5 Pest Control Improvements to Make This New Year

When it comes to pest control, Temecula homeowners and business owners could all probably stand to make a few improvements. The New Year is a great time to make changes that can benefit ourselves, our families, our homes, and our businesses. Temecula residents are fortunate to have a locally owned and operated company like Black Knight to provide professional pest control services, but why not do everything possible to avoid pest infestations in the first place? The following five resolutions apply to home and business owners alike, and should be high on your “to-do” list to keep the pests away in 2015.

1. Keep the Debris in the Trash

Eliminating food debris is one of the most important actions you can take to keep your home or place of business free from pests in 2015. Kitchens and eating spaces should be free from crumbs, globs of food, and drops of sugary liquid. Simply wiping down counters, keeping trashcans covered, and putting leftovers away as soon as possible will help tremendously in your efforts to keep ants, mice, rats, and other pests away.

2. Keep the Exterior Sealed

A structure that is well-sealed will simply be harder for pests to get inside of, even tiny little ants, spiders, and other creepy crawlers. This is especially important in winter when every creature is trying to find a place to stay warm, and homes and businesses are among the most appealing places for bugs and rodents to snuggle into.

3. Keep an Eye on the Wood

If you want to avoid big residential pest control expenses down the line, you should always keep things like firewood as far away from any entrances to your home as possible, as the bugs will use this as a vehicle to enter through. The best line of defense is calling your local pest control company for an inspection, though, as termite infestations can go undetected for months before the damage becomes evident. This applies to home and business owners alike.

4. Check All Food Packages

Even business-places without a kitchen or dining area are bound to have some food inside. A package of M&Ms left on an employee’s desk, or a box of cereal left partially opened on top of the refrigerator, can attract a pest infestation. So do a periodic check to make sure all food packages are sealed, and stress the importance of sealing and inspecting food for bugs on a regular basis. And, if you find bugs, bug feces, or bug larvae, get it outside ASAP.

5. Work With a Reputable Pest Control Co.

Even if your home or place of business is free from pests at the moment, you’re much better off getting periodic inspections, and there is always the chance that you’ll be hit with an infestation later on. This is why it’s good to have a relationship with a reputable residential or commercial pest control company before you actually need one.

If pest control isn’t high on your to-do list, it should be. Are you ready to make your home or place of business pest-free for 2015?

Tips for Hiring a Pest Control Service in Southern California

As you might suspect, there are several companies in the Southern California region that offer pest control. Riverside, Temecula, Murrieta and Escondido residents have many choices when they need to get rid of termites, ants, flees, bees, spiders, snails, rodents, gophers, birds, or other sorts of pests that may be causing damage and nuisance to their homes. And, of course, every company claims to be the leader in pest control. Temecula, Riverside, Murrieta and Escondido residents have more than their fair share of choices. In order to find the best pest control company for your needs, here are a few simple tips to follow:

Don’t Fall for Door-to-Door Salespeople

When it comes to pest control, Murrieta residents and others throughout the Southern California region from Escondido to Riverside usually don’t have a lot of time to do online research, call around for quotes, and do other “homework” before hiring someone. So if a salesperson knocks on their door advertising a local pest control company, it may seem like a blessing has fallen from the sky. The fact of the matter is, though, that the most successful companies with the best reputations don’t have to rely on such aggressive marketing. So don’t fall for it.

Look for Value, Not the Cheapest Price

While it may be tempting to choose your pest control service provider based solely on their rates to save a little money, this will likely end up costing you more in the end. On the same note, simply choosing the most expensive company will not necessarily ensure the best service. Finding the right company will take a bit more research. Read the reviews, see what kind of services they offer, and remember that sometimes price can be negotiated.

Get All the Details Before Agreeing

If you think you’ve found the right pest control company at a price that seems reasonable, there are still a few things you’ll want to check before signing on the dotted line. Make sure to read all the fine print and confirm that they are fully insured, certified, and licensed to run this kind of business. Also find out what kind of guarantees they offer on their service, and find out whether the company or at least the lead technician belongs to any recognized professional associations.

Make Sure They’re Safe

One of the last things you should do before allowing a pest control company to service your home or place of business is to check for safety. See what kind of pesticides they use, what the dangers to humans and animals are (especially if you have kids and/or pets), and see what kind of government regulations affect these pesticides. There may also be all-natural products available if you prefer to “go green.”

When in Doubt, Ask Around

You may still be unsure about who to trust when it comes to pest control. Escondido, Temecula, Riverside and Murrieta pest control companies that have been around for a long time have probably serviced a friend, family member, neighbor, coworker or associate of yours – so ask around. A recommendation from someone you trust can often be the best way to go.

The Dangers of Fleas for Homeowners in Temecula and Beyond

When it comes to pest control Temecula residents have a variety of unwanted critters to contend with. Fleas are among the most common pests that homeowners and renters from all walks of life face. Many families and individuals have dogs and cats these days. Unlike the olden days on the farm, these furry pets are loved as members of the family and are often allowed to go in and out of the house as they please. While our beloved four-legged friends bring great joy to the home, they also bring the danger of fleas, which can bring all sorts of negative side-effects with them. As a responsible pet owner, it’s your job to know the facts about fleas, and treat your pet and home accordingly to ensure this problem doesn’t become bigger than it has to be. The Facts about Fleas

All pet owners should be concerned about the issue of flea control. Temecula pet owners (and all pet owners for that matter) should consider the following facts before believing the misconception that fleas aren’t that big of a deal:

• Fleas make dogs and cats feel uncomfortable.
• Scratching flea bites can lead to skin problems for animals.
• Fleas can carry worms and other parasites that animals may swallow.
• Advanced flea infections can eventually make your pet anemic.
• In some cases, fleas transmit infections and parasites from animals to humans.
• Fleas are a major concern for parents, as children are particularly susceptible.
• Fleas multiply at a rapid rate – one female flea may lay as many 12 18 eggs per day.

