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    <title>805816d2</title>
    <link>https://www.totalpestcontrolct.com</link>
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      <title>SIGNS YOU HAVE A RODENT PROBLEM</title>
      <link>https://www.totalpestcontrolct.com/signs-you-have-a-rodent-problem</link>
      <description>Learn the signs of a rodent problem and call Total Pest Control, LLC for our pest control services. We provide mice control, rat control, and more in Bristol, CT.</description>
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           Rodents may look small, but the problems they bring upon invading your home or property can be enormous. From spreading diseases to causing structural damage, the presence of mice, rats, and other pests is not something to ignore. Spotting the signs of a rodent problem early can save you time, money, and a lot of stress. Learn all about common indicators of rodent infestations and why professional pest control services are your best bet for comprehensive mice control and rat control.
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           Key Signs of a Rodent Infestation
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           Rodents are stealthy creatures, often sneaking into your home unnoticed. However, they leave behind telling signs. Here's what to watch for:
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           1. Droppings and Urine Trails
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           Rodent droppings are one of the most obvious indicators of an infestation. Mice and rat droppings are small, dark, and pellet-shaped, typically found near food sources, along baseboards, or in hidden areas like cupboards and drawers. Larger rodents, such as leave bigger droppings, often accompanied by urine trails. Urine stains may emit a foul, musky odor and should not be ignored, especially in areas like kitchens or pantries.
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           2. Gnaw Marks and Chewed Materials
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           Rodents have teeth that grow continuously, so they are instinctively compelled to chew to keep their teeth trimmed. Chewed wires, gnaw marks on wooden furniture, shredded insulation, and damaged food packaging are telltale signs of rodent activity. These chewing habits can lead to severe issues like electrical fires and structural damage.
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           3. Strange Noises in the Walls or Ceilings
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           If you hear scratching, squeaking, or scampering sounds coming from your walls, ceiling, or attic, chances are you have a rodent problem. Odd noises, especially at night, could indicate the presence of rodents actively searching for food.
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           4. Unexplained Pet Behavior
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           Your pets can alert you to rodent activity before you even notice it. Dogs and cats may become fixated on a specific area, scratching at walls or sniffing around obsessively. Pay attention to these odd behaviors, as they might signal a pest hiding nearby.
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           5. Foul Odors
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           Rodents can emit a strong, unpleasant smell, especially if they’ve built nests in hidden areas of your home. The odor worsens if an animal dies within your walls or attic.
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           6. Nests or Burrows
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            Mice and rats will create nests using easily accessible materials like shredded paper, fabric, or insulation. You may find these nests in secluded areas such as basements, attics, or utility rooms.
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           Protect Your Home and Health
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           Rodents are more than just a nuisance; they’re a genuine risk to your health, safety, and property. If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, it’s time to act. Swift action can save you from dealing with more significant problems down the line.
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           Professional pest control services are your best defense against infestations, offering peace of mind and lasting results. If you’re facing issues with mice or rats don’t hesitate to seek expert help.
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           Contact Us for Expert Rodent Removal Solutions
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            At Total Pest Control, LLC, we specialize in
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           indoor pest control services
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            , such as
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           mice control
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            , and
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           rat control
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            services. Our team of experts is fully equipped to handle even the toughest infestations, ensuring your home remains safe and rodent-free. We also offer helpful
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           commercial pest control service
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            in
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           Bristol, CT
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            ;
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           Cheshire, CT
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           Farmington, CT
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            ;
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           Prospect, CT
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            ; and
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           Waterbury, CT
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            to protect your business. 
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           Call us today
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            to schedule an inspection or learn more about our pest control solutions. Don’t wait—protect your home from rodents and enjoy peace of mind knowing you’re in expert hands!
