Carpenter Ant DIY Treatment – How To, Benefits, Drawbacks

Posted by & filed under All Categories, Carpenter Ants, Wood Damaging Pests.

We came across this carpenter ant DIY treatment the other day and thought we’d give our professional evaluation.

Carpenter Ant DIY Treatment – How To

carpenter ant diy treatmentA smart, environmentally conscious home owner experienced a resurgence of carpenter ants in her home after a 20-year absence of the ants. They were coming up through a dishwasher drain, traveling in numbers and swarming in the home. It was pretty scary, especially to the children.

The homeowner came up with this very inexpensive (less than $1) DIY treatment:

  • 1/3 cup of powdered white sugar
  • 2/3 cup boric acid

“Boric acid is a colorless white powder that is a mild antiseptic, but certainly not a problem to the health of your family even if you touch it with ungloved hands. It is found in nature in some volcanic environments near Tuscany and Nevada.  Boric acid and its salts are found in seawater and plants including almost all fruits.

Of course, you need to keep it away from small children as it is poisonous if ingested or inhaled in large quantities, but it is probably the least toxic form of insect bait you can use around your home with the exception of diatomaceous earth, which unfortunately doesn’t work as well or as quickly for large ants where I live.”

Credits: Safely Get Rid of Carpenter Ants in a Snap | The Healthy Home …

Carpenter Ant DIY Treatment – Benefits

carpenter ant diy treatment  The smart homeowner placed a mixture of the treatment in an empty jar lid by the dishwasher drain, the ants took the bait back to their nest, and happily disappeared from the home.

The treatment appeared to have worked, saving a call to the pest control company, and the expense of that professional service.

Carpenter Ant DIY Treatment – Drawbacks

On the surface, this looks like a great solution. There were carpenter ants in the home. $1 and some ingenuity and creativity made them disappear.

However, there’s an all important question that needs to be asked: “What is the original goal here?”

We assume the original goal is to rid the home of carpenter ants, which have the ability to do damage to the structure of a home. This damage will most certainly be discovered during a professional home inspection at some point by a prospective home buyer when the homeowner goes to sell the home. When the damage is discovered, it will adversely affect the selling value of the home. In fact, the loss in value will make a few visits by a professional pest inspector look like the true bargain in comparison.

Carpenter Ant DIY Treatment – More Drawbacks

carpenter ant diy treatmentBut let’s delve into this issue a bit further. Carpenter ants seldom live in one colony. A common scenario is a main colony, perhaps outside the home, with as many as 12 satellite colonies both outside and inside the home.

Now let’s fast forward to that home buyer’s inspection of our carpenter ant DIY treatment homeowner’s house. They not only discover the wood damage from the first satellite colony, but, let’s be conservative, they find 3 more active satellite colonies in the foundation and frame of the house that were not noticed by the homeowner. Each satellite colony, as it was left to grow, has created even more progressive damage to the home.

Carpenter Ant DIY Treatment – Even More Drawbacks

carpenter ant diy treatmentBut let’s delve into this issue even further. Remember the main colony and additional satellite colonies outside the house? Again, let’s be conservative and say that the home buyer’s inspector discovers that main colony in some rotten stump, rotten fence or wood pile outside the home, along with 2 additional satellite colonies (total of six in all, more conservative than the possible dozen or more carpenter ant colonies).

Now the drop in home value could potentially cut into the children’s college fund or the homeowner’s retirement.

Carpenter Ant DIY Treatment – Benefit or Disaster?

So, on the surface, this smart DIY treatment that cost only $1 and appeared to work potentially ends up costing the homeowner $10,000-$30,000 or more (still being conservative), in the process compromising financial security and well being.

Carpenter Ant DIY Treatment – Here’s the thing.

While a homeowner can possibly eliminate visible carpenter ants with a DIY treatment (and the one we described is one of the best), it really takes a professional to track down every satellite colony and the main nest. You’ll need to follow the carpenter ant scent trails, and that’s a skill that professionals have, along with the tools needed. 

In addition, a good pest control professional will evaluate the damage to the home and suggest necessary repair.

But the value of a good pest control professional does not stop there. A good pest control professional will also discover other issues that need attention such as the hidden presence of termites, mice or cockroaches. 

The happy result of this scenario is that the health of the family is protected (some pests carry very harmful bacterial germs and viruses), and the resell value of the home along with the families greater financial security is also supported.

Carpenter Ant DIY Treatment – Conclusion

So, you as a homeowner have a choice. You can use the great DIY carpenter ant treatment we’ve given in this article and hope you’ve eliminated the problem. Or, you can call a good pest control professional and KNOW you’ve eliminated the carpenter ant pest problem, other possible pest problems and discovered any damage to your home, any leaky pipes, gutters, leaky roof issues that are slowly rotting the wood of your home.

Call ApolloX Pest Control

(888) 499-7378

We care about the safety of your family, the condition of your home and your long-term financial security.

 

Carpenter Ant or Termite – Why the difference is vital.

Posted by & filed under All Categories, Carpenter Ants, Termites, Wood Damaging Pests.

