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Choosing a pest control service is an important decision.  The service you choose is going to be a partner with you in protecting your investment.  But deciding on a pest control service requires more than just opening the phone book and calling an ad that appears trustworthy.  Here is a list of things to consider when choosing your pest control service:

• Find out if the service you are considering is licensed by your state.  You can ask them for proof of their licensure as well as their insurance during your vetting process.
• Call the Better Business Bureau and your city’s Chamber of Commerce to find out if the company you are considering is a member of either, and to learn whether or not they have had any complaints lodged against them.
• Ask the service if they have any customer referrals or references that you can contact about their service.  If they provide you with a list, be sure to call and ask specific questions about their rates, dependability, and overall quality of work.
• Find out about the different types of services that are provided and what type of schedule they offer.  Find out if you can call for unscheduled visits if unexpected issues arise, and whether there is an additional charge for these visits.
• Consider how the company’s representative was when you met with him or her.  Did they dress and behave professionally?  Did they answer your questions thoroughly and were they willing to take the time to discuss your issues, or did they seem in a hurry?
• Is their contract clear, easy to understand, and fair?  Before you sign anything, be sure to read through the entire contract and ask questions if you think something doesn’t look right.  A professional service will not be impatient or brush off your concerns when it comes to the contract.

If you live in the Los Angeles area, call Accuracy Plus California at 888-675-0258 for a free pest inspection or go to www.accuracypluscalifornia.com.

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/.

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/.

When it comes to pest control, many families think they can take on the millions of critters invading their homes with a few jugs of chemicals and some traps.  But pest control is far more than this.  Professional pest control services are able to provide you with an objective, professional opinion based on experience and education.  They can help you to identify trouble spots in your home, and make you aware of potential concerns that you might have missed. 

If you do have a pest problem, the professional service will be up on the latest methods for controlling and eliminating them.  They can also work around your family’s unique needs such as allergies, environmental concerns and sensitivities.

When it comes to selecting your pest control service, look for a company that is well-established with excellent customer testimonials; and that is a member of the Better Business Bureau.  Ask friends and family who they use.  If the company provides references, be sure to contact them and get their honest opinion.

A good pest control service will also have reliable, friendly employees who do more than just show up and spray some chemicals on your baseboards.  You should expect these folks to be able to give you information on the pests around your home and the materials they are using.  They should be able to answer your questions intelligently and provide you with additional information if you need it.

While it’s true that a pest control service is an additional expense to your monthly budget, it is one very important thing you can cross off your “to do” list.  The cost is nominal and well worth it.  You’ll be able to rest easy knowing that your home and your family are being protected from pests that can cause serious damage or injury.

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

A pest can be anything that is unwanted or that causes damage and/or injury.  A lot of it depends on your perspective.  For example, deer are beautiful, graceful, gentle creatures that can be delightful to watch in the wild; but if you regularly find them in your garden eating the lettuce you’ve spent all season cultivating, they become a pest.

Most of the creatures that we consider pests belong in the great outdoors and as long as they don’t intrude on our homes, or invade our backyards to the point they threaten our health we don’t really give them a second thought. 

Depending on your location, the season and your pest control routine your needs can differ from season to season.  However, the majority pests fall into the following categories:

• Insects – Including spiders, ants, fleas, lice, and ticks
• Rodents – Including squirrels, rabbits, gophers and mice
• Reptiles – Including snakes and lizards
• Larger Mammals – Including deer and raccoons
• Birds – Including woodpeckers and blue jays

If any of these creatures have invaded your yard or home, you may be in need of pest control.  Professional pest control services are trained to deal with the specific animals or insects in your area and can help you to not only eliminate them; but they’ll teach you how to prevent these pests from coming back.  After hiring a pest control company, be proactive in staying in touch with them.  Let your service provider know what seems to be working or not working.  Ask questions and give feedback. 

Just because your neighbors don’t consider the raccoons that tear through your garbage every night a nuisance doesn’t meant they aren’t a pest.  If your life is being disrupted by outdoor critters, you need to find a way to take back your home.  Find out what a professional pest control service can do for you.

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