Clark Pest Control's Blog

Argentine Ants - The making of super colonies!

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By: Jackson Griffith
Clark Pest Control Corporate 

Super Colonies From San Diego to the San Francisco Bay

Imagine a giant, thriving city along the coastal half of California that stretches over 600 miles, linked by subterranean tunnels from San Diego in the south all the way to Ukiah 115 miles north of San Francisco, with a population of billions. A future scene from a dystopian science-fiction narrative?

No.  According to some scientists, that city exists today. However, it’s populated by ants, not humans – specifically, Argentine ants (Linepithema humile), an invasive species thought to have entered America at New Orleans on coffee ships from South America in the late 19th century. L. humile then spread westward to California via railroads and other modes of transportation.

What makes Argentine ants different from most other ant species is that individual ants hatched from one queen’s eggs will cooperate with ants from another queen. Most ant species will fight ants from another colony, because each colony’s ants carry a unique chemical marker that signals they are family to ants from their own colony, but an enemy to same-species ants from a neighboring colony. However, Argentine ants from two different queens won’t have such conflict with each another, because their chemical markers are similar enough for a match, and so they and their sisters – worker ants are invariably female – will team up to drive out whatever native ant species is still crawling about the neighborhood.

These large cities of Argentine ants were described by a team led by biologist Neil D. Tsutsui, then at University of California San Diego, as supercolonies. Three have been identified: in coastal California, in Europe along the Mediterranean coast, and in western Honshu, the largest and most populous island of Japan. The former two have Mediterranean climates; western Honshu is subtropical. And even those are related: When researchers mixed ants from the different supercolonies together in a laboratory setting, they didn’t square off for battle, but got along like long-lost sisters.

Not all scientists agree with the concept of a supercolony, however. At Stanford University, researchers disagreed that the California supercolony is more diverse genetically, and ants around the state don’t seem to spring from a common set of parents; what appears to be a supercolony is really a large grid of interlinked colonies. In either scenario, though, the ants would rather cooperate against a common enemy than fight among themselves. We could learn a lot from Argentine ants.

In California, where one in every four ant infestations reported by pest management professionals involves Argentine ants, it means that if you’re experiencing an ant problem at home, there’s a 25-percent likelihood that L. humile is at cause. In many areas, that likelihood jumps to 100 percent. Your Clark professional will be able to identify the species of ant that’s giving you trouble, and then use the principles of integrated pest management (IPM) to restore your home to a pest-free state. 

Unexpected and Hidden Dangers that are Lurking in the Garden

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7 Surprising Dangers Lurking in Your Garden

By Sarah Shirley
homeinsurance.org

Gardens are beautiful and full of unexpected surprises. Every time you go outside to mow your lawn or prune your plants, you may be coming into contact with something that could pose a serious health threat to you, your family, and your pets. These dangers are way less obvious than insecticides and bee stings, but after reading this you won’t forget these risks are right in your backyard. Here are seven surprising dangers lurking in your garden:

1. Thorns:

   

   If you have roses or other thorny plants in your garden, you’re probably well aware of the pain associated with a thorn scratch or puncture. But you probably didn’t know that you can also contract tetanus, a bacterial disease, from a puncture wound or scratch from the thorns of roses or brambles. When the skin is punctured, bacteria-laden soil and other matter enter the wound. Tetanus can have devastating effects on the nervous system, which often begin with spasms in the jaw and a stiff or locked jaw.

2. Wild mushrooms:

   

   What may look like a tasty truffle could actually be a wild and poisonous mushroom growing in your backyard. Though many wild mushrooms that grow in backyards and gardens are not poisonous, a few can be deadly if ingested. The amanitas, the false morels, and a range of little brown mushrooms (LBMs) are poisonous and can cause anything from stomachaches and vomiting to respiratory failure and death. Wild mushrooms, even the non-poisonous kinds, should not be eaten.

3. Arsenic-laced wood:

   

   The picnic tables you eat on, the decks you sit on, and the play sets your children use may have something dangerous in common. Many of the older outdoor wood products that we use today still contain trace amounts of arsenic. Although the wood industry no longer uses arsenic in its pressure-treated products, old wood products may be a health risk to you and your family. Arsenic can leach out when the treated wood gets wet and spread to toys and skin.

4. Sago palms:

   

   Sago palms are spiky, green plants that are painful to tough and are extremely poisonous to both humans and animals if ingested. These seeded plants are particularly dangerous to cats, dogs, and horses because they find it palatable. All parts of the sago palm are toxic, with the highest level of the toxin, cycasin, in the seeds. Ingestion of the plant could result in several severe symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, liver failure, melena, and death. If any part or quantity of the plant is ingested, call poison control or your veterinarian immediately.

