Category: Pest Control

Bark Scorpions

What are bark scorpions?

Scorpions are a type of arachnid and belong to the same class as spiders, mites, and ticks. They are venomous, stinging pests that live throughout the United States. The most common species is the bark scorpion. Bark scorpions are nocturnal and range in length from 2.75 to 3 inches. They are light brown to brownish-yellow in color, have segmented bodies and tails, and have dark, lengthwise bands on their bodies. Bark scorpions also have distinctive elongated, thin pincers (pedipalps).  At the end of their abdomen is a bulb-shaped, tail-like structure (telson). It contains venom glands and has a sharp, curved stinger on its end.

Are bark scorpions dangerous?

Bark scorpions are considered dangerous. In fact, they are the most dangerous species of scorpion living in the United States. The venom that is delivered through the stinger found at the end of its “tail” is strong enough to cause serious health concerns. Depending on the amount of venom delivered, a sting from a bark scorpion does have the potential to be lethal, especially for children, the elderly, people with weakened immune systems, and small pets. Care should always be taken around scorpions. The good news, however, is that bark scorpions aren’t aggressive, and they usually try to stay hidden and out of sight of people.

Why do I have a bark scorpion problem?

Bark scorpions are on your property because it is providing them with ample hiding and burrowing spots. They are also thriving on your property because it is providing them with sufficient water sources. Bark scorpions can survive without food for weeks or months, but they require a constant source of water. Scorpions are predators and feed on a variety of insects, spiders, and other scorpions. Properties with large insect populations are attractive to bark scorpions.

Where will I find bark scorpions?

Outside

Bark scorpions prefer to live outside creating burrows in the cool, moist soil underneath rocks, logs, fallen trees, behind tree bark, in wood piles, and in piles of debris. If the weather outside becomes too hot and dry for them to live comfortably, they will move inside homes and other buildings. They are excellent climbers and easily scale rough surfaces like trees and walls.

Inside

Bark scorpions find their way inside through openings in a home’s foundation and exterior walls, through openings found around windows and doors, and through torn screens. Inside, scorpions are usually found living in dark, secluded areas, such as in basements, laundry rooms, bathrooms, behind wall voids, in closets, and in crawlspaces.

How can I prevent bark scorpions in the future?

Put into place the following preventative measures to minimize future issues with dangerous bark scorpions:

Caulk gaps around exterior windows and doors. 

Place door sweeps on exterior doors.

Seal cracks and crevices in your home’s foundation.

Remove piles of debris and fallen trees from your yard.

Keep a barrier between mulch and your home’s foundation.

Inside your home, keep storage areas organized and clutter-free.

SCORPIONS

What are scorpions?

Scorpions are relatives of spiders, mites, and ticks. Scorpions are predators that feed on a variety of insects and spiders. Striped bark scorpions are one of the most common species of scorpion that invade homes in our area.

Striped bark scorpions are the most common and widespread scorpions living. Adults are light brown to brownish-yellow in color. They have two broad, dark, lengthwise bands on the surface of the abdomen. They also have a dark triangular shape on the front portion of their head. Bark scorpions use their pincers to capture and hold onto their prey. At the end of the abdomen, they have a telson – a bulb-shaped, tail-like structure. The telson contains venom glands and a sharp, curved stinger on its end that delivers the venom they use to paralyze their prey. The tail is longer in the males than the females.

Are scorpions dangerous?

Scorpions are venomous and have the potential to be a danger to people. A sting from a scorpion is extremely painful and, like a bee sting, can cause localized swelling and an intense burning sensation. Their venom is strong enough to trigger serious allergic reactions in some. Great care should always be taken around any type of scorpion.

Why do I have a scorpion problem?

If scorpions have become a problem in or around your structure it is likely because living conditions on your property are suitable to their needs. Striped bark scorpions are attracted to trees, walls, and objects with rough surfaces, and they are excellent climbers. Properties with a lot of insect activity are also very attractive to scorpions. Once on your property, they will eventually find their way inside while out foraging for food.

Where will I find scorpions?

Scorpions are found living outside in the cool, moist soil underneath of rocks, logs, fallen trees, and piles of organic debris. However, if the weather outside becomes too hot and dry for them to live comfortably, they will actively move inside of temperature controlled homes.

Peppermint Oil and Spiders: Know the Facts

Does peppermint oil work?

Although mostly harmless, spiders can be a nuisance in the home. Many people find these eight-legged creatures creepy. Some can even be poisonous. If you’re someone who shrieks when you see spiders, you may want to try peppermint oil to get rid of them. Peppermint oil is considered to be a natural insecticide. Spiders, although not technically insects, seem to hate it.

What the research says

There’s not much scientific research proving that peppermint oil repels or kills spiders. Most commercial pest-control companies dispute claims that essential oils work as natural insecticides. Still, there’s plenty of anecdotal evidence for peppermint oil getting rid of arachnids.

It’s unclear why spiders steer clear of peppermint oil and other essential oils. One theory is that they dislike strong odors. Because spiders smell and taste with their legs, they may avoid crawling through fragrant oils. Another theory has to do with the monoterpenoids found in essential oils. Almost all essential oils contain them to some degree.

How to use peppermint oil to repel spiders

To make a spider-repellent spray, place about five drops of peppermint oil in a 16-ounce spray bottle. Fill the bottle with water, add a shot of dish soap, and shake the mixture well. Apply the spray around doors and windows, around the outside perimeter of your home, and in any dark corner where spiders may be hiding.

You’ll have to apply spider-repellent spray more often than conventional insecticides. Try applying once a week at first. If the spiders reappear before the week is up, try spraying every few days. Placing peppermint plants in strategic places inside and outside your home may also help repel spiders. You can also try sprinkling peppermint leaves in places overrun by spiders.

Scorpion Sting

What Facts Should I Know About Scorpion Stings?

What Are Scorpions?

Scorpions are a member of the Arachnida class and are closely related to spiders, ticks, and mites.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Scoripion Sting?

Scorpion stings are painful, and they can be fatal, especially children. Scorpions may sting more than once. The stinger, located at the end of the tail segment is usually not lost or left in the person’s tissue after a sting.

Where Do Scorpions Hide?

Scorpions hunt at night and hide along rocks or trees during the days. Homes built in arid or desert regions commonly have scorpions in them. In 2015, there were reports of airline passenger(s) being stung in flight. The planes were landed before reaching their destinations to rid the aircraft of the scorpion(s).

Are Scorpion Stings Serious? Can You Die from One (Are they Fatal)?

