Blog | Florida Pest Control Center | Pest Control How To's and Tips

fpccPest ControlJuly 8, 20190 Comment0 Likes

Stop the Mosquitoes! Viruses and More

If you are avoiding the Florida outdoors because of pesky mosquitoes, you’re not alone!

Mosquitoes can put a damper on outdoor fun, pool time, and backyard barbeques.

While we hate the itching that results from mosquito bites, mosquitoes can spread more than just annoying itching.

Mosquitoes bites can transmit several viruses to humans. Over the last few years, the Zika virus, originally found in Uganda in the 1940’s, has spread to other parts of the world. Known for causing birth defects in babies after pregnant women after transmission through mosquito bites, the Zika virus spread quickly in Brazil. The mosquito-borne illness then made its way to South Florida, prompting action from local governments to contain the spread of the illness.

In addition to Zika virus, mosquitoes can carry several other mosquito-borne illnesses including Dengue fever, malaria, Zika virus, West Nile Virus, and Yellow Fever. Symptoms from these diseases range from mild to very serious.

The best way to prevent these viruses is to avoid mosquito bites. Here are some tips to help you steer clear of mosquito-borne illnesses:

Since mosquitoes are more likely to bite at dawn and dusk, stay inside.
When outside, wear long pants and long-sleeved clothing in light colors and use bug repellant. There are several natural repellants, but the chemical DEET is known its effectiveness.
Drain any standing water on your property to minimize ideal mosquito habitats.
Cover doors and windows with screens and ensure there are no holes or tears.
Stop mosquitoes from living in and around your property by putting a mosquito control solution in place.

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) specializes in protecting your home and property from mosquitoes and other pests. Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) uses Integrated Pest Management (IPM) with corrective, preventative and green solutions. We endorse the use of sustainable bio-based pest management alternatives. Using safe, easy and effective treatments for mosquito populations, we can help you take back your yard for play time, pool parties, and backyard barbeques!

For more information or for a free estimate, please visit us at Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) or contact the Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) at 866-697-3555 today. Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) services are licensed, insured, and guaranteed.

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC)

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) employs comprehensive, state-of-the art technologies, chemical, and non-chemical treatments to eliminate pest problems in residential homes, businesses, hospitals, medical facilities, group homes, and apartment and condominium buildings. Our highly trained professionals provide a fast, complete solution to your termites, ants, mosquitoes, termites, bed bugs, rodents, and other pest infestations.

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC)

Toll-Free:866-697‑3555

Local: 954-945-5050

fpccPest ControlJune 4, 20190 Comment0 Likes

Termite Season Facts

It’s termite swarming season and termites may not be the insects we want anywhere near our home or property. But termites are fascinating – all 2600 species!

You probably already know that termites can chew through flooring and wood without anyone noticing. Because of this, they are often called “silent destroyers.” These “silent destroyers” cause over $5 billion in home and property damage annually.

But termites aren’t all bad. Read on to learn both the interesting and beneficial side of termites.

Did you know…?

The Positive Side of Termites

While most of us don’t like termites, we can appreciate them for breaking down decaying trees and enriching the soil so that new plants can grow. In addition, they help dry environments become more resilient to climate change through their moist termite mounds. In Africa, termite mounds range in size, but have been known to be up to 30 feet high.

Termites can digest cellulose and decompose trees because they have bacteria and microorganisms that are able to break down tough, fibrous plants. In fact, most of the microorganisms found in termites are not found elsewhere. They have over 1400 types of bacteria in their guts!
While we’re not suggesting that you consume them, termites are highly nutritious and full of iron, proteins, and amino acids.

Termite History

As a species, termites have been around much longer than humans! Sources indicate that they date back 130 to 200 million years since the Cretaceous period.

Life in a Termite Colony

Termites don’t sleep. They eat, burrow, and build nests 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Termites shed their wings once they have found a new home.
These insects have a special gland on their chest that emits a unique scent, allowing them to communicate with each other.
Most termites don’t have functional eyes. Kings and queen termites are the exception.
Termites are very social and take care of their young as a group.
Termites’ main predators are ants. At times, ant colonies invade termite colonies and vice versa.

