Call or Text 812-604-7206 Bed Bugs Bed bugs have quickly become the most feared of the common household pests in America and throughout the world. This is largely due to their resurgence in recent decades and how difficult they are to get rid of once an infestation occurs. Bed bugs can be found anywhere, from five-star resorts to low-budget motels, it's all a matter of who they attach themselves to. They are parasitic by nature latching on to their hosts the moment they find them, sucking human blood at night while hosts are sleeping. There has been a growing epidemic of bed bug infestation in recent years, and it is beginning to make an appearance all over the world. This article will focus on what bed bugs look like, how to identify them, where to look, and how to get rid of them. What do bed Bug bites look like? If you have been victim to bed bug bites then you already know what they can do. Although bed bugs are not known for being the most painful parasites on the planet, their bite is not fun at all. Bed bugs are not aggressive, but they are capable of feeding at night when host are sleeping. The will bite their host anywhere. To prevent infestation in your home it's important to learn what bed bug bites look like in order to identify them immediately. Bed bugs have a three-stage life cycle. During the first stage, eggs are laid on surfaces near where humans sleep. When these eggs hatch they immediately begin looking for blood meals in order to survive and grow into their second stage of life. The third stage is when it becomes more apparent that you have an infestation developing, this generally occurs about 6 months after the bed bug was introduced. The most common place for bed bugs to attach themselves is in locations where people are sleeping, generally beds or sofas. They will bite their host anywhere they can latch on to skin, but they prefer areas of the body that are not covered by clothing. Bed bugs are small, about the size of a tic. They are a brownish red color and have flat bodies.. Call or Text Yikes Pest Control Today 812-604-7206 How To Identify Bed Bug Bites: Live bed bugs prefer to bite in areas not covered with clothing so you may notice signs on your neck, arms, they use a combination of tactics to get around their hosts without being detected, using a set of specialized legs and their small size they are able to sneak onto their host before it is too late. They have been known to travel as much as 100 feet in one night so be careful where you lay down your head at night. Bed bugs may bite multiple times during each feeding session usually 3 bites in a row. Bites are generally not felt at first since they release an anesthetic into hosts skin that numbs the area, but after several hours swelling will occur where there are bite marks. This is because the body produces histamines to process out the foreign invader and cause irritation. If you wake up with multiple bite spots you may have a case of bed bugs, but it is good to be aware that other insects and biting pests can cause similar symptoms so it's important to be sure. If you believe your home may have become infested with adult bed bugs then the best course of action is to call a professional company who can come out and inspect your home. Call or Text 812-604-7206 How To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs, Evansville or a bed bug infestation There are several ways to get rid of bed bugs starting with heat treatment, vacuuming, steaming, and pesticides. Heat treatments were the go-to treatment for bed bugs in Evansville a few years ago, but this is quickly changing due to advances in pesticide technology. Yikes pest control uses a variety of different approaches for bed bug extermination. this allows them to not only stop the bites, but also help prevent them from coming back. First, you will need to vacuum your entire home from top to bottom including mattresses and sofas. If possible, take the time to move beds away from walls and vacuuming underneath them. You will also want to pay special attention to any cracks or crevices in the mattress that may have been a harborage point for bed bugs. Heavy bed bug infestations may require steaming. Yikes pest control uses a steamer that is capable of reaching close to 200 degrees in order to kill off all stages of life. If you are scheduled for a treatment then it's important that you remove all sheets and blankets from beds before the company comes out. Apprehend is one of the newest forms of treatment used by Yikes pest control and comes with several advantages over heat treatments to get rid of your bed bug infestations. The main advantage is the ability for long term control and the ability to