Category: Pest Control

Authorities have warned that we need to be proactive in our fight against mosquito-borne diseases following the type of wet and humid conditions we’ve been experiencing in south east Queensland and other parts of Australia recently.

This is because these hot, wet conditions are perfect for mosquito populations to flourish. Retractable fly screens for sliding doors and other openings connecting the indoors and outdoors are crucial around the home.

The Threat of Mosquitoes after Heavy Rainfall

Mosquitoes require standing water to lay their eggs and hatch their larvae so after a flood, the population of these insects tends to rise rapidly.

Bites from mosquitoes become more prevalent because the female mosquito (only the female mosquito bites) needs the nutrients in blood to feed her larvae.

The process usually takes one week from the time the larvae are laid until they reach adulthood, so the week after heavy rainfall is a crucial time in preventing the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.

Retractable fly screens for sliding doors, French doors, stacker doors etc. can be invaluable during this period when mosquito activity will be at its’ highest.

Following flooding in NSW in 2016, the Western NSW Local Health District issued a warning to the public to take care against mosquito-borne viruses.

Heavy rains and in particular stagnant water, result in an increase in mosquito breeding. This is a problem not only because mosquitoes bite, but in addition to the discomfort caused, mosquitoes can carry serious diseases.

In Australia the most common diseases carried by mosquitoes are Ross River virus, Barmah Forest Fever and Murray Valley Encephalitis, with symptoms ranging from mild to serious.

Following the 2016 flooding, an expert explained some of the risks,

“These infections can cause symptoms ranging from tiredness, rash, fever, and sore or swollen joints.

“Symptoms usually resolve within several days but some people may experience symptoms for weeks or even months. Infection with Murray Valley Encephalitis can cause more severe symptoms such as encephalitis [inflammation of the brain].”

Source: https://www.dailyliberal.com.au/story/4192527/warning-as-floods-boost-mosquitoes/

Larger bodies of water like marshes are the greatest concern following floods but people also need to be cautious about pools of stagnant water around their property.

Importance of Screening All Windows and Doors Around the Home

During the 2016 flooding, Dr Thérèse Jones from the health district’s public health unit encouraged people to take preventative action to avoid being bitten and specifically highlighted the need to have doors and windows fitted with fly screens.

When covering your door and window openings, don’t forget retractable fly screens for your sliding doors and patio/ entertainment area doors.

People can protect themselves at home by screening all windows and doors, Dr Jones said, or by sleeping under a mosquito net.

“Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. If going outside at these times, take precautions such as using a repellent and wearing a loose fitting long sleeved shirt and trousers,” the health district said.

“If you find the repellent you are using does not work, try an alternative preferably containing DEET.

Source: https://www.dailyliberal.com.au/story/4192527/warning-as-floods-boost-mosquitoes/

How to Protect Your Home Against Mosquito Infestations

• Homeowners should do a walk-about around their property and dispose of any standing water after the flood, such as pooling water on trash cans, gutters, gaps in paving etc.
• If septic tanks have been inundated with floodwater they need to be pumped out by a professional.
• An important consideration is that all your doors and windows are covered, not just your front doors, by installing retractable fly screens. For sliding doors, stacking doors, French doors, or whichever type of door you have, there is a fly screen available that will provide protection from mosquito bites for you and your family, while still allowing you to enjoy your space, with natural ventilation and unobstructed views.

Bed Bugs are some of the worst types of pests. Their small (approx 3mm) size tends to make them extremely hard to be seen and therefore incredibly difficult to get rid of. They are often heard of in news reports which focus on the exposing of bed bugs in high end hotels, where visitors have awoken to uncover dozens of bed bugs bites all over their skin. However, most hotels are actually falsely accused of bed bug infestation, as what many people don’t know is that these pests can be transported through suitcases or clothing of guests from infested homes.

