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How to Get Rid of Your Bird Problem

June 24th, 2010

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Birds are beautiful animals, there’s no doubt. But when you have a large amount of them everywhere, and especially when they’re making your home or building dirty and unsanitary, you need to get rid of them. But how do you get rid of something that has wings, and can just come back? There are a few things you can do to get rid of your bird problem, and they don’t involve toxic chemicals. So you can keep the birds, and the air around you, safe.

If you’re dealing with a large bird population, and if you have particularly pesky birds like pigeons, you might want to think about a wire repellant strip. These strips have sharp needles sticking out of a metallic strip that can be attached to a fence or the side of a building. The sharp wire needles stick straight up so they deter birds from finding them a nice place to perch.

Sometimes birds like to congregate in certain areas because there is food there for them. For this reason, areas such as vineyards and siding that’s already a home for termites are often favorite places of birds. In these areas, placing noisemakers and strips of foil nearby are often enough to keep the birds away.

In rural areas where geese are a problem, there’s not a lot you can do. Geese are protected in many different states, especially during the summer months when they’re nesting. Besides shooing them away, there’s not a lot you can do. Because geese are such beautiful creatures, many people are tempted to feed them when they see geese. Be warned that doing this will only lead to a huge problem on your hands that you’ll need to control. Resist any urge to feed geese and let them make a home for themselves somewhere else.

For a free Los Angles pest control inspection, give us a call at 888-675-0258.

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Getting Rid of Pesky Ants

June 22nd, 2010

There are lots of different types of ants, but no matter which kind you have, the chances are that you want to get rid of them. Ants can be a real nuisance, getting into your food and just by being there every time you turn around. So, if you have ants, how do you get rid of them? There are a few different ways to get rid of ants but the first thing you might want to do is determine which type of ants you have. Although many of these tricks will work for many different kinds of ants such as pavement ants, black ants, and red ants, there might be a specialized product out there that can help you control a specific type of ant.

The first thing you’ll want to do is to apply caulking to any cracks you might find in or near your house, as this might be where the ants are coming from. The safest and least toxic caulking is silicone. Another way to get ants to stop using a specified route is not by sealing it but just by deterring them from using it. This can be done by sprinkling strong spices and items with strong odors in the cracks. Things like paprika, chili pepper powder, dried peppermint, or borax will all work.

If you’re having a problem with ants in your garden, the chances are that you have other insects that are attracting them so you’ll have to get rid of the initial insects first. Bugs like aphids, whiteflies, and mealybugs all secrete a sticky sweet substance that ants love. Get rid of all the pesky insects, and you’ll see your ants go too! If you have shrubs or trees in your garden that ants are all over, apply a sticky ant trap up along the bottom of the bark. Ants climb trees looking for food and once they step on the sticky tape, they won’t be able to get off and ruin your foliage.

And if you see an anthill that you know is going to be a big problem, you can create your own non-toxic ant killer and pour it over the anthill. This concoction can be made by taking orange and lemon peels and mixing them with water. Mix these together in a blender and then just pour it over the anthill. This will be enough to kill the ants and get rid of your problem, and it’s safe too!

For a free Los Angles pest control inspection, give us a call at 888-675-0258.

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Getting Rid of Nasty Wasps

June 17th, 2010

Wasps are nasty insects. They are vicious, they don’t die when they sting you, and they can sting you several times. It’s hard to see anything good that wasps can do and because of this, you most likely want to get rid of them if you have an abundance of them in or around your home.

When dealing with wasps, it’s important that you fully protect yourself. Wearing rubber is often recommended because cotton is not thick enough for the wasp’s incredibly strong stinger. Wasp stings can actually be so harmful that it’s also recommended that you don’t take on this task alone, in case you end up in a situation where you need help. Also try to attack a wasp’s nest after the sun has gone down. This is when the wasps are most likely to stay in their nest, and when you’ll be able to kill a lot of them all at once.

