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At Hopper Termite and Pest, we wanted to find an effective Green Pest Control solution for our customers who are more green conscious and are looking for ways to eliminate pest problems without any of the chemicals! Some insecticides are said to cause issues for humans and the wildlife in the area, so using our preventative pest management system is a great option for those looking to avoid the chemical route.

When it comes to our Green First program, preventive steps are required to be able to effectively manage pests BEFORE you have an infestation. We rely on non-chemical methods to manage pests like ants, crickets, mice, rats, roaches, silverfish, spiders, and stored product pests.

Some of the Steps you can expect with this program are listed below:

• Inspection to find the true cause of a pest problem

• Low-risk, effective tactics to break the cycle of pest habitation

• Sanitation recommendations

• Exclusion (caulking, sealing)

• Mechanical control (barriers, traps)

• Cultural controls (move woodpiles, eliminate clutter)

• Biological controls (enzymes)

• Targeted, strategic use of products

• Customer education

Many issues with pests can be prevented with the proper knowledge and training of the household members. Noticing small cracks in the caulking, baseboards, external walls, etc. will help you to identify areas where small pests could potentially be entering. Making sure to blockade any entry points will help to keep pests out. Also, some other good habits to have are things like keeping food stored properly, keeping bushes, trees, and wood piles away from the external walls of your home, and making sure your roofing is properly maintained.

Some of the non-chemical methods we use can include traps or glue boards, rescreening foundation vents, or even the use of enzymes to clear drains of materials that breed fruit flies. If after our inspection, we do find that a treatment is needed, the first choice is an environmentally low impact product, like those including boric acids, diatomaceous earth, and products that use plant and tree oils as the primary active ingredients.

Of course, the need for application of any product will be based on thorough inspections and our professionals have extensive training in pest biology and behavior.  We keep our staff trained on the most current methods of both non-chemical and traditional control.

The clue to green pest control is being very conscious and diligent about prevention. That way you do not end up with a problem so out of control that more traditional methods will have to be used. However, if it is determined that the pest problem is beyond repair, we may suggest using traditional products in very small applications in targeted areas in order to regain control of the pest issue.

If you would like to begin your Green First, preventative pest control program, please contact us today or visit our site to learn more!

The flowers are starting to bloom and the birds are beginning to sing louder and louder. Spring is slowly getting started here in the Ozarks and everything is waking up...including the bugs.

Before you know it, insects will be making their presence known as they start moving around a bit more inside and outside. Here are a few tips to help you get rid of household bugs and pests as you start your spring cleaning rituals.

FOCUS ON THE HOUSEHOLD HOT SPOTS FOR INSECTS WHEN CLEANING
When it comes to pests and rodents living in your home, there are some rooms and areas that are more comfortable to pests and create optimal living conditions. When tackling your spring cleaning lists, make sure you focus on the “hot spots” in your home that attract bugs.

Kitchen
The kitchen is probably the most popular place in the home for insects and rodents. It supplies the three main necessities of food, water, and shelter. Even if you clean your kitchen each day and wipe up any messes, you may still have items that are attractive to pests such as ants, beetles, and mice.

When spring cleaning, don’t be afraid to dive deep. Take everything out of your cabinets and drawers. Wipe down the surfaces and replace old liners with new and fresh cabinet and drawer liners before putting items back. You also want to toss any old and expired food and spices. It is also a good idea to move appliances out from the wall and clean the area. You will be surprised how many crumbs find their way under the stove.

Basement
The basement is another hot spot for insects and rodents. The moisture-rich air coupled with ample hiding places make it a favorite for several species including spiders. Don’t be afraid to tackle your clutter and remove items that are no longer of any use. If you want to organize your items, place them on shelves or in plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes.

In addition to cleaning and tidying the basement, take your spring cleaning efforts a little further by sealing any cracks or crevices you find. This will help deter and keep pests from making their way in from the outside.

