A-Academy Blog

Everyone has the same fear of pests sneaking around in their crawl space and unfortunately, that fear isn’t unfounded. Many crawl spaces give pests the perfect spot to set up shop as there’s little human interaction, it’s always kept warm and provides quick access to their food supply.  But just because it makes sense for them, that doesn’t mean it’s ideal for you. So to protect your crawl space from these pesky invaders, we’ll give you some tips on what to look out for.  Hornets, Wasps and Carpenter Bees.  You can probably easily spot one of these buzzing insects somewhere in your neighborhood, and they’re just as likely to be in your crawlspace, too.  Carpenter bees especially enjoy crawl spaces because they prefer to build their nests in dead or structural wood. Wasps or Hornets usually have larger nests, but they don’t bore into the wood like the carpenter bees so...

During the warmer climates, drain flies are pretty good at survival. However, what happens if they become exposed to colder climates? These pests have some serious surviving skills when it comes to certain situations. Can they make it through the winter? Can Drain Flies Make It Through The Winter? Reproductive Performance Drain flies will normally hibernate in temperatures that are more suitable for them, which would be around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter climates aren’t quite suitable for hibernation, since winter has much colder temperatures.  The colder it gets, the longer it will take for them to reproduce. This is due to the fact that the cold temperatures slow their biological processes down. So, what happens to them as the temperature keeps declining? Will the drain flies die once the real cold weather starts to kick in? Their Survival The drain larvae are actually quite tough, and are able to survive through...

New Jersey is a beautiful place to live! There is suburban life for growing families, several gorgeous beaches and plenty of thriving wildlife. However, people who live in New Jersey definitely need to watch out for certain kinds of wildlife, as these pests could disturb their homes and property. Here are some examples of wildlife that New Jersey homeowners should watch out for.  Rodents  Mice, rats and squirrels are all common in New Jersey. These rodents make their homes in wooded areas, so you will find plenty of them in the New Jersey woods. If your home is near the woods, you will probably notice a few rodents around your property. This is not a cause for concern unless you notice lots of them in your home or yard. Mice and rats are attracted to food and waste debris, so to avoid attracting these pests, make sure to clean up your...

Termites are feared by homeowners, and for good reason, as they can cause thousands of dollars of damage to your home. As they are often undetectable, they can enter your home and continually eat away at the wooden structures inside. It can take several months before termite activity is ever discovered. Termite damage is preventable if you take the proper precautions. Keep reading to learn more about common termite damage. Damage Done to Walls Oftentimes, termites make their home inside your walls. As a result of them eating away at the structure of the wall, it is common for damage to be done to your walls due to termites. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to determine this kind of damage until it has been done. This is why it is important to have regularly scheduled inspections done by pest control professionals.  Carpet Damage It is well known that termites feast on...

One of the main reasons why people do not like hiring pest control specialists is because of the time it takes to complete treatments. However, when you are dealing with living things inside your home, the process takes time. In this guide, we go over how long pest control treatments take.  How Long Does It Take To Spray Your House? Each treatment is different depending on the pest. Prevention measures typically take around 15 to 30 minutes. Talk to your pest control specialist to see how long it will take for them to spray your home.  How Long Do You Have to Stay Out of Your Home? Since there are many different sprays and treatments, you have to follow the directions your pest control company gives. Many companies use organic spray solutions where you can enter your home right away. However, many experts recommend waiting at least 30 minutes for it...

When dealing with pests, it’s best to hire a professional instead of attempting to deal with the problem yourself, particularly if the pest problem is ongoing or the infestation is too large. But before hiring just any pest control company, you want to know what to look for when doing so.  Knowledge The technician should be knowledgeable enough to provide you with any pest-control-related information and answer all of your questions. The technician should be upfront and honest about any questions he or she can’t answer and be willing to find the answer for you.  If you have a pest problem on your hands, then a pest control company should be your go-to source for knowledge. Check out the company’s blog. If there are informative and helpful posts, it will let you know the company is knowledgeable in the field.  Professional Appearance First impressions are everything! Technicians should arrive looking neat...

 If you notice tiny, moth-like insects buzzing around your kitchen drain, you are probably hosting a population of drain flies. Drain flies present an unnerving nuisance at the heart of your home. Follow these easy and effective methods for eliminating the problem of drain flies.  Seal the Deal When you first suspect that you have a drain fly infestation on your hands, do the duct tape test. Seal off your drain overnight with strips of tape. The next morning, check to see if flies are stuck to the sticky surface. Repeat this process for several nights to determine the extent of your infestation. Thoroughly Clean the Drain Take away what drain flies love the most: standing water and organic debris. Use the following methods for sanitizing your sink: Send boiling water down the drain. Routinely clear your drains with a pan of steaming water. The heat will kill the insects while...

