FAQ

  • Ant Control

    • Are ants dangerous?
      While most ants are not dangerous, some species, such as fire ants, are aggressive and sting when disturbed. These stings can be painful and even cause an allergic reaction in some people. Other types of ants can cause structural damage to a home or business and contaminate food supplies with their nesting habits. If you're seeing ant activity inside your home or business, it's best to call a professional pest control company right away.
    • How do I prevent ant infestations?
      To prevent ants from invading your home or business, it's best to practice good sanitation habits. Store food in airtight containers, keep surfaces clean and dry, seal off any cracks or crevices in the walls or floors, and make sure there is no water near entry points. If you're still having problems, Albemarle Termite & Pest Control can help with our professional ant control solutions.
    • Can I get rid of ants by myself?
      While there are DIY ant control products on the market, these solutions often fail to eradicate an existing infestation. To truly get rid of all the ants in your home or business, you need a customized solution from a professional pest control company like Albemarle Termite & Pest Control. We have years of experience in dealing with ant infestations, and we will find the best way to eliminate them.
  • Acrobat Ants

    • What are acrobat ants?

      Acrobat ants are small and have a segmented body and a distinctive heart-shaped abdomen. They are light-yellowish-brown to black, and their abdomen is usually darker in color than the rest of their body. Acrobat ants got their name from their ability to hold their abdomen up over the rest of their body when disturbed in a circus-like act. These ants also emit a foul odor when threatened.

    • Are acrobat ants dangerous?

      Acrobat ants are not a significant threat to people or property and are categorized as nuisance pests. While acrobat ants are not dangerous, they do contaminate food and have the potential to strip insulation from around wires causing short circuits or even fires. Also, acrobat ants like to place their nest near water leaks, so if you have an infestation, it could indicate a possible moisture problem in or around your home that needs to be addressed and repaired. Professional moisture control services can make all the difference when it comes to moisture issues!

    • Why do I have an acrobat ant problem?

      Acrobat ants are a common species of ant that lives across the country, invading homes and businesses. They are attracted to properties that offer them easy access to food and shelter sources. Things like garbage cans, compost, pet food, and gardens attract acrobat ants. These ants place their nests in damp areas both outside and inside buildings.

    • Where will I find acrobat ants?

      Outside, acrobat ants place their nests in tree hollows, in stumps, and fallen trees, under woodpiles or mulch. Their nests are often close to homes and businesses, allowing them to easily find their way inside through spaces in the foundation, spaces around utilities, and gaps around windows and doors. Inside, they place their nests in damp areas or areas that have previously been damaged by water, usually behind walls inside insulation. These ants also like to nest in spaces that were previously occupied by termites or carpenter ants.

    • How do I get rid of acrobat ants?

      Acquiring help from a professional pest control expert is the best way to control acrobat ants and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe and effective home pest control services that are affordable. We are a local pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding expectations. For home or business owners looking to control pests on their property once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent acrobat ants in the future?

      Pests are not just a nuisance; they pose potential health risks and are capable of damaging property.

      • Avoid problems with acrobat ants with the help of the following prevention tips.
      • Remove dead trees, limbs, and tree stumps from your yard.
      • Store your firewood up off the ground and away from the sides of your house.
      • Fix leaky pipes, faucets, and fixtures.
      • Make sure gutters and downspouts are in good working order and direct water from the outside of your home.
      • Seal off spaces around wires and other utilities entering your home.
      • Keep basements dry by running dehumidifiers.
      • Ventilate crawl spaces.
      • Seal up cracks in the foundation.
      • Place weatherstripping around windows and doors.
  • Bed Bug Control

    • I keep my house clean. Do I really need to worry about bed bugs?
      It’s a myth that bed bugs only infest dirty spaces. The way that they get from place to place, which is usually by climbing onto someone’s clothing or into a bag, means they can get into anyone’s home. However, there is a benefit to having a clean house when it comes to bed bugs. If your home is very tidy, you are more likely to notice a bed bug infestation in its earlier stages, which makes it much easier and faster to treat.
    • Are all bed bug treatments the same?

      Many people are tempted to try DIY bed bug treatments when they discover bed bugs in their home. These treatments rarely work, and in some instances, they can even make the problem worse. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, we use a proven treatment method that is based on the severity of your bed bug infestation. We’ll recommend a three-week or nine-week treatment course to eliminate your bed bug infestation.

    • How do I keep bed bugs from coming back?

      Avoiding bed bugs can be difficult since there is a risk of coming in contact with them whenever you go out in public. Checking through the items you bring into your house can help, but it’s easy to overlook these tiny pests. It’s wise to routinely inspect your house if you’re worried about bed bugs. You can also take advantage of our Quarterly Bed Bug Protection Plan which provides quarterly inspections and treatments if necessary.

  • Blow In Sand Service

    • Why do I have standing water in my crawl spaces?

      The cause of standing water in your crawl spaces can be a leaking pipe, a clogged drain, or an ineffective moisture barrier. It can also be because your crawl space is in a low area, resulting in groundwater inside. When it rains, the water has nowhere to go but up, increasing the water level.

    • Why might you recommend blow-in sand?

      The water level in your crawl spaces usually rises during heavy rain when the crawl space is below ground level. In this case, we might recommend blow-in sand to absorb the groundwater in your crawl spaces. We can also use it to reduce existing standing water, allowing us to install new insulation or a new moisture barrier.

    • What problems are associated with standing water in my crawl spaces?

      Humidity and standing water in your crawl spaces provide the perfect environment for mold and mildew growth. In addition to these health concerns, it can affect your home’s foundation, furniture, and walls. Various creatures invade homes looking for food and water, so standing water can also cause pest infestations.

  • Cockroach Control

    • How can I prevent cockroaches?

      The best way to keep cockroaches away is through proper sanitation and exclusion practices. Make sure to store food in sealed containers, thoroughly clean and vacuum areas like your kitchen or pantry regularly, and seal up any potential entry points. Additionally, you can contact Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today to discuss our preventive services such as regular maintenance treatments.

    • How do I know if I have a cockroach problem?

      Cockroaches are nocturnal, so you may not see them during the day. However, you may notice other signs of a cockroach infestation, such as spotting individual roaches, finding droppings or eggs, or noticing an unpleasant musty odor in the house. If you suspect an infestation, contact the professionals at Albemarle Termite & Pest Control right away so we can inspect your property and determine the best course of action.

    • Can I get rid of cockroaches myself?

      While there are DIY cockroach control products available, they don’t always work and can be a waste of time and money. Cockroaches are resilient pests, and getting rid of them requires knowledge, experience, and professional-grade tools. Albemarle Termite & Pest Control has years of experience in the industry and can provide you with an effective, customized plan for controlling the cockroaches in your home or business.

  • Crawl Space Clean Out Service

    • Is crawl space clean-out necessary?

      While many individuals may think that a crawl space clean-out isn’t worth it, leaving a cluttered, dirty, and poorly insulated crawl space alone may result in serious issues such as moisture build-up, pest infestations, and poor air quality circulation around your home. A crawl space clean-out is recommended to maintain the integrity of your property’s crawl space.

    • What are the benefits of crawl space clean-out?

      A crawl space clean-out has many benefits, including better air quality and circulation around your property, the prevention or treatment of pest infestations, moisture protection, and renewed insulation for lower energy bills and money saved over time. A professional clean-out service also makes your crawl space safer when work needs to be performed on the property and helps to maintain the overall quality of your property’s crawl space.

    • Can crawl space clean-out prevent pests?

      A crawl space clean-out on your property does help prevent pests. Dangerous pest invaders like wood-destroying insects, rodents, and other pests may start their infestations in secluded and cluttered crawl spaces, gradually growing until they become a major problem throughout your property. Proper crawl space insulation and well-maintained crawl spaces help to catch pest problems and prevent future pest issues.

  • Dehumidifier System

    • Can excessive humidity attract pests?

      Moisture control issues can absolutely attract pests. In fact, they can attract one of the most destructive pests on the planet: termites. Termites love moist wood, which means that moisture in your crawl space or the soil around your foundation can cause these damaging pests to come running. This is why ensuring your crawl space does not have moisture issues is so vital.

    • Will store-bought dehumidifiers get the job done?

      Store-bought dehumidifiers are not meant for big jobs like crawl space moisture control. These machines are typically made to pull the moisture out of the air in small spaces like closets, pantries, or a single room. They are not made for large areas or areas that experience extreme humidity, like your crawl space.

    • What can I do about excessive humidity?

      The best thing you can do if you have problems with excessive moisture is to rely on a professional moisture control company. Dehumidifying professionals can help you get rid of the moisture issues in your home and protect it from rot, pests, and more.

  • Flea And Tick Control

    • Do I have to complete any customer prep work before receiving flea and tick control service?

      The team at Albemarle Termite & Pest Control is passionate about providing the highest quality outcomes, which means some amount of prep work is required before our treatment. First, we encourage you to clean out any clutter that may allow pests to hide. Next, we suggest removing all pets from the home and putting away all dishes. After the treatment is complete, we urge you to wash bedsheets on the highest possible heat setting to eliminate any remaining eggs.

      Have some questions? Get in touch with Albemarle Termite & Pest Control to discuss customer prep work with a trained professional.

    • How often should I get flea and tick treatments for my Elizabeth City home?

      All flea and tick infestations in Elizabeth City look a little different, so it’s not possible to set a removal timeline that applies to all properties. Treatments for your infestation may last longer than you think, or clear up within a short period of time. To get a comprehensive timeline for your home or business, feel free to contact Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today. We would be happy to advise you on next steps and provide a custom quote immediately.

    • How long do I have to stay out of my property after you apply flea and tick treatments?

      Flea and tick treatments from Albemarle Termite & Pest Control require at least two hours to properly settle in your home or business. Our outdoor lawn treatments may have varying timelines depending on your property type and location. You’re welcome to contact our team directly to inquire about additional home pest control specifics.

  • Floor Insulation

    • How do I know if I need new floor insulation?

      There are many indications that it is time to update your floor insulation. If the insulation is degrading or falling down into your crawl space, that is a clear sign that it needs to be replaced. Similarly, if rodents or other animals have infested your crawl space and nested in the infestation, you should have our professionals address the infestation and replace the damaged and contaminated insulation. Other signs of poor insulation include higher energy bills, cold drafts, and inconsistent temperatures inside your home.

      The best way to know for sure whether it is time to replace your floor insulation is to schedule a crawl space inspection with Albemarle Termite & Pest Control.

    • What type of floor insulation do you install?

      In most cases, we use fiberglass-backed insulation with an R-value of 19. The R-value of insulation indicates how effective it is at temperature regulation. This insulation is efficient and will keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Our trained professionals will secure the insulation to the floor joists using wire hangers.

    • Do you offer a warranty on your floor insulation services?

      We offer a one-year warranty on all mechanical insulation installs. During this time, we will return to your property to address any issues with the insulation, no questions asked. Our professionals will fix the insulation at no additional cost to you.

  • Flying And Stinging Insect Control

    • What kind of flying and stinging insects do you control?

      Albemarle Termite & Pest Control can treat flies, wasps, and hornets in Elizabeth City. We use specialized treatments and species-specific solutions that can resolve recurring issues and defend your property throughout the active season.

      For a full list of the products we use for fly and wasp removal, don’t hesitate to reach out to Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today.

    • How fast can you come out and get rid of flying or stinging insects around my property?

      As soon as possible! Once you call the professionals at Albemarle Termite & Pest Control or use our online portal, you can get an estimate for our services and book a treatment ASAP. We specialize in emergency situations and aim for fast turnaround times for your convenience and safety. If you need flies, wasps, or hornets gone, we’re the team to call! Contact us today to get started.

  • Foundation Doors And Vents

    • What type of foundation doors do you install?

      At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, we replace old, rusty metal foundation doors with vinyl ones. Vinyl is a durable material that stands up against time and won’t rust. It also offers homeowners various styles that match their unique home’s aesthetic. Other benefits include:

      • Vinyl holds up against damage.
      • It is lower in cost than other materials.
      • Vinyl has high insulation properties.
      • Vinyl is a lightweight material.

      For more information about vinyl foundation doors, call us now.

    • Why are foundation vents necessary?

      Foundation vents offer homeowners peace of mind knowing that air is circulating correctly underneath their homes. Without clean, fresh air circulating throughout the warm summer months, moisture will build up, and metal and wood in your home will become damaged. Water-damaged wood is especially attractive to wood-destroying pests that want to use your home's structural wood as a place to nest or as a food source.

      In the winter, the vents can be closed to help maintain your home's heat and prevent pipes from freezing. Properly working vents are vital to keeping your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter!

    • Why are regular home inspections important?

      Regularly scheduling professional home and pest inspections is vital to maintaining your home. A properly maintained home will offer your family peace of mind. It is easy to overlook minor defects in your home’s exterior, but professionals know precisely where and what to look for and the steps to take to correctly repair the damage. Regular home inspections will help you make repairs sooner than later saving you time, money, and sanity!

  • Moisture Barrier Service

    • Why do I need a moisture barrier?

      Areas that experience high humidity in the summer and snow during winter need moisture barriers. North Carolina fits both of these descriptions, making a moisture barrier an essential part of construction in the state. It will keep water from infiltrating your building, reducing the risk of mold growth and eliminating a common attractant for pests.

    • Where do I need a moisture barrier in my home?

      Crawl space and basement moisture control are essential home services for North Carolina residents. Moisture in these rooms usually comes from rain or groundwater, leaking appliances, and humid air from outside. We can install a moisture barrier to the floors, walls, and ceilings to keep moisture from infiltrating your interior.

    • How do I know if there’s too much moisture in my home?

      While all homes have some moisture, excessive moisture can cause problems. In addition to external factors, showering and cooking can increase moisture in your home. Some signs of excessive moisture include condensation on your windows, mildew in your bathrooms, peeling paint on your walls, and allergy symptoms caused by dust mites.

  • Moisture Control

    • What problems can moisture cause?

      Moisture issues often occur in crawl spaces and other areas of the home. When you have excess moisture, it can lead to a variety of problems. Too much moisture can cause mold and mildew to grow, which can cause health problems for your family, as well as damage to wooden elements and insulation in your crawl space. Additional water damage can lead to dangerous structural issues for your house. A moisture problem can also attract pests to your house.

    • What moisture control services do you offer?

      Albemarle Termite & Pest Control provides moisture control services to meet our customers’ needs. Our services include dehumidifier system installation and maintenance, vapor barrier installation, and foundation doors and vents, to name a few. We will customize a solution to meet your specific needs. No matter what your moisture control needs are, we have the solution.

    • How can I avoid moisture problems in the future?

      Keeping excess moisture out of your crawl space and the rest of your home is important for the safety of your home and the health of your family. If you have had moisture control services performed by Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, it’s wise to take advantage of our maintenance program. Your first year is covered with the initial service. When the year is complete, you have the option to renew the coverage. Our maintenance program includes maintenance of the unit, continuous moisture readings to make sure the moisture is at a safe level, and filter changes.

  • Mosquito Control

    • Why do mosquitoes bite?

      Mosquitoes bite for one reason: reproduction. Mosquitoes don't actually rely on blood for food. They eat nectar for a steady diet. However, when female mosquitoes need to lay their eggs, they have to have protein to do it. They get this protein from blood. This means only female mosquitoes bite, and only when they're ready to breed.

    • Are mosquitoes dangerous?

      Mosquitoes are extremely dangerous. They're the most dangerous animals in the world, in fact, because of all the deadly diseases they spread. Fortunately for us in the United States, our mosquitoes do not transmit the most dangerous mosquito-borne illness: malaria. But they can and do spread other dangerous illnesses throughout the nation, like viral encephalitis and West Nile virus.

    • How can I get rid of mosquitoes?

      You likely can't get rid of an active mosquito infestation without professional help, but you can discourage them by following some mosquito prevention tips. Getting rid of standing water is a good place to start because most mosquitoes can't breed without it. Planting herbs like lavender and rosemary can also help deter mosquitoes.

  • Rodent Control

    • What kind of rodents do you treat for in Elizabeth City?

      The professionals at Albemarle Termite & Pest Control specialize in North Carolina’s most serious rodent species, including house mice, roof rats, field mice, and Norway rats. We have nearly 100 years of combined experience in rat and mouse removal and use specific products and traps to eliminate their presence in Elizabeth City.

      Ready to get started on a plan that’s right for you? Don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule a rodent pest control service today.

    • Do you offer rodent exclusion services to customers in Elizabeth City?

      Yes. Albemarle Termite & Pest Control offers rodent exclusion services under specific circumstances. If your home or business requires rodent sealants or repairs, you can trust our team to brainstorm some sustainable and long-lasting solutions. We offer proposals for service or direct recommendations so you can make an informed decision for your needs. Since we offer instant quotes both online and over the phone, you can get started with rodent exclusion virtually right away.

      Call now for details.

    • How fast can I get rid of rodents in Elizabeth City?

      Every rodent infestation may look somewhat different depending on your location, environment, or building type. Some rodents require extensive ongoing treatments, while others resolve after just a few weeks of trapping and exclusion. The only way to know for sure is to contact the professionals at Albemarle Termite & Pest Control.

      Call now to schedule a visit to your property so we can provide fast-acting services ASAP.

  • Real Estate Services

    • What is the NC wood-destroying insect report?
      • NC WDIR-100, also called North Carolina Wood-Destroying Insect Report, is a state form used to note the presence or absence of wood-destroying insects as well as conducive conditions that could lead to an infestation.
      • North Carolina WDIR-100 is used often during the home buying process and also used for refinancing purposes as well.
      • Most lenders require this inspection to be performed before closing on a home purchase or refinance.
    • Why you should have a wood-destroying insect report inspection done, regardless if the lender requires it:

      Regardless if the mortgage lender requires a Wood-Destroying Insect Report, due to the aggressive nature of subterranean termites and other wood-destroying insects in North Eastern NC and Southeastern VA, it's highly recommended to have this inspection report done prior to home purchase.

  • Spider Control

    • How soon can you treat my Elizabeth City home against pests?

      Albemarle Termite & Pest Control can treat your property for spiders almost immediately. We can provide you with a quote right away so you can make a more informed decision. Alternatively, you can use our online portal to get an estimate without a full evaluation. We value your time and understand how busy daily life can be, which is why we focus on sending out a technician as quickly as possible.

      Call today for more information.

    • How often should I have my home treated against spiders in Elizabeth City?

      Spiders are extremely prevalent pests here in Elizabeth City, which means keeping their numbers under control requires constant effort and treatment. We may recommend a monthly service if you experience severe spider activity. However, if your sightings are more occasional, we recommend quarterly visits (at least four times per year).

      Not sure what treatment frequency may work best for your property? You can schedule an inspection with our seasoned technicians today.

    • Where do you treat for spiders around Elizabeth City homes?

      Spider control is often considered an outdoor-only treatment. However, the professionals at Albemarle Termite & Pest Control offer both interior and exterior treatments against arachnids. First, we treat the outside of your home with a specialty product and manual web removal. Then, we can address the inside of your building with spot treatments near critical areas. Just give us a call today to chat about your options.

  • Termite Control

    • Do I really need to worry about termites on my property?

      Being situated where we are in North Carolina and Virginia means we live in a humid subtropical climate. Although termites are active in every state except Alaska, the Eastern subterranean termites that you find in our area particularly thrive in this location. They love moisture and warmth, both of which can be found in abundance for much of the year. If your home isn’t protected from termites, it’s only a matter of time before they find their way onto your property.

    • What is the best type of termite control?

      The type of termite control treatment that works best for your house might be different from the type that works best somewhere else. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, we understand that different properties have different needs, which is why we offer several options for your termite control treatments. We provide liquid treatments, baiting systems, and new construction treatments so you can get the service you need to protect your property from termites.

    • How long does a termite treatment last?

      Our termite treatment system includes regular monitoring to detect any activity. If activity is found, appropriate measures are taken. Our treatments come with a warranty and periodic inspections. Any service visits during the warranty period are included at no extra cost.

  • American Cockroaches

    • What are American cockroaches?

      American roaches are a type of insect and are the largest species of household-invading roaches living in the United States. Adults can grow to more than two inches in length. These roaches are a mahogany color, and the area behind their head has a yellow band around it, which looks similar to a figure-eight pattern. These roaches have fully developed wings and are capable of flying. They are often referred to as “water bugs” because of their preference for moist environments. American roaches live a reasonably long life—usually more than a year!

    • Are American cockroaches dangerous?

      American cockroaches living near people are dangerous pests. They are prolific breeders, and a single female can produce 200-350 offspring in her lifetime, meaning that the introduction of just a few onto your property can create a large-scale infestation in a short time.

      American roaches and their excrement trigger allergies and asthma attacks. They also contaminate food, utensils, dishes, and surfaces with their excrement, bacteria, human pathogens, and parasites—all of which can cause people to become very ill. Before getting into your home, they were traveling through unsanitary environments, including garbage piles, drains, and sewers. Their presence inside your home will also cause damage to personal items like clothing, upholstered furniture, papers, and more.

    • Why do I have an American cockroach problem?

      American cockroaches are omnivores, and their diet usually consists of decaying plant and animal matter, although they will eat anything they come across, including non-food items like paper, fabrics, and glue. Properties with plenty of places to forage for food are a big attractant to American roaches.

      American roaches have high moisture needs, and if the weather outside becomes too hot and dry, they look to move indoors, seeking a damp, dark environment. They also get in accidentally inside boxes, packages, grocery bags, and potted plants.

    • Where will I find American cockroaches?

      American cockroaches live outside in warm moist areas like under mulch, hollow trees, flower beds, logs, landscaping ties, and woodpiles—places that are often close to homes and other buildings. If these roaches decide to move indoors, common entry points include cracks in the foundation, gaps around windows and doors, spaces around air-conditioners, or through drains. They usually inhabit the first floor or basement levels of buildings and live around sinks, bathtubs, and near furnaces or hot water pipes.

      American cockroaches are also a regular sight in restaurants, food processing facilities, hospitals, and schools.

    • How do I get rid of American cockroaches?

      Acquiring help from a professional pest control expert is the best way to eliminate American roaches and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe and effective pest control services in Elizabeth City that are affordable. We are a local, family-owned pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding expectations. For home or business owners looking to eliminate pests from their property once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent American cockroaches in the future?

      Pests are not just a nuisance; they pose potential health risks and are capable of damaging property. Avoid problems with American roaches with the help of the following prevention tips.

      • Keep American roaches out by sealing cracks and crevices in the foundation and placing weatherstripping around windows and doors.
      • Store your garbage cans, compost, and woodpiles away from the outside walls of your home.
      • Remove fallen trees, leaf piles, and other debris from your yard.
      • Keep locking lids on garbage cans and compost bins.
      • Dry out basements and reduce the humidity levels in your home by running a dehumidifier.
      • Cover drain openings with a mesh screen.
      • Pick up uneaten pet food each evening.
      • Store any food in the refrigerator or containers with air-tight lids.
      • Keep storage areas free of clutter and well-organized.
      • Inspect bags, packages, and potted plants for roaches before bringing them inside.
  • Webbing Clothes Moths

    • What are webbing clothes moths?

      type of stored product pest, webbing clothes moths are a common invader of homes and are the most common of all the fabric pests. Webbing clothes and moths feed on a variety of natural fibers and animal bi-products. Adult webbing clothes moths are a buff-gold color and have an identifying tuft of reddish-orange scales on the top of their head. Long hairs fringe the edges of their hind wings. From wing tip to wing tip, these moths grow to about ½ of an inch in length. The larvae of the webbing clothes moth are whitish and have a brownish-colored head. These caterpillar-like creatures grow to about ½ of an inch in length.

    • Are webbing clothes moths dangerous?
      As with most stored product pests, it is actually the larval stage of webbing cloth moths that does most of the damage to our personal property. Webbing clothes and moths pose no dangers to people but do cause a lot of damage to property. Female webbing clothes moths lay their eggs on natural fabrics that the larvae then feed on, especially things made from wool and fur. These pests cause damage to clothing, carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, and furs.
    • Why do I have a webbing clothes moth problem?
      Adults often make their way inside homes in one of two ways. They enter inside on their own to lay their eggs after being attracted by a home’s outdoor lighting. Often they move inside through open windows or doors or spaces in exterior walls. The other way they find their way inside our homes is through things like used rugs, upholstered furniture, and clothing already infested with their eggs or larvae.
    • Where will I find webbing clothes moths?
      Inside our homes, webbing clothes moths thrive in high-humidity areas, preferring areas that are dark and quiet. Attics, basements, closets, and other storage areas are common places where adults hide within a home. Their larvae feed and develop inside clothing, blankets, pieces of upholstered furniture, and under rugs.
    • How do I get rid of webbing clothes moths?

      The best way to get rid of webbing clothes moths and keep them from returning is to get help from the professionals at Albemarle Termite & Pest Control. Our technicians provide safe, effective, and affordable pest control in Elizabeth City. Our family-owned company's top priority is putting customers first and exceeding expectations. Whether you are looking to eliminate pests from your home or business, Albemarle can help.

    • How can I prevent webbing clothes moths in the future?

      Pests are not just a nuisance; they pose potential health risks and are capable of damaging property. Avoid problems with webbing clothes moths with the help of the following prevention tips.

      • Keep outdoor lights turned off when not needed.
      • Place weather-stripping around windows and doors.
      • Caulk spaces in the exterior walls of your home.
      • Store clothing and other fabrics in plastic containers with tight-fitting lids, not in cardboard boxes.
      • Always wash clothing, blankets, and other fabric items before storing them.
      • Regularly dust and vacuum your home.
      • Keep storage areas well-organized and free of clutter.
  • Ants

    • What are ants?

      Ants are highly social insects that live throughout the world and are some of the most common pests to invade homes and businesses. Their colonies consist of three main castes: queens, workers, and males. Their ability to work together for the greater good of the colony allows them to thrive in a variety of environments. Ants vary significantly in size, behavior, food preferences, and nesting locations, depending on their specific species. However, all ants have a few physical features in common. Ants are insects and have six legs and three distinct body regions consisting of a head, thorax, and abdomen. Ants also have chewing mouthparts, a pair of bent antennae, and a narrow connection between the thorax and the abdomen. Additionally, the reproductive members of the colony have wings.

      The most common ant species to invade homes and businesses in our areas of North Carolina and Virginia are listed below.

    • Are ants dangerous?

