Ants, Cockroaches, General Pest Control, Gophers, Mice, Pest Control, Rats, Silverfish, Spiders, Uncategorized, Wasp
Springing Into Cleaning (AND Pest Control)
Spring is officially underway. For many people, that means the long arduous task of “Spring Cleaning.” Most of us will spend a weekend or two cleaning the house of old, unwanted clutter. For other people, it means (FINALLY) putting the Christmas tree/lights away. But aside from a tidier home when guests arrive, spring cleaning can be excellent for your home when pests arrive.
Often, the miscellaneous clutter that we accumulate (and leave forgotten in a nook, corner, or box) makes prime real estate for pests to move in. Low-traffic areas, such as attics, garages, and closets, can become safe havens for rodents and insects to move in and stake their claim.
At Pro Pacific Pest Control Escondido, we’re big supporters of pest prevention over pest extermination. We’ve mentioned it several times before, but it’s far easier (and cheaper) to prevent an infestation than it is to evict one. Here are three handy tips for your spring cleaning efforts to keep the bugs at bay:
1) Drain the Tub… And Everywhere Else.
“I’ve had a very ruff day.”
Moisture creates an ideal spot for many bugs, and often entices them to set up shop wherever they can find standing water. Rodents (such as shiprats and sewer rats) will often find sources of water and decide to set up shop nearby — often within the walls or even in the attic of your home! Mosquitoes use stagnant puddles for reproduction and can often swarm nearby as a result. Silverfish LOVE moist, cool, dark places, and you’ll often catch them scurrying away if you flip on the light in a crawlspace that is not properly sealed. reptiles and other pests will also seek out similarly cool, damp places. Eliminating these sources of water can go a long way to not only preventing the hassle of insects, but it can also prevent disease such as dengue, malaria, and others that are carried by mosquitoes and their kin.
As you’re doing your annual cleanse, check your home to make sure you don’t have a leaky faucet or pipes. Although Southern California doesn’t have to worry about pipes freezing over the winter months, pipes which have not been used in a long time or are in disrepair can be the catalyst for a full-blown invasion!
2)Dust Those Bunnies!
Cleaning in furs. Lucy has always been a class act.
Ever run face first into a spider web? NOT a fun feeling! The flailing, spit-takes, and panicked shuffling that results can be embarrassing, to say the least. One way to avoid such nestings is to sweep and dust nooks, crannies, and eaves inside and outside the house. In some homes, it is harder to reach these areas because a ladder is needed.
This is a prime task for your friendly neighbourhood pest control company! After all, who wants to drag a ladder out of storage, put it up, sweep, climb back down, and repeat the process all the way around (and inside) the house? Pest control companies often have the equipment to do these task quickly and efficiently.
Basically, though, you want to target all those “low traffic” areas in and around the home. Corners, closets, and eaves are prime spots for spiders to set up shop.
3) Don’t Be A Packrat.
“Eat your heart out, chipmunks.”
We get it, some things are just too cool to get rid of, or there’s something “nostalgic” about them, or… well, we’ll admit that maybe we’re just being lazy at times. But keeping those odds-and-ends, scrap materials, or “vintage” goods from the local flea market can cause you more headache than you realize.
Keep your home clear of clutter. If you have a shed or workstation in your backyard, be sure to clean (or at the very least organize) any discarded pieces of wood or tools. Rodents love to nest in piles like those and it can ALSO be a prime location for bees and wasps to form nests. In fact, we’ve seen a bee’s nest between two garbage can lids that hadn’t been moved in months! Clearing out spaces like these can go a LONG way to helping your pest control efforts, and a little bit of effort on the “front end” can keep your cost down in the long run.
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Of course, we offer FREE inspection/estimates for pest control and can identify potential trouble spots and offer ongoing solutions to keep your home safe (and beautiful) throughout spring and into summer.
Ants, Bees, Cockroaches, Featured, Fleas, funny, General Pest Control, Silverfish, Spiders, Ticks, Wasp
Buggin’ Out! Pop Goes Pest
This week we’re taking a slight detour as we look at popular bands who have used their musical talents to immortalize insects. Previously, we touched on artists who were bitten by “the love bug”.
There have been, of course, a plethora of bands with pests in their names (The Beatles, Adam and the Ants, the Scorpions, the Rats, etc). We could compile multiple playlists just based off their names! For today, though, we’re jumping into the songs themselves, looking at 10 artists who have “immortalized” insects in their music. As before, you can follow this playlist on Spotify… So sit back, turn the speakers up, and enjoy!
With their distinct sound, the B-52s definitely stand out from the other artists included in this list. Though most people can sing along to their most popular song “Love Shack,” in a rousing bout of karaoke, most people would be hard-pressed to offer the same performance for “Junebug.” It just doesn’t get the same airtime. Nevertheless, this song still delivers the classic B-52s vibe that fans have come to associate with the band… as well as all the free lovin’ that the band espouses.
There are numerous versions of “Boll Weevil” out there, but perhaps the most iconic is the rendition done by Old Lead Belly. A definite “throwback,” this song is reminiscent of an older time in music… The haphazard, casual intonations definitely give this song the feel of a laid-back evening on the porch, belting out old folk songs for the fireflies to hear.
