Ward Off Pests with Some Spring Cleaning Tips
While spring has technically arrived, the weather is still quite wintery. But, the weather conditions will soon improve and that means we’re getting ever closer to the big spring clean up once winter makes its full exit. While some may roll their eyes or groan about spring cleaning, it doesn’t change the fact that it’s highly effective. After all, winter can be a brutal season, especially on the east coast. Taking stock of your home in the spring can help you spot areas in dire need of attention, areas that if left ignored could allow pests into your home. If you want to maintain a pest free home this spring, give the following areas of your home some love during spring clean-up
Bathroom
One should not have to worry about pests in their bathroom, period. But, if you have moisture issues in your bathroom, you may encounter silverfish or cockroaches, both spring pests, during your morning shower. Since both pests are attracted to moisture, be sure to eliminate open sources of water in the bathroom. Be sure to clean out your medicine cabinet, inspect the bathroom for any leaking moisture from pipes or faucets, and wash your shower curtain and liner.
Kitchen
Nicer weather brings the ants right on out. The first place they’re likely going to invade if they get into your home is your kitchen since it provides ample access to both food and water sources. They will crawl throughout your kitchen in search of crumbs, residue from liquid spills, and overripe fruit left sitting out on the counter. Keeping a consistently clean kitchen is tantamount to keeping pests at a minimum, but there are a few more things you can do to help. Clean out your cabinets and remove old food items, like spices and flour. Those ingredients can attract beetles and ants. Once you’ve cleaned out your cabinets, wipe down the insides for good measure. You can also pull out your appliances and clean behind them, as you’d be amazed at how much is actually back there. Giving your kitchen a good scrub down isn’t a bad idea, either.
Basement
Your basement can be a popular place for spiders and rodents to camp out in, especially because there are corners and clutter they can hide amongst. Going through items in your basement and getting rid of things you don’t need can negate this, as it will provide fewer hiding places. When storing items, don’t use cardboard boxes because they can wear down over time and allow pests access to their contents. Instead, use sturdy plastic bins with secure lids. If you happen to notice any cracks or crevices that give you pause, seal them up with caulk to provide pests with one less access area to your home. You’d be surprised at just how small an opening has to be for critters to get through.
Spring cleaning shouldn’t just be a quick clean up. Spring cleaning doesn’t only get your house ready for spring either, but for summer too. By giving your home a solid inspection, particularly in the areas listed above, you’ll be ensuring strong pest protection for months to come. If you begin experiencing a persistent issue, please get in touch with us. You can reach us at 978-388-4589 or by filling out an online contact form.
3 Signs Your Home May Have Termites
Much to your chagrin, termites remain active year round. Don’t let your mother or your co-workers tell you they go into a dormant state or become less prevalent in the winter, because they don’t. Discovering a termite infestation can be incredibly disheartening and also leave you scrambling for answers on how to solve the problem. After all, if termites are not discovered early, you stand the chance of having to pour a lot of money into repairing your home. Unfortunately, it can sometimes be difficult to recognize your home even has a termite problem in the first place. So, we’ve compiled a list of warning signs you should be on the lookout for. Read on!
Shelter Tubes
You may notice fan-like looking patterns on your walls or foundations. These are termite shelter tubes and they are key to helping termites maintain a dark, humid atmosphere for general development and food storage. Termites typically build these tubes at night and the larger they appear the more damage your home has likely sustained. The shelters are often various shades of brown, and appear earthen and clay-like in appearance. If you’re concerned about termites, take a look at your foundations and walls. Keeping an eye on things could help you avoid heaps of damage.
Frass Piles
Frass, or termite droppings, are minuscule pellets often found near termite entryways. This sign more or less speaks for itself. If you happen to spot a frass pile, immediately contact pest control services so they can get to work on saving your home. Termite dropping piles are a clear indication you have a termite problem on your hands.
