Integrated pest management IPM is the future of the pest control industry. For far too long the pest control industry has relied on chemicals to achieve control of the infesting insect.
The limitation of only using chemicals to achieve insect control is that the insects can adapt and become resistant to the chemical. If the insect becomes resistant to the chemical being applied than the chemical is no longer effective.
Another issue with an all-chemical approach is environmental. As our understanding of environmental impacts evolves, using chemicals that are stronger and more potent is going to effect the environment.
As chemicals become more regulated, it may be more difficult to find a chemical that can control the insect you are having issues with.
For all of these limitations, the pest control industry has moved towards a new approach to pest control and exterminating. That approach is called integrated pest management or IPM.
IPM in action
IPM utilizes chemicals in conjunction with other processes to achieve insect control. These other processes include sealing and exclusion, habitat modification, and environmental modification.
Habitat modification could be as simple as removing a food source that pests find attractive. Environmental modification could involve eliminating moisture issues or areas where pests can hide and live.
Creating a physical barrier between the outside world and the inside of a structure is the most effective means for keeping pests out. The best way to achieve this is by sealing pest entrances and performing exclusion services.
Keeping a log book of pests sighted is an extremely valuable tool for pest control professionals. Knowing where the pest was last seen and when helps in the eradication process and helps to track issues and results.
Chemical application can still be used with an IPM program but are viewed as a second option, and not the first choice.
IPM Services Chester County
We provide IPM programs as part or our residential and commercial pest control plans.
The spotted lanternfly (SLF) is an invasive species that was imported from Asia. Although not a hazard to humans, the SLF is extremely destructive to certain plants and trees.
Where is the SLF?
The spotted lanternfly has been confirmed in many areas of Pennsylvania including Chester County. Due to the fact that the SLF does not have many natural predators, it has been able to spread throughout the region.
Spring Spotted Lanternfly
Spotted Lanternfly Treatments
In the springtime, the spotted lanternfly nymphs are emerging from their egg casings. These nymphs look nothing like their adult form and are unable to fly.
These crawling nymphs will be found throughout the springtime into the summer.
You can find more information on the lanternfly nymphs here.
Summer Spotted Lanternfly
The SLF nymphs are still present in the summertime. They will have changed color from dark with white spots to red with white spots.
Adults will begin to emerge later in the summer and into the fall.
Fall Spotted Lanternfly
Come fall time, the SLF is in its adult form. The adult form, pictured in the photos on this post, is able to fly. The adult SLF will seek out certain tree and plant species in order to feed and deposit their eggs.
Although the adults can fly, they are not great flyers. They will often “hitch” a ride onto cars and materials. This is how they are able to spread to different areas.
Winter Spotted Lanternfly
The cold winters in Chester County will kill off all of the adult spotted lanterflys. What remains behind are their eggs and egg masses. These egg masses are deposited on trees and other surfaces.
Spotted Lanternfly Egg Mass destroying. Treating lanternfly egg mass
Egg masses of the SLF should be identified, located, and destroyed. Remember, any egg masses destroyed in the winter will be less SLF to deal with the following year.
Lanternfly Treatment Options
Spotted Lanternfly Treatments
Treatments for the SLF
Depending on the time of year, treatments for the SLF include the use of insecticides on the trees that are infested with the Spotted Lanternfly.
Approved insecticides are able to kill the adults and nymphs but NOT the egg masses. The insecticides will also help to protect the tree in the short-term against future infestations.
A great chemical-free treatment to prevent SLF infestations is to seek out and destroy SLF egg masses in the winter.
Spotted Lanternfly Treatments
Spotted Lanternfly Treatments
We provide affordable spotted lanternfly treatments!
If you live in Chester County and have an issue with Lanternflys, we can help.
Termites are wood destroying insects that can cause substantial damage to the structure of a building. There are many different species of termites found throughout the world.
Termites in Pennsylvania
The termites found in Chester County and throughout Pennsylvania are subterranean termites. These termites live underground and are very rarely seen above ground. They are clear in color and can form colonies of thousands of individuals.
Termite Inspections
Wood Destroying Insect Report (WDI)
Termite inspections are often initiated for a few reasons. Either the inspection is required for a real estate transaction, or there is a suspicion of termite activity.
To learn more about termite real estate inspections, WDI, you can find that here.
If termites or termite activity is discovered, then you will need a termite treatment.