The Good News

There is good news, however, for pet owners who are worried about fleas in their home. Local service providers such as Black Knight Termite & Pest Control, Inc. are known for much more than just termite control. Temecula homeowners can consult with a trusted pest control service provider to get rid of the fleas on their pet and in their home so their whole family can be happier and healthier from now on. It is recommended that pet owners vacuum their carpet ahead of time to remove any excess fleas, empty the vacuum bag, and begin a topical flea treatment on the pet’s skin as soon as possible to prevent future flea attacks. Then your home will be ready for a qualified flea control technician to begin treating the indoor environment with a product that kills fleas, eggs and developing larvae. There are also natural, non-toxic options available. Before re-entering the home, pet owners should also wash all bedding to make sure it’s safe for kids and pets. Then you can rest assured your home will be free from those pesky, dangerous fleas.

Don’t Let Drywood Termites Destroy Your Home

When it comes to pest control Murrieta homeowners face many challenges, such as the serious threat of Drywood termites. These pests strike more often than residents may think in quiet areas like Murrieta, California, where termites find many good reasons to settle in and stay. The problem is that homeowners often overlook the signs of termite infestations or procrastinate on finding a solution. It’s easy to think, “I’ll take care of that when I have a little more time or money,” but this lack of immediate action could end up costing you so much more time and money in the end that you’ll be cursing yourself. It should definitely be considered a grave emergency if you discover Drywood termites on your property, and here’s why: The Drywood Termite Problem

While it’s easy to spot when you need pest control services such as bee control or flea control, Murrieta homeowners sometimes fail to pick up on the warning signs of a termite infestation until it’s too late. Unlike Subterranean termites, which build their nests in soil, Drywood termites go directly to work on the wood in your home, eating away at it until the structural foundation is no longer solid. This can not only lead to loss of property; in the worst case scenario it could be a threat to the safety of all humans and animals inside the home. And this isn’t just a minor problem affecting a few homeowners in the United States – termites have been said to cause a much greater amount of damage to U.S. homes than windstorms and fires combined. For this reason, it’s better to avoid potentially dangerous Subterranean and Drywood termite infestations, rather than acting on a potential termite problem when it’s too late.

The Best Solution to the Drywood Termite Problem

After the initial termite inspection upon the home’s purchase, homeowners often forget all about the possibility of termites. The best defense against termite-related structural damage is to be alert for signs of termite infestations in and around the home. The surest sign of Subterranean termites is the appearance of tiny pellets, almost as small as grains of sand, around areas where there is a lot of wood. This is actually the termites’ droppings. Drywood termites, on the other hand, leave a few more complex signs. These include the following:

• Infestations more prevalent in the fall and spring
• Mud-like tunnels leading to the home
• Signs of termite entry around cracks in framing, slabs or walls

Periodic termite inspections are always a good idea; and if you ever see any of these tell-tale signs of Drywood (or Subterranean) termite infestations, the first thing you should do is call a trusted service provider that takes an aggressive approach to pest control. Murrieta homeowners trust in the experts at Black Knight Termite & Pest Control for their leading methods of stopping the progressive weakening of your residence including fumigation, foam treatments, localized treatments, and thermal heat. This is the only way to prevent further damage and protect your investment and your home from the threat of termites.

Cruelty-Free Bird Control to Eliminate the Nuisance

Birds might not come to mind when you think of services provided by pest exterminators, but the fact of the matter is that many individuals and businesses are more than bothered by birds each year. Birds can carry disease, forage for food, spread dirt around, and even cause health risks to children. In the worst case scenario, they’re spreading contamination around, and in the best they can simply be a nuisance. Areas like Temecula, Murrieta, Menifee, Lake Elsinore, Riverside, Fallbrook, Escondido and San Marcos, where Black Knight Pest Control operates, have a variety of bird populations that are harmful if not annoying. Calling a pest control company about your bird problem doesn’t have to mean you’re being cruel to those chirping birds innocently flapping around your house, though. Physical deterrents, visual deterrents and other natural treatments can get rid of those pesky birds and leave you with peace of mind.

More Reasons to Consider Bird Control

There are many reasons to consider bird control services. Not only can birds spread dirt and disease and be generally pesky – they can also do damage inside homes, in gardens, and in various industrial settings. They can do more than land – they can roost and nest. Birds can destroy plants in gardens, they can accidentally fly into homes and destroy your possessions in a panic, and they can even cause costly accidents in commercial aircraft settings. Health issues such as cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis, and psittacosis can also arise from contact with bird droppings, which are corrosive to various materials as well (i.e. materials used to make cars). Of course, there are many charming song birds and humming birds that people actually want to attract to their homes. But birds like pigeons can be big problems, and they aren’t as easy to manage as those little chirpers that show up at your window from time to time.

How to Manage Birds the Right Way

Just as there are many reasons to get rid of birds, there are as many different methods of doing so. You can either eliminate birds, or you can deter them from arriving and sticking around in the first place. In either way, a professional service is always preferable to any sort of home remedy you may try. A pest control company such as the Temecula-based Black Knight Termite & Pest Control can offer a comprehensive service consisting of physical deterrents, visual deterrents, and chemical applications. All their bird removal products are simply designed to repel birds, and are even recommended by the Humane Society of the United States.

Even if you think birds aren’t a big deal, just consider all the damage they could potentially be doing to your home, your property and your car, if they haven’t started doing so already. You don’t have to do anything cruel to get rid of this nuisance. A reliable and cruelty-free service provider can eliminate the problem without doing any harm.