Pest Control - Find Out How to Prevent Infestations

If you are considering getting pest control services for your house, you should first think about what may have caused the bugs to be attracted to your home in the first place. Sometimes you can't help it, perhaps because they are just common in your area, or maybe close neighbors in an adjacent apartment have an infestation that carries over to yours. However, there are usually risk factors that you can prevent so that you are less likely to get bugs in the house.

You probably already know that garbage attracts unwanted visitors often. However, most people assume theirs is safe when it is put away, such as under the sink. If you have no lid or leave it open, though, you may still get pests like roaches, flies, ants, and more getting into it because they can smell it and have easy access to it. This may also lead to pests under your sink, eventually coming into the rest of your house. Try to cover your garbage to avoid this.

Make sure your house is sealed up well. Crawl spaces that are not well sealed, such as attics, and tiny holes in other areas of your home can invite bugs in. Some structures have holes or gaps that you cannot see because they are hidden down low under shelves or in linen closets, so inspect your house to make sure this is not the case. You will not only save money on pest control this way, but you may also save cash on your utility bills since less air will be coming in or leaving through the gaps.

Get rid of any wood piles or collections of old branches and shrubs, as pests can hang out in them. Carpenter ants and even termites may feel right at home in such areas and can end up entering your residence or causing extreme damage to it from the outside. If you need to keep piles of lumber to build a fire, store them away from the structure to avoid making it easy for insects to enter.

In general, you can avoid spending money on pest control by following these tips. You may end up having a problem anyway if there are circumstances not in your control, such as an infestation before you moved in, but you will know you at least tried. Such tips can also help you in the future after you get any current infestations taken care of.

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Spiders of Oregon

What is lurking in your dreams, Oregonians? If it's creepy-crawly spiders, you don't really have much to fear. Yes, Oregon is full of them, but with a few exceptions, none pose a threat to humans. But knowing how to identify what you see just might come in handy, if you are the unlucky recipient of a rare spider bite.

Searching for Pest Control Services: Seven Things Everyone Should Do

When it comes to your home or business, pesky bugs can make things unpleasant. Choosing a pest control specialist can be frustrating and expensive if you don't choose the right one. Here's a look at six things you should know about finding an exterminator:

1. Ask Around and Read the Reviews

Simply asking neighbors and colleagues might be the way to go. As a general rule, ask someone you trust to refer you. You can also use various online sources to read reviews and comments about different companies.

2. Set a Budget and Shop Around

Pest control services can be expensive, especially if severe damage to your property has occurred. Having an appropriate budget will allow you to narrow down your selection and motivate negotiation. Most companies offer a free estimate, so be sure to get price estimates from several different companies for cost comparisons.

3. Stay Local

Although major pest control companies may seem like the best choice, that isn't always the case. Using a local specialist in your area is a great option. A local exterminator will understand the area and climate. In addition, they will most likely give you an accurate account of the problem and determine a better solution.

4. Communicate the Scope of Your Needs

One of the most important components of finding someone to fix your bug problem is clear, concise communication. Give them specific details about the problem, where it is, and any other solutions you have already tried. This will help your specialist determine the right treatment and the tools they will need.

5. Make Sure They Are Licensed

Depending on where you live, the qualifications for being a pest control specialist may be different. When choosing the right fit for the job, do a little digging and make sure that their license and insurance is valid.

6. Read the Service Agreement Before You Sign

Before treating your property, ask to see the service agreement. Read it carefully. There can sometimes be hidden fees that you didn't know about. Be sure to get a copy of the agreement to keep on file. It is advisable to walk through the property with the professional so that he or she can explain the process in detail.

7. Make Your Search Easy by Taking Precautions

No one ever intentionally brings bugs and critters onto their property, and searching for an exterminator can be frustrating. Taking preventative measures can help you avoid the search. In eating and storage areas, always put food items away in sealed containers. It's also important to ensure that your home is properly sealed. This includes adding screens on your windows and doors and checking around the property for any damage in the foundation.

When it comes to preventing a bug problem, there isn't a perfect science. Pest maintenance is an integral part of being a property owner. Finding a specialist that you can work with and trust to alleviate the problem can be hard. Once you find someone you can trust, build and maintain that relationship!

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How to Inspect Your Home for Bed Bugs

How to Inspect Your Home for Bed Bugs | Pest Control

Watch a Hercules Beetle Metamorphose Before Your Eyes | Nat Geo Wild

Watch this beetle go from larvae to giant. The Hercules beetle is one of the largest flying insects in the world.

Answering Questions About Professional Pest Control

One mistake frequently made can be that professional pest control treatment is simply on an "as needed" basis. Most folks believe that they should only call in a pro pest killer when a problem arises. The truth can be that once there's an existing pest problem, the answer may be more than you thought might be involved. Additional concerns include the chemicals used, how successful the service will be, how long it will last and if the company is certified.

When you should use professional pest control

Put simply, prevention is the key to long-term control. One ought to use a professional service on a consistent basis to prevent an issue from arising in the first place. This will seem a little pricey, but it can and will save you a load of cash by preventing a pest from getting into the home.

For example, termites may cause substantial damage when they start feasting on the lumber in your home. Flooring could fall through, walls may buckle and decks may collapse from termite damage. The fact is that once termites get going, the harm is already done by the time you detect it. Prevention would have saved you all that anguish and money.

Are the chemicals safe?

