If you feel like you're waging (but losing) the war on flies in and around your home, you're not alone. There are more than 16,000 known species of flies in North America alone, all of them annoying.

Flies are more than just an annoyance—they also pose a risk to human health. Flies carry microorganisms that can cause medical problems ranging from diarrhea and bloodstream infections to meningitis. Dozens of pathogens are closely associated with fly infestations, including E.coli, staphylococcus, and salmonella, as are diseases such as hepatitis, cholera, and typhoid fever.

Flies are a common nuisance during the warmer months of the year, with fruits flies, houseflies, and sewer flies being among the most common types of flies that plague New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Maryland homeowners. While particularly bad infestations of flies, especially fruit flies, require professional pest control help and the expertise of a seasoned exterminator, learning how to get rid of flies yourself can be useful in some situations.

First Things First: Where Are the Flies Coming From?

Although flies can breed indoors, most get their start outside. For that reason, it makes sense to find the source of the flies afflicting your home before you formulate a battle plan to defeat them.

Flies are attracted to any type of organic matter, especially if it's in a state of decay or decomposition. This means that flies are naturally drawn to your compost pile outback, any type of animal waste, and any sort of rotting fruit or vegetables.

Eliminate flies' happy spot – the spot where they can lay thousands of eggs - and you will see the fly population reduced dramatically. In fact, with the proper steps outdoors, you will have fewer problems controlling flies indoors. Failing to take outdoor fly control into account will undermine successful efforts to curtail the local fly population inside as well as out.

Some more tips for outdoor fly control:

• Keep it clean. Begin with your trash cans. Make sure that you use a bleach solution to clean out your trash cans regularly, and keep any type of compost pile or compost bin as far away from your home as possible. Cover your compost bin so that flies can't get inside. If you have pets, be mindful of picking up their waste out of the yard because flies love to blow piles of dog and cat feces.
• Know that the enemy of your enemy is your friend. Make your backyard as welcoming as possible to flies' natural predators. Birdhouses and birdbaths attract more birds to your lawn, and birds love eating flies. If you are so inclined, consider attaching a bat house to your roof to attract bats, which are well-known for their capacity to nosh on these six-legged irritants. Depending on a bat's life stage, it can eat up to 4,000 insects in a single night.
• Learn to be a bad host. There are certain things that flies detest, and one of those things is pine cleaner. If you have an outdoor fly infestation, which means sooner or later you're going to have an indoor fly infestation, cleaning your porch, patio and siding with pine cleaner is a big detractor to flies. Before attempting this, be sure to test and a noticeable area of your porch or patio to make sure that you do not damage the wood or other materials that it's made from. repeat the application of pine cleaner every few days until the flies realize that your home is an inhospitable environment for them.
• Try natural fly deterrents. Flies are also not a fan of certain types of essential oils. Create a DIY fly deterrent spray using a few ounces of essential oils to every gallon of water. Scents that flies hate the most include citronella, rosemary, eucalyptus, lemongrass, mint, lavender, and clove. Another option is to put a few drops of essential oils of your choice on strips of old cloth and hang them near doors and windows or other areas where flies tend to find their way inside.

Indoor Fly Control and Prevention

Inside the home there are several measures that you can take to make your home appear less appealing to flies. First, do your best to keep flies out in the first place by keeping doors and windows shut when possible. Inside cover all food keep trash in a tightly sealed can and clear away any food debris after cooking and serving meals. The goal is to give the flies that come into your home nothing to hey deal find appealing about your home.

Keep a flyswatter on hand to deal with occasional flies that find their way into your home. If you notice a particularly large number of flies coming inside, you can try sticky strips of flypaper, which are available for sale at most big box retailers or hardware stores.

Professional Fly Extermination

The rate at which flies reproduce is nothing short of shocking and underscores the need for effective pest control and a timely call to the exterminator. Take the common fruit fly, which is a particularly bothersome pest in New Jersey. The fruit fly gets its name from its attraction to overly ripe fruits and vegetables, which is also where it likes to lay its eggs. A single female fruit fly lays hundreds of eggs in a very, very short span of time. The eggs that she lays turns into little maggots and those maggots turn into grown flies over the course of just a few weeks. This means that a domestic fruit fly infestation can quickly get out of hand if you don't take steps to control it.