Hollow Wood and/or Sagging Floors
Since termites often burrow in honeycomb patterns, they don’t come close to the surface of the wood. Not only does this add to the list of reasons why detecting termites early can be troublesome, but it also means the termites have more time to burrow and wreak havoc. Wood will continue to grow weaker, which may cause your floors to sag or a hollow noise to emanate from your walls when knocked upon. Don’t chalk these things up to your home’s age, either. If your floors and walls were not like this before, contact professionals to get your home checked out.
No one wants to deal with a termite infested home, ever. Unfortunately, Americans pay millions of dollars annually in termite damage. Don’t allow yourself to be part of that statistic! If you begin to notice any of these warning signs or other worrisome indicators, get in touch with Absolut Pest Control. You can reach us at 978-388-4589 or by filling out an online contact form.
Mouse Proofing Your Home This Winter
The winter season and the frigid temperatures that come along with it can make it unsavory to stay outside for long periods of time. Much to your dismay, that also means critters will try and make their way into your home. After all, they need somewhere warm to hunker down too. Mice, in particular, can be a real nuisance for some homeowners. While mice may be cute, they can cause some real damage to your home. Let’s go over a few ways you can mouse-proof your home this winter season…
Store All Foods, Even Your Pet’s
First and foremost, you’re going to need to make sure you’re not providing the mice with a readily available food source. This means keeping your countertops and other surfaces spick and span while ensuring all your other foods are sealed in containers and stored away. It can be easy to overlook your pet’s food during this process, so don’t. Food for your dog or cat is a real draw for mice, so remember to seal and store away your animal’s sustenance as well.
Utilize a Brush Strip
A neat trick for preventing rodents is installing a brush strip to all exterior doors. This way, small gaps at the base (common in older doors) will be blocked off, thus giving mice fewer entry points to your home. Not only are brush strips easy to install, especially the ones with adhesive strips, but they can also help prevent your home’s heat from seeping out through the gaps in the door during the cold months! It’s a win-win.
Elevate Firewood
If you’re big on having fires during the winter, listen up. Your wood pile outside is a fan favorite among our rodent friends. These piles are typical hangouts for mice, which means you should elevate your log pile 18 inches off the ground at the minimum. Not only will this make it much tougher for mice to nestle in amongst the cut wood, but it’ll also keep you from having to completely dig out your wood when it snows!
These are just a couple ways you can go about making your home non-rodent friendly this winter. We’ve still got plenty of cold times ahead of us, so it’s not too late to implement our tips. If you can’t seem to shake your mouse problem, get in touch with us. Fill out our online contact form!
How to Prevent Bed Bugs this Winter Season
The scary thing about bed bugs is that you can pick them up almost anywhere. Just think, you run the risk of encountering the little guys at a hotel, your office, the gym, or even a store. Bed bugs are quite good at hiding and like to hitch rides in your personal belongings when given the chance. Being unaware of their presence is the root of the issue because once they are in your home, they can be a real hassle to get rid of…unless you have help from Absolut Pest Control, of course! Now, you might be thinking that, because it’s winter, you don’t have to worry about bed bugs but you’d be wrong. As long as they have a blood host, they can continue to thrive in colder temperatures. Their bites can vary in severity as well, depending on how you react to them. Check out a few of our recommendations for preventing bed bugs in your home. Don’t forget, these critters can lay up to five eggs a day!
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Don’t Fret!
While it can be hard to rid yourself of bed bugs, it’s not impossible. Don’t fly into a mad rush to throw all bed sheets and blankets away, as most of those items can be saved through treatment. Not to mention throwing out items can get incredibly expensive. Also, by throwing out your contaminated linens, your increasing the chance of spreading bed bugs to someone else.
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Be Sure You’re Actually Dealing with Bed Bugs
People will spot fleas or ticks around their home and mistake them for bed bugs. This causes a lot of unnecessary panic and stress, so we suggest comparing the insect you’re seeing in your home to pictures of what you suspect it to be on the internet. This can help clear up a lot of general confusion. If you still find yourself unsure of what you’re dealing with, get in touch with us and we’ll get to the bottom of your problem.
