GET RID OF COCKROACHES IN YOUR KITCHEN

They also like warm, dark, moist spaces. This adds up to your kitchen being a practically perfect insect habitat. But you really don’t want these beasts in your kitchen. In addition to simply being nasty, these insects carry a number of diseases, and their excrement can cause severe allergic reactions in some people.

Are you gagging yet? Pull yourself together and read on to learn how to prevent these vile beasts — also known as palmetto bugs — from taking up residence in your home.

PREVENTION IS THE BEST MEDICINE

The first step to keeping these icky bugs out of your kitchen is to keep them out of your garden, so they’re less likely to find their way into your home.

PLUG THE HOLES

Keep them out of your home by caulking cracks and crevices in your home’s foundation, in baseboards, and in walls.

Two of the most common types found in our yards and homes, the German and the American cockroaches, can crawl through incredibly tiny spaces — as thin as a dime — so be extra diligent about sealing up even the tiniest cracks or holes.

 

Cockroaches

Cockroaches, or “roaches”, are among the most important household pests. Indoor cockroaches are known as significant pests of public health, and outdoor species that find their way inside are considered serious nuisance pests as well as potential public health pests. Cockroaches range in size from less than 1/2 inch long to almost 2 inches long and are mostly nocturnal insects that feed on a wide range of organic matter

Most cockroaches harbor within moist, dark crevices when not foraging for food. They crawl quickly and may climb rough surfaces. A few species can fly short distances or glide as adults during warm nights, but most have no wings, reduced wings, or otherwise do not fly.

People are repulsed when they find cockroaches in their homes and other buildings. Indoor infestations of cockroaches are also important sources of allergens and have been identified as risk factors for development of asthma in children, especially within multi-unit housing environments. The levels of allergens present have been directly correlated to both cockroach density and the conditions that contribute to heavy infestations, such as housing disrepair and poor sanitary conditions.

IDENTIFICATION AND LIFE CYCLE

Cockroaches are medium-sized to large insects in the order Blattodea (superorder Dictyoptera). They are broad, flattened insects with long antennae and a prominent, shield-shaped section behind the head called the pronotum. Termites also belong to the Dictyoptera and are closely related to cockroaches.

Some people confuse cockroaches with beetles, but adult cockroaches have membranous wings and lack the thick, hardened forewings of beetles. Almost all cockroaches are nocturnal. They have a tendency to scatter when disturbed. Young or immature cockroaches, called nymphs, undergo gradual metamorphosis as they develop and grow into adults, which means they resemble adults and have similar feeding habits, but they do not have fully developed wings and are not reproductively active. Immediately after molting, cockroaches are white, but their outer covering darkens as it hardens, usually within hours. Nymphs are typically the most abundant stage of cockroach found in field populations.

 

Roaches Have Invaded My Home

People commonly look forward to fireflies, barbecue parties, picnics, fireworks, festivals and yukata in summer. But what people don’t look forward to is an uninvited house guest: the cockroach.

it also happens to be home to some species of roaches, and they just happen to be the ones that are disgustingly big and dark, and the ones that can fly. Typically, these nasty buggers come out during summer months (June-September), when the weather is warm, but some come out as early as April.

In my country, we have a saying that there’s no such thing as “macho” in the face of a flying cockroach—not even the toughest and biggest people want to deal with them

well, I’ve heard apocryphal tales of people taking up residence in nearby hotels when they see roaches in their apartment. That sounds like a tall tale, but in any case, it just goes to show that no one is happy to see even a single roach.

If you want to roach-proof your home, the first step is to make sure that your home is clean. Don’t leave litter scattered around, take out the trash regularly, don’t leave food waste in sinks, seal the cracks in your home, and spray your kitchen with one of those kitchen sprays that aren’t harmful to humans but make food waste less attractive to roaches and other pests.

 

Cockroach

There are more than 3,500 known roach species found throughout the world, many of which infest home kitchens, restaurants, hotels and grocery stores. More than $1.5 billion a year is spent controlling cockroaches in the United States alone. Their presence is so objectionable that roaches are considered among the worst of domestic pests.

Cockroaches consume human foodstuffs and contaminate them with saliva and excrement. They are responsible for transmitting diseases such as the bacteria which cause food poisoning and are a significant source of allergies indoors, second only to house dust

Identification

Adult house-infesting cockroaches are medium to large insects (1/2 – 2 inches long, depending on species) that vary in color from a light reddish brown to black. They have a broad, flattened shape, spiny legs and long, whip-like antennae. Roaches are active at night and will scatter quickly when disturbed by light. Immature stages (nymphs) resemble adults, but are smaller and have undeveloped wings.

Life Cycle

Adult female roaches produce egg capsules, which may contain up to 50 eggs. Some species carry them on their bodies until hatching takes place, while other drop the capsules in protected places that they frequent. After about 30 days young nymphs appear and begin their gradual development. As with all insects, roaches must shed their outer skin, or molt, to grow. Immediately after molting, they are white, but within hours their body becomes dark and hardens. Depending on the species, it may take a single cockroach as little as six weeks to become an adult or as long as a few years. There are several generations per year.

How to Control

Cockroach populations flourish where food and moisture are readily available. As a result, sanitation is an important step in prevention and management. Reduce the carrying capacity of your home by placing food and waste in sealed containers.

Reduce pest hiding places, like cracks and crevices, with caulk and paint.

Place glue traps along baseboards, near water pipes, behind refrigerators, in bathrooms and most locations where pests are found.

Wrap fine screen over vents and windows through which many crawling pests travel.

In a recent study, Orange Guard reduced roach populations better than Dursban, the toxic ingredient.

Dust Boric Acid lightly into cracks, crevices, wall voids and other insect hiding places. This fine powder clings to the legs, antennae and bodies of insects and acts as a stomach poison when consumed during grooming.

Food-grade diatomaceous earth contains no toxic poisons and works on contact. Lightly coat a thin layer over insect hiding places. Repeat treatment as necessary.

Shake moisture resistant Perimeter Ant Bait Plus around areas where insects are found. Results should be noticeable in a few days.

Least-toxic botanical insecticides should be used as a last resort. Derived from plants which have insecticidal properties, these natural pesticides have fewer harmful side effects than synthetic chemicals and break down more quickly in the environment.

