Waking up with itchy bites or strange marks on your skin can be alarming. Your first thought might be, “Do I have bed bugs?” But not all bite-like reactions or tiny insects are caused by bed bugs. Many pests—like fleas, mites, or carpet beetles—can cause similar problems, making it hard to tell the difference. Knowing what to look for can help you act fast and avoid unnecessary stress. Here’s how to recognize whether you’re dealing with bed bugs or another pest, with expert insight from Positive Pest Management.

Understanding Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are small, flat, reddish-brown insects that feed on human blood. Adults are about the size of an apple seed, while younger ones (nymphs) are smaller and lighter in color. They don’t jump or fly but crawl quickly across surfaces. Bed bugs are most active at night and prefer to feed when people are asleep.

They typically hide during the day in tight spaces near where people rest—mattress seams, bed frames, baseboards, and even behind electrical outlets. Because they are so small and good at hiding, you might not see them right away. Often, the first signs of a problem are the bites they leave behind.

Signs You Have Bed Bugs

Bed bugs leave several clues that can help identify an infestation. Keep an eye out for these common signs:

1. Small, itchy bites – Bed bug bites usually appear in small clusters or straight lines on exposed skin, like arms, legs, or neck. They can be red, swollen, and very itchy.
   
2. Tiny blood spots on sheets – After feeding, bed bugs may leave small reddish-brown stains on your bedding or pillowcases.
   
3. Dark droppings – You might see small black or brown dots on mattresses, furniture, or walls. These are bed bug fecal spots.
   
4. Shed skins and eggs – Bed bugs shed their exoskeletons as they grow. Look for tiny translucent shells near sleeping areas.
   
5. A musty odor – Heavy infestations sometimes create a sweet or musty smell caused by the bugs’ scent glands.
   

If you notice several of these signs together, it’s very likely you’re dealing with bed bugs.

Pests That Are Often Confused with Bed Bugs

It’s easy to mistake other insects for bed bugs, especially if you only see bites. Here are a few common culprits:

Fleas – These small, dark insects are often found in homes with pets. Fleas can jump long distances, unlike bed bugs, and their bites tend to appear around ankles and lower legs.

Carpet Beetles – Carpet beetles don’t bite, but their larvae can cause allergic reactions or skin irritation that look like bites. They are usually found near fabric, carpeting, or stored clothing.

Mites – Certain mites, like bird or rodent mites, can bite humans if their usual animal hosts are gone. Their bites look similar to bed bug bites but are more scattered.

Mosquitoes – Mosquito bites are larger, more swollen, and can happen anywhere you’re exposed outdoors. Bed bug bites usually happen indoors and appear in straight lines.

Positive Pest Management often receives calls from New Yorkers who suspect bed bugs but actually have a different pest problem. That’s why a professional inspection is so important—it ensures you get the right treatment and don’t waste time or money.

How to Check for Bed Bugs

If you suspect bed bugs, a careful inspection can help confirm it. Start by checking the areas where you sleep or rest most often.

• Inspect your mattress and box spring. Look along seams, tags, and corners for small black or brown spots or live bugs.
  
• Check your bed frame and headboard. Use a flashlight to look in cracks and joints.
  
• Look at nearby furniture. Bed bugs can hide in nightstands, couches, or chairs within a few feet of your bed.
  
• Examine baseboards and walls. They can slip into cracks or behind wallpaper.
  

If you find live insects, take a clear photo or collect one safely in a sealed container. A professional can confirm whether it’s a bed bug or another insect.

Why Professional Help Matters

Even if you find only a few bugs, it’s smart to contact a pest control professional. Bed bugs multiply quickly—a single female can lay hundreds of eggs. Without professional treatment, infestations often return.

DIY methods, like sprays or foggers, rarely solve the problem and can even make it worse by scattering bugs into new hiding spots. Professionals have the right tools, treatments, and experience to locate every hiding place and eliminate the problem safely.

Positive Pest Management uses advanced inspection methods and proven treatments to remove bed bugs efficiently. Whether you live in a New York apartment, condo, or home, their experts can identify the pest and provide a customized solution to keep your space bed bug-free.

Preventing Bed Bugs and Other Pests

Once you’ve dealt with the problem, prevention is key. Here are a few habits to reduce your risk:

• Vacuum and clean regularly, especially around sleeping areas.
  
• Avoid picking up discarded furniture or mattresses.
  
• Be cautious when traveling—inspect hotel beds and wash clothes in hot water afterward.
  
• Seal cracks and gaps in walls and baseboards to limit hiding spots.
  
• Reduce clutter to make it harder for pests to hide.
  

The Bottom Line

It can be hard to tell the difference between bed bugs and other pests, but understanding the signs can help you take the right steps quickly. Bed bugs are resilient and spread easily, so early detection is key to stopping them before they multiply.

If you’re unsure what’s causing bites or you’ve found suspicious insects in your home, call the experts at Positive Pest Management. Their professional inspections and targeted treatments will identify the problem and provide lasting relief. With the right help, you can rest easy knowing your home is protected from bed bugs and other unwanted pests.

Healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes, have one primary goal: keeping patients safe. Maintaining a sterile and hygienic environment is critical to prevent infections and protect both patients and staff. However, pests like rodents, cockroaches, flies, and ants can threaten cleanliness, spread disease, and compromise patient care. For facilities in New York City, where older buildings and high traffic make pest control challenging, expert management is essential. Positive Pest Management specializes in helping healthcare facilities maintain a safe, sterile, and pest-free environment.

Why Healthcare Facilities Are Vulnerable

Hospitals and clinics are high-risk environments for pests because they provide everything pests need: food, water, and shelter. Cafeterias, kitchens, and food storage areas can attract cockroaches and ants, while small leaks and condensation around plumbing provide water sources. Rodents may enter through gaps in walls, doors, or utility lines, seeking warmth and food.

Healthcare facilities are also busy, with constant movement of staff, patients, and deliveries. Each entry point—from loading docks to service elevators—can introduce pests if not monitored carefully. Older infrastructure, common in NYC hospitals, often has cracks, hollow walls, or outdated ventilation systems that create hiding spots for pests.

Common Pests in Healthcare Settings

Rodents: Rats and mice are more than just a nuisance. They can contaminate medical supplies, chew through wiring, and spread bacteria and pathogens through their droppings. Even a small rodent infestation can threaten patient safety.

Cockroaches: Roaches are notorious carriers of bacteria, viruses, and allergens. They are attracted to food storage areas, break rooms, and damp spaces. Their ability to reproduce rapidly makes early detection and control crucial.

Flies: Flies can transmit pathogens from waste or food areas to patient rooms or sterile zones. Controlling flies near entrances, windows, and food areas helps reduce contamination risks.

Ants: While small, ants can invade storage areas and kitchens, contaminating food and medical supplies. Certain species can form large colonies, making elimination difficult without professional intervention.

Stored Product Pests: Some facilities store medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, or even packaged foods. Moths, beetles, or other stored product pests can damage supplies if not monitored regularly.

Signs of a Pest Problem

Detecting pests early is essential to prevent contamination. Healthcare staff should watch for:

• Droppings, urine stains, or gnaw marks
  
• Live insects or crawling bugs in hallways, kitchens, or storage areas
  
• Unusual odors, especially musky or musty smells
  
• Damage to packaging or supplies
  
• Nesting materials or signs of rodent activity in walls, ceilings, or basements
  

Even minor signs should prompt immediate investigation. Pests in a healthcare facility can spread pathogens quickly and compromise patient safety.

Best Practices for Healthcare Pest Control

Effective pest control in healthcare facilities combines prevention, monitoring, and professional treatment.

1. Maintain Cleanliness: Regular cleaning of kitchens, cafeterias, and patient areas reduces food and water sources for pests. Spills should be cleaned immediately, and trash must be emptied regularly in sealed containers.

2. Inspect Deliveries: Many pests are introduced through shipments. Inspect all incoming supplies for insects, eggs, or signs of contamination before they enter storage or patient areas.

3. Seal Entry Points: Doors, windows, vents, and utility lines should be inspected for gaps or cracks. Proper sealing prevents pests from entering sensitive areas.

4. Monitor Continuously: Regular inspections using traps, sensors, or monitoring devices help detect pests before they become a full-blown infestation. Healthcare facilities should maintain logs of inspections and treatments.

5. Staff Training: Educating staff about proper sanitation, reporting procedures, and pest awareness is crucial. Everyone plays a role in maintaining a sterile environment.

6. Integrated Pest Management (IPM): IPM focuses on prevention, monitoring, and targeted treatment rather than relying solely on pesticides. This method minimizes chemical use while keeping pests under control—a safe approach for sensitive healthcare environments.

Why Professional Pest Control Matters

Healthcare facilities have unique challenges that require expert handling. DIY treatments or over-the-counter solutions are insufficient because pests can hide in walls, ceilings, and other inaccessible areas. Professional pest control companies, like Positive Pest Management, provide comprehensive services including inspections, targeted treatments, and long-term monitoring.

Professionals also ensure that treatments comply with healthcare regulations and safety standards. Every product and method is carefully chosen to be effective without compromising patient care or contaminating sterile areas.

The Cost of Neglect

Ignoring pest control in healthcare facilities can have severe consequences. Contaminated supplies or equipment can lead to infections, health code violations, or even legal liability. Staff and patients may lose trust in the facility’s ability to provide safe care. In the long run, untreated infestations are far more expensive than routine inspections and preventive measures.

Maintaining a Sterile Environment Year-Round

Pest control in healthcare facilities is not a one-time task—it requires ongoing vigilance. Routine inspections, preventive maintenance, and professional support help ensure that pests never compromise patient safety.

With the right approach, hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities can remain clean, sterile, and fully operational. Positive Pest Management partners with healthcare providers to deliver comprehensive pest control solutions that protect patients, staff, and property while ensuring compliance with all health and safety standards.

Keeping a sterile environment is essential for healthcare success. Proactive pest management safeguards patients, preserves equipment, and maintains the facility’s reputation. With expert care and consistent monitoring, pests can be kept out of healthcare facilities for good.

The holiday season is one of the most exciting times of the year. Families gather, travelers pack their bags, and people head out on road trips or flights to see loved ones. But with all that travel comes one unwelcome risk—bed bugs. These tiny hitchhikers don’t care whether you’re staying in a luxury hotel or a friend’s guest room. If they find a way into your luggage, they can follow you home and cause a serious infestation. Understanding how to prevent this can save you stress, time, and money. Here’s how to travel smart this holiday season, with help from Positive Pest Management.

Why Bed Bugs Spread During the Holidays

Bed bugs are expert travelers. They can’t fly or jump, but they move easily by clinging to clothing, luggage, and personal items. During the holidays, travel activity skyrockets, creating more opportunities for them to spread from one place to another.

New York travelers are especially at risk because the city connects millions of people through airports, buses, trains, and hotels. Bed bugs can live in any location where people rest or store luggage—even high-end places. Once inside your belongings, they can hitch a ride home, hide in your bedroom, and quickly multiply.

At Positive Pest Management, we see a noticeable rise in bed bug calls after the holiday travel season. The good news? Most infestations are preventable with a few simple precautions.

How to Check Your Lodging for Bed Bugs

Whether you’re staying in a hotel, a short-term rental, or with relatives, a quick inspection can make a big difference. Bed bugs are small—about the size of an apple seed—but they leave signs behind. Here’s what to do before you unpack:

1. Inspect the bed first. Pull back the sheets and check the seams, edges, and corners of the mattress and box spring. Look for small brownish-red spots (bed bug droppings) or tiny shed skins.
   
2. Check the headboard and nightstands. Bed bugs like to hide close to where people sleep. Look in cracks, behind the headboard, and under furniture.
   
3. Use a flashlight. Bed bugs are nocturnal and prefer dark spaces, so good lighting helps you spot them.
   
4. Don’t place your luggage on the bed. Use a luggage rack or leave bags in the bathroom while inspecting the room.
   

If you find any suspicious signs, ask for a different room—or, if possible, switch hotels.

Smart Packing Tips to Prevent Bed Bug Hitchhikers

The way you pack can also protect you from bringing bed bugs home. Consider these easy travel hacks:

• Use hard-shell luggage. Bed bugs have a harder time clinging to smooth surfaces than to fabric suitcases.
  
• Pack clothes in sealable plastic bags. This limits where bed bugs can hide.
  
• Bring a portable flashlight. It’s handy for quick inspections, especially in dimly lit rooms.
  
• Avoid unpacking into drawers or closets. Keep your clothes in your suitcase to reduce contact with furniture.
  

When you return home, unpack carefully. Wash and dry all clothing—clean or not—on the highest heat setting the fabric allows. Bed bugs and their eggs can’t survive high heat, making this one of the best preventive steps you can take.

What to Do When You Return Home

Once you’re back in your New York home, a few smart actions can stop any potential bed bugs from settling in:

1. Inspect your luggage. Before bringing bags inside, check seams, zippers, and pockets for bugs or eggs.
   
2. Unpack in a laundry room or garage if possible. This keeps any stray insects out of your living space.
   
3. Vacuum your luggage. Use the hose attachment to clean the inside and outside of your suitcase.
   
4. Wash all clothes immediately. Heat kills bed bugs at all life stages, so run everything through the dryer for at least 30 minutes.
   

Even with precautions, it’s still possible for bed bugs to slip through. If you notice bites, blood spots on sheets, or a musty odor in your bedroom, call a pest control professional right away. Positive Pest Management specializes in thorough bed bug inspections and treatments for New York homes. Acting quickly can stop a small problem from turning into a major infestation.

Common Myths About Bed Bugs and Travel

Myth 1: Only dirty hotels have bed bugs.
False—bed bugs can show up anywhere people sleep, regardless of cleanliness or cost.

Myth 2: Bed bugs can’t survive in winter.
Wrong—while cold slows them down, bed bugs live indoors where it’s warm year-round.

Myth 3: You can get rid of them with bug spray.
Most over-the-counter sprays only kill bugs on contact and don’t reach hidden eggs. Professional treatment is the most reliable solution.

Stay Bed Bug-Free This Holiday Season

Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers, but they’re not unbeatable. A little awareness goes a long way. By inspecting your travel accommodations, packing smart, and cleaning thoroughly when you return, you can dramatically reduce your risk of bringing these pests home.

If you suspect bed bugs after traveling—or just want peace of mind—professional help is your best defense. Positive Pest Management offers trusted, effective bed bug inspections and treatments throughout New York City. Our experts know how to identify, eliminate, and prevent infestations so you can relax and enjoy the holiday season bed bug-free.

With the right precautions and professional support, you can travel confidently, knowing your home will stay safe, comfortable, and pest-free all winter long.

New York City is famous for many things—its skyline, its culture, and its 24/7 subway system. Millions of people ride buses, trains, and subways every day to get where they need to go. But with so many people sharing small spaces, it’s natural to wonder: Can you get bed bugs from the NYC subway or other public transportation? The short answer is yes—it’s possible, though not common. Understanding how bed bugs spread and how to protect yourself can make your commute a lot less stressful. With expert guidance from Positive Pest Management, you can stay informed and prevent unwanted hitchhikers from coming home with you.

Bed Bugs and Public Spaces

Bed bugs are known for living in bedrooms, but they can survive anywhere people sit or rest for long periods. That includes buses, trains, taxis, and even subway seats. While they don’t jump or fly, bed bugs are great travelers. They spread by crawling onto clothing, bags, or personal items. In a crowded city like New York, it’s easy for them to move from one person’s belongings to another’s without being noticed.

However, it’s important to understand that the subway itself doesn’t “cause” bed bugs. These pests don’t live on metal poles or subway floors. Instead, they hitch a ride on people’s items. When someone with a bed bug infestation sits down, a few bugs may crawl off and hide in the fabric of the seat or attach themselves to another passenger’s belongings.

That means bed bugs can appear anywhere—on the subway, in cabs, or on public benches—but they can’t survive long unless they find another host or warm environment, like your home.

How Bed Bugs Spread in Transit

Public transportation is designed for quick trips, but that’s all bed bugs need to relocate. They’re tiny—about the size of an apple seed—and excellent at hiding. They can fit into the seams of upholstered seats, small cracks near seat edges, or inside personal items like backpacks and jackets.

In New York, where commuters use multiple forms of transportation daily, the chance of accidental transfer increases. Bed bugs might:

• Crawl from an infested bag or coat to the next seat.
  
• Get carried on a person’s clothing and drop off when they sit.
  
• Hide in soft materials like scarves, hats, or blankets used during the winter months.
  

While this can sound alarming, keep in mind that finding bed bugs in public transit is still relatively rare. Most people who encounter them on a train or bus do not end up bringing an infestation home.

Recognizing the Signs

Bed bugs are sneaky, but there are a few telltale signs you can look out for. On public transportation, keep an eye out for:

• Small reddish-brown bugs about 4–5 mm long.
  
• Tiny dark spots (bed bug droppings) on fabric seats.
  
• Light-colored eggs or shells near seams or corners.
  
• Bite marks that appear in clusters or lines, often on exposed skin like arms or ankles.
  

If you ever spot a bug that looks suspicious on the subway or a bus, avoid sitting there and report it to the MTA or the appropriate transit authority.

How to Protect Yourself

There’s no need to panic about bed bugs in public spaces, but a few precautions can greatly reduce your risk. Here’s how to stay safe while commuting in New York:

• Avoid placing bags on seats or the floor. Keep purses and backpacks on your lap or hung from your shoulder.
  
• Wear smooth clothing. Bed bugs have a harder time clinging to materials like nylon or leather compared to wool or cotton.
  
• Inspect your belongings. After long commutes or travel, check bags and coats for any signs of bugs before bringing them inside.
  
• Clean regularly. Wash travel clothes in hot water and vacuum your home often, especially near entryways.
  
• Stay aware when traveling. Bed bugs are more likely to spread in high-traffic areas like train stations, hotels, or buses.
  

What to Do If You Think You Brought Bed Bugs Home

If you suspect you’ve brought home an unwanted passenger, don’t ignore it. Early action is key. Wash and dry all clothing and bedding on the hottest setting, vacuum thoroughly, and inspect mattresses and furniture.

If you still see signs of bed bugs, it’s best to call a professional. DIY methods rarely work against a full infestation because bed bugs hide in tiny spaces you can’t easily reach. Positive Pest Management provides effective bed bug inspections and treatments for New York homes and businesses. Their experts know where bed bugs hide and how to eliminate them safely and efficiently.

The Bottom Line

While it’s possible to get bed bugs from the NYC subway or other public transportation, it’s not something that happens often. Bed bugs don’t live on trains or buses for long—they rely on people to move them from place to place. Taking simple precautions and staying alert can go a long way toward preventing problems.

If you ever suspect a bed bug issue, don’t wait. Professional help ensures the problem is handled quickly and completely. Positive Pest Management is here to help New Yorkers protect their homes, apartments, and businesses from these persistent pests—no matter where they try to hide.

If you live in New York City, pigeons are part of daily life. They perch on rooftops, ledges, and fire escapes, often seen as harmless city birds. But what many New Yorkers don’t realize is that pigeons can bring an unwanted guest with them—bird mites. These tiny parasites can cause itchy bites, skin irritation, and major frustration for homeowners and tenants alike. In this post, we’ll explain how pigeons lead to bird mite infestations, what to look for, and how Positive Pest Management can help keep your home safe.

What Are Bird Mites?

Bird mites are microscopic parasites that feed on the blood of birds like pigeons, sparrows, and starlings. They are so small—less than a millimeter—that they can be hard to see with the naked eye. Bird mites live in nests, where they feed on baby birds or adult birds resting there. When the birds leave or the nest is abandoned, the mites lose their food source. That’s when they start to move—often right into nearby apartments or offices in search of a new host.

In NYC, where pigeons nest in almost every nook and cranny of buildings, this is a common problem. These mites can enter through air conditioners, vents, cracks in windows, or even electrical outlets. Once inside, they can spread quickly.

Why Pigeons Are a Problem in NYC

Pigeons thrive in New York because the city offers endless food and shelter. Rooftops, window ledges, and balcony awnings are perfect nesting spots. Unfortunately, when pigeons build their nests on these surfaces, they bring along mites.

Here’s how it happens:

1. A pigeon nest forms on your building or window ledge.
   
2. Mites breed inside the nest, feeding on the pigeons.
   
3. When pigeons leave, the mites spread out looking for a new food source.
   
4. They enter your home, especially through open windows or poorly sealed areas.
   

Even a small abandoned nest can host thousands of mites. Once inside, these pests can cause red, itchy bites, crawling sensations on your skin, and sleepless nights. While they can’t live on humans for long, they can survive long enough to make you miserable.

Signs You May Have Bird Mites

Bird mite infestations often go unnoticed at first. Because they’re so small, many people mistake them for dust or dirt. Here are some signs to watch for:

• Tiny, moving specks on walls, curtains, or bedding
  
• Itchy bites, especially at night or after sitting on furniture
  
• Small red marks that don’t swell like mosquito bites
  
• Crawling sensations on your skin even when you can’t see the bugs
  
• Pigeon nests on or near your building
  

If you’re seeing any of these signs, you might be dealing with bird mites instead of bed bugs or fleas.

