Hampton, Virginia is an independent city in the Commonwealth and as such is not affiliated or linked with any county.  The city enjoys mild climate throughout the year. Summers are hot and humid.

Common Pests Found in Hampton

• Fleas,
• Roaches,
• Ants,
• Termites,
• Ladybugs,
• Spiders,
• Flies,
• Beetles,
• Wasps,

Other older structures found in Hampton may not be as well-guarded.  A termite infestation should be dealt with as quickly and effectively as possible because they can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage before you know it.  Because most older structures are made mostly of wood, it becomes even more important to make sure that you are watching out for possible damage.

Professional Pest Control Services

One of the reasons that the do-it-yourselfer will give for not calling the pros is the cost.  However, after attempting and failing with several different types of termite control products, they will realize that they could have saved money and effort by calling the professional pest control service first.  Hopefully by the time they figure this out, it will not be too late for their Hampton home.

Lowell is located in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. Lowell sits on the Merrimack River bank and is about 30 miles from Boston.

Pest Problem in Lowell

The climate in Lowell is warm and humid during summer, and very cold in winter. Temperatures range from 70° F to 20° F. July is the warmest month and January is the coldest month. The wettest month is November. The pests found in Lowell are bees, hornets, roaches, mice, rats, spiders, bed bugs, beetles and termites. Termites are of the eastern subterranean type, and ants are the Carpenter ants species. Subterranean ants live in underground damp areas, where they build their main nests. They build mud tubes that connect the main nest to home interiors. Carpenter ants live in damp and decaying woods and their mandibles are strong enough to eat into the wood.

Lowell Pest Control- Latest Treatments

Most professional pest control companies such as Terminix Exterminators use termite treatments that are non-odorous and non-repellent. These are applied around the house foundation and injected into the ground. The worker termites cannot detect the liquid treatment and keep making their tunnels. The liquid sticks to their bodies and they carry it to their nest. In this way all termites are eliminated.

Lincoln is located in Lancaster County, Nebraska. It is the capital of Nebraska and ranks second in the state as far as population is concerned. It has the appeal of a small town as well as the charm of a city

Pest Control Issues in Lincoln

The summer temperatures in Lincoln reach an average of 70° F, and the winter temperatures touch an average of 20° F. With an average precipitation of about 29 inches, Lincoln’s atmosphere is quite humid, especially during the month of May. All this facilitates infestations of termites and other pests such as ants, cockroaches, water-bugs, spiders, beetles, fleas, silverfish, crickets and rodents.

Lincoln Pest Control Measures

• Pest should never be underestimated as they are quite resilient and get immune to pesticides.
• On seeing a termite swarm, do not attempt to spray the area with over-the-counter pesticides, as this will only disperse the termite colonies.
• The first step in dealing with termites and rodents is to identify their types, as each type of termite and rodent has different foraging and nesting patterns.
• A professional pest control company will inspect the affected area; treat it and proof it, thus preventing recurrences.

If you have a pest infestation, using a professional pest exterminator is the most sensible decision that you can take. Such professionals are trained and experienced to deal with pests of all types.

• Certification and Professional Licenses. Be certain to deal with only qualified professionals that are able to show proof of their certifications. Terminix pest control provides their employees with all necessary training in order to keep their technicians properly certified. The NPMA website or your local Better Business Bureau can help you find out which companies in your area meet all state requirements.
• NPMA membership. Take the guess work out of hiring a pest removal company by choosing a NPMA member. Search by zip code to see which providers meet the high standards set by the National Pest Management Association. You will likely find several Terminix pest control franchises capable of serving your area.
• Get Referrals. Talk to friends and neighbors about their pest management company. If you already have a service you wish to use then ask them to provide references.
• Second opinions. Depending on the pest and level of infestation, extermination services can be a significant investment. Have you home inspected by a few different pest control technicians to be certain you are purchasing the right amount of protection. Terminix pest control says to look for companies that offer a no-obligation home inspection.
• Detailed bids. Only work with pest control services that provide detailed, written bids. Use this information to compare companies and see who is offering the most thorough protection at a reasonable price.
• Service guarantee. Extermination companies like Terminix pest control often provide customers with protection guarantees. These guarantees work like insurance to protect you from future infestations. Be certain to read all the details to make sure you are getting your money’s worth.
• No pressure tactics. Watch out of pest control technicians that try to pressure you into immediate action. While something like a termite invasion is certainly a time-sensitive situation there is still no reason to rush an important decision like pest removal. Again, Terminix pest control stresses the importance of finding a company that offers a no-obligation inspection.

There are a few tactics commonly used by scam artists and other unsavory pest control technicians. For starters, do not purchase service simply because a technician comes to your home claiming your neighbors have a pest control issue. Also, if an exterminator comes knocking on your door boasting of special formulas or incredible offers you should promptly send them on their way. Terminix pest control wants to warn you to look out for copy-cat companies. By twisting a few letters around an exterminator from Terminez might trick unsuspecting homeowners into believing they are working with a Terminix pest control technician. Terminez is one of several common misspellings that are used to fool the public.

Terminix pest control and the NPMA understand the importance of finding a qualified extermination service. Savvy homeowners can avoid the pitfalls of scams and illicit companies with a little first-hand knowledge. Protecting your home while meeting budgetary concerns can be achieved once you know what to look for in a pest control company.

Should you find yourself with a termite control issue Terminix, pronounced Termenex, already has the solution. After a free, no-obligation, home inspection a Terminix employee will customize a plan to your specific needs. While no two homes are alike the Terminix termite removal plan is adaptable to almost any infestation.

Terminix Termite Control Step One

The Terminix termite control plan begins with the use of the latest pest control methods. A technician begins the extermination process with the Terminix Liquid Defend System®. First a pest control technician will trench around the exterior of your home paying special attention to common pest entry points. Next, the Terminix termite tech applies the unique liquid pesticide to the soil. Terminix’s Liquid Defend System® sticks to the termites’ bodies which quickly spreads the poison throughout the colony. Using this method Terminix (Termenex) is able to provide homeowners with nearly instant termite control. Complete termite removal or extermination will require an additional step.

