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Key Facts About Pest Control Services in Noblesville, IN

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 08:18:20 GMT

Pest challenges don’t wait for a convenient season, and neither should your response. For residents in Noblesville, IN, effective pest control services are crucial for maintaining a safe, healthy, and comfortable living environment. Pests such as ants, termites, rodents, spiders, and cockroaches can cause more than just minor annoyances; they can damage property, contaminate food, and pose serious health risks to families and pets. Understanding the behaviors and life cycles of these pests is key to effective prevention. For example, termites can silently compromise wooden structures over months or years, while rodents may spread diseases and gnaw on wiring, creating potential fire hazards. Local pest control professionals use targeted strategies, combining inspections, preventive treatments, and ongoing monitoring to address both visible infestations and hidden threats. With this proactive approach, homeowners can protect their property, reduce long-term repair costs, and maintain peace of mind, making pest management a strategic part of responsible homeownership rather than a reactive emergency.

Trusted Year-Round Pest Protection in Noblesville, IN

Homeowners in Noblesville rely on professional pest control services for comprehensive, year-round protection because pests don’t follow a calendar; they adapt to seasons and climate changes. Trusting experts ensures that homes are safeguarded against infestations before they escalate, keeping families, pets, and property safe. Year-round services offer more than just reactive treatment; they provide proactive strategies tailored to the unique pest challenges in Noblesville.

Key benefits include:

Seasonal Expertise: Technicians understand how pest behavior changes with the seasons in Indiana. For example, ants and wasps are more active in spring and summer, while rodents seek warmth in fall and winter. Anticipating these patterns allows for targeted prevention strategies.
Preventive Solutions: Instead of waiting for pests to appear, professionals implement proactive measures, including barrier treatments, baiting systems, and environmental modifications, to block infestations before they begin.
Customized Plans: Every home is unique. Experts assess factors such as property size, construction materials, landscaping, and previous pest history to create a tailored plan that addresses specific risks and vulnerabilities.
Regular Inspections: Scheduled inspections help detect early signs of infestation that are often invisible to homeowners, ensuring quick intervention and minimizing potential damage.
Peace of Mind: Knowing that a trained team monitors and protects your home throughout the year allows homeowners to focus on family and daily life without worrying about unexpected pest problems.

The Importance of Year-Round Pest Prevention in Noblesville, IN

Maintaining a pest-free home in Noblesville, Indiana, requires more than seasonal treatments; it demands year-round vigilance. Pests can appear anytime, and even minor infestations can quickly escalate into costly damage or health risks. Professional pest control services help homeowners stay ahead of these threats by providing continuous monitoring, prevention, and treatment. Consistent protection ensures that your home remains safe, comfortable, and structurally sound throughout the year.

Key reasons year-round prevention is essential include the following:

Continuous Protection Against Seasonal Pests: Different pests are active during different times of the year. Year-round strategies address ants and wasps in spring and summer, rodents in fall and winter, and termites that remain active throughout the year.
Reduced Risk of Property Damage: Early intervention prevents pests like termites, carpenter ants, and rodents from causing costly structural damage.
Health & Safety Assurance: Many pests carry allergens, bacteria, and diseases that can threaten family and pet health. Ongoing prevention minimizes exposure.
Cost Savings Over Time: Regular preventive care reduces the need for expensive emergency treatments and repairs caused by severe infestations.
Peace of Mind: Knowing your home is consistently monitored allows you to focus on daily life without worry about sudden pest invasions.

Understanding Seasonal Pest Cycles and How Professionals Handle Them

In Noblesville, Indiana, pests follow predictable seasonal patterns, and understanding these cycles is key to effective protection. Professional pest control is designed to anticipate and address these fluctuations, ensuring that your home remains safe year-round. By knowing when and where pests are most active, experts can implement targeted treatments that stop infestations before they start.

Here’s how professionals handle seasonal pest cycles:

Spring: As temperatures rise, ants, termites, and stinging insects like wasps become more active. Professionals focus on perimeter treatments, nest removal, and barrier applications to prevent entry.
Summer: Warm months increase activity for mosquitoes, spiders, and flying insects. Technicians monitor high-risk areas and implement eco-friendly control solutions to minimize infestations.
Fall: Rodents and cockroaches start seeking warmth indoors. Experts perform thorough inspections, seal entry points, and place preventive traps to keep homes pest-free.
Winter: Although many pests slow down, rodents and some insects remain active indoors. Professionals maintain monitoring and treatment plans to stop hidden infestations from growing.
Ongoing Monitoring: Year-round follow-ups and inspections ensure that pests are detected early, keeping your home protected regardless of the season.

The Benefits of Scheduled Pest Inspection Services in Noblesville, IN

Regular pest inspections are a cornerstone of effective pest control services. Scheduled inspections allow homeowners to stay ahead of potential infestations, protect property value, and maintain a safe, healthy living environment. By proactively identifying pest activity, experts can implement timely solutions that prevent minor issues from turning into costly problems.

Key benefits of scheduled pest inspections include:

Early Detection of Infestations: Technicians can spot signs of pests that are often invisible to homeowners, allowing for prompt treatment before populations grow.
Customized Treatment Plans: Inspections provide detailed insights into the types of pests present, the areas they frequent, and the most effective strategies for elimination and prevention.
Prevent Property Damage: Early identification of termites, rodents, and carpenter ants helps prevent costly structural damage to your home.
Health and Safety Protection: Regular inspections minimize exposure to allergens, bacteria, and other health hazards carried by pests, safeguarding your family and pets.
Long-Term Cost Savings: Preventive inspections reduce the need for expensive emergency treatments and extensive repairs caused by severe infestations.
Peace of Mind: Knowing that a professional is monitoring your home on a scheduled basis ensures a consistently pest-free environment without stress or guesswork.

Don’t let pests take control of your home. Protect your family and property with professional pest control services in Noblesville, IN. Schedule your inspection today and stay ahead of infestations year-round. Contact us now and enjoy a safe, comfortable, pest-free home!

Your Seasonal Guide to Pest Control Services in Marion, IN

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 15:42:55 GMT

Keeping your home protected from unwanted pests requires a year-round strategy, especially with the changing weather patterns in Indiana. When residents seek pest control services in Marion, IN, <https://www.americanpestpros.com/residential-pest-control> they’re often responding to seasonal problems that appear without warning. Different pests emerge depending on temperature shifts, moisture levels, and environmental changes. Understanding these patterns helps homeowners prepare and protect their property before pests become a costly issue. This guide covers what to expect each season and how targeted treatments and pest control in Marion, IN, can make a major difference in long-term prevention. By learning how pests behave and identifying early warning signs, homeowners can stay proactive instead of reactive, reducing damage, lowering costs, and maintaining a healthier living environment year-round.

Seasonal Pest Guide: What Marion, IN, Residents Should Expect Throughout the Year

Understanding how pests <https://www.familyhandyman.com/pest-control/> behave throughout the year helps homeowners stay ahead of infestations before they escalate. Seasonal weather shifts, such as increased humidity, temperature drops, and heavy rainfall, directly influence pest activity. These changing conditions are why many homeowners rely on pest control services in Marion, IN, to prevent pests from gaining a foothold. Each season brings its own challenges, from insects emerging in warmer months to rodents searching for shelter in colder periods. With consistent monitoring, prevention strategies, and expert support, pest control services in Marion, IN, can significantly reduce risks and protect your home's structure, health, and comfort. By staying informed and responding early, pest control services in Marion, IN, help residents maintain a pest-free environment throughout all four seasons.

What to Expect Each Season:

• Spring: Warmer temperatures wake up ants, termites, spiders, and wasps. Moist soil and early vegetation growth create ideal breeding environments. Homeowners often notice ant trails, termite swarms near windows, and new wasp activity around eaves and porches.

• Summer: Peak pest activity occurs as insects multiply rapidly in heat and humidity. Mosquitoes thrive near standing water, spiders expand web-building areas, and stinging insects build larger, more aggressive colonies. Outdoor gatherings are most affected during this time.

• Fall: Cooling temperatures drive pests indoors. Rodents, beetles, earwigs, and stink bugs look for warmth and shelter, often entering through cracks, gaps, or attic vents. This is also when many homeowners experience an increase in spider sightings inside the home.

• Winter: While outdoor insect activity decreases, indoor pests become more active. Mice and rats nest inside walls, basements, and storage areas. Spiders, cockroaches, and silverfish seek warm, humid hiding spots, making interior pest management essential.

How Seasonal Pest Activity Shapes Tailored Pest Control Services in Marion, IN

Seasonal pest patterns in Indiana change dramatically throughout the year, making it essential for professionals to adapt their treatment strategies accordingly. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach, experts evaluate temperature shifts, humidity levels, breeding cycles, and pest migration habits to create customized, season-specific plans. This ensures that pest control services in Marion, IN, are always aligned with the pests most likely to impact homes during that time. By implementing targeted methods, such as moisture reduction in spring, yard treatments in summer, exclusion work in fall, and indoor monitoring in winter, pest control services in Marion, IN, can reduce infestations before they escalate. This tailored approach also helps minimize chemical usage, increase long-term protection, and deliver more efficient results. With strategic planning and continuous adjustments, pest control services in Marion, IN, provide a higher level of safety, prevention, and year-round home defense.

Seasonal Tailoring Includes:

• Spring Treatments: Focus on ants, termites, early wasps, and moisture-related pests. This includes foundation inspections, exterior barrier applications, and identifying conditions that attract pests emerging from winter dormancy.

• Summer Strategies: Target fast-growing pest populations such as mosquitoes, spiders, and stinging insects. Yard treatments, vegetation control, and hot-spot monitoring help maintain strong protection during peak activity.

• Fall Preparation: Emphasis on rodent exclusion, sealing gaps, and preventing overwintering pests like stink bugs and beetles. Professionals inspect attics, basements, and exterior entry points to block pests before temperatures drop.

• Winter Focus: Indoor inspections become the priority, addressing rodents, spiders, silverfish, and cockroaches seeking warmth. Treatment plans often include monitoring devices, interior spot treatments, and moisture control in storage areas.

Essential Benefits of Pest Control Services in Marion, IN

Homeowners face a wide range of pest challenges throughout the year, making consistent protection essential for maintaining a healthy and damage-free living environment. Relying on pest control services in Marion, IN, ensures that infestations are addressed quickly and effectively, preventing pests from causing long-term structural or health-related issues. With professional expertise, advanced treatment methods, and targeted prevention strategies, pest control services in Marion, IN, help homeowners reduce risks and stay ahead of seasonal pest pressures. Whether dealing with insects, rodents, or overwintering invaders, ongoing pest control services in Marion, IN, provide valuable peace of mind and stronger home protection.

Key benefits include:

• Early Detection & Prevention: Experienced professionals can identify signs of emerging infestations, like ant trails, termite activity, or rodent droppings, before they escalate. Early intervention reduces the risk of widespread damage and costly repairs.

• Health Protection: Pests carry allergens, bacteria, and disease-causing pathogens. Effective pest control helps reduce the spread of illnesses, asthma triggers, and food contamination risks, keeping families and pets safe.

• Structural Preservation: Termites, carpenter ants, rodents, and other pests can compromise walls, wiring, insulation, and foundations. Regular pest management protects your home’s integrity and prevents expensive structural damage over time.

• Customized Treatment Plans: Seasonal pest activity varies widely, and professional services create tailored solutions to target the pests active during spring, summer, fall, and winter. This ensures treatments are both effective and efficient.

• Long-Term Savings: Preventive measures and routine monitoring reduce the likelihood of repeated infestations. Investing in professional pest control saves homeowners money by avoiding emergency treatments and costly property repairs.

Now that you understand what to expect each season, the next step is taking action before pests become a bigger problem. Whether you’re facing ants in the spring, mosquitoes in the summer, rodents in the fall, or spiders in the winter, American Pest Professionals is equipped to protect your home year-round with dependable pest control services in Marion, IN. Contact us to schedule your service today!

5 Signs You Need a Bed Bug Pest Extermination

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 07:38:04 GMT

Bed bugs are sneaky, persistent pests that can turn your peaceful home into a nightmare. If you live in Anderson, IN, and suspect these tiny invaders have made themselves comfortable in your space, it’s crucial to act fast. Bed bug infestations can escalate quickly, and DIY methods often fall short. In this article, we’ll explore five early warning signs that you need bed bug pest extermination immediately—and why calling in the experts at American Pest Professionals is your best move.

1. Unexplained Itchy Bites That Appear Overnight

Waking up with itchy, red welts is one of the most common signs of a bed bug problem. These bites often appear in clusters or lines and are typically found on exposed skin like arms, legs, and neck. Unlike mosquito bites, bed bug bites tend to be more persistent and irritating. Many Anderson residents mistake these bites for allergies or other insect bites, delaying proper treatment. If you notice recurring bites and can’t identify the source, it’s time to consider bed bug pest extermination. Bedbugs feed at night and hide during the day, making them hard to detect without professional help.

2. Rust-Colored Stains on Sheets and Mattresses

Another telltale sign of bedbugs is the presence of small, rust-colored stains on your bedding. These stains are caused by crushed bugs or their excrement and are often found near mattress seams, pillowcases, and bed frames.

If you’re seeing these marks and haven’t spilled anything recently, it’s a strong indicator that bedbugs are present. These stains are often overlooked, especially in darker bedding. A thorough inspection by American Pest Professionals can confirm the infestation and begin targeted bed bug pest extermination.

3. Musty Odor in the Bedroom

Bedbugs release pheromones that can create a distinct, musty smell in heavily infested areas. This odor is often described as sweet yet unpleasant—similar to overripe raspberries or moldy laundry. If your bedroom has developed a strange scent and you’ve ruled out other causes, bed bugs could be the culprit. This sign is especially important for renters in Anderson who may not have access to the full history of their living space. A professional inspection can identify the source and determine if bed bug pest extermination is necessary.

4. Tiny Dark Spots on Furniture and Walls

Bed bugs don’t just hide in mattresses—they can burrow into furniture, behind wallpaper, and inside electrical outlets. One of the early signs of infestation is the appearance of tiny dark spots, which are bed bug droppings. These spots may be found on furniture legs, baseboards, or even curtains.

If you’re noticing these marks in multiple areas of your home, it’s likely that the infestation has spread. At this stage, DIY solutions are rarely effective. You’ll need professional bed bug pest extermination to eliminate the pests completely and prevent reinfestation.

5. Live Bed Bugs or Shed Skins

Seeing live bedbugs is a clear sign that your home is under siege. These pests are small—about the size of an apple seed—and reddish-brown in color. They tend to hide in cracks, crevices, and seams during the day and come out at night to feed.

You might also find shed skins, which bedbugs leave behind as they grow. These translucent shells are often found near sleeping areas and are a strong indicator of an active infestation. If you spot either of these, don’t wait—call American Pest Professionals for bed bug pest extermination right away.

Why DIY Methods Often Fail

Many homeowners in Anderson try to tackle bed bug infestations with over-the-counter sprays, traps, or natural remedies. Unfortunately, these methods rarely address the root of the problem. Bed bugs are resilient and can survive for months without feeding. They also reproduce quickly, making it nearly impossible to eliminate them without professional intervention. American Pest Professionals offers guaranteed solutions that go beyond surface-level treatment. Their team uses advanced techniques and equipment to ensure complete bed bug pest extermination, targeting both visible and hidden pests.

How American Pest Professionals Can Help

When you choose American Pest Professionals, you’re choosing peace of mind. Their expert technicians understand the unique challenges of bed bug infestations in Anderson homes and apartments. With years of experience and a commitment to customer satisfaction, they provide fast, effective, and discreet service.

Their process includes:

Thorough inspection of your home
Customized treatment plans
Follow-up visits to ensure success
Guaranteed results

Whether you own or rent, their team will work with you to restore comfort and safety to your living space.

Don’t Ignore the Early Signs

Bed bugs are masters of hiding, and by the time you notice them, the infestation may already be widespread. Ignoring the early signs can lead to sleepless nights, skin irritation, and costly damage to furniture and belongings. If you’ve noticed any of the signs mentioned above, it’s time to take action. Professional bed bug removal is the only way to ensure complete eradication and prevent future infestations.

Don’t let bedbugs take over your home. If you’re in Anderson, IN, and suspect an infestation, contact American Pest Professionals today. Our team is ready to provide fast, reliable, and guaranteed bed bug pest extermination services tailored to your needs. Call us at 765-644-2533 to schedule your inspection today. Get your peaceful nights back quickly with our expert assistance!

Why Bed Bug Pest Extermination in Anderson, IN is Essential

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 00:48:21 GMT

Bed bugs are one of the most persistent and frustrating pests a homeowner can face. These tiny, blood-sucking insects can turn a peaceful home into a nightmare, causing sleepless nights, itchy bites, and even emotional distress. For residents of Anderson, IN, bed bug pest extermination in Anderson, IN is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Attempting to handle an infestation on your own often leads to failure, wasted money, and even a worsening of the problem. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore why professional extermination is the only surefire way to eliminate bed bugs, the dangers of DIY methods, and how American Pest Professionals can help restore your home to a bug-free sanctuary.

The Growing Bed Bug Problem in Anderson, IN

Bed bugs are not a sign of poor hygiene—they can infest even the cleanest homes. These pests are excellent hitchhikers, often entering homes through:

Used furniture or mattresses (a common source of infestations)
Luggage and clothing after traveling
Visitors or guests who unknowingly carry them
Multi-unit housing where they spread between apartments

Once inside, they multiply rapidly. A single female bed bug can lay 200-500 eggs in her lifetime, meaning a small problem can escalate into a full-blown infestation in weeks.

Why Bed Bugs Are So Hard to Eliminate

Unlike other pests, bed bugs have developed resistance to many common pesticides. They also:

Hide in tiny cracks and crevices (mattress seams, baseboards, electrical outlets)
Survive for months without feeding , making starvation ineffective
Avoid detection by being active mostly at night

This makes bed bug pest extermination in Anderson, IN a job best left to professionals who have the right tools and expertise.

The Risks of DIY Bed Bug Treatments

Many homeowners turn to store-bought sprays, foggers, or home remedies, hoping for a quick fix. However, these methods often fail because:

· Over-the-Counter Sprays Are Ineffective: Most retail insecticides don’t penetrate deep enough to kill bed bug eggs, leading to reinfestation. Worse, some sprays can scatter bed bugs, spreading them to new areas of your home.

· Heat Treatments Require Precision: While heat can kill bed bugs, DIY heat methods (like space heaters or hairdryers) often don’t reach the necessary temperatures (at least 120°F) uniformly. Professional exterminators use industrial-grade heaters to ensure complete eradication.

· Misapplication Can Make the Problem Worse: Improper use of pesticides can pose health risks to your family and pets. Additionally, incomplete treatments allow bed bugs to develop resistance, making future extermination even harder.

· Wasted Time and Money: Repeated failed attempts mean more frustration and higher costs in the long run. Professional extermination is a one-time, guaranteed solution.

How Professional Bed Bug Pest Extermination in Anderson, IN Works

At American Pest Professionals , we use a multi-step approach to ensure complete bed bug removal:

Thorough Inspection

Our trained technicians perform a detailed inspection to locate all bed bug hiding spots, including:

Mattresses and box springs
Furniture joints and upholstery
Wall voids and electrical outlets

Customized Treatment Plan

Depending on the severity of the infestation, we may use:

Heat Treatment – Raises room temperatures to lethal levels, killing all life stages.
Steam Treatment – Effective for mattresses and delicate items.
Targeted Insecticides – EPA-approved chemicals applied to key infestation areas.

Follow-Up Visits

Bed bugs are sneaky, so we schedule follow-ups to ensure none have survived.

Signs You Need Professional Bed Bug Extermination in Anderson, IN

How do you know if you have a bed bug problem? Look for these telltale signs:

· Itchy, red bites (often in a line or cluster)

· Blood stains or dark spots on sheets (bed bug droppings)

· Shed exoskeletons near mattress seams

· A musty odor (caused by bed bug pheromones)

If you notice any of these, don’t wait—call a professional immediately.

Preventing Future Bed Bug Infestations

After professional extermination, take these steps to keep bed bugs away:

· Inspect secondhand furniture before bringing it inside.

· Use protective mattress encasements to block hiding spots.

· Vacuum regularly and reduce clutter where bed bugs can hide.

· Be cautious when traveling – inspect hotel rooms and wash clothes in hot water.

Don’t Let Bed Bugs Take Over Your Home—Act Now!

Bed bugs won’t go away on their own—they require professional intervention. If you’re dealing with an infestation in Anderson, IN, don’t waste time with ineffective DIY methods. Trust the experts at American Pest Professionals for fast, reliable, and guaranteed bed bug pest extermination in Anderson, IN. Contact us today for a free inspection and let us help you reclaim your home!

Bed Bug Removal and Pest Extermination Services in Anderson, IN

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 14:20:43 GMT

People who own homes are likely to seek pest control services to maintain a clean and safe living environment. One of the most common pests that homeowners deal with is bed bugs. Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects that feed on human blood. They are attracted to warm environments and can live in mattresses, furniture, and even clothing. If you suspect that you have a bed bug infestation in your home, it's important to seek professional bed bug removal and pest extermination services.

If you notice any of these signs, it's important to contact a professional bed bug removal and pest extermination service immediately.

Signs of Bed Bug Infestation

Bed bugs are difficult to detect because they are small and can hide in cracks and crevices. However, there are some signs that you can look out for to determine if you have a bed bug infestation. These signs include:

Small bloodstains on your sheets or pillowcases
Dark or rusty spots of bedbug excrement on sheets and mattresses
An offensive, musty odor from the bugs' scent glands
Bed bug bites on your skin

Prevention Tips

Preventing bed bugs from entering your home is the best way to avoid a bed bug infestation. Here are some prevention tips to keep in mind:

Inspect secondhand furniture before bringing it into your home
Keep your home clean and clutter-free
Use mattress and box spring encasements to prevent bed bugs from entering your bed
Vacuum your home regularly
Seal cracks and crevices in your home to prevent bed bugs from entering

Professional Bed Bug Removal and Pest Extermination Services

At American Pest Pros, we offer professional bed bug removal and pest extermination services in Anderson, IN. Our trained technicians use effective and safe methods to eliminate bed bugs from your home. We start by conducting a thorough inspection of your home to determine the extent of the infestation. Based on our findings, we will recommend the best course of action to eliminate the bed bugs.

If you suspect that you have a bed bug infestation in your home, it's important to seek professional bed bug removal and pest extermination services immediately. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and keep your home free from bed bugs.

Pest Control in Marion, IN: Common Pests and Prevention Tips

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 08:57:51 GMT

Homeowners in Marion and Anderson, IN, know that dealing with pests is part of homeownership. Whether you’re facing bed bugs, ants, or rodents, keeping your home pest-free can feel like an ongoing battle. Thankfully, with the right approach and professional help, pest control in Marion, IN , can be manageable and effective.

The Most Common Pests in Marion and Anderson, IN

In Marion and Anderson, residents often deal with several pests that can invade their homes and yards. Here are some of the most common culprits:

Bed Bugs: These tiny, blood-sucking pests are notorious for their resilience and ability to spread quickly. Bed bugs hide in mattresses, furniture, and even electrical outlets. They are especially problematic in Anderson, which is why bed bug removal in Anderson, IN, is in high demand.
Ants: They are persistent and can quickly form colonies in your home. They often enter through small cracks looking for food. Carpenter ants can damage wood structures over time.
Rodents: Mice and rats can chew through wires, insulation, and even walls. They are known to spread diseases and contaminate food sources. Rodents can be found year-round, making pest control services in Marion, IN, a necessity for many homeowners.
Termites: Silently destroy homes by feeding on wood structures. Their activity often goes unnoticed until significant damage is done.
Spiders: While most spiders are harmless, some species, like the brown recluse, can pose health risks. They thrive in dark, undisturbed places such as basements and attics.

Tips to Keep Pests Out of Your Home

Preventing pests from entering your home is the first line of defense. Here are practical tips to help:

Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for cracks, gaps, and holes. Seal them with caulk or weather stripping.
Keep Food Sealed: Store food in airtight containers and clean up crumbs immediately.
Maintain Cleanliness: Regular cleaning reduces the chances of attracting pests. Pay attention to kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
Declutter: Remove unnecessary clutter, as pests thrive in hidden spaces.
Fix Leaks: Pests, like cockroaches and termites, are attracted to moisture. Repair any leaks or damp areas in your home.
Trim Vegetation: Keep shrubs and trees trimmed back from your house to reduce pathways for pests.
Regular Inspections: Schedule routine pest inspections with professionals to catch issues early.

Professional Pest Control and Bed Bug Removal

Despite best efforts, pests can sometimes find their way inside. This is where professional pest control services in Marion, IN, and bed bug pest extermination in Anderson, IN, play a crucial role. Experts have the knowledge and tools to handle infestations quickly and effectively.

Protect Your Home Today With professional Pest Control Services

Don’t let pests take over your home! Whether you need Pest Control in Marion, IN, or bed bug removal in Anderson, IN, American Pest Professionals is here to help. Our expert team provides comprehensive solutions to keep your home pest-free year-round. Keep pests away– Contact us today!

Effective Bed Bug Treatment for Hotels

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 23:42:12 GMT

For hotel owners, one of the biggest concerns is to ensure that their establishment is clean, hygienic, and free of pests. Bed bugs, in particular, can be a nightmare for both guests and hotel management, and they are notoriously difficult to get rid of once they infest a property. If left unaddressed, bed bug infestations can cause significant financial losses and reputational damage to a hotel's brand. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most effective treatments for bed bugs in hotels and how hotel owners and managers can prevent bed bug infestations in the first place.

Identify the Signs of Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are tiny, wingless creatures that survive by feeding on the blood of both humans and animals. These reddish-brown insects are roughly the size of an apple seed. The first step in bed bug treatment is to identify the presence of bed bugs. Guests can easily spot these pests in their beds, furniture, or luggage. Hotel staff should be trained to recognize the signs of bed bugs, such as bloodstains on sheets, a sweet, musty odor, shed skin, or small black specks.

Use Heat Treatment

One of the most effective ways to get rid of bed bugs is through heat treatment. This involves exposing the infested areas to high temperatures, which kills bed bugs at all life stages. Heat treatment systems use dry steam or hot air to raise the temperature. This method is non-toxic, eco-friendly, and fast-acting, which makes it ideal for hotels that need to turn over rooms quickly.

Apply Pesticides

Another option for bed bug treatment is to use pesticides. However, the effectiveness of pesticides depends on the type of product used, the degree of the infestation, and the preparation and follow-up required. Hotels should only use EPA-registered pesticides that are specifically labeled for bed bugs and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Pesticide treatments may require multiple applications over several weeks, and they may not be suitable for all areas of the hotel.

Seal Cracks and Crevices

Preventing bed bug infestations in hotels is just as important as treating them. One of the best ways to avoid bed bugs is to seal cracks and crevices in walls, floors, and furniture where bed bugs can hide and breed. Hotel owners should inspect their properties regularly and seal any gaps with caulk or silicone.

Using mattress and box spring encasements is an effective measure to prevent bed bugs from infesting these items. These specially designed encasements act as a protective barrier, creating a secure shield around your mattress and box spring. By fully encasing these essential sleep components, you can ensure a bed bug-free environment and enjoy peaceful nights of uninterrupted sleep.

Educate Staff and Guests

Lastly, hotel owners should educate their staff and guests on bed bugs and how they can help prevent their spread. Hotel staff should be trained to respond to bed bug complaints promptly, how to identify the signs of bed bugs, and how to properly dispose of infested materials. Guests should be informed of hotel policies on bed bugs, such as not moving furniture or storing luggage on the bed, and how to inspect their rooms for bed bugs before and during their stay.

Dealing with bed bugs can be a daunting task, especially for hotels that need to maintain high standards of cleanliness and guest satisfaction. However, with the right strategies and treatments, hotels can effectively control bed bug infestations and prevent future occurrences. Identifying the signs of bed bugs, using heat treatment or pesticides, sealing cracks and crevices, and educating staff and guests are essential steps to combat bed bugs in hotels. By taking these measures seriously, hotel owners can ensure their guests have a pleasant and pest-free stay.

To learn more about helpful bed bug treatments for your hotel, be sure to reach out to the team at American Pest Professionals.

Debunking Common Termite Myths

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 20:54:25 GMT

Mud tubes, visible wood damage, and discarded wings are all signs that you may have a termite problem on your property. These tiny creatures are highly destructive, so you must be proactive to control and prevent termites as soon as you suspect to have an infestation.

However, numerous misconceptions about termites have created confusion among homeowners. Consequently, some property owners underestimate the danger of these destructive insects, while others adopt ineffective measures for termite control. This blog debunks some of the most common termite myths to help you make informed decisions about your pest management strategy.

Properties with Concrete Slabs Are Immune to Termite Infestations

A concrete slab foundation does not guarantee complete protection from termite infestation. The reason is that nearly every slab has a wood structure or components attached to it or near it. For instance, wooden flooring, walls, and doors are vulnerable to termite attack. Moreover, termites may also enter properties through cracks in the slab foundation and expanding soil around your property's perimeter.

Termites Can Eat Concrete

Termites do not eat concrete, nor do the pests feed on rocks or other inorganic materials. Instead, these creatures rely on plant and cellulose material for sustenance. Hardwood floors, wallpapers, cardboard boxes, and books are some of their favorite items to feed on.

Therefore, if your house is made of concrete and you notice a termite infestation, it is probably because of the crevices between concrete and wooden structures.

Termites Are the Same as Ants

Although termites and ants are often mistaken for one another, the two creatures are two different species. There are notable differences between termites and ants.

Color

Termites bodies are mostly pale in color. On the other hand, ants range in darker colors from black to brown.

Body Structure

Termites have elongated bodies and two pairs of wings of equal size. In comparison, ants' body structure is shorter and thicker — they also possess a pair of large wings at the front, followed by a smaller pair at the back.

Eating Habits

Ants feed on different food sources ranging from insects to sweets, while termites solely depend on wood material for sustenance.

Both pests manifest similar behaviors, like building visible mounds. You may also notice winged reproductive swarms that signify an infestation.

A One-Time Treatment Is Sufficient

Some property owners assume that since termites come in colonies and one treatment kills all of them, the property owners no longer have to worry about termite infestation once a treatment is applied. Unfortunately, this is not true.

Termites often return after a few months or years due to these pests' high reproductive rate. Furthermore, if your property has been infested before, chances are that you are more vulnerable to future infestations. This means a one-time treatment is not enough — you may need regular inspections and treatments by professionals to ensure complete protection against termite invasion.

DIY Treatments Are Effective

DIY termite treatment may seem like a more convenient and cost-effective solution. However, DIY treatments do not provide long-term protection.

On the other hand, professional pest control services employ advanced techniques and products to eliminate pests successfully. In addition, the experts have access to effective treatments and measures that are unavailable to the public.

With their expertise and knowledge, termite control experts will only apply environmentally friendly methods to protect your health and your pets'. Moreover, regular inspections help detect an infestation early and prevent significant damage to your property.

You can trust us at American Pest Professionals to provide the best termite control services. Our team of experts is certified and highly skilled, so you can count on us to inspect, identify and eliminate termite infestations. We will also advise you on the necessary steps to prevent future infestations and protect your property. Contact us today for more information.

5 Things That Attract Cockroaches to Your Home

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 17:07:00 GMT

Cockroaches are common household pests that are usually in search of shelter, water, and food. If your house has these three things, roaches will move into your house in large numbers. And even if there is no food or water, roaches are highly persistent and can easily adapt to extreme conditions. Keep reading to know what attracts cockroaches to your home.

1. Food Sources

Cockroaches are always on the lookout for places with abundant food sources. The food can be stored food items or kitchen trash. Also, decaying organic matter and even pet litter boxes contain food for cockroaches.

Perhaps the most common source of food for cockroaches is dirty dishes. After a long day at work, you may not have the energy to wash the dirty dishes in the sink. However, if you leave these dishes overnight, you are inviting cockroaches to a feast. Cockroaches can quickly identify tiny food particles and even residue in drinking glasses. Hence, you should always immediately wash dirty dishes after use.

2. Moisture

Cockroaches are naturally attracted to a moist environment. The cockroaches will breed and live in any damp space in your house. Damp spaces are below broken gutters, leaky faucets, and damaged pipes. Also, moisture can build up in a house with poor ventilation, especially one without exhaust fans and dehumidifiers.

3. Hiding Spots

Dark and isolated areas in your house are perfect hiding spots for cockroaches. For example, cockroaches can hide below the attic vents, under cabinets and closets, behind electronics, and inside sinks and appliances.

If there's no hiding space within the house, the cockroaches can find a hiding spot outdoors. Common outdoor hiding spots include thick vegetation, debris and clutter in the yard, and storage boxes in your garage.

Cockroaches prefer dark places because they are nocturnal, so you will barely see them during the day. Hence, you will see them scuttle to hide when you turn on the basement or bathroom lights.

A cluttered home provides the perfect environment for cockroaches to hide and breed. For instance, if you have boxes, clothes, toys, and other belongings in a disorganized setting, you create the perfect place for pests. Other forms of clutter are food crumbs, garbage, and dirty dishes. Hence, proper hygiene and regular decluttering are necessary to prevent a cockroach infestation.

4. Wood

You may have known that wood attracts termites, but even roaches like feasting on decaying wood. So, cockroaches will move to old houses made from lumber and other wooden material. In fact, some specific cockroach species have a biological need for wood. These cockroaches will feed on woodpiles, wood stumps, and hollow trees.

Because most mulches are essentially wood, cockroaches will also prefer to live in mulch. Some mulch contains insect-favored wood that cockroaches find particularly attractive. At the same time, mulch will trap moisture beneath it and provide shelter for the cockroaches.

5. Strong Odors

Although cockroaches can consume most items, the roaches will prefer foods with odors. For example, roaches will quickly move in if you leave scented potpourri unattended. Similarly, an unsealed bowl of sugar or sweet cereal is a major attraction to cockroaches.

The attraction is not just for nice smells since the roaches can also fancy the smell of garbage and dirty laundry. For example, you will find cockroaches in collections of grocery bags with a faint smell of food.

Roaches are a menace that can damage property and even lead to diseases. Ideally, you should take measures to prevent cockroaches from invading your home. But if cockroaches manage to enter your home, American Pest Professionals can help you to get rid of the pests. We provide high-quality and safe pest control services at affordable rates. Contact us to get started.

Shopping for a New Home? Watch Out for These Pest Infestation Signs

Sat, 03 Sep 2022 01:26:40 GMT

Pest infestations can disrupt your lifestyle and bring unexpected expenses. So, you must be keen to spot pest infestations when touring houses, condos, and apartments. Below are telltale signs a potential home has a pest problem.

Bad Odors

Foul smells aren't usually a good sign when house hunting, and most pests leave distinct odors in different areas. For example, a musty or oily smell in the kitchen and pantry often indicates cockroaches. A soy sauce smell is also associated with these pests.

An ammonia or urine odor indicates a rodent infestation, and the house likely harbors mice, rats, or squirrels. If you detect a sweet, musty smell, a large bedbug infestation may await your family in the new house.

Pest experts attribute an earthy scent to termites and ants, as they stir the dirt and debris under the house. A property that smells like garbage is also a cause of concern because it attracts more pests.

Odd Sounds

Keep your ears alert for squeaking sounds that indicate rodents and other pests as you tour potential homes. The sound of tiny feet scurrying across floorboards and walls signifies mice and rat activity. These sounds are more apparent at night as rodents are nocturnal, and you may miss them if you tour the property during the day. So, contract pest inspection services to ensure you don't buy a house with rodent infestations.

Live and Dead Bugs

Many pests are expert hiders, but you might see a stray cockroach scurry past the house as you tour different rooms. Bring a flashlight and examine dark areas like closets, cabinets, and loose floorboards for the best chance to see live pests. Check around water and gas pipes for mice and other rodents, and inspect areas near water sources for roaches and ants.

Keep an eye out for dead bugs on carpets, windowsills, and basements. While a few dead mosquitoes and flies are usually normal, organize a pest inspection if you see many dead bugs of the same species. You may also see different parts of a pest, like the legs and wings, without seeing the entire body. Don't ignore such parts, as a pest inspector can quickly discover any nests in the house.

Droppings and Spots

You may not see live bugs, but they leave their droppings around the house. Cockroach droppings appear as black or dark brown seed-like pellets inside cabinets and closets; along baseboards; under refrigerators, stoves, or dryers; and in storage areas. Many droppings can indicate a large cockroach infestation, so the house often needs prompt pest control services.