      Most species of ants that live on your property are nuisance pests. Acrobat ants, Argentine ants, odorous house ants, and little black ants are examples of nuisance pests. While not as problematic as other species, nuisance ants should still be eliminated as soon as possible to prevent them from contaminating food and taking over your yard and home.

      Examples of dangerous ants that live in our area are the carpenter ants and fire ants. The carpenter ant causes costly structural damage by tunneling through and nesting inside the structural wood of a home or other building. Fire ants are quick to anger and deliver painful stings; the venom they inject triggers allergic reactions in some people. Fire ants are also attracted to electrical equipment and damage things like air conditioners and circuit breakers.

    • Why do I have an ant problem?
      The most common reason ants have invaded your property is that it is providing them with food to feed their colony. Ants are omnivores and feed on a variety of food such as fruits, vegetables, proteins, and other insects. Foraging ants will leave a chemical pheromone trail that helps lead other members of the colony to the food source. Most species of ants forage for food inside compost bins, trash cans, gardens, and outdoor eating areas. Areas of moisture will also attract ants. If ants are living inside or near your property, it could be a sign of an underlying moisture issue that you need to address.
    • Where will I find ants?
      Ants are active during the day, traveling back and forth from their nests to food sources. You’ll commonly find ants in lawns, gardens, driveways, walkways, and decks. Some ants, like fire ants, prefer to live outside, while others, like carpenter ants, little black ants, and odorous house ants, regularly nest inside. Ants will nest indoors in secluded locations such as behind walls, inside insulation, under floors, or in crawlspaces. Carpenter ants nest inside structural wood, preferring wood that has been previously damaged by water.
    • How do I get rid of ants?

      Professional home pest control is the best way to eliminate pests and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our pest management professionals are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe and effective services that are affordable. We are a local, family-owned pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding their expectations. To eliminate pests from your home or business once and for all, contact Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent ants in the future?

      Prevent problems with ants in Elizabeth City, NC, and surrounding areas by combining our professional services with the following prevention tips:

      • Use a caulking gun to seal cracks in the foundation of your home or business.
      • Keep tight-fitting or locking lids on outdoor trash cans and compost bins.
      • Eliminate excess moisture in and around your property.
      • Repair any holes along your roofline.
      • Make sure window and door screens are entirely intact.
      • Place mesh covers over vents leading into your home or business.
      • Cut back overgrown vegetation from the exterior of your home or business.
      • Leave a barrier of stone or rock between any soil, grass, or mulch and the foundation.
  • Argentine Ants

    • What are Argentine ants?
      Argentine ants are a small, unassuming species of ant that is a shiny dark brown to black color. Workers grow to about 1/16 of an inch in length. When crushed, they produce an unpleasant musty odor. One of the most common ways to identify them is by their large colony sizes and the wide trails they travel together when out foraging for food.
    • Are Argentine ants dangerous?

      While Argentine ants are capable of delivering bites, this behavior is not a big concern for people. Their aggressive behavior is generally towards other ant species. Argentine ants are non-native ants and often drive native species out of the areas they move into.

      Although mainly nuisance ants, preventing Argentine ants from taking up residence on your property or in your home is important. They live in large colonies and are difficult to control once they are nesting on your property. Inside homes, they contaminate food and spread bacteria over surfaces.

      Additionally, Argentine ants are very attracted to areas of moisture. Having these ants present in or around your home may be an indicator of a moisture issue.

    • Why do I have an Argentine ant problem?

      Argentine ants can become a problem in any yard that provides them with easy access to food and shelter. They are scavengers, and while they feed on almost anything, they do prefer sweets and honeydew produced by tiny garden pests like aphids.

      Unfortunately, they usually place their nests close to our homes. While they forage for food or to escape dry weather conditions, these ants will move indoors through any small opening they find in exterior walls or the foundation.

    • Where will I find Argentine ants?
      People regularly see Argentine ants traveling together in long trails on sidewalks, along fence lines, and across utility lines and tree branches while searching for food. They like to place their nests in the damp soil along the foundation of buildings, under landscape ties, fallen trees, woodpiles, or rocks. If they have moved inside, they build their nests behind walls or under floors located near water pipes or sinks. They also like to nest behind large appliances and sometimes inside potted plants.
    • How do I get rid of Argentine ants?

      Acquiring help from a professional pest control expert is the best way to eliminate Argentine ants and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe and effective pest control services in Elizabeth City that are affordable. We are a local, family-owned pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding expectations.

      For home or business owners looking to eliminate pests from their property once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent Argentine ants in the future?

      To help protect your North Carolina property from Argentine ants, consider putting into place the following prevention measures.

      • Remove fallen trees and excess piles of wood from your yard.
      • Do not overwater your lawn, garden, or plants.
      • Leave a crushed stone barrier between any mulch or soil and the foundation.
      • Fix leaky pipes, hoses, and fixtures.
      • Make sure gutters are working to direct water away from the outside of your home.
      • Caulk any open spaces in foundations and exterior walls.
      • Remove any wood from your home or property damaged by water.
      • Use dehumidifiers to keep basements and other areas of your home dry.
  • Asian Lady Beetles

    • What are Asian lady beetles?
      A beneficial pest because of their feeding habits, Asian lady beetles are a common sight in our lawns and gardens. Asian lady beetles feed on a variety of aphids and other garden pests. These insects have a convex or domed-shaped body that is smooth and shiny. Mostly identified by their red color and black spots, it is important to know that Asian lady beetles come in a variety of other colors, including yellow or orange, and not all species have black spots. The best way to identify Asian lady beetles is by the black “M” or “W” marking that is on the shield.
    • Are Asian lady beetles dangerous?
      Mostly considered nuisance pests, the biggest problem usually associated with Asian lady beetles is they have the potential to invade spaces in very large, difficult-to-control numbers. Also, when crushed, they emit a very unpleasant odor and will stain walls and upholstery with a yellowish fluid. These insects are also considered agricultural pests as some species feed on and damage crops like soybeans, corn, and alpha.
    • Why do I have an Asian lady beetle problem?
      The most common cause of problems with Asian lady beetles is when they discover that your home is a suitable place to overwinter. Asian lady beetles spend most of the year outside, but when the weather begins to cool in the late fall, they move to the warm sunny sides of homes and other buildings. As they crawl up the walls, they find their way inside through openings they discover. When the weather warms back up in the spring, they move back outside to continue their lifecycle. Asian lady beetles are common overwintering pests.
    • Where will I find Asian lady beetles?

      Asian lady beetles are an insect that typically lives outside in yards and gardens. Properties located near or with fields and wooded areas are most susceptible to Asian lady beetle infestations.

      After moving inside to overwinter, Asian lady beetles usually seek out moist areas of a home to invade. These pests like to gather in dark, humid areas like attics, behind walls, voids, above ceilings, and behind the trim of doors and windows.

    • How do I get rid of Asian lady beetles?

      Acquiring help from a professional pest control expert is the best way to eliminate Asian lady beetles and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe and effective pest control services in Elizabeth City that are affordable. We are a local, family-owned home pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding expectations. For home or business owners looking to eliminate pests from their property once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent Asian lady beetles in the future?

      Pests are not just a nuisance; they pose potential health risks and are capable of damaging property. Avoid problems with Asian lady beetles with the help of the following prevention tips.

      • Place weather-stripping around windows and doors.
      • Repair damaged screens.
      • Place covers over vents and chimney openings.
      • Seal cracks in the foundation and exterior walls of your home.
      • Repair damaged siding and holes along the roofline.
      • Cut landscaping plants and other vegetation back away from the exterior of your home.
      • If possible, place garden areas a distance away from your home.
  • Bed Bugs

    • What are bed bugs?
      Bed bugs are parasitic pests that live close to people. These insects feed exclusively on the blood of birds and mammals, with people being their favorite hosts. Bed bugs are oval in shape and a brownish-red color. Adults grow to about ¼ of an inch long. They feed using their elongated proboscis, which, when not feeding, is held up underneath their body. Bed bugs are prolific pests, and a single female can produce more than 300 eggs in her lifetime.
    • Are bed bugs dangerous?
      Bed bugs are capable of acquiring human pathogens during the feeding process, but they are not currently associated with spreading diseases that are a significant threat to people. However, these pests bite, leaving behind raised red, itchy welts for those allergic to a protein found in their saliva. Excessive scratching of the bites may lead to a secondary infection that needs to be treated by a medical professional.
    • Why do I have a bed bug problem?

      Bed bugs get into homes in a variety of ways. They will hitchhike their way inside on secondhand items like furniture, mattresses, and box springs.

      Bed bugs live wherever there are people; this means you can come into contact with them almost anywhere. After coming into contact with bed bugs, they will crawl onto your clothing or belongings and into your home.

      Bed bugs will also move throughout buildings through walls, wires, and plumbing pipes.

    • Where will I find bed bugs?

      Bed bugs are indoor pests. Their indoor lifestyle allows them to remain active throughout the entire year. You'll find them hiding in sleeping areas, but as an infestation grows, they will move throughout the home, infesting multiple rooms or floors.

      Bed bugs hide in the seams of mattresses, box springs, and upholstered furniture, in cracks in walls and wood furniture, behind hanging clocks and pictures, and inside wall voids behind electric outlets.

      People come into contact with bed bugs in almost any public environment. Some common hideouts for bed bugs include hotels, airports, hospitals, schools, dormitories, airports, libraries, movie theaters, and shopping centers.

    • How do I get rid of bed bugs?

      Acquiring help from a professional pest control expert is the best way to eliminate bed bugs and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe and effective bed bug control services that are affordable. We are a local, family-owned pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding expectations. For home or business owners looking to eliminate pests from their property once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent bed bugs in the future?

      Pests are not just a nuisance: they pose potential health risks and are capable of damaging property. Avoid problems with bed bugs with the help of the following prevention tips.

      • When at work or school, keep your belongings away from other people's belongings.
      • Keep bags, coats, and other belongings up off of the floor of any public place.
      • If possible, do not purchase used furniture, mattresses, or bedding for use in your home.
      • Always inspect your hotel room for bed bugs before bringing luggage and other belongings inside.
      • After returning home from a trip, immediately wash and dry all clothing on the highest heat setting possible.
      • Vacuum out and wipe down suitcases before storing them away.
      • Launder newly purchased clothing on a high heat cycle.
      • Provide bed bugs with minimal spaces to hide out in your home by reducing clutter.
      • Never leave piles of dirty laundry on the floor.
      • Place bed bug proof covers on mattresses and box springs.
  • Biting Pests

    • What are biting pests?

      As the name describes, biting pests are those species of pests that have specialized mouthparts that allow them to puncture or bite through the skin of their hosts. Many species of biting pests are also parasitic pests, and they will bite in order to gorge on a blood meal.

      Some of the most common types of biting pests we come into contact with regularly include bed bugs, fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes.

      • Bed Bugs - Adult bed bugs have flat, oval-shaped bodies that are reddish-brown. They grow to about 1/4 of an inch in length and are wingless. Bed bugs feed on the blood of warm-blooded mammals, and humans are their favorite hosts.
      • Fleas - Adult fleas are as tiny as a speck of dirt. They have flat, reddish-brown bodies with six legs; their hind legs are long and powerful, allowing them to move through the fur of their hosts. Fleas feed on a wide variety of mammal hosts, including people.
      • Mosquitoes - Mosquitoes are fly-like insects. They have slender bodies, long legs, narrow wings, and extended, tube-like mouthparts (proboscises). The females use their proboscises for feeding on blood, while both males and females use them to feed on plant nectar – their primary source of food.
      • Ticks - Ticks have oval-shaped bodies that are flat unless they have recently been fed. After feeding, their bodies swell in a balloon-like manner. Adult ticks are arachnids; they have eight legs and are wingless.
    • Are biting pests dangerous?
      Biting pests are dangerous - not only because they bite and feed on the blood of a wide variety of hosts but because they are capable of transmitting a wide range of diseases to people and animals. Ticks are responsible for spreading diseases like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and ehrlichiosis. Mosquitoes spread West Nile Virus and Eastern equine encephalitis. While both fleas and bed bugs are hosts to some human pathogens, it is the allergic reactions to their bites that are the main cause for concern. People allergic to bed bugs or flea saliva develop itchy, red rashes that may lead to a secondary infection requiring medical attention.
    • Why do I have a biting pest problem?
      Biting pests find their way onto your property or into your home or business because it provides them with appropriate food and shelter. Fleas, ticks, and bed bugs are often introduced indoors by hitchhiking their way in on people, our pets (fleas and ticks), or our belongings (bed bugs). Mosquitoes lay their eggs in areas of standing water, and properties near standing water have large populations of mosquitoes. Fleas and ticks are most often introduced into yards and other properties by wild animals.
    • Where will I find biting pests?

      Bed bugs are mainly indoor pests and live wherever there are people. These insects are a common problem in homes, hotels, airports, schools, hospitals, shopping centers, movie theaters, and other public places. Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes are mainly outdoor pests, although fleas can breed indoors – causing large-scale infestations. Most species of ticks are unable to reproduce indoors and don’t survive for very long inside. Mosquitoes only find their way inside accidentally while searching for food.

    • How do I get rid of biting pests?

      Professional home pest control or bed bug control is the best way to eliminate pests and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our pest management professionals are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe and effective services that are affordable. We are a local, family-owned pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding their expectations. To eliminate pests from your home or business once and for all, contact Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent biting pests in the future?

      Prevent problems with biting pests in Elizabeth City, NC, and surrounding areas by combining our professional services with the following prevention tips:

      • When out in public places, keep all personal belongings away from other people’s things and off the ground.
      • Make sure that screens in windows and doors are without rips or tears.
      • Remove any area of standing water from your property.
      • Change and wash all bedding on a routine basis.
      • Regularly bathe and groom your pets.
      • Regularly vacuum the floors or your home or business.
      • Keep your grass cut short and remove areas of overgrown vegetation.
      • With the help of your veterinarian, place all pets on a year-round flea and tick prevention program.
      • Make sure gutters and downspouts are clear and directing water away from the outside of your home or business.
  • Black Carpet Beetles

    • What are black carpet beetles?

      A common stored product pest, the black carpet beetle has a varied diet and feeds on almost any product made from animals. Adult black carpet beetles grow to be about 1/8 to 3/16 inches long. Their oval-shaped body is shiny black to dark brown in color and covered in short hairs. Their heads bend down at a slight angle, giving them somewhat of a hunchbacked appearance. These insects have six legs and short antennae.

      The larvae of this beetle grow to about ¼ of an inch long. Their body appears segmented and has a carrot-like shape. The larvae have a distinctive tuft of brown hair extending off their backend. Stiff hairs cover their hard body.

    • Are black carpet beetles dangerous?
      1. Black carpet beetles are damaging pests. They have the potential to feed on and chew holes through a variety of personal items, including clothing, rugs, and upholstered furniture. They will also feed on and contaminate dry goods stored in your home.
    • Why do I have a black carpet beetle problem?

      Black carpet beetles have become a problem in your home because it is offering them suitable places to breed and feed. Adult black carpet beetles often live outside but are attracted to our home’s outdoor lighting fixtures. After entering through spaces around windows and doors, they move throughout our homes, searching for a dark place to lay their eggs.

      Black carpet beetles can also be introduced to homes on furniture, rugs, clothing, or other fabric items that have been infested with eggs or larvae. They may also have hitchhiked their way inside in dry goods purchased at a store already infested with their eggs or larvae.

    • Where will I find black carpet beetles?

      Black carpet beetles live in a variety of locations inside our homes:

      • Behind our home’s walls feed on nesting materials from rodents, stinging insects, or dead insects. Kitchens and pantries- feeding on and contaminating dry goods.
      • Storage areas like basements, attics, or closets. Females will lay their eggs on fabrics, rugs, leathers, blankets, clothing, or other suitable food sources that have been stored away.
      • Your home’s carpets or upholstered furniture.
      • Outside in garden areas feeding on plant pollen and nectar.
    • How do I get rid of black carpet beetles?

      Acquiring help from a professional pest control expert is the best way to eliminate black carpet beetles and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing affordable, safe, and effective pest control services in Elizabeth City. We are a local, family-owned pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding expectations. For home or business owners looking to eliminate pests once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent black carpet beetles in the future?

      Pests are not just a nuisance; they pose potential health risks and are capable of damaging property. Avoid problems with black carpet beetles with the help of the following prevention tips.

      • Inspect flowering potted plants for black carpet beetles before bringing them inside.
      • Switch out white outdoor light bulbs for yellow or LED lights that are less attractive to black carpet beetles and other insects.
      • Place weather-stripping around windows and doors.
      • Replace loose or missing window and door screens.
      • Vacuum carpets and upholstery.
      • Dust under furniture and baseboards.
  • Black Widow Spiders

    • What are black widow spiders?

      Beneficial pests are pests that feed on and help to control populations of insects. Black widow spiders are one of the few dangerous species of spiders living throughout the United States. You can identify these glossy black spiders by the hourglass-like marking found on their bellies. Some spiders may also have lighter red or white markings on both their abdomen and their back. Like all arachnids, they have eight legs, are wingless, and lack antennae. Black widow spiders have a comb foot which they use to wrap their silk around their prey.

    • Are black widow spiders dangerous?

      Black widow spiders are dangerous not because they are aggressive but because their venom is strong enough to cause serious health problems in people. Their venom affects the central nervous system of the person bitten. However, with proper medical attention, the symptoms of a black widow spider bite are manageable. If bitten by a black widow spider, immediately seek medical attention.

      Black widow spiders are shy, reclusive creatures. Bites usually only occur accidentally. These spiders hide in dark areas, which makes seeing them difficult.

    • Why do I have a black widow spider problem?
      Black widow spiders feed on other spiders and insects. If your property or home has lots of insect activity, black widow spiders will take advantage. Properties with lots of gardens, shrubs, trees, and grass are attractive to both insects and spiders.
    • Where will I find black widow spiders?

      Black widow spiders live mainly outside. It is important to know that these spiders are most active when the weather is above 70 degrees. During periods of cooler weather, these spiders may move inside, seeking the warmer temperatures that our homes provide.

      Building their irregular webs at ground level, black widow spiders choose properties that offer them safe, secluded shelter. Outside, they build their webs under stones, shrubs, decks, woodpiles, and outbuildings. Inside homes, black widow spiders hide in quiet locations like basements, crawl spaces, and under furniture.

    • How do I get rid of black widow spiders?

      Acquiring help from a professional pest control expert is the best way to eliminate black widow spiders and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe and effective pest control services in Elizabeth City that are affordable. We are a local, family-owned pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding expectations.

      For home or business owners looking to eliminate pests from their property once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent black widow spiders in the future?

      To help protect your North Carolina property from black widow spiders, consider putting into place the following prevention measures.

      • Remove fallen trees, excess woodpiles, and other clutter from your yard where black widow spiders can hide.
      • Cut back grass, vegetation, and bushes away from the exterior of your home.
      • Seal cracks in the foundation and exterior walls, replace worn screens and place mesh covers over vents to keep black widow spiders out of your home.
      • Inside, keep storage areas free of debris and clutter to give spiders fewer places to hide.
      • Store all of your items in plastic containers with tight-fitting lids instead of cardboard boxes.
  • Blow Flies

    • What are blow flies?

      Blow flies are a type of filth flies. Females lay their eggs on carrion, excrement, and other decaying matter. After the eggs hatch, the larvae use the carrion as a food source. These flies look similar to house flies but grow larger in size (1/8th and 5/8th of an inch in length) and have a very metallic appearance. Their coloration varies- blue, green, gold, or black.The blow fly’s worm-like larvae are pale yellow to white in color, are eyeless, and are legless. Their back end is larger and rounder than their tapered head, and they have hook-like mouthparts.

    • Are blow flies dangerous?
      Blow flies are dangerous flies to have live in or near your home. These flies are constantly landing on excrement, decaying organic matter, decaying pieces of meat, and dead animals. There is a high number of bacteria and parasites that live on their bodies and legs. As they fly and move around your home, they contaminate food and surfaces, spreading things that cause diarrhea, cholera, tularemia, and other serious diseases.
    • Why do I have a blow fly problem?
      Blow flies have the potential to be a problem at any time of the year. They choose yards and homes that offer them a place to lay their eggs and feed. These flies also move inside while foraging for food through spaces around windows and doors and cracks in exterior walls or foundations.
    • Where will I find blow flies?
      Blow flies live outside together in groups gathering around their feeding and breeding sites. Gardens with decaying vegetables and fruits, yards with animal feces, trash cans, and compost piles are all places blow flies gather. Inside homes, they breed behind walls, in crawl spaces, or under floors. The females lay their eggs in dead rodents or other animals that have found their way into your home and died.
    • How do I get rid of blow flies?

      Getting help from a professional home pest control expert is the best way to eliminate blow flies and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing affordable, safe, and effective pest control services in Elizabeth City. We are a local, family-owned pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding expectations. For home or business owners looking to eliminate pests from their property once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent blow flies in the future?

      Pests are not just a nuisance; they pose potential health risks and are capable of damaging property. Avoid problems with blow flies with the help of the following prevention tips.

      • Keep doors and windows closed as much as possible.
      • Repair ripped screens.
      • Make sure trash cans and compost bins have tight-fitting lids on them.
      • Regularly clean out and sanitize trash cans.
      • Keep lids on trash cans inside of your home.
      • Store food in the fridge or containers with air-tight lids.
      • Never leave food out on kitchen counters or tables.
      • Clean pet excrement from your yard daily.
      • Maintain garden areas picking up fallen fruits and vegetables.
  • Booklice

    • What are booklice?
      Despite their descriptive name, booklice are not true lice; they are only called “lice” because of their similar appearance. Booklice are insects and part of the order Psocoptera. They are wingless and tiny; adults grow to only about 1/16th of an inch in length. Booklice have six legs, with the back legs being a bit larger and thicker than the rest. They use their legs not to jump but to run quickly from place to place. Their soft body ranges in color from cream to gray to brown.
    • Are booklice dangerous?

      Booklice certainly are annoying pests, but they are not dangerous pests. They are not true lice so they do not feed on the blood of people or animals. Their main source of food is fungi and mold.

      Inside our homes, things like rice, cereals, and other dry goods can become contaminated by booklice, especially if they are stored in a humid area. They will also invade other items that also hold moisture, like fabrics and paper.

    • Why do I have a booklice problem?

      If booklice are in your home, it is generally because there is an underlying moisture issue. These insects are attracted to areas of high humidity. Things like wallpaper, books, fabrics, upholstered furniture, paintings, and papers hold in moisture. Items that are susceptible to mold and fungi growth are, in turn, susceptible to hungry booklice!

      Professional moisture control services can help mitigate any moisture issues you might be facing.

    • Where will I find booklice?

      Booklice thrive in high-humidity areas of our homes. They migrate towards areas of moisture. Basements, attics, crawl spaces, cardboard boxes, areas around drains, and kitchens are all common places booklice invade.

      How do I get rid of booklice?

      Acquiring help from a professional pest control expert is the best way to eliminate booklice and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing affordable, safe, and effective home pest control services. We are a local pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding expectations. For home or business owners looking to eliminate pests once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent booklice in the future?

      Pests are not just a nuisance; they pose potential health risks and are capable of damaging property. Avoid problems with booklice with the help of the following prevention tips.

      • Repair leaky pipes and fixtures.
      • Use dehumidifiers to keep basements dry.
      • Use air-conditioners to lower humidity levels in your home.
      • Ventilate crawl spaces.
      • Store paper, books, clothing, and fabrics in plastic containers with locking lids, not in cardboard boxes.
      • Limit the number of cardboard boxes and excess paperwork you keep in your home.
      • Store goods in dry areas of your home.
      • Remove dry goods from their original packaging and place them in containers with air-tight lids.
  • Bottle Flies

    • What are bottle flies?

      Bottle flies are medium-sized species of flies. They look similar to the common housefly but are slightly larger in size. They have a metallic appearance that varies in color from blue, green, and gold to shiny black. Their eyes are large and reddish-brown, and they have transparent wings.

      The larvae of bottle flies are worm-like and have a pale yellow to white color. They have hook-like mouthparts, are eyeless, and the body tapers from the head to the backend.

    • Are bottle flies dangerous?
      Bottle flies lay their eggs in excrement, carrion, and other decaying matter, causing them to pick up, carry, and transmit a variety of pathogens and parasites on their bodies and legs. Bottle flies contaminate food, food prep areas, and other surfaces with things that can cause dysentery, diarrhea, and food poisoning. Keeping bottle flies off of your property and out of your home is an important step in protecting the health of yourself and your family.
    • Why do I have a bottle fly problem?
      Bottle flies feed on less than sanitary things like decaying meats, carcasses, and garbage. They are attracted to properties that offer them easy access to food sources and breeding sites. These flies also have the potential to become a problem inside homes and businesses like restaurants, grocery stores, and other places where food is prepared or stored. They are especially active and problematic for property owners during the warmest summer months.
    • Where will I find bottle flies?

      Bottle flies live mainly outside, gathering in large numbers around breeding sites and sources of food.

      These flies also often find their way inside homes and other buildings. Bottle flies enter inside through spaces around windows and doors, torn screens, and holes in exterior walls.

      They often enter a structure when there is the presence of dead rodents or other animals behind its walls.

    • How do I get rid of bottle flies?

      Acquiring help from a professional home pest control expert is the best way to get rid of bottle flies and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our highly trained technicians work hard to provide affordable, safe, and effective pest control services in Elizabeth City, NC. As a local, family-owned pest control company, our top priorities are putting our customers first and exceeding expectations. If you are looking to eliminate pests from your property once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent bottle flies in the future?

      Bottle flies pose significant health risks in addition to being a nuisance. Avoid the problems they cause by implementing the following prevention techniques.

      • Keep doors and windows closed whenever possible.
      • Repair damaged screens.
      • Place weather-stripping around windows and doors.
      • Inspect your home’s exterior walls and seal any openings.
      • Place covers over vents entering into your home.
      • Make sure trash cans have tight-fitting lids.
      • If you own pets, clean up their excrement daily.
      • Remove trash from your home daily.
  • Box Elder Bugs

    • What are box elder bugs?
      As their descriptive name tells us, box elder bugs are insects that inhabit box elder trees, along with other types of seed-bearing trees. Their reddish-orange and black color pattern is how most people identify box elder bugs. Their elongated, oval-shaped body is black, and their wings are outlined in an orangish-red color. Adults grow to about ½” in length. Young box elder bugs (nymphs) look similar to the adults but are smaller in size and bright red; also, young box elder bugs lack wings.
    • Are box elder bugs dangerous?
      Box elder bugs spend most of their life outside, causing little problems for people or our property. The only time these insects cause damage to trees is when they invade in extremely large numbers. These nuisance pests only become an issue for people when they move inside our homes. As they move across our home’s interior, they may stain floors, walls, curtains, and upholstery with their excrement. Also, these pests invade in large numbers, making them difficult to control and eliminate.
    • Why do I have a box elder bug problem?
      Box elder bugs spend most of their time outside but do often find their way inside homes and other buildings to overwinter. In the late fall, they move to the warm sunny sides of structures. As they crawl along the exterior walls, they find their way inside through openings they come across. Once inside, they will crawl throughout your home until they find a suitable place to spend the winter. Like with most overwintering pests, when the weather warms back up in the spring, they move back outside to feed, breed, and continue their lifecycle.
    • Where will I find box elder bugs?