Termite Treatments Chester County
Termite Treatments
There are many different options for termite treatments in Pennsylvania. We typically prefer a liquid treatment with a monitoring program. Our termite technicians will be able to recommend a termite treatment that is right for you and affordable.
You can learn more about termite treatment options here.
Termite Control
Termites can be controlled many different ways. We offer termite control services to all of Chester County.
If you would like to speak with one of our termite specialists, give us a call or send us a message.
Wildlife Control Services, Wildlife Trapping, Wildlife Removal, Wildlife Exclusion
Animal and Wildlife Trapping is a common technique to remove a nuisance invader. Skunks, Raccoons, Squirrels, Groundhogs, and Snakes are common animals that are trapped and removed from properties.
Live Trapping
Wildlife Trapping
Live trapping is when we capture the animal alive in a box-style trap. The trap is most often a cage trap with a single door that opens to the front.
There is a trigger pan in the back of the trap that will shut the door when the animal presses it. Bait is used in the trap to entice the animal to enter the back of the trap and push the trigger pan.
When the trigger pan is depressed, the door shuts and locks. This traps the animal inside of the trap.
Live traps should be checked DAILY to avoid an animal being trapped for an extended period of time. Daily trap checks also allow you to check the bait and ensure that it is fresh.
Best Bait to Trap Animal
The specific species of animal that you are trapping will determine what type of bait to use. Even more specifically than that, the time of year also plays a part in the animal’s taste and food preference.
Baits can be picked up at the local grocery store. sardines, marshmallows, cat food, peanut butter, and apples are great choices of bait for the homeowner. We utilize some of these baits as well as some commercially made baits.
Commercial baits last longer, have more odor to attract, and are specially designed to attract the animal species we want. The baits are in paste form which makes them easy to handle and apply to the trap.
By being specific with your bait choice, you can help to lower your chances of catching a different animal than you intended.
Where to place your trap
Trap placement is critical in having success capturing and removing nuisance wildlife. When the animal has a den on the property, traps should be placed directly at the opening to the den.
For skunks and groundhogs, this will be on the ground. For squirrels and raccoons, the traps should be placed up high where the animals are.
When placed correctly, the chances of capturing a non-target species are diminished
One-Way Doors help trapping
One-Way doors are trap looking devices that are placed directly over an animal entrance. The one-way door is designed so that the animal can leave, but not re-enter the den. When used with a trapping program, one-way doors are extremely effective in evicting wildlife.
Non-Target Catches
Non-Target catches are any capture that is not intended. Since many of the nuisance animals are omnivores, they will eat many different foods. This means that when trapping for skunks, it is very possible to capture a raccoon or cat.
Timing of trapping is also important to take note of. If you are trapping for a diurnal (daytime active) animal, then simply shutting the trap at night can prevent non-target captures. The same is true if trapping for nocturnal (nighttime active) animal. Shut these traps during the day to help prevent non-target captures.
Trap size, trap location, choice of bait, and timing of trapping can all lower the chances of capturing a non-target species.
Lethal Trapping Method
Lethal trapping can also be an effective method for animal trapping and removal. We discuss some of the ethics involved with this method versus live capture trapping in the Humane Animal Removal section below.
Lethal trapping is using a device to mechanically capture and kill the animal. Most often, the use of a body gripping trap is used. The animal pushes a trigger and the trap snaps and grips onto the animal.
Lethal trapping can and should only be done by a licensed and experienced wildlife control operator.
Where NOT to use Lethal Trapping
There are many circumstances when a lethal trapping program should NOT be used.
This includes situations where:
Traps are accessible to children and people
Pets are present
Non-target animals have access
Pose a danger to the public
As the name suggests, lethal traps are a permanent solution to an animal issue. The traps do not know the difference between the animal you are trying to capture and kids, people, pets, or other animals.
An experienced and trained wildlife control operator should be used when a lethal trapping program is desired.
Trapping and Wildlife Regulations
The Pennsylvania Game Commission is responsible for the oversight and management of wildlife in Pennsylvania. All PA Game Commission rules and regulations should be followed when performing any type of wildlife control work.
We carry permits through the Pennsylvania Game Commission to legally and professionally handle and remove nuisance wildlife.
Humane Animal Removal
What is considered “Humane Animal Removal”? Humane to us means that the animal is not caused any undue harm, stress, or discomfort. This humane approach comes with some tough ethical questions to ask.
