Why You Should Hire A Professional When It Comes To Pests

On February 2, 2016   /   Blog  
Why You Should Hire A Professional When It Comes To Pests

Let’s admit it, at some point all of us will encounter a pest problem of some kind. Whether it be ants, mice, bees or something else, we will need to get these pests out of our homes. Some may want to take the do-it-yourself approach to pest control. While this is an option, there are some reasons why you should consider hiring a professional. Take a look at the information below before you decide to undertake this type of ‘do-it-yourself’ project.

A professional will identify the pest and know what treatment to use to best rid your home of the problem. When you try and treat the problem yourself, purchasing the correct product can be confusing. More confusing can be how and where to apply it. This can become costly and a major inconvenience.

Having a professionally licensed technician service your home can bring piece of mind. They are trained in the correct use of pesticides. This is important for everyone but especially for those that have children and pets.

Also, many professional services will come with some type of guarantee. If the problem is not resolved they will work to correct it.

Having a pest problem is never a pleasant situation. Using a professional can mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and an ongoing problem.

Rapid Pest Solutions is here to help. We can answer your questions and recommend a treatment that is specific to you. Please let us know how we can help. Call us at 219-836-5066 or fill out this form and a member of our staff will get back to you promptly.

Back to Top

Do You Have A Mouse In Your House?

On February 1, 2016   /   Blog  
Do You Have A Mouse In Your House?

Winter is peak season for mice to enter your home. Like us, they want shelter from the cold and snow buy tamiflu. Identifying the problem is the first step. Do you notice signs of rodent activity in your home? These signs may include mouse droppings, gnaw marks, nighttime noises and more.

A mouse only needs a hole the size of dime to gain entry into your home. Mice are able to breed year round and can have up to 20 offspring per litter. They are mostly nocturnal but will live in a wide variety of places. Mice will live near a food source and will make their nests out of various materials.

Mice are known for spreading diseases including Salmonella and Hantavirus, which are particularly dangerous to children and pregnant women. Because of this, it is important to get rid of them as quickly as possible.

If you suspect a mouse in your house give Rapid Pest Solutions a call today! We are happy to do a complete inspection and give you a quote on eliminating the nest and identifying entry points so that they can be repaired. Rapid Pest Solutions can help keep your home rodent free!

Back to Top

Holiday Madness – Part 1

On November 18, 2015   /   Blog  
Holiday Madness – Part 1

Holiday Madness is upon us. Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away and from there we dive head first into Christmas. The cooking, baking, parties and shopping can be overwhelming. You know what else can be overwhelming? Bed Bugs. If you’re traveling for the holiday or having company stay at your place, you are at risk! This does not mean you should shutter the windows, bar the doors and hide. It just means that you need to be vigilant.

Thanksgiving food

Thanksgiving food

WHEN TRAVELING – Be aware of your surroundings. If you travel over the Holiday, make sure to fully inspect your room. You may benefit from a Bed Bug Inspection Kit. ($14.95)

  • Put bags in the bathroom while you check the rest of the room.
  • Most hotel headboards are attached to the wall. Use a flashlight to look behind them or lift them off the mountings to take a peek at the back.
  • Pull the bedding off the mattress and check around the edges and seams. Look for blood spots, black dots that look like pepper or skin casings.
  • You will also want to check behind any paintings hanging in the room, the bedside tables, drawers, in the seams of curtains and the any other furniture that is in the room.
  • If you find evidence of Bed Bugs notify the front desk immediately. The hotel should have no problem giving you another room. Request one that is two floors away from the original room.

Hotel+Bed+Bug+Areas.jpgHotel+Bed+Bug+Areas

HOUSE GUESTS – Remember that having Bed Bugs is in no way a sanitation issue. Anyone can get them, they are picked up along the way and dropped off the same way. If you have guests staying with you over the Holidays you may want to take some precautions after they leave.

  • Inspection is key. Using a strong flashlight look around the bed. Check end tables, dressers and other furniture.
  • Remove any bedding and run it through the wash as soon as your guests have gone.
  • Vacuum the area around the bed and furniture.
  • Keep your eyes open for any live Bed Bugs as you straighten the room. If you notice any activity, contact a pest control professional.

Bed+Bug+Evidence+On+A+Mattress.jpgBed+Bug+Evidence+On+A+Mattress Bed Bug Evidence

So bring on the Holidays! Go see Gram and Pa over in Ohio or let Aunt Martha and Uncle Lou stay with you this time. Spend the holidays with those you love – no worries!

3+Day+Work+Week.png3+Day+Work+Week

If you find that Bed Bugs have made their way into your life call Rapid Pest Solutions.

Contact US

Because Timing Is Everything!

Back to Top

5 Things Only Exterminators Understand

On September 30, 2015   /   Blog  
5 Things Only Exterminators Understand

There are some things that we just know. Our weather is unpredictable, puppies are cute and you don’t put ketchup on a Chicago style dog. There are probably some things that only you understand based on your profession. The pest control industry is no different. Here are some things only exterminators will understand.