While DIY methods of fly extermination are okay in some instances, calling a professional exterminator is usually the most expedient option to help you get rid of these irritating winged critters. Viking Pest Control is ready to buzz on over to your home to help. Our team is trained in the management and extermination of flies and have proven methods to take care of the little buggers once and for all, including the use of treatments and products that send flies packing. Reach out now - we're ready and eager to help you find a solution for your fly problem.

For a free fly control quote call Viking Pest at (800)618-2847 or visit vikingpest.com.

What options do home and business owners have for safely and permanently eliminating large populations of cicada killers and ground bees that live rent-free in their yards?

Although cicada killers, mining bees, ground bees, and other stinging insects pollinate plants and aerate the soil, nobody wants a large population of them right outside their back door. People who are allergic to bee or wasp stings could suffer anaphylactic reactions (facial swelling, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat).

Also, it's no fun to hold backyard get-togethers or sit on your front porch in the evening when the chance of a bee or wasp attack is all too real. If you're a business owner, customers won't enjoy being chased by buzzing, irate bees while attempting to enter your building.

If you try any of the following bee-eliminating methods, be aware they do involve getting perilously close to bees. For the most part, bees will leave humans alone but when they sense someone invading their personal space--look out! Your risk of suffering a sting or two--or three-- increases dramatically.

Why not play it safe and let Viking Pest handle your bee infestation issues? We use the most effective treatments available to rid your property of stinging cicada killers and ground bees so you don't have to take a chance on riling up (literally!) a hornet's nest.

How to Get Rid of Cicada Killers

A large species of wasp with black, yellow-banded bodies and orange wings, cicada killers can capture cicadas in mid-air and paralyze them with venomous stings. However, cicada killers rarely sting humans unless they are aggressively provoked. But, if you are stung by a cicada killer, the pain and swelling it causes will likely require a doctor's attention.

As diggers and tunnelers, cicada killers can destroy plant root systems and make landscape ground unstable. Getting rid of a cicada killer infestation involves targeting the holes they make in the ground:

• After dark, pour boiling water into holes and place containers over the holes. Wasps will either drown or suffocate while trapped under containers. However, boiling water won't kill eggs.
• Pour boric acid into holes. While boric acid kills eggs and adult wasps, it won't prevent another group from returning next year.

How to Get Rid of Mining Bees

Female mining bees excavate burrows underground in which to lay their eggs. They leave behind mounds of dirt nicknamed "soil volcanoes" that may look like molehills with a hole at the top of the "hill". Although brushing down these soil volcanoes won't get rid of mining bees, they will leave your lawn or garden free of soil volcano eyesores, but only temporarily.

You can try to rid your yard of mining bees by:

• Growing geraniums, marigolds, lavender, and other bee-repelling plants around your yard
• Letting your lawn remain thicker than normal during spring and summer. Mining bees tend to gravitate towards sparser areas of grass where it is easier to dig into the ground.
• Trapping them by placing a stone or brick over the entrance to their burrow.

Although the sting of a mining bee is less painful than the sting of a cicada killer, people who are sensitive or allergic to bee stings could experience serious medical issues if stung by a mining bee.

How to Get Rid of Other Ground Bees 

Most bees don't build mud or paper nests under a building's eave or in trees. In fact, 70% of all bee species build nests underground. One of the most common ground bees in the midwestern and northeastern areas of the U.S. is called Colletes inaequalis.

It's a solitary bee but females are famous for their sociable nesting behavior. Hundreds or even thousands of female C. inaequalis bees will build their nests right next to each other, as long as there is enough suitable ground that accommodates their gregariousness.

Methods for discouraging a ground bee takeover of your property include:

• Making the ground less attractive to females by irrigating heavily and placing mulch or another ground cover where grass is sparsest.
• Mix equal parts vinegar and water and spray where ground bees are nesting. Always wear protection when spraying ground bees with vinegar and water. This spray doesn't provide a contact-kill and will initially agitate them.
• Bug zappers won't exterminate the entirety of a ground bee city but may help minimize a large ground bee population.