On the surface, a lethal trap may seem like a harmful and cruel approach to animal removal. While this may be true for certain applications, on the whole, a lethal setup may be MORE humane than live trapping.
Live capturing an animal causes tremendous stress for the captured animal. If legal to re-release in another location, what are the animal’s chances of survival after release. If an animal is released into a new habitat in the dead of winter, what are the chances of survival?
There are no “right” answers when it comes to the ethics of animal capture and trapping. You should definitely be a conversation that you have with your wildlife control professional before trapping begins.
We will ALWAYS communicate the various options that we provide for our wildlife control program. The safety of your family, pets, and the humane treatment of the animal are always our top priority.
Animal Trapping and Removal Services
Prudential Pest Solutions is a family and veteran owned pest control and exterminator company
We provide animal trapping and removal services for Chester County. We offer many options for animal removal and can explain how we are different than the other wildlife companies.
If you have a wildlife issue, give us a call or text us (484) 401-4361
Here are our 6 tips to be pest-free for Spring. After a long winter and with Spring right around the corner, it is time to inspect your home for pest issues.
Below are some of the common issues we encounter at our client’s homes that can cause pest issues when the weather warms up.
#1 Check your downspouts
Prudential Pest Solutions
Moisture around the home is one of the BIGGEST conditions that can lead to pest issues. You might be surprised to find that your downspouts are dumping all of that rain water directly onto your home’s foundation.
By ensuring that your downspouts are in good shape and channeling the water AWAY from your home, you can lower your chances of getting pests.
Downspouts can be extended in many different ways. Just get that water away from your house!
You can learn more about moisture and pest issues here.
#2 Keep Gutters Clear of Debris
Prudential Pest Solutions
You downspouts can’t do their job if the gutters above them are clogged with leaves, sticks, and gunk. Gutters, when cleared out, channel rain water from the roof to the downspouts. When the gutters are clogged with debris, the water will not flow and become trapped.
Trapped, non-moving water in gutters can cause many pest problems. Mosquitoes can use the standing water to breed and create many, many new mosquitoes come summer.
Water in the gutters can also start to degrade the wood fascia and other roof support pieces. Besides the structural issue of the water rotting the wood, this environment is perfect for carpenter ants. Carpenter ants require a certain moisture level in the wood and blocked gutters can provide that.
Gutters should be checked and cleared out before spring to prevent water issues.
#3 Keep Tree Branches and Bushes Away from the house
Prudential Pest Solutions
Keeping trees, branches, and shrubbery away from the house is incredibly important to preventing pests. Insects, rodents, and even wildlife use the trees, branches, and shrubs as a natural ladder onto your home!
We have trailed ants going up a tree, onto a branch, and then onto the roof of a home. Squirrels and mice can do the same thing. Even though these pests can climb, when you remove the “natural ladder”, they have a much harder time getting onto your home.
We recommend trimming branches and not planting trees within 8 feet of your home. This will keep insects, rodents, and wildlife from getting onto and then INTO your home!
#4 Check your door seals
Prudential Pest Solutions
You may be surprised by inspecting your door seals. Sometimes the most used pest entrances are the same ones we use!
Door seals are easily found at hardware stores and can easily be installed. Door seals can prevent pests and rodents from strolling right on into your home!
#5 Seal up Rodent Entrances
Prudential Pest Solutions
Here is a video of common rodent entrances around the home:
#6 Sign up for a Pest Control Plan
Pest Control Chester County
Many pest control companies offer pest control service plans. These plans are designed to keep your home pest-free year-round. Many of these plans are extremely affordable and effective. Why do it yourself when you can hire a pro?
Chester County Pest Control Plans
If you live or work in Downingtown, West Chester, or Chester County, we have a pest plan for you!
Our pest control plans can get you and keep you pest-free year-round. With FREE in-between service calls for covered pests, you can rest easy knowing that pests won’t stand a chance!
We often receive calls regarding bed bug heat treatment options. Our company does not use heat treatments for bed bug infestations. There are many companies that do offer heat treatment services and there are some reasons for and against them. In this article we will look at the pros and cons for using heat to treat for bed bugs.
Using Heat to Kill and Treat Bed Bugs
Heat is a common method for treating bed bugs and their eggs. The general idea is that if you can heat the area up to approximately 120 degrees (F), it will kill any and all bed bugs and their eggs. The use of special fans and heaters are often the equipment of choice to heat up the area.
