Termites do over $1.5 billion worth of damage to homes in the US each and every year.  Termites treatment and control is absolutely crucial in maintaining a safe and sound home.  However, the damage termites do is difficult to spot and many homeowners don’t know what it is when they first see it.

Not identifying the damage at the first signs often means termites treatment is delayed until the damage is extensive and expensive to repair.  Learn how to sport the subtle signs of termite damage before you have a serious problem on your hands.

Attractions
The two things that attract termites the most are wood and moisture.  If your home has both, it might be a termite magnet.  Any point that wood contacts the soil is a potential starting point for termites.

Even if your home is constructed of stone or wood, you aren’t in the clear.  You still have large amounts of wood in the structure support system.

Damages
Termites are excellent covert operators.  Much of the damage they do is located in places the average homeowner does not typically see in his day to day life: inside walls, in crawl spaces and at ground level.  You have to look to find it.

Unlike carpenter ants, who are often found inside the tunnels they construct inside wood, termites actually live in the ground.  They feed on wood and return to their nest in the soil.  In addition, they feed from the inside of the wood to the outside, so the damage is nearly complete by the time you see it.

Identification
In order to see termite damage, you might have to do some crawling.  Look at ground level for the mud tubes termites construct to protect themselves as they travel from nest to feeding site.  You can also look for the wings that are shed after termites swarm.  Wood that has been damaged will sound hollow when you tap it.

If you see any of the signs of termite damage, don’t hesitate to call a qualified, professional exterminator.  He can inspect your home and tell you what damage has already been done.  He can also make recommendations on treatment options.

Early identification and fast treatment of termite infestation are important to a successful result.  Learn the signs so you can quickly identify an issue before it become a serious problem.  Termites can seriously compromise the structural integrity of a home so be sure to do your own inspections regularly in addition to keeping your pest control services appointments.

If you think you have a termite problem in your home, contact Hopper Environmental Services today for a thorough termite inspection.

Warm weather starts early and stays late in the southern states.  This combination can create the perfect breeding ground for many common pests.  Don’t let these household annoyances ruin your summer.  Put an effective pest control management plan into action early, before bugs become a problem.

There are a few types of insects that seem to go hand in hand with summer like flies, mosquitos, ticks and a few species of ants.  Besides having regular treatments from a qualified pest exterminator, here are a few ways you can control the backyard nuisances.

Ants
Ant hills are unsightly and their bites can be painful or even cause a serious allergic reaction.  There are a few types of ants that may become problematic pests.

• Sugar Ants
• Carpenter Ants
• Fire Ants

Sugar ants (Odorous House Ants) are pretty harmless, as ants go.  They don’t typically deliver a stinging bite or destroy wood like their cousins.  However, if you see one then many more will soon follow.  Small and brown or black, they march long lines to any food source like a pet’s food bowl or dropped candy.  They are nature’s clean-up crew but can also foul your food stores.

Carpenter ants are much larger and more destructive.  The tunnel through wood, especially damp wood like the spot where your deck meets the earth.  They can reduce a once-strong timber to a rotting husk in only a season or so.

Fire ants will attack en mass with many painful stings if they feel threatened.  Their venom usually just hurts but it can also cause allergic reactions ranging from an itchy rash to anaphylactic shock or even death.

Control ants with baits and visits from a professional exterminator.  Eliminate standing water and any food sources.  Caulk foundation cracks and replace worn weather stripping around doors.

Flies
Flies walk and lay their eggs on manure so you surely don’t want them landing on your counters or food.  Check your window screens for holes and make sure your windows doors have good weather stripping.

Outside, store your household trash in a tightly lidded waste container.  Keep animal waste to a minimum by frequently policing the yard.

Mosquitos
Mosquitos can carry diseases that affect pets and people in addition to delivering an itchy bite.  They can make an outdoor gathering miserable.  The hot, damp conditions often found in the southern US are an ideal breeding ground for these pesky bugs.

Eliminating standing water is the key to curbing the mosquito population on your property.  This is where they breed and develop.  Dump out anything that holds even a few ounces of water for more than a day after a rain.  Turn containers upside down and don’t let tires or other water-holding objects accumulate.  A pest control agent can help reduce the number of mosquitos already hatched and feeding in your yard.

Ticks
Ticks are another disease-bearing bug.  They can affect you, your family and your pets alike.  They can transmit Lyme disease to humans, which can have long-lasting symptoms and few treatment options.

