Pest Control Ideas

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If a Tiger Mosquito Makes a Meal Out of You

The bite of the tiger mosquito is not particularly irritating, but they can become bothersome due to their persistence. This invasive species is considered a nuisance mosquito.

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3 Places Rodents May Be Living in Your Home

Do you hear strange scratching sounds at night, unexplained thumps upstairs, or does food left out on the kitchen counter appear nibbled? You're probably not haunted by a ghost, but a more mundane pest. Rodents can make their homes in a variety of places in human houses. If you suspect you have a critter problem, check these common locations.

  In the Kitchen

  Rats and mice move into human dwellings not only for room but board as well. These creatures are excellent climbers and can clamber up on countertops and inside walls. Look for nests of shredded paper and other fibers in concealed places such as the backs of unused cupboards.

  Up in the Attic

  Black roof rats prefer lofty locations such as attics. Squirrels and other wild rodents may also invade attics and rooftop eaves looking for the shelter afforded by insulation and hollows in wooden beams.

  Down in the Cellar

  The common brown rat lives underground in the wild, and likes it down below in houses as well, often found basements and sewage systems. Cracks in the foundation offer entrances and places to nest.

  If you find signs of rodent activity in these places or anywhere else inside, call in pest control before the problem becomes serious. Follow this link to find out more about rodent control in Lumberton.

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Stop Zika Mosquitos in Your Yard With the Help of a Pest Control Company

Cases of the Zika virus, which has been linked to birth defects in the fetuses of pregnant women, have occurred within the borders of the United States, and the mosquitos which carry the disease along with many other infections exist across most of the country. To lower the risks to you and your family, a pest control company can work with you to rid your property of mosquitos.

  Eliminate Development Sites

  Mosquitos need vessels of water to breed. By examining your yard, experts can identify the areas where the insects can propagate, such as:

  Flooded crawlspaces

Clogged gutters

Rain-collecting debris.

  Taking care of these kinds of sites will reduce the mosquito population breeding near your house.

  Protect the House

  To avoid mosquito bites inside, a house's egresses to the insects must be blocked off with screens, caulking and other methods.

  Chemical Control

  A pest control company may use chemicals on a limited basis to take care of the problem. These can include insecticides to kill the adult mosquitos, along with growth regulators applied to water sources, to prevent the insect eggs and nymphs from developing into adults.

  By eradicating breeding sites, protecting the house and using anti-insect chemicals, a pest control company can rid your yard of potential Zika-carrying mosquitos.  See this link to learn more about mosquito control in Fayetteville.

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Spencer Pest Brings Christmas Magic to Rally Kids

Sheri Spencer and her team at Spencer Pest Services chose the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research to bring the true meaning of Christmas to 10 families, each with a family member fighting cancer… read more

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Does Your House Have a Termite Problem?

Though an individual termite is only a tiny insect, colonies of these wood-eating bugs can wreak havoc on a house. Pest management experts estimate that termites do some $5 billion in property damage annually. By recognizing the effects termites can have on the wood in your home, you can identify possible infestations before extensive repair work is required.

  Hollowed-out Wood

  While termites themselves are usually hidden underground or within walls, their effects can be observed on the wood they eat. Knock on wood to check for hollow spaces where termites may have tunneled. In addition to the beams in your house, also examine any wood piles or pieces in your backyard or basement.

  Cracks and Fissures

  As a piece of wood gets eaten from the inside out, it may start to crack or fissure. Any unexpected cracks should be checked. Dried mud or soil within cracks is another indicator of termite activity.

  Buckling and Collapse

  Termite destruction at some stages can resemble water damage, causing floors and ceilings to swell and windowsills and other boards to buckle. Wood riddled with too many termite tunnels may eventually crumble or completely collapse.

  If the wood in your house appears possibly affected by termites, call in pest control experts to determine the extent of the problem. See this link for more about termite removal in Pinehurst.

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Keeping Bugs out of Your Business

It’s hard to keep a client seated and attentive when your office is infested with ants. Since waiting to see if the unwelcome bugs or rodents will vacate on their own isn’t a realistic option, bringing in pest control is your best bet. The right company will be able to understand the problem and offer both short-term and long-term fixes.

  What’s Your Pest?