Terminix Termite Control Step Two

The next phase in the Terminix termite control plan is to install a bait system for colony extermination and long-term termite control. The Terminix baiting program not only helps eliminate more of the pests it also gives the technician an easy way to monitor your home for future infestations. The Terminix termite technician installs baiting stations around your property to lure the pests away from your home. Although individual termites can be quickly exterminated it can take several months to destroy an entire colony. These bait systems will provide continued pest control as long as they are maintained by a Terminix employee. Once the colony has been eliminated the technician will notice the lack of activity at the bait site and be able to easily monitor it for signs of a new infestation.

Terminix Termite Maintenance

An important aspect to any termite control plan is preventive maintenance. Once termites have been discovered it is important to allow enough time for complete pest removal. But even after the colony has been destroyed you will likely want to make sure no termites return. That is the main reason why Terminix termite techs recommend homeowners sign up for continuing service. A Terminix qualified employee will return every three months to treat the exterior of your home and monitor it for any termite activity. That can provide a lot of peace of mind to someone that has just gone through termite removal.

The whimpering meow of a cat hampered by cat fleas will quickly send a pet owner in search of flea control products. A flea doesn’t generally lay its eggs underneath the skin of humans, but it certainly doesn’t mind taking a nip out of cats. This should definitely cause any pet owner to step on the gas for the nearest pet store.

Cat flea control products are designed for different uses. Some are specifically meant to be applied to the cat. Others are flea control products intended more for prevention than actual extermination of an existing flea problem. There are also products that are safe enough to be applied to the carpeting, bedding and other upholstery elements of a home that have been known to be a perfect breeding ground for pesky fleas. When selecting a flea control product, a pet owner needs to carefully choose the right product for his or her needs.

Cat Bath vs. Flea Infestation

For some cat owners, the absolute grief of giving a cat a bath can make an owner think twice about just settling with the flea problem. However, cat fleas are not the healthiest approach to caring for a cat. Water and cats generally don’t mix, but some of the following shampoos are great cat flea control products:

• Bio Spot Flea and Tick Shampoo For Cats: This product is specifically designed for maintaining a healthy coat for your kitty while killing every flea within sight. It has shown to be better at killing immediate flea issues, but not at exterminating flea eggs.
• Lambert Kay Fresh ‘N Clean Flea and Tick Shampoo for Cats and Dogs: This product is great for killing adult fleas while enhancing the furry coat of your kitty. The product doesn’t kill flea eggs so a new cat flea problem might show up three to four weeks after the first one has been taken care of.
• Sentry Natural Defense Flea and Tick Shampoo for Cats and Kittens: This product provides a sweet scent while primarily using all natural ingredients to fend off fleas. A combination of rosemary oil, peppermint, cinnamon, cedar and other natural cat flea repellents are combined with ingredients such as vitamin E and lanolin.

The insecticide element of most shampoos needs some time to take full effect, requiring the cat to remain lathered for as much as five minutes, which can be an eternity if you’re the one standing there trying to keep him or her in the tub. It is also important to note if the product is good for your cat based on their age, type of coat and living environment. An indoor cat with limited exposure to continuous flea issues would likely be treated for fleas differently than an outdoor cat.

Options When a Bath Won’t Cut It

After being scratched to shreds, some pet owners need to find another option than shampoo for their cats. There are products such as a flea deterrent collar or a dip, which is a quick rinse in a solution rather than standing there lathering up a kitty for 10 minutes. There are also sponge-on applications that can be carefully applied to affected areas of the cat. Some of the following products might do the trick for a flea-infested feline:

• Hartz Advanced Care 2-in-1 Flea and Tick Collar: This flea collar not only contains a pesticide that works for up to five months, but has a reflective material that makes a cat easier to spot at night.
• Zodiac Flea and Tick Sponge-On for Dogs and Cats: A sponge-on product can be used to spot-treat problem flea areas for cats. Unlike other sponge-on formulas, this product does not contain alcohol, which can be drying to a cat’s skin.
• Adams Plus Pyrethrin Dip for Dogs and Cats: A small amount of the solution is mixed with water and is lightly applied. This product can be sponged-on or used as a traditional dip.

The non-shampoo route typically doesn’t provide results that last as long. It may be a trade-off worth taking for cats particularly adverse to water.

What To Watch For

Some flea products are not designed for all types of cats. The directions on the product will typically state that it is not recommended for certain types of breeds. The owners of Persian cats or other long-haired varieties should be specifically careful to find the right type of product. Pregnant cats, young cats and cats with open sores should all be handled differently. In these cases, it is best to consult a veterinarian to ensure the proper flea control method is being applied.

Nothing can drive a person as nutty as pesky flies in a room. The disease and disgust with flies is rooted in the fact that they enjoy nasty things such as dog piles, garbage and all things rotten. And yet, these pests still seem to find their way to the perfectly good food you were about to put in your mouth. To make matters worse, chasing flies is no easy task. They seem to be incredibly fast and survive many of the standard fly control products, including the swipe of a shoe, rolled-up magazine or fly swatter.

There are several different types of fly pest control products available, from aerosol sprays to traps, to all-natural methods and unique, high-tech options. Selecting the right fly control product for a homeowner’s situation can be the difference between having a fly problem that never seems to go away and not having one at all.

Traps, Sprays and Super Sprays

Keeping uninvited flies away from a backyard barbecue or even out of a homeowner’s indoor space can feel like a never-ending battle. Wherever there is garbage, food and water, flies will be inviting themselves in for a meal or two. There are a wide range of fly control products that can help a homeowner stay on top of these dirty pests:

Flies Be Gone Fly Trap

• Uses a specialized biomass fly bait to attract and capture flies
• Kills up to 20,000 flies per bag
• Effective for four weeks and a range of 50 to 100 yards
• Completely insecticide-free
• The trap is disposable for easy homeowner maintenance

Yard Guard Outdoor Fogger by Raid

• Works for extensive outdoor fly issues
• Keeps bugs out of an approximately 20-foot area for about six hours
• Repels multiple types of pests including flies

Victor M502 Disposable Fly Trap

• Attracts and traps flies in an enclosed container
• Outdoor use only – especially because the non-toxic bait has an extremely unpleasant odor
• The fly trap is completely disposable

Victor Poison-Free M500 Indoor Fly Trap

• A trap designed specifically for indoor use with no offensive odors
• Utilizes three-dimensional patterns and colors in conjunction with a specialized glue
• The trap lasts up to eight weeks
• Homeowners can hang the trap or leave it as a stand-alone item on a window sill, shelf or other area where flies frequent.