5. Fire ants:

   

   For the most part, ants are harmless, but one particular species has been known to take over gardens and cause severe allergic reactions and painful bites in those who step on their mounds. These invasive and destructive pests are particularly bad in the South, but have made their way up to several other states around the U.S. Fire ants emerge when their mound is disturbed and aggressively sting victims, resulting in a painful, round pustule.

6. Noisy tools:

   

   Working in the garden often means subjecting yourself to loud mowers, leaf blowers, chain saws, and other noisy lawn care tools. If you’re using loud tools, or within earshot of them, your hearing could become damaged over time. It’s important to limit your exposure to loud noise and wear hearing protection when you cannot avoid such exposure. Earplugs, canal caps, or muffs will help protect your ears and reduce your risk of hearing loss.

7. Skin damage in the shade:

   

   Even if you seek shade under a tree or umbrella while gardening, you may still be exposed to skin-damaging UV rays that have been scattered by clouds or UV-reflective surfaces, such as water or concrete. Although seeking shade is still better than sitting in direct sunlight, indirect or diffused UV light can be just as dangerous and damaging to your skin. Wearing sun-protective clothing, a wide-brim hat, sunglasses, and seeking deep shade are your best forms of protection from the sun.

Phil Across America

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Phil Cooper, CEO of Cooper Pest Solutions and BedBug Central is biking across the US on behalf of Multiple Sclerosis, June 1 to August 1, 2012.

Phil’s mission to raise money to help find a cure for MS began nearly 28 years ago. In May of 1984, as a George Washington University senior, he had hoped to bike across the country in celebration of his graduation. It was an idea of grandeur but due to a variety of factors his dream was put on hold.  Since then, Phil made it his personal goal to bike across the US on his 50^th birthday.

Phil saw the fulfillment of his dream as an opportunity to better the world and made a difference in the lives of many.  Since 1984, Phil has ridden thousands of charitable miles raising over $250,000 and creating awareness for Multiple Sclerosis.  He, along with his family, friends and the Cooper Pest Solutions; team, have been tirelessly involved in the MS1550 City to Shore ride each year in New Jersey.  But, with the approach of his 50^th birthday (July 11, 20102), Phil is set to put his involvement, passion and 28 year-old dream to the test.

Clark Pest Control, a Team Cooper sponsor, was there at the tire dipping ceremony (dipped their tires into the Pacific Ocean) with Phil at the BBQ at Crissy Field in San Francisco.

Phil Across America crew at the tire dipping ceremony

Clark crew waiting to welcome Phil.

Robert (Clark Pest Control) with Phil at the BBQ

WAY TO GO PHIL!!!

Top 5 Things to Consider When Choosing a Pest Control Company

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By: Fred Speer
Clark Pest Control
fspeer@clarkpest.com 

Having a pest problem is never fun, regardless if it’s ants in your kitchen or flies hovering over the weekend family barbecue. Your first thought is either to look up pest control companies on the web, or dust off that phone book. When looking for a pest control company, you’re going to find many that offer the same services, but how do you know that you’re choosing the right company to handle your pest control needs?

Here are five things you will need to know before making your decision:

1. Licensed – Is this company licensed, and is its license up to date? A licensed pest control operator knows its pest control materials, knows the law and knows appropriate safety measures.

2. Treatment Methods – Will this pest control company discuss all its treatment methods with you? From a consumer standpoint, you want to know what the company’s game plan is: Does it offer alternative methods and techniques, such as integrated pest management (IPM) and softer, greener options, or is it a “hose jockey” operation that will spray gallons of pesticide all over your property?

3. Reputation – How does one pest control company stack up against the next? Is the company a Better Business Bureau member, and what is its score?

4. Proper Insurance – Does the company have appropriate insurance? Insurance is important. In the event of an accident, you as a consumer need to know that you are protected! It’s always a good practice to ask for proof of insurance.

5. Guarantee - Does this company guarantee its work?  What is its warranty? Can it provide that guarantee in writing? Always be wary about a company that doesn’t guarantee its work or provide a warranty.

Learn More About Fred Speer

Growing Up a Pest Control Professional (Video)

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Once upon a time, little Johnny and Janie would say they wanted to grow up to be a fireman, or a nurse. But today, young Aiden or Sophia might surprise Mom and Dad by voicing a desire to become a pest control or termite control professional instead.

Think about it: What’s not to admire about someone who looks great, drives a cool truck, and helps people solve problems that involve ants, bedbugs, spiders, termites and mice? Today’s pest control pro is like a detective who figures out life’s tiny mysteries, and they help make people’s lives easier, and more safe, by keeping all those icky pests outside where they belong.

So when that little sprout comes ripping down the sidewalk on a Big Wheel pointing at a gleaming white Clark Pest Control truck, or randomly begins spouting phrases like “Clark, we need you,” try not to worry. Pest control today is a great way to make a living and do good work that improves people’s lives.

