You’ll find several species of ants in a certain area, and it is difficult to differentiate them if you’re not an expert. Also, it is very possible that your backyard is home not only to one type of ant, but maybe two or three. In the Pacific Northwest, the most common ants are – carpenter ants, odorous house ants, and sugar ants.

1. Carpenter Ants

Some people mistake carpenter ants for termites because they can grow to about an inch and some have wings. Carpenter ants are dark-colored and there are various species, such as Herculeanus and Florida carpenter ants. The type that plagues northwestern states is the western carpenter ant or the Camponotus modoc. These species are mainly structural pests. They do not eat wood, but they hollow out wood in order to make room for their colony. Damp and dead wood contribute to carpenter ant infestations. All the same, these creatures can also attack wood or timber in good condition. The damage that they can do is similar to what termites are capable of.

2. Odorous House Ants

As the name implies, odorous house ants are usually found inside houses or buildings. They make their home inside walls or underneath floors. These ants are very difficult to eliminate because they can detect commonly used pesticides. Hence, special treatment methods are done by experts, and re-treating an infested area every two weeks (or until the pest problem is resolved) is highly recommended. These creatures eat sweet foods, as well as items that have high protein content. Usually, odorous house ants find their way into homes or buildings once their supply of honeydew is gone. These types of ants are named as such because they give off an off coconut-like odor when crushed.

3. Sugar Ants

They are also known as “banded sugar ants” because they have orange-brown bodies with black mandibles and heads. Sugar ants, which are nocturnal creatures, are drawn to sweet stuff, but they can also eat other kinds of foods. These ants are often mistaken for bulldog ants too because they are quite large. Also, when their colony is disturbed, sugar ants can swarm and they do bite. But even though you’ll be able to feel their bite, the pain is not lasting. These ants are considered as pests because they contaminate food, and they can also damage plants. The term “sugar ant” is also commonly used by people to refer to other species of ants, including pharaoh ants and acrobat ants, to name some.

Controlling Ant Populations

It is important to control or eradicate ant populations because these creatures can easily increase in number. Pest control techniques depend on what species of ants are plaguing your property, and this is where an expert comes in. Apart from identifying the kind of ant that is troubling your house or property, a professional also tells you what sort of techniques should be used in order to eliminate the pest.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Claire Trent is a freelancer who has written many articles about pest control. Her write-ups contain helpful tips and how-tos regarding pest management, and some of her articles have been used by Affordable Pest Control.

^{Attached Images: License: Creative Commons image source: nicvanas. “An ant”. April 23, 2011. Online image. Flickr. May 17, 2013. http://www.flickr.com/photos/12151003@N08/5727608833/}

As a driver, you must have heard of horror stories told by other drivers about being stuck on the side of the road in the middle of the night due to a car problem. But you don’t have to experience the same situation. To ensure that you are ready for anything, here is a list of some of the most essential car tools that you must keep in your trunk.

Tire Service Tools

Among the most essential tools that every car owner must have is the car jack and the jack stand. There might come a time when you need to elevate your car for certain reasons, such as changing and rotating the tires, or to reach nuts and bolts. In addition, having a car jack is really convenient when you suddenly get a flat tire. With that in mind, in addition to having a car jack, you must also have a spare tire to help you get back on the road.

Air Pressure Gauge

Aside from the tire service tools, you must also have a good tire pressure gauge so that you can check the air pressure of your tires regularly. Investing in this tool will help you save more money in the long run since it helps you save on fuel costs. In addition, it also prevents premature tire wear.

But simply checking air pressure isn’t enough. It is also imperative to know when you should and shouldn’t check the air pressure of your car’s tires. For instance, you must avoid checking the tire pressure after hours of driving or after the tires were exposed to the sun. These factors will provide you with an erroneous tire pressure. Instead, you must check the air pressure when your tires are cold.

Screwdrivers And Pliers

These tools are very helpful when you need to perform roadside repairs or garage maintenance. Screwdrivers are very handy tools that can easily unfasten and fasten the bolts and screws in the different parts of the vehicle. It is also advisable to choose a multi-head screwdriver with both positive and negative.

Aside from screwdrivers, you will also need a high quality and excellent pair of pliers. You can use this tool to hold, cut, bend, pull, and grip car parts, wires, or other materials. This tool is also very helpful when you need to perform repair or maintenance that involves hot surface and items.

