The Dangers of Mice and Rodents

The dangers of mice include rodent-borne diseases. 10 million people have died from rodent-borne illness in the past century. Although rodents are not a daily health risk, there is a great potential for rodents to transmit diseases to you and your family if they enter your home looking for food and shelter.

Rodents, by design, make excellent vehicles for diseases. Rodents have adapted easily to living with and in close proximity to humans. They and their parasites share our homes. They nest and sleep in our furniture and we do not realize it, making us very vulnerable to the pathogens and diseases spread by rodents. If mice are in your home, they are dangerous mice.

Some diseases and parasites include Salmonella, Lyme Disease, Typhus, Hantavirus and the Plague. These diseases can lead to skin lesions, intestinal disorders, renal failure, fever, attacks on the circulatory and respiratory systems and sometimes death.

Beyond the risk of disease, rodents are also very destructive by nature. Gnawing on furniture, wood work, insulation and other household items is common. This damage can be very costly. Some rodents even chew through electrical wiring which can cause fires and expensive repairs.

It is important to take the necessary steps to protect your family from the dangers of mice, including disease and damage to your home. Mice are dangerous to your home and their effects can be very devastating and costly.

The 3 Common Myths Solved About Pest Control Services

Pest control is something that almost all of us have applied to our houses or commercial areas. It is because the common pests such as flies, termites, lizards, cockroaches, bugs, rats, etc. love places that are warm for them to thrive in. Apart from warm living areas, they readily get food to survive on. Food in the form of cloth, paper, wood, provisions for human consumption, etc. helps them live on as they readily get to avail such amenities at no extra effort. Pest control allows you to get rid of these unwanted elements. The services make use of pesticides and insecticides that treat them until they are gone forever.

There are several myths associated with these services. A few state it to be harmful to you and your family and a few claim it to be ineffective for the long term. Depending on each one of their experiences, people make claims and, therefore, confusing the rest on the facts associated with the services and its effectiveness. Here are a few facts related to the myths that would allow you to have faith in the services and its effectiveness.

• Wait till the infestation is large scale - Well, this is something that is entirely wrong as waiting for an outbreak to multiply would mean calling a greater risk to you and your family. Whenever you notice even a single pest crawling about your house, the need for the hour is to call on the professionals to get rid of them and the ones that are away hiding.

• All treatments are the same - They may seem the same, but the effects on the pests are different. Whether you purchase an over-the-counter pesticide spray or call a professional, the results of both will be different. The ones available for or use has a temporary effect till the time the substance is wet. It would kill the insects when sprayed on, but it wouldn't kill the ones that are hiding. The treatments that the professionals use are of a different standard and are known to last for long. Therefore, they are called professionals who ensure that their treatment is effective than the ones we use all by ourselves.

• Pest control is only for visible bugs - You may notice lizards crawling on the walls of your house and thus call upon people to get rid of them. When they come over, they would inspect the entire house to check if there are any other insects around and that would help you get rid of the ones that aren't visible to you.

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Choosing a Pest Control Company

If you have a problem with insects or rodents in your home, you may be tempted to hire the first pest control company you run across because you want your problem solved as quickly as possible. However, you need to try and take your time and make the best decision possible. Here is some information that can help you narrow down your choices.

It can be very difficult to find a pest control company because you will likely have a wide range of options. There can also be a wide variety of quality in the services these businesses offer. There are some, for example, that will guarantee their work while others will not. You need to feel as comfortable as possible with your choice, but you also want to be able to screen potential candidates effectively.

One way of doing so is by making sure the provider is qualified and licensed. In most states this is a requirement, so make sure you know that your provider meets this requirement. If possible, go with a pest control company that goes beyond merely meeting minimum standards. Look for certified professionals who are trained in the latest methods of extermination and are familiar with the latest equipment and technology.

Make sure the providers you are considering belong to national and state associations. This shows you they are always looking for ways to improve their capabilities and are committed to training. The National Pest Management Association, for example, has a program that is committed to raising the level of professionalism in the pest control industry. If a provider is a member of this group, that shows it has a commitment to training that goes beyond minimum state requirements.

If you have any friends, neighbors, family members, or co-workers who have recently had this type of service in their home, ask them if they have any recommendations. Often times, word of mouth from a trusted advisor is a great way of finding a company that will provide you reliable, effective service. As good as this source may be, however, don't let it be your sole determining factor. Look on the Internet for reviews of the companies that you are considering. Check to see if they had complaints, and then see what they did to resolve problems with their customers. One excellent site to consult is your local chapter of the Better Business Bureau.

Try to find a company that has a substantial amount of experience as well. The longer a company has been established, the more stable it will likely be. You probably won't have to worry about the business disappearing. Also, if a company has been around a long time, that means it has been providing reliable, effective service for several years and can be trusted as a result.

