Tips Archives - Best Exterminator Prices - Website with The Most Up-To Date Exterminator Prices. Find Out How Much Exterminators Really Cost Wed, 15 Nov 2023 13:00:43 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://bestexterminatorprices.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/cropped-bep-fav-icon-32x32.png Tips Archives - Best Exterminator Prices - Website with The Most Up-To Date Exterminator Prices. 32 32 Rodents and Bugs That Are Harmful to Pets https://bestexterminatorprices.com/rodents-and-bugs-that-are-harmful-to-pets/ Mon, 11 Jul 2022 13:00:21 +0000 https://bestexterminatorprices.com/?p=301 I think everyone knows that fleas are not only annoying, but also potentially dangerous to animals. But there are a…

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I think everyone knows that fleas are not only annoying, but also potentially dangerous to animals. But there are a number of other pests that are also harmful to your furry friend. If you have a major infestation involving these bugs and you have pets at home, consider contacting pest control like Abell Pest Control.

1. Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are blood-sucking insects that cause itching and skin irritation to pets. But more than that, these bugs also spread bacteria, virus and parasites. Among the most problematic issues brought about by mosquitoes is heartworm which causes severe lung disease, heart failure and even death.

2. Ticks

Ticks are often found in long grassy and wooded areas. They latch onto pets and are rather difficult to remove. These bugs have been known to cause anemia in pets since they consume a lot of their blood. Moreover, female ticks can cause paralysis when they release toxins.

3. Stink Bugs

Stink bugs don’t bite or sting pets but if eaten, can cause vomiting, diarrhea and stomach upset. Eating large quantities of these bugs also cause digestive tract problems which may at times require surgery.

4. Bees and spiders

Bites and stings from bees and spiders are very dangerous to pets or any animal for that matter. But it’s especially risky for small animals, such as a cat/kitten or a toy-breed dog. Bees like Yellow Jackets cause swelling, mouth pain and allergic reactions, while spiders like the Black Widow or Brown Recluse can cause neuromuscular damage with just one bite.

5. Cockroaches

Cockroaches usually steer clear of cats and dogs but are attracted to pet food. So if food is left in your pet’s bowl, then roaches could feast on it and there’s a very good chance they will spread bacteria and virus into the food.

6. Ants

Ants can bite and hurt your pet, causing skin irritation and swelling. But fire ants are the worse because the don’t only have painful stings but their venom can trigger an allergic reaction.

7. Rats and mice

Cats and dogs naturally like to chase rats and mice but it’s best you keep them away because ingesting rodents can have dangerous consequences. Rodents carry roundworms, bacteria and viruses which can be transferred to your pet. Plus there’s also a risk of secondary poisoning if you give a poisonous bait to the rodents.

8. Raccoons

Raccoons cause property damage, and they also attack cats and dogs. If bitten, rabies among other diseases could be transmitted and these things can prove to be fatal.

If your pet eats a poisonous insect, bug or rodent it may be a good idea to consult your vet to ensure the safety and well-being of your cat or dog.  Depending on the type of critter they came in contact with, in some cases, emergency care may be needed. If you’re not sure whether your pet was attacked or got bitten by a poisonous creature, be on the lookout for the following symptoms:

  • Lethargy
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Excessive drooling
  • Coughing
  • Worms in stool
  • Swollen mouth or face
  • Rash
  • Lack of appetite
  • Or any unusual behavior

Eliminate pests as soon as possible, and in a way that is safe for your family including your pet to avoid putting anyone at harm’s way.

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How to Prevent Squirrels from Living on Your Property https://bestexterminatorprices.com/how-to-prevent-squirrels-from-living-on-your-property/ Tue, 29 Mar 2022 01:06:48 +0000 https://bestexterminatorprices.com/?p=276 Red squirrels living in favorable conditions without natural predators around can live up to 5 years. Gray squirrels on the…

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Red squirrels living in favorable conditions without natural predators around can live up to 5 years. Gray squirrels on the other hand typically lives about 12 years. They mate once or twice a year, producing up to 8 babies. 

