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Why Rat & Mouse Infestations are a Health Risk

Rodent infestations pose a significant threat to hygiene and health. Even though they might seem harmless and small, rodents can cause asthma and allergies and transmit diseases to your home.

Rodents can aggravate asthma and Allergies.

As with cats and dogs, humans can also become allergic to rodents and mice. People with allergies or asthma can be allergic to rodent urine, feces, and saliva. According to a report in the Journal of Occupational Health, it is standard for laboratory animal workers to develop an “occupational allergic reaction to rodents.” Rodent allergies are common. However, rodent allergens are more prevalent in homes than you might think. A survey of 800 homes in the U.S. found that more than 80% had mouse allergies.

Rodents can transmit diseases directly and indirectly to other animals.

Most people mistakenly believe that diseases can only be transmitted through direct contact with animals. Although rats and mice in Silver Springs MD or Washington DC can transmit diseases to humans and other animals, it is more dangerous for human health when rodents spread the disease indirectly.

Infected rodents may transmit diseases to us by inhaling or eating contaminated materials (in Hantavirus). Leptospirosis, for instance, is a disease that can spread from infected rodents’ urine. This is a particularly alarming fact:

a) Mice and rats dribble urine almost continuously.

b) Rats will mark new places with their urine to make objects more familiar and safer. Rats will even “piddle,” or place food next to it to indicate that it is safe to eat. Rats may urinate on the food they have chosen to eat.

c) The “bathroom behavior” of rodents is already gross. But, when you add the risk of infection, it can be a serious health hazard.

d) Rodents can bring new pests and parasites to your property.

e) Fleas and ticks are often brought by rodents to add “plus one” to the party. These pests can transmit diseases and cause painful bites. Ticks can transmit diseases such a Lyme disease and anaplasmosis to humans. Fleas can transmit plague, flea-borne (murine-borne) typhus and cat-scratch diseases. They can also spread tapeworms by swallowing.

We can help you control an infestation in your Silver Spring house and prevent future problems. Contact MTB Pest Control in Silver Springs MD | Get A Free Quote – (301) 613-6570

5 Tips for Keeping Pests Out of Clothing

It can be very disappointing to find your favorite shirt covered in holes caused by pests. If you don’t take precautions to protect your clothes from pests and insects, they can cause serious damage.

These five tips can be used to repel the most common clothing-destroying pests and keep your clothes intact.

1. Before storing seasonal clothing, wash them.

You can make clothes more appealing to insects by storing them before you wash them. You should wash your clothes without starch or fabric softener, as these products can attract more insects.

2. Choose rigid plastic storage containers instead of cardboard.

The protection of cardboard against harmful pests such as rodents and Silverfish is very limited. Since cardboard is made from paper, it contains cellulose which is a food source to silverfish. After they have finished chewing through the cardboard, they will happily go on to the clothing inside. While cardboard is not on the menu of rats or mice, they can still chew through it with their sharp teeth.

3. Use cedar wood products.

Cedar wood emits a strong smell that repels many insects, including the carpet beetles and silverfish. Cedar wood products can be placed with seasonal clothes, but also with everyday clothes. Cedar wood blocks, balls and shavings are all very popular. You can also place rings over the hooks of clothes hangers.

4. Keep your clothes clean with herbs sachets.

You can use your herbs to make natural, insect repellent sachets. You can combine different herbs to make the perfect blend, depending on your pest problem or preference. We recommend using a combination of cloves, mint and cedar shavings to repel silverfish, moths, carpet beetles and silverfish. This repellent scent is equally woody, spicy, and refreshing.

5. You can also pest-proof other areas in your home.

Pests can be kept out of your clothing by making sure they don’t enter your home. Also, you want to make sure that your home is not a magnet for pests.

These are some tips to keep in mind.

