For the past 30 years, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) has officially designated April as National Pest Management Month, Termite Awareness Week (March 12-18) and Bed Bug Awareness Week (April 22-28) to inform the public about pests and the importance of pest control.

Pest Control Tips for National Pest Management Month

In honor of National Pest Management Month, learn how to control common household and garden pests.

1. Ants

Ants come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors, and can be winged or wingless. Often, they show up after rainy periods in the spring, summer and fall. Even though you’ll certainly be outnumbered, don’t give up the fight!

Ant Control Tips:

• Remove any nearby wood piles, logs, or stumps that may be the source of your contamination.
• Seal cracks and gaps around your home, including where utilities enter the building and around doors and windows.
• Learn more about ants and how to control them.

Remember, pests can be dealt with in a number of ways. Natural controls include exclusion, cultural practices, and mechanical and physical practices. Before resorting to toxic chemicals, contact a professional pest control company who specializes in green, low-impact control methods. Careless applications of pesticides can make the situation much worse. Learn how our ABC Ant Control Services can help.

2. Mosquitos

We don’t have to tell you what a mosquito is. They are vicious and various. There are thousands of different mosquito species throughout the world and hundreds in Texas alone. Although small, mosquitos are considered one of the most dangerous animals on earth because of their ability to easily transfer diseases. Many diseases, such as Zika, West Nile and Yellow Fever, are primarily spread through mosquito bites.

Mosquitos usually lay their eggs around water-filled containers. They like to hang around wooded areas and dwellings near their breeding containers. The most effective way to control mosquitos is by contacting a reputable pest control company. There are, however, many things you can do to reduce the presence of mosquitos this spring and summer.

Mosquito Control Tips:

• Find and remove, empty or cover anything that can serve as a water receptacle. This includes empty pots, bird baths, tarp, garbage pail lids, old tires, cans, bottles and debris.
• If you have rain barrels, water tanks or cisterns, make sure they are screened or sealed.
• Repair any leaking pipes and outdoor faucets.
• Clean your gutters and downspouts (at least twice a year). Make sure downspouts are pointed away from the home. Consider installing downspout extenders to improve drainage.
• Inspect the trees around your property for any holes. Consider draining the hole of water and filling it with sand or sealing it with a thin metal flap.
• If you have a pond or water feature, reduce mosquito gatherings and add sound and beauty with waterfalls, fountains, or aerators. Stock your ponds with mosquito-eating fish.
• You can also try attracting mosquito-eating birds, such as purple martins, swallows, waterfowl and some migratory songbirds. Some plants can even help deter mosquitos.
• Inspect and fix or replace all broken door and window screens.
• Apply mosquito repellent before heading outdoors. Bring it with you and apply again if necessary. This is probably the best deterrent for individuals.

Watch the video below to learn how to apply insect repellent:

If you don’t want pesky mosquitos crashing the good time, contact the professionals at ABC. We have multiple methods for getting the mosquitos under control.

3. Rodents

Rats and mice have a remarkable ability to survive. They can be found all over the world, including high-end businesses and residences. If you notice signs of rodents around your home, it won’t be long before you find them feasting in your kitchen.

If ignored, rodent problems will only worsen and can cause very serious health and economic hazards. Rodents can contaminate food and destroy nearly anything, including clothing, electrical wiring, wood and furniture. Rats and mice can even bite people. And although we may not consider squirrels a type of rodent, they are and can cause similar problems.

Rodent Control Tips:

• Rodent-proof your home by sealing up all gaps and cracks around the home. Common air sealing trouble spots include: porch roof, crawlspaces, vents fans, air ducts, whole-house fan, where utilities enter the building, garage walls and windows, rim joists, sill plate, foundation, windows and doors.
• You can try a trap and bait to get rid of a single rat or mouse, but usually when there’s one, there are others that you don’t see. For larger rodents, small traps won’t work—you’ll need to contact a professional.

4. Termites

Drywood, Subterranean and Formosan termites cause billions of dollars’ worth of damage in the United States alone. It’s important to inspect your home for termite signs, such as fecal pellets and wood damage.

Termite Control Tips:

• Fix any plumbing leaks, foundation cracks and drainage problems you may have.
• Set wooden posts in concrete.
• When installing porches, decks or wooden structures, make sure they are at least 8 inches above the soil.
• Remove any wood piles and debris around the property.
• Keep plants from touching the sides of your home. Avoid any trellises or structures that touch both the soil and the house.
• Fumigation may be your only solution, but you can’t handle this on your own. Call a certified pest control company for professional fumigation services.

One way to prevent termite infestations is to schedule annual pest inspections from a certified company. Unless you’re Popeye, this isn’t the time for a DIY approach.

Termites are often found around wooden fence posts and pilings. Don’t let termites destroy your home! Contact ABC Home & Commercial for professional termite pest control services.

5. Bed Bugs

Don’t let the bed bugs bite… seriously! While bed bugs can present a problem year-round, they tend to be more prevalent during spring and summer when people are spending more time outdoors and on vacation.

Bed Bug Control Tips:

After a pest control specialist has eliminated your bed bug problem, you can help prevent them from coming back with these tips:

• Be careful about secondhand products. Check furniture, beds and couches thoroughly before bringing them into your home.
• Laundromats and other shared laundry facilities can present a risk. Transport clothing in enclosed bags and fold at home. Keep in mind that high-heat dryer settings can effectively kill bed bugs.
• Get rid of any infested mattresses, box springs and furniture.
• Consider enclosing mattresses, box springs and pillows in protective bed bug covers.
• Clean, declutter and vacuum frequently.
• Seal air leaks around windows, doors, baseboards and more.
• Learn more about how to detect, prevent and eliminate bed bugs.

Bed Bug Travel Tips:

• Check online reviews before booking your hotel to make sure there are no bed bug complaints.
• You can check hotels and addresses on The Bed Bug Registry.
• Store luggage on an elevated, hard surface. Never put your bags on beds, carpets or upholstery.
• Inspect any rooms you are staying in for bed bugs before settling in. Look for small specks of dried blood or feces (about the size of the period at the end of this sentence) and other signs of bed bugs. Ask for a different room if necessary.
• If you are worried about the presence of bed bugs, enclose your clothing/luggage in a large garbage bag during your stay.
• As soon as you get home, vacuum your suitcases and wash and dry all clothes.
• Learn more bed bug tips when traveling.

If you see signs of pests or suspect an infestation, contact the professionals at ABC to take care of it before it turns into a full-blown infestation. Remember, the best way to maintain a pest-free environment this spring and summer is by partnering with a pest management professional.

Spring is peak time for: MOSQUITO CONTROL, BED BUG TREATMENT, RODENT & WILDLIFE CONTROL and TERMITE CONTROL.

Need help with spring pests? Enjoy a pest-free environment this spring and all year long with ABC Home & Commercial Services.