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      <pubDate>Thu, 17 Jul 2025 19:58:53 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.totalpestcontrolct.com/signs-you-have-a-rodent-problem</guid>
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      <title>12 SPOTS ON THE BODY WHERE YOU'RE MOST LIKELY TO FIND A TICK.</title>
      <link>https://www.totalpestcontrolct.com/12-spots-on-the-body-where-you-re-most-likely-to-find-a-tick</link>
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           Tick season is here,
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            and it’s already shaping up to be a rough one. The United States is seeing the highest number of reported emergency room visits for tick bites since 2019, according to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
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           Recent estimates suggest that more than 31 million people in the U.S. are bitten by 
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           ticks
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            each year. Rates of 
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           tick-borne diseases
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           , like Lyme disease and 
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           Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
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           , have more than doubled over the last two decades—a result of rising temperatures, shifting land use, and other factors.
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           But getting a tick bite doesn’t necessarily mean you will get sick. Most tick bites don’t lead to disease, and the majority of tick-borne diseases can be prevented by early removal of the tick, research shows.
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           “Frequent tick checks are important because they help prevent infections like Lyme disease, which can cause serious long-term health issues if not caught early,” 
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           Bobbi Pritt, MD
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           , the director of the Clinical Parasitology Laboratory at Mayo Clinic and a spokesperson for the College of American Pathologists, told Health.
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           With that in mind, 
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           where on your body should you pay extra attention to when scanning for ticks? 
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           Here’s what to know about where ticks like to hang out—as well as what to do if you actually find one on your body.
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           Ticks tend to bite warm areas of the body, like in your armpit or behind your knees.
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           Credit: rbkomar / Getty Images
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           Fast Facts:
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            Tick season
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             is already off to a 
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            rough start,
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             with bite-related ER visits hitting a five-year high.
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            Finding and removing ticks early is key,
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             as some diseases transmit within hours of attachment.
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            Check for ticks in 
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            warm, hidden areas of your body,
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             like your inner thighs, scalp, and waistline.
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           Why Do a Tick Check?
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           Ticks transmit diseases to humans by feeding on the blood of infected animals and contracting pathogenic bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Then, when they’re snacking on their next victim’s blood, they can inject the pathogen into the new host.
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           In the United States, at least 17 human diseases are caused by numerous species of ticks.6 The most common tick-borne disease—accounting for nearly 80% of tick-borne illnesses nationwide—is 
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            Lyme disease
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           , a bacterial infection that can cause fatigue, headache, and a skin rash.
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           Lesser-known diseases from ticks include:
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             Babesiosis
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            , a parasitic disease that infects red blood cells
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            Tularemia
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            , a potentially serious bacterial illness that can be treated with antibiotics
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            Anaplasmosis
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            , a bacterial infection that causes flu-like symptoms
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             Apha-gal syndrome
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            , a rare red meat allergy, developed after being bitten by a tick
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           The percentage of ticks that are infected ranges from 0 to 50% and largely varies by location. For example, black-legged ticks, which are mostly found in the southeastern U.S., are rarely infected.
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           Some pathogens, such as the Powassan virus, can be transmitted in as little as 15 minutes, whereas a tick needs to be attached for several hours—in some cases, 24 or more—to transmit Lyme disease. “
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           Finding and removing a tick quickly can stop infection before it starts
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           ,” Pritt said.
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           Where Are Ticks Usually Lurking?
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           Ticks don’t fly or jump. Instead, they cling onto vegetation with their back legs and reach their front legs out, waiting for a host to brush by, said 
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           Charlotte Mao, MD
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           , a pediatric infectious disease physician and a member of the Scientific Advisory Board for Bay Area Lyme Foundation.
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           When that happens, they transfer onto the host—say, you or your dog—then “crawl and climb to different locations on the body to eventually attach and bite,” Mao told Health.
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           Ticks can hide out all over your body, like your chest, shoulders, ankles, wrists, and feet. But they “often prefer 
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           warm areas of the body
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            where there are skin folds or where clothing presses up to skin,” Mao said.