1. You should avoid excessive humidity in your home. Moths love humid rooms, as do silverfish.
2. Make sure you fix any plumbing problems that may be occurring around your home. All kinds of rodents and bugs love damp and dripping water.Prune your trees and landscape. Rodents will climb trees to reach your home, and overgrown landscaping can be used as cover.
3. Weather seal all windows and doors, exterior or interior, including garage doors. This will stop bugs and rodents entering your doors through gaps.
4. Seal any cracks in the exterior walls of your home and around the foundation. These are entry points for many pests.

We can help you control an infestation in your Silver Spring house and prevent future problems. Contact MTB Pest Control in Silver Springs MD | Get A Free Quote – (301) 613-6570

Termite treatment is expensive because it is dangerous. In the days of struggling economies where it’s difficult to survive on a single-income, costs can be challenging. This state of affairs leaves many Aussie homeowners wondering whether termite treatments are important. When they do some research and realize that it is absolutely imperative, they tend to ask the same question. Why is termite treatment so expensive?

Up until 1994 pest controllers used chemicals that were harmful. Back then, it was not widely known that these poisons had such a profound effect on our own health. They also affected the surrounding environments because they traveled so effectively by water.

In fact, seagulls and other water-dwelling birds were severely affected. These chemicals are now banned since research indicated how carcinogenic they are (they cause cancer). Now, pest controllers make use of substances that are safer. That said, there’s still a risk attached.

As we mentioned, pest control is dangerous. Here are industry standards you have to know like the back of your hand. It’s not only about giving clients excellent work, but it’s also to ensure everyone’s safety.

While the newer chemicals are less harmful to the environment, they are still toxic. That means your pest controller is putting him/herself at risk. It also means that you can not hire an amateur for this job. The risks are too great – either the job is poorly done and ineffective, or you and your family are actually harmed.

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The guidelines, drawn up by experienced professionals, communicate where the risks are. They also indicate where your technician might be dangerous. The training involved in certification is costly and takes time.

You’re not just paying someone for the time they spend on your property. You are paying for the amount of time they have spent studying, practicing, and becoming an experienced professional. You’re paying to have the job done perfectly the first time, with no danger for your family.

Installing termite treatments is hard work. It’s physical labor and it also involves skill and knowledge. Aside from memorizing the risks involved in working with poison, you also have to know termites exceptionally well. You have to understand their habits so that you can identify the telltale signs of their presence and know where the different types might hideout.

You have to be able to walk onto a property and instantly identify vulnerable areas that will be prone to termites and have to learn how to operate the industry-standard equipment.

The pest control industry has seen some exciting innovations for termite control. Infra-red equipment and specialized listening devices help. They detect termites that are otherwise completely hidden. A pest control technician has to learn how to interpret the findings to accurately ascertain where the termites are.

Pest control chemicals are expensive. Those who believe they can DIY pest control will attest to this. However, DIY usually tempts people to make the chemicals they’re applying stretch a little more than they should.

This invariably leaves vulnerable areas. The pest control chemicals also require specialized equipment to help apply it. This also costs money. You’re not simply paying for someone’s time and the use of their chemicals.

You’re paying for their expertise and their machines. All of these instruments help to perform the job accurately and comprehensively. And, actually, at a fraction of the cost for the same standard of work if you did it yourself.

Some of the best preventative measures include termite barriers. There are chemical termite barriers. Barriers prevent termites from accessing your building through chemicals applied in the soil. A physical barrier does the same, except it is chemical-free.

The cost of a termite treatment depends on a number of factors. The severity of your termite infestation, the location of the termites and treatments you use. If a pest controller is certain that your infestation is local and not widespread, you could get away with a quick-fix instant treatment. However, the fact that you had termites is a cause for concern and you will have to consider better preventative care.?

Whatever the cost and whatever the nature of the problem it is imperative that corners are not cut by trying to do termite treatment on the cheap. Many people are under the impression they will save money by trying to kill off the termites themselves.

And they may have some success. However, there is always the risk of them making the problem worse by not locating every source of infestation and by unwittingly forcing termites to find other locations within, under or around their property.

If the job is not done properly the termite problem will persist. When you pay professionals to sort out your termite problem you are not only paying for their time and equipment/materials.

