Laws & Regulations For Bat Control In Massachusetts
Bats commonly make their homes in the attics of homes in Massachusetts because they are safe, dark places where these flying mammals can seek shelter. Bats can enter your attic through a hole, crack, or vent opening that is only about a half inch in diameter. The biggest problem with controlling the bat(s) in your home is that they are protected by Massachusetts law and can not be killed or captured, except under permit. Massachusetts has these laws & regulations regarding bat control because bats are beneficial to our ecosystem for several reasons. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into why bats are protected, what the laws & regulations are regarding bat control, and how you can safely & legally deal with them when they are in your home! If you have any questions about bat control or are looking for professional bat control solutions in Massachusetts, please contact our team at Absolut Pest Control today!
Why Are Bats Beneficial To The Ecosystem?
While bats are often thought of as creepy, vampire-like creatures, they are actually extremely important parts of our ecosystem for several reasons. One reason that bats are crucial to our ecosystem is that they are pollinators. Bats feed on the nectar inside flowers, and as they move between flowers, they pick up pollen and distribute it to other flowers. Without the pollination provided by bats, many different kinds of plant species would slowly die out. Bats are also crucial to our ecosystem because they eat mosquitos, beetles, moths, and many other insects. Due to the fact that they eat so many of these potentially harmful insects, bats reduce the need for chemical pesticides.
Massachusetts Laws & Regulations Regarding Bat Control
In accordance with the Massachusetts Homeowners Guide to Bats from Mass.gov, “Bats are protected by law in Massachusetts and may not be killed or captured, except under permit when they are creating a risk to public health or when they are damaging property.” This means that it is illegal to deal with bats in your home using lethal methods like traps. Instead, if you are dealing with a single bat, Mass.gov recommends opening a window or door so the bat can fly out of your home. If you discover a colony of bats (10 or more bats) in your attic or other area in your home, you should report the colony to Massachusetts and contact a pest control professional. According to Massachusetts law, bat colony evictions should be done using the installation of 1-way doors and can only be performed during the early spring or late summer. This is because bat colony evictions must be done before maternity season when mothers have their pups or after the pups have learned to fly and can leave the roost.
Contact Absolut Pest Control!
If you are dealing with a bat problem in your Massachusetts home, the best way to deal with it is to contact a pest control professional. Our team at Absolut Pest Control has years of experience dealing with a wide variety of pests, including bats, insects, rodents, birds, small mammals, and much more! Contact us today by giving us a call at (978) 388-4589 or by filling out the contact form on our website!
Frequently Asked Questions About Bed Bugs
What Are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are small insects (often about the size of an apple seed) that feed on the blood of people and animals. These parasites have flat, brown bodies when they haven’t eaten recently, and balloon-like, reddish-brown bodies when they have been fed. When bed bugs bite, they leave several small red bumps in a line or zig-zag pattern. Female bed bugs lay hundreds of eggs in their lifetime (around 4 months to 1 year), so it’s important to deal with an infestation before it has the chance to get out of hand!
What Are The Signs Of A Bed Bug Infestation?
Bed bugs get their name from the fact that they are often found on beds and other furniture! Bed bugs are “hitchhikers”, meaning they often find their way into homes by catching a ride with pets, people, luggage, used furniture, and anything else that is brought into the house. Oftentimes, bed bug infestations are discovered after people notice that pattern of bed bug bites that are left on their bodies. Bed bugs also sometimes leave rust colored marks on mattresses, sheets, and carpets, which are the result of the insects’ feces. If you see the signs of a bed bug infestation in your home, you should contact a pest control professional right away before the infestation can get worse!
How Do You Treat A Bed Bug Infestation?
Although bed bugs typically do not present a serious threat to your health, it’s crucial to get rid of them as soon as they’re discovered. There are DIY methods that you can use to try to get rid of the bed bug infestation in your home, but they are typically not as effective as professional treatments. Some of these DIY treatments include:
- Washing clothes and bedding then drying them at a high heat
- Freezing clothes and bedding in a sealed bag for multiple days
- Using a steam cleaner to treat carpets, mattresses, and furniture
The best way to treat a bed bug infestation is to hire a professional. A professional pest control company will use a whole-room heat treatment using specially designed equipment that raises your home’s temperature above the limit that bed bugs & their eggs can survive (usually around 140 degrees). Using this professional heat treatment method is the only true way to get rid of every bed bug in your home!
Contact Absolut Pest Control!