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           According to one survey from 2020, of 722 deer ticks that were attached to people, most of them—about 16%—were found on the 
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           thigh, followed by around the waist, the stomach, and groin
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           . The eight remaining spots were:
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            Along the upper back
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            On the scalp
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            On the calves and shins
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            Along the upper arms
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            Behind the knees
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            In the armpits
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            Along the neck
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            Around the lower back
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           In kids, ticks tend to bite around the head and neck. Why? Children are more likely to play and roll around in grass, said Mao, and their heads are closer to the height of vegetation.
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           The 
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    &lt;a href="https://www.health.com/condition/allergy/lone-star-tick-causes-red-meat-allergy" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           lone star tick
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           , which resides in the eastern, southeastern, and south-central U.S. and can transmit germs such as ehrlichiosis and 
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    &lt;a href="https://www.health.com/heartland-virus-expanding-cdc-7229432" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Heartland virus disease
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            (but not Lyme disease), is aggressive and tends to bite quickly on the lower half of the body, like the leg, thigh, or groin area.
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           Dog ticks, which can transmit diseases like anaplasmosis and babesiosis and are usually found east of the Rocky Mountains, prefer to climb upward and bite the head or neck region, adds Mao.
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           How to Check For Ticks
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           The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends 
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           bathing or showering within two hours 
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           of coming back indoors after hiking, walking, camping, gardening, and picnicking. Doing so will help you find or wash away lingering ticks, as it usually takes a couple of hours for a tick to dig around and find skin to bite, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
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           To conduct a tick check, use a hand-held or full-length mirror to
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            scan your entire body, 
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           including your underarms, belly button, ears, and hair. You can also ask a friend to help (especially with those hard-to-reach areas like your scalp or back). Some ticks, such as black-legged ticks, are minuscule and may 
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           look like a sesame seed, 
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           said Mao.
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           Tick bites are most easily identified when the tick is still attached to the skin while feeding, 
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    &lt;a href="https://ysph.yale.edu/profile/chantal-vogels/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chantal Vogels, PhD
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           , an assistant professor of epidemiology (microbial diseases) at Yale School of Public Health, told Health. The goal is to catch and remove the tick before it’s filled up with your blood, the NIH states.
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           Like other bug bites, a tick bite typically causes a 
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            red lump
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           . In general, tick bites aren’t painful, whereas bites and stings from other insects typically cause pain. Occasionally, however, a tick bite may lead to local swelling, itchiness, blistering, and bruising.
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           What to Do If You Find One
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           If you find a tick latched onto your skin, it’s crucial to take 
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           immediate action. 
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           Here’s what to do:
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            Decide on your 
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            removal method: 
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            A pair of tweezers, a tick removal device, or your fingers.
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            Grab onto the tick
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             as close to your skin as possible.
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            Slowly pull upward and away,
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             removing the whole tick in one piece.
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            If part of the tick, like the mouth, breaks off and remains lodged in your skin,
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             remove those parts,
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             too.
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            Clean out the bite 
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            with soap and water or rubbing alcohol to avoid infection, Vogel said. (Do not use petroleum jelly, heat, or other chemicals to clean out the bite, which the CDC warns can agitate the tick and push infected fluid out of it and into your body.)
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            Get rid of the tick
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             by flushing it down the toilet, wrapping it in tape, placing it in a sealed container, or dousing it in alcohol. (Do not crush the tick between your fingers.)
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            Check for additional ticks, 
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            Vogel stressed.
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           One thing the CDC says you shouldn’t do is get the tick tested for pathogens. That’s because a negative result may give you false reassurance, and a positive result could cause unnecessary worry, given that it doesn’t necessarily mean you will get sick.
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           It’s always a good idea to 
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           monitor yourself for symptoms
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           —like a rash or fever—after a tick bite. With Lyme disease, a 
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    &lt;a href="https://www.health.com/condition/lyme-disease/lyme-disease-rashes" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           bullseye rash
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            will appear about a week after the bite.
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           If you notice anything unusual, contact a doctor and clue them in on when the bite took place and where you were exposed to the tick, Vogel said. Early treatment with antibiotics or anti-parasitic drugs can improve your prognosis and prevent severe illness.