If Nothing Works to Rid Your Home or Business of Soil Volcanoes and Stinging Bees...

Contact Viking Pest for professional solutions to your most difficult bee problems. Like other insects, a bee's determination to procreate and make thousands of other little bees is often more powerful than bespoke bee repellant. That's why we've developed evidence-based treatments to resolve your most bewildering bee brain-teasers.

Call Viking Today at 800-618-2847 today for professional pest control services or visit us at vikingpest.com. 

In just seven years, the spotted lanternfly has spread from a small section of Pennsylvania to nine U.S. states. But would you recognize one if you saw it? What if it started damaging your home?

Spotted lanternfly damage is affecting agricultural businesses and homes alike as these bugs terrorize the Northeast United States. If you haven't heard about lanternflies yet, or are aware of the devastation this pretty little monster can wreak on plant life, it's time to educate yourself on this invasive pest. Keep reading to learn more. 

What Is the Spotted Lanternfly?

The spotted lanternfly is a fairly recent invasive insect species to the US. This bug is native to China, India, and Vietnam but came to the US in 2014. An egg sack was probably carried over on a shipping container, and these multi-legged menaces have been terrorizing US trees and crops and expanding their destructive rampage across the states since their arrival.

The Spotted Lanternfly was first documented in Pennsylvania, but it can now it can also be found in New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, New York, Connecticut, and even Virginia. Spotted lanternflies were able to spread so quickly because they will lay their eggs on almost any surface. It's very easy for people to bring lanternfly egg sacks to new locations on their cars without even realizing it.

What Is Spotted Lanternfly Damage?

All life stages of spotted lanternflies present a risk of damage to plants and crops. They pierce plant tissue with their mouths and drain them of vital fluids. The younger stages tend to damage tender plant life, while adults are able to pierce through the bark of trees during feeding.

In the US, spotted lanternflies pose a threat to economically important plant life including grapevines,  blueberry bushes and apple, peach, maple, walnut, and pine trees. Many farmers have resorted to extreme methods to protect their crops against lanternflies, some of which can be damaging to pollinator bugs as well as expensive for businesses.

Even worse than the damage they do while feasting on plants is the damage they do when defecating. Lanternfly “honeydew” is a sticky substance that they secrete after eating. This goo invites other pest insects to the same tree and develops a fungus that can damage its root system.

How Do I Identify Spotted Lanternflies?

It's clear that the lanternflies need to be stopped. But if you don't know what they look like how can you stop them? It's important that everyone in the lanternfly's current area be able to identify them at all life stages. While the distinctive spotted red and white wings of the adult lanternflies are quite distinctive, their previous stages of development aren’t as easily recognized.

It's especially important to respect the spotted lanternfly quarantine. This means that you should be inspecting your car for egg masses so that you don't bring them into new territories.

Here's a helpful guide.

Eggs

Spotted lanternfly egg masses start appearing in the fall season. Lanternflies will lay their eggs on any hard surface - from cars to playground sets, trees, and patio furniture. They're very hard to spot because of their coloring, and because a lot of other things look like them. 

When dry, the egg masses look like cracked mud packed onto a surface. They're about one square inch all the way around. Each mass contains up to sixty lanternflies inside. That's a lot fewer lanternflies if you can identify a mass and destroy it.

Nymphs

Lanternfly nymphs come in two stages. They start hatching in the spring, and their first stage is quite small. They look like little black beetles with white polka dot spots. They are wingless and grow to be about a quarter of an inch long.

In the midsummer, those early nymphs will go through a molting process and start to show their second stage of nymph-hood. These so-called "red-stage nymphs" are strong enough to start breaking through the bark of trees and causing damage.

The red-stage nymphs are slightly bigger averaging at about three-quarters of an inch long. They maintain their white spots but develop a striking, bright red body and black markings like stripes. They'd be quite pretty to look at if they were such a menace.

Adults

Also around midsummer, the adult lanternflies start appearing and they'll last until it starts to frost in the fall. 

The adults are about an inch long and half an inch wide. They have a pink, tan, or brownish outer wing covered with little black spots (hence the spotted name). They look a little bit like a mix between a moth and a cicada and have quite papery wings.

