Natural Termite Repellents

Posted by & filed under Wood Damaging Pests.

Natural Termite RepellentsNatural Termite Repellents: Why they work.

Over time, plants have developed natural defenses against being eaten by insects. These can include tough leaves, spines and hairs and finally, chemical warfare. The natural defensive chemicals plants produce are relatively inexpensive as opposed to insecticides, each of which can cost upwards of $100 million to develop. And they tend to be safer to the natural environment and the environment of your home.

The drawback is that natural termite repellents may not last as long, can be more difficult to apply and may be more limited in their results.

However, natural termite repellents may be effective in your situation. Here are a few:  

Natural termite Repellents: Aloe Vera, Castor Oil, Mexican Poppy

Aloe Vera: A solution of aloe and water repels termites, when sprayed in their area of activity.

Castor Oil: Mix castor oil seeds, leaves and roots with water and soak it for 24 hours. Then strain the solution and spray on the affected area to repel the termites.

Mexican Poppy: Spraying a mixture of Mexican poppy oil and water around the infested area keeps away termites. Credits: Natural Insect Repellents – HealthStatus

Termites In Your Firewood PileNatural Termite Repellents: Natural Oils

Plants that excrete essential oils like eugenol and citronellal have been identified by many termite-control specialists as significant organic termite repellents. Experts call such plants are Terpenoids. These oils are detested by most termite species. The oils extracted by Terpenoid Plants like the redwood tree and bald cypress can be used to treat the wood materials used in the construction of your house.

It is also very interesting to note that the discovery of such an organic repellent is incidental; scientists were studying why termites do not attack redwood and cypress. What they found out resulted to the usage of essential oils in repelling termites. 

Apart from redwood and cypress, it was also found out that the oil that can be extracted from Kuss-kuss grass (a wild and common grass in Australia) also repels termites and other pests as well (ants and cockroaches). Moreover, the oil extracted from Kuss-kuss grass in very fragrant and it can be used to treat the wood materials of the house while giving off a very pleasant smell that can be aroma theraputic as well. Credits: Termite Extermination FOR BEGINNERS: Organic Termite Repellents

Natural Termite Repellents: Boric Acid

Boric acid can be commercially bought nowadays but in essence, this mineral can be extracted from most fruits and plants. Boric acid is also very abundant in seawater. The mineral became popular for commercial use because of its many uses, especially in preventing and curing skin problems like acne. Many commercial lotions and creams are boric acid-based. The same mineral is also used as a powerful antiseptic.

Termites Pest ControlIt is not very surprising that boric acid can be used in termite eradication too. Since termites do not think and just eat everything that is in their way, a simple application of boric acid in their nest and in the wood materials of the house will be enough to kill termites. When ingested, boric acid acts like a form of poison that kills the microorganisms inside the intestines of the termites (these microorganisms are the ones that disintegrate cellulose which termites cannot do on their own). Naturally, termites will die shortly after the microorganisms die out of boric acid poisoning. Credits: Termite Extermination FOR BEGINNERS: Organic Termite Repellents

If these natural termite repellents are not effective in your case…

Call ApolloX Pest Control

(888) 499-7378

Natural Rat Repellents

Posted by & filed under Food Destroying Pests.

Rat PreventionRats and mice in the home are a real annoyance for homeowners, and even a danger. These uninvited creatures consume everything, from your organic tomatoes sitting on the kitchen table, to breadcrumbs underneath the refrigerator, spreading bacteria and pathogens in the process. Credits: Is Natural Pest Control Possible?: Environmentally-Friendly Rodent …

Conventional pesticides possess inherent toxicities that endanger the health of the farm operators, consumers, and the environment. For this reason, there is a growing interest in botanical pesticides due to their minimal costs and fewer ecological side effects.

Plants with strong smells act as repellents. They prevent rodents from feeding or gnawing.

Natural Rat Repellents: Eucalyptus Oil

A study presented in volume 2014 of The Scientific World Journal shows eucalyptus oil has some effect in repelling rats. Rodent repellents are chemicals which by taste or odor or possibly by both will prevent animal from feeding or gnawing. Such substances may be used in protecting an area from rodent infestation or in protecting packaged food, packing materials, electric cables, and other important vulnerable materials. 

