Fall can mean a lot of things: a beautiful mosaic of changing leaves, the fast approach of spooky season, or maybe even the opportunity to drink pumpkin spice everything. For us at EcoShield, we have one fall-weather topic on our mind: overwintering pests. As the weather continues to cool, the potential for unwanted pests seeking reprieve from the...

Centipedes. Millipedes. What’s the difference? And why should I care? While the centipede and millipede look quite similar (and are often confused for one another) they are far from the same insect. Among the visual characteristics and differences, centipedes and millipedes also differ in their behavior and threat to humans. As a homeowner, it is...

Overwintering. It’s a term pest control professionals frequently mention this time of year, but what does it mean? As a homeowner, overwintering is a crucial term for you to know and understand. Dr. Jim Fredericks, chief entomologist for the National Pest Management Association, describes overwintering as the act of bugs, spiders and rodents...

As the weather begins to cool and fall creeps around the corner, many fall festivities are on our minds. Pumpkin patches, hayrides, autumnal leaves… and rodents!? For homeowners (and your friends here at EcoShield!), cooler weather can mean creeping critters moving indoors to beat the chill. Various mice, rats, and even squirrels may see your home...

It’s almost an American rite of passage to spend your childhood catching ladybugs or watching them scoot across the playground slide as you stare quietly from the edge. One of the most identifiable commonly encountered bugs, ladybugs are known for their delicate red-orange shell and adorable black polka dots. When looking at a ladybug, “danger” or...

According to the Cleveland Clinic, up to 15% of the world’s population has arachnophobia, otherwise known as the intense and often irrational fear of spiders. Even for those of us without arachnophobia, the sight of a large spider skittering by in close proximity is probably enough to send a shiver down your spine. The truth of the matter is, that...

Picture this: it’s the end of a long day and you sink into the couch, sighing into the long-awaited silence. Finally, some peace and quiet! And that’s when you hear it. It’s unmistakable – the scratch, scratch, scratch of a mouse skittering around your ceiling. You jump up from the couch, infuriated, when you see movement out of the corner of your...

It has been noted that this winter will likely see above-average precipitation amounts across much of the Midwest, including major cities such as Denver, Chicago, and Indianapolis. Many people might consider colder weather and heavy snow as a stopgap against pest presence, killing off invasive species. However, it is critical to remain vigilant...

New York City, including the whole of Manhattan and the boroughs, has long been known as one of the top cities suffering from a rodent epidemic–rats, specifically. Rats infest many residential and commercial properties in their search for food and liquids, and as they scurry to and fro, they spread numerous diseases both to themselves, other...

Managing pests can seem like a primarily adult endeavor. After all, children aren’t often worried about property damage, home values, or environmentally friendly pest control at work or at school. However, pests can definitely impact kids and it’s important to provide at least a little pest education so children are prepared to approach pests...