Termite & Pest Control Blog

Get Rid of Pests Year Round in Your Home: Tips and Tricks

April 25, 2022

Do you have a pest problem? If so, you’re not alone. Millions of people deal with pests every year. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips and tricks to help you get rid of pests all year round.

One of the best ways to get rid of pests is to prevent them from entering your home in the first place. There are a few things you can do to help with this:

Seal any cracks or openings around your doors and windows to keep out pests like insects and rodents. You can also use screens on your doors and windows to help keep pests out.
Keep your yard clean and free of debris to help deter pests from making their way into your home.
Store your firewood as far away from your home as possible to prevent a pest invasion. Pests love to hide in these areas, and if they are close to your home, it makes it easy for them to find their way inside.
Keep a clean kitchen by doing dishes right away, taking out the trash, and sweeping regularly. A clean kitchen is less likely to attract pests.
Vacuuming your house regularly to help pick up any food dropped on the floor. Pests can find their way into your home by following the scent of food.
Insects love water. If you have any areas in your home prone to water damage or flooding, this is an open invitation to pests. Be sure to repair any water damage and keep your home as dry as possible.

If you already have a pest problem, you can do a few things to get rid of them:

Set traps. There are many different types of traps available, so be sure to choose the best one for the kind of pest you are dealing with.
Use pesticides. Be sure to read the label carefully and follow the instructions. If you use pesticides, keep them out of reach of children and pets.

If you have tried these tips and still have problems with pests, be sure to contact a professional pest control company. They will be able to help you get rid of your pests once and for all.

Established in 1997, family-owned and -operated Rid All Termite & Pest Solutions has served numerous customers throughout the mid-south area of Olive Branch, Mississippi. We lead the mid-south pest control industry through community education, affordability, and top-notch customer service. Visit our website for more information or call (901) 377-9915 to schedule an appointment today.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Pest Control Company

April 20, 2022

At least once a year, many of us have pest problems that require the help of a professional. It can be a daunting task to choose the right pest control services. However, before committing to a company, it’s important to research a company and its services. It’s always good to look at various companies before settling on one, even if your pest problem is a high priority.

When doing your research, keep these considerations in mind:
License & Certification
Ask each company if their exterminators or inspectors have current licenses or the correct classifications for the job. When in doubt, you can call your state pesticide regulatory office. You also want to check the company’s staffing procedure regarding products, safety procedures, integrated pest management techniques, and current regulations.

Reputation
To review a company’s reputation, you can simply check how many years the company has provided services on its Google Business Page (GBP) or website. In addition, checking their GBP reviews offers insight into their service practices. It is also a good idea to ask neighbors, coworkers, friends, or family members for a recommendation; however, for detailed inquiries, you can also contact the Better Business Bureau for information on recent unresolved issues, violations, or complaints.

Service Estimate
Many pest control companies offer free estimates, including Rid All Termite & Pest Control. After the initial visit, ask for a cost estimate of the services in writing. Look for requirements on signing up for long-term contracts and overall cost. Do they provide a guarantee for the services they will provide? Will they be attentive to your concerns? Can they provide details about your pest and the magnitude of the infestation?

Risk Management
If you have a garden or pets in your backyard, ask about toxicity alternatives and limit environmental risks. Do they have insurance to cover your property and you as a customer if there is an issue or pesticide exposure? Finally, with COVID still in the air, are they taking the initiative in wearing protective equipment when needed?

Service Details
After the job is completed, make sure you have the company’s contact information, the technician who performed the services, the treatment or inspection time or date, the products used, and their Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registration numbers. In addition, note the formulation used (i.e., gel, spray, or dust) and where the product was used on your property.

It requires cooperation and communication between you and the pest control company to get an excellent overall service experience. Always ask relevant questions to understand the treatment and further accountabilities in making a treatment successful.

Established in 1997, family-owned and -operated Rid All Termite & Pest Solutions has served numerous customers throughout the mid-south area of Olive Branch, Mississippi. Through community education, affordability, and top-notch customer service, we lead the mid-south pest control industry. Visit our website for more information or call (901) 377-9915 to schedule an appointment today.

References:
https://www.mandmpestcontrol.com/how-to-choose-the-right-pest-control-company-in-2021/
http://npic.orst.edu/pest/selectpco.html
https://www.bestpickreports.com/blog/post/how-to-choose-a-pest-control-company-the-dos-and-donts/

The Negative Impacts on Your Health from Pest Infestations

September 27, 2021

An infestation of pests that vary in size and species is a homeowner’s worst nightmare. For those individuals who are phobic of any invasive critters, nothing is more startling than flipping on your basement light to see something scurry past your feet.

