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Common House Spider

I don’t like spiders. It doesn’t matter if they are a common house spider or a far more dangerous one like a brown recluse or worse. I understand many people will argue most spiders found in and around your home are beneficial predators and will help get rid of ants, wasps, flies, mosquitoes and other such pests but then again I don’t want those in my home either!

The common house spider doesn’t mind living with humans. You may normally find the cobwebs of the common house spider in upper corners of your walls, at angles of window frames, and sometimes near doors that you open frequently. They use these tangled webs where breezes or other air currents can bring in their prey.

The common house spider can be a yellowish-brown or even gray in color with chevron markings on its abdomen. The common house spider poses little, if no threat to humans. They are not aggressive and will only bite if provoked however the common house spider may be hiding in a spot it feels is a safe haven, such as an old shoe, but may see you putting your foot into this shoe it has recently made a home as an act of aggression so I prefer taking steps to keep spiders and other pests out of my home to begin with.

Part of your regular home maintenance to control spiders in your home can be:

Declutter your home regularly to remove potential spider hiding spots.

Vacuum frequently to remove spider webs and spider egg sacs. This should include under furniture.

Pests require a water source to survive. Check and repair plumbing leaks that could be inviting pests into your home.

Clean and prune potted house plants that may be harboring spiders.

Seal cracks and crevices around the outside of the house using a silicone-based caulk to reduce potential entry points.

If you enjoy keeping windows open, be sure to check and repair torn window screens that may be allowing pests easy access into your home.

Replace exterior incandescent lights with warm colored fluorescent light bulbs to reduce attracting bugs that spiders like to eat.

 Remember: the common house spider has a difficult time thriving in a clean, decluttered home with low humidity and fewer indoor insects.

Spider control will take the combined effort of both you as the homeowner and your professional pest control operator. If you have questions about common house spiders and keeping them out of your home, call or contact Bio-Tech Pest Control at 281-296-6022.

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from Pest Control News http://biotechpest.com/common-house-spider/

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Cockroaches can trigger allergies

Seasonal allergies bring dread to those of us with sensitivities. Allergy symptoms can include a rash, chest tightness, chronic stuffy nose and frequent ear and sinus infections, as those of you afflicted with the same issues are all too familiar with, but did you know cockroaches can trigger allergies as well? The allergens are concentrated in their body parts and fecal matter they leave behind as they scurry across your home and can become airborne and trigger allergy or even asthma symptoms.

Even if you have not seen roaches in your home, eliminating conducive conditions should be closely followed to keep cockroaches out of your family’s living space. Taking a pro-active approach to making your home less susceptible to roach infestation should include:

Reducing clutter-pests use these areas for shelter.

Don’t leave pet food in bowls all day-this provides accessible food sources.

Vacuum and mop regularly.

Wipe away crumbs and spills right away.

Keep pantry food in tightly sealed, air-tight containers to avoid contamination.

Check and repair water leaks around the home. Most pests thrive in areas where moisture accumulates.

Cockroaches can be hiding in walls and other out of the way areas where they shelter and breed.

Have your pest professional do a thorough check and treat your home to target areas where roaches may be entering or living in your home. Treating cracks and crevices helps eliminate potential hiding spaces.

Remember, while you have no control over the seasons, you do have control over reducing conducive conditions that can lead to cockroach infestations that could trigger allergies or asthma issues. While this won’t get rid of all allergy and asthma triggers, you can control some of your environmental factors and provide a cleaner, healthy, pest-free environment for you and your family.

If you have questions about cockroach control and elimination and think you may have them on your home, call or contact Bio-Tech Pest Control at 281-296-6022.

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from Pest Control News http://biotechpest.com/cockroaches-can-trigger-allergies/

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What Attracts Ants to Your House

No matter the season, ants are unwanted guests. These social insects are most active during spring and summer when they are looking for ample sources of food, water, and shelter for their colony. One ant crawling across a kitchen counter or bathroom floor may not seem dangerous […] from Pest Control News http://jdmpestcontrol.ca/what-attracts-ants-to-house/

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Carpenter Ant

Have you noticed small openings on any of the surfaces of wood around your home windows, doors, deck or other wood areas of your home or the appearance of sawdust-like shavings below these holes? Would it surprise you to know this could be the work of an ant? Not just any ant, but one commonly known as a carpenter ant.

