What is the Difference Between Termites and Carpenter Ants?
Protecting your home or business from invasive species is a must, as even national franchises can suffer significant losses due to a lack of adequate pest control and prevention. Carpenter ants and termites are prevalent species that cause quite a lot of damage to homes and businesses over time if not caught early. But catching it early requires knowing the signs of an infestation and which pest is damaging your property.
Given that termites and carpenter ants are detrimental in similar ways, how do you know which one is which? How do you identify carpenter ant damage to termite damage?
That's what we're here to look at today. Read on to find out how you can differentiate between these two when calling a home or commercial pest control company.
What is Causing Wood Damage?
If you aren't sure about whether your property has a termite or carpenter ant problem, there are a few different factors to help you narrow everything down. Let's start with what they look like.
Termites have shorter, two-segment bodies consisting of a head and thorax, while carpenter ants have three segments: a head, abdomen, and thorax.
Another difference is that termites eat wood while carpenter ants, as the name suggests, deliver the wood they chip at to build nests. Both, however, rely on moisture to survive.
Termite and Carpenter Ant Swarmers
Both ant and termite colonies include reproductives that grow wings and become swarmers. This happens when colonies become too large. While this phenomenon usually occurs during the Spring, it has been known to happen during other times of the year.
The difference between termite and ant swarmers is when they come out to look for new colonies. Termites often come out during the day, while carpenter ant swarmers come out after the sun comes down. Ant swarmers also have much shorter wingspans than termite swarmers.
Having a trained residential or commercial insect exterminator around can help you identify them.
Signs of Termite Infestation
The rare case where you see termites come out from the ground is when they're looking for a place to start a new colony. Sometimes the reproductive termites leave their wings or their dead bodies on windowsills.
If you can’t see these termites or their wings, you can look for mud tubes. These are made up of saliva, wood, waste, and soil to provide moisture to a colony.
While you won't see much external damage on your wood, it's essential to know that termites consume wood from the inside out. If you suspect a termite infestation, knock on the wood to find out. If you hear a hollow sound, it's a good sign that termites are in there. These signs can be hard to pinpoint, so calling a pest control professional can help you narrow it down.
Signs of Carpenter Ant Infestation
A frequent sign of a carpenter ant infestation is small holes in your wooden structures with sawdust right outside of them. If the sawdust contains wood, dust, and insect parts, it's likely carpenter ants.
You probably won't hear much rustling or other sounds since carpenter ants work in relative silence.
Calling a Pest Control Company
Preventive pest protection is crucial if you want your property to remain healthy and avoid unwanted health risks and complications in your daily life. Use this guide to help you identify and eventually eliminate both termites and carpenter ants. Viking recommends annual termite inspections during the late Spring.
Are you looking for reliable carpenter ant control or termite extermination? Contact Viking Pest Control for a free estimate!
Viking's Home Pest Control Solutions Can Now Be Purchased Online
Now you can get all your home pest control products and services through our new eCommerce option. See how easy it is to purchase pest control services online here.
Approximately 84% of US households suffer from pest problem every year, which is a serious concern for families across the country. With such an alarming number of homes dealing with these issues, it's important to stay on top of your pest control so that you can prevent and neutralize further issues.
Viking now makes it easy for homeowners to get their pest control services from the comfort of their homes, quickly and conveniently through the Viking Pest website!
Why You Should Order Pest Control Online
It's now easier than ever to get your home pest control products and services online. You can schedule our highly-rated pest control services quickly and conveniently through our new eCommerce portal.
Plus, you can be sure that you're getting quality services, as we only work with the best pest control products.
If you're looking for a fast, easy, and reliable way to take care of your home pest problem, be sure to check out our online pest control solutions today.
What Services Can You Order?
When it comes to keeping your pests and rodents at bay, we carry everything you need! We have the following home insect & pest control products and services:
Yard Guard, which protects exteriors from Mosquito and Ticks through spring, summer and into the fall.
Home Protection Plans which cover pest control and extermination services. Yearly customers receive unlimited service requests for a wide variety of pests.