Most scorpions are harmless and accidental. Although about 2000 species exist, only about 25-40 species can deliver enough venom to cause serious or lethal damage to humans. One of the more venomous or potentially dangerous species, especially for infants, young children, and the elderly in the United States is Centruroides exilicauda or bark scorpion.

What Do Scorpions Look Like (Pictures)? How Big and What Color Are They?

Scorpions have two pincers, 8 legs and an elongated body with a tail composed of segments; they range in length from about 9 to 21 cm. Some scorpions are smaller and more translucent and difficult to see. They may appear as a thin string on the ground. The last tail segment contains the stinger (also termed a telson) that transmits a toxin to the person who has been stung.

dangerous desert denizens you don’t want in your home

Remember those perfect Valley weekend afternoons back in April? T-shirt and sandals weather. Everybody up north was getting pelted by hail and doused by torrential rains. You were giggling on the patio.

This was why you moved here.

Over the eons, this was also why all of our many beautiful palo verde trees, yuccas and cactuses made their homes here. Alas, our abundant and diverse plant life naturally led to a spectacular universe of creepy-crawly life

And that’s why scorpions, spiders and other venomous monsters of the Valley are as ornery as you are right now. They’re not fond of 115-degree days, either. They want to cool off. And, unfortunately, they might do that on your patch of lawn in the backyard, in your garage or — God forbid — in the dark corners of your child’s bedroom closet.

Scorpions

Ancient desert peoples looked up to the night sky and were awed by the constellation Scorpius. Scorpio is the astrological sign for those born from Oct. 23 to Nov. 21. It’s safe to say that we’ve been alternately fascinated and terrified by the creature with the nasty venomous tail for a long time.

Yellowish in color, bark scorpions are small, about 2-3 inches in length, and very slender. They are predators who use their highly toxic venom to paralyze insects, and sometimes other scorpions.

Reasons Why You Need Regular Pest Control

A tidy, well-kept house is always pest free, right? Not necessarily. Pests can be attracted to homes for various reasons, many of which have nothing to do with cleanliness. Some common home invaders make it very obvious that they are there, while generations of others may hide away without a peep. There are many reasons why regular pest control is necessary for every home owner to consider.

“Do-it-Yourself” Isn’t Always Doing Enough

Many do-it-yourself treatments appear to get the job done, when in reality they only attack the tip of the iceberg. Most store-bought and home remedies are only capable of taking care of what you see on the surface. More often than not, the source of your infestation is hidden away. That’s why it is important to contact a pest control professional at the first sign of a home invasion. Trained to stop an infestation at its source, the professionals here at American Pest know just what to look for, and how to get rid of it for good.

Pests Pose Real Health Threats

Public health officials attribute our current, clean quality of living to three very important variables: top-notch vaccines and medications, vastly improved sanitation, and high-quality pest control. Some of the most common pests, such as rodents, ticks, and mosquitoes, are capable of transferring terrible diseases. Mice and rats can carry Hantavirus, which can be fatal if passed on to a human. Ticks carry Lyme disease, which comes with flu-like symptoms. Mosquitoes are capable of carrying a host of different illnesses, from the West Nile Virus to Zika. It is impossible to know if a pest is carrying a disease or not, which is why it is best to err on the side of caution. 

Damage to Property and Belongings

Many home-invading pests find their way into your home in the first place because they have found a source of food. Wood-faring bugs, such as termites and carpenter ants, are capable of tearing your home apart. They hide within the walls, so they often cause a lot of damage before anyone even notices they are there. Other pests, such as carpet beetles and silverfish, are attracted to organic fibers, and therefore love to munch on your belongings. Couches, clothing, blankets, and towels are just some of the items at risk for damage. Our pest control professionals are trained to survey the area in and around your home, to keep pests that you might not even be aware of under control. 

Keep Food Safe & Healthy

Pest control is necessary in both residential and commercial settings, especially when it comes to food. Businesses in the food service industry often deal with scrap-eating pests, such as cockroaches and rodents. In homes, pests such as odorous house ants and indianmeal moths will find their way into your pantry, and make a meal out of your favorite snacks. Further still, many pests, such as aphids, can stop the proper growth of fruits and vegetables in your garden. Many of the aforementioned pests carry diseases, or at the very least will contaminate your food by living in it. The easiest way to keep your food safe from pests is to contact your local pest control provider.

Stress-Free Living

One thing is for certain; a pest free home is a happy home. Even the sign of the tiniest unwanted creature can cause a huge headache. Our most basic pest control plan includes year-round bi-monthly inspections, and both indoor and outdoor treatments to stop any and all pests. Just give us a call, and we’ll handle the rest.

Reasons Why to Consider Pest Control Services

Pest control is crucial to retain your home from unwanted intruders. Your home is not a place for the bugs, termites, and rodents to live but it’s your place to live safely. Sometimes due to some alternative way pests get the chance to invade in your house, causing multiple diseases.

There are many techniques to remove pest but calling expert is useful and beneficial for you. Here below are the reasons why to consider pest control services;

Cost-effective

If termites or carpenter ant colonies go undiscovered in home repairs then it can cost you hundreds of dollars. You may not know how to accurately supervise for termites and may not know the signs of carpenter ants. It is advisable for you to take the pest control service to minimize the damage.

Risks:

Always, you don’t do any trial and error methods to eliminate the pests from your house, as it might result in serious issues. When you ineffectively handle the pests, then they will regroup and come back to your home leading to the worst damage ever as before. But when you hire professionals, they will only use an effective method to remove the pests permanently. They will assure guarantee for the task of eliminating the pests from your home.

Flexibility and Time:

Controlling pests is not an easy task as you think and it requires some time and effort from your side. But when you choose any professionals as in pest control in Boise, they will take care of everything and you don’t have to spend any time for eliminating pests. You can utilize that time to some important work and manage them. Professionals will give you some flexibility like working on weekends and evenings to help you if all are working in your house.  They will plan a schedule that will match your free timings.

Customized Plans:

Hiring professionals will help you the best in handling such a difficult situation. Pest Control professionals have good knowledge and experience in acting wisely to control the harmful pests in your house. There are various kinds of pests available in nature, but to control different pests, a customized plan is required, which is provided by your pest control service provider.

Flexibility and Time:

Controlling pests is not an easy task as you think and it requires some time and effort from your side. But when you choose any professionals as in pest control in Boise, they will take care of everything and you don’t have to spend any time for eliminating pests. You can utilize that time to some important work and manage them. Professionals will give you some flexibility like working on weekends and evenings to help you if all are working in your house.  They will plan a schedule that will match your free timings.

Thus, choosing a pest control service will always keep your home free from pests and you are completely safe and healthy. Always choose the best service provider like pest control in Boise to solve the pest issue.

