Reitz Pest Control

01/04/2026

Winter pests, Call Reitz pest control. 814-233-5517

Cold weather doesn’t make pests disappear. Learn where they go and how they survive winter. https://www.pestworld.org/news-hub/pest-articles/what-happens-to-pests-during-the-winter/

10/06/2025

Ladybug or Lookalike? How to Tell the Difference

At first glance, all red beetles with black spots may seem like the same friendly garden insect—but that’s not the case.
The beloved native ladybug is often confused with the invasive Asian lady beetle, a species that behaves very differently.
Here’s how you can spot the difference:
Asian Lady Beetle (The Lookalike)
Features a distinct black “M”-shaped mark on the light-colored area just behind the head.
Known to be aggressive and capable of biting.
Frequently invades homes, especially during fall when seeking shelter.
Releases a foul-smelling, yellowish fluid when disturbed.
Can cause digestive or health issues if accidentally ingested by pets.
Native Ladybug (The Garden Ally)
Lacks the “M” marking behind the head.
Harmless to humans—no biting or stinky defenses.
Feeds on aphids and other soft-bodied pests, making them a natural ally for gardeners.
Prefers to stay outdoors, helping to maintain a balanced ecosystem.
Why the Difference Matters
Asian lady beetles are more than just a nuisance.
Their tendency to invade homes, bite, and even pose risks to pets makes them an unwelcome guest.
In contrast, native ladybugs play a vital role in sustainable gardening, acting as one of nature’s best pest control agents.

Takeaway
Next time you see a small red beetle, take a closer look.
If it’s a true ladybug, welcome it as a partner in your garden.
If it’s an Asian lady beetle, be aware—it’s an intruder, not a helper.

09/28/2025

In the early fall, wasps and hornets are at their most aggressive because their nests have reached peak size, and natural food sources are scarcer. This drives them to seek out ripe fruits, vegetables, and other human food, making them highly defensive of their colonies. Disturb a nest or get too close, and a sting—or multiple—can happen fast 🐝

If you need to remove wasp nests, make sure you time it right, protect yourself, be patient, and use the proper tools. Here's how! 🐝 Almanac.com/how-get-rid-wasps-safely-if-you-must

09/22/2025

09/17/2025

No!

An Australian man named his giant huntsman spider Charlotte and let her stay for a year.

She never spun webs or showed aggression, only hunted pests like cockroaches, flies, mosquitoes, moths, geckos, and caterpillars.

09/17/2025

Native to Asia, the invasive insects were first confirmed in Ohio five years ago. Without natural predators in the U.S., they pose a significant threat to native plants, including grapevines, fruit trees, and hardwoods. https://bit.ly/4mhS1vk

09/17/2025

While we tend to associate allergies and asthma with the outdoors, common household pests such as cockroaches, dust mites and rodents are also major triggers, especially in children.

09/06/2025

First identified in the U.S. in 2014, the spotted lanternfly has rapidly spread across the country. If these pests look familiar, contact a local pest control professional to properly identify the species and recommend an effective and safe removal method.

09/04/2025

Coming to your house this fall!
Applying a preventative spray to the exterior of your home will help control and keep these insects from Wintering over inside you attic and walls. Now is the time to schedule this fall pest control service.

08/26/2025

Curious about bed bugs? Get answers to questions about bed bugs including what they look like, where they hide, what they eat, if they’re dangerous, & more.