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           Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 
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    &lt;a href="https://www.cdc.gov/rocky-mountain-spotted-fever/about/index.html" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           About Rocky Mountain spotted fever
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           .
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           Finally, the best way to prevent tick-borne diseases is to 
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           avoid tick bites in the first place.
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            In addition to checking for ticks, wear permethrin-treated clothing and use insect repellents. “Prevention is better than treatment,” said Vogel.
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    &lt;a href="https://www.health.com/tick-bite-body-parts-11759134" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Originally published on health.com.
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
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      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jul 2025 19:14:18 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.totalpestcontrolct.com/12-spots-on-the-body-where-you-re-most-likely-to-find-a-tick</guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>PROTECTING CONNECTICUT: WHY LEADERS URGE VIGILANCE AGAINST THE SPOTTED LANTERNFLY</title>
      <link>https://www.totalpestcontrolct.com/protecting-connecticut-why-leaders-urge-vigilance-against-the-spotted-lanternfly</link>
      <description>Connecticut's natural beauty is a source of pride for its residents, but lately, a tiny intruder has been causing concern among state leaders and agricultural experts. The Spotted Lanternfly, an invasive species native to Asia, has been spotted in neighboring states, prompting Connecticut leaders to take proactive measures to prevent its spread. In this blog post, we'll delve into why the Spotted Lanternfly poses a threat and what Connecticut residents can do to help protect their environment.</description>
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           Protecting Connecticut: Why Leaders Urge Vigilance Against the Spotted Lanternfly 
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           Connecticut's natural beauty is a source of pride for its residents, but lately, a tiny intruder has been causing concern among state leaders and agricultural experts. The Spotted Lanternfly, an invasive species native to Asia, has been spotted in neighboring states, prompting Connecticut leaders to take proactive measures to prevent its spread. In this blog post, we'll delve into why the Spotted Lanternfly poses a threat and what Connecticut residents can do to help protect their environment.
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           The Invasion of the Spotted Lanternfly
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           The Spotted Lanternfly, scientifically known as Lycorma delicatula, might seem harmless at first glance with its colorful wings, but its presence can wreak havoc on the ecosystem. This insect feeds on a wide range of plants, including important agricultural crops like grapes, apples, and hops. In addition to causing direct damage to plants by sucking sap from stems and leaves, the Spotted Lanternfly also excretes a sticky substance known as honeydew, which promotes the growth of mold and attracts other pests.
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           Why Connecticut Leaders are Concerned
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           Connecticut's climate and landscape provide an ideal habitat for the Spotted Lanternfly, making it susceptible to colonization if left unchecked. The potential impact on the state's agricultural industry is particularly worrisome, as Connecticut is home to numerous vineyards, orchards, and farms. In addition to economic losses, the spread of the Spotted Lanternfly could also disrupt the delicate balance of local ecosystems, threatening native plants.
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           Taking Action Against the Invader
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           Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Connecticut leaders are urging residents to be vigilant and report any sightings of the Spotted Lanternfly. The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) has established monitoring programs to track the insect's movement and provide early detection of new infestations. Additionally, state agencies are working in collaboration with neighboring states and federal partners to develop strategies for controlling the spread of the Spotted Lanternfly.
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           How Residents Can Help
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           While government agencies play a crucial role in combating invasive species, residents also have a part to play in protecting their environment. Here are a few steps that Connecticut residents can take to help prevent the spread of the Spotted Lanternfly:
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            Learn to Identify the Insect:
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             Familiarize yourself with the appearance of the Spotted Lanternfly and be on the lookout for any signs of infestation, such as egg masses on trees or the insects themselves.
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            Report Sightings:
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             If you spot a Spotted Lanternfly or suspect its presence, report it to the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station or your local agricultural extension office. Early detection is key to preventing the spread of invasive species.
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            Take Precautionary Measures:
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             When traveling to areas where the Spotted Lanternfly is present, inspect your belongings and vehicles for any signs of the insect before returning home. This can help prevent unintentional spread.