Termite Queens

Termite queens may lay 30,000 eggs a day! In just one year, that’s nearly 11 million eggs!
Termite queens live longer than any other insect – up to 30 to 50 years.
Interestingly, termite queens determine the role of each young (worker, soldier, queen or king) by the specific pheromones in her feces which are subsequently consumed by the young.
The king and queens develop wings, allowing them to eventually leave their original nest and start their own new colony. When they arrive, they lose their wings and the queen lays eggs, creating numerous worker and soldier termites.

Do you suspect that your home has termites?

Terminate the Termites with Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC)

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) is the termite terminator, the Florida expert in treating all types of termites. FPCC professionals analyze and evaluate each infestation to determine the most effective treatment.

Using the most advanced technologies to safely eliminate termites, FPCC pest control may recommend heat treatment, foam termicide through pumps, liquid treatment through soil rods and injections, ground barriers, or a combination of these.

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC)

Terminate your termites today!

Safe. We use the safest treatments available.

Easy. We make it as easy as we can on you and your family.

Effective. Our treatments will effectively remove bed bugs from your home.

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC)

Frontpage

Toll-Free:866-697‑3555

Local: 954-945-5050

fpccPest ControlMay 6, 20190 Comment0 Likes

Lyme Disease Awareness Month

This month is Lyme Disease Awareness Month. Throughout the United States, organizations such as LimeDisease.org and the Global Lyme Alliance are working to increase awareness and educate the population about Lyme disease symptoms and treatments.

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted to humans through infected black-legged ticks, also known as deer ticks. Once a person is infected, they may experience fever, headache, fatigue, and a skin rash. If the disease isn’t treated promptly, the disease can spread to the nervous, musculoskeletal, neurovascular, and cardiovascular systems.

When people are bitten by a tick, they usually don’t even realize it because a tick is the size of a poppy seed and there is no pain associated with the bite. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 300,000 are diagnosed annually in the United States. Since the disease mimics symptoms of other diseases, it is often misdiagnosed. Because of this, experts think that the actual number of cases is significantly higher.

It’s important to note that not all ticks are infected with Lyme. If you’ve been bitten, follow these important steps to lower your risk of Lyme disease.

Use a tweezers to carefully grasp as much of the tick as possible.
Pull upward with consistent pressure. Avoid jolting movements because this can cause the tick’s mouth to remain in your skin. Remove the tick in one piece if possible. If not, remove all parts.
Wash your hands and the entire affected area both with rubbing alcohol and soap and water.
Place the tick in alcohol in a sealed plastic bag so you can bring in for identification or flush it down the toilet.
If you have a rash, fever, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, joint swelling or pain within 30 days after removing the ticket, visit your physician and explain when and where you had the bite. Your physician may opt for diagnostic testing to confirm if the presence of Lyme. If the results are positive, you will likely require an antibiotic regimen.

Lyme disease is found throughout the United States. But there are steps you can take to lower your risk of getting Lyme disease. Follow the tips below to stay safe while enjoying the outdoors.

Stay out of tick habitats such as grassy, woodsy areas
Wear insect or tick repellant when outdoors in areas where deer ticks live
Remove ticks quickly and thoroughly
Use pesticides to keep bugs away from your living area

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) pest removal experts, also known as “America’s bed bug whisperer,” company, sets the standard for pest control service with residential, commercial and industrial customers. In fact, our non-exclusive access to the University of Florida’s urban pest management and modern pest control technology experts enables us to customize the most effective treatment plans for every situation.

We employ comprehensive, state-of-the art technologies, chemical, and non-chemical treatments to eliminate pest problems. Our highly trained professionals are knowledgeable, discrete and thorough, providing a fast, complete solution to your pest issue. Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) services are licensed, insured, and guaranteed.

Safe. We use the safest treatments available.

Easy. We make it as easy as we can on you and your family.

Effective. Our treatments will effectively remove bed bugs from your home.

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC)

Toll-Free: 866-697‑3555

Local: 954-945-5050

fpccPest ControlApril 3, 20190 Comment0 Likes

Bed Bugs Life Cycle + Quiz

How much do you know about bed bugs? Test your knowledge with this quick quiz below:

True or False:

Bed bugs feed on human and animal blood.
Bed bugs don’t need to eat for several months.
Bed bugs are often confused with other insects, especially fleas.
Bed bugs can transmit several diseases to both humans and animals.
Bed bugs can be found throughout each state in the U.S.
Bed bugs are generally active at night.
Bed bugs live in kitchens near sugary foods and pasta.
Bed bugs are easy to treat.
Bed bugs can lay up to 100 eggs each day.
After a bed bug eats, it changes from brown to a red or purplish color.

