Feb 29, 2024 | Florida Mosquito Control
It’s safe to say that all Florida homeowners dread the arrival of mosquito season! It’s inevitable to run into these insects but that doesn’t mean they have to take over your yard. We breakdown common DIY mosquito control tips you can utilize in your yard!
DIY Mosquito Prevention Tips for Florida Homeowners
Eliminate Standing Water
To survive and breed, mosquitoes only need a small amount of water and will look to your yard for it. One of the best ways to repel mosquitoes from your property is to reduce standing water throughout it. Remove any items that could hold water for more than a week and become a mosquito breeding ground, including empty flowerpots, buckets, tires, toys, and pet bowls. For items that tend to stay outside, like birdbaths and gutters, make sure you are regularly cleaning them, clearing out old water and debris.
Consider a Fan or Two
Your back porch or patio can quickly be taken over by mosquitoes and ruin your outdoor fun. Mosquitoes are weak fliers and are easily manipulated by wind. Consider utilizing fans to help deter them from getting close to you in certain outdoor areas. Fans can also work to disperse carbon dioxide and other mosquito attractant odors our warm-blooded bodies let off.
Plant Natural Repellents
Certain plants and oils can deter mosquitoes naturally from your Florida home. You can mix essential oils such as lemon eucalyptus, peppermint, or tea tree with water and vinegar to repel mosquitoes. Likewise, there are several plants you can plant in your yard to deter mosquitoes, including citronella, lavender, marigold, rosemary, thyme, and basil.
Keep a Tidy Yard
Adult mosquitoes tend to rest in shaded, cool areas so it’s important to create an environment without these factors to keep them away. Continue maintaining your yard by keeping your grass mowed frequently and keeping shrubbery trimmed. If your yard has wood or lawn debris, it’s best to clean up as soon as possible or relocate it at least 20 feet away from the property.
Call Your Florida Pest Provider
While the above DIY tips can provide mosquito-relief sometimes it’s best to call a professional for an ongoing solution to mosquito activity. A pest control provider near you will provide you with a thorough inspection and recommend the best mosquito control options for your home based on your mosquito situation. These mosquito professionals will also provide you with further tips and tricks on avoiding mosquito infestations in the future.
Feb 28, 2024 | Insulation
We can often view our Tennessee attic as just a place to store our extra belongings, but if it’s not managed or taken care of properly, our home can be negatively impacted. With fluctuating climates in Tennessee, your attic insulation should be working to keep your home either cool or warm depending on the outside temperature. If you notice that you tend to change your thermostat more often than usual, this could be a sign that your attic is poorly insulated. Let’s review the benefits of insulating your attic!
Attic Insulation Benefits
Room Temperatures Are Consistent
An insulated attic can ensure you and your family’s overall comfort inside! If your attic isn’t properly insulated, you might notice that your rooms fluctuate in temperature, causing you to change the thermostat and, in return, overwork your system and cause HVAC inefficiencies.
Save on Energy Bills & HVAC Repairs
Your well-insulated attic will cool and heat your home, reducing your energy bills annually! Since your attic is insulated, your HVAC doesn’t have to work as hard to regulate your home’s temperatures, easily heating it during the winter and cooling it off during the summer. An insulated attic will also help extend the life of your HVAC system and avoid costly repairs, improving the performance and operation overall.
Deter Pests
Insulation can act as a barrier, seal your attic, and keep unwelcome guests like roaches, ants, and other pests from entering your home. Some insulation is also coated in boric acid and can affect pests by causing a disruption to their stomachs and affect their nervous system and in return keep them from infesting. Old insulation can also harbor nests and droppings in them, which can contain disease and cause health risks to your family, making it important to update or replace your insulation.
If you’re ready to replace your attic’s insulation, consider reaching out to a pest control company near you for a free quote!
Feb 26, 2024 | Good Deed Team
On Random Acts of Kindness Day, our team in Cullman came together to make a meaningful impact on their community. Inspired by the spirit of giving, they embarked on a mission to support Curt’s Closet, a local non-profit organization dedicated to providing clothing, shoes, and essential items to children and families in need. The team collected 12 bags filled with clothing and shoes to contribute to their noble cause.
Curt’s Closet serves as a beacon of hope for children and families facing difficult circumstances in our community. By providing them with basic necessities free of charge, they alleviate the burden of financial strain and offer a sense of dignity and warmth during challenging times. Our team recognized the importance of their mission and felt compelled to lend a helping hand on this special day of kindness.
