Category: Pest Control

Living with Possums – Making a possum box

Removing a possum from your roof

Steps to successfully and safely remove a possum from your roof;

Provide an alternative home for the possum by constructing a sturdy weatherproof possum –house

Where possible, get inside your roof and locate the nest. The nest, which has the scent of the possum, should be placed in the new possum house.

Securely fix the possum house to a tree in or near your yard. Place it at least 4 metres from the ground so the possum will be out of reach of domestic cats and dogs.

To encourage the possum to investigate its new home, put half an apple or banana in or near the possum house.

Trim any branches that over hang the roof to remove access to your roof

Place a light in the roof cavity and keep it switched on for three days and three nights. The combination of light and smell should drive the possum out of your roof and hopefully into the possum house you have provided.

Block off the access points to the roof with timber, chicken wire or both to prevent a possum returning.

If this does not deter the possum, you may need to have the possum trapped.

Possum traps

Possums are protected fauna in NSW and catching possums without a license is illegal in NSW. Contact and we will refer you to a licensed possum removalist. Please see a plan provided by Department of Environment and Conservation for making your own possum box

Marine ply at least 12mm in width is recommended for making possum boxes. Chipboard is not suitable as it disintegrates rapidly outdoors.

Drill four 5 – 7mm holes through the floor of the box near each corner to allow any water that might get in to drain out. Hinge the roof/lid to allow easy access.

Opossum Repellent Natural Home Remedy

When there are opossums on your property, you will want to take the necessary steps to get them off and keep them away. Repellents should theoretically accomplish both of these goals at the same time, discouraging new possums from entering your yard and encouraging the current ones to leave. Unfortunately for those who think repellents are a miracle cure, they are not always effective and are frequently a waste of time. That being said, they can sometimes work with a bit of knowledge.

Consider Safety And Environmental Impact

Before you get too far into considering a particular repellent to keep opossums off your property, you should consider whether it contains any chemicals. The vast majority of repellents sold commercially will contain some sort of chemical and there is no telling what it will. Aerosol repellents in particular tend to be rich in these harmful substances. When chemicals are part of the repellents, there are a few important risks to consider. What happens if your child or pet gets close to the repellent and accidentally ingests some? This would be easily possible if they touch the area sprayed with the repellent then put it in their mouth. You also need to think about the environmental impact as aerosols can harm the planet and any repellent containing chemicals can lead to these ingredients running off into the ground and water supply.

Things To Consider About Scents

You will notice that a large number of the repellents that claim to work for opossums are scents, whether in a spray, liquid, granules, or other format. Scents have a unique set of disadvantages that you need to consider. First of all, the smell will fade over time naturally so you need to reapply it every few weeks for as long as you want the possums to stay away. You will also need to reapply the scent after every single rainfall as it would be washed away. Don’t forget that opossums can also get used to smells over time, meaning that a repellent which was once effective may not remain that way.

Scents To Try

A quick online search will show you a long list of home remedies that theoretically work as possum repellents. One of the most commonly suggested is predator urine, which you can either buy in the store or even get from your pet dog. You may also see recipes that include ingredients like peppers. Looking at the options for sale will show you another long list of ingredients and scents that promise to produce results. The common theme, however, is that none of them actually do. In most cases, people who see success with these repellents were just lucky.

Ultrasonic Sounds

Another type of repellent that is commonly suggested but won’t likely produce results is an ultrasonic sound machine. These machines are designed to operate at a frequency that humans can’t hear but animals do. The idea is that the possums and other wildlife will find the sound annoying and leave your property. In reality, the animals typically ignore the sounds. In some cases, humans may even hear them, meaning you become an annoying neighbor. Considering these machines are costly and would theoretically need to be on 24/7, plugged in the whole time, they are a big waste of money.

Caring for possums

These guidelines are for the Top End subspecies of brushtail possum, as this is the species most likely to come into care. Rock ringtail possums should only be cared for by experienced carers. This information should be used as a guide only. You will need specific information to properly care for injured or orphaned wildlife.

There are two species of possum in the NT, the rock ringtail possum (Petropseudes dahli) and the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula). Both species are nocturnal marsupial mammals.

Rock ringtail possum

The rock ringtail is found across the Top End. It lives in tight-knit family groups, where parents and the young from previous breeding care for the new young. These possums are found in rocky terrain with trees and foliage nearby. These animals rarely come into care. When they do, they should only be looked after by experienced carers.

Common brushtail possum

There are two subspecies of the common brushtail possum in the NT. The subspecies Trichosurus vulpecula vulpecula lives in isolated populations in the southern part of the Territory and is endangered in the NT. If you encounter this species, report it to Parks and Wildlife immediately.

Possums should be kept in a quiet, secure location away from family pets and excessive noise. This includes general household noise, traffic, domestic animals and construction.

