Whether it's a sugar maple, white pine or red oak, trees can add beauty and character to a home. They can create a shady spot in a backyard or even a place to rest with a strategically placed hammock.
But they can also be home to a number of pests, including insects and rodents. And as the temperatures drop and the leaves fall, these pests look to move on to the nearest warmer location, which is often your home. Here are six pests that hope to move into your home in the fall and can require a professional pest control.
Most often found in rural and semi-rural location, deer mice look for any location that is in close proximity to food. In the summer that means feeding on grains, fruit, tree seeds and nuts which are readily found outside. When they're not foraging, however, they live in tree hollows and construct refuges made of twigs, leaves and grass roots. In addition, they sometimes take over abandoned squirrel and bird nests.
When the weather gets colder and food becomes scarce, they look for refuge in buildings, including homes, where they get inside walls, attics and basements and may gnaw through electrical wires and wood to build their nests. They may damage furniture, clothing, bedding and other materials in their quest for nest-building material, making mouse control essential.
Though their presence and appearance can be off-putting for some, both centipedes and millipedes are basically harmless. They're easily recognizable by their segmented bodies and, of course, their many legs. In the summer, they live on trees (the love damp bark) as well as in gardens.
While they can be beneficial (they eat spiders, cockroaches, silverfish, bed bugs and ants), many people can be upset if they discover them in their home. The insects move indoors in the fall and seek out damp places such as basements and bathrooms, necessitating home pest control.
On the outside, these wood-boring insects love making their homes in trees and stumps that are next to a source of moisture. They're social insects and prefer to live in large colonies (an average colony can consist of 2,000-3,000 members). Their presence is marked by small piles of wood shavings next to a hole or even the sound of them moving about.
While seeing a carpenter ant inside in the summer isn't unusual, it's usually just a lone ant that's strayed from the colony. But seeing them in winter is a good indication that they've built a nest somewhere inside for warmth.
Contrary to their name, boxelder bugs don't confine themselves to their namesake tree. They also make their home in maple and ash, as well as fruit-bearing trees. In the summer, they feed on the seeds of the boxelder tree while the female lays eggs on the leaves, stems and branches. They can have colonies in the thousands.
When winter approaches, the insects enter homes and garages for warmth and gather in walls. They may occasionally make an appearance in places where people congregate: kitchens, living rooms and bedrooms.
Many of us have encountered a spider web constructed between tree branches or stretched across a trunk. Certain species, including the black widow spider, prefer to live on trees in the summer, catching the other insects that also dwell there. Other tree-dwelling spiders include the dark fishing spider and the grass spider.
A spider in your home in the winter isn't necessarily coming in to escape the cold, but rather looking for a mate. The beginning of September marks their mating season and the become more active in their search.
A professional pest control service like Abell Pest Control can prepare your home for the invasion of the tree-dwelling pests with a comprehensive home pest control plan. They can give you advice on preventing a fall infestation or treating an existing condition.
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:
As the middle of summer approaches, you need to be vigilant about keeping your garden free of pests. Many insects breed during the summertime, which means they're on the lookout for great places to lay their eggs. For many bugs, that means near a source of food. In fact, some species of insects will lay their eggs inside budding vegetables and fruit so their larvae have something to eat as soon as they hatch. That's why you have to keep harmful bugs out without damaging the bugs that could help you, such as bumble bees.
You might have noticed that, with the exception of the kitchen, you find more pests in your bathroom than in the rest of your home. This is because insects and rodents see the bathroom as a convenient watering hole. Pests love leaky pipes and standing water because these offer them a hydrating oasis in the otherwise dry biome that is your house or apartment. And if your bathroom develops mold, all the better for pests, who may eat fungus or use it to lay their eggs.
The kitchen is largest gathering place for pests in a residential home. The reason is simple: pests can grab a bite to eat and take a sip of water while they're here. And when they find such a bountiful place, they will return home to their nests and report the finding - before you know it, your whole pantry is a buffet for ants! The problem could get even worse if a piece of food falls somewhere and begins to rot. Similarly, fruit and vegetables you bring into your home may be harboring unseen pests waiting to hatch.
It's finally here - sweet, sweet summertime at last! But has your time outside already been rudely interrupted by swarms of pesky bugs trying to take a stab at you? This season, let's say no more to swatting, slapping or clapping at these insects who seem to be tormenting innocent outdoors enthusiasts every year. Fortunately, the solution isn't as chemical ridden as you might think. As it turns out, some of your favorite scents are insects least favorite.
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:
Discovering a mouse is loose in your home can be a real headache, and for restaurant owners, such an infestation can be an even bigger problem. Mice may be cute, but they simply do not belong in the kitchen, attic or anywhere else. If you've noticed any of these signs around your house or business, it may be time to call in a professional rodent exterminator:
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:
