Category: Pest Control

Common Causes of Mice Being Attracted to Your Home

admin |

Cute,brown,rat,dumbo,walking,and,sniffing,around,the,house

If you have ever had an unwelcome furry visitor scurrying around your home, you know how alarming it can be. Mice are not only a nuisance, but they can also spread diseases and cause damage to your property. It’s important to understand why mice may be attracted to your home in order to prevent infestations. In this blog post, we will discuss some common causes of mice being attracted to your home.

1. Accessible Food Sources:

Mice are attracted to your home because they are in search of food. If you have accessible food sources, such as open garbage cans, unsealed containers, or spilled food, it’s like an open invitation to these pesky rodents. It’s important to keep your kitchen and pantry clean and tidy, store food in sealed containers, and regularly take out the garbage to discourage mice from being attracted to your home.

2. Clutter and Storage:

Mice are attracted to clutter and areas where they can hide and build their nests. If you have a lot of clutter in your home, such as boxes, piles of paper, or old furniture, it provides the perfect environment for mice to thrive. It’s important to declutter your home and organize your storage areas to eliminate potential nesting spots for mice.

3. Cracks and Holes:

Mice can squeeze through tiny openings, so any cracks or holes in your home’s exterior can provide an entry point for them. Check your foundation, walls, windows, and doors for any gaps or openings and seal them properly. This will not only help prevent mice from entering your home but also improve energy efficiency.

4. Water Sources:

Just like food, mice are also attracted to water sources. Leaky pipes, dripping faucets, or even pet water bowls left out overnight can provide a water source for these rodents. Be sure to fix any plumbing leaks and clean up any spills or puddles promptly to remove the attraction for mice.

5. Pet Food:

If you have pets, their food can be a magnet for mice. Leaving pet food out all day and night can attract mice, as they are always on the lookout for an easy meal. To prevent mice from being attracted to your home, feed your pets at designated times and remove any uneaten food promptly.

6. Garbage and Compost:

Mice are scavengers, and they can easily find food in your garbage or compost pile. Make sure your garbage cans have tight-fitting lids and clean them regularly. If you have a compost pile, keep it well-maintained and away from your home to avoid attracting mice.

7. Neighborhood Environment:

Sometimes, the cause of mice being attracted to your home can be related to the overall environment of your neighborhood. If you live in an area with a high density of mice, it increases the chances of them finding their way into your home. In such cases, it’s important to be extra vigilant in keeping your home clean and free from any potential attractants.

Summary

Mice can be attracted to your home due to a variety of reasons. Ensuring that your home is free from accessible food sources, clutter, cracks, and holes, and maintaining a clean and tidy environment will help prevent mice infestations. Additionally, being mindful of water sources, pet food, and garbage can also deter mice from being attracted to your home. By taking these preventive measures, you can keep your home mouse-free and maintain a healthy and safe living environment.

Need Exterminators in Bartlesville, OK?

Family owned and operated since 2003, we have earned a reputation for providing quality, reliable, timely, and affordable pest control services to the residents and businesses of Oklahoma and Kansas. Our team of highly skilled, experienced, and certified staff uses only use the most technologically advanced treatment methods while respecting your home needs. We specialize in the removal of ants and carpenter ants, termites, cockroaches, fleas, spiders, bed bugs, stinging insects, mice, rats and more! We offer monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual service for your convenience and peace of mind! Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you!

Tips for Getting Rid of Crickets

admin |

Close,up:,many,black,crickets,crawling,around,on,carton,eggCrickets may be harmless creatures, but their incessant chirping can be quite annoying, especially when they invade your home or garden. If you’re dealing with a cricket infestation and looking for effective ways to get rid of them, here are some tips that can help you eliminate these pesky insects.

1. Identify the source of the infestation

Before trying any methods to control crickets, it’s important to identify the source of the problem. Crickets are attracted to moisture and food sources, so check for any damp areas, leaky pipes, or food spills that may be drawing them in. By removing these attractants, you can make your home less appealing to crickets.

2. Remove clutter and debris

Crickets are known to hide in cluttered areas and piles of debris, so keep your indoor and outdoor spaces clean and tidy. Declutter your storage areas, basements, and garages to eliminate potential hiding spots for crickets. Additionally, clear your yard of any leaves, piles of wood, or lawn debris where crickets might seek shelter.

