Posts made in October 2019

Why Bed Bugs are a Huge Problem

Finding a bug in your home is always unsettling, but there’s a reason people panic when they see a single bed bug. Why? Because where there’s one bed bug, there are sure to be dozens – or worse, hundreds – more. You’ll want a bed bug exterminator in Salem, OR, ASAP.

Bed bugs are among the most difficult household pests to eradicate. Spider, ant, and cockroach removal is generally a straightforward process; bed bugs, on the other hand, present a very different set of challenges for homeowners. This is because bed bugs employ many strategies to avoid detection. Not only that, they’re incredibly difficult to kill.

For one thing, bed bugs can live up to a year without feeding, so there’s no starving out these stubborn pests. Worse, they’re hide-and-seek champions, seeking out nooks and crannies in your home to lie in wait. Most discouraging of all, bed bugs are resistant to many consumer insecticides, making eradication next to impossible for the average family.

In summary, it’s easy to see why bed bug infestations call for a professional’s touch. Only a licensed bed bug exterminator in Salem, OR, has access to the powerful treatments needed to truly rid your property of these sly critters. Save your time, energy, and money by enlisting the help of a professional as soon as you see the first bed bug. You’ll be glad you did.

How to Tell a Rat is in Your Home

Having a rat in your home doesn’t just take its toll on your overall comfort, but it is also a big health risk. Rodents can spread disease, destroy cabinets and walls, contaminate food, and generally make your house a place you do not want to be.

Because they can breed quickly, it is important to notice any signs that you have a rodent in your home and then to call your rat exterminator in Salem, OR. Some of the different signs to look for include:

Droppings – Rat droppings are a sure sign of a rodent intruder. Old droppings tend to be hard and crumby while new ones are shiny and putty-like in texture. Varying feces sizes can indicate an infestation as it shows that both adults and juveniles are present.
Urine Odors –A rat’s urine has a strong, musky odor. If you are dealing with an infestation, this odor will be easy to smell.
Gnawed Holes – A rat will typically gnaw holes that are about the size of a quarter. These holes feature rough torn edges.
Rodent Runways – These runways are typically found along interior walls, ledges, electrical wires, building foundations, pipes, tree branches, conduits, and fence rails.
Scampering Noises – Rats typically run around at night. You will most likely hear scratching and scampering sounds as they run inside walls and across floors.
Unusual Pet Behavior – If you have a pet and they start to act unusual it might be because they smell or hear a rat in your house. This behavior can include appearing extremely alert, pawing at spaces beneath your appliances or furniture, or barking at walls.

Fall Pest Control Tips

As the warm summer days start to turn into crisp autumn nights, a number of pests in the Pacific Northwest begin to adjust to the change in weather by looking for new homes and places to feed. That means you are going to need to do your due diligence with your pest control in Salem, Oregon, if you are going to be successful in keeping your property free of these freeloading insects and rodents. Some of the most common pests that start to come out in fall include:

Bed Bugs
Ticks
Ants
Flies
Stinging Insects
Mosquitoes
Rodents
Termites

What to Do About These Fall Pests?

Want to minimize your risk of an infestation? The first step is to eliminate any standing water around your property and keep your grass trimmed. This helps to reduce the number of mosquitos and ticks that might turn your yard into their home.

The next step is to move any firewood away from your home and keep it elevated. This will keep the termites and ants at bay. Also, make sure that your home is properly sealed so that insects and other critters aren’t able to squeeze their way inside. Finally, make sure you are working with a trusted pest control company for routine maintenance.

Common Bedroom Pests

Nothing can make your skin crawl quite like the thought of a pest invading your bedroom while you are trying to sleep. Whether it is a roach crawling across your arm and waking you up in the middle of the night or finding fresh insect bites all over you in the morning, you aren’t going to get a good night’s sleep if you are dealing with bedroom pests.

There are several different bedroom pests that can turn your place of rest into a living nightmare. If you notice any of the following types of bugs or pests in your space, it is time for you to consider Salem pest management:

Bed Bugs – The most common bedroom pest, bed bugs feed on humans while they sleep. They spread quickly throughout the home by catching rides on clothing, books, and other items.
Fleas – Fleas can make it into your home through your clothing or pets. Once they make it inside, they will feed on any food source available to them, including you and your family.
Ants – Ants are on a mission to find food. If you have crumbs or trash around your bedroom, then they will be drawn to it.
Cockroaches – Roaches are also attracted to food and trash. They also tend to come in and hang out around water sources, which means bedrooms with an en suite are extra attractive to them.
Spiders – Spiders tend to build webs in cluttered rooms, typically in the corners.
Mice & Rats – Rodents typically go to food and water, but they are also inclined to find a warm and dark place to make their nest, which could lead them to dressers or closets.