Excluding rodents from a home is possible.

I am often asked if it is possible to exclude rodents from a home. The answer is sometimes, maybe and yes.

The reason why rodent exclusion is difficult is not only that finding all the holes is problematic, but rodents also find entrances into homes by chewing their way into previously closed areas such as through garage weather stripping.

Rodents also have the uncanny ability to exploit human inefficiencies such as when a garage door is mistakenly left open all night. If these two problems were able to be solved you would find that rodents gain entrance into areas that are easily found and in some cases obvious if you know what to look for. Here are some of the most common entrance points for rodents:

1. Utility entrances ( example: central air pipe drilled through an outside wall)
2. Water damaged areas in doors, rim joists and sills
3. Areas where dormers attached to a home (remember rodents can climb)
4. Under the sill plate if it is raised
5. Bilco basement doors
6. Foundation irregularities
7. Broken or poorly fitted basement window frames and doors
8. Broken vent pipes.

Once the areas are found, they are best plugged with a material such as steel wool or stuff it (tm). In addition to these materials, a homeowner can also use weather stripping, caulk, sheets of tin or wood if the area is badly damaged.

In the end rodent control is difficult even for a pro. The best way to approach this type of work is with a multi step program that includes baiting , trapping, exclusion, harborage and food removal and exterior baiting.

If you need help or have questions about rodent control, we can be reached at 1-888-879-6481

Flea treatment?

Tis the time of the year when fleas start making an appearance. So far this year we have gotten more calls than the previous 2 years combined. Here's what you need to know.

Fleas have what is called complete metamorphosis. This means that they have 4 stages to their lifecycle, they are egg, larva, pupa and adult. If your reading this I imagine you are being eaten alive by the adult stage. Not to worry, flea treatments are common and safe.

Before any treatment takes place there is prep work that the homeowner must complete. It is as follows:

1. Vacuum all floor surfaces to stimulate the pupa to hatch and suck up as many adults as possible.

2. Clear all the floor space of items that are able to be picked up and put on a table as 100% of the floor surface will be treated. Don't forget under the bed

3. Empty all closets

4. Wash all bed coverings yours and your pets.

5. Cover all fish tanks and turn off aspirator

6. Specify to the pest management pro if it is a dog or a cat that brought the fleas in. It makes a huge difference.

7. Have your animal professional dipped on the day of the treatment.

8. Make plans to be out of your home for 4-6 hours or until the floor surfaces are dry.

The treatment is completed by applying a light application of a liquid insecticide mixed with an insect growth regulator Together these products will break the life cycle of the flea.
This application is made to all areas of flooring , upholstered furniture and areas the pets frequent throughout the home.

AFTER THE APPLICATION YOU MUST VACUUM EVERY OTHER DAY FOR 1 WEEK AND THROW AWAY THE BAG. This will again stimulate the flea pupa to hatch. The pupal cacoon is imperviuos to the products we use.

Hope this answers your questions, we can be reached at 1-888-879-6481 of at envirocarepest@gmail.com if you assistance.

Bat exclusion process.

Bat exclusions are set to begin next week and we are all set to go. I get asked all the time so I wanted to give our customers and potential customers a quick overview of exactly how we do bat exclusions.

First and foremost we do not kill bats. The entire process is centered around excluding them from the structure. Our rule of thumb is if a pinkie finger can fit into the gap so can a bat and it must be sealed. Our process goes like this:

1. We perform a complete roof top inspection, including all fireplace frames, shutters, gutters, vents etc.

2. After we have identified entrance areas we place a one way door over the gap that will allow the bats access out, but not back in. (One way doors are 3'x3' netting secured to the home on
3 1/2 sides. This netting is NOT permanent)

3. We then seal all the remaining gaps with black expanding foam at the exterior perimeter so the bats do not re-locate to another area. (the foam is invisible from the ground if done correctly)

4. The one way doors are left up for about 7-10 so that we are sure all the bats are gone.

5. We return after the 7-10 days have expired to remove one way doors and seal the gaps that are left.

The procedure takes about 6-10 man hours to complete depending on the size of the home.

If you are in need of our services or have further questions, we can be reached at 1-888-879-6481.

