7 Signs of Termites
Gone unnoticed, termite armies can cause significant damage, costing homeowners in Utah thousands of dollars in repairs. The subterranean termite is the most common termite species in Utah, known to live on cellulose (the major component of lumber), these little pests are rarely seen and can be the cause of major structural problems. While identifying a termite infestation can be tricky, there are a few tell-tell signs that can help you determine If your home has a termite problem.
Although it is rare to see termites out in the open, it is a good idea to know their identifying features. Many people mistake termites for ants because of their similar shape, size, and even behavior. Homeowners need to know that there is no such thing as white ants, if you see insects that you suspect are termites, it may be time to seek professional help from a reputable pest control service to prevent costly damage to your home. Here are a few distinguishing characteristics of the subterranean termite, commonly found in Utah:
- 1/4″ to 1/2″ in Length (kings & queens can reach over 1″ in length)
- Soft, Thick Bodied
- White or Creamy Colored
- Pale Translucent, Veiny Appearance
- Straight Antennae
Beyond identifying these rarely seen pests, there are several other warning signs to watch out for if you suspect your home is being invaded by termites.
#1 Watch for Flying ‘Ants’
Those flying ‘ants’ may actually be termites. Usually the first sign of termites, these winged insects are also known as reproductives or swarmers (alate) and can be distinguished from flying ants by their two sets of wings, equal in length. Swarmers are both male and female termites that have left an already established colony to find a mate and establish a new colony; these paired termites are the king and queen. Finding the swarmers discarded wings is another sign to watch for.
#2 Termite Droppings
Termite droppings, known as frass, are a direct indication of a drywood termite infestation. Although uncommon in the state of Utah, drywood termite problems can happen. Frass can be found near the termite nest entrance and is identified as a dark powder substance or small black marks from where they push the frass out of the nesting area through small holes.
#3 Audible Clicking in The Walls
Soldier termites make a quiet clicking sound as they bang their heads against wood or shake their bodies to signal danger if the colony is disturbed. If you put your ear up against a wall infested with termites you can even hear the worker termites gnawing away at the wood.
#4 Hard-to-Open Windows and Doors
If you’re experiencing more difficulty in opening and closing your windows and doors, it may be a result of termites. Warped wood can be a result of the moisture produced by termites when they eat. While the weather or outside temperature may be to blame for stiff windows or sticking doors, this problem combined with any of the other listed signs may indicate you have a termite infestation.
#5 Mud Tunnels
Mud tunnels, sometimes called mud tubes are made primarily out of dirt and also include other organic material, like termite feces. Mud tunnels are created by the termites to easily access their food sources and to maintain the warm, humid environment for food storage. Look for mud tunnels in the following areas:
- Foundation Slab – Subterranean termites will build tunnels to access the wood in your home by going over the concrete foundation slab.
- Attic – Termites are attracted to the exposed wood commonly found in the attic of many Utah homes. Mud tunnels can be seen branching out between the beams like a termite superhighway, giving easy access from beam to beam.
- Garage – Mud tunnels created over concrete give the termites the perfect trail to branch out from the colony to different food sources.
- Basement or Crawlspace – Many mud tunnels are found out of sight in the basement or crawlspace under your home. These mud tunnels are built to lead the worker termites to wood sources, drywall and even furniture.
#6 Papery Wood
Wood that feels papery or hollow sounding can be a good indication of tiny, unwanted houseguests. Termites consume wood from the inside out, leaving only a very thin layer of wood behind. In some cases, termites will eat away at everything, only stopping at the paint or wallpaper.
To investigate your walls, carefully tap or knock on the suspected area; if the wall sounds hollow or papery, you may have severe termite damage.
#7 Wood ‘Galleries’
Discovering wood galleries or tunnels is a sure sign of termite activity. Tiny holes in walls, exposed wood, furniture and attic beams rarely happen naturally, it is most likely damage from termites. When you notice these little burrowing tunnels, it is time to call a trusted expert pest control company to help you determine the extent of the damage and get the infestation under control.
Trust Legacy Pest Control for Termite Control in Utah
Legacy Pest Control is a family-owned business proudly serving Northern Utah residents and property owners for over 15 years. Our termite treatment plans are tailored to each individual situation and are safe, effective and affordable. We confidently back your pest control service with a satisfaction guarantee. Our friendly, professional pest control technicians pledge to arrive on time, respect your home and use pest control products that are safe for kids and pets. Click Here for your fast, free termite control quote or give us a call at 801-779-3131.