Carpenter Ant or Termite: Both Love Classic Old Homes

Carpenter Ant ColonyThe older your home, the more carpenter ants and termites love it. Why? Because an older home is more likely to have a leaky roof, leaky gutters or drippy old plumbing. Why do these insects love water leaks? Because when leaks drip onto wood, especially over long periods of time, the wood softens and rots. This makes the wood more available for these insects either for burrowing or for a food source.

Carpenter Ant or Termite: What do they eat?

The preferred food is our first clue as to whether it’s a carpenter ant or a termite. Termites eat wood and therefore cause major destruction to the structure of homes. On the other hand, carpenter ants do not eat wood. They merely burrow into wood to create a home. Carpenter ants eat just about any food that you eat: Sweet food, greasy food, meat, grain. If it’s available to carpenter ants (sitting around the house in an unsealed container), they’ll go for it.

Mid-Winter Pest Control TreatmentsNow this presents another clue as to the difference between a carpenter ant and a termite. You’ll more likely see the carpenter ant going for your food. On the other hand, termites will be hidden away eating the foundation and structure of your home!

Carpenter Ant or Termite: What do they look like?

Carpenter ants have angled antennae. Their bodies are divided into three sections with a thin waist. Finally, they are dark brown or black. The reproductive version of carpenter ant–the one with wings, has uneven wings.

Image Credits: Ants, Ants and More Ants – Epcon Lane

Carpenter Ant or TermiteOn the other hand, termites have straight antennae. Their bodies are divided into only two sections: The lower section looks a bit like a grain of rice. They have no narrow waist. Termites are a white/tan color. The reproductive version of termite–the one with wings, is lighter brown (vs. brown/black carpenter ant), and their wings are equal in length. 

Image Credits: Ants, Ants and More Ants – Epcon Lane
Image Credits: What is the Difference Between Termites and Carpenter Ants?

-damage.jpg

Carpenter Ant or Termite: The damage they cause to wood looks different.

Carpenter Ants HabitsThe third great distinction between a carpenter ant and a termite is how wood looks after they’ve attacked it. Carpenter ants create smooth burrows or channels in wood. As they excavate, they push the sawdust out of the wood channels (remember they don’t eat wood), and the fine sawdust forms small piles called “frass”.

On the other hand, termites simply eat the wood until it falls apart! Subterranea n termites don’t like to be exposed, so they create mud tunnels from the earth to the wood they want to eat. These mud tunnels are another sign your home is infested with termites rather than carpenter ants.

Carpenter Ant or Termite: Both Are Hard to Exterminate

Carpenter ants are very mobile. Unlike termites they don’t care if they’re exposed. They will travel (mostly at night) up to 100 feet from their nest, and even create satellite nests. You could have a dozen or more carpenter ant satellite nests on your property or in your home. Unless you manage to locate and destroy them all, you’ll never rid your home of carpenter ants.

Termites, as we said, are more likely to be hidden in places you don’t normally visit–for example in the foundation under your home, in the wood beneath the home’s siding, and in those mud tunnels they create which mostly exist where you will not likely see them.

Carpenter Ant or Termite 

Carpenter Ant or Termite: Both can do massive damage to your home. 

Of course, since termites eat your home, their damage is greater. In fact, more homes are destroyed each year due to termite damage than to fire. However, carpenter ants are also damaging your home. Therefore, it’s vital that you exterminate both carpenter ants and termites in or near your home. 

Consider the value of your home. Do you really want to trust this to a DIY job? Save a few bucks and lose your home, or destroy its resale value?

Carpenter Ant or Termite: Call a professional exterminator to ensure your home is protected.

Call ApolloX Pest Control

(888) 499-7378

P.S. Since both carpenter ants (who are active mostly at night) and termites (who love to remain hidded) can be in your home without you knowing, it’s a good policy to have your home inspected, especially if you have not had a professional pest inspection in the past few years. 

 

Carpenter Ant Detective Hunt – Tracking the little monsters.

Posted by & filed under Wood Damaging Pests.

Carpenter Ant Detective: Where to Look

carpenter ant detective - here's what makes up a swarmIt’s not easy to find the nesting sites of carpenter ants. However, unless all the carpenter ant nests and satellite nests both in and around your home are found and eliminated, you’ll never rid your home of a carpenter ant problem.

The first sign of carpenter ants is often a swarm emerging inside your home. You’re sitting in your living room, minding your own business, and suddenly hundreds of winged black ants, about one inch in length, appear almost out of nowhere. No warning signs–you just get the sudden swarm.

Carpenter Ant Detective: Backtracking to the Source

Where did the swarm come from? There’s a main nest in or near your home — probably in a moist, rotten tree stump, or that old rotting picket fense, or the wet rotting siding under a leaky gutter. The key is to look for wet, rotting wood somewhere in or near your home. That’s where you’ll find the main nest. 

 

You might notice the small piles of sawdust the carpenter ants create as they burrow into the wood, excavating the tunnels in which they live. They don’t eat wood like termites. They just create their nests in wood. 