also prevent bed bugs from coming back. This product is a combination of different types of pesticides that work by paralyzing and killing off any insects that come into contact with it, but it doesn't harm humans so it's safe for use in homes where children and pets may be present. Schedule a Free Inspection, Bed Bug Extermination Evansville, if you think you have a bed bug infestation in your box springs, bedding, sofa, furniture, or any other area of your home, there are many approaches you can take to get rid of them in Evansville, Indiana. Click here to schedule a free inspection, to get your house treated, or to request more information. Do you have a bed bug infestation? Bedbugs are not always easy to spot since they are nocturnal and can hide in many different places. Here are some signs your home may have a bed bug problem… If you notice any of these signs, please contact Yikes pest control today! The only way to stop the bites is to get rid of the bed bugs once and for all! Is It Dangerous to Have Bed Bugs? No, bed bugs cannot carry disease, cause malnutrition or allergic reactions. However, they do bite and often. Bed bug bites can be painful and itchy for some time after the initial bite occurs. They especially like to feed on their host when they are sleeping. If you notice any of these signs of bed bug activity then please contact Yikes pest control today! The only way to stop the bites is to get rid of the bed bugs once and for all! FAQ 1. What are bedbugs? Bedbugs are small, wingless insects that feed on the blood of humans and other warm-blooded animals. Their flattened bodies make it easy for them to fit into tiny crevices–especially those found in mattresses, box springs, headboards, and bed frames. Bedbugs grow and multiply by laying eggs. Can you see them? Bedbugs are good at hiding. They hide in cracks and crevices during the day and come out to feed on their sleeping victims at night, usually when you're fast asleep. Bedbugs can flatten their bodies, making it possible for them to hide in places that seem too small for them. Their physical appearance is similar to a tick's. They have a flat body about the size of an apple seed and range in color from reddish brown to yellow ,orange, or light tan . After feeding on their host, they crawl into nearby cracks or crevices. Bedbugs feed every five to ten days depending on the conditions. What size are they? Bedbugs are small, flat bugs about the size of an apple seed. Bed bugs range in size from 1 to 7 millimeters, or the size of a pinhead to that of an apple seed. 2. Are bedbugs always found in beds? No. Bedbugs can live anywhere people sleep, such as the couches in your living room or even on your office chair at work. Just like their host, bedbugs need blood to survive and reproduce. They will hide in any place that is dark and where they won't be disturbed or exposed to extreme temperatures. 3. Do bedbugs transmit disease? No, not at all. Bedbugs are strictly parasites that feed on the blood of humans and other mammals or birds. They do not seek to or transmit disease . 4. what is it that attracts bedbugs to humans? Bedbugs are primarily attracted to the warmth and carbon dioxide that humans, or any other animal, leave behind. They will crawl into creases in your clothes just to get close to you because of the temperature. What do bed bugs feed on? Bedbugs live by drinking blood, usually at night while their host sleeps. 5. Do bedbugs only come out at night? Yes. Bedbugs hide during the day and come out at night to feed. They tend to be most active at dawn and dusk , and are not usually out during the middle of the day. Bedbugs need blood to live, so they search for a host . The best time for bedbugs to gain access to people is when they sleep. 6. What are some signs of bedbugs? There are several signs of bedbugs, which include: seeing the bugs themselves, finding blood spots on sheets or furniture ,and noticing bite marks . Seeing the bugs itself is an obvious sign. If you notice small, red itchy bumps on your skin that look like mosquito bites, then there's a good chance that you might have been bitten by a bedbug. When you see blood spots on sheets or furniture ,it's a sign that there might be bedbugs in the area of where the blood was found. Bedbugs tend to leave small amounts of dried blood from their victims after they have been fed upon, so if you discover unexplained splotches on your sheets or mattress , it's a good idea to take a closer look. Bite marks can be another sign of bedbugs, especially if there are clusters of them in the same area . This is because many people tend to experience bites at roughly the same time and in close proximity to one another.

