When it comes to household pests, there's nothing quite as upsetting as discovering you have bed bugs in your home.

These tiny insects can leave painful bites behind, and they're notorious for multiplying at a rapid pace.

If you're concerned about these insects, read on for a list of five signs of bed bugs in pillows you need to know.

Bed bugs like to feed on a "host," and if they're in your home, that means they've likely chosen to attack you or your family members. Bed bug bites are one of the most common red flags that indicate they've infiltrated your house.

If you wake up with red bumps or swollen, itchy areas on your body, there's a possibility that you have bed bugs. These bites are also called papules or wheels, and they typically appear in a row on your arms, back, or legs.

Many people don't experience any reaction to bed bug bites, but others may experience itching or extreme redness. No matter what, if you notice the sudden appearance of bug bites, you should investigate your home immediately if you're concerned about the presence of bed bugs.

Bites that occur on your face, neck, or shoulders are major signs of bed bugs on pillows. Don't hesitate if you think this is the case and contact a professional bed bug extermination company immediately.

Even though they're tiny, you can still see bed bugs with the naked eye. Before you start to panic, examine your bedding, pillow, and areas in between your mattress to look for these pesky insects.

Bed bugs are approximately 1/4 to 1/3 inch long and can have a dark brown or reddish coloring. Most bed bugs are red if they've just had a meal, and they can double in size after a long feeding.

These pests tend to come out and feed at night, so you'll need to check everything thoroughly to find out where they're hiding during the daytime. Look in between furniture cushions, in rugs and carpeting, and even behind picture frames where they may be lurking in tiny crevices.

Whether your pillow is standard, made of memory foam, or filled with feathers, having bed bugs in your bedding can certainly be distressing. If you have a regular pillow, these insects tend to live in the actual pillowcase rather than the stuffing of the pillow. This makes it easier for them to move around without getting crushed. 

Memory foam pillows are much denser than a standard pillow, but that won't stop bed bugs from living between the pillow and your pillowcase. As you move around, the bed bugs may not get crushed by your head, so you won't see many other telltale signs, such as insect shells or bloodstains.

Bed bugs will even live in feather pillows, so it really doesn't matter which type of pillow you use. If you suspect there are bed bugs using your pillow as a feeding ground, your best bet is to dispose of the pillow and pillowcase immediately so they don't continue to torment you when you sleep.

Bed bugs love to lurk in your pillow because it's a perfect place for them to lay their eggs. Be on the lookout for very small oval-shaped eggs that are white in color. Check the pillow and look inside the pillowcase as well as on your mattress and sheets.

Another telltale sign is if you see small black spots on your pillow, which is an indication of bed bug feces. If you come in contact with these feces, it can cause redness, irritation, or even a possible allergic reaction.

If the bed bugs are feeding on you while you sleep, you may notice blood stains on your pillow. Another reason there could be blood stains is that you are crushing the bugs with your head while you sleep. Look for small blood-colored stains on your pillowcase when you wake up if you're concerned.

Any unusual coloring or lots of tiny white eggs is a good indication that you have bed bugs in your pillows. Don't wait until things get out of control - contact an exterminator as soon as you see any of these signs.

When you lay your head down to go to sleep, you might start to notice an unusual scent. If bed bugs infest furniture and bedding, they leave a nasty smell behind.

The scent of bed bugs is described as a little bit sweet and quite musty. Give your pillows a sniff to see if you notice a strong sweet and musty smell.

As you look at your pillows, linens, and mattress, look for dead bed bugs, too. They leave small, curled up shells behind that can also include unsightly stains if they were squashed while still digesting blood in their stomachs.

Cockroaches are a common household problem all over the world. They can also be found in restaurants, commercial buildings, institutional facilities and various outdoor areas.

These insects range in size from 1/4" to 2 1/8", and they also vary in color from black, light-brown to dark reddish brown, depending on their species. Some species of cockroaches can also fly, whereas the typical roach cannot.

Most cockroach species are usually found in moist, dark areas indoors or outdoors. However, they differ in their harborage areas and resiliency. If you have a cockroach problem, it is important to identify the type for proper cockroach control. Read on to learn more about identifying common roach species found in the Yuba Sutter area.