Preventing Bird Mite Infestations

The best way to stop bird mites is to stop pigeons from nesting near your home. Here are a few practical tips:

• Inspect ledges and balconies regularly for nests or droppings.
  
• Seal openings around air conditioners, vents, and windows.
  
• Install pigeon deterrents like bird spikes or netting on ledges.
  
• Don’t feed pigeons near your building—it only attracts more.
  
• Hire professionals to safely remove pigeon nests and sanitize the area.
  

Once pigeons are gone, nests must be cleaned out carefully. Simply removing the nest without treatment can cause mites to scatter into the building, making the problem worse.

How Professionals Handle Bird Mite Problems

Because bird mites are tiny and spread easily, DIY treatments rarely work. Regular bug sprays or cleaners won’t eliminate them. Professional exterminators like Positive Pest Management use targeted treatments designed to reach hidden areas where mites hide—like behind walls, in ducts, and around window frames.

Our technicians inspect the area thoroughly, identify all possible entry points, and treat both the interior and exterior of your home. We also work to locate and remove the source—usually the pigeon nest itself. After treatment, we help you take preventive steps so the problem doesn’t come back.

With the right approach, you can get rid of bird mites completely and keep your home comfortable and safe.

When to Call for Help

If you’ve noticed pigeon activity near your building or have unexplained bites that seem to come out of nowhere, it’s time to call a pest control professional. The sooner the issue is addressed, the easier it is to control. Bird mites multiply quickly, and what starts as a minor issue can turn into a full infestation in just a few days.

Positive Pest Management specializes in handling bird mite infestations in NYC apartments, offices, and multi-unit buildings. Our experienced team knows exactly how to identify the source, eliminate the problem, and prevent it from returning.

Final Thoughts

Pigeons may seem like just another part of New York City life, but their nests can hide a serious pest threat. Bird mites can invade your living space, bite humans, and cause ongoing discomfort if left untreated. The best protection is prevention—and quick action if you spot a problem.

Don’t let pigeons make your home their home. Call Positive Pest Management to remove nests safely and stop bird mites before they spread.

Demolition projects in New York City are complex operations, involving careful planning, safety protocols, and environmental considerations. One critical, but often overlooked, aspect is rodent control. Old buildings are home to rats and mice, and when structures are torn down, these pests can scatter, spreading disease and causing post-demolition infestations. Proper rodent management isn’t just best practice—it’s a requirement under NYC regulations. Positive Pest Management specializes in ensuring demolition projects meet all rodent control requirements while keeping workers and the public safe.

Why Rodent Control Is Essential Before Demolition

NYC buildings, especially older structures, often house large rodent populations. Rats and mice thrive in basements, crawl spaces, and behind walls. Demolition disturbs these habitats, causing rodents to flee into nearby streets, alleys, or neighboring buildings.

Rodents can carry diseases such as leptospirosis, salmonella, and hantavirus. They also contaminate surfaces with urine and droppings, potentially creating public health hazards. Without proper rodent control, demolition projects risk spreading infestations beyond the construction site, leading to complaints, fines, or legal liability.

NYC Regulations for Rodent Management

The City of New York has clear rules regarding rodent control during demolition. The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) requires that all demolition projects consider pest management to minimize public health risks. Key regulations include:

1. Pre-Demolition Rodent Inspection: Contractors must conduct thorough inspections of the building to assess rodent activity. Evidence such as droppings, gnaw marks, or nesting materials must be documented.
   
2. Rodent Baiting or Trapping: Before demolition begins, rodent populations should be controlled using approved bait stations or traps. The placement must follow safety guidelines to prevent accidental exposure to workers or the public.
   
3. Monitoring and Documentation: Records of bait placement, type of rodenticide used, and follow-up inspections must be kept. These records may be required for compliance checks by city officials.
   
4. Safe Removal of Debris: All debris must be managed to prevent sheltering rodents. Covered dumpsters, sealed waste bags, and timely removal reduce the chance of pests returning to the site.
   
5. Compliance With Environmental and Safety Codes: Rodent control must adhere to OSHA and EPA guidelines. This ensures that workers handling rodenticides are trained and that chemicals are used safely.
   

Failure to follow these rules can result in citations, fines, or project delays. More importantly, improper rodent control can lead to health risks for workers, nearby residents, and businesses.

Best Practices for Demolition Rodent Control

While regulations provide a framework, professional expertise ensures effective implementation. Here’s how experts approach rodent control during demolition:

1. Pre-Demolition Planning: Rodent management is included in the demolition plan from the start. Site inspections identify rodent hotspots and determine the best baiting or trapping strategy.

2. Targeted Rodenticide Use: Licensed technicians place rodent bait in strategic locations such as basements, utility tunnels, and storage areas. Bait stations are tamper-resistant to protect workers and the public.

3. Monitoring Throughout Demolition: Rodent activity is monitored during the demolition process. This allows technicians to adjust treatments if rodents migrate or new activity appears.

4. Post-Demolition Follow-Up: After debris removal, the site is inspected to ensure rodents haven’t returned. Any remaining populations are eliminated promptly, and recommendations are made to prevent post-demolition infestations.

5. Record-Keeping and Reporting: Detailed records of inspections, bait placement, and follow-ups help demonstrate compliance with NYC regulations and provide accountability.

Challenges of Rodent Control in NYC

Demolition rodent control in NYC faces unique challenges. The city’s dense urban environment allows rodents to move between buildings, alleys, and sewers. Older buildings often have multiple access points, including broken vents, damaged doors, or utility lines, making rodent control more complicated. Weather can also affect rodent activity and bait effectiveness.

Working in compliance with both city regulations and safety standards requires experience and knowledge. Professional pest management companies, like Positive Pest Management, understand these complexities and can implement effective solutions that minimize risk and ensure regulatory compliance.

The Importance of Professional Assistance

DIY rodent control is not sufficient for demolition projects. Untrained personnel may place bait improperly, leaving workers and the public at risk. Pests may scatter, spreading infestations instead of containing them. Hiring professionals ensures:

• Compliance with NYC health and safety regulations
  
• Effective elimination of rodent populations
  
• Protection of workers, residents, and the surrounding community
  
• Proper documentation and reporting for inspections
  

Protecting Your Project and the Public

Rodent control is more than a regulatory requirement—it’s an essential part of safe and successful demolition. Proper planning, monitoring, and professional execution protect workers, nearby residents, and your investment. By addressing rodent issues before demolition, projects avoid delays, reduce health risks, and maintain a safe environment for everyone involved.

Positive Pest Management specializes in demolition rodent control across New York City. Our licensed technicians provide pre-demolition inspections, strategic baiting, monitoring, and post-demolition follow-ups to ensure compliance and safety. With professional support, your demolition project can proceed smoothly while minimizing the risks posed by rodents.

Proper rodent management is not optional—it’s a critical component of every NYC demolition project. By partnering with experienced professionals, you ensure a safe, compliant, and pest-free site from start to finish.

New York City’s charm lies in its history—iconic brownstones, pre-war apartments, and century-old office buildings that give the city its distinct character. But behind the beauty of aging architecture hides a major problem: pests. Older buildings throughout NYC are especially vulnerable to infestations from rodents, cockroaches, and other pests that thrive in cracks, leaks, and structural gaps. Because of this, pest control in historic buildings requires more than quick fixes—it takes expertise, strategy, and experience. That’s where Positive Pest Management comes in.

Why Older Buildings Attract Pests

Over time, every building shifts and settles, and as it does, tiny openings form in foundations, walls, and floors. These small cracks create perfect hiding and nesting spots for pests. Rodents can squeeze through holes the size of a dime, and insects can fit through even smaller gaps. In older NYC structures, that means countless potential entry points.

Aging plumbing and heating systems add to the problem. Leaky pipes, condensation, and damp basements create moisture—something pests like roaches and silverfish love. Even the heat from old radiators or steam systems can draw insects looking for warmth in winter.

Ventilation systems, shared walls, and aging utility lines allow pests to move freely from one apartment or office to another. Once an infestation begins in one section of a building, it can quickly spread through the entire structure if not handled properly.

Common Pests Found in NYC’s Aging Buildings

Certain pests are especially common in older New York buildings:

Rodents: Rats and mice use broken vents, open pipes, and foundation cracks to enter. Once inside, they chew through wires and insulation, contaminating surfaces and food.

Cockroaches: Roaches thrive in damp, warm areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and boiler rooms. German cockroaches—one of the most common in NYC—reproduce quickly and can be difficult to eliminate without professional treatment.

Bed Bugs: While not caused by building age, bed bugs spread easily in multi-unit properties with shared walls and high tenant turnover. Older plaster walls and crevices provide excellent hiding places.

Bird Mites and Pigeons: Rooftop ledges and air conditioner units often become pigeon nesting spots. When pigeons leave, their nests can release mites into apartments, leading to itchy bites and frustration.

Ants and Silverfish: These pests love dark, damp basements and old storage areas where moisture accumulates.

How Building Design Makes Pest Control Harder

Many of NYC’s older structures were built long before modern pest prevention methods existed. Shared trash chutes, open basements, and connected plumbing systems make it easy for pests to move from one area to another. Poorly sealed windows, aging brickwork, and damaged insulation add more entry points.

A single gap under a radiator or a loose window frame might not seem like much—but for a mouse, it’s a doorway. These design flaws make pest control in historic buildings far more complex than in newer constructions.

That’s why a one-time treatment is rarely enough. Long-term pest management in old buildings requires ongoing maintenance, inspections, and sealing of entry points. Positive Pest Management understands how to handle these challenges, using advanced techniques tailored specifically for NYC’s infrastructure.

Why DIY Pest Control Doesn’t Work

Many building owners and tenants try store-bought traps or sprays, but in older properties, those products rarely reach where pests actually hide. Mice, cockroaches, and bed bugs often nest deep within walls, behind radiators, or under floorboards—places home treatments can’t touch.

DIY methods might offer temporary relief but don’t eliminate the source. Worse, they can cause pests to scatter, spreading infestations to new areas. Professional treatment is the only way to fully remove pests and keep them from returning.

Professional Pest Control for Historic NYC Buildings

Experienced pest control experts know that treating an old building takes more than standard spraying. Professionals begin with a full inspection—checking attics, basements, walls, and utility systems to find entry points and signs of activity.

Once problem areas are identified, targeted treatments are applied to eliminate pests at the source. Then, technicians seal cracks, fix openings, and recommend maintenance steps to prevent future infestations. Positive Pest Management also uses Integrated Pest Management (IPM), a science-based strategy that combines prevention, sanitation, monitoring, and treatment.

This proactive approach is ideal for old buildings because it reduces conditions that attract pests in the first place. Regular inspections and preventive treatments help keep infestations under control year-round, even in the most challenging structures.

Keeping NYC’s Historic Buildings Pest-Free

New York’s old buildings are part of what makes the city special, but they come with unique pest control needs. By staying proactive—sealing small openings, maintaining clean shared spaces, and scheduling routine inspections—owners and tenants can protect their properties and preserve their charm.

If you manage or live in one of NYC’s historic buildings, don’t wait for pests to take over. Positive Pest Management has the experience and tools to handle pest problems in even the oldest city structures.

From pre-war apartments to commercial landmarks, Positive Pest Management provides safe, effective, and reliable pest control solutions designed for New York’s toughest buildings—helping you protect both your property and your peace of mind.

New York City is famous for many things—its skyline, pizza, and fast-paced lifestyle. Unfortunately, it’s also well known for cockroaches. For many New Yorkers, spotting a roach in the kitchen late at night is an all-too-common experience. But did you know that not all roaches are the same? In fact, several species of cockroaches thrive in NYC, each with its own habits, hiding spots, and risks. Understanding the types of roaches you might encounter can help you protect your home and know when it’s time to call the experts.

Why Roaches Thrive in New York

Cockroaches love warm, damp environments with easy access to food and shelter. With so many apartment buildings, restaurants, and underground spaces, New York provides the perfect habitat. Once they get inside, they can survive on just about anything—crumbs, grease, cardboard, even glue. Roaches are not only annoying but can also spread bacteria, contaminate food, and trigger allergies. Knowing the specific species you’re dealing with is an important step in controlling them.

The Four Most Common Roaches in NYC

While there are thousands of cockroach species worldwide, only a few are commonly found in New York homes and apartments. Let’s take a closer look at the main culprits.

1. German Cockroach

The German cockroach is the most common species in NYC apartments. These roaches are small, usually about half an inch long, and light brown with two dark stripes running down their backs. They reproduce quickly, which makes them especially hard to control. A single female can produce dozens of offspring, leading to large infestations in a short period of time.

German cockroaches prefer kitchens and bathrooms because they thrive in warm, moist areas close to food and water. You’ll often find them near sinks, behind stoves, or in cabinets. Because they hide so well, infestations often go unnoticed until they’ve become severe.

2. American Cockroach

The American cockroach is the largest roach found in NYC, often growing up to two inches long. Reddish-brown in color, these pests are sometimes called “water bugs,” though they are not aquatic. They’re more common in basements, boiler rooms, and sewers, but they can make their way into apartments through pipes and drains.

American cockroaches can fly short distances, which makes them even more unsettling for homeowners. They prefer dark, damp areas and can live for months without food. While they don’t infest apartments as often as German cockroaches, spotting even one is a sign to take action.

3. Oriental Cockroach

Oriental cockroaches are shiny, dark brown to almost black, and about an inch long. Sometimes called “black beetles,” these roaches move more slowly than other species but are just as persistent. They prefer cooler, damp environments and are often found in basements, crawl spaces, and areas with leaky pipes.

Unlike German cockroaches, Oriental roaches don’t usually live inside kitchens, but they can still invade apartments through drains and cracks. They’re known for having a particularly strong odor, which makes infestations unpleasant.

4. Brown-Banded Cockroach

The brown-banded cockroach is smaller than most species, usually less than half an inch long, and light brown with distinctive banding across its wings. Unlike German roaches, which stay near food and water, brown-banded roaches prefer dry, warm areas. You might find them hiding in closets, furniture, or even behind wall hangings and electronics.

Because they can spread throughout a home instead of staying close to the kitchen or bathroom, brown-banded cockroaches can be more difficult to track down. They’re less common in New York than German or American cockroaches, but infestations do occur.

How to Tell You Have a Roach Problem

No matter the species, cockroaches often leave behind signs of their presence before you spot them directly. Common warning signs include:

• Droppings that look like black pepper or coffee grounds
  
• Egg cases hidden in cracks or behind furniture
  
• Shed skins or body parts
  
• A strong, musty odor in infested areas
  
• Roaches seen at night (if you’re seeing them in the daytime, it often means a large infestation)
  

Why Professional Help Is Important

Cockroaches are resilient pests. They can survive for weeks without food, hide in tiny cracks, and adapt to many DIY treatments. Because different species have different habits, knowing which type you’re dealing with is key to eliminating them.

That’s where professional pest control comes in. Experts can identify the specific roach species in your home, target their hiding spots, and use proven methods to get rid of them. More importantly, they can help prevent roaches from returning by addressing the conditions that attract them in the first place.

Take Action Against Roaches

Living with cockroaches isn’t just unpleasant—it’s unhealthy. These pests can spread bacteria, worsen allergies, and contaminate food supplies. Whether it’s German roaches in your kitchen, American roaches in your basement, or brown-banded roaches hiding in your furniture, quick action is essential.

If you’ve noticed signs of roaches in your home or apartment, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Positive Pest Management provides expert solutions to eliminate cockroaches and keep your space safe, clean, and comfortable.

When most people think about pests in New York City, cockroaches, rats, and bed bugs usually come to mind first. But there’s another pest that quietly causes problems in homes, apartments, and businesses: moths. These small insects might not seem like a big deal at first, but they can create serious headaches when they multiply and damage clothing, food, and furniture. If you’ve ever pulled out your favorite sweater to find holes in it, you already know the frustration moths can cause.

Why Moths Are Considered Pests

Moths are not dangerous to humans in the way mosquitoes or ticks are, but they can still cause significant problems. Their biggest threat comes from their larvae. Adult moths themselves don’t eat your clothing or food, but they lay eggs in hidden places. Once those eggs hatch, the larvae get to work feeding on natural fibers like wool, silk, and cotton, as well as dry goods like rice, flour, and cereal.

In a city like New York, where many people live in close quarters and rely on shared spaces such as closets, laundry rooms, and pantries, it’s easy for moth infestations to spread quickly. A few unnoticed moths can turn into a full-blown infestation in just a few weeks.

Common Types of Moths in NYC

There are many species of moths, but only a few are considered true pests in New York City.

• Clothes Moths: These are perhaps the most well-known pest moths. They are small, golden or beige in color, and often go unnoticed until damage is discovered. Their larvae feed on natural fibers, making sweaters, coats, and rugs their main targets.
  
• Pantry Moths: Also known as Indian meal moths, these moths infest food items. They are often found in flour, pasta, cereal, or dried fruit. If you’ve ever opened a box of rice and noticed small webbing inside, pantry moths were likely the cause.
  
• Carpet Moths: Similar to clothes moths, carpet moth larvae feed on fibers found in rugs, upholstery, and even taxidermy. These can be especially troubling in apartments with wall-to-wall carpeting.
  

Signs of a Moth Infestation

Spotting adult moths fluttering around your home is one of the first signs, but it’s not always the most obvious. More often, people notice the results of moth activity rather than the moths themselves. Some common signs include:

• Holes or thinning in wool sweaters, coats, or scarves
  
• Small, silky cases or cocoons in closets or drawers
  
• Webbing or clumping in dry food products
  
• Tiny larvae or caterpillars in food containers or fabric folds
  

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to act quickly before the problem spreads.

Why Moths Thrive in NYC

New York City offers the perfect environment for moths to survive. Apartments are often warm, which allows moth eggs and larvae to develop quickly year-round. The city’s density also plays a role. Shared laundry facilities, secondhand furniture, and even clothing swaps can spread moth infestations without anyone realizing it.

Another reason moths thrive here is the abundance of food sources. Between closets filled with natural-fiber clothing and pantries stocked with grains and dry goods, moths can easily find what they need to survive.

Preventing Moth Infestations

The good news is that with some prevention steps, you can lower your risk of moth problems. Here are a few simple ways to protect your home:

• Store off-season clothing in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags.
  
• Wash or dry-clean clothes before storing them away. Moths are attracted to natural oils, sweat, and food stains.
  
• Keep pantry items in sealed glass or plastic containers rather than cardboard or paper boxes.
  
• Regularly vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture to remove hidden eggs or larvae.
  
• Check secondhand items carefully before bringing them into your home.
  

How to Get Rid of Moths

Once moths have made their way into your home, they can be difficult to remove on your own. While cleaning and vacuuming can help, infestations often need stronger solutions. Professional pest control experts know how to identify the type of moth causing trouble and use safe, effective treatments to eliminate both the adults and larvae.

Moths are sneaky and persistent, which is why do-it-yourself methods often don’t work in the long run. Professional help not only gets rid of the existing infestation but also provides guidance on preventing future problems.

Why Professional Help Matters

In a city like New York, it’s not just about getting rid of moths—it’s about protecting your belongings and your peace of mind. A small infestation can quickly lead to hundreds of dollars in damaged clothing or contaminated food. Professional pest management ensures that moths are eliminated at the source, saving you stress and money.

If you’ve noticed signs of moth activity in your home or business, it’s time to call in the experts. Positive Pest Management offers reliable solutions to handle moth infestations and protect your space from future problems.

When most people hear the words “bed bugs,” the first reaction is usually fear and disgust. Bed bugs are tiny, sneaky, and hard to get rid of once they invade your home. They bite at night, leaving itchy red welts that make it hard to sleep peacefully. But beyond the annoyance and stress, many people wonder: can bed bugs actually spread disease? It’s an important question, especially in a city like New York where bed bug infestations are still a serious problem.

What Bed Bugs Really Are

Bed bugs are small, flat insects that feed on blood. Unlike ticks or mosquitoes, which often live outdoors, bed bugs prefer indoor spaces and human hosts. They usually hide in mattresses, furniture, and cracks in walls, coming out at night to bite. Their bites are itchy and uncomfortable, but bed bugs aren’t known to transmit diseases to humans the way mosquitoes spread malaria or ticks spread Lyme disease. That said, bed bugs can still cause other health problems that are worth taking seriously.

What the Science Says

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other major health organizations, there’s currently no solid evidence that bed bugs directly spread diseases to humans. Over the years, scientists have tested whether bed bugs could carry viruses, bacteria, or parasites, but results show they don’t effectively pass them on through their bites.

This is different from mosquitoes or fleas, which are well-known carriers of dangerous diseases. Bed bugs don’t seem to have the right biology to transmit infections when they feed. So while they are frustrating and upsetting, they aren’t considered a public health danger in the same way other biting insects are.

Health Risks Beyond Disease

Even though bed bugs aren’t known to spread diseases, that doesn’t mean they’re harmless. An infestation can still create several serious problems for your health and well-being.

Allergic Reactions

Some people are allergic to bed bug bites. While many only experience mild itching, others may develop larger, painful welts or even more severe allergic reactions that require medical treatment.

Skin Infections

Because bed bug bites itch so much, people often scratch them without realizing it. Excessive scratching can break the skin, leading to secondary infections like impetigo or cellulitis. These infections are caused by bacteria entering open wounds and can sometimes require antibiotics to treat.

