• Your 2017 Pest Forecast for Fall and Winter

    In the fall and winter, many families end up needing pest control in Dublin as insects and other pests make their way indoors to find food and shelter. Watch this video to see the National Pest Management Association’s Fall/Winter pest forecast for 2017.

    Factors like flooding in some areas and heat waves in others are projected to increase pest activity nationwide. This fall and winter, mice are anticipated to be a bigger problem than usual in the Pacific Northwest. As for the Southwest and West Coast, hot temperatures are expected to promote more ant and cockroach infestations. In the Midwest, mild weather has led to increased rodent populations that will look for shelter indoors as winter approaches. Finally, the Northeast can anticipate seeing stink bug, ladybug, and mice problems this year, and the Southeast can expect increased ant, termite, and mosquito activity.

  • How Cockroaches Affect Allergies

    Cockroach infestations are a common reason why many home and business owners end up hiring professional pest control services . These bugs are despised by many, but what people may not realize is that they can affect human health. If you’re dealing with a cockroach infestation in Dublin, then watch this video to learn how cockroaches can affect allergies.

    It’s typical for people to think of pollen, dust, and animal dander when it comes to allergy and asthma triggers. However, many people don’t realize that cockroaches can be triggers, too. The saliva, droppings, and decomposing bodies of these common household pests contain allergen proteins, which are known to trigger allergies and worsen asthma symptoms. A pest control company can inspect your home, determine where cockroaches are present, and then recommend a pest control strategy.

  • The Homeowner’s Guide to Earwigs

    Earwigs are among the creepiest bugs that can invade your home and garden. If your home has become infested with a colony of earwigs, trust a residential pest control professional to help you eliminate the issue. Using eco friendly pest control services, your exterminator can provide you with effective insect control for your yard. Before you schedule pest control near Pleasanton , however, you may want to read up on some essential facts about earwigs. Let’s take a look at what every homeowner should know about identifying and destroying these bothersome insects.

    Identification

    Earwig in Pleasanton, CA

    Due to their unique features, earwigs are typically easy to identify. To determine whether you are dealing with an earwig problem in your home, look for insects that have long, brown bodies and characteristic pincers on the back ends of their abdomens. Be careful not to get too close to an earwig, as it can use its pincers to produce a painful pinch.

    Habits

    Earwigs are mostly nocturnal, which means that they are more likely to become active after the sun has set. When you are searching for an earwig nest around your home or garden, look in sheltered spaces that are protected from direct sunlight. Since earwigs require moisture in order to live and thrive, they may make their nests underneath bathroom sinks and close to other water sources. These nasty critters also like to live underneath fallen leaves or piles of branches.

    Elimination

    To get rid of earwigs around your property, you will likely need to hire a professional exterminator. Your pest control technician will have access to special extermination methods that are designed to kill off earwig nests at the source. If you want to make sure that your earwig problem does not return in the future, set up regular preventative treatments with your extermination company. By treating earwigs before they can reproduce, you will keep your home free of pests.

  • Why You Need Weed and Root Control for Your Commercial Space

    When you are setting up commercial pest control services for your business in Pleasanton, you may want to talk to your pest treatment contractor about the possibility of setting up routine weed control services . With routine weed control and plant disease treatment, you will be able to maintain the appeal of your commercial property, while also preventing some common forms of damage. weed - root

    Maintain Curb Appeal

    When a prospective client or business partner arrives at your commercial property, he or she will make an initial impression about the overall appeal of your space. Properly maintained trees and landscaping will boost the appearance of your grounds, while also helping to add curb appeal. If you neglect weed control for too long, your commercial property may start to develop an overgrown and untidy appearance.

    Prevent Concrete Damage

    Tree roots and weeds can damage concrete sidewalks if they are not correctly managed. As tree roots grow and develop, they can start to push up through the sidewalks and other paved surfaces that are located around your property. Since replacing and repairing asphalt can be a costly and time-consuming endeavor, take the time to prevent concrete damage by setting up routine maintenance services for your weeds and tree roots. Having your weeds cut back every few weeks will go a long way towards protecting your concrete.