The first step to eliminating a cockroach problem is identification. Below are some facts and images to help narrow down your pest problem.

American cockroaches are the largest of all cockroach species measuring between 1 1/4" to 2 1/8" long. Their oval-shaped bodies are brown with a reddish hue, and they also have a yellow figure-eight shaped band that outlines their head.

These cockroaches are mainly found outdoors in drains and sewers except in the lower part of the U.S., where they find harborage underneath mulch piles, in flowerbeds, and in yards, alleys, and other shady, humid areas. However, when the weather gets too cold, or their food sources become low, they will make their way inside your home through the drains, garages and basement windows, and under doors gaps, where they are then typically found in basements, boiler rooms, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens, scouring for food and water.

Once inside, American cockroaches will feed on crumbs found on the floor and other surfaces. You may find them under appliances, behind kitchen cabinets and also in drains. They will also feed on pet food that is left uncovered.

This species of cockroach is equipped with various survival mechanisms that make them more resilient than other cockroaches. For instance, they can remain hidden in your home for up to a week without food or water, which can make it harder to pinpoint them and rid them on your own.

The German cockroach is also found throughout the U.S., and it too has an oval-shaped body, six legs, and an antenna like the American cockroach; however, it is smaller at just 1/2" to 5/8" long.

Their bodies range from light brown to tan, depending on their sex, and they also have a pair of dark stripes that run almost parallel down their backs. They also have wings like the American cockroach; however, they mostly prefer to run as opposed to fly.

German cockroaches also prefer warm, humid places; however, because it is difficult for them to survive outdoors in warm weather, they can make their way inside via used appliances, cardboard boxes, drink cartons, and in grocery bags.

Once inside, they can usually be found anywhere people dine and drink, such as in residential and commercial kitchens, dining rooms, dens, bedrooms, and more. They are also commonly found in food processing plants.

Like other cockroach species, German cockroaches will feed on just about any food; however, they will also feed on glue, toothpaste, and soap.

Because these cockroaches like to hide in crack and crevices, which can be as small as 3/8" wide, they can be hard to detect on your own. They may also require a specialized treatment due to their unique harborage areas.

Turkestan cockroaches vary in size and color, depending on whether they are male or female.

The males are just under an inch long with a burnt orange or red body and slightly yellow wings that extend beyond the tip of their abdomen. They also have ivory-colored markings that line the edge of their bodies up to their heads.

They are also commonly found indoors because they are drawn to the lights.

Female Turkestan cockroaches are larger, measuring 1" long. They also have deep brown to black bodies and the same ivory-colored markings as the males. However, unlike the males, they have short, rounded wings with light-colored stripes that line the edge of them.

These cockroaches, unlike other cockroach types, are mainly an outdoor problem. Often you will find them near utility meter boxes, in concrete cracks, and under fallen leaves, compost piles and potted plants.

They also tend to be more common in the U.S. in urban cities in the Southwest, throughout California, and some parts of the Northeast.

Because they produce many eggs, and they have such a short development period, treating Turkestan cockroaches needs to be done as soon as possible to prevent infestation.

The Oriental cockroach is another rather large roach, measuring between 25mm to 1" long. They are also oval-shaped with 6-legs and antennae, but they have a shiny black exterior. However, some may be mahogany.

Like most cockroach species, the male Oriental cockroach is smaller than the female, and they also have short 3/4" long wings whereas the females do not. However, due to their shorter wings, their lower abdomens are more exposed than other cockroaches and they also do not fly.

Oriental cockroaches are most common in the northern parts of the U.S., where they are often spotted outside near damp gutters, around landscaping beds, and traveling in and out of sewers and storm drains during the day. They can also be found under firewood and in openings and voids beneath porches.

However, during the summer, they can make their way inside through door sills, under sliding glass doors, through floor drains, and along utility pipes where they are then typically found in crawl spaces, basements, and other moist, cool places. They can also be spotted around toilets, sinks, pipes and service ducts.

Once inside your home, they will also feed on all kinds of food. They will normally go after starchy foods, garbage, and decaying organic matter.