Seeing squirrels in spring may be a welcome sight for many people but it starts to become a problem when their population grows. They can dig up flowers and crops, gnaw at wires and destroy irrigation pipes. Some species like the red squirrel also hunt baby birds. And when squirrels get inside your house, they can cause quite a mess.

They’ll get into vents and chimneys, build a nest in your attic or basement, and eat through cereal boxes and scavenge your kitchen for food. Squirrels can also transmit diseases to people and other animals such as tularemia and leptospirosis, bubonic as well as fungal and bacterial infections. 

If you don’t want to deal with squirrels in your property, here are some tips you can consider:

1. Don’t Give Them Access to Food

If you have trees and plants in your yard, you may want to remove those that bear nuts, berries and other fruits. If you have a bird feeder, you can mount them on tall poles with metal sheet to prevent the squirrels from gaining access to the food. If you have pets, don’t leave food bowls or treats in your garden, patio or yard.

For gardeners, you can fence planting areas in such a way that the squirrels cannot climb over or dig through. By making food sources difficult, if not impossible to get, you can discourage squirrels from staying in your property.

2. Use Squirrel Repellants

You can use repellants specifically made for squirrels, or you can use those that repel rabbits as they can also work on squirrels. These products often contain or simulate the smell of foxes, coyotes and other predator animals to scare them away. You can purchase repellants in gardening stores, nurseries and in online shops.

3. Encourage Natural Predators

If you’re up for it, you can put a harmless, non-poisonous snake in your garden to drive the squirrels away. Hawks and owls can also do the same job. Check your state and city regulations if this is allowed.

4. Set Up Live Traps

Live trapping in urban areas is usually allowed. Make sure the trap is big enough to catch squirrels but not too big that it might catch other wildlife you don’t intend to bother. Bait with food that they like to eat. If your state allows the releasing of live squirrels, you can transport them to a wildlife location far away from where you live. Be warned that live trapping and transporting squirrels may mean having to deal with dozens of them at a time.

Why are Squirrels in Your Property?

The first step to preventing a squirrel invasion is to know why they’re there in the first place. They usually gravitate to a property if they find sources of food, shelter and water so if you don’t provide them with access to these things they won’t be hanging around for long. 

Most extermination and pest control services like Massey Pest Control can help trap and get squirrels out of your house, but it gets increasingly difficult to remove squirrels outdoors. They may be able to set up traps and do some changes to make your yard less squirrel-friendly. But ultimately, preventing squirrels from gaining access to your home requires consistent effort from the homeowner.

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8 Common Ant Home Invaders https://bestexterminatorprices.com/8-common-ant-home-invaders/ Tue, 29 Mar 2022 01:05:00 +0000 https://bestexterminatorprices.com/?p=257 Ants can be found all over the world, except maybe Antarctica. There are more than 12,000 different ant species known…

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Ants can be found all over the world, except maybe Antarctica. There are more than 12,000 different ant species known to exist today. Fortunately, only a few species of ants tend to get into homes.

In order to determine what kind of ants are in your home you need to take into account several factors such as your geographic region, the appearance of the ants and their habitat. An ant’s body can have 1-2 “humps,” on its thorax which is crucial identifier for the species, along with its size and color. Some ants can sting, others can bite and then there are others like the fire ant, can bite and sting. 

Here are the home-invading ants you should keep an eye on:

1. Acrobat ants

These are worker ants which varies in color, from brown to yellowish brown, reddish black to black. Acrobat ants nest outdoors primarily in moist wood structures, as well as in foam panel insulation. When threatened, acrobat ants will lift their abdomens above their heads, looking like a scorpion. They hold up their abdomen in the air, making them look like they’re tumbling hence the term “acrobat ant.” They are aggressive and will sting.