Bat guano or mouse droppings?

I received a call from a homeowner today that really had a problem. Mrs. X was perplexed as to how rodents and bats could be so different, yet their droppings were the same. Mrs. X is wrong here's why.

This is a common identification problem that has an easy solution. The difference between bat guano and rodent fecal droppings is as follows:

1. Rodent fecal matter when squashed will stay mostly solid, unless it very old.

2. Bat guano is different in size, but when it is squashed is breaks into dust. The droppings after broken into pieces will also have a metallic look to them. This is do to their insects laden diet.

This method of I.D is the one all pest management professionals use on a daily basis. It's quick, easy and right every time.

If you have a pest problem, we can be reached at 1-888-879-6481

We still have bats in Connecticut

I'll make this short and sweet. I know lots of bats are dying in winter tabernacles in the northeast, but we still are getting complaint calls about bats in peoples homes. If a bat ends up unannounced in your home here is what to do:

1. Don't call the police they are burdened as it is, you can do this on your own.
2. If possible, confine the bat to a single closed room, open the windows (and screens) and allow the bat to exit.
3. If the bat is in an open room, trap it under a container after it lands. Then slide a piece of paper or cardboard under the container. Gently, flip the container over and let the bat go outside.
4. Don't harm the bat (if possible) in any way as they are good for the environment.

If you can't find the bat, you must look everywhere including under drapes, window frames, storage, furniture etc. They can be almost anywhere. I you handle a bat, it must be done with a thick glove as the bat will try to bite.

If you suspect or know that someone within the home has been bitten or scratched you MUST get the bat to the DEP virology lab. While only less than 1% of bats have rabies, if you contract it it's fatal.

After this incident ends (which unfortunately is usually at 3 am) call us and we will be happy to perform a full inspection as well as give a free estimate for bat exclusion. Exclusions are best done after August 15th when young bats are able to fly.

If you need our help call 1-888-879-6481

Yellow jackets in your home?

We received a scary call yesterday. A customer stated she had no less than a few hundred yellow jackets flying around her office. Now, this is a problem under any circumstance, but especially while she is occupying the office. Fortunately, this client was only stung several times before we arrived. It certainly had the possibility of being much worse. Here is what happened and what we did.

Upon arrival at the home the client was not exaggerating, she certainly did have several hundred wasps in her office. This is scary but true, the secretions from the colony soaked the drywall ceiling to the point that the colony fell through the ceiling.

The wasps made their entry into the building around the soffit area of the home and then into the ceiling cavity. If this is happening at your home you must remember that yellow jackets nest in cavities and it's very common for this situation to happen. Things you MUST NOT DO:

1. Do not plug the hole from the outside
2. Do not treat the nest yourself during the day
3. Do not open the wall OR push on the drywall where you hear a tapping noise. That noise is the wasps and your hand will go straight through if you push hard enough.

Our solution in this case was to put on a bee suit and enter the room with a pyrethrin to kill existing wasps and then physically remove the remainder of the nest. We then treated the exterior with an insecticidal dust at the entrance point to kill returning wasps.

The procedure is different if you are just hearing the tapping noise in your ceiling. Please do not attempt this type of service on your own. It's dangerous and best left to a pro.

If you are in need of our services, we can be reached at 1-888-879-6481

Bed bugs and german roaches at hotels?

Well, I just returned from a relaxing vacation in Ocean City and I felt compelled to tell the world about the first thing I did upon arrival in our suite. I looked high and low for bed bugs and roaches. As you may or may not know one of the most common places to pick up insects is at hotels. The reason, communal living and roaches and bed bugs are the best hitchhikers the world has ever known. The more people that are put under one roof, the greater the possibility of insect infestation. This is especially true for the aforementioned pests.

Now this may sound crazy , but I am a fanatic (almost obsessive) about bringing things into my home. I have not slept in a hotel in the past 16 years w/ out doing a complete inspection, PRIOR to bringing my bags into the room. In another article I will go over the biology of these pests, but here is how you can do a quick inspection on your own PRIOR to bringing your bags into the room.