Mental and Emotional Stress

Living with bed bugs can take a huge emotional toll. Many people lose sleep because they’re afraid of being bitten at night. The constant anxiety and lack of rest can lead to stress, depression, and even insomnia. In some cases, people report feeling embarrassed or isolated, even though infestations are extremely common and not a reflection of cleanliness.

Financial Strain

Another issue is cost. Getting rid of bed bugs often requires professional treatment, which can feel overwhelming. Replacing infested furniture, clothing, or bedding only adds to the expense. This financial pressure can also add stress to an already difficult situation.

How to Protect Yourself From Bed Bugs

Since bed bugs don’t spread disease, the biggest concern is avoiding bites and preventing infestations in the first place. Here are some practical steps to keep your home safe:

• Inspect your bedding regularly: Look for small dark spots, shed skins, or live bugs near mattress seams and headboards.
  
• Be careful with secondhand items: Used furniture and clothing are common sources of bed bug infestations. Always inspect and clean items thoroughly before bringing them home.
  
• Travel smart: Hotels and vacation rentals can harbor bed bugs. Check the mattress, headboard, and furniture before settling in. Keep your suitcase off the floor and wash clothes in hot water when you return home.
  
• Reduce clutter: The fewer hiding places bed bugs have, the easier it is to spot them early and prevent infestations from spreading.
  

Why Professional Help Matters

Bed bugs are notorious for being one of the toughest pests to eliminate. Home remedies like sprays, foggers, or DIY traps rarely work, and infestations often come back if not treated correctly. Professional pest control experts know how to target bed bugs at every stage of their life cycle—eggs, nymphs, and adults—using safe, proven methods.

Trying to handle bed bugs on your own often leads to wasted time, money, and frustration. That’s why it’s best to call in trusted professionals who have the tools and knowledge to solve the problem for good.

The Bottom Line

Bed bugs don’t transmit diseases the way some other pests do, but that doesn’t mean they’re harmless. Their bites can lead to allergic reactions, infections, stress, and sleepless nights. And because they’re so difficult to eliminate, infestations can quickly feel overwhelming.

If you suspect bed bugs in your home, don’t wait until the problem gets worse. Positive Pest Management has the experience and solutions needed to eliminate bed bugs and give you peace of mind. You deserve a safe, comfortable, and pest-free home.

As the temperatures start to drop in New York, people begin to prepare for the colder months by pulling out winter coats, sealing windows, and stocking up on supplies. But while you’re getting ready for winter, pests are also preparing—and your home could be their target. Rodents, cockroaches, and even certain insects see the winter season as an opportunity to find warmth, shelter, and food inside. Understanding which pests are most active and knowing how to prepare your home can make the difference between a cozy winter and one filled with pest problems.

Why Pests Move Inside During Winter

Just like people, pests don’t enjoy the cold. When the weather drops, outdoor food and shelter become harder to find, so many pests start looking indoors. Homes and apartments in New York City provide the perfect refuge: they’re warm, filled with food, and full of small cracks and entry points that pests can use to sneak in. Once they find their way inside, these pests can be difficult to remove without professional help.

Common Winter Pests in New York

Some pests are more likely to appear in your home during winter than others.

• Rodents: Mice and rats are perhaps the most common winter pests in New York. They chew through wires, insulation, and food packaging, creating both health and safety hazards.
  
• Cockroaches: Roaches don’t hibernate. Instead, they move into warm, damp areas like kitchens and bathrooms, spreading germs as they search for food.
  
• Spiders: While most spiders aren’t dangerous, many move indoors in search of shelter during the colder months.
  
• Ants: Though ants slow down in the winter, some species may still find their way into heated buildings, especially if food is left out.
  
• Silverfish and other insects: These small pests often hide in basements, attics, or storage areas where they can survive unnoticed.
  

Signs of a Winter Pest Problem

Catching pest problems early can save you from bigger headaches later. Here are some signs to watch for:

• Droppings in cupboards, pantries, or along baseboards
  
• Chewed packaging or wires
  
• Unexplained scratching noises in the walls or ceilings
  
• A musty or foul odor, often linked to roaches or rodents
  
• Visible insects crawling in kitchens, bathrooms, or storage areas
  

If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s important to take action right away.

How to Prepare Your Home Before Winter

Getting your home ready for winter doesn’t just mean turning up the heat—it also means making it less inviting to pests. A few simple steps can help you prevent infestations.

Seal Entry Points

Check for cracks or gaps around windows, doors, and utility lines. Even the smallest opening can be enough for mice to squeeze through. Use caulk or weather stripping to seal gaps, and consider installing door sweeps for extra protection.

Store Food Properly

Pests thrive when food is easy to access. Keep pantry items in airtight containers instead of cardboard boxes or paper bags. Clean up crumbs and spills right away, and don’t leave pet food sitting out overnight.

Keep Clutter Under Control

Stacks of newspapers, cardboard boxes, and unused clothing make the perfect hiding spots for pests. Regularly clean and organize storage areas like basements, attics, and closets to reduce potential shelters.

Maintain Good Sanitation

Vacuum regularly, wipe down counters, and take out the trash frequently. The cleaner your home is, the less attractive it will be to pests looking for food and nesting material.

Inspect Seasonal Items

Before bringing out holiday decorations, winter clothing, or storage bins, inspect them carefully. Pests often hide in boxes that have been stored away for months.

The Importance of Professional Help

While prevention steps go a long way, some infestations require professional treatment. Rodents can multiply quickly, and cockroaches are notoriously hard to eliminate without expert tools and knowledge. Professional pest management services can identify problem areas, safely remove pests, and provide guidance to prevent future issues.

In a city as busy and crowded as New York, pests are a year-round concern, but winter brings unique challenges. With people spending more time indoors, the risks of pest-related damage and health issues increase. Taking the right steps before winter arrives can save you from costly repairs and stress later on.

A Safe and Comfortable Winter

New York winters can be harsh, but your home should remain a place of warmth and comfort—not a hiding spot for pests. By sealing entry points, keeping things clean, and being on the lookout for warning signs, you can enjoy the season without uninvited guests. And if pests do make their way in, Positive Pest Management is here to provide fast, reliable solutions to keep your home protected all winter long.

Bed bugs are one of the most stressful pests people can deal with. They feed on human blood, usually at night, and can make sleeping very uncomfortable. Many people think bed bugs are a year-round problem, but their activity can change with the seasons. Summer months are often the most active time for bed bugs. Understanding seasonal bed bug risks and why summer may be a peak time can help you protect your home and prevent infestations.

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Why Bed Bugs Are More Active in Summer

Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects that hide in cracks and crevices during the day. They reproduce quickly and can spread easily on clothes, luggage, and furniture.

Summer conditions make them more active because:

• Warmer Temperatures Speed Growth: Eggs hatch faster, and young bed bugs grow quicker in heat.
  
• Increased Travel: People travel more in summer. Hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals can be places where bed bugs spread.
  
• More Humidity and Activity: Heat and humidity make bed bugs feed more often, which increases the chances of bites and detection.
  

Because of these factors, summer is often the busiest season for bed bug infestations.

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Travel and Bed Bug Risks

Travel is a major way bed bugs spread in summer:

• Hotels and Lodging: Bed bugs hide in mattresses, headboards, furniture, and luggage racks. They can easily hitch a ride on your bags or clothing.
  
• Public Transportation: Busy buses, trains, or subways can sometimes carry bed bugs, especially during summer travel.
  
• Vacation Rentals: Short-term rentals may not have consistent pest control, increasing the risk of bringing bed bugs home.
  

After traveling, always inspect your luggage and clothes to prevent bed bugs from entering your home.

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Signs of a Summer Infestation

Knowing the signs of bed bugs can help catch infestations early:

• Bites on Skin: Often in lines or clusters.
  
• Blood Stains on Sheets: Small red or rust-colored spots.
  
• Tiny Black or Reddish Spots: Bed bug droppings on mattresses, furniture, or walls.
  
• Shed Skins or Eggs: Found in mattress seams, furniture cracks, or baseboards.
  
• Live Bugs: Usually visible in severe infestations.
  

Summer heat makes bed bugs more active, so checking for signs regularly is important.

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How to Prevent Bed Bugs in Summer

Prevention is key, especially during peak season:

• Inspect Lodging: Check mattresses, furniture, and bedding in hotels or rentals before unpacking.
  
• Protect Luggage: Use luggage racks or protective liners and inspect bags when returning home.
  
• Check Your Home: Look at beds, furniture, and baseboards for signs of bed bugs.
  
• Use Mattress Covers: Encase mattresses and box springs to prevent hiding spots.
  
• Reduce Clutter: Fewer hiding spots make it easier to detect bed bugs early.
  

These simple steps can help you avoid bringing bed bugs home and reduce the chance of an infestation.

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Why Professional Help Is Important

Even with careful prevention, bed bugs can be hard to get rid of. Professional pest control services are often the most effective way to remove them. Experts use:

• Chemical Treatments: Applied to cracks, furniture, and bedding areas.
  
• Heat Treatments: Kill bed bugs at all life stages by raising the temperature in a room or building.
  
• Steam Treatments: Work well for furniture, curtains, and mattresses.
  
• Monitoring and Follow-Up: Ensures the infestation is fully eliminated and prevents return.
  

Professional help ensures a fast, safe, and complete solution. Reach out today if you are in need of expert bed bug extermination in New York City. The Positive Pest Management team is trained to handle such porbelms.

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Conclusion

Bed bugs are a year-round problem, but summer brings extra risks. Warmer temperatures, more travel, and higher humidity make them more active and allow colonies to grow faster. By staying aware, inspecting your home and belongings, and taking preventive steps, you can reduce the risk of infestations.

If you notice bed bugs or want to protect your home during peak season, contact a licensed pest control professional. Early action is key to keeping your home bed bug-free and ensuring peace of mind all summer long.

Few pests are as persistent and stressful as bed bugs. These tiny insects feed on human blood, usually at night, and can quickly turn a good night’s sleep into a nightmare. Found in homes, hotels, and apartments, bed bugs are notoriously difficult to eliminate on your own. Understanding how bed bug extermination works and learning ways to prevent them from returning is essential for every homeowner or renter.

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Why Bed Bugs Are So Difficult to Eliminate

Bed bugs are small, flat, reddish-brown insects that hide in cracks and crevices during the day. They are expert hitchhikers, easily traveling on clothing, luggage, or furniture. A single female can lay hundreds of eggs in her lifetime, making infestations multiply quickly.

What makes them particularly tricky to eliminate includes:

• Hiding Spots: Bed bugs can hide in mattresses, box springs, bed frames, baseboards, furniture, and even behind wallpaper.
  
• Resistance to Some Pesticides: Over time, some bed bug populations have developed resistance to common over-the-counter sprays.
  
• Rapid Reproduction: Infestations can grow quickly if left untreated.
  

Because of these challenges, professional extermination is often the most effective way to fully remove them.

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How Bed Bug Extermination Works

Exterminators use a combination of inspection, treatment, and prevention to eliminate bed bugs:

1. Inspection

Before treatment, a trained technician conducts a thorough inspection. They look for:

• Live bed bugs on mattresses, furniture, and walls.
  
• Shed skins and eggs, which are harder to spot.
  
• Signs of bites or infestations in common hiding spots like baseboards, electrical outlets, and behind picture frames.
  

Some professionals also use bed bug detection dogs trained to sniff out live bugs or eggs, which can speed up detection and ensure no areas are missed.

2. Treatment Methods

Depending on the infestation, exterminators may use a combination of methods:

• Chemical Treatments: Professional-grade insecticides are applied to cracks, crevices, furniture, and bedding areas. These products are stronger than store-bought sprays and are designed to reach hiding bugs.
  
• Heat Treatments: Bed bugs die at high temperatures. Whole-room or whole-home heat treatments raise indoor temperatures to levels lethal for bed bugs. This method can kill bugs and eggs in hard-to-reach places.
  
• Steam Treatments: Steam penetrates furniture, mattresses, and curtains, killing bed bugs on contact.
  
• Encasements: Mattress and box spring covers trap any remaining bugs and prevent new ones from hiding inside.
  

Exterminators usually recommend multiple treatments over a few weeks to ensure every stage of the bed bug life cycle is eliminated.

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Steps You Can Take Before and After Treatment

While professional extermination is crucial, there are steps residents can take to support the process:

• Declutter: Remove unnecessary items to reduce hiding spots.
  
• Launder Bedding and Clothing: Wash and dry items on high heat to kill bed bugs.
  
• Seal Cracks and Crevices: Use caulk or sealants on baseboards, trim, and furniture gaps to limit hiding spots.
  
• Vacuum Regularly: Vacuuming helps remove stray bed bugs and eggs from floors, furniture, and crevices.
  

Following these steps before and after treatment ensures a faster, more effective eradication.

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Preventing Future Infestations

Once bed bugs are gone, prevention is key to keeping them away:

• Inspect Secondhand Furniture: Avoid bringing in used furniture or carefully inspect it before introducing it to your home.
  
• Check Hotel Rooms: When traveling, inspect mattresses, headboards, and furniture before unpacking luggage.
  
• Protect Your Bed: Use bed bug-proof mattress and box spring encasements.
  
• Regular Monitoring: Check bedding, seams, and furniture periodically for signs of bed bugs.
  
• Reduce Clutter: Fewer hiding spots make it easier to spot an infestation early.
  

Early detection and ongoing vigilance are essential to preventing a new infestation.

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Signs You Should Call a Professional

DIY treatments may work for very small infestations, but professional help is usually the most effective solution. Call an exterminator if you notice:

• Bites on the skin, often in lines or clusters.
  
• Live bugs on furniture, walls, or bedding.
  
• Tiny black or reddish spots on sheets or mattresses (fecal matter).
  
• Shed skins or eggs in mattress seams, baseboards, or furniture crevices.
  

Call a licensed professional in bed bug extermination in NYC, they can assess the severity of the infestation, choose the right treatment, and ensure the problem is completely eliminated.

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Final Thoughts

Bed bugs are persistent, fast-reproducing pests that require thorough, professional treatment to eliminate. Successful extermination usually involves a combination of inspections, chemical or heat treatments, steam applications, and mattress encasements. Residents can support the process by cleaning, decluttering, and taking preventive measures.

By understanding what bed bug extermination entails and following best practices for prevention, you can protect your home from future infestations and sleep peacefully again.

Don’t wait until bed bugs take over your home. Contact a trusted professional today for effective bed bug extermination and prevention services in your area to keep your home safe and pest-free.

When most New Yorkers think about pests, they usually picture roaches, mice, or bed bugs. But one of the most serious pests often gets overlooked: termites in NYC. Unlike other pests that are mostly a nuisance, termites can cause major damage to your home. They eat wood from the inside out, which can weaken floors, walls, and even the foundation of a building.

In a city full of older buildings, brownstones, and wooden structures, termites are a real risk. Knowing the signs, preventing infestations, and calling a professional when needed can save you a lot of money and stress.

Why Termites Are a Problem in NYC

Many people think termites are only a problem in warmer climates, but New York City has its share of termite issues. The most common local species, the Eastern Subterranean Termite, lives in large underground colonies and feeds on wood.

NYC homes are at risk because:

• Old buildings often have wooden beams and foundations.
  
• Leaks and damp basements create the moist environment termites love.
  
• Trees, mulch, and wood fencing around homes can attract termites and lead them indoors.
  

Termites usually stay hidden until the damage is serious, which is why early detection is so important.

Signs You Might Have Termites

Termites don’t move around as visibly as roaches or mice, so you have to look for clues. NYC residents should watch for:

• Mud Tubes: Small dirt-colored tunnels along walls or foundations.
  
• Discarded Wings: Piles of tiny wings near windows or doors.
  
• Damaged or Hollow Wood: Wood that sounds hollow when tapped or breaks easily.
  
• Termite Droppings (Frass): Small, wood-like pellets near wood surfaces.
  
• Sagging Floors or Doors: A sign that wood inside the structure may be weakening.
  

If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait—call a professional immediately.

Can You Handle Termites on Your Own?

Termites are not a DIY problem. Sprays or powders from the store may kill a few insects, but they won’t eliminate the colony. Subterranean termites live underground or inside wood, where you can’t reach them.

Professional pest control companies in NYC know how to locate termite colonies, treat them effectively, and prevent them from returning. Acting quickly with experts is the best way to minimize damage and protect your property.

How Professionals Treat Termites in NYC

Pest control companies use several proven methods for termite control:

1. Inspections – Experts check for colonies, hidden damage, and moisture issues using specialized tools.
   
2. Liquid Barriers – Treatments around foundations block termites from entering.
   
3. Bait Stations – Termites carry bait back to their colony, eliminating it from the inside.
   
4. Wood Treatments – Protective solutions applied directly to exposed wood.
   
5. Moisture Control – Repairing leaks and improving airflow to make the home less appealing to termites.
   

A combination of these methods ensures the most effective, long-lasting termite control in NYC homes.

How to Prevent Termites

Even if your home isn’t currently infested, you can reduce the risk of termites:

• Fix leaks quickly to avoid damp conditions.
  
• Keep firewood and scrap wood away from your house.
  
• Avoid using too much mulch near the foundation.
  
• Seal cracks and gaps where termites could enter.
  
• Schedule annual termite inspections in NYC for early detection.
  

Prevention is far cheaper and less stressful than dealing with major termite damage.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Termites

Termites don’t just cause minor problems—they can cost thousands of dollars in repairs if left untreated. Nationwide, termites cause billions in property damage each year. In NYC, with so many older buildings, the threat is even greater.

Ignoring termite signs can mean expensive structural repairs. Early detection and professional treatment are critical for protecting your home.

Final Thoughts

Termites in NYC may not be as visible as roaches or rats, but they are far more destructive. Every resident—whether in a brownstone, condo, or single-family home—should stay alert to the risks.

DIY methods don’t work against termites. If you see warning signs—or even if you just want peace of mind—it’s best to call a licensed pest control company in NYC. They have the tools, experience, and treatments to eliminate colonies and prevent future infestations.

Protect your home and your investment—reach out today for trusted termite and pest control in New York City.

If you’ve ever dealt with pests at home, you know how frustrating they can be. Ants marching across the counter, mice hiding in the pantry, or bedbugs taking over the bedroom—these problems often require more than a can of store-bought spray. That’s where professional pest control companies come in.

But what exactly do the pros do that’s so different from DIY methods? The answer lies in the tools, techniques, and training they bring to the job. Let’s take a closer look at how pest control companies handle infestations and why their methods are often more effective and longer-lasting.

Inspection: Finding the Source of the Problem

The first tool in any pest control company’s arsenal isn’t a spray or a trap—it’s knowledge. A thorough inspection is always the first step. Professionals know how to:

• Spot the signs of pests, like droppings, gnaw marks, or nests.
  
• Identify the type of pest and how severe the problem is.
  
• Locate entry points, such as cracks, vents, or gaps around doors.
  
• Pinpoint conditions that are attracting pests, like standing water, leaks, or uncovered food.
  

This investigative work ensures that treatment isn’t just about killing what you see—it’s about addressing the source.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Many pest control companies today use an approach called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). This method doesn’t just focus on pesticides. Instead, it combines prevention, monitoring, and targeted treatment to minimize risks for people, pets, and the environment.

IPM includes:

• Sealing entry points.
  
• Improving sanitation.
  
• Monitoring pest activity with traps or sensors.
  
• Using chemicals only when truly necessary.
  

This balanced approach is why professional pest control tends to be more effective long-term than DIY sprays.

Common Tools of the Trade

Depending on the pest, professionals use a wide variety of specialized tools. Some of the most common include:

• Bait Stations: Locked containers that hold rodent bait or gel insecticides. These are designed to be tamper-resistant, so they’re safe around kids and pets.
  
• Glue Traps and Snap Traps: Used for monitoring and controlling rodents and insects.
  
• Dust Applicators: Tools that allow pest control technicians to apply insecticidal dust into wall voids, cracks, or hard-to-reach spaces.
  
• Sprayers: Professional-grade sprayers provide precise application of liquid treatments, far more controlled than aerosol cans from the store.
  
• UV Lights and Fly Traps: Often used in restaurants or food facilities to monitor and reduce flying insects.
  
• Protective Equipment: Gloves, respirators, and coveralls keep technicians safe while handling products.
  

Specialized Techniques by Pest Type

Different pests require different strategies. Here’s how professionals usually approach some of the most common infestations:

Rodents (Mice and Rats)

• Sealing entry points with steel wool, caulk, or mesh.
  
• Setting up tamper-resistant bait stations.
  
• Using snap traps in strategic areas.
  
• Inspecting basements, attics, and crawl spaces for nesting areas.
  

Cockroaches

• Applying gel baits in cracks and crevices where roaches hide.
  
• Using insect growth regulators (IGRs) that stop roaches from reproducing.
  
• Vacuuming live roaches to quickly reduce the population.
  
• Identifying and removing food and water sources.
  

Ants

• Placing bait stations that worker ants carry back to the colony.
  
• Treating entry points with liquid or dust insecticides.
  
• Locating and eliminating outdoor nests when possible.
  

