Category Archives: Pest Control

Pest Control Richmond TX

Leave a reply

Pest ControlOutside of Houston is a small town called Richmond, TX. Richmond has a population of about 12,000. The weather in Richmond is pleasant year round. During the summer the temperature hardly ever reaches 100 degrees. In winter the weather will scarcely ever reach freezing for long periods of times. This is one reason why the residents of Richmond, TX love living in this area. The weather is also loved by unwanted visitors, called pest. Pests love this area, mainly because of the weather. The weather will allow the pests to infest homes year-round.

What pests live in Richmond? 

Common_Pests

Some of the pests that will reside in Richmond, TX are: crickets, cockroaches, spiders, earwigs, and the feared scorpions. All of these pests will need to be treated on a regular basis in order to have them controlled.

What will happen if pests are not controlled? 

If homes are not treated on regular basis the pest problem will get out of control.  The pests will infest the walls of the home. Once the pests are inside the walls they will be protected from any outside element. When protected inside the wall the pests will then lay their egg capsules. Each egg capsule can have anywhere from 15 to 20 eggs in each. When the eggs hatch, the home will then have more pests. If not treated promptly, the whole home will become infested. You will then see the pests more often; in food and other unwanted areas.

How can pest be controlled? 

To completely control a pest problem a three part treatment will need to be done. The first part will be done on the inside.  On the inside an in wall treatment will exterminate any pest infested inside the walls. The in-wall treatment is done by placing a product in to the wall through the outlets. The 2nd and 3rd treatments are done on the outside of the home. One will be done by power spraying the foundation of the home. Power spraying will give the product the ability to get under any rocks and to get in to the soil. The other part is done by treating the source of the pest problem. The source of the problem comes form the plants. At the plants the pest will have a constant food and water supply. To treat this area granules are used. The granules will soak the soil with a product and wipe out any pests feed of the plants.

How to find a good pest control company? 

The best why to find a good pest control company is to look online. Looking to see how the pest control company rates with its costumers will help save money and big headaches in the long run. Some good places to look online are Family Own Pest Control, Google, and Yelp. If the company is doing a correct treatment the pest control company will have excellent reviews.

Pest Control Richmond TX

Bulwark Exterminating
10900 Brittmoore Park Drive
Houston, TX 77041
(281) 668-4930
bulwarkpestcontrol.com  
AAAnimal Pro: Wildlife Control
8280 Golf Green Circle
Houston, TX 77036
(832) 248- 7804
houstonwildlifepatrol.com  
Terminix
16155 Park Row, Suite 190
Houston, TX 77084
(832) 460-3698
terminix.com  
Related articles

Avoid These Common DIY Pest Control Errors

1 Reply

Black Widow SpiderHomeowners generally think they’re doing themselves a favor and saving big bucks by handling their own pest control. However, the reality is that they are usually doing themselves a disservice by not employing a trained, experienced professional to eliminate the problem for good. Do-it-yourself pest management efforts often end up a failure because of the lack of knowledge most people possess about the task, and it leads to a worsening situation. Here are some of the most common errors made when trying the DIY approach to pest control.

Misuse or Overuse of Pesticides

It’s easy for someone inexperienced to misuse or overuse pesticides, which frequently occurs during DIY pest control. People that don’t know much about the negative effects that pesticides can have on the environment and their own health, or just don’t care, are quick to purchase over-the-counter products and apply liberally all over the yard and in every nook and cranny inside.

Typical mistakes that homeowners make with pesticide use is administering too much, combining products that shouldn’t be mixed, spraying in windy conditions and using the wrong kind of chemicals for a particular infestation.

Not Getting to the Root of the Infestation

If your first reaction is to immediately stomp on or spray any bugs that come into your line of sight in an attempt to kill them off, you’re not alone. This is what most people tend to do, but it isn’t always the best line of defense. There are many pests that live in colonies (like ants and bees), and even if you get rid of the one or two you see roaming around your home, that means the rest have been left somewhere else and you’ll soon be contending with them as well.

