What Diseases Do Mice Carry?
Mice may appear friendly, but they are a complete nuisance to homeowners, property owners, and restaurant owners. It is speculated that mice tend to arrive more so within the fall and cooler months, but in reality, they are present all year round, especially in New England. Mice are primary household pests for two main reasons: they can cause significant damage to insulation, and by spreading various diseases, leading to harmful health concerns. Continue reading to learn more about the harmful diseases that mice can spread if not removed in a timely manner.
Diseases Carried By Mice
Mice are one of the filthiest pests found in New England. They are contaminated with bacteria and other diseased organisms, which can be spread through their feces and urine left around properties. Be aware of the following diseases that mice can spread:
Hantavirus
Hantavirus is caused by viral organisms that are inhaled with dust particles while in contact with mice feces and urine. The feces and urine usually reside within the mice’s nests, which can be either inside or outside of properties. You may have Hantavirus if you are experiencing symptoms of fever, headache, or muscle pain. If this disease goes untreated, it can lead to more serious symptoms such as severe coughing, fluid in the lungs, or even death.
Salmonellosis
Salmonellosis is known to cause severe upset stomachs for humans. This disease occurs when coming into contact with mouse feces within food or on top of food preparation surfaces and utensils.
Leptospirosis
Without the proper treatment, Leptospirosis can cause kidney and liver failure. This harmful disease is caused by water contamination with mouse urine.
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCM)
LCM can cause several severe issues to the human body, such as fever, headache, or even brain damage! It occurs through direct contact with feces or inhaling waste-tainted dust. If you plan to clean up mouse feces, be sure to wear the proper protection. Also, pregnant females are at a higher risk of LCM because possible birth defects can occur and possibly result in death.
Contact Absolut Pest Control in Amesbury, MA, for an Effective Mouse Removal!
Mice infestations are no joke, especially in New England! Luckily, Absolut Pest Control is here to effectively and adequately take down your home or property’s mouse infestation or invasion with ease. Our experts possess extensive knowledge and experience in removing mice and other rodents in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, having served the areas for many years. If your home, property, or restaurant is under attack, please contact us immediately to prevent the situation from worsening and potentially spreading harmful diseases. Call Absolut Pest Control in Amesbury, MA, today at (978) 388-4589 or fill out our contact form!
How To Keep Bats Out of Your Attic
Bats are flying mammals that can become a nuisance to homeowners and property owners. These pests tend to arrive in early spring, so be on the lookout! Bats are nocturnal, meaning they are mostly active after dark, making locating them more difficult. They constantly search for shelter and attempt to enter attics and garages through small cracks and openings. Trust us, you do not want to deal with bats in your home. They carry dangerous diseases and foul smells, creating a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Luckily, we have provided several tips to keep bats out of your attic!
Why You Need to Keep Bats Away
One primary reason to keep bats away is their droppings. Bat droppings are a serious health hazard, containing histoplasmosis, a respiratory disease that can be spread by being airborne. Bats also carry rabies and have been proven to be the number one cause of rabies-related deaths by the United States Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). As mentioned previously, bats carry very foul odors through their natural beings, feces, and urine. They can also cause thousands of dollars worth of damage by scratching insulation, chewing wires, and ruining walls.
Tips and Ideas to Keep Bats Out of Your Attic
When attempting to keep bats away, identify specific entry points like damaged areas and gaps in siding. Keep in mind that bats tend to build nests in dark areas, which allows them to come and go while being unnoticed. Follow these tips below to prevent bats from intruding into your attic:
- Close off your vents: Enclose your vent with screening to keep out bats while still allowing efficient ventilation.
- Close off your chimney: Chimneys are one of the easiest entry points for bats. Applying a screening or a chimney cap with wire mesh can efficiently keep bats away.
- Observe windows and doors: Locate possible gaps, holes, or unfitted screens that may allow bats to gain entry.
- Cover points of entry: Cover holes and gaps around the exterior of your home with weatherproofing strips or foam insulation.
