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While ridding your home of pests may be a priority, you never want to do so at the risk of harm to the people living there.  Pest control often relies on chemicals, poisons and traps which can be lethal if they are not managed properly.  To make sure your pest control efforts are not a danger to your family, remember the following tips:

1. Keep pesticides out of reach of children and pets
   It sounds like a no-brainer, but it bears repeating:  keep all chemicals and poisons out of reach of children and pets by putting them on a high shelf or locked in a cabinet. 
2. Make sure bottles and containers are stored properly
   Keep your pesticides sealed tightly and the bottles cleaned.  Store them out of sunlight to avoid any reactions. 
3. Use the right project for the job
   If you have a rodent problem, don’t just use a can of roach spray you have lying around.  These poisons are formulated to work with specific kinds of pets, and by not using the right product for the job you risk exacerbating your problem or inhumanely torturing the animals before you have a chance to exterminate them.
4. Use products as recommended
   Follow the instructions on your pesticides and traps to the letter.  Don’t use extra poison just because you think it’ll be a little more effective, or put chemicals in areas of your home that are not recommended by the manufacturer.  You can risk overexposure to these poisons or contaminating other parts of your home which may result in health issues for your family.
5. Go natural when possible
   There are many excellent natural, organic products on the market these days which can minimize the chemicals your family are exposed to when eliminating pests.  If you are using a pest control service, be sure to ask them about natural pest control and whether it is available in your area.
6. Call a professional
   After a certain point you may need to call in a professional.  If your best effort in treating your pests does not seem to be working, it will save you time and money in the long run.  A professional pest control service will be able to help you get rid of your problem using state of the art tools and the least amount of pesticides possible to maintain the overall safety of your family.

For a free Los Angles pest control inspection, give us a call at 888-675-0258 or go to http://www.accuracypluscalifornia.com/.

Bats have a bad reputation.  They have been accused of everything from attacking humans to turning into vampires.  In urban areas where their natural habitats are being destroyed, they often make their homes in man-made structures that can include bridges, attics and overhangs.  Because bats are so easily misunderstood, many people panic when they find them in their home.  While it is true you may not want to host a colony of bats on your property, the truth is that these are some of nature’s most beneficial creatures.  Ridding yourself of bats is simple, and can be done in a humane way.

The first thing to remember is that there is no poison that can be used to ethically remove bats from your property.  No reputable pest control service will offer to use any kind of chemical to solve your bat problem.  Rather, the bats should be physically removed and any opening where they can re-enter should be sealed up. 

Bats are absolutely vital to the ecosystem, and as one of the major predators of insects they help control the populations of mosquitoes and other bugs.  In fact, a single bat can eat up to 1,000 insects in one hour.  Without them, it would be miserable to step outside at night.  They are also responsible for pollinating plants, particularly in desert areas.  Take the time to educate yourself about these fascinating creatures and you’ll appreciate their valuable contribution in nature.  They do not, however, attack humans; nor are they aggressive.  If by some chance a bat finds its way inside your home, it is because it has become disoriented and accidentally flew in while trying to find its way.  Simply opening your doors and guiding it to the outside with a long-handled broom is the best way to ensure it is safely removed.

For a free Los Angles pest control inspection, give us a call at 888-675-0258 or go to http://www.accuracypluscalifornia.com/.

Every homeowner lives in fear of termites, but not many know what they should be looking for when it comes to these destructive critters.  Knowing how to identify termites and their colonies is the most effective way to get rid of them before they do any serious damage.  Regardless of whether you have a history of termites on your property or not, you need to know how to spot termite trouble so you can address it right away. 

In North America there are two common types of termites:  Drywood and Subterranean.  Drywood termites live above ground and make their home in wooden structures which can include your house.  Over time, their breeding and feeding will weaken the overall integrity of your house requiring major repairs.   The Subterranean termites live in underground colonies similar to ants.  By far the majority of damage done each year is by this species.  They have the ability to spread out from their nest up to 100 feet and eat up to 15 lbs. of wood each week.

You can prevent termite infestations much more easily than you can treat an infestation.  Sealing your wood or using treated wood to build new structures is one way to make sure termites don’t turn your house into a smorgasbord.  Another important way to prevent damage is to know how to identify termites in the area.  You may see “droppings” that look like grains of sand; or see tunnels in the earth around a wood pile or exterior walls.  During the spring you may even see swarms of winged termites seeking to start a new colony and looking for a cozy spot close to a food source.