Oil Wrench And Funnel

Engine oil must be changed every 3,000 miles so that the car will remain in excellent condition. As a car owner, you can do this on your own. Since it is essential to change oil regularly, you will need to have a tool to help you with that maintenance task. You will need to have an oil wrench to remove the oil filter to facilitate the procedure. The oil filter is located at the underbelly of the car’s engine.

In addition, you will also need a funnel to prevent spillage. Remember that spilling oil can cause other problems. The funnel can also be used for other car fluids, such as gasoline or battery solutions.

Diagnostic Code Reader

Most new cars have a diagnostic system installed onboard which tells the mechanics what system or component needs repair. As a vehicle owner, you might prefer to know what’s wrong with your car before you take it to your local repair shop. A diagnostic code reader will display the same diagnostic code which your mechanic will see. You can look up the codes online; thus, even a novice, such as yourself, will be able to understand the string of letters and numbers.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

The author, Kris Lim, is a car enthusiast who writes for auto repair and maintenance websites and companies, such as Avenue Wheel Shop Carpinteria. In this article, she lists down 7 of the most essential car tools every car owner must have.

^{Attached Images: License: Royalty Free or iStock source: Image courtesy of Surachai/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net. http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/Cars_Buses_and_Truck_g71-Repairing_Car_In_Garage__p87546.html}

1. De-clutter

De-cluttering is easier said than done. But you can do this. Start by classifying things. Group files, folders and other items according to need. Have a pile for the things that have to be thrown away, as well as for the items that can still be reused or recycled.

2. Have a Space for Everything

The term “space” refers to both your physical and digital space. Make sure that each item is kept in its proper place. For the things that you always need or for important documents, see to it that these are secure and close at hand. As for your computer records, it is better to properly file digital information so that you’ll be able to quickly find the reports that you need. Most offices or companies also use external hard drives to store vital records so that in case of a crash, there is backup information. You can also do this with your important files.

3. Get Filing

It might have been months since you last saw the top of your desk. There are just too many files, papers and folders on it. What you can do is get a filing cabinet and a few stacking trays. You’ll be more efficient if you file your documents properly.

4. Label

Searching for reports underneath a pile of documents will eat up your precious time. Avoid wasting time by labeling everything after you have arranged and filed these. This way, you’ll know where specific documents are. In addition to this, put a label on your inbox and outbox tray, and mark what paperwork needs to be done as soon as possible, what are high priority, and what you can do later.

5. Keep Archived Files

Once you have finished a project, you probably won’t need the documents pertaining to this venture nearby. However, you still need to keep important files in a safe place for future references. Learn how your company stores physical files. These days, it is common for a big company to rent a large storage area, and this is where all files or records are kept. So, put everything in a box, seal and label this properly, and send this to the storage area.

6. Check Equipment

The type of equipment that you have makes a huge difference in your efficiency and output. For instance, the better and faster your computer is, the quicker you’ll be able to finish your work. So, see to it that you have the best electronic devices that will help you work much faster. Also, make sure that you maintain these well and use apt software to protect these from malware that will corrupt your data.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Claire Kurt is a freelancer who often tackles issues about home and business life. Her articles offer tips and information about organizing spaces, and many of these have been used by sites like https://www.usstoragecenters.com/self-storage/florida/plantation/zip-33313/ .

^{Attached Images: License: Creative Commons image source: jaehune. “P071017002″. October 17, 2007. Online image. Flickr. April 25, 2013. http://www.flickr.com/photos/jaehune/2189958974/}

How to Identify Common Household Pests

Each type of animal leaves clues about its identity. If you examine the type of food or refuge it prefers, its droppings or waste, or the body parts that it leaves behind, you’ll be able to classify it more quickly. Here are some ways that you can use to identify three common pests.

1. Cockroach

Roaches are flat-bodied insects that could grow to more than an inch in length, depending on the species. American roaches usually appear reddish-brown, while those that originated from oriental countries are black. German roaches, which are quite small at only ¼ to 1/8 inch in length, are usually tan or light brown. You will find roaches in sewers, moist and dark places or cracks, inside crawl spaces, in basements or underneath floorboards. If the infestation is severe, you’ll find them anywhere even during daylight. You probably have a roach problem if you notice reddish-brown egg casings or if you find roach body parts, like legs or wings. It is important to address a roach problem as soon as possible because these creatures can cause asthma, dysentery, salmonella, and diarrhea, among others.