  Bedbugs are parasitic insects that feed on blood—specifically, human blood. They’ll feed on other mammals such as cats and dogs as well. While these bugs are big enough to be seen by the human eye, hiding is one of their specialties. They enjoy burrowing into warm spaces like furniture, bedding and the cracks and crevices of mattresses.  Adult bed bugs have wing pads, but they aren’t used for flying. These blood-sucking pests are crawlers—and fast ones at that. Bed bugs have antennas and short golden-colored hairs. They also give off a smelly, musty odor produced through their glands on the lower part of their body. It’s important to know what to look for, so you’re able to correctly identify them and stem a potential infestation.  Color Bed bug colors vary from red to orange to brown. Immature bed bugs are an off-white color—mostly translucent. They take on a bright red...

We here at A-Academy Pest Control compiled some of the basics about bees to help you make more educated choices on how to deal with them.  Types of Bees in a Colony Bee colonies consist of different types of bees, all with their own jobs to help the colony function:  Workers: These bees are the ones you’re most likely to see. They are responsible for food collection, hive maintenance, hive expansion, caring for the young and defending the colony. Drones: These male bees will mate with new queens during the nuptial flight and die shortly afterward. Queen: She lays all the eggs in the colony, and without her, the colony cannot replace old workers. Some colonies may have a queen waiting to take over when an old one dies. Non-colony Bees Solitary carpenter bees will carve extensive tunnels into the wood for their nests. They also visit many flowers in search...

Termites cause billions of dollars of property damage every year in the United States alone. These small insects can quickly turn your dream home into a nightmare, so anything you can do to avoid them can save you time and money in the long run. Here's why your home may be attracting termites.  Readily Available Food Termites go where the food is. Most of their diet consists of wood, and they're not picky about where it comes from. Mulch and firewood piles draw termites in, and if they're close to your house, the termites may migrate. Keep firewood at least a few feet from your home and elevated off the ground if possible. Likewise, you should keep mulch away from your foundation.  Tree stumps, fallen branches and excess plant matter in an area can also attract termites. Branches of living trees that touch your roof allow termites and other pests to...

  The plagues of rats and mice have been the cause of great misfortunes for mankind as they carry dangerous diseases. So, it is crucial to take steps to avoid rodent infestations in your home. These rodents not only put people's health at risk but also affect the environment. Species that are not native to America cause significant damage to ecosystems. For example, they destroy the food of other animals destroying their ability to live. Here we let you know the common places rodents use to enter your home and provide you with some useful tips for preventing rat infestations.  1. Cover Any Holes Rats have a soft skeleton and can fit through almost any hole or other openings. They nest in the most unsuspected corners. So, you must cover the gaps in your home or business with protective strips or steel wool. 2. Store Your Food Well Cover and secure...

Ants are very common pests throughout the country. Enjoying a picnic outside on a spring day can be disturbed by these pests. Kitchen floors can have a trail of ants carrying crumbs to their nests. Carpenter ants can cause damage to wooden structures within the home or outside. There are many different types of ants of which you should be aware. Keep reading to find out more about four different types of ants.  Field Ant The field ant can be a myriad of different colors, such as black, brown, yellowish-brown or red. This species is mainly found outside within soil, leaves or dead wood. Fortunately, they are not often found inside of the home. It is vital to note that these ants have stingers that can cause pain. Overall, however, they are one of the more harmless species of ants.  Dark Rover Ant The dark rover ant likes to make its...

Seeing a rodent in your home will probably make your skin crawl. Not only are rodents like mice and rats nuisances, but they also carry diseases that are harmful to you and your pets.  If untreated, a rodent infestation can cause electrical and structural damage to your home, as well as contaminate your pantry supplies. Luckily, we have created a helpful list to help prevent rodents. Here are some ways to keep rodents out of your home.  Keep Food Stored Securely Mice and rats usually enter your home in search of food and water, so keeping potential food sources hidden away is essential to preventing an infestation. Ensure dry goods like oats, bread, cereal and pet food is secured in airtight containers.  Do not leave dishes out for too long and wash your pet’s food bowl regularly. Rodents love crumbs, so make sure your floors and counters are cleaned regularly, too. ...

