When to Call Rat Exterminator?
29 / Nov / 2022
Inspection is the key when determining if you have a rat infestation. Rats are typically secretive animals and will do their best to stay hidden. However, some signs you can look for may indicate their presence.
Signs of Chewing
One of the most common signs of rat activity is gnawing or chewing. Rats need to chew on things to wear down their teeth, which grow constantly. Therefore, if you see evidence of chewing, you can say rats are frequent visitors to your house.
Droppings
Another sign of rat activity is droppings. Rat droppings are typically about the size of a raisin and are black or brown in color. They may also contain hair, seeds, and other bits of food. Therefore, if you see droppings around your home, you can conclude that rats are present.
Rat Holes
Another sign of rat activity is rat holes. Rats like to make their homes in sheltered areas, such as walls, ceilings, and crawl spaces. So if you see holes that appear to be chewed through materials like wood or drywall, chances are rats are responsible.
Footprints
Rat footprints can also be a sign of an infestation. Because rats walk with their toes spread out, their footprints will be wider than other small animals. So if you see footprints around your home, rats are in your house.
If you notice any signs mentioned above, it’s time to call a rat exterminator from Orange County CA. Rat exterminators can use various methods to get rid of rats, including traps and bait. They will identify the infestation source and take necessary steps to prevent future invasions.
Rat control in Orange County can help prevent rats from entering your home, remove any existing rats, and decontaminate the area to ensure that the rats don’t return. They use various methods to achieve these goals, including traps, bait, and poison.
Methods Used by Rat Control Services
Here are two main ways rat exterminators from Orange County, CA, use to get rid of mice infestation.
Traps
Trapping is the most effective way to eliminate an infestation, as it catches all the mice in the area. There are several types of mouse traps. However, the most common are the snap trap and the glue trap.
Mouse Baits
Mouse bait is a poisonous substance placed in areas where mice live or travel. The mice eat the bait, and it kills them. Rat poison is a common type of mouse bait. It is important to use rat poison carefully, as it can be dangerous to pets and children if they eat it.
If you think you may have a rat infestation, it’s best to call rat control in Orange County as soon as possible. They will be able to inspect your home for signs of activity and determine the best course of action for getting rid of the rats.
Rodents can cause severe damage in a short amount of time. For example, they can gnaw through wiring, wood, and metal, creating a fire hazard. In addition, they can contaminate food with their urine and feces, leading to the spread of disease. That’s why it’s important to call rodent control in Orange County as soon as you spot any evidence of rodents. Here are signs of rodent infestation you need to look for.
Signs of Rodents Infestation
One sign that you may have a rodent infestation is the presence of droppings. Rodents leave behind small, dark pellets, often found in pantries or cabinets. If you see droppings, you need to clean the dirt immediately. Also, you should disinfect the area to prevent the spread of disease.
Another sign of rodents is chewing damage. Mice and rats often gnaw on wood, wires, and plastics to create nesting material or gain access to food. This chewing can damage your home and pose a serious fire hazard. If you notice chewing damage, seal up any holes or cracks that mice or rats could use to enter your home.
Lastly, rodents are nocturnal creatures, so if you hear scurrying or scratching sounds coming from your walls or ceilings at night, it’s a good indication that you have a rodent problem.
Rodent Control Technique Used By Pest Control Services
One of the most effective methods for dealing with rodents is to set traps. Many different types of rodent traps are available in the market, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Eco friendly pest control from Orange County uses a variety of traps for rodent control. Here are a few of them.
Snap Trap
One of the most popular types of rodent traps is the snap trap. Snap traps kill rodents instantly, making them an ideal choice for those who want to get rid of their pests quickly and humanely. However, snap traps can also be dangerous to children and pets, so they must be used cautiously.
Glue Traps
Glue traps trap rodents in a sticky substance, preventing them from escaping. These traps are often considered more humane than snap traps, but they can also be more dangerous to children and pets if used incorrectly. For example, suppose you are dealing with a rodent infestation. In that case, hiring a professional rodent control in Orange County is important to help you get rid of your pests safely and effectively.
It’s important to remember that rodent control is an ongoing process; if you don’t take steps to keep rodents out, they will eventually find their way back in. Rodents are a common problem, but that doesn’t mean they should be taken lightly. They can cause significant damage and spread disease, so it’s important to call eco friendly pest control in Orange County as soon as you notice any evidence of an infestation.