Unless the carpenter ant nest was near a heat source the last few months, they would have remained dormant for the colder winter months. With the warmer weather upon us, you may be seeing carpenter ants as well as a variety of other ants around your yard.

All ants are social insects, so if you see one, chances are there are more ants not far away.

One of the more problematic ants you may encounter are carpenter ants. These ants are structurally damaging wood destroying insects that could be silently damaging your home. Carpenter ants prefer damp, damaged wood to hollow out. As a homeowner, you should be on the lookout for issues of moisture accumulation around the home. Moisture issues can cause wood to rot making these areas more susceptible to carpenter ant infestation.

Most carpenter ants are black, however they can sometimes be red or brown or a combination but their larger size, from ½” to 5/8” is usually what gives them away.

Just like termites, carpenter ants can compromise wooden structures. Also like termites, carpenter ant swarms may appear during the early spring months. Swarms of carpenter ants usually indicate a colony has been developing for two or more years and is present or nearby.

One of the differences between carpenter ants and termites is termites actually ingest the wood. Carpenter ants will only chew and spit out the wood to hollow out groves and tunnels to make space for connecting to their nest. Carpenter ants will leave behind sawdust-like wood shavings, or frass, so while it is a slower process and may take longer for the damage to your home to be noticeable, make no mistake, carpenter ants are still a wood destroying insect. Periodic visual checks around roofline eaves, window frames, doorways, porches, patios and decks are recommended to locate and treat the nest, or nests before further infestation can occur.

To identify a pest issue or if you suspect you may have carpenter ants, call or contact Bio-Tech Pest Control at 281-296-6022.

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from Pest Control News http://biotechpest.com/carpenter-ant/

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Termite Facts and Fiction

There are many Termite Facts and Fiction myths surrounding termites in your yard and arming yourself with useful information will help you make informed decisions on how to approach termite control. It is estimated termites cause over a billion dollars’ worth of damage annually. When it comes to combatting such a destructive pest, the best offense is a prepared defense.

While termites are actually part of an eco-system that is meant to break down and decompose dead and decaying wood and return nutrients to the soil, termites cannot tell the difference between fallen trees and a home’s wood frame, fence, deck or other wooden structure. Termite damage may go undetected for a long period of time so annual inspections are crucial. Here are a few Termite Facts and Fiction points that may help in your decision for early, corrective or even preventative termite control:

Fiction: My house is new, I don’t need atermite treatment. Fact:  Even if a home has had a pre-construction termite treatment, the area around your property can still be susceptible. If termites are already in the area, termites are not selective when it comes to food sources and will consume what is closest and easily accessible.

Fiction: My foundation is concrete so I don’t have to worry about termites getting into my home. Fact:   Concrete foundations with a small cracks the width of a penny can allow access for termites to tunnel their way underneath and reach the wooden frame or other wood parts of a house.

Fiction: I have a brick house, my house if safe from termites. Fact:  Whether you have a brick, wood, stucco, stone or other exterior, most homes have a wood frame and termites can work their way from underneath or build mud tubes to bypass the exterior façade and reach wood structures of the home.

Fiction: My home had a termite treatment years ago so I don’t have to worry about termites on my home. Fact:  Both environmental and manmade disturbances or changes of the soil can cause a disruption or break in the treatment barrier so regular annual inspections are recommended to ensure termites have not broken through treated areas and found their way back onto your home.

Fiction: You can get termites from termite infested mulch. Fact:  Termites in new mulch will not infest your home however applying mulch too close to the foundation of the home can provide a bridge over termite treated areas allowing termites in the yard access onto the home. Keep mulch 6”-12” away from the foundation of the home.