How To Choose A Pest Control Service

When you realize you have a pest control problem you may want to get rid of them as quickly as possible but you should also consider the factors below when choosing the best pest control service for your budget. Does it affect pets, are the staff helpful and knowledgeable, do the products work and what are the reviews of the company saying? Is the pest control service guaranteed? Here’s our recommended list to look for when considering how to choose a pest control service.

Green and environmentally-friendly services

We treat your home with only the most effective and environmentally friendly products on the market.  Not only are we committed to protecting your family and loved ones, we’re also committed to being environmentally responsible. Our products are the most technologically advanced and greenest on the market. Learn more about what makes our products better.

Better People

When deciding how to choose a pest control service the training of the service staff that will come to your home is very important. Our team members are highly trained, courteous and professional, so you can trust them in your home. We require all of our team members to continue their education by receiving more than just the state-required qualifications. Learn more about what makes a Southern Greens Pest Control technician the best in the business.

Better Products

We treat your home with only the most effective and environmentally friendly products on the market. Not only are we committed to protecting your family and loved ones, we’re also committed to being environmentally responsible. Our products are the most technologically advanced and greenest on the market. Learn more about what makes our products better.

Better Services

We offer same day service, so you can rest assured that we will be there quickly to help you. Our services will prevent and eradicate common household pests, mosquitoes, termites, bed bugs, and more!

What are silverfish?

Silverfish have been appropriately named as their entire body is covered in silver scales. Silverfish measure between ½ to ¾ of an inch in length and their body is teardrop-shaped

Are silverfish dangerous?

Silverfish do not pose health risks, but they can become an extreme nuisance as they may contaminate food, stain clothing, and damage paper goods.

Why do I have a silverfish problem?

Silverfish are found all across the United States. Typically these insects are spotted in bathrooms, attics, crawl spaces or basements because of the high humidity these spaces offer. Their diet usually consists of anything that contains starch or polysaccharides

Silverfish

What to Expect After Treatment

Silverfish are a primitive insect that thrive in moist environments such as damp crawlspaces, around central air conditioning duct work or sweating pipes. They occur naturally outdoors and are most commonly sighted when the seasons change. Your silverfish treatment includes baits, dusts and sprays, each effecting silverfish differently. Because silverfish can survive many generations in a very small space, it may take additional treatments to eliminate your problem.

To Help Eliminate Them

Fix any leaks, whether water is coming in from the outside, plumbing, cracks in tile work or air conditioner problems, silverfish need moisture to survive. Use dehumidifiers in basements or even sealed crawlspaces to reduce moisture.

Trim bushes, trees and other vegetation so that it is at least 6 inches from the house. Never allow mulch to reach the level of your siding. Keep stored items away from your foundation. Keep cardboard, paper, and any other material that can get moldy up off concrete basement and garage floors; preferably away from walls.

As much as possible seal around any pipe and vent penetrations, both inside and outside your home. Consider replacing carpeting that has been wet, and may have gotten moldy.

Remember

Tell your technician exactly where you saw any silverfish that appear two weeks after your initial treatment.

SILVERFISH AND FIREBRATS

Silverfish and firebrats damage paper such as wallpaper and books and are a common nuisance pest in larders, kitchens and bathrooms. They prefer warm, dark, damp areas.

Identify the problem

Silverfish and firebrats are insects of a primitive type; flat, wingless, grey in colour with three tail like appendages at the end of the abdomen. Tey are often referred to as bristletails. Firebrats tend to be a mottled gray/brown color with patches of dark gray and lighter silver over the upper surface of the body. Silverfish tend to be uniformly gray or silver in color.

Silverfish and firebrats are nocturnal and very active at night. They run rapidly and their style of movement resembles that of a swimming fish, hence the name silverfish

To get rid of silverfish and firebrats follow these simple steps:

Spray > Treat areas with NO Bugs Indoor or NO Bugs Super to control silverfish for several months. Pay particular attention to places you have seen silverfish and warm dark areas such as under sink units, below baths, roof voids, behind skirting, behind fridges and freezers etc.

Fumigate > For treatment of roof voids or other difficult to spray areas, NO Bugs Super Bug Bomb or NO Bugs Super Fumigator fumigators will knock down the insects in these areas.

Dry > Drying out the areas with improved ventilation and/or use of a dehumidifier will also be of benefit.

They prefer warm damp conditions and can be found in kitchens, bathrooms, cylinder cupboards and libraries. There are similar insects known as firebrats and bristle tails that have the same shape but are a darker brown colour. Firebrats have similar habits to silverfish.

Silverfish Extermination

Silverfish are no doubt a creepy insect to have in and around your home. They like to eat paper items such as old books as well as infest cereals and food stores. They’re a big nuisance for most of us to say the least.

What are silverfish?

Silverfish are a small, silver to gunmetal colored insect with six legs. They’re called silverfish because of both their appearance as well as their movements. Silverfish are very fast runners but they don’t fly. Adults range from 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch in length and have a teardrop shaped body that tapers from head to tail.

They’re thought to be one of the oldest insects on earth with many believing they were around almost a hundred million years before dinosaurs. Silverfish are most active at night and prefer to hide in cracks and small crevices during the day. Many people discover silverfish after picking up an old book or newspaper and finding a silverfish darting out. Upon further investigation, they will often notice many more silverfish where that one came from

Are silverfish harmful?

Fortunately, silverfish are not known to bite, sting, or spread any diseases. This is great news for many homeowners since they may be a nuisance but at least they’re not dangerous. However, silverfish do molt skins throughout their entire life which can raise histamine levels in your home and trigger those with allergies. Silverfish can also damage your belongings since they enjoy feeding on old paper items such as those found in photo albums, old newspapers, and old books. Silverfish have also been known to eat everything from wallpaper to clothing.

Signs of silverfish infestations

Since silverfish are nocturnal and very fast-moving, it’s not common to see them until the infestation is severe. However, you can keep an eye out for the signs of a silverfish infestation. These signs include feeding marks which may be holes in paper items or cereal boxes, frayed edges, or etchings on the surface of these items. You may also find yellowish stains, molted skins which resemble scales, or feces which resemble black pepper pellets.

How To Get Rid Of Silverfish

Let’s talk about how to get rid of silverfish. As with all home pests, the first step is to determine exactly what pest is bugging you. So, let’s make sure you are dealing with a silverfish infestation. Silverfish are small wingless, elongated insects that are silvery-metallic or slightly gray-brownish in color. They have long antennae and elongated bodies with silvery metallic scales. This pest is commonly found in the home, preferring to eat starches, papers and glues.