DON’T FORGET THE LITTLE THINGS
Proper spring cleaning is all about cleaning the little things that you may not think about cleaning on a weekly basis.

Don’t forget to:
• Vacuum furniture, floors, and around baseboards
• Clean under and behind furniture
• Wash inside and outside garbage cans
• Properly seal doors and windows

SPRING CLEANING ALSO INCLUDES THE OUTDOORS
Winter months can take a toll on your property. Start by checking around your yard for any damage or for items that may be decaying such as a fallen tree. Decaying or rotting wood is like an all-you-can-eat buffet to termites. You also want to take the time to clean out the gutters and trim back any greenery that is close to the house. Not only will these things freshen up the outside of your home, but it could make a difference in the number of pests outside and inside.

GOT BUGS? CALL HOPPER TERMITE & PEST TODAY!
Spring cleaning can take weeks for those who work or have busy schedules. Take the time to thoroughly go through each room, clean out the clutter, and give it a deep clean. Doing so now can make a huge difference in just seeing a few bugs here and there and a full-blown infestation.

If you should come across a nest or damage from an insect or rodent infestation, give Hopper Termite & Pest a call immediately. Our trained technicians can access the area and provide a pest treatment plan to eliminate and terminate the pests in your home. From Mountain Home to Fayetteville and everywhere in between, Hopper Termite & Pest is ready to tackle your pest problems. Give us a call today at 1-888-863-0206 to schedule your FREE PEST EVALUATION. 

Do you cringe at the thought of having to go down into the basement? Over the years, basements have gotten a bad rap for being extremely spooky and icky. It seems like everytime you watch a scene where someone is walking down into the basement, something bad is about to happen, and then there are the bugs.

It’s not uncommon to see the creepy crawlers squirm around when the basement light turns on and it’s not uncommon to want to run back upstairs.

Here are 4 bugs you may find in your basement the next time you venture down to grab a box.

WHY ARE BUGS IN MY BASEMENT?
There are a few reasons why some bugs are attracted to your basement. Basements usually provide:

• High moisture
• Darkness
• Food
• Hiding places

WHAT ARE THE BUGS IN MY BASEMENT?
There is no doubt that you can identify the spiders or roaches or ants that may be lurking in your basement. However, there are some bugs that you may not be able to identify as quickly.

SILVERFISH
Silverfish love the darkness and dampness of your basement. They are named based on their appearance. They are silver in color and tend to move like they are swimming. However, silverfish look more like shrimp than fish.

Silverfish are tiny in size and can squeeze through tiny cracks to gain access into your home. Once there, they search out starchy products to eat such as paper, carpeting, and cotton clothing. If silverfish go unnoticed they can destroy clothing you have put away or paper keepsakes that you keep in the basement.

CENTIPEDES
A centipede is one insect you won’t forget seeing. They are long slender creatures with hundreds of legs. Since they are nocturnal and known to be fast-moving, they are rarely seen by humans.

“Do they bite?” “Do they sting?” “Are they poisonous?” These are three common questions people ask when they discover centipedes in their home. Although it is very rare, a centipede can bite. The good news is that their venom is not poisonous and only causes mild irritation such as a slight sting, redness, and mild itching.

PILLBUGS
Pillbugs, or rollie pollies, are small black bugs that curl up into a tiny ball when held. These bugs may not send shivers up your spine, but it’s not good to keep them in your home. Like many of the bugs mentioned, pillbugs are nocturnal creatures that enjoy hiding in dark damp places. They are mostly found in vegetable gardens and enjoy eating decaying plant matter. Once inside your home, most pillbugs will dry up and die. However, if your basement has a humidity issue or there are leaks, pillbugs can survive.

EARWIGS
The appearance of these quick moving nocturnal insects can send you quicking running in the opposite direction. They are reddish brown in appearance, about two inches in length, and have a large pincher on their back abdomen. Earwigs do look like they could hurt you, but they are completely harmless to humans. In fact, the saying that earwigs like to crawl into your ears at night is completely false.