Silverfish are common insects found worldwide. They are often called bristletails or paper fish, and their scientific name is Lepisma saccharinum. Silverfish are voracious eaters, and they love to eat foods that are high in starches. They especially love to eat paper and eat through boxes, books, and other household materials.
More about Silverfish Insects
Silverfish are silver or gray, and their bodies are covered in tiny scales, which often look like fish scales. These insects can be up to 1/2 inch long and have two antennae on their head. Silverfish move very quickly, and they can run up walls and across ceilings.
Signs of Silverfish Infestation
The biggest sign that you have a silverfish infestation is if you start seeing them around your home. You usually see them scurrying around in the dark or hiding in cracks and crevices. Another sign of a silverfish infestation is droppings, which look like black pepper grains.
Silverfish also leave behind skin molts, which look like tiny pieces of white paper and sometimes leave yellow stains on your belongings. Finally, Silverfish can also damage your belongings by eating through them. If you see these signs and don’t know what to do, call the best pest control service in Orange County.
Home Remedies That Might Work
One popular method is to place freshly ground coffee beans in problem areas. The strong smell of coffee will deter Silverfish, and the beans can also help to absorb moisture that attracts these pests. Another effective remedy is to mix equal parts of boric acid and flour and then sprinkle the mixture around the problem areas.
Boric acid is a common chemical compound found in many commercial insecticides and can effectively get rid of Silverfish. Finally, if you have a lot of Silverfish in your home, you may consider setting traps. Silverfish are attracted to the scent of showed soap, so placing bars of soap in strategic locations can help lure them into traps. With a little patience and effort, these home remedies can help you get rid of Silverfish for good.
The methods discussed above may work or not. However, experts mention a good way to get rid of a silverfish infestation is by calling silverfish control in Orange County. They can come to your home and treat the area for Silverfish.
Why Is Pest Control Services Your Best Option?
When it comes to Silverfish, most people don’t know what these insects are, let alone how to get rid of them. Silverfish are often found in basements, bathrooms, and kitchens, where they feed on carbohydrates and protein-rich foods. While Silverfish are not known to carry diseases, they can be a nuisance and cause damage to your home.
If you think you have a silverfish infestation, the best course of action is to call silverfish control in Orange County. Pest control experts will inspect your home and identify the source of the infestation. They will then use various methods to eliminate the Silverfish, including baits, traps, and insecticides.
By hiring the best pest control service in Orange County, you can rid your home of these pesky creatures and enjoy a pest-free environment.
Spider invasion can be one of the scariest experiences for you and your family. First of all, not everyone fancies those multi-legged creatures. And spider bites are not pleasant. Some spider bites can cause lifelong deformities while other can be deadly when not promptly treated. Therefore, it is important to get rid of spiders from your house as soon as you notice them.
Like many people, you will go online and look up “the best spider exterminators near me in Orange County” from your favorite browser when you need help. But this is only the first step. You still need to look through the suggested options and choose the most reliable and most efficient company for spider pest control Orange County.
Here are some of things to consider when choosing the best spider exterminators near you in Orange County.
What are past customers saying about the company?
The first thing that you should always check is how previous customers rate the services that they have received. This feedback is given in the form of online reviews and comments. Companies with more than 4 star reviews definitely have a good rapport with their previous clients and this is a good sign to help you narrow down your options.
How close is the company to your home?
You need companies that are in close proximity to your home so that they can respond promptly when you need their services. Hiring silverfish control orange county services to take care of your pest control needs will also ensure that you do not spend too much.
What services do they provide?
Various companies provide different pest control services. These services range from rodent control to animal control. There are also insect control services that you can utilize when you need spider pest control in Orange County. You can choose a company the specializes in the type of service that you need. You can find a company the specializes in multiple services and that is okay too.
Conclusion
There are quite a number of service providers who can help control the invasion of pests in your house. With the many options, it might be difficult choosing the best. Nonetheless, the criteria highlighted in this article can help you narrow down on the best spider pest control service in orange County.
Finding little black ants in your personal space can be frustrating. Although they are relatively harmless, their presence is concerning, especially when they start to invade your home.
Finding the signs of infestation in your home requires skill. Since they thrive in colonies, spotting even just one little black ant in your house in Irvine could be just the tip of the iceberg.
Home remedies such as lemon juice vinegar might sound tempting for small and large-scale ant infestations, but most cases require an ant control professional.
Read on to explore some good reasons to choose professional ant control services.