2. Argentine ants

These ants have a length of 2.2 to 2.8 mm long and have a single node. They can either be light brown or dark brown. Argentine ants nest in various outdoor areas throughout the winter and in the summer they choose shaded spots. In homes, they are sometimes found in wall voids and insulation. These ants emit a musty smell when you step on them but they do not sting. 

3. Asian needle ants

These ants have a length of 5 mm and have a single node. They have a brown-black body with orange mandibles. Asian needle ants prefer to nest outdoors in shaded areas rich in moisture. They are less aggressive than other ant types but will sting if trapped in clothes or pressed onto human skin. The sting can be quite painful and there have been incidences when their sting triggered an anaphylactic shock in humans. 

4. Carpenter ants

There are several variations of the carpenter ants in the United States. They are considered structural pests and they have an average length of 6 – 13mm. While carpenter ants don’t eat wood, they use it to build nests. They prefer roofs and wooden structures that have moisture. Some carpenter ants are aggressive and if their nests are disturbed, they will sting.

5. Crazy ants

These ants are 2.2 to 3mm long and have a single node. Their color is black-brown with long antennae and legs. Crazy ants are non-discriminatory nesters, which means they can build colonies in dry and moist environments. Outside they nest in heavy vegetation, soil, garbage and mulch. Indoors, you can find them in houseplants, wall voids and under carpets. When disturbed, crazy ants move around sporadically hence the name. Crazy ants do not sting.

6. Dark rover ants

Dark rover ants have length of approximately 1.6 mm. They have one node and their color ranges from medium brown to dark brown. They are often found in grass edges, parking lots, and objects lying on the ground. You can also find them in bathrooms and kitchens.  These ants like sweet liquids and they tend to build very large colonies. Fortunately they don’t sting.

7. European fire ants

These ants have a length of about 4 – 5 mm. They have two nodes and are usually light reddish-brown in color. During summer months, European fire ants form nests in gardens, shrubbery and lawns. During cold months, you can find them near water heaters and under bath tubs. These ants are very aggressive and have a painful sting. 

8. Field ants

These ants range in size from 4 – 8 mm. Field ants have one node and have varying colors including brown, black, yellow-brown and red. Field ants form nests in open areas of dead wood, soil or greenery. Field ants have stingers and can also release formic acid, which can induce pain. 

If you have ant colonies in your home or yard, you may want to get rid of them before they cause damage to your property or hurt your family and pets. For a comprehensive solution, you can contact Arrow pest control service.

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Ways to Get Rid of Skunk in Your House https://bestexterminatorprices.com/ways-to-get-rid-of-skunk-in-your-house/ Tue, 29 Mar 2022 01:04:13 +0000 https://bestexterminatorprices.com/?p=273 Skunks are easily recognizable thanks to the distinctive white lines over their jet black fur and of course, their stinky…

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Skunks are easily recognizable thanks to the distinctive white lines over their jet black fur and of course, their stinky smell. The extremely unpleasant scent of skunk spray which is emitted from their anal glands can be overpowering and long-lasting, reminiscent of rotten eggs. It is a mix of sulfur-based organic compounds and thioacetates.

This is probably why no one wants to see a skunk in their home. Skunks can be playful, friendly and cuddly when raised in captivity but since most are not domesticated, you can expect them to be anything but. They are especially a danger to those with pets, since these wild animals may carry rabies.

Understanding Skunk Behavior

In North America, the most widespread skunk species are the striped skunk which you may see in urban parklands and suburban areas. These warm-blooded mammals are about the size of a house cat and they eat roots, vegetation, insects and other small animals. They are nocturnal creatures that usually breed around May to June, and with offspring numbering from 2-12. 

Female skunks prepare ground dens beneath man-made shelters such as under raised sheds or other animal dens during breeding season. This is why skunks are more likely to be seen in the summer and winter.

 Skunks are fearless animals and they are often seen foraging for food in garbage bins, coops, lawns, yards, bird feeders and pet feeding areas.

