Tips On Pest-Proofing Your Home For The New England Winter
The cold wintertime in New England can drive a wide range of pests into your home that are seeking shelter. Some of the most common winter pests in New England and the surrounding regions are rodents, carpenter ants, cockroaches, stink bugs, ladybugs, bed bugs, earwigs, and more. In this article, we’ll give you some tips on how you can prepare your home for the wintertime in order to prevent pest infestations from rodents, insects, and more! If you have any questions about pest prevention or are currently experiencing a problem with any kind of pest at your northeastern Massachusetts or southern New Hampshire home, please contact our team at Absolut Pest Control today for a free pest control estimate!
Seal Gaps & Cracks Around The Exterior Of Your Home
One of the best ways to prevent rodent and insect infestations in your home during the wintertime is to ensure that these pests can never enter the house in the first place! To do this, you should perform a thorough inspection of your house’s foundation, doors, windows, and siding. If you notice any cracks or gaps anywhere on the exterior of your home, you should be sure to seal them up in order to prevent pests from entering through them. Even if the crack or gap seems insignificant, they should still be sealed, as adult mice can squeeze through spaces that are only about the size of a dime. In order to seal off cracks and gaps, you can use screens, caulking, spray foam, steel wool, and more.
Landscaping Around Your House
Another great way to prevent pest infestations during the wintertime is to keep up with the landscaping around the exterior of your house. You should be sure that any tree branches around your house are trimmed back to at least 10 feet from your roof, as they can act as a bridge for insects and rodents. Additionally, piles of firewood should be placed at least 5 feet from your home’s walls, as pests living in these stacks could otherwise gain easier entry into your house. Finally, be sure to properly deal with the leaves that fall from the trees around your house, as pests often live and hide underneath debris. Rake your yard regularly to keep up with leaves and clean out your gutters!
Properly Dispose Of Garbage
One more way to prevent pest infestations this winter is to be vigilant about the way you store and dispose of your trash. Improper garbage storage is one of the most surefire ways to attract pests to your home, especially during the wintertime when pests’ typical food sources are more scarce. Be sure that your trash and recycling bins have tight fitting lids that are being utilized while the trash is still in your home and while it’s on the curb awaiting pickup, as rodents and small mammals like raccoons may try to break into your trash cans to find an easy meal. You should also be sure to regularly clean your trash cabinets in order to pick up any spills and crumbs that may be attracting ants, mice, and other pests!
Contact Absolut Pest Control!
If you have any questions about preventing pest infestations in the wintertime or are currently experiencing a pest problem at your Massachusetts or New Hampshire home, please contact our team at Absolut Pest Control! We provide home and business owners in the region with a wide range of pest removal & extermination services at affordable prices! Contact us today to get a free estimate by giving us a call at (978) 388-4589 or by filling out the contact form on our website!
What Are Powderpost Beetles?
“Powderpost beetle” is a term that refers to several species of beetles that tunnel through wood, damaging the structural integrity of whatever they are attacking. There are three different families of beetles that can be classified as powderpost beetles: Lyctidae, Bostrichidae, and Anobiidae. Because powderpost beetles are wood damaging insects, they are often mistaken by homeowners for termites or carpenter ants when they begin to attack a house. Without actually being able to see the beetles themselves, the best way to differentiate powderpost beetle infestations from other wood-damaging insects is to look at the damage they’ve caused. Powderpost beetles create narrow, circular tunnels in the wood they are burrowing through, leaving behind a powdery, sawdust-like material. Below, we’ll dive deeper into the three main types of powderpost beetles so that we can help you identify the insects that are damaging your home! If you have any questions about powderpost beetles or are a Massachusetts homeowner that is currently struggling with a wood-damaging insect problem, please contact our team at Absolut Pest Control for a free pest control & extermination estimate!
Lyctid Powderpost Beetles
Lyctid powderpost beetles are typically 1/16-1/4 inch long with reddish-brown bodies. Lyctid powderpost beetles most commonly target newly manufactured products with wood that is less than five years old, and infestations are often caused by wood that already contained eggs or larvae at the time the product our house was built. Lyctid beetle infestations are especially common in tropical hardwoods, as the storage and drying process for these types of woods prior to their arrival in the USA can attract the insects.