  There won’t always be telltale droppings or markings around your property that identify what animal or insect has moved in. An expert will know different creatures’ preferred habitats and how to go about finding them. Once you know what you’re dealing with, you can determine the next step.

  How to Exterminate

  Ideally, your problem can be solved without tenting and poisoning your office. There are a handful of steps that should come first:

  Sanitation

Monitoring

Trapping

  If none of these techniques solves the problem you might have to turn to a chemical solution, but that should be the last resort if at all possible. Many pest situations can be solved in a way that’s healthy and more humane.

  If your commercial building has any sort of infestation, you can’t afford to let the problem go unaddressed. To learn more about solving your problems with commercial pest control in Pinehurst, visit this website.

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How To Know You Have a Roach Problem

In addition to being a bit creepy looking and gross, roaches in your home are a cause for concern because of a number of diseases they are capable of carrying. Here are some ways to tell if you have a roach problem so that you can get the problem taken care of early.

  Droppings

  Fecal droppings can be found if the infestation is large enough. They may not be completely noticeable at first, as they are small and may look like pepper or ground coffee. It is important to note where you see the droppings so that they are easier to target later.

  Egg Casings

  Another sign is egg casings, containing many eggs. Even one casing means you have a small infestation. They will have a long rounded shape and be brownish in color.

  Odor

  An oily or musky smell may be an indicator of roaches, and if you have enough roaches to smell bad, you have a bad infestation, as it usually takes a large number to produce a smell.

  Dead Roaches

  Dead roaches are a pretty easy giveaway. Check under sinks, in cabinets and anywhere else where there could be traces of food.

  Upon finding any of these signs of roaches, do not hesitate to find a company that handles roach control in Mountain View - http://www.complete-pest-control.com/roach-control

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Three Ways Raccoons Cause Damage to Your House

Raccoons are definitely adorable – somewhere between the personality of a cat and a dog, most people find their intelligence and bold nature to be endearing from afar. The problem lies in the havoc they wreak when living in uncomfortably close quarters to humans. Raccoons can cause an immense amount of damage when they take up residence in your home. They are highly opportunistic feeders, reproduce annually and will make use of any opening your attic has to offer.

  Unfortunately, even one small family of raccoons can cause disrepair to your living space. Aside from the constant nightly noises your family will face if raccoonsdecide to move in, there are countless diseases and disruptions that can arise from only a few critters hanging out in your rafters. These seemingly cute mammals are unfortunately very sloppy and destructive houseguests.

  Errant feces are an undeniable need for animal removal. Raccoon droppings present a serious biohazard. Since raccoons have a habit of tearing up your duct work and residing near airflow, their feces present and enormous risk to your family. Living primarily in attics and crawlspaces, they position themselves in places where excrement can distribute easily throughout your house via your heater or air conditioning. This puts you and your family at risk for roundworm, giardia and leptospirosis. If unnoticed and untreated, the roundworm parasite can lead to liver complications and blindness. Giardia and leptospirosis are infections diseases that carry very uncomfortably symptoms which lead to a whole slew of problems.

  A second way raccoons can cause damage to your home is through their highly destructive nature. Especially if you have a female in search of a comfortable spot to have her babies, raccoons may tear apart material in your attic in order to nest. This can lead to shredded insulation and holes in storage crates. Raccoons are also very curious by nature, and have been known to open and rifle through boxes just to see what’s inside. These animals are very determined and stubborn, so you may also encounter holes ripped directly into your roof to create an entry point.

  Lastly, raccoons can be very territorial, especially if they have pups to look after, and this poses a threat not only to you, but to your pets as well. Everyone has heard stories of raccoons spreading rabies to dogs and cats, but they are also very strong creatures that can do a lot of damage in a brawl. Take action and protect your family and furry friends, and visit this website to have raccoon relocation in Garner.

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Back Bitten

Bed bugs and other parasitic pests are often more prevalent during cold seasons. Itchy bites and spots might be the result of such bedroom invaders, as seen pictured.

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The Benefits of Removing Roof Rats

Roof rats are common pests that get their name from their tendency to nest in high places. These rats can be identified by their dark fur and small, sleek forms. If you see these rats on your property or evidence of their nests, it is beneficial to have them removed for a number of reasons.

