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Voles Versus Moles: Which Pest Do I Have?

. Posted by in , , • Dallas-Fort Worth
multiple molehills in grassy area

Few things can frustrate a homeowner more than finding destructive hills and holes burrowed around their lawn. Burrowing pests like voles and moles cause millions of dollars in property damage in the U.S. every year. If you have noticed these mounds in your yard, you may be wondering which pest you’re dealing with. After all, all you can see is that something is destroying your yard. 

Here is how to differentiate between a vole and a mole.

Mole Identification

Moles grow to an average length of 4 to 7 inches, and have paddle-shaped hind feet and disproportionately large digging claws. Their elongated head features very small eyes and ears that are not externally visible. The mole’s body is covered in a pelt of smooth, brownish-black fur which has no grain. This unique feature allows them to move through their tunnels with very little friction.

Moles can dig at an incredible rate, nearly twenty feet … Read Full Post »

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How To Get Rid of Mice Outdoors

. Posted by in , • Tyler
brown mouse outside on wooden garden border

Most homeowners stress over an indoor mouse infestation; however, an outdoor infestation can become just as much of an annoyance. Outdoor mice can wreck havoc on your lawn and garden. They also leave droppings that can spread disease, and their urine has an unpleasant smell. 

It’s important for homeowners to understand why mice are drawn to their lawns so that they can take the necessary steps to get rid of them. An outdoor mouse problem can also quickly lead to an indoor infestation, so it’s important to be able to recognize the signs.

If you suspect that there are mice taking up residence on your property or inside your home, contact a pest control expert.

Why Do Pests Like My Lawn?

The first step in getting rid of outdoor mice or any type of outdoor pest is to make your lawn inhospitable to them. There are several reasons why mice may be attracted to … Read Full Post »

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Are Moles Nocturnal?

. Posted by in • Dallas-Fort Worth
a mole in dirt

Do you know the common mole characteristics and signs of a mole problem in your yard? Most homeowners believe that moles are nocturnal animals, which is not the case. However, it is still unlikely that you will see a mole in broad daylight because of their behaviors.

The easiest way to identify a mole problem is by the damage they create in your yard. Moles dig underground tunnels that run like a freeway system below your feet. Their runways can destroy plant and tree roots and damage your grass. Plus, the dirt mounds and molehills that they leave behind are unsightly.

A pest control expert can control your mole problem, whether you have a solitary mole in your yard or a whole family. Moles reproduce at a young age and can have several pups in one litter.

Are Moles Nocturnal?

Contrary to popular belief, moles are not nocturnal. However, they are most active during … Read Full Post »

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What Do Mice Hate?

. Posted by in , • Dallas-Fort Worth
a mouse outside

A mouse infestation is a common problem that any homeowner can face. When it comes to dealing with this kind of problem, you have options. There are natural do-it-yourself methods for mice repellent such as using scents that mice hate.

However, to fully control a mouse population, you need to use multiple strategies. Sealing up entry points, removing food and water sources and using traps are some examples.

It’s also important to know about mice’s habits, such as their reproduction cycle and why they chew through wires. The more you know about mice, the more you can prevent them from entering your home and causing problems.

The most effective way to deal with a mouse problem in your home or on your property is to contact a rodent control specialist. However, there are measures you can take on your own. Keep reading to learn about what mice hate, using scent against them and … Read Full Post »

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Do Mice Make Noise?

. Posted by in , • Dallas-Fort Worth
a mouse on gravel

Do mice make noise? This is a question pest control professionals get a lot. Mice are relatively small animals, so the noises they make aren’t very loud—but they do make various noises. And, the more mice there are, the easier it becomes to hear them.

If you think you are hearing mice making sounds, it is a possibility that you have a mouse infestation. It’s also possible that you’re hearing something else that isn’t mice. The noise could be from another rodent or other animal, and it should be checked out by a professional without delay. If mice are active in your home or anywhere else on your property, there will probably be other, more obvious signs besides the noises they make.

