21Sep/17

How To Protect Your Home From Pests This Fall

With temperatures cooling down, and fall being just around the corner, pests are getting ready to make their way into your home. Here is how to prepare and avoid them becoming a real problem.

Stink Bugs

When the weather becomes cooler, stink bugs tend to gather on the outer walls of houses and look for a crack or a hole to get in for some warmth. Stink bugs can be green or brown, are quite big in size, and release a foul smell when swatted. This is mostly why we do not want them in our homes! They will stay hidden in a warm place for the whole summer and come back out during spring time. However, now is the time to protect your house.

Check the walls and windows for any small cracks and gaps the stink bugs could use to get in. Ventilation spots should also be checked and repaired, if necessary. If a stink bug colony is already present inside your home, it is best to call a pest control management professional for removal.

Rodents

In the fall, mice and rats are the most likely rodents to make their way inside, where plenty of food is available to them. They will cause problems by chewing on wires, damaging insulation, reproducing quickly and, most importantly, carrying diseases dangerous for you, your family and your pets.

Take advantage of the last days of summer to repair any holes in the walls they could use to enter the house. Check for any gaps or leaks in your ventilation system and chimneys. If you have pipe and tubes going directly into your house, install some metal rodent protection to prevent rats and mice to use them as an entry way. Do not forget to clean up your garden and eliminate all piles of leaves and clutter, as they are the perfect place for rodents to settle before they get inside.

Box Elder Bugs

Box elder bugs, also called maple bugs, hibernate during the cold season. At the beginning of the fall, they will be looking for a warm place to spend the winter. They prefer to be inside the house or on the outer walls, where the warmth can still be felt. Though the only concern to have about them is the stains they leave behind, it is still unpleasant to have them as housemates.

Chemical pest control and the removal of female box elder trees, where they breed, are the most effective ways to prevent them from staying in your house.

These are just a few tips you can implement to keep your house safe from pests this fall. If you need more advice or your situation requires professional assistance, contact us for information.

14Sep/17

Fall is coming… and so are spiders!

As the summer fades away, spiders are moving from the gardens to our houses. In Saskatchewan, 13 different types of spiders can be commonly found. Not all of them will make their way inside, however, and those who do are generally not dangerous to humans.

Nevertheless, spiders remain one of the most-feared pests out there, and most of us are determined to kill them as soon as we see one. With that in mind, what can you do to improve pest control of spiders in your home?

Forget about the pesticide barriers…

Spraying the doors and window frames with bug repellent is largely inefficient with spiders. They often have long legs that will prevent their bodies from touching the chemicals and their circulatory system is such that any substance sticking on their feet and legs will not be brought back up to the body. Unlike insects, spiders do not groom themselves, and will not ingest the poison either with the help of pest control Regina.

 … except on cracks and small holes

The only time pesticides can be effective with spiders is if it has been sprayed on a small crack in the wall, or a small hole that the spider goes in and out of. If the entrance is narrow enough, the body will have to touch the sprayed surface, and the chemicals will then be effective.

Control their feeding sources

Spiders mainly feed on insects. Their favorite spot to catch them is a place with a lot of light. The flying insect will not see the web because of the bright atmosphere and will get caught more easily for the spider to feast on.

As a logical consequence, if you want to avoid spiders setting up camp in your home, get rid of the other insects first. Your house will be much less attractive if they have to starve inside it!

Set up traps

Setting traps around your house is a good way to get rid of pests quickly and efficiently. A trap will often be a sticky board, or an open box with glue inside, set up in strategic areas where spiders like to go. There is no need to add a scent to these traps, as what will attract the spider the most is a bug stuck inside of it.

Thinking it has got a prey ready to be eaten, the spider will go onto the trap and get stuck on it. It is that simple! Dark and quiet areas, such as closets or behind furniture, are good places to set up traps.

If you need more advice on how to keep spiders out or would like to have your home inspected, contact us for assistance.

Premier Pest Control Management

09Sep/17

Welcome Fall and Welcome Box Elder Bugs!

You may be starting to notice an increase in the presence of Box Elder Bugs around your home as the temperatures begin to cool. These little guys can be a nuisance; however, they are totally harmless to you and your loved ones.

Characteristics

Box Elder’s are about ½ an inch long and are black with three red lines on their thorax, a red line along each side of their body and a red line on each wing. Their wings lie flat on their back at rest.

A Box Elder’s eggs are a rusty red colour and are very uncommon to see. Most often eggs are deposited on boxelder trees. Young nymphs are red and grey and the transition from nymph to adult is a gradual one.

