Mar 19, 2024 | Florida Mosquito Control
Florida’s tropical weather creates a thriving mosquito environment, often dealing with these nuisance pests year-round. Once mosquitoes invade your yard, they can ruin all your outdoor fun and even transmit diseases, including the West Nile and Zika viruses. One of the best ways you can avoid mosquitoes is creating a less-attractive environment. We breakdown our top 3 mosquito prevention tips you can use throughout your property so you can enjoy your yard again!
3 Common Mosquito Control Tips for Florida Residents
Remove Standing Water
To survive and breed more larva mosquitoes, these pests need the smallest amount of standing water. It’s crucial to remove all standing water from your property, especially after a thunderstorm. Consider the following tips to reduce moisture on your property:
- Remove items that can hold water, including buckets, empty flowerpots, and pet bowls.
- If you have a bird bath, regularly dump old water, clean out debris, and replace the old water with new.
- Clean out clogged gutters of debris and leaves so they doesn’t create a mosquito breeding ground.
Keep a Tidy Yard
Your yard line is the first defense in avoiding mosquitoes so it’s crucial to maintain it on a regular basis; consider these tips on keeping a tidy yard:
- Continue to mow your grass and trim shrubbery as mosquitoes tend to hide in these areas.
- Trim any overgrown trees back to avoid mosquitoes from populating your yard.
- If you store wood on your property, consider placing it in plastic containers with lids and at least 20 feet away from the house.
Call the Pros
Do-it-yourself mosquito prevention will always help efforts in avoiding a mosquito infestation but sometimes it’s best to call a professional mosquito control company for help. These experts will be able to provide you with a mosquito control plan, which typically include:
- Mosquito breeding site identification
- Treatment to eliminate both adult and larva mosquitoes
- Recommendations on preventing mosquitoes in the future
- Additional mosquito control solutions, including the In2Care System
If you have a problem with mosquitoes or would like to start mosquito prevention now, call your Florida pest control company today!
Mar 15, 2024 | Termite Control
As spring approaches in Georgia, so does the dreaded termite swarming season. For homeowners, this time of year can be particularly nerve-wracking as swarms of termites take flight, searching for new places to establish colonies. Understanding what swarming termites are, how to differentiate them from flying ants, and taking proactive steps to prevent infestations can save you from potential damage to your home. Here’s everything you need to know to prepare for termite swarming season in Georgia.
What are Swarming Termites?
Swarming termites, also known as alates or swarmers, are reproductive termites tasked with starting new colonies. These winged insects emerge from mature termite colonies in search of mates and suitable locations to establish their own nests. Swarms typically occur in the spring, triggered by warm temperatures and high humidity levels, making Georgia’s climate ideal for termite activity.
Termite Swarming Season in Georgia
Termite swarming season in Georgia typically occurs from late February through May, with peak activity often seen in April. During this time, homeowners should remain vigilant for signs of termite activity both indoors and outdoors.
Differentiating Swarming Termites from Flying Ants
Distinguishing between swarming termites and flying ants is crucial for effective pest control. While both insects have wings and swarm during the spring, several key differences can help you identify them:
- Body Shape: Termites have straight bodies, while ants have segmented bodies with a distinct narrow waist.
- Wing Length: Termite wings are uniform in size and longer than their bodies, whereas flying ants have wings of varying lengths.
- Antennae: Termite antennae are straight, while ant antennae are elbowed.
Signs of Swarming Termites
Identifying the signs of termite swarms early can prevent costly damage to your home. Look out for the following indicators:
- Swarms of Winged Insects: If you notice large groups of winged insects inside or around your home, especially near light sources, it could indicate a termite infestation.
- Discarded Wings: After mating, swarming termites shed their wings, leaving behind piles of discarded wings near windowsills, doors, or other entry points.
- Mud Tubes: Subterranean termites build mud tubes along walls or foundations to provide moisture and protection while foraging for food.
What to Do If You Encounter Swarming Termites
If you encounter swarming termites in or around your home, it’s essential to act swiftly:
- Avoid Disturbing Them: Try to avoid disturbing the swarm to prevent them from scattering and potentially establishing new colonies elsewhere.
- Contact a Professional: Immediately contact a reputable termite control company to assess the situation and recommend appropriate treatment options.
