Rodent Control in San Antonio

Are You Facing a Squirrel Invasion? Does these Hairy Fellows Getting on your Nerves? Call Us Today For the Best Rodent Control Services in Town.

Ah! The summer is the time to let it all loose – open windows, wide welcoming doors beckoning the warmth to enter and stay till it lasts. As much as we love spending most our time outdoors, there are some small, furry creatures looking to enter your home and nest for the coming season. These are non-other than the cute, the lively and ever so harmless creatures – the squirrels. Looking at these tiny furry friends hopping about here and there in your backyard or garden is quite interesting. But once they get indoors, rodents – squirrels in particular – can cause a quite much of damage to the property and also to the state of mind of the residents. But worry no more and rely on only the best professionals to take care of such a situation. Carry on reading through this article to find more about what is Rodent Infestation and know your options at hiring a hand with the best rodent control services in town.

Get to know your Furry Friends:

Rodents, small gnawing little creatures are the largest class of mammals. Squirrels, often named synonymous with nuisance can be classified in three categories: the tree squirrels, the ones that live and nest on the ground, and finally the squirrels that are known to “fly”. The squirrels falling under these three classes are known as a risk to the homes and properties since these cause damages to the structure of the homes and also the lawns etc. Other species of squirrels like the fox squirrels, the red and the eastern grey squirrels are the ones that run into the human populace and their constructions more often than the rest of the categories.
• How do they look?
Before heading towards Rodent Control basics, let’s familiarize you with the threat at hand. The typical mature squirrel can measure from 12 to 25 inches or be around 30 to 64 cm in length. Since most of the species are keen hikers, these irritant squirrels are characteristically brawny and are equipped with piercing nails. They come in a variety of beautiful colors including the hues of brown, red, gray and black. Their significant trait – their fur, is diminutive, dense, and thickest alongside the tail area. The nature has beautifully changed the color tone on the underbellies of almost all the irritant squirrels as compared to the furry coat on their back.
• Where they prefer to nest?
With a food mostly comprising of flowers, seeds, nuts, herb like plants, and various types of fungi, these irritant squirrels favor inhabiting woodland spaces all the way through the adjoining United States of America, the South of Canada and towards the North-east of Mexico. Many European nations like England, Scotland, Ireland and the Italy have recently been acquainted with certain kinds of squirrels. In these states these squirrels are thought to be intrusive nuisances.
Generally speaking, all squirrels like to live among the forestry and trees but how and where they choose to nest is a different thing. Just like every other animal, the traits of these furry friends vary from every kind of specie. For instance the squirrels known as the fox squirrels fancy the diverse forests with the pine trees and the oak trees where the spaces among the trees are far and wide. On the other hand, the eastern gray squirrel who barely likes travelling along the ground prefers living in the forests in which they can easily travel over the high level of branches and leaves
• Can squirrels cross the threshold of your yards and come inside your homes?
Yes, indeed! Squirrels are the most common creature to crawl in to your yards and garden and eventually end up inside your homes. As hibernating animals, many times these squirrels make their way inside your homes especially the stores and the attic in the basements. Here they settle to avoid the upcoming winter chill. Front yards or the back yards that have an abundance of shrubbery and undergrowth are the most eye-catching for squirrels, since trees can be a place to get shelter as well as a basis for all their food related needs.
• Can squirrels cause any sort of damage to the public and/or their properties?
Squirrels are basically a very friendly and a non-violent creature therefore they are proficient of moderately serene shared living with people. On the other hand, they do have the capability for obliteration. In the garden and yards, squirrels can go digging up for seeds and nuts that might have gotten buried. This is the action that makes holes in the yard and affects the overall look of the garden. Furthermore they stamp on and consume from the shrubberies in the lawns, nourish on the fillings of pots left out for birds in addition to chewing on the bird-houses.
Once inside the home, squirrels can get comfortable in attics and dark store rooms. They can start chewing and gnawing on walls made up of wood and endangers the humans as well as themselves by gnawing on the electricity wiring.
• How to Implement Rodent Control and Ensure Safety?
The best way for rodent control is altering your homes and gardens/lawns in a way that makes them the slightest promising to squirrel nesting. It is important that the landholders confirm that there are no cracked windows and small snaps in the attics are mended. Always keep a check on chimneys since this is a potential entrance, so close them with net covers. Keep up a fence around your gardens to keep squirrels out along with regular trimming of the trees in your yard.
• Why do you need Rodent Control Service?
Squirrels are thought-of as a hunting game in numerous states so catching these rodents may necessitate the obtaining of an exceptional license. Moreover, although squirrels are known to be the least hostile, it is always advisable to hire a skilled expert instead of attempting to grab these harsh animals lacking the appropriate information or support. Our qualified flora and fauna experts are capable at classifying the diverse classes of squirrels and treating Rodent Control correctly and compassionately. Our Website