This entry isn’t so much a song as it is narrated speech over music. “Army Ants” is very reminiscent of a National geographic documentary meets the grind of a seedy nightclub mixed with the delivery of Mitch Hedberg… a scattered offering of “one-liner” facts related to insects. Waits’ gravelly voice also amps up the “creepy” factor of this piece, which is quite fitting, considering it’s about insects.
“Qongqothwane” has been described as a traditional wedding song from the Xhosa people of Africa. As native English speakers do not have the linguistic ability to pronounce some of the sounds, it became commonly referred to as “The Click Song.” “Qongqothwane” is a song about where the village’s witch doctor can be found. Though his physical appearance is just like everyone else (not the stereotype that most people think of when they picture witch doctors), he is compared to a “knocking beetle,” which (in local folklore) leads the way home. The witch doctor leads the newlywed couple to a new future together in the same way that the beetle leads children home to where they belong.
In this peculiar song, Ava (and her mangos) chronicle the journey to becoming an entomologist. Ava starts off by catching her bugs in the “local salad bar” (eww!) Catching, cataloguing, classifying, and displaying insects for others to see. Not necessarily an exciting life, but it was interesting enough to earn its own song. Now if we could just find our own “pest control” ode.
Like Kid Icarus, Audioslave gets too close to the sun in this song. A much lesser known single by a superb band, the lyrics truly capture the disillusionment that failure can cause. Notable lyrics: “I was a king, I was a Moth with painted wings made of cloth / When did the flame get so high and get so hot?”
The only country music offering in the list, Shelton’s “Honey Bee” is a self-aware tune, and he even admits in the lyrics that the song “comes out a little country.” The song basically likens him and his girl as two complimentary parts in a couple (at least, that’s the intent… we’ve never heard of mixing wine with whiskey, but who are we to judge?) The song is, as most love songs are, stereotypical, but a good guitar riff and a catchy chorus make that fact easy to overlook.
Arguably the most popular entry in our list, The Dave Matthews Band (“hardcore fans call him Dave“) offers up “Ants Marching,” which is one of their most recognizable hits. Horns are on loop through the background under Dave’s vocals, adding to the lyrical idea that nothing is ever changed, much like the “ants marching” from the title.
This English rock band offers a peculiar piece. the lyrics are not deep at all. In fact, on may suggest that Colin Newman (lead vocals and guitar) channels Randy Newman based on the simplicity of this song. There is no story arc provided, but simply a song that is easily played in the background as you go about your day. This UK band sets up an anthem of sorts within the song — “I am the Fly” becomes a chant which begins to crescendo over a “clap-track” until its sudden end.
The Bearded Ones came up with their own ode to the common black fly. It starts off with the typical ZZ guitar riff, then continues into a song that, while lyrically not too deep, is fun to play air guitar to. This song contains all the innuendo that is to be expected of a ZZ Top song, while the guitar drives the momentum and keeps it moving forward.
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BONUS TRACK:
OK, obviously this song does not have insects in the title itself… but we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to include the King of Parody in our list… Perform This Way earns him a spot based on its lyrics: Weird Al dons a suit made of bees (and poking fun at Lady GaGa in the process).
Well played, sir.
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So there you have it: 10 songs (plus a bonus track!) about common pests.. some of these songs hit pretty high on the charts, too! What do you think? Are there any we missed? Leave a note in the Comments section or tell us via Facebook or Twitter
Cockroaches
How German Cockroaches Easily Infest Homes – And Effective Techniques To Stop Them
A cockroach infestation of any type is usually associated with uncleanliness or clutter in an area within close proximity to a food or water source. All kinds of cockroaches will thrive in these environments making controlling the roach population difficult. German cockroaches are considered one of the most challenging pest infestations to eliminate – even with professional treatment.
The best control technique for any pest problem is prevention. Eliminating the problem before it occurs is always recommended but it’s only effective with proper knowledge of what attracts the nuisance bugs and how they are able to invade structures.
Although small in size, German cockroaches can cover plenty of ground by attaching themselves to deliveries and incoming goods at food processing plants and other warehouse facilities. From there, consumers will unknowingly transport the stealthy pest into their home via purchased products.
Make an effort to ensure groceries and boxed items are sealed. Always do a thorough inspection before bringing used items into a home. Once a German cockroach finds their way into your home, they can scurry to hide deep within wall voids for an inconspicuous living space.
Multi-unit structures are even more susceptible to cockroach problems, because the bugs can access all the apartments or condos through the shared walls. Even meticulous monitoring tactics can be rendered useless in these complexes. Identifying and sealing up cracks and crevices within the unit would be the best measure to keep out roaches in multi-family housing.
Opposite of German roaches are American cockroaches, which generally enter a home through sewer lines or drain pipes. The best prevention method for this type of cockroach is exclusionary techniques. Installing steel screens to drains and windows, plus adding weather stripping to doors can increase your protection from these larger roaches.
Implementing a successful prevention strategy can be done, but must include the following steps.