If the wasp nest that you’re dealing with is in the ground, you can get rid of it with fuel such as kerosene or diesel and a large, wet towel. Start by pouring the fuel over the entire nest and in the hole. Then quickly cover the entire hole with the towel. The fumes alone will be enough to kill the wasps so you don’t need to worry about lighting a fire. If you do want to light a fire, you can go out at dusk and light a small fire underneath a hanging wasp’s nest. The smoke from the fire will choke the wasps inside the nest.

If there’s a hanging wasp nest, really the only choice you have is to use a pressurized bomb. This will be the most effective, and definitely more effective than any other pesticide spray you’ll use. When using the pressurized bomb, stand a few feet away from the nest and throw it at the nest, trying to get it into the mouth of the nest. If it doesn’t make it inside, or if it falls out, don’t worry about it too much. The nest will still be destroyed and because of that, the wasps will either die too or leave to find another nest.

If you want to use a less dramatic way to get rid of your wasps, create a sugar trap. Wasps love things that are sweet and so, this will attract and trap them. Use a jar that has a tight-fitting lid that you can poke a hole through. Then take the lid off and mix together some sugar and water so that it reaches the middle of the jar. Screw the lid tightly back on and find a place near the wasp infestation. If possible, hang it from a branch or tree. The wasps will smell the sugar and fly into the jar. Their wings will then become stuck in the syrupy mix and they will remain in the jar until they drown and die.

There are a few ways that you can get rid of wasps. But, they all do require some courage and patience on your part. If you’re really frightened of wasps, it might be best just to call a professional who can do the job for you.

For a free Los Angles pest control inspection, give us a call at 888-675-0258.

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Getting Bees to Buzz Off

June 15th, 2010

When you have a bee problem, it can be quite a problem. Even though bees are amazing creatures, and they do a world of good in nature and for the environment, they can become quite the pest when you have them in or around your home. The problem is that swatting them or killing them upon sight won’t be enough to do the trick. You’ll need to find the nest that the bees live in, kill the bees inside, and then remove the hive. And before you do any of that, you first need to make sure that you know that you’re actually dealing with bees.

Start by identifying that it’s actually a bee that you’re trying to get rid of. Creatures like wasps and hornets are a whole different matter when trying to get rid of them. Do some research on the different types of infestations and then continue on with trying to get rid of your own. Once you’ve identified the bee, you’ll need to find out where it lives.

Bees are very active during the day. They’re busy going from flower to flower and collecting all of that wonderful and useful pollen. So, trying to track down the hive during daylight hours will probably prove to be futile. Instead, find the bees at dusk, preferably a group of them, and follow them as they return to their hive for the evening. Once you’ve found the hive, you’ll need to kill all the bees inside if you want to get rid of your problem.

Killing bees inside of beehive is actually pretty simple, even though it can seem quite intimidating. Dress in sweatpants, sweatshirt, gloves, and a hat, and make sure to roll your socks up over your pants so that a bee doesn’t fly up. Then, use a can of bee remover to completely spray the nest. Remember that up to six to eight thousand bees can live in one hive, so make sure it’s completely saturated with the bee killer. Once you’ve applied this once, repeat again the next evening to make sure that all the bees are gone. Once you’re sure, you’ll need to remove the hive so that it doesn’t become a home for future colonies.

If the hive is in a tree, knock it down and completely destroy it. The hive may smell like honey for awhile after the bees are gone, which will only make it a nice home for other bees. Make sure it’s completely destroyed and throw it out. If the hive is in the siding of a house, a professional may be necessary for removal. And if the hive is in a hole in the ground, destroy the hive and then fill the hole up completely with mud or sand to remove the honey smell entirely.

Always make sure that you’re well protected when trying to get rid of bees. Their stings can be quite nasty and when you have that many of them, can be a real health risk if you’re not careful.