Bed bugs only ever come out at night time to feed on exposed human skin. Bites are small and painless but can often be extremely itchy and can become infected if scratched. In addition to beds they can additionally be discovered on other items of furniture for example sofas or chairs, infestation is particularly tricky to stop because of their small size and also the confusion of many thinking their bites are actually the cause of fleas or other biting pesky insects. You can spot signs of bed bugs by keeping an eye out for dark faecal spots on bed sheets and in crevices around beds, or of course if you tend to be getting bitten during the night on a frequent basis, bed bugs will typically bite about three times in one place (breakfast, lunch and dinner!)

The good thing is that bed bugs have not been proven to transport any illnesses; however studies are still continuing so it’s often an idea to relieve bites with steroid creams or antihistamines to decrease itching and prevent infection. The use of insect repellent to protect against bed bug bites has be tried and examined, uncovering failed results. Therefore, the ideal way to try and prevent infestation is to use bed bug encasements, which keep your mattress and pillows bed bug free, if your bed has legs you can also purchase climb up interceptors, small bowl like units that prevent bugs from climbing up the bed. Of course washing your bedsheets on a hot rinse on a frequent basis will also lessen the likelihood of infestation. As mentioned previously bed bugs are also great travellers, therefore studying your hotel before you book and performing a quick check around your area will also be beneficial.

Just like other sorts of pests such as mice and rats, there are also trapping techniques you can consider in order to predict whether your home is infested. Basic traps such as, coating your bed legs with Vaseline or using double sided tape, will lead to the bed bug becoming trapped allowing you to reveal to your infestation to your landlord. Pest control companies can provide more technical trapping devises, such as the Bed Bug Beacon CO2 Active Monitor’, used to attract the pests from hiding, commonly a good tool for early detection and for keeping the bugs away from your bed throughout an infestation. An additional beneficial tool is the Nightwatch Bed Bug Trap and Monitor’, a similar system to the fly trap, this will lure the bed bugs into the machine using heat and scent and if used for two weeks or more and no bed bugs have been caught, this can be a distinct sign that you has absolutely no infestation.

For peace of mind and for the health and wellbeing of your household, it is a good idea to seek the services of a pest control expert in order to take a look around your home. In worst cased scenarios people caught in an infestation have had no choice but to throw out and replace furniture, catching these pests during the early stages will prevent this and keep your home a healthy and happy place to stay in!

Need information about other pests? Visit this site to learn about fleas and how to control them.

Termites are considered pests in both urban and rural areas alike. These termites love to gnaw away at wood and other things made of such. These pests can destroy a house or a home from within. In as short as a month, a house with an area of 50 sq. meters can easily be destroyed if these termites are left unchecked. If you are in need of termite prevention tips then there are several pieces of information available below to cater to your needs.

Firstly, do consider areas around your home with wood to soil contact. This typically includes house foundations, wooden fences and the like. Termites love to invade from the soil, and if you know where they will come from then youll be able to prevent their invasion. Its ideal to use wood varnish if the wood to soil contact is unavoidable. You must reapply the varnish at least twice a year in order to ensure that the termites wont encroach on the wood.

Secondly, do take care of sawdust, wood piles, scrap lumber, wooden scraps and other similar material in your house. The main task here is the safe keeping of these wood based materials. You can use thick biodegradable plastic in order to keep termites away. Also, make sure to keep these wooden materials as dry as possible since termites love wet and moist wood. If possible, apply the first concept (mentioned above) regarding wood to soil contact.

Thirdly, be sure to repair leaks in your roof, gutter and other similar places. This is a must for wooden houses since naturally these places will also be made of wood. Its necessary to use sealants and other similar products in order to seal and repair leaks as soon as possible. Also, make sure to apply the needed wooden varnish in this areas after sealing them in order to lengthen the span or duration of the next repair.

Fourthly, do take care of leaves. Dispose leaves immediately, especially if you have trees or plants in and around your house. Dump these leaves immediately in order to prevent accumulation. Use trash bins or sacks if possible. If accumulation of these leaves is unavoidable, make sure not to get these leaves wet as much as possible. Dont forget to empty these trash bins or sacks once in a while, since termites can house in both dry or wet leaves the same way they can on wood. Termites love to house on the wet, moist and damp ones though.

