How to Identify Wasps from Yellow Jackets

Due to their similarities in appearance, most people have a tough time distinguishing wasps from yellow jackets. Although they look nearly the same, that is pretty much where the similarities end.

Whether it be the type of nests they create, their feeding behavior, temperament and more, wasps and yellow jackets differ in several ways.

To make sure that your property and family are safe at all times, it’s a good idea to learn more about these differences.

Get to know their nests

One of the easiest ways to tell if you have wasps or yellow jackets on your property is by finding the nest of the pests in question.

Wasps typically nest in high, hard-to-reach areas that include the sides of homes, under guttering or even lawn furniture. Their honeycombed nests are usually a dead giveaway.

Yellow jackets typically make their home underground and can be identified by a single hole in the ground.

Watch their feeding behavior closely

Wasps tend to go after damaged fruits and can be seen crawling on wood, which they scrape at to help build their nests. Although they are not successful pollinators, they are often found on flowers in search of nectar as well.

Yellow jackets differ mightily from their wasp counterparts when it comes to how they feed. They tend to be the ones buzzing around when you’re eating on the back patio or at an outdoor restaurant. They are attracted to sweet liquids and protein and have no problem flying near you to get the food they desire.

Understand their temperaments

Another way to distinguish between these two insects is by watching how they act around people.

As mentioned above, wasps typically steer clear of humans and their food, and are generally peaceful creatures. The only time that you should be worried about a wasp is when they feel threatened. Staying away from their nests and leaving them be will typically lead to no issues.

Yellow jackets on the other hand are a bit more aggressive and will sting unprovoked on occasion. If their nest is being threatened, they may begin to swarm which can be extremely dangerous.

If you believe that you have wasps or yellow jackets on your property and want to have them safely and effectively removed, we ask that you call on our team at Amherst Exterminators.

We are the experts to call for insect identification and removal in the Western New York area and will be honored to get to work at your home to make it insect free. Call us today at 716.908.2475 to get started.

Avoid Being Stung by Yellow Jackets & Hornets

Hornets in attic During the summer months, it can seem like you’re constantly being bothered by pesky yellow jackets and hornets when relaxing on the patio, by the pool or in any other area outdoors.

Although these insects are generally harmless, there are times that they can become defensive and attempt to use their stingers.

To avoid being stung by these insects it’s important to stay far away from their nests when possible and look for indicators that a nest is making its way into your home.

Steer clear of yellow jacket and hornet’s nests

One of the best ways to avoid being stung by these pests is staying away from their nests. This may seem obvious, but many people get the impulse to remove a yellow jacket or hornets’ nest on their own. This is in fact one of the worst things you can do, as it can lead to you being attacked and stung in your effort to take down the nest.

Even if you’re trying to stay away from the nest, it’s important to be cognizant of where it is at all times, so you don’t accidentally get too close. Yellow jackets typically nest in holes in the ground, while hornets like to create nests in high, covered areas that can sometimes be attached to your home.

Look for dark spots on ceilings

If you’ve noticed a hornet’s nest high up along the side of your home, and have left it alone throughout the summer months, it’s suggested to look for dark spots along walls and ceilings in your home.

In some cases, the nest can make its way into your home through the wall, creating an entrance for the insects to burrow in. When this happens, the insects can begin to cause damage to wood, plasterboard and more, putting your family in danger of being stung if they find their way through those materials.

If you’ve noticed any dark spots near the area of the nest, it is essential that you have the nest removed before there is further damage to your property or it harms your loved ones.

Call on a professional exterminator

Should you notice a hornet’s nest on your property, or any dark spots forming on the walls or ceilings, it is essential that you call upon an experienced and professional exterminator to have the nest removed.

When you need an exterminator to come out to your Western New York home to have a yellow jacket or hornet’s nest removed, we ask that you call upon our team at Amherst Exterminators to have it removed safely and effectively.

Although it is suggested to have the nest removed as soon as you notice it on your property, our team has the skills and experience to have any sized nests safely removed. Protect your property and family by calling our team at 716.908.2475 for a FREE estimate.

The Dangers of Hornets on Your Property

Hornet's Nest If you believe you have hornets, or a hornet’s nest, at your home and are concerned about the safety of those on your property, it’s important to know the dangers hornets possess and how to protect your family.

Whether it be their dangerous stingers, the number of hornets that can come from a single nest or the way that they intensely defend their home base, it’s essential to be aware of the worst-case scenarios and the ways to avoid a dangerous situation.

Understanding the dangers that hornets bring to your property will keep your family out of harms way until a professional exterminator can come and inspect the issue and safely remove the insects or nest.

Hornets have stingers that are extremely dangerous

The biggest danger of having hornets on your property is the potential to be stung.

