May 24, 2023 | Mosquito
Mosquito season is here, but it’s not too late to get prepared! Besides being annoying, mosquitoes can transmit serious diseases to both humans and pets. Here are some quick and simple DIY tips to get prepared for mosquito season.
Clean your Gutters
With all this rain and wind happening lately, it’s probably safe to say you have accumulated some leaves and sticks in your gutters. Even those with guards in place can accumulate debris. It’s important to get all debris removed from gutters as it can cause the drainage to slow leaving enough standing water for mosquitoes to breed.
Remove Standing Water
You’ve handled the standing water in your gutters, but have you checked throughout your yard for any other potential trouble spots? Here are some common areas and items standing water can be found in your yard:
- Pet bowls
- Old tires
- Low-lying ground
- Plastic sheeting
- Trashcan lids
- AC drip pans
Use Mosquito-Repelling Plants
There are certain plants and flowers that can help deter mosquitoes. You may already have some in your garden, but if not, here are some that you can add:
- Citronella
- Lavender
- Marigold
- Basil
- Rosemary
Fighting mosquitoes can seem like a never-ending battle, even after you’ve placed preventative measures around your home. Consider reaching out to your local pest control company for more information on professional mosquito control services.
May 10, 2023 | Pest Control
Cockroaches are one of the most common household pests found in homes. They are known for their hardiness and ability to survive in a variety of environments, making them difficult to get rid of once they’ve invaded your home. Let’s take a look at some of the most common types of cockroaches found in our area.
Types of Cockroaches Found in North Carolina Homes:
- American Cockroach: These are the largest of the common household roaches, measuring up to two inches in length. They are reddish-brown and have wings that enable them to fly short distances.
- German Cockroach: These are the most common household roaches, measuring up to half an inch in length. They are light brown with two stripes on their backs.
- Oriental Cockroach: These are also known as water bugs and are typically found in damp environments. They are black and measure up to one inch in length.
- Brownbanded Cockroach: These are smaller than German roaches, measuring up to a half-inch in length. They are light brown and have distinctive brown bands across their wings.
Prevention and Treatment:
- Keep a Clean Home: Roaches are attracted to food sources and moisture, so keeping your home clean and dry is key to preventing infestations. This means regularly cleaning your kitchen, wiping down counters, and keeping food in sealed containers.
- Seal Entry Points: Cockroaches can enter your home through small cracks and gaps. Seal these entry points with caulk or weather stripping.
- Eliminate Moisture: Fix leaky pipes and faucets and use a dehumidifier to keep your home dry.
- Use Bait Traps: Place roach bait traps in areas where you have seen roaches. The bait attracts the roaches, which then take the poison back to their nest.
- Call a Professional: If you have a severe infestation, it’s best to call your local professional pest control company. They can help identify the types of cockroaches you have and provide targeted treatment to eliminate the infestation.
Apr 19, 2023 | Pest Control
Flies are one of the most common pests found in homes. They are not only annoying but can also carry harmful bacteria and diseases. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to prevent them from entering your home in the first place. Let’s discuss three different types of flies you might find in your North Carolina home and some tips on how to prevent them.
House Flies
House flies are the most common type of fly found in homes, hence the name. These pests are typically gray in color and measure around 1/4 inch in length. They are attracted to rotting food, garbage, and other organic waste, and they can carry diseases like salmonella and E. coli.
How to Prevent House Flies:
To prevent house flies from entering your home, it’s important to keep your kitchen and living areas clean and free of food waste. Keep your garbage cans tightly sealed and dispose of trash regularly. Make sure to clean up any spills or crumbs immediately and avoid leaving food out on counters or tables.
Fruit Flies
Fruit flies are small, brownish-yellow flies that measure around 1/8 inch in length. They are commonly found in kitchens and are attracted to ripe or rotting fruit and vegetables. These pests are not harmful to humans, but they can be very annoying.
How to Prevent Fruit Flies:
To prevent fruit flies from infesting your home, it’s important to keep your fruit and vegetables stored in the refrigerator or in sealed containers. Be sure to dispose of any overripe or rotting produce and keep your kitchen clean and free of spills and crumbs.
Drain Flies
Drain flies, also known as moth flies, are small, black flies that measure around 1/8 inch in length. They are commonly found in bathrooms and kitchens, and they are attracted to damp, organic matter like hair, soap, and grease. Drain flies can carry harmful bacteria, so it’s important to get rid of them as soon as possible.
How to Prevent Drain Flies:
To prevent drain flies from taking over your home, it’s important to keep your drains clean and clear. You can do this by pouring a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down your drains, followed by hot water. Avoid pouring grease or oil down your drains, and fix any leaks or drips that may be contributing to excess moisture.
If you begin to notice flies in your home, be sure to take action quickly to get rid of them by calling your local pest control company for a free inspection.
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.