Heat Treatment Pros
There are definitely benefits for using a heat treatment method to treat for bed bugs. Below are some common reasons that a client may request a heat treatment.
Chemical-Free Bed Bug Treatments
Since the heat is actually killing the bed bugs and their eggs, there is no need for chemicals during the treatment process. For the customer that wants a completely chemical-free bed bug treatment, heat is a great choice.
Heat Treatments are Quick
Bed Bug heat treatments work very quickly to kill the bed bugs and their eggs. Once the area is heated to approximately 120 degrees (F), the bed bugs are dead almost instantly. The quick work of the heat makes for no stragglers later on. As long as the high temperature contacts the insect, they are killed. Physically heating up the area can take a very long time, but once it has reached the high temperature, the treatment starts to work immediately.
Heat works where chemicals can’t
There are certain items that cannot have chemicals sprayed onto them to treat for bed bugs. Clothing and bedding are good examples of this. Using a heat chamber or even the dryer can treat these articles with heat.
Cons of Heat Treatments
With good, comes the bad. We do not offer heat treatments as part of our bed bug treatment process. Below are some of the reasons why we don’t use heat to treat.
Bed Bug Heat Treatments are EXPENSIVE
The use of specialty heating equipment along with the time to actually heat the area means that bed bug heat treatments are often more expensive than a chemical treatment. Costs vary between jobs and locations but you can expect a bed bug heat treatment to cost considerably more than a chemical treatment.
No Residual Protection
Bed Bug Heat Treatments leave no residual protection behind. If ALL of the bed bugs and eggs haven’t been killed, then there is nothing stopping them from continuing on. Once the heat is gone, there is NO protection remaining.
Chemical treatments have a residual that will last approximately 2-4 weeks. This means that a bed bug not initially killed, will contact that chemical at some point and be killed.
Very Difficult to Heat to Temperature
Heating a space up to 120 degrees (F) is very, very difficult to do. Even if the room space is heated to temperature, what about inside of the walls? What about behind the wood trim and baseboards? Bed Bugs love to hide and deposit their eggs in cracks and crevices. Will the treatment be able to actually heat up inside of the walls, behind the baseboards, and in all of the nooks and cranny’s? Probably not, leaving those unaffected bugs to continue to survive and thrive.
Heat Treatment Damage to your Stuff
Let’s assume that the heaters actually heated up your belongings to 120 degrees (F) or hotter. Yes, the bugs and eggs are dead, but what about your stuff? Can your TV, Computer, Xbox, or other electronic device operate perfectly fine after being in an oven for hours on end? Probably not, as most electronics are very sensitive to heat.
What about your walls, wall paper, pictures, and other items in your home? Can they or should they be subjected to a long period of intense heat? Damage claims issued to pest control companies that use heat treatments are on the rise due to these factors and more.
How Should you Treat for Bed Bugs?
We utilize a combination approach to bed bug treatments and control. Using a chemical treatment and vacuuming by us combined with the client drying their clothes and bedding on HIGH Heat works really well for us.
If you want to learn more about our bed bug treatment process, click here.
Heat Treatments for Bed Bugs
Even though we do not use bed bug heat treatments, there are many companies that do. I do believe that there are situations where a heat treatment may be the best course of action. This article was intended to show some of the pros and cons of using heat to treat for bed bugs.
Bed Bug Treatments West Chester
Chester County Bed Bug Treatments
We provide bed bug inspections and treatments to Downingtown, West Chester, and all of Chester County. If you would like a free consultation, you can call or send us a message.
Winter is a time when most homeowners are NOT thinking about pest control. It’s true that insect activity plummets outside during the cold months in Chester County, but that doesn’t mean there are no pests to deal with. Let’s see what kind of pests we deal with in the cold months of a Pennsylvania winter.
Winter Wildlife Service
West Chester, and more broadly, Pennsylvania is home to many different species of wildlife. Some of these species, like the groundhog, will hibernate throughout the cold winter months. Other species, like raccoons, squirrels, and skunks will stay active throughout the winter.
The end of January through March means that many species are entering their mating season. This is the time of year where it is more common to see skunks and raccoons traveling greater distances as they search for a mate or suitable den.
Skunks in the Winter
It is not uncommon to see nocturnal animals, such as skunks and raccoons, during non-nocturnal hours as they travel further looking for their mate. When searching for a den, skunks can dig under sheds, porches, and even sidewalks. This can cause serious damage to the supporting structure and could potentially lead to the structure being unsound.
