Tuesday, December 27, 2022

Pest Control Tips For Winter



Every homeowner knows that summer is the prime pest season. Insects are all around. Mosquitoes and flies enter freely through open windows and doors. Meanwhile, wildlife including rodents, roam around open fields and grassy lawns.

However, as many homeowners too often learn, these pests don’t go totally inactive during the winter season. As a matter of fact, whenever it is cold and wet or snowy outside, these pests tend to look for shelter and warmth of the indoors.

Listed below are short descriptions of the most common pests during winter and some pest control tips on how to deal with them.

Common Winter Pests and Pest Control Tips

 Winged Carpenter Ants

It’s never a good sign to see flying ants inside your house especially during the colder season. Finding winged ants inside your house during summer doesn’t necessarily imply that you have a pest problem. However, when they are visible during winter, then there’s a big possibility that they’ve made a nest inside your house.

Cluster Fly

Homeowners think that they only have to worry about flies during summer. However, they can also be seen during winter. If you keep on finding them inside your house, you should consider calling in a pest control specialist.

Mice

A curious and wily creature, house mice are common. They may seem cute when locked inside a cage at a pet store but not so appealing anymore when they make your house their home.

Rats

The Norway rat and the roof rat art the two most common rodents in the U.S. Together with the typical house mouse, both these rats are believed to have been brought to the United States aboard ships that were bound for the New World during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Bed Bugs

For several years, the common saying about “sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite” didn’t mean that much especially for kids in the United States. A lot of kids and adults have suffered sleepless nights not only in their homes but even in hotels, too.

Prevent Home Invasion

There are ways you can use to prevent pests from invading your home.

Rodent control – Exclusion and sanitation are the best ways to prevent rodent invasion. These clever critters can enter a building or a home through spaces that are smaller than their tiny bodies. They are always looking for water, food, and shelter. So, be sure to check for indications of rats and mice infestation and know the best pest control methods.

Pest Proof Your House – In case you are just like most of the households surveyed by the University of Kentucky, only one cockroach in your house will lead you to get a can of bug spray or call a pest control Myrtle Beach professional.

Get Rid of Ants – To address an ant problem, you should first get rid of the ones you do not see to get rid of the ones that you can see.

Call A Pest Control Professional

There are instances when it’s much better to call a pest control expert. This is true when the pest issue is ongoing. In case there’s a large infestation or if the products required for control can only be used by certified pest control professionals.

Call Zap Pest Control Inc. if you the help of a professional pest control expert to get rid of the pests that have invaded your home.

Like our Facebook page for more great info about pest control services.

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

Friday, December 23, 2022

Tips To Keep The Pests Out and Bring The Warmth In During Winter



The absence of insects like bees, flies, and mosquitoes is among the changes homeowners notice during the winter season. People often associate them with summer and fall and they consider them a nuisance especially when engaging in outdoor activities. Thanks to the colder weather, homeowners find relief from their bites and stings. However, not seeing these pests flying overhead doesn’t mean other pests are gone, too. You still need to have some sort of pest control measures in place during this season.

Winter Pest Control Tips

Bees and mosquitoes fly overhead during summer but during winter, spiders, cockroaches, and rodents may infest your home. These pests are looking for shelter from the colder weather and they may find the warmth they need inside your home. You need to take preventive measures to keep these pests at bay since they could cause more problems than just making cobwebs in the corners of your home.

For instance, rodents are known carriers of diseases such as Hantavirus and Salmonella. Some spiders bite and cause serious side effects while cockroaches could trigger allergies and asthma.

Pest control tips that homeowners can use to prevent winter pests from invading their homes:

  • Seal the holes and cracks outside your house to prevent rodents from gaining access to your home. Always check the spots where pipes and utilities enter your house. A rodent can fit through an opening that is as small as a dime.
  • Any loose mortar as well as weather stripping around the basement foundation as well as windows must be changed.
  • Don’t store firewood close to your home. It must be at least 20 feet from your house. Ants and mice will make their nests in wood piles and gain entry to your house quickly in case the pile is too close to your home.
  • Rodents could easily hide in mess and clutter so be sure to organize all of your stored items and if possible, the boxes must not be left on the floor.
  • Get rid of all sites prone to moisture like clogged drains and leaking pipes. Additional attention must be paid to the bathrooms and kitchens because these spots are quite vulnerable to cockroach
  • Set up the door sweeps and make sure to fix any damaged window screens.
  • Screen vents to the chimneys. Keep basements, attics as well as crawl spaces dry and well-ventilated.

Winter already brings a lot of worries related to home damage with frost, snow, and wind. Stick to these Myrtle Beach pest control tips and you will get to lower the chances of your house encountering other season issues due to pests. If winter pests are kept at bay, your house will become a better and healthier place to house amazing holiday parties and spend time with your loving family and friends, and that’s what the season must be all about.

In case you suspect that your home is pest infested, call a pest control company now.

Like our Facebook page for more great info about pest control services.

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

Wednesday, December 21, 2022

What Are The Common Pests That Invade Your House During Winter



Once the winter season arrives, there are some pests that look in our homes for food sources and warmth. According to the pest management association, homeowners should take various pest control methods against the most common ones that appear during winter like rats, mice, cockroaches, racoons, and spiders.

Winter Pest Control Tips To Prevent An Infestation

House Mice

The house mice are by far the most common rodent in the United States. House mice nest in secluded and dark areas such as basements and attics. This rodent could result in major property damage by chewing through wires and drywall. House mice are known to contaminate food and cause health problems like tapeworms and Salmonella.

Rodents could fit in tiny openings so be sure to seal holes and cracks on the outside of your home using steel wool or caulk. Areas must be clear and boxes must be stored off the floor since these pests could hide in the clutter. Inspect your home regularly for signs of mice infestation such as gnaw marks, droppings, and damaged food.

Norway Rats

Norway rats usually nest in piles of debris, basements, as well as other undistributed materials. They’re known to eat through nearly everything like lead pipes and plastic to get water and food. Norway rats are likewise the vector of several diseases such as ratbite fever, jaundice, and cowpox virus.

Norway rats could fit through a gap that’s as small as ½ inch or the size of a quarter. Check the outside of your house for any cracks or openings and then fill them with silicone caulk. Get rid of moisture sources in the basement and crawl spaces. Inspect the inside of your house regularly for possible signs of pest infestation like gruby rub marks that are caused by the oily fur of the rat.

German Cockroaches

German cockroaches are the most common species of cockroaches found throughout the entire world. They love to reside in tiny areas near food and moisture so human houses are their perfect habitat. This kind of cockroach usually hitchhikes indoors like grocery bags, boxes, as well as second hand appliances. They are also found in bathrooms and kitchens. German cockroaches could also contaminate food sources as well as spread bacteria as well as human pathogens. Additionally, cockroaches are known to cause allergies and worsen asthma symptoms, especially among kids.

Always make sure that the floors and counters are free of crumbs and clean. You should vacuum on a regular basis and get rid of garbage. Focus on the bathrooms and kitchens including those under sinks and appliances.

Brown Recluse Spiders

Brown recluse spiders love to spin webs in places like attics, closets, basements, and crawl spaces. Just like other kinds of spiders, the brown recluse is usually discovered inside cardboard boxes along shoes and clothing that are rarely used as well as window moldings. These spiders bite and inject venom that could be dangerous to the health of humans.

Raccoons

Raccoons are found in the country’s wooded eastern area. This kind of wild animal enters houses through chimneys and attics trying to look for a denning site. Racoons are one of the major hosts of rabies in the country.

Your trashcans and recycling bins must be placed in areas like an outhouse and locked shed. In case the trashcan is kept outdoors, make sure that you use lids that are animal-proof. Check the outside of your house for access points like a broken vent cover. Fix any loose shingles and sidings. You should also consider the installation of a cap or mesh cover over chimneys as well as other exposed openings to prevent entry. Additionally, always keep nearby tree branches trimmed back from your home.

Call Zap Pest Control Inc. if you need the help of a professional pest control in Myrtle Beach company to get rid of the infestation in your house.

Like our Facebook page for more great info about pest control services.

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

Wednesday, December 14, 2022

Winter Pest Control Tips



Many people associate irritating pests with summer. The hot months are a time when insects such as wasps and mosquitoes can be a problem. Pest control is equally important in winter as in summer.

We are not the only ones who prepare for colder weather as the temperature drops. Many pests will seek refuge in warm areas during winter, including your home. Preparing your home for winter is an important part of pest control in Myrtle Beach.

Pest control tips for your house this winter

Seal any cracks or holes in your home’s exterior

Pests can be prevented from entering your home by sealing any openings. You should also inspect any pipes or utilities that enter your home. A mouse can squeeze through a hole as small as a dime.

  • Screen vents for chimneys
  • Make sure attics, crawl spaces, and basements are well ventilated.
  • Keep firewood at least 20ft from your home

Wood piles are a favorite place for pests to live and they can easily get into your home. You can reduce the risk of pests entering your home by moving firewood away. Before bringing any firewood inside, make sure it is thoroughly inspected.

Vacuum all around doors and windows

Regular vacuuming can trap invaders such as silverfish, spiders, earwigs and beetles.

Remove all moisture from your home

Pests such as cockroaches love moisture so it is crucial to repair any leaking pipes or clogged drains. Cockroach infestations are most likely to occur in bathrooms and kitchens.

Check for rodents

Check your garage and outbuildings for signs of rodent infestation. You can organize boxes and other clutter along walls where mice nest or hide.

Maintain a healthy landscape

Proper landscaping is essential when it comes to winter pest control in Myrtle Beach. Keep branches and shrubbery away from your home. Pruning trees will prevent pests from getting under your roof.

Properly store food

Pests will seek refuge in your home if they find food that isn’t covered. Make sure you store food in sealed containers. Also, clean up any crumbs on the floor.

Repair any cracks in mortar or weather stripping around windows.

Hiring a professional

Hire a professional pest control company if you suspect that you may have a pest infestation. Zap Pest Control Inc. guarantees a pest-free home without any contracts or commitments.

You should prepare now for winter pests. Call Zap Pest Control Inc. today to book a pest treatment and make sure your home is pest-free this winter.

Like our Facebook page for more great info about pest control services.

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

Tuesday, December 13, 2022

Eliminate Myrtle Beach Termites In Your Home



If you find signs of Myrtle Beach termites in your home, the first thing you should do is create a plan on how you can eliminate them.

You can opt to work with a local pest control company such as Zap Pest Control or you can choose to do your own termite control.

The first thing you need to understand to effectively get rid of the termites in your home is that effective termite control in Myrtle Beach includes consistent and reliable killing strategies as well as continuous preventive measures. You also need to act fast and start laying out your plan as soon as you see signs of infestation. Keep in mind that termites can quickly cause severe damage to your home if not controlled at once. Also, make sure that your preventive methods are consistent and continuous because termites are known to come back repeatedly.

If you are looking for assistance in creating a plan on how to get rid of termites, here are some steps that you can consider.

1. Determine the specific type of termites infesting your home.

In any type of pest control, it is important that you identify the specific type of pest you are dealing with. This will help you choose and plan the most effective way to eliminate them and prevent them from coming back to your house. If you know which type of termite you are dealing with, you will know where in your house they build their nests and that is where you can focus your termite control methods.

There are generally two types of termites infesting American homes: the subterranean termite and the dry wood termite. If you see mud tubes running on the ground or on your walls, this means you have subterranean termites. These mud tubes or tunnels not only allow them to efficiently, effectively, and safely get from their nest to their food source but also provide them with sufficient amounts of moisture as they do their tasks.

Drywood termites, on the other hand, do not need as much moisture in order to survive. Thus, they can live and build colonies from cracks and crevices outside your home. If you are not sure which type of termites you are dealing with, seek professional assistance and recommendations from Zap Pest Control.

2. Proceed with your extermination plan

Once you know the specific kind of termites that have infested your home, you will be able to implement the right and most appropriate extermination plan to kill the colony and get rid of them.

For this, you can either use the appropriate type of termiticide or hire a professional pest control company. Just be sure that the termiticide that you will use has been tested and proven effective to kill the termites present in your home. For best results, consult a pest control professional and ask for recommendations on the most effective product to use.

To use a termiticide, you will have to spray the colony’s nest with it. Or if you have not found where their nest is, spray the termiticide in areas where you last saw the termites. Chances are this is where they go for food so they are sure to come back to this place. And once they do, they will pick up the poison and bring it back to their colony.

Keep in mind, however, that termites are not usually killed in one treatment of the termiticide. So you might want to repeat administering the treatment several times until the entire colony is wiped out.

3. Set up your preventive measures

According to Myrtle Beach pest control experts, the best preventive measure to keep these pests out of your home is setting up baits. Termite baits are usually designed to kill the worker termites as these are often the part of the colony that often comes out to seek and fetch food for the entire colony. And when these worker termites die or do not come back to the colony, other parts of the colony such as the queen, king, and soldiers die as well.

The most effective termite baits are set up in multiple areas throughout your home. This will ensure that the worker termites will either pick up the bait and bring it back to their colony to eat or eat it themselves and die before being able to come back to their nest. The key is to make the bait seem a natural part of the termites’ environment; for example, covering a piece of wood with a termiticide. When the worker termites feed on the wood or bring pieces of the poisoned wood back to their nest, the entire colony dies.

4. Continue monitoring and setting up your preventive measures

You will need to continue monitoring the baits that you have set up. If you notice signs of continuous activities from the termites, it means your baits did not work and you will have to look for more effective bait for the termites. If you notice no sign of any activity in the area for several days, your preventive termite control treatment has been a success.

For more information on Myrtle Beach termites and for professional termite control assistance, call Zap Pest Control Inc. today.

Like our Facebook page for more great info about pest control services.

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

Friday, December 9, 2022

Cleanup Tips To Prevent Holiday Pests From Invading Your Home



Nothing beats the joy you feel when preparing for the upcoming holiday feast. But it also means knowing effective pest control methods so pests don’t invade your home during the holidays.

However, with all that baking and cooking happening, the inevitable crumbs and messes that fall on the floor could draw cockroaches to the kitchen as easily as the smell of a roasting turkey energizes all the couch potatoes from their football watching. To help prevent pests like ants and cockroaches from ruining the holiday cheer, here is a list of cleaning tips that also serve as effective methods of pest control not only for the holiday season but all throughout the year.

Prepare Your Kitchen

Clear out the refrigerator and pantry to create additional storage space for your goodies. It will also allow you to remove any old things that may attract pests.

Check Your Baking Supplies

Before you begin baking, check your flour and other baking materials for bugs before you bring them to the kitchen.

Clean as You Go

Pests like it whenever you leave food covered pots, plates, pans, and utensils out.

Take The Trash Out

Do not let kitchen garbage bins overflow. Make disposal easier by double or even triple lining your trash bins so you already have a clean bag set in place whenever the full bag is removed.

End The Day With A Clean Slate

Make it a goal to end every day with an empty countertop and kitchen sink and free of clutter.

Make Cleaning Easier

Lay wax paper or newspaper beneath food preparations before you begin. Crumbs as well as spills can easily be cleaned by crumpling the paper and throwing it in the trash bin.

Wipe Down The Bottles

After using a bottle or jar, wipe it down before storing it away. Jars of sticky foods like peanut butter could attract cockroaches and ants.

Wash Your Dishes As You Go

It is easy to just let dishes accumulate and sit in your sink. Pests will see this as their paradise.

Keep The Kitchen Fresh

Drop citrus peels down the disposal to keep the kitchen sink and the entire kitchen smelling fresh. You can also make ice cubes made of water and vinegar and grind them in the disposal.

Get Rid of Excess Grease

To remove grease, line a container with aluminium foil. Pour the excess grease into the bowl and store it in the fridge. After a few hours, the grease will harden and you can ball it up on the foil and then throw it away.

Put A lid On It

All your baked goods must be stored in an airtight container. Leaving foods that are rich in sugar is like inviting pests to invade your home.

Prevent Pest

Set in place a pest control in Myrtle Beach measure to make sure that pests are kept at bay all year long.

Call Zap Pest Control Inc. if you need the assistance of pest control experts to keep pests away during the holidays and all year round.

Like our Facebook page for more great info about pest control services.

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

Thursday, December 8, 2022

Residential Pest Control tips for the Holidays



Yes! It really is the most wonderful time of the year! The time has come when family and friends come together. Decorative lights are set up and it’s time for eggnog and Turkey. It’s the season to give thanks and share your home with your loved ones. The holidays bring people together and your home becomes the center for gathering and entertainment. The last thing you wish to deal with during the festive season is a winter pest infestation. Pests look for three things, shelter, water, and food. All of these could be found in and around your house. In case pests find these, they will surely move in and remain there for the entire holiday season. Apart from that, the changes in the season will affect the behavior of the pests. Routine inspections as well as targeted pest control services are crucial for homeowners to get a pest-free house and peace of mind during this special season. Check these holiday pest control tips to stop unexpected guests from ruining your holiday season.

Pest Control Tips For The Holiday Season

Watch What You Bring Inside Your House

During the festive season, there are millions of business owners and homeowners who decorate their offices and houses. Garland, Christmas trees, firewood, decorative lights, and more are all taken in from the outdoors and could bring along different pesky insects with them. Ticks, ants, spiders, and termites are great at hiding deep in the branches of the garland and trees. Firewood is the best place for insects to lay eggs, that when taken inside the house, could hatch in your house.

How To Do This:

Be sure to thoroughly inspect your decorative items before bringing them inside your house. Shake out the garlands and the trees plus check the firewood for eggs as well as channels of insects.

Bug Love Cardboard

There is a chance that your basement or attic has become home to cardboard boxes that are filled with lights, ornaments, candles, as well as other trinkets that are used to adorn your house. These boxes are untouched and they sit for several months every year and could be the house of several insects. Termites, cockroaches, rodents, and silverfish will make these cardboard boxes their home. Always check your holiday boxes and the things inside them before you bring them inside your house.

Keep Your Kitchen Clean All The Time

Cooking during the holiday season is the best part of the festive season. Having said that, it also means you’ll be left with a lot of dishes, pots, and pans to clean. Things could easily get messy. Your kitchen is the best place for several types of pests to feast. The holidays mean a lot of cooking and that also means a lot of mess. Always keep your kitchen clean. That is one of the most common and extremely effective residential pest control tips that you need to remember.

Clean your kitchen always after cooking. Dirty dishes must be taken care of and put into the dishwasher after your meals. Get rid of the crumbs and dirt that may have been left after cooking. Take out the trash regularly to prevent attracting pests.

Inspection for Holiday Pests

Following these simple residential pest control Myrtle Beach tips can help you a lot in getting your home all set for a pest-free holiday season. However, there’s nothing that can get rid of bugs faster and more reliably compared to a pest control service like Zap Pest Control Inc.

Call Zap Pest Control Inc. now if you need the assistance of a pest control professional before the holidays.

Like our Facebook page for more great info about pest control services.

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

Monday, December 5, 2022

Pest Control – Holiday Decorating Tips



This holiday season is here and families throughout the country are getting in the festive spirit by stringing lights, wrapping gifts, and decorating their houses. Although such holiday preparations might seem harmless, they could offer opportunities for pests such as rodents, ants, ticks, and spiders to be accidentally brought indoors.

Among the most common methods pests enter your houses during the holiday season is through the Christmas tree, firewood, and wreaths. Ticks, ants, spiders as well as other pests could hide deep in the branches of the trees or the garland. If brought inside your home, the eggs would hatch and create a major pest infestation.

To stop bringing pests inside your house in greeneries like live trees, here are a few pest control tips that are worth remembering. These include taking a few minutes to inspect such items before bringing them indoors, searching for eggs, nests, or insects, and shaking off the greenery outdoors to awaken any hidden tenants.

Pest Control Tips For The Holiday Season

Another way for pests to get inside your house this time of the year is through boxes filled with decorations, which are commonly kept in attics, basements, crawlspaces, and garages – all of which are preferred hiding spaces for pests. Rodents and other pests find their way into these boxes during the off-season. Once homeowners unpack their decorations, they might find dead or live pests as well as droppings inside. However, in some cases, they might also discover that holiday ornaments have been destroyed or chewed by pests.

Once the time comes that you already need to decorate, unpack the holiday items outside and check all of them carefully for indications of gnaw marks, droppings, pests, as well as other damage before taking them inside your home. Pay close attention to the strings of lights to make sure that the wires have not been frayed by pests.

Maybe the most crucial step that you can take to stop pests during the festive season comes to an end of every season, once it is time to take down the Christmas tree and pack up all the decorations. Keep the holiday décor in plastic, hard bins with lids that can be tightly sealed rather than bags or cardboard boxes that could easily be chewed through. Don’t pile the cut firewood or the discarded live trees near your house, because this could attract pests like termites and mice.

During this time of the year, it is very easy to overlook indications of pests because you are too eager to check off the items on your to-do lists, however, by taking a few basic steps you could significantly reduce your odds of battling pests in your house this time of the year. Keep in mind that if you see signs of pests in your house or suspect that your home has a pest infestation, you should call a licensed pest control Myrtle Beach professional to check your house and fix the issue as soon as possible so that you could return to enjoying the holidays in a pest free house.

Call Zap Pest Control Inc. if you need help in getting rid of pests from your house during the holiday season.

Like our Facebook page for more great info about pest control services.

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

Sunday, December 4, 2022

Protect Christmas Decorations and Pest Control Tips



You can protect your holiday decorations by ensuring they are pest-free while stored in the attic, basement, or any other storage area until next year. Christmas decorations can be a breeding ground for rodents and other pests. We have compiled some pest control tips for storing your decorations without having problems with pesky critters next year.

Pest Control Tips For Storing Christmas Decorations

If you need to save them, seal them in plastic containers. It’s the best pest control in Myrtle Beach that you need to remember.

1) Mice love dried fruits, seeds, and other natural materials. It is best to keep them in plastic containers. After the holidays, throw out any natural decorations such as candy canes, gingerbread houses, and natural wreaths.

2) Avoid cardboard as a nesting material. Instead, store artificial Christmas trees and other decorations in plastic bags or containers. This applies to all Christmas decorations.

3) Check all decorations to make sure they aren’t broken or won’t be used next year, and then throw them out.

4) To prevent moisture, wash linens and other fabrics.

5) Before you load containers into your garage, basement, attic, or other storage space, inspect them thoroughly and remove any debris that could harbor mice.

6) Keep holiday candles separate. Unwanted guests can be attracted to candles’ scent. This problem can be solved by placing the candles in an area that isn’t exposed to heat extremes (e.g. attics or sheds). To prevent the candles from melting or changing color, wrap them in plastic.

Call Zap Pest Control Inc. now if you need help in keeping pests away from your home.

Like our Facebook page for more great info about pest control services.

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