House mouse vs field mouse vs Norway Rat First lets start out by identifying what type of mouse you have in your home. the two most common types of house mice in the Evansville area are house mice, and Field mice. House Mice: -Weighs 1/2 oz to 3/4 oz - adult body length is typically 2.5 to 4 inches - tail length is about the same as the body - fur is usually light brown to black, with a lighter underbelly Field Mice : - Weighs 1/4 oz to 1/2 oz - adult body length is typically 1.5 to 2.5 inches - tail length is about one inch - fur is usually light brown or gray, with a lighter underbelly Now lets discuss some of the major differences between the two. - Field mice are very destructive in they're path to finding food. they will chew through wood, plastic, and thin sheet metal. They often make holes in the foundation or wall of homes they enter. - Field mice usually stay close to their nests; which are commonly found in grassy areas, wood piles, and sometimes in garages. - House mice more commonly referred to as 'hantavirus carriers'. they do not cause damage to property but they are known for being a carrier of the hantavirus. house mice rarely live past 12 months which makes them less harmful than field mice. - House mice are great climbers and can often be found in the upper levels of a home. Norway Rat: - reaches a length of 10-12 inches including the tail - Weighs 1/2 to 2 lbs - have a blunt nose, small eyes, and relatively small ears The Norway Rat is the largest of the these rodents. They are typically reddish brown or black in color with a lighter underbelly. How do you know if you have a mouse in your home? Having a rodent in your home can be one of the most unsettling experiences. As soon as you know or suspect that you have a mouse, rat, or other rodent in your home, it is important to take action. Mice are known for their ability to squeeze into very small spaces, so they can be hard to spot. There are a few clues that you can look for, such as if you see droppings around your home. Mice droppings are about the size of a grain of rice and have a pointed end. You might also hear noises in your walls or ceilings, especially at night. Signs of mice in your home 1. mouse droppings 2. sounds of mice 3. chewed wires or insulation 4. holes in your walls or ceilings 5. mouse urine odor 6. Gnaw Marks 7. shredded paper 8. tiny holes in food products such as cereal grains 9. seeing a mouse or mouse nest What to do if you have a mouse in your house? If you notice any signs of mice in your home, it is important to take action immediately. The longer you wait, the more likely mice will cause extensive damage. The first step in getting rid of mice is to inspect the areas where they are most active. You can do this by using a flashlight at night or when it is dark or by looking for signs that they have been there (see above). Once you have identified the areas where mice are active, you can take steps eliminate the activity. This might include using classic wooden snap traps with peanut butter traps or poison bait. It is important to be very careful when using traps or poison bait, as they can be dangerous if not used correctly. Always read the instructions carefully and follow all safety precautions. If you are uncomfortable using traps or poison bait, you can call pest control professionals. If you choose this route, make sure to do thorough research before hiring a company to ensure they are reliable and experienced. Yikes Pest Control out of Southern Indiana, would be able to offer this type of service. For information check out our website, or give us a call or text at 812-604-7206. If you live near Posey County, Evansville, r any surrounding area check out our rates HERE. How to get rid of a mouse in your house? Unless you catch the issue early you most likely have more than just one mouse. If you suspect you have a mouse infestation you need to take action immediately to get rid of these unwelcome guests. So how do you get rid of a mice that have decided to make your house their home? You have to be very strategic in your approach. Here are some tips to get rid of mice: Inspect : The first step is to identify the areas where the mice are active. You can do this by using a flashlight at night or when it is dark or by looking for signs that they have been there (see above). Once you have identified the areas where the mice are active, you can take steps to eliminate the activity. 1. Traps : One of the best ways to get rid of mice is with traps. You can use mouse traps or more advanced live catch traps . When using a trap, it is important to use bait. Mice eat just about anything they love peanut butter, so that is a good choice. You can also try chocolate, cat food, or other types of food/ pet food. Just make sure to use a small amount of the food. If you put too much, the mouse might steal the food without setting off the trap. 2. Bait stations or bait traps : Another option is to use poison bait . This option has its benefits and drawbacks. It is very effective, but can be dangerous if pets or children ingest it. If this is th option you choose make sure to place the bait in a tamper-proof container and keep it out of reach of children and pets. 3. Glue Boards or glue traps: Another option for getting rid of mice is glue boards. This is the least effective way to eliminate activity, and the least humane way to get rid of the mice. 4. Call a professional : If you are uncomfortable using traps or poison bait you can call pest control professionals. If you choose this route, make sure to do thorough research before hiring a company to ensure they are reliable and experienced. Once again Yikes Pest Control out of Southern Indiana, would be able to offer this type of service if you think you have a house mouse or field mouse inside of your home. Remember, if you find mice nests, nesting material, or dead mice in your home you should remove mice immediately. Tips for keeping mice out of your house. If you do not currently have an issue or just want to make sure more mice do not enter you home there are several preventative steps you can do to ensure that the mice stay out. 1. Make sure that all food is properly stored in glass or metal containers with sealed lids . This includes not only pet food but also any canned foods you have in your kitchen pantry. You may have noticed that mice are drawn to certain types of foods, so it is important to store food safely from these pests. 