B&B Exterminating Blog

Everyone agrees that household pests are annoying, but few people are aware of the health risks associated with infestation.  Here’s a rundown of the most common offenders and the problems they can pose for humans. Rodents It's rare for squirrels, racoons and other large rodents to carry rabies, but you never know. Don't attempt to handle or trap these animals on your own. Rats are significantly more threatening. Bites and scratches expose humans to a number of diseases. Coming in contact with rat urine or droppings may result in liver or kidney failure. Just inhaling the waste is dangerous. Rats' fondness for gnawing on electrical wiring has sparked many a fire. Signs of trouble include droppings, chew marks, paths of flattened grass and dark smears along baseboards or lower walls.  Flies Ordinary houseflies are suspected of transmitting up to 65 serious diseases like typhoid fever, dysentery and cholera.  As most picnickers...

If you own a dog or cat, there's a good chance that you've had to deal with fleas at some point. In any given year, 74% of U.S. homeowners with pets buy flea-control products. Here are a few solid tips to prevent flea infestations. Clean All of the Upholstery At the end of the day, fleas thrive in warm environments where they can breed like rabbits. If you have thick carpeting or throw rugs in entry ways, you should spend a few bucks to shampoo and steam-clean those items to eradicate fleas. Wash All Pet-Specific Fabrics If you have dog beds or cat perches in the house, you'll need to "nuke" that furniture to ensure that fleas are eradicated. If you need to send those items to a dry-cleaning service, spend a few extra bucks to get the job done right. Bathe Every Pet in the House Often Once you've tackled the issue...

Mosquitoes are always a problem in northeastern Florida and southeastern Georgia. The geography and warm, humid climate provide excellent conditions for mosquitoes to thrive. Mosquitoes require a moist environment to lay their eggs. However, not all types of mosquitoes require standing water to lay their eggs.  Floodwater mosquitoes deposit their eggs on moist ground, which may dry out. The eggs may also dry out but can survive for several months. When rains or floodwaters moisten the soil, the larvae develop and hatch about seven days later. Up to 1.3 million eggs of floodwater mosquitoes can be present in an acre of land. Species include Culex nigripalpus, one of the most significant mosquito disease vectors.  Permanent-water mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. If the eggs are deprived of water, they cannot hatch. However, those in water can hatch after 24 hours. Open gutters, flower pots, old tires, children's toys, birdbaths and...

Rats cause extensive structural damage in the Jacksonville area. Whether you live in the city or the suburbs, it's difficult to avoid infestations. According to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), 30 percent of homeowners in northeastern Florida say that they've had problems with rodents. Researchers with the USDA estimate that rats cause $19 billion in damage each year. In addition to consuming and contaminating 20 to 35 percent of the world's food supply, rats damage roads, railway tracks and bridges by burrowing under the ground and disrupting the soil. Small-scale problems occur in local homes where rats spread salmonella, hantavirus, typhus and the plague. The effects of rodent infestations are devastating when the rats gnaw on electrical wires. Most of this damage happens because rats chew continuously. Their incisors grow 5 inches every year. Damage to Drywall and Building Materials As a general rule, mice can squeeze through dime-sized holes,...

With the holiday season just around the corner, you are probably planning your Thanksgiving dinner. If you want to have a good time and to prevent pests from spoiling the fun, you are likely wondering what steps you should take. Although you can use a range of at-home solutions to protect yourself, doing so won't always offer the results you need. Contacting a pest control professional is one of the best ways to get common pests out of your home and off your property, but you can also take some time to learn about the invaders and the damage that they can cause. This process will help you avoid the threat and reclaim your property, giving you peace of mind. Common Pests and How They Get Inside Even though many types of pests can invade your home when you least expect them to do so, some are more common than others....

Odors are a unique part of daily life. Whether it's pleasant smells or offensive ones, odors can almost instantly take us back to distant memories or make us think of a friend or loved one. However, when offensive odors permeate your home on a regular basis, it's time to take action. Carpet and paint can absorb various odors over time, leading to a persistent bad smell that lingers in every room of the house. At B & B Exterminating, we provide a unique service designed to remove offensive odors from every part of your home. Our Odor Removal Program Odors can accumulate in different parts of the house for a variety of reasons. Odors in the kitchen can be caused by interior paint absorbing smells from foods that you cook over a period of time. If you have a mouse that dies in a specific location, the decaying rodent can cause...

