Around this time of year rodents are in search of warm shelter where food is easy to come by.
As temperatures drop and food is hard to come by, rodents begin to invade homes across the US. As many as 48% of homeowners in the US reported rodent issues. Capable of carrying and spreading 35 diseases it is important to implement a prevention plan to keep yourself and your family protected from possible disease threats.
Even clean homes are at risk of rodent infestations, thankfully these tips can help prevent such risks:
Install door sweeps on doors garage doors and repair damaged screens.
Seal cracks and holes around exterior of home.
Eliminate moisture sites - leaking pipes and clogged drains
Store food in sealable containers
Store firewood 15-20ft away from home and make sure all debris is removed.
Keep attics, basements and crawl spaces ventilated and dry.
If you think you may have an infestation, give essential pest a call at 520-886-3029 or visit essentialpest.com/residential
3 Things in Your Garage that Bring Rodents
Clutter
It is often hard to resist using your garage space as storage overflow, but creating chaotic piles—especially along walls or in corners—lays the right conditions for mice and other rodents to move right in. Even if you're not the type to keep odds and ends where you park your car, keep in mind that useful seasonal items such as outdoor furniture cushions, patio umbrellas, or pool toys can also create an inviting home for pests.
A Sitting Car
Now days, many people are working from home and have slowed their social activity do to the pandemic. Some two car families may only be using one car the majority of the time. Even if this means you're saving a ton of money on gas, leaving your vehicle just sitting in your garage could be allowing mice to turn your ride into their residence.
If you realize your vehicle is staying put more often these days, parking it in a well-lit area would be a great idea.
Pet Food
As a pet owner, it is your responsibility to keep your furry or feathered friends well-fed. Unfortunately, if your garage doubles as a dining room for your four-legged friends or as a storage area for your birdfeeder supply, you could unintentionally be setting up a buffet for mice and other rodents, too.
If you are noticing rodent activity and want to nip it in the bud before things get out of hand, Essential Pest Control can help. We specialize in rodent control, and pack rat den removal with multiple trapping methods and bates. Essential Pest Control- Call today! 520-886-3029
Pests Following you into Fall
You are probably excited for the fall season and the cooler weather that comes with it. Well, along with the cooler temps comes the pests. We've listed 5 of the pests in fall that will potentially pay you a visit this season.
One of the most difficult to control, bed bugs infest at a rapid rate and have been on the rise in recent years. About the size of an apple seed, bed bugs are nocturnal in nature and are typically found in mattresses, suitcases, boxes and shoes. While bed bugs are not known to spread any diseases, they can leave behind itchy welts on their victims and multiply quickly. If you suspect that you might have bed bugs, call a pest professional immediately.
Rodents like mice and rats are common pest in fall. These intruding rodents, like many creatures thrive on food and shelter. To prevent rodents from entering the home, keep all food sealed in airtight containers and seal cracks around the foundation of the home. Even the smallest crack provides easy access for mice since they can squeeze through holes the size of a nickel. Keep in mind, rodents can bring fleas, mites, ticks and lice into the home.
Various types of ants are typically found in and around the home during the fall. Although most species of ants are considered a nuisance and a pest in, odorous house ants can contaminate food and carpenter ants can damage the structure of a home. To prevent an ant infestation, seal all cracks in and around the home, eliminate sources of standing water and keep food sealed in tight containers. Additionally, keeping tree branches cut back from the home also prevents ants from marching inside.
While most think cockroaches are just a frightening nuisance, it's important to know that cockroaches have an ability to spread 33 different types of bacteria and cause asthma in children, making them one of the most dangerous pests on our list. They typically hide near pipes and drains, so it is important to keep kitchens and bathrooms sanitized. Vacuuming frequently will also help prevent cockroach infestations.
Lady Beetles and Boxelder bugs are two of fall's most active pests, yet they are rarely discussed. These beetles feed on small pests like Aphids and White Flies and Boxelder Bugs feed on fallen seeds and trees and live on rocks, trees and buildings. Although these pests are considered a nuisance, they have the potential to stain clothing, curtains and other fabrics with their droppings and emit a strong odor if crushed. Vacuum often and seal cracks around the home to prevent them from entering the home. Damaged screens on doors and windows should also be repaired or replaced.
The team at Essential Pest Control has expertise in identifying and eliminating all sorts of pest in fall that bother Tucson homes and businesses. Call us at (520) 886-3029 to request an estimate for your property. We have a broad service area throughout the Green Valley, Vail, and Oro Valley regions.
Pack Rat Den Removal
Pack Rat Den Removal
It’s starting to get cooler outside and we are approaching the Winter months. However, there are still pests to be aware of during this season. One of the pests you should worry most about during Winter in our region is Pack Rats.
Pack Rats are 6 to 7 inches in size not including their tail. The length of their tail is about 5 to 6 inches long. They are brownish grey with a bright white under coat. Pack Rats also have very large eyes and ears. This particular pest is known for the giant mess it can make.
Pack Rats are very active at night and move indoors during the Winter months. However, it is also very common to find them in prickly pear cactus for protection purposes.
The best way to keep Pack Rats from making your home their home is to exclude potential entry points. Cracks, crevices, holes, gaps, and windows are just some areas to target. Pack Rats are attracted to shiny objects. In fact, if a Pack Rat finds a shinier object than the one it has, it will replace the new shiny object with the old one.
Other options for rodent control include trapping and rodenticide baiting. Once the rodents are eliminated, a Pack Rat den removal should be performed by a pest control professional. A Pack Rat den removal eliminates the chance of Pack Rats returning. If you are having a problem with Pack Rats or would like a Pack Rat den removal, call Essential today at (520) 886-3029. We can answer any question about Pack Rats you may be having and help to handle any Pack Rat situation.