Have you noticed small piles of sawdust or tiny pellets scattered on your floors or surfaces? The debris, called frass, is an unfortunate sign you may have unwelcome guests lurking within the confines of your home: termites. These wood-devouring insects have the potential to cause significant damage to the structural integrity of your property, and the presence of termite droppings from the ceiling is a telltale sign they’re already hard at work making trouble for you and your family. What exactly are termite droppings? Termites actually eat the wood they infest and the droppings (the frass ..read more

Termite damage and wood rot are two distinct issues that cause significant harm to the structural integrity of a home. It is crucial to properly identify which one you’re dealing with to ensure you effectively solve the problem. Let’s explore the differences between termite damage vs. wood rot, and what actions you can take to mitigate damage to your home or other structure. Termite Damage Termites are wood-eating insects that thrive in warm, humid environments. It doesn’t take them long at all to establish substantial colonies in the walls, floors, and foundations of a building. If you’re de ..read more

Carpenter ants cause extensive damage to homes and other wooden structures by burrowing into wood to build their nests. Over time, this tunneling compromises the structural integrity, leading to costly repairs. Here’s how you can identify carpenter ant damage, as well as the consequences of leaving it unchecked, and how to prevent such destruction from happening again. Recognizing the Signs It is crucial that homeowners and property managers know how to identify the signs of carpenter ant damage. There are a few common indicators to watch for, including: Piles of sawdust or wood shavings. If ..read more

There’s nothing better than the first signs of warmer weather. Longer days, more sunlight, extra time outside—but sometimes, that also means more insects. Many of us in New York and Vermont deal with an influx of bees and wasps this time of year, so let’s explore the differences between yellow jackets vs. hornets, and how to keep your families safe. Aren’t bees essential to the environment? Yes. They pollinate plants and are vital to agriculture. But yellow jackets and hornets are not bees—they’re actually both different types of wasps. And they’re far more aggressive. What makes these two sp ..read more

Fully grown termites and termite larvae (smaller, all white termites) The US Environmental Protection Agency estimates that US homeowners spend over 2 billion dollars repairing termite damage each year. Learning how to identify these pests and how to deal with them at all stages of their lifecycle, can not only prevent health risks, but also save time and money in the process. What Are Termite Larvae? Termite larvae, often mistaken for “baby” termites, are the initial stage in the life cycle of a termite following the hatching of eggs. These larvae are crucial for the survival and expansion of ..read more

Discovering signs of termites in your home can be alarming, especially when they’re in hard-to-reach areas like the ceiling. In this guide, we’ll explore the early indicators of termite presence in your ceiling and provide actionable steps to address and prevent infestations. Nature’s Way Pest Control, serving upstate New York, offers expert insights and solutions to safeguard your home from these destructive pests.   Understanding the Signs of Termite Infestation in Ceilings: Termites are notorious for their ability to remain hidden while causing extensive damage. Here are some key indi ..read more

Finding larvae and bugs in your bed can be a distressing discovery. Not only can it stop you from getting a good night’s rest, but it can also pose health risks and indicate a much larger infestation problem in your home.  Understanding what types of larvae and bugs might be lurking in your bed and the best ways to remove them is an essential first step for maintaining a clean and healthy sleeping environment. Types of Larvae and Bugs Found in Beds Several types of larvae and bugs can find their way into your bed, causing discomfort and potential health hazards. Common offenders include b ..read more

Winter is often seen as a season of relief from pests, with the cold temperatures seemingly driving them away. However, this assumption can be misleading. In reality, winter brings its own set of pest challenges that can have significant implications for homeowners. This blog post will delve into why pest control is crucial during the winter months and how it plays a vital role in protecting your home.   Common Winter Pests While some pests may hibernate during the winter, others actively seek shelter and warmth in homes. Understanding these potential invaders is the first step in realiz ..read more

  Mice can seem innocuous – small, often unseen, even cute (some people think so). However, if you’ve ever had a mouse infestation, you know they’re far from innocuous.  Perceptions of cuteness fall away when you find urine stains and mouse droppings in your pantry, gnawed food containers and electrical insulation, or nests in your walls and attic. Mice are a nuisance, certainly, but more than that, they can spread disease, cause fires, and damage your home’s insulation.  What types of mice are you likely to contend with in New York state and how can you prevent infestation or ..read more

  From finding droppings in your attic to having to re-wire your entire home due to chewed cables, keeping pests out of your home, especially during winter, should be a priority when maintaining a healthy, safe, and comfortable place to live.  Like us, many animals enjoy eating, breeding, and sleeping in warm cosy spaces away from predators. While they have adapted to do this in forests, fields, and prairies, some animals, especially mice, and rodents, prefer human-made dwellings as a quick solution. The damage that just one mouse can do to a property and the family living there can ..read more