Bedbugs

• Steam treatments to kill bugs and eggs in mattresses and furniture.
  
• Encasing mattresses and box springs in protective covers.
  
• Using heat treatments in severe infestations (raising the temperature high enough to kill bedbugs throughout the room).
  
• Applying residual insecticides around baseboards and furniture joints.
  

Termites

• Installing monitoring stations around the perimeter of the property.
  
• Applying liquid termiticides in soil to create a protective barrier.
  
• Using bait systems that termites carry back to the colony, eventually killing it.
  

Eco-Friendly and Modern Methods

As pest control has evolved, many companies now emphasize safer and more environmentally friendly methods. Some modern techniques include:

• Heat Treatments: Raising the temperature in a room to eliminate pests without chemicals.
  
• Cryonite Treatments: Freezing pests like bedbugs with carbon dioxide snow.
  
• Biological Controls: Introducing natural predators, such as beneficial nematodes that target soil pests.
  
• Digital Monitoring: Smart traps that send alerts when pests are caught.
  

These methods are especially popular in urban areas where safety and sustainability are major concerns.

Why Professional Tools and Techniques Matter

While DIY products can help with small problems, professional pest control brings several key advantages:

• Stronger products: Professionals use treatments that are more effective and last longer than store-bought sprays.
  
• Expert application: They know exactly where and how to apply treatments for maximum results.
  
• Comprehensive approach: Professionals don’t just kill pests—they also prevent them from coming back.
  
• Safety: Technicians are trained to handle chemicals responsibly and minimize risk.
  

Final Thoughts

Pest control companies do more than just spray—they inspect, identify, and treat the root cause of infestations. By combining specialized tools with modern techniques like Integrated Pest Management, they provide solutions that are safer, more effective, and longer-lasting than most DIY methods.If you’re dealing with a serious infestation—or one that keeps coming back—it may be time to let the professionals step in. If you need pest control New York City, reach out today and with our expertise, you can regain peace of mind and keep your home pest-free.

Life in New York City is exciting, but it comes with some unique challenges. One of the less glamorous ones? Pests. From cockroaches and mice to bedbugs, most New Yorkers will deal with an unwanted critter at some point. Because apartment buildings are close-knit spaces, one tenant’s pest problem can quickly become a building-wide issue.

That’s why pest control in NYC isn’t just about keeping your own space clean—it’s also about understanding who is responsible for dealing with infestations: the renter, the landlord, or both.

What the Law Says

New York City laws make it clear that landlords have to provide tenants with a safe and livable home. That includes making sure apartments are free from pests when a tenant moves in, and keeping them pest-free throughout the lease.

But tenants also have a role to play. You’re expected to keep your apartment clean, store food properly, and let your landlord know if you spot pests. Think of it as teamwork: your landlord takes care of the big fixes, and you handle the everyday habits that keep pests from moving in.

What Landlords Are Responsible For

In NYC, landlords carry the bigger share of responsibility when it comes to pest control. Here’s what they’re required to do:

• Provide a clean, pest-free apartment at move-in: You shouldn’t start your lease with an infestation.
  
• Fix building issues that attract pests: This includes sealing cracks in walls, fixing leaks, and keeping garbage areas clean.
  
• Hire licensed exterminators: If pests show up, landlords must bring in professionals to treat the problem.
  
• Maintain common spaces: Hallways, basements, and trash rooms all need to be kept safe and sanitary.
  

If landlords don’t take care of these duties, they can be fined or even face legal trouble.

What Tenants Are Responsible For

Even though landlords handle most of the pest control work, tenants also have responsibilities. Here’s what you can do to help:

• Keep your apartment clean: Regularly take out the trash, sweep floors, and avoid letting clutter pile up.
  
• Store food properly: Don’t leave food uncovered on counters, and use sealed containers when possible.
  
• Report pest problems quickly: The sooner you let your landlord know, the faster the problem can be fixed.
  
• Cooperate with treatments: Exterminators might need you to prepare your apartment by moving furniture, cleaning, or bagging items.
  

If a tenant doesn’t follow these steps, it can slow down the pest control process—and in some cases, a landlord might even argue that the tenant caused the issue.

Pest Control in Lease Agreements

Your lease is where things should be clearly spelled out. A good lease agreement will usually cover:

• Landlord’s responsibilities: Keeping the building and your unit free from pests.
  
• Tenant’s responsibilities: Keeping the apartment sanitary and reporting problems.
  
• Access for exterminators: Giving permission for pest control professionals to enter when needed.
  
• Costs in special cases: Some leases say that if pests are caused by tenant neglect, the tenant might have to cover treatment costs.
  

If you’re about to sign a lease, look for these details. If they’re missing, ask your landlord to clarify who handles pest problems.

What to Do if You Have a Pest Problem

Pests can be stressful, but knowing the right steps can make the process smoother:

1. Document the problem: Take photos or videos of the pests, droppings, or damage you find.
   
2. Notify your landlord in writing: Email or text is fine, but written communication is best because it creates a record.
   
3. Give them time to act: Landlords usually respond quickly, but allow them a reasonable amount of time to arrange pest control.
   
4. Cooperate with exterminators: Follow instructions so treatments are effective.
   
5. Call 311 if needed: If your landlord ignores the issue, you can file a complaint with the city. Inspectors may issue violations that force the landlord to take action.
   

Keeping Pests Awa

While exterminators handle infestations, a few everyday habits can help prevent pests from showing up in the first place:

• Seal food in containers.
  
• Wash dishes soon after using them.
  
• Take out trash regularly.
  
• Vacuum and sweep often.
  
• Seal small cracks or gaps with temporary solutions until your landlord fixes them.
  

Little changes like these make your apartment less inviting to pests.

The Bottom Line

Pest control New York City is a shared responsibility. Landlords are legally required to keep apartments safe and pest-free, while tenants need to keep their spaces clean and report problems quickly. When both sides do their part, infestations can be handled before they get out of control.

If you’re a renter in New York City, read your lease carefully, keep good communication with your landlord, and don’t wait to speak up if pests appear. A quick response can make all the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major headache.

Nobody likes discovering pests in their home. Whether it’s ants in the kitchen, mice in the pantry, or bedbugs in the bedroom, the sight of pests can make anyone feel uncomfortable. The big question many people have is: Can I handle this on my own, or do I need to call in a professional?

The answer depends on the type of pest, the size of the problem, and your comfort level with tackling it yourself. Some minor pest issues can be solved with simple at-home methods, while others absolutely require expert help. Let’s break it down so you know what you can manage—and when it’s time to pick up the phone and call a pest control company.

DIY Pest Control: What You Can Handle

For smaller, everyday pest problems, most people can take action without calling an exterminator. The key is to catch the problem early and stay consistent. Here are a few common situations where a DIY approach usually works:

• Ants: A few ants in the kitchen or bathroom are often easy to handle. Cleaning up food crumbs, sealing entry points, and using ant bait traps can solve the issue.
  
• Fruit Flies: These tiny pests love ripe fruit, dirty drains, or standing water. You can often get rid of them with homemade traps (like vinegar and dish soap) and by removing what’s attracting them.
  
• Spiders: Most spiders are harmless and can be controlled by vacuuming webs, sealing cracks, and reducing clutter.
  
• Occasional Rodents: If you spot a single mouse, setting traps and sealing up entry holes may be enough to solve the problem.
  

In these situations, a combination of cleanliness, prevention, and store-bought traps or sprays can be effective.

The Limits of DIY Pest Control

While DIY methods work for minor issues, they don’t always solve bigger infestations. Store-bought sprays and traps can provide short-term relief, but they often don’t address the root of the problem. For example, you might kill the ants you see on the counter, but if there’s a colony hidden behind the walls, they’ll keep coming back.

DIY also has its risks. Using too much pesticide indoors, or applying it incorrectly, can be unsafe for you, your family, or your pets. Plus, if pests are multiplying quickly, a delay in calling a professional could make the infestation harder and more expensive to fix later.

When to Call a Professional

There are times when hiring a licensed pest control company is the smartest—and safest—move. Here are signs you should reach out to a pro:

• The Problem Keeps Coming Back: If you’ve tried cleaning, sealing, and traps but pests return, there’s likely a hidden source that only a professional can address.
  
• You See Large Numbers of Pests: A handful of ants is one thing, but lines of them or multiple nests suggest a bigger issue.
  
• Rodents in Multiple Rooms: Mice and rats reproduce quickly, and seeing them in more than one part of your home usually means a larger infestation.
  
• Bedbugs: These pests are almost impossible to eliminate without professional treatment. If you see small dark spots on bedding or tiny bites on your skin, call an expert right away.
  
• Termites or Other Wood-Destroying Insects: These pests can damage your home’s structure and require specialized treatment.
  
• Health Concerns: Cockroaches, for example, can trigger asthma and allergies. If pests are putting your health at risk, don’t wait.
  

Pest control companies like Positive Pest Management have the tools, training, and products to target infestations safely and thoroughly. They don’t just treat the pests you see—they also find where they’re coming from and stop the problem at its source. If you are in need of pest control in New York City, reach out to us today!

The Benefits of Professional Pest Control

Hiring an expert comes with several advantages:

• Long-Term Solutions: Professionals don’t just spray and leave. Many use Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which focuses on prevention as well as treatment.
  
• Safety: Licensed exterminators know how to apply products in a way that’s safe for children and pets.
  
• Peace of Mind: Dealing with pests can be stressful. Knowing the problem is in expert hands helps you relax.
  
• Preventative Care: Some companies offer ongoing maintenance plans to keep pests from coming back in the future.
  

Working Together: You + The Professionals

Even when you call in a pest control company, your role isn’t over. Successful pest control is a team effort. Tenants and homeowners should:

• Keep the home clean and free of clutter.
  
• Store food in sealed containers.
  
• Report pest sightings quickly.
  
• Follow any prep instructions from the exterminator (like moving furniture or bagging clothes).
  

When you and your pest control company work together, you’ll see better, longer-lasting results.

The Bottom Line

Yes, regular people can handle minor pest problems on their own, especially if they act quickly. A few ants, flies, or the occasional mouse can often be solved with simple steps and store-bought traps.

But when pests keep coming back, when you see signs of a full infestation, or when the pest itself is dangerous—bedbugs, termites, or cockroaches—it’s time to call in the professionals. Pest control experts have the tools, training, and knowledge to fix the problem safely and for good.

If you’re unsure, trust your instincts. It’s better to call in a professional early than to wait until a small problem turns into a big (and expensive) one.

Living in New York City is amazing. There's always something happening, and opportunities are everywhere. But with millions of people comes millions of pests. Most of us know pests can spread germs or bite us. What many don't know is that pests can hurt our health in hidden ways too.

One big problem? Indoor allergies.

That sneezing, itchy eyes, or sudden asthma attack might not be from dust or pollen. It could be from pests living in your walls, floors, or even your bed. Learning how pests cause allergies is the first step to making your home healthier.

What Are Indoor Allergens?

An allergen is something that makes your immune system go crazy. When you touch or breathe it in, your body thinks it's being attacked. This causes sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, stuffy nose, or serious breathing problems if you have asthma.

Pests are a major source of these allergens. Proteins in their droppings, saliva, urine, and dead skin float in the air and irritate your breathing.

NYC Pests That Cause Allergies

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are one of the worst pests in the city for allergies. Their spit, droppings, and broken body parts release allergens that hang around your home. Kids are especially sensitive to these allergens. Research has shown that children exposed to cockroach allergens are more likely to develop asthma. 

Mice and Rats

Rodents aren't just unsettling to see, they also cause allergies. Proteins in droppings and dander become airborne and trigger allergic reactions. Since mice and rats can squeeze through tiny holes and love old NYC buildings, they're a problem all year long.

Dust Mites

You can't see dust mites, but they're everywhere. These tiny bugs live in your mattress, pillows, carpets, and furniture. They eat dead skin cells we shed every day. Their waste is packed with allergens. For people with asthma, dust mites make symptoms much worse. Since they live everywhere, they're hard to get rid of without consistent cleaning.

Signs Pests Are Causing Your Allergies

Not sure if pests are making you sick? Look for these warning signs:

• Sneezing or stuffy nose that gets worse at home
• Asthma attacks that happen more often indoors
• Itchy, watery eyes for no clear reason
• Skin rashes after cleaning dusty spots
• Allergy symptoms that go away when you leave home but come back when you return

If any of these sound familiar, pests might be the problem.

How to Fight Back Against Pest Allergies

Keep Everything Clean

The cleaner your home, the fewer places pests can hide. Wipe down counters every day. Vacuum carpets with a HEPA filter. Sweep up crumbs right away. Put food in sealed containers and take out trash often. Don't forget to clean under your stove and fridge where grease and crumbs build up.

Seal the Gaps

Mice can fit through a hole the size of a dime. Roaches can squeeze through the tiniest cracks. Use caulk or steel wool to close gaps around pipes, doors, and windows. Fix leaky faucets too, pests need water just like they need food.

Control Dust and Dust Mites

Dust mites love soft, warm places. Wash your sheets, blankets, and pillowcases every week in hot water. Cover your pillows and mattress with dust-proof covers. Keep humidity low with a dehumidifier or air conditioner. Vacuum and dust regularly using a damp cloth so dust doesn't fly around.

Call the Experts

Sometimes no matter how much you clean, pests keep coming back. That's when you need professional help. Experts know how to safely get rid of pests and reduce allergens where they start. A good pest control team can solve your problem fast and give you peace of mind. Contact Positive Pest Management today for trusted help with pest control in New York City. 

The Bottom Line

New York City is full of life, including pests that make allergies worse. Cockroaches, mice, rats, and dust mites all carry allergens that can make you miserable. But you don't have to live with it.

By keeping your home clean, sealing cracks, controlling dust, and getting professional help when needed, you can take control of your indoor air quality. Your health is worth it.

Don't let pests control your comfort. Start today to reduce allergens and create a home where you and your family can breathe easy.

Protect Your Home from Unwanted Visitors

Many homeowners and business owners focus on keeping pests away with traps, sprays, or regular cleanups. While these methods help, there’s one factor often overlooked: moisture. Water is essential for most pests, and even small leaks, damp basements, or standing water can create the perfect environment for insects and rodents to thrive.

In a city like New York, where space is tight and older buildings may have plumbing challenges, moisture control becomes a key part of preventing infestations. By understanding how water attracts pests and taking steps to manage it, you can protect your property year-round.

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Why Moisture Attracts Pests

Pests need three things to survive: food, shelter, and water. While food and shelter are often obvious, water sources can be hidden in plain sight.

• Rodents: Mice and rats need water just like humans. Leaky pipes, dripping faucets, and pet water bowls can all attract them.
  
• Cockroaches: These insects thrive in damp environments such as kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. Even small leaks behind sinks can support large roach populations.
  
• Termites: Moist soil and water-damaged wood are ideal for termite colonies.
  
• Ants: Some ant species are drawn to moisture more than food, nesting near plumbing or damp foundations.
  
• Fungus gnats and mosquitoes: Standing water in planters, drains, or clogged gutters provides breeding grounds for flying pests.
  

Even small amounts of moisture, if left unchecked, can turn into a full-blown infestation over time.

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Common Sources of Moisture in Homes and Businesses

Here are some of the most common areas where water accumulates, creating an opportunity for pests:

1. Leaky Pipes and Faucets: Hidden leaks under sinks, behind toilets, or in basements are a major attractant for cockroaches and rodents.
   
2. Clogged Gutters and Downspouts: Water pooling near the foundation can lead to termite and ant activity.
   
3. Basements and Crawl Spaces: Poor ventilation in these areas can trap humidity, encouraging pests to move in.
   
4. Appliances: Dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters can leak or create condensation that attracts pests.
   
5. Houseplants: Overwatered plants or saucers holding stagnant water are perfect for mosquitoes and gnats.
   

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The Link Between Moisture and Pest Health Risks

Excess moisture doesn’t just bring pests—it increases the risk of disease. Rodents leave droppings and urine that can carry harmful bacteria. Cockroaches can trigger asthma and allergies, and mosquitoes are carriers of viruses. By controlling moisture, you reduce not only the pests themselves but also the health hazards they bring.

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How to Reduce Moisture and Prevent Infestations

Taking steps to control moisture is one of the most effective ways to prevent pests. Here’s what you can do:

1. Fix Leaks Promptly: Inspect plumbing regularly and repair dripping faucets or pipes immediately.
   
2. Improve Ventilation: Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens, and dehumidifiers in basements and crawl spaces.
   
3. Check Your Foundation: Ensure that water drains away from your building, and repair cracks that let water seep in.
   
4. Clean Gutters and Downspouts: Remove debris to prevent water from pooling near your property.
   
5. Monitor Appliances: Check dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters for leaks or condensation.
   
6. Avoid Standing Water: Empty plant saucers and buckets, and inspect outdoor areas for puddles or poor drainage.
   

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Why Professional Pest Control Matters

While moisture control is a great first step, it’s not always enough to keep pests away completely. Many infestations require professional intervention, especially when pests have already found a water source and nested nearby.

A licensed pest control company can:

• Identify the type of pests and their hiding places.
  
• Treat the infestation safely and effectively.
  
• Provide guidance on long-term prevention, including moisture management strategies.
  

Working with an experienced exterminator New York ensures that both the pests and the conditions that attract them are addressed.

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Takeaway

Moisture is a hidden factor that can turn a minor pest problem into a major headache. By taking proactive steps to control water sources, improve ventilation, and monitor your property for leaks, you reduce the likelihood of infestations.

For New York homeowners and business owners, combining moisture control with professional pest management is the most effective way to protect your property. Don’t let hidden water turn into an invitation for pests—take action now and keep your home or business safe and pest-free.

Running a restaurant in New York City comes with many challenges—fast-paced kitchens, high customer expectations, and strict health regulations. One challenge that no owner wants to face is pests. Rodents, cockroaches, and flies not only damage food and property, but they also threaten your reputation and compliance with city health codes.

Understanding the unique pest challenges that restaurants face in New York can help you take preventive steps before an infestation becomes a serious problem.

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Why Restaurants Are Prime Targets for Pests

Restaurants are full of the resources pests need to survive: food, water, and shelter. The fast-moving environment of a commercial kitchen can make it easy for pests to go unnoticed, allowing them to breed and spread.

• Rodents: Rats and mice are attracted to leftover food, trash areas, and even cardboard packaging. They can chew through wires, contaminate food, and spread disease.
  
• Cockroaches: These pests thrive in warm, humid kitchens and hidden corners. They move quickly and multiply rapidly.
  
• Flies: Flies are drawn to garbage, food prep areas, and drains. They can transmit bacteria and other pathogens.
  
• Stored Product Pests: Pantry pests like beetles and moths can infest flour, sugar, and grains, causing costly waste.
  

Even a single pest sighting can have serious consequences for a restaurant, from angry customers to failed health inspections.

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Common Risk Areas in Restaurants

Certain areas of a restaurant are particularly vulnerable to pests:

1. Kitchen Floors and Corners: Food scraps and grease provide ideal feeding grounds for rodents and roaches.
   
2. Storage Rooms and Pantries: Cardboard boxes and improperly sealed containers attract both insects and rodents.
   
3. Garbage Areas: Trash bins and dumpsters, especially if uncovered, are major attractants.
   
4. Restrooms: Leaks, moisture, and paper products can encourage roaches and flies.
   
5. Delivery Zones: Pests can arrive through packaging, deliveries, or even outside doors left open during busy hours.
   

Monitoring and maintaining these areas is key to keeping pests out.

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Health and Legal Implications

Pests in a restaurant aren’t just an annoyance—they’re a serious health risk. Rodents can spread bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli. Cockroaches leave droppings and shed skin that can trigger allergies and asthma. Flies can carry harmful pathogens from garbage directly to food.

Health department inspections in New York are strict. Even one sighting of a rodent or cockroach can result in fines, warnings, or, in severe cases, temporary closure. Preventing pests isn’t just good business—it’s essential for compliance and customer safety.

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Prevention Strategies for Restaurants

Prevention is always better than treatment when it comes to restaurant pests. Here are key steps every New York restaurant should take:

1. Seal Entry Points: Close gaps around doors, windows, vents, and pipes.
   
2. Store Food Properly: Use sealed containers and avoid leaving perishables exposed.
   
3. Maintain Cleanliness: Sweep floors, wipe counters, and clean appliances daily to remove crumbs and grease.
   
4. Manage Waste: Keep garbage covered and empty bins frequently.
   
5. Control Moisture: Repair leaks and maintain proper ventilation to reduce humidity.
   
6. Regular Inspections: Monitor for early signs of infestations so you can act quickly.
   

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Why Professional Pest Control Is Essential

Even with careful cleaning and storage, some pests are difficult to prevent without professional help. Positive Pest Management provides tailored solutions for restaurants, including:

• Inspecting kitchens, storage areas, and delivery zones for signs of pests.
  
• Applying safe and effective treatments that comply with health regulations.
  
• Providing ongoing monitoring to ensure infestations don’t return.
  

By working with a trusted exterminator New York, restaurant owners can focus on running their business while knowing their property is protected.

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Takeaway

New York City restaurants face unique pest challenges due to the combination of food, warmth, and high foot traffic. Pests can harm food, spread disease, and jeopardize your business’s reputation.

