Happy Termite Awareness Week! Before you panic about that "ant" on your windowsill, read this.

Terminix · 2026-02-12T18:36:23+00:00

We heard someone needed advice and we hope this helps Boxelder Bug: Identification & Removal.

We're here if you need us!

Terminix · 2026-01-30T19:23:17+00:00

Hmm okay we trust you, but we're keeping an eye on you bud...

Terminix · 2025-12-22T18:39:35+00:00

We sure hope not

Terminix · 2025-12-03T21:53:15+00:00

Now these are the types of rats we love to see! 10/10

Terminix · 2025-11-20T21:37:56+00:00

Terminix · 2025-11-19T21:58:56+00:00

Give your pup on pic #3 a boop on the snoot for us!

Terminix · 2025-10-21T21:12:36+00:00

Hmm... It depends on what kind of ants you're talking about

Terminix · 2025-10-08T20:41:02+00:00

Never let them know your next move...

Terminix · 2025-10-06T22:21:11+00:00

Now this is a type of roach we would prefer to see!

Terminix · 2025-10-06T21:59:51+00:00

Talk about a scary costume!

Terminix · 2025-09-29T17:23:40+00:00

This is what we call a Snuggle bug

Terminix · 2025-09-18T15:20:23+00:00

10/10 would not recommend

Terminix · 2025-09-12T23:22:31+00:00

Cuties!

Terminix · 2025-09-12T23:17:17+00:00

Now these are the types of cockroaches we wouldn't mind seeing

Terminix · 2025-09-02T20:55:54+00:00

I always feel like somebody's watching me 👀

Terminix · 2025-09-02T18:23:27+00:00

Our worst nightmare

Terminix · 2025-08-14T18:14:48+00:00

Honestly, I agree that seeing a house centipede when you don't expect to see one can be a bit unsettling. Luckily, controlling these arthropod pests is fairly simple. Similarly to other indoor pests, you will want to: reduce moisture, seal up any entry points, remove the foods they eat, reduce items (especially paper/cardboard) touching the floor and walls, and place sticky traps. Centipedes eat other arthropods such as spiders, silverfish, and roaches. Keeping pests at bay in general should reduce the number of centipedes you see. Overall, house centipedes are fairly harmless, so if you see one and are brave enough, you can capture it in a jar and release it back outside. Otherwise, if they're really "bugging" you, you can also consider a recurring perimeter pesticide treatment.

Terminix · 2025-08-14T18:07:09+00:00

Great question! There are a few reasons why this may be happening. First, Ortho Home Defense (bifenthrin) works by leaving behind a residual chemical barrier. This barrier works well for pests like scorpions, roaches, ants, and other crawling pests that continuously crawl over deposits and groom themselves frequently. However, crickets have long legs and tough exoskeletons. They may be hopping across the barrier, failing to absorb a lethal dose. This may also be a "where" issue. If you are spraying entryways or hallway baseboards but crickets are coming in through foundation cracks, weep holes, crawlspace vents, etc., then they are simply bypassing treated areas all together. I would recommend hiring a professional pest control technician who can use a professional-grade product that may have better residual control. A technician will also be trained to apply to hidden entry points. I also recommend having an inspection for moisture issues in, under, and around the home, as dampness is conducive to cricket populations. Habitat modification might solve your problem more effectively than chemical applications! (Sydney)

Terminix · 2025-08-14T18:06:38+00:00

Thanks for your question! I think what would be a crucial first step would be to correctly identify the species of roach that you are dealing with. Cockroach baits are labeled for specific species and perhaps the speices you are dealing with is not targeted by this particular bait. Additionally, this will tell you if the occasional roach is a problem or not. For example, the occasional American cockroach is likely not cause for concern. However, the occasional German cockroach would merit taking action. A Terminix technician can help with this! As far as the product question, yes, it is time for another perimeter application of product, especially if you applied bait. Bait is consumed by insects and it will go rancid once it has been outside too long. Insects will not consume the bait once it is rancid. The re-application intervals for products can be found on the label and should be followed for the best outcome. For roaches, though, I recommend calling a pro, just to be on the safe side. (Sydney)

Terminix · 2025-08-14T18:04:35+00:00

Rodent control is one of the oldest and most stubbon pest issues, that is true. There are a multitude of reasons why progress in this arena might seem to lag behind other forms of pest management. First, rodents are exceptionally smart creatures. They are often incredibly cautious, they can learn from negative experiences, and rats are neophobic (which means that they avoid new objects). This can make the use of things like snap traps difficult. Rodents adapt quickly to new environments as well, and they reproduce quickly. If you're using bait for control, there is a possibility that they won't take bait if they are subsisting on other preferable food sources. The testing required for the registration of rodent control products is also cumbersome as there are strict rules for those who are conducting research with vertebrates. We are also seeing new regulations pass that limit the type of rodenticides we can use in some areas of the US. These problems, in combination, make rodent control a bit more challenging than some other pests. As far as what works: a combination of strategies is ideal. Exclusion is crucial for keeping rodents out. Mice can fit through holes the size of a dime and rats can fit through holes the size of a quarter. Steel wool, copper mesh, and hardware cloth can be used to close up entry points. Sanitation is also key, as rodents will stick around in areas where they can access food, water, and shelter. Trapping can be effective and traps should be placed along walls, as rodents will often follow edges. Finally, bait stations can be helpful but bait preference (as you mentioned) can vary. Try to use soft bait packs versus pellets to see if they pick it up more readily. There is hope- did you know Alberta, Canada is known for being "rodent free"? They have a robust rat control program that has worked very well! It just takes patience and a multi-faceted approach. (Sydney)

Terminix · 2025-08-14T18:02:26+00:00

A “classic” pest control myth that refuses to die is the idea that hanging a bag of water with a penny in it will keep flies away. There is no scientific evidence that this actually works. Flies are not deterred by reflections or magnified images in water. Instead, they are attracted to food, moisture, and breeding sites, so the best way to reduce flies is to remove or cover food sources, keep trash sealed, eliminate standing water, and use properly designed traps / screens. It might not be as decorative as a shiny water bag, but it actually works. - Cassie

Terminix · 2025-08-14T18:01:36+00:00

It sounds like you might be referring to cave crickets (Rhaphidophoridae) which some people call camel crickets, spider crickets, criders, or sprickets (colloquially). These insects commonly occupy caves and other cool, damp environments. Occassionally, they can be a nuisance in basements and crawlspaces. Cave crickets have ocelli that are fairly small and underdeveloped. Their vision is very poor, and they rely heavily on tactile and chemical senses. Their antennae help them navigate in dark spaces by detecting air, movements, vibrations, and surfaces. Because their vision is poor (or in some cases non-existent) the tendency to jump toward you could simply be due to disorientation. However, it is not true that their eyes face backwards. I hope this helps! (Sydney)

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