2. Rodents

Two of the most common rodents that infest households are rats and mice. Other types include squirrels and chipmunks. Rats are significantly larger than mice. Some even grow more than 18 inches long, while mice are only about 7 inches long. Rodents have an unusual relationship with humans. These creatures are attracted to many things that humans like. Infestations are typically more common during the winter as rodents seek warmth inside houses or buildings. Suspect an infestation if you find — gnaw or teeth marks on walls, floors or objects; droppings; as well as feet marks on surfaces. You’ll likely hear them squeak and scamper inside walls or ceilings too. These pests are dangerous because they bring microorganisms that cause serious illnesses, such as salmonellosis, LCM or lymphocytic choriomeningitis, dysentery and mycoplasma. Rodents are also known carriers of the rabies virus.

3. Termites

If there is one pest that you really don’t want to have anywhere near your property, that’s the termite. The termite can cause extensive structural damage to property, making homeowners scratch their heads as they worry about how to pay for repair and termite control. It’s actually difficult to say if you have termites or not because these creatures are very good at hiding. Oftentimes, you’ll only see them once an infestation is already severe. Common indications of a bad termite invasion are: mud tunnels on walls, floors or ceilings; minute round pellets (like sawdust) near tiny holes in walls; presence of rotten or disintegrating wood; or weird bulges on ceilings or walls.

Final Words

There are so many kinds of pests that could invade your home. Each type is detrimental to health or damaging to your home and property in unique ways. Watch out for those that can gravely affect health and quality of life, such as ants, bed bugs, fleas, ticks, flies, mosquitoes, and some species of spiders and stinging insects. If you are not confident about your ability to identify the bugs that are plaguing your home, call an expert. Most pest control companies also offer free inspections. So, take advantage of that.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

The article is by Claire Brent, who specializes in pest issues. She has written several articles that have been used by http://www.preventivepestcontrol.com and other websites by pest control businesses.

^{Attached Images: License: Creative Commons image source: gb-packards. “American Roach”. May 23, 2010. Online image. Flickr. April 9, 2013. http://www.flickr.com/photos/7687126@N06/4633733021/}

Bedbugs, for some, are pretty harmless. After all, they only cause itchy, red spots that resolve on their own after a few days. But for people who have immature, weak, or compromised immune system, the effects of a bedbug bite will be more than just a red, itchy spot, but a full-blown allergic reaction such as hives or even an asthma attack. It is for these reasons that you have to make sure your home is bedbug-free. Unfortunately though, bedbugs can easily be acquired, and a bedbug infestation can easily occur.

Traveling

Who knew that travelling is the biggest culprit when it comes to a bedbug infestation? But it is the top reason why bedbugs are brought into a home in the first place. People travel all the time. They stay in hotels and inns, and if they happen to stay in an infested room, then they could easily pick up a couple of bedbugs and bring the pests home with them. They are very small, so if you don’t look very closely into your luggage, especially the nooks and crannies of your bags, you will miss them. When you get home, they’ll crawl out of their hiding places, and in their search for food, they’ll ultimately find their way to your mattress. There, they’ll feed on your blood, breed, and grow in number.

Hospital Stay

Unfortunately, the hospital, a place that should have been sterile, can be a source of this infestation. They hide in the mattress of the hospital bed, the headboard and the footboard of the bed, the curtains, the table by the bed – anywhere, really, that has some nooks, crannies, and cracks that they could hide in.

Movie Theaters

Going to movie theatres is also another way of bringing bedbugs into your home. Someone with a bedbug-infested home could have carried the pest on their clothes and shoes into the movie theatre, and during the movie, the bedbug could have crawled off of the carrier and onto your shoes and pants. When you get home, you’ll be bringing home the pest.

Laundromats and Grocery Stores

You can also pick bedbugs up from laundromats and grocery stores. Again, people with bedbug-infested homes could bring these pests into these places where they can easily hitch a ride on an unsuspecting victim’s clothes.

It’s so easy for bedbugs to infest a home. The scary thing is that they’re small, and if you don’t know where to look and if you don’t look for them in particular, you won’t know you’re carrying these pests into your home.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jennifer Dahn writes for Capital K9 Pest Control. She specializes in bedbugs, how to prevent them from infesting your home, and what you can do in case there’s already an infestation.

^{Attached Images: License: Creative Commons image source: The photo included in this article is a free image via http://www.sxc.hu/. Credits to qute.}

Any of these insects and bugs can infest your car, and if you fail to do something about it immediately, it can progress into a full-blown infestation. Thankfully, there are ways to get rid of insects and bugs inside your car and keep them away for good.

