Mar 31, 2023 | Pest Control
Honeybees play a vital role in our ecosystem, as they are responsible for pollinating various crops we eat daily, including fruits, vegetables, and nuts! Unfortunately, sometimes these insects will build their colonies in inconvenient places, such as inside our walls, eaves, and roofs. Luckily, there is a safe and sustainable solution when these situations happen for both our home and the bees with Honeybee Relocation Services. Learn more about honeybee relocation services and how they can support your home!
What is Honeybee Relocation Services?
Relocation services involve carefully removing honeybees and their colonies from unwanted locations and relocating them to more suitable environments for them to produce their honey and live. This service must be performed by a certified beekeeper who has the knowledge, skills, and equipment required to handle these insects safely and effectively.
What are the Benefits of Honeybee Relocation Services?
Relocation services help the preservation of honeybees. These insects are essential to our food system, making it important to continue efforts to maintain a healthy bee population! Instead of eliminating these insects, their preservation will help continue their pollination of our crops and sustain our environment.
How Does Honeybee Relocation Services Work?
A certified beekeeper will arrive at your home to inspect and locate the honeybees and other factors before removing the colony. On the day of the relocation, your beekeeper will begin accessing the colony if it’s found in walls or attics. Once the beekeeper has access, they will carefully remove the honeybees from their current location, which may involve physically removing the bees from their colony or using special tools to place them into the bee box. Once they have been safely removed, the beekeeper will transport them to a new location where a hive will be set up to provide a suitable environment for the bees to thrive!
Honeybee relocation services aim to safely remove and relocate these insects without harming them or damaging your home. If you’re interested or would like more information on Honeybee Relocation Services, reach out to your local pest control company.
Mar 31, 2023 | Pest Control
Spring brings new life, warmer weather, and pests! Because of the spring weather, household pests such as ants, roaches, mosquitoes, termites, rodents, and other pests emerge from hibernation in search of a food source and a place to nest. Now is the ideal time to prevent these pests from multiplying. Check out our tips for spring pest control!
Seal Entry Points
Pests can enter your home through the smallest crack, crevice, or hole. Examine the exterior of your home for these areas, including the foundation, pipes, windows, doors, and HVAC units. Cockroaches, rodents, wasps, ants, and other pests will gain entry and cause a variety of problems in your home. Seal any openings with caulk if you find them. Consider using a sweep to seal the gap between the floor and the door for doors. Use screens on doors and windows and keep them in good condition.
Remove Stagnant Water
Warmer weather and standing water will attract pests such as mosquitoes and roaches to your property. Standing water attracts pests and allows them to multiply and thrive, so it is critical to remove it. Check for leaks on the outside and inside of your home. Pests can be attracted by dripping faucets and loose fixtures. Remove any items in your yard that could collect water, such as flowerpots, old tires, tarps, toys, and so on. Consider enclosing your crawlspace to help control moisture and temperature inside your home.
Keep Your Woodpiles Safe
Many pests will use our firewood to make their way into our homes. Keep your woodpiles at least 20 feet away from your house. To prevent termites and roaches from living in them, consider placing them in plastic containers with lids and elevating them off the ground. Inspect it for pests and brush them off before bringing it inside.
Remove Clutter
Starting your spring cleaning early could help keep pests at bay! Consider starting at the ground floor and working your way up to declutter your home. Clean the floors, dust, sweep, mop, vacuum, and empty your closets and drawers of unnecessary items. Remove old newspapers and cardboard boxes from storage, as these can attract rodents looking for a nesting site. Remove old tree stumps, twigs, and other debris from your yard. Similarly, rake up all the leaves and keep mowing on a regular basis.
Clean Up and Store Food Properly
Mice and rats are looking for food and have infiltrated our kitchens to find it. It is critical to clean your kitchen and store leftover food safely. Wipe down your counters after each meal and clean up any leftover crumbs or spills. Sweep and mop your kitchen floors on a regular basis, and don’t forget to clean under your appliances. Use trashcans with lids to dispose of your garbage on a regular basis. Make use of airtight containers when storing food.