Oriental cockroaches are also pretty resilient. In fact, they can live up to one month without food. However, they cannot live without water. You are likely see them gathered anywhere there is water.

A crucial step to controlling cockroaches on your property, no matter the species, is to keep it free of crumbs and store your food in airtight containers. Your pet's food should be kept covered. Any spills should also be cleaned up immediately since they can also attract cockroaches.

Cockroaches also like to feed on garbage, so keep the inside of your property free of trash or store it in a secure trash container.

You should also repair any leaky water sources around your property, such as dripping faucets, radiators, and pipes, to deter cockroaches since they also need water to survive.

Most cockroaches (excluding German roaches) make their way inside your property through various cracks, gaps, and openings, so you should also be sure to seal any points of entry around your home to help keep them out.

In the meantime, professional pest control services can also be incorporated for even more effective cockroach management, especially if the problem is serious.

The technician can also ensure the right treatment for your exact type of cockroach, so you don't waste time and frustration, trying to figure it out on your own.

They can also provide follow up treatments to help you stay on top of the problem and prevent it from reoccurring.

Do you have a pesky ant problem and are wondering why they are invading your home? How do the ants continue to find their way back to the same food source? You may be surprised to know that ants are one of the most successful creatures on earth in terms of adaptability and survival. They are equipped with keen senses that help them find food and they leave chemical trails for other ants to follow, which is why ant control is so difficult.

Although ants are usually outdoor insects, they can enter your home through cracks, crevices, and other small openings in your exterior. You may also notice them more in the summer, spring, and fall, during which time they will enter your home in search of food and moisture. However, in some states, they may be present year-round.

They like to eat many of the same foods as humans, which is why they are commonly found inside our dwellings.

Some ant species build their nests outdoors, but they will then travel inside your home to find food. If, while inside your home, they find a food source that they like, they will gather the food and then transport it back outside to their nests. They will also continue to make subsequent trips back to the food source as long as it is still available.

Meanwhile, some ant species, such as carpenter ants, pavement ants, odorous house ants, acrobat ants, thief ants, and pharaoh ants, will build their nests indoors where they will remain until they are eliminated.

Once inside your home, ants will usually be found near food sources, as well as in damp areas, such as near sinks, bathtubs, and dishwashers. They can also be found in various hidden areas, such as under appliances, under floors, behind window frames, and in empty spaces behind the wall.

Ants have a great sense of smell, which they use to lead them to sources of food.

Once they have picked up on a food's scent, the worker ants will set out in search of it. As the ants make their way toward the food, they release pheromones behind them, creating a scented trail to find their way back to the food.

When the ants finally reach the food, they will make their way back to their nests, during which time they will release more pheromones on the trail. As the other worker ants set out to forage, they will also use the trail to make their way to the food source.

Carpenter ants, on the other hand, follow the chemical scent left by other ants to the food source, but then they use visual markers surrounding the path to help them remember their way back later.

Worker ants often forage between sunset and midnight, and they can travel up to 100 yards from their nests to locate food.

Ants have small bristles on their body, also called olfactory receptors, that enable them to detect certain chemical compounds in food, such as the chemical compounds in, sugar, sweets, and starches, which then attracts them to the food.

Their olfactory senses are so sensitive, they can still pick up on the chemical compounds in foods, even when they are present in the smallest amounts.

Ants will eat a variety of different foods. They seek out sugary foods such as jelly, syrup, and honey. Also, they like fatty foods like meats, and even pet food depending on the species

Once their senses pick up on food, they will then make their way to it, leaving a pheromone trail behind for other worker ants to also find their way to the food. If they come across a food they like, they will either continue to make trips back to the food, which they will take back to their outdoor nests, or they will build indoor nests and take the food back there.

Each time an ant emits a pheromone trail on their way to a food source, they also leave another chemically scented trail on the way back, producing an even stronger path for other worker ants to find.

Once other worker ants pick up on the trail, they will also make their way to the food source, during which time they, too, will leave a pheromone scent on the trail, further strengthening the path.

Therefore, a pheromone trail can remain strong for as long as ants continue to use it, and they will continue to use the trail for as long as the chemical scent is present or until it becomes masked by a stronger scent.

