Impact Pest Elimination Blog

Rodents are sneaky by nature, coming out mostly at night to scrounge for food in the kitchen when you're fast asleep. These pests can hide in the most obvious and not so obvious places in your home. No matter where they're hiding, they should be found right away to prevent spreading diseases and fleas throughout your living areas. 4 Common Rodent Hiding Places Crawlspaces The area beneath your home serves as a shelter for many different pests, from insects to rodents. Mice and rats will build their nests in crawlspaces and use open spaces as small as 1.75 mm to enter your home in search of food. Once they get inside, they may relocate their nests to a warmer or cooler part of the indoors depending on the season. Attics An attic is a long way above the ground, but the distance doesn't stop opportunistic rodents from seeking these out-of-the-way spaces....

Termites are tiny enough to go unnoticed, but they are one of the biggest external threats that you'll have to face. These insects gained their notoriety by wreaking havoc on homes and businesses in an insidious fashion. Because they live and work together, they are able to destroy wooden structures rather quickly. The time frame can be as short as a couple of months. Therefore, whether it's a large or small termite infestation, it needs to be eliminated immediately. Here are two reasons you should take action now: Lowers Your Home Value Termites are very relentless and resourceful. When they move in with you and get comfortable, they will waste no time with building a new colony because their prime objective is to expand their size. Unfortunately, termites build colonies that will deface your home in one way or another. Drywood termites will hollow out just about any wooden structure to...

A wide variety of household pests can create chaos in homes across America each year. Finding the presence of these insects or other types of pests can be very troublesome. It's no big surprise that the majority of homeowners want to take care of these pests promptly. However, some types of bugs such as cockroaches may not be easy to detect due to their particular patterns of behavior. Why are cockroaches problematic and how can you recognize a possible infestation? We will address these questions in more detail below. Why are Cockroaches Problematic? While not all pests pose serious threats to humans, cockroaches are not well liked for several reasons. For starters, cockroaches tend to infiltrate the food supply of the homes that they infest. Since they are unclean insects, you would not want to consume any food that has been contaminated by cockroaches. This can lead to a great deal...

When you see a cockroach in the home, your first instinct will likely be to kill it so that there aren't other roaches inside. While they aren't all that pleasant to look at, there are some facts about roaches that are somewhat odd and interesting. If you kill a roach, make sure it's crushed completely. Roaches can live for about a week with the head missing. Roaches have small holes on the sides of their bodies that they breathe through. This means that they don't need a nose or mouth for them to breathe. The roach will die because it doesn't have a way to eat or drink. You've probably seen roaches scurry along the floor or other surfaces in the home at a high rate of speed. Most roaches can race along at three miles an hour. Since they run so fast, they can often spread bacteria and germs in...

Admittedly, the word "pests" doesn't connote benefits. However, certain insects have merits for us and our environment. In fact, scientists have identified 29 helpful bugs. 1* Here's a look at some critters and their life-giving attributes. Impressive Credentials If a beneficial bug were to write up its resume, here are some abilities it might profess: pollination decomposing matter ingesting bugs that harm food sources creating useful byproducts controlling insect populations increasing crop yields 2* Below are eight hardworking insects, including some that sustain our very lives. Spider This insect consumes several types of pesky bugs, including aphids, caterpillars, mosquitoes, mealybugs, roaches, flies, earwigs, fleas, mites, moths, centipedes, and whiteflies. Spiders spare farm crops from obliteration by other pests. In fact, if spiders became extinct, our lives would be endangered by famine. Ladybug This beetle feeds on aphids, mites, mealybugs, whiteflies, and Colorado potato beetles. Both adults and larvae have voracious appetites....

If you would like to treat your winter home for pests but don’t know how to get started, you are probably searching for answers that will point you down the right path. Insects, rodents and other invaders can get into your home and cause damage if you don’t take steps to stop them. They can contaminate your food and create other health issues that you will need to avoid. If rodents get into your walls without detection, they can chew on your wires and create a fire hazard, and some people won’t know about the problem until it’s too late to prevent it. Luckily, you can do many things when you want to safeguard your home, and the following information will help. Pest Prevention Learning how to prevent pests from taking over your home is the No. 1 way to keep yourself in the clear. When you are ready to begin,...

One of the things that you might enjoy about the fall season is a pumpkin on the front porch and the fond memories of carving your favorite jack o’ lantern. There are other things that like your pumpkins too, such as rats, squirrels and a variety of insects. Now that you have handpicked the perfect pumpkin, how do you protect it?  Fortunately, there are a few ways that you can keep these pests and others away from your pumpkins so that you can enjoy them longer than a few days. One way to keep pests from gnawing on your pumpkins and to keep them from rotting as quickly is to coat the outside with a thin layer of petroleum jelly. Hairspray or acrylic finish spray also works to keep pests from biting the outside of the pumpkin. Keep your pumpkin in a dry shaded area as sun and rain exposure will...