Like many other basement dwellers, earwigs like dark, damp, and cool places to hide out. And if you have a few dead plants in your basement, you may be feeding them without even knowing it. They also like to dine on other insects.

HOW DO I GET RID OF THE BUGS IN MY BASEMENT?
Lower the humidity - Most of the bugs mentioned above are attracted to your basement because it is the most humid place in your home. You can use tools such a dehumidifier or a heater to help dry up the basement. You will also need to check around your pipes and faucets to make sure that there are no leaks.

Seal it up - If your basement has windows or doors that go to the outside, make sure they are sealed properly. It’s also a good idea to inspect your basement foundation and walls for any cracks. If there are wires that lead from the outside to the inside of your basement, make sure that the area surrounding the hole is properly caulked in order to keep bugs out.

Clean it up - Basements are a great place to store things you don’t need on a regular basis. However, it is very important that you keep your items cleaned and organized. A cluttered basement provides ample hiding places for many insects and rodents. Take your cleaning up a notch and use the vacuum cleaner to get into all the nooks and crannies.

LET HOPPER TERMITE & PEST HANDLE THE DIRTY WORK
At Hopper Termite & Pest, Inc., we understand bugs and know that sometimes it takes going into a damp dark basement to take care of your pest problem. Give us a call today at 1-888-863-0206 to schedule your FREE PEST EVALUATION.

And remember, Hopper Termite & Pest, Inc. has two central offices, in Mountain Home and Springdale, to better serve the residents and businesses of north central Arkansas, northwestern Arkansas, and parts of southern Missouri. Let us show you why we are the go-to pest control and termite control specialists in the area.

When it comes to bugs and rodents, they don’t care if you live in a big city or out in the country. They don’t care if you live in a small home or large mansion. If you offer food and shelter, they will come. Pest problems not only keep you up at night, but they can affect your health and overall well-being. Who do you call when you can’t get rid of the bugs and rodents?

Here are a few reasons to consider calling Hopper the next time you need help getting rid of pests.

HOPPER GOES ABOVE AND BEYOND TO TAKE CARE OF CUSTOMERS
At Hopper, we take our profession seriously. We want to provide the best solutions and the best care to all of our customers. In fact, we are a NPMA QualityPro certified company. This program was developed by our industry as a way for pest control companies to distinguish themselves by a higher level of professionalism than many of their competitors.

Not everyone can become QualityPro certified. This designation requires a lot of work and effort to attain. In fact, Hopper Termite & Pest, Inc. is the only company in this area to hold this, and we are one of only a few certified companies in northwest Arkansas. When you choose a company that is QualityPro certified, you know that you are getting a company with high standards. Our employees are trained and tested over pest biology and control, consumer relations, safety, and professionalism.

HOPPER OFFERS RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL PEST CONTROL SERVICES
We offer BOTH residential and commercial pest control services. Protecting your business is just as important as protecting your home. From 1,000 to 1,000,000 square feet, our team can find a pest management solution just for you.

We provide a thorough inspection of your property by our trained and licensed professionals. This tells us about the types of pests in or around your property, shows us their entry points, and gives us an idea of what is attracting them to your property. Most pests can be deterred with a customized Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program. IPM is a long-term strategy designed to keep pest population levels below desirable thresholds through inspections, sanitation recommendations, biological, mechanical, and cultural controls, exclusion, and the judicious use of materials if necessary.

HOPPER OFFERS A VARIETY OF SERVICES TO FIT YOUR NEEDS
In addition to our residential and commercial pest control services, we also offer services such as Green First pest control. In our Green First programs, our company relies more on non-chemical steps in managing pests. Pests included in our “Green First” program include ants, crickets, mice, rats, roaches, silverfish, spiders & stored product pests.

