People and cockroaches’ biology differ in many ways. One is that people have skin on the exterior of their body while cockroaches have what’s called an exoskeleton. The cockroach’s exoskeleton could be likened to our bone system but on the exterior of their body. As with all insects, roaches have a hardened exoskeleton that serves many functions, including protection from water loss, physical injury and internally for muscle attachment, which results in tremendous leverage and strength. Relative to humans, roaches possess great strength and are capable of moving objects up to 20 times their own weight (roaches have more individual muscles than humans-about 900 as opposed to 600). The exoskeleton is made up of several layers, including the outer layer (epicuticle), which is composed of waxes and oils that function to prevent water loss. Because most insects (including roaches) are small, they have relatively little area to store water internally and a relatively large area from which water can evaporate.

Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is a substance made up of the fossilized remains of plankton; it looks like an off-white talc powder. It can kill any bug with an exoskeleton easily, but is safe for any mammal to eat. It is a very effective way to kill bugs without using harmful insecticides.

Diatomaceous Earth is almost pure silica (with some beneficial trace minerals); under a microscope, it looks like shards of glass (glass is made from silica). On any beetle-type insect that has a carapace, like fleas and cockroaches, the DE works under the shell and punctures the body, which then dehydrates and the insect dies. DE is totally nontoxic. There is no buildup of tolerance like there is to poisons because the method of killing is PHYSICAL, not chemical.

Since DE is nontoxic to humans, you’ll often find it in grain-based foods as DE is mixed in with commodity grain to keep it safe from bugs. Predator Pest Control uses D.E. to kill a wide range of insects including but not limited to Carpenter ants, house ants, beetles, pill bugs, cockroaches, fleas and most recently it has been found to be extremely effective in

killing BED BUGS…

Diatomaceous earth consists of fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of hard-shelled algae. It is used as a filtration aid, mild abrasive in products including metal polishes and toothpaste, mechanical insecticide, absorbent for liquids, matting agent for coatings, reinforcing filler in plastics and rubber, anti-block in plastic films, porous support for chemical catalysts, cat litter, activator in blood clotting studies, a stabilizing component of dynamite, and a thermal insulator.

Diatomaceous earth is made from the fossilized remains of tiny, aquatic organisms called diatoms. Their skeletons are made of a natural substance called silica. Over a long period of time, diatoms accumulated in the sediment of rivers, streams, lakes, and oceans. Today, silica deposits are mined from these areas.

Using Beneficial Nematodes to Kill Termites

Beneficial nematodes are very small microscopic, non-segmented worms which occur naturally in the soil. Beneficial nematodes only attack soil dwelling insects. The nematodes enter the insect host through their body openings or by penetration the exoskeleton of the insects body. Once inside, they release a bacterium which kills the host within 48 hours. The nematodes continue to reproduce and its offspring begin to seek out new host material.

We recommend doing the nematode treatment either first thing in the morning or at the end of the day to prevent ULV interference that can kill nematodes. The soil must be kept damp prior to each treatment.

Beneficial nematodes are an alternative to pesticides. Nematodes are a natural biological control parasitic insect organism. The EPA has waived the registration requirements for nematode application. Please feel free to ask our office for more information about nematodes or to schedule a free estimate to treat your house with beneficial nematodes. After the application, keep the soil moist during the first two weeks for the nematodes to get establish. Nematodes should be applied before plant transplants.. Ask about our organic pest control today.