Natural Rat RepellentsPercent repellency in both male and female rats was apparently more with daily application of 5 and 10% eucalyptus oil. Present studies reveal the potential of eucalyptus oil in repelling away R. rattus; however, further studies may be conducted to enhance the persistence of repellent effect for longer period of time. 

Percent repellency was more when the oil was applied daily and alternatively as compared to when applied once a week indicating low persistence of the repellent effect due to volatile nature of the oil. F Credits: Potential of Eucalyptus Oil as Repellent against House Rat, Rattus …

Natural Rat Repellents: Peppermint Oil

Put a few drops of peppermint (or spearmint) essential oil onto cotton balls, and leave in cupboards. Use cotton towels, soaked in a solution of mint oil and water. Use ten to fifteen drops of the oil for four cups of water. Ring excess water from the cloth, and then place anywhere that rodents may be entering the home, or spending time. As mice and rats generally come out at night while people are asleep, run an essential oil diffuser for twenty minutes before going to bed. This will spread the aroma molecules throughout the house. 

If possible, plant mint outside the home. Mint grows quickly, and profusely. This will help prevent rodents from being attracted to your house in the first place. Also, you will have an almost endless supply of fresh mint to use indoors as a deterrent. Fresh leaves can be left in problem areas as well. Credits: Is Natural Pest Control Possible?: Environmentally-Friendly Rodent …

Natural Rat RepellentsNatural Rat Repellents: Naphthalene Balls

Rats don’t like the smell of naphthalene balls, better known as moth balls. It’s not enough to put these in your cupboards, woollen-storage closets…these need to be replenished and replaced as naphthalene balls shrink with time. Their potency diminishes when they shrink. So be alert and put fresh naphthalene balls out. 

Natural Rat Repellents: Ammonia

Mix one part ammonia with one part water. Soak old socks or a cloth in the ammonia and squeeze out the excess liquid. Place the cloth where the rats are likely to enter the home. Check the cloth at least once a week and replace if necessary. Credits: Drat..Rats! Natural ways to repel rodents | Sass, Sense and …

Natural Rat Repellents: Spices

Chilli peppers, cayenne pepper, even Tabasco sauce can be successful as a rat repellent. Sprinkling garlic powder and diced garlic cloves can also do the trick according to ehow.com. The pungency of garlic can make rats feel nauseated and drive them away. Incidentally, garlic oil is also a cockroach-repellent. Credits: Drat..Rats! Natural ways to repel rodents | Sass, Sense and …

Natural Rat Repellents: Home made rat poison, harmless to humans.

Natural Rat Repellents2 oz Barium Carbonate
1/2 oz Granulated Sugar
1/2 lb Bread Crumbs

Place all ingredients into a bowl and mix well, then add a small amount of water to dampen and allow the mixture to be made into small balls that can be placed out for the rodents. Credits: Natural Mice, Rat, and Rodent Repellents – pinkcloudsandangels …

Natural Rat Repellents: Sweet Potatoes, Dry Beans, Peanuts

Raw sweet potato forms a cyanide reaction in a rat’s stomach; hence, mixing them with any of your food is a good natural rat repellent. Raw dry beans and peanuts contain nutrients which can kill rats. It blocks the digestive system by aborting the necessary vitamin A and enzymes needed for the rats to digest the protein and starches. This leads causes the red blood cells to cluster and eventually kill the rats.

Natural Rat Repellents: A Clean Home, No Food Source!

Keeping your home clean by eliminating access to all food sources is the best natural rat repellent. Clean floors and counter tops with a solution of water and mint essential oil. Inspect your home and seal off potential rat access points with cement. With a clean minty well-sealed home, rats will have no interest in working to find a way in. 

Natural Rat Repellents: Conclusion

You may find that one or a combination of the natural rat repellents described in this article does the trick for you. If so, great! Let us know about your results.

However, you might just want to avoid the mess and the hassle of preparing, deploying and testing these concoctions one by one, then refreshing the repellents when their potency runs out (they don’t last very long). In that case…

Call the Professionals at ApolloX Pest Control

We’ll take the problem off your hands quickly and easily with no hassle for you!