The best approach is a combination of preventive measures—like proper storage, cleaning, and moisture control—along with professional pest management services. Positive Pest Management helps restaurant owners address these challenges quickly and effectively, ensuring a safe and pest-free environment for both staff and customers.

Protect your restaurant today and stay ahead of the problem—because when it comes to pests, prevention is far better than dealing with a full-blown infestation tomorrow.

Bed bugs are one of the most frustrating pests to deal with—especially in New York City, where many people live in apartments or shared buildings. You could keep your unit spotless, avoid used furniture, and still end up with bed bugs. How? Because in multi-unit buildings, bed bugs don’t just stay in one place.

If one apartment has a bed bug problem, it’s possible for them to spread to nearby units through walls, ceilings, pipes, or even hallways. That’s why it’s so important to understand how they move—and how to protect your home, even if your neighbors aren’t as careful.

In this post, we’ll explain how bed bugs spread in apartment buildings and what you can do to stop an infestation before it starts.

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Why Bed Bugs Are a Big Problem in Apartment Buildings

Bed bugs don’t fly or jump, but they’re excellent travelers. In apartments and multi-unit housing, they can:

• Crawl through cracks in walls or floors
  
• Move through shared plumbing or electrical wiring
  
• Travel along baseboards, vents, or light fixtures
  
• Hitch a ride on laundry, luggage, or used furniture
  
• Be carried by people or pets without anyone noticing
  

Because apartment walls are often thin and connected, a bed bug problem in one unit can quickly become a building-wide issue if it’s not handled fast.

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Signs Bed Bugs Might Be Spreading

Here are some signs that bed bugs may be coming from a neighboring unit:

• You notice bites or bugs but don’t know how they got there
  
• The problem keeps coming back, even after cleaning
  
• Neighbors have reported bed bug issues
  
• You hear about recent move-ins, evictions, or furniture left in the hallway
  

Even if you haven’t seen a bed bug yourself, it’s important to stay alert. Bed bugs are small, sneaky, and come out mostly at night.

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How to Protect Your Apartment from Bed Bugs

If you live in a shared building, there are still steps you can take to protect your space:

1. Seal Entry Points
Use caulk to seal cracks in walls, baseboards, and around pipes. Bed bugs can squeeze into incredibly small spaces—about the width of a credit card. Blocking these entry points helps keep them from crawling in from other units.

2. Install Door Sweeps and Outlet Covers
Bed bugs can crawl under doors or through electrical outlets. Use door sweeps and outlet covers to create a stronger barrier between your apartment and others.

3. Be Careful with Shared Laundry Areas
If your building has a shared laundry room, transport your clothes in sealed bags and dry them on high heat. Bed bugs can't survive extreme temperatures, so drying your laundry on hot is one of the best ways to kill them.

4. Avoid Used Furniture
Never bring mattresses, couches, or chairs off the street or from unknown sources into your home. Even clean-looking furniture can be infested.

5. Talk to Your Neighbors and Building Manager
If you hear about bed bug problems in other units, don’t stay silent. Building-wide treatment is often needed to fully eliminate an infestation. Many buildings in NYC are required by law to disclose bed bug history—so ask questions if you’re unsure.

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What to Do If You Think Bed Bugs Have Spread to Your Unit

Don’t panic, and don’t try to handle it alone. Bed bugs are extremely hard to eliminate with DIY methods. Store-bought sprays often miss the ones hiding deep in cracks or behind walls.

Instead, call a professional bed bugs exterminator NYC like Positive Pest Management. Our team uses safe, proven methods to find and eliminate bed bugs at the source—so they don’t come back. We can also inspect nearby units or work with property managers to treat the whole building if needed.

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Why Acting Fast Matters

Bed bugs breed quickly. One pregnant female can lay hundreds of eggs, and in a shared building, that means the infestation can spread to multiple floors in just weeks. The longer you wait, the harder (and more expensive) it becomes to treat the problem.

Early signs like itchy bites, tiny blood stains on your sheets, or dark spots near the mattress should be taken seriously. The faster you act, the better your chances of stopping bed bugs before they get out of hand.

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Final Thoughts

Living in an apartment or multi-unit building in New York comes with challenges—bed bugs are one of them. But you don’t have to deal with it alone.

If you’re worried about bed bugs spreading through your building, take action now. Seal cracks, stay alert, and call in the pros as soon as you spot signs of an infestation. At Positive Pest Management, we help New Yorkers stay bed bug-free with expert treatments and fast service you can count on.

Contact us today to learn how we can help protect your apartment from unwanted guests.

How Construction and Renovation Projects Can Lead to Pest Problems in NYC

Construction is everywhere in New York City. Whether it’s a high-rise going up, an old brownstone being remodeled, or a restaurant upgrading its kitchen, change is part of life here. But while construction can improve buildings and neighborhoods, it can also create unexpected problems—especially when it comes to pests.

Most people don’t think about how a renovation or construction project might lead to more bugs or rodents. But the truth is, construction can disturb hidden nests, open up new entry points, and even attract pests that weren’t there before.

In this blog, we’ll explain how building work can lead to pest problems—and what you can do to protect your home or business during a renovation.

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Why Construction Attracts Pests

Here are some of the main reasons construction work can cause pest issues:

1. Disturbed Nests and Hiding Spots
Many pests live in walls, under floors, or inside ceilings—areas that often get opened up during renovations. When construction begins, it can shake up their hiding places and force them to move somewhere else. That “somewhere” might be the nearest apartment, restaurant, or office.

Rodents, cockroaches, and even ants can scatter when disturbed. Suddenly, you’ve got pests showing up in areas where they weren’t before.

2. New Entry Points
Construction often involves opening walls, replacing windows, or cutting into floors. Even if the work is temporary, it can create gaps that pests take advantage of. Mice only need a hole the size of a dime to get inside. Cockroaches can squeeze through cracks as thin as a credit card.

If these entry points aren’t sealed up quickly, pests will find their way in—and they may not leave on their own.

3. Extra Food and Waste
Construction sites generate a lot of trash: wood, drywall, packaging, food wrappers, and more. If food is left out, or garbage isn’t properly sealed, it can attract pests looking for an easy meal.

Rodents are especially good at sniffing out food. Once they know there's something to eat nearby, they’ll return again and again.

4. Vibration and Noise
While pests usually avoid noise, the vibration from heavy machinery and tools can push them out of their hiding places. Some pests, like rats, may leave a construction area and move into the surrounding buildings, looking for a quieter, safer spot to hide.

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Common Pests During Construction

Here are a few pests that often show up during or after construction:

• Rodents: Rats and mice may flee disturbed nests and search nearby buildings for shelter and food.
  
• Cockroaches: Roaches living in walls or plumbing may spread once construction starts.
  
• Ants: Ant colonies living underground or in walls can get disrupted and move to new areas.
  
• Termites: Construction can reveal termite damage—or attract termites to new wood.
  
• Flies: Open windows, doors, and trash bins can invite flies inside.
  

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Pest Risks for Different Types of Properties

Apartments & Residential Buildings:
Construction in one unit can affect others. Shared walls and plumbing systems give pests a path to spread quickly through the building.

Restaurants & Commercial Kitchens:
Renovations can be great for business—but they also create a perfect storm for pests. Open walls, exposed food, and extra waste can lead to infestations if not managed properly.

Offices & Retail Spaces:
Pests don’t care if you don’t have a kitchen. They’ll take shelter anywhere that’s quiet, warm, and near a food source (like break rooms or trash bins).

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How to Prevent Pest Problems During Construction

If you're planning a renovation, or there's a construction project happening near you, here’s how to stay protected:

1. Work With a Pest Control Expert
Before, during, and after construction, it’s smart to partner with a pest control company. At Positive Pest Management, we can inspect your space, identify risk areas, and create a plan to prevent pests from moving in. This is especially important in NYC, where close living quarters make it easy for pests to spread.

2. Seal Entry Points Quickly
As soon as walls or floors are opened, make sure they’re sealed up again properly. Use mesh, caulk, or steel wool to block any holes. Don't wait until the end of the project—pests don’t need an invitation.

3. Keep the Area Clean
Make sure your construction crew is following good cleaning practices. Trash should be removed daily, and food should never be left out on the job site.

4. Monitor for Pest Activity
Even if you don’t see pests, they may still be around. Watch for droppings, bite marks, or strange odors. If you notice anything unusual, call a pest control professional right away.

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Final Thoughts

Construction and renovations can improve your property—but they can also stir up pest problems if you're not careful. By understanding the risks and taking the right steps, you can protect your space from unwanted guests.

Whether you're renovating a kitchen, remodeling an apartment, or managing a construction site in the city, pest control in New York should always be part of your plan.

Let Positive Pest Management help you stay protected before, during, and after your next project. Contact us to schedule an inspection or to learn more about how we handle pests in even the most challenging environments.

When you think of pests, rats are often at the top of the list—and for good reason. These unwelcome guests are more than just a nuisance; they can pose serious health, structural, and financial threats to your home and family. If you've noticed gnaw marks, droppings, or heard scurrying sounds at night, you may already be dealing with a rat infestation.

Understanding the risks associated with rats is crucial. Here’s why you should take a rat infestation seriously and act quickly to protect your property and well-being.

1. Health Hazards

Rats are notorious carriers of diseases, many of which can be transmitted to humans and pets. Through direct contact, contaminated food, or even airborne particles from their droppings, rats can spread a variety of illnesses, including:

• Leptospirosis: This bacterial infection can cause kidney and liver damage and, in severe cases, lead to death if untreated.
• Salmonella: Rats can contaminate food and surfaces with this bacteria, causing food poisoning.
• Hantavirus: While more commonly associated with deer mice, some rat species can carry this dangerous virus, which may lead to severe respiratory issues.
• Rat-bite fever: Even without a bite, humans can contract this illness through exposure to rat urine or feces.

The risk isn’t just limited to diseases they carry directly; rats also host fleas, mites, and ticks, which can further spread illnesses such as Lyme disease or plague.

2. Structural Damage

Rats have incredibly strong teeth that can gnaw through almost anything—wood, plastic, insulation, and even soft metals like aluminum and copper. Over time, this destructive behavior can weaken critical structures within your home, including:

• Walls and baseboards: Rats often burrow through drywall and insulation to create nesting sites.
• Wiring: One of the most dangerous habits of rats is chewing on electrical wires, which can create short circuits and increase the risk of electrical fires.
• Pipes: In some cases, rats may chew on PVC pipes, leading to water leaks and costly plumbing repairs.

The longer rats are left unchecked, the more damage they can inflict. In severe infestations, repairs can run into thousands of dollars.

3. Contamination and Odor

Rats leave behind urine, feces, and grease trails wherever they travel. Not only does this contaminate food and surfaces, but it also creates unpleasant odors that can permeate your home. Over time, these smells become difficult to remove without professional cleaning services.

In addition to odors, rats’ nesting materials—made from shredded paper, insulation, and other debris—can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold, exacerbating respiratory issues like asthma or allergies.

4. Rapid Reproduction

A small rat problem can escalate into a full-blown infestation in no time. Rats reproduce quickly, with a single female capable of having six to twelve pups per litter and up to seven litters per year. This means one pair of rats can turn into dozens within just a few months.

Once a population takes hold, it becomes significantly harder to eradicate them without professional pest control intervention.

5. Impact on Mental Well-being

Living with a rat infestation can take a toll on your mental health. The constant fear of contamination, coupled with sleepless nights caused by scratching or scurrying sounds, can lead to anxiety and stress. The sight of rats inside your home or hearing them in the walls is unsettling and creates a sense of discomfort in your living space.

What to Do If You Suspect an Infestation

If you notice any signs of rats—such as droppings, gnaw marks, nests, or unusual pet behavior—it's important to act quickly. DIY traps may reduce small numbers, but infestations typically require professional expertise to fully resolve.

A licensed pest control company will:

• Inspect your property to locate entry points and nesting areas.
• Implement targeted treatments to remove existing rats safely and effectively.
• Offer exclusion services to seal potential entry points and prevent future infestations.

Protect Your Home and Health Today

Rats are more than just a creepy sight—they are a real danger to your home and health. Ignoring a rat problem can lead to costly repairs, serious illnesses, and a degraded quality of life. At Positive Pest Management, we specialize in comprehensive rodent control services to keep your home safe, secure, and pest-free.

Contact us today for a free inspection and let us help you reclaim your home from these destructive invaders.

If you've ever had a problem with pests like mice, cockroaches, or ants, you might have come across ultrasonic pest repellers as a possible solution. These small devices plug into an outlet and claim to drive pests away using high-frequency sound waves that humans can’t hear. They seem like a perfect, hassle-free way to keep your home pest-free. But do they actually work?

What Are Ultrasonic Pest Repellers?

Ultrasonic pest repellers are electronic devices that emit high-frequency sound waves designed to bother or even harm pests. The idea is that these sounds will confuse and distress pests like rodents and insects, making them leave the area.

According to manufacturers, these devices can help control a variety of pests, including:

• Rodents (like mice and rats)
• Insects (such as cockroaches, ants, and spiders)

Unlike traps or chemical sprays, ultrasonic repellers are marketed as a humane, poison-free, and easy-to-use method of pest control. But before you invest in one, let’s take a look at the science behind them.

How Do Ultrasonic Pest Repellers Work?

The idea of using sound to control pests isn't new. In ancient China, people used rattles and other noise-making devices to keep rodents away from crops. Modern ultrasonic pest repellers work by emitting sounds at frequencies higher than what humans can hear—usually above 20,000 Hz.

Manufacturers claim that these sound waves trigger something called an audiogenic seizure response in pests. This response is supposed to cause:

• Disorientation
• Convulsions
• Panic
• Eventually, the pests leaving the area

The theory is that if pests can't communicate, build nests, or gather food properly, they will be forced to leave.

But do these devices actually work as advertised?

Scientific Studies: Do Ultrasonic Pest Repellers Work?

Scientific research on ultrasonic pest control has produced mixed results. Some tests suggest that certain insects, like crickets, might be affected by these devices. However, other studies have found that many pests either ignore the sound or become used to it over time.

A 2002 study by Kansas State University tested ultrasonic devices on various pests. Here’s what they found:

• Crickets showed some reaction to the sound and avoided the area.
• Cockroaches, ants, and spiders were not significantly affected.
• Rodents were sometimes disturbed, but they often got used to the noise and returned.

Another problem is that ultrasonic sound waves don’t travel well through walls, furniture, or other obstacles. This means that even if a device works in one part of the house, it might not be effective elsewhere.

Are There Any Downsides?

Even though these devices are designed to be a safe and silent alternative to traditional pest control methods, they come with some potential downsides:

1. Interference with Household Electronics – Some users report that ultrasonic pest repellers can cause problems with telephones, hearing aids, and even security systems.
2. Possible Effects on Pets – While dogs and cats don’t seem to be bothered by ultrasonic frequencies, small pets like hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits may be affected.
3. Lack of Scientific Proof – The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has warned manufacturers that their claims must be backed by scientific evidence. In 2001, over 60 companies were warned, and some were later sued for false advertising.

Why Do Some People Say Ultrasonic Repellers Work?

Even though studies have shown inconsistent results, some homeowners still swear by these devices. This could be due to:

• The placebo effect – People believe the device is working, so they don’t notice pests as much.
• Other pest control methods – If someone is using traps, sealing cracks, or cleaning their home more often, it might seem like the ultrasonic device is working when other actions are actually keeping pests away.
• Temporary effects – Some pests might leave temporarily but come back after getting used to the noise.

What Are Better Alternatives?

If you're dealing with a pest problem, there are proven ways to get rid of them:

• Sealing entry points – Check for cracks, holes, and gaps around your home and seal them up.
• Keeping your home clean – Pests are attracted to food crumbs, garbage, and moisture. Keeping your kitchen and other areas clean can help prevent infestations.
• Using traps and baits – Traditional snap traps, glue traps, and bait stations have been scientifically proven to be effective against rodents.
• Hiring a professional – If you have a serious pest problem, a pest control expert can identify the issue and recommend the best solution.

Final Verdict: Are Ultrasonic Pest Repellers Worth It?

While ultrasonic pest repellers sound like a great idea, scientific studies suggest they don’t work well enough to rely on. Some insects and rodents may be bothered at first, but most either ignore the noise or get used to it over time.

If you’re looking for effective pest control in New York, traps, baits, sealing cracks, and professional services are better options. While ultrasonic devices might not cause harm, they also aren't the magic solution many people hope for.

Before buying one, consider whether you’d be better off investing in proven pest control methods instead!

If you're dealing with a pest problem, one of your first concerns is likely the cost of professional pest control. Prices can vary widely depending on several factors, including the type of pest, the size of your home, the severity of the infestation, and the treatment method used.

Understanding these factors can help you make an informed decision about whether to hire a pest control service and what to expect when it comes to pricing.

Factors That Affect Pest Control Costs

Type of Pest

The kind of pest you’re dealing with plays a big role in determining cost. Some pests are easier to treat than others, while certain infestations require more specialized treatments.

For example, general household pests like ants and cockroaches are relatively inexpensive to treat, with costs ranging from $100 to $400. Rodents typically cost between $150 and $600 to remove, depending on the extent of the infestation. More challenging pests, such as termites or bed bugs, can be much more expensive, often requiring treatments that range from $500 to $5,000 or more.

Severity of the Infestation

A minor pest issue will always be cheaper to address than a full-blown infestation. A single mouse in your home might cost around $150 to remove, while a house overrun with rodents could cost $500 or more. Similarly, spotting a few cockroaches may only require a $100 treatment, but a severe infestation needing fumigation could cost thousands of dollars.

The sooner you address a pest problem, the less you’re likely to spend. Letting an infestation grow unchecked can lead to higher extermination costs and potential damage to your home.

Treatment Method

Pest control companies use a variety of treatments, and the cost can vary depending on which method is required.

Spraying insecticides, which is commonly used for ants, cockroaches, and mosquitoes, typically costs between $100 and $400 per treatment. Bait traps, which work well for rodents, ants, and termites, usually fall in the $150 to $500 range.

More intensive treatments, such as heat treatment for bed bugs, can cost between $1,000 and $5,000. Fumigation, which is often used for severe infestations of termites or bed bugs, is one of the most expensive options, ranging from $1,500 to $8,000.

For rodents and wildlife, exclusion techniques—such as sealing entry points—may be required in addition to traps. These services can cost anywhere from $300 to $2,000, depending on how much work needs to be done to prevent pests from coming back.

One-Time vs. Ongoing Pest Control

Some pest issues can be resolved with a one-time treatment, while others require ongoing maintenance to keep pests away.

A one-time pest control treatment typically costs between $150 and $500, depending on the severity of the problem. However, for pests that are persistent, like ants, cockroaches, and mosquitoes, many homeowners opt for recurring treatments.

Quarterly pest control, which includes treatments every three months, usually costs between $100 and $300 per visit, adding up to about $400 to $1,200 per year. Monthly pest control services cost less per visit, typically around $40 to $70, but add up to around $480 to $840 per year.

For homeowners dealing with constant pest issues, a recurring service plan can provide peace of mind and long-term savings by preventing major infestations.

Size of the Home and Location

The size of your home is another important factor in pest control costs. A small apartment or one-bedroom home might only cost $100 to $300 to treat, while a larger home with multiple floors and entry points could cost anywhere from $300 to $1,000 or more.

Your location can also affect pricing. Pest control services tend to be more expensive in urban areas where demand is high and labor costs are greater. In contrast, costs might be lower in rural areas, but some pests—like termites and wildlife—may be more common.

Is Professional Pest Control Worth It?

While hiring a pest control professional might seem expensive, ignoring a pest problem can lead to much bigger issues.

Rodents can chew through electrical wires, creating fire hazards. Termites can cause severe structural damage that can cost thousands of dollars in repairs. Cockroaches and rodents can spread diseases, putting your health at risk.

In many cases, professional pest control is a worthwhile investment that saves you money in the long run by preventing costly damage and keeping your home pest-free.

Can You Save Money with DIY Pest Control?

For minor pest problems, do-it-yourself solutions may be an option. Store-bought sprays, traps, and baits are relatively inexpensive and can be effective for small infestations. However, DIY methods often only provide temporary relief and may not eliminate the root of the problem.

For larger infestations or persistent pests, professional exterminators have access to stronger, more effective treatments that aren’t available to the general public. If DIY solutions fail and the infestation worsens, you could end up spending more money in the long run by delaying professional treatment.

Tips to Reduce Pest Control Costs

If you're looking to keep pest control costs down, here are some steps you can take:

• Prevent infestations before they start by keeping your home clean, sealing cracks and holes, and storing food in airtight containers.
• Act quickly when you notice signs of pests. The earlier you address the issue, the cheaper it will be to fix.
• Get multiple quotes from pest control companies to find the best price and service.
• Consider a pest control plan if you have ongoing issues, as some companies offer discounts for long-term services.

Final Thoughts

The cost of pest control in New York depends on several factors, including the type of pest, the severity of the infestation, and the treatment method used. While some pest problems can be resolved with DIY methods, larger or recurring infestations often require professional treatment.