You are also paying for their knowledge and experience, honed from dealing with termite attacks and infestations in a wide variety of settings. In addition to dealing with the current issue they will also furnish you with tips and advice to pest-proof your home or business for the future.

CLICK TO CALL NOW FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE – (301) 613-6570

Cockroaches are well-known pests. They can spread disease, damage items, and their populations can grow very quickly from a single egg-carrying female to a full-fledged, widespread infestation. While the extermination of this small pest can be difficult if the entire population is not eliminated at once, there are various methods used for control.

Cockroaches are unique and displeasing creatures which have adapted themselves for millions of years to thrive best in a wide range of habitats. They destroy fabric and paper as they come in contact with, resulting in triggered allergic reactions, asthma, and spreading disease-causing pathogens.

Thirty species of cockroaches are associated with human habitats and considered as pests, though a few most commonly create a nuisance to the urban community.

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Preparation

1. Clean the home prior to the pest control visit, and maintain the home as neatly as possible afterward for long-term results. This helps to eliminate competing food sources for insects. When the home is clean, the roaches will be more easily attracted to the bait rather than to other food sources.
2. Cover and store any open food. Remove all foods, small appliances, and other small items from countertops.
3. Store and/or cover baby toys, supplies, crib mattress, changing table, etc.
4. Mop/scrub kitchen and other hard floors and woodwork with detergent. Thoroughly vacuum carpeted floors.
5. Vacuum up any visible roaches and eggs just before the service visit. The vacuum’s crevice attachment will help to get into cracks. After vacuuming, take the vacuum cleaner outside, remove the vacuum bag, seal it, and discard it in trash. Take a damp cloth and wipe down the entire vacuum cleaner. If any cockroaches or eggs are seen after this is completed, re-vacuum or otherwise kill them.
6. Always keep garbage in closed containers and take out the garbage every night.
7. Remove items from the top of the refrigerator, stove, and any other large appliances that could not be stored. Just prior to service, move these appliances away from the wall and clean behind and beneath them. If the stove has a removable bottom drawer that opens to the floor, you can simply pull this out and clean it and the floor beneath. It will then not be necessary to move the entire stove.
8. Be sure that the pest control professional has free and full access to anywhere that cockroaches have been seen (and anywhere specified by the PCO).
9. Discard all excess paper products and any other piles of trash, as these will provide harborage areas for roaches and other pests.
   Homeowners should repair any water leaks immediately upon detection; apartment residents should report the leak to maintenance immediately upon detection.
10. After service, keep sanitation to as high a level as possible to allow all products to work as swiftly as possible. Do not touch cockroach gel or allow children or pets to get near it for the appropriate amount of time.

Cockroaches that have eaten the gel can kill other cockroaches. This happens because cockroaches are in the habit of feeding on carcasses of dead individuals (called necrophagy) and the fecal matter of cockroaches that have fed on gel bait. Such death of cockroaches due to their feeding on excreta of other cockroaches and remains of dead ones is called the cascading effect.

The science behind the cascading effect leads to quick eradication of all members of the population. Generally, about eighty percent of cockroaches in a colony die in one week after gel baiting. The remaining cockroaches are effectively controlled within three weeks.

If you make your home inhospitable for cockroaches, there are lesser chances of you finding them at your place. You can take the following measures to make your space inhospitable.

1. Seal all cracks and crevices inside and outside your home, as those places can harbor cockroaches.
2. Avoid moisture build-up by unclogging drains and fixing leaks.
3. Soak dishes in the sink overnight with a soapy solution to prevent cockroaches from accessing food residues in the dishes.
4. Wipe and remove traces of sugary solutions when cleaning dining tables as such residues can attract cockroaches which like to feed on sugar.
5. Dispose-off any unused cardboard packaging as it is a favored material of cockroaches to lay eggs and multiply.

Cockroach-borne diseases are very common, especially among children. Cockroaches survive extreme climates and are on the lookout for food, which in turn contaminates your kitchen. The treatment will be carried out by applying a residual insecticide to all infested areas, breeding spots and entry points to control the cockroach infestation & prevent cross infestation to the premises.

