Nov 8, 2022 | Termite Control
Termites can be active well into the fall and winter months. They will typically find themselves digging a little deeper to keep warm. If they make their way into your home, then they don’t have a need to burrow deeper, as your home is already providing enough warmth for the winter.
Continuing termite control into the cooler months will help to protect your home up until spring begins again. Be sure to keep up with termite control to lessen the chance of termites swarming in the spring and summer months.
Regardless of the season, there are common signs of termite infestations to look for in your home, including:
- Noises: Beyond visual cues of termites being nearby, you can sometimes hear them! Once a colony becomes large and more established you can sometimes begin hearing clicking or knocking sounds behind your walls.
- Swarms: This is the earliest sign of termites. In late spring or early summer, termites will begin emerging to reproduce to establish new colonies. If you begin to see swarmers, that usually means a colony is nearby.
- Wood Damage: It could be your window, door, or floor that is impacted. Sagging floors will usually indicate a more established colony. If a door or window doesn’t close properly, it could also indicate termites.
- Mud Tubes: If you begin seeing mud tubes around your property, it typically means termites are close by. The tubes are used as protection and also help to retain moisture, which is vital for termites.
If you suspect you have a termite problem or want to stay proactive against them, reach out to your local pest control company to receive a free termite inspection and discover the best plan of action perfect for you and your home!
Nov 8, 2022 | Pest Control
A common term used to describe pests and how they survive the colder temperatures is overwintering. These types of pests will often seek warmth and shelter in homes and buildings because of the comfort they offer. Overwintering pests don’t cause any harm to you or your home but can become a nuisance if they begin to infest. Here are some common overwintering pests and some easy do-it-yourself tips to keep them outside of your house.
Lady Bugs
These well-known pests are harmless and are deemed beneficial. They will often consume plant-eating insects such as aphids, mites, and scale insects, all of which can harm crops and plants in gardens; although, if you find lady bugs invading your home, they can become difficult to get rid of.
Boxelder Bugs
This type of overwintering pest is considered a little more aggressive than others. If they puncture your skin, it can cause a slight irritation, but nothing to worry about. Other than that, boxelder bugs are harmless, but can become a nuisance if they choose to infest.
Stink Bugs
These pests can infest homes in large numbers, especially beginning in the fall time. Stinkbugs are attracted to your home due to the warmth that it provides. They can usually find their way indoors through any exterior entry points.
Overwintering Pest Prevention
Keep your home protected this winter with these tips for preventing overwintering pests:
- Clean up your yard by raking, keeping the grass cut short, and picking up debris in the yard.
- Seal or caulk all cracks and crevices around house foundations, siding, doors, windows, electrical, and plumbing.
- Use tight-fitting insect screens on foundations and attic vents.
If you begin to see an overabundance of overwintering pests, then reach out to your local pest control company to create a customized plan of action.
Oct 6, 2022 | Pest Control
Due to the moderate weather found in North Carolina, spiders are able to thrive. With many different species of spiders living in the state, only two are found to be harmful to humans. The two associated with biting humans are the black widow and the brown recluse. If not cared for correctly, a bite from these spiders can result in death. Luckily, it’s very rare to be bitten by these two arachnids. You’re bound to encounter many other species, let’s break down the popular spiders found in North Carolina.
Black Window
The black widow spider is one of the most venomous spiders in North America. They have a shiny, black body with a red hourglass shape on their underside. They usually live in woodpiles, under rocks, or around homes, and are sometimes found in garages. They will, unfortunately, bite humans if they feel threatened, but luckily their venom isn’t life-threatening to most people.
Brown Recluse
This well-known venomous spider is found in most southern states and North Carolina is one of its home states. They appear light to dark brown and have a violin-shaped marking on their head. Mostly found living in woodpiles, under rocks, or around homes, they tend to stay away from people, hence their name, and prefer dimly lit areas, such as basements or attics. They are typically not aggressive and will only bite if they feel threatened.
Wolf Spider
These spiders are common here and can be found living under rocks, in tall grass, or near our homes. They are dark brown with white markings on their heads and abdomens. They are known to be one of the larger species found in homes, growing up to two inches long. Their bites are harmless, and it will usually only happen if they feel threatened.
Cellar Spider
Being one of the most common spiders found in North Carolina, these small, long-legged creatures can grow up to one inch long. They appear to have a dark brown body with light yellow markings on their abdomen. They can live indoors and outdoors. They are known to be a more beneficial type of spider to keep in your home because they keep populations down of other pests, including other spiders.
If you think you have a spider problem evolving in your home, feel free to reach out to your local pest control company and we can create a customized solution.
Oct 6, 2022 | Mosquito
The warm and humid weather in the South creates the perfect environment for mosquitoes to thrive. Mosquito season is almost year-round down here, so it’s important to take action against these annoying pests. Mosquitoes can pose a serious threat to humans, but there is an innovative no-spray mosquito solution to stop the mosquito problem at its source.
The In2Care mosquito control is a perfect solution to eliminate and prevent mosquitoes throughout your property. This unique trap lures in mosquitoes with a special green mosquito treatment and the mosquitoes are the ones to transfer the product to other areas in your yard, including breeding sites. The spread of the treatment helps to eliminate adult mosquitoes while also preventing larvae from developing further.
Discover the benefits of In2Care:
- It’s a no-spray, discreet way to reduce mosquitoes around your home or business
- It does not harm beneficial insects, like bees
- The system eliminates all mosquito life stages – from larva to adult
- The traps are strategically placed around your home, so it’s always working
This alternative mosquito control method is discreetly and strategically placed throughout your property and lures mosquitoes with the treatment inside the trap.
If you’re interested in the In2Care System or would like more information, reach out to your local pest control company who partners with In2Care to receive a treatment plan perfect for your property!
Sep 28, 2022 | Pest Control
Temperatures are getting cooler and we are starting to spend more time indoors. We aren’t the only ones inside, though. Many pests will appear indoors that weren’t around in the warmer months. Pests found inside are seeking warmer shelter to survive the winter and provide a food source. Let’s break down some common fall pests so you’re better prepared to prevent and treat them.
Spiders
Fall is the time when leaves begin to fall and temperatures drop, but it’s also when most spiders begin to mate. You might see more spiders than usual indoors due to them trying to find a match. Outside, you may notice large webs around your home. Spiders are known for being beneficial and can reduce the number of other pests around your home, so be mindful when knocking down their webs outside.
Fire Ants
Fire ants build large mounds in soil and near structural foundations. They can even find their way indoors through cracks in buildings. When they feel threatened or disturbed, they can cause multiple painful stings and can become aggressive. Fall is the best time to treat fire ant mounds as this is when they’re most active.
Rodents
Like us humans, rodents are also in search of food and warmth in the cooler weather. Your home can become a welcoming environment for them. Be sure to rodent-proof your home by sealing gaps or openings around your home’s exterior. Keep outdoor vents covered, repair any holes or tears in window or door screens, and install weatherstripping around doors.
Beetles
You may notice an increase in overwintering pests, such as ladybugs, boxelder bugs, and stink bugs. These types of pests often resist traditional treatments with pesticides, so it’s best to take measures around your home to prevent more from coming inside. They’ll gather near the warmest areas of your home, usually on the south and west-facing sides. In these areas, check for any openings or gaps around windows and doors.
If you notice an influx of pests around your home this fall, reach out to your local pest control company who will provide you with a treatment plan that works best for you and your family.
