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How to Prepare for Spring Bugs and Insects

April 3, 2023

Spring is a beautiful time of year, with flowers blooming and warmer weather finally arriving after a long winter. However, along with the joys of spring come the bugs and insects that seem to come out of nowhere. From ants in your kitchen to mosquitoes in your backyard, these pests can quickly become a nuisance if unprepared. In this blog post, we’ll cover some tips on preparing for spring bugs and insects so that you can enjoy the season without any unwanted visitors.

Clean Up Your Yard

One of the best ways to prevent bugs and insects from invading your home is by keeping your yard clean and tidy. This means raking up any leaves or debris, trimming back overgrown bushes and trees, and removing any standing water that may have accumulated during winter. Doing these things will eliminate many potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes, flies, and other pests.

Seal Up Your Home

Another critical step in preparing for spring bugs is to seal up your home as much as possible. Check all doors and windows for gaps or cracks where bugs could enter, and repair them if necessary. In addition, consider installing screens on all windows and doors to provide an extra layer of protection against flying insects.

Use Natural Repellents

Several options are available if you’re looking for a natural way to keep bugs at bay. Essential oils such as peppermint, lavender, or eucalyptus can be used as natural bug repellents when applied topically or diffused throughout your home. Citronella candles are also effective at keeping mosquitoes away when used outdoors.

Keep Food Sealed

Bugs are attracted to food sources, so it’s essential to make sure all food items in your home are stored in sealed containers or bags, including pet food! Keeping your kitchen clean and free of crumbs will also help deter ants and other crawling insects from entering your home.

Consider Professional Help

If you’ve tried everything but still struggle with pesky bugs and insects in your home or yard, it may be time to call the professionals. Pest control companies have access to specialized tools and treatments that effectively eradicate even the toughest infestations.

While springtime brings many joys, it’s important to be aware of the increased presence of bugs and insects during this season. By following these tips on preparing for spring bugs and insects, you can ensure that your home remains pest-free so that you can fully enjoy all that spring has to offer!

Family-owned and operated, Rid All Termite & Pest Solutions was established in 1997. Since then, we have served over 10,000 homeowners and businesses in the mid-south area near Olive Branch. Our mission is to lead the mid-south pest control industry by educating the general public on current pest industry events, including providing choice and affordability to prospective clients and maintaining excellent communication and service to existing clients.

To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call 901-377-9915 today!

How To Tell If You Have Rodents In Your Home

February 21, 2023

Rodents are sneaky and can live in your home without you ever knowing it. However, if you know what to look for, it is possible to identify a rodent infestation before it gets out of hand.

Here are some signs that rodents have invaded your home, as well as tips on how to get rid of them quickly and efficiently:

Droppings

One of the most apparent signs of a rodent infestation is finding droppings around your home. These droppings can be found anywhere from the kitchen to the basement and can even be spotted in areas where food is stored. It’s important to note that these droppings can contain harmful bacteria, so if you find any, clean them up immediately with gloves and dispose of them properly.

Noises

Rodents are active during the night when humans are typically sleeping, but if you hear rustling or scratching noises coming from inside walls or ceilings late at night or early in the morning, this could be a sign that rodents are living inside your home. Be sure to investigate further and contact Rid All Termite & Pest Solutions immediately if this is the case.

Gnaw Marks

Rodents use powerful incisors to gnaw through wood, plastic, and other materials found in homes. If you notice small holes (about ¼ inch) around baseboards or other areas of your home, this could indicate that rodents have been chewing their way into places they shouldn’t be.

Nesting Materials

Rodents will use soft materials like newspaper strips, fabric fibers, cotton balls, insulation pieces, shredded paper towels or tissues, and paper bags to build nests in dark corners or behind appliances like refrigerators or dishwashers.

Unusual Odors

A strong musky smell may indicate the presence of rats or mice in your home. A sweet scent may also accompany this odor from urine or feces deposits left by rodents in hard-to-reach places like wall cavities or attics/basements between floors/ceilings.

If you suspect rodents may be living in your home, don’t hesitate to contact Rid All Termite & Pest Solutions for professional inspection and removal services. The longer these pests remain in your home, the more damage they can do – not just physically but also financially – so act fast!

