Jun 20, 2025 | Bed Bug
North Carolina’s warm, humid climate creates the perfect environment for bed bugs to thrive. These tiny pests aren’t just a nuisance; they can quickly turn your home into an uncomfortable and stressful environment. Whether you’re hosting holiday guests, moving into a new space, or coming back from vacation, bed bugs can become an unwelcome surprise at any time of year. But when are bed bugs most active in North Carolina, and how can you protect your home? Here’s what every homeowner needs to know to stay ahead of these pests.
Bed Bug Control: When Are Bed Bugs Most Active?
Bed Bug Activity by Season
Spring & Summer (March–August): Peak Bed Bug Season
The warmer months are prime time for bed bug activity in North Carolina. The rise in temperatures coincides with increased travel, making spring and summer the busiest seasons for these pests. Bed bugs are expert hitchhikers, often sneaking into your home through luggage, clothing, or even guests’ belongings.
Shared spaces like hotel rooms, vacation rentals, and public transportation give bed bugs plenty of opportunities to latch onto their next “ride.” This means your spring break getaway or summer vacation can accidentally bring bed bugs back home with you.
How to Protect Your Home in Spring & Summer:
- Inspect your hotel or rental accommodations upon arrival. Check mattress seams, headboards, and furniture for signs of bed bugs, such as tiny dark spots or shed skins.
- Once home, unpack your luggage outdoors or in the garage. Wash and dry travel clothes on high heat to kill any hitchhiking bed bugs.
- Be cautious when bringing in secondhand furniture or items. Always inspect and clean them thoroughly before bringing them indoors.
Fall (September–November): A Sneaky Season for Bed Bugs
While the temperatures cool down, bed bugs don’t disappear. Fall is when many people move into new homes or apartments, increasing the chance of infestations spreading. These pests can hide in moving trucks, used mattresses, or even furniture left behind by previous tenants.
Additionally, the cooler weather often drives more time spent indoors, which can unintentionally give bed bugs more opportunities to travel from one home to another through visitors or shared spaces.
How to Protect Your Home in Fall:
- If you’re moving, inspect the moving truck and your belongings carefully to ensure bed bugs haven’t hitched a ride.
- Be cautious with rented or secondhand furniture. Check cracks, crevices, and fabric seams for signs of pests.
- Inspect your home regularly, especially in bedroom areas and living spaces where bed bugs are most likely to hide.
Winter (December–February): Bed Bugs Stay Inside
Contrary to popular belief, bed bugs don’t hibernate in the winter. Thanks to North Carolina’s relatively mild winters and the use of indoor heating systems, they stay active year-round. The holiday season also brings increased travel and overnight houseguests, creating prime opportunities for bed bugs to spread.
Indoor heating provides a warm environment for bed bugs to thrive, while bedrooms, sofas, and carpets offer plenty of hiding spots for their populations to grow unnoticed.
How to Protect Your Home in Winter:
- Encourage holiday visitors to check their belongings, especially luggage, before entering your home.
- Wash all bedding, guest linens, and holiday travel clothes in hot water after guests leave.
- Pay attention to baseboards, mattress edges, and upholstered furniture where bed bugs may hide.
Year-Round Tips for Prevention and Control
Regardless of the season, bed bugs can be a persistent problem. Here’s how you can reduce your risk and address infestations early on.
- Inspect Regularly: Make it a habit to inspect your mattresses, box springs, and furniture for signs of bed bugs. Look for dark spots, shed skins, or live bugs.
- Vacuum Often: Thoroughly vacuum carpets, baseboards, and mattress seams to remove any potential eggs or bugs. Dispose of vacuum bags immediately after each use.
- Declutter Your Home: Bed bugs love hiding in cluttered spaces. Keeping your home tidy can reduce their hiding spots and make inspections easier.
- Act Quickly: If you suspect bed bugs, don’t wait. Contact a pest control professional immediately. Early detection can prevent the problem from getting worse and spreading throughout your home.
Why Professional Help Matters
Bed bugs are one of the most difficult pests to eliminate without expert help. They’re resilient, multiply quickly, and can hide in places you might not expect. Professional pest control services have the tools, treatments, and expertise necessary to completely eradicate an infestation when bed bugs are most active.
Jun 6, 2025 | Termite Control
Termites may be small, but their impact on homes across North Carolina is anything but insignificant. Burlington homeowners need to be on high alert, as our warm, humid climate provides the perfect environment for these destructive pests. Termites are silent invaders, often causing extensive damage long before they’re even noticed. The good news? With early detection and proactive measures, you can protect your home and avoid costly repairs. Here’s what you need to know about termite control in Burlington before it’s too late.
The 411 on Termite Control in Burlington
The Threat Termites Pose
Termites feed on cellulose, the main component of wood, which makes your home’s foundation, insulation , and even furniture a prime target. The damage they cause can compromise your home’s structural integrity, leading to repairs that cost homeowners across the U.S. billions of dollars annually. Termites don’t discriminate either; even brick and concrete homes are at risk if they contain wooden structures or supports.
