Aug 5, 2022 | Florida Pest Control, Pest Control
Bonita Springs Pest Control: Keeping Household Pests Out
Whether it’s stinging pests invading your porch, rats inside your crawlspace, or mosquitoes taking over your yard, dealing with an infestation of household pests can be a major headache. With hot, humid weather present in the Bonita Springs area during most of the year, it seems as though pests never go away. Unfortunately, as humans, we can sometimes bring a pest infestation upon ourselves. Check out the top 5 reasons you’re attracting pests into your Bonita Springs home.
Trash
Pests such as roaches, rats, and ants are all looking for a food source. Our leftover trash is their dinnertime and, if access is gained, they can create an unwanted mess. If your outside trash can is not secured, these pests can easily get inside and keep coming back for more. Ensure that your trashcan lid is tightly sealed and trash bags are without rips or tears. Don’t forget your inside trash too, making sure that all trash cans have lids to avoid exposed food scraps.
Stagnant Water
Stagnant or standing water attracts a dreaded pest we’re all trying to avoid: mosquitoes. Female mosquitoes only need a small amount of water to breed, which can often be found throughout your yard without your knowledge. Toy buckets, pet bowls, tarps, old tires, and more are all items that can hold water and make a perfect breeding site for mosquitoes. To avoid this, remove these items from your yard, especially after a rainstorm. Additionally, look for any ditches or uneven spots in your yard that can pool and consider leveling them or filling the areas in.
Clutter
Clutter makes a great home and hiding place for pests and rodents. Decluttering and cleaning items out to eliminate these hiding places will help prevent pests in the long run. Remove old newspapers, utilize plastic containers instead of cardboard, and make sure that clothes aren’t piled on the floor.
Dirty Kitchen
If you leave dirty dishes in the sink, even for one night, it can attract pests like flies, ants, and cockroaches into your home. After each meal, wash and put your dishes away to help combat these pests. Likewise, it’s best to clean up any leftover crumbs or spilled liquids, especially if they contain sugar, as soon as possible. Don’t forget behind and under your kitchen appliances too. Pests like to hide behind stoves and refrigerators, waiting for their chance to consume an available food source.
Excessive Moisture
Most pests need water for survival and prefer a damp environment. Sometimes factors throughout our homes can give them a water source, leading to an infestation. Certain termites eat damp wood, causing significant structural damage and costly repairs. A leaky faucet can attract pests like mice, who are known to return to areas if they’ve found a food or water source. Check throughout your home for any leaky pipes, faucets, or even AC units and repair them as soon as possible. Also dry areas in your basement, utilizing a dehumidifier if needed. If you have a crawlspace, consider crawlspace enclosure to ensure no moisture is found.
If you notice an influx of pests throughout your home or want to stay on top of your pest prevention, consider contacting your local Bonita Springs pest control company to provide you with a comprehensive treatment and prevention plan.
Jul 5, 2022 | Pest Control
With summer finally here, it’s the perfect time to clean out old food in your pantry and prepare for the end of the year. Now is the perfect time to refresh the baking supplies and replace any snack bags that have been open for a while.
Pantry pests don’t cause structural damage to your home and don’t pose much of a threat to people or pets, but they can penetrate through plastic and cardboard, leaving food in your pantry vulnerable. Once a food source is affected, these pests can multiply quickly and can spread to other food items.
Do I have Pantry Pests?
A good way to determine if you have pantry pests is if you notice beetle-like pests near food sources or moths flying around the kitchen. If you suspect you have pantry pests, inspect your dry food immediately, throw out anything infested, and do a thorough cleaning throughout the area.
How to Prevent Pantry Pests
- Buy dried foods in quantities that can be used up in 2 to 4 months.
- Use up your older products before your newer ones.
- Properly store food items, including pet food, in tightly sealed containers, preferably with plastic or glass.
- Wipe down shelves and floors regularly.
- Thoroughly clean cracks and corners of cupboards and doors with a vacuum cleaner.
- Inspect all packages before buying them or bringing them home.
If you suspect your kitchen has been invaded by pantry pests and need assistance with the problem, reach out to your local pest control company. A pest professional can assist with locating, eliminating, and providing suggestions for future pest prevention.
Jul 5, 2022 | Pest Control
We all know how long the summer heat stays with us here in the south, allowing us to enjoy our patios for an extended period. Whether you’re relaxing with a refreshing drink, barbecuing with friends, or playing water games with the kids, our exterior spaces get a lot of use this time of year.
Unfortunately, we aren’t the only ones enjoying the outside world. The major drawback is pests. From wasps to mosquitoes to ants, they’re everywhere. Fortunately, there are ways to deter these summer pests and allow you to enjoy the summer outdoors.
