Latest news with #IndianPestControlCompany
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
Pest control expert shares how to get rid of wasps and bugs hovering over your plants
Wasps and plant bugs are a common sight wherever greenery is observed. Wasps are seen hovering a few inches above lawns, flying in loops and figure eight patterns, according to Britannica, with mostly females attempting to dig through soil in search of grubs and tunnels to lay their eggs in. Other bugs belong to the family Miridae, which is one of the largest heteropteran families. Also known as leaf bugs, they are brightly coloured and feed primarily on plant sap, causing serious crop damage. Plant bugs occur throughout the world and are soft-bodied and small, less than 10 mm (0.4 inch) long, and are easily identified by their four-segmented antennae and their beak. Deepak Sharma from Indian Pest Control Company shared easy ways to get rid of wasps and plant bugs without endangering yourself: For Wasps: Trying to swat or burn the nest. Spraying during the day as well as not removing the old nest. For Plant Bugs: • Overwatering – Using chemical sprays indoors and ignoring the first signs • Not checking undersides of leaves A wasp sting can be deadly, especially since wasps don't leave their stinger behind, and as such, can end up stinging you repeatedly. 'The sting causes immediate sharp pain, accompanied by a burning sensation. It generally leads to way more localized swelling than honey bee stings,' Dr Shrey Srivastav, MD (Internal Medicine), Sharda Hospital, Noida told He mentioned that a wasp sting may cause a systemic allergic reaction, however, in such cases anaphylaxis is less common. In fact, a wasp sting rarely causes organ damage, unless there are multiple stings or a prior case of sensitization. Dr Srivastav added that in case of wasp stings, washing the sting site thoroughly, and applying ice to reduce swelling is the first order of business. 'Use antihistamines for itching or swelling, and most definitely seek help if dizziness, swelling of lips and tongue, or breathing issues occur,' he advised. According to him, multiple stings are counted as medical emergencies. 'Always observe for delayed systemic signs like hematuria or breathing difficulty,' he pointed out.
Indian Express
3 days ago
- General
- Indian Express
Effective ways to get rid of tiddas or grasshoppers from your home and garden
From cockroaches to spiders, snakes to bees, we have extensively covered common pests and insects that plague us in and out of the house. This time, we are throwing the spotlight on grasshoppers (known as tidda in Hindi), the similar looking cousin to locusts. In fact, their similarity makes it even more difficult to identify which is which and take necessary action. According to Deepak Sharma from Indian Pest Control Company, grasshoppers and locusts resemble each other. Both have long legs and can jump and fly. But here's the difference: locusts are grasshoppers that act different when they're in big groups. Grasshoppers usually stay alone or in small numbers, but locusts show up in large groups and can destroy plants really fast. 'If you just see one or two bugs hopping around, they're probably grasshoppers. If there's a whole bunch flying or chewing leaves together, they're likely locusts,' he pointed out. Sharma explained that grasshoppers most likely come into homes and gardens in search of plants to eat, especially the green and leafy stuff. 'Sometimes they come inside because it's too hot or dry outside. In certain cases, it's the lights on porches and inside homes that attract them, especially at night,' he said. Sharma suggested the following tips to help you get rid of grasshoppers at home: When dealing with outdoor insects, people often tend to spray harsh chemicals inside their houses. However, Sharma advised against doing so since they can be harmful to your and your pet's health. 'Put special emphasis on your garden. If you don't fix the outside, they'll keep coming back,' he said, adding that one must act fast and not just move when the insects have already made their way inside. By that time, they've probably done some damage. 'Avoid leaving outside lights on, as that brings more of them to your door or windows,' he finally added.
