Increase in Pest Pressure Can Spoil the Season’s Festivities

Image courtesy of Chattanooga Real Estate Today

The countdown begins to July 4th weekend! 

A weekend to celebrate independence with fireworks, food, festivities, friends and family, Craig Thomas Pest Control and the National Pest Management Association offer advice for bug-free barbeque's.


June 30, 2010 (Fairfax, Va.) – Barbeque's can be a source of seasonal fun, but not when pests crash the party. Ants, flies and stinging insects are prevalent in the late summer and early fall and although often considered a mere annoyance to party goers, these pests can also bite, sting, carry diseases and contaminate food.


“Outdoor events can be tricky enough to plan for due to uncooperative weather and other unpredictable elements. Pest predicaments should not be another worry,” said Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for NPMA. “More than just a nuisance, these pests can leave painful bites and transmit diseases, which should compel homeowners to take an active role in their prevention.”


NPMA recommends taking these precautions to discourage unwanted pests from spoiling barbeque fun:
• Ants and flies are attracted to typical barbeque fare. Serve food and beverages indoors, and reserve outdoor space for eating and entertaining. Keep food sealed in containers or covered whenever possible, and wipe tabletops frequently. Bring utensils and dishware indoors shortly after the meal. Dispose of trash in closed garbage containers and keep receptacles a good distance from where guests are gathered.
• Mosquitoes feed on blood, causing painful bite marks and sometimes carrying diseases such as Malaria and West Nile Virus. Remove/drain sources of standing water in the yard that could be a breeding ground for mosquitoes, including birdbaths and kiddie pools. When outside, wear insect repellent on exposed skin to prevent mosquito bites.
• Stinging insects are attracted to fragrances from candles, perfumes and even the food and drinks you serve. Provide clear cups for beverages, as soda/juice cans are good hiding spots for stinging pests.
• Properly screen doors and windows leading into the home. Remind guests to close doors when entering and exiting your home.
• If you’re concerned about an abundance of pests in your yard, contact a
Craig Thomas Pest Control, a licensed pest professional to help control the problem.

For more information on pests that can invade your barbeque,

visit Craig Thomas Pest Control or National Pest Management Association.

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The NPMA, a non-profit organization with more than 6,000 members, was established in 1933 to support the pest management industry’s commitment to the protection of public health, food and property.

As you spend the weekend celebrating our freedom and independence, the team from Craig Thomas Pest Control wishes everyone a safe and happy 4th of July. Happy Birthday America!

Happy Spring!

Happy Spring to all our friends! We can now look forward to warm and sunny days; however warm weather causes insects and wildlife to move around. If you are confronted with insects or wildlife problems at your home, first call a professional. Do not try to treat yourself; you will only make the problem worse. Spring time is a time where termites and ants make their way into homes. How to tell the difference between the two insects can be difficult. Below describes the difference between the Carpenter ant and the termite.

Key features of Carpenter Ants:

• Very large, usually black, about 1/2" in size.


• Distinct one segment pedicel ('knob') protruding from the link between the thorax and abdomen.


• Abdomen encircled by yellow hairs.


• Thorax is evenly rounded C.


• Carpenter ants nesting in wood only hollow out 'galleries' for reproduction.


• Early signs of structural infestations are swarms of adult reproductive flyers in or around the home.


• Most often they can be observed at dusk or dawn when they are most active.


• Sawdust around baseboards and walls is also evidence of carpenter ant activity.

Key features of Termites:

• Characteristics – Size: Worker/Solider: 1/8-inch in length. Primary/Supplementary Reproductive: About 1 inch in length.


• Color: Soldier: Light colored with brown head. Supplementary Reproductive/ Worker: Light colored. Primary Reproductive: Dark brown/black.


• Behavior – This termite is known to swarm in May and June, but small flights can occur at any time of the year.


• Swarming is the primary way the termite naturally spreads after it has been transported to a new area.


• Three elements are needed for swarming to be effective: 1) Proper food resources (cellulose and wood), 2) moisture, and 3) a physical niche.


• Habitat – Subterranean termites live in colonies in the ground, building vertical tunnels that look like mud tubes above ground level so that they can search for food. Subterranean termites will die if exposed to air for an extended period of time, so the tunnels provide protection from the open air, allowing workers to carry food to the nest. Subterranean termites can form tunnels through cracks in concrete, so slab homes are not exempt from these termites. They need to stay in contact with the soil in order to survive.

To learn more about developing a pest management plan best suited for your needs, call the team at Craig Thomas Pest Control!