Unexpected Fly Repellents

The old fly swatter that is hanging in a closet somewhere used to be as high tech as it got for fly control products. But these days there are unique and unusual products, such as the mosquito- and fly-repelling digital watch. Ultrasonic Sound markets a watch that utilizes ultrasonic frequency that is safe for humans and animals, but is supposed to be a great repellent for flies.

There is also an electric fly swatter with a relatively benign version that uses AA batteries and will electrocute a fly upon impact. But there is another version that uses two D-sized batteries to create 1500 volts of power.

An option for the hiker, camper or always-prepared mom is the Buzz Away Insect Repellent Towelettes. The small, individually packaged towelettes are made from essential plant oils including citronella. The sweet, citrus scent can steer flies away, as well as other outdoor pests. Their compact size makes them easy to keep in a purse, pocket or backpack.

What to Watch For

When selecting a fly control product, a homeowner should always be sure to consider where the product is going to be used and who or what will be around the trap. Sticky tape traps can be perfect for hanging around a garbage can, but they can also be at the perfect height for a curious kiddo to touch.

The level of toxins being used in a product is also a concern, particularly if being used indoors. Every product is typically clear on whether it is an indoor or outdoor product. Keeping an outdoor product away from an indoor type can help ensure they are not used in the wrong location.

Pets are another factor to consider when applying fly pest control products. The pet rabbit that sometimes nibbles on backyard grass, the cat that might be hiding in the backyard vegetation or the dog that never seems to stay out of where he or she shouldn’t be are all reasons to be sure the fly removal product is safe.

News Flash: Ticks are disgusting, blood-sucking pests. If you have them in your yard, you will want to learn how to get rid of ticks quickly and effortlessly. Ticks are actually arachnids and come in two categories: hard-shelled and soft-shelled. The hard-shelled variety is the one you normally find attached to your pet or even to yourself. Ticks are the second largest carrier of disease and are well known for their role in spreading Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, as well as many other illnesses. If you believe you have a tick infestation, then some intense extermination measures are certainly in order.

Bed & Breakfast

It can be difficult to decipher exactly how to get rid of ticks because they can live on so many different creatures and many different places. You probably know that ticks feed on blood, and while it may seem that your dog or cat is their favorite dining grounds, ticks also get their food from birds, reptiles, amphibians and many mammals including humans. If you believe the ticks in your yard are coming from a secondary pest issue like pigeons or rats, then you will need to follow up on do-it-yourself pest control tips for those specific critters.

Hard-bodied ticks typically live in tall grass, where they will sit at the very tip of a blade of grass and wait for a suitable host to brush by it. Mowing your lawn and keeping it short is a simple, do-it-yourself pest control tip that will bring you one step closer to learning how to get rid of ticks.

Quit Bugging Me!

Learning how to kill ticks will involve exterminating them from your lawn and possibly your home. It also means finding safe ways to deter the pests from using you and your family as a blood buffet.

Lawn

• If you live near a heavily wooded area or large field, deciding how to get rid of ticks can seem next to impossible. One unique option is to dig a 3-foot wide by 3-inch deep trench between your property and the grassy or wooded area. Fill the trench with gravel to provide enough of a barrier between your lawn and the ticks’ current home.
• There are many light pesticides that can provide extermination of both ticks and their eggs. Although ticks are arachnids and not insects, most generic insect repellents will do the trick. Just read the packaging to see if there are special instructions regarding how to kill ticks.
• You can purchase or make your own tick tubes for another do-it-yourself pest control tip. Fill cardboard tubes, like paper towel rolls, with a few cotton balls dipped in permethrin, a synthetic chemical. Any mice in your yard will come to the cotton to build their nests. The ticks that use those mice as a host will ingest the chemical and die, leaving the mice unharmed.

Your Pets
The ultimate tick control solution is to keep your pets indoors. Unless you have a cat, this will probably be an impossible remedy, so instead you will need to learn how to get rid of ticks and also deter them from your pets.

• The first step in understanding how to get rid of ticks from your dog or cat is to talk to a veterinarian about an effective tick medicine or repellent. Don’t try doing this on your own and definitely don’t use medication meant for dogs on any other pets. While you may be anxious to know how to get rid of ticks plaguing your pet, you don’t want to go overboard with chemicals and cause a new health problem for your pet.
• Regularly brush and comb your pet and give him or her a good tick-check. If you need to know how to get rid of ticks from very long fur, you can purchase a special tick comb from your local pet store.
• If your pet spends a great deal of time outdoors, try to give him or her a resting place that is away from grass or at least in very short grass. You may want to spot-treat this area with a light pesticide.
• Wash any bedding, indoor or outdoor, regularly. This simple household chore can be a surprisingly effective, do-it-yourself pest control technique and a way to get rid of fleas as well as ticks.

You & Your Family
If you can’t avoid the areas likely to harbor ticks, then a little preparation will help ensure you make your home tick-free.

• Cover up as much skin as possible. Ticks attach themselves to you when you brush past them, so keeping your legs and ankles covered will at least keep the ticks off of your skin.
• Use a strong repellent. There are many sprays and lotions that are effective insect and tick repellents. Some repellents that are safe for adults can be harmful to small children, so read the label carefully before you apply.

Good Riddance

Understanding the source of your tick infestation goes a long way in figuring out how to get rid of ticks. Sometimes a simple increase in lawn maintenance is enough to cut down the number of ticks roaming in your yard. Or a secondary infestation – mice for example – could be the real culprit and then a whole new set of extermination and pest control devices are necessary. Until you are able to determine the source of your tick troubles, some common sense and a strong repellent will at least keep them off of you and your family.

Insecticides and Pesticides for Grubs

If you need Japanese beetle removal in the early spring or fall, you will need a curative pesticide. The products listed below contain either Sevin (a.k.a. carbaryl) or Dylox (a.k.a. trichlorfon), both known as effective pesticides when used at the correct time of the year.

