Out here in the Wild West, termite damage drywall go hand in hand with the mess they cause. If you’re lucky enough to see evidence on the foundation slab, but here in Arizona the stucco sometimes goes below the rock.
I don’t know how they do it, but they will pop out on a picture frame and just start to eat away. In this case some type of cardboard behind a shelving unit. I’ve seen books eaten and completely ruined, the little termite aren’t big but there are many.
Termite pressure around the Valley is a speculative issue, some areas are of course worse than others. This map was done by FMC some 20 years ago and I wonder how close it remains to being accurate to today. I would say it still applies, once termites are in an area I’m sure they won’t leave and probably continue to be a pain to homeowners.
Maybe we should do an update to our map, if you have had any issues in the low zones let us know? Thanks
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.
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:
When in doubt call a Professional, ProBest Pest Management is here to serve. Thanks
So imagine if you will, the construction company is building your dream house. Sounds like the Twilight Zone, everyone has different skill sets, mine is bugs and entomology. We or a pretreat company sprays the ground to treat the soil for termites before they pour the concrete. When the plumber comes along later, how do they deal with that mess from the bath trap. Generally they remove it away and don’t worry about it. Now I wonder where are the termites going to come into the house. Either on the outside of the home or where there is a hole. 
No matter what you do they will sneak in and gain access into your place. It can be the dreaded rat or mouse, and once in they are tough to chase out. But you can’t afford to let them take over your home or business, They need to live outside while you live inside. Mice in general prefer to build nest, they may be in out of way places or walls. You may see bits of chewed paper, or plastic in an attic area. You may smell fecal or urine smells or maybe even the odor of death.
Call a Professional, they know the little secrets and they know rodents and can help with Mice Control. They can identify feces and markings and plan the strategy to solve the issues.
Here are the Top 5 Reasons to keep mice/rodents out of your home: More mice/rodents = more issues
Tubes are an easy way to see the evidence of subterranean termites. They live in the ground and work their way up into your home. They use dirt, mud soil to protect themselves and as a way of regulating their body temperatures and well being. The only way to keep them out is a soil treatment, don’t treat inside the walls as it only affects one or two tubes. We use only Termidor, in my opinion the best product to keep them out. There are generics but I only promote the original formulation.
I suggest a yearly or every few year inspection, as it is just a matter of time before you get them. Over 8 billion dollars of damage in the US every year blamed on these little bugs. Florida ranks up higher on the list of real problem mainly due to excess moisture.
Put the onus on us, rather then you – call ProBest Pest Management for an inspection today at 602-249-7378 or 623-414-1076
Termite sign – Look no tubes at the bottom, but they are on the top of the shelving. This is a post tension home, so how did they do that? A little investigative work and what did I spy. No tubes outside, but there is a set of pipes at the washer/dryer. So it must be that, this one was a little easier than some.
You have to think about it, and make the best educated guess as to how they are getting in. Not always easy but the work must be done to stop them from getting in. Termites cause approximately $5 – 8 billion in damage each year so doing a monthly check for termite sign is important in keeping your home in tip top shape.
Woodpecker damage can be quite the issue with homes in Arizona. Most of the time the woodpecker stays with natural habitat like cactus and other tree nesting sites. For me its the drumming or the sound of the woodpecker in trying to get into a hole or make a new one. Sometimes they get it all wrong and drum the band around a chimney and it sounds terrible.
Now for the bad news, it is a bear to get them to stop. Sometimes the flashy things work and sometimes not. One of the newest is a rotating device mentioned in previous blogs. Again they are for the birds that swoop into your rook lines. Call ProBest for all your pest needs at 602-249-7378 or 623-414-1076.
Generic versus Termidor, so lets imagine if you will. BASF the original maker of Termidor bought the fipronil from their source and manufactured the original with inert ingredients. Then came at least 10 years of testing, we did 16 homes with none having issues in Arizona.
Now when the patent comes off companies come out of the woodwork to make something just as good. So they can’t get their hands on the inert ingredient list from BASF so they concoct their own – see the problem? So is there an issue with Generics versus Termidor, I believe there is. Choose the original.