General Pest Control Approach

1. Clean the interior parts of your car. You should vacuum and clean the inside of your car, including the trunk. If you do not have a good vacuum, you can go to a local gas station and ask if they have a car vacuum machine. This process can get rid of the existing insects and bugs, such as fleas, lice, ants, bed bugs, and roaches.
2. Clean the exterior parts of your vehicle. You should also clean the hood opening, the windshield area, and the trunk opening since these areas can collect dirt, dust, and grime. You must also remember to clean the areas around the doors. This will get rid of ants, spiders, or roaches. In addition, it cleans any debris that might serve as a hiding place or breeding areas for these unwanted passengers.

Safe And Natural Pest Control Solutions

These pest control solutions are not only applicable to residential homes, but also to vehicles. These solutions are very effective against various types of insects and bugs, but they are safe for humans and animals. It is vital to use safe and natural solutions for pest control because they won’t cause side effects and won’t jeopardize your passenger’s health. So, instead of using chemical pesticides, you can use these alternatives.

Vinegar: You can mix one part vinegar and five parts water. Use the mixture to wash down the hard surfaces of your vehicle. This solution is very effective against lice, fleas, and roaches.

Salt: You can also sprinkle salt on your car’s carpet. Leave the salt for a few hours then vacuum it up. The salt can disrupt the life cycle of insects and bugs in your car.

Boric acid: Aside from salt, you can also sprinkle boric acid powder on the vehicle’s carpet. This will help get rid of roaches, ants, and bed bugs. This powder is safe for humans and pets but very dangerous against pests. It will dry up the exoskeleton of roaches and bed bugs, dehydrating and killing them in the process.

Diatomaceous Earth: This solution is also very effective against roaches, ants, and bed bugs. You can sprinkle Diatomaceous Earth to all of the cracks, seams in the upholstery, or carpet.

Lemon-scented cleaner: Another effective solution is a lemon-scented cleaner. Wipe down your car interior using this solution to remove dust and dirt. This is solution is very effective against spiders and ants as they are repelled by the lemon scent.

Wash your car: You must thoroughly wash your car to get rid of any adult insects and eggs. This will also get rid of any food crumbs or debris that might attract them to your vehicle. It is also advisable to take your car for a thorough exterior cleaning at your local car wash company.

These solutions are effective for minor pest problems; however, for severe infestation, you must call for professional pest control services. A full blown infestation is common when you buy second-hand cars or for cars that have been stored in the garage for far too long.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

The author, Kris Lim, is a freelance writer for pest control companies, such as Admiral Pest Control in Garden Grove. In this article, she offers simple solutions for pest infestation in a car.

^{Attached Images: License: Creative Commons image source: [SiK-photo].”Day 60/365 “. March 1, 2013 . Online Image. Flickr. April 22, 2013. http://www.flickr.com/photos/rvp-cw/8520847068/}

Brown recluse spiders are feared due to the severe symptoms that result from their bite. Their bite usually goes unnoticed at first because they generally deliver painless bites. In some occasions, the victim might feel a slight burning sensation like being stung by a bee. The symptoms typically develop after two to eight hours of being bitten.

How To Identify Brown Recluse Spiders

Before we discuss the symptoms of their bite, it is best to learn how you can identify and differentiate this type of spider from other species. In doing so, once you encounter them, you can take proper precautions to avoid getting bitten.

Brown recluse spiders are about 9.5mm long and they have a delicate appearance. These spiders can survive for months without eating or drinking, but they love to eat different types of insects. They also do not capture their prey through their webs. Other distinguishing features of this spider specie are the following:

• They have a violin-shaped mark on their back. It is darker as compared to other parts of their body and the “neck” of the violin points toward their rear.
• They only have 6 eyes as compared to the typical 8. Their eyes are arranged in a circular manner with two eyes in three different groups.
• You should also check their color if you can safely get near them. These spiders have tan to dark brown color with no pattern or pigmentation.
• They also have long, thin, hairy legs.

You can look for these spider species in dark and undisturbed areas of your home. This includes:

• Attic, basement, barns, storage sheds
• Closets, storage boxes
• Woodpiles, rock crevices

Symptoms and Treatment Of Brown Recluse Spider Bite

These spiders bite when they feel threatened or if they are disturbed. For instance, a person may be bitten when he enters the attic to move undisturbed boxes, or if he wears an infested piece of clothing. Reactions to the bite may vary depending on the individual’s resistance and immune system. The reaction may also depend on the location of the bite and the amount of venom injected. Reactions may range from mild skin irritation to allergic reactions. Most bites usually heal themselves and do not result to tissue damage. Some of the symptoms that the victim might suffer from are:

• Severe pain at the bite area at least four hours after being bitten
• Intense itching
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• Muscle cramps and pain

If you have been bitten by a brown recluse spider, you might observe mild redness around the bite area and upon close inspection, you might find fang marks. The site will be firm to the touch and it will most likely heal with no tissue damage after a few days or within a week; however, first aid treatment must be administered.