Rodents commonly leave their droppings around corners and walls, while termite waste resembles wood shavings. A bedbug infestation appears as dark brown spots behind beds, around furniture, near outlets, or on walls.

Property Damage

Rodents and bugs often access homes through small holes in floors and walls. If you suspect a termite infestation, examine the window door frames and baseboards for damage. Rodents are seasoned chewers, so check electrical wires for chew marks and holes through walls and floorboards. If left unchecked, pests can cause extensive structural damage to any home.

Outdoor Breeding Grounds and Nests

Outdoor areas also harbor pest infestations, so walk around the yard looking for pest sanctuaries. Mosquitoes love stagnant water, while flies move toward open pipes and smelly garbage cans.

Mole hills are another cause of concern since moles feed on insects and nearby bugs. Wood shavings around the foundation can indicate a termite infestation, and also check for squirrel nests in trees.

Pest infestation signs are not always apparent, and a pest inspection is necessary before you buy a home. Call us today at American Pest Professionals for prompt pest control services.

Your Flea Infestation Guide

Tue, 09 Aug 2022 18:49:25 GMT

Fleas are parasites that love to dine on dogs, cats, and other furry critters. However, if given the opportunity, they will invade your home and feed on you. If you have been feeling the itch, you may have a flea infestation. If you would like to know more, keep reading.

Signs of Flea Infestation

You'll need to check a few spots for signs of flea infestation. First, check yourself for signs of bites and itchy spots. They can occur anywhere, but they are common on the ankles, as the fleas jump from the floor to you.

Naturally, if you see the flea feeding, this is a bad sign. Similarly, check your pet for fleas, bites, and scratching. Many

dogs and cats develop allergies to fleas. If this happens, your pet may develop:

An itchy rash
Bleeding/scabbing from too much scratching
Hair loss in itchy areas
Raised pink bumps

Besides fleas, you may spot flea droppings, which look like bits of sand, salt, or pepper. You should be able to spot them on your pets, but you may also see some where your pet sleeps or spends a lot of time, such as your bed. Of course, you

may also see fleas jumping from you to your animal or other different fabrics.

Causes of Flea Infestation

Fleas often come from other animals, but they may also hitch a ride on you or your pet from outside. Your house can become infested with fleas if you don't have pets, but it is more common if you do. Once inside the house, the fleas start to lay eggs in various fabrics (and your pets), especially carpet, and the cycle begins.

The leading way to prevent flea infestations is to regularly use flea control on your pets. Regular vacuuming can also help, especially if you have carpeted areas or other fabrics near exterior doors.

Complications of Flea Infestation

If either you or your pet starts itching too much from flea bites, it can lead to a secondary infection. When you aggressively scratch, it tears open the skin, which creates a doorway for bacteria to enter. On top of that, fleas commonly carry parasites, especially tapeworms. If you or your pet accidentally ingests the wrong flea, you could get infected with the parasite.

Most importantly, however, fleas can transmit disease. One of the most common diseases spread by fleas is flea-borne typhus, which presents with flu-like symptoms. Some patients need antibiotics to fight the infection.

One of the most notorious diseases spread by fleas is the black plague. While uncommon, this disease still exists and can have severe consequences if not treated immediately.

Treatment for Flea Infestation

If you only notice fleas on your pets, start flea treatment immediately, but if your home is already infested, you may need professional treatment. Even deep cleaning may not be enough because the fleas are hiding in every inch of your home, including deep in the carpet fibers.

You may be able to buy some flea-killing solutions at the store, but it can be hard to treat every surface. On top of that, they may not be as effective as they use professional chemicals. They may use special treatments like fumigation and heat treatments to fully kill the fleas at every stage. Best of all, these treatments still only cost about $175 to $500 .

If you only have one room or one piece of furniture that is infested with fleas, you may be able to treat it yourself with a flea bomb or flea spray. However, for a full infestation, you need professional fumigation to kill every bug, larvae, and egg. Fleas are gross, but they can also cause disease and make you miserable. If you would like to know more, contact us at American Pest Professionals.

4 Pest-Related Disease Risks Worth Avoiding

Wed, 06 Jul 2022 17:46:18 GMT

Most homeowners would agree that pests pose lots of problems, from their tendency to get into foodstuffs to the sheer unpleasantness of seeing them flying or crawling around the house. However, homeowners seeking reasons to invest in pest control should add the risk of disease transmission to the top of the list.

Many common pests can carry serious diseases, which they then spread to humans (and sometimes pets as well). If you want to protect yourself and your family, you need to educate yourself on these risks so you can plan the appropriate pest control response. Pay particular attention to the following four pest-related disease risks.

1. Intestinal Diseases

If you've ever had a bad case of food poisoning, you know just how horrible intestinal diseases can feel. Many strains of hostile bacteria can infect the human digestive system, disrupting normal function and producing such unpleasant symptoms as fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.

Cockroaches pick up E. coli, streptococcus, salmonella, and staphylococcus bacteria as they roam through plumbing pipes, garbage dumps, and other unsanitary environments. They may then track this bacteria onto food or food preparation surfaces.

Even after your pest control team has eliminated an active cockroach infestation, you should take steps to minimize the risk of future disease transmission from these creatures. Always wash raw vegetables and fruits before preparing or eating them, seal foodstuffs away in pest-proof containers, and clean your counters and tables regularly.

2. Lyme Disease

If your property hosts its share of ticks, or if you go on trips through wooded areas known to harbor ticks, you need to protect both your pets and your human family members against these parasites. When ticks bite through the skin to suck the blood of host animals, they can transmit serious illnesses, including Lyme disease.

Indiana cases of Lyme disease commonly stem from the bite of the black-legged tick. Although the immature form of these ticks must remain attached for up to 48 hours before they actually transmit the disease, their tiny size compared to their adult counterparts could cause them to go unnoticed for at least that long.

Lyme disease typically produces a bullseye-shaped ring around a reddened central spot. Other symptoms include fatigue, chills, headache, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and pain in the muscles and joints. Treatment for Lyme disease can range from oral antibiotics to intravenous medical care.

Ongoing pest prevention drugs can keep your pets from tracking ticks into your home. Ask your pest control experts to recommend body sprays and other protective strategies for when you go outdoors. If you have a severe tick problem in your yard, professional treatment with insecticides can eliminate it.

3. Bubonic Plague

Pets can carry fleas as well as ticks into your home. These tiny parasites pack a big punch in the form of an infamous disease called bubonic plague. Bubonic plague produces swollen lymph nodes in the groin, neck, and armpits, along with exhaustion, headache, fever, and chills.

Fleas have the ability to jump from one host to another, transmitting this disease as they bite the skin in search of blood. However, you can also get the disease if you handle dead vermin infected by it. Always have pest control professionals take care of this potentially hazardous business for you.

4. Encephalitis

The humble mosquito can transmit many diseases, most of which create mild symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, or fever. However, a mosquito bite can sometimes cause a brain inflammation called encephalitis. This serious condition calls for prompt medical treatment.

Personal insect repellents can protect your body from mosquitos for a limited time, but you may need to call in a pest control team to kill off a large-scale infestation. To prevent recurrences, remove any outdoor moisture sources such as birdbaths, puddles of standing water, and piles of damp leaves.

To keep your home as disease free as possible, get your pest problems under control with the aid of American Pest Professionals. Our experts can inspect your residence for worrying pests and eliminate those potential disease carriers so you and your loved ones can enjoy a healthier life. Contact us today.

Reasons Your Home Needs Regular Pest Inspections

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 14:38:34 GMT

The list of pests that can invade your home is endless. While some pests are seasonal, others will get into your house anytime they find an opportunity. Moreover, since pests reproduce fast, you should be ready to uncover an infestation whenever you start spotting pests in your home. Luckily, you can avoid most pest problems by regularly hiring a professional pest control company to inspect your home.

Let's see some reasons to have your home regularly checked for pests.

Prevent Full-Brown Infestation

Since pests reproduce fast, the best control is to find them before they become a problem. Without regular inspections pests can reproduce while still in hiding, leading to a full-blown termite infestation. Such an infestation can cause expensive damage to your home without your knowledge.

Avoid Health Risks

Pests such as rats, cockroaches, and mosquitos pose numerous health risks. Rats cause diseases such as leptospirosis and typhoid, and mosquitos spread malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus, and many more. A professional pest inspection will help you identify pest infestations, allowing early extermination before you and your loved ones fall ill.

Avoid Property Damage

In addition to spreading diseases, pests are destructive. Most pests will damage property when building their nests or if they feed on the materials used to make your property. For example, rats can chew your clothes or furniture, causing huge financial losses. Similarly, termites will feed on wood, weakening your property. If not controlled, termites can cost you your home if it is entirely made of wood.

However, if you spot the infestation earlier, you will eliminate the pests before they cause any damage.

Ensure Your Family's Safety

Pests such as rats and termites can easily increase the safety hazards in your home or even make the whole house unsafe for occupation. For example, rats can increase the risk of fires in your home if they chew electrical wires. Also, damages caused by termites can affect your home's structural integrity.

Protect Your Finances

You're mistaken if you think you are saving money by avoiding regular pest inspections. Though pest inspections come at a cost, their financial benefits outweigh the cost. For example, regular pest inspections will prevent infestations that lead to home damage. These damages are expensive to repair, plus they will reduce your home's value.

A full-brown pest infestation is also expensive to control because the exterminators will visit your home several times.

Ensure Peace of Mind

Pets such as bed bugs, fleas, snakes, cockroaches, and rats can make you feel extremely uncomfortable, as you know the damages they can cause. Other pests can also cause physical discomfort. For example, due to the painful bites, you may no longer enjoy relaxing on your cozy sofas if they are infested with bedbugs.

On the other hand, you will feel better if a pest inspection confirms that your home is pest-free or if pest control professionals find a pest problem and immediately solve it.

Avoid Food Contamination and Damage

Pests in your home can easily find their way to where you store food using their strong sense of smell. However, since pests know no food hygiene, they will urinate, defecate and even lay eggs on your food. Such food is not fit for human consumption.

A simple pest infestation can easily grow in number and wreak havoc in your home if not controlled early. Luckily, regular professional pest inspections can help you avoid the adverse effects of pest infestation. At American Pest Professionals, we have the skills and resources required to eliminate any pest at residential and commercial premises. Contact us today to experience our prompt and cordial customer service.

5 Pests That Spread Fast

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 16:18:43 GMT

Many pests make it their goal to get inside your house. Some pests, however, are more problematic than others, and they can spread fast. If you would like to know more, check out these five pests that spread fast.

1. Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are small, flat pests that feed off blood, including human blood. They can get inside your home from nearby homes, or they can hitch a ride into your home. For example, if you went on vacation and stayed in a hotel with bed bugs, you probably brought some home in your luggage. Similarly, if you purchase used furniture, especially couches or mattresses, you could bring in bed bugs too.

Spotting bed bugs can be hard because they are small, hide most of the time, and only feed at night. However, you can look for the signs of bed bugs. Signs include blood stains on the bed that may look like specks of rust and bite marks on your body. You may also see bedbug droppings, eggs, or shed skin.

2. Cockroaches

Cockroaches are larger pests, but they can also make themselves flat to get into tight spots. Like bed bugs, they are nocturnal and like to stay hidden, but they will come out to find food. You can usually tell you have cockroaches because you'll see droppings that look like coffee grounds, and you may see eggs too. Cockroaches also smell, so if you have an infestation, expect a mildew-like odor in the house.

For some people, cockroaches can cause further problems because of allergies. Cockroaches have a special protein that many humans are allergic to. If you have an allergy, you may experience cold-like symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, stuffy nose, postnasal drip, and worsening asthma symptoms.

3. Fleas

Like bed bugs, fleas feed off blood, including human blood. They are a common problem for cats and dogs that aren't on flea control. Therefore, if you have cats or dogs without flea control, your furry critter could bring in tons of fleas. Fleas also get inside by hitching a ride on your ankle or feet when you enter the house from outside.

Fleas multiply fast, and they tend to stay on their host, making you or your pet constantly itchy. Many dogs and cats have allergies to flea bites, so one bite could cause widespread itching for a long time. Frequent itching is also bad for both humans and animals because it increases the risk of a skin infection.

4. Silverfish

Silverfish, as the name suggests, are silver-gray in color, and they tend to move like fish. Once more, these pests are nocturnal, but finding them may be harder than some other pests because they like dark, damp places like the attic or crawlspace.

Silverfish eat a lot of stuff, but they really like paper, so you may find them munching on old books. If you have wallpaper, they may also like to munch on the wallpaper.

5. Stink Bugs

Stink bugs are relatively harmless, but they will purposely seek out a home to hide during the winter. Like many other bugs, they can fit through small cracks, making it easy for them to get inside your home.

For most people, stink bugs are harmless, and they don't bite, but some people may experience allergies. If these bugs are disturbed or killed, they will give off an unpleasant odor.

Pests aren't just gross and dirty — they can spread disease and trigger allergies. You may be able to prevent infestations by keeping the house sealed, dry, and clean, but once the pests have invaded, call an expert. If you would like to know more, contact our pest control experts today.

Bed Bug Recurrence: How to Eliminate These Pesky Critters for Good

Tue, 08 Feb 2022 18:46:25 GMT

You've dealt with a bed bug issue in the past. It all started when you went on your last family vacation and one of the little critters decided to hitchhike a ride home in your luggage. It took a lot of diligence and hard work to eradicate the problem. And now you suspect they may have returned — or never left in the first place.

Read on to learn a few reasons why they may still live with you and tips on eliminating them permanently.

Why You Still Have Bed Bugs

Bed bugs can remain in your home for a number of reasons, including the following:

The Problem Was Not Completely Eradicated

The bites, the marks on the sheets, the crawling on your skin in the wee hours of the morning. Dealing with bed bugs can truly be a nightmare. The first thing you want to do is eliminate the problem. After a brief investigation, you realize they are everywhere. Spraying down your mattress and bedding items, along with other personal items, is a good start.

But bedbugs are tricky creatures. They are masters at evading death. They crawl away when threatened and hide until you are asleep. This makes them difficult to see and challenging to eradicate completely. Even with treatment, they can scatter away and return later. One live bug left behind on an article of clothing or bedding can trigger an ongoing infestation.

They've Found the Perfect Hiding Spots

When we think of bed bugs, we imagine them in the seams of a mattress or under the couch cushions, but they can hide out in other places, making them difficult to treat. Common hiding spots include:

Behind wall and door trim
Inside drawers and drawer joints
Electrical receptacles
Underneath or around appliances
Inside knick-knacks or home décor pieces
Behind picture frames

Nothing is off-limits for bed bugs. They are masters of illusion and great at invading anything but human flesh. Have you noticed that the bed bugs just keep coming back? Check out possible hiding spaces just before treatment.

How to Eliminate Bed Bug Permanently

To get rid of these pests for good, consider the following tips:

Stay Away From DIY Treatments

There are countless posts on social media and online that share tips and tricks on how to get rid of bed bugs on your own. This includes natural remedies that are safe for humans and pets. The problem is that most of these are baseless claims, and some can actually be more harmful than good.

Sealing up your mattress for a year or using extremely high heat to drive them out can be unrealistic and, in some cases, dangerous. A professional consult is your best bet.

Many products that claim to kill bedbugs and other invading insects do not contain strong enough ingredients to get rid of the problem completely. Not only that, but eradicating bed bugs for good takes a little planning and tactic to ensure they don't just scatter to a hidden spot and evade the treatment altogether.

A professional pest control specialist will investigate your infestation to determine the best course of action. They have specialized equipment and gear that not only protects them but you as well. They will make sure every surface area is treated, and they can recommend what to do with your bedding and furniture that may be heavily infested.

Utilize an Ongoing Maintenance Program

Because treating a bed bug infestation is challenging, it can be impossible to tackle on your own or with subpar treatment measures. The best way to deal with a recurrence or to prevent future infestations from taking place is to contact a local pest control company right away. They can help you get rid of a bed bug problem by setting up an ongoing pest maintenance program.

This thorough and complete pest management program tackles every facet of an infestation. From inspection to prevention, it's the best way to eliminate a bed bug problem and keep it from returning.

Bed bugs are more than just a nuisance; they can put a huge damper on your health and lifestyle. It's never too late to get your bed bug problem under control. Contact us today at American Pest Professionals, and enjoy a future free of unwanted pests!

6 Things That Accidentally Invite Pests to Your Business

Tue, 08 Feb 2022 18:42:09 GMT

A pest infestation is unwelcome just about anywhere, but it can be especially bad news for a business. Pesky rodents and bothersome bugs have no place in your establishment. However, you, your employees, or your tenants might have accidentally invited them in through a series of absent-minded behaviors and neglectful mistakes.

If you've noticed an increase in pest activity in your commercial establishment, take a look around to make sure you and your associates are not guilty of these common, pest-friendly practices and oversights.

1. You Have Unsealed Entry Points

Thanks to their small size, pests can find their way into buildings through a variety of means. Your building may have gaps in the foundation, worn-out weather stripping, holes near windows and doors, broken screens, or open drains and gutters that provide easy pathways for pests.

Inspect the perimeter of your building and look for any obvious ways that pests might travel inside, but pay special attention to small holes, cracks, gaps, and spaces that tiny bugs could crawl through.

2. You Don't Always Clean Up Crumbs and Spills

If you've ever dropped a piece of food at a summer barbecue only to discover large numbers of ants on it only moments later, you've witnessed just how enticing food scraps can be for hungry pests. It doesn't take much to draw bugs, spiders, and rodents into your building. In fact, just a few crumbs or messes can be enough to attract dozens of bugs to your space.

When pests sense food, they're more likely to invade your space to hunt for their next bite — and they may just stick around for more once they are inside.

3. Your Building Contains Excess Moisture

Many bugs look for dark, moist areas to call home, which can mean trouble for your business if you have any leaking pipes, unused drains, dripping AC units, or clogged spouts. These areas can provide a valuable water source for invasive pests. If you've noticed that various bugs or rodents seem to be attracted to your building, look around for any areas that tend to stay damp or moist for clues.

4. You Don't Inspect Shipping Boxes

Businesses that receive frequent deliveries may also be the involuntary recipients of hitchhiking pests. Many pests make a home of cardboard and shipping boxes, particularly mites, bed bugs, spiders, and cockroaches. These insects often lay eggs in these containers, which may then hatch in your establishment and wreak havoc on your business. Make it a habit to checkboxes upon delivery, and throw them out away from your building after you and your team unload them.

5. Your Garbage Bins Need Attention

Many pests can make a meal out of just about anything, which means your garbage bins are especially vulnerable to pest invasions. Whether your trashcans need a tighter lid or need to be emptied more often, any food smells that waft from your garbage areas may function as magnets for a host of unwelcome pests.

6. Your Storage Spaces Are Cluttered

Pests largely try to stay out of sight, and many species take up residence in areas that allow them to stay concealed and away from view. As expected, cluttered areas provide excellent hiding spots. These areas not only help pests to remain hidden, but undisturbed storage areas also provide pests with safety and security, which can invite them to stay and reproduce undetected for some time.

The moment you notice the signs of a pest infestation, it's time to call in the professionals. The specialists at American Pest Professionals have the skills and knowledge to treat your commercial building and keep pests of all types away from your space. Protect your business from harmful pest infestations and call today to make an appointment for our commercial pest control services.

3 Kinds of Pest-Related Household Damage

ThryvDudaAccess@boostability.com (Boostability Team) — Thu, 16 Dec 2021 21:32:43 GMT

As a homeowner, you may feel the need for constant vigilance against one threat to your home's well-being after another, from catastrophic storms and pet accidents to break-in attempts by burglars. However, in addition to guarding against major destructive events, you must also look out for small pests that can cause big problems.

By understanding how different pests can attack and destroy different household structures and systems, you can put preventative strategies into effect right away, recognize trouble when you see it, and enlist pest control professionals to wipe out worrying infestations. Pay particular attention to these three kinds of pest-related damage.

1. Plumbing Damage

A home doesn't seem much like a home without a functioning plumbing system. You and your loved ones rely on flushing toilets, a steady flow of water from the various taps, and comfortable water temperatures for bathing and showering. Unfortunately, water and pest infestations tend to go hand in hand, often with destructive results.

An existing plumbing malfunction can actually kick off your pest problems. Animals naturally seek sources of water to sustain themselves, meaning that even a tiny leak in your plumbing system can summon insects and vermin to your home.

If your kitchen or bathroom plays host to silverfish, earwigs, crickets, and roaches no matter how clean you keep it, you may have a leak or a slow drain that needs fixing. If you hear pests moving around behind your drywall, you might have an invisible leak that requires attention.

Once pests discover the water in your home, they can do considerable damage, aided and abetted by the water itself. For example, termites prefer to burrow through soft wood rotted by water exposure. Rodents such as mice can actually chew away the insulation wrapped around your plumbing pipes.

2. Roof Damage

If your home represents the largest investment you ever make, the roof on your home may represent the next largest. A well-built roof can last for decades with proper maintenance, but pest infestations can make that maintenance an ongoing struggle. Even the tiniest creatures can do massive damage that forces extensive repairs.

Watch out for birds and rodents that build nests in your gutters and send debris into your downspouts. The resulting clogs can cause water to overflow from the gutters and collect on your roof, weakening the wooden supports and promoting mold growth. The wet wood may then promote termites to move in and weaken your roof further.

Even bees and wasps can create roof problems if they build extensive nests on roof structures. Believe it or not, a sufficiently large bee infestation can actually place a structural strain on your roof. At the same time, wasps living near your roof or doorway may attack and sting occupants if provoked.

3. Electrical Damage

Rodent infestations can wreak havoc on home electrical systems. As they chew their way through your attic walls and beams in search of nesting sites and materials, they may also chew up your wiring, a dangerous situation that could lead to a fire. Symptoms may include flickering lights and burning or decaying odors.

Your pest-related electrical problems need not confine themselves to walls and attics. If you always see ants in your home but can't tell how they keep getting in, check your electrical outlets. Ants often climb into electrical outlets, where they may get electrocuted and release hormones that just attract even more ants.

Just as your family doctor can help you take care of your body's various systems and functions, American Pest Professionals can help you take care of your home's most important components. Contact us today to schedule an inspection or pest treatment.

4 Pests Who May Try To Move In for the Winter

Wed, 10 Nov 2021 17:39:43 GMT

As outside temperatures begin to fall, most people do not want to spend extended amounts of time outside. Unfortunately, the same is true for certain pests. While they are willing to spend the spring and summer living outdoors, the cooler weather makes them search for somewhere dry and warm to spend their winter. Knowing who to expect is one of the first steps to addressing these unwelcome guests. Here are a few pests who may try to move in during the next few months.

1. Raccoons

These masked bandits are not as cute as they look on television when you see them up close inside your home. Your home has the main two things these pests search for: food and shelter.

Unfortunately, raccoons are not picky about either one. As omnivores, they have a wide range of favorite foods, many of which they can locate in your trashcans, in your gardens, or around your yard.

Raccoons are very smart. They can plan their movement and can often go for extended periods undetected. When they move in, they look for places they can hide during the day and move around at night.

Raccoons are good climbers and will enter your home through traditional and untraditional means. They may come through pet doors, open windows, roof eaves, and more. Raccoons are often found in your attic, basement, and chimneys.

2. Mice

Another squatter who may try to move in is mice. As the weather gets cooler, they will attempt to enter your home looking for a warm place to spend the winter.

Mice do not arrive alone and quickly multiply once they do. Once in your home, they will spend their time foraging for food and looking for places to build their nest. It is estimated that mice only consume about three grams of food per day but will contaminate much more with their droppings, urine, and hair.

Mice in your home can cause considerable damage. Not only will they chew into and contaminate food sources in your cabinets and pantry, but they will also gnaw on almost anything in their immediate surroundings.

Mice will chew on paper, wood, fabric, plastics, electrical wiring, and more. Nothing is safe. In looking for places to build and hide their nests, they will even chew into and burrow into your upholstered furniture, luggage, and other belongings.

3. Squirrels

You may see these cute little guys hanging out in your trees during the summer, but they may be up there scouting out your home for their winter hangout. It is common for squirrels to enter your attic and chimney looking for a warm place to build their nest where they will be undisturbed.

Unfortunately, squirrels will also gnaw on anything and everything in their immediate surroundings. Their gnawing not only causes a considerable amount of damage but also gnawed wires can put your home at risk of fire. While in your attic, squirrels can also chew on components of your HVAC system, putting you at risk of not having heat at inopportune times.

4. Bats

Not everyone attempting to move in will climb or crawl in. Other unwanted guests may fly in. One of these is bats. Bats also look for dry, warm spaces where they can avoid their predators. Your attic or chimney may be the perfect place for them to hide.

Bats are very agile and can enter into tiny gaps and holes. Bats may also enter through your vents and even through your chimney. If bats are in your attic, their urine and guano can pose a health risk to you and your family living below.

Each of these pests poses unique challenges when you try to remove them from your home. American Pest Professionals know how to remove each one of them safely. Give us a call today so we can remove your unwelcome guests.

Termite Infestations: What You Need to Know

Wed, 20 Oct 2021 22:18:48 GMT

Termites are notoriously destructive. These bothersome bugs do their worst silently and swiftly, and their presence is often only noticed when the infestation has spread to significant levels. Read on to discover important facts about a termite infestation, and take charge of a potential termite problem before it's too late.

You May Not Even Know They're There

Termites feast on wood and primarily hide within the walls and structural elements of your home. These wood eaters are also quite small, so even if you do gain access to the inside of your walls, you may miss them unless you know what to look for. An inspection is necessary to discover an infestation. Fortunately, they do make an appearance outside of your walls.

Homeowners often first discover termites when they spot them in the flesh. Swarmers, the winged variety of termites, can be found around entry points where colonies form especially during the spring months when new colonies are established.

They Look a Lot Like Flying Ants

If you spot what looks to be a winged ant, you will need to look closely to rule out a termite problem. These pests share many similarities with winged ants, and they're often mistaken for this insect. However, termites differ in that their bodies have thicker waists that do not taper at the center.

Both of these insects have four wings. Flying ants have a larger pair and a smaller pair, while termites' four wings are all the same length. Termites and flying ants are about the same size and are both brown or tan. However, termites antennas, unlike flying ants, are straight and thin rather than elbowed.

The Signs Are Hard to Catch

Termites can destroy your home relatively undetected unless you know how to investigate for signs of an infestation. These common clues can signal a termite invasion.

Property Damage

Termites don't chip away at the wood they feast upon. Rather, when they eat away at the wooden elements of your home, they create little tunnels and hollow cavities that form what looks like pathways along the wood grain. Termites not only eat wood. They have also been known to ingest soil and the cardboard portion of your home's drywall.

Shelter Tubes

Termites combine their own saliva with the materials they chew to form mud tubes they utilize for shelter and transportation. You can typically spot these tubes running from a wooden structure to wherever their nesting site lies.

Fecal Pellets

You may notice odd piles of little balls that accumulate near nesting or feeding sites. Small, tan, six-sided fecal pellets collect near holes that termites create in wooden structures after the waste is expelled and discarded.

Their Removal Requires Special Skills

These harmful pests often do not respond to do-it-yourself methods for control. Because their presence is difficult to identify, it requires specialized tools and extensive knowledge to locate an infestation and evict these destructive pests. If any of these pests are left unbothered, they could quickly multiply and cause more damage.

When you spot the signs of an infestation, don't try to take it on by yourself. The problem must be eradicated properly to ensure the safety of your home and family. Termites are capable of extensive damage, and it's important to handle an invasion right away.

Even pest control companies require special certification to tackle a termite problem, known as a structural pest license. Fortunately, the technicians at American Pest Professionals have the licensure and skills required to manage a termite issue. For help with a suspected termite problem in your home, give us a call to schedule an inspection by one of our experts.

5 Ants That Can Bother Indiana Homeowners

Wed, 20 Oct 2021 22:07:40 GMT

When you consider that Indiana plays host to an astonishing 136 different species of ants, you can easily see why ant infestations present ongoing problems for Hoosier State homeowners. Some ants may take up residence in your home, while others prefer to nest in your lawn or other outdoor areas.

You can gain a clearer understanding of your ant problem and its possible solutions by recognizing exactly what kinds of ants you have to deal with. Acquaint yourself with five ant species worth watching out for, from what they look like and how they live to what specific challenges they may pose for you and your loved ones.

1. Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants usually appear black in color, although they can also have a brown coloration. The workers can grow up to half an inch in length, making them fairly easy to spot and identify. These wingless ants get their name from their habit of digging through wood in search of an open space for nesting.

Although the excavations carpenter ants carry don't cause as much structural damage to homes as those of termites, they can still prove a destructive nuisance for homeowners. These ants especially like rotted wood, so make moisture control a priority and remove any rotted stumps or boards from your property.

2. Thief Ants

Thief ants earn their nickname for their habit of breaking into food packages and dining on the contents. These ants have a strong attraction for proteins and greasy substances, causing them to zero in on pantries and kitchens. These tiny, yellowish-brown creatures can easily enter homes through tiny gaps in walls and woodwork.

Although thief ants don't pose a stinging or biting threat to occupants, they may transmit any diseases that they pick up from their other common food sources, including dead insects and insect larvae. An ongoing pest control program will help you limit thief ant infestations in your home.

3. Odorous House Ants

Like thief ants, odorous house ants can find plenty to eat in the average Indiana home. They especially love any kind of sweet or sugary food sources, which may compel them to raid your kitchen and consume any exposed fruits, potentially contaminating them in the process.

Thankfully, odorous house ants don't bite or sting. Less thankfully, they emit a powerful rotten odor when crushed. Instead of squashing these tiny ants, focus on minimizing their access to attractive foods. Store your sweets in secure containers, take out the trash frequently, and keep outdoor garbage bins tightly sealed.

4. Pavement Ants

You might not assume that something called a pavement ant would serve as a problem for your home. These ants resemble odorous house ants in size and appearance, except that their heads feature tiny grooves. As the name suggests, pavement ants tend to live under structures such as pavement stones and foundation slabs.

Unfortunately, pavement ants don't confine themselves to pavement. They can easily make their way into homes, where they may consume a wide variety of substances, from kitchen food supplies to dead bugs. They don't usually hurt humans, but they can bite or sting when threatened.

5. Fire Ants

Although fire ants mostly inhabit the southern regions of the U.S., they occasionally make an appearance in Indiana yards. These small red ants create large mounds of dirt when making their nests, breeding in great numbers underground and creating serious problems for property owners.

The other main distinguishing characteristic of fire ants involves their stinging ability. A fire ant's sting contains a venom that causes severe pain and burning. The site of a fire ant sting can also become infected if you don't take prompt steps to clean and sterilize it.

Whether your ant infestation threatens mere annoyance or genuine health concerns for you and your loved ones, you don't have to coexist with these pests. Contact American Pest Professionals today to schedule an inspection and skilled, professional treatment from our experienced team.

Questions And Answers About Filth Flies

Wed, 20 Oct 2021 22:04:56 GMT

Many homeowners associate images of rotting food or piled-up garbage bags with the presence of annoying flies, and for good reason. A category of insects known as filth flies have a strong attraction to decaying organic matter, making them a common nuisance both in homes and in facilities that store or serve food.

Since filth flies can prove annoying, disgusting, and potentially harmful, smart homeowners will want to learn about how these creatures live, what kinds of problems they can cause, and how to keep their residences as free of them as possible. Get a head start on your filth fly issues by studying the following questions and answers.

What Kinds of Insects Count as Filth Flies?

The order Diptera encompasses all species of flies; in fact, it even includes gnats and mosquitoes. The members of the order known as filth flies earn their nickname because they actually make their homes and raise their young in garbage, excrement, the bodies of dead animals, and other organic waste materials.

Filth flies may belong to the large or small category. Large filth flies include common house flies, little house flies, blow flies, stable flies, black garbage flies, and flesh flies. Small filth flies include species such as drain flies and fruit flies. Their names give some indication as to their preferred environments or food sources.

Why and How Do Filth Flies Thrive in Homes?

While species such as stable flies mainly feed and reproduce in outdoor environments, any kind of filth fly can find adequate water and food sources with homes. For instance, drain flies can live on the semi-solid muck found inside kitchen or bathroom plumbing, while fruit flies feast on anything sweet or fermented.

Unsealed trash bags, open trash cans, rotting lawn clippings, and stables filled with dirty straw invite filth flies to set up habitation. A single filth fly can produce over 1,000 eggs within just a couple of weeks. The eggs then take only about eight weeks to mature into adult flies.

What Disease Risks Do Filth Flies Pose?

Because filth flies ingest and travel through unsanitary materials, they can easily pick up harmful fungi, viruses, and bacteria. They can then transfer those pathogens to surfaces by walking across them or regurgitating onto them (as their means of digesting food). Some flies may transmit diseases to humans by biting them.

Different kinds of filth flies may present different kinds of disease risks. The common house fly, for example, can spread cholera, typhoid fever, shigellosis, and E. coli bacteria (a common cause of food poisoning). Filth flies can also cause infestations of parasitic worms by transferring the eggs of those worms to people and pets.

How Can You Get Rid of Filth Flies?

If your filth fly problem has grown beyond your ability to control it with flypaper or fly swatters, you may need the assistance of a professional pest control company. Pest control specialists can use pesticide chemicals to kill even large filth fly populations while following the proper safety measures that these chemicals require.

Once you've eliminated that infestation, take steps to deprive the filth flies of the waste products they live on. Keep all household drains clean, seal your trash bags, cover your trash cans at all times, muck out any stables you maintain on your property, and get rid of any dead vermin in or around your home.

Keep in mind that small filth flies find it relatively easy to pass through cracks or gaps in your home. If you want to keep the local fly population outdoors where it belongs, consider sealing any such gaps that you may find around doors, windows, or plumbing pipes.

American Pest Professionals knows how to control a wide range of insect pests, including filth flies. If you need some help ridding your home of these unwanted guests, contact our team today to schedule any necessary pest control services.

4 Signs of Bedbugs in Your Home

Wed, 13 Oct 2021 20:09:32 GMT

Bedbugs usually hide in household furniture and feed on animal or human blood. Although they do not carry any diseases, bedbugs can be a practical nightmare and can cause physical discomfort due to the itchy red welts their bites leave behind.

Though tiny, bedbugs are a problem for homeowners because they are hard to spot and even harder to get rid of. Additionally, since they reproduce quickly, it might take several treatments to fully eliminate bedbugs in your home.

If you are nervous about the possibility of bedbugs in your home, you need to know what infestation signs to look for. Here are the top warning signs of bedbugs in your home.

1. You Notice Itchy Red Bite Marks on Your Body

Almost all bedbug bites will produce some form of red itchy spots, usually on the arms, legs, and shoulders. While other insects will leave uneven bite marks, bedbugs tend to leave straight, zigzag, or small clusters of red bite marks.

The size of the bite marks will vary from person to person, based on how your skin reacts to the anticoagulant that bedbugs produce as they pierce the skin. Some people will have a higher sensitivity to the bites with increased or decreased intensity as the number of bites increase.

The bites can be quite irritating, and continuous scratching can lead to a bacterial infection or cause further swelling or bleeding.

2. You Notice Blood Stains on Your Sheets

Bedbugs can be difficult to spot due to their exceptionally tiny size. However, they are not clever enough to hide evidence of their blood thirst. The bedbug blood stains are mostly small, dark, and appear either round or smeared.

Mysterious dried or fresh specks of blood on your bed sheets indicate bedbugs are active and feeding. Blood spots appear due to the blood that escapes your skin as the bedbug feeds or as you unconsciously squash the tiny bugs as you toss and turn in bed.

3. You Notice an Unexplained Musty Odor

When it comes to your sense of smell, questionable scents in your home can warn you of potential danger, and this is often the case with a bedbug infestation. Bedbugs release odors known as alarm pheromones to communicate with their colony.

When disturbed, you may start noticing a sweet odor that smells like coriander or a musty odor that smells like moldy shoes or a wet towel. That said, not all people smell bedbugs similarly because the scent will vary with the level of infestation, droppings, and personal olfactory sense.

If you smell something strong and unpleasant in an otherwise clean home, you should take a closer look.

4. You Notice Fecal Spots Around Your Home

Bedbugs can notoriously seem invisible, but luckily, they leave signs of infestation in the form of fecal spots.

Bedbugs can leave their fecal matter everywhere, from sheets, cushions, pillows, baseboards, along seams of the mattress, or inside walls. You can easily spot the fecal or shed skin matter where the bedbugs hide in clusters.

The fecal matter is dark, smooth to the touch, and will easily smear because it's a product of digested blood. Confusing bedbug feces with dirt or ink is easy, but if you suspect an infestation, you will notice a recurrence of the dark spots after cleaning your home.

