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About George Manning
(Top Expert on this page)

Expertise
I welcome any pest problem questions that you have, and will answer in a way that will direct you to proper solutions. See if you can stump me!

Experience
I am educated in the field of Entomology. I graduated from Purdue University and have owned and operated a pest control company in Chicago for over 40 years. I am frequently quoted in both of Chicago's newspapers and have appeared countless times on local television, primarily in the area of rodent control.

Organizations
Illinois Pest Control Association

Publications
Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Magazine

Education/Credentials
Bachelors of Science Entomology Purdue University

   

You are here:  Experts > Style > Landscaping > Pest Control

Questions Answered By Expert  George Manning 
In Category  Pest Control

SubjectDate Asked

spiders10/6/2008
  Q: We have so many spiders and webs under the porch ceiling. We just painted it two days ago and swept ...
  A: One easy way to eliminate the existing problem is to hang PROZAP INSECT GUARD from the porch deck ...
?bird mites?10/4/2008
  Q: Mr. Manning. I have asked you some questions re: bird mites before. It has been 3 months since all ...
  A: Send the specimens along with a note from you Ray. Time of day or night when you become irritated, ...
Drain flies10/3/2008
  Q: Yesterday I walked into my second floor bathroom and noticed about six or so little fruit flies. ...
  A: Erica, Please look up drain flies, sand flies, moth flies Psychodid flies among my hundreds of ...
phorid Flies10/1/2008
  Q: We have had these flies for about 1 week. An exterminator came yesterday and said that's what it ...
  A: Phorids have an irratic zigzag motion when walking. they often take a running start before flight. ...
Bird mites10/1/2008
  Q: I have been going crazy with this problem! Had two nests on eves next to bedroom window. Nests have ...
  A: There are sites that you can view that state bird mite can live for months without a host. Other ...
Bird mites10/1/2008
  Q: I have been going crazy with this problem! Had two nests on eves next to bedroom window. Nests have ...
  A: When birds leave their nest, bird mites will seek another host. It often happens that one member of ...
Bees10/1/2008
  Q: I seem to have developed quite a bee problem in my basement. Over the past month, there have been ...
  A: You are calling these dead insects bees. Are you positive that they are bees, and if so, what kind ...
black flies9/30/2008
  Q: Few days ago i noticed few black flies in my bathroom then i noticed lots of very small ...
  A: Please search through my previous answers. You will find similar questions. Should you photograph ...
I'm desparate!! Some sort of Mite Problem??9/29/2008
  Q: I live in IL near St. Louis. I can't see anything. However, I get bite marks on me (usually at ...
  A: There are many mite specie. To discover what is persisting to irritate you may be virtually ...
Moving/ Cockroaches9/29/2008
  Q: I really need some help :) I've been staying with a friend for the past month, he said he didn't ...
  A: Diatomaceous earth is not in the slightest toxic to humans. If it is consumed, there should be no ...
Mice nesting in sub-floor9/28/2008
  Q: Mr. Manning, I need your advice please...I have mice nesting in the sub-floors of our 2 story, ...
  A: Bromethalin is a nerve poison with no antidote that will overcome an accidental poisoning. It is ...
Problems with squirrels in the attic9/28/2008
  Q: I have tried for weeks now to trap the squirrels that have taken up residence in my attic. I am to ...
  A: Use a live trap such as Hav-a-hart. Tie or hook a peanut to the upper side of the cage just past ...
Mice nesting in sub-floor9/27/2008
  Q: Mr. Manning, I need your advice please...I have mice nesting in the sub-floors of our 2 story, ...
  A: It sounds like you have begun the process of reducing the mouse food supply by removing the feed ...
Worms9/27/2008
  Q: I live in rural Kansas. Every fall we have a problem with black worms entering our house. They are ...
  A: These are probably millipedes, and are easily killed. They enter the home in the late Summer, often ...
GEORGIA PALMITTO BUGS9/26/2008
  Q: I LIVE IN A CONDO THAT HAS ALOT OF CRACKS, I HAVE SEALED THEM UP BUT THESE LARGE BUGS SEEM TO COME ...
  A: There are a number of baits that will attract these roaches. Entice, Baygon 2 percent granules, and ...
Gnats9/26/2008
  Q: Here is my issue: I currently work as a carpenter. Many of my jobs are in wooded areas. For some ...
  A: Try using teatree oil as a hair application. Mix with a little baby oil and apply. I don't know in ...
Please help me with Carpenter Ants9/25/2008
  Q: I am living in the south of Atlanta, GA. I found carpenter ants while they were eating sausage on ...
  A: I'm listing previous answers for your consideration Anna: Private: No View Published Answer ...
Ticks9/24/2008
  Q: I recently moved from Gainesville, FL to Tampa, FL. My dog used to get some ticks (mainly deer ...
  A: A vacuum cleaner such as a shop vac, removing the filter, and placing boric acid in the container ...
Basement Drain Flies9/24/2008
  Q: I think this will stump you. I live in a house built in 1930. The basement was finished by a prior ...
  A: Slip a PROZAP INSECT GUARD in the sump pit system. If all lines flow to the ejector pit, then you ...
tiny ants inside downstairs near baseboards9/23/2008
  Q: I live in Santa Fe, NM. Mid-September, I noticed small dirt piles on door threshold outside of ...
  A: Try using baits. At this time of year in Northern States, ants may switch to carbohydrates. Test ...
Larvae/pupae identification9/22/2008
  Q: We've recently found some larvae/pupae in our kitchen/dining room area which we can not identify. I ...
  A: John Tidd-- I tried to paste this account, ...
can't get rid of clothes moths9/18/2008
  Q: We have a serious infestation of these moths in our house here in Philadelphia. They have been here ...
  A: Cloths moths cannot digest cottons or synthetic fibers, but will attack blended fabrics that contain ...
Roach cannon9/17/2008
  Q: I have found one thing I can do which kills roaches and gives me a sense of accomplishment. I seem ...
  A: Shop vacs are being used by some of the enterprising pest control companies now-a-days. In these ...
cloth moths9/16/2008
  Q: I am going crazy trying to figure out what to do. About 1 1/2 years ago I had found some small moths ...
  A: I'm sending you previous answers to your question, Tracie, as follows: Indian meal moths in my ...
Wasps, hornets and ground bees9/14/2008
  Q: How do wasps, hornets and ground bees benefit the environment?
  A: Hornets and wasps are predators, and capture non-beneficial invertebrates such as flies, and ...
biting midge9/13/2008
  Q: I have for the past six weeks been in a struggle to rid myself and my home of what I am quite sure ...
  A: The idea that you have biting midges is unlikely; however, you may be experiencing mites. Midges ...
Small white insects in kitchen9/13/2008
  Q: I live in the UK and around four weeks ago, I realised that there were hundreds of tiny white ...
  A: Annie, If the insect that you see is, indeed, a psocid, then we have a solution. I was explaining ...
Little brown beetles9/12/2008
  Q: We have an invasion of brown beetles in our motor home....the rubber roof is destroyed, and they ...
  A: I'd appreciate a specimen of the rubber eating brown beetle. I think that you are seeing ...
pest control9/10/2008
  Q: hello if i wanted to start my own pest control business would you say work for a pest control ...
  A: Pest control is becoming an important occupation, as more people seek a pest-free environment, but ...
black worms on floor in florida condo9/10/2008
  Q: Alway in the same room. The floor is ceramic tile so I can't understand how they are getting in. ...
  A: Your description needs more detail. does this creature have legs? Is it soft bodied or is it ...
drain flies in an apartment complex9/9/2008
  Q: I live in an apartment and have had a problem with drain and fruit flies since I moved in over a ...
  A: What people call drain flies in one local may be a different creature in another. Drain flies as I ...
Small white insects in kitchen9/8/2008
  Q: I live in the UK and around four weeks ago, I realised that there were hundreds of tiny white ...
  A: Sounds as if you are experiencing a psocid invasion. Conditions being right, they will build up ...
Carpenter ants9/5/2008
  Q: I've read how difficult it is to eradicate carpenter ants. I believe I will be able to find the ...
  A: Carpenter ants have already changed their food preferences by mid-August in four season regions of ...
Wasp-like creature seen today8/27/2008
  Q: What is? 3 or 4 times longer than a bee, with the front half a brown colour, and the rear half a ...
