Keith

Mice Garage Doors

Mice Garage Doors

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Mice Garage Doors

 

Are your garage doors sealed against mice? Are the corners secure, we sell a device – Rodent Guard which firms up the corner trim. The device is metal and fits to the ground on the door trim of the garage.

In the picture, this garage door needs a new bottom seal and depending on the fit could use rodent guards. We also sell StormShield for the bottom seal of garage floor and garage door. It keeps out the rain, bugs and maybe even rodents. Home upkeep is essential when owning a home.

I also recommend a monthly check of your home inside and outside and don’t forget to look up. That is why my techs use a webber broom to clean door and window webs. Make them look up, instead of down where the bugs come from. Read my ten tips on home-sealing or call us for an inspection 480-831-9328 or 623-414-0176.

We spend a great amount of time outside dealing with pests, since that is generally where they originate from. Some bugs like German Roaches make their way in in boxes while ants will access any crack. So keep your eyes open for any creepy crawlies and keep our number handy.

Hidden Tubes

Hidden Tubes

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Hidden Tubes

Hidden tubes from termites are a major concern and what you can’t see can hurt you. Termites build tubes up from the ground and they often can be hidden away from eyes. Termites like hidden dark areas, it keeps away the heat and predators. They find their way in via holes, cracks etc in the foundation slab. The picture is the result of a pipe coming up through the slab. When the house is built these penetrations are cleared off and the termiticide is often removed as well. In Arizona look for these signs of termites:

  • Unusual marking on the wall, appears to be mud/soil tubes.
  • Down tubes from the ceiling.
  • Baseboards look damaged, termites eat from inside out – paint buckles.
  • Outside mud tubes at foundation slabs.
  • Bathtraps allow termites access into the home, always check areas of plumbing penetrations.
  • Areas inside garages are susceptible to infestations.

When in doubt call a Professional, ProBest Pest Management is here to serve. Thanks

Arizona Western Green Toad

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Arizona Western Green Toad

Arizona Toad

This toad, is brightly colored from a light green with black or yellow spotting. The bottom is often a cream color and males have a dark vocal sac. They do have warts which gives them toad like appearance.

The Western Green Toad is often located in arid to semi-arid areas that include the central areas of Texas and Oklahoma down to Mexico, Southeastern Colorado and Southeastern Arizona to Eastern Texas. They become active after rains, which we have had tons of recently and will come out of hiding during the night to feed. They feed on numerous insects, the pest control of nature. They will hide in out of way places, which are damp and dark.

Drainage Block

Drainage Block

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Drainage Block

Drainage BlockDrainage Block

What do we do?

We will cover with hardware cloth 2 areas from the inside, securing it in place with hammer gun device – this limits the pest from coming in. This exclusion stops snakes, rodents and other small types of critters. Now remember snakes and rodents do climb but this should limit anything from coming in via ground level. Notice: occasionally you will need to clean this area – if a lot of water passes through – it will pick up leaves, twigs etc.

SPECIAL: 2 area cover exclusion,  now only $95 limited time…………….. Special note – if you get three (3) neighbors to do it on the same day – ProBest will do all 3 at the price of $65 each address.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gilbert Emergench Rat Service

Gilbert Emergency Rat Service

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Gilbert Emergency Rat Service

Gilbert Emergency Rat Service – Of all the emergencies I can think of a rat in the house tops my list. A cornered rat is highly likely to panic and possibly do something weird. I have encountered animals under a crawlspace, gave me a fright. Probably as well for them. I’ve run across snake skins, thank God the snakes were gone. Cats and tons of parasites like fleas and ticks. Some animals when they are dying will hole up in crawlspaces etc and that is never fun.

People will say that its fine they are living on my land and I’m not going to do anything to hurt them. They do extensive damage to wiring for a/c lines, pool pumps, irrigation and car wires. Anyone of these will probably cost several hundreds of dollars to repair.

ProBest has also gone with Rodent Birth Control to help eliminate or reduce the population of rodents in your landscape or HOA. The info I always use is 2/3 of Europe were killed by fleas on rodents. So rodents need to be managed. Rodents carry many diseases, so be extremely careful. Call ProBest Pest Management 480-831-9328 or 623-414-0176

Bugs are a realty of life. But when they show up at your home, they can make life for you and your family uncomfortable, even potentially hazardous.So, keeping your home protected from unwelcome little visitors is essential.

 

Gilbert Emergency Bee Service

Gilbert Emergency Bee Service

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Gilbert Emergency Bee Service

 

Gilbert Emergency Bee Service – Every once in awhile something happens that is a TRUE emergency. Not that you found a bug in the house, even if its a Bedbug, but something that really could cause problems. I can only think of a few:

Honeybees/Africanized Honeybees

  • This happens a lot in Arizona, during the Spring or Monsoon, the colony divides and sends out the swarm. Now typically the scouts look for a place to land, rest and look for a new home. This swarm will generally move on. Once the scouts find a new place the Queen checks it out and they move in. Now if its at your front door, it might be hazardous but put a sign up or block that area. They shouldn’t be aggressive, they are loaded with honey and really not protecting a hive yet. Once a hive is created they will do everything in their power to protect it. Usually within 24 – 48 hours they will move along, if they don’t move NOW IS THE TIME TO CALL 480-831-9328 or 623-414-0176

Rat loose in the house

  • I almost think anytime a rat is cornered or inside the residence – that is an emergency. That is why we don’t exclude a home until we believe they are dead, then we can seal up the place.