Bayer Advanced 24-Hour Grub Killer Granules

• Easy-to-spread granules
• New high-efficiency granules provide 50 percent higher concentration
• Covers 5,000 square feet
• Active ingredient: 9.3% Dylox

Sevin-10 Bug Killer Dust

• No-Mix, Ready-To-Use
• 5- and 10-percent formula in convenient bags and shaker canisters

If you are certain that Japanese beetles are getting ready to take over your lawn, then preventative Japanese beetle control products are better for your situation. Don’t get too caught up in the names, just seek out a Japanese beetle removal product containing either Merit (imidacloprid) or Mach-2 (halofenozide).

Bayer Season-Long Grub Control

• One application kills grubs all season long
• Promotes Vigorous Root Growth
• Contains Merit

Greenview Grub Preventer and Killer

• Season long protection
• Covers up to 7,500 square feet
• Contains Mach-2

Adulticides

Japanese beetle control products that aim at killing the adult-stage beetle also use chemical ingredients like carbaryl or Sevin. Melathio, methoxychlor and rotenone are also ingredients to look for in an effective adult Japanese beetle control product. However, these may not be available in your state. Insecticidal soaps are another type of adult-centered product that is used in Japanese beetle control. Depending upon the intensity of your infestation, a soap may be all you need.

Sevin Concentrate Bug Killer 16oz

• Kills over 100 insects on vegetables, fruits, ornamentals and lawns
• Japanese beetles, cabbage worms, ticks, ants and more
• Makes up to 24 gallons
• By Garden Tech

Bon-Neem Insecticidal Soap

• Water-based blend of potassium salts
• Derived from the oil of the Neem tree seeds
• Can be used on indoor and outdoor ornamentals
• Spray when temperature is below 85 degrees

Natural Pest Control

Milky spore is a powdery bacteria that slowly rids your lawn of Japanese beetle grubs. The bacteria is a desiccant that dries out the grubs and then reproduces itself by feeding off the dry, dead grubs. While very promising, there still isn’t a lot of empirical data on this natural pest control product because the entire extermination process can take up to three years.

Beneficial nematodes, specifically the heterohabditis bacteriophora, is another method of natural pest control. Nematodes, like the milky spore, focus on the grub stage of Japanese beetle control.

Beetle traps cause quite a controversy. Some say they are a helpful Japanese beetle control option, while others say these traps work so well that they attract entire infestations to your yard. Japanese beetle traps use scents, floral for females and pheromones for the males, to attract the beetles into the trap. There are several Japanese beetle control products in this category – the following is a list of traps you can find locally or online should you decide to give one a try:

Bag-A-Bug Schultz Spectrum Japanese Beetle Trap

• Traps over a 5,000 square foot area
• Lasts the entire beetle season
• Lure is used exclusively by federal and state trapping programs

Tanglefoot Xpando Japanese Beetle Trap Ki Green Yellow – 19009

• Pre-assembled large capacity catch can
• Traps 50 percent more beetles
• Reusable & easy-to-use, clean and store.
• Ventilated to let odor and rain escape

Woodstream 70102 2 Pack Japanese Beetle Trap

• Jumbo size trap and bag
• Exclusive biolure to attract beetles
• Easy to assemble
• Includes trap, two jumbo bags & one combination lure

Many homeowners are choosing to purchase organic food products and local fresh ingredients. However, all of these efforts to be kind to the environment will quickly be meaningless if a homeowner uses harsh methods for fruit fly control. A fruit fly pest problem can easily occur whether the fruit is organic or general produce, but getting rid of the problem can be a 100 percent green pest control effort.

One of the most important things to do when a fruit fly problem has come up is to discover the source. Cleaning and scouring counter space won’t mean a thing if there is a half-eaten apple hiding somewhere it shouldn’t. It is also a good idea to consider using natural cleaning products, which can help to ensure homeowners are not exposing their food supply to unhealthy chemicals.

Pest Control from the Kitchen

Using organic products to exterminate fruit flies will help a homeowner to protect their food supply from becoming contaminated with harsh chemicals. Opening up the pantry just to be flooded with dozens of tiny flying pests is a sure sign something is rotting and needs to be taken care of. Before throwing out your entire food supply, consider the following natural pest control products:

• Minty Oils: Peppermint oil is a great natural fruit fly repellent. Other minty flavors are equally as effective. The oil can be left out in the open in a small container, applied as a scent in organic cleaning products or used as a spray around affected areas.
• Tricky Fruit Trap: This trap is great, especially if you already have some fruit that is over-ripened and ready to hit the compost pile. Take the fruit, such as an apple core or banana, and place in a bowl along with a few ounces of fruit juice. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Poke small holes all over the surface of the plastic wrap, which will trap the flies in and confuse them so they can’t get out.
• Build a Funnel Trap: Use a few ounces of apple cider vinegar on the bottom of a small jar or container. Roll up a piece of paper to create a funnel that will beckon the flies to the center, thus leading them to the sweet vinegar smell where they will eventually drown.

Remember when creating a trap to consistently check, empty and clean out the container. Otherwise, additional pests are likely to be attracted to the growing cemetery of dead fruit flies.

Don’t Try This at Home

Homeowners that are completely grossed out by fruit flies lurking around their food will sometimes resort to extreme methods. Scrubbing the peel of a banana with harsh chemicals will likely lead to your fruit becoming inedible or degrading even sooner. If a homeowner suspects there are fruit flies coming into his or her house via produce purchases, there are other organic rinses and cleansers that can help to combat the pests.

Fruit flies like to gather around drain openings or garbage disposals as well. This is a sign that there may be food residue lining or partially blocking your plumbing. Pouring bleach down the drain WILL NOT kill the fruit flies. It may clean the chunk of garbage blocking your drain, but the blockage will still remain and continue to be a haven for fruit flies.

It is also important not to assume that, because all the flies have been killed, a new problem won’t erupt in a few days. Fruit flies have a quick life cycle and can leave behind hundreds of microscopic eggs.

Green Market

There are several products and traps that can be purchased to help a homeowner exterminate his or her fruit fly problem. Some of the following products can help to control the fruit fly population:

• Sealed garbage and compost containers
• Air-tight heat sealers that can be used to seal bags of food garbage before they are placed in the trash receptacle
• Organic disinfectants
• Organic drain cleansers

Finding green pest control products can be done easily through websites dedicated to green living. Many products are also available commercially at home improvement stores.