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Methods of Termite Control

Methods of Termite Control

Just as you use many techniques you use to control the pests in your home, there are multiple methods that can be used to control the termites in your home, but there is no single method that can be adopted by all, it really depends on your situation. The termite control method varies from the type of termite you have, the extent to which they have infested in your home or the construction of your home. There so much species of termite that live in our surrounding that it is sometimes really difficult to identify the right method for their removal.
Types of damages
You can suffer from different types of problems if they are present in your home. They can cause harm to your house both internally as well as externally. One possibility is that they will infest deep inside the ground of your house and damage the foundation. If you have a lot of wood work done in your home, they can attack those wooden areas and then live their while damaging the area. It is really difficult to detect the presence of their nests especially in the wooden areas that you have to use certain methods to be sure about their presence. Once their presence is detected then particular measures should be taken in order to get rid of them in a proper manner. There are specific experts who have thorough knowledge about their treatment and behavior. By using their help you can easily make your home termite free.
Use of chemicals and pesticides
This is the most effective and widely used method of getting the termites of any kind of pests from the area. There are many new practices which are being followed in advanced patterns to get rid of termites. You just have to use a few pesticides that suit the termite control and you will experience much better results. There are multiple poisons and pest control medicines that can be obtained from the market for termite control. One of those medicines is chlordane which is much popular and effective for this particular type of problem.
Use of soil treatment
As the presence of termites is widely feasible in the ground areas, that can be an effective method of using pesticides against them. You can treat a particular area once the presence of termites is confirmed. Just take the targeted area and make the effective use of pest controls in that area of your home. You just have to cover the areas in the house which can most likely of getting the termites in it. When all those points are covered it will not be possible for them to enter the soil or garden area which will protect the foundations of the area.
Electronic and temperature sensitive treatment
It is not hidden that most kinds of pests are really sensitive to temperature. If you bring small changes in the temperature they will die right away without much effort. Once they are terminated, you can use a vacuum to get rid of their presence. If the termites have infested in your furniture, you can make the use of extremely hot or cold temperature to get rid of them with a little amount of effort. Also, the use of electronic as well as microwave conduct can kill any kind of termites present in your dry wood furniture or small objects. But, there is no guarantee that once treated they will not occur again. You have to check the area frequently after small intervals that whether they are growing again or not.
Termination of food resources
This is basically a prevention strategy. If you want your home termite free, then you have to take certain measures so that they do not get the favorable environment to live and then ultimately die. These are the easy methods. Just remove the food resources that are most likely liked by termites which include the wooden objects. The elements that promote the moisture or remain moist most of the time should also be removed from your home. If your house has any kind of leakages, you should get the plumber and get it fixed at the right time. Savage system should also be maintained in the right way.
Placement of termite baits
When you use chemicals in the soil, they last fro only a few years and after that, you have to think of new solutions about getting rid of termites. In that case, there is a long lasting solution for your problem. You can install the termite baits in your ground area. This will work in the way that when the termites will find these baits, they will eat them and after eating they will be dead. There is a lot of research being done in the field of developing advanced bait systems. You can also detect the colonies of termites and then use these baits in the areas where there is more problem.
Liquid treatments
There are some kinds of termiticides that are available in the form of liquids. With the help of these, the termites would not be able to get into the soil and get the amount of water content which is necessary for their survival. The entry and presence of termites can be avoided by this method. You just have to drill the area such as slab if the liquid does not pass on. However, if it is an easy method to insert the liquid it can be directly entered in the area to kill the termites.
These were some of the methods for termite control. With a lot of research it is not possible for termites to live for a longer period of time on your home, however, there is more research being carried out and after that, the control will be even more effective. If you are facing and infestation of termites, it is good to make the use of multiple methods because that will be helpful in killing the pests of different species.

