Reitz Pest Control

Despite their pleasant-sounding name, kissing bugs have more than earned their notoriety as pests by spreading the infamous Chagas disease. Over the past several years, they have been migrating northward. Unfortunately, there are now kissing bugs in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland, meaning that you should be prepared to fight against them. Here’s what you need to know about these dangerous insects.Why Kissing Bugs Are Dangerous Kissing bugs are prim...arily nocturnal creatures that feed on the blood of birds, reptiles, and mammals, including humans. They prefer to make their homes in cracks and holes in housing structures and outdoor areas. It’s not just their blood-sucking habits that make this pest so dangerous. Kissing bugs are known to carry the parasite trypanosoma cruzi, which causes Chagas disease. These parasites are normally spread when kissing bug feces gets into the wound made by a kissing bug. Chagas disease normally is mild, sometimes causing swelling around the wound. However, some cases can be quite severe and even life-threatening; they can lead to heart rhythm abnormalities that can cause sudden death through cardiac arrest. Symptoms to look out for: Swelling Fever Fatigue Rash Body Aches Eyelid swelling Headache Loss of appetite Nausea, diarrhea or vomiting If you suspect that you might have Chagas disease as a result of kissing bugs, contact your doctor or medical provider immediately. How to Protect Yourself In order to protect your home against kissing bugs, you should ensure that all cracks and gaps throughout your house and in your roof are filled. Remove wood, brush, and rock piles near your house, and keep your property clean in general. Even with your own DIY preventive measures, the best way to protect you and your family is by hiring professionals, like Reitz Pest Control, who are experienced at eradicating pests with quality materials.

Have a safe and happy 4th of July

There are many factors which contribute to the spread of Lyme disease. Scientists have found that deer ticks in the south behave differently than those in the n...orth. Higher temperatures in the south discourage deer ticks from actively seeking a host. Instead, they will remain under the leaf-litter where they are protected from the sun. This significantly reduces the likelihood that a deer tick will interact with and feed off of a human host. In the northern part of the United States, where weather is milder, the deer tick will leave the leaf litter and climb up grass and vegetation increasing the chance of finding a human host and spreading disease. If you find a tick on you send it to TickCheck for disease testing and share our page to spread awareness about ticks and tick borne diseases. https://www.tickcheck.com/order?ref=Tick-Testing

Now is the time to have your home’s exterior sprayed for overwintering adult Stink bugs and lady bugs. These pest will invade your home by getting under the eaves, siding, fascia and soffit, entering your attic and interior walls to hibernate till spring. Call Reitz Pest Control today. 814-233-5517