 

Guide To Keeping Cockroaches Out Of Your Home

to treat for cockroaches quite often. These are dirty and pernicious pests that can poison food, taint food prep surfaces, and spread diseases and allergens throughout a structure. In fact, they are reported to spread six kinds of parasitic worms, over seven human pathogens, and at least 33 kinds of bacteria.

The roaches we see most are the American cockroach, the Oriental cockroach, and the brownbanded cockroach. But, while these cockroaches have different names, the pest control methods used to resist them are the same. Here’s what you need to know.

Before cockroaches come into your home, they come into your yard. Whether you already have a home infestation or you are looking to prevent one, these tips will help:

Seal exterior trash cans to keep smells in and cockroaches away.

Don’t leave any food around your home.

If you have compost, put it well away from your exterior walls.

Keep things as dry as possible. Cockroaches are moisture pests. Make sure your gutters are working and that you don’t have any areas of excessive shade that keep the sun from drying the ground after it rains.

Weeds and overgrowth will make cockroaches feel safe in your yard.

Lawn clutter is a playground for cockroaches and objects that clutter your yard will often hold rainwater cockroaches will drink from

Before cockroaches get into your home, they’ll find a hole in your walls. While there are many things you can do to seal up your exterior walls and foundation, you should know that this is not likely to fully exclude cockroaches. A complete barrier requires the use of pesticides, which can come with their own set of problems if not applied by a certified professional.

If you already have cockroaches inside your home, there is very little chance you’ll be able to get rid of them without assistance from someone with an education in pest control. Cockroaches have been living with humans since the dawn of time. They are skilled at avoiding all of our attempts to exterminate them. And, DIY control methods can be dangerous when the wrong products are used or applied in the wrong areas.

QUALITIES TO LOOK FOR TO FIND THE BEST TERMITE COMPANY

Did you know that owners will have to pay $2 billion each year to fix the damage termites cause to their properties? This means a big potential strain on your finances and plenty of headaches dealing with the damage to your house.

You might only think about the holes and tunnels termites leave in their path. But an infestation can even cause problems like stuck doors and windows. If you’ve noticed some of these problems, or you just want to prevent them, your first step is selecting the best termite company in your area. But you might feel stuck choosing between several offering to fix your termite problems fast for a low price

Expert Knowledge of Termite Treatment

The best termite company will know the ins-and-outs of finding termites in hard-to-detect places. It will also recommend the best treatment options for your situation and have a high success rate.

Technician Training and Licensure

You’ll find that the best termite treatment companies use technicians with certification and licensure. This means they underwent thorough training on termite inspection and treatment and passed an exam to meet state requirements

Guarantee Provided for Services

The best termite control companies will guarantee their service plans. Usually, this means that the company will be liable for any damage or termite infestations that occur while you receive ongoing treatment.

 

How To Choose a Professional Termite Company

What should I look for when choosing a professional termite pest control company?

Every professional pest control company should offer a guarantee of effective services. Before signing with a company, make sure you understand the terms and conditions and how long the guarantee is good for.

Ask around for recommendations. A good reputation is an indicator of good and dependable service.

When you have a company in mind, check with your local Department of Agriculture or Better Business Bureau to find out if they have had any substantial complaints filed against them.

Don’t underestimate the power of credentials. The company you select should be a member of your state pest control association and the NPCA (National Pest Control Association). This is good indication that the company has access to the latest pest control technologies and education.

Don’t go with the first company recommended. Obtain proposals from a minimum of 3 reputable termite control companies. A proposal is very important and should document the company’s plan for chemical treatment procedures, bait station placements, repair or wood work, copies of insecticide labels, and warranties.

Find out about liability insurance.

Thoroughly compare bids before making a decision.

Make sure that follow-up inspections are included in the contract. The extermination contract should also include annual or semi-annual follow-up inspections to make sure the home is protected on an ongoing basis.

What should I know about annual termite pest control contracts?

It is a common misconception that an “annul contract” implies re-treatment by the pest control company on an annual basis. This is not how an annual contract works. Annual treatments are actually illegal under state and federal law, unless evidence of termite activity is present.

If an annual contract is written up, then the pest control company is liable for termite treatment only if you or the company can detect evidence of termite activity.

Termite treatments carry an automatic one-year guarantee in most cases, as do some homes. After one year, the contract may be renewed if deemed necessary.

On average, it costs between $75 and $200 to renew your annual contract. The exact price will depend on the size and construction of the structure.

Do I need the annual contract?

The answer to this question is a matter of preference. Some things to consider:

If you have plans to sell your house in the near future, an annual contract is a good idea. This ensures that if termites are discovered at the time of inspection, the pest control company, NOT YOU will be responsible for termite treatment.

If you plan to sell your home, find out whether the pest control company allows for the transfer of the contract to a new homeowner, or if it automatically terminates.

If you do not plan on selling anytime soon and you feel comfortable with doing home inspections yourself, you don’t need an annual contract. The day that you find evidence of termite activity, however, you will need to decide if you can handle your own termite treatments or choose a professional company at that time.

Termites are always present in nature, but that does not mean they are always attacking our homes. However, it does mean there is a chance they will attack and that every home is at risk. Bait Stations can be a great tool for self-monitoring, to lend peace of mind.

 

Termites: How to Identify and Control Them

Does termite damage worry you? If so, you are not alone. Every year termites cause billions of dollars in structural damage, and property owners spend over two billion dollars to treat them. This fact sheet focuses on how you, as a consumer, can identify and help protect your property from termites through effective prevention measures and appropriate use of termite treatments.

How do I Know if I Have Termites?

The first step in prevention is to be on the alert for termites. Termites rarely emerge from soil, mud tubes, or food sources through which they are tunneling. Most people are not aware they have termites until they see a swarm or come across damage during construction.

Make the Structure Less Attractive to Termites

During construction, use a concrete foundation and leave a ventilation space between the soil and wood. Cover exposed wood surfaces with a sealant or metal barrier.

Maintain the Termite Prevention Features

After construction, keep the soil around the foundation dry through proper grading and drainage (including maintenance of gutters and downspouts).

Reduce openings that offer termites access to the structure (filling cracks in cement foundations as well as around where utilities pass through the wall with cement, grout, or caulk).