Whether bedbugs have invaded your furniture, electronics, or luggage, we will carefully and thoroughly inspect all your belongings. When treating a bedbug infestation, we understand that there is no time to hesitate. Give American Pest Professionals a call today for the most effective way of keeping your home

bedbug-free.

5 Surprising Locations Where Mosquitoes Could Breed

Wed, 02 Jun 2021 10:59:55 GMT

The presence of mosquitoes on your property could cause all kinds of issues and annoyances. Not only are mosquito bites painful and itchy, but the bugs could also carry diseases that are harmful to humans and pets. Prevent mosquito exposure when you limit the number of mosquitoes on your property.

Mosquitoes find a lot of unique places to breed. Along with pest control treatments, focus and care on specific areas will prevent population growth in the future. Still bodies of water like ponds and puddles are excellent places for mosquitoes to breed, but they are not the only options. Learn about other breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

1. Plant Pots

If you keep plants on your porch, deck, or garden area, you want to ensure the plants remain watered but do not become a breeding ground for insects. After a rainstorm, you may notice puddles on the tops of the pots. You should drain any excess water from the plants. It only takes a few days for a mosquito to lay eggs and have the eggs hatch.

The quicker you remove the stagnant water, the more egg-laying you can prevent. The eggs are also durable. For example, a mosquito can lay eggs and the eggs could lose their water source but remain dry for several months. If water is reintroduced, then the eggs still have a chance to hatch.

When you drain the water from the plant pot, wipe down the edges to remove any excess eggs. During a pest control appointment, treatment can be applied to each plant pot to prevent further hatching or laying of eggs.

2. Old Tires

One of the more inconspicuous areas for mosquitos to lay eggs is an old tire. A tire features open gaps where water can pool up and get trapped inside. Ideally, you want to leave any extra tires indoors, like in a shed or a garage. If you do not have indoor space, then cover tires up with a tarp. Ensure the tarp fits tightly to prevent water from pooling. You can also apply a pest control treatment around the tire.

3. Bird Baths

Birdbaths are ideal lawn decorations to attract birds to your yard, but the baths could also serve as an invitation for mosquitoes. Birdbath water is often stagnant, and mosquitoes thrive on still water. Add a small fountain or waterfall feature to the birdbath to keep the water moving and flowing.

A water treatment option may include specific bacteria that are harmful to the mosquitoes but that keep the water safe for birds and other creatures to drink. You should clean out the birdbath at least every week or so if no treatment is applied.

4. Backyard Inflatables

Backyard inflatables like bounce houses or water slides are also prone to stagnant water. When the inflatables are not in use, you should deflate them and cover them or flip them upside down to completely drain out the water. Once you build a routine for putting away the inflatables, you will prevent the growth of mosquitoes.

After the summer season, hose and wipe down the inflatables to get rid of any mosquito eggs. You do not want dried-out eggs to grow and hatch when you bring the inflatables out the next year.

5. Gutters

Gutters typically feature moving water and are not a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Problems can occur when gutters clog and fill with debris. Leaves, sticks, and dirt could accumulate inside the gutter and create areas of still water. When mosquitoes breed near your home, the bugs could get inside and cause even bigger problems.

Keep your gutters clean and check the drainage system for standing water as well. Treatments will help prevent egg-laying near the foundation of your home.

For more information on mosquito treatment and prevention, contact us at American Pest Professionals . We will help identify the vulnerable areas on your property and prevent treatments to help limit mosquito population growth at your home.

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs in Books & Other Household Items

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 07:02:22 GMT

Contrary to what their name would have you believe, bed bugs don’t only inhabit mattresses. You could find them on any surface around the house, including books, electronics, and clothing. Oh, and another busted bed bug myth - they can travel (as far as three feet a minute!). But spotting the signs of bed bugs is only half the battle. Knowing how to get rid of bed bugs in books and other belongings can be tricky.

Before we dive into some tips, we’ll start with a humble brag - we know how to get rid of bed bugs no matter where they are in your home. And because it’s hard to know the extent of their invasion, we always recommend calling in professional help as soon as you suspect bed bug activity

OK, now for some other expert tips on dealing with bed bugs in your home!

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs in Books & Other Household Items

1. Books

Bed bugs are commonly found in books, magazines, and newspapers - all items that are likely kept near furniture for browsing. Thanks to their tiny size, bed bugs can fit into the binding, fore-edge, and protective covering of a book.

To inspect for bed bugs in your literature, lay the book against a white sheet or bathtub and check for black spots on the fore-edge (where you would thumb through the pages). Keep a vacuum nearby for bed bugs that try to escape and plastic bags handy for infested books.

If you spot a bed bug, seal the book in a plastic bag and give that professional backup a call. They’ll be able to inspect other areas of your home where bed bugs may have migrated and help with complete removal.

2. Electronics

Bed bugs (like cockroaches) will find their way into small openings in electronics. This includes TVs, phones, remotes, gaming consoles, printers, and computers. A magnifying glass can help you inspect for bed bugs, though any DIY removal solutions could put your electronics at risk.

3. Shoes

Most of us have shoes that we rarely wear, whether they’re for special occasions or different seasons. These shoes provide a perfect home for bed bugs that don’t want to be disturbed.

They can hide under soles, between fabrics, in zippers, and under laces.

If you spot a bed bug in your shoes, conceal it in a plastic bag or container. And don’t fret - many shoes can be salvaged with proper cleaning or specialized freeze treatments!

4. Luggage

It’s a good habit to check your luggage for bed begs upon arrival at your destination. This can help prevent an infestation once you return home.

To inspect your luggage for bed bugs, use a flashlight to look over the entire bag, including seams and pockets. If you spot a bed bug, you can vacuum it up to conceal it. Just be sure all bed bugs are completely removed from the vacuum bag or container when emptying it!

You should also clean your luggage if you discover a bed bug. Hot, soapy water or store-bought luggage cleaners are a great option!

Whether bed bugs have invaded your mattress or your books, it’s good practice to contact a pest professional right away. They’ll know how to get rid of bed bugs in books, electronics, shoes, luggage, and other areas of your home.

When you give us a call , we’ll inspect common bed bug hiding places and develop a plan to eradicate the infestation. We look forward to making your home bed bug free!

Frequently Asked Questions About Moisture and Pests

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 06:57:26 GMT

Water plays a crucial role in maintaining life on Earth, from the moisture that nourishes trees and plants to the water we humans must consume every day. Other members of the animal kingdom thrive on moisture as well. Unfortunately, those animals include a wide range of residential and commercial pests.

A thorough understanding of how moisture problems lead to pest problems can help you figure out why you have a pest problem and what you need to do about it. Take a look at the answers to these frequently asked questions about the relationship between moisture and pets.

Where Does Moisture Commonly Attract Pests?

When you look for sources of moisture that attract pests to your home or commercial facility, take a look outdoors. Your yard, garden, gutters, downspouts, or other exterior features may receive water through sprinklers or create puddles of standing water, creating breeding grounds for mosquitos and other pests.

Indoor pests often seek out a combination of moisture and warmth. This preference naturally draws them to areas such as hot water heaters, bathrooms, and kitchens, since these areas tend to offer both warm water and humid ambient air on a regular basis. Foundation cracks or basement leaks may also nourish pests.

Which Pests Flock to Moisture Sources?

Many insect pests make a beeline for any source of moisture inside or outside your residence or building. Common examples include cockroaches, earwigs, silverfish, and centipedes. The latter two insects must stay hydrated or they will dry out and die. By contrast, cockroaches can make do with relatively little moisture.

A damp environment can also summon a variety of other unwanted insect life. If you find yourself besieged by ants, spiders, scorpions, booklice, or beetles, you probably have either a damp area inside your structure or standing water supporting a pest population just outdoors, with gaps or cracks allowing them to enter.

Rodents require a reliable source of water as well. These creatures will gravitate toward the steady, dependable drip of a leaky plumbing pipe or faucet in your kitchen, bathroom, basement, or crawl spaces. Examples of rodents attracted by water include mice, rats, possums, raccoons, chipmunks, and squirrels.

How Do Pest Control Experts Handle Residential or Commercial Moisture Problems?

If your pest problem stems from excess moisture in your home or building, a skilled pest control expert can perform a thorough inspection of the entire structure, paying special attention to common sites for leakage, puddles, or humidity. This expert will also look for cracks or gaps around pipes that lead to outdoor moisture sources.

Based on these findings, your pest control provider will recommend a plan for turning your home or facility into a dry zone. Strategies may involve cleaning and drying wet areas, laying down plastic moisture barriers, sealing spaces that permit pest entry, and installing a dehumidifier and/or moisture monitor.

After controlling the moisture problem, your pest control team can eliminate the pests already invading your business or home. Depending on the pest in question, the measures used may include bait, traps, chemicals, or natural options such as diatomaceous earth (which kills many kinds of insects by dehydrating them).

What Can You Do to Minimize Future Moisture-Related Pest Problems?

Once your pest control team has taken steps to reduce moisture, you'll need to take further steps to keep your home or facility pest free. Fix any new plumbing problems or cracks in the walls immediately, keep food secured, and get rid out of outdoor puddles or debris that might attract thirsty pests.

If you believe that your home or commercial facility suffers from a moisture problem that attracts unwanted visitors, talk to the experts at American Pest Professionals. We can identify those moisture points and take corrective action to deprive pests of their water supply. Contact us today to schedule an inspection.

3 Health Risk of Bug Bites

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 06:53:57 GMT

Bugs are everywhere, but that doesn't mean you have to or should let them take over your yard and home. Not only are bugs unpleasant and cause itchy bites, but they can also pose major health risks. If you would like to learn more, check out these three health risks of bug bites.

1. Diseases

Pests carry many diseases that can spread to you via their saliva or droppings. For example, mice and rats alone carry many diseases, but they also harbor fleas, which spread many diseases.

One of the best-known examples of this is the black plague, which is from fleas on rats and mice. Although it is no longer a widespread problem, the black plague still exists and can spread via fleas. Even with advancements in medicine and technology, the black plague can be fatal.

In Indiana, some of the most common biting insects include brown recluse spiders, yellowjackets, red velvet ants, assassin bugs, deer ticks, and mosquitos. Some of these critters can do a lot of damage.

Deer ticks, for example, are notorious for spreading Lyme disease, which can cause complications for years. Assassin bugs tend to leave you alone if you leave them alone, but if bothered, they may attack, leading to disease and even tissue death around the affected area.

2. Infection

The actual bite from a bug doesn't typically cause an infection, but it does cause itching, which increases the risk of you scratching and breaking the skin. This exposes unprotected skin to bacteria. Infections from scratching bug bites include impetigo, cellulitis, and lymphangitis.

Impetigo is incredibly common, especially in children, and it rarely leads to long-term complications. Severe sores from the infection may cause scarring, especially if you continue to scratch. Similarly, as long as you seek treatment, cellulitis rarely causes issues and is treatable with a round of antibiotics.

Lymphangitis, however, may pose severe risks if not treated because it attacks part of the lymphatic system. Untreated lymphangitis can lead to blood infection or sepsis.

Luckily, spotting an infection from a bug bite is relatively easy because you have many tell-tale signs. First, the area around the bite may be red, swollen, or warm to the touch. The area may also be tender and oozing pus. Some people also experience flu-like symptoms like fever and chills.

3. Allergic Reaction

Most people experience some symptoms after a bug bite, such as redness and itching. This is the body's normal nonallergic reaction to the bug's toxin or saliva. Over-the-counter antihistamines and corticosteroid creams are usually enough to reduce inflammation and itching. Nonallergic reactions can also cause large local reactions that last 48 hours to a week and cause nausea and vomiting.

However, some people experience allergic reactions when bitten by certain bugs. The severity of the reaction is different for everyone. While you may be mildly allergic to bed bug bites, your partner may experience nausea or vomiting. In addition, you may be more allergic to one type of bug over another.

In extreme cases, you may develop anaphylaxis, which presents with difficulty breathing, swelling of tongue, fainting, dizziness, and hoarseness. These symptoms tend to come on fast, making it important to seek treatment fast. However, in some cases, a full day might pass before symptoms show.

Whether you're allergic to bug bites or not, consider eliminating any pest infestation in or around the home. Pests carry many diseases, including mild to life-threatening diseases, and itching can worsen the condition by causing an infection. If you would like to learn more about pest control, or if you're ready to request a quote, contact us at American Pest Professionals today.

4 Pests That Can Invade Your Food Processing Plant

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 06:50:41 GMT

If you own or manage a food processing plant, you must uphold strict standards for product quality control and hygiene. Unfortunately, many food processing plants struggle to protect their foodstuffs against a variety of pests. The unwanted creatures can consume your goods or spread germs throughout your facility.

You can maintain greater vigilance against food processing plant pests once you know what kinds of pests to look out for, what kinds of foods they prefer, and how to fight back against them. Pay special attention to the following four common invaders.

1. Cockroaches

Cockroaches have a long history of causing revulsion in areas that involve the storage, manufacturing, or preparation of food, from home and restaurant kitchens to commercial storage bins and processing plants. These insects can carry salmonella and E. coli, depositing these harmful bacteria in their wake.

The two most common cockroach species in food processing plants include the German cockroach and the American cockroach, both of which seek out moisture and warmth. German cockroaches tend to inhabit the processing floors, while America cockroaches more commonly invade service areas such as basements.

Cockroaches often hitch a ride into food processing plants via cardboard boxes and wooden crates. Inspect such items carefully as they enter your facility. Expect them to hide in cracks and crevices, coming out mostly at night or in dark, uninhabited parts of the plant.

2. Stored-Product Pests

Several types of invading bugs fall into a category known as stored-product pests. These pests can work their way into the food chain at any point from farm crops to storage bins. They live on the food products themselves, with the potential to destroy massive amounts of both raw grains and dry processed goods.

Internal feeders such as weevils consume whole grains and other whole foods. External feeders can't penetrate kernels or shells, so they feast on broken or damaged products. Secondary feeders such as grain mites and mealworms focus on moldy foods. Indian meal moths and sawtooth grain beetles will scavenge for anything edible.

You can reduce your food processing plants' vulnerability to stored product pests by inspecting your bins and other containers regularly for any breaches that might allow such pests to enter, and by scheduling professional inspections of the entire facility. Clean containers thoroughly before reusing them.

3. Flies

Houseflies, fruit flies, and other common flies can overtake a food processing plant easily and rapidly, with a single pair of houseflies capable of producing up to half a million offspring within a six-year period. These flies can spread diseases such as salmonella and listeria, thanks to their tendency to frequent garbage piles.

Fly infestations hinge on the ready availability of moisture, with the flies using standing water for their breeding grounds. For this reason, you must locate and eliminate any such puddles in (or on) your building. You'll also want to place garbage bins far from entrances and employ screens or air curtains to protect those entrances.

Your pest control expert can offer other measures to help you rid your facility of a fly problem. Effective options may include a combination of baited or sticky traps, electrocuting devices, and foggers. Of these options, foggers in particular require careful use by experienced professionals.

4. Rats

Rats tend to stick close to actual food sources within a food processing plant, preferring short distances between these sources and their nests. They count as an especially destructive pest in many ways. In addition to eating your food products, they can also chew through wiring and other facility structures.

These rodents can carry and transmit many diseases, including Lyme disease, leptospirosis, and toxoplasmosis. They can also introduce ticks into your food processing plant. Hire a pest control team to eliminate rats safely and effectively. Remove debris and moisture sources that might otherwise encourage a rat infestation.

American Pest Professionals can control pest populations in commercial facilities, public housing, and private homes with equal skill and effectiveness. If you have a pest problem in your food processing plant, contact us today at any of our three locations.

8 Places Cockroaches Hide in Your Home

Thu, 17 Dec 2020 06:45:44 GMT

Homeownership comes with a long list of benefits. From tax incentives to improved happiness , owning a home can be incredibly empowering. It can also relieve you of annoyances like stomping neighbors and limited hot water. While many stressors are alleviated by owning a home, some issues -- like messy, food-stealing roommates -- could persist (and we’re not talking about your family members).

You could be sharing space with pests. Specifically, cockroaches.

There are tons of places cockroaches hide indoors and, if you’re a good landlord (i.e. your house has warmth, food, and water), the roaches may overstay their welcome.

8 Places Cockroaches Hide in Your Home

Cockroaches often venture inside when it rains or when temperatures drop in the winter. Once they’ve established a source of food and water, cockroaches search for shelter and may find it in various places inside your home.

1. Cabinets

Where there’s food, there’s the potential for a pest invasion. Kitchen cabinets and pantries are one of the most common places cockroaches hide. You may find them in food containers like cereal boxes, or hanging upside down in the upper inside corners of cabinets.

Prevention tip : Be sure to keep food in sealed, air-tight containers and wipe cabinets out regularly.

2. Appliances

Kitchen appliances like the refrigerator, oven, and microwave are gold mines for cockroaches. They provide warmth, food, and often moisture, all while allowing roaches to remain hidden. Even toasters and coffee makers are known to harbor cockroaches.

Water heaters are another common place cockroaches hide thanks to their combination of heat and moisture. They are also generally out of the way of human traffic, making them a great place to hide.

Prevention tip : Clean under countertop appliances regularly in addition to vacuuming, mopping, and taking the trash out. You’ll also want to make sure sink drains and traps are clear of food debris.

3. Electronics

Raise your hand if you’ve ever eaten a snack while working on your laptop…

There’s no judgment here, but we do have some bad news. Crumbs and food particles that fall in between and under your keys can attract cockroaches. Some species are small enough to fit through gaps in your keyboard and make a home inside your computer.

Prevention tip : Set your laptop aside while eating and use canned air to keep keyboards clean.

4. Bathrooms

Like the kitchen, bathrooms offer moisture and warmth. While they don’t provide food, they do contain other things cockroaches enjoy. From soap residue and grooming products to discarded paper tissues and skin and hair sheddings, cockroaches love what you leave behind in the bathroom. German cockroaches (among the most common species in Indiana) are known to prefer sinks, bathtubs, and areas around toilets… essentially any surface that contains water or humidity.

The good news is that bathrooms and kitchens generally offer everything cockroaches are on the hunt for, so they don’t often venture outside these two rooms.

Prevention tip : Cleanliness is the best way to prevent cockroaches. Clean the bathroom regularly and wipe up excess water right away.

5. Pipes

Your home’s plumbing and HVAC piping are generally dark and discreet, often housed in the basement or under sinks. They may also drip or leak, providing moisture to roaches on the hunt for a new home. On top of that, mold growth is also common in these areas and cockroaches have been known to chow down on a good mold feast.

Between the darkness, moisture, and food source offered by piping, you’ve found one of the most common places cockroaches hide in your home.

Prevention tip : Check drains, pipes, and faucets regularly for drips or leaks. Also, insulate and tape off any cracks or holes that are near plumbing and lead outside.

6. Furniture

If most of us are guilty of eating at the computer, it’s no surprise that furniture is another great hiding place for cockroaches. The crumbs we drop on the couch sink down between the cushions, attracting roaches to your furniture.

This particular hiding spot offers an excellent place for cockroaches to lay eggs.

Prevention tip : Regularly vacuum upholstered furniture and inspect wooden pieces for egg casings that can be wiped away.

7. Ceilings

Take a look above you and you may find a cockroach hanging upside down in the corner. They often scurry away through small holes or cracks when the light comes on, or drop and flee to floorboards.

Prevention tip : Inspect for ceiling cracks and seal them up!

8. Trim and Molding

Fun fact: cockroaches are thigmotropic, which means they like the sensation of something touching their bodies. Cracks in trim and molding offer a tight space where roaches can get a little massage.

Prevention tip : Check that woodwork or trim and molding fits snugly to the wall and seal up any cracks.

If becoming a landlord wasn’t in your homeownership plan, don’t worry. Following the prevention tips above can help prevent cockroaches from taking up residence in your home. A routine pest management program can also help prevent, identify, and eliminate a variety of pests, including roaches.

Have questions about an integrated pest management approach or roaches in general? Don’t hesitate to contact us !

6 Reasons Why Winter Is a Good Time for Pest Control

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 06:37:27 GMT

Autumn is on its way out. And with it, will go many of the worst invasive pests, like yellow jackets and flies. But that doesn't mean that your home is completely safe from pest invasion this winter. While many pests go into hibernation or die off for the winter, some pests move indoors and remain active.

If you haven't had a pest inspection recently, here are six good reasons why winter is a good time to have one.

1. Insect Pests Hibernate in Homes During Winter

Every late autumn and early winter, when the temperatures drop, certain insect pests move indoors to take advantage of the warmth and shelter. Insects like stinkbugs and lady beetles hide out in attics and basements. They only need a small opening to enter your home.

A pest inspection in early winter can identify potential entry points as well as existing infestations.

2. Rats, Bats, and Mice Seek to Enter Homes in Cold Weather

Rats and mice don't hibernate during the winter months. But they do seek out warmth and food, as both these resources are scarce during winter. If these critters gain access to your home, they will contaminate your food supplies with their urine and feces, and destroy your insulation material.

Bats do hibernate in winter. They usually seek to enter homes to roost in the attic or even within the walls when the temperature drops in late autumn or early winter. Bats will happily crawl through tiny openings where utility lines enter a home if they can.

A pest inspection in early winter will help to check for bats in your attic and identify and seal possible entry points.

3. Spider and Mud Dauber Young Wait out Winter in Homes

Brown recluse spiders are common in Indiana, and they usually lay their eggs in autumn. These eggs then hatch in winter and the spiderlings spend the winter inside the egg sac, waiting for spring to arrive. Unfortunately, brown recluse spiders like to build their webs in the dark corners and undisturbed places of houses.

Similarly, mud dauber young spend the winter safe inside their mud tubes until spring arrives, at which point they emerge as adult wasps. If these insects emerge into your home, they could sting someone in your household.

A pest inspection in winter can identify and remove these pests before they become an issue when spring arrives.

4. Cockroaches Infiltrate Homes When the Weather Cools

During winter, cockroaches make their way indoors to escape the cold. And if your home has easy access to food and warmth, invading cockroaches will happily breed throughout the winter.

A pest inspector can identify problems that might attract cockroaches. They can also eliminate existing infestations using environmentally friendly treatments.

5. Termites Are Still Active in Winter Months

Termites don't like cold weather, and subterranean termites usually retreat deep into the soil in winter. But termites continue to forage and eat during winter, especially if the conditions are just right. If your home provides warmth, moisture, and wood that is accessible, termites will invade during winter. And when the warmer weather arrives in spring, their activity will increase.

Arrange a termite pest inspection to help you identify termite activity in your home this winter.

6. Steps Can Be Taken to Prevent Spring Infestations

Winter is a great time to shore up your home's defenses. A pest inspector can help you to deal with moisture issues, seal up possible entry points, and eliminate anything that might attract pests come spring.

If you suspect that insects or rodents are hiding out in your home this winter, then you need a residential pest control service. American Pest Professionals has the experience to find, identify, and eradicate bug and rodent infestations. Contact us today and our pet and people-friendly treatments will put an end to your winter bug blues.

10 Ways to Keep Spiders Out of the House for Good

Mon, 30 Nov 2020 06:33:11 GMT

Some pests indicate their presence before you can see them. Others show up out of nowhere. And few indoor pests are as stealthy as the spider. They’ll show up in dishes, piles of clothes, and even the bathtub. No matter where they like to show up in your home, rest assured there are ways to keep spiders out of the house.

Like any living creature, spiders are constantly searching for three things: food, water, and warmth. Your home automatically provides warmth, and food and water are likely a short distance away.

While it is common for spiders to catch prey in their webs, they are actually omnivorous and will feed on pollen and fungal spores in addition to insects, ants, flies, mosquitos, and moths. So even if your home is free of other pests, spiders may still take up residence.

Keep an eye out for increased spider sightings as temperatures drop in the fall and start employing these tried-and-true spider prevention methods today.

10 Ways to Keep Spiders Out of the House for Good

Implement these tools and check spider elimination off your annual to-do list!

1. Employ the power of essential oils

Tiny hairs on spiders’ legs sense vibration and scent. When they encounter the strong aroma of certain essential oils, they become overwhelmed and retreat. Spiders do not like the smell of:

Peppermint
Lavender
Citrus
Eucalyptus

To keep spiders out of the house using oils, add five drops of the essential oil to a 16-ounce spray bottle along with six to seven drops of dish soap. Fill the bottle with water and shake gently to combine. Spray baseboards and other spider-prone areas once a week through the fall and as needed after that.

2. Utilize other fragrant items

Since spiders detect scent with their bodies, they generally don’t like strong smelling odors. Luckily, some aromas that are pleasing to humans are absolutely dreadful to spiders.

Try putting cedar mulch or tobacco leaves in bags and placing them in corners or hanging them in closets.

Other fragrant spider deterrents that aren’t quite as pleasing to the human nose include turmeric , baking soda , garlic , vinegar , and bleach .

You can sprinkle turmeric powder or baking soda near spider-prone areas or create a highly effective paste by mixing turmeric with water. Remember that turmeric is bright yellow though and will stain almost anything.

To utilize garlic in your fight against spiders, mince or crush 4 or 5 garlic bulbs and wrap it in a cloth.

Squeeze it hard to get garlic juice and drop the entire cloth in a spray bottle. Spray around corners and baseboards once a week or as needed.

The acetic acid in vinegar makes it a particularly effective spider repellent. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray around baseboards and other heavily populated spider areas. You can also spray it outdoors on cracks and crevices that insects and spiders could use to get inside.

Note : vinegar may affect the polish on furniture, so it’s best to move it completely out of the way before spraying.

You can also spray bleach straight onto spider-prone areas to keep spiders out of the house. Similar to turmeric and vinegar, remember that bleach is highly potent and will discolor fabric and other materials.

3. Tidy up

Yes, it’s obvious, but a clean home is generally a spider-free one. Spiders prefer spaces with plenty of coverage, so putting away dishes, clothes, and trash minimizes potential hiding spots.

Plus, regular cleaning eliminates the dust and small food particles that attract insects, which spiders may follow inside.

4. Seal outdoor cracks and crevices

Spiders aren’t exactly a welcome guest and that means they likely aren’t using the door to enter your home. Cover and seal any cracks, crevices, and gaps with caulk or other appropriate methods to minimize entry points.

5. Stop spiders with hairspray

When you spot a spider, blast it with hair spray. This will immobilize it temporarily, giving you the opportunity to kill it or transport it outdoors.

6. Turn off outdoor lights

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7. Keep a pet

Pets are good for more than just cuddles. Cats in particular are great for deterring spiders, though they won’t be able to eliminate an entire infestation.

8. Plant eucalyptus trees

Native to Australia, eucalyptus trees are the perfect addition to your garden or landscaping. They work double duty, omitting a fresh fragrance while deterring spiders. If planting trees isn’t an option, consider running an oil diffuser indoors to disperse the scent of eucalyptus essential oils.

9. Welcome ladybugs into your garden

Ladybugs are one of many beneficial garden animals that seem like pests. They feed on the same insects spiders do (plus caterpillars and larvae that destroy garden plants), and are much more efficient at catching their prey. With ladybugs around, spiders will have to look elsewhere for food.

Maintaining a welcoming environment for ladybugs will not only keep spiders out of the house, but it is also part of a natural, integrated pest management approach to gardening.

10. Wash and cover food

Insects and flies (a spider’s delight) are attracted to ripe fruits. Rather than store your fruit openly on the counter, wash and cover it to minimize the potential of a spider outbreak.

While they may require some extra effort, these techniques are sure to keep spiders out of your house for good. And if you feel stuck in a web of spider sightings, contact us for professional-grade spider elimination.

Understanding 4 Common Pest Control Techniques

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 06:25:19 GMT

Pest problems can come at homeowners from many directions. Whether you have ants gobbling up your kitchen leavings, bed bugs biting at night, or termites chewing their way through your walls, you may need to implement multiple pest control techniques to keep these different creatures at bay.

The more you understand about how different pest control techniques work, the more fully you'll understand your pest control expert's recommendations and methods. Take a look at four common approaches to residential pest control.

1. Environmental Modifications

One key step in reducing your pest problem involves getting rid of whatever environmental factors attract pests to your home in the first place. Environmental factors such as temperature and humidity changes, for instance often compel outdoor pests to seek warmth and moisture indoors.

An inspection may reveal several things you can do to control these environmental factors. For instance, you may need to improve your home's drainage system or take extra steps to control moisture inside the home. You may also need to store foodstuffs more securely and adopt different home cleaning practices.

Warmth doesn't always work in a pest's favor, a fact that pest control experts may use to their advantage. Exposing clothing, upholstery, or entire rooms to extreme heat, for instance, can prove highly effective against otherwise-resilient pests such as bedbugs.

2. Entry Point Control

Pests will find it extremely difficult to invade your home if your home offers no easy entry points. Your pest control expert can evaluate your home's interior and indoor and then recommend certain modifications to keep pests out.

Small pests can easily enter homes through tiny gaps in window caulk, door seals, or cracks in foundations. You may need to have these small gaps closed up and periodically inspected. Bear in mind that heavy rains or seasonal changes in temperature may create new cracks or other gaps that require your attention.

3. Pest-Killing Substances

Once you have a serious pest infestation on your hands, you may need to dispose of the entire pest population quickly and efficiently to forestall the next generation of these intruders. To achieve this goal, your pest control service may use any of several substances aimed at killing cockroaches and other nuisances.

Some of these substances work by poisoning the pests. Some, such as liquid or aerosol insecticides, kill individual creatures on contact. However, their success depends on targeting individual pests or hoping that the pests will travel through the substance. Foggers may even drive the pests more deeply into secure hiding places.

Bait systems may prove more effective at disabling entire pest populations. In this scenario, a pest perceives the bait as food and carries it back to the nest, poisoning every member of the nest that consumes it.

If you have recurring problems with pests living inside your walls, you may want to ask about wall injections. Pest control experts install hollow, perforated tubes into the walls, using the tubes to deliver targeted pest control treatment substances.

Not all pest-killing substances involve toxins. One example of the non-toxic approach involves the use of a substance called diatomaceous earth. This white powder, composed of countless tiny fossilized creatures, makes cuts in the insects' bodies and draws out essential internal fluids.

4. Preventative Inspections

Despite the undoubted effectiveness of the techniques noted above, you may find preventative inspections the most powerful pest control strategy of all. When you schedule periodic pest inspections, the pest control team can discover new vulnerabilities or infestations in time to prevent major problems from breaking out.

Since the effects of pest control treatments such as fogging and baiting do not extend indefinitely, give serious thought to scheduling a pest inspection at least once per quarter. These quarterly inspections and (if necessary) fresh treatments should suffice to handle seasonal spikes in pest migration and reproduction.

American Pest Professionals uses a wide range of advanced, environmentally-friendly pest control methods to keep your home as pest-free as possible. Contact us today to schedule a pest inspection or get rid of a nagging pest problem.

How to Prevent & Treat an Apartment Building Rodent Issue

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 06:19:02 GMT

Flooding, busted pipes, fires… owning real estate can be a headache. And when that property is multi-unit housing, things can get complicated. In terms of a landlord’s worst nightmare, solving an apartment building rodent issue likely ranks among the top 10

And for good reason - rodents spread disease and can contaminate food and food prep surfaces. In addition to health concerns, rodents pose a threat to building structure and appearance, which carries serious long-term consequences.

Follow these simple steps to prevent a pest issue in your multi-family housing complex and if you do spot a furry critter, take action right away!

Preventing an apartment building rodent issue

Rodent prevention falls on you as a landlord, as well as the tenants that inhabit each unit. By preparing units for habitation and educating tenants on what to look out for, you can prevent a major crisis in your apartment building.

Close openings in the walls

Whether you inspect each unit when a tenant moves out or have someone else prepare it for the next occupant, be sure all holes get sealed both indoors and out.

WHERE TO LOOK FOR HOLES INDOORS

Inside, under, and behind kitchen cabinets, refrigerators and stoves
Inside closets near the floor corners
Around the fireplace
Around doors
Around the pipes under sinks and washing machines
Around the pipes going to hot water heaters and furnaces
Around floor vents and dryer vents
Inside the attic
In the basement or crawl space
In the basement and laundry room floor drains
Between the floor and wall juncture

WHERE TO LOOK FOR HOLES OUTDOORS

In the roof among the rafters, gables, and eaves
Around windows
Around doors
Around the foundation
Attic vents and crawl space vents
Under doors
Around holes for electrical, plumbing, cable, and gas lines

Your local hardware store should have everything you need to fill small and large holes. Use steel wool to fill small holes, caulking around it to keep it in place. Fix large holes with lath screen or lath metal, cement, hardware cloth, or metal sheeting.

Remember to take the same preventative measures in outbuildings and garages.

Install window screens and door sweeps

Similarly, window screens prevent mice from sneaking in through tiny cracks and door sweeps limit their territory inside the unit. These simple items can make a world of difference, especially in extreme temperatures when rodents are desperate for an entry point.

Educate tenants and remind them to do their part

In-home rodent prevention also falls on the tenant. They are responsible for their individual units, and it’s imperative that they keep a tidy space to prevent a rodent infestation. Encourage them to use plastic or glass containers to store food, keep their trash cans covered, and limit piling anything up on the floor.

It’s also a good ideat to educate tenants regularly about signs of a rodent infestation. Recognizing the signs of common rodents is your first line of defense when it comes to treating an apartment building rodent issue.

Teach tenants things to look for (like rodent droppings and dark smudges near baseboards), as well as what sounds might signal the presence of rodents (like high-pitched squeaks or gnawing sounds).

Treating an apartment building rodent issue

Of course, you can seal every crack and crevice and a mouse may still venture into one of your units. At that point, it’s imperative that tenants loop you in immediately.

Encourage tenants to report pest activity

Inform tenants when they move in that you want to know about any pest activity and other issues they encounter. When they do report something, respond in a timely manner (this includes maintenance requests!).

You gain tenants’ trust when you consistently react promptly. And when they can depend on you to take care of things, they’re less likely to take matters into their own hands.

This helps you out because knowing about an apartment building rodent issue right away gives you better odds of eliminating it!

Provide traps

As soon as a tenant reports signs of rodent activity, utilize integrated pest management practices to take back the home! This means identifying the rodent to the best of your ability and noting its entry point if possible.

You should also identify sources of food and water and assist the tenant in cutting off access.

Your final step may be to install traps. If this is the route you choose to take, be sure to provide them for the tenant, offer to check up on them regularly, and remove them if/when they are successful.

Enlist professional help

Where there’s one mouse there are (likely) hundreds. Pest professionals can help treat the rodent issue and prevent another one from occurring.

Choosing a pest control company is an important part of property ownership. You should make a list of any rodent-related questions (and others!) to ask a select list of companies. Go with the one that aligns most with your pest control needs and values.

What questions do you have for us? Contact us to talk through your pest control needs today.

Fall Bedbug Infestations | American Pest Professionals

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 06:11:34 GMT

How can you bedbug-proof your home this fall? These common household pests don't hibernate in the chilly fall weather. If you have an existing infestation or want to prevent one, take a look at what you need to know about bedbugs, the autumn season, and home pest protection.

Are Bedbugs Less Likely to Invade in the Fall?

Unlike other pests, bedbugs don't care if the season is summer, fall, winter, or spring. These invaders thrive in warm places, making your heated home an ideal autumn environment for them to live and breed. This means you can have an autumn infestation. If you suspect your home has a bedbug problem, contact a pest control expert — regardless of the season.

How Does an Autumn Bedbug Invasion Happen?

The summer may seem like peak bug season. You have the windows and doors open and spend time outside. This allows bugs (bedbugs and other invaders) to easily hitchhike into your home.

Now that the weather is cooler, the closed doors and windows should make it more difficult for pests to enter your home. But that doesn't mean they can't come in. While bedbugs may have limited opportunities in the fall, they can latch on to your clothes, bedding, and other items. Some of the top ways bedbugs enter homes during the fall months include:

Travel . Do you have a fall getaway planned or a trip to a relative's house for Thanksgiving? Hitchhiker bedbugs could latch onto your clothes or hide in your suitcase, making their way back to your home.
Costumes . Did you recently rent a Halloween costume? If the costume wasn't properly cleaned, bedbugs could hitchhike their way to your home on it.
Blankets and bedding . Do you have blankets and other heavier-weight bedding items in summer storage? These items could harbor a bedbug (or a few).

Check your clothes, bedding, bags, and anything else you bring into the house for bedbugs. Separate these items and wash them using the highest water temperature and dryer settings. If you can't wash some of the items (such as a suitcase), seal them in plastic bags for as long as possible. It could take up to a few months (through the winter) for the bugs or eggs to die in the bag.

