All Your Pest Questions Answered

The cost of professional pest control varies based on the size of the property, the severity of the infestation, the type of pest, and the frequency of treatments. While professional services can seem more expensive upfront compared to DIY solutions, they often save money in the long term by effectively controlling pests and preventing costly damage (like termite damage to a home's structure).

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a comprehensive pest control approach that combines prevention, monitoring, and targeted treatments. It focuses on long-term solutions by minimizing pesticide use and addressing the root causes of infestations, such as food, water, and shelter sources. IPM is environmentally friendly and promotes sustainable pest control.

Yes, the products we use are safe as we practice integrated pest management techniques and follow strict regulations and safety guidelines.

Professional pest control offers comprehensive solutions to eliminate pests efficiently and prevent them from returning. Experts use advanced tools and techniques that are often more effective than DIY methods. They also provide targeted treatments based on the specific pests and their behaviors, ensuring long-term protection for your home or business.

To prevent pests:

• Seal any cracks or openings around doors, windows, and the foundation.
• Keep food stored in airtight containers and clean up spills promptly.
• Fix leaky pipes and reduce moisture levels in basements, bathrooms, and kitchens.
• Regularly dispose of garbage and use trash cans with tight-fitting lids.
• Trim vegetation and remove debris close to the house.

DIY pest control often involves over-the-counter products that offer temporary solutions and may not fully control pests. Professional pest control services involve a thorough inspection, tailored treatment plans, and long-term prevention strategies that target the root cause of the infestation. Professionals, like Ozane Termite & Pest Control also have access to more effective and specialized products.

Subterranean termites are a type of termite that lives in colonies underground and builds mud tubes to access above-ground food sources, such as wood structures. They are the most common type of termite found in the U.S. and are known for causing significant damage to homes and buildings.

Subterranean termites are active year-round, but they are most noticeable during the spring and early summer when they swarm to start new colonies. However, they remain active underground even in colder months.

Subterranean termites can cause extensive damage to the wooden structures of homes and buildings. Over time, their feeding weakens wood, which can lead to costly structural repairs. Termite damage in the U.S. results in billions of dollars in repairs annually.

Subterranean termites typically enter homes through cracks in the foundation, gaps around plumbing and utility lines, or from wood that is in contact with soil. They use mud tubes to travel between their underground colonies and your home.

Yes, most modern termite treatments are safe for pets and children. Termite bait stations are placed in discreet locations outside the home, and liquid termiticides are designed to be applied with minimal impact on people or pets.

While subterranean termites primarily feed on wood, they can also consume other materials that contain cellulose, such as paper, cardboard, and even some types of insulation. This makes them a threat to various parts of your home.

Termites can cause noticeable damage in as little as six months and severe structural damage within one to two years if left untreated.

In Ocean and Monmouth Counties in New Jersey, Eastern subterranean termites typically swarm in April and May, especially after rain.

Signs of subterranean termites include:

• Mud tubes along your foundation, walls, or other structures.
• Discarded wings near windows or light fixtures, which indicate termite swarmers.
• Damaged wood that sounds hollow when tapped or has a honeycomb-like appearance inside.
• Swarming termites (winged reproductive termites) during the spring or after rain.

To prevent subterranean termites:

• Keep wood and debris away from your home's foundation.
• Ensure proper drainage and reduce moisture around the home.
• Repair cracks in your foundation or other entry points.
• Schedule regular termite inspections and treatments with Ozane Termite & Pest Control.

Repairs can range from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the extent of the damage.

German cockroaches (Blattella germanica) are small, light brown cockroaches with two dark, parallel stripes running from the back of their heads to their wings. They are one of the most common household cockroaches worldwide, known for their ability to thrive in human habitats.

German cockroaches are typically light brown or tan with two dark parallel stripes on their pronotum (back of the head).

German cockroaches are omnivorous and will eat almost anything, including crumbs, grease, garbage, and even non-food materials. Contact us to protect you Jersey Shore property.

Yes, they can spread diseases, trigger allergies, and worsen asthma symptoms.