Concerns

It is common to see an influx of Box Elder bugs in the autumn as the weather starts to cool. They gather on the warm outside walls of homes and sometimes find their way indoors in search of a warm place to stay for the winter.

Box Elder Bug’s access buildings through cracks or other openings and remain in the wall cavities. One great thing about these pests is, while they do tend to be everywhere in the fall, they will not breed indoors leaving you with an infestation.

These little nuisances’ also cause no structural damage. Fortunately, the only real cause for concern with a Box Elder Bug is that they can “spot” furnishings with their droppings. They do not bite, or eat anything inside your home leaving your and your family safe from bug bites and harm.

Prevention and Control

The most effective way to avoid a presence of Box Elder Bugs is to remove any near by female boxelder trees. Chemical control can also be used and is best when you spray nymphs on the host trees before the adults have had a chance to migrate. Typically, power spray equipment is needed so it’s always recommended to contact your local pest management company.

Summer and Fall

Once Box Elder’s have moved into any cavities or cracks around your home, there is not much you can do to get rid of them. Control or exclusion are your best options at this time of the year. Removing box elder trees in the area will also prevent further breeding. Caulking windows and doors, and repairing screens and windows will keep the indoors pest free as they look for a warmer climate.

Winter and Spring

When the bugs decide to leave your home, some of them may attempt to join your warm indoor atmosphere. If you notice the presence of any Box Elder’s indoors, be sure to vacuum them up to avoid squishing them and staining walls or fabric.

If a small problem is now becoming a large one, contact Premier Pest Management for assistance in solving your pest control problem.

01Sep/17
keep pests away, pest control Canada, pest control Regina, pest management, pest problem, regina

The Top 5 Pest Control Myths Debunked

In Premier Pest Management’s experience, we’ve seen and heard a ton of myths from old wives tales, DIY methods and everything in between. We’re here to put these myths to rest and give you the insider scoop on pest control.

Myth #1: DIY Pest control works as well as professional pest control

Not all pest control is created equal, period. DIY methods are great for getting rid of a spider or moth in your home, so go for it. For serious infestations, you need a strong pest management protocol to take care of your needs. In cases such as these, it’s important to note that DIY pest control can actually make infestations worse.

Myth #2: Bed bugs only live in dirty homes.

Myth #2 couldn’t be further from the truth. These little pests can be found everywhere, and we mean everywhere. From the grungiest hotel rooms to the most expensive and executive style homes. Bed bugs are not drawn to dirt, grime or garbage which is why their favourite places to take up residence spans such a wide scope of locations. They’re really only attracted to blood, meaning you, so will follow humans anywhere they go. Bed bugs don’t mind if your place is sparkling clean or overflowing with trash, they will take up residence.

Myth #3: Rodents don’t cause any harm.

Many individuals believe rodents don’t pose any serious risk to humans which is 100% wrong. These guys are dangerous critters, that can cause a ton of problems for you, your family and your home. Rats and mice both have characteristically sharp teeth, enabling them to chew anything they can get access to. Electrical cables are a favourite for mice and rats, and their chewing on them can lead to an increased risk of fires. These issues are only just the beginning, as they also carry a long list of parasites, bacteria, and viruses that can jeopardize you and your loved ones.

Myth #4: I don’t need a professional unless the problem is serious.

Thinking that a pest problem will disappear on its own is one of the worst mistakes you can make. Sighting a mouse, a bed bug or a cockroach, doesn’t seem like a big deal, right? Wrong! By the time you notice the first signs of an unwanted guest, there is a good chance you’ve already got an invasion of intruders. To avoid an out of control infestation, give us a call at the first sign of even the slightest pest problem.

Myth #5: Professional pest control treatments are dangerous.

Years ago, pest companies used harsh chemicals to get rid of critters just like many other industries. Much like anything else, as the research and knowledge grew for the side effects of these chemicals pest management companies have adapted to come up with safe, and effective options. Premier Pest Management provides these effective and safe options to protect your family.

When it comes to pest control, it pays to get your facts straight. Premier Pest Management is here to help the Regina area with their pest management needs.

26Aug/17

5 Common House Pests That Can Negatively Affect Your Health

House pests are more than just little critters that are a nuisance. Many of these guys can cause serious health problems for you and your family. Take note of these 5 common house pests to protect you and your loved ones.

