Keep the Bugs Away this 4th of July

Happy 4th of July!!  We’d like to take a second to say how proud we are to be Americans!!  We’re proud to live in the country of the land of the free and the home of the brave!!  And like always, we’d like to thank all of the brave men and women and their families that have given so much for this great country!!

But before you go enjoy those fireworks…here are some tips to stay bug free this 4th of July:

  • Avoid standing water in areas like flower pots, bird baths, buckets, barrels, etc.  Areas like these are breeding spots for mosquitoes that can carry diseases like West Nile and encephalitis.
  • Wear an insect repellant, such as DEET, to protect against mosquitoes and other bugs.
  • Keep food covered when possible to avoid attracting mosquitoes, flies, and ants.
  • Tightly seal garbage and put it in a sealed garbage container on the outside of your home.  Make sure that the lid to the trash can is on securely to avoid rodents from getting in and going through the trash.
  • Keep your lawn mowed and clear of debris.
  • Protect your pets from fleas and ticks by using a preventative.  These can be purchased over the counter or by your veterinarian.
  • Have your exterminator treat your yard and home for insects and other rodents that could BUG you this summer!  (Get it, BUG you!)

What other tips do have for staying bug free this 4th of July?

Warmer Temperatures Leave Boxelders Confused

With the abnormal temperatures this Winter we are seeing abnormal pest movement.  Boxelders are typically a pest that is active in the colder months when they enter homes for warmth and food.  Although temperatures are warmer than usual, we are still getting calls about boxelder bugs being in people’s homes.

The best time to have an exterminator treat for boxelder bugs is in the fall when they are trying to find shelter. Boxelder bugs like to overwinterize in warm areas, cracks and crevices of trees, rocks, and other natural areas. Our homes are a perfect habitat for them.

In the fall, it is best to apply a repellant, such as NorPest Green, that would keep them out of the structure.  A micro cap is an alternative option that is effective but cause the insects to die inside the structure. Our pest professionals will use NorPest Green along the walls and voids of a structure and/or a type of illumination device that can be used in the attic with a glue board can also help in the elimination of boxelders.

But since Spring is around the corner and we continue to have calls for these pests, a micro cap is the best option.  A micro cap works well in the Spring because it allows the pest to escape and die outside rather than inside the home.  Now is the ideal time to ensure that your home is properly sealed and caulked with expandable foam.  Using screens on doors and windows can also be beneficial.

In the Summer months, a mosquito application helps keep numbers down since they like to go through their molts on vegetation such as Maple trees and grape vines.

Have you been seeing boxelders inside your home? 

Has the abnormal temperatures affected your home in any other ways?

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