Carpenter ant extermination, carpenter bee removal and other Wood Destroying Insect treatments including WDIRs (Wood Destroying Insect Reports) which are required for a variety of real estate transactions.
You can even order our home rodent removal service, which will take care of any current infestations in your home.
This includes all seasonal needs as well. Whether you have ticks, mosquitoes, or anything else, Viking Pest Control has the products and services you need!
SMART Pest Control Systems: High Technology Mice Control
Anticimex SMART is an advanced state-of-the-art technology pest control system for your home! It consists of infrared sensors and connection hubs that relay information to Viking’s SMART service center, allowing us to contact you to schedule appointments before you even know you have a mouse problem.
The Smart Pest Control Systems enables Viking to pinpoint the location of a mouse activity, allowing our team to access more data and eliminate your rodent problems quickly.
When motion is detected, the data is recorded and preserved, and we will work with you to fix the problem right away! Anticimex SMART, is an advanced product that is only available from Viking Pest Control in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
Home Pest Control Online
It's now easier than ever to get quality home pest control products and services. Just a few clicks can get the ball rolling on making your home or business pest free.
So if you're looking for a fast, easy, and reliable way to take care of your home pest problem from the comfort of your couch, be sure to check out our online pest control solutions today!
Forbes Top 10 Pest Control Companies
Pests are a common problem Americans encounter every year. 2.9 million Americans reported seeing roaches and rodents in their homes.
As a homeowner, life gets busy, and pest issues tend to arise quickly. When pests invade, it can be frustrating and challenging to spend countless hours researching companies and making calls to compare services and prices. Wouldn't it be easier if someone did all the research to ensure you are hiring the best professionals to protect your home, family, and pets? Look no further because Forbes just released their list of Top 10 Pest Control Companies in the United States to assist homeowners in making the best choice for their home, and Viking pest Control is one of the ten companies to receive this honor.
Read on to learn about what qualities and services Viking Pest Control offers to make this pest control company exceptional and your go-to choice.
Why Choose Viking Pest Control Over Other Pest Control Companies?
Viking Pest was added to Forbe's Top 10 Pest Control Companies list and is the pest control company you should call for your pest control needs.
Read on to learn about what qualities and services Viking Pest Control offer to make this pest control company exceptional and your go-to choice.
QualityPro Certification
Viking Pest control is a certified member of QualityPro. This certification positively impacts the services customers receive in numerous ways.
For any pest control company to become a member, they must meet many requirements.
Some requirements include:
Criminal background checks
Drug-free workplace policy
Technicians and employees pass the QualityPro exam
Practices proper pesticide handling
These are just some of the many requirements a company must follow to become a certified member. These requirements not only certify companies as members but ensure exceptional pest control.
Full-Service Pest Control Company
Viking Pest offers pest control services for various issues you may experience.
Not only are services for the typical pests such as ants, mice, bed bugs, cockroaches, and termites available, but so are many other services that many companies do not offer, such as disinfecting services, spotted lanternfly service, and wildlife control. Viking is your one-stop-shop for pest control.
Viking Pest can help you with outdoor rodents such as groundhogs, voles, squirrels, and more. There are also a variety of other insects such as stink bugs, moths, and centipedes that their university-trained and certified pest control technicians can eliminate.
SMART Pest Control System
The SMART pest control system is available for both residential and commercial properties.
These systems monitor pest activity 24/7 to prevent infestations. SMART offers 24-hour monitoring, support, peace of mind, and pest infestation prevention, so your home or business stays healthy and pest-free.
Familiarity With Service Areas
The technicians at Viking Pest are local to their service area and live and work within the community.
These technicians commonly offer services to these areas and are experts on local pest activity and treatments.
Knowing about the service areas allows technicians to offer exceptional service and help solve your pest problem.
Did you check out Viking’s reviews? With well over 2,000 reviews, Viking prides itself on solving your pest issue and great customer service. Look for yourself on Google, BBB, or Facebook.
While taking care of pests is their job, Viking Pest is also part of the community, and they prove it. With over 40+ giving back to the community events, Viking understands the importance of being involved.