The best way to solve a bed bug infestation is to hire a local pest control professional! Absolut Pest Control provides the Greater Boston region with pest control & removal services for a wide variety of pests, including bed bugs, other insects, mice, rats, bats, birds, termites, small mammals, and much more! Give us a call today at (978) 388-4589 or fill out the contact form on our website, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
How To Know When It’s Time To Contact A Pest Control Professional
While almost every homeowner has faced a pest problem at least once, only some have experienced an infestation that requires the help of a pest control professional to remedy. Many home and business owners will wait to call a pest control company until it is their last resort, but this can be a costly mistake. While it is possible for you to get rid of pests on your own, a pest control professional will cut the problem off at the source and get the job done right every single time! In this article, we’ll offer a few tips on how to know when the time is right to pick up the phone and call for pest control help!
DIY Methods Aren’t Working
If you have tried using store-bought traps and other do-it-yourself methods to solve your pest problem, but nothing seems to be working, it’s probably time to seek the help of a pest control professional. Large infestations from all kinds of pests, like ants, termites, bed bugs, bees, & cockroaches, can be almost impossible to solve on your own. These pests breed quickly, so infestations can get out of hand faster than you may think. A pest control company will use professional-grade control options to tackle your pest problem once and for all!
Health & Safety Risks
When a pest infestation poses a health or safety risk to you and your family, it’s in everyone’s best interest to leave it to a professional. Different pests can cause different health risks: insects can cause potentially life-threatening allergic reactions, rodents can spread serious diseases, and termites can cause structural damage to your home! If you have a pest problem in your home or building that is making you concerned about the health & safety of your family, you should always be cautious and call in a professional to solve the problem!
Termites
Termites are one of the most dangerous pests that homeowners can face a problem with. These pests feed on wood and can cause tens of thousands of dollars worth of damage to your home. Termites work fast, multiply quickly, and are incredibly difficult and risky to try to get rid of on your own. You should always be extra cautious and contact a pest control professional at the first sign of a termite infestation! Some common signs of a termite infestation include seeing winged termites and spotting the pinhole-like damage that they cause.
Sounds & Smells
One more reason to contact a pest control professional (that we’ll highlight in this article) is the presence of smells and sounds caused by pests. Each different kind of pest can cause different smells and sounds. Rodents, for example, often make sounds when they are scurrying or scratching behind walls or in attics & crawl spaces. Some rodents also leave behind an ammonia-like smell. If you start to smell something that seems foreign to your home, there’s a good chance that there is a hidden infestation looming. When you contact a pest control professional, they’ll be able to find the source and solve the problem!
Contact Absolut Pest Control!
If you have any questions about professional pest control services or believe that you have a pest problem in your Massachusetts or New Hampshire home, contact Absolut Pest Control! We provide various pest removal services at affordable prices throughout the region! Contact us today by giving us a call at (978) 388-4589 or by filling out the contact form on our website!
Pest Control Tips For Fall ‘22
October is here, which means the cool fall weather is upon us, and winter is soon to come. In the pest control industry, the transition from warm to cold weather means that all kinds of pests will have behavioral changes, many of which surround the fact that creatures of all shapes and sizes will be looking for a warm place to wait out the winter. More often than not, this means that these pests will be looking to take up residence in your home or building, especially in climates like New England with harsh seasons. In this article, we’ll give you some tips on how you can keep your home pest-free this autumn!
Pest-Proof Your Home
One of the most effective ways to keep unwanted pests out of your home in the fall is to pest-proof your house or building. A great way to get started is by installing screens in your attic vents, chimney openings, and other gaps that animals may be able to get through. For holes and cracks that are too small for screens, you can use caulk or steel wool to seal them up. Additionally, you should replace weather-stripping and loose mortar around your home’s foundation and windows. Pest-proofing your home in this way can help prevent mice, rats, squirrels, birds, bats, and other animals from entering your home as the weather starts to get colder.
Proper Food Storage
Another great way to prevent pest problems this fall is to store all your food properly. Be sure that all dry goods (like oatmeal, flour, grains, and any other food that might be stored in cabinets or pantries) are stored in air-tight containers. Other than the reason for escaping the cold weather, pests also enter homes in search of food and water that can satiate them while their other food sources are scarce.
Keep Your Home Dry & Ventilated
One more tip for keeping pests away from your home this fall is to keep your basement, attic, and crawl spaces well-ventilated and dry. Leaks and water buildup from rain and melted snow can attract all kinds of pests, so it’s essential to be vigilant about keeping these areas of your home in good condition. Additionally, you should repair or install new gutters to help draw water and moisture away from your home, which can further prevent leaks and moisture buildup.