Before we get to the answers below, take a minute to learn a few additional facts about the life cycle of bed bugs.

Life Cycle of Bed Bugs

Female bed bugs mate and lay tiny white, oval-shaped eggs in small crevices. Estimates vary, but females can lay up to 250-500 eggs in a lifetime. After 6-10 days, the eggs hatch and small nymphs emerge. They seek food blood from animals or humans. Nymphs molt their exoskeleton five times during their growth. The nymph typically stays in each of these five growth stages for a week or more. While growing, nymphs can feed as little as once every few weeks or as often as every day. Each feeding takes 5-10 minutes and is usually done at night when animals or humans are sleeping. Older nymphs can survive several months without food. Although estimates vary, the life span of adult bed bugs ranges from 4-12 months.

The image above is from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services depicts the life cycle:[1]

Now, let’s get back to the answers to our bed bug quiz.

Answers:

Bed bugs feed on human and animal blood. True
Bed bugs don’t need to eat for several months. True
Bed bugs are often confused with other insects, especially fleas. True
Bed bugs can transmit several diseases to both humans and animals. False. While bed bugs may seem gross for several reasons, they don’t actually transmit diseases.
Bed bugs are generally active at night. True
Bed bugs can be found throughout each state in the U.S. True
Bed bugs live in kitchens near sugary foods and pasta. False. Bed bugs live near people and animals, often in bedrooms.
Bed bugs are easy to treat. False. Bed bugs are very difficult to eliminate and usually require a professional pest removal service.
Bed bugs can lay up to 100 eggs each day. False. Thank goodness they only lay 1-5 eggs/day.
After a bed bug eats, it changes from brown to a red or purplish color. True

So, how did you score? Are you a bed bug expert? If not, are you ready to talk with one? For information about how to determine if you have bed bugs and how to remove bed bug infestations, click here or contact the Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) at 866-697-3555

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) pest removal experts, also known as “America’s bed bug whisperer” company, sets the standard for pest control service with residential, commercial and industrial customers. In fact, our non-exclusive access to the University of Florida’s urban pest management and modern pest control technology experts enables us to customize the most effective treatment plans for every situation.

Safe. We use the safest treatments available.

Easy. We make it as easy as we can on you and your family.

Effective. Our treatments will effectively remove bed bugs from your home.

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC)

Toll-Free: 866-697‑3555

Local: 954-945-5050

[1] Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/bedbugs/biology.html

fpccPest ControlMarch 4, 20190 Comment0 Likes

Will the Real Sugar Ant Please Stand Up? And Leave!

Have you seen “sugar ants” in your home or office?

While we refer to these small ants as “sugar ants”, they may actually be one of a number of different ant species currently found in Florida: tawny crazy ants, pharaoh ants, argentine ants, ghost ants, acrobat ants, and odorous ants.

These various ant species are usually small (2-3mm long or less than 1/10 inch), range from light brown to black, and are particularly fond of sweets – although most eat a fairly-balanced diet that includes seeds, meats, grease, and other insects.

The “sugar ant” species reproduce quickly. Queen ants can lay up to 800 eggs per day. Consequently, large colonies with multiple queens can produce thousands of eggs each day.

Many of the species listed under “sugar ants” live in moist settings – so South Florida is a perfect home for them. However, species such as tawny crazy ants live in moist as well as dry areas, including under rocks, buildings, and among garbage. You may recognize the tawny crazy ants from their frantic movements.

Pharaoh ants are usually transparent, light brown, or yellow in color. Found near food, pharaoh ant infestations can create large colonies very quickly, setting up homes in cabinets, walls, and in sheets or other fabrics. These ants can carry disease, so if you think you might have pharaoh ants, you’ll want to find a pest control solution promptly.

Comparable the other species mentioned above, argentine ants are light to dark brown in color and quite small, ranging from 2-3 mm in length. They also live in moist environments and can be found in very large colonies, with thousands of ants. And, like the other “sugar ant” species, they prefer sweet foods.

