It is that time of year again, the time to look out for wintertime pests in Atlanta.  While you might think that the winter is a time you are free and clear from bugs and rodents, think again. In fact, winter is the time when pests decide to hunker down and make their homes--inside your home.

Mice and spiders are the most common pests that you will find in your home this winter. Just ask an Atlanta pest control expert if you are uncertain.

MiceMice will look for a way into your home as soon as it gets cold.  Once they get inside they will destroy food, leave droppings, and keep you awake at night.

Mice will leave signs of where they have been in your home, such as they pathways they take in and out. Follow these clues to figure out where they are living (and how to get rid of them).

When trying to figure out if you do have mice or not, look for droppings, urine trails, chewing, rub marks and small holes in your walls. 

 To get rid of mice, call Brookhaven pest control.  Additionally, eliminate clutter.   Mice love to nest in dark, quiet areas. They prefer things that have gone unattended for a while. This is why they love areas like the basement or the attic.   

You will also want to seal up any holes that could give mice access into your home.  Secure the bottoms of doors that lead to the outside.

Keep leftovers in airtight containers, and try not to leave anything on a counter that they can gnaw through.  

SpidersWhile most of the spiders that you will find in your home are harmless, they are still not pests that most people welcome.

Spiders are just like any other pest, they do not like the cold and will come inside during winter.   Typically you will encounter wolf spiders, jumping spiders, and cellar spiders.

The best way to get rid of, and prevent, spiders in the house, is to vacuum.  Vacuum any areas where you typically find spiders.  Make sure to vacuum areas that are harder to reach. These areas are often overlooked so spiders can make their homes here.  This also includes under furniture. 

Also make sure to check your firewood when you bring it in. Spiders often make their homes in the wood, and then you transport them inside without noticing.

Afraid of seeing spiders or mice this winter?  Contact Brookhaven pest control!

Are you looking for a Brookhaven pest control company, or perhaps a Mableton pest control company. Well, before you hire one, there are certain things that you should know. Hiring the services of a professional pest control company is a wise idea when your home has been infested by rodents and creepy crawlies. However, they cannot do everything for you and there are certain things that these professionals want you to know so that you know how to handle current infestations and prevent future ones.

3-Things-Pest-Control-Pros-Want You to Know

Before you call a pest control company, here are a few things that they would like you to know:

1. Clean kitchens do not prevent infestations, although it helps: We all know that food is one of the main attractions of bugs and rodents. However, the experts say that just maintaining a clean kitchen and making sure that dirty dishes and open chips bags will not prevent your home from being infested. Making sure that your gutters are unclogged and any decorative baths and pools are drained regularly is important as moisture attracts and sustains different pests, apart from food.
2. Good hygiene cannot fend off certain bugs: Many people believe that if you maintain good hygiene, your home will not be infested by pests. Well, this is not true! According to pest control experts, bugs such as bedbugs are not bothered by whether or not your home is clean. They feed on your blood and not on the food left on your kitchen counter or sink. You should check luggage, furniture and other items before bringing them into your home and unpack in the garage. Last but not least, think twice about getting that great sofa at the flea market just before you are getting a fantastic deal!
3. Avoid DIY pest control methods: Another important piece of advice that pest control pros give homeowners is to avoid trying to get rid of pests on their own before calling the professionals. If you do not know what you are doing, you could leave a mess for the pest control company you call and leave their services ineffective.

To make sure that your home is free of nasty bugs and rodents, call the best and most experienced pest control company to receive excellent and effective services. Only the best can keep your home pest-free and give you valuable advice on keeping away creepy crawlies and critters in the future!

There’s nothing fun about being stung by pests. The stings from pests can cause immediate skin reactions. These reactions can range from a mild itch to severe pain. Some people are also allergic to certain stings, such as bee stings. In fact, approximately 40 people per year die in the United States due to an allergic reaction to bee stings. If you are in the Atlanta area, then you should also contact an Atlanta pest control company in order to put a stop to pest problems in and around your home. Below is information on some of the common pests that sting that you should be on the lookout for:

Bees: Bees are found globally and there are more than 20,000 recorded species. Some bees are solitary, although species such as bumble bees and honey bees are extremely social. Bees can be a big problem if they build their hive around or even in your home.

Hornets: The only species of true hornet located in the United States is the European hornet. It is yellow and brown in color and measures about an inch and a half in length. The hornet is known to inflict a very painful sting and this is why you want to be sure you control the number of hornets around your home by calling an Atlanta pest control company.

