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and we offer our Green Promise to You.

We are proud to offer GREEN pest management solutions whenever desired and possible. We cover all forms of general pest control including wood destroying insect treatments. We offer many programs and services that will make your home or business healthier and efficient.

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Although you may see little or no activity during the maturation period they continue to branch off and make satellite nest areas as a survival technique.  Because of this unique biology characteristic you may not discover you have a problem until the ants have well infested the structure. Whether you have an infestation problem or experience occasional activity from outdoors, we have a plan that is right for you!

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Call 610-666-PEST or 610-948-3638.

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Food

Most types of stink bugs eat plants, though a few are predators of smaller insects. The plant-eating stink bugs insert their beaks into plants and extract juices. Cabbage, green beans and other vegetable crops are among their favorite meals. Predatory stink bugs insert their beaks into caterpillars and other types of insects and drain fluids from their victims. Scientists and farmers are using some types of predatory stink bugs as pest control.

Range/Habitat

Stink bugs are found in copious amounts throughout the eastern United States, from the south into New England, and in lesser amounts, throughout much of the rest of North America. They are most often found in fields, yards and gardens, but rarely make their way indoors. They are active from spring through fall, and spend the winter underground or beneath leaf litter.

Reproduction

The female stink bug lays eggs in clutches of 20 to 30 barrel-shaped eggs. The eggs are deposited on the undersides of leaves. In many species, the mother bug guards her eggs until they hatch. Wingless nymphs emerge from the eggs. They go through four molts before reaching the adult stage of development. The adult female emerges from hibernation carrying eggs and seeking a suitable location in which to lay them.

Stink

The stink bug derives its name from the odor it emits when it is disturbed or frightened. The odor, which is emitted from the thoracic glands on the bug’s side, is a self-defense mechanism and is used to deter predators. The fluid that is omitted also tastes badly and may cause birds, spiders, assassin bugs and other predators to drop the bug if they are about to consume it.

Call Dirks Pest Management Specialist NOW for quick, prompt service. 610-666-PEST or 610-948-3638.

Check out these helpful Pest 101 Videos for do-it-yourself tips and tricks. Be sure and involve Dirks Pest Management Termite and Pest Control as the best solutions are always done in partnership.

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Offer Expires after May, 2013

Offer Expires after May, 2013

Color: Creamy brown
Legs: Six
Shape: Long, narrow, oval
Size: 1/8
Antennae: Yes
Flight: Yes

Subterranean termites live in underground colonies or in moist secluded areas aboveground that can contain up to 2 million members. They build distinctive “mud tubes” to gain access to food sources and to protect themselves from open air. Termite colonies are organized into castes depending on tasks — workers, soldiers and reproductives. The characteristics of a subterranean termite are dependent on the termite’s role in the colony. Cream-colored Worker subterranean termites are 1/8 to 3/8′s of an inch in length. Soldier subterranean termites are of a similar body length, but are distinguished by their powerful mandibles. Solider termites have cream-colored bodies and brown heads. Reproductive subterranean termites are approximately one inch long.

Habits
Subterranean termites live underground and build tunnels, referred to as mud tubes, to reach food sources. Like other termite species, they feed on products containing cellulose. Subterranean termites swarm in the spring — groups of reproductive termites go off to start new colonies.

Habitat
Subterranean termites need contact with the soil to survive and live underground. They can build tunnels through cracks in concrete.

Threats
Subterranean termites are by far the most destructive species. They can collapse a building entirely, meaning possible financial ruin for a homeowner. The hard, saw-toothed jaws of termites work like shears and are able to bite off extremely small fragments of wood, one piece at a time.

Subterranean Termites can be found in All 50 States

Prevention
Avoid water accumulation near your home’s foundation. Divert water away with properly functioning downspouts, gutters and splash blocks. Reduce humidity in crawl spaces with proper ventilation. Never bury wood scraps or waste lumber in the yard. Most importantly, eliminate wood contact with the soil. Maintain a one-inch gap between the soil and wood portions of the building.

Comparing Termite and Ant Swarmers

People often confuse termites with ants because of their similar appearance. There are however several key differences between flying ants and termites.

Color: Yellowish brown
Legs: Six
Shape: Long, narrow, oval
Size: 1/2 inch in length
Antennae: Yes
Flight: Yes

Originally from China, Formosan termites are the most voracious, aggressive and devious of over 2,000 termite species known to science. Formosan termites are a subterranean species of termite. Swarmer formosan termite are about 1/2 inch in overall length, including their wings.

Habits
Formosans are organized into huge underground colonies, and build intricate mud nests inside the walls of a structure.

Habitat
Formosan termites are the most aggressive subterranean termite species. Formosans are organized into huge underground colonies, and build intricate mud nests inside the walls of a structure.

Threats
Because of their aggressive nature, formosan termites are difficult to control once they infest a structure. Prevention is key.

Formosan Termites can be found in AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, TX, VA

Prevention
Avoid water accumulation near your home’s foundation. Divert water away with properly functioning downspouts, gutters and splash blocks. Reduce humidity in crawl spaces with proper ventilation. Never bury wood scraps or waste lumber in the yard. Most importantly, eliminate wood contact with the soil. Maintain a one-inch gap between the soil and wood portions of the building.

These social insects infest dry wood and do not require contact with the soil.

Habits
They form colonies of up to 2,500 members. Unlike subterranean termite species, drywood termite colonies do not have a worker caste. The work is done by immature termites before they reach adulthood.

Habitat
Drywood termites infest dry wood, like that found in attic framings.

Threats
Drywood termites can infest structures and cause significant damage.

Drywood Termites can be found in CA, AZ, FL, AL, GA, LA, MS, SC, TX, VA

Prevention
Drywood termites can be avoided by making sure firewood and scrap wood is stored at least 20 feet from the home. Because drywood termites form new colonies by gaining access to wood through small holes, seal all cracks and crevices in a structure.