Possums

For many Victorians, sharing your property with possums is a fact of life. The trees and gardens around our houses provide a modified woodland similar to their natural habitat. A possum in your roof or eating your flowers can be very frustrating, but people and possums can live together successfully.

Do not feed possums. Human food can be dangerous to possums and cause serious dietary imbalance. Possums eat the leaves, flowers and fruits of a wide variety of native and exotic trees and shrubs. The Common Brushtail Possum may also eat grass, fungi, bird’s eggs and baby birds.

The Common Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) is about the size of a cat. It has large pointed ears, grey fur and a bushy black tail. Brushtail possums have a single young born in autumn or spring. The baby spends around six months in the pouch, one to two months riding on its mother’s back until it is weaned and leaves the maternal den at 7–16 months old.

The Common Ringtail Possum (Pseudocheirus peregrinus) is much smaller than a brushtail, about half the size of a cat. Ringtail possums have round ears, a grey back with rusty sides and a curled tail with a white tip. They have one to three young, mostly twins, born during autumn or winter. Ringtail possums usually build a nest of twigs and leaves, called a drey, several metres above the ground. They rarely enter house roofs.

Possums living within buildings

Possums are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975. Possums must not be harmed in any way or kept without approval from DELWP. It is illegal to harass or interfere with possums.  However, common brushtail possums living within buildings, municipal parks and municipal gardens may be controlled.

Homeowner’s Guide to Possum Removal

Why Remove Possums?

Possums are gorgeous animals but if they’ve gotten into your roof, you’ll know how annoying they can be – thundering around making lots of noise and disturbing your sleep for one!  This isn’t just the only problem though.  Possums can cause significant amounts of damage to your home’s wiring and to the roof itself and these problems can end up costing big dollars to fix.

Removing Possums from Your Home

Possums are surprisingly crafty at getting into the roof of your home, so you or a professional will need to take a look around the roof and seal all of the obvious entry points.  The sealing will need to be done with suitably strong materials so that the possums don’t just get back in again in the future.  If you currently have possums, the professionals will install one way exits on the common possum access point – the possums will be able to get out of your roof but not back in!  Once all possums have left, the entry points are sealed.  In rare cases, where the possum just won’t leave itself, the professional may need to catch the possum inside your roof using a special possum cage.  The possum is then released onto your property (possums generally don’t survive relocation and it is illegal to move them from their home).

As well as doing all this, the possum removal professional will also check the ridge capping, the gables and the eaves, and seal these as necessary (such as through re-pointing).  They’ll also make sure there are no loose spots on your roof or any broken tiles that can give access.  Also, you may be surprised to learn that if you have possums in your roof, you may also have rats, so rat baiting is commonly done when the possums are removed.  Never bait for rats while possums are still present.

Provide an Alternative Shelter for the Possums

If you like possums but don’t like them in your roof, an easy way to stop them from going back into your roof again is by providing them with an alternative shelter.  A possum box is ideal for this and you can install it in a tree, or even on a pole.  While you can’t keep the possum as a pet, hopefully the possum will be attracted to your possum box and use it as a home

Who Removes Possums?

If you have possums in your home, you’ll need to call a possum removal company.  These are the best people to use as they will humanely move the possums from your roof and block up all the entry points so that they can’t get back in

Homeowners Can Prepare For Termite

How often in life do you plan for something that is upcoming? Are you the type who has every detail accounted for before an important event, or are you more of the “whatever happens, happens” kind of individual? No matter what kind of person you are, one thing is undeniable – termite season is here. If your home does not already have termite protection in place, now is the time to start considering steps you can take to ensure it will!

What Termite Swarmers Are & What They Could Mean For Your Home

There are a lot of dangerous creatures in life that we can agree don’t need wings. For instance, if lions, tigers, and bears could all grow wings once a year, it would raise some serious concerns for everyone; yet, home-wrecking termites do sprout wings once a year, and most homeowners don’t even know it! This is not surprising since winged termites can be mistaken for flying ants or other known flying insects. Unlike most other flying insects, however, winged termites pose a serious threat to your home.

If you see termite swarmers around your property this spring, it is not a good sign. They are either a sign that your home already has a major termite problem, or a sign that a termite problem is on the horizon. That being said, let’s discuss some practical prevention steps you can take as a homeowner before termite swarmers show up.

Steps To Take To Mitigate Your Risk Of A Termite Infestation

If you are not seeing termite swarmers around your home, and there are no signs of an already existing termite infestation, there are some things you can do to deter future termites from settling down on your property. Before we start our list of helpful tips, you should know one fact: termites are attracted to water-damaged wood and moist conditions. Every step below works to reduce or eliminate these attractants as much as possible.

Trim back greenery from the perimeter of your home. This allows more direct sunlight to touch your home’s exterior and keep it dry.

