If you are in the process of buying or selling a home, a Wood Destroying Insect Report (WDIR) may be required. A WDIR is a document that outlines the presence or absence of wood-destroying insects in a home, and it is typically required by lenders and homebuyers as part of a real estate transaction.

The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) has established a standard form for WDIRs, known as the NPMA-33 form. The NPMA-33 form is used by licensed pest control companies to report on the presence or absence of wood-destroying insects, including termites, carpenter ants, and powderpost beetles.

The NPMA-33 form is a comprehensive report that includes information on the presence or absence of wood-destroying insects, the location and extent of any damage, and recommended treatments to address any issues found. The form also includes a section for the inspector to note any areas of the home that were inaccessible during the inspection.

When hiring a pest control company to perform a WDIR using the NPMA-33 form, it is important to choose a company that is licensed and experienced in conducting these types of inspections. The inspector should be knowledgeable about the types of wood-destroying insects that are common in your area, as well as the signs of infestation and damage.

During the inspection, the inspector will examine the exterior and interior of the home, including the foundation, crawl space, and exposed accessible wood, for any signs of wood-destroying insects or damage. They will also look for conditions that may be conducive to infestation, such as moisture problems or wood-to-soil contact.

If wood-destroying insects or damage are found during the inspection, the pest control company will provide recommendations for treatment to address the issue. Treatment options may include liquid or bait treatments, as well as physical removal of damaged wood.

If you are in the process of buying or selling a home, a Wood Destroying Insect Report using the NPMA-33 form is an important document to have. By hiring a licensed and experienced pest control company to perform the inspection and provide recommendations for treatment, you can ensure that visible evidence of wood-destroying insects or damage is identified and addressed before the sale of the home is completed.

Ants are one of the most common household pests that homeowners in the United States have to deal with. Not only are they a nuisance, but they can also contaminate food, damage property, and even cause electrical problems. If you're dealing with an ant infestation in your home, hiring a pest control company can be an effective solution. In this blog post, we'll discuss why you should consider hiring a pest control company to take care of ants in your home.

     1. Ant infestations can be difficult to control on your own.
While you may be tempted to try and get rid of ants on your own, ant infestations can be difficult to control without professional help. Ants are social insects that live in colonies, and even if you manage to eliminate a few ants, the colony will continue to produce new ants, making the infestation persist. A pest control company has the expertise, equipment, and techniques to identify and eliminate the ant colony, preventing the infestation from recurring.
     
     2. Professional pest control companies use safe and effective treatments.
Pest control companies use a variety of methods to eliminate ant infestations, including baiting, dusting, and spraying. These treatments are safe for your family and pets, while also being effective at eliminating the ant colony. Additionally, pest control companies use products that are specifically formulated for ant control, ensuring that the treatment is targeted and effective.

     3.Pest control companies can provide ongoing pest management services.
Once the ant infestation has been eliminated, a pest control company can provide ongoing pest management services to prevent future infestations. These services may include regular inspections, treatment of the perimeter of your home, and recommendations for preventing future ant infestations. By investing in ongoing pest management services, you can have peace of mind knowing that your home is protected from future ant infestations.

​     4.Hiring a pest control company can save you time and money.
Trying to eliminate an ant infestation on your own can be time-consuming and costly. You may spend hours researching the best ant control methods, purchasing products, and applying treatments, only to find that the infestation persists. By hiring a pest control company, you can save time and money, as they have the expertise and equipment to eliminate the infestation quickly and effectively.

​In conclusion, hiring a pest control company to take care of ants in your home is a smart investment. They have the expertise, equipment, and treatments necessary to effectively eliminate ant infestations, while also providing ongoing pest management services to prevent future infestations. By hiring a pest control company, you can have peace of mind knowing that your home is protected from these pesky pests.

You should consider ongoing pest treatments for your home if you want to maintain a pest-free environment and prevent future infestations. Ongoing pest treatments are typically recommended for homes that are located in areas with high pest activity, have a history of past infestations, or have specific pest vulnerabilities, such as wood-destroying insects or rodents.

Some pests, such as termites, can cause significant damage to your home if left untreated, so ongoing treatments may be necessary to prevent costly structural damage. Additionally, certain pests, such as bed bugs, can be difficult to completely eradicate and may require ongoing treatments to fully eliminate the infestation.

Regular pest control treatments can also help to reduce the risk of health problems associated with pest infestations. Pests such as rodents and cockroaches can spread disease and trigger allergic reactions in some people, so ongoing treatments can help to keep these pests under control and reduce the risk of health issues.

It is important to work with a licensed and experienced pest control professional to determine the best treatment plan for your specific situation. We can assess the pest risks in your area and recommend appropriate treatments and preventative measures to help keep your home pest-free.

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Multi-colored Asian lady beetles, also known as Harmonia axyridis, are native to Asia and were introduced to the United States in the 1980s as a biological control agent to combat agricultural pests such as aphids and scale insects. However, they quickly became established in North America and are now considered an invasive species in many parts of the continent.

In Iowa and other parts of the Midwest, multi-colored Asian lady beetles are particularly abundant in the fall when they seek shelter in homes and other structures to overwinter. This behavior, known as "massing," is believed to be driven by a combination of factors, including the beetles' natural instinct to seek out warm, protected spaces and the availability of suitable overwintering sites in human-built structures.

Another factor that may contribute to the abundance of multi-colored Asian lady beetles in Iowa is the region's large-scale agricultural operations. The beetles are known to feed on a variety of crops, including soybeans, corn, and fruits, and may be attracted to agricultural areas as a food source.
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While multi-colored Asian lady beetles are not harmful to humans, they can be a nuisance when they invade homes in large numbers. Vacuuming or sweeping them up is a common control method, but preventative measures such as sealing cracks and gaps in the home's exterior and using screens on windows and doors can also be effective in reducing their numbers.

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Cluster flies are a type of fly that are known for their tendency to cluster together in large groups, particularly in the fall and winter months. They are also sometimes called attic flies, because they are known to seek shelter in attics and other warm, protected areas during the winter.
Here are some key characteristics of cluster flies:

1. Appearance: Cluster flies are slightly larger than the common house fly, typically measuring around 8-10 mm in length. They have a dark gray to black coloring with golden hairs on their thorax.
   
2. Habitat: Cluster flies are native to North America and are found throughout the continent. They are often found in rural areas, but can also be found in suburban and urban environments. They are attracted to warm, sunny areas and often seek shelter in buildings, especially during the fall and winter months.
   
3. Behavior: Cluster flies are not harmful to humans or pets and do not bite or sting. They are mostly a nuisance pest, as their large numbers and tendency to cluster together can be unsightly and can produce a foul odor. They typically emerge from their overwintering sites in the spring and may be seen flying around windows and lights.
   
4. Life cycle: Cluster flies lay their eggs in soil, where the larvae feed on earthworms. The adults emerge in the late summer or early fall and seek shelter for the winter. They may enter homes through small cracks and gaps in walls, roofs, and foundations.
   
5. Control: The best way to prevent cluster fly infestations is to seal up any cracks or gaps in your home's exterior and to ensure that all screens on doors and windows are in good repair. Insecticide sprays can also be effective in controlling adult flies.