Ants, Bees, Birds, FAQ, Featured, Fleas, food, General Pest Control, General Rodent, Pest Control, Spiders, Ticks, Uncategorized, Wasp
A Bug-Free BBQ
The countdown has begun! One of our favorite holidays has to be the Fourth of July! It’s a perfect time to spend with family and friends, enjoying each other’s company and commemorating the birth of the nation. Many Americans choose to celebrate with pool parties, BBQs, and major events. But just like every other outdoor activity, Pests can strike without warning! Let’s face it, bugs are JUST AS American as mom, baseball, and apple pie… in fact, bugs are worldwide!!! This year, though, we’re going to help you avoid those flying,crawling, and squirming party crashers. Below are our top tips for having a bug-free Fourth!
1) Stay Away From Water
“One if by land, two if by sea!” doesn’t just apply to Paul Revere! Given the chance, insects will come from any direction possible… Land, sea or air! Stagnant bodies of water are particularly popular with insects… in fact, that’s where many insects breed and lay their eggs.
As picturesque as having your outing by the lake may seem, consider moving the festivities (or at least the food) a bit further away to cut down on insect presence.
Also, be sure to scout out the area before setting up. If you notice there there is already a heavy insect presence, then BY ALL MEANS don’t set up shop there! Remember, prevention is ALWAYS easier and far less hassle than dealing with it after the fact!!!
2) Cover Your Food
Let’s face it… in a lot of ways, insects are just like us… they love, love, LOVE sticky sweets. And with that fine spread out on the table (hot dogs, potato salad, watermelon, and cobblers), it acts like a big target sign to attract bugs looking for a meal. The best way to stop them? Cover up! Use Tupperware containers for an eco-friendly solution, or cover your food with plastic wrap or tinfoil.
3) Put the Off ON!
Bug repellent comes in many forms, most notably in lotions (or sprays) that you can apply directly to your skin. This is useful for kids especially, as they are often unaware of potential “bug zones” and these lotions may assist in providing a barrier as they play.
If you’re averse to the idea of putting repellent on your body, there are other methods available. Some people swear by pest repellent candles or citronella “torches.” Another alternative (and not quite so “eye-grabbing” is to use insect-repellent incense. Incense can come in the form of small sticks, or in a spiral shape that slowly burns down and repels most insects (notably mosquitoes).
4) Clean Up!
Just like setting up shop near a lake can be ideal, it can also be tempting to put the trash receptacle very close to the table or close to where everyone is congregating. After all, who wants to walk away from the action just to throw food away? Well, aside from obvious health concerns about having garbage in the midst of activities, the trash can also be a HUGE attractant to wayward insects. They just LOVE the smell of fresh food! Walk a few extra steps to throw away trash and it can help you eliminate the need to swat flies or wasps while eating!
Sure, these methods won’t guarantee 100% bug eradication, but they’ll definitely reduce the amount of unwelcome visitors at your Awesome 4th of July celebration! Have additional tips or tricks you’d like to share? How about a favorite BBQ recipe? Let us know in the comment section or Tweet us so we can share it with the Pro Pacific Community! Call us today for all your pest control needs!
Bees, FAQ, Featured, General Pest Control, Pest Control, Wasp
Down And Dirty Guide to Bee and Wasp Control
Due to the warmer climate of Southern California, many businesses and homeowners find themselves housing unwanted tenants: Bees and wasps!
Though bees (and even wasps) can be helpful to the ecosystem due to their pollination habits, many people consider them to be a potential health hazard. It’s estimated that 2 million Americans are allergic to bee stings. Even if you’re not allergic to bee stings, the stings are painful and can lead to discomfort days later in some cases.
Bees also release a hormone that acts an attractant which causes other bees to swarm the area (that’s why bees know which threat to target if a hive is in danger).
By late summer or early fall, bees and wasps have often reached their population peak. Reproduction slows down over the winter months, but the population (and the hive) can continue to grow indefinitely if left alone. Fortunately, their are many pest control companies who offer extermination services. We even offer LIVE bee relocations to reduce the ecological impact that a removal can have!