In general these techniques will suffice for both bed bugs and german roaches:

1. Strip the bed to the mattress and look for blood stains and or black pepper looking spots at the bed tufts.
2. Look for live insects at the metal frame, box spring and head board.
3. Remove the drawers from the nightstand and check for pepper stains at the 90 degree angles in the drawer and the stand itself, flip it upside down if you must.
4 Get on your hands and knees and look for dead insects under the bed and furniture.
5. Inspect the large dresser the same way as the night stand.
6. If the room has a kitchen, pull out the fridge and look under the sink for dead insects, pepper stains at the corners etc.
7. Do the same in the bathroom.

*There is no guarantee that even with this inspection that you will find everything every time, but think of how much better you will feel.
* For the record, the pepper stains are obviously not pepper, but blood and or fecal spots from roaches/bed bugs.

Luckily, I didn't find a single insect. I feel comfortable telling you the hotel was The Carousel in Ocean City, MD. I'm sure they have had or will have pests at some point in the future, but for 5 years straight I have yet to find anything (believe me, I look). On a side note this hotel is great for families, especially with small kids. I can be contacted at envirocarepest@gmail.com for more comments about The Carousel. It's outside bar is the best on the strip!!!

Happy bug hunting on your next vacation. Please, take my advice about the inspection I have met too many people who have picked up insects at hotels. I don't want you to be the next.

If you need help with a pest problem i can be reached at 203-879-6481

Carpenter Bees?

I received a call on Tues from a client who has carpenter bees at their home. The problem is that woodpeckers are destroying the fascia board in their attempt to gain access to the developing larva. The customer was obviously upset with the answer that I gave. Here goes

Unfortunately, the time to treat carpenter bees has passed. The optimum time for treatment is upon emergence and during the egg laying process which is usually in the spring. The reason that treatment is best during this period is due to the biology of the pest itself.

Carpenter bees drill a hole about the size of a dime (perfectly round) and then burrow in half the distance of the thickness of the wood; then they burrow a 6-7 inch cavity after making a 90 degree turn. The female lays eggs then regurgitates a slurry of pollen and nectar so that the larva have something to feed on after hatching. This process takes place after each egg.

The problem is that this slurry closes off the chambers and makes an application with a pesticide difficult if not impossible to deliver so that all 6-7 bees come in contact with the products we use.

At this time of the year a better tactic may be to use something to scare away the birds. I also let the client know that should the situation become desperate and the damage is uncontrollable full replacement may be a good option (not what the gentleman wanted to hear).

I also informed him that possibly a fall application may work, but that since most of the damage occurs in the spring it may be best to wait until that time. The gentlemen was not happy, but glad to hear the damage from the bees will stop, I suspect that I will hear from this client in the spring as full replacement is very costly.

In another segment I will explain the treatment for this prolific and quite annoying bee.

If you need our help we can be reached at 1-888-879-6481

Termite estimates over the phone?

I had a funny thing happen today, I had a prospective client call and ask for a termite estimate over the phone!! I tried to explain that this was difficult to do because there are so many variables that must be taken into account in order to accurately provide a fee for our services. Much to my surprise (and dismay) she told me that she had already gotten 2 estimates both over the phone!!

After my initial shock I started asking questions. The client was stunned at some of the questions that needed to be answered and finally allowed me to do a free inspection.

Upon arrival at the home I got the answers to my questions within about 15 minutes. The questions were as follows:

1. Is there a well and how close is it to the home?
2. How many linear feet is the home?
3. Are there dirt filled stoops?
4. Are there live termites within the structure?
5. Is there interior work that needs to be provided?

The preceding questions are basic and must be answered prior to any treatment taking place by any company. When doing termite control no-one should want surprises. The enitre inspection took about 45 min start to finish. I then showed the client exactly what needed to be done and how we would do it. The client had many questions all of which were answered. The total cost for this particular termite service was under $950.00.

So here is the funny part, the client is going to use our services because we turned out to be the least expensive and as it turn out the most thorough. The client thanked me for the same day inspection and saved about $150 for her trouble.

I'm glad that I met this woman as she confirmed my business philosophy. Treat a customers home like your own and create satisfied customers one at a time.