Contact Absolut Pest Control!
If you have any questions about pest control this fall or believe that you have a pest problem in your Massachusetts or New Hampshire home, contact Absolut Pest Control! We provide various pest removal services at affordable prices throughout the region! Contact us today by giving us a call at (978) 388-4589 or by filling out the contact form on our website!
Tips On Keeping Rodents Away From Your Boston Area Home
If you’re having rat or other rodent problems at your Greater Boston area home or building, you’re not alone! According to WBUR, rat and rodent complaints are up 48% from 2019 to 2021, according to the city of Boston’s 311 data. For this reason, cities, towns, and homeowners are scrambling to find an effective solution for the rodent problems that are affecting their residents. In this article, we’ll go over some tips & tricks on how you can keep rodents away from your home this fall and winter!
Seal & Secure Your Garbage
One of the primary reasons that rats, mice, and other rodents will be on your property is that they have access to trash and food scraps. In order to prevent this, you should make sure that all your trash is stored in tightly sealed trash bins, whether it be on the curb or in your home. Additionally, you should be vigilant about eliminating other food sources that may attract rodents by storing food in air-tight containers, rodent-proofing your garden, picking up any fruit in your yard that has fallen from trees, and avoiding bird feeders.
Seal All Cracks Or Holes In Your Home
Did you know that rodents can squeeze through cracks and holes that are only the size of a dime? These minuscule holes & cracks are one of the primary ways that a rodent can enter your home. To prevent this, be sure to seal any cracks or holes in your home that are larger than a dime or gaps under doors that are greater than a quarter inch. Additionally, you should replace loose mortar, weather stripping, and damaged screens around the foundation of your home and windows. Sealing off your home to rodents is especially important during the fall & winter when rodents are looking for a warm place to shelter during the colder months!
Stay Clean & Organized
Mice, rats, and other rodents love a messy home! Be sure to clean surfaces regularly, especially in your kitchen and dining areas. Additionally, you should always store food in organized, sealed containers. Clutter in your home can allow rodents to move through your home undetected and may prevent you from noticing evidence of an infestation!
Contact Absolut Pest Control!
The best way to solve & prevent rodent infestations is to hire a local pest control professional! Absolut Pest Control provides the Greater Boston region with pest control & removal services for a wide variety of pests, including mice, rats, other rodents, insects, bats, birds, termites, small mammals, and much more! Give us a call today at (978) 388-4589 or fill out the contact form on our website, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
What Are Silverfish?
A silverfish is a small, silverish-brown insect that is typically around ¾ of an inch long. Silverfish differ from other common insects like ants, beetles, and flies because they are primitive insects, meaning they almost look like a fossil that has come to life. Silverfish can move extremely quickly, sometimes looking like they are swimming across the ground, hence their name. These insects have six legs with long antennae and three additional appendages that stem from the end of their bodies, but they do not have wings. Silverfish are known to feed on and cause damage to a wide variety of items that might be found in your home: books, clothes, wallpaper, flour, sugar, coffee, oats, and much more. These insects often thrive in dark yet humid environments, such as basements, attics, bathrooms, pantries, laundry rooms, and any other place in a home that may have those characteristics. While silverfish are not particularly dangerous, they are considered a nuisance pest that can cause damage to items in your home and trigger allergies.
Should I Be Concerned About A Silverfish Infestation In My Home?
As mentioned above, silverfish do not pose any serious concerns to you or the other people living in your home. However, this does not mean that you want these insects living in your home. Silverfish are known to breed rapidly, meaning an infestation could get out of control faster than you may think. Additionally, silverfish can get into paper products and dry food items, both of which they feed on. If you notice that a silverfish has gotten into a bag of flour, coffee, sugar, or any other type of food, you should dispose of it as they are unsanitary insects. One more reason that silverfish can be a concern is that some people may be allergic to their dropping and shed scales, leading to symptoms like sneezing, itching, coughing, and other common allergy symptoms. Signs of a silverfish infestation include:
- Seeing live silverfish
- Silverfish dropping & shed skin
- Silverfish damage
Contact Absolut Pest Control!
If you believe your Massachusetts home contains a silverfish infestation, the best way to deal with it is to contact a pest control professional. Our team at Absolut Pest Control has years of experience dealing with a wide variety of pests, including insects, rodents, birds, bats, small mammals, and much more! Contact us today by giving us a call at (978) 388-4589 or by filling out the contact form on our website!
