Sep 22, 2023 | Florida Pest Control
Florida homeowners know that the climate rarely changes in their state, typically staying well above 50 degrees year-round. With the warmer climate, pests tend to stick around year-long, sometimes invading our homes in the process! Spiders are a likely pest that homeowners might come across throughout the year. Check out the reason Florida spiders might be invading your home and how you can prevent them.
How Did Spiders Get into My Home?
Spiders thrive in Florida’s humid climate, which provides plenty of opportunities for several spider species to invade our homes! Spiders, such as wolf spiders, brown widows, and black widows are all common to our area. These pests are small and will sneak into the home through the smallest hole, gap, or through packages without being noticed. Spiders prefer to be secluded and hidden away from human activity, and they’ll often find dark areas in the home to habitat such as behind furniture, in basements, under dressers, and in attics.
How to Prevent Florida Spiders from Your Home
Taking precautions is the best way to ensure spiders don’t enter your home. Consider the following prevention tips to keep spiders away:
- Inspect your foundation for cracks and repair them as soon as possible
- Check your windows and doors throughout the year and repair any cracks or tears in screens
- Declutter throughout your home by throwing away cardboard boxes, old newspapers, and keeping clothes off the ground.
- Vacuum and dust frequently, especially in the rooms that are not often utilized
- Check items that are prone to be infested with spiders, including firewood, plants, boxes, decorations, and even pets
- Consider investing in a routine pest control plan to eliminate other pests and in return limits food sources for spiders, leaving them to search other places for a meal.
If you notice more spiders than you’re comfortable with on your property, reach out to your local pest control company for a free inspection!
Sep 22, 2023 | Pest Control
Sep 18, 2023 | Pest Control
Smokybrown cockroaches are commonly found in the southeastern United States, from central Texas eastward to Florida and as far north as North Carolina. They prefer living in areas that are warm and have high humidity, preferring wooded areas where they are often found under mulch or in tree holes.
The smokybrown cockroach is about 1.5 inches long and has a dark brown to black body. They have a distinctive mahogany color, which is why they are sometimes called mahogany cockroaches. They are also known for their ability to fly, which makes them more difficult to control than other types of cockroaches.
What are the signs of a smokybrown cockroach infestation?
Typically found outdoors, these nocturnal creatures are most sighted in:
- Ground coverings, such as ivy
- Landscaping beds
- In and around gutters and in between siding on home and structures
More signs of these roaches include roach droppings and egg cases. The smokybrown egg casing can appear dark brown to black in coloring.
How serious of a problem is the smokybrown roach?
Being attracted to interior lights, they can enter your home through openings in windows, doors, and other gaps. They can contaminate any surfaces they touch, spreading bacteria. Proteins found in these types of roaches may also trigger asthma or allergic reactions.
If you see an increase of roaches in your home be sure to reach out to your local pest control company for a customized pest control plan to keep your home pest-free!
Sep 15, 2023 | Pest Control
One thing about Florida: pests love to live here! Warm, humid climates make our state the perfect oasis for both humans and pests. While it’s inevitable to come across them, there are ways to prevent them from invading your home. Read more on the types of Florida pests to be aware of and how you can prevent them from ruining your fun in the sun!
Ants:
Small, pesky, and will sneak into your home unnoticed, ants can become a major problem if they find their way inside. There are several types of ants popular to our area, including fire ants, carpenter ants, Argentine ants, and more. These ants may have different characteristics, but they all are looking for a water and food source to survive. You will often find these pests in your bathroom, kitchen, basement, or even utility room. While ants can be harmless, they are known to bite which can lead to allergic reactions such as itching or swelling.
Prevent Ants:
- Seal any cracks or crevices around windows, doors, foundations, or exterior walls.
- Keep your plants and shrubbery trimmed and away from your home.
- Ensure your kitchen is free of crumbs and spills by cleaning up after each meal.
Cockroaches
Seeing a cockroach in your home is always alarming! Roaches, including the American roach, German roach, and brown-banded roach prefer to live in places such as sewers, trashcans, basements, and bathrooms, to seek food, shelter, and water for survival. Once these pests invade, it can be hard to remove them as they can multiple quickly. Roaches also carry bacteria on their bodies and feet and will spread unwanted germs when they walk across surfaces. They’re also known to trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks.
Prevent Cockroaches:
- After each meal, mop up any spills, clean up any leftover crumbs, and throw away your trash in a trashcan with a tightly sealed lid.
- Keep rooms in your home decluttered and maintain a regular dusting schedule.
- When eliminate moisture by regularly checking for leaks or standing water around your home, fixing them if needed.
Ticks
Ticks can not only harm humans but can also be harmful to our pets. These pests are extremely small and will latch and feed onto the blood of animals and humans. They can often be found in wooded or grassy areas, transmitting diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain fever. If you’ve been outside for a long period of time, you can often find them on your face, legs, armpits, belly, and in-between toes!