If you spot a skunk in your property, it’s not recommended to handle them yourself as they may carry and spread rabies. This is especially true if you notice unusual behavior in the animal. It’s best to contact animal control or pest control services like Western to handle the situation.

How to Get Rid of Skunks

The first thing you need to do is to get rid of food sources that the skunk may be attracted to. They are omnivorous animals and will eat worms, grubs, bird seed, dry or wet pet food, eggs, and others. So eliminate or prevent their access to these food sources to discourage them from sticking around. 

Next, use light and noise to chase them away. Keep your yards lighted during night-time or install motion sensor lights and electronic noise makers (as long as it won’t disturb your neighbors).

You can also use chemical repellants which often come in granular or liquid form. These products contain dog or fox urine which skunks are not exactly fond of. Spray the product on areas that are frequented by the skunk. 

Finally, if allowed in your state, you can consider setting traps. You can buy these in your local hardware and put fresh/canned fish as bait, or even pet food with a strong scent. Wear protective gear and bring any covering like a big piece of cloth to prevent the skunk from spraying its nasty smell on you.

Skunk-Proof Your Home

You can keep skunks away by making sure they don’t find any food source or potential shelter in your property or home. You may want to set up a special kind of fence that they can’t climb into, and be sure to bury your fence up to 8 inches deep so they can’t dig through it as well. 

We also recommend that you do the following:

  • Securely cover all garbage bins
  • Block crawlspaces
  • Remove pet food outdoors at night
  • Remove junk and trash piles

Skunks do not necessarily attack people and pets but if threatened, they can spray you. To avoid having to deal with this problem, calling a pro may be necessary. They can catch skunks using a trap more effectively. Moreover, skunks that wander around during the day (they are nocturnal creatures) appearing aggressive or erratic may be carrying rabies which makes them even more dangerous.

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Help! How to Get Rid of Bats in My House? https://bestexterminatorprices.com/help-how-to-get-rid-of-bats-in-my-house/ Tue, 29 Mar 2022 01:02:29 +0000 https://bestexterminatorprices.com/?p=270 There are over 1,400 bat species around the world. A lot of people are scared of them but bats are…

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There are over 1,400 bat species around the world. A lot of people are scared of them but bats are actually good for our ecosystem. In any case, if you suspect you have bats in your home and would like to know how to get rid of them, this guide is for you!

The problem with bats is that while they are not destructive by nature, they have high uric acid in their waste, making them and the areas they frequent, quite smelly. Moreover, high levels of uric acid is corrosive so when bat waste piles up, it can endanger your building’s structure.

We should also not dismiss the fact that bat droppings contain fungal spores which can cause asthma flareups or allergies in certain individuals. Some bats also have rabies so even though they don’t really bite and prefer to be left alone, they can bite as a defense mechanism.

There are 3 main bat species that have been seen in homes in the US, namely:

  • The big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus)
  • The Mexican free-tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis)
  • The little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus)

Signs You Have Bats in Your Home

If you think bats are in your home, you can confirm your suspicions by keeping an eye on these signs:

  • You see bats leaving your home at night (usually at dusk)
  • You hear squeaking or scratching sounds in your attic
  • You see droppings inside your home as well as outside such as your porch.
  • You hear high pitched chirping sounds at dusk.
  • You smell a strong odor in the attic.

These signs could also be indicative of other pests like rats so the only way to be sure is to actually see a bat.

How to Get Rid of Bats

When handling bats, make sure to wear protective gear like mask and gloves for your own safety. Moreover, you should also be careful when you see a bat during the day. Bats are nocturnal creatures so those that are seen during the day could be sick or rabid.

Use a Bat Repellent

Bat repellents are widely available and they often come in the form of ultrasonic devices and essential oil pouches. But they don’t offer guaranteed results and may require you to spend a lot of money before you can find one that actually works.

Install a One-Way Door

Using this kind of door will allow the bat to leave but prevents it from re-entering your home. You can also make your own one-way door using a thick garbage bag. Wait for the bat to leave and hunt for food at night and then set up this “door.” Once the bat returns, it will use its sonar to find the open hole but will no longer be able to detect it, forcing it to look for shelter elsewhere.