Silverfish are about ¾ to ½ inch long, with elongated bodies that tend to taper from head to tail. They have no wings but can run very fast, prefer to hide in the darkness during the day, and are attracted to areas of high humidity. Although not physically dangerous to humans, silverfish can cause a lot of damage to our homes and personal belongings.

Silverfish can live a year without food but they cannot live without moisture. These insects require high humidity to thrive, preferring levels of 75% to 95%. A silverfish infestation can contaminate foods and damage paper goods like wallpaper and books. Due to the fact that these creatures are nocturnal and work at night, they can do a lot of damage before a homeowner becomes aware of their presence.

When describing silverfish, many people say they look and move similar to a centipede but with a bit of a sideways wiggle. Actually, they are not centipedes at all and they can move much quicker. Silverfish have tapering elongated bodies with silvery metallic scales. They move with a bit of a wiggle, similar to a fish. Thus, the name silverfish is more than justified

Silverfish Can Do A Lot Of Damage

This is a pest that does not multiply as quickly as cockroaches, or some other pests, yet an unknown and untreated infestation of silverfish can do a lot of damage in a short time. These insects can quickly, and easily, destroy that family scrapbook you so carefully tucked in the back of the closet years ago before you realize they are even there!

Tips To Keep Squirrels Away From Your House

If you have a squirrel problem at your house, you’re just a phone call away from help from professional pest control specialists, who will be necessary if you have discovered a squirrel inside your home. Many people insist on trying to get rid of squirrels that have invaded their home without the help of trained exterminators, and this is just not wise because of the danger involved with these animals.

If you have a squirrel problem, our first suggestion is to avoid squirrel repellents you see in home goods stores because they simply don’t work. While these products may serve as a temporary deterrent for the squirrels around your yard, they will not get rid of them for good. Squirrels are extremely determined little pests, and once they choose your home as their new hangout, they are very hard to get rid of, but there are steps you can take keep them out of your yard, garden and home for the time being.

First, remove any food and water provided for your pets from the decks, porches, and yard surrounding your home. With colder temperatures upon us, it’s time to keep your animals indoors as much as possibly anyway. Those bowls of food and water are invitations to the squirrels in your area to hang out near your home, so the sooner you remove the bowls of food, the sooner your squirrels will be forced to look elsewhere for their next meal.

Next, take a thorough walk around the exterior of your home and check for any holes or spaces that these critters can enter your home through, and patch them up immediately. Make sure you close holes and spaces with durable materials that will last such as metal, glass or aluminum. Squirrels can gnaw their way through plastic, wood and similar lightweight materials, so choose the toughest stuff on the market to protect the interior of your home from these pests.

If you have bird feeders in your yard, move them to the farthest corners and as far away from any doors or windows to your home as possible. Squirrels are big fans of bird feeders, so if the feeders are close to your home, the squirrels will be close to your home, also.

Squirrels

Squirrels are probably one of the most common species of wildlife the average city dweller runs into (outside of pigeons). Most of the time, they are running around lawns, trees and bushes and around wooded areas. They are famous for grabbing acorns and nuts and hiding them in the ground as well as running up trees and across electrical wires, rooftops and other areas.

For the most part, squirrels are generally not a nuisance, but the act they live in such close proximity to homes and other buildings which means they can sometimes get inside walls, attics, basements and other areas. It’s then that squirrels can become a destructive nuisance and may require contacting a squirrel exterminator.

Where do squirrels live?

Squirrels usually live in trees. They build very large nests high in the trees to give birth, hide food and raise their young. The nests are made from leaves and other debris, but they run up and down trees on a constant search for food. During certain parts of the year, they hide food in trees, bury it in yards and find other places to hide food so they can get to it during the winter months.

Squirrels live all across North America. They are highly adaptive and live in warmer climates and climates where there is severe winter, snow and cold. They are also found in all corners of the world, except for Antarctica and the Arctic Circle. They survive in rural areas but also adapt well to urban areas.

Are squirrels dangerous?

In general, squirrels just want to be left alone, so they are not usually dangerous. They are sometimes a nuisance, however. Plus, if cornered or sick, squirrels will bite to fight their way out of a situation. Finally, their tendency to gnaw on objects can also be a problem.

SQUIRRELS

About Squirrels

Since we continue to invade wildlife’s natural habitat with our buildings and homes, we leave them no alternative but to enter our homes.

Squirrel populations are expected to continually rise due to the plentiful food supplies and mild climate patterns.

Humane Squirrel Removal

Envirotech’s strategy is to use humane methods to remove the squirrel(s) as safely as possible. Typically, we try to establish a strategy that forces the animal to leave your home without return, (one-way exit). This way the squirrel(s) are able to leave and find shelter on their own terms, along with bringing their pups if any are present.

Exclusion

After we safely remove the squirrel, we find and secure entrance points, such as holes, wires, cracks, and beams – anything they might use to reenter the structure. We make sure that your house is 100% nuisance wildlife proof.

Sanitize

Our squirrel pest control experts will then complete a proper cleanup to ensure the animal’s harboring area and feces are cleaned up and thoroughly sanitized. This provides safe living conditions for your home after the critter has been driven out.

Squirrel Control

The incessant scratching, gnawing and chattering of squirrels in the attic or ceiling voids of your home or cottage can make you crazy. Squirrels are active throughout the year and gain access to your home or cottage through tiny holes in the soffit, facia or even through compromised vents. Squirrels are a species that can cause a lot of damage to a home – insulation, (In severe cases the damage to attic insulation, substantially reduces it’s R value and requires replacement) electrical system, wood beams – and they not only let themselves in, but their entry points easily lead the way for other wildlife to enter. Squirrels can squeeze through small holes and cracks, and if they can into a home through one, so can mice, bats, skunks, rats, and sometimes even raccoons. The longer you wait to take control of your squirrel issue, the higher the chance you’ll be paying more out of your pocket.

Squirrels carry quite a bit of nesting material into the attic of your home or cottage which could be disease ridden of full of gnats, ticks and flees. They urinate and defecate all over your attic which develops into a terrible odour which is toxic and can cause damage to your ceilings. Squirrel feces can spread Salmonella and their bite transmit rabies to humans and pets.

Inspection and Assessment

During this step, our expert wildlife technician will gather information from the home/cottage owner or resident and conduct both an interior and exterior assessment of you home or cottage, this service will take up to an hour depending upon the individual needs of your Squirrel situation.

Gathering information, the information gathered from you is beneficial in your technician being able to focus his/her attention on the key areas and situations specific to your experiences and needs.