Skunk Problems
Skunks creating a den on or near your property can cause other issues as well. Besides the damage caused by creating the den, female skunks will have male skunks visiting during mating season. This increase in skunks can lead to more skunk sprays. Even if the skunks do not spray, the resulting litter of skunks that will be born later in the spring will cause a big headache for the homeowner.
Skunk Trapping and Removal
Trapping and removing a resident skunk is a great method for winter skunk control. If the skunk has already created a den, there are many methods for closing up the hole and preventing new skunks from moving in. Prudential Pest Solutions are experts in trapping and evicting resident skunks.
Squirrels in the Winter
Squirrels are active during all but the coldest days of the year. In winter squirrels look for warm and cozy places to make a home. You can spot a squirrel nest in the winter pretty easily. The squirrel nest will look like a big clump of leaves high up in a tree. Since all of the leaves are off of the tree, it makes spotting a squirrel nest pretty simple.
Squirrel Nests
Squirrels will often have multiple nest sites. It is not uncommon to have a squirrel nest in a tree and have squirrels in the attic of a home. Squirrels prefer the attic of the home for a couple reasons. The attic usually is secluded, full of fluffy insulation, and high on the structure. Just like other rodents, squirrels can cause substantial damage to the home by chewing on wires and other features in the attic.
Getting Rid of Squirrels
Squirrel evictions are pretty straight forward. We locate the entrance that the squirrels are using and install a one-way door over the opening. The one-way door allows the squirrels to leave the structure but not re-enter. After a few days, when we are certain all of the squirrels have left, we remove the one-way door and seal up the opening.
Since squirrels are excellent chewers, squirrel exclusion needs to be very sturdy. I prefer using ¼” or ½” hardware cloth to screen gable vents and other large openings. Sealant can be applied to entrance holes after a product like Xcluder has been inserted. This will prevent the squirrels from simply chewing the sealant and gaining entrance back into the home.
Winter Squirrel Trapping
Trapping can also be an effective method in reducing squirrel issues. In the winter when food is not as available, squirrels are more likely to enter a trap. We use a professional bait that squirrels love. Many homeowners can have some success using peanut butter to attract the squirrels into the trap. Squirrel trapping is almost always done on the outside of the home.
Best Squirrel Prevention Tip
The best method to keep squirrels out of the attic is to remove the easy access points to your roof. This usually means trimming tree branches back and off of the roof area. We recommend that all branches and trees be at least 10 feet away from the house. This is not always possible due to where the tree is planted.
Eliminating food sources can also help to keep squirrels away from your property. Bird feeders are a common source of food for squirrels. By removing bird feeders or using squirrel-proof feeders, you can make your property less desirable to squirrels
Raccoons in Winter
Raccoon Removal
Raccoons, like skunks, have a very similar mating season. Like squirrels, raccoons prefer to den up high and sometimes in structures. The damage raccoons can cause is more severe than squirrels because they are larger animals. The raccoon damage we see in the West Chester area is usually when a female raccoon makes a den in someone’s attic.
Raccoon Dens
Raccoons create larger entrance holes into the attic space because they are larger animals. The hole is usually through a shingle on top of the roof. The entrance is approximately 4-8 inches in diameter. Once inside of the attic, the raccoon will create a latrine in one section of the attic. Insulation is often destroyed by the feces and urine of a raccoon infestation.
Raccoon Trapping and Eviction
Raccoons can be trapped and removed from the area. Raccoon eviction often requires the need of a
qualified roofer to repair the damage done to the roof. Once evicted, the attic space should be chemically
treated and disinfected.
Raccoon Removal West Chester
Raccoons are excellent climbers and can scale just about any material. This makes it harder to prevent future raccoon issues. Population control through trapping and removing food sources around your home can serve as excellent raccoon deterrents. Our raccoon evictions and trapping programs can get you raccoon free!
Wildlife Clean-up
No matter the species, when a wild animal is living in your home, there needs to be a thorough inspection and cleanup of the area. Wildlife species can carry very serious disease and pests. When we perform an animal eviction, we chemically treat the attic space for pests commonly found with wildlife infestations.
Some of the disease and pests found with wildlife infestations include:
Fleas
Bat Bugs
Mites
Rabies
Mange
Distemper
Histoplasmosis
Hanta Virus
Many, Many More!
What wildlife species is causing the problem?
