ProBest Pest Management Archives - Page 11 of 61 - Arizona Pest Control - Pest Management Services

Termites and their sneaky way into our homes

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Those termites will find any way into the house, sometimes it just works out that it is a pipe. Originally a pretreat was done and this should work for many years, if the pretreat was done correctly. So as you are doing your monthly inspection, it would be wise to check any pipe penetrations through your foundation slab. I actually found one swarmer (reproductive) or alate termite walking around inside the shower.

It’s monsoon season here in Arizona so termites are usually a little more active, so please check your home or give us a call at 602-249-7378 or 623-414-0176.

Sometimes I can’t believe everything I read, what do you think?

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Rant and rave post:

First off this story is out of Canada but could be taken right out of the news here in the US. “Homeowner wants city to cover the cost of termite inspections” and ultimately corrective procedure measures and the cost.

Here is my opinion: you own the house it is your responsibility – where and when did it become part of the Governments responsibility? Just this last week my truck windshield was hit by 2 rocks or stones in one day. I think the Government should reimburse me for the cost of replacing my windshield. It is their highway and they put the rocks on the side of the road. See the difference, oh wait there isn’t a difference – sh– happens folks and it is the cost of driving or owning a house.

Now with that said, I can see maybe the local extension office getting involved with opinions and advice but this clearly is the role of a homeowner. Come on people, the Government is too BIG as it is – where does it stop. Comments please.

Photo by PPMA

My tribute to those fallen – 9/11

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fallen

13 years have gone by since that fateful day September 11, 2001. I have had the privilege of visiting Ground Zero and the Pentagon and have been in awe of our resolute to carry on. Not only in our remembrance but in our commitment to persevere. Where were you? What was your first reaction?

Here are a few pictures I took while visiting Washington D.C. this last February for National Pest Management Legislative Days.

Do lizards eat bugs and scorpions?

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Why I’m glad you asked. Yes they do, there was a recent article in Arizona Highways magazine on nature factoid about Western Banded Geckos. I can’t seem to link to the article that Kristin Kraklio wrote on “Western banded Geckos”.

Buggy snacks – for real, no thanks well you should reconsider?

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As Americans we often think of bugs and we scream or roll our eyes in disgust. I know people around the world have been eating bugs for years and our cave people probably had to eat them. A company in Denver, Colorado came up with an idea – to promote them in eye catching and funny packaging.

“Will Americans buy bug snacks? Maybe… If they’re funny and cute.” As we approach 7 billion people around the world I think we need to really consider some new and novel ideas for food.

Check out these sites for some great ideas on insect funny food: http://littleherds.org/, http://hotlix.com

“Free Food” After an initial bite, the review is in: “It tastes like coconut. Tastes like food, not like bugs.”

Photo by PPMA – Maybe a few ant eggs for dessert?

It’s not always about the Scorpions, how about visiting Arizona? Tombstone

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I love history and all that is related to it, so a ride into the heart of the Wild West is worth it for me. Tombstone is nicknamed “The Town to tough to die” can you imagine walking down the street where those famous Law Men and the Gun Slingers walked. Make sure you visit the Tombstone Cemetery and maybe have lunch at Big Nose Kate’s saloon. Normally I wouldn’t include a commercial but it had all the facts, great day trip for all.

Those termites just won’t give up, will they?

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One thing I have noticed over my years is that those termites just keep on going, much like that Energizer Bunny. They are searching 24/7/365 and won’t stop until they find food, they may turn and go another way but they keep on going.

In nature they just set off in search of food, they follow roots and sometimes get to concrete and turn left or right and follow it again until they find wood or food.

So if you see trails like this, or mud tubes or down tubes hanging from a ceiling it is time to call your Pest Management Professional.

Call ProBest Pest Management at 602-249-7378 or 623-414-0176 for your termite or pest inspection.

Can I home-seal my own house?

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So just imagine this outlet is in your home, see all that space along the edge. I would use caulking and seal that completely and put that cover back on. Nothing will get by the caulking and that cover, but if you leave it open or not sealed can you imagine what could get in?

When they cut holes in the drywall, they approximate the opening and cut away. These holes if left unsealed allow air and bugs free access into the home. Sealing helps to keep the cold in, the warm out or vice versa and the same with the bugs. You can seal a lot of these small holes which will help your electric bill and keep those bugs out.

I had a water leak in my house, what do I do about my termite warranty?

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Sometimes no matter what you do to protect yourself something bigger happens – like a water leak within the home. I came home a few years ago to find water coming out of the garage of one of my neighbors home. I knocked on their door and nobody answered, so I shut off the water at the meter box. The bathroom toilet fill line busted and was spraying water within the home .

The pictures below are not as serious, the water hose on the outside of the water developed a crack and during one of our notorious monsoons it finally burst. You will notice that the termite tube came right up behind that hose – was it an accident or did the termites do that on purpose? How about the river rock, did that allow termites further access?

My opinion: termites do like water and if a pipe is dripping I think this affords them opportunity. So if you have a leak within the home, call and seek advice.

Don’t stack river rocks or small stone to the stucco, this hides the foundation and makes inspections difficult. Its impossible to see anything behind the meter box.

I took away a few stones and you can now see the tiny little termite mud tube, just to the left of pipe.

A closer view of that sneaky little termite tunnels coming up the foundation of the home.

Termite artwork?

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This was behind the drywall or lathing material and looked like a cactus design. It was artistic but I rather think accidental by design. Have you ever seen anything like it?

Comments are welcome.

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