Pest Library

Say Goodbye to Ant Infestations – Fast, Safe, and Effective

Ants may be small, but they can cause big problems when they invade your home or business. At Frontline Pest Management, we specialize in eliminating ant infestations at the source. Whether it's nuisance ants in your kitchen, trails in your backyard, or a full-blown colony inside your walls, our expert team uses targeted, eco-friendly treatments to get rid of ants quickly and prevent them from coming back.

From sugar ants and carpenter ants to pavement ants, we know how to identify and handle every species. Our proven process includes thorough inspections, customized treatment plans, and long-term prevention strategies to keep your property protected year-round.

Why Choose Frontline Pest Management?

• Certified, experienced technicians
   
• Family- and pet-safe solutions
   
• Fast response times
   
• Local experts who understand your specific pest issues
   

Don’t let ants take over your space — contact us today for a free inspection and reclaim your peace of mind.

Asian lady beetles (Harmonia axyridis), native to Asia, were introduced to North America in the 1980s for natural pest control, particularly targeting aphids. While they effectively reduce aphid populations, these beetles have become a nuisance due to their tendency to invade homes during the fall seeking warmth for overwintering. ​NortheastIPM.org+6MMPC+6Government of India+6

Identification:

• Color and Size: These beetles vary in color from yellow-orange to red and measure about 1/4 inch (6 mm) in length.​MMPC
   
• Markings: A distinctive feature is the white area behind their heads, often marked with a black 'M' or 'W' shape. ​The Spruce+2MMPC+2DKS Pest Control+2
   

Behavior and Impact:

• Overwintering: In autumn, they congregate in large numbers on buildings, especially on sunny sides, and may enter homes through small openings. ​The Spruce+2MMPC+2NortheastIPM.org+2
   
• Nuisance: Once indoors, they can emit a yellowish fluid with a strong odor when disturbed, potentially staining surfaces. ​Better Homes & Gardens+4The Spruce+4Southern Living+4

Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are small, reddish-brown, wingless insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. Adult bed bugs are approximately 1/4 to 3/8 inch (5-9 mm) long and have a flat, oval-shaped body. They are nocturnal and typically hide in cracks and crevices near sleeping areas during the day,

Signs of Bed Bug Infestation:

• Bites: Red, itchy welts on the skin, often in a line or cluster, typically appear after sleeping. ​Pest Control Resources
   
• Stains: Rusty or reddish blood spots on bed linens or mattresses from crushed bed bugs. ​CDC
   
• Exoskeletons: Shed skins left behind as bed bugs grow. ​Purdue Ag College
   
• Odor: A sweet, musty smell in areas where bed bugs are present. ​Extension | University of New Hampshire+2CDC+2Cleveland Clinic
   

Preventing Bed Bugs:

• Inspect Secondhand Items: Carefully examine used furniture, bedding, and clothing before bringing them into your home.
   
• Use Protective Covers: Encase mattresses and box springs with bed bug-proof covers and check them regularly for holes.
   
• Reduce Clutter: Minimize clutter in your home to eliminate potential hiding spots for bed bugs.
   
• Be Vigilant While Traveling: Inspect hotel rooms for signs of bed bugs, keep luggage off the floor and bed, and wash and dry clothes at high temperatures after returning home. ​
   

Clover mites are tiny red to reddish-brown arachnids (not insects) that belong to the spider and tick family. Here are the key facts about them:

• Size: About 0.75 mm (1/30 inch) long—barely visible to the naked eye.
   
• Color: Bright red when young, reddish-brown as adults.
   
• Legs: 8 legs (like all arachnids), with the front pair extremely long, often mistaken for antennae.
   
• Shape: Oval body.
   

• Feed on: Grass, clover, and other plants—they don’t harm humans or pets.
   
• Common in: Lawns with heavy fertilizer use or thick, lush grass.
   
• Invade homes: Especially in early spring or fall, seeking warmth or moisture.
   
• Stain risk: When crushed, they leave reddish stains that can damage carpets, curtains, and walls.
   