2. Keep your home clean . It is important to spend time each day cleaning out your counters, stovetops, and drawers to make sure that there are no crumbs or food residue left behind by you or your family members. If you have pets make sure they are also part of the cleaning process as well by cleaning up any food/water bowls, and pet beds. 3. Eliminate entry points : Mice can enter your home through a number of different points. Check for cracks around doors, windows, vents etc., fill in the cracks with caulk or sealant, exclude mice by replacing weather stripping if needed. Make sure to check plumbing as well as they may attempt to use the pipes to gain entry into your house. 4. Exclude outside: You can also seal up some of the holes that mice use to get into your home by using wire mesh, hardware cloth, steel wool, or metal sheeting. By excluding mice from entering your home you can lower the chance of having a rodent infestation inside. 5. Bait Stations: Another good way to make sure you don't have mice in your home is by placing a rodent bait station on the exterior of your home. These stations can be fitted to contain either active bait or snap traps and can catch activity prior to them creating a mouse population inside. Deter mice from entering your home by keeping an eye out for any signs, keeping all pet food mice may enjoy in airtight containers, sealing entry points, checking out possible nesting areas, checking out your home's foundation for any signs of access points. keeping food sources away from foundation. If you want help to get rid of the entire population of mice, mice nests, rats, or any other rodents, give us a call or text for a free quote. Yikes Pest Control 812-604-7206 www.yikespest.com

Spiders are finding their way indoors more often these days, you can't escape them. They are everywhere, including Southern Indiana. Knowing which ones to look out for can be crucial. Dangerous Spiders in Indiana Below are what I consider to be the top 3 dangerous spiders in Indiana that you will find in Southern Indiana. 1) Black Widow Spiders - The Black Widow Spider is Found throughout most of the Southern United States, this spider is very easy to identify by its jet-black color, round abdomen and the red hourglass shape on its underside. This spider is very aggressive and female Black Widow spiders have been known to kill the male after mating. They are extremely venomous but unless you happen to be allergic or sensitive to their toxin it usually would not be deadly, though they can prove fatal if untreated by antivenom. This spider is commonly found in dark, secluded areas indoors and outdoors such as underneath rocks, garages and crawlspaces. Good news though, This spider can be very easily prevented from entering your home or business by sealing openings around the outside of the structure, and applying a residual pesticide to high risk areas. You can identify the Black widow Spider by its jet black color, round abdomen and the red hourglass shape on its underside. 2) Brown Recluse Spiders - AKA fiddle back spiders This spider is usually found throughout Southern Indiana and everywhere else in the Southern United States as well. They are a light to medium brown color with a violin shaped marking on the head region, as you can see in my picture here. This spider is not aggressive at all and prefers to run away and hide in dark corners or dark areas, but will bite if they feel threatened. Brown recluse bites venom can be extremely dangerous to people who are sensitive or allergic, but is normally treatable by medical professionals. These spiders commonly get into wall voids or any area where clutter is found. Due to their reclusive nature, some people do not realize they have them in their homes for years, but it is actually a pretty common spider here in southern Indiana. You can identify the Brown recluse spider by its light to medium brown color and it usually has a violin shaped marking on the head region and six eyes located in pairs. They get to about the size of a half dollar. 3) Yellow Sac Spiders - Typically found throughout the Eastern United States, this spider is a very pale yellow color. These spiders can be identified by a small black dot just underneath its abdomen and long legs that have several joints. This spider does not build webs to snare their prey, instead they stalk their victims and attack them in the open. These spiders normally do not bite humans unless you happen to be in direct contact with them or their webs. Please note that this spider's venom is very potent but is also treatable by medical professionals if bitten. It is usually recommended to seek out immediate medical attention if bitten. Yikes Pest Control can help you control each of these types of spiders in the Evansville area. If you suspect you have a brown recluse bite, or any other spider bites you should seek medical attention or go to the emergency room. Other Indiana Spiders Yellow Garden Spider- Typically found throughout Indiana, this spider is very easy to identify by its bright yellow color. This spider builds large circular webs that are strong enough for you to walk right into. Wolf Spiders- Typically found throughout Indiana, this spider is very easy to identify by its light brown color and ability to run swiftly. They are one of the few species that will eat their young once they hatch, which is very strange if you ask me. Cellar Spiders- Typically found throughout most of the Eastern United States, this is a very common type of spider located in homes. They are not harmful to humans unless you happen to be allergic to their venom, but they can bite if you get too close. Please note that this spider's venom is not strong enough to cause harm in most cases, but it is still recommend that you avoid contact with them. Jumping Spiders- Typically found throughout Indiana, depending on the