Call ApolloX Pest Control

(888) 499-7378 

 

Termites In Northeastern Firewood Piles

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

Is it possible to bring termites in with  firewood,  and should I be concerned?

Termites in Northeastern Firewood PilesTermites in Northeastern Firewood Piles: Different Answer 

It appears the answer to this question is different depending on which area of the country you live.

We came across this article and thought it worth sharing to people who live in the Northeastern U.S.

Credits: http://www.colonialpest.com/termites-in-firewood/  

Fire wood being stored inside is common in New England, as retrieving it from under snow and during inclement weather is a hassle.  While firewood may contain certain insects, termites should not be an issue. 

Termites In Northeastern Firewood Piles: Will likely die if brought into the house.

Termite colonies live in the soil and feed on wood that they find within their foraging territory.  If termites were feeding on the firewood outside, it may be possible to bring some of the workers in with the wood(workers find food, build tunnels, and feed the colony).  Workers feeding inside firewood will eventually die without contact with the colony, as well as from desiccation due to lack of moisture. 

Termites in Northeastern Firewood PilesTermites in Northeastern Firewood Piles: If still connected to their colony will live and thrive.

Firewood may serve as food for termites if they find it within the house.   If foraging termites locate wood near a joint or crack in the foundation they will feed on it. 

Termites in Northeastern Firewood Piles: Not as big a problem as spiders, carpenter ants and powder post beetles.

Fire wood may harbor spiders, beetles, centipedes, wood roaches, pseudo scorpions, certain wasp species, and carpenter ants.    Spiders and carpenter ants would be the biggest concern, followed by powder post beetles.

Termites in Northeastern Firewood PilesCarpenter Ant Colonies May Remain Intact

Carpenter ant colonies may reside within wood stored outside, and may be transported inside.  If the colony was in hibernation, they will “wake up” in the warm basement and may move into the house.

Spiders May Become Active In the House

Spiders hiding in firewood will also become active and search for food. 

Powder Post Beetles Can Emerge and Cause Structural Damage

Many species of beetles, including powder post beetles, live in wood.  Some beetle species prefer living trees, others prefer aged wood.  Depending on the type of wood and moisture content, beetles located within the firewood may continue to develop and emerge within the home.  In most cases a beetle hatch from firewood is a one time event, although large  numbers may emerge.  Beetles will die quickly once emerging, and will not usually infest a home.  Powder post beetles may infest wood in damp basements and do cause structural damage if not controlled.  Severe damage takes years to occur.

Termites In Northeastern Firewood Piles: Inspect the Wood Before Bringing it Into Your Home

 

Inspect the wood as it goes in.  Look for obvious signs of insect activity such as live ants, conspicuous holes, sawdust or powder falling from holes in the wood.  Banging it on something may dislodge spiders and insects hiding on the wood or in the bark.  If something looks suspicious burn or discard it.  Termites feeding on the wood may also be visible, usually in wood that was stored directly on the ground. Termites are relatively small, whitish insects, and are always associated with soil or mud used to created tunnels and hold moisture.  Termites will die eventually without moisture and contact with their colony.

Termites in Northeastern Firewood Piles: Guidelines for  stacking the wood.

As the wood is stacked inside, be sure to keep it up off the floor.  This will  discourage foraging termites from locating the wood inside the house.   Termites would need to build visible mud tubes from a crack or joint to the wood.  Make an effort to bring in only enough wood for the winter.   Wood piles that sit for years aging inside should be discouraged.  Once the wood is stacked, inspect it periodically for signs of insects, such as sawdust piles, small piles of powder, and live or dead insects in the area.  Wood that is suspect may be burned or discarded outside. 

Termites in Northeastern Firewood Piles: Pesticides are potentially dangerous.

Treating firewood with pesticides is not necessary, and should never be done due to the risk of contacting toxic compounds in the smoke.  The area around the wood stack may be treated to minimize insect or spider activity coming from the wood.  

Credits: http://www.colonialpest.com/termites-in-firewood/  

Do you think you have a pest control issue related to firewood?

Contact the professionals at ApolloX Pest Control.

We’ll make a positive identification of the suspect pest, and give you specific recommendations for control measures.

