Mar 13, 2023 | Pest Control
Spring is a time for renewal and growth, but unfortunately, it’s also a time for pests to emerge from their winter hiding spots and wreak havoc on homes and gardens. North Carolina, with its warm and humid climate, is particularly susceptible to pests during spring. Here are some of the most common spring pests homeowners in North Carolina may experience, along with tips on how to prevent and control them.
Termites
Termites are a serious problem in the south, and spring is the time when they start swarming in search of new nesting sites. Termites can cause extensive damage to the structure of homes, and if left untreated, can lead to costly repairs. Homeowners should be on the lookout for signs of termite infestations, such as mud tubes, discarded wings, and wood damage. To prevent termite infestations, homeowners should remove any wood debris or stumps near their homes, repair any water leaks or moisture problems, and have regular inspections by a licensed pest control professional.
Ants
Ants are another common spring pest in this area. They are attracted to food, water, and shelter and can quickly become a nuisance in homes and gardens. Ants can also cause damage to plants and can even bite humans and pets. Homeowners can prevent ant infestations by keeping their homes clean and free of food debris, sealing cracks and crevices, and trimming plants away from the home’s foundation.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes thrive in warm, humid environments, making the south an ideal location for them to breed. Mosquitoes can transmit diseases such as the West Nile virus and Zika virus, making them a serious health concern. Homeowners can prevent mosquito infestations by removing any standing water around their property, such as in bird baths or clogged gutters. In addition, homeowners can install screens on doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering the home.
Ticks
Ticks are another common spring pest. They are often found in wooded areas and can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Homeowners should take steps to prevent tick bites by wearing long-sleeved clothing, using insect repellent, and avoiding tall grass and brush. In addition, homeowners can keep their yards free of debris and trim back any overgrown vegetation to reduce the likelihood of tick infestations.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are a year-round problem, but they become more prevalent in the spring as the weather warms up. Cockroaches can contaminate food, trigger asthma and allergy symptoms, and transmit diseases. Homeowners can prevent cockroach infestations by keeping their homes clean and free of food debris, sealing any cracks or crevices, and reducing humidity levels.
By working with your local pest control company and taking proactive measures, you can protect your home and family from these common spring pests.
Feb 13, 2023 | Termite Control
Once the cold weather begins to creep away is when we should begin to see swarming termites. Especially after a big rainfall, mature winged adults will swarm from their original nesting site in hopes of forming new colonies. The most common termite you will see swarming is the Eastern subterranean termite, which is native to North Carolina. Here are some fast facts about these termites:
- They live below ground
- Their main source of food is woody materials, like tree stumps
- They appear long, narrow, and oval with a creamy white to dark brown color
Why do Termites Swarm?
Swarming is beneficial when creating new colonies. Termites swarm after a colony has reached a certain capacity and is ready to expand. This normally happens once per year for most colonies. Hundreds or even thousands of swarmers, also known as alates, are produced with the sole purpose of reproduction and expansion.
Where does it Usually Occur?
Swarming can occur indoors or outdoors. They cannot survive indoors because of the lack of soil to colonize. If found indoors, they are usually found near windows and light fixtures as they are attracted to light. Whether indoors or outdoors, they usually can’t cause damage. As swarmers, they can’t bite, sting, or chew. The presence of swarms indicates that a colony is nearby, though; so, although the swarmers can’t cause damage, the nearby colony can.
How to Prevent Termites:
- Getting rid of water sources by eliminating or reducing standing water around your home.
- Repairing any leaky faucets, pipes, and air conditioners.
- Removing any tree stumps from your property.
- Keeping firewood stored at least 20 feet away from your home and elevated off the ground.
- Scheduling an annual termite inspection of your home and property to help detect termite problems early before they can cause significant damage.
If you begin to see swarming termites and aren’t sure if your home has become infested, be sure to give your local termite control company a call and they can inspect your property and set up a proactive termite control plan.