Like most creatures, rodents will be seeking refuge from the winter’s cold weather. Your home naturally becomes a major attraction for these annoying pests. The warmer indoor temperatures and abundance of food are simply too irresistible. Here are some tips to help deter rodents from invading your residence. Seal Points of Entry These critters can contort their body to fit into some extremely tiny openings. Even a dime-sized hole enables a mouse to quietly slip into your home. Once a rodent gets inside, it is only a matter of time before an infestation occurs. The best approach is to carefully inspect your home for cracks and gaps. You can use caulk or silicon to fill in the open spaces. Keep Food Covered Rodents are constantly on the prowl to find reliable food sources. Crumbs will certainly lure rodents to your kitchen and bedroom. Develop a habit of keeping your residence as...

Labor Day is the last big bang for summer celebrations, but the lazy days of summer also bring with them a full range of outdoor pests that you don't necessarily want to hang out with when you're grilling burgers and steaks with your family and friends. While eating outdoors will never be quite as comfortable as your contained kitchen table, you can take steps to keep bugs at bay at your barbecue. Flies One of the biggest nuisances at summer barbecues is flies. Before your outdoor event, look for areas that may already be attracting these pests. Empty garbage, clear debris and clean up after your animals. You will also want to manage both food and garbage carefully during the afternoon. Keep all garbage cans covered to avoid swarming, and keep lids on serving containers when you aren't handing out food. Finally, a slight breeze seems to keep flies at bay,...

If you're battling pests inside or around your home, you don't need another headache brought on by an unreliable exterminator. You need a dependable pest control company that will protect your family while eradicating every type of pest. Since 1985, we've earned loyal customers by offering professional, knowledgeable and thorough services to customers in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Sarasota, Pasco and surrounding areas. At Impact Pest Elimination, our licensed staff members offer the best solutions to pest infestations. Our services are effective, and they solve the problem quickly so that you can resume your life without worrying about insects and rodents or the effects of harsh treatments. We concentrate on achieving desirable results without negatively impacting your property or Florida's sensitive ecosystem. Our technicians use industry-leading pest control methods to achieve superior outcomes while reducing our environmental impact. Our business philosophy emphasizes the importance of responsible, EPA-compliant use of all products so that...

If you want to protect yourself and your home from carpenter ants, you are likely searching for answers so that you can reach your desired outcome. You will first need to learn about these insects, the things that attract them and what to do about the problem. Certain conditions increase the risk of carpenter ant activity, and you don't want to ignore the threat. The choices that you make now will play a role in your ability to combat the issue in the future, and you must never take shortcuts. You will soon have the knowledge that you need to choose the right path with confidence, giving you peace of mind. The Danger Even though learning about the dangers that carpenter ants present is a smart move for those who want to avoid unneeded risks, some people opt to ignore the threat. Instead of consuming it, the pests displace the wood...

If you enjoy hiking, jogging or any outdoor activity, you have likely encountered bees at some point. While most bees will not attack you unless you provoke them, killer bees take things to a new level. Their aggression has earned them the attention of various movies, and you will want to avoid these stinging insects at all costs. Since many myths surround these pests, a lot of people are left searching for answers, and you have come to the right place if you can relate to their quest. You are about to discover where they come from and how they behave. The History of Killer Bees In the 1950s, researchers created a hybrid between African and Western honey bees to increase pollination, but it did not turn out as they had hoped. The bees escaped from captivity and spread faster than anyone thought possible, making their way to the United States...

With summer on the horizon, it's time to start planning your vacation. Whether you're thinking about a week-long stay nearby on the coast or an out-of-state adventure, nothing beats taking some time off work and enjoying rest and relaxation with your family. Getting away from it all and spending a few nights in a hotel may seem like a dream, but it can turn into a nightmare when bed bugs strike. These blood-sucking pests have made a comeback and want to ruin your vacation. Don't Let the Bed Bugs Bite The bed bug situation has gotten worse lately, prompting new laws for landlords in New York City. Travelers across the globe have encountered these pests in hotels, bed and breakfasts, hostels and other lodgings. However, the problems don't stop once you leave an infested hotel room. Because bed bugs climb into luggage and cling to clothing, they hitchhike back home with...

At your Fourth of July barbecue, the last thing you and your guests want to deal with is pesky mosquitos. These stubborn pests view you as a delicious treat and will hound you throughout the evening unless you prepare ahead of time. Take a little time to learn about mosquito behavior and how to implement a plan to clear your yard of these pests. What are Mosquitos? Mosquitos are small insects with a single pair of wings and long legs. Female mosquitos dine on blood to help their eggs develop, which are usually spawned in stagnant water. Mosquitoes are often most active during dusk, making your Fourth of July dinner a prime event for these pests. Understanding the behavior of mosquitos and preparing a defense in your backyard can help you enjoy your dinner. Drain Stagnant Water Stagnant water is an ideal place for mosquitos to gather and lay their eggs....