te Control
Just as you use many techniques you use to control the pests in your home, there are multiple methods that can be used to control the termites in your home, but there is no single method that can be adopted by all, it really depends on your situation. The termite control method varies from the type of termite you have, the extent to which they have infested in your home or the construction of your home. There so much species of termite that live in our surrounding that it is sometimes really difficult to identify the right method for their removal.
Types of damages
You can suffer from different types of problems if they are present in your home. They can cause harm to your house both internally as well as externally. One possibility is that they will infest deep inside the ground of your house and damage the foundation. If you have a lot of wood work done in your home, they can attack those wooden areas and then live their while damaging the area. It is really difficult to detect the presence of their nests especially in the wooden areas that you have to use certain methods to be sure about their presence. Once their presence is detected then particular measures should be taken in order to get rid of them in a proper manner. There are specific experts who have thorough knowledge about their treatment and behavior. By using their help you can easily make your home termite free.
Use of chemicals and pesticides
This is the most effective and widely used method of getting the termites of any kind of pests from the area. There are many new practices which are being followed in advanced patterns to get rid of termites. You just have to use a few pesticides that suit the termite control and you will experience much better results. There are multiple poisons and pest control medicines that can be obtained from the market for termite control. One of those medicines is chlordane which is much popular and effective for this particular type of problem.
Use of soil treatment
As the presence of termites is widely feasible in the ground areas, that can be an effective method of using pesticides against them. You can treat a particular area once the presence of termites is confirmed. Just take the targeted area and make the effective use of pest controls in that area of your home. You just have to cover the areas in the house which can most likely of getting the termites in it. When all those points are covered it will not be possible for them to enter the soil or garden area which will protect the foundations of the area.
Electronic and temperature sensitive treatment
It is not hidden that most kinds of pests are really sensitive to temperature. If you bring small changes in the temperature they will die right away without much effort. Once they are terminated, you can use a vacuum to get rid of their presence. If the termites have infested in your furniture, you can make the use of extremely hot or cold temperature to get rid of them with a little amount of effort. Also, the use of electronic as well as microwave conduct can kill any kind of termites present in your dry wood furniture or small objects. But, there is no guarantee that once treated they will not occur again. You have to check the area frequently after small intervals that whether they are growing again or not.
Termination of food resources
This is basically a prevention strategy. If you want your home termite free, then you have to take certain measures so that they do not get the favorable environment to live and then ultimately die. These are the easy methods. Just remove the food resources that are most likely liked by termites which include the wooden objects. The elements that promote the moisture or remain moist most of the time should also be removed from your home. If your house has any kind of leakages, you should get the plumber and get it fixed at the right time. Savage system should also be maintained in the right way.
Placement of termite baits
When you use chemicals in the soil, they last fro only a few years and after that, you have to think of new solutions about getting rid of termites. In that case, there is a long lasting solution for your problem. You can install the termite baits in your ground area. This will work in the way that when the termites will find these baits, they will eat them and after eating they will be dead. There is a lot of research being done in the field of developing advanced bait systems. You can also detect the colonies of termites and then use these baits in the areas where there is more problem.
Liquid treatments
There are some kinds of termiticides that are available in the form of liquids. With the help of these, the termites would not be able to get into the soil and get the amount of water content which is necessary for their survival. The entry and presence of termites can be avoided by this method. You just have to drill the area such as slab if the liquid does not pass on. However, if it is an easy method to insert the liquid it can be directly entered in the area to kill the termites.
These were some of the methods for termite control. With a lot of research it is not possible for termites to live for a longer period of time on your home, however, there is more research being carried out and after that, the control will be even more effective. If you are facing and infestation of termites, it is good to make the use of multiple methods because that will be helpful in killing the pests of different species.

The post Methods of Termite Control appeared first on Jenkins Pest.

from Jenkins Pest https://jenkinspest.com/2017/12/05/methods-of-termite-control/
via https://jenkinspest.com

Texas, San Antonio Termite Control

Termite control is a major concern with most Texas homeowners at some time in their life. In order to prevent certain species of termites from invading your home or commercial building, it is highly recommended to do Texas termite control regularly.