It’s crucial to have a trusted pest control company on hand should you find yourself dealing with any pest-related issue in your home. With Rid All Termite & Pest Solutions on your side, you can rest assured that we will handle any infestation quickly and efficiently so you can get back to living life pest-free! Visit our website for more information, or call (901) 377-9915 to schedule an appointment today.

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.

The Most Common Pests in Homes and How to Get Rid of Them

January 26, 2023

If you’re a homeowner, the last thing you want is for your home to be invaded by pests. Unfortunately, it’s something that happens far too often. You could find yourself dealing with anything from spiders to cockroaches to rodents. Trying to manage these different infestations on your own can be a daunting task, and that’s why it’s crucial to have a trusted pest control service like Rid All Termite & Pest Solutions on hand.

Let’s look at some of the most common types of pests found in homes and what you can do about them.

Spiders

Spider infestations are one of the most common problems homeowners face. Fortunately, spider populations tend to die during the winter, but they come roaring back in spring and summer. To prevent a spider infestation, make sure there are no open entry points around windows or doors. If the problem persists, it may be time to call in professional help from Rid All Termite & Pest Solutions.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are one of the most unwelcome pests found in homes. These hardy insects multiply quickly and can survive even under extreme conditions, making them especially difficult to get rid of without professional assistance. To keep cockroaches away, keep all food items sealed tightly and regularly clean up any spilled food or crumbs that could attract them into your home.

Rodents

Rodents such as rats or mice pose serious health risks due to their droppings and fur that contain bacteria which can lead to contamination when ingested or inhaled by humans. To avoid an infestation of rodents in your home, make sure all food items are kept in sealed plastic containers so as not to attract them into your house; seal off any entry points around windows or doors where they might enter from outside. If you’re already dealing with an infestation, contact Rid All Termite & Pest Solutions today for effective rodent control services!

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are nocturnal insects that typically live in dark places like basements or bathrooms. They reproduce quickly and feed on any organic material they can get their hands on—including human food sources! Cockroaches also spread germs that can make you sick, so it is important not to let them take over your house. To help keep cockroach populations down, practice good sanitation habits and regularly vacuum carpets and furniture throughout the home.

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are small insects that feed on human blood while people sleep. They often enter homes by hitching rides on clothes or luggage after people have traveled away from infested areas. However, bed bugs can also travel through secondhand furniture or clothing items brought into the home and other objects like books or boxes that have been previously stored in infested locations. To reduce the chances of getting bed bugs, inspect items for signs of pests before bringing them inside your house, and vacuuming regularly throughout all areas of your home helps too!

It’s no surprise that pests can cause immense stress for homeowners — after all, they invade our homes uninvited and wreak havoc on our daily lives! That’s why it’s crucial to have a trusted pest control company like Rid All Termite & Pest Solutions on hand should you find yourself dealing with any pest-related issue in your home.

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.

Understanding the Bed Bug Cycle: A Homeowner’s Guide

December 20, 2022

If you’ve ever dealt with bed bugs, you know just how frustrating and problematic they can be to get rid of. The key to successfully removing bed bugs from your home is understanding the life cycle of a bed bug and knowing how to identify them. Fortunately, Rid All Termite & Pest Solutions can help walk you through the process so that you can take back control of your home!

The Life Cycle of a Bed Bug

Bed bugs are small, wingless insects that feed on human blood. They typically live within eight feet of where people sleep, which makes them especially difficult to detect. However, understanding their life cycle can help you identify and eradicate them from your home.

Bed bugs typically go through the following stages in their life cycle — egg, nymph (five stages), and adult. The cycle takes anywhere from four weeks to four months, depending on the environment and temperature. Bed bugs usually lay five eggs per day and up to 500 over their lifetime. It takes around 6-10 days for eggs to hatch into nymphs, or baby bed bugs, which then molt five times before becoming adults. Adult female bed bugs live for around 200 days, while males only live for about 120 days.

Identifying Bed Bugs

Familiarizing yourself with what bed bugs look like to quickly identify them if they appear in your home is essential. Adult bed bugs are approximately 1/4 inch long, have an oval shape, and are reddish-brown — though they may become darker or lighter depending on how recently they have fed. Nymphs are much smaller in size and white in color until after they feed on blood; then, they turn bright red. Additionally, although it might not be pleasant, one way to identify if there is a bed bug infestation is by looking for dark or rusty spots on mattresses or sheets due to fecal matter from the bugs themselves.