Call ApolloX Pest Control

(888) 499-7378 

Weather Proofing Your Home for Winter

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

Weather proofing your home can save you thousands of dollars this Winter. Actually, we received this cool infographic from an insurance guy who is in a position to know exactly how much the average homeowner stands to save by weather proofing their home. In fact, there are specific weatherproofing actions you need to take in order to be among those who realize the savings.

Here’s the quick summary list (see the infographic below for more details and research links):

Weather Proofing Your Home Windows

  • Make sure your windows are installed correctly.
  • Add shades or drapes.

Weather Proofing Your Home Doors

  • Use door draft excluders.
  • Fix leaks around doors and windows.

Weather Proofing Your Home Around the House

  • Get a water heater insulating blanket.
  • Insulate your outlets.
  • Add attic insulation.

Weather Proofing Your Home Outside

  • Insulate pipes around the outside of your home.
  • Drain pipes if you’re leaving your home.
  • Inspect your chimney.
  • Trim trees around your home.

Weather Proofing Your Home Against Floods

  • Always have a supply of sand bags available to protect exit doors.
  • Try to keep all electric sockets and electrical appliances as high as possible off the floor.
  • Install non-slip tiling on the ground floor instead of carpets.

Weather Proofing Your Home Through Insurance

  • Check policy warranties.
  • Keep policies updated.
  • Photo inventory all valuables.

In addition, learn what % of damage is on average caused by rain, wind, show, ice and other elements. See the infographic below.

Weather Proofing Your Home Through Getting Smart Advice

When our experts at ApolloX Pest Control inspect a home for pests, we often discover other issues that need attention such as weather proofing. Though it’s best to have your home professionally inspected by a weather proofing expert, we may be able to point out a few of the larger weather proofing issues. After all, who else explores every corner of your home from the crawl space to the attic? Call ApolloX for a pest control inspection and you may discover some additional valuable information about your home.

Call ApolloX Pest Control

(888) 499-7378

Weather Proofing Your Home

Credit for this Weather Proofing Your Home infographic: Jim Flannery http://www.balcombes.ie/services/property-insurance/

Natural Spider Repellents

Posted by & filed under All Categories, Biting, Stinging Pests.

Natural Spider RepellentsDespite the fact that most varieties of spider pose no threat to humans (and given the way they keep the insect population under control we should view them as allies) many people dislike, and even fear them.

Natural Spider Repellents: What makes them work?

Natural spider repellents work because all spiders have their taste buds on the tips of their legs, and there are certain natural oils spiders hate, including citrus, lavender, peppermint, citronella, cinnamon, tea tree and cloves. 

Natural Spider RepellentsNatural Spider Repellents: A little more trouble to apply, but they’re safe.

Natural spider repellents have to be applied more often than pesticides, but they are safer for to use in your home and have a pleasant smell.

Natural Spider Repellents #1: Lemon Oil

Add up to 5 drops of essential oil (lemon is my favorite and spiders detest it) and up to 5 drops of dish washing liquid to 1 qt. of water. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and shake well.

Spray the mixture on cobwebs, around doors and windows, around the lawn and garden and on any surfaces where spiders lurk. In addition to having a pleasant aroma, this mixture is nontoxic.

Oils may stain or cause spots, so be sure to test the mixture on a small section of carpet or upholstery before spraying an entire surface.

Reapply the spray once a week during peak “spider seasons.”

Credits: Natural Spider Repellent, Homemade Spider Spray | Seventh …

natural spider repellents

Natural Spider Repellents #2: Mint and Lavender

Pots of mint and lavender inside your home on a sunny windowsill will also help deter indoor spiders. Or you can dust your window sills and furniture weekly with a lemon-scented cleaner to help deter spiders.

Natural Spider Repellents #3: Peppermint Oil

Try one of the options below for quick and easy repelling!

Option 1: the cotton ball

Simply place a few drops of Peppermint essential oil on several cotton balls and place in areas where spiders like to be in your home (corners, closets, etc). Add more essential oil when you notice the scent has faded.

Option 2: the spray

Make a simple spray and spray it around baseboards and other places spiders like to lurk!

