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Tag: insect control

Four New Notorious Invasive Pests in the US and Why They’re Spreading
While most people are familiar with common household pests, a new class of threat is emerging: invasive species that can cause widespread damage to agriculture, wildlife, and even human health.
These pests aren’t just a problem in faraway places—they’re appearing in our own backyards due to a perfect storm of climate change and global travel.
Understanding these new threats can help you be more vigilant about all pests, from the uncommon to the common, like bed bugs.
New Pest Outbreaks and Invasive Species in the US
1. The Spotted Lanternfly
Originating in East Asia, the spotted lanternfly is a visually striking but devastating pest. It feeds on over 70 species of plants, including valuable crops like grapes, apples, and maple trees.
The insect’s rapid spread is fueled by its ability to hitchhike on vehicles and cargo. As it feeds, it excretes a sugary substance called “honeydew” that promotes the growth of black sooty mold, which can kill plants and create a sticky, messy problem in yards and public spaces.
2. The Asian Longhorned Tick
First discovered in New Jersey in 2017, the Asian longhorned tick has now been confirmed in over 20 states, including Tennessee. This tick is a major concern because it can reproduce asexually, meaning a single female can lay up to 2,000 eggs without a male. This incredible reproductive ability allows it to establish huge populations very quickly on a single animal.
While its primary host is livestock, causing severe blood loss and economic damage, it will also feed on pets, wildlife, and humans. It is now being studied to determine its potential role in transmitting diseases to humans in the U.S.
3. The New World Screwworm
Considered eradicated from the United States since the 1960s, the New World screwworm made a shocking return in a 2016 Florida outbreak. These are not typical maggots; screwworm larvae feed on the living flesh of warm-blooded animals, including livestock and wildlife.
They lay their eggs in open wounds, and the resulting infestation can be fatal if left untreated. The resurgence of this pest, which was controlled for decades with a sterile insect technique, highlights how easily invasive species can re-enter and establish themselves in a new environment, especially with increased global travel and climate shifts.
Fortunately, the USDA is not taking this threat lightly, recently moving to set up a new dedicated center in Texas to make a counter-assault against these pests and neutralize the threat.
4. The Kissing Bug
Also known as the triatomine bug, the kissing bug is a nocturnal insect that has become a growing concern in the Southwest, particularly in states like Texas. It gets its name from its habit of biting people on the face, usually around the mouth, while they sleep.
The real danger lies in the parasite it carries in its feces, which can transmit Chagas disease. While not everyone who is bitten will become infected, the disease can cause severe health complications years or even decades later.
Cases have been confirmed in dogs and, more rarely, in humans in Texas, Louisiana, and other southern states.
The Broader Lesson for Pest Management
The rise of these pests demonstrates that no environment is safe from new threats. The common thread among these species is their resilience and ability to spread through human activity.
Being educated about these issues is the first step in protecting your home and family, whether you’re dealing with a new invasive species or a classic pest like a bed bug. A proactive approach, including prevention and having effective solutions on hand, is always the best defense.
October 1, 2025
The Super Easy Guide to Sealing Your Home Against Insect Pests
When it comes to pest control, the best offense is a great defense. You can apply all the sprays and traps you want, but if you don’t seal the entry points, new pests will just keep coming in.
Pests, from the tiniest ants to larger rodents, are masters at finding their way inside through the smallest cracks and openings.
By taking a proactive approach to sealing your home, you can create a strong, lasting barrier that makes it harder for unwanted guests to get in.
How to Block Out Unwanted Insect Pests
Why Pests Get Inside
Pests don’t invade your home just to annoy you; they’re looking for three things: food, water, and shelter. A small crack in your foundation or a gap around a pipe is the equivalent of a welcome mat. The most common entry points are often overlooked because they’re out of sight.
Common Entry Points:
- Foundation Cracks: As your home settles, tiny cracks can form in the foundation. Insects like ants and termites can enter through these.
- Gaps Around Pipes and Wires: Utility lines for water, gas, and electricity often leave small gaps where they enter the home. These are highways for mice, spiders, and roaches.
- Torn Window and Door Screens: Even a small tear is a gaping hole for flies and mosquitoes.
- Damaged Weather Stripping: Old or damaged weather stripping around doors and windows creates an easy access point.
- Vents and Chimneys: Unscreened vents and uncapped chimneys are open invitations for birds, squirrels, and wasps.
Step-by-Step Pest Preventing Sealing Techniques
Performing a thorough pest-proofing check of your home can be done with a few common tools and materials. Start with the exterior and work your way in.
1. Inspect and Seal the Foundation: Walk around the entire perimeter of your home. Look for any cracks or holes in the concrete. Use a high-quality sealant or mortar to fill any gaps you find. For larger holes, you may need a patch or coarse steel wool, which rodents can’t chew through.
2. Address Doors, Windows, and Siding: Check the weather stripping on all doors and windows, but don’t forget to insect-proof your siding (where applicable). If you can see light coming through any of the gaps, the stripping needs to be replaced. Use a good-quality caulk to seal any small gaps around the window and door frames. A door sweep on the bottom of all exterior doors is also a great idea.