Seal All Entry Points

Bats may want to hang out in your attic so figure out where it enters and seal this hole. If possible, wait for the bat to go out and hunt for food at night so they don’t die inside your house to prevent a stinky problem.

Hang a Bat Box

Sure we don’t want bats inside our homes but they can be especially useful in getting rid of mosquitoes. We recommend hanging bat boxes outside your house (after you’ve sealed up all entry points into your house). They can keep those mozzies at bay and with bat boxes around, there’s no need for bats to want to enter your home.

If you believe you have a severe bat problem, calling in professional pest control services like Ecolab may be the safest and most effective option.

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How to Tell If You Have a Rodent Problem in Your Home https://bestexterminatorprices.com/how-to-tell-if-you-have-a-rodent-problem-in-your-home/ Tue, 29 Mar 2022 00:52:38 +0000 https://bestexterminatorprices.com/?p=267 Mice are cute but you definitely don’t want them scurrying in your home. The same can be said of rats.…

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Mice are cute but you definitely don’t want them scurrying in your home. The same can be said of rats. Two rat species that are very common in the US are the roof rat and Norway rat, which are believed to have been brought to the country during the 17th and 18th centuries aboard ships of Hessian troops bound for the New World.

Rodents like rats and mice bring a host of problems for homeowners. They not only contaminate your food, drinks, utensils and cookware with their droppings and urine, but they also carry many diseases, some of which are deadly.

How to Tell If You Have a Rodent Problem

Roof rats and Norway rats look very similar and it can be hard to tell them apart. Here are their traits and characteristics:

Roof rats (Rattus Rattus)

Roof rats are slimmer than a Norway rat and the color of their fur ranges from dark gray to black. The color of their belly is off-white, sometimes gray. They are usually 13 – 18 inches long, with a long hairless tail, big eyes and big ears.

Norway rats (Rattus Norvegicus)

Norway rats are bulky and large creatures, with brown fur and gray belly. They can grow to 16 inches long. They have short tails (compared to their head and body length) and their eyes and ears are smaller than that of roof rats.

You’ll know if your house has rodents when you notice the following signs:

  1. Scratching sounds in floors or ceilings.
  2. Droppings around pet or human food.
  3. Droppings near trash.
  4. Evidence of gnawing on wood or wires.
  5. Piled nesting materials.
  6. Burrows under the home or in the yard. 
  7. Rodent hairs.

Why Are Rodents a Problem?

Norway rats can cause stability issues to the building because they dig burrows. They also destroy landscaping and block sewer lines. Roof rats on the other hand, also cause structural damage, when they chew on wires and wood. 

But perhaps more importantly, rats and mice carry with them deadly diseases. The Hantavirus was first discovered in 1993 in Arizona, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico is carried by the deer and white-footed mouse, the rice rat and the cotton rat.  This virus can cause kidney failure and respiratory problems.

Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM) is a viral disease carried primarily by a house mouse. It is believed that 5% of house mice in the US have this virus. LCM causes meningitis, encephalitis and meningoencephalitis. Plague is another disease carried by rodents. It killed millions of people in Europe during the Middle Ages.

How to Get Rid of Rodents

Naturally, the best way to deal with rats and mice is to prevent them from getting inside your home. But if you suspect they are already inside, then here are some steps to help you solve your pest problem:

1. Set Traps

Traditional spring-loaded snap traps are cheapest option you can get and they also kill mice instantly. Keep trapping them and move the traps around your home until you no longer see any signs of rodents.  

We would advise against the use of poison especially if you have young kids or pets in the house as these things are very dangerous. Moreover, using rat poison means you have to look for the dead rodents in your home and there’s a good chance they will decompose and emit an awful smell before you do.

2. Seal Off Entrances and Openings

Rodent-proof your house so that you won’t see any more of them in the foreseeable future. Keep in mind that mice have tiny heads so they can fit through small gaps. 