Your interior assessment, during the interior assessment the technician will require access to your attic as well as any other area where you have experienced Squirrel sightings, noises or have found droppings, excrement and or damage. In these key areas he/she will be investigating to determine both the level of infestation as well as ascertaining that it is a Squirrel that is the invader. Attention will be paid to possible nesting sights, runways (Squirrels often use wall voids, between ceiling to move throughout your home or cottage), damage incurred, accumulation of droppings, location of droppings and the presence of wildlife babies. This information is necessary in the strategic removal of unwanted Squirrels from your home or cottage

Squirrel

Squirrels have a tendency to chew on edible and non-edible objects. Because their teeth grow continuously, their constant gnawing helps maintain sharp teeth and prevent overgrowth.

Diet

Generally, squirrels feed on tree bark, seeds, walnuts, acorns, other kinds of nuts, and the various fungi that are found in the forest region. They are an opportunist in searching for food, and therefore can adapt to a wide variety of habitats. Squirrels change their diet based on the current season and eat whatever is available. They feed on buds of hardwood trees in spring, winged seeds of maple in summer, along with some other berries and other wild fruits. During autumn, their diet comprises mostly of hard nuts, hickory nuts, beechnuts, pine seeds, and butternuts. During this time of year, they are also working hard to stock up their supplies for winter.

Habitat

Often seen scampering from branch to branch, squirrels are seen in all kinds of environments, including parks, neighborhoods and wooded areas. The ideal habitat for a squirrel has an abundance of nut-producing trees and a diverse selection of other food sources available during different seasons

Life Cycle

Gray squirrels breed in mid-December or early January and again in June if food is very abundant. Most females begin their reproductive life at one year old. Males usually are sexually mature by 11 months, but maturity can be delayed by as much as two years if the young males are around a dominant adult male. During the breeding season, noisy mating chases take place when one or more males pursue a female through the trees. When not breeding, the gray squirrel is solitary. Pregnancy lasts about 44 days with one to eight pups in each litter. The young are cared for by the mother and are weaned after they are two months old.

Diseases

The gray squirrel is a host to many diseases and parasites, including lice, worms, and ticks.

How to Get Rid of Ants

While there are wide range of do-it-yourself products available in the market to get rid of ants, an effective control requires a professional pest control service to manage the infestation and minimise recurrence. Our service technicians understand the habits of different types of ant and can offer discreet and targeted ant control

Identify Your Pest

Have you put down food on the dining table and moments later only to find the food being attacked by a swarm of ants? If you have experienced this before, it is highly possible that your home or work place is infested with ants!

While the warning signs of an ant infestation are usually quite obvious such as with the presence of ants itself, ant trials and having ants found in food supplies, they are all easy-to-spot signs for home owners. With the presence of ants or ant nests, they are abe to grow in number over time, becoming a colony. The number of ant trials along different areas in the same kitchen could be seen increasingly more as they travel to and from their food source in an organised manner

Ants are social insects living in colonies. Foraging ants come out in the early morning and early evening when the temperature outside is not very high. Food and water is key to the colony survival. Knowing the common ants species is important as you understand the biology and behaviour of certain species to carry out an effective ant control.

Choose Your Method

DIY or Professional?

When it comes to getting rid of ants, you have two basic options: DIY or hire a professional.

The DIY option requires the purchase of ant spray from your local home store. Insecticide spray is the most common ant control item for a household. The usage of an insecticide spray should work together with good sanitation. DIY spraying of insecticide may kill some foraging ants which happen to be out of the nest and disrupt the ant trials temporarily.

How to Choose an Ant Control Provider

Ants are incredibly annoying to deal with. You see one crawling in your kitchen, then you see another scurrying across your dining room table. At this point, you’re probably wondering how to keep ants away!

We’ll be the first to tell you that there are many ant control tips and tricks on the internet. Now, do they work? That’s up for debate, but the pest experts are committed to making sure your ant control issues are handled swiftly and safely.

Integrated Pest Management or IPM is an effective yet environmentally sensitive approach to pest control that uses a combination of common sense practices to remove pests, like ants, and prevent them from returning in the future.

Proven Ant Repellents & Deterrents

Certain species of ants require specific ant repellents and deterrents in order for the ant colony to be exterminated. Your pest specialist should be trained to identify ants and locate their colony so the source of your ant infestation will be targeted during our treatment process.

Proactive Ant Control

The most effective way to keep ants away from your home or business is with the help of the pro. Our preventative treatments are strategically applied throughout your property so you will get the most out of our professional pest control treatment.

Choosing the Proper Ant Bait

You arrive at a home to do a routine service and the customer lets you know they’ve been seeing ants inside. Depending on where you are located, the offending ants could be one of several to many different species. You’ll need to identify the ant because the type or species of ant will determine your approach to inspection and treatment.

Is the ant a soil- or wood-nesting ant or is it opportunistic in nest site selection? Is it a type that is polydomous (many nest sites) or polygynous (many queens)? Is it a species that will respond to baits well enough to affect control? Soil nesting ants will be found near ground level while wood-nesters typically associate with moist wood. Opportunistic species that are polydomous and polygynous are the most difficult ants to control due to the widespread nature of their infestations around structures

The fastest way to control ants is finding and treating the ant colony or colonies directly which with polydomous species is easier said than done. In most all cases, most of the infestation originates from outside with possible satellite colonies indoors. Even with Pharaoh ants which are primarily nesting indoors, a great deal of foraging is done on the outside of a building.

You’ve identified the ant involved and done your inspection. If you’re dealing with Pharaoh ants and maybe rover ants, you should head straight for the ant baits. For other types of ants, you should first attempt to find and treat the colonies involved and use ant baits as a supplement to treatment. If the colony has been difficult to locate or with a hard-to-solve case, then ant baits become the key tool to select.

Many times, ants may start feeding on a bait then, after a short time, begin ignoring the bait. Ant colonies also have different nutritional needs at different times of the year or by preference. For these reasons, it is a good practice to offer ants two or more different baits, including types of formulations to find out which the target ants prefer. For example,  you might offer a drop of 2 different gel baits and 1 or 2 different granular baits. Whichever the ants prefer, give them more of that bait.

Preparing for Pest Ant Control Service

You’re seeing ants trailing across your kitchen floor or found them in droves in the bathroom. What can you do? There are a number of DIY options to get rid of ants, or you can choose to use a pest control service. If you opt for the latter, you’ll get the best results if you know what to expect from the service and you take some simple steps to get ready for the extermination. This will not only make it easier for the pest control pros to do their job, but it also will improve the chances of eliminating the ants entirely.

Professional Ant Control Services

Today’s professional pest control operators (PCOs) often use gel bait insecticides to control and eliminate small ants from homes. This requires the placement of small beads of gel bait, primarily in areas where ants have been seen feeding or trailing. The bait may be placed on small pieces of cardboard or another type of holder, or it may be contained inside an ant bait station.

