Bats, Bats, and More Bats

What if you find evidence of more than one lost bat? Contact an expert. Free quotes are available at Environmental Pest Management, serving Minnesota in the Twin Cities metro area and surrounding suburbs, Rochester, East Central Minnesota, and several counties in Western Wisconsin (see below for a complete county list).

Minnesota and Wisconsin bats are generally one of two species: the Big Brown Bat or the Little Brown Bat.

Bats use open spots to get into your homes, such as attic spaces, wall cracks, and soffit/fascia areas.

Bats are looking for a place for their winter hibernation and a place where they want to breed and socialize. Bats have a choice when colder weather arrives: hibernate or migrate to a warmer climate with an available food supply.

Bats are mammals but not flying rodents. Their teeth are made for eating insects and will not damage structures or wood.

The goal is to get the bats out, without harm. Bats are a vital part of our environment. Bats eat insects, pollinate, spread seeds, and are the prey of other animals, as shared by the National Park Service.

Getting bats to join other colonies is the best outcome. There are times of the year when bat removal is not possible, such as when bats are in hibernation (they would get sealed into your house, which no one wants) and after birth, while the babies are still flightless.

Inspection of your home or business will determine the course of action. You want to rid your place of bats and prevent any future problems. Bat removal is a job for professionals who have the proper equipment.

More Information on Bats

As stated, bats are significant for insect control. They consume insects every night. National Park Service tells us more than $3.7 billion worth of pest control in the United States is saved by bats annually.

Bats help control the insect population, and other animals rely on bats for their survival. “Hawks, falcons, and owls eat bats, and mammals like weasels, ringtail cats, and raccoons sometimes attack bats while they roost,” according to the National Park Services.

Bats often are thought of blind. This statement is false, as bats have decent eyesight. The larger fruit-eating bats can see three times better than humans.

Echolocation is used for bats to “see” obstacles and hunt prey in low light, such as their prime times of dawn and dusk. Bats are curious about new objects and will fly close to check it out.

Do bats really drink blood? Yes, vampire bats do exist and drink blood from other animals. But do not worry, vampire bats live in Latin America.

With over 1,300 species of bats worldwide, bats are the most diverse mammal group other than rodents.

In warmer weather, bats seek out water, such as streams, lakes, and ponds. Bats do not like the sun or heat, and that is why you see them hanging from underneath a tree or in caves. Hiding also protects bats from their predators.

Why Environmental Pest Management

Environmental Pest Management is a company you can trust. It provides a free inspection for your bat problem, takes care of the bats in an environmentally safe way, members of professional associations, and a guarantee of satisfaction.

Wherever you live throughout Minnesota or Wisconsin, Environmental Pest Management is here for you. We know you work hard on keeping your home just how you like it, that does not include unwanted pests.

If you have any uninvited roomates you want removed, call us. We will come to your home, create a plan for you, and give you a free quote. No two homes or situations are the same, so no two plans are alike.

Call us today.

September 25, 2020January 22, 2024

Dealing With Clothing Moths

a moth on a pink, knit piece of clothing

When thinking of old clothes in closets, garment bags, plastic dry cleaning bags, and moth-balls often come to mind. The clothes kept are often victim to clothing moths over time if not monitored.

If you are dealing with clothing moths and seek relief, reach out to Environmental Pest Management for a free quote today.

If you want to take back your closet and protect your favorite clothing from destruction, we have your back. Read on for our tips on dealing with clothing moths.

Small Powerful and Mighty

The name clothing moth is quite deceptive. Webbing and Casemaking Clothing Moths also feast on items containing the protein keratin. Examples of these items are but are not limited to:

Upholstered furniture and drapes
Items made of animal byproducts such as fur, silk, leather, or wool.
Dirty clothing (contains body oils, possible food debris, etc.)

Clothing moths differ from their brethren you see around street lamps or sometimes in pantries. While they are related, their appearance and behavior vary greatly.

These moths that don’t feed on clothes are greater than a centimeter long, and will often feed on plants. A fun fact about most moths is that they are bald: a detail that one would only notice with a microscope in most cases.

A great rule of thumb if you see a moth is that if it is over a centimeter long, it is not a clothing moth.

There are two types of clothing moths: Casemaking Clothes Moths (Tinea Pellionella) and Webbing Clothes Moths (Tineola Bisselliela). Unlike their traditional moth counterparts, they are just one centimeter long and are yellow or greyish.

Being just one centimeter long makes these moths particularly hard to distinguish from one another. Webbing Clothing Moths are uniform in color. Casemaking Clothing Moths, on the other hand, are of the same color, but their wings are often speckled.