For minor pests like ants and cockroaches, treatments typically range from $100 to $500. Rodent removal costs between $150 and $600, while more severe infestations, such as termites and bed bugs, can cost several thousand dollars.

While professional pest control may seem like a big expense, it’s often worth the cost to protect your home, health, and peace of mind. Acting quickly and using preventive measures can help reduce expenses and keep your home pest-free for the long term.

The Dangers of a Mouse Infestation in Your Home

Mice may appear small and harmless, but a mouse infestation in your home can pose serious health risks and property damage. These rodents are more than just a nuisance—they can contaminate food, spread diseases, and cause costly structural damage. Understanding the dangers of a mouse infestation and how to prevent one is essential for maintaining a safe and healthy living environment.

Health Risks of a Mouse Infestation

Mice are known carriers of various diseases, and their presence in a home increases the risk of illness for residents. Some of the most concerning health hazards associated with a mouse infestation include:

1. Disease Transmission

Mice can transmit several harmful diseases to humans through their droppings, urine, saliva, and bites. These include:

• Hantavirus – A potentially deadly virus that causes severe respiratory illness.
• Salmonella – A bacteria that can contaminate food and surfaces, leading to food poisoning.
• Leptospirosis – A bacterial infection spread through mouse urine that can cause kidney and liver damage.
• Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCMV) – A viral infection that can lead to serious neurological symptoms, particularly in pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals.

2. Allergens and Airborne Contaminants

Mouse droppings, urine, and shed fur can trigger allergies and asthma, especially in young children and those with respiratory conditions. As mice scurry through ventilation systems and tight spaces, they spread dander and bacteria, leading to poor indoor air quality and potential respiratory distress.

3. Contaminated Food and Water

Mice are notorious for invading kitchens and pantries in search of food. They chew through packaging, leaving behind droppings and urine that contaminate food supplies. Consuming contaminated food can lead to serious illnesses, making it crucial to store food in airtight containers and regularly clean food preparation areas.

Property Damage Caused by Mice

Mice have strong, ever-growing teeth that they use to gnaw on various materials. Their constant chewing can result in significant damage to your home, leading to costly repairs.

1. Electrical Wiring Damage

One of the most dangerous risks posed by mice is their tendency to chew on electrical wires. Exposed or damaged wires increase the likelihood of electrical malfunctions and even house fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association, rodent-related electrical damage is a common cause of house fires each year.

2. Structural and Insulation Damage

Mice often nest in walls, attics, and crawl spaces, tearing apart insulation and drywall to create their homes. This can compromise the insulation efficiency of your home, leading to increased energy costs and difficulty maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures.

3. Damage to Personal Belongings

Mice will chew on furniture, clothing, books, and even valuable items stored in basements or attics. Important documents and heirlooms can be destroyed if a mouse infestation goes unnoticed.

Signs of a Mouse Infestation

Detecting a mouse infestation early is key to preventing further damage. Common signs include:

• Small, dark droppings near food sources, cupboards, or along baseboards.
• Gnaw marks on furniture, wires, and food packaging.
• Scratching or scurrying noises, especially at night.
• Nests made of shredded paper, fabric, or insulation.
• A strong, musty odor from urine-soaked areas.

How to Prevent and Eliminate a Mouse Infestation

Taking proactive measures can help prevent a mouse infestation before it starts. Here are some effective prevention and control methods:

1. Seal Entry Points

Mice can squeeze through openings as small as a dime. Inspect your home for cracks, gaps, and holes, sealing them with steel wool, caulk, or metal mesh to prevent entry.

2. Maintain Cleanliness

Keeping your home clean reduces potential food sources for mice. Regularly sweep, vacuum, and wipe down surfaces, and ensure food is stored in sealed containers.

3. Set Traps and Baits

If you suspect a mouse infestation, setting snap traps, glue traps, or bait stations can help capture and eliminate them. Place traps in areas where mice are most active, such as along walls and near food sources.

4. Seek Professional Pest Control Services

If an infestation persists, contacting a professional pest control service is the most effective way to eliminate mice safely and thoroughly. Experts can assess the severity of the infestation and implement targeted extermination and prevention strategies.

Conclusion

A mouse infestation in your home is not just an inconvenience—it is a serious health and safety hazard. From spreading diseases and triggering allergies to causing costly property damage, mice can quickly become a major problem if not addressed. Recognizing the signs of an infestation, taking preventative measures, and acting swiftly to remove mice can help keep your home safe and rodent-free. If you suspect a mouse infestation, take action immediately to protect your home and loved ones from the dangers these pests bring.

When it comes to household pests, rats and mice are among the most common and troublesome invaders. While they share similarities, they also have key differences that affect how infestations occur, the risks they pose, and the best ways to deal with them. Understanding these differences is crucial for effective pest control and prevention. This blog will compare rats and mice in terms of their appearance, behavior, risks, and control methods to help you identify and address an infestation effectively.

Appearance: How to Tell Rats and Mice Apart

One of the most noticeable differences between rats and mice is their size. Mice are significantly smaller, typically measuring between 2.5 to 4 inches in body length, with tails that add another 2 to 4 inches. They have small, round bodies, large ears, and pointed snouts. Their fur is usually light brown or gray.

Rats, on the other hand, are much larger. Depending on the species, they can range from 6 to 9 inches in body length, with tails that can be as long as their bodies. They have bulkier bodies, smaller ears in proportion to their heads, and blunt snouts. Their fur is typically coarse and can be gray, brown, or black.

Behavior and Habits: How They Infest Homes

Nesting and Movement

Mice are highly curious and tend to explore their surroundings frequently. They are excellent climbers and can squeeze through openings as small as a dime. This means they can easily invade homes through tiny cracks and gaps in walls, floors, and foundations. Mice tend to nest indoors, often in hidden areas such as behind walls, in attics, or inside cabinets.

Rats are more cautious and tend to follow the same paths repeatedly. They are strong swimmers and burrowers, often making their nests in basements, crawl spaces, or under decks. While some species, such as roof rats, can climb well, others, like Norway rats, prefer to stay at ground level. Rats can squeeze through openings as small as a quarter, making even small gaps potential entry points.

Feeding Patterns

Both rats and mice are opportunistic feeders, but their dietary preferences differ slightly. Mice prefer grains, seeds, and plant-based foods but will also eat human food scraps if available. They nibble on small amounts of food at multiple locations throughout the night.

Rats have a more varied diet and can eat anything from grains to meat and even garbage. They consume larger quantities of food at once and tend to return to the same feeding spots repeatedly.

Risks and Dangers of Infestation

Both rats and mice pose serious risks to human health and property.

Health Risks

Mice and rats are known carriers of diseases, which they can spread through their droppings, urine, saliva, and bites. Some of the most concerning illnesses they transmit include:

• Hantavirus – Primarily spread by deer mice, hantavirus can cause severe respiratory issues in humans.
• Salmonella – Both rats and mice can contaminate food and surfaces with salmonella bacteria, leading to food poisoning.
• Leptospirosis – A bacterial infection spread through rat urine, which can cause kidney and liver damage.
• Rat-Bite Fever – A serious illness that can be transmitted through bites or contact with rat-contaminated surfaces.

Property Damage

Both rodents have strong teeth that grow continuously, so they gnaw on wood, wires, plastic, and even metal to keep them trimmed. This behavior can lead to significant damage, including:

• Chewed electrical wires, which increase the risk of house fires.
• Structural damage to walls, insulation, and furniture.
• Contaminated food supplies due to droppings and urine.

Signs of Infestation

Whether dealing with rats or mice, some common signs indicate an infestation:

• Droppings – Mouse droppings are small and pointed, while rat droppings are larger and more blunt.
• Gnaw Marks – Mice leave small, rough gnaw marks, whereas rats leave larger, deeper ones.
• Scratching Noises – Mice are more likely to make soft scratching sounds in walls or ceilings, while rats produce louder noises.
• Grease Marks – Rats tend to leave oily smudges along walls and entry points due to their greasy fur.
• Nesting Materials – Shredded paper, fabric, or insulation indicate a nesting area.

Control and Prevention

While both rats and mice require prompt extermination, the methods used can vary.

Traps and Baits

• Snap Traps – Effective for both rats and mice, but larger traps are needed for rats due to their size.
• Glue Traps – Work well for mice but are less effective for rats, as they are strong enough to escape.
• Bait Stations – Poison baits can be used for both, but they should be placed carefully to prevent harm to pets and children.

Sealing Entry Points

Since mice can squeeze through tiny gaps and rats can chew through many materials, sealing entry points is crucial:

• Use steel wool or metal mesh to block small holes.
• Repair broken vents, screens, and foundation cracks.
• Keep doors and windows properly sealed.

Sanitation and Habitat Modification

• Store food in airtight containers to reduce food sources.
• Keep garbage bins tightly sealed.
• Remove clutter and potential nesting materials from attics, basements, and garages.
• Trim vegetation near the home to eliminate hiding spots for rodents.

Conclusion

While rats and mice share some similarities, their differences in size, behavior, and risks make it important to properly identify the type of infestation before choosing the best control methods. Both pests can cause serious health concerns and property damage, making early detection and prevention essential. If you suspect an infestation, addressing the problem quickly with proper pest control measures will help keep your home safe and rodent-free.

Finding a hole in your favorite piece of clothing is certainly upsetting….. and could be expensive! The most likely culprit for damage to clothes is the clothes moth. Preventing clothes moths causing damage can be achieved by putting in place a number of preventative measures and using sexual pheromone traps to control clothes moths.

CLOTHES MOTH IDENTIFICATION

WHAT DO CLOTHES MOTHS LOOK LIKE?

There are actually two main species of clothes moth, the webbing clothes moth and the case-making clothes moth. Both get their names from the way the larvae protect themselves whilst they are feeding.

Webbing clothes moth Larvae: Cream coloured larvae with a dark head. Hides under webbing whilst feeding. Webbing picks up droppings and pieces of fabric. When the larvae move to a new feeding site they leave the webbing behind.

Pupa: Webbing clothes moths spin a silken cocoon on the fabric they are feeding.

Adult moths: Light, gold coloured moth less than 4/10 of an inch long.

Case-making clothes moth: 

Larvae: Cream coloured larvae with dark head. The larvae make a case of silk which they take with them wherever they go. They can feed from either end and enlarge it as they grow. As droppings are added to the case, it takes on the colour of the fabric they are feeding on, so can be hard to spot.

Pupae: Case-making clothes moth larvae tend to find a crack or crevice to pupate in.

Adult moths: Darker than the webbing clothes moth with faint dark spots.

SIGNS OF A CLOTHES MOTH INFESTATION

Holes in fabrics, clothes and any other textiles, damage to upholstered furniture and bare patches on the edge of carpets in dark, low traffic areas.

Webbing or larval cases in clothes or fabrics.

Moths that fly up or crawl away from dark, secluded areas, when disturbed.

MAIN PEST SEASON

There is no particular pest season for clothes moths as they live indoors. However, the temperature does impact how much they eat and how quickly they progress through their life cycle. In the southern United States the life-cycle may be complete in as little as 2 months, but in the northern United States it may take up to 6 months.

CLOTHES MOTH FACTS

Generally, clothes moths are more common in the coastal areas where the humidity helps their development. The case-making clothes moth prefers warmer climates whereas the webbing clothes moth can be found all over the United States.

Clothes moths eat a wide range of animal fabrics, but primarily fabrics containing wool. They will also damage fur, silk, feather and leather. Unfortunately, because clothing moths are not endowed with the ability to detect the difference between wool and non-wool textiles they may be found in any textiles at anytime. Therefore inspection of ALL textiles is unavoidable.

Clothes moths are poor flyers, likely to be hiding in dark areas near to where the larvae are feeding.

CLOTHES MOTH PREVENTION TIPS

Hang 1 webbing clothes moth trap in each clothes closet. You don't want to over apply traps. More is not better as it can be counterproductive.

https://a.co/d/eu6rCKD

Regularly vacuum all carpeted rooms, especially around the perimeter and under heavy furniture.

Regularly move heavy furniture in carpeted rooms. Inspect the carpet for signs of damage and insect activity.

At the end of each season, wash and store clothes in a sealed bag / suitcase.

CLOTHES MOTH CONTROL TIPS

Items of clothing/textiles suffering damage should be placed in a sealed black plastic bag in the sun for 1-2 hours. This will kill any larvae / eggs. The items can then be washed. Any delicate items that may be impacted by heat should be inspected individually.

If regular cleaning, inspections and placement of traps does not completely eliminate your clothing moth infestation then it's time to hire call us.

Tel. 800-294-3130

www.positivepest.net

Bird mites, particularly the fowl mites (Ornithonyssus sylviarum), are a significant concern, in New York City where pigeons are prolific breeders.

 Bird mites reside in cracks and crevices of both pigeon nests and roosting spots.

Identification and Impact:

Habitat: Mites inhabit pigeon nests, hitch a ride onto the pigeon and end up on your window ledge where pigeons roost during daylight hours. Pigeons will only roost on window ledges where a window air conditioning unit exists.

They will roost beneath the A/C unit  thus concealing themselves, from predators. (The exception is an enclosed courtyard, usually in the rear of buildings where pigeons will roost on any and all window ledges.) At sundown the pigeons leave to their nest at a different location. The bird mites left behind will use your A/C unit to enter your apartment where you become the mites new blood host.

Control Measures:

Regular Cleaning:

Remove bird nests from window ledges and thoroughly clean the area with hot water and soap.

Environmental Management:

Glue bird spikes to the window ledges which shall stop pigeons from roosting at that window below the A/C unit.

Implementing these practices can help manage and reduce bird mite infestations, ensuring a mite free environment.

Of course if your mite infestation becomes unmanageable contact us for a professional consultation.

Tel. 800-294-3130

www.positivepest.net

Mice are destructive creatures, that is why you should ensure that they do not intrude into your home or your business premises especially into the walls. These small creatures can damage wires, they can also damage the insulation and even some parts of your walls. Not only is this very expensive to repair, but it can also pose some dangerous threats as well.

If you are now stuck on how to get rid of mice in the walls and prevent them from coming back, this article will be of great help to you. Our pest control experts have compiled simple tips that can help you protect your home. In this article, we will explain how mice get into homes, how to tell if you have a mouse problem, and how to get rid of them.

How do the Mice Get into Homes?

Some common ways that mice can gain access into your home include:

• Construction defects
• Air conditioning ducts
• Entries for pipes and wires
• Poorly sealed doors and or windows
• Crawl spaces
• Roof vents
• Chimney pipes
• Once they gain entry into the house the mice will begin to construct nests and lay offspring. A female mouse can have 5-15 litters of babies in a year! That is why it is crucial to act as soon as a mouse appears in your home.

How to know if you have Mice in the Walls?

How do you know if mice are living in your walls? Here are some clear signs to look for:

1. Mouse Droppings: These are signs that are proof-positive of mouse infestation around your home – small, dark droppings.
2. Chewed Food Packages: If you notice that your food packages have been damaged or if there are holes in your food bags then it could be due to the activities of mice.
3. Noises at Night: Mice are most active at night. Some of the signs include: If you hear scrabbling, chirping, or chattering noise in the walls or on the ceiling you may have mice.
4. Bad Smells: This is a rather gross smell, or a very unpleasant smell that could indicate that there are mice in the walls, or even dead mice.

If you experience or encounter such signs, then it is advisable to address the issue before it becomes worse.

Natural Methods to get rid of mice in your walls

Crushed Red Peppers: To keep mice away, sprinkle crushed red pepper where you have observed the activities of the mice. The smell is very irritating to the mice and will repel them.

Dish Soap and Water: To help prevent mice from entering the house put small bowls with soapy water in the zones which seem affected. The smell of the soap can put off the mice.

Other Methods

If natural remedies don't work, here are some other options:

Snap Traps: These are types of traps that are used to attract the mice with the help of bait and then catch them instantly. These are one of the most popular ways of getting rid of the mice.

Live Traps: Such traps capture the mice without causing any harm to them.

Ultrasonic Repellers: These devices produce ultrasonic frequencies that make mice run away from the area. These are not harmful to humans and pets, however, make sure that you place them in areas that you have seen the mice.

What if There Are Dead Mice in the Walls?

Sometimes the mice in your walls might die and this will lead to what I will call a nasty odor. This is usually the case when a dead mouse is found, and to get it out, one has to cut into the wall and this is best done by a professional. They will also ensure that the mouse is captured and if need be they will fix the wall as well.

How to Prevent Mice from Coming Back

After you get rid of the mice, you don't want them to come back; you have to take some precautions:

Seal Cracks and Holes: To this end one should seal the gaps using materials such as steel mesh or cement. It has been established that mice can chew through plastic, wood and rubber; hence these should not be used.

Fix Screens and Seals: Fix every gap found in the window screens or the door seals.

Keep Food Secure: Keep food in sealed containers and ensure that you clean up any food crumbs or spills immediately.

Cleaning Up After Mice

To prevent the spread of disease after eliminating mice, clean up after them. Wear gloves and a mask and clean all surfaces with a bleach solution. Dispose of any items that were affected and wash your hands throughout the process.

Call the Experts

If none of these methods work, it's time to seek the services of a Positve Pest Management. Many people think that they can deal with mice on their own, but the truth is that only a professional knows how to do it right and how to ensure that the mice will not come back. 

Mickey Mouse and Mighty Mouse look quite funny  in the cartoons, while real life mice are far from being cute. These tiny pests can pose significant  risks to your health as well as damage to your property since they can carry diseases such as  Hantavirus, Tularemia, and Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis. New York City Mice aren’t picky and will find their way into your home without an invitation either. Mice can get  into your house through small cracks in the walls, floors or foundations as well as through an open window  or pet door. If you have a mouse problem then you need to address is it in a straight simple away.

 Check for Signs of Mice

 The very first thing you should do is to look for the signs of mice in your house. Search  for the areas which contain food or from which food is prepared such as kitchen cabinets, drawers and under  the sink. Also, pay attention to behind the stove or the refrigerator. If you encounter mouse  droppings, bites on the food packets or small gaps on the furniture or walls, then you have  a problem.

 Keep Food Away

 They are always in the search of food and hence do not  make it easy for them to find. Pick any food item and store it in a container that has  an airtight lid and which is made of glass or hard plastic. This applies to pet food  as well, ensure that you store it when not in use. Ensure that you clean up food  spills, crumbs and garbage to ensure that your home is not a target to these creatures.

 Clean and  Declutter

 A clean home means that a mouse will not find a good hiding spot to his  liking. These creatures prefer to live in a cluttered environment, so ensure that your house is not  cluttered. Clean the house often and make sure that there is no food left on the table or on  the floor. These creatures can even build their nests in piles of clothes or old boxes that you may  have put in a corner; do not just let them stay there. It is therefore important to keep  the house and/or room as clean and organized as possible so that the mice have a difficult time to  search for a hide out.

 Seal Up Holes

 So, to avoid mice, one has  to ensure that the mice cannot gain entry into the house. Mice can squeeze through very small  spaces, for instance through cracks in walls, through gaps in floors or through the underside of doors. Avoid  using things which the mice can chew through like steel wool, caulk, or any other material that  can be used to seal the gaps. Outside your house, ensure that the grass is not grow allowed to to heights,  ensure that there is no accumulation of debris and ensure that wood piles are not placed  near the walls as hide away.

 Use Mouse Traps

 I would use traps to catch the  mice that are already inside because it is effective. Snap traps and glue traps are efficient and effective.  Set it along the wall or any area where you have seen the mentioned symptoms of mice. Do not  use poison because it can lead to more complications. Mice which have been given poison can die in  the walls of your house and this will cause bad odour and health risks when the mice start  decomposing. This is safer and you are in charge to solve the problem at once.

 Call a  Professional

 If you can’t manage the task by yourself and if the problem is out of control then  it is advisable to seek the services of a professional. A professional pest control service will be able to  determine the extent of the infestation, get rid of the mice and prevent future infestations.  They have the equipment and the knowledge on how to solve the problem effectively and efficiently.

 Final Tips

Mice are quite tiny but they can lead to many issues if they gain entry into your  home. It is thus important to be vigilant, ensure that one cleans regularly, seal all possible entry points  and lay traps to ensure that the infestation does not become out of control. It is therefore advisable  to engage a professional at any given time in order to ensure that such pests are eliminated from your home  once and for all. It is therefore important to act early in order to prevent these intruders  from causing further damage to one’s home and health.

Checking for bed bugs when traveling is crucial to ensure a comfortable and pest-free stay. Bed bugs are small, parasitic insects that feed on human blood and are notorious for infesting beds and other furniture. Here's a detailed description of how to check for bed bugs when traveling:

Before you leave for our trip:

Research your accommodations and look for reviews or reports of bed bug infestations at your chosen place to stay. If there are multiple complaints, consider picking another accommodation.

Pack essential items and bring a small flashlight, magnifying glass, and a set of plastic bags to aid your inspection.

Upon arrival:

Store your luggage appropriately and avoid immediately placing your bags on the bed or upholstered furniture. Instead, utilize a luggage rack (inspect it first) or put your bags in the bathroom or bathtub until you've completed the inspection.

Here are the common places where bed bugs are found:

In the seams of chairs and couches, between cushions, in the folds of curtains. In drawer joints. In electrical receptacles and appliances. Under loose wallpaper and wall hangings. At the seams where the wall and the ceiling meet. Even in the head of a screw in furniture.