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Pest Control Benefits for Home Owners

Many homeowners employ pest control to manage different aspects of their homes. It is a reality that there are several kinds of nuisance animals and insects in residential and even commercial areas. These nuisance animals and insects come in different forms. Insects make up the bulk of what plagues many homeowners.

Common Nuisances

In residential areas, the most common kinds of insects and animals that need to be managed include, but are not limited to ants, termites, wasps, bees, cockroaches, raccoons, rats, moles and many others. Insects can basically enter and take over a house if they are left unchecked because they are small enough to fit in the many nooks and crannies in a structure. Pest control for insects is necessary because they can invade a house and stay in it unnoticed for several months, even years due to their small size and subversive movements. Termites can eat almost half of the structure before an unobservant homeowner will be aware of their presence. Ants are not as destructive as termites but they can be a nuisance because they can be anywhere. Cockroaches are dirty insects that carry disease and can multiply at an alarming rate while living in between walls and under cupboards and cabinets. Wasps and bees basically stay outside of the house but can be dangerous especially when there are some people who are allergic to their sting. Some species also tend to be aggressive when guarding their hives. Mosquitoes also pose a risk of contagious diseases for homeowners that live near places where they multiply and they are pesky creatures that can cause allergic reactions to those they bite.

Rodents are very common animals that plague a house. Rats, raccoons, moles and squirrels can be among these pests. They usually invade a house because they are in search of food. Birds can also be a nuisance for some homeowners because they also tend to go inside open windows and get anything that catches their fancy inside the house, from food to shiny items. Some birds also leave bird droppings in the place where they roost and these can be a source of smell and irritation for homeowners. Pest control is also necessary for some animals like snakes and spiders.

Benefits

The benefits that homeowners get from contacting a pest control company for their needs include, but are not limited to, the professional know-how and services that the company can extend to their clients. These companies know the right methods and techniques for each kind of nuisance insect and animal. There are also many companies that practice humane treatment and disposal of the insects and animals that they manage. Another benefit of employing pest control companies to manage the problem is the safety that homeowners are assured of. Some people risk their health when they handle chemicals and other methods that should be handled by professionals only. Many of these companies also have the capacity to fumigate large areas for their clients.

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Choosing the Right Means for Ant Control

If you have ever had an insect infestation, then you know how important it is to get an early start on the problem. Some insects may not seem dangerous or as disgusting as spiders or roaches, but they can be just as annoying. The little brown crawling insects that like to eat sugary crumbs or any crumbs necessitate ant control. These insects can very quickly nest in your home, and before you know it, they might be marching in a line across your room.

If you have an infestation and need ant control, then there are several things to look for in a company that does extermination. Consider the toxicity of the treatment, the cost, the customer service, and the warranty.

You might be especially concerned about exterminating in your home if you have children. Many of these products have poisonous components. If a child gets this on his or her hands, then it could get in the mouth and poison a child. This could happen with children of crawling age even up to children that are older but still suck their thumb. In order to avoid a problem with this, you will want to speak with the company about the toxicity of the product used and how the exterminator will be applying it. They may have suggestions on how to protect you and your family from the poisons.

The cost of ant control is something else that you should take into consideration. If it is too costly, you might decide to take it into your own hands. The problem with doing this is that you will be leaving poison right out where a child really could get hurt. If you do your research and do several price comparisons, you should be able to find one that is affordable.

Customer service is also important. Most companies probably think that they excel in this area, but the reality probably is that it is something that is lacking in most businesses. Companies do not realize the importance of letting the customer be right. So many times people argue with the customer out of pride, and lose more customers in the process.

Warranties are another consideration. An exterminating company needs to guarantee that they will kill the pests and that they will not come back in the near future. There is no guarantee that an ant might creep back in if you leave out trash. The warranty or guarantee should be mainly that the company will get rid of the main problem.

After looking at these areas at various businesses, you will want to try and narrow down your decision fairly quickly. You will not want ant control to be something you are constantly dealing with.

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Pest Control - Professional Services Are Better Than DIY

You can find quite a few products and chemicals in today's market to help you with pest control. Homeowners are encouraged to use these items for tackling the menace of ants, rodents and bees on their own. Nevertheless, it is recommended to seek the services of professional pest control companies for handling such issues. Though you may spend slightly more initially, ultimately it works out better for your budget..

Are you aware of the kind of pests invading your house?

You may see a steady stream of ants entering your home. They could be large, in black or some other color. So you rush to your neighborhood hardware store and procure a package expected to remove them. But what you bought might not work. Carpenter ants and pavement ants look quite similar, but they need to be treated differently. Usually, the ant baits you purchase from the hardware stores are effective for tackling minute sugar ants, but not for other types of ants. A professional company's representatives are qualified in identifying the various kinds of pests, as well as the most effective treatment required to eliminate them. Such professionals save you from plenty of frustration, lost time and useless expenses.

