Iowa’s Top Household Pests: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know

Posted on by Gro Social

As an Iowa homeowner, dealing with household pests can be a frustrating and inconvenient experience. From ants marching across your kitchen counters to spiders lurking in dark corners, pests can quickly disrupt your peace of mind. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of Iowa’s most common household pests, their behaviors, signs of infestation, and simple prevention techniques to keep them at bay.

Ants:

Ants are among the most common household pests in Iowa, with species like pavement ants, odorous house ants, and carpenter ants causing headaches for homeowners. Signs of an ant infestation may include seeing trails of ants marching indoors, finding small piles of sawdust (indicating carpenter ant activity), or noticing a musty odor from odorous house ants. To prevent ant infestations, keep your kitchen clean, store food in sealed containers, and seal cracks and crevices where ants can enter your home.

Spiders:

Spiders are another prevalent pest in Iowa homes, with species like the common house spider and cellar spider making appearances year-round. While most spiders are harmless, their presence can be unsettling for many homeowners. Signs of a spider infestation include seeing webs in corners, around windows, and in basements or crawl spaces. To deter spiders, keep your home clutter-free, vacuum regularly, and seal entry points to prevent them from entering your home.

Rodents:

Mice and rats are common pests in Iowa, especially as temperatures drop in the fall and winter months. Signs of a rodent infestation may include finding droppings, gnaw marks on food packaging or wiring, and hearing scratching or scurrying noises in walls or ceilings. To prevent rodents from entering your home, seal gaps and cracks in your home’s exterior, store food in airtight containers, and keep your home clean and clutter-free.

Mosquitoes:

During the summer months, mosquitoes can become a nuisance in Iowa, especially in areas with standing water. Signs of mosquito activity include seeing swarms of mosquitoes outdoors, getting bitten frequently, and finding mosquito larvae in stagnant water sources. To reduce mosquito breeding sites, empty containers that collect water, clean out gutters, and use mosquito repellents or citronella candles when spending time outdoors.

Bed Bugs:

While less common than other pests, bed bugs can still be a problem for Iowa homeowners, especially in multi-unit housing or areas with high turnover rates like hotels and dormitories. Signs of a bed bug infestation may include waking up with itchy, red bites, finding blood spots on bedding or furniture, and noticing a sweet, musty odor. To prevent bed bug infestations, inspect second-hand furniture before bringing it into your home, avoid placing luggage on beds or upholstered furniture when traveling, and regularly vacuum and launder bedding.

By familiarizing yourself with Iowa’s top household pests and taking proactive measures to prevent infestations, you can protect your home and family from the nuisance and potential health risks associated with pests. Remember to stay vigilant, address any signs of pest activity promptly, and consider seeking professional pest control services if needed. With a proactive approach to pest management, you can enjoy a pest-free living environment year-round.

Keeping Your Iowa Home Pest-Free: Tips for Every Season

Posted on by Gro Social

As an Iowa homeowner, you take pride in maintaining a clean and comfortable living environment. However, pesky intruders like ants, spiders, and rodents can quickly disrupt your peace of mind. Fortunately, with a few simple strategies and preventative measures, you can keep your home pest-free throughout the year. In this blog post, we’ll explore practical tips to protect your Iowa home from common pests in every season.

Spring: As temperatures rise and nature awakens, pests become more active, seeking food and shelter in your home. To ward off springtime invaders:

  1. Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for cracks, gaps, and openings where pests can enter, especially around doors, windows, and utility pipes. Seal any gaps with caulk or weatherstripping to prevent pests from infiltrating your home.
  2. Declutter: Spring cleaning not only freshens up your home but also eliminates hiding places for pests. Clear clutter from basements, attics, and storage areas to reduce hiding spots for pests like spiders and rodents.
  3. Outdoor Maintenance: Trim bushes and trees away from your home to prevent pests from using them as bridges. Keep your lawn well-maintained and free of debris to discourage pests from nesting near your home.

Summer: With the arrival of summer, pests like mosquitoes, ants, and flies become more prevalent. To enjoy a pest-free summer:

  1. Eliminate Standing Water: Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so empty bird baths, flower pots, and gutters regularly to prevent water accumulation. Ensure proper drainage around your home to avoid puddles.
  2. Store Food Properly: Keep food stored in airtight containers to deter ants and other pantry pests. Clean up spills promptly and avoid leaving pet food out overnight, as it can attract pests.
  3. Maintain Your Yard: Mow your lawn regularly and trim shrubs to reduce harborage areas for pests. Consider using mosquito repellents or citronella candles when spending time outdoors to minimize bites.

