Ambassador Pest Management

Newest Whitefly in Town...

2012-02-17T12:44:00.000-05:00

Brazilian Whitefly- Newest Insect Destroying Our Trees & Ornamentals

Much like it's counterpart, the Brazilian Whitefly causes horrendous sooty mold. However, it is tiny in comparison; while the Spiraling Whitefly is about 3mm in size, the Brazilian Whitefly is only 1mm. This new terrorist was first discovered in Collier County, Florida by the University of Florida's Scott Kreuger. This pest is easily identified by small white "nests" on the leaves or sooty mold which is why whitefly taxonimists call it a "nesting" insect. Unlike other types of whitefly, the Brazilian whitefly is active in the winter.

Before 2003 the Ficus was a "bullet proof" hedge, since then, there have been 3 different kinds of whitefly spotted in and around South Florida.
This pest is not only found in South Florida, but in Brazil, Hawaii, Tiawan, California, Beliz, Honduras, Venezuela, and the Maderia Islands, and it's host (so far noted) are Ocotea foetens, avocado (Persea americana), Hibiscus, Suriam Cherry, Ficus and Citrus.

We at Ambassador believe in keeping our customers up to date and will do our best to inform you of any new findings on this pest.

So, if you see any of these signs or feel that you may have any type of whitefly Call Ambassador Today! 561-689-1411 or tollfree at 888-955-BUGS

Ants Are Running Amuck In South Florida

2012-01-26T10:20:00.004-05:00

As spring comes rolling around, the smell of ants are in the air. Yes, ants. These little pests are surrounding everyone's homes and becoming a real problem. On an average day lately, about 1/3 of our phone calls are ant related. Ants are invading South Florida! Today, we are going to discuss some tips to help you and your pest control company in keeping these guys out of your home. First off, obviously put all food and drink items away after each use and clean any areas that they may have touched. (i.e. the counter, the sink) Wash all of your dishes, ants are attracted to food (some like sweets stuff and some like proteins) so, clean it up. Then, ants live outside, some of them may build nests inside the home but for the most part, they live outside and come inside for food. If you prevent them from coming in, you won't have a problem. Ambassador sprays the perimeter of the home on each visit to prevent them from coming inside. Also, let's think about this... if Ambassador sprays the outside, on the ground of your home yet there is a tree branch or hedge touching your home above the ground, that is like a personal elevator for pests. They go right up the tree or hedge, completely avoiding the barrier that we put down, up to the home and straight inside. So, TRIM THE HEDGES & TREES AWAY FROM YOUR HOME! Seal any which way that a bug or insect can get into your home. Caulk all cracks, crevices & holes. And last but not least, call a professional. There are so many different types of ants and a different way to control each and every kind. And many of them are pretty much the same 'except one small detail'. Just call Ambassador. 561-689-1411 or check out our website for more information www.ambassadorpest.com

Whitefly Spreading Across South Florida Like Wildfire

2012-01-12T11:52:00.000-05:00

Whitefly Are Swarming South Florida

Whitefly on a Ficus Hedge

Whitefly Can Be Very Damaging and Very Costly

There is a new pest attacking Ficus trees and hedges in South Florida. This pest was identified as the Whitefly. They are small, winged insects which typically feed on the underside of leaves with their needle-like mouthparts. Whiteflies can seriously injure host plants by sucking juices from them causing wilting, yellowing, stunting, leaf drop, or even death. The leaves of Ficus trees infested with whiteflies will yellow before the leaves are dropped from the plant. If the foliage is disturbed the small, white gnat-like adult whiteflies can be seen flying from the foliage. The adult whitefly resembles a very small moth with a yellow body and white wings with a faint grey band in the middle of the wings. Immature stages (eggs and nymphs) can be found primarily on the underside of the leaves. Prior to adult emergence, the nymphs are tan to light green discs with red eyes. The underside of infested leaves look like they are dotted with small, silver or white spots which are actually the empty "skin” of the pupae after the adult emerges.

Monitor your Ficus plants for early signs of an infestation; it will be easier to manage the pest before it builds to high populations and causes major damage. Defoliation usually occurs after the whiteflies have been there for several generations. Also, if infested trees or hedges are trimmed, either leave the clippings on the property or if removing, bag the clippings to reduce the chance of spreading the insects. If clippings are being transported in a truck, be sure to either bag them or cover these clippings with a tarp. Although the eggs and early stages of the whitefly on fallen leaves will die, the last nymphal stage of the whitefly can likely survive, emerge into an adult and attack more Ficus trees or hedges.