  A: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Cicada_Killer is a good site to look up this wasp. Cicada killers are ...
pet-safe termite control8/27/2008
  Q: i live in bombay (India) in a studio apartment. the partment is full of old wooden furniture. i have ...
  A: Coptotermes spp, a drywood genus, and Reticulitermes spp, a subterranean genus, act differently from ...
Wasps? nest in charcoal grill.8/24/2008
  Q: Last fall I cleaned the grill up and opened the vents on the bottom and closed the vents on top ...
  A: You are describing European Polistes wasps, (Polistes dominula). These wasps were first noted in ...
grasshoppers and red/black stripe lrg beetle looking bug8/23/2008
  Q: You recommended Neems oil for grasshoppers; where can this product be purchased and how should it be ...
  A: You can look up Neem oil on the internet. Discover its many uses. It is a product of India, and is ...
grasshoppers and red/black stripe lrg beetle looking bug8/21/2008
  Q: You recommended Neems oil for grasshoppers; where can this product be purchased and how should it be ...
  A: Neem oil has many uses. I am enclosing copied information. As a repellent, you should find the ...
Roach Infestation: Condo Complex8/19/2008
  Q: I just moved into my brand new condo and was immediately confronted with a cockroach infestation. I ...
  A: The term , waterbug, refers to cockroaches known as Oriental or American roaches. These pests ...
Roach Infestation: Condo Complex8/18/2008
  Q: I just moved into my brand new condo and was immediately confronted with a cockroach infestation. I ...
  A: You should report this condition to the condo board. They will be able to instruct you in the ...
bell hornets8/18/2008
  Q: I have a terrible problem with bellhornets coming out at night around any lights. I'm afraid to cut ...
  A: Bell hornets are not a familiar species to me. I have answered this question for Jessica, and I'll ...
climbing raccoons8/17/2008
  Q: What's the best 'porcupine wire' or similar product to dissuade raccoons from climbing up the 9' ...
  A: Place a cone shaped sheet metal ring aroung the posts with a radius of 18 inches. It must be ...
Texas Native Oak Tree8/17/2008
  Q: We noticed today that there are webs in our oak trees. These are young trees planted by the ...
  A: off hand, I do not know what the webbing looks like, and I am not at all sure of what you are ...
ants living in car8/16/2008
  Q: My sister recently aquired a car that was stored outdoors. There seems to be big black ants living ...
  A: Are the ants large black ants or are they a smaller species? Generally, we like to suggest that you ...
Bee extermination8/14/2008
  Q: We have bees in our house wall under the external siding and also under a cement step on the patio. ...
  A: Knowing how long bees have been residing behind external siding and under the step of the patio ...
Getting bitten but cannot seen the culprit8/14/2008
  Q: I have spent a fortune on trying to figure out what is biting me. We have had 4 different pest ...
  A: Morgellon's Disease is sometimes described by many of the symptoms you are reporting. Since no one ...
bathroom flies (maybe)8/13/2008
  Q: in the past month or so i have found hundreds and hundreds of flies that through research seem to be ...
  A: Within my answers to previous questions, I have answered such descriptions such as yours. It sounds ...
bird mites8/12/2008
  Q: I desperately need your professional advice. I first encountered bird mites on 7/8/08. It all ...
  A: A questioner, who has read your question , wishes to contact you. I am enclosing her address. I'll ...
Wasp nest in my chimney8/12/2008
  Q: We have a wasp nest at the top of our chimney. We have a wood burning stove insert and although the ...
  A: Wasps of all species will look for a nesting location every year. In four season climates, such as ...
Mites (Bird)8/12/2008
  Q: You wrote to a reader "should you use apple cider vinegar and olive oil rubbed in you can repel bird ...
  A: When mites invade your skin, olive oil can often destroy them by rubbing in the oil. Apple cider ...
Termites Behind Fireplace8/12/2008
  Q: Hey, We have termite tunnels coming out from behind the mantel of our fireplace. We have a wood ...
  A: It sounds as if you have subterranean termites. in what part of the Country do you reside? It may ...
Hymenopterous Family species of wasps8/11/2008
  Q: How do you totally get rid of the species of sand wasps Specidae? I have them in my sand box at ...
  A: I am enclosing a similar question and answer. This may serve you as well, Lori. Regards, George ...
rodent in minivan8/10/2008
  Q: I had my air cabin filter changed in my 2005 Toyota Sienna and there were rodent droppings in it. ...
  A: Baiting with an anticoagulant bait placed near the filter will attract the culprits to feed. This ...
Bell Hornets8/9/2008
  Q: I live in Bedford, Virginia and we live in a wooded area and in the summertime have to deal with the ...
  A: You have stumped me with the species known as Bell Wasps. I have searched through my references and ...
outside roaches8/8/2008
  Q: My husband spends alot of time on our back porch at night, whether it's reading, drinking coffee, ...
  A: It sounds as if you are experiencing the smoky brown roach. In your part of the Country, they are ...
slugs and water bugs8/6/2008
  Q: I live off a side street mainly in town. In my subdivision there is a feild, stream, and a pond ...
  A: In an ecological way the two species may be considered via one method of extermination. Each of ...
cicada killers8/4/2008
  Q: Mr. Manning, I read your response to Gary about not killing the cicada killers, but they are making ...
  A: If you are certain that they are Cicada Killers, and they are the culprets that dig up your area, ...
Cicada bees8/3/2008
  Q: We have had cicadas in our lawn for the past 3 years. Each year we have an increased number. Had ...
  A: Yes, you can kill them, but they are extremely beneficial and do no harm. You will not get stung. ...
drywood termites8/3/2008
  Q: I have received a shipment of lumber to build a new house and it is infested with dry wood termites. ...
  A: Briefly, you have an infestation that has occupied the wood for some time. I understand that the ...
non toxic treatment of fleas indoors/outdoors8/2/2008
  Q: My pregnant daughter lives in Dallas, TX. Her Irish Setter (1 yr. old)has fleas- they have have ...
  A: Diatomaceous earth dusted outside will help. The "earth" serrates the flea's chitinous surface ...
leeches?7/31/2008
  Q: I have lived beside a creek for 45 years, this year I'm seeing these long tannish wormlike stuck on ...
  A: It is difficult to eliminate leeches. One mechanical way to reduce their numbers is possible. ...
Unusual House Fly Problem7/31/2008
  Q: We've lived in our Southern California home for 20yrs. In the last 2 days we've seen an ...
  A: When flies lay eggs on a food source, the maggots that hatch from the eggs, will all develop into ...
pantry moths & larvae7/30/2008
  Q: How do I get rid of these? I had a problem with them last year in my cabinets and now there back ...
  A: Indian Meal Moths can be re-introduced in food stuffs, animal feed, or simply from outside sources. ...
outside roaches7/29/2008
  Q: My husband spends alot of time on our back porch at night, whether it's reading, drinking coffee, ...
  A: Depending on your location, their are a number of outside roaches. Australian, Smoky brown, ...
no see umms biting insects?7/29/2008
  Q: can not see what is biting me .have sprayed , changed bedding and they are gone for a night or two ...
  A: I am forwarding a similar question that I've answered in the past, which can be of help to you ...
Stinkbugs7/29/2008
  Q: I am a wildlife rehabber and I have a flying squirrel rehabbing a fracture. Out of nowhere his ...
  A: A product known as EcoPCO-D, a dust, will give you quick resolution to this chronic problem. These ...
Small Black pellet type animal droppings7/29/2008
  Q: We have been having these little black droppings in the corner of our front entrance. I put garlic, ...
  A: You may be describing bats, Suzanne Allen. The replication of droppings at this exact site does not ...
drywood termites7/28/2008
  Q: I have received a shipment of lumber to build a new house and it is infested with dry wood termites. ...
  A: You have a case. The termites infested the wood prior to you receiving it. All that you describe, ...
scratching noises in bedroom wall7/28/2008
  Q: Your profile said to stump you, so here goes...! I live in San Antonio, TX; a brick home with one ...
  A: Roof rats can be secretive, and unseen. Voles can be completely hidden, and behave as you describe. ...
Black Widows7/27/2008
  Q: very close to Savannah so it is very hot here. I am trying to do some research on Black Widow ...
