Ridding Your House of Pests and Rodents
Ants
“Rid the ants inside my house!!!”
The most common insect problem in homes is ants. We receive calls daily asking “How do you get rid of ants?” By looking for problematic areas such as where food or water is located or along edges, we can assess the proper direction to take in order to get rid of tiny house ants. Ants are attracted to edges such as sidewalk edges, damaged door frames, utility boxes, window frames, and fence lines. A natural way to get rid of ants is to remove food sources such as food debris in the kitchen and outdoor pet food. Also removing water sources such as leaky hose bibs/spigots on the outside of the house, and clearing gutters of debris and standing water is helpful. The ways to get rid of ants vary from house to house. Sometimes baits work best and sometimes it is better to use sprays and granules. Treating for Carpenter Ants is much different than treating for Black Ants. Every house is different and must be evaluated on a case by case basis, so give us a call @ 972 423 4764
Where They Live
Carpenter ants nest in moist wood including rotting trees, tree roots, tree stumps, and logs or boards lying on or buried in the ground. They can also nest in moist or decayed wood inside buildings. Wood decay may be caused by exposure to leaks, condensation, or poor air circulation. Nests have been found behind bathroom tiles; around tubs, sinks, showers, and dishwashers; under roofing, in attic beams, and under subfloor insulation; and in hollow spaces such as doors, curtain rods, and wall voids. Carpenter ants may also nest in foam insulation.
Ant or Termite?
Winged carpenter ant
Carpenter ants differ from termites by having dark-colored bodies, narrow waists, elbowed (bent) antennae, and if present, hind wings shorter than front wings. Carpenter ants are very common and are frequently seen in the open.
Winged termite
Termites are dark-colored, have no waist constriction, have straight antennae and, if present, wings are of equal length.
Termites
Termites are a big pest problem in Texas. In fact, the DFW area is one of the most heavily populated termite areas in the United States. Termites eat materials that contain cellulose, so they can eat paper off of sheetrock or even the studs in a wall. We offer a variety of termite control options from termiticides, liquids, and foams, to special baits that target termites. Baits are more earth friendly since they only target the termites. Termiticides work faster and are a great tool for treating termites. Since we use both products, we can tailor your treatment to your specific needs. We provide free estimates, so call us @ 972 423 4764 and we will send a Termite Specialist to assist you.
Fleas
Getting rid of fleas in homes is a job that involves you. Preparation is key for any flea treatment. Before we get to your house, first you will need to take your pet to the veterinarian to have them treated to remove the fleas. Next you will need to vacuum the entire house thoroughly. This includes the cushions and crevices of all furniture. If your yard needs mowing, it will need to be completed before our arrival. Fleas live on the blades of grass, so mowing first helps us get complete coverage of the yard. Once we arrive at your home, we will request that you vacate the house while we treat the premises. When you return home, generally 3 to 4 hours later, you can resume normal daily functions. For best results, we recommend that you vacuum every other day for a week and discard the remnants after each use. This will remove any eggs or larva left in the carpet or furniture. With your help, we can rid these unwanted pests.
Wasps
How do you eradicate wasps? The best way to get rid of wasps is to locate the nest and treat and remove it. How do you get rid of wasps when you cannot locate the nest? This is more complicated, but can be done. Contact us at 972 423 4764 and we can discuss some treatment options.
Mice
How to get rid of mice and rats is an age old question. Mice and rats seek food, water, and harborage, so if you can eliminate one of these, they will leave. If you can’t, baiting or traps may be the answer. We deal with this problem almost every day and can work with you to eliminate these pests.
Squirrels
Squirrels are fun to watch in your yard and trees, but when they invade your attic, they can gnaw on electrical wires, creating a very dangerous situation such as a fire hazard. Getting rid of squirrels is not an easy task. We send out a trained technician to look at the problem and determine where to place live traps. Once in place, you must monitor the traps daily so that when a squirrel is caught we can come remove it. Squirrels must be taken at least 10 miles from their territory or they will return. Please call 972 423 4764 and we can further discuss.