My Exterminator Blog

As a homeowner, you want to make sure your house is a clean, inviting place to live. One of the most important things you can do to ensure this is to keep your home free of invasive insects and pests. Of course, calling in a professional service is a vital part of this process, but it is also important to do your part at home to prevent infestations . Unfortunately, sometimes homeowners -- even those with the best of intentions -- make mistakes that make it more difficult to do just that. Here are three of the biggest mistakes that homeowners make when it comes to pest control. Treating the Symptoms, not the Cause When you see bugs in your house, your first instinct is to grab bug spray and get rid of them. While that might solve the immediate problem, the real question is more important: “How and why did...

It is safe to say that most people do not like having bugs anywhere in the house. But, having bugs in the pantry is the worst place to have a pest problem. Even if your kitchen is immaculately clean, insects and other pests can find their way in. But, taking these precautions can help you keep pests out of your pantry so you can enjoy your time in the kitchen worry-free. Use Bay Leaves Keeping a dried or fresh bay leaf next to containers of dry goods is a great way to keep pests away. Pests do not like the smell of bay leaves, so use them to keep irritants like flies, moths, roaches and mice at bay. Catnip and pennyroyal mint are other herbs that can deter pests the same way. Choose the Right Storage Containers Durable storage containers that are made of plastic or glass help to protect the...

With warmer weather just around the corner, some folks expect unwelcome visitors in the form of ants. These pests are a real nuisance inside many homes, as colonies search for food and water to survive. If you’re tired of dealing with these critters, test out these tips to control your ant problem once and for all. Seal Those Cracks How are ants getting into your home? The warm spring weather doesn’t magically teleport them inside. Instead, it drives them to find food and shelter in safe places, which they access via holes in your home. The solution to this is to identify any cracks around the perimeter of your home, as well as those on the inside. Fix these holes with materials the ants cannot penetrate, like caulk. Keep in mind, this might not fix the problem if you already have an ant infestation. Ants may have been in your home...

My Exterminator, serving the Northern Virginia area, knows that rats are one of the most unpleasant house guests. Our unique ecology makes for a great habitat, however, and more often than not, these small pests will find their way into our houses. We understand homeowners want to perform due diligence in preventing rats and rodents from entering their houses, but it's hard. Rats can enter your home through exterior openings that measure less than the size of a quarter in diameter and are capable of making an entry if there is none present. Read below so that you'll know exactly what to keep an eye out for to avoid a single rat turning into a bigger problem. If you notice any of these signs, contact-us right away. Our fully trained, professional technicians are waiting on standby. With almost 40 years in the business, we've learned a thing or two about rats...

If you have roaches in your house and don’t know how to deal with them, it can be incredibly stressful. Cockroaches are notorious for being one of the most tenacious pests as well as one of the most harmful to your health. However, there’s no need to panic. With a little strategizing, you can take on the bulk of your roach problem with ease. Here are some of the most effective ways to remove roaches from your house. Identify Where They are Before you do anything, you’re going to need to know where the roaches in your house are living so you can pinpoint which areas are the most in need of treatment. Use a flashlight and search under sinks, counters, radiators, refrigerators, toilets, etc.; anywhere roaches may be hiding. If you can’t find any with a flashlight, then place some glue traps around your house and see which ones catch...

Spiders are an unavoidable occurrence in households. Although all spider species can bite, they very rarely bite humans. Some are venomous, and some are simply just too eerie to even look at. However, not all creepy crawlies can be considered dangerous. Allow us to show you a list of common spiders that are either too dangerous or more helpful to your home than you may think. Dangerous Spiders There are only two types of spiders in Virginia that are considered possible threats to humans. Even if you do not feel at risk by exposure to these spiders, you should call pest control to let them take care of things for you. Brown Recluse Spiders While brown recluse spiders rarely bite, the poison from these spiders is still considered very hazardous. Brown recluse spiders have basic, brown bodies, and can be found either inside or outside of the home. Northern Black Widow...

If you live in an area with raccoons , then you know that they can be more than a nuisance, especially when it comes to your garbage can. Unfortunately, these critters are notorious trash hounds, knocking over the can and making a huge mess. If you’ve experienced the aggravation of raccoons digging through your bins, then we’re here to help. Here are some of the best ways to keep them and other vermin from making your garbage their next late-night snack. Use Heavy Duty Materials If you get your garbage can from the city, it’s most likely made out of plastic. While this can be a sufficient deterrent, vermin can chew through the material over time, making it less than useful. If possible, try to upgrade to metal cans so that they can’t get in. Lock the Lid One of the easiest and most efficient ways to keep raccoons and other...

