Seasonal Pest Control

Ocean County and Monmouth County is home to several ant species, with carpenter ants, odorous house ants, pavement ants, and Pharaoh ants being the most common. Carpenter ants can cause structural damage by hollowing out wood for their nests, while odorous house ants are known for the rotten coconut smell they emit when crushed. Pavement ants are commonly found near sidewalks and foundations, and Pharaoh ants are notorious for invading homes and spreading quickly.

Ants typically enter homes in search of food, water, and shelter. Common attractants include sugary substances, crumbs, grease, and accessible water sources such as leaky faucets or pet bowls. During colder months, ants may also seek warmth indoors, making New Jersey homes particularly vulnerable during seasonal changes.

To prevent ants from entering your home or business, follow these steps:

• Keep food sealed in airtight containers and promptly clean up spills.
• Regularly clean countertops, floors, and trash bins to eliminate crumbs and grease.
• Fix leaky pipes and eliminate standing water sources.
• Seal cracks and crevices around windows, doors, and foundations to block entry points.
• Trim shrubs and trees away from the home, as these can act as pathways for ants.

While most ants in New Jersey are simply a nuisance, certain species can pose risks to both humans and property. Carpenter ants, for example, are known for their ability to excavate wood to create nests. While they don't consume wood like termites, their tunneling can lead to significant structural damage over time, particularly if the infestation is extensive or left untreated.

Pharaoh ants, on the other hand, are less of a threat to property but can pose serious health risks. They are known to carry pathogens like salmonella and streptococcus, which makes them particularly problematic in kitchens, hospitals, and food storage areas. These ants typically establish colonies in warm, humid indoor areas such as bathrooms, wall voids, or near heating systems. Odorous house ants, while not harmful to structures or health, can invade homes in large numbers, contaminating food supplies. Crushing these ants releases a strong, unpleasant odor similar to rotten coconut.

American Cockroach (Periplaneta americana): Larger, reddish-brown; often found in basements and sewers.

Oriental or Asian Cockroach (Blatta orientalis): Dark brown to black; prefers cool, damp areas like crawl spaces.

German Cockroach (Blattella germanica): Small, light brown with two dark stripes on their backs; commonly found indoors.

Cockroaches are skilled at finding their way into homes, and understanding their entry points is key to prevention. These pests can slip through even the smallest cracks and crevices in walls, windows, and doors. Gaps around plumbing, such as where pipes pass through walls or under sinks, are also common entryways. Cockroaches can climb, so even upper floors of a building aren't immune if there are access points.

Another frequent method of entry is through items brought into the home. Grocery bags, cardboard boxes, and even luggage can unknowingly harbor cockroaches or their eggs, allowing them to establish themselves indoors. Additionally, cockroaches may move into homes from neighboring units in multi-family buildings or through shared utility lines. Recognizing these vulnerabilities can help homeowners take preventive measures, such as sealing gaps, inspecting items before bringing them indoors, and maintaining cleanliness to make the environment less attractive to these persistent pests.

Detecting a cockroach infestation early is critical to preventing it from worsening. One of the most noticeable signs is the presence of cockroach droppings, which resemble small, dark specks or pellets similar to coffee grounds or pepper. These are often found in areas where cockroaches are active, such as along baseboards, under sinks, or near food sources. Another telltale sign is the presence of egg cases, known as oothecae. These brown, capsule-shaped casings are often hidden in cracks, crevices, or other secluded areas where cockroaches prefer to lay their eggs.

A strong, musty odor is another indicator of a severe infestation, caused by the pheromones cockroaches release to communicate and the waste they leave behind. This odor can become particularly pronounced as the population grows. Additionally, you might notice smear marks in areas where cockroaches travel, especially on walls or surfaces near water sources, as they often leave behind greasy streaks. Live sightings, especially during daylight, are also concerning, as cockroaches are nocturnal and typically hide during the day. If you encounter them in the open, it could indicate overcrowding in their hiding spots. Spotting any of these signs should prompt immediate action to address the infestation.

Yes, while they prefer warmer temperatures, indoor environments provide suitable conditions for year-round activity.

Camel crickets are insects named for their humpbacked appearance, resembling a camel's back. They have long antennae and large hind legs, giving them a spider-like look. Unlike other crickets, they do not chirp.

Camel Crickets prefer dark, damp environments such as basements, crawl spaces, garages, and under woodpiles. In Ocean and Monmouth Counties, they often seek shelter indoors as the temperatures drop.

Camel crickets are harmless to humans; they do not bite or carry diseases. However, they can become a nuisance if they infest homes in large numbers, potentially damaging fabrics and houseplants.

Camel crickets don't have good vision and rely on their long antennae to sense their environment. Their jumping behavior is a defense mechanism—they leap randomly when startled to escape potential predators. While this can be alarming, they mean no harm.