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Reduce Hiding Places & Clutter
This is a big tip, as a cluttered living area provides bed bugs with ample spaces to hide. Not only will a cleaner living space make it harder for the bugs to conceal themselves, but it’ll likely improve your quality of daily life too. If you’re currently dealing with an infestation, it’s a chance to clear out your space albeit under undesirable circumstances. Simply cleaning won’t be the answer to all of your bed bug problems either, but it’ll certainly aid the situation and help prevent future issues.
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Regularly Wash Bed Sheets, Blankets, Bedspreads, and Clothing
Bed bugs can hide and lay their eggs in both your clothing and laundry hampers/containers. Remember to clean your hampers and containers on a regular basis to reduce the risk of hidden bed bugs nesting in them. If you often leave articles of clothing in a pile on the floor when they are dirty, these rules especially apply. The goal when preventing bed bugs is to remain vigilant on the cleaning front.
Bed bugs can seriously drag down your time at home, especially the most important hours when you should be sleeping. If you suspect you’re dealing with a bed bug issue, utilize our tips and contact us to terminate said problem. Don’t let the winter months lull you into a sense of critter complacency. Remain vigilant and keep your home clean! Contact us if you’re at your wit’s end.
How to Get Your Property Pest Prepped for Winter
It’s not even Thanksgiving yet, we know, but winter really is just right around the corner. Honestly, some days it feels as though it’s already here. As the cold season slowly approaches, there are a few things you can do outdoors to keep pests from taking up residence close to, or inside of, your home. Let’s take a look at some suggestions…
Tend to Your Lawn
Keep your lawn looking neat and clean for as long as you can before winter arrives. This involves clearing dead leaves, fallen twigs, branches, and other debris you may find that could provide shelter for pests seeking to get into your home. Remain on top of keeping your yard tidy even after the snow has fallen.
Trim Your Hedges
To keep pests away who might be taking up residence in your hedges, leave about five feet of clear space between the edge of your home and your nearest hedge or plant. Plants near your home can be utilized as shelter by pests, so keep those branches short. After all, once you trim your hedges, they won’t again until spring.
Move Firewood
Firewood piles are a very popular shelter option for rodents and insects during the winter time since they can build nests for their young and feed them there. To keep rodents from moving from your woodpile to your house, store your firewood at least twenty feet from your home. If you can, keep the wood elevated about five feet above the ground too.
Clear Gutters and Drains
Having gutters that drain properly is essential for preventing water build-up. Built up moisture can attract pests, so check your gutters and clear out any leaves and debris you may find. It’s in your best interest to ensure your sump pump is draining properly too.
If you’re looking to protect your home from pests this winter, get started on these suggestions now. We’re just two short weeks away from the start of December, so set some time aside and try to get a jump on ensuring a pest-free home for winter. If you’re in need of help, give us a call here at Absolut Pest Control or fill out our online contact form!
4 Common Fall Pests
Well, folks, the weather might still be wonky in terms of warmth but fall is officially here. If you’re from New England or if you’re a transplant, it’s highly likely you enjoy this brief season. The weather cools down at a moderate pace, the leaves change a bunch of gorgeous colors before letting go of their branches, and everyone can go back to wearing sweaters. It’s a lovely time indeed, but as the temperature cools there are quite a few pests who are going to be trying to find their way indoors. Here are a few you should keep an eye out for…
1.) Stink Bugs
Brown stink bugs actively seek shelter once cooler weather arrives. They don’t transmit diseases, nor do they sting or bite. They can, however, damage clothing, furniture, and other fabrics with their droppings. Conveniently enough, this is how stinkbugs get their name! When disturbed, their droppings emit a seriously strong odor in order to ward off potential predators. As fall settles in, take extra care to check out clothes, furniture, and blinds as these are common places to discover a lazy stink bug. Also, check all window screens to ensure they allow no easy entry into your home.
