Ants, Cockroaches, Fleas, Ticks
Warm Winter Does Not Equal More Pests – Just More Infestations
Looks can be deceiving. At least this is the case with the correlated increase in pest infestations and warm winter weather. It is logical to assume that more pest problems within residential neighborhoods and business districts are caused by an increase in pest populations – this is not the case.
Without the presence of frigid temperatures or freezes, pests will burrow closer to the surface of the ground and become active earlier in the year. Therefore, more bugs may be visible but it is not necessarily a population factor.
Pests you can expect to notice more of include: termites, ants, fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and flies. Take precautions with fleas in your yards. Your pets can easily become a host for fleas while out in yard. Inspect your pet regularly for ticks and fleas. American and Oriental Cockroaches are other pests to expect this spring season.
While it may seem like common knowledge or a redundancy to inform resident and businesses on protecting your homes and structures from pests during the spring, we can not stress enough the importance of establishing ritualistic pest prevention habits to reduce the risk of infestations.
It is interesting to know that many of the pests we are shielding our homes from have did not always exist on U.S. soil.
North America was first exposed to foreign pests when early European settlers came abroad on ships carrying a variety of insects. The vegetation of our continent was ideal for many of the bugs that came across with the settlers, allowing for sustainability and growth.
In fact, the habits of these foreign insects reduced the population of native plants and animals. Now, over 450 foreign insects have invaded U.S. territory over the past four centuries, resulting in periodic changes in our continent’s forest. However, only 18 of those accounted pests came to the U.S. from 1635 to 1859. The rest arrived between 1860 to 2007 as a result of increased global trade and modern air travel.
Today, it is encouraged to never transport firewood far from its origin since destructive pests hidden with logs can be exposed to sensitive areas. Agricultural devastations can easily occur from innocent actions like transporting firewood from other regions. Pests like emerald ash borers can jeopardize forest economies and our treasured national and state parks.
Ants, Cockroaches, Mice, Pest Control, Rats
Why You Should Continue Your Pest Control Service In The Winter
Gloomy skies and dropping temperatures have many homeowners in San Diego, Riverside, & Orange County putting their guard down on pests. Residents have concluded that pests have been kept at bay and are no longer a threat to their household.At this time of year, the activity for common pests in our region has reduced significantly – making a discontinued pest control service seem like a sensible choice.
But all is not what it may seem…unforeseen bugs and vermin are lurking within the vicinity for a stealthy opportunity to invade an unsuspecting home.
Here are a few reasons why you should not withdraw from your pest control efforts in the winter. And possibly even giving your current pest control plans a boost at this time.
Winter Pests
Surprisingly, not all pests are hibernating or remain inactive during the winter season. Rodents, roaches and ants are common winter pests. Rodents will seek shelter indoors to remain protected from outdoor elements. Ants and roaches work year round collecting food.
A regular pest control service will help deter these winter pest infestations.
Prevent A Pest Problem
Pests are furtive and often difficult to spot when infesting your property. The problem has sually grown too large before it is noticed. That’s where your pest control technician comes in!
With every service, your technician provides a thorough inspection and identifies any potential pest problem before they begin. Any possible nesting grounds on your property are located and are monitored closely to make sure your home remains pest-free.
Be Prepared For Pest Primetime
Regular pest control treatment provides your home with perpetual protection from pests around your property. This barrier of protection keeps bugs and insects at bay year round.
Letting your guard down for any period of time significantly increases your chance of pest infestation. You won’t need to worry about the disease and problems associated with pests with an effective pest control plan in place.
Continuing your pest control service is not only a logical decision, it’s a great way to save money by not having to spend on ignored pest problems that have grown uncontrollable and created costly repairs.
And if you don’t have a pest control service in place, call us today for a free inspection & recommendations for a pest-free property around the clock!
Ants, Cockroaches, Mice, Pest Control, Property Managers, Rats, Silverfish
Properly Stowing Christmas Items To Prevent Pests
The joyous season has come and gone and our living rooms are left with the remnants of shredded wrapping paper and wilting trees. Soon Christmas decorations and memorabilia will be collected and put away in attics, sheds, or closets until next year.
But before you confine what was displayed in your home for the holidays into storage space, there are preliminary steps to perform to optimize your pest control efforts.
