Best pest control specialists near Fort Covington, NY

Carpet beetles do not bite humans, but their larvae can cause skin irritation that’s often mistaken for bites. These tiny, bristly larvae have barbed hairs that can lead to allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, resulting in red, itchy welts or rashes. While the irritation may resemble bug bites, it’s actually a response to contact with the hairs or shed skins, not an actual bite. Adult carpet beetles are harmless and primarily feed on pollen, but their larvae can damage natural fibers like wool, fur, or leather in carpets, clothing, and upholstery.

Rats are attracted to homes that provide food, water, and shelter. Common attractants include uncovered garbage, pet food left out overnight, crumbs and food spills, and easily accessible pantries. They’re also lured in by leaky pipes, standing water, and cluttered areas like basements or garages. Outdoor factors such as overgrown vegetation or woodpiles near the foundation can create additional nesting opportunities.

Armadillos have very strong smelling capabilities to track down insects efficiently. But this superpower is actually a double-edged sword because their extreme sense of smell also causes them to be more sensitive and deterred by strong odors. To keep them at bay, you can place small amounts of substances like vinegar, ammonia, and mothballs around your property and near armadillo hotspots.

Although you can technically flood an armadillo out of its hole, it’s important to remember that this can be potentially fatal to the animal. Armadillos sleep between 16 and 18 hours a day, and if you perform this technique while they’re deep in sleep, they may not awake soon enough to save themselves.

Cinnamon's warm scent appeals to many people but not to many bugs. The spice contains eugenol, which also happens to be used in insecticides. While the level of eugenol in cinnamon isn't enough to eliminate bugs on its own, the scent can be strong enough to keep them away. 

You can try sprinkling cinnamon around areas where you've seen insects, such as ants and mosquitos. Remember that you'll have to reapply frequently, especially after periods of rain.