This worm and dirt cake is a fun way to get kids squirming and dying to try it at the same time. It’s even a fun dish to make for an office potluck! You can use any kitchenware dish but we think using a flowerpot or sand/beach bucket makes for more squeals and interest! This is an easy no-bake recipe that you can even make with your kids.

Ingredients:

15-20 Oreo cookies
1 (8 oz.) package of cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
3 cups milk
1 (12 oz.) tub of whipped topping
2 (3 1/2 oz.) packages of instant chocolate pudding
1/2 tsp. vanilla
8-10 gummy worms

Directions:

Using a sealable plastic bag, the Oreos into small pieces. Put about one third of the crushed Oreos into a new, clean flowerpot and set aside.

Mix butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla together. Make sure you are working with softened butter and cream cheese so it won’t get clumpy. Do not use the microwave to soften the butter and cream cheese. Simply let it naturally come to room temperature. Set this mixture aside.

Combine milk and pudding mix according to the directions on the package. Then, fold Cool Whip into the pudding.

Next, fold the pudding mixture into the butter/cream cheese mixture.

Layer one half of the pudding/butter/cream cheese mixture onto the crumbled cookies in the pot. Next, add another layer of the crumbled cookies, then the last half of the pudding/butter/cream cheese mixture, and the final crumbled cookies.

Place the gummy worms emerging from the “soil” and laying on top of the “soil.”

Chill in refrigerator for 3 to 4 hours before serving.

Fleas cause more irritation (especially for your pet) than they do disease. Fleas can cause tapeworms if ingested by your pet, which could easily happen since they will constantly chew and gnaw on their coats/skin as fleas are biting.

It can be a long, hard battle if you get a flea infestation. In a month, a female can lay thousands and thousands of eggs. Fleas have several stages of life from egg to maturity and just when you think you’ve gotten rid of the fleas, a new round of mature fleas hatch.

Our best advice is Prevention! Topical flea treatments are incredibly effective in ensuring you don’t suffer from a flea infestation. If you do this, you shouldn’t experience a flea infestation and you won’t need professional treatment. There are a variety of topical treatments for fleas on the market and your veterinarian can recommend the best solution for your pet.

Oh no, you have fleas! How to get rid of them for good:

You can’t just get the fleas off the dog or cat and be done with fleas. Fleas will also be in the pet’s bed, carpet, furniture, and sheets. You’ll also have to treat your home for fleas.  Fleas live their life on and off of the host. Almost 75% of a flea’s life is spent away or off of the host.

First, get fleas off the pet with flea shampoos, combs, and topical treatments.

Next, (and very soon) treat your home. Vacuum upholstered furniture, rugs and carpets to loosen the fleas and dispose of the contents in an outdoor trashcan. Do this again and again and again. Home foggers are readily available but can be dangerous and often used incorrectly. The safest (and most effective) solution is to have your trusted pest control service treat the inside and outside of your home for fleas.

Tip: Make sure your neighbors are also vigilant in flea prevention and control. Your neighborhood can easily become a breeding ground for fleas and may require area-wide control.

For professional help with fleas: http://www.lloydpest.com/fleas/

We do, however, have Desert Recluse Spiders in Southern California. Bites from Desert Recluse Spiders are usually not life threatening. However, the Desert Recluse Spider does eat away at tissue, so you will need immediate medical attention to prevent the loss of tissue. The Desert Recluse Spider is shown below and (including its leg span) is generally a little larger than a penny.

Desert Recluse Spider

Southern Californian’s don’t have to worry about the infamous Brown Recluse Spider. However, in Southern California we also have Brown and Black Widow Spiders. Brown and Black Widow Spiders are, in fact, life threatening, especially to a young child or elderly adult. If bitten by a Brown or Black Widow Spider, you should go to the emergency room immediately for treatment. Both the Black and Brown Widows can be identified by the distinct red markings on their backs as shown below. Including the leg span of the Brown and Black Widow, they are generally the size of a quarter to half dollar.

Black Widow Spider

Brown Widow Spider

How do you protect your family from the Desert Recluse, Brown Widow or Black Widow if you live in Southern California?

Remove debris like yard trimmings, trash, and wood piles away from the home (they love wood piles!).

All spiders, including Brown and Black Widows and the Desert Recluse, are fond of spaces like covered barbecues, covered patio furniture, and the inside of garden shoes that are often stored outside or in a garage.

It makes sense to show extra care when uncovering patio furniture or turning on the gas to the barbecue to make sure you’re not also grabbing at a Brown or Black Widow or a Desert Recluse Spider.  And if you store any shoes outside the house, make sure that you shake them before slipping into them.

There are professional treatments that can help, but never forget that perhaps the best way to rid yourself of a particular spider is a swift whack with the bottom of a shoe.  And don’t worry if you miss the first time.  They won’t chase you. We promise.

