Jul 23, 2021 | Going Green, Mosquito
Mosquito season peaks in the summer months when the heat, humidity, and summer rain showers combine to create ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Besides those itchy red welts mosquito bites leave behind, they are also known to be vectors for serious diseases like Zika virus and West Nile virus. While traditional mosquito control programs are quite effective at eliminating mosquitoes, there are also green mosquito control options available, as well.
Green mosquito control is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional treatments that utilize plants, flowers and other natural ingredients to provide products that are family-friendly and pet-friendly. Green mosquito products are only applied where they are needed rather than over the entire yard so other beneficial pests aren’t eliminated along with the mosquitoes.
The first step in a green mosquito treatment system is an inspection of your entire yard to identify both nesting sites and resting places that mosquitoes are using. Once these areas have been identified, targeted applications of both larvicide and adulticide are used to help control all populations of mosquitoes. Once this is done, source reduction and elimination is performed by removing any areas of standing water on your property that can be used as a breeding ground. One benefit to mosquito treatments is a service guarantee that ensures a technician will come out between treatments for any issues that arise.
In addition to a scheduled mosquito treatment, homeowners can also take steps to prevent mosquitoes around their homes.
- Mow your lawn regularly.
- Cut away tall weeds around your property.
- Remove any containers with standing water.
- Make sure your property drains properly to avoid flooding and standing water.
If you have a problem with mosquitoes or any other pests, contact your local pest control company for a free analysis.
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Jul 6, 2021 | Pest Control
Summer can bring out a mass of pests looking for food, water, and shelter. If certain preventative measures are not put in place around your home, they can easily infest inside, making them difficult to get rid of. Here we break down the top three most popular summer pests to look out for and how you can prevent them.
Ants
Ants are small, sneaky, and looking for your leftover food crumbs! These pests can access your home through only a small gap or hole leading inside. Inspect and seal all cracks and crevices throughout the inside and outside of your home. Likewise, eliminating potential food sources they find attractive is a great way to prevent ants. Make sure that you are keeping a clean home by sweeping, mopping, taking the trash out regularly, and immediately cleaning up any spills.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are most active during warmer, humid weather. It’s certain you will come across these pests in the summertime but preventing them from infesting is easier than you think. Mosquitoes will lay their eggs in any standing water. Avoid standing water throughout your property by getting rid of objects that can hold water such as toys, pet bowls, tarps, birdbaths, etc. If clogged, gutters will also hold water, so make sure they are clear of debris to avoid providing them a place to breed and lay their eggs.
Roaches
Roaches eat just about anything, making them difficult to get rid of once they’ve infested your home. These pests can be a health threat as they are known to spread bacteria and cause severe allergic reactions. Eliminating any food source available to them is key to discouraging these pests. After each meal, wipe down any grease from the stovetop and appliances, clean up any leftover crumbs and spills from the countertops, and seal leftover food in airtight containers. Always take the trash out regularly and use garbage cans with tight-fitting lids. Before bringing in any newspapers or packages, inspect them throughout to ensure these pests are not sneaking in.
Dealing with summer pests can be a hassle and take away from all the summer fun! If you are having a summer pest problem, consider calling your local pest control provider. These professionals can provide you with a thorough inspection, identify the type of pest you are dealing with, and provide a treatment and prevention plan fit for your property.
May 26, 2021 | Pest Control
It’s officially barbeque season! Many of us are looking forward to getting together with family and friends during this warm weather for a backyard cookout. Unfortunately, we’re not the only ones who love our outside parties; summer pests are also likely to show up and ruin the fun! While it’s impossible to get rid of all pests outside, it is possible to reduce the chance of them crashing your party by taking a few precautions before your next backyard BBQ!
Prepare Before the Party
Before your party day arrives, put preventative measures in place to avoid pests. Check your doors and windows for any gaps or holes and secure them if needed. Check your yard for items that can hold water such as buckets or toys, which can act as a breeding ground for mosquitoes and empty or remove them.
Choose the Party Time Wisely
Many pests, like mosquitoes, are most active at dusk and dawn. If your party will take place before sunset, plan to have plenty of insect repellent on hand, especially those that contain DEET. Consider putting citronella candles outside near the party area where they can help minimize the presence of mosquitoes.
Secure the Food
Be prepared for pests to swarm the food and drinks you serve. Some pests, like ants, are looking for any food source such as fruit or sweets. Consider serving your food and drinks indoors and use your outdoor space for eating and entertaining. Try to keep your food in sealed containers when possible and, throughout the party, try to wipe and sweep up any food crumbs or spills to keep pests from infesting.
After the Party
As important as it is to prepare for a party, it’s equally important to clean up afterwards to keep pests from taking over your property afterward. Make sure you clean up any trash that’s been left behind, along with sweeping up crumbs and wiping spills. Wash dishes right after the party instead of letting them lay in the sink overnight. Make sure that you’ve placed your trash in sealed, tightly closed garbage containers outside of your house.
Preparing for a party can be stressful enough, but when pests become a problem they can definitely add to your stress. To ensure a pest-free party, consider calling your local pest control company who can provide you with an inspection and a treatment plan.
May 21, 2021 | Pest Control
One thing we look forward to in the summer is warmer weather which lets us spend more time outdoors. Unfortunately for some, this also means summer pests come out full force to ruin your outdoor plans. Some of the most common summer pests are flies, ants, mosquitoes, roaches, gnats, ticks, rodents, and stinging insects like wasps and hornets.