Termites are not a pest you want to mess around with.  They can cause serious damage to your property, cost your thousands of dollars in damages and repairs, and greatly affect the resale value. Once you see termites on your property, you need to call a pest control service immediately to ascertain the damage and come up with an extermination plan.  You’ll also want to have an ongoing maintenance plan in place to prevent re-infestation.   

For a free Los Angles pest control inspection, give us a call at 888-675-0258 or go to http://www.accuracypluscalifornia.com/.

The cooler weather brings all kinds of pests indoors, but in recent months there have been an unusually high number of ladybugs moving into homes; especially in the Midwest and Northeast areas of the U.S.  Even though these charming beetles have become popular in art and fashion, they were only introduced into the U.S. in the 1960’s.  Occasionally, homeowners will find that these little “ladies” have invited themselves in for a visit.

Ladybugs aren’t really dangerous and don’t create any serious hazards to health or property; however if they invade a building, they can be extremely hard to get rid of.  You can prevent them from getting in by sealing your windows, doors and pipes; especially those that are exposed to sunlight.   These pretty insects are attracted to light colored houses where they can cluster together and get lots of sunlight on the exterior sides of the house.    Since they often live in trees, you may also find that your home is prone to ladybug infestation if it is located in green areas. 

Once you have them indoors, the best way to remove them is with a vacuum.  The reality is that these critters are not meant to live inside and will eventually die themselves if they don’t have access to water and sunshine.  However, even if the adults die you may have eggs or baby lady bugs in your home which will continue to bother you.

Ladybugs might be bothersome, but there’s really no chemical solution to getting rid of them.  You can, however, use preventative pesticides on the exterior of your home in addition to your sealing efforts.  These two methods combined should ensure that ladybugs stay outside where they’re happier.  Unless you have an extraordinary number of ladybugs, however, it may be advisable to simply let them be.   After all, ladybugs were introduced into the U.S. as a way to control aphids and other pests that can destroy your garden.

For a free Los Angles pest control inspection, give us a call at 888-675-0258 or go to http://www.accuracypluscalifornia.com/.

Last month the California Department of Food and Agriculture extended quarantine in Riverside Country and Coachella Valley in order to isolate pests which have attacked local citrus trees.  The Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP) is a pest which spreads the botanical disease known as Huanglongbing (HLB).  HLB first appeared in the U.S. in 2005 in the state of Florida.  Since then it has spread to each of the 30 states that produce citrus crops. 

The adult psyllids can be easily recognized feeding on leaves and mating.  Once they have mated the females will lay their eggs (between 800-1,000 per female) on new leaf buds.  Because of this the quarantine does not include the actual fruit, but any of the leaves or stems attached to the fruit must be removed before it can be shipped.

The ACP damages the plants in two ways.  1.  It feeds off the young plant growth; and 2. It passes on the Huanglongbing virus which destroys the plant’s ability to product fruit, and eventually kills the entire tree.  With California’s $1.2 billion citrus industry at stake, state officials are convinced that the quarantine is not a knee-jerk reaction. 

The CDFA has made every effort to contain the ACP, and is encouraging individuals to eat their own home-grown citrus produce and not to attempt to transport it outside the quarantined area.  Even though none of the ACP’s tested have been positive for Huanglongbing disease, CDFA officials are certain that it is a matter of time before it appears on the scene. 

If you suspect your personal citrus trees or other plants are infected with the Asian Citrus Psyllid, call the Agricultural Commissioner’s office at 760-482-4314 and report it. 

For a free Los Angles pest control inspection, give us a call at 888-675-0258 or go to http://www.accuracypluscalifornia.com/.

Despite all the cartoons and kids’ shows featuring cute and cuddly mice and rats, these critters are actually one of the least welcome pests in any home.  Because they tend to live in unsanitary places, they can carry diseases into your house or place of business putting your health at risk.

Rats can live and breed anywhere in your home including inside drains; inside your flooring, walls and attic; in your garage; or even under furniture or in closets that don’t get used frequently. They thrive in areas where they have easy access to food and water, so keeping your home clean and any possible food sources sealed up is key to controlling and preventing an infestation. 