While we’re talking about ants, white-footed ants are also commonly found in South Florida. While this species is small, like the other “sugar ants” measuring 1/8 of an inch, they are easily differentiated from others by their black bodies and light-colored legs. Similar to “sugar ants”, white-footed ants don’t sting or cause structural home damage, but this species is particularly difficult to eliminate because they create huge colonies – numbering up to 1 million – and have a talent for detecting and moving around chemicals meant to exterminate pests. Treating white-footed ants usually requires regular treatments over time.

You may be wondering which of the ant species you have, but businesses and homes are not limited to one species of ants – your home or office may be infested with multiple species. To find out more about your ant infestation and how to control it, please contact the Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) at 866-697-3555

To help keep “sugar ants” to a minimum in your home, follow these recommendations:

Caulk crevices in your home and garage
Keep the kitchen area free of crumbs and spilled liquids
Repair any water leaks; check sprinklers to ensure they don’t water the building
Trim bushes, remove piles of debris or wood
Keep landscape away from foundations

Ultimately, ant removal often requires pest control professionals – technicians who are knowledgeable about ant behavior patterns, their food sources, breeding, and preferred habitats. Once our ant infestation control professionals identify the ant species, they can locate their nesting area to treat the ants quickly and effectively.

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) sets the standard for pest control service with residential, commercial and industrial customers and provides knowledgeable pest control professionals who are thorough, efficient and discrete. The company employs comprehensive, state-of-the art technologies, chemical, and non-chemical treatments to eliminate pest problems.

For more information or for a free estimate, please visit us at Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) or contact the Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) at 866-697-3555 today. Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC)services are licensed, insured, and guaranteed.

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC)

Frontpage

Toll-Free:866-697‑3555

Local: 954-945-5050

fpccPest ControlFebruary 6, 20190 Comment0 Likes

Traveling Bed Bugs: What You Need to Know

Bed bugs may be more common than you realize. In a recent study conducted by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), over 75% of pest control professionals reported finding bed bug infestations in hotels and motels.

Bed bugs are tiny, nocturnal insects that can be found in very clean, high-quality lodging as well as in shared-room hostels. All it takes is a ride on a backpack for a bed bug to move from one location to another. While we certainly hope your vacation is bed bug FREE, read on to find out what you need to know to avoid being bitten and bringing bed bugs home.

What to bed bugs look like?

Bed bugs are small, brown or reddish-brown, insects. Nymphs are smaller and whitish in color, so they blend in easily with hotel sheets. Bed bugs are nocturnal insects, so they usually bite at night when you are sleeping. The bites typically appear in a line of three and cause significant itching or burning sensations.

What you can do to avoid bed bugs!

Follow these steps to avoid getting bed bugs while traveling:

Check the bed sheets, blankets, mattress seams, and box spring for bugs or stains. Take a good look at the headboard and any chairs or couches in the room. Bed bugs can also hide out in curtains or small cracks in the wall.
If you find any evidence of bed bugs – the actual tiny insects — or any brownish streaks on the furniture or linens, contact management and request to change rooms. Ask for a room that is not adjacent to or directly above or below the one you were in.

To avoid exposing your suitcase and clothing, cover your belongings with a plastic trash bag.
If you find bites on your skin, make sure to wash the affected area with soap and water, and use ice and topical antihistamine cream to reduce the itching. Try not to scratch to avoid infecting the area!
Bed bugs can travel in your luggage, on your clothing, or in your backpack or purse. When you return home, wash all clothing and contents of luggage in hot water and detergent before putting anything away.

Steam and vacuum your luggage, backpack, or purse to get rid of any insects or eggs before they find a new home – in your home.
Note: If you think you have an infestation in your belongings, don’t bring them home.

Act quickly if you think bed bugs followed you home!

If you do find that you’ve brought the bed bugs home, you’ll want to act immediately to avoid a larger infestation.

Get rid of anything that has been infested with bed bugs; wash all bedding in very hot water.
Ensure that all crevices in the walls are caulked over.
Promptly contact Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) pest removal experts, “America’s bed bug whisperer” company at 866-697-3555.

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) sets the standard for pest control service with residential, commercial and industrial customers and provides knowledgeable pest control professionals who are thorough, efficient and discrete. The company employs comprehensive, state-of-the art technologies, chemical, and non-chemical treatments to eliminate pest problems.