Fiction: Termites have no purpose other than destroying homes. Fact:   Termites are an important part of our ecosystem and will help to break down fallen trees and dead wood into nutrient-rich soil that helps other plants to grow

Fiction: My neighbor had a termite treatment and now the termites will come to my home. Fact:   Well developed termite colonies can have millions of termites and tunnels extending into multiple yards so it is more likely your yard already had termites.

It is definitely termite season. The information provided is not to frighten anyone. The purpose is to arm you with factual and much needed information to promote informed decisions on termite control. To identify potential termite conducive conditions or if you suspect you may have a termite issue, call or contact Bio-Tech Pest Control at 281-296-6022.

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from Pest Control News http://biotechpest.com/termite-facts-fiction/

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Carpenter bees

It’s the time of year where carpenter bees that survived the winter have reemerged for the spring season. In our area of Texas, with warmer days, this can range from end of February through October so be sure to check around your property for the tell-tale signs of circular holes the carpenter bees will bore into wood structures. Left untreated, this damage can lead to costly repairs to the structural integrity of the infested areas in and around your home.

Many homeowners will confuse carpenter bees for bumble bees. An immediate distinction is carpenter bees have a smooth, bare shiny upper part of the abdomen while bumble bees normally have a hairy abdomen with distinctive bands of black and yellow markings. Carpenter bees normally nest in wood structures while bumble bees tend to nest in the ground. A third difference between the 2 is carpenter bees are solitary insects living alone while bumble bees are social bees and live in hives.

Inspect the eaves around your home, siding and fascia boards but don’t just stop there. Inspecting window frames, wood decks and fencing for small, circular holes, up to a 1/2” in diameter where carpenter bees have bored holes in wood structures. You may even see a carpenter bee hovering around the area.

Your Pest Professional must correctly identify the carpenter bee areas of infestation and apply the appropriate material and treatment method for elimination. Once the carpenter bee issue has been eradicated, plan on having repairs done where the carpenter bees have been boring holes for their nesting galleries. If not, old nests can be reused for years by carpenter bees causing further damage to the wooded structures.

Soft, unpainted and worn wood is even more susceptible to carpenter bee infestation. It is important to identify these areas and we recommend:

Identification

Repairing

Sealing

repainting

Treatment should be a two-step plan where your pest professional and you as the homeowner must work together to keep carpenter bees from being a recurring issue.

While carpenter bees are solitary insects and rarely sting, the damage they do to wood structures is the reason to be vigilant about inspections around your home. If you suspect you may have a carpenter bee issue, call or contact Bio-Tech Pest Control at 281-296-6022.

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from Pest Control News http://biotechpest.com/carpenter-bees/

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Swarming Termites

As I was driving around the neighborhood, I was pleased to see the small flowering buds on the trees starting to blossom. This means spring is around the corner, but it also reminds me swarming termites are not far behind. Now in our part of Texas, where the weather is warmer and humid more often than not, termites can be an issue year round, and the site of swarming termites can be alarming to most homeowners. While finding termite swarmers in the yard won’t necessarily mean you have termites eating away at your home, it is a good indication termites are nearby.

Depending on the species of termites in your area, a colony can be growing for 3-4 years before swarmers take flight to form new colonies. For this reason, you may not notice swarming termites around your home until after they have been causing hidden damage to the wood they infest. Subterranean termites will usually begin swarming during the Spring season as temperatures are starting to rise and optimal conditions that affect swarming are after a Spring rainfall with minimal wind speeds. Drywood termites in South Texas will normally swam in summer or even fall so having a pest control professional will be the best option for correct identification.

Aside from active swarmers, you will want to look for mud tubes that may be found on your home, deck, fence or other wood structures. The mud tubes allow termites to travel back and forth between their food source and the colony. Should you find possible mud tubes on your home, leaving them intact for a pest professional to inspect can help with identification as well as assessing if this is an active termite infestation.

You should have a professional Pest Control Operator out for the following:

Identify the type of pest swarming around your property

Inspect the foundation of your home for termite tunneling

Check for conducive conditions that may encourage current or future termite infestations in or around your property

Recommend corrective or preventative treatment options

Vigilant watch for termite conducive conditions is key to keeping termites from causing future or further structural damage.