5 Signs You Have Mice
Our homes provide us with warmth and shelter from the elements – a place to eat, sleep and raise our children. Unfortunately, our homes can also provide mice with the same amenities. House mice are the most common rodent problem found in Utah and as fall approaches, mice will be looking for a safe place to nest and store food for the winter. Aside from catching a glimpse of a mouse scurrying by, most homeowners are unaware that they are playing host to unwanted houseguests.
Mice are intelligent and generally stay tucked out of sight; they can actually go unnoticed long before you suspect a problem. If you spot evidence that indicates you have a rodent infestation, then you need to decide if it’s something you can take care of yourself or if it’s time for professional help. There are a few ‘tell-tail’ indications you need to be aware of to keep you and your family healthy from the spread of disease and prevent damage to your home and belongings. Listed below are 5 signs you have mice:
Droppings
Mouse droppings are less than pleasant and often the first sign that you’re sharing your home with mice. A single mouse produces between 40 – 100 dropping every day. Mouse droppings can be found in cupboards, drawers, under kitchen and bathroom sinks or hidden areas. Mouse droppings are identified as dark brown and pellet-sized (about 1/4 inch) with pointed ends; be aware that rat droppings are similar but are bigger (about 1/2 inch) with blunt ends. Determining what type of rodent infestation you have will help you decide the best extermination or control methods to use.
Your Pets Know
Your dog or cat may be paying close attention to a certain area, especially at night, if they smell the presence of a rodent. But don’t think that having an indoor pet will keep the mice away. In fact, you should be very cautious if you suspect a rodent problem because both dog and cat immune systems may not be able to handle some of the diseases that mice and rats can carry. Mice are prolific breeders so if you merely suspect mice take care of the problem before it becomes a full-blown infestation that will put you and your pets at risk.
Sounds at Night
You are most likely to hear the sounds of mice in the house at night; about half an hour after sunset until about half an hour before the sun rises. These little nocturnal creatures can sometimes be heard scurrying around in the attic, ceiling, walls or basement as they move behind floorboards, baseboards, and drywall. You may also hear chatter in the form of high-pitched squeaking, they tend to be most vocal when searching for food and water.
Chewing and Gnawing
Mice have very powerful teeth and will chew through wood, plastic and food packaging to create holes about one and a half inches in diameter to gain access to stored food or to excavate holes to travel through. Mice are excellent climbers and jumpers and can easily run along the wiring tucked into your walls – they have also been known to chew electrical wires, causing a potentially serious fire hazard.
Signs You May Need Expert Help
You can usually successfully take care of a small rodent problem on your own with practical methods like bait and traps. However, there are certain signs that may indicate you have a large population mouse infestation that requires professional extermination. Usually, you will only notice activity at night and never in the daylight hours. But, if you see mice during the day along with an increase in freshly gnawed material and numerous droppings – it is very likely that the mouse population in your home is very large and beyond DIY control.
Legacy Pest Control in Ogden, Utah Offers Unmatched Rodent Extermination Services
Legacy Pest Control Utah uses rodent extermination and control methods to safely and effectively rid your home of mice. Our comprehensive, quality pest control plans come with a guarantee and customer satisfaction is our top priority – we can tailor your treatment plan to include any special needs or requests. Contact us today for your free rodent inspection. *Don’t forget to ask about discounts for senior citizens, retired and active military members and military families.
3 Things You Didn’t Know About Utah Termites
Yes, Termites Do Live in Utah
Termites live in most climates. When most people think of termites, they usually think of more humid states like Georgie, Florida, Texas, and Hawaii. However, termites live in all 50 states, including Utah.
Subterranean Termites are King
Subterranean termites are the type of termites most commonly found in Utah. They love to live in Utah soil, however, their definition of soil differs from place to place. When they are enticed away from their beloved Utah ground soil, they like to enter bedrooms, dining rooms, and even bathrooms and call it home. They are amazing excavators and can build tunnels more than 30 feet long.
Water is a Magnet for Termites
Termites love wet wood. It might start with a leak from a bathtub, or a sprinkler spraying through a window frame that doesn’t close very well, or any number of other conditions that result in perpetually wet wood areas. These wet areas are breeding grounds for termite colonies.
How Can I Tell if I Have Termites?
