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Four Seasons Exterminating

Now Treating Mosquitos! Specialize in treating common household pests. Serving residential & commercial businesses. Pest Free Guarantee

The service area includes Kent County, West-Central Michigan, Central, and North Central Michigan Locations! Four Seasons Exterminating services the following Michigan counties and operates out Several Mid-Michigan regions. Kent, Newaygo, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Ionia, Gratiot, Oceana, Osceola, Isabelle, Saginaw, Clare, Midland, Gladwin, Kalkaska, Lake, and Roscommon. We do venture out into o

ther areas, call and ask. We specialize in pest control by offering our customers a pest-free guarantee with our Re-Occurring Pest Control Service Treatment. Offering termites, inspections, beg bug treatments, and services. Four Seasons Exterminating is Proud to be Family Owned, Since 1987!

19/06/2026

Fun Fact Friday: Carpenter Ants

Think you have carpenter ants? Not all big black ants are the same!

Carpenter ants are among the largest ants found in Michigan, often ranging from 1/4" to 1/2" long. Because of their size and color, they're commonly mistaken for other black ant species.

How to Tell a Carpenter Ant Apart

• Larger than most common household ants

• Rounded, evenly curved thorax (their back appears smooth when viewed from the side)

• One small node (bump) between the thorax and abdomen

• Elbowed antennae

• Fine gray or silver hairs on the abdomen, which can give the rear end a slightly shiny or frosted appearance in the light

• Termites have straight antennae and a thick waist, making them easy to distinguish from carpenter ants

**Here's the Interesting Part...**

Unlike termites, carpenter ants do **not** eat wood. Instead, they excavate it to create galleries and nesting areas. Because of this, carpenter ants are often attracted to wood that has been damaged by moisture, leaks, or decay.

**Signs You May Have Carpenter Ants**

• Large black ants inside the home, especially at night

• Small piles of sawdust-like material called "frass"

• Ant activity around decks, tree stumps, firewood, or damp wood

• Increased activity in spring and early summer as colonies expand

Fun Fact

A mature carpenter ant colony can contain thousands of ants and may establish multiple satellite nests throughout a property. This is one reason carpenter ants can be difficult to eliminate. Treating only the ants you see may not address the main colony or satellite nests hidden elsewhere.

If you're seeing large black ants around your home, take a closer look. Their size, smooth, curved back, and silver-gray hairs on the abdomen can help you determine whether you're dealing with carpenter ants or just another ant species.

15/06/2026

Mindful Monday: Is It Really a Brown Recluse?

One of the most common questions we get is: "I found a large brown spider in my house. Is it a brown recluse?"

The answer is usually no.

While the Brown Recluse Spider Brown Recluse Spider can occasionally be found in Michigan, it is not considered common here. Most sightings are actually spiders that have been accidentally transported in boxes, furniture, or other items from southern states where brown recluses are more established.

So why do people think they're seeing them?

Because many brown spiders look similar at first glance, especially the Wolf Spider Wolf Spider, which is very common throughout Michigan.

Here are a few ways to tell them apart:

Wolf Spider:
Usually larger and more robust
Hairy appearance
Often has striped or patterned markings
Fast-moving hunter that doesn't build a traditional web
Commonly found in basements, garages, yards, and around foundations

🕷️ Brown Recluse
✔ More uniform tan to light brown color
✔ Fine hairs, but not noticeably hairy like a wolf spider
✔ Distinct violin-shaped marking behind the head (though this can be difficult to see)
✔ Prefers undisturbed areas such as boxes, storage areas, attics, and closets

Another thing to keep in mind: if you're finding multiple "brown recluses" around your property in Michigan, they're probably not brown recluses. True infestations are extremely uncommon in our state.

As you're cleaning garages, sheds, basements, and storage areas this week, take a moment to be mindful of where spiders may be hiding. Most spiders you encounter are beneficial predators that help reduce other pest populations.

If you're unsure what type of spider you've found, snap a clear photo and have it identified before assuming the worst!