Cockroaches cannot be eliminated – they always find ways to enter our homes and hide. Regular expert intervention can control them without using excessive toxic chemicals. Cockroaches are the most common problem faced by every homeowner and they will never stop trying to get into your home in search of food, water, and shelter before you ever realize they’re in your home. Cockroaches are the most familiar problem creator pest that causes various serious diseases and nuisance.

FUN FACTS – COCKROACHES

1. The world’s largest roach which lives in South America is six inches long with a one foot wingspan
2. Some female cockroaches mate once and are pregnant for the rest of their lives (bummer).
3. A cockroach can live a week without its head. The roach only dies because without a mouth, it can not drink water and dies of thirst.
4. Cockroaches can run up to three miles in an hour.
5. Cockroaches can live without food for a month, but will only survive a week without water.
6. Cockroaches can climb walls because they are equipped with a set of little claws on their feet designed for that very purpose.
7. Crushed cockroaches can be applied to a stinging wound to help relieve the pain.

We are leaders in the industry that specializes in protection against common insects, including termites, rodents, and spiders. We have more than 50 years of experience in bugs control services.

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Web-spinners look a little like earwigs or termites, with small eyes, thread-like antennae and long bodies. Unlike earwigs, the tail structures are soft and jointed, and the wings are darker than those of termites. The head is broad and carries biting jaws.

Several invasive insect species have become established in Texas. Some of these species include red-imported fire ants, argentine ants and Formosan subterranean termites. One little known invasive insect species in Texas, Oligotoma nigra, originates from India, and it is considered a nuisance pest in urban and suburban areas of the state due to their attraction to artificial light sources, such as porch lights and street lights. This species is commonly known as the “black webspinner” and residents will most likely encounter males only, as females are not capable of flight. When these insects are not swarming in large numbers around porch lights they spend most of their time within their underground nests where they remain hidden from humans.

Black webspinners are around ‘35 of an inch in length with a dark brown to black exterior. While black webspinners are not considered an ecological threat in the US, they do consume non-vascular plants, such as moss and lichen, and they may move into yards in order to feed on dead plant matter. Recent research has revealed that black webspinners also feed on grasses and ornamental plants.

Webspinners dwell in below ground nests where colonies construct tunnels coated with silk that the insects produce from specialized organs. Webspinners spend most of their lifespan below the ground in order to avoid predators. These insects have adapted to their underground habitat by developing particularly muscular hind legs that allow them to move backwards rapidly within narrow underground tunnels. Additional adaptations include thin elongated bodies, and males possess oval-shaped wings that allow for unobstructed underground tunnel movement.

There is no way to determine with certainty as to how non-native black webspinners arrived in Texas, but experts believe that this invasive pest species arrived in the state via a shipment of date palms imported from Egypt. Black webspinners are distributed throughout the Southwest, and controlling nuisance swarms around homes is often unnecessary, as most residents in areas where these insects are abundant have become accustomed to waiting out swarms.

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Webspinners or footspinners belong to the Phylum Arthropoda, Class Insecta, Subclass Pterygota, and Order Embioptera. They are a small group of mostly tropical and subtropical insects.

Embioptera are found on every continent except Antarctica, with the highest density and diversity of species being in the tropics; some also extend into the temperate regions of Europe. Interestingly, they are usually absent or poorly represented on islands. Webspinners are mostly restricted to warmer locations and are found as far north as Virginia

All webspinners have similar body forms and range in length from 15 to 20 mm. Coloration varies in specimens and ranges from brown to black, or from pink to red. Species are alike in appearance, having long, narrow, and highly flexible bodies, along with short legs. The first segment of the thorax is small and narrow, and the second and third are larger and broader, especially in the males, where they include the flight muscles. The head has forward-facing mouthparts projecting with chewing mandibles and they possess kidney-shaped compound eyes with no ocelli (simple eyes).

Two pairs of wings occur in webspinners, similar in size and shape and having few cross veins, with long and narrow simple venation. This morphology allows them to fold forward and enables the male to dart backward, permitting easy movement through their narrow silk galleries, either forward or backward, without resulting in damage.