1. Clean the bite: You must clean the area where you were bitten with soap and water. You must also apply anti-inflammatory or antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.
2. Control Swelling: You can place an ice pack directly to the affected area. This will help reduce inflammation. It is also advisable to keep the bitten part lower than your heart. Doing so will help slow down the assimilation of the venom.
3. Neutralize The Venom: You can also apply natural first aid treatment for a brown recluse spider bite to neutralize its venom. Here are a few tips:
   • Lavender Oil: You can apply three to five drops of lavender oil to the bite area. The essential oil can counteract the venom, speeding the healing process.
   • Vinegar: You can also apply this natural treatment to the area of the bite since it assists in the healing process.
   • Garlic: Mash whole garlic clove and apply it onto the bite. Remember not to leave the garlic on your skin for more than 10 minutes since it might irritate your skin.

If severe reactions start to manifest, promptly call for emergency medical treatment. It is best to consult with your doctor so that you will be given proper medication, especially if you are allergic to spider bites.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

The author, Kris Hopkins, is a Registered Nurse and a writer for health websites where she offers first aid treatment tips for insect and bug bites. She also occasionally writes for pest control websites, such as http://RovePestControl.com.

^{Attached Images: License: Creative Commons image source: graftedno1.”Brown Recluse”. June 1, 2007 . Online Image. Flickr. April 19, 2013. http://www.flickr.com/photos/pachytime/525578872/}

Get a Lawyer

The first thing that you should do is hire a good lawyer. It’s important that you get a criminal defense attorney who has experience defending people who have been charged with assault. Your legal aid will help you in determining what sort of defense strategies you can take. Also, because of his expertise in the field, he could find some way to either dismiss your case or reduce your punishment.

Assault Defenses

There are several ways to defend yourself if you’re falsely charged with assault. Defense strategies are generally classified into two, and these are affirmative defense and negative defense.

1. Negative Defense

Here, the person charged with assault will probably deny that the incident ever occurred. The accused will state — “I didn’t hit him” or “It didn’t happen” – and the prosecution has to prove that the accused is guilty beyond reasonable doubt.

2. Affirmative Defense

Affirmative defense is used when the accused admits that the hitting incident happened but there were other factors that greatly influenced the incident. Here are some examples.

“I hit him but it was self-defense.”

If a person hits another because he is only trying to defend himself, then he might be able to beat a claim or reduce his punishment. When using the self-defense strategy, a defendant must illustrate that he was only forced to do the deed, and he must prove that – he perceived a real and present danger against him; he did not aggravate or goad the other party; he had no other way of fleeing the scene without defending himself; or he felt that there was a real threat against his liberty.

“I hit him but I was only defending somebody else.”

There are times when people get involved in physical altercations because of their desire to assist others. For instance, Joe might have gotten into a fistfight with Tom because he saw Tom punching his sister.

“I hit him but I was only protecting my property (or possessions).”

Naturally, a person would want to protect what’s his. So, in case he finds a thief who takes his possessions and who threatens his family, he can carry out measures to stop this burglar from stealing and endangering his loved ones. However, only “reasonable force” must be applied. This means that an individual must only employ enough force to stop the thief. This strategy might not work if the defendant used excessive force. For instance, Max still shot the burglar even though the thief was already running away after dropping the stolen items in the yard.

“I hit him but there was mutual consent.”

How does anyone consent to being hit? Fighters, whether in an underground fight club or in a boxing arena, give consent to the physical brutality that they are going to receive. This also applies for people who prefer to settle things with a fight. So, when Joe asks Tom that they should go outside and “get this over with,” neither of them can charge the other with assault. But if one of them uses something else other than his fists, such as a baseball bat or a knife, then the victim can file an assault charge.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

Claire Taylor, the freelancer, writes articles that have been used by Pullman criminal defense lawyers. She hopes that these write-ups will give people more information about what to do in case they find themselves facing criminal charges.

^{Attached Images: License: Creative Commons image source: Catchpenny. “A Minor Disagreement”. June 18, 2009. Online image. Flickr. April 20, 2013. http://www.flickr.com/}