Question 1

Is it bad to have spiders in your house?

Accepted Answer

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Most spiders are harmless and are more interested in finding and eating insects than trying to bite you or your family members. Certain spiders in your home may be advantageous if you have an issue with insects. Most spiders are non-venomous and have small mouths, so even if they did bite you, it wouldn’t be enough to cause any harm.

However, some species of spiders can cause harm if you are a victim of their spider bite, including the black widow and brown recluse varieties. Both species’ venom is poisonous, and you should seek medical help if bitten.

Question 2

What are the differences between termites and carpenter ants?

Accepted Answer

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Both insects can damage wood, but there are key differences between termites and carpenter ants that tell them apart. Carpenter ants tunnel through moist wood, leaving behind smooth tunnels and sawdust-like piles, as they don't eat the wood but rather carve it for nesting. In contrast, termites actually consume wood, creating irregular galleries filled with mud and dirt, and leaving behind mud tubes as their signature. In terms of appearance, carpenter ants have segmented bodies with heart-shaped heads and larger front wings, while termites have more oval bodies with straight antennae and equal-sized wings.

Question 3

What should I do if I see a tick crawling in my house?

Accepted Answer

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If you find a tick inside crawling in the house, remember not to just step on it or try to crush it. Ticks have hard bodies and it’s hard to kill them this way. Instead, pick it up with toilet paper and flush it. You can also place it in a sealed bag, or kill it by placing it in alcohol.

Question 4

Is wasp removal free?

Accepted Answer

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Wasp removal is challenging for pros and novices and carries the risk of painful stings. Therefore, it’s not surprising that wasp removal is not free. You can save money by going the DIY route, but paying a professional exterminator increases the chance of effective removal—and keeps you from painful wasp stings.

Question 5

Can bugs in wood furniture spread to other areas of my home?

Accepted Answer

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Termites, carpenter ants, and wood-boring beetles can move from wood furniture to other areas of your home. If you notice signs of bugs in wood furniture, it's best to remove and isolate it for treatment. Remember that it can be difficult to identify which type of pest you are dealing with, and they can already be in areas of your home.

If DIY methods don’t work or you don’t know which pest it is you should contact an exterminator if you are showing signs of wood-eating pests to prevent further damage.