Bees are a hallmark of summer. Although nostalgic for some, these buzzing insects can make others feel uncomfortable. The good news is that most bees aren’t the least interested in people. They have plenty to do throughout the summer, and bothering humans isn’t on their list. Unfortunately, sometimes regular bee activity can cause active harm — like when carpenter bees riddle your porch or shed with so many holes that the structure is no longer safe. Here’s everything you need to know about carpenter bees and how to handle these industrious insects. Signs of Carpenter Bee Infestation How can y ..read more

New York is the most populous U.S. city, but humans aren’t the only inhabitants — countless rats and other rodents have also made their home in the Big Apple. Brown and black rats arrived in America about 250 years ago on ships from Europe and Asia. But rats are not the only concerning rodents in the state. This article explores the most common types of rodents in New York state and discusses the dangers of rodent infestations. New York’s Rodent Population Chicago has been home to America’s largest rat population for nine consecutive years, closely followed by Los Angeles ..read more

Animals and insects in their natural habitat are usually not a problem. Sadly, human-caused habitat loss is a threat to wildlife species’ survival. Driven out of their homes, many animals gravitate to cities and towns searching for food. Accessible garbage bags in homes and restaurants provide an accessible food source for pests. During the winter or breeding season, wildlife can seek shelter and protection in any building with entry — and most pests can fit through tiny spaces. Many wild animals in NYC carry diseases that can harm the pets and people they live alongside. All this e ..read more

When you’re getting ready to travel, pests may be the last thing on your mind. However, they’re worth preparing for, especially if you’re staying in hotels or rental homes during your trip. Specifically, travelers often encounter bed bugs in accommodations away from home, and these pests can become a severe nuisance quickly. Unlike other pests, bed bugs can be difficult to get rid of, so it’s essential to understand how to protect against them while traveling. Understanding and Identifying Bed Bugs Bed bugs are reddish-brownish-colored, wingless insects that are roughly the size of an apple s ..read more

A Safe Quality Food (SQF) audit is required by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) to ensure your business is worthy of receiving an NSF Food Safety Certification. You are graded based on the number of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) you earn throughout the audit. A large part of the audit consists of pest management solutions and the precautions taken to prevent pest-related issues. Pest management is an important part of the audit, and passing it means meeting a lot of different standards. This guide will help you avoid common pest management mistakes made during SQF au ..read more

Pest infestations bring unwelcomed insects, rodents and more into your home, business and property. You must prevent the destruction and health hazards they bring as soon as possible, but some infestations are hard to identify right away and can escalate quickly. This guide will teach you the surefire signs that will help you identify a possible pest infestation so you can counteract it quickly and effectively. What Is a Pest Infestation? A pest is any unwanted organism in an area populated by humans. Pests cause human concern, spread disease, cause destruction or are a general nuisance. A pe ..read more

Pests are attracted to food, making your restaurant an ideal place for them to want to be. New York has over 90,000 food service establishments that offer plenty of stored and spilled food for insects and rodents. It’s necessary to take precautions and prevent pests before they multiply. Pests can pose serious health risks to restaurant employees and guests and cause financial loss. If your restaurant experiences a pest infestation, you will lose customers and may close temporarily or permanently. Your reputation may never be able to recover. The best way to prevent an infestation i ..read more

Running a business in the hospitality industry can be a challenging task, and when pests are added to the equation, it can become even more difficult. With the average hotel facing up to seven infestations every five years, it’s easy to see how pests can be quite costly for businesses. Beyond monetary costs, hotels risk their reputation if word gets out about infestations. Luckily, you can take a few steps to prevent these tiny pests from becoming a big problem. Below are the most common bugs found in hotels and tips for protecting your building, guests and reputation. 1. Bed Bugs Bed bu ..read more

While schools are meant to provide a safe and comfortable learning space for kids, pests can quickly disrupt that environment. Pests like cockroaches, termites, bed bugs and rats can get in the way of learning and pose serious health risks for students and staff. School officials can ensure student and faculty safety by establishing environmentally conscious Integrated Pest Management (IPM) at their schools. Partnering with a licensed pest control professional can also help you implement pest-proofing throughout the year and deal with infestations quickly and safely. Learn more abou ..read more

Fabric bugs or clothing bugs are a group of fabric-eating bugs usually found outdoors. They come indoors because of a food source or via items made from animal fibers. These insects feed upon and damage fabric and paper. It’s possible to see them, but generally, you only see holes and other damage left behind. Several insects feed on fabric. When one makes its way into your business, it can rapidly multiply and become an infestation. The best method to deal with an infestation is to prevent it. This guide will review what bugs eat clothes and how to prevent them. Most Common Fabric Pests The ..read more