Whether your response to a pest is stark fear or mild annoyance, the reason for this blunt emotion is primordial in nature. We as humans are aware they pose a threat and are not fearful because of their eerie appearance.

Even a single ant in your kitchen may be an indication of an infestation. Rid All Termite and Pest Solutions want to educate you on defining what exactly an infestation is, the danger it poses to human health, and preventative methods.

What Defines An ‘Infestation’?

Just because you notice a spider on the basement stairs or a chipmunk in your garage does not instantly guarantee you have a pest infestation. However, the fact that one has gotten in means that more likely than not, many more have been signaled for entry.

The term ‘infestation’ refers to a large amount of insects or other pests invading the interior of your living environment. For instance, hornets setting up nests behind broken siding on your house and several finding a way inside is considered an infestation.

When it comes to rodents, especially mice, even just one is considered a rodent infestation. Due to their size, they can cause more damage and risk to your health. If more follow suit, the problems compound quicker.

Damage To Your Health

The danger that any type of pest infestation poses to your health, your family’s health, or your pet’s well-being is so broad, it pays to eliminate the issue long before it gets out of control. Here are some health effects to be aware of, caused by pest infestations.

Insects of all kinds bite, in one way or another. Spider bites are infrequent but possible, whereas a bed bug bite can trigger a severe allergic reaction in someone who previously never knew of the allergy. If you live in an area with termites, an infestation of these creatures kicks up dust, aggravating any respiratory allergies you or your children have.

More dangerous is rodent infestations. Mice urinate and defecate several times a day, and they do it wherever they make a home. Because mice and rats root through trash, they carry with them E coli, salmonella, and other bacteria, potentially spreading it on your food if they reside in your cabinets.

Prevention Is Key

Hiring a team like Rid All Termite and Pest Solutions to safely eliminate a pest infestation of any kind is a valuable solution; however, preventing an infestation before it occurs is even better.

If you know your area is prone to a specific infestation, contact Rid All Termite and Pest Solutions to conduct an evaluation of your home. In doing so, an experienced technician will identify problem areas for you to repair or replace. Visit their website today for more information!

How Can Bed Bugs Affect Your Health?

August 27, 2021

With the world being more conscientious about public health, science is always uncovering lasting effects behind good and bad diets, smoking, and seasonal illnesses. What most don’t consider is the danger certain pests bring to you and your family’s health.

The thought of bed bugs likely makes skin crawl. These minute critters making the sheets you sleep in their primary residence is ghoulish; however, an actual bite from one of these creepy crawlers can negatively impact your health far beyond what you may realize.

Rid All Termite and Pest Solutions works diligently at collating knowledge around the physical damage these pests can inflict in an effort to educate their customers and the general public. As a result of this research, here are a couple of issues that stem from bed bugs that all should be aware of:

Insomnia and Residual Issues

Bed bugs thrive on both human blood and your body heat while you sleep at night. What that means is that in your vacancy, they sit patiently in cracks and crevasses around your bed, drawn directly to you throughout the night when you are present.

They don’t call them pests for nothing – as these bed bugs bite you, you undoubtedly lie awake, making valiant attempts to ward them off to no avail. This tireless effort leads to many reports of insomnia, which in turn leads to other residual issues stemming from lack of sleep that impact your day-to-day life.

Those residual issues include, but are not limited to, irritability, exhaustion, anxiety, depression, and more. What inflames these issues even further is that until you bring in a team like Rid All Termite and Pest Solutions, the problem will not go away.

Secondary Infections

Once bed bugs have attacked, bed bug bites are about as annoying as a cluster of mosquito bites. The itching is tremendous, and if you have younger children, they likely lack the discipline necessary to avoid scratching at these bites.

As you or your family scratch for relief, you are actually injuring the affected areas of your skin with much worse damage than the original bites themselves caused. If any of these bites break open, you are now at risk of a secondary infection from an open wound.

Those allergic to bed bug bites have even more severe itch, further increasing the possibility of secondary infections. Rid All Termite and Pest Solutions has discovered infections including impetigo caused by the staph bacteria or lymphangitis, which is a combination of several bacteria affecting the lymph vessels.