Finding the source of a fruit fly problem may require some detective work, particularly if there seems to be something lurking in a pantry or cupboard. Always be sure to check bags of potatoes or onions and any other open packaging that may be the culprit. It may also be a good idea to dispose of any food that could have been exposed to the bacteria of fruit flies.

The first step is properly identifying the pest using information from a pest control company like Terminix. Bed bugs resemble both bat bugs and swallow bugs, and can be easily mistaken for one of these insects. If you suspect you have a bed bug issue, do not hesitate to call a professional exterminator and ask for a free home inspection. Some clues to look for when searching your home for bed bug activity are dark spots on your mattress and tiny spots of blood on the sheets. Bed bugs also leave behind light brown skins as they molt between each growth stage.

Buying used furniture is likely the number one way to end up with bed bugs, says Terminix. Bed bugs often hide in upholstery, so purchasing items like couches from a yard sale or second-hand store is not recommended. On the Terminix (often misspelled Termix) website, www.terminix.com, it is suggested that furniture be treated and then thoroughly inspected if you have any reason to believe it was once the site of a bed bug infestation.

Hotels and motels are another common bed bug habitat. People that travel frequently must be extra careful to ensure they do not bring home any unwanted pests. Keeping suitcases off the floor or bed and using sealable bags for laundry are two ways to keep bed bugs away from your belongings. Whenever you go into a new hotel or motel room, take the time to inspect the bed for signs of these nasty pests.

According to Terminix, bed bugs can only be exterminated by intensive pest control efforts using the appropriate products. To successfully eliminate all the pests, every hiding site must be inspected and treated. Anything less will likely lead to another stressful and costly infestation. That is why Terminix and other pest control companies have standard bed bug control plans that require the technicians to be relentless in their pursuit of the elusive pest.

Take the time to begin your bed bug treatment with a consultation from a qualified pest control company like Terminix. Bed bugs can be effectively treated, but not through faulty do-it-yourself techniques. Putting off professional help by wasting time and money on ineffective pest control products will only make complete extermination more difficult. Trust in the expertise of a service like Terminix — bed bugs won’t have a fighting chance.

1. Mice: Let’s begin with the only mammal on the list, the common house mouse. According to qualified Terminix exterminators, mice become a nuisance during the colder months when they begin to seek refuge indoors. Since mice and their fleas can harbor diseases, learning how to prevent them is more than a tolerance issue. Terminix – sometimes misspelled as Terminx – suggests sealing any small cracks around the house and placing screens over vents to keep the mice outside.
2. Ants: These insects are possibly the most common of all household pests since they come in so many varieties. Terminix exterminators must employ a number of pest control methods like baiting, barriers and insecticide treatments in order to put an end to ant infestations. Keeping wood piles and shrubs away from the foundation of your home can aid in the prevention of these pests.
3. Flies: In most cases, flies will not require any special extermination techniques. Keeping a cover on trash cans and limiting the fly’s access into your home will likely be enough.
4. Cockroaches: These dirty creatures carry diseases that make them a potentially dangerous household pest. Calling in qualified professionals like Terminix pest control is the only way to handle a true cockroach infestation. Terminix says roaches are particularly prolific and hardy pests that require the expertise of a certified technician.
5. Termites: The bane of all Southern homeowners, termites can cause thousands of dollars of damage if allowed to infest a home. Again, hiring a professional is the only solution for this type of pest infestation. Terminix exterminators admit that termite removal is a difficult process and suggest prevention as the best line of defense. Regular termite inspections will allow homeowners to learn about a potential termite issue in its earliest and most treatable stage.
6. Wasps: Most people think of wasps as outdoor pests, but during certain climates these insects can become quite the indoor nuisance. Because of the potential for stinging injuries, most homeowners prefer to leave wasp extermination up to someone else. If you see wasps building a nest inside a crack or hole within your home, Terminix says you should not seal in the nest. The wasps will fight their way out and possibly fly right into your home.
7. Fleas: Pet owners know plenty about these biting pests. Terminix exterminators follow a standard, four-step flea removal process that requires a little help from the homeowner. Getting your pet on a treatment program for fleas is your part in this process. Ignoring this step will only lead to another flea infestation.
8. Spiders: Spiders, depending on the specie, can be seen as beneficial rather than a pest. Most spiders will help keep the insect population down inside your home, providing you with free pest control. Dangerous spiders like the brown-recluse or black widow are a completely different story and require the skills of a professional. If you are unsure of the type of spider living inside your home, you can contact a Terminix exterminator for a free in-home inspection.
9. Silverfish: These shiny insects invade your showers, tubs and sinks, but pose no real threat. If you find the silverfish intolerable, then you will have to settle for professional extermination. Silverfish are difficult to control since most of their hiding places can only be reached by a technician with the appropriate equipment.
10. Ticks: Another pest likely thought of as an outdoor nuisance is the bloodsucking tick. Inspecting your pet regularly and being careful while working outdoors are your best prevention methods. A trim lawn is another simple solution and it has the added benefit of driving other common pests away as well.

Coupons are becoming an increasingly popular way for people to save on anything from groceries to clothing and even auto repair. There are websites dedicated to the sole purpose of linking consumers to money-saving deals like printable coupons and rebate codes. Even a Terminix coupon can be located on the most popular bargain-hunting sites. In truth, however, there is no real Terminix coupon. These sites simply provide a link back to the Terminix website where there is often a listing of discounts for new customers. Still, these websites can help you track offers and coupon codes from many of your favorite companies in one convenient location.

Local pest control companies or franchises may offer discounts or coupons for seasonal rates. It is likely that you have received Terminix coupons in the mail at some point in the last year. It is good to hold on to these offers, even if there is an expiration date. Depending on the time of year, a local franchise may be willing to honor that Terminix coupon even if it has technically expired.

Whether searching the Web or sifting through the mail, be on alert for false advertising and scams. Misspellings can clue you in to a possible scam. Terminex is a simple misspelling that could fool even the savviest consumers. If you receive a fake Terminex coupon, email or mailing, toss it in the recycling bin.