In Tampa and cities along Florida's Gulf Coast, lawn maintenance is an endurance sport. The mowers are in high gear long before summer, and the race to maintain a healthy lawn lasts for months. With an effective lawn maintenance schedule, you can work smarter, not harder. Healthy lawns fend off pests, resist droughts, block weeds and look lush when neighboring yards are crunchy and brown. Turf grasses need the right amount of water and fertilizer as well as a flexible mowing schedule. Follow these tips to enjoy a verdant yard this summer while spending less time watering and weeding. Lawn Irrigation Schedules in Tampa Extra water during dry weather will keep your lawn green, but too much water supports fungal diseases. Most lawn fungi are beneficial because they break down dead plant material. If you're watering too often, you might wake up a small number of organisms that cause brown spots....

At Impact Pest Elimination, we mostly treat our area for subterranean termites, but we see our fair share of drywood termites as well. Let us tell you about the signs of a subterranean and drywood termite invasion, as this can help you decide whether or not you should call us for treatment. Subterranean Termites These termites annually cost homeowners in America more than $5 billion in structural damage. They nest underground where it's moist and can forage for hundreds of feet in search of cellulose to eat; that includes wood, paper, and cardboard. They prefer their food to be moist as well. Since they tend to be secretive, you might not be able to spot these termites, but you can be alerted to their presence in three ways. Since they can't live without moisture, subterranean termites build what are called mud tubes in order to reach above-ground structures. These brown tubes...

Like many Florida residents, you are probably already eagerly anticipating the summer and all of the fun outdoor events that it brings. While summer is certainly a great time to hold barbecues and other outdoor gatherings, it's also a very busy season for ants. Unfortunately, outdoor get togethers feature a lot of food and drinks, which attract ants like moths to a flame. Happily, you don't have to take this problem sitting down. Impact Pest Elimination is here to help you to achieve optimal ant control. In the meantime, read on to find out how to keep ants from ruining your Memorial Day barbecue. Ants Love Barbecues The reason that ants are such an issue during barbecues and other outdoor get togethers is because people prepare and eat all kinds of foods and drinks that they absolutely love. Different types of ants are drawn to different types of food, but the...

With Earth Day around the corner, you can do your part in stewarding the earth by improving the health and look of your lawn. Fortunately, you've chosen the ideal time for lawn care; assuming that your lawn has a cool-season grass like ryegrass or Kentucky bluegrass, services like lawn aeration and seeding should be done in early spring or late autumn. With warm-season grass like Bermuda grass, late spring to early summer is the best time. Lawn Aeration When your lawn looks unhealthy, you have to treat the problem at its root: literally. Soil can become hard and compact, preventing moisture and nutrients from seeping down to the roots. Have a professional pull out plugs of soil from your lawn, and the result will be increased water and oxygen circulation and nutrient-rich grass. New roots will soon fill up the aerated holes. Afterward, though, it's important to keep up the usual...

As their name implies, warm-season grasses thrive in the warm climate we have here in Florida. Warm-season grasses include zoysia, St. Augustine, and bahiagrass. Below are just a few ways to keep your lawn good-looking and healthy throughout the spring and even into the summer. Keep Your Lawn Good-Looking Before doing anything drastic, you'll want to fine-tune your basic mowing and watering tasks. Since mowing does, after all, damage grass and give fungi in the soil a chance to infect it, make sure not to cut your lawn too short. Keep the grass about 3.5 to 4 inches tall, and never cut more than 1/3 of the leaf blade at any given time (mowing once a week is sufficient). If your mower blade is dull, sharpen it. Grass recovers more quickly when it's sharply cut than when it's dully chopped at. Water your lawn once every three days so that it...

At Impact Pest Elimination, we know that customers have to fight more than just ants, termites, and cockroaches, which is why we offer specialized services for those less common, but still threatening, pests. The following are those pests. Bedbugs Having bedbugs doesn't mean that you have a dirty home. These critters can latch onto clothes, shoes, or luggage, so you may have brought them back after staying at a hotel. Regardless of how they got there, we'll get them out. You can ask about heat treatments, which raise the temperature of individual rooms to a point that's lethal for bedbugs, or you might want to think about freezing options. Ticks and Fleas Fleas can be found flying around your pet or living in your carpet, upholstery, and curtains. Before they start nipping at your ankles, hire us. We can safely administer chemical agents that kill fleas, and we'll find ways to...