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!
Pest Control Tips For Spring 2022
Days are becoming warmer here in New England and April is almost here, meaning it’s a great time to start preparing your home for springtime pests! Being proactive about preventing pests now can save you tons of time and effort in a month or so when spring bugs and wildlife begin to infringe on your property. In this article, we’ll go over some things you can do around your home and yard to prevent pests before they have the chance to “bug” you!
Seal Cracks & Holes Around Your Home
After a long New England winter, small cracks and holes can appear around your home’s entryways and foundation, caused by ice & snow or just general wear & tear. These cracks can act like little doors into your home for not only insects, but also small rodents and other pests. For example, a mouse can fit through a hole that’s only the size of a dime and may enter your home in search of food, water, and shelter. You can easily seal these cracks & holes that lead into your home with caulk, making it a cost-effective way to prevent pests this spring.
Use Window Screens
Similar to the above tip, make sure to use window screens when the weather starts to get warmer and you want some fresh air in your house. Having an open window without a screen is like an open invite for insects and other flying creatures to enter your home! If you don’t have window screens, now is a great time to install them while the bugs of New England are at bay!
Get Rid Of Standing Water
If there’s one tip that you take away from this article, it should probably be this: remove any standing water from your property. Standing water, or water that isn’t constantly flowing, can quickly become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other insects, allowing them to quickly multiply on your property. Standing water is commonly found in gutters, wheelbarrows, buckets, and anywhere else rain can accumulate. Being proactive and moving these sources of potential standing water now can save you a serious headache when mosquito breeding season comes around!
Properly Store Food
One more tip to get you ready for springtime pests is to always properly store your food. This includes your trash, garden, and even the snacks in your pantry. Be sure to keep your garbage in barrels with lids, put a fence around your garden, and seal your food in air-tight containers. By storing your food correctly, you’ll prevent pests from venturing onto your property in search of food sources!
Contact Absolut Pest Control!
If you’re having a pest problem in Eastern Massachusetts or Southern New Hampshire, Absolut Pest Control is here to help! We provide the region with pest control & removal services for a wide variety of pests, including insects, rodents, 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!
Tips On Getting Stink Bugs Out Of Your Home
Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs – more commonly known as just stink bugs – are native to eastern Asia but were unknowingly introduced into the United States ecosystem at some point in the mid-1990s. Stink bugs often begin to creep into homes in Massachusetts when the weather starts to get chillier in the fall and early winter. Stink bugs can be seriously annoying because they reproduce quickly and can seemingly appear in your home out of nowhere. Stink bugs also give off a foul smell when they’re killed, hence their name. For this reason, you may want to consider removing them from your home with alternate strategies. Absolut Pest Control provides southern New Hampshire and greater Boston with professional pest control services, including stink bug removal and prevention!
How To Remove Stink Bugs From Your House
While stink bugs can be an extreme annoyance because of the odor they give off, the good news is that they’re relatively easy to catch. Stink bugs fly rather quickly, but when crawling, they’re quite slow. If you notice one or many stink bugs inside your home, avoid touching or squishing them because they give off a terrible smell when they die. Instead, grab them gently with a plastic bag or trap them in a cup, then take them outside to dispose of them or set them free. If you notice them on the floor or on a carpet, you can vacuum them up, then empty your vacuum cleaner into an outdoor trash can. However, like with most pests, the best way to get rid of all your stink bugs and make sure they’re gone for good is to hire a pest control professional!
How To Prevent Stink Bugs From Getting Inside Your Home
Once you’ve gotten rid of the stink bugs that were already inside your home, it’s essential to prevent more from coming in. One way you can prevent stink bugs from entering your home is by going around the exterior of your house and sealing up any cracks in your screens, windows, and siding. Another strategy for preventing stink bugs is to coat your home’s entryways in an odor-free insect repellent. As always, if you’re worried about stink bugs or any other bugs entering your home, you should hire a pest control professional who will get the job done right!
Contact Absolut Pest Control!
If you have any questions about our pest control services or need pest control at your home, please don’t hesitate to contact us! Give us a call at (978) 388-4589 or fill out the contact form on our website, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
3 Pests That Are Common In The Fall
As the colder weather approaches New England, critters and pests begin looking for a warm place to stay for the winter. This article will go over some common pests that people often have problems with in the fall months.
Mice
Like many rodents, mice begin searching for food and warmth when the cold New England weather starts in the fall. Because of this, your home may seem like an attractive place for them to shack up in the fall and winter. The best way to prevent this is by being proactive and making sure to seal off any potential entry points like tiny holes in doors or screens, air vents, gaps around plumbing, and any other small holes that lead into your house. You may also consider setting some preventative mouse traps so you can catch them if they do somehow make their way into your home.