Preparing for Ant Control Service

Prior to arriving at your home, PCOs typically provide you with a specific list of preparation steps for you to complete. The following steps are some of the most common requests or recommendations made by PCOs (you can take the same steps prior to using any over-the-counter pest control products yourself). Failing to prepare your home could make a treatment unsafe or lead to reinfestation of the entire home or building. For these reasons, many PCOs will not treat areas that are not prepared to their specifications.

After the Pest Control Service

Some common steps to be followed after an ant service has been performed (or if you are placing ant bait yourself):

Be patient. Because baits do not immediately kill the ants, it can take time for the results to be obvious. Rest assured that baiting is the best way to eliminate the entire nest of ants.

While the baits are taking effect, do not spray any insecticides or kill ants that you see, as they need to continue to feed to take the poison back to the colony.

Avoid using strong cleaners near the ant bait. This would eliminate the ant pheromone trail that the ants are using to find the bait.

Do not disturb ants that are heading to or away from the bait, or eating it. If ants are seen in areas where no bait has been placed, you can move a bait placement that the ants are not consuming over to this area.

Tips on Selecting Pest Control Services

Why Select Pest Control Services?

People vary in their tolerance for pests that periodically invade our homes and cause us some level of discomfort. The need for monthly, quarterly or yearly pest control services is a matter of your personal preference and your perception of what is (and is not) a problem. Ultimately, the decision on whether you need a routine pest control service is a matter of what you feel is needed to make your home a comfortable and relatively “pest-free” environment.

Although you may prefer a “do-it-yourself” approach to pest control, there are situations where the job is best left in the hands of a pest management professional (PMP). This is particularly true with wood-destroying insects such as termites, carpenter ants, and wood-boring beetles. Treatments for these pests can be complex and expensive, depending upon the size of the home, the type of construction, and the extent of the problem. We cannot endorse specific pest control companies, but we can offer some tips to help you reach an informed decision on the type of service you need or want. The emphasis here is on solving specific problems, particularly for wood-destroying pests, but the same general principles apply to regular service contracts for other common household pests, such as cockroaches and ants. Becoming an informed educated consumer is the best way to protect yourself and to make sure you get the kind of service you need and want. Here are some issues to consider when deciding what type of service you need or want.

There are three phases or types of licenses based on the type of work or pest involved:

P-phase – covers household pest control (cockroaches, ants, spiders, etc.) both indoors and outside. P-phase also includes vertebrates such as mice and rats.

W-phase – covers wood-destroying pests (such as termites, powderpost beetles, etc.) Individuals with W-phase licenses also perform WDIRs (the so-called “termite inspections” for residences being sold).

F-phase – covers pests in both the P and W phases, but it specifically involves the use of a fumigant. Please note that a fumigant is not the same thing as a fogger (“bug bomb”) that you can buy in many retail stores. Fumigation involves the use of special (and highly toxic) gasses that are released into structures that have been completely sealed or enclosed under a tarpaulin.

The removal/exclusion of vertebrate animals, such as snakes, raccoons and bats from houses is usually done by wildlife damage control agents (WDCAs). However, WDCA’s cannot apply pesticides (e.g, to get rid of fleas that may be the result of a raccoon or oppossum in the house). Many WDCAs work for pest control companies or they are licensed in structural pest control so they can perform any necessary insecticide treatments

all pest control companies must have at least one licensed individual (licensee) on their staff. The other employees work under that licensee’s supervision. Details about these categories can be found at the NCDA&CS website. License numbers have 3-4 digits followed by letters that designate which phases or types of pest control the company employees are allowed to perform. For example, a company (licensee) with a license number “9999PWF” is able to provide all phases pest control services. On the other hand, a company with the license number “9999P” can perform pest control for household pests (such as those mentioned above), but they cannot perform any treatments for termites or other wood-destroying pests, even if the treatments are applied indoors, rather than to the soil. Make sure that the company with whom you deal has a valid license issued by the NCDA&CS to provide the service you need. All employees of the company who sell pest control contracts or perform pest control services must have an identification cards issued by the NCDA&CS. This card will have their employer’s SPC license number on it. Under NCDA&CS rules, the company’s name or its SPC license number must be displayed on both sides of every service vehicle. Vehicles used strictly by company sales representatives are not required to carry these markings, although most companies do as a form of advertising). Whether or not the vehicle is marked, ask to see the person’s identification card as proof of his/her employment with an authorized pest control company. If he/she cannot produce a valid identification card, you should contact the NCDA&CS.

How to get rid of roaches naturally

When you see roaches in your house, your first thought might be to grab a bottle of insecticide or to call an exterminator. But not only would you be exposing your family to toxic chemicals, they might not do much good.

Because cockroaches are becoming so close to invincibility, researchers suggest combining chemical treatments with other methods — like traps and better sanitation — when fighting a roach problem. Or you can forego chemicals and try just natural methods.

Getting rid of roaches naturally can be a slow process. But getting rid of them naturally can also prevent the problem from reoccurring. So how do you do it?

Clean, Clean, and Clean Again

As with most household pests, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. What do I mean? You’ve got to make sure your house is spic-and-span, because cockroaches are attracted to food residue, particularly grease. That means wiping down the counters each night, never leaving dirty dishes in the sink, making sure the stovetop is clean and sweeping the floors before you go to bed. This may seem like a lot to do every day, but if you start doing this stuff on a regular basis, a 15-minute cleanup should be plenty at the end of each night to eliminate most residues (unless you have a party — or kids — and then cleanup will take a little longer).

Seal Up Cracks and Holes

That means inside your pantry, between the countertop and the wall, and in the baseboards. Roaches (and other insects) can crawl through even the smallest of spaces, so it’s important to seal the entries into your home. This may take time, but in the end, it’s worth the effort, especially if you live in an apartment and have neighbors who don’t maintain the same standards of cleanliness as you do. You can use a tube of caulk and a caulking gun to do the job.

Cut cockroaches off from their food supply.

Start by cleaning spilled or leftover food. A forgotten cereal box in the back of the cabinet is a gold mine for roaches. Don’t leave any dishes on the counter or in the sink either Go deeper — literally — by checking behind cabinets and appliances too. “They like behind the refrigerator because that’s a nice, warm environment,” Nobody cleans behind their refrigerator so there’s usually a food source for them back there. Store your garbage in a bin with a tight-fitting lid and take it out regularly,  Treat the bottom of the trail pail with the same level of care by wiping out any residue, gunk, or leftover food.

Eliminate any and all hiding places.