If you have a termite problem or think you do, we can be reached at 1-888-879-6481

Do it yourself?

In today's economy many people are trying to save money by "doing it themselves" . In most cases making an attempt to solve a problem oneself is a noble idea, but at what point do the skills you have and the equipment at hand fall short?

I used to work with a home inspector who prior to his death repeated a funny line every time he inspected a home that had "homeowner" type repairs; with a laugh he would say "look honey I did it myself! The obvious connotation being it was substandard and in some cases dangerous.

The big box home centers have given all homeowners the idea that they can fix anything. In some cases they can, but many times major or dangerous repairs should be left to the professionals.

So you ask; how does this relate to pest control? Here are a few facts:

1. Most rodenticide poisonings come from store bought materials applied by the general public.
2. Termite treatments on average require 200 gallons or more of finished termiticide to adequately protect a home from termites. These products are delivered with equipment that can cost in excess of $1000.
3. Most homeowners don't know the difference between an ant swarmmer and a termite swarmmer
4. Most homeowners don't know how to treat powder post beetles effectively without pesticides.
5. Most homeowners don't know the difference between a wood roach and a german roach or why this id is important.

Here are the pest control projects you can tackle on your own:

1. Exterior only general pest control for prevention of pests. Put "yourself" on a schedule
2. Rodent control with snap traps or glueboards only.
3. Lawn fertilization and insect control.
4. Wasp control at night.

So go ahead and give pest problems a try on your own, it certainly won't hurt. You just need to know your limits and when its time to call a professional. You may want to yell "look honey I did it myself", but you definitly don't want to be the butt of a long standing joke.

If you need help we can be reached at 1-888-879-6481

Strange noises in the attic!!!

On an almost daily basis our company fields calls about strange noises in the attic. Most if not all noises coming from the attic can be attributed to either rodents, bats or squirrels. Here's how to tell the difference before you call a pro.

1. Bats normally make a noise that sounds like what you would think flapping wings sound like
when then are hitting a wall.

2. Mice usually will either make a light scratching noise or a light muffled scamper.

3. Grey squirrels which are usually only active dawn to dusk make both scratching noises and
heavy sounding scampering noises.

4. Flying squirrels which are active at night make a characteristic thump as they land on the roof ' and then a scampering noise.

When you here noises in your attic you most investigate the area and in most cases you will find feces. The feces you find will in all cases identify your noise maker, as the feces from the preceding animals are each unique.

If you are unable to find any fecal matter go outside at check the roof line for chew marks, chewed oval holes near gutters, damaged gable vents, damaged roofing and of course the animal (more than a few times we have caught grey squirrels red handed as they leave the seen)

WARNING if you suspect that a racoon may be your visitor call a professional ASAP. These animals are incredibly strong and will retaliate if cornered (especially if young are present).

Also, remember there is a bio hazard when dealing with fecal matter do not handle it under any circumstances.

Good luck, if you need help we can be reached at 1-888-879-6481

FHA Wood Destroying Insect Reports

Breaking Real Estate News!!!!!

Homes are selling for less than they have in the past 8 years. In my opinion, now is the best time to find a great deal on the home of your dreams. Pick a qualified agent and start looking, odds are better than average you'll find a great home at a great price you can afford.

Once you find a home you MUST get a home inspection. Please don't just have your Uncle Bob who has been a contractor for 30 years do it, I promise you'll be sorry. Today's home inspector has a complete list of things that need to be looked at from septic to electric, roofs, furnaces and attic insulation. Uncle Bob will mean well, but I have personally seen horror stories of things that were missed that a pro would have caught.

Home inspectors have a system, Uncle Bob likely does not.

That brings me to termites and wood destroying insects in general . FHA, if that happens to be who is backing your loan requires a certified termite inspection on the correct form in order for a property to close.

Pest management professionals have unique training that is unlike many of the trades that a home inspector may possess knowledge of. In my experience, the best home inspectors recognize this and sub this work out to a licensed PMP.