The biggest risks associated with termites are found with the damage that is created from their infestation, as well as the expense to repair Texas termite damage. Therefore, every homeowner in Texas should do regular termite inspections in order to prevent or eliminate this invading threat.

No other insect can make more damage to you home than that of these timber destroying pests. The structure of your Texas residence may be in danger as you discover areas that have either been softened or have begun to crumble apart as a result of termite infestation. The good news is that as a Texas homeowner you can consider a proactive approach to termite damage.

Unfortunately, most home owners in Texas are only proactive and call a Texas termite inspector when they are selling their home. Fact is however, that termite control measurements should be scheduled on an annual basis, and not simply a result of a home sale or purchase. During the time where your home is not being inspected, you will often discover various forms of termite infestation. As a homeowner, you would like to avoid the expenses which are associated with repairing termite damaged areas as a result of a termite infestation.

Utilizing a Texas termite control firm which uses high tech equipment to ensure your home is free and clear of termite infestation is well worth the expense. By using solutions that help in preventing infestation with subterranean or drywood termites, you will save money in the long run. Also by having termite inspections done on a regular basis, you will get rid of the risk associated with Texas termites and termite damage.

Of course, there are many more advantages that are available for any individual looking to utilize the services of a Texas termite control company, due to the likelihood of termites which are found in a Texas home. Eliminating the risk of termites is just one example of the preventative opportunities that are available with Texas Pest Control.

If you want to save thousands of dollars in damage repair costs, you should take preventive means to save your home from termites. Getting Texas termite inspections done once or twice in a year can save any home in Texas a lot of money.

How to Control Termites

It is very important to know how to control termites, especially if you live in an older home made of wood or if you live in a warmer, more humid climate. Whether or not you already have an infestation, everybody should know how to control termites in order to prevent thousands of dollars of damage to your home and property. The first thing that should be done to control termites is to check and see if you have an infestation. Check your home and property for any rotting or damaged wood; including support beams and foundations as well as walls and floors. It would also be smart to check around foundations and in unfinished basements for tunnels in the mud that would indicate an infestation of subterranean termites.

Termites feed on the cellulose that is naturally found in wood, and can cause serious structural damage to a building. These pesky insects nest in the earth and cause damage to wood found closer to the ground. In homes and buildings, the damage caused by a termite infestation can be destructive and can be very expensive if not treated as soon as possible. If action is not taken immediately, the damage caused will gradually become worse and the affected structure will eventually become unsalvageable.

The effect of termite damage causes the wood’s overall integrity and reliability to become compromised. Only about a centimeter in length, these tiny pests can be subtle and relatively unnoticeable as they destroy the infested building. Every year, the damage caused by termite infestations is more than $100 million dollars. As deforestation occurs, termites have to take flight in search of alternative food sources. Since they are unable to determine or recognize the difference in food sources, anything that contains or has been built from wood can be an enticing meal. Because they eat cellulose, their diet has been known to include important papers, money, books, and furniture. Pool liners and filters have also been damaged.

For methods of how to control termites, there are several options available. The most obvious option would be to hire an exterminator, but this can be prohibitively expensive. It is possible to treat a termite infestation yourself. The first step is to go around the property and clean up any dead wood, branches, or log piles. Either remove these from the property or elevate them off of the ground so that termites cannot reach them. Next, seal up any cracks in the walls and foundations that the termites may be using to get into the house.

Finally, there are several products available for purchase used to kill termites. Termite bait is left near the infestation, and the termites carry it into the colony where the colony is poisoned and dies. There are also termite sprays available that kill termites on contact and can be used on partially exposed infestations. It would be best to combine both treatments for maximum effectiveness. Although everyone should know how to control termites, which method that is chosen to eradicate a current infestation is entirely up to the preference of the home owner. An exterminator would be expensive, but quick. If the home owner chooses to deal with the problem themselves, it may take longer, but the cost is much lower and the home owner is in full control of the chemicals used and their distribution.

Termite Varieties

Although termites are very small insects, they have voracious appetites. Unfortunately, their voracious appetites can result in many thousands of dollars of damages for property owners. Therefore, most property owners would probably benefit from learning more about termites. Although there are more than three hundred varieties of termites around the world, only four main varieties of termites are commonly found in the United States. The four varieties of termites found in the United States are Drywood, Dampwood, Subterranean, and Formosan termites.

