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Termite entry
Termites will make termite entry into homes and businesses by any crack or crevice. Let me assure you it doesn’t take much room at all; the thickness of a credit card is all it takes. So, any penetration through the concrete gives them the chance. Pipes, wires, plants, form boards or even nails.
When I do an inspection of the house, I always start at the front door and go to my right. A lot of times people want to show me the termites and I’ll usually check and then go back to the front door. Then I determine how many tubes are present, how close is it to an outside wall. If isn’t close to an outside wall, I then check for bathrooms, sinks or laundry rooms. If I determine it’s not an outside wall, I begin to think interior plumbing pipes or bath-traps.
After I determine the possibilities, we open up a small hole on the opposite side of the tub or sinks = termite entry. I usually find the tubes coming up and it can be treated, and the hole covered. The hole cover is white and can be painted any color.
If you see a termite tube or down tube, it’s time for a phone call to ProBest Pest Management at 480-831-9328 or 623-414-0176 and of course I would follow my blog to keep up-to-date on the weirdness of bugs and critters.
Slab Issues
Slab issues can affect the home in many ways, crack and penetrations allow termites access. This picture is the start of the problems, after the pouring of the concrete. A plumber will disrupt the soil and the termiticide and this of course allows termites into the home. From my point of view I would like the plumber to leave the dirt alone and keep the termiticide in place.
Rodenticides
Rodenticide – EPA files notice – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is considering several changes to its regulation of rodenticides
that will jeopardize access to this critical rodent control tool.
WHAT IS BEING PROPOSED?
To make ALL bulk rodenticides RESTRICTED USE PRODUCTS (RUP)
ProBest Pest Management decided years ago to not use anti-coagulates. (The poison interferes with the blood’s ability to clot.) This may cause damage to secondary predators such as owls, eagles, hawks, cats etc. We use either Terad3 (calcium mobilizer) or RatX (sodium chloride -salt. Rats and mice cant throw up or vomit, while the predators can and will. We also offer ContraPest ( birth control).
See the attached picture on our offer, a little more expensive but better for secondary animals.
I personally have seen some bad things, bait packs throw into garages. I’ve seen certain open boxes of bait in front yards available to kids etc. Safety is the paramount concern when handling rodenticides or pesticides. How many people read the label before using a product? I would venture to say, not many. Or they might skim and do what they think is correct or right. Are you using the product consistent to the label and labeling? Have you thought about who might come in contact with the product or the remaining dead animal? Just my thoughts on rodenticides.
Use a Professional, we have the tools, the knowledge and experience to handle all kinds of situations. We are also licensed and undergo training and retraining annually.
Pest Control Technician
“We’re extremely pleased to see exterminator, or pest control technician, listed among the top ten best maintenance and repair jobs by U.S. News & World Report,” said Cindy Mannes, senior vice president of public affairs for the National Pest Management Association.
2022 the job market – if let’s say a certain fast food place ups the game and pay $15, that in itself starts the ball rolling. Now I’m not saying that $15 is not right, but we are talking a entry level job. Where $15 was a good wage to start a Professional job now has to rise higher and what if you can’t, how much can you afford for a pest service? We raise our rates generally every 2 years, this year mainly due to gas. How much do I then make, if gas goes up $2 – $3 dollars. Its not just gas but my suppliers have to pay more, manufactures charge more for chemicals – its a viscous circle.
I noticed a guy on Facebook looking for a job for is 15 year old son, he wanted $32 an hour. I think we have gone over that edge, I’m not sure I make $32 and hour after 30s years in this Professional.
Operating a business is not for the weak of heart, many things weigh on the owner from vehicles, vehicle maintenance to payroll.
Cockroaches in kitchens
Cockroaches in kitchens – nothing congers up fright and ewwww and owwwwws more than this nemesis. They are extremely sneaky, adaptable and very difficult to gain control once you have them. Control – not always about the bug but knowledge of the bug. Knowing life-cycles, mobility and habitat are important in gaining control.
Often times when discussing pests we deal with IPM and how to keep them out. This is key to German Roaches as they love to set up house in your house, especially kitchens and bathrooms. They love moisture, food and a good hiding spot. They will travel in the folds of boxes, and once at you home scatter like roaches. A spec of food is all they need, they will even eat soap. Easier to spot if burping bubbles, OK just had to do it. HaHa.