Bostrichid Powderpost Beetles
Bostrichid powderpost beetles range in size from 1/8-1/4 inch long with elongated, cylindrical bodies. While these beetles are similar in color to Lyctid powderpost beetles, they can be differentiated by their downward-facing heads and rough-textured thorax. Bostrichid powderpost beetles target both seasoned softwood and hardwood, and their damage can often be found in unfinished hardwood flooring, furniture, & other wood products with high starch and moisture content.
Anobiid Powderpost Beetles
Anobiid powderpost beetles are the most dangerous family of powderpost beetles that homeowners can face a problem with because they can seriously damage homes by tunneling through beams, joists, and other essential structural elements of houses. These beetles have similar appearances to the other powderpost beetles mentioned above, but their life cycle is significantly longer, sometimes lasting up to ten years. Anobiid powderpost beetle damage can be found in both hardwood and softwood products like subflooring, plywood, paneling, molding, flooring, and furniture.
Contact Absolut Pest Control!
If you have any questions about identifying, preventing, or treating a powderpost beetle infestation in your Massachusetts or Southern New Hampshire home, please contact our team at Absolut Pest Control! We provide various pest removal and extermination services at affordable prices throughout the region! Give us a call today at (978) 388-4589 or fill out the contact form on our website!
What Diseases Do Mice Carry & Spread?
Mice are the most common rodents to enter residences and cause problems for the people that live there, making them a nuisance for homeowners throughout the United States. In addition to property damage that mice can cause by chewing through wood, drywall, wiring, and more, these little rodents can spread a wide range of diseases that can be harmful to you, your family, and your pets! In this article, we’ll talk about some of the diseases that mice carry and can spread to you when they are living in your home! If you are a Massachusetts or New Hampshire homeowner that is currently struggling with a rodent infestation, please contact our team at Absolut Pest Control today for a free extermination estimate!
Hantaviruses
One of the most common types of diseases that mice carry and spread are hantaviruses. Hantaviruses are a family of viruses that are spread primarily by rodents in the US, specifically by deer mice, white-footed mice, cotton rats, and rice rats. Hantaviruses are commonly spread to people when they are in the presence of rodent dropping and urine. Some common symptoms of hantaviruses include headaches, fevers, and muscle pain. If hantaviruses are left untreated, they can lead to other serious health problems.
Salmonellosis
Salmonellosis is a bacterial disease caused by the ingestion of a bacteria called salmonella. While salmonellosis is best known for being caused by eating raw chicken, it can also be caused by eating foods that have been contaminated by rodent feces. When mice get into the food storage in your home, your family is at risk for being exposed to salmonella. Symptoms of salmonellosis include diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and other flu-like symptoms.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that is spread through the urine of infected animals, like mice. When a mouse that carries the leptospira bacteria urinates in your water or food supply, the disease can be spread to you. Leptospirosis symptoms include fevers, headaches, chills, vomiting, abdominal pains, and more.
Rat Bite Fever
Rat bite fever is a disease caused by consuming food or water that has been contaminated with streptobacillus moniliformis, a bacteria that is carried by mice, rats, and other rodents. As the name would suggest, rat bite fever can also be caused by bites or scratches from rodents that carry the disease. Rat bite fever typically causes a red, bumpy rash on the hands and feet.
Contact Absolut Pest Control
If you have any questions about mice, the diseases they carry, or believe that you have an infestation in your Massachusetts or New Hampshire home, please contact Absolut Pest Control! We provide various pest removal & extermination 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!
Bed Bugs Vs. Fleas: Identification, Prevention, & Treatment
Bed bugs and fleas are both hematophagous insects, meaning they feed on blood, with similar appearances, making them difficult to tell apart for the untrained eye. Both these insects are remarkably fast breeders, so it’s essential to be able to identify an infestation and solve it before the problem gets out of hand! In this article, we’ll offer some tips on how you can differentiate between these two types of blood-sucking insects and treat their infestations! If you’re a home or business owner in Massachusetts or Southern New Hampshire that is currently dealing with a flea or bed bug problem, contact our team at Absolut Pest Control today for a free extermination estimate!