While following these spring pest control tips can help keep bugs out of your home, it is sometimes necessary to call a professional for extra protection. Your local pest control company can inspect your home, identify potential pest sources, and recommend a pest control and prevention strategy.
Mar 24, 2023 | Pest Control
Orb weavers are a broad family of spiders found throughout the United States and Canada. The orb weaver is known for the large, majestic web it weaves. These webs are commonly found on tree branches, in tall grass, bushes, and around light fixtures. They are often found where abundant food sources are available (in your yard or garden, near lights that are on at night, etc.).
Most orb weavers appear in the spring when their eggs hatch, but they aren’t really noticed until late summer and fall (when the males go out in search of their mates). Female orb weavers hang out in their webs, eating and waiting on a male to come find them. Males are always on the move, rarely building webs, searching for a partner. At the end of fall, females will lay their eggs and then die during the first frost. Males typically die after mating. Because of their structure, orb weaver eggs can survive the cold weather of winter. When the weather warms up in the spring, the eggs hatch, releasing a new brood of orb weaver babies.
These spiders are known to be docile and non-aggressive. They rarely bite and aren’t considered dangerous to humans or pets. In fact, they can be beneficial to have around as they trap and eat other pests that can infest your home.
Prevention is unnecessary with orb weavers unless their web is built in an inconvenient location or a location with high human traffic. They cause no structural damage. You can lessen your chances of encountering orb weavers by:
- Removing their food sources by keeping other pest populations under control around your home
- Sealing any cracks, gaps, and crevices in your home’s exterior
- Removing ground litter
- Trimming grass and bushes
If you have a problem with orb weavers or any other pests, contact your local pest control company.
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Mar 21, 2023 | Pest Control
Spiders are often found in secluded areas where they are rarely disturbed. Your home offers the perfect place to hunker down during the winter and provides them with food, shelter, and even a mate.
Spiders feed off other insects, so they can be beneficial for you over time. If you do begin seeing an influx of other insects, it might mean you have a higher population of spiders as well. Your home offers warmth, which is what these overwintering pests are really in search of once winter hits. They will also enter your home due to how easy it can be for them. Any crack, crevice, or opening is an invitation for these pests to enter your home.
Spiders can be considered a form of natural pest control but can be unsightly if discovered in your home. Check out these tips to keep spiders out of your home:
- Clear Clutter: Messy environments create the perfect oasis for spiders. Be sure to keep clutter at bay to lessen the chances of a hiding spider.
- Seal Doors and Windows: Monitor the exterior of your home for any potential openings and get this fixed as soon as you can. It won’t only keep spiders out, but also any other household pests.
- Trim Bushes: Keeping hedges, tree limbs, or any other plant trimmed away from your home will make it more difficult for these arachnids to gain access to your home.
- Inspect Items: Before bringing any outdoor items inside, inspect them for any hiding pests.
If you suspect a spider problem, then reach out to your local pest control company for a free inspection today!
Mar 21, 2023 | Pest Control
Alabama Pest Control: Spring Pests
Spring is just around the corner and so are more pests! It’s the perfect time of year to begin prepping your home to keep spring pests away. Mosquitoes, termites, ants, and wildlife are common in the spring time, so it’s best to follow these tips to hopefully lessen your chances of a spring pest infestation.
Seal Up Gaps and Cracks
Pests can fit through the tiniest of holes or cracks in your home. Be sure to examine your home for any potential openings in your foundation, windows, doors, and walls. You can use a silicone caulk to seal any discovered gaps.
Store Food in Sealed Containers
Avoid leaving open food containers out in the open where it’s easy for pests to find. If possible, transfer open food containers to airtight containers that are plastic or glass. This will make it more difficult for some pests to chew through.
Remove Moisture Around Property
Mosquitoes and other spring pests utilize standing water to breed. It only takes the smallest amount of water to attract them to your home. Moisture is also an attractant for cockroaches, termites, and wildlife. Some ways to lessen moisture is to clean out bird baths and pet water bowls daily and check for any other objects, such as HVAC pans or old tires that can house an excess amount of water.