Observe branches that hang over your home. These make a great pathway for carpenter ants to enter the home. You might find many ants in one location. Where you see many ants, you’re getting closer to the source.

Carpenter Ant Detective: When to look for them.

carpenter ant detective - here's what happens while you're sleeping.

Here’s what happens when you’re sleeping. Put on your night vision goggles!

We suggest looking at night, when carpenter ants are most active. While they don’t eat wood, they love almost any food: Plants, honey, grease, meat. If you see foraging carpenter ants, their nest or satellite nest could be as much as 100 feet distant. As they forage, they follow scent trails. When it comes to detecting their scent trails, now we’re looking at the job of a professional carpenter ant detective.

Call ApolloX Pest Control

(888) 499-7378

You can eliminate one nest or satellite nest, but their could be a dozen in the near vacinity. You will have accomplished nothing, and after all your hard work, you’ll be unexpectedly treated to another swarm in the near future.

Carpenter Ant Detective HuntCarpenter Ant Detective: Some final tips.

The best carpenter ant solution is prevention. Make it impossible for carpenter ants to find the wet rotting wood they love to excavate for their nests. 

  • Keep your property free of debris.
  • Repair and repaint any damaged wood.
  • Remove decaying stumps and dead trees.
  • Repair leaks in your roof or gutters.
  • Make sure rain water drains away from your home, not into your foundation.
  • Repair leaky hoses, pipes and faucets.
  • Basically, rid your home and yard of any wet, rotting, decaying wood.

You may think you’ve covered all the bases, but how great would it be to have a professional inspect your home and yard to verify you’ve caught everything? We often find a nest or satellite nest that was missed by the homeowner or business owner.

Do you really want an unexpected swarm to appear some evening when you’re entertaining guests? Such an experience would not soon be forgotten!

Call ApolloX Pest Control

Your Professional Carpenter Ant Pest Detectives

(888) 499-7378

 

Carpenter Ant Cycle – Identification, Nesting, Growth, Reproduction

Posted by & filed under All Categories, Carpenter Ants, Wood Damaging Pests.

Carpenter Ant Cycle: Identifying Carpenter Ants

carpenter ant cycleBefore we begin to describe the carpenter ant cycle, it’s important to identify carpenter ants. They can look like other ant species, which behave differently, cause different problems, and need to be eliminated by other methods.

Carpenter ants vary in size and color. At their smallest, they can even be confused with the tiny pavement ant. One way to identify carpenter ants is by the piles of sawdust they create as they shave off small bits of wood and carry them out of their nest. However these piles may be hidden inside of walls, so you could have a carpenter ant problem and not know it. 

Image: Credits: Identifying and Controlling Carpenter Ants – Modern Pest

Carpenter Ant Cycle: Nesting In Wood

Unlike termites, carpenter ants don’t eat wood. They excavate channels in wood for their growing colonies. While they do not cause the structural damage of termites, they can still be destructive. Part of the problem is the the wood they prefer is damp or rotten due to a water leak. They then excavate channels into this damp wood, weakening it further.

carpenter ant cycleCarpenter Ant Cycle: Creating Satellite Nests In Wood 

How widespread is the damage? A single carpenter ant colony is comprised of many satellite nests. There are usually many satellite nests around the main nest. That main nest, for example, could be located in a rotten tree stump in or near your yard, with satellite nests in your home!

Image: Credits: Identifying and Controlling Carpenter Ants – Modern Pest

Carpenter Ant Cycle: Each Successive Brood Produces Larger Ants

Interestingly enough, the first ants produced by a queen are small in size (about 1/4 inch). This is where they are sometimes mistaken as pavement ants. Following broods by the same queen become larger–up to twice that size. As they forage, they are likely to enter your home.

Carpenter Ants HabitsCarpenter Ant Cycle: Swarmers and Reproduction

Later, as the nest matures, swarmers appear. Most swarmers appear in the spring, but can emerge throughout the summer. The female swarmers are easy to identify. They’re up to 4 times the length of the first brood of ants–as much as an inch long, and they have brown translucent wings. The males are about 1/2 inch and also have wings. After mating, the female will drop her wings and start a new carpenter ant colony.

Image: Credits: Identifying and Controlling Carpenter Ants – Modern Pest

Carpenter Ant Cycle: Ending the Cycle

To end the cycle, every nest and satellite nest both inside and near the home will need to be located and eliminated. It’s a real detective case and the hunt is most successfully carried out by a professional pest exterminator who can easily spot even the most subtle signs of a carpenter ant nest of satellite nest. 

In addition, since carpenter ants are so persistent, it can take multiple routine visits by the professional to thoroughly eradicate the ant nests and satellite nests in and around your home.

Call ApolloX Pest Control

(888) 499-7378

We’re the carpenter ant professionals!

 

Carpenter Ants Emerging: Spring Is Here!

Posted by & filed under All Categories, Carpenter Ants, Wood Damaging Pests.