There are several ways to tell if you have a termite infestation. Check for wet wood products or potential leaks on wood. Inspect any cardboard, newspapers, lumber, and sheetrock to see if it is wet. Also, take a look at any wood you can find and check for any damage. Take a walk around the outside of your house and the yard to check for mud tubes. Mud tubes are tunnels made by termites out of soil and wood bits. They can often be found close to the foundation of a house. To test if it is still an active mud tube, break off a middle section of the tube with your finger. If it is repaired in a few days, then you know that it is an active mud tube.
For Termite Extermination in Utah Contact Legacy Pest Control
Termites fill an important role in the ecosystem. They take rotten wood and put it back into the ground. This is great for the ground, but not such a great thing for your house. When you hire our team of termite exterminators at Legacy Pest Control, we go back to the source. We will kill the original termite colonies and keep termites from coming back to your house for 10 years. If you are ready to get rid of termites or other pests, just fill out our form on our website or give us a call at 801-779-3131 for a quote and a free inspection.
How-To Prevent Winter Pests
In the fall and winter, numerous pests seek the warmth of our homes to survive the harsh weather. In the scarcity of winter, pests also seek to take advantage of the readily available food and water in the home. Pests such as ladybugs, stinkbugs, flies, crickets, mice and rats, squirrels and raccoons may all take shelter in your home, vehicle, or garage, and settle in for the long haul. Although we may notice their presence less in the winter, Legacy Pest Control understands that this is actually when it becomes most important to watch out for pests and prevent an infestation.
Common Winter Pests
- Mice: Field mice are often chased indoors by the cool weather in search of a warm, dry place to hole up for the winter. It is especially common to find them in your attic or basement, where few people venture and there is good nesting material, or your kitchen, where food and water are plentiful. Unfortunately, mice can carry disease as well as chew through electrical wire. Keep your eye out for signs of their passage, including chewed toilet tissue and paper towels and mouse droppings.
- Cockroaches: Cockroaches often enter the home on (or within!) grocery bags and boxes, and once they’ve settled in, it’s next to impossible to get them to leave their cozy domicile. Cockroaches are some of the nastier pests, carrying a wide array of bacterial infections and stirring up allergens in the home. Watch for them under appliances and in the cabinet under your sink.
- Spiders: Most spiders are harmless – except for whatever you may knock over when you see one rappelling down from the ceiling – but a few, such as the brown recluse spider, are very poisonous. Like mice, spiders generally hide out away from people, in attics and basements, but you may also find them in cardboard boxes or around window-moldings, and around your summer clothing or shoes. Spiders may also be brought into the home by hitching a ride on firewood.
- Raccoons: Raccoons are incredibly clever creatures who will go to great lengths to find food. Though most raccoons avoid human beings, sick animals may enter homes through the chimney or make a home in a disused attic.
- Stinkbugs: Stinkbugs are an incredible nuisance: loud, unattractive, and once accidentally stepped on (or purposely swatted) the victim will remember the stench ever after. They flock to homes in droves as temperatures drop.
Steps to Prevent Winter Pests
There are several simple steps you can take in order to ensure that your home stays pest free.
Outdoor Winter Pest Control Tips
- Go around your house and look for cracks or crevices that mice and insects can sneak through to escape the colder winter temperatures. Mice can slip through holes the size of a dime, so be thorough. Place caulk around any cracks in your foundation, and fill holes up with steel wool. Don’t forget the holes that may be around pipes or electrical wire entry or exit into your home.
- Clean out your gutters regularly. Leaves and other yard debris make great nesting material for mice, rats, and squirrels. By the same token, keep your yard clean by raking leaves and keeping your grass low.
- Keep trees and shrubs pruned around your home to avoid insects climbing from the foliage and onto your roof or through your windows.
- Store your trash well away from your home in an enclosure; make sure that your trash can lids seal well.
Indoor Winter Pest Control Tips
- Clear out your attic or basement, or hire a team to help you get it done. Lots of cardboard boxes sitting around can become a home for pests of all kinds, and mice and rats like to hide or around boxes or the tissue wrapping meant to keep valuables safe.
- Keep your home clean and free of crumbs and clutter.
- Keep clothing and shoes that you do not often use in sealed containers; this will prevent bugs and spiders from using them as nests, moths from eating the material, and mice from using it as nesting.