The best course of action to take is to find out where the source of the infestation actually is and treat the entire colony accordingly. The benefit of using a pest control expert is that they know the habits of various insects and exactly where to look for them.

Black Widow SunsetOnly Inspecting For Pests During Daytime Hours

To get an accurate assessment of possible pest situations, inspections should be done at different times of the day. Many homeowners only search during daylight hours, completely missing all the insects and rodents that come crawling out at night. A quick sweep of the property generally won’t allow you to come to the most valid conclusion on your need for pest control.

Believing There isn’t a Problem if Pests Aren’t Physically Seen

Insects and rodents are masters at hiding in the smallest, darkest cracks and crevices of a building, so just because you may not see them, doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Without periodic inspections conducted thoroughly by a professional, you could unknowingly be living with pests that are leaving germs and destruction in their wake, wreaking havoc on your health and home. A good example of this is termites since they can go undetected in the depths of a home for years, all the while feeding on wood and causing major structural damage.

If you know you’ve made some of these mistakes yourself, take extra care to correct future problems with the help of a pest control professional.

About the Author

Tiffany Olson blogs full time on home related topics. She loves sharing info with the public via social media platforms. Some favorite hobbies include camping, reading, and cooking.

 

Related articles

Tips For Eliminating The Habitat Of Pests

Leave a reply

Black WidowIt may be impossible to completely be rid of pests on outdoors on your property, but you can take measures to ensure they don’t come creeping inside your home this winter. By eliminating possible habitats around your yard, you decrease the chances of a pest infestation. Insects migrate indoors during the cold, wet months of winter to find shelter while they hibernate and lay eggs that will hatch in spring. Do a thorough walk-through of your home’s exterior and destroy any possible pest habitats to prevent insects from getting inside your home and overwintering. This will require you to think like a bug, searching for any insect-sized bridges that could help non-flying bugs get inside your house. You’ll also have to use your bug-senses to spot any places of refuge, or places where insects might be hiding out.

1. Clean Your Gutters

Gutters collect leaves, moisture, and muck, which creates a prime habitat for insects to burrow into. Clean out your gutters and downspouts so insects can’t take up residence in the debris.

2. Check Downspouts

Insects are attracted to moisture, so be sure to check your downspouts to ensure that they directing water away from your house. This will keep pests at bay as they are directed away from your house.

3. Store Firewood Outdoors, Away from the House

If your home has a fireplace, be sure to store all firewood outdoors, at least 20 feet away from your house. Insects love taking refuge in firewood, so be sure that you keep all firewood outdoors until you’re ready to burn it.

4. Eliminate Debris Resting Near Your House

Insects love to make themselves at home in old debris, so make sure you remove any debris resting against or near your house. This includes rocks, compost piles, bricks, old boards, and anything else you may have lying around.

5. Pull Mulch Away From Your House

If you have mulch next to your house, be sure to pull it away so it’s not resting right against the house. This will help keep insects away from your house’s structure.

6. Store Trash Cans Away From Your House

Trash is a prime food source for insects and other critters. Naturally, it attracts pests. Store any trash cans away from your house, and be sure to keep the lids on tight at all times.

7. Shift Plants so They Don’t Touch Your House’s Foundation

You don’t want plantings touching your house’s foundation, as insects like to live in them. Prune tree limbs that overhang your rooflines or gutters, and give your shrubs a trim so they don’t rub against your house’s walls, porch, deck, or any other outside structures.

8. Remove Autumn Leaves and Keep Them Away From the House

Remove any leaves that have collected outside and store them at least 20 feet away from the house. Leaf piles are a prime place for insects to take up residence.

9. Replace Exterior Lights

Replacing exterior light bulbs, which typically attract bugs, with yellow or sodium vapor bulbs will keep the bugs away during the winter and all year round.

If you take the time to do a thorough outdoor inspection and eliminate any possible habitats where bugs may be dwelling, you will be saving yourself the headache of having to deal with an indoor pest infestation further down the road. Remember that insects will be attracted to the warmth your home provides during the winter, so by eliminating their outdoor habitats, you are decreasing the risk of them making their way indoors.