If you have questions about termites or think you may have them on your home, call or contact Bio-Tech Pest Control at 281-296-6022.

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from Pest Control News http://biotechpest.com/swarming-termites/

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Mosquitoes in the yard

If you have lived in Texas long enough, you know it’s never too early to start preparing for the upcoming mosquitoes that will soon be swarming our yards. Mosquitoes can be active once temperatures reach over 50 degrees Fahrenheit. We’ve had a mild winter and the weather is already starting to warm up. Spring rains are starting. It is definitely time to make your yard less hospitable for the upcoming mosquito season.

Mosquitoes are cold blooded and while mosquitoes prefer temperatures above 80 degrees, we have already had calls of mosquitoes in the yard and consistently higher temps will be here before you know it.

Once mosquito season is in full swing, a female mosquito can lay about 300 eggs up to 3 times before it dies. With eggs being able to hatch in as little as an inch of stagnant water, taking a proactive approach to locate and eliminate potential breeding spots will be up to you to start now. It can take up to 10 days for mosquitoes to go through their life cycle from egg to larvae to adult mosquito so you need to check your yard for areas that contain  or can potentially hold stagnant water.

The most important point for mosquito control is to eliminate breeding grounds.

Look around your yard. Do you see any areas that collect water? Have you had time to work on lawn maintenance?

If you haven’t yet started:

Check the ground for low lying areas where rain or water can accumulate. Level these areas with topsoil.

Keep your lawn trimmed up and remove tall weeds and grassy areas where mosquitoes can hide and thrive.

After rain, check for toys, buckets or other items holding standing water and remove or empty accumulated water.

Check and clean gutters that have pine needles, leaves or other debris trapping pockets of water.

Check and repair torn or damaged window screens to keep mosquitoes and other pests out of your home.

Most mosquito issues can be prevented by you simply assessing your environment and proactively cleaning up your yard. Mosquito control is important for keeping family and pets’ safe from diseases they may carry. If you are having mosquito issues beyond your control, call or contact Bio-Tech Pest Control at 281-296-6022.

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from Pest Control News http://biotechpest.com/mosquitoes-in-the-yard/

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Keeping Children and Pets Safe During Pest Control

Parents and pet owners are often concerned about using pest control measures inside their home. Odours caused by pesticides, dangerous traps, and potential for exposure to hazardous chemicals all add to the worries they have for their family and “furry babies.” Here’s why you should only hire […] from Pest Control News http://jdmpestcontrol.ca/children-pets-safe-pest-control/

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Mice around the house

Mice are a year round threat to many homes. The average house mouse can range from 2-1/2” to just under 4” in length. Mice seek shelter from the elements as well as from predators and a hole ¼” can be quickly gnawed on and chewed around until the mouse can wiggle its way into your home to start nesting away for a future family of its own. Once in, undisturbed piles of clothes, paper goods or even cardboard boxes thrown in garages, attics and closets can provide an environment for mice to move in and out of, hide and build nests around.

Mice pose both health and economical threats to your family and home. Mice can expose your family to diseases and parasites they carry or left behind from their urine, feces or food contamination.

Economically, the cost can range from cleaning and paint touch ups from the unsightly dark grease/rub marks left along walls, construction repairs to damage to wood structures and even replacement wiring and insulation damage.

The first line of defense again mice is diligent watch for any possible rodent activity in and around your home.

To discourage infestations from mice, the following key points should be addressed:

Inspection

Containment

Sanitation

Inspection of the perimeter of your home for potential entry points that mice could take advantage of and find their way into your home. Check around the foundation, roofline and home plumbing penetrations. Check inside garages, attics and other rooms of the home. Specifically look for signs of shredded paper, cloth, insulation with burrowed patterns or other indications that mice may be running through and collecting nesting material. A more obvious sign would be the small black, rice-shaped droppings left behind.

Containment to remove and prevent future infestations should be implemented. Have your pest Control Professional bait and trap for removal of active rodent issues and seal up entryways. It is important to note you want to make sure and seal both inside and outside areas. Locating accessible entryways and and reinforcing weak barriers will help prevent future infestations.

