Apr 18, 2023 | Wildlife
Rodents, such as rats and mice, are common household pests that can cause many problems, from property damage to health issues. In the southern United States, there are several types of rats and mice that are commonly found near homes. Let’s go over the most common types of rats and mice and how to prevent them from invading your home.
Roof Rat
Roof rats are also known as black rats and are commonly found in urban and suburban areas. They are about 7-10 inches in length and have pointed snouts, large ears, and long, thin tails. They are excellent climbers and can often be found in attics and trees.
Norway Rat
Norway rats are also known as brown rats and are larger than roof rats, measuring 10-12 inches in length. They have blunt snouts, small ears, and short, thick tails. They are burrowers and are often found in basements and crawl spaces.
House Mouse
House mice are small rodents that are about 3-4 inches in length. They have pointed snouts, large ears, and long, thin tails. They are excellent climbers and can often be found in attics and walls.
Deer Mouse
Deer mice are small rodents that are about 3-4 inches in length. They are brown or gray in color and have large eyes and ears. They are often found in rural areas and can carry hantavirus, a potentially fatal disease.
How to prevent rodents:
- Seal any cracks or openings in your home’s exterior
- Keep your home clean and free of clutter
- Store food in sealed containers
- Keep basement and crawl space clean and free of debris
- Keep trees trimmed away from your home
If you believe you have a rodent infestation, give your local wildlife control company a call to provide a customized plan of action!
Apr 14, 2023 | Wildlife
Water moccasins, also known as cottonmouths, are one of 6 venomous snake species found in Georgia. These snakes are often mistaken for non-venomous water snakes (which are illegal to kill in the state of Georgia). Water moccasins are found in most areas of Georgia with the exception of the northern central region. While they often sunbathe on land, logs, or stumps found near water sources, they will also inhabit swamps, backwaters, and slow-moving streams.
Water moccasins are large, heavy bodied snakes with dull colors and rough scales. They have a single row of these scales under their tails (while water snakes have a double row). They also have elliptical eye pupils and heat sensing pits between their eyes and nostrils. Most have banding on their bodies with wider bands on the sides that narrow and taper near the top. These bands look like hourglasses when looking at them from above. They also have a dark stripe that runs from the back of their eye to the corner of their jaw which distinguishes them from water snakes and other species.
When agitated, water moccasins will vibrate their tails (similar to a rattlesnake rattle) and gape their mouths open, exposing the white coloration inside (hence the name cottonmouth). While these snakes have gotten a reputation for being aggressive, they are actually more likely to flee when encountered.
Water moccasins prefer to lay on logs and tree limbs near the water’s edge but will move into the water, as well. They can open their mouths and bite underwater, often hunting for frogs while swimming. The way they swim is also a distinguishing factor for these snakes. Water moccasins swim with their bodies riding on the surface of the water and their heads elevated above the water. They don’t typically submerge underwater, although they can. Water snakes will dive underwater when fleeing from a disturbance.
If you encounter a water moccasin in the wild, don’t panic. Stop moving towards them and back away slowly. Steer clear of them as you make your way away from them. Don’t ever attempt to kill or move a venomous snake on your own. If one makes its way into your home, call a professional wildlife control company for proper snake removal and relocation.
To keep water moccasins from lurking around your home, minimize stacks of wood near your house, get rid of standing water, bush piles, and any other moisture prone cover they can use. They also love to eat frogs so keep populations of these reduced around your property. They love wet hiding places with decaying plants or wood. Keep your home and yard clear and dry.
If you have a problem with snakes, contact your local pest control company for assistance.
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Should I Kill Centipedes In My House?
Keep Ants Out of Your Home this Spring
Apr 13, 2023 | Florida Pest Control
Miami, Florida is known for its beautiful beaches, lively city, and hurricanes! Unfortunately, hurricanes can bring in an influx of certain pest problems that can cause significant damage and be a nuisance. Check out the common hurricane pest problems that you could see after a storm and how to prevent them.
Common Pests After a Hurricane
Check out the most common hurricane pests you could see after a storm which include:
- Mosquitoes: Standing water left behind by the storm will become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Items that hold water are a huge attractant to these pests, including toys, overturned trash lids, bird baths, flowerpot sauces, and more.