Source of Pests Attacking Your Home

Having identified the species of pests invading your home, the next move is to know from where are they coming. Unless you locate the point of their entry, and seal it off, it is going to be a useless effort for you. The experts can understand why pests find your home so attractive and attack it. They'll block the points of entry, and they will suggest the precautions to be taken for keeping them out.

Get a guarantee

Well, you may attempt eliminating the pests on your own, but is there any guarantee that they are eliminated totally, and they won't invade your home in the very near future? When hiring the services of a professional company, you can rest assured that you will get the needed help, should the pest problems persist. Any reputed company will offer you some kind of warranty and honor it, in order to continue in that business.

The Most Efficient Treatment

You should understand that certain chemicals are exceptionally strong and their handling requires special skills. Such chemicals are not available at usual hardware stores, and they are beyond the reach of average homeowners. Pest control companies are aware of these chemicals that effectively remove pests for long. Once you entrust the job of eliminating the pests from your home, you need not worry about their reappearing again.

Safety Factor

Did you know that certain pests, like bees, get aggressive if their nests are attacked? Experts from pest removing companies will ensure the safety of your family while at job. Other than keeping you away from pests, they will also keep you at a safe distance from all likely harmful chemicals.

Another advantage of hiring professional pest control companies is the fact that they will send their workers for doing the needful at your place as per your convenience. They will be glad to work on weekends, or even holidays.

These were just some of the most important advantages of hiring the services of a professional pest control company. Their personnel will thoroughly inspect your place and eliminate all undesirable pests that are invading your home. The most important aspect is the assured safety that they provide for your family.

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Professional Pest Control For Fleas - When It's Time to Call in the Pros

When Other Flea Control Methods Fail

For some people, it may be easier and more effective to let professionals handle the job of ridding their home of fleas. Although the professionals will most likely use the same products and methods you would use in your home, they will have better equipment, as well as the experience to know how to get rid of the fleas quickly and efficiently.

Flea extermination with guaranteed results

Professional pest control companies will not only provide professional service, but they also usually offer a guarantee. So, once you've paid for the service, you can generally be assured that your flea problem will be solved. If not, the pest control service will provide another treatment free of charge. However, be sure to ask the provider about guarantees before purchasing.

Once you request the extermination service, the company will do an initial visit to assess your needs, and determine the type of pest in your home, and their means of entry. In the case of fleas, before the treatment begins, you will most likely be requested to remove or wash all pet bedding, vacuum carpets, and do the other non-pesticide related steps.

In addition to preparing your home for treatment, you will of course also need to treat your pet for fleas.

Preparing your home for professional flea control

Once you've requested the professional extermination service, make sure that all outdoor areas, crawlspaces, and shaded areas are available for treatment. You will also have to arrange to be out of the house for several hours after treatment. Also, all pets, including birds and reptiles will need to be removed from the home as well. Fish tanks can be covered with a damp towel, and the air pump turned off.

Professional pest control services can be an easy and effective way to eliminate fleas in your home, especially for those without the time or inclination to attempt the process themselves. Be aware, however, that treatment of the pet will still have to be done by the owner or a veterinarian, as pest control services don't handle that aspect.

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Don't Let Your Bug Problem Get Out of Hand, Hire the Best Pest Control

Do you suspect that your home is playing host to unwanted guests? Insect infestations can spell serious trouble for your property and your health, so don't delay calling in a professional pest control service to exterminate and completely eradicate the infestation at the source. Not only are infestations unsightly, but they can cause you and your family serious health problems and complications. Vermin are notorious disease carriers and spreaders. Let's take a look at some of the vermin that could plague your home.

Ants

These little bugs are the most common house invaders. They come looking for food and moisture, and if they find a sustainable amount, they set up shop. Ants enjoy food particles, rotting wood, moisture, and other dead insects. Their size allows them to slide through cracks around doors and windows. Store bought ant traps are decent, but if you want to completely eradicate these vermin from your residence, it is essential that you properly identify what kind of ants you're dealing with. A professional exterminator is adept at doing just this, and they will deploy an extermination plan that will finally rid your house of these little guys once and for all.

Bed Bugs

These tiny insects draw blood from humans and cause itchiness and red marks. Luckily, bed bugs are not known to carry any diseases. They are often found in mattresses, but they are also commonly found in couches and other places that people sit or sleep. The key to eradication of a bed bug infestation is thoroughness. If you miss just one bed bug during extermination, the infestation will likely come back. A female bed bug can lay 200 eggs at once. Recently, bed bugs have shown a resistance to previously successful insecticides, so it is more imperative than ever to contact a professional for successful removal of these vermin.

