Bed Bugs, an Unwanted Bedmate

We have only one word to describe bed bugs- pests. The bed bug, or Cimex lectularius, feed on blood. Its bites are itchy and irritating.

These annoying pests are considered a public health risk by the Environmental Protection Agency, the Centers for Disease Control, and the United States Department of Agriculture.

If you are worried about bed bugs, the best thing to do is to learn more about them. We are going to talk about bed bugs, their life cycle, and the best home remedies to prevent and remove them.

For all your pest removal needs, consider contacting Environmental Pest Management. We are your one-stop-shop for all things creepy and crawly.

What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?

Bed bugs are flat, round, and brown. When they are unfed, they are a dark, mahogany color. But when they are freshly full of blood, they are elongated, swollen, and reddish-brown.

Bed bugs have six legs, and they are about a quarter of an inch long. They have all the characteristics of true bugs, and they include-

A beak
Three segments
Antennae that have four distinct parts
Wings that they don’t use for flying
Short, golden-colored hair

One of the least pleasant aspects of bed bugs, aside from the itchy bites, is the musty odor they produce. They have glands on the bottom side of their bodies that produce this odor.

When they are young, bed bugs are called nymphs. Nymphs transition from translucent to whitish-yellow to brown as they grow. If they haven’t fed in a while, they are almost invisible to the naked eye.

It takes about a month for a young bed bug to develop fully. Before they reach maturity, these nymphs shed their skins around five times.

The eggs of bed bugs are tiny, about the size of the head of a pin. They are pearly-white in color. A female bed bug can lay hundreds of eggs throughout her lifetime.

Where Can I Find Bed Bugs?

Because of their small size, bed bugs can fit into tiny spaces. They often enter your home on your clothing, luggage, used bedding, or other items. Generally, they enter your home without your knowledge.

Bed bugs generally do not live in nests, like ants or bees. Instead, they tend to cluster in groups in their hiding places.

The most common hiding places for bed bugs are mattresses, box springs, bed frames, and headboards. Considering their name, this pattern of hiding in your bed is not surprising. They like to be within easy reach of their food, and in this instance, their food is you.

As the infestation grows, the bed bugs may branch out to other areas of your home. They can even spread to nearby homes and apartments.

Outside of the bedroom, you can find bedbugs in your clothes and shoes. They are proficient hitchhikers, and they like to travel. Bed bugs are nocturnal and elusive. Once you have them in your home, they are incredibly challenging to get rid of.

Some of their hiding places include-

Baseboards
Cracks
Crevices
Folded areas of beds
Furniture- especially if they have cloth coverings
Electrical switchplates
Picture frames
Wallpaper

In reality, though, you can find bed bugs almost anywhere.

Cleanliness, or lack thereof, is not an indication of bed bugs. Because they eat blood, it doesn’t matter how clean your space is. Bed bugs will infest a clean home as quickly as a dirty one.

What About the Bites?

As previously stated, bed bugs are nocturnal. They are the most active night, and that is when they prefer to feed. That doesn’t mean, though, that they won’t bite you during the day.

Bed bugs feed by piercing the skin of their host. They suck up the blood through their elongated beaks. Each feeding lasts anywhere from three to ten minutes.

Once they have fed, they scurry away to hide. That feeding will last them around ten days. During those ten days, the bed bug digests its food, mates, and lays eggs.

Initially, the bite is relatively painless. The pain comes later in the form of itchy, red welts. You can find bed bug bites on any part of your skin that is exposed when you are sleeping.

Bed bug bites look similar to mosquito bites or other skin irritations. The only way to confirm you have bed bugs is by finding the bugs themselves.

What Are the Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation?

Waking up with itchy areas you didn’t notice before you fell asleep
Bloodstains on your pillowcases or sheets
Dark rusty spots on sheets or mattresses that signify bed bug excrement
The musty scent from the bed bugs scent glands
Bed bug egg shells or shed skin

If you suspect you might have an infestation, you should take action immediately. Be proactive in your search.