Traits that both moths share are the tufts of hair on their heads as well as their size. The next feature is what sets these fabric munchers apart from their larger outdoor counterparts. Neither species of clothing moths have mouths once they are grown.

You read correctly, and they have no mouths. So how these moths can eat clothing and fabric is the mystery here. The actual adult clothing moth does not eat fabric; their larvae do.

Hungry at Birth

Clothing moths of either species lay their eggs on clothing so that they have food when they hatch. According to an article written in the New York Times, the eggs are held to the fabric by an adhesive layer covering them.

Other cloth eating insects like the Carpet Beetle will not have this layer, making them easy to dispose of with a vacuum and vigilance. The concrete coating makes them impervious to vacuuming or dusting.

Once they are born, they feed on whatever clothing they are attached to. Among clothing moths, favorite foods are animal originated fibers, feathers, mohair, wool, and fur. They also prefer clothing that has lingering body oils or food even.

Unfortunately, though, the eggs are not typically seen until they have hatched. Their larvae leave a web that resembles dried snot. This web is a trait of both species of Clothing Moths.

A Bug’s Life

Both the Webbing and Casemasking Clothes moths go through complete metamorphosis. That is, there are four stages to their short lives; egg, larvae, pupa, and adult.

When eggs are laid by either Clothing moth species, the gestation period is four to ten days. This time frame can change drastically, depending on the temperature they are laid in. In the winter, they can take several weeks to hatch.

Casemaking moths will attach themselves to their food source with a silk thread and hang from it. Webbing moths will make cocoons out of silk where the larvae will feed. These cocoons are a definite sign of infestation.

Their development will take one to three months, depending on temperature and availability of food.

Once an adult, males immediately begin to mate as much as possible. They will only live for about a month. Their female counterparts live just as long and will lay as many as 300 eggs before dying.

In the event that larvae and eggs are found on clothing, a great DIY option is brushing the larvae off the garment outside in the sunshine. You can also take the step of dry cleaning items not damaged.

Preventing Clothes Moths and Protecting Your Closet

As with any pests large or small, prevention is the key to avoid infestation. However, prevention isn’t often thought of until the first holes are seen, and the moths are gone.

Clothing moths love to be in dark and warm places, just like the backs of our closets. Mostly because the clothes are left alone, there is no light, and it is not cleaned regularly. Sometimes even clothing kept in garment bags.

Cloth garment bags are not the best idea because clothing moths will eat through them to get the clothing in it.

The ideal maintenance plan would be moving unused garments every so often and letting light in as well. Clothing moths of either species are not keen on light or movement. This will help prevent them from sticking around.

It is also strongly suggested that the closet said garments are stored in should be deep cleaned and vacuumed periodically.

Clothes that are vintage or are not to be worn again should be placed plastic sealed containers. Vacuum sealed bags are also an excellent storage option that provides excellent protection and is a space saver as well.

Moth-balls are also a common defense, but should only be used as a last resort as they are potentially toxic. If moth-balls are used, directions should be strictly followed.

With good old fashioned cleaning and vigilance, clothing moths can be kept at bay. If you want true peace of mind, however, be sure to call Environmental Pest Management for a free consultation today.

They are well versed in both the eradication and prevention of clothing moths and any other unwelcome pests. Don’t let your most valued wardrobe pieces be destroyed.

September 23, 2020January 22, 2024

Biological vs Chemical Pest Controls

Biological controls and chemical controls both have a place in dealing with pests. Your unique situation will play a big part in choosing the best solution.

Contact Environmental Pest Management today for a free quote. We’ll walk you through all the options and find a solution that meets your needs and respects our environment.

There’s something uniquely satisfying about growing your own food. Vegetables smell better. Food tastes fresher. There’s a sense of ownership in bringing those big tomatoes or beans to the table.

The flip side of that is the unique sense of frustration when pests move in and eat your hard-earned crop. They didn’t plant the seeds, or pull the weeds, or remember to water them. How incredibly rude to just show up and start eating your food.

So, of course, you want to remove these little freeloaders.

Let’s consider some of your options.

Biological Pest Controls

Sometimes referred to as natural control, biological control is a method of reducing pests by introducing their natural predators into their space.

While biological control isn’t quite the same things as DIY pest management, it’s up the same alley. Many people who choose DIY methods will lean towards biological controls.

Nature sometimes helps us get rid of unwanted pests. A sudden change in temperature or a wind event might knock down a pest population.

But a naturally-occurring event is not the same as a biological control. To be a biological control, a human must set things in motion.

Some people will introduce a beneficial predator to control pests in their gardens. Predator insects feed on other insects.