Mosquitoes

Most people just consider these insects a harmless nuisance, but mosquitoes are responsible for more human deaths per year than all other insects combined. These vermin are effective disease carriers, so it is important to always wear bug spray and be cautious in muggy summer months. If you have a serious infestation in or around your home, call pest control before someone in your family is taken seriously ill by one of these little insects. You can't always see or feel them, so extermination is vital.

Don't live in constant fear in your own home; call in the professionals.

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Pest Control: The What, Why, and How of Finding Reputable Services in Your Area

Insects and wild animals contribute to the spread of disease-causing bacteria that can be harmful to the health of your family. Pesky critters can also cause serious, expensive structural damage to your home. Protect your family and your home by employing a reliable pest control service and scheduling regular maintenance inspections.

Benefits of Inspections

Pest control experts provide a range of services. If your home hasn't had an inspection in a while or if you need extermination services for a specific nuisance, you'll need to call a provider for a primary inspection and request an initial estimate. Many service providers will do their primary inspection for free. After the primary inspection, your exterminator will work with you to rid your home of natural intruders. Once your home is clean, continue to have regular maintenance inspections to keep it that way. Regular building inspections can also protect your home from other structural threats such as dry rot, which occurs as a result of a fungus.

Types of Pests

Exterminators can rid your home of various nuisances, including cockroaches, termites, bees, ants, fleas, wasps, flies, and ticks. Many also provide wildlife management services for the removal of dangerous wild animals. In addition, inspections can also protect your family pets by deterring harmful fleas and ticks. Rodents such as mice, rats, and squirrels can nest in your walls, and you need an exterminator's trained eye to determine the best way to protect your home.

Signs You Need a Specialist

Bugs and animals leave evidence that is easy to spot if you know what to look for, so if you notice any of the following in your home, contact a pest control specialist as soon as possible:

- Droppings or entry points
- Dead insects or insect wings
- Live insects or insect nests
- Gnaw marks or holes in wood
- Dried blood spots on bedding from bed bugs

Finding the Right Company

To find an exterminator, ask your peers for recommendations and do some online research. Online search engines can be helpful when searching for providers and comparing prices. Select an exterminator with an established reputation and good reviews, and remember these important factors when selecting a pest control company:

- Make sure the company you select is a member of a national, state, or local pest management association.

- Before entering a contract, understand the seriousness of any problem infestations. Costs can increase once an exterminator gets into the removal process and uncovers the extent of the problem.

- If your provider offers a guarantee, make sure you understand the terms and hold up your end of the agreement. Infestations can be tricky to get rid of, so make sure you're covered.

Use these tips to aid in finding the right exterminator. If you believe you have an infestation, begin contacting and comparing providers today.

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Facts About Bed Bugs That Will Make You Want to Burn Your Mattresses

You might think you know all there is to know about bed bugs. Creepy? Yep. Icky? You bet. But the truth about these creatures might just be more horrifying than the notions you have about them. Warning: reading this article may make you want to immediately stop and clean, or even burn, your mattresses.

Many people believe they're only active at night which is a common misconception. They are known to stay out of view during daylight hours when humans are active. What draws them out from their hiding places of box springs, mattresses, or even behind wallpaper is the scent of carbon dioxide that we breathe out while we sleep.

But they're even sneakier than that. The reason that many people sleep right through the night when bed bugs feed is because their saliva actually numbs the skin around where they bite, and so the feeding process is nearly painless. Often, you won't know you have an infestation until you wake up and see the telltale bites, generally in small clusters or in a row. On top of that, bedbugs can go extended periods of time without needing to feed, meaning death from starvation is uncommon. In fact, they can survive for up to a year without feeding once.

Bed bugs are also perhaps one of the most well-traveled insects. The ones that may be crawling around in the mattresses in Georgia may have originated from a motel in New York or a bed and breakfast in Colorado because they are easily transferred in clothing or suitcases. But they are extremely well-traveled within houses as well, and will find just about anywhere to call a home including your coffee maker, your toaster, or even your alarm clock can become where they decide to take up residence.

But there is good news when it comes to bed bugs. Even though it seems like it, they aren't the all-powerful and evil creature they seem like they are. Although it's extremely hard to starve them to death and despite the fact that they don't even die out in the cold winter months like others of their house-dwelling cousins, bed bugs are not indestructible. There are some simple and obvious precautions to take to avoid infestations, such as regularly cleaning your mattresses.

If you do get an infestation, you should be more afraid of the scams surrounding them than of the bugs themselves. For example, because of the way the industry is regulated, a number of products claim to be effective against bedbugs without proof, so be wary of certain labels. Likewise, insect foggers are ineffective against bedbugs and can pose more danger because of the chemicals and residue they leave in your house, or may even cause bed bugs to disperse, making your problem worse. The best way to deal with bedbugs crawling in your mattresses is the tried and true method: arming yourself with a fly swatter and calling pest control.

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