Remove all bedding and check for signs of bed bugs
Examine box springs and seams in wood framing for signs
Check the areas around your bed for signs
Check your closet and clothing
Call an exterminator if you are unsure

What Are Some of the Best Natural Home Remedies?

Vacuum

Your number one line of defense against bed bugs is to suck them up. When you are dealing with an infestation, you should try to vacuum every couple of days. Use the hose attachment and really get in there.

Steam Cleaning

Make it a one-two punch and steam clean after you vacuum. The heat will help to kill the bugs.

Wash Everything

Everything that can be washed on high heat should be washed on high heat. The heat from the dryer will also help. Pay particular attention to your sheets and bedding.

Rubbing Alcohol

Pour some in a spritz bottle and spray all over your house. This should kill the bugs upon contact.

Baking Soda

Baking soda can dry out the bed bugs. For maximum effectiveness, vacuum, and reapply every few days.

Essential Oils

Some of the best essential oils for bed bug infestations are-

Tea tree
Lavender
Thyme
Peppermint
Mint
Lemongrass
Clove
Oregano

Make your own insect repellent by mixing any combination of the oils mentioned above and about 8 ounces of water. You can even add some cayenne to amp up the solution.

Check out this page for a more extensive list of preventive measures.

For more information on bed bugs, check this out.

If you are having a problem with bed bugs, contact Environmental Pest Management for your free estimate.

January 28, 2020December 15, 2025

How to Deal with Deer Mice

The deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) north American native rodent, often called the North American deermouse

Mice are the most common mammal in the United States. They are literally everywhere. Chances are, you have lived with and around mice your whole life, and you simply haven’t noticed.

Many homeowners have had to deal with a mice infestation at some point. One of the most common mice in the US is the deer mouse.

If you are a Twin Cities resident and you suspect you have a deer mice infestation in your home, contact the Environmental Pest Management. We use environmentally friendly means to rid you of your unwanted pests.

If you are unsure what exactly a deer mouse is, just keep reading. We will tell you all you need to know about this unwanted pest.

What does a deer mouse look like?

Deer mice are round and slender. They range in size from 3 to 4 in length. Their tails are covered with fine hairs and are usually roughly the same size as their bodies.

They have a pointed nose and large black eyes. Their ears are larger than regular house mice, and they are covered with fur.

Deer mice have a distinctive two-toned colored body. The topside of their bodies is brownish or reddish, and they have a white underbelly with white feet.

The name deer mouse comes both from their coloring and the fact that they are excellent runners and jumpers. They are much more agile than normal house mice.

Where do deer mice live?

Deer mice are nocturnal. They usually are most active at night, but they can be found out during the day. They are sneaky and adept at hiding, so you might not even notice them when they are a few feet from you.

Their preferred habitats are woodlands, grasslands, cultivated fields, alpine regions, or brushlands. You can primarily find them all through the western portions of North America, the Great Lakes region. But they can be found throughout the US, though.

They generally gravitate to areas with lots of grass or brush cover. The most commonly enter human homes during the colder months when food is scarce. You can find them in homes all year round, though.

When they do make their way inside, you can find them in your attic, crawl spaces, basement, or garage. Think of areas that are less busy and populated.

They can also make their nests outside around your home. Ideal nesting places include hollow tree logs, piles of debris, or old and rotting fence posts.

Deer mice can push their bodies through dime-sized holes. Any small opening or crack in your home is basically a welcome mat for mice.

Furthermore, they are very athletic. Mice can jump up to a foot in the air. Your countertops are not safe from these tiny gymnasts.

What about their nests?

Deer mice make their nests out of soft, padded, and insulating materials like-

Moss
Fur
Dried grass
Leaves feathers
Paper
Weeds

Each nest is inhabited by one family group. Each family consists of a set of parents and their litter of babies. Each family of deer mice usually makes several nests a year.

When one nest becomes too soiled with waste and feces, the family simply abandons it and starts over with a new one. They also store caches of food near their nests for easy access.

What do deer mice eat?