Prevent Risk of Infestations
Overlooking the need for pest control in the beginning phase of an infestation can have damaging effects. In case of severe infestation, over-the-counter sprays don’t work. You may think of tackling ants on your own, but they will be back in a short time. Therefore, opting for professional ant control services is important.
Eliminate Health Risks
Ants can put your family’s health at risk by contaminating food in the kitchen. They are responsible for spreading harmful parasitic worms and pathogens that transmit several health problems. Opting for pest control services saves you from the hassle of dealing with these unnecessary health risks.
In addition, pest control services incorporate eco-friendly pest solutions in Irvine, CA, to ensure the safety of your family and surroundings.
Greater Peace of Mind
Knowing that little black ants are finally out of your home offers tremendous relief. Pest control professionals are well-versed with the challenges associated with an ant infestation and pose skills and expertise required to eliminate them for good. When you choose a professional pest control, your pest control needs are managed by experts.
Prevent Future Infestations
Opting for a preventive pest control program, make sure your property remains protected from all types of ants. Pest control professionals specialize in identifying any type of infestation and use the best way to get rid of them.
For instance, if you want to stop Argentine ants from returning to your home, you can opt for Argentine ant control services in Orange County.
For Best Ant Control Services in Irvine, CA, Contact Malang Pest Control
Don’t let your home be invaded by little black ants. You can trust the pros at Malang Pest Control to keep these unwanted guests at bay. To get started with our professional ant control services, contact Malang Pest Control at (949)-398-2525 today!
Fire ants are a problem no one wants to have, for a number of reasons. Between the pain of their stings, the potential danger those stings can carry, and the difficulty that comes with trying to treat a fire ant infestation, keeping fire ants at bay with fire ant control is a necessity for Irvine residents. Unfortunately, Irvine residents are no stranger to fire ant mounds covering their yards, especially in the warmer months of the year.
In this blog, we’ll take a look at fire ants, the dangers they pose to homes and yards they invade, and what Irvine residents with fire ants on their property need to do to keep themselves protected.
What Are Fire Ants?
Fire ants are named for two reasons: their fiery red coloration and the burning sensation their stings leave on those unfortunate enough to come into contact with them. They range from roughly ½ – ¼ inch in length, with reproductive castes growing slightly larger than their worker counterparts. Beyond their coloration, they can be differentiated from other ant species due to the two nodes on their thorax that aren’t found on other ants.
Fire ants are unique among ant species in that their primary method of defense is their powerful stingers. While they have biting mandibles like other ants, they primarily use them to hold their prey in place in order to sting them, rather than simply using their bite as the primary method of attack.
Most of the country sees fire ant mounds around the yard as spring arrives and the temperature starts rising. Unfortunately, the high heat and humidity that Irvine provides makes it the perfect breeding ground for fire ants for much of the year.
Dangers Fire Ants Pose
Because fire ants sting instead of biting, they carry a severe risk that is not present in other species of ants. Stings are more than just painful: in large numbers, the venom each sting transmits can be seriously dangerous to people – even fatal. If you accidentally step on a mound, you could find yourself in a harmful and dangerous situation.
The risk is especially great for people with allergies. People with allergies to fire ant venom can experience life-threatening reactions, specifically anaphylaxis, wherein the person will develop hives, swelling in the throat and tongue, stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and other symptoms. In severe cases, the rapid loss of blood pressure can send the victim into shock and cause them to lose consciousness.
Fire ants can also be dangerous to pets, particularly dogs. Dogs wandering around outside can easily stumble into fire ant hills, and dog food attracts them, so failure to monitor your furry friends while they’re playing outside could leave them covered in stings that could put their health at serious risk.
Why Fire Ants Are a Difficult Problem Pest
Fire ants are notoriously difficult to eliminate from yards they infest. In an infested yard covered with fire ant mounds, you can’t destroy one colony at a time and have any hope for success. Through a process known as “budding,” a threatened colony will split itself off into multiple colony groups that will disperse throughout the property and create their own new colonies, starting your problems all over again. This is also why untreated fire ant populations tend to double or triple every few months.
Why to Turn to Professional Pest Control for Fire Ants in Irvine
Due to the threat fire ants pose and the difficulty associated with getting rid of them, affected homeowners have only one realistic option to rid themselves of this problematic pest: call a professional for help.
Luckily, the pest control professionals at Malang Pest Control have got you covered. We have years of experience protecting homeowners in Irvine and across California from fire ants and numerous other pests. Contact us today and find out why a professional fire ant treatment from Malang is the perfect solution for any fire ant problem you’re facing.