Natural Spider RepellentsSpider Repellent Spray
-4 oz glass bottle
-4 oz water
-7-10 drops Spark Naturals Peppermint essential oil

Just combine and spray! 

Credits: Spark Naturals Blog: Natural Spider Repellent

Natural Spider Repellents #4: Clean and Organize

Last, but certainly not least, you can stop a household spider infestation through simple, non-chemical means. Use a vacuum cleaner to suck up spiders and cobwebs. Seal cracks in the foundation and close gaps in windows or beneath doorways to deny spiders access to your homes. Spiders thrive in dark, cluttered places, so keep stacks of debris, woodpiles and thick plant growth away from the sides of the house. The fewer places spiders can easily inhabit, the more effectively they can be repelled. 

Credits: Natural Spider Repellent, Homemade Spider Spray | Seventh …

Image Credits: The Best Spider Killing Spray and Repellent – spideraway.com

Natural Spider Repellents Warning: Protect Your Cat!

Essential oils can be harmful for cats. Therefore, before using essential oils:

  1. Remove the cat from the room
  2. Ventilate during & after spraying
  3. Avoid spraying areas where the cat likes to hang out (around it’s bed, etc.)
  4. Only let the cat back in after the spray has dried. 

 Credits: Natural Spider Repellent Spray | Managing the Everyday

Even though you may find that natural spider repellents can control or eliminate your spider problems, you may find them to be a hassle. They take time to prepare and apply, applications need to be regularly repeated, and the results aren’t immediate.

For safe, fast and easy spider control, call the professionals at ApolloX Pest Control:

Call ApolloX Pest Control

(888) 499-7378

Natural Cockroach Repellents

Posted by & filed under All Categories, Food Destroying Pests.

  • Natural Cockroach RepellentsNatural Cockroach Repellents: Give them a try!

  • Once you see a cockroach, of course, it means that cockroach already has plenty of company. If you’ve had cockroaches before or suspect you might have them, it’s best to take preventative measures. 
  • Natural cockroach repellents are safe, and can effectively control your cockroach problem. This article lists 5 natural cockroach repellent strategies. One of these just might liberate your home from cockroaches!
  • Our first natural cockroach repellent uses cloves and epsom salts.

    • Natural Cockroach Repellents #1: Cloves and Epsom Salts

    • Directions: Mix a handful of cloves with a handful of epsom salts in a shallow dish and place under their favourite hiding spots, such as dishwashers, fridges, sinks and washing machines. Just to be sure, a few drops of clove oil in corners and cupboards should keep them away, too. Credits: DIY Natural Cockroach Repellent — Homelife | Apartment Therapy

    • Natural Cockroach RepellentsNatural Cockroach Repellents #2: Cedar

      The cedar tree is famous for its biological components and oils that offer resistance to many insects and other pests.  You can also make use of these properties and oils by using cedar veneers, blocks, chips dust and cedar balls by using them as lining fro drawers, cabinets and wardrobes. You can also use them as paneling to line closet walls, for enhanced protection.

    • Natural Cockroach Repellents #3: Moth Balls

      Moth balls have been used for a long time to repel moths. Like moths, roaches don’t like the smell of moth balls. The common usage is to place a couple of the moth balls behind your cooker to keep the roaches from hiding around there. You may also have several in the cabinets and also under the sink and any other place where roaches make home.  They are very effective and can be useful for as long as they remain there.  Moth balls are however not supposed to be used near food or food preparation areas as they are not good for humans.

      Natural Cockroach RepellentsNatural Cockroach Repellents #4: Red Pepper Spray

    • Red pepper is a common ingredient in insect repellents. Cockroaches detest red pepper and they will easily avoid coming near its smell. You need to spray on all spaces in the kitchen, bathroom, wardrobes and any other hiding places to have maximum impact. You can make this spray at home by mixing red pepper, vinegar and water. You then need to spray and leave it for some time to dry if you need to wipe. If you need to wipe, do not use a wet cloth as it may wipe away the residual smell that is necessary for continued protection.

Natural Cockroach Repellents #5: Tea Tree Oil, Mint, Bay Leaves and Cucumbers

  • Cockroaches hate Tea tree oil, mint, bay leaves, and cucumbers.
  1. Add 25 drops of mint essential oil in 1 cup of water. Put the solution a spray bottle. Spray under kitchen cabinets, cracks, hard to reach areas and doors. Repeat once a week.
  2. Place bay leaves in your pantry, kitchen cabinets and closets.
  3. Rub tea tree essential oil on shelves, baseboards and infested area. Add end of cucumbers at corners of room and shelves until cucumbers are shriveled.
  4. Sprinkle Diatomaceous dirt in cracks and holes.
  5. Cockroach trap: Get the roaches drunk. Fill about a quarter of an old bottle with beer and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Leave in infested area. Replace when full of cockroaches. The stale beer is a cockroach attractant similar to the pheromones they use to signal each other for food. Once they fall into the bottle, they will not be able to escape. The beer is safe for pets and children.
  7. NOTE: Keep your house as clean as possible. Vacuum daily. Mop floors daily with 1 part white distilled vinegar and 5 parts warm water. (until cockroaches are gone).

 Credits: DIY aggressive cockroach repellents – Step Into My Green World

Natural cockroach repellents aren’t always effective. If the above repellents don’t eliminate your cockroach problem, or if you’d just like to avoid the hassle and mess of placing leaves, bowls and jars around your house…

…call the pest control professionals at ApolloX Pest Control.

We’ll quickly and safely control your cockroach problem.

Call ApolloX Pest Control

(888) 499-7378

6 Natural Mice Repellents

Posted by & filed under All Categories, Food Destroying Pests.

House Mouse ControlNatural Mice Repellants May Be Safer, Cleaner and More Humane

Chemical products can create a messy cleanup and they can take days to kill mice. They can also harm your kids and pets. 

Credits: Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Natural Mice Repellent …

Natural Mice Repellents: Mixed Reviews

The use of a natural mouse repellent is something to consider with the caution that deterrents like these have received mixed reviews. Some people claim that work great, while others state that they did not work at all. Also, if you have an established rodent problem, they may not be as effective as they are in preventing a problem in the first place.

6 Natural Mice Repellents

1) Pepperment Oil: Make sure the label says “100% pure”. Saturate cotton balls with peppermint oil and leave them around the areas you where have found droppings. Replace the cotton balls every few days as the oil quickly dissipates.  This is said to repel mice, sending them elsewhere.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT USE PEPPERMINT OIL IF YOU HAVE CATS. CATS CAN BECOME VERY ILL!

Credits: Natural Mouse Repellent Options – HumanePestControlTips.com

2) Apple Cider Vinegar:  Clean floors, the insides of cabinets and countertops with 50% apple cider vinegar (does not have to be organic) and 50% water.  Mice will avoid the area and leave.

Credits: How Do you Protect your Emergency Supplies from Pests?

6 Natural Mice Repellents3) Cayenne Pepper Sachets: Make little sachets of cayenne pepper to place in areas mice like to hang out. Again, the smell of the pepper is supposed to drive them away.

4) Ammonia: Ammonia is said the mimic the scent of predators. Fill small containers and place them around the house where mice are known to live. 

5) Predator Odor: There are also commercially sold repellents that contain the urine of predators such as skunk or fox. combined with other organic materials. They’re sold in pellets or granules and are sprinkled around the area where the mice inhabit or travel.
Credits: Natural Mouse Repellent Options – HumanePestControlTips.com

6) Mint Leaves: 

  • Take a handful of fresh mint leaves
  • Chop them using a sharp kitchen knife.
  • One you have chopped the mint leaves, mix them with water and keep them for two days in a basin or a container.
  • Sprinkle them around your home and in all the areas where you will find mice droppings.
  • Alternatively, you can put cotton balls inside the container or basin and then place these balls around the area where you think the mice are living. But don’t forget to change the balls after a couple of days.

Credits: Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Natural Mice Repellent …

While natural repellents are especially good at helping prevent a rodent problem in the first place, if you have an established rodent problem, you will need the help of a pest control expert.

Call ApolloX Pest Control

(888) 499-7378

Keeping Rodents Out of Your Car This Winter

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

When we think “pest control” we most often think of the home and garden. So this will be a new line of thinking for many: Just when you thought your car was the last bastion of safety, your secure pest-free zone…

Rat PreventionKeeping Rodents Out of Your Car: Check Under the Hood!