A lot of them are silken habitats, known as galleries, created by insects called webspinners. While they’re usually underground or sequestered in burrows in fall and winter – you’re more likely to see the insects in early spring or summer – their silk is visible year-round in many parks and open spaces. They’re typically in areas that aren’t too wet or shady, nibbling on lichen, dead leaves and moss underneath their silken canopies.

Webspinners, related to walking sticks and praying mantises, produce the finest silk in the animal kingdom. But unlike spiders, which produce silk from spinnerets on the tip of their abdomens, or caterpillars that produce it with salivary glands, webspinners have special silk ejectors on their front feet.

“Their feet are clothed with silk ejectors, so they look like the Lord of the Rings’ hobbits,” said Edgerly-Rooks. “When they step, hundreds of fibers come out.”

The extremely narrow silk threads are essential to the webspinners’ survival. The silk serves as the ‘webspinners’ home, umbrella and invisibility cloak, all in one. Webspinners are susceptible to drowning in heavy rains, so the silk shields the insects from water with its amazing waterproof qualities.

“They can’t handle water. When water hits the silk, drops sit on top, like on the paint of a just-waxed car. “They are very fragile insects, so it’s not wise to try to pick them up”.

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Termite Prevention Tips

You can use stones or cement to separate soil from the wooden area especially in your patios, gardens, etc. to create a physical barrier for termites. Use Borate on Wood Before Priming or Painting: Borate is one of the most popular termite repellents. You can spray borate on wood prior to priming and painting.

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Types of Termites and the Damage they cause:

Termites are common here in South California, and once they start feeding on a house, they can cause significant structural damage. Because termites usually feed in areas that are hidden from view, they are one of the most difficult infestations to detect.

Limit Cellulose Access Termites can easily feed on cellulose that is in contact with soil and work their sdk way into your home.

Keep the levels of your landscaping mulch several inches below your home’s siding.

In the winter, cover your firewood and store it away from your home.

Never buy wood scraps in your yard – it makes it easier for termites to find your home.

Limit Moisture

Since termites like a moist environment, you can prevent them by keeping your home and its surrounding areas dry.

Keep bushes, trees, and other vegetation trimmed and away from your home’s foundation.

Make sure the attic, crawl space, and basement are kept dry and well-ventilated.

Limit Water Supplies

Termites need water to survive, so make sure you make it as scarce as possible to find near your home.

a) Use gutters that aren’t clogged to funnel rainwater away from your home. This prevents standing water sources.

b) Find and fix any water leaks you may have in your home.

c) If you use sprinklers, keep them away from your home’s foundation as often as possible.

There are many steps homeowners can take to help prevent termites from infesting their property such as:

1. Eliminate or reduce moisture in and around the home, which termites need to thrive.
2. Repair leaking faucets, water pipes and exterior AC units.
3. Repair fascia, soffits and rotted roof shingles.
4. Replace weather stripping and loose motar around basement foundation and windows.
5. Divert water away from the house through properly functioning downspouts, gutters and splash blocks.
6. Routinely inspect the foundation of a home for signs of mud tubes, uneven or bubbling paint and wood that sounds hollow when tapped.
7. Monitor all exterior areas of wood, including windows, door frames and skirting boards for any noticeable changes.
8. Maintain an 18 – inch gap between soil and any wood portions of your home.
9. Consider scheduling a professional inspection annually. Wood – boring insect damage is not covered by homeowners insurance policies.
10. Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house.

Note: Termites cannot be controlled with do-it-yourself measures.

Maintain the Termite Prevention Features

1. After construction, keep the soil around the foundation dry through proper grading and drainage.
2. Reduce openings that offer termites access to the structure (filling cracks in cement foundations as well as around where utilities pass through the wall with cement, grout, or caulk).
3. Fix leaks immediately.
4. Keep vents free from blockage, including plants.
5. Ensure that trees and shrubs are not planted too close to the structure and do not allow them to grow against exposed wood surfaces.
6. Do not pile or store firewood or wood debris next to the house.
7. Inspect periodically to help ensure that termite colonies do not become established.

