Wasps and Decks

As the spring rains give way to the abundant sunshine and steady heat of mid- summer, wasp activity reaches its peak.  Paper wasps build a simple nest consisting of one layer of open cells called “combs.” These nests typically hang suspended from horizontal surfaces that include but may not be limited to window ledges, shutters, overhangs, swing sets, decks, fences, gazebos and porch roofs. Stinging behavior is typically a defensive reaction that occurs when the wasps feel that the nest is threatened. Unfortunately human activity in the form of painting, power washing, roofing,…continue reading →

Subterranean Termites and Their Castes

There are four types of termites in the United States. Due to the harsh winter conditions, only one can survive in NW Indiana. The subterranean termites live within the soil and feed on cellulose based materials. Essential to the eco system, they become a problem when they start to forage into man made structures. They are social insects divided into three castes which serve a different purpose in the survival of the colony. The worker termite accounts for the majority of the population. They are small, blind, creamy white in appearance and have…continue reading →

Ticks

  • Posted on March 22, 2024
  • /Under blog, Ticks
Ticks spend most of their life at or near ground level where they wait on a suitable host for the purpose of securing a blood meal. They will also climb and are commonly found in tall grasses, weeds, bushes, shrubs, firewood, logs, fenceposts and siding. They detect the presence of a vertebrate mammal through vibration, odor, shadows and exhaled carbon dioxide and then climb or drop onto the host where they attach themselves. Small, hard deer ticks are prevalent in areas where whitetail deer are located. Not to be confused with the large…continue reading →

Tiny Troublemakers: Solutions for Small Ant Infestations

  • Posted on March 6, 2024
  • /Under Ants, blog
While ants may be small, they can become a big nuisance when they invade our homes. These tiny insects are notorious for infiltrating kitchens, pantries, and even bedrooms in search of food and water. While their size may make them seem harmless, the sheer numbers in a colony can quickly turn a minor annoyance into a major problem. Thankfully, there are effective strategies for managing small ant infestations and keeping these tiny troublemakers at bay. Here at Monroe Pest Control, we treat for small ants and identify possible ways that they can get…continue reading →

The Battle of The Bedbugs-Tips and Prevention

Bedbugs are tiny, reddish-brown nocturnal pests, and have become a growing concern for homeowners and travelers alike. These blood sucking insects are notorious for causing discomfort and stress due to their ability to infest homes, hotels, and other dwellings. Throughout this blogpost, we will discuss their biology, signs of an infestation, and steps to prevent future infestations. Understanding Bedbugs Bedbugs are small, wingless insects that feed exclusively on blood. They are skilled hitchhikers, often latching onto luggage, clothing, or other personal belongings to infiltrate new environments. Despite their name, these pests are not…continue reading →

Carpenter Bees

In the spring of the year many homeowners begin to notice large furry bees with black and yellow coloring hovering and “bouncing” off of their wooden siding, overhangs and fences. These are female Carpenter Bees that have already mated and are in search of a suitable wooden surface to bore into for the purpose of laying their eggs.Their ability to penetrate numerous finished and unfinished wooden surfaces accounts for their common name. Old (dark) and new (light) Carpenter Bee holes can be seen on wooden siding, wooden overhangs and facia boards, window sills,…continue reading →

It’s Small Ant Season!

Of all the insects that are commonly noted in our area, few are more prevalent than the small pavement ant. They are subterranean (their colonies exist below ground) and they are widely dispersed in a variety of soil types throughout the Midwest. In the spring, fall and summer they can easily be seen outside in limitless quantities building ant hills on sidewalks, driveways, parking lots and in yards. These exterior infestations are typically a non-issue for most people who seldom identify this activity as troublesome. It is when these insects and their sand…continue reading →

Don’t let the Bedbugs Bite

“Sleep tight, don’t let the bedbugs bite.” A forgotten phrase that was once common place, now carries new meaning. Almost eliminated in the U.S. due to the widespread use of harsh chemical that are no longer EPA approved, Bedbugs have come back in force. Hopefully you will never have to share a bed with them, but should you encounter these troublesome pests, education is the first step towards prevention and if necessary, elimination. Bedbugs are flat reddish-brown insects about the size of an apple seed that require a blood meal/host to survive. They…continue reading →

Rodents

As temperatures start to decline Rodents, such as Mice, start looking for their Winter homes. Instead of using tools to build a mouse house, they move into attics and other low traffic areas within our homes. These areas allow rodents to move undetected until activity is noticed and a call to action is needed. Proper identification is critical to determine hazards, control methods and future requirements to rid a home or business of a rodent infestation. House mice and Norway Rats are the more frequent rodents found in our service area. The House…continue reading →

Mild Winter Leads to More Insects

Ants, Wasps, Ticks and Termites have all survived the mild winter and are on the move early! Treating attics for Wasps, yards for Ticks and houses for Ants and Termites are almost unheard of at this time of the year, but with the temperature above freezing most of this winter, it has become part of the common theme. Additional effects of the mild winter relating to insect development is that more generations form in the spring producing greater infestations lasting through the season. This also leads to early emergence, longer life and more…continue reading →
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