Flea Identification & Treatment
One of the factors that makes differentiating between fleas and bed bugs difficult is that their appearance is so similar. Fleas typically have a more ovular shape than bed bugs with lengths ranging from 1.5mm to 3mm. Fleas have six long legs, which is why they’re so good at jumping, and have a reddish-brown color when they have recently fed. When fleas bite, they leave marks that look like dots with a dark red center. Fleas typically bite your lower body, while bed bugs typically bite your upper body. Fleas are most often found attached to their hosts (humans, animals) or in upholstery, carpets, or pet beds. The best way to prevent flea infestations is to treat your pets with flea medicine, as these insects’ most common entry point into homes is via a ride from pets. As mentioned above, fleas breed & multiply extremely quickly, so it’s important to contact a local pest control company in your area to assist you with eradicating the problem as soon as you spot a potential infestation!
Bed Bug Identification & Treatment
Bed bugs can range in color from tannish-yellow to brownish-red. Bed bugs have a more apple seed shaped body, while fleas are longer and skinnier. Bed bugs are typically around 1.5 mm to 5 mm long, so they are slightly bigger on average than fleas. One key way to differentiate between beds bugs and fleas is to observe one after it has bitten you or your pet. Bed bugs will plump up after sucking blood and turn a bright red color, while fleas will keep their brownish hue. The best way to prevent bed bug infestations is to be extremely cautious with clothes, furniture, and upholstery that you’re bringing into your home, as these are typically the items that bed bugs use to hitch a ride into residences. If you have noticed bed bugs on or around your furniture, you should contact a pest control professional who can solve the problem as soon as possible!
Contact Absolut Pest Control!
If you have any questions about identifying, preventing, or treating a flea or bed bug infestation in your Massachusetts or Southern New Hampshire home, please contact our team at Absolut Pest Control! We provide various pest removal and extermination services at affordable prices throughout the region! Give us a call today at (978) 388-4589 or fill out the contact form on our website!
What Kinds Of Snakes Live In Massachusetts?
If you’re someone that’s highly afraid of snakes, Massachusetts is one of the best states for you to live in because the Bay State is home to a very small number of snakes, none of which are particularly aggressive. In total, there are 14 different types of snakes that live in Massachusetts, only two of which are venomous. The 14 snakes that can be found in Massachusetts are:
- Common garter snake
- DeKay’s brown snake
- Eastern milk snake
- Northern redbelly snake
- Ring-necked snake
- Black rat snake
- Northern water snake
- Eastern ribbon snake
- Black racer snake
- Eastern hognose snake
- Smooth green snake
- Eastern worm snake
- Timber rattlesnake (venomous)
- Northern copperhead snake (venomous)
Below, we’ll go into detail on some of the snakes that are most commonly found in Massachusetts!
Garter Snakes
There are two types of garter snakes in Massachusetts: the eastern ribbon snake and the common garter snake. The common garter snake is the most common snake in all of New England. These snakes are black or brown with yellow stripes that run down the entire length of their bodies. Garter snakes can be spotted in almost every habitat in Massachusetts: around ponds & streams, in the forest, in fields, and in residential areas. Garter snakes are not venomous and are not harmful to humans.
Brown Snakes
There are two types of brown snakes in Massachusetts: DeKay’s brown snake and the northern redbelly snake. These snakes typically only grow up to about a foot in length and can be identified by their brown bodies with a light brown vertical stripe that runs down their back. Brown snakes are harmless to humans, and their diet primarily consists of earthworms, snails, slugs, salamanders, and beetles.
Eastern Milk Snake
Eastern milk snakes are non-venomous snakes that have a typical length of 24 to 36 inches. These snakes have slender bodies with a gray-colored base covered in red or reddish-brown blotches. These snakes are most commonly found in wooded areas, but they are also sometimes spotted in fields and on farmland.