Natural Carpenter Ant RepellentsCarpenter Ants Emerging Now

 Credits: Carpenter ant season is now | Insects in the City

We came across this story and thought it would be timely to share with you since it’s April and carpenter ants emerging, become noticeable to home owners and business owners about now. Actually, carpenter ants began to emerge in March, as Winter drew to a close. If you have a carpenter ant problem, you may begin noticing signs at any time.

The good news is that they do not tend to damage the structure of buildings (unlike termites). However, who wants a swarm of winged carpenter ants emerging in the dining room while entertaining guests, or worse, in a restaurant full of customers, or in one of your patron’s hotel rooms!

That’s right: A swarm. Hundreds of winged carpenter ants flying around, mating, reproducing, on public display. A scene not soon to be forgotten!

Carpenter Ants EmergingCarpenter Ants Emerging In Homes

“This week my youngest daughter, home for the weekend for a visit, informed her entomologist dad that the upstairs shower was covered with large ants.  A quick inspection confirmed that we were being invaded by carpenter ants.  A few years ago we remodeled this particular shower, tearing out sheet rock and insulation and encountered carpenter ants living in the surrounding walls.  We thoroughly cleaned out what we could and sprayed the walls down with a residual insecticide before reinstalling insulation and more water-resistant Hardyboard® in the new shower stall. Apparently they are back.” Credits: Carpenter ant season is now | Insects in the City

Carpenter Ants Emerging In Swarms

“Swarming occurs when reproductively mature, but unmated, kings and queens leave the nest to mate.  These mating couples are winged and are referred to as alates, or swarmers.  The earliest swarmers to emerge in the winter are carpenter ants.” Credits: Carpenter ant season is now | Insects in the City

Carpenter Ants EmergingCarpenter Ants Emerging, Time to Indentify Them

“Carpenter ants are relatively large for ants, 1/4 to 1/2 inch-long.  They may come in different colors, but are usually red or black, or a mixture of the two colors (see pictures).  They may or may not have wings.”  Credits: Carpenter ant season is now | Insects in the City

Carpenter Ants Emerging, Locate Their Source

If you discover carpenter ants in your home, look for the hole where they are emerging.  This may or may not mark the exact location of the nest, but it will be close. Know that carpenter ants need water, so there is likely a water leak somewhere, dampening wood siding, flooring or beams, creating a perfect environment for carpenter ants to live and breed.

There are DIY methods of dealing with carpenter ants: Insecticide injection treatments. Unfortunately, carpenter ants are always difficult to treat and eliminate completely from the home or business.  

For most people, calling a professional is the best option for control. A good place to start is to schedule a professional carpenter ant inspection of your home or business. Then you’ll know for certain what you’re dealing with and your options.  

Call ApolloX Pest Control

(888) 499-7378

Pest Activity Trends – Peak Months for Each Pest

Posted by & filed under Pest Activity Trends.

Pest Activity Trends by Month

What to learn from these charts? See the documentation below.

Bed Bugs Pest Activity Trends by Month in Stamford, CT 2013-2014

Bed bugs increase in February, peak in May and drop off in September.

Bed Bugs Pest Activity Trends by Month for Stamford CT 2013 - 2014

Carpenter Ants Activity Trends by Month in Stamford, CT 2013-2014

Carpenter Ants increase in March, peak in May and drop off in September.

Carpenter Ants Pest Activity Trends by Month for Stamford CT 2013 - 2014

Carpenter Bees Pest Activity Trends by Month in Stamford, CT 2014-2015

Carpenter bees begin to become active in April, peak in May and then gradually decline until they drop off of the radar in October.

Pest Activity Trends for Carpenter Bees

Powderpost Beetles Pest Activity Trends by Month in Stamford, CT 2013-2014

Powderpost beetles increase in April, peak in May an drop off in September.

powderpost beetles google searches by month in Stamford, Ct 04-07-2015

Moths Pest Activity Trends by Month in Stamford, CT 2013-2014

Moths increase in April, peak in May and drop off in November.

Moths Pest Activity Trends by Month for Stamford CT 2013 - 2014

Pavement Ants Activity Trends by Month in Stamford, CT 2013-2014

Pavement Ants increase in March, peak in May and drop off in October.

Pavement Ants Pest Activity Trends by Month for Stamford CT 2013 - 2014

Snakes Pest Activity Trends by Month in Stamford, CT 2013-2014

Snakes increase in March, peak in May and drop off in October.

Snakes Pest Activity Trends by Month for Stamford CT 2013 - 2014

Termites Activity Trends by Month in Stamford, CT 2013-2014

Termites increase in March, peak in May and drop off in November.

Termites Pest Activity Trends by Month for Stamford CT 2013 - 2014

Moles Pest Activity Trends by Month in Stamford, CT 2013-2014

Moles increase in May, peak in July and drop off in November.

Moles Pest Activity Trends by Month for Stamford CT 2013 - 2014

Bees Activity Trends by Month in Stamford, CT 2013-2014

Bees increase in April, peak in July and drop off in November.