Piled up boxes with wrapped trinkets and strings of lights inside are ideal nesting areas for rodents and other pests. Here are some tips to keep nuisance vermin and pests away so your holiday collectibles are perfectly intact and preserved for next December.
– Clean Storage Space – Dust and sanitize the area where you plan to store Christmas boxes. Rodents and insects prefer a dingy area to nest since the accumulated dust particles represents a location with low activity. Removing the dirt particles and odorous scents will make pests feel less comfortable and discourage them from nesting.
– Use Plastic Containers – Although cardboard boxes are ubiquitous and economical after Christmas, they are not impenetrable to rodents. Rats and mice can gnaw through garbage bags or cardboard boxes, making nesting materials of the ornaments and packaging inside. Secure plastic containers prevent pests from accessing your storage boxes.
– Do Not Store Edible Items – If Santa didn’t finish his cookies, don’t save them for next year. Popcorn string and garlands made of fresh, edible material must be disposed of properly. Storing these items with the rest of your collectibles will keep the persistent pests around.
– Store Holiday Candles Separately – The scent from a candle can attract unwanted guests. Placing the candles in an area that is not exposed to extreme heat (e.g. attics or sheds) will resolve this problem. Wrap candles in cellophane to prevent them from melting together or transferring color in warm conditions.
– Store or Dispose Of Tree Properly – Fake trees conveniently fit into their boxes. Make sure the box is sealed so rodents cannot enter. Real trees should be chopped up or taken to a Christmas tree collection or recycling center. Contact your city for details on recycling and collection. Placing your tree curbside is not recommended as this can attract rodents.
Putting away all your decorations and ornaments may not be the most exciting part of the holidays but it sure does pay off doing it the right way. You will avoid attracting unwanted pest infestations and be able to maintain your Christmas décor.
Now you are that much more protected from invasive winter pests and rodents – Happy Holidays!
Ants, Cockroaches, Fleas, Mice, Pest Control, Rats, Silverfish, Spiders, Ticks
The Complexities Of Pest Control For Apartment Complexes
The complexity of exterminating bugs in apartment complexes stems from a pest’s ability to easily move to other units. When treatment is applied in a specific area bugs can avoid baits by moving to other areas. Common or thin walls with shared plumbing and electrical wires are a pest control company’s kryptonite and a pest’s escape route.
Pests can congregate to only a few particular units within a complex because of accessibility and abundance of food and water supply. Small crumbs and leaking pipes are a perfect meal for nuisance pests like German roaches or mice. Inspecting pipes for leaks and thorough daily cleaning can lower your risk for pests invading your apartment unit.
But in most situations as the pest population grows within the complex, the infestation becomes more evenly distributed. Pest exterminators typically take one route to handle bug problems in multi-unit buildings.
A one-time treatment in the vicinity with a heavy pest infestation does not offer a lasting solution. As stated previously, bugs are able to avoid treatment by evacuating the treated area through shared walls. Only bugs in the immediate area will be eliminated, but the bugs that escape will eventually return.
To effectively eliminate bugs from each individual unit, the perimeter and outdoor areas must be treated first. This will eliminate bugs nesting outside the structure and in the landscape. The residue from the treatments will also help eradicate insects when they venture outdoors.
As the pest population thins out, the exterminator can narrow down the possible locations of the pest problem. The focus will be shifted to apartments still experiencing pest problems after exterior treatments. Affected units will receive indoor treatments and are inspected to identify potential pest entries. Sealing up the cracks and crevices with durable materials will prevent pests from entering your home. Your apartment home will be like a sealed box, unaffected by outside elements like bugs.
Remember, simple routine tasks like dusting and vacuuming go a long way in pest management. Pest control professionals are not the only ones that can prevent bugs from invading your home. You can contribute to not only keep bugs out of your home but also the homes around you.
Ants, Cockroaches, General Rodent, Mice, Pest Control, Rats
How To Have Thanksgiving and Unpack Holiday Boxes Without Attracting Pests
With all the foot traffic and holiday cooking in homes for the festive season, pests can easily invade properties unnoticed. Ants, mice, rats, and pantry pests are the most common pests during this time of year in San Diego, Riverside, & Orange County.