How good is your sense of smell? Can you pick up the fragrance of a rose from a block away, are you able to tolerate being in the same room with a pet that was sprayed by a skunk, or are you somewhere in between? If your nose is more sensitive than most, you should have no problem smelling the pests we are talking about today.
Although not as intense as skunks, odorous house ants are smelly pests that cause more than a stink around the home. The question is, how dangerous are they, and what is the best way to prevent them from invading? We have your answers here.
What You Need To Know About Odorous House Ants
From a distance, odorous house ants look like any other common home-invading ant. They are black or brown, one-eighth to three-sixteenths of an inch long, and have the typical three body segments you are used to seeing. The only significant difference is that their abdomen is uneven and crooked. With close inspection, this one detail will give these smelly pests away.
When crushed, odorous house ants produce a scent often likened to rotten coconuts. As infestations grow within a home’s walls, this scent will become much more noticeable, even to those who don’t have a good sense of smell.
Odorous house ants live primarily on a diet of protein and sugar; this includes pretty much all of the food inside your cabinet, pantry, and fridge. When searching for food to feed their colony, these pests will look for anything easy to gather like crumbs under your couch, a pie left out on a countertop, or food from your pet’s bowl. Odorous house ants will even search for food inside trash cans.
Problems Odorous House Ants Cause
Thankfully, odorous house ants are not dangerous pests and aren’t known to carry diseases like some of their close relatives. What they are known for is contaminating food. When these pests infest homes, they don’t discriminate on where they go or what food they crawl through. Needless to say, if you enjoy your food without ants on it, these pests are the last creatures you want inside your house.
Why Odorous House Ants Invade Homes
Odorous house ants don’t just invade homes to find food. They will often come inside to avoid inclement weather or to find a reliable source of moisture. If your home has leaky pipes, broken gutters, sources of standing water, left out food, or crumbs around, these pests will be much more likely to invade.
Prevention Tips For Odorous House Ants
Odorous house ants require two things to cause problems around your Irvine home; a way in and a good reason to stick around once inside. The more you limit their access to your home, water, and food, the less like you will be to have a problem with these pests. We recommend starting with a thorough cleaning of your house. Once your home is clean, practice storing leftover food inside airtight containers. You don’t want ants finding anything to eat if they come indoors.
To stop odorous house ants from coming inside, make sure to seal up your home’s exterior completely. Use a caulking gun to fill in gaps and cracks in its foundation, repair or replace window and door screens that are damaged, and make sure all of your door sweeps and weatherstripping is in good condition.
The most important step in odorous house ant prevention is quality ant control. If you are looking for a reliable pest control provider in your area, look no further than Malang Pest Control. Our expert team has what it takes to guard your home against all sorts of common invasive pests, including odorous house ants.
Call us today or reach out to us through our website to find a plan that best suits you and your home’s individual needs. Learn more about our Irvine, CA pest control services.
What is your worst fear when walking outside? Do you fear crossing paths with a bear, or perhaps stepping on a hive of wasps? If you are here today, you might have a fear of fire ants or at least the pain they cause. To help keep these painful pests off your Irvine property, here are a few things you ought to know.
How To Identify Fire Ants
It is not hard to identify fire ants, especially if they are biting and or stinging you. You heard us right; these pests don’t just bite, they sting as well. If you ever find yourself walking outdoors in bare feet and wander too close to a nest of fire ants, you may find out first hand how painful their attacks are.
Of course, identifying these pests by the pain they cause alone is not preferable. To tell if your yard has fire ants without stomping on their nest in your bare feet, look at their color and size. Fire ants are one-eighth to three-eighths of an inch long and dark reddish-brown. When building their nest, fire ants gravitate towards hot, sunny, and dry areas, sometimes devoid of grass or vegetation.
Problems Fire Ants Cause
The good news is that fire ants do not spontaneously combust or produce fire in any way. The bad news is that their stings will make your skin feel like it is right up next to a fire. Although a single sting is not terribly painful, several in one location are fairly unpleasant. Upon being stung, the first thing you will notice is a pinprick of pain, followed by an intense pinching or burning sensation. Itching typically follows and can last for a few days. As long as you avoid scratching the wound, no more serious problems will occur. If you are allergic to insect venom, your reaction to a fire ant sting could be more severe. Consult your doctor to understand your risk.