Here's what to look for from a pest control company:

1. A supervisor license from the inspector doing the inspection (read as s-1234 on the report)
2. Business license number (read as B-1234 on the report)
3. Error and emissions insurance with a minimum $50,000.00 liability
4. Minimum 3-5 years experience

In a later post I'll go over the specifics of what the inspection should include and how WDI evidence should be reported. It may seem easy, but it's not always black and white.

Now go looking for a new house with confidence, there are plenty of professionals ready willing and able to help you with the biggest purchase of your life. Most of all have fun!!!!

We can be reached at 1-888-879-6481 if you need help.

Least toxic insecticides!!!! OUR SMART STEP PROGRAM

Our company is working on a great new program called the Smart Step Program. It has been a long time coming as the industry has changed a great deal even in the 16 years that I have been in it.

In most all cases you won't have a company come into your home and just spray the baseboards. We in the pest management industry lovingly call that person a baseboard jockey. As you may have guessed if you find your peers calling you this it's not a good thing.

The Smart Step Program is simple. We'll get rid of your pests using pesticides when and only where they are needed. It works like this. (And trust me it works)

1. Inspect the residence & get you the homeowner involved in develpoing a plan of action.
2. Identify the pest that is causing the issue.
3. Make suggestions on how to make your home less inviting to pests.
4. Apply pesticides (if needed) only to the area where the problem exists. NOT THE ENTIRE HOME
5. Service the exterior perimeter to prevent future activity.
6. Regularly follow up to be sure the intial problem is solved and future issues are prevented.

Envirocare Pest Control, LLC smart pest management for a changing world.

If you need our help we can be reached at 1-888-879-6481

Little brown ants at the crack between your garage entrance and the driveway? Here's a quick tip on how to TEMPORARILY get rid of them without using a pesticide.

Boil water and pour the water into the crack, repeat as needed. Simple yet effective!!!

The name of this ant is a pavement ant. They can be challenging to get rid of over the long term as their colonies are below grade and are extremely large.

If a pesticide must be used pick an appropriatley labeled product and treat the crack directly.

If you have a problem with this pest inside your home you must find the source. Treating the baseboards alone will only hold this pest off for awhile. The source is likely related to a crack in concrete, an abutting slab or soil area outside the home.

If you need our help call 1888-879-6481

Lyme disease is a horrible disease. I unfortunately have come face to face with what could be called an insects ultimate revenge. There is a strong possibility that I myself may have the lyme virus.

Two weeks ago while driving from an appointment I found a partially engorged tick on the rear of my head. I removed it, confirmed that it was a black legged tick and promptly discarded it out the window. I was nervous, but I didn't discuss the issue any further. After about 4-5 days I began to have tremendous stiffness in my legs, especially at the knees. Since I run regularly I cut back and began taken ibuprofen. Unfortunately, for me the pain continued. I am a horrible sick person so my wife begged me(for her sanity) to see my physician, I did and guess what. I was immediately started on antibiotics to combat lyme disease.

TICKS ONE -EXTERMINATOR ZERO!!!!!

What I learned that I didn't know may help you.

*Not all bites require the bulls eye style mark everyone looks for.
*Ignoring symptoms is silly.
*Even if you do a tick check after outdoor activities DO IT TWICE.

Finally, I doubt I will ever know officially if I had the virus, but coincidentally after over a week on antibiotics my knees and legs no longer hurt. A coincidence? Maybe, but I'm finishing the meds just to be sure.

P.S My company sprays our yard regularly, I think I need to retrace my steps to all the houses I had visited prior and give alot more tick estimates. There obviously is a yard out there with a problem.

If your yard needs a tick treatment call us at 1-888-879-6481 we can help

Hello,

We are now in carpenter ant season (despite the daily rain)! At this time of the year you should be looking for large size black ants foraging in and around your home. Carpenter ants typically will be found in the kitchen and bath areas of your home, but since they can forage 300 Ft from their nesting site they could be in any hollow void around or within your residence. You should be looking for large groups of foragers, ants with wings and sawdust under windows and doors. If you see these signs chances are their nest is located within your home.

A simple surefire method of self diagnosis is, if its raining outside and you see ants inside WHILE its raining chances are better than average that the nest is located indoors. Give us a call we can help 1-888-879-6481.

Have a great weekend!!!!!
Dave