      Box elder bugs like properties that have box elder trees or other types of seed-bearing trees like ash, maple, and cherry trees. Box elder bugs have specialized “sucking” mouthparts that they use for feeding on the leaves, stems, and fruits of a tree.

      Those box elder bugs that have moved inside to overwinter gather together in secluded spots. Attics, crawl spaces, wall voids, and spaces under floors all make great overwintering spots for box elder bugs.

    • How do I get rid of box elder bugs?

      The best way to eliminate box elder bugs and keep them from returning is with a little help from a professional home pest control expert. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians work hard to provide affordable, safe, and effective pest control services in Elizabeth City. As a family-owned company, we prioritize putting our customers first and exceeding expectations. If you are looking forward to eliminating pests from your property once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent box elder bugs in the future?

      Box elders can be a nuisance to both you and your property. Avoid problems with the help of the following prevention tips.

      • Place weather-stripping around windows and doors.
      • Repair damaged screens.
      • Place covers over vents and chimney openings.
      • Seal cracks in the foundation and exterior walls of your home.
      • Repair damaged siding and holes along the roofline.
      • Seal space around wires and cables entering your home.
      • Cut trees back away from the outside of your home.
      • If possible, remove or don’t plant box elder trees on your property.
      • Plant seed-bearing trees away from the outside of your home.
  • Brown Banded Cockroaches

    • What are brown-banded cockroaches?

      The brown-banded cockroach is a small species that prefers to live indoors and often invades homes and businesses. Like other species of cockroaches, they are very unwelcome pests. These roaches look similar to the German cockroach, and many misidentify them as such.

      Brown-banded cockroaches have brown or tan-colored bodies. They also have two darker bands that create horizontal stripes on their wings that are most noticeable when their wings are at rest.

    • Are brown-banded cockroaches dangerous?

      Brown-banded cockroaches live near people and can negatively affect our health. These pests are dangerous because they spread bacteria, human pathogens, and parasites that can make us ill.

      When they invade homes or businesses, the bacteria they carry on their bodies and legs contaminate food and surfaces. Also, their shed skins and excrement trigger allergies and asthma attacks.

    • Why do I have a brown-banded cockroach problem?
      One of the most common reasons you have a problem with brown-banded cockroaches is that you have unknowingly introduced them into your home. They get into structures inside packages, boxes, used appliances, electronics, and furniture already infested with adults, eggs, or nymphs. They may also find their way inside while out foraging for food or seeking a hot, dry environment to live in. Brown-banded cockroaches prefer warm, dry areas. They are most comfortable in temperatures over 80 degrees.
    • Where will I find brown-banded cockroaches?
      Due to their preference for warm, dry areas, brown-banded cockroaches live in the upper levels of homes and other structures. They prefer locations that are away from leaky pipes, faucets, and other sources of water. Inside, they hide out in the upper parts of cabinets, upholstered furniture, behind doors frames, in clocks or electronics, and in attics.
    • How do I get rid of brown-banded cockroaches?

      Acquiring help from a professional pest control expert is the best way to eliminate brown-banded cockroaches and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe and effective pest control services that are affordable. We are a local, family-owned pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding expectations.

      For home or business owners looking to eliminate pests from their property once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent brown-banded cockroaches in the future?

      To help protect your North Carolina property from brown-banded cockroaches, consider putting into place the following prevention measures.

      • Inspect packages, boxes, furniture, and other items for brown-banded cockroaches before bringing them into your house.
      • Inspect the exterior of your home, sealing any entry points discovered.
      • Regularly vacuum, dust, and clean up spills and crumbs.
      • Make sure that cabinets and pantry areas are free of crumbs and other food debris.
      • Remove trash from your home daily and place it in outdoor trash cans with tight-fitting lids.
      • Make sure attic spaces are well-ventilated.
  • Brown Recluse Spiders

    • What are brown recluse spiders?

      Brown recluse spiders are one of the few dangerous spiders that live in the United States. Out in nature and away from people, these predators are beneficial, helping to control the number of nuisance insects.

      These spiders range in color from yellowish-gray to dark black, and gray hairs cover their abdomen. Their long, thin legs are darker in color than the rest of their body.

      You can identify a brown recluse spider by the “violin-like” pattern on the top of its body. They also have three pairs of eyes uniquely arranged in a semi-circle pattern.

    • Are brown recluse spiders dangerous?

      As their name suggests, brown recluse spiders are reclusive creatures that prefer to hide out of sight. They are not aggressive, but when they feel trapped, they respond by biting. Their venom is strong enough to cause health problems in people.

      Symptoms from a brown recluse spider bite include fever, problems sleeping, and swelling and tenderness around the bite site. The skin around the bite will ulcerate. The resulting wound is very prone to infection and can take weeks or months to heal. If ever bitten by a brown recluse spider, you should seek medical attention in order to manage the symptoms appropriately.

    • Why do I have a brown recluse spider problem?

      Like all other species of spiders, brown recluse spiders are predators. They feed on many species of insects and other spiders. Dense vegetation, gardens, tall grasses, and piles of debris attract brown recluse spiders. These spiders live outside but sometimes move into homes and outbuildings through openings they discover while hunting for prey.

    • Where will I find brown recluse spiders?
      Brown recluse spiders create their webs and hunt for prey in many different places. Outside, they live in tall grasses, gardens, in bushes, between rocks, under woodpiles, and in the corners of doorways. After moving inside, these shy creatures like to hide in dark, quiet areas like basements, closets, attics, crawl spaces, and areas under furniture.
    • How do I get rid of brown recluse spiders?

      Acquiring help from a professional pest control expert is the best way to eliminate brown recluse spiders and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe and effective pest control services in Elizabeth City that are affordable. We are a local, family-owned pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding expectations.

      For home or business owners looking to eliminate pests from their property once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent brown recluse spiders in the future?

      To help protect your North Carolina property from brown recluse spiders, consider putting into place the following prevention measures.

      • Remove fallen trees, logs, excess woodpiles, and other clutter from your yard.
      • Cut back grass, vegetation, and bushes away from the exterior of your home.
      • Fix entry points that could allow spiders to move into your home.
      • Inside, keep storage areas free of debris and clutter where they can hide.
      • Store your items in plastic containers with tight-fitting lids instead of cardboard boxes.
      • Keep doors to garages and other outbuildings closed whenever possible.
  • Camel Crickets

    • What are camel crickets?
      Closely related to grasshoppers and katydids, camel crickets and other species of crickets are often identified by their large, powerful rear legs and jumping ability. When frightened or disturbed, camel crickets use their legs to jump out of the way of danger. These crickets are dark to light brown with darker mottled markings. Their body is humpbacked and wingless.
    • Are camel crickets dangerous?
      No, camel crickets are not dangerous pests. While they do have the ability to carry and transmit diseases to people, they are not considered a significant threat. Camel crickets that find their way into your home do have the potential to cause damage to your belongings by chewing on clothing, upholstered furniture, rugs, and other fabrics.
    • Why do I have a camel cricket problem?
      Living outside in areas that are close to homes and businesses allows camel crickets to easily access the inside of structures while foraging for food or seeking a damp, dark area to hide. Camel crickets have high moisture needs, and when the weather gets too hot and dry, they like to move inside.
    • Where will I find camel crickets?

      In addition to caves, camel crickets live outside in the damp soil under mulch, rocks, landscaping ties, woodpiles, leaf piles, and other organic debris. They are also found in the soil around drains and sewers and under air conditioners.

      Inside, camel crickets move to areas of our homes and businesses that provide them with a damp, dark environment- laundry rooms, basements, crawl spaces, and bathrooms.

    • How do I get rid of camel crickets?

      Help from an Elizabeth City pest control expert is the best way to eliminate camel crickets and keep them from returning. The highly trained technicians at Albemarle Termite & Pest Control are ready to help. Our family-owned company prioritizes customers first and works hard to exceed expectations. If you are looking for affordable, safe, and effective home pest control solutions, call us today.

    • How can I prevent camel crickets in the future?

      You can be proactive and avoid potential problems with camel crickets with the help of the following prevention tips.

      • Place a barrier between your home’s foundation and the soil.
      • Seal cracks in your home’s foundation or exterior walls.
      • Install door sweeps on basement doors.
      • Maintain gutters to ensure they are directing rainwater away from the outside of your home.
      • Remove standing water from your property.
      • Use dehumidifiers or air conditioners in your home to reduce humidity levels.
      • Reduce the clutter in basements, closets, and other storage areas to limit hiding spots.
      • Store clothing, blankets, and other fabric items in plastic containers with locking lids instead of cardboard boxes.
  • Carpenter Ants

    • What are carpenter ants?

      The carpenter ant is a type of wood-destroying insect and a common household invader. They are a large species of ant, and their nesting habits cause damage to the structural wood in homes that they choose as a nesting site for their colony.

      When living in nature and away from our homes, carpenter ants are beneficial, helping to break down older and decaying wood. These ants rarely invade sound wood; instead, they prefer wood that has been previously damaged by water.

      The carpenter ant is the largest species of household invading ant in the United States and grows to between ¼ and ½ an inch long. These ants have a segmented, oval body, and workers have large, powerful mandibles they use to chew through wood. Carpenter ants are black, red, or a combination of those colors.

    • Are carpenter ants dangerous?
      Carpenter ants are a danger to property, not to people. Carpenter ants tunnel through wood to create a nesting site for their colony. When nesting inside a home, they choose structural wood to make their nests. Over time, the damage created by digging out their tunnels and nesting galleries is costly and time-consuming to repair.
    • Why do I have a carpenter ant problem?
      Carpenter ants become a problem on properties that offer them ample nesting sites with plenty of opportunities to forage for food. These ants feed on a variety of foods, including dead insects, honeydew secreted by aphids, pet food, proteins, sweets, and sweet liquids. While out foraging for food, they often find their way into homes and other buildings through openings in the foundation and exterior walls or spaces around windows and doors.
    • Where will I find carpenter ants?
      Carpenter ants are easy to spot outside in gardens, on walkways, decks, and porches due to their large size. They create their main outdoor nests in dead trees or tree stumps, in piles of firewood, and rotting fence posts. Carpenter ants have high moisture needs, and those that do move inside to create satellite nests choose decaying pieces of wood around windows, chimneys, hot water pipes, sinks, and behind walls voids.
    • How do I get rid of carpenter ants?

      Acquiring help from a professional pest control expert is the best way to eliminate carpenter ants and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe and effective pest control services that are affordable. We are a local home pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding expectations. For home or business owners looking to eliminate pests from their property once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent carpenter ants in the future?

      Pests are not just a nuisance; they pose potential health risks and are capable of damaging property. Avoid problems with carpenter ants with the help of the following prevention tips.

      • Keep carpenter ants out of your home by caulking openings in the foundation and exterior walls.
      • Place weatherstripping around windows and doors.
      • Reduce excess moisture by fix leaking pipes and fixtures both inside and outside your home.
      • Cut trees and shrubbery back away from the exterior walls of your house.
      • Remove old piles of wood, fallen trees, and trees stumps from your yard.
      • Use dehumidifiers to dry out basements and reduce the overall humidity level in your home.
      • Remove any wood from your home damaged by water.
      • Ventilate crawl spaces.
      • Pick up uneaten pet food each evening.
  • Confused Flour Beetles

    • What are confused flour beetles?
      A type of pantry pest, the confused flour beetle, is a common species that invade homes and businesses across North America. Females lay their eggs in flour or other loose food materials.

      Confused flour beetles are shiny reddish-brown and grow to be about 1/8th of an inch in length. They are often identified by their antennae that widen out from the base of their head. Their wings are covered with ridged wing covers. While winged, confused flour beetles do not fly.

      Confused flour beetle larvae are yellowish-white in color and have a thin worm-like appearance. Their larvae grow to between ? of an inch and ¼ of an inch in length.
    • Are confused flour beetles dangerous?
      The biggest threat that confused flour beetles pose to people is contaminating our food sources. Their saliva, excrement, and shed skin cause food to become contaminated. In addition, pantry items infested with confused flour beetle larvae will develop a bad odor and taste.
    • Why do I have a confused flour beetle problem?

      Unable to feed on whole kernels, confused flour beetles focus their attention on things like flour, cereals, cornmeal, seeds, dry pet food, and spices. They often find their way into our homes in products purchased from the store that are already infested with confused flour beetle eggs or their larvae.

      Adults may also find their way into your home on their own through spaces around windows and doors after being attracted by outdoor lights.

    • Where will I find confused flour beetles?
      Confused flour beetles are common invaders of food processing facilities, food storage facilities, grocery stores, restaurants, and our homes. They prefer to feed on dry goods with higher moisture content. Inside our homes, confused flour beetle infestations usually occur in areas of the home where food is stored- kitchens, pantries, basements, and other storage areas. Adults are often seen gathered around outdoor lights and window sills or flying around indoor light fixtures.
    • How do I get rid of confused flour beetles?

      Getting help from an Elizabeth City pest control expert is the best way to eliminate confused flour beetles and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing affordable, safe, and effective pest control services. We are a local, family-owned home pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding expectations. For home or business owners looking to eliminate pests from their property once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent confused flour beetles in the future?

      These pests are not just a nuisance; they pose potential health risks and contaminate our food. Avoid problems with confused flour beetles with the help of the following prevention tips.

      • Replace white outdoor lights with yellow lights or LED lights that are less attractive to insects.
      • Place weather-stripping around windows and doors.
      • Replace damaged screens.
      • If possible, don’t purchase dry goods from bulk bins.
      • Inspect food packaging for rips or tears before purchasing from the store.
      • Remove dry goods from their original containers and place them in containers with air-tight lids.
      • Regularly wipe out crumbs from pantries and cabinets.
  • Carpenter Bees

    • What are carpenter bees?

      Carpenter bees are a type of wood-destroying pests. These solitary bees are large, and their round, plump bodies make them resemble bumblebees. Adults grow to between 1/2 and 1-1/2 inches. They are mostly black, though some males may have white or yellow faces. The best way to distinguish between carpenter bees and bumblebees is that the abdomen of a bumblebee is covered in hair, while the abdomen of a carpenter bee is shiny and void of hair.

    • Are carpenter bees dangerous?

      The most significant danger that carpenter bees pose is the structural damage they cause. Females create entry holes about the width of their bodies into pieces of wood, then tunnel through the wood to create nesting galleries – damaging the structure of the wood in the process. This damage can be exacerbated by woodpeckers pecking around the nest entrance to feed on larvae. Like other species of stinging insects, carpenter bees possess venom that is strong enough to trigger allergic reactions in people. It is important to note that male carpenter bees lack a stinger, and female carpenter bees are very docile, making them a bit less of a threat than other stinging insects. However, you should still take caution around carpenter bees and any other stinging insects.

    • Why do I have a carpenter bees problem?
      If carpenter bees have taken up residence on your property, it's because it provides them a safe place near food sources to nest. Carpenter bees feed on pollen and nectar, and any property with flowers, trees, and other vegetation on it could become home to them. Trees and wooden structures act as nesting sites and also attract them to properties.
    • Where will I find carpenter bees?
      Carpenter bees are outdoor pests. While they will nest in wood on the exterior of your property, they don’t regularly move to indoor structures to nest. These pests are active during the day, flying around their nests and flowering plants. Female carpenter bees build their nests in pieces of wood – preferring unpainted, weathered woods. They also like to choose pieces of wood that are more than two inches thick. Softwoods like cedar and pine are carpenter bees’ favorite types of wood in which to build their nest. Fences, decks, outdoor furniture, wooden play structures, wood shingles, and roof eaves are all common carpenter bee nesting sites.
    • How do I get rid of carpenter bees?

      Professional pest control is the best way to eliminate pests and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our pest management professionals are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe and effective home pest control services that are affordable. We are a local, family-owned pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding their expectations. To eliminate pests from your home or business once and for all, contact Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent carpenter bees in the future?

      Prevent problems with carpenter bees in Elizabeth City, NC, and surrounding areas by combining our professional services with the following prevention tips:

      • Fix leaky hoses and clogged gutters to eliminate sources of water for carpenter bees.
      • Place metal flashing on the end of boards used to build wooden play structures.
      • Varnish, stain, or paint any wood used to build structures on your property.
      • Place metal flashing on the end of deck boards.
      • Repair any holes along your roofline.
      • Limit the amount of flowering vegetation planted on your property.
      • Remove fallen trees, tree stumps, and other excess wood from your property.
      • If possible, use hardwoods instead of softwoods to build on your home or business.
      • Use a caulking gun to repair any cracks or holes in exterior walls, wood trim, and wood shingles.
  • Carpet Beetles

    • What are common carpet beetles?
      Common carpet beetles are destructive pests that infest, feed on, and damage carpets, along with a whole host of other things. Museum specimens, rugs, carpets, wool, clothing, feathers, leather, and dry goods are also damaged by common carpet beetles. These oval-shaped beetles have black-colored scales covering their body or scales of multiple colors (brown, black, red, yellow), which create a mottled pattern. Their small, quarter-inch, brown, caterpillar-like larvae are covered in bristly hairs.
    • Are common carpet beetles dangerous?

      Common carpet beetles are not described as dangerous, but rather damaging. Females lay their eggs on clothing, blankets, carpets, upholstered furniture, dry goods, or any other appropriate source of food they discover.

      Common carpet beetle larvae can use many different things stored within our homes to feed and develop into adults. This makes controlling an infestation without professional help difficult.

    • Why do I have a common carpet beetle problem?
      Adult common carpet beetles feed on plant nectar from flowers and often live outside in gardens in close proximity to our homes. They often move into homes through cracks and openings found around doors and windows, searching for a safe place to lay their eggs. Common carpet beetle larvae also find their way into homes by hitchhiking in on items made from natural fibers, animal products, or dry goods.
    • Where will I find common carpet beetles?
      Outside adult common carpet beetles live in flower gardens, bird nests, or the nests of small animals. Inside they infest wasp nests, rodent nests, or dead insects that have built up behind a home’s walls. Common carpet larvae live and breed in pantries, closets, basements, or other storage areas.
    • How do I get rid of common carpet beetles?

      Acquiring help from a professional pest control expert is the best way to eliminate common carpet beetles and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing affordable, safe, and effective home pest control services. We are a local, family-owned Elizabeth City pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding expectations. For home or business owners looking to eliminate pests once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent common carpet beetles in the future?

      Common carpet beetles are not just a nuisance; they pose potential health risks and are capable of damaging property. Avoid problems with common carpet beetles with the help of the following prevention tips.

      • Keep adult common carpet beetles out of your home by repairing loose screens and sealing cracks in exterior walls and spaces around windows and doors.
      • Inspect flowers or other plants that were outside before bringing them inside.
      • Store dry goods in glass or plastic containers with airtight lids.
      • Vacuum carpets and upholstery.
      • Store blankets, clothing, and other fabric items in airtight plastic containers instead of cardboard boxes.
      • Before storing away clothes, blankets, and other fabric items, make sure to wash them.
      • Make sure clothing and bedding in your home are regularly washed.
  • Cellar Spiders

    • What are cellar spiders?

      Cellar spiders are a common invader of homes and other buildings. They live throughout the United States. Their appearance often causes people to confuse cellar spiders with daddy long legs. But daddy long legs, are not true spiders, while cellar spiders are a true species of spider.

      Cellar spiders have a small body, cylindrical abdomen, and distinctive long, skinny legs. They range in color from pale yellow, tan, and gray to light brown.

    • Are cellar spiders dangerous?
      Cellar spiders are nuisance spiders. They are not known to bite people. If a bite did occur, their venom is not strong enough to cause us health problems. Having these eight-legged creatures living in our homes is more annoying than dangerous. Cellar spiders continuously build unsightly webs and, once living inside a home or other structures, are difficult to get rid of.
    • Why do I have a cellar spider problem?
      Cellar spiders are most active in yards and homes which provide them with suitable living conditions and plenty of food (insects and spiders). In addition to following their prey inside, cellar spiders move inside homes and other buildings when their environment outside becomes too hot and dry. Cellar spiders thrive in areas of high humidity.
    • Where will I find cellar spiders?

      Outside, cellar spiders live and build their loose, irregularly shaped webs in caves, rock piles, woodpiles, and under decks. They are also seen gathering around outdoor lights, which many pests find attractive.

      Cellar spiders that have found their way inside take up residence in damp dark areas like basements, crawl spaces, laundry rooms, bathrooms, and storage areas. Cellar spiders are those spiders that you see hanging upside down in their webs, waiting for prey to come along.

    • How do I get rid of cellar spiders?

      To get rid of cellar spiders and keep them from returning, your best bet is to get help from a professional pest control expert. The technicians at Albemarle Termite & Pest Control are highly trained and dedicated to exceeding customer expectations. As a local and family-owned business, we can provide safe and effective pest control services in Elizabeth City at an affordable price. If you want to eliminate cellar spiders or other pests from your property, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent cellar spiders in the future?

      You can avoid problems with cellar spiders and many other nuisance pests with the help of the following prevention tips.

      • Keep storage areas clutter-free and organized.
      • Use dehumidifiers to keep humidity levels in your home low and the basements dry.
      • Ventilate crawl spaces.
      • Seal entry points in the foundation, exterior walls, and roofline of your home.
      • Repair damaged screens.
      • Replace white outdoor lights with yellow lights or LED lights that are less attractive to insects and spiders.
      • Keep outdoor lights off whenever possible.
  • Centipedes

    • What are centipedes?
      Centipedes are yellowish to dark brown in color, and some may have dark stripes or other markings on the body. This arthropod has a flattened, elongated shape and worm-like appearance. Each body segment has one pair of legs, and most species, depending on their size, have between 15 and 177 legs. Centipedes have long antennae covered in dense hair that helps them locate prey. Their first pairs of limbs end in sharp claws and contain venom glands. They inject venom into prey to paralyze and subdue it. The centipede’s less-than-cuddly appearance and quick movements cause these pests to startle or scare people—making them an unwanted houseguests.
    • Are centipedes dangerous?
      Centipedes are nuisance pests that are annoying to deal with and difficult to control and eliminate. Centipedes do have venom that they can inject into a person if a bite does occur; however, the bite causes no more than temporary pain and no lasting effects. While bites are rare, it is probably best not to handle these leggy creatures.
    • Why do I have a centipede problem?
      Centipedes are a species that usually live outdoors, feeding on a variety of nuisance insects like spiders and other arthropods during overnight hours. During the day, they hide in damp, dark areas that are often close to homes and other structures. Centipedes move inside during periods of extreme weather, getting in through openings in the foundation, through drains, or under basement doors. Once inside, they look for dark, damp areas that mimic their outdoor environment.
    • Where will I find centipedes?
      Centipedes living outside do so in protected damp areas like under landscaping ties, logs, rocks, and woodpiles. Inside buildings, they also choose damp, protected areas like under sinks or inside cabinets located in basements, kitchens, or bathrooms.
    • How do I get rid of centipedes?

      Acquiring help from a professional pest control expert is the best way to eliminate centipedes and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe and effective home pest control services that are affordable. We are a local, family-owned pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding expectations. For home or business owners looking to eliminate pests from their property once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent centipedes in the future?

      Pests are not just a nuisance; they pose potential health threats and are capable of damaging property. Avoid problems with centipedes with the help of the following prevention tips.

      • Check the foundation of your home and caulk any openings you find.
      • Place door sweeps on all exterior doors.
      • Cut back overgrown grass or vegetation from your foundation and exterior walls.
      • Place a crushed rock or stone barrier between any soil or mulch and your foundation.
      • Get rid of excess piles of organic debris from your yard.
      • Make sure gutters are clear and directing water away from your foundation.
      • Inside, reduce humidity levels by utilizing dehumidifiers or air-conditioners.
      • Fix leaky pipes and faucets.
      • Place a mesh cover over drain openings.

      Reach out to us today for pest control in Elizabeth City that you can rely on!

  • Cicada Killer Wasps

    • What are cicada killer wasps?
      A large wasp whose name has the ability to strike fear, the cicada killer wasp is relatively well-mannered. This species of wasp is solitary, and the female makes its nest in an underground burrow. Adults grow to between 1 ½ and 2 inches in length and have a red and black body with a yellow band around their abdomen. Their head is reddish-brown, and their wings are heavily veined. Cicada killer wasps look very similar to large yellow jackets.
    • Are cicada killer wasps dangerous?

      Despite being a type of stinging insect, cicada killers pose little threats to people. Males do not have a stinger, and while females do, they are very docile and rarely sting people. Still, it is important to be careful around these pests because their venom is strong enough to cause reactions in those allergic to them. Accidentally stepping on one of these ground nesters is one of the main reasons stings occur.

      Their “killer” name comes from the fact that females sting cicada bugs and other insects in order to feed their larvae.

    • Why do I have a cicada killer wasp problem?

      Several things attract cicada killer wasps to a property:

      • Sandy soil, window boxes, and lawns with bare spots
      • A lot of insects activity
      • Properties with lots of trees, plants, and landscaping
    • Where will I find cicada killer wasps?
      After mating in the late spring and early summer, the female creates a burrow in the soil, making individual chambers in which to place her eggs. Cicada killers build their nest around play structures, in sandy areas, and along the edges of foundations and sidewalks. They are also attracted to lawns with bare spots of dirt in them.
    • How do I get rid of cicada killer wasps?

      Acquiring help from a professional home pest control expert is the best way to eliminate cicada killer wasps and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe and effective pest control services in Elizabeth City that are affordable. We are a local, family-owned pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding expectations.

      For home or business owners looking to eliminate pests from their property once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent cicada killer wasps in the future?

      \To help protect your North Carolina property from cicada killer wasps, consider putting into place the following prevention measures.