Deer mice are omnivores. They feed on a wide range of items-

Insects
Small invertebrates
Seeds
Fruits
Grains
Fungi
Flowers
Nuts
Berries

The deer mice gather their food and store them in various larders positioned around their nests.

How long do deer mice live?

While deer mice can live up to five years in captivity, in the wild, they have a life expectancy of about one year. This shorter life span can be explained by a large number of natural predators for deer mice. Some of these predators include-

Foxes
Coyotes
Snakes
Owls
Hawks
Many other species of predatory birds

In the absence of predators, deer mice populations would explode and completely take over their environment.

What about reproduction?

When they reach five or six weeks old, they become fully sexually mature. Each female can have as many as eleven litters every year. Each litter can contain up to nine babies.

If food is abundant, the litters are usually larger. The first five or six litters of a deer mouses life will be the most abundant, and litter size generally declines with each subsequent litter.

The babies typically weigh one to two grams at birth. They are weaned in their fourth week, and about a week later, they are able to have babies of their own.

Are deer mice dangerous?

While not exactly dangerous, deer mice infestations can be problematic. They are messy and destructive to property, and their food caches may attract other pests to your home.

Beyond the mess, deer mice can also bring diseases. Deer mice are known carriers of the hantavirus, a pulmonary syndrome with symptoms that include headache, fever, and severe respiratory distress.

The virus is transmitted in the urine, saliva, and feces of the deer mice. You can also contract it by handling infected deer mice carcasses.

How do I keep them out?

Prevention is key. It is easier to keep the deer mice out of your house than to remove them once they take up residence.

To prevent deer mice from entering your home, make sure to seal any cracks or holes larger than a dime. Prime places for mice entry include vents, drain pipes, and gutters.

Your home is most vulnerable to an infestation in the colder, winter months. Check out our suggestions for winterizing your home against rodents.

Some signs of a deer infestation include visible droppings, gnaw and claw marks, and nest or mice sightings.

If you believe you have a mice infestation, don’t try to deal with it on your own. If you are a Twin Cities resident, contact the Environmental Pest Management team. We will take care of your pests without hurting your home or the environment in the process.

January 18, 2020December 15, 2025

Roly Poly Pill Bugs: What You Need to Know

Understanding Roly Poly Pill Bugs: Essential Facts and Tips

We all remember when we were kids, and we would play with those cute little roly-poly bugs. It was so much fun to watch them roll up into those adorable little balls.

As an adult and a homeowner, those roly-poly pillbugs are not nearly as cute, especially when they come into your home uninvited.

If you are dealing with an infestation of unwanted pillbugs in your home, yard, or garden, contact Environmental Pest Management today.

What is a pillbug?

Also known as roly-polys or woodlouse, pillbugs are isopods. In fact, pillbugs are not bugs at all. They are terrestrial crustaceans.

Pillbugs, Latin name Armadilidium Vulgare, are the only crustaceans to have evolved to live exclusively on land. They look more like lobsters or crayfish than insects.

The name pillbug refers to this creature’s ability to roll into a small, pill-like ball. This behavior is defensive.

Pillbugs are nocturnal creatures. Although they can be found out and about during the day. They came to the US from Europe, where they are primarily known as woodlouse.

The name woodlouse comes from the places pillbugs are typically found. Namely, they make their homes under logs. They need moisture to survive. They are unable to make their own, so they must find it in their environment.

What do they look like?

Pillbugs are usually ¼ to ½ an inch in length. They have seven pairs of legs and two antennae, one that is slightly hidden.

They range in color from white to dark gray, and they may be solid in color or slightly patterned. Their bodies are rounded, convex on top and concave on the bottom.

What is the lifespan of the pillbug?

Pillbugs can live up to three years if they find the right conditions.

Pillbugs are sprung from eggs. Females carry the egg sack on their bellies for three to four weeks. They can produce anywhere from one to three egg sacks a year, each one containing 100 to 200 eggs.

Once the baby pillbugs hatch, they usually stay in the pouch on their mother’s belly for an extra one to two weeks. They will not venture off on their own until they reach a length of 2 millimeters.