Yellow Jackets: Yellow Jackets are named after their appearance. Although most are yellow and black, some appear to be mostly black. A colony can have 1000 yellow jackets, making them a big potential problem. Although they are not quick to sting a person, they will defend their colony and just one will be capable of producing many stings.

Wasps: Most wasps have two sets of wings and a thinned out waist. Some wasps are aggressive and can carry out multiple stings. If you notice wasps around your home, you should contact an Atlanta pest control company for assistance.

Scorpions: Scorpions have an erectile tail and are related to spiders and ticks. Some, but not all, scorpions are poisonous. However, they can produce a very painful sting and an Atlanta pest control company should be called out if you find scorpions in or close to your home.

These pests are everywhere and this means you should take necessary precautions when you are going to be outdoors and call out an Atlanta pest control service for your home.

Roaches in the south are nothing to play with. Because of the more temperate climate, a few roaches skittering about at night can soon become a rampaging horde, actively foraging in broad daylight. A few invading roaches can typically be dealt with effectively by the average person. If a colony gets established well enough that roaches are seen during the day, bringing in an Atlanta pest control professional is often the most effective solution.

Roaches prefer dark places and tend to be nocturnal. When seen in significant numbers during the day, the population typically has become so large that the dark places they prefer can no longer contain them. There are always more than you see, and they breed fast. The over-the-counter pesticides sold in retail stores may prove ineffective against larger numbers, and can even make getting rid of roaches more difficult. That is because the roaches can develop resistance to chemicals that are used frequently or improperly.

When working with an Atlanta pest control specialist to get rid of roaches, a multilevel approach is most effective. First, the roaches will be chemically flushed out of their hiding places and killed. Then, the stage can be set for the extermination of the next generation, the eggs and nymphs left behind, such as with poisoned bait. However, scrupulous attention to cleanliness on the part of each member of the household will be required to complement your Atlanta pest control professional's extermination efforts.

Preventing roaches is far easier than getting rid of them. A Brookhaven pest control specialist can be a valuable partner in prevention. A professional consultation can point out vulnerabilities around the home, such as water leaks inside or underneath the dwelling, cracks in the foundation that roaches can crawl through or potential nesting spots, such as in the hollow space underneath the floor of a lower kitchen or bathroom cabinet. Professional help is commonly the fastest, most effective way of dealing with roaches.

Mosquitoes tend to be summertime’s biggest nuisance, and often top the list for the most requested service for Atlanta pest control. With more than 3500 different species, it's challenging to get rid of these pesky invaders because of the adaptations of their life cycle, and the large number of eggs they lay. Homeowners tend to kill off the adult mosquito, while unhatched eggs lay in wait.

Besides being a relentless invader, mosquitoes are disease-carrying voracious breeders, generally laying more than 200 eggs. The majority of adult females laid their eggs in stagnant water, without being fussy about the location. While most homeowners typically look out for places mosquitoes populate like casual puddles or flowerpots, or discarded bottles, these insects also breed in ingenious locations.

Aquatic plants, temporary puddles, located inside of hollowed tree trunks, and anywhere along the tiniest water’s edge, making it challenging to shut out the trespasser - but not impossible.

Here are three effective methods to kill off mosquitoes;

#1 Insecticides. 
The best weapon and the most effective remedy you have against mosquitoes are insecticides. The chemicals kill the mosquitoes and their eggs. However, these chemically-combined substances can be toxic, and not always the best solution for every family. When you consider allergies, children, and pets, chances are you'd rather not blanket the indoors with chemicals, therefore, try more natural solutions. With that being said, insecticides used outdoors, where mosquitoes lay their eggs, can undoubtedly cut down on a summer invasion. While this solution presents its own hurdles, it’s the most effective remedy. When in doubt, allow a Brookhaven pest control expert to perform an analysis and provide recommendations.

#2 Vinegar and Sugar. 
The most common home remedy to kill mosquitoes is with a solution of sour or sweet components. Mosquitoes are attracted to the smell. Use a shallow bowl and pour enough vinegar to cover the bottom. Cover the top with clear plastic, and punch holes in the top. This allows mosquitoes to enter, but unable to find their way back out. When the container has accumulated many mosquitoes or vinegar has lost its smell, change it.