2.) Ants
You can potentially find all sorts of ants around your house throughout the fall months. Beware, some of these ants can wreak some real havoc. House ants can contaminate several of your foods while carpenter ants can damage the structure of your home. Keeping ants out of your home can be tricky, but to start you should store food in airtight containers , sweep your floors frequently, and keep tree branches and plants cut back from potential entry areas around your property. If these simple methods don’t help, you should look into sealing areas around your house in addition to cracks in the foundation.
3.) Rodents
These guys are pretty common in the fall and winter. Like people, they need warmth when the temperatures drop, so naturally they choose our homes. Unfortunately, they spread diseases, can build nests in your insulation, and chew through your wires potentially causing a fire in the process. Rodents are flexible creatures, and have an uncanny knack of fitting through even the smallest of cracks. So, to help prevent them this season, plug up suspicious holes in your home’s foundation. In addition to that, you should be storing your food in containers because it makes acquiring a food source much more difficult. Since they reproduce at an incredibly brisk pace, you should contact pest professionals as soon as you suspect an infestation.
4.) Cockroaches
No one wants to believe, or be told, that they have cockroaches in their home. Unfortunately, they are incredibly common and also quite dangerous. They can potentially spread up to 33 kinds of bacteria, some of which can trigger asthma attacks in children. Cockroaches fancy drains and pipes, so do your best to keep bathrooms and kitchens thoroughly sanitized. Again, make sure all cracks around the home are sealed and vacuum often.
These are some of the pests you might spot inside your home this fall, much to your dismay. Utilize our tips if you feel as though you can handle the problem, but if things get particularly out of hand then get in touch with Absolut Pest Control. We can have your home back to normal in no time!
Pest Prevention Tips for Fall
In New England, most people love fall. It’s a nice transition from hot weather to cool weather, and the colored foliage outdoors makes up for the fact that the general temperatures are dropping. As the weather changes, and the nights get colder, rodents and pests will begin seeking out warmer areas to inhabit. Your home is a slam dunk option. So, in honor of the impending season, we’d like to give you some pointers on how to help keep pests out of your home this fall.
1.) Examine Windows and Screens for Rips and Holes
If you have a large dog at home, or a small rambunctious one, there’s likely a chance your window screens have seen better days. Their claws can scratch screens when they jump up on window sills, which provide pests with an entry point to your home. When you have the time, take a look at your window and door screens. If you discover holes or rips, do what you can to mend them. If the screen is entirely beyond repair, you should look into replacement options.
2.) Install a Chimney Cap
If your home has a chimney, it’s a smart idea to install a chimney cap when colder weather rolls in. This way, you can deter bats, birds, and other wildlife from holing up in your house. The same goes for your attic vents. Installing wire mesh to vents keeps squirrels, rodents, and bats from infiltrating your attic, and even the walls of your home.
3.) Seal Openings Around Your Home
Utility openings such as dryer vents, gas meters, and other outdoor facets are common entry points to your humble abode. Tiny openings can allow spiders and a variety of other insects into your home, while an opening as small as a fourth of an inch is large enough for mice to fit through. Utilize things such as copper mesh, expandable foam, or caulk to seal up these areas.
Keeping your home secure from pests is important, particularly when the change in seasons involves a temperature drop. Inspect your property for any glaring issues, and do your best to remedy them. If you run into a problem you just can’t fix, or discover a pre-existing pest problem, contact us at 978-388-4589 or fill out our online contact form!
How to Avoid Yellow Jacket Stings
While typically mistaken for honey bees, yellow jackets aren’t even bees at all. They may have similar sizing and coloring when compared to honey bees, but yellow jackets are actually members of the wasp family, and there are numerous varieties of them to be found throughout the United States in the summer time. While they do play the role of pollinator and predator to plant damaging insects in many gardens, they also enjoy protein and sugar rich foods, which makes them a common cookout invader.
Another similarity they share with honey bees is they are both social insects, meaning their colonies are centered around a queen. Male wasps fertilize the queen while female workers gather food, and defend the colony. As summer progresses, the queen works to produce new queens, and each year they emerge from winter to produce new colonies. Throughout the summer, one can often spot yellow jackets flying about parks, trash cans, picnic tables, or any place where food is exposed. To help keep wasps at bay, be sure to keep trashcans clean and cover dishes when eating outside. To note, yellow jackets are also drawn to brightly colored clothing and floral scents.