Tips to Prevent Termites in Your Home
Prevention is key to protecting your home from termite infestations. Here are some tips to reduce the risk of termite damage:
- Schedule Regular Inspections: Arrange for annual termite inspections by a qualified pest control professional to detect signs of infestation early.
- Reduce Moisture: Termites thrive in damp environments, so repair leaks, improve ventilation, and divert water away from your home’s foundation to reduce moisture levels.
- Remove Wood Debris: Eliminate wood debris, such as stumps, fallen trees, and woodpiles, from your property to eliminate potential termite food sources.
- Use Termite-Resistant Materials: When building or renovating your home, consider using termite-resistant materials like treated lumber or concrete to minimize the risk of infestation.
By understanding the behavior of swarming termites, recognizing the signs of infestation, and implementing preventive measures, you can safeguard your home against these destructive pests. Remember, if you suspect a termite problem, don’t hesitate to contact a professional termite control company near you for assistance.
Mar 12, 2024 | Florida Termite Control
Drywood termites are quite common in the South Florida area, thriving off our year-round dry and humid temperatures. This termite type can be difficult to spot in homes and will often go undetected for lengthy periods, causing considerable structural damage. The best way to avoid the costly damage of drywood termites is to understand their characteristics and the preventative measures you can place to deter them away from your property. Let’s learn more about these household pests and drywood termite control tips to protect your home.
What Are Drywood Termites?
Unlike the subterranean termite, drywood termites do not need to live in soil to survive. These termites will instead excavate wood to create a colony and live. Drywood termites will seek out dry wood, hence their name, to build a nest and live in it, such as attic framings. Drywood termites have an oval-shaped waist, short legs, and a cream to light brown colored body.
How Do I Know I Have a Drywood Termite Infestation?
Often, drywood termites get into your Florida home by hitchhiking through an already infested piece of old furniture, picture frame, or other wooden structure. While they don’t create mud tubes like the subterranean termite to enter the home, they instead fly directly to the wood they infest. They’ll also enter homes through open gaps or cracks around window frames, doors, soffits, and attics.
Since termites live in excavated wood, it can be hard to identify them but there are plenty of signs you can lookout for. A good indication that termites have created a colony in your home is spotting discarded wings near windowsills or doors and finding droppings or frass that look like small mounds of tiny pellets inside or around your home.
How Can I Prevent Drywood Termites from Entering My Home?
There are several preventative do-it-yourself methods you can use throughout your Florida property; consider these:
- If you have lumber, wood, or mulch in your yard, place it away from your foundation; likewise, if you store firewood in your yard, place it 20 feet away from the home and elevate it off the ground.
- Trim all shrubs, bushes, or other dense greenery so it does not touch the sides of your home.
- Before bringing any antique furniture or wooden furniture inside your home, always thoroughly inspect it for drywood termites.
- On a regular basis, check your home’s exterior for any openings leading inside and repair them as soon as possible.
- Consider attic insulation and crawlspace encapsulation for your home to help reduce moisture, termite infestations, and other household pests from entering.
If you’ve noticed signs of termite activity on your property or would like to get started on drywood termite control, reach out to your Florida pest control company! Termite professionals will provide you with a free home inspection, a treatment plan based on your termite control needs, and a prevention plan to avoid a future infestation.
Mar 8, 2024 | Pest Control
Mar 4, 2024 | Good Deed Team
In January, our team in Fort Myers came together with a shared mission: to bring comfort and support to families staying at the Ronald McDonald House. On the 9th, we hosted a delightful taco bar dinner, filled with laughter as we prepared a delicious spread. The evening was a heartwarming reminder of the power of community and compassion.
Continuing our efforts just two days later, we organized a breakfast-for-dinner feast, where bacon stole the show, thanks to the skills of our teammate, Kyle C. These simple acts of kindness may seem small, but they make a world of difference to those in need. We’re immensely grateful for the opportunity to support the Ronald McDonald House and the incredible work they do in providing a home away from home for families with sick children.
As we look back on our recent endeavors, we’re filled with gratitude for our volunteers and their unwavering dedication. The Northwest family plans to extend our support to Ronald McDonald Houses across Florida and the Southeast. We’re committed to making a meaningful impact, one meal at a time.