About the author: Chris is writer for Excel Pest Control, a New Jersey based pest control company.

Related articles

Pest Word Search: What Pest Did You Find?

Leave a reply

In Houston, it’s really easy to find pests inside your home (unless of course you’ve hired the pest management professionals of Bulwark Exterminating); especially the disgusting and disease carrying cockroach.

What may prove to be a little tougher challenge, is finding all the pests in the “pest test” word search puzzle that has been going around Facebook all summer.

Haven’t seen it?

We’ll here you go:

The Pest Test Word Search

Word Seach of Pests

How’d you do?

Could you find all the pests hidden within? Hint: The pests are bugs, ant, scorpion, wasp,  roach, fly, bedbugs, lice, termite, gnat, spider, flea, and centipede.

What pest did you see first?

Over 10,000 people commented the first pest that they found in the puzzle, as the social media piece made its way around Facebook. Want to know how your find stacks up against the others who also searched for the pests? Look no further than the following infographic:

Pest Word Search Infographic– What Pest Did You Find?

 

Pest Infographic

Related articles

Thomas Ballantyne

Key Points To Consider When Hiring A Professional Pest Control Firm

1 Reply

RoachWhether it’s rodents, wasps, mice or cockroaches, coping with pests in your home can be a very unpleasant experience and can dramatically increase your stress levels. Unfortunately, catching them and removing them can also be a difficult task, especially if you’re out of the house for most of the day. That’s why it is often a good idea to hire the professionals, who have years of experience in dealing with pest-related issues. This article looks at some of the main reasons why people prefer to use pest control firms as opposed to removing the pests on their own.

Check Credentials

A reputable company will have a valid license and certificate. Find out if it is a member of the British Pest Control Association, a major trade body representing more than 7,000 people and more than 500 members across the country. You may also want to consider hiring a pest control company that a friend, family member of neighbor has used, or try finding some online testimonials to see what previous customers have said about the service. The better their feedback, the better the company’s success rates.

Ask Plenty Of Questions Beforehand

For peace of mind, pest control firms may offer a guarantee with their services, although this does not necessarily mean that they will be able to remove all unwanted pests quickly and without delays. Before you hire the company, make sure they explain the procedures involved and ask as many questions as possible before signing a contract for a long term service. Even the most experienced professionals will not be able to answer all of your questions. So if they simply say ‘I don’t know’ and that they plan on finding out the answer as soon as possible, it shows that they are being honest and are not simple making up answers on the spot.

Does The Pricing Reflect The Market Rate?

It’s always tempting to choose the cheapest service, but consider the quality of service you may receive if you choose a pest control company that charges significantly lower prices than the industrial standard. Sometimes it is worth paying more to get more, although feedback and recommendations are still the most accurate way to determine how reputable a pest control firm is. Typically, companies with plenty of satisfied, long term customers will not need to charge extortionately high or exceedingly low prices.

Can You Remove Pests Yourself?

Mice are notoriously quick at escaping underneath the tiniest gaps and holes and are difficult to capture yourself. It is also dangerous to venture near wasps’ nests without sufficient protective gear. Pest control companies will have all the professional equipment, chemicals and other resources they will to combat pests and will usually know which techniques and/or products are most effective for different types of unwanted creatures or insects. If you decide to do the job on your own, you may have to resort to the internet to find out what you need to do. Of course, the internet is full of contradictions and is not always the most reliable source of information with regards to situations like this.

Dan Mange is a professional pest removal expert for Essex Pest Control-leading providers of comprehensive commercial and residential pest management services to the South East of England

Related articles

Published by Thomas Ballantyne

Mosquitoes Invade Alaska

Leave a reply

Mosquito SwarmHow would you like to be caught in a swarm of ginormous mosquitoes? Well, in Alaska this is a true story.

