Insects and Spiders

• Ants
  The general consensus is that they may have entered the United States aboard ships carrying coffee or sugar from Argentina during the 1890s, and then expanded throughout California and the southern parts of the United States. They have killed and displaced native ants, many of which are ten times larger in size.
• Spiders
  Spiders are found all over the world in all sorts of habitats from the sea shore to the dessert – on the ground, under rocks, on plants, in trees, in caves, on water, and in homes. Each type of spider tends to be found in a habitat to which it has become specifically adapted.
• Termites
  Below you’ll find answers to common termite control questions. If you’d rather speak with an Ecola expert, we’re happy to answer your questions, offer basic guidance and even send a technician to your home for a free inspection.
• Bed Bugs
  Adult bedbugs are reddish-brown, flattened, oval, and wingless. Bedbugs have microscopic hairs that give them a banded appearance. Adults grow to 4–5 mm in length and 1.5–3 mm wide. Newly hatched nymphs are translucent, lighter in color and become browner as they moult and reach maturity. Bedbugs use pheromones and kairomones to communicate regarding nesting locations, attacks, and reproduction. The life span of bedbugs varies by species and is also dependent on feeding.
• Fleas
  Vacuuming the carpeted areas often will stimulate adult fleas to emerge and come in contact with the treatment take bag to outside trash in plastic bag.
• Cockroaches
  Cover fish tanks with a damp towel and turn off the pump. Note: saltwater tanks may need to be removed from the premises as the air pumps cannot be disconnected. Discuss options for areas where saltwater tanks are present ( such as cockroach bait only) with your Tech.
• Silverfish
  White to brown-grey or bluish-silver in color, silverfish are teardrop-shaped insects that measure up to12-19 mm in length. Three long bristles on rear. Grow from egg to adult without visible change in appearance. Capable of thriving in most climates, silverfish prefer to dwell in dark, damp areas such as basements, attics, kitchens and bathrooms. They are especially attracted to paper and damp clothing. Commonly found in stored boxes in garages and sheds. Silverfish feed on carbohydrates, particularly sugars and starches. Cellulose, shampoos, glue in books, linen, silk and dead insects may be food sources. Have been found in unopened food packages. Silverfish are known for their destructive feeding habits, oftentimes ruining papers, clothing and wallpaper. They commonly infest dark, damp areas around paper and linen sources. Silverfish infestations can be found in kitchens, laundry rooms, bathrooms, attics and basements.
• Bees
  Honeybees are commonly found among flowers and in gardens. They grow to be about 1/2 inch in length and are golden yellow with darker brown stripes. These bees are the only type of bee known to have colonies that last longer than a decade. Because their swarms can have hundreds or even thousands of bees, some people fear the possibility of being attacked. However, these bees are generally non aggressive unless someone is purposely and violently disturbing them. They swarm in clusters, especially close to the nest. The colony usually creates a honey comb in a cavity of a tree, but colonies have also built homes in rock formations, caves, and every once in a while, within a residence. The honey these bees produce is the honey that we usually find in grocery stores. After a colony has been killed in a building, it is always good to remove the honeycombs from the wall because the honey will rot and produce an odor that will attract more bugs. It is always good to maintain a safe distance from these bees because they are similar to killer bees, especially nests found in the southwestern United States.
• Wasps
  ECOLA is fully equipped to handle bee or wasps at your office. We even have options to remove hives without killing the bees.
• Ticks
  Flea infestation often starts with pets. Determine where resting and sleeping occurs most frequently by any pets. Flea activity “hot spots” can be detected by placing white socks over shoes and walking through the residence into suspected areas. Research has demonstrated that these areas will contain the highest amount of eggs, larvae and pupae even after vacuuming. Hot spots for homes with dogs are usually areas where the pet goes in and out of the house, eats, sleeps and spends time with the family at the base of furniture. For cats, check the tops of refrigerators, cabinets, book cases and higher locations.
• Crickets