**Our guys have been noticing much more whitefly now than this time last year. The damage has been seen as far East as Atlantic, North to Northlake, and obviously, as far South as Miami. And watch out those of you in the west, it may not be there yet, but it is spreading QUICK! This damage can be extensive and very costly, and this pest is spreading quick. Don't delay calling Ambassador today.

Visit our website for more information or to schedule your FREE inspection! www.ambassadorpest.com

It's Swarming Season For Termites...

2012-01-10T14:47:00.000-05:00

It's swarming season for termites, so how do you know if you actually have termites or you have flying ants?

There are alot of similarities and differences between these 2, and we will discuss how you can tell the difference at home, before you call Ambassador.

First, "bug people" refer to winged ants and termite 'alates'. The alate is the adult stage of the ant or termite life cycle. Before flight season, they develop getting ready for warm weather, to fly off and start their own colony. "Swarming" is defined as the alates dispersing from the colony; male and female termites shed their wings and will pair up when a suitable mate is found. Then they will search for a suitably damp piece of wood or soil where they will start their new colony. Swarming in ants is different. Male and female alates leave the nest and after the female is inseminated, the male dies. The newly fertilized female then searches for a suitable nesting site - the choice of where to nest depends on the species.

Oftentimes, the termite is mistaken as a flying ant because of the similarity in appearance, however, this is incorrect. Both termites and ants are small with six legs, a head, a thorax, and an abdomen. There are tiny ants; there are tiny termites; there are big species of both. Both have queens who lay eggs and kings who fertilize the eggs. Both have a worker caste who do most of the running around, hauling stuff from one place to another, and soldiers who defend the nest. And the differences are, ants have narrow waists, termites have wide ones; ants have "bent" antennae, while termites have straight beaded ones. All four of the wings of a termite are about the same length. The two rear wings of a flying ant are shorter than the front wings.Also, a big difference is that ants eat pretty much anything, while termites eat only wood.

So, if you think you might have termites, call Ambassador to come and check things out... for FREE!

Or just visit our website to read more about termites and treatment plans. http://www.ambassadorpest.com/p/21/termite-control

Bugs In Places & Things That You Wouldn't Believe

2011-12-28T10:46:00.000-05:00

Could you imagine when you put your lipstick on today that there could have been bugs used in the production of it? What about when you get ready to cook or eat... do you think about what exactly is in it? Just how many "defects" are allowed in the food and products that we use today?
The FDA publishes a handbook called the "The Food Defect Action Levels Handbook". Included in that handbook is a list of bugs, rodent hairs, excrement, and other gross things that are okay to be in our food. Here is a list, all of which you can find by clicking on the following link http://www.fda.gov/food/guidancecomplianceregulatoryinformation/guidancedocuments/sanitation/ucm056174.htm

Apple Butter: 5 insects per 100g

Berries: 4 larvae per 500g OR 10 whole insects per 500g

Ground Paprika: 75 insect fragments per 25g

Chocolate: 80 microscopic insect fragments per 100g

Canned Sweet Corn: 2 3mm-length larvae, cast skins or fragments

Corn Meal: 1 insect per 50g

Canned Mushrooms: 20 maggots per 100g

Peanut Butter: 60 fragments per 100g (136 per lb)

Tomato, Pizza or Other Sauces: 30 eggs per 100g OR 2 maggots per 100g

Wheat Flour: 75 insect fragments per 50g

Hops: more than 2,500 aphids per 10 grams

Macaroni and noodle products: 225 insect fragments or more per 225 grams.

Asparagus, canned or Frozen: 10% by count of spears or pieces are infested with 6 or more attached asparagus beetle eggs and/or sacs

Broccoli, frozen: 60 or more aphids and/or thrips and/or mites per 100 grams

Brined and Maraschino: 5% or more pieces are rejects due to maggots

CORNMEAL: 1 or more whole insects (or equivalent) per 50 grams or 1 or more rodent hairs per 25 grams OR Average of 1 or more rodent excreta fragment per 50 grams

FIG PASTE: Contains 13 or more insect heads per 100 grams of fig paste in each of 2 or more subsamples

GREENS, CANNED: 10% or more of leaves, by count or weight, showing mildew over 1/2" in diameter

PEACHES, CANNED AND FROZEN: 3% or more fruit by count are wormy or moldy or 12 1-pound cans or equivalent, one or more larvae and/or larval fragments whose aggregate length exceeds 5 mm

POPCORN: 1 or more rodent excreta pellets are found in 1 or more subsamples, and 1 or more rodent hairs are found in 2 or more other subsamples OR 2 or more rodent hairs per pound and rodent hair is found in 50% or more of the subsamples OR 20 or more gnawed grains per pound and rodent hair is found in 50% or more of the subsamples

Can you imagine? And, keep in mind these quantities are not very big. Go look in your pantry at the sizes of your foods and compare this chart... How many maggots or other insects are in your food? Happy eating.