Unbelievable Mosquito Masses

Researchers Jesse Krause and Shannan Sweet were caught in an awful swarm while researching at the Toolik Field Station on Alaska’s North Slope. Alaskan mosquitoes are notorious for their size and swarms. The mosquito is sometimes joked around as the state bird. They come in such numerous amounts that it’s unbelievable! Sweet states on video how “the whole horizon is nothing but mosquitoes.” Crazy Alaskan stuff!

Like with most insects, mosquitoes in Alaska have a season of strength. They’re most abundant in the summer from late June clear through July. That’s the worst time to be caught in shorts and a tank.

West Nile & Other Inconveniences

There are 35 species of mosquitoes in Alaska and of these 35 only 2 of them actually spread West Nile Virus in the state. The virus has not been able to take hold in higher latitudes. So Alaskans might have to deal with the angry swarms and itches, but this menacing virus doesn’t seem to pose a threat.

For the residents of the lower 48 states, the virus is much more common. West Nile Virus has been on the rise in the continental United States. More and more cases are reported each year. According to the CDC, there are 43 species of mosquito known to carry West Nile Virus.

The biggest inconvenience that these seekers present is physiological stress. Preparing for a summer, especially in Alaska, seems like quite the burden; from buying the right repellent to wearing the right clothing to not being caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. It is all a nuisance that really should just go away.

Mosquito Tips

Getting ready for that harsh summer time, when the mosquitoes are in full bloom is definitely agitating. The following are tips that mosquito plagued areas should consider every year.

• Stock up on anti-seeker supplies. Insect repellent with lots DEET will definitely work best. Purchasing mosquito coils might also help keep them away from your home or other unwanted locations.

• Wear appropriate clothing. It’s really tempting to wear shorts and sleeveless clothing during the summer, but beware that this will give the mosquitoes a free and easy meal.

• Wear neutral colors. Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors.

• Don’t use scented lotions, shampoos, or perfumes. They love this.

Author Bio:  is a journalism student and blogger for Bulwark Exterminating, an industry leader in providing high quality pest control service. When I’m not playing with my two adorable nieces, I’m on the tennis court chasing that little green ball around.

Related articles

Handle Your Inside Pet & Pest Woes With These Four Gadgets

Leave a reply

It is bad enough that we often have to deal with pests, critters and insects outside the home, but indoor pest troubles can be far worse. Once certain types of insects and critters settle into your home’s floors, walls, or other areas, costly and often invasive procedures may be needed to fully rid the home of them and repair any lost damage. In addition to this, household pets can also harbor certain types of pests and independently cause havoc when we are not present. If you are in the market for indoor pest and pet solutions, then continue reading to find out more about four gadgets that can assist.

Telescoping Insect Zapper

Anyone who has insects in the home will love the Telescoping Insect Zapper, a hand-held flyswatter with an electric charge to kill insects without all the mess that traditional swatters would cause. The device uses two AA batteries to zap any and all insects on contact, and can extend up to three feet in length depending on your need for reach. The large zapping head can rotate and pivot in various directions to help you get the best contact with any and all insects. Currently available for just $20, the Telescoping Insect Zapper is a clean and chemical-free solution for indoor pest control.

CatScram

Oh, those crazy cats! They’ll climb anywhere, and in the process, knock things off of shelves, countertops and other areas. The CatScram device is an affordable way to discourage our feline friends from their pursuit of higher and higher places. It emits an ultrasonic pulse that will drive cats crazy; whenever one comes near the device, the sound will cause the cat to leap away from the surface and scurry on its way. Perfect for those who want to condition their cats not to jump onto higher surfaces and areas, the CatScram can be purchased for around $50 through select online retailers.

Bell & Howell Ultrasonic Pest Repeller

The Bell & Howell Ultrasonic Pest Repeller uses a combination of ultrasonic and electromagnetic pulses to deter mice, ants, roaches and other insects from a wide area of the home. You simply plug the device into any wall socket and once activated, it sends a pulse of energy through your home’s wiring to deter pests on an entire floor – up to 1000 square feet! The unit even provides an additional outlet along its side to ensure that it is as minimally invasive as possible. Currently available for around $20, you can find the Bell & Howell unit in stores and online.