Find and fix any leaky piping or appliances inside and outside of your home.

Eliminate sources of water build-up.

Make sure your gutters and drains are in good working order.

Fix or replace any structural wood of your home that has been water damaged.

TERMITES

Termites cause billions of property damage every year – don’t let your home be compromised by these hungry creatures. Termites love to eat and digest wood and other cellulose material (like cardboard and paper). The wood studs and joists in your home are made of the same cellulose wood material, the wallboard has a paper backing, and those cardboard boxes you have stacked in the corner are mighty tasty

TERMITE TREATMENTS

In the thousands of termite treatments we’ve performed, we’ve continuously learned and adapted our treatment methods to be the most effective in battling termites. Whether you need a spot treatment, a soil barrier, a complete perimeter barrier, or the foundation’s stemwall treated,

DO I HAVE TERMITES?

The best defense against termite damage is a good offense, mainly, your own eyes. What you should look for are the small, sandy mud tubes the termites build and travel within. Check around the foundation of your home – if you see a sandy-looking ‘vein’ going from the soil up to the stucco/siding, it’s probably termites.

HOW DO I STOP TERMITES?

The best way to stop termites is to remove potential food sources and eliminate moisture problems.

EXAMPLES OF FOOD SOURCES:

Wood chips abutting the home

Firewood stacked against the home

Wooden fence or gate posts that are in direct contact with the soil and are also in contact with the home

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Termite Damage?

A termite infestation can cause a lot of damage to your house. According to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), they cost homeowners an estimated $5 billion a year to control and repair damage

IS TERMITE DAMAGE COVERED BY MY INSURANCE POLICY?

According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), many homeowners insurance policies don’t cover termite damage or removal. Termite infestations may be prevented with routine home maintenance and is the responsibility of the homeowner.

ARE THERE ANY SCENARIOS IN WHICH HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE WOULD COVER TERMITES?

If termites were to chew through your home’s wiring and cause a fire, your insurance company may step in to help pay for the damages, as fire is a covered peril under most policies

To help prevent termite damage to your house, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) recommends:

Avoiding moisture accumulation by diverting water away from your home’s foundation (make sure you have properly functioning gutters, downspouts and splash blocks)

Regularly checking for changes to all your wooden areas, like windows and doorframes

Inspecting the foundation of your home bubbling paint, or wood that sounds hollow when you tap it

Maintaining an 18-inch distance between the wood portions of your home and the soil (termites can still gain access by building so-called shelter tubes or chewing through non-wood materials, but barriers can be built to discourage them)

HOW TO SPOT TERMITE DAMAGE IN YOUR HOME

The type of damage your home suffers often depends on the type of termite you’re dealing with. The three most common types are dampwood termites, drywood termites and subterranean termites. Dampwood termites prefer wet wood, drywood termites (which are rare in the U.S.) seek out dry wood.

TERMITE FAQ

Can termites spread disease?

Yes, termites do bite people but only if you get them angry. Most termites have to be biting on thin skin (like between your fingers or similar) before you’ll even be able to notice their grim determination. They don’t set out to bite people, but they will bite in defense and they do tend to hang on. The bites of bigger species like Mastotermes, Macrotermes and some dampwood termites are quite easily noticed. I’ve seen small blood marks from a Mastotermes bite near a technician’s navel. Strangely, it is much more often the meek-looking workers that bite (me) than the big-jawed, heavy-set, scary-looking soldier termites. Alates (swarmers) may have bitten me. I’ve never noticed.

What’s a termite lifespan?

There’s no simple answer to this one. It depends. The species, life-type, wear and tear, the colony’s health–all these things affect the potential for a termite’s long life. A worker or soldier termite can live to about three years in my lab, but most probably only live a year or so in the wild. They can also get killed soon after starting work and so, on average, many only last a few months. A reproductive female, the termite queen is something quite different. In some mound-building species queens are reported to last more than 40 years, perhaps several decades more! The reproducing males also last a long time

As usual, though, termite reality is stranger than we first thought. Imagine an amoeba, a superbly simple single-celled animal. If one splits (binary fission), producing two individuals, is the original one alive or dead? I think it is still alive. Do we think the same if the animal is multicellular and reproduces less simply? The issue arises with termites.

Like, where did they live before there were termites to live in?

Termites are just cockroaches that have learned to cooperate very well. They are thought to have begun as something like the wood-feeding cockroach genus Cryptocercus. The microbes that live so successfully in their guts are derived from similar free-living forms in rotting logs that get eaten when cockroaches eat the rot.  So both the ancestoral microbes and the ancestoral cockroaches were living in logs and soil well before termites came about.  You can imagine a termite as a streamlined cockroach shaped by the needs and profit of the microbes as well as the benefits of living in social groups. Over time, the gut organisms became adapted to their unique habitat and co-evolved tightly with their hosts to the point that most are critical for the termites’ success.

