General Pest Control Questions

What are Carpenter Ants?

Carpenter ants are a species of winged ants which build colonies inside wooden structures, lending them their name. Not all carpenter ants are winged, however. Carpenter ant workers are never winged and range in size from 3/8” to ½”. Carpenter ant males and queens use their wings to seek out new sites to build their colonies and typically shed them once a new site is found. Winged queens can grow to as larch as 1 inch in length.

Carpenter ants should not be confused with termites. Carpenter ants have a narrow waist and bent, or elbowed, antennae.

Do Carpenter Ants Eat Wood?

No! While carpenter ants use their mandibles to excavate wooden structures, unlike termites they do not consume the wood, instead they discarding it as coarse sawdust. Like other ants, carpenter ants are attracted to proteins and sugars. In your home, they’ll be drawn to open sources of pet food, syrup and other foods containing high levels of sugar.

How do I Prevent Carpenter Ants from Nesting in my Home?

Carpenter ants live in wood structures which contain high levels of moisture. Nesting queens will be drawn to any moisture-damaged wood in your home. Outside your home, be sure to store firewood away from buildings and structures. Consider removing old tree stumps because they are an ideal nesting ground for carpenter ants. Another good tip is to prune any tree branches that might be in contact with your home or power lines, as foraging carpenter ants can use these to easily access your roof.

Where are all these Ants coming from?

Ants are a common problem in many homes, especially during the warmer months. They like to congregate in kitchens, due to an abundance of food. Ants can find their way into your home through cracks and any small openings they can fit through. Keeping your kitchen surfaces clean, not leaving any food out, and washing dishes instead of leaving dirty dishes in the sink can go a long way to keeping ants in check. You can also spray entry points, such as doors, windows, and cracks where ants get in with an ant poison. Be sure to supervise any children or pets when using ant poison. If you’re at wits end with ants, call A-Landlords, we’ll get your home ant free in a safe, clean way.

What about other Ants?

Read more about how to identify types of ants and learn the threats they pose.

How do you treat bed bug infestations?

We use the pest control industry’s best techniques and products. Chemical application is the best way to rid your home of a bed bug infestation.

Is there a bed bugs epidemic?

There is a very large problem with bed bug infestation in the Milwaukee County area. Take precautions to prevent the infestation of your home. In case of infestation, call A-Landlords as soon as possible to prevent further infestation of your home and the homes of your family and friends.

How do I find out if I have bed bugs?

Contact our bed bug experts at A-Landlords for a free consultation. We work with you to identify and diagnose your infestation.

How can I prevent bed bugs?

It’s very difficult to prevent bed bug infestations. Bed bugs are transferred by family, friends and work. The best preventative measure you can take is to thoroughly wash laundry and items you take on vacation or to an acquaintance’s home.

Are bed bugs dangerous?

Bed bugs are a parasite that feed on the blood of humans and animals, including pets. They're known to carry at least 28 different known human pathogens, but it doesn’t appear that they transmit them directly to their victims. However, some people are very sensitive to bed bug bites and can develop a severe rash or hives.

**The bites of bedbugs aren't particularly dangerous. However, the bite sites become red, puffy and increasingly itchy. Scratching these bite areas is, generally, more dangerous than the bite itself. Scratching can open the skin and expose you to bacteria and other pathogens not usually present in the human body.

How will I recognize bed bugs?

Bed bugs are extremely flat, small, and oval-shaped insects. Before feeding, they appear brown and semi-translucent and are sometimes confused for wood ticks. After feeding, they become engorged with blood and turn dark red.

Often times, you’ll recognize bed bugs by what they leave behind. Victims of bed bugs sometimes believe another pest, such as fleas or mosquitos, are responsible for their bites, but bed bugs leave behind other tell-tale signs. Discarded shells and blood-excrement spots or trails are a sure sign of bed bug infestation.

What can I do to treat a bed bug infestation?

Call/Contact A-Landlords Pest Management! Bed bug chemical treatments are specialized and require professional equipment and training. Most retail insecticides won’t do anything to control the bed bug population in your home. Because of their small size and low profile, bed bugs can hide almost anywhere in your home, even under light switch cover plates! Finding bed bugs' hiding sites is highly-detailed work, and there’s no substitute for an experienced professional who knows what to look for.

How did I end up with bed bugs?