Control ticks by keeping grass mowed and shrubby areas trimmed back.  A neatly cut yard isn’t very inviting for ticks.  Check your pets each time they come in from outside and don’t forget to search your children, too.  If you’ve been in the woods, have someone give you a good search as well.

Remove ticks with pointed tweezers, gently pulling straight up.  Never squeeze or smash an attached tick.  Whatever is in them will be shot directly into the host.

Take some time to consult with a qualified pest exterminator at Hopper Environmental Services about summer pest control and lawn care.  He can help you cut back on bothersome bugs so your summer will be much more enjoyable.

The weather can play a big part in our lives.  A warm, sunny day can make you want to head outside and be active.  A heavy rain can ruin your plans and a big snowstorm might leave you wishing you could crawl back into bed.  The weather plays just as big a role, if not even bigger, in the lives and activities of pests.

Pest control is often dictated by the weather and the seasons.  An exterminator wouldn’t use a liquid termite control product on a rainy day, for example.  The weather plays a prominent part is what control methods are used at any given time.  Following is a little more information on what you can expect regarding pest activity and control during certain types of weather.

Rainy Weather
Rainy weather often signals an increase in pest activity.  Rain will force many pests to take cover.  Some will seek shelter in or under your home as they seek out drier ground and more food resources.

Moisture also promotes the reproductive cycle of many pests so you can expect to see an increase in the population of many common pests during a wet season, especially if it is also warm.  Ants, in particular, will have a population boom during a warm, wet period.

Be sure to eliminate standing water around your home, like in crawl spaces or in the yard.  These are great places for mosquitos and other pest to breed and drink.

Dry Weather
Like wet weather, dry weather can push pests inside your home.  They will begin to forage for food and especially water, making your home look like a haven.  Spiders, crickets and pillbugs will be some of the first culprits to invade your home.

Find a good handyman to install weather stripping so bugs can’t slip under doors or window sills.

Cold Weather
Cold weather is usually when you get a break from insects.  Most are either killed off by a hard frost or go into a dormant state.  However, pest control doesn’t take a break just because the temperatures have dropped.

This is the prime season for mice, rats and other rodents.  A warm, cozy house is just what they’re looking for in a nesting site.  Before the weather gets chilly, have your handyman install screens on attic vents and check the eaves for points of access.  This should keep rodents outside where they belong.

Watching the forecast will help you figure out how to implement your personal pest control plan.

Termites are one of the most costly pests you can find in your home. Unlike roaches, termites tend to be stealthy invaders that some homeowners don’t find until a full infestation is already at hand.

If you have wood structures on your property, it is extremely important that you check them on a regular basis for a sign of termites. Look for mud tubes and for shed wings that termites leave behind as they mature.

 

Any wooden part of your home that touches soil is at risk. Even if you home is made from brick, stone or some other non-wood material, there may be inside supports that are made from wood. Termites can burrow under your home, find exposed wood and begin to cause real damage to the safety of your home and your family. If a neighbor or someone in your immediate area has an issue, your home may be at risk.

According to industry estimates, termites are responsible for over $1.5 billion in damage to homes and businesses every year. Many of the worst issues aren’t known by the home owner until severe damage is already done. Your local termite control expert can conduct a home inspection that could literally be the difference between saving your home or not.

Hopper Environmental Services also offers Termites pest control Savings Plans that provide ongoing protection for you and your home over the long term. When battling the scourge known as termites, one of the most difficult battles you’ll face is the one for peace of mind. Sleep well at night knowing your home is in the professional hands of Hopper Environmental Services.

As countries around the world battle to control health care costs, one truth has emerged that is inarguable: cities and states can keep costs down by focusing more on preventative care than simply on treating patients once they become sick. The same can be said for pest control.

Preventing termite and other pest infestations is cheaper, smarter and a greener way to defeat these costly pests. Not only are preventative measures less evasive, they are pet and family friendly. If you’ve never had a problem with pests, don’t wait until your I-Beams are falling down around your eyes. Contact a Mountain Home green pest control company such as Hopper Environmental Services for an evaluation and chalk one up for Mother Earth.