Timber Rattlesnake
The timber rattlesnake is one of two venomous snakes found in Massachusetts. These snakes hibernate, so they are only active during the late spring, summer, and fall. Timber rattlesnakes are one of the largest snake species in Massachusetts, growing up to five feet long. These snakes are incredibly rare to see, so although they are venomous and can be harmful to humans, you’re extremely unlikely to ever come across one.
Northern Copperhead
The northern copperhead is the only other venomous snake in Massachusetts. These snakes have wide bodies with distinctive hourglass patterns and can be up to 5 feet long. Northern copperheads have red-colored heads, making them easier to identify than many other snake species. Similar to timber rattlesnakes, northern copperheads are relatively rare to see but can be extremely dangerous if you do come into contact with one.
Contact Absolut Pest Control!
If you have any questions about snakes in Massachusetts or are currently dealing with a pest problem in or around your Massachusetts 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!
Ant Control Tips For Summer 2023
Ants are one of the most common household pests in Massachusetts and the United States as a whole. While common black ants do not pose a major threat to you or your home, as they rarely cause damage or transmit diseases, they’re still a nuisance. Carpenter ants, however, can cause serious damage to your home, as they like to burrow into wood to create their nests, which can result in damage to the structure of your home. Regardless of the type of ant you’re dealing with, these little six-legged insects shouldn’t be bothering you this summer! In this article, we’ll offer some tips on how you can prevent ant infestations during the hot summer months here in Massachusetts!
Most Common Types Of Ants In New England
While New England is home to many ant species, there are three types of ants that most commonly cause problems for home and business owners in Massachusetts:
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- Carpenter Ants: These ants are one of the largest species in North America, usually measuring between 1/4 and 1/2 inch in length. While these ants do not actually eat wood, they do like to create their nests in damp or rotting wood, potentially causing damage to your home.
- Odorous House Ants: These ants get their name from the strong odor they emit when killed. Odorous house ants are quite small when compared to other ant species, as they are usually only about 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch in length. These ants are attracted to sweet foods and are often found in kitchens and other places where food is stored.
- Pavement Ants: These ants get their name from the fact that they are often seen on roads, sidewalks, and driveways. Pavement ants are another small ant species with similar size to odorous house ants. These ants are also attracted to sweet foods and when they get into homes, they are often found searching for food in kitchens and pantries.
Ant Infestation Prevention Tips
The best way to prevent ant infestations this summer is to hire an experienced pest control company who can find and fix vulnerabilities in your home or business, preventing ants from ever entering your premises. There are also some DIY steps you can take to help prevent ant infestations this summer:
- Find and seal off any cracks and holes around your home that ants may be using as an entry point.
- Repair any damaged screens on your doors and windows.
- Store food in airtight containers.
- Frequently sweep and vacuum to pick up any food crumbs that may end up on your floors, countertops, and tables.
- Fix any plumbing issues and water leaks that may be attracting ants.
- Avoid leaving dirty dishes in the sink.
- Don’t leave pet food out for long periods of time.
- Landscape your yard to avoid overgrowth.
Contact Absolut Pest Control For Ant Control Solutions In MA & NH!
If your home or business in Massachusetts or New Hampshire is experiencing an ant problem, Absolut Pest Control is here to help! Our team has years of experience dealing with ants and various other insects, so you can count on us to solve your problem and prevent these pests from coming back! 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!
Everything You Need To Know About June Bugs
June bugs, also known as June beetles or May bugs, are scarab beetles that are commonly found on the east coast during the early to mid-summer, which is where they get their name from. June bugs are much larger than the average beetle found in New England, as they are typically ½” to 1” long. These beetles are reddish-brown with fat, oval shaped bodies and six legs. There are nearly 300 species of June bugs, but the most prevalent are the common June bug and the green June beetle.
Are June Bugs Harmful?
