All posts in “damage”

FREE Termite Inspection

 

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Just after monsoon rains is when we encounter more termite activity and that time frame is July – December, depending on frequency of rains. I recommend an inspection yearly, ProBest Pest Management offers a free service! If you are familar with termite tunnels or tubes you can make a cursory check yourself and if you spot something you can always give us a call at 602-249-7378.

Here a few pictures to remind you of what you are looking for.

probestpestmanagementIMAG0706     down tube01

Termite Tubes and more termite tubes….

Termite Tubes and more termite tubes….

 

          

Bigger and bigger, the termites are munching away at this home. Our termites in Arizona are not as aggressive as the Eastern US termites so typically we don’t have extensive damage to homes.

We do need termites!

We do need termites!

probestpestmanagementIMAG0601      probestpestmanagementIMAG0598

Termites break down wood debris in nature, you can find them in logs and here in Arizona cactus and even grass. Termites are always looking for food 24/7/365 and they will do whatever they have to to find it.

Mouse tincat versus Forklift

Mouse tincat versus Forklift

 

    

New tincat                                                                 demolished tincat

The Tincat Mouse trap is a live-catch trap that is easy to use, catches up to 20 – 30 mice at a time, and requires no setting. Simply place the trap along a wall where mice like to travel and it is ready to go. Inquisitive mice will enter the trap, triggering a lever that will trap them in a holding area inside. But it has to be in one piece and closeable.

Sometimes those termite tubes are huge…

Sometimes those termite tubes are huge…

 

It often amazes me when I see one home with a few dozen tubes or tunnels and then look next door and don’t see a single one. It could be that that home was treated but I’m not always sure especially if I don’t see any drill holes or evidence of any kind.  But the picture above is what to look for when inspecting your home for termites. If you see something like that I think it is time to call ProBest Pest Management!

Have you ever watched someone do a termite inspection?

Have you ever watched someone do a termite inspection?

I’m somewhat set in my ways of doing a Termite Inspection, I always start at the door I walk in and I always go to my right. Now if someone interupts me, I go see what they want me to look at and then go back to my system. Generally speaking this prevents me from missing something and I’ll tell you that is very inportant in an inspection. One of the most important tool is my maglight, rechargeable and in the holder in my truck along with spare lightbulbs. So what else do I carry?

  1. Extra flashlight
  2. Knife
  3. Screwdrivers
  4. Mirror
  5. Coveralls
  6. Measuring wheel
  7. Camera
  8. Postcards or flyers from my company
  9. I think the most important tool is knowledge and I’m sure I’ve mentioned this before.

What else do you think we should I carry? Any ideas?

Wood floors and termites…

Wood floors and termites…

 

         

Slabs of concrete often crack and if you place wood on the concrete termites may find their way into your home. I suggest if you have carpet and are going to replace it with tile or wood, investigate whether there are cracks and if so please have it treated before replacing that floor. It is always easier to do it before the time or wood is down and we have to drill it to fix the termite issues. I hate drilling the grout lines, even though we are good at what we do it is almost impossible to hide those holes.

Rodents will get in!!

Rodents will get in!!

         

Rodents will do their best to gain access into a structure and once in they will continue to nest and quite possible raise their young. As you will notice from the damage to this structure, the rodents have brought in food (seeds) and this is mixed with fecal material and other nasty things. The trouble is not only the animals but parasites and all the nasty urine and fecal materials that are being left behind. Notice that everyone was wearing breathing masks to prevent the possibility of breathing in any fungal spores or contaminated urine or feces dust.

Rodents and fire.

 Rodents and fire.

 

Rodents cause approximately 20 percent of undetermined fires in the United States each year according to fire experts. Rodents include mice, rats, squirrels and they chew constantly because their teeth are always growing. They have incisor teeth that butt up against each other. They will chew through soft concrete, aluminum, wall boards, and pvc and lead pipes.  Mice move inside in the winter months and prefer to live near the warmth of electrical components. We receive more calls as the weather becomes cooler as mice and rodents attempt to move into homes and businesses. The photo above is a good indication of how fires are started and this rodent was electrocued. 

Rodents and your home, what do you need to know?

Rodents and your home, what do you need to know?

 

You must know your enemy! An inspection of your home or business is the first part of your investigation. Most people don’t really care to think about these little furry invaders of our home, but think you must. These creatures carry diseases and can pass along other not so fun stuff, like parasites and other pests. So what should you look for:

  1. Any opening which could allow rodents to slip into your home.
  2. Check high and low, check the ceiling, attic  and crawlspace areas thoroughly.
  3. Check the garbage areas, it can often be about food sources.
  4. Have you seen signs of activity, feces or strange smells.
  5. Check the attic, also look for chewed wires.
  6. Trees should not touch the structure, this is like a super highway into the home or business.
  7. Check screens or windows, check that they are in place and not damaged.
  8. Check to see that doors are equipped with door sweeps.
  9. Check where wires come into the building for signs of rub marks.
  10. Don’t leave pet food laying around indoors or outdoors.
  11. Check out buildings for nesting of birds or rodents, check under buildings if they are raised. Checks decks and other types of structures – like gazebos, swings or play areas.
  12. Check garage door seals.

If you decide to attack the issues yourself, use care and caution. If you need some expert advice see out a Pest Management Professional and THINK like a mouse…

 

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