What Should You Do About an Autumn Bedbug Infestation?

Even though you tried your best, the bedbugs won. Like any other season, you need professional pest control help to treat a fall bedbug invasion. While freezing temperatures can kill these pests, your home's indoor air will not likely effectively exterminate bedbugs. To effectively eradicate these bugs, you need a freezer setting of at most zero degrees Fahrenheit, according to the University of Minnesota.

Common signs of a bedbug infestation include:

Bedbugs . These apple seed-shaped bugs may look like brownish or reddish fleas or ticks. A pest control professional can accurately identify the bugs for you. The bugs can hide anywhere from your bed to the floorboards, behind wallpaper, electrical outlets, and upholstered furniture.
Eggs . You may notice small white eggshells or eggs on furniture, the floor, or other home spaces.
Bites . These itchy red bites often appear in clusters. Unlike summertime bug bites, you won't have as many potential culprits to consider in the fall.
Streaks on fabric . Bedbugs can leave behind small rusty-colored blood spot streaks on bedding.

Not only can a pest control professional identify bedbugs, but the exterminator can also control these invaders. Bedbugs are notoriously difficult to get rid of. Never attempt a do-it-yourself control treatment. Instead, leave this job to the experts. After the exterminator eliminates the pests, they can recommend ways to prevent a winter, spring, or summer re-infestation.

Does your home have bedbugs? Contact American Pest Professionals for more information.

Your Fall Gardening Checklist for Healthy Spring Beds

Sun, 20 Sep 2020 06:07:06 GMT

Whether you cultivate food or flowers in your home garden, there’s no denying the laborious effort that goes into maintaining healthy beds. No matter how well your garden performed this summer, just a little more work at season’s end can make a world of difference come next spring. This fall gardening checklist covers all your bases so you can rest easy knowing your garden will awaken beautifully in the springtime.

Preparing your garden for winter can seem daunting, so it’s important to remember that you know your garden best. Not every task must be completed, and you’ll be grateful for whatever extra effort you put in when spring comes around!

How many items can you cross off this fall gardening checklist?

Put Your Garden to Bed with this Fall Gardening Checklist

Fall is a good time to not only take note of what worked in your garden this year, but also tidy up a bit. You’ll have happy, healthy beds (and save yourself some headaches) come spring!

1. Evaluate Your Garden

Assess what worked and what didn’t to help plan what you’ll repeat next year. Determine if any plants need divided or moved, as well as where you could use more/different ones. Consider what plants or practices you could add to attract beneficial garden animals (that may seem like pests). Animals like ladybugs, toads, and bees aid in pollination, pest control, soil health, and more! Start a list now to make spring shopping easier.

Pro tip : the notes app on your phone is handy and won’t get lost between now and spring!

2. Remove Debris Close to Your Home

You don’t want to over-manicure your garden in the fall, as bugs use plants to overwinter in and lay their eggs. That said, you don’t exactly want bugs near your home. They may invite themselves in (and overstay their welcome)! Remove piles of debris close to your home, being sure to compost healthy foliage and throw out diseased plants.

3. Cut Back (Select) Perennials

Once perennials go dormant, it’s best to clean up at least some of their foliage. This is particularly important around plants like hostas that acquired slug damage over the course of the season. Slugs lay their eggs in dormant foliage, so removing it in the fall can decrease slug issues next year. Perennials can be cut all the way down to the ground.

In addition to sheltering pests, dead plant material can harbor diseases. Removing it is a step toward integrated pest management practices for your garden.

Note : Fall is NOT the best time to prune shrubs. Generally speaking, shrubs that bloom on old wood should be pruned sometime in the summer, while it’s best to prune those that bloom on new wood in the spring (right as new growth is emerging).

DON’T CUT THESE PERENNIALS BACK:

Evergreen or semi-evergreen perennials (i.e. creeping phlox, pinks, foamflower, foamy bells, coral bells, red hot poker, and bugleweed)
Perennials with woody stems (i.e. lavender, rose mallow (Hibiscus), butterfly bush, and Russian sage)
Winter perennials (i.e. coneflowers, ornamental grasses, Lenten roses, and ornamental onion)

4. Do Some Planting

Fall soil and air temperatures are suitable for healthy root growth in plants that return annually. Now is a great time to plant trees, shrubs, and perennials that you wish to move. Plan to give the plants at least six weeks in their new homes before the ground freezes.

This is also the best time to plant spring-flowering bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and crocuses (to name a few). Plant them near perennials like hostas and catmint so the bulbs’ foliage is hidden once the blooms go dormant.

You may consider planting flowers that attract bees in your efforts to cultivate a healthy habitat in your garden. Bees aid in pollination and are most attracted to blue, purple, and yellow flowers.

5. Take Small Cuttings to Overwinter

It’s easier to bring small cuttings inside than mature plants in large pots. Plus, they’ll be easier to transplant outdoors next spring. Be sure to get cuttings before frost hits!

6. Collect Dried Seed

Open-pollinated flowers and veggies offer dried seed that you can sow next year (or self-sow in other areas of your garden).

7. Gather Herbs, Seed Heads, and Flowers for Drying

Bring your garden indoors for the winter by gathering anything from cut branches to herbs, seeds, and flowers. Hydrangea, yarrow, berried branches, ornamental grass plumes, and plants with seed pods can all come indoors. All are great for drying and incorporating into your indoor decorations!

8. Use Fallen Leaves as Garden Mulch

Nature delivers mulch in the form of leaves each season! Finely textured leaves like those from willow trees or honey locusts are fine to remain on your lawn or garden as they fall. Larger leaves like those from maple, sycamore, and oak trees take longer to decompose on their own and can smother grass and perennials when they become matted down.

Easy fix : rake leaves up, mow over them, spread the natural mulch over your garden beds. Doing so in late fall as the ground begins to freeze minimizes weed growth, insulates your plants over the winter, and enriches the soil as the leaves decompose.

Be sure to mulch newly planted perennials and shrubs that aren’t well-rooted yet to keep them planted over the course of winter’s freeze/thaw cycles. Shredded leaves can also be piled onto plants with cold, sensitive buds to help them survive the winter.

9. Add Compost or Manure

Every fall gardening checklist should include the smelly, devoted act of adding compost or manure to the garden. An even layer on exposed soil will get worked into the ground as it freezes and thaws. Come spring, you’ll have healthy, enriched soil to plant in.

Pssst … Maintaining soil health is one of many ways to deter common garden pests.

10. Continue Watering

Plant roots are still actively growing in the fall, which means they’re thirsty despite looking settled for the season. Plus, evergreen perennials, shrubs, trees, and anything else you’ve recently planted will need to be watered until the ground freezes. If rainfall is inconsistent in your area, be sure to water thoroughly at least once a week.

Reminder : Don’t forget to disconnect the water hose before the frost hits!

11. Clean and Prepare Bird Feeders

Your serenading friends have been snacking on pests in your garden all summer and you want to encourage them to stick around! One or two bird feeders should suffice but you may also consider spacing out multiple feeders, each attractive to different birds.

12. Show Your Garden Tools Some Love

Clean, sand, and oil your garden tools before storing them over the winter. Pots and other utensils should also be washed and stored to prevent bugs and mold growth. You’ll thank yourself come spring.

Completing your fall gardening checklist is all about protecting plants in cold temperatures while taking steps to simplify your spring. With this list, you’ll come back to a clean, healthy garden when you’re ready to start planting in the spring!

What else is on your fall gardening checklist?

Frequently Asked Questions About Stink Bugs

Fri, 04 Sep 2020 05:55:29 GMT

Stink bugs may not pose a threat to your health and safety, but they can make your everyday home life miserable. If you need to understand these creatures better, check out these frequently asked questions on the subject.

What Do Stink Bugs Look Like?

A stink bug may grow to slightly over half an inch in length, with a distinctively flat, shield-shaped body. The body appears brown on top, with a cream-colored underside. You may also see light-colored banding on the antennae, on the bug's six legs, or around the edges of the body.

Stink bugs molt periodically. A stink bug that has recently molted will appear white instead of brown and sport red markings instead of white ones. Stink bug nymphs appear dark brown or even black, also with red markings. Stink bug eggs, which typically adhere to leaves in clusters, appear green in color.

Where Does the Name Come From?

The stink bug earns its name from the strong, unpleasant odor it produces whenever it feels threatened. The crushed bodies of stink bugs also emit this odor. The smell acts as a deterrent to predators. Some people find that it strongly evokes skunk spray or cilantro. A pile of dead stink bugs can fill your home with this stench.

What Do Stink Bugs Eat?

Stink bugs eat many of the same fruits and vegetables as humans. Favorite foods for stink bugs include beans, okra, eggplant, tomatoes, peppers, apples, peaches, pears, corn, and berries. Stink bugs may consume any part of these plants, including the leaves. They will also eat flowers, grasses, and buds.

Stink bugs ingest fruits by puncturing them with their mouth parts and sucking out the nutrients within. This eating method gives the fruits a scarred, dimpled appearance known as a cat-facing. If you see such deformities on your fruits, you may have stink bugs (although other insects can also cause cat-facing).

Where and When Do Stink Bugs Thrive?

The most common form of stink bug in the U.S., the brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys), doesn't originate in America at all. This species developed in Asia and then migrated to North America via freight containers, making its first known U.S. appearance in the late 1990s.

Stink bugs tend to grow active in the fall months, particularly October, as they seek shelter from the encroaching colder weather. Their need for warmth often drives them into homes in large numbers, where they continue to proliferate throughout the winter. During warmer weather, they cling to trees and wall surfaces.

What Kinds of Trouble Can Stink Bugs Cause?

Stink bugs present no direct threat to humans in the forms of stings, bites, or disease transmission. Even so, a stink bug infestation can easily make a nuisance of itself, most obviously from their obnoxious odor. You may find it all but impossible to avoid crushing these bugs underfoot, thus releasing their stench.

Stink bugs' fondness for fruits and vegetables can also create problems. You may find your kitchen overrun by stink bugs attracted to the foods in your pantry. If you have a vegetable garden, a stink bug infestation can do serious damage to your crops.

How Do You Get Rid of a Stink Bug Infestation?

Stink bug infestations may require specialized intervention, with techniques focused on keeping these insects from entering your home in the first place. Your pest control professional can point out the likely entry points, recommending sealants to close small gaps and chemicals that kill the bugs as they try to enter.

Ongoing preventive practices can help keep stink bug populations under control. Keep your yard clean and well-trimmed. Seal away any foods that might attract stink bugs. Dispose of any stray stink bugs you encounter, taking great care not to crush them. Ask your pest control expert about maintenance program options.

Ask your pest control team about environmentally friendly baiting and monitoring stations that you can have placed at various points in your yard, around your garden, or surrounding your home.

American Pest Professionals can help you stop a smelly, destructive stink bug problem in its tracks. Contact us today to schedule a pest inspection and stink bug treatment.

Know the Difference - Carpenter Ants vs. Termites

Tue, 18 Aug 2020 04:51:12 GMT

The first step in solving any pest problem is identifying what type of nuisance you’re dealing with. This influences treatment decisions and can streamline home repairs. Some pests -- like carpenter ants and termites -- are often confused because of their similar body styles and tendencies to cause overwhelming damage. When it comes to comparing carpenter ants vs. termites, a few tips make it easy to tell them apart and promote quicker elimination.

Between the two, termites are considered the more significant problem, as they are known to cause incomparably horrific damage. That said, carpenter ants aren’t exactly welcome visitors. In their search for moist, decayed wood (aka: a home), they may eventually chew through your home’s foundation.

Whether you’ve spotted a pest itself or signs of its presence, you’ll want to determine whether you have carpenter ants or termites as quickly as possible.

Comparing Carpenter Ants vs. Termites

Termites and carpenter ants don’t generally look alike and they certainly don’t cause equivalent damage. While termites feed on the cellulose in wood, carpenter ants tunnel into it to build homes. Because they are not constantly looking for their next wood-based snack, carpenter ants are not typically as detrimental as termites.

Carpenter Ants

Among ant species, carpenter ants present one of the greatest threats to your home. With the ability to chew through wood as they build tunnels, these pests could snack on your home’s foundation.

While they have the potential to cause considerable damage, it is generally incomparable to the destruction caused by termites.

Appearance : Measuring 1/4″ to 1/2″ long, carpenter ants are a larger variety of ant. They may be red, black, or a combination of both, and also have long antennae. Swarmers have wings that are unequal in size.

Location : Carpenter ants take up residence near both moist and dry wood. They may be visible on the outside of whatever wooden home they find or hidden in the smooth tunnels they’ve created within. The worker ants will search for food within 300 feet of their nest (usually overnight).

Appetite : These ants typically consume things like insect honeydew, plant and fruit juices, and insects. Inside, carpenter ants will feast on sweets, eggs, meats, and grease. While they may chew through wood to create tunnels, carpenter ants do not eat wood.

Signs of an infestation : Piles of wood shavings and small openings in wood surfaces are the primary indicators of a carpenter ant infestation.

Concerns : While carpenter ants first infest wet or decaying wood, they may begin tunneling in dry, undamaged wood over time. In addition to the structural damage they can cause when tunneling in your home’s foundation, carpenter ants may also destroy other wood items in your home and lawn.

Prevention : Ants can fit through teeny-tiny cracks around doors or windows, so sealing is vital. You should also eliminate water sources including overly moist areas and standing water. Branches, plants, and stacks of firewood should be kept away from the house, as they may provide shelter or a route inside. Finally, it also helps to maintain a tidy home, sweep/vacuum regularly, and store food properly.

Treatment : To treat for carpenter ants yourself, place bait traps near potential entry points and food sources. A foraging ant will bring the poison back to its nest, wiping out the entire colony. For thorough carpenter ant prevention and/or treatment, consider a residential pest management program tailored to your needs .

Eastern Subterranean Termites

Eastern subterranean termites are the most common (and destructive) species of termite found in the US. They feed on the cellulose in wood, making them particularly dangerous to homeowners.

Appearance : These termites have a rice-shaped body, six legs, and straight antennae. They range in color from creamy white to light brown or even black. Swarmer termites have wings that are equal in size.

Location : Termites may invade spaces both inside and outside the home, as well as buildings like apartments and commercial properties. From outdoor fences to indoor furniture, termites will eat anything made of wood, including your home’s foundation.

Appetite : Subterranean termites constantly feast on wood and may consume other cellulose-containing products.

Signs of an infestation : Mud tubes are a tell-tale sign of a termite infestation. Other signs include discarded wings (they look like fish scales), waste that resembles a pile of pepper, and soft wood that sounds hollow when tapped.

Concerns : Aside from totally collapsing the foundation of the home they reside in, termites may lead to warped or squeaky floors, discolored and drooping walls, and peeled paint. Whatever they chew through, it may result in hollow-sounding wood with no visible signs of damage.

Prevention : No one wants to deal with a termite infestation, so prevention is critical. Eliminate standing water around your home and avoid water accumulation near its foundation by ensuring that downspouts, gutters, and splash blocks function properly. You’ll also want to ventilate crawl spaces to reduce humidity, seal cracks and crevices to eliminate entry points, and keep wood scraps out of the yard to remove food sources. Most importantly, do not allow soil to come in contact with wood elements of your home by maintaining a 1-inch gap between them.

Treatment : Unfortunately, there really is no DIY treatment method for eradicating termites (they’re diligent and will come back). The best way to eliminate them is to hire a pest professional, who will recommend the best treatment option for your home. With termites causing an estimated $5 billion in property damage each year (often not covered by insurance), an annual, preventative pest management program is a relatively modest cost.

While both carpenter ants and termites can cause damage to your home, the latter is far more threatening. If you suspect either, give your pest professional a call to investigate the problem before it gets worse.

When you’ve got a pest problem, don’t get stuck in the carpenter ants vs. termites debate. Contact us to schedule a free inspection and get started with treatment as soon as possible!

Murder Hornets, Wasps, Bees, and What You Need to Know

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 04:41:53 GMT

What's a murder hornet and is it something homeowners need to worry about? While the name may sound scary, the Asian giant hornet (a.k.a. the murder hornet) isn't a threat in the Midwest. If you have buzzing pests in or around your home, take a look at what you need to know about murder hornets and other stinging invaders.

Are Murder Hornets a Threat?

With a name reminiscent of a horror movie title, the murder hornet sounds like an ominous invader to avoid. Even though the name paints a not-so-pretty picture, this hornet:

Doesn't want to hurt you . The murder hornet poses a threat to honeybees, not humans. Even though its sting is severe, the Asian giant hornet is less of a threat to humans than it is to bees. But that doesn't mean you should go near one. Always stay away from any type of hornet.
Isn't a problem in the Midwest . While this hornet has made its way to the United States, it isn't an issue in the Midwest region. According to Purdue University , it's unlikely there are currently murder hornets in the Indiana area.
Does look intimidating . These hornets are large in size and have a noticeable bold yellow–hued head.

Even though the name and appearance may strike fear in your family, unless you're a honeybee, you don't have to worry about the murder hornet. But this doesn't mean the invasive invader won't affect anyone in the U.S. Honeybees are essential pollinators necessary for crop growth. Without the ability to defend themselves, honeybees are potentially at risk.

Are Other Hornets a Problem?

While the murder hornet is less common in America, other hornets are found throughout the country. The bald-faced hornet is common in most areas of the United States. This type of hornet:

Looks like a wasp . You may mistake a bald-faced hornet for a wasp. According to the National Pest Management Association's (NPMA) PestWorld website, the hornet has a long, wasp-like shape with a white patterned face.
Builds a suspended nest . If you're not sure whether your home has an infestation, look for a suspended nest. You'll see worker hornets near or around the area.
Can enter your home . Even though the hornet lives in a nest, it can enter your home through holes or cracks in an exterior wall.

If you have a bald-faced hornet nest or other infestation, stay away from the invaders. These insects can sting — and will if provoked. Call a pest control professional as soon as possible to eliminate the issue in a safe and effective way.

Are Wasps and Bees Similar to Hornets?

Wasps and bees often look like hornets. But are these buzzing bugs the same (or similar to) hornets? While each invader is different in some ways, wasps, bees, and hornets:

May nest in groups . Social wasps, bees, and hornets nest together. If you're not sure what type of nest is in your yard or on your home's exterior, a pest control professional can identify the invader.
May enter your home . Like hornets, wasps and bees may enter your home through cracks in exterior walls.
May sting . Wasps and bees can (and will) sting if they feel threatened. While neither will actively seek out humans, they will sting if provoked. This means you should stay far away from anything that looks like a wasp or bee.

Never attempt to remove a wasp or bee nest from your home. Even though you may want to eliminate the issue immediately, failure to take proper safety precautions could put you (or your family) at risk.

Does your home have a hornet, wasp, or bee invasion? Contact American Pest Professionals for more information.

6 Common Rodents Every Homeowner Should Know

Thu, 16 Jul 2020 04:36:12 GMT

A few short years ago, home ec teachers and parents imparted home maintenance knowledge surrounding food preparation, grocery shopping, and various other upkeep tasks. Unfortunately, basic pest control topics like signs of residential pests and how to identify common rodents were likely left to be self-taught (i.e. Googled).

As any seasoned householder knows, homeownership isn’t all lawn care and renovation projects. Pest issues come with the territory.

A 2012 study found that 84% of US homeowners dealt with a pest problem annually.

Recent estimates from 2017 indicate that, more specifically, 37% of Americans have seen a rodent in their home over the last year.

Between the potential of rodents bringing disease into your home and the devastating amount of damage they may cause, a rodent infestation carries a high price tag. Learning the characteristics of these six common rodents could help you identify and eliminate a problem before it becomes unmanageable.

How to Identify 6 Common Rodents

Generally speaking, rodents do not hibernate in the winter. That means come fall, these furry critters are on the market for a new house – and their must-have list is short! Once they’ve found a crack or crevice that leads to warmth, food, and water, these six common household rodents make themselves at home.

You’re most likely to spot them in winter after they move in or summer when they (and their newly birthed offspring) are drawn to the scent of organic matter in places like the garden and trash. Despite a similar schedule, each of these common rodents is a little different.

1. House Mice

The common house mouse has large, rounded ears, a short, pointed snout, and a long tail (equal to the length of their body and head combined). They have short hair and range in color from light to dark brown, gray, and black. They’re fast critters, known to move as quickly as 12 feet per second, and make excellent runners, jumpers, and swimmers.

They reach sexual maturity within seven weeks and will produce 6-10 litters each year, with each litter containing 5-7 pups. Not-so-fun fact: a family of five mice will grow to as many as 40-50 in a matter of 90 days! Each mouse will live on average 15-18 months.

HOW TO IDENTIFY THEM:

Scurrying and/or gnawing noises
High-pitched squeaks
Droppings - dark, about a quarter-inch in length, with pointed ends
Dirt smudges on walls near the floor
Gnaw marks on items like furniture, baseboards, and boxes

2. Norway Rats (Brown Rats, Wharf Rats, Sewer Rats)

Whether or not you’ve seen one in your home, you likely know what a Norway rat looks like. Think New York City and you’ve got a perfect picture. These large, stocky rodents are grayish-brown, have tiny ears, large, protruding black eyes, and huge, constantly growing teeth. This becomes a problem only when the rodents stop gnawing on hard materials. Favorite residential snacks of the Norway rat include lead pipes, house siding, soft concrete, and stone.

Frankly, the first sign of a Norway rat problem you’re likely to notice is the rat itself. Their bodies can measure up to 18-inches in length, although they average 7-10 inches (with tails shorter than their bodies). Despite their size, Norway rats can squeeze through holes the size of a quarter.

In their 5-12 month lifespan, female Norway rats generally produce about 20 offspring. Notably, unlike mice, these large rats may be aggressive when cornered to the point of biting humans in self-defense.

HOW TO IDENTIFY THEM:

Seeing them
Scurrying and/or gnawing noises
Droppings - black, about a half-inch to three-quarter-inches in length, with blunt ends
Gnaw marks
Dirt or grease smudges on walls near the floor
Nests in basements, dark corners, under low furniture, and in insulation

3. Roof Rats

Also known as ship rats, these large rodents are only found in the Southeastern states, as well as the coastal areas of Washington, Oregon, and California. They prefer higher elevations like attics, rooftops, and trees for their nests, though they will certainly make do with a basement or sewer.

Full-grown roof rats measure 13-17 inches and have particularly long tails to help them balance as they climb. Their bodies are generally brown or black, though their stomachs are much lighter (almost white).

They begin breeding around 2-3 months old and will produce 4-6 litters per year, each with 6-8 pups.

HOW TO IDENTIFY THEM:

Scurrying and/or gnawing noises (particularly in the attic or walls)
Droppings - black, about a half-inch in length, with blunt ends
Gnaw marks on items like furniture, baseboards, and boxes
Large nesting areas in high places like attics

4. Voles (Field Mice)

Homeowners with large backyards or who live near a field can add another culprit to their list of common rodents to look out for. While voles prefer to burrow in moist, dense, grasslands, and snack on plant roots, they may venture indoors in search of food.

Voles’ bodies are short and stout, with short, hairy tails. They look similar to house mice but have smaller ears and a more rounded head than their indoor relatives. They regularly produce 10-17 litters each year, with several pups per litter.

HOW TO IDENTIFY THEM:

Soft spots in the yard and garden
Plants that come out of the ground too easily
Occasionally, they may be openly spotted inside the home on the hunt for food

5. Deer Mice

Similar to field mice, deer mice prefer rural areas where they can reside in barns, garages, and under trees. These rodents are reddish- to golden-brown with furry tails that are shorter than their 4-inch bodies. They also reproduce less frequently than their fellow rodents, delivering 2-4 litters per year with 4 pups per litter.

HOW TO IDENTIFY THEM:

Scurrying and/or gnawing noises
Droppings - dark, about a quarter-inch in length, with pointed ends
Nests in barns, garages, or sheds
Occasionally, they may be openly spotted inside the home on the hunt for food

6. Moles

While they do not typically pose an indoor threat, moles wreak havoc in yards and gardens. They burrow underground, creating tunnels and feeding on the roots of plants. As they approach the soil’s surface, they create mounds of dirt (molehills!).

HOW TO IDENTIFY THEM:

Molehills in the yard
Soft spots in the yard and garden
Plants that come out of the ground too easily
In rare instances, you can spot the rodents peeking above the surface

Homeownership doesn’t have to be complicated, but it may require some learning. Knowing the characteristics of each of these rodents makes you more prepared to identify and address an infestation in its early phase.

When you see one of these common rodents in your home, give us a call right away!

4 Pests to Watch Out for This Summer

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 04:22:53 GMT

As any area resident can confirm, summertime in Indiana brings plenty of heat. The warmer temperatures often produce prime breeding conditions for a variety of annoying or even potentially dangerous pests.

The more you know about what kinds of intruders to look out for this summer, the more easily you can take steps to guard your home against them. Here are four kinds of pests that you'll want to prevent as the mercury in your thermometer continues to rise.

1. Bedbugs

You may (rightly) think of bedbugs as a year-round indoor menace. However, these tiny insects enter your home from outdoors, where increased summertime temperatures appear to accelerate their feeding and reproduction. Once they enter your home, they then continue to thrive through the winter.

Although bedbugs don't seem to spread dangerous diseases to humans, they do suck the blood of human hosts, typically while the hosts sleep. Their bites leave itchy, reddened welts on the skin that may bear a superficial resemblance to mosquito bites. You may also see tiny black specks or blood stains on your bedding.

Bedbug infestations usually call for professional treatment techniques to eliminate the entire infestation quickly and effectively. However, you can reduce your chances for a bedbug problem by purchasing only new bedding, keeping luggage in your car instead of bringing into a home or hotel, and inspecting hotel rooms carefully.

2. Fleas

Fleas prefer warmer temperatures and humid conditions, both of which make summertime an ideal time for these bothersome creatures to overrun your yard. They thrive in thick piles of debris, dense shrubbery, and unkempt lawn grasses, which offer both shade and a useful hiding place for their eggs.

Unlike some pests, fleas have the ability to jump several feet, landing on mammalian hosts such as outdoor pets. And as pets come indoors, they may bring the fleas with them, allowing these creatures to continue laying eggs in upholstery and carpets. The fleas may then latch on to the human members of the household.

Flea bites can transmit serious diseases, like cat scratch disease. They can also introduce larval tapeworms into the bloodstream, resulting in a parasitic infestation of the digestive system. The bites also cause a reaction called allergic dermatitis, which in turn produces hives and itching.

Smart flea prevention strategies include trimming your shrubs and lawn as short as they can safely stand, clearing out any debris that might harbor fleas, and putting pets on medication to keep fleas from infesting them. Additionally, you should vacuum your upholstery thoroughly and regularly, disposing of the vacuum bag each time.

3. Ticks

Ticks thrive in heat, humidity, and overgrown vegetation just as fleas do. These arachnids (characterized by their eight legs) can assume a much larger size than fleas, especially when they grow bloated with ingested blood. They produce fewer eggs than ticks but tend to latch on their hosts for longer periods.

Like fleas, ticks transmit a variety of germs. Diseases spread by tick bites include ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Lyme disease (the single most common pest-to-human disease transmission in the U.S.).

The same preventative measures that control flea infestation can also work against ticks. However, pets may need more than one medication to ward off both kinds of pests.

4. Mosquitoes

As temperatures rise to typical summertime levels, so does the size of the local mosquito population, especially in the presence of water. Indiana hosts 53 species of mosquitoes, and some mosquitoes may deposit up to 200 eggs at a time.

Mosquito bites can leave you with more than just itchy bumps on the skin. Encephalitis represents the most serious danger associated with mosquito bites. This potentially fatal brain inflammation may take the form of eastern equine encephalitis, West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis, or LaCrosse encephalitis.

You can control your household mosquito population by draining sources of standing water and covering pools. Wear long sleeves and pants for extra protection against bites, and schedule monthly treatments to limit mosquito swarms.

American Pest Professionals can help you enjoy a pest-free summer. Contact us today.

What to do When Termites Come Back

Tue, 23 Jun 2020 03:54:46 GMT

Termites likely rank among the top three on every homeowner’s list of least desirable pests. And for good reason -- they can be extremely costly. Not only will termites consume wood in and around your home, but they can also digest anything containing cellulose. From boxes and books to drywall and furniture, termites will literally feast on your home.

Industry experts estimate that termites cause about $5 billion in annual property damage among US homeowners. That’s more damage than is likely to be caused by a fire, flood, or tornado.

Plus, termites come back.

At least 4 million US homes are likely to experience a termite infestation each year. And once your home has been infested, it’s at a higher risk of seeing the termites return.

Steps to Take When Termites Come Back

Even when you follow all the right steps for identifying and eliminating a termite infestation, the pests may still return. These steps can help you jump into action quickly and work toward defeating your termite problem for good!

Watch for Early Warning Signs of Termites

It’s particularly critical with termites to catch them early on. Luckily, termite warning signs are the same for a re-infestation as they were for the first occurrence.

Routinely checking for warning signs can help you eliminate a termite swarm before it becomes a full-blown re-infestation. Keep an eye out for these common signs that termites have come back:

Hollowed or damaged wood
Blisters in wood flooring
Mud tubes
Termite droppings
Discarded wings

Since you’ve had them before, you probably know the places around your property they are most likely to reappear (perhaps your home’s foundation or attic). Check these areas for the above signs every couple of weeks. By the time you notice any signs of their presence, termites are likely already calling your property home. But catching them early means better chances of elimination.

Call Your Pest Control Company as Soon as Termites Come Back

Regularly checking for signs of termites is vital to early identification and treatment. As soon as you notice one of the above signs, contact a pest expert. Pest professionals will inspect your home to determine how severe the re-infestation is and recommend the treatment solution that fits your situation.

Of course, routine checks become difficult when termites invade apartment complexes and other multi-occupant spaces. This doesn’t mean elimination is impossible. The key is simply to call as soon as you become aware of a problem.

After a professional has treated your property for termites, there are a couple of steps you can take to prevent termites from coming back again.

QUICK TIPS TO PREVENT A TERMITE RE-INFESTATION

1. Eliminate soil-to-wood contact around your home

Termites are attracted to moisture, which soil is likely to hold. Remove soil-to-wood contact around your property as much as possible. Additionally, be sure storm drains empty a few feet from your home’s foundation and resolve any standing water issues you have.

2. Turn off outdoor lights at night

Light also attracts termites. At least during spring (termites’ prime swarming season), try to keep outside lights off at night. If exterior lighting is a necessity, move lights to recessed areas away from doors and windows.

Hopefully these tips and precautions lessen the costly impact of termites to your home. No matter how diligent you are about preventing them though, termites may still return.

Give us a call when termites come back for a thorough inspection and treatment protocol by our knowledgable team.

8 Tips for Preventing Cockroaches When it Rains

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 03:47:45 GMT

Everybody has something they like to do when it rains… some people cuddle up with a hot drink and a movie, while others analyze the storm from miles away. Whatever you do for the duration of the downpour, you may want to add preventing cockroaches to your rainy day to-do list.

Your Home is a Safe Place for Cockroaches When it Rains

To cockroaches, a typical storm constitutes a life or death situation in which they are forced to seek shelter or drown in a flood. They scurry (or get flushed) out of the sewer systems they call home and often find their way into yours.

What Attracts Cockroaches to Your Home

Cockroaches are cause for concern any time they take up residence in your home, but they may be more likely to appear when it rains (and in the winter). Once they escape certain death, they’re on the hunt for three things: food, water, and shelter.

Your entire house provides adequate shelter, with warm, moist places being their preferences. Cockroaches may seek protection in baseboards and appliances, though bathrooms and kitchens are their preferred hiding spots.

Roaches generally prefer the kitchen, as it provides easy access to food by way of crumbs, drains, and a fully stocked pantry. Water is easy to find in kitchen pipes, sink drains, leaky faucets, and pet water bowls.

Since you know exactly what the pests are after, preventing cockroaches when it rains is easier than you think! Just take these steps before you settle in for the storm.

8 Tips for Preventing Cockroaches When it Rains

A dirty home is a goldmine to cockroaches. The primary way to prevent these disease-carrying pests is to keep a clean home, paying particular attention to food sources. In general, you’ll want to follow these eight tips:

Inspect pipes regularly and remove obstructions to prevent bursts and leaks. While you’re at it, inspect the perimeter of your home and seal all cracks, crevices, and pipe entry points to prevent access to cockroaches.
Keep gutters clear.
Add screen drains and keep water traps full.
Keep bathroom and kitchen counters clean and crumb-free.
Store food (including pet food) in sealed air-tight containers (rather than cardboard).
Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink.
Keep sink drains cleaned out.
Vacuum often and take out the garbage regularly.

No matter how clean you are, a routine pest management system could be key in preventing cockroaches from here on out. Give us a call for customized pest management tailored to your home and needs.

What Do You Need to Know About Deck-Destroying Pests?

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 03:42:34 GMT

How can you protect your wood deck from pests? Before the summer is in full swing, take a look at what you need to know about common backyard invaders.

Protect Your Deck From Termites

According to the National Pest Management Association's (NPMA) PestWorld website, termites are responsible for over five billion dollars' worth of property damage annually. These wood-destroying pests prey on home structures such as wooden window frames, doorways, and decks.

While the common subterranean termite typically lives underground, it can move upwards (into whatever structure is above the nest) in a search for food. Even though termites enjoy wood, they may also feast on other cellulose-containing products. On your deck, these could include outdoor carpeting or canvas and cardboard products.

Signs of a termite infestation include swarming (winged adults), mud tubes in nearby soil or wood, or a grayish-brown film on damaged surfaces. If you suspect your deck has a termite issue:

Inspect the area . Look for the tell-tale signs of an infestation. Even though obvious deck damage is a potential sign, it could also signal a different type of pest problem. Mud tubes and swarming are more reliable red flags.
Contact a pest control professional . Termite control is not a do-it-yourself job. You need the expertise and experience of a qualified exterminator to eradicate the outdoor colony and restore your deck.
Schedule ongoing maintenance . Avoid a re-infestation with routine pest control services. The exterminator can also check for additional issues in your home (if the termites move into the interior structure).

Along with pest control, assess the deck itself for structural damage. A severe infestation could put your deck in danger. After the exterminator eliminates the pest problem, repair the deck to restore its structural integrity.

Protect Your Deck From Carpenter Bees

Termites aren't the only threat to your deck. Even though carpenter bees don't eat wood as termites do, these pests can cause deck damage. The carpenter bee drills into wooden surfaces and tunnels into the building material.

What should you do if you suspect carpenter bees as your pest problem? A carpenter bee invasion requires:

Proper identification . These one-quarter to one-inch long pests look like other bees — minus the yellow abdominal markings.
Specific signs . Look for round, smooth holes in your wooden deck. These marks are depressions the bees drill into the wood.
Professional pest control . A DIY pest control strategy may not safely eliminate carpenter bees. Call a professional exterminator to identify the bees and remove the infestation.

Like termites, carpenter bees can cause structural damage to your deck. This also requires serious attention after the initial extermination. If you have concerns about a re-infestation, schedule routine pest control services.

Protect Your Deck From Carpenter Ants

Carpenter pests include more than just bees. The carpenter ant is a common culprit behind deck-related pest problems. This ant (like the carpenter bee) doesn't eat wood products. Instead, it destroys wood to use it as its nest.

According to NPMA's PestWorld website, carpenter ant colonies can top 50,000 individual members. If you think your deck has a carpenter ant invasion:

Inspect the deck . Signs of a carpenter ant infestation include noticeable worker ants and swarmers (winged ants) and sawdust or wood shavings.
Look for moisture . Along with the ants and their leftover sawdust, you may notice moist or rotten wood areas. While the ants don't cause moisture problems, they prefer damp wood.
Call a professional . Again, pest problems require professional help. An exterminator can identify the ants and eliminate the colony.

Schedule routine carpenter ant control services to decrease the risks of another invasion or infestation.

Do you need a professional extermination service? Contact American Pest Professionals for more information.

How to Treat (and Keep) a Bed Bug Infested Mattress

Mon, 18 May 2020 03:38:16 GMT

Any pest-related problem is annoying, but few are as relentlessly unpleasant as bed bugs. From bites to extraction, you’ll find tons of information about how to deal with a bed bug infested mattress (spoiler: it’s not all true). In fact, one of the most common bed bug myths is that you’ll have to throw out your mattress or furniture if an outbreak occurs.

While it may be difficult to trace the source of an outbreak, you definitely have options when it comes to treatment. With the right procedure, there’s no reason you can’t keep using your beloved mattress and furniture, even after a bed bug outbreak!