They don’t, just the vast majority of them.

Termite scientists are a fairly conservative lot, and like patterns. Termes is a Latin word meaning wood worm. It is a widely followed convention that the genera of termites be given names with -termes at the end, but it isn’t required by the rules of naming animals. Just makes things easier I guess. Some genera don’t. This is because the taxonomist who authored them broke with convention

Termite Control: Liquid VS. Bait

The most destructive insect in the United States is the subterranean termite. These wood-destroying insects cost U.S. property owners billions of dollars each year in repair costs, and billions more to exterminate these pests and arrest the damage being done. But it does not have to be this way. You can actually stop termites before they enter. The two ways that work best are liquids and baits. Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of these two processes, and see which works best

Liquid Barrier

This process, which creates a barrier of termiticide in the soil around a structure to kill termites that pass through, has been the industry standard for controlling termites for many years. This method is extremely effective, but it has two drawbacks. First, it is necessary to bore holes and trench around the foundation of the structure and this can sometimes be problematic. Second, some liquid barriers do a good job of killing termites, but they do nothing to destroy the colony that is sending workers to breach the barrier. When the liquid barrier slowly wears out, worker termites will eventually find a way through.

realize that liquid barriers can have drawbacks. That is why we use Altriset. This eco-friendly product doesn’t just kill termites, it also works to kill the colony that is attacking. Chlorantraniliprole, the active ingredient in Altriset, causes a paralysis in the jaw muscles of worker termites, slowly making it so they can no longer eat. Those workers then carry and spread Chlorantraniliprole to other workers in the colony, causing them to starve and die. This can work its way all the way back to the colony and kill the queen. Without a queen, the colony dies.

What is most amazing about Altriset®, compared to other termiticide barriers, is that it doesn’t affect other beneficial insects. You don’t have to worry about honey bees or earthworms dying off because of your termite treatment. Altriset® is completely safe for the environment. And, if you’re looking to protect a new home, Altriset is the perfect product. It can be put into the ground before construction, without trenching, and protect a home for years.

Termite Bait

Baits work in two ways: they can be used to monitor for termites, and they can be used to kill termite colonies

SQUIRRELS

WHAT DOES A SQUIRREL LOOK LIKE?

Squirrels are about 17 to 27 inches long with a rodent-like body and large bushy tail. Their color is greyish or reddish brown with a paler belly depending on the species. The most common squirrels in Wisconsin are the fox squirrel, ground squirrel, and American red squirrel.

WHY DO I HAVE SQUIRRELS?

Most often squirrels stay outdoors. If you find them in your home or scratching in your attic or crawl space they are in search of food and warmth and will begin to nest.

ARE SQUIRRELS DANGEROUS?

Squirrels have a very destructive behavior. If they gnaw through insulation, wiring, or structures they can cause a number of problems within your home.  Squirrels can also contaminate food if they come into contact with it

HOW DO I GET RID OF SQUIRRELS?

The best way to get rid of squirrels is to hire a professional. The pest control technician will know the safest way to rid the squirrels and their nests from your home, and prevent more from coming in.

HOW DO I PREVENT SQUIRRELS?

You’ll want to make sure all potential entrances to your home are sealed off. Technicians know common routes squirrels take and can make professional recommendations on home improvements to prevent squirrels.

Your Squirrel Control & Exclusion Partner

Signs that you could have a squirrel problem in your house:

Squirrels are active creatures that are capable of doing severe damage to your home. They are excellent climbers, can chew through all types of materials and can enter through the smallest openings in order to make way into your home.

Due to their harmful activity, squirrels have the ability to do a large amount of damage to your property. They are especially prone to chewing through wood, plastic, sheet metal, insulation and electrical lines.

If you are in need of a squirrel exterminator, we offer a range of residential and commercial services to ensure that your home or your business is pest-free. We are a pest control company that is committed to removing pests and unwanted visitors from your home.

Both red and grey squirrels enjoy getting into things, especially the attic. If you start hearing scraping or rubbing sounds early in the morning, there is a good chance you may have squirrels in your attic. Their gnawing can allow them access inside your home, as they can easily crawl through small openings. Once they have gained access, they will continue to chew on anything in sight. Not only do these squirrels cause damage in your attic, but they can also carry various diseases in their waste.

Flying squirrels are small, agile and love wooded areas. They have the ability to glide through air between trees, and can do this up to 100 feet from a tree to your home.  These animals are nocturnal and travel in groups, so if you hear continuous scrambling noises from above, you most likely have a group of flying squirrels in your attic. This can result in a havoc in your attic space if they go unnoticed.