In addition to food, roaches need harborage to thrive. Their favorite nooks and crannies include stacks of paper and cardboard boxes, so recycle any materials you have laying around. Cleaning up any clutter will deter roaches from hanging around — or coming back.

Leave out roach bait — but don’t spray.

While sanitation and housekeeping is key, you can also employ some other tools in your war on roaches. Baits are the ideal option for homeowners to use, because they’re simple to apply. You do not want to spray a pesticide in large areas because it may contaminate surfaces that you do not want contaminated: countertops, appliances, etc. Baits, including Combat Roach Killing Bait, are a cleaner and less risky way to control the problem.

Use baking soda to kill roaches

Baking soda is one of the most multifunctional products ever created, so it’s no surprise that it has the ability to get rid of cockroaches, as well. The best method is if you mix the soda with some sugar, first. The smell of sugar will bring out the roaches, tempting them to eat from the mixture, without noticing the baking soda. After that, when they go to drink some water, a reaction with the soda will cause their stomach to burst. Cockroaches often feed on their dead comrades, so a chain reaction of death will follow.

Here is how to proceed:

1. Mix equal parts of sugar and baking soda in a lid or a dish.
2. Place another dish or a lid close to the first one and fill it with water.
3. Refill the containers with more bait and water when the dead roaches start to appear.
4. Place a couple more dishes around the places, where roaches usually gather.
5. Repeat until you are cockroach free.

Getting rid of cockroaches by using catnip

Almost anyone who has cats also has catnip. And even if you don’t have, you can easily purchase it. It’s one of the most effective home remedies against cockroaches and it’s really easy to use.

1. Boil around 1l of water.
2. Place the catnip in the water and let it boil for around 10 minutes
3. Turn off the heat and let the solution cool down.
4. Put it in a spray bottle and apply it all over your property.

What Smells Repel Cockroaches?

Nature has blessed the cockroach with an incredible sense of smell, making it easy for them to seek out food and find a mate. But that same sense of smell can be used to get rid of cockroaches – there are some scents that cockroaches simply cannot abide. Here are some smells that cockroaches find disagreeable, and you can use those smells to send them packing.

Lavender

Cockroaches hate the smell of lavender, and that is good news for you. If you love to grow lavender in your yard and garden, you are more than halfway to a roach-free home. Just plant lavender around your home as a sort of defense system – you will create a barrier that even the most determined roaches will be loathe to cross. You can use lavender oil inside your home to chase existing roaches away and stop new ones from coming in. Lavender essential oils work well for this purpose; you can dilute the oil and place it in a spray bottle, then spray surfaces where cockroaches have been a problem.

Citrus

You may love the smell of fresh citrus, but cockroaches hate the scent. That means you can use citrus scented cleaners in your kitchen and bathroom to chase any lingering roaches away.You can also keep a few citrus peels around your home in strategic places. The cockroaches in the area will smell that fresh citrus and know to stay away. You may need to refresh the scent a couple times a month, but that is a small price to pay for a roach-free home.

Eucalyptus

Koala bears may love the smell, and the taste of eucalyptus, but cockroaches find it quite disagreeable. If you have been looking for an excuse to plant a eucalyptus bush in your front yard or spray your home with fresh eucalyptus oil, consider this your opening. You can use the eucalyptus scent in a number of different ways, from essential oils diluted with water and sprayed as a barrier around your home to plantings in your front yard and garden. Just use your imagination – and use the cockroach’s keen sense of smell as a pest fighting weapon.

Sometimes a natural approach to pest control is the best choice, and that is certainly true with cockroaches. These common pests choose their targets carefully, so do what you can to make your home the least attractive choice.

How to Kill Roaches and Their Eggs

Short on time? Here’s the quick answer to killing roaches and eggs.

1. Kill adult & juvenile roaches with Advion roach bait gel & boric acid. Alternatively, you can use a contact killing pesticide like DemonWP insead of baits and boric acid.
2. Make sure juveniles can’t reproduce and eggs can’t hatch with Gentrol, an insect growth regulator. IGRs will make roach eggs sterile. It will also stop juveniles from being able to reach adult-hood.
3. Don’t attract more roaches. Remove food sources, keep the house clean, and close off openings and entrance points. Making sure more roaches don’t come in means you don’t fight a never ending battle

Choosing a Raccoon Removal Company

Sometimes the best and easiest way to remove a raccoon or exclude it from your property is to hire a company to do it for you. Wildlife removal companies are not well monitored or licensed, so it is up to you to ask questions about a company’s practices before hiring them.

A good wildlife removal company should:

Provide a customized plan of action and a firm price estimate before you are required to commit

Focus on long-term solutions, such as fixing potential entry points (as opposed to simply removing raccoons)

Guarantee their work (for at least one year)

Know about raccoon behaviour, such as when babies are born and where raccoons are likely to gain entry to a building.

Use only humane live traps (cage traps) or one-way doors to remove animals (rather than leg-hold traps or other harmful capture devices)

Physically check the space for babies, no matter the time of year

Release any live-trapped animals on-site. Never hire a company that moves raccoons to a new location as this is illegal and harmful to the animals. Instead, they should remove raccoons from the den space and seal the hole to prevent return.

Another Look at the “Humane” Alternative

Thousands of raccoons call our city home. Sometimes we don’t think about our wild neighbours until there is a problem: a squabble over who gets the garden vegetables, or an uninvited tenant taking up residence in the roof. While raccoons are only trying to meet their basic food and shelter needs, these conflicts can be very frustrating for homeowners

So why not trap the raccoons and move them somewhere else?

Contrary to popular belief, live-trapping a raccoon and relocating it is not a good way to solve the problem. While trapping may seem like a humane option, it often ends in a death sentence for the animal and leaves your property vulnerable to ongoing wildlife conflicts

There’s no place like home

Many people think that a raccoon can survive anywhere. You may even think that moving a raccoon from an urban backyard to a ravine, park, or forest will help them, since these spaces seem more “natural.” But the truth is, raccoons have specific home ranges where they are adapted to living.

Raccoon Wildlife Pest Control Removal Service

Although they might seem furry and nice, the raccoon can be considered a nuisance animal to families & businesses. Raccoons dig through your garbage cans, can steal fish from your pond and food from your garden, and have public health concerns such as carrying rabies and transmitting diseases to humans and pets. Not only this, but raccoons can also get into your home and make it their own, causing structural damage such as chewed electrical wires and insulation.

Raccoons are not known to be aggressive animals unless they feel threatened. This means curious pets or children could potentially upset a raccoon, making them a dangerous wildlife animal to be dwelling around your property

Continue reading to learn additional information about what attracts raccoons to your yard and control tips on how to effectively manage a raccoon infestation

All N One Pest Eliminators makes it easy to get started with our Racoon Pest Control Removal Services by starting with a Free Wildlife Animal Inspection and Estimate for both Residential & Commercial Customers.

