Business owners have a laundry list of priorities when it comes to running their companies effectively – competitive pricing, keeping both customers and employees happy, maintaining their bottom line while generating profit. One of the most important aspects of running a business is making sure the customers, employees, and the building itself are safe and healthy. For this reason, commercial pest control should be included on the top priorities list. Pests are not only a serious health hazard to both employees and customers, they can also cause significant structural damage to buildings and property. Their presence alone is enough to taint the reputation of a business, often causing irreparable damage and loss of business.
Commercial pest control offers many benefits to business owners:
Pests are active year-round. Whether it’s termites swarming in the spring or spiders in the fall, customers don’t want to see pests in your business during any season. Partnering with a commercial pest control company offers the benefit of year-round pest protection regardless of the type of seasonal pest you have.
Different pests can plague a business at different times throughout the year. Commercial pest problems can range from roaches in the kitchen of a restaurant to bed bugs in the guest room of a hotel and any variety of problems in between. A professional pest control company can provide service for any type of pest you encounter, providing the latest and most innovative techniques and treatment options for a variety of pests.
Most pest control companies offer a service guarantee meaning if you encounter a pest problem between scheduled visits or if you continue to have a recurrent problem after they have treated, they will come back and retreat at no additional cost to you.
A commercial pest control company can thoroughly evaluate your company to assess any pest issues you may have, as well as any areas of concern that may lead to future pest problems and provide you with a customized program tailored specifically to your company’s needs.
Commercial pest control provides many benefits to business owners and services including schools and daycares, hospitals, restaurants, offices, apartments, and more. Pest problems can be detrimental not only to a company’s reputation but also to the health and safety of their employees and customers and even the structure of the property itself. Consider implementing a commercial pest control program for your business today.
Is Sentricon Termite Protection Right for Your Home?
Things That Go Bump in Your Crawlspace
As you break out your fall decorations, you may have noticed an abundance of spider webs or had a spider run across your hand; now the house must burn! WAIT – before you jump to meme-worthy conclusions, spiders do act as nature’s form of pest control; however, having them in your home is not ideal. Follow these tips to prevent spider encounters in your home so that you can enjoy hanging up fake cobwebs without stumbling upon a real one.
There are thousands of species of cockroaches in the world but only a handful are found in the United States. The most common species found in the US include the German cockroach, the American cockroach, the brown-banded cockroach, and the Oriental cockroach. While there are significant differences between these four species, there are some common features that are shared between ALL species of cockroaches. All roaches have flattened, oval-shaped bodies with antennae on their heads. They all move surprisingly fast and they all present a health risk for households. Roaches are known to spread more than 30 types of bacteria and even parasitic worms. One can find all of these species of cockroaches in the house. However, each species has its own characteristics and can be found in different parts of the home – making treatment methods vary from type to type. Let’s take a look at the different types of cockroaches and some ways to prevent them.
The German cockroach, also known as Blattella germanica, is a smaller species of cockroach, usually only growing to about 5/8″ in length. They are usually pale brown or caramel colored with two dark brown stripes behind their heads. They have wings but do not fly. German cockroaches are found across the United States and prefer warm, moisture-rich habitats. They are often found near dishwashers, sinks, and stoves and are mostly found in kitchens and bathrooms. German cockroaches can live up to 12 months and produce more eggs than any other cockroach species. They eat a wide variety of things but prefer meat, grease, and starchy foods. They are notoriously responsible for outbreaks of illness and triggering allergic reactions in humans. Their small size allows them better hiding capabilities making them harder to get rid of.
The American cockroach, also known as Periplaneta americana, is one of the largest cockroaches found in homes. American cockroaches grow up to 1-1/2″ in length. They are reddish-brown or brown in color and have light yellow bands around the shield behind their heads. American cockroaches have wings and can fly short distances. They are found throughout the United States and are often found in warm, dark areas like basements, crawlspaces, bathtubs, drains, and sewers. They are also common in households where food is stored. They will eat everything from plant material to garbage and contaminate any surfaces they walk across. American cockroaches can live up to 2 years. They are active when the temperature is 70 degrees or higher but have also adapted to survive at much lower temperatures with the right conditions.