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            Follow Quarantine Guidelines:
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             If you live in an area where the Spotted Lanternfly has been detected, follow quarantine guidelines and avoid transporting potentially infested materials, such as firewood or outdoor furniture, to other locations.
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           The invasion of the Spotted Lanternfly poses a significant threat to Connecticut's environment and economy, but with collective action and vigilance, we can work together to mitigate its impact. By staying informed, reporting sightings, and taking preventive measures, residents can help protect their state from this invasive pest. Together, we can preserve Connecticut's natural beauty for generations to come.
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           Contact Total Pest Control today to learn more.
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      <pubDate>Fri, 10 May 2024 10:57:37 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>HOW TO KEEP MICE OUT OF YOUR HOME THIS WINTER</title>
      <link>https://www.totalpestcontrolct.com/how-to-keep-mice-out-of-your-home-this-winter</link>
      <description>As the cooler temperatures of autumn give way to the harsh weather of winter, many animals will be seeking shelter and warmth. For mice and other rodents, the appeal of the warm nooks and crannies within our homes is a large draw!</description>
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           HOW TO KEEP MICE OUT OF YOUR HOME THIS WINTER
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           As the cooler temperatures of autumn give way to the harsh weather of winter, many animals will be seeking shelter and warmth. For mice and other rodents, the appeal of the warm nooks and crannies within our homes is a large draw! For you, though, mice can cause a nightmare of physical damage and health risks in your house. Before they make themselves at home, however, there are a few reliable steps you can take to ensure that this invasion is prevented early. 
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           Knowing one’s opponent is important in any strategy – so what are homeowners up against? Mice are incredibly cautious and resourceful creatures. They are small, agile climbers and jumpers, and their anatomy allows them to squeeze through any holes larger than 3/16 of an inch (or 4.78 mm). They are driven survivalists who will scavenge and eat any food that they can find, but are drawn to foods high in sugar, fats, or proteins. Rodent’s regular diet consists of grains and seeds, but they aren’t shy about trying new diets! 
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           This high drive for food and warm shelter means that one of the best preventative measures for keeping mice out of your home in the colder months means keeping food both properly sealed within your home, and away from potential entrances outside it. Any bird feeders, bushes, or vegetation that surrounds your house should be kept clear of proximity to your house (around 20 feet away). Any food indoors – be it the granola you have on the counter or your pet’s kibble should be properly sealed. When you do feed your pets, try to schedule the mealtimes rather than allowing grazing throughout the day. This will prevent the appeal of an open buffet. 
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           Cleanliness is also key if you want to prevent uninvited guests. Crumbs, warm, protected and cluttered corners or debris will allow pleasant hiding places and undetected movement for rodents. They will also happily chew through and use any materials they can find – such as cardboard – to nest out of sight. Newspaper, boxes, laundry and firewood all make inviting spaces for mice and other rodents, so be sure to keep these clear of the ground and tidy. 
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           Landscaping and properly sealing your home is an easy defense against the unpleasant surprise of an infestation this winter. Keeping branches clear from hanging near your roof can keep your attic protected. Clearing wood piles near the home, leaf piles or other debris can keep the jump from outside to inside less inviting as well. 
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           Sealing the entrance points may seem intuitive, but mice find entrances we may not expect. Not only are they incredible climbers, but they can clear 13 inches in a single jump and chew through wood and aluminum alike. To start, ensure the doors and windows are sealed properly for the winter. Brush strips can help to retain heat and seal entrances for the colder months. Sealing cracks in walls, foundations and other places with mesh strips and or caulk will add further security. Steel wool will also help to mouse-proof gaps. Places where pipes run from inside to outside is another point to fortify, as are chimneys (a chimney cap when not in use may be a wise choice). 
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            One way to passively discourage pests is also something that may be unexpected – scents. Mice and other rodents have a very keen nose. While helpful for sniffing out food, it also means they are far more sensitive to strong scents. There are a number of scents that they are known to be overwhelmed by. This includes: Cinnamon, Peppermint oil, Vinegar, and Citronella. If you are looking for natural products to prevent mice from seeing your home as a cozy place to hunker down in the winter, these may be a good option. You can approach this technique in a few ways. Perhaps you leave vinegar soaked cotton-balls near potential entrances for pests, or make a spray of a drop or two of peppermint or cinnamon oil to spritz your house with. 