Knowing how to recognize the signs of a potential infestation is one of the most critical steps in preventing an infestation altogether. With the help of Rid All Termite & Pest Solutions‘ guide on understanding the life cycle of a bed bug combined with our expert pest services – homeowners can rest assured that their homes will be free from any pesky critters!

Don’t hesitate to contact us today – we look forward to helping! Rid All Termite & Pest Solutions offers various general pest control services, including regular inspection and treatment, to keep bed bugs and other invaders at bay. Visit our website for more information, or call (901) 377-9915 to schedule an appointment.

Signs You Have Termites in Your Walls: What to Look for and How to Get Rid of Them

July 15, 2022

Do you think you may have termites in your walls? If so, it’s essential to know what to look for and how to get rid of them. Termites can cause extensive damage to your home if left untreated, so it’s crucial that you take action as soon as possible. In this blog post, we will discuss the signs that you have termites in your walls and what you can do about it.

Some of the signs that you have termites in your walls include:

Hollow sounding wood when tapped
Mud tubes on or near your foundation
Discarded wings from termites near doors or windows
Small pinholes where termites have eaten through the paper coating on drywall or wallpaper
Faint-looking lines on drywall
Peeling or bubbling of paint on your walls
Jammed doors or windows
Fragile baseboard that crumbles without much pressure

Termites can remain hidden, so it might not always be easy to tell if you have an infestation. However, if you see any of the signs listed above, it’s crucial to call a professional as soon as possible to have your home inspected. They will be able to tell you for sure if you have termites and recommend the best course of treatment. Treatment of termites could include baiting, spraying, or fumigation. Getting rid of termites can be a process, but it’s important to do as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your home.

Rid All Termite & Pest Solutions provides a variety of effective solutions to get rid of termites. Contact us today for more information. 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.

Insect Repellants 101: Do They Really Work?

June 6, 2022

Insect Repellants

Summertime is synonymous with outdoor activities. Whether you’re swimming, hiking, or just relaxing in the backyard, there’s nothing quite like enjoying the great outdoors insect-free. Unfortunately, pesky mosquitoes and other bugs can put a damper on your fun.

That’s where insect repellants come in. But do they really work? And when should you call a professional pest control agent? Keep reading for answers to these questions and more!

Insect repellants work by releasing undetectable chemicals to humans but serve as a form of communication for insects. These chemicals send a message to potential pests that the area is occupied, causing them to avoid it altogether. Repellants can be applied directly to the skin or clothing or used in conjunction with mosquito nets or traps.

There are a variety of insect repellants on the market, each with its own set of pros and cons. For example, DEET is a common active ingredient in many repellents. It’s been proven effective against a wide range of insects, but some people find it irritating to the skin. Picaridin is another popular choice. It’s odorless, non-greasy, and gentle on the skin, but it doesn’t last as long as DEET.

When choosing an insect repellant, you should keep a few things in mind. First, consider what type of insects you’re trying to repel. Different repellents are effective against various kinds of insects. Second, think about how long you’ll need the repellent to work. For example, if you’re going on a short hike, you won’t need a repellent that lasts for hours. On the other hand, if you’re spending extended time outdoors, you’ll want a repellent with longer-lasting effects.

If you’re dealing with a serious insect problem, it’s best to call a professional pest control agent. These experts can help identify the source of your problem and develop a plan to get rid of the insects for good. In the meantime, they may also recommend using insect repellents to keep the pests at bay.

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.

Why Termite Inspection Matters When Buying a New Home

May 3, 2022

You finally found the perfect house, and it checks all the boxes on your list. But before you sign those papers, take a minute to make sure your house doesn’t have any hidden issues. Did you know that termites damage approximately 600,000 homes per year in the United States? Before buying a new home, a termite inspection is a must-do for several reasons.

