By Brian Reynolds of Reynolds Pest Management, Inc.

Indian Meal Moth Inspection and Control

If you ever see small moths fluttering in your home you may want to take a closer look. These small moths may be Indian Meal Moths (Plodia interpunctella). Damage estimates for Indian Meal Moths and other pantry pests range from $200 million and up to $5 billion in damage in the United States every year alone.

Indian meal moths can live from 1 month up to 10 months depending on the temperature. The moths go through a complete metamorphosis from egg, to larva, to pupa, and finally adult.

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As a home owner it is disturbing to know that the food you have been eating has already been visited upon by these unwanted invaders and you have been unknowingly eating their leftovers and remains. Your grocer will want to know that they have a problem as well, and you should be able to exchange, or get a refund for the infested product that was purchased.

Control Measures for Indian Meal Moths

You do not have many options at this point other than to find the source of the problem quickly and then to be proactive and thorough in finding the hiding places of the various stages of these moths. Since the adults fly, the eggs that are laid may be anywhere in the structure, but in mild infestations moths are usually not far from the food source. Be sure to check around the ceiling area as they quite often rest, or build their pupa encasements in this area.

Indian meal moth larva are what cause the damage to your food. The larva, that look like small caterpillars, feed on a wide variety of food products that are dry. The moths will even be found in spices, chocolate, and other food products that you normally do not find other types of pantry pests in.

The larva that hatch from the eggs may take months to hatch depending on the weather. Indian meal moth larva are able to chew through many types of packaging, and can enter through very small crevices so it is important to place all food items that are not in heavy duty packaging into Tupperware type containers, glass jars, and you can also refrigerate certain items as well.

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Vacuuming the visible moths and the webby encasements that the larva have made will greatly reduce the number breeding moths and pre-emerging moths. It is important to make sure you dispose of the contents of the vacuum thoroughly when finished.

Triangular glue traps that emit pheromones that attract the male moths are available to catch the adult moths. The traps catch the moths which does not allow them to reproduce, thus breaking the life cycle. You may also use plain glue boards to trap the moths as well.

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Reynolds Pest has been a local choice for over 20 years. Their team of certified and highly knowledgeable technicians is capable of eradicating your pest control problems. Call Today to receive a free estimate.

Port Saint Lucie, Jensen Beach: (772) 334-7007, (772) 337-2131
Stuart, Palm City: (772) 283-8986
Jupiter/Tequesta/Palm Beach: (561) 746-7969
Fort Pierce: (772) 464-4707
Indian River: (772) 778-5507

Brian Reynolds

Website: http://www.reynoldspest.com
Brian Reynolds Author Page

Should I be Concerned with Termites during Winter?

 Your concern for Termites should be year-round. Termites are active in winter, especially in Florida with our warm climate. Some pests can go into a state of hibernation; however, termites do not and will need to keep to their daily routines through each season. An average termite colony can consume up to 16 grams per day (0.08 mg per termite) or 12.9 pounds in a year!

Regardless of the termites being active in winter, they are slightly less active. The termites that do not seek shelter in time may not make it through the season’s cold temperatures. Your home becomes a great resource for warmth and food. Termites will find shelter from the cold in the foundations and walls of your home.

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Termite swarms will not occur in winter. These swarms are very likely with a combination of rain and hot weather. Spring and summer are typical months for swarms. As seeing termite swarms is a sure sign of termites being present in a surrounding area, finding mud tubes or tunnels are as well.

Having you home inspected by a certified Termite Exterminator is recommended on a yearly basis. A termite colony is capable of reaching maturity after 2 years.

Determining If Termites are present

Many signs of termites will appear in your home some including:

• Sagging of floors or ceilings
• Wood when tapped on sounds hollow
• Discoloring of ceiling
• Crumbling wood of any structure type
• Peeling or bubbling of paint of walls
• Windows or doors become easily jammed

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Termite Colony Size and Characteristics

Florida is commonly encountered with Subterranean Termites, Dry wood Termites, Damp wood Termites, and Formosan Termites.