Gilbert Emergency Bee Service – Can you think of any others real emergencies? Send me a comment.

Wood Floor Damage

Wood Floor Damage

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Wood Floor Damage

 

Wood floor damage isn’t normal but it does happen. OK so I’ve been around awhile, I have seen lots of termite damage over the years. Remember I came from Florida, now with 30 years of experience and with all the water and a different set of termites, damage is ever present. Not so much here in Arizona, but let’s talk about how they get in?

  • #1 from the outside up the foundation slab.
  • Garages are notorious, I believe the garage is finished last and people walk over the finished termiticide and breaks occur there more often.
  • Any breaks within the concrete – like water pipes, bath-traps, plumbing etc.
  • CRACKS – over time every house moves, even a little bit can crack the concrete. When that concrete moves, it might move the termiticide.

EVERYTHING STARTS AT THE BOTTOM – I don’t care what any termite professional may say, if you don’t stop it there – you haven’t stopped the termites. Some people will use foam, that’s OK to stop any further damage but not good enough to fix the problem.  If the termites are at the ceiling, you must fine them at ground level, not easy buy required. Let me say it again – EVERYTHING STARTS AT THE BOTTOM!

What to expect after treatment?

  • Any damage, may become more obvious. Wood may dry out and become more brittle.
  • I would insist that the Professional remove any tubes or evidence. You might have to repaint or use drywall spakle. The evidence must be removed for a few reasons, no need to fail the next termite inspection and cleaning it up looks better.
  • The holes they drilled should be filled in with cement, we scuff the area with a boot and then use a sanding block. The holes can also be somewhat matched with the surrounding concrete. Not perfectly but as close as you can.
Arizona Brown Spiders

Arizona Brown Spiders

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Arizona Brown Spiders

So I’m sure everyone has heard of the Brown Recluse or Arizona Brown Spiders. If you look at maps Recluse live in a bell curve from Texas straight up through almost to Ohio, Illinois and Indiana. Check out the map from Entomology Today

As you see we do have a species that lives here in Arizona, called Arizonica, Genus Loxosceles. As with spiders in general, the more you know the more informed you will be. Wear gloves if working in sheds, garages and outside. Many people believe they are bitten and identify it as a spider bite. Here are some myths about Brown Recluse spiders:

  • The common name Brown Recluse spider belongs to ONE species residing in central Midwest. This info is from University of Riverside. I love this article, check out the bottom disclaimer.
  • Not all recluse spiders are brown, some are gray, dark brown or even whitish.
  • People think the spider is poisonous, while actually they are venomous.
  • Brown recluse will attack you, nope a myth – they tend to avoid people.
  • Spiders in general try to get into homes, I don’t think they have a clue. They are just looking to get out of the open, an closed door is just a barrier. So having door seals, closed screens and cracks sealed are all good exclusion techniques.

 

Nasty Restaurants

Nasty Restaurants

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Nasty Restaurants

Nasty Restaurants and how do you tell how bad it might be? I usually run into the bathrooms, if it is nasty, generally speaking I’m out. If they can’t keep their bathrooms clean, then I’m positive their kitchen is a mess. I love those kitchens which are visible, if you can peak in that is a great thing.

Restaurants and cleaning:

  • Everyday someone should be cleaning.

  • Each day certain areas should be cleaned, areas not used daily should be rotated cleaned. 

  • There should be charts with duties and persons assigned.

  • Managers should check cleanliness daily. 

  • Degreasers and heavy duty equipment may be needed, and supplied so the staff can adequately perform their duties. 

 

I have been to a ton of restaurants and I have tuned down quite a few. I can’t do my job, if the grease is thick my product will never do the job. Now lets talk about cockroaches, German Cockroaches come in on the folds of food boxes. Once a stowaway enters the property there is almost a 0% chance of the owner/manager/staff fighting the situation. You need a Professional, because you need the right equipment and the right products with the knowledge. A single female roach can set in motion a infestation that can grow quickly. 

 

 

Rodent Control

Rodent Control

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Rodent Control

 

Rant Alert – Rodent Control – Rant Alert. If you have rodents, seen rodents or seen evidence from rodents, they will not go away on their on. If someone gets rid of some, others will move in, trust me on this. I have customers that use our bait stations for a few months and then say we are good. NOT THE WAY IT WORKS. A community will have an average amount of rodents, killing a few might slow the program but they will reproduce again and the same issues will reappear.

  • If you see one, there are more.
  • If there is one inside – don’t panic – call a ProFessional.
  • I don’t use bait inside, use traps then you know when you have caught one.
  • Bait is great outside, check the picture. You know you have issues because the bait is rounded off.
  • You can also gage the pressure if there is activity on all 4 bait.
  • If there is activity don’t exclude them inside. A trapped rodent could turn nasty and vicious. Once exterminated, then exclude.
  • If you snap traps, place away from pets.

Search the blog for related articles on rodents, rats etc. Call us for detail on our Rodent Control Specials. 480-831-9328 or 623-414-0176

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