Most Common Bat Species in New England
You can find several bat species within Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Some of the species include the following:
- Big brown bats: Live in caves and enjoy warm areas
- Little brown bats: Usually found in attics and underneath decks, are the size of an adult thumb
- Eastern-small footed bats: An endangered species that have black ears and wings
- Indiana bats: Common in the east and have gray or brown fur similar to brown bats
Contact Absolut Pest Control For an Efficient Bat Removal in New England
The experts at Absolut Pest Control in Amesbury, MA, have significant experience and knowledge about bats. We have been removing bats properly for many years! We are here to ensure that your home or property is safe. If your home or property faces a bat infestation, contact us today by calling (978)388-4589 or filling out our contact form!
How to Get Rid of Horse Flies
Horse flies are pests found almost anywhere and are always hunting for blood! They usually reside within forests, fields, and even backyards. If your home or property is facing a horse fly problem or infestation, don’t worry! We have highlighted valuable information about proper removal and prevention moving forward! Contact us today if your home is under a horse fly attack!
What Do They Look Like?
Horse flies are large insects capable of growing up to one and a quarter inches long. Their colors are usually black and yellow, featuring black wings and a yellow or sometimes orange body. Horse flies may even appear all black with orange legs. Their eyes are known to be significantly larger than most insects and are sensitive to motion, which helps them locate prey quickly. Overall, horse flies are unlike any other insect in appearance and can easily be recognized if you have never encountered them before!
Horse Fly Prevention
Horse flies gravitate towards very moist areas, so removing any type of standing water near your property can heavily reduce the risk of horse flies approaching. Believe it or not, horse flies repel the scent of oil, specifically citronella oil! Spraying citronella oil around your yard or property is an effective solution to keep horse flies away! Fun fact! Many insect repellents are made from citronella oil! Flowers are also an excellent solution for keeping horse flies out of sight. Most flowers attract bees, and horse flies hate bees and tend to keep a far distance from them.
How to Protect Yourself
Horseflies are a nuisance that attack in the middle of the day. Repellent sprays containing citronella are the most effective solution for keeping them away. If your home is still under attack, other key tactics include wearing clothing to cover up skin. If you are experiencing a horsefly attack during the heat, be sure to wear light clothing.
When Do Horse Flies Usually Arrive?
Horse flies usually appear during the hotter months of the year, but can appear as early as April. These pests have a reasonably short lifespan, arriving in the spring and disappearing by the fall. Oddly enough, horse flies are seen as seasonal pests and are only a nuisance for a short period.
Horse Fly Bites
Horse flies are known to be very aggressive and tend to bite humans, causing painful wounds. These pests are known to bite any part of the body, whether it’s the neck or as low as your ankles. Humans may attempt to fight back, but unfortunately, it’s too late, and the horse flies usually fly away immediately after the bite.
Contact the Experts at Absolut Pest Control
The most effective solution for horse fly removal is to leave it to the professionals! Absolut Pest Control is always here to help Massachusetts and New Hampshire residents with a proper and effective pest control process. Contact us today by calling (978)388-4589 or filling out our contact form for a free quote!
Everything About Silverfish
Silverfish are small silver insects with bizarre appearances, including scales and antennae that resemble fish. Believe it or not, these insects can be found in New England! Their bodies are flat and oval-shaped and approximately ¾ of an inch long, with two antennas and three tails. These pests prefer the dark and hide during the daytime to avoid sunlight. If exposed to sunlight, they will quickly escape to a dark location.
Female silverfish are constantly laying eggs once they reach their adult stage. They usually lay their eggs in crevices and small cracks around homes and properties that hatch within 3 weeks. You can tell the difference between young silverfish and ault ones by their white color and small size. A fun fact about silverfish is that they can live without food for up to a year and depend on high humidity to live!
Common Locations
Silverfish grow mainly in dark and damp locations. Larger populations are found in newer buildings that include wet brick and stone. Aside from these places, do not be surprised to find them within basements, sinks, bathtubs, closet shelves, and behind baseboards, bookcases, windows, and doorframes.
What Do They Eat?
Did you know that silverfish are chewers and general feeders? Their preferred diet consists of carbohydrates and protein. Their preferred choice of food is just as bizarre as their appearance. Some examples of food include flour, rolled oats, dried meat, paper, cardboard, books, glue, vegetables, cereals, and dead insects.