Let's start by visually inspecting the sleeping area and examining the headboard, mattress, box spring, and nearby furniture. Watch out for small brown live bed bugs, molted exoskeletons, dark spots (fecal stains), or tiny bloodstains.

In active infestations, live bed bugs can usually be found crawling around the sleeping areas, while squashed dead bugs often leave red-brown stains on the mattress or bedding. Also, look for tiny white eggs, light yellow casings, and other noticeable signs of bed bug activity.

After that, proceed to check the bedding. If possible, remove the sheets, pillows, and mattress cover, and inspect them thoroughly for any signs of bed bugs. Examine the bare mattress and box spring for bugs. Pay attention to the tufts of fabric along the mattress seams.

Next, examine the nightstand both inside and outside. Kneel and inspect the screw holes and outer edges along the sides of the nightstand. Search for signs of live bugs, eggs, and casings like in previous inspections. Additionally, open each drawer and look for any indications of bed bug activity.

Inspect the furniture:

Examine chairs, sofas, and any upholstered furniture in the room. Pay close attention to seams, crevices, and tufts, where bed bugs like to hide.

Scan the room:

Check the baseboards, electrical outlets, wall hangings, and behind picture frames. For framed pictures, lift them up and away from the wall if they are not securely mounted. Look for any live bugs in that area. If the pictures are securely mounted, you can skip this step. Look through the curtains.
Check your room for any side windows and curtains.

Tiny bed bugs can hide in cracks and crevices, making them hard to spot. Shine a light behind your headboard or nightstand, and look for any sign of bugs crawling away, which indicates that your room is infested.

Look for physical evidence of an infestation by scanning for small, oval-shaped bugs (about the size of an apple seed), exoskeletons, fecal stains (dark spots), or bloodstains on sheets and mattresses.

Pay attention to common hiding spots:

Bed bugs prefer to hide close to their food source (you!). Check the seams, tufts, and tags of the mattress, box spring, and pillows.

Inspect upholstered furniture thoroughly, focusing on seams, crevices, and zippers.

Check behind the headboard, as bed bugs often cluster there.

Examine any cracks or crevices in wooden furniture, including bedside tables and dressers.

Stay vigilant during your stay:

Even if you don't find any signs of bed bugs during your initial inspection, you must remain vigilant throughout your stay. Bed bugs can be introduced to a room at any time.

Avoid placing your luggage or personal items directly on the bed or upholstered furniture.

What you are looking for... Bed bug signs

Live Bed Bugs – Bed bugs are small, flat and oval-shaped. They have six legs and two antennae and are a reddish-brown color. Adult bed bugs are usually around 5-6mm in size.

Blood smears – This happens when a bed bug has been accidentally crushed after a meal and look like small red stains. This comes from the undigested blood in its body.

Dark/black stains – This comes from the bed bug excrement after a meal.

Shed skin – A bed bug sheds its skin to grow and move on to the next stage of its life cycle. Once they have fully matured they will no longer go through this process. Seeing many shed skins usually means a large infestation.

Bed bug eggs –  Bed bugs can lay anywhere between 200 and 500 eggs over two months, and are usually laid in batches of 10. Bed bug eggs are 1mm long and are colored pearly white.

If you find signs of bed bugs:

Notify the management immediately: If you discover any evidence of bed bugs, inform the hotel or accommodation management right away. Request a room change or find alternative accommodations if necessary.

Launder your clothes: If you suspect bed bugs have come into contact with your clothing, seal them in plastic bags until they can be laundered in hot water and dried on high heat.

Inspect your luggage: Before leaving the hotel, thoroughly inspect your luggage and personal belongings. Wipe down your suitcase with a damp cloth to remove any potential hitchhikers.

Remember, bed bugs can be found in a variety of places beyond hotels, such as on public transportation, public libraries, retail stores, and movie theaters.

In the bustling urban landscape of New York City, the importance of maintaining a pest-free environment is paramount for both homeowners and businesses alike. However, traditional pest control methods often come with a high environmental cost. At Positive Pest Management, we believe in a different approach—one that is as kind to the earth as it is tough on pests. This approach is not just a part of our service; it's a commitment to our values of sustainability and responsibility.

The Rising Demand for Eco-Friendly Solutions

Understanding the Eco-Conscious Consumer

The modern consumer is more informed and environmentally conscious than ever before. There's a growing awareness about the harmful effects of chemicals used in traditional pest control methods, not just on the environment but also on human health. This shift in consumer consciousness demands pest control solutions that are effective without compromising ecological integrity.

The Environmental Impact of Pest Control

Pest control chemicals can contaminate soil, water, and air, leading to a detrimental impact on local ecosystems. By choosing eco-friendly pest control methods, we minimize this impact, preserving the delicate balance of our urban ecosystem and ensuring the safety of our clients' surroundings.

Integrated Pest Management: Our Strategy

What is Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a comprehensive approach to pest control that emphasizes using eco-friendly methods to manage pest issues with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment. IPM is not a single pest control method but a series of pest management evaluations, decisions, and controls.

Implementing IPM at Positive Pest Management

At Positive Pest Management, we implement IPM by focusing on pest prevention, using knowledge about pests' habits and life cycles, and employing environmentally sensitive treatments. We prioritize methods such as biological control, habitat manipulation, and resistant varieties, turning to chemicals as a last resort and selecting products with lower toxicity levels to protect the environment.

The Benefits of Eco-Friendly Pest Control

Health and Safety First

Eco-friendly pest control reduces the risk of exposure to toxic substances for humans and pets. This is especially important in sensitive environments such as schools, hospitals, and food service establishments where health and safety standards are non-negotiable.

Long-Term Sustainability

By using methods that are less disruptive to the natural environment, we ensure long-term sustainability. Eco-friendly pest control helps in maintaining biodiversity and reducing our carbon footprint, contributing to the overall health of our planet.

Our Eco-Friendly Practices in Action

Preventative Measures

We start with prevention, the most eco-friendly pest control method. By sealing entry points and eliminating food and water sources, we make environments less attractive to pests.

Green Products

When treatments are necessary, we use green products that are certified to be environmentally friendly. These products are designed to target pests without causing unnecessary harm to other wildlife or the surrounding environment.

Why Choose Positive Pest Management?

Our Commitment to Excellence

Our dedication to providing exceptional service matches our commitment to eco-friendly practices. We understand that each client has unique needs, and we tailor our IPM strategies accordingly, ensuring both efficacy and environmental responsibility.

Your Partner in Sustainable Pest Control

Choosing Positive Pest Management means partnering with a company that cares about the future. We're not just exterminators; we're your neighbors, committed to maintaining a healthy, pest-free community.

Contact Positive Pest Management

Ready to embrace a pest-free life without compromising the health of our planet? Contact Positive Pest Management at 800-294-3130 or visit our website at Positive Pest Management to learn more about our eco-friendly pest control solutions. Let's work together for a sustainable, pest-free future!

Positive Pest Management - Your choice for a greener, safer pest control solution.

#EcoFriendlyPestControl #SustainableLiving #IPM #PestFreeNYC #GreenExterminating

Construction and demolition projects are complex, with every phase needing to go as planned to avoid delays and additional costs. One often overlooked aspect that can cause significant setbacks is the presence of rodents. At Positive Pest Management, we understand the critical nature of this problem and have a solution that ensures your project remains on track: prebaiting. Let's explore how our specialized prebaiting services can save you from the unexpected headaches that rodents cause.

Understanding the Risks of Rodent Infestations

The Hidden Costs of Rodent Presence

Rodents are more than just a nuisance; they can cause structural damage, gnaw through materials, and even pose health risks. Their presence on a construction site can lead to unforeseen expenses, from replacing damaged materials to addressing health and safety violations.

Compliance with Health Regulations

In New York City, the Department of Health has stringent regulations regarding rodent abatement. Failure to comply can result in fines and delays, as demolition permits are contingent upon certifying a property as rodent-free. This is where Positive Pest Management's expertise becomes invaluable.

The Prebaiting Process: A Proactive Approach

Inspection and Identification

Our licensed technicians conduct thorough site inspections, identifying signs of infestation such as droppings, gnaw marks, and nests. We meticulously check for potential entry points, ensuring nothing is overlooked.

Setting the Stage with Prebaiting

Before setting traps, we engage in a careful prebaiting process. This strategy conditions rodents to the bait, significantly increasing the success rate when traps are activated. It's a methodical approach that ensures higher catch rates and a more effective rodent control process.

Sealing the Deal: Exclusion Techniques

Preventing Re-entry

After prebaiting, we seal up any potential entry points. Ongoing exclusion is crucial for long-term rodent control, ensuring that once the rodents are removed, they can't find their way back in.

Continuous Monitoring

Our technicians are trained in humane animal removal methods and will monitor and re-bait all stations and traps daily. We don't just set and forget; we are actively involved in ensuring the complete cessation of rodent activity.

Documentation and Compliance

Thorough Record-Keeping

We provide detailed documentation of our inspection findings, treatment plans, and the results of our abatement efforts. This documentation is crucial for meeting NYC Department of Health standards and obtaining the necessary permits to proceed with demolition or construction.

Certificates of Rodent Abatement

Upon completion of our services, we provide official certificates verifying that your property is pest-free. This not only meets legal requirements but also gives you peace of mind that the job has been done thoroughly and humanely.

Partner with Positive Pest Management

Expertise You Can Trust

With years of experience and a deep understanding of NYC's regulations, Positive Pest Management is the partner you need to ensure your construction project is free from the costly interruptions that rodents can cause.

Ready for a Pest-Free Project?

Don't let rodents derail your construction schedule or budget. Contact Positive Pest Management at 800-294-3130 or visit our website at Positive Pest Management to schedule your prebaiting service. Let us help you keep your project moving forward, on time, and within budget.

Positive Pest Management - Your construction project deserves the best defense against pests. Let's build a pest-free future together. #RodentFreeConstruction #PrebaitingPros #NYCPestControl #ConstructionPestManagement #PositivePestPrebaiting

New York City, with its iconic skyline and bustling streets, is not just home to millions of people but also a persistent and unwelcome resident: the rat. The issue of rat infestations in the city has been a long-standing problem, affecting residential and commercial properties. In this post, we'll delve into the challenges these rodents pose, the city's efforts to combat the issue, and how Positive Pest Management can assist in ensuring compliance with new regulations.

The Rat Menace in NYC

Rats have been synonymous with New York City for decades. Their ability to thrive in urban environments, combined with the city's dense population and vast underground networks, has made it a prime habitat for these pests. Not only do they pose health risks, but they also cause structural damage and are a nuisance to residents and businesses alike.

New Regulations to Tackle the Issue

To address the rat problem, New York City Mayor Eric Adams recently signed a new law that places the responsibility of extermination costs on contractors for specific construction projects. This move aims to ensure that construction activities that disturb rat habitats do not exacerbate the rodent issue.

Key Points of the New Law

• The regulations apply to projects that involve 50% or more of the floor area of a building.
• Projects where the proposed vertical or horizontal enlargement increases the building's floor area by more than 25%.
• Partial demolition projects that involve more than 50% of the floor area of a building.

This law signifies a significant shift in the city's approach to pest control, emphasizing prevention over reaction. It also underscores the importance of involving pest control professionals early in the construction process.

Strategies for Rat Control and Prevention

1. Regular Inspections

For both residential and commercial properties, regular inspections are crucial. Identifying potential entry points and signs of infestation can prevent larger infestations.

2. Sanitation

Rats are attracted to food sources. Ensuring that garbage is adequately stored and disposed of can deter these pests.

3. Exclusion

Sealing off potential entry points, such as gaps in walls or floors, can prevent rats from entering properties.

4. Professional Extermination

In cases of infestations, professional extermination is the most effective way to eliminate the problem and prevent future infestations.

Positive Pest Management: Your Partner in Compliance

With the new regulations in place, contractors across New York City will need a reliable partner to ensure compliance. Positive Pest Management is uniquely positioned to assist. With our expertise in pest control and deep understanding of the city's rat problems, we can provide effective solutions tailored to the needs of contractors and property owners.

Ready to tackle the rat problem head-on? Don't wait for an infestation to escalate. Visit our website for more insights, or call us at 1-800-294-3130. If you have specific questions or require a tailored solution, please fill out our contact form, and our team will assist you promptly.

In the fight against the rat menace in New York City, being proactive is key. With Positive Pest Management by your side, you can ensure a rat-free environment and full compliance with the city's regulations.

#NYCRatProblem #PestControlNYC #PositivePestManagement #RatPrevention #NYCContractorCompliance

Black ants are one of the most common nuisance pests that you may find wandering in your home. You’ll often see them lined up in a trail as they go in and out of their ant nests in search of food and water. Compared to other household insects, spotting ants aren’t always a cause for concern and they’re usually harmless as long as they don’t view you as a threat to their entire colony. 

So how common is it for black house ants to bite people? When black house ants bite, they do it to protect their nests from threats and keep intruders away. They aren’t aggressive and they won’t bite people for no reason. A carpenter ant bite is not as painful and dangerous since they don’t release any poisonous venom. However, they do let out formic acid which can cause slight irritation or a burning sensation to the skin.  

Learn More: How To Get Rid of Black Ants Inside The House

What To Know About Black House Ants and Their Bites 

Ants may be small but they have a set of strong mandibles that they use to pick up and carry their food, and to create tunnels or galleries in wood to build their nesting places. These mandibles are also what you feel when you notice a tiny ant on your skin. Ants are said to have incredible jaw strength and they can give a powerful bite that can penetrate the human skin. 

When it comes to black house ants, both the carpenter ant and little black ant may carry some degree of bite risks to people. Here’s an overview on how to distinguish between the two black ants and their bites: 

	Black carpenter ant	Little black ant (Monomorium minimum)
What they look like	They’re the most common species of ants that usually appear black or brown with reddish legs. Minor workers of this ant species can be 1/4 inch in length while major workers measure about 1/2 inch long. They have an evenly smoothed thorax with bent antennae on their head. Their jaws or mandibles are located at the front, and behind the mandibles is their mouth which they use to eat their food.	Unlike carpenter ants that are identified by their big bodies, these little black ants are small and usually appear 1/16 inch in length. They also have an antenna on their head with unevenly rounded bodies and thorax with no spines.
How common are their bites	Carpenter ants only bite when they’re provoked. You’re most likely to get an ant bite when you accidentally come across their satellite nests and the black ants come to swarm to defend their home. When you see a carpenter ant nest in your home, it’s best to avoid them and contact a pest control professional to eliminate the risk of carpenter ant bites.	While they also have a set of mandibles, little black ants don’t pose bite dangers to humans. They may sting a little but their bites aren’t as noticeable as the bite from a big black carpenter ant.
What are the signs of their bite	When their mandibles come into contact with human skin, they can release a small amount of formic acid which can cause a minor burning or painful stings. It can be itchy but you shouldn’t scratch them to avoid getting an infection. Other signs of carpenter ant bite can include swelling, redness, and visible marks.	Due to their small size, the bite from a little black ant will not cause an obvious reaction on humans. They may elicit a temporary itchy sensation with which a quick scratch can help soothe the discomfort.
Is their ant bite dangerous	Their formic acid isn’t at all venomous or toxic so it will rarely cause any health risk or severe allergic reaction.	No, little black ant bites are not dangerous. They’re not harmful social insects and are only a nuisance to the home.

First Aid Reminders When You Get A Carpenter Ant Bite 

The good thing about most carpenter ant bites is that they can be easily remedied at home. With immediate first aid treatment, they can go away and heal fully within several days of the bite incident. Here are some tips for when you need to treat a carpenter ant bite: 

• Disinfect the site: Clean the bite with water and soap to wash away the formic acid. Dry the area with a cool clean cloth. 
• Apply a cold compress: If you notice any inflammation or swelling on the bite site, an ice pack or cold compress can help reduce the sensation.
• Bandage and cover the bite: If the skin on the wound is broken, you can put an antibiotic ointment to clean the area and avoid skin infections. It’s also best to cover the bite site with a bandage to allow it to heal without any risk of any bacteria entering the wound. 
• Don’t scratch the bite: It’s a general reminder to avoid scratching the wounded site to avoid further irritating or infecting the skin. You may use an ice pack or apply antihistamine cream to temporarily get relief from itching. 

Allergic reactions from a black ant bite are very rare but when they happen, it’s important to seek immediate medical help. Some signs of allergic reaction from an ant bite can be difficulty breathing, hives on the skin, increased heart rate, flu-like symptoms, or pale skin. 

Why Do Black Ants Bite? 

Ants bite for one main reason: to defend their ant colony. Like most insects and pests, if ants detect threats to their indoor nests, they will become defensive and put their mandibles to use to bite and protect themselves and their colonies. Although they’re also predatory in nature, black ants aren’t aggressive and they usually don’t view humans as their prey. So as long as you steer clear of their nest location and avoid disturbing them, you’re safe from their bites. 

Other Types of Ants That May Bite 

There are over a thousand common ant species in the world and there are specific types that are known to have an alarming bite. Here’s how you can identify other ants and their bite symptoms: 

• Fire ants - These ants have unique black or red-colored bodies with long stingers. They’re notoriously known to have a painful ant sting when they attack you. They also release venom which can cause pain and itching for several days. Their bites can often lead to swelling and leave localized red bumps or marks on the skin.
  
• Pharaoh ants - These types of ants can bite but they aren’t as painful as the fire ants. They rarely use their stingers and pose very little threat to people. However, it’s important to get rid of their infestations since they carry potentially harmful diseases like salmonella.
  
• Pavement ants - Like carpenter ants, they’re also protective and can bite people when they are disturbed. However, their stingers are weak so they won’t cause as much discomfort when they bite.
  
• Acrobat ants - Acrobat ants are known for raising their abdomen whenever they are alarmed. When they’re on the hunt for sweet food, their worker ants may use their stingers to attack other creatures that prey on their food. They can also bite if their nests are attacked. An acrobat ant bite can cause some itching, pain, and minor swelling.
  
• Sugar ants - Sugar ants are docile and they rarely bite humans. Similar to black ants, they don’t have venom and their mandibles can pinch the skin and release the same formic acid. 

Read More: How To Get Black Ants Out Of Your House Without Killing Them

How To Avoid Getting Bitten By Black House Ants 

The best way to avoid getting an ant bite is to carefully navigate areas where you suspect there might be ant activity. You should also avoid disturbing their ant trail and don’t touch or swipe them away with your hands. Likewise, you should also be proactive in keeping your house clean and less attractive for carpenter ants. Here are some tips to prevent a black ant infestation in your home: 

• Seal any holes, cracks, or small openings which can serve as an ant entry point 
• Remove any water source and repair leaks to avoid gathering excess moisture
• Store all dry and sugar foods in tightly-sealed containers
• Keep away any wood sources like firewood, decayed wood, or tree stumps from your home and avoid storing them indoors since carpenter ants like to create their nest inside wooden structures 
• Make sure all surfaces and counters in the kitchen are free from food debris 
• Inspect the home regularly for signs of carpenter ant infestation such as wood shavings, long ant trails outdoors, discarded wings on your windowsills
• Call a pest control professional to help set up measures for controlling ant population 

Solve All Your Ant Infestation Problems With Positive Pest Management 

Bites from carpenter ants don’t pose any serious health risks but its symptoms can still be uncomfortable. The only way to assure that your family is safe from black ant bites is to eliminate their infestation before they get worse. 

At Positive Pest Management, our team of pest control experts strive to find and eliminate the source of your ant problem as efficiently as possible. We’re committed to providing professional pest control services including inspection and extermination to ensure a safe and pest-free environment. Contact us today to get a free quote or know about our ant infestation services.

Read More: How To Kill Small Black Sugar Ants Surrounding Your House

About 3% of adults suffer with life threatening pest allergies. People die every year from many pest related illnesses. You may not know it, but when your skin puffs up from a mosquito bite, you actually have obtained a small allergic reaction. It is important to take pest illnesses seriously, because they can ultimately be very dangerous. 

Allergies can be from bee stings, mosquito bites, cockroach droppings, saliva, and skin sheddings, and from dust mites. Approximately 5- 7.5% of people have an allergy to bee stings. If someone with an allergy gets stung by a bee, they may experience skin reactions, difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue and mouth, weak or rapid pulse, dizziness, vomiting or fainting. With mosquito bite allergies, you may experience skin reactions, fever, headaches, nausea and vomiting or fatigue. Coming in contact with cockroach droppings, skin sheddings or saliva can trigger many different symptoms in people with an allergy. Some of these symptoms include coughing, sneezing, sinus infection or wheezing. One of the more severe reactions to cockroaches is asthma which could require immediate medical attention. Lastly, if you have a dust mite allergy, you may experience sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and an itchy throat. 

There are many allergies that can be acquired from insects, but there are also many diseases. Some diseases can be from rodent droppings, mosquitos, ticks, or fleas. There are several diseases you can get from just rodents alone. These diseases are Hantavirus, Pulmonary Syndrome, Hemorrhagic Fever, Lassa Fever, Leptospirosis Lymphocytic, Chorio-meningitis, Omsk Hemorrhagic Fever, Plague, Rat-Bite Fever, Salmonellosis, South American Arenaviruses and Tularemia. The diseases transmitted from mosquitoes are Zika Virus, West Nile virus, Chikungunya virus, dengue, and malaria. The most well known disease you can get from ticks is lyme disease. Flea bites mainly infect dogs and cats, but humans can also get bitten. Diseases from fleas are typhus and plague. 