Winter Wildlife Removal West Chester
Winter can be a time when animals are looking to make a home. Don’t let them make a home in or near your home! Animals can be beautiful to look at and observe, but they can also be extremely destructive and dangerous when they create a den too close to your home.
West Chester Wildlife Removal
Prudential Pest Solutions offers wildlife control services, wildlife removal, wildlife evictions, and wildlife exclusions. We service all of Chester County including West Chester, Exton, Downingtown, Elverson, and Phoenixville to name a few areas.
We are a fully licensed and insured company that specializes in humane and effective wildlife removal and handling.
Spotted Lanternfly Egg Mass destroying. Treating lanternfly egg mass
Winter is a great time to locate, remove, and destroy the egg masses of the Spotted Lanternfly. Since all of the adults are dead, the more egg masses you find and destroy, the fewer Spotted Lanternfly you will have to deal with in the spring.
If you have a Spotted Lanternfly problem and live in Chester County, we can help. Give us a call or send us a message to get lanternfly free today!
Snow is a great tool to see the tracks of the animals around your home. If you have a wildlife issue, the tracks can tell us what species of wildlife is causing the problem and where they are located. This information can be extremely valuable in resolving your wildlife issue.
Moving into a house, whether it is brand new or not, is a very exciting time. Your home is usually the largest purchase that you will make in your lifetime. Before you move all of your stuff in and get unpacked, here are some new home pest control tips.
Pest Control Before you Move
Depending on where you live and how you obtained your mortgage, you may have needed a WDI. A WDI, or wood destroying insect, is a report that is written following a specific inspection on the property. As the name suggests, the WDI Inspector is inspecting for termites, carpenter ants, carpenter bees, and wood beetles. These insects are all wood destroyers and could potentially compromise the structural integrity of the structure.
Termites in your new home
If the WDI report stated that termites were found, a termite treatment would be performed. This almost always happens BEFORE settlement and before you move in. If termites were found and treated at your new home, look to see if there was a warranty included with the treatment. Often the termite warranty will cover the property for a period of 6 months to 2 years, depending on the company.
Termite Warranties and the new homeowner
With all of the excitement of the move, it is easy to skim over important documents. You are signing and receiving a ton of paperwork at settlement and something as simple as a termite warranty can easily get lost.
Termite warranties can often be renewed on a year to year basis. This is important if you ever decide to sell the property. The new buyer will go through the same process you just did and have to have a WDI. If the WDI states that there is evidence of termites, which it will because your house was treated, then you will have to show documents that prove that a professional termite treatment occurred. If you cannot produce these documents or if there are active termites, you may have to pay for another termite treatment!
Termites are the main insect that most people think of that can destroy their home. Carpenter ants, wood beetles, and to a lesser extent, carpenter bees, can also cause substantial damage. Most of the time, these treatments are less expensive than termite treatments and are quicker to resolve. You can find out more about these insects here.
Rodents in your new home
Before you move all of your furniture and boxes into your new home, you should inspect for rodent activity. In a vacant home, rodent droppings should be pretty easy to spot. Look along the edges where the wall meets the floor for droppings and chew marks. Keep in mind that the previous owner may have cleaned up rodent droppings before you move in.
New Home INFESTED with Mice
We had a situation where a brand new home was absolutely INFESTED with mice. How can a new home have such a terrible mouse problem? Well for starters, think about how a new home is constructed. They will lay a foundation, and then assemble the walls and roof. One of the very last thing the contractor will install is the garage door. This extremely large opening allows mice and insects to enter the new home.
The home in our example above was infested with mice. Once the mice entered the garage area they would follow the piping, electrical, and HVAC lines throughout the home. This allowed the mice to be found throughout the entire home, all three floors! The new homeowner was shocked that a brand new home could be infested with mice.
Mice cause other pest problems in new homes
I once got a call from a frantic realtor who had just shown a prospective buyer a home. The home was staged for the showing and smelling like freshly baked cookies to entice the buyers into making an offer. What the realtor was unprepared for though, was a SNAKE making an appearance during the showing!
Having a snake slither out of a kitchen cabinet during a real estate walk through can make even a solid deal fall through. The snake was in the home because the home was infested with mice. This snake was enjoying a mouse buffet for months as the home was put up for sale. The best way to prevent a snake in the house is to eliminate its food source. The home later sold with a sales pitch of “mouse free”.