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Letter of appreciation - Clark Pest Control

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Bedbug threat sidelines police cars

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Bethlehem officers investigating a death saw the bugs in woman's home.

By Pamela Lehman, Of The Morning Call

Bethlehem police had to take four vehicles out of service for a few days for a possible bedbug contamination, an official said.

The vehicles were parked after officers were called to a death investigation shortly after midnight Friday in the 1000 block of Carlisle Street, said police Capt. David Kravatz.

The woman's death is not suspicious, police said. While inside her home, officers saw bedbugs, Kravatz said.

Four vehicles used by officers on the call were taken out of service until they could be treated for a possible bedbug contamination. By Monday afternoon, the vehicles had been decontaminated and thoroughly washed before they were put back on the road.

"It was a precautionary measure and a courtesy to our officers to take those vehicles out of service to make sure that if there are bedbugs, they don't spread anywhere else," Kravatz said.

A handful of vehicles have been taken out of service before to be treated for possible bedbug infestations, and that problem could increase due to recent record-high temperatures, Kravatz said.

But dirty police vehicles are hardly unusual and are a less-than-glamorous aspect of police work that the public may not often see, he said.

Officers are often subjected to unsanitary conditions including garbage, fleas, roaches and ticks.

Any call involving a skunk may take a police vehicle out of commission for a few days, Kravatz said.

Skunks spotted during the day are often put down by police officers, for fear the animals may be rabid. But he said some officers may be willing to remove a smelly skunk carcass to help a distressed resident.

"I've had new officers even double-bag the skunk, thinking that would contain the smell," he said. "That never works. Even though the car is scrubbed clean, it seems like that smell lingers for days."

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Grasshoppers Invade Farm - Sacramento County

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Just recently, Herald California has recieved a visitor, or should I say visitors and unwelcomed at that. Thousands if not millions of Grasshoppers have invaded a local community. At first they thought to be juvenile Locust but now its looking more like Grasshoppers. 

Grasshoppers prefer to eat grasses, leaves and cereal crops and majority of grasshoppers are polyphagous. Many will eat from multiple host plants in one day, while some prefer to rely on the same host plant. "Due to a warm winter and lack of vegetation to feed on has pressured the migration" stated Branch manager of the Rancho Cordova Branch Bob Golubski.

This invasion has made local news, please see the video below!

Clark Participates in the 2nd Annual Zoo Zoom Race

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Team Clark will be participating in the 2nd annual Zoo Zoom run/walk race. Before, during and after the race make sure to stop by the Clark tent (located next to the Capuchin monkey exibit), we will be giving away some goodies and the Clark Bug Zoo Crew will be showing off their Tarantulas, Scorpions, roaches and more!

The Clark tent will be open from 6:30 am through 11:00 am.

About the Zoo Zoom Race
Run or walk through beautiful Micke Grove Park on a paved 5K loop, finishing inside the zoo. All entries include a commemorative t-shirt, refreshments, pancake breakfast, and free park and zoo entry.

Event Type: Family

Date: Sunday, June 10, 2012
Location: Micke Grove Zoo
Micke Grove Regional Park
11793 N. Micke Grove Rd.
Lodi, CA 95240

Get out those running shoes and start training for the 2nd Annual Micke Grove Zoo Zoom!  

Unique, zoo-themed awards for the top three male and female winners in age groups.

Special Family Packages (4members) $100 if registered by June 7. $120 race day. For additional family members, add $30 each.

Kids' Run (8 & under, not timed or scored): Entry fee: $15

Register online or on race day!

Contact: mgzs@mgzoo.com
(209) 331-2010

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Happy 40th Birthday Scott - From your friends at Clark Pest Control

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Suzy Z. reached out to us at Clark to obtain some swag for her husband for his birthday—their last name is Clark, so, of course we sent him a box of great stuff!  

For years, Scott Clark he has seen the Clark trucks, shirts on techs, and just generally knew of the brand, and had always wanted something to wear of his own because his last name is Clark.  When his wife contacted us for his 40th birthday to give him something as a surprise, we sent a box full of swag to him.  Happy 40th Scott!

"Thank you so much for your help with my husband Scott's awesome birthday gifts. The Clark Pest Control hat is his absolute new favorite, and he's already christened both the coffee cup AND the notebook. Check out the photos below.

I am so thankful to you for your sweetness and generosity. Two of the shirts (one sent by you, and another by one of the owners of the company) were too large, so I am sending them back to you so someone else can use & enjoy them. Neither one was worn, and I know they are expensive to order! And as it turned out, all the other excellent stuff you sent has turned out to be the best gift ever! I even plan on planting the flower seeds with our 3-1/2 year old daughter. :)

Very sincerely,
Suzy Z "

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