Stop Termite Damage: Expert Pest Control

Swarming termites

Subterranean termites are destructive pests that can cause significant damage to homes and structures. Here are some reasons why they are detrimental and why homeowners should consider pest control services to combat these pests:

Property Damage: Subterranean termites feed on cellulose material, which includes wood found in the structure of homes. They can chew through wooden beams, flooring, and even furniture, leading to severe structural damage. If left untreated, termite infestations can weaken the integrity of a building, compromising its safety and value.

Costly Repairs: Repairing termite damage can be a costly endeavor. The longer an infestation goes unnoticed or untreated, the more extensive and expensive the repairs become. Pest control services can help detect and eliminate termite colonies early on, preventing costly damage and the need for extensive renovations.

Silent Invaders: Subterranean termites are often referred to as “silent destroyers” because they can go unnoticed for extended periods. They build their nests underground and travel through mud tubes to access above-ground food sources. By the time homeowners become aware of their presence, significant damage may have already occurred. Regular pest control services can include termite inspections, ensuring early detection and prompt treatment.

Long-Term Protection: Pest control services offer long-term protection against subterranean termites. They employ various methods, such as liquid barrier treatments and baiting systems, to create a protective barrier around the home. These preventive measures can deter termites from approaching the structure and provide ongoing monitoring to catch any signs of reinfestation.

Professional Expertise: Pest control professionals have the knowledge, experience, and tools necessary to effectively handle termite infestations. They understand termite behavior, nesting habits, and treatment options. Their expertise ensures a thorough inspection, targeted treatment, and ongoing prevention strategies tailored to the specific needs of the property.

Peace of Mind: Knowing that your home is protected against subterranean termites can provide peace of mind. Pest control services provide regular monitoring, preventive measures, and timely treatment, reducing the risk of termite damage and the associated stress and financial burden.

Insurance and Real Estate Considerations: Some insurance policies do not cover termite damage. However, maintaining a termite protection plan through pest control services can help demonstrate proactive measures, which may be beneficial when dealing with insurance claims or during real estate transactions.

Subterranean termites pose a significant threat to homes and structures, and their presence should not be taken lightly. Engaging professional pest control services ensures comprehensive termite management, early detection, and effective treatment. By investing in regular pest control, homeowners can protect their most valuable asset and enjoy a termite-free living environment.

Raptor vs Jays

Red Shoulder Hawk flying away

Sounds like a sporting event and I guess sorta is.  I’m not a full fledge birder but I believe this is what is happening… These Blue Jays are defending their tree that contains a hollow and their nest inside against this Red-shoulder Hawk.  Blue Jays can imitate the calls of Red-shoulder Hawks to scare away other birds which can be noticed when visiting bird feeders.  

Keep Mice Out Of Your Shed

Keep mice out of your shed

Your shed is more than just a storage space. It houses your valuable tools, gardening equipment, and cherished belongings. However, one tiny intruder, such as a mouse, can quickly turn your shed into a haven for pests. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the importance of keeping mice out of your shed and how hiring a professional pest control company can help you maintain a pest-free environment.

 

Protect Your Belongings:

Mice may seem harmless, but they can cause extensive damage to your shed and its contents. These furry critters have a knack for chewing through wires, insulation, and even wooden structures. By keeping mice out of your shed, you safeguard your belongings from costly repairs or replacements.

 

Prevent Health Risks:

Mice are carriers of various diseases and pathogens that can pose serious health risks to you and your family. Their droppings and urine can contaminate surfaces and the air, potentially leading to respiratory issues and allergies. By taking proactive measures to keep mice away from your shed, you reduce the risk of these health hazards.

 

Avoid Structural Damage:

As mentioned earlier, mice are notorious chewers. They can gnaw through insulation, cardboard, and other materials, compromising the structural integrity of your shed. Over time, this damage can weaken the shed’s foundation, making it more susceptible to water leaks, rot, and collapse. By ensuring a mouse-free environment, you preserve the longevity of your shed.

 

Maintain Neatness and Organization:

A shed infested with mice can quickly become cluttered and chaotic. These critters tend to nest in piles of debris, creating a mess and making it difficult to access your belongings. By keeping mice out, you promote a clean and organized shed, allowing for easier navigation and better storage of your items.

 

Professional Pest Control Services:

Hiring a reputable pest control company can be a game-changer in your battle against mice infestations. These professionals have the expertise, knowledge, and tools to effectively eliminate mice and prevent their return. They can conduct thorough inspections, identify potential entry points, and implement tailored solutions to keep your shed pest-free.

 

Customized Prevention Strategies:

Pest control experts don’t just eliminate existing infestations; they also develop personalized prevention strategies. They may recommend sealing cracks and gaps, installing rodent-proof barriers, or implementing bait stations to deter mice from entering your shed. These preventive measures ensure long-term protection and peace of mind.

 

Your shed is a valuable asset, and keeping it free from mice is essential for maintaining its integrity and functionality. By hiring a professional pest control company, you can address existing infestations, prevent future problems, and enjoy a clean, organized, and pest-free shed. Don’t let mice undermine the safety and functionality of your storage space—take action today and protect your shed from these unwanted intruders.

Snake in Your Basement? Why You Should Call a Pest Control Company

Eastern Milk Snake

Discovering a snake slithering in your basement can be an alarming and unsettling experience. While most snakes are harmless, it’s essential to handle the situation with caution and seek professional assistance. In this blog post, we’ll discuss why contacting a pest control company is the best step to take when encountering a snake in your basement.

Safety First:
When faced with a snake, it’s crucial to prioritize your safety and that of your family. Without proper knowledge and experience, it can be challenging to identify whether the snake is venomous or not. By contacting a pest control company, you ensure that trained professionals handle the situation safely and effectively.