• Subterranean termites: The colony consists of workers, soldiers, queen, and king. The colony typically exists under soil and will hold 60,000 to 1 million termites. They will build mud tube or tunnels from the soil upward to where they can feed. Theses tubes also help keep the termite protected from weather conditions and the sun.
• Dry Wood Termites: Colony population is low averaging 4,800 termites; The population includes nymphs, soldiers, queen, and king. These termites build their colony within wood structures. They can swarm in spring and summer; They remain active during the winter.
• Damp Wood Termites: The colony is made up of soldiers, nymphs, queens, and king. They are not typically found within structures, they require damp wood to survive.
• Formosan Termites: This species of termites is on average ten times larger than the subterranean termite colony population size. The soldier Formosan termites can reach a size of 350,000 to 2 million termites.

Click Here or Call 772-334-7007 for a Free Termite Control | Termite Inspection Today!

Reynolds Pest has been a local choice for over 20 years. Their team of certified and highly knowledgeable technicians is capable of eradicating your termites. Call Today to receive a free estimate.

Port Saint Lucie, Jensen Beach: (772) 334-7007, (772) 337-2131
Stuart, Palm City: (772) 283-8986
Jupiter/Tequesta/Palm Beach: (561) 746-7969
Fort Pierce: (772) 464-4707
Indian River: (772) 778-5507

Brian Reynolds

Website: http://www.reynoldspest.com
Brian Reynolds Author Page

All throughout the Florida and the United States, unusually warm winter weather is obvious. It is pleasant to have such beautiful weather; however it means a higher chance of pest infestation for your home and pets.

During the winter months most pests go into a form of hibernation and wait till spring to swarm about. Eggs and cocoons are the same; they stay dormant until the appropriate temperatures are met to initiate hatching. Those insects that do stay active develop an internal mechanism acts similar to antifreeze. Florida’s temperature is typically mild in winter which tends to make fleas and ticks a year round nuisance.

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In any flea or tick infestation, the individuals present in the condition face many serious health risks. Lyme disease is a common disease spread from ticks to humans and can be potentially fatal. Both pests, in order to eat, must consume blood from a host. By coming into contact with blood, the pathogens the pest carry will be transmitted to the host’s blood.

Tick Species of Florida

Severe Tick Infestation

Among the many species of ticks in Florida, the brown dog ticks and American dog Ticks are the most abundant. All ticks are considered a parasite not an insect; they closely resemble spiders. Animals are mainly attacked by ticks due to the animals visiting the source location of the ticks typically being in wooded areas. It is not rare for a human to have a tick bite. Most dog ticks are considered to be a wood tick. After engorging themselves off the blood of an animal, a female tick is capable of laying 1000-3000 eggs!

Ticks have special mouthparts that allows them to pierce the skin if the host and hold on securely with their curved backward teeth.  The brown dog tick is not a vector to human diseases however they can spread canine piroplasmosis to dogs. The American dog tick is prone to cause Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, and paralysis in dogs and children. The paralysis is caused by a specific toxin that is released by the feeding ticks. Lyme disease is traced to deer ticks which are not abundant in Florida and so we have a significantly lower Lyme disease rate than compared to New England.

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Like the ticks, Fleas also have specific mouthparts that allow them to pierce the skin of a host and consume blood. The most commonly handled flea in Florida is the cat flea. Regardless of its name, they attack a wide variety of species including dogs, mice, rabbits, chickens, and humans. Dog, Human, and Sticktight Fleas are also found in Florida and are capable of causing as much irritation as the cat flea. Female fleas lay bathes of eggs about 3-18 eggs at a time. The eggs will begin to hatch in up to 12 days.

Fleas Species of Florida

Flea Bites

Fleas are noticed easily whether the infestation may be outdoors or indoors. The fleas attack your pets and then begin to cause them to itch uncontrollably. They flea is visible to the naked eye and can be noticed if the pet’s coat is brushed with a fine comb.  Your pet may develop tiny red marks on their undersides from the biting of the fleas. If the pet is left untreated for fleas, there is a high chance the pest will begin to have tape worms which are sometimes visible near their rectum.