Contact Viking Pest Control Today
Choosing between different pest control companies can be difficult, especially when there are many different options to choose from, but Viking Pest Control is the company for you.
Viking Pest offers exceptional services done by professionally trained technicians dedicated to helping you with various pest control problems.
If you are looking for pest control services or have any questions about them, contact us today.
Viking Pest's Billboards Will Grab Drivers' Attention!
BASKING RIDGE, NJ, March 24, 2021 –Viking Pest Control’s new billboard will definitely catch drivers’ attention, as it features an enormous roach. Roaches of any size are pretty off-putting to most of us – just imagine seeing a giant-sized one while driving along, minding your own business! Yet even this huge roach is clearly no match for the strength of Viking Pest Control. The company’s new billboard evokes the legendary strength of the Vikings – even against the repulsive cockroach.
“Drivers really can’t miss this scary roach as they pass our billboard,” says Pest Management Professional, Eric Gunner. “Rest assured, if roaches or other pests are ‘bugging’ you, we offer the legendary strength of the Vikings to fight them off; if they’re ‘encroaching’ on your home or business, Viking is the answer.”
In all seriousness, Viking Pest Control doesn’t just deal with those pesky roaches, it helps both home and business owners eliminate pests that can damage buildings, such as termites, carpenter bees, mice and rats, and also those that are a risk factor for human health, including mosquitoes and ticks. The company has been helping residents and business owners in New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Maryland handle their pest issues for more than 40 years.
Pest control is the company’s number one priority; over the course of its four decades in business, it has earned a well-deserved reputation for reliability, trustworthiness, and proactive community support. Its employees are trained and tested to meet the highest industry standards, ensuring correct protocols for safe pesticide handling. It utilizes advanced SMART technology, prevention, and sustainable solutions to ensure a healthy environment at an affordable price.
Viking Pest Control also offers a “bug a friend” program, rewarding customers for referrals and offering discounts on first orders to those referred. Check here to learn more or to request help with whatever is ‘bugging’ you!
Jersey’s Premier Exterminator Discussing Pests
Viking Pest Control: Jersey’s Premier Exterminator Discussing Spotted Lanternflies, Mice and Fall Pests
by Brittany Ann Morrisey
The fall season brings cooler weather, shorter days, and changing leaves. But it can also be the start of a home infestation as insects and rodents start to look for shelter from the cold weather.
That’s why it's important to take precautions now, says Jay Walters, Branch Manager for Viking Pest Control.
“In the fall, pests are trying to overwinter in or under the siding of your home,” he says. “By having Viking treat your home we can control these infestations from occurring.”
Viking Pest Control is a leader in preventing and treating infestations including those of ants, spotted lanternflies, termites, bed bugs, mice and rats. The company is also the first call for homeowners, in communities throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland, who need wildlife control for pests such as racoons, groundhogs, opossums and more.
One pest that has newly become a problem in the Pennsylvania and New Jersey area is the spotted lanternfly, an invasive species that entered North America several years ago. Spotted lanternflies are known to damage crops, plants and trees.
“It is best to call a professional to treat spotted lanternflies because some insect repellents and other materials are hazardous to the environment if not used properly,” Walters says. “Viking uses specialized materials to treat spotted lanternflies while remaining cautious to the environment.”
Rodent infestations are another headache for homeowners. Viking utilizes the latest in pest control technology to stop mice and rats from proliferating in the home. Known as the SMART system, this technology gives the company the ability to detect rodent activity digitally whenever movement occurs. Adding the SMART system to your home is like having a professional constantly inspecting your home 525,600 minutes per year. SMART alerts mean quick reaction times and treatment from the Viking Pest team to avoid costly rodent infestations.
Although birds are often viewed affectionately, they can also be a serious threat to your property and health, too. Luckily, Viking also has a Bird Doctor division that removes and prevents pest birds from taking up residence in or near your home or commercial property.
“Pest birds such as pigeons, starlings and sparrows are responsible for millions of dollars of property damage each year,” Walters says. “Birds roost on ledges, signs, cornices, rooftops, and other man-made structures, resulting in destroyed equipment, clogged vents and reduced property value.”