Termites, also known as white ants, are wood-destroying insects. They are not dangerous to humans, but they are incredibly hazardous to your home due to the amount of damage they can cause. Down to their bones, most homes are constructed of wood, which is the favorite snack of a termite. They consume wood from cabinets, joists, walls, papers, boxes, and books in homes. They are even known for destroying shrubs, trees, and other foliage surrounding your home.

Even though the average cost of termite damage repair is $3,000 and termites cause over $5 billion in property damage annually, no federal law mandates a termite inspection when buying a home. However, many lenders do require one. Your mortgage lender might request that you obtain a termite clearance letter before closing on your home.

After visiting the property, a pest control company provides a termite clearance letter and inspects the home for termites and termite damage. The inspection takes about 1-2 hours, depending on the home’s size. The inspector will need access to the entire house to inspect for visible signs of termite infestation, such as damaged wood, mud tubes, or droppings.

Even if your mortgage lender does not require a termite clearance letter, there are several reasons to get a termite inspection before you purchase a home.

Typically, homeowners insurance does not cover termite damage, so remedying any underlying issues through the home’s sale negotiations will save you money. The inspection cost is small compared to the cost of repairing a termite problem down the road.

Additionally, you may have active termites in your new home that your untrained eye cannot detect. Your licensed termite inspector can detect the presence of these pests before the damage is visible to the untrained eye. Termites can be present in the home for up to five years before the colony is large enough to cause significant damage.

The good news is that even if termites are detected on the property, not all is lost. Your professional can use termite removal methods to remedy the problem, maintain your structure’s integrity, and prevent future outbreaks.

Count on Rid All Termite & Pest Solutions for your termite inspection and prevention services. We have been keeping homes and businesses in the mid-south area bug-free for over two decades. In addition to eradicating pest problems, our highly trained exterminators can identify ways to protect your building from future infestations. Contact us for a free quote today!

Sources:

https://ridallbug.com/

https://www.simpleshowing.com/blog/do-you-really-need-a-termite-inspection-when-you-buy-a-home

How Do I Know if I Have Carpenter Ants?

May 12, 2017

What are carpenter ants?

Carpenter ants, like many insects, are social and live in large colonies. They measure ¼-½ inch inch long1 and tend to be black or red, or a combination of these two colors. Carpenter ants are also known as flying ants or winged ants. These ant colonies live both outdoors and indoors in moist, decaying or hollow wood. If they find your home as a suitable place to make a nest, they will bore holes into water damaged wood and then gnaw away the wood to make room for more members of the colony.

How do I know if I have carpenter ants?

If you see (or hear) the following signs, your home might be experiencing carpenter ant damage:

- Wood that sounds hollow if tapped upon

- The sound of faint rustling within in the walls, which means the ants are boring into the wood

- The presence of wood with wide, irregular ridges that are usually smooth-surfaced and free of debris

- Shed wings of carpenter ants near window sills, baseboards, and vents

- Trails of sawdust, a sign that carpenter ants have bored holes into the wood

Wood shavings near infested areas, which provide clues to nesting locations

These tips should help you determine whether or not you have an infestation of carpenter ants inside your home. Rest assured, carpenter ants are not harmful or a health hazard to humans, only the wood in the structure of your home.

How can I avoid a carpenter ant infestation?

- Do not store firewood against an outside wall of your home, as it is an invitation for pests. Store it as far away from your home as possible, preferably elevated on a firewood rack

- Cut down tree branches or limbs that either touch or hang over your home.

Seal holes or crevices in your home, specifically around window sills, baseboards, and vents

Carpenter ants can be difficult to evict from your home, and an infestation should not be taken lightly. If you’ve seen signs of these pests, your next step is to call Rid All Termite & Pest Solutions at 901.377.9915. We specialize in the diagnosis and removal of carpenter ant infestations in Olive Branch, Mississippi and surrounding areas.

Archives

How to Prepare for Spring Bugs and Insects

How To Tell If You Have Rodents In Your Home

The Most Common Pests in Homes and How to Get Rid of Them

Understanding the Bed Bug Cycle: A Homeowner’s Guide

Signs You Have Termites in Your Walls: What to Look for and How to Get Rid of Them

Insect Repellants 101: Do They Really Work?

Why Termite Inspection Matters When Buying a New Home

How Do I Know if I Have Carpenter Ants?

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