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Fleas are vectors to diseases that can be transmitted to a human. These diseases include: plague, typhus, and tularemia. When a human is attacked by fleas, is becomes obvious with the inflamed red bite marks. Many times with sensitive individuals, infections may develop from the bite mark.

Stay cautious this winter season. Constantly monitor your pets and yourself if you frequently visit wooded areas. Ticks and fleas cause homeowners many headaches and costly maintenance. If you are unsure if your exterior environment is a good source for any flea or tick habitats, contact Reynolds Pest to have your surroundings evaluated. Preventing the possibility of a tick or flea infestation is the best form of protection from these pests.

Port Saint Lucie, Jensen Beach: (772) 334-7007, (772) 337-2131
Stuart, Palm City: (772) 283-8986
Jupiter/Tequesta/Palm Beach: (561) 746-7969
Fort Pierce: (772) 464-4707
Indian River: (772) 778-5507
Brian Reynolds

Website: http://www.reynoldspest.com
Brian Reynolds Author Page

At the first sign of a bed bug in your room, you are going to panic. This however will not help the situation. At the time of panicking you may decide to handle the bed bug situation yourself. Many homeowners or residents make this mistake. Attempting to control a bed bug infestation without the knowledge of what the pest is or does, and no knowledge on the products label description may lead to illness of the individuals in the home and even fatality. Not to mention you may potentially spread the bed bugs throughout the house. Always call upon a professional certified exterminator to guide you through a bed bug outbreak.

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Those that attempt to control a bed bug infestation make many mistakes. They attempt many unintelligent things to rid these pests. The following list is what you should avoid doing in the event of a bed bug infestation:

• Do not attempt in making your own pesticide at home using home products like bleach, alcohol, ammonia, kerosene, gasoline, etc. Mixing different chemicals or fumes of certain products can cause the individual to become ill. Using your own home-based pesticides may not work altogether and could lead you into thinking they are gone while they continue to breed behind the scenes. The bigger the infestation the more challenging and time consuming it will be to correct the problem.
  

  Steam Cleaning for Bed Bugs

• Never apply any pesticides or chemicals to a person’s or animal’s body. This is a serious hazard and will make someone sick or possibly lead to death. Individuals who attempt this are convinced it will discourage the bed bugs to not bite them; however, the bugs will still remain alive in the home. A typical bed bug has been known to survive without its food (blood) for up to 11 months!
• It is not recommended to purchase over the counter bed bug problems as it is very commonly over used indoors and causes serious health concerns for people and pets. If you cannot resist in buying these products, neverpurchase anything in foreign languages, anything that has been previously been opened, or if it looks home-made. Before use, call your local pest control company and ask for application and product advice. This may save you much hassle and save you from becoming ill.Click Here or Call 772-334-7007 for a Free Pest Control | Bed Bug Control Evaluation Today!
  

  Bed Bug Infested Mattresses

• Do not move items from a bed bug infested room to a bed bug free area of the house. Storing things underneath your bed creates an oasis of hiding places for bed bugs to live and breed. Reframe from storing anything underneath beds. If you encounter a bed bug infestation and you do have items underneath your bed, do not move them to another room. This is vital in keeping the pests in a localized location. Moving items from an area with bed bugs will spread the pests throughout your home creating a much more vast infestation.
• It is not necessary in throwing your furniture, clothing, or beds away. They can be treated with proper products to kill them bed bugs found on or inside of them. Clothing can be cleaned using high temperatures to rid any possible bed bugs or eggs. The temperature must reach 122 degrees to successfully kill the bug and the eggs. This advice goes for the furniture as well; steam cleaning is effective as long as the temperature is 122 or above. There are many products available to you by a professional bed bug exterminator that can assist you in this.
• Refrain from using outdoor pesticides. Using these products indoors is not safe to your health. The pesticides may be too strong of a chemical for indoor use and will not be effective in killing the bed bugs.

Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have declared that from 2003 to 2010 there were 111 “reported” illnesses from individuals attempting to eradicate bed bugs without the help of a certified bed bug exterminator. They stated that most of these cases were within the last 3 years which is the time bed bug infestations were on a rise.

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In 2010 a 65-year-old woman complained to her husband about seeing a bed bug in their home. CDC reports that her husband doused baseboards, walls, and around the bed with Ortho Home Defense Max and then proceeded to use Ortho Lawn and Garden Killer onto the mattress and box spring. Before the end of the day, they began to release 9 cans of Hot Shot bed Bug & Flea foggers inside the home. CDC explained the woman then began to apply the hot shot onto her chest and arms. She soaked her hair in the pesticides and placed a plastic cap over her head afterwards. Two days later she was pronounced dead after being on a ventilator in the hospital for nine days reports CDC.

Do Not attempt bed bug eradication without the supervision or assistance from a certified bed bug exterminator.

Always contact a professional certified exterminator who has mush expertise in bed bug control. Inquiring for advice, tips, product information, or even assistance may keep you and your family from getting ill. Following the simple steps of what you should not do in the event of a bed bug outbreak can save your life. Do not make the mistake of the other 111 people who became ill.

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Rodents, cockroaches and other disease carrying insects pose a major threat to your health as well as any pets. Be sure to seal any gaps in or outside your home, and holes on the exterior of your home. Keep up a routine pest control treatment to minimize the chance of having bugs wander your home. At any time you are unsure if you may have a problem, contact Reynolds Pest Management to fully examine your home, attic, and outdoors to identify any source of an infestation.

Port Saint Lucie, Jensen Beach: (772) 334-7007, (772) 337-2131
Stuart, Palm City: (772) 283-8986
Jupiter/Tequesta/Palm Beach: (561) 746-7969
Fort Pierce: (772) 464-4707
Indian River: (772) 778-5507

Brian Reynolds

Website: http://www.reynoldspest.com
Brian Reynolds Author Page

Bed Bug Evidence

The Holidays are meant to bring cheer among families, but Bed Bugs? This is the season when families and friends are visiting each other’s home and possible bringing unwanted guests with them. Within their luggage may hide bed bugs. There are many sources of bed bugs: hotels, rental cars, planes, or gift packages. Here’s a tip: the next time you stay at a hotel, lift up the sheets on the bed and search the along the edges of the mattress for any black spotting as shown in the photo. This is a sure sign the mattress and room are loaded with blood hungry bed bugs, and that pest control is needed.

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Bed Bug Nymph Feeding

Bed bugs easily travel on clothing or in luggage from homes that are infested with the pest. It is in fact the most common way bed bugs can be transferred to different homes. This is why many families experience bed bug infestations after the holidays. The bug is capable of hiding in nearly any object inside a home for example: couches/ furniture, clothing, and even electronics. Next time you decide to visit the consignment shop, make sure to inspect whatever you may be buying very carefully. If you are aware of any homes that have current infestations of bed bugs, it would be wise to refrain yourself from visiting there. Imagine a bed bug crawling onto you and hitching a ride to your home, it is not a comforting feeling because it is a true fact that this is a way to introduce them to your environment.

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Bed Bugs Eating

Bed Bug sources include: rental cars, hotels, yard sales, consignment shops, suitcases, and packages.

Bed bugs have been known to live in empty dwellings for up to 11 months without anything to eat. They are classified as small parasitic pests that are capable of transmitting a pathogen to its host. Blood is the sole diet of all bed bugs. They are attacked to humans and animals at night which is the easiest time for them to grab a bite to eat off us while we are not conscious. Researchers have performed studies as to determine if your chances are higher for getting bite by a bed bug if you’re less hairy and the results proved to be true. So avoiding your own home in hopes they will die after a few weeks with no food is out of the question.

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Where Bed Bugs Hide

The rate of bed bug outbreaks have increased dramatically according to a survey conducted by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). They have reported that per the responding pest control agencies that participated in the survey, 80% of them stated they have had an increase of bed bug infestation cases. In 2010, the survey showed  67% having treated for bed bugs compared to the 80% in 2011. This is a sure sign to keep a special eye out for the presence of bed bugs and the avoidance of them at all costs.