Around one day after they leave the safety of their mother’s pouch, they go through their first molting. They do not gain the seventh segment of their structure until this molting. They get their second set of legs at their second molting about two weeks later.

It takes about 20 weeks for the young pillbug to reach maturity. The adult pillbug is made up of a seven-segmented thorax with seven pairs of legs. They have eyes on the first segment, but they use their antennae more often to detect stimuli.

Where do pillbugs live?

While pillbugs will occasionally make their way indoors, they can survive better outside. They prefer to make their home in a very damp or wet area, typically underneath wood or rocks on the ground. They can live well in flowerpots, trashcans, or under leafy piles of debris where the conditions are moist.

When they do enter homes, it is usually at ground level. They find their way into damp basements or even crawlspaces. They will not survive, though, if they cannot find moist enough conditions.

What do pillbugs eat?

Pillbugs are scavengers. Their primary diet consists of decaying leaves and other decomposing organic materials. Pillbugs also eat leaves, logs, young plants, and they have even been known to feed on the skin of cucumbers.

They are most active at night, and that is when they typically feed.

Are pillbugs dangerous?

Pillbugs are generally harmless to humans. They can damage plants or seedlings, so they can be a nuisance to gardeners or those with a green thumb.

How do I get rid of pillbugs?

Once you have pillbugs in your home, they are difficult to remove. Your best option is to prevent the pests from entering in the first place.

Seal all cracks, gaps, crevices, or any other possible points of entry. Check around your foundation, vents, cable entry points, wiring entry points, doors, and windows. Be sure that your screens are properly maintained, with no holes or cuts.

Try to keep your windows and doors shut, especially the ones at ground level.

As previously mentioned, pillbugs cannot survive without moisture. One way to make sure that your home is inhospitable to pillbugs is to repair and eliminate any damp or wet areas of your home.

If the pillbugs cannot find moisture, they cannot live and reproduce. Pay extra attention to your basement, leaky pipes, and cracks in your foundation. If at all possible, take steps to ensure that your property is graded away from your home. This way, water will flow away from your home instead of forming and standing around your foundation.

Another way to prevent pillbugs from entering your home is to keep your home free of clutter and debris. Your trash is one place the pillbugs will look for food, so make sure your trashcans are sealed.

Once the pillbugs are in your home, insecticides are not a very effective method of getting rid of them. A better option is to simply sweep or vacuum them up.

If you are facing a pillbug infestation, don’t worry, there is a solution to your problem. Contact Environmental Pest Management. We are committed to safely and effectively removing pests from your home and yard.

We focus on environmentally friendly ways to eliminate pests. The safety of you, your family, and your home is our top priority. So contact us today for your free quote.

January 8, 2020December 15, 2025

Calling Cinderella: Dealing with House Mice

When it comes to unwanted guests, it is pretty safe to assume that mice are amongst those who are definitely not invited! House mice can cause havoc in your house, and need the expert touch of a pest control professional to ensure that they are evicted – and stay out.

If you think you have a problem with furry friends, give our Environmental Pest Management team a call today, and start taking control back.

What Are House Mice?

The humble house mouse is one of the most common rodents found across the United States, and one of our most frequent calls. Originally from Central Asia, these animals are keen breeders and are super flexible and adaptable to ever-changing conditions. This makes them hard to hunt down and eliminate; they always seem to be one step ahead of the game.

House mice are not particularly fussy when it comes to food. Their preference is for nuts and seeds, but they have been known to stick their noses (and teeth) into all manner of household groceries and will tackle anything and everything available within your home.

House mice are naturally inquisitive creatures and will spend time roaming their new home and territory, exploring and searching out new places to sleep, and potentially interesting sources of food. Try to keep food out of sight, sealed, and secured to limit their access and make your home less tempting.

When will I See House Mice?

You are more likely to encounter an infestation during the winter months. House mice do not hibernate, so as the temperature drops, they will actively search for a warm, secure location to pass the winter. Gaps in doors and walls, open windows, pipe openings, utility lines, and almost any other uncovered space will be used to make their entry, and they will soon make themselves at home!