Under Hood Animal Repeller

Not only are pests and critters a problem in the living spaces of your home, but they also love to congregate in cooler, darker places – like the garage. The Under Hood Animal Repeller is a great solution that prevents rats and other rodents from crawling into your car’s undercarriage and causing damage to your automobiles. It is activate when it senses movement within the vehicle’s underside and emits an ultrasonic blast to deter them from further movement. Currently available for $30, this anti-rodent device may be one of the cheapest and best investments for your garage and automobiles.

Kevin Ben works at Peregrine, a pest control service in Calgary. He is very tech savvy and he enjoys researching about the latest innovation trends in the market.

Related articles

Freakish Football Sized Snails Invade Houston

1 Reply

 

Freakish Football Sized Snails Invade Houston, TX

A giant African snail has been found right here in Houston, TX. Someone who lives on Twin Circle drive in the Briar Forrest area found on in their garden. After the snail that was spotted, it happened to get away and nobody knows where it went. Don’t ask me how it got away… it’s not like snails are fast. These snails have local residents, and scientists, worried. Where there is one snail, there will likely be many, many more.

The giant African land snail reproduces very rapidly. They can lay as many as 100 eggs a month, so it’s likely there are more like the one found on Twin Circle Drive came from. Parts of Florida are also currently under attack, with these freakish snails being found by the thousands.

These snails are about eight inches in length, and four inches in diameter. The biggest ones found are reported to be about the size of a football.

Giant African Land Snail Escapes

Giant African Land Snail Escapes (Photo credit: sarflondondunc)

Giant African Snails Are Destructive

These giant African snails are quite a site, but scientists warn about the damage they can inflict to both humans and to property. These massive snails will make hole in the stucco and plaster on your home. If you run over one of them with your car, its shell can blow out your tire. They also feed on 500 different types of Houston plants, destroying your beautiful landscaping.

Giant African Snails Carry Deadly Disease

In addition to being destructive to your property, these gigantic African snails also carry a deadly disease that causes life-threatening meningitis. This parasitic disease can cause a lot of harm to humans, and sometimes even cause death. People are being warned not to touch them. You can get very sick if you do handle them. Most kids would look at a big snail like this and want to touch it. Neighbors and Houston residents need to be warned to stay away from these massive snails.

Pest Control In Houston, TX

If you are a Houston, TX resident and are seeing giant African land snails on your property, keep your distance and get professional Houston pest control.

Bulwark Exterminating
10900 Brittmoore Park Drive
Houston, TX 77041
(281) 668-4930
bulwarkpestcontrol.com
 
AAAnimal Pro: Wildlife Control
8280 Golf Green Circle
Houston, TX 77036
(832) 248- 7804
houstonwildlifepatrol.com
 
Terminix
16155 Park Row, Suite 190
Houston, TX 77084
(832) 460-3698
terminix.com
 
Related articles

The Tell Tale Signs Of Mice

Leave a reply

Uninvited guests are a nightmare, especially when those guests are disease carrying, smelly rodents with a penchant for working their way through your food and rubbish and leaving a trail of destruction. Here are the tell tale signs that mice have been in your home.

Odor

A strong smell of ammonia, almost musky will follow the mice as they mark their pathways and territories with urine. Cats and dogs are likely to notice the odor before you do and will express this through excitement where the mice are most active. If you see them take interest in particular cupboards or skirting boards then take a closer look for the other signs of an infestation.  It could just be that there is a rogue toy or treat that had previously gone unnoticed, however if there are other signs then you have mice. Such is there habit of urinating you may notice yellow trails building up along their trails.

Droppings

Mice pellets are around 5 mm in length and dark in color  where you suspect the mice have been there will be a number of them.  Check under the sink, in the dark corners underneath and inside drawers and around food containers and rubbish bags.