In the past, that was not as much a factor as it can be these days. For that reason, chemicals and pesticides may have gotten a bad reputation. Nowadays, the chemicals are environmentally safe by mandate. It is true that they may be toxic, but from an environmental standpoint, they are safe and sound.

How effective is a treatment and how long can it last?

This issue is only answered by calling an area pest control company and asking. Make sure to ask if they have a steady routine of preventive treatment and how often it needs to be completed. Typically, applications are performed two times a year, possibly three based on the particular company being used. Keep in mind that prevention is meant to avoid expensive damage which arises with pest infestation, so the price is certainly worth it. Treatments are meant to be effectual for up to 12 months, with a "recharge" every once in a while.

Is the pest control company licensed?

It is an issue that is important. The company will have to be licensed to perform their services. In addition, they must be licensed to handle the chemical substances in a secure way. Most of the companies will have the certifications posted right in the office where they accept customers. Walk over to them and ensure they are all legitimate and current. Ask if they've got certification. They should not have any problem showing you that information.

Cost

All these factors are going to figure into your pest problem solution. The last thing to consider will be the price involved. Do a little comparison shopping and obtain the best value possible. Make use of the Web to research the companies you might be considering. Above all, be sure you know what type of problem you are dealing with so you can give the pest control company the relevant information.

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Proper Ant Control Is Essential For Their Extermination

When the weather outside begins to get warm, most individuals love spending time outside and enjoying nature with friends or alone. While this weather makes for nice outdoor experiences, most people are not interested in the little critters moving around indoors, especially in their own homes. With this change of season also comes the birth and hatching of new insects both large and small. In many homes and businesses, residents and business owners are experiencing the burden of ant infestations and are relying on ant control specialists to help them get rid of these annoying little critters.

There are many different kinds of ants, some are small and some are large. Although ants are thought to feed only on sugar, they can also feed on many other things such as meats, dairy products, and even dead insects and other dead animals. Once an infestation has been established it can be very difficult for the average individual to remove every last one of these pests. In the event of an infestation, it is critical for the homeowner to implement the proper ant control methods not only in order to completely exterminate all of the insects but also to ensure that they won't return again.

An interesting, and sometimes difficult to understand the fact about ants is that they are a very communal type of insect which makes them capable of strategizing and working together as a team in order to do whatever it takes to sustainably survive in their chosen environment. Like all animals, they are attracted to water which means that almost any moist environment is an ideal place for them to establish where they will live, feed and also reproduce. Not only are they just annoying but they also attract other insects and animals such as cockroaches and even rodents. When preventing an insect invasion it is critical to keep in mind the potential places from which they can enter a home or any closed structure. Places such as doors and window seals are common spots for ants to access the interior of structures, as many of these places contain wood that may be damp and cracked. Although ants are small and seemingly harmless, many types are capable of biting humans, leaving behind annoying and even painful sores. They also have unique defense mechanisms and are capable of communicating elaborate attack signals. This makes possible their unique ability to swarm all over their prey, biting their victim together as a group which has the potential to even kill both animals and humans.

Like roaches, ants are highly resilient survivalists and they are able to sustain living in almost all conditions, even extreme temperatures. They are also capable of swimming in water and have highly durable exoskeletons protecting them from predators and enabling them to survive in almost any environment. The most effective ant control methods for the prevention of an infestation and for the extermination of an existing invasion are only available by licensed professionals.

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To Survive, This Bug Builds a House of Bubbles | ScienceTake

Spittlebugs feed on watery sap from plants and then excrete bubbly foam to create a protective fortress around themselves. Later, they emerge as adult froghoppers. Find out more in this week's episode of ScienceTake.

Professional Pest Control Makes For the Best Results

Having pests at home can be a major issue and every homeowner has to address the issue of pest control at some time or the other. These creatures can be cockroaches, rats, ants, spiders, flies; the list is a very long one indeed. Depending on which ones you have in your home, you will have to face damage to property or health issues of a very serious nature. Most pests are perfectly adapted to living along with human beings and they can be very difficult to deal with.

It is definitely very tempting to try to take care of pest control on your own. After all, who amongst us wouldn't want to save a bit of money? However, you might discover very soon that dealing with these creatures is far beyond your capabilities. A professional pest management company will be able to do a far better job than you because of the following reasons:

1. A professional will be able to identify exactly which species of pest has infested your home. For instance, when it comes to rats and cockroaches alone, there are many different types of each. You'll need to formulate a solution that matches the problem exactly.

2. Professionals make use of specialized equipment and products to get rid of the creatures that infest a home. Some of the products used are dangerous to humans and have to be used with a great deal of care.

3. Pest management experts will also be able to locate the cause of the problem and take the necessary steps to control it. This is very important to prevent recurrence of the animal menace.

It is very clear that professional pest control makes for the best results. It will indeed cost you a bit of money but you will benefit greatly in the long term. Your home will be a better place to live in and you won't have to be embarrassed in front of your guests because of an animal infestation problem. Further, the value of your property will be maintained to the greatest extent possible.

It goes without saying that you have to hire the best possible pest control company to deal with this problem. Be sure to locate one that has plenty of experience in this field. A long term contract will work best because it is advisable for you to get your home checked for pests at least twice a year.


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Army Ants Rampage Through The Forest | The Hunt | BBC Earth

Boasting a sensory system of 2 million antennae, this colony of Army Ants are a formidable proposition for anything alive which may cross their path. These dynamic insects, despite being blind, are able to transcend their size by working as a complete unit.