Problems Winter Squirrels

You’ve probably noticed that we have squirrels. Do we have squirrels. They’re everywhere! Usually, that’s not a problem. In fact, it’s kinda fun seeing them playing in the yard, scrambling up trees or eating an acorn on the railing of the back deck. Wildlife brings life to the nature outside our homes. But, when they start to become a problem, they are a hassle few of us have time to deal with. And winter is a common time for them to become a problem

If They Are Cold, Let Them In… No

On a cold, blustery day, we humans enjoy going into our temperature-controlled homes and being greeted by the warmth. Before we even get to the door, we’re already thinking about it. We might even have in mind exactly how we’ll take advantage of that heat, such as putting our mittened hands on the radiator in the entranceway, hovering over the wood stove in the kitchen, or standing in front of the fireplace in the living room. Squirrels don’t have these ideas on their mind. They don’t know how wonderful and warm it is inside your home, until they happen to go by a current of heat escaping from the roofline of your home. When they do, it is usually more than enough incentive for them to try and chew their way in and take advantage of that heat.

Once squirrels have gotten in, there are many ways they can be a problem all through the winter months. Here are just a few of them:

Squirrels don’t stay in your attic. They go in and out of whatever hole they’ve created and search outside for food. This can increase the damage they did getting into your home and give more opportunity for water to get in. This can lead to fungus, mold, and other water issues within your walls.

Squirrels create nests in attic spaces. The materials they use to create those nests are usually found right inside your home. They rip up insulation, tear drywall, and damage other building materials.

Squirrels may use boxes as a location to nest. The cardboard of a box can be used for nesting material or the boxes themselves can be a nesting location. Either way, squirrels can damage items you have in storage as they make themselves at home. If you have precious keepsakes in your stored boxes, those items could be damaged beyond repair.

Wildlife don’t go outside to use the restroom. When squirrels get into your home, they will do their business everywhere they roam. That can be an issue as their feces and urine can have harmful bacteria and diseases.

Squirrels bring company. While it is certainly bad to have a squirrel in your home, what they bring in with them is even worse. If a squirrel is infested with ticks, fleas, mites, or some other ectoparasite, those parasites could infest your home. The diseases associated with ectoparasites is long and scary. They can spread disease, alpha-gal allergy, spotted fever, tularemia, plague, and more. These can lead to damaged internal organs, human mortality, and lifelong health complications. The risks are dependant on many factors that are too long to cover. Reasonable caution is the best course of action when dealing with wild animals and the parasites they can carry.

Squirrel attacks. This might sound amusing but being attacked by a squirrel is anything but amusing. Outside your home, squirrels are mostly docile creatures that will flee when you get too close. But a trapped or terrified squirrel can become aggressive. A momma squirrel is even more aggressive. It is never a good idea to be in a closed room with a scared squirrel.

What Should I Do?

When squirrels get in, it is best to have them removed by a licensed and experienced wildlife control professional. There are many things that can go wrong. A professional will make sure the proper equipment and methods are used to humanely extract the animal and deal with decontamination issues and secondary pest threats. Most importantly, they’ll help you prevent future infestation.

Tips for Choosing the Right Pest Control Company

Pests are a nuisance. Although they are a common problem in many homes and commercial buildings, they are a serious problem. Not only do pests disrupt your comfort but they can also carry various contagious diseases.

While you may want to get rid of a pest infestation the moment you’ve discovered the problem, it is crucial that you take time to find a reputable pest control company. With so many pest control companies to choose from, how will you find the right one?

Year of experience

Before you hire a pest control company, see that they have been operating the business for at least a few years. Also, check to see that there haven’t been any complaints filed or investigations launched against them.

Membership with professional pest management bodies

In your search for a pest control company, look for one that is a member of professional bodies that monitor industry standards. Companies that are members of such organization will use methods that pose minimal risk to your health and the environment as they operate within strict regulatory guidelines. You can rest assured that such a company will provide safe and effective services.

Licence and certification

Do not hire a pest control company if the company is not certified and licenced. Since such documentation is only valid for a specific period, ensure that the company and its workers have current licences and certification and that they have up-to-date knowledge of regulations, products and techniques. Ensure the company is covered by liability insurance as well

Squirrel Removal

If you’re looking for a squirrel removal company in the area, we’re the ones for you. Whether or not you think the squirrels are a problem, they truly do need to go. They may seem harmless, but if you let the squirrels stay, important parts of your home could be.

What do squirrels do?

We get it, squirrels can look cute. But, there’s a reason that your dog is barking at them! They move really fast, and sure, they’re entertaining to a dog. However, your dog’s job is to protect your home. So, when your dog sees a squirrel, think of them protecting your home. Look, we love dogs. We wish our dogs could be the one thing that gets rid of squirrels. Unfortunately, they aren’t.