  A: Try drilling small holes in the stucco and flushing the interior space with a combination of silica ...
green tree frogs7/27/2008
  Q: We have green tree frogs which get on our window sills outside and leave black droppings on the ...
  A: Paint the subjective window sills with an epoxy paint of your choice. Allow the surface to dry to a ...
Powder post beetles7/27/2008
  Q: Manning: In 1985, I bought an 1807 house located just north of Middletown, Connecticut. There ...
  A: First of all, we need to establish the environmental conditions that afford this yet unidentified ...
small holes in my lawn7/27/2008
  Q: I live in Vacaville, California. My backyard lawn has small 1/4" to 3/8" holes and around the holes ...
  A: Holes of the size you describe can be attributed to the emerging holes drilled upward by annual or ...
earthworms7/26/2008
  Q: While I know earthworms are good for the garden, we have had an extreme ammount of nightcrawlers ...
  A: Selectively prepare the locations where you wish to halt earthworm activity as follows: 1)remove ...
indian meal moths(?)7/26/2008
  Q: Little gray moths about 14" in diameter. These things came in with some bulk cereal from the health ...
  A: The Indian meal moths can be eliminated. Food that you know to be infested, showing surface of ...
Sand Wasp7/25/2008
  Q: I have a problem on my beach that seems to be over run by hundreds of sand wasps. I know that they ...
  A: Sand wasp control is not possible when there are an ample supply of these insects. Better that you ...
Bee, Wasps7/24/2008
  Q: My father just bought a house in South Dakota and we were tearing out a wall and ceiling and we were ...
  A: First thing is knowing if the occupants are bees and not wasps. If they are wasps, approach their ...
Stinkbugs7/24/2008
  Q: I am a wildlife rehabber and I have a flying squirrel rehabbing a fracture. Out of nowhere his ...
  A: Not knowing what its habitat looks like is a bit of a handicap. I imagine that you have constructed ...
sound in walls7/23/2008
  Q: I have a problem that has, so far, baffled 5 professionals that have come out to my house. I hope ...
  A: Since you describe chronic unending rhythmic sounds that are most dominant mornings and disappears ...
Deer fly population cattle population7/23/2008
  Q: Are deerfly populations affected by the presence or absence of cattle?
  A: Deer flies are breeding in wetland or in chronic pools of water. They do go after cattle, and blood ...
Little black bugs7/23/2008
  Q: We had starlings make a nest in our bathroom air vent. Recently we noticed what looked like tiny ...
  A: There should not be a further problem after several weeks. You can spray now but the mite will ...
Small Tiny Flies7/23/2008
  Q: i found one small tiny black flies (diptera) about 1.5mm which hang around the wall at the corner ...
  A: Canely, You give me little to go on. There are many flies that could fit your very general ...
Mice7/22/2008
  Q: We have caught two mice in our house, and know that there is at least one more, as it has eaten the ...
  A: When mice have a guaranteed food supply, and ample nesting locations, such as the insulation in your ...
tree see to be dying7/22/2008
  Q: In the yard we have a number of large trees , end of June, or early July all of a sudden they ...
  A: The insect that you found in the dead branch was probably the larva of the oak stem ...
Carpenter Ants in Wall7/22/2008
  Q: I just had two windows replaced and the carpenter said that I have carpenter ants in the wood. What ...
  A: Among the many questions I receive, I have answered numerous carpenter ant questions. They are not ...
earwigs...7/21/2008
  Q: I have a 4 yr old modular on a full concrete basement in central NY. Over the past Winter, a hair ...
  A: Earwigs will choose places where they are not in contact with direct sun. For example, under a ...
woodpile sawdust7/20/2008
  Q: I had four skyline locust trees cut down in the winter because their roots was damaging the patio. I ...
  A: It sounds as if you are experiencing the emergence of the honey locust borer from their galleries ...
more drain flies...7/20/2008
  Q: You answered a drain fly question on 6/15/08. The question sounded so much like our situation that ...
  A: Wow!--You present me with a challenge, but I enjoy challenges, and; therefore, problem solving. ...
bites7/19/2008
  Q: I have a lot of bites on my body that I've been getting at night, but I haven't been able to find a ...
  A: Circumstantial evidence leads one to believe that Northern Fowl Mites are getting to you at night. ...
roaches in bathtub7/19/2008
  Q: We came home from a weekend trip and there were flies everywhere in our house, and dozens of baby ...
  A: Oriental, American, and other sewer loving roaches can enter your home via shower,floor and tub ...
pack rat in my house7/18/2008
  Q: What is the quickest, most effective way to get rid of a pack rat? I have heard they are smart and ...
  A: If you do have pack rats, they look different than Roof or Norway rats. Their tails are long and ...
tiny white worms on young shummard oak in Houston, TX7/18/2008
  Q: Last summer we had a 60 gal shummard oak planted (Houston, TX). This summer it has a weeping ...
  A: Sometimes animal damage can produce lesions. Deer, bear, raccoon? Could old damage be there that ...
ANTS!7/17/2008
  Q: What do you recommend to get rid of medium to big sized black ants, maybe carpenter ants. We live ...
  A: At this time of year, protein baits are still the baits of choice for many ant species. The use of ...
few bites at night7/15/2008
  Q: I live an apartment and recently my 1 y old baby seemed to get one new bite per night(5 in ...
  A: The white rice-like object may be coincidental. This would not explain bedbugs or even fleas. ...
Little black bugs7/15/2008
  Q: We had starlings make a nest in our bathroom air vent. Recently we noticed what looked like tiny ...
  A: You witnessed a classical condition; whereby bird mites gather inside the home when birds vacate ...
Mouse droppings in attic7/14/2008
  Q: My husband found some mouse droppings in the attic. A little on and a little under insulation. We ...
  A: Mice travel to the attic via the pipe enclosure that contains soil stack and other building ...
ticks7/14/2008
  Q: How do I get rid of disgusting ticks! Yuck!!
  A: Natural control can go a long way in preventing ticks around your property. Cutting lawns and ...
Water Bugs7/14/2008
  Q: How can I get rid of water bugs? I live in an apartment on the second floor, they are long and ...
  A: Waterbugs in Chicago where we office, refers to American roaches and Oriental roaches. They inhabit ...
honey bees7/13/2008
  Q: I am located in north Texas. I noticed bees under our RV, which has been parked for several months. ...
  A: Install a Porter Bee Escape at the entrance that the bees are using, making certain that there are ...
Giant Mosquitos7/11/2008
  Q: I live in Laingsburg in Michigan (Northeast of Lansing, so somewhat in the middle of the state). ...
  A: It would be useful to receive a specimen. I do not know of any mosquito of the size you describe. ...
Giant Mosquitos7/10/2008
  Q: I live in Laingsburg in Michigan (Northeast of Lansing, so somewhat in the middle of the state). ...
  A: Crane flies are often mistaken for mosquitos. I have copied a University bulletin that can guide ...
Brown Recluse Infestation7/10/2008
  Q: I am writing to ask you some advice for control and eradication of Brown Recluse Spiders in ...
  A: The first thing that comes to mind is that you could place all belongings that you suspect having BR ...
tiny white worms on young shummard oak in Houston, TX7/9/2008
  Q: Last summer we had a 60 gal shummard oak planted (Houston, TX). This summer it has a weeping ...
  A: There are so many insect invaders of oak trees, some more specific to red and shummard oaks. Gypsy ...
bees, hornets7/9/2008
  Q: Live in so. fla - Northern tip of Okeechobee Lake. Have what I think are of wasp / hornet family. ...
  A: Their are many wasp species. this is a broad genera of hymenopterous insects. All are beneficial, ...
centipedes7/9/2008
  Q: We are getting large centipedes in the house at night, are they poisonous? How do we get rid of ...
  A: Centipedes are easy to kill with most household pesticides that have a residual quality. Centipedes ...
grasshopper infestation in CO7/7/2008
  Q: Grasshoppers eat all my flowers (planted mostly in containers) and shrubs. Is there a natural smell ...
  A: Try using a product known as Neem oil to repel grasshoppers. You may also find that a concentrated ...
Sago Palms7/7/2008
  Q: My King Sago Palms are having a really really bad hair day ! On the underside of every leaf are ...
  A: Sago Palms are subject to homopterous pests such as scale insects which have recently been ...