Mice

Mice are common pests in most rural areas and even some urban ones. The cute faces on these little guys makes them seem less harmless than they really are. Mice love to look for food and will search high and low in your house for a bite to eat. Even if they are unable to find a found source, they will still leave behind a huge mess. They constantly dribble urine, leaving every surface they meet contaminated. Mice commonly carry salmonella and meningitis, both of which can have a significant impact on your health. To make matters worse, the urine dries extremely quick, becoming invisible and opening you up to disease, without you even knowing it.

Cockroaches

Roaches are some of the grossest looking pests around. Although their appearance is abhorrent, their health risks are even worse. Roaches live and thrive in sewer environments, only coming into homes in search of food and warmth. While they roam around your home, they contaminate your countertops and cupboards with bacteria, parasites and pathogens. The lovely treasures they carry with them pose a significant risk to you and your loved ones. The worst part about roaches is that they do not even need to contaminate a surface to harm you, their presence alone does that. Droppings, urine, decaying bodies and shed skin break down to become airborne particles in your home. These particles are especially dangerous to individuals with asthma or other lung problems.

Bed Bugs

Remember the age old saying, “Good night, sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite.”? Turns out it’s true. Bed bug bites can cause rashes, scars and lesions but fortunately they are not carriers of harmful diseases or parasites. While these little critters pose less physical health issues, the mental health issues they can cause are significant. Because an infestation is very hard to get rid of and takes an extended period of time, individuals can be sharing their bed with these guys for awhile. People who have suffered through a bedbug infestation have been shown to suffer from anxiety, stress, sleep deprivation and even depression.

Fleas

These critters make up for their lack of flight with extremely powerful legs and can jump onto your pets without anyone’s knowledge. Fleas are blood drinkers and will attach themselves to anything living including you. Their bites can cause allergic reactions of varying degrees depending on the individual who has been bit. The biggest health threat caused by fleas is, when accidentally swallowed, they can grow in your digestive system as a tapeworm. Tapeworms are parasitic worms that live in the intestines, munch on your food and can grow to upwards of 50 (yes 50!) feet long. This rare problem can be very serious for both humans and pets.

Rats

As one of the most dangerous pests out there, rats carry some of the most serious transmittable diseases on the plant. They have powerful teeth and can chew their way through pretty much anything easily reaching food and water supplies resulting in contamination. Their fecal matter and urine can also spread many diseases such as leptospirosis. Much like cockroaches, you do not even have to be exposed to their contamination to be affected; inhaling their evaporating and decaying waste is enough to make you ill. These critters are on the larger end of the pest spectrum and are significantly more aggressive. They are more likely to bite and scratch humans which could result in other infections including rat-bite fever.

When you encounter any of these pests be sure to take all precautionary measures and call Premier Pest Management to effectively handle the situation from the start.

18Aug/17

Say Goodbye to Pantry Pests-For Good!

Pests love to gather around your goodies stored in cabinets and pantries. They can quickly become a hassle for homeowners and can get out of hand if not properly taken care of. A variety of critters are known to inhabit the pantries of unknowing individuals including beetles, ants, earwigs, and weevils. To avoid finding these critters in your kitchen be sure to take note of these points.

Pantry pests commonly infest baking ingredients such as flour, dried fruit, nuts, chocolate and more. Even your sealed goods aren’t necessarily safe from pests. Cake mixes, macaroni, cookies, seeds and dog food are all attractive to these common pests, regardless of their packaging.

Before you get ready for your next big baking session or before you feed the dog, be sure to check for the presence of pests in each of these items.

To protect your food items from being overrun by pests:

Purchase proper storage containers.

Tupperware type containers are your best bet for keeping pests out of your food. Tupperware is great for keeping your pantry looking nice and tidy, and pests cannot get into them. Anything made of plastic or glass will work, as long as the lids fit tight.

Use bay leaves.

Bay leaves are a natural pest deterrent. Add one to your canister or package of dry goods to keep the pests at bay.

Inspect your groceries before putting them away.

Most pantry pests make their way into your home from items that are already infested. Foods in paper or plastic bags and cardboard boxes are all guilty culprits of transporting pests straight into your home. Examine each package you pick up for any signs of damage. If there is even the slightest dent or ding in the item, do not purchase it. For items you already have in your home, inspect and sift through ingredients to be sure they are pest free after sitting in your pantry.

Check the dates.

Check expiration dates on all ingredients before use, just like any fresh food items. Do your due diligence and toss anything that has been stored for a long period of time periodically.

Keep a clean and tidy pantry and kitchen.