In Need of Winter Pest Control Services in Utah? Contact Legacy Pest Control!
If you’ve got a pest problem and want to make your home your own again, contact Legacy Pest Control. We handle both residential and commercial pest control in the Ogden, Utah area, and offer recurring services every three months to ensure that your property is pest-free. Call 801-779-3131 to take action and make sure that your home or property is safe for yourself, your family, and your guests today! Book now in order to ensure a pest-free home in time for the holidays!
5 Signs of a Winter Pest Infestation
Your home can be infested at any time of year. However, pest infestations are significantly more common in the winter. This is because pests are trying to escape from the cold in the same way that humans are. This is true of warm-blooded mammal pests, like mice and rats, but it is also true of bugs. There are a few telltale signs that your home is experiencing a winter pest infestation. Because pest infestations can worsen rapidly as it gets colder, once you have spotted them, you should call the professionals at Legacy Pest Control as soon as possible.
Common Winter Pests
The list of pests that can infest your home is long and includes many different types of animals and insects. However, there are several species that are responsible for most of the winter pest infestations in the Ogden area. The most common pests in winter, as in the rest of the year, are rodents, such as rats and mice. Unfortunately, there are other pests that you need to be concerned about.
Spiders often infest homes in great numbers in the winter. They are driven by a need to get away from the cold like all of the other organisms on this list, but that’s not the only reason you may find spiders in your home this winter. Insects of all types are trying to get away from the cold, and spiders (as with all predators) follow their prey. Some of their prey that also commonly infest homes include cockroaches, ants, and many types of bugs commonly found in firewood like Box Elder bugs and termites. While you do want spiders to eat these bugs (especially termites), that doesn’t mean you want them in your home.
Rats and mice are the most common mammals seen in winter pest infestations, but they are far from the only ones. Squirrels and raccoons often find their way into people’s homes to escape the cold. These large, tree-dwelling mammals are often seen higher up in the structure, especially in the attic.
5 Signs of Winter Pest Infestation
There are many signs of an infestation, but some are not easily spotted by the untrained eye. However, there are five signs of an infestation that anyone can spot. If you see any of these signs, get professional help immediately. The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to treat the infestation.
- Droppings: If you see small, circular droppings in your house, especially near sources of food and water, you have a rodent infestation. Where there’s one rodent, there’s always more out of sight.
- Dead bugs/molts: If you see a large number of molted spider skins or dead bugs, you should seek assistance. Learn to recognize Box Elder bugs and termites, as they are the ones that can be the most destructive.
- Bite marks: If you see bite marks on objects near sources of food or water, you may have a rodent problem.
- Crumbling wood trim: This is a telltale sign of a termite infestation. Termites often infiltrate a house through underground points of entry, and live inside the wooden structure. They can do serious damage relatively quickly if they are untreated.
- Skittering sounds in the walls or attic: Rats and mice usually move around a house at night, when everything’s quiet. You may be able to hear them if you pay attention.
Call Legacy Pest Control Today
If you see any of these signs, contact us here, or call 801-779-3131. We are happy to answer any questions and respond to any concerns you might have during our free consultation. We are a family-owned company with over 15 years of experience serving the residents of Weber and its surrounding counties.
Utah’s 13 Creepiest Crawlers
Bugs can be found everywhere. From the driest desert terrain in Utah to the coldest mountaintop, you can bet some creepy creature calls it home. And unfortunately, there are many unwelcome crawlers that call our homes “home” as well. While some bugs may be helpful, many can be a nuisance. If you have creepy crawlers lurking around your home, the best solution is to contact the professionals at Legacy Pest Control.
Are These Creepy Bugs Lurking Near You?
#1 Rocky Mountain Wood Tick: This “vampire-like” bug is out for blood, human blood or that of another large mammal. It will numb you and you won’t realize it is feeding on you. It sometimes leaves the “gift” of the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.
#2 Assassin Bug: What is creepier than a bug that has a piercing and sucking mouth? They suck the juices out of their prey by piercing the exoskeleton. While they don’t normally try to “feed” on humans, they will bite and it hurts.
#3 Mormon Cricket: Once a huge threat to Mormon pioneers, this notorious cricket feeds on crops. While it doesn’t travel in huge swarms as in the past, it still an unwelcome visitor to your gardens.
#4 Common Thread-Wasted Wasp: This predator enjoys the art of the ambush. You can often find it burrowed in loose dirt waiting to attack.