Are They Dangerous?
Silverfish are not dangerous, nor can they hurt you, but they keep them away from food because they are known for contamination. These pests contaminate food with their feces, so check food that can be accessed easily throughout your home, especially if you suspect silverfish are present. As mentioned, silverfish are chewers prone to destroying homes and can chew through your belongings. Silverfish gravitate toward materials like glue, paper, and linens, which are considered to be prime food sources. If you suspect your home is facing a silverfish problem, be sure to check objects that include these materials!
How to Avoid and Eliminate Silverfish
Eliminating silverfish can be challenging, especially if your property is facing an infestation! Luckily, we have provided tips and techniques to help you avoid and overcome your silverfish problem moving forward!
Seal Accessible Food
Silverfish are always on the hunt for food, especially food that is easily accessible to them. It’s in your best interest to seal off open food containers to avoid the damage and infestation issues these tiny pests will cause.
Use a Dehumidifier
Silverfish are attracted to humidity and water, so one of the best techniques to remove and avoid them is by placing a dehumidifier in spots you suspect they may arrive within. Another tip is to keep locations with water close by clean, such as baths, showers, sinks, and laundry rooms.
Use Insecticides
Using insecticides is an effective way to eliminate silverfish! Using it can protect your property for up to 45 days. Spray areas that you suspect silverfish can gain entry through and infected areas. Doing so will irritate them and force them to exit the premises.
Contact Absolut Pest Control!
If you have any questions about silverfish or are facing a silverfish infestation, contact the experts at Absolut Pest Control! We have years of experience removing and exterminating bugs within Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Make the first step by calling 978-388-4589 or filling out our contact form!
What are June Bugs?
June bugs are a type of beetle that can be found across North America, especially in New England. June bugs are tiny pests that usually emerge from the soil around May or June. A fun fact about these bugs is that they are weak flyers that are often found crashing into windows and screens. They range in size from just over a half inch to one inch, with colors varying from reddish brown to black.
The Lifecycle of a June Bug
Depending on the species, the average lifespan of a June bug is one to a few years. They arrive right after winter and tend to be seen the most during the evening of each day. Female June bugs burrow themselves a few inches into the soil after mating to lay dozens of eggs in July and August. The eggs then eventually hatch into larvae, which are called white grubs. The white grubs stay underground for about two seasons and feed on grassroots.
Are June Bugs Harmful?
June bugs do not bite or sting people and pets, but they are not necessarily harmless. These pests will come out at night and are attracted to the light, and they also like to snack on your plants. The white grubs can harm lawns and gardens because they eat grassroots, vegetables, and decorative plants. Look for spongey grounds if your home or property is infested with June bugs.
The Pros of June Bugs
Believe it or not, having a decent amount of June bugs on your property benefits soil aeration. On the other hand, excessive tunneling from June bugs can damage lawns by breaking the attachment through plant roots and soil. It makes it difficult for your lawn to receive water and nutrients. Another fun fact and pro about June bugs is that they can make excellent bait for fishing! If you plan on fishing anytime soon, check your yard first for June bugs.
Removing June Bugs
As we previously mentioned, June bugs are prone to causing severe lawn damage, so it’s in your best interest to have them removed if you are facing an infestation. Be sure to maintain your lawn’s elegance by performing proper irrigation, fertilization, and other maintenance practices to minimize the damage these pests create. You can remove these pests on your own by using insecticide, which is an effective treatment that implements chemicals into the soil. If you notice that your removal procedures aren’t working correctly, it may be time to contact the professionals at Absolut Pest Control.
Contact The Experts at Absolut Pest Control for Bug Removal Services
If you notice that your June bug or any bug problem is becoming out of control, contact Absolut Pest Control immediately. Our experts are always available, fully trained, and prepared to take on the tiny pests causing issues on your property. For a free consultation, call 978-388-4589 or fill out our contact form today!
What is the Difference Between Bedbugs & Fleas?