FPCC utilizes an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach that begins with a systematic MRI (multi-room inspection) by certified CSI technicians and includes proper detection and identification as well as green pest control treatments. Pest control treatments may also include vacuuming, traps, steam, low toxicity residual pesticide application, as well as customer education.

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) services are licensed, insured, and guaranteed. For more information or for a free estimate, please contact the Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) at 866-697-3555. today.

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC)

Frontpage

Toll-Free:866-697‑3555

Local: 954-945-5050

fpccPest ControlJanuary 8, 20190 Comment0 Likes

Pests and Home Values

How much is your home worth?

Do you think potential homebuyers will be willing to pay the asking price for a home after noticing a pest infestation?

Searching for a new house can be stressful – and there are so many considerations that potential buyers contemplate when they visit real estate on the market. Potential buyers are thinking about whether the roof needs to be replaced, if there are any electrical issues, and how many repairs or updates will be needed. So, what happens when you add a bed bug problem to the mix? Adding any type of pest infestation or problem is enough to push most buyers right out the door.

When we think about pests destroying our homes – and the value of our homes – we most likely think of termites. According to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), termites are responsible for over $5 billion in property damage each year. Moreover, property damage and the corresponding cleanup caused by pest infestations is not covered by home insurance. That means that the homeowner is completely “on the hook.” Consequently, if a potential home buyer notices any signs of a pest infestation, you can bet that your home will be off the list.

Pest Infestations that Lower Property Value

So, what critters and pests top the list as deal breakers? Termites, also known as the silent destroyers, are at the top. And what about bed bugs? Even though bed bugs don’t spread diseases, they can quickly deter a potential home buyer. Soiled bed linens and furnishings and the threat of biting bugs are enough to stop any logical consumer from purchasing a bed bug-infested home.

Another big problem for homeowners is rodents. In fact, according to NPMA, nearly 30% of American homeowners have had a rodent problem in their home. Rodents such as rats and mice can transmit diseases to humans. They can contaminate food and kitchen surfaces and have also been culpable for chewing wires that cause fires.[1]

Cockroaches are yet another unsightly pest that can negatively affect the value of your home. If a potential buyer comes across this a cockroach in your home, chances are that the potential buyer will lose interest — fast.

Other pests such as mosquitoes can spread diseases including Zika and West Nile virus. Then there are silverfish, bees, ants, and the dreaded flea. Additionally, South Floridians are becoming more familiar with the Giant African Snail that carry disease and multiply at alarming rates.

Infestation Clues

How do you know if you have an infestation? If you notice any of the following, you may have an infestation.

Wood that sounds hollow when you tap it; wings or pellets (feces) in drawers or in cabinets or on floor.
Live or dead bugs around the window ledges or edge of flooring or carpet
Raised ridges or piles of dirt or ant hills on the property
Large areas of damage to the lawn or distinct brown spots
Pest droppings around the house
Nests that may found in small nooks, behind appliances, or inside narrow spaces
Unusual odors such as musty or urine smells
Rodents’ feet scurrying around in the attic
Fecal droppings or tiny animal footprints outside the home
Holes on the property or bite marks in wood or other materials near the home or on the property

Protecting your Property: PREVENTION

So, what’s the best way to protect your property? Prevention. Once you’ve seen evidence of pests, the best way to protect and maintain your property value is to contact a reputable pest control company today. Here are the key points to follow to prevent pest infestations:

Keep your home clutter free, clean, and dry.
Similarly, keep your property clean and well-maintained.
Seal any small access points.
Keep your eyes and ears open; educate yourself on early signs of pest infestations.
Contract a reputable company for regular inspections and exterminations.

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) is the reputable South Florida company that provides licensed, insured, and guaranteed safe and humane nuisance wildlife removal and complete pest control.

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) employs comprehensive, state-of-the art technologies, chemical, and non-chemical treatments to eliminate pest problems in residential homes, businesses, hospitals, medical facilities, group homes, and apartment and condominium buildings. Our highly trained professionals provide a fast, complete solution to your ants, ticks, mosquitoes, termites, bed bugs, birds, rodents, and other pest infestations.