    Avoid Plumbing Issues

    Your building’s sewer line and water main will be buried deep underneath the ground. If mature trees are allowed to grow too close to your plumbing lines, their roots can grow through the walls of the pipes and cause serious damage. Over the course of several years or even months, tree roots can expand to completely block off a pipe opening. Regular root maintenance will keep tree roots away from your plumbing system and help you to avoid a plumbing emergency.

  • What Pests Are Dangerous to Your Pets?

    Residential pest control services don’t just protect your family from the dangers of disease-carrying insects. They also help to protect your pet. Talk to your pest control services provider in Dublin to make sure your pet is protected from these common invaders. dog - bee

    Fire Ants

    Fire ants cause painful stings in humans, but for animals, they can be dangerous. Cats are vulnerable to fire ant stings. That is because fire ants leave their stingers behind, and the stingers can continue to release toxins. The toxin can be overwhelming to cat’s bodies, especially when a small cat receives a large amount of toxin. Likewise, some cats are allergic to fire ants and go into anaphylactic shock after being stung. Your pest control specialist can help you get rid of ants on your property to keep your animals safe.

    Spiders

    Spiders can be dangerous for humans and animals alike. Pets are more vulnerable to toxins from spiders because of their smaller size. Even bites that don’t cause serious health symptoms can cause pets a significant amount of discomfort. Black widow and brown recluse spiders are the most dangerous to pets. If you notice any of these poisonous spiders near your property or an increase in the amount of spiders near your home in general, discuss your options with your pest control specialist.

    Wasps and Bees

    Bees and wasps are scary for all members of your family. For pets, bee and wasp stings are painful and can cause serious allergic reactions. Pets that have been stung once are actually more likely to have a dangerous reaction on subsequent stings. Although bees and wasps are dangerous to your loved ones, don’t ever try to remove a nest yourself. Nest removal can cause the bees or wasps to attack you and any of your family members who are nearby. Let a professional pest control company handle the removal for you, as they have the proper training and safety equipment.

  • Busting Common Myths About Roaches

    A need for cockroach extermination is one of the primary reasons why people contact a pest control company. If you’re looking for ways to prevent a cockroach infestation in Dublin, then you may benefit from understanding more about these household pests. Continue reading to learn the truth about common myths regarding roaches. cockroach - pest

    Myth #1: All roaches are pests.

    You may be unpleasantly surprised to learn that there are about 4,000 different cockroach species worldwide. Some of these bugs can fly and others can’t, and some of them are black or dark brown in color, while others have light brown or reddish coloring. You may be glad to learn, however, that a relatively small number of cockroach species invade buildings and homes where they can pose a danger to human health. If you have spotted cockroaches in your home, then contacting a pest control company sooner rather than later can help prevent the problem from growing.

    Myth #2: Roaches are invulnerable to nuclear explosions.

    It’s true that cockroaches are extremely tough insects and that there has been research concerning their ability to withstand radiation. What’s been found is that roaches that are exposed to 1,000 radon units live and experience decreased reproductive ability, and about 10% survive exposure to 10,000 radon units. Comparatively, humans die after exposure to about 400 to 1,000 radon units. However, cockroaches die after about an hour of being exposed to 115ºF temperatures, so they are unlikely to survive a nuclear explosion, in which temperatures reach more than 100,000,000 ºF.

    Myth #3: A cockroach can live for months without a head.

    Roaches have different circulatory systems than humans. Instead of capillaries and blood vessels, they have open circulatory systems that allow the body to seal off an injured area more easily. Also, cockroaches breathe through little holes, call spiracles, that are in each segment of their bodies, and their brains do not control their breathing. While these facts suggest that cockroaches can live for a while without a head, the inability to eat food or drink water will cause the average headless cockroach to die within a few weeks.

  • How to Patch Holes in Your Screens

    Screens keep bugs out of the house and pests out of the garden, but they’re not invincible. They can wear out over time, leaving your home or garden vulnerable to insect control issues. If you want to stay on top of residential pest control serving Dublin , you should know how to keep your screens together. Watch this video and learn how to patch up your screens.