During the warmer months, ants will feed on live insects, dead insects, and honey produced by scale insects and aphids while outdoors. However, once they enter your home, they will usually eat pretty much anything you eat.

In the autumn, just before winter, most ant species eat more food than usual to put on extra fat, which allows them to go without much food over the winter. They will also feed off the carbohydrates, proteins, and fats they stored the previous fall.

However, provided their indoor nests are in a warm area, then you may continue to witness ant activity even throughout the winter when ants are usually dormant.

Ants can be a persistent problem, especially pharaoh ants, which can leave you frustrated and at your wits end about how to get of rid them.

Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help eliminate your ant problem, but they should be used in conjunction for complete and effective ant control.

Inside Your Home

• Since ants have a keen sense of smell, uncovered or loosely covered food left out in your home, especially near cracks in the floors and walls, windows, and doors, can attract ants. Therefore, be mindful not to leave open food out in your home, and keep your kitchen free of accumulating food waste. You should also keep your counters and floors free of food particles and crumbs to help deter ants.
  
  
• Any spills should also be cleaned up quickly because they can dry and become sticky, which ants also like.
  
  
• You should also avoid leaving food-stained dishes in the sink overnight because it can also invite ants.
  
  
• Be sure to keep your trash can clean and free of food waste to also help prevent ants.
  
  
• Ants are also attracted to moisture, so be sure to fix any water leaks around your home, such as leaky pipes or a leaky roof, and make sure your gutters and spouts repel water away from your property to help prevent moisture inside and outside your home.

Around Your Home

• When cooking outdoors, be sure to clean any remaining food from the grill as well as from the tables, deck, and patio to help deter ants.
  
  
• Any cracks, gaps, or other openings around your home should also be sealed to prevent ants from entering your home.
  
  
• If you have tree limbs that are touching your home, they should be trimmed back to prevent ants from using the branches to make a trail into your property.
  
  
• Any ground plants around your home should also be thinned out to prevent ants. You should also avoid placing landscape timbers, mulch, or any other things around your home that may provide protection and moisture for ants to thrive within at least 1-feet of your home's exterior.
  
  
• Any fallen tree limbs or logs, as well as any tree stumps around your property, should also be removed to deter ants. Any firewood should also be stored as far away from the house as possible, and avoid storing it in the garage or bringing it inside because it can contain ants.
  
  
• You should also avoid storing anything under the deck that keeps the soil damp, such as rock piles or boards, and periodically check any splash blocks around your home's exterior to ensure they are free of moisture underneath.
  
  
• You can also contact a professional pest control company for help. In order to successfully treat your ant problem, you first need to know the type of ant you are dealing with, which a professional ant exterminator can help you do.
  
  In fact, ant exterminators are highly-trained in various ant species, their activities, their preferences, and their habitats to provide the most effective ant management, which may include strategically placing insecticide baits inside your home. This way, the worker ants will take the bait back to the nest, thinking it is food, helping to eliminate the entire colony, including the ant larvae and the pupae.

Did you know that in some major cities, almost 40% of households report signs of cockroaches?

While you might be doing everything in your power to keep roaches away, you might still have some of these unwelcome visitors in your home. Try as you might, they just won't go away.

So are you wondering about roach control? Then keep reading. We'll go over a few tips to get rid of all sorts of cockroaches!

While this won't exactly get rid of the current cockroaches on your property, it can certainly help in reducing their numbers and preventing more from invading.

German cockroaches like to live indoors, so make sure your house is always tidy. Get rid of clutter, as they like to hide in cracks and crevices. Often, we find them hiding behind kitchen cabinets, door hinges, under the sink, behind the refrigerator and inside appliances such as a microwave. Any tight space they can  squeeze into is a potential hiding spot for the German Cockroach. You should also eliminate all food sources by cleaning up spills immediately, washing dishes right after meals, and putting all your food in airtight containers. Once they find a food and water source, they will tend to stay fairly close to those areas and reproduce at a rapid pace. If left untreated, a few German roaches can create a significant infestation in just a few weeks.