Hornets are one of the biggest insects you will come across, growing as much as ¾ of an inch long, and release a large amount of venom when they sting (more venom per sting than any other insect), making them a very serious threat.

Hornets will defend their nest by stinging

Although hornets are generally known to be passive and peaceful insects, they will protect their nest and sting when they feel it is being threatened.

Because of this, it is extremely important that you do not attempt to remove a hornet’s nest on your own. Without the proper experience and gear, you can open yourself up to serious injury and expensive medical bills. It is best to leave nest removals to a professional.

A large number of hornets can come from one nest

Another danger of having hornets, or a hornet’s nest, on your property is the potential for them to grow in numbers to a point where they can overtake your backyard or other area on your property.

Hornets will typically create their nests in high, hard-to-reach areas that allow them to grow and expand their colony without being harmed. If left unchecked, a queen can build a nest and have her first set of eggs ready to hatch in about a month’s time. A colony of hornets can reach as high as 3,000 and can have up to 400 workers at a time.

When you believe you have a hornet’s nest on your property and want to have it safely removed, we ask that you can upon our expert extermination team at Amherst Exterminators.

We have been serving home and business owners throughout Western New York with hornet extermination services for years and will make sure that your property is safe and hornet-free once again.

To have us get work for you, simply give us a call at 716.908.2475.

3 Reasons to Call an Exterminator for Yellow Jacket Issues

During the summer months, you’re spending a large amount of time outdoors. Whether it be playing in the backyard with your kids, or spending a relaxing evening on the patio, you don’t want to be bothered by annoying pests such as yellow jackets.

They are not only a nuisance when you’re trying to relax, but it can be downright painful to be bitten by one of these.

If you’re experiencing a yellowjacket infestation on your property, it is suggested that you call on a professional exterminating team to have the issue resolved and have your property protected for years to come.

They will locate the yellow jacket nest

One of the more difficult parts of dealing with a yellow jacket infestation is locating the nest. This is because the nest can be located underground or hidden in areas such as vegetation.

An exterminator that has experience removing yellow jackets will look in other places such as animal burrows, wood piles and enclosed spaces on your property.

They’ll have the nest safely removed

Once the nest has been identified, it can be safely removed by the exterminator. They have the necessary equipment, knowledge and experience to have the nest taken off of your property without issue.

They will also determine when to remove the nest based on the time of day, weather and more.

They can maintain your property

After the nest has been identified and removed, it is important to have regular maintenance on your property to ensure another infestation does not occur in the future.

Most exterminators offer seasonal maintenance packages that will keep away insects such as yellow jackets for good.

If you believe you have a yellowjacket nest or infestation on your property, we ask that you call on our team at Amherst Exterminators to have them removed safely and effectively. We have years of experience identifying, removing and preventing yellow jackets on properties across Western New York.

Give our team a call today at 716-908-2475 to have us get to work at your home. We proudly serve those throughout the entire Buffalo-Niagara region, as well as Chautauqua County, for all of their extermination needs.

What’s the Difference Between Carpenter Bees and Wasps?

Flying insects are some of the most invasive species that a homeowner can encounter. Some flying insects are known to bite, while others have sharp stingers that they use when they feel threatened. Flying insects can be threatening to have around your home because some people can have life-threatening reactions to their bites or stings, and they can cause severe damage to your property.

Some of the most popular flying insects that are known to invade your home, especially during the summertime, are wasps and carpenter bees. Although these insects may come from the same family, they are surprisingly two very different species.

So, what exactly are the differences between wasps and carpenter bees? Let’s take a look:

Carpenter Bees

As the weather starts to warm up, don’t be surprised to see more carpenter bees when you are outside. Carpenter bees love to rest during the winter, before they re-appear in the spring during their mating season. Carpenter bees don’t look like your stereotypical fuzzy, yellow bee. Instead, they have a large black abdomen with minimal color on their thorax.

Surprisingly, the male carpenter bees don’t live to be very long and are usually harmless. On the other hand, female carpenter bees have a stinger, and they aren’t afraid to use it when they feel threatened.

Handling Carpenter Bees

If you notice an abundance of carpenter bees in your yard, don’t try to tackle them yourself. You can usually tell that you have a carpenter bee infestation if you notice carpenter bee holes throughout your yard. When you call a professional exterminator, they will identify these burrows and use different treatments with insecticide to close the hole and prevent bees from re-entering.

Wasps

Wasps are usually professionally described as any individual insect that does not live in a hive. There are a few different species of wasps, including paper wasps, potter wasps, mud wasps, and pollen wasps. Wasps can be recognized by their pinched waist between their thorax and their abdomen.

Handling Wasps in Your Yard

Wasps are known to be aggressive. Their behavior usually varies dramatically between species, but overall, they aren’t afraid to attack when they feel threatened. Always call a professional to help manage your wasp infestation because if you try to tackle the project on your own, you may contribute to an accidental re-infestation.