Some examples of predator insects include:

Lacewings eat aphids, caterpillars, and beetle larvae.
Ladybugs eat spider mites, the larvae of beetles and other small insects, aphids, and numerous other smaller pests.
Wasps eat most smaller insects, spiders, flies, beetles, caterpillars, and sometimes other wasps.
Dragonflies are great for controlling mosquitos. They also go after moths, midges, and sometimes bees.
Spiders eat all kinds of insects. If they can catch it, they’ll eat it. That includes eating other spiders.

Careful consideration must be given before any new species is introduced to an environment. Only self-limiting or environmentally-limited species should be used for this purpose.

People trying to control pests have inadvertently opened the door to several invasive species. Farmers in Australia in the 1930s tried introducing the Hawaiin cane toad to protect their sugar cane from beetles.

The toad did reduce the beetle population, but since it had no natural predators in the new environment, it quickly became a nuisance.

The cane toad secretes a toxin that is dangerous to would-be predators and is particularly toxic to dogs.

We don’t want to replace our pest problem with more significant issues. Always consult with a pest professional and your local ordinances before attempting biological pest control.

Chemical Pest Controls

Sometimes, natural pest control options just aren’t enough.

Pesticides are chemicals – usually human-made – that kill pests while leaving your plants uninjured.

Chemical pest control tends to be the most powerful option, but it can have unwanted side effects. These chemicals are meant to kill, and they don’t cease to exist after your pest is eradicated.

Pesticides get a bad rap because they have the potential to harm people, pets, and the environment. Excessive use will damage more than the pests you target.

Picture yourself sitting on your deck, enjoying a late summer day.

A fly comes along and is determined to get a bite out of you. You reach for a fly swatter. You swipe at it several times but have no luck.

The fly tells his buddies how tasty you are, and they join him. You manage to swat a few, but these flies are tough. Some of them keep zipping around even after being swatted.

Luckily for you, there’s a spray can of flying insect killer right next to you. You grab it, spray a cloud around your uninvited guests, and they drop.

Chemicals are great for situations that are impractical or impossible to control with natural methods.

We need to treat them with respect, though. You wouldn’t spray that fly while it’s on your arm. If you had a cold drink sitting in the area you just sprayed, you wouldn’t continue drinking from it.

The EPA regulates these chemicals, and they are safe when used correctly:

Always start by reading all of the directions.
Protect your skin and face with gloves, a mask, and goggles.
Only apply the pesticide in an area with adequate ventilation. If you’re using these indoors, make sure you have windows open, run a fan, and limit your time in the space. Then leave the area for the amount of time the manufacturer recommends.

Integrated Pest Management

The solution to your pest problem needs to work. Biological and other natural controls aren’t always effective.

You also don’t want to poison yourself, your pet, or your planet. Your choice needs to be responsible. Integrated pest controls draw from both natural and chemical resources to minimize environmental impact.

An integrated control plan starts with knowledge of the pest you’re trying to remove. The pest’s life cycle is determined so that pest predators can be introduced at the most effective time.

Biological pesticides (or biopesticides) target specific pests. They are made from living organisms (such as microbes) or the product of a living organism (such as hormones).

Where chemical controls are like taking a shotgun approach, integrated controls are more like using a scalpel. This method is a thoughtful approach that limits potential environmental damage while placing a high value on results.

Talk To the Professionals

Whether your pests are indoors or outdoors, a professional service will yield the best, most environmentally responsible results. At Environmental Pest Management, we are passionate about providing safe and effective pest control.

Contact us for a free quote today. We’ll help you develop a plan that controls all your pest problems without breaking the bank or our planet.

August 28, 2020January 22, 2024

Plants that Keep Bugs Away

Do you attract insects every time you step outdoors? If you don’t, likely you know a friend or family member that does.

Don’t spend any more summers in a constant battle with a pesky backyard insect army. There is a way to combat the army of flies, mosquitos, gnats, and other pests without chemical warfare or spraying yourself with sticky, chemical-filled sprays.

A natural way to deter these summer ruining fiends is to strategically place a variety of plants outside and inside the home. Yes, you read that correctly.

The essential oils that are released from some of the plants are a natural repellent. The plants use the secretions as a natural defense mechanism against various insects.

Environmental Pest Management has compiled a list of plants that keep bugs away from your home and garden. Start enjoying your summer pest free.

Standing Water

It’s first important to mention that any standing water is a big no-no. Standing water is where mosquitos go to breed.

Once you remove any water sources from around the house, you will have an easier time battling those annoying blood-suckers.