Non-Chemical Treatments

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

1. One such method is a physical barrier, typically incorporated during construction.
2. Steel mesh and sands of particular sizes have been shown to perform effectively as physical barriers.
3. Biological control agents (nematodes and fungi) have demonstrated some success, particularly in laboratory settings.
4. Because these methods do not involve the application of an insecticide, EPA does not regulate them.

Chemical Treatments

Before a company can sell or distribute any pesticide in the United States, other than certain minimum risk pesticides, EPA must review studies on the pesticide to determine that it will not pose unreasonable risks to human health or the environment. Once we have made that determination, we will license or register that pesticide for use in strict accordance with label directions. The pesticides used for the prevention or treatment of termite infestations are called termiticides and must demonstrate the ability to provide structural protection before we register them. In most cases, termiticide application can only be properly performed by a trained pest management professional.

The most common technique for treating termite infestations is the soil-applied barrier treatment. Termiticides used for barrier treatments must be specifically labeled for that use.

As the federal agency responsible for regulating all pesticides, including termiticides, sold, applied, or distributed in the United States, EPA must ensure that the pesticide, when used according to label directions, meets current safety standards to protect human health and the environment. To make such determinations, we require more than 100 different scientific studies and tests from applicants. Most states also review the pesticide label to ensure that it complies with federal labeling requirements and any additional state restrictions of use.

Many termiticides are highly toxic, making it critical to follow label directions with added care. Pest management professionals have the knowledge, expertise, and equipment as required by the label, which minimizes risks and maximizes effectiveness.

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Termites are known as “silent destroyers” because of their ability to chew through wood, flooring and even wallpaper undetected. Subterranean termites are by far the most destructive species of termite as they eat 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They’re termites, and they cause up to $5 billion a year damages in the United States, according to the National Pest Management Association, chomping through wood in houses, decks, boats, trees and more.

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Types of Termites and the Damage they cause:

About 2,800 species of termites exist on the planet. However, there are just a few types we humans need to worry about:

1. Subterranean termites
2. Drywood termites
3. Dampwood termites
4. Formosan termites

Let’s understand these briefly:

Subterranean termites, also known as ground termites, live underground in groups or colonies. Their main source of food is wood, and they’ll tunnel underground up to 150 feet to find it. This source of wood could be your house. Subterranean termites are found throughout the United States, but are scarce in colder climates. These termites can destroy home foundations, support beams, plastic pipes, insulation and more.

Drywood termites live above ground, preferring to make their homes inside wood and trees. They don’t need moisture in their nests and instead get it from humidity in the air. You’ll find more of them in the Southeast United States. Drywood termites live inside wood, eating it from within. They like to make homes in attics, door frames and window frames. Wood that’s infested with drywood termites may look fine from the outside but actually be crumbling from within.

Dampwood termites like to build their colonies in damp, decaying wood, as their name implies. Considered an economic pest along the Pacific coast, they’re also sometimes found in the desert of the American Southwest. They’re attracted to damp wood, so homes with moisture or plumbing issues can be affected. Dampwood termite damage looks smooth and clean inside.

Formosan termites are considered the most destructive of all termite types. These pests arrived in the United States from mainland China via Taiwan, entering the country through various port cities. Interesting tidbit: Scientists believe these termites spread across the U.S via infested wooden railroad stakes. Most common to Louisiana, Formosan termites may infest up to 30% of trees in the state. These termites will infest wood and other cellulose – based goods and will invade boats and live trees.

Termites work unbelievably fast and despite their tiny size can cause large amounts of damage.

Wood & Termite Damage

Termites are a common insect, known by many names, including “white ants” or the “silent destroyers”. Whatever you call them, these hungry little insects are capable of causing a lot of damage if they get into your home’s foundation, windows, or doors.

The termite’s closest relative is another common household pest: “The cockroach”. They live in colonies, like bees and ants, with an equal number of males and females.