Bees Pest Activity Trends by Month for Stamford CT 2013 - 2014

Cockroaches Pest Activity Trends by Month in Stamford, CT 2013-2014

Cockroaches increase in May, peak in July and drop off in December.

Cockroaches Pest Activity Trends by Month for Stamford CT 2013 - 2014

Hornets Activity Trends by Month in Stamford, CT 2013-2014

Hornets increase in May, peak in July and drop off in December.

 

Hornets Pest Activity Trends by Month for Stamford CT 2013 - 2014

Mites Pest Activity Trends by Month in Stamford, CT 2013-2014

Mites increase in May, peak in September and drop off in November.

Mites Pest Activity Trends by Month for Stamford CT 2013 - 2014

Silverfish Activity Trends by Month in Stamford, CT 2013-2014

Silverfish increase in April, peak in August and drop off in November.

Silverfish Pest Activity Trends by Month for Stamford CT 2013 - 2014

Rats Pest Activity Trends by Month in Stamford, CT 2013-2014

Rats increase in August, peak until January and drop off in February.

Rats Pest Activity Trends by Month for Stamford CT 2013 - 2014

Wasps Activity Trends by Month in Stamford, CT 2013-2014

Wasps increase in April, peak in August and drop off in October.

Wasps Pest Activity Trends by Month for Stamford CT 2013 - 2014

Yellow Jackets Pest Activity Trends by Month in Stamford, CT 2013-2014

Yellow Jackets increase in May, peak in August and drop off in October.

Yellow Jackets Pest Activity Trends by Month for Stamford CT 2013 - 2014

Fleas Activity Trends by Month in Stamford, CT 2013-2014

Fleas increase in April, peak in September and October and drop off in January.

Fleas Pest Activity Trends by Month for Stamford CT 2013 - 2014

Spiders Pest Activity Trends by Month in Stamford, CT 2013-2014

Spiders increase in May, peak in October and drop off in November.

Spiders Pest Activity Trends by Month for Stamford CT 2013 - 2014

Mice Activity Trends by Month in Stamford, CT 2013-2014

Mice increase in June, peak in October and drop off in March.

Mice Pest Activity Trends by Month for Stamford CT 2013 - 2014

Pest Activity Trends Gleaned From Consumers

Pest activity trends have been studied by etymologists, pest control companies and other expert sources, but here’s a unique approach: Determine pest activity trends by the number of people who enter the pest into the Google search box. 

Pest Activity Trends: Benefit of Using Google to Determine

Why research pest activity trends based on Google searches? Because now we’re looking at literally millions of reports vs. the studies of a few experts. Literally every person who enters the name of a pest into the Google search box becomes a field study researcher. They saw the pest, and went to Google to find a solution. In the process, they inadvertently reported their pest sighting.

Pest Activity Trends: Where?

We used the city of Stamford Connecticut as our test area and measured only the Google “pest sightings” from that city. The total population of Stamford CT during this study was recorded as 122,643 by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Pest Activity Trends: Law of Large Numbers

So, just how many “reports” are we taking into account? Keeping in mind that we’re drawing our information from a population of only 122,643, the numbers are pretty large. During peak months for each pest, we’re seeing between 1-3 thousand searches for each pest. Imagine if we took into account the entire U.S. For example, in Stamford CT, flea reports peak at about 3,000 in September. A search of the entire U.S. shows flea reports also peak in September, but the number of Google searches for the U.S. is 5,134,400!! That represents a lot of itchy dogs!

We can assume that when the searches drop off, it’s because the pest is not sighted as often, and therefore not as active or visible.

Pest Activity Trends: Prepare vs. Wait

It’s said that “an ounce of preparation is worth a pound of cure”. Why not prepare for the coming of pests this year?

Call ApolloX Pest Control

(888) 499-7378

ApolloX Pest Control will eliminate the pest before it becomes a problem, and before it has a chance to breed and multiply into a bigger problem!

We’ll inspect your home or business for the presence of pests throughout the season so that when one pest becomes dormant and another becomes active, we’ve got you covered!

So, don’t wait until the pest appears. Once you notice it and fill out your own Google search “pest report”, it may be too late. Plan ahead. Call ApolloX Pest Control.

Premium Pest Control Service: Way Beyond “No Problem” Service

Posted by & filed under Business Practices.

Mid-Winter Pest Control TreatmentsPremium Pest Control Service: Isn’t “No Problem” Service Okay?

The phrase is pretty common, we all hear it many times each week. You thank the server at the coffee shop as he hands you a cup of coffee and he replies, “No problem!” And it feels good to know that you are not a problem in that person’s life, and that he doesn’t have a problem serving you. How much better than those times when you may have felt as if you were irritating someone when you asked for service. There was that time at the restaurant, you ran out of salsa but still had a half basket of chips. You finally managed to get the attention of a waiter and asked for a refill on the salsa. The waiter shot you a glance that made you feel like you’d asked him to sacrifice his first born child, such was the interruption you’d brought at that moment into his life.

How much better it is when you receive service that makes you feel like your requests are “No problem!”? What could be more satisfying than knowing that you and your needs are “no problem”– that it’s easy to serve you?