Herb Garden

If you love to cook and have longed to start an herb garden, now’s the time. Many wonderful herbs will add flair and flavor to meals as well as repel bugs with their lovely aroma.

We recommend you keep your herb garden near the doors of your house. Keeping them close will help cut back on flies and other bugs from entering your home. You will also have quick access to your garden while you are preparing your meals- a win-win.

Basil

Basil repels mosquitoes and house flies. You can keep it up near the house in a pot or in an outdoor area where you enjoy entertaining or relaxing.

You can use basil in many different types of soups, sauces, or even salads. Sweet basil will provide a subtle peppery flavor with a hint of mint.

Another way to use fresh basil is to create your own DIY insect repellent. First, you will take the clean basil and steep it in boiling water for several hours (stems and all). Once the basil has steeped in the water for a while, you will take the infused water and put it in a spray bottle. Lastly, add four ounces of vodka, the vodka will serve as a carrier and diluter.

Now you have made yourself a natural bug repellent without any added harmful chemicals and saved money in the process!

Lavender

Lavender will repel moths, flies, fleas, and mosquitos. We all know lavender as the popular scent that fills many of our household products. While many of us enjoy, the sweet light floral scent lavender provides unwanted insects hate it.

Lavender is a sun-loving plant and enjoys being in a place where it will get plenty of light. Keep that in mind when you are strategically placing it to ward off bugs.

You can also infuse lavender into a body oil and apply it before enjoying the outdoors. Just make sure not to use a body oil without applying a protective layer of sunscreen.

Lemongrass

Lemongrass will repel mosquitos. Certainly, you have entered a store during the summertime and have found citronella candles. They are effective for warding off mosquitos. Citronella is the natural oil found in lemongrass.

Lemongrass is not the name for just one plant but is an umbrella name for the plants that belong in the Cymbopogon family, including citronella grass. You can plant it in a sunny location with ample draining. The plant will grow up to 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide.

Mint

Mint is another herb that will repel mosquitos. Planting mint in pots is the best choice because mint spreads aggressively and will overtake a garden. Once mint has established itself in the garden, it can be a pain to remove.

Mint leaves can flavor tea, curry, and many lamb and chicken dishes. Mint is another herb that you can use to create your repellent. Combine it with a small amount of cheap vodka, witch hazel or apple cider vinegar.

Ornamental Flowers

If cooking and having an herb garden is not your thing you can try your thumb at planing some ornamental flowers to combat the summer insects. They will provide a pleasing scent and view to your backyard or patio.

Marigolds

The scent produced by various kids of marigolds will repel mosquitoes, aphids, whiteflies, and even rabbits. Whiteflies are a pest that commonly feasts on the sap released from tomatoes and tomato plants.

Marigolds release limonene, an essential oil, that slows down whiteflies as they fly around tomato plants. Marigolds are best grown throughout vegetable gardens, or in tandem with certain plants such as roses. They are capable of spurring the growth of rose bushes.

Petunias

Petunias are known for repelling aphids, asparagus beetles, tomato hornworms, leafhoppers, and squash bugs. Petunia’s are pretty foolproof, which makes them a popular choice. They are available in a variety of vibrant colors and require minimal maintenance.

They will happily hang out in garden beds near vegetable and herb gardens, or a hanging planter on a patio. Just make sure they are receiving plenty of sunlight.

Floss Flowers

Floss Flowers will repel mosquitoes by releasing a chemical called Coumarin, often found in bug sprays. This chemical is also in sweetgrass, and mosquitoes hate the smell of it.

Floss flowers will bloom pink, white, and blue blooms during the summer and fall. They are happiest planted in fertile soil and do well in rock gardens or flower beds as an edging plant.

Geraniums

Geraniums repel leafhoppers as well as other insects. However, one type of geranium is known for its mosquito repelling abilities, the Pelargonium Citrosum.

When they bloom, they have delicate pink flowers that release a lemony fragrance that keep bugs away. They are happy in a sunny, dry climate and will grow well in a flowerbed or vegetable garden.

If gardening or planting flowers is just not your forte, or don’t want to do the upkeep, Give Environmental Pest Management a call. We will come out and treat your backyard for those unwanted visitors. Let us keep the bugs away from your home while you enjoy your summer.

July 29, 2020January 23, 2024

How to Bug-Proof Your Pantry

A bug-free pantry is one of those things you take for granted until you don’t have one. Nobody wants crawly critters in and among their food; it’s gross, it’s unsanitary and even dangerous.

Contact the pros at Environmental Pest Management to keep your pantry clean and pest-free!

Secrets of a Bug Free Pantry

The good news is, you can bug-proof your food storage area with a few tricks and a little effort. Let’s take a look at some of the ways you can protect your food, your home, and your family.