Some species of termites have been relocated to parts of the world far away from their native land as stowaways on ships, hidden in the wood of crates, lumber, furniture — even in the structure of the boats themselves.

There’s good news about termites and then there’s bad news. As an important part of the ecosystem, they feed on dead plants and trees, including wood and plant matter in the soil. On the beneficial side, their voracious feeding habits help convert plant cellulose into substances that help support new growth. They measure only around a centimeter in length, but their mouths are capable of tearing off big chunks of food.

On the other hand, termites can cause costly damage to wooden structures and crops. Interestingly, termites that aren’t native species to an area can cause the most damage; away from their natural element, they seek shelter in man-made buildings, causing tremendous damage to houses and furniture.

There are many areas where your house has wood that you cannot easily inspect. This includes the wood under your house, the wood inside your walls, and inside the attic. If you want to keep an eye on these areas for termite damage you will have to be intentional about making the time to crawl under the house or climb into the attic. There are other areas around your home made from wood that you can easily check for termite damage as often as you like. These areas include the wood around your windows and doors.

To prevent termites from invading your home, keep moisture problems at bay, monitor areas where wood touches moist soil, and move possible food sources like wood piles away from the house. It’s wise to schedule a regular termite treatment plan that may include inspection and treatment to prevent any problems from occurring.

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What happens to pests during winter?

Bears go into hibernation when it gets cold. Birds migrate south, and humans layer up by the fire to keep warm in the winter months. What happens to termites, ants, and mosquitoes? While many people believe they die, the truth is that termites and other insects have strategies to survive the winter. Find out how pests can survive harsh weather conditions.

ANTS

It’s not often that you see an army of ants marching over the kitchen counter in winter. They are still very close to us, however. Even in our backyards, overwintering in the great outdoors is a familiar feat for ants. They eat a lot of food in the fall to become fat enough to live for several weeks without eating. Their body temperature and productivity decrease as the winter chill approach. They seal up their colonies and hide under rocks or in deep soil until spring. When the temperature rises, the ants will be ready to take over their overwintering areas and shop at the next backyard barbecue.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are a species that has been around for millions and evolved into one of the most adaptable animals in the world. Are they capable of surviving the cold? Most cockroaches can survive year-round if they have access to warm and moist environments. For example, the German cockroach prefers to live in an indoor environment with moisture and food sources. This species is comfortable in bathrooms and kitchens, particularly during winter. The American Cockroach will, however, live outside in warmer climates. Once the temperature drops, this cockroach breed will migrate to larger buildings, such as homes, supermarkets, and food processing plants.

Termites

The climate and species of termites that live in winter will significantly impact what happens to them. To stay warm in colder climates, subterranean termites dig deeper into the soil to keep warm. Other species, such as dry wood termites, will look for shelter in dry wood. The last freeze occurs in springtime when temperatures reach 70 degrees Fahrenheit. After that, the young male and female termites swarm emerge from the nests to search for a mate. Termites can live year-round in warmer climates and heated homes where temperatures are controlled.

You now know that many household pests can survive winter, so it is essential to take steps to pest-proof your home.

Mosquitoes

When you spend time outside during summer, it is almost inevitable to encounter mosquitoes and their itchy bites. You might be surprised to learn that mosquitoes do not disappear when Old Man Winter arrives. Contrary to popular belief, these biting insects hibernate in protected areas like hollow logs rather than overwintering. When the weather improves, mosquitoes awaken to seek food and develop eggs.

Bed Bugs

Temperatures as low as 122° Fahrenheit can be used to kill bed bugs, and they can die after just a few days of exposure to temperatures below 32°F. Unfortunately, winter is a time when bed bugs thrive in warm homes.

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Top 10 Termite Prevention Tips

Many people can’t wait for spring after the cold, long winter that swept across most of the country. Soon, daylight will return, flowers will bloom, and children will spend more time outside. As the weather warms, some people might notice an unwelcome sign of spring – the appearance of termites, or Swarmers.