As pet owners know, their beloved creatures can’t just speak up whenever something is wrong. So, their owners must give them proper check-ups as needed. A trip to the vet every week isn’t realistic, so some DIY investigating must be done. One common problem among many pets is the presence of ticks. Fortunately, there are simple ways for owners to check their pets for ticks. Pre-Indoors Check Many pets like to spend time outdoors playing around, either with other animals or their owners. Of course, they often try to scurry off and get into places they aren’t supposed to. As a result, they are more likely to be exposed to ticks while outside. Run your fingers through your pet’s fur before letting your furry friend back inside. Small bumps could indicate the presence of a tick. There are several areas on an animal that owners should specifically check. Under the Collar...

Spiders are unwanted creatures in your home. Not only are some people terrified of them, but they can also pose a health risk if they are poisonous. In some cases, it can be hard to identify a poisonous spider from that of one that is non-venomous. Here at A-Academy Pest Control, we know the importance of not having spiders in your home, no matter whether or not they are poisonous. When we come out, we will help with identifying spiders in your home and let you know how we can treat the issue. Potential Spiders that Might be Lurking in your Home Our area is home to several different spiders. Most of them are of the non-venomous variety. Spiders like the common house spiders, and orb weavers are not poisonous to humans. The area is home to 3 different poisonous spiders. Black Widow The black widow spider is easily identified. This spider...

Having a pest-free home is essential to your health and the integrity of your living space. While it can be difficult to keep every insect out of your house, there are simple ways to prevent an infestation. Here are ten tips for a pest-free home.  Regular Cleaning and Maintenance Regularly cleaning your home is the best way to keep pests away. Pests will often enter your home in search of food, so regular cleaning will help eliminate crumbs and debris that can accumulate on floors and in cabinets. Regular cleaning also helps to prevent insects from nesting or making webs.  Garden Maintenance If your garden is overgrown, it may invite more pests to your yard and make it easier for them to get into your home. Trim back overgrown weeds and shrubs regularly to make it harder for pests to come in. Mulch can also attract pests, so consider using other...

Pantry pests like cockroaches, spiders, and beetles are hard to get rid of. They feed on common dry goods, like flour or rice, and can sneak into your home easily. While mostly harmless, pantry pests can contaminate food items and worsen allergy symptoms. They can also multiply quickly, making it even harder to eliminate them. Here are some ways to keep pantry pests out of your home. Pantry Cleanliness The first step in keeping pests out of your home is to keep your pantry and kitchen clean. If food items are left out or unsealed, pantry pests can start feeding on your grocery items. To reduce pests, empty your pantry and vacuum excess crumbs and spider webs every few months. Throw away expired food items and ensure dry goods are sealed. Check any unsealed or opened containers for bugs or droppings. Regularly cleaning countertops, floors and cabinets will also help reduce...

Summer is a time for fun and relaxation – until pests wreak havoc in your home and yard! Summer weather often creates pest problems that do not exist during colder months. Here are some ways that summer weather affects household pest problems. Some Pests Thrive in Warm Weather Many pests thrive in warm weather and come out of their nests and burrows to enjoy the hot sun. Many of these pests also use the summer months to eat, build their homes and get ready for the winter. Pests like wasps and bees come out of hibernation in the summer and can be a real nuisance to your home and backyard. They build new hives and are constantly flying around flowers and shrubbery. Rodents like squirrels, chipmunks and raccoons also come out of hibernation in the summer and make holes in your backyard to hide food and for shelter. Summer Flowers Attract...

The coronavirus pandemic is still active around the world, and many people are fearful that they will catch this disease. While coronavirus can be spread from human to human, there is no evidence that this illness can be spread through pests. As summer is approaching, many people are concerned about having contact with pests and how that will affect their health. Continue reading to learn about pests and the other diseases they can carry. Insects Summer is always a time for insects to come out of hibernation and thrive. People across the world experience an insect increase during warm months, and there is a higher chance of getting bitten or stung by these pests. Many people are concerned about contracting a disease in this manner because mosquitoes have been found to carry malaria and the Zika virus, and ticks are known for carrying Lyme disease. However, there is absolutely no evidence...

Nothing is more disgusting than seeing scurrying bedbugs running across your sheets or mattresses. Once they make their appearance, they are extremely difficult to wipe out. What makes the battle even more challenging is that bedbugs are masters at disappearing and concealing themselves until they become thirsty for their next meal. Arm yourself with knowledge in your war against bedbugs. Learn their secret hiding places so you know how to plan your attack. Hiding Places of Bedbugs Edges of Mattresses Checking your mattresses periodically is a good practice of hygiene, even if you have not seen evidence of a bedbug invasion. Bedbugs almost always hide along the seams and edgings of mattresses. Take a flashlight and a fine-toothed comb and examine every seam for these tiny brownish creatures or dark smears that indicate their presence. Crevices of Beds Frames Once you have checked the mattresses and bedding themselves, move to the...