      • Make sure your lawn is healthy, dense, and free of bare areas of dirt.
      • If bare areas are present in your lawn, seed them.
      • Limit the number of flowering trees and plants you have planted on your property.
  • Cigarette Beetles

    • What are cigarette beetles?
      A type of stored product pest, cigarette beetles feed on dried tobacco as well as a wide variety of dried food products. These beetles are oval in shape, and their head is bent at a downward angle- this makes them appear humpbacked. They have serrated antennae and wings. The larvae of the cigarette beetle are worm-like and are a creamy white color.
    • Are cigarette beetles dangerous?
      The biggest concern with cigarette beetles is the damage and contamination they cause to items inside of homes and businesses they have decided to invade. These beetles are not known for spreading pathogens that make people sick, but are a nuisance and should be eliminated by a professional as soon as they are discovered.
    • Why do I have a cigarette beetle problem?

      As their name suggests, cigarette beetles have the potential to be anywhere tobacco and other stored products are kept.

      Adults may find their way inside on their own through spaces around windows and doors. Once inside, they lay their eggs in dry goods. After the larva hatch, they begin feeding on the dry goods they were laid on.

      They are regularly introduced inside of homes from products purchased from the store that are already infested with their eggs or larvae.

    • Where will I find cigarette beetles?

      Cigarette beetles prefer temperatures that are over 65 degrees and dark, low-lit areas. They hide out in dark crevices and less traveled areas, making discovering their presence difficult. Their ability to hide out of sight allows infestations to develop and makes eliminating them tricky.

      Inside homes, grocery stores, drug stores, restaurants, and food processing plants, larvae feed on a variety of things, including grains, dry pasta, seeds, dried fruit, and dry rice. They also infest and feed on the stuffing in upholstered furniture and dried flowers.

    • How do I get rid of cigarette beetles?

      Acquiring help from a professional pest control expert is the best way to eliminate cigarette beetles and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe and effective home pest control services that are affordable. We are a local, family-owned Elizabeth City pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding expectations.

      For home or business owners looking to eliminate pests from their property once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent cigarette beetles in the future?

      To help protect your North Carolina property from cigarette beetles, consider putting into place the following prevention measures.

      To help prevent adults from moving into your home, seal cracks and crevices around windows and doors. Make sure screens are intact.
      Don’t buy dry goods from the store that have holes or tears in the packaging.
      Store all your dry goods in airtight containers instead of their original packaging.
      Regularly inspect the pantry, getting rid of older or expired items.

  • Clover Mites

    • What are clover mites?

      A type of plant feeder, clover mites often find their way into homes and other structures. They are tiny mites that are able to move inside through the tiniest of cracks and crevices. These pinhead-sized arachnids have an oval-shaped body that is usually reddish-brown. Depending on their species and diet, clover mites may also be brown, yellow, or green.

      Adult clover mite adults have eight legs. Under a microscope, you can see that their front two legs are much larger than the rest of their legs.

    • Are clover mites dangerous?

      Clover mites are landscape pests that use their specialized mouthparts to feed on the juices of clover, grasses, and other lawn plants. Though they can invade outdoor spaces in large numbers, they rarely are able to cause significant damage to grass and landscape plants.

      The main concern with clover mites is their ability to move inside of homes and other structures in large numbers. Their tiny size allows them to take advantage of the smallest cracks and crevices in foundations and spaces under exterior doors. Once inside, they are easily crushed and leave behind red stains on floors, carpets, curtains, and upholstered furniture.

    • Why do I have a clover mite problem?
      Clover mites become most problematic for people in the spring. This season is the time of year when clover mites hatch and emerge from where their overwintering hiding spots. Their overwintering spots are often the soil located next to the foundations of buildings. After hatching, the warm sunny side of buildings provides young clover mites with the warmth they are seeking. As the clover mites gather and move along the exterior of structures, they move inside through any spaces they discover.
    • Where will I find clover mites?
      Clover mites live outside in areas that are close to our homes which is why they so easily invade them. Adult clover mites gather in grassy areas like our yards, parks, golf courses, and athletic fields. Clover mites overwinter as eggs behind trees bark and in the soil next to foundations, sidewalks, and driveways.
    • How do I get rid of clover mites?

      The best way to avoid problems with clover mites and other pests is to seek the help of a professional pest control expert. The technicians at Albemarle Termite & Pest Control are dedicated to providing safe, affordable, and effective pest control for all sorts of home pest control problems. We can eliminate existing infestations and help you to prevent future invasions. If you are looking forward to a pest-free home, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent clover mites in the future?

      Keep these and other pests off your property with the help of the following prevention tips.

      • Create an 18-20 inch barrier between any soil and your home’s foundation.
      • Keep grass cut short and away from your home’s foundation.
      • Cut weeds and overgrown vegetation away from your home’s walls.
      • Inspect your home’s foundation and exterior walls sealing any openings discovered.
      • Place door sweeps on exterior doors.
  • Cluster Flies

    • What are cluster flies?

      The cluster fly is a common household pest. Cluster flies look similar to house flies but are larger and lack their metallic appearance. The adults grow to between ¼ and ½ an inch in length, and their bodies are gray and covered in goldish-yellow hairs. Some of these flies may also have darker black markings on their bodies.

      Unlike many species of flies, cluster flies don’t feed on or lay their eggs in decaying matter. They feed on pollen and lay their eggs in earthworms.

    • Are cluster flies dangerous?
      Compared to other species of flies, cluster flies are mainly nuisance pests. They don’t spread diseases like filth flies and don’t bite or sting people. Despite not being a dangerous pest, keeping cluster flies out of your house is important. They tend to enter in large numbers and, once inside, are difficult to eliminate. Also, when squished, they give off an unpleasant odor and leave behind grease spots.
    • Why do I have a cluster fly problem?
      When the weather cools in the late fall, cluster flies look for sheltered areas to overwinter in, often choosing our homes and businesses. They move inside structures through cracks and other small openings in exterior walls. Once inside, they gather or “cluster” together in spaces behind walls and attics. When the weather warms up in the spring, they move back outside to continue their life cycle.
    • Where will I find cluster flies?

      Cluster flies can become a problem in houses, barns, garages, and other structures. When the weather is cold, these flies remain hidden behind walls and above ceilings. However, on warm sunny days, it is common for these flies to emerge from their overwintering spots and gather around windows and doors.

      In addition to overwintering inside, cluster flies also overwinter outside in underground tunnels created by other insects or behind tree bark.

    • How do I get rid of cluster flies?

      Acquiring help from a professional pest control expert is the best way to eliminate cluster flies and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe and effective pest control services in Elizabeth City that are affordable. We are a local, family-owned pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding expectations.

      For home or business owners looking to eliminate pests from their property once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent cluster flies in the future?

      To help protect your North Carolina property from cluster flies, consider putting into place the following prevention measures.

      • Repair torn or loose screens.
      • Place weatherstripping around windows and doors.
      • Seal up cracks in the foundation and exterior walls of your home.
      • Cover vents with wire mesh.
      • Repair or replace any loose or missing roof shingles.
      • Place a tight-fitting cap on your home’s chimney.
      • Repair or replace loose or missing roof shingles and holes along the roofline.
  • Cockroaches

    • What are cockroaches?

      Cockroaches are ancient insects and there are about 70 species living throughout the United States. Their exact coloring varies by species but most are black or reddish-brown. They have flat, oval-shaped bodies, six spiny legs, and two antennae that are the same length or longer than their bodies; some species may also have wings. Cockroaches living outside and away from people are incredibly beneficial, helping to break down decaying organic matter. It is only those cockroaches living near people that are a problem.

      The most common species of cockroaches to invade homes and businesses in our areas of North Carolina and Virginia are listed below.

    • Are cockroaches dangerous?
      Cockroaches are insects that invade properties in large numbers, and they are more than just a nuisance – they are also destructive and dangerous. Cockroaches secrete a substance that produces a bad odor and stains surfaces such as fabrics and paper products. The presence of cockroaches in any home or business also means contamination of food, food prep areas, and other surfaces with dangerous bacteria, human pathogens, and parasites. Additionally, because cockroaches live together in large groups, the buildup of their excrement and shed skin triggers allergic reactions and asthma attacks in some people, particularly young children.
    • Why do I have a cockroach problem?
      Cockroaches often live outside near the exterior of homes and businesses, allowing them to find their way indoors while foraging for food. They will also move inside during periods of very dry, hot weather, as most species have high moisture needs. Cracks in the foundation, gaps around windows and doors, and spaces around air conditioners and drains are all common entry points for cockroaches. Additionally, people often accidentally introduce these pests in boxes, potted plants, or used appliances.
    • Where will I find cockroaches?
      Cockroaches live in a variety of locations, including behind tree bark, in compost piles, gardens, sewers, under mulch, and around trash receptacles. Inside, most cockroaches seek dark, damp nesting locations such as behind appliances, in drawers, under cabinets, and around pipes and drains. The exception is the brown-banded cockroach; they prefer dark, dry, hot locations and nest in attics or the upper parts of cabinets. Cockroaches also frequent the exterior of buildings after being attracted by outdoor lighting.
    • How do I get rid of cockroaches?

      Professional pest control is the best way to eliminate pests and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our pest management professionals are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe and effective home pest control services that are affordable. We are a local, family-owned pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding their expectations. To eliminate pests from your home or business once and for all, contact Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent cockroaches?

      Prevent problems with cockroaches in Elizabeth City, NC, and surrounding areas by combining our professional services with the following prevention tips:

      • Inspect boxes, packages, and potted plants for cockroaches before bringing them inside.
      • Make sure outdoor trash cans and compost bins have locking lids.
      • Dry out basements and crawl spaces using dehumidifiers.
      • Fix leaky pipes and fixtures, and ventilate crawlspaces.
      • Replace torn window or door screens.
      • Keep outdoor eating areas free of food debris.
      • Do not leave food out in the open on counters or tables.
      • Regularly clean out and wipe down the pantry and food storage areas.
      • Inspect the exterior of your home or business, fixing any cracks or openings.
      • Replace white outdoor light bulbs with yellow or LED lights that are less attractive to insects like cockroaches.
  • Daddy Long Legs

    • What are daddy long legs?

      The daddy long legs, leggy appearance makes them seem like they would be a spider, but they are not true spiders, nor are they true insects! Daddy long legs are part of the family Phalangiidae.

      Daddy long legs are easily identified by their eight thin, long legs. Their two eyes provide them with very poor vision. Like spiders, daddy longs have two body segments, but they are fused together, creating a single large, oval-shaped body. Daddy long legs have fang-like mouthparts that they use not to inject venom but to hold onto their prey as they feed.

    • Are daddy long legs dangerous?
      There is a myth that daddy long legs are one of the most venomous creatures living in our country, but their fangs are too small to inject us with their venom. There is absolutely no truth to this myth! Not being a true spider means that they lack venom glands and are not a threat to people. Daddy long legs are beneficial pests as they feed on a variety of insects, helping to control their populations.
    • Why do I have a daddy long leg problem?
      Daddy long legs are highest in numbers and most problematic for people in the late summer and fall. Excess moisture from leaky pipes, fixtures, or areas of standing water attracts these pests to properties. They will also move inside if the weather outside becomes too hot or dry. Daddy long legs often move inside through open windows and doors, spaces under doors, or torn screens.
    • Where will I find daddy long legs?

      Daddy long legs rest during the day and become active at night hunting for insects. They are not able to produce silk and do not build webs. Outside, they hide on or under trees, rocks, logs, stumps, leaf piles, and overgrown shrubs and bushes. Those that have moved inside usually choose humid, dark, quiet areas to live such as basements, bathrooms, crawl spaces, laundry rooms, and garages.

    • How do I get rid of daddy long legs?

      Professional home pest control is a great option when working on getting rid of daddy long legs and other pests. Albemarle Termite & Pest Control technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe, affordable, and effective pest control services in Elizabeth City. Our family-owned pest control company is known for putting customers first and exceeding expectations. If you want to eliminate pests from your property once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent daddy long legs in the future?

      Avoid problems with daddy long legs with the help of the following prevention tips.

      • Remove fallen trees, tree stumps, and leaf piles from your yard.
      • Cut overgrown vegetation away from your home’s exterior.
      • Seal cracks and crevices in your home’s exterior walls or foundation.
      • Repair torn or loose screens.
      • Remove areas of standing water from your property.
      • Fix leaky pipes or fixtures.
  • Drain Flies

    • What are drain flies?

      The drain fly is a small species of fly and is sometimes confused with small moths because of their appearance. Their body is black or gray, and their wings are covered in fuzzy hairs. When at rest, the wings of the drain fly fold over their body in a roof-like manner. In addition to their fuzzy wings, drain flies have an erratic flight pattern, which helps to identify them. Drain flies are weak fliers and are only able to fly short distances.

    • Are drain flies dangerous?
      Drain flies flying and gathering around drains are a big annoyance for either home or business owners. Drain flies don’t pose direct risks to people. The biggest problem with drain flies is they breed quickly and in the right conditions create large populations that are difficult to control. Drain flies that become squished leave behind black powdery marks on walls and other surfaces.
    • Why do I have a drain fly problem?
      Drain flies are attracted to areas of standing water as they like to lay their eggs on the film that builds up on the top of standing water. Clogged drains, leaky pipes, and other water issues will create areas of standing water and attract drain flies to a property.
    • Where will I find drain flies?
      Drain flies are most problematic around drains where moist organic debris collects. They gather in drains located in kitchens, basements, bathrooms, and sewer areas. The female flies lay their eggs in moist debris, and once the larvae hatch, they feed on that same debris. Drain flies can also become problematic behind wall spaces, inside crawl spaces, or behind refrigerators where leaky pipes or other moisture issues are present.
    • How do I get rid of drain flies?

      Acquiring help from a professional pest control expert is the best way to eliminate drain flies and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe and effective pest control services that are affordable. We are a local pest control company in Elizabeth City whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding expectations.

      For home or business owners looking to eliminate pests from their property once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent drain flies in the future?

      To help protect your North Carolina property from drain flies, consider putting into place the following fly prevention measures.

      • In your home, repair leaky pipes, faucets, or fixtures.
      • Keep tub and sink drains free of debris. 
      • Use dehumidifiers to control moisture levels in your home.
      • Ventilate crawl spaces to prevent excess moisture.
      • Place weatherstripping around windows and doors.
      • Make sure the door and window screens are intact.
  • Drug Store Beetles

    • What are drug store beetles?

      Drug store beetles are a type of stored pantry pest, they received their name from their habit of feeding on prescription drugs. In addition to prescription drugs, drug store beetles also eat a variety of both food and non-food items, including flour, spices, cereals, dry pet food, books, wool, leather, horns, and museum specimens. They are not picky eaters and will feed on almost anything they come across.

      Adult drugstore beetles have an oval body shape and are a brownish-red color. They grow to about 1/8th of an inch in length and have six short legs. Drugstore beetles have a smooth antenna that ends in a three-segmented club. They have striated wing covers covered in longitudinal rows of fine hairs. Drug store beetles have a head that is bent at an angle, giving them somewhat of a humpbacked appearance. Their larvae are small, white grubs and are covered in short hairs.

    • Are drug store beetles dangerous?

      Drug store beetles feed on and contaminates food sources and damage personal property, making them a damaging and unwelcome pest.

      Like other species of stored pantry pests, it is not the adults that cause the damage, but their developing larva. Larva contaminates or causes damage to whatever food source they were placed in. After hatching the larvae feed until it becomes time for them to pupate and emerge as an adult.

    • Why do I have a drug store beetle problem?

      The most common way that drug store beetles find their way into your home and become a problem is through infested items purchased from a store. This could mean anything from cereal from the grocery store to a wool blanket from the thrift store.

      Adults searching for food sources to lay their eggs can also enter homes through open windows, torn screens, or openings they discover around windows and doors.

    • Where will I find drug store beetles?

      Drug store beetles live most successfully in warmer regions or inside heated buildings. Inside, adult drug store beetles rest on walls, window sills, or on pantries and cabinets. Their larvae or eggs live in whatever food source they were placed in.

      Because of their varied diets drug store, beetles live in multiple areas of a home (kitchens, pantries, bathrooms, and basements). Besides our homes, drug store beetles live in many places including museums, drug stores, grocery stores, restaurants, and food processing facilities.

    • How do I get rid of drug store beetles?

      Getting help from a professional Elizabeth City pest control expert is the best way to eliminate drug store beetles and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing affordable, safe, and effective home pest control services. We are a local, family-owned pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding expectations. For home or business owners looking to eliminate pests once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent drug store beetles in the future?

      Pests are not just a nuisance; they pose potential health risks and are capable of damaging property. Avoid problems with drug store beetles with the help of the following prevention tips.

      • Inspect food packaging for holes or rips before purchasing.
      • Remove dry goods from their original packaging and place them in glass or plastic containers with air-tight lids.
      • Don't mix dry goods from one container to another.
      • Rotate dry goods in the pantry, getting rid of old or expired items.
      • Wipe away crumbs that develop on the shelves of pantries or kitchen cabinets.
      • Store items made of wool, fur, or leather in plastic containers with locking lids, not in cardboard boxes that are easily accessed by drug store beetles.
      • Place weather-stripping around windows and doors.
      • Repair torn screens.
  • Earwigs

    • What are earwigs?
      Earwigs are a dark brown to reddish-brown color with a long slender body flattened from top to bottom. They are a type of insect and occasional invader, meaning they spend most of their time outside, only occasionally finding their way inside to seek shelter. Earwigs are well-known for the appendages (cerci) that extend off of their abdomen, resembling forceps. They use these appendages as a means of defense against other earwigs and other insects.
    • Are earwigs dangerous?

      Earwigs are not dangerous pests though legend has it that they crawl into the ears of sleeping people. The good news is that they do not crawl into the ears of people and pose no physical danger to people.

      Earwigs are a type of nuisance and garden pest. Only an extensive infestation of earwigs will cause damage to plants. Earwigs living inside homes will contaminate pantry items such as flour, cereals, and other dry goods with their saliva and excrement, making them inedible.

    • Why do I have a earwig problem?
      Earwigs have become a problem on your property because it is offering plenty of damp, dark areas to live and nest in. They usually move inside to escape harsh weather conditions. They will come in through cracks in the foundation and under basement doors. These insects are also accidentally brought into homes in cardboard boxes, in newspapers, in potted plants, or other objects that were once outside.
    • Where will I find earwigs?
      Earwigs hide in areas that tend to be close to the foundation of homes and other buildings, which is why they so often find their way indoors. Usual hiding spots include under mulch, landscaping ties, trash cans, compost piles, and leaf and woodpiles. Inside you'll find them in basements, bathrooms, crawl spaces, and laundry rooms.
    • How do I get rid of earwigs?

      Acquiring help from a professional home pest control expert is the best way to eliminate earwigs and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe and effective pest control services in Elizabeth City that are affordable. We are a local, family-owned pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding expectations. For home or business owners looking to eliminate pests from their property once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent earwigs in the future?

      Pests are not just a nuisance; they pose potential health threats and are capable of damaging property.

      • Avoid problems with earwigs with the help of the following prevention tips.
      • Seal up spaces in your exterior walls and foundation.
      • Place door sweeps on exterior doors, paying particular attention to basement doors.
      • Reduce excess moisture in or around your home.
      • Cut back overgrown vegetation from the outside of your home to help dry out the soil around your foundation.
      • Maintain a crushed rock barrier between any soil and mulch and your foundation.
      • Store all dry goods in plastic or glass containers with air-tight containers.
      • Inspect items like potted plants and outdoor furniture for earwigs before bringing them inside.
  • European Hornets

    • What are European hornets?

      The only “true” species of hornet living in the U.S. is the European hornet. They are large-sized insects with brown bodies, yellow or orangish abdominal stripes, and paler-colored faces. Adults grow to between ¾ to 1 ½ inches in length. Like other species of stinging insects, when living outside and away from people, European hornets are beneficial. They hunt insects to feed their young, which helps to control nuisance insect populations. European hornets also feed on sweet things like tree sap, honeydew, and overripe fruits that have fallen to the ground.

    • Are European hornets dangerous?
      Though their large size and intimidating appearance make these hornets seem dangerous, the truth is they are not overly aggressive. European hornets usually leave people alone. In the event that a sting does occur, their venom is strong enough to trigger a reaction in those who are allergic. These hornets have smooth stingers and are capable of stinging a victim repeatedly. European hornets can also cause damage to trees as they peel away the tree’s bark to gain access to the sweet sap inside.
    • Why do I have a European hornet problem?
      European hornets choose properties to invade that provide them with suitable areas to build their nests and forage for food. The more sources of food available, the greater the chance that European hornets will choose a property for nesting and/or foraging. Gardens, fruit trees, wooded areas, and overgrown vegetation provide European hornets with ample sources of insects and sweet food.
    • Where will I find European hornets?
      Unlike most species of stinging insects that are active only during the day, European hornets are also active at night. They are often seen gathering around outdoor lights at night, hunting insects attracted to the light. European hornets are aerial nesters, preferring to nest at least six feet up off of the ground. They cover their nests in a chewed-up material they create from cellulose found in tree bark and decaying wood. Tree hollows, rafters in barns or garages, walls voids, and attic spaces are common nesting spots for European hornets.
    • How do I get rid of European hornets?

      The best way to eliminate European hornets is with help from Albemarle Termite & Pest Control. Our technicians are highly trained and provide safe, effective, and affordable home pest control. Our local, family-owned company puts customers first and works to exceed expectations at every turn. If you are looking to eliminate pests from your property once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent European hornets in the future?

      Avoid problems with European hornets with the help of the following prevention tips.

      • If there are fruit trees on your property, pick up fruits that have fallen to the ground.
      • Limit the amount of flowering vegetation planted on your property.
      • Place gardens away from the outside of your home.
      • Remove standing water from your property.
      • Replace white outdoor lightbulbs with yellow or LED bulbs, which are less attractive to insects.
      • Keep outdoor lights turned off when possible.
      • Seal spaces in the exterior walls and foundation of your home.
      • Place caps on chimneys.
      • Repair openings under roof eaves.

      If you are still seeing European hornets, reach out today to get started on our stinging insect control services.

  • Fabric And Paper Pests

    • What are fabric & paper pests?

      Fabric and paper pests are a group of insects that feed on things containing animal products, cellulose, fungi, or mold. These pests are typically described as destructive and are common invaders in properties, often damaging objects such as books, clothing, papers, rugs, wallpaper, and stored food products.

      Some of the most common types of fabric and paper pests we come into contact with regularly in North Carolina and Virginia are listed below.

      • Beetles - Black carpet beetles, common carpet beetles, and varied carpet beetles feed on and damage products containing keratin such as animal fur, feathers, silk, wool, human hair, and leather. They also feed on and contaminate cereals, grains, and some synthetic fabrics.
      • Booklice - Booklice, also known as barklice, feed on fungi and mold. You’ll often find them in books, on wallpaper, or in cardboard storage boxes stored in areas with high humidity.
      • Firebrats & Silverfish - Firebrats and silverfish have specialized enzymes they use to digest cellulose. They feed on and damage things like stored foods, wallpaper, book bindings, and clothing.
      • Webbing Clothes Moths -Webbing clothes moths are a common species of fabric pests that feed on and damage fabrics, furs, and feathered items.
    • Are fabric & paper pests dangerous?
      Fabric and paper pests pose no significant danger to people. The most common threat when it comes to fabrics and paper pests is the damage they cause to your personal property. Carpet beetles are often confused with bed bugs; when their bristle-covered larvae come into contact with skin, a rash may develop that looks similar to a bed bug bite.
    • Why do I have a fabric & paper pest problem?
      Most fabric and paper pests are attracted to areas of moisture, and properties with high humidity levels are places where fabric and paper pests thrive. Adults, attracted to outdoor lighting, enter properties on their own through spaces in exterior walls or areas around doors and windows. These pests also enter homes and businesses in clothing, furniture, potted plants, rugs, and in stored food packages already infested with eggs or larvae.
    • Where will I find fabric & paper pests?
      You will find fabric and paper pests in dark, damp, and quiet areas or wherever food is present. Basements, bedrooms, closets, and kitchen are common places where you will find these destructive pests. They are also found on the floor or around baseboards, beneath upholstered furniture, on bookshelves, and under carpets. Since fabric and paper pests tend to hide, their populations and the amount of damage they create can become quite significant before you even know they’re there.
    • How do I get rid of fabric & paper pests?

      Professional pest control is the best way to eliminate pests and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our pest management professionals are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe and effective services that are affordable. We are a local, family-owned pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding their expectations. To eliminate pests from your home or business once and for all, contact Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent fabric & paper pests in the future?

      Prevent problems with fabric and paper pests in Elizabeth City, NC and surrounding areas by combining our professional services with the following prevention tips:

      • Remove dry goods from their original packaging and store them inside containers with airtight lids.
      • Use a caulking gun to repair any cracks or holes in exterior walls.
      • Regularly vacuum and dust your home.
      • Ventilate all of your crawlspaces.
      • Dry out the basement with the help of a dehumidifier.
      • Store all paper and fabric items in a plastic container with tight-fitting lids instead of in cardboard boxes.
  • Fire Ants

    • What are fire ants?
      Fire ants are an aggressive species of ant that is capable of delivering multiple, painful, burning stings. These small ants are a reddish-brown to reddish-black color. Fire ants have strong mandibles they use to hold onto the skin of their victims then use the stinger extending from their backend to deliver venom, paralyzing their prey. You can identify fire ants by their distinctive nesting mounds that have a flattened and irregular shape. They are usually 2-4 feet in size and located in wide-open areas.
    • Are fire ants dangerous?

      Fire ants are extremely dangerous. They will attack any person or animal that comes too close to their nesting mound. Since fire ants attack in a group, they can deliver a large amount of venom to the person or animal they attack. Their venom is strong enough to trigger allergic reactions and, in some people, life-threatening anaphylaxis.

      Along with the health threats associated with fire ants, they cause damage to farm crops, garden plants, and young plants. They are drawn to electrical equipment and cause damage to air-conditioners, farm equipment, and circuit breakers.

    • Why do I have a fire ant problem?

      Like other species of ants, fire ants look for properties that offer them suitable food sources and nesting spots. Unfortunately, fire ants prefer to nest in open sunny areas, making residential yards, parks, and athletic fields the perfect places for these dangerous ants. Fire ants are omnivores and have varied diets. Trash cans, gardens, and compost piles all are places where these ants gather food for their colonies.