One of the most common signs of a mouse problem is finding mouse droppings. These are about the size and shape of grains of rice, and are dark brown or … Read Full Post »

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Are Mice Nocturnal?

. Posted by in , • Dallas-Fort Worth
a mouse in a house

If you’ve noticed signs of mice, but have never actually seen a rodent, you may wonder how bad your problem really is. Or, you may start wondering, ”Are mice nocturnal?” The answer is yes—mice are nocturnal. This means they are most active at night, under the cover of darkness.

Why are mice nocturnal? Keep in mind that they are tiny, timid creatures. It benefits them to do most of their running around at night, searching for food and water. Nighttime is when they are least likely to run into predators.

The fact that mice stay hidden during daylight hours is one of the reasons an infestation can be so hard to find and control. Many times, mice build nests that homeowners never even know are there—that is, until the mice start causing too many problems to miss.

Signs of an Infestation

The unfortunate truth is that you can have a full-blown mouse infestation and … Read Full Post »

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What Are the Signs of a Rat Infestation?

. Posted by in , • Tyler
a rat in a garden

A potential rat infestation is an unpleasant reality of being a homeowner. However, when you know the signs of rats, you can catch an infestation in its early stages.

For example, it’s important to know what rat droppings look like and how they differ from the droppings of other rodents. You should also know about their nests and the materials they use to form them. Understanding their habits and hiding spots will also help you identify the source of your rat infestation.

Next, it’s important to know about the diet of a rat so that you can take measures to keep them out of your kitchen and lawn. Additionally, there are simple ways to make your home inhospitable to rats that all homeowners should remember.

Finally, it’s valuable to know about the sleeping patterns of rats. Rats are hard to catch because they are active at night. This guide will tell you everything … Read Full Post »

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What Color Are Bed Bugs?

. Posted by in , • Dallas-Fort Worth
two bed bugs and a bed bug egg

Do you know the typical signs of bed bugs and how to determine them from other types of household pests? The best way to catch a bed bug infestation before it goes too far is to understand the appearance of bed bugs in all parts of their life cycle.

In this article, you will learn what bed bugs look like, what color they are and how their appearance changes before and after a blood meal. You will also discover what bed bug stains look like, as well as other common signs of bed bugs. Equipped with this information, homeowners can catch an infestation even before they spot bed bugs in their home.

A bed bug infestation does not mean that your home is dirty, but it is crucial to treat the problem as soon as possible. This article will highlight how to get rid of these pests.

The Color of Bed Bugs Throughout … Read Full Post »

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I Found Mouse Droppings But No Mouse

. Posted by in , • Dallas-Fort Worth
mouse droppings on floor

You might not have spotted a mouse in your house, but that doesn’t mean they haven’t moved in. There are several other signs that you have a rodent problem that needs immediate attention.

Sudden Appearance of Pellets

A sure sign is droppings around food, in drawers or cupboards (especially in the kitchen) and under a sink. Not everyone is quite sure what they are seeing when they spy droppings in their home, so it’s important to know what mouse droppings look like. What you are looking for are smallish dark pellets, about one-eighth to one-quarter of an inch long, with pointed ends.

It can be easy to want to believe it’s just food particles or something else, but the reality is you have unwanted guests if you are seeing these droppings. You can get a flashlight and take a peek behind cabinets and under sinks and appliances to see if … Read Full Post »

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How to Conserve Water

. Posted by in • Dallas-Fort Worth
a sprinkler

About 70% of the Earth’s surface is water. Many people want to do their part to use less water, but it can feel like a daunting task. However, saving a little H2O here and there can add up quickly, and it is easier than you might think. You can use less water without much effort or big changes in your lifestyle.

A very simple way to reduce your water use is to switch from baths to showers. A good soak is relaxing, but it can take almost 80 gallons of water to fill your tub! Showers use far less water and are more efficient for getting clean. Teaching your family to turn off the faucet while brushing teeth or shaving also helps more than you might think.

Using Appliances to Conserve

You can also save some water by using less in the toilet. If you have a high-efficiency model, you are already conserving. … Read Full Post »

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