A Late Valentines Day Tip!

Valentines Day is synonymous with spreading the love, but that isn't the only thing that it can spread.  With millions of freshly cut flowers being circulated there is ample opportunity for insects to hitch a ride directly in to your home.  

You may have picked up the flowers at the corner store, but they likely came for thousands of miles away in South America.  Columbia and Ecuador are responsible for 90% of the flowers imported to the United States. The US Customs and Border Patrol inspects millions of imported flowers each year in an attempt to stop this "bug trafficking" .  

While there are measures in place to prevent such intruders, it is always a good idea to check those fresh flowers thoroughly.  Be sure to inspect between the petals and on the stems as well.  Ants and aphids are most common bugs you will find in floral arrangements.  

If you do happen to find some don't toss those flowers just yet!  Usually a gentle rinse under the shower head is all it takes to get rid of the bugs.  

This blog was inspired by a call we had where tainted flowers lead to a kitchen ant infestation.  Keep an eye on those flowers or you may need a pest professional!