Fall: As temperatures cool down, pests like mice and spiders may seek shelter indoors. To prepare for fall invaders:

  1. Seal Exterior Gaps: Inspect your home for gaps and cracks, paying close attention to areas where utility lines enter your home. Use sealants or hardware cloth to block potential entry points for pests.
  2. Install Door Sweeps: Install door sweeps on exterior doors to prevent pests from squeezing in underneath. Ensure that windows and screens are in good repair to keep pests out.
  3. Clean Up Yard Debris: Rake up leaves and remove yard debris to eliminate hiding spots for pests near your home. Store firewood away from the house and elevate it off the ground to discourage pests like termites and rodents.

Winter: While pests may be less active during winter, they can still pose a threat to your home. To keep pests at bay during the colder months:

  1. Seal Cracks and Crevices: Check for gaps around windows, doors, and foundation walls, and seal them with caulking or weatherstripping. Inspect attic and basement vents for gaps and repair as needed.
  2. Store Firewood Properly: Keep firewood stored at least 20 feet away from your home and elevated off the ground to prevent pests like termites and rodents from nesting inside.
  3. Keep Indoor Spaces Clean: Regularly vacuum and sweep floors, paying attention to areas where crumbs and spills accumulate. Store food in tightly sealed containers and promptly dispose of garbage to avoid attracting pests.

Conclusion: By implementing these simple yet effective pest control tips, you can protect your Iowa home from unwanted intruders year-round. Remember to stay vigilant and address any signs of pest activity promptly to prevent infestations. With a proactive approach to pest management, you can enjoy a pest-free living environment and peace of mind for you and your family.

Common Misconceptions About Pest Control in Coralville

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Pest control is an essential aspect of maintaining a healthy and comfortable home environment, especially in areas like Coralville. However, there are many misconceptions about pest control that can lead to ineffective practices or even exacerbate the problem. This article aims to debunk some of the most common myths prevalent in Coralville and provide accurate information to help homeowners make informed decisions about pest control.

Myth 1: Pests Only Infest Dirty Homes

One of the most persistent misconceptions is that pests only target dirty or poorly maintained homes. While cleanliness can be a deterrent, it is not a foolproof method of pest prevention. Pests are primarily in search of food, water, and shelter, which can be found in even the cleanest homes. Ants, for instance, can be attracted to the smallest food particles, and mosquitoes seek stagnant water, which can accumulate in various places around a well-kept yard.

Myth 2: DIY Solutions Are Just as Effective as Professional Services

Do-It-Yourself (DIY) pest control solutions have gained popularity, but they are not always as effective as professional services. Over-the-counter pesticides might provide temporary relief but often fail to address the root cause of the infestation. Professionals have access to more potent treatments and possess the expertise to identify and treat the source of the problem, leading to more lasting solutions.

Myth 3: No Visible Pests Means No Pest Problem

Another common myth is that if you don’t see pests, you don’t have a pest problem. Many pests, like termites and rodents, can remain hidden for a long time, causing significant damage before they are detected. Regular inspections by professionals can help uncover hidden infestations and prevent extensive damage.

Myth 4: All Pesticides Are Harmful to Humans and Pets

While some pesticides can be harmful, modern pest control practices and products have evolved significantly. Many pest control companies in Coralville now use eco-friendly and pet-safe products that are effective against pests but pose minimal risk to humans and animals. It’s essential to discuss your safety concerns with your pest control provider.

Myth 5: Cheese Is the Best Bait for Mice

The image of mice loving cheese is ingrained in popular culture, but it’s not entirely accurate. Mice are more attracted to high-carbohydrate foods like peanut butter or sweet fruits. Using the right bait is crucial in effectively trapping mice.

Myth 6: Bedbugs Are Only Found in Beds

While bedbugs are commonly found in beds, they can inhabit many other areas of a home, including furniture, clothing, and luggage. Effective bedbug control requires a comprehensive approach that targets all potential hiding spots.