Tips for Dealing With a Bed Bug Infested Mattress

From bite marks and a musty scent to rust-colored stains and visible fecal matter, there are a number of ways to identify a bed bug problem. The steps you take after recognizing a problem are critical, but shouldn’t include throwing out a bed bug infested mattress.

Instead, enact these protocols as soon as you spot a problem:

1. Move the bed away from walls (and the floor)

Since bed bugs can’t jump or fly, you can cut off several access points to the mattress by positioning it away from walls and off the floor. Even one inch of space can make a huge difference.

2. Contact a pest control expert

We highly recommend scrubbing mattress seams and then vacuuming, but this likely won’t eradicate the infestation completely. A pest control expert will be able to recommend and administer a pesticide treatment or work with you to determine the best removal method for your household.

3. Confirm your pest control team uses an effective pesticide or steam treatment

Most pesticides are effective when they come in direct contact with a bed bug, but won’t do much once dry. A bed bug that walks over a treated surface is likely to waltz right on through the area. A pest control expert may have a recommended solution for repeated application.

They may also propose steaming to treat a bed bug infested mattress. This process kills all stages of bed bugs when steam is applied at the right temperature, pressure, and moisture-level for about 20 minutes.

In either case, it is best to leave treatment to a pest professional who is experienced in administering the proper protocol.

4. Use an encasement after treating the mattress

After treating for bed bugs, you should cover the mattress in an encasement. The encasement will stay on much like a mattress cover and ensure that the entire population eventually dies. Bed bugs have been known to go up to a year without a blood meal, so you’ll want to keep the encasement on for a considerable length of time.

You’ll particularly want to consider an encasement if you opt for non-chemical removal methods like vacuuming. While vacuuming will eliminate most visible bed bugs and eggs, it won’t get them all. If you go this route, you’ll definitely want to encase the mattress.

Why You Should NOT Throw Out a Bed Bug Infested Mattress

While it may seem logical to eliminate a primary source of the bed bug population that has invaded your home, there are a number of reasons why you should absolutely not get rid of your mattress.

The mattress doesn’t contain the entire bed bug population. Despite their name, if you have bed bugs in your mattress, chances are you have them in your headboard, nightstands, dressers, and even wall or floor cracks. In fact, any space large enough for a credit card constitutes a comfortable living quarter for a bed bug. Therefore, removing the mattress won’t get rid of the problem.
Bed bugs repopulate very quickly. Even if you eliminate a substantial majority of your bed bug problem by throwing out your mattress, they’ll be back in full force shortly. Pregnant females lay three or four eggs each day, which hatch in about two weeks.
If you get a new mattress, it will also become infected. Based on the two facts above, you won’t be doing yourself any favors in buying a brand new mattress. It will simply become infected again, causing the cycle to repeat.
You’ll likely worsen the problem by dragging a bed bug infested mattress through the house. In order to throw away a mattress, it’s got to go through the house. Transporting the mattress even a short distance can severely exacerbate the issue by spreading bed bugs throughout your home.

If you must discard your mattress, follow a few simple steps:

Take the mattress straight to the dump.
Seal the mattress before disposing of it (use an encasement product, which can be removed at the dump and laundered at home).
Get rid of the mattress before treating the house.
Do NOT sell a bed bug infested mattress.

If it’s time to upgrade your mattress, you may consider replacing it after a bed bug outbreak. But there is no reason a bed bug infested mattress can’t be saved! With a little patience, you’ll be sleeping peacefully in no time.

If bed bugs are currently keeping you up at night, give us a call to discuss removal and prevention efforts today.

Signs of Pests Every First Time Home Buyer Must Know

Thu, 07 May 2020 03:27:28 GMT

Buying a new home can be a long, complicated process, especially for a first time home buyer. From escrow procedures and financing hurdles to tedious negotiations and unexpected pest damage, the home buying process can be a straight-up headache. Luckily, you can uncomplicate things by looking out for a few specific signs of pests.

Whether you’re buying a new home, building from the ground up, or simply want to ensure your house is free of unwelcome guests, these signs of pests can help.

Every First Time Home Buyer Should Know These Signs of Pests post

Pests don’t discriminate when it comes to the newness of your home or its location. No matter if your new abode is in the secluded country, quaint suburbs, or bustling city, these signs of pests can help you spot pest damage inside and outside your new home.

SIGNS OF PESTS INSIDE YOUR NEW HOME

Spotting pest damage inside a potential home often requires a keen eye and a little super-sleuthing. Don’t be afraid to open doors, ask questions, and take a hands-on approach.

Under Sinks

Examine pipes in the kitchen and bathrooms to ensure everything is sealed tightly. Many pests, including cockroaches, love to build homes near a quality water source. Check the surrounding areas for tiny black spots, which could be cockroach droppings.

In Bedrooms

Inspect areas under and around baseboards and electrical sockets for tiny brown stains that could indicate a bedbug problem. Even if the home is empty and clean, bedbugs could still be an issue. Pro tip: bedbug droppings often look like marks left by a felt-tip pen.

You should also keep an eye out for fungus, mold, or wood decay from moisture in the walls, which could indicate a variety of pest problems.

Attics & Basements

You may have to ask for a special tour of the attic, but it’s worth exploring in a new home visit.

Pests are drawn to warm, humid and seldom-visited spaces, so be sure attics and basements are cool, dry, and well-ventilated. In the attic, be sure no areas are left unsealed, as bats, raccoons, and squirrels can burrow into attic spaces. In and around the basement, look for cracked and bubbling paint, mud tubes, and hollow-sounding wood. These could be signs of termites or even wood-boring beetles.

SIGNS OF PESTS OUTSIDE YOUR NEW HOME

Pest damage isn’t limited to your home’s interior. You’ll definitely want to take a walk around the property, noting any branches that may need to be cut back and any lawn drainage issues.

Rats, squirrels, ants, and cockroaches nest in trees, so be sure branches don’t provide easy access to the attic or other entry points. Additionally, be sure the yard slopes away from the house, as backed up water running toward the home can mean uninvited neighbors in the form of termites and mosquitoes.

Windows

Water damage from a leak could cause windows to look soft or sunken -- a great home for ants and termites. Windows that don’t close tightly or have screens may invite common winter pests like birds, bats, and ladybugs as the weather cools down.

Decks & Patios

Wooden decks, patios, and railings are common sites for outdoor pests. Check for sawdust piles and tunnels to rule out a carpenter bee problem.

The Chimney

A fireplace can create a warm and cozy living space for humans AND unwanted friends. Check chimneys for wasp and bird’s nests that may have been built in the absence of a homeowner.

These common signs of pests are a great starting point when inspecting a new home. Of course, your area may come with a certain set of pest warnings, which can often be mitigated by adopting an integrated pest management strategy in your home.

If you’re unsure how to spot pests or potential problems, you may consider hiring a pest control expert when buying a new home. We can help inspect for current pests, identify damage from past infestations, and assess repair needs for your new home.

Whether you’re a first time home buyer or an experienced pro, we’d love to help you spot these signs of pests and live pest-free in your new space. Give us a call !

How Can an Exterminator Eliminate Your Yard's Tick Pest Problem?

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 03:20:56 GMT

Is your home a haven for ticks? If your yard invites these invaders, take a look at how a professional pest control contractor can help you regain your outdoor entertaining area.

Exterior Inspection

Where are the ticks in your yard? If you've seen a few of these pests outdoors or your pet or a household member carried one in, you may question where the ticks came from.

Tick extermination is not a do-it-yourself pest control job. Not only should you leave the actual elimination up the professional, but you should also let the expert handle the exterior inspection. A pest control pro can:

Safely search for ticks . Your efforts to hunt under bushes, behind shrubs, or in wooded areas of your yard could put you at risk for a tick bite. If you aren't sure where to look or how to safely inspect your property, hire an exterminator to evaluate the area.
Conduct a full search . Even though ticks prefer areas with leaf litter, tall grass, or other similar plant life, you may not know every outdoor space to search. The exterminator can conduct a complete inspection and find hidden infestation areas you may not know about.
Look for other pests . Ticks don't only feed on humans. They also feed on other animal hosts. Some pests, such as raccoons or skunks, may harbor and transport ticks into your yard.
Make recommendations . After the pest control professional finds tick-infested areas, you need to take action. The exterminator can recommend ways to remediate the problem and remove excess plant life that harbors the pests.

An exterior inspection is the first step to tick control. Now that you know what a pest control professional can do to find the problem areas, move on to the next step — treatment. If you're tempted to spray your yard, think again. Even though it might seem like a cost-saving strategy, this job requires a professional approach.

Tick Treatment

Ticks are outdoor invaders. But that doesn't mean they can't, or won't, come indoors. Most ticks hitchhike on a human or animal host. Unlike other types of pests, they don't come inside to look for warmth, a meal, or moisture. Instead, they're already attached to their food source.

According to the University of Rhode Island, without a host, deer ticks typically won't survive for more than 24 hours inside of a home. This means you'll likely won’t need to treat your home's interior. But you will need to treat the exterior yard if the exterminator detects an infestation.

An exterminator can:

Eliminate other animals . Again, other pests can attract ticks or carry them into your yard. Rodents, raccoons, and other wild animals can start a tick infestation or keep it going. The exterminator may include these pests in their treatment plan.
Choose the appropriate type of tick control . Pest control isn't a job for a novice. Failure to choose the right treatment or use it correctly can result in a re-infestation or cause a serious safety issue.
Create an ongoing maintenance plan . Tick control may take time. A one-time-and-you're-done approach may result in a re-infestation. The exterminator can recommend a treatment plan for routine maintenance.

If you're not sure who to hire for your extermination issue, ask your potential pest control contractor about the company's experience and the technician's expertise. Make sure they have specialized knowledge of ticks and how to eliminate this type of infestation. Along with questions about expertise and experience, ask the contractor for references from past or current customers.

Do you have a backyard tick issue? Contact American Pest Professionals for more information on treatments and routine maintenance services.

3 Ways Mice Spread Disease in Your Home

Sat, 25 Apr 2020 03:17:43 GMT

Mice may be adorable when you can snap a pic of their good side, but they are anything but cute when they’re in your home. Aside from posing a threat to your furniture and wiring, mice spread disease. In fact, mice are bad for your health even if you don’t touch them.

Simply sharing space with rodents can be enough to get sick.

How Mice Spread Disease in Your Home

Mice don’t exactly meet human expectations of cleanliness. Like other disease-carrying pests, being around them is enough to warrant health concerns. Mice spread disease in various ways:

Through their urine and fecal matter

While mice droppings may indicate a rodent problem, they can also make you very sick. The same goes for mouse urine, both of which are commonly used to mark territory.

Mice spread diseases such as hantavirus, salmonella, and lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV) through their waste, even if you are careful not to touch them.

Hantavirus

Mouse feces and urine can dry and turn to dust, spreading viruses through the air we breathe. Hantavirus is commonly spread this way and can cause fever, chills, and aches and pains. If left untreated, it can progress to kidney failure and intense shortness of breath.

Salmonella

Mice may track waste debris, along with dirt and bacteria, across countertops. This is a common cause of salmonella (food poisoning), as we may touch kitchen surfaces while making food. Symptoms like fever, stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea can become serious over time.

Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCMV)

This viral infection is typically carried by house mice and can cause serious neurological problems. Humans become infected through exposure to fresh mouse droppings, urine, saliva, and nesting materials.

Through the parasites they carry

Mice spread disease thanks to other pests that may catch a ride into your home. For instance, Lyme disease and Colorado tick fever are transmitted by ticks, which often hitchhike inside on the furry backs of mice. If your lawn is a tick magnet, you may be especially likely to contract these diseases if a mouse gets inside.

Similarly, the Bubonic plague is caused by the fleas that mice and rats carry inside (not the rodents themselves). This poses a concern for homeowners everywhere, especially those with pets.

Through bites

Though mice don’t bite often, they can carry and spread the bacteria that causes rat-bite fever. You can contract the disease through a direct bite, as well as through touching a dead rodent that has the infection or eating/drinking food items contaminated by rats.

Having mice in the house can be bad news for your home, your belongings, and your health. If you’ve done all you can to prevent mice from entering your home and are STILL finding droppings, take action fast.

If it’s time to call your pest professional, do it sooner rather than later. We’re standing by to help rid your home of potentially disease-carrying mice.

Cockroach Identification, Prevention, and Extermination

Thu, 09 Apr 2020 03:10:51 GMT

Does your home have cockroaches? If you're not sure the insect you see scurrying across your kitchen floor is this infamous pest, take a look at what you need to know about cockroach identification, prevention, and extermination.

What Do Cockroaches Look Like?

Before you solve your cockroach problem, you need to make sure this pest is the actual invader. Four primary types of cockroaches are found in America that invade household interiors. A fifth type of roach, the Pennsylvania wood cockroach, is primarily found outdoors.

To easily identify the would-be cockroach in your home, look for the markers of each species:

Brown-banded cockroach . This species is smaller than other roaches and has a light brown or brown color. Look for "V" shaped lighter-colored bands on the wings.
German cockroach . According to the University of Maryland, this species is between 5/8 and 2/3 of an inch long. The adult German cockroach has a light brown color and two darker stripes on the area behind the head.
American cockroach . This larger species is one and a half inches long and has a reddish coloring. Th American cockroach also has a pale brown band.
Oriental cockroach . The one-inch Oriental cockroach is dark brown or black in color. The male of the species has short wings, while females are wingless.

Some other home invaders, such as long-horned beetles and ground beetles, look like cockroaches. If you doubt your ability to accurately identify a cockroach invasion, contact a pest control professional. An exterminator can inspect your home, find the invaders, and identify them as cockroaches or another pest.

How Can You Prevent a Cockroach Invasion?

Prevention is the best way to protect your home and your family from cockroaches. If you have concerns about cockroaches or have had a previous problem, prevent an infestation and:

Keep a clean home . Even though cockroaches can invade a perfectly clean home, they're more likely to invade a space with easily accessible food. Remove trash promptly, clear clutter, vacuum regularly, and don't leave food/beverages out in the open.
Seal entry points . Prevent cockroaches from entering your home's interior and seal cracks in the foundation and around door and window frames. Add screens to windows and vents.
Reduce humidity . Cockroaches prefer a moist, humid environment. Use a whole-home dehumidifier to reduce moisture levels inside.
Repair leaks . Not only should you reduce overall interior humidity levels, you should also repair leaks. A leaky pipe can drip and puddle, creating an environment that attracts cockroaches.

Along with these steps, call a pest professional. An exterminator can recommend a pest protection plan to prevent a cockroach invasion.

How Can You Exterminate Cockroaches?

What happens if your best pest prevention efforts fail? Whether you tried a do-it-yourself approach, didn't maintain a clean indoor environment, or the cockroaches just wouldn't stay away, you can still stop the invasion after it starts.

To eliminate these interior invaders, contact a pest control professional. While a DIY approach may seem like a cost-saving option, professional-level treatment is the best defense against the resilient roach. If you're still not sure whether you should hire pest control help or not, consider:

Home health . A professional exterminator knows what types of treatments to use and how to apply them inside your home.
Expertise . The exterminator has years of training and experience to back up their technique. This means they can eliminate the invasion correctly—without multiple attempts.
Time . Do you have time to research the best ways to exterminate cockroaches? The pest control expert already knows how to eliminate the invasion and will do the work for you.

The pest control professional's job doesn't stop at the elimination of the invasion. Continue to use an expert extermination service to protect your home—whether you see cockroaches inside or not.

Do you need pest control help? Contact American Pest Professionals for more information.

What You Need To Know About Springtime Pests

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 03:00:37 GMT

Spring showers might bring May flowers — but they also bring mosquitoes, mice, and carpenter ants. As the winter snow turns into spring rain, take a look at what you need to know about springtime pests.

What Pests Are Springtime Problems?

Warm, weather-loving pests tend to make themselves more noticeable was the winter cold leaves for the season. Mosquitoes, some ants, mice, ticks, flies, bees, and wasps are some of the top warm weather or springtime pests.

Even though these pests often become springtime problems, it doesn't mean they weren't in your home (or around it) for weeks or even months before the weather warmed. According to the National Pest Management Association's (NPMA) Pest World website, spiders, rats, raccoons, cockroaches, and mice often enter homes during the winter months to find food and warmth.

Where Can You Find Springtime Pests?

Along with the pests that have already invaded your home over the winter months, you can also find spring pests in several other places. These often include:

Puddles . The standing rainwater outside your home is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Aside from an area for mosquitoes to multiply, spring rain puddles are also inviting to thirsty pests or other water bugs.
Woodpiles . The leftover woodpile from your winter home heating fires is the perfect nesting space for some ants. Add moisture from rainwater and the area becomes even more interesting to these pests as well as termites.
Yard debris . Fall leaves once hidden under the winter snow are now on the surface of your yard. These, along with other yard waste, mulch, or tree stumps, can become springtime food sources for termites, ants, and rodents.
Gutters . If you forgot to clean your gutters in the fall, leaves and other natural debris can cause clogs. The winter thaw and spring rains can make these areas prime breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other water insects.

Now that you know where to find springtime pests, do something about them.

What Can You Do About Springtime Pests?

You don't have to live with mosquitoes, ants, ticks, rodents, and other yard or home invaders. To reduce the risks and rid your home of a pest problem:

Call a professional . You have no substitute for expert extermination. Get the best chance of a pest-free home this spring with professional extermination services. Along with extermination, the pest control pro can help to reduce the likelihood of a re-infestation.
Remove standing water . While you can't dry every puddle after a spring rain, you can stop water from ponding in other places. Remove empty planter pots, children's toys, or buckets from the outdoor area.
Clean the gutters . Clear all leaf and plant debris from the gutters. This allows water to move freely and will reduce the likelihood your gutters will turn into pest pools.
Remove woodpiles . Move woodpiles as far away from your home (or any structure on your property) as possible.
Remove yard debris . Rake leaves and remove weeds or other plant life left over from last summer.
Seal cracks . If the winter weather left cracks or holes in your home's exterior, windowpanes, or screens, seal them completely. Breaks in your home's exterior provide an easy entry for pests.
Clean indoors . Along with your yard, make your home uninviting to pests with an interior spring cleaning. Vacuum regularly, clean crumbs from countertops and floors, and store food in airtight containers.

Continue pest protection through the spring and into the rest of the year. Discuss ongoing prevention methods with the pest control technician and schedule regular maintenance services.

Do you need pest protection services? Contact  American Pest Professionals  for more information.

5 Signs of Hidden Pest Infestations Inside Your Home

Mon, 02 Mar 2020 02:56:11 GMT

Nobody wants pests inside their home, but pests do everything they can to get inside your warm, safe walls. In many cases, you can see an infestation by spotting the actual pests, but for the most part, pests are shy, so you may never see them. You will, however, see lots of other signs as the pests wreak havoc on your home. If you want to better protect your home and family, check out these five signs of pests.

1. Pest Droppings

Pest droppings is one of the most obvious signs you have an infestation because they have to release their waste somewhere. Droppings from larger pests like mice and squirrels are easier to spot because of their size, color and shape. Depending on the animal, the droppings may range from 1/8 of an inch to one full inch long.

Bug droppings can be harder to spot because they may just look like dirt or debris. For example, cockroach droppings look like ground pepper, but they are highly toxic. Bed bug droppings are often small and red because of the blood in their diet.

2. Nests

To make themselves comfortable, pests will even make nests inside your home. If you suspect mice, look for wood chips, matters filling, insulation, paper, fabric and similar soft materials that can be used to create a ball-like nest. There may also be droppings and food particles lying around the nest.

Insect nests maybe hard to spot because each type of insect has their own preferred type of nest, so there is no one-size-fits-all nest for which to look. Plus, insects like to put their nests in well-hidden places, such as your attic.

3. Strange Odors and Sounds

As the animals creep around your home, they create strange odors and sounds. The odor may come directly from the droppings or decomposing bugs. Cockroaches release an acidic smell as they decompose, and the odor can linger. Stink bugs actually use odor as a defense mechanism. If you have rodents, expect a lot of ammonia smell from urine.

The most obvious sound of pests inside walls or ceilings is scratching. Rodents may make more noise because of their claws tapping and scratching, but bugs may also make noise as they scurry around. Plus, some bugs, like bees, just make noise.

4. Gnaw Marks

Pests don't care about the resale value of your home, so they have no problem chewing on materials like drywall, wood, etc. Rodents may chew to help keep their teeth short, but some bugs may actually eat or burrow into wood, which can compromise the entire structure of your home.

Some rodents may also start to chew on your electrical wires inside the walls. This increases the risk of odors from dead pests, and it affects your electrical system. So if you've been having trouble with some wires or lights, and you have signs of pests, an exterminator may be able to help.

5. Grease Tracks

Mice, in particular, leave grease tracks inside your home. This is because they like to follow the same path to get food and water, and they eventually begin to create dirty, greasy pathways. This makes it easy to spot an infestation and follow the trail back to the nest.

When looking for grease tracks, check by walls. Mice can't see well, so they tend to follow walls to help guide their path. This poor vision is also the reason they like to follow the same path repeatedly.

Pests hide inside walls, floors, attics and anywhere else they can find. While you may not be able to see them, you may be able to hear them or smell them. If you would like to know more about pests, or if you need a quote for pest removal services, contact us at American Pest Professionals.

Fleas in Winter: Why Your Pets May Still Need Treated

Sat, 08 Feb 2020 02:53:18 GMT

If your snuggly-wuggly little furbaby were living in a natural environment, they’d be able to cross fleas off their list of winter worries. Fleas become dormant during the coldest months of the year, but because your furbaby enjoys a life of luxury, you may still have to treat for fleas in winter.

Why Worry About Fleas in Winter

Since fleas can survive for months in a warm environment, they remain a major indoor-pest concern in winter. If your pet still goes outdoors, you should continue using a prevention/treatment method for fleas in winter. That means owners of dogs and outdoor cats are on the hook for flea treatment year-round.

If your pet doesn’t go outdoors (hello, indoor cat people!), you should still be on the lookout for signs of fleas in winter. Thanks to central heating, fleas can stay comfortable in your home even during the coldest months.

Treating for Fleas in Winter and Beyond

If you use a monthly flea prevention method, continue using it in the winter. The PDSA reports a 20 percent decline in sales of such medications during the winter, but vets chalk this up to a misunderstanding of flea activity. As noted, if your pet comes into contact with fleas in winter or they are already in your home before the season changes, they will remain a problem.

If you spot a flea, remember to treat both your pet and home.

Treating Your Pet for Fleas in Winter

Fleas can cause serious health problems for your pet and are especially dangerous to smaller animals, like kittens, which can die from anemia due to blood loss. To treat for fleas, you’ll want to address your pet and everything they’ve come in contact with.

Talk to your vet about the right direct pet treatment for your furbaby and then break out the cleaning supplies!

Treating Your Home for Fleas in Winter

Does your pet lay on the sofa? Your bed? A pile of clean laundry you haven’t put away yet? Wash it all! Vacuuming the carpet and furniture will pick up eggs and larvae (be sure to empty the vacuum and take the trash out right away). Fleas will not survive a ride in the washing machine, so throw any laundry, blankets, or small pet beds in the washer if possible.

For light infestations, you may also consider buying over-the-counter products to treat your home. These often have a low concentration of insecticide, which has been approved for general use. As always, consult your vet for help determining the right products for your home and pet.

If the outbreak is too large for general products to handle or if your home feels like a magnet for ticks and fleas, you may need to call in the big dogs for professional flea treatment.

No matter the season, we’re here to help rid your home of fleas so you can get back to your (non-itchy) snuggle buddy! Give us a call for treating fleas in winter and beyond.

5 Steps to an Integrated Pest Management Plan in Food Processing Plants

Mon, 27 Jan 2020 02:47:41 GMT

Between FDA standards and other agency guidelines specific to your product, you’re no stranger to the copious amount of regulations required of food processing plants. Of course, that means you’re aware of pest control protocols, but have you considered the benefits of an integrated pest management plan?

An integrated pest management (IPM) plan focuses on non-chemical prevention efforts, guided by facility maintenance and sanitation.

Why Food Processing Plants Need IPM

The basics of integrated pest management are consistent across all environments from homes to factories. Essentially, IPM combines scientific principles and common sense to think about pest management in a way that values:

Using knowledge about the pest’s habits, life cycle, needs and dislikes
Using the least toxic methods first, up to and including pesticides
Monitoring the pest’s activity and adjusting methods over time
Tolerating harmless pests
Setting a threshold to decide when it’s time to act

Food processing plants must adhere to high standards when it comes to pest control, but that doesn’t mean natural prevention and elimination methods aren’t an option. From the processing line to preventing stored product pests, IPM offers a simple, effective strategy for keeping pests out of your food processing plant.

5 Steps to Launching Your Integrated Pest Management Plan

The key to implementing an effective integrated pest management plan in your facility is to spend a little time setting up prevention efforts and, most importantly, explaining them to your staff. Follow these steps to set up a practical, safe, and efficient approach to pest management.

1. Utilize Exclusion Methods

Integrated pest management is all about using non-chemical methods to deter pests. One of the easiest ways to get rid of pests is to stop them from even getting in! To limit their access to entry points, implement these exclusion methods:

Seal cracks and crevices
Install weather stripping
Replace window screens
Maintain positive air pressure

2. Put Your Integrated Pest Management Plan in Writing

Collaborate with your pest control company to get the details of your IPM plan documented. You’ll want to include the exclusion criteria above as well as sanitation plans that aim to prevent pest’s access to food and water.

For instance, consider when and how often certain areas need to be cleaned. Who will be responsible for doing the cleaning? Who will check that it has been done? How will you log when cleaning takes place? Similarly, you’ll want to include the protocol for cleaning up spills, standing water, and other incidents that might attract pests.

Finally, include contact information for your pest management expert and guidelines for when they should be called.

3. Train Staff

It’s no surprise that written prevention efforts won’t do much for actually maintaining your facility’s cleanliness. Areas that are hard to see and/or reach may need to be cleaned more often, which means current sanitation processes may have to change. You’ll need to explain the new protocol to staff and elaborate on their crucial role in pest management.

Hold IPM training sessions to educate staff on new cleaning procedures and what to do in the event of a pest problem. Explain how cleaning will be logged and that employee performance will be evaluated to ensure consistency.

4. Document Pest Control Services

In addition to logging your routine cleaning efforts, you’ll want to document any professional pest services. Include the pest activity, corrective action reports, pesticide usage, bait/trap maps, and dates of service.

Keep this documentation on-site, as it is required in the event of a visit from third-party food safety auditors. Without it, you may lose points on the pest management portion of the audit (which accounts for up to 20 percent of the total audit score).

5. Ask Your Pest Control Company About IPM Compliance Standards

Last but not least, ask about IPM compliance when hiring a pest control company. Ensure that their pest management services are rooted in IPM best practices. Additionally, you’ll want to be sure the person providing pest control services at your facility is evaluated regularly by the pest control company or another auditor.

Once you have the basics in place, following an integrated pest management plan is simple. You’ll follow routine procedures to prevent pests and work with your pest management company to address any issues.

Ready to implement IPM practices in your food processing plant? Give us a call to discuss how we can help with inspections, prevention best practices, and safe removal.

4 Ways Pest Control Experts Can Help When You Buy a New Home

Tue, 14 Jan 2020 02:40:25 GMT

If you're looking for a new home, you've probably heard that you'll need to have a home inspection before you close on the property. But you can also have a variety of professionals perform specialized inspections for specific problems, including pest control experts.

Here are four ways pest control experts can help when you buy a new home.

1. Inspect for Pests and Identify Damage

During the course of an inspection, a home inspector may let you know if they see obvious signs of rodent damage or termite damage. However, their job is to give a general overview of the home's condition, not check to see if the home currently has pests.

A pest control expert can look for many types of pests that the home inspector won't have time to hunt for, such as:

Carpenter ants
Bats
Brown recluse spiders
Pantry moths
Asian beetles
Bedbugs

Some of these types of pests are more likely to cause obvious signs such as structural damage. Others (such as bedbugs) may be harder to spot and yet are just as important to eliminate.

2. Check for Vulnerabilities

What if your home doesn't have termites yet, but a recent repair makes it more vulnerable to a future termite infestation? Some things that can make a home extra susceptible to termites include:

Easy spots for termites to access the home (such as open attic vents)
Untreated wood on the outside of the home
Damp environment in attic or basement
Wood mulch near the sides of the home

Your pest control expert can check for these and any other vulnerabilities that could make your home a target for termites or other damaging pests. They can then give recommendations to help you avoid picking up a pest problem as you settle into your new home.

3. Assess Repair Needs

If you decide to buy a home even though it has pest damage, you may want to ask the seller to agree to pay for the repairs. This is a common way to negotiate for a better deal on a new home. However, repair costs can vary based on how much repair you need and what company you choose to perform these repairs.

Choosing a professional pest control company to make a repair needs assessment is useful because these contractors are experienced with pest damage. This means they'll be more likely to uncover all the effects the pest damage has had on the home so nothing is overlooked.

In addition, pest control experts can provide an expert opinion on whether you need to find funds for extermination costs as well as repair costs.

4. Provide a Quote for Prevention

Some types of insect damage can be prevented with regular treatments. For instance, termite prevention can include applying products around the perimeter of your home to prevent termites from tunneling towards your walls and foundation. Some homes, such as those with a lot of wood features, can be very susceptible to termites, which makes this protection a must.

In addition to letting you know what vulnerabilities your home has and helping you mitigate them, a professional pest control expert can provide you with a quote for the application of a termite treatment. Pest control experts can also help you develop a plan for how often termite treatments should be repeated for best prevention.

These are just some of the ways pest control experts can help you as you buy a new home. You have plenty of other things to worry about during this new chapter in your life, so leave the pest issues to the professionals.

For more information on the prevention and treatment of pest issues, get in touch with American Pest Professionals today.

Keep Rodents Out During the Winter

Tue, 10 Dec 2019 01:15:14 GMT

As the cold weather sets in, rodents who were happy to remain outside in the warmer months start seeking warmth and shelter. Rodents like mice, rats, and squirrels carry diseases and can cause thousands of dollars in structural and electrical damage when they get inside your home.

Several things can help keep these animals outside. Here’s what you can do.

What to Do Outside

One of the best ways to keep rodents out of your house in the winter months is to prepare your yard. If you make it more difficult for rodents to make nests near your home, you'll lower the chances of them getting inside.

Clean Up

Prepare your yard for the cold weather ahead by cleaning up any debris. Rodents like to hide in brush and leaf piles, so bag up and remove yard waste, especially any that's close to your home.

Remove any dead plants from your garden, and keep inorganic material around your house, such as stones, instead of organic mulch. Store seeds, bulbs, and other gardening supplies in plastic containers with tight lids that rodents won't be able to get into. Similarly, make sure feed for outdoor animals is in tightly sealed containers rather than bags or boxes that mice and rats can easily chew through.

Prune Trees

Rats and squirrels are good climbers and jumpers and can gain access to your roof from any nearby tree branches. Prune any limbs hanging over your roof or nearby to minimize the chance that these pests will make it onto your roof so they can enter your attic.

Seal Entry Points

Do a thorough inspection of the outside of your home for any access points rodents could use to enter your home. Remember that smaller rodents, like mice, can get through holes as small as 1/4 inch. Place wire mesh over any cracks in your foundation.

Pay particularly close attention to areas where pipes or wiring enter your home. Caulk any gaps you find.

What to Do Inside

In order to keep rodents from forcing their way inside, make sure you don't inadvertently advertise your home as a desirable place.

Keep Things Tidy

The best thing you can do indoors to prevent rodents from seeking refuge in your home is to keep things clean. Rodents are attracted to crumbs and messy areas with plenty of places to hide. Keep your garbage covered and clean up any spills promptly. Sweep up crumbs regularly, including under cabinets and behind your appliances.

Store Food Properly

Keep your food packed up. Don't leave food out on counters or on the floor. Place bagged items on high shelves or place the contents in sealed plastic containers. Put your bread in the refrigerator or a bread box.

Store pet food in plastic containers with lids so rodents won't be drawn inside by easy access to food.

Check Doors and Windows

Look around your doors and windows for any gaps or torn screens. Make repairs as necessary and install a brush sweep along the bottom of your front and back doors to help keep the heat in and rodents out.

Seal Holes

Check your cabinets and areas behind appliances for any holes or gaps mice could get in through. If you can't repair a hole immediately, stuff it with steel wool to make it difficult for rodents to chew through and get into your home.

If you do notice rodents or signs of a rodent infestation, such as droppings, gnawed cardboard, or chewing damage in your walls, you'll want to get them out as soon as possible. Traps might catch a few rodents, but you could still have some nesting in your home. Traps also don't address the root cause of the problem and prevent more animals from getting in.

Have a pest control company assess and manage the problem if you find yourself dealing with a rodent infestation. American Pest Professionals provides pest control and prevention services in the East Central Indiana area. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection and estimate.

7 Tips for Preparing Your Garden for Winter

Wed, 20 Nov 2019 09:39:16 GMT

Congratulations — You’ve kept your beloved plants and flowers alive through the scorching summer temperatures! Now, it’s time to give them a little extra attention as you tuck them in for the next few months. These seven tips for preparing your garden for winter are sure to keep your beautiful garden fresh.

A little upfront planning can mean healthy winter plants and less work for you in the spring!

7 Tips for Preparing Your Garden for Winter

1. Protect your plants from salt.

Road salt is not a friend to plants and soil. When met with too much salt, soil salinity rises and tender plant roots and evergreen foliage may die. Use landscape fabric (or an old sheet) to protect roadside plants from salt spray. For plants along walks and drives that you salt yourself, use salt-free ice melters like calcium chloride or magnesium chloride (available in some stores, and easily accessible online through sites like Amazon).

2. Add mulch to garden beds.

Adding mulch to garden beds before the winter helps keep root temperatures stable as they slowly acclimate to the colder weather.

3. Make weeding easier next spring.

Whether you’re planning a new garden space or don’t want to hassle with weeding, there’s a simple winter solution for areas with excessive grass or weeds. Place a thick layer of newspaper or cardboard over the area. Then, alternate layers of organic material like compost, leaves, pine needles, untreated grass clippings, and straw. Come spring, the grass and weeds beneath the pile will be dead, and you’ll be ready to plant!

4. Be mindful of winter crops.

If you have plants that grow through the winter, remove snow after a storm. If allowed to accumulate, snow blocks sunlight and can damage plant structures.

5. Water before a freeze.

Potted plants and annuals appreciate a good watering before a predicted freeze. It helps them absorb moisture before the ground is frozen, which can prevent water from reaching the roots.

6. Bring houseplants inside.

It’s time to bring houseplants in for the winter. Before doing so, spray both sides of the leaves with insecticidal soap and water (that’s safe for people and pets) to avoid bringing along any unwanted hitchhikers. Place plants inside in an area that receives indirect, bright light for at least five hours a day. Be mindful not to place them near drafts or heating vents and only water them occasionally, as they don’t actively grow in the winter.

7. Build a compost bin.

If you don’t already have a compost bin, build one now so you can collect material over the winter. Pick up wooden pallets from your local garden center to build a bin with a back and three sides. Dispose of organic matter in your compost bin all fall and winter and your garden will thank you in the spring!

Preparing your garden for winter is all about protecting plants in cold temperatures while taking steps to simplify your spring.

How else do you put your garden to bed for the winter?

6 Tips to Help Property Managers Deal With Pest Issues

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 09:23:03 GMT

Property managers must always stay on top of complaints of potential pest problems. Even the rumor of a rodent problem or pest infestation can severely tarnish the reputation of a commercial property. This means property managers must take pest complaints seriously and deal with them quickly. Here is how you can mitigate pest concerns fast.

1. Keep an Open Path of Communication

If a tenant suspects they have a pest problem or just wants to report they've seen a bug or rodent, they should have a way to do so immediately. Having multiple paths of communication can help as well.

In the most ideal situation, a tenant can send a text, make a call, drop an email, or fill out a complaint form on a website. Even a complaint box at the office can come in handy.

2. Update the Tenants on Preventive Procedures

Let tenants know the policies and rules in place to help prevent pests. Simple tips like not leaving garbage around, avoiding clutter, and not letting food sit too long on surfaces can help.

You can send these tips out as quarterly or yearly reminders. General cleanliness goes a long way to keep various types of pests away.

3. Maintain Your Routine Inspections

Property managers should never let up on their inspections, no matter their frequency. Whether quarterly, bi-yearly, or yearly, inspections should include a search for places where pests can easily come into an apartment.

For example, holes, cracks, and openings between apartments should receive sealing where applicable. Also, those doing the inspections should actively look for anything that might seem like a sign of a pest infestation of any type.