The brown-banded cockroach, also known as Supella longipalpa, is a smaller species of cockroach found throughout the United States. Brown-banded cockroaches are distinguished by 2 light yellow to brown bands across their bodies. Males have larger, dark brown wings that lighten in color as they extend to the tips. Females have smaller, reddish-brown to dark brown wings. Even though they both have wings, only males can fly. Brown-banded cockroaches like warm, dry environments that are higher than other species. They are often found in upper cabinets, behind pictures hanging on the walls, or in the hollow parts of furniture. In fact, they will often hide their egg casings in or under furniture. They will also gather near larger appliances like refrigerators and TVs because of the heat they give off. These cockroaches are often found in offices, apartments, kitchens, and hospitals. Brown-banded cockroaches prefer starchy foods like glue from envelopes and stamps and also paper products. They can live from 3 months up to 1 year and will jump when they have been disturbed.
The Oriental cockroach, also known as Blatta orientalis, “water bugs,” and “black beetles,” has a glossy appearance that is dark brown or black in color. Oriental cockroaches can grow up to 1-1/4″ in length. These cockroaches cannot fly and are not as fast as other species. They prefer cool, dark, damp environments and are often found in basements, sewers, drains, and near woodpiles. They commonly enter homes through drains in search of food. Unfortunately they cannot climb smooth vertical surfaces and are often found stuck inside sinks and tubs. They primarily feed on decaying organic matter. Oriental cockroaches have a 6 month life span and give off a strong smell. They are considered one of the dirtiest species of cockroaches.
Seeing one or two cockroaches in the house usually means there are several more hidden out of sight. They are much more difficult to get rid of once a roach infestation is established. There are some steps you can take to help prevent roaches from taking over:
If you suspect you have a roach problem, contact a licensed pest control company. Professional pest control technicians can provide expert advice and thoroughly assess your home to help identify not only the type of cockroaches you have but also the most up-to-date treatment options and prevention techniques.
Mosquito Season: When Will It End?
How Much Damage Can Termites Really Cause?
Helpful Tips to Keep Wildlife our of Your Home
In some places, especially the southern United States, mosquito season can seem like it lasts forever – or at least for the majority of the year; and in some cases it actually does. Mosquitoes are most often associated with the hot summer months but the season actually begins earlier than that and can run through fall. Besides being annoying, mosquitoes can also pose serious health hazards to both humans and animals. Mosquitoes are known to transmit serious diseases like West Nile virus, Zika virus, chikungunya, and eastern equine encephalitis.
Because mosquito activity is primarily driven by temperature, mosquito seasons vary from region to region. Some species of mosquitoes hibernate during the winter and emerge when the weather warms up. Other species die off when cold weather arrives and their offspring hatch from previously laid eggs in the spring. Regardless of the species, most mosquito activity begins when temperatures consistently reach above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. As temperatures increase, so does mosquito activity, making peak mosquito season in the hot summer months. As the weather begins to cool down, so does mosquito activity. Those mosquito species that hibernate over winter will begin looking for their winter dwellings in hollow logs, abandoned animal burrows, and other places. Those mosquito species that don’t hibernate will begin dying off as temperatures drop below 50 degrees. Because of this, those places with warmer climates will have mosquito season begin earlier and last longer than those with cooler climates.
There are some do-it-yourself pest control steps that you can take to help minimize mosquitoes on and around your property. Try to implement these before mosquito season starts when temperatures are still below the 50 degree mark. Waiting until mosquito season means the breeding population will already be established and will be much harder to control.
Even with these proactive steps, mosquitoes can still be difficult to control. Consider investing in a professional mosquito control program that can reduce mosquitoes, help prevent mosquito bites, and limit your risk of mosquito-borne disease. A mosquito control program from a licensed pest control company can provide you with treatments throughout mosquito season.
How to Help Your Lawn During Late Summer
Are Millipedes Helpful or Harmful?
Pest Control for Basements and Attics
Predictions for the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season have come in from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). During what they are calling a “near-normal” season, the Southeast region could see 9-15 major storms, 4-8 hurricanes, and 2-4 mega-hurricanes. Storms and heavy rains can lead to an explosion in pest populations after these weather systems are long gone. From clogged gutters to excess moisture in and around your home, your property needs protection from storm damage. Follow these tips to prepare and protect your home in case the weather takes a turn for the worst.
Once the clouds have cleared and you find that you have an issue with pests post-storm, contact your local, licensed pest control company for an inspection of your home. They can pinpoint areas of damage that can lead to more pest issues down the road.
