Moles damage our beautiful (and expensive) lawns by burrowing under and in the root systems of lawns and gardens. They eat mostly worms and sometimes grubs but rarely feed on grass. However, their burrowing kills the grass leaving ugly scars and mounds.

Voles also burrow under ground mostly in gardens where they feed on roots and other vegetation.

Moles become semi dormant in winter but voles do not. Because voles are active year round, they must continue to feed often damaging expensive plants in our gardens by chewing on tender bark especially after snow and other winter elements deprive them of their regular food supplies

Control of Moles:

Recently Bell Labs, a manufacturer which services the pest control industry, did a much needed study concerning mole control. The result of their extensive research was the development of a worm like product that works. The product replaced lawn sprays and repellents that were questionable at best.

Control of Voles:

Expensive shrubs and trees can be protected with hardware clothe wrapped around the trunks at ground level to approximately 1 inches. American Pest Control Company can help by placing protected bait stations in gardens which are serviced regularly.

Need Help Getting Rid of Moles or Voles?

If you have any questions or would like further information or a free estimate on moles or voles, contact American Pest Control at: info@organicpestcontrolmichigan.com

Another new (exotic) ant is with us! Well he’s not really that new. The Asian needle ant was first discovered in Georgia in 1932 but the ant’s distinction was patchy for a long time. It only attained pest status about 6 years ago when it was found in South Carolina. Since then it has also been found in Alabama and Tennessee in relatively large numbers.

What Makes the Asian Needle Ant Important?

The ant is important for two reasons. The Asian needle ant sting is similar to a fire ant and it replaces native ant species where it becomes established. The Asian needle ant sting results in mild to intense pain with temporary to prolonged itching, sometimes for several hours. Anaphylaxis shock (extreme allergic reaction) has been documented in some cases.

The Asian needle ant nests are usually small but numerous and found under leaf mulch and nearly all man made objects in yards making control difficult. Research by the National Pest Management Association is currently underway to determine new control strategies including baits to assist in the control of this serious pest ant.

If you have any questions or would like further information on Asian needle ants contact Doc Pickhardt at: info@organicpestcontrolmichigan.com

The truth is there is no simple list of “green” products. While it might seem remarkable any marketer can call their product “green”. Be careful when you hire a pest control or lawn service!! Ask questions. Be sure you are getting what you are paying for.

If you have any questions or would like further information on what to look for when hiring a “green” pest control company contact Doc at: info@organicpestcontrolmichigan.com

We at American consider ourselves environmentalists in fact it’s part of our logo. But now, the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) is threatening to sue the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for failing to consider the effects of almost 400 pesticides on more than 800 endangered species that live throughout the United States. This “Mega Suit” will cost us tax payers millions and millions of dollars even though most of these pesticides have been in use for many years with no evidence that they affect “endangered” species.

GET A GRIP!!

Bed Bug Workshop Sponsors

The workshop was sponsored by Michigan Association of Housing Officials, City of Detroit’s Buildings and Safety Engineering Department and the Michigan Bed Bug Working Group.

Speakers included:

Karla Henderson – City of Detroit, Buildings and Safety Engineering
Erik Foster – Michigan Department of Community Health
Andy Murdock – Michigan Pest Management Association
Brian Rowe – Michigan Department of Agriculture
Gary Offenbacker – Property Managers Association of Michigan
Howard Asch – Michigan Association of Housing Officials
Kim James and Steve Leggat – City of Detroit, Buildings and Safety Engineering

The main take away message in my view was pro-active cooperation between all affected parties.

The speakers could not have been better chosen each one was an expert in his or her field.

Bed Bug Topics Covered:

Do bed bugs cause disease?
Where do bed bugs come from?
How do homes become infested with bed bugs?
How can you tell if your residence is infested with bed bugs?
What should you do if you find bed bugs?
What are your rights and obligations concerning bed bugs?
What you shouldn’t do if you have bed bugs?
How can you have bed bug specimens examined?
What should you know abut bed bug insecticides?
What might you do when returning from a bed bug infested residence?
How to inspect for bed bugs?
How to hire a bed bug pest control company?

If you would like more information on any of these subjects contact Doc at info@theamericanlawnandtreearborist.com.

Known as the Caribbean, brown, hairy or raspberry crazy ant. This new problem has been identified in Florida, Texas and Mississippi.The exact name and classification of this ant is still not known. Standard treatment do not work because of the huge numbers of ants. It has been estimated a single nest underground may be as large as a small house. If you see hundreds of small ants scurrying in erotic directions… It’s time to call a professional.

Raspberry Crazy Ant Infestation

“Doc”
American Pest Control

The Hawaiian Islands of Maui and Kauai are infested with an extremely invasive ant species known as the “Tiny Fire Ant“. The Tiny Fire Ant lives in areas similar to the red fire ant, but can also live in trees. This makes control a nightmare. I hope this sub tropical species does not migrate to the continental US, we already have enough trouble with our native species.

“Doc”
American Pest Control

Ants have a green thumb? According to an article in Scientific Magazine, ant farmers, like their human counterparts, depend on nitrogen fixing bacteria to make their gardens grow. It’s amazing how many human methods are already being used by animals!

“Doc”
American Pest Control

As many of you know, the bed bugs have been making a big comeback. The Michigan Pest Control Association (MPCA) has been working with the Michigan Department of Community Health, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Michigan Bed Bug Work Group to put together a training program for public officials, general public, housing authorities and others. The program is designed to be an informational training on bed bugs including their biology, how to inspect for them and some of the current treatments available for their control.

The first of these meetings is being held in Detroit on December 14th 2009. There are plans in the works to consider doing 2 other training sessions in Grand Rapids and Lansing areas. I have been invited as a participant in this event and will keep everyone informed on the details once I have further information.

- Doc

Bed Bugs are on the rise in schools. An exact number of infestations can’t be determined, but the bed bug problems have gotten worse and infestations are becoming more common.

Last week in New York, P.S. 163 (an Upper West Side school) had bed bugs again!! There have been repeated outbreaks during the latest school year. A growing number of schools across the country are dealing unsuccessfully with the bed bug problem. The bed bugs come into schools from infested homes on children’s clothing etc.

In hopes to reduce the costly extermination fees, the PTA and teachers bought bags so students and teachers can protect their belongings.