There aren’t any huge health concerns with ants. Don’t get us wrong, they do carry germs, but it is rare to suffer any health problems from ants in  your home. However, we understand that they can be a big annoyance and quite embarrassing!

How can you prevent Argentine Ants?

1. Fix leaky faucets – they are looking for water. Keep that in mind everywhere there may be water in your home.
2. Don’t leave food or crumbs around the kitchen or house. The Scout ants are constantly looking for food to bring back to their queen.
3. Have a yearly pest control application on the foundation of your home
4. If you see a trail of ants in your home, wipe/spray that trail down with window cleaner that contains ammonia. This will kill the pheromone (scent) trail they are using to get back and forth and find their way around.
5. Keep food (including dog food) tightly closed inside sealed containers.
6. Empty your indoor trash cans often. Be sure to also rinse the inside of these cans so that any spills or crumbs are washed away.

Good luck in the fight against ants. If you need professional help, we are always here.

Similar to drywood termite swarming season in September, you may see subterranean termites out and about come Spring time. They’ll likely swarm during warm days following a rain. Why? They’re looking for a mate to reproduce and create their own colony.

Subterranean termites themselves can be difficult to see because they hide within wood – so seeing signs of their presence,  including mud tubes and wood damage, is a form of detection. If you see the winged termites during mating season – in your home – you should definitely have a thorough inspection done.

If left untreated, subterranean termites can cause massive damage to your home.  Eating away the wooden bones of your home compromises the structural integrity of your home. These repairs can be costly.  The good news is that prevention is easy. A bi-annual inspection of your home and crawl space for subterranean termites is the best and easiest solution. And these types of inspections are almost always free, so you don’t have any excuses. If subterranean termites are caught within a year, there will likely be little to no damage.

Not only do you not want them in the house because they give you the willies – they carry harmful parasites and can even spread the plague. Powerful chewing and gnawing can also lead to structural damage and fire from chewing on wires.

To ensure that you don’t end up with a family of rodents nesting in your home (when there is one, you probably have ten or twelve), we have compiled a list of common entrance points and solutions to block them.

Don’t allow easy access to food!

1. Keep pet food in sealed containers – even if it is stored in the garage.
2. Store bulk foods in rodent-proof containers. Metal containers are best.
3. Make sure crumbs and food tidbits don’t end up on the floor, behind the couch or under cushions. Especially if you have children. Even gaps between appliances or crumbs under the toaster.

Eliminate entry points into the house:

1. Seal all holes that lead into the house. Steel wool, copper gauze, hardware cloth, and plaster are all good materials to use.
2. Check for holes around pipes and cables that lead into the house. Seal these holes with cement or caulk.
3. Add metal weather stripping to doors.
4. Keep doors closed and screens on windows.Put screens over vents.
5. Keep floor drains sealed.
6. When checking the outside of your home, look for cracks where light shines through or for places where you feel air moving. This indicates a crack or hole that a rodent may access.

Keep outside the home clear of:

1. Overgrown shrubs or tree limbs that touch the house or the roof.
2. Elevate and store woodpiles away from the house.
3. Get rid of junk that doesn’t get used often. Rodents like places where they won’t be bothered or uprooted.

If you need professional help with rodent exclusions and prevention, we are also happy to help.

If you already have rodents in your home, see our blog post on “How to Set a Mouse Trap” or contact us for professional help.

I first became interested in entomology while working a summer internship at a state agricultural research facility in South Carolina. After finishing my bachelor’s degree in biology I went on to earn both a M.S. and Ph. D. in entomology from Clemson University.

What does your average day look like?

Some days I am in the field, perhaps a new territory. While out in the field I am really in problem solving mode…identifying local pests, trying new products, and analyzing our treatment techniques. Other days, I work from the office and identify rare bugs that a customer or technician may have found. Other days, I am training our service staff, perfecting our treatment protocol or even making house calls.

What are the biggest and most common pests in San Diego?

Ants, rodents, and roaches in that order.

What are the biggest and most common pests in Orange County?

Ants, rodents, and roaches in that order.

Fire ants are also a problem in Orange County.

What are the biggest and most common pests in Palm Springs?

Black widow spiders, crickets and scorpions are very common pests in Palm Springs.

Is Pest Control safe for humans and pets?

Absolutely. In fact, I use the same products in my own home and I have a young child and a dog. Lloyd follows professional EPA standards and everything is thoroughly tested.

Does every pest control company have an entomologist?

No, most companies don’t have an entomologist. That’s why Lloyd Pest Control  is on the leading edge of pest control in Southern California (and in the country). The company has made education, research and training a priority – which has contributed to its success over 80 years.

See Dr. Paysen on FOX San Diego: How Can I Keep Bugs Out of My Home?