How To Identify & Prevent Mole Damage In Your Yard
Moles are small mammals that spend most of their lives underground, burrowing in tunnels 5-8 inches beneath the surface. Although they have a somewhat similar appearance to mice and rats, moles are not rodents. Moles have short, cylindrical bodies with velvety fur and indistinct eyes & ears. They also have large front paws that are used for digging tunnels. Here in New England, the most common mole species are star-nosed moles, eastern moles, and hairy-tailed moles. These moles commonly cause problems for people by damaging lawns, flower beds, and gardens. In this article, we’ll break down the signs of mole damage and offer tips on how you can get rid of them. Are you experiencing a mole problem on your property in Massachusetts or New Hampshire? Contact Absolut Pest Control today for affordable mole removal services!
Signs Of Mole Damage In Your Yard
Mole damage can look similar to the damage that other small animals like mice & voles can inflict on your lawn, but there are some key differences that can help you identify the star-nosed culprits. One of the easiest ways to identify mole damage is by looking for molehills. These molehills are small mounds of loose soil above the entrance to a mole’s tunnel and are typically around 6 feet apart from each other. Other animals that create holes and dirt mounds, like gophers, typically make their mounds closer together. Another telltale sign of mole damage is the presence of uncharacteristic patches of dead grass in your yard. When moles tunnel below the surface, they damage the root system of the grass above them and leave behind patches of dead grass.
How To Get Moles Out Of Your Lawn
Much like with other pests, the most effective way to solve a mole problem is to hire a professional. Professional pest control services will guarantee that each mole has been snuffed out, and they will not come back. If you’re looking for DIY solutions to a mole problem, there are a few things you can do. One way to prevent moles from ravaging your garden is to plant fragrant flowers along its border. Moles dislike the smell of flowers like daffodils and marigolds, so you can create a natural barrier by planting these on the outskirts of your garden. Applying a homemade repellent is one more way to get rid of the moles in your lawn. You can do this by mixing water, castor oil, and dish soap, then pouring this mixture into the mole tunnel entrances around your yard.
Contact Absolut Pest Control!
If you have any questions about mole control or believe that you have a mole problem on your Massachusetts or New Hampshire property, contact Absolut Pest Control! We provide various pest removal services at affordable prices throughout the region! Contact us today by giving us a call at (978) 388-4589 or by filling out the contact form on our website!
Summer Pest Control Tips: Dealing With Raccoons On Your Property
Here in New England, raccoons are a common problem in the summertime, whether you live in a city or a rural area. This is because raccoons can thrive in areas with livestock and abundant water sources, as well as in urban areas where they have access to trash and other resources. Raccoons, while sometimes cute looking, can be extremely dangerous when it comes to spreading diseases like rabies, canine distemper, and much more. According to the CDC, raccoons are the second most common animal to be found with rabies (after bats), and rabid raccoons can be found all along the east coast. In this article, we’ll discuss some tips on how you can prevent raccoons from frequenting your property and spreading disease to you, your family, and your pets.
Preventing Raccoons On Your Property
Raccoons are nocturnal animals, meaning they are typically only active at nighttime. For this reason, signs of raccoons are often noticed before actually seeing them. Signs of raccoon activity include droppings, tracks, unusual sounds, and trash that has been dug through overnight. If you believe raccoons are terrorizing your property, the best course of action is to contact a pest control professional right away. Because of these animals’ high rate of disease, attempting to deal with them on your own can be extremely dangerous.
There are some steps you can take to prevent raccoons from frequenting your property in the first place. Some of these steps include:
- Ensuring garbage is properly sealed with tightly fitting lids.
- Removing bird feeders and fountains altogether or monitoring them closely.
- Removing anything from the surrounding area of your home that could act as a hiding place or home for raccoons, including brush or leaf piles and firewood stacks.
Raccoons can also make their way into your home through small entryways like cracked vents, uncapped chimneys, and any other entrance leading inside from the outdoors. Raccoons and other pests have also been known to access homes by getting on the roof using tree limbs, so you should cut back any branches that are within 8 feet of your home.
Contact Absolut Pest Control!
If you have any questions about raccoon control or believe that you have a raccoon problem on your Massachusetts or New Hampshire property, contact Absolut Pest Control! We provide a wide variety of pest removal services at affordable prices throughout the region! Contact us today by giving us a call at (978) 388-4589 or by filling out the contact form on our website!