Myth 7: Pest Control Is a One-Time Solution

Many homeowners believe that a single pest control treatment is sufficient. However, pest control is an ongoing process. Continuous monitoring and preventative measures are necessary to keep pests at bay, especially in areas prone to specific infestations like Coralville.

Understanding the realities of pest control is crucial for effective pest management in Coralville. By dispelling these common myths, homeowners can adopt more effective strategies to protect their homes from pests. Regular professional inspections, targeted treatments, and an awareness of the specific challenges of the local environment are key components of successful pest control.

Pest-Proofing Your Home: General Tips for Homeowners

Posted on by Gro Social

Pest infestations are not only a nuisance but can also pose significant health risks and cause damage to your home. Fortunately, there are effective ways to pest-proof your home. This comprehensive guide provides general tips for homeowners to keep their homes pest-free.

1. Seal Entry Points

Pests can enter your home through the smallest of gaps. Inspect the exterior of your home for cracks and holes, particularly where utility lines enter. Seal these openings with caulk, steel wool, or cement. Don’t overlook areas such as roof vents, chimneys, and where the foundation meets the exterior walls.

2. Manage Yard and Garden

Your yard can be a breeding ground for pests. Keep your lawn mowed and bushes trimmed away from your home’s exterior. Remove any stagnant water, as it’s a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. If you have a garden, ensure it’s well-maintained and free from decaying produce.

3. Proper Waste Management

Improperly managed waste attracts pests like rodents and insects. Use garbage cans with tight-fitting lids and regularly dispose of waste. If you compost, ensure it’s well managed and far from your home’s foundation.

4. Store Food Properly

Food attracts pests. Store dry goods in airtight containers. Regularly clean crumbs and spills, especially in the kitchen. Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight, and regularly clean under appliances where food particles can accumulate.

5. Reduce Moisture and Water Sources

Many pests are attracted to moisture. Fix leaky faucets, pipes, and any damp areas around the house. Ensure your home has good drainage, and use dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements.

6. Keep a Clean Home

Regular cleaning is vital in pest prevention. Vacuum regularly, dust surfaces, and clean up clutter that can provide hiding spots for pests. Pay special attention to areas where pets eat and sleep.

7. Firewood and Storage

If you store firewood, keep it at least 20 feet away from your home and elevated off the ground. This prevents easy access for pests into your home. Similarly, keep storage areas in and around your home neat and organized, reducing hiding spots for pests.

8. Inspect Secondhand Items

Be cautious when bringing secondhand furniture or appliances into your home. Thoroughly inspect for signs of pest infestation, like egg cases or droppings, to avoid inadvertently introducing pests.

9. Use Screens and Nets

Install screens on windows and doors to prevent flying insects from entering. Regularly inspect these screens for tears and repair them as necessary.

10. Professional Help

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you may need professional pest control services. If you encounter a significant infestation or a persistent problem, it’s wise to call in experts.

 

Pest-proofing your home requires a combination of diligence, preventive measures, and sometimes professional assistance. By following these tips, homeowners can greatly reduce the chances of pest infestations, ensuring a safer and more comfortable living environment. Remember, prevention is always better than cure when it comes to managing pests in your home.

Seasonal Pest Prevention Tips in Iowa City

Posted on by Gro Social

Iowa City, like many other places, experiences a variety of pests that vary with the seasons. Effective pest control is not just about reacting to infestations but also about preventing them. This article provides insights and tips on how to manage seasonal pests in Iowa City.

Spring: Awakening of Nature and Pests

As the snow melts and temperatures rise in spring, many pests awaken from their dormant state. Common pests during this time include ants, spiders, and wasps.

  • Ants: To prevent ant infestations, seal any cracks or openings in the foundation of your home. Keep your kitchen clean and store food in airtight containers. Regularly empty trash cans and clean up any food spills immediately.
  • Spiders: Keep your home free of clutter where spiders might hide. Use window screens and seal openings to prevent them from entering. Regular cleaning can also deter spiders.
  • Wasps: Seal any cracks in your home’s exterior. Ensure that windows and doors close properly. Remove sources of food, like open garbage cans, which can attract wasps.

Summer: Peak of Pest Activity

Summer in Iowa City sees an increase in pest activity. Mosquitoes, flies, and ticks are particularly active during these warmer months.