A tenant may miss something, but an inspection may find evidence. With that evidence, a property manager can proactively start to investigate and deal with the problem.

4. Consider All Pest Complaints Credible

When you or your team receives a pest complaint, you should follow up with the tenant as soon as possible. Even if this complaint comes from a tenant you feel isn’t a reliable source on the issue.

Always take pest complaints seriously. The one time you skip over a complaint can become the one time when you have a real pest issue. You don't have to call in the professionals for every complaint, but if you see a pattern or you see the evidence yourself, then contact a pest removal service.

5. Use Professional Prevention

Having tenants practice preventive measures is good, but you should also contract with a pest control service that has a pest maintenance program . Proactive steps of pest control throughout the property can help mitigate the risk of potential pest problems.

In addition, professional prevention services will have a better chance of spotting hidden infestations and dealing with them before they become a problem for tenants. These services can also help deal with multiple potential threats rather than just one or two. This can be important, as pests can become problems in several ways.

Where one insect might follow the scent of food, another may nest because of the warmth they feel from an apartment. If you prevent one type of infestation, that doesn't always mean another type won't happen.

6. Inform Tenants of Your Efforts

Property managers shouldn't hide their efforts to prevent pests or deal with them. Tenants will appreciate your efforts and feel at ease knowing you take the potential of a pest infestation seriously.

Your initiative will keep the property free of pests and will keep tenants happy. To start with pest prevention or to deal with a pest issue already in full swing, contact American Pest Professionals today.

6 Benefits of a Pest Maintenance Program

Fri, 18 Oct 2019 09:14:09 GMT

One of the best things you can do for your property and household is invest in a pest maintenance program. These programs give you routine pest infestation prevention services that benefit your home in numerous ways.

The following are just six of the many benefits of signing up for a pest maintenance program at your property.

1. Reduced Pest Control Costs

Prevention of pest infestations is usually less costly than eradicating a pest infestation once it starts. You save money in the long run when you prevent infestations by signing up for a pest maintenance program.

While reducing pest control costs in your home through pest maintenance procedures, you also increase the value you get from your home. Your home is more comfortable and safe while you save money on pest control.

2. Lower Chances of Infestation Problems

As a property owner, one of the most unpleasant things to go through is a pest infestation. The best way to keep your chances of experiencing a pest infestation at an absolute minimum is through a pest maintenance program.

With a pest maintenance program, your pest control service provider creates an environment in your home that is unlikely to attract pests. This gives your entire household the peace of mind of knowing that insect and rodent pests are not likely to ever be a problem.

3. Healthier Facilities

Pest infestations are unhealthy. Pests like fleas, ticks, mice, and bed bugs spread numerous types of illnesses.

Also, living conditions that attract pests are generally unhealthy independently of the pests themselves. Insect and rodent pests are attracted to damp, dirty, and moldy environments where bacteria and viruses easily multiply and cause illness.

Pest maintenance programs correct unhealthy conditions that attract pests on the inside of a home. They, therefore, make a property and household healthier generally and reduce the chances that household members will experience health problems including asthma, respiratory infections, or allergies.

4. Automatic Services

When you sign up for a pest maintenance program, you get the pest control services your property needs automatically.

You, therefore, don't have to remember to schedule an appointment to keep your property free from pests. Maintenance is scheduled well in advance so you plan ahead and you're sure to get an appointment when you need it.

5. Faster Response in Emergencies

If you have a pest emergency, you want to take care of it right away. No one wants to live with pests like rats or cockroaches loose in the home.

When you've signed up for a maintenance program, you get priority treatment in the event of an emergency. Your pest control service providers are already familiar with your property. Therefore, they know exactly what to do to address a pest emergency without having to survey your property and learn their way around.

6. Better Property Longevity

In addition to making your property healthier, pest maintenance programs also prevent premature wear and tear on your building.

When your pest control service performs routine maintenance, they address issues like moisture control and openings around your windows and doors. These issues don't only attract pests to your home's interiors, but they also prematurely age your home.

Moisture that soaks into your home's walls, floors, and ceiling leads to water damage including mold growth and structural weakening. Gaps in your windows and doors cause HVAC inefficiencies. Therefore, your entire building may last longer with pest maintenance that corrects these issues while also keeping your property free from pests.

At American Pest Professionals , we offer our ALLTRA Pest Solution Program to clients who want ways to prevent pest infestations at their properties. Contact us to learn more about this program and our other pest control services.

3 Rodent Questions to Ask Your Pest Professional

Fri, 04 Oct 2019 09:08:33 GMT

They may look adorable in pictures, but when they’re making themselves at home in your space, mice are anything but cute! Whether you’re aiming to prevent rodents at home or at work, you’ll want to ask your pest professional these three questions.

3 Things to Ask Your Pest Professional About Rodents

Traps are effective. But any good rodent control program should go beyond bait to focus on prevention, cleanliness, ongoing maintenance, and monitoring. Use these three questions as a starting point for your improved rodent control program.

1. What are the signs of a rodent infestation?

Common indicators of rodent activity include droppings, nests, burrows and gnaw marks. Ask for examples so you can be sure you know what you’re looking for. If you’re building out a rodent prevention plan at work, as your pest professional to host a training to get everyone on the same page.

2. What attracts mice and rats?

Rodents are most interested in places with food, water, and shelter. Your home or work building offers all three, so you’ll want to take note of where they’ll turn first. At home, mudrooms, garages, closets, and cluttered areas are the most popular places to find a new rodent roommate. Similarly, stock rooms, cafeterias, and custodial areas are common places to find rodents at work. Take a look at these areas to build a better prevention plan against rodents.

3. How can you tell if your rodent control plan is working?

Your pest professional should help you establish a process for monitoring and documenting any rodent activity. Keeping detailed notes will help you figure out if your rodent control program is effective.

It’s not always easy to prevent mice at home or work, but asking these fundamental questions will help you create a rodent-free work or living environment.

First things first though, you need to find a pest professional in order to ask the questions! Give us a call to discuss your rodent control program today.

What to Know About Wasps

Fri, 13 Sep 2019 09:04:08 GMT

Of all pests, the ones that sting are often the most feared by humans. Wasps are no exception. Here is what homeowners should know about these insects and a look at the four types of wasps commonly found in Indiana.

What Good Are Wasps?

You can easily assume that insects that cause disease to, bite, or sting humans are bad and have no redeemable qualities, but most insects have a use. People forgive bees as they are known pollinators, but what about wasps?

Most people aren't aware that many wasp species are omnivores. Adult wasps don’t just look for nectar and sugar. Instead, they often look for insects to feed their babies.

Without wasps, your yard might have too many insects and arachnids. Wasps can also be beneficial to gardeners and the agricultural industry. And while pollination may not be their primary task, they still serve as pollinators as they go about their business.

Why Do Wasps Sting?

Wasps sting other insects to subdue or kill their prey. They also sting to protect their nest from a perceived threat, even if the threat isn't real. Some wasp species are quite aggressive, and unlike honeybees, wasps can sting repeatedly.

Additionally, like bees, wasps can alert the troops with pheromones if they sense a threat. This is a chemical call to their colony that they are under attack, and they will come out of seemingly nowhere to mount a defense. The ability to sting multiple times, their aggressive tendencies, and their ability to rally the nest to attack are the characteristics that makes wasps dangerous to humans.

What Kinds of Wasps Are Found in Indiana?

Four different types of wasps are commonly found in Indiana. Some are more dangerous than others.

Yellow Jacket

Yellow jackets are ground-dwelling. Rather than build a hive above ground, they build subterranean nests. They often use holes burrowed by rodents to build their nests. In late summer and early autumn, they often scavenge for food, including meat, ripe fruits, and garbage left by humans. This is why yellow jackets are seen at picnics.

If you see yellow jackets coming out of a hole in your yard, it is best to call a pest control expert. Do not attempt to eradicate them on your own as this can be dangerous. Remember, wasps who feel threatened will attack in a swarm.

Giant Hornet

As their name indicates, the giant hornet is a large wasp. They are typically yellow and black but may be white and black. Giant hornets build their colonies inside the walls of buildings. These colonies can be huge. Homeowners should call a professional as an attack by a swarm of giant hornets could prove fatal. You need a professional exterminator to completely and safely eradicate them.

Bald-Faced Hornets

Bald-faced hornets chew wood fibers to make their nests. When they mix this cellulose with their saliva, they make a paper-like substance to create pear-shaped nests. These nests are often found hanging in trees or in rafters. Like the giant hornet, these colonies can become quite large. For human safety, a pest control expert should deal with bald-faced hornet colonies.

Paper Wasps

These smaller wasps also produce smaller colonies than other wasps. The paper wasp is also not as aggressive. As wasps can be beneficial, paper wasps can generally be left alone unless they are too close to human activity.

Are you worried about a wasp colony that is getting too large or too close for comfort? Do you want to keep your family safe from flying menaces in your yard? Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

What to do When Ants Keep Coming Back

Mon, 02 Sep 2019 08:55:29 GMT

You expect to see an ant or two when you’re outside enjoying a picnic or lounging at the pool. But inside the house? No, thank you. When ants keep coming back, use these tips to ant-proof each room of your house and keep them out.

Kitchen

The kitchen is a sweet spot for ants. Follow these rules to keep them out of your cooking space:

Store sweets in tightly sealed containers - Kitchen staples like sugar, syrup and honey should be kept in plastic containers that snap shut. Keep them wiped clean after each use to avoid sticky residue. Pro tip: You can also place a bay leaf inside containers of dry goods like flour to keep ants out. The herb’s sharp scent repels ants and other common pantry pests.
Clean up spills as soon as they happen - Whether it’s grease or juice, clean spills as soon as they happen and go over them with wet and dry rags, respectively, to keep ants away.
Rinse empty containers and remember to take the trash out - Juice or soda containers should be rinsed before going in the garbage. A trash can with a lid is also helpful, but doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take the trash out regularly! Both will help eliminate ants in the kitchen.
Check the fruit bowl – Overripe fruit will attract ants. Eat fruit before it goes bad and dispose of any overripe fruit right away.
Keep pet food areas tidy - Pick up leftover or spilled pet food regularly and be sure to clean your furry friends’ bowls to keep ants from coming back to a reliable food source.

Bathroom

In addition to sweets, ants are attracted to areas with excess moisture. Carpenter ants, for example, often build nests in damp areas like behind bathroom tiles or under sinks. To prevent an infestation in the bathroom, follow these tried-and-true tips:

Inspect regularly - Occasionally inspect sinks, toilets, and tubs for any leaks or drips.
Clean thoroughly - You don’t have to make it a part of your weekly cleaning routine, but an occasional deep clean goes a long way when ants keep coming back. Scrub floors with disinfectant cleaner and wipe down the insides of drawers with warm, soapy water.
Keep shower products closed - Ensure that shampoos, lotions, soaps, and scrubs are securely closed when you shower and that no contents have spilled out.

Other Places Ants Like:

It’s no secret: ants are tiny. They can find a way into your home through even the smallest crack or crevice. They commonly build homes inside walls, as well as in bedrooms, living rooms, basements, and air conditioning units.

Your best bet when ants keep coming back is to take your prevention efforts outside.

Seal cracks with silicone caulk
Repair holes in window and door screens
Replace weather-stripping
Fix loose mortar around basement foundation and windows
Keep tree branches trimmed back and away from the house

If you’ve employed these tips and tried counter baits and sprays but the ants keep coming back, it’s time for professional treatment outside the home. For each outside colony you eliminate by baiting them inside, there will be an endless amount of other colonies ready to take their place. In fact, some species can live in walls and require a special bait, as certain sprays can actually make them more prevalent.

Give us a call to discuss ant removal options and eliminate your problem once and for all!

The Top Disease-Carrying Indoor Pests to Worry About

Thu, 08 Aug 2019 08:50:26 GMT

Some indoor pests are more a nuisance than anything. For example, if you have earwigs in your basement, you want to get rid of them because they're creepy and crawly — but they don't really present a major risk. However, some common indoor pests are more dangerous because they can spread disease to humans.

Here are four top disease-carrying indoor pests you need to be on the lookout for.

1. Fleas

Fleas may not live on humans, but they do bite humans, and in doing so, they can spread a number of diseases. Tularemia is a serious bacterial infection that causes fever, chills, gastrointestinal distress, and weakness. It can be deadly without medical treatment and antibiotics. Humans can contract tularemia when a flea carrying the bacteria bites them.

Fleas are also famously known to spread Bubonic plague. Contrary to popular belief, this disease, which caused the Black Death in the 14th century, has not been eradicated. Several cases are reported each year in the U.S. Bubonic plague is now treatable with antibiotics, but is still really unpleasant, and causes extreme weakness, blood loss, gangrene, diarrhea, and shock.

2. Cockroaches

Cockroaches can cause allergies or trigger asthma, so having them in your home may lead to symptoms like sneezing and itching. However, this may be the least of your worries during a cockroach infestation. The bugs also carry an array of bacteria on their bodies, and since they get into everything, they often introduce these bacteria to your food and eating surfaces without you realizing it.

Bacteria found on cockroaches include those that cause Typhoid, cholera, and dysentery. More commonly, they carry salmonella and campylobacter bacteria, which cause food poisoning symptoms like fever and diarrhea.

During a cockroach infestation, you can decrease your risk of illness by keeping food well sealed and washing your hands and surfaces thoroughly before eating. Ultimately, however, exterminating the cockroaches is the best way to stay healthy.

3. Rodents

Nobody likes finding mice or rats in their home. These rodents can do endless damage to your walls, insulation material, and flooring. However, the damage they do to your health can be even worse.

One disease sometimes spread by rodents is called Hantavirus. Humans may contract the virus after coming into contact with the rodents' urine, droppings, or saliva. Simply inhaling viral particles after a rodent nest is stirred up can result in an infection. Hantavirus causes respiratory distress, fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal disease, and the disease has no specific cure.

Rodents also spread Lymphocytic choriomeningitis, a viral infection that causes neurological disease and symptoms like paralysis, confusion, and sensory disturbances. Of course, if the rodents bring fleas into your home, as is common, then you'll also be at risk for the flea-borne infections discussed above.

4. House Flies

Most people pay little attention to a few house flies, especially in the heat of the summer when these pests are so common. However, house flies are more dangerous than you might think. They've been known to carry cholera, dysentery, tuberculosis, salmonella, and even the bacteria that cause conjunctivitis.

House flies are attracted to rotting matter, and when they land on that rotting matter, they pick up any number of dangerous bacteria. They can then introduce those bacteria to your food or surfaces. House flies tend to regurgitate a small amount of their stomach contents whenever they land on and feed on something, so if they recently ate something contaminated, they'll spread that contamination.

Don't ignore a few house flies. Usually, if you store your food in airtight containers, empty the trash regularly, keep your house clean, and exclude flies by shutting your doors and windows, you can nip the problem in the bud without having to call an exterminator.

The pests above are more than a nuisance; they could make you sick. If you have been dealing with rodents, fleas, cockroaches, or stubborn house flies, contact American Pest Professionals . We'll get rid of the pests and restore your home to the safe haven that it should be.

10 Fun Facts About Mosquitoes

Tue, 06 Aug 2019 08:44:31 GMT

Ahhh, summer… late nights spent at the ballpark, tasty meals grilled to perfection, and of course, endless time spent slapping at mosquitoes. These 10 fun facts about mosquitoes likely aren’t enough to sway your opinion of them, but at least they’ll make for a good conversation starter when you start slapping aggressively at your own body in front of people.

10 Fun Facts About Mosquitoes

Learning about them won’t make them any less annoying, but at least they’re interesting!

1. Males (and some females) don’t feed on blood.

We’ll start with the best news: not all mosquitoes are out to get you! While most adult female mosquitoes feed on blood to assist with egg production, adult male mosquitoes (and females of a few species) maintain a simple but delicious diet of plant nectar.

2. Mosquitoes have been around since the Jurassic period.

That makes them about 210 million years old. They've been mentioned throughout history, including in the works of Aristotle (around 300 BC) and in the writings of Sidonius Apollinaris (in 467 BC).

3. Females live longer than males.

In most species, female mosquitoes are larger than their male counterparts and also live longer.

4. Mosquitoes get busy in the air.

Studies show that mosquito reproduction generally occurs while the “couple” is airborne, with both sound and wingbeat frequencies being the main elements of attraction.

5. A mosquito can consume up to three times its weight in blood.

While that may be a lot of blood for the little pest, it would take about 1.2 million bites for them to drain all the blood from a human.

6. Mosquitoes can smell human breath.

Mosquitoes have receptors on their antennae that detect the carbon dioxide released when humans exhale. Those plumes of CO2 rise into the air, acting as trails that the mosquitoes follow to find the source.

7. Females lay up to 300 eggs at once.

Female mosquitoes lay clusters of eggs on stagnant water or in areas that flood regularly. The eggs can hatch in as little as a half inch of water.

8. Mosquitoes live less than two months.

Males generally die within 10 days, while females can survive for six to eight weeks in ideal conditions. Females of species that hibernate may live up to six months.

9. Bats don’t actually eat mosquitoes.

At least, not very many of them. Mosquitoes make up less than one percent of a bat's diet. And purple martins, a bird popularly believed to be a mosquito predator, also eat very few mosquitoes. They prefer dragonflies and other insects.

10. Mosquitoes are considered the deadliest “animal” in the world.

Thanks to the Anopheles mosquito, which transmits malaria, mosquitoes are infamously deadly. Malaria kills more than one million people every year, primarily in Africa.

While they may annoy you on long summer nights, mosquitoes shouldn’t inhibit your ability to be outside. If you’ve got an abundance of these pesky biters, give us a call to discuss prevention and maintenance.

Pests and Hotels | American Pest Professionals

Sat, 13 Jul 2019 08:36:02 GMT

Pests and Hotels

Pest problems rank as one of the most often heard complaints by guests about their choice of accommodations. A mouse in a hallway, a room with suspected bedbugs, or some other type of unwanted critter in the lobby can lead people to pack their bags and go elsewhere. Hotels cannot afford to have the reputation of even a minor pest issue.

Pest maintenance services prevent infestations and are a much more sensible choice than to wait for an infestation before any action takes place. The constant flow of traffic through the doors makes it impossible for any hotel to consistently maintain pest-free standards unless they have a plan in place.

What Often Arrives

The list of potential non-paying guests varies across the country, but nearly every hotel could experience problems with spiders, flies, rodents, and cockroaches. Pet-friendly establishments may also have the added concern of fleas.

The most commonly problematic visitor today is the bedbug. A study of the hospitality industry said that, in the prior year, 82 percent of hotels in the United States underwent some type of pest treatment due to bedbugs. The appearance of bedbugs can cost hotels thousands of dollars to correct and has led to lawsuits.

The worry over bedbugs is so prevalent a website registry even exists for guests to submit the name and location of places where they spotted bedbugs. The registry began in 2006 and currently includes over 12,000 locations in the United States and Canada.

How Infestations Happen

Open doors and windows, endless suitcases, and deliveries to hotel restaurants all offer opportunities for curious pests. Bed bugs come into hotels in luggage and on the clothing of staff or guests. Other pests like rodents, flies, and cockroaches enter through any opening they find in the building.

Rodents often hitchhike their way inside on pallets during deliveries. Food deliveries for hotel kitchens can become a serious risk, in some instances, as rodents happily scurry in through open back doors. The potential for pests increases when the dumpsters that hold food waste sit near the open doors.

What to Change

Hotels need to perform maintenance tasks regularly and stay focused on pest-prevention steps. Maintenance should include repairing any holes in window screens and sealing any gaps around window or doorframes. Drainage systems should work adequately to prevent the risk of standing water that many pests seek.

Repair all other gaps in the structure. Inspect anywhere plumbing or electrical services enter the building. Failing to seal around the holes cut for plumbing pipes and electrical conduits is a common way infestation begins. Place screens over any vents to avoid entrance through the openings.

Other measures to undertake include carefully inspecting mattresses during bedding changes. Bedbug containment is possible when caught early. Bedbug traps all give notice of the pests when they inhabit carpet or soft furnishings other than beds. Teach staff how to identify rodent droppings or other early signs of common pest problems.

Attention to cleanliness also matters. Change garbage bags often, and clean all trash bins regularly. Clear away food crumbs, and thoroughly wash prep areas, dining tables, and the dining surfaces in guest rooms. Move dumpsters away from the building, and close and lock lids. Vacuum daily and place the contents in the dumpster at the end of each cleaning shift.

Professional pest maintenance services address the individual needs of each client. The treatment plan could vary based on building size, the existence of a restaurant or food service department, and even the age of the building. The services take place discreetly to avoid any guest concern. Contact us at American Pest Professionals to learn more.

4 Signs of Termites and Tips to Prevent Them

Mon, 08 Jul 2019 08:29:41 GMT

Dealing with a termite infestation is a lesson no homeowner will forget. A bad outbreak can cost tens, even hundreds, of thousands of dollars to repair. Luckily, there are plenty of signs of termites that will allow you to take action before the damage is too bad.

Termite Infestation Basics

There are four main types of termites in the United States, including dampwood, drywood, Formosan, and Subterranean. The latter is the most popular in Indiana and unfortunately, is also the most destructive.

Subterranean termite colonies create nests in moist soil or wood in order to obtain moisture. While termites found in the wood of homes typically come from colonies already established in the soil nearby, they may stumble across a home when roaming for food.

They regularly leave their nests in search of cellulose material, traveling up to hundreds of feet in search of food. Bad news for homeowners — cellulose is the plant fiber used in wall and roof cavities to insulate, drought-proof, and reduce noise in homes.

But the good news is, there are several signs of termites and preventative measures you can take to keep your home’s foundation solid.

4 Signs of Termites and Tips to Prevent Them

From noticing damaged wood to reducing humidity, you can get the upper hand when it comes to termites.

1. Look for mud tunnels.

Termites will enter a home either through the expansion joints in concrete slabs or where utilities enter the house. If the home’s wood doesn’t come into contact with the soil, termites will build mud tunnels to reach wood several feet above the ground.

Mud tunnels are about the size of the width of a pencil can form along a home’s interior or exterior walls. Termites build these mud tunnels in order to travel from their nest to their food source without being disturbed.

2. Notice broken wood.

A termite’s favorite meal is the wood in and around your home. Damaged wood around your house or property may indicate the presence of termites. Investigate and repair any broken wood right away to take any necessary action as soon as possible.

You should also check that there is no contact between the building woodwork and the soil or fill. Ideally, exterior woodwork should be located a minimum of six inches above the ground.

3. Avoid moisture and humidity accumulation.

Termites (and ants) are attracted to moisture, so checking for any moisture accumulation near your home’s foundation can go a long way in keeping them out of the house. Make sure that water is being diverted away from your home with properly functioning downspouts, gutters, and splash blocks.

Additionally, you can reduce the humidity in crawl spaces with proper ventilation. Crawl spaces should have ventilation openings in the foundation (two square feet per 25 linear feet of foundation wall) and one vent should be within five feet of each exterior corner of the building. This helps maintain a dry environment, inhospitable to termites.

4. Watch for winged termites.

Winged termites, also called “swarmers,” are sent out to start new colonies. If you see winged termites emerging from the ground outside, it is not likely to the point of an infestation. However, take this sighting as a signal to check the wood in and around your home.

If you do uncover a termite infestation, call for professional help right away so they can be removed before doing further damage. We’re here to help !

6 Integrated Pest Management Lawn Care Tips

Wed, 12 Jun 2019 08:21:52 GMT

Ready to have your mind blown? Bugs like dirt. And grass. And Water. Of course you already knew that, but those facts can help you keep integrated pest management (IPM) practices in mind when it comes to your lawn, which, in case you hadn’t noticed, contains all three items on every pest’s ideal-home checklist. When it comes to lawn care and pest control, IPM is your best friend.

What IPM Means For Your Lawn

Integrated pest management is all about coexisting with pests (to a certain extent) and minimizing the use of pesticides to keep them at that tolerable level. Integrated pest management for your lawn looks similar to the IPM principles applicable in gardens, focusing on the five key foundations set forth by the National Pesticide Information Center:

Use knowledge about the pest’s habits, life cycle, needs and dislikes
Use the least toxic methods first, up to and including pesticides
Monitor the pest’s activity and adjust methods over time
Tolerate harmless pests
Set an economic threshold to decide when it's time to act

7 Ways to Implement Integrated Pest Management for Your Lawn

Caring for your lawn and considering the environment do not have to be conflicting ideals. Use these six lawn care tips to grow your healthiest lawn yet, while minimizing your pest-related impact on the environment.

1. Choose a type of grass that thrives in your region and climate - Hot, desert climates, for example, will do well with a grass that tolerates heat and minimal water. Other considerations like how often kids will be playing in the yard, can help you determine which grass variety is right for your lawn.

2. Develop and maintain healthy soil - Fun fact: a teaspoon of healthy soil contains about 4 billion organisms, all of which are beneficial to keeping your grass healthy. To help them prosper, consider feeding your soil with compost. Composting is a cheap ( you can compost at home! ) and easy way to strengthen your lawn and provide the nutrients it needs.

3. Mow often with sharp blades and mow high - Grass needs leaf surface to take in sunlight, and cutting it too short too quickly can cause damage. Long grass is also ideal because it is more adept at tolerating insect damage, fending off diseases, and minimizing weed growth. When you mow the lawn, try to keep it between 2.5 and 3.5 inches high. And last but not least, keep those mower blades sharp! Dull blades can wound grass, making to susceptible to pests and diseases.

4. Remove thick, dead grass with a rake - If dead grass, or thatch, gets thicker than a half-inch, rake it up. Overwatering or too much fertilizer are the prime culprits of thatch build up.

This compacted layer of dead plant material can attract harmful insects and prevent water and nutrients from getting to plant roots. If it does build up, simply pull it up with a rake.

5. Water deep and rarely - Watering too often or not enough is the cause of many common lawn problems. What many home lawn care masters don’t realize is that most plants do best when soil is allowed to partially dry out between waterings. It is best to water deep (let it really sink in) and infrequently, as opposed to regularly but over a short period.

6. Determine how many weeds you can tolerate, and pull the ones you can’t - It simply isn’t practical to expect an entirely weed-free lawn. For those worth removing, dig them up by hand and sprinkle grass seed on the resulting bare spots to prevent their return.

Whether it’s your first summer cultivating a healthy lawn or your fiftieth, use these tips to make lawn care easier and more supportive of the environment. And when you identify a pest too big for simple lawn care tweaks, we’re only a phone call away !

Managing Termites at Your Apartment Complex

Sat, 25 May 2019 08:14:08 GMT

Termites are among the most dreaded pests in the world. Nobody wants to hear that their apartment building has termites, especially if they own the building. Termites are destructive creatures. In fact, they may cause as much as $5 billion in damage in the United States each year.

The good news is that you and those who live on your property do not have to live with termites. This guide aims to show you exactly how to fight back against termites at your apartment complex.

Instruct Tenants About Termites

Termites are not a minor nuisance; they are actually capable of destroying your property. For this reason, you are wise to instruct your tenants about spotting and reporting problems with termites. A handout passed to each apartment regularly can provide helpful information that will help your residents understand the risks of termites.

First, your tenants need to know that termites thrive in warm weather. Spring and summer are good times to be on the lookout for termites that might try to turn your apartment building into their lunch.

Next, your tenants also need to know where termites make a home. Termites not only live in the walls of a home but also look for comfortable spaces to reside in furniture, ceilings, and doors. Any area with warmth and moisture is ideal for termites, so instruct your tenants not to look only outside.

Third, make sure your handout includes information about identifying termites on sight. You might even include a photo for reference. Termites look similar to ants in terms of size, but they come in several different colors. Residents should also look for signs of insect wings, especially near windows and other entry points. If tenants spot any termites or signs of termites, they should keep their windows closed until they contact you.

Unfortunately, people typically see the devastation left behind rather than the termites themselves. For a landlord, this can be frustrating.

So ensure that your residents know how to report structural damage to management. If your tenants feel that the wooden structure (including posts and support beams) has been compromised, they should be able to tell you right away. They should also report excess moisture, broken tiles, and wet wood of any kind.

Focus on Maintaining a Pest-Free Environment

Even if you or your tenants do not see any termites around the apartment complex, any landlord or apartment management company benefits from ordering maintenance treatments. A professional will help you determine the best schedule for treating your complex for bugs, including termites.

Preventative methods are also good for keeping termites away.

One way you can prevent termites is by sealing up any cracks that would allow pests to work their way inside. For example, you can seal up cracks found in the foundation of your building or entry ways near windows.

You can also remove wet wood, including old tree stumps, that would attract termites to the area. If you find that termites are attracted to areas of a home with exposed wood, you might also have these areas repaired and assess whether your buildings are becoming damaged by water.

Pest Control Is One Phone Call Away

Treating termites at your apartment complex is a key step in ensuring that your residents and your building are safe from pests. A professional can provide a good assessment of what your apartment complex needs.

American Pest Professionals handle all sorts of pest problems, including termites. Call our office today to discuss pest treatment options for your apartment building. You can ask about various treatments that may be safe to pets, humans, and the environment.

4 Benefits of Bees (and What to do About Their Disadvantages)

Wed, 22 May 2019 08:10:04 GMT

It’s a beautifully sunny day — the breeze is calm, the birds are chirping… and bees are swarming your head, seemingly plotting the perfect attack. While they can be annoying (and painful!), the benefits of bees are innumerable and arguably outweigh their disadvantages.

Keep these bee benefits in mind the next time you’re tempted to squash one — The limited disadvantages they present (hello, painful stings!) will become minor and manageable!

4 Significant Benefits of Bees

At the end of the day, we simply need bees. Here’s why:

1. Plant Pollination

As they collect nectar for their hives, bees travel from plant to plant spreading pollen that collects on their furry legs and bodies. Aside from the many benefits of having bees in your garden, bees pollinate a shocking 85 percent of food crops intended for human consumption. Research suggests that bees are critical to our environment, climate change and even the production of coffee !

2. Food Preparation

Aside from pollinating pretty much everything we eat, bees are the only insect that produce a food consumed by humans. Just one of the many benefits of bees, honey provides numerous vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to our diets. Most notably, honey contains adequate levels of vitamins B1, B3 and B6, as well as minerals like calcium, iron, potassium and zinc.

3. Antibacterial Properties

In addition to its use as a healthy alternative to sugar in baked goods and cooking, honey has powerful antibacterial properties. It kills bacteria and prevents infection in skin wounds and has been shown to relieve allergies thanks to trace amounts of pollen. Although unproven, it has also been touted as a facial revitalizer with skin clearing and wrinkle reducing powers.

4. Wax Production

Bees house their honey in a fortress of wax honeycombs. As far back as the 6th century A.D., our ancestors used beeswax to make candles, develop cosmetics and even to fill cavities! Today, it is most commonly added to beauty products, wood furniture waxes and concrete polish. It’s also been used to preserve bronze and copper, waterproof leather and in the waxy coating on cheese rounds!

Despite the numerous advantages of bees, we humans are quick to kill these little stingers.

Disadvantage of Bees: The Sting

While their stings can be painful (and dangerous to people with allergies), they pose a minimal threat to our daily lives. They only sting when feeling threatened (such as when protecting their hives), or when squished.

To capitalize on the many benefits of bees, you can take a few simple precautions to avoid a bee sting:

Don’t walk barefoot outdoors
Avoid touching live bees
Move away from an area if a bee appears to be triggered, as his home is likely nearby

Their stingers are barbed, making them difficult to remove, but even worse to leave in, as they will release additional venom and cause more pain over time. If you do get stung, remove the stinger immediately with tweezers or by scraping your fingernail over it to loosen the stinger.

With a little precaution — and practice remaining calm when under attack! — you’ll be enjoying the sunshine and benefits of bees in no time!

Have a bee problem that can’t be solved by leaving the area? Give us a call for quick, ethical bee removal!

7 Common Garden Pests and How to Remove Them

Wed, 08 May 2019 08:02:14 GMT

Ahhh gardening… time to soak up some sun, get a little physical activity and nurture an award-worthy rose bush through its youth. Whatever your reason for digging around in the dirt, it’s absolutely devastating to return to your garden only to find that pests have been terrorizing your leafy throne. Luckily, there are steps you can take to deter some common garden pests without harming your beloved hostas.

What’s more, by deterring common garden pests, you’ll avoid some potential health risks.

Deterring and Removing Garden Pests Reduces Your Risk of:

Skin inflammation
Allergic reactions
Skin rashes
Respiratory problems
Salmonella
Consuming contaminated food

Not all garden visitors are pests, but many aren’t exactly friends either. Here are 10 pests to steer clear of and a few ways to prevent and remove them.

Garden Pests to Remove

Insects

1. Aphids . These little guys pose a threat to your garden because they consume leaves, spread plant diseases and secrete large amounts of honeydew, which attracts other garden pests.

2. Termites . You knew these creatures can destroy a home in a heartbeat, but they’re no friend to your garden either. They feed on organic matter from cellulose, consume wood, which is often found near gardens, and often use gardens as a stepping stone to homes.

3. Flies . Not only are they annoying, but flies will feed and breed in a garden setting, can spread diseases like salmonella if they come into contact with human food and can cause painful bites.

4. Wasps, bees and hornets . These little stingers are attracted to flowers and fruit and will build nests underground, in sheds on trees and beneath decking. They’ll also sting if they feel threatened, contributing to potential health risks if an allergic reaction should occur.

Rodents

5. Rats . Not only are they an unpleasant sight to see, but they’ll also consume fruits, veggies and seeds, naw and shed doors and outside wiring and spread diseases through urine and feces.

6. Squirrels . These wily creatures are known for ransacking both bird feeders and gardens. They often snack on flowers, particularly spring bulbs when they’re doing their autumn foraging.

Other Pests

6. Moles . They’re known for burrowing underground and can disrupt soil and flowerbeds in no time.

7. Spiders . These garden foes are actually more of a frenemy. They pose a threat because some species can be venomous, but prey on smaller garden pests like mosquitoes, alleviating some other pest problems.

How to Get Rid of Common Garden Pests

There are a few tried-and-true methods that can help reduce the appeal of your garden:

Companion Planting - A great way to remove common garden pests is to deter them with plants they don’t like, a practice known as companion planting. Consider planting a few of these plants along with your desired foods and flowers:
Basil
Catnip
Coriander
Chrysanthemums
Thyme
Maintain soil health - Water plants regularly and use organic fertilizers to keep soil strong and healthy, able to withstand pest damage.
Remove old tree stumps and debris - Removing debris, branches and old tree stumps helps make your garden less appealing, and removing rotting fruits and veggies limits potential food sources for pests.
Repair damaged sheds and greenhouses - Maintaining garden storage areas helps prevent pests from foraging in items like seeds, plants and flowers. Consider using expanding foam, wire mesh and door bristle to keep garden pests out of storage spaces.
Keep compost in a secure place - Compost is a garden pest’s best friend, so make sure it is stored in a secure location. Use tight-fitting lids to cover compost and other potential food sources like garbage and seeds.

If you spot a pest in your beloved garden, give a few of these removal and prevention efforts a try. With a little planning, your garden is sure to remain your happy place.

Do you use other pest prevention efforts in your garden? Share them in the comments!

They're More Than a Nuisance: 5 Pests to Worry About

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 07:54:44 GMT

Now that winter is officially over, you need to turn your attention to the pests in your life. Once the warm weather arrives, ants and flies come out of the woodwork. Unfortunately, those aren't the only pests you need to worry about.

You also need to worry about the pests that pose health and safety risks for you and your family. In Central Indiana, quite a few warm-weather pests are a cause for concern. The best way to keep pests away is to invest in a sound pesticide treatment program. Here are five of the problem pests that a pest control service can protect you against.

1. Cockroaches

Cockroaches can be a real problem during the spring and summer. They often invade homes in search of easy access to food and water. For every single cockroach you find in your home, there could be hundreds – or even thousands – hiding in the walls and cupboards. Cockroaches aren't merely troublesome pests.

They're also a risk to your health. Unfortunately, cockroaches not only spread disease wherever they go, they also leave a trail of fecal matter and skin cells on every surface they touch. However, they also increase the severity of asthma and allergy symptoms.

2. Mosquitoes

Now that temperatures are on the rise, mosquitoes will come out in force. The wet winter that Indiana experienced this past year, has created the perfect environment for increased mosquito activity, which means you need to be proactive in your approach to pest control.

Mosquitoes are more than a minor annoyance. They also spread serious and potentially deadly diseases, such as yellow fever and malaria. Unfortunately, if you have standing water in your yard, or leaky faucets, you're at an increased risk for mosquito activity.