Fix leaks immediately.

Keep vents free from blockage, including plants.

Ensure that trees and shrubs are not planted too close to the structure and do not allow them to grow against exposed wood surfaces.

Do not pile or store firewood or wood debris next to the house.

Inspect periodically to help ensure that termite colonies do not become established.

Non-Chemical Treatments

Some ways to keep termites out do not involve the application of insecticides. For example:

One such method is a physical barrier, typically incorporated during construction.

Steel mesh and sands of particular sizes have been shown to perform effectively as physical barriers.

Biological control agents (nematodes and fungi) have demonstrated some success, particularly in laboratory settings.

 

Dealing with termites

Bug busters

Termites are a destructive pest. It’s important to have regular and thorough inspections of your home to detect the early signs of termite activity and infestation. However, finding a reliable and experienced pest manager can be hard to come by, and promising credentials don’t always guarantee they are reliable. Here we’ll tell you what to ask and what to look for when it comes to termite management.

How to recognise termites

Here are a few signs that termites might be wreaking havoc on your home:

Mud shelter tubes they build for protection (pictured). These can sometimes be seen in brick foundations or in architraves.

Hollow sounding timber (meaning they’ve eaten away at the timber).

Sagging floors or doors.

Easily damaged skirting boards, door jams or architraves (because termites take away the structural integrity of timber, a small knock to these areas can cause damage).

Cracked paint or plaster (termites eat away at timber they affect the structural integrity causing cracks in paint or plaster).

Power failures (termites are attracted to the warmth of electrical fittings behind walls)

Temperature and rainfall seem to have the largest impact on termite activity, followed by the house’s age. If you stumble across a termite nest on your property, don’t disturb it until you’ve determined an appropriate termite management plan with a qualified pest manager. Once disturbed, termites might abandon the area, move elsewhere and remain undetected.

How to reduce the risk of termites

Fix any moisture problems like poor drainage, leaking pipes or inadequate ventilation.

Check your home’s surrounds – shrubs or garden beds should be well clear of the building edge and not cover weep holes (the small gaps left between bricks to let water drain out).

Keep areas under your house clear – don’t store items that can reduce the ventilation space under the house.

Remove any wood that’s in contact with the ground and close to the house.

If you’re building a new home, certain construction methods and materials can reduce the termite risk considerably.

Get regular professional pest inspection and follow their advice to reduce your termite risk.

The different approaches to termite management

The Building Code of Australia requires that all new homes and extensions have a termite management system in place in all areas (except Tasmania, where the termite risk is negligible). Homes built after July 1995 must have a ‘durable notice’ of treatment fixed to a prominent position in the building (near the meter box or the entrance to a crawl space)

 

Things Exterminators Check During Termite Inspections

So, you’re thinking about calling an exterminator to address those nagging worries you have about termites eating your house out from under you. Maybe you think you hear the sound of chewing in your walls (that’s probably your imagination), or you just discovered a winged ant in your basement and fear the worst. After all, termites are destructive pests. They’re found in 49 of the 50 states (Alaska has been spared the scourge), and cause an estimated $50 billion in damage to buildings and dwellings every year.

Termites are scary because they can cause extensive damage before you ever realize you have a pest problem. They eat wood from the inside out, so their presence is hard to detect unless you know what to look for. Everything will look solid and sturdy until your porch starts listing to the left or collapses completely. Well, it’s not quite that bad. Termites actually work pretty slowly, especially when you consider that some nests can harbor hundreds of thousands of hungry mouths to feed.

If you have your home evaluated annually or do the honors yourself (with a few tips from us), you can usually spot an infestation before termites can do much damage to your home’s foundation. Termites are sneaky, working in secret areas of your home you seldom inspect very closely. They aren’t infallible, though. On the next few pages, let’s take a look at five key things a termite inspector will look for to determine whether or not you have a termite problem. Grab your work shoes; we’re going on a bug hunt.

Evidence of Swarmers

Although there are three major varieties of termites in the U.S., the most prevalent are subterranean termites, so we’ll be discussing them in detail. Termites start new colonies from existing nests. Here’s how it works: Established, successful termite colonies start producing winged, sexually mature adults called alates after a few years. The alates fly off to create their own nests during the spring when the temperature is mild and the air is humid and relatively still. Nests release all their alateat one time in swarms that disperse quickly. If you detect the presence of multiple winged termites inside your house, there’s a good chance there’s a termite nest nearby using the wood in your home as a food source. Check your window sills. Alates will try to get outside, so you may find them clustered around closed windows or doors.

A termite’s rear wings (they have two sets) are the same length as their front wings. In flying ants, the rear wings are smaller than the front wings.

Termites have wide waists, but ants have wasp waist indentations below their second set of wings.

Termites have straight, beaded antennae, where ants have antennae with elbows and jointed bends.

How to Exterminate Bed Bugs at Home Yourself

Where do bed bugs come from?

Bed bugs most notoriously hitch rides on luggage, but traveling isn’t the only way to pick them up. They can easily be carried into the house on secondhand furniture, clothing, boxes, and pillows, so inspect such items very carefully. Encasement products like Good Housekeeping Seal holder AllerEase mattress protector can also prevent bugs that do make it inside from hunkering down in crevices.

What are bed bugs attracted to?

Whether you have a messy home or a neat home, bed bugs only care that their food source, a.k.a. people, are nearby. Luckily, there’s no evidence they transmit diseases as they feed. The real threat: itchy, red bites, which are the first sign of an infestation.

 

Do-it-yourself Bed Bug Control

You may have to follow these steps more than once to kill all the bugs and their eggs

• Identify the Problem , Identify the pest Extension agents can identify the pest at no cost to you. They are trained in pest control and know your local area.
• If an extension agent or other expert says the pest is a bed bug, notify your landlord if you live in an apartment. The units near yours should be inspected..Check the housing codes and laws in your area.
• Inspect all areas that may have bed bugs, plus surrounding living spaces, to find out the extent of infestation.

Develop a Strategy

• Make a schedule for completing the steps below. Be sure to include any personal plans, such as vacations.
• Keep records through the whole process. Note the dates and exact locations where pests are found. This will help you track progress and better know where to target your work.
• Keep checking for at least a year after you’re done to make sure all the bed bugs are gone.

