Ticks

 

Ticks can be a real problem with your pets, birds may fly into your backyards or even visit your local park. Without your knowledge your pet picks them up and return to your nice sweet home. Now you have ticks.

Ticks are one of the only bugs that we use our power sprayer in the backyards. Because they tend to climb to the tops of grasses and weeds and wait for their prey. You have to be vigilant because they will come inside and set up home. I’ve seen them in a sofa and that took awhile to figure it out.

Holes – Rodents – Those things that should live outside.

 

So what are all those holes around your home? No idea, could be rats, mice, spiders and/or snakes. Well it’s a good bet that you wil find out soon, either the temperature or the rain will probably draw them out. Or maybe you have seen something. Better call before they start scavenging for food especially if its rodents. They really like to gnaw on wires and pipes, that will cost more than the preventive treatment.

  • Check home for holes and entry points. Fix them
  • Check screens.
  • Check for fallen fruit.
  • Check garage door for entry points.
  • Call ProBest if you need an opinion 480-831-9328

Foundation termite tube

 

Foundation termite tube on the house can be the surest signs of termites. I can spot those things from the road while driving (safely). So besides this obvious sign what else do you look for:

Baseboard – I hold up my first 3 fingers like the Boy Scout sign, now mush them together. The wood being eaten from the inside buckles, after the termites are gone the wood will dry out and actually get worse. Yes it’s time to replace baseboard. If you find damage here check outside as there is probably a Foundation termite tube.

Down tubes – can appear anywhere and drop from any ceiling. Typically on a one story house – the ceiling. 2 story home again usually the ceiling first floor, why you ask. When Subterranean termites hit the ceiling wood beams there is generally a header and they follow the grain of the wood. Usually I find termites on the 1st floor ceiling rather the 2nd floor ceiling.

Desert Holes

 

Desert holes can mean just about anything. I have seen mice to rats and even snakes emerge from various holes. With rodents such as mice and rats expect snakes to be right behind. That includes rattlers so use extreme caution while hiking or even around your home.

If you notice desert holes, check them out. One of the BIG things with me when I’m checking homes is to check pool pump and air conditioning units for signs of rodents. If you see poop, it is time for bait stations – these little pests gnaw pipe and wires. That bill alone will be several hundreds of dollars. Check your property monthly and avoid the headaches and call ProBest Pest management for all your pest needs 480-831-9328 or 623-414-0176.

Bed buggy

 

Bed buggy or creeped out by bugs. I’m even squeamish with all this bed bedbugs stuff since I was helping with a treatment and I had one in my shoe. The picture is a mattress with several active bedbugs just waiting for suppertime.

At the first sign, bites or blood spotting – investigate. Don’t put it off – investigate. Don’t let it get to this stage. Bed buggy or not, investigate.

Call a PRO – like ProBest Pest Management 480-831-9328. Do a monthly inspection of your home of business. It is important to notice everything associated with the inside and outside. Many bugs like honeybees can take a foothold in a short period of time. So bee careful and call us, even if its just a question or ID. 480-831-9328 or 623-414-0176

Mosquito Season

Mosquito Season

 

What’s the best time to KILL mosquitoes, when they’re in the water phase? Any other time you are swatting them and they’re out for blood. Mosquitoes can be tricky, some are known to be in your area and others may fly in from over a mile away. I have seen mosquitoes in tires and in beer bottles with only 1/2 inch of water present. We all know what an absolute nuisance they can be.

There are some innovative products available including this one from www.in2care.org and I also recommend Flyweb for inside the house.

Monsoon rain & dust

 

Monsoon rain & dust will start soon and we all know what that will bring? Termites and more bugs including more mosquitoes and flies. It’s time to store your outdoor equipment before the winds grab it. Check your windows for gaps and repair, keeps the Monsoon rain & dust out. What should you do, now to avoid the mess. Remember the Boy Scout motto “Be Prepared”.

  1. Check your yard for containers that may hold water.
  2. Fill in potholes that may hold water.
  3. Double check drip irrigation and flood irrigation for issues.
  4. Clean gutters.
  5. Repair screens, make sure they are in place.
  6. Check door sweeps and gaskets.
  7. Remember stagnant water is the enemy, flowing water good.
  8. Best time to treat for mosquitoes is when they are in the water.
Mosquito Season

Water grates

 

It’s the time of year, Monsoon is on its way and water in any crack or crevice imaginable. Guess what, the mosquito Mom’s will lay eggs anywhere there is water? Water grates, catch basins or cisterns will hold water longer since they are deeper.

When is the best time to attack those littler biters, IN THE WATER, of course? Captive audience, when they’re flying it’s to late.

So what do you do?

  1. No freestanding water on you’re property, if it’s stagnant it can cause issue.
  2. If you are in charge of a HOA, check water grates and storm drains. Things can be done to prevent mosquitoes from using those.
  3. I’ve seen them in beer bottles along a roadside, so get rid of trash and no tires.
  4. Mosquitoes cause disease from Malaria to Equine encephalitis.
  5. Repair or replace window screens.
  6. Keep doors shut and repair door sweeps and door seals.
  7. Even gutters can hold a small amount of water, I know what’s a gutter in AZ. But I have seen some, so make sure they are free and clear.
Wood damage

Wood damage

 

Wood damage can occur when termites get into the picture. There is a joke in here somewhere. Your house is just sitting there waiting to be attacked by these wood eating machines. There is an old saying “It’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when”, most homes in the South are vulnerable to these attacks.

If your home is over 15 years of age, the original pretreat may be gone. I believe if the termiticide is under the slab it last longer, so checking the outside of the home is important. If your home is stucco, and it goes into the dirt – maybe check it more often than yearly. Wood damage often will go unnoticed until someone notices a tube on the ceiling or wall. My personal belief is that you should have an inspection yearly.