Prevent Ticks:
- Mow your lawn often to keep your grass short
- Remove brush and debris from your lawn
- Keep your yard dry and sunny, as ticks prefer moist and shaded areas
Termites
Dealing with a termite infestation at your home can be devasting, as they can cost thousands of dollars in repairs. There are two common termites in Florida: drywood termites and subterranean termites. Drywood termites prefer to live and nest in wooden structures or dry wood and do not need a water source. Signs of drywood termites include spotting their frass, which appear like sawdust, and located in piles near the infestation area. Subterranean termites need a water source and build their nest underground to obtain it. Signs that indicate a subterranean termite infestation include seeing their mud tubes along a home’s foundation or floor.
Prevent Termites:
- Eliminate moisture problems from your property to avoid a subterranean termite infestation by fixing leaky pipes and ensuring your home has proper drainage around its foundation.
- Be cautious of soil-to-structure contact to avoid subterranean termites from entering your home.
- Keep any firewood stored at least 20 feet from your property and elevated off the ground to avoid drywood termites.
- Regularly inspect your deck or patio for signs of drywood termite damage.
If you notice an influx of the pests listed above, consider reaching out to your local pest control company for help! These professionals will also provide you with free inspection and a treatment and prevention plan customized for your home.
Sep 15, 2023 | Wildlife
When it comes to living in the beautiful state of Georgia, there’s no denying that the warm climate and lush landscapes come with their fair share of wildlife encounters. One of the most common and, for many, dreaded encounters is with snakes. While Georgia is home to a variety of snake species, understanding snake control, prevention, and removal techniques is essential for safeguarding your property and your loved ones. In this blog post, we’ll explore common snakes in Georgia, when snake season typically occurs, and effective ways to keep these slithering neighbors at bay.
Common Snakes in Georgia
Before delving into snake control methods, let’s familiarize ourselves with some of the common snake species found in Georgia:
- Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake: This venomous snake is one of the largest rattlesnake species in the world. They are mostly found in the southern part of the state.
- Copperhead: Copperheads are venomous and often have a copper-colored head. They are prevalent throughout Georgia.
- Eastern Coral Snake: Although rare, these venomous snakes can be found in certain parts of the state, particularly in the southern regions.
- Black Rat Snake: Non-venomous and beneficial for controlling rodent populations. They are widespread throughout Georgia.
- Eastern Garter Snake: Another non-venomous species often found in gardens and grassy areas.
- Eastern King Snake: These are known for their striking appearance and are valuable for keeping other snake populations in check.
When is Snake Season in Georgia?
Snake season in Georgia typically begins in the spring and lasts through the fall. During this time, snakes become more active as they search for food and suitable breeding grounds. It’s essential to be especially vigilant during these months to reduce the likelihood of unwanted snake encounters.
Ways to Keep Snakes Away from Your Home
Now that we’ve discussed common snakes and their active seasons, let’s explore effective snake control and prevention techniques to protect your home and family:
1. Maintain a Tidy Yard:
- Trim tall grass and overgrown vegetation.
- Keep firewood and debris piles away from your home.
- Regularly clean up fallen leaves and debris.
2. Seal Entry Points:
- Inspect your home for any gaps or cracks in the foundation, walls, and doors.
- Seal gaps around utility pipes and drainage lines.
- Repair damaged screens and vents.
3. Remove Attractants:
- Secure trash cans with tight-fitting lids.
- Keep bird feeders and pet food indoors or in secure containers.
- Minimize rodent populations to reduce snake prey.
4. Install Snake Fencing:
- Consider installing snake-proof fencing around your property.
- These barriers can deter snakes from entering your yard.
5. Professional Snake Control and Removal:
- If you spot a snake on your property or inside your home, do not attempt to handle it yourself.
- Contact a licensed pest control professional for safe snake removal.
Protecting Yourself from Snake Bites
While preventing snake encounters is the first line of defense, it’s also crucial to know how to protect yourself from snake bites:
- Wear sturdy boots and long pants when working in areas where snakes may be present.
- Be cautious when stepping over rocks, logs, or tall grass.
- Use a flashlight at night to watch your step in snake-prone areas.
Request a Free Wildlife Control Quote
The importance of effective snake control and removal cannot be stressed enough. While Georgia’s natural beauty and warm climate make it an attractive place to live, it’s essential to be prepared for encounters with snakes. By following these snake control and prevention tips, you can create a safer environment for your family and minimize the chances of unwelcome snake guests. Remember that professional assistance through your local pest control company is just a phone call away if you ever need help with snake removal or control. Stay vigilant, stay safe, and enjoy all that Georgia has to offer!