3. Check Utilities and Vents: Look closely at where pipes, cables, and wires enter your home. Seal any gaps with a proper sealant or expanding foam, making sure to follow the product’s instructions for a secure fit. Ensure all vents leading outside have secure, fine mesh screens to prevent pests from entering.
4. Repair Screens and Chimneys: Patch any tears in window or door screens, or consider replacing them if the damage is widespread. Make sure your chimney has a cap with a secure screen to keep out birds, raccoons, and other pests.
5. Clean and Declutter: While not a sealing technique, keeping your home and yard clean and free of clutter removes a pest’s primary source of shelter. Remove piles of wood, leaves, and other debris from the area immediately surrounding your home’s foundation. Inside, store food in airtight containers and regularly clean up crumbs and spills.
The Power of Prevention
By taking the time to seal your home, you are doing more than just blocking pests. You are actively disrupting their ability to find safe harbor and resources. This proactive strategy reduces your reliance on chemical treatments and is the most effective long-term solution for a pest-free home.
While sealing your home is the first and most important step, a comprehensive bed bug treatment and prevention guide is essential if you suspect an infestation has already begun. For a contact killer spray that works great on bed bugs, ants, and other crawling nuisances, check out our proprietary BLITZ bed bug spray.
September 14, 2025
The Emotional Impact of Bed Bugs and How to Cope
The physical itch of a bed bug bite is just the beginning. For many, a bed bug infestation triggers a hidden battle—a silent struggle against anxiety, shame, and a feeling of violation.
The emotional toll of an infestation can be as severe, if not more so, than the physical discomfort itself.
Beyond the Bite: the Psychological Effects of Bed Bug Infestations
This article goes beyond the bite to explore the significant psychological, social, and emotional challenges that a bed bug infestation can create, and offers practical advice on how to get through it.
Compounded Mental Health Issues: Anxiety, Insomnia, and Hyper-vigilance
The presence of bed bugs can turn your most private sanctuary—your bed—into a source of dread. This constant state of unease can lead to a host of psychological issues:
- Sleep Deprivation and Insomnia: The thought of being bitten while you sleep can make it nearly impossible to relax and fall asleep. This can lead to severe sleep deprivation, which impacts every aspect of your life, from mood and concentration to overall health.
- Anxiety and Stress: The infestation creates a persistent, low-level anxiety. You might find yourself constantly checking for bugs, imagining phantom crawling sensations, or feeling a general sense of panic. This stress is relentless, as the threat is in your own home.
- Hyper-vigilance: You may become overly vigilant, inspecting every fold of your sheets and every seam of your furniture. This constant state of alert can be exhausting and difficult to turn off, even after the infestation is gone.
The Social Stigma and Shame of Visible Bites
Bed bugs have long been associated with unsanitary conditions, despite the fact that they are hitchhikers that can be found anywhere. This misconception leads to a powerful social stigma.
- Embarrassment and Secrecy: Many people feel a deep sense of shame and embarrassment, fearing that an infestation implies their home is dirty. This can lead to secrecy and social isolation, as they may be afraid to have friends or family over, or even to tell anyone what’s happening.
- Fear of Spreading: There’s a constant fear that you might accidentally spread the bugs to a loved one’s home, or that you might be blamed for an infestation at work or school. This adds another layer of stress and can make you feel like a social pariah.
- Fear of Being Cast Out: Many people are afraid to be accused of having bed bugs by a relationship partner, for fear of a breakup. Many others do not want the word to get out and find their dating pool dry up seemingly overnight.
Socioeconomic Aspects: The Uneven Burden
While anyone can get bed bugs, the burden of dealing with an infestation often falls heaviest on those with fewer resources.
- Financial Strain: Professional bed bug treatment is expensive. For individuals and families on a tight budget, the cost can be prohibitive, forcing them to live with the problem and its emotional consequences for far longer than necessary.
- Lack of Control in Rental Housing: Renters, especially in multi-unit buildings, can feel a significant lack of control. A neighboring apartment can be a constant source of re-infestation, making their own efforts feel futile and prolonging the emotional distress.
Coping and Moving Forward
It’s crucial to remember that a bed bug infestation is not a personal failing. It is a problem to be solved, and you are not alone. Here are some strategies for coping:
1. Seek Professional Help: The first and most important step is to call a professional pest control service. While it may be expensive, it is often the quickest path to resolution and a huge step toward regaining a sense of control.
2. Break the Silence: Talk to a trusted friend or family member. You might be surprised to find that others have gone through a similar experience. Sharing what you’re going through mentally through can significantly reduce the feelings of shame and isolation.
3. Establish a “Safe Space”: While you are treating your home, try to designate a part of your living space that you have thoroughly checked and sealed off. This can be a small area where you can relax without the constant fear of being bitten.
4. Practice Self-Care: The stress and anxiety are real. Make an effort to prioritize your mental health. This could mean taking a walk, listening to music, or practicing mindfulness—whatever helps you find moments of calm in a chaotic situation.
An infestation is a difficult journey, but it is not a permanent one. By addressing both the physical and psychological aspects head-on, you can navigate this challenge and restore your peace of mind.
If you need more help learning how to overcome a bed bug infestation or looking for a reliable, natural and effective bed bug killer, head on over to our homepage and get help today.
August 8, 2025