Referral programs are another way to save a little money on your pest control service. Some extermination companies will give rebates or one-time payments to people that help bring new customers on board. If you are happy with your pest control company, be certain to ask if there is a referral program, and then begin spreading the word.

With so many pest control companies announcing deals, it is important to understand what is really being offered. At first glance, that coupon from your neighborhood exterminator may seem to be offering pest control services at prices far below Terminix. Coupons often have fine print, strict conditions and limitations that need to be considered. Find out exactly what is included in the service and take note of any restrictions. It is always helpful to get all the details when considering multiple pest control companies. Only then will you be able to make a true apples-to-apples comparison.

We all want a bargain, but choosing a pest control company based solely on price will likely lead to inferior service. Meet with a locally owned extermination company and also get an inspection from a big-name service like Terminix. Coupons and promotions are only valuable when the company is offering you something you can use or truly need. Do not be fooled by clever tricks (like Terminex) or anything that sounds too good to be true. Getting quality pest control service at a fair price is the real bargain.

Kitchen

The kitchen is the mostly likely place to find a pest. Terminix representatives will often begin their home inspection in this room.

Cockroach: These pests love moisture so the cabinet under your leaky sink is the perfect place to call home. Roaches also prefer to live close to a food source. Tiny crumbs and leftover pet food make quite a meal for this hungry pest. Terminix recommends having a well-devised extermination plan if you hope to completely remove this insect.

Ants: Most ants prefer sugar to any other food source. Countertops often have spills of sweet liquids or other sugary items that draw the ants in and keep them fed.

Beetles: These insects have strong mouths and can chew through ordinary boxes found in the pantry. A Terminex pest specialist may suggest keeping grains and cooking materials in plastic containers. Doing so will provide a helpful barrier between the beetles and your food.

Bathroom

There are plenty of pests that thrive in a moist environment. Terminex pest treatment usually centers around the following three bathroom invaders.

House Centipede: Most people believe this insect makes its way indoor via the plumbing. In truth, the house centipede is simply attracted by the wet conditions found in tubs and showers. Once the pest climbs in they usually get stuck, making people believe they came in through the drain.

Silverfish: This shiny insect loves the water that pools around your drains. They fed off of mold and starches, requiring little food to survive. Terminix says silverfish are one of the most difficult pests to eliminate, but can be kept under control with professional extermination methods.

Drain fly: A drain fly is a tiny insect that can be found in or around the sink drain. These flies breed in the gunk that gets trapped inside the drain. The use of drain cleaners will help remove these flies from your home.

Bedroom

Your bedroom can be a safe haven for many different pests, but the insect most people are concerned with is the bed bug.

Bed bug: Shivers may run down your spine at the very thought of this dirty pest. Terminix lists these bugs as parasites since they feed off the blood of humans. Bed bugs are extremely difficult to eradicate once they have taken hold of a home. Taking care while traveling and keeping a look out for any early bed bug activity is your best plan of action.

General Household Pests

For these next few creatures, any room in your home is fine, so long as it provides the right environment and plenty of food. Terminex pest control lists the following four pests among the most common household nuisances.

Fleas: If you have pets there is a good chance you will eventually have fleas. Pet bedding is the first place to look when you think you have a budding flea infestation. Lots of soapy water and a trip to the veterinarian could be enough to eliminate a minor flea problem.

Termites: Professional pest control companies devote a great deal of man power to the elimination of this pest. Terminix works with homeowners to not only eliminate, but hopefully prevent termites from infiltrating a home. The damage that can be caused by termites is what makes this pest a frequent target for extermination.

Mice: Until now all of the pests discussed have been members of the insect family. Mice are rodents and require very different extermination methods. Mice can live inside a home, taking refuge in a basement or making a nest inside a piece of upholstered furniture. If you think you have an issue with this pest, Terminix can provide a workable solution.

Terminix, sounds like Termenex, leads the industry in roach control by staying on top of the latest pest management techniques. There are many ways to successfully rid a home of the pesky cockroach. Terminix employs whatever pest management mechanism makes the most sense, taking into consideration the type of roach and level of infestation. The right combination of expert advice, baits, insecticides and traps will effectively clear any home of roaches.

The location of your infestation could clue you in to which type of cockroach has invaded your home. Subtle differences in body size and shape can also help you classify the cockroach. Terminix pest control offers the following information about four of the most common types of roach.

American Cockroach: At two-inches long this type of roach is the largest. It is categorized by the distinctive figure-eight pattern found on its body. In some parts of the country the American cockroach is called a palmetto bug or water bug. This is likely because the bug prefers extremely damp living spaces like sewers, basements and boiler rooms. The trick to exterminating this pest is finding the location of the cockroach. Terminix or another professional pest control company will inevitably need to be contacted for complete removal.

Brown-Banded Cockroach: These roaches are set apart by a series of light colored bands highlighted on their wings. Like most roaches, the brown-banded cockroach likes to spend its days living inside tiny cracks and soffits. What is different about this specie is that it can survive in drier conditions. Termenex says this fact makes the brown-banded cockroach more difficult to manage because it can survive in many areas around a home.

German Cockroach: Terminix estimates that 98% of cockroach service calls involve this particular variety. This small, half-inch long, pest prefers to live in close proximatey to food and moisture. Since the German cockroach eats just about anything the roach will find your bathroom just as appealing as the kitchen. Hardy, like most roaches, this specie is a robust breeder capable of laying 45 eggs at a time.

Oriental Cockroach: Terminix has found this variety to be located in most of the United States with the exception of the Southeast. Oriental cockroaches prefer to live outdoors during the summer and then retreat indoors when the weather cools. They are found in the basements and crawlspaces of both homes and businesses. Terminix suggests installing screens over all vents and sealing cracks to keep these pests from coming indoors.

No doubt you are ready to rid your home of the pesky cockroach. Terminix (Termenex) can help homeowners exterminate cockroaches without the headaches of do-it-yourself pest control. Roaches spend close to 80% of their lives hiding in small cracks and dark spaces which means this pest is especially difficult to control. The knowledge of a professional exterminator can help restore your home to its original roach-free condition.