Due to Burlington’s climate, termite activity is prevalent year-round. Subterranean termites are the most common species in the area, building colonies underground and tunneling into homes undetected. This is why early detection and prevention are so crucial. By the time termites leave visible signs of their presence, significant damage may already have been done.
Signs of Termite Activity
Catching a termite infestation early can save you time, money, and stress. Here are some common signs to watch out for in your Burlington home:
- Mud Tubes
Subterranean termites create pencil-sized mud tubes along walls, foundations, or pipes to travel between their colony and food source.
- Discarded Wings
After swarming, reproductive termites shed their wings. Finding piles of discarded wings near windows, doors, or light fixtures can indicate the presence of termites.
- Hollow-Sounding Wood
Termites eat wood from the inside, leaving a thin outer layer. Tap on wooden surfaces; if they sound hollow or papery, termites could be to blame.
- Frass (Termite Droppings)
Drywood termites leave behind tiny, pellet-shaped droppings near infested areas. These are often mistaken for sawdust.
- Sagging Floors or Doors
Termite damage can weaken wooden structures, causing floors to sag, doors to stick, or windows to warp.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to act quickly. Termites won’t go away on their own, and delaying treatment will only allow the problem to worsen.
How to Prevent Termites
The best way to handle termites is to stop them before they infest your home. Here are some practical tips:
- Reduce Moisture: Termites are drawn to damp environments. Fix leaky pipes, maintain proper drainage, and use dehumidifiers in crawl spaces.
- Seal Cracks: Inspect your foundation for gaps or cracks and seal them to block entry points.
- Eliminate Wood Contact: Avoid letting wood come into direct contact with soil. This includes moving firewood or wooden debris away from your home.
- Clean Your Yard: Remove dead trees, stumps, and other wood debris from your property where termites could establish a colony.
- Schedule Professional Inspections: An annual inspection by a licensed pest control expert can catch termite activity early and provide peace of mind.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late For Termite Control in Burlington
Termites are a serious threat to Burlington homeowners, but with the right knowledge and proactive measures, you can keep them from damaging your home. If you suspect termite activity or want to take preventative steps, don’t wait. Contact a trusted pest control provider today for a thorough inspection and effective termite control plan. Your home is one of your biggest investments – make sure it’s protected!
May 28, 2025 | Pest Control
North Carolina’s warm, humid climate often invites flies into homes, creating a frustrating problem. Thankfully, you can significantly reduce the risk of fly infestations with these five practical steps.
Preventing Fly Infestations
1. Keep It Clean
Flies are drawn to food and waste, so maintaining cleanliness is crucial.
- Wipe down surfaces and clean up spills promptly.
- Dispose of trash frequently and use bins with tight lids.
- Wash dishes right after use or load them into the dishwasher.
2. Seal Entry Points
Flies can slip through even the smallest cracks.
- Fix damaged screens and weatherproof doors and windows.
- Seal gaps and cracks in walls, ceilings, or foundations using caulk.
3. Manage Outdoor Areas
Outdoor breeding grounds often lead to indoor fly issues.
- Secure trash bins and keep them away from windows or doors.
- Clear leaves, grass, and organic debris from your yard.
- Pick up pet waste regularly to limit attractants.
4. Reduce Attractants
Target what draws flies in to make your home less inviting.
- Store food in sealed containers and keep ripe fruit refrigerated.
- Clean out drains where flies can breed.
- Use yellow-tinted bulbs for outdoor lighting, which are less appealing to flies.
5. Use Preventative Options
When flies persist, add extra measures to stop them.
- Place fly traps indoors and outdoors to reduce their presence.
- Set up fans near entry points; the breeze deters flies.
- Reach out to pest control professionals if problems persist for long-term solutions.
A Fly-Free Home
By combining cleanliness, proper sealing, and proactive outdoor maintenance, you can create an environment that flies find hard to thrive in. Take these steps to keep your home more comfortable and pest-free! Reach out to your local pest control company for expert tips.
Call us or click the button below to get started with a FREE pest control quote!
May 21, 2025 | Pest Control
Wasps and hornets can become a major problem when their nests appear near your home. These stinging insects not only pose risks to your family’s well-being but can also grow aggressive when disturbed. To prevent nests from forming, a proactive approach using effective pest control methods is key. Here are some practical tips to keep wasps and hornets away.
Keeping Wasps and Hornets Away
Keep Your Yard Clean and Maintained
Wasps and hornets are drawn to messy, overgrown outdoor spaces. By eliminating clutter and potential food sources, you make your home a less appealing target.
- Trim Overgrown Areas
Regularly cut back shrubs, tree branches, and other vegetation where wasps may hide and build nests.