No pest problems yet7/6/2008
  Q: We live in Eastern US - Pgh, PA to be exact and recently I had landscaping done in front of my home. ...
  A: Mulch is being employed by landscapers to a point that becomes counterproductive. Most mulch is ...
Being bitten7/5/2008
  Q: My husband and I and our dog are being eaten alive by some unknown bugs. At first, we thought we ...
  A: For the last few years, we have run into this strange phenomenon with bites that appear continually; ...
feces found on patio7/4/2008
  Q: About every 3-4 days I find feces about the size around as a wooden pencil and 1 - 1 1/2 long. It ...
  A: Feces varying in length, diameter usually consistent, and, for the most part, shiny surface, could ...
Sand Bees7/3/2008
  Q: I have a man made beach at my home by my pool. For 2 years now during the summer I have hundreds of ...
  A: There are no sand bees to my knowledge; however, there are numerous specie of sand wasps all ...
tiny beige bugs that don't die7/3/2008
  Q: My daughter found tiny beige/brown bugs on her comforter and mattress. They don't have wings and ...
  A: Finding tiny beige bugs on comforter an mattress might be from Collembola since you say that they ...
possible bedbugs7/2/2008
  Q: My spouse is currently traveling in China and is due home in 2 days. She has received quite a lot of ...
  A: Bites on the legs are not the usual location for repeated bites by bedbugs. Fleas are the more ...
crawfish mounds7/1/2008
  Q: ID live near some natural springs that drain into a ditch in my front yard. There are a lot of what ...
  A: Other than crayfish, there are mounds produced by shrew, and by moles. The shrew may pile such a ...
frogs in my yard6/29/2008
  Q: Every summer for the past three years frogs have invaded my yard and every morning I find bounds of ...
  A: Frogs are protected in many States. It would be a good idea to contact your agricultural department ...
Bird Mites6/29/2008
  Q: My symptoms are like tiny things-invisible crawling over me and tiny pin prick like stings ...
  A: Bird mites will vacate an empty nest and find you the alternate host. They will not be able to ...
Insect Growth Regulators for fleas6/28/2008
  Q: I have an infestation of fleas in my house, and I have tried almost everything to get rid of them. I ...
  A: Archer or Precor are the insect growth regulators(IGR)of choice. They can be ordered from my ...
mice6/28/2008
  Q: Every year I set mouse trapline in my barn. I catch a lot. This year I have caught 95 mice in less ...
  A: Mice; either deer or house mice reproduce rapidly. On the average house mice will produce 80 young ...
Termite treatment6/27/2008
  Q: I live in a 1400 square foot cedar siding home on a monolithic concrete slab. (whew) I have evidence ...
  A: The application that you completed is more than adequate. I appreciate your detailing the procedure ...
Flies!!!6/23/2008
  Q: I just started opening our kitchen and living room windows. Since then I've been bombarded by flies! ...
  A: Flies in the home without a known source may be the result of flies finding your garbage can. As ...
Termite treatment6/23/2008
  Q: I live in a 1400 square foot cedar siding home on a monolithic concrete slab. (whew) I have evidence ...
  A: Imidaclopred is an excellent termiticide. Dominion has formulated their product now since the ...
more drain flies...6/23/2008
  Q: You answered a drain fly question on 6/15/08. The question sounded so much like our situation that ...
  A: Change the HVAC tubing so that the slime mold is arrested, or remove, clean and return. the floor ...
sawdust and bugs coming out of holes in our windowsill!6/22/2008
  Q: About a week ago I noticed little tiny piles of sawdust and little tiny holes on our windowsill in ...
  A: Lyctids can spread but not on finished wood. The thought is that you have a specific condition that ...
more info on tree bug question6/22/2008
  Q: I forgot to tell you I am located in Washington, IL near Peoria.
  A: My first answer is appropriate for what I'm seeing; although, I could not enlarge your second ...
ash tree insect damage6/22/2008
  Q: I have an unknown larvae-type bug on my ash tree eating the leaves and laying eggs. The bark ...
  A: Aphid lions are the larvae of a ladybug spp., sometimes these creatures can cover a tree or shrub as ...
pests6/22/2008
  Q: 1st) grubs--what natural remidies work. We have a well & I don't want to contaminate it. When do I ...
  A: There are no natural insecticides such as bacterial or fungal products that have proven successful ...
Moles and above ground pool6/20/2008
  Q: I have an above ground pool and moles. I treated the yard for grubs, etc...in hopes no food, no ...
  A: Moles can be baited. One must locate the spot where moles push up the earth to clean out their ...
sawdust and bugs coming out of holes in our windowsill!6/19/2008
  Q: About a week ago I noticed little tiny piles of sawdust and little tiny holes on our windowsill in ...
  A: These beetles are probably Lytids, but check Anobiids as well on the internet by ggogling them. I'm ...
house pest6/19/2008
  Q: There are numerous transparent wings (5/16") scattered near and on the window sills in the mornings, ...
  A: It sounds as if you are experiencing the winged forms of a Drywood termite infestation, as well as ...
tiny biting thingy6/18/2008
  Q: I keep going out in my yard and getting bitten by these teenie tiny little microscopic creatures. I ...
  A: No-see-ums are what you are describing. I am enclosing a very good review of this pesky creature, ...
tiny black bug.. what is it?6/18/2008
  Q: I am in southwestern Ohio. In spring 2007 I noticed these tiny black bugs emerge on the ceiling of ...
  A: I have no knowledge of any beetle that does not have wings. What you saw as wingless was a beetle ...
holes in yard6/18/2008
  Q: live in wv. holes in yard i think are crabs. how to get rid of. thanks
  A: Holes in the yard as a description all by itself leaves me with a number of possibilities. You did ...
bore bugs/worms?6/17/2008
  Q: I have firewood on 2 ricks(not touching the ground)that were split Jan. and Feb. "08" that have a ...
  A: When you use firewood from an unknown source, you are subject to receiving an infestation of wood ...
Frog and cat control6/17/2008
  Q: I live in a small townhouse with a small front and back yard. I would like your help in getting rid ...
  A: Frogs are in the balance William-- I'm hesitant to promote their extinction; however local. You ...
Fleas, Lice or other?6/17/2008
  Q: I looked through your past answers and I couldn't find a similar question to my problem. I live in ...
  A: Flea beetles are tiny and jump. they are incidental invaders and do not bite. This is a wild ...
sand hornets6/16/2008
  Q: My mother's yard is infested with sand hornets. I've read they can be eliminated by using a bulb ...
  A: There are many wasps belonging to a family of insects known as vespidae; simply called vespids. ...
drain flies6/15/2008
  Q: I have had a problem with drain flies for the past 2-3 years. I am sure that I have identified them ...
  A: Slime mould builds up in drains, condensate tubing such as you have on your hvac system. The flies ...
drain flies6/15/2008
  Q: I have had a problem with drain flies for the past 2-3 years. I am sure that I have identified them ...
  A: There are several answers to your drain fly question on the George Manning site in the AllExpert ...
tiny black bug.. what is it?6/15/2008
  Q: I am in southwestern Ohio. In spring 2007 I noticed these tiny black bugs emerge on the ceiling of ...
  A: Some small stored grain pests, beetle-like, because they are tiny, may appear as if without wings. ...
Getting rid of silverfish in my apartment6/15/2008
  Q: I have an infestation of silverfish in my apartment which is on the second floor in an apartment ...
  A: Silverfish are starch feeders. They are not enamored with we places such as the bathroom tub; ...
There are worms in my shower6/12/2008
  Q: I share a house with other people, do they maby have worms? Usually I find this little worm in the ...
  A: Centipedes in their early stages of development fit the description. They may be hunting for other ...
What is it?6/10/2008
  Q: For the past two days I've been dealing with these small little, almost microscopic, bug. It is ...
  A: These are probably psychodids, called by many colloquial names such as sand fly, moth fly, sewer ...
bird nests on second story air conditioner site6/10/2008
  Q: George. How can I deter birds from nesting around my window a/c unit on the second story of my ...
  A: Second floors are a handiperson's job with the use of a ladder. The a/c unit should be kept ...
bed bugs6/9/2008
  Q: I went to the dermatologist and was told I have bed bugs. I have since torn apart my apartment and ...