1. Eating In A Restaurant Will Never Be The Same – Those in the pest control industry are on high alert when dining out. Our eyes will be searching the corners for rodent stations and we will be paying attention to the smell. In case you didn’t know, cockroaches have a very distinct smell. A small prayer of thanks goes out when my favorite restaurant passes my quick inspection! However, I would rather eat at place that has pest control than not. Everything should be under control if they have regular service.

Searching.gifSearching

2. Free Advice – Friends and Family expect to get advice and treatments for free. Ants over running the kitchen? Mice nesting in your drawers? Termites eating your home? No, there is no magic trick we can do to get rid of your pests. It will require a regular treatment. And those treatments cost money!

Make+It+Rain.gifMake+It+Rain

3. I Only Have One Mouse –  Ummm, yeah, sure. While I suppose it is possible to have only one mouse it is definitely not the norm. Usually by the time you see one mouse you have dozens. Don’t be fooled.

4. Every Issue Is A National Emergency – Every customer wants their appointment yesterday. While I understand that having ants or other bugs isn’t ideal, it really isn’t going to make much difference if we come later today, tomorrow or in 4 days. On the other hand, don’t wait for a minor nuisance to become a full blown infestation and then be upset when you have to wait a few days for an appointment. You’ve waited this long without calling, a couple more days won’t matter.

Help+Me.gifHelp+Me

5. No Chemical – Many customers want to be Green, either for the sake of the environment, their families health or other reasons. The problem is you can’t kill pests that way. Peppermint oil, lemon juice, dryer sheets and other homemade remedies don’t work. We don’t have to use an abundance of chemical, your house will not be glowing neon green after your treatment. Keep in mind, a certain amount of pesticide is needed to get the results you desire. That’s all there is to it.

Duh.gifDuh

Think of it this way – Your home is a castle, and pest control is the moat around it.

The purpose of the moat was to protect the castle from invaders. Having an exterior perimeter pest control treatment is the same thing. It protects you, your family and your home from unwanted pests. Pest Control is well worth the time and money that it takes. If you would like to protect your castle contact Rapid Pest Solutions. We will provide the protective barrier to keep pests out.

Because Timing Is Everything!

Learn More
Back to Top

Midsummer Night’s Dream (or Nightmare)

On July 21, 2015   /   Blog  
Midsummer Night’s Dream (or Nightmare)

What are some of the weirdest insect stories you have heard? Or the strangest bugs you have seen? Here I have compiled some of the bizarre things I have come across on the web. If you have a strange and unusual insect picture, video or factoid, please share it with us!

*Please note this is for entertainment purposes only. 

Butterfly Attack! LOL

Those ants weren’t messing around – They even took the bones!

Everyone loves kids and animals. How about kids and animals -vs- bugs?

These are the things nightmares are made of!

Let Rapid Pest Solutions take care of any pest problems that you have. We now offer Mosquito Control! Contact us for details.

Contact Us
Back to Top

3 Eco-Friendly Holidays Coming Up In April

On April 16, 2015   /   Blog  
3 Eco-Friendly Holidays Coming Up In April

There is a lot more awareness about the environment than there used to be. People are concerned with “Going Green” and helping to make a positive impact on the world around them. There are a couple of days coming up in April that are marked for celebrating green and Eco-friendly holidays.

BAT APPRECIATION DAY – FRIDAY 4/17/15 

Bat.jpgBat

Bats are all around us although you may not be aware of them. I have heard some people call them flying rodents but that is not true. Bats are beneficial to us – THEY EAT MOSQUITOES! And isn’t that something that we can all agree is a good thing? Take a trip to the zoo to learn more about these interesting creatures. Brookfield Zoo has fruit bats in the Australia House or you can visit the Small Mammal & Reptile House at Lincoln Park Zoo. It’s sad to say that half the bats in the U.S. are listed as rare, threatened or endangered. For more Myths and Facts about bats click here.

EARTH DAY – WEDNESDAY 4/22/15

Earth+Day+2015.jpgEarth+Day+2015

The goal of Earth Day is to bring awareness and appreciation to the Earth’s environment. If you’re interested in finding out what your ecological footprint is you can take the quiz here. There are many ways to help the environment including recycling, use your cruise control, turn lights off, etc. Here is a list of 50 things you can do to Go Green.

SAVE THE FROGS DAY – SATURDAY 4/25/15

Save+The+Frogs.jpgSave+The+Frogs

The Save The Frogs Organization has been around since 2009. They promote a society that respects and appreciates nature. Save The Frogs fights against the extinction of amphibians by petitioning against frogs as food (frog legs), the dissection of frogs in schools and protecting wetlands among other things. Check out the website to see more detailed information.

Rapid Pest Solutions uses Integrated Pest Management – or IPM.

IPM is an environmentally sensitive approach to pest management. It involves a combination of practices to control pests with the least possible hazard to people, property and the environment. 