For a free Los Angles pest control inspection, give us a call at 888-675-0258.

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Prevent Pests: Secure Your Attic

June 10th, 2010

Your home’s attic can be a safe haven for pests looking for shelter from the elements outside.  Even the smallest opening from your roof can let it any number of critters including squirrels, rats and mice, and birds.  Not only is it worrisome to have animals move in and start breeding in remote areas of your home but it can also be extremely aggravating as you try to fall asleep with the sound of scurrying above your head each night.

It’s important to regularly examine the perimeter of your home including the attic, all windows and vents, your chimney and any other area that looks like it could be an entry point.   Seal these locations up or repair them to ensure wild animals can’t get in.  You may also want to keep your tree limbs trimmed so animals don’t have a convenient way to get on to your rooftop.

If you do happen to get an unwelcome visitor in your attic, you’ll have to act before it starts breeding or damages the walls and ceiling.  These creatures are notoriously hard to catch, so it might be worth your while to call a pest control service that has experience with just these kinds of challenges.  Not only will a reputable service be able to track down and trap your pest, they will have excellent suggestions for future prevention as well.

The attic is a common hideout for pests of all kinds, and because few of us go up there on a regular basis, long periods of time can pass before you notice trouble.  We always recommend inspecting your entire property each season to keep alert to potential problems.

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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Is Pest Control Bad For the Environment?

June 8th, 2010

There’s lots of talk about going green these days; living a less toxic lifestyle for our own health and for the health of our planet.  So where does that leave pest control?  Is it a toxic practice? Can you continue to treat your property without worrying that you’re harming the planet? 

First of all it is important to recognize that pesticides are not all there is to pest control.  Pest control services employ a wide range of tactics and tools to help control unwanted pests from invading homes and causing health risks to your family.  These can include traps, electronic deterrents, home repair—and yes, the judicious use of pesticides.

Pesticides are chemical compounds that are formulated to fight specific species of pests.  They are developed to work quickly and efficiently so that their prolonged use is not always necessary.  Furthermore, there are all kinds of pesticides available in today’s market, including those which are 100% organic or which are non-toxic to animals and humans.

Many of the dangers associated with pest control arise from the non-professional use of chemicals where they are either applied in incorrect quantities, or stored improperly.  A professional pest control service is able to assess your exact needs and determine precisely what is needed to remove the pests from your property.  They can also offer tips for preventing future infestations, which will help you avoid having to use pesticides in the future.

The other thing to consider is whether or not allowing pests to overrun your property is just as bad (or worse!) for the environment and your health.  Weighing the pros and cons, you’ll find that it is often much more sensible in the long run to address your pest control problems quickly and efficiently rather than to ignore 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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Pest Control For Your Business

June 3rd, 2010

If you own your own business you probably spend more time there than you do at home. Every small-business owner is proud of what they do, because they put so much of themselves into it.  When customers or clients walk through your doors, they get an immediate idea of the quality of your products or services.  The environment where you work each day should be professional, clean, and welcoming.

That’s why even small and independent business owners concern themselves with pest control.  No matter how talented your team is, or how unique your products or services are– if customers are plagued by ants, roaches or rodents when they come to see you, it will affect the way they view your company.  Whether you’re in retail, food service, or have a professional office, pest control is an important element in managing your business’ effectiveness.

Furthermore, if you’re in the business of preparing and serving food, pest control can play a vital role in keeping your doors open.   An infestation can cost you in fines, getting shut down temporarily, and worst of all:  the loss of your good reputation in the community.  Many small restaurants and cafes have started out strong and found themselves flailing after public opinion has turned against them.  There is no substitution for clean, pest-free cooking and dining areas.

A business owner needs to be willing to take preventative measures long before even the hint of a pest problem occurs.  Regular preventative maintenance can be an affordable way to ensure that neither you nor your customers get a nasty surprise when you least expect it. 