  The Risk of Flea Infestation Is Reduced

  Roof rats carry fleas that can quickly infest your home. These insects feed on humans as well as animals if given the opportunity. Removing roof rats will also lower the risk of a flea infestation, which is extremely difficult to eradicate.

  Your Home Will Not Suffer Further Damage

  Not only do roof rats hoard food and leave droppings in your attic, they also cause other types of damage around your home. Roof rats can damage:

  Insulation and wooden beams in your attic due to chewing

Power lines and cables

Gardens and trees (especially citrus trees)

  Removing roof rats sooner than later will mean less money spent on repairing the damage they cause.

  Pets Will Be Safer

  While your dog or cat may catch and kill roof rats, this is a dangerous practice. Rat bites can cause serious bleeding and transmit disease to your pet, and rats nesting in trees or in piles of wood can become extremely aggressive when defending young. Removing the rats will create a safer outer environment for your pet.

  Removing roof rats from your home protects it and your family. However, because these pests can be dangerous, it is best that they are removed by a professional. To find out more about roof rat removal in Garner, visit this website.

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California Couple Posts Video of Bed Bugs in NYC Hotel Room

In a six-minute video that has gone viral, Elgin Ozlen of Long Beach, Calif., flips over the mattress at the Astor on the Park hotel to reveal black clusters of scurrying bugs… read more

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5 Ways Bed Bugs Harm Your Health

Much like fleas, ticks and mosquitos, bed bugs are pesky insects that feed on blood. However, the presence of these bugs can have long-term effects on your health. In fact, there are five ways that bed bugs can harm your physical, emotional and mental health.

  1. Skin Rash

  Bed bug bites can cause rashes and blistering. Those who are more sensitive to the bug’s saliva may experience intense itching that causes rashes to spread. Deep blisters may lead to permanent scars.

  2. Infection

  The intense itching that bed bug bites cause often results in constant scratching. When skin is damaged by scratching, this may lead to infection. Infections caused by scratching can be especially dangerous to the elderly and children.

  3. Anxiety

  Bed bug infestations can have a negative effect on your emotional health. Ongoing bed bug problems can cause the onset of anxiety due to:

  Fear of continued or increased infestation

Social stigma

Worrying about your family’s safety

  Once you develop anxiety over a bed bug infestation, symptoms may linger for months and affect your personal and business relationships.

  4. Sleep Depravation

  Because bed bugs are more active at night, their biting may keep you awake. Over time, a loss of sleep may begin to affect your daily routine. In some cases, insomnia may lead to depression and a weakened immune system.

  5. Allergic Reaction

  If any of your family members suffer from allergies, bed bugs can make them worse. Bug excrement and dead bug carcasses can become airborne and cause an increase in allergy symptoms. Infants are especially at risk.

  Dealing with bed bugs can be mentally and emotionally exhausting. However, there are effective ways to eradicate them. Visit this website to learn more about professional bed bug treatment in Garner.

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How to Rid Your Home of Spiders

It’s not easy to relax when you see a spider running across your bedroom ceiling or worse yet, you see one dangling above your head. To help keep these scary, eight-legged visitors from getting inside your home, follow these tips.

  1. Clear Outside Debris

  Spiders like to hang out in dark places like woodpiles, mounds of grass clippings and empty boxes. If you have to keep these kinds of things around, try to keep them on the very outside perimeter of your home. Another way to discourage spiders from lurking is to keep the weeds cleared around the exterior of your home.

  2. Remove the Webs

  Use a vacuum cleaner or broom to remove spider webs both on the inside and outside of your home. Doing so will dissuade the spider who built the web from returning.

  3. Seal the Cracks in Walls

  Spiders can sneak into homes through openings and cracks in the walls. It’s a good idea to seal these spaces with silicone caulk. Add door sweeps to exterior doors to further block entry points.

  When all else fails, call in the professionals. They can free your home of pesky spiders and restore your comfort and peace of mind. For insect removal in Raleigh, please visit the website.

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Certain Mosquitoes More Likely to Lay Eggs in Water Sources Near Flowers

Researchers from the USDA and the University of Florida studied the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) and its egg-laying preferences… read more

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3 Signs You Have Squirrels Living in Your Home

Squirrels are common visitors to urban areas and backyards everywhere. However, when squirrel populations increase, they may find a way to get into your home. Here are several signs that squirrels have taken up residence in your home.