• Entry points: Cracks in windows, doors, siding, and foundations.
   
• Non-dangerous: Don’t bite, sting, or transmit disease.
   
• Nuisance pest: Often appear in large numbers on sunny sides of buildings.
   

1. Seal entry points: Caulk cracks around windows, doors, and foundations.
    
2. Remove vegetation: Keep a plant-free border (18–24 inches) around buildings.
    
3. Avoid over-fertilizing: Clover mites thrive in heavily fertilized lawns.
    
4. Vacuum instead of crushing: To avoid staining, use a vacuum cleaner.
    
5. Insecticides: Perimeter treatments may help, but consult professionals if infestations are severe.

German and Oriental cockroaches are common household pests with distinct characteristics, behaviors, and control challenges. Here's an overview of each:​

German Cockroach (Blattella germanica):

• Identification: Adult German cockroaches are light brown to tan, measuring about 1/2 inch in length, with two dark, almost parallel stripes on their backs. ​Encyclopedia Britannica+2Pest Control Resources+2Cockroach Facts+2
   
• Habitat: They thrive in warm (around 70°F or 21°C) and humid environments, commonly found in residential and commercial kitchens, as well as bathrooms. ​Pest Control Resources
   
• Behavior: German cockroaches are prolific breeders, with females producing egg cases (oothecae) containing 18-50 eggs, leading to rapid population growth. ​Cockroach Facts+3Cockroach Facts+3Terminix Wil-Kil Pest Control+3
   
• Health Risks: They can spread bacteria such as Salmonella, leading to food poisoning, and their droppings may trigger allergic reactions. ​Wikipedia+3Cockroach Facts+3The Spruce+3
   
• Control: Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, including maintaining cleanliness, sealing entry points, and, if necessary, professional pest control, are recommended due to their resilience and rapid reproduction. ​The Spruce+1Cockroach Facts+1
   

Oriental Cockroach (Blatta orientalis):

• Identification: Adults are dark brown to black, measuring about 1 to 1 1/4 inches long. Males have wings covering three-quarters of their abdomens, while females have shorter, non-functional wings. ​Cockroach Facts+2Home+2Wikipedia+2
   
• Habitat: They prefer damp, dark environments like basements, crawl spaces, and sewer pipes, often entering homes through drains or cracks. ​Pest Control Resources+3Terminix Wil-Kil Pest Control+3Home+3
   
• Behavior: While they can survive outdoors in freezing conditions, they may move indoors seeking warmth and food, especially during colder months. ​Virginia Tech Sites
   
• Health Risks: Oriental cockroaches can carry pathogens that may contaminate food and surfaces, posing health risks. ​Wikipedia
   
• Control: Preventive measures include sealing entry points, reducing moisture, and eliminating food sources. In cases of significant infestations, consulting professional pest control services is advisable. ​The Spruce+1The Spruce+1

Fleas are small, wingless insects that feed on the blood of warm-blooded animals, including humans. They are reddish-brown, laterally compressed, and measure about 1/8 inch (1 to 3 mm) in length. Fleas are known for their powerful hind legs, which enable them to jump impressive distances. ​Action Pest Control+3Holder's Pest Solutions+3Pest Control Resources+3

Flea Life Cycle:

Understanding the flea life cycle is crucial for effective control:​The Spruce Pets+1Orkin+1

1. Egg: Female fleas lay up to 50 eggs daily on their host. These eggs often fall off into bedding, carpets, or cracks in the floor. ​Verywell Health+5Maggie's Farm Ltd+5Action Pest Control+5Orkin+2Pest Control Resources+2Maggie's Farm Ltd+2
    
2. Larva: Eggs hatch into larvae, which are tiny, pale, and worm-like. They feed on organic debris, including adult flea feces, and develop over several days to weeks. ​CDC+1Home | ADAMS™+1
    
3. Pupa: Larvae spin cocoons and enter the pupal stage, which can last from a few days to several months, depending on environmental conditions. ​Home | ADAMS™
    
