Posts Tagged ‘pest control’

What Should I Know About The Africanized Honey Bee?

Thursday, November 10th, 2011

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We have probably all heard references about Africanized Honey Bees, better known as “Killer Bees”. They have a name that may sound terrifying. However, the sting of the Africanized Honey Bee is normally no more dangerous than that of a garden variety honey bee. Their venom is no more powerful than a honey bee but because they typically sting their victims in greater numbers, more deaths can be attributed to them. However, an estimate of the total number of deaths is difficult to compute because severe allergic reactions to bee venom from any type of bee can cause death.

There are several differences between the Africanized Honey Bee and its native cousins. Some of those include the following:
• They have a higher proportion of “guard” bees within their hives. Because of this, they guard their hives aggressively.
• They have a larger alarm radius around their hives.
• They have greater defensiveness when in a resting swarm.
• They deploy in greater numbers when defending their hives.
• They pursue perceived threats over much longer distances from the hive.
• They are more likely to leave their hive and relocate in response to stress.

Africanized Honey Bees have a very close physical resemblance to other less aggressive honey bees. Because it is difficult to tell the difference you should not attempt to treat hives without proper training. If you live in the greater Los Angeles area and think you might be dealing with Africanized Honey Bees, you should contact a pest management professional as soon as possible. The staff at Accuracy Plus has the proper knowledge, experience and equipment to deal with this situation. We invite you to contact us at (888) 675-0258 for a free inspection.

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Are Cockroaches an Unwanted Visitor in Your Home?

Thursday, November 3rd, 2011

You turn the light on in a room as you enter it and see something scurry along the floor and out of sight. You notice something around the house that looks like coffee grinds or black pepper. You may even smell an oily or musty odor in various parts of your home. If you have encountered any of these things in your home in the greater Los Angeles area, then you need to contact a professional exterminator. You can possibly have an infestation of cockroaches. Since cockroaches reproduce rather quickly, for every one that you see, there could be many more hiding and multiplying behind your walls.

Sometimes you may not even be aware you have a problem because cockroaches are nocturnal insects. This means that they normally prefer to live and to feed in the dark. So, if you spot a cockroach during the day, it is a sign that you likely have an infestation. The few that you may see during the daytime could mean that they were forced out by possible overcrowding.

Cockroaches have certain places in your home that they prefer to hide and breed. They can usually be found in dark and moist places such as behind refrigerators, sinks and stoves, as well as under floor drains and inside of motors and major appliances. They can also flatten their bodies to fit into narrow areas which means that they may also be found within wall cracks. Because of the abundance of food, water, warmth and sites to nest, cockroaches can remain active all year round in your home.

One way to help prevent an infestation is to stop cockroaches from entering your home in the first place. There are various ways that they can enter your home from the outside such as through cracks, vents and pipes. So, it is important to make sure that the exterior of your home is guarded against this.

Cockroaches are better at hiding from you than you are at finding them. Because of this reason, your best bet is to call in the pros – we can help! If you are in the greater Los Angeles area, contact Accuracy Plus today for your free quote.

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L.A. is Infested with Termites!

Thursday, November 3rd, 2011

Sometimes large quantities are good – lots of money, lots of friends, lots of good food – all good things. But termites in large quantities are nothing but trouble. In the Western part of the U.S., especially in California, Western subterranean termites are regular unwelcome guests that are known to make their nests after periods of heavy rain. These termites alone have been responsible for causing millions of dollars in structural damage on the West Coast. With nearly 1 in 5 homes infested in what are considered high-risk areas, these attacks are especially problematic in densely populated cities such as Los Angeles and West Los Angeles.

Termites can be extremely destructive to wood (namely Douglas Fir) used in building and home construction. They rapidly eat away at the structural wood, leaving a honeycomb effect, with large hollowed out areas that are packed with moist soil.

If you’re living or working in an infested property, the only way to get rid of termites for good is to hire a pest control co in Los Angeles, CA to take care of the problem. These specialists can work with you to eliminate your termite problem and monitor any return insects.

Traditionally, termite treatment was performed by putting everything in plastic bags, tenting the whole house, and then spraying chemicals to kill the bugs. However, once the house “airs out”, you’re still left breathing and smelling chemicals. Today, orange oil treatment is a common and all natural way to kill termites and still be Eco-friendly.

Accuracy Plus California is an exterminator company with expertise in termite treatment in West Los Angeles. The team at APC has worked with many residents and businesses in West L.A. to treat termites using a combination of traditional and all-natural methods. Contact APC today to find out more and for a no-obligation free quote.

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Avoid Cat and Mouse Games – Call the Exterminator!

Tuesday, November 1st, 2011

Mice may look cute and harmless, but in reality, they are extremely destructive (as they gnaw on everything) and are carriers of dangerous diseases that are harmful to both humans and domestic pets. Mice eat everything from food to wood to metal wires, so it’s possible to incur costly damage if they find your appliances or electrical wires. Though some people believe that a mouse is less destructive or harmful than a rat, that’s simply not the case. If mice are running around in or around your home, don’t depend on your cat or dog to scare them away or catch them for you. Call a professional exterminator service in Los Angeles to nip your problem in the bud once and for all.