While June bugs do not bite and will very rarely infest homes, they can be harmful to the plants around your home and in your garden. While adult June bugs can damage plants by feeding on their leaves, they are most harmful when they are in their larvae stage. Adult June bugs lay their eggs in the soil, and the larvae that hatch out of these eggs are called white grubs. White grubs feed on the roots of grass and garden plants, which cuts off the plants ability to absorb nutrients, quickly killing them. To make matters worse, June bug larvae attract moles and other subterranean rodents, which can also eat crops and damage yards & gardens.
How Can I Prevent June Bugs?
There are a few different signs that can point to a June bug problem around your home:
- June bug sightings
- Patches of dead, brown grass around your lawn
- Ragged holes in plant leaves
- Noticing an influx in mole populations
- Small holes appearing in your lawn
If you notice any of these signs in May, June, or early July, there is a good chance that you have a June bug problem around your home! The good news is that there are a few different ways to prevent June bug infestations:
- Reduce fertilizer & chemical use on your plants, which will increase the number of natural predators that kill June bug larvae.
- Attract birds to your home with bird feeders and bird baths. These birds will eat adult June bugs, and some species will eat the white grubs out of the ground.
- Remove debris and dead grass from your lawn, which will help nutrients, air, and water reach the soil and can help reduce white grub populations.
- Hire a pest control professional to treat your lawn.
Contact Absolut Pest Control!
If you have any questions about June bugs or believe that you have a pest problem in or around 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 Dealing With Horse Flies This Summer
As the warmer weather approaches here in New England, so do the pests that come with it, like mosquitoes, ticks, yellowjackets, hornets, ants, and perhaps the most annoying of all, horse flies. Horse flies are larger than average house flies, usually with lengths of around ½” to 1 ¼”. Female horse flies feed on human & animal blood, and they have blade-like mouthparts that tear the skin, and unlike mosquitos, horse flies do not release any anesthetic when they bite, making the bites extremely painful. Horse flies are relentless and will continue to attempt to bite you until they either do so or have been killed. Horse flies are not known to be vectors of disease, but their bites can cause allergic reactions, itchiness, and swelling.
How To Prevent Horse Flies From Frequenting Your Property
If you’ve noticed an influx of horse flies around your home, there are a few things you can do to try to get rid of them, or at least limit their numbers. Horse flies love to hang out around hot, damp areas like streams and ponds, but long grass and weedy areas can also produce enough humidity to attract them. For this reason, maintaining a well-kept yard by mowing and weeding regularly is a great way to limit the number of horse flies around your house. Horse flies, and most other fly species, are also attracted to garbage, so it’s important that your outdoor trash bins are well-sealed with a snug fitting lid. One more way to keep your outdoor space horse fly-free is to burn citronella candles or tiki torches. The smoke and smell that citronella oil produces repels horse flies, mosquitos, and other insects, making these candles and tiki torches great for backyard barbecues and other outdoor activities. If you are facing a serious problem with horse flies, your best bet is to consult a pest control specialist who can professionally treat your property with insect repellents!
Contact Absolut Pest Control!
If you have any questions about pest control this summer or believe that you have a pest problem at your Massachusetts or New Hampshire home, contact Absolut Pest Control! We provide various insect extermination and 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 For Fruit Fly Prevention & Extermination
Fruit flies are common household pests that are attracted to fruit and other sweet substances. These miniature flies are typically around 1/8th of an inch long with black or tan bodies and red eyes. Because of their appearance, fruit flies are sometimes confused for gnats. Fruit flies like to lay their eggs on rotting fruit or other organic materials, where the eggs will hatch about a day later and the larvae will continue to feed on the fruit or other fermenting material. While fruit flies do not sting or bite, they can be dangerous because they can spread bacteria and foodborne illnesses throughout your home or business. In this article, we’ll give you some tips on how you can prevent and exterminate these miniature pests! If you are a Massachusetts resident that is having trouble dealing with fruit flies or other insects, Absolut Pest Control is here to help! Contact us today for a free estimate on our pest control services!