Bed bugs and fleas are tiny pests that can make their way into your home unnoticed simply due to their size. Once these pests enter your home, they tend to reproduce and feed on human and animal blood. Bed bugs and fleas usually become unwanted guests in homes by latching on to various things like clothing, luggage, mattresses, pets, used furniture, and more! It’s in your best interest to keep a close eye on these tiny unwanted guests. Below, we have provided valuable information to help you tell the difference between bedbugs and fleas moving forward!
Appearance
Based on the first impression, it may be tricky to tell the difference between bed bugs and fleas because they are reddish brown and roughly around the same size. It’s essential to remember that bed bugs are oval-shaped, while fleas have long, narrow bodies with a flattened appearance from top to bottom.
Preferences
Both of these tiny pests tend to consume the blood of mammals. The bed bugs prefer to latch on to humans and rarely latch on to animals. Fleas are the opposite; they prefer to latch on to cats, dogs, and occasionally humans. Please remember that finding and understanding the different bite marks on humans may be difficult. Everyone reacts differently to being bitten by bed bugs and fleas, and not all bites are accurately the same!
Bed Bug Bite Symptoms
The symptoms range in several different types of skin reactions! Some people don’t obtain symptoms from bed bug bites except for the hole where they were bitten, whereas others may receive itchy skin bumps.
Flea Bite Symptoms
When fleas bite humans, their saliva can cause an allergic reaction to the skin. This causes tiny and itchy bumps to form where you were bitten!
Travel
The way bed bugs and fleas maneuver and travel heavily differentiates. Bed bugs crawl around fairly slowly and cannot jump or fly. In comparison, fleas have very strong legs and move around by leaping long distances.
Bed Bug & Flea Treatment
Keep a close eye on bed bugs and fleas because they tend to reside near their next victim, whether it’s a human or a pet! Since both of these pests are so small, it may be difficult to terminate them. Once either pest becomes comfortable in a home, it re-populates almost immediately!
Contact Absolut Pest Control for Extermination
When dealing with tiny pests, it’s in your best interest to leave it to the professionals at Absolut Pest Control. We have significant experience dealing with tiny pests and know how to effectively exterminate them, especially during infestations. Call 978-388-4589 today and receive a free consultation or fill out our contact form!
6 Signs of Bats in Your Attic
Winter is a typical time for bats to arrive unexpectedly in your attic. These flying creatures are no friend of ours, considering they contain dangerous diseases that can negatively affect our well-being. It’s essential to check your attic this winter regularly, so be on the lookout for these 5 signs!
Bat Droppings
One of the most apparent signs of bat infestation is their droppings! If you notice random and excessive droppings around your home’s areas like decks, porches, and window sills, there is a high chance it came from bats.
Squeaky Sounds
Bats have distinctive noises, unlike any other animal. The noises are squeaky and high-pitched and usually occur late at night. Bats communicate with one another by making squeaky noises, which is a burden to homeowners. Bats can also communicate with their high-pitched sounds to navigate areas of a home in desire for food.
Black/Brown Stains
For those who don’t know, bats have a layer of grease on their coats, which can leave stain marks on specific areas of a home, especially entry points. If you ever notice random black or brown stains laminated around your home, you most likely are facing a bat infestation! Don’t worry; the stains are not permanent and can be easily removed. It’s vital to sterilize the area as soon as possible!
Scratch Marks
If you notice excessive scratch marks on your walls, there’s a good chance it came from bats. These flying creatures are known for scurrying around attics and causing severe damage to walls, which can lead to hundreds of dollars worth of damage.
Ammonia Smells
The scent of ammonia is also a strong indicator of bats residing in your attic. This smell is derived from piled-up bat leaves that contain a powerful and distinctive odor. You must eliminate this foul smell at once before it increases! Next time you are in your attic, be on the lookout for massive amounts of bat droppings!
Dead Bats
The most obvious sign of Bats residing in your attic is coming across deceased ones around your property. Seeing excessive amounts of deceased bats is a dead giveaway that your home faces a serious bat infestation problem. Just like every deceased animal, a foul and dominant smell will arrive immediately, so it is critical that you contact professional help like Absolut Pest Control for removal as soon as possible before the situation worsens!