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           Several chemicals and household cleaners are also anathema to rodents – such as bleach, mothballs, and ammonia. These have a far less pleasant or natural scent and are less safe to use, though perhaps convenient. Much like the oils listed above, they can be added to water to make a spray. Be sure to use these with caution and in measured amounts so as not to endanger yourself or your housemates while you’re at it. A mask or gloves is recommended, as is good ventilation. 
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           If you are aware of how rodents enter a home and what may attract them, you can easily nip the potential for an infestation in the bud before it becomes a nightmare. The importance of keeping things clean, tidy and storing any potentially attractive food or nesting materials cannot be overlooked. Sometimes, the simplest preventative measures can have the best results. This winter can be spent peacefully without the worry of unwanted guests so long as you take the time to protect your home proactively.
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           The post How to keep mice out of your home this winter appeared first on Total Pest Control, LLC.
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      <pubDate>Fri, 29 Sep 2023 11:01:50 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.totalpestcontrolct.com/how-to-keep-mice-out-of-your-home-this-winter</guid>
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      <title>HOW TO PICK A PEST CONTROL COMPANY</title>
      <link>https://www.totalpestcontrolct.com/how-to-pick-a-pest-control-company</link>
      <description>Pests can pose a significant issue for both homeowners and businesses. Selecting the correct local pest control company is a crucial decision. Whether you need to eradicate termites, bed bugs, ants, or other pests, it’s vital to find a company that can efficiently and effectively eliminate the problem.</description>
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           HOW TO PICK A PEST CONTROL COMPANY 
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           Pests can pose a significant issue for both homeowners and businesses. Selecting the correct local pest control company is a crucial decision. Whether you need to eradicate termites, bed bugs, ants, or other pests, it’s vital to find a company that can efficiently and effectively eliminate the problem. In this article, we’ll go over some essential factors to consider when choosing a local pest control company, allowing you to make an informed decision.
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           Experience and Expertise
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           The first aspect to consider when selecting a pest control company is their experience and expertise. Look for a company that has been in the industry for several years and has a team of certified professionals trained and equipped to handle all types of pests. A company with a solid reputation and a proven track record of successful pest elimination indicates that you can trust them to get the job done right.
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           Reputation and Customer
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           Reviews Another crucial aspect to consider when choosing a pest control company is their reputation and customer reviews. Check customer reviews and ratings on platforms like Yelp, Google, and the Better Business Bureau to see what others have to say about their experience with the company. A reputable company with positive customer feedback is a good indicator that you can trust them to handle your pest control needs.
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           Availability and Response Time
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           Pest issues can arise at any time, so it’s vital to choose a company available 24/7 to respond to your needs. Look for a company with a fast response time that can begin the pest control process as soon as possible to minimize the damage. A company with a good track record of responding quickly and efficiently to pest emergencies can be a lifesaver in an emergency situation.
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           Techniques and Products
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           The pest control process can be complex, and it’s important to choose a company that uses safe and effective techniques and products to eliminate the problem. Look for a company that uses integrated pest management (IPM) techniques, which focus on preventing and eliminating pests without relying solely on pesticides. A company that uses eco-friendly and pet-friendly products shows that they care about the health and safety of your family and the environment.
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           Cost and Guarantees
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           Cost is an important factor to consider when selecting a pest control company. Look for a company that provides transparent and competitive pricing and is upfront about their charges. It’s also important to choose a company that offers guarantees for their work so you can be confident that the problem will be effectively and permanently eliminated. In conclusion, pests are a real problem, but choosing the right local pest control company can make all the difference. Consider the experience and expertise of the company, their reputation and customer reviews, their availability and response time, their techniques and products, and their cost and guarantees when making your decision. By following these guidelines, you can rest assured that you’ve made the right choice for your pest control needs.