The greatest indicator that you're looking at a spotted lanternfly is the bright red underwing. You won't see it unless they get disturbed and fly or jump (like a grasshopper) but then it's impossible to mistake that unique bright red color.

Spotted Lanternfly Control in NJ, PA, DE, and MD

It's up to all of us to do our part to stop the spread of the spotted lanternfly.

As mentioned before, check your car before any road trips for egg masses, especially in the Fall. Remove them and then put them in a bag filled with alcohol to be sure that all the eggs are killed. Viking offers free spotted lanternfly egg scrapers.

If you see any stage of nymphs or adult lanternflies, squash them with your foot! They're quite fragile and there's no harm in killing them one by one.

Lanternfly Infestation? Call Viking Today!

If you start seeing more and more lanternflies in your backyard and discovering that sticky honeydew on your trees, you may have a full infestation.

Don't let lanternflies continue to breed in your yard and cause damage to your valued trees and plans. Call an exterminator to take care of the problem once and for all.

We can all do our part to stop the invasion of spotted lanternflies and put an end to spotted lanternfly damage. Check your car for egg masses, kill them on sight, and call an exterminator to deal with larger infestations.

Have you noticed nymphs in your yard? Check out our service for spotted lanternfly egg removal! 

Nothing ruins time outside faster than discovering a wasp nest near your home. Whether they’re hovering around your deck, nesting under your roofline, or swarming near your yard, wasps can quickly become a serious safety concern for homeowners throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

Unlike bees, wasps can sting repeatedly and often become aggressive when they feel threatened. Some species, especially yellow jackets and hornets, may even attack in swarms. Because of this, removing a wasp nest is not something homeowners should take lightly.

Before attempting DIY wasp removal, it’s important to understand the risks, how to identify the type of wasp you’re dealing with, and when it’s safest to call a professional.

Why Wasps Around Your Home Are Dangerous

While wasps do help control some insect populations, they become a major problem when they build nests close to people.

Wasps can:

• Sting multiple times
• Become aggressive when disturbed
• Swarm to defend their nest
• Trigger dangerous allergic reactions
• Build nests inside walls, attics, soffits, and rooflines

During late summer and early fall, wasps become even more aggressive as food sources begin to disappear. This is when many homeowners first notice large numbers of wasps around trash cans, outdoor meals, gardens, and entryways.

Common Types of Wasps and Stinging Insects

Correctly identifying the insect is important because nesting habits and aggression levels vary significantly.

Yellow Jackets

Yellow jackets are among the most aggressive stinging insects homeowners encounter. They are black and yellow, about half an inch long, and often build nests:

• Underground
• Inside wall voids
• Under decks
• In shrubs
• Around structures

Their colonies can become very large and highly defensive.

Paper Wasps

Paper wasps are slightly larger with long, slender bodies and orange-tipped antennae. They create umbrella-shaped paper nests commonly found:

• Under eaves
• Porch ceilings
• Deck railings
• Tree branches

They are generally less aggressive unless their nest is disturbed.

Hornets

Hornets are larger than typical wasps and build large hanging nests made from wood pulp. Their nests are commonly found:

• In trees
• On utility poles
• Under rooflines
• Near sheds or garages

Hornets can become extremely aggressive if approached.

Mud Daubers

Mud daubers are less aggressive solitary wasps that build small mud nests on walls, garages, sheds, and ceilings. While intimidating in appearance, they rarely sting unless handled directly.

Signs You May Have a Wasp Nest

Homeowners often discover wasp problems after noticing:

• Increased wasp activity around the home
• Buzzing sounds in walls or attics
• Wasps entering and exiting small openings
• Hanging paper nests
• Underground insect traffic
• Wasps gathering near trash cans or outdoor food

Observing flight patterns during the daytime can often help identify where the nest is located.

Why DIY Wasp Nest Removal Can Be Dangerous

Many homeowners attempt to remove nests themselves using store-bought sprays or homemade remedies. Unfortunately, this often leads to painful stings or larger infestations.