Pest control methods are always changing, and our customers have been asking about the latest developments. When technology advances, it always presents an opportunity to inform customers about the latest improvements. These new methods provide us with better ways to serve the needs of our customers. Our goals as an organization are always focused on making sure that our customers have the best pest control services available. This includes rapidly incorporating the latest changes into our existing methods. As the field of pest control continues to develop, we will be posting new content to inform our customers about the latest available options. New Pest Control Technologies Reducing the environmental impacts from pest-control products and methods is one of the main objectives of emerging technologies. There is a growing demand for pest control techniques and solutions that will not cause a detrimental reaction in young children, pets or the elderly. Some solutions...

With so many common pests in the area, it is important to take a few additional precautions to protect your new home. Roaches, ants, and bed bugs are just a few of the known troublemakers. Installing an in-the-wall system during home construction is a great way to ensure that pests never become an issue. Here are the key benefits of an in-the-wall system. No Chemical Odors Some insecticides leave a strong chemical odor that lingers in the air for several days. This can cause a great deal of frustration for homeowners. You will never have to worry about this problem with an in-the-wall pest control system. Everyone in your family will be able to breathe freely. Very Effective The primary goal of installing an in-the-wall system is to prevent pest infestations. Designed with a series of tubes, an in-the-wall system attacks pests in their favorite hiding spots. They will no longer...

In the pest control industry, different treatment options are available including green ones. Green pest control isn’t just about avoiding the use of chemicals. Instead, companies that offer it focus on pest control through preventative methods in addition to applying pesticides that are considered safe for people and pets. What Does It Mean to Be Green in the Pest Control Industry? The term “green” can mean different things when it comes to pest control. Generally speaking, it refers to the use of products that are 100 percent botanical-based, ones that consist of natural ingredients. The National Organic Program has issued its approval for these products, and because it has, they are generally considered safe. In fact, the FDA has even approved them for food consumption. So, What are the Benefits of Green Pest Control? Green pest control is safer for your kids, pets and plants. The odor emitted from these products...

Bordering the Atlantic Ocean, Jacksonville is among the most stunning cities in the state of Florida. Residents love the area’s beautiful scenery and mild weather. World-class beaches make Jacksonville an even more attractive place to live. Unfortunately, Jacksonville’s warm climate tends to attract a lot of annoying pests. Here are the top pests that tend to cause trouble. Bed Bugs Although bed bugs may have a cute name, they can cause your family a great deal of trouble. While you are trying to sleep at night, these aggravating insects will quietly feed on your blood. Over time, the constant biting will become a major source of frustration. Allergy and asthma sufferers will experience even more discomfort. Mosquitoes Because of Jacksonville’s location, mosquitoes tend to remain active for most of the year. However, they seriously thrive during the summer months. Mosquitoes put everyone’s health at risk. Aside from their itchy bites, mosquitoes...

People from all around the country choose to maintain a residence in sunny Florida so that they may enjoy excellent weather all year long. Unfortunately, this state's climate also makes it a haven for all sorts of nuisance pests, and those living in Jacksonville and the surrounding area often experience a problem with bees and wasps. Here at B&B Exterminating Company, we've been protecting area residents from bees and wasps since 1938, and we've put together some information to help you understand what you may be dealing with when it comes to these stinging insects. Bees Carpenter Bees: Much like the carpenter ant, this bee causes trouble for homeowners because it destroys wood. You'll find them making their homes by tunneling deep into decks, doors, roof eaves, windowsills, and fences. Carpenter bees look a bit like bumble bees, but they can be beautifully colored in purplish blue, metallic blue, solid black...

