Special Pest Control Services

Male carpenter bees cannot sting, as they lack a stinger. Females can sting but are generally non-aggressive and will only sting if provoked.

Carpenter bees drill into wood for reproductive purposes. The females excavate tunnels to lay their eggs, creating a safe environment for their offspring to develop. Here's a detailed breakdown:

Carpenter bees use their strong mandibles to chew through wood. They don't consume the wood like termites; instead, they excavate it to create nests. The process results in fine sawdust-like shavings, often found near the entrance of their holes.

The entrance hole is typically a near-perfect circle about 1/2 inch in diameter. Behind this entrance, the tunnel usually runs perpendicular to the surface of the wood for 6-12 inches or more. Inside, the female creates brood cells, which are individual egg compartments.

Each cell contains:

• An egg: Laid by the female.
• Pollen and nectar: The bee collects food for the larva as it grows.

Carpenter bees prefer soft or untreated wood because it's easier to bore into. Common targets include:

• Cedar
• Pine
• Redwood
• Wood siding
• Eaves
• Decks
• Outdoor furniture

While a single nest may not cause significant damage, multiple nests or repeated use over years can weaken wooden structures. This can lead to:

• Structural instability.
• Increased vulnerability to water damage or rot.
• Potential attraction of other pests like woodpeckers, which may try to extract the larvae.

Carpenter bees are generally non-aggressive toward humans and do not consume wood. However, their nesting behavior can weaken wooden structures over time, and repeated activity combined with the presence of larvae can lead to significant damage if left untreated by Toms River professionals.

Carpenter bees and bumblebees may look similar at first glance, but they have distinct physical and behavioral differences that make them easy to tell apart:

Physical Differences

1. Abdomen Appearance:

   • Carpenter Bees: Have a shiny, smooth, and hairless black abdomen.
   • Bumblebees: Have a fuzzy abdomen covered in dense hair with black and yellow bands.

2. Size:

   • Both are generally similar in size, but this can vary by species. Carpenter bees often appear slightly larger and stockier.

3. Coloration:

   • Carpenter bees are mostly black, sometimes with faint yellow markings.
   • Bumblebees display more vibrant yellow and black striping patterns.

Behavioral Differences

1. Nesting:

   • Carpenter Bees: Drill holes in wood to create tunnels for nesting.
   • Bumblebees: Nest in the ground, abandoned rodent burrows, or dense vegetation.

2. Flying Patterns:

   • Carpenter Bees: Tend to hover around wooden surfaces, inspecting potential nesting sites.
   • Bumblebees: Fly more directly between flowers and nesting areas.

3. Aggression:

   • Carpenter Bees: Males are territorial and may aggressively hover near people, but they cannot sting. Females can sting but rarely do.
   • Bumblebees: Typically more docile but may sting if their nest is disturbed.

1. Appearance:

   • Red, itchy welts.
   • Often appear in clusters or straight lines, as bed bugs 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 even 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Fleas typically enter your home via pets, such as cats and dogs, or even rodents. Pets pick up fleas from outdoor areas or other animals, and fleas can hitch a ride inside when they enter the house. If you don't have pets, fleas can still enter through small cracks or gaps, often brought in by wildlife or rodents.

Yes, fleas can survive in your home even without pets. If rodents or other animals, such as squirrels or raccoons, enter your home, they can bring fleas with them. Fleas can also live in carpets, furniture, and bedding, feeding off any available host, including humans.

It typically takes several weeks to completely eliminate a flea infestation, as fleas go through various life stages. While initial treatments can begin to kill adult fleas, it may take time for larvae and eggs to hatch and be eradicated. At Ozane Termite and Pest Control, our expert team will work with you throughout the process, offering follow-up treatments and advice to ensure your home is flea-free as quickly as possible.

To prevent future flea infestations, regularly treat your pets with flea preventatives, vacuum often, and keep your home sealed by fixing any gaps or cracks where rodents could enter. It's also a good idea to have seasonal flea treatments done as a preventive measure, especially during warmer months when fleas are most active.