3. Store Food Properly

Don’t leave last night’s dinner leftovers in the kitchen and make sure dirty dishes aren’t simply piled up in the sink. Rodents are always foraging so make sure all your food items and liquids are in sealable or airtight containers.

If these tips do not solve your pest problem, the next best thing to do is to call the pros. A professional pest control service like Alterra may have all the knowledge, products and equipment needed to catch and remove rodents from your house, as well as inspect your home for possible entryways.

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Should You Be Worried About Flying Ants in Your Home? https://bestexterminatorprices.com/should-you-be-worried-about-flying-ants-in-your-home/ Tue, 29 Mar 2022 00:47:52 +0000 https://bestexterminatorprices.com/?p=264 In a word, yes. You should be worried about seeing flying ants inside your home – particularly in the winter.…

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In a word, yes. You should be worried about seeing flying ants inside your home – particularly in the winter. That’s because ants only fly or grow wings when they are about to breed. Usually, ants live outdoors and may probably have gotten inside your home through a crack, hole, gap or any opening.

Also called alates, these winged ants are simply sexually mature ants. They seek shelter in warm areas (like your home) during winter so they can breed.

How to Tell Between Flying Ants and Termites?

Carpenter ants with wings often get mistaken for termites (with wings). You’ll known it’s a carpenter ant when it fits the following description:

  • Narrow waist
  • Dark color
  • Front wings are longer than hind wings
  • Bent antennae

Aside from these characteristics, you are also likely to see carpenter ants in the open because termites usually live in wooden structures like the back of your staircase, walls, etc. Both pests can be very destructive to homes, with termites being the worse of the two. That’s because termites eat wood (food source), while carpenter ants only use wood for nesting. 

Swarmers

Whether your home has winged ants or winged termites, what it basically means is they’re going to breed. The wings indicate that the insect is either a queen or a reproductive male. They swarm in order to mate and then the males die, while the queens lose their wings and look for a nesting site.

A winged ant that you see in your home during summer months is not necessarily a threat. It’s likely that it simply flew in from outside and would probably die before it could find a nesting site. It’s different during winter months, because flying ants are not active outdoors around this time so it can only mean they are already nesting.

How to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants

You’re most likely to find nesting carpenter ants in wet, damp or rotting wood. The first thing you need to do to get rid of them is to replace the rotten wood and dispose of the infested item properly.

Next is to use insecticide to kill the ants. Insecticidal dust is especially formulated to kill carpenter ants and it’s designed for homes and indoor locations. You can inject this product in the spot or area where the ants are nesting, or drill small holes in order to inject the product.

Another option is bait. It’s safer albeit slow-acting. When the ants forage for food, they will pick up the bait and bring back to the colony. Once it kills the queen, the entire colony is also eliminated. 

While supermarkets often carry insecticide sprays we don’t really recommend this. When you use spray, you’re only killing the foraging ants and not the queen ant. So it will not eradicate the colony.

If you have a major ant or termite problem, you may want to hire a professional like Massey Pest Control to handle the issue for you. They can properly assess the situation, find the colonies, and effectively eliminate them quickly and safely.

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How to Control Pests That are Prevalent During Winter https://bestexterminatorprices.com/how-to-control-pests-that-are-prevalent-during-winter/ Tue, 29 Mar 2022 00:45:05 +0000 https://bestexterminatorprices.com/?p=260 Summer is prime season for pests. It is during this time that you’ll see insects, mosquitoes and flies in and…

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Summer is prime season for pests. It is during this time that you’ll see insects, mosquitoes and flies in and around homes. You might also find wildlife like mice and rats in your yard. Most pests are inactive in the winter however it is does not mean you won’t find any. Here are some common winter pests as well as tips on how to get rid of them:

1. Flying Ants

Also known as winged carpenter ants, seeing these critters in the home is not a good sign especially in the cold months. That’s because when you see a winged carpenter ant in the winter, it means they have a colony or nest inside your home.