As the weather turns colder, rodents like mice and even rats look for warm places to nest and get away from the elements, and many find cars to be an ideal option. Unfortunately, once these animals get inside, they tend to do a lot of damage.

A common hang out for these pests is under the hood, and they like to get inside things like the air filter housing, where they will chew up the filter to make nesting material.  Small animals will also go under the hood insulation, often dragging food along with them, like dog food, bird seed, acorns and walnuts.  If they don’t have food to bring along, they may feast on the wiring in the engine compartment and wreak havoc on your ability to drive the car.

 

Credits: Winter Pests: Keeping Rodents out of Your Vehicle – Think Smart

Deer Mouse Pest ControlKeeping Rodents Out of Your Car: Check the Ventilation System!

Rodents can find their way inside the car, as well.  They typically can enter through the ventilation system, and love to nest near the heater fan, which is generally located behind the glove box on the right side of the dash, nearby or directly above the heater core.  The heater core stays warm long after you leave the car and have turned off the engine, making this spot an ideal nesting area.  These critters pack food and nesting material inside the fan blade, which looks similar to a hamster wheel, and throw the blade out of balance, causing noise and vibration during operation.  Other problems stemming from this include blocked vents, which impedes airflow, as well as complications from chewed wiring. 

 

Credits: Winter Pests: Keeping Rodents out of Your Vehicle – Think Smart

House Mouse Pest ControlKeeping Rodents Out of Your Car: Don’t Start a Pest Cemetery!

Now, it’s bad enough to think about mice living in your vehicle, but it can get worse:  they can die inside the engine compartment or vehicle, as well.  Whether these bothersome tenants meet their demise trying to escape fan blades, chewing electrified wires, or otherwise, the outcome remains the same. The often hard-to-find remains can be foul smelling and continue to contribute to the aforementioned problems. Finding the culprit and eliminating the damage and the odor can be difficult and expensive.  How big of a problem is this?  We have seen damage over $10,000 caused by rodents.  And we see about one vehicle per week during the warm months with a problem, and sometimes 4 or 5 per week when the weather turns cold.  

Keeping Rodents Out of Your Car: Top 4 Tips

The best solution to this problem is to avoid the problem in the first place. Below are several tips that should help prevent rodents from exploring your car. 

  1. Keep Your Garage a Food-Free Zone: Don’t store pet food or bird food in a garage or outside unless it is in a tightly sealed, mouse-proof container.  Food attracts rodents, and they will take that food into your car.
  2. Keep Rodents Out of Your Garage: Depending on how you feel about trapping, killing, or poisoning mice, the best way to keep them out of your car is to keep them out of your garage.  Setting traps or poison baits are one way, but moth-balls strategically placed in a garage (away from children and pets) can also be effective.
  3. Fabric Softener Isn’t Just for Laundry Anymore: Many boat and RV owners will stuff fabric softener sheets into compartments when the vehicles are put into storage.  Placing Bounce fabric softener sheets in the glove box, under the seats and even inside the hood insulation may keep mice away.  There is the added benefit of that fresh laundry smell, too!
  4. Keep Your Car Clean: Throw away garbage in your car.  Those dropped French fries between the seats are attractants to animals.  Keeping the interior clean will help keep the mice away.

​ Credits: Winter Pests: Keeping Rodents out of Your Vehicle – Think Smart

Need help keeping rodents out of your car? Do you have a pest problem in your garage? That’s the first stage of having a pest problem in your car. Eliminate the source:

Call ApolloX Pest Control:

(888) 499-7378

 

Indoor Home Improvement Projects For Cold Winter Days

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

Indoor Home Improvement Projects: The time is right!

As we create this blog post, it’s early December, 35 degrees and pouring rain in Greenwich Connecticut. Definitely not a good time to be tackling outdoor home improvement tasks.
Indoor Home Improvement Projects for WinterYou could wait for better weather, or create a list of fun indoor home improvement tasks.