As we delivered our donations to Curt’s Closet, we were met with gratitude and appreciation from the dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to serve those in need. Knowing that our contributions would directly benefit children and families in our own community filled us with a sense of fulfillment and purpose. On Random Acts of Kindness Day , we were reminded of the profound impact that small acts of generosity can have and the power of coming together to make a difference in the lives of others. Our team can’t wait until the next initiative!
Feb 26, 2024 | Good Deed Team
To celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day, our teams across the southeast took it upon themselves to give back to their local communities in big, small, and impactful ways. Let’s see what out teams were able to tackle this day:
Dallas Service Center
The Office Professionals in our Dallas office donated 4 bags full of clothing and shoes to the local St. Vincent de Paul ministry. Earlier in the week, they mailed Valentine’s Day cards to all the Office Admins in their region!
Alpharetta Service Center
During a normal stop on his route, a technician took the time to pick up trash around a customer’s property . He noticed that the newspapers were still at the end of the driveway, so he brought them to the front door and picked up a plant that had fallen over on the porch.
Homewood Service Center
One of our teammates noticed a package at the end of a steep driveway and took the extra steps to bring it to the customer. It turned out that the customer was unable to retrieve the package and was grateful for the extra help!
Lanier Service Center
Multiple teammates took it upon themselves to give $15 Starbucks gift cards to some of their customers during their normal routes. The customers were so grateful for the continued service and an extra cup of coffee!
Team Support Center
Wanting to ensure that our teammates across the southeast felt appreciated, our Team Support Center took the time to put together care baskets filled with Thank You cards and different types of snacks!
Cullman Service Center
The team collected and donated food for the local food pantry. They partnered with Liberty Church in Holly Pond, AL, where one of our technicians is the pastor. In a separate initiative, one of our teammates put together treat bags for each person in the office!
Canton Service Center
The Good Deed Team in Canton decided to bring lunch to a local fire station to show their appreciation. We’re grateful for the continued support of our local first responders!
South Florida Team
The Sales team wrote Thank You cards for their teammates and customers. Our team is grateful for the continued support from everyone in the local area.
There were many more moments of kindness during the day, and we’re grateful that our teams completed so many Acts of Kindness in just one day. We can’t wait to see what else our teammates across all of our service centers accomplish in their communities in 2024!
For more information on Random Acts of Kindness Day, visit here!
Feb 23, 2024 | Termite Control
As spring approaches in Georgia, so does the dreaded termite swarming season. For homeowners, this annual event can be a cause for concern, as it signals the potential presence of destructive pests in and around their homes. In this guide, we’ll delve into what swarming termites are, when swarming season occurs, what termite swarms indicate, and crucial tips for termite prevention.
What are Swarming Termites?
Swarming termites are reproductive members of a termite colony. These winged insects emerge from their nests in large numbers during specific times of the year to mate and establish new colonies. Their primary goal is to find a mate and locate a suitable location to start a new colony, often in or around homes.
When is Termite Swarming Season?
In Georgia, termite swarming season typically occurs in the spring, between March and May. However, it can vary depending on factors such as temperature and humidity. Warm, humid conditions following rainfall trigger swarming behavior in termites, making spring the peak season for infestations.
What Do Termite Swarms Indicate?
The presence of termite swarms near or inside your home is a strong indicator of an existing termite infestation or the potential for one. Swarming termites may be found indoors near windows, doors, or light sources, as they are attracted to light. Additionally, discarded wings near windowsills or on the floor may indicate that a termite swarm has occurred.
Tips for Termite Prevention:
- Schedule Regular Inspections: Annual termite inspections conducted by a professional pest control company are essential for early detection of termite activity and prevention of infestations.
- Eliminate Moisture Sources: Termites are attracted to moisture, so it’s crucial to address any water leaks or standing water around your home. Ensure proper drainage and repair leaky pipes to reduce moisture levels.
- Keep Wood Away from the Foundation: Avoid stacking firewood or storing wood debris near your home’s foundation, as it can attract termites and provide easy access to your property.
- Seal Entry Points: Seal cracks, gaps, and openings around doors, windows, and utility pipes to prevent termites from entering your home.
- Invest in Termite Control: Consider proactive termite control measures, such as bait stations or liquid treatments, to protect your home from termite infestations.
Don’t wait until it’s too late to safeguard your home from termites. Contact a pest control company near you today for a free termite control quote and protect your investment against these destructive pests.
Being aware of termite swarming season and taking proactive measures for termite prevention are vital steps for Georgia homeowners to protect their properties. By understanding the behavior of swarming termites and implementing preventive strategies, you can ensure a termite-free home for years to come.
