May 25, 2023
Keep Your Furry Friends Safe
As pet owners, we love our furry friends and want them to enjoy the great outdoors just as much as we do. Here are some common backyard pests to be aware of and how to keep your pets safe.
Ticks
Ticks are a common pest in Missouri and can be found in grassy or wooded areas. They can latch onto our pets and transmit diseases. It is important for pet owners to regularly check their pets for ticks, especially after spending time outdoors. There are also preventative measures that can be taken, such as tick collars or tick medication prescribed by a veterinarian.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are another common backyard pest that can pose a threat to our pets. They can transmit heart-worm disease, a potentially fatal condition for dogs and cats. It is important for pet owners to take preventative measures, such as adding the mosquito protection add-on to your InsectaShield® residential service package so you don’t have to worry about smelly sprays or candles to enjoy an evening in your backyard with your pets.
Fleas
Fleas are a nuisance for both pets and their owners. They can cause itching and discomfort, and can also transmit diseases such as tapeworms. It is important for pet owners to regularly check their pets for fleas and take preventative measures with proper medication prescribed by a veterinarian.
As pet owners, it is important for us to be aware of the potential risks that backyard pests can pose to our furry friends. Protect your pets by using preventative measures such as contacting Bug Zero about backyard suppression pest control services.
Apr 11, 2023
Subterranean Termites in Your Home
Termites are likely to flourish in the warm spring weather. As we enjoy the weather changes, it is important to be wary of termite swarms or infestations. While there are different species of termites, subterranean termites will be the culprit of termite issues in our region.
Once the termites have infiltrated your home, the colony can chew through your floors, walls, and carpeting 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
These fast workers chew around the clock, so it is very important to check your home to catch these critters as fast as possible. Below you can find more information on subterranean termites, where to check your home for them, and what actions to take if you find an infestation.
Determining if You Have Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites live in underground colonies and make their mark by feeding on wood and other cellulose materials such as wallpaper, books, and insulation.
They are social insects that live in colonies and build tunnels and mud tubes to connect the colony to its food source – YOUR HOME! These termite species are one of the most destructive, causing billions of dollars in damage to homes and structures each year.
Soldier termites are responsible for defending the colony from predators, while reproductives (also known as swarmers) are responsible for starting new colonies. Once the termite colony is inside your home it can cause significant damage.
How To Find Subterranean Termite Colonies
Subterranean termites can be hard to uncover since they live underground and build their colonies out of sight. These sneaky pests enter homes and other structures through wood that is in contact with the soil or through cracks and gaps in the foundation, doing damage from the inside out.
Here are some areas to check for the presence of subterranean termites:
- Basement/Crawl Space: Check for termite activity in the basement or crawl space. Check for mud tubes, wood damage, or discarded wings.
- Wood Structures: Inspect any wooden structures in your yard, such as fences, decks, or sheds.
- Trees and stumps: Subterranean termites can also infest your yard in trees and stumps.
- Attic: Check the attic for signs of termite activity, such as discarded wings or mud tubes. Although subterranean termites typically do not infest attics, they can enter through cracks in the roof.
- Foundation: Check for any entry points where termites could get into your home. Also, look for mud tubes along the foundation walls. These tubes are built by termites as a way to travel between their colony and their food source (i.e. – YOUR WALLS).
Actions You Need to Take
It’s important to take preventative measures to protect your home from these home-wrecking pests. However, if you find termites in your home or property, it’s important to take immediate action to prevent further damage. Here are some steps you can take:
- Identify the extent of the infestation: Check all areas of your home, including the foundation, basement, and attic for signs of termite damage or activity.
- Determine the best treatment option: Depending on the severity of the infestation, the pest control company may recommend a variety of treatment options.
- Repair any termite damage: Repair any damage termites may have caused, including replacing damaged wood or drywall.
- Take steps to prevent future infestations: To prevent future termite infestations, get started with Bug Zero’s InsectaShield® protection plan today.
- Contact a professional pest control company: A professional pest control specialist can assess the situation, recommend a treatment plan, and provide ongoing monitoring and prevention.
Remember, the quicker you identify and address a termite infestation, the easier and less expensive it will be to eliminate the problem and prevent further damage. Reach out to your local pest control company and book an appointment with a specialist.
Check to ensure they are certified and licensed to treat termites. Call Bug Zero to ensure your pest issues are taken care of promptly and effectively to get your home back on track.
Feb 7, 2023
Bug Zero Traveling Tips
With lots of traveling in the winter holidays, there is a more significant chance of catching bed bugs. Bed bugs are some of the most infectious and hard-to-get-rid-of pests that can go undetected for a while. Once you notice them or their symptoms, it is too late and you are dealing with an infestation. Traveling is one of the most likely ways to come across these critters.
Pre-packing Tips
When selecting your suitcase, choose one with little to no folds and pockets. It is best to select a hard-cover suitcase with one zipper to deter anything from getting in. This type of luggage will deter bed bugs from jumping into your belongings before you have a chance to notice them.
Before Unpacking Your Luggage
People have a tendency to place their luggage on the floor or the bed to unzip it. The luggage rack is a great alternative when you first arrive to be sure no bed bugs infest your luggage.
This also includes purses and any other bags that a beg bug might slip into. Keeping your luggage off the ground and beds will deter bed bugs from getting into your things before you have a chance to notice them.
Where To Check
The mattress is one of the first places to look. Make sure to pull back the sheets and check the mattress thoroughly and the box spring. The furniture is the next place to inspect.
Pull up all cushions of couches and chairs that might be in your room. Bed bugs also hide in some bizarre places like the back of picture frames and electrical outlets. Check even in the places they might not be in, just to be sure.
If You Suspect Bed Bugs
If you are at all suspicious of bed bugs, go directly to the hotel office and request a change of rooms. It is way better to be safe than sorry.
Bed Bugs are incredibly hard to get rid of so it really is important to request a different room if you see one. Pick up all your things as quickly as possible and get out.
Back Home
When you arrive back home, it is imperative to inspect all of your luggage to be sure nothing traveled home with you. It is possible not to know when you bring bed bugs into your home through your luggage and bags. If you spot one, immediately call your local pest control company. Bug Zero is certified and licensed to remove bed bugs quickly and efficiently, but it is important to act fast.