Bed Bug Bites

Detecting bed bugs at early stages of an outbreak are challenging to an amateur. If you are unsure whether you may have a possible infestation, you can always count on Reynolds Pest to identify the problem and source for you. Catching the bed bugs early gives you a better chance of ridding them.

Click Here or Call 772-334-7007 for a Free Pest Control | Bed Bug Control Evaluation Today!

Rodents, cockroaches and other disease carrying insects pose a major threat to your health as well as any pets. Be sure to seal any gaps in or outside your home, and holes on the exterior of your home. Keep up a routine pest control treatment to minimize the chance of having bugs wander your home. At any time you are unsure if you may have a problem, contact Reynolds Pest Management to fully examine your home, attic, and outdoors to identify any source of an infestation.

Bed Bug Pest Control Video

Port Saint Lucie, Jensen Beach: (772) 334-7007, (772) 337-2131
Stuart, Palm City: (772) 283-8986
Jupiter/Tequesta/Palm Beach: (561) 746-7969
Fort Pierce: (772) 464-4707
Indian River: (772) 778-5507

Brian Reynolds

Website: http://www.reynoldspest.com
Brian Reynolds Author Page

Rat Contaminating Food

The cold weather will bring in many unwanted pests, but worst rodents too! Rodents survive in temperatures of 60-90 degrees and in Florida we commonly see freezing temps. Rodents consist of rats, mice, and squirrels and what classifies them as a rodent are their persistently growing teeth. This constant growth requires them to gnaw to keep the length of their teeth appropriate for use. Rodent control is necessary when rodent evidence is present.

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The required gnawing makes your home more susceptible to being damaged. Rats and mice tend to destroy wiring, wooded beams or structures, and even PVC pipes.  Rodents have a great advantage in seeking entrance into your home with their sharp teeth. There will not be much of a hassle to enter a non-rodent proof home; it is important to have a professional determine if your home is rodent proof.

Rats and mice are typically infested with dangerous vectors such as flea, mites, or ticks can very easily breed and cause an infestation inside your home. The importance of keeping rodents away from your environment is crucial to your safety and health.

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Fleas, ticks, and mites are serious nuisances. They can cause a great deal of health issues as well as annoyance to the homeowners. Rat fleas are carriers of deadly diseases and also have been appointed as the source of the bubonic plague. Mites are known to populate homes and feed off humans. They are extremely small pests that can move rapidly from different areas inside your home. Like fleas, they feed of blood.

Rodents to a great extent cause a high amount of health hazards in your own home. Airborne transmission is typical with rodent infestations.  The mice or rat dropping carry a heavy amount of harmful bacteria. Particles from the droppings can be drifted away in the air circulation and inhaled by human causing infections. It is extremely important to sterilize the entirety of your home to prevent any health problems.

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Rats and mice can very easily break into your stored goods. Having any rodent come into contact with your food or any materials you may use to eat or drink can be contaminated with diseases and viruses that can lead to death. One major diseases spread by rats and mice is salmonella. Another repulsing fact is their feces, urine, and saliva can contaminate anything it contacts with the hantavirus.

Anything a mouse or rat comes into contact with can be contaminated with deadly diseases or viruses.

To prevent yourself from having to deal with an unhealthy infestation, prepare your home especially during the colder months. Your home is a retreat for any rodent. Rodent prevention is critical. Be sure to seal any sized holes, use blockades to any gaps on your roofs, and remove and trees or plants that reach the rooftops as these trees may serve as a ladder to a rat or mice trying to get inside.

Click Here or Call 772-334-7007 for a Free Rodent Control | Rodent Prevention Evaluation Today!

Rodents, cockroaches and other disease carrying insects pose a major threat to your health as well as any pets. Be sure to seal any gaps or holes on the exterior of your home. Keep up a routine pest control treatment to minimize the chance of having bugs wander your home. At any time you are unsure if you may have a problem, contact Reynolds Pest Management to fully examine your home, attic, and outdoors to identify any source of an infestation.