Some of the biggest DIY risks include:

• Wasps swarming during treatment
• Falls from ladders while spraying nests
• Wasps entering the home through wall voids
• Incomplete elimination of the colony
• Exposure to pesticides
• Harm to pets or children

Wasps also release alarm pheromones when threatened, which signals nearby colony members to attack.

Even at night, when wasps are less active, disturbing a nest can trigger an aggressive response within seconds.

How to Help Prevent Wasps Around Your Home

While prevention cannot guarantee wasps stay away entirely, it can greatly reduce the chances of nesting near your home.

Seal Entry Points

Inspect your home for:

• Cracks and gaps
• Open soffits
• Damaged siding
• Gaps around roofing
• Openings near vents and utility lines

Wasps can squeeze into surprisingly small spaces.

Eliminate Food Sources

Wasps are attracted to both proteins and sugary foods depending on the season.

To reduce attraction:

• Keep trash cans sealed tightly
• Clean outdoor eating areas promptly
• Pick up fallen fruit
• Avoid leaving pet food outside
• Cover drinks during outdoor gatherings

Maintain Your Yard

Reduce nesting opportunities by:

• Filling ground holes
• Trimming shrubs and tree branches
• Removing yard debris
• Inspecting sheds and playsets regularly

Use Wasp-Repelling Plants

Certain plants may help discourage wasps near patios and entryways, including:

• Citronella
• Spearmint
• Thyme
• Eucalyptus
• Wormwood

Should You Remove a Wasp Nest Yourself?

Small, easily accessible nests may sometimes be removed safely with proper protective equipment and extreme caution. However, homeowners should never attempt DIY removal if:

• The nest is large
• The nest is inside walls or attics
• You are allergic to stings
• The nest is difficult to access
• The insects appear highly aggressive
• Children or pets are nearby

Professional pest control technicians use specialized protective equipment, treatment methods, and safety procedures designed to eliminate wasp colonies effectively and safely.

Professional Wasp Control in NJ, PA, DE, and MD

If wasps are nesting around your home, don’t put yourself at risk trying to handle the problem alone. Viking Pest Control provides safe, professional wasp and stinging insect control throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

Our trained technicians can identify the species, locate hidden nests, safely eliminate active colonies, and help prevent future infestations around your property.

Call Viking at 800-618-2847 to learn more about wasp pest control and extermination services, or get a fast, free quote online today!

Popular Web Home and Garden Web Magazine Recognizes Pest Control Company Viking Pest for Environmental Leadership

BASKING RIDGE, NJ, UNITED STATES, June 14, 2022 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Viking Pest Control is delighted to have its sustainability practices recognized by The Spruce, a well-respected magazine with 30 million monthly readers.

“Viking Pest Control offers pest control solutions utilizing eco-friendly products that reduce the impact on the environment,” says Dacey Orr, writing for The Spruce on Best Pest Control Services. “Viking Pest Control offers sustainable pest control treatments and follows the NPMA guidelines to protect your property from pests.”

As an Anticimex Company, Viking Pest utilizes SMART digital technology to monitor rodent activity. Anticimex SMART rodent control is an intelligent rodent control system that monitors activity and prevents infestations in an environmentally friendly fashion. Viking also uses organic treatments without unnecessary products in keeping with its Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program.

Viking Pest Control is committed to sustainability with a variety of practices in addition to its eco-friendly products. The company is proud to be GreenPro certified. To earn GreenPro certification, recognized throughout the US and Canada, pest control services must prove that they proactively minimize harm to families and non-target animals. GreenPro certification is recognized by the EPA and the US Green Building Council.

“We have been focused on sustainability for many years,” says Pest Control Professional Eric Gunner. “For example, Viking employees frequently work from home, reducing fuel and GHG emissions; additionally, all our vehicles have systems to ensure they do not exceed the three-minute idle time. We also run a paperless office, minimizing the amount of paper used; billing is also paperless and is completely online.” Viking is also distributing reusable shopping bags to their customers to support the New Jersey ban on single-use bags.

Viking Pest Control has the solutions for any residence or business looking for a sustainable, environmentally friendly method of pest control, including SMART CITIES digital eco-friendly rodent control for your community. SMART CITIES is the most precise and sustainable rodent control system available.