  A: Clothing that has not yet been laundered, will be more attractive to bedbugs. Laundering such ...
rats6/8/2008
  Q: my Mom recently got her engine power cleaned and she suspects that the company damaged the wiring ...
  A: Rats colonize, and as a community, they interact regarding reproduction and food availability. ...
Bed Bugs!!!!6/8/2008
  Q: I have a bit of a problem and am hoping you can help---I stay at my best friend's condo about half ...
  A: The black insects at your mother's house may be one of the dermestid beetles. You could google ...
treating carpenter ants while wall is open6/8/2008
  Q: George, We have carpenter ants (Eastern Massachusetts), and have also located the wet rotting wood ...
  A: You can order the product Advance Carpenter ant bait from our supplier. You will find the company ...
unidentified specimen6/7/2008
  Q: Please help me to determine what this unidentified specimen could be. It was found under my covers, ...
  A: Mouse droppings can be slightly larger than long grain rice. When fresh, a dropping mat have a ...
Bed Bugs!!!!6/4/2008
  Q: I have a bit of a problem and am hoping you can help---I stay at my best friend's condo about half ...
  A: Bedbugs have no relationship with termite tunnels. I have no knowledge of such an association ...
treating carpenter ants while wall is open6/4/2008
  Q: George, We have carpenter ants (Eastern Massachusetts), and have also located the wet rotting wood ...
  A: You are asking excellent carpenter ant questions. I'll answer as follows: 1) Ideally, delay the ...
biting flies6/2/2008
  Q: I was working near the edge of the woods by my house and about 20 - 30 flies appeared. They were ...
  A: Deer and horse flies are the pests that you describe. I have enclosed a remarkable review of these ...
insect i.d.5/29/2008
  Q: my question I live in So. Ca. and I was called to see these tiny insects invading peoples homes. ...
  A: Your clients are experiencing the unearthing of a massive false chinchbug infestation. The entire ...
termites5/28/2008
  Q: I have discovered that termites have visited my house and garages. I have talked to 3 professional ...
  A: Termite evidence and no sign of current activity may be good news. Your previous use of brand name, ...
animal droppings5/28/2008
  Q: I live in central Texas and have noticed dropping on my porch that are about 1/2 inch long and has a ...
  A: Droppings(feces,scat) are usually identifiable. There are scat keys available on the Internet that ...
roaches5/27/2008
  Q: I need help. We live in Maryland (close to DC). For the past a couple months, I have found 3 roaches ...
  A: Pennsylvania wood roach is native to most of North America. It will survive all seasons out of ...
invasion5/27/2008
  Q: It started when my wife & I started collecting the proper food scraps for our new composter. It was ...
  A: There are many insects that specialize in specific niche environments. What you furnished me, led ...
Tiny worms on silk in my kitchen5/27/2008
  Q: I have just noticed teeny, tiny worm like/caterpillar like creatures crawling all over my kitchen. ...
  A: Indian Meal Moth is a general feeder. They may get into bonemeal, animal food, bait that has been ...
God, I hope you can help me5/27/2008
  Q: Ok, where to start? I have a dog and two cats. I moved to a place in TN, about 45 minutes north of ...
  A: Tea tree oil diluted with an equal amount of mineral oil, placed in a cosmetic style atomizer and ...
worms5/25/2008
  Q: i need help! my gueser was replaced a few months ago and since then iv had a few occasions where ...
  A: A small fly may be seen too. It has wings that fold in a tent-like fashion giving the appearance of ...
Tiny worms on silk in my kitchen5/23/2008
  Q: I have just noticed teeny, tiny worm like/caterpillar like creatures crawling all over my kitchen. ...
  A: It sounds as if you have a breakout of Indian Meal moth larvae. They do spin a silk-like strand as ...
tick/heartworm/flea medication5/23/2008
  Q: Is there any oral tablet medication that can control all ticks? I get a little frustrated when I ...
  A: A pill for all possible diseases is not a reasonable quest. The need to be alert for heartworm is ...
invasion5/23/2008
  Q: It started when my wife & I started collecting the proper food scraps for our new composter. It was ...
  A: Fungus gnats are the likely problem. I am enclosing a bulletin that will take you through the ...
warehouse beetle follow up question5/22/2008
  Q: George, I have a follow-up question to the reply from Rene below. We had an Orkin technician come ...
  A: Warehouse beetles(Trogoderma variabile) has been described quite adequately by Rene in the original ...
my oak tree is dying5/21/2008
  Q: I have a large oak tree in my yard that at times smells like vinegar and has black at about 2 1/2 to ...
  A: Insects are attracted to the vinegar smell coming from below the cambium layer of your oak tree. ...
worms in my shower5/21/2008
  Q: Followup question to: Jpratt writes on 2008-03-29 18:58:42 We've had this problem also, and our ...
  A: These flies are of a family known as Psychodidae. Which species you see is not important. They are ...
Preventing Yellow Jackets and Hornets5/19/2008
  Q: We live near Eugene, Oregon on 4 acres, most of which are conifer trees. Last year was our first ...
  A: The use of teatree oil or eucalyptus oil diluted with olive oil and placed on exposed parts of the ...
starlings5/19/2008
  Q: they upset all the other birds not to mention all the droppings they leave behind. hope you can help ...
  A: Isolating a bird species for exclusion is a highly daunting task. I believe that the device known ...
Preventing Yellow Jackets and Hornets5/16/2008
  Q: We live near Eugene, Oregon on 4 acres, most of which are conifer trees. Last year was our first ...
  A: You describe your four acres as heavily planted in conifers. You state that you have been seeing ...
stink bugs5/7/2008
  Q: How do I kill and control them in my garden? I live in Delaware and last year my squash and zucchini ...
  A: A combination of actions will help you attack this stinkbug problem. The use of a product known as ...
children and pest control5/1/2008
  Q: Should 20 month old babies be in the home while pest control in there treating the home?
  A: Pesticides are defined by their labels, and, MSDS sheets are part and parcel of each pesticide by ...
Fleas4/28/2008
  Q: We are having a serious problem with a flea infestation in our house. We have one cat, but he never ...
  A: Most professionals will use an insect growth regulator mixed with the pesticide of choice. The ...
small insects4/28/2008
  Q: I found these small insects witch we found them a couple of years back on our bedroom and we found ...
  A: The fact that they are seen only at night, and are only seen in the area of bathroom and kitchen, ...
Abatement Suggestion from Pro4/23/2008
  Q: I have contacted a few (licensed, legal) pest control firms in the area about a problem I have been ...
  A: Dichlorvos, 2,2-Dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate is an active ingredient in some plastic strips that ...
insect problem4/16/2008
  Q: I am having a problem that is directly related to my dog. For the past few monthes i have been ...
  A: "Paper Mites" Pin prick-like biting sensations, usually on exposed skin and often producing ...
Carpenter Ants4/16/2008
  Q: Okay, I recently purchased a 30 year old home in NW Washington. During the inspection, we noticed ...
  A: Washington is known to be one of the most carpenter ant infested States in the USA. Your questions ...
Rodent Control4/16/2008
  Q: I have a small boat stored under our summer cabin. The boat has exposed areas of plastic and foam ...
  A: When you define your boat situation as rats, mice, or other small critters, the overall ...
lawn insect problems4/15/2008
  Q: I have a mixture of tall red fescue with a blend of blue grass that is supposed to help reseed, in ...
  A: Sod webworm adults are moths, that can present a problem for your lawn. Browning lawns can be the ...
Small Brown Insect4/14/2008
  Q: For the past three years I have been having problems with small brown insects. They seem to appear ...
  A: small brown beetle-like insects as well as round black, white spotted insects keeps me guessing. I ...
moving with termites4/13/2008
  Q: We are currently in the process of buying a house. We have rented a house for 3 years, and now ...
  A: Moving with termites is a virtual impossibility as regards the in ground specie, unless you carry ...
Seriously creepy bugs in home4/10/2008
  Q: I moved into this apartment last summer; its a very old brownstone in the city and has about 35 ...
  A: You are describing what is known as a centipede. As you relate an increase in german cockroaches, ...
Bed bugs4/9/2008
  Q: My current apartment is infested with bed bugs, and the landlord's pest control agency is going to ...
  A: Bedbugs have a high reproductive rate, live as long as a year, and can last without a food supply ...