How To Tell The Difference Between Bees, Wasps, & Hornets Nests
While bees, wasps, and hornets are all essential parts of our ecosystem, they can become a threat when they build their nests in the vicinity of your home. Each one of these flying insects can deliver painful stings that can have dire consequences if the victim is allergic. Studies show that more than 500,000 people are sent to the emergency room annually due to insect stings! While many people can recognize their differences by looking at the insects themselves, identifying the differences between their nests can be a little more difficult. In this article, we’ll go over some key characteristics of each of these nests to help you identify and deal with them! If you are experiencing a bee, hornet, or wasp problem in Massachusetts or Southern New Hampshire, Absolut Pest Control is here to help! Contact us today at (978) 388-4589 or fill out the contact form on our website!
Identifying Wasps Nests
“Paper Wasps” or “Umbrella Wasps” get their name from the characteristics of their nests. These nests are built from a paper-like material and are often in a shape that resembles an umbrella. Their nests are often found in the area surrounding a home, hanging from trees, porch ceilings, decks, and more. One key identifier for these nests is that they sometimes contain open, uncovered cells where the insects lay their eggs. Paper wasps are known to sting people when their nests are disturbed or if they feel threatened.
Identifying Bees Nests
Honey bees gather pollen and nectar from flowers to feed their colonies. These bee’s nests, called hives, are often found in areas with an abundant supply of flowering plants. Honey bee hives can be identified by their signature hexagonal wax cells, a characteristic that is often pictured when people think of a stereotypical bee’s nest. You can keep a lookout for these bee hives in areas like tree limbs, tires, utility poles, mailboxes, flowerpots, and even bird houses. Much like with other stinging insects, honey bees are not violent by nature but will sting if they feel threatened.
Identifying Hornets Nests
European hornet’s nests are commonly found in sheds, attics, tree cavities, and other enclosed places. One key identifying factor for these nests is that they are typically built at least 6 feet above the ground. Many times, what people believe to be hornets are actually yellow jackets or ground wasps, both of which construct subterranean nests in old animal burrows or other small holes in the ground.
Contact Absolut Pest Control!
If you have any questions about stinging insects or believe there’s an infestation on your Massachusetts or New Hampshire property, contact Absolut Pest Control! We provide ethical bee removal services at affordable prices throughout the region! Contact us today by giving us a call at (978) 388-4589 or by filling out the contact form on our website!
Why Do Mosquitoes Bite?
With the weather heating up here in New England, mosquitoes are becoming more and more prevalent every day. Mosquitoes are one of the most irritating pests in the summer, ruining barbecues, outdoor dining, hikes, swimming, and more. This leads to a common question: Why do mosquitoes bite and why are those bites so itchy? In this article, we’ll dive deep into these questions and give you the answers you need!
Why Do Mosquitoes Bite People?
The main reason a mosquito bites is to consume a person’s blood, which they then use to nourish their eggs. Because the protein is used for the insects’ eggs, only female mosquitoes bite, while male mosquitoes consume plant nectar. Studies have shown that some people are more likely to attract & be bitten by mosquitoes due to their body odor, clothes color, body heat, carbon dioxide production, and more. Some scientists believe that blood type may also play a role in how attractive you are to mosquitoes. While mosquito bites are typically harmless other than the irritation and inflammation they cause, some mosquitoes can spread dangerous diseases like West Nile virus, Malaria, Zika virus, and more.
Why Are Mosquito Bites So Itchy?
When a mosquito bites you, it pierces your skin with its long, straw-like mouth and probes around for a blood source. Once it finds a blood source, it will extract a small amount of blood from your skin. In the process, the mosquito leaves behind some of its own saliva. This saliva contains a protein that causes a reaction in your body and histamines to be released, which in turn causes inflammation and itchiness. The amount of histamine that’s released due to a mosquito bite varies depending on the person, making some people more sensitive to these bites. Some studies have shown that you can build a tolerance to mosquito bites if you’re constantly exposed to mosquitoes in the same region of the world, decreasing your immune system response over time.
Contact Absolut Pest Control!
If you have any questions about mosquitoes or need mosquito control services in Massachusetts or southern New Hampshire, Absolut Pest Control is here to help! Our pest control specialists have years of experience treating various pest problems, including insects, rodents, small mammals, birds, bats, and more! Contact us today by giving us a call at (978) 388-4589 or by filling out the contact form on our website!