#5 Codling Moth: There are many different moths in Utah, however, this one is the creepiest. It plants its damaging larvae into fruit and is a major pest problem especially for apple and pear crops.
#6 Blister Beetle: This creepy crawler lives up to its name by secreting a toxin that causes human skin to blister.
#7 Carpenter Ant: This ant’s middle name is destruction. Carpenter ants cause structural damage to homes and should be removed immediately if discovered lurking around.
#8 Billbugs: A creepy sort of weevil that will terrorize your lawn, the billbug lays larvae in your turf causing damage to both roots and stems. If you see one walking along the sidewalk, you can bet it is looking for a nice spot to lay eggs.
#9 Thrips: Practically invisible and highly destructive, these creepy little flying insects not only feed on flowers and plants, they can also stunt their growth. If you notice yellowish specks on your foliage or silvery black excrement, then they may be lurking in your garden.
#10 Praying Mantis: What is more terrifying than being eaten alive? This vicious predator will wrap one leg around the neck of its catch and one around the abdomen as it slowly slices out one bite at a time.
#11 Aphids: These creepy bugs can be identified by the tubes protruding from their backs. They can cause stress on plants and sometimes even transport disease from one plant to another.
#12 Dark-Winged Fungus Gnats: These pesky gnats are very small with long legs and will plant larvae in potted plants in your home causing damage to roots and stems.
#13 Black Widow Spider: Watch out for this venomous spider lurking in your garage or basement, especially the females. A female black widow is ruthless. After mating, she literally devours her lover. And if she bites you, her venom is highly toxic.
What Should You Do if You See These Pests?
Don’t let these ghastly bugs creep you out this fall or any season. Let the professionals at Legacy Pest Control help. For more than 15 years, we have been serving Northern Utah. Contact us online or call one of our knowledgeable staff at 801-799-3131 for a free estimate.
4 Reasons to Choose Legacy for Restaurant Pest Control
Pest control is vital for restaurants. It only takes a small infestation to create a huge issue, which can lead to your establishment failing inspection, and, in some cases, being shut down. The professionals at Legacy Pest Control have experience in helping to keep your restaurant pest free.
What Pests Are Attracted to Restaurants?
Restaurants have a particular risk for certain pests because of the sheer volume and variety of food present, and because of the kitchen systems and plumbing that can attract certain insects and other vermin. Cockroaches are, of course, always a concern. Roaches carry bacteria and a terrible reputation – if one customer sees a roach in the dining room, then your reputation can drop to match it. Flies actually cause worse problems, but there is something about roaches that puts people off.
Restaurant kitchens also attract drain flies. They breed in the sink drains, especially when food and waste oil are disposed of. Fruit attracts fruit flies, other food attracts things like flour beetles, bean weevils and meal moths, and everything attracts ants. Even worse are rodents, which can get through amazingly small holes from neighboring buildings and, in addition to carrying a host of diseases can bite through pipes and electrical cables.
Preventative Pest Control in Restaurants
You can deal with many of these pests by keeping all food in air tight containers when not in use. All food packages should be carefully inspected on arrival as some pests can actually lurk in opened packages. Keeping the place clean is important, especially inside cabinets and other hard to reach spaces. Always use trash can liners, and have employees take out the trash as soon as the bins are full. Store dry food off the ground so rodents cannot reach it. Cleaning up spills immediately and regularly running biological drain cleaner down the drains to remove organic material are great habits to get into that can help minimize the risk of an infestation.
Four Reasons to Choose Legacy Pest Control
- We have 15 years of experience in commercial pest control. As a local company, we know exactly which pests are most common in the area and how to deal with them.
- We only use methods and chemicals chosen to be safe around humans and pets. You don’t want your customers getting sick from the cure to the problem.
- Our treatment plans are tailored to your needs: To the pests that cause you the most problems, the foods you use, and your kitchen’s design. If needed, we also offer a quarterly maintenance plan.
- We start by offering a free inspection, so if you are not sure where pests are coming from, or even what kind of pest you have, you lose nothing by calling us to take a look.
Legacy is your go-to company for restaurant pest problems in Northern Utah. We have years of experience in freeing your kitchen from vermin. On top of that, we have experience helping other types of businesses with pest control, including daycare facilities, offices and even medical manufacturing facilities. We also provide residential services at a reasonable cost, including checking for nesting wasps and dealing with bed bugs. Contact Legacy Pest Control today at 801-779-3131 and schedule a free inspection to help keep your restaurant pest-free.