There are five major reasons these pests become more prominent in the summer months. The first is temperature. The temperature outside can affect both the behavior and development of pests. Many of these creatures favor the warmer temps, increasing their activity. Other pests, however, will make their way into your home in an effort to escape the heat. Moisture also contributes to pests invading in the summer. Most pests need water to survive and will thrive in moist environments. The increased humidity and summer rain showers provide ideal conditions for pests to thrive during this season. During times of drought, they will make their way indoors in search of water.
Summer also means longer days and shorter nights. More daylight means more time for pests to stay active in their search for food. Food is another motivator for summer pest activity. Grass and other vegetation grows in abundance in the summer months, providing a literal feast for many pests. This also provides them with an ideal place to hide out. Finally, for many pests summer is one of the busiest seasons of their life cycle. They reproduce at a rapid rate during these months in order to grow their populations before the slow down of the winter months. Many also go in search of food to store away for their upcoming winter hibernation or brumation.
Summer pests don’t have to ruin your good times. Here are some Dos and Don’ts of summer pest control.
Do:
- Remove any sources of standing water like bird baths, buckets, and toys.
- Keep drainage areas and gutters clear and freeflowing.
- Consider installing gutter guards.
- Make sure rain water is diverted from foundations.
- Repair loose mortars around foundation.
- Keep your yard tidy and grass cut short.
- Replace weatherstripping around windows and doors.
- Keep counters clean and floors swept.
- Keep food and pet food put away in sealed containers.
- Keep basements, attics, and crawlspaces well ventilated and dry.
- Consider crawlspace enclosure.
- Throw away overripe fruits and vegetables.
- Use trashcans with tight fitting lids and clean them regularly.
Don’t:
- Leave pet food and water bowls out overnight.
- Let garbage pile up.
- Leave dirty dishes in the sink.
- Store firewood or other materials up against the house.
- Ignore cracks and openings in your home’s exterior.
- Let sprinklers spray toward foundations.
- Store piles of newspapers or other materials.
- Use cardboard boxes for storage; use plastic when possible.
If you have a problem with pests this summer, contact your local pest control company who can evaluate your home, identify the type of pest you are dealing with, find how and where they are getting into your home, and provide you with the best treatment and prevention plan for your situation.
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May 14, 2021 | Mosquito
Your backyard is a great place to hang out, especially during warmer weather. One pest that can really ruin your good time is a mosquito. Besides being a nuisance, mosquitoes can transmit serious diseases to not only humans but also dogs, cats, and horses. Peak mosquito season runs from April to October. Help keep your family and pets safe with these mosquito prevention tips for warmer weather.
Get Rid Of Standing Water
Mosquitoes breed in standing water and only need a thimbleful to start the process. Eliminating potential breeding sites (also known as source reduction) will help keep mosquitoes out of your yard. Identify any low areas that are prone to flooding or pooling water and fill them in with dirt or remulch them. Empty birdbaths daily and refill them. Keep gutters clear of debris. Turn over and remove water from anything that can collect it including pots, tarps, toys, furniture, old tires, pet bowls, etc. Fix any leaky faucets, sprinklers, and hoses that can cause water to pool up. Check AC drip pans for standing water. Keep pools maintained and cover or fill hollow tree stumps.
Clean The Gutters
Clogged gutters can lead to standing water, attracting mosquitoes who are looking for a place to lay eggs. Keep your gutters clear of debris or consider installing gutter guards to help prevent clogs. This can also help prevent other pests, as well.
Don’t Forget Your Water Features
For larger water features that can’t be eliminated, treat them with larvacide that will eliminate any mosquito larvae that is present. Use it in any areas of standing water such as ponds, water features, and swimming pools.
Keep Your Yard Maintained
Mosquitoes love to hide in tall grass, shrubbery, and damp woodpiles. Keep your grass mowed short and your landscaping well maintained. Keep wood piles covered or store wood in containers with lids.
Crank Up The Fans
Mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide and body heat. If you have to spend any time outdoors, consider using outdoor fans to help dissipate and redirect the carbon dioxide and body heat you emit. This helps make you less attractive to mosquitoes in the area.
Landscape With Mosquito-Repelling Plants
Some common flowers and plants actually make great natural mosquito repellent. Planting these flowers around your home will help keep mosquitoes at bay. Marigold is one of the most common mosquito-repelling plants. Others include lavender, rosemary, basil, catnip, lemon balm, peppermint, and pennyroyal. Citronella grass is also a good option as it is extremely easy to maintain and can be used to fill in large areas.
Attract Bats
Yes, you read that correctly! Bats eat thousands of mosquitoes each day. While this may not be an ideal solution if you live in a neighborhood or in close proximity to your neighbors, it is a great alternative for those with larger properties. You can build a bat house to attract them to your yard and watch the mosquitoes disappear.
Consider Professional Service
Fighting mosquitoes can seem like a never-ending battle despite your best efforts. There are traditional and green mosquito control options available today. Most professional mosquito elimination services will include treatments that target both adult and larvae, as well as source reduction and elimination techniques. These services are typically monthly during peak mosquito season. If you have a problem with mosquitoes, contact a professional pest control company for a free estimate.
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