Caterpillar/slug in shower4/8/2008
  Q: I found a 1.25-inch long slimy caterpillar type thing in my shower. I have a septic tank. My house ...
  A: Heather, Your question regarding slimy, multi-legged creature found at your shower drain was ...
Fly's4/8/2008
  Q: I have a major problem with fly's coming out of hibernation at my house and what could i get to ...
  A: These questions have been answered for previous questioners, but I'm having difficulty locating them ...
Pet safe way to get rid of stink bugs4/7/2008
  Q: Have just moved or Central Fl & have a lot of stink bugs in my yard. I have a dog & cat & don't ...
  A: Most of the recent questions I have received were from the East Coast. Please look for the ...
bombs4/4/2008
  Q: Due to a plumbing situation, I have a hole in one of my walls. My mother suggested that since I ...
  A: A self release bomb in a plumbing wall where roaches reside, can be helpful. So, yes to your ...
Lawn pests4/2/2008
  Q: I live in northern South Dakota. "Night Crawlers", are numerous in the area, and my yard seems to ...
  A: This category is a complex of species that includes night crawlers, garden earthworms and red worms ...
Leaf cutter ants3/28/2008
  Q: They are a long established problem here near Houston, TX. and are once again destroying everything ...
  A: Control of Texas leaf cutting ants is difficult. Although plants can be protected temporarily ...
Termite Prevention on Land3/27/2008
  Q: My in-laws had an old mobile home that was recently removed. Underneath the house were piles of ...
  A: Removing wood and soil aggregate from the surface where termites remain active can help you prepare ...
spiders3/27/2008
  Q: im just wondering what states black widows are usually not found in because i will be moving out of ...
  A: Black widow spiders are found throughout the USA to some extent, although not always plentiful. ...
Great big flies3/27/2008
  Q: I have great big flies all over the front and back of my brick home here in Va.Beach and when I open ...
  A: The Bug Stop is a supplier that can send you the product, Suspend, instructions as to application ...
Great big flies3/26/2008
  Q: I have great big flies all over the front and back of my brick home here in Va.Beach and when I open ...
  A: Sarcophagids, known as flesh flies, will often hang out in certain spots such as outside stairwells, ...
clothes moths3/25/2008
  Q: I have used moth balls and those plastic hanger things but they are still eating my expensive ...
  A: Associated with the holes in your expensive woolens, could also be small moths occasionally seen ...
lawn pest control3/22/2008
  Q: How do i control ants,tics,black widow spiders,fleas,grubs in my lawn?. I just put down some weed & ...
  A: Danny, You can paste this URL into your address bar and get the information that you will need to ...
gray squirrels3/21/2008
  Q: i have a eight week old gray squirrel. she has mange mites. do you know what to get to cure her?
  A: Mange mites can be addressed by treating eruptions with dabs of kerosene or and then applying tea ...
Big ants3/21/2008
  Q: I live in eastern Canada (Quebec).Last summer I noticed quite a few large black ants in my kitchen ...
  A: When you are seeing large black ants in February and March, they area living within your building. ...
help3/16/2008
  Q: i am taking a course in pest control.i am working on my core manual and my structual license.i write ...
  A: Spray Mix Calculations H. Willard Downs and William W. Casady Department of Agricultural Engineering ...
Insect control in a home3/12/2008
  Q: I am new to Florida, coming from the northern climate and have a question about our new 2 story home ...
  A: Since you already have termite protection, you want to be certain that thorough inspections are ...
small brown excrement found in kitchen draw3/8/2008
  Q: We have found small hard brown bits in the draw where we keep our knives an forks. At first we ...
  A: Small brown excrement may come from mice even though you have no food there. Not knowing where you ...
Small black ants3/7/2008
  Q: We just moved to Tampa, Florida. Before we moved in the house was vacant and had a lot of dead bugs ...
  A: A boric acid barrier can be helpful in reducing the foraging ants. This may not halt the activity ...
ant bait3/7/2008
  Q: I read your posts about getting rid of small ants. I've tried everything I could and I'd like to ...
  A: www.bugstop.net is my supplier, Steve. You can reach them requesting the product,Advance Fine ...
Slugs3/6/2008
  Q: I live in Richmond, VA (approx. 2 hours south of D.C.) I have slugs come into my house (How they do ...
  A: Slugs cannot survive in a dry environment. They are mostly water, and suffer death if contained in a ...
Rats in my dryer3/6/2008
  Q: I recently found out that a rat has made a home inside my dryer. I peared into the exhaust duct and ...
  A: Rats in your drier can be of concern regarding the virus known as Hantavirus. Western States have ...
Cicada killers3/5/2008
  Q: Two years ago they showed up. Last year they were worse - about 100 nests in my lawn. this year I ...
  A: Cicada killers have only one mission in life. If your home is populated with trees, cicadas have ...
Strange insect problem3/5/2008
  Q: I have encountered a number of small insects which a tree specialist told me were "stink bugs". I ...
  A: Stink bugs overwinter as adults. Towards late September these true bugs can find shelter within the ...
Cicada killers3/5/2008
  Q: Two years ago they showed up. Last year they were worse - about 100 nests in my lawn. this year I ...
  A: You may have experienced the 17 year Cicada one or two years ago. The cicada killer crawls down a ...
Slugs3/4/2008
  Q: I live in Richmond, VA (approx. 2 hours south of D.C.) I have slugs come into my house (How they do ...
  A: Slugs will not travel along a dry area of floor. Please give me location in relation to moisture ...
Phorid flies3/3/2008
  Q: I live in Southern California. Over the last month or so we have had quite a bit of rain, which is ...
  A: Phorid flies, when not flying, have a rapid erratic darting kind of a locomotion. They run before ...
Scratching in bedroom wall3/3/2008
  Q: I am about to lose my mind because of the scratching sound coming from one corner area of my bedroom ...
  A: Where you have a crawl space below a scratching sound in your wall, and where you are located in ...
stink bugs living in sink drains?2/28/2008
  Q: This winter I have a infestation of what looks like brown marmorated stink bugs in my house. I've ...
  A: If you do really have BMSB(brown marmorated stink bugs), your State Agricultural department would ...
mouthparts of mantodea2/23/2008
  Q: George Manning Would you be kind enouph to review our research article(A comparative study of ...
  A: Naheed M. Sooro: Please forgive my delay in answering you. I have been away for a few days, and ...
stinkbugs in Delaware2/18/2008
  Q: I just read the letter sent to you by Kyle in Pennsylvania, and I've got the same problems with ...
  A: Greetings Barbara-- I'm enclosing the answer mailed to Ikammer, and to which I directed Kyle. ...
Follow up question to tiny ant problem2/17/2008
  Q: George! I read your answer to the person who had the question about the tiny ants in her house. I ...
  A: I understand your impatience with baiting techniques. The condition would go away for a very few ...
Feces/whipworms/ringworms and pets2/15/2008
  Q: I live in Northern NJ, I have two dogs, they recently have bee diagnosed with both ring and whip ...
  A: I am not able to visualize the droppings containing seeds. You can send me a close-up digital image ...
pet safe termite control2/13/2008
  Q: We have an interior exposed beam that has termites. What can a company use that won't harm my pets? ...
  A: From what you have told me, it appears that you may have a drywood termite infestation. The ...
insect2/13/2008
  Q: I have seen a worm in my bathroom yesterday night. It tries to hide in dark places and walks very ...
  A: Somehow my last transmission did not reach you. In it, I suggested that you google millipedes, and ...
insect2/13/2008
  Q: I have seen a worm in my bathroom yesterday night. It tries to hide in dark places and walks very ...
  A: Mourina, you may be seeing millipedes or possibly garden centipedes as opposed to household ...
insect2/12/2008
  Q: I have seen a worm in my bathroom yesterday night. It tries to hide in dark places and walks very ...
  A: You are welcome to send me a specimen, or take a digital picture and e-mail it to my address posted ...
pet safe termite control2/11/2008
  Q: We have an interior exposed beam that has termites. What can a company use that won't harm my pets?
  A: Not all termite specie are the same. Depending on the species, and where you live, an answer is ...
cockroaches in cabinets2/10/2008
  Q: live in florida, have pest control service, occasionaly have roach inside, ? is there anything to ...
  A: Having roaches in cabinets occasionally sounds like a low level but developing population. Not ...