Indian Express
23-07-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
You might encounter these 7 common snakes during the rainy season
During the rainy season, it is pretty standard to see more snakes than usual. Heavy rains flood their natural shelters, pushing them out in search of dry ground. This movement often brings them closer to human habitations, increasing the chance of an encounter. We spoke with Deepak Sharma from the Indian Pest Control Company to learn more about these slithering creatures and discovered their risks. 1. Indian Cobra – One of the most iconic snakes in India, the Indian Cobra is highly venomous. Its bite can severely impact the nervous system and breathing. Without immediate medical attention, a cobra bite can be fatal. These snakes are often found on farms, in open fields, and areas near human settlements. 2. Common Krait – The krait is among the deadliest snakes in Asia. What makes it especially dangerous is that its bite is usually painless, so people often don't realize they've been bitten until symptoms appear. The venom affects the nervous system, leading to paralysis or respiratory failure. Kraits are typically nocturnal and may enter homes during the monsoon season. 3. Russell's Viper – This snake is both venomous and aggressive when disturbed. Its venom can cause internal bleeding, kidney damage, and even death. It's known for its loud hissing sound when threatened and is usually found in grassy fields or bushy areas. 4. Saw-scaled Viper – Don't let its small size fool you; the saw-scaled viper is extremely dangerous. Its venom can lead to bleeding and severe tissue damage. It's fast, irritable, and commonly seen in dry, open spaces or farmlands. 5. Rat Snake – Often mistaken for a cobra due to its size and appearance, the rat snake is non-venomous and completely harmless. In fact, it helps control rodent populations, making it a beneficial presence around farms and homes. 6. Green Vine Snake – Slender and bright green, this snake typically inhabits trees and bushes. It is mildly venomous, but its bite is not dangerous to humans; at most, it may cause some local swelling or irritation. 7. Checkered Keelback – A common water snake seen near ponds, lakes, and fields after rain, the checkered keelback is non-venomous. While it is sometimes confused with more dangerous snakes, it poses no threat to humans. Among all, Sharma said that the Common Krait is considered the most dangerous. 'It's a painless bite that often goes unnoticed, especially at night. But the venom acts quickly, causing paralysis and respiratory failure if not treated in time,' he said, adding that Kraits are responsible for a significant number of snakebite deaths in India. Suggesting a few simple tips to stay protected from these venomous creatures and their poisonous bites, Sharma said: 'Avoid walking barefoot, especially at night or near vegetation. Always carry a flashlight if you're moving around in the dark.' According to him, it is also essential to keep your surroundings clean, since rodents tend to attract snakes. 'Don't put your hands into holes, woodpiles, or tall grass without checking first. In the event of a bite, go directly to a hospital. Do not rely on home remedies or try to suck out the venom,' he warned.
Indian Express
13-07-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Six disgusting facts about cockroaches
Cockroaches have been a part of the animal kingdom, even before dinosaurs roamed around earth. These tiny pests are not only a kitchen hygiene hazard, they have been terrorising people for as long as we can remember. Besides their unique capability to fly and painstakingly ancient history, here are some disgusting and creepy facts about roaches that are bound to make you go – what the hell? They love meats, sweets, starches and beer, but when pressed, they'll feed on book bindings, wallpaper, pet fur, dead skin, soap, garbage and feces. And they'll even munch on your toenails, eyelashes and eyebrows while you sleep. Eek! That's right, there are eight insect parts — antennae and all — in the average chocolate bar. The same goes for peanut butter, cheese and popcorn. But don't worry. A little roach here and there never hurt anybody. Yes, the terrifying rumor is true. Roaches can live over a week without their heads. Why? They have an open circulatory system and their vital organs are found in the thorax. But these headless buggers won't be able to drink, so they'll eventually die of thirst. We've already established that roaches will eat anything, but if the going gets tough and food is scarce, they'll even eat each other. This cannibalistic quality reduces population sizes when an infestation becomes too large to feed itself. Forget smoothies and kombucha, roach milk could soon be trending at a grocery store near you. Diploptera punctate, the only roach to give birth to live young, feeds its babies via milk-like protein crystals. And these tasty crystals are four times as nutritious as cow's milk. Yummy. In some cultures, cockroaches were used in home remedies. The Greeks and Egyptians used ground or boiled cockroaches for medicinal purposes, and even some New Orleans cultures used boiled cockroach tea as a medicinal remedy. While this might not be something you'd like to see on your local coffee shop menu, it does highlight how long humans have been dealing with cockroaches. With these insects dating back to the Carboniferous era, roaches have been around for a very long time, though they are perhaps now considered more a feared pest than an ingredient for tea. If these facts creep you out as much as they do to us, you might feel the strong urge to squish them beneath your shoes the next time you see them. But Deepak Sharma from Indian Pest Control Company says otherwise. 'While stepping on a cockroach might offer immediate satisfaction, it's not the most effective or hygienic method for controlling these resilient pests,' he said, warning against stepping on cockroaches for the following reasons: 1. Disease transmission: Cockroaches are known carriers of various pathogens, including bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella. Crushing them can release these pathogens onto surfaces, increasing the risk of contamination. 2. Attracting other pests: The remains of a squashed cockroach can serve as a food source for different pests, such as ants, potentially leading to additional infestations. 3. Mess and odour: Crushing cockroaches can create an unpleasant mess and odour, necessitating thorough cleaning to maintain hygiene.