Whether it’s carpenter bees, wasps, or another member of the bee family, don’t forget to contact Amherst Exterminators to help take care of your infestation.

What Are The Dangers of Finding Carpenter Ants in Your Home?

Once ants enter your home, they can be disastrous. Because of their size, ants are great at hiding, so it may take you some time to notice the damage they’re doing to your home. Certain ants can even cause damage to your overall health too.

Let’s learn about the dangers caused by having ants in your home:

Damage to Your House

Ants can cause destructive damage to your home that’s similar to the damage that termites cause. Once they’ve entered your home, carpenter ants will create nests in hollow areas and wood that is moist and beginning to decay. They cause damage to the wood by tunneling through it. Because the majority of damage that carpenter ants cause is hidden in wooden structures, it can be difficult to determine whether you have an ant infestation.

If you notice wood shavings throughout your home, hear rustling in the walls, or you actually see an ant inside your home, consult with a professional pest control team to prevent further damage.

Carpenter Ants Can Cause Health Risks to Residents

Another reason carpenter ants make poor housemates is because of the potential health risks they can cause. When they feel threatened, carpenter ants will pinch and bite your skin. Just like any insect bite, carpenter any bites can cause pain and discomfort. However, they’re not usually dangerous as long as you treat them properly. If you don’t care for your bite, it can eventually become irritated or infected.

Carpenter Ants can Attract Other Pests

Ants are a popular food source for other, larger pests. This means, if you have an ant infestation in your home, it will attract other pests to explore your home. Bats and spiders are two of the most common pests that will eagerly seek out your ant infestation.

Contact an Exterminator if You Find Ants in Your Home

If you notice signs of carpenter ants in your home, contact Amherst Exterminators to remove the pests in your home. Our ant extermination services and outside maintenance treatments help control and destroy the nest if it has taken up residence in your home.

Give us a call at 716-908-2475 for free details and programs to resolve your problem. You can also contact us online to learn more about our services!

4 Reasons Why You Might Have an Ant Infestation in Your Home

During the warmer months of the year, ants are notorious for entering your home. Because of their tiny structure, it can be hard to keep these pests away and out of your home. There are quite a few reasons why ant colonies choose to swarm into your house.

Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why ants are attracted to your home:

Dog Food Has Been Left Out

Although dogs can scare away certain pests, their food has been know to attract other pests, like ants. When dog food is left sitting for a long time, they have a greater chance of attracting an ant infestation. As a rule of thumb, whenever your dog is finished eating, store their food away somewhere off the ground until they are ready to eat again. You should also keep this rule in mind for all pet food.

You’re Not Cleaning Up Your Leftovers

Ants need food and water to survive, so they’re always on the hunt for easy food sources. Your kitchen and other places in your home where food is kept are often the most popular areas for ants to infest.

To avoid a potential ant infestation, make sure you’re regularly cleaning around your kitchen. Keep leftover foods in an airtight container and leave fruit in the fridge whenever possible.

A Sticky Garbage Can Will Attract Ants

Before tossing things like empty jelly jars of soda cans out in the garbage, it’s always a good idea to rinse them first. You should also be rinsing out your garbage bins regularly. Ants aren’t afraid to dive crawl into your garbage can to get leftover fruits and other sugary substances.

Your Pipes Could be Leaking

Besides food, ants are also attracted to reliable water sources. Always make sure that water and moisture aren’t a problem in your home’s common areas, like your kitchen and bathrooms. Also, check to make sure your windows are well-sealed during wet weather too.

Do you notice signs of ants in your house? Allow Amherst Exterminators to help eliminate your pest control issues! Give us a call at 716-908-2475 today to learn more about our ant extermination services.

How to Keep Pests Away During the Holiday Season

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! A time filled with delicious foods, drinks, and stunning décor. However, with all of the excitement, it may lead to the inevitable crumbs and other messes around your home. The last thing you’ll want to experience during the holiday season is finding bugs, rodents, and other unwanted pests ruining your holiday spirit.

To help avoid finding an unwanted pest in your home, make sure you’re following these tips:

Clean and Prepare Your Kitchen

During the holidays, you typically buy or receive a few extra treats. Before you frantically search for a place to store these extra goodies, try clearing out your refrigerator and pantry. Spending the time to clear out these spaces will help you remove any spoiled or unwanted foods that may draw pests into your home.

Make Sure You’re Taking Out the Trash

The holidays typically lead you to accumulate extra garbage. Make sure you’re not letting your bins reach a point to which they overflow. It may also be beneficial to take the time to give your home’s trash cans a nice clean. Take your garbage out daily, if needed, and make sure you’re never leaving bags resting on the ground.