Carpenter ants2/7/2008
  Q: We recently had a leaky roof and some carpenter ants in the house. We had the roof and all the ...
  A: On face value, you did everything right. Looking further, your thought that you may have "hit the ...
small flying insect2/4/2008
  Q: I'm sorry it's so mundane, but it's a big deal to me. In the last week, I've noticed a few small ...
  A: It is entirely possible that you are dealing with Phorid flies. These flies breed in decaying ...
washing clothes2/3/2008
  Q: when you are out in the field,i mean like spraying for cockroaches,fumagtion,how often do you change ...
  A: Most of the time, we don't receive spray back from products used; however, it is useful to carry an ...
one or more type of gnat-sized crawlers in house2/3/2008
  Q: Mr. Manning, thank you in advance for your help, I will really appreciate it! I have been renting ...
  A: It might be helpful to know where you are living. Where climate remains warm throughout the year, ...
Rats and Mice1/29/2008
  Q: Live in Miami and we have become over run by little grey mice and can't seem to get ahold of the ...
  A: This is a revised edition of the original sent to you. I often use questions answered on our ...
Harmful insects to a log cabin in NH1/27/2008
  Q: Last summer we finished building our retirement home in NH - a pine log home. We continue to work ...
  A: Exterior spraying in late April to mid-May can reduce the presence of wasps before they get started ...
small flying insect1/27/2008
  Q: I'm sorry it's so mundane, but it's a big deal to me. In the last week, I've noticed a few small ...
  A: Your plants may be infested by one of the piercing-sucking invertebrates. Spider mites,thrips, ...
boring insects in woodpile1/26/2008
  Q: I live in SoCal and have a woodpile a few feet from house that appears to having boring insects. ...
  A: The combined clues that you provide, the oozing sap and the exit holes could point to a long horn ...
Unusual Sounds - Frustrated1/25/2008
  Q: George, I moved into a brand new home in April. Around October of last year, I started noticing an ...
  A: The combined sounds that you hear may not all be the same animals. The fact that you hear sounds ...
drain bugs1/25/2008
  Q: I have had drain bugs in my home for a year and a half and I am desperately looking to get rid of ...
  A: You refer to drain bugs which only tells me that there is a chronic insect condition. I'm asking ...
Stink bug invasion!1/24/2008
  Q: I have been getting major stink bug problems in my room. One day i got rid of 24 stink bugs in one ...
  A: I have answered the identical question only weeks ago. I'll search for it and either refer you to ...
Squirrels1/21/2008
  Q: I have been trapping and relocating squirrels for a decade using peanut butter as bait. Beginning ...
  A: Greetings Ted-- The change in taste preference is an unknown to me. Possibly, squirrels are seeing ...
career info1/19/2008
  Q: doing pest control,if i was working for someone like a pest control company,could i make about 15 ...
  A: I thought that I sent you an answer to a former career question. I'll resend it, but answer the ...
Ants and worms in new apartment1/18/2008
  Q: I recently moved into a new apartment. Since I moved in I have been trying to get rid of ants that ...
  A: South Africa embraces a whole different Eco-system than my part of the World; however, there are ...
Termite and Mice: Professionals1/15/2008
  Q: We've had a couple of inspections regarding termite prevention and a possible mouse problem (living ...
  A: I must confess, I do enjoy my field of work and have always liked helping others, when I am able to ...
career1/15/2008
  Q: i am very interested doing this type of work.where can i get the training in ontario canada for this ...
  A: You will find that our work can be very rewarding. If you enjoy people and care to be helpful, ...
Termite and Mice: Professionals1/14/2008
  Q: We've had a couple of inspections regarding termite prevention and a possible mouse problem (living ...
  A: Your questions are clear and well thought out. I'll answer your mouse inquiry first. As mice ...
Termite Bond1/13/2008
  Q: I am a new home owner, I purchased my home almost a year ago and I recently received a bill from the ...
  A: You call the relationship that your building has had with the termite company, a bond. If this is a ...
tiny ants1/11/2008
  Q: I live in a slab house that I purchased over the summer. I have tiny ants everywhere. The ...
  A: Your floor may be radiant heated, have below floor hvac ducts or possibly have radiators. All these ...
Follow-up on Dermal Issues1/8/2008
  Q: I recently noticed a poor cover-up job on an exterior wall that had paint over duct tape.The duct ...
  A: Kristne, thanks for your follow-up: When we are wrestling with a question that seeks an answer, and ...
Kitchen bugs1/4/2008
  Q: Walked into my dark kitchen early this morning and turned on the light... there were very tiny bugs ...
  A: Your report is quite well stated. You've described a creature that is soft-bodied enough to leave a ...
growth on walls that look like worms1/1/2008
  Q: I recently noticed a poor cover-up job on an exterior wall that had paint over duct tape.The duct ...
  A: I'd like to help you. The photo sent to me is probably good enough but leaves me guessing what ...
flying insect12/30/2007
  Q: I live in northern new jersey. These bugs are octagon shaped with four legs.They lift the bug off ...
  A: The behavior of stinkbugs in areas that are below 43 degrees will be motionless but alive. Test ...
flying insect12/29/2007
  Q: I live in northern new jersey. These bugs are octagon shaped with four legs.They lift the bug off ...
  A: You seem to be talking about a true Stinkbug. There are many specie and they all belong to a family ...
Rat Droppings Clean Up12/28/2007
  Q: I have a house that has been vacant for about 1 yr. Furniture and personal belongings are still in ...
  A: You do have concern that is real and warranted. Rat urine is always a carrier of Leptospyrosis, a ...
Black poop in my attic12/25/2007
  Q: I night i heard sounds coming from my attic,i went to check it out and found Small dark black ...
  A: You mention roof rat. If you live on the West Coast, roof rats are present. Along the Southeastern ...
small like worm in my shower12/19/2007
  Q: Please help, my house is 2yrs old. I have a shower of tile, lately there have been this funny smell ...
  A: Betty, I'm not able to guess what you see. Black, no legs, foul odor from drain; only appearing ...
powder post beetles12/18/2007
  Q: I boght a house 3 tears ago with an old post beam barn. There was no sign of beetles when we first ...
  A: No Joseph, if you dispose of the wood as you remove it. Do your work in early spring before the ...
small like worm in my shower12/18/2007
  Q: Please help, my house is 2yrs old. I have a shower of tile, lately there have been this funny smell ...
  A: Please describe these worm-like creatures. Do they have legs? Do they have segmentation? What ...
powder post beetles12/18/2007
  Q: I boght a house 3 tears ago with an old post beam barn. There was no sign of beetles when we first ...
  A: Joseph, I don't foresee a problem with firewood brought in for immediate use. Your general concern ...
Mice12/15/2007
  Q: I've owned my home for 5 years and never aware of any mice....I found droppings and torn goody bags ...
  A: A female mouse becomes pregnant at six weeks and during nursing becomes pregnant again. Food supply ...
powder post beetles12/11/2007
  Q: I boght a house 3 tears ago with an old post beam barn. There was no sign of beetles when we first ...
  A: Powder post beetles are a generic name for wood boring beetles. You say there are piles of dust. ...
animsl ID12/7/2007
  Q: Under our enclosed deck there is a large collection of animal scat. It is all gathered in the same ...
  A: Tom-- Purchase galvanized wire lath. Dig a perimeter trench around the deck at base of deck below ...
a strange fly11/29/2007
  Q: this morning in my bathroom I found a strange looking fly. I is the same colour as a house fly ...
  A: Glynis-- You won't be able to breed this fly. It will require another fly of the same species but ...
animsl ID11/27/2007
  Q: Under our enclosed deck there is a large collection of animal scat. It is all gathered in the same ...
  A: I don't know Trix cereal. If the droppings are about 3/8 to 5/8 of an inch in diameter, round and ...
bites11/24/2007
  Q: I moved to Central CA where there are cows/farms. I get bit every night. It seems like the same ...
  A: I've also had challenges, unexpectedly, to an allergic reaction to a sulfadrug. Unbelievable, whole ...
fly breed/living conditions11/11/2007
  Q: I have a question about flies. My landlord tried to accuse us of having maggots living in old food ...
  A: Sara-- I'm confused--without a nitch to provide development, flies may not exist. You see none but ...
white grubs11/8/2007
  Q: Are these the grubs that eat grass roots? Will they eat my newly planted perennials as well? Is ...