Because many brown spiders look similar at first glance, especially the Wolf Spider, which is very common throughout Michigan.s that have been accidentally transported in boxes, furniture, or other items from southern states where brown recluses are more established.

12/06/2026

Fun Fact Friday: Why Are They Called Springtails?

Have you ever noticed tiny insects hopping around your patio, mulch beds, foundation, or even inside your home after a stretch of wet, humid weather? If so, you may have thought they were fleas. In reality, they could be springtails!

Springtails are one of the most commonly misidentified pests because they jump just like fleas. The big difference? Springtails don't bite people or pets. They are simply attracted to moisture and humidity.

So how did they get their name?

Springtails have a unique body part called a furcula, a fork-like appendage tucked underneath their abdomen. When disturbed, they snap it against the ground, launching themselves into the air like a tiny spring. That's where the name "springtail" comes from!

As humidity rises during the summer, springtail populations can explode. They thrive in damp environments and are commonly found in:
✔ Mulch beds
✔ Leaf litter
✔ Damp soil
✔ Around foundations
✔ Basements and crawl spaces
✔ Areas with excess moisture

Because they jump and can appear in large numbers, many homeowners assume they have a flea problem. However, unlike fleas, springtails don't feed on blood, don't infest pets, and aren't known to transmit diseases.

Another fun fact: springtails have been around for hundreds of millions of years and help break down decaying organic matter, making them an important part of a healthy ecosystem.

So the next time you see tiny insects hopping around after a rainy or humid day, take a closer look. They might not be fleas at all. They could be springtails showing off the little "spring" that gave them their name!

Have questions about springtails, fleas, or other summer pests? Four Seasons Exterminating is here to help.

08/06/2026

Mindful Monday: Why Do Ants Keep Coming Back?

Have you ever treated an ant hill in your yard, only to find two or three more show up a few weeks later?

One reason is that some ant species can split their colonies when they feel threatened. Instead of the entire colony dying off, part of the colony may move to a new area of the yard and establish another nest. This process, known as "budding," can make ant problems seem like they're getting worse when, in reality, the colony is simply relocating and expanding.

That's why treating only the visible ant hills doesn't always solve the problem. The mound you see on the surface is often just a small part of a much larger network underground. In some cases, there may be multiple nests connected throughout the lawn.

As temperatures rise and the soil becomes drier, ants become more active and can spread into new areas of the yard. You may notice new mounds appearing near sidewalks, driveways, landscaping, patios, or sunny sections of the lawn.

This is why many professional ant control programs focus on treating the entire yard, not just the hills you can see. A full-yard treatment helps target foraging ants and hidden colonies throughout the property, reducing the chances of colonies splitting and re-establishing elsewhere.

As you're out enjoying your lawn this week, be mindful of ant activity. A few small mounds today can quickly turn into dozens by the end of summer if the colony is allowed to grow and spread.

Have questions about yard ants or other summer pests? Four Seasons Exterminating is here to help!

05/06/2026

Fun Fact Friday: The Grub Connection!

Have you noticed more beetles flying around your yard in June and July? Two of the most common in Michigan are the Japanese Beetle Japanese Beetle and the European Chafer European Chafer.

Here's the fun fact: those beetles are actually the adult stage of one of Michigan's most common lawn pests, grubs!

During the summer, adult beetles emerge from the soil, mate, and lay eggs back into the lawn. A few weeks later, those eggs hatch into grubs that begin feeding on grass roots beneath the surface. As grub populations grow, lawns can become thin, brown, and weakened, especially during hot, dry weather.

European Chafers are one of the leading causes of grub damage in Michigan lawns. Japanese Beetles are famous for feeding on roses, grapes, and ornamental plants, but their larvae can also contribute to root damage below ground.

Grubs don't just harm the lawn directly. They can also attract moles, skunks, birds, and other animals searching for an easy meal. In many cases, the digging damage caused by these animals is what first alerts homeowners to a grub problem.

The best time to prevent grub damage is before it starts. Summer preventative treatments target young grubs before they can cause significant root loss later in the season.