Hire a Professional
If you believe that your home has been taken over by any spring pests, be sure to reach out to your local Birmingham, Alabama pest control company to receive a plan of action today.
Mar 17, 2023 | Pest Control
As the weather starts to warm up, many of us look forward to spring and all that it brings. Unfortunately, one of the things that it brings is ants. In the springtime, these household pests become more active and start to look for sources of food and water. If you’re not careful, you may find yourself dealing with an infestation. Let’s discuss the different types of ants you’ll encounter in the springtime and how to prevent them from returning.
Different Types of Ants
- Pavement Ants: These pests are typically found in cracks and crevices in concrete or pavement. They are small, black, or brown, and can form large colonies.
- Carpenter Ants: Carpenter ants are larger than other species and are typically black or red. They can cause significant damage to wood structures, as they excavate tunnels to build their nests.
- Argentine (Sugar) Ants: Argentine ants are light to dark brown and are known for forming massive colonies. They are attracted to sweet foods and can quickly become a nuisance.
- Odorous House Ants: Odorous house ants are dark brown or black and emit a foul odor when crushed. They are attracted to sweets and can quickly infest your kitchen.
How to Prevent Ants:
- Keep your home clean: They are attracted to food, so keeping your home clean and free of crumbs is essential. Wipe down countertops, sweep and mop floors, and make sure all food is stored in airtight containers.
- Seal cracks and crevices: These tiny pests can enter your home through the tiniest of cracks and crevices. Seal any openings around windows, doors, and baseboards with caulk.
- Remove sources of water: They also need water to survive, so fixing leaky pipes, and keeping pet bowls and sink dishes dry is essential.
- Use natural remedies: These creatures dislike certain scents, including peppermint, vinegar, and citrus. You can use these scents to deter them from entering your home by placing cotton balls soaked in the scent around the perimeter of your home.
- Call a professional: If you have a severe infestation, it’s best to call a professional pest control service. They have the tools and knowledge to eliminate them and prevent them from returning.
If an ant problem has become more than you can handle, be sure to give your local pest control company a call for a free inspection today!
Mar 13, 2023 | Pest Control
Tennessee Pest Control: Spring Pests
Spring season brings fresh air, warmer weather, and pests! Because of spring’s climate, household pests, including ants, roaches, mosquitoes, termites, rodents, and other pests start emerging from hibernation, looking for a food source and a place to nest. Before these pests emerge in droves, now is the perfect time to prevent them. Check out our tips on keeping unwanted spring pests away from your Tennessee home!
Seal All Entry Points
The smallest crack, crevice, or hole can let pests inside your home. Check around the exterior of your home, including your foundation, pipes, windows, doors, and HVAC units for these areas. Cockroaches, rodents, wasps, ants, and more will gain access and cause several problems in your home. If you notice any openings, seal them tightly with caulk. For doors, consider utilizing a sweep to seal the gap between the floor and the door. Utilize screens on doors and windows and make sure they’re always in good repair.
Eliminate Stagnant Water
The combination of warmer weather and standing water will attract pests like mosquitoes and roaches to your property. Standing water is a major pest attractant and allows them to multiply and thrive, making it essential to remove it. Check your exterior and interior for leaks. Even dripping faucets and loose fixtures can attract pests. Check your yard for any items that could collect water and remove them, including flowerpots, old tires, tarps, toys, etc. Also, consider enclosing your crawlspace to help reduce moisture and control temperatures inside your home.
Store Your Woodpiles
Many pests will utilize our firewood to hitchhike their way inside our homes. Place and store your woodpiles at least 20 feet away from your home. For extra protection, consider placing them in plastic containers with lids and elevate them off the ground to prevent termites and roaches from living in them. Before you bring it indoors, inspect it for pests and brush them off.
Clear Clutter
Starting early on your spring cleaning could pay off in keeping pests away! Consider starting at the lowest level of your home and working your way up to declutter. Clean the floors, dust, sweep, mop, vacuum, and remove unnecessary items from your closets and drawers. Get rid of old newspapers and cardboard boxes in storage, as these can attract rodents looking for a place to nest. In your yard, remove old tree stumps, twigs, and other debris. Likewise, rake up all the leaves and continue mowing on a regular basis.