2. Cluster Fly

In the summer months, seeing a fly or two in the house is common. But if you see them in the winter, it could be a problem. Cluster flies have the ability to reproduce quickly so unless you get rid of them as soon as possible, you would have to deal with a lot of flies in your home without being able to open your doors and windows.

3. House mouse

This innocent-looking creature might look cute but they’re anything but. They carry viruses and bacteria, and tend to urinate all the time.

4. Rats

The roof rat and the Norway rat are often seen during winter. Just like mice, you don’t want to see rats in your home no matter the season.

5. Bed bugs

Bed bugs can be around during winter and they definitely make sleeping difficult. Moreover, they can cause allergies and asthma attacks.

6. Fruit Fly

The fruit fly is an annoyance all-year round including winter, and these small flies are often brought into homes by way of fresh veggies and fruits.

7. Winter moth

Also referred to as drain fly, the winter moth can get inside homes to keep themselves warm. Though it doesn’t cause any real damage, having a few flying in your home can be a nuisance.

8. Spiders

There are about 3,500 species of spiders in the United States. In general, these creatures help keep other pests out of your home as they feed on crickets, mites, flies and ants. But no one exactly likes seeing these creepy crawlies on their bed right?

Preventing Pests in the Winter

You can prevent pests from invading your home by using the appropriate pest control methods. The method may vary depending on what pests are present in your home.

But in general, you should make sure your home is clean and does not have food lying around especially in kitchen counters.

Crumbs and spills should be disposed of properly. And any cracks or holes in your walls, doors, windows and floors should be sealed or covered.

If your pest problem has become a major headache, calling on the professionals like Orkin or Western may be the most efficient and quickest way to eliminate the problem.

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Black Ants vs. Red Ants: What’s the Difference? https://bestexterminatorprices.com/black-ants-vs-red-ants-whats-the-difference/ Tue, 29 Mar 2022 00:39:05 +0000 https://bestexterminatorprices.com/?p=254 You’d think there are only two kinds of ants – the red ants and the black ants. But you’d be…

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You’d think there are only two kinds of ants – the red ants and the black ants. But you’d be surprised to know that there are actually more than 12,000 species of ants known to exist today and each type has its own unique qualities. But because ants are tiny critters, most people just see the obvious differences, such as their color. 

Here’s what you need to know about black ants and red ants, and what you can do to get rid of them.

Black Ants

The term “black ants” is quite generalized since most ants you see are black. There are many species of ants have the black color and you need to examine them with a microscope to see body structure and count antennae segments. However, there is indeed a little black ant scientifically known as Monomorium minimum and they tend to appear in the summer.

Black ants may get inside your home searching for water, food, or shelter, but they normally prefer living outdoors. These resourceful creatures will form colonies in wall and ceiling voids if they are able to get indoors.

Black ants bite as a form of defense but their bites may not be noticeable. These little back ants don’t have a lot of punch with their bite and they also don’t sting.

To get rid of black ants, you can use any of these two methods:

1. Clean your kitchen thoroughly. Get rid of crumbs and spills, and food needs to be stored properly. 

2. Use bait to kill the ants. Obviously you can’t kill them one by one as they come in thousands. Get to their colonies and spray it with pesticide.

Red Ants

In general, the red ants you see are usually fire ants. These fire ants are medium size and can grow up to ¼ inch long. They have an aggressive nature and will attack when their nest is disturbed.

Fire ants prefer warmer climates, so you will usually see them in southern states.  Fire ants tend to nest in soil, irrigated lawns as well as along the edges of ponds and riverbanks. 

Fire ants, just like black ants, bite when they feel threatened. The bite itself does not hurt but their sting is what will actually hurt you. So they will first bite you and hold onto your skin with their mandibles and release their stinger causing a burning and painful sensation.