So the next time you see beetles flying around your yard, remember, they may be the beginning of the next generation of lawn pests!

Have questions about grubs, moles, or lawn health? Four Seasons Exterminating is here to help.

25/05/2026

Mindful Monday Topic: Rats, Bats, or Mice?

One of the most common calls we get starts with:
“I think I have mice in my attic…”

But surprisingly, many times it actually ends up being bats or squirrels instead. And sometimes, homeowners aren’t dealing with mice at all — they’re dealing with rats.

So how can you tell the difference?

Mice are small, usually quiet, and mostly active at night. They commonly stay inside walls, kitchens, basements, garages, and lower insulation areas. Most homeowners rarely hear mice moving around overhead.

Rats are much larger, louder, and more destructive. They create heavier scratching and chewing sounds, leave larger droppings, and can chew through tougher materials.

Now here’s where it gets interesting…

If you’re hearing:
• Loud running across the ceiling
• Heavy scratching or rolling sounds
• Sudden thumps overhead
• Activity mainly during the daytime

…it’s often squirrels instead.

Squirrels are extremely active during the day and commonly enter attics through roof edges, soffits, vents, and construction gaps. Once inside, they can quickly damage insulation and wiring.

If the sounds are lighter, fluttery, chirping, or mainly around dusk and dawn, there’s a good chance you may be hearing bats.

Bats commonly enter through tiny gaps around roofing, fascia boards, ridge vents, and siding transitions. Many homeowners never actually see them because they quietly roost during the day and become active at night.

Quick breakdown:

Mice:
• Small and quieter
• Light scratching sounds
• Small rice-shaped droppings

Rats:
• Larger and louder
• Heavy scratching/chewing noises
• Larger capsule-shaped droppings

Squirrels:
• Loud running/jumping
• Active during the day
• Larger entry points

Bats:
• Chirping/fluttering sounds
• Active at dusk and dawn
• Common near roof peaks and vents

Correct identification is the first step to solving the problem properly, because every pest requires a different treatment and exclusion plan.

So next time you hear noises overhead…ask yourself:
Is it Rats, Bats, or Mice?

22/05/2026

Fun Fact Friday – Pest Control Edition: Mosquitoes!

Did you know mosquitoes are considered the deadliest animals in the world due to the diseases they can spread? In Michigan, mosquitoes can carry diseases such as West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), making them more than just an annoying summer pest.

One fun fact is that only female mosquitoes bite. They need the protein from blood to help produce eggs, while male mosquitoes survive on nectar and plant sugars. Mosquitoes are also surprisingly good at tracking people down. They can detect body heat, carbon dioxide, sweat, and even certain scents from over 100 feet away!

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, and it does not take much. Old tires, clogged gutters, bird baths, flower pots, kiddie pools, and even bottle caps can become breeding grounds. Some mosquito species can go from egg to adult in as little as 7-10 days during warm weather.

Another crazy fact is that mosquitoes are weak flyers. Most species only travel a few hundred feet from where they hatch, which means reducing standing water around your own property can make a huge difference.

In Michigan, mosquitoes become most active during warm, humid evenings, especially near wooded areas, tall grass, ponds, and shaded landscaping.

Ways to help protect yourself:
• Dump standing water regularly
• Keep gutters clean
• Trim overgrown vegetation
• Use bug spray when outdoors
• Wear lighter-colored clothing
• Schedule professional mosquito treatments during peak season

Professional mosquito treatments target foliage, shaded resting areas, and breeding zones to help reduce mosquito populations around your home and make your yard more enjoyable all summer long.

19/05/2026

Mindful Monday - Topic: Spring 2026
Wow…after all the rain and flooding across Michigan, we can definitely say this spring is off to a very different start. But with every season and every weather pattern comes pest activity, and this year, some pests are thriving because of these wet conditions.