Blocking these spaces, and limiting possible access routes, is one of the best ways to help reduce your chances of an infestation, but you would be surprised at just how sneaky these four-legged invaders can be! Check out our tips for winterizing your home.

How Do I Know I Have House Mice?

Identification is relatively simple when it comes to house mice. Mice tend to be a dusty grey color with cream-colored bellies. However, their fur can also range from dark grey to light brown depending on where in the world you are. They also have round furry bellies, pointed muzzles, and large ears, and will measure around 2.5 – 3.75 inches in length, with the tail reaching 2.75 to 4 inches.

Signs of an Infestation

You are very likely to see the signs that you have a mouse problem long before you ever catch a glimpse of the actual mouse. There are a few signs to look out for which suggest an infestation.

Signs to Look for:

Teeth marks: you may notice tiny gnaw marks in furniture, food, and even soft furnishings. These could be signs of unwanted guests.
Burrows: In some cases, you may see the nests which have been made, or a collection of potential nesting materials, such as insulation.
Droppings: The droppings of house mice measure between ⅛ and ¼ inch long, and are rod-shaped with pointed ends. They may be dried and hard or soft, depending on when they were deposited.
Rub marks: Check the walls for rub marks; house mice tend to leave an oily trail as they travel and move along the walls.
Tracks: One of the most apparent signals is seeing tracks that have been left behind.
Runways: House mice tend to be creatures of habit, and will prefer to use the same pathways in a house. You may soon notice a collection of rub marks, droppings, tracks, and debris along these paths.
Damage to property: If food or other temptations are left exposed, you will find torn and damaged packets and boxes.
Sounds: Mice communicate with others through a series of high-pitched squeaks, and you may be able to hear some of these if your wars are particularly sharp. Scuttling feet maybe another giveaway that you have a mouse in the house!
Odor: House mice use their strong-smelling urine as a form of communication, and this will quickly become apparent in your home.
Actual mouse: the most obvious sign is, of course, seeing a mouse in the flesh; there is likely to be a whole family lurking very close by.

Why Is It So Important To Remove Mice?

Mice may seem furry and harmless, and may even trick you into thinking they are cute! Despite this facade, it is crucial to call in the experts if you suspect a mouse problem.

House mice have the potential to harbor a number of unpleasant diseases, and some of these can be very dangerous to humans. Getting scratched or bitten by a mouse could cause health issues, as could eating food that has been contaminated.

Mouse urine can also have more issues than an unpleasant smell. Urine has the potential to cause allergies and carry bacteria. Bacteria is particularly dangerous to the more vulnerable members of your household, such as children or the elderly. If you suffer from a pre-existing respiratory problem, inhaling dust containing feces can trigger symptoms, and cause serious potential harm.

In addition, mice like to chew. Chewing can cause damage to your property, as well as a potential fire risk if they target cables or wiring. This could have devastating impacts on your family and increases the longer you leave mice to run rampant. Mice are keen breeders, giving birth to half a dozen babies per female every three weeks! As you can imagine, it doesn’t take long for an infestation to take hold!

Environmental Pest Management

If you think you have a mouse problem, tackle it in the earliest possible stages. Here at Environmental Pest Management, we have the skills and experience you need to eliminate mice from your home and keep them out for the long term! Get in touch today for a free quote and to arrange a consultation; it could be the best call you ever made!

December 27, 2019December 15, 2025

What You Need to Know About the Norway Rat

Norway Rats: Essential Facts and Control Measures

When most people think of rats, they often think of garbage and disease. In our modern-day of medicine and technology, rats pose significantly less of a threat to humans. Still, they are not an animal you want to share your house with.

The Norway Rat can be found all over the world. Believed to have originated in Asia, the Norway rat most likely stowed away on ships departing from Asia and made their way to the US around the 1700s.

Norway rats are often known as sewer or street rats. If you believe you are experiencing a Norway rat infestation, contact Environmental Pest Management today.

Norway Rat 101

What do Norway rats look like?