To get rid of a few fire ants, you can use bait traps and making sure your kitchen or any area in your house does not have any food crumbs and spills. However, if you see a lot of fire ants or black ants for that matter, it may be best to call in a professional exterminator like ABC Pest Control.

Red ants can be dangerous to humans and pets so it would be a good idea to leave the job to the experts who can perform a thorough assessment of the situation and find the colonies inside your home as well as around your property.

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How to Get Rid of Bugs Commonly Found in Homes https://bestexterminatorprices.com/how-to-get-rid-of-bugs-commonly-found-in-homes/ Tue, 29 Mar 2022 00:36:07 +0000 https://bestexterminatorprices.com/?p=250 Bugs in homes is never a welcome sight. Here are the most common bugs you can find as well as…

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Bugs in homes is never a welcome sight. Here are the most common bugs you can find as well as some information on how you can get rid of them.

1. Ants

Ants scavenge for food but usually, they’re just trying to shelter themselves especially during the coldest and hottest times of the year. You’ll often find these insects on your kitchen counters but are generally harmless, although they can bite when threatened. What you need to keep an eye out for are the carpenter ants. They will burrow into wood to make nests and can eventually cause structural damage. Keep ants out by sealing up any holes in your walls, floors, windows and doors.

2. Beetles

Beetles are very common in the United States and they like to scour your kitchen for dried foods like cereal, cornmeal and flour. They can also be found in drawers, closets, carpet, and other storage areas. There are products you can use to effectively kill these little critters such as Bifen LP granules which you can spray around your property. To keep beetles at bay, there are some things you can do such as not leaving leftovers in your kitchen and throwing away unused or expired food items in your pantry. Also inspect your home for any cracks, holes and wall gaps and seal them.

3. Centipedes

Centipedes many-legged critters which can have up to 177 legs can indeed look scary, but they actually help get rid of bugs in your home. They eat cockroaches, silverfish, beetle larvae, firebrats and spiders. If you don’t like them lurking in your home (who does, anyway?) check for cracks in concrete, as well as damp crawlspaces and floor drains since they usually hang out in these areas.

4. Bees and Wasps

Honey bees, yellow jackets, paper wasps and hornets can set up shop under your roof. To get rid of them, you need to find their nests although this can be hard to do as well since they’re usually inside walls. If you see these insects flying in your home and crawling into tiny holes, you might want to call a professional as it could mean there’s an infestation.

5. Cockroaches

Cockroaches contaminate food, trigger allergies and asthma, and bring bacteria and viruses. A female German cockroach can produce up to 30,000 babies in one year so if you spot one in your home you need to take steps to eliminate them and fast! You’ll usually find them under the sink, kitchens, bathrooms and places where there is food. 

6. Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes carry with them serious and even deadly diseases. The Zika and West Nile viruses, as well as Dengue are all carried by mosquitoes. Mosquito bites can be itchy but the health issues they can cause is even more worrisome. Make sure your home does not have mosquitoes by keeping the doors and windows closed, and use screens if you live in an area prone to mosquitoes.

7. Spiders

In spite of their scary reputation, spiders rarely bite people. Instead they can be quite helpful in eliminating other bugs in your home. But if don’t like the sight of spiders, you can catch them in windows, near doors and quiet areas.

8. Flies

Fruit flies, drain flies,  house flies, and gnats are always hovering in homes and sneak in through open windows and doors. Flies can carry diseases as well as cause food poisoning. Be sure to keep your doors and windows closed all the time, and trash needs to be taken out in a timely manner.

9. Lice

The booklice feed on fungi and mold, and food items like cereal. Booklice don’t bite but they’re definitely not a welcome sight in your food. They like to lurk under wallpaper, in furniture, potted plants, and window sills.

To prevent any bug infestation, it’s always important to seal cracks and holes in your home, as well as to keep doors and windows closed at all times. Storing food in air tight containers also help make sure your home does not attract any unwanted visitors. If you have a pest infestation problem, be sure to call in the professionals like Arrow so that the problem can be fixed before it gets blown out of proportion.

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