  • Mosquitoes: Eliminate standing water around your home, as it is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Use mosquito repellent and consider installing screens on windows and doors.
  • Flies: Keep your home clean, especially the kitchen. Use garbage cans with tight-fitting lids and dispose of garbage regularly. Fly traps and electric fly zappers can also be effective.
  • Ticks: If you have a yard, keep the grass short and remove leaf litter. When in wooded or grassy areas, use tick repellent and wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.

Fall: Pests Seeking Shelter

As the temperature drops in fall, pests like rodents, cockroaches, and boxelder bugs look for warm places to overwinter, often inside homes.

  • Rodents: Seal holes and gaps in your home’s exterior. Keep food in rodent-proof containers and maintain a clean living area.
  • Cockroaches: Fix any water leaks as cockroaches are attracted to moisture. Keep your home clean, especially the kitchen, and use cockroach baits or traps if necessary.
  • Boxelder Bugs: These bugs enter homes to overwinter. Seal cracks and openings around windows, doors, and the foundation to prevent entry.

Winter: Continued Vigilance

During winter, while pest activity decreases outside, it’s essential to maintain vigilance for indoor pests like mice, spiders, and overwintering insects.

  • Mice: Continue to seal gaps and openings in your home. Use mouse traps if you notice activity and maintain cleanliness, especially in food storage areas.
  • Spiders: Regular cleaning and decluttering can reduce the likelihood of spiders settling in your home during the winter.
  • Overwintering Insects: Insects like stink bugs and lady beetles may have entered your home in the fall to overwinter. Vacuuming them up is often the best method of removal.

Year-Round Tips

  • Regular Inspections: Regularly inspect your home for signs of pests and take immediate action if any are found.
  • Professional Help: If you have a persistent or large-scale pest problem, consider seeking professional pest control services.
  • Landscaping: Maintain your yard to reduce areas where pests can breed and hide.
  • Awareness and Education: Stay informed about the types of pests common in Iowa City and the best practices for preventing them.

In conclusion, effective pest management in Iowa City requires a seasonal approach, focusing on prevention as much as eradication. By staying vigilant and proactive, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of pest infestations in your home, ensuring a comfortable and healthy living environment throughout the year.

When You Should Call an Exterminator to Take Care of Pests

Posted on by Gro Social

There are a lot of issues that you can have with your home. If you are a homeowner yourself, then we are certain you are very keenly aware of this fact. You have probably even found a few brand-new issues that homes can have nobody had ever thought of before. But one of the classic issues that almost every homeowner deals with at some point is pests. Whether it be bugs, rodents, termites, or raccoons, pests are far from ideal. Here are three times when you should call an exterminator to take care of pests quickly and easily.

At First Sign of Problems

The first time that you should call an exterminator to take care of pests is at the first sign of problems. As soon as you suspect that you are dealing with a pest invasion you should call an exterminator. With an exterminator you can be sure that no matter how small your current infestation is that it is stopped before it can get worse. Plus, having an exterminator take care of issues at the first sign of problems you can often get by with much cheaper services to solve your issue.

Before Selling

Another important time to call an exterminator to take care of pests is before selling. If you’re going to sell your home, you should take care of any pest problems. Your future buyer will know about the issue, and it will have terrible impacts on the price for your home. Calling an exterminator to handle any pest issues before listing is critical for your home’s reputation. Even if you are unsure if there is a pest issue it is smart to have an exterminator double check so that you can list with ease of mind.

DIY Solutions Haven’t Worked

The final time when you should call an exterminator to take care of pests is when your DIY solutions haven’t worked. There are many DIY “cures” for pest invasions, but the truth is none of them are one hundred percent effective, nor as specialized as an exterminator’s technique. If your DIY solutions haven’t made your pest problems go away, or they return again and again, it is time to call the exterminators.

Pests are a serious issue for any homeowner. Knowing when it is the right time to call the exterminator is critical to handling your problem quickly and easily. Make sure that you are calling the exterminator when these three situations arise to get pest problems handled professionally.

Check out this article on backyard maintenance you shouldn’t be neglecting!