- Remove Trash and Leftovers
Outdoor trash bins should have tight-fitting lids, and any food scraps or spills should be cleaned up immediately in outdoor eating areas.
- Fix Standing Water Issues
Empty water sources like bird baths, plant trays, and kiddie pools to prevent wasps from using them as hydration spots.Â
- Spray Repellents
Apply insect repellents to popular nesting locations such as under eaves, sheds, or in cracks around your home. Many sprays offer long-lasting protection.
- Residual Treatments
Some pest control sprays or powders can be applied to potential nesting areas, creating a barrier that deters wasps from settling. Be sure to follow manufacturer instructions for healthy se around pets and children.
Call Professional Pest Control Services
If wasps and hornets remain a persistent issue or large nests appear near your home, it’s best to seek professional help.
- Expert Solutions
Pest control experts have the tools, training, and insecticides needed to correctly and thoroughly remove nests.
- Preventative Measures
Many professionals offer ongoing prevention plans to keep wasps and hornets from coming back.
Protecting Your Home
Removing food sources and addressing nests early all reduce the likelihood of dealing with wasps and hornets in your North Carolina home. If the problem persists or feels overwhelming, contacting a pest control professional can save you time and effort. By acting quickly and using effective methods, you can enjoy a healthier and more comfortable home environment.
Call us today or click the button below for a FREE pest control quote!
May 15, 2025 | Pest Control
In Burlington and across Alamance County, the warm climate and diverse ecosystems are perfect for an abundance of snake species. While a snake in your yard or home can be startling, most are harmless and even helpful in controlling pests like rodents and insects. Learning to identify common snakes in North Carolina and knowing how to handle encounters effectively can help you feel more at ease.
Common Snakes in North Carolina
Both non-venomous and venomous snakes are found throughout the state. Here’s an overview of the species you’re most likely to encounter in or around your home.
Non-Venomous Snakes
- Black Rat Snake: These long, black snakes are excellent at reducing rodent populations and are often found in gardens, barns, or even attics.
- Eastern Garter Snake: With distinct yellow stripes running down their back, garter snakes are commonly seen in grassy areas and near water.
- Corn Snake: Often mistaken for copperheads due to their reddish coloring, corn snakes are completely non-venomous and beneficial.
Venomous Snakes
- Copperhead: The copperhead is the most encountered venomous snake in North Carolina. Their copper-colored pattern blends well into leaf litter, making them difficult to spot.
- Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin): Typically found near water, cottonmouths may venture out to yards close to ponds or streams to hunt.
- Timber Rattlesnake: Usually found in wooded areas, timber rattlesnakes may wander into yards near forests.
Identifying North Carolina Snakes
If you come across a snake, identifying it is key to understanding how to proceed. Here are some distinguishing features to look for but remember not to get too close when inspecting a snake.
- Head Shape: Most venomous snakes have a triangular or arrow-shaped head, while non-venomous snakes usually have a rounded or oval head.
- Pupil Shape: Venomous snakes generally have vertical, slit-like pupils, whereas non-venomous snakes have round pupils.
- Body Patterns: Pay attention to body markings but be cautious. For example, copperheads display an hourglass-shaped pattern that can identify them.
If you’re not sure about the type of snake, it’s best to leave it alone and avoid handling or interfering with it.
What to Do If You Encounter a Snake
Spotting a snake in your home or yard can be unsettling. However, you can take steps to manage the situation and reduce potential risks.
- Remain Calm: Snakes are generally not aggressive and will often retreat if left alone.
- Do Not Disturb It: Avoid touching, chasing, or attempting to remove the snake yourself. This can lead to defensive behavior.
- Call a Professional: If a snake is in your home or proving difficult to relocate from your yard, contact a wildlife control or pest expert for assistance with snake removal.
Keeping Snakes Out of Your Yard and Home
You can take steps to make your property less appealing to snakes and limit how often you see them near your home.
- Maintain Your Yard: Keep grass trimmed and remove debris like woodpiles, rock heaps, or overgrown vegetation that may provide cover.
- Seal Openings: Inspect your home for gaps around doors, windows, and foundations, and seal these to prevent snakes from entering.
- Control Attractants: Limit rodent activity around your property since rodents are a major food source for many snakes. Use sealed garbage bins and clean up food scraps promptly.
- Plant Repellents: Incorporate plants like lemongrass or marigolds into your landscaping, which some believe can discourage snakes.
Living Harmoniously with Snakes
While encountering a snake might not be a pleasant experience, understanding their role in the ecosystem can help shift your perspective. Snakes are valuable for pest control and maintaining natural balance. By taking steps to identify and prevent encounters, you can reduce situations that cause stress and keep your property better protected.
If you’re facing recurring snake-related challenges, working with a pest or wildlife professional can provide tailored solutions to make your home and yard less attractive to them. With just a bit of planning and awareness, you can cohabitate with these fascinating creatures more easily.
Contact us today for a free snake control quote. Give us a call or click the button below to get started!