Avoid letting spills sit for long periods of time. Wipe up any crumbs or spills from countertops, tables, floors, and shelves to avoid attracting any pests to your space. Taking the garbage out regularly can also assist in discouraging any pests to take up residence in your home. Periodically empty your cupboards and clean them with warm soapy water to get rid of any bugs that may be lurking inside.

If you find pantry pests in your kitchen, throw away any contaminated foods and place in your outdoor trash can immediately. Then vacuum your shelves in your cupboards and wipe down all surfaces. If you see more than a few pantry pests, give us a call for to book your pest assessment today!

27Jul/17

DIY Pest Control- Is it really your best option?

Pests are very common problems for homeowners, no matter where you live. While some pests pose no serious threat besides being a nuisance, some can put you and your family at a serious risk for health concerns. There are a large variety of DIY solutions for common pest problems, however, they are not always your best bet.

Here’s why:

The Cost

DIY pest control is regularly thought of as the cheaper option for control. Homeowners are always looking for ways to save money so, while these options can be cheaper in the short term, the long term is a different story. DIY options are not as effective as professional grade treatments so you will likely be calling a pest control company anyways. Cheaper treatments can also make you vulnerable to pest infestations which are even more expensive and hard to get rid of than dealing with a smaller quantity of pests from the get go.

Small Problems Become Big Quickly

When you tackle a pest problem with the DIY route, it may seem like a small issue. It’s important to remember that if you see one pest there is a good chance there are many others present that you cannot see. Professional pest management companies have different tools we use to determine the severity of the problem and treat it in its entirety the first time. If you go the DIY route, you may only be treating the surface of the problem and have no way of knowing how much more severe it truly is. A small pest problem can turn into an infestation quickly and cost a lot more to clear up.

Increased Risk

Using chemicals is part of DIY pest control and not one that should be taken lightly. If you are inexperienced in handling chemicals you can expose yourself, your loved ones or your pets to them in an unsafe manner. Chemicals need to be properly executed and handled to be effective. Also, it’s possible to use the wrong product and have your pest control method completely backfire. As an example, if you are trying to rid your yard of wasps and use the wrong product you can end up attracting them. Obtaining the help of a professional is always a good idea.

Premier Pest Management has a large variety of customized options available to homeowners to stay protected during all seasons of the year. Contact us today for your pest control solution.

21Jul/17

The Ants Go Marching One by One

We love summertime and the sunshine over here at Premier Pest Management. Do you know what we don’t like? Ants! These little guys love to hang out and make themselves welcome indoors but there are a few things you can do to defer them.

Use Caulking

Seal your windows, doors, and cracks with caulking. Ants can come through even the smallest holes in your foundation or doors. On top of deterring ants from entering your home, you’ll save money on your energy bills and have better temperature control in your homes. If you have kids or pets, caulking is a safe way to protect your home from ants as well.

Vinegar

Clean surfaces in your home with a half vinegar and half water solution. Ants hate the smell of vinegar and it removes the scent trails ants use to get around. On top of that is an environmentally friendly cleaning options and it’s affordable.

Lemon Juice

Like vinegar, lemon juice destroys scent trails that ants follow. Spray lemon juice around the places you think ants are using for entryways as an uninviting welcome.

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil is an excellent deterrent for ants. Clean your surfaces well and wipe them down with a clean damp cloth with a few drops of peppermint oil on it. Ants despise the smell of the oil and it’s safe for both pets and children.

Spices and Herbs

Sprinkle black pepper, cayenne pepper, chili pepper, cinnamon, mint, cloves or garlic along the foundation of your home to keep the ants away. They do not like the smell of any of these spices and refuse to enter your home if they are present.

Coffee Grounds

Reuse your used coffee grounds in the garden and around your homes exterior to discourage ants from hanging around. If you can find their entrance to your home be sure to put some of the grounds there. Ants dislike the smell of coffee so will pick up and leave quickly.

Chalk and Baby Powder

Draw a line of chalk or sprinkle baby powder across the spot where ants have made an entrance to your home. Talcum powder is a natural ant repellent and luckily is included in both items.

Cucumber or Citrus Peels

Cucumber and citrus peels are toxic to the fungi that ants feed on so they refuse to go near them. Leave the peels in areas where you notice ant activity.

Dish Soap

A thin line of dish soap around baseboards, windows, doors and anywhere else ants gather in your home can be helpful to discourage them from entering. Try pouring dish soap directly on any ant hills to take out the enter colony as well.

