Declare Your Independence From Pests

Homestead Pest Management Offers Homeowners Tips to Protect Their Families and Homes

There are very few things that can have a truly significant impact on the way we live and the quality of life we all enjoy, and pests are at the top of that list.  Termites cause almost $5 billion in damage to homes annually; mosquitoes drive people indoors, unable to enjoy their outdoor living space; and roaches, ants, mosquitoes and rodents all have the ability to contaminate food and spread diseases.  The summer months represent peak pest season and the perfect time to take a stand against these disgusting and destructive invaders. 

There are many simple steps that homeowners can take inside and outside their homes to greatly reduce their risk of pest infestations. Homestead Pest Management has put together the following tips to help homeowners declare their independence from pests.

Exterior

• Seal any gaps around exterior doors, windows and entry points for utility wiring and pipes.
• Make sure window screens are free of holes or tears and are secured properly.
• Thoroughly check items that provide common transportation for pests including plants and firewood before bringing inside.
• Remove all sources of standing water around your home.
• Store outdoor trash receptacles away from the home and make sure lids fit securely.

Interior

• Keep sink areas clean and dry.
• Wipe down counter-tops after use and clean up spills immediately.
• Store all food in sealed, air-tight containers.
• Rinse food containers before discarding.
• Make sure your inside trash can is clean with a secure cover and place all garbage in plastic bags.
• Repair dripping faucets, clogged drains and plumbing leaks as soon as possible.
• Remove all trash and recycling at least once a week.

If you would like a thorough inspection of your home please don't hesitate to contact us at

731.422.2643

Happy Holidays

5 Troublesome Wintertime Pests

According to the Institute of Real Estate Management:

"Building owners and managers must be on the lookout for five winter pests. The first is the box elder bug. Such pests feed on the little "whirlybird" seeds that are released from box elder and maple trees in the fall. When colder temperatures hit, they like to find a nice warm spot to hunker down for the winter. Box elder bugs are only a half inch long, so finding a way into most buildings is pretty easy. Look for them just inside the exterior walls of your building, on the warm sunnier side. Then, to stop these pests, all exterior cracks and crevices must be sealed. In addition, exterior doors must be sealed tightly on all sides. Cluster flies are the second winter pest to guard against. They tend to cluster in large numbers and come inside when winter arrives. To combat them, air handling and exchange units must be maintained with proper filters that prevent these pests from entering the airflow. Additionally, filters must be properly fitted within the unit to prevent bypassing. Asian multi-colored lady beetles are a potential third pest problem. They are often found in buildings during the winter, moving in groups, and releasing a smelly, yellowish liquid that can stain wall and ceiling coverings. Entrances must be fitted with brushes, gaskets, air curtains or other devices as appropriate to ensure that such insects cannot crawl or fly into the building.

A fourth pest to fight off now that it's cold is the brown marmorated stink bug. Such pests, when disturbed, release a strong, foul order to the point where the surrounding area can be rendered unusable. The article's author urges that all exterior doors and windows be kept closed or properly screened when open. In addition, the most effective means of removing these pests is by vacuuming occupied areas. Finally, be on the lookout for common house mice. Removal typically requires an effective trapping program."

At Homestead Pest Management, we can help you to get rid of these and other pests, then design your plan for ongoing maintenance of your pest-free status.  Contact us today to get more information or to schedule a personalized assessment of your home and/or property.