You may think that squirrels are annoying, but let’s dig into why they are much more than annoying and bordering on very harmful. First of all, squirrels like to eat. They see your home and garden and think it’s an all-you-can-eat buffet. They’ll start with your plants. You know those gorgeous plants you’ve been tending to? Consider them the filet mignon for squirrels. A squirrel has no issue with eating all of your beautiful plants and flowers in your garden.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t stop there. When you have just one squirrel, it’s just a few plants. Still, squirrels like other squirrels. Soon enough, they’ll have babies, and then you have a squirrel hotel happening right in your backyard. Not only will they hit your plants and flowers, but say goodbye to seeds, fruits, vegetables, or anything else you’ve got in your yard.

Squirrel removal from your attic

Once they’ve made their way through your plants, they need to find a place to rest. Say hello to the squirrel nest. Didn’t know squirrels nest? Well, that’s because you probably haven’t seen their nest before. Do you know where their favorite place to nest is? Your attic!

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are well known for spreading disease and are associated with various other health risks. Exposure to this insect could put you at risk of Salmonella, Dysentery & Gastro-enteritis. Increases in eczema and childhood asthma have even been linked to cockroach droppings.

Cockroach Control Solutions

As the experts in cockroach control, we can provide professional, targeted treatment methods for your home or business.

A quick response at the very first signs of an infestation is often essential to control cockroaches in your home and to prevent the spread of this pest to your neighbours.

Their ability to breed rapidly and their resilience means that a professional service is usually the most reliable form of control. Only expert solutions are powerful enough to eliminate all stages of their lifecycle.

Most Effective Ways to Get Rid of Cockroaches

Cockroaches are the most unpleasant and disgusting creatures that can be found in the house. Your first thought when you see roaches in house is how to get rid of roaches forever and ever! The roach infestation can be the scariest thing happening to any house

The roach infestation is a sign of unsanitary conditions and dirt, and it causes unpleasant impressions of the premises. After all, you must admit that it does not matter how beautiful and clean the kitchen is, the creeping cockroach immediately changes the impression from what you see and signals you on roach problems in the house. But no one is immune to the roach infestation.

What are cockroaches?

Cockroaches are the most common insects, numbering more than 5 thousand species of different roaches. Their ability to adapt to any situation allows them to survive under the most inappropriate conditions. Scientists suggest that roaches can survive even a nuclear explosion. This fact makes them invulnerable and leaves us so little chance to get rid of roaches.

Lifestyle

Cockroaches prefer warm and humid places. They are nocturnal insects. Roaches hide in secluded places during the day. Therefore, you can detect them at night. If you turn on the light, you will see roaches running through the cracks. Cockroaches are very mobile insects. They run fast and sometimes you cannot swat them.

What harm do roaches cause?

In addition to their unpleasant, frightening and hideous appearance, cockroaches cause tangible harm in the house. So that the question how to get rid of roaches becomes vital.

A How-To Guide on Controlling Cockroaches at Home

Have you ever wandered into the kitchen for a late-night snack, only to scream in horror as you glimpse a cockroach stealing away into another room? If so, you’ll probably want to know what you can do to make sure this doesn’t happen again.

What Do I Need to Know About Cockroaches?

Why are cockroaches so ubiquitous? What is unique about them?

Cockroaches are omnivorous. Their ability to eat any food source makes almost any locale a potential feeding site. Although members of the order Blattodea (the scientific name for cockroaches) are found worldwide, individual families within this order are segregated into different regions that they’re best suited for. Other insect orders are similar in nature. Take Diptera for instance—flies and mosquitoes are just as widespread.

How prevalent are different types of cockroaches in the North versus the South?

German cockroaches are found in both regions because they prefer indoor habitats. American cockroaches are found in both regions because they prefer the warm, moist conditions found in storm drains and utility tunnels. Exterior-dwelling roaches, like the Surinam or Australian cockroaches, are more prevalent in southern regions due to the warmer habitats.

How can a homeowner tell the difference between a rogue cockroach here or there and a legitimate problem that requires further action?

Population density and the specific species will determine the best and most economical form of treatment. It’s normal for one or two American or Smokybrown cockroaches to enter a structure now and then and not be a problem. They prefer to live outside the home environment, so if you see one or two of them, it’s normally an accidental invasion into the home.

How Do You Get Rid of Cockroaches?

What preventative measures/practices can a homeowner employ to help a cockroach-free home stay that way?

Sanitation is the key! A breadcrumb dropped behind a stove can feed roaches for weeks. Add to this grease splatter from frying, other tiny bits of food that children drop, and the availability of water in a kitchen, and you have a perfect habitat for roach rearing.

Effective Tips for Cockroach Control In Orange County Landscaping

When you have too many cockroaches in your home, then definitely it becomes hard for you to even stay in your home for one day. You have to either look for techniques for cockroach control, or you might even start planning to move to a new home. Mostly those houses that are located close to some greenery fields or forests will experience maximum numbers of cockroaches in their kitchen sink areas, bathrooms or even in outdoor Orange County Landscaping garden areas.