Backyard Maintenance You Shouldn’t Be Neglecting

Posted on by Gro Social

Your backyard should be a place for enjoying the outdoors and spending time with your friends and family. And while you may not want to think about maintaining it, it is that maintenance that will help you to enjoy your backyard space even more. If you put together a maintenance schedule for your backyard, you can help it to always look its best. Some tasks should be done seasonally while other things can be done once a month or more regularly. Make things easy on yourself and take care of backyard maintenance regularly so you don’t get overwhelmed by a ton of work each spring. 

Stay Up on Pest Control 

Dealing with pests is one of the most difficult and frustrating parts of maintaining your backyard, but it is something you need to deal with. No one wants to have pests in the yard, so if you notice something starting up, you should take care of it as quickly as possible. There are many different kinds of pests that can overtake your yard and the pest control tactics to take care of them are varied as well. With some pests you can deal with the issue on your own while other pests require professional intervention. 

If you think your pest problem is larger than you can deal with on your own, it’s important to call in the experts. They can help you to make sure that your needs are met and get your pest problem under control. It’s better to start earlier rather than later so the pest problem doesn’t grow too large. 

Keep Your Trees Trimmed 

It’s also important to make sure that you are taking care of the plant life that makes your backyard great. That means tree trimming is essential to making sure that your backyard is as beautiful and safe as possible. Trees provide your yard with shade and comfort during the hot days. They also add greenery and beauty to any backyard space. However, if your greenery gets out of control it can actually be dangerous. 

Trimming your trees will help you to prevent many potential problems. If you have branches overhanging in your neighbor’s yard, it can lead to disputes. Tree branches that get into the power lines can cause electrical problems and trees that lean over your roof can cause damage that is difficult to repair. Trim your trees regularly to avoid these issues. 

Protect Your Furniture 

The furniture you have in your backyard takes more from the elements than indoor furniture ever has to deal with. So it is important that your furniture is well-maintained so it can continue functioning. If you have wood furniture outside, you need to make sure it isn’t left out in the sun constantly. Leaving wood in the sun can cause it to dry out and crack which is a major problem that you need to deal with. It’s better to leave it out of the sun and do regular maintenance. 

Other bits of furniture may need different kinds of care, so it is important to make sure that you do what needs to be done to keep all your furniture in good shape. 

Care for your Lawn 

The grass is probably one of the most used areas in your backyard, so it is important that you care for it properly. Lawn care spans a huge range of tasks that can feel overwhelming but are actually pretty simple. Mowing and watering are the most important tasks, so you should make sure to do them regularly, especially during the summer months. 

You may also want to mulch and seed your lawn from time to time. This can help you to get grass growing and to get rid of areas of your lawn that are patchy or missing grass. Lawncare can be done on your own for the most part, but if you’d rather hire a professional, they can get the job done much more efficiently. 

Clean the Space 

You can’t keep your backyard in good condition if you are always letting it get into disarray. Cleaning your backyard is a huge part of keeping it well maintained on a regular basis. Leaving items on your lawn can cause the grass underneath to die. And other backyard messes can be equally problematic. It’s generally a good idea to make sure that your backyard is clean and clear of debris. 

This often means making sure that everything in your yard has a place. This can be a shed or another storage device that makes it easier to keep things organized. It’s also important to make sure that you clean up any time there is a storm or other event that can bring a mess to your yard. Doing a big clean at the beginning of each season can make maintenance easier for the rest of the year. 

Work in Your Garden 

The garden in your backyard is what can add the most beauty and function to your outdoor space. Whether you have a flower garden or a vegetable garden it is important to give it the care it needs. It’s also a good idea to make sure that you choose a difficulty level that you are comfortable with. Start small with your garden so you can get used to the care it requires and then you can move on to doing more interesting and adventurous things in your backyard. Growing one or two kinds of veggies your first year with a garden can be a great way to get things started easily and effectively. 

Your backyard should be a space that you can enjoy and use to the fullest. But you can’t reap the rewards of your yard if you aren’t willing to put in the work to make it happen. Every yard has different needs, but these tips are a great starting point. Then you can focus on adding new elements so you can enjoy your yard even more. Many people even learn to love the maintenance in the process.

Read this next: Home Repairs You Should Make to Prevent Pest Issues

Home Repairs You Should Make to Prevent Pest Issues

Posted on by Gro Social

Your beautiful home needs to be as pest free as possible! This includes, of course, nature’s insects, rodents, and other creatures as much as avoiding human pests. Obviously, if there are simple repairs and prevention which you can do which will prevent any infestations. What kind of home repairs can you do which can prevent pest issues?