  A: Helo David: You dug up grubs. They are the larvae of beetles of the family, Scarabidae which are ...
scratching, chirruping-like sounds from my dryer?11/7/2007
  Q: I will do my best to describe these sounds... In a regular pattern, something makes a chirping-water ...
  A: Jen, I'm also puzzled. If this is happening between 1AM and 5AM, you may have flying squirrels. ...
fly breed/living conditions11/6/2007
  Q: I have a question about flies. My landlord tried to accuse us of having maggots living in old food ...
  A: Knowing what kind of flies you see would be helpful. House flies are dark grayish in color. Bottle ...
ants in my dash11/4/2007
  Q: i just bought a used 1007 buick park ave. and i notice that every day a see an ant or two up where ...
  A: Not knowing where you live, I'll refer to warmer climates where ants will still be active. During ...
Rat Epidemic11/3/2007
  Q: I am an owner of a three unit building built in 1896 in Lakeview/Lincoln Park. Since I bought the ...
  A: Wow Matt! You couldn't have picked a better person to help you out We have operated American Eagle ...
Holes in my front lawn10/30/2007
  Q: I live in South Carolina, about 30 miles inland from Myrtle Beach and about 3 miles from the Little ...
  A: May I apologize for not finding your inquiry. I did not spot it on my e-mail. I was dropped from ...
large hole under porch5/15/2007
  Q: I have a large hole in my flowerbed leading underneath our back enclosed porch. At first I thought ...
  A: Courtney, Depending on the headroom below the deck, the possibilities can be skunks, possum, ...
pest control in my lawn5/14/2007
  Q: What do you recommend for treating my yard to get rid of or at least control spiders, ants, fleas ...
  A: To Brian from George Manning, Entomologist Ants Ant Baits Dusts Aerosols Liquid ...
mice/moles5/10/2007
  Q: I'v had this proble for years and i was wondering what i can do to kill these pests?
  A: Clarence-- May I suggest that you purchase oil of mustard or garlic or both. You can also plant in ...
teeny tiny black bugs5/3/2007
  Q: I live in a newly built community and my home is only about 9 months old.. Just this morning I ...
  A: Jackie-- I've been away. Sorry for not getting to your question. It would be simpler to receive a ...
Noises4/12/2007
  Q: I have been hearing some scratching like sounds time to time in our attic (I'll say), we have never ...
  A: Tammy-- I apologize for not answering your question. You have either squirrels or raccoons. ...
Bed Bugs4/7/2007
  Q: I have bedbugs in my apt. I got a use mattress over 7 months back and apt managemtn says bedbugs ...
  A: The answer supplied you by Jule was correct. If you can show ownership that you had no bites until ...
termite and infested wall4/6/2007
  Q: To George Manning.This might not be in your expertise but I'll ask you anyway or anybody else for ...
  A: A saturated area that cannot completely drain may not deliver the necessary concentration of ...
squrrels4/2/2007
  Q: house has been empty for 2 months on return it looks like the wood around a lot of my windows has ...
  A: You have experienced a situation whereby a squirrel or more has wandered into the home and not been ...
Termite control3/29/2007
  Q: Confusing info from multiple sources! Five-year-old house in Alabama, ranch style, one level, slab ...
  A: Your correct about renewals. They represent a form of insurance. Has an inspection uncovered new ...
birds in soffit3/24/2007
  Q: George;Have birds in my soffit,want to get birds removed, so that I can repair soffit.Is there a ...
  A: Bob: I attempted answer you last week. I don't now why the answer did not reach you. I will ...
reoccurance of roaches3/22/2007
  Q: I will definitely talk to my terminix guy about changing the bait that he is using. I also have been ...
  A: Crystal: There is reason to believe that reproduction is continuing somewhere. Besides the baiting ...
Leaf Cutter Ants3/21/2007
  Q: Is there an effective way of preventing them from destroying a plant. I am not into chemicals if ...
  A: Natural approaches that you might use are as follows: Spread wetable sulfur powder over the ...
cockroaches3/6/2007
  Q: I do not have a cockroach problem, but want to eliminate using our pest control person because I ...
  A: Sounds as if you live in a southern state. I'm copying a site from the Internet pages that may be ...
Barn Wood-Powder Post Beetles3/2/2007
  Q: Thanks, BrianI didn't know how replies from this website work as far as your answer being sent to my ...
  A: Brian-- There are a number of techniques available but the one that would be most abrupt would be ...
Powder Post Beetles2/26/2007
  Q: Before you set in on me preaching that what I've done wasn't so smart please help if you can. I ...
  A: Brian-- There are a number of techniques available but the one that would be most abrupt would be ...
Beavers2/26/2007
  Q: I live on Lake Lanier, a Beaver is trying to make my dock his home. What is the best way to run him ...
  A: Carl: I'm an entomologist working in the pest control industry;however, I dislike killing unless ...
White Flies2/25/2007
  Q: .where would I happen to find oil of orange ? And pyrethrum based aerosol ? I live in SC and ...
  A: Tara, I'm sorry, I thought you were describing an inside problem. I think oil of orange would be ...
ants in house2/23/2007
  Q: What is the best time of yr to spray inside and outside of ants? We have a problem with the small ...
  A: It would be helpful to know where you live. There are so many ant species that invade homes, their ...
ANTS EVERYWHERE!2/21/2007
  Q: The ant problem at my house is getting out of control! It first started in the kitchen and after ...
  A: Jessica, thank you for your inquiry about persistent ants. It would help to know the species. ...
Ants in house2/20/2007
  Q: Unfortunately since then, I've scoured the local stores but could not find any of the products you ...
  A: Sonia: Please visit your local pest supply store or, you will find the Bug Stop in our website as a ...
unknown animal/critter2/19/2007
  Q: I live in the Cleveland area. The other night I heard an animal moving around behind my wall/ under ...
  A: You've helped me visualize your situation through your excellent description of this unseen animal. ...
bugs coming in through closed windows2/12/2007
  Q: We have lived in a (Philadelphia suburb) home for 26 years without any particular or unusual insect ...
  A: Your question directed to Julie-Lynne reached me. You are welcome to redirect to her, and I'm ...
Ants in house2/10/2007
  Q: I've owned my house for almost 20yrs. Occasionally over the yrs, I used ant baits in the summer for ...
  A: Sonia-- Your question regarding carpenter ants was clear and full of good information. It is ...
very tiny black bugs not sure what they are2/5/2007
  Q: counters, inside cabinets (food boxes etc) and if i am not mistaken i think their eggs are kinda ...
  A: Shannon: I'm sorry that your question remains unanswered. The computer I was using in my office ...
Mice?1/31/2007
  Q: I believe I may have a mouse. Where I store my dogs food I noticed 2 holes on each side of the bag. ...
  A: You have the right idea when placing this food source in a tight fitting container. It should be a ...
book mites1/30/2007
  Q: I own a bookshop in Dartmouth, Devon, and have a customer whose personal book collection is infested ...
  A: There are no creatures known as book mites. There are, however, insects commonly known as book ...
reoccurance of roaches1/21/2007
  Q: I will definitely talk to my terminix guy about changing the bait that he is using. I also have been ...
  A: Crystal, The significance of one bug every couple of weeks to a month does mean you are experiencing ...
Help1/20/2007
  Q: Help! I don’t know what I have in my wall, but it is about to drive me nuts. I have set snap ...
  A: Although you have mentioned many experiences relating to home invaders, the three points that are ...
reoccurance of roaches1/20/2007
  Q: I have been getting pest treatments from terminix for a while now, but a couple of months ago, I had ...
  A: Often, when spraying while also baiting roaches, the spray will repel roaches. The possibility of ...
gnats12/25/2006
  Q: when i first moved into my apt. back in sept, i noticed that i never have flies in my apt. but i ...
  A: You asked a question regarding gnats. Did you ever receive an answer? I've looked at questions in ...
Termite swarmers12/18/2006
  Q: We just had a large amount of swarmers in our kitchen just about a week ago. We live in New Mexico. ...
  A: I looked in the general file of questions and found yours seemingly unanswered. Would you please ...
White Flies12/10/2006
  Q: How do you get rid of these things ? please...
  A: I'm sorry that I have not answered your question about whiteflies. I think you directed the ...

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