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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.

How to Use Bed Bug Sprays and Repellents

October 20, 2022

Bed bugs are small, parasitic insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They are brown and have flat, oval-shaped bodies. Bed bugs are active at night and usually bite people while sleeping.

If you think you have bed bugs, it is crucial to act quickly. This guide will show you how to use bed bug sprays and repellents to get rid of them for good.

Bed Bug Sprays

The first step in getting rid of bed bugs is identifying the infested areas. You can do this by looking for the telltale signs of bed bugs, which include small brown stains on sheets and mattresses, dark spots on walls, and clusters of small, red bites on the skin. Once you have identified the infested areas, you can treat them with bed bug spray. There are many different types of bed bug sprays available on the market, so choosing one specifically designed to kill bed bugs is essential. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully so that you do not inadvertently harm yourself or your family.

Bed Bug Repellents

In addition to using a bed bug spray, you can also use a bed bug repellent. Bed bug repellents are designed to keep bed bugs away from your home so that they cannot establish an infestation in the first place. Many different types of repellents are available, including natural and chemical repellents. Natural repellents typically contain essential oils that have been proven to repel bed bugs; chemical repellents usually contain pesticides that can harm humans and animals if misused. Be sure to choose a repellent that is safe for your family and follow the instructions on the label carefully.

How to Use Bed Bug Sprays and Repellents Effectively

Whether you choose a contact killer or a repellent, there are a few things you need to do to ensure that the product is used effectively:

Make sure that you thoroughly clean your home before using any spray or repellent to remove any eggs or larvae that might be present.
Be sure to follow the directions on the product label carefully to ensure that you’re using it correctly and maximizing its effectiveness.
Don’t forget to treat your belongings, including any clothing or bedding that might be infested.

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.

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.

Importance of Keeping Your Business Pest Free

January 11, 2021

Imagine you’re out to eat at a restaurant and all of a sudden you feel a mouse run across your feet. Or, imagine you’re trying on clothes at a local store and in the corner of the changing room, you see a spider weaving a web. What would you do? You’d probably freak out, right?

After you freak out, what else are you likely to do? Probably leave and never come back, right? You might even tell your friends and family about your experience and tell them to never go there. You could even go as far as going online and writing a negative review for thousands of people to read.

As a business owner, this sounds like a nightmare doesn’t it? That’s why it is crucial to keep your business pest free.

On top of losing customers and having your business’s reputation ruined, having pests in your business can be a serious health and safety hazard.

When a lot of people think of pests, they think of filth and disease, and believe it or not, they’re not wrong. Pests are likely to track bacteria, disease, and viruses into places where people shop and eat.

Pests can also cause serious damage to your business’s property and products. Some pests eat away at your walls and boxes, while others make a mess that can be hard to clean up.

The best way to prevent any of this from happening is to have Rid All Termites & Pest Solutions come and take care of the problem. It’s important that you don’t shrug off a couple of cockroaches or a mouse that’s in your store. Get rid of these pests immediately.

A one-time elimination may initially help your problem, however, the key to keeping your business pest-free is to have a regular inspection and treatment. Depending on your landscaping and location, you may have recurring issues that require spraying every few months.

Lucky for you, Rid All Termite & Pest Solutions can take care of all your pest problems. For more information, visit our website or give us a call at 901-377-9915!

What are Carpenter Ants and how do they Damage your Home

July 2, 2020

Owning a home is often referred to as the ‘American Dream’ and there is no denying that it comes with a myriad of benefits, however, sometimes there are problems such as pest invasion that pose a threat to your home. Carpenter ants are just one pest that can wreak havoc to your home, if not taken care of by professionals.

What is a carpenter ant?

According to Pest World, Carpenter ants get their name from their nest building, where they will excavate the wood and form smooth tunnels inside of the wood. Carpenter ants do not eat wood, they only tunnel and chew through wood to create nests.

The western black carpenter ant colony, when mature, contains about 10-20,000 workers, with large colonies of more than 50,000 individuals. There is usually only one functional, wingless queen per colony. Swarmers are not produced until the colony is more than two years old. They are produced in the previous year and held over the winter in the nest for release the following year. Swarmers appear from May until August in the eastern United States and from February through June in the west.

Carpenter Ants Pest Control

Carpenter ants tend to be larger than normal ants. Most people feel as though a simple insecticide bait will get the job done. However, depending on the size of the colony that has set up shop in your abode, you may need something more serious. A professional will need to perform an inspection to make sure carpenter ants are all you have, and from there, the expert can develop a full treatment plan to help make your home livable.

If you suspect carpenter ants, Rid All Termites is happy to come to your business and provide a free estimate for our pest control services. If you need to schedule regular pest prevention appointments, or you have an immediate pest control need, call us today at 901-377-9915.