Prepare for Treatment

Preparing for treatment is very important; it will make it easier to monitor for bed bugs that haven’t been eliminated. This preparation should be completed whether you are doing the treatment yourself or hiring a professional.

 

Bed Bug Inspection Check List

The Mattress and Box Spring

Check the mattress thoroughly, paying close attention to seams and tufts along the edges. Flip the mattress over and inspect the bottom carefully as well. Pay particular attention to any rips in the fabric. View the fabric on the bottom of the box spring and shine a flashlight to verify that bed bugs have not penetrated the interior of the box spring.

Bed Frame and Head and Foot Boards

Remove the mattress and box frame from the bed frame and shine a flashlight all along every potential hiding place on the bed frame. Remember bed bugs can slip into a crack a business card can fit into.

Other Furniture: Desks, Chairs, Dressers, etc

Take out all drawers and cushions from surrounding furniture. Check all seams and crevices carefully with a flashlight. Take your time and inspect it thoroughly. Bed Bugs are commonly found in these areas in an infested room.

Walls and Carpet

Inspect the surrounding walls by removing electrical switch plates and any wall hangings. Check under tack strips and behind baseboards where ever possible. Shine light into cracks in plaster and seams along wall paper.

Electronics and Other Applicances

Unfortunately electronics and appliances provide a perfect hiding spot for bed bugs. Check them closely with a flashlight and magnifying glass as well. Remove them when possible

 

Preparing a Room for Bed Bug Treatment

Before you begin your own bed bug treatment, you will need to prepare the room or rooms where bed bugs have been found, in addition to rooms that share walls with the infested rooms. Remove any items in the room that you absolutely cannot treat or that have already been treated. Cover items that will be removed from the room in plastic bags before moving to the next room to prevent any unseen bed bug from infesting another room. Remove any paintings or art from the walls. Be sure to thoroughly check any item that is removed from the room to prevent bed bugs from being transferred from room to room.

If you have a mattress that is heavily infested, we recommend covering it with a bed bug proof mattress cover or bed bug mattress encasement before moving. You will also need to cover your box spring with a box spring encasement. If your mattress needs to be disposed of and replaced, be sure to cover the mattress with plastic before disposing to protect sanitation workers. Labeling a mattress or covering with “Bed Bugs” is also helpful. Infested sheets, linens, and garments should be washed and then dried in a household dryer on high heat (over 120 degrees F), as the heat will kill bed bugs. Any garments that cannot be washed may need to be dry-cleaned or discarded as insecticides cannot be used on these materials. If stuffed animals, books, or soft toys are infested, place those items in an air-tight bin along with vapor strips to kill the bed bugs.

 

Home Remedies to Get Rid of Bed Bugs

Vacuum

Suck those babies up with a strong vacuum cleaner and a powerful hose attachment. You should probably vacuum at least every few days while battling an infestation. Be thorough and use the vacuum on the mattress, bedding, and soft furniture, like sofas and cushy chairs.

Steam Cleaning

For places the vacuum can’t reach, steam cleaning is an option. The heat will kill the bedbugs and eggs, and they will die when exposed to temperatures exceeding 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Follow the steam cleaner’s instructions carefully to avoid damaging your furniture.

Washing All Clothes and Bedding

Check your labels to make sure the fabrics can tolerate hot water and tumble drying. Then wash everything that’s been exposed to these critters. The combination of hot water and dryer heat will help kill off the colony.

Silica Gel

The little packets you find in food products and shoe boxes to keep the contents dry could also help kill off insects. To use them, grind up the beads and spread the powder around the source areas. If you’ve got kids or pets, you may want to avoid this technique, as direct exposure and silica inhalation is harmful. Instead, opt for baking soda, which has a similar effect.

Rubbing Alcohol

Pour it in a spray bottle and spritz away. The alcohol will kill bugs on contact.

Scented Dryer Sheets

The smell from the dryer sheets can repel the insects and even encourage them to seek out other spots to inhabit. However, this solution is likely best used as a temporary one, because they’ll just find a more hospitable place in your home to hang out.

Hair Dryer

If you’re in a hurry to get to sleep and you don’t have days to wait for these other solutions to take effect, blast your hair dryer over the affected areas. The heat will kill the bugs and allow you to go to sleep without having to worry about being someone’s dinner.

Stiff Brush

Run a stiff brush along the mattress seams. This will dislodge any clinging bed bugs and eggs that resist the suction of a vacuum cleaner.

Double-sided Tape

Wrap this along the circumference of the bedposts along the floor. That way, as bugs try to climb up into bed with you, they’ll get stuck at base camp. Make sure you don’t sabotage your efforts by dragging blankets across the floor. If you neglect to keep blankets, pillows, and clothing off the floor, then don’t be surprised if the more enterprising bugs hitch a ride.

Baking Soda

You already know that baking soda absorbs moisture in the refrigerator, but did you know that it also sucks moisture out of bed bugs’ bodies? To use this powder, spread it wherever find bugs, including cracks and crevices. Be sure to vacuum and reapply every few days.

Diatomaceous Earth

This product is a miracle against all types of bugs, including fleas. It’s made from naturally occurring sedimentary rock that’s crumbled into a fine powder. To use it successfully, spread it all over the floor and in cracks and crevices. It can take up to 10 days to work, but the fine powder has tiny shards that kill insects.

We don’t suggest putting it on your mattress, as tempting as it may sound. The reason is that those shards, though microscopic, can get into your lungs and cause damage.

How to Get Rid of Ants in Your House and Yard

Put an end to most ant problems with inexpensive products from the home center or hardware store, and save the expense of hiring an exterminator.