Mosquitoes are also attracted to sugary sweet smells. Switch the vinegar with a cup of sugary soda or fruit juice and prepare it the same way as the vinegar and the insects will become trapped inside the cup.

#3 Plants that Repel Insects. 
Marigold, lemongrass, mint and rosemary all have a harmonious smell for homeowners, but mosquitoes find it unpleasant. All attractive in gardens, and require very little water, and the pungent smells keep mosquitoes at bay. For the indoor environment, homeowners can place plants nearest doors and windows to combat any invaders from sneaking in. The pungent smell of fresh cut lemongrass, near open windows can also be a great deterrent.

Admittedly, the plants won’t kill off mosquitoes but it can help control them. These remedies can be surprisingly effective, but for those instances where you’re losing the war, its best to allow an Atlanta pest control professional to evaluate your situation and rule out infestation.

Twice a year, swarms of Lovebugs cloud the skies of the Southeastern US, including Atlanta, Georgia. For the most part, Lovebugs are harmless to people. They don't bite or carry infectious diseases, and they don't invade homes or bother pets. In fact, in some cases, the Lovebug is actually beneficial. However, during the late Spring and late Summer, car owners need to be aware of the presence of Lovebugs and the potential harm they pose to automobiles.

Lovebugs are a type of March Fly originally native to Central America, which have migrated up the Gulf Coast and farther eastward. For the most part, we rarely see Lovebugs in Atlanta, GA, because it spends most of its life as a larvae underground. There it plays a vital role feeding on decaying vegetation and aerating soil. Surprisingly, this is where Lovebugs are most vulnerable. When Lovebugs migrated, they originally appeared in much greater numbers because they'd escaped the species that limited their population in Central America. Eventually, those species caught up with the Lovebugs, mostly certain kinds of fungi that infect their larvae. During the months of late April to May, and again in August through September, the adult Lovebugs, now flying insects, erupt from the ground to mate. This is generally when we see Lovebug swarms and where they become problematic to car owners.

Lovebugs in Atlanta, GA, swarm around highways and other roads, which is where they come in contact with cars. Compared to other flying insects, these guys aren't huge, averaging about a third of an inch long, but when they swarm, their numbers make up for their size. When they collide with a car, which is likely to happen, they obviously don't do any immediate damage; However, if they're little bodies are left on a car too long, say a day or so,  problems can occur. Normally a Lovebug's body has a neutral pH, meaning it's between acidity and basicity, kinda like water, milk, or even our blood. Lemon juice is an example of an acid, and bleach is an example of a base. You probably wouldn't want to leave either one on your car, right? Well, the same goes for Lovebugs because as they decompose, their bodies become more acidic.

Dead, acidic Lovebugs left on cars can pit and scar paint jobs and chrome. Newer cars are probably less susceptible to acid damage from bugs, but you still don't want to let these little buggers leave their marks. Besides ruining paint jobs, Lovebugs, like other flying insects, can clog a car's grill, preventing the proper ventilation an engine needs to run properly.

How should you prepare for Lovebugs in Atlanta, GA? Combating Lovebugs with insecticides is futile if not counterproductive. They can easily avoid poisons, whereas other, beneficial flying-insects like honeybees might be harmed. Fortunately, there are a few things car owners can do to protect their cars from Lovebug damage. First, Lovebugs have a pretty regular life cycle, so you can count on them appearing sometime in April to May and August to September. Prepare before hand by waxing your car. This helps protect your paint job, but it also makes it a lot easier to clean those guys off. Second, mating Lovebugs are primarily active during the day, so plan your trips in the early morning and during the evening. Reduce your speed to limit the number of bugs splattered. If your car does hit a swarm, try to wash them off before they're exposed to too much sunlight. The longer a bug sits on your car, the more likely it is to acidify. Should you have more questions, please contact your Atlanta pest control provider at 678-553-4521

Lyme disease is not a joke. 
If left unchecked, Lyme disease can become a chronic illness.  Lyme disease is passed by ticks that draws blood from its host in order to survive.
The CDC recommends using a professional to get rid of tics in your home.
Atlanta pest control companies are everywhere.
Preventing Lyme disease is your best bet for keeping it at bay.  Pacific Pest Solutions is one such company that will protect your home or business from Lyme Disease and the ticks that carry them.