Clean Up & Properly Store Food
Mice and rats are looking for food to survive, invading our kitchens to find it. It’s important to clean your kitchen and safely store leftover food. After each meal, wipe down your counters and clean up any leftover crumbs or spills. On a regular basis, sweep and mop your kitchen floors, and don’t forget to clean under your appliances too. Take your garbage out regularly, using trashcans with lids. When storing food, make sure you utilize airtight containers.
While utilizing these pest prevention tips will always help keep bugs from invading your home, sometimes it’s best to call a professional for extra protection. Your local pest control company can assess your home, identify any sources of pest problems, and provide you with a pest control and prevention plan.
Mar 9, 2023 | Pest Control
Laurens Pest Control: Eliminating Cockroaches
A lot of homeowners believe that a tidy home will keep cockroaches away, but that’s not always the case. Cockroaches can find themselves in the tidiest of homes and it’s due to the availability of food, water, and shelter. The sight of even just one roach in your home should raise some alarms. These pests can multiply quickly and seeing just one typically means more are hiding nearby.
The main reason you should be wary about cockroaches in your home is that they can carry bacteria on their bodies and feet. They tend to walk across various surfaces and can pick up many unwanted germs. They are also known to bring on allergic reactions and asthmas attacks.
Signs of Cockroaches:
- Dead cockroach bodies
- Small, brown, oval-shaped eggs or eggshells
- Dark, powdery droppings that resemble coffee grounds
- Musty odor
If you begin noticing these signs of roaches, then it might be time to call your local pest control company. In the meantime, here are some simple cockroach prevention tips that will help lessen the chances of a roach infestation:
- Clean thoroughly. After each meal, clean the dishes and put them away. Get rid of the crumbs and mop up the spills right away. Throw all trash away in a bin with a lid.
- Declutter: Keep rooms decluttered and maintain a regular dusting schedule. When storing items, use plastic bins instead of cardboard, which is a major attractant for roaches.
- Eliminate Moisture. Roaches thrive in moist areas and need water to survive, like most pests. Regularly check for any leaks or standing water in or around your home.
- Call the Professionals. If you have done everything you possibly can but are still experiencing roaches, give your local pest control company a call today. An experienced technician will be able to determine the best plan perfect for you and your home.
Mar 8, 2023 | Pest Control
Macon Pest Control: Preventing Spring Pests
A household pest is any undesired animal that has a history of living, invading, causing damage to, eating food from, acting as a disease vector for, or causing any other harm to a human habitat. While most are considered a nuisance, household pests become dangerous when they pose a risk to health, property, or lifestyle.
While they can be common year-round, some are common in the spring months. Here are a few common spring pests you can find in your Georgia home:
Termites
Termite swarming season begins in the springtime. Swarming season is when young termites leave their current colony and go off to find mates and establish new colonies. If you begin to see swarmers, it might mean a colony is nearby.
Ticks
Ticks are problematic to humans and pets because they spread diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. You might begin to see an increase of tick bites in the springtime. The mild winters in Georgia don’t help with keeping ticks away for long, so you should always be aware of ticks at any time of the year.
Ants
With heavy rainfall in the early spring, you can expect to see ants finding their way inside your home. They will begin to search for food and water, which your home has plenty of.
Flies
These pesky pests will find their way inside once the weather begins to warm up. They can spread many pathogens by picking them up on their feet when landing on different items.
Prevent Spring Pests:
- Keep windows, doors, and vents sealed
- Use garbage cans with sealed lids
- Keep plants and tree limbs cut away from your house
- Fix leaks to prevent excess moisture
- Wear insect repellent
- Keep home clean and free of crumbs, especially the kitchen
- Keep up with quarterly pest control
If you’re ready to begin prevention of these spring pests, reach out to your local pest control company to receive a free quote and the best plan of action to keep pests away!