How to Identify Ants

Start by identifying the type of ant in your house so you can find out how to get rid of ants, their nesting habits and have a better idea of where they’re living (they may be nesting outdoors). Take a close-up photo of the ant and send it to your local university extension service (enter your state’s name and “university extension service” into any online search engine). The extension service will tell you the type of ant you’re dealing with and where it nests. They may give you fact sheets about the ant species and maybe even some advice on getting rid of that particular ant species

How to Find Ant Nests

Sometimes the solution to an ant problem is getting rid of their nest. If you’re dealing with carpenter ants, which can do structural damage to your house, it’s vital that you wipe them out ASAP. Finding the nest may not be easy and takes some detective work. Ants generally prefer damp areas, such as framing or flooring that’s soft and spongy from a plumbing or roof leak. How to get rid of ants begins by looking for areas with water damage. Attics, bathrooms and exterior walls are obvious candidates. Cut small holes in water-damaged walls to track down the ant nest. (You’re going to have to repair the walls anyway.) When you find the nest, spray it with an insecticide that contains bifenthrin, permethrin or deltamethrin (look on the label). Ortho’s Home Defense Max is one brand. Be sure to fix the water leak and replace damaged wood. If you can’t track down the nest, hire a pest control service. Pros spend about 80 percent of their time hunting down nests. Their fees start at about $150, but tough cases with multiple treatments can cost $400 or more. Image courtesy of Jeff Hahn, University of Minnesota

Ant Removal: Determine the Best Ant Bait

When you see an ant, your first impulse is probably to step on it. But don’t. You’ll kill it, but for every ant you see, there may be hundreds more hiding in the house. The ones you see are scout ants, foraging for food to take back to the colony. Use these scouts to wipe out the entire colony. Prebait ants in areas you’ve previously seen them. Ants’ tastes change during the year. They usually prefer protein in the spring and sweets or fatty/oily foods in the summer. Set out sugar or honey, fried food and peanut butter, then see which food attracts ants. Use whichever food they prefer for bait and a DIY way to get rid of ants. Once you know what the ants like, buy and set out toxic ant bait that’s geared to their taste. Look on the bait package for words like “controls both sweet and grease eating ants.” Stop ants from coming in the house by using this ‘outdoor ant bait (Amazon)’ around your yard.

Ant Removal: Erase Ant Trails

Where you see one ant, you’re bound to see others. That’s because ants leave a scented trail that other ants follow. Sweeping or mopping isn’t enough to eliminate the scent. Instead, mix 1 part vinegar with 3 parts water in a spray bottle for a safe way to get rid of ants in the home, then spray wherever you’ve seen ants in the past. This will stop outdoor nesting ants that entered the house to forage for food (ants that come inside are not necessarily trying to establish a nest). Vinegar and water won’t stop ants that are already nesting indoors. You’ll need to kill them with ant bait

 

How to Find an Ant Nest: Common Places Where Ants Hide

The Kitchen

Curious about how to find an ant nest? If you really want to nip your ant problem in the bud, then you might want to start looking for them in the kitchen. This is the most likely place in your house where an ant problem will begin.

The Bathroom

As often as your bathroom gets used, chances are that there’s a buildup of excess water and moisture in your washroom. Naturally, ants are attracted to water. In case you didn’t know, that means ants will be racing to lap up the pooled water and accidental leaks in your restroom. For those of you who want to stop and colonies in their tracks, be sure to clean up any spilled water after taking a shower or a bath.

Pet Food and Water Bowls

Attention: your pet food and water bowls are no longer safe from ant invasions. Since ant colonies are so intelligent, they’ll be able to find any leftover food that you have around your house, including pet food. Whenever your cat or dog leaves their chow in their bowl, you can add a bit of petroleum jelly to it.

Inside Walls

Can ants live in walls? The answer is yes. When it comes to ant control, inspecting the inside of your walls for ant invasions should be one of your first priorities. You might be surprised to find out that damaged or cracked walls provide the perfect crawlspace for ant colonies to populate and nest. Although certain ant species prefer to build outside colonies, inside walls give them the chance to find more sources of food while still remaining inside of your home

The Bedroom

Are common household pests giving you a headache-and-a-half? We’re here to help. Similar to other forms of house pests, ants can thrive both indoors and outdoors. This is especially true in houses that have efficient sources of food for them. Of course, the bedroom is the most ideal place for ants to find crumbs from movie nights and bedside morning breakfasts

 

How Do I Get Rid of Ants in My House Naturally?

Because ants are easily attracted to so many items in your home, many homeowners wonder if these pesky small insects will actually be repelled by using natural ingredients that you can easily found at home? Let’s find out!

Ants hate the scent of coffee grounds

People usually discard their coffee grounds and wash them with soap and water. But before you decide to throw them out, we suggest you to saving them for practical uses you may not even know before. Coffee grounds can be used to ward crawling pesky pest like ants!

Did you know? Ants really don’t like the strong smell and texture of your coffee grounds. Sprinkle the used coffee grounds in the place where you commonly see ants crawling, such as cupboards, pantry table or near to your pet food bowl. This natural ant repellent can be also applicable in the outdoor, such as your garden area

Ants hate the scent of cinnamons

From apple pie to toast bread, cinnamons are the perfect additional sweetener to your favourite breakfast. But who would have thought if ground cinnamon is often regarded as an effective DIY ant control option.

 

tips to get rid of ants for good

Getting rid of ants is often a difficult task that takes time away from doing things you love. Whether its a reoccurring disturbance in your home or a new issue, there are a few things you can do to keep ants away. Read on to learn some simple tricks to keep the pests away from your food.

Finding the Trails

Figuring to where the ants are coming from is the very first in determining how big your ant problem is. Most people find their problem areas to be near the kitchen, or anywhere that food is present. Start out by investigating the problem areas in your home, whether it be your trash can or that one cabinet that holds your sugary treats.

Eliminating the Source

You may have tried this already, but removing any easy to reach food items that might be attracting pests will help reduce the likelihood of an infestation. Open fruit baskets and candy jars are an easy target for ants to get to. You may want to invest in higher quality Tupperware or food storage systems that make it difficult for any pests to get to. There are many food storage tricks you can learn to finally get rid of ants for good.

Finding the Colony

If a simple, easy to make at home solution isn’t enough to keep ants away, you may want to search further and find where exactly they’re coming from. Purchasing pesticides that ants don’t read as poison can help ensure the solution makes its way back to the colony. This solution might take a bit longer than spraying down a surface, but it has been proven to remove ant problems permanently.

Getting Rid of Ants

Ants are pesky insects that can find many ways to enter your home and infiltrate your kitchen. Getting rid of ants can be a difficult task but the steps above will make the process easier.