- Cockroaches: Flooded areas are an ideal living environment for cockroaches to inhabit as they prefer damp climates and areas. Likewise, once they invade, it can be difficult to control them as they reproduce at a rapid pace.
- Termites: Flooding and moisture can weaken the structure of homes, making them more susceptible to termite infestations. Termites will cause significant wood damage and destroy the structural integrity of your home by eating it from the inside out.
- Rodents: These wildlife creatures will seek out damaged or flooded areas. Rodents, such as rats, carry many diseases and can cause damage to your home, including chewed electrical wires and destroyed insulation.
Preventing Pests Before a Hurricane
Taking precautions before a hurricane or storm arrives is the best way to prevent hurricane pests from invading your home. Check out our top pest prevention tips:
- Keep your gutters clear of debris and standing water
- Place wood debris and tree stumps away from your house.
- Keep your home clutter-free by removing any old newspapers, magazines, and cardboard boxes.
- Eliminate standing water around your home by checking for any leaky faucets, pipes, sinks, and appliances.
- Remove any items from your yard that can collect water, such as toys, buckets, old tires, tarps, etc.
- Seal up any cracks and holes outside of your home, including the areas where utility and pipes enter.
- Ensure your vents are screened and any gaps around your windows and doors are sealed.
- Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your home and elevated it at least 5 inches off the ground.
- Keep your home clutter-free by removing any old newspapers, magazines, and cardboard boxes.
If you’ve seen an increase in pest activity after a storm, it could be time to reach out to your local pest control company for a thorough inspection and treatment plan.
Apr 12, 2023 | Insulation
Macon Pest Control: Attic Insulation
Poor attic insulation in your home can cost you hundreds of dollars every year on your heating and cooling bills. There are many benefits to insulating your attic with Northwest. We offer an energy-efficient blown-in insulation that comes with the added value of pest control. Let’s see if our attic insulation is right for you!
- The blown-in insulation allows it to cover every corner of your attic. You will never have to worry if there are any gaps in your insulation.
- The material is dense, which means it allows less air flow between the insulation particles, keeping the ideal air inside the home, instead of escaping outside. This can help decrease your energy costs!
- The density also reduces outside noise, allowing your home to be a bit quieter.
- The temperature will stay consistent throughout the day, which decreases the workload on your HVAC system.
- Our insulation is Energy-Star rated and is considered a green product, made from all natural ingredients and recycled newspaper.
- It’s infused with borates, a pest control agent that helps control roaches, earwigs, ants, silverfish, and other pests. The borates won’t wear off, so your attic is always protected.
- With the help of the borates, the insulation is fire-retardant, adding another level of protection to your home.
If you think you’re ready for updated insulation and want a free quote, give your local pest control company a call today!
Apr 12, 2023 | Florida Mosquito Control
South Florida Mosquito Control: Green Mosquito Treatment
Florida is known for being hot and humid during the warmer months, creating the ideal environment for mosquitoes. Mosquitoes can emerge as early as March, meaning peak mosquito season is upon us, and these small, annoying insects can pose a serious health threat to humans. Luckily, there are new, innovative options for a no-spray mosquito control solution to stop the mosquito problem at the source.
The In2Care Mosquito Trap is a perfect solution to help prevent and eliminate mosquitoes throughout your property at the start of their lifecycle. This mosquito control method is unique as it lures in mosquitoes with a special green treatment inside the trap. Once mosquitoes enter the trap, the treatment transfers to the mosquitoes’ legs, spreading to the other breeding sites, such as different sources of water. The spread of the treatment helps to eliminate adult mosquitoes while also preventing the larva mosquitoes from developing further.
There are many benefits behind In2Care System, including:
- A no-spray, discreet way to reduce mosquitoes around your home or business
- Elimination of all mosquito life stages – from larva to adult
- Avoids harming beneficial insects, including bees
- Is strategically placed around your home, so it is always working
This alternative green mosquito control method is placed in a shaded, vegetated area where mosquitoes are likely to breed, and it lures mosquitoes with the treatment inside the trap.
Instead of constantly battling mosquitoes this spring and summer, consider a new way with the In2Care System to rid mosquitoes and take back your yard!
If you’re interested in the In2Care System or would like more information, reach out to your local pest control company who partners with In2Care to receive a treatment fit for your property!
