blogger.com Pests Solutions Blog: May 2016

Thursday 19 May 2016

Temperature Affects Stink Bugs More than Any Other Factors

Many things can affect the size and range of insect populations, including the climate, the availability of food sources, and the absence or presence of predators… read more

Why Squirrels Should Not Be Living in Your Home

Do not be fooled by a squirrel’s adorable appearance. They can be a real nuisance. They should definitely never live in your home, so if you notice them, proper action needs to be taken to remove them before other issues arise.

Health Concerns

You probably do not have to worry too much about catching rabies from a squirrel. However, squirrel feces have been known to carry salmonella. Depending on where the squirrels are hiding, they may have access to your kitchen. Their droppings can contaminate food, making it inedible. Get rid of squirrels before your entire cabinet becomes unusable.

Gnawing on Wires

Your house has numerous wires running through the walls and attic. These are areas where squirrels are likely to hide, and they may instinctively chew on some of the wires. This will damage outlets and lights throughout your home. It also puts your house at greater risk of having a fire.

Squirrels may not seem like that big of a deal, but they can create huge complications. Even if they only stick around your backyard, it is still a good idea to have someone come out to remove them so that the overall risk is eliminated. You can visit this website to find superb squirrel control in Garner.


What to Do if You Have an Ant Problem

If you happen to have ants in your home, you may be wondering what the cause is. There are a variety of reasons ants enter homes, but most of the time they are just looking for a food source. Ants eat for survival, of course, and your home just happened to be the closest and most convenient place for them to feast. Additionally, they could be getting shelter from the elements. Ant problems can expand, so you will want to do things to prevent colonization.

Take Preventative Measures

To keep an ant problem in control, one of the best things you can do yourself is to ensure cleanliness is in order. While not all ant problems are caused by dirty floors and counters, it is still a good idea to clean regularly to get rid of any potential food sources. If you make it more difficult for them to locate food, they will likely spend less time looking.

Learning how to prevent ants is important, and a professional pest management service can be of great help. Having a service plan put in place is a great measure to take, and a professional will know how to properly identify which type of ants you are dealing with. That way, they can come up with the right solution. If you want to know more about ant control in Cary, check out this website.


A Red Squirrel

Looks can be deceiving, especially when you are dealing with squirrels. They look cute and cuddly, but they can be a real annoyance if they are hanging around your home or business. 


What to Do If You Have a Pest Invasion

Numerous signs indicate that your home has been infiltrated by troublesome pests. If you suspect your home is no longer your own, then there are a few things to take care of immediately.

Identify Any Health Risks

Some pests are simply annoying to have around while others can be a real hazard to your health. If you or family members start complaining of having difficulty breathing or other health problems, then it needs to be taken seriously. This is especially important if the condition seemingly came out of nowhere.

Check for Warning Signs

Pests leave behind various hints of their presence. You might see droppings from mice and birds. Bugs such as cockroaches and termites sometimes leave behind casings. If you notice any of these, then professionals need to be called.

Get an Expert

Various forms of do-it-yourself pest removal are available. You can purchase sprays and traps at various stores. However, none of them are going to have the effect of a professional treatment. To be certain your home is rid of pests, get an expert in there.

You should never have to live with pests around your home. They are not even going to pay rent! Instead, for effective pest control in Raleigh, check out this useful website.


Signs You Have a Raccoon Family Living With You

Raccoons look cuddly, but they have been known to scratch and bite humans. If you suspect they are living in your home, then you should contact a professional pest control company to remove them.

Trash Cans Are Knocked Over

Raccoons love to scavenge for food in trash cans. If yours are always knocked over in the morning, then it is likely a sign that raccoons are in your area.

Noises in the Attic

Trash cans being knocked over are just a sign that raccoons are nearby. It does not necessarily indicate they are in your home. However, if you hear the pitter-patter of footsteps in your attic, then it needs to be checked out. Take precaution because raccoons may attack. It may be best to simply contact a professional to come out to look for you.

Tracks

Raccoons may leave the attic at night for food. They return the next morning tracking in muddy paw prints. If you notice tracks that do not belong to your dog or cat, then you should investigate.