They prefer warm, humid environments and are commonly found in kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas with easy access to food and water. They hide in cracks, crevices, and behind appliances during the day and come out at night to feed.

German cockroaches are notoriously difficult to eliminate due to their unique biology and behavior, which allow them to thrive in challenging conditions. One of the key reasons is their rapid reproduction. A single female can produce up to 400 offspring in her lifetime, and she carries her eggs in an ootheca (egg case) until they are about to hatch, offering them significant protection from many extermination methods. This quick reproductive cycle means that even a small infestation can quickly spiral out of control.

Another factor that makes these pests so persistent is their growing resistance to many common insecticides. Over time, German cockroaches have adapted to survive chemical treatments, making certain pesticides ineffective. This resistance, combined with their ability to quickly learn and avoid danger (such as traps or poisoned baits), makes them particularly challenging to control. Adding to this, they are masters of hiding. With flat bodies that allow them to squeeze into tiny cracks and crevices, they can easily remain out of sight during the day, only emerging at night to scavenge for food. This nocturnal behavior often delays detection until their population has grown substantially.

To compound the problem, their environment often plays a role in their survival. Warm, humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms provide the perfect conditions for them to thrive. Even with good sanitation practices, it can be difficult to eliminate all potential food and water sources. This resilience requires a comprehensive and persistent approach to control, such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which combines sanitation, exclusion (sealing entry points), and the strategic use of traps and baits. For severe infestations, professional pest control services often have the advanced tools and expertise needed to address the problem effectively.

Flight Capabilities of German Cockroaches

Although they have wings, German cockroaches rarely fly. They are more likely to glide short distances when disturbed.

1. Wings:

   • Both male and female German cockroaches have wings that cover their entire abdomen.
   • Males' wings are slightly longer than their bodies, while females' wings are about the same length as their bodies.

2. Gliding, Not True Flight:

   • German cockroaches are not strong fliers. Instead of sustained flight, they might glide or flutter short distances, usually when disturbed or trying to escape danger.

3. Environmental Factors:

   • They are more likely to glide in warm conditions or when dropped from a higher surface.
   • They rely primarily on their legs for movement, as they are fast runners.

4. Why They Don't Fly Often:

   • Unlike other cockroach species, like the American cockroach, German cockroaches are not naturally adept at flying.
   • Their habitat (indoors with plenty of hiding spots) makes flight unnecessary for survival.

No. Bed bugs do not discriminate based on the cleanliness of your Ocean or Monmouth County home. They can thrive in spotless homes as easily as they can in cluttered spaces, as long as they have access to a host.

Bed bug bites are generally painless at the moment they occur because bed bugs inject saliva containing an anesthetic and an anticoagulant. This prevents the host from feeling the bite and ensures blood flows freely while they feed. The bites often become noticeable hours or even a day later.

Signs of a bed bug infestation include small, red bites on your skin, often in a line or cluster, bloodstains or dark spots on sheets, and the presence of bed bug shells or live bugs in mattress seams, furniture, or crevices.

Bed bugs are experts at hiding in small, hard-to-reach areas. They can be found in mattress seams, box springs, bed frames, headboards, furniture, baseboards, electrical outlets, and even behind wallpaper or picture frames.

DIY treatments are often ineffective because bed bugs are skilled at hiding and can resist some "over-the-counter" treatments. Professional treatment is recommended to ensure complete elimination and to prevent re-infestation.

Homeowners must follow a few preparation steps, such as cleaning and decluttering infested areas, laundering bedding and clothes, and vacuuming. Our team will provide detailed instructions to ensure a successful treatment.

No, despite their name, bed bugs can infest a variety of places beyond beds. They hide in couches, chairs, carpets, behind baseboards, in cracks in walls, behind electrical outlets, and even inside electronics. Any place close to human activity, especially where people rest or sleep, can become a bed bug hiding spot.

Bed bugs can survive a wash cycle in cold water, but they typically do not survive the high heat of a dryer. To effectively kill bed bugs, it is recommended to wash infested clothing and bedding in hot water and dry them on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes.