Contact Absolut Pest Control
If your home is facing a bat infestation, contact Absolut Pest Control immediately! Our experts have extensive knowledge and years of experience dealing with these flying creatures. Make the first step by calling (978)388-4589 or filling out our contact form.
How to Keep Mice Out of Your House This Winter
As winter approaches, the colder temperatures can drive mice to seek warmth and food inside homes. These small, persistent creatures are not only a nuisance but can also pose health risks and cause damage to your property. To prevent mice from invading your home this season, it’s essential to take proactive measures that address potential entry points and eliminate food sources. In this guide, we’ll explore practical tips and strategies to keep mice out of your house during the winter months.
Seal Points of Entry
One of the most effective ways to keep mice out of your house this winter is by sealing any potential points of entry. Mice can squeeze through openings as small as a dime, so inspecting your home’s exterior and interior for gaps, cracks, or holes is crucial.
Start by examining areas around windows, doors, vents, and gaps in the foundation, roofline, and utility pipes. Steel wool or wire mesh can be used to block holes and seal gaps with caulk or expanding foam. Install door sweeps and ensure that windows and vents close tightly. Securing these entry points can greatly reduce the chances of mice finding their way indoors.
Store Your Goodies
Properly storing food prevents mice from being attracted to your home during winter. Mice are constantly searching for easy food sources, so it’s important to store pantry items in airtight containers made of glass or heavy plastic. Avoid leaving food on counters or open containers, as even small crumbs can entice mice.
Pet food should be kept in sealed containers and stored in areas less accessible to rodents. Additionally, promptly clean up spills and crumbs and regularly check for any signs of infestation. By taking these steps, you eliminate potential food sources and discourage mice from entering your home.
Remove the Clutter
Mice thrive in cluttered spaces where they can hide and build nests, so removing unnecessary items is essential in keeping them away. Start by decluttering basements, attics, and garages; these areas are common rodent hiding spots. Store boxes, clothing, and other items off the floor and away from walls to reduce hiding places.
Outside, clear away piles of leaves, firewood, and other debris near the foundation, as these can also attract mice. Eliminating clutter makes your home less inviting to rodents and limits their potential nesting sites.
Contact Absolut Pest Control!
Our expert rodent control services are designed to identify and seal potential entry points, remove attractants, and provide ongoing solutions to keep your home rodent-free. With years of experience and a commitment to customer satisfaction, Absolut Pest Control offers tailored strategies that address your needs, ensuring your home remains secure and free from unwanted guests. Get your free estimate today by calling (978)388-4589 or filling out our contact form!
How to Manage Squirrel Infestation This Winter
As adorable as they may look, your home’s last need is a squirrel infestation. Winter is upon us, so squirrels will search for a temporary home to hibernate during the year’s cold months. Trust us, you do not want squirrels hibernating in your home. Luckily, Absolut Pest Control has assembled several removal strategies and prevention tips moving forward to make your home squirrel-free this winter.
How Did They Get Here?
Aside from hunting for acorns, squirrels seek warmth and a place to spend the winter. Just like rats and mice, squirrels enter homes through easy access points scattered around your home. These clever critters can make their way through the smallest openings and cracks in places you would least suspect.
Lookout For These Signs
If you are unsure whether your home has a squirrel infestation problem, several signs can provide the answer.
- Sounds of scurrying, scratching, and chewing from the attic, chimney, ceiling, floors, and walls
- Damaged wood, insulation, and air vents
- Insulation-made nests
- Stockpile of acorns in the attic or ceiling
- Reeking odors of feces and urine
- Footprints in the snow around entry points
Removing Squirrels in the House
A squirrel’s instinct is to exit a house when it finds itself in an unfamiliar place, like an open room or a chimney, especially when too much human activity is happening. The best solution is to make an easy exit for the squirrel by closing doors that lead to other parts of your home but opening doors and windows that lead to outside. Make sure you remove any food lying around along with any pets which could potentially distract the squirrel. Finally, you will want to remove yourself from the home so the little critter can find his way out.
