How to Stay Pest-Free This Winter Season

No one is immune to needing pest control. Murrieta homeowners and business-owners from all walks of life may find themselves in need of this service from time to time when rodents, insects and other pests find a way to get into their residence or property. As winter approaches, there is no denying that pests have more incentive to get inside and escape the increasingly cold temperatures and harsh weather conditions outdoors. In fact, a recent study showed that as many as 21 million American homes are invaded by rodents each year and once you factor in the statistics for spider control and termite control, Murrieta homeowners can see the risk is clear. We are here to help when pests are already in your home or place of business, but we also want to help share some simple tips to make this a less likely possibility. 

Here are a few simple steps you can follow to help avoid those pesky pests as the weather gets more frightful this season:

• Anything that might attract pests, especially food, should be stored in sealed plastic containers rather than cardboard boxes.
   

• Clean up all the dishes right after meals are over and pay extra attention to the cleanliness of countertops where food is chopped, as even the smallest crumbs can attract insects who can feed a whole colony from your unnoticeable scraps.  
   

• Make sure your garbage cans are sealed well at all times and take out the trash as soon as it’s full. Also keep trash cans and chopped firewood away from the building so as not to invite unwanted guests in.
   

• If you have a chimney, make sure it’s sealed with a screen. Do the same for all openings, such as vents, to prevent the need for rodent control. Murrieta homes with uncovered chimneys and vents are like beacons for rodents trying to get in from the cold.
   

• Make sure all holes and cracks are sealed, and windows and basement foundations are sealed as tightly as possible, so pests ranging from spiders to termites to mice can’t get inside your home or place of business from the outside.
   

• Keep your home dry and less appealing to pests by installing diverts or gutters around your roof and home.
   

• Stay on the lookout for scurrying sounds, rodent feces, and gnaw marks in your home’s insulation and wiring. These are sure signs that rodents are inside and you need professional assistance.
   

• Also stay on the lookout for signs of insect infestations such as termite droppings, ant trails, hopping fleas and eggs in webs that signal the need for bug and spider control. Murrieta residents should contact the professionals as soon as these telltale signs materialize.

If you find any of the signs mentioned in the last two steps, make sure to call us right away and don’t try to handle the problem with store-bought remedies. We’ll make sure the pests are gone for good without compromising the health and safety of your home and everyone indoors.

Indoor & Outdoor Spider Control Tips for Temecula

When an arachnid infestation is out of control, particularly where spiders with potentially fatal venom are concerned, the only answer is professional spider control. Temecula residents should not put their lives and their families’ lives at risk in such risk, and Black Knight Termite & Pest Control is here to help. But what if you are merely sharing your home with a few harmless spiders? A few spiders here and there may not warrant professional Temecula spider control services just yet, but there are plenty of things you can do to make your home feel much less creepy and crawly.

Spiders outside Your Home

If you have spotted spiders on or around the exterior of your home, or in the front or back yard, the first thing you should know is that they are likely inside your home as well. Spiders can easily get in underneath doorways and through the tiniest of cracks that you didn’t even realize were there. When it gets cold outside, spiders and other critters will find a way to get inside that nice, big, warm house in front of them. Warm weather also inspires arachnid visitors looking for a bit of cool shade. If you want to keep those spiders out, here are a few things you can do outside your home:

• Place eucalyptus sprigs around the perimeter of your home. The strong smell will deter those creepy crawlers from wanting to go any further in search of a comfortable home.
• Spray bushes, flowers and other plants with homemade repellant. All you need is a bunch of table salt dissolved in water; simply spray the solution on all plants around your home every week to keep spiders away.
• Avoid using your porch light as much as possible. Since lights attract moths and other bugs, and spiders like to eat those bugs, your light will inadvertently attract spiders along with other pests.

Spiders inside Your Home

There are also a few things you can do inside your home to get rid of spiders, and keep new spiders from coming in. A simple, herbal solution of cinnamon, citronella, citrus, lavender, and peppermint or tea tree oil will exterminate spiders on contact. You can also keep spiders out by getting rid of all crevices and nooks. Assuming you only have a few spiders in your home, these solutions should suffice.

Of course, there’s always a chance that there are more spiders than you think – especially if a female spider has laid eggs in your home. For a serious infestation like this you’ll need more than a homemade spider deterrent. Temecula residents can always call on Black Knight Termite & Pest Control in this frightening situation, to get rid of those creepy crawlers fast and for good.

How to Tell the Difference Between Ant and Termite Infestations

Of all the mysteries in the world of pest control, Murrieta residents often find themselves in the quandary of wondering whether the infestation of insects in their home is that of ants or of the dreaded termite. Of course, ants are by no means a welcome addition in the home, and an infestation can cause great stress and be a pain to get rid of. A termite infestation can cause dangerous long-term damage to the foundation of the home, though, and that foundation is what keeps the entire structure standing and in one piece. If you’re not sure whether you have ants or termites, keep reading to understand the difference and what you can do to alleviate either of these unwanted situations.

How to Tell If You Ants or Termites

Although ants and termites typically have very different appearances, there are certain flying ants that do look very similar to certain termites. The difference should be clear on further inspection, though, as ants will have a segmented body that gives the appearance of a pinched waste, while termite bodies are the same width throughout. Ants also have bent antennas, as opposed to the straight antennas of a termite. The best way to be sure of the difference, however, is to invest in a professional termite inspection.