So, what does green preventative care actually mean? A pest control expert from Hopper will visit your property and suggest simple, non-toxic preventative steps you can take to help keep your home safe from pests. Is there a sanitation issue on your property or possibly nearby? Learn how to remedy the problem so bugs stop making the trip from waste to your property. Your property can also be adequately evaluated to see if you are a candidate for traps or other mechanical devices designed to eliminate pests. Most traps are chemical and spray free and can be a great way to eliminate pests naturally.

Clutter is a huge problem when it comes to hiding pests on or near your property. Did you mulch a tree or a stump recently but not haul away the debris? Do you leave your lawn cuttings out or do you rake them up? These clumps can be a busy hive for pests of all kinds, so removing them is key, and completely green.

The use of enzymes in pest control is a growing, and completely green, solution that may work for your property. Enzymes harness the power of nature to eliminate pests before they have the chance to take hold in your home. Chemical-free and harmless to pets and children, enzymes are the future of pest control, and that future is now!

As you can see, green pest control isn’t just a marketing slogan anymore. It is a logical, preventative and completely natural approach to keeping your home and your family safe from pests. Your home may be the biggest financial investment of your life. Protect it like you should with green pest control preventative care from Hopper Environmental Services. The cost of doing nothing can be too much to even imagine.

One argument you always hear from renters is that when something needs to be fixed, they simply make a phone call, the landlord or a handyman shows up, and the issue is resolved. If you own your own home, you may not have a handyman or handyman service on speed dial, but the folks at Hopper Environmental Services are aiming to change that, and it may not be for the reasons you think.

Proper home care can significantly reduce the number of ways in which pests can enter your home. Reduce access and you’ll reduce the number of pest related headaches you get each year.

What sort of work can a handyman do to reduce the chances of pests entering your home? First off, seals from around your home should be checked and repaired if loose. This goes for screens, hinges on doors, caulking in and around windows and around vents, replacing old weather stripping and more. Not only will you save a bundle in heating costs, your home will be dryer, safer and more resistant to visitors you don’t want marching up and down your hallways. Handyman services from Hopper Environmental include a lot more than just fixing seals.

Big jobs like drywall repair and replacement and even ramp construction for wheelchairs can be done in a jiffy. If you have drywall issues and wood framing from your home is exposed to the elements, you not only run the risk of causing real damage to the longevity of your home, you risk termite infestation, as well. Damage from termites and other pests can be extremely costly. The best way to prevent these issues is to cut off access. A secure home is a safe home.

Having trouble getting those gutters cleaned out? They may be hiding more than just last fall’s leaves. Moist, rain-filled pockets can be rife with breeding insects that bother you every time you step outside. If left unattended, the breeding can create millions of insects that get into your home and the homes of your neighbors. With handyman services from Hopper Environmental Services, you can solve these issues before they have a chance to take hold.

They key to keeping a pest free home is to practice proper preventative care. With Mountain Home handyman services from Hopper Environmental Services you can keep your home neat and clean and push back against the tide of bugs, pests and other undesirables in your neck of the woods.

As temperatures begin to climb and the iron-like grip of Old Man Winter begins to recede, another fly and mosquito season is almost upon us. If you have a front and back lawn at home, you know firsthand how difficult it can be to go around and ensure that there is no standing water anywhere harbouring a growing colony of flies. If your workplace is a factor or other large property, the idea of mosquito-proofing every nook and cranny can be overwhelming. Thankfully, Hopper Environmental Services has a proven, integrated approach to fly management for business that works for both small and large companies.

When it comes to pulling the wings off of your fly problem, the first step is controlling breeding areas. Pools of standing water, both small and large, are a primary source of trouble, but so are piles of garbage, waste and lawn clippings. Proper sanitation of your work property is key, and Hopper Environmental Services can help you clean up your area and hit flies and mosquitoes where they live.

Your property will also need a complete inspection to locate any cracks, crevices, exposed pipes and other hard-to-find areas where insect breeding is common. Fruit flies and other types of insects can breed in drain pipes, so treatments are going to have to be administered in very specific areas; areas that only a veteran inspector will be able to find. Don’t trust the health of your workplace to just anyone.

Once the obvious breeding areas have been eliminated, proper measures will need to be put in place to ensure that the cycle doesn’t just start again. Seals across your work property will need to be checked, vents repaired, drains cleaned and screens installed where necessary. Pests like mosquitoes and black flies can be a real pain, as well as a common disease spreader. Stand up and take your workplace back with a little help from Hopper Environmental Services.