When you encounter a yellow jacket, it is important to remain calm. One of the most important things to remember about yellow jackets is that, unlike honey bees, they are able to sting repeatedly. Also, if you manage to squish a yellow jacket, remember that a pheromone is released that signals other yellow jackets in the vicinity to attack. So, it is always best to stay collected, move slowly, and simply try to brush off any yellow jacket that might land on you. If things get a bit crazy, and you end up getting stung, wash the sting right away. Apply ice to the site of the sting, and take an antihistamine to help reduce any swelling you might experience. Unfortunately, if you sustain multiple stings or a sting to the throat, you might require more extensive medical attention.
Yellow jackets construct paper nests in attics or walls of structures, inside hollow logs, and underground. For the most part, time is your ally when it comes to ridding yourself of yellow jackets. The entire colony dies off when winter rolls in, and they often do not build nests in the same place when summer returns. If you’re having a problem with yellow jackets building their nests within your home or other areas you inhabit daily, however, chemical treatment might have to be considered.
Are you suffering from a yellow jacket infestation that has gotten a bit out of control? Let Absolut Pest Control help! Call us at 978-388-4589, or fill out our online contact form!
Dealing with Carpenter Ants in Your Siding
Typically, people encounter common ant problems in their kitchen. Even if you’re super clean, ants can sometimes find a way to your kitchen counters, particularly in the summer months. While most people expect to experience occasional ant problems inside of their home, it can be especially alarming when you notice ants going in, out, and around your home. Upon seeing this, you might begin to worry about the structural integrity of your house. After all, no one wants carpenter ants nesting in their siding.
Carpenter Ants Vs Regular Ants
First off, not all ant problems are carpenter ant problems. This is a good thing! So, when you notice ants around your home, do not jump to conclusions that they are destroying the bones of your abode. Noticing ants in high volume, however, could mean there is a nest of them nearby. If you begin noticing an influx of winged ants by your home, consider this a strong warning there is a serious ant problem taking place. If you’re concerned about carpenter ants, look around the perimeter of your home for wood shavings. Carpenter ants, unlike termites, do not actually eat wood. They do burrow into the wood to make their nests, though, which leaves behind telltale shavings.
How To Prevent Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants love to make their homes in decaying wood. Since decaying wood is often wet, they seek out structures that are damp. If your deck often stays wet for a time after a rainstorm, it is a prime target for carpenter ants. Some other areas they target are eaves, underneath windows, siding, and porches. Keep an eye on these areas throughout the spring and summer, especially if you notice ants around your home. The areas listed above are also portions of your home that often experience leaks, so watch out for those too. Managing leaks, emptying your gutter, and having your siding repaired when it cracks or breaks can prevent an ant infestation.
How To Get Rid Of Carpenter Ants in Siding
If you’re trying to rid yourself of a carpenter ant infestation, the solution is to give them a poor environment to nest in. Do this by keeping your home as dry as possible, both indoors and outdoors. Check to see if water is properly draining from your deck or porch. Examine gutters for leaks, in addition to making sure your windows are properly installed and free of leaks as well. There are a variety of carpenter ant control products that are effective. Here are four ways to get rid of carpenter ants:
- Ant Bait: Indoors you should use an ant poison bait around cracks and crevices and anywhere you notice carpenter ants. A duster can make application easier. Ant bait can also work outdoors around any cracks in your siding.
- Aerosol Foam: There are a few foam pest control products that are effective in poisoning and sealing areas around the home. If you notice ants around your baseboard or in your siding this can be effective.
- Insecticidal Dust: Similar to ant bait, insecticidal dust can be sprayed into areas around laundry and kitchen appliances where you may notice ants.
- Outdoor Insecticides: There are also a few non-repellent insecticides that are beneficial for outdoor areas. It is recommended that you work with local pest control and have the perimeter of your home professionally sprayed down.
