Author Archives: Greg Pettis

lanternfly and yellowjacket

Spotted Lanternflies Help Stinging Insects Thrive

No doubt about it. Stinging insects are some of the most common pests we’re asked to control. Increasingly, service calls to kill the Spotted Lanternfly are high on the chart too.

This year, we’ve gotten more calls than ever regarding both! There’s an abundance of bald face hornets, yellowjackets, wasps, and European hornets joining the swarms of spotted lanternflies. (European hornets look like Murder hornets, but they are not. The Asian Giant hornet is dubbed the “murder hornet.” Learn more.)

Service calls to control yellowjackets, wasps, and other stinging insects have increased dramatically this year and started earlier. Greg Pettis, Dominion’s president, recently went out into the field to help catch up on stinging insects calls. Scary!

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Caution! Birds Getting Stuck on Lanternfly Tree Tape

wren stuck to lanternfly tree tape

Dominion Pest Control continues its commitment to helping save Pennsylvania agriculture from the invasive, destructive spotted lanternfly. Those familiar with our local pest control company and blog are aware of our efforts to help alert everyone about the devastation these tree-destroying insects wreak on our state, as well as others.

The spotted lanternfly could cost the state’s economy at least $324 million annually, as reported by Penn State Extension on its dedicated spotted lanternfly page.

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COVID-19 Reduction of Interior Service

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in coordination with the United States Department of Health and Human Services and the United States Department of Agriculture, has identified pests of significant public health importance. This includes but is not limited to cockroaches, mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, spiders, ants, wasps & bees, bed bugs, mice and rats, all reptiles and birds, and various mammals that can cause direct human injury and can act as a disease reservoirs such as rabies.

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COVID-19 OR HUMAN CORONAVIRUS PREVENTION AND PREPAREDNESS

March 13, 2020

Dear Customer,

            As the situation concerning the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) continues to develop, we felt it was important to communicate to you that we have already implemented preventative steps company-wide to address the concerns and minimize the spread of the illness.  Our first priority is always to protect the safety and well-being of our employees and customers.  It is with this in mind that we take the matter seriously and strive to remain well informed.  Decisions based on proper information allow us to take appropriate and preventative measures without panic or fear.

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The Stinkers Are Back – Here’s How to Avoid Them!

Fall is nearly here! Have you noticed those pesky little stink bugs starting to come up out of their caves to wreak havoc on your backyard picnics and gather in the corners of your ceilings? If so, Dominion has you covered! We’re no strangers to the stink bug scene, and we’re here to make sure your home stays free and clear of the little stinkers. Continue reading

Spotted Lanternflies Have Been Spotted! Here’s What to Do

You may have heard in recent news that the Spotted Lanternfly has landed in Pennsylvania. This is true! An invasive species native to China, Bangladesh, and Vietnam, Spotted Lanternflies have made their way to 14 unsuspecting Pennsylvania counties, including Berks, Lancaster, Philadelphia, Dauphin, Montgomery, Monroe, and Lehigh counties.

We know what you’re thinking: it’s just another bug! Kill it and move on! With these little buggers, not the case. The PA Department of Agriculture has labeled spotted lanternflies as a dangerous invasive species and any sightings should be reported online or via phone at 1-888-4BADFLY. Continue reading

York Daily Record: Stink Bugs Difficult in York Co.

Teresa McMinn, writer for York Daily Record, included Dominion in her story, Stink bugs difficult to deal with in York County. She elaborates on Dominion’s owner typical workday: “Gregory Pettis’ description of his workday sounds more like a combat scene in an action movie. ‘We’re really rocking and rolling,’ he said and talked of a ‘seek-and-destroy mission’ to kill stink bugs. ‘You really have to study the habits and know your enemy.'” She also made reference to Greg’s comment about Dominion’s success with stink bugs: “In 2006 … it was just me,” he said. “Now, we’re up to eight”. For great information on stink bugs, watch the Stink Bug FAQ video.

FOX 43 INTERVIEWS DOMINION ON BUG-BOOMING STORY

FOX 43 Reporter Amber Miller interviewed Dominion on a bug-booming story about this year’s bad bugs that are emerging early. Dominion’s senior technician Christopher Komarow and customer Mrs. Dulay contributed to the story. As reported in the story, production has doubled and technicians are putting in overtime to keep up with the calls. Make sure to call now to schedule your treatment.