Damage

A raccoon’s main goal is to find food, shelter, and other resources. This means they will tear through anything in order to achieve their goal. Raccoons can cause structural damage to insulation, electrical wiring, wood, walls, and more. They can also rummage through a vegetable garden in search of food. These signs can indicate that a raccoon has invaded your home or yard

How to Get Rid of Raccoons: Removal Methods

Raccoons in the wild may not pose a problem, but when they decide to hang out at your place it can be a different story. These mammals can carry canine distemper, which can be hazardous to unvaccinated dogs, and rabies, which can be transmitted to people or other animals. Moreover, their feces often contain the eggs of Baylisascaris procynis, which is a type of roundworm that can be extremely harmful to people. Getting rid of raccoons and their droppings is not always easy, but there are several methods of raccoon removal that can be employed.

How to get rid of a raccoon

Raccoons are protected under state law in most cases, and are classified as furbearers, meaning a license or permit is required to trap or hunt them. Because of this, how to kill a raccoon legally will vary from state to state, and is a job best left to professionals. As with many types of nuisance animals and pests, the best way to get rid of raccoons is to not invite them in in the first place. Removing their food sources and making your environment less friendly should also encourage any raccoons that are there to move along. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation recommends the following methods for raccoon control.

How to get rid of raccoon poop

Groups of raccoons pick one spot to be the communal defecation area, often referred to as a raccoon latrine. This can pose a problem if that spot happens to be located in your yard, because of the roundworm eggs often carried in raccoon poop. The roundworm’s effect on people can vary from no symptoms at all to severe issues with the eyes or nervous system. This parasite is primarily contracted when people come into contact with raccoon feces or accidentally ingest water or soil that has been contaminated by it. Raccoon feces have a strong scent, and are usually dark in color and shaped like a tube. Common latrine sites include decks and patios, attics or garages, near the base of trees and large rocks or woodpiles. A Centers for Disease Control factsheet on raccoon latrines advocates these methods for cleanup.

“Take care to avoid contaminating hands and clothes. Wear disposable gloves. Wear rubber boots that can be scrubbed or cover your shoes with disposable booties that can be thrown away, so that you do not bring eggs into your household. Wear a N95-rated respirator (available at local hardware stores) if working in a confined space to prevent accidental ingestion of eggs or other harmful materials. … [Outdoors] Feces and material contaminated with raccoon feces should be removed (using a shovel or inverted plastic bag) and burned, buried, or bagged and placed in the trash to be sent to a landfill. Most chemicals do not kill roundworm eggs, but heat will kill the eggs instantly. Treat feces-soiled decks, patios, and other surfaces with boiling water or a propane torch.** Disinfect hard, smooth surfaces (including shovel blades) with boiling water. To help further reduce the risk of possible infection, wash your hands well with soap and warm running water. Clean/launder your clothes thoroughly using hot water and detergent.”

When prevention fails

If preventative measures do not work, there are a number of traps available for raccoon removal. However, traps often require a permit, and measures must then be taken to release the animals in a safe, unpopulated area. It is usually best to call in a professional when raccoons have invaded your home. Get rid of raccoons the right way – by calling Terminix®. They offer wildlife control plans to help you remove raccoons and keep them out.

Raccoon Removal

Prevent Damage to Your Home

Raccoons are sometimes affectionately known as trash pandas due to their miniature, cute, and panda-like appearance. But don’t be fooled, while they look cute and cuddly, they can be aggressive, dangerous, and tough to get rid of. This is especially true if they have been in your home a while without you knowing. If you discover that you have raccoons lingering around your home or are already established on your property

these are all signs a raccoon has taken up residence in your home, and raccoons are tenants you do not want.

While we may think of raccoons as pests that live in the woods nearby, it’s common for raccoons to live inside houses. Raccoons may be cute, but they can cause thousands of dollars of damage to your home and yard. It’s stunning when you see all the places raccoons can get into. They can ruin insulation, ventilation, and electrical systems and female raccoons will often choose crawl spaces, attics, or chimneys to birth their young.

Hiring an expert in removal is strongly recommended, as these animals are elusive and hard to remove once they are established in a structure.

Raccoons can live 2 to 3 years and are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and meat so they love getting into our garbage. They are also mammals and will seek warmer environments when it gets cold outside. This is when our homes are most vulnerable to invasion. Soffit runs are the most common entry point. Raccoons can also gain entry through crawl spaces, gable vents, and plumbing voids. Homeowners should have their homes inspected often to help prevent problems like wildlife entry.

RACCOONS

If you own a home or business in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, or Delaware, protecting it from pests is an important part of maintenance. Some animals like raccoons can be harmful to people and property. Raccoons are dangerous to pets, damaging to buildings, and they can injure humans or make them sick by exposure to feces, urine, or saliva or by raccoon scratches and bites. To protect your home or business from raccoons, you need to learn about the behavior of this pest, take steps for prevention, and find effective treatment options should an infestation occur.

What Are Raccoons?

Raccoons are medium-sized nocturnal mammals known for their dexterous front paws and mask-like eye coloring. Raccoons originate mostly from forests but have adapted to other natural habitats and urban areas, such as near homes and businesses in Maryland, New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. These pests are known to invade garbage, steal pet food, and even make nests inside attics. Wildlife control experts explain raccoons are considered a rabies-vector species because they can carry and spread rabies, so it’s especially important to protect your pets, family, employees, and customers from them.

How Do I Identify Raccoons?

Raccoons are easy to identify by their black eye coloring. These animals are bigger than common house cats and about the size of small to medium-sized dogs. Their fur is grayish and consists largely of a thick undercoat. Raccoons have long tails that are often striped with dark rings.

How Do I Get Raccoons?

In New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware, raccoons are common. Sometimes they live in the wilderness and are driven toward urban areas in the winter. The wildlife control experts at Viking Pest explain raccoons look for food sources and may also look to your home or business for shelter or a place to bear young. The shelter that they may seek in your home or building could include an attic, wall, chimney, or crawl space.

What Are the Effects of Raccoons in and Around My Home or Business?

Raccoons can be quite a nuisance around your home or place of business. Not only do they raid and tip over trash cans, but raccoons also eat pet food and pose a major threat to pets like cats and small dogs. Wildlife control experts explain females may tear apart shingles or vents to get inside, and once inside, they can make nests by shredding up insulation, wiring, and other critical building components. Both males and females carry a host of parasites and other diseases, including rabies. These pests eat almost anything, so raccoons may even damage vegetable crops or fruit trees.