Out in nature, when fire ants nest around water sources, they can prevent wildlife from being able to hydrate themselves, sometimes leading to dehydration and even death. In addition, fire ants can fatally damage plants by tunneling through their roots and stems. If you have a garden or value the quality of your grass, these pests are the last creatures you want living on your property.
How To Prevent Fire Ants
Because fire ants primarily live outdoors and rarely invade homes, prevention is often difficult. That said, here are a few tips our experts recommend you try:
- Trim back bushes and tree branches from the exterior of your home.
- Rake mulch, pine straw, and other landscape bedding at least six inches from your home’s exterior.
- Turn the mulch or bedding material around your property every couple of weeks.
- Mow your lawn regularly at a low setting.
- Keep your yard free of grass clippings, leaf piles, and other organic debris.
- Store woodpiles at least 30 feet from your home’s exterior.
- Pick up ripe fruit as it falls from trees into your yard.
- Make sure your trash cans have tight-fitting lids and clean them out regularly.
For the best results, pair the steps above with a professional treatment plan courtesy of Malang Pest Control. Our team provides quality, friendly service, and reliability. If you are looking for a long-term solution to fire ants causing trouble around your yard, we are your best choice.
Reach out to us today to discuss your ant treatment options or to schedule your Irvine property for a thorough inspection. We promise you will not be disappointed. Find out more about our Irvine, CA pest management offerings.
It’s that time of year again! As summer comes to a close, ants can continue marching in for all that your Irvine home offers. Ants, arguably, have the easiest time entering the home as they can squeeze through the tiniest cracks. However, there’s no need to give up on the joys of California living. There are several ways to keep these ants at bay, and we can help!
Types of Irvine Ants
First, it’s important to understand the types of ants that are common in Irvine.
- Argentine ants can range from tan to black and tend to dominate space, pushing out other types of ants. In extreme conditions, Argentine ants move their outside nests near the exterior of buildings.
- Pharaoh ants are smaller and lighter, traveling far to search for food. They are more hazardous to human health, more apt to enter homes, and are generally eliminated by baiting.
- Crazy ants, dubbed “crazy” because of their erratic movements, are roughly the size of Argentine ants and are also black. They prefer to make their nests within buildings and feed on insects.
- Odorous ants are similar in size to Argentine and crazy ants and have a shiny black color. When smashed, they emit a strong rotten smell. These ants like sweet things and are commonly found in households.
- Fire ants can be yellow, red, or black, and prefer nests in the dirt, decayed wood, and below boards and pavement. Fire ants are on the US Department of Agriculture list of invading pests. They get their name from their aggressive nature and painful stings.
What Attracts Ants to the Home?
As ants come into homes looking for shelter, food, and water, it’s no surprise that they are common in kitchens and bathrooms. They prefer sweet foods, but even small spills or other fragrant substances are attractive to ants. Once an ant locates a food source it will mark the location with pheromones for other ants to follow. If possible, it’s a great idea to eliminate that initial unwanted house guest!
Repelling Household Ants
An essential first step in repelling ants in the home is to identify entry points. These can be torn or broken screens, door sweeps, windows, etc. Any crevice is an invitation for ants. Seal up any gaps, especially in windows and doors, to prevent entry. Caulking cracks in the foundation and walls is another great way to ensure that your home is adequately sealed.
Beyond limiting entry points, it is also important to limit factors that might attract ants in the first place. Be sure to regularly conduct a deep cleaning of household surfaces, especially in the kitchen and bathroom nooks and crannies. Wipe down surfaces around furniture and appliances. Clean floors. Seal up any access to food in the home in airtight containers, including pet food. Empty trash cans. Treat the war against ants as one of attrition by eliminating their food sources. This is crucial as ant colonies generate and spread quickly!
Aside from limiting food sources, there are a few other ways to repel ants. Ants are always searching for water. Clean any moist areas and take care of spills quickly. You can also invest in DIY ant repellant techniques and over the counter remedies at the first sign of ants on your property.
Call a Professional
Ants are invasive, and it’s often the case, especially when infestations are large, that they can get out of control! Not to worry! Malang Pest Control has you covered with our team of professionals. We can help you get rid of pesty ants quickly and easily with safe products, year-round treatments, and a service guarantee. Our professionals will help get you back to enjoying your home. Want to know more about our process? Check out our FAQs page!
Give us a call today at (949) 398-2525 or schedule an appointment online. Our goal is to provide the best pest control you’ve ever had!