Spiders
Fall is the time of year when some species of spiders begin laying their eggs before their life comes to an end, which can increase the population and bring the creepy crawlers into your home. While New England doesn’t have many dangerous spider species, it’s still a good idea to call a pest control professional if you have a spider infestation because they can deal with the problem effectively and make sure that the infestation does not persist. If you see spiders or spider webs outside your home, it’s important to remember that spiders are a crucial part of our ecosystem because they control the population of other bugs.
Beetles
You may begin to see beetles in your home in the fall months because this is around the time that these insects look for a safe place to hibernate for the winter. Some of the most common New England beetles that people have issues with at this time of year are ladybugs and stink bugs. These beetles often congregate around warm areas, so keep an eye out for them near any heat source. When you see beetles, an effective way to get rid of them is by vacuuming them up. Be sure to close off windows and holes in screens so these beetles don’t have an easy entry point into your home.
Contact Absolut Pest Control!
If you have any more questions about autumn pests or have a pest control problem in the greater Boston or southern New Hampshire area, don’t hesitate to contact us! Give us a call at (978) 388-4589, or fill out the contact form on our website!
Winter Pest Control Tips
It is December in New England. We have a few snowfalls, families are getting ready for the holiday season, and if you have made it this far without turning your heat on you are a true New Englander. As it continues to get colder and colder outside of your home, pests and especially rodents will be looking for any home to make their own for the next few months. Compared to finding shelter in the wilderness, your home or commercial property is very preferred. There is heat, access to food, and cable. Although they probably don’t care about that last one. Regardless, you will want to do whatever you can to keep pests and rodents from entering your home and setting up camp.
Preventing Mice & Rats From Eating Your Food This Winter
The goal of preventing rodents from entering your home this winter is to make sure you do whatever you can to not make your home appealing to them in the first place. That doesn’t mean not having your heat on. Instead, you need to do whatever you can to keep food out of their hands. First off we recommend storing all of your food in airtight plastic containers. Trash should not be left uncovered and should be taken out frequently to avoid attracting rats, mice, or raccoons. And of course, you should periodically clean your kitchen and bedrooms with vacuum cleaners to collect food crumbs and debris.
Schedule A Winter Pest Control Inspection
Another important tactic for winter pest control is to have professionals survey your property. If you have had issues with rodents in the past, you should hire a pest control team to get to the bottom of how they are getting into your home. Pest Control experts know where to look and what to look for to find entry points. With some simple carpentry, you can limit the ease of entrance for pests coming into your home.
What To Do When You See Pests In Your Home
If there is a rodent in your home, do not rely on store-bought traps. Many of those traps can be ineffective and cleaning up after them can be a hassle. Instead, hire a pest control team to remove the rodents and find the issues that led to the infestation in the first place. Simply getting rid of one rodent at a time is not an effective way to deal with rodents longterm.
Contact Absolut Pest Control
For homes and businesses throughout Eastern Massachusetts, there is one name in Pest Control everyone trusts: Absolut Pest Control. Give us a call to discuss a pest control inspection or the removal of a rodent or other issue.
Tips For Dealing With Raccoons
At best raccoons can be an annoying nuisance: getting into the trash, destroying patio furniture, or harassing outdoor pets. At worst, a raccoon can get stuck in your home and nest, and attack members of your family and destroy parts of your home. Getting rid of raccoons can be a hassle and although there are DIY methods for raccoon control, it is always recommended that you contact a local pest control professional. But before you worry about raccoons, there are a few ways to prevent a raccoon problem in the first place.
Keep Raccoons Out Of The Home
When it comes to raccoons, it is preferred that they stay outdoors. Raccoons like to nest, especially in colder months. Because of that, it is important to limit the possibility of raccoons getting into your home. Luckily, raccoons are much larger than rodents or insects, This means it is unlikely that they will be able to enter your home through the same small holes that other pests do. Raccoons generally try to get into attics and basements. To avoid this make sure all windows and doorways are secure. Be aware of tree branches that can make it easy for raccoons to get to the roof. Generally, your tree branches should end five feet away from the home. Make sure your chimney has a cover and screen to protect it from raccoon invasion.
Do Not Provide Food To Raccoons
The most likely reason you have a raccoon problem is that you (or your neighbor) makes it easy for raccoons to get a meal on your property. Although it can be tempting to put your trash out the night before garbage day, waking up early to take the trash out can prevent raccoons from moving to your property. Limiting food options outdoors will decrease the chances of raccoons. That is why it is also important to make sure any outdoor eating areas on porches, decks, and patios, are properly cleaned after use.