3. Termites

When you think of termites, damage to your home is probably the first thing that comes to your mind. It's true that termites can even destroy your home if the problem is allowed to get out of control. However, termites also pose potential health problems, especially if anyone in your home suffers from allergies or asthma.

Like cockroaches, termites leave a trail of fecal matter and skin cells wherever they travel. Once those particles make their way into the ducts, they can get spread throughout your home, which increases the risk of allergy and asthma symptoms.

4. Ticks

If you have dogs that spend time outside, ticks pose a serious threat to your health and safety. Even if you don't have dogs, ticks can still find their way into your home, especially if you have tall brush around your property, or you spend time hiking wooded trails.

Tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease, are particularly dangerous. About 30,000 people contract Lyme disease each year in the United States. Once ticks infest your home, they can be difficult to eradicate.

5. Fleas

Fleas are another pest that can invade your Central Indiana home during spring and summer. They're usually carried into your home by your pets. However, they can also crawl or jump into your home through open doors and windows.

Fleas carry a variety of diseases that can affect both you and your pets. Some of those diseases include murine typhus, tapeworms, and mycoplasma haemofelis, to name just a few. Diseases are more challenging to cure than they are to prevent.

Don't take chances with pest infestations. Now that the weather has warmed up, protect your home against the pests that pose a health risk to you and your family. To stop pest infestations before they begin, contact us at American Pest Professionals. We're here to handle all the pest problems you'll face.

7 Integrated Pest Management Tips for Your Home Garden

Fri, 19 Apr 2019 07:51:10 GMT

Whether it’s your first summer growing tomatoes or your gardening skills are so impressive you could feed a commune, pests are an unavoidable part of growing food at home. While pests like bugs, diseases, animals and weeds may damage your home garden, it’s important to consider the components of garden integrated pest management when deflecting them.

Applying IPM Principles to Your Home Garden

Integrated pest management standards are applicable to any space that attracts pests. Whether pests are invading an agricultural field or your backyard garden box, the basics of IPM still apply. By following these basic principles, any home gardener can stop pests from eating up their plants, while ensuring they’re still safe for human consumption.

According to the National Pesticide Information Center, integrated pest management combines scientific principles and common sense to think about pest management in a way that values:

Using knowledge about the pest’s habits, life cycle, needs and dislikes
Using the least toxic methods first, up to and including pesticides
Monitoring the pest’s activity and adjusting methods over time
Tolerating harmless pests
Setting an economic threshold to decide when it's time to act

7 Tips for Cultivating a Home Garden Focused on IPM

A little pre-planning can go a long way in helping you grow a luscious garden that requires significantly less pesticides in the long term.

1. Select the right plants for your location - When deciding which plants to grow in your garden, consider their needs for water and sun. This information can typically be found on a tag when purchasing the plants, but expert gardeners are great resources too! Keep in mind that plants will be healthier with proper care and watering, increasing their ability to resist diseases and tolerate insects.

2. Select disease-resistant varieties when certain diseases keep coming back - Many plants have been bred to resist certain diseases . Do your research and plant applicable disease-resistant plants throughout your home garden to significantly reduce your dependence on pesticides.

3. Water plants at ground level - You’ll want to confirm the frequency with which each plant in your garden needs watered, but in general, all plants should be watered at ground level. Wet leaves are more susceptible to disease, not to mention evaporation (especially during mid-day hours).

4. Remove dead plant material before spring - As your garden comes to life, you’ll want to rid it of dead plant material, which can harbor diseases.

5. Consider testing the soil for nutrients and minerals to plan fertilizer needs - While a test for soil nutrients can be helpful, it is not necessarily required for preventing pests or plant diseases. Before you go through the trouble, consider composting at home , which is a great method for improving soil health while limiting pests!

6. Inspect your plants regularly in order to detect problems early - As you’re watering or trimming back plants, inspect the leaves and surrounding areas for any pest activity. You’ll want to keep an eye out for leaves with holes or yellow spots, animal droppings and tracks, and frequent sightings of pests like ladybugs.

7. Determine if promoting beneficial insects may help prevent or control pests in your garden - Similar to disease-resistant plants, some insects are actually great for preventing certain pests in your garden!

If you’ve identified a pest and need tips on how to remove it, the NPIC’s Pest-Specific Information hub is a great resource!

What other tips and tricks do you use to keep your home garden naturally pest-free?

You WANT These 4 Types of Bees in Your Garden

Thu, 04 Apr 2019 07:41:01 GMT

If you’ve made it this far in life without experiencing the piercing pain of a bee sting, congratulations! Despite the many benefits of bees, if you’re like the rest of us, your love-hate relationship with the pesky insects began around age eight when swinging on the playground meant keeping one eye on the bustling beehive nearby.

Another common hangout for bees: gardens. Lots of flowers attract bees, which is great for pollination, but not so marvelous when you’re trying to [insert any outdoor activity here].

While they may be a nuisance, there are actually many benefits to keeping a few common types of bees around. And as the saying goes, don’t bother them and they won’t bother you!

4 Common Types of Bees

There are approximately 25,000 known species of bee worldwide, with about 4,000 making an appearance in the US. Here are four of the most common types of bees and a few tips on how to attract them to your garden:

The Honey Bee

Known as “social” bees because they live in giant hives with colonies of 50,000 - 60,000 other bees, these are the pests that come to mind when you recall that first bee sting. They’ll sting when provoked and die afterward due to losing their stinger.

The Bumblebee

You’ve also likely seen these guys swarming flowers like lavender in the garden. They’re fat, fuzzy and only alive in the summertime. Despite living in colonies of 50 to 400 workers, the queen is the only survivor by the fall and is tasked with starting a new colony each spring. Her workers are extremely protective and capable of inflicting multiple sting wounds.

The Digger Bee

Digger or “mining” bees are solitary bees that create their nests by burrowing into the ground. Their nests are often camouflaged with small leaf or grass debris to keep these hairy bees well hidden.

The “Sweat” Bee

While you’re used to them landing on you to lick salt off your sweaty skin, these solitary bees burrow in the soil. They won’t sting you and are great pollinators, foraging on a wide range of host plants.

How to Attract Bees to Your Garden

Long story short, bees get a bad rap. They are extremely beneficial to your garden, not to mention other crops that keep our economy and society going. In fact, 90% of the leading global crop types are visited by bees.

Luckily, attracting bees isn’t all that difficult. Follow a few pointers and these super pollinators will be stopping by your garden in no time.

1. Don’t Use Pesticides

It may seem obvious, but pesticides are not good for bees and other pollinators. Even organic options are toxic, so natural pest control techniques like crop rotation, row covers and hand-picking are best. If you choose to use pesticides, don’t use them on open blossoms or when bees are present.

2. Plant Flowers That Attract Bees

There are a few steps to planning which flowers to plant to attract bees.

Plant native wildflowers — Bees are on the hunt for pollen and nectar. Planting flowers that are native to your area helps ensure the bees will find what they’re looking for.
Diversify your flowers — Different pollinators are active at different times of year, so ensuring your garden is in bloom from early spring to late fall helps attract bees. Choose plants of various heights, including flowering trees and shrubs, and with a range of flower shapes and sizes.
Choose single flowers — flowers with one ring of petals provide more nectar and pollen than double flowers.
Keep color in mind — Bees are attracted to blue, purple and yellow flowers, while red ones won’t phase them. Flat or shallow blossoms like daisies, zinnias, asters and Queen Anne’s lace will attract the largest variety of bees. Consider adding a few of these flowers that bees love to your garden:
Alyssum
Agastache (anise hyssop)
Asclepias (butterfly weed)
Aster
Echinacea (coneflower)
Geranium (cranesbill)
Monarda (bee balm)
Papaver (poppies)
Rudbeckia (black-eyed Susan)
Trifolium (clover)

3. Build the Proper Habitat

Your flower choices may attract the bees, but they’ll need a few more things to be happy in your garden. To create a desirable habitat for bees, maintain a small brush pile to provide quality nesting materials. Bees will also appreciate areas with dry grasses and dead wood, as well as plant cover to hide beneath and recharge.

Knowing what types of bees you’re inviting to your garden can help you understand just what type of (helpful) pest you’re dealing with. And learning how to attract bees helps you get them there and maintain the proper environment for maximum pollination!

Have any other techniques for attracting bees? Share them in the comments!

6 Beneficial Garden Animals That Seem Like Pests

Mon, 18 Mar 2019 07:29:59 GMT

Every gardener wants the best for their food or flower beds, and usually that means thwarting off annoying garden pests. But a garden needs a harmonious ecological system to survive, and some so-called “pests” are actually beneficial garden animals that play a key role in keeping your garden surviving and thriving.

While some common garden pests pose a threat to your beloved garden, others are committed to improving the unique ecosystem that grows there.

How Some “Pests” Actually Benefit Your Garden

Aid in pollination
Assist with pest control
Provide fertilization
Improve soil health
Support ecological balance

Here are a few animals to welcome into your garden and some tried-and-true ways to get them there:

6 Animals that Benefit Your Garden

1. Toads & Frogs

They may not look the prettiest, but these warty creatures will do wonders for your garden. They feed on slugs, snails and insects that could otherwise wreak havoc on your garden. Toads can eat up to 10,000 bugs in one summer, making them an efficient and earth-friendly alternative to common pesticides.

Attraction: Build a frog pond or toad house

Whether it’s as small as a square foot or large enough for a human to swim in, toads and frogs will flock to a body of water. Be sure to include daytime hideouts like rocks, bricks and logs so your amphibian friends have a place to rest until their night shifts begin. Toads don’t live in water, but do prefer to live in moist places. A toad house made out of an old log or overturned terracotta pot will provide an ideal environment.

It’s also important to note that you should not transfer frogs or toads (or any other animal) from their natural habitat to your artificial one. Build a quality ecosystem, and they will come.

2. Bats & Birds

Bats are a natural insect assailant and birds make for an insect killer that’s easy on the eyes. Birds eat grasshoppers, cutworms and other insects that could harm your garden, and some species like wrens, robins and chickadees eat harmful beetles. Bats keep the mosquito population down and also feed on thousands of other tiny insects.

Attraction: Set up a bird feeder or nesting shelf

Birds are attracted to nesting shelves, feeders and baths, while bats love a good bat house . One thing to remember is that bird feeders will quickly attract squirrels, so keep them a healthy distance from the garden to avoid squirrel damage. You may also consider planting certain plants to attract particular species of birds… hummingbirds, for example, love red flowers — no sugar water needed!

3. Earthworms & Centipedes

These little critters do wonders for your garden’s soil and insect population. While earthworms burrow underground and allow water and air to reach the roots of plants, centipedes fend off above-the-ground insects.

Attraction: Offer rich soil and hideout options

Earthworms are attracted to rich soil. To increase your garden’s appeal, consider burying cardboard just below the soil’s surface and constructing a worm bin , ideally one that allows worms to come and go freely.

To attract centipedes, include a few logs, stones or bricks for the critters to hideout in during the day until their nighttime duties commence.

4. Bees

As you may have guessed, bees are crucial for pollination. From fruits and veggies to luscious flower beds, these little workers will do wonders for your garden. Just remember to steer clear of pesticides and mono-cropping, as these practices have significantly harmed the bee population in recent years.

Attraction: Plant the plants they love

Fruit trees, flowering herbs and veggies call to bees, as do colorful flowers — especially those of the blue variety. Plant flowers and plants that will attract them and they’ll be pollinating your garden in no time!

5. Ladybugs

Encouraging ladybugs to infiltrate your garden is a great idea for managing aphid, mite and scale populations.

Attraction: Entice them with pollen

Ladybugs have two main food groups: insects and pollen. Ladybugs are particularly attracted to plants like chives, cilantro, dill, fennel, marigold and sweet alyssum. Marigold also attracts aphids, so it can serve double duty in attracting aphids as prey for your desired ladybugs.

6. Garter Snakes

They may startle you when they squirm across your shoe, but garters are relatively great garden guests. They hide in bushes, tall grass or piles of wood and rocks and help control pests such as crickets, grasshoppers and other insects.

Attraction: Provide hiding places

Much like toads and centipedes, snakes prefer to hide in dark places like wood piles. Include mulch, stones or logs in your garden to provide a shady place for these slithery insect killers to hide out.

The next time you see one of these garden critters scurry by, remember that they could be just the thing your garden needs to maintain a harmonious ecosystem.

How do you attract beneficial garden animals to your beds? Share in the comments!

Itchy? The Top Questions Homeowners Have About Fleas

Sat, 16 Mar 2019 07:21:22 GMT

Fleas are a common household problem and can cause a lot of distress. Whether your pup is suddenly scratching or you're the one itching, take a look at the answers to some of the top flea questions.

Are Fleas a Summer-Only Problem?

Even though fleas prefer the warm weather, these invaders can become a problem any time of the year. When wrapped in their cocoon, the immature flea can live at temperatures that near 50 degrees Fahrenheit. While they won't survive a sub-freezing outdoor day, they can easily live in your heated home year-round.

What Are the Signs of a Flea Infestation?

The most obvious sign is the presence of the fleas themselves. But sometimes these tiny, reddish-brown, wingless insects are tough to see. At one-eighth of an inch in length, the adult flea can hide almost anywhere from your couch cushions to the baseboards.

Look for other signs of flea, including:

Itchy pets . Scratching, chewing, and excessive licking are all possible red flags that your pet has fleas. Even though flea bites will irritate your dog or cat, these pests aren't the only cause of an itchy pet. Look for other signs and bring your pet to the vet for a diagnosis.
Allergy dermatitis . Fleas can also cause red patches on your pet's skin. Again, as with itchiness, this type of allergic reaction can have multiple potential causes.
Pet hair loss . Excessive scratching and allergic reactions from flea bites can also cause your pet to lose patches of fur.
Bug bites . On humans, these bites are typically small, red bumps that appear around the ankles, legs, or waistline.
Flea dirt . Look for flea fecal matter (tiny black flecks) on your pet's underside, around the tail, or near the hind legs.

You may also notice fleas or flea dirt in your pet's bedding, your own bedding, carpets, or upholstered furniture.

How Do Fleas Get Into a Home?

Unlike other insects, fleas typically won't enter a home to find warmth or a food source. These pests feed on blood sources, meaning they need an animal host to live. If you have a flea infestation and you have pets, the pests likely hitchhiked their way in on your cat or dog.

Can Homeowners Prevent Fleas?

In most cases, the answer to this question is yes. Prevention strategies shouldn't only focus on your pet (even though they're a primary part of the pest puzzle) and can include:

Maintaining your yard . Mowing the grass regularly, removing excess plant life, trimming shrubs back, and other outdoor maintenance can reduce the risks.
Keep food indoors . While leaving your dog's food bowl outside won't attract fleas to your yard, it may attract other wildlife. The more wild critters (such as raccoons, mice, rats, or opossums) you have, the greater the chances they'll bring fleas with them onto your property.
Clean indoors . Even though a clean home can still have fleas, regular vacuuming of both carpets and upholstered items can reduce the likelihood of an infestation.
Protect your pet . Plenty of flea prevention medications are available from your vet or over the counter. These can kill fleas and eggs on your pet and provide continuous protection.
Hire a professional . Regular professional pest services can prevent an infestation.

Avoid DIY pest prevention sprays. A professional pest expert has the experience, knowledge, and equipment to effectively control fleas in your home.

What Should Homeowners Do to Stop a Flea Infestation?

If your preventative strategies don’t work or if you haven't tried them yet, a pest control professional can eliminate an infestation. Again, as with preventative measures, avoid do-it-yourself approaches. Scheduling routine pest maintenance after an initial extermination can reduce the risks of a repeat infestation.

Does your home have fleas? Contact American Pest Professionals for more information.

Integrated Pest Management Techniques for Agricultural Pests

Tue, 05 Mar 2019 07:16:08 GMT

While controversy over pesticide usage has become mainstream, agricultural professionals like farmers, fishermen, and ranchers have been utilizing integrated pest management (IPM) techniques for ages. For instance, crop rotation disrupts the life cycle of many pests, making it an exceptionally natural deterrent for agricultural pests.

By practicing IPM principles like using the least toxic methods first, farm pest control is simplified (and spared undue public outrage).

Applying IPM Principles to Agricultural Pests

The basics of integrated pest management are the same on large-scale farms as they are in the home. By following these basic principles, any agricultural professional can control pests while lessening their carbon footprint.

According to the National Pesticide Information Center, integrated pest management combines scientific principles and common sense to think about pest management in a way that values:

Using knowledge about the pest’s habits, life cycle, needs and dislikes
Using the least toxic methods first, up to and including pesticides
Monitoring the pest’s activity and adjusting methods over time
Tolerating harmless pests
Setting an economic threshold to decide when it's time to act

Determine Which Pests Need Controlled

One of the simplest ways to adopt IPM techniques is to determine if promoting beneficial insects may help prevent or control pests on your crop. The Canada Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs maintains a thorough list of “beneficials” that may attract natural enemies to a specific crop.

Similarly, you can determine which pests you absolutely do NOT want near your crops using The University of California’s comprehensive list of various crops and agricultural pests that may harm them.

Get Involved in Agricultural Pest Control

While a farm already presents a larger-scale use of IPM practices, such methods can be implemented to an even greater extent, spanning so far as nationwide.

For example, quarantines and import inspections help to exclude pests from specific counties, states or entire regions. Open communication helps players at all levels of agricultural IPM monitor the activity of important pests. Get involved with groups and associations relevant to your area!

As long as you employ the five principles of IPM listed above, you’re well on your way to a safe, pest-free farm. A little advanced planning (knowing your threshold) and an increased tolerance for harmless pests will go a long way in helping you adopt said practices!

What other IPM practices do you use to control agricultural pests? Share in the comments!

6 Apartment Pest Management Tips for Property Owners

Thu, 21 Feb 2019 07:07:52 GMT

Property owners of any kind have a plethora of responsibilities when it comes to property maintenance, repairs, and tenant turnover. Throw in the additional burdens of apartment building ownership like pool maintenance and community events, and it’s no wonder apartment pest management is easy to overlook.

While it may seem frugal to bypass regular pest control services, the cost of emergency pest issues is far more daunting than any monthly program. Instead, follow these tips to maintain a property that serves as a happy home for humans, not pests.

5 Prevention Tips for Apartment Pest Management

Pest maintenance in a single-family home can be challenging… throw in dozens more units with unique families and the risk of developing a pest problem skyrockets. Use these six tips for a pest-free apartment property year-round.

1. Prevent Standing Water

From ants to rodents, almost all pests begin their search for a new home by identifying water sources. Keep areas known for collecting water (like bathrooms, utility rooms, kitchens, and laundry facilities) free of excessive humidity and standing water. Be sure to regularly check for leaks in these areas as well to prevent an unexpected onslaught of pests.

2. Follow Regular Cleaning Schedules

Even if a pest doesn’t find your property to be the ideal home on its first attempt, it will return for multiple showings. Property owners must commit to keeping common spaces, food preparation areas, trash areas, and utility spaces clean daily.

3. Routinely Monitor Cleaning Processes

Ensure that all cleaning processes are followed and cleaning staff are informed of proper cleaning protocol, as well as how and where to report any pest problems they may encounter. Documenting such processes is also helpful for identifying which pest control methods work best for your property and which don’t.

4. Adhere to Routine Pest Control Service Schedules

Partnering with a pest control company that specializes in apartment pest management is a savvy choice for property owners. They’ll help monitor your property for signs of pest intrusion and assist in documenting prevention and elimination methods.

5. Treat Adjacent Units to Prevent Spreading

Pests are persistent. If an outbreak does occur, be sure to treat all units adjacent to the ones affected. This cuts off potential escape routes, making the survival of even one single pest much more difficult.

6. Keep Residents Informed and Cooperative

Of course, no property owner wants word of a pest infestation getting out. However, in-the-know residents can be a great first line of defense against pest problems. Online portals where residents pay rent, submit work orders, and manage other apartment-related activities are a great place for general pest information. You may also consider hosting community learning sessions and posting relevant signage in common areas. You’ll build trust with your residents and significantly reduce the likelihood of a pest outbreak at your property.

Maintaining clean apartment units and regularly monitoring for pest activity is critical in preventing pests from taking over your property.

With over 80 years in the pest control biz, we know just how to approach apartment pest management… give us a call to get started !

Identifying and Eradicating Long, Slender Insects

Mon, 18 Feb 2019 06:55:39 GMT

One of the first things you will notice about an insect is its body shape. Of course, you'll probably identify an ant, wasp, or bee immediately — but what about a less-familiar, slender-bodied insect that quickly scurries away?

While there are millions of species of insects on the planet, here are four of the most common home invaders with that long, slender body shape.

1. Millipedes

Did the insect you saw seem to have a million tiny, little legs? Did it have a segmented body that was uniform in width? You probably saw a millipede.

These shy insects scurry out of sight quickly, preferring to hide within the deepest, darkest corners of your home. They usually appear in moist basements or crawlspaces. Thankfully, millipedes are not terribly destructive. They won't chew apart your wood, and they're not dangerous.

If you take steps to dry out your home, such as plugging in a dehumidifier and sealing any gaps in foundation walls, the millipedes will often disappear on their own. Move debris, like leaves and grass clippings, away from the base of your home, too.

If this does not get rid of the bugs, a pest control expert can apply insecticides or set millipede traps in the affected areas of your home.

2. Termites

Many homeowners have the misconception that termites are invisible. However, while you will often see the wood damage they cause before you spot the bugs themselves, termites are certainly large enough to be seen with the naked eye.

Termites are about the size of a large ant, but with straight waists. Depending on the type of termite and the stage of life it is in, they may or may not have wings.

If you think you saw a termite, look over your home for other signs of a termite infestation, such as:

Wood that sounds hollow when you tap on it.
Frass, or termite feces, which look like coffee grounds at the base of the wall.
Web-like patterns made from mud on wooden surfaces.

Never attempt to handle a termite infestation yourself. Time is of the essence, and a pest control service can ensure the bugs are eradicated before any more damage is done.

3. Earwigs

Another long, slender insect is the earwig. Earwigs range in size, but their defining feature is the two pincers on their rear end. Their threatening appearance is mostly a ruse, as they are not poisonous and don't cause serious damage to homes. Nonetheless, they are a nuisance, so you should take the following steps to get rid of them:

Clean up your landscaping, especially near your foundation.
Leave several inches between the edge of your mulch and the base of the foundation. (This helps dry out the soil in this area, so earwigs are not as attracted to the area.)
Make sure your gutters drain away from the home.
Repair screens and weatherstripping to eliminate possible entry points.
Aim your outdoor lights away from your home; light scan attract earwigs to your home at night.

If the infestation is severe, a pest control company may need to apply insecticides around your foundation or even inside your home.

4. Silverfish

If the insect you saw was blue-gray or silver in color with long antennae and three bristles emerging from its backside, you probably saw a silverfish. These insects are commonly seen in basements, kitchens, bathrooms, and other moist areas.

Silverfish can be a real nuisance since they may feed on starchy items like toilet paper, books, and cardboard boxes. Some people are also allergic to silverfish.

Integrated pest management techniques, which combine pesticides with methods to make your home less appealing to silverfish, are often effective. Silverfish reproduce pretty quickly, however, so don't delay seeking help.

Each of these long, slender insects has different habits and presents different risks. If you are still not sure what type of bug you saw, or if you do know what bug is to blame and need help to eradicate them, contact the experts at American Pest Professionals .

Is Your Property a Tick Magnet?

Fri, 15 Feb 2019 06:50:25 GMT

Ticks are a common parasite found in many parts of the United States. This insect is known for spreading diseases like Rocky Mountain Fever and Lyme disease, both of which can be life threatening if contracted.

While ticks are most commonly encountered in wooded or desert areas, if you live in close proximity to the woods or taller grasses, your property becomes a prime location for ticks to thrive.

Furthermore, you inadvertently invite ticks on your land by creating an atmosphere for the creatures to comfortably live. To best protect your family - and pets - against ticks on your property, use this guide to discover what makes your land prone to tick infestations.

You Have No Barrier Around Your Property

Ticks are surprisingly sensitive and won't cross certain barriers that create a burden, such a decorative rock, mulch, or gravel. If your yard has no existing barrier beyond a basic fence to separate your property from empty lots or nearby uninhabited areas, your property is susceptible to ticks. Road base gravel placed several feet wide around your property's edges will help to keep ticks away.

You Leave Equipment Along Your Yard's Edge

Ticks find easy access to your yard if you leave equipment near your property's border. These parasites will also be attracted to abandoned pet houses and other structures that provide a safe, undisturbed place to hide.

Playground equipment, storage sheds, decks, and other equipment or structures should be placed near the middle of your property or closer to your house to help keep ticks at bay.

Periodically relocate play and other non-permanent yard fixtures to prevent ticks from claiming a home in your yard.

You Have Frequent Wildlife Visitors

While it's enjoyable to see deer, moose, rabbits, and other wildlife animals pass through your property, these creatures are common hosts of ticks, especially the deer tick. Your wildlife visitors inadvertently deposit ticks on your property as they pass through, putting your family and pets at risk of becoming unwilling hosts too.

A deer fence and other deterrents - like cleaning up garden vegetation and keeping woodpiles neat and tidy - will not only help keep rodents and other wildlife off your property, but lessen the chances of getting a tick invasion as well.

You Have Long Grass

If most of your yard is left wild and untreated or you aren't a frequent mower, ticks can easily move in and hide among the grasses waiting for a new host. Certain shrubbery, such as barberry or honeysuckle, attract ticks so these plants should be treated with a pesticide to keep these creatures at bay.

If you prefer to keep your lawn longer or you have parts of your landscape you leave unattended for pasture or other uses, hire a pest control specialist to spray your land periodically with a tick prevention spray or other pesticide.

You Have Roaming Pets

Dogs and cats are common hosts for ticks and bring the parasites onto your land when they roam outside your property and into known tickridden areas. Check your pets often during the spring and summer months for ticks, as these seasons are when many ticks are most active.

Ticks prefer a moist part of the body to burrow and draw blood from; check your pets behind their ears, in their armpits and belly areas, and underneath their necks for ticks.

If you encounter a tick nest or believe you have the insect on your land, call a pest control specialist for assistance. Environmentally friendly treatments can be used to rid your home of ticks, and repeated pest control visits throughout the year will keep your yard well maintained and less likely to attract ticks.

Don't attempt to tackle a tick invasion on your own. Our specialists at American Pest Professionals will identify what type of tick you have on your land and use special treatments to eradicate your pest problem. Our friendly staff will also help you keep ticks away in the future by offering helpful tips for tick prevention; call us today.

Mosquitoes in Winter: Where are they?

Tue, 05 Feb 2019 06:45:37 GMT

Some pests are so monumentally annoying that you actually notice their absence once they’ve left your life. If you live in a climate with warm, humid summers, you know mosquitoes fit this bill perfectly! As winter moves in, the itchy spots they left behind heal and you slowly begin to realize the incessant buzzing around your head has stopped. But what happens to those pesky mosquitoes in winter?

Mosquitoes in Winter: Hibernate or Die

Mosquitoes are cold-blooded and prefer temperatures over 80 degrees. Once temperatures drop below 50 degrees, they close up shop for the season. The adult females of some species find holes where they will hibernate for up to six months. Others lay their eggs in freezing water and die. The eggs enter a state of diapause, a process that suspends their development during the coldest months, allowing them to hatch once it is warm again.

Of course, the lifespans of most mosquitoes are not long. There are 3,500 known species of mosquitoes in the world (175 have been identified in the United States), and most simply die before colder temperatures set in. Males typically live 10 days or less, while females can live about six to eight weeks in ideal conditions. Females typically lay eggs (300 at a time!) up to three times before they die.

Mosquito Prevention Tips

The chances of avoiding mosquitos all together are low, but there are a few precautions you can take to keep them at bay.

DEET is the #1 recommended mosquito repellent by the CDC . It doesn't mask the smell of the host or jam the insect's senses. Rather, mosquitoes avoid the unpleasant odor, keeping you bite free. The CDC also recommends repellent products that contain picaridin and lemon-eucalyptus oil.
Some mosquito larvae can be killed using bacteria . Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) is a commercially-produced bacteria that produces proteins that become toxic when consumed by the larvae.
Insecticides work, but only on adult mosquitoes . Permethrin, a common insecticide used in mosquito control, kills mosquitoes on contact by disrupting their central nervous systems. Eggs and larvae, however, are often unaffected, so once the insecticide wears off, mosquitos return.
Focus on making yourself unattractive to mosquitoes . Heat and sweat are two major attractors for mosquitoes. Wearing lighter-colored clothing can deter them, as dark clothing retains more heat. Keep in mind that they are also attracted to cholesterol, folic acid, and certain bacteria released in sweat, as well as skin lotions and perfume.

If cold temps have you dreaming of sunshine and warm summer nights, just remember: there are no mosquitoes in winter. Celebrate their absence while you can!

While they may hibernate in cold months, late winter is the perfect time to start thinking about your summer plan of attack. Give us a call to discuss mosquito prevention for your residential or commercial property!

A Food Processing Plant's Guide to Preventing Stored Product Pests

Tue, 22 Jan 2019 06:41:36 GMT

From production to storage, stored product pests are a food processing plant’s worst nightmare. These beetles, moths, and mites feed on natural products that are common dietary staples. In fact, food processing plants that process seeds, grains, nuts, or other dried, starchy products are at the highest risk of developing a stored product insect problem.

Preventing infestations at the food processing plant level is critical, as the presence of stored product pests at the restaurant level could lead to foodborne illness and other problems.

How Stored Product Pests Harm Food

They likely won’t eat enough to really affect food quantities, but stored product pests can damage stored food by:

Consuming the food product
Causing physical damage to the product, which can degrade its quality (like chewing holes in seeds or nuts, for example)
Contaminating products with body parts, feces, shed skins, and webbing
Contaminating products with microorganisms like fungi, molds, bacteria, viruses, and parasites
Increasing the heat and moisture content of the food product, which, in turn, increases the growth rate of the pests and microorganisms
Changing the physical properties of ingredients, which can disrupt food processing machinery and spoil batches of product
Changing the smell and taste of the final product

Research has shown that of all the pests that affect food processing plants, stored product insects cause the greatest financial losses. Out of 1,000 companies surveyed in five countries, 60 percent said they lost 1-9 percent of annual revenue to stored product pests.

What’s more, stored product pests can cost the average business around $35,941 a year — over double the cost of a typical pest infestation.

How to Prevent Stored Product Pests

The best programs for stored product pest control focus on prevention. Issues need to be identified early and acted upon immediately in order to prevent loss of product, as well as future issues.

Inspect all materials entering the facility, including raw materials and packaging that could contain insects
Design the site’s exterior and interior with pest minimization in mind
Keep doors and windows shut and fitted with fine, mesh screens
Practice integrated pest management
to prevent, detect and eliminate pests effectively

With prevention in mind, you’ll keep stored product pests out of your food supplies and be able to act quickly if an issue does occur. With decades of pest control experience under our belts, we’re ready to help with your food processing plant pest control services .

6 Steps to Practicing Integrated Pest Management in Schools

Wed, 09 Jan 2019 06:37:50 GMT

Whether they’re in class or participating in extracurricular activities, kids spend the majority of their waking hours at school. It is imperative to practice integrated pest management in schools to decrease the likelihood of children coming into contact with pests, pathogens, and pesticides. Such contact could result in negative health effects such as asthma, illness from undue pesticide exposure, or diseases associated with biting insects or rodent feces and urine.

What is Integrated Pest Management?

The basics of integrated pest management (IPM) are consistent across all environments from home to school. Essentially, IPM combines scientific principles and common sense to think about pest management in a way that values:

Using knowledge about the pest’s habits, life cycle, needs and dislikes
Using the least toxic methods first, up to and including pesticides
Monitoring the pest’s activity and adjusting methods over time
Tolerating harmless pests
Setting a threshold to decide when it’s time to act

Children take in greater amounts of pesticides (relative to their body weight) than adults, making integrated pest management in schools critical. Their developing organ systems are often more sensitive to toxic exposures than adults, resulting in adverse effects to a child’s neurological, respiratory, immune, and endocrine systems, even at low exposure levels.

How to Implement Integrated Pest Management in Schools

Not only can IPM be more effective than routine pesticide treatments, but it can also reduce children’s exposure to pesticides and even cost less over the long term.

You can establish a pesticide safety and IPM program in your school in six simple steps:

1. Develop an Official Pesticide Safety and IPM Statement and Plan

Pest prevention efforts are at the heart of any integrated pest management program. The best way to combat pests is to create an uninviting environment by denying them access to food, water, and shelter.

Your school’s official IPM policy statement and supporting plan should focus on making school facilities and grounds unattractive to pests through improved sanitation and pest exclusion. A copy of the IPM policy should be sent home to all students and parents at the start of the school year and include information about:

Monitoring
Inspections
Pest thresholds
Who can apply pesticides
How pest problems should be reported
Who should be educated about the program
How parents/guardians and staff should be notified prior to a pesticide application

2. Designate Pest Management Roles for Everyone

From the janitorial staff to students and teachers in the classroom, everyone plays an active role in adopting integrated pest management in schools. Ensure effective communication among each group and educate each member on their role and how they contribute to program success. Follow the EPA’s guidelines for Pest Control in the School Environment to outline the functions of each group.

3. Set Pest Management Objectives by Site and Activity

Different locations will require different approaches. The objectives for a cafeteria would include producing and serving healthy and nutritious foods that are free of pests, disease, and unnecessary pesticide residues, whereas the objectives for an athletic field would include maintaining a healthy turf that reduces the risk of sports injuries. Your plan should define the top pest risks by location and how each will be managed.

4. Inspect, Monitor and Identify

Regular monitoring of high-risk areas for pests goes a long way in preventing their return. Learn how to identify common pests and document any activity and contributing conditions. The most common and effective ways to deter identified pests are to close off points of entry, eliminate food sources and provide an inhospitable environment.

5. Implement Pest Prevention Strategies

Pest prevention should be considered in all daily activities and locations within the school including:

Entryways
Classrooms and offices
Food preparation and serving areas
Areas with plumbing
Maintenance areas
Trash and recycling areas
Playgrounds
Parking lots
Athletic fields
Common areas

Consider what may attract pests to each area and how they would get in. For instance, you may consider allowing food and beverages only in designated areas of the classroom and ensuring immediate cleanup. In the kitchen, food should be stored in tightly sealed containers and rigid sanitation practices should be followed.

6. Evaluate Results and Keep Records

Pest sightings, accompanying conditions and elimination actions taken should be documented regularly. Evaluate results, activities, and processes to determine if pest management objectives are being met and make adjustments as necessary.

Developing an integrated pest management program for your school will significantly reduce the health risks pesticides and other pests pose to children. Reducing unnecessary exposures to pests and pesticides improves health and attendance, leads to greater academic achievement, and ultimately fosters an enjoyable environment for kids at school.

Ready to implement IPM practices in your school? Give us a call to discuss how we can help with inspections, prevention best practices, and safe removal.

Dealing With the Bedbug Blues

Fri, 04 Jan 2019 06:23:05 GMT

When you see signs of pests in your home, you might just brush the signs as minor cleaning issues to address later. However, you don't want to dismiss some signs so easily because those signs can be caused by bedbugs.

The sooner you catch on to the presence of bedbugs in your home, the sooner you can get rid of them and enjoy your house again without having the heebie-jeebies every time you sit on a piece of furniture. Learn as much as possible about bedbugs so you can spot a problem and prevent this type of problem in the future.

Bedbugs Are Nomads

Some people think that bedbugs only appear in filthy homes and unkempt hotel rooms. However, the truth is that bedbugs are slick little nomads that can easily travel from place to place by hitching a ride in furniture, luggage, and even on clothing.

This means you may have brought bedbugs into your home in your luggage from the hotel you stayed at on vacation, or you may have moved the bedbugs in when you brought that sofa you bought at an estate sale right into the house. Maybe a visitor you had over brought the bedbugs with them on their clothing.

Bedbugs Bite

Some people confuse bedbugs with dust mites, which are other tiny pests who also like to spend their time in mattresses and furniture. However, the two kinds of bugs have many differences between, one difference being that dust mites don't bite, and bedbugs do.

You may not immediately recognize bedbug bites for what they are since the bite of a bedbug might look similar to the bite of a mosquito. Most people would much rather assume they are being bitten by mosquitoes than accept the fact that they have bedbugs without foolproof evidence.

If you continue to get bitten, especially when you haven't been outside at dusk when mosquitoes are most prevalent, then you want to do some investigating to rule out the presence of bedbugs in your home.