4. Adult: Upon emerging, adult fleas seek a blood meal immediately. A female flea can consume up to 15 times her body weight in blood daily and may live for several months. ​Maggie's Farm Ltd
    

Signs of Flea Infestation:

• On Pets: Excessive scratching, biting, or licking of the skin, especially around the tail, neck, and belly. Visible flea dirt (tiny black specks) in the fur. ​
   
• On Humans: Itchy, red bumps, often in clusters or lines, typically appearing on the ankles, legs, or waist. ​Health+1Holder's Pest Solutions+1
   

Health Risks:

Beyond causing discomfort, fleas can transmit several diseases to humans and animals, including:​Orkin+3Mount Sinai Health System+3CDC+3

• Plague: Historically significant, plague can still occur in certain regions. Fleas transmit the bacteria Yersinia pestis from rodents to humans. ​
   
• Murine Typhus: Caused by bacteria transmitted through flea feces, leading to fever, rash, and other symptoms. ​CDC
   
• Cat Scratch Disease: Bacteria from flea-contaminated cat saliva can cause swollen lymph nodes and fever in humans. ​CDC
   

Preventing and Controlling Fleas:

1. On Pets:
    
   • Use veterinarian-recommended flea treatments consistently.​
      
   • Regularly bathe and groom pets to check for fleas.​
      
   • Wash pet bedding frequently in hot water.​
      

1. In the Home:
    
   • Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstery frequently, especially in areas where pets rest.​
      
   • Consider professional pest control services if infestations persist.​
      

1. In the Yard:
    
   • Maintain the yard by mowing the lawn and removing debris to reduce flea habitats.​Southern Living
      
   • Limit wildlife access to your yard, as they can introduce fleas.​Home | ADAMS™+2Southern Living+2Holder's Pest Solutions

Subterranean termites (Reticulitermes flavipes) are among the most destructive pests in the United States, responsible for significant structural damage to buildings and homes. ​alliedpestcontrol.com

Identification:

• Color: Creamy white to dark brown or black.​Pest Control Resources
   
• Size: Approximately 1/8 inch in length.​Rose Pest Solutions
   
• Shape: Long, narrow, and oval bodies with six legs and straight antennae.​Pest Control Resources
   

Habitat and Behavior:

• Location: Subterranean termites live underground and build mud tubes to reach food sources and protect themselves from open air. ​Rose Pest Solutions+4Pest Control Resources+4PermaTreat Pest & Termite Control+4
   
• Diet: They feed on cellulose-containing materials such as wood, paper, and cardboard.​Rose Pest Solutions
   
• Swarming: Reproductive termites, known as alates, swarm in the spring to establish new colonies. ​Pest Control Resources+3jcehrlich.com+3PermaTreat Pest & Termite Control+3
   

Signs of Infestation:

• Mud Tubes: Visible on walls or foundations, these are protective tunnels leading from the soil to wooden structures.​Arrow Exterminators
   
• Wood Damage: Hollow-sounding wood or visible galleries within wooden structures.​
   
• Swarmers and Wings: Presence of winged termites indoors, especially near light sources.​alliedpestcontrol.com+1Arrow Exterminators+1
   

Prevention Tips:

• Reduce Moisture: Ensure proper drainage around your home and fix any leaks to minimize moisture, which attracts termites.​Rose Pest Solutions+4jcehrlich.com+4Southern Living+4
   
• Wood-to-Soil Contact: Maintain a gap between soil and wooden parts of your home, such as siding or trim.​Pest Control Resources+1PermaTreat Pest & Termite Control+1
   
• Regular Inspections: Schedule annual termite inspections with professional pest control services.​Pest Control Resources+1jcehrlich.com+1
   
• Seal Entry Points: Repair cracks in foundations and seal openings to prevent termite entry.​Pest Control Resources+1jcehrlich.com+1
   

Given their potential for extensive damage, it's crucial to address any signs of termite activity promptly. Consulting with a licensed pest control professional can help assess the situation and implement effective treatment.