Do Not Expect A Dog To Deter Raccoons
There is an unfortunate myth that having outdoor dogs will prevent raccoons. Although it is true that some breeds of dogs are able to protect your property better than others, raccoons will fight with dogs and you do not want your bet to get injured. Cats may be good options to get rid of mice, but that is because cats have distinct physically advantages, raccoons can terribly injure your pets.
Call Pest Control
If you see raccoons on your property, do not wait, call Absolut Pest Control. Our team has decades of experience removing rodents and other pests from properties. We can remove raccoons from your attics, basements, lawns, and other areas of your property. Give us a call today or contact us online.
Spring Cleaning & Pest Control
With Spring just around the corner, many homeowners are probably thinking about spring cleaning. Whether you are thinking about remodeling your kitchen or just cleaning your carpets, one thing you might not be thinking is about is pests. Spring brings an onslaught of pest problems. When it comes to pests, the best solution to prevent them. Here are a few ways you can preemptively avoid pests this Spring.
Clean Loose Crumbs:
Early spring is the best time to break out the vacuum and do a clean sweep of your home. With the increase with the insect population, keeping a clean home discourage ants and termites from starting colonies in your home. Package all dry foods in airtight containers and make sure your furniture is properly vacuumed under and around to combat super bowl food messes.
Drain Standing Water:
Make sure to drain puddles around your property caused by melted snow. Warm pools of water in the spring and summer can become a breeding area for insects and pests. Clear out birdbaths, flip over tires, & check your trash bins for excess water. Clear your gutters. Snow can often carry debris that blocks gutters and stops them from draining properly.
Check Your Walls & Pipes:
Frozen damaged pipes can cause leaks in the spring. Not only is this bad for your utility bill, but puddles of water around leaking pipes also invite mosquitos, termites, & ants. Whether you are a DIY plumber or have a professional plumber make sure to look for leaks in early spring. Check your basement for puddles and attics for excess moisture.
Hire Professionally:
The best way to ensure that your home will be pest free is to have a professional periodically go over the premises. Consider hiring an exterminator to inspect your home for unsealed cracks/holes and give other recommendations. Professional home inspectors can check windows, door frames, and the perimeter of your home for hidden entry points that might be causing your pest problem. It is never too early to call pest control, if you see a small number of insects today, it could be an entire colony next week.
At Absolut Pest Control we specialize in ant control, bat control, & rodent control. We service Massachusetts and New Hampshire, with expert pest removal and extermination. If you have a pest problem or questions about pest prevention contact us at 978-388-4589.
How to Ward Off Mosquitoes this Summer
Mosquitoes can be a real nuisance once the warm weather rolls in. Regardless of whether you’re enjoying a family barbeque or kicking back on your deck, your time can go from pleasant to agonizing as you swat these buzzing buggers away. If you’d like to keep yourself from becoming a mosquito magnet this summer, follow a few of our tips.
Think Twice Before Exercising Outside
If you’re heading outdoors for some extraneous physical activity, you might want to reconsider. Mosquitoes are attracted to excess body heat and carbon dioxide. If you’re jumping around outside and getting your sweat on, mosquitoes will be more likely to bite you. While the summer months are a great excuse getting outdoors and getting active, be aware of peak mosquito hours to prevent you from becoming a tasty morsel.
Protect Yourself
One of the best ways to protect yourself while outside is to use a bug repellant. The CDC recommends using one that has been registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, as those chosen repellants have been evaluated for product efficacy and effects on both the human body and the environment. Use the repellent on bare skin sparingly and keep an eye out for products containing DEET. Also, lemon eucalyptus, a plant oil, is as effective as low concentrations of DEET which makes it another viable option. Once you return indoors, do yourself a favor and wash the repellent off.
Check On the Status of Your Screens
This is an important one because protecting yourself inside is just as important as protecting yourself outside. Take a look around your house at all the screens on your windows and doors to ensure there aren’t any holes or tears where bugs can get through. There’s nothing worse than thinking you’re safe from mosquitoes indoors only to hear a buzzing in your ear or seeing one land on your arm. Keep mosquitoes outside where they belong by making sure your window and door screens are doing their job.
Want to protect yourself from mosquitoes this summer? Follow our tips! If you can’t seem to shake your mosquito woes no matter how hard you try, get in touch with us. You can reach us by filling out an online contact form or by calling us at 978-388-4589. We look forward to helping you.
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.
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!