Thursday, May 26, 2016

The importance of pest control in your Stuart, FL home



No homeowner really wants to surrender to pests in the house, but a lot of homeowners in Stuart, FL are in a mild stage of denial about having a pest control problem in their homes. This is somewhat understandable, because once you admit you really do have a pest problem, it means you are obliged to do something about it. Here are some reasons that pest problems should not be overlooked, and should instead be addressed at the earliest opportunity.

Foods can become contaminated
Rats and mice can chew through practically anything, including cereal boxes and bags of flour or sugar. They will come in contact with all content inside, and may even leave feces and urine behind. Cockroaches pick up bacteria from sewage and debris they crawl through, then transfer it to foods they find in the home.

Pests can cause structural damage to the home
Termites can cause unbelievable damage to the structure of a house, once they become entrenched. Posts, floor supports, ceiling supports, drywall, and more are all fair game to these ravenous vermin, and by the time you see the problem it has already become a major one. Only a professional will be able to eliminate the whole population of termites.

Pests carry and spread disease
Common houseflies are capable of carrying more than 100 pathogens like typhoid, tuberculosis, and polio, which can infect humans and animals and cause serious health issues. Ticks are also disease carriers, and are known to pass on typhus, Lyme disease, and encephalitis to household residents. Cockroaches can cause rashes in humans simply by crawling over the skin, but the 33 different kinds of bacteria carried by cockroaches can also cause allergic reactions and trigger asthma episodes in younger children.

Best course of action
This is only a partial listing of the catalog of diseases, health problems, and home damage that pests in the home can cause, and it’s easy to see that the most prudent course of action when home pests are suspected, is to immediately consult with a pest control professional. A home visit by Ambassador Pest Management in Stuart will identify which kinds of pests are involved, and that will indicate what the course of action should be to make your home pest-free.

Thursday, May 5, 2016

When Should You Call a Termite Exterminator in Stuart, FL?



The sad fact about living in South Florida is that termites will present a threat to your home at some point or another. Another unfortunate truth is that most people will not even know when they have a termite problem. It's an excellent idea to make the time to inspect your home on a regular basis for any of the signs that you may need to call a termite exterminator.

Here are three things to look for that may indicate you're having a problem:

Signs of Damage to Your Home's Wood 
 This is a sign that may not be discovered right away, but it is a reliable one of a current problem or of one in the past.  Anywhere that soil, mulch or landscaping is coming into direct contact with wood, there is a risk of termite infestation. Using a hammer or screwdriver, tap at the wood in question and listen for a dull, hollow sound. Areas where moisture comes into contact with wood can be the cause of decay, and should be carefully examined.

Evidence of Mud Shelter Tubes 
 Although they can be difficult to see, blending in to the surrounding concrete or soil, mud tubes on your foundation or crawl space piers are a good indicator of a termite infestation.  Check carefully along slabs and foundation walls, paying special attention to the area where the soil meets the home, the corners, and in any cracks that may exist. You can use a sharp tool such as a screwdriver to chip these mud tubes open to look for any signs of live termites.

Swarmers Around Lights and Windowsills 
 One of the first signs a homeowner may have of an infestation is swarms of termites near lights or on windowsills, or evidence of wings in spider webs or cobwebs. If you find signs of them indoors, this is generally a pretty reliable indicator that you have a problem. Swarms of termites outside may also indicate that a structure nearby is suffering an infestation. It's important to know the difference between termites and winged ants, as they can commonly be mistaken for the other.

If you are seeing any of the above signs, it's time to call a professional pest control company. Engaging an experienced termite exterminator as quickly as possible is key to saving you time, money and heartache. Don't try to deal with a termite infestation on your own. Call Ambassador Pest Management in Stuart and West Palm Beach today for a free, no obligation inspection and service estimate. Your 100% satisfaction is guaranteed! 866-632-0088