How do you know if you have carpenter ants? Terminix says that in the spring they receive calls from homeowners convinced that they have a termite infestation.  In most cases what they actually have is a mature carpenter ant colony with swarmers or winged ants.  Another tell-tale sign of carpenter ants is wood dust.  Since carpenter ants do not eat wood, but simply prefer to make their homes inside of wood, you can find piles of sawdust near a new nest. If you are lucky enough to find the location of a nest check to see if it is active by placing an ear near the area and listening for sounds of movement.  Just remember that ants often lay dormant during colder months, so this is not a foolproof technique.

Although you may only see and hear the pests during certain seasons carpenter ant control requires a year-round solution.  In order to handle the specific problem of carpenter ants, Terminix offers a quarterly service plan.  A one-time service call is great for ridding your home of a current infestation, but long-term ant control requires a long-term solution. With a quarterly service plan geared towards the extermination of carpenter ants Terminix can keep the pests out of your home for good.

Homeowners with a Terminix (Terminex)  preventative treatment plan will enjoy pest-free living throughout the year. During one of your scheduled visits a Terminix representative will come to your home and treat the exterior for carpenter ants. Terminix uses a combination of bait and insecticides to destroy the entire ant colony. Regular treatments will keep any new colonies from surfacing and allow you to maintain a pest-free home.

If you have a problem with a resilient pest like carpenter ants Terminix (Terminex) recommends homeowners adopt a yearly prevention plan. Removing ants from a home is only half the battle.  Nests filled with a colony of ants lay waiting to re-infest your home and cause damage to the structure.   To put a final stop to the ants Terminix suggests combining regular treatments with some of the following tips:

• Keep firewood, fallen limbs or other wood scraps away from the foundation of your home.
• Take away the carpenter ants favorite nesting areas by pruning trees regularly and removing stumps.
• Seal cracks around the foundation and roof.  Double check the chimney area as well.
• Replace any moisture damaged wood, like window frames.

The Termite Inspection & Protection Plan is very much like termite insurance. Homeowners protected under the plan pay no termite repair bills nor will they pay for termite control measures. The entire details of the plan are listed online at Terminix.com in an easy-to-read format. Fill out a short questionnaire while online and receive an instant quote. Using Terminix.com you can also set-up a no-obligation home inspection and get the pest control process started right away.

Before signing any contract most people want to take the time to read the fine print. Thanks to Terminix.com, the fine print is easy to locate; it is called the Terminx Ultimate Protection Guarantee. This guarantee is the most aggressive contract in the industry. The following list highlights the key components of the Ultimate Protection Guarantee.

• Same-day service- Homeowners enrolled in the Termite Inspection & Protection plan can enjoy quick service response. Within 24 hours of your call a Terminix representative will contact you with a solution.
• Job well done – Terminix stands by its work. If a job isn’t done right the first time someone will come back until the problem is eradicated.
• Money back guarantee – A full refund will be granted if, during the first 30-days, you decide you are not happy with the plan or have issues with service.
• Lifetime repair and control – If, while under the protection of Terminx, a home experiences live termite activity the company will treat the issue at no charge. Necessary repairs caused by termite damage will also be covered under the Termite Inspection & Protection Plan.

For anyone already in the middle of a termite infestation Terminx offers many pest control plans. On Terminix.com you can find do-it-yourself termite control information for a variety of species. Terminix.com also boasts an entire section dedicated to the subject of termite infestation. New customers that decide to order service via the internet may even be eligible for a discount.

Whether you are in need of prevention or removal the steps are the same. Terminix.com lists liquid insecticide and baiting as the two techniques utilized in termite control. A Terminx technician will continually monitor baits for any signs of termite activity, even after the initial infestation has been eliminated. By staying on top of the latest trends in the extermination industry, Terminix is able to offer some of the quickest and safest pest control solutions.

Terminix, or Termenix as it is sometimes misspelled, has put together a comprehensive list of cockroach prevention guidelines. With so many different types of roaches it would seem impossible to deter them all. In truth, most of the guidelines suggested will not only help prevent most types of roaches they can also be used to keep other pests from entering your home or business.

The following tips focus on the four species of cockroaches Terminix uncovers in the average household:

• Yellow light bulbs called bug-lights can reduce the number of insects, including cockroaches, that are attracted to your home. Keeping the lights off or using motion-detectors, so the lights are only one for a brief period of time, are also options you can employ.
• Most roaches spend 80% of their lives living in small spaces like cracks in a building’s foundation. Sealing all cracks in your home’s exterior takes away the roaches preferred living space.
• Some species spend summers outdoors and then come inside during the winter, like Oriental cockroaches. Terminix highly recommends installing screens over all vents to eliminate easy access for the pest.
• Storing paper bags, cardboard boxes or newspapers inside the home is a calling card for certain types of cockroaches. Terminix (Termenix) suggests keeping these items in the garage and inspecting cardboard boxes for roaches or egg sacks before bringing them onto your property.
• Thick vegetation makes the perfect resting place for roaches that enjoy some time outdoors. Removing overgrown ivy or growing large mounds of tall grass far away from your home’s foundation will help keep the pests outside.
• Firewood, bricks and yard debris should be stored a good distance from the home and slightly off the ground if possible. Following this advice will help maintain a yard free from several types of pests not just cockroaches. Terminix can list many types of rodents and insects that will happily make a home inside a pile of wood.
• Removing the moisture from your attic with proper ventilation creates an environment that is less suitable to the cockroach. Energy efficiency and better air quality are significant bonus features for a home with adequate ventilation.

Prevention techniques along with a solid extermination plan will keep your home free of cockroaches. Termenix will work with every homeowner to come up with the cockroach control plan that best fits their needs. Sharing a home with cockroaches, no matter where you live, is not a foregone conclusion. A little effort combined with some expert advice will put you on the path to complete cockroach extermination.

If you believe you have a tick control problem in your yard, it helps to understand where the infestation came from. Living near an open field or being flanked by woods will make it more likely that you will encounter a tick control problem. Here are some tips to keeping your family and yard tick-free:

1. Mow your grass regularly and keep it short. Most ticks live in tall lawns and will hang onto the tips of long blades of grass patiently waiting for their next meal to brush by.
2. Dig a barrier between your property and the open field or wooded area. Creating a 3-foot wide by 3-inch deep trench filled with small stones will provide a tick control solution that will last you several years.
3. Keep children and pets out areas known to house ticks. If this is not possible, then use safe insect repellents as an added measure of tick control. Be sure to check everyone for ticks before coming back home.
4. Finally, look into a generic pest removal product that is designed to exterminate ticks. Read the instructions carefully for proper application and safe usage. If leery about doing this yourself, simply contact a pest control service for this portion of your tick control process.