Don't forget to check out our website for more information www.ambassadorpest.com or call us if you have any live creatures running around.

Thanks for reading.

All About Ants!

2011-12-15T10:55:00.000-05:00

Ants are a very serious problem in South Florida. There are 10 most commonly seen types of ants, they are Acrobat Ants, Big Headed Ants, Crazy Ants, Florida Carpenter Ants, Florida Harvester Ants, Ghost Ants, Little Fire Ants, Pharaoh's Ants, Pyramid Ants and White Footed Ants. Ants are very hard to control, mainly because every type of ant is different. They eat different things, Live in different places and are controlled by different products and methods. So, let's get to it. We will discuss the most common ants in South Florida, where to find them, what they eat and how to control them.

Acrobat Ants- These ants are know to bend their heart shaped abdomen over the thorax when they are disturbed. They're much slower than White Footed Ants, although they forage in much the same way. One colony may have several nesting sites, although they will only have one queen per colony. Acrobat Ants are uncommon inside the home, they like to nest in rotting wood or trees. The best method to control these ants is to limit the access they have to the structure.

Big Headed Ant (Major)

Big Headed Ant (Minor)

Big Headed Ants- One in twenty of these ants have a "big head" which is very disproportionately larger than the body, while all of the other ones have "normal size heads". These are slow moving ants that nest in soil or under debris with multiple queens per nest. These are particularly outside ants, however, they will make their way inside to forage for sweets, fats and proteins. You may notice sand or other debris that these guys are bringing inside. The best method of control is to restrict access to the home.

Crazy Ants- These ants get their name exactly how you think... they are crazy. They have no set pattern like most ants, they run very quickly in a crazy or erratic pattern. They nest in soil or in things resting on the ground (potted plants, bags of soil, toys, etc.) These ants have transitory nests, they may be seen moving their brood several times. They have a seasonal diet; eating proteins in summer and sweets & fats in spring and fall. These are probably the most difficult ants to control. They may be seen inside homes looking for food, the best method of control is baiting indoors and restricting access.

Florida Carpenter Ants- These ants are pale amber in color, and follow loose foraging trails. They have one queen per nest and like to nest in dead wood or inside homes in hollow voids. When seen in the home, they will be foraging for sweets and proteins. Insecticides will control colonies and nests, however, since these ants are nocturnal, bait may be effective in controlling them if the bait is placed near trails at night.

Florida Harvester Ant- These little guys have a very painful sting, although they are not aggressive. These are outside ants, as they forage for seeds and dead insects. You will see large obvious nests in the yard centered in the sun, they will often relocate due to the shade. Their nests may resemble charcoal or a pebble. Chemical control is usually unwarranted since these are outside pests.

Ghost Ants- These little ones get their name just how you would imagine... they look like ghosts. They are clear to whitish in color, with a dark head. The workers may emit a coconut like odor when disturbed. They run in an erratic fashion as do the crazy ants. This is one of the most common pests inside homes, they will nest inside wall voids, between books, or in cracks; outside they may hide in flower pots, under loose bark or on the underside of palm fronds. Inside these pests will most likely be seen in kitchens, bathrooms, on sinks, counters or floors. They can be easily controlled with bait. A barrier spray will be best for preventing them from coming inside.

Little Fire Ants- These guys pack a nasty little sting. They nest in exposed soil, flower pots or things left on the ground. They may forage in fruit trees in between the fruit where the 2 pieces touch. Control inside is easily accomplished with baits, however, outdoor control is very tough and research is being done on the subject now.

Pharaoh's Ants- These ants are also very common indoors, they will gnaw their way into packaged food. You may see them on counters, or floors, however, they are easily controlled with bait. Nest inside buildings (homes and greenhouses) and in cracks and crevices. Can also nest between sheets of paper or layers of linens inside houses. Pest in hospitals and nursing homes and may act as mechanical vectors of pathogenic bacteria. Foragers can also be found outside or near structures.

Pyramid Ants- These ants get their name from the way they build their nest... like a pyramid or cone. These ants are not aggressive and do not sting. These ants are not commonly found inside the home, so chemical control is usually unwarranted. Pyramid ants have only one queen per nest and one entrance to the nest. The best method of control is to restrict access to the home.