There are a number of ways bed bugs can end up in your home. After traveling or staying in an area that has bed bugs, they could have hitched a ride back to your house, courtesy of your clothing or luggage. If you bring thrift store furniture home or pick up a discarded sofa on the side of the road, there is a good chance that’s how the pests got into your home. Always thoroughly inspect any thrift store furniture, and we recommend not picking up upholstered furniture off the side of the road.

When you get home from travelling, wash all your clothing in hot water for the longest cycle and vacuum your luggage. If you suspect you have an infestation of bed bugs, call A-Landlords immediately. Bed bugs reproduce and spread quickly, and their small bodies and large numbers make eradication on your own very difficult to impossible.

We have 25 years of experience in exterminating bed bugs and will provide complete eradication quickly.

Are the bumble bees disappearing?

Yes. In recent years there has been a noticeable decline in the honeybee population. This is due to a variety of factors, including pesticides and fungicides which contaminates the pollen bees feed to their colony. Since bees are an important part of our ecosystem, it is important to get rid of them safely. To keep bees at bay, don’t use sweet smelling perfumes or sprays, as this can attract them. Burn a citronella candle, and sprinkle garlic around the area. Bees will be repelled by the smell. Bumblebees are reluctant to sting, and will only do so if provoked. Typically humans and bumblebees can live together with no problems. However, if you feel it has gotten out of control, and the organic methods aren’t working, give A-Landlords a call.

Does gender play a role in a bee’s occupation?

Yes, gender does play a role in a bee’s occupation. Only females can be Worker Bees. The Worker Bee does everything from feeding and caring for the young and queen to cleaning, repairing, protecting and caring for the hive. Only males can be Drones. A Drones main responsibility is to find a queen and mate with her.

Can bees communicate with each other?

Yes, bees can communicate by sharing food, pheromones, or through a series of movements. Bees use these three things to inform other Bees where there is food, how far away the food is, the type of food and its quality. When a bee finds a bountiful food source it will fly in certain pattern to inform the rest of the hive about it. This process is called the ‘Waggle Dance’. The Waggle Dance is used to communicate the direction and distance of a food source. Bees sometimes share their food so other Worker Bees can see the quality of the food source. Lastly they use pheromones or odor cues to alert other bees to what type of flowers the food source came from. 

Do bees have facial recognition?

Yes, they do! A study was done in 2005, by Arain Dyer at Monash University which proved this to be true. The study concluded that bees could identify the faces of people who they affiliated with giving them a sugary treat, such as flowers, 75 % of the time.

Do bees know if and when their queen dies?

Yes, Honey Bees are able to detect if their queen is alive or dead by the smell of her pheromones. If a queen dies before her time, the worker bee will start the process of creating a new queen from the existing larvae which is under 3 days old.

Can Wasps Become More Aggressive?

Yes, wasps can become more aggressive. When a wasp stings something or feels it is in harm’s way, it will leave a pheromone scent to alert other wasps of the potential danger. This pheromone causes other wasps to become more aggressive. This is why it is important not to aggravate a wasp when they are near their nest or other wasps.

How Can You Tell a Bee From a Wasp?

You can tell a bee apart from a wasp by their body shape. A wasp’s body shape will look smooth, shiny, and slender, whereas a bee’s body will be more robust and covered in hair from head to toe. Also, a wasp’s body structure is distinctly different due to the lower abdomen and waist. A wasp’s waist is the narrowest part of their body, which separates the thorax from the abdomen.

What Color Is a Wasp?

Wasps come is many different colors from yellow and brown to bright blue and red. The rule of thumb is, the brighter and more vibrantly colored the wasp is, the more likely it will sting you. All wasp stings can be potentially hazardous to one’s health. It is important when you come in contact with a wasp to precede with caution no matter the color.

How Can I Tell If The Nest In My Yard Is Inhabited By Bees Or Wasps?

Since Wasps do not produce wax or honey, their nest are made out of wood, mud, and saliva. Their nests tend to look like they are made of a papery substance and appear a light brown color. Whereas a bee’s nest is made out of wax cells. Here is another thing to be on the lookout for- Are the Bees Swarming the Nest? If yes, this is a tall tale sign that it is in fact a Bees Nest. This is because bees will swarm their nest where wasps will not. 

Do Other Animals Eat Wasps?