Sanitation is vital. Make your home environment inhospitable to mice by making sure food from both people and pets is not left out on floors or counters and pantry food is sealed in airtight containers. Make sure high traffic areas where food is kept or eaten is cleaned and vacuumed to eliminate food particles that could attract mice.  Pick up soiled clothes from the floor and in laundry hampers. Keep seasonal items rarely used put away in air-tight bins.

Remember, the control of mice from your home is important for keeping family and pets’ safe as well as possibly avoiding or at least limiting damage caused by infestations. If you are having rodent issues beyond your control, call or contact Bio-Tech Pest Control at 281-296-6022.

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Red Fire Ants after the rain

I knew it was just a matter of time. First Puxatawny Phil didn’t see his shadow. Then the rain came. Now, the inevitable red fire ant mounds have started to surface. During the cold winter months, fire ants will head below ground for warmth, but with the temperature slowly rising and after the recent rains, fire ants are coming to the surface. They will build up their mounds to shelter their colony and avoid drowning. It’s definitely time to treat again for fire ants whether they are active or to treat preventatively.

A study by Texas A&M University shows that fire ants can do more than just be a nuisance. Besides having the ability to sting you, your family or even your pets, red fire ants have also shown they can cause extensive damage to electrical equipment. Fire ants have been found nesting in electrical junction boxes. Nesting in the metal housing, they can chew on the insulation. This of course can cause damage to circuitry and other serious malfunctions posing a safety hazard not to mention costly repairs.

If you see some mounds nearby, chances are there are more red fire ants below ground. Red fire ants enter and exit the mound through an underground network of tunnels.

With red fire ants in our part of Texas, they can start early Spring and extend well past the regular Summer months and carry over into late Fall. Even during times of heavy rains and flooding, red fire ants have been seen floating by until they reach drier land and will start over and establish a new colony. A queen only needs a few workers to start a new colony. Once started, a colony can contain from as little as 300 (not really that little!) to 500,000 red fire ants.

Early detection and elimination is key. The two most common methods of treatment include:

Individual Mound Treatment eliminates fire ants on the surface. A liquid spray is applied so no additional watering in needs to be done and can control surface ants for up to 90 days.

Residual Granular Baiting Treatment is a granular broadcast treatment that is slower to control but longer lasting. This method must be watered in to bring ants to the surface to share the bait with the colony below and ultimately share with the queen and induce colony elimination. Depending on the material used, this method can prevent red fire ants for up to a year depending on the severity of ant infestation and consistant and proper application methods.

Remember, fire ant control is important for keeping family and pets’ safe as well as possibly avoiding damage caused by infestations in electrical and utility equipment. If you are having fire ant issues beyond your control or questions about the upcoming pest season, call or contact Bio-Tech Pest Control at 281-296-6022.

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Skunks in the neighborhood

As I drove around the hill country late this past weekend, I was reminded by the strong pungent scent in the air, skunks were nearby so drive cautiously! Skunks are known to have excellent hearing and sense of smell, but their poor eyesight is no match for a vehicle traveling down the road at any speed. In our area of Texas, we’ve had a mild winter, so you may see a much higher rate of roadkill during the months of February through March and unfortunately, skunks are definitely on the roadkill list.

The reason for the increase in skunk activity right now is they are seeking additional food sources or seeking a mate. With more of their regular hunting grounds being reduced from nearby construction, we are seeing them venture more into neighborhoods and busy roadways and other areas they might not normally be found. When hunting for food, skunks typically eat insects, worms, and even small rodents but if their options are low where they normally reside, skunks have been seen venturing into neighborhoods and could come looking for food in your yard.

To prevent skunks in your yard, food source elimination is key.

Inspect your yard and treat if needed for grubs or other below the surface yard pests.

Eliminate any small rodent issues.

Keep pet food bowls indoors or at least immediately cleared away after eating.

Keep trash in containers with tight fitting lids.

