What Is Your Christmas Tree Hiding?

On December 4, 2014   /   Blog  
What Is Your Christmas Tree Hiding?

NOT ALL HOLIDAY SURPRISES ARE GOOD ONES

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What is your tree hiding? A lucky Christmas Pickle? Maybe your Elf On The Shelf is peering out from the branches? Unfortunately there is the possibility that your tree is hiding something not quite as nice. If you use an artificial tree you’re probably in the clear. But anyone that has a live tree, especially one they cut down themselves, may have some unwanted visitors. Christmas Trees can be home to a variety of pests.  These include Bark Beetles, Mites, Praying Mantis, Spiders and more. Keep in mind that these ‘critters’ reside on LIVE trees outside and do not really want to be in your home. Not every live tree will have this little hitchhikers but it’s easy to follow a few quick steps to help ensure your home stays pest free.

  • Shake It! – Some tree lots may have mechanical tree shakers but if they don’t, just shake it vigorously yourself. This will help dislodge insects that may be making their home there. It will also get rid of loose needles. BONUS!
  • Check The Branches – Look for any kind of insect egg mass. Especially those of the Praying Mantis. If you find any, simply clip the twig with the nest and leave it on a bush or tree that will be staying outside tamiflu medicine.
  • Birds Eye View – While a birds nest may look cool tucked in your Christmas Tree, you don’t necessarily want it in your home. Birds can have mites and these mites may still be found in the nesting material after the birds have gone. Remove any nests to be safe.

If by chance a few little unwanted guests do make it into your home, don’t worry. The types of pests that may be in your tree do not want to be in your home. The conditions are not conducive to their life cycle. You can easily vacuum up any stray little guys that you see.

One word of caution: DO NOT USE AEROSOL INSECT SPRAY ON YOUR TREE AS THEY ARE EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE!

Please do not let any of this deter you from getting a real tree this Christmas. There is nothing quite like the wonderful smell of pine that you get from having a fresh cut tree in your home.

If you find that you have some unwanted pests in your home contact Rapid Pest Solutions. We can help!

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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

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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.

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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.

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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!

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