Selecting A Reputable Pest Control Company

 

Most homeowners, landlords, and renters can control household pests by using preventive measures such as good home maintenance methods as well as proper sanitation. However, there are some pest control infestations that are too extensive that you need to hire a pest control company to help you out.

Just like any other service, there are certain things you need to consider like the quality and the value. The company’s competency and cost are crucial as well. When choosing a pest control service, the cost must not be the only key factor that will determine the company that you choose. It is essential that you use the pest control company that is known for their competence. Always remember that your property could be damaged and your health could be put in danger if the pesticides are not used correctly. Before you get in touch with a pest control Myrtle Beach company, here are a few things you need to take into account.

Research Is Important

When homeowners find out that that they have a pest problem, they would like the issue to be eradicated right away. However, most concerns can wait a few more days, which means you have time to choose a reasonably priced and competent pes control firm. It is also prudent to get several estimates from potential pest control experts. Most of them offer free estimates.

What You Need To Ask The Pest Control Company

How long has the firm been offering their services in your local community?

You can consult with the Better Business Bureau, the EPA and the States Departments of Agriculture to find out if there have been complaints filed against the pest control firm or there are people who have complained about the company misusing pesticides.

Can the firm provide a list of references?

Get in touch with different references so you would know if their past customers were satisfied with the service that they have provided.

Is The Person Doing The Job A Certified and Licensed Technician?

Every company should have at least once licensed and certified pesticide applicator. Their applicators should be supervised by a certified applicators.

Can you provide me a copy of your pest control license and labels of the pesticides that you will using?

Reliable pest control companies will have no problem showing you their credentials and can give you copies of pesticide labels that show the ingredients, needed precautions, and correct application rates.

Beware of Individuals Who:

• Offer pest control services as part of a package deal
• Do not have a working or listed phone number
• Have no credentials or proper identification
• Arrives without notice and tell you right away that they have found insects in your property.
• Claim that they have a secret formula for their pest control solutions.
• Claim that they are endorsed by the US EPA, States Department of Agriculture, and other government agencies.

Call Zap Pest Control Inc. if you are looking for a competent, reputable, and trustworthy pest control service in Myrtle Beach.

Zap Pest Control Inc.
2507 Forestbrook Rd Suite G
Myrtle Beach, SC 29588
843-654-1927
http://zappests.net/

Eliminating Cockroaches With Regular Pest Control

 

No one likes to think about it, but the fact is that most of us have had to call in pest control for an infestation of cockroaches in our home at least once. Cockroaches love to live in dark, wet environments, yet they can go up to three months with no food and up to one month with no water! This makes them very stubborn and hard to get rid of, but not impossible.

Following are some pest control tips and facts about these pesky nuisances and how to control them. Cockroaches thrive in wet areas of your home like the kitchen sink, laundry room and even your bathroom. They also tend to come out in the dark or at night when you’re sleeping. That’s why you often see them scatter all over when you turn the kitchen light on in the middle of the night. They are also looking for food.

How To Get Prepared For Pest Control

1. Calling in a professional pest control company like Zap Pest Control Inc.   is the best way to handle a cockroach problem. They will most likely use a gel bait that the cockroach will eat and then take back to the colony, where all of them will soon die. These baits are placed in the damp areas of the home. The technician can also spray a white powder insecticide, but this can pose problems with kids who are exposed to it, so it’s not the best solution.
2. Vacuum Them Up! If you vacuum up any dead roaches before your technician arrives, it will help in bringing the numbers down and ridding the entire house of them.
3. Fix Any Leaks. If you have taps that drip water, call a plumber and get them repaired, as cockroaches love these wet areas. Also, dry the sinks so that there isn’t standing water. The less water that puddles around, the fewer cockroaches will be able to survive. They will eventually move on to find another water source. If you’re not sure whether or not cockroaches Myrtle Beach have taken up residence in your house, then go get your flashlight and look under the sinks. You are looking for particles that look like black sand. These are the droppings of cockroaches and a sure sign that they are hiding somewhere close!

Believe it or not, the bigger roaches are easier to control, even if they are grosser. Spraying insecticides can really control these pests, as they will walk through and eat the insecticide and then carry it back to the colony, thus killing all of them as well. You want to make sure areas like cabinets, drains, kick boards and any cracks or crevices get sprayed well. It should last at least a year before having to re-treat the area. Although dead bugs are no fun to look at, they are a sign that the treatment for pest control is working and you just need to vacuum up the dead ones. Try not to do any cleaning in the areas where the spray is, other than sweeping with a dry broom.

The myth that cockroaches will never be a problem in a clean house is just that—a myth. No matter how clean your house is, roaches may still be a problem until you’ve had a professional Myrtle Beach pest control company to come and treat for them. While it’s true that roaches do feed on crumbs and hang out around water sources, it’s not necessarily a dirty house that invites them. You can bring them home from the grocery store, even. You should strive to make sure no drinks are left out and no food is ever left sitting out. Don’t give the roaches a free invitation! Cockroaches are one of the most disgusting pests we deal with here in the south.

Call us today at Zap Pest Control Inc. and we will help you eradicate those creepy critters once and for all!

Zap Pest Control Inc.
2507 Forestbrook Rd Suite G
Myrtle Beach, SC 29588
843-654-1927
http://zappests.net/

Pest Control Tips For Flying Insects

 

The key to home pest control is to prevent these annoying critters from getting inside your house to begin with. In case they already have access to your home, you need to get rid of them as fast as possible so you can prevent them from multiplying even more.

Natural predators can help prevent pests from getting inside your house. Dragonflies, birds, praying mantis, frogs, and spiders can help diminish pests in your property. Here are some pest control tips for moths, flies, and other types of flying insects.

Pest Control Tips For Flies

The most common pest control Myrtle Beach tip against flies is to keep the kitchen garbage tightly closed. Sprinkle Borax or dry soap into the garbage cans after washing them and let them dry, both of them can act as a repellent.

You can also use oranges. Just scratch the skin and leave it out. The citrus is an effective pest repellent. You can also hang cloves or plant some mint around your house to repel flies. You can also put some basil on your table or windowsill. Just make sure to keep them well watered so that the basic will produce a much stronger scent. You should also consider hanging muslin bags that are filled with dried ground leaves. You can also create your very own fly paper by boiling water, corn syrup, and sugar together. Add the mixture onto a brown paper and set it out.

Pest Control Tips For Moths

Another type of nasty pest is the moth. Did you know that the larvae of these moths can damage your clothes? You have to store your things in a clean condition since these larvae love places that have lots of food stains.

Mixing ginseng, thyme, mint, rosemary, and cloves in a cheesecloth bag is one good way to keep moths away from your drawers or closets.

You can also moth proof your clothes by mixing dried mint, rosemary, and lavender in sachets and placing them in your drawers or closets.

You can also strap moths by mixing molasses and vinegar in a container. Just make sure to clean the container on a regular basis. You can also run the affected clothing through a warm dryer to kill moth eggs.

Let the professionals take care of your problems with flying insects. Call Zap Pest Control Inc. and let our pest control specialists deal with your pest problems.

Zap Pest Control Inc.
2507 Forestbrook Rd Suite G
Myrtle Beach, SC 29588
843-654-1927
http://zappests.net/

How To Avoid Bringing Bed Bugs Home From Garage Sale Bargains

 

If you are a fan of upscale antique shops, garage sales, or thrift stores, you have to be careful not to bring home pests together with your bargains. Bed bugs are the most common ones that buyers often unknowingly bring back home.

Even though the bites from bed bugs are not deadly, they can still be annoying. Their bites lead to welts, itchiness, and swelling. If you keep on scratching the itch, it may result into a secondary infection. So, make sure that you keep those pests at bay.

Pest Control Tips When You’re Out Shopping For Bargains

Know Where Bed Bugs Live

Know what kind of household items and furniture bed bugs Myrtle Beach like to live on. Generally speaking, these pests love fabric surfaces, particularly those that you have already slept in.

You are most likely already careful when it comes to secondhand mattresses as well as box springs. It’s not ideal to buy them because they can be very hard to treat once they get infected with bed bugs.

These repulsive creatures can only be removed through prolonged cold, deep heat, or with the help of a pest control expert who can expertly get rid of bed bugs. Always remember that any type of infestation can easily spread in your home.

Be Careful of Pre-owned Items

You should watch out for pre-owned beddings like bed sheets, pillows, and comforters, even if they can be treated. If for some reason you really have to buy any of these items at a garage sale, make sure to place them in a sealable plastic bag so you can safely bring it to your laundry room. Clean it in hot water and dry it using the highest setting available.

Be Careful of Upholstered Armchairs and Sofas

Even if they look clean and fresh, you also have to be careful with upholstered armchair and sofas. Even if the previous owner has shampooed or vacuumed the item before selling, it still won’t make any difference because those methods cannot get rid of bed bugs. This also applies to the methods that you may want to try at home. Even if you think that spraying with pesticide or steam cleaning will work, neither of them can eliminate bed bugs, according to pest control experts.

Avoid Thrifted Baby Products

It’s not suggested to purchase thrifted toddler or baby items that comes with cloth padding. Pest control specialists revealed that there have been instances wherein bed bugs were detected in carriers, car seats, and strollers. If you really want to buy such used items, make sure to treat them well before bringing them any close to your baby.

Check Non-upholstered Furniture

Even if you are purchasing thrifted items that are not upholstered like shelves, or picture frames, you still need to examine for bed bugs. If possible, bring a flashlight and magnifying glass with you so you can check before making a purchase.

Call Zap Pest Control Inc. now and we’ll take care of your bed bug problems.

Zap Pest Control Inc.
2507 Forestbrook Rd Suite G
Myrtle Beach, SC 29588
843-654-1927
http://zappests.net/

Tips For Dealing With Termite Damage To Your Home

 

You are vacuuming your hardwood floors and you accidentally bumped into your living room’s baseboard. Rather than feeling some sort of resistance, you noticed that the attachment went directly through the softwood. After carefully checking what happened, you find out that you have a termite infestation. Now, you’re wondering what you should do next. You need to know the extent of the damage and how much it will cost to have it repaired.

Unfortunately, it may take homeowners up to eight years to discover that they have a termite problem. These little critters can cause major problems to your home before they’re even discovered.

Subterranean Termites

This type of termite Myrtle Beach can cause over $1 billion worth of damages to homes in the United States every year. The repair costs for major home damage could reach ten thousands of dollars and in most cases, these repairs are not covered by home insurance. Indications that your home is infested with termites are noticeable termite shelter tubes on any wood surface or termite infested wood. If you poke these surfaces using a stick or a screwdriver, you’ll notice that the tip would easily go through. You may even hear a hollow sound once you tap the wood with the handle.

Other Insects That Can Damage Your Home

There are other insects, aside from termites, that can cause damage to your home. For instance, carpenter ants search for decayed and damp wood where they could drill tunnels and cause structural damage. Another example are carpenter bees. They can create entry holes into the wood that’s found on siding, decks, and eaves, and then once they are inside, they will start building colonies. Another damage causing insect is the powderpost beetle. Depending on the type, this insect will attack softwood that are used for the wall studs, floor joists, as well as other structural hardwood or lumber used for floors, furniture, cabinets, as well as the moldings and interior rims.

Dealing With The Damage

The question remains, how will you address your home’s wood damage? The first thing you need to do is to hire a pest control expert who will determine the extent of the damage. In case the damage is minimal, it’s better to treat for pests like termites. The main objective is to get rid of them from the wood well before they could cause significant damage to your home. You may also repaint the wall so you can conceal any noticeable damage. However, it’s extremely important to remove any moisture problems that may still cause wood deterioration.

In case the termite damage isn’t too extensive, you may still be able to bring back the structural strength of the wood by using what they refer to as an epoxy treatment. Epoxy mixes just like a cookie dough and it can also be molded into a certain shape when it is still damp. Then you can carve and trim it just like wood once it’s dry. When you paint over it, the wood that’s been patched with epoxy will look like new. This particular substance is strong and impervious to pests, which is why it’s a great option when it comes to window repairs, and fixing the exterior columns, molding, and door jambs in your home. In some parts of your house, you might be able to repair and replace the damaged wood by closing the gap using an epoxy filler. But if the damage is extensive, you have to call in an expert.

 

Call Zap Control Inc. if you need the help of reliable pest control specialists to rid your home of pest infestations.

 

Zap Pest Control Inc.
2507 Forestbrook Rd Suite G
Myrtle Beach, SC 29588
843-654-1927
http://zappests.net/

What Are The Signs of Cockroach Infestation

Even the strongest man will cringe at the sight of one cockroach. Many apartment dwellers and homeowners will seek refuge at the highest furniture piece or dine out just to get away from these awful pests.

But are cockroaches really that bad? They are tough and that is a fact. Cockroaches are believed to be able to survive a nuclear war. Even though that’s not that case, the fact remains that this nasty pest has been around for 320 million years, ever since the dinosaurs walked the earth.

Pest Control: Cockroach Infestation

Cockroaches are not visually appealing. They carry disease and they love to hide in dark places. Cockroaches come out in the evening and they love to walk around in tight, warm, and dark places where their bodies could touch the top and bottom surface. That’s why when you turn on the lights, cockroaches run and hide underneath the refrigerator or cabinet. It is therefore crucial to prevent these pests from gaining access inside your house. But if they already did, you can always hire a pest control service.

There are many different types of cockroaches but the most common ones seen on homes, businesses, and apartments are the following:

• Oriental
• Brown banded
• American
• German

It’s highly unlikely that you’ll be seeing these types during the day because they love darkness. So, whenever you see a cockroach during the day, it’s possible that your home is infested. Cockroaches do not like traveling on their own and will only explore where they live during the day if it’s very quiet.

How To Get Rid of Cockroach Infestation

It’s not easy to get rid of a pest infestation. You need an integrated pest management program, which generally involves different strategies.

Keeping cockroaches from invading your house in the first place is a better option than getting rid of them when they’ve already invaded your house. The first step is keeping your home dry and clean. It’s an effective way of keeping pests at bay.

You also have to know how cockroaches get inside your home. They commonly go through holes and cracks. You have to make sure that your home is sealed and your windows and doors are tight fitting. Don’t forget to caulk all holes and cracks in the walls and foundations and fix any plumbing leaks as well.

Once you’ve fixed everything outside, you can now move on to the inside of your house. Cockroaches love the kitchen. So here are some pest control Myrtle Beach tips to keep them at bay.

1. Never leave food out. It must be stored in the refrigerator or in tight containers.
2. Wipe down the tables, wash the countertops and dishes, and sweep the floors after every meal.
3. Repair any leaky faucet.

In case sealing and cleaning did not fix your pest problem, you can use sticky traps or roach spray. However, these steps may not be enough if you live in an apartment. You may have cleaned and sealed everything you could but if those that live in the building have an infestation or when the building itself is not sealed then cockroaches will still find a way. That’s why those who live in apartments suffer more pest infestation than those who live in single family houses.

Call Zap Pest Control Inc. now if you already tried sealing and cleaning but still have cockroaches or other types of pest infestation at home.

Zap Pest Control Inc.
2507 Forestbrook Rd Suite G
Myrtle Beach, SC 29588
843-654-1927
http://zappests.net/