The absolute only way to get control is with a Professional, we have the tools. Sometimes you need every tool you have to get control. If we are performing service on a vacant home, we use an actisol and bait. That is if it is a real issue, we use IGR ( insect growth regulator) stops molting and reproduction. German roaches carry egg cases, and typically 30 eggs within each clutch.
- Pull out your refrigerator (clean coils) check activity
- Pull out stoves – clean it, they love, love grease.
- When bringing groceries home, check contents. Store is Tupperware and if possible freeze it.
- Dog food should always be checked, stored product pests.
Spiders Inside
Spiders inside can be scary, but most won’t hurt you. There are a few in the US that are venomous including the Black Widow, Hobo Spiders and the Brown Recluse. Sometimes they hitch rides to AZ such as is the case of Hobo and Brown Recluse, we have a relative called the AZ Brown. This spider does bite but isn’t has much of a deal here in Arizona.
I think most people don’t realize how open their homes are, screens need to fit tightly and door sweeps need to be installed and maintained. Garages need that bottom seal and the sides need that weatherstripping. Any opening the thickness of a credit card is an opening that will exploit, and that includes any bug or rodents.
What can you do?
- Check screens and yearly, no spiders inside.
- Do a walk around, checking for holes or evidence of infestation.
- Looks for rodent activity, holes or gnaw marks.
- Employ a quality pest control company on a consistent basis.
- Have an annual inspection for termites.
- Check high and low, that is why my techs use a webber pole to take down webs.
- Check out buildings, sheds, garages etc.
- If you notice a spot take a pic and send it to us.
Flapper dryer vent
Flapper dryer vent cleanout – ProBest gets calls quite frequently on birds building nests inside the dryer vent covers on the outside of the home. When that little flapper gets bogged down with lint, it stays open. When in the open position it allows birds or other critters access into the vent opening. The flapper works off the principle of air flow, when the dryer is on, it pushes the flapper open and when the dryer shuts down the flap is supposed to close.
Did you know that over 15,000 fires occur due to build up of lint in that hose? Some homes never have it cleaned, and it’s a wonder more fires are started. The other issue is pests, birds and rodents in general. Normally this would be cleared out on the first dryer use, but if you don’t use the dryer often the rodent could chew its way out of that hose. The biggest threat is when the rodent becomes trapped inside the structure, and it panics. Birds can build nest and block the flow of air, causing heat build up and possibly a fire.
Call ProBest today to have the dryer vent checked, and cleaned 480-831-9328 or 623-414-0176
Poison Control Magnet
Poison Control Magnet – Do you live in Maricopa or Pinal County, AZ, would you like a magnet for your fridge? Just send an email to sales@callprobest with your address and we will send you one while supplies last and only to Maricopa or Pinal Counties. One of the best magnets for your fridge, noticeable and convenient for the entire family.
This service is free to the general public anytime they call day or night 24/7/366 and directly from their site 72% are managed by phone greatly reducing the costly emergency room or urgent care facility”. Did you know that 40,000 deaths occur each year from poisoning? You can help to support the agency, contact them directly. Check out UofA Pharmacy
When should you call Poison Control?
- You think someone has been poisoned.
- Has someone taken too many drugs or unknown medications.
- Need to know more about a drug.
- You or your pet has been stung or bitten by a poisonous creature.
- Need information about preventing accidental poisonings.
- If you have any question at all about medications, household products, venomous insects and reptiles.
Each and every day they receive numerous calls dealing from everything from bites, stings and accidental poisonings. 7 out of 10 callers mange their issue without having to go to an emergency room and this saves money and time for those staffers.
Vents & Rodents
Vents & Rodents, can cause serious issues with homeowners and businesses alike. Along with sanitary issues they can also spread diseases. They constantly urinate and defecate and can also walk over food. I’ve even heard that in some places they can bite sleeping infants in cribs and beds.
What to look for?
- Small openings or that matter any opening.
- Garage doors that don’t close completely.
- Trees that touch homes or businesses.
- Screens that don’t fit properly.
- Doors that don’t have seals or sweep brushes.
- Don’t take into home, attic materials open in garage.
When in doubt call ProBest Pest Management 480-831-9328 or 623-414-0176 and we can help, bugs to weeds and anything in-between.