Norway rats are brown with scattered black hairs. They have a white or gray underside and a long, thick tail that they can use to balance on their hind legs.

Speaking of legs, the Norway rat has four short and stubby ones. They are usually long and heavy bodies. They have a short, blunt muzzle and small black eyes. They generally have poor vision and, unfortunately for them, are colorblind.

The Norway rat can reach lengths of seven to 10 inches long. Their tails are usually shorter than their bodies.

Where do Norway rats live?

Norway rats are very social. They usually build their nests or shelters in close proximity to other Norway rats. For you as a homeowner, that means that if you see one rat, there are likely many others that you cannot see.

When they build their homes, they typically have one entrance and at least one emergency exit, or bolt-hole. This secondary exit is usually well hidden.

When found outdoors, these rat homes are usually found in farmlands, fields, and sparsely populated structures, such as barns, garages, or sheds. They can also be found burrowing in riverbanks and the edges of streams.

Norway rats generally only enter human homes when the weather starts to turn colder, and food is scarce. Norway rats can squeeze themselves through almost any hole. As long as it is the size of a quarter, a rat can fit into it.

Once the Norway rat has entered a house, they typically find a home in attics, basements, or cellars. They prefer areas with lots of piles of debris in which they can hide. Usually, they stay away from densely populated parts of your house as they are more scared of you than you are of them.

They generally prefer to stay on the lower levels of your home, but they will venture higher if they need to.

What and when do Norway rats eat?

Norway rats are nocturnal. Their peak foraging hours are dusk and dawn, but they typically eat continually throughout the day. They are hoarders, and they usually carry the food they forage to a safe place to eat later.

Norway rats are very adaptable, and they will eat almost anything. They are omnivores, but they prefer meat and fish with a grain supplement. Think of Norway rats as followers of the Paleo diet. But, Norway rats are not picky. In fact, they have been known to binge on dog food when it is available.

Beyond food, Norway rats will gnaw through almost anything. To obtain a food source, they will work their way through the plastic, metal, and even lead pipes. They are real survivalists and will do whatever they need to live.

Norway rats have good memories, and they remember when they eat a food they dislike. They are creatures of habit and will avoid that food in the future. Conversely, if they find a food source that they particularly like, they will return again and again.

Norway rats always need a source of water beyond the food they eat. They tend to follow the same paths that they always take. They use their whiskers to feel the way.

Norway rats prefer to find their food source within 25 to 100 feet of their nest. If they need to, though, they will travel upwards of 150 feet to find the food and water they need.

How do I know if I have a Norway rat infestation?

Luckily, you will find many visible signs that your home is infested with these unwanted pests. Some of them are:

Gnaw marks throughout your house.
Look for new bite marks or holes that are rough.
Older bite marks are smooth and greasy from wear.
Check for capsule-shaped droppings in areas of your home that Norway rats are likely to reside and hide.
Check the lower traffic areas of your house for footprints, greasy and dark rub marks, oily fur pathways, burrows, food caches, or damaged or chewed on food containers.

Once you notice any of these signs, your home has likely been invaded by these pesky critters.

How do I prevent Norway rats from entering my home?

You want to do everything you can to prevent Norway rats from infesting your home. The reproduce relatively quickly, so a small infestation can turn into a large one rather quickly. The female Norway rat can give birth to 3 to 6 litters a year, so prevention is critical.

Keep the area surrounding your home free of piles of wood and debris. Seal any holes on the exterior of your home with steel wool to block potential entry.

Eliminate the Norway rat’s water source by repairing any leaky pipes. Take steps to limit the food supply by adequately sealing your food boxes and containers. Avoid contamination from any bacteria or virus those critters may transmit to your food.

If you are worried about rat infestations, make sure your outdoor garbage cans are securely sealed. Make sure you are continually taking the trash and debris out of your house to eliminate temptation.

If you suspect you have a Norway rat infestation on your hands, it may be time to call in a professional. The caring experts at Environmental Pest Management care about your home and the safety of your family. Let us take care of your critters in an environmentally friendly way.