Bed bugs can survive without feeding for several months, depending on the temperature and humidity. In cooler conditions, they can go even longer without a blood meal, making them difficult to starve out.

Bed bugs do not bite every night. They typically feed every 5 to 10 days. However, bed bugs can go longer without feeding, especially in cooler environments or when hosts aren't readily available.

• Feeding Pattern: Bed bugs are opportunistic, meaning they feed when a host is present. In a heavily infested home, multiple bed bugs may bite on different nights, making it feel as though you're being bitten nightly. With a smaller infestation, bites may occur less frequently.

Characteristics of Bed Bug Bites

1. Appearance:

   • Red, itchy welts.
   • Bed bugs often appear in clusters or straight lines because they tend to feed multiple times in the same area.
   • The size and severity of the bite reaction can vary based on individual sensitivity.

2. Location:

   • Bites are commonly found on exposed areas of the skin, such as the face, neck, arms, hands, and legs—areas not covered by clothing during sleep.

3. Itchiness and Reaction:

• For most people, bed bug bites cause mild to moderate itchiness.
• Some individuals may experience severe allergic reactions, leading to swelling, blisters, or hives.
• Scratching the bites can result in secondary infections.

Bed bugs are often brought into homes through:

• Luggage after traveling.
• Secondhand furniture or clothing.
• Visitors from an infested area.

Yes, mosquitoes can bite through thin or tight-fitting clothing, especially fabrics like spandex or lightweight cotton. Wearing loose-fitting, thicker fabrics can help prevent bites.

Mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk because the light is lower, the air is cooler, and the wind tends to be calmer, making it easier for them to fly and detect CO2 from hosts.

1. Eliminate standing water, where mosquitoes lay eggs (e.g., in buckets, flowerpots, gutters, and birdbaths).
2. Change water in pet bowls and birdbaths weekly.
3. Ensure drainage in areas prone to water accumulation.
4. Use larvicides in water that cannot be removed (e.g., ponds, rain barrels).

Yes, they do. Mosquitoes can be pests to humans, but play a role in ecosystems by serving as food for birds, bats, and other wildlife.

When a mosquito bites, it injects saliva into your skin that contains proteins, causing a mild allergic reaction. One of these proteins, called apyrase, plays a key role in preventing blood from clotting while the mosquito feeds. This enzyme is also responsible for triggering itching and swelling, as it prompts an immune response in humans.

Yes, mosquitoes can transmit heartworms to dogs and cats, which can be life-threatening if not treated. This is one of the many reasons to keep your yard mosquito-free.

In colder climates, many mosquito species go into a hibernation-like state called diapause, while others lay eggs that survive the winter and hatch when the weather warms up.

Fleas are small, wingless insects that survive by feeding on the blood of mammals and birds. They are known for their jumping ability and are most commonly found on pets like dogs and cats. However, they'll attach to any mammal within jumping distance.

Flea dirt is the fecal matter left behind by fleas after they feed on blood. It looks like tiny black or dark brown specks, often found in your pet's fur, bedding, or carpets. Flea dirt is essentially digested blood, and when it comes into contact with water, it dissolves and turns red. Flea dirt is a reliable sign that fleas are feeding on your pet, even if the fleas themselves aren't visible.

Yes, even homes without pets can get fleas. Fleas can enter via rodents or wildlife around your home, hitch a ride on visitors or your shoes and clothing, or come from second-hand furniture or rugs. Once inside, they find places to hide and breed, creating an infestation.

Yes, fleas can hide and breed in carpets, rugs, furniture, and cracks in floors. Their eggs and larvae often settle in these areas, creating a persistent infestation.

Adult fleas can live for several days to two weeks without a host. However, flea eggs and larvae can survive in the environment for weeks or months, waiting for ideal conditions to hatch.

While fleas are less active in colder weather, they can survive in warm, protected areas like animal dens, garages, or even inside your home. Flea eggs and larvae are particularly resilient and can survive until conditions improve. Sudden warm spells during winter may trigger dormant fleas to emerge.