Drywood Termite

Approximately 3/8-inch long with a large brown head, drywood termites do not require any contact with the ground or with soil. These termites live exclusively in wood, digesting the cellulose they find in common wooden household items to obtain the moisture that they need. Drywood termites often create not just one or a few colonies, but instead create multiple colonies within a single structure. The most common way that property owners discover their property is infested with drywood termites is by seeing their fecal pellets. However, many property owners confuse the fecal pellets of the drywood termites with sawdust.

Dampwood Termite

Like drywood termites, dampwood termites do not live in the soil or ground. Instead, dampwood termites establish their colonies in rotting or damp wood. Thus, dampwood termites often can be found in decaying ground wood around the exterior of homes. To avoid property damage from dampwood termites, particularly in tropical or mild climates, property owners should address those interior and exterior areas of their structures that are prone to moisture.

Subterranean Termite

Of all the varieties of termites found in the United States, the subterranean termite is the most common variety. Subterranean termites are usually transparent and somewhat yellow in appearance. They usually have dark heads and pale bodies. Subterranean termites are most likely to swarm in the spring. In warmer climates, however, they may swarm throughout the year. Subterranean termites are known for creating large colonies with very long, intricate tunnel systems. Because subterranean termites require constant contact with a moisture source, their colonies are usually located in the soil. Subterranean termites build long tunnel tubes to reach food sources. Thus, property owners should look for these termite tubes in order to determine if their property is infested with subterranean termites.

Formosan Termite

Formosan Termite are sometimes referred to as “super termites”. Formosan termites are frequently considered to be the most destructive of all the varieties of termites in the world. They are usually a pale yellow in color, although the color of the kings and queens varies significantly from light to dark. Formosan termites have the largest colonies of any variety of termites.

These colonies can have as many as eight million members and be three hundred feet in size. Because the colonies are so large and formosan termites are so difficult to detect, they often do a tremendous amount of damage before they are discovered.

Because termite damage can be extensive and expensive to repair, property owners should be vigilant about inspecting their properties for the presence of termites. If they do not know what they are looking for, they should consider calling in experts to assist them in this process. The best way to avoid damage from termites is through prevention and maintenance. Property owners who properly prevent termite infestation and maintain their properties free of these pests avoid the need to repair termite damage later.

Drywood Termite Control

Drywood termites, as you most probably already know, are exceptionally secretive insects and it can be a real challenge to determine whether or not you are having a drywood termite infestation. Most often, people only realize that they have one too many termites in their home at a much later date and by then, the infestation would have got really bad. Drywood termites thrive best when they live deep inside wood, so the only chance you will actually have to detect drywood termite activities in your home would be the period when the insects swarm. Basically, drywood termite colonies tend to be small but widely dispersed and the colonies only mature when left unchecked over several years, so if you are a responsible homeowner, then you may be able to avoid a full-scale infestation by investigating the presence of termites every so often.

Drywood termite treatment starts with making sure that you are actually having a drywood termite problem. In general, because drywood termites are not exactly huge in nature and they do tend to be quite secretive, detection of whether or not you have drywood termites feeding on your pieces of furniture might not always be as easy as you would have liked it to be. A full-scale investigation of your home will most probably require you to move around panelings as well as stuccoes. For effective drywood termite treatment, you will need to look for things such as signs of feeding damage, shed wings, termite fecal pellets, as well as kickout holes.

Drywood termite treatment methods are basically of two types and these are whole-structure drywood termite treatment or localized drywood termite treatment. To learn more about these technical terms, read on.

By definition, a whole-structure drywood termite treatment is the simultaneous treatment of all infestations in a structure, while a localized or spot treatment has more to do with a restrictive control method which addresses a single issue.

1. For whole structure drywood termite treatment, fumigants are used to treat infestations simultaneously. In general, fumigation shows a relatively high success rate and your home should be termite-free within days. Alternatively, if you do not wish to invade your home with smoke, you can make use of what is known as a heat treatment. Heat treatment is basically a non-chemical drywood termite treatment, which has been used for decades now. The treatment process basically involves heating all wood at a temperature of 120°F and above for no less than 35 minutes.