If any of these describe your current situation, then seek assistance as soon as possible. Raccoons are house guests you should never have to deal with. Check out this website to find a company skilled in humane raccoon relocation in Garner.


Compelling Communications Offering Mosquito Control Marketing Materials

Compelling Communications announces three new customizable marketing materials available to pest control companies… read more

How to Prevent Zika in Your Home


Mosquitos have always been a pesky issue, but they can certainly become a real threat when they carry certain viruses. When warm weather rolls around, there is reason to be concerned about mosquitos transporting the Zika virus. With the recent spread, many people are looking for ways to protect themselves, their families and their homes. Luckily, there are some precautionary measures you can take to reduce the chances of a visit by a pest carrying Zika.

Keep Them Out

You can help to protect the people in your home by ensuing the mosquitos do not get inside in the first place. On warm days, run the air conditioner and close the windows and doors. If you would like to allow some fresh air in, make sure your screens are intact and that the screen holes are small enough to keep the bugs out.

Use Repellant

Anybody going outside should use a good mosquito repellent to reduce the chances of getting bitten. The mosquitos that carry the Zika virus can more likely bite during the daytime, so keep that in mind.

Take Care of Water

Mosquitos are insects that lay eggs in water that is slow moving or stagnant. Make sure you do not have any water sitting around your property by cleaning your gutters, removing old buckets and drying up puddles. Also, regrade any areas that are low. If you want to learn more about Zika prevention in Raleigh, visit this website



Wednesday 18 May 2016

3 Tips to Keep Your House Pest Free This Summer



The summer is undoubtedly one of the best times of the year, but pests can ruin an otherwise pleasant experience. To keep your home pest free this summer, follow these three helpful tips to enjoy your summer without bothersome vermin.

Make Sure to Keep Doors and Windows Closed

Although it may seem obvious, keeping doors and windows shut can significantly decrease the amount of insects that will enter your home. Making sure screens are free of holes and tears can also keep the number of pests that make their way indoors to a minimum.

Keep Things Dry

Many insects thrive in a moist environment. To keep them from making your home their home, aim to keep your rooms dry. Using a dehumidifier in the basement can help decrease the amount of creepy crawly bugs from making their way into the cracks and crevices of your basement.

Naturally Repel Pests With Plants

Many insects do not like the scent of the citronella plant. Likewise, spiders and other arachnids detest the smell of peppermint. By growing these plants near the entrances of your home, you can help decrease the amount of pests that will come indoors.

If you can’t seem to keep the insects outdoors where they belong, it may be time to consult with a professional. Visit this website to learn more about residential pest control and perimeter treatments in Burlingame.

Have an Unwanted Animal Guest? Here’s What You Should Do

With warmer weather comes the influx of animals back into the area. If you’ve found yourself victim to an unwanted animal guest, it’s important to find the best animal control specialists. If you haven’t been able to scare the animal off on your own, here’s what you should do to ensure they never return.

Take Proper Precautions

If a larger animal pest has found its way into your garbage, the best way to make sure they do not invade your space is to eliminate their desire to rummage through your trash. Keep a weighted lid on your trash cans to deter pesky critters from making a meal of your rubbish.

Call a Professional

If being mindful of your belongings outdoors hasn’t deterred your unwanted animal guest, it’s time to get serious about ridding your home of the pests. Animal control specialists are experienced in these types of problems and have dealt with most common pest issues.

Instead of attempting to navigate the treacherous task of pest extermination on your own, leave it to a professional. Many larger animal pests run the risk of being rabid or dangerous, which is not something a homeowner should have to face on their own. Visit this website to learn more about effective animal control in Mountain View.


Ants March On

Ants are one of the most common pests that raid households. They’re everywhere. Pest control professionals can remove and eliminate many types of pesky invaders that march into and occupy your home - and keep them out for good. 