As explained above, pest allergies and diseases can be very dangerous. It is important to take precautions to eliminate the risk of being infected. 

Carpenter bees and bumble bees can often be mistaken for each other. They may look similar but there are many differences between the two. 

The easiest way to tell if you are looking at a bumble bee or a carpenter bee is the appearance of their abdomen. Bumble bees have yellow and black hair on their body that makes them appear fuzzy. Carpenter bees also have hair, but only on a small area of their bodies. The rest of their body is black and shiny. If you look closely, you might see that their body has a purple or green metallic shine. Another difference between carpenter bees and bumble bees is their size. Carpenter bees are also a bit bigger than bumble bees. 

Carpenter bees and bumble bees live in different areas. Bumble bees live in hives with other bumble bees to raise their young. Their hives are relatively small compared to honey bee hives. Their hives may be located in abandoned bird nests, under pieces of wood, or in underground tunnels. On the other hand, carpenter bees create holes and nest in wood. They usually live alone. They also might live in abandoned wood holes that were made by rodents. Most of the time they stay in soft varieties of wood that are unpainted and weathered. Houses with a carpenter bee infestation may be older, with rotting wood. 

The third way to differentiate a bumble bee from a carpenter bee is their behavior. Bumble bees are not very aggressive to humans and they will only be aggressive if they feel threatened by you. Male bumble bees cannot sting, only females can. Carpenter bees are more aggressive. If you get close to their nest, they may swoop down on you to protect it. Similar to bumble bees, only female carpenter bees can sting you. Both bumble bee and carpenter bee stings can be dangerous, if you have an allergy. 

Insects like cockroaches, earwigs, waterbugs, silverfish, etc. need 3 things to survive; food, water, and shelter. Your pipes and drains provide all of that for them, so there’s a chance they might surprise you at any moment. Luckily, there are ways to kill them and prevent them from coming back. These insects are able to live in your pipes because they provide shelter from predators. Living in the drains provides them with food and water which is the gunk that lines the pipes. Also, the debris in the pipes can provide nesting material for their eggs. 

You can start your prevention process by checking the plumbing in your house. If you notice any openings or cracks where the plumbing runs through the floors or the walls, it’s best to seal them up with caulk. Any sweating pipes that you have will create more moisture, so wrap them in insulation as well to avoid those insects. To keep your drains clean, treat them once a month with drain cleaner. These insects are also more active at night, so the best way to keep them from making it out of the drains and overflow drains is to place a cover over it, also known as a drain stopper. 

Clean your bathrooms and kitchen regularly, store food in tightly sealed containers, and don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight because then the insects are more likely to crawl out of the pipes and drains if they are drawn by the smell of something in your home. If you notice that you already have insects in your pipes, try and figure out which ones you see because some will carry diseases and others like earwigs, will bite you. Specific pesticides work well on specific insects so that’s why it’s important to know which ones you have in your home. Depending on what insect you have, determines what type of elimination product you will use as well. There are insect baits, gels, powders, and sprays that will get rid of these unwanted house guests. Make sure that whichever product you choose, is kept away from children and pets for their safety. If you are unable to figure out which insect you have or unable to eliminate them on your own, please do not hesitate to call us for professional help. 

Rat mites are very small, barely visible parasites that live on rats and feed off of their blood. On the rare occasion that they can’t find rats to infest, they will look to make a meal out of human blood instead and they like to bite you in your sleep. These mites are able to survive for a long period of time without a host. Unfortunately, they can also be a common house invading species. 

Rat mites can cause dermatitis when they bite your skin, which is similar to the bites that bedbugs give. To know whether you have rat mites or bedbugs, you should use sticky traps to capture some and then have what you caught inspected by a pest control specialist. They will know what it is and how to deal with getting rid of them. Having rat mites unfortunately means you have rats, so it’s important that you find the rats nest and get rid of it. The only way to do this is to have an exterminator come in and clear out their disease-ridden home. In finding the rats home, you must then seal up all entry points in which they may have entered your home. After doing all of this, it’s best to disinfect your home with a pest control spray or have an exterminator take care of it for you, which is most likely the better and safer option. 

The American cockroach, also known as the water bug is one of the most common household pests. This bug can efficiently and quickly infest an area in your home, making it difficult to get rid of. In the northern states, the American cockroach is usually found to take shelter in sewers and drains, while in the southern states, they are more likely to be seen outdoors. They enjoy moist and wet locations. The cockroach can range from 1 to 3 inches long and they are usually a light brown or reddish brown color with a yellow band on their head. They are shaped like an oval with 6 six legs and 2 antennas. This type of cockroach can move very quickly and can fly as well, but for the most part you will find them in outdoor locations. 

They like damp, warm places in gardens like under mulch and other types of piles. If the temperature changes or they run out of food, they will move inside to the nearest building no matter what it is. The cockroaches will seek out wet or food filled areas to survive; this includes basements, pipes, holes in a wall, drains, and under major appliances. They can feed on any organic material from crumbs and leftover human food to fungi and leaves. 

The female American cockroach can lay 16-32 eggs a week for about 10 months straight, which can cause large, quick infestations. It can take 4 to 6 months for the egg to become an adult, so if you find some adult cockroaches in your home, that means there are a lot more where that came from. 

Signs of American cockroaches in your home include odor, because when in a group, they give off a musty and wet smell and the sight of egg casings after they hatch is a sign as well. Also, droppings are sign because they are always eating and then always disposing their waste; leaving little brown and reddish droplets everywhere. Of course the most obvious sign is the on-sight visual because once you see one indoors, that means there are definitely more to look out for. The best way to start getting rid of the cockroaches is to clean the living spaces they like, including sinks, counters, appliances, cabinets, and drains. Check the entryways and foundations for holes or cracks because this is also how they can enter your home. You should seal up or caulk these areas and use gel repellents to prevent entry of the cockroaches in the future. To get rid of an infestation, baits, pesticides, and traps are good to use, but may be a slow process because of the large amount of these pests and how well they are able to survive. 

Unfortunately, American cockroaches also can cause health problems because they are known to be transmitters of bacteria including Salmonella and E. coli. Their secretion gives off an odor that can also cause problems for people with asthma and allergies. Consult a professional exterminator to help with your cockroach problem!

Fruit flies are serious contaminators of food along with being an annoying pest to have as well. Other names for them are banana flies, vinegar flies, sour flies, pomace flies, and vinegar gnats. The adult fruit flies may be a dull yellow color, a brownish yellow, or a brownish black color, and are smaller than half an inch long. The larvae are dirty white, maggot shaped, and very small as well. You may see large populations of fruit flies appear quickly in hotels, cafeterias, restaurants, and other food establishments too. Frequently invaded structures or areas also include truck crop acreages, the vicinity of orchards, vineyards, and more. These fruit flies are considered to be the biggest pest in food processing plants, including dehydrators, pickle plants, wineries, and canneries. They cause the highest percentage of contamination of fruit products, which is also cited as a contaminating agent in the reports of food seizures. The reports were made by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 

Female fruit flies can lay up to 500 eggs at a time and will do so on rotting fruits and vegetables. The larvae will feed on fungi growing in infested material and yeast organisms. Soon, they will turn their food into a semi liquid-like “mess" which can help when trying to find the breeding site. As the larvae become full grown, they leave the food material for dryer areas. In the summer, it can take 8-10 days for an egg to become an adult and mating then takes place immediately. This means that egg laying can start all over again in just 24 hours from becoming an adult. 

To control the fruit flies from taking over your fruits and vegetables, in the warmer seasons you should screen all openings to the outside with a mesh screen or netting. Food like fruit salads, jams, jellies, pickles, fruit juices, etc., or cut/spoiling fruits and vegetables should not be left exposed in open containers. It is best not to have large quantities of raw fruits and vegetables like potatoes and onions exposed as they can attract a fruit fly infestation. It’s also good to always check the big bags of food because one rotten vegetable could be at the bottom of the bag and that one vegetable would be enough to support an infestation. Keep exposed food in cold storage if possible, to slow down the development of larval fruit flies. Any overripe fruit or vegetable that you may have, should be removed to avoid recurrence of the fruit flies. The breeding areas can be difficult to locate sometimes, including places like an apple accidentally being kicked under shelves of a pantry, a forgotten potato in a storage bin, or improperly cleaned garbage cans or disposals. Believe it or not, breeding areas have also been found to be beer cans, soft drinks, or milk containers with remaining liquid in the bottom. Rags and uncleaned mops can also serve as a breeding site for fruit flies if they were used clean up any drink or food. Basically any food materials found under counters, baseboards, in the cracks around drainboards, or cracks around sinks can also be a way for the flies to start an infestation. A way to get rid of a lingering flies would be to use a pesticide aerosol spray or even a fly swatter. You can also construct a trap by creating a paper funnel, placing it into a jar with some cider vinegar bait and this will attract the adult flies. 

There are 3 types of carpet beetles that can be found in your home and they are the varied carpet beetle, the furniture carpet beetle, and the black carpet beetle.

The adult varied carpet beetle is extremely tiny and is black with a brown, white, and dark yellow pattern of scales on its wing covers. As they get older, the wings will start to appear black or brown. In the outdoors, the female varied carpet beetles look for wasp, birds, or bees nests and spider webs to lay their eggs. The webs and nests serve as larval food because they contain beeswax, dead insects, pollen, feathers, or other debris. Being indoors, the beetles lay their eggs on or near woolen goods, furs, wool carpets/rugs, animal horns/skins, stuffed animals, whalebone, silk, furs, leather book bindings, feathers, dried plant products, hair, and other materials that can serve as larval food for them. Also, the adult beetles will most likely appear in the spring or early summer, and indoors, you can find them near windows. The mature larvae get to be a little bit longer than adults and are covered in dense tufts of hair. They can be recognizable from other carpet beetles because they have light and dark brown stripes and they are narrower in the front and broader in the rear. Varied carpet beetles usually lay 40 eggs at a time and female adults can live up to 6 weeks and the male adults can live up to 4 weeks. 

Furniture carpet beetles are a little bit rounder and bigger than the varied carpet beetle. The markings may vary on the adults, but it has black spots that are scattered with white and dark yellow/orange scales on its wing covers. As the beetle gets older, its scales may wear off causing it to look black with a white underside. The larvae are white at first but then turn dark red or brown as they get older. Also, this larvae will feed on the same type of things as a varied carpet beetle larvae. Furniture carpet beetles will lay about 60 eggs and the adults can live to up to 8 weeks. 

Black carpet beetles are distinctly different from the other 2 types of beetles because of the size. They are a little bit bigger, but still less than an inch long and they are shiny black with dark brown legs. The larvae can appear as smooth, shiny, and short with stiff hairs covering the body. Their body ends in a tuft in long hairs as well. In arid areas like California, this beetle is more of a serious pest problem for stored products like flours, grains, and cereals, rather than a pest for fabrics. The black carpet beetle will typically lay 90 eggs and the adults can live up to 8 weeks.

Materials that Moths eat:

They are attracted to natural fibers and that includes things anywhere in your home, not just limited to your wardrobe. Clothes moth larvae do damage by feeding on cashmere, cotton, human/animal hair, wool, and silk. These natural fibers have keratin which is a specific protein that the larvae convert into useful nutrients. Seagrass is also a popular natural material used for flooring that clothes moths love. Understanding what they eat will help you to formulate a clothes moth eradication plan. 

Where to check for Clothes Moths:

Inspect each room in your house and look for items that contain nature fibers. Clothes moths like to lay their eggs in dark protected locations that are unlikely to be disturbed. For example, it is best to inspect the rugs and wool carpets by lifting them up and checking the undersides for signs of webbing. The areas that would be good to check are the carpeting under and behind furniture, under beds, and behind wardrobes because those are dark areas. Check the backs of curtains facing the wall and near the floor where it is the darkest. Also, check at the top of the curtains in between the pleats because the moths can hide in there as well. If you have upholstered furniture with horsehair and canvas, the moths like to feed on that too. There can be signs of damage in cat and dogs beds, so getting machine washable bedding for your pets would be ideal. Any other soft furnishings like feather filled cushions or pillows should also be checked for moths. Teddy bears and vintage toys that are less likely to be played with are also good hiding spots for clothes moths because they contain natural fibers and will probably have toddler drool on them. Clothes moth larvae don't drink anything, so they get their moisture from clothing that gets sweaty like in the underarm area and the crotch areas of trousers and suits. 

Termite inspections are very important to do in a new house or even just every so often. Some signs that suggest you might have termites in your house include; buckling in your wood floors, discolored drywall, damaged/rotted wood, wood with visible holes in it, chipped or bubbling paint which can be mistaken for water damage, loose flooring, and the most obvious would be clusters of termite wings near doors and windows. To prepare for termite inspections, you should move items away from storage areas like attics and garages. Removing storage below sinks is helpful as well. 

The termite inspector will look for damaged or hollow wood, access points for termites, termite droppings or mud tubes, and cracks in the foundation or any other damage in the houses’ structure. Once the inspection is done, recommendations for termite treatment and protection will be provided. The types of termites you can have in your home are Dampwood termites that infest wood with high moisture content, Subterranean termites that build mud tubes, and Drywood termites that infest areas of dead or dry wood. Different types of treatment methods for termites include doing a structural fumigation, placing bait stations throughout the house, and termite insecticide. 

To prevent termites from coming back in the future, you can cover openings like vents outside of your house with steel mesh that termites can’t get through, repair plumbing leaks, point sprinkler heads away from the foundation to avoid moisture buildup, and use termite-resistant wood on structure like porches and decks. No matter where you live, termites can be a problem that you don’t know about until it’s too late. To lower the risk of bad infestations and damage, having yearly termite inspections is a good thing to do, even if there are no signs of termite activity. 

Earwigs are bugs that feed on algae, mosses, fungi, lichens, spiders and mites, sometimes aphids, and other insects. They will eat the insects dead or alive. Earwigs can also feed on living plants, meaning they can live in greenhouses and on some crops like forages, fruits, vegetables, field plants, and ornamentals. This means they could cause a lot of problems for gardeners. They have 3 body parts, 6 legs, 2 antennae, and a set of pincers on the end of its abdomen. Even though earwigs don’t bite, they can pinch, but it’s known not to be painful. Earwigs can lay up to 80 eggs at a time and once they have hatched, they become adults in just about 70 days. Their lifespan is about a year. So if you see one, just know that there might be more. 

For survival, earwigs need moisture, so low spots around the foundation of your house, leaky faucets, and downspouts are good spots for them to hide in. To reduce the population of earwigs your home, it’s a good idea to try and get rid of damp conditions in crawl spaces under the house and damp conditions around air-conditioning units. Earwigs inside of your home can be found in kitchens, basements, potted plants, and laundry rooms as well. Depending on how you landscape, you might have to change the way it’s being done so that water will instead flow away from the foundation of the house. Other ways to prevent earwigs in your house or in your plants is to clean up wood that may be rotting around your property and keeping shrubs and plants that you have, trimmed to reduce hiding places during the daytime. A barrier you can use against earwigs and other pests is having ornamental stones or gravel, and of course applying a granular pesticide all around the outside foundation walls will give some prevention. 

If you don’t know what a millipede looks like, the nickname “thousand leggers” might ring a bell. They will usually curl up into a tight curve like a “C” shape and not move if touched. They live outdoors for the most part, but are attracted to cool, moist, dark places and might come indoors if there is an excessive drought or heavy rains. There is usually a large amount of them that live together, so seeing a lot at one time shouldn't be alarming. Millipedes will leave very dry or very wet outdoor conditions to then find their way into your house through cracks in wall vents and windows. They like to live in first floor rooms and basements. Even though millipedes do not bite people or cause damage to anything in your home, their presence can be very annoying. 

To get rid of millipedes, it is best to try and eliminate damp, dark, moist places in your home which is where they would reproduce and feed. Millipede habitats outside could be piles of grass clippings, wet mulch, compost piles, and accumulations of leaves. Raking leaves and exposing the soil surrounding the foundation of the house to give it sunlight, will help eliminate millipedes living on your property. To get rid of entry areas for millipedes, you can repair openings and cracks found in door/window frames and foundation walls. You can also prevent an infestation by treating the outside perimeter of your house with a barrier of liquid pesticides that label millipedes as a target. While applying the pesticide, make sure you put enough liquid so that it soaks through any mulch or soil you have surrounding your house and repeat weekly if needed. 

Silverfish are very unappealing bugs, like most are. They are wingless insects that are covered with silver scales and have 3 antennae-like things called bristle tails that come out of the end of their abdomen. Silverfish are only a half inch long and are very fast insects. They like to live in moist and warm spots, hiding in tight cracks. You can find them anywhere on your house like under roof shingles and in your house as well. Silverfish love the glue on wallpaper and books, and they love the sizing on clothing. To get to the paste in the wallpaper, they are known to eat irregular shaped holes. People often mistakenly think they have clothes moths because of the small holes in the fabrics like linen, silk, and cotton, but it can actually be silverfish. 

An easy start to eliminating the silverfish is to first find the room they are infesting, turn down the temperature and reduce the humidity. You can reduce the humidity by using a dehumidifier, removing standing water, fixing water leaks, and by ventilating attics and closed rooms. If you want to speed up the elimination process, you can apply insecticide products in wall voids and other hiding places like attic insulation. Pest control products you can use for silverfish are Drione Dust to get rid of moisture and Intice Granular Bait. Other alternatives can be 20 Mule Team Borax, baby powder, or plaster mix on a moist rag. There are also silverfish packets that you can buy that will attract them and kill them. You can place the packets in closets and under rugs. 

Silverfish are able to bite, but if they bite a human they are unaware of it. Their bites do more damage to books and clothing. Silverfish lay up to 50 eggs at a time, taking several weeks to hatch which is considered slow reproduction. They can live one year without a food source and up to eight years in lifespan. Seeing a lot of silverfish means they have been in your house for quite some time. Silverfish are unable to climb up flat surfaces, so they are often found in sink basins or bathtubs. This is because they search for moisture. Silverfish can be accidentally brought into homes through furniture or old cardboard boxes. It’s best to examine these things before being brought inside. Indoors, they can be found near humid, dark places like closets, bookshelves, attics, and small spaces in between walls. If you find silverfish outside, they will most likely be found under tree bark, or in birds’ nests. 

Keeping darker areas and inhabited areas of your house clutter free is the best way to prevent a silverfish infestation. Food sources for them are the glue on cardboard boxes and the glue on book bindings. You can take away potential hiding places by sealing up cracks and crevices in the attic or basement with a non-organic caulk. Adding more light to darkened areas and repairing leaking plumbing to eliminate water will also drive silverfish away for good. 

Although no one really likes bugs, centipedes are a beneficial insect because they feed on other pests like crickets and cockroaches. They also will sometimes feed on bats, small birds, and reptiles depending on the size of the centipede. Centipedes attack their prey by wrapping their back legs around the victim and then attacking it with its 2 front legs that have poisonous pincers. These insects are not dangerous to humans, but they do have venom in their pincers that can give a painful bite. Humans who have been bitten by small centipedes have said that it feels like a bee sting, but the larger centipedes are said to have a more painful bite. To reduce the swelling and pain of a centipede bite, you should apply ice to it. 

Centipedes need moist environments to survive. They are hunters that search indoors for food, but will die soon if they don’t go back to the outdoors. As you’re probably wondering, there are indoor and outdoor centipedes. The indoor centipedes have longer legs than the outdoor centipedes, but are shorter in length being around one or two inches long. Their back legs are very long and have long antennae on their head. Centipedes will move very quickly and usually surprise people when they're not expecting it. Reducing moisture from around the house is your best way to prevent centipedes from coming in. It’s best to make sure that your gutters are not clogged and are moving water away from your house. It’s also good to remove wet mulch and any leaf piles that are surrounding the house and allowing the soil to dry out. Centipedes have flat bodies making it easy for them to get into the house through small cracks, so it’s a good idea to seal up the cracks around the foundation of your house. If doing this is still not efficient, you can use a barrier pesticide all around the outside of your house. A liquid treatment you can use to prevent centipedes from coming in is Talstar Granules or you can use diatomaceous earth. Applying these pesticides will also help to keep out the other insects out of the house that centipedes like to feed on. 

Centipedes have the ability to detach some legs if needed to help them escape from predators, but cannot grow those legs back. Indoor centipedes also known as house centipedes, will feed on bed bugs, silverfish, cockroaches, termites, spiders and other pests. You can find a centipede in almost any room in the house, but they are often seen in bathrooms and basements. When centipedes are outside, they like to live under large rocks and other damp/cool places like stacks of wood and compost piles. 

If you are seeing a lot of centipedes in your house, it’s a good idea to search for infestations of the other insects that they feed on like attic flies, lady beetles, spider beetles, cockroaches, boxelder bugs, and other insects. With that being said, controlling other insects is your way to eliminating the unwanted centipedes.