Rid All Has A Solution

Since 1997, Rid All Termite and Pest Solutions has been a family-owned and operated pest control team servicing areas in both Tennessee and Mississippi. Do not let bed bugs, termites, or other pests take over your life; let Rid All Termite and Pest Solutions help you take back control of your home!

Discover what pest control services Rid All Termite and Pest Solutions can aid you, your family, or even your place of business with by visiting their website today.

Types of Mosquito-Borne Disease

July 15, 2021

Dealing with mosquitos is a natural part of the summer season, however, if you begin experiencing flu-like symptoms in the middle of summer, it’s possible you’re suffering from a mosquito-borne disease. Most mosquitoes get infected by feeding on a bird with the virus, but in rare cases, it’s possible for mosquitoes to get it from other animals. Though most mosquitos do not carry viruses (and only certain types of mosquitoes CAN carry viruses), it’s important to be aware of the different mosquito-borne illnesses you could get from a mosquito bite so you’re best prepared to handle it.

There are many different mosquito-borne diseases, or arboviruses, that exist in the world, but there are mainly 5 in the United States to worry about. Here’s some basic information about those mosquito-borne viruses:

West Nile Virus. The West Nile Virus (WNV) is found in Mississippi in horses, birds, mosquitoes, and humans. Though anyone can get WNV, symptoms are more severe and/or deadly for people over the age of 50, with 3-15% of people with WNV dying. WNV is a different kind of arbovirus, as WNV can also kill certain species of birds, as well as horses.

St. Louis Encephalitis. St. Louis Encephalitis (SLE) is the most common arbovirus found in Mississippi. It only affects humans, and mostly only affects elderly patients in the summer and early fall seasons. Most cases are not fatal, but roughly 15% of patients with severe symptoms die from SLE every year.

Eastern and Western Equine Encephalitis. Both Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and Western Equine Encephalitis (WEE) are essentially the same virus, however, EEE is typically found in eastern and Gulf Coast states, and WEE is found in midwest/western states. It is found in birds and horses, and very rarely, humans. Unlike other arboviruses, it is more likely to affect children rather than the elderly. It also has a much higher rate of fatality– roughly 30-60% of cases end in death.

LaCrosse Encephalitis. This virus is found primarily in Midwestern states, but has been reported in Mississippi as well. It primarily affects humans under the age of 16 years old from the spring-fall seasons. It is the least fatal of these 5 viruses, with only 1% of symptomatic patients dying.

Rid All Termite and Pest Solutions can help with your mosquito control. With over 2 decades of experience, we have served over 10,000 homes and businesses in the Olive Branch area with high quality pest control services. In addition to mosquitoes, we can help control other pests including rodents, ants, termites, cockroaches, and bed bugs. Visit our website for a full list of service and information, or give us a call at 901-377-9915.

How to Avoid Yellow Jacket & Hornet Infestations

June 11, 2021

It’s the height of summer, and that means it’s time to take precautions against yellow jacket and hornet infestations. These insects are a nuisance for many reasons, including their painful stings. If you have children or pets who go outside often, then this is especially important! Luckily there are some easy steps that anyone can take to avoid these pests from getting into your home.

What are yellow jackets and hornets?

Hornets and yellow jackets are two types of wasps. They live in colonies, as bees do, but hornet nests can have thousands to tens of thousands of workers while a yellow jacket nest has only up to about 50 members at any given time.

How do yellow jackets and hornets infest in a home?

Yellow jackets and hornets can infest in a home by finding gaps around the windows or doors. They fly into these small spaces then enter the house through an unscreened opening.

How to get rid of yellow jacket & hornet infestation?

Your best course of action is to hire a trained professional. Keep the following in mind to avoid yellow jacket and hornet infestations this summer. Here are some tips to consider when it comes to avoiding an infestation.

Install window screens on all windows, doors, fire escapes and vents.
Seal gaps around window frames with caulk or weather stripping before installing a screen.
Check external walls for cracks that may allow wasps inside to nest
The best way to prevent bee and wasp nests is vacuuming up any yellow jackets or hornets that come into the house. Once they are in the vacuum, seal them up so you can take out your frustrations by killing as many of these insects as possible!
Contact a professional pest control company to be sure there is no live nest left behind and it’s not just one individual wasp or yellow jacket

If you’re experiencing a yellow jacket or wasp infestation, contact the professionals at Rid All Termite & Pest Solutions today. We know how to get rid of these pests without the use of potentially harmful pesticides and we can do it quickly so that your family is protected from an unwanted pest problem. Rid All Termite and Pest Solutions has been serving a variety of Mississippi and Tennessee cities for over 20 years. With over 10,000 homes served on our belt, our experienced technicians are committed to making your house as sturdy and safe as possible with our superior pest removal services. For a full list of services, visit our website or give us a call at 901-377-9915.