Summer Preventative Pest Control Tips
Summertime is a fun time for everyone. It’s a time for backyard barbecues, fun in the pool, trips to the beach, and time spent soaking up that beautiful sunshine. Unfortunately, you and your family are not the only ones who enjoy the weather this time of year; pests of all kinds also want to get in on the action. Flies, ants, gnats, cockroaches, rodents and wasps are all clamoring to make the most of these ideal weather conditions. During the winter season, these creatures are inhibited by cold, rain, and frost, making pest control a minor or nonexistent concern. But now that we’ve been enjoying the heat for a few weeks, unwanted visitors of all kinds are in prime condition to invade your home.
Summertime Pest Control Tips
So what’s to be done to prevent pests from joining the guest list during the warmest part of the year? Well, there’s good news and bad news. The good news is there’s a lot you can do to discourage pests. The bad news is some of the most important pest prevention measures you can take should be done before we reach the high summer months, and some should only be done by qualified pest control experts.
Here’s a list of things you can do, and things you should avoid doing, to keep unwanted visitors to a minimum.
Pest Control Do’s
Outdoor Tips
Even if pests have been nesting in your home for some time, they still had to come from outside originally. A good place to start your pest prevention measures is on the outside of your home.
- Replace your window weather-stripping
- Repair loose bricks, mortar, and concrete around your foundation
- Remove standing water
- Direct rainwater away from your home
- Keep your landscaping trim and neat
Indoor Tips
Bugs and other vermin want food and shelter, just like humans. To keep your home free of pests, you need to remove the things they are attracted to as much as possible.
- Keep kitchen areas clean and place unused food in sealed containers
- Get rid of any hiding places pests might like
- Keep your basement, crawl spaces, and attic dry and well ventilated
- Dispose of overripe fruit and vegetables
Pest Control Don’ts
Outdoor Tips
Creating attractive areas for bugs can be difficult, but following these tips will make your home exterior less appealing to them.
- Avoid storing building materials or firewood up against the house
- Don’t let sprinklers spray directly onto your home’s foundation
- Don’t allow garbage to pile up
- Don’t ignore cracks or little openings around the bottom of the house
Indoor Tips
Anything messy, wet, rotten, soiled, or dark is a draw for bugs and pests. Dissuade them with these indoors don’ts.
- Avoid leaving pet food out for prolonged periods of time
- Don’t let dirty dishes sit in the sink
- Avoid letting moisture accumulate
- And don’t give pests a free meal
Do: Call the Professionals
This list of summer pest prevention tips will go a long way toward reducing pest activity inside and outside of your, home, garage, and exterior buildings. But of all the ‘do’s’ on this list, the most important is to call the professionals if you believe you may have a pest or vermin infestation. The most important don’t is, don’t attempt to remove a serious pest infestation on your own. Some pest infestations present a risk of property damage and even personal injury. Some pests can be dangerous, and the methods necessary to remove them should only be done by pest removal experts.
If you suspect you might have a serious infestation, it’s best to contact the pest control experts at Legacy Pest Control right away. You can contact us here, or call 801-799-3131 for a free quote, knowing that we’ve served Northern Utah for more than 15 years.
Keep Ants Out of Your House
The National Pest Management Association has ranked ants as the #1 nuisance pest in the United States. In terms of sheer numbers, they are the dominant species on the planet. It’s estimated that ants outnumber humans by at least a million to one, and there are a total of over 22,000 different species worldwide. Fortunately, only three of those species are most likely to invade homes in the U.S. Those three are carpenter ants, odorous house ants, and pavement ants. To prevent them from dominating your home, there are a few steps you can take.
Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants burrow into wood that has been compromised by moisture or decay to build permanent nests. Piles of wood shavings are often evidence of a carpenter ant infestation. Performing regular inspections, especially during and after the rainy season, is one of the best ways to prevent an infestation. To avoid the growth of fungus that causes decay, it’s important to take the necessary steps to preserve your wooden structures. One of those steps is maintaining a protective coating of paint.