The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has given citizens a guide to selecting a pest control company. Here at Lloyd Pest Control, we are proud to say that we surpass all of the criteria.  We provide links below for many of the resources in California.

Is the company licensed with the state? Are the employees bonded?

Most state or local agencies issue state pest control licenses.

Make sure the pest control operator’s license is current if one is required in your state. Also, ask if the company’s employees are bonded, meaning that the company reimburses you for any loss or damage caused by an employee.

 In California, look up licensed companies.

Is the company willing and able to discuss the treatment proposed for your home?

Selecting a pest control service is just as important as selecting other professional services. Look for the same high degree of competence you would expect from a doctor or lawyer. Any earnest company should be able to provide you a residential pest quote by phone or e-mail, and should be able to outline all terms of service.  They should also provide you different options for your unique needs.

Here at Lloyd Pest Control, we are proud of our services and we provide quotes right on our website.

Does the company have a good track record?

Ask neighbors and friends if they have ever dealt with the company. Were they satisfied with the service they received? Visit the Better Business Bureau website to check the company’s rating.

Here’s the Lloyd Pest Control rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Does the company have appropriate insurance? Can the company show proof on paper that the company is insured?

Most contractors carry general liability insurance.  If the company cannot provide proof of insurance and something goes wrong, the claim will generally be made first against your homeowner’s insurance.

Here at Lloyd Pest Control, We gladly provide copies of our $1 million liability insurance by fax, e-mail, or USPS.

Does the company guarantee its work?

You should be skeptical about a company that does not guarantee its work. In addition, be sure to find out what you must do to keep your part of the bargain.

Here at Lloyd Pest Control, we offer a 100% Money-Back Guarantee.

Is the company affiliated with a professional pest control association?

Professional associations—national, state, or local—keep members informed of new developments in pest control methods, safety, training, research, and regulations. Members agree to honor a code of ethics. The fact that a company, small or large, chooses to join a professional association signals its concern for quality.

Here at Lloyd Pest Control, we are members of both the National Pest Management Association and of the Pest Control Operators of California.

Yes, pest control is safe for you, your family and your pets.

Allow us to explain:

Today, responsible pest control operators view themselves as guardians of the environment. Nowadays, we seek ways to minimize applications of pesticides, instead opting for highly targeted products that avoid collateral damage to your living area and to our community. We seek to find each pest’s specific Kryptonite. We have learned that no matter how super the bug is, there exists a unique element that will take it down.

Sound like science fiction?

Think about chocolate. You like it, right? (If not, I fear this relationship won’t work out.) You eat it. It makes you smile. What happens if a dog eats it? No more dog.

Think about salt. You eat salt. But you wouldn’t feed it to your pet snail.

This is the mentality we apply to creating new pest control applications.

When we treat for ants, for example, we use the same chemical that pet owners across the nation apply directly to the necks of their dogs and cats to protect against fleas.

When we treat for roaches, we apply a dime-sized dab of our Next Gen roach gel baits. It looks like toothpaste. In fact, if you were to put the gel in your mouth it would actually be less toxic than the toothpaste you currently use every day (no brightening, though… sorry.). But to cockroaches, these gels mean lights-out.

Beyond physical products, our technicians are dedicated to precluding pests from entering your home. We determine why the pests are attracted, and we look for ways to seal off their access. Is there a leaky faucet causing ants to congregate there? Are there openings in and around your attic that serve as the perfect door for rodents?

Over the counter, do-it-yourself (DIY)   products like Black Flag and Raid can be so much worse for your family, your pets, and the environment. These types of products introduce airborne pesticides into your living space. And contrary to popular usage standards, the safe serving size is NOT the whole can!

The products and strategies that we apply to homes are the same ones that we use every single day in hospitals, day care centers, veterinarian offices – even the San Diego Zoo.

Want more history?

Pest control in 2011 is not your grandfather’s exterminatin’ of yesteryear.

A variety of ideals and evolving treatments options have converged to make pest control a truly safe option for people looking for ways to protect their homes from invading pests.

“But they were here first,” comes a familiar protest from people who think that preserving invasive species is best for the environment.

But no; and they weren’t here first. Humans brought them. Norwegian rats don’t belong here. German and Oriental cockroaches don’t belong here. Africanized honey bees don’t belong here. Argentine ants don’t belong here.

In fact, Argentine ants, the predominant species in Southern California, have been called an “ecological disaster,” by biologists and ecologists. The Argentine ant has displaced the native species and wreaked havoc on a scale previously unseen in our region.

So how do we get rid of these pests that have taken hold? In the old days, the answer was too often found in chemicals. And the more, the better. Now,  as responsible pest control operators, we use a targeted approach to pest control, making pest control safe for your family and pets.

If you ever have any specific concerns, we are always happy to share Manufacturer Safety Data Sheets (MSDS and labels) so that your vet or your doctor can vouch for the continued the safety and security of your environment.