Removing Squirrels in the Attic
If you find yourself with squirrels in your attic, the primary solution is to frighten them immediately with loud noises. Try tapping loudly on the ceiling where your attic is located, hit pots and pans together, or even turn on a speaker and turn the music up to the max! Squirrels are sensitive rodents, so if that strategy still doesn’t work, try shining bright lights into the attic and leaving them on throughout the day and night.
Squirrel Prevention Moving Forward
Once the squirrels are finally gone, it’s essential to turn back and block off the areas that allowed those sneaky critters to enter. Make sure that every small cack and entryway is completely sealed, and also keep a close eye on footprints near the roof and nests in the attic. Moving forward, keeping all doors closed and placing a cap on chimneys when they are not used to limit the chances of furry intruders arriving again is also essential.
Contact Absolut Pest Control
If you are struggling with squirrel infestation in your home, contact Absolut Pest Control immediately! We proudly serve home and business owners with the best affordable extermination and removal services in Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire. Get your free estimate today by calling (978)388-4589 or filling out our contact form!
New England’s Most Commonly Found Pests: Mice and Rats
You may try to create a welcoming home, but there are two types of guests that you want to stay away. You guessed it. Mice and rats. And here’s the bad news—the rat and mouse population is rising from coast to coast. So, if you have a problem with these vermin, know that you are not alone. But what do you do? How do you keep mice and rats away? It starts with understanding the different types and what is attracting them to your home in the first place. Because remember, where there is food and space to play, the rats and mice will stay. The list of mice and rat species in New England is extensive, so watch out for these most commonly found pests around your home.
House Mice
House mice are one of the most common species inside homes. They are small and adaptable and can survive on crumbs, grains, and pet food, so be sure not to leave anything accessible unattended. These mice are excellent climbers, making them difficult to keep out. Be sure to barricade entry points around doors, windows, and your home’s foundation to reduce their likeliness of venturing in.
Field Mice
Field mice are commonly found in meadows, forests, grassy areas, and any wooded domain but are primarily known to venture into homes, particularly in the year’s colder months, for warmth. These mice snack on seeds, berries, insects, and anything small that they can get their paws on. To reduce the risk of their entry and a critical infestation, focus on sealing up any small cracks in your home and clearing away vegetation close to your house to limit their access points.
White-footed Deer Mice
For obvious reasons, white-footed deer mice are named for their white feet and dark fur and are primarily nocturnal. They are known to be found in wooded or brushy areas but can also be found sneaking into garages, sheds, or attics through tiny openings late at night. The mice appetize on seeds, nuts, insects, berries, and fungi. Stay on your toes because these mice may carry diseases, making it critical to keep them out by trimming trees or bushes and removing food sources, like pet food or birdseed, from outdoor areas for safety precautions.
Eastern Mice
Eastern mice are primarily found throughout New Hampshire and are typically found in forests, agricultural lands, and open fields. However, as temperatures drop, they may look for warmth in your basement or attic. They eat a simple diet of seeds, grains, and fruits, so make sure that you store food properly in sealed containers and keep storage areas clean to avoid any attraction from these hungry rodents.
Brown Rats (Norway Rats)
Also known as the Norway rat, brown rats have a life expectancy of two years and are found in the most populated areas in the world, especially New England. They are often found in basements, crawl spaces, and sewers and feed on garbage and stored food, making them persistent pests. They have a reputation for damaging property, making them one of the most despised rodents around. To avoid brown rats, maintain a clean environment, secure your trash, and eliminate any standing water around your home to limit their food and water sources.
Black Rats (Roof Rats)
Black or roof rats are climbers that prefer moist and higher grounds. Similar to Norway rats, they can be found in attics, roofs, and trees. When they are not high up on roofs, they can be found in gardens feasting on fruits, vegetables, and grains. To avoid the risk of these rats taking up residence, plant trees away from your house, store food securely, and regularly inspect your roof for openings.
Call Absolut Pest Control
Are you worried about mice and rat infestations in your Massachusetts and New Hampshire homes? Absolut Pest Control offers the best pest removal and extermination services in New England at affordable prices. Make your rodent problem our rodent problem! Call (978) 388-4589 today or fill out our contact form on our website!