  Squirrels Using Power Lines as Highways

  When squirrels have gained entrance to your attic, you may see them using your power lines as freeways and as a means to carry food back to their new nest. Loose or damaged lines may be visible as well. Seeing squirrels on power lines more often than in your trees may mean they are already in your home.

  Seeing an Increase in the Population

  If you start seeing squirrels on your roof, in the trees, and a gathering of them in the backyard where there used to only be one or two, this is a sign that they might be breeding in your attic’s insulation. Other signs include:

  Scratching or scurrying on the roof, as this may be signs of squirrels fighting for new territory

Chewed bird feeders

Scattered seed and acorn hulls around the perimeter of your home

  Most squirrels are active during the daytime, so you should try and monitor how and where they move around in the morning and afternoon.

  Damaged Insulation

  If you inspect your attic and find chewed or shredded insulation, then a squirrel infestation is more than likely. In this case, the next step would be to call a professional to confirm their presence and to have them removed humanely. If you need more information about squirrel relocation in Cary, visit this website.

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Three Ways to Spot a Wasp Infestation

Wasp infestations can be difficult to detect because a wasp nest can be built into almost any tiny cavity, which keeps it hidden from sight. Here are a few ways, however, that will help you to identify a wasp problem.

 1. Traffic Pattern

 Do you see wasps coming and going?  A good indication of a nest is the regularity with which the wasps enter and exit the property.

 2. Flying In and Out of Crevices

 A sure sign that a hive is present is seeing wasps fly in and out of the gaps and cracks in your roof area. The only reason they have to enter these kinds of openings is to reach the hive.

 3. Gathering in Great Numbers

 When large numbers of wasps gather around trash or food, this is likely a sign of an infestation. The hive is probably nearby due to the high number of wasps that swarm the food.

 An increased number of wasps around your home, indicates that they have traveled from a nearby nest. The closer they are to the hive, the denser their presence will be. Don’t follow the swarm to the hive, and don’t try to remove it yourself. For safe and proper wasp removal in Cary, please visit the website.

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The Importance of Exterminating Cockroaches in Your Living Space

Mention a cockroach, and many people will shudder. For some, it is just the idea of any creepy-crawly thing in their home or on their skin; for others, it is the notion that cockroaches are filthy things that spread illness wherever they go. Here is the truth about cockroaches and why you should eliminate them from your home.

  Cockroaches carry disease. These unusual creatures can survive by eating almost anything, including paper, hair and feces. However, they will also eat any people food that is left out. Just imagine what kinds of disgusting things are left behind when a cockroach crawls across your food after being who knows where. The bacteria and viruses that are spread by roaches can easily cause illness in humans.

  Cockroaches smell bad. They give off an unmistakable musky odor, which you will likely only notice when there is a large colony of them in your house. You may notice the smell concentrated in one area, such as under a sink or beneath large appliances.

  Some people are allergic to cockroaches. If you find that you are allergic, you should definitely take steps to exterminate these pests and then have your home thoroughly cleaned. Cockroach allergies are a lot like dust mite allergies, and symptoms may worsen when dust is stirred up. This type of allergy has also been linked to asthma.

  Bodily invasion is not unheard of. Cockroaches have been known to crawl into the ears of people who are in a deep sleep, causing painful earaches and usually necessitating a trip to the emergency room. Cockroaches like being in small spaces, and they usually do their exploring at night, so it makes sense that they sometimes crawl into ear canals. However, keeping your home completely free of cockroaches ensures that this will not happen to you.

  Infestation may be a sign of a general lack of cleanliness. Roaches live in warm, moist, dark, undisturbed places and feed on organic material. They make themselves at home in dirty houses, where they find plenty to eat and lots of places to hide. If you live in an apartment, an invasion of these insects may be a result of migration from another home in your building. To ensure complete removal, the entire building must be treated, and all of the homes must be kept clean and tidy.

  Because they are dirty, disease-carrying, nuisance-causing pests, cockroaches do not belong in your home and must be professionally exterminated. Visit this website to find out more about roach removal in Pinehurst.