Fifthly, do perform regular inspections around your house. By detecting any termite infestation in its infancy, youll be able to save yourself from the hassle of exterminating them. Inspections can be done at least twice a month. If you are living in an old wooden house then you can do this at least once a week. If in doubt, you can always consult termite exterminators who usually offer free inspection services. Termite extermination can be costly, so make sure to follow these termite prevention tips to save yourself a lot of money.

Click here to learn about the early signs of termites in your property.

So you’ve got a mouse issue– no big deal, right? You’ve seen enough Tom and Jerry animations to know that mice enjoy cheese, and setting a trap with this irresistible delicacy is the very best way to obtain rid of them. Unfortunately, your childhood cartoons have failed you– mice do not really like cheese.

Exactly what should you use for mouse trap bait then?

How to Capture a Mouse: Making the very best Bait for Mouse Trap

What Do Mice Consume? Here’s a Tip: It’s Not Cheese

Home mice, the kind of mouse you’re probably handling, are omnivores, but they prefer to devour on grains, seeds and fruits. Mice like carbs, and truly aren’t huge fans of cheese– although they probably will not discriminate if there’s absolutely nothing else to eat.

In dire scenarios, mice have actually been understood to turn to cannibalism. Females will consume their babies, and some mice will even consume their own tails. This habits isn’t really common, and is usually only seen in extreme starvation situations.

Mice might likewise chomp on things we ‘d consider non-edible, like cardboard boxes, electrical circuitry as well as paper. This kind of damaging behavior is mainly connected to nesting practices, and not dietary needs. Mice typically develop nests in dark locations where people can’t access, and they usually develop these nests using objects they find close by.

What’s the very best Bait for Mice?

If cheese isn’t the very best bait to catch a mouse, what is? Going off of exactly what mice enjoy to eat, a few of the most efficient alternatives consist of:

• Peanut butter
• Chocolate
• Maple syrup
• Hot dog slices
• Jerky
• Cracker mixed with butter or nut butter
• Nuts or bird seeds
• Family pet food
• Marshmallows
• Nesting products

Nesting products are an unexpected bait option, but if the mice are constructing a nest in your house, they’re going to look for products to make that nest. This type of trap might be a fantastic choice if you’re browsing for tips on how to get rid of mice in the attic. Due to the fact that they’re dark and usually away from people, mice like to nest in attics. Putting the trap up in the attic with premium nesting products may help you capture these animals.

Excellent options for nesting products consist of:

• Shredded paper
• Yarn
• Twine
• Hay
• Kleenex (non-aloe).

Whether you intend on utilizing nesting materials or food to draw in the mice, it’s important to comprehend the best ways to set the trap.

How to Bait a Mouse Trap.

When many people think about mouse traps, they visualize wood boards with springs that clamp down when triggered. This is simply among several kinds of traps you can utilize to catch mice.

Both live traps and kill traps are available.

Kinds Of Mouse Traps & Ways To Bait Them.

Snap Mouse Traps.

The most typical type of trap is a snap trap, and they’re also one of the earliest and most reliable traps offered.

There are numerous variations of this trap, however plastic and wooden types are the most typical. No matter the product type, the trap includes a spring-loaded metal bar that snaps down when activated by the mouse. Depending upon the kind of snap trap you pick, the snapping will either kill or trap the mouse.

How to Bait a Snap Trap.

Baiting a snap trap is straightforward and basic. Simply position the bait on top of the pressure-sensitive switch.

When the mouse tries to move the bait, the trap will trigger.

Some people consider snap traps to be vicious, as they can0 sometimes hurt the mouse rather than eliminating it quickly.

Electronic Traps.

Electronic mouse traps are fairly brand-new to the pest control market, but they’re quickly ending up being a popular option due to the fact that they’re extremely effective and simple to use.

These traps work by drawing the mouse inside of the gadget, where it will provide a lethal electrical shock. The mouse is killed nearly instantly (just a few seconds).

If you’re close to the trap, you may hear a ringing noise when the mouse is electrocuted.

Electronic traps are thoroughly created to protect pets and human beings from being shocked. They also can be found in both single and multi-use ranges, and typically work on AA batteries.