Premium Pest Control ServicePremium Pest Control Service: The Problem with “No Problem” Service

But if we stop to really think about the meaning of those words, “No Problem!”, used in a customer service situation, there is a small problem. Do you really want to be served because you are not a problem? Feels a bit like being on probation. What if serving you were to become a problem? What if some difficulty were to arise?

The problem with “No Problem” service is that it’s based on a negative. While it may feel warm and fuzzy to know that you’re not a problem, perhaps there’s something even better.

Premium Pest Control Service: Beyond “No Problem” Service

True premium service is “opportunity” service.

At ApolloX Pest Control Service, our customers are far more than “no problem” to us. We serve you because serving you is an opportunity to create value:

  • An opportunity to help you feel safe and secure again in a pest-free home.
  • An opportunity to know that by locating and eliminating the termite colony, and whatever caused that colony to gain entrance into your home in the first place, we’ve added decades to the life of your home.
  • An opportunity to know that by eliminating both the cockroaches and the cause of the cockroach problem, we’ve perhaps shielded you and your children from a source of life-threatening disease.
  • An opportunity to know that by entirely eliminating the bed bug problem, you’ll sleep better tonight and every night.
  • An opportunity to know that by going far beyond what you expected, we’ve proven ApolloX to be the best we can  be.

Premium Pest Control ServicePremium Pest Control Service: It’s Okay Even When There Is “A Problem”

And, by the way, anything that could compromise the safety of your home becomes “a problem” for us.

  • Though we’ve eliminated the carpenter ants, that leak in the gutter that creates future breeding conditions becomes “a problem” to us, until we see it fixed.
  • That smoke alarm with a dead battery we happened to notice while inspecting for pests becomes “a problem” to us because it could be a problem for you.
  • We’ve rid your home of mice, but that quarter-inch crack in the siding nobody else noticed is “a problem” to us because mice and rats could use it to regain entrance into your home. And because that huge pile of branches near your home may be a living and breeding space for rodents who are looking to upgrade their accommodations to your home, it’s “a problem” to us.

Premium Pest Control Service: You Deserve More Than to Be “No Problem”

At ApolloX Pest Control Service, we think you deserve to be treated as a person of innate, unique value. Every home we treat presents an opportunity to bring a new sense of peace, security and happiness into the home, to learn something new, to overcome some unique pest challenge, to discover a new way to improve our service.

So, you probably won’t hear us use the phrase, “No problem!” You deserve far more than “no problem” service. You deserve “premium, valued client” service.

Tired of being just “no problem”?

Call ApolloX Pest Control Service

(888) 499-7378

Pest Infested Real Estate: Let the Buyer Beware

Posted by & filed under All Categories, Home Inspection Tips.

Natural Carpenter Ant RepellentsPest Infested Real Estate: Tragedy to the Unsuspecting Buyer

Who wants to buy and move into a new home, only to find there’s a pest infestation? Imagine moving all your furniture, clothing, food, pets and family into a new home and then discovering you’ve exposed them to cockroaches, bed bugs, rats…etc., and the disease these pests transmit. You’re stuck–you’ve moved out of your former home, you can’t go back. You feel unsafe, like your new home is not really YOUR home. Now you’ve got a battle to wage, while you’re trying to situate your children into their new school, you yourself beginning a new job. New neighbors and family and old friends want to visit you in your new home. What a disaster!

Pest Infested Real Estate: Tragedy Easily Avoided

And the tragedy is that it could have easily been avoided if you’d known the warning signs of pest infestation.    

Let the buyer beware! Here’s some help.

Pest Infested Real Estate: 15 Signs

We came across this list of 15 red flags to look for when renting or buying a home, created by Batzner Pest Management, Inc. of Wisconsin and Illinois.

Why Winter Pest ControlIndoor Signs of Pest Infested Real Estate 

1. Pest Infested Real Estate: Active pests 

This might be quite obvious, but it is very important not to forget. Do some research, and learn to identify different pests in order to understand what type of infestation might be present. Pests are very good at hiding, so be sure to look in places like the kitchen and bathroom, or outdoors under leaves and rocks.

2. Pest Infested Real Estate: Dead bugs indoors 

Check window ledges and basements for dead bugs. If there are many bugs of the same species, they probably live on the property.

3. Pest Infested Real Estate: Pest droppings 

This is classic evidence that a pest infestation may be present. As gross as it may sound, it can benefit you to research what different pest droppings look like, so you can identify what type of pest you may be dealing with. Be sure to also search for roach egg cases and signs of bed bugs.

Natural Rat Repellents4. Pest Infested Real Estate:  Evidence of nesting

Rats and mice will make nests out of whatever they have available to them. Using a flashlight, search all the nooks and crannies, including behind appliances in the kitchen and inside cabinets, for red flags such as shredded paper that might be used for nesting.

5. Pest Infested Real Estate:  Pest control products

Check under sinks and in the garage for large quantities of pesticides. If you find numerous partially-used bottles, there is a chance that the previous homeowner or renter was attempting to deal with a pest infestation.