  Cricket sizes vary though usually no larger than 1-1/2 inches in length. Crickets are usually black or brown in color. Crickets are rectangular in shape, with large black legs that help them jump (much like a grasshopper) and long, thin antennas. Crickets enter buildings through small cracks or holes when searching for food or shelter. You may find crickets in your laundry, as they have been known to feed on clothing. Crickets normally live in wooded areas or fields, away from people. Eliminate stacks of trash, bricks, tall weeds, stones, rocks, wood, and rubble. Stack firewood as far away from the home as possible! If crickets don’t have a safe place to live near your home, it is less likely for them to find their way into your home. Eliminate means of entry to your home. Make sure that all cracks and holes are filled. Because crickets are attracted to light, you may want to install “bug” lights on the outside of your home. These lights have a softer glow to them and they don’t attract as many insects.
• Earwigs
  Earwigs range in color from reddish brown to dark brown. They are about 1” long. They are distinguished by the cerci (pincher-like object) that extends from their abdomen. Earwigs feed on other insects, fruits, plants, and vegetables. Earwigs live in colonies under mulch, bushes, plants, and other objects. They find their way into the home through cracks and holes. Elimination of earwigs’ habitat near your home is not always possible, or reasonable. Treatment around the exterior of your home is typically necessary to help control these pests.
• Mosquitoes
  Aedes mosquitoes are quite aggressive. They’re sometimes called “ankle biters” as they tend to bite people near the feet. Unlike common house mosquitoes, which are light brown in color, Aedes mosquitoes are black-and-white. They love to feast on human blood, and some target animals too. Aedes mosquitoes can transmit diseases, spreading potentially fatal viruses like Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and others, warns the CDC.
• Flies
  Soiled trash cans aren’t just smelly and unsightly. They’re also open invitations to pests, from rodents to ants, cockroaches, flies, and more. Ecola’s microbial trash can service gets rid of bacteria and slime that create stench and attract pests.
• Beetles
  Carpet beetles are round beetles that produce larvae that can grow up to 1/4-inch in length; the adults grow to 1/4-inch as well. While generally tan in color, they are covered by tiny black, brown, and white scales, and have numerous tufts of stiff hairs, or bristles on the body. Pests such as carpet beetles aren’t particularly dangerous, but they can cause permanent damage to fabric items like clothing, carpet, upholstered furniture, etc. These beetles digest animal hairs, feeding on almost any item made of natural fibers, but they can particularly be found among wool and cashmere. Carpet beetles are normally found outdoors in birds’ nests and animal dens where hairs and feathers are found in abundance. In the home, these pests will go wherever they can find natural fiber fabrics that they can eat. Carpet beetles also like to live under carpeting, as well as any space where pet hairs may have accumulated. These pests require an extensive service to completely be eradicated.
• Pantry Pests
  Nearly all dry, stored human food products as well as dry pet food and birdseed are susceptible. Pantry pests eat and contaminate the products, rendering them useless for consumption and can leave infested foods to crawl or fly around the house. When this happens, they become an annoyance for many people.
• Mites
  Having a child who suffers from chronic allergies to dust mites as well as attention deficit disorder, Ecola Termite Services’ Susan Fries has always been particularly conscious of not only the global environment, but her family’s immediate surroundings. Her family’s health combined with her love for animals were the real driving forces behind her decision to operate an eco-sensitive pest management company. And with growing sensitivity to factors such as global warming, pollution and a generally increasing “green” movement, Fries knew that the best thing to do would be to buy her own alternative termite treatment company. This ultimately led to ECOLA Termite & Pest Service’s “Best Green Exterminator” Award in August of 2007-2010.
• Pill Bugs
• Sow Bugs
  Those dark, oval creatures scurrying along your home may very well be sowbugs. Sowbugs are land-living crustaceans that feed on organic material and thrive in moist environments.

Bird Control

• Birds

Rodent Control

• Rodents
  Rodents can be a problem year-round, seeking warmth in winter, emerging in spring, and breeding nonstop in warmer months. Urine, droppings, bad odors, the sound of scratching or pitter-patter all point to a rodent problem. Don’t ignore them, they multiply quickly!
• Mice
  Both rats and mice breed quickly, so if you see one, chances are a lot more are hiding in your home.
• Rats
  Think you have a rat problem? If you have one rat in your home, chances are you have many rats in your home.