Symptoms of Lyme Disease

Rash where tick bites you
Stiff neck 
Chills 
Fever
Swollen lymph nodes 
Headaches
Fatigue 
Muscle aches 
Joint pain


Treatment for Lyme Disease

Immediate attention using effective antibiotics usually results in rapid recoveryAntibiotics include: doxycycline, cefuroxime axetil, amoxicillin
If you are afraid you have waited too long, click here for more info

Like many places, Brookhaven, Georgia is home to a large number of household pests. Some of the most common of these include cockroaches, ants, mosquitoes, termites, and fleas. While professional services may be required, there are measures you can take to protect your family and your home from these common pests.


1. Cockroaches

Cockroaches pose serious health risks to your family. Be sure your home is well sealed and even the smallest cracks are filled so they cannot find their way in. If you do find yourself with a cockroach problem, contact a Brookhaven pest control professional right away. Due to their resilient nature, this pest can be hard to get rid of alone.

2. Ants

Ant colonies can be hard to exterminate, but do have a weakness when it comes to sweet ant poison, something a Brookhaven pest control service can provide for you. For ants that come into your home looking for a free meal, keep these pests out of your home by doing your best to seal your home and keeping crumbs and food messes to a minimum.

3. Mosquitoes

Georgia is home to 25 kinds of mosquitoes, all of which carry very serious diseases such as the West Nile Virus. The best thing you can do to protect your home from mosquitoes is eliminating  standing water  on your property, keep pools clean and chlorinated, and use repellents on your bodies and on your property.

4. Termites

Termites are a common issue for many homeowners in Georgia due to the warm, moist climate. Keep your home safe from termites by trimming shrubs away from the foundation of your house, move mulch away from the foundation, do not leave firewood near your home and store off the ground, fix leaky pipes, seal the cracks and holes in your foundation, and eliminate standing water near your home

5. Fleas

Fleas lay their eggs in your home, in furniture, pet beds, beds, carpeting, etc. To avoid flea problems in your home be sure to wash these on a regular basis and treat your animals with flea and tick medication, flea collars, medicated shampoos, and other remedies. Outside your home, keep the lawn mowed, trim vegetation, and clean out leaves and debris from your flowerbeds to allow the soil to dry easily.  Your property can be treated with insecticides. Other ways to cut down on a risk of flea infestation is by.

Ants better march right on down to the next door, because we mean business with this totally, green, super clean, pest control. If I felt like breaking down the math, it’d surely be more cost efficient too!

Ants will be eliminated when you call on us!

Ants in kitchen drains or dishwashers can be fixed too! It just might take a little more persistence, but our methods are sure to beat any peppermint oil solution your grandmothers tried years ago.

There may be many Brookhaven pest control companies to choose from. However, when you call on us, we definitely take your business seriously.  You won't be just another number to us, as is the case with some of your larger chains.  Our business will satisfy your every need when it comes to ridding your Brookhaven home from mosquitoes, ants, roaches, rodents, termites, and more.  So give us a call today, and we will set up a free inspection!

GUTTER PROTECTION


Did you know one of the best pest control methods to guarding your gutters from attracting nests with critters attached to them, is a preventative measure called LEAFPROOF® 


Perhaps the best gutter protection on the market.  Why?  Because they are the only gutter protection service to carry the patented "S" bend design.  This design is key to the whole system, and here's how it works.  


"S" BEND DESIGN
This design uses what is known as surface tension (a term that means that water clings to the surface of what it's flowing over) to your advantage. The “S” bend causes the water flow to reverse and churn, which slows the momentum of the water as it comes off the roof. The “S” bend also permits the portion of the Leafproof panel which covers the gutter, to be installed at a fairly level slope. This reduces the speed of the water even more. As a result, when the water flow reaches Leafproof’s® water channel, the water flow once again reverses and drains into the gutter.


WHY YOU WANT IT

So, what are all the benefits of Leafproof®?  

1. They have been known to keep pests like rodents and birds from building a nest on your home.  Potentially saving the homeowner a LOT of money.
   


2. They can keep leaves and other debris from collecting in your gutters.
   


3. You don't have to worry about cleaning the gutters anymore. Thanks to the patented "S" bend design.
   


4. Can save lots of money when it comes to building maintenance repairs and labor costs.
   


5. LeafProof® is the only gutter protection product on the market today that: fits existing gutters; can be maintained from the ground; is not screwed into the roof or fascia; and is securely installed under the first row of shingles.
   

This Spring and Summer call one of the only Atlanta pest control companies offering gutter protection to the max.  We install it for you so you can be sure that you have the maximum protection.  Call us now!