Indoor Home Improvement Projects: Consider these for idea starters: 

  • Interior painting – Few indoor home improvement projects are more fun than making the spaces you love truly your own. The sky’s the limit! You can start small by tackling an accent wall, or maybe painting a decorative piece of furniture. If you’re worried about fumes, ask your paint supplier or professional interior painter about using low-VOC paint. This is an environmentally friendly, low-odor option.

​ Credits: 5 Fun Home Improvement Ideas to Tackle this Winter « Williams …

Indoor Home Improvement Projects for Winter

  • Refinish your doors – Here’s a great indoor home improvement project. Are your doors scarred by dings, marks, and smudges? Interior doors count as high-traffic areas in your home, being pushed, banged, and maybe even occasionally slammed open and shut. Either painting or staining them will make an incredible difference!
  • Install a backsplash – This indoor home improvement project is a budget-friendly way to make a huge stylistic change in your kitchen. And, with the hundreds of options out there, you can create just the look you have in mind. If you aren’t sure where to start, take a look at other kitchen backsplash designs, and then get to work on your own.
  • Organization – Do you have a closet that you are just a little afraid to even touch? This indoor home improvement project is easy and inexpensive. Invest in some plastic storage containers, brew a fresh cup of coffee (or maybe a full pot), and start working during your next free afternoon. You’ll feel great, and who knows? You might discover that you have more space than you think you do!
  • Play with lighting – Have a dark room, or maybe you’d like a way to fight the seasonally shorter days? For this indoor home improvement project, why not add a few lights? Track lighting is a great way to strategically illuminate a space; aiming the light exactly where you need it most.

Indoor Home Improvement Projects: Free yourself to enjoy the outdoors when warm weather hits.

It can be enjoyable to tackle indoor home improvement projects during the cold wet Winter months, and in addition, when Spring arrives you’re free to give your total focus on outdoor activities!

By the way, if you happen to discover a pest issue while you’re engaged in your indoor home improvement projects (i.e. rats or mice in the attic, termite damage in the basement…etc.)…

Call ApolloX Pest Control

(888) 499-7378

Prevent Bed Bugs from Coming Home: Travel Tips

Posted by & filed under All Categories, Bed Bugs, Biting, Stinging Pests.

Once established in a home, bed bugs are difficult to remove. Treatments can be time, labor and material intensive to truly rid the home of all bed bugs present. The best offense is a strong defense. Prevent bed bugs from coming home in the first place.

Prevent Bed BugsTips to Prevent Bed Bugs from Coming Home

When you travel, keep these pointers in mind to reduce the risk of your bringing bed bugs home with you:

  1. When checking into a hotel, you can prevent bed bugs from coming home by first inspecting your room thoroughly for bed bugs. Look closely for them (or their signs: blood spots) in or behind the headboard of the bed, over the bed, in, on or behind the picture hanging above the bed board, in the seams of the mattress and box springs. (Bed bugs feed upon human blood at night and are somewhat messy leaving obvious stains behind.)
  2. Inspect the valet stand or luggage rack thoroughly around the fabric seams to see that there are no bed bugs; after passing your inspection, place your suitcase on the stand and keep it there the entire visit; do not let the suitcase sit on the floor, which makes it more difficult to prevent bed bugs from hitching a ride and coming home with you.
  3. Bed Bugs Pest ControlMove your bed away from the wall of the room, and do not let linens touch the floor.
  4. Check the hangers and rack in the closet before hanging your clothes there. You want to prevent bed bugs from hitching a ride home on your cloths.
  5. Check nightstands and dresser drawers before placing personal items on or inside.
  6. If you should find bed bugs present, please alert the hotel management that this is the case and that you would like to be moved to another room. Only by informing the management of the bed bugs can they begin to tackle their problem. Hotels are now very concerned to prevent bed bugs. They’ll work with you to make your stay pleasant.
  7. When you return home, prevent bed bugs from entering your home by first unloading your suitcase in the garage or out on the porch or patio. Check your suitcase and other luggage thoroughly (inside and out) for any signs of bed bug hitchhikers that may have come with you.
  8. If you should accidentally bring bed bugs home with you, contact us immediately to help rid your home of them.

Call ApolloX Pest Control: (888) 499-7378

How to Prevent Bed Bugs from Hitching a Ride from School