Get Rid of Standing Water
A known breeding ground for female mosquitoes is standing water. Check around your home for any places that could house water. Bird baths should be changed daily, remove old flowerpots, and ensure A/C drip pans are draining properly.
Add a Patio Fan
Keep cooled off and keep mosquitoes and flies away by utilizing an outdoor fan. Neither of these pests are strong enough fliers to withstand the strong winds from fans, so it will keep them from bothering you while relaxing.
Utilizing Patio Plants
Placing certain plants around your patio to repel insects is a natural deterrent. They can also make your outdoor space cozier and more beautiful. Some known flowers that are said to keep pests away are chrysanthemums, marigolds, and rosemary.
Keep Your Yard Tidy
A clean and well-manicured lawn goes a long way in deterring summer pests. Keeping your grass short makes it more difficult for pests, including ticks, to make a home. Also, keeping tree limbs and bushes trimmed away from your home can help keep access points out of reach for pests to come inside.
These tips may help keep pests away; however, if you do suspect a major problem or infestation, it’s best to contact your local pest control company for extra help. The pest professionals can provide you with the best treatment methods to protect your property.
Jul 5, 2022 | Pest Control
Packing is typically the most dreaded part when it comes to moving. Some popular pests that can be present at your current or new home include roaches, bed bugs, and fleas. It’s important to know how to avoid them when you’re moving out or in. Whether it’s a cockroach sneaking into your home, a bed bug hitchhiking from a recent hotel stay, or fleas leftover at your new home, we can help!
Discover how to avoid each pest and get rid of these unwanted roommates!
Cockroaches
Cockroaches can be difficult to get rid of, so being adept at keeping them away is key. To prevent these nasty pests in your new home, thoroughly inspect all boxes before packing away your belongings. Once moved into your new home check the perimeter of your new house for small cracks and crevices and seal them off with caulk to keep the roaches from being able to enter.
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are the type of pest that warrant a call to a pest control company. These invasive pests can be difficult to remove yourself, and you don’t want to wait for the removal process to start. If you need to stay in a hotel while moving be sure to inspect any furniture or bedding you sleep on or bring into your home. This means checking the bed frame, mattress, and even headboard for bed bugs or the telltale brownish-red spots they leave behind.
Fleas
Fleas are normally looked at as a pet-based pest, but they can lay their eggs on the carpet and can remain dormant before you realize it’s too late. Consider your vet’s recommendation for flea control medication for your pet. At home, look to keep your carpet vacuumed regularly. If you see a flea, the best plan of action is to act immediately!
Remember these tips when it’s time to make the big move. If the problem becomes more than you can handle, be sure to reach out to your local pest control company to learn the best option in getting your new home back from these nasty roommates.
Jun 9, 2022 | CrawlSpace
With the weather warming up, every homeowner should ensure their home’s temperature is consistent for comfortable living. Unfortunately, your crawlspace could be contributing to your home’s ever-changing temperature. Crawlspaces can be impacted by moisture and pests, making it essential to take care of these issues promptly.
Moisture in Your Crawlspace
Along with pests, the high humidity in the south can also contribute to conditions suitable for mold growth and wood rot. Over time, these conditions cause severe health issues for family members who suffer from asthma and allergies. If you notice the excess moisture in your crawlspace, it’s best to resolve it in a timely manner so those easily affected can breathe easier.
Pests in Your Crawlspace
The crawlspace environment is very attractive to all kinds of pests that can be bad for you and your home. During the cooler months, pests and wildlife will seek shelter and comfort in crawlspaces. Some pests that might find refuge in your crawlspace include ants, crickets, spiders, mice, and cockroaches. Termites will also find it easier to eat away at your home’s structure if it is moist enough.
Crawlspace Care Tips
One of the best ways to prevent inconsistent temperatures, humidity, and pests in your home is by enclosing or encapsulating your crawlspace, though there are do-it-yourself preventative measures you can implement on your own to improve your home’s crawlspace.
- Replace any loose mortar around foundations and weatherstripping around windows and doors.
- Eliminate moisture by repairing leaky faucets and clearing clogged drains.
- Seal any exterior cracks or holes to keep pests from easily accessing your home.
- Eliminate any additional food supplies and hiding places for pests and wildlife such as woodpiles stored near your home.
- Call a professional pest control company to provide you with a thorough home inspection and set you up with a comprehensive treatment and prevention plan.
Enclose Your Crawlspace
Investing in crawlspace encapsulation will help eliminate moisture issues and improve the air quality for you and your family.
If you suspect you have a pest infestation in your crawlspace, reach out to your local pest control company to schedule a free inspection to receive the best plan of action for prevention today!