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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What Kinds of Damage Is Done By Rats and Mice?

June 1st, 2010

Rats and Mice are cute when they are in the pet store, but if you’re sitting on your couch watching television the last thing in the world you want to see out of the corner of your eye is a rodent crawling across the floor.  Even worse, rats and mice can stay hidden in your walls or other nooks and crannies of your house until they cause noticeable damage.

Rodents can cause destruction to your home by chewing walls, floorboards, and even furniture and carpeting.  They are prolific gnawers and might even chew through wires, causing electrical problems or even creating a fire hazard in your home. 

Rodents are notoriously filthy.  They can soil flooring with their urine and droppings which they use to mark their trails.  They may also build nests inside your walls for breeding and can carry diseases as they crawl around your floors, counters, and cupboards seeking food sources.   Because of this, if you have pets or children crawling around on the floor, you’ll want to pay special care to rodent prevention.

Rats and mice both reproduce at exponential rates.  That means that as long as they have access to food and water, they can easily overwhelm your property in a very short time.  Keeping your eyes open for the earliest signs of a rodent infestation will help you nip the problem in the bud and save you time and money in the long run. 

A professional pest control service can help you determine where rodents may be hiding out on your property and assist you in designing a custom pest control program that will not only rid of these pests, but help prevent them from returning in the future.  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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How to Choose a Termite Control Service

May 27th, 2010

Regardless of whether you have a current termite problem, or you’re simply trying to protect your property investment with a termite prevention program there are a few things you may want to consider as you choose a termite control service:

First, take some time to discuss termite control with your friends and neighbors and ask them what kinds of services their providers offer.  Ask them what they like and don’t like about their pest control service and make it a point to ask your potential provider about these things during your initial visit.

You also want to have a good idea of whether or not you’ve currently got termites or if you property has had a termite problem in the past.  Most states require that the seller of a property disclose any prior termite infestation to the new owners, but you may want to go back and review your initial inspection report and closing documents if it’s been a while.  You can also look around your property for tell-tale signs of termites—things like mounds, tunnels, droppings and wood siding that is jagged from being chewed on.

When you’re finally ready to make a decision on a pest control service, make your choice based on three important things:  price, experience, and customer service.  Obviously you want to get the best value for your money, but keep in mind that not all pest control services are created equal.  Be sure you compare a company’s experience and customer service by checking references, reading customer reviews online, and talking to people you know about how well they served them.

Termites are very serious pest control problem that can affect the overall value of your home or property.  Don’t delay calling a pest control expert if you suspect a termite problem, and be ready to take action if they determine there is an infestation.  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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The Facts About Fleas

May 25th, 2010

At some point almost every family has had to deal with fleas.   There are many ways to bring these miserable critters into your home but the most common way they get in is hitching a ride on the family pet.  Nevertheless, once they get in they can make themselves cozy in the carpets, bedding or other areas where fresh, warm blood might come around on a regular basis.

Fleas adapt quickly to a new environment and will start reproducing immediately.  A single female flea can lay up to 60 eggs per day!  They can and do bite humans as much as pets and their bite marks often show up around the feet and ankles with red, irritated bumps that itch terribly.

Preventing fleas is easy since most pet stores and veterinarians sell flea shampoos and medications for your pets.  But if you find you’ve already got them in your house, you’ll need to do a thorough, deep clean to remove the existing fleas as well as any eggs or hibernating cocoons. 

If your best efforts have still failed to remove all the fleas from your home, it may be time to call a professional pest control service.  Pest control services will have the latest technology and the very newest tools and pesticides at their disposal not to mention years of practical experience to help you take care of your problem.

It’s important to remember that, like cockroaches, fleas are able to adapt quickly to new environments and can develop immunity to specific pesticides even within one generation.  If you have already tried treating your fleas with another pest control service or with your own store-bought pesticides, be sure to let your new pest control service provider know so they can plan a strategy that will be most effective.

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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