From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE — As we officially enter into the spring months, many people are cleaning their homes inside and out. But pests are on the move and there are things you need to know that could save your time, money and even your life.
MOSQUITOES
One of the peskiest pests is the mosquito. Vulcan Termite and Pest Control anticipates a large mosquito population this spring. The experts say all the rain we have had in our region could lead to an increased number of mosquito beds.
They recommend calling out the experts to have your yard treated before things get out of hand. Also, don’t allow standing water in your yard. The EPA says it’s important to avoid mosquito bites because the insects can carry deadly diseases.
The EPA offers tips to avoid a bite.
- Keep mosquitoes away from exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks.
- Tuck shirts into pants and pants into socks to cover gaps in your clothing where mosquitoes can get to your skin.
- Stay indoors when possible, especially if there is a mosquito-borne disease warning in effect.
- Use EPA-registered mosquito repellents when necessary and follow label directions and precautions closely.
- Use head nets, long sleeves, and long pants if you venture into areas with high mosquito populations, such as salt marshes.
- Replace your outdoor lights with yellow “bug” lights, which tend to attract fewer mosquitoes than ordinary lights. The yellow lights are NOT repellents, however.
SNAKES
You may have seen the social media posts already: Snake sightings. According to Reptiles Magazine, there are between 1,000 and 2,000 cases of snake bites in the United States each year. Fatalities from those bites are rare, but it’s important you know what to look for in your yard.
Be careful around tall grass and piles of brush. Snakes tend to be active at night and in warm weather. Wear boots and long pants when working outside. Wear leather gloves when handling brush and debris. If you do see a snake and you are unsure of the type of snake it is, do not try to handle it.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends you seek medical attention immediately if you are bitten. Apply a tourniquet and try to note the shape of the snake, which can help with the treatment of a bite. Wash the bite with soap and water and do not try to suck out the venom.
TERMITES
When it comes to termites, it is important to keep your contract up-to-date and read the fine print. Experts with Vulcan Termite and Pest Control say most regular contracts do not cover one of the most destructive species of termite: The Formosan Termite. You can ask your company if they have a protection plan for this type of invasive termite. The Formosan is so destructive because their colonies are larger and they adapt well to moisture conditions in higher levels of your home.
In the past two years, Vulcan has seen a couple of cases in the Trussville area, but they say there is a growing problem along the Highway 280 corridor in Hoover. They say they aren’t sure how these foreign creatures ended up in Alabama, but they believe they could be coming in via products brought to the United States.
If you believe you have any of these issues in your yard or in your home, be sure to call the experts. Not all types of pests react the same to chemicals, but the experts will know how to treat your problem.