 

How to Get Rid of Ants:Home Remedies That Do the Trick

Let’s face it, ants in your house can be a big nuisance. It’s not only frustrating to have ants running around, but a colony of ants can actually cause a lot of damage as well. It is pretty unhygienic to have ants inside your home. Some ant varieties like Fire and Harvester can even bite humans. Carpenter ants, on the other hand, are known to damage building materials. Ants inside the house certainly contaminate the food. They carry bacteria which they can transfer to food or an open wound. Ants have a diverse family; they are around 12,000 different varieties of ants. We all hate how ants enter our houses, especially in summers. They live in our house like they own it; well there are some ways that may help to get rid of the ants; one of them is to keep your house absolutely clean. We suggest some amazing home remedies that you’d need right now to ensure there are no ants in your house. Here’s how to get rid of ants

Chalk

One of the home remedies to get rid of ants is to use chalk. Chalk contains calcium carbonate, which helps in keeping ants away. Spray some powdered chalk in the areas that are the entry points of ants or draw a line of chalk at the entrance. In order to keep ants of your house, draw chalk lines so that these bugs don’t enter. While it not clear as to why this line stops the ants from coming inside, but it is surely effective. Make sure you make the line in a way that is out of reach of any child in the house

Lemons

Squeeze a lemon or place lemon peels in places from where the ants enter. You can also wash your floors with water that has a little lemon juice added to it. Ants apparently don’t like the smell of lemon juice so they will keep away. Anything sour and bitter may keep the ants away, but any sugar is ants’ best friend. So ensure you do not keep anything sweet that may attract the ants in some way or the other. Keep your kitchen slab absolutely clean and place the peels right there.

Pepper

Ants are pretty fond of sugar but they hate pepper. Sprinkle pepper at the areas from where ants enter your house. This is will help getting rid of ants. Cayenne pepper or black pepper are hated by ants. You can also make a solution of pepper and water and spray it near the entrant areas. The pepper wouldn’t kill the ants but definitely deter them from returning to your house. Make sure you clean the area where you want to spray the pepper solution.

Salt

Spreading salt near nooks and corners from where ants enter the house will help keeping ants away. Table salt is one of the best and the cheapest ways to get rid of ants naturally. Use ordinary table salt not health boosting rock salt. All you need to do is to boil water and add a large amount of salt to it, stirring it until dissolves. Pour into a spray bottle and spray where you think ants tend to enter from

EFFECTIVE WAYS TO GET RID OF RODENTS

fall and winter are prime time for rodents trying to make their way into warm, cozy homes, but it’s never too early to start mouse-proofing

Not only can they chew through walls and boxes in your pantry, but mice can wreak serious havoc on your home. Particularly, they can gnaw on wires, which can lead to house fires. “And they carry a slew of illnesses and bacteria,” Mannes warns. “A build-up of their droppings can worsen allergy and asthma situations

What home remedy can you use to get rid of mice?

We’ve seen all sorts of DIY repellent ideas (including peppermint sprays, dryer sheet stuffings, and cotton balls soaked in oil and cayenne pepper), but you may want to skip the home remedies. “There’s no science or evidence behind any of these methods, And again, mice are so used to living with humans, those smells associated with us are not usually repellent to mice.”

 

How to tell you have a rodent in the house

Just because you haven’t seen a rodent in person doesn’t mean it’s not there. If you suspect that you have a mouse in the house, you could be right if you see any one (or all) of the following signs:

• Mice droppings: The little pests often leave their signature calling card in rooms where food is stored, along the baseboards and under sinks.
• Greasy rub marks: Rats in particular leave greasy dirt marks behind them as they travel the same pathways over and over.
• Chew marks: While searching for food and water, rodents can chew through any number of materials, including wires and plastic.

 

Check out the number of different home remedy rat deterrents below!

1 – Dried Urea – Did you know that Cow dung is a natural rat repellent? When ingested by the rats, they become extremely ill and begin to vomit, eventually resulting in death. To keep rats away, simply place an old cow ‘pat’ near where some recent rat droppings have been discovered.

2 – Mothballs – Mothballs are actually useful in keeping both rats and mice away. They are poisonous not only to the rodent but also humans, therefore be careful when using Mothballs. Again when using this method, simply place moth balls near any area where rats may be located on your farm.

3- Peppermint – Seeing as rats have a highly sensitive sense of smell, using fragrant plants, herbs and oils are a good way of keeping them away. One such smell which they despise is peppermint. Like the previous methods, Peppermint oil (On cotton balls) or tablets should be placed near where rats have previously been seen or where you know they reside.

This should push them out and keep them away as peppermint will instantly affect the lungs of the rat, killing them in the process. Minty toothpaste is also another option, while others have used other fragrant oils such as caster oil, clove oil and other fragrant products such as toilet cakes. Another option is pepper from the kitchen which produces a pungent aroma which rats detest and once they inhale it into their lungs they die.

4 – Bay Leaves – Rats are attracted to the sweet smell of bay leaves, which is what makes them the perfect trap as Bay leaves are highly toxic to rats. Once ingested they will die. Like all of the other methods, placing bay leaves in areas where rats frequent will help keep them away and at “bay”.

5 – Vegetables – Certain vegetables can also be used effectively to keep rats away. Onions are one such vegetable which have a pungent smell and one which rats and mice hate a lot. They will instantly run away from the smell, making it an effective method.

Peppers are another vegetable which can prove effective as it contains Capsaicin, which is the compound that gives peppers their heat. This heat is also a natural rat deterrent.

6 – Ammonia cleaning products – Sticking with the sense of smell theme, ammonia cleaning agents make for excellent rat repellents. To use, mix 2 cups of ammonia with 200mls of water and 2-3 spoons of detergent and place in a bowl near locations where rats are commonly found.

Ammonia is a super cleaning agent, but it acts as an excellent repelling agent to the rodents.

7 – Owls Feathers – A natural predator of rodents, using owl feathers which have been placed all over your farm will ensure rats and mice do not want to stay there long. Using human hair is also another useful option, as rats and mice tend to stay away from predators.

 

 

Tackle the mice in the house and out.

Remove debris around your home where mice can hide. Keep weeds to a minimum and destroy burrows and nesting areas as you find them. Lining your home’s foundation with a strip of heavy gravel is a good way to prevent nesting and burrowing. The less debris and clutter around your home and property, the easier it is to spot signs of rodent activity and stop mice dead in their tracks.

 

Try a humane trap.