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC)

https://www.floridapestcontrolcenter.com/

Toll-Free:866-697‑3555

Local: 954-945-5050

[1] National Pest Management Association NPMA Industry Fact Sheet, https://npmapestworld.org

fpccPest ControlDecember 5, 20180 Comment0 Likes

Nuisance Wildlife

Do you have nuisance raccoons, rats, mice, or squirrels living in your attic, quietly chewing away the wood fiber in the beams? Are possums or armadillos consuming your plants and bushes? Are snakes slithering around your property, just far enough away that you can’t tell if they’re poisonous or not?

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) is the reputable South Florida company that provides licensed, insured, and guaranteed safe and humane nuisance wildlife removal. We offer complete wildlife removal services.

Common nuisance wildlife found in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach include snakes, armadillos, raccoons, squirrels, skunks, shrews, possums, bats, rats, mice and birds

Rodents

Many of these wild animals seek shelter in attics, leaving urine and droppings that cause odor and mold problems. Possums find good homes in sheds and can damage gardens and homes. Raccoons get into trash and can destroy attic vents, ductwork, and other entry points of your home. They also chew on electrical wires causing a potential fire hazard.

Several animals including bats, raccoons, rats and birds can spread dangerous diseases including salmonella and histoplasmosis. Rats and mice spread numerous diseases through feces, urine, saliva and bites. Additionally, mice can spread the dangerous hantavirus and bats can spread rabies.

Armadillos and Skunks

Armadillos and skunks tear up property, the former looking for food and the latter digging to create places to live under decks. And we all know what happens when the skunk meets the pet dog!

Snakes and Birds

Snakes may be poisonous and must be handled with extreme caution. Birds such as pigeons can be noisy, produce terrible odors, and can spread very serious diseases.

FPCC specializes in removing all these wild animals in a safe and humane manner.

Small Rodents and FPCC

Rats, shrews, and mice can easily get into your home through tiny holes as small as ¼ inch in diameter. Since these animals chew on wood and other fiber, they can damage your home and furniture. These animals digest fiber quickly and release large quantities of feces, spreading bacteria and parasites that can contaminate your home.

Florida Pest Control Center specializes in animal trapping and rodent control services. Rodent-proofing structures is an essential component to effectively deter potential rat, mouse, and other nuisance wildlife infestations. Our team will inspect the premises to find entry points and holes that allowed them to penetrate your attic or garage. Whether your home is new or old, there are typically many holes or cracks where these rodents enter. Our team of professionals will seal all entry points to ensure rodents cannot return and to prevent any other animals from entering.

Florida Pest Control Center offers full inspections, monitoring and proofing.

Trapping
Exclusion methods
Necessary habitat modifications
Baiting programs
Decontamination and waste removal for potential Hantavirus contamination sites

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC)

https://www.floridapestcontrolcenter.com/

Toll-Free:866-697‑3555

Local: 954-945-5050

fpccPest ControlNovember 8, 20180 Comment0 Likes

Ticks And Your Pets

Ever seen a tick? Would you be able to identify a tick if you saw one crawling on your dog?

If you live in Florida and have pets, take a close look at this image and read on to learn how to protect your animals from ticks and the diseases they carry.

Did you know that ticks aren’t insects? They are arachnids and are related to spiders and scorpions. Ticks live in warm, wooded or grassy areas and feed on blood – often on the blood of animals that run through the grassy or wooded areas where they live.

Each year, thousands of dogs become infected with tick-transmitted diseases. You’ve probably heard of the dangerous Lyme Disease, but ticks can also spread other serious illnesses including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, anaplasmosis, babesia, tularemia, and Ehrlichia. Early symptoms from these diseases are difficult to recognize, and dogs can suffer for weeks or months before the disease is detected. Sometimes treatment works; sometimes it’s too late.

Tick populations have been on the rise throughout the country. South Florida’s year-round warmth allows ticks to thrive – in the grass, in shrubs and wooded areas, and on your pet. Brown ticks and American dog ticks are common in South Florida, but Deer ticks and the Lone Star ticks can also be found in the state.

One of the top recommendations that veterinarians give pet owners to keep pets healthy is to protect them from fleas and ticks. So, in addition to the monthly flea and tick treatment for your pet, you will want to ensure that your home, your property, and your family are free of ticks.