How to Bait Electronic Traps.

The terrific aspect of this kind of trap is that you don’t have to fret about where the bait is set. You can position it anywhere inside the trap. There’s no need to worry about pressure-sensitive switches.

Glue Traps.

Many consider glue traps to be inhumane, and they can be. These are simple traps– they have no mechanical or moving parts. They just need an adhesive of some sort and a board to position the adhesive on.

The glue, or adhesive, traps the mouse and prevents it from leaving.

The greatest problem with this kind of trap is that it does not kill the mouse– unless you leave it enough time for the mouse to starve to death (a cruel death indeed).

Live release is often difficult without seriously hurting the mouse.

How to Bait Glue Traps.

Bait is normally placed on of the adhesive, however you’ll need to put it in the middle of the board for this to be reliable. Otherwise, the mouse will just place itself beside the trap and chow down.

In some cases, bait isn’t needed if the trap is put in an area the mouse is most likely to stumble upon.

These traps are non-toxic to pets and human beings, animals often come into contact with them and get them stuck to their noses, tails and feet.

Live Catch Traps.

Live catch traps are offered, and these are considered the most humane choice. These are cages with doors that close when set off, trapping the mouse inside. If you do go this route, it is necessary to launch the mouse miles far from your home, and to do so as rapidly as possible. Otherwise, they’ll simply come right back and construct another nest, or the mouse may pass away of starvation prior to you get the chance to release it.

How to Bait a Live Catch Trap.

With a live catch trap, you can position the bait anywhere within the cage. Just make certain that the bait is all the way inside of the trap, so the mouse triggers the trigger to close the door.

Collecting a termite problem can put a substantial monetary stress on both homes and businesses due to the large repair expenses involved.

Fortunately, we have some prevention tips to assist minimise the risk of termites selecting your home as their next residence/meal.

1. Exterior

The exterior of your home can often act as a portal to your home, putting it at risk of termite damage.

Roofing

Damaged tiles create wetness which attracts termites, and can supply a gateway inside.

Prevention tips:

Repair damaged roofing tiles
Check for wetness in your roofing system and dehumidify if you discover an issue

A/c system

Air con units provide wet environments, something which termites love.

Avoidance suggestions:

Ensure the moisture release of the air con system is away from the foundations of your home

2. Attic

Your attic can be a prime place for termite activity, which can typically go undetected for several years.

Wooden beams

The wood beams in an attic are typically exposed and offer termites with a free meal.

Prevention pointers:

Inspect frequently for termite damage by pushing thumb versus the lumber to check if it feels spongy
Apply a termite treatment spray or call a pest control specialist if you are concerned!

Boxes

Cardboard boxes filled with paper and photos are a great source of food for termites.

Prevention pointers:

Use plastic boxes to save items in the attic

3. Living room

A living-room is a gold mine in terms of food. Lots of products of furniture are made from wood.

Wood floor covering

Wood flooring boards are a terrific source of food for termites. Being close to the ground they can act as a stepping stone for below ground termites to the rest of your house.

Avoidance ideas:

Carry out routine assessments for termite activity
When developing a new house put down a termite barrier

Skirting boards

Skirting boards are like a giant t-bone steak for termites, they likewise provide dry wood termites with a steady living environment.

Avoidance tips:

Check for termite damage by pushing thumb against the skirting board.

Wood furnishings

Wooden furniture makes your home all that more inviting for termites. It’s sort of like showing up to an all-you-can-eat buffet and finding out that dessert is consisted of in the rate.

Avoidance suggestions:

Keep furnishings far from walls
Choose products made of other materials such as metal.

4. Utility room

It may come as a surprise however even your clothing go through termite damage, although it is rather uncommon.

Clothing

Items of clothing are made from products such as cotton which consist of cellulose, a termites favourite meal.

Prevention pointers:

Keep laundry off the ground and far from walls

5. Bed room

Just like the living room, your bed room is likewise very appealing to termites.

Wooden furniture

Wooden furnishings such as bed frames, closets, and bedside cabinets can be at risk of termite damage.