There are traps that catch the mouse in a box. The mouse can get in but not out. This can be a humane way to catch mice, but once you catch them you will need to release them at least 1 mile from your home, perhaps a heavily wooded area to give them somewhere else to go. And be sure to check the trap at least once a day as mice will die if left in it more than a day or two.

Zap with beeps.

There is an electronic unit that emits a beeping sound that mice hate. I’ve found that the effect wears off over time, but initially mine was very effective at keeping mice away. This sound is not a hazard to dogs and cats.

Exterminators – What Do They Do?

What is an exterminator?

Exterminator is someone who specializes in getting rid of insects and pests inside or outside the home or business. Disinfectants can use chemicals and / or natural medicines to control head lice. They also use traps, if necessary, if there are small rats or other loose animals in the area.

They are here to help

Pest control works best when a professional evaluates the overall situation, including the reasons for the pest problem. They have seen thousands of problems so they know what works for each type of situation. They also know that every situation is different and to solve your problem correctly, they must find out why it happened.

Many extermination companies will only come to your home or business, spray some chemicals, and leave. We believe that to eliminate and destroy pests or insects properly, we must also find out where they came from to prevent future problems. We will carry out a thorough inspection of the building and make recommendations about actions you can take to ensure your home or business is free of pests.

 

6 Things to Expect From Your First Pest Control Service Visit

If you are considering pest control service for the first time, you may wonder what to expect from the initial visit. Once you know what to expect, the process is a bit less worrisome. We put together a list of six things you should expect from the first pest control visit.

A Professional Introduction

Your professional should arrive on time and come dressed in a uniform. He or she should introduce themselves to you upon arrival. You should feel comfortable with his or her presence in your home since the exterminator will need to move around both inside and outside. Therefore, make sure to ask any questions or voice any concerns now. Then, you’ll be able to relax and the exterminator can do his or her job.

Entry Point Inspection

One of the most vital places the pest control representative will check is entry areas. This means checking around pipes, windows, doors, attics, garages, and crawlspaces. These are all areas where insects, rodents, and other pests enter the home. An inspection of these areas takes some time, as the professional will need to look for cracks and find hidden areas that could allow pests to enter.

Yard Examination

Another important step is inspecting your yard and the rest of your property. In checking the outdoor spaces, he or she may find areas of concern for future pest issues.

Moisture Check

The exterminator will most likely check moisture in and around your home. A moist area is more likely to attract and harbor pests than one that is dry. He or she will use a flashlight and tools including a moisture meter to find areas that may pose a problem.

Review and Report

There’s a good chance that your exterminator will need to take a few minutes to put together his or her findings. Some pros put together an “official” report too. Expect the professional to spend a few moments in his or her car or at a table going over the information found and creating a plan for future treatments. Allow the pro to work alone during this time as it can be quite a challenge to put all of the information together in an easy-to-read format.

Discussion

After your professional has all the data put together, he or she will sit down with you to discuss the findings. The idea is to inform you of exactly what is going on in your home. You should learn what he found, and what steps you need to take to remedy any current problems and prevent future ones. This is also a great time to ask any questions you may have about the inspection or future services. You may wish to ask if you need to use any precautions around pets, or if you need to do any follow-up care on your own.

 

Pest Control vs. Exterminators … What’s the difference?

Exterminators and pest management professionals have several differences, although their goal of eliminating the pests may be similar. Exterminators rely on pesticides to eliminate the unwanted pests, using chemicals that could be more toxic than necessary whereas a pest control professional will focus on why the pests are present and look to alter the conditions that attracted them in the first place. If chemicals become necessary, the pest management professional will use more environmentally friendly products to get rid of the pests. Pest control companies tend to use products that are just as effective on the bugs but have little odor, are much less toxic to humans and pets and are applied in a very targeted fashion. Some treatments even completely eliminate the use of pesticides.  The biggest difference is that pest management professionals look for long-term solutions, rather than simply spraying chemicals to kill the pests you see.

 

How Do Professional Exterminators Work?

Generally, an engagement with professional exterminators begins with a consultation, where they will inspect your home, inside and out. Depending on the type of infestation you’re experiencing, they will look in and for specific things. With the more common problems like roaches or ants, they’ll seek out how they’re getting in, and seek out less-traveled regions of a space, where they can hide undisturbed.

At this point, they’ll give you an assessment of treatment needed (this varies significantly depending on the type of infestation, type of structure and size of the infestation), predicted price, and potential further maintenance treatments to keep them out.

Once you’ve chosen your exterminator, and you’ve arranged an appointment, they will advise you on preparation for their arrival (including safety measures for children and pets – something we’ll touch on later). In the case of small rodents and bugs, this generally involves placing down chemicals along baseboards, foundations and behind furniture, as well as along points of entry. Larger animals may require traps and other measures, which can become complex and depends on your climate and the type of animal.

 

Things to do after pest control treatment

Now that we are done with how to prepare for a pest control service at home, let’s take a look at what you need to do after the pest control service is completed. These before and after pest control tips are highly essential to ensure a successful service.

1. Wait:

If you had to vacate the premises, wait until the recommended time before you head back home.

2. Discard any food left outside:

If you accidentally left any food outside, throw them in the garbage. Even if they used organic chemicals for the pest control process, such food will never be entirely healthy for you.

3. Do not clean immediately:

UrbanClap’s pest control service professionals are trained and will not leave behind a mess. There should be no need to immediately sweep and mop the area. In many cases, it may wipe off any treated baseboards, reducing the effectiveness of the treatment. Pest control treatments are usually customized based on your needs. So, you will be told when you can clean again and if there are any areas you should not wash. Do not do a deep cleaning for at least a week.

4. Repair any leaks:

If you have any leaking taps or drainage pipes in the house, get them fixed as soon as possible. Water from leaks serve as an entry for pests, and may lead to a re-infestation.

5. Avoid leaving paper around:

Paper can be a source of food for many pests. Wet paper (of any kind) and brown bags (used to carry groceries) are the ones to look out for. Do not store old newspapers and magazines in or near the kitchen.

6. Protect yourself:

Wear a pair of disposable gloves when you handle sprayed surfaces for the first time. Even while unwrapping objects, take care not to touch any surface with naked hands.