Cockroaches are so tiny in size that they can easily slip through a small space of 1.6mm, as well. Young cockroaches need around 0.5mm of the area to enter your home. Just observe them for a second, and you will be surprised to see how much experience they have in slipping inside your homes. A surprising fact about cockroaches is that they can hold their breath for a maximum of 40 minutes. WOW!

Which places in your home do cockroaches love the most?

If your house has some dirty and filthy areas, then get ready to encounter cockroaches right there. Cockroaches are fond of slipping inside those areas of the home, which are unhygienic and have massive dirty mud. This is for the reason that they are mostly found in the garden areas or the fence. Cockroaches love to slip in wet mud after rain. Above all, the kitchen is the top favorite locations for cockroaches. Therefore, it is always recommended to cover your food items with sealed plastic sheets. Plus, you should never allow any extra water to be collected in your sink. This is a welcome invitation for cockroaches to thrive in your kitchen.  Be careful with it!

Essential tips to follow to get rid of cockroaches naturally:

For some people getting rid of cockroaches at home is a daunting process, and tiresome too. Some homeowners make use of insecticides to get rid of cockroaches. While that might bring some permanent results, this can bring some harmful consequences for your family’s health where the pesticides are composed of some toxic chemicals in it.

Do regular or weekly cleaning:

Messy homes are most often getting attacked from these pests. Therefore you must carry out with daily cleaning of the home. You should make sure that your house is spotless from dirty food particles because cockroaches are attracted to food waste. You should wipe the counters each night and should wash all the dirty dishes in the sink.  This is important! You also need to sweep the floor before going to bed. You should perform 15 minutes of cleaning to get the best results at the end of the day. This will eliminate the residue and the things that attract the cockroaches too.

Cockroaches

What are they?

Cockroaches have been an insect pest for about four million years. There are more than 3,500 species around the world.

The German cockroach is one of the most common household cockroaches in the world. They are particularly fond of living in restaurants, food processing facilities, hotel rooms, and nursing homes. Although not very tolerant of the cold, this cockroach has been found in buildings as far north as Nunavut. Measuring about 1.3 cm to 1.6 cm (.51 to .63 inches) long, it is tan to light brown, with two dark parallel streaks running from the head to the base of the wings. Roaches have wings, but are unable to fly.

Should I be concerned?

Cockroaches rarely cause structural damage. They can, however, contaminate food and spread disease by walking over, and excreting on, food or food preparation areas after having travelled through garbage and/or sewers. People with asthma may have a negative reaction to their droppings (feces) and body parts.

How can I get rid of cockroaches?

Intensive cleaning measures and pesticides should be used jointly to control cockroaches. Pesticides alone will not be successful, since the living environment must be physically changed first.

Cleaning

Preventing access to food, water, and shelter, and keeping a clean home are important steps in preventing any pest infestation.

Why Wasps Are Attracted to Your Home

Have you ever wondered why there are wasp nests near your home when it warms up outside? It’s worth knowing what these annoying pests look for when choosing a location for their nests. We’ll also give you a few tips on how to dissuade wasps from moving in around your home.

What a Wasp Thinks About When Searching for a Home

Humans look for a home that provides shelter from the elements and enough space to live comfortably. Unfortunately, wasps aren’t as selective. They’ll build their nests just about anywhere, so long as they have a sturdy, horizontal base to hang from.

Eaves, Ceilings and Overhangs

The favored nesting spots for wasps are eaves, porch ceilings and overhangs. They often choose a corner spot where the nest will be more protected

Supply of Weathered Wood

Paper wasps, a very common species, get their names from the nests they construct. They build nests using wood fiber, therefore they need a construction resource near the nest. The queen wasp scrapes wood fiber from wood materials, and chews it to mix the fiber with her saliva, creating a paper pulp. She then spits it out at the desired build site to shape and create the nest. Gross, but very efficient for building.

Insect Food Supply

The one good quality wasps have is that they control the insect population by eating other bugs – placing them in the category of beneficial yard pests. The bad news is that if they decide your home is a good nesting location, that probably means there’s an ample food supply nearby

Access to Indoor Shelter

You’ll be happy to know if wasps made a nest on your property last year they won’t come back to it. Wasps abandon their nests in fall and let Mother Nature take its course to decompose it. The downside is that the queen seeks shelter indoors to survive the winter. If she is successful she can start the process all over again come spring.

Camping News

Maybe you hate midges and are irritated by flies. But no insect creates as much fear in the Danish late summer as the flying devils with black and yellow stripes. Stinging wasps are not popular, but they are very interesting. Here’s why.