Avoidance ideas:

Keep furniture far from walls
Choose furniture made from metal and other materials

6. Garage

Garages can function as a goldmine of food for termites depending on exactly what’s stored inside. They can also act as a passage into your house if the two are linked.

Storage units

Storage systems are a great source of food for termites depending on the contents. They can likewise provide termites with easy access to shelves and other locations of the garage high up.

Prevention tips:

Keep storage units far from walls
Usage metal stands instead of wood

7. Cooking area

A kitchen area can be a haven for termites due to the unlimited sources of food and entry points.

Windows and doors

Throughout swarming season windows and doors make it simple for termites to occupy your home.

Avoidance ideas:

Ensure windows and doors are kept shut throughout swarming season

Leaky pipes

Leaking drain pipelines produce wetness and damp which termites are attracted to.

Prevention pointers:

Examine external and internal pipes frequently
Fix any damages to pipelines to stop them from leaking

Cabinets

Built in wooden cupboards offers termites with a food source. They are likewise near walls and floorings supplying termites with an easy opportunity.

Prevention tips:

Frequently examine your cabinets for termite activity. If you are worried, call a professional pest controller!

8. Garden

Ever seen the movie Hook? Keep in mind the banquet scene? Well, that’s exactly what a garden resembles for termites.

Tree stumps

Tree stumps are a good source of food for termites. Trees are a fantastic method for termites to get among their 5 a day, five pieces of wood that is.

Prevention suggestions:

Remove old tree stumps from your garden

Mulch

Garden mulch is not just high in wetness, it is also primarily comprised of wood chippings. Think of it as a giant bag of pick n mix for termites.

Avoidance ideas:

Usage mulch made from other products such as gravel, plastic, and rubber
Leave a gap between the mulch and the foundations of your house

Fencing and decking

Below ground termites utilise underground tunnels to search for food. Fence posts and decking, which have contact with the ground, supply termites with a free meal.

Prevention suggestions:

Use termite-resistant or treated fence posts
Change wooden fence posts with ones made from metal and rock
If you live in an area vulnerable to termite activity select an alternative garden feature to decking.

Wood stacked versus the house

Fire wood stacked versus your house can function as an open invite to your home for termites. It’s sort of like when supermarkets hand out complimentary samples.

Avoidance pointers:

Store wood elevated off the ground and away from your house.

Termite inspection

You might have noticed that most of these prevention ideas involve performing regular evaluations for termites. In doing so you are developing a proactive technique in keeping your home safe from these wood boring bugs.

A termite pest control operator will have the ability to properly examine a residential or commercial property for termites, and identify any issues along with suggesting the appropriate course of termite control choices. An annual termite inspection will assist guarantee your property is protected versus the capacity for termites to much their way through your house.

Termite elimination

Although these termite avoidance pointers can help to decrease the risk of termites, they are not a guaranteed repair. The best way to obtain rid of termites is to employ the aid of a pest control expert. A termite pest control specialist will have the ability to guarantee your house is protected from termites by providing a series of protection and treatment techniques.

You do not have to get a full education on insects in order to maintain a home. But, some basic knowledge about the pests that commonly infest residences cant hurt. Consider termites. These insects are a huge problem that can seriously damage all kinds of buildings. You might see flying insects around your home and notice wood debris emerging in various areas. You immediately might consider this problem to be the work of termites. What if the pests doing all this damage were not termites at all but instead carpenter ants with wings? Keep reading or click here for more information. When you spot an infestation in your home, the better a description you can provide to your pest control expert the better they can help you out. This is because the specific type of pest doing the damage will need to be determined before a treatment plan can be devised and put into action.

Of all the 12,500 species of ants identified in the world, Carpenter ants are among the most common in the United States. They are usually black in color and they make themselves known by setting up nests that are connected together. Ants of all kinds work together in colonies with each type of ant doing a different job for the benefit of the whole colony. If you see black ants with wings around your home, these might be queen ants or, more likely they are swarmer ants. Swarmers have the job of leaving the connected nests to start new nests or to help in the reproduction of more carpenter ants. If you see flying black insects and it is springtime this is just one clue that carpenter ants are setting up colonies in and around your home. They will make nests in wood but do this usually around pipes, leaky doors and windows and door jambs. They, like many other ant species, love moisture.