The only downside of a vacation is getting back into your routine afterward. After a week or two of fun in the sun, easing back into the daily grind can be challenging. Imagine adding the stress of a bedbug infestation into the mix. B&B Exterminating Company offers these tips for keeping your home bed bug-free no matter where your travels take you this summer. Where Are Bed Bugs Found? These insects can be found throughout the U.S. and in countries around the world. They live in houses, apartment buildings, hotels, hospitals, shopping malls and other settings. A rise in global travel means more and more households are plagued by infestations caused by domestic and international trips. Inspect Your Room Bed bugs are small and tend to hide in crevices, making them easy to miss. Be sure to inspect your accommodations before settling in to prevent taking these pests with you. Bed...

At B&B Exterminating Co., we know that pests aren't the only things that can infest a home or business. In a humid climate such as ours, mold can be a big problem. Below, you'll learn about the characteristics of mold as well as ways to prevent it from growing. How Mold Forms Mold is a toxic fungus that grows wherever there's water, organic matter to serve as food, high temperatures, and high humidity levels. Mold often grows on walls, ceilings, and floors through the condensation of water vapor. In most cases, the water comes in the form of a leak. Where Mold Grows Attics, basements and crawl spaces are all vulnerable to mold growth because of their already high moisture levels. Attics are notorious for poor ventilation, and if water leaks through the roof and gets the beams or the insulation wet, this will spell trouble. Basements can invite water from...

Like so many other local residents, you are probably looking forward to celebrating the 4th of July. There is nothing like enjoying a fun barbecue with your family and friends. Before you fire up the grill this summer, be sure to protect your property from pests. Here are some of the common pests that can ruin the party. Mosquitoes For decades, mosquitoes have remained a problem for Florida homeowners. A summertime cookout is the perfect environment for these ancient bloodsuckers. The humid air and extra body heat will quickly draw mosquitoes to your yard. If you plan to have beer at your gathering, mosquitoes will be an ever bigger problem. Aside from a mosquito’s annoying bite, you must worry about becoming infected. Throughout history, mosquitoes have helped spread a number of devastating diseases. Known for causing serious birth defects, the Zika virus has officially hit the state. Pregnant women should take...

Like most pests, ants invade Florida homes in an effort to find certain necessities. They want to meet various basic needs, such as nutrition, moisture, and shelter. If you learn about the specific things that they seek, you'll have a better ability to keep these insects at bay and prevent them from harming your belongings. Nourishment Just about any human or pet food may attract ants. Many species favor sweet ingredients, such as maple syrup, jelly, and sugar. High-protein meals appeal to pharaoh and fire ants. These bugs also appreciate oily foods. Numerous ants devour fellow insects as well. This pest creates pheromone trails that help its friends gather food in your home. Moisture Ants cannot survive without water. When they find it, the bugs don't only drink to quench their own thirst. They collect extra water and transport it back to their colonies. Common indoor sources of moisture include condensation,...

Since 1938, the professional exterminators at B & B Exterminating Co. Inc. have provided high quality, personalized care to our customers in Florida and Georgia. We are a family owned and operated business, and we are dedicated to protecting your family and your home. We pride ourselves on being prompt, courteous and knowledgeable. We offer free inspections to every customer and develop personalized plans to help you to conquer your pest problems. We pride ourselves on offering a specialized service to families who have children with autism. This service, which is called specialized green, was developed to be toxin-free and was specifically designed for people who are diagnosed with autism and other related disorders. We also offer a full range of pest control services for the following pests: Termites Ants Bed bugs Bees and wasps Beetles Centipedes Cockroaches Flies Mosquitoes Moths Rodents Spiders Ticks Wildlife In addition, our professionals can help...

B&B Exterminating Co. understands that the differences between bees, wasps, and hornets can be hard to get straight. We'll explain just enough about each insect so that, if you choose to perform an inspection of your own, you can identify what's on your property. Honeybees and Bumblebees With their distinct stripes alternating black and yellow (or orange), honeybees and bumblebees are the most recognizable of stinging insects. They're also the most harmless, in that they'll only sting upon provocation. Being pollinators, they'll appear in your garden come spring. While bumblebees die out in the winter, honeybees will stay put in their nests and feed on stored food. Bumblebees are louder, fuzzier, and fatter than honeybees, and they don't have barbed stingers like honeybees; this means they can sting multiple times. Both bees like to nest in enclosed spaces like wall cavities and trees, but watch out because bumblebees nest underground as...