Archive for the ‘Pesticides’ Category

What is TAP Insulation?

Wednesday, January 2nd, 2013

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TAP insulation is a type of insulation that is made from all-natural products, such as boron compound and recycled newspaper. It acts as insulation for homes and buildings, but it has another benefit: it’s a pesticide that keeps household pests out of the home. The product is patented and is the only pesticide that has earned the US EPA’s “Energy Star” rating. With so many benefits, how do you know if TAP insulation is the right choice for pest control in Orange County?

How TAP Insulation Works

TAP is made from recycled products, and added in these layers is a borate-based pest control product. Pests cannot build up a tolerance to this product, so TAP never becomes less powerful over time. Instead, what happens is that pests inside the walls of the home will ingest the boric acid, and the pesticide will slowly accumulate in the gut of the insect. Eventually, the boric acid leads to dehydration and malnutrition, and the pests die off. Since the boric acid needs to be ingested, TAP works best on self grooming insects such as cockroaches, ants and termites.

What are the Benefits to Choosing TAP Insulation?

We already know that TAP repels common household pests, is a great choice for termite control in Los Angeles and is made from recycled products. But what are the some of the other benefits to this product?

First, TAP will save you money, not just today, but in the long run. This type of insulation is high in quality and will give your home the insulation it needs, trapping heat and blocking cold air. You’ll see these savings in your utility bills each month, plus you will enjoy a more comfortable home. With the quality of the insulation, you will also see greater noise reduction.

Another benefit is that TAP insulation is environmentally friendly. The pesticide used in the product is safe for humans, so you never have to worry about chemicals in the home. Also, the insulation is made from recycled paper products, keeping more trash out of landfills and allowing your home to meet green standards. TAP insulation also provides fire resistance, giving the home an added layer of protection.

TAP insulation is efficient, and it’s a worthy consideration for any home. When building a new home or building, it may seem more logical to choose TAP as the source of insulation. But what if your home is already insulated? Should you still consider TAP? Yes! With over 65% of homes being under-insulated, you may already be experiencing problems with heat loss, drafts in the home, pest problems and noise control. TAP can be laid directly over existing insulation and will provide the same benefits.

Contact an exterminator in Los Angeles to learn more about TAP insulation.

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How Long Does Residential Fumigation In Los Angeles County Take?

Thursday, May 26th, 2011

If you need to call a Los Angeles residential exterminator to have your house fumigated, you probably have a lot of questions! That’s natural; you will after all, be asked to not only leave your home for three days, but also remove many, many items from it before you do. On top of that, you’ve got this major pest problem that you undoubtedly also have lots of questions about. But, out of all the questions we’ve heard, the biggest one is certainly “How long is it going to take?” And it’s not surprising. Being out of your home for a long period of time is an inconvenience. So, just how long does residential fumigation in Los Angeles County take?

The first step in fumigating a residential home that Los Angeles residential exterminators will take is to put all the necessary tarps up. Tarps help keep the fumigant inside during the process, and they also keep those outside the structure safe from the harmful chemical inside. Putting up the tarps usually takes two to three hours, although it does depend on how large the home is. Of course once the fumigation process is complete, these tarps will also need to be taken down and that will take about the same length of time as putting them up.

The actual process of residential fumigation in Los Angeles County involves pumping a very large amount of toxic gas into the home. So much gas is pumped in that the fumigant will kill any termites, beetles, or other pests in the home. Termites are the main pest that forces people to use fumigation and for these, usually two or three days is needed. Beetles are another huge pest that also cause people to turn to fumigation, and these take a bit longer to get rid of, usually three to four days.

Once the fumigation process is complete, the Los Angeles residential exterminators will then remove all of their equipment inside the home. Tarps are not usually removed at this time, although the windows and doors of the home may be opened to help the air dissipate more quickly. Once the exterminators feel as though the home has been thoroughly evacuated of all the toxic air, they will then perform an air quality check. This check will tell them whether or not it is safe for humans and pets to return. Once that test shows that the air levels are safe, you can then return to your home.

In all, the entire process of residential fumigation in Los Angeles County should take three to five days. And when it’s over, your home will be there waiting for you – just without all the bugs!

Accuracy Plus can handle all of your pest control needs, both inside and outside. Visit our site for more valuable information or give us a call at 888-675-0258.

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Using Pesticides Around Pets

Thursday, May 20th, 2010

Your pet is not just some cute creature you let hang around the house—he or she is a part of your family.   You want to protect your pet from any harm that might befall them, including removing poisonous plants, dangerous wires, and choking hazards from their reach.  But what about pesticides?  Many people continue to use these chemicals without considering how they might affect Fido or Fluffy.