Bedbugs Leave Evidence

While bedbugs do leave proof of their existence behind, that proof is small and can be hard to find unless you know where to look. Check all the possible hiding spaces in the house and look specifically for little brown spots. These spots are their feces and proof they have been feasting on the blood of you or your family members.

Bedbugs Are Good at Hiding

Bedbugs are great at hiding and very small. Plus, they tend to come out at night, so you will likely find more evidence of them in the form of their feces than to find them. If you are determined to find them, have good lighting and a magnifying glass.

Check some of their other favorite places to hide. These places include box springs, behind baseboards, in wood furniture, in the cracks of upholstered furniture, in any cracks or crevices of walls and ceilings, in the folds of curtains, in luggage, under carpet or rugs, and in the seams of wallpaper.

Bedbugs Are Hard to Eradicate

If you find proof of bedbugs in your home, you'll want to act fast. Wash all possibly infested clothing and bedding. Dry the loads on high, this is what will kill any bedbugs that are still alive. Put the clean laundry in plastic bags and only put your clothing and bedding away after you know the bedbugs have been eradicated from the rest of your home.

Getting rid of bedbugs will include having your home professionally treated. Call us now and we can come out and get rid of the bedbugs for you.

5 Ways Restaurant Pest Control Prevents Foodborne Illness

Tue, 18 Dec 2018 06:19:05 GMT

Culinary prowess, innovative fare, and transcendent ambiance… Sounds like a restaurant’s recipe for success. But there’s one thing missing -- pest control.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated one in six people contract a foodborne illness from food consumed in the United States each year. Of those 48 million affected, 128,000 are hospitalized and over 3,000 ultimately die from foodborne diseases.

What’s more, over half of foodborne illness outbreaks originate in restaurants.

Pests that Spread Foodborne Illness

1. Cockroaches

Cockroach bites aren’t a huge concern , but contamination is another story. Their excrement, including saliva and droppings, carry diseases that can spread when they simply walk over a surface. While cockroaches aren’t the primary spreaders of foodborne illness, they can carry 33 types of bacteria, aiding in the spread of diseases like:

Salmonellosis
Gastroenteritis
Dysentery
Typhoid Fever
Plague

2. Rodents

One rat can produce up to 25,000 droppings per year, rendering rodents one of the largest foodborne illness threats. Their droppings carry a variety of parasites and pathogens that can contribute to the spread of over 35 diseases, including:

Plague
Leptospirosis
Tularemia
Salmonellosis
Omsk Hemorrhagic Fever

3. Flies

From the common housefly to fruit flies, these insects carry the largest disease threat of any pest -- one fly may carry over 100 pathogens! They represent a very real threat to restaurants thanks to their free-flying nature. They can spread countless foodborne illnesses, including:

Salmonella
Malaria
Tuberculosis

4. Stored Products Pests

The term “stored products pest” includes several beetles, moths, and mites that can infest whole grains or processed foods like rice, flour, wheat, cereals, and powdered sugar.

They represent a threat at the food processing plant level, as stored product pests (or their exoskeletons) are often accidentally ground into foods as they’re manufactured. These pests can carry diseases like Lyme disease, and their eggs can survive and hatch inside many foods.

5 Pest Control Practices that Prevent Foodborne Illness

The best way to fight foodborne illness in your restaurant is to take preventative measures early.

1. Close off points of entry - The best way to keep your restaurant pest-free is to prevent critters from getting in. Keep exterior doors closed, seal holes and cracks, and install air curtains and tight-fitting screens where possible. Check roofs and any underground areas regularly to prevent sneaky rodents from finding a way in.

2. Handle waste properly - Most pests are attracted to the odors and residue generated by food waste. Use plastic liners in all indoor trash bins and take them out as soon as they’re full. Keep outdoor dumpsters at least 50 feet away from the restaurant’s door, and ensure they are washed frequently to remove food residue and debris.

3. Eliminate water sources - Water is essential to a pest’s survival. Fix water leaks and eliminate sources of standing water to make your space less inviting to pests. Check visible and hidden pipes and faucets, and keep areas like sinks and restrooms free of standing water.

4. Keep counters and floors clean - Regular counter and floor cleaning keep pests from making your restaurant their home and also remove any bacteria or viruses from pests that may have gotten in. Sanitize floors, work surfaces, sinks and drains routinely, and vacuum any food debris that may have accumulated over the course of the day.

5. Implement hygienic best practices - Employees must wash their hands frequently and keep hair away from food and food surfaces. Microorganisms and bacteria from pests can live on surfaces and spread by human touch. A simple scrub with soap and water can help eliminate many foodborne bacteria.

Ready to implement a commercial or food processing plant pest control plan? We’re experts -- give us a call !

How to Choose a Pest Control Company in 6 Easy Steps

Wed, 05 Dec 2018 06:11:16 GMT

Home ownership comes with many perks -- tax benefits, stabilized housing costs, control over your living environment… the list goes on. But any homeowner will tell you that the advantages are accompanied by lots of unknowns. And unknowns (is that an animal in the wall?!) usually mean frantic nights spent trying to solve an unexpected problem (*Googles “how to choose a pest control company” at 2 a.m.*).

From ladybugs taking over the basement to bats inhabiting a crawl space, pest issues are one of those unknowns that can leave even the savviest homeowner scratching their head.

Choosing a Pest Control Company Made Easy

Choosing a pest control company, whether in response to an immediate problem or to schedule ongoing maintenance, doesn’t have to be daunting. Keep these six factors in mind when you’re ready to begin your search for the perfect pest professional:

1. Qualifications

It is crucial to ensure that the pest control service you select holds the proper licenses, certifications and insurance. You can verify licensing by contacting your state pesticide regulatory office . You’ll also want to ensure they use integrated pest management techniques and have a certified entomologist on staff.

2. Experience

When choosing a pest control company, you want to be sure this isn’t their first rodeo. Find out how long they’ve been in business and if they have experience treating issues like yours. It can also provide peace of mind to know if new hires train with more experienced employees.

3. Reputation

How a company does business says a lot about them. Ask trusted friends, family or coworkers for a recommendation and be sure to read the company’s Google and Facebook reviews. You may also consider asking the company for customer references and/or contacting the Better Business Bureau for information on recent violations, complaints or unresolved issues.

4. Value

Many pest control companies provide a free estimate before beginning work. Be sure to get estimates from more than one company and request them in writing. Compare the estimates in terms of cost, any long-term agreements and whether or not they guarantee their work.

5. Customer Service

At the end of the day, customer service may easily be the factor that makes or breaks your decision to go with a pest control company. You want a service provider that is easy to reach, responsive and open to discussing the specifics of your pest problem. You should feel comfortable asking all of the questions listed here, and they should be happy to answer.

6. Safety

Pest management can come with several risks. Ensure the pest control company you choose takes preventative measures to avoid unnecessary exposures or accidents and wears protective equipment when necessary. They should also carry insurance to cover you, your property and their employees. And finally, they should be willing to discuss low-toxicity options and take environmental risks into consideration.

These six tips on how to choose a pest control company make it easy to resolve any pest problem. Trust is key, and if a pest management provider meets all of these criteria, you can rest easy knowing you’re problem is in good hands.

Not to brag, but we’re proud to offer pest control services that meet each of these requirements and then some. Give us a call to discuss our qualifications and how we can help with your pest problem!

Treat Your Foundation Subterranean Termite Infestation With Beneficial Nematodes

Thu, 29 Nov 2018 06:04:34 GMT

Subterranean termites are the most common termite infestation in most parts of the country. This species is skilled at working through small cracks in a home's exterior and taking up residence; and foundation wood is likely the most attractive option for most termites.

Therefore, homeowners need to take proactive steps to manage an invasion of subterranean termites. Beneficial nematodes provide a safe and natural control method that most homeowners without pest-control experience should be able to handle on their own.

Termites Can Affect Foundation Lumber

An invasion of subterranean termites is most likely to occur in a basement. The small cracks common throughout a foundation provide easy access for these pestering creatures. As they burrow through the wood to make a home, termites will inevitably damage the foundation of a house.

At first, this damage is likely to be quite small. However, a continuing expansion of termites throughout a basement will lead to profoundly damaged foundation wood. As this wood gets broken apart, a shift in a house's weight distribution will occur.

Even a slight change in this distribution of a house's weight may cause severe damage to a foundation. Cracks may start to appear in walls and affect how well doors and windows shut. If left to worsen, these foundation cracks may cost thousands of dollars to repair.

Foundation repairs consist of adding new wooden support beams or even replacing the damaged wood. Unfortunately in some cases, complete foundation replacement is inevitable. However, homeowners can take steps to manage minor termite infestations with a DIY treatment like beneficial nematodes. If the infestation expands past a handful of termites, however, you might need professional help to manage the situation.

Nematodes Provide a Safe and Natural Treatment Method

Nematode species vary but share one trait: an ability to kill termites. In a study , researchers stated that nematodes were one of the best natural ways to destroy an infestation without impacting a home.

The use of nematodes is perhaps the least damaging type of control available. Nematodes are not destructive to wood or other areas of a house and provide no health risk to people or their pets. In fact, most nematodes likely pass away after the termites are gone.

Homeowners interested in using nematodes can find various species in multiple home and garden shops. A small bag of beneficial nematodes should provide more than enough termite-killing power for the average home. And best of all, nematode application is something any homeowner can handle.

Nematode Application Must Be Done With Care

Home application of nematodes must be handled in a careful and controlled manner. Mix the nematodes into a gallon bucket of water and stir to blend them evenly. Wait a few minutes before you pour the nematodes and water into a small spray bottle or two.

Go into the basement and spray the nematode water on the termite-infected wood of your foundation. Once it lands, the water will soak into the affected wood and spread the nematodes. Apply more nematode water on termite-infected wood outside of a home. Application on these areas will kill termites by spreading nematodes through the colony, including to the queen.

In most cases, a once-per-day spray of nematode water should be enough to destroy termites. Don't hesitate to add it to other areas of the home to keep termites away. For example, wooden beams in a ceiling should be treated to keep termites away and a home safe from a damaged roof.

When homes are invaded by subterranean termites, nematodes may be the only treatment necessary. However, some termite infestations are more serious and need professional help to manage. Contact American Pest Professionals to learn more about termite control and what types of control methods are beneficial for your home.

The Advantages of a Pre-Listing Home Pest Inspection

Wed, 28 Nov 2018 05:59:33 GMT

You're ready to sell your home. Is it wise to have a pest inspection before putting your house on the market? The short answer to this question is yes. But if you're not sure why you should pay for this service, take a look at the advantages of hiring a pest control service before listing your home.

Attractive Addition

Previous negative experiences with pests can turn a potential home buyer off. If the buyer suspects pests, or has their own pre-existing anxieties, proof of an invader-free environment makes your home more attractive. For the buyer, this security makes for one less potential problem to worry about - creating a sense of comfort.

Increase in Price

Along with actual cost of the home, the buyer may have repairs to make or upgrades to pay for. Knowing that termite control or a full-home pest service isn't on the table may make the buyer more likely to pay a higher price. While home prices depend on many factors, with a clean pest evaluation complete, you won't need to negotiate around the added costs of removing insect invaders.

State Requirement

Some states require pre-sales pest inspection. Waiting to start this service until you have an offer may turn your home sales excitement into a major disappointment.

While plenty of home sellers decide to wait until they're required to hire a pest inspector or until a general inspector finds possible pest damage, an early start reduces the likelihood that you'll lose your buyer. This precaution can decrease the total sales time, getting you out of your old house and into a new one sooner.

Preemptive Removal

What happens if your pre-listing pest inspector finds termites or another insect invader? You could disclose the problem and dramatically reduce the price. Or you remove the pests. A DIY pest removal strategy is never advisable - especially when you're selling a home. The potential buyer wants to see that a professional has made the home pest-free or is currently treating the space. After finding pests, work with the inspector/technician to create a plan that removes the insects efficiently and entirely. Depending on your time needs, consider waiting to list the house until the pest control service is complete.

Repair Damage

While not every pest causes major home damage, some (such as termites) do. Not only are the pests unattractive to potential buyers, but the damage can turn them away from a quick sale too.

What types of damage can pests cause? The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) has stated that termites are responsible for more than $5 billion in property damage each year. If you have termites, it's possible that you also have damage in your:

Support beams . Posts that are either in or outside of walls can have serious wood damage. As the termites erode the wood in these beams, they compromise the structure of your home.
Drywall . Your walls may also have damage from termites. These often-noticeable holes or breaks aren't attractive to a home buyer.
Floors . Wooden floors can also suffer from a termite infestation. Never attempt to cover the damage with a carpet. Instead, hire a professional to repair the damage.
Decks . Termites don't always cause problems inside of your home. If they infest your wooden deck, you'll need to make sure that it's in good repair and structurally sound before putting your home on the market.

Termites aren't the only destructive invaders. Rodents, powderpost beetles, and carpenter ants can also cause problems. Finding these pests, removing them, and repairing the damage before listing your home adds to its sales appeal. Do you need a pre-listing home pest inspection or removal service? Contact American Pest Professionals for more information.

How to Prevent & Identify 6 Common Winter Pests

Wed, 21 Nov 2018 04:45:05 GMT

When December hits the Midwest, temperatures plummet and snow can accumulate in shocking quantities. Gone are the days of poolside fun and cozy nighttime campfires. And when a winter pest invades your home, you may even miss the summer nights when mosquitoes buzzed incessantly and left you itching for days.

Before you find yourself reminiscing about the not-so-good days gone by, learn what prevention steps you can take to winterize your home against pests, and how to spot them if they do make themselves welcome.

Learn to Prevent These 9 Winter Pests from Invading Your Home

1. Mice & Rats

These furry friends enter homes in the winter to seek warmth, but have a tendency to chew through drywall and wires, which could spark an electrical fire. Rats will even chew threw items like plastic or lead pipes to access food or water. Mice and rats are also common culprits of contaminating food and spreading diseases such as Salmonella, tapeworms, jaundice and cowpox virus.

Prevention:

Seal cracks and holes on the outside of your home with caulk and steel wool. Mice can fit through spaces as small as a dime, and rats the size of a quarter.
Clutter is a mouse and rat’s best friend. Keep storage areas as clean as possible, and boxes off the ground.
Clean dirty dishes, take the trash out, and vacuum regularly.

Store food in airtight, plastic containers rather than cardboard.

Identification:

Mouse droppings (i.e. mouse poo) — small, round, black granules
Greasy rub marks — Rats often leave greasy-looking marks thanks to their oily fur
Gnaw marks — Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. Or in this instance, where there are mouse droppings or rat rub marks, there are gnaw marks. If you find droppings, take a look in the nearby area to see if any walls or cords have been chewed on.
Damaged food — Holes or gnaw marks on food boxes often indicate the presence of mice or rates. If you notice any, throw away the item and determine your removal strategy.

Removal:

Mouse and rat traps come in all sorts of varieties to fit your creepy-crawly tolerance and humanitarian desires.

Many people choose to call a professional from the get-go, but we definitely recommend this route if you think there may be an infestation.

2. Birds & Bats

These flying creatures often enter your home looking for warmth and get stuck in spaces like attics and chimneys.

Prevention:

Equip chimneys with caps or mesh covers.
Seal cracks and holes on the outside of your home with caulk and steel wool.
Keep doors and windows shut as much as possible and use screens on windows when they are open.

Identification:

Chirping — birds and bats make chirping sounds that, if heard in your house, is an obvious indication of their presence.
Bat droppings — bat poo produces a toxic smell similar to ammonia, so if you smell it in or around your house, you could have a bat problem.
Scratches on the wall — bats and birds often leave scratches on the wall as they are flying about. You may also hear a scurrying type sound in your wall, which could indicate a bird, bat or larger animal has taken up residence in your home.

Removal:

If a bird or bat is simply stuck in a space, try closing off all entry/exit points except one and leaving it open for an extended period of time so that the animal can find its way out.
In most states, bats are a protected species so it is illegal to kill them. Mothballs contain the chemical naphthalene, which has been approved to use on bats in some states. Check your state’s regulations online.
Natural repellents include cinnamon, human hair, peppermint, green tea, eucalyptus and menthol
There are many factors to consider when removing bats from the home, such as if there are any young present or diseases they may carry. For this reason, we strongly recommend contacting a professional to help remove bats from your home.

3. Cockroaches

Roaches are a common household pest threat, with German cockroaches being the among the world’s most common. They prefer small, moist areas close to food and water, making kitchens and bathrooms their perfect lair. They often make it inside by hitchhiking on grocery bags or boxes and are a nuisance because they can contaminate food, spread bacteria and trigger allergy symptoms, especially in children.

Prevention:

Keep bathroom and kitchen counters clean and crumb-free.
Vacuum often and take out the garbage regularly.
Check pipes routinely for leaks and remove any obstructions in pipes to prevent bursts and leaks. You should also seal around pipes where they enter the home.
Keep gutters clean.
Store food (including pet food) in airtight, plastic containers.
Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink.
Take out the trash and vacuum regularly. Incorporate cleaning under sinks, in stoves and under/behind large appliances into your cleaning as well.

Identification:

Droppings — Roach droppings look like ground pepper or coffee grounds. Didn’t leave pepper or coffee on the floor or counter? You probably have roaches.
Oily/Musty smell — cockroaches give off an oily, musty-like smell that can indicate their presence in your home.
Skin or dead cockroaches — a dead roach or skin of one is a huge indicator that you have a cockroach problem.

Removal:

Mix one part sugar and one part baking soda and leave out on a plate with water nearby. The roaches will be attracted to the sugar, but when they eat the mixture (and consume water), their stomachs will explode.
You can also use chemical roach-killing sprays. Just be sure to clean up their remains promptly, especially if pets are present in the house.
A professional is often the preferred way to go when dealing with a roach infestation.

4. Bedbugs

Bedbugs are everywhere and are excellent at hitching a ride into your home via clothing, luggage and purses.

Prevention:

Examine hotel headboards, mattresses and box springs for dark blood spots as well as actual bedbugs. And be sure to check luggage and wash everything after traveling. Bedbugs have been found on airplanes and in hotels, so travel can be a major source of this pest.
Hang clothing to minimize the chances of them spreading into clothes. Don’t leave clothing on the bed or other furniture.
Use a mattress cover that encloses both the mattress and box spring.
Vacuum often.
Wash and dry bedding on high heat.

Identification:

Bites — when bedbugs bite, they produce flat or raised, usually itchy red welts.
Red or rust-colored stains — when bedbugs are crushed, they often leave behind a stain of blood.
Fecal matter — bedbug poo looks more like marks left by a felt-tip pen than “droppings.”
Musty smell — bedbugs emit a musty smell when they panic, so when they’re disturbed (like when you sleep), you’ll likely get a whiff.

Removal :

Wash and dry bedding on high heat.
Scrub mattress seams with a brush to loosen any eggs, and then vacuum.
Call a professional... bedbugs can be tricky to spot and get rid of, so a professional is your best bet, especially if home remedies haven’t helped.

5. Stinkbugs, Ladybugs & other overwintering pests

Overwintering pests — those that essentially hibernate to survive cold winter temps — enter your home in the fall in preparation for winter nesting.

Prevention:

Seal cracks that could leave your home exposed, especially on the southern and western walls.
Be sure that windows and doors close tightly.
Foundation and attic vents are great entry points for these tiny creatures. Install insect screening to minimize their access.
Be wary of pumpkins in the fall months leading up to winter. Stinkbugs in particular love pumpkin juice.

Identification:

With these pests, seeing is believing. You’ll see them most on the west side of your home, where they can get a nice sunbath in the afternoons.

Removal:

You can use a vacuum to remove these pests if they do make it into your home. Empty or discard the bag immediately.
Some overwintering pest problems can be overwhelming. Call a professional for removal and help preventing them from returning.

6. Raccoons & Squirrels

Raccoons may be cute, but they are a major host of rabies in the US, so they’re worth mentioning for your winter pest prevention checklist. Coons and squirrels sometimes enter human homes — most often in the eastern parts of the US where there are lots of woods — through attics or chimneys when they are searching for a comfortable place to live.

Prevention:

Store trash and recycling bins in sealed areas like a garage or shed and use animal-proof lids.
Examine the outside of your home for areas of entry like broken vent covers or loose siding or roof shingles.
Install a mesh covers over chimneys and keep tree branches trimmed back from the house.

Identification:

Noise — Raccoons and squirrels are not quite animals. You’ll hear them thumping around pretty immediately upon their arrival.
Debris — Both coons and squirrels will bring in items to build nests. Raccoons will also bring in old food, leaving trash lying around.
Roof damage — If a raccoon really wants in and can’t quite access an entry point, they may find a vulnerable spot and make one. Check your roof, siding and vents for damage.

Removal:

Raccoons and squirrels are hard to catch and often carry disease. It is best to contact a professional who can remove the pesky animal in a humane way.

The key takeaways here? Cleanliness is key… Vacuum, clean the dishes and take the trash out regularly to help prevent pests from entering your home in the winter and other seasons. And never hesitate to call a professional to help you identify pest infestations and take care of them safely and humanely.

Questions? Leave ‘em in the comments and we’ll get you an answer to your pest predicament!

Integrated Pest Management Strategies for a Pest-Free Home

Tue, 06 Nov 2018 04:29:21 GMT

Any experienced homeowner can attest that pests are an unavoidable nuisance with countless strategies for removal. The best results though, stem from integrated pest management strategies -- a complete understanding of the pest’s biology and activity patterns, and a commitment to using the least toxic strategies first.

Adopting an integrated approach to pest management isn’t as difficult as it might seem. We use it every day in our pest control services and have developed a few tips over the years:

What it Means to Adopt Integrated Pest Management Strategies

According to the National Pesticide Information Center, Integrated pest management combines scientific principles and common sense to think about pest management in a way that values:

Using knowledge about the pest’s habits, life cycle, needs and dislikes
Using the least toxic methods first, up to and including pesticides
Monitoring the pest’s activity and adjusting methods over time
Tolerating harmless pests
Setting a threshold to decide when it's time to act

The First Steps to Implementing Integrated Pest Management Strategies

In general, these steps can be followed to remove and control a pest infestation using an integrated approach :

1. Identify the pest in the most specific terms possible

What exactly are you dealing with here? Identify your pest problem , contacting your local county extension office for assistance.

2. Learn about the pest’s biology

Research or take note of the pest’s habits, life cycle, needs and dislikes.

3. Take steps to exclude the pest from the area, if possible

How are pests getting in? What can you do to keep them out?

4. Try to remove the pest’s food, water and shelter

Determine what the pest is eating and drinking and cut off access as soon as possible.

5. Determine the pest’s travel patterns and locate their home base

Does the pest live in the house all of the time or do they come and go? Locate the pest’s home base and block off access.

6. Identify all of your control options before acting

If the above steps don’t deter the pest naturally, research all of your options for removal before acting. Research pest control services in your area, taking time to choose a pest control company that meets your needs.

How to Make Your Home Less Inviting to Pests

The steps above can help you identify and remove pesky animals, but there are also preventative measures you can take to decrease the appeal of your home in the first place.

Close up common points of entry and exit - Check for cracks near doors, windows and piping.
Declutter around the house - Clutter doesn’t attract pests, but it gives them lots of hiding places.
Find and remove possible food sources - To keep from attracting pests, store human and pet food in sealed containers, keep a lid on the garbage can and fix any faucet leaks.
Keep the humidity relatively low - Less moisture in the air means less mold and other pests.
Vacuum carpets and rugs regularly - Vacuuming can pick up crumbs (pest food!), bugs and eggs that you may not be able to see.
Check items coming into your home - Clothes and luggage often carry hitchhikers, as do used furniture and rugs.
Use a dryer for clothing and bedding - High heat can kill eggs, larvae and bugs.

With a few preventative measures and a plan for pest invasions, integrated pest management is easy. And when you need a little extra help removing a pest, you know who to call.

Have you come across any other integrated pest management strategies for keeping pests out of your home? We want to hear about them in the comments!

5 Reasons a Routine Pest Management Program is Right for You

Wed, 17 Oct 2018 04:19:00 GMT

From mowing the lawn to completing weekly chores, owning a home requires regular maintenance. Most upkeep and preventative measures come naturally, but it seems tasks like routine pest management get pushed aside, only to be addressed when a problem arises.

6 Reasons to Start a Routine Pest Management Program

By incorporating quarterly pest control into your regular home maintenance checklist, you can prevent the arrival of many pests, as well as unexpected costs associated with their removal.

1. Year-Round Pest Prevention

Perhaps the biggest reason to consider a routine pest management program is to get a process in place for detecting pest problems early. Regular inspections detect pests you may not even be able to see yet, eliminating the problem before it gets worse. Plus, different pests invade at different times throughout the year, but routine pest treatments mean you’re covered year round. For example, our Alltra Pest Control Program treats for:

Cockroaches
Rodents
Ants
Beetles
Moths
Spiders
Crickets
Centipedes
Millipedes
Silverfish
Hornets
Wasps
Bees

2. Reduce Unexpected Costs

Depending on the pest, removal and repair expenses can add up quickly and unfortunately, aren’t covered by homeowner’s insurance. With a routine pest management program, you pay to prevent pests from invading in the first place. And if a problem should arise in between treatments, you know it will be handled and corrected to prevent future incidents.

3. Health & Safety Concerns

From spiders and insects to rodents and cockroaches, keeping your home pest-free means you don’t have to worry about the dangerous bites, diseases and germs that can be transmitted by pests. Another reason a pest-free home is a healthy home — Pests have been shown to worsen allergy and asthma symptoms. A regular pest management program keeps pests at bay and your family healthy.

4. Home Value Preservation

Detecting pests early helps preserve the value of your home by catching pest activity before they are able to do physical harm to your home and belongings. In the United States alone, termites cause an estimated $5 billion worth of damage every year. And that’s just in repairable home damage. Destroyed personal and family items like books, photo albums and boxes obviously can’t be replaced.

5. Peace of Mind

When it comes down to it, a routine pest management system keeps pests off your mind. When you don’t see the pests, you know the program is working. You can rest easy knowing your home — one of your most valuable assets — is protected by a trusted partner who knows your property, neighborhood and unique needs.

Once it’s implemented, a pest management program actually keeps pest control off your regular home maintenance checklist! And one thing’s for certain… you won’t see any pests when you cut the grass and wash the dishes.

Ready to equip your home with a routine pest control program? Give us a call !

3 Mice Prevention Tips to Keep Your Home Mouse-Free this Fall

Tue, 02 Oct 2018 04:12:44 GMT

As fall and winter approach, it’s important to have mouse prevention on your mind. The seemingly harmless rodents find their way inside during the fall to escape fields as they're being harvested.

Luckily, there are a few steps you can take to prevent mice.

3 Tips for Easy Mouse Prevention

From home repairs to natural deterrents, we’ve got a few tips for keeping your house mouse-free this winter.

1. Close off entry points

Keeping garage and exterior doors closed can go a long way in preventing mice. You’ll also want to seal any openings larger than ¼-inch in diameter, checking foundation, water pipes, and vents for points of entry.

2. Remove food sources

Mice come in because they want food (and shelter). Put food away after meals, wash dishes promptly, and store food in plastic, rather than cardboard, containers.

3. Enlist the powers of peppermint oil

Peppermint oil has been shown to deter mice (although, keep in mind it may not do much for a current infestation). Try mixing two teaspoons of 100% pure peppermint oil with one cup of water in a spray bottle. Spray on walls and floors for the ultimate mouse deterrent and air freshener! You can also put five to six drops of 100% pure peppermint oil on a cotton ball to double up defenses in areas highly prone to mice.

Of course, if the mice have already invaded, you’ll need to identify and remove them.

Identifying a Mouse Infestation

Keep your eyes and ears open for these signs of a mouse infestation to begin removal steps early:

Droppings
Gnaw marks on wires, drywall, and other material
Nests (often made from fine shredded paper or other fibrous material)
Musky Odor

It’s as easy as that! Taking a few prevention steps and staying aware for signs of a mouse infestation can help keep your home mouse-free this fall and winter.

Whether you need help with mouse prevention, identification or removal, give us a call !

How to Prevent Bed Bugs in Long Term Care Facilities

Wed, 19 Sep 2018 04:06:01 GMT

Bed bugs aren’t exactly partial to beds… they can be found anywhere from bedding and carpeting to clothing and suitcases. But their desire for warmth, blood and carbon dioxide makes bedding a perfect home. Knowing this, it’s crucial that long term care facilities know how to prevent bed bugs.

These common pests are excellent hitchhikers, great at entering nursing homes on suitcases, old furniture, or the clothing of family, medical staff or returning residents.

Luckily, there are several steps long term care facilities can take to prevent bed bugs.

How to Prevent Bed Bugs

Taking steps to prevent bed bugs in long term care facilities is crucial, as identification and removal can be quite difficult and costly.

Bed bugs are generally nocturnal and prefer to stay close to their host, making bedding, wheelchairs and walkers great hiding spots for the pests. What’s more, as many as 30 percent of residents may not show any reaction to bed bugs due to compromised immune systems. Skin ailments commonly seen in nursing homes like rashes, discolorations, abrasions and ulcers, also make their bites tough to distinguish.

Wondering how to prevent bed bugs from taking over in your long term care facility? Follow these simple steps:

Conduct regular inspections of headboards, bedding, carpet edges, mattresses and box springs.
Vacuum often.
Wash and dry bedding on high heat.
Train facility staff (especially those responsible for laundering bedding and clothing) to recognize the signs of bed bugs including cast skins, fecal droppings and blood splatters on linens.
Hang clothing to minimize the chances of them spreading into clothes. Don’t leave clothing on the bed or other furniture.
Inspect clothing and luggage when returning from travel.
Contact a pest management company before an outbreak occurs to assist in prevention and identification.

Following these tips for preventing and identifying bed bugs will significantly reduce the risk of an outbreak. More importantly, prompt identification of the pests means faster removal.

Ready to get an active prevention program in place? Give us a call !

5 Signs of a Pest Problem at Your Business

Wed, 01 Aug 2018 04:00:57 GMT

Identifying and taking precautions against pests at home is important, but it’s crucial in a commercial facility. A commercial pest infestation can be a massive headache, so arm yourself with these tips to identify signs of rodents or stored-product pests early. The sooner you can get a professional in to quickly and discreetly handle any issues, the better.

Identify a commercial pest infestation with these 5 quick tips:

1. Droppings

To identify, though. Bedbug poop looks like marks left by a felt-tip pen, while cockroach droppings are evocative of black pepper flakes. Keep surfaces clean to make identification easy, and ensure that staff routinely check bedding, furniture, floors and walls for signs of pest fecal matter.

2. Physical Damage

Mice and rats will chew through drywall and wires (sometimes even plastic and pipes) to get to food and water. This can cause electrical fires and of course, workspace and food contamination. Look for gnaw marks on furniture and wires for signs of a mouse or rat infestation. Damaged wood, like furniture or outdoor decks, can indicate a termite infestation. Other property damage like holes in siding, roofs or windows could indicate the presence of a larger nuisance like squirrels or raccoons, so make property checks part of your routine!

3. Grease Marks

Rats and mice typically travel along the same paths (close to walls), and rats are notorious for leaving grease tracks. Keep an eye out for dark, greasy spots near the floor to catch a rodent problem before it becomes unmanageable.

4. Nesting Evidence

Most animals that enter your facility are looking for a happy home, so they’ve likely begun constructing nests. Rodents especially will make nests out of anything available to them from shredded paper or old food to grass clippings and leaves. Larger animals like birds, squirrels and raccoons may make similar homes too.

Nests can be trickier to spot since the animal has likely done its due diligence and found a place away from human disturbance. Performing routine inspections for signs of nesting, particularly underneath floors and between walls, can help identify a pest problem.

5. Plant Damage

Plants contribute to the overall environment of your space, but they can also help you easily identify pests! Gnawing on the edges of plants or blades of grass can indicate an insect problem. Similarly, discrepancies in your lawn could be a sign of a mole, beetle, grub, cricket or fly infestation. Keep an eye out for uneven grass length and large, brown, dead patches of grass to identify signs of these pesky creatures quickly.

In short, equip employees with the knowledge to identify pests early, and keep workspaces clean to make these indications easy to spot. Not all pest problems are created equal, and sometimes a matter of days is all it takes for a problem to escalate.

Seeing signs of a pest, or not sure what to make of a new development on your commercial property? Give us a call !

The Facts Behind 8 Common Bed Bug Myths

Mon, 18 Jun 2018 03:30:33 GMT

Bed bugs all but disappeared in the decades following World War II thanks to improved hygiene and the use of pesticides. Fast forward half a century, and an outbreak after the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney has brought them back to every US state, with experts saying this may be the worst bed bug revival yet.

With their growing populations, more people are likely to come across the tiny pests, likely through the itchy bites for which they’re so well known. While their bites may be familiar, a variety of other bed bug information out there simply isn’t true. We’re busting eight bed bug myths so you can rest easy.

The facts behind 8 Common Bedbug Myths

1. You can’t see a bed bug . Assuming you have decent vision, you should be able to see adult bed bugs and eggs with your naked eye. Also keep a look out for fecal matter, which resembles marks left by a felt-tip pen. You may also notice the red or rust-coloredstains that are left behind when bed bugs are crushed. And if you can’t see them, you may smell them… Bed bugs emit a musty smell when they panic, like when you crawl into bed.

2. Bed bugs can fly . Bed bugs lack wings, a critical prerequisite for flight. Traveling by foot, bed bugs can move about a meter (three feet) a minute

3. Bed bugs transmit diseases . Thankfully, this one is false too. There have been absolutely zero reported cases of bed bugs transmitting disease to humans. They do carry human pathogens, however. As many as 27 viruses, bacteria, protozoa and more have been found in bed bugs, but these microbes do not reproduce or multiply within the insects.

4. Bed bugs reproduce quickly . Not compared to other insects… a common housefly lays 500 eggs over three to four days, while an adult, female bed bug produces only about one egg per day. Each egg takes 10 days to hatch, then it’s another five to six weeks until the baby has completed adult development and has the capability to reproduce.

5. Bed bugs prefer to live in dirty places . It may seem like bed bugs are attracted to dirt and grime, but what they’re really after is warmth, blood and carbon dioxide. Any place from a swank downtown loft to a homeless shelter could provide a comfortable home. While they are known for their prevalence in low-income housing, this is a result of dense populations and a lack of money to pay for proper elimination strategies, not the bug’s preference.

6. Bed bugs only bite at night . While they are generally nocturnal, like a human, bed bugs will get up to eat if they’re hungry. Unfortunately for humans, we are always what they’re craving. So if you’ve been away for a week or so and come home midday and sit on the couch, chances are they may come looking for you. Evidence suggests that at normal room temperature, bed bugs can survive about to three months without a scrumptious blood meal. Because they are cold-blooded, their metabolism will slow in chillier climates, allowing them to live up to a year without feeding.

7. Bed bugs won’t come out if the room is brightly lit . As we’ve discussed, when a bed bug’s gotta eat, well… he’s gotta eat. Keeping the light on at night won’t deter the pests from biting you.

8. A mattress is the only place you’ll find a bed bug . Despite their location-specific name, bed bugs don’t necessarily only inhabit your bed. As an article in Scientific American puts it, “they should also be called pet bugs and suitcase bugs and train bugs and movie theater bugs…”. They can live on any surface including chairs, railings and ceilings and are expert travelers (though they do not typically travel by way of human skin). So examining hotel rooms and beds as well as suitcases and clothes after traveling can help you spot a bed bug early on.

Which brings us to bed bug treatment… what options exist and how do you implement them?

Treating for Bedbugs

A controversial pesticide, DDT, that had been used to fight bed bugs during and following WWII, was banned in 1972 and some argue for its reinstatement. By the time it was banned however, most bed bugs were already resistant to it, and today’s populations are even more widely resistant thanks to the use of a new class of pesticides – Pyrethroids. This class of pesticides targets sodium channels in the bed bugs’ cells, just like DDT. As such, bed bugs become more and more resistant to DDT as they build resistance to the current method.

So will a can of spray from the store work?

The short answer: probably not.

The best way to treat for bed bugs is to wash and dry bedding on high heat, scrub mattress seams with a brush to loosen any eggs, and then vacuum. This can reduce their level of annoyance in your life, but is not likely to obliterate the entire population that has invaded your home. For that, you will need professional help, which typically only takes a few hours.

In the meantime, scientists are actively pursuing other tactics, including freezing and bait similar to that used for cockroaches. Infrared and vibration sensors have also been studied to track bed bug movement, which could be applied to the development of automated traps that detect the pests.

Until technology catches up to these seemingly invincible pests, contact us for a free inspection and estimate.