If you suspect you may have rats or mice on your property, look for these signs:

• Droppings
  Rats and mice both leave droppings everywhere they go.  These appear to be small dark pellets that usually range between 1/8-1/4 inch. 
• Gnawing or Rub Marks
  Rats and mice are constantly gnawing on things to keep their teeth sharp.  You may notice areas in your drywall or furniture that look like they’ve been chewed on.  Rats leave rub marks—greasy dark trails—along the passages that they travel regularly.
• Tracks
  Tracks can appear in the dirt outside or in the dust in your garage.  You’ll be able to see clearly the little feet and/or tails outlined along floors and walls.
• Odors
  Rats use urine to mark their passageways and they also have their own distinct odors which most pest control experts are experienced enough to determine.
• Sounds
  You may hear the sounds of scratching, chewing, or running through your walls, ceiling or doorways. 

During cold months, rats and mice may infest a home that doesn’t usually have pest issues.  They are seeking shelter, warmth and nourishment.  Before the cold weather hits, you may want to have a pest control expert come out to your property and look for problem areas to help you prevent any uninvited guests. 

Once you find rodents on your property, there are other ways to rid yourself of them including state of the art baits and traps.  However, it is best to consult with a professional before employing any of these methods to ensure the safety of any children or pets in your family.

For a free Los Angles pest control inspection, give us a call at 888-675-0258 or go to http://www.accuracypluscalifornia.com/.

As soon as the weather turns cool you pull out the boxes and bags of sweaters, woolens and cozy scarves and hats.  But imagine how upsetting it would be to find that some uninvited “guest” has made a snack of your beautiful (and expensive!) winter clothing.

Moths are one of the most prolific species of insects in the world.  The most common types of moths which eat cloth in North America (and other materials) are the Webbing Clothes Moth (Tineola bisselliella) and the Case-Making Clothes Moth (Tinea pellionella).

Most people do not realize that adult moths are not cloth eaters.  It is actually done during their larva stage before it entering the pupa stage, when the moth is a tiny caterpillar.  Unlike adult moths which are attracted to light, these larvae prefer dark spaces such as in a closet or chest where there are plenty of cozy coats and mittens to curl up in and will feast on your winter wardrobe as they prepare to turn into adult moths.

Many people attempt to get rid of moths and their larva by putting their clothing inside cedar chests or by using cedar hangers; however this is not necessarily going to be effective, especially after the cedar ages for a few years.   Another solution is the use of moth balls, a type of insect repellant made from naphthalene which gives off a strong, unpleasant smell.  The disadvantage of using moth balls (aside from the bad smell) is that naphthalene is a chemical which can actually be harmful to humans or pets.

While you may not be able to avoid using any chemicals completely, you can drastically reduce the amount that you do use.   The key to successful removal of moths is to remove them physically—using a vacuum cleaner and by heating the materials that have been infested to more than 130 degrees you can kill any eggs, pupa or caterpillars.  To rid your home of the adult moths, you can purchase insect traps which attract them using pheromones. 

Obviously if you feel that your problem is out of hand, you’ll want to contact a contact your local pest control provider who can offer you solutions to your moth problem, and help keep your winter wardrobe intact!

For a free Los Angles pest control inspection, give us a call at 888-675-0258 or go to http://www.accuracypluscalifornia.com/.

The H1N1 flu virus, also known as the “swine flu” has spread rapidly in the past year, infecting people in dozens of countries around the globe.  Every time a major epidemic breaks out there is public panic over how it is spread.  One of the most common myths today is that swine flu can be spread by mosquitoes. 

The good news is that there has been no recorded evidence that swine flu can be spread between humans via mosquito bites.  While they do spread other illnesses such as malaria and yellow fever, mosquitoes do not have the ability to spread just any disease that comes along.  Rather, in order for any pest to be able to carry and transmit a disease, it must have evolved a symbiotic relationship characterized by the virus living within the host insect for at least part of its life.  If the host insect has not developed a “relationship” with the virus, it will quickly pass it through its system and be rid of it.  Mosquitoes simply do not have the ability to physically transmit random diseases.  (The one exception to this rule has been the West Nile Virus which itself has adapted the ability to pass through the insect into the bloodstream of another host.)

Remember, just because you read it on the internet doesn’t make it true.  You need to be able to check the facts before you allow yourself to panic, or pass on information to others which may be incorrect.  Check the U.S. Government website for the CDC (www.cdc.gov), or your state health department website to get accurate information on how specific diseases can be contracted and prevented. 

There is no end to the websites or individuals online who claim to have accurate information about infectious diseases.  They may even swear that they were told by a doctor, but that does not mean the information is necessarily reliable.  You have to be willing to verify information yourself from authentic sources before making any rash decisions about how to protect yourself from swine flu—or any other disease.

For a free Los Angles pest control inspection, give us a call at 888-675-0258 or go to http://www.accuracypluscalifornia.com/.