Examine Your Holiday Décor

Real pine trees and wreaths are popular holiday décor. Remember, anytime you bring in something from the outdoors, you have a higher chance of also bringing bugs into your home. Insects like spiders and beetles are attracted to fresh-cut Christmas trees.

As a rule of thumb, always examine your trees and wreaths before bringing them into your home. You can also spray your tree with a generous amount of water before you bring it inside.

Cover Up Your Baked Goods

Although it’s tempting to leave our baked goods uncovered as we continue to go back for more, it’s very important to store your baked goods in an airtight container when you’re not eating them. Often, baked goods are rich in sugar, and pests love sugar. Just like you, your pests also will not be able to resist these sweet treats, so make sure you’re storing them properly!

Have You Found Pests in Your Home?

If you have unwanted pests in your house during the holiday season, be sure to contact Amherst Exterminators to help you take care of the problem. Please give us a call at 716-908-2475 today to get in touch with one of your professional exterminators!

Sneaky Winter Pests That May Enter Your Home

We aren’t the only ones getting acclimated to the colder temperatures and preparing for the long winter months ahead of us. When the weather outside drops to freezing temperatures, many pests will frantically search for a place to hide. Ideally, they like to sneak into warm places like your basement or attic.

Here are some of the most common pests that can invade your home during the winter:

House Mice

House mice are one of the most commonly encountered rodents in the United States. They enjoy nesting in dark, secluded areas like your attics and basements. Although rodents may seem harmless, you won’t want them in your home. They can cause damage to your property, such as chewing through drywall and wires.

Even though they like to be secluded, they aren’t shy animals. They love to explore and sample your food in your cupboards. Be careful because house mice are known to contaminate food and spread other diseases.

Stinkbugs

It doesn’t take much effort for the stinkbug to enter your home. All they need is access to a crack or hole in your home. Stinkbugs are tricky because you may not even know that they’re in your house until they wake up in the early spring.

You’ll likely find them on your walls and windows trying to get back outside. Try to refrain from killing them yourself because they will release a bad smell once they’re squished.

Bedbugs

Bedbugs can be an issue at all times of the year. However, since many people enjoy traveling to warmer destinations during the winter months, it increases the probability of encountering these pests much higher. If you’re planning on traveling throughout the winter, make sure that you’re inspecting your hotel room for any potential signs of bed bugs.

Ladybugs

Another bright, bold bug that is hard to miss in your home is the ladybug. Once these bugs find a safe place to harbor in your home, they become a huge problem. You can usually find them hanging out around your windows or light fixtures during the night. They’re not harmful, but they can secrete a yellow fluid that will stain your surfaces.

Do You Suspect Bugs in Your Home?

If you see any of these sneaky pests in your home this winter, make sure you’re contacting Amherst Exterminators to take care of the problem! Call us at 716-908-2475 today to schedule an appointment with one of our exterminators!

Why Are Bed Bugs in Your Home?

Once a bed bug has entered your home, it can be a challenge getting them to leave. Bed bugs are blood-eating insects and can live in any environment, as long as they can access their food source.

Because these bugs remain small in size, they’re often hard to find unless they are clustered in a group. Whether your home is spotless or not, it’s essential to know that these bugs can still thrive in pristine environments.

So, what causes bed bugs to enter your home? The short answer is a lot of things! However, the more you familiarize yourself with bed bugs, the more likely you’ll be able to keep them out of your home.

Where Do Bed Bugs Come From?

Bed bugs are also known as “hitchhiking bugs,” which means they can attach to you or your belongings and hang on for the ride. One of the more common places where people find bed bugs is in hotels, motels, and resorts. No matter how clean the rooms are, make sure you’re checking for bed bugs immediately. Look everywhere from sheets, blankets, your mattress, headboard, curtains, closets, drawers, etc.

Bed Bugs can also be found:

Buses, trains, planes, cruise liners, and taxi cabs.
Office buildings.
Colleges and universities.
Nursing homes.
Daycares.
Schools
Libraries.
Theaters.
Your workplace.

Your Breathing Can Attract Bed Bugs

Did you know that you can attract bed bugs just by breathing? That’s right! A bed bug will make its way to you by following the largest carbon dioxide concentration in the room. Because you don’t typically move a lot throughout the night, carbon dioxide tends to float around your bed at night.

What Do Bed Bugs Eat?

Bed bugs feed on warm-blooded humans and animals to survive. Although they won’t turn down an animal, it’s been clear the bed bugs prefer to feast on humans instead. More specifically, your body heat, carbon dioxide, and other biological signatures will naturally attract bed bugs.

What Should You Do If You Think There Are Bed Bugs in Your Home?

Don’t let bed bugs take over your home. Contact Amherst Exterminators today for bed bug removal in Buffalo, NY!