2. For localized drywood termite treatment, you can choose to make use of an aerosol spray or a liquid insecticide. The dust formulations are also known to work quite remarkably although it is highly recommended that you pay special attention to the instructions on the label of the insecticide you choose to use. Not all insecticides function the same way. In general, chemical control for drywood termite treatment shows a success rate that can range from 33% to 100%.

Drywood termites are basically primitive termites that cause much damage but often go unnoticed by homeowners for the simple reason that they are really similar to the very popular subterranean termites. Drywood termites belong to what is known as the Kalotermitidae family. As a general rule, most drywood termites only infest in dead trees.

Perhaps the biggest problem where drywood termite control is concerned is actually finding the very elusive nest locations. Basically, drywood termites form relatively small colonies so it can be quite hard to locate where they actually have their nests concealed. Apart from that little consideration, drywood termite control is pretty straightforward.

It is generally acknowledged that the most probable locations for drywood termites to build their nests are places such as the inside of furniture, the inside of wall studs, or even framing structures. It is very unlikely for you to find nests in wall voids so there is no point in you looking there. In fact, perhaps the easiest way for you to discover drywood termite nests is to actually study the wood surfaces around your personal space, they might have a lot to reveal.

Basically, drywood termites are known to chew away wood until only a thin sheet remains separating the termites from the environment, pretty clever little creatures, don’t you think? Anyway, the thing is, it might not always be easy for you to spot drywood termite infestation. Sometimes by the time you discover you have an infestation, your furniture is positively gone.

To identify a drywood termite infestation, you need to watch out for things such as piles of frass or even pieces of wood chippings. If you suspect an infestation, before you undertake any form of drywood termite control, you might want to tap rather soundly the furniture around your home and watch out for any falling frass.

Once discovered, drywood termites can be treated on the spot by injecting a generous amount of insecticide into any nest you discover. As for the larger infestations, you might need some more serious drywood termite treatment. Fumigation, for instance, might control several colonies in one go.

On a separate note, you might also consider a few non-chemical drywood termite control treatments such as heat treatments and such things.

Call our San Antonio Pest Control Experts for a Termite Inspection Today!

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Pest Control in New Braunfels

New Braunfels Pest Control

We have the knowledge and experience needed to exterminate any pest that you have on your property.

Pest Control Done Right

Jenkins Pest & Lawn Pest Control New Braunfels is experienced in dealing with all types of pests common to South Texas. No matter if in your house or garden your house or commercial property is suffering from fleas, termites, or even snakes and bats. We can safely remove and exterminate any pests on your residential or commercial property.

We understand the importance of your home or business, and we are capable of protecting your property from insects and other animals. All pests are eliminated safely, quickly and economically. We’re New Braunfels’ pest control experts, specializing in all types of pests. You certainly don’t want to share your home with bugs, ants, rodents, cockroaches or any other pests, so we assure you that we will do the right job the first time around.

Jenkins Pest & Lawn Pest Control has been in the Pest Control Business gaining the respect of all clients. Our specialty is removing unwanted vermin safely and effectively. If you are a business or homeowner and have a problem, we can help.
Reasons you need pest control

Pest control isn’t a one-size-fits-all problem, as different pests need to be dealt with in a variety of ways. Most likely you don’t have the time to do all the necessary research on how to rid your home or business of pests.  This is why you need the help of an expert with a proven track record. Our exterminators are extremely knowledgeable about all types of pests you may be encountering and know the best way to get rid of them.

Your health and the health of your family and customers is of extreme importance. Many pests carry diseases, so a quick and thorough elimination of them is necessary, preventing the spread of contamination.

It might seem that it is more cost effective to carry out pest control by yourself. But it can turn out to be more expensive then you planned when you take into account the traps and chemicals you need to purchase, your time and the clean-up. DYI treatments aren’t always effective and need to be continually re-done to be successful. Our exterminators treat the issue at the source, so you can rest assured that your pests will be removed and will not return.[/fusion_text][/fullwidth][fullwidth background_color=”#dd0000″ background_image=”” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_webm=”” video_mp4=”” video_ogv=”” video_preview_image=”” overlay_color=”” overlay_opacity=”0.5″ video_mute=”yes” video_loop=”yes” fade=”no” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding_top=”20″ padding_bottom=”20″ padding_left=”” padding_right=”” hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” menu_anchor=”” class=”” id=””][title size=”2″ content_align=”center” style_type=”none” sep_color=”” margin_top=”30px” margin_bottom=”20px” class=”” id=””]

Experience you can trust. From exterminating pests including termite inspections, flying ants, bed bug treatment or any of the other pest control services you may need, call us today (210) 979-7378!