While some pesticides are developed specifically for use with your pets to control things like ticks and fleas, other formulations that are used for controlling ants, roaches or rodents may actually be dangerous to them.  How can you protect your pet from these chemicals?  Whether you are using a pesticide you’ve bought at the store or you’ve hired a pest control service, keep these tips in mind:

  • Before you begin applying pesticides, remove your pets from the area until you are finished.  During the pesticide application, remove their toys, food, and bedding from the area.
  • Read the directions on the label and follow them precisely.
  • Bring your pets back into the area only after the pesticide is dry and the area has been ventilated.
  • When using baited traps, make sure you place them in areas that your pet cannot reach.
  • Avoid secondary poisoning:  a pet being poisoned by eating a pest that has previously been poisoned.
  • Discuss your concerns with your pest control provider and find out what options you have that will best accommodate your pet and the rest of your family.

If by some chance you fear your pet has managed to get into some pesticides, do not hesitate to call your veterinarian’s office immediately.  These kinds of chemicals can be fatal to small animals, and even larger pets may sustain injury by ingesting them. 

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

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Using Insecticides Around Children and Pets

Thursday, January 28th, 2010

One of the biggest concerns customers of Accuracy Plus have is the dangers of using pesticides around children and pets.  Obviously the most important priority any family has is the safety of their children and the animals they care for.  But you must also balance the dangers of a pest infestation with the risks of pesticides.  Using chemicals in your home may be a last resort, but if your family’s health is in danger because insects, rodents or snakes have moved in, you may way to consider calling a professional.

Most of the issues that arise from the use of insecticides stem from consumers using them incorrectly or ignoring the manufacturer’s instructions.  The fact is that most insecticides have very low toxicity levels or can be bought in organic formulations.  Regardless, it is vital that you always follow the instructions for any chemicals that you use to avoid the risk of poisoning yourself or others in your home.  You’ll also want to store them safely out of reach of kids and pets, away from heat and sunlight. 

If you see your pet behaving oddly, stumbling around, salivating excessively, vomiting or unconscious it is possible they have managed to get into your pesticides.  Even if they are not acting strangely but you find they have been in your pesticides, you should immediately call your veterinarian and have them taken in.  Likewise, for young children you will want to call the poison control center or get them to an emergency room right away if you find that they have accidentally found their way into your chemicals.  Young children have a very low tolerance for poisons and they should get medical attention immediately.

The best thing to do if you find yourself hosting pests is to call a professional pest control service.  They will be able to use the minimal amount of pesticides necessary to control your problem and may have several options for you to consider.  They’ll also know the latest products and tools which can help you protect your family without exposing them to any danger.  For a free Los Angles pest control inspection, give us a call at 888-675-0258 or go to www.accuracypluscalifornia.com.

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The Benefits of Pesticides

Thursday, January 21st, 2010

Pesticides and insecticides get a bad name these days.  With the overall movement toward green living, all synthetic chemicals have become suspect–and for good reason.  Misuse of chemicals has been responsible for millions of illnesses and deaths throughout the years.  But the proper use of pesticides has also contributed to a better life for everyone, and these benefits are rarely discussed. 

Increased Farm Production

Today, farmers can produce many times more crops than they could a century ago because they are able to protect their crops with judicious use of pesticides.  This means that the earth needs less work to grow more food—and the demands on all our natural resources are reduced.  Today’s grocery stores are full of nutritious, affordable foods thanks to modern farming techniques which includes using pesticides to protect crops as they grow.

Reduction of Property Damage

Millions of dollars of property damage has been done by termites and other pests who destroy the structure of buildings requiring costly repairs.  Additionally, the weakening of structures by pests can create dangerous situations that are hazardous to the people living and working in and around them.  Home and property owners are grateful to have alternatives in the form of pesticides to protect their investments. 

Reduction of Pest Borne Diseases

Back in the middle ages, the plague was spread primarily by rats.  Other infectious diseases like malaria, Lyme disease and West Nile virus are all spread through insects.  Thanks to pesticides, these insect populations have been controlled and contracting these life-threatening illnesses is a rarity.

Using pesticides can improve your overall quality of life, but it is important to remember that they are poisonous and can be dangerous if not used correctly.  That’s why it’s a good idea to call in a professional pest control service for your residential pest control needs.  For a free Los Angles pest control inspection, give us a call at 888-675-0258 or go to www.accuracypluscalifornia.com.

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