Know the Usual Suspects

Before you set to work, make sure you know what you’re up against. The most common (and harmless) home invaders you will encounter near your food included weevils, moths, and small beetles.

The varieties of beetles you may find in your pantry are merchant grain beetles and flour beetles. Merchant grain beetles are fans of processed foods and baked goods, whereas flour beetles are your standard grain-lovers. Flour beetles larvae are the infamous mealworms, which are known for destroying stored grains and flours.

On the more threatening end of the spectrum, you may find cockroaches, who can carry disease.

A Clean Pantry is No Guarantee

Don’t beat yourself up if you see an unwelcome guest the next time you reach for a box of cereal! An infestation isn’t a reflection on you as a person or housekeeper. Unfortunately, no matter how tidy you keep things, you may still find yourself the victim of a buggy pantry.

Be Aware of the Bug Bait Hiding In Plain Sight

Cereal is just one of the foods insects, and other bugs may find attractive in your home. Other foods that creepy crawlers find irresistible include grains, different flour varieties, and processed foods. They’re not so different from you and me, are they?

Bugs can also go after nuts, beans, dried fruits – even spices!

Basically, bugs are people, too. If you like to snack on it, chances are, there are bugs that will, also.

Shop Smart

A bug free story starts in the supermarket. Examine packaging when you purchase a food item; if the box or wrapper appears damaged, do not buy it.

Why?

Well, because a lot of times, bugs infest pantries through packaging that was infested from jump street.

Additionally, check expiration dates both when you’re purchasing items and periodically, at home, too. Avoid buying anything that’s too close to its expiration date and throw out expired items at home.

At-Home Prevention Hacks

Once you bring your groceries home, you have a few tricks at your disposal to preserve them from bugs.

Sealed, air-tight containers are a great route to a bug free pantry. Once you break the seal or open a package, transfer the contents to Tupperware or Rubbermaid containers (or something similar).

Interestingly, bay leaves are another hack you can use to ward off critters. To utilize its aromatic properties against would-be invaders, put a bay leaf in dry goods containers. Items like rice, grains, and flours are ideal for this strategy.

Do a Quick Clean Up

Now, as stated above, a clean house is no guarantee that you will have a bug free pantry. Having said that, that’s no reason not to do your best to straighten up.

As much as possible, clean up crumbs and sticky spills as you spot them.

Make cleaning your pantry a part of your cleaning routine: clean up crumbs and wash shelves with soap and water. While you’re in there, inspect for cracks, holes, and crevices that may provide an on-ramp for pests. Fill up any holes you find with caulk.

When Should I Start Panicking?

Now, a couple of bugs here and there around the house do not constitute an emergency in and of themselves.

The problem comes when you spot the bugs in your food stores. Likewise, if bugs turn up near food storage sites: your kitchen, and yes, your pantry.

What To Do For a Bug Free Pantry When Prevention Is Not an Option

So a bug has turned up in your container of dry rice. First thing’s first: don’t try to salvage it; throw out any infested stored food you discover. Make sure you throw it away in a sealed trash container!

Next, inspect any packages or containers you have stored near the original offender. Check to see whether the infestation has spread to other containers. Perform a quick ocular once-over, or a more thorough method: pour contents out and inspect them with a flashlight.

If you want to be totally confident in your bug free pantry, freeze potentially-contaminated foods for three to four days. Alternately, cook them for 1-2 hours at 140 degrees.

Then, you’ll want to go scorched-earth on any remaining bugs. Clean your pantry with soap and water, and vacuum it. Avoid materials that may harm your food: pesticides, ammonia, boric acid, or bleach.

Bring In the Pros

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, bugs remain determined. You can take this as a compliment – you have a delicious pantry! On the other hand, you’ll probably need to bring in the big guns.

A pest control company can eliminate the forces invading your pantry, and finally, give you a bug free pantry. Don’t worry about researching and executing the best pantry defense tactics yourself.

Your time is valuable, and you don’t want to waste time when it comes to preventing food waste and spoilage.

Environmental Pest Management For Your Bug Free Pantry Needs

Safely secure your pantry by contacting Environmental Pest Management. Environmental Pest Management brings over three decades of pest management experience and a commitment to you and your family’s safety.

Our concern for your home or professional environments extends to our common home, Earth. That means we use non chemical materials to the greatest extent possible to get you back to normal, safely.

Whether you need a bug free pantry, or you are dealing with another pest control issue, Environmental Pest Management can help. Contact us today to discuss your pest control needs, and to determine how our Master Licensed Technicians can assist you.