Jan 17, 2023 | CrawlSpace
Winter is here and the last thing you want to deal with is a cold home. With temperatures dropping, it’s important that your heating systems are ready, and your home is prepared to weather the cold. If not, you could be dealing with cold air and high energy bills. Crawl space enclosure this winter provides a solution to both problems that many homeowners face.
There are several benefits to enclosing your crawlspace. One that many look forward to is saving on their energy bill. The moisture in your crawlspace can affect the temperature inside the home, causing the HVAC unit or furnace to run longer to help keep your home warm, in return using more electricity. When you enclose your crawlspace, the moisture barrier acts as a sealant, which controls the moisture levels. This will ease the strain of your HVAC system to make your home more energy-efficient and save on energy bills.
Another great benefit of enclosing your crawlspace is preventing moisture growth and odor. If left open, high moisture levels can cause unwanted growth, creating considerable damage to your home, posing a health risk to your family, and potentially causing an odor throughout your home.
An unsealed crawlspace is an open invitation to pests looking for shelter, food, and water. Once inside, these pests can cause damage and present a health risk to your home and family. Once installed, the moisture barrier can help eliminate entry points for these pests to infest.
Consider calling your local pest control company for a crawlspace enclosure inspection and quote to stay warm and pest-free this winter!
Dec 7, 2022 | Pest Control
With the holidays here, it’s time to take all the decorations out of storage and make the house jolly again! Hopefully, you aren’t discovering pests in your storage of choice. There are some ways to ensure that pests cannot get a hold of your holiday decorations; let’s break it down:
- Storage Containers – Avoid using cardboard boxes when packing away your holiday décor. Cardboard absorbs moisture and can be an attractive home to pests and rodents. Instead, use plastic containers with tight-fitting lids.
- Tree and Wreath Bags – When packing your wreaths and artificial trees away, be sure to utilize zippered bags. These bags can repel moisture and will keep pests away!
- Handmade ‘Edible’ Décor – Orange sliced garlands, gingerbread houses, or cookie cutout ornaments should only be enjoyed for one season. Be extra cautious packing them up as they attract rodents and pests.
- Keep Storage Areas Clean – If you utilize your attic as a storage area, inspect the space first for any signs of pests as you are taking items out and putting them away. Likewise, if you utilize an unfinished basement or any closet in the home, investigate for pest signs. It’s always a good time to inspect your interior.
Enjoy a pest-free holiday season with these easy DIY pest control tips. If the problem is bigger than you can handle, be sure to reach out to your local pest control company, and they will be able to provide a free inspection.
Dec 7, 2022 | Insulation
Getting your attic prepared for cooler weather doesn’t have to take a lot of time or money. You don’t want to see an increase in your heating bill, but it is possible if you don’t take the correct precautions for your attic’s insulation. Here are some tips to ensure your attic is in top-notch shape:
Insulate Your Attic
When your attic is poorly insulated, it allows moist air to become trapped, which can cause problems like mold and wood rot. If your attic is already properly insulated, inspect it often for damage from pests or wildlife. Likewise, keep an eye out to ensure that the insulation hasn’t moved out of place, as this can cause your energy bill to spike.
Seal Cracks
While inspecting your attic, take the time to check for holes or cracks throughout the space that are connected to your living space, as it will allow air to escape. The tiniest hole will cause your HVAC system to work overtime, causing an increase in your energy bills. The best way to find holes in your attic is to inspect during the daytime when the light shines through the cracks. The easiest way to mend these holes or cracks is to seal them with caulk.
Keep Roof Clear from Debris
When you allow pine needles and leaves to pile up on your roof, they can trap water. Over time, the pine needles can break down the roofing material and cause leaks in your attic. Once water enters your attic, it’s only a matter of time before the water enters your main living space.
If you believe you need to replace your attic’s insulation, consider calling and scheduling a free inspection to experience a warmer and pest-free home for the winter.