To keep you and your family safe, follow these tips:

Keep your yard, trees, and bushes trimmed.
Remove any debris or clutter around your yard and home.
Use fences to keep out other wild animals that may carry ticks.
When you go outside, use tick repellants and wear long, light colored clothing so that you can easily see ticks.
If you have a pet, vacuum frequently and dispose of the dust and dander in a sealed plastic bag.
Wash bedding regularly with hot water.
If you, your family, or your pets have been exposed to grassy and wooded areas, be sure to check for ticks! Check around the ears, underarms, in hair, behind the knees, between the legs, around the waist, and in the belly button.
If you find a tick, properly remove the tick with a fine-point tweezers, gently pulling it out and saving in a glass jar with a tight lid in case a disease develops. Clean the bite area with a disinfectant.

Contact Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) to treat your yard, bushes, trees, as well as hot spots on your home’s exterior. We will also recommend changes that will help prevent ticks from invading your property. FPCC will conduct regular inspections and follow up treatments to ensure your property is protected from ticks, especially during the times they are most active.

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC)

https://www.floridapestcontrolcenter.com/

Toll-Free:866-697‑3555

Local: 954-945-5050

fpccPest ControlOctober 4, 20180 Comment0 Likes

Let’s Talk Birds and Bird Control

Bird_Control

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, birds are “of a class of (Aves) of warm-blooded vertebrates distinguished by having the body more or less completely covered with feathers and the forelimbs modified as wings.”[1]

While the thought of these beautiful feathery creatures soaring above your backyard sounds nice, the reality is that if you’re a homeowner, you probably won’t want nuisance birds hanging around your property. Aside from pigeons, sparrows, doves, and starlings are often categorized as nuisance birds

Why should you avoid feeding birds on your property?

Birds often are hosts to ticks, mites and fleas. If birds are nesting nearby, guess what also can end up in your yard, on your pet, and near your family?

Nuisance birds also can be loud, waking up homeowners while they slumber. More importantly, birds can carry and transmit diseases, especially in their droppings. Bird droppings containing bacteria and parasites have a strong, unpleasant odor. In addition, the acidic droppings can ruin home and landscape aesthetics and cause serious illness in humans and pets. Bird droppings are highly corrosive and can damage plants, roofs, metal pipes, and other building materials. Large quantities of bird droppings can also clog drains, creating a problem during heavy rains in Florida. Finally, birds roosting in warehouses or commercial buildings can damage inventory and contaminate food products.

What can you do to avoid having birds roost on your property?

The first step is to remove the birds from your property, closely followed by step two which involves disinfecting the entire area where the birds were roosting. The third step is to implement a system of tactical deterrents designed to keep birds away.

Should you “try it at home?”

It’s probably not a great idea to “try it at home” unless you have significant experience working with birds. Birds can become aggressive, especially when you are near their nesting area. By going near the nest area, you are putting yourself at risk for transmission of parasitic and bacterial illness.

The best advice is to “let the professionals handle it.” Pest control technicians are well-versed in the remove of birds and nests.

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) provides several safe and effective ways to control nuisance birds in Florida homes, neighborhoods, and commercial and industrial properties.

After inspecting your property, we can advise you on the best way to protect you, your family, and your pets from:

the spread of bird and bird dropping-related diseases.
potential fire hazards caused by bird nest locations in vents and other dangerous. Locations.
further damage to plants, sidewalks, roofs, and other building materials.

Our highly trained experts work with you to design an effective treatment plan using humane techniques to:

Safely remove birds.
Properly disinfect the area.
Put deterrents in place so birds won’t return.

How do we safely and humanely remove birds and their nests?

We use several safe, budget-friendly techniques including:

Bird netting to prevent birds from nesting in certain locations.
Visual and audio scare tactics designed to irritate, scare, and repel birds.
Bird deterrents such as spikes to prevent birds from roosting.
Harmless shocks to modify bird behavior.
Bird birth control treatments to control large bird populations in urban areas.

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) employs comprehensive, state-of-the art technologies, chemical, and non-chemical treatments to eliminate pest problems in residential homes, businesses, hospitals, medical facilities, group homes, and apartment and condominium buildings. Our highly trained professionals provide a fast, complete solution to your ants, mosquitoes, termites, bed bugs, birds, rodents, and other pest infestations.

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC)

https://www.floridapestcontrolcenter.com/

Toll-Free:866-697‑3555

Local: 954-945-5050

[1] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bird