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           If you’re encountering bug related issues in your home or business, we’d love to help diagnose the problem and get it resolved for you quickly.
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           Give us a call today!
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           The post How to Pick a Pest Control Company appeared first on Total Pest Control, LLC.
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      <pubDate>Sun, 21 May 2023 11:09:30 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>MILD WINTER COULD LEAD TO BUGGY SPRING</title>
      <link>https://www.totalpestcontrolct.com/mild-winter-could-lead-to-buggy-spring</link>
      <description>The mild winter has been a pleasant change, but it may come at a cost this spring as insects start to thrive. If you feel like you’re seeing more bugs this April than in previous years, you’re not wrong. The warmer weather has allowed many insects, especially mosquitos, to emerge earlier than usual.</description>
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           MILD WINTER COULD LEAD TO A BUGGY SPRING
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           The mild winter has been a pleasant change, but it may come at a cost this spring as insects start to thrive. If you feel like you’re seeing more bugs this April than in previous years, you’re not wrong. The warmer weather has allowed many insects, especially mosquitos, to emerge earlier than usual. Dr. Philip Armstrong, who oversees the state’s mosquito monitoring program, explains that mosquitos would typically start occurring in May, but the warmer temperatures have caused them to appear sooner. This has also allowed mosquito species from the south to move north, which could extend the mosquito season longer.
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           However, it’s not just mosquitos that are causing concern. Mark Haydens, Total Pest Control have already seen an increase in homeowner needs due to insect activity, particularly for common pests in Connecticut, such as termites and ants, as it’s their mating season. Mark says they’ve been inundated with calls for these pests.
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           Ticks are a concern this year due to the unusually warm winter. According to Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station tick ecologist, Megan Linske, more ticks will likely survive. Therefore, protecting pets with medicated collars and topical treatments is important, and starting preventative measures earlier than usual may be necessary. Linske also recommends checking yourself, your kids, and your pets for ticks after spending time in wooded or grassy areas. With more ticks comes a higher risk of Lyme disease, so it’s crucial to take preventative measures and remove ticks as quickly as possible.
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           The post mild winter could lead to buggy spring appeared first on Total Pest Control, LLC.
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      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Apr 2023 11:12:59 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>ANTS AND TERMITES</title>
      <link>https://www.totalpestcontrolct.com/ants-and-termites</link>
      <description>Household pests like termites and ants can be a real headache. Termites, in particular, are notorious for swarming and can be easily identified by their flying insects. However, not all swarming insects are termites. Have you stopped to consider flying ants? Let’s take a closer look at the differences between flying ants and termites.</description>
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           ANTS AND TERMITES 
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           Household pests like termites and ants can be a real headache. Termites, in particular, are notorious for swarming and can be easily identified by their flying insects. However, not all swarming insects are termites. Have you stopped to consider flying ants? Let’s take a closer look at the differences between flying ants and termites.
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           Flying Ants
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           Flying ants, also known as carpenter ants, are winged insects with elbowed antennae, pinched waists, and smaller hind wings compared to their front wings. They come in different colors like black, brown, or reddish. Worker ants live for a few months, while queens can live for years. Flying ants feed on nectar, seeds, other insects, and food debris found in or around homes.
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           Flying ants can be spotted in the open and tend to nest in wood by tunneling through it. They are typically found in wet, damp, or rotting wood but can also infest dry wood. If you come across a swarm of flying red ants or a full-blown infestation, the first step is to repair or replace any rotted wood. Next, use an insecticide to kill the ants if they have built their nest indoors. If you can’t access the nest, try using ant bait, which can be found at most home centers, hardware stores, and online.
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           Termites
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           There are two types of termites: workers and swarmers. Workers are creamy-colored, measure between 3 to 4 mm long, and are most commonly found when mud foraging tubes or infested wood is broken open. Swarmers, on the other hand, are the reproductive type, measuring about 4 mm long, and are dark brown or black.