How Dangerous is Wasp Venom?

May 28, 2021

Summertime is a season that most people look forward to all year and even though summer is associated with beach time, BBQs, outdoor concerts and dining, fishing, kayaking and so much more, one thing that is a downside of summer is the bugs! Most people associate summer with mosquitos and while they can certainly be a nuisance, wasps are also prevalent this time of year. So just how dangerous are wasp venom? While wasp stings can be uncomfortable, most people recover quickly and without complications. Here is some more information about wasps, according to Healthline.

Symptoms of a wasp sting

The majority of people without sting allergies will show only minor symptoms during and after a wasp sting. The initial sensations can include sharp pain or burning at the sting site. Redness, swelling, and itching can occur as well.

Normal local reactions

You’re likely to develop a raised welt around the sting site. A tiny white mark may be visible in the middle of the welt where the stinger punctures your skin. Usually, the pain and swelling recedes within several hours of being stung.

Large local reactions

“Large local reactions” is a term used to describe more pronounced symptoms associated with a wasp or bee sting. People who have large local reactions may be allergic to wasp stings, but they don’t experience life-threatening symptoms, such as anaphylactic shock.

Large local reactions to wasp stings include extreme redness and swelling that increases for two or three days after the sting. Nausea and vomiting can also occur. Find out what’s happening in your body during an allergic reaction.

Most of the time, large local reactions subside on their own over the course of a week or so.

Let your doctor know if you have a large local reaction after a wasp sting. They may direct you to take an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine medication (such as Benadryl) to reduce your discomfort.

Having a large local reaction after a wasp sting one time doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll react to future stings in the same way.

You could have one strong reaction and never show the same symptoms again. However, a large local reaction could be the way your body routinely responds to wasp stings.

Try to avoid being stung to prevent these uncomfortable symptoms.

While wasp stings can certainly be uncomfortable, for the most part people who do not have allergies can recovery quickly and still enjoy their day! Rid All Termite and Pest Solutions has been serving a variety of Mississippi and Tennessee cities for over 20 years. With over 10,000 homes served on our belt, our experienced technicians are committed to making your house as sturdy and safe as possible with our superior pest removal services. For a full list of services, visit our website or give us a call at 901-377-9915.

What Exactly Do Termites Do To Your Home?

April 26, 2021

It goes without question that a termite infestation in your home is less than ideal. Though you want to rid your home of any kind of pest infestation, you especially want to take the steps to make sure pests don’t come and infest your home. While they won’t physically hurt you like bed bugs or other pests, they can do a lot of damage to the physical being of your house.

Termites cause more damage to your home than you may think, so it’s very important to have a trusted termite and pest control company on hand to make sure termite removal is never more than one call away. But what kind of damage will termites exactly do to your home? Here’s a list of some of the most serious damage termites can do to your home:

Structure. Because termites need moisture rich soil to thrive, most termites will build their colonies in the foundational wood of your home, like in crawl spaces and foundational walls. Once termites settle, they can cause serious damage not only to those areas, but to other structural areas as well. These areas are extremely hard to fix, and can end up costing a lot to repair.

Indoors. When the termites inside your walls are not removed, they can move into the inside of your home and continue wreaking havoc. Dry wood termites in particular can cause damage to wood furniture in your home, as they do not need the moisture rich soil to survive. That’s why it’s so important to call a pest removal company as soon as you think you have a termite infestation so it doesn’t get any worse than it needs to be!
Windows and Doors. Although some areas of your home will be difficult to check for termite damage, other areas such as your windows and doors will be easy to inspect. These entryways are typically installed with wood, and so it’s extremely important to make sure there’s no damage there that could cause further damage. Signs of termite damage to these areas are weakness, cracks and holes in the wood, or waviness.

Rid All Termite and Pest Solutions has been serving a variety of Mississippi and Tennessee cities for over 20 years. With over 10,000 homes served on our belt, our experienced technicians are committed to making your house as sturdy and safe as possible with our superior pest removal services. For a full list of services, visit our website or give us a call at 901-377-9915.

The 3 Worst Pest Infestations

March 29, 2021

Few things in life are as frustrating as finding out that you have pests in your home. What’s worse is when it’s not just one or two stray bees or mosquitos, but when you have a full-on infestation. Don’t get us wrong, all infestations are bad, but let’s take a look at what we think the worst types of pest infestations are.