      While fire ants will make their way onto any property on their own, they also sometimes hitchhike their way into a yard in new sod, trees, flowers, and plants purchased from a plant nursery or retail garden store.

    • Where will I find fire ants?
      Fire ants seek out open sunny locations to build their nests. They do not like to live in shady or wooded areas. Along with placing their nests in the middle of open grassy areas, they build them in the soil near foundations, along fence lines, and along rivers, ponds, and streams. Fire ants are not usually indoor pests, but those that place their nests close to a home or other building may find their way inside through spaces around air-conditioning units or cracks in the foundation.
    • How do I get rid of fire ants?

      Acquiring help from a professional pest control expert is the best way to eliminate fire ants and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe and effective home pest control services that are affordable. We are a local, family-owned pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding expectations. For home or business owners looking to eliminate pests from their property once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent fire ants in the future?

      Fire ants are not just a nuisance; they pose potential health risks and are capable of damaging property.

      • Avoid problems with fire ants with the help of the following prevention tips. 
      • Use a caulking gun to seal spaces in the foundation or exterior walls of your house.
      • Place door sweeps on exterior doors.
      • Place tight-fitting lids on outdoor trash cans or compost bins.
      • Do not overwater your lawn.
      • Place a stone barrier between any soil and your foundation.
      • Do not delay seeking help against these dangerous pests. Contact Albemarle Termite & Pest Control.
  • Firebrats

    • What are firebrats?
      Belonging to the order Thysanura, firebrats are related to silverfish and are common home invaders. Firebrats are often called bristletails because they have three tail-like appendages that extend off of their last body segment. Adults grow to about ¾ of an inch in length and are wingless. They have antennae that grow longer than their body. The firebrat’s body is grayish-brown and is covered in tufts of brown scales- giving them a mottled appearance. As their name suggests, firebrats, thrive in temperatures above 90 degrees.
    • Are firebrats dangerous?

      Mainly considered nuisance pests, firebrats pose no significant health risks to people. They also do not bite or sting. However, their presence inside your home should never be dismissed. They will feed on and damage things like upholstery, clothing, book bindings, wallpaper, and envelopes. They also feed on and contaminate pantry items like flour and cereal.

    • Why do I have a firebrat problem?

      Areas of moisture attract firebrats, and it's important to get professional moisture control if you have moisture issues on your property. They are often found living outside in damp areas near our homes. They hide under things like woodpiles, mulch, and landscaping ties.

      These pests often find their way inside while searching for food or while seeking more suitable living conditions. Damp areas around leaky roofs, sinks, or drains attract them to homes and other structures.

      They may also be introduced inside of things like cardboard boxes, appliances, and furniture.

    • Where will I find firebrats?

      Firebrats thrive in very hot temperatures. Inside, they live around ovens, hot water pipes, baseboard heaters, and in attics and crawl spaces.

      Their high-temperature requirements make them common pests inside of homes, bakeries, restaurants, and other structures with commercial kitchens.

    • How do I get rid of firebrats?

      Acquiring help from a professional pest control expert in Elizabeth City is the best way to eliminate firebrats and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe and effective home pest control services that are affordable. We are a local, family-owned pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding expectations. For home or business owners looking to eliminate pests from their property once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent firebrats?

      To help protect your North Carolina property from firebrats, consider putting into place the following prevention measures.

      • Leave a crushed stone barrier between any much or soil and the foundation.
      • Seal up cracks and crevices in the foundation of your home.
      • Place door sweeps on exterior doors.
      • Fix leaky pipes and fixtures in and around your home.
      • Install air conditioners to reduce the temperature and humidity levels in your home.
      • Make sure to ventilate your crawl spaces adequately.
      • Use plastic storage containers with locking lids instead of cardboard boxes to store items in your home.
      • Inspect boxes, packages, appliances, and furniture for firebrats before bringing the items into your home. 

      If you still see firebrats even with implementing a few prevention techniques, reach out to us at Albemarle for help and to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in North Carolina.

  • Fleas

    • What are fleas?

      Fleas are tiny parasites about the size of a speck of dirt. Their hard body is reddish-brown and wingless. Fleas have powerful back legs they use to jump and wade through the fur of their animal hosts. They have specialized piercing mouthparts used to hold onto their victims and feed on their blood. You can also identify these insects by their whisker-like spines on and near their heads.

      Fleas feed on the entire body of an animal host. When feeding on humans, however, they generally only bite around the legs and feet. Their bites leave behind small red spots encircled by a reddish halo.

    • Are fleas dangerous?

      Fleas are ectoparasites, meaning they live and feed on the outside of their host. Their only source of food is blood from warm-blooded animals like cats, dogs, rodents, and wild animals. Fleas will bite and feed on the blood of people, but we are not their main hosts. These tiny insects can spread some diseases to people and animals. But, the most significant risk associated with fleas is that they are intermediate hosts for parasitic tapeworms and transmit them to both people and animals.

      People and animals allergic to flea saliva can also develop flea allergy dermatitis, which causes an intense itching sensation, sometimes leading to a secondary infection. Animals with a large infestation of fleas on them may develop anemia.

    • Why do I have a flea problem?

      Fleas are pests that can become a big problem on any property, whether you own pets like cats or dogs or not. They’ll come onto a property on the backs of wild animals traveling across it or foraging for food on it. Adult fleas or their eggs fall off the body of their animal hosts and onto the ground. The adults will seek out a new host (you, your kids, or pets), and their eggs will hatch into new feeding and breeding adults.

      Fleas hitchhike their way inside on used furniture or rugs. They also get in on the backs of rodents or other wild animals that have made their way inside to nest. Fleas are prolific breeders and capable of completing their life cycle indoors, making them difficult pests to control and eliminate.

    • Where will I find fleas?
      Fleas spend their days living and feeding on their hosts or hiding out in areas where animals frequently wait for a new host to come by. Outside, these insects hide in shady, damp areas like tall grass, under leaves, and in the dirt under decks and shrubs. Inside, you’ll find fleas and their eggs in rugs, the cracks of floors, behind baseboards, in upholstered furniture, and bedding.
    • How do I get rid of fleas?

      Acquiring help from a professional home pest control expert is the best way to eliminate fleas and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe and effective pest control services in Elizabeth City that are affordable. We are a local, family-owned pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding expectations. For home or business owners looking to eliminate pests from their property once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent fleas in the future?

      Pests are not just a nuisance; they pose potential health risks and are capable of damaging property. Avoid problems with fleas with the help of the following prevention tips.

      • Vacuum your home often.
      • Do not buy used rugs and upholstered furniture for your home.
      • Keep grass on your property cut short, and regularly trim back bushes and shrubs.
      • Remove food sources from your property that attract wild animals, like bird feeders and open containers of trash.
      • Keep rodents and other animals out of your home. Seal up openings in its foundation, exterior walls, and roofline.
      • Inspect yourself and your pets for signs of fleas before coming indoors.
      • Treat all pets with a year-round flea-preventative product under the guidance of a veterinarian. Also, regularly bathe and groom your pets.
  • Flies

    • What are flies?

      Flies belong to the insect order Diptera, which means “two wings.” Flies are prolific breeders, and an infestation can overtake any residential or commercial property. Most flies are scavengers and help to speed up the process of breaking down decaying matter, which is beneficial. When flies live near people, however, they pose significant health risks.

      The most common species of flies to invade homes and businesses in our areas of North Carolina and Virginia are listed below.

    • Are flies dangerous?

      Flies are dangerous pests because of the many health risks they create. Most species of flies are filth flies. Filth flies feed on and lays their eggs in things like garbage, carrion, compost, manure, and other moist, decaying organic materials that their larvae will then consume. This lifestyle causes them to come into contact with bacteria and pathogens that spread food poisoning and dysentery. The only species in our area not associated with filth is the cluster fly. Cluster flies feed on plant sap and nectar. Additionally, cluster flies do not lay their eggs on or feed on rotting organic materials. Instead, they lay their eggs on earthworms that their larvae will similarly consume.

    • Why do I have a fly problem?
      Flies can become a problem anywhere. They live in the suburbs, rural areas, and large urban centers. All that is necessary for flies to survive is access to food and breeding sites. Things like garbage, decaying vegetation, meat, excrement, fruits, vegetables, carrion, and fermenting liquids all attract flies. Most species of flies find their way into homes and other buildings on their own. Fruit flies are a species that are often accidentally introduced into homes on infested fruits and vegetables purchased from a store.
    • Where will I find flies?
      Flies breed and feed in compost, trash, gardens, and excrement. Flies living near homes and businesses will eventually find their way into your building through cracks and gaps in the exterior. Once flies are inside your home or business, they will gather in the kitchen, pantry, and other areas of food storage or preparation.
    • How do I get rid of flies?

      Professional home pest control is the best way to eliminate pests and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our pest management professionals are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe and effective services that are affordable. We are a local, family-owned Elizabeth City pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding their expectations. To eliminate pests from your home or business once and for all, contact Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent flies in the future?

      Prevent problems with flies in Elizabeth City, NC, and surrounding areas by combining our professional services with the following prevention tips:

      • Inspect all produce for fruit flies before purchasing it from the store or farmer's market.
      • Store all food either in containers with airtight lids or inside the refrigerator.
      • Place tight-fitting lids on trash cans and compost bins.
      • Maintain drains and keep them free of clogs.
      • Wash dirty dishes daily.
      • Regularly clean up after pets.
      • Make sure door and window screens are intact.
      • Use a caulking gun to seal cracks in the foundation and exterior walls.
      • Make sure outdoor trash cans and compost bins have locking or tight-fitting lids.
      • Remove access to water by maintaining gutters, fixing leaky hoses, and filling in low-lying areas on your property.
  • Fruit Flies

    • What are fruit flies?

      Fruit flies are a very small species of fly, and adults grow up to about 1/8 of an inch in length. While their large compound eyes are mainly red, they may also be brown or black. Their body is yellowish-brown to brownish-black, and they have translucent wings. Under the right conditions, these prolific breeders can develop from egg to adult in less than eight days.

    • Are fruit flies dangerous?

      Adult fruit flies frequent decaying or rotting organic materials to either feed on or lay their eggs on. The rotting material allows fruit flies to pick up and carry a lot of pathogens on their bodies and legs that they then contaminate food and surfaces.

      Fruit flies are unwelcome pests that have the potential to spread bacteria that can make people ill. Their presence should be eliminated from any home or business as quickly as possible.

    • Why do I have a fruit fly problem?

      Fruit flies feed and lay their eggs on very ripe or decaying organic matter. Their populations are at their largest during the fall when fruits and vegetables have come to maturity. It is no coincidence that harvest season and peak fruit fly “season” occur around the same time!

      Fruit flies looking for food or breeding sites may enter your home through open windows or doors, torn screens, or other openings they discover. They also get into homes on produce purchased from grocery stores or farmer markets already infested with their eggs or larvae.

    • Where will I find fruit flies?

      Compost piles, areas of garbage, and gardens are very attractive to fruit flies, and where you will discover large populations. Those areas are full of the ripe, decaying, or fermenting foods that they love.

      You can also find fruit flies inside of homes, restaurants, grocery stores, and other places where food is stored.

    • How do I get rid of fruit flies?

      Acquiring help from a professional pest control expert is the best way to eliminate fruit flies and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe and effective pest control services in Elizabeth City that are affordable. We are a local, family-owned pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding expectations.

      For home or business owners looking to eliminate pests from their property once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent fruit flies?

      To help protect your North Carolina property from fruit flies, consider putting into place the following prevention measures

      • Remove trash from your home daily.
      • Make sure your outdoor trash cans have tight-fitting lids.
      • Maintain your compost piles.
      • Clean out and sanitize trash cans.
      • Repair any leaky or drippy fixtures and pipes located in your home or business.
      • Pick up fallen fruits or vegetables from garden areas.
      • Inspect produce at the store for signs of fruit flies before bringing home.
      • Store any fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator instead of out on your counters.
  • German Cockroaches

    • What are German cockroaches?

      Cockroaches are one of the most common insect types, and German roaches are one of the most common cockroach species to invade homes and businesses. These roaches are light brown to tan and have two horizontal dark stripes behind their heads that help to identify them. German cockroaches have wings but do not fly. They are fast movers and scurry out of sight when disturbed. German roaches are very adaptable and have adapted to living near or with people.

    • Are German cockroaches dangerous?
      German roaches are dangerous and damaging pests. Their excrement stains walls, floors, and clothing. These cockroaches also produce a foul-smelling secretion that affects the flavor of foods and is very unpleasant. On their bodies, they carry disease-producing organisms like bacteria, human pathogens, and viruses. They cause a variety of diseases that affect the gastric system—food poisoning, diarrhea, and dysentery. As the roaches travel throughout your home foraging for food, they contaminate food and surfaces with the diseases they carry on their legs and bodies.
    • Why do I have a German cockroach problem?
      German cockroaches are mainly indoor pests and are often introduced into buildings after hitchhiking their way inside bags, boxes, deliveries, used furniture, electronics, and luggage. In the case of apartments or other multi-unit buildings, cockroaches move between units through walls using pipes and wires as their personal highway system. They can also find their way onto any property that offers easy access to food sources—trash cans, compost bins, and pet food.
    • Where will I find German cockroaches?
      This pest is widely distributed and invades homes, restaurants, apartment buildings, hotels, and other places where food is handled or stored. German cockroaches prefer to live in the damp, dark areas of a structure like basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. They congregate in dark drawers, cabinets under sinks, in closets, behind wall voids, under floors, and behind large appliances. They hide during the day and emerge at night to forage for food.
    • How do I get rid of German cockroaches?

      Acquiring help from a professional pest control expert is the best way to control German roaches and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe and effective pest control services in Elizabeth City that are affordable. We are a local, family-owned pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding expectations. For home or business owners looking to control pests from their property once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent German cockroaches?

      Pests are not just a nuisance; they pose potential health threats and are capable of damaging property. Avoid problems with German roaches with the help of the following prevention tips.

      • Keep roaches from finding their way into your home by sealing any gaps or cracks in the foundation and exterior walls.
      • Replace white outdoor lightbulbs with yellow or LED lights that are less attractive to cockroaches and other insects.
      • Fix leaky pipes and fixtures and use dehumidifiers to get rid of excess moisture.
      • Make sure outdoor trash cans and compost bins have locking lids.
      • Inside your home, store all food, including pet food, in airtight containers or refrigerator.
      • Wash dirty dishes, vacuum, and wipe down counters daily.
      • Remove trash from your home daily.
      • Eliminate clutter from your home where German cockroaches can hide.
  • Grain Weevils

    • What are grain weevils?

      Grain weevils are a common stored product pest. They have elongated bodies and are reddish-brown to black in color. These insects infest whole grain or kernel foods. The larvae develop inside wheat, corn, barley, rice, and other whole grains.

      A female grain weevil will chew an opening into a whole grain and lay her egg inside- covering the hole back up with a gooey substance she produces. After the larvae emerge from their egg, they begin to feed on the inside of the whole grain. After developing into an adult, they will emerge through a small hole they create in the kernel. Their exit holes are what usually identify a grain weevil infestation.

    • Are grain weevils dangerous?
      Grain weevils are not directly dangerous to people, but they are extremely damaging pests that can contaminate mass quantities of food. They are agricultural pests and have the potential to infest large amounts of whole grains in grain storage facilities. These pests can create huge economic losses within the agricultural industry.
    • Why do I have a grain weevils problem?

      The most common reason that grain weevils become a problem in homes is to purchase whole grains or other stored products that are already infested with larvae. A grain weevil infestation typically begins at a food storage facility and continues through the packaging process.

      Some adult grain weevils will find their way into homes on their own. Many species are attracted to outdoor lights. They find their way inside through cracks in exterior walls or spaces around windows or doors.

    • Where will I find grain weevils?
      Grain weevils have the potential to live in many locations. They live and breed in crop fields, crop storage facilities, food processing facilities, grocery stores, restaurants, homes, and other locations where whole grains are stored and/or prepared. In our homes, grain weevils live wherever dry goods are stored- in kitchens and pantries.
    • How do I get rid of grain weevils?

      Acquiring help from a professional home pest control expert is the best way to eliminate grain weevils and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing affordable, safe, and effective pest control services in Elizabeth City. We are a local, family-owned pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding expectations. For home or business owners looking to eliminate pests once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent grain weevils in the future?

      Pests are not just a nuisance; they pose potential health risks and are capable of damaging property. Avoid problems with grain weevils with the help of the following prevention tips.

      • Inspect food packaging for holes or rips before purchasing.
      • Remove grains from their original packaging and place them in glass or plastic containers with air-tight lids.
      • Rotate dry goods in the pantry, getting rid of old or expired items.
      • If possible, avoid purchasing grains from bulk containers at the store.
      • Place weather-stripping around windows and doors.
      • Repair cracks in exterior walls.
      • Replace white outdoor light bulbs with yellow or LED bulbs that are less attractive to insects like grain weevils.
  • Ground Beetles

    • What are ground beetles?

      Ground beetles make up the largest group of beetles. As their descriptive name suggests, they live on or in the ground. They are a predatory species of insect and beneficial because they prey on and control nuisance insects.

      Ground beetles have an elongated, flattened body with vertical ridges on their wings, and their head is the most narrow part of their body. They have wings with shell-like wing covers and longitudinal grooves on them. Despite not being able to fly, they can move very quickly using their six legs. Most species are black with some metallic, red, or gold markings.

    • Are ground beetles dangerous?
      Ground beetles are nuisance pests. They pose no direct danger to people nor spread pathogens, and they don’t bite or sting. Ground beetles do, however, invade yards and homes in large numbers and are difficult to control and eradicate.
    • Why do I have a ground beetle problem?
      Active at night, ground beetles are often drawn to the exterior of homes by outdoor lighting. Once they’re crawling around your house, they will move inside through spaces under doors or cracks in the foundation.
    • Where will I find ground beetles?
      These insects are mainly outdoor pests and live in damp, dark soil under woodpiles, piles of leaves, fallen trees, logs, and rocks. The soil they live in is often near homes and other structures. They'll move indoors while searching for prey or to escape weather that becomes too hot and dry or during periods of heavy rains. Inside, they hide in basements, crawl spaces, cardboard boxes, and piles of clutter.
    • How do I get rid of ground beetles?

      Acquiring help from a professional pest control expert is the best way to eliminate ground beetles and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe and effective pest control services in Elizabeth City that are affordable. We are a local, family-owned pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding expectations.

      For home or business owners looking to eliminate pests from their property once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent ground beetles in the future?

      To help protect your North Carolina property from ground beetles, consider putting into place the following prevention measures.

      • Leave a stone or crushed rock barrier between any soil or mulch and your home’s foundation.
      • Seal up cracks and other openings in the foundation and exterior walls.
      • Place weatherstripping around windows and doors.
      • Place door sweeps on exterior doors.
      • Reduce moisture levels by using dehumidifiers and fixing leaky pipes.
      • Keep clutter to a minimum in basement areas.
  • Hobo Spiders

    • What are hobo spiders?

      Large and fast-moving, hobo spiders strike fear in many people. However, the fear is not necessary because hobo spiders are actually a harmless species of spider.

      The hobo spider is a member of the funnel-web spider family Agelenidae. They are large spiders with a body that ranges in length from ½ to ? of an inch and a total diameter (including their legs) of 1- 1 ¾ inches. Hobo spiders are light brown in color with pale markings. Like all species of spiders, hobo spiders have eight legs and two body segments, and they lack antennae and wings.

    • Are hobo spiders dangerous?

      All spiders have venom, but only a few species of spiders have venom strong enough to trigger health problems in people. Hobo spiders are nuisance spiders, meaning they are a spider whose venom is not strong enough to pose a risk to people.

      However, care should always be taken around these spiders, and you should never try to handle them. When they feel threatened, they will deliver a mildly painful bite that may leave behind some redness or irritation.

    • Why do I have a hobo spider problem?

      Hobo spiders live on properties that offer them plenty of secluded shelter and lots of insects to feed on. Most of our yards, gardens, and outdoor spaces provide a habitat that hobo spiders can make into their home.

      Males of this species are very active from June to October. That is the time of year they search for a mate and also the time of year you are most likely to encounter them- either inside or outside of your home.

    • Where will I find hobo spiders?
      Hobo spiders prefer to live outside. While they can use their long legs to run very quickly, hobo spiders are not great climbers and live at ground level. They hide and build their webs under rock piles, woodpiles, brick walls, tree stumps, fallen trees, and other sheltered locations. When these spiders find their way inside of our homes they seek out damp areas to live like basements, crawl spaces, wall voids, and window wells.
    • How do I get rid of hobo spiders?

      Getting help from a professional pest control expert is the best way to eliminate hobo spiders and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing affordable, safe, and effective pest control services in Elizabeth City. We are a local home pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding expectations. For home or business owners looking to eliminate pests from their property once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent hobo spiders in the future?

      Pests are not just a nuisance; they pose potential health risks and are capable of damaging property. Avoid problems with hobo spiders with the help of the following prevention tips.

      • Remove fallen trees and excess piles of wood or other debris that spiders could hide under from your yard and home.
      • Make sure window and door screens are intact and place weather-stripping around doors.
      • Keep hobo spiders out of your home by sealing cracks and openings in the exterior walls and foundation of your home.
      • Place door sweeps on exterior doors.
      • Replace white outdoor lights with yellow or LED lights that are less attractive to spiders and insects.
      • Reduce any clutter in basements and crawl spaces.
  • House Flies

    • What are house flies?

      House flies are one of the most common types of flies that live worldwide. As their name suggests they are common invaders of homes and other structures. Adult house flies have dull gray bodies and four black vertical lines on the top of their bodies. They also have one velvety gold stripe and one velvety silver stripe on their face. Adults grow to between 1/8th and ¼ of an inch in length. They are also known for their large red eyes.

      House fly larvae (maggots) have a greasy off-white-colored body and are legless. They are about the same size and shape as a grain of rice. They have a pointed dark-colored head and their body tapers larger toward the head.

    • Are house flies dangerous?
      House flies are filthy flies and can be dangerous to have in or around your home. House flies regurgitate their stomach contents onto the food they eat so they can liquefy it before eating. Before finding their way into your home, house flies were landing on and feeding upon garbage, excrement, carcasses, and other unsanitary things. They spread disease, bacteria, and parasites that they transfer to surfaces and food within homes. Cholera, diarrhea, dysentery, salmonella, and E.coli are all spread to people by house flies.
    • Why do I have a house fly problem?
      House flies live near the things that they lay their eggs on and feed on. Properties that offer them plenty of breeding and feeding sites are most attractive to house flies. House flies feed and breed in gardens, garbage cans, recycling bins, compost piles, animal excrement, and, unfortunately, food found in our kitchens.
    • Where will I find house flies?

      House flies are active during the day. You will see them inside homes, congregating indoors on floors, walls, and ceilings in areas close to their food sources- kitchens and pantries. Outside, house flies gather together and fly around our yards and gardens, staying close to their breeding and feeding sites. Overnight house flies rest on walls and other surfaces up off of the ground.

    • How do I get rid of house flies?

      Getting help from a professional pest control expert is the best way to eliminate house flies and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing affordable, safe, and effective home pest control services. We are a local pest control company in Elizabeth City, NC, whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding expectations. For home or business owners looking to eliminate pests from their property once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent house flies in the future?

      Pests are not just a nuisance; they pose potential health risks and are capable of damaging property. Avoid problems with house flies with the help of the following prevention tips.

      • Keep doors and windows closed as much as possible.
      • Repair ripped screens.
      • Make sure trash cans, recycling bins, and compost bins have tight-fitting lids.
      • Clean food and other debris out of drains.
      • Store food in the fridge or in containers with air-tight lids.
      • Never leave food out on kitchen counters or tables.
      • Keep kitchen counters and floors clean and free of spilled liquid and food debris.
      • Wash dishes daily.
      • Clean pet excrement from your yard daily.
      • Maintain garden areas, picking up fruits and vegetables that have fallen to the ground.
  • House Spiders

    • What are house spiders?

      The house spider is one of the most widely distributed spiders living throughout the world. As its name suggests, it is a species of spider that finds its way into homes and other structures regularly.

      Spiders are environmentally beneficial, feeding on your garden and other nuisance insects and helping to control their populations. However, when they move into our homes, they become an unwanted nuisance and you may want to get rid of house spiders. House spiders are a yellowish-brown color with an off-white abdomen. They have chevron-like markings on their body and legs. Like all arachnids, house spiders have eight legs and two body segments.

    • Are house spiders dangerous?
      House spiders are not dangerous. All spiders have fangs and venom that they inject into their prey, but the venom of a house spider isn’t strong enough to harm a person. House spiders are a type of harmless nuisance spider. However, just because these spiders are harmless doesn’t mean you want them living in your home—building and abandoning multiple webs each day.
    • Why do I have a house spider problem?

      Our gardens and landscaping offer plenty of places for insects to live, feed, and breed—spiders feed on insects. If you have large populations of insects living in your yard, you will, in turn, have large populations of spiders preying on those insects.

      While hunting insects near the exterior of your home, spiders will sometimes find their way inside, following their prey. Spiders and insects get into homes and other buildings through cracks in exterior walls and foundations, along with utilities, and through spaces around windows, doors, and air-conditioning units.

    • Where will I find house spiders?
      The house spider is a web-building spider. Outside, spiders like to build their webs under roof eves, around windows, and in doorways. They usually place their webs near exterior lighting, which attracts insects. Inside, house spiders will place their tangled webs in the upper corners of closets, basements, and doorways. They will also make webs under furniture.
    • How do I get rid of house spiders?

      Acquiring help from a professional pest control expert is the best way to eliminate house spiders and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe and effective home pest control services that are affordable solutions today!

    • How can I prevent house spiders in the future?

      Pests are not just a nuisance; they pose potential health risks and are capable of damaging property.