7. Keep checking for pests:

In the days following the treatment, you will likely continue to find dead pests every now and then with diminishing frequency. Make sure to check the trouble-spots regularly and keep them clean. Dead pests can attract other pests, compounding your problems.

These lists are by no means exhaustive. You will need to co-ordinate with the pest control service to ensure you are truly prepared and have the best service delivered to you.

Most Effective Ways to Get Rid of Cockroaches

Ways to prevent the appearance of cockroaches.

Getting rid of cockroaches is always more difficult and expensive than taking preventive measures. If you have never had cockroaches, you should stay alert because they can appear at any time. The roach infestation may be disastrous, especially if you live in an old apartment building.

First of all, you should take into account that cockroaches do not come out of nowhere. This means they must somehow get into the house. For example, you can bring them with your purchases or with your stuff when you return from the trip. To avoid the roach infestation of your home, follow several simple rules:

• Seal all cracks and crevices, through which cockroaches can penetrate.
• Check door and window seals, as well as the integrity of jambs and frames.
• Do not eat in other rooms except the kitchen. The crumbs will attract cockroaches.
• Wash the dishes immediately after eating – do not leave them in the sink.
• Put pet food in hermetically sealed containers.
• In the evening, take out the garbage. Wash the bin, wipe it dry and cover it tightly with a lid. Even small pieces of food are a good meal for cockroaches.
• When coming home from travels or business trips, check your stuff. Cockroaches could get into your bag in hotels or transport.
• Cut flowers and branches that come in contact with your windows (cockroaches may leave the basement and come to your apartment, walking on the ground and branches).
• Eliminate plumbing leaks – cockroaches need water.
• Remember that hungry and dehydrated cockroaches do not multiply (they can even eat each other). Deprive them of food and water, and they will leave or will not appear in your house at all.

 

How to Get Rid of Roaches in 5 Easy Steps, According to Pest Control Experts

Seal up any potential entry points.

Roaches can flatten and scuttle their way through small cracks, holes, or screens, so shut out any future invaders by sealing up gaps between the interior and the outdoors (or other apartments or condo units) with materials like door guards, clear caulk, or steel wool. Hartzer advises getting down on floor-level and looking at your entryway. “If you can see daylight underneath your door, that means roaches can get in,” she says.

Leave out roach bait — but don’t spray.

While sanitation and housekeeping is key, you can also employ some other tools in your war on roaches. “Baits are the ideal option for homeowners to use, because they’re simple to apply,” Goldstein says. “You do not want to spray a pesticide in large areas because it may contaminate surfaces that you do not want contaminated: countertops, appliances, etc. Baits, including Combat Roach Killing Bait, are a cleaner and less risky way to control the problem.”

Eliminate any and all hiding places.

In addition to food, roaches need harborage to thrive. Their favorite nooks and crannies include stacks of paper and cardboard boxes, so recycle any materials you have laying around. Cleaning up any clutter will deter roaches from hanging around — or coming back.

Cut cockroaches off from their food supply.

Just like people, these pests need sustenance to survive. Unlike people, they can live off almost anything left out for them, like unopened food, debris, and even crumbs.

Identify the problem area and seek professional help if needed.

Out of over 4,000 cockroach species in the world, most Americans encounter only one or two types: German cockroaches and American cockroaches.

 

How to Get Rid of Cockroaches

How Roaches Enter Your Home

Roaches are attracted to your home for a variety of reasons (listed above), but attraction is only the first part. They have to actually be able to get INTO your home to wreak havoc. The most common way these sly pests enter your home include.

What Attracts Cockroaches to Your Home

No matter the type of pest – whether it’s roaches, ants, termites, or rodents – they’re all most likely searching for food and water sources which they can easily find in your home. Roaches, in particular, are drawn to warm, humid climates like Florida and are usually attracted to.

Most Common Cockroaches in the US

There are a few different species of roaches that are present here in Florida, with the most common being the German cockroach and the American cockroach. German roaches are dark brown and usually 1/2” – 5/8” in size, while American roaches are darker and bigger at 1-1/2” to 2”. Both types of roaches are active year-round, using coming out predominantly at night to find food and water. Roaches are nocturnal creatures and usually spend their days hiding away in dark, protected spots around your home.

 

How to Get Rid of Roaches

Monitor Cockroaches with Glue Boards

Depending on the level of cockroach infestation in your home, it can take anywhere from three weeks to six months to eliminate cockroaches.

Unfortunately, a roach infestation will not go away overnight. You can monitor the progress of your cockroach treatment with glue board monitors. Place glue boards in the following areas.

Use a Concentrated Insecticide: Measure, Mix, Spray

Select an insecticide labeled for cockroaches, then measure and mix according to the product label. Apply in the following areas around your home.

Use Insect Growth Regulators to Prevent Roach Infestations

Even if all adult cockroaches are successfully killed with your baiting treatment, a new cockroach infestation may appear once the hidden cockroach egg capsules (oothacae) hatch. Any successful cockroach treatment program must include an insect growth regulator, also known as an IGR.

Bait Your Kitchen, Bathroom, and Home for Roaches

Bait is one of the most important and essential components of an effective roach control program.

Roaches are communicative pests, frequently interacting with other roaches. One roach that feeds on a poisoned bait can contaminate up to 40 other roaches by contact, feces, or other roaches feeding on the now-dead roach’s poisoned carcass. The domino effect of baiting gets rid of roaches at an incredibly quick rate, greatly reducing an infestation.

Use Baits, IGRs, and Sprays to Kill Cockroaches

Once you have completed the sanitation process to prepare for treatment, you can begin the process of using professional grade products to eliminate the roach infestation. We recommend using three key products during your roach control program

 

HOW TO KILL ROACHES AND GET RID OF THEM IN JUST 1 WEEK!

Exterminators – Definitely works, but helluva expensive. Cost can easily go over $100 depending on how extensive the infestation is. Eradication of nest is certainly possible with the help of exterminators. If you decide to go this route, click here for pest control services in your area.

Adhesive-based traps – These traps work like glue. Cockroaches will be attracted to them and get themselves stuck when they get in contact with the adhesive. Works for trapping the occasional roaches but doesn’t eliminate problem because the nest will be unaffected.

Poisonous roach baits – Works best and at low cost because the entire nest can be eradicated if done properly.