3. Seal cracks and crevices

Crickets can easily find their way into your home through small cracks and openings. Inspect the exterior of your house and seal any gaps in windows, doors, and foundation with caulk or weatherstripping. In addition, make sure your window screens are intact and fit tightly to prevent crickets from entering your home.

4. Use natural repellents

If you prefer to avoid using chemical insecticides, there are several natural repellents that can help deter crickets. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth, a fine powder made from fossilized phytoplankton, around areas where crickets are present. The sharp edges of the powder will damage their exoskeleton and dehydrate them. Another natural repellent is citrus peels, as crickets dislike the strong scent. Place orange or lemon peels near entry points and potential hiding spots to keep them away.

5. Set up cricket traps

Traps are an effective way to catch and remove crickets from your home. You can purchase cricket traps or make your own using a shallow container filled with water and a few drops of dish soap. The soapy water will reduce the surface tension and cause the crickets to drown when they jump in. Place these traps in areas where crickets are active, such as basements, kitchens, or near doors and windows.

6. Use insecticides or pesticides

If the infestation is severe and natural methods have proven ineffective, you may consider using insecticides or pesticides. Choose products specifically labeled for crickets, and follow the instructions carefully to ensure safe and effective use. Indoor pest control sprays or dusts can be applied along baseboards, cracks, and crevices to target crickets hiding in these areas. Outdoor insecticides can be applied to the perimeter of your home or in areas where crickets are breeding.

7. Consult a professional

If your cricket problem persists despite your best efforts, it may be time to seek professional help. Pest control professionals have the knowledge and expertise to identify the severity of the infestation and offer specialized pest control treatments. They can also provide guidance on preventive measures to avoid future cricket problems.

8. Implement preventive measures

Once you have successfully eliminated the cricket infestation, it’s essential to implement preventive measures to keep them from returning. Regularly inspect and maintain your home, especially areas prone to moisture and food sources. Keep your surroundings clean and free of clutter, and maintain proper ventilation to reduce humidity. Additionally, consider installing insect screens on doors and windows to prevent crickets and other insects from entering.

Conclusion

By following these tips and being proactive in your approach, you can effectively eliminate crickets from your home and prevent future infestations. Remember to choose environmentally friendly options whenever possible to minimize the impact on the ecosystem.

Got Questions? Let Us Help!

Family owned and operated since 2003, we have earned a reputation for providing quality, reliable, timely, and affordable pest control services to the residents and businesses of Oklahoma and Kansas. Our team of highly skilled, experienced, and certified staff uses only use the most technologically advanced treatment methods while respecting your home needs. We specialize in the removal of ants and carpenter ants, termites, cockroaches, fleas, spiders, bed bugs, stinging insects, mice, rats and more! We offer monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual service for your convenience and peace of mind! Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you!

How Often Do You Need to Spray for Bugs?

admin |

How Often Do You Need to Spray for Bugs?

As homeowners, one of our constant battles is keeping bugs and pests at bay. From ants and flies in the kitchen to mosquitos and spiders in the yard, these little creatures can quickly turn our living spaces into uncomfortable zones. To combat this, many of us resort to bug sprays and insecticides. But the question remains, how often do you need to spray for bugs? In this blog post, we will dig deeper into this subject and provide some insights.

Understanding the Bug Life Cycle

To determine how often you need to spray for bugs, it is crucial to understand their life cycle. Different insects have different reproductive patterns, and their susceptibility to treatments can vary accordingly. The life cycle of insects typically involves four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Each stage can present different challenges for insect control.

Targeted Pest Control

The frequency of spraying largely depends on the type of pests you are dealing with. It is essential to identify the specific insects that have infested your property and find the most effective method to eradicate them. General-purpose insecticides may not effectively eliminate every pest, so it is crucial to choose the appropriate products or seek professional advice.

Seasonal Pest Management

Insects have a tendency to be more active during certain seasons, and this can influence the frequency of spraying. For instance, spring and summer are prime seasons for a variety of bugs, including mosquitoes, flies, and ants. You may need to increase your spraying efforts during these times to keep their populations under control. Conversely, during colder months, some pests may become less active or retreat indoors, requiring less frequent treatments.

Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance is vital in keeping pests at bay. Besides spraying, you should take measures to prevent bugs from invading your space in the first place. This includes sealing cracks and gaps in windows, doors, and walls; keeping your living spaces clean and free of clutter; and properly storing food in airtight containers. By implementing these practices, you can minimize the need for constant spraying.