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Commercial Pest Control in New Braunfels

Effective commercial pest control is supremely important. One of the main reasons is that a pest infestation can severely damage your businesses reputation. If your customers or clients spot a rat, mouse or cockroach, your hygiene will be put into question. Having a pest-free commercial environment is of particular importance if you’re in the food or catering sector, as a bad report from a health inspector can break your business.

Another important reason to carry out commercial pest control is that pests can cause serious health risks,these pests will be bringing with them legal and insurance implications. Pests can damage your stock and make your customers or employees fall ill.

Don’t wait until you have a full-blown infestation, contact Jenkins Pest & Lawn – Pest Control for New Braunfels and schedule an appointment the first time you spot an animal or insect. We can resolve the issue in a quick and efficient manner, saving you a lot of headaches in the future.

Residential Pest Control New Braunfels

Controlling the pests in your home is a daily and seemingly endless battle. You may have thought things were under control, only to have the insects or animals return. If you’re facing this battle, it’s time you contact us to hire the professional services of Jenkins Pest & Lawn Pest Control.

When you hire pest control New Braunfels professionals, our exterminators work to safely remove any pests from your home. These pests make you and your family vulnerable to possible illnesses, be it from contact with rodent dropping or bites. We are dedicated to providing an efficient and reliable service to your home, preventing any health issues or structural damage caused by the presence of pests in your residence.

Types of Pests

There is a wide range of common rodents and insects throughout Texas. Due to its location and environment, pests often seek refuge in buildings. Whatever your pest problem, our team of experts can identify it and use the correct prevention methods and techniques, making sure that the infestation is not recurring.

Some of the animal pests that are common in New Braunfels are rats, bats, squirrels, snakes, raccoons, and armadillos. Rats are one of the most popular species of wildlife and can wreak havoc in your home or business by chewing electrical wires, possibly leading to a fire. Snakes can burrow into your home in search of food or shelter, and raccoons will tear through your garbage. Removal of these animals can be a dangerous task which should only be handled by professionals.

Common insect pests include termites, cockroaches, fire, sugar and carpenter ants, and bedbugs. Our staff is fully trained to deal with all of these pests and our professional exterminators can intervene to remove pests from your home efficiently and safely.

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When you need expert pest control, contact Jenkins Pest & Lawn Pest Control for a consultation at (210) 979-7378 and put your pest problems to bed. We are dedicated to providing exceptional service to your customers. We pride ourselves on being the most reliable pest control New Braunfels service, so contact us now!

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Maintenance Tips For Flea And Tick Season

Spring is a hopeful time for many people; it signifies new beginnings as the warmer weather helps nature flourish. However, to veterinarians, spring is better known as flea and tick season. As your pets excitedly explore the warmer outdoors, they will be greeted by all the creeping, crawling, and flying creatures that come out during this time.

Taking preventative measures is important, particularly ensuring that your pets are up to date with any treatments and medications. However, there are also steps you can take at home to prevent bringing fleas and ticks into your home. Prepare your pets for the season by following these spring maintenance tips.

Perform Regular Yard Maintenance

To help deter fleas and ticks from your garden, you should make sure you regularly clean and maintain it. You can commonly find nests in compost piles, old tree trunks, and piles of wet leaves, so be sure to keep your yard clean as best you can. Keep your lawn, bushes and trees well-trimmed and avoid leaving trash out in the open.
Garbage and refuse areas must always be sealed and tightly shut, as leaving anything exposed may attract wild animals who can bring in ticks and fleas. Birds can also bring these pests into your yard, so it may be best to limit these visitors and not put out feeders or bird baths. They may still be attracted to your pet’s food or water bowls if these are left outdoors, so it’s best to keep these inside.

Follow Proper Grooming Procedures

Practicing regular grooming is important, particularly during the warmer seasons. Cats and dogs should be brushed at least once a week, but if your pet’s coat is prone to tangling, then it’s best to do so daily.
Take this opportunