Carpenter Ants: How Much Damage They Can Do And Some Pest Control Tips

Carpenter ants are as bad as termites and pest control measures need to be taken as soon as possible. You may have even heard someone say that termites are a multi billion dollar issue but carpenter ant damage in the U.S. only costs hundreds of millions. Although this is true, this is a threat that you should never take lightly. If you leave it untreated, carpenter ants could do a lot of damage to your house. Here are a few things you need to know.

Among the biggest reasons why carpenter ants do not do as much damage as subterranean termites is that they are not as secretive. Because carpenter ants do not consume food, they need to do something with the wood waste that they are producing. This frass or sawdust is pushed out of the kick out holes and builds up of the walls and floors. When this happens, it will let the homeowner know of a possible pest problem, and a professional pest control Myrtle Beach is called on for assistance. But what if the frass accumulates in an areas that is hard to spot or where it could easily blend in? The consequence will be ongoing damage that could start to look a lot like termite damage.

Carpenter ants are known for feeding on rotting timbers or soft wood but they are also known to move into sound wood. Once they do that, they could easily weaken the support beams and cause the structure to warp, which is the same thing that termites do.

Pest Control Tips For Carpenter Ants

Because carpenter ants are attracted to rotten wood, controlling the moisture in your yard will help in making your home less appealing to them.

You need to address broken gutters that let water to run down the side of your house. You should also fix leaky hoses or damaged spigots that you may have in your house. Loosen the ground that’s been compacted so that rainwater cannot pool close to the foundation walls. Trim bushes or trees to allow the sunlight into spaces that get too much shade.

It is also crucial to get rid of food sources in your backyard. In case you’ve got wood borders for the flower beds, a stone border is not just a great landscape idea, it could also assist you in resisting carpenter ants.  You should move construction materials or firewood to a minimum of 20 feed from your home’s foundation walls. Keep a border of two feet between your foundation and mulch or think about changing mulch with crushed stone.

If left unattended, carpenter ant damage could be costly to you as the homeowner. It is never a good thing to let a pest problem go untreated. In case you are seeing worker ants or maybe swarmers in and around your property, you should call a pest control specialist right away.

Call Zap Pest Control Inc. for any pest problem in your house. Our team is always ready to help you by setting up an effective and safe pest control strategy to deal with your pest problems.

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

Common Mistakes You Make When Dealing With Termites

It’s difficult to comprehend the real threat posed by subterranean termites. It’s hard to get the idea of wood destroying insects wreaking havoc in your home. It’s also a struggle when it comes to determining who you should believe in assessing the level of infestation. Because of all these, it is easy to make huge mistakes once you finally meet this threat. Here are some of the most common mistakes homeowners make when they see termites at home.

Not Taking Termite Infestation Seriously

You can easily think that your home is safe from termites. But not because you can’t see them doesn’t mean they are not there. Termites emerge from the ground and will feed silently on the wood of your house, carefully consuming it without you taking notice. If you don’t take proactive termite control measures to stop this damage, you will be just like several other homeowners who eventually realized that termites are destructive.

 

Underestimating The Damage Termites Can Cause

A termite colony could have up to a million of individual termites and a house could be attacked my at least one colony at the same time. You might not see significant damage in your home in just a year but eventually you would. In the U.S. alone, the damage termites cost reaches more than $5 billion on a yearly basis.

Believing You’ll See Signs Before Termites Cause Too Much Damage

Subterranean termites do not leave obvious signs of damage. There are three indications you might see like swarmers, mud tubes, and termite damage. However, you need to remember, these signs may not be visible without a closer inspection by a pest control specialist.

Thinking Your Insurance Will Cover The Cost

Termites will do more damage to your house when compared to other natural disasters. Because of this, you may assume that it is covered by your home insurance policy. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Termite damage is not accidental. You can prevent it from happening using reasonable termite treatment.

Thinking DIY Termite Control Can Solve The Problem

You will find countless DIY termite control products in the market today and all of them make big claims. However, what you don’t know is that effective termite control needs proper education and years of experience. If you don’t know how to apply termiticides properly, termites will still find a way to get back to your house. If you choose the wrong baits, or incorrectly install the bait systems, you will think that it’s working but it’s not. And you’ll be shocked to discover the extensive damage they have cost and it’s already too late.

Termite control professionals know what they are doing. They follow strict guidelines for application and they recheck the site to make sure that the pest control measures set in place are working.

Do not make the mistake of underestimating termites. Call Zap Pest Control right away if you think your home has a termite problem.

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

Top 7 Tips For Spring Pest Control

Spring is right around the corner! Many associate this time of the year with warm weather, short sleeves, flowers in bloom, and warm weather. It also means the return of pests. Once dormant creatures become hungry and homeless during the season shift. It may be easier for pests than usual to infiltrate after a long, harsh winter. It’s the best time to prevent any unwanted guests from entering your home as you start spring cleaning. These are seven top pest control tips to stop spring pest problems.

Pest Control Tips

7. Know Your Enemy

If you don’t know what your options are, pest control Myrtle Beach can be difficult. Some pests can be found all year round, but some are more active in spring. This is when some pests begin their mating season. Termites start to swarm and rats begin their mating seasons. After the winter freeze, there is plenty of water available for mosquitoes to thrive.

Other pests become more active as the weather warms. As ants search for food, spiders appear. Temperature increases can lead to increased travel and spread of hitch-hiking insects like bed bugs and ticks. It’s much easier to identify the problem and then fortify against it.

6. Check Your Exterior

Winter weather can be harsh. The change in temperature and severe winter storms could cause major damage to your home’s exterior. Pests can find a cozy place to nest in any of the new weaknesses on your property. You can allow pests to enter your home through cracks or chipped window panes. Sneaky intruders can also enter your home through roof damage and loose siding. Perform yearly wear and tear maintenance to keep pests away.

5. Take a look at your interior

The next step after inspecting the exterior of your property is to check the interior. Spring cleaning goes beyond washing your curtains. Spring cleaning is a great time to inspect any holiday decorations for any hidden items. Basements and attics are prime locations, along with any areas where utilities are kept. Damp basements can attract spiders and silverfish, while attics are great places for rodent nesting. You must be thorough and ensure that no pests have entered your home.

4. Take care of your yard

It’s time for you to inspect your yard as the snow melts, and temperatures rise. Fall and winter can leave behind potential pest hazards like dead leaves, snowmelt, and mud. Any moist wood or thick overgrowth could be home to potential spring pests. In addition, stagnant water or standing water in puddles and in clogged gutters could be ideal for mosquito breeding. To avoid potential pest problems, you should start taking care of your property immediately.

3. Monitor Food & Waste

Pests will be looking for shelter, food, water and food after the winter freeze. You can keep them out of your house and property by being careful about how you store potential food sources. All food and trash containers should be kept in sealed airtight containers. Make sure to clean up any spillages quickly and seal your trash can or outdoor garbage container.

2. Control Moisture

Spring often brings with it a lot more moisture, including rain, snow, runoff and overflow. Water is a magnet for pests because they seek water or thrive in damp environments.

Leaky pipes can block gutters and make it difficult for wildlife to access the water. It doesn’t matter how often it rains or snows, you need to make sure your gutters are clear and your plumbing is maintained.

1. Keep it Clean

It’s why they call it spring cleaning. Spring cleaning is the best time to get rid of any dirt or clutter that has accumulated over winter. Pest problems can be caused by clutter and buildup. Pests love to find places to hide in extra junk, and messy homes can be a breeding ground for many types of insects and rodents. Keep your home tidy to prevent pests from entering or to give them reason to leave,

Reaching out to a Pest Control Professional

The perfect time to fortify your home against pest invasions is spring. These easy tips will help you keep your home pest-free. You can make home improvements and keep your yard tidy with a new season.

These pest control tips are a great way of keeping unwanted guests away from your home. However, even the most diligent homeowner can still be affected by a pest problem. For a thorough pest inspection, call a professional pest control company if you suspect that you have an infestation.

Call Zap Pest Control Inc. now if you need professional help in getting rid of pests from your home.

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

When Do You Need To Hire An Exterminator?

So you have spiders in your basement and some tiny ants trailing in your kitchen. But when do you need to hire an exterminator? A lot of homeowners think they could get rid of their pest problems without professional help.

When the air conditioner is making weird noises or the plumbing pipes are leaking, you will most likely call a professional right away. On the other hand, many homeowners think they could get some over the counter solutions online or from hardware stores and use them to spray their pests away. The market for DIY pest control market is enormous, which specified aisles in supermarkets and whole sections within home improvement stores.

This, along with the knowledge that can be gleamed online, you may be able to deal with bugs by yourself. You may see some success getting rid of some types of pests on your own and there are a few that can be solved without the use of pesticides. But it’s still crucial to call a pest control specialist.

Why Call An Exterminator?

You should call an exterminator Myrtle Beach if you do not want to deal with the pest on your own or if the pest problem is way too overwhelming to treat by yourself. You should also call a specialist if the risk of infestation may lead to serious damages to your house and even to yourself and your family. It could be tiring to know which OTC DIY products you should use, how much you have to apply, and if it will even be that effective.

When to call an exterminator will depend on several factors including the type of pest you’re dealing with, the extent of the pest problem, the location of the pest problem, and the level of your tolerance.

Some pests such as rodents, termites, or carpenter ants could do extensive damage to your house. This type of extermination should be left to pest control specialists.

Main Reason To Hire An Exterminator

The primary reason why you should hire an exterminator or pest control professional is the technical expertise they possess about professional grade products as well as equipment to locate and get rid of the source of pest issues, which will then leave your home free of pests for the long term.

That’s not to say that you will not kill bugs with chemicals that are bought in the store, but you would only be dealing with and attacking the symptom and not the exact source of the pest control problem. And you may even wind up spending more money trying to solve the pest problem on your own. And in most cases, the solutions you thought would work, didn’t. You’ll end up buying other products, which means spending more on treatments that are not effective at all.

So, if you are too afraid or grossed out, or just don’t want to waste time and money, consider hiring a pest control specialist. It is the best, surest, and safest option you’ll have.

Call Zap Pest Control Inc. if you are thinking of hiring an exterminator who can deal with your pest control problem.

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

Pest Control Tips: When and What To Expect During Termite Season

You most like are not concerned about termites. But did you know that prevention is always better than cure. It’s the best way to prevent termite damage. Not only that, now is the time to prepare using the most effective pest control tips.

Termites start to swarm during early spring. So, if you have not come up with a plan for a termite treatment Myrtle Beach, then now is the time to do so. While swarming termites do not lead to any structural damage, it is an indication that there’s a termite colony nearby. This could result in severe structural damage to your house that could end in home repairs that cost thousands of dollars.

Prevention Tips For Termites

There are many methods of termite control as well as deciding which termite treatment plan is the best for your home. But choosing the best one could be overwhelming. This involves protecting one of your biggest investments. And because termite damage generally is not covered by homeowners insurance, it is crucial to not only have your home checked and treated. You also need to have a termite warranty.

Termite Treatment Plans

If you have a good understanding as to how termites work, you may try out a DIY residential pest control Myrtle Beach. There are many options for this from conventional liquid barrier treatments to more modern termite baiting systems.

This could be a difficult task when you have slabs that are attached to your basement or house. A liquid barrier should be complete without any breaks so that you can keep termites at bay.

Some of the options you can choose from are liquid barrier termite treatment, termite baiting systems, and borate wood treatment.

Liquid barrier termite treatment is recommended for those who have problems with active termite or termite damage. It offers long term and instant termite protection. Be sure that your pest control company will include an excellent warranty, particularly one that will cover termite re-treatments and any other damage after treatment.

As for termite baiting systems, they are proven effective when it comes to getting rid of termite colonies under your home. They are less invasive compared to liquid treatments and perfect for existing and new construction. It’s also an eco-friendly way to protect your house from termites, by getting rid of the need to use chemicals.

What Else Can You Do?

Mulch is an excellent source of food for termites. Be sure to keep much away from your house so that it won’t attract pests to your home.

You should also keep anything that’s made of wood away from your house. These include cross ties, firewood, and all other possible food sources for these pests.

Signs That Your Home Is Infested With Termites

You probably have problems with termites if you see a swarm of flying ants. You may notice small transparent wings left behind. If you do, you should call a pest control expert right away.

Call Zap Pest Control Inc. if you need the help of experts in getting rid of pests from your house. Whether it’s termites, rodents, cockroaches, or bed bugs, our team is ready to help.

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

All About Brown Recluse Spiders In South Carolina

Many spider species are found in South Carolina, but most of them are harmless to humans. Because of their potential fatal bites, brown recluse spiders are an exception. You should learn more about these spiders including their appearance and how to contact Hilton Head Island pest control.

Brown Recluse Spiders of SC

Although brown recluse spiders aren’t native to SC, they have been present in the state since 1976. They have spread throughout the state over the years and can now be found in all of its counties.

How to identify Brown Recluse Spiders

It can be hard to spot brown recluse spiders. They aren’t large and don’t have any noticeable colors. They reach 3/4 inch in size when they are adults. They are usually light brown to yellowish in color and have a violin-shaped back.