The recognition Viking received by The Spruce is greatly appreciated.

Mosquito populations are increasing rapidly across the United States, making mosquito control more and more of a priority for home and business owners. Luckily, Viking Pest offers award-winning mosquito protection to New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland residents.

Did you know that as many as 1 million people die from a mosquito-borne disease each year?

Fortunately, most of the most dangerous mosquito-borne diseases are found on the other side of the Atlantic. However, hundreds of US Citizens still contract serious diseases like West Nile Virus from mosquito bites yearly. Learn the how’s and why’s of keeping your family safe from Mosquitos in this blog.

Why Worry About Mosquitos?

The main reason mosquitoes are so dangerous is how easily they spread diseases. Over 50% of the global population is currently at risk of contracting mosquito-transmitted ailments including

• Zika
• West Nile Virus
• Dengue
• Yellow fever
• Malaria
• Lymphatic filariasis
• Chikungunya 
• Canine Heartworm

Even more concerning is that some of these diseases, such as West Nile Virus, are spreading faster than ever. And while most people infected by these diseases will survive, they can still suffer long-lasting adverse effects on their quality of life. 

Mosquito Populations Are Growing

Another reason mosquitoes are a significant problem is that they reproduce rapidly. Human changes to land and natural ecosystems have led to a marked increase in mosquito numbers over the last decade. In some areas of the US, mosquito populations have increased as much as four-fold. 

Moreover, mosquitoes reproduce quickly. A female mosquito lays around 100 eggs at a time. These eggs are relatively sturdy, face little threat, and can mature in as little as 8-10 days. 

Mosquitoes Are Resilient

While there are many effective forms of DIY mosquito control, studies show that some are losing their effectiveness. Certain mosquitoes have developed resistance to DEET, which is a critical component in many bug sprays. Those mosquitos that no longer smell DEET have passed this trait on to their offspring, which then pass it on to the next generation. 

If you have a population of mosquitoes around your home, you may want to investigate more comprehensive and effective mosquito control methods. 

How to Prevent Mosquito-Borne Diseases

While there are a variety of preventative measures you can take to avoid mosquito bites, the only way to completely prevent mosquito-borne diseases is to avoid being bitten altogether. Here are some preventive techniques you can use to prevent mosquito bites and, by extension, mosquito-borne diseases:

• Clothing: When going outside in an area with mosquitoes, wear long clothes that cover your skin.
• Last Bite: Last Bite from Viking Pest Control is an excellent form of tick and mosquito protection for your property. It is an efficient outdoor treatment that prevents these insects from breeding. Forbes Home recently rated Viking as one of the best mosquito control companies in the country.
• Time Your Activities: If you plan outdoor events, try to schedule them after dawn and before dusk, as these are the peak hours of mosquito activity.
• Mosquito-Proof Your Home: Ensure all your windows have intact screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering. Don't leave doors or unscreened windows open!
• Repellents: While some repellents are losing their efficacy against certain mosquitoes, you can generally still use repellents when spending time in mosquito-populated spaces to attract fewer mosquitoes and reduce your chances of contracting a disease. 

Stay Safe From Mosquitoes with Viking Pest Control

Though small in size, mosquitos are the deadliest animals in the world. Applying these prevention strategies can protect yourself and your family from mosquito-borne diseases. 

Viking is proud to offer award-winning treatment designed to control and prevent mosquitoes from invading your home or business effectively and efficiently. A top-five Forbes Home Best Mosquito Control Company, Viking is ready to protect your property against these invaders. Our use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques focuses on finding the core of the pest concern and controlling Mosquitos from the source. Get in touch with us today for your FREE and NO OBLIGATION estimate at 1-800-618-2847 or Schedule Online today!

Basking Ridge, NJ – April 4, 2022 – Viking Pest Control, an Anticimex company, announced the acquisition of Integrated Pest Management of Hammonton, NJ.

Integrated Pest Management (“IPM”) has been providing residential and commercial pest control services to greater Southern New Jersey since 1984 and is known for their local and personalized approach to delivering outstanding customer service. The partnership will enhance IPMs overall pest management solutions, while strengthening IPM’s delivery of service, increasing their local support, and ensuring quality service.