On the other hand, American, Oriental, and Turkestan cockroaches prefer to live outdoors. This means you need to clear away hiding spots and food sources in your yard as well. These exterior roaches will normally stay out of sight during the day. Some common places where we see them taking shelter include under planters, stepping stones, railroad ties, plywood/sheet metal, utility boxes and storm drains. Virtually any objects laying flat on the ground are a potential harborage area for these roaches. So the more stuff you have lying around, they more opportunity exterior roaches have to hide on your property.

Have you recently bought something from a garage sale? Or have you moved some boxes from storage into your home? Be aware, this is the primary way German roaches will enter your home.

Cockroaches love hiding in cardboard boxes, so be very careful with whatever you bring inside. Thoroughly inspect boxes, appliances, electronics and furniture before bringing them inside your home. If possible, leave these things outside for a period until inspected and remove all cardboard ASAP.

If you're tidy and you still have a roach problem, then it might be because they have easy access to your home. Do a thorough inspection to see if you can find any cracks or gaps in things like your doors and windows. Gaps and cracks along plumbing can often be used as an entry point for roaches. If you often find them in kitchen and bathroom areas, you may want to examine the area closely.

You can temporarily block these off and then follow the next step.

When you notice the first sign of trouble, you need to call a professional pest control company right away. Even if you're not sure you have a serious roach problem, it's better to be safe than to be sorry. Prevention is always the preferable option as opposed to waiting until the issue gets out of hand.

A pest control professional will be able to use their expertise and equipment to locate and eliminate roaches in and around your home. Not only that, but they can also treat common hiding spaces so these pests don't get a chance to multiply.

In addition, these professionals can put together a custom prevention plan for you to ensure you don't ever get an infestation in the future.

If you are experiencing an infestation, pro roach control services are the way to go.

While you can get a hold on the current situation by using some home remedies, the best thing to eliminate them is to use the services of an expert. Especially if you are dealing with the dreaded German Cockroach. A professional service will ensure that not only will the roaches be completely eradicated, but also that they stay away too!

Do you need cockroach pest control done on your property? Then get in touch with us now.

You might think that ants are the last thing you'd have to worry about in a state with alligators. However, these tiny creepy crawlies are far more likely to find their way into your home and yard. Ants can destroy lawns, infest food stores and some of them have a nasty bite. Read on to find out about 10 species of ants in California. 

The silvery field ant isn't usually spotted in people's yards, although they might be if you have a larger property. These silver-bodied critters are some of the rarer ants in California, but we'd still recommend calling in Pest Control to help you if you do spot one. 

Pharaoh ants are small and yellow. They can bite when they feel threatened, although it's not much of a sting for humans. However, although the bite may not hurt, it carries Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and salmonella. These ants in California love sweet and sticky foods, so keen bakers, beware. 

The western carpenter ant is similarly-named to the smooth carpenter ant, but they look and act quite differently. As you might have guessed, this species is most commonly found in the west, and it's one of the most abundant ants in California. Its body is usually matte dark brown. 

Smooth carpenter ants have the typical black or shiny red bodies that you see in kid's books. They have one node in the center of their body and an evenly-rounded thorax.  

Although velvety tree ants look similar to carpenter ants, there are several key differences. The shape is nearly identical, but its body is covered in lots of tiny hairs — hence the name. 

Ghost ants might not bite or sting, but they love making your home into their home. Similar to their odorous cousins, they emit a rotten coconut-like smell when they're crushed. 

Also known as a sugar ant, stink ant and coconut ant, this small brown ant is one of the most common ants in California. They like grease and sweet, sticky foods, but they're almost impossible to eliminate without the help of a pest control company. 

The pyramid ant is named because of the shape of its thorax. It's head and upper body are a brownish color, and the abdomen is black. 

This little guy got his name because he loves the heat of the midday sun. It's tiny, with a black, reddish-brown or brown body.

Argentine ants don't bite, but they can be total nuisances. They're brown with prominent antenna, and you'll see plenty of these ants in California.  

If you've got ants in your yard or home, there's no need to fear. At Joel's Pest Control, we've helped thousands of people to eliminate ants from their property. Call us today at 530-435-7897, and we'll help you restore your home to its former glory.