TERMITES

If you are not careful, termites can wreak serious havoc on your home. Infestations grow rapidly, and many homeowners are oblivious to the signs of wood damage around them. They enter the home from the outside and burrow their way in through wood compromising the structural integrity. Once they’re inside they begin to eat away at the wood of the home. They can do serious damage to everything from sheathing, rafters, joists, and studs. The United States Department of Agriculture estimates that U.S. residents spend at least $1 billion a year on termite control and repairs every year, earning them the title of the most destructive wood pest in the U.S.

WASPS

Nothing quite puts a picnic or playtime on high alert like discovering a wasp in the area. Now multiply that by two thousand when you find a hive of wasps. Wasps are often considered one of the worst types of pests for several reasons. First, they are very territorial. And because they build their nests into existing sheltered areas such as eaves, gutters, and chimneys, you might not see them until it’s too late. Wasps are also prone to attack humans, especially before and after their breeding season, which is in the spring. And unlike bees, who have a barbed stinger, wasps’ stingers aren’t left behind after stinging you, so they can sting you multiple times without dying.

BED BUGS

While bed bugs aren’t the largest or most dangerous of pests, they are often considered one of the worst to have in your home. These little bugs are brought into the house by the owner. They cling to packages and bags that came into contact with other infested areas. Typically when it’s dark they find themselves a new hiding place closer to a food source. What do they like to eat? You guessed it, you! Bed bugs survive on human blood. Once they make their new house a home, they start reproducing. Most people don’t know they have bed bugs until they’ve been turned into a bed bug buffet. The bites are usually painless at first, but eventually, can turn into tiny itchy welts.

While pests can cause a lot of property and physical damage, perhaps the worst part of an infestation is the toll they can take mentally on a homeowner. The fear and anxiety of having ANY pest inside your home is stress that nobody should have to live with. If you realize you have a growing pest problem, the best thing you can do is act fast. They will not leave until you seek professional help!

Rid All Termite and Pest Solutions has been family-owned and operated for more than 20 years. In that time they have served more than 10,000 homes and businesses across the Mid-South region. Rid All has extensive experience with a large number of pests including ants, bed bugs, cockroaches, hornets and wasps, termites, spiders rodents, and more. All of their treatments are people and pet-safe. To schedule a free estimate call 901-377-9915.

Dangerous Spider Infestations

February 19, 2021

You’ve probably seen a spider or insect running around your house before because it’s not uncommon. Safely removing those pests should never be a dangerous or life-threatening experience. That’s why it is important that you know which spiders are dangerous and which ones are of concern to you.

If you have a common spider problem in your house, it’s easy to remove them in a safe manner. However, if you have a dangerous spider infestation, it’s best to leave it for the professionals at Rid All Termite and Pest Solutions. Take a look at the list of dangerous spiders below.

Black Widow Spider: These spiders are the most poisonous spiders in the U.S., and ones that you should avoid at all costs. They’re known for their black bodies and red hourglass icon on their abdomens. You can typically find them in a dark, enclosed space, such as a crawlspace or cellar. One bite from this dangerous spider and you could have a reaction that ranges from mild muscle cramping and burning to severe cramping and shortness of breath. While bites from a Black Widow Spider are rarely fatal, it’s important to seek medical attention right away if you suspect you’ve been bitten by one.

Brown Widow Spiders: These are the cousin of the Black Widow Spiders and can often be found underneath toys and equipment. Although these spiders have less of a presence than their cousin, their venom is twice as powerful. However, they pose less of a threat because they only inject about half as much venom and are far less aggressive.

Brown Recluse Spider: As their name suggests, these spiders like to hang out alone. These spiders like to hide in dark, secluded areas of your house, and because of their reclusive nature, it’s possible that you could have an infestation without even knowing. Brown Recluse Spiders are known for their violin-shaped body marking and having only three eyes, instead of four. If you get bitten by one, your reaction could include a painful and itchy sore that can destroy your skin and tissue.

Do you think you have a dangerous spider infestation? If you do, call the professionals at Rid All Termite and Pest Solutions immediately. We have been serving a wide area and range of clients since 1997 with professional and affordable service.

Whether you have a spider infestation, termite problem, or bed bugs, our experienced professionals can end any problem you may have without harming you, your loved ones, or pets. To find a location near you, visit our website for our list of service areas, pricing, and services offered.