    If you notice a hole in one of your screens as you’re surveying your property, you should patch it up immediately. You can start by cutting a square around the broken part of the screen. Make sure the hole is about half an inch away from the frame, and then center a new patch of screen over the damaged area. Add some glue to secure the new section, and spread the glue with a wooden stick. Now enjoy and take care of your newly fixed screen.

  • How Much Do You Know About Jumping Spiders?

    Seeing a spider is a common reason why people call a company for insect control or pest extermination near Pleasanton. For many individuals, this is due to a fear of spider bites. Luckily, 98% of all spiders are harmless. One example of a non-venomous spider is the jumping spider. If you think that you may need pest treatment, then continue reading to learn a bit about this type of arachnid.

    In the United States alone, there are about 300 different species of jumping spiders. The average spider is nocturnal, but jumping spiders are active during the day and even seem to enjoy being in the sun. Jumping spiders range in size from 1/8 to 3/4 of an inch in length, and their shape is compact with relatively short legs. These insects have pale markings and are commonly black in color, but they can also be tan, brown, or gray. If you have jumping spiders in your home, seal up any entry points and consult a pest control company about making your yard less attractive to these spiders.

    spider - bug

  • Signs That Your Warehouse Has a Cockroach Infestation

    Keeping your warehouse pest-free can be essential for maintaining a happy and healthy staff and protecting your goods from damage . If you’re wondering if you may need commercial pest control services for cockroach extermination in Pleasanton, then continue reading to learn about what signs can mean that these bugs are living in your building. cockroach - infestation

    Feces

    When a cockroach infestation is underway, you are likely to spot their droppings around your building. Large roaches produce feces that are dark and cylindrical. Smaller roaches leave droppings that resemble black pepper or coffee grounds. Seeing significant amounts of cockroach feces can indicate the presence of a large infestation or one that has been going on for a while.

    Odors

    There are many different cockroach species, and some of these are known for giving off odors. If you have picked up on a strong smell in your warehouse that has a musty or oily quality, then this may be a sign of a cockroach infestation.

    Egg Cases

    Have you found what looks like an oval shaped egg sac behind a stack of boxes or in a crack in the wall? If so, then you may have located a cockroach’s egg case. Referred to by experts as oothecae, these egg cases are typically between 5mm and 10mm in length and are frequently found in hidden areas of a building that has a cockroach infestation.

    Cockroaches

    Finally, one of the easiest signs to identify when it comes to cockroach infestations is a cockroach. If you find one or more of these bugs, dead or alive, anywhere in your building, then there is a good chance that there are plenty more that you can’t see. Finally, if you are spotting cockroaches during daylight hours, then it is time to call a commercial pest control company. These insects are nocturnal, so seeing them during the day can mean that overcrowding has forced them out into the light and that you have a serious infestation underway.

  • Answering Common Questions About Fleas

    Having fleas in your home can be a major nuisance for both people and pets. Are you looking into residential pest control services in Dublin because of a flea problem? If so, then you might benefit from knowing more about these biting bugs. Continue reading to learn the answers to common questions about fleas. flea - extermination

    When should I consider professional pest control for fleas?

    Washing fabrics and vacuuming your floors and furniture can help control fleas in your home, and using over-the-counter flea treatments can also reduce their numbers. However, over-the-counter flea control products are not as powerful as professional ones because they are designed to be safe for consumer use. If your efforts to eliminate your flea infestation have been unsuccessful, then you should consider calling a professional pest control company, so you no longer need to live with these biting insects in your home.

    What is the professional pest treatment process for fleas?

    Before the day of treatment, you will be provided with a list of steps to perform in advance that may include tasks like vacuuming, moving your pets out of the house, and preparing your home for the insecticide. Your exterminator will probably recommend the use of a residual flea control product that will kill adult fleas as they emerge and inhibit the growth of young ones to put a halt to their reproductive cycle. People and pets will need to evacuate the home for several hours during the treatment.

    How effective is pest extermination against fleas?

    When you choose to work with a professional pest control company to get your home’s flea problem under control, you can expect to see immediate results following the treatment. However, 1 to 2 weeks later you may see more fleas emerge who were in the pupal stage at the time of treatment, but these bugs should die quickly after making contact with the residual insecticide in your home. Vacuuming your floors each day and following the treatment can help minimize the number of fleas that emerge later.