Along with eliminating their food source, you also want to make the structures around your home less inviting. Skunks are opportunists and an open deck area could provide the perfect den to live, hide from predators and even give birth to their springtime litter! Also check around sheds. Fencing or chicken wire can deter skunks from digging under and living under your shed.

You may not be able to keep them out of your neighborhood, but keeping them out of your yard will be up to you. A thorough check around your property can help you locate potential problem areas to prevent future issues of skunks or other critters from invading your yard.

.If you are having skunk, rodent or other pest issues beyond your control or questions about the upcoming pest season, call or contact Bio-Tech Pest Control at 281-296-6022.

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Reasons Why You Need Winter Pest Control

It’s a common misconception that pests disappear until spring, and winter may not seem like the right time for pest control. However, many animals and insects take refuge inside homes where they continue to grow and multiply. Many also carry diseases and must be removed as soon […] from Pest Control News http://jdmpestcontrol.ca/reasons-need-winter-pest-control/

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Squirrels in the attic

Squirrels may look cute scurrying across the park but let’s face it, they are still rodents. They will steal birdseed from bird feeders. They will gnaw their way into your attic and yes, once inside can and will cause additional structural damage when trying to nest.

Most of the time squirrels will reside in tree cavities or even build nests on heavier branches for protection, but the warmth of an inviting home will attract squirrels and offer shelter for the cooler season. Much of the damage squirrels will do will be around entry points. If they find a loose soffit or fascia board or small hole that is a tight fit, they will chew around it until they can enter your attic area. Once in your attic, squirrels have been known to damage electrical wires, tear into insulation or even items you may have stored away in order to gather nesting material.

Structural damage and other repairs from a squirrel infestation in your attic can add up fast.

To help keep the squirrel population away from your home takes the combined effort of both you and your pest control operator. Some suggestions for deterring squirrels that you can do would be:

Remove food sources such as bird feeders or pet bowls with food left in

If you have any nut or fruit trees in your yard, be persistent with keeping them picked or raked up and off the yard.

Trim overhanging tree branches near your roofline

If you don’t have pets that will chase away squirrels, consider sprinkling black or cayenne pepper around the yard to deter squirrels from your yard.

Squirrels do not like the scent of mint. It is a natural rodent repellent. Consider growing mint around the yard as a deterrent.

Squirrels can become aggressive when they feel threatened by humans, so contacting a reliable rodent and wildlife pest control operator is a safe and logical solution. Live trapping is recommended for the capture and removal of squirrels finding their way into your home. Your pest control operator should:

Identify the rodent to ensure best procedure and course of action of removal.

Set live animal cages and safely and humanely remove caged squirrels at least 5 miles from your residence to avoid them returning to the home they have been familiar with.

Identify open points of entry around the home and rooftop to seal and prevent further squirrel infestations

Identification and eradication of squirrel issues in your attic early on is key. If you are having squirrel or other rodent issues beyond your control call or contact Bio-Tech Pest Control at 281-296-6022.

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Winter Lawn Care and Pest Control

With the fluctuating weather being an issue for lawn care, I finally ventured out into my back yard and sadly, the overgrown weeds in the yard have grown to an alarming height. Even though it’s still winter, I know pests are out in the yard waiting for the opportunity to flourish and invade my home and yard. It’s never too early to think about lawn care and pest control. I made the time to cut the grass and spot treat the weeds that had sprouted to gain the upper hand on pest control.

Overgrown weeds are notorious for harboring pests. These hot spots offer places for pests to hide from predators as well as the changing weather and breed for the coming Springtime ahead.

For pest control, just like having a cold, when it comes to preventing infestation, solving root causes rather than just symptoms as they arrive is ideal.

Trim overgrown grass, bushes and excessive yard foliage.

Spot treat for weed control.

Look for low lying areas and dips in elevation that allow water to accumulate and level out the ground areas.

Allow enough room between plants and shrubs to keep the foundation visible and less accessible to pests.

Keep your yard clear of debris to eliminate areas where insects can hide insect.