Rodents Damage Homes
It is unknown the exact dollar amount attributed to rodent damage in the home. Many estimate that a large number of home fires can be attributed to rodents damaging wiring. Rodents love to chew on things and they seem to prefer wiring. If your new home shows evidence of rodent activity, the time to treat is now.
Nothing will zap your new home excitement like being bitten by insects. The most common type of blood feeding insects that we treat for new homeowners are bed bugs and fleas.
Bed Bugs in New Home
Imagine you’ve just moved in and are ready to sleep in your new house for the very first night. You wake up the next morning ready to start unpacking the boxes and realize that you have bites on your body. How do we have bed bugs, we just moved in?!
Bed bugs feed on human blood. They can go dormant for over a year if there is no food around. This means that if the home you just moved into had a bed bug problem before, it may STILL have a bed bug problem. When the old homeowners left, the bed bugs didn’t just disappear. No, they went into hiding until a new food source arrived. That new food source, you, have the bed bugs coming out again to feed and reproduce.
It is very common for us to get bed bug treatment calls for folks who have just moved into a new home or apartment. Truth be told, it can be very difficult to determine where the bed bugs came from. Did the bed bugs come from the new home or apartment from a previous bed bug infestation? Maybe the bed bugs came from the moving truck? The moving truck goes from home to home and is loaded with who knows what. Or was your last place infested with bed bugs and your brought them with you?
Finding out where the bed bugs came from can be difficult but do not worry. Below is a list of additional bed bug information where you can learn more about signs and evidence of bed bugs.
Fleas, like bed bugs, are blood feeding insects. Fleas can also go dormant when their food source leaves. It is not uncommon for fleas to go dormant for 6 months or longer when they don’t have a food source. This means that you could move into a vacant home and have a flea problem within a few days. Fleas prefer pets but will definitely bite humans as well.
You can learn more about fleas and flea treatments here.
Wildlife Issues in a New Home
There are a few species of wildlife that cause new homeowners problems. Many times, wildlife issues are disclosed to you prior to settlement. Sometimes the wildlife issue was discovered during your inspection process and the animal removal and exclusion is currently or recently happened.
Common wildlife species that cause problems for new homeowners include squirrels, groundhogs, skunks, raccoons, birds, bats, and snakes. Squirrels and raccoons can cause substantial damage inside of a home. Groundhogs and skunks can cause damage to foundations and structures by digging and making dens. Birds and bats cause damage with the accumulation of their droppings.
In most cases, if you are hearing noises in your new home that sound larger than a mouse, its time to call in a pro. You can find out more information on wildlife control here.
Insects in your new home
Common insects found when you move into a home include ants, spiders, centipedes, and bees/wasps. Many of these pest problems will be pretty apparent when you walk around the house. Seeing bees or wasps coming in and out of your home is evidence of a nest.
As you are putting boxes away and unpacking you want to make note of any insect activity. Many times this will be the only time that your home is this empty and you will be able to see everywhere. Seeing lots of ants or spiders could mean there are insect issues. If you see a lot of centipedes, that is evidence of a moisture issue. By inspecting and looking around your new home, you can have a better understanding of the pests in your home.
Insect Treatments in a new home
If the new home is still vacant and you haven’t moved in yet, a one-time treatment can really reduce the amount of insects in the home. Whether you call an exterminator or handle it yourself, this is a prime time to treat for pests. There will not be another opportunity when your new home is this empty to treat.
Preventing Pests in your New Home
There are some really important preventative measures that you can do to protect your new home from pests.
Moisture Problems
Insects, rodents, and nuisance wildlife, like us, require moisture to survive. By making sure your gutters are clear and that the land is graded AWAY from your home can go a long way in preventing moisture issues. Many times, simply adding extenders to your downspouts so that the water is channeled away from the home can really help. Moisture problems lead to more than just insect and pest issues. You can learn more about moisture and pests here.
Removing Access to Pests
Keeping trees and shrubbery trimmed back and away from the house can prevent pests from gaining access to your home. Sealing up openings and accesses, and making sure door seals are in place can really stop pests from getting in.
Pest Control Service Plans
We offer pest control service plans to homeowners for year-round pest protection. Service plans protect the inside and outside of your new home from pests and rodents. Our service plans include free in-between service calls for covered pests. You can learn more about our service plans here.
New Home Exterminator
Congrats on moving into your new home! By following some the guidelines and inspection techniques we have provided, you can protect your largest investment for years to come. New home pest control can be DIY or you can contact a pest control professional.