      • Avoid problems with house spiders with the help of the following prevention tips.
      • Seal up cracks and crevices found in the foundation and exterior walls around your house, as well as spaces around air conditioners.
      • Replace white outdoor lightbulbs with yellow or LED light bulbs, which are less attractive to insects.
      • Repair holes under roof eaves.
      • Maintain your yard. Keep the grass short and shrubbery from overgrowing.
      • Make sure storage areas in your house are neat, organized, and free of clutter.
      • Remove spider webs from your home; the spiders become annoyed and move on.
      • Keep your garage and shed windows and doors closed when not in use.
  • Indian Meal Moths

    • What are Indian meal moths?
      Indian meal moths are common invaders of our homes. These pantry pests find their way inside on their own or through contaminated food we purchase from the store. Adult moths are identified by their uniquely colored wings. The front half of their wings are brown or cream-colored while the back half is a darker bronze color. From wing tip to wing tip adults measure ? to ¾ of an inch in length. The larvae are about 1/2 inch long, with a brown head and a body that is pink, yellow, or green.
    • Are Indian meal moths dangerous?
      The danger with Indian meal moths is their tendency to contaminate our food sources. Adult female meal moths lay their eggs on suitable food sources. Once the larvae hatch, they begin to feed on the food provided, contaminating it with their saliva and excrement in the process. Adults aren’t known to transmit disease, bite, or damage structures, but their presence in your home should be prevented whenever possible. After finding their way inside your home, adults will lay their eggs in your family’s food.
    • Why do I have a Indian meal moth problem?
      Indian meal moths are a type of stored product pest that lives worldwide. Infestations often begin in food processing or storage facilities. Contaminated products are then shipped to retail stores, purchased, and unknowingly introduced into our homes.
    • Where will I find Indian meal moths?

      Adult Indian meal moths mainly live outside. They are most active at night and are drawn to homes and other structures by outdoor lighting fixtures. They will sometimes find their way inside through torn screens, spaces in exterior walls, and gaps around windows and doors.

      Indian meal moth eggs and larvae live in and feed on a variety of stored products, including cornmeal, grains, cereals, seeds, chocolate, birdseed, and dry pet food.

    • How do I get rid of Indian meal moths?

      The best and safest way to get rid of pests of any kind is with the help of a professional home pest control expert. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our highly trained technicians are dedicated to exceeding your expectations with safe, affordable, and effective pest control services in Elizabeth City. Our local company prides itself on putting customers first. Whether you need prevention, elimination, or both, Albemarle Termite & Pest Control is here to help; call today!

    • How can I prevent Indian meal moths in the future?

      As with many things, the best protection from Indian meal moths is prevention. Avoid contamination risks with the following prevention tips.

      • Make sure to wipe down counters and vacuum floors regularly.
      • Before purchasing dry goods from the store, inspect the packaging for holes or tears.
      • If possible, avoid buying dry goods or pet food from bulk bins.
      • Remove dry goods from their original packaging and place them inside air-tight containers to store.
      • Keep pantry areas organized, remove crumbs, and get rid of expired items.
      • Replace torn screens and place weather stripping around windows and doors.
      • Switch white outdoor light bulbs with yellow or LED bulbs, which are less attractive to Indian meal moths and other insects.
  • Jumping Spiders

    • What are jumping spiders?
      Jumping spiders have stocky bodies that are black, gray, or brown. They also have pale or white-colored markings on their bodies and legs. Their 8 short, powerful legs give them the jumping abilities they were named after. Jumping spiders can jump more than 25 times their own body length. Along with their great bounding capabilities, jumping spiders are known for their excellent daytime vision.
    • Are jumping spiders dangerous?
      While jumping spiders may bite when trapped or threatened, bites from jumping spiders rarely occur. Rather than biting a threat, jumping spiders are more likely to “jump” away from the source of danger. They are not considered dangerous because their venom is not strong enough to cause most people health problems.
    • Why do I have a jumping spider problem?
      Jumping spiders live outside in a variety of places, including yards, fields, parks, and grasslands. They prefer to live in open sunny areas with plenty of vegetation to hide and hunt within. Preferring to live outside, jumping spiders usually only find their way inside homes on plants or other objects that were once outside. They may also jump onto the clothing of people and hitchhike their way inside.
    • Where will I find jumping spiders?

      Jumping spiders live outside in tall grasses, dense landscaping plants, and on trees behind areas of loose bark. These spiders build webs to hide, rest, and place their eggs in, but not to catch prey with these webs. Jumping spiders are active during the day, hunting insects and other spiders.

      Those jumping spiders that have found their way inside of homes hide under furniture, in the cracks of floors, behind window and door trim, and between books or boxes.

    • How do I get rid of jumping spiders?

      Getting help from a professional home pest control expert is really the best way to eliminate all kinds of pests, including jumping spiders. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to putting customers first and exceeding expectations. As a local business, we work hard to provide safe, affordable, and effective pest control services in Elizabeth City. Call today to find out more about our services.

    • How can I prevent jumping spiders in the future?

      By following these prevention tips, you may be able to avoid issues with jumping spiders as well as other nuisance pests.

      • Cut shrubs and bushes back away from the exterior of your home.
      • Leave a barrier between any grass and the foundation of your home.
      • Get rid of leaf piles, grass piles, and excess piles of wood from your yard.
      • Seal cracks in the foundation of your home to keep wandering, jumping spiders out of your home.
      • Inspect packages and potted plants for jumping spiders before bringing them inside.
      • Dust and vacuum underneath furniture regularly.
      • Keep clutter to a minimum in storage areas of your home.
  • Little Black Ants

    • What are little black ants?
      Little black ants are easy to describe—small jet-black ants. Adults grow to about 1/16 of an inch in length. They are omnivores, feed on a wide variety of foods, and often wind up inside homes and other structures.
    • Are little black ants dangerous?
      Little black ants live together in vast colonies and can enter homes in large numbers. These ants are annoying to deal with and contaminate food stored in kitchens and pantries. But, because they don’t pose serious health threats, nor do they cause structural damage, they are not thought of as dangerous ants.
    • Why do I have a little black ant problem?
      Little black ants feed on insects, sweets, meats, grease, vegetables, and fruits. As the ants travel in search of food, they enter homes through cracks in foundations and exterior walls. If your home provides them with easy access to food and water, they'll often stay and create an indoor nest to expand their colony.
    • Where will I find little black ants?
      Little black ants usually nest outside under logs, railroad ties, lawns, rocks, and in the cracks of sidewalks and pavement. You’ll often see them traveling together in long lines along sidewalks, driveways, and fence lines. They also like to nest within a building’s woodwork or masonry. Inside, little black ants nest behind wall voids, under floors, and inside insulation.
    • How do I get rid of little black ants?

      Acquiring help from a professional pest control expert is the best way to control little black ants and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe and effective home pest control services that are affordable. We are a local pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding expectations. For home or business owners looking to control pests on their property once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent little black ants in the future?

      Pests are not just a nuisance; they pose potential health risks and are capable of damaging property.

      • Avoid problems with little black ants with the help of the following prevention tips.
      • Help to keep little black ants out by sealing cracks in the foundation and exterior walls of your house.
      • Cut tree limbs and overgrown shrubbery back from the exterior of your home.
      • Place outdoor trash cans and compost bins up off of the ground and away from the sides of your house.
      • Maintain a stone barrier between any soil or grass and your foundation.
      • Keep tight-fitting lids on all trash cans and compost bins.
      • Outdoor eating areas need to be kept free of food debris.
  • Mice

    • What are mice?

      Mice are small rodents, and one of the most common species that home and business owners must deal with is the house mouse. From head to tail, adults grow to between 5 ½ and 7 inches in length. Their body has gray, brown, or black fur, and their belly is a lighter tan color. They have large ears, a pointed nose, and a long skinny tail covered in a light layer of velvety fur.

    • Are mice dangerous?

      House mice are prolific breeders. Their gestation period is only three weeks, and they have up to five pups per litter. Their ability to breed quickly makes them difficult pests to control.

      Controlling mice and preventing them from finding their way into your home is essential. They contaminate food and surfaces with their saliva, excrement, and urine. Mice spread bacteria and human pathogens that make people ill. Also, many people are allergic to their shed fur and feces.
      When they get into your home or other building, these small rodents are responsible for damaging structures as well as personal property. All rodents have front incisors that continuously grow. To prevent their teeth from overgrowing, they chew on anything they come across. Inside a home or other structure, their chewing habits are incredibly damaging.

    • Why do I have a mouse problem?
      Mice are opportunistic and have come to rely on people for some of their food, water, and shelter needs. Mice will invade a home any time of year while out looking for food and shelter, but they tend to be more of a problem in the late fall and winter when the weather cools. Our warm, temperature-controlled homes offer safe shelter and plenty of access to food. Outside, mice make their nests under woodpiles, in areas of dense vegetation, or in tall grass. Tree hollows and tree stumps also make suitable nesting spots for mice.
    • Where will I find mice?
      Inside homes, mice place their nests close to their food sources, usually within 30 feet. Their nests are dome-shaped and often created from items they find around the house. They build their nests in quiet, out-of-the-way locations like inside cabinets, in drawers, in attics, and in-wall voids. Basements and attics are also popular nesting spots. Outside, mice live in our yards, gardens, parks, along riverbanks, in wooded areas, and in overgrown vegetation.
    • How do I get rid of mice?

      Acquiring help from a professional home pest control expert is the best way to control mice and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe and effective pest control services in Elizabeth City that are affordable. We are a local pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding expectations. For home or business owners looking to control pests on their property once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent mice in the future?

      Pests are not just a nuisance; they pose potential health risks and are capable of damaging property.

      • Avoid problems with mice with the help of the following prevention tips.
      • Check your exterior walls and foundation for openings and use caulk to seal them up.
      • Keep your garage and shed windows and doors closed when not in use.
      • Place mesh covers over vents leading into your home.
      • Seal spaces around air-conditioners.
      • Clean up piles of wood, leaves, and other organic debris from your yard where mice can hide.
      • Trim back shrubs and trees from the exterior of your home.
      • Store trash cans up off of the ground and away from the outside of your house.
      • Put locking lids on trash cans and compost bins.
      • Remove bird feeders from your property.
  • Millipedes

    • What are millipedes?
      Segmented, worm-like arthropods and millipedes are common invaders of homes and other structures. Millipedes have many legs. Their number of legs vary between 30 and 90 depending on their size and species. Each of their body segments has two pairs of legs. Despite having many legs millipedes are not speedy creatures and instead protect themselves by curling into a tight coil. Millipedes have a cylindrical, segmented, rigid body that is worm-like. Their coloring is dark brown to black, with some species having orange-colored markings or mottled patterns.
    • Are millipedes dangerous?
      Millipedes secrete a liquid that may cause skin irritations on some people, making it best to never try to handle these arthropods. However, they are not dangerous pests and in most cases cause people no harm. However, millipedes can invade our homes in large numbers and once inside are tricky to get rid of.
    • Why do I have a millipede problem?
      Millipedes will live on any property that offers them access to the cool, damp environments they thrive in. The soil located near homes, gardens, and under bushes and shrubs often make great habitats for millipedes. During periods of either very hot and dry weather or extremely rainy weather, they will look for indoor shelter. Millipedes often move inside of homes and other buildings through cracks in the foundation or spaces under doors, especially basement doors.
    • Where will I find millipedes?
      Preferring to live in cool damp places, millipedes live under rocks, logs, woodpiles, mulch, and under trash cans or compost. Those millipedes that have found their way inside of our homes hide in places that mimic their dark, damp outdoor environments. Crawl spaces, laundry rooms, bathrooms, and basements are examples of the millipede’s typical indoor retreats.
    • How do I get rid of millipedes?

      Professional home pest control experts are key in controlling nuisance pests like the millipede and, just as importantly, keeping them from returning. The highly trained technicians at Albemarle Termite & Pest Control are dedicated to exceeding your expectations and providing safe, affordable, and effective pest control in Elizabeth City for a range of common pests. If you are looking to control millipedes or other pests from your property once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent millipedes in the future?

      Stop problems before they start by avoiding millipedes with the help of the following prevention tips.

      • Keep the soil around the foundation of your home as dry as possible.
      • Cut bushes, shrubs, and other landscaping plants away from the exterior of your home.
      • Make sure gutters are working to direct rainwater from the outside of your home.
      • Remove piles of leaves, grass, tree limbs, and other debris from your property.
      • Keep garbage cans, compost bins, and wood piles up off of the ground and away from the outside of your home.
      • Seal cracks in the foundation and place door sweeps on exterior doors.
      • Use dehumidifiers to keep your basement dry.
      • Fix leaky pipes and fixtures.
  • Mosquitoes

    • What are mosquitoes?
      Mosquitoes are parasitic pests that live outside and feed on the blood of people and animals and are unwanted, dangerous pests. Adult mosquitoes have a fly-like shape and are gray, black, or brown, and some species have white, silver, green, or blue scales on their narrow, oval-shaped bodies. They have a single pair of wings covered in hair and long, thin legs, and most adults grow to about ¼ of an inch in length. With over 3,000 species living throughout the world, mosquitoes are formidable pests that are difficult to control.
    • Are mosquitoes dangerous?

      In addition to being a dangerous pest, mosquitoes are a huge annoyance and have the ability to swarm yards and drive people inside. Mosquitoes deliver painful, itchy bites and make trying to spend time in your backyard seem impossible. 

      Mosquitoes feed on the blood of many different hosts. They can carry and transmit a variety of serious diseases, including the West Nile virus. They can also transmit diseases to our pets and infect our dogs with potentially fatal parasitic heartworms. While not all mosquitoes carry diseases, many do, and limiting your exposure to them is essential.

    • Why do I have a mosquito problem?
      Female mosquitoes require blood meals to get the protein needed to develop healthy eggs. They then lay those eggs on top of areas of standing water. The primary food source of both male and female mosquitoes is plant nectar. Properties located near or with standing water or that have flowering plants, people, and animals to feed on, are the most attractive to mosquitoes.
    • Where will I find mosquitoes?

      Mosquitoes are seen in large numbers flying around breeding sites. Marshes, ponds, drainage ditches, buckets, pools, birdbaths, and any other place where water collects act as breeding sites for mosquitoes.

      During the heat of the day, mosquitoes rest in overgrown vegetation, tall grasses, under trees, and along fence lines. When the weather is at its coolest (dawn and dusk), mosquitoes become very active, and when you are most likely to experience mosquito bites.

    • How do I get rid of mosquitoes?

      Acquiring help from a professional pest control expert is the best way to control mosquitoes and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe and effective home pest control services that are affordable. We are a local pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding expectations.

      For home or business owners looking to control pests on their property once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today for help with mosquitoes and to learn more about our mosquito control services.

    • How can I prevent mosquitoes in the future?

      To help protect your North Carolina property from mosquitoes, consider putting into place the following prevention measures.

      • Get rid of standing water from your property. Fill any low-lying areas in your yard and driveway.
      • Maintain gutters and downspouts to stop water from pooling in them.
      • If you own a pool, make sure it is properly maintained.
      • Store any buckets and other containers that collect water upside down or inside when not in use.
      • Keep grass cut short and cut back overgrown vegetation and trees from the exterior of your house.
      • Fix leaky pipes and fixtures.
  • Mud Daubers

    • What are mud daubers?

      The mud dauber is a large solitary stinging insect. Most adults grow to between ½ and one inches in length, but some adults grow up to two inches in length! As their name describes, they create their nests out of mud and other materials.

      Adult mud daubers have a narrow waist with a distinctive thread-like segment between their thorax and abdomen- giving them the appearance of having a “stretched” waist. Their long thin wings are either dark or clear. Mud daubers are usually black in color with some pale or yellowish markings; some may have a metallic sheen.

    • Are mud daubers dangerous?

      Though mud daubers are not overly aggressive and don’t guard their nests like other stinging insects, care should still be taken around them. If a sting does occur, their venom is strong enough to trigger a reaction in those allergic. Also, mud daubers have smooth stingers and are therefore able to deliver repeated painful and venom-filled stings.

      When living outside and away from people, mud daubers are beneficial. They capture a variety of insects as food for themselves and their developing young, including feeding on black widow spiders- helping to control their populations.

    • Why do I have a mud dauber problem?
      Mud daubers have made themselves at home on your property because they are taking advantage of the food, water, and shelter it provides them. Mud daubers are attracted to properties with sheltered areas to build their nests. They also prefer properties with gardens and other vegetation that supply them with their main sources of food- plant nectar, honeydew, insects, and spiders.
    • Where will I find mud daubers?
      Mud daubers place their nests in sheltered locations in our homes and outbuildings. Areas under roof eaves, porch ceilings, and decks are common nesting sites. They also like to build their nests inside garages, sheds, barns, and attics.
    • How do I get rid of mud daubers?

      The best way to control mud daubers and keep them from returning is with the help of a professional. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and ready to provide safe, effective, and affordable pest control in Elizabeth City, NC. Our local pest control company puts our customers first and works to exceed expectations. If you are looking to control pests in your home or business, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent mud daubers in the future?

      Mud daubers are not just a nuisance; they pose potential health risks. Avoid future problems with the help of the following prevention tips.

      • Eliminate water sources by fixing leaky pipes and fixtures.
      • Remove standing water from your property.
      • Place caps on chimneys and fix holes along rooflines.
      • Replace damaged screens.
      • Limit the number of flowering plants on your property, especially next to your home.
      • Cut overgrown vegetation back away from the outside of your home.
      • Keep the doors and windows of garages and other outbuildings closed whenever possible.
  • Norway Rats

    • What are Norway rats?

      Large, heavy-bodied rodents, Norway rats are common invaders of our residential and commercial properties. Adults grow up to 9 ½ inches in length. Their scaley tail is shorter than the combined length of their head and body. The tail adds about six to eight inches to their total body length. Norway rats have brown fur with black hairs scattered throughout it, covering the top of their body; lighter fur covers their belly. A blunt nose, small ears, and black protruding eyes round out their physical features.

      Belonging to the order Rodentia means that Norway rats and all other rodents have front incisors that continuously grow throughout their lifetime. In order to stop their large front teeth from overgrowing, they constantly gnaw on objects they come across, causing significant damage to things in or around our homes.

    • Are Norway rats dangerous?

      The ability to spread disease, contaminate food, and damage property makes Norway rats a dangerous pest. As Norway rats move about your home, they will contaminate the food they come across and surfaces they come into contact with- spreading bacteria and other pathogens that make people ill.

      When living inside homes or other structures, Norway rats are able to cause a lot of damage by chewing on:

      • Wires
      • Pipes
      • Drywall and insulation
      • Floors
      • Furniture
      • Clothing, pictures, and other personal items.

      Rats are nocturnal, colorblind, and in general, have poor eyesight. To help them find their way from their nest to food sources, they follow the same path each day. This habit causes them to leave grease marks on walls and furniture as they travel.

    • Why do I have a Norway rat problem?

      Like many species of rodents, over time, Norway rats have come to rely on people for some of their food and shelter needs. Properties with open trash cans, gardens, compost areas, bird feeders, and pet food have the potential to attract foraging Norway rats.

      Most of the year, Norway rats live outside. However, when food sources become few and far between, usually in the late fall, they move inside looking for food. It is important to note that despite their large body size, Norway rats only need a space half an inch in diameter to enter inside a home or other building!

    • Where will I find Norway rats?

      Norway rats live outside, nesting in fields, farmlands, gardens, garbage piles, along riverbanks, and under concrete slabs.

      If they decide to move inside to search for food or to escape harsh weather conditions, Norway rats nest in the basement, crawl spaces, and behind walls voids. They usually stay at or close to ground level.

    • How do I get rid of Norway rats?

      Acquiring help from a professional Elizabeth City pest control expert is the best way to control Norway rats and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe and effective pest control services that are affordable. We are a local home pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding expectations. For home or business owners looking to control pests on their property once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent Norway rats in the future?

      Some pests are not just a nuisance; they pose potential health risks and are capable of greatly damaging property. Avoid problems with Norway rats with the help of the following prevention tips.

      • Repair cracks and crevices found in your home’s foundation and exterior walls.
      • Use steel wool to seal spaces around utilities (pipes, wire, and ducts).
      • Install door sweeps on exterior doors.
      • Place wood piles away from the outside of your home.
      • Remove overgrown vegetation that has grown close to your home’s exterior walls.
      • Fill in ground holes along your home’s foundation.
      • Keep tight-fitting lids on trash cans, recycling bins, and compost bins.
      • Remove bird feeders from your yard.
      • Pick-up uneaten pet food.
  • Odorous House Ants

    • What are odorous house ants?
      Odorous house ants are a native species to the United States. These small ants range from 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch long, and they are black or brown. You can identify odorous house ants by the foul-smelling odor they emit after being crushed. Odorous house ants live together in colonies with a few thousand ants and many queens. These common invaders in homes and other structures feed on a variety of foods but do tend to prefer sweets.
    • Are odorous house ants dangerous?
      Odorous house ants invade homes in large numbers, are difficult to control, and contaminate food sources. However, these ants are not dangerous and create no significant health risks to people or property.
    • Why do I have an odorous house ant problem?

      Odorous house ants love to feed on honeydew—a sweet, sticky liquid produced by aphids and other garden pests. Properties with gardens attract odorous house ants. They also forage food in open trash cans, compost bins, and bowls of pet food.

      While out foraging for food, these ants often find their way into homes through cracks and crevices in the foundation, spaces under doors, or along wires and pipes entering a house. Odorous house ants may also move inside when the weather becomes too hot and dry for them to live comfortably.

    • Where will I find odorous house ants?
      Odorous house ants will nest indoors behind wall voids or under floors near sources of moisture and warmth (pipes, sinks, heaters). They also like to nest in termite-damaged wood. Their presence in or around your home may be an indicator of a moisture problem. Outside, they nest in the moist soil under mulch, fallen trees, woodpiles, or rock piles.
    • How do I get rid of odorous house ants?

      Acquiring help from a professional pest control expert is the best way to control odorous house ants and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe and effective home pest control services that are affordable. We are a local pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding expectations. For home or business owners looking to control pests on their property once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent odorous house ants in the future?

      Pests are not just a nuisance; they pose potential health risks and are capable of damaging property.

      • Avoid problems with odorous house ants with the help of the following prevention tips.
      • Seal up openings in your foundation and the exterior walls of your house.
      • Seal off spaces around utilities (pipes, wire, and ducts).
      • Use a dehumidifier to keep moisture levels in your home low.
      • Fix leaky pipes and fixtures.
      • Trim back tree branches away from your home’s exterior walls.
      • Clean up fruits and vegetables that fall to the ground in garden areas.
      • Place tight-fitting lids on all trash cans and compost bins.
  • Old House Borers

    • What are stinging old house borers?

      Old house borers are wood-boring insects. The females lay their eggs in the cracks or crevices of wooden logs and rough lumber. After the larvae hatch, they begin to tunnel through the wood, using it as a food source. An old house borer infestation is often discovered because of the clicking sounds the larva make as they feed.

      Adults grow to be about 1/2'” to ¾” long. They have long antennae and are black to gray in color. Patches of hair cover their wings covers and thorax. Old house borer larvae grow to about 1 ¼ inches, and the body tapers toward the backend. They are whitish and have three dark eyes on each side of the head.

    • Are old house borers dangerous?

      The only good news when it comes to old house borers is they aren’t known to spread disease and pose no direct risks to people. However, these pests are very damaging to the structures of our homes. Typically an infestation is only discovered once the larvae are already eating through wood structures, causing damage.

      To emerge from a piece of wood, the adults create holes in the exterior of a piece of wood that is about 1/4 of an inch in diameter which causes even more damage.

    • Why do I have a old house borer problem?

      The most common reason for an old house borer infestation is that the timbers used in the original construction of your home were infested with eggs or larvae. Old house borers prefer thicker timbers, and the infestation tends to stay in localized areas. Old house borer infestations only spread throughout a home if there is a moisture problem, as they move towards water-damaged pieces of wood located throughout your home.

      Moisture control from a reputable company can help mitigate any moisture problems you have.

    • Where will I find old house borers?
      Old house borers lay their eggs in crevices and cracks of logs and wood stored in lumberyards. This wood-boring pest is usually only found infesting newer construction homes rather than in older homes. Old house borers prefer to infest and feed on pine, spruce, and coniferous wood.
    • How do I get rid of old house borers?
      When dealing with pests like old house borers, getting help from a professional pest control expert is always a good idea. The highly-trained technicians at Albemarle Termite & Pest Control can help you control old house borers and prevent them from returning. We pride ourselves on putting customers first and exceeding expectations. If you are looking to control pests of any kind from your property, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!
    • How can I prevent old house borers in the future?

      Keep your home in pristine condition and avoid problems with old house borers with the help of the following prevention tips.

      • Make sure that lumber used within your home has been kiln-dried to kill any stage of old house borer that could be living inside of it.
      • Any wood in or on your home should be sanded and stained or painted.
      • Repair leaky pipes or fixtures located within your home that could cause wood to become damaged by water.
      • Use dehumidifiers to reduce moisture levels in your home.
      • Maintain heating and air-conditioning units to prevent moisture issues within your home.
  • Oriental Beetles

    • What are oriental beetles?
      Adult oriental beetles grow to about ½ an inch in length and have an oval-shaped body. They come in a variety of colors, including solid pale brown, mottled black, or mottled brown. They often have alternating light and dark line patterns on their hard-wing covers. Oriental beetles have wings and are good flyers. These beetles are also identified by their branched antennae. Their larvae (grubs) grow to about ¾ of an inch in length, are a whitish color, and are c-shaped.
    • Are oriental beetles dangerous?
      Oriental beetles pose no significant dangers to people but can damage our property. Their grubs feed on roots and cause damage to turfgrasses and landscaping plants. As the grubs feed, they sever the roots of grasses and plants. Signs of an oriental beetle infestation include brown patches of grass and/or plants that are easily pulled from the ground.
    • Why do I have an oriental beetle problem?

      Oriental beetles are very mobile and take advantage of outdoor spaces that provide them with suitable food sources and places to lay their eggs. Properties with a lot of gardens and grass, like yards, golf courses, and parks, are prone to oriental beetle infestations.

    • Where will I find oriental beetles?
      Oriental beetles prefer to lay their eggs in soil that is moist. Their eggs cannot develop in extremely dry soil. Adults will feed on and cause damage to flowers like daisies, roses, and petunias. Adult oriental beetles spend the summer months feeding and breeding. Their grubs feed on the roots of grass and landscaping plants in the fall and spring seasons.
    • How do I get rid of oriental beetles?

      The best way to control oriental beetles and keep them from returning is by getting help from a professional pest control expert. The highly trained technicians at Albemarle Termite & Pest Control are dedicated to providing you with safe and effective pest control services in Elizabeth City, NC. We are a local company that works to put customers first and keep prices affordable. If you want to get rid of pests once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent oriental beetles in the future?

      You can avoid problems with oriental beetles by not overwatering lawns and gardens. It is also important to partner with a home pest control professional so existing infestations can be properly identified and treated. For help controlling oriental beetles on your property, reach out to Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today.

