What is Integrated Pest Management ?

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a systems approach that combines preventative techniques, non chemical pest control methods and the wise use of pesticides with preferance for products that are least harmful to human health and the environment.

• Improve sanitation
• Habitat modification
• Clean downspouts and gutters
• Cutback dense shrubbery and over-hanging trees from the structure
• Have chimney caps installed and vent covers
• Correct structures deficiencies such as removing woodpiles or eliminating moisture sources

What preventitive maintenance can a homeowner do on there own to help prevent pests? 

• Make sure Firewood is stacked up off the ground on a rack with a tarp over leaving the bottom exposed so no animals can shelter underneath.
• Take a look at your trees to see if anything may be burrowing inside, and have your trees pruned whenever they need it.
• Keep wood to soil exposure a minimum.
• Keep foilage and mulch away from your structures.
• Keep the exterior of your house sealed from pests with caulk, hardware cloth, mortar, and concrete.
• Keep your gutters clean.
• Inspect your siding, flashing, and vents to make sure no pests can enter.
• Make sure you have chimney caps on all chimneys no matter if you use them or not.
• Fix interior leaks as soon as you find them.
• Keep the humidity down in your structure.
• Keep kitchens and bathrooms maintained with proper caulking.
• Seal around openings near where wires and pipes come into the house.
• Keep garage doors closed with weather stripping to cover any uneven concrete.
• Keep sheds sealed and weather proof and animal proof (Skirting around bottom of shed).
• The same goes for decks.
• Hot tubs should be sealed around openings (clear caulk) and should be treated with the house.( Hot tubs tend to have problems with carpenter ants and bees.
• Make sure screens are tout and have no holes.
• Keep proper drainage around the house.
• Use yellow bulbs on exterior lighting.
• Shine lights on doors rather than over them.

What should a homeowner do in case of your animal getting sprayed by a skunk?

First and foremost a preventitive approach will save you a lot of time and money. Do not let them in the house until you have inspected them ( Have them enter through a laundry area, garage, or any other area with no carpeting or material to rub on). Skunks are out

What can I use to get rid of skunk odor?

Make sure items being cleaned are color fast and be sure to read and follow the label on all products being used.

1 pint Peroxide

1/4 cup Baking soda

1 teaspoon Detergent

Mix the peroxide with the baking soda into a paste. Then add detergent and mix some more. then apply to infected area.

What should a homeowner do before a flea treatment?

• Take pets to a vetenarian to be checked and treated for fleas.
• Do not let pets back in the house or yard until after the flea treatment.
• Vacuum carpets, floors, rugs, drapes, furniture, and mattresses. Try not to use a bagless vacuum, seal the bag and place in a plastic garbage bag and place in the exterior garbage can with lid. (Special attention should be given to cracks on wood floors) and after treatment: vacuum every day.
• Wash or discard of animal bedding.
• Remove all items on floor such as clothes and animal food / water bowls etc.( Use best judgement)
• Cover fish tanks, remove birds and other pets near areas needed to be sprayed.
• Make sure everyone stays away from the house for three to four hours after the application is performed.

What can a homeowner do to help prevent stored product pest?

• Keep all dry goods in tightly sealed plastic or glass containers. 
• Rotate your stored goods, using older purchases before newer purchases.
• Clean cabinets well after any spillage.
• Make sure kitchen cabinets are sealed with caulking to help with insects and steel wool can be used next to piping as a last defense against mice and rats.                                              

How long will the residual be for the chemicals applied?

• Between 30 to 120 days depending on environment and use of areas.
• Termite treatments usually last longer.
• Baiting depends on the moisture activity.
• Some products last longer in different environments.

How often should a home be inspected for pests?

At least once a year professionally by a certified pest control inspector.

Do carpenter bees come back year after year?

Yes, One way to help control them is to have an annual spray.

• Once the areas have been sprayed, the holes need to be
• filled with mesh and sealed with a wood putty or caulk. 

Will rain effect my exterior treatment?

New chemicals are being introduced that cannot be washed away with rain.

• The chemical properties
• NEED TO FINISH ANSWER

How quickly do german roaches populate an area?

A female German roaches egg capsule can contain as many as 30 eggs and a new capsule can be produced every 30 - 45 days.  

How long should my family and pets stay off treated areas?

When the surfaces are dry.

I am an animal lover, is it ok to have wildlife living in my house?

No,

• Wildlife can destroy your property.
• Can carry and transmit disease.
• Can bring parasites into your living areas.
• Can cause fires.
• Can cause odors.
• Can die in hard to get to areas.
• Can introduce other animals to area.
• Can urinate and defecate in areas.
• Can ruin vegetation.
• Can damage your neighbors property.
• May be sick and attack without being provoked.

If You have any questions not answered in our Faq area please contact us and we can add them.