Odorous House Ants
Odorous house ants build temporary nests in multiple locations, which can make an infestation more difficult to eliminate. These ants often live in the vegetation surrounding homes. One of the steps you can take to prevent an infestation is to ensure that none of your shrubs, plants, flowers, or other vegetation comes into direct contact with the structure of your home. These ants are attracted by the aroma of human foods, so storing food in sealable containers and taking the garbage out more frequently during summer months are other important steps you can take.
Pavement Ants
Pavement ants also build nests in multiple locations to accommodate their many queens. They are sometimes called mason ants because they move the sand from beneath sidewalks, patios, and driveways. As anyone who has encountered them while outdoors enjoying a backyard barbecue can tell you, these ants have a stinger. To prevent them from entering your home, you should regularly inspect windows, seams, and doors for any gaps that could provide them easy entry. Any cracks or crevices in walls or floors should be promptly repaired.
In Case of Infestation: Ant Pest Control
Even when you’ve taken all the right steps, a sudden change in climate conditions or the actions of a negligent neighbor can result in an infestation that requires professional help. Legacy Pest Control has been in the ant pest control business in Northern Utah for over 15 years. If you need pest control for ants, we’ve got you covered!
We know how quickly an ant infestation can happen, and the consequences it can have, so our customer service representatives are available 24 hours a day. Many of our customers enjoy the benefits of our regular service plans designed specifically for their individual needs. Others prefer to take advantage of our one-time services, all of which come with a minimum 30-day satisfaction guarantee.
As a family-owned business, we’ve built our reputation on a foundation of dependability, respect for your home, and using only products that are safe for your children and pets. We have experience in eliminating virtually every type of household pest, including roaches, rodents, and more. To make an appointment for a free inspection, you can give us a call at 801-779-3131, or contact us here.
DIY Pest Control Mishaps
Finding pests in the home can be disconcerting for any homeowner. Before launching a full assault, consider some of the mistakes other homeowners have made with do-it-yourself home pest control. Avoiding these mistakes can protect a family’s health and keep your home pest free.
Common DIY Pest Control Mistakes
Ants
Over the counter (OTC) ant sprays will kill ants on contact. However, entomologists warn that it may ultimately make the problem worse. OTC ant sprays leave a residue that is repellant to ants and forces them to retreat to other areas of the home. This makes it difficult for the homeowner to locate the colony. Within days, forging ants will return in search of food and water. This is an activity they engage in every day to support the rest of the colony. The ants seen in the home represent only 8-10% of the ants in a typical colony. A better approach is to use indoor baiting techniques that foraging ants will bring back to the colony. Using their foraging behaviors can destroy the entire colony and eliminate the issue.
Mouse Traps
Quite commonly, homeowners will see a mouse in their kitchen and leave a trap to catch it only to return and find it empty. There are several reasons for this. Mice, while inquisitive, have poor eyesight and tend to travel along the walls using the same routes every day. Place the mousetrap along the wall in areas where you find mice droppings and turn it bait side in.
Also, don’t overload the trap with bait. A small piece of bacon, dab of peanut butter or chocolate icing will do the trick. For homes with small children and pets, it might be better to place the traps in a concealed area such as under a cabinet or behind the stove to prevent accidents from happening.
Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants are most active at nighttime so that is the best time to search for the nest. They are often found in wood that has past water damage. Nests could be behind a fascia or soffit, siding or desks. Also, check around doors and windows that have water contact such as the frames and sills.
Folk Remedies
Using untested home remedies or folk cures is not the best way to get rid of unwanted pests. Proven pest control methods will be more effective. Also, homeowners should thoroughly research natural home pest control methods they are interested in using. Pest control experts recommend not wasting money on electronic rodent deterrents.
Follow Product Directions
OTC pest control products contains chemicals that can be dangerous to children and pets so it is important to read all of the directions before using any product. With home pesticides, more is not always better so check the proper application amounts to get the best results.
Preventative Pest Control
Preventive pest control involves simple steps that every homeowner can take as taking the garbage out regularly and sealing all potential entry points. Also, be careful about the items that are brought into the home; Bed bugs and other household pests can gain entry in luggage and fresh produce, for instance. Lastly, don’t let pest control problems get out of control before calling an expert.
Professional Pest Control with Legacy
Legacy Pest Control is a family-owned business that has been serving homes and businesses in northern Utah for 15 years. The experts at Legacy Pest Control will keep your home pest free safely and economically. We provide free estimates and guarantee the work we do. If you’re facing an infestation beyond your control, contact us here, or call 801-779-3131 today!