  • Oriental Cockroaches

    • What are Oriental cockroaches?

      Oriental cockroaches are often referred to as “waterbugs” even though they do not live in water; it is because they prefer to live in very damp areas. These roaches have smooth, shiny black bodies. Males have wings that are more developed than females, but this species is not capable of flight. They are a larger species of cockroach with adults growing to about one inch in length.

    • Are Oriental cockroaches dangerous?

      Oriental cockroaches are not aggressive, but they do pose risks to people. They live and travel in sewers, drains, dumpsters, and bathrooms, where they pick up and spread a variety of human pathogens, bacteria, and parasites on their legs and body. Inside homes and other structures, roaches will contaminate food, utensils, dishes, and surfaces. The bacteria they spread can cause fevers, vomiting, and diarrhea.

      Also, these and other species of cockroaches shed their skins and leave piles of excrement behind, triggering allergies and asthma attacks; this is especially true in young children.

    • Why do I have an Oriental cockroach problem?
      Oriental roaches live outside in areas that are close to homes and other buildings. They often move inside while foraging for food. Their entry points include cracks in the foundation, drains, and spaces under doors. Oriental cockroaches are mainly attracted to properties with damp areas of soil and accessible places to forage for food — open trash cans, pet food, compost, and outdoor eating areas.
    • Where will I find Oriental cockroaches?
      Most species of roaches prefer to live in very warm areas, but this species is capable of living in warm or cool areas. Oriental cockroaches usually live in sewers, drains, under decaying leaf piles, rocks, and woodpiles. Inside, they live around drains, sinks, pipes, and other areas of moisture.
    • How do I get rid of oriental cockroaches?

      Acquiring help from a professional home pest control expert is the best way to control oriental cockroaches and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe and effective pest control services in Elizabeth City that are affordable. We are a local, family-owned pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding expectations.

      For home or business owners looking to control pests on their property once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent Oriental cockroaches in the future?

      To help protect your North Carolina property from Oriental cockroaches, consider putting into place the following prevention measures.

      • Seal up entry points in your foundation and exterior walls.
      • Leave a barrier between soil or mulch and your home’s foundation.
      • Fix leaky pipes and fixtures in and around your house.
      • Use dehumidifiers to reduce humidity levels inside.
      • Keep tight-fitting lids on trash cans and compost bins.
      • Keep outdoor eating and grill areas free of food debris.
      • Pick up any uneaten pet food.
  • Pantry Pests

    • What are pantry pests?

      Pantry pests are those insects that contaminate stored food and food products. An infestation of pantry pests is a common occurrence – especially in homes, restaurants, grocery stores, and food processing facilities. Pantry pests typically have a four-stage life cycle: egg, larvae, pupae, and adult. The female lays her eggs in or on stored food. The larvae begin feeding on the food once they hatch, contaminating it with their saliva and excrement. The larval stage is the stage responsible for most of the food contamination. However, the presence of adults is what usually alerts homeowners to an infestation.

      The most common species of pantry pests to invade homes and businesses in our areas of North Carolina and Virginia are listed below.

    • Are pantry pests dangerous?
      Pantry pests are not dangerous to people or structures, but having these pests inside your home or business will result in the contamination of food products. Some species, such as the confused flour beetle, cause food to have a moldy flavor or a strong, foul odor. In general, pantry pests breed rapidly, and an infestation can quickly become quite large and difficult to deal with.
    • Why do I have a pantry pest problem?

      A pantry pest infestation usually originates at a food processing plant, warehouse, or grocery store. The most common way that pantry pests enter homes is inside infested food product packages purchased at the store. Additionally, a pantry pest infestation may occur after adults find their way onto your property, are lured by outdoor lighting, and move inside through spaces around windows and doors or torn screens.

    • Where will I find pantry pests?
      You may find pantry pests wherever you store dry goods and other stored products. Kitchens, pantries, closets, and basements are all common places where pantry pest infestations occur. Grain and rice weevils typically attack and feed on whole grains like wheat, corn, and barely. They also feed on some nuts and dried pasta. Confused flour beetles have a more varied diet and feed on things like flour, cereals, dried pasta, crackers, chocolate, dried fruits, dry pet food, and cake mixes. The preference for cigarette beetles and drug store beetles is usually dried herbs and spices.
    • How do I get rid of pantry pests?

      Professional pest control in Elizabeth City is the best way to control pests and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our pest management professionals are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe and effective home pest control services that are affordable. We are a local pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding their expectations. To control pests from your home or business once and for all, contact Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent pantry pests in the future?

      Prevent problems with pantry pests in Elizabeth City, NC, and surrounding areas by combining our professional services with the following prevention tips:

      • Always check the expiration dates before purchasing dry goods from a store.
      • Avoid buying dry goods like spices, nuts, flour, and birdseed in bulk.
      • Never purchase food with rips or tears in its packaging.
      • Replace torn window or door screens.
      • Install weatherstripping around windows and doors.
      • Regularly inspect your pantry and get rid of older or expired items.
      • Use yellow or LED outdoor light bulbs that are less attractive to insects.
      • After purchasing dry goods, remove them from their original packing and store them in containers with airtight lids.
  • Paper Wasps

    • What are paper wasps?

      Paper wasps are a type of stinging insect that live together in small to medium-sized colonies—named from their upside-down, umbrella-shaped nests that look like they are made from a paper-like material. Paper wasps make their nests from a mixture of bark, other plant materials, and saliva.

      Paper wasps have a pinched waist and 6 thin legs that dangle below their body when in flight. Their bodies are black or brown with yellow, reddish, or orange markings. Paper wasps are large wasps with adults growing to between ½ and ¾ of an inch in length.

    • Are paper wasps dangerous?

      Paper wasps have a venom-filled stinger located at the end of the abdomen. They use their stinger to paralyze predators and to defend themselves from danger.

      The venom these, and most stinging insects, possess is strong enough to cause a reaction in those who are allergic. In the case of a severe allergy or group attack, anaphylaxis may occur. Though paper wasps are not as aggressive as some other species of stinging insects, care should always be taken around them and their nesting sites.

      Additionally, paper wasps may cause damage to trees and woody plants after stripping off their bark to create their nests.

    • Why do I have a paper wasp problem?

      In general, the late summer and fall seasons are when people have the most problems with paper wasps. Summer and fall are when their colony size is at its largest, and workers are out and about searching for food to feed everyone back at the nest.

      Paper wasps are outdoor pests; they have the potential to build a nest in almost any outdoor space. They are especially attracted to properties where they have easy access to food (insects and pollen) and water.

    • Where will I find paper wasps?

      Paper wasps are most active during the day, flying around and foraging for food. They rest during the evening and overnight hours.

      Paper wasps build their nests outside in protected areas like on tree branches, dense vegetation, door frames, and under roof eaves or decks. Sometimes they will take advantage of an opening in a home’s exterior and build their nest in an attic space or chimney.

    • How do I get rid of paper wasps?

      The safest way to rid your property of paper wasps or other stinging insects is with the help of a professional pest control expert. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe, effective, and affordable pest control services in Elizabeth City, NC. As a local business, we pride ourselves on putting customers first and exceeding expectations. If you want to rid your property of pests and ensure they don't return, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent paper wasps in the future?

      Paper wasps can be an intimidating presence on your property. Avoid problems and painful stings with the help of the following prevention tips.

      • Trim tree branches away from the outside of your home.
      • Keep shrubs and bushes well-trimmed to prevent their overgrowth.
      • Reduce the amount of flowering vegetation planted on your property, especially next to the outside of your home.
      • Maintain garden areas.
      • Remove areas of standing water from your property.
      • Keep wasps out of your home by placing weather stripping around windows and doors, placing caps on chimneys, sealing cracks in exterior walls, and repairing damaged screens.
  • Pavement Ants

    • What are pavement ants?

      Living in large colonies of more than 10,000 individuals, pavement ants are common invaders of homes and other structures. They are a small, unassuming species of ant that can take over properties in large numbers. Multiple nesting sites make these ants difficult to control and eliminate. Pavement ants are brown to black, and workers grow between 1/16 to ? inch. Similar to other species of ants, the reproductive (fertile males and queens) are larger in size than the workers and the only members of the colony to have wings.

    • Are pavement ants dangerous?

      Pavement ants are a species of ant that is mostly categorized as nuisance pests. They cause no real problems for people or our property. However, this is not to say that we should welcome these ants into our lives with open arms. Pavement ants do carry bacteria on their bodies and legs that will contaminate the surfaces of our homes. These ants will also contaminate the food we have stored inside our homes. Once pavement ants have invaded your home or property, they are difficult to get rid of. The best way to get rid of ants is to contact a professional as soon as you discover their presence!

    • Why do I have a pavement ant problem?
      Shelter and food are the two things that attract ants to a property. Like most pests, ants have adapted to live near people and have learned to use our properties and homes as places to nest and forage for food. While out and about searching for food to feed their large colony, workers often find their way inside homes and other structures through spaces in exterior walls and openings around windows and doors. Inside, ants seek out and take advantage of crumbs found on counters, floors, and in pantry areas. Once inside, they may also decide to build a satellite nest within your home to expand their colony in a safe, sheltered area.
    • Where will I find pavement ants?

      Nesting in the soil, pavement ants live outside in a variety of areas including, as their name suggests, cracks in the pavement, sidewalks, or driveways. They also like to nest in the soil next to foundations or ground-level masonry walls. These small black ants are often seen traveling on our sidewalks, walkways, decks, and around our yards as they forage for food.

      Pavement ants that have moved inside to nest like to place their nests in dark, out-of-the-way areas. Spaces behind wall voids, crawl spaces, or under floors are common nesting sites.

    • How do I get rid of pavement ants?

      The best way to control nuisance pests like pavement ants, and make sure they don't return, is with the help of a professional pest control expert. The trained technicians at Albemarle Termite & Pest Control are dedicated to providing safe, affordable, and effective pest control solutions in Elizabeth City. Our local pest control company prioritizes putting customers first and exceeding expectations. If you want to control pests and make sure they don't return, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent pavement ants in the future?

      Keep pavement ants off your property in the first place with the help of the following prevention tips.

      • Seal cracks in sidewalks or driveways.
      • Repair cracks and other openings in the foundation or exterior walls of your home.
      • Repair damaged screens and place weather-stripping around windows and doors.
      • Leave a barrier between any soil and your home’s foundation.
      • Keep locking lids on trash cans, recycling bins, and compost bins. Store them a distance away from the outside of your home.
      • Vacuum floors, wipe down counters, and wash dishes regularly.
      • Place all food in the refrigerator or containers with air-tight lids. Never leave food out in the open on counters or tables.
  • Powderpost Beetles

    • What are powderpost beetles?

      Despite powderpost beetles being second only to termites in the amount of damage they can cause to wooden structures, they are a pest that many are not familiar with. The powderpost beetle’s feeding habits allow them to reduce large pieces of wood to fine powder. Adult powderpost beetles have slender bodies that are reddish-brown to black. Larvae are white or cream-colored, and their body forms a “c” shape.

      The most common way that people identify a powderpost beetles infestation is not by the insects themselves but rather by the results of their work. When feeding these beetles leave piles of fine dust outside of the exit holes they create in pieces of wood they are feeding on.

    • Are powderpost beetles dangerous?

      Powderpost beetles are not directly dangerous to people, but they can cause extensive damage to wooden structures located in and around our homes. The larval stage is the stage of development that causes damage. Females lay eggs on the surface of cracks in the wood. After hatching, the larvae move deeper into the piece of wood. There they begin feeding until they develop into an adult- a process that sometimes can take four or five years! The damage that powderpost beetles cause has the potential to become costly and extensive to repair.

      At Albemarle, we offer wood boring beetle control services to help with these costly pests. Reach out to us today to learn more!

    • Why do I have a powderpost beetle problem?

      In most cases, powderpost beetles find their way inside homes inside of a piece of wood or wooden structure that is already infested with eggs or larvae. After the larvae emerge as adults, they mate and lay more eggs. Females often choose the same piece of wood they emerged from, causing more and more damage with each generation.

      Adults mainly live outside, at times entering homes. Outdoor lighting fixtures attract them, and they will gather on the exterior walls of homes and other buildings. They move inside through spaces in walls or openings around windows and doors.

    • Where will I find powderpost beetles?

      Powderpost beetle larvae live inside of and feed on pieces of:

      • Seasoned hardwoods
      • Flooring
      • Furniture
      • Structural wood
      • Wooden trim
      • Picture frames
      • Wooden antiques
      • Wooden paneling
    • How do I get rid of powderpost beetles?

      Getting help from a professional home pest control expert is a great way to eliminate powderpost beetles and keep them from returning.

      At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe, affordable, and effective pest control services in Elizabeth City. We put our customers first and continuously exceed expectations. Home or business owners looking to eliminate pests once and for all should call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent powderpost beetles in the future?

      Avoid the damage powderpost beetles cause with the help of the following prevention tips.

      • Seal cracks and crevices found in your home’s foundation and exterior walls.
      • Place weather-stripping around windows and doors.
      • Make sure any wood you use in your home for building projects has been properly dried and stored before purchasing.
      • Inspect wooden furniture or antiques before bringing them into your home.
      • Limit the use of old barn wood inside your home.
      • Paint or stain exposed bare wood in your home and on your property.
      • Use dehumidifiers in your home to reduce humidity levels.
  • Rice Weevils

    • What are rice weevils?

      Named because they were first discovered feeding on and damaging whole grain rice, rice weevils are a type of stored product pest. Adult rice weevils are very small, about 1/10 of an inch in length. They have an elongated head that forms a distinctive “snout” which helps to identify this species. Rice weevils have an elongated oval-shaped body that is reddish-brown to black with round pits on the thorax. They have four yellow or red spots on the corners of their forewings and are strong flyers. Rice weevil larvae are legless, fat, grub-like creatures. They have a soft cream-colored body and a dark head capsule.

      As with most species of stored product pests, it is the larval stage that feeds on the products they have infested. The female chews a hole into the grain where she lays her egg and then seals the hole with a substance she produces. After hatching, the larvae feed on the grains until they develop into and emerge as adults.

    • Are rice weevils dangerous?
      Rice weevils are a serious pest problem and have the potential to cause serious economic loss. They work quickly and have the ability to move throughout crop fields and food processing/storage facilities, contaminating and destroying large amounts of whole grains. Rice weevils are also a problem to have in our homes as they make quick work of infesting the grains stored within our pantries and kitchens.
    • Why do I have a rice weevil problem?
      A rice weevil infestation often begins in the crop field or food processing facility. Purchasing items from the store that are already infested with rice weevils can result in these damaging pests being introduced into your home. Also, light attracts adult rice weevils. They sometimes find their way into homes on their own after being drawn to it by outdoor lights. Rice weevils move inside through spaces they find in screens or around windows and doors.
    • Where will I find rice weevils?
      Rice weevils feed on a variety of whole grains including sunflower seeds, corn, wheat, beans, nuts, cereals, and of course rice! They also feed on and damage fruits including grapes, apples, and pears. They are mainly a concern in the southern part of the United States where the climate is warmer. Rice weevils live in a variety of places including crop fields, food processing facilities, food storage facilities, restaurants, and homes.
    • How do I get rid of rice weevils?

      Getting help from a professional home pest control expert is the best way to control rice weevils and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe and effective pest control services in Elizabeth City that are affordable. We are a local pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding expectations. For home or business owners looking to control pests on their property once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent rice weevils in the future?

      Pests are not just a nuisance; they pose potential health risks and are capable of damaging property. Avoid problems with rice weevils with the help of the following prevention tips.

      • Inspect food packaging for holes or rips before purchasing.
      • Remove grains from their original packaging and place them in glass or plastic containers with air-tight lids.
      • Rotate dry goods in the pantry, getting rid of old or expired items.
      • Never mix partial containers of grains together, as this could spread an infestation.
      • Place weather-stripping around windows and doors.
      • Repair torn screens.
      • Replace white outdoor light bulbs with yellow or LED bulbs that are less attractive to insects.
  • Rodents

    • What are rodents?

      Rodents live worldwide, usually close to people, and makeup one of the largest groups of mammals; in fact, most non-flying mammals are rodents. All rodents have front teeth that continuously grow. To prevent these teeth from overgrowing, they chew on anything they come across to help wear them down. Rodents are also prolific breeders and can quickly take over any property that they have decided to nest in. Mice, rats, porcupines, chipmunks, squirrels, and beavers are all examples of rodents.

      The most common species of rodents to invade homes and businesses in our areas of North Carolina and Virginia are house mice, Norway rats, and roof rats.

      • House Mice - House mice are light brown to gray with cream-colored underbellies. They have pointed noses, large ears, and long tails covered in a light layer of velvety fur. House mice are capable of finding their way inside a building through a hole the diameter of a pencil!
      • Norway Rats - Norway rats have dense, heavy bodies with shaggy fur that is brown or gray and scaly tails that are void of hair. These rodents are not great climbers.
      • Roof Rats - Roof rats are very agile, and their thin bodies allow them to climb structures easily. Their bodies are covered in dark brown or black fur with gray hairs scattered throughout, and their underbellies are lighter in color.
    • Are rodents dangerous?
      Rodents cause structural damage, contaminate food, spread dangerous diseases, and trigger fires and short circuits. They transmit viruses through their saliva, urine, and feces. Rodents harbor disease-carrying parasites like fleas, ticks, and mites that they introduce onto properties where they nest. Additionally, many people are allergic to rodent excrement and their shed fur. Mice and rats may be “common” invaders into our homes and businesses, but they need to be eliminated quickly.
    • Why do I have a rodent problem?
      Over time, a commensal relationship has developed between rodents and people. While still wild animals, rodents have lived in such close proximity to people for such a long time that they have come to somewhat rely on us for their basic needs, such as food, water, and shelter. Rodents do not hibernate, which means they seek out warm, safe refuge indoors when the weather cools – often inside of our homes, businesses, garages, and other outbuildings.
    • Where will I find rodents?
      Rodents will nest in a variety of locations, both indoors and out, depending on their species. Norway rats nest outside in burrows under woodpiles, in garbage piles, and under concrete slabs and foundations. Roof rats live together in colonies and prefer to nest off the ground in attics, trees, and voids along rooflines and above ceilings. House mice usually live inside homes, as their name suggests, but do also live outside. Inside or out, they prefer to nest in secluded or cluttered areas. Tree stumps, fallen trees, tall grasses, and dense vegetation are all common outdoor nesting spots for house mice. Indoors, they nest behind walls, in attics, basements, cabinets, crawlspaces, and upholstered furniture.
    • How do I get rid of rodents?

      Professional pest control is the best way to control pests and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our home pest management professionals are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe and effective pest control services in Elizabeth City that are affordable. We are a localpest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding their expectations. To control pests in your home or business once and for all, contact Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent rodents in the future?

      Prevent problems with rodents in Elizabeth City, NC, and surrounding areas by combining our professional services with the following prevention tips:

      • Cut back overgrown vegetation and tree branches away from the exterior of your home or business.
      • Pick up fruits and vegetables that fall to the ground in garden areas.
      • Repair any missing or broken roof shingles.
      • Remove bird feeders from your yard.
      • Keep all of your grass cut short.
      • Place tight-fitting caps on the chimney.
      • Inspect the exterior of your property, fixing any cracks or openings.
  • Roof Rats

    • What are roof rats?

      Their athletic abilities make roof rats acrobats of the rat world. Roof rats have a thin body and light build, which allows them to climb easily and have good agility. From nose to tail, these rats grow from between 12 and 16 inches in length. The roof rat’s body is covered in dark brown to black fur and has gray hairs sprinkled throughout it. The fur on their underbelly is lighter in color than the rest of their body. Additional physical features of the roof rat are a pointed nose, large ears, and a scaly tail that is void of hair.

    • Are roof rats dangerous?

      Roof rats pose health risks to people, contaminate food, and cause damage to structures and personal property, making them dangerous pests.

      Being a type of rodent means that roof rats have front incisors that continuously grow. Chewing on food and non-food items helps roof rats to keep their teeth from overgrowing. When nesting inside of a home or business, their chewing habits lead to electrical shorts, fires, and structural damage.

      Roof rats also contaminate food and surfaces with their saliva, urine, and excrement. They spread things like salmonellosis and rat-bite fever, and other pathogens, which can make people quite ill. Additionally, roof rats are hosts for disease-spreading fleas, ticks, and mites, which they will introduce onto your property while foraging for food and/or creating nesting sites.

    • Why do I have a roof rat problem?

      Properties with ample amounts of food are attractive to roof rats. The more areas they are able to forage for food in, the more likely they will find their way to your property. Places, where rats forage for food include trash cans, compost, gardens, fruit trees, and bird feeders.

      Once roof rats are comfortable on your property, there is a good chance they will find their way inside your home or business. They typically move inside while searching for food when it becomes more scarce outside in the late fall and winter.

    • Where will I find roof rats?

      Living together in colonies, roof rats are social and, if given the opportunity, like to nest up off of the ground. Common nesting sites include:

      • Fruit trees
      • Woodpiles
      • Dense vegetation and landscape
      • Attics
      • Roof eaves
      • Chimneys
    • How do I get rid of roof rats?

      Acquiring help from a professional pest control expert is the best way to eliminate roof rats and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe and effective pest control services in Elizabeth City that are affordable. We are a local, family-owned pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding expectations. For home or business owners looking to eliminate pests from their property once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent roof rats in the future?

      To help protect your North Carolina property from roof rats, consider putting into place the following prevention measures.

      • Seal up holes and other openings in the foundation and exterior walls of your house.
      • Place a cap on your chimney.
      • Place secure screens on vents and windows.
      • Cut tree branches away from your roofline.
      • Maintain gardens and fruit trees and pick up any fallen fruits and vegetables.
      • Place tight-fitting lids on trash cans, compost bins, and recycling bins.
      • Pick up uneaten pet food.
  • Silverfish

    • What are silverfish?

      A unique-looking insect that is part of the order Zygentoma, silverfish are nuisance pests found living throughout the United States in moist, humid areas. They received their name from the unique, wriggling manner in which they moved.

      The silverfish’s carrot-shaped body is brown and covered in silvery, metallic scales. These nuisance pests have a three “pronged” appendage that extends off their hind end. Silverfish are wingless and have antennae that are as long as their body.

      Silverfish are unique in the fact that they can survive for weeks without food or water as long as they are living in a high-humidity environment.

    • Are silverfish dangerous?
      Silverfish pose no direct danger to people but have the potential to be harmful to our personal property. When living inside of our homes, they will chew on and damage things like books, papers, pictures, wallpaper, fabrics, and clothing. Inside our homes, silverfish will also feed on and contaminate dry goods in our kitchens and pantries, like flour, cereal, pasta, and other starchy foods.
    • Why do I have a silverfish problem?

      Silverfish are moisture-seeking pests. Any excess moisture located inside or outside of your home will attract them. They live and gather under areas that trap moisture, like leaf piles, woodpiles, and mulch.

      If the weather outside becomes too hot or dry, silverfish will move indoors, seeking a more suitable environment. These pests may also unknowingly be introduced into our homes by us inside of potted plants, boxes, newspapers, and other items that were once outside.

    • Where will I find silverfish?

      Silverfish require very high humidity levels to survive. Outside, they nest in the damp soil under mulch, landscape ties, leaf litter, compost piles, trash cans, and fallen trees.

      Inside, silverfish seek refuge in humid areas that are similar to their outdoor environments, such as basements, crawl spaces, laundry rooms, and areas under sinks.

    • How do I get rid of silverfish?

      Acquiring help from a professional home pest control expert is the best way to control silverfish and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe and effective pest control services in Elizabeth City that are affordable. We are a local pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding expectations.

      For home or business owners looking to control pests on their property once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent silverfish in the future?

      To help protect your North Carolina property from silverfish, consider putting into place the following prevention measures.

      • Remove fallen trees, leaf piles, and other debris from your property.
      • Use caulking or wood filler to seal spaces in your home’s exterior walls.
      • Reduce excess moisture in or around your home by maintaining gutters, repairing leaky faucets and pipes, and using dehumidifiers.
      • Cut grass and other vegetation back away from your foundation.
      • Leave a barrier between any soil or mulch and the foundation.
      • Inspect items like potted plants and outdoor furniture for silverfish before bringing them inside.
  • Smokybrown Cockroaches

    • What are smokybrown cockroaches?

      Smokybrown cockroaches are one of the many species of cockroaches that have learned to live successfully near or with people. Adult smokybrown cockroaches have an oval body shape that is black or mahogany and shiny in appearance. These roaches have wings that extend past the tip of the abdomen and they are capable of flying short distances.

    • Are smokybrown cockroaches dangerous?

      Like other species of cockroaches, smokybrown cockroaches should be avoided and kept out of our homes and businesses. Before finding their way inside your home, smokybrown cockroaches have no doubt come into contact with a variety of bacteria, parasites, and pathogens.

      When they move through our homes or businesses, these pests contaminate food and surfaces and make people ill. Another issue with cockroaches living with people is their feces and shed skin trigger allergies and asthma attacks, especially in young kids.

    • Why do I have a smokybrown cockroach problem?

      Smokybrown cockroaches are a species of roach that, over time, have come to live near or with people. These scavengers have learned to take advantage of the food and shelter sources our properties and homes offer them.

      These roaches often enter inside of homes through spaces around windows and doors or cracks in exterior walls after being attracted by outdoor lights. They will also move inside while foraging for food sources or to escape weather that has become too hot and dry.

    • Where will I find smokybrown cockroaches?
      Homeowners often see smokybrown cockroaches walking around garden beds, around gutters, and on decks or sidewalks. Since smokybrown cockroaches are attracted by outdoor lights, they also gather around doorways, windowsills, and porches. After making their way inside these roaches will hide during the day in attics, bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. At night the roaches will emerge to forage for food. They often gather and fly around indoor lights and lights emitted by the television.
    • How do I get rid of smokybrown cockroaches?

      The best way to control smokybrown cockroaches and keep them from coming back is to contact the highly trained technicians at Albemarle Termite & Pest Control. We can provide you with affordable, safe, and effective home pest control services. We always put our customers first and work to exceed expectations. If you are looking to control pests on your property once and for all, call the experts at Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent smokybrown cockroaches in the future?

      These pests are not just a nuisance; they pose potential health risks and should not be allowed to overrun your home. Avoid problems with smokybrown cockroaches with the help of the following prevention tips.

