You just rented a house that sits directly on a lake for the summer, and you're ecstatic. However, within the first few weeks you notice several ants coming and going, especially on your porch. Through a little research, you come to learn that these are carpenter ants, which can be a major issue in a home, especially one that isn't yours. Consider these tips to keep carpenter ants away from your summer home.
Carpenter ants are destructive beasts. They tend to gravitate toward areas of moisture, the University of Minnesota noted. They're most commonly found in wet woodlands, such as areas of New England. They will hibernate in the winter, becoming more active in the spring and summer, when it rains the most. However, sometimes these pests can even be found in dry wood.
Though the ants originate outside, they will infest homes. Some of their favorite spots within homes include damp sinks, bathroom cabinets, cracked roofs and even window sills.
Timing is everything with pest control issues. If you notice the ants immediately after moving in, it's your landlord's responsibility to take care of the problem. However, if you decide to wait to contact your landlord, or don't notice the ants until later in your stay, it's your responsibility. Exterminations can be costly, so if you notice ants marching around your house, it's crucial to contact your landlord right away, Do It Yourself stated. Document your communication in case he or she isn't compliant with your requests and the case needs to be taken to court.
Carpenter ants don't seek out food, which is why many tenants may initially be baffled by how to handle the problem. Yet this doesn't mean you can't take away their source of nourishment.
As the weather cools, you'll probably see fewer pests than you did during the warmer months, but that doesn't mean they're all gone just yet. Some insects can actually come out in full force during the autumn, while others might seek refuge in your warm home. Here are some key tips to keep in mind as fall gets underway:
Not every creature that visits your property is a dangerous nuisance. Many animals actually offer a number of benefits that keep your yard healthy. Predatory animals, in particular, actually offer natural pest control. Here are five common suburban creatures that can help keep more difficult or annoying animals at bay:
The customer is always right, and this is especially true if he or she is complaining about seeing a mouse or cockroach. Pests have no place in your organization, as bugs and rodents will turn away potential business or even lead to a possible lawsuit. Keeping your company protected requires a proactive approach. Work with a pest removal specialist to identify the best ways to stop creatures from infesting your business. Here are just a few ideas for successfully mitigating and preventing any issues:
You might see an influx of rodents at this time of year, because as the weather cools mice and rats seek warmth anywhere they can find it. Unfortunately, that often means inside residential homes. Many homes may experience rodent infestations at this time of year more than any other. Whether they're getting into your garage, basement or kitchen, it's important to put a stop to them before the problem becomes too serious and requires the intervention of a professional pest control agency.
Summer is almost here and before you head out on a family trip or even if you travel for work, consider doing a little research so you become familiar with bed bugs. This will help you identify them quickly and it could keep you from bringing them home unknowingly!
With the promise of summer also comes the promise of bugs. Homeowners have to stay vigilant, lest they find ants - or worse - rifling through their food.
You might've heard that cockroaches can survive a nuclear blast. If the worst should happen and the world succumbs to nuclear war, the cockroaches would reign supreme as the one and only organism left on earth. This hardly seems fair - consider how much time humans have spent trying to control cockroach populations. You might've chased one of them out of the bathroom this morning! So, if they really can withstand a nuclear blast, what chance do we have of managing cockroach infestations at home?