Indian Express
19-06-2025
- General
- Indian Express
6 expert-approved tips to get rid of ‘chawal ke keede' or rice weevils from your pantry
Have you ever opened your rice container and been greeted by tiny black pests nibbling at the grains? Rice weevils, commonly known as 'chawal keede' or 'chawal ke keede', are a common headache plaguing Indian kitchens that threaten digestive health in the long run if consumed. But don't worry; we've come to your rescue with handy tips from an expert to help you identify these mini devils and effectively eradicate them. Deepak Sharma from the Indian Pest Control Company shared that rice weevils or grain beetles are tiny, dark brown to reddish-black insects (some with snouts) that live and breed inside stored grains like rice, atta, dal, besan, suji, etc. Sometimes, you'll also see tiny white worms—these are their larvae (baby keede). Elaborating on signs to identify, he said that rice weevils are brown, reddish, or black and usually 2-4 mm long—smaller than a grain of rice. 'Some look like beetles, while others have a tiny snout or are just plain oval. They are slow crawlers, hiding during the day and becoming active when you open the container,' he explained. Tiny white larvae sometimes float to the top when you wash the rice. He added that if you see small holes in the rice grains, that's them eating from inside. It is their home and food, so they lay eggs inside the grains. 'Rice weevils love warmth and moisture found in ample Indian kitchens. They can survive for months inside sealed containers, especially plastic ones that trap humidity,' Sharma said, sharing 6 easy ways to get rid of these pests from your pantry effectively. 1. Inspect and separate: Check all your grains. If one container has them, the others likely do, too. Don't mix old grains with new ones. 2. Sunlight is your best friend: Spread the grains in the sun for a full day. The heat kills the bugs and their eggs, and the keede crawl out once they are heated. 3. Freeze method (If sunning isn't an option): Keep the infested rice in a freezer for 3–4 days. Freezing kills eggs and larvae. 4. Clean your containers: Empty and scrub every container with hot water and soap. Let them dry completely before refilling. 5. Use natural repellents: Add a few dry neem leaves, bay leaves (tej patta), cloves, or garlic pods inside the containers. These confuse the bugs' sense of smell and stop them from laying eggs. 6. Store smart: If possible, use metal or glass jars. Never store grains in plastic packets or loosely covered bins. Don't buy grains in bulk if you can't store them dry and sealed. According to Sharma, just sieving and using the same grains again is not the best option. 'The eggs are still there. You're just removing adults,' he said. In such cases, ignoring nearby items might become a potential hazard. If they're in rice, they're likely in your atta, besan, and sooji as well. 'Using plastic bags in humid weather is another big no, as they trap moisture and speed up infestations,' he said. Emphasising the importance of cleaning storage containers before refilling, he also warned against mixing new stock with old grains, as the infestation carries the risk of spreading.