Yes, due to their bright colors wasps tend to become the prey of birds, reptiles, and other amphibians.

Does Wearing a Certain Color Attract Wasps?

Yes, wasps are attracted to certain colors. They are mainly attracted to yellow and white. To help avoid unintentional contact with wasps, it is important to wear specific colors when working outdoors. It is a known fact that many insects have trouble seeing the color red. Wearing the color red would be your best bet for avoiding unintentional contact with wasps. It won't do you any favors with bulls, though...

Are cockroaches common in Wisconsin?

Yes. There are a total of 5 North American cockroaches. The most common cockroach is the German cockroach. This particular cockroach has two dark stripes on its head, and grows to be approximately 5/8 of an inch long. It is also one of the fastest breeding cockroaches. They are often found hanging out in bathrooms or kitchens, since they need a form of water.

How can I keep cockroaches out of my house?

Keeping your home clean is the most effective way to keep cockroaches out. They thrive in messy conditions, especially if food and garbage is left out. Sprays don’t always work, they can simply drive the cockroaches into an untreated area of the house. If you suspect your home or apartment building has a cockroach infestation, don’t hesitate in calling A-Landlords. We will provide quick and complete eradication of your pest problems.

How long can cockroaches survive without food and water?

Cockroaches can actually survive up to a month without eating food. They can also go up to 1-2 weeks without any water!

How do cockroaches get into my home?

There are many ways for a cockroach to gain entry into your home. The most common ways are through drain pipes, vents, cracks and cervices. Other ways cockroaches can make it into your home, is by being carried in through boxes, grocery bags or even from you.

Does a cockroach die as soon as it loses its head?

No, a cockroach can live up to a week after it loses its head.

How long can a cockroach hold its breathe?

When being completely submerged under water a cockroach can hold its breath anywhere from 35-40 minutes.

How Come I Only See Cockroaches Running Around At Night?

Cockroaches tend to be nocturnal creatures; so usually they stay away from both natural and artificial light. Even though they are nocturnal creatures, cockroaches sometimes do venture out during the day. Generally, during the daylight hours you will only see one or two of them. During the day you may find them in your bathroom, near your sink, by pipes or under appliances. Cockroaches like dark, warm and moist areas so they will tend to gravitate to the areas in the house which support these conditions. 

Why or how are rodents getting in my house?

Every home or building which has a rodent problem has a structural issue. Rodents are notorious for finding even the smallest entry to your home. Our many years of rodent control experience has allowed us to become very good at identifying possible entry points and implementing preventative procedures.

What kinds of rodents do you get rid of?

We have experience in removing all types of rodents.  Our rodent control services typically address the home infestation of mice and rats, but we also live trap squirrels, skunks and raccoons.

What methods do you use for rodent control?

We use a variety of rodent control methods. Typical rodent control services rely on bait stations or sticky traps. Occasionally we employ the use of snap trap methods.

Is it true that I shouldn’t leave poison out to kill mice?

Commercially available mouse poison is not recommended, especially if you have children or pets. Just because it says “mouse poison” doesn’t mean only mice will be attracted to it. There are also other reasons to reconsider setting poison traps out. Mouse poison won’t kill mice immediately, and dying mice will instinctively try to find shelter, which means dead mice could end up in your wall or somewhere else you won’t be able to remove them.

Your best bet is to call A-Landlords Pest Management for professional mice control services. We’ll not only make sure each and every mouse is out of the house, we’ll help you keep them from coming back.

What makes mice so dangerous?

Mice are carries of numerous diseases and parasites, including salmonella, typhus and tapeworm. Some of these diseases, such as leptospirosis, are often deadly. The presence of mice in the home can worsen allergies and asthmatic symptoms as well. The symptoms are worst in children, but adults are easily affected, as well.

Mice are also nuisance chewers. Like all rodents, mice teeth never stop growing, so they need to chew on hard surfaces to prevent overgrowth. Inside your home, that will result in damage to your walls, furniture, and items stored in the attic. Mice don’t differentiate between things they will or will not chew, so eventually they will chew on your electrical wiring which can cause short circuit issues, and in some cases, electrical fires.

How do I keep mice out of my house?

Mice can squeeze through cracks as small as 1/4 of an inch in diameter. Mice have also been known to gnaw and dig at smaller openings until they become large enough to fit through. While it might not be possible to close off every access point to your home, it’s a good idea to seal any cracks and holes at least as wide as a pencil.