Although many pests thrive in the summer and are less active in the winter, they can bug you throughout the year. Rodents tend to seek warm spaces as the weather gets cold, termites stick around even as the weather gets cold and house spiders become more visible in early autumn as males increase mating activity. Even cockroaches look for warm spaces to hole up during the winter. Pest-proofing your house in the fall can help prevent infestations throughout the year. 1. Clean Up Your Yard Trim dense growth in your garden, especially if it’s close to the house. Keep firewood at least 20 feet from the perimeter of the building. Rake mulch and soil away from basement windows and wood that is close to the foundation. This will prevent pests from taking up residence in areas where they can scurry in when you open the door. 2. Inspect And Repair Gutters...

If you happen to notice a spider meditating in your bathroom sink one morning, you may wonder how the arachnid made its way into your home. Although your first inclination is to think that the spider crawled up from the pipe leading into the basin, the truth is that the spider somehow fell into the sink from the ceiling. The spider may have been spinning a web and experienced an unexpected fall. The thirsty creature may have been attracted to a few drops of water in the basin or to the scent of another spider. In any case, you can easily remove the spider without harming it in any way. Simply get an empty yogurt container and hold it near the spider. You may need to gently tap the spider with the container. Most of the time, the insect will crawl right inside the container. Shake the spider toward the bottom...

As we begin to head toward the hot, sultry months of summer, the prevalence of mosquitoes in and around your yard is likely to be on the rise. With a few tried-and-true tips, however, you can prevent the insects from taking over your property. Preventative maintenance, as it is sometimes called, is the key to the whole battle. Get Rid of Standing Water Areas Mosquitoes are naturally drawn to pools of standing water, which they need to breed. While puddles of water on low-lying areas of the property should be eliminated as quickly as possible, you should also watch out for flower pots, plates, bottle caps, and anything else that can hold water from the most recent rainfall. The egg and larval stages of mosquitoes require water, which means that getting rid of standing water will interrupt the reproduction cycle so that the critters cannot reproduce. In many cases, a steady...

Bees and wasps are closely related flying insects that play an important role in maintaining balance within the ecosystem. While bees help pollinate plants, wasps feed on insects that can damage crops, landscaping and garden plants. Although they appear similar in size, shape and color, there are some important distinctions between bees and wasps beyond their diets. Continue reading to learn which of these insects is infesting your yard. Aggressiveness While bees are social insects, wasps can be social or solitary depending upon the species. Because a bee’s stinger is barbed, it stays inside the victim after the attack. The loss of the stinger causes severe bodily harm that causes the bee to die. As a result, bees are less aggressive. Wasps are more easily provoked. The insect’s straight stinger allows it to sting their victim numerous times. When wasps are harmed or feel threatened, they release hormones to alert other...

If you are like many people who look forward to the warm and sunny weather that the summer months bring, you are planning to take a vacation to one of your favorite destinations. You will probably take some souvenirs back home to remind you of your adventure, but you will want to leave some things behind. A lot of travelers get home and realize that bed bugs have followed them and invaded their home, and they don't know what to do about it. You can protect yourself by keeping a few tips in mind and learning how to spot the invaders before it's too late. Check Online Reviews In the past, people had to choose a hotel and hope for the best, but that is no longer the case. You now have access to a range of resources that will let you know if staying at a certain hotel is a...

How can you tell the difference between a termite and a carpenter ant? It can be tricky. Both termites and carpenter ants are drawn to damp, vulnerable wood, and both species have the potential to cause extensive damage as they tunnel through the material. While they have many similarities, there are clear indicators that can help you properly identify the pest that's munching on the wood at your home or business. The Damage Done Discovering damage to wood in your building can be distressing, but it also offers clear evidence about the culprits. Termites consume wood as the burrow through it ravenously, and they often leave bits of mud or soil in their wake. Carpenter ants do not eat wood. They tunnel through it to create shelters. The galleries that they construct tend to be polished, clean and smooth, and the damage that they cause is generally less extensive. The Debris...