Though classic mouse traps will sometimes catch a mouse or two, putting a little peanut butter or cheese on a trap and waiting for them to come to you is timely and won’t solve your problem in the long run. Mouse traps are unsightly to look at, dangerous if you have pets or small children, and won’t get the job done as completely as with a pro. There are more updated methods of catching mice, such glue traps and even electronic traps, but at the end of the day, that still leaves you worrying about (and cringing) when it comes times for mouse disposal.

Calling in a pro in the Los Angeles pest extermination industry will allow you to get your home or your business rodent free for good. Accuracy Plus California specializes in pest extermination of rodents for businesses, homes, associations and multi-family properties. Accuracy Plus is fully licensed, bonded and insured and is an Angie’s list Super Service Award Winner for 3 years running. Contact APC today to find out more about our pest removal services and to get a free quote.

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How to Defeat an Army of Rats

Tuesday, October 25th, 2011

Rats are some of the most loathed rodents on the planet. Larger than a mouse, rats can grow as big as a pound, and are commonly found in fields, farms, wooded areas and vacant lots. But when they start moving into populated areas, especially your home, shed or porch, that’s when you have problems. They’ll burrow their way into chimneys, walls or attics and make a nest, which means, baby rats. Female rats are pregnant for only three short weeks before giving birth to a litter of up to 12 rats at a time. Female rats have up to 6 litters a year. That’s 72 new rats per year – from each female, meaning you could quickly have an army living within your walls. In addition, an overflow of rats runs the risk of attracting other predators that prey on them for food – such as raccoons and squirrels. Just think – a few rats could lead to a whole farm of unwanted pests sharing your home.

The only way to safety and permanently get rid of rats is to call in a professional LA exterminators that will handle the removal and prevention of future infestations. The issue with rats is that if you try to handle the removal yourself, you could end up with dead rats on your hands, and we won’t even go into details about the stench they leave. In addition, rats are very dirty animals that carry many diseases harmful to humans, including salmonella, typhus, fever and even plague. If you can avoid the rats, that’s one thing, but avoiding the dangerous fleas, ticks and mites that they carry is another, as these carriers can be harmful to pets.

Many times, the first impulse when there’s a rat infestation is to try rat poison, but with their keen sense of smell, rats won’t take the bait. The only sure fire way to get these rodents out of your home or your business is to work with an exterminator.

Accuracy Plus California specializes in pest and rat control in Los Angeles and the surrounding cities. Our experienced team will help to trap, dispose of and clean up any and all traces of rat life. Contact us today for a free quote.

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What to Do when Pigeons Become Pests

Thursday, October 20th, 2011

Pigeons are a unique bird in that they are equally loved as they are hated. For some, the vision of a woman sitting on a bench and feeding birdseeds to pigeons in a park is a picturesque scene that warms the heart. For others, especially those in densely populated cities like Los Angeles, pigeons are considered a nuisance; dirty birds that leave droppings everywhere and constantly make noise. In fact, the dried waste left by pigeons can actually spread bacteria and infection, though it’s rare for humans to contract diseases because of this.

If you have a pigeon problem at your home, business or residential association, it’s best to call in professional pest control to help you control or eliminate the birds. There are many ways to treat unwanted pigeons that use a variety of tools, traps, repellants and barriers, and a professional can help you determine the best method for the fastest and most effective results.

If you want to try to tackle the problem before you call in the pros, there are some steps that you can take to deter the birds from your property.

  • Put up spikes on and around your roof. Oftentimes, this physical barrier will be enough to deter pigeons and their other flying friends from making a pit stop on your property. However, if you live in an apartment, condo or shared building, make sure that you have the authorization to place a permanent structure on the roof.
  • Get a fake bird. Pigeons are scared off by larger birds of prey, so a large faux owl or hawk can help to deter them for a while.

Although trying to handle your pigeon problem on your own is probably is a good plan of action, it can be very time consuming and can yield less than optimum results. Then it’s time to call in professional LA pest control.

Accuracy Plus California provides Los Angeles pigeon removal for homes and businesses. Contact APC today for a free quote.

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Make Sure Your Pest Control Company Offers a Guarantee

Tuesday, October 18th, 2011

If you see unwanted bugs, rodents or critters running around your home, the first thing on your mind is probably to call an exterminator. However, not all exterminators are created equal, and if you want those unwelcome houseguests gone once and for all, then getting the right exterminator is the only way to go about solving your pest problem.

There are many service providers that offer pest extermination in Los Angeles, Ca. If your house, condo or apartment is in the middle of an infestation, then here are some helpful tips that will help you to select the most qualified and reputable exterminator for your needs:

1) Check references. Although word of mouth may be old fashioned to some, it’s really the best way to find out how a company performs and if they are meeting customer expectations. Nowadays, it’s easier than ever to check exterminator references through Service Magic, Angie’s List and Yelp. These sites allow (and encourage) past customers to post service provider reviews to ensure that future customers are well informed. If you choose an exterminator company without checking references, you’re gambling your money and putting yourself at risk.