We also offer a Termite Treatment program. This program is designed to target and treat structures in order to remove termites and keep them from coming back. Our state certified inspectors are trained in the latest termite treatment techniques and utilize environmentally responsible materials such as Termidor.

HOPPER HAS A LARGE SERVICE AREA
If you need pest control in Fayetteville, call Hopper. If you need pest control in Mountain Home, call Hopper. We offer our services throughout the various communities and towns in northwestern Arkansas, north-central Arkansas, and parts of southern Missouri.

And remember, don’t just choose any pest control company. Choose a professional pest management company like Hopper Termite & Pest, Inc.. Not only do we have the knowledge and expertise about our industry, but we have the certifications to back it up. To schedule service or a pest evaluation, give us a call today at 1-888-863-0206. 

To say that it has been a rainy and wet spring is an understatement. Many parts of Hopper's service area have been affected due to the heavy rainfall and flooding. Although things are starting to dry up a little, there are still things to take into consideration. As rain has saturated the ground, many insects and pests are making their way to homes in search of food and shelter. Here are a few bugs to keep a close eye on. 

ANTS
Like many other ground dwelling insects, ants don’t do too well when April showers become May floods. When rain showers become too much and flood an underground ant nest, the colony is left “homeless”. When this happens, ants begin their search for higher and drier land. Unfortunately for us, they usually find a dry place in our home. And since ants are considered social insects, if you find one, you can bet that there are a couple hundred nearby.

Ants can wreak havoc on a home and homeowners should take immediate action to keep ants from becoming an infestation. Once they figure out that your home is not only dry but contains food, they are likely NOT to move out on their own and over-the-counter remedies may not be useful if the number of ants moving in continues to grow. 

MOSQUITOES
Mosquitoes plus water usually equals more mosquitoes. With all of the rain this spring, it may have been difficult if not impossible to make sure places around your home are free from standing water. Standing water is perfect for mosquitoes and their reproduction. You would think that heavy rain coming down would help squat some of the airborne critters, but studies have shown that mosquitoes have no problems flying in the rain.

What do you do to keep the number of mosquitoes and mosquito bites at bay? On a personal level, you can use a deterrent spray to keep them from biting you and your family. You can also be diligent in making sure there is no standing water in your yard or around your house. 

TERMITES
When the weather has been wetter than normal, many people think of mosquitos and other pests before they think of termites. However, there is one thing that termites love more than wood and that is wood that has water damage. After heavy rains and flooding, wood in and around the home can easily become waterlogged. The wood creating beautiful decks and the wood beams that are a part of many home foundations are perfect for termites. After heavy rains and flooding, it is important to inspect your home in places that may have remained saturated by water to see if there was water damage or if you can help dry out the area. If you do suspect that termites are causing damage, give Hopper a call so that we can send one of our technicians out to properly inspect your property for termites. 

GIVE HOPPER ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES A CALL TODAY!
These are just a few of the pests that make their appearance when heavy rains and flooding have occurred. There are a few things you can do to help the situation; however, if you are wanting to get rid of these annoying and troublesome bugs, then give Hopper Termite & Pest, Inc. a call today. Remember, our service area includes Mountain Home, Fayetteville, Mountain View, and everywhere in between.

We have a variety of services to choose from including a Termite Treatment service to target termites before they create too much costly damage. Our trained and educated technicians can inspect your home or business and suggest a pest management service that is just right for your buggy situation. Give us a call at 1-888-863-0206 and let us help you eliminate any unwanted pests. 

Whether pests around your home seem like a nuisance or a nightmare to you, the presence of vermin can actually be bad for your health. Bugs such as dust mites and cockroaches can cause an array of health problems for your household, including asthma. Being bitten by certain spiders can lead to serious injuries – and such a bite may even result in fatality if it isn’t treated in a timely manner. If critters like rats or raccoons enter your home, their waste matter may also cause health issues for your family (and being bitten by such an animal could cause a life-threatening injury).