Seal Entry Areas

Sealing entryways into your home might seem like a thing which is more for weather than for pests, but the same concepts apply to both. Anyplace air (cold or hot) is entering your home is also probably an area that insects and rodents can also enter. Remember, rodents can go anywhere their faces fit, which includes incredibly small areas. Likewise, using weatherproofing around windows and doors, making sure that they are sealed off from outdoor air will not only help prevent infestation, but also possibly lower the cost of your electric bill!

Clean the Gutters

Year after year your gutters fill with leaf trash, which is exactly what they are for! Unfortunately, if you don’t clean out your gutters, this leaf trash begins decomposing and creates a beautiful environment for pests. Cockroaches and earwigs, for example, specifically live in leaf trash and decomposing plant material. Since that’s their favorite thing and their best-case hotel, you want to make those spaces inhospitable. Kick them out of their new colonies before they begin. Likewise, filled gutters shelter mice, birds, and even snakes! Cleaning your gutters is a simple fix which, though annoying, takes little time, but which can eliminate that ecosystem for pests.

Trim Your Tree Branches

It can seem benign to have a large tree shadowing over your home, with branches stretched far and wide. But, if that tree is touching your home or sharing insects and rodents into it, it can be more like a nice superhighway to get pests to your roof. This includes things like squirrels and crawling insects, of course, but of special concern are, of course, termites. You don’t want anything which bores into and eats wood to live in your home. By trimming tree branches, it can make their route more difficult to get into your house.

Fix Cracked Concrete

Concrete paving can be expensive because it needs to be thick. But, repairing concrete properly is essential to your home. Besides pill bugs and other harmless insects, there are other insects, like boring ants, which can enjoy drilling into your home through small cracks. When it comes to rodents, they are capable of crawling through such tiny areas, so using strong caulking and concrete repair when needed is essential. Your foundation is crucial to the health and safety of your home, and keeping it strong should be a priority, regardless of cause. Preventing bugs as well is a great side benefit!

Add and Repair Screens

Screens can prevent pests, especially the flying kind, from entering your home. It can be easy to neglect screen repairs over time, especially in rooms which are little used or which belong to children. There are simple patches which you can use, or even sew in, for small rips and tears. For larger holes, there are repair kits and even classes on how to replace screens in your windows to make sure they are ready to protect your family from flying, biting bugs, and the diseases they can carry. Consider adding a screen door to all outside doors, to be able to enjoy the lovely spring and fall air without allowing more insects inside.

Maintain Your Yard

Your yard has a good amount of function, positive and negative, of what insects and rodents are comfortable living within it. It’s important to not keep debris in your yard of any kind, and to keep it well trimmed. Likewise, you need to keep bushes and trees well trimmed from being near the house itself. These things help keep insects, rodents, and even snakes from feeling secure living next to your home’s foundation, and perhaps finding a way inside. Ticks are of particular concern. Getting rid of plants they love, like barberry bushes, can help protect your family from illness from Lyme disease.

Store Trash Properly

You know that composting debris is delicious to bugs, mice, and other pests. If you want to prevent trash from being a buffet for bringing pests inside, storing it properly is key. Outdoor garbage cans should be emptied frequently, ideally weekly, and rinsed when they are in need. They should be stored away from the main body of the house. If your neighborhood will not allow them to be stored away from the house without being covered, there are simple structures you can build to cover and protect your bins. This also prevents racoons and rats from feasting in your trash.

Encourage Healthy Predators

There are beneficial predators which you want in your yard, though, which can help out with issues. Many native and natural plants can help encourage predator insects, and those are the kinds you want! While you might want to encourage orb weaver and other beneficial spiders in your yard to help prevent insects, it’s ok to dust off the eaves of your house to get rid of webs and debris. You can purchase ladybugs and praying mantis egg cases at local tractor supply centers in the springtime. Both your outdoor plants and your indoor self will appreciate the lack of insect infestation! They might seem odd looking, but opossums eat thousands of ticks daily, and lizards, cockroaches, and other pests. Don’t forget they’re your friends.