Pest removal problems like rats, squirrels, deer and other animals that play host to ticks could be the reason for your tick control situation. Deer ticks are a particularly rampant problem in certain areas of the U.S. and a major transmitter of Lyme disease. In fact, deer ticks are such a common problem for U.S. homeowners that it is worth reading our tick removal advice.

1. Deer ticks like cool areas and are rarely found in hot, open spaces. Removing leaf piles and keeping shrubs and trees well-trimmed will limit the places for these ticks to call home.
2. Tick-tubes are a common tick removal method, especially when deer ticks are the main target. These are biodegradable tubes that can be purchased, or you can try do-it-yourself pest removal and make your own tubes out of paper towel rolls. Inside the tubes are cotton balls soaked in the chemical permethrin. The cotton balls are used by animals to build nests, and the ticks eventually attach themselves to the animals and ingest the chemical.
3. Along with permethrin, the chemical carbaryl is used to exterminate deer ticks as well as other ticks. Correctly timing the application of this chemical is critical to your tick control success. Late May into early June is the best date range for a carbaryl-containing tick removal product.

Individual Tick Removal

While you are waiting for your tick control efforts to take hold, it is possible that someone in your family will bring home one of these pests. Understanding proper tick removal is an important first-aid topic that every adult should know.

1. Use fine-tipped tweezers and firmly, but gently, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Your goal is to get at the tick’s head.
2. Gently pull the tick straight out, with slow but constant pressure. Be careful not to twist or jerk it, as this can leave the tick’s mouth in your skin.
3. Be careful not to squeeze, crush or puncture the tick’s body, as doing so may cause it to release infected fluids into the wound. Thoroughly disinfect the tick-bite wound, the tweezers, and the hands of the person removing it.
4. Drop the tick into a small amount of rubbing alcohol and throw the dead carcass away or take it to you doctor to have it tested for disease.

DO NOT use a hot match, petroleum jelly, soap, nail polish, etc. to smother the tick. This can cause it to release its fluids into the wound and transmit any disease it may be carrying.

Organic Japanese beetle control is the best option for anyone battling an infestation in his or her prize vegetable garden. Even if your thumb isn’t quite so green, your pest control methods can be. Organic Japanese beetle control simply uses some of nature’s own repellents and predators to put an end to the Japanese beetle life cycle. It may be more time-consuming than spraying chemicals over your yard, but the difference that pesticide-free fruits and vegetables make cannot be compared.

Pest Control from the Kitchen

Castor Oil - Mix about two tablespoons of Castor oil with a squirt of dish soap into a spray bottle and then add water. Shake up the mixture and use directly on plants where Japanese beetles appear. The mixture will kill existing pests and ward off other beetles, making it a great organic Japanese beetle control repellent.

Plain Soap and Water – Not the most glamorous method, but going out in the morning to pick the bugs off the plants, and dropping them into a bowl of soapy water, will do the trick. Naturally, this wouldn’t work with a heavy infestation, but it is a perfect organic pest control solution for the backyard gardener.

Beer – Setting small liquid traps of beer has been shown to draw out grubs, the larvae stage of Japanese beetles, killing them by drowning. Place tiny containers or caps full of beer around the plant(s) being damaged by grubs for some potentially entertaining organic pest control.

Fruit & Water - Another natural pest control trap, this time set for the adult beetle. Bowls of sugar water are mixed with smashed fruit and sprinkled with yeast to entice the beetles into the bowl. Once in the water, they will get stuck and die. Again, this is best for small and specific infestation areas.

Seeds - Attract the right birds and you will have both a natural and organic pest control solution. Seek out a mixture, or make your own, that entices some of the following birds: blue jays, cardinals, robins and starlings. Help the birds feed off grubs too by aerating the lawn and bringing the larvae to the surface.

Don’t Try this at Home

Bug Juice – We are not talking about the colorful sugar-laden punch your mom would serve on a hot day. This recipe calls for very different ingredients. First you pick off about a cup full of beetles and unceremoniously whip-em up in your blender. Add water to liquefy them and continue blending until the mixture is smooth enough to be used in a spray bottle. Spray the bug juice wherever you want to remove the beetles. The idea is that the beetles will detect their dead friends and never wish to return to your yard.

Green Market

Organic Japanese beetle control products offer up a variety of intriguing natural pest control options. From repellents, to simple plant barriers, to something that almost sounds like science fiction, there are plenty of products for the homeowner to choose from.

Beetle nets – Not the most exciting green pest control product, beetle nets simply cover your prized shrubs and delicate garden during the peak of Japanese beetle infestation. The nets are not completely insect-proof, but they do provide a useful barrier; when combined with other organic Japanese beetle control techniques, your favorite foliage could remain safe this year.

Plant Barriers - Save your plants by doing more planting. Japanese beetles are not fond of a surprisingly long list of flowers, trees and bushes. Having some of these beautiful plants in your yard would be the ultimate in green pest control:

• Begonias
• Bleeding heart
• Carnations
• Columbine daisies
• Flowering dogwood
• Forsythia
• Junipers
• Lilacs
• Lilies
• Nasturtium

Beneficial Bacteria – Now on to the Sci-Fi portion of organic pest control: the milky spore bacteria. Milky spore is easily spread on your lawn and garden where it will be ingested by the Japanese beetle grubs. Slowly, the bacteria works to kill the grubs while also multiplying and putting more of the beneficial bacteria into your turf. This process can take up to three years for full extermination to ensue, but positive signs can be noticed sooner.

Beneficial nematodes - It may surprise you to learn that nematodes are effective in exterminating a variety of garden pests. Beneficial nematodes, specifically the heterohabditis bacteriophora, have been a proven organic Japanese beetle control solution. Combine this solution with one that attacks the adult beetle stage and you have a complete and effective green pest control plan.