Decaying leaves and infrequent lawn maintenance produce a source of food, cover, darkness, and even moisture for pests to enjoy. If other shelter seems scarce, your overgrown lawn may even start to attract rodents and cause greater pest issues. Be sure to spot spray weeds as needed or arrange for a seasonal service to handle the issue if you are unable to work this into your busy schedule. Bag and dispose of lawn yard waste, whether by composting or disposing of with your weekly garbage pick-up.

While this may not take care of all pest issues in your yard, with proper lawn care and pest control, you may find yourself ahead of Spring pest infestations before they become insurmountable. If you are having pest issues beyond your control or questions about the upcoming pest season, call or contact Bio-Tech Pest Control at 281-296-6022.

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Pest Control Tips, Tricks and Hacks

Most people have pest control tips and tricks they may have picked up from a parent, friend or relative. We thought we’d share some tips that you may or may not know that could come in handy down the road. It’s not to eliminate our job as we know it takes the combined effort of both you and your pest control operator for effective pest control. We do ask you to keep in mind, these might not work for everyone, but these have been used effectively to keep some pests at bay :

Use bay leaf as a deterrent for some pantry insect control. Moths, roaches, ants and even flies do not like the herb’s fragrance. You can even tape a leaf inside cupboards and shelves.

You can use steel wool in cracks and crevices of your home where rodent entry was evident as rats/mice cannot chew through this material.

A narrow line of Black or cayenne pepper can be sprinkled around windows to deter pest entry. Just make sure children and pets don’t have easy access to these areas.

Move around your linens in the linen closet that don’t get used very often to be sure pests aren’t nesting in them.

Wipe down the areas around your dishwasher and be sure to remove any food build-up from the bottom of the dishwasher drain.

Rinse your garbage cans out at least once or twice a month to remove any accumulated food particles that may have fallen out of the liner and to the bottom of the container.

If you are seeing silverfish, chances are you probably have a moisture issue. Check and repair leaks or use a dehumidifier in rooms with a silverfish issue.

To prevent birds and rodents from making the firebox of your fireplace their new home add chimney caps if you don’t already have them.

We know there are many DIY ways to control household pests. On their own, these pest control tips won’t keep all pests out of your home. Clean homes can still have pest issues as well. Our main goal is to show it is the combined effort of both you as the homeowner and us, as the pest control professional to work together to control and keep pests out and away from your home.

If you are having pest issues beyond your control, call or contact Bio-Tech Pest Control at 281-296-6022.

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Basic home habits for Pest Prevention

I hate housework. That being said, I hate seeing pests in my home like silverfish, spiders and other bugs even more.  I make sure to include 4 basic home habits for pest prevention that makes a difference:

Clear away leftover food

Wipe down counters

Pick up dirty laundry from the floor

Vacuum regularly to pick up food crumbs

Clear away leftover food. Pests are constantly searching for an easy meal. Remove or cover food from kitchen counters. The scent from leftover food will attract pests to your kitchen or other areas where dirty dishes may have been left out. Flies, ants, and cockroaches are highly attracted to leftover food on dishes. Put your dishes straight into the dishwasher or wash and dry them by hand.

Wipe down counter areas to remove the scent trail scout pests leave behind that keep pests returning to the same areas. Clean up food or liquid spills as soon as they occur with warm, soapy water.

Remind family members to pick up dirty laundry from the floors and place in hampers. Many pests will be attracted to soiled laundry and even residual body odors left behind. Everyone should share in these chores as everyone benefits.

Vacuum regularly. To discourage pest infestations, make vacuuming part of your normal daily routine to pick up food crumbs and potentially suck up any pest eggs left behind. Be sure to empty the container after cleaning as well to avoid pests getting out and back into your home.

These 4 basic home habits for pest prevention will go a long way in securing a pest-free environment.

Ultimately it takes a combined family effort of routine daily cleaning to reduce the pest population in your home. If you are having pest issues beyond your control, call or contact Bio-Tech Pest Control at 281-296-6022.

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The post Basic home habits for Pest Prevention appeared first on Bio-Tech Pest Control – Termite and Pest Control in The Woodlands and Spring TX.

from Pest Control News http://biotechpest.com/basic-home-habits-pest-prevention/