To keep your home beautiful inside and out is important. To prevent and eliminate infestation from bugs, rodents, and other pests is also extremely important. When you work hard to seal up exposed spaces, cracks, and other entryways into your home, it begins to limit that superhighway for bugs straight into your kitchen. By preventing leaf debris and trash around the home, and storing your trash cans away from the house, this further discourages large pests near your lovely home.

Read this next: How to Enjoy Your Backyard Space Free of Pests

How to Recover Your Home After Termite Damage

Posted on by Gro Social

No one wants to have to deal with termite damage, but it can happen in pretty much any home. The main thing to remember is that once it is over you can recover your home and make it into the livable place it always was for you before. You just need to know what you need to do to get things back into shape. Here are a few tips that will help you return your home to its former glory after experiencing termite damage. 

Make Sure Termites Are Gone 

Before you can do anything to start recovering your home after termite damage, you have to make sure the termites are gone. Sometimes when you discover termite damage it will be inactive which basically means that the termites are no longer present. In other cases, there will be termites currently damaging your property. An inspector will be able to tell the difference and they will be able to direct you in how to get rid of termites if they are currently active. Once you are sure the termites are gone, you can actually take steps to start improving your home and recovering from the damage that they inflicted. 

Patch Up What You Can 

Once the termites are taken care of, it’s time for you to start working on patching up whatever you can. While some things will be a quick and easy patch job, other elements will need to be entirely replaced so your home can be as structurally sound as possible. This is where it is very important to work with an expert, so you know that things are being put back together in a safe and sound manner. With their guidance you can determine what things need to be replaced and which areas can simply be patched. With your patching and replacing taken care of you will be ready to start on the next step of the process. 

Redo Your Floors 

With the patching taken care of you generally need to start worrying about redoing your flooring. This gives you an opportunity to update the style of your floors to better match with your preferences. Sometimes your floors will be in good enough condition that they can simply be resurfaced, but in other cases you may need to replace them entirely. When you are looking at flooring options make sure to consider how you use each space and the kind of flooring that will work best for your needs. Carpeting can work great in some situations while vinyl flooring or hardwood is a better option in other situations. 

Replace Cabinets 

Your cabinetry may also need to be replaced, which is an expense, but it is worth it to make sure that you replace it with beautiful and high-quality options. Custom cabinets add more value than your standard stock cabinets. You can also make sure that your new cabinetry is more functional than what you previously had. For example, if you were lacking storage before, try to add even more cabinets and maybe even an island to make your kitchen space more usable. Making decisions like this will help you to get your home into even better shape than it was in before. 

Repainting Your Walls 

When you have made all of your repairs to the interior of your walls and replaced your drywall, you just need to start repainting. You can stick to the colors your space used to be painted in, or you can make a change and choose something completely new. Just make sure that you choose the right colors for each space so that it feels appropriate for the activities you are doing in each particular area. Soft muted colors are good for bedrooms while brighter colors are better in living areas and the kitchen. You also want to make sure that you choose paint with a little bit of shine for areas with high moisture content. 

Replacing Trim 

You will also want to take steps to replace any trim that was damaged by the termites or removed to find the termite damage. You can stick with the same type of trim or modernize with new trim. The most important thing is that you use consistent trim in your space so that there isn’t a weird transition from one kind of trim to another. If you choose a nice consistent trim, you can make the space look great. 

Checking Your Insurance 

While you are dealing with termite damage and making appropriate repairs, it is important that you talk to your insurance company to see what kind of coverage you have. Sometimes your insurance policy will cover termite damage and the repairs you will need after the fact. If this is the case with your policy, it’s worth looking into making a claim so you can have your repairs covered. This step can help make the trouble of dealing with a termite infestation a little bit more manageable. 

Checking for Future Infestations 

Once you are done dealing with the termite situation you likely want to put it behind you forever, but it is generally a good idea to keep an eye out for signs of problems in the future. The earlier you catch an infestation the better it is and the less work you need to do to resolve the issue. So, even once you are done dealing with your current infestation, it is a good idea to keep a lookout for any signs that it is happening again. If you do see evidence of a new infestation, reach out to an inspector so they can help you to resolve the issue before it gets too horrible. 

Dealing with an infestation of termites is a horrible thing that nobody wants to deal with, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your enjoyment of your home. With the right repairs you can recover your space and start enjoying it once again. All it takes is a little work and investment into the right areas.