Fruit Fly Prevention Tips
The best way to deal with a fruit fly problem is to never get them in the first place! You can prevent fruit flies in your home or business with just a few simple steps:
- Eliminate Sources Of Attraction: Fruit flies are primarily attracted to ripe or rotting produce. Be sure that any ripe produce you have is either stored or discarded properly! Store your fruits & vegetables in air tight containers in the refrigerator, or if you’re throwing something away, make sure it goes into a sealed container with a trash can liner!
- Clean Thoroughly: The next way to prevent fruit flies is to clean up thoroughly after any food or drink spill. Not only are fruit flies attracted to produce, but they also feed on soda, juice, beer, wine, and garbage. Anytime a liquid spills on your floor or countertop, be sure to clean it up with kitchen spray to ensure that nothing is left for insects to feed on!
- Properly Deal With Cracked Or Damaged Fruits: If you have any cracked or damaged fruit, you should cut off the wounded portion because this is where fruit fly larvae may be present.
Fruit Fly Extermination Tips
Fruit flies breed extremely quickly, so it’s important to eradicate the infestation in your home or business before it can get out of hand. While the best way to handle a fruit fly problem is to hire a pest control specialist, there are a few home “remedies” that you can try to exterminate the fruit flies on your own:
- Throw away all fruit and other ripe or rotting substances
- Clean rooms where the fruit flies are present thoroughly
- Create a trap using a jar & paper funnel, with apple cider vinegar as bait
- Use an aerosol insecticide
Contact Absolut Pest Control!
If you have any questions about fruit flies or any other insects, contact our team at Absolut Pest Control today! We provide a wide variety of affordable pest control services for insects and many other pests in Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire! 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!
Four Tips On Termite-Proofing Your House
If you own a home, you probably are aware that termites are one of the worst pests to face a problem with. These wood-eating insects can cause tens of thousands of dollars in property damage when they burrow into the structure of your house to create a colony! In order to avoid termite damage, there are several things you can do to help prevent them from eating away at your home. In this article, we’ll give you four tips on how you can begin to termite-proof your home! If you are a Massachusetts homeowner who is concerned about the presence of termites at your house, Absolut Pest Control is here for you with our termite inspection and extermination services! Contact our team to learn more about how we can prevent or eliminate termite infestations in your home!
Fix Leaks & Remove Standing Water
Like with many other pests, termites are attracted to water. Standing water and moist areas of your home are the ideal environments for termites to thrive in, so it’s essential to eliminate these wet areas if you want to help prevent termites from colonizing your house. Be sure to check for leaks & standing water anywhere that water may be flowing in your house; under sinks, the kitchen, bathrooms, the basement, ceilings, the roof, walls, etc. Fixing water leaks and removing standing water can also help prevent other pests like cockroaches, mosquitoes, and more.
Store Wood Properly
Another great way to help protect against termites is to make sure that you are properly storing wood in and around your home. If you have a fireplace or wood stove, you probably keep a good sized pile of wood in or around your home, garage, or storage shed. Because termites eat wood, your wood pile attracts them and the firewood you bring inside can act as a vehicle for them to catch a ride into your home. For this reason, you should be sure that you are keeping an eye out for signs of termites in your firewood supply! Additionally, you should store your firewood at least 8-12 inches off the ground and ideally have the wood pile at least five feet from the foundation of your home.
Seal Holes & Cracks
The next way to help prevent termites from creating their colonies in your home is to prevent them from getting in in the first place. Holes, cracks, and other gaps around the foundation of your home can act as a doorway for these destructive insects to get inside your home, where they’ll then start eating away at the wooden structure of the house. Inspect the perimeter of your home for any holes or cracks, then use caulk or foam sealant to seal off these openings.
Get Regular Pest Inspections
The best way to prevent termites from ravaging the structural integrity of your home is to hire a pest control professional to perform regular termite inspections! Here at Absolut Pest Control, we perform termite inspections that will cover your home or building from top to bottom! We recommend that our clients get yearly inspections so we can catch pests or vulnerabilities in a property before damage is done!
Contact Absolut Pest Control!
If you have any questions or concerns about termite infestations & prevention, contact our team at Absolut Pest Control today! We provide a wide variety of affordable pest control services in Eastern Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire! 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!