Mosquitoes are common pests in all areas of the world. Keeping mosquitoes away from your family is important since these pests can transfer deadly viruses. Mosquitoes can also leave itchy bites that can make spending time outside uncomfortable. Avoiding some of the most common misunderstandings about mosquitoes will help you to keep your family safe and implement the right control methods to prevent severe mosquito infestations. 1. Viruses Spread by Mosquitoes Are Rare One of the primary reasons why people choose to ignore mosquitoes is the mistaken belief that mosquitoes are unlikely to carry viruses. According to statistics compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 2,038 cases of West Nile virus in the U.S. in 2016. There were also thousands of U.S. cases of chikungunya virus, malaria, and several other mosquito-borne viruses. Since mosquito-borne viruses have a high mortality rate, you should take steps to protect your...

Ants are an unavoidable summertime pest. However, while you are probably very familiar with ants, how much do you actually know about them? In truth, these creatures are more than pests. Check out these fascinating ant facts! 1. Ants are a worldwide phenomenon Ants seem like they are everywhere because they actually are. While there are some islands that do not have ants naturally, all other major land masses have ants. This includes South America, Africa, Asia and Europe in addition to North America. 2. Ants do not have ears Given an ant's tiny anatomy, you probably have not considered what parts they have. One part they do not have, however, is an ear. Instead, ants use their other senses. They can feel the vibrations in the ground by using their feet, antennae and hair. 3. Ants do not breathe This one is not entirely true. Obviously, ants have to process...

Before you have a bed bug infestation in your home, you need to prevent it from happening in the first place. Even if you do see bugs in your home, there are things that you can do to keep them from quickly spreading to other rooms if you act quickly. The professional extermination services offered by companies like My Exterminator can get rid of bed bugs and help to keep them from setting up inside your home. However, you might need more than one treatment to ensure the prevention is successful. Before your home is exterminated or you use a product that you purchase on your own accord, cover the power outlets. The bugs will sometimes scurry inside the outlets to escape the products that are used to get rid of them. Keep clothing in a sealed plastic bag when you go on vacation. This will help to keep bed bugs...

When a new pest makes an unwelcome visit to your home, your first thought may be to tackle the issue on your own. Attempting to do your own pest control, however, can have some disastrous effects to your health and your home. Before you suit up for battle with a pest, consider a few compelling reasons to hire a professional instead. Lack of Knowledge Most people can tell the difference between a bee and a yellow jacket, but few people can accurately identify the difference between a western yellow jacket and a German yellow jacket. Incorrectly identifying the pest wreaking havoc in your home may lead you to buy the incorrect product or use the wrong techniques. A professional pest company, however, can identify any type of pest and knows how to deal with the pest. Potential Dangers Dealing with a single pest may not be too dangerous for most homeowners,...

When the cold winter months arrive, you might wonder where pests go to endure the lower temperatures. Sometimes, they make a home inside your house so that they can stay warm. Other pests tend to find places like logs or buildings to stay warm until spring arrives once again. Most pests use one of three different types of survival methods to stay alive in the winter.  Migration is often seen with birds, but there are some flying insects that will migrate away from colder temperatures as well. They will fly from one region of the country to another in a flock. Each type of pest will travel a different distance depending on how far they can physically travel and how far they need to travel to stay warm and find food. Monarchs usually fly south to Mexico. Many other pests, like termites and mosquitoes, fly south as well to Florida, Texas,...

Visions of sugarplums may be dancing in their heads, but these preventative measures will keep hungry pests away this holiday season. 1. Put a lid on it. The caroling may continue through the night, but don't leave holiday snacks uncovered for more than a couple of hours. Storing your favorite cookies, snack mix or chips in a sealed container insures freshness and prevents pests from sneaking a bite or two. 2. Kick it to the curb. The trash receptacles fill up fast during the holidays, and it's easy to simply throw a bag or two into the garage while you're entertaining. However, those food smells can attract bugs and wildlife into your garage and, ultimately, your home. Place trash carts away from the house in case rodents drop in for the holidays. Keeping carts near the home increases the odds of one or two entering the home. 3. Clean up your...

Rodents don't like to stay outside in the winter. They want to be warm, and one of the places that is warm to them might be your home. There are a few things that you can do to keep rodents outside where they belong instead of in your cabinets, drawers, and closets this winter.  Most of the time, rodents don't even care about the people inside the home. All they care about is finding food for the winter and staying warm. Keep food in airtight containers as much as possible. Don't leave crumbs on the counters or on the floor as rodents are attracted to these small items that you might not be able to detect. You should also keep dog and cat food in a container that rodents can't get into because they enjoy that as well.  Take a walk around the home to see if there are any holes...