Scratching & Squeaking

Mice are noisy creatures and due to their poor eyesight and danger from predators they will move around the crevices and pathways around your walls and cupboards. They are nocturnal creatures so you will be able to hear their high pitched squeaking and the scurrying and scratching noises of their paws in the silence of the night.

Gnawing

Bite marks, or more accurately little nibble marks where they have happily gnawed through food packaging, wood, plastic or even cables. Mice have teeth that are always growing so will chew through most hard surfaces to relieve this. If you fear you have mice ensure food packets that have been opened are re-sealed and kept in air-tight containers .Food debris such as bread crumbs or cereal, or food left out is what attracts them in the first place. Ensure that food waste is put in a rubbish bin that is routinely emptied or has a strong lid.

Finally you may see a mouse, in which case it is likely there will be more nearby. Mice are quite small in size and of a light brown or grey color with a thin tail. They also have soft skeletons that allow them to fit through spaces just quarter of an inch thick making gaps in floorboards and cupboards ideal.

Featured images:

Thanks to James from Terminex pest control in London for writing this post.

Related articles

Watch Out! Harmful Bugs That Can Kill Plants Around Your Region

Leave a reply

The Japanese beetle adult--an attractive pest....

If you’ve been a frequent reader of our blog, then you already know how passionate we are about topic pertaining to gardening and landscaping – including ways of keeping plants healthy and beautiful. Yet, it’s not surprising that Northern hemisphere gardening has its own unique set of challenges, including plant-destroying bugs. While we are lucky enough to avoid many of the year-round pests that attack other regions of the nation, we are certainly not immune to them.

Here are some of the harmful bugs that may find their way into your gardening adventures this year. (The good news is you can prevent them!) Watch out for these plant munching pests.

Japanese Beetles - Still making their presence known in the United States and Canada, the common Japanese beetle can wreak havoc on your garden if you don’t knock them out fast. Easily distinguishable by their well-known iridescent greenish-gold appearance, you may start to notice these pests early in the growing season. They love to eat roses, raspberries, geraniums, and many other varieties of flowering plants. To treat for them without harming your plants, spritz a solution of 1 teaspoon dish detergent in water onto plants each day, and squash any bugs or larva you see hanging out. The good news is that Japanese Beetles have a relatively short lifespan of only about 6-8 weeks.

Emerald Ash Borer - The stately ash tree is something to treasure in the North, yet an insidious pest often comes to visit. The Emerald Ash Borer is one such pest you want to watch out for. Native to Asia, the larvae Emerald Ash Borer does one thing very well – boring holes into the bark of ash trees and destroying them from the inside out. Noted for its dark-metallic emerald green color, this bullet shaped beetle can grow to .33 inches long and has a flat head with black eyes. Annual soil treatments that include the components Imidicloprid or Dinotefuran can effective reduce their presence.

English: Agrilus planipennis, the emerald ash ...

Cutworms - A devastating pest that you don’t want to get on your plants or trees is that of the cutworm. While there are many varieties, the one that is most prevalent is the variegated cutworm, identified by its brown and yellowish variegated coloration with diamond shaped spots on the top of its body. Cutworms chew on every piece of foliage they can find, cutting them down from the root upward. To get rid of them, keep soil well-cultivated and make it harder for larvae to get to your delicate plants by adding use coffee grounds around each planting.

Tent Caterpillars - A common pest found in the Northern territories, tent caterpillars are famous for their huge tent-like nests found in the branches of trees. The caterpillar itself has either a blue or black body with white or yellow stripes down the back. They are voracious, defoliating trees in a matter of days. To help prevent them, wrap the base of each tree with plastic sheeting (garbage bags work well) 12 inches from the ground and then layer a thick strip of petroleum jelly. Remove all nests as soon as you notice them on your trees or buildings.

Preventing pests are part of gardening and landscape management, but they do not have to get the best of you. Keeping a close eye on your plants, trees, and property can help you to maintain a healthy and beautiful garden in the North.

About  the Author: Stephanie writes about landscaping and exterior design. She reviews landscaping sites, click here for more information. When she’s not working she catches butterflies with her 2 daughters.

Related articles