Although the COVID-19 pandemic has interrupted the normal course of business for many companies, as an essential service, Viking is operating and taking precautions to ensure the safety and health of its employees and customers.
And in response to the pandemic, the company is now offering a new disinfectant and sanitation treatment. The Pro-Clean Disinfectant and Sanitation treatment combines a variety of application methods to thoroughly disinfect the inside of your home or business, keeping you safe from bacteria and viruses including coronavirus, hepatitis B and more.
Recently, Viking gifted a Pro-Clean Disinfectant and Sanitation treatment to a New Jersey firehouse as a part of its 40 for 40 initiative, which celebrates the company’s 40 years of business with 40 acts of kindness completed in 2020.
Viking team members have raised money to combat brush fires in Australia, hosted a blood drive and collected pantry items for the Food Bank Network of Somerset County.
“We believe in giving back to the community,” Walters says.
Forty years is a long time, but Viking’s commitment to using cutting-edge technology and sustainable solutions to help customers keep their properties free of pests has given the company longevity.
So make sure your property is ready for this fall season by calling Viking Pest Control before unwanted insects and nuisance wildlife threaten your health and the safety of your home.
Viking Pest Control Serving communities throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland (856) 539-2411 VikingPest.com
Published (and copyrighted) as a Suburban Family Magazine (August 2020) web exclusive.
What is Integrated Pest Management and is it Important?
Philadelphia has huge bed bug problems. Spotted lanternflies are destroying crops in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey. Mosquitoes and ticks make thousands of Americans sick every year.
Pest control is an integral part of being a home or business owner to protect your property, family, customers, and employees. One of the best techniques for properly controlling pests throughout your New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, or Eastern Shore of Maryland home or business is to use a pest control company that practices Integrated Pest Management.
Wondering what an integrated pest management (IPM) system is? Keep reading! We've got everything you need to know about IPM pest control right here.
What is Integrated Pest Management?
Integrated pest management sprung from the concern in the 1950s that we were overusing pesticides. That overuse was not only damaging to our health and environment but was also causing some species to become resistant to insecticides.
IPM is a holistic approach to pest management. It involves a partnership between the customer and their pest management company combined with practices to reduce the use of pesticides while still effectively destroying and preventing infestations.
IPM helps reduce costs, property damage, and potential health problems.
How IPM Works
There are five key elements to integrated pest management. Each element is customized to meet the unique needs of the customer.
1. Inspection
Your pest control management company conducts a thorough inspection of both the interior and exterior of your property. The inspection helps experts locate past or present infestations.
Pest management professionals also use this inspection to note if there are any conditions present that may attract future infestations.
2. Identification
Once your property has been inspected, pest control professionals can make a proper identification of any existing pests.
This will help them determine the extent of the infestation, what factors caused their presence, and the best method to control, prevent, and eliminate the pests.
3. Prevention
The inspection also shows where pest control methods should be implemented. Eliminating their points of entry makes it more difficult for these pests to survive and thrive on your property.
Other measures to reduce and prevent infestations include:
Increasing sanitation
Employee training
Ongoing monitoring
Methods of exclusion are also carried out. This includes reducing clutter, getting rid of build-ups of vegetation and standing water, and filling all gaps and holes within the exterior and interior of all structures.
4. Control
A control plan is developed based on which pests were identified and what (if any) potential threats there are to your environment and current conditions. In the beginning, the focus is on physical and mechanical methods including:
Exclusion methods
Sanitation methods
Trapping
Non-chemical measures
IPM does use materials, but only when necessary.
5. Documentation
Proper documentation records validate the effectiveness of IPM. You can use the documentation to proactively manage your future pest risks.
It's easy to apply this documentation since electronic reports are monitored and maintained 24/7 by your pest control service provider in a secure system.
What are the Benefits of Integrated Pest Management?
Why is IPM important? It's important because it works. And because it helps reduce the negative effects pesticides have on our environment and our health.
Here are a few other benefits of IPM:
It's a cost-effective program
Helps reduce public concern about our safety and the use of pesticides
Decreases public, tenant, and worker exposure to pesticides
Reduces ground-water and air contamination potential
Promotes sustainable bio-based pest control management options like Viking Green Pest Control
Encourages adoption of more ecologically-safe control practices
Reduces and eliminates pest re-entry
These benefits are one of the many reasons that IPM is continually growing in popularity.
What are the Impacts of IPM on the Environment?
Beginning in the 1940s, the use of pesticides helped to increase food production worldwide. Between 1950 and 2017, pesticide use increased by 11% every year.
By the year 2000, five million tons of pesticides were being used on an annual basis. Unfortunately, one side effect is that there were many cases of these toxic chemicals causing health problems in farmers, rural workers, and their families. IPM techniques focuses on finding the core of the pest concern and controlling pests from the source. Through IPM, pest control materials are selected and applied in a manner that minimizes risks to human health, pets, and the environment.
What Does IPM Mean for Your Home?
If you struggle with pest management in your home, it's time to contact the professionals. The pest control experts can properly identify what type of pest(s) live in and around your home.
They'll implement a strategy that is budget-friendly, safe, and effective. It's worth the peace of mind in knowing that your home is being monitored 24/7 for the presence of pests.
And you also know that if any are found, they'll be dealt with immediately. With IPM there are no unexpected and unpleasant pest infestations in your future.
What Does IPM Mean for Your Business?
Pest infestations can quickly destroy a business's reputation. This is especially true if you're in the food preparation business.
And it's not enough to spray materials and hope for the best. Professional exterminators are educated on what type of materials to use, how much to use, and when to use them.
A layperson can easily make a mistake and end up harming individuals. Keep yourself, your customers, and your employees safe from the problems that pest infestations bring.
Let Viking Implement an IPM for You Today
Whether it's for your home or your business, an integrated pest management strategy will ensure you're always pest-free. And we can help.
Viking Pest is the best choice in pest control practicing IMP techniques throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Get a fast, free quote online, or Contact us at 1-800-618-2847.
Viking Pest, an Anticimex Company, and our Sister Companies
Viking Pest Control: About Us
Viking Pest Control, an Anticimex Company, has proudly been serving the New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Eastern Shore of Maryland areas since 1980. Viking is the modern pest control company. Through prevention, new technology and sustainable solutions, we meet the new demands for healthy environments, for both individuals and businesses. As part of the Anticimex family, Viking Pest focuses on innovative, effective, and environmentally-cautious pest control practices.
Anticimex, Our Parent Company, and Our Sister Companies
The Swedish firm Anticimex is the fourth largest pest control company globally. Founded in 1934, Anticimex operates in 18 countries and has over 7,000 employees worldwide. In the United States, Anticimex operates through its seven platform companies: Modern Pest Services –Brunswick, ME, American Pest Management –Fulton, MD, Viking Pest Control-Basking Ridge, NJ, Turner Pest Control-Jacksonville, FL, Killingsworth Environmental-Charlotte, NC, JP McHale-Buchanan, NY, and Waynes-Birmingham, AL.
If you are a current Viking Pest customer, and your new residence or vacation home is not covered within Viking Pest’s service area, each one of our sister companies can provide you with the same innovative, effective, and environmentally-cautious pest control services you are accustomed to at Viking Pest. All six of our Anticimex sister companies is held to the same standards and values as Viking Pest. Innovation, Passion, and Trust are among the three core values all Anticimex platforms adhere to, and all platforms strive to provide effective and affordable pest control services for both residential and commercial properties.
Advantages of Being an Anticimex Company Customer
Being a customer of an Anticimex company, you will have access to customer-centric services, 24/7 customer care centers, locally sourced and certified technicians, and access to one-of-a-kind pest monitoring systems such as Anticimex SMART. Anticimex SMART is an intelligent, electronic, mouse control system unlike anything currently on the market in United States. Anticimex SMART’s system operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year providing you with continuous peace of mind. By constantly monitoring and instantly reacting, it prevents costly infestations in an eco-friendly way. Our team tracks pest activity in real-time so we’ll know before you do.