Port Saint Lucie, Jensen Beach: (772) 334-7007, (772) 337-2131
Stuart, Palm City: (772) 283-8986
Jupiter/Tequesta/Palm Beach: 561-746-7969
Fort Pierce: (772) 464-4707
Indian River: (772) 778-5507

Brian Reynolds

Website: http://www.reynoldspest.com
Brian Reynolds Author Page

Paper Wasp

Despite Florida not receiving snow in winter, our weather can quickly drop below freezing. This cold weather will drive pests towards places like your home. Pests that we never knew existed begin to appear in our homes in search of a comfortable, safe, and warm environment requiring homeowners and businesses to implement pest control. This is a time to prepare your home and pay particular attention to any unwanted guests.

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Many pests can survive winter in a state of hibernation. Those that do not hibernate almost have natural antifreeze within their bodies. Insects are cold-blooded creatures and must rely on their surroundings temperature to keep them warm and alive. They develop internal and external methods of survival for winter months. These are the pests that are found lurking in our homes such as cockroaches, ants, or spiders. Termites and paper wasps are also active during the winter. Rodents can be an increased problem as well as the pests. They are warm-blooded and require warmth to survive thus making rodent outbreaks common in the cold seasons. Your home is an ideal safe haven for either the pests or the rodents. Food will be abundant and the warmth will be comforting enough to keep them around until forced out.

Cockroaches, paper wasps, ants, termites, soil dwelling insects are all active during winter.

Many pests that we do not typically see on an everyday basis such as grubs or beetle larvae are not capable of marching into our homes for shelter. They are found to burrow themselves deep into the soil for added protection from the freezing temperatures. These types of soil dwellers and wood borers find organic matter to consume underneath the earth or within dead tree trunks.

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Insects eggs are built to with stand harsh environments. The cold weather will not affect them because the egg shells are thick are covered with silk fibers (cocoons) or fine hair. Unfortunately, they remain unborn until the weather warms enough to allow them to hatch. Many insects must remain in their developmental form such as larvae, pupae, or nymph stages. These insects are moths or butterflies.

Carpenter Ants

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Rodents, cockroaches and other disease carrying insects pose a major threat to your health as well as any pets. Be sure to seal any gaps or holes on the exterior of your home. Keep up a routine pest control treatment to minimize the chance of having bugs wander your home. At any time you are unsure if you may have a problem, contact Reynolds Pest Management to fully examine your home, attic, and outdoors to identify any source of an infestation.

Port Saint Lucie, Jensen Beach: (772) 334-7007, (772) 337-2131
Stuart, Palm City: (772) 283-8986
Jupiter/Tequesta/Palm Beach: 561-746-7969
Fort Pierce: (772) 464-4707
Indian River: (772) 778-5507

Brian Reynolds

Website: http://www.reynoldspest.com
Brian Reynolds Author Page

Frozen St Augustine Grass

Not all Florida residents understand why their lawn turns brown in the winter. What is happening is your lawn is going into shock from the infrequent cold weather. Turf in Florida naturally goes dormant in the winter decreasing the growth rate. Winterizing your lawn will be beneficial to its health throughout the cold season helping its chance of survival without damage or disease. Preparing your lawn with the proper lawn care is also recommended to speed up your lawns recovery in spring.

As the cold months approach, your lawn begins to go into a state of dormancy. This means the grass will not grow as fast or be as green. With a lower growth rate, your lawn will need less mowing and watering. In Northern and Central Florida, grass is sure to become dormant and turn brown in the winter. If you’re in South Florida, your turf may stay green but is not as actively growing as in the warmer seasons.

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For optimum health for your lawn in winter, follow the rules for winterizing your lawn: proper mow height, accurate amount of watering, and proper amount of fertilizer.