So what should you look for if bees or wasps are a concern? Below is a quick guide to 5 common bees and wasps to help you as the weather starts to heat up:
1). Yellow Jackets are very versatile in their home selection. usually they prefer to build a nest (often football shaped) high in a tree or under eaves of houses. If those spaces aren’t available, though, they’ll sometimes choose to set up shop in wall voids, tree stumps, attics and other places.
It’s called “yellow *jacket*” but you’ll never find it exploring in cold weather…
2). Paper Wasps are large, dark and have long legs, and build open nests, often in sheds or unused structures. The queen lives through winter months and continues to build at the same location, which can lead to very large nests and very large populations.
Paper wasps should NOT be confused with paper boys. One will bring you the news, the other can cause you to be IN the news
3). Mud Daubers build the nests you see that are mud stuck on the side of a structure, usually under the eaves or in an attic. The nest has to be kept dry, so they are usually found in very hard to reach locations.
If aliens exist, we imagine they would probably look like this!
4). Honey Bees are most known for their honey hoarding, but they also help a lot in pollination and plant reproduction. They have stingers that detach from the body once used (which, incidentally, kills the bee). Honey bees often nest in trees and produce nests which, if left alone, can grow quite large!
“Eat, Sleep, Gather Nectar, Repeat”
5). Bumble Bees are larger than their cousins, the Honey Bees. Though both have very similar characteristics, their hive structure varies. Bumblebees have a very “messy” hive, and prefer to nest in areas that have plenty of shade.
“I’m not fat, I’m just big-exoskeletoned”
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So do you have a bee hive or wasp nest? Or maybe you’ve spotted a swarm that’s looking to take up residence at YOUR residence? We do exterminations, live bee relocation, and hive removals! Give us a call now for your FREE estimate!
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!
Crazy, Man!
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.
Serious about those weevils!!!
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.
Tom Waits: a look to match his voice…
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.
Miriam Makeba: International Songstress
“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.
photo courtesy themysticmangos.com
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.
Audioslave: like a moth to the flame?
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?”
Blake has quite the sweet tooth!!!
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.
Coral Necklace? Check! 90s Pose with Sunglasses? Check!
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.
The Wire (the band, not the TV show)
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.
They had to use a stand-up for the cover, as the boys were getting their beards washed.
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).
Simply “abuzz” about Weird Al’s fashion sense!
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
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.
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!
General Pest Control, Pest Control, Pesticides, Wasp
Wasps As Dangerous As Honeybees When Disturbed
Wasps—Not to be confused with the infamous Africanized Killer Bee—are defined under the Order of Hymenoptera (like bees) and Suborder of Apocrita (unlike bees). To the uninformed, a wasp is easily considered a bee. However, wasps are much different with only a few similarities to honeybees.
Here are some similar characteristics with distinct differences for the two buzzing insects. A wasp and bee both live in a nest with hexagonal cells, but a wasp nest is primarily made of paper pulp and a honeybee’s is of wax. Wasps have no wax producing glands.
Similarly, both insects have stingers and venom but bees will lose its stinger because of the barb. Wasps have barbs but they are smaller so a wasp can easily retract its stinger after an attack.
Another difference is hair. Wasps are less hairy than a bee and have a hard exoskeleton.
But one similar trait that both of these typically feared insects possess is a painful sting. Both a wasp and a bee will sting in defense to protect themselves or their nest.
Wasp and bees will attack if their nest is disturbed. Recently at a college sports field, a football was launched into a bush that contained a wasp nest. The wasp swarmed the area quickly and stung 31 children from multiple age groups. The venom from wasps can cause an allergic reaction like bees but luckily no one stung was allergic.
Pest control exterminators were immediately called to the scene to remove the nest and the wasps. Even the exterminators were stung through protective clothing while destroying the nest.
Treat wasps as you would honeybees, just leave them alone and they should leave you alone. If you notice a wasp nest on your property, you should contact a pest control exterminator to prevent the chance of a wasp attack.
Pro Pacific Pest Control has effective solutions to keep wasps and their attacks away in San Diego, Riverside, & Orange County.
Contact us for a free inspection on effective wasp pest control services today!