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           Termites can have wings, but they lose them soon after they mate. Typically, they have straight antennae, wide bodies without pinched waists, and wings of equal length. They primarily feed on wood, paper, and other cellulose-based products. Workers can survive for a couple of years, while queens can live for decades.
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           Both flying ants and termites swarm as part of their mating process. After mating, the males die, and the queens lose their wings to find a nesting site. The sudden appearance of swarming ants or termites in flight is a good indicator that there is an infestation nearby.
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           The post Ants and Termites appeared first on Total Pest Control, LLC.
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      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Apr 2023 11:18:28 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.totalpestcontrolct.com/ants-and-termites</guid>
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      <title>LONGHORNED TICKS IN CONNECTICUT</title>
      <link>https://www.totalpestcontrolct.com/longhorned-ticks-in-connecticut</link>
      <description>These ticks, which are typically found in Asia and Australia, are parasitic and feed off the blood of mammals, birds, and reptiles.</description>
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           LONGHORNED TICKS IN CONNECTICUT 
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           Connecticut has been experiencing an influx of non-native species lately, including the Asian longhorned tick.
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           These ticks, which are typically found in Asia and Australia, are parasitic and feed off the blood of mammals, birds, and reptiles.
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           They are known to cause issues with cattle and are thought to be transported via birds. Although they are more attracted to animals, it’s still important to check yourself and your pets carefully after spending time in grassy or forested areas during the warmer months.
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           Ticks can carry diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, but thankfully, there have been no cases of Asian longhorned ticks transmitting disease in the US.
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           If you find a tick on yourself or your pet, use tweezers to remove it and dispose of it in a container soaked with alcohol or freeze it. For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control website and then give us a call to start the process of controlling them.
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           The post Longhorned Ticks in Connecticut appeared first on Total Pest Control, LLC.
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      <pubDate>Mon, 10 Apr 2023 11:23:26 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.totalpestcontrolct.com/longhorned-ticks-in-connecticut</guid>
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      <title>WARMER WEATHER WITH TICKS AND MOSQUITOS</title>
      <link>https://www.totalpestcontrolct.com/warmer-weather-with-ticks-and-mosquitos</link>
      <description>In Sharon, Massachusetts, warm weather in February has prompted more people to spend time outdoors. However, pet owners have reported issues with ticks as they venture out.</description>
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           WARMER WEATHER WITH TICKS AND MOSQUITOS 
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           In Sharon, Massachusetts, warm weather in February has prompted more people to spend time outdoors. However, pet owners have reported issues with ticks as they venture out.
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           The Sharon dog park was filled with visitors, but instead of ice and snow, people were concerned about ticks. Gerry McDonough, a dog owner, ensures that his dog Stella is protected with tick medicine, especially with the mild weather this February.
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           In addition, the warmer winter could have different impacts on ticks and mosquitoes. Kaitlyn O’Donnell, an entomologist at Norfolk County Mosquito Control in Walpole, explains that ticks are active as long as the temperature remains above freezing.
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           She warns that if warm temperatures signal to mosquitoes that it is time to wake up, they may come out earlier in the spring and develop faster because of the warmer temperatures. O’Donnell and her team are preparing their traps for an aggressive surveillance season as they look for new mosquito populations, including types that bite throughout the day rather than just at night.
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           They warn that with warmer and milder winters, new mosquito species may creep northward, and while some are nuisance species, others are capable of carrying diseases.
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           Although the lack of freezing temperatures is a change of pace this February, people need to prepare for the current conditions. Steve Miller, another dog owner, is buying new tick medicine for his dog, as his current supply has expired. He believes that everybody should be aware of ticks and the danger they pose.
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           Additionally, officials say the drought in Massachusetts is officially over, giving plenty of areas for mosquitoes to nest.
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           It’s highly recommended to spray around your home a mosquito repellant to keep them back. Call us today to schedule your bug shield!
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           The post Warmer Weather with ticks and mosquitos appeared first on Total Pest Control, LLC.
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      <pubDate>Sat, 01 Apr 2023 11:28:48 GMT</pubDate>
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