Other tips for effective mice control include keeping your garbage cans tightly sealed, regularly cleaning your home, garage, or any other sheds and outdoor storage areas; and storing any pet food in an airtight container.

If you see the telltale signs of a mouse infestation, contact A-Landlords Pest Management and one of our Milwaukee mice control experts will consult with you about how we can get the mice out and keep them out.

How safe are treatments for pets and kids?

After our lawn care services, we provide information and instruction on how to interact with treated lawns. Following these instructions ensure the safety and the health of your family.

Why should I hire A-Landlords instead of taking care of my pest control problem myself?

Many customers believe they can take care of their pest control problem themselves. Customers quickly realize pest control products are typically very expensive, and in many cases easily mishandled. Without proper training, customers can prolong their pest control problem and possibly put occupants in harm’s way through misapplication.

Do you always provide free estimates?

Yes! We want to get you on your way to a pest free home immediately. By providing a free estimate of your pest control services, we are able to gain your trust and begin developing your unique pest control plan.

Are treatment products dangerous for pets or kids?

Although there are no safe pesticides, we take several precautions to ensure the safety of your family. We provide thorough instruction and information on how to safely interact with our pest control methods.

What methods do you use for pest control?

We believe integrated pest management is the best method for eradicating unwanted insects. Integrated pest management is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach which relies on a combination of common-sense practices. This method uses comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment to develop an ideal pest control plan.

How long does treatment take?

The duration of every pest control service is unique. Treatment time depends heavily on the size of the infestation, the type of pest and the scope of service.

What makes you the best in the pest control industry?

A- Landlords works hard to help our customers take back their home from unwanted pests. We go above and beyond our competition by personalizing our pest control services to each customer’s specific needs. We understand every infestation is unique and we use our years of industry experience to develop a pest control plan which works for you.

What areas do you service?

We provide our pest control services to Milwaukee and its surrounding areas.

How did you get started?

Our company began in 1987 with modest assistance in helping a neighbor with their roach problem. Since then, we have grown into a successful pest management company with experience in the eradication of several kinds of bugs and rodents.

Can fleas from my pet live on me?

Typically no. There are various types of fleas, specific to each species. There are dog fleas, cat fleas and human fleas. However, if your dog or cat becomes afflicted with a case of fleas, it is important to treat it right away before it gets worse. They will sometimes bite your ankles, causing itchy red bumps.

How can I get rid of fleas? 

Fleas can be hard to get rid of, they are very quick and hard to spot. The best way to get them is when they are most vulnerable, in the larvae stage. You can also leave out small dishes of water and dish detergent, once the fleas jump in, they won’t be able to get out.

Spraying affected areas with lemon water and sprinkling salt into your carpet and affected areas will also kill fleas. Finally, vacuum daily and always change the vacuum bag to prevent re-infestation. If you want to make sure fleas are completely exterminated form your home, call A-Landlords for your flea problem.

What lawn care services do you provide?

We provide weed and feed lawn care services to keep your lawn healthy and beautiful.

How often do you come to take care of my lawn?

Depending on your preferences, we provide lawn care service in spring and fall or up to four times per season.

How long does it take to kill weeds?

In most cases, it takes around 2-3 weeks to eradicate your lawn of unsightly weeds.

Why do I have tunnels on the surface of my lawn?

You probably have a vole infestation. Voles like to create runways or tunnels near the surface of your lawn. These runways are about 2 inches wide, and are formed by the voles eating the grass, as well as constant travel over these pathways. Voles are rarely seen, making them hard to identify. It is important to keep voles out of your yard, they can cause real damage to your landscaping. Voles like to burrow into root systems of shrubs and trees. This can cause the shrubbery to lean, or experience dieback.

How can I get rid of voles?

Keeping your garden weeded, keeping your lawn cut, and avoiding plants like the creeping juniper can keep voles out of your yard. They like to hide under dense vegetation, and will even use mulch or snow as cover. Don’t put too much mulch near the base of trees and shrubs, and during winter keep those areas shoveled if possible. If the problem gets too bad, or your lawn and trees are experiencing a lot of dieback, don’t hesitate in calling A-Landlords. We provide vole eradication as well as landscaping services.