Accurate Identification:
Differentiating between venomous and non-venomous snakes can be challenging for the average person. Pest control experts possess the expertise to accurately identify the snake species and determine the appropriate course of action. This knowledge allows them to take the necessary precautions and implement the most effective removal strategies.

Minimize Risk:
Even non-venomous snakes can become defensive and bite if they feel threatened. Attempting to capture or remove a snake without proper training increases the risk of bites or injuries. By relying on a pest control company, you minimize these risks and ensure that the snake is safely and efficiently handled.

Prevent Future Encounters:
A pest control company not only removes the snake from your basement but also addresses the underlying factors that attracted the snake in the first place. They can inspect your property for potential entry points, such as cracks or gaps, and recommend preventive measures to minimize the likelihood of future snake encounters.

Professional Expertise and Equipment:
Pest control professionals have the necessary knowledge, experience, and specialized equipment to handle snake removal effectively. They are equipped with snake handling tools that allow them to capture and remove the snake safely without causing harm to the reptile or the inhabitants of your home.

Peace of Mind:
Dealing with a snake in your basement can be a stressful experience. By entrusting the situation to a pest control company, you can alleviate your worries and have peace of mind knowing that experts are taking care of the problem. They will handle the situation promptly and efficiently, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your life without unnecessary stress.

Encountering a snake in your basement can be an unnerving experience, but the best course of action is to call a pest control company. Their expertise, training, and specialized equipment ensure the safe removal of the snake from your premises. Moreover, they can identify potential entry points and provide recommendations to prevent future snake encounters. Don’t take unnecessary risks—reach out to a professional pest control company when dealing with a snake in your basement and let them handle the situation with expertise and care.

 

Give us a call today if you are experience problems with snakes in or around your home.

Under Ground Fence Installed.

underground fence

So many times do we see larger pests like woodchucks and skunks making dens under decks, additions and sheds.  It is not uncommon at all.   They excavate dirt and erode around footings and sidewalks.  This moving of the soil can lead to all sorts of problems with the decline of structures in the area being the worst.  An underground fence will stop and prevent these pests from being able to get into the void under decks, additions and sheds.  The areas where you are least likely to look and most likely to have vulnerable stuff like plumbing, electrical and accessible (inaccessible for us) access into the home.  Schedule a no-charge inspection to learn more how we can help you protect your home from nuisance wildlife.

Mice vs. Rats: Understanding the Difference

Rat Droppings Near Bait Station

Lets play “Is it mice or rats?”

Spoiler alert…it’s rats. What might look like dirt or debris are actually rat droppings all around this bait station on the ground.  Mice and rats are two common household pests that can cause havoc and discomfort when they invade our living spaces. While they may seem similar at first glance, there are distinct differences between these rodents.

Physical Appearance:

One of the primary ways to differentiate mice from rats is through their physical attributes. Mice are generally smaller, measuring around 2 to 4 inches in length, with slender bodies, pointed noses, and relatively large ears. In contrast, rats are larger, ranging from 6 to 9 inches in length, with more robust bodies, blunt noses, and smaller ears compared to their body size.

 

Tail Length:

Another noticeable distinction between mice and rats lies in their tails. Mice have thin, long, and slightly hairy tails that are typically equal to or longer than their body length. On the other hand, rats possess thick, hairless, and scaly tails that are shorter than their body length.

 

Behavior and Habits:

While both mice and rats are nocturnal creatures, they exhibit different behaviors and habits. Mice are known for their agility and ability to climb, jump, and squeeze through tiny openings. They are fast breeders and tend to build nests in hidden areas using materials like paper, fabric, or insulation. Mice are generally curious and cautious creatures, avoiding human contact whenever possible.

 

Rats, on the other hand, are excellent swimmers and burrowers. They are more cautious and exhibit neophobic tendencies, meaning they’re wary of new objects or changes in their environment. Rats often create complex burrow systems and tend to nest in dark, secluded areas such as basements or crawl spaces. Due to their larger size and stronger gnawing capabilities, rats can cause more structural damage than mice.

 

Dietary Preferences:

Both mice and rats are opportunistic eaters, but they differ in their dietary preferences. Mice are omnivorous and consume a variety of foods, including grains, seeds, fruits, and even small insects. They can survive on very little water, deriving most of their moisture from their food. Rats, on the other hand, are more flexible in their diet and can consume a wider range of foods, including grains, fruits, vegetables, meat, and even pet food. Rats require a regular source of water to survive.

 

Health Risks:

While both mice and rats can carry diseases and transmit them to humans through their urine, droppings, or bites, rats are generally considered more of a health concern due to their larger size and potential for more severe bites. Common diseases associated with these rodents include salmonellosis, hantavirus, leptospirosis, and rat-bite fever.

 

Understanding the differences between mice and rats is essential for effective pest management. By recognizing their distinct physical characteristics, behaviors, habits, dietary preferences, and health risks, you can better identify the type of rodent infestation you may be dealing with. Whether it’s mice or rats, it’s important to address the issue promptly and seek professional pest control assistance to eliminate the problem and prevent further damage to your home or business.

Larder Beetles

Larder beetle

I’m always a little hesitant to show some pics out of concern for the squeamish…but if you’re following this page it can’t be that bad. 😅

So, here we have an expired mouse and accompanying this little guy is a couple of Larder Beetles.  If you are seeing these occasional invaders it could be an indication of another pest problem, in this case a mouse infestation.

Nice ootheca.

Oriental Cockroach

These Oriental cockroaches are BIG. Second picture shows a roach with an egg case (ootheca) still attached.  These roaches tend to be found areas of high moisture outside but sometimes, like in this case will come up thru sewer systems.  You can find these in sinks and around floor drains, much like you would American Roaches.