Here are a few simple pest control techniques to ensure a pest-free holiday season:
1. Inspect pantry and storage boxes
Before the preparation of your Thanksgiving feast, thoroughly inspect your pantry for any signs of pests. Also, examine storages boxes containing Christmas décor for chew marks from rodents or unnoticed pest infestations. Remember to open boxes outdoors. Pack decorations in sealable, chew-proof plastic containers. Knowing the source of a pest infestation is the first step to a pest-free home!
2. Don’t buy damage food or gift products
During the holiday season, products are flying off the shelf. Pests can travel far with an expedited transfer from the manufacturer to its final destination: your home. Avoid purchasing products with damaged packaging from the grocery store or retailer. Invasive pests can nest inside the packaging and conveniently flourish when brought inside your home. Common items that attract pest infestations are flour, powdered milk, dry dog food, corn meal, cereal, and macaroni.
3. Cleanliness is next to pest free-ness
Discarded and leftover food items attract pests. Bugs and rodents can live off the smallest crumbs so it’s important to thoroughly clean areas where food is prepared, cooked, or eaten. Wash dishes and vacuum or sweep kitchen and dining areas after every meal. Throw out any food waste in a secure trash receptacle. Without being able to access a food source, pests will look elsewhere.
4. Seal holes or crevices on exterior or home
Colder weather causes rats and mice to seek shelter indoors, with your attic being a desirable nesting location. Sealing holes or crevices on the exterior of your home creates a shield that rodents can’t penetrate. Rodent prevention is the best technique to keep rats and mice off your property!
Pro Pacific Pest Control wishes you and your family a joyous holiday season. Follow these tips to leave you enjoying the holiday fun without worrying about pest infestations. Bring in the holiday spirit while keeping pests away!
Ants, Cockroaches, General Pest Control, Mice, Pesticides, Rats, Spiders
Protect Your Home In The Fall With Defensive Pest Control
With colder temperatures and shorter days occurring in San Diego, Riverside, and Orange County, your home needs a strong defensive pest control strategy to keep invasive bugs out. Nuisance pests like roaches, spiders, and crickets are attracted to your home in the winter months because of the warmth and lights.
The best defensive pest control technique is entry prevention. Seal all entries that pests can potentially enter to invade your home.
But effectively guarding your home from pests will not be an easy task. It requires a thorough inspection, ample time, and the ability to think like a pest. Identifying and sealing any crack, crevice, or opening in the exterior of your home is the first step.
Search every inch of your home for small cracks or large holes. Openings where pipes or electrical wire enter your structure should be plugged with caulk, cement, urethane expandable foam, or steel wool. Areas on the foundation where outdoor faucets, clothes dryer vent, and telephone cable wires enter can be overlooked. Pests and rodents will surely not miss these opportunities to enter your home.
Obvious entrances for bugs that are often overlooked are the entrance we use. Front doors and garage doors need a seal to exclude ants and other small insects. Exterior doors should have door sweeps. Make sure the bottom corners form a seal when closed. Garage doors need a rubber seal on the bottom.
Other common pest and rodent entries include windows, chimneys, and roof vents. You can prevent unwanted guests from entering these areas by installing wire mesh screens. Screen with the smallest gap is best.
Now that your home is protected, you’ll want to prevent pests from living on the exterior of your property.
Wood piles should be stacked neatly and stored away from the base of your home. Knock off bark on firewood before bringing indoors. Pests can hide within the wood blocks.
Also, wash out syrup and liquid from recyclables and don’t let the pile build up for too long. Unsealed cans or bottles provide shelter for roaches, ants, and flies. Clean out gutters from excessive debris as well to prevent obstructing the flow of drain pipes and providing harborage for insects.
Effective defensive pest control takes time and is a continual process to ensure new entries or unexpected pest infestations have formed.
A professional pest control service pairs best with defensive pest control. A pest-free home is a healthy home. Enjoy the refreshing feeling of living in a home without bugs or rodents.
Contact for effective pest control services & guaranteed solutions. Free inspections & estimates in San Diego, Riverside, & Orange County!
Ants, Bees, Birds, Cockroaches, Fleas, Mice, Pest Control, Rats, Silverfish, Spiders
Pest Control Tips To Maintain A Pest-Free Home
Keeping pests away from your home doesn’t have to be rocket science. You can prevent pest infestation with a few simple steps & household products.
If you already have a severe pest infestation, you may want to consider a professional pest control company. But if you’re looking to maintain and prevent pest problems, you can do this yourself!
Here are some pest prevention tips to keeping nuisance insects, rodents & birds out of your home:
•Use Door Sweeps & Screens – Install door sweeps on exterior doors and repair damaged screens.
•Use Screens On Structure Openings – Apply screens on vents and openings to chimneys to make it impossible for pests to enter.
•Seal All Cracks & Crevices – Seal all holes (areas where electrical wiring and pipes enter structure) and crevices on the outside of the home.
•Put Foods In Secure Containers -Keep food concealed in airtight containers and dispose of garbage regularly in sealed receptacles.
•Thoroughly Clean Areas With Food – Kitchens and dining areas should be free of food crumbs and particles (food left on dishes are a perfect meal for rats)
•Inspect Structure’s Exterior – Replace loose mortar and weather stripping around the basement foundation and windows.
•Fix Water Piping – Eliminate all moisture sites, including leaking pipes and clogged drains.
•Keep Coverings Away From Base of Home – Maintain wood and mulch piles and keep them preferably 20 feet away from the house; keep shrubbery well-trimmed.
•Trim Overhanging Branches – Pest can easily climb from tree branch to your roof and gain access through roof openings.
Continue to thoroughly inspect screens and sealants for damage & keep an eye out for any signs of pests (droppings, smells, etc). Effective pest prevention requires including some of these tips into your daily routine.
Ants, Cockroaches, Fleas, Pest Control, Silverfish, Spiders, Ticks, Wasp
How Often Should I Receive Pest Control Service?
Endless questions arise in a homeowner’s mind when a pest infestation occurs. How did the pesky bugs get in? Will they go away on their own? Can I remove the pests myself? Should I call a pest exterminator? Which pest control service should I get?
We understand…there is lots to ponder to ensure you effectively remove the bug problem while spending the lowest possible price. And we’re here to tell you there is actually a happy medium with effective pest control & pricing. Our regular pest control service keeps bugs away all year at a price you can afford.
The most cost-effective pest control is a bi-monthly pest control service. A pest control technician will provide treatment every other month and thoroughly inspect every corner of your property for potential pest problems. You’re fully protected from pests!
Why the bi-monthly service, you ask?
Well, a one-time treatment is a temporary solution. Sure, we guarantee our one-time pest control services for 30 days, but what about after that? Then, you’re in the same susceptible position as before for trails of ants and a mess of cobwebs & spiders.
After the first few services on the bi-monthly pest control plan, all nuisance pests in your home will be eradicated & a more preventative approach is taken. Our technicians will continue to treat targeted pests & areas but put a heavier emphasis on identifying potential pest problems. And usually at this point, pest problems can be controlled from the exterior of your property.
We also recommend service every other month because pest control products will generally remain effective for two months. After two months, the pest control products should be reapplied.
Another great feature of our bi-monthly pest control service is free re-treats between services. If you notice bugs on your property between service, a technician will come out promptly to eliminate the pests – at no additional charge. Basically, a bi-monthly pest service gives you pest control whenever you need it.
What about your other pest control options?
You can also buy pest control products from a hardware store. But you are buying products available at a consumer-level. Commercial pest control products, only available to licensed pest control applicators, are more effective and targeted.
Are you willing to put in the time, effort, and money into do-it-yourself pest control products? You may end up purchasing multiple products before you find one that effectively treats your pest infestation.
You will also need to know where to apply the DIY products. There are techniques to attracting pest to the products and effectively exterminating the problem. Our pest control technicians are licensed and trained on how to strategically treat targeted areas and pests.
Get on a bi-monthly pest service today
Receive bi-monthly pest control at only $69 every other month. You will receive effective pest control treatments & a knowledgeable pest control specialist. We’ll be like your very own personal pest control technician.
Get answers to anything about pests, have your pest control requests fulfilled, and enjoy a pest-free home!
Ants, bed bugs, Cockroaches, Fleas, Pest Control, Spiders
Back To School Tips For Bugs – Pest Control For College Students
Classes are in full swing and so are the pest infestations in San Diego & Riverside. The summer heat has continued on into early September creating an ideal living environment for bugs. Communal housing that most college students reside in is highly susceptible to problems with bed bugs, fleas, cockroaches, and rodents.
Untidy (often unsanitary) rooms and used furnishings are a common cause of pest problems in San Diego and Riverside. Most of the furniture for dormitories, apartments, and rental homes for college students is from yard sales, hand-me-downs, Craigslist, and thrift shops. Used furniture will often be found at a great price but can result in unforeseen problems.
Bed bugs and fleas can infest furniture and go unnoticed since they generally come out at night or during inactivity. The seller of the used couch may have had the furniture in storage or may not have noticed the pests. But you have one duty before bringing in used furniture into your home: Inspect Furnishings Thoroughly!
Steam clean and wash upholstery & coverings if possible to guarantee a pest-free piece of furniture. The same precautions used for furniture apply to used clothing, textiles, or mattresses.
But your couch is not the only culprit to bug problems; the pests may have already been inside the structure. Hotels, apartments, dorms share walls so if one unit is experiencing pests, the others are as well. Before settling in, ask the building management about their procedure on pest control applications. Then, look for signs of pests or rodents infestations inside your unit.
Rodents leave tracks, tail trails, and grease marks along baseboards and walls. Also look for droppings and gnaw marks on woodwork and cabinets. Other pests like cockroaches, ants, spiders, and earwigs have distinctive signs that affirm their presence. Roaches leave tiny fecal droppings usually under sinks or other hidden areas. Ants will let their presence be known with long trails to nearby food and water sources. Spiders will have cobwebs usually in room corners.
An effective method to inspect for bed bugs in furniture is to use an LED flashlight. Search baseboards behind pictures and walls, and between bed seams or couch cushions.
And last but not least, house cleaning will help maintain a pest-free environment and prevent attracting unwanted pests. Food crumbs and liquid spills on counter or floors should be cleaned daily. Disinfectant wipes and handheld vacuums are convenient cleaning devices that may encourage better cleaning habits. Put foods in sealed containers and hang up wet towels. All trash cans need a secure lid so food scents are not emitted.
Pest control is a must for any living space. The simplest actions will keep pests out of your property so you can focus on your studies. Let the professionals take care of the pest problems so you can hit the books.
Contact Pro Pacific Pest Control in San Diego & Riverside for effective tips on keeping bugs out!
Ants, Bees, Cockroaches, General Pest Control, Pest Control, Rats
Weather Conditions Make Certain Pests More Prevalent – Top Summer Pests
It is expected to see an influx of pests during the summer season but the severity weighs heavily on a variety of factors. In the 2011 summer season, the heat contributed to frequent treatments for ants, bees, flies, and wasps by pest control companies.
San Diego, Riverside, and Orange County experienced rain showers late in the season followed by high temperatures creating ideal conditions for pests. Ants are exposed to more food and water resources under this weather combination.
When there are enough resources to sustain a larger pest population, the more pests there are to reproduce. Plus, excessive heat speeds up reproduction for some insects creating rapid growth in pest populations.
Every type of pest needs a home and will eventually seek shelter indoors; your home is often the final destination. Homeowners in a Toledo, Ohio neighborhood witnessed rats, roaches, and other critters scramble for shelter as the debris from a home burned down in an arson attack were cleaned up. A bulldozer scooped up the remains as neighbors devised a plan to protect their homes from the scattering pests.
The nuisance factor of a pest infestation is only part of the problem. The damage and harm pests can cause to structures and people make effective pest control service a necessity. Stinging insects like honeybees account for the more than 500,000 people sent to the emergency room every year, according to American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
Other health risks from pests are the transmittable diseases they carry. Pests can contaminate food and surfaces with germs that could cause pneumonia, food poisoning, meningitis, E. coli, salmonella, and more.
Protect your home and be protected from invasive bugs this summer with a well-devised pest control plan. Some pests are harder to control than others and all severe pest infestations are almost impossible to undertake without professional assistance. Know that your pest problem will be removed promptly with Pro Pacific Pest Control.
Contact our pest specialists today for pest control solutions!