2) Get a guarantee. Pests have a way of appearing, disappearing and then magically reappearing just when you thought they were out of your life forever. Make sure that the exterminator that you choose provides you with a guarantee for a set amount of time. This will vary depending on service provider (but don’t expect to get a lifetime guarantee).

3) Inquire about treatment methods. There are plenty of ways to get rid of rodents and pests, but if you and your family (especially small children or domestic pets) live in the affected area, then seek out non-toxic treatment options that are Eco friendly, natural or organic. These safeguards will protect your home, as well as the health and well-being of your family.

Accuracy Plus provides guaranteed pest control for Los Angeles and the surrounding areas. We are licensed, bonded and insured and use all-natural extermination methods. Read what our customers have to say, or contact us today for a free quote.

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Ants in Orange County Can Ruin More than just your Picnic

Thursday, October 6th, 2011

Ants are a common insect that can be seen just about everywhere you go. There are many different kinds of ants around and many people do not distinguish between the different types. Ants may be common, but they are known for damaging many structures and their presence is never a good thing. Seeing ants is a sign that the infestation has already occurred and it is now time to seek out some pest control through a professional.

We have all been there, we are in the middle of a picnic and the ants just invite themselves to the party. Well, it goes without saying that ants can harm more than just your picnic, especially if you have more types of ants around than just your average black ants. In most cases, you will not have just basic black ants because at the moment there are almost 12,000 different types of ants in the world. Getting rid of ants and implementing a form of ant control requires that a pest control company comes in and evaluates what type of residential pest control that you will need to rid your residence of the pests.

The type of damage that ants can do depends on what type of ants they are. Carpenter ants can damage the structure of your house as they damage the wood. The type of damage is done by the ants eating wood that they come in contact with. Fire ants are known for their painful stinging. The pain is often associated with biting, but it is widely known that the ants do not bite, they sting. These stings can cause major health problems, especially for animals or small children if they are not taken care of properly.

Orange County ant pest control is a service offered by many exterminators. There are companies that focus on Orange County residential pest control service for those who find themselves over run with any variety of ants. Trying to battle the ants on your own will not do much good. To get your ant population under control and start implementing some residential pest control, call your local professional today.

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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Top Pests in the Los Angeles Area

Tuesday, October 4th, 2011

Los Angeles is a large city in California that has both affluent areas and urban areas. Regardless of the area in Los Angeles that you happen to live, you are bound to encounter at least one of the top pests that call Los Angeles home. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why there are many Los Angeles residential exterminators.

Spiders – you will find spiders almost anywhere, but in Los Angeles there are specific spiders that residents have to worry about in terms of pest control. In California, residential exterminators are more worried about black widows and brown recluse – the two most dangerous types of spiders that can take up residence within your home.

Termites – these pesky critters are responsible for destroying the wood in the foundation of your home. Many people who experience destruction in the foundation lose their homes solely because of termites. Termite control is necessary to get the termites out of your house; you do not simply want to control them as they are capable of laying thousands of eggs at a time. LA termite and pest control is available to help you get rid of your termites.

Ants – anywhere you go you can find ants, as there are over 12,000 species of them in the world. Ants are responsible for wood damage as well – carpenter ants – and for stinging people and animals – fire ants. Getting rid of ants is necessary as well and will require the use of a residential exterminator who can help you develop a course of action in attacking the pests.

Pests are popular everywhere, not just in Los Angeles. However, these are the top pests that you will find in Los Angeles that you will want to rid your household of. Without calling a pest control company, these pests can destroy your house and your health.

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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Protect Your Business with Regular Pest Inspections

Tuesday, September 27th, 2011

Your business is likely one of the most important aspects of your life – it is your income, your passion and where you house your employees to carry out duties. Your place of business should be subject to the same cautions as you would carry out for your home. After all, you will not be able to run your business if you do not have access to the building in which it is housed. If you are wondering why you would need regular pest inspections, we have a few reasons for you.

1. There are many pests that you are not aware of because you do not see them. Termites are one such pest. Termites require immediate pest control and commercial inspections provide the opportunity to implement the best care into your business.

2. You would bring in an exterminator to protect your business if you saw mice, why not for ants or termites? Some companies try to save money by spraying ineffective chemicals to treat the situation themselves rather than call a Los Angeles pest control company. However, most chemicals on the market are not as effective as the chemicals that pest control companies have access to.

3. Carpenter ants and termites are known to cause severe structural damages to buildings and your building could be next if you are not aware of the pests that reside in your building. Getting a regular pest inspection by a local company will help you implement the best pest control method necessary.

Now that you know the reasons why a commercial pest control inspection will help your business, consider calling to find out the best pest control inspections Los Angeles has to offer. By keeping up with regular pest inspections, you will find that your business will suffer fewer losses by keeping tabs on the present condition of the building and all of the possible pests that reside within.

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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