The reason it is so imperative to have a pest control expert come to make sure that carpenter ants are your problem and not termites is so that the most effective treatment can begin. Another clue that you have ants and not termites is that you will see ants marching towards their respective nests. Termites leave piles of wood debris tunnels behind. Baits are sometimes effective at getting rid of carpenter ants even the ones with wings. If they have completed several nests, however, your treatment plan will be much more extensive.

There is a good reason why pests are called so. They pester us whether harmful or not. Getting to pests so as to get rid of them can drive a person nuts thus the need for someone who can do it effectively without going insane.

Hiring a professional pest control service can have several benefits when comparing it to controlling pests such as rodents, spiders or termites on your own. These companies have trained technicians who understand where to treat and how to handle infestations. If you are looking to protect a new home or treat an older one, consider the advantages of a pest control service.

Specialized Plans

Your home is your castle, and protecting it from invaders means having the best protection. When you send in the pest control cavalry to win back your home, they set up plans that are specific to your needs. They take into consideration the size of your home, the level of infestation and long-term prevention. You also have the option to do pre-treatments on new construction, perimeter treatment to keep bugs at bay and emergency services to treat hives and nests. Exterminators will continue to monitor your home, showing you the exact treatment areas and all improvement.

Hazard

Pest control technicians are trained to know how their products work and where to put them inside and outside of a home. Many companies are going green and using products that are safe for the home and the environment. When technicians need to use products that can be hazardous, they have the expertise to ensure the safety of your family. There are handfuls of chemical sprays available to consumers, but just remember that, in real life, exposure to hazardous chemicals doesn’t give you super powers.

Sourced from: http://pest-control-services-review.toptenreviews.com/5-reasons-to-consider-pest-control-services.html

Prevention has always been better than cure and therefore before waiting till your pest situation gets worst take precaution. Get rid of clutter and fix any leaks. You can also learn about the pests you suspect and see where they dwell and how to get rid of their nest.

Try pest prevention first.

• Remove sources of food, water and shelter.
• Store food in sealed plastic or glass containers. Garbage containing food scraps should be placed in tightly covered trash cans. Remove garbage regularly from your home.
• Fix leaky plumbing and don’t let water accumulate anywhere in the home. Don’t let water collect in trays under your house plants or refrigerator. Don’t leave pet food and water out overnight.
• Clutter provides places for pests to breed and hide and makes it hard to get rid of them. Get rid of things like stacks of newspapers, magazines, or cardboard.
• Close off places where pests can enter and hide. For example, caulk cracks and crevices around cabinets or baseboards. Use steel wool to fill spaces around pipes. Cover any holes with wire mesh.
• Learn about the pests you have and options to control them.
• Check for pests in packages or boxes before carrying them into your home.

Sourced from: http://www.epa.gov/safepestcontrol/dos-and-donts-pest-control

So if you can handle the situation, it is okay. Things do not always run smoothly because pests are quite determined animals. So if the situation overwhelms you then you better call in the experts.

When to call a professional

When the problem is too overwhelming for self-treatment, or when the risk of infestation could cause serious damage to your home, it is likely time to hire a professional. Many pest control contractors use high-tech equipment and chemicals that are safe for children and pets, and will leave your house pest free for the long-term.

The benefits of hiring a pro are the guarantee of all equipment and services, and peace of mind knowing they are trained to handle a variety of situations. Pest control professionals are intimately familiar with the various species of pests, their life cycles, and living habits. As a bonus, they also offer free estimates, putting their trained eyes on the dark corners of your home to see where exactly the pests living.

Some pests, like carpenter ants, termites, or rats, can do serious structural damage to your home. This kind of extermination is best left to professionals. An exterminator may recommend that a contractor come in to do repairs or make changes to the structure of your home. Before doing anything that expensive, be sure to get a second opinion.

Sourced from: http://porch.com/advice/really-need-professional-pest-control-services/