6. Pest Infested Real Estate: Odd smells and sounds

There are certain recognizable smells that pests give off. Experts claim that bed bugs have a sweet, musty odor. Mice tend to give off a musty, urine smell, and rats smell like ammonia. Roaches have been said to have an “oily” odor comparable to “fecal soy sauce”. I don’t even want to know what that smells like! The smell of garbage is also a bad sign, because it can attract more pests.

It is equally important to keep an ear out for the pattering of rodents’ feet. Rats and mice love to hide under floorboards or behind walls. You might often hear scratching on the walls, gnawing, squeaking, or scurrying. Larger bugs might also be heard if you listen closely.

7. Pest Infested Real Estate: Holes and gnaw marks

Small holes in the walls and floors, or holes in or around the property are a giveaway of a possible infestation. Burrows in garbage areas and weedy areas near the property are also a bad sign. Rats love to gnaw on things, and finding little gnaw marks can be a sign of an infestation. Be on the lookout for chewed-up electrical wires, and other things that rats might have destroyed.

Cockroach Value8. Pest Infested Real Estate:  Grease marks and tracks

Rats and mice tend to travel the same paths every day, and can leave evidence and tracks along the way. Rats run along the walls, and can leave dark grease marks. Fecal droppings, urine trails, and footprints through dust paths may also be seen as a sign of a possible infestation.

9. Pest Infested Real Estate: Signs of termites 

This is an important thing to be aware of, because termites are extremely destructive pests that dine on wood, causing structural damage to a building. These pests can eat your wooden furniture as well, and create unsafe conditions for you to live in. Check the wood in the potential home or rental unit for signs of termite damage. This includes visible holes or sagging floors, and wood that sounds hollow when tapped. Shed wings of termites, or fecal pellets that are tan and resemble sawdust may be signs of an infestation.

10. Pest Infested Real Estate: Complaints from former tenants/owners or neighbors

If possible, contact the former owners or tenants to ask about the history of any pest problems. You can also try asking the neighbors if they have ever experienced problems that might affect your property.

Outdoor Signs of Pest Infested Real Estate

11. Pest Infested Real Estate: Nearby breeding grounds

Note if the building is adjacent to an unkept alley with garbage piling up. Also, look for electrical wires hanging in unenclosed areas, as rats and mice love to gnaw on them. Rodents also love to dwell around water and gas pipes. If the property is near a pond, lake, or other stagnant water, this might present a mosquito problem in the warmer months.

Pest Infested Real Estate12. Pest Infested Real Estate:  Damaged plants

Look for insect trails or gnawing on the edges of grass blades and any garden plants. Check the edges of the leaves of any perennials present.

13. Pest Infested Real Estate:  Damaged patches

Patterns of lawn damage, such as uneven grass length or large circular brown areas, may be a sign of a pest infestation.

14. Pest Infested Real Estate: Mole holes

Moles eat insects and grubs, which tend to dwell in grass. When moles are in the grass eating insects, they tear up your lawn in the process.

Look for raised ridges traveling across the lawn, accompanied by piles of dirt that look like a mini volcano.

15. Pest Infested Real Estate: Ant hills 

Check along fence lines and in pavement cracks for piles of coarse grained dirt with a small hole on top. You can often see ants traveling in and out of the hill.

 Credits: 15 signs of Pest Infestations to Look for When House Hunting …

Avoid the unexpected, unpleasant surprise of moving into a new home only to find it is infested by pests.

If you suspect a pest infestation in a home you are considering, give us a call and we’ll give it a thorough, professional pest inspection so you can be sure.

After all, the other side of the coin is when you walk away from a what appears to be the perfect home because you suspected a pest infestation when, in reality, you read the signs inaccurately.

Call ApolloX Pest Control

(888) 499-7378

Best Commercial Pest Control Strategies

Posted by & filed under All Categories, Commercial Pest Control.

Best Commercial Pest ControlBest Commercial Pest Control: Long-term integrated strategy.

How would it affect your restaurant of hotel’s business if guests were the first to discover a pest problem? Having a long-term pest control strategy is the best way never to face this potential disaster.

“You don’t want to have guests complaining about a pest problem, not only because you could start losing business, but your business could shut down until the problem is taken care of, especially if you are a restaurant with pests.” Credits: Commercial Businesses Are Encouraged To Have Regular Pest …

Best Commercial Pest Control: The 5 pillars

A strong proactive pest management program includes for pillars:

  1. Inspection
  2. Identification
  3. Sanatation
  4. Monitoring
  5. Education

Best Commercial Pest Control: Inspection

Mid-Winter Pest Control TreatmentsYou’ll want to customize pest inspection based on the kind of commercial establishment you run. For example, a restaurant, an office building, a hotel and a daycare center each require their own unique customized approach to pest inspection. Each have their particualar pest entry points and “hot spots”, along with specific treatment issues. Additional needs exist where a business operates in multiple sites.