One of the biggest things we’ve noticed so far in Spring 2026 is an increase in deer ticks and tick activity overall throughout Michigan. Wet conditions, taller vegetation, and active wildlife movement have created ideal environments for ticks to spread. As temperatures continue to warm up, mosquito activity is also expected to rise significantly due to the amount of standing water left behind from the heavy rains and flooding.

We’ve also seen a large increase in mole damage this spring. The softer ground and increased grub and insect activity beneath the soil have created ideal tunneling conditions, leaving many homeowners with raised tunnels, soft spots, and lawn damage coming out of winter.

As you’re out enjoying the warmer weather, whether you’re hiking, walking the lawn, working in the yard, or simply spending time outdoors, be mindful of these pests and the issues they can bring.

A few quick reminders:
• Check yourself, children, and pets for ticks after being outdoors
• Eliminate standing water whenever possible to help reduce mosquito breeding
• Watch for fresh mole tunnels and lawn damage early before activity spreads

Spring is finally here, Michigan, and the pests are definitely waking up, too.

15/05/2026

Fun Fact Friday – Pest Control Edition: Subterranean Termites!

Did you know subterranean termites cause billions of dollars in damage every year in the United States? The worst part is most homeowners never notice them until damage is already severe!

Subterranean termites get their name because they live underground in the soil. Since their bodies dry out easily, they build protective “mud tubes” to travel between the soil and your home while staying moist and hidden.

Unlike carpenter ants, termites actually eat wood. They feed on cellulose found in wood, cardboard, paper, and other plant materials. A single colony can contain hundreds of thousands to over a million termites working nonstop 24/7.

One fun fact is termites are actually more closely related to cockroaches than ants! Another interesting fact is the worker termites doing the damage are completely blind and rely on pheromones to communicate.

In Michigan, subterranean termites usually swarm during the spring when temperatures warm up. Many people mistake swarmers for flying ants, but termites have:

• Straight antennae
• Equal-sized wings
• Thick waists

Flying ants have bent antennae, uneven wings, and pinched waists.

Common warning signs include:
• Mud tubes on foundations
• Soft or hollow-sounding wood
• Bubbling or peeling paint
• Doors and windows sticking
• Swarms of winged insects indoors

The scary part? Termites can quietly damage a home for years before anyone notices.

The best protection is reducing moisture around the home, avoiding wood-to-soil contact, and having regular inspections performed before problems become severe.

If you notice signs of termite activity, don’t wait. Early detection can save thousands in repairs!

08/05/2026

Fun Fact Friday – Pest Control Edition

Ticks have been BAD in Michigan this year, so let’s break down what you’re dealing with and how to stay protected.

Wood Tick vs. Deer Tick

The American dog tick (wood tick) gets its name because it’s commonly found on dogs and in wooded, grassy areas.

The Blacklegged tick (deer tick) is named for feeding on deer during its adult stage and for its dark legs.

Why they matter:

Deer ticks are the primary carriers of Lyme disease.
Wood ticks can carry Rocky Mountain spotted fever (rare in Michigan).

Ticks don’t start with disease. They pick it up from infected animals like mice and deer, then pass it through bites.

Lifecycle (2–3 years):
Egg → Larva → Nymph → Adult

Nymphs are the biggest concern because they’re tiny and hard to see.

Cool Tick Facts:

• Ticks don’t jump or fly, they “quest” and grab onto you
• They can feed for several days once attached
• A single tick can survive months without feeding
• Females can lay thousands of eggs at once

How to protect yourself:

• Wear long sleeves/pants in tall grass
• Use repellent (DEET or permethrin)
• Stick to mowed areas
• Shower and check yourself after being outside
• Check pets thoroughly

Where to check:

Behind knees, waistline, under arms, scalp, hairline

If you’re finding ticks consistently, they’re likely living nearby.

Prevention and consistent treatment make a huge difference.

Stay tuned for next week’s Fun Fact Friday.

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Monday	08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 18:00
Thursday	08:00 - 18:00
Friday	08:00 - 18:00
Saturday	09:00 - 14:00

Telephone

+19893527777

Website

https://www.fourseasonsext.com/

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