Behavior of the Brown Recluse Spider

Pest control experts say that brown recluse spiders don’t like to spin webs in corners and other places where it might be harder for them to spot. These spiders prefer to be in areas that aren’t disturbed and where they can spend their time. Brown recluse spiders often come out at night to feed. These spiders usually hide in boxes, shoes, or other places that offer them a quiet, dark place to hide.

Brown recluse spiders don’t tend to be aggressive. These spiders can bite if they are accidentally disturbed. They are usually found in hiding areas so you may accidentally come across one when reaching into a box, or taking your shoes out of the closet.

The dangers of brown recluse spiders

Why are brown recluse spiders so deadly? The venomous bite of these spiders can cause skin necrosis or other serious problems for some people. It doesn’t hurt so it is unlikely that you will feel the pain. It can take up to several hours for symptoms of this condition to manifest.

After a while, bites from these spiders can become itchy and sore. Skin necrosis can lead to skin ulcers and skin damage as the tissue is destroyed. This can result in the loss of the affected area, such as a finger, if it is not treated properly. It can take several months for necrotic bites to heal completely.

Brown Recluse Spiders: How to Deal

What can you do if brown recluse spiders are infesting your home? It can be dangerous to try and remove these spiders yourself. You should hire a professional pest control Myrtle Beach company to get rid of them. This will ensure that the spiders are completely gone from your home and you don’t have to be bitten.

Preventing Brown Recluse spiders

If you take some steps to stop brown recluse spiders from entering your home, you don’t need to be afraid. Eliminating places where they could hide is one of the best ways to keep them out of your home. Instead of using bags or cardboard boxes, store items in plastic containers that have lids. If shoes have been in storage for a while, you should give them a good shake before putting them on.

Brown recluse spiders are also found outdoors. If you are outside, be sure to wear gloves before moving piles of wood or other items these spiders might be hiding in.

Contact Zap Pest Control Inc. if you suspect that your home might be home to brown recluse spiders.

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

Pest Control Tips For Spring

The start of spring means rejuvenation and renewal can begin. Flowers will soon bloom, birds will start to sing, while animals will begin to venture out. Spring can be very enjoyable, however, it could also lead to a lot of unwanted pest issues. As we start to prepare for the spring and summer seasons, it’s crucial to keep pests at bay. Now that nature is coming back to life, it’s the perfect time to begin considering some spring pest control tips.

Spring Pest Control Tips

Common pests that are reinvigorated during the spring season are the ants, bees, rodents, and mosquitoes. Don’t let them invade your home using these simple pest control Myrtle Beach tips.

Preventive Pest Control With A Pest Control Company

From disgust and damage to diseases and sickness, pests could be disastrous for many reasons. Even if your home doesn’t have a pest problem yet, it’s best to invest in preventive pest control because it’s cheaper than trying to get rid of an infestation. Hire a reliable company such as Zap Pest Control Inc.

Store Food, Dispose Waste Properly

Animals need shelter, water, and food in order to survive. Pet food, standing water, garbage, and gardens can attract pests. If you remove all the possible water and food sources, your risk of suffering from pest problems falls significantly.

You just have to make sure that you follow the right processes when it comes to food storage and cleaning. You should keep the trash cans covered tightly and store the pet food in sealed containers.

Control Moisture

A leaking pipe or a pool of water can offer enough water to attract pests. There are many pests that love high humidity areas for egg production. Make sure to fix any leaky pipe as soon as you can. Your home must be at optimal humidity and temperature. Don’t forget to get rid of standing water and trim grass regularly. The downspouts and gutters must be clear and clean and get tires and other moist collectors.

Check The Perimeter and Seal The Entryways

Openings in your house offer the perfect entryway for pests. Check your property for possible entrance for unwanted pests. Go around your home’s perimeter and focus on areas where utilities such as HVAC, electrical, and plumbing enter. If there are any gaps or cracks, you can use a weatherproof caulk to cover them. For larger holes and gaps, you can use an expandable foam sealant. If you see any indication of pest presence such as rotted wood and mud tubes, you should contact a pest control expert right away.

Clean

Spring is the best time to clean the house. Aside from taking care of food spills and storing food properly, make sure you spend time to perform spring cleaning and inspection.

Call A Licensed Pest Control Expert

Pests never travel alone. If you see one, you’ll find others lurking nearby. So, even if you only see one this spring, make sure you call a pest control expert right away before it becomes a full blown pest invasion.

Call Zap Pest Control Inc. now and let us help you protect your home from pests.

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