Monthly Archives: March 2012

Signs of Subterranean Termites

Posted on by
termite damage

As you can see, termite damage occurs on the inside of a wooden structure. http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisandbabs/5685676890/

They may not be as repulsive as roaches as frightening as spiders or as unsettling as rats, but when it comes to damage to your home, termites take the cake.  These tiny pests will move into your home completely unnoticed and set to work devouring any wood in sight.  Most people are aware of the problems associated with termites but don’t actually know how to recognize signs of these pests.  Subterranean termites are the most common type of termite in the United States and are found in every state but Alaska.  These pests feed on wood and replace what they consume with mud.  They are especially attracted to damaged and damp wood. Continue reading →

Tips for a Mosquito-Free Patio

Posted on by
mosquito problems

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dailyinvention/33941672/

There are few pests that could be considered as irritating and bothersome as mosquitoes.  Especially as the temperatures rise along with the humidity, these bugs will be out in full force.  Most people experience small, itchy, red welts when bitten, but some individuals respond much more dramatically to a mosquito bite.  Apart from the uncomfortable bites they deliver, mosquitoes can carry many diseases, which they can transmit with their bites. Pest control experts can provide you with safe and effective chemicals to repel and eliminate mosquitoes, but there are also a few tricks you can try on your own to relieve your mosquito problem. Continue reading →

5 Easy Ways to Keep Stinging Insects at Bay

Posted on by
stinging insects

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikebaird/327563900/

Many individuals fear stinging insects significantly more than other pests because of the unpleasant pain they are known to cause. In the springtime, these nuisances are out in full force.  If you have stinging insects in your home or in very significant numbers outdoors, you will need to contact a pest control professional.  However, even if you don’t have a major problem, bees, wasps, yellowjackets and hornets are all inevitable and can deliver a painful sting.  Here are a few easy ways to steer these bugs clear of you and avoid stings if they are around.

  1. Don’t look like their food. Bright colors and florally perfumes give you the appearance of a flower and will have these pests headed your way.  Avoid this look if you plan to spend a significant amount of time outside that day. Continue reading →

Bug Proof Your Home for Spring

Posted on by

Ok, so there may not ever be a way to completely bug proof your home, but there are plenty of steps you can take to prevent them.  As spring approaches and the weather warms up, there will be plenty of creepy crawlers emerging from their winter hideaways trying to make their way indoors.  Here are a few tips on how to prepare your home for the coming months.

  1. Clean out your gutters. Over the winter, gutters become filled with leaves, twigs and all kinds of debris.  This gutter clutter is a breeding ground for pests and brings them very close to your home, where they will then find ways to come inside. Continue reading →

Tips for Safe DIY Pest Control

Posted on by

Any major pest problems in the home warrant professional help, but with some minor issues you may find it useful to try some at-home remedies.  There is an abundance of pest control products available to the public, but it’s very important to understand what is in the products you are using and how to use them safely.  The EPA offers many resources regarding pesticide use, and before you get started, we’ll give you a brief breakdown of the basic rules to follow when using these products.

  1. Only use products for the pests they are intended to control: This may seem like common sense, but a lot of homeowners try to cut corners or save a few bucks and turn the one bottle of pesticide in their cabinet into the solution for any bug they see.  Continue reading →

Protecting Against Household Plant Pests

Posted on by
household plants

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pinkmoose/3960343553/

As we approach spring, a time when people are commonly purchasing plants or even receiving them as gifts for occasions such as Valentine’s Day or Mothers’ Day, it’s important to know how to handle and treat these plants to avoid introducing new pests into your home.  There are a range of different pests that love to feast on plants commonly found in homes.  Some of the most common offenders include mites, spring tails, mealybugs and gnats. Continue reading →