species, they can get to be about 3/4 of an inch. They are very hairy and get these large eyes that look like they glow in the dark. These spiders can bite if disturbed, but it doesn't really hurt and shouldn't cause any issues unless you happen to be allergic. Orb Weavers- Typically found throughout the Eastern and Central United States, this spider is very easy to identify by its web. Their webs are sticky and usually very large arches that build their webs directly in front of doorways and windows. Please note that this kind of spider's bite can cause severe pain but it should not cause too many issues unless you happen to be allergic. Eastern Parson Spider- Typically found throughout Indiana, this spider is very easy to identify by its black and white coloring. They are generally not harmful to humans unless you happen to be allergic, but they can bite if you get too close or disturb them. Yikes Pest Control Above was a list of most spiders you will encounter here in Southern Indiana, or at least the most dangerous ones found in Indiana. If you would like help identifying the spider you have seen, or would like to have your home treated to help prevent or control these and many more pest issues: Give us a call or Text at 812-604-7206

Brown marmorated stink bugs. This is the time of year brown Marmorated stinkbugs try to enter your home. They are an invasive species which have been in the Evansville area for over a decade. In the fall and early spring you will notice swarms on the outside of your house. Usually in late fall they will try to overwinter and trees. However, they may accidentally mistake cracks in the sill of your windows or doors for a nice place to overwinter. When this happens they will come out on warm winter days. They May come inside your house due to the warmer weather inside. However, They cannot complete their lifecycle indoors. This doesn't stop them from being a nuisance. To help control these pests Exclusion is your best option, along with a regular pest control service. Your pest control technician will treat eaves around windows and possible entry points with a liquid and a dust to help control them as they try to enter. However, this will not completely eliminate the problem. The treatment needs to be coupled with proper exclusion techniques. Early fall or late summer would be a good time for you to check your window sills, door sills, chimneys, and utilities to make sure that there are no possible entry points for them to overwinter inside of your house. Once they're in they lay eggs and There is no chemical treatment that can prevent these eggs from hatching. So the next spring or fall you will most likely see them again even if you are proactive at this point. Yikes, pest control has been dealing with Brown Marmorated Stinkbugs, since they opened their doors. Your Yikes pest control technician will identify possible entry points. And treat them to help prevent future activity. If you have any questions that you think Yikes Pest control can help with. For any issues. Please do not hesitate to give us a call at 812-604-7206. You can call or text anytime. Yikes Pest Control Evansville, Posey County, Newburgh 812-604-7206

Centipedes vs Millipedes There are may types of Centipedes and Millipedes located In southern Indiana in the Evansville/Newburgh area. This Blog is a attempt to go over the main differences. Remember, if you have any further questions please do not hesitate to reach out to Yikes Pest Control at 812-604-7206. Send us a text with a picture and we can help identify what pest you are having an issue with. Both Centipedes and millipedes are often confused with each other. The confusion comes from the fact that both centipedes and millipedes have many legs, but there are big differences between them. Centipedes are insects with only one pair of legs per body segment, while millipedes are not insects but myriapods (mil = thousand, pod = foot). Millipedes do not have a thousand legs, they have two pairs of legs for each body segment. They appear to have many more legs than centipedes because their body segments are shorter and do not appear to possess a pair of legs. A typical centipede has 15-23 pairs of legs and the body is flattened from side to side. Millipedes, on the other hand, have between 20 and 200 pairs of legs. They are rounder than centipedes and look like they have many more legs than they actually do. Millipedes are slow (short legs) and harmless, eating only decaying organic matter such as leaves and wood. Millipedes prefer moist environments. They are mostly nocturnal and some species secrete a fluid that may be toxic to predators. Some millipedes can exude a substance from their pores that smells bad or is poisonous to eat, but the great majority of them are not dangerous to humans in any way. Millipedes belong to the class Diplopoda, an ancient group of arthropods with a fossil record going back to about 400 million years ago. Centipedes on the other hand have flattened bodies with one pair of legs per body segment. They are carnivores and move quickly and aggressively, attacking and eating millipedes in addition to spiders, silverfish, insects, earthworms and even mice. Only centipedes can actually harm humans and due to their venomous bite they are considered one of the most hated insects in Japanese culture. A centipede bites when threatened, but prefers to run away from humans. Some species of centipedes secrete a strong odor from glands near the rear end. Humans usually get bitten at night because centipedes are nocturnal. The type of Centipede I most often deal with in the Evansville, Indiana area is the house centipede. This household pest is most often found in basements, crawlspaces, or cracks in pavement. However, if the population is large enough they can be found in living areas of your house. This centipede is usually about an inch and a half long and has legs that are longer than its body is wide. If you would like help identifying or protecting your home from millipedes or centipedes, please give Yikes Pest Control a call or text. We are located here in Southern Indiana. www.yikespest.com Call or Text 812-604-7206