Spring is the prime termite season. Swarmers are active in spring to mate and form new colonies. These colonies often include residential properties that are vulnerable. Termites can literally destroy a home without the owners even realizing it. They can chew through wood, flooring, wallpaper, and even wallpaper without being detected. They can cause structural damage to a home in as little as a year, depending on which species they are. Termites are responsible for $5 billion in property damage each year.

There are several steps homeowners can take in order to prevent termites from infesting their property. These are 10 tips from National Pest Management Association to help protect your most valuable investment against termites.

• Reduce or eliminate moisture from the home for termites to thrive.
• Leakage of water pipes, faucets, and exterior AC units can be repaired.
• Repair Fascias, soffits, and rotted roof tiles.
• Weatherstripping and lose mortar should be replaced around the basement foundation and windows.
• Water can be diverted away from your house by properly functioning downspouts.
• Routinely inspect the foundation for any signs of termites, such as mud tubes (used to reach food sources), uneven or bubbling paint, and hollow wood.
• For any changes, monitor all wood exterior surfaces, including doorframes and skirting boards.
• Keep a gap of 18 inches between your soil and any wood parts of your home.
• It is worth scheduling an annual professional inspection. Homeowners’ insurance does not cover wood-boring insect damage.
• Keep firewood at least 20 feet from your home.

Do-it-yourself treatments are not effective in controlling termites. To determine the extent and recommend the best treatment, call a licensed pest control professional as soon as you suspect termite infestation. Find a qualified local pest professional.

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How to spot Rats and Mice in Your Home

Common Signs of Rodent Infestation

People often associate cold weather with high heating bills and power outages. However, rodent infestations are another winter problem. According to the National Pest Management Association, 45 percent of rodent problems are caused by rodents in winter and fall. Because rodents are more likely to seek shelter and food indoors, this is the best time to recognize signs of an infestation. To help you determine if your house is infested, the National Pest Management Association has put together this list.

What to look for

Nests Rodents like to nest in dark, quiet areas with little disturbance. Particularly, house mice love to make their nests from shredded paper, cotton, packing material, wall insulation, and fabrics. You might need to have an inspection done by a licensed pest control professional if you find these materials around your home.

Rub marks or tracks

Rats leave dark grease marks on walls and floorboards because they travel in a path between their nests and food. These rub marks are caused by rats’ oily fur.

Gnaw marks Rodents can cause property damage by chewing on almost any material, including plastic and lead pipes, to get food or water. Norway rats and House mice have been known to chew on wires behind walls. This can increase the danger of a home being set on fire. You should be vigilant for signs of rats and rodent infestations such as gnaw marks on the walls.

Rat droppings: A rodent infestation is a sign of its presence. These pellets, which measure approximately 1/8-1/4″ (3-3 mm) in length, are often found around food storage areas, such as pantries or kitchen cabinets. You may also find mouse droppings in sinks, on top of baseboards, and inside chewed cardboard boxes. The feces of mice can contain harmful bacteria and transmit serious diseases like salmonella and Hantavirus. They also trigger allergies. The droppings of mice can be more than 50 per day. Protective gloves are essential to keep your family safe from potential health risks. It is indeed infested by rodents.

Strange sounds

Hearing unusual noises from the walls at night can be alarming. These sounds could be caused by a family rodent running around the house between walls or up in attics. Attics are a great place for rodents to nest because they offer a dark and private area where they can build their nests. Attics are often overlooked in pest-proofing. This area should be kept dry and ventilated. You can also store family heirlooms in plastic containers instead of cardboard boxes.

A real rodent

Mice breed quickly so it’s possible that there are other mice hiding in your house. A female house mouse in Maryland can have up to 35 mice children per year and can give birth to as many as a dozen babies in three weeks. This is a lot of mice!

These are signs that you should be concerned about a rodent infestation. Rodents can be a nuisance, but they can also multiply quickly and spread more than 35 diseases. Rodents can also chew through walls and electrical wiring, increasing the chance of a home being set on fire. Contact a licensed Maryland pest control professional immediately to inspect your home and determine the best course of action.

CLICK TO CALL NOW FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE – (301) 613-6570