Frost Damaged Lawn

Mowing your lawn correctly year round is crucial to its health. Especially during the winter months, your lawn must be mowed at an adequate height. It is recommended to be left taller than in the summer months to give some protection to the roots from the freezing weather. Typical lawns are of Saint Augustine or Bahia grass; the recommended winter mow heights are 3.5”-4”. Other grasses will require 2”-2.5” mow height. Water is not needed as much in the winter. Due to your grass’s growth rate halting, water is not required for growth. The heat is also not abundant in winter, so you can rule out evaporation or the chance of your grass scorched by the sun. An appropriate irrigation schedule is every 1-2 weeks. Your lawn will let you know when it needs water; look for your footprints in the grass after walking through it as this is a sure sign of a thirsty lawn.  Residents in North and Central Florida lawns are not recommended for fertilization in winter. If fertilizer is used, be sure to utilize one with low nitrogen content and a higher potassium content which can be beneficial during the recovery period in spring.

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Recovery After Frost Damage

After the freeze period, your lawn may appear as dead. Take into account that the lawn has endured severe cold weather in which almost all plants, grass, or trees react to the same. Many residents are in fear the lawn has died and try to save it by fertilizing. Fertilizing your lawn after a freeze may cause more damage than good. The spring weather will slowly nurture the grass roots activating the natural cycle of coming out of dormancy. Once new growth begins, your lawn will back to normal in no time.

Reynolds-Pest-Control-Service-Video-40sec

Written by Brian Reynolds

Phone #’s:Main: 772-334-7007

Brian Reynolds Author Page

Port Saint Lucie: 772-337-2131, or 772-464-4707
Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach: 772-283-8986
Jupiter/Tequesta/Palm Beach: 561-746-7969
Indian River: 772-778-5507

Visit our Website:http://www.reynoldspest.com

Many Florida gardeners are familiar with centipedes and millipedes. These creatures are almost always found in the earth around garden or plants. Occasionally, they can infest a home. When infestations occur indoors, it is typically due to organic matter against the home like leaves. Luckily for the home owner, centipedes or millipedes can neither cause any damage or harm.  Centipedes and millipedes are only considered pests when found inside our living spaces. A true and interesting fact about these pests is that they are not insects! In fact they are considered to be an invertebrate.

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Centipedes

Centipedes

Centipedes typically associated themselves with damp and dark areas. Outdoors they are easily found under fallen leaves, in the garden soil, or under rocks. Centipedes are attracted to the same inside your home. They are found often in bathrooms where the humidity is high and damp. Closets that provide moisture seem to be a popular hiding area for the pests as well.

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Centipedes are the aggressor between the two pests. They have a poison gland in which they use when they attacking their prey. This poison will paralyze the prey making it easy for the cannibal centipede to consume it. The prey must be small due to the size of the centipede itself. Humans have been reported to have been bitten by a centipede. Depending on the size of the centipede, they may cause a painful bite to a human if handled poorly. If the pest feels frightened, it will make its way to a dark hiding spot.

Centipede

This pest is not a common pest to infest a home. If the infestation is large, there may be a moisture issue inside the home, for example leaking pipes. They can be easily controlled through use of specific pest control methods utilized at Reynolds Pest Management, Inc. Millipedes Winter commonly drives millipedes indoors. They wander from their feeding areas due to the cold and are often found in lower floors of a home. However, unlike a centipede, they cannot survive long. A home will not provide sufficient amount of moisture to keep them alive.

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Millipedes are harmless and do not cause damage to a home. They target plants usually the roots of your plants in your garden unfortunately. This harmless pest, when scared, will curl and secrete a foul smell to discourage their predators from eating them. They have picked up a nick name from their many legs. “Thousand Leggers”, “Thousand Legged Worms”, and “wireworms” are commonly used names to identify a millipede.

Millipede

Millipedes find their way into buildings or homes by climbing walls, foundations, and slipping in between cracks. They are seen more commonly in wooded neighborhoods. They are attracted to areas with organic matter such as decaying leaves. Organic matter is what makes up their diet.