Bzzz. First you hear the deep hum, and then you see the swaying flight and the ominous black and yellow stripes. You know that from now on there will be no peace for your meal. But actually what are wasps? Are they just striped evil on wings, or do they actually have a justified place among Danish fauna?

Wasps can be divided into many species, but those we typically deal with are the common wasp (Paravespula vulgaris) – and in some cases the hornet (Vespa crabro).

Wasp nests fall to pieces in the late summer. So the wasps you meet in September and possibly October are particularly bad-tempered. They are just waiting for certain death and like drug addicts they are always in search of their favourite drug: Sugar. Therefore they no longer take care of the most important tasks in the wasp nest. This is the time that they are particularly interested in the food you are eating and they can be a nuisance at any barbecue or cake table

Unlike bees and bumblebees, which lose their sting and die when they sting, the wasp’s sting is smooth and has no barbs. And so it can easily sting several times.

Wasps deserve to be loved

Recently a newspaper asked its readers to propose species that were, ecologically speaking, “useless”, such that their loss would not have any great knock-on effect on other species or biological cycles. And what did they choose to illustrate this question with? A wasp – which, along with stinging nettles and dog dirt are pretty much the only appreciable natural hazards in the British Isles.

Like many other species of the order Hymenoptera, these insects have modified ovipositors that no longer lay eggs but instead sting. While bees either make honey or look fluffy and bumbling, these black and yellow wasps seem to do nothing but ruin whatever weather passes for a British summer by pestering picnics and dive-bombing barbeques.

Getting stung by a wasp is not a great deal of fun. For an unlucky few it can even be life-threatening if they experience an extreme immune system reaction to the venom and enter anaphylactic shock. In some regions some wasps are considered invasive species, which have in a relatively short period of time wrought havoc on native ecosystems.

But I want to consider our attitudes to these species in their native habitats. I want us, in short, to love wasps – for two reasons.

First, wasps are not useless but in fact very important elements in complex ecosystems. Adult wasps feed on nectar and sweet fruit (and possibly your unattended soft drink or beer as they will be attracted to its strong smell). By feeding on nectar, wasps are pollinating species. But it is the feeding requirements of their larvae that produce arguably more important ecological effects as their larvae only eat solid food. Consequently, a great deal of an adult wasp’s time is spent searching for species that we consider pests: aphids and caterpillars that eat the plants that we want to eat, or like to admire.

Why Do Wasps Choose My Home?

When paper wasp nests appear on your home year after year, it can feel like those wasps are targeting you and only you but you can take some solace in the fact that your home is probably not much more attractive to wasps than your neighbor’s is. Let’s take a quick look at some things that lure wasps in and see if there is anything you can do about them.

Wasp Attractants

Paper wasps prefer to live on a home that has more food options available. In fall, these stinging pests prefer protein. They get it from eating bugs. The more bugs you have in your yard, the more likely you are to have a wasp nest develop. Therefore, the first line of defense against wasps is a good pest control plan in general.

All pests need a drink, and wasps are no exception. If you have moisture conditions near your foundation, wasps will take notice. You can prevent moisture problems by fixing any leaking pipes, spigots, or hoses that are near your home. Trim bushes and trees to allow the sun to dry up rainwater. And loosen compacted soil that allows rainwater to pool.

Wasp Control

When it comes to controlling wasps, there isn’t a lot you can do to make your home less attractive, so one option is to remove nests when they start to develop or use pesticides to get rid of a fully developed nest. But the use of insecticides can be more harmful than having wasps around. It is best to have a pest control technician deal with wasps as part of an ongoing pest control service plan.

At Adams Exterminating Company, wasp and hornet control is just one of the services we provide in our year-round pest control packages. Request a free home estimate and find out which package will work best for your home. Wasps can be irritating pests to have around, but they are not the worst pests to have around. Get essential protection from pest threats with residential pest control from Adams

How Do Wasps Build Their Nests?

have you ever been playing outside when you hear a tell-tale buzzing sound? From experience, you know that you don’t want to get stung by any flying insects. You’ve been stung before and you know how painful it can be

You look up and you see a familiar sight attached to the underside of the eaves of your house. It looks a bit like a paper honeycomb, and it’s the center of attraction for a swarming group of flying insects. What is it? A wasp nest!

There are three main types of wasps you’re likely to run into from time to time: paper wasps, yellowjackets, and hornets. They are all similar in that they make paper nests. However, they differ in the size, shape, and location of their nests.

Paper wasps, for example, tend to build small, umbrella-shaped nests under eaves and overhangs. Hornets build large nests shaped like a football. You can often find them hanging from a high branch of a tree. Yellowjackets prefer to make their nests underground.

Where do wasps get the paper they use to build their nests? Do they steal paper from school children while they’re at recess? Not hardly! They actually make their own building materials by turning raw wood into paper pulp.