Pest infestations can wreak havoc on businesses and homes. An unchecked infestation of rodents, cockroaches, or termites can cause health problems and cost you money.
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Termites
Termites are one of the most destructive wood-eating insects in the country, costing homeowners billions in damage each year. They can invade homes and other buildings from the ground or through gaps between the foundation and concrete, masonry, or wood shingles. Because they remain hidden until an infestation is severe, it’s important to monitor for signs of a termite infestation. Look for small, wood-colored pellets in the soil around your home, especially near windows or baseboards, which is a sign that termites are tunneling from the ground to your house.
A professional pest control company can help with the detection and treatment of termite infestations. Depending on the type of termite, a pest control company may use different methods to control the pests and prevent future activity.
The most common species of termite in the country is subterranean. These are social insects that live in colonies with a queen, workers, and soldiers. They forage for cellulose material, which is found in plant matter like dead trees and wood. The colony’s “headquarters” are typically buried on the forest floor or in a stump or log, with feeders connecting it to other food sources through underground tunnels.
Termites typically forage through soil or decaying wood, so they prefer areas with high moisture content. They also tend to move through mud tubes, which are formed from earth or wood particles and help them to travel more easily between food sources. Subterranean termites require moisture to survive, so they usually swarm during the spring and summer and may enter a home through the ground or through cracks in the foundation.
Winged termites, also called swarmers, are another indication of termite activity. When these insects lose their wings, they fly away from their own colonies to establish new ones somewhere else. If you see swarmers flying around your house, call a pest control specialist to schedule a termite inspection immediately.
You can minimize the risk of a termite infestation by reducing humidity levels and sealing cracks in your home’s foundation. In addition, it is important to eliminate any wood piles or stacks that may be near your house. Creating barriers from aboveground to belowground, such as stainless steel mesh around pipes and posts, can also help reduce the chances of a termite infestation.
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius L.) are blood-sucking insects that prefer to live and feed close to where humans sleep. This close association with human dwellings has made them one of the most widespread pests in the world, and infestations are often found in hotels, dormitories, apartment buildings, and private homes. Bed bug bites are itchy and can cause inflammatory reactions in some people. They can also lead to secondary infections if scratched too deeply. The best treatment for bed bug bites is to apply antiseptic creams and emollients. For severe itching, antihistamines may be useful.
The slim, flat bodies of adult bed bugs and their nymphs allow them to fit into narrow spaces where they can hide until conditions are right for feeding. They are reddish-brown and do not have wings, so they can crawl quickly over floors, walls, ceilings, and other surfaces. Bed bugs are most active at night, but can crawl long distances in search of a host. Because they do not fly or jump like fleas, they are difficult to detect by visual inspection alone. They are often mistaken for ticks, cockroaches, carpet beetles, and other household pests.
Although they are nocturnal, bed bugs can still be detected by proactive inspections. These should be done daily and preferably by a trained professional. In addition to visual inspection, various devices can be used to aid in detection and monitoring. Bed bug infestations that are allowed to continue unabated will spread to other areas of the dwelling. This is particularly true of multi-occupancy buildings, where the presence of other tenants increases the risk of unreported infestations spreading to other units.
A routine, thorough bed bug control program should include washing of bedding and curtains in hot water and drying them on the highest dryer setting. Sealing of small hiding places is also a good practice, as are the regular removal of infested items, such as stuffed animals, shoes, and clothing, for treatment or disposal. If any items that cannot be treated are discarded, put them in a plastic bag and throw them out immediately in an outdoor trash container.
Rodents
Rodents are a common problem for homeowners and business owners alike. They can damage your property and threaten the health of your employees and customers. These rodents spread several diseases through bites and contaminated food and surfaces, including leptospirosis, hantavirus, and salmonella. They also gnaw through wires, creating fire hazards. Their urine, droppings, and fur can contaminate indoor spaces, leading to respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and other issues.
Rats and mice are experts at hiding, so people often don’t realize they have a problem until it’s too late. Look for signs of rodent infestation, such as rodent holes along baseboards, droppings, and structural damage caused by constant gnawing. You may even hear scratching sounds as rats gnaw their way through pipes and wires. Indoor infestations typically peak in the fall, when outdoor temperatures start to drop and rodents seek warmth and shelter in homes and buildings.
Fortunately, effective rodent control is possible with proper treatment and preventive measures. Pest solution companies use a range of tools and treatments, including traps, bait stations, and time-tested methods like blocking entry points and sealing cracks to keep out these critters. These preventive methods can be paired with a baiting plan to ensure the entire infestation is eliminated without resorting to harsh pesticides or other toxic products.
These rodents are highly adaptable and can take advantage of any opening in your home or business. If you have a gap in your foundation, basement, or wall, it’s important to seal it as soon as possible to prevent their entry and spread. You can also protect your property by keeping garbage in tightly-sealed containers, bringing them to the curb only on the day of pickup, and cleaning up discarded food items and other debris around your home or business.
Our comprehensive rat control services include a thorough inspection, identifying the extent of the infestation, and locating entry points and nesting areas. We then use our expertise and advanced tools to create a tailored pest management strategy that will eliminate the problem and keep it from coming back.
Insects
The pests that plague our homes and businesses can take a huge toll on your property and your lifestyle. They can cause costly damage to your home or business, leave you with a stinky, contaminated home or work environment, and even expose you and your family to harmful diseases. The best way to eliminate pests from your home or business is by working with a team of trained professionals that can develop and implement effective treatments to prevent infestations and eradicate existing pest populations.
Many types of insects can be considered pests, and these include ants, roaches, rodents, bed bugs, and other crawling creatures. Insects have been a significant nuisance for humankind since prehistoric times and have been responsible for devastating crop failures throughout history. They can destroy crops, contaminate food supplies, and pose a threat to human health.
Insects are also serious pests because they transmit disease. Each year, millions of people, especially in the tropics, are affected by insect-borne diseases such as malaria and yellow fever transmitted by mosquitoes, typhus caused by fleas, sleeping sickness spread by tsetse flies, and leishmaniasis spread by blood-sucking bats and sandflies. Insects may also carry and transmit plant diseases. For example, the emerald ash borer, a pest that has killed hundreds of millions of ash trees, was probably introduced to the country from eastern Asia embedded in shipping materials.
Despite being considered pests, it is important to understand that not all insects are bad and, in fact, some insects, such as dragonflies and lady beetles, can be beneficial for the environment and help keep populations of undesirable insects under control. Other insects that are often considered pests include spiders, earwigs, and mites.
Having an insect or vermin problem in your home or business can be extremely stressful and embarrassing. They tend to pop up at the most inconvenient times, such as early in the morning or late at night, making them difficult to get rid of without professional intervention. While the traditional methods of exterminating pests, such as using chemical-dense pesticides, have been largely ineffective, there are many innovative green products available that are proving to be very effective at killing pests and keeping them away for good.