Paul Bergmann, President of Viking Pest Control, commented, “This is an exciting time for Viking Pest Control, and we are excited to partner with Integrated Pest Management as it continues to solidify Viking as the leading pest control provider in New Jersey,” Bergmann added, “Integrated Pest Management is an excellent fit; we are excited about the latest addition to the Viking Family. We welcome the Integrated Pest Management team and will work side by side to continue providing excellent service to our customers”

 David Damiano, President of IPM, added, “The partnership with Viking Pest Control is great news for our customers and employees. We are extremely excited about the pest control solutions it will bring, creating an industry-leading pest management partnership. With Viking offering customers the most innovative, digital, and hassle-free pest control solutions like SMART, everyone will enjoy the best, most advanced products, methods, and services on the market. Paul and his team were extremely professional, and we look forward to combining our experienced teams and the opportunities ahead.”

 Viking is the modern pest control company. Through prevention, new technology, and sustainable solutions, Viking meets the demands for healthy environments. Viking Pest prides itself in offering the most effective and efficient pest control management solutions to residents and businesses of New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Eastern Shore of Maryland. With over 40 years of experience, the Viking team delivers custom-tailored solutions that far exceed the industry norm. Viking Pest is excited to provide sustainable solutions to IPM customers, improving the health and well-being of homes and businesses throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

 The Aust Group acted as the exclusive financial advisor to IPM. David added “I know without the expertise of The Aust Group, I would have never made it to the finish line. They exceeded my expectations”.

 Hanse Anderson LLP acted as legal advisor to IPM.

 To learn more about Viking Pest’s full-service pest control and wildlife offerings, please visit our website.

Company: Viking Pest Control
Phone: 1-800-618-2847

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!

Pest Control Company Viking Pest achieves Top Workplace award in New Jersey. 

BASKING RIDGE, NJ, March 15, 2022 – Viking Pest Control is proud to have been voted “Top Workplace” and achieved The Top Workplace award in New Jersey by NJ.com for the second year. 

Our team was again proudly awarded the Top Workplace award for 2022. An anonymous survey uniquely measured 15 culture drivers that include alignment, execution, and connection, just to name a few.

This award is granted to companies that create a culture where employees feel engaged, appreciated, and fulfilled. “We are honored our employees voted this way and are proud to share this award with all of our employees and our customers,” says Paul Bergmann, President of Viking Pest Control.

What sets Viking Pest Control apart from other companies when it comes to a career choice?

• A working environment that values meaningful work, open-minded supportive managers, and clued-in employees providing transformative solutions for customers.
• Enforced background checks for all employees and a drug-free working environment to ensure a safe space for all team members.
• Competitive compensation with numerous benefits, including paid vacation time, health coverage, and more. 
• A healthy work atmosphere with plentiful opportunities to learn about and adopt new technology and meet new challenges. 
• Diversity – employees feel accepted and valued at Viking Pest Control, regardless of gender or ethnicity.

Viking Pest Control has over 40 years of experience in the pest control industry, continually delivering customer service that exceeds industry norms.

President of Viking Pest Control, Paul Bergmann, says, “Viking believes a diverse team leads to different individual characteristics and perspectives, integral to company growth. As a result, our employees feel accepted and valued at Viking Pest, which, along with customer satisfaction, is our ultimate success.”

If you are searching for a job in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, or The Eastern Shore of Maryland at a reputable company, look no further. Viking team members enjoy extensive training, competitive benefits, and a friendly and supportive work environment. Check out our job openings to learn what positions are currently hiring. Find out for yourself what it means to work at one of the Top Places to Work! 

The company creates effective and efficient pest management solutions for residents and business owners in New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. The company is a QualityPro member, meaning that its customers are sure to receive professional pest management solutions performed by certified and qualified individuals. Viking’s employees are held to high standards. Viking Pest Control was also named one of the 10 Best Pest Control Companies by Forbes Advisor for 2022

Those interested in joining the Viking Pest Control team can check out open opportunities on our website.

Press Contact:  

 Eric Gunner, Pest Management Professional 

Phone: 800-618-2847

Website:www.vikingpest.com  

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!