White Footed Ants- You will see these ants on walls and vegetation, foragers will run in erratically when disturbed much like crazy ants. They will have numerous nests on the ground outside or in trees, shrubs or vegetation. Nests will be quickly abandoned when disturbed and may have hundreds of queens per nest. Control by dilute sugar baits, chemical barriers to prevent structural access, and spraying landscape to control aphids and scales and to contaminate nest sites.

So, that's all we have to say about that except... if you have seen any of these little guys, please give us a call at 888-955-BUGS (2847) or visit our website at www.ambassadorpest.com ! Thanks for reading!

Awareness of Bed Bugs: Prevention and Control

2011-12-09T15:02:00.000-05:00

I am writing this in hopes that it will bring some awareness of just how bad the bed bug epidemic is in South Florida. This is a very serious issue that many are embarrassed about. They do not report it or get help for fear of being made an outcast in their community. Having bed bugs does not mean you are a bad or unclean person, it simply means that you or someone you know has brought them into your home. Bed Bugs are hitchhikers; and by that we mean that they will attach to your clothing, luggage, shoes or anything else that they can attach to and travel with you to wherever you are going; whether that is a friend or family member’s house, home or anywhere else. Once that happens… guess what? You just gave someone else bed bugs and I’m sure that person is not going to be very happy.

Bed bugs are blood suckers that come out at night to feed… on you. Although it has not been known for bedbugs to transmit diseases to humans, their bite can cause unwanted itching, burning and inflammation. Reactions to bites can also vary significantly between individuals from a mild itchy welt to a more severe rash like symptom. The most common reactions appear as a raised, reddened welt similar to a mosquito bite. Bed bugs are sweeping across South Florida with great speed, they are very difficult to control and just plain gross little buggers; however, with our help and cooperation from you we can totally eradicate this problem. We have put together a checklist, so that once it is established whether or not you have bed bugs, you will be ready for treatment. Visit http://www.ambassadorpest.com/p/101/bed-bug-preparedness-checklist to make sure you are prepared.

Christmas Party Success

2011-12-06T12:57:00.000-05:00

Well folks, our annual Christmas Party was a huge success. Thank you to everyone who came out and helped make this party spectacular. The band was excellent, the food was amazing, and the company... well, let's just say that what made this party such a success was definitely the people! We had a turn out of over 200 people!! WOW! We don't know how we will top this next year but we will certainly try.

The Lewis's property was perfectly manicured and there were lights on every tree and the ones on the house were coordinated with the music. The band, The Smiley Tuneheads, were simply stunning. Combining a little old school rock with a little country turns out to be a great combination. Some chose to bring a dish (and we appreciated that). Hilary McKeich and her husband roasted 2 hogs, we had 20 chickens, and 100 lbs of ribs; all of which were gone along with many many sides and desserts. People danced and mingled while children played on the Lewis's son, Herbie's, awesome tree house and zip line. All under a blanket of stars in the night sky. Truly a "not to be missed" type of affair. See you all again next year and Thank you once more for coming out.
And to those who did not come, it was most certainly your loss.

The Smiley Tuneheads

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Ambassador!

Rodents Heading Indoors Due To Early Arrival of Cold Weather

2011-12-02T09:56:00.001-05:00

As forecasters are predicting colder weather is coming our way you may not be the only one who wants to come inside and snuggle by the fire. Rodents including mice, rats and squirrels are seeking food, water and shelter in homes. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) and Ambassador Pest Management encourage homeowners to take the necessary steps to protect themselves and their families from rodent infestations during colder months. Local residents have noticed holes in screens and droppings inside their homes, says channel 12 news. These rodents will keep you awake at night, they also cause extensive property damage and are known to carry and spread diseases that can be harmful or even fatal to humans. Everyone knows about the now-rare Bubonic plague, or "Black Death” of the middle Ages, but there are over 30 different types of disease that are associated with rats and their droppings. They include Rat-bite fever (Streptobacillus moniliformis bacteria), which is transferred from the bite of a rat, the Rickettsia virus (similar to chicken pox), Hantavirus (which can cause febrile illness in humans and sometimes kidney, blood, or respiratory ailments), Eosinophilic Meningitis- an infection of the brain, and caused by rat lung worm. The droppings of rats can cause Leptospirosis or Salmonellosis. Rats and mice are the most commonly known nuisance worldwide. They also chew, and can destroy electrical wires and pretty much anything they get their teeth on. They leave behind a lot of waste in the form of urine and feces. Let Ambassador help get rid of them today! 888-955-BUGS