Do you have any other tricks you use to keep the ants at bay? We’d love to hear them!

07Jul/17

Who bit me? Identify your bug bites now!

It can be difficult to distinguish between different types of bug bites. Peek below to learn the identifying characteristics of following insect bites.

Mosquito Bites

Summer is the season for mosquitoes. These tiny members of the fly family can put a real damper on your outdoor activities. Mosquitoes live in grass and bushes and typically breed in standing water. Only female mosquitos bite leaving behind an itchy welt. These welts become red, hard and swollen almost immediately and receiving multiple bites around the same time is very likely. The biggest threat with mosquitos is that they can spread diseases between animals and humans and from one human to another. Protect yourself by removing standing water near your home, maintaining your landscape regularly, installing screens in your windows and using insect repellent outdoors.

Bed Bug Bites

Bed bugs can be anywhere. They get into your bed, furniture, carpets and more. They are excellent travelers and can be picked up in hotels, hospitals, places of business and more. Bed bugs are small, flat and oval shaped. They are most active at night and commonly bite areas of your body that are exposed when you’re sleeping such as your face, arms, legs, and hands. Typically, bites have a dark red center surrounded by a swollen and red area. They can be in a line or grouped together in a small area. Bed bug bites are incredibly itchy and you may notice a slight burning sensation at the bite site. Unlike some of their insect buddies, bed bugs do not transmit any other diseases. If you suspect you have been bitten by bed bugs, its important to contact us right away to avoid an infestation.

Tick Bites

Ticks have arrived here in Saskatchewan and pose a potentially serious threat to our health. They live in grass, trees, shrubs and leaf piles and are attracted to both people and animals. Ticks can move from pets to humans and vice versa. Most bites are harmless; however, some ticks can pass serious diseases, including Lyme Disease, on to you. These blood suckers are quite small and brown to reddish brown and black in color. Ticks prefer warm, moist areas of the body and tend to take up residence in your armpits, groin area, and hair. When they get comfortable they bite to begin drawing blood. Ticks remain attached to your body after they bite you, which makes it easier to identify their bite. With a bite, you generally notice no symptoms, however, some people may experience pain, swelling, a rash, a burning sensation, blisters or difficulty breathing.

These common pests do not need to ruin your day. Protect yourself from insect bites and always treat your symptoms accordingly or see your health care provider for more serious cases.

 

29Jun/17

Pests and The Weather: What does it mean for you?

 

With the recent flooding in parts of Saskatchewan, it seemed like an ideal time to share a little more about how the weather affects pest populations. We’ve seen droughts, rain, snow, flooding, and everything in between here in our province and each of these different kinds of weather can have a profound impact on our pest population and you.

Rainy or Wet Weather

When the weather is wet, pests are more likely to make their way into your home. Ants, cockroaches, spiders, stinging insects, crickets, ladybugs, and rodents are all less than fond of the wet weather and will do anything to avoid it. Be sure to keep all your doors and windows sealed and check for foundation cracks regularly. Take note that warm, moist weather encourages pest population growth leaving you with more pests to deal with as they reproduce.

Flooding

When flooding occurs, insects will be looking for high, dry ground. Insects, including ants, can move an entire colony on a moments notice right into your home. Standing water is also the ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes as they lay their eggs in it and their larvae grow there. When there has been a lot of flooding, expect to stock up on insect repellent. For your best protection, remove standing water and protect your home as much as possible to avoid infestation.

Hot and Dry Weather

When it’s dry, even the pests go looking for water. If you have standing water or wet areas around your home you will see a parade of pests moving in. Earwigs, spiders, millipedes, centipedes, and crickets are all intolerant of the hot, dry weather and would love to move into your home to avoid the heat.

Drought

The only good thing about a drought is that the number of pests is greatly decreased. Because of limited food and water supplies, pests cannot survive leaving smaller numbers to try and invade your space. Some uncommonly seen pests may appear on their search for food and water but all in all pest populations will be less of a hassle during a drought.

Cool Weather

As the temperatures drop, pests will be drawn to the warmth from inside your home. You may notice them hanging out on the side of your home or building with the most sunshine but as the weather cools they will be looking for a way inside. Ladybugs, flies, and maple bugs all loathe the cool weather so keep a close eye on them.

With Saskatchewan’s wide variety of climates, we can see many different weather conditions from day to day. Awareness is your best defense against a pest infestation. Keep your home, family and business safe from these pests regardless of the weather by giving Premier Pest Management a call.