Monitoring and Assessing Infestations

One way to determine how often you need to spray for bugs is to monitor and assess infestations. Keep an eye out for signs of insect activity, such as seeing bugs or their droppings, noticing bites or rashes on your skin, or discovering damaged plants or structures. By spotting these indicators early on, you can act promptly and prevent a small problem from escalating into a major infestation.

Considering Environmental Factors

When deciding how often to spray for bugs, it is essential to consider the environmental impact. Insecticides, if used excessively, can harm beneficial insects, contaminate water sources, and have adverse effects on human health. In some cases, natural methods of pest control, such as beneficial insects, traps, and repellents, may be more environmentally friendly options and reduce the need for chemical sprays.

Consulting Pest Control Professionals

For complex pest issues or persistent infestations, it is advisable to consult pest control professionals. They have the expertise and knowledge to identify and treat specific insect problems. Professionals can recommend the most effective and safe treatments for your situation, as well as provide guidance on long-term prevention strategies.

Conclusion

While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to how often you need to spray for bugs, understanding the insect life cycle, identifying the targeted pests, and considering environmental factors are key in determining the optimal frequency of treatment. By adopting smart pest management practices and seeking professional guidance when necessary, you can effectively control bugs and enjoy a pest-free living space. Remember, prevention and regular maintenance are crucial in keeping these tiny intruders from taking over your home.

Got questions about a particular pest? Let us help! Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you!

Prevent Rodents from Ruining Your New Year with Pest Control in Bartlesville, OK

Writer |

What did Santa leave under your tree? Unless you were stuck with a lump of coal, you likely want to protect your new goodies from invading pests. As you finish up your holiday festivities, you probably have a lot of food in your garbage and stray fruitcake crumbs in your furniture. To keep pests at bay, use the following tips for pest control in Bartlesville, OK.

Protect Your Garbage from Pests

During the holidays, your trash cans may be extra appealing to animals. The scraps from your Christmas ham and the many New Year’s treats are very enticing to critters on the hunt for free garbage. Don’t start the new year off by getting animals in the habit of searching your driveway for goodies. Use these tips to keep them away from your trash cans:

Keep Your House Clean of Critters

All the extra food, guests and parties can leave your home set up as a smorgasbord for hungry critters. To avoid attracting pests, use the following tips for pest control in Bartlesville, OK:

Call the Pros

Sometimes, even the best home remedies for pest control in Bartlesville, OK are not enough. For reliable results to rid your home of pests, contact the experts. The professional technicians at Excellence Pest Control are equipped with industry-leading tools and techniques to ensure your home is pest-free for the new year. Reach out to our team today!

What Are Asian Lady Beetles, and Are They Actually Considered “Pests?”

Writer |

There were swarms of them. Little black, orange and red spots creating a moving blanket in the light of the setting sun over the west side of the house. There appeared to be more beetles than there was house! “I’ve never seen anything like it,” said the homeowner unable to look away from the sight. And we had to tell him that, in all our years of pest control in Bartlesville, OK, neither had we!

Although the example above is one of our more severe cases of an Asian lady beetle infestation, it certainly wasn’t the first. These ladybug-looking creatures have made pests of themselves all over Oklahoma and across other parts of the U.S. as well. Unlike the actual ladybug, which is a beneficial creature, the Asian lady beetle is a pest and an invasive species.

How did they get here?

Unlike most invasive species that are introduced to a new environment by mistake, the Asian lady beetles were brought to the U.S. on purpose. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) thought that, like the traditional ladybug, Asian lady beetles would help control agricultural pests. So, in the early 1900s, the USDA introduced the Asian beetles to 10 of the 50 states. However, it didn’t take long for scientists to see their mistake. The Asian lady beetle was nothing like our friendly little ladybug.

How pesky are they really?

Since their original introduction nearly 100 years ago, Asian lady beetles have made themselves right at home in the U.S. Not only has the population of Asian lady beetles grown out of proportion and spread across the country, but the negatives of this cousin to the ladybug have become painfully evident:

What can you do?

If you’re experiencing an infestation of Asian lady beetles in your home, it’s best to look for professional pest control in Bartlesville, OK to help. Attempting to deal with the problem yourself is almost always unsuccessful and you may end up with the added problem of bites and the nasty effects of the yellow, stinky fluid the bugs secrete. At Excellence Pest Control, we have experience dealing with these pesky infiltrators and can help rid your home of the infestation with minimal disturbance to your home or your family.