3 Things Rats Like to Hide in and How to Prevent It

Rats like to be around humans, and the reason why is clear—they want our food. Although humans frighten these creatures, they are willing to go to great lengths to get extra food and they know where to hide. Rats often hide out in the following places:

  • Wood piles
  • Empty spaces in basements or behind walls
  • Vacant drawers in old furniture

How to Spot Rats

If you suspect you have rats hiding on your property, do a thorough inspection of indoor and outdoor spaces. If you see chewing marks on the wood or droppings, the rats may be hiding there, but have vacated the area. Think of any empty spaces rats could hide and look in all of those areas.

How to Keep Rats Away

Rats carry disease and are dangerous to humans and animals. Take the following steps to make sure rats do not take up residence on your property:

  • Make sure all food is put away
  • Plug up open spaces underneath your home
  • Get rid of old furniture

Clean up pet food when it is not eaten to prevent rats from becoming attracted to it. In addition, eliminate all areas rats can nest and hide. For more information about rat control in Lumberton, click through this website.


Vigilance Prevents Viruses

This summer’s to do list is probably rather typical.
1-      Fun in the sun.
2-      Time with family and friends.
3-      Show off that beach body.
No list is complete without one final item.
4-      Don’t catch Zika or West Nile Virus.

How to Stay Safe

When planning for the summer, people sometimes forget to include precautions. It’s definitely good to stay positive, but you also want to stay healthy. As you carry out your summer plans, there are a few things you can do to keep those viruses at bay. Since both viruses can be transmitted by mosquitoes, protecting yourself from mosquito bites can go a long way to insulate you from illness.

1-      Wear insect repellant in environments where mosquitoes might be present.
2-      Keep your windows closed and air conditioner on high.
3-      Avoid environments where water has pooled and remained sedentary. For example, a bucket containing water from an outdoor leak should be disposed of immediately to prevent a mosquito outbreak.

There are no globally accepted treatments or vaccinations for the Zika or West Nile viruses and both afflictions affect people domestically and abroad. With proper vigilance you can spend your summer showing off your beach body instead of hiding from mosquitoes. Click here for more information on West Nile prevention in Fayetteville.


PCT Announces Virtual Bed Bug Conference

Bed bugs continue to keep phones ringing off the hook for pest control operators and this segment shows no signs of slowing down. From the comfort of your home or office, learn from industry-leading bed bug experts… read more

Summer Ant Invasion

In warmer months, the ants go marching one by onealong your floorboards, on your counters and into your cupboards. You finished your spring cleaning just in time to be the hottest ant resort in town. Now why would an infantry of beady-eyed insects march brazenly indoors for a summer of fun out of the sun?

Reasons Why They Chose You
  • Your home is climate controlled. Your home is a great place to hide out from the heat and go about the tasks associated with building a colony.

  • Dinner is ready! No hunting and gathering required. Don’t you like when mom cooks? There’s no need to forage for food when you’ve left an ample supply in floor corners and cupboards. It’s no silver platter but the ants manage to make do.

  • You left the door open. Remember, an ant door is a crevice, crack, or any opening they can squeeze their tiny, agile bodies through. In the winter months you may be more attentive to insulation issues as they may affect comfort. In the summertime this attention could be lax and the ants can take full advantage of that.

If ants have made your house their summer home, it’s time to end their vacation. Click here for more information on ant removal in Pinehurst.


Controlling Creepy Crawlers

After a long day, watching your favorite TV show could be a great way to relax and unwind. That is, until movement catches your eye and you realize that you’re not the only one in the viewing audience. With a wave of two antennas, your guest bolts under the couch. Screams echo, shoes fly, and suddenly you’re in a high speed chase scripted for a cartoon.As you knock over furniture and break glass in hot pursuit, you start to wonder how many more of his buddies are lurking in the background, watching this spectacle.

Spotting an Infestation

  • Beware of strange and unusual smells. Cockroaches emit an odor. If your home starts to regularly take on an unusual smell, your home may be at risk.

  • You don’t drink coffee but you’re seeing coffee grounds. Roach excrement looks a lot like finely ground coffee. This could be a telltale sign of roaches in your home.

  • They’re getting bold. Cockroaches slink around at night. If you see them during the day, this could mean that their numbers have increased to the point where they have to start looking for food and shelter during daylight hours.

Identify the warning signs before it’s too late. Click here for more information on cockroach control in Pinehurst.