Flea bites are small, red, itchy spots that often appear in clusters or lines, typically on the legs, ankles, or waistline.

Egg Laying:

• After an adult flea feeds on the blood of a host, it can begin laying eggs within 24 to 48 hours. A single female flea can lay 20-50 eggs per day and up to 2,000 eggs in her lifetime.

Egg Hatching:

• Flea eggs hatch within 2 to 12 days, depending on environmental conditions like humidity and temperature. Warm, humid environments speed up the process, while cooler, drier environments slow it down.

Pupation:

Adulthood and Mating:

• Once adult fleas emerge from the pupal stage and find a host, they begin feeding on blood within minutes and start mating within 24 to 48 hours.
• A female flea will start laying eggs within 1 to 2 days of her first blood meal, and the cycle continues.

Perform a "tick drag" by dragging a white cloth over areas of tall grass or dense vegetation. Ticks will cling to the fabric, making them easier to see. If you find ticks during the drag, it may be a sign that professional treatment is necessary.

Ticks use their legs to sense heat, carbon dioxide, and movement. When a host brushes past, they climb on, attach with their specialized mouthparts, and begin feeding.

Ticks are most active during the spring and summer, especially from April to September, though some species remain active into the fall or winter in milder climates.

In Toms River, NJ, the most common tick species are:

• Deer Ticks (Blacklegged Ticks): These are the primary carriers of Lyme disease, and they are especially abundant in wooded or grassy areas.
• American Dog Ticks: Known for spreading Rocky Mountain spotted fever, these ticks are found in grassy areas and can attach to both pets and humans.
• Lone Star Ticks: These ticks are aggressive and can transmit diseases such as ehrlichiosis and southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI).

Ticks can carry and transmit various diseases, including:

1. Lyme disease: Spread by black-legged (deer) ticks.
2. Rocky Mountain spotted fever: Spread by the American dog tick.
3. Anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis: Spread by multiple tick species.
4. Babesiosis: A parasitic infection similar to malaria.
5. Powassan virus: Rare but severe brain infection.

Signs of a tick bite may include:

• A small red bump or irritation at the bite site.
• A bullseye rash (for Lyme disease).
• Flu-like symptoms (if infected with a tick-borne illness).

Ticks often bite without causing pain, so checking your body after spending time outdoors is essential.

Mold growth is typically caused by excess moisture, often from humidity, leaks, or poorly ventilated areas like basements and crawl spaces.

Common signs include a musty odor, visible mold patches, and increased allergy or respiratory symptoms. If you need a mold test, contact our Toms River mold remediation experts.

It depends on your policy. Some insurance plans cover mold remediation if the mold results from a covered event like a burst pipe but not from long-term neglect.

While mold prefers porous surfaces, it can still grow on non-porous materials if moisture is present. However, cleaning mold off non-porous surfaces is easier, as it doesn't penetrate them deeply.

Freezing temperatures can slow mold growth, but it doesn't kill mold. Mold spores can survive and become active when conditions warm up and moisture returns.

Mold can begin to grow within 24 to 48 hours of water damage if moisture is not properly addressed. In Toms River, where humidity can remain high, mold can develop even faster. That's why it's essential to dry and clean water-damaged areas as quickly as possible to prevent mold from taking hold.

Mold remediation involves:

• Inspection: A professional assesses the extent of mold growth and identifies moisture sources.
• Containment: Affected areas are sealed off to prevent spores from spreading.
• Removal: Mold is physically removed using specialized equipment and cleaning agents.
• Drying and Repairs: The area is dried, and any damaged materials (drywall, insulation) are replaced.
• Prevention: Solutions like dehumidifiers or moisture barriers are installed to prevent future mold growth.

Contact us for expert help.

Common types of mold in Ocean County and Monmouth County homes and businesses include:

• Aspergillus: Often found in HVAC systems and damp areas.
• Cladosporium: Found in cooler areas like basements and on fabrics.
• Stachybotrys (Black Mold): Found in areas with long-term water damage or high humidity.
• Penicillium: Common in areas with water damage, including insulation and wallpaper.