What to Do If You Have Ants

The first step to quelling an ant infestation is to follow the trail of ants and find the nest they’re coming from. If they’re inside, wait until nighttime when they’re most active and then inspect the carpets, doors, windows, baseboards, and any damaged wood. Outside you may follow the trail around foundational walls of the home and into surrounding mulch and vegetation. Ants like to hide underneath things, so don’t leave any stone unturned. Once you’ve found the source, you can try the leading over-the-counter chemical products designed specifically for ants control. Murrieta homeowners with significant ant problems may find that store-bought solutions are insufficient, though, and will need to invest in professional pest control services.

What to Do If You Have Termites

Unfortunately there are no easy DIY solutions for termite control. Murrieta homeowners who suspect a termite infestation should call in the professionals immediately, and if the inspector determines that termites have in fact entered the home, begin treatment shortly after. There is a range of options for both Drywood and Subterranean termites, including service contracts with yearly inspections. By tackling the problem immediately, and with yearly inspections, you can avoid the worst possible outcomes that come with these wood-eating pests.

Whether it’s ants or termites, an infestation of pests is never a good thing. In either case, it’s good to know there are professional solutions to get rid of those pesky insects fast.

Termite Control Tips for Murrieta Summers

In summertime, most homeowners are probably more concerned about backyard barbeques and vacations than pest control. Murrieta residents may find their leisure plans cut short, however, if they discover an infestation of termites. So, while you’re thinking about what to do with the kids now that they’re out of school and how to stay cool during the hot days, you may also want to think about how well your home is safeguarded from things like termites, ants, and other pests that often thrive in warm weather. Are Termites More Common During the Summer Months?

Of course, no one wants to deal with termites during any time of year, but if you knew that they could be more common in the summer would you do anything different? Considering that termite infestations cause $5 billion in damage each year, it’s clearly better to deal with the problem as soon as possible with professional termite control. Murrieta homeowners should know that a certain species of termites – subterranean termites – can be more common in the summertime. So, if you’re wondering whether termites are more common during the summer months, be warned. Subterranean termites are known to swarm on warm summer days and if you see them you need professional help right away.

Tips for Spotting Subterranean Termites in the Summer

How do you spot subterranean termites? Since they form colonies complete with mud tunnels for transportation in the damp soil underground, they can be hard to spot at first. But they won’t stay underground forever. Eventually they are going to find the wood source they’re looking for, and if it happens to be the foundation of your home they will keep eating from the inside out until it’s gone. Here are a few tips to make sure that doesn’t happen:

• The best way to spot termite damage before it erodes your home from the inside out is to check for little slits in the outside of the wood foundations of your home. Termites need entrances and exits for their wood tunnels, and this is a sure sign of their presence.
• You may find these slits in the foundation or frame of your home, as well as in your wooden furniture and hardwood floors.
• If the surface of a piece of wood seems smooth, make sure to knock and see if it sounds hollow or solid. If it’s hollow, there are probably termites feasting inside.

The summertime is a perfect time to relax, but it’s still important to think about things like termite and ant control. Murrieta homeowners must consider the possibilities of a pest infestation during the spring and summer, since many species are more active when it’s hot outside. Should you find signs of an infestation, take care of it right away. Call Black Knight Termite & Pest Control to resolve the problem and resume your summer ASAP.

Ant Control Advice for Pest-Free Summers in Temecula

As the summer continues, the last thing you want to worry about is pest, and ant control. Temecula home and business owners must always be aware that pests like ants are a possibility, though, whether it’s spring, summer, fall or winter. In the spring and summer months, ants can be a particular problem because they are coming out of hibernation and looking for food to satisfy the hunger of a long winter slumber. In a dry environment like Temecula, your home might just look like a perfect spot to grab a bite to eat – and stay for a while – during the spring and summer months. Here are a few pieces of advice to help you avoid that fate. What You Should Know About Ants During the Summer 

The most important thing you should know about ants in the summer is that they’re scrambling to gather food. They woke up hungry in the spring and their mission from now until fall is to eat up and gather plenty of extra food for their next winter hibernation. And when it’s hot and dry, and the days are long, they’ll also want somewhere to stay cool and enjoy a nice drink of water. Your home’s kitchen, bathroom, and pantry will provide everything ants need in the summer. From packets of sugar to tiny bits of food or sauce splattered around your stove, ants may find meals and refreshments in places you wouldn’t even imagine. All it takes is one scout to figure out where the food is. Don’t let this happen to you.

Solid Advice to Avoid Summertime Ant Infestations

As soon as you discover a trail of ants you should invest in professional pest control. Temecula homeowners are better off avoiding ant infestations in the first place, though, so above all else make sure to keep your home clean during the summer months. Your kitchen is the most important area to keep clean. Make sure to clean up in the kitchen as soon as you’re done cooking and eating, throw out open packages of dry food lingering in the pantry (or seal them in airtight containers), and be careful with the garbage can so food waste doesn’t stick around. Also make sure to put perishable food away in the refrigerator for storage as soon as possible. For extra protection, ant baits and other products can be used. It’s also a good idea to seek additional advice from the professionals, whether you’re concerned about anything from ant control to termite control. Temecula pest control professionals can provide a great deal of advice and service to keep your home safe and sound year-round.

During these warm summer months, everyone wants a place to stay cool and out of the heat. And that includes your local ants. Don’t let your home become a second home to a colony of ants! If that does happen, though, seek professional assistance right away.