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In order to control these pests you should be able to identify them from each other. Residents should begin to prepare their home in fall for possible infestations from these creatures. They easily find their way into your home, distracting them from your home is the best way to deter them from coming inside. Millipedes are attracted to organic matter near the home and centipedes are attracted to moisture indoors. By keeping the mentioned attractions away from your home, you may be safe from these pests in winter.

Coiled Millipedes

Pest Control can always prevent any possible infestations from centipedes or millipedes from occurring. Reynolds Pest Management, Inc has 20 years of expertise controlling millipedes and centipedes in Florida. Call today for your free estimate!

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Florida winter months are can reach temperatures cold enough to drive rodents in search of a warm environment. During these colder months, reports of rodent infestations are the highest. Rodents are characterized by two persistently growing teeth called incisors in the upper and lower jaws which must be kept short by gnawing. Rat and mice incisor teeth grow 4½ to 5½ inches per year. Forty percent of the population of mammals consists of rodents. Beavers, squirrels, and Southeastern Pocket Gophers are among the rodent group in Florida. However infestations from these are not as common as mice or rats.

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Rodent Eating Through a Pipe

Attic Damaged by Rodents

Mice and rats are the top most important rodents entering Florida homes. These specific rodents are the most dangerous as they can contaminate 10 times as much food as they can eat with urine, droppings, and hair. They carry a minimum of 10 serious and harmful diseases. Here is a list of major diseases: bubonic plague, murine typhus, spirochetal jaundice, Leptospirosis, rabies, rat bite fever, and bacterial food poisoning. Homes with children need to pay particular attention to a possibility of a rodent infestation. Cases have been reported where mice or rats have bitten a child during sleep while trying to find the food perhaps left on clothing, hands, or even scents. In Florida the most consistent rodent needing the heaviest control are the Norway rat, roof rats, and house mice. Norway rats are commonly found to be imported from cargo ships. This species of rat will infest areas along coastal areas and canals. House mice are found near fields or grassy areas. They easily fit in cracks and holes throughout your home. Roof rats thrive in attics, roof spaces, palm trees, and ornamental shrubbery. They are climbers so they will typically build their nests above ground. Roof rats found in citrus fields cause a major nuisance by eating and gnawing on the fruits. Electrical wires and rafters in your home are targets and can be destructed easily.

Roof Rat in Attic

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Rodents movements are usually persuaded by food, water, or harborage needs. They will do anything to reach those needs. Rats are excellent swimmers and tend to be found in sewers or canals. It is not unheard of for rats to enter homes through a toilet. The following information is provided by University of Florida researchers:

House Mice

“Rodentproofing - Rodentproofing is changing the structure of buildings in order to prevent entry of rats and mice. In considering rodentproofing, you must know that

• Rats can squeeze through cracks ½ inch wide; mice, ¼ inch wide. Any place a pencil can be poked, a mouse can go.
• Rats can climb the inside of vertical pipes 1½ – 4 inches in diameter.
• Rats can climb the outside of vertical pipes up to 3 inches in diameter and any size if within 3 inches of a wall.
• Rats can jump vertically 36 inches, horizontally 48 inches, and reach horizontally or vertically 15 inches.
• Rats can jump 8 feet from a tree to a house if the branch is 15 feet above the roof.” http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/dh044

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There are many signs of rodents being present inside your home. Gnawing is required by rats and mice in order to keep their constantly growing teeth short and manageable. Any object or structure in your home is at risk of being gnawed on no matter the material. This is a sure sign of a mouse or rat. Dropping are commonly noticed in their walk ways areas or perhaps where the obtain food. Where ever the rodent travels too often, there will be a visible runway caused by the nails. Rodents inside are not silent. There will be obvious many noises made from them by fighting, gnawing, or running.

At the first sign of a rodent, it is imparative to contact a reliable pest control company that has extensive experience in controlling rodents.  Keep in mind that the rodent is capable of contaminating 10 times as much food as it can eat with some deadly diseases.

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Rodent Fact: According to University of Florida research, a pair of barn owls is capable of catching and consuming 3,000 rats in one year. Barn owls are considered to be a non-chemical form of rodent control. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/dh044

Written by Brian Reynolds

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