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Common Places Pests May Be Hiding in Your House

Posted on by Gro Social

Having pests in your home is a major problem because they may damage your home or even present a health risk to you and your family. Getting rid of pests is essential. If you want to effectively get rid of pests in your home, you need to be aware of the places they usually hide.

Behind Cabinets and Appliances

Some pests, especially small ones, will hide in any nook and cranny they can find. The problem with these is these little spots are areas you likely don’t check often such as behind your cabinets and appliances. Unfortunately, appliances are common hiding places for cockroaches and other bugs. Cockroaches are notorious for living in warm, moist places which can include your appliances. Getting rid of cockroaches in your appliances requires a thorough approach. Make sure you clean everything well and seal off any spots where cockroaches are getting into your home.

In Your Walls

Since your walls are hollow, they make the perfect hiding place for pests. Your walls can hold anything from rodents such as squirrels or mice to any number of insects. Fortunately, there are a few ways to tell when pests are living in your walls. One of the main signs is if you hear noises in the walls such as scratching. You can also tell if there are pests in the walls if you see signs of chewing, find droppings, or if there are strong smells. You need to inspect your home regularly so you can find out how pests are getting into your home and put a stop to it.

Beneath Your Floors

Your floors are another common hiding space. Typically, you will see insects inside the floors. One of the most common will be termites. Termites can damage the floors and wood in your home and even threaten the structural integrity. Unfortunately, termites are typically hard to see, and you often don’t know they’ve been there until the damage is already done. This is why it’s important to take preventative measures. If you do think you have termites, one way to check is if portions of wood in your home are soft and give way easily.

In Your HVAC System

Your HVAC system is an essential part of your home, but it can become home to pests as well. This is especially true if it is not properly maintained. Pests can cause a problem in one of two ways. First, they can live in your HVAC system and cause problems through nesting or chewing. Second, some animals may simply become trapped in the system and die. Neither of these situations is ideal. To prevent damage and pests, you need to stay on top of your HVAC maintenance. You should be getting an HVAC inspection twice a year to check for damage.

Garage

The garage is easily accessible to pests because it is already exposed to the outdoors. It’s not hard for them to get in and the nature of certain garages can make it easy for them to stay. Garages appeal to pests partially because they are dark and there isn’t always a lot of activity. If pests find a food source in your garage they can be set for a while. You must secure and contain any trash or other materials pests might eat. Keeping your garage clean and organized can also help you keep out pests. If your garage is used for storage rather than for your cars, then it may be more prone to attracting pests.

Attic

The attic is a part of your home that often goes unnoticed. Unfortunately, this is not true for pests. Especially in the wintertime, your attic can be an appealing space because it is warm and there is little to no human activity. Pests can creep into your attic through cracks or holes along your roof.  They can also get in through the vents. Likely, you’ll mostly find insects in your attic since it’s easier for them to squeeze in. However, larger pests may find their way in as well. Whatever the situation may be, you should contact a professional rather than dealing with it on your own.

Crawl Space

The crawl space is an open space between the ground and your house. Pests are attracted to this area for many reasons. First of all, it usually attracts and holds moisture which provides pests with a water source. Additionally, they find plenty of food sources through the rotting wood and some pests even become food to larger ones. Second, a crawl space maintains a warm temperature year-round. This gives pests a cozy place to seek refuge during the winter. One of the main reasons you’ll see pests in your crawl space is because it is easy for them to access. To prevent pests from thriving here, it is a good idea to seal up your crawl space.

Under Sinks

Whether in the kitchen or bathroom, it’s likely pests will be found under your sinks. These areas are dark and moist which creates the perfect environment for many insects. Underneath sinks, they also have access to your pipe system. They can use this access to covertly move throughout your home. Pipes also lead to the outdoors. This may be how the pests got in originally. Additionally, pests can even be found living in drains. These pests can live off the moisture as well as anything you drop down the drain. It’s important that you clean and unclog your drain regularly to prevent insects from settling.

Finding pests in your home is always unpleasant. It’s unsanitary and, in some cases, even frightening. It’s important to know where pests like to hide. This can help you know where and how to take preventative measures as well as where to look if you suspect pests are in your home. Dealing with them quickly is essential to both the safety of your home and the health of your family.

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