Learn More
Back to Top

3 Reasons Why You Should NOT Do Your Own Pest Control

On April 11, 2015   /   Blog  
3 Reasons Why You Should NOT Do Your Own Pest Control

Spring is here and with it come the home invaders. Money is a concern for many of us and it may seem like doing your own pest control is a good idea. While there are times when this might  work it isn’t always the best idea. Professional pest control companies have technicians that are specially trained and licensed in the correct application of the chemicals used. Also, most companies will offer some type of guarantee on their work. Here are  three reasons you shouldn’t try and handle your own pest control.

Results.jpgResults

EFFECTIVENESS – Professional technicians are trained not only in the correct use of pesticides but also in pest identification. If you are unsure what type of pest you are trying to get rid of you may use the wrong product or even the wrong technique. This can lead to more time and money being spent to combat an issue that could have been taken care of in one treatment.

Earth.jpgEarth

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES – Pest control products are closely regulated to make sure local environments are not destroyed. Incorrect mixing of products or the use of multiple products in one location can cause damage to plants and wildlife. They may even prove harmful to you or your family if not used properly. Professional pest control companies train their technicians in the proper use of all products. Rapid Pest Solutions uses Integrated Pest Management, or IPM. This means that we solve pest problems while minimizing risk to people and the environment.

Safety+First.jpgSafety+First

PERSONAL SAFETY – Even the pest control products that you buy at the hardware or home improvement stores contain chemicals that can be harmful to you and your family if not fully understood. Don’t use guess work when it comes to your well being and that of your family. Contact a professional.

Pests will always be around it’s how you choose to deal with them that is important. If you find that you have some unwelcome invaders in or around your home, contact Rapid Pest Solutions. We can customize a treatment to fit your specific needs.

Because Timing Is Everything.

RAPID PEST SOLUTIONS NOW OFFERS MOSQUITO CONTROL.

Contact Us

Back to Top

First Day Of Spring

On March 19, 2015   /   Blog  
First Day Of Spring

Tomorrow is the official start of Spring. While our weather is still kind of iffy, we are very close to some actual warm temps. No, really, we are! Because the cold weather seems never ending I have put together a little something to help you think warm thoughts!

Warm+Weather.jpgWarm+Weather

The bright shining sun and deep blue sky, beautiful Spring flowers and a walk on the beach – these are some of the wonderful things I am looking forward to!

Summer+Fun.jpgSummer+Fun

Whether you’re North Side or South Side, baseball screams summer! So do cookouts and drive-in movies. When was the last time you went to a drive-in? You know there is still one near us. Check out the 49er Drive-In in Valparaiso, Indiana.

Swimming+and+Fireflies.jpgSwimming+and+Fireflies

Getting some sun by the pool, the smell of coconut sunscreen all around and staying out until it gets dark to collect fireflies – that brings back many warm weather memories for me!

Rapid Pest Solutions is here as the weather warms and you begin to enjoy your Spring and Summer. Remember that as much as you like the rising temps so do the pests. Contact us for any pest concerns that come up. We’ve got the answer you’re looking for!

Contact Us
Back to Top

6 Ways To Protect Your Home From Winter Pests

On September 5, 2014   /   Blog  
6 Ways To Protect Your Home From Winter Pests

It’s Hot Now – But Not For Long

Autumn+Colors.jpgAutumn+Colors

Here we are in September and the first official day of Fall is 3 short weeks away. Personally, I am very happy. I have had enough of the hot, humid weather and I am very much looking forward to crisp, cool temperatures. Fall is my absolute favorite season! Unfortunately pests don’t share my affinity for the cooling temps. They are going to be looking for ways to get into your home and make it their own. To them, your cozy house is a warm oasis from the harsh Winter, a year round Summer paradise.

Suburban+Home.pngSuburban+Home

Although the temperatures are still quite high, now is the time to begin making sure that your home is ready for the change in season.  Making sure that it is both energy efficient and secure against pests. One of Winter’s major intruders is mice. These little guys are looking for a warm place to build their nests and find food. A few common ways they get into your home is through an attached garage, around plumbing and electrical wiring leading into your home and cracks in windows and doors. You may also see ants, spiders and other ground crawling insects.

6 steps to help protect your home from pests seeking winter shelter

  • Clean out gutters and downspouts. The debris can provide a habitat for bugs.
  • Store firewood outside and away from your house.
  • Remove autumn leaves that collect against the house and porch.
  • Replace screens with storm windows. If you leave your screens in year-round, make sure there are no holes or openings.
  • Inspect around your foundation, doors and windows. Seal cracks and crevices with caulk or concrete. You can use steel wool in holes.
  • Be sure to store bird seed, dog food and items like this in sealed plastic containers, especially if you keep them in the garage.
  • Consider a preventative pest control treatment. This can be done around the outside perimeter of your home to create a barrier against pests.

Snowman.jpgSnowman

Before you know it we will be shoveling snow – make sure your home is protected from the pests looking for a warm retreat. Contact Rapid Pest Solutions for questions or scheduling. We look forward to working with you!

Schedule Now

Back to Top