While pest prevention and elimination is therefore essential for your health, using too much of a chemical extermination product may also cause health issues. Such health risks may even have increased recently due to an increase in the use and misuse of such products. The poisons used to kill vermin can have a negative impact on your health, and they may also compromise the environmental safety of your geographical area. 

Summer is in full swing and let's face it, you've got plans. For most, those plans include how you want to spend your money. You probably have vacation plans, shopping plans, and travel plans. Here in the Mountain Home area, you're most likely planning trips to the lake for camping and cookouts. You have a list of things to do and fun to have...and there's a good chance pest control isn't on that list. Summertime screams of fun and paying for pest control just doesn't sound very fun.

Nowadays folks are looking to save a little money in any way they can. That often includes cutting down on services they deem unnecessary. Paying for pest control in Mountain Home, Arkansas may be one of the services that appears to be something you can do without. After all, you have access to the internet...DIY's are everywhere you turn. You also have plenty of access to the big name chain home improvement stores in this area. Surely they have something you can use to take care of any pest control problem that may arise. Why not grab just something off the shelf? What exactly are the benefits of having a pest control company? If you can cut a few corners and save a few bucks why shouldn't you?

Hopper Termite & Pest, Inc. understands your concerns. Pest control costs can appear to be frivolous at times. You can be sure there are serious advantages of using the services of professional pest control companies in comparison to over-the-counter or do-it-yourself methods. One of the first and most obvious benefits to having a pest control company is the products they use. Many things you buy off the shelves have similar ingredients to professional grade products, but the concentration is much much greater in the products used by a licensed company. Don't let a fancy label with persuasive words trick you into thinking you can get the same results from using an off-the-shelf method as you can with using a professional service. A pest control specialist will often use a large amount of highly concentrated product on a single home. It seems silly to believe you could get the same results from a small jug of something much less concentrated, but that is what they want you to believe.

Knowledge is also a great benefit of using a company like Hopper Environmental Services. We take great pride in the training of our employees and making sure each and every technician knows exactly what they are doing. Up to date and current training and education is a must. Even though you may feel confident in taking care of an issue, such as annoying pests in your home, the truth is do you really want to chance it when it comes to using the right kind of ingredients needed? Our pest control specialists are trained to safely and competently take care of your family's needs. Why leave something like that to chance? Yearly training is mandatory for technicians in the state of Arkansas. That should give you confidence that we are serving you with an up to date knowledge base and quality pest control.

Another huge benefit of using a pest control company is that they treat the problem, not the symptom. Any success you manage to achieve with a store bought contact method will only treat the symptom and won't get to the root of the problem. Today's world thrives on instant gratification, and most times you can achieve that, but it is short lived. Many are fooled into thinking that aerosol can they bought at the dollar store is as effective as a licensed, trained pest control professional because they see an immediate dead bug. The products used by a professional will have a residual effect, not just a contact effect. The chemicals ingested by the insect will be carried back to the others and you will see long-term results. Not to mention, this method is much safer than inhaling fumes from those products.

Relationship and commitment is something that is missing when you reach for a mass produced can or bottle to come to your aid. Hopper is here. Not only to are we here to solve any current pest control issues you may be having, but also to make sure everything possible is done to prevent you from dealing with more issues in the future. Local pest control in Mountain Home, Arkansas matters to us. Hopper Termite & Pest, Inc. is owned and operated by people who live here alongside you. We aren't just a business, we are your neighbors. We are the people you see walking up and down the aisles in the grocery store. We are committed to keeping this area beautiful and safe because it is our home too. That means, as our customers, you aren't just another name on a list. You and your family are important to us. Don't let the fear of high costs keep you from calling on our professional services. We have affordable plans to fit every budget. So the next time you find yourself wondering how to get rid of pests, think Hopper Termite & Pest, Inc. and give us a call!