Here at Viking Pest, we understand you have many choices when it comes to pest control, and we are honored that you have chosen us, one of our sister companies, or are considering becoming a Viking Pest customer. Hiring an Anticimex company means you will receive the most innovative and effective pest control treatments on the market. Your local pest control technician from an Anticimex company is well educated and certified in pest management in your specific area. She or he will know environmental factors specific to your area and will tailor a pest control treatment to your unique needs. Trust any Anticimex Company to keep your home or business healthy and pest-free. Click here to receive a Fast, Free pest control or disinfectant estimate from Viking Pest!
Why Your Vacation Home Needs Pest Control
A pest problem can happen anywhere which is why it's so important to monitor your New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, or Eastern Shore of Maryland vacation home.
When you're away, invasive pests could make your vacation home their new favorite place to visit.
Read on to learn why your vacation home needs pest control so you don't come back to an infested place instead of a peaceful getaway.
Your Trip Can Be Ruined by Pests
A vacation home isn't cheap, so you definitely don't want to return there only to find out you have a pest problem.
With many summer home owners retreating to their properties for a change of scenery and to practice social distancing in a new environment, coming back to a vacation home filled with pests can make your entire trip feel stressful. You'll end up having to focus your time, energy, and money on getting rid of the pesky invaders instead of relaxing and enjoying the moment away from home.
Consider getting professional pest control for your vacation home so you don't have to worry about returning to a place full of insects or rodents. Viking Pest offers a 60 Day Shield option that will protect your summer home from a wide variety of common invaders with unlimited call back for 60 days. This simple step will ensure that your retreat is clean and pest-free for many seasons to come.
Vacation Home Pest Control for Your Mountain House
If you have a mountain getaway, it's likely located near a dense, wooded area. Mountain homes are beautiful, but they can also be particularly vulnerable to pests.
To protect your mountain house from pests, make sure you seal any and all openings, cracks, and gaps using rodent-proof material. Seal gaps around pipes, too so that smaller rodents and other animals can't get inside.
Check your outdoor vents and add a screen over them to keep the area secure. Bats love to nest in attics, so this is especially important in areas where bats are known to live.
Don't forget to hire a professional pest control company to inspect your property every so often and look for signs of a problem. They can also take steps to remove any pests they find so you can return to a safe and clean mountain vacation home.
Pest Control for Your Shore House
A vacation house on the Maryland, Delaware, or Jersey shore is the perfect place for a beach getaway. Don't let your summer fun get ruined by a pest infestation.
Make sure you remove all bird feeders from around your shore house so you don't attract them along with other pests. Remove all clutter from storage areas when you're not there to reduce the chances of rodents hiding inside.
If your shore home has a garage, check to make sure that the door is flush to the ground. Check weather-stripping on the garage door as well as on windows and other doors to make sure there's a tight seal.
Inspect your attic every time you visit the vacation home to look for any signs of entry. If you notice something is out of place, contact your pest control company right away so they can help you correct the problem before it gets out of hand.
Controlling Pests in Your RV
An RV allows you to see the country, but it also means that you could end up with some unwanted guests. Any time you make a stop, check your RV thoroughly in case you accidentally picked up an unexpected hitchhiker.
If you're traveling with pets, make sure you put their food and water away every time they're done eating. Store food like pet treats, cereal, and other dry goods in air-tight containers to keep pests at bay.
Seal your trash and throw it away in containers that include sturdy sealing lids. If you enjoy a warm fire when you're out RVing, make sure you keep the firewood pile away from the RV so pests don't make it their home.
Pest Control for Your Boat
While a boat may seem like an unlikely place for pests, it's actually a common occurrence. Whether it's sea birds or rats and mice, you can easily end up with a pest problem on your boat if you're not careful.
Rodents like to live around docks and areas that harbor houseboats filled with food. Seal up any snacks and food, and check your boat like you would your own home whenever it's docked for a long period of time.
Discourage birds from hanging around by using a shiny, colorful pinwheel or spinner that could scare them away. Never feed birds since this will encourage them to return with even more, and they can defecate on your boat and cause serious damage.