      • Seal gaps or cracks in the foundation and exterior walls of your home.
      • Replace white outdoor light bulbs with yellow bulbs or LED bulbs that are less attractive to insects.
      • Leave a barrier between mulch and your home’s foundation.
      • Cut overgrown vegetation away from the exterior of your home.
      • Use trash cans and compost bins with locking lids. Store both away from the outside of your home.
      • Fix leaky pipes and fixtures.
      • Remove areas of standing water.
      • Store food in air-tight containers or the refrigerator.
      • Regularly vacuum your home.
  • Solitary Wasps

    • What are solitary wasps?

      As their name suggests, solitary wasps are a species of wasps that live by themselves instead of together in large colonies. Many of the same species of solitary wasps may live in the same area but will create individual nests. Most solitary wasps are predators, hunting insects and spiders to feed themselves and/or their developing young. In this way, they help control nuisance insect populations. Species that also feed on plant nectar help to pollinate some plants and crops as well.

    • Are solitary wasps dangerous?
      Solitary wasps do have the potential to be dangerous. They use the stinger located at the end of their abdomen to deliver painful, venom-filled stings if necessary. Not all solitary wasps are aggressive, but if they feel threatened, they will, of course, defend themselves. The venom of solitary wasps is strong enough to trigger allergic reactions or anaphylaxis in those who are allergic.
    • Why do I have a solitary wasp problem?

      Solitary wasps find their way onto properties that fulfill their basic needs. They are opportunistic insects and will take advantage of any food, water, and shelter we provide them. If solitary wasps do ever decide to call your yard or house their home, it is best to immediately contact a home pest control professional. They will be able to safely remove the solitary wasps and put into place the services needed to prevent their return.

    • Where will I find solitary wasps?

      Solitary wasps, depending on their species, will create their nests in a variety of places. Some build their nests in the ground or under fallen trees or tree stumps, others up higher in trees or under roof eaves, and still others inside of our homes behind wall voids, in chimneys, or attics.

      While solitary wasps build individual nests, many of the same species may choose to create nests in a similar space, increasing their presence in that area.

    • How do I get rid of solitary wasps?

      The best way to control solitary wasps and keep them from returning is to get help from a professional. Albemarle Termite & Pest Control technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe, effective, and affordable pest control services in Elizabeth City. We are a local pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding expectations. Home or business owners looking to control pests once and for all should call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent solitary wasps in the future?

      Solitary wasps are not just a nuisance; they pose potential health risks. Avoid problems with solitary wasps with the help of the following wasp prevention tips.

      • Place garden areas away from the outside of your home and limit the amount of flowering vegetation planted in your yard.
      • Remove fallen trees, trees, stumps, and excess woodpiles from your property.
      • Fill in ground holes.
      • Remove standing water from your property.
      • Seal spaces in the exterior walls and foundation of your home.
      • Place caps on chimneys.
      • Repair openings under roof eaves.
  • Spiders

    • What are spiders?

      Spiders are arachnids and have two body regions, eight legs, and fangs (chelicerae) used to inject their prey with venom. Most species have eight eyes, though some have up to twelve, and they lack antennae and wings. Spiders use their pedipalps, which are segmented appendages attached to the cephalothorax (head), to sense objects. Spiders do not feed on plants; they are predators and feed on a variety of nuisance insects, other spiders, and more. All spiders produce silk, but not all species make webs with their silk. Spiders that don’t create webs instead make burrows. There are many species of spiders living in and around our properties.

      The most common species of spiders to invade homes and businesses in our areas of North Carolina and Virginia are listed below.

    • Are spiders dangerous?

      While suddenly coming upon spiders in our homes and backyards is startling, the good news is that most spiders we come across are nuisance pests and pose no significant danger to people. Hobo spiders, daddy longlegs, and wolf spiders are all examples of nuisance spiders living in our area.

      Black widows and brown recluse spiders are examples of dangerous spiders that live in our area. While all spiders contain venom, dangerous spiders have venom that is strong enough to create health problems in people. The venom from a black widow spider affects the nervous system, and brown recluse spider venom causes the ulceration of tissue around the bite. You should always be careful around spiders, dangerous or nuisance, as they invade properties in large numbers and are frustrating pests to deal with.

    • Why do I have a spider problem?
      Spiders look for properties that offer them an ample supply of food to settle down on. Things like gardens, thick vegetation, woodpiles, and trees attract a lot of insects and spiders who are hunting and feed on them. Spiders live outside but will move into homes, garages, sheds, and other outbuildings when following their food sources.
    • Where will I find spiders?
      Most spiders are nocturnal and tend to be more active during the late summer and fall seasons, hunting during the evening hours. Spiders are reclusive and build their nests or burrows in quiet, secluded spots. Brown recluse and black widow spiders build their irregular-shaped webs at ground level. Wolf spiders create burrows in the ground under woodpiles, shrubs, and bushes. Spider webs are also found above ground in bushes, shrubs, tall grass, trees, under roof eaves, inside doorways, and under decks. Inside, spiders hide in attics, basements, bathrooms, closets, kitchens, under furniture, and sinks. They also hide in stored clothing, shoes, and bedding; shaking these items out before using them helps to prevent spider bites.
    • How do I get rid of spiders?

      Professional home pest control is the best way to control pests and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our pest management professionals are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe and effective pest services in Elizabeth City that are affordable. We are a local pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding their expectations. To control pests in your home or business once and for all, contact Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent spiders in the future?

      Prevent problems with spiders in Elizabeth City, NC, and surrounding areas by combining our professional services with the following prevention tips:

      • Place gardens and woodpiles a distance away from the outside of your property.
      • Place mesh covers over vents leading into your home or business.
      • Eliminate water sources inside and outside your property.
      • Keep storage areas organized to limit hiding spots.
      • Keep all of the grass cut short.
      • Make sure window and door screens are entirely intact.
      • Seal up openings in the foundation, exterior walls, and roofline.
      • Remove debris and clutter from your property and yard where spiders can hide.
      • Cut back tree branches, shrubs, and bushes away from the exterior of your home or business.
  • Stinging Insects

    • What are stinging insects?

      Stinging insects have stingers at the end of their abdomens that they use to inject venom into prey or anything they view as a threat. When living outside and away from people, stinging insects are helpful because they feed on other smaller insects and garden pests, helping to control their populations. Some species are also responsible for a bit of pollination. When stinging insects build their nests on or near our homes, however, they turn from helpful to dangerous and should be removed with the help of a professional.

      The most common species of stinging insects to invade homes and businesses in our areas of North Carolina and Virginia are listed below.

    • Are stinging insects dangerous?
      Stinging insects are dangerous pests because the venom they have is strong enough to trigger allergic reactions in people, sometimes causing serious allergic reactions or life-threatening anaphylaxis. Hornets, wasps, and yellow jackets all have smooth stingers, which allow them to deliver repeated stings and inject more venom into their victims. Their stings are very painful and leave behind large, red welts that can last for hours or days.
    • Why do I have a stinging insect problem?
      Stinging insects can become a problem on any property as long as it provides them with food, shelter, and water. Unfortunately, our yards make great places for stinging insects to create their nests. Our gardens, trash cans, compost piles, trees, and flowering vegetation all make great places for stinging insects to forage for food. They get water from things like birdbaths and clogged gutters, and they build their nests on our homes, businesses, trees, and under our decks.
    • Where will I find stinging insects?
      Stinging insects build nests in a variety of ground and aerial locations, depending on the species. Cicada killers place their nests in the ground in sandy, loose soil, while solitary wasps create individual nests in the ground or inside pieces of wood. Hornets build nests in hollow trees, barns, and other outbuildings. If they find their way inside a home, they may make their nest behind a wall void or in the attic. Mud daubers build their nests under eaves, porch ceilings, decks, and sometimes inside wall voids or in attics. Paper wasp nests hang from tree branches, shrubs, underneath porch ceilings, deck railings, roof eaves, and in the corner of door frames. Yellow jackets nest in the ground, placing their nests in the soil, between rocks crevices, or under woodpiles.
    • How do I get rid of stinging insects?

      Professional pest control is the best way to control pests and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our home pest management professionals are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe and effective pest control services in Elizabeth City that are affordable. We are a local pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding their expectations. To control pests in your home or business once and for all, contact Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent stinging insects in the future?

      Prevent problems with stinging insects in Elizabeth City, NC, and surrounding areas by combining our professional services with the following prevention tips:

      • Limit the amount of flowering vegetation that you plant near your foundation.
      • Outdoor trash cans and compost bins should have tight-fitting lids.
      • Install weather stripping around windows and doors.
      • Keep outdoor eating areas free of food debris.
      • Fix torn door and window screens.
      • Repair holes in the roofline and repair roof damage.
      • Place mesh covers over vents leading into your home or business.
      • Maintain gutters and downspouts to prevent water from pooling in them.
      • Stain, paint, varnish, or otherwise treat wooden structures located on your property.
  • Subterranean Termites

    • What are subterranean termites?

      Subterranean termites are a type of wood-destroying insect known for invading buildings and causing damage to structural timbers. These termites are widespread across the United States. They feed on the cellulose found in wood and plant matter. Outside in nature, they help speed up the process of decaying plants, tree roots, and tree stumps. Inside, they are destructive and unwanted pests.

      Subterranean termites live together in large colonies. They divide the labor in the colony into three different groups or castes—workers, soldiers, and reproductives, with workers making up the bulk of its members. In spite of being soft-bodied, blind, and tiny, worker termites are responsible for the mass structural damage these insects cause.

    • Are subterranean termites dangerous?

      Termites pose no health risks to people, and they also do not bite or sting. In fact, termites rarely ever make physical contact with people. But, these wood-eating pests are dangerous to the structure of a building. Termites enter inside without fanfare, where they work unnoticed for months or even years. When tunneling through and feeding on structural wood, the damage they cause becomes extensive and expensive to repair. It's also important to remember that most homeowners' insurance does not cover termite damage as it is preventable.

    • Why do I have a subterranean termite problem?

      While worker termites are out foraging for food, they enter homes through cracks in the foundation. They also move inside through wooden structures on your home that are making contact with soil. Termites get into homes through wood siding, deck posts, porch steps, and wood trim.

      Termites find properties with fallen trees, tree stumps, leaf piles, and other organic debris on them very attractive. Subterranean termites prefer wood (inside or outside) that has been damaged by water but will eventually move on to feed on sound wood and other materials, including paper and cotton.

    • Where will I find subterranean termites?
      As their name describes, subterranean termites nest in the ground in moist soil. They travel through the ground or in mud tubes that they create to reach their food sources. Subterranean termites do not nest inside the wood they are feeding on. Inside a home, termites invade structural wood out of sight. Termite tunnel through and feed on structural wood located above ceilings, below floors, behind walls, and behind the door and window frames.
    • How do I get rid of subterranean termites?

      Acquiring help from an Elizabeth City pest control expert is the best way to control subterranean termites and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe and effective termite control services that are affordable. We are a local pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding expectations. For home or business owners looking to control pests on their property once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent subterranean termites in the future?

      Pests are not just a nuisance; they pose potential health risks and are capable of damaging property.

      • Avoid problems with subterranean termites with the help of the following prevention tips.
      • Clean gutters and install weatherstripping around windows and doors to prevent water from damaging the inside of your home.
      • Leave a crushed stone barrier between any soil or mulch and your foundation.
      • Remove fallen trees, tree stumps, and excess piles of organic debris from your property.
      • Replace garden mulch with crushed rock, rubber mulch, or other non-organic options.
      • Use dehumidifiers to keep your basement dry.
      • Ventilate your crawlspace.
      • Be proactive and partner with Albemarle Termite & Pest Control.
  • Ticks

    • What are ticks?
      Ticks are outdoor pests that are a significant threat to people and animals because of the many diseases they can spread. They are a type of arachnid, and like all arachnids, adult ticks have eight legs. They have a singular oval-shaped body region. Before feeding, their body is flat, and after feeding, their body swells like a balloon. Ticks use their specialized mouth-like structure to pierce the skin of their host and feed, and their sole source of food is blood from their hosts. They are wingless and move from location to location on the backs of their animal hosts.
    • Are ticks dangerous?
      Ticks feed on a variety of hosts and are vectors of a variety of disease-causing pathogens. Having ticks on your property is dangerous for you and your pets. Diseases they spread include Lyme disease, babesiosis, anaplasmosis, tularemia, and ehrlichiosis. Tick populations should never be allowed to thrive on any property.
    • Why do I have a tick problem?
      Wild animals foraging for food on your property is most likely the reason why ticks are on your property. Rodents are one of the primary hosts for ticks, but other wild animals like raccoons, skunks, deer, birds, and others also introduce these parasitic pests into our yards. You or your pets may also come into contact with ticks while walking in wooded areas, at dog parks, campgrounds, parks, and other outdoor spaces.
    • Where will I find ticks?

      Ticks live outside on the backs of their animal hosts. If not feeding, ticks are hiding out in damp, dark areas of vegetation, waiting for a new host to walk by that they can crawl on and attach themselves to. Tall grass, thick vegetation, bushes, the edges of wooded paths, and the edges of ponds and lakes are typical spots where you or your pets could come into contact with biting ticks.

      Most species of ticks are not able to complete their life cycle indoors and are, therefore, not an indoor threat for an infestation.

    • How do I get rid of ticks?

      Acquiring help from a professional home pest control expert is the best way to control ticks and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe and effective pest control services in Elizabeth City that are affordable. We are a local pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding expectations. For home or business owners looking to eliminate pests from their property once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent ticks in the future?

      Pests are not just a nuisance; they pose potential health risks and are capable of damaging property.

      • Avoid problems with ticks with the help of the following prevention tips.
      • Keep your grass cut short.
      • Keep shrubs or bushes well-trimmed.
      • Cut overgrown grass and vegetation back away from the exterior of your house.
      • Remove bird feeders from your property that could attract wild animals.
      • Place tight-fitting lids on trash cans and compost bins to keep foraging wild animals away.
      • Inspect yourself, your children, and your pets for ticks after spending time outside.
      • When spending time outdoors, use an appropriate tick repellent.
      • Put your pets on a year-round tick control program under the guidance of their veterinarian.
      • Regularly vacuum your home to pick up stray ticks.
      • Seal off spaces around the exterior of your home to prevent wild animals from gaining access.
  • Varied Carpet Beetles

    • What are varied carpet beetles?
      The varied carpet beetle is a common stored product pest that lives worldwide. They received their name from the variety of colors found on their wing covers (elytra). The multiple colors form a spotted-like pattern on their body. These beetles feed on dead insects, fabrics, and other fibrous materials. Adult varied carpet beetles grow to about 1/10th of an inch long, and their wing covers have an irregular pattern of white, brown, black, and dark yellow scales. Varied carpet beetle larvae are a bit longer than adults. Their body is broader at the front and narrows toward the backend. The larvae have alternating light and dark stripes covering the body, in addition to dark tufts of hair.
    • Are varied carpet beetles dangerous?
      Varied carpet beetles are not dangerous pests, but they are damaging pests. The larval stage is the stage of development that causes the most damage. After the females lay their eggs on a source of food (fabrics, animal products, or dry goods), the larvae hatch in the material and begin feeding on it- damaging or contaminating it in the process. The oils found in people's hair attract varied carpet beetles and other species of carpet beetles. As we sleep, they crawl across us to feed on our hair. The hairs that cover the larva's body cause a skin rash in some people. The rash that develops is often confused with bed bug bites.
    • Why do I have a varied carpet beetle problem?
      Varied carpet beetle adults enter inside homes through open windows and doors after being attracted by outdoor lights. Once inside they lay their eggs on furniture, clothing, rugs, and fibrous materials. Sometimes they also lay their eggs in dry goods stored in pantries and kitchens. A varied carpet beetles infestation may also happen after bringing a rug, pieces of furniture, or another item into your home that is infested with varied carpet beetles eggs, or larvae.
    • Where will I find varied carpet beetles?
      Outside female varied carpet beetles lay their eggs inside of bird nests, bird nests, wasps, nests, or spider webs. Adults feed on the plant nectar of flowering plants in garden areas. Those that have moved inside of our homes to lay their eggs usually choose to lay them on wool rugs, furs, silk, dried plants, leather book bindings, hair, or any other items that could serve as a food source for their larva. Varied carpet beetles are most problematic in the spring and early summer months. Adults that have found their way inside your home will gather near windows and window sills.
    • How do I get rid of varied carpet beetles?

      Getting help from a professional home pest control expert is the best way to control varied carpet beetles and keep them from returning. Albemarle Termite & Pest Control technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe, effective, and affordable pest control services in Elizabeth City. Our local pest control company prioritizes putting our customers first and exceeding expectations. For home or business owners looking to control pests once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent varied carpet beetles in the future?

      Pests are not just a nuisance; they pose potential health risks and are capable of damaging property. Avoid problems with varied carpet beetles with the help of the following prevention tips.

      • Inspect flowering potted plants for varied carpet beetles before bringing them inside.
      • Switch out white outdoor lightbulbs for yellow or LED lights that are less attractive to varied carpet beetles and other insects.
      • Keep outdoor lights turned off when not needed.
      • Place weather-stripping around windows and doors.
      • Vacuum carpets and upholstery.
      • Store clothing and other fabrics in plastic containers with tight-fitting lids, not in cardboard boxes.
      • Remove dry goods from their original packaging and place them in plastic or glass jars with air-tight lids.
  • Wolf Spiders

    • What are wolf spiders?

      The wolf spider is a large, non-web-building species of spider. Adults have stocky, robust hairy body that is dark brown or black with cream, gray, or yellowish markings. Their long spiny legs allow these predators to chase their prey.

      Wolf spiders grow to between ½ and 2 ½ inches in length. They have eight eyes set in three rows—four smaller eyes on the bottom row, two larger eyes in the middle row, and two medium eyes on the top row. Their large size and quick movements cause people to be startled by and afraid of these spiders.

    • Are wolf spiders dangerous?
      Like most spiders, wolf spiders are shy and reclusive by nature. Considered nuisance pests, wolf spiders, despite their intimidating appearance, pose no real harm to people or property. Bites from these spiders are rare, but if one does occur, their venom is not strong enough to cause serious health problems in people.
    • Why do I have a wolf spider problem?
      Wolf spiders are on your property because it offers them locations to create their burrows. Also, yards with abundant insect populations attract these predators.
    • Where will I find wolf spiders?

      Instead of creating a web to catch their prey, wolf spiders create burrows in the ground under fallen logs, shrubs, bushes, woodpiles, leaf piles, and areas of tall, overgrown grass and vegetation. These spiders are nocturnal, hiding in their burrows during the day and emerging at night to hunt insects.

      Wolf spiders live outside but do move indoors to hunt prey or escape harsh weather conditions. Inside, wolf spiders move around along the edges of your walls. They hide out in cabinets, closets, basements, and under furniture.

    • How do I get rid of wolf spiders?

      Acquiring help from a professional pest control expert is the best way to control wolf spiders and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe and effective home pest control services that are affordable. We are a local pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding expectations. For home or business owners looking to control pests on their property once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent wolf spiders in the future?

      Pests are not just a nuisance; they pose potential health risks and are capable of damaging property.

      • Avoid problems with wolf spiders with the help of the following prevention tips.
      • Remove fallen trees, overgrown vegetation, leaf piles, and excess woodpiles from your property.
      • Remove tall grass and overgrown vegetation that is growing near the exterior walls of your house.
      • Check the exterior walls of your home, using a caulking gun to fill in any holes.
      • Remove clutter that is next to your walls.
      • Place door sweeps on all exterior doors.
      • Reduce insect activity on your property by partnering with a professional pest control expert.
  • Wood Boring Beetle Control

    • Why do I have wood-boring beetle infestations?

      Wood-boring beetles typically enter properties through exposed wood, such as cracks in siding or windows. They can also be brought in with second-hand furniture and other items that contain wood. Additionally, they can be spread through plants and other vegetation. To prevent infestations, it’s important to keep an eye out for signs of these pests and take measures to protect your property.

    • Can I get rid of wood-boring beetles on my own?

      Because these pests can be difficult to detect, it is best to contact a professional pest control company that has experience in dealing with wood-boring beetle infestations. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, we are knowledgeable in treating and controlling these pests from your property. We also offer preventive strategies to help keep them from returning in the future.

    • How do I know if I have a wood-boring beetle infestation?

      Signs of an active wood-boring beetle infestation include small holes in wood surfaces, sawdust or wood dust around the holes, and weakened or damaged wood structures. You may also notice an unpleasant odor in the area, as wood-boring beetles secrete a musty smell. If you suspect that you have a wood-boring beetle infestation, contact Albemarle Termite & Pest Control for a free inspection today.

  • Wood Destroying Organisms

    • What are wood-destroying organisms?

      Wood-destroying organisms are those pests that cause damage to the structural integrity of your home or business by feeding on or nesting in the wood inside of it. These insect invaders are responsible for causing billions of dollars worth of property damage in the United States each year.

      The most common species of wood-destroying organisms to invade homes and businesses in our areas of North Carolina and Virginia are listed below.

      • Old House Borers - Old house borers are a type of longhorn beetle that attacks seasoned softwoods – pine in particular. The feeding larvae make a distinctive rasping or clicking sound.
      • Powderpost Beetles - Powderpost beetles invade wood, and their larvae turn it into a fine powder. These pests invade both hardwoods and softwoods.
      • Termites - The eastern subterranean termite is a ground-nesting species and one of the most commonly found damaging properties throughout the United States. They have high moisture needs and are attracted to water-damaged or decaying wood.
    • Are wood-destroying organisms dangerous?
      Wood-destroying organisms pose a significant danger to property but not to people. The damage these pests cause by feeding on wood or tunneling through it can become extensive and costly to repair. In the case of many wood-destroying insects, including eastern subterranean termites, homeowners insurance does not cover the cost of repairs because the damage is viewed as preventable.
    • Why do I have a wood-destroying organism problem?

      Termites build underground nests. The workers tunnel through the soil or build mud tubes above the ground to leave the nest and forage for food. Typical food sources include leaves, soil, wood, and other organic materials made up of cellulose. As termites forage for food, they enter through spaces in the foundation or areas of soil-to-wood contact.

      Powderpost beetles, during the larval stage, usually find their way in through infested pieces of wooden furniture or wood products. Adults are active at night and are attracted to outdoor lighting, finding their way in through spaces in exterior walls or areas around windows and doors. Old house borers lay their eggs in the cracks and crevices of logs and wood stored in lumberyards. You'll find these wood-destroying pests in newly constructed properties.

    • Where will I find wood-destroying organisms?

      Eastern subterranean termites live in the moist soil close to their food sources. They travel from their nest to a food source each day and do not live inside the wood they are feeding on. Inside homes and other buildings, termites feed on the structural wood behind walls, under floors, or above ceilings. An infestation can continue for months or even years before discovering its presence.

      Powderpost beetles invade and damage things like flooring, structural timbers, antique furniture, and wood trim. Female powderpost beetles lay their eggs on the surface or just under the surface of pieces of wood. When the eggs hatch, the larvae tunnel through the wood and feed on it – reducing it to a fine, dust-like powder. Old house borers prefer pine, spruce, and coniferous wood. Generally, infestations are localized to one portion of your property, and pests like powderpost beetles cause a lot of damage in a short time.

    • How do I get rid of wood-destroying organisms?

      Professional pest control is the best way to control pests and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our pest management professionals are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe and effective services that are affordable. We are a local pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding their expectations. To control pests in your home or business once and for all, contact Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent wood-destroying organisms in the future?

      Prevent problems with wood-destroying organisms in Elizabeth City, NC, and surrounding areas by combining our professional services with the following prevention tips:

      • Reduce moisture levels in and around your property by fixing leaky pipes and making sure gutters and downspouts are cleaned out.
      • Inspect wooden antiques for powderpost beetle damage before bringing them into your home or business.
      • Eliminate any soil-to-wood contact on your home or commercial property.
      • Remove water-damaged wood from your property.
      • Avoid the use of old barn wood inside your home.
      • Paint or stain exposed bare wood in or around your property.
      • Lumber used inside your home or business should be kiln-dried to kill wood-destroying insects.
      • Keep the wood inside your home dry by maintaining heating and ventilation systems and using dehumidifiers.
      • Seal up openings in your foundation, exterior walls, and spaces around windows and doors to stop wood-destroying insects from finding their way inside.
  • Yellow Jackets

    • What are yellow jackets?

      Aggressive insects that work together to drive away perceived threats, yellow jackets, are a pest that no one wants nesting on their property. A type of wasp, yellow jackets have a segmented body with a distinctive thin waist. Their hairless body is covered in a well-defined yellow and black striped pattern. Another physical feature that helps to identify this pest is its long wings that fold laterally against its body when at rest.

    • Are yellow jackets dangerous?
      Yellow jackets live together in very large numbers and are dangerous pests when they invade our yards to nest. Yellow jackets are short-tempered and won’t hesitate to attack anything they view as a threat. Something as simple as you or your kids walking past their nest could trigger an attack. Their stings are very painful and leave behind large welts that have the potential to last for days. The venom they inject with their stings is strong enough to trigger allergic reactions and, with a group attack, even anaphylaxis.
    • Why do I have a yellow jacket problem?
      Yellow jackets are ground nesters and will take advantage of any property that provides them with suitable nesting spots that are near sources of food and water. Yellow jackets feed on a variety of sweets and proteins and are very attracted to properties with outdoor eating areas, gardens, compost, and trash cans.
    • Where will I find yellow jackets?
      High populations of yellow jackets are most common during the summer months. This is also the time of year when stings are most likely to occur. Yellow jackets place their nests in the ground under bushes, in the abandoned nests of small animals, under fallen trees, in tree stumps, and between rocks. They also sometimes place their nests under decks, in the corners or doorways, or under roof eaves.
    • How do I get rid of yellow jackets?

      Acquiring help from a professional home pest control expert is the best way to control yellow jackets and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe and effective pest control services in Elizabeth City, NC, that are affordable. We are a local pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding expectations. For home or business owners looking to control pests on their property once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

    • How can I prevent yellow jackets in the future?

      To help protect your North Carolina property from yellow jackets, consider putting into place the following prevention measures.

      • Remove fallen trees and tree stumps from your property.
      • Fill any ground holes in your yard.
      • Place tight-fitting lids on outdoor trash cans and compost bins.
      • Keep outdoor eating areas clean and free of food debris.
      • Quickly clean-up after having an outdoor party.
      • Place garden areas away from the outside walls of your house.