Identify Potential Entries & Sources – Give your home a thorough inspection to find areas where the bugs can enter. Also, make sure garbage receptacles, recycling bins and dog food containers are secure.
Correct Potential Issues – Once all potential entries and attractants are identified, take necessary action to keep them from allowing pest problems into your home.
Clean & De-clutter All Rooms – Areas where food is cooked, cleaned, or stored should be cleaned thoroughly. Consider cleaning behind kitchen appliances for a deep cleaning. Clothing or loose items on floor should be picked up and stored appropriately to eliminate hiding spots for cockroaches.
Apply Treatment To Targeted Areas – Roach control treatments used to be done by mass distribution of products; now, bait gels are applied to targeted areas that have been identified as the source of the infestation.
Inspect Regularly – Repeat the above steps regularly to ensure that your home is bug-free.
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.
Bees, Cockroaches, Mice, Pest Control, Property Managers, Rats, Realtors, Silverfish, Spiders, Ticks, Wasp
Are Foreclosed Homes Causing Pest Problems?
An ideal nesting spot for pests is an enclosed space that offers a nearby food source and has low foot traffic. You may consider these conditions all in one place a rarity but this type of environment commonly exists within residential neighborhoods and densely populated areas. They are typically referred to as foreclosed homes or abandoned properties – Yes; these are a pest’s paradise.
Pest problems within a foreclosed home can significantly increase the risk of pest infestations to adjacent properties. The pest population can outgrow the abandoned house and begin to overflow to other homes in the neighborhood.
Common Pest Infestations In Foreclosed Homes
Mosquitoes breed in pools and bird baths that have stagnant water from the lack of cleaning and rainfall. Rodents use unoccupied structures to nest and hide during the day, then travel to neighboring properties for food at night. Eventually the rodent population will become too large and will be forced to seek shelter elsewhere – possibly your home.
If conditions are right, honeybees will invade any home. It is possible to have a hive of thousands of bees neighboring your house. Be cautious of beehives and nests of other stinging insects during spring and summer months since this is when they are most active. The slightest noises or motions can disturb the nearby colonies.
Ticks can thrive in lawns that are unmaintained and contain high grass and overgrown weeds. Rodents or pets that run through these lawns are subject to become a host for these parasitic creatures, thus indirectly spreading them to your home. Keep your pets away from lawns that are not groomed.
Defend Your Home From Neighboring Pests
If a home near you is not maintained, you should contact the property owner. For foreclosed homes, the party responsible for the property is often banks or managing real estate companies. If no action is taken by the party you contacted, advise the municipal animal control services.
In the meantime, get regular pest control treatments to provide a preventative barrier protection around your property. Most pests will be unable to migrate into your home with bi-monthly treatments.
Applying weather stripping to doors and pest repellent screens to vents and windows is a great preventative measure to keep pests away. Also, seal any exterior hole the size of a quarter or larger on your home with gnaw-proof materials, including steel sheeting, hardware cloth, galvanized steel and concrete.
Cockroaches, Pest Control
How Do Cockroaches Cause Asthma & Allergic Reactions?
Cockroaches produce allergens that create allergic responses in some people. The allergens are excrement and debris from decomposing cockroach bodies that crumble into tiny particles and become airborne. Although the allergens do not remain in the air for long, vacuuming or dusting can stir up settled particles allowing the allergens to be easily inhaled and cause an allergic reaction.
Asthma is simply the allergic response to allergens that are inhaled through bronchial tubes. However, not all elements that are breathed in stimulate allergic responses. Cat dander and ragweed pollen often contribute to allergic reactions but automobile exhaust and fog do not.
Studies on mice have shown the allergic reaction is caused when mucosa (the inner lining of body organs) is exposed to cockroach extract. However, studies with animals create some limitations since humans and animals have different allergic immune responses. But the findings have provided a better understanding of how the human body reacts to allergens.
Scientists are researching the correlation between early exposure to roach allergens and asthma in children age 3-5. A recent federally-funded research project collected air samples from several hundred homes with asthmatic children. The results found that exposure to cockroach allergens alone did not cause the most severe cases of asthma. The combination of children having a predisposition to allergic reactions and the exposure to high concentrations of cockroach allergens is what produced chronic asthma.
Although we cannot yet control what triggers are allergic reactions, we can limit the exposure of allergens to our body. Here are some tips to reduce exposure to cockroach allergens.
- Exterminate roach infestations – the first step is to eliminate the source of the problem. Most roach infestations require an exterminator to effectively remove the problem.
- Reduce humidity – Warm, damp areas accelerate the life cycle of roaches.
- Thorough cleaning habits – Maintaining a clean, tidy home will prevent reoccurring roach infestations. Thoroughly clean areas where food is stored, cooked, or consumed. Pay attention to areas where food might get trapped like underneath kitchen appliances. Wash pillow casing and bed sheets regularly.
- Remove Carpet – Consider non-fabric flooring if an individual in your home has an allergic tendency. Vacuuming often is another option but will temporarily worsen the air quality because of stirring up allergens settled in the carpet. People with allergies should leave the room being vacuumed for a couple of hours.
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!