Hopper can also help you control your business fly issues with mechanical and product control services. Devices like traps, sprays and other solutions can be used to eliminate pests before they have a chance to reproduce.

Pest control doesn’t have to be an overwhelming job, contact a Mountain Home pest control company such the pros at Hopper Environmental Services today to schedule an inspection. The health of your workforce and of the community at large depends on you and your pest control choices. An integrated plan from Hopper takes the sting out of fly and mosquito issues for good.

There are very few feelings as unnerving as seeing a plump bed bug crawl over your bed sheets first thing in the morning. If you’ve never had the extreme displeasure, the realization, followed by the revulsion, is a unique sensation to say the least. The first phrase often out of the mouth of folks is, “How do you get bed bugs?” In almost all cases, bed bugs are brought in from out of the home. Considering the fact that bed bugs only need to feed once a month, they have plenty of time to search for a nice, warm place to call home.

While it is possible that bed bugs, or bed bug eggs, can be tracked into your home from the bottom of your shoe, or from Fido’s coat, the most common source of these pests is hotel rooms. Bed bugs don’t discriminate on the basis of TripAdvisor star ratings. From the Four Seasons to your local Motel 6, bed bugs have become a multi-million dollar problem. Port cities, those cities that receive a steady influx of international travelers, tend to be the worst. New York, San Francisco, Washington DC, Vancouver and Toronto are considered North American hot spots. Since most of us would rather die than not travel, here are a few common sense tips to keeping your life free of these pests.

First, when you check into the hotel, leave all of your belongings in the car. Don’t wheel your suitcase into your room, just leave it outside the door, or, better yet, in the car.

Once you enter the room, walk to the bed and pull out the sheets. Inspect the ribbon around the mattress for small, black or red blood stains that look like they were made with a pinprick. Look for small, black bugs or anything that looks out of place. Once the mattress is inspected, head over to the chest of drawers and pull out a few drawers to see if anything is crawling around in there. If you can, move the chest away from the wall and look behind it. Finally, if you can move the headboard at all, check behind that to see if there are any creepy-crawlies back there. It can be quite the ritual, but considering the alternative, it is well worth it.

For more on bed bugs, contact your local bed bug pest control professionals at Hopper Environmental Services.

Even when it is cold outside your roach control problem has not gone away. In addition to being nocturnal roaches are very elusive, however if you have seen one roach in your home, you can believe there are many more. Don’t waste your time or money with DIY solutions that will not work, contact a roach pest control company experienced with roach extermination such as Hopper Environmental Services to get the job done quickly and efficiently.

As we are becoming more and more aware of how our products are affecting our environment, it is necessary to make some changes. Maybe you have already begun using recycled items such as paper. Maybe you have begun to recycle items yourself by finding a new use for your old, worn out clothes. The next step is to realize that the old, traditional pesticides are posing health risks as they are released into our environment. Sure, they get rid of the annoying ants, mice, spiders, rodents, and termites. But, they also may be getting rid of your good health at the same time.

So, what are your options when it comes to green pest control? What will these environmentally friendly and pet friendly exterminators do in order to get rid of the ants, mice, spiders, rodents, and termites that have taken over your home?

Well, for one, they do not use chemicals. The chemicals are what have been posing health risks to your family. Rather, they take the time to figure out why the pests came into your home and how they got there. The answer to those questions will determine the method of green pest control they will use.

The options for green pest control include using detergent water, vacuum cleaners, and low-to-no toxicity products. The detergents have been used for over 200 years as a pest control option.

Recently, though, as we have discovered the health risks posed by the chemicals the detergent method has become more popular. The detergents are mixed into a spray to be applied to the pests. The vacuum cleaner is another safe pest control method. In short, you need to make sure that every surface and every crevice of your home is vacuumed on a regular basis.

If you think you might miss some spots, make sure you talk to your green exterminator about this option. Your exterminator can do it for you or simply help you with it. The low-to-no toxicity products are yet another great green pest control method you can implement in your home. In order to determine which products have low-to-no toxicity, you will want to contact your exterminator. He can tell you which ones you can use on a daily basis and which ones he can use when he comes for his regular visit to your home.

Whether you choose to use detergents, vacuuming methods, or the low-to-no toxicity products in order to take care of the pests in your home, you will be doing everyone a favor while also saving our environment!