Credits: The Importance of Commercial Pest Control » sugarlandexterminating

Best Commercial Pest Control: Identification

While it’s common sense that bed bugs are more likely found in hotels than in restaurants, there are many other kinds of pests that favor one type of commercial establishment over another. An effective commercial pest control strategy is proactively targeted at the specific type of pest most likely to be a problem for that particular business.

Best Commercial Pest Control: Sanitation

Best Commercial Pest ControlSanitation is more than taking out the trash on a regular basis. It’s the entire system of managing your grounds. It certainly includes emptying the waste bins but it’s so much more. For instance, where is your commercial waste bin located? Is it far enough away from the foundation? Where does your company store mops? They can attract bugs if left wet. What does your breakroom look like? If food is left unsealed, even just over the weekend, it can lead to a major pest problem. Every process of cleaning and refuse removal should be evaluated. Proper sanitation cuts off the food and water supply for most pests so they never become an issue at all. Credits: Long-Term Commercial Pest Control for Businesses in MA

Best Commercial Pest Control: Monitoring

    • Business owners should schedule a pest inspection at least once a year to prevent future infestations.
    • Set up an ongoing maintenance plan with your pest control company so you can prevent closing your business due to pests.
    • Restaurants should conduct regular pest control treatments. They are required to adhere to health regulations, with a large portion of that being pest control.
    • Pest control protects your business’s reputation and reduces the possibility of any disciplinary actions.
    • Bed bugs can also cause an array of issues for hotels. Keep in mind though that bed bugs aren’t the cause of sanitation issues, but brought in by guests. Proper pest control is needed to eliminate bed bugs.

Credits: Commercial Businesses Are Encouraged To Have Regular Pest …

Best Commercial Pest Control: Education

When management and staff are properly educated in pest control issues, potential problems can be more easily avoided. ApolloX Pest Control is happy to educate our commercial clients in measures they can take to help ensure their business is less likely to harbor pests.

Best Commercial Pest ControlBest Commercial Pest Control

Call ApolloX Pest Control

(888) 499-7378 

Why Winter Pest Control: Is it Really Necessary?

Posted by & filed under All Categories, Seasonal Pest Control.

Why Winter Pest ControlWhy Winter pest control?

Most people assume that pests hibernate during the Winter, emerge in the Spring and multiply during the warmer months. Isn’t it more effective to apply pest control in the Spring when the pests are most active?

Why Winter Pest Control: Heat-Seeking Pests

Some insects are especially attracted to your warm home during the cold months: When the weather cools in the fall, pests like spiders, stink bugs, centipedes, box elder bugs, lady bugs, and others will feel the warmth escaping from small cracks in your home and squeeze their way inside and still be very active.  Credits: 6 Reasons You Need Pest Control in the Winter | Tomlinson …
Image Credits: Outside My Window » Winter Is A Great Pest Control System – WQED

Why Winter Pest Control: Rodents

Mice and rats also seek the warmth of your home during the cold months. Mid-Winter is a good time to check and refresh rodent bait stations. Here’s an all-around solid training of rodent proofing:

Why Winter Pest Control: Pest “Hot Spots”

Pest activity often begins and takes hold in certain  “hot spots” like basements, garages and crawl spaces. Mice, termites, earwigs, crickets, spiders and centipedes love these areas. Treating these in mid-Winter gives your pest control program an edge for the rest of the year so you are less likely to need to play “catch up” during the warmer months.

Problems like spiders are more common during the cooler months. Spiders can quickly accumulate in the right conditions. The presence of spider webs could mean that a potential infestation problem is fast approaching. Spiders can really increase their numbers and reproduce quickly. Areas can even become re-infested whenever the eggs hatch. Credits: How to prepare for the winter months | Green Guard Pest Control
Image Credits: How to Manage Your Winter Pest Problem – Lifehacker

Moles Pest ControlWhy Winter Pest Control: The Vole Invasion

Vole problems are at their worse in the Spring. But they start tunneling in the lawn during the Winter in their search for food. This search for food can make freshly stocked bait stations more effective during the Winter.

Why Winter Pest Control: Firewood and Potted Plants

We love our potted plants, and bring them into the home during the Winter so they won’t freeze. Insects can hitch a ride into the home along with the potted plants. Same thing happens with firewood brought into the home.

Why Winter Pest ControlWhy Winter Pest Control: Smallest Crack Becomes a Pest Highway

How big an opening do heat-seeking pests need in order to enter your home to escape from Winter cold?

  • House mouse, 1/4” opening
  • Norway rat, 1/2” opening
  • Adult German cockroach, 1/16” opening
  • House fly, 5/64” opening
  • Mosquito, 3/64” opening

 Credits: Winter demands stepped-up pest–control efforts at your restaurant …

With the right Winter pest control, a homeowner should be able to enjoy their warm house all Winter long, and not have to worry about sharing their space with unwanted house guests.

Why Winter Pest Control:  Great Time for a Pest Inspection

Perhaps you’d rather be enjoying the Winter holidays instead of checking your home for pests? We’ll crawl into the crawl spaces and brave the spiders so you don’t have to.

Call ApolloX Pest Control 

(888) 499-7378