When in doubt, enlist the help of a pest control company that can help treat your boat. They'll be able to point out any weak spots or areas where pests could be coming in that you least expected.
Make Your Vacation Fun and Pest-Free
Dealing with pests can put a serious damper on your vacation. Make sure you enjoy your special time with proactive pest control for your vacation home.
Seal doors, windows, and gaps and perform an inspection of your property as often as you can to ensure that it's pest-free. Use a professional pest control company like Viking to help you get rid of any annoying intruders.
Viking Pest is the best solution for all your pest control needs at home or on vacation, so be sure to call for a free and no-obligation estimate at 1-800-618-2847 today!
Kissing Bug: Dangerous Pests
Despite their pleasant-sounding name, kissing bugs have more than earned their notoriety as pests by spreading the infamous Chagas disease. Over the past several years, they have been migrating northward. Unfortunately, there are now kissing bugs (also known as "Assassin Bugs") in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland, meaning that you should be prepared to fight against them. Here’s what you need to know about these dangerous insects.
Why Kissing Bugs Are Dangerous
Kissing bugs are primarily nocturnal creatures that feed on the blood of birds, reptiles, and mammals, including humans. They prefer to make their homes in cracks and holes in housing structures and outdoor areas. It’s not just their blood-sucking habits that make this pest so dangerous. Kissing bugs are known to carry the parasite trypanosoma cruzi, which causes Chagas disease. These parasites are normally spread when kissing bug feces gets into the wound made by a kissing bug. Chagas disease normally is mild, sometimes causing swelling around the wound. However, some cases can be quite severe and even life-threatening; they can lead to heart rhythm abnormalities that can cause sudden death through cardiac arrest.
Symptoms to look out for:
Swelling
Fever
Fatigue
Rash
Body Aches
Eyelid swelling
Headache
Loss of appetite
Nausea, diarrhea or vomiting
If you suspect that you might have Chagas disease as a result of kissing bugs, contact your doctor or medical provider immediately.
How to Protect Yourself
In order to protect your home against kissing bugs, you should ensure that all cracks and gaps throughout your house and in your roof are filled. Remove wood, brush, and rock piles near your house, and keep your property clean in general. Even with your own DIY preventive measures, the best way to protect you and your family is by hiring professionals, like Viking Pest Control, who are experienced at eradicating pests with quality materials.
Call Viking at 800-618-2847 to learn more about pest control and extermination services, or get a fast, free quote online today!
Viking Pest's New Website
Viking Pest Control, An Anticimex Company, Releases New Updated Website for Residential and Commercial Clients.
Viking Pest Control – March 21,2020 - Viking Pest, an innovative Pest Control Company focused on new pest control technology and sustainable solutions for both homes and businesses is proud to announce the launch of its newly redesigned website at https://www.vikingpest.com/. The new site features improved functionality, easy access to the customer portal, and a fresh, new modern design.
The easy-to-navigate website provides users with educational content on pest throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Users will now find more in-depth details about the pests invading their homes or business and receive a fast, free estimate.
“We are thrilled to debut our new company website for our current, and potential customers who are seeking additional information about Viking Pest Control and our local service throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. This website will enhance the users experience with a simple to follow navigation, educate users on the only 24/7 smart rodent monitoring system, quick access to the customer portal, and the ability to easily buy pest control online” says Viking Pest’s President, Paul Bergmann.
Viking Pest’s new website also includes robust educational blog content (https://thedailypest.vikingpest.com/), one of kind seasonal promotions like Pest Prime Week, Buggin’ Halloween, Winterfest, Viking’s 40 for 40 Community Out-reach Program, and a resource guide including a pest library and seasonal pest calendar. Visitors are encouraged to browse the new site and sign up for Viking’s seasonal newsletter to stay up to date on Viking Pest.
About Viking Pest Control: Viking Pest is a full-service pest control company locally serving New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Viking is the modern pest control company. Through prevention, new technology, and sustainable solutions, we met the new demands for healthy environments for both individuals and businesses.
To explore the new Viking Pest website, please visit: vikingpest.com