Frequently Asked Questions About Carpenter Ants
What Is the difference between Carpenter Ants & Regular Ants?
There are a few key differences between carpenter ants and regular ants. Carpenter ants are usually larger than regular ants and are consistently found around the wooden elements of your home like siding, decking, window sills, and flooring. Click here for more information.
How Do You Get Rid of Carpenter Ants?
There are a variety of ways to get rid of carpenter ants. We recommend using ant bait, outdoor insecticides, and aerosol foams to plug up and cracks or holes around your building.
Do Carpenter Ants Destroy Your Home?
Carpenter ants regularly nest in damp wood areas. They hollow out wood which can lead to structural issues. They are often found in window sills, decking, porches, wooden siding, and doorways. Unlike termites, carpenter ants do not eat wood but simply nest in the wood. Similar to regular ants, carpenter ants make intricate nests with multiple complex tunnels which can greatly impact your home.
Contact Absolut Pest Control
If you still find yourself with a persistent ant problem, call the professionals here at Absolut Pest Control! You can reach us at 978-388-4589, or by filling out our online contact form.
Tips for Keeping Rodents Out of your Car
If you live in a highly urban area, it is likely you’ve seen a mouse or rat running around most every night. This rings especially true if you travel through alleyways, or park your car in one. In most cases, they’re harmless and will run away at the sound and/or sight of you. However, your car doesn’t scare them as much as you do. It sits idly by as rodents gather underneath it, or, sadly enough, climb up within your vehicle. You don’t have to live in an urban area for this to occur, either. If there is a nest of mice in a bush near your house or driveway, they can very easily find their way to your car. Not only can these critters inflict severe damage to the innards of your automobile by chewing through wires, but they can also choose to set up shop there too. We’re here to provide some tips on how to keep that from happening.
- Use Repellent
There are things you likely have in your home or apartment that can help deter rodents from taking up residence in your car, and you might not even realize it. Due to their keen sense of smell, things such as soap or dryer sheets can be utilized to keep them away. When it comes to soap, you can rub it along possible entry areas or attach bits of soap with wire to places where the vehicle does not get hot. The same goes with dryer sheets. Wrapping them in places where it is safe to do so will help keep your car rodent free. Chemical repellents can be used as well, and these come in sprays or granules from a variety of brands. The thing to be wary of with soap and dryer sheets is that these items eventually wear down and lose their scent, so it is important to stay on top of their application.
- Clean Up the Area
Do your best to keep the area both near and inside your vehicle free of food sources. If you store dog food or emergency meals in your garage, these items can attract rodents to the area. It’s convenient having a snack in your car too, but having food sources inside of your vehicle will not help your plight. If you do want to keep these items in, or around, your car, be sure to store them in sturdy, mouse-proof containers. If you live in the city, however, and park near one, or several, dumpsters, there isn’t much you can do about keeping active food sources away from critters. Which introduces our next point…
- Traps
This one is as old as the night is young. Traps have been used for more than a century to rid people of their rodent woes, and these days are no different. There are larger box traps that capture more than one mouse or rat at a time that can be set out, in addition to sticky traps and snap traps. These traps provide physical evidence of their effectiveness, so if you don’t want to see a dead rodent then this method is likely not for you. For snap traps and sticky traps, place them at the top of your tires, as this is a common entry point. Box traps can be placed in the vicinity of your automobile, especially if you live in an urban area. Those who park near you might just thank you for setting out box traps too, as they are likely experiencing the same issues. Keep in mind that humane traps also exist, which provides a friendly alternative to those who would rather not have the little guys killed.
While these methods will not prove 100% effective in all cases, they can save you from having to deal with the hassle of getting your car repaired because rodents decided to munch on the wires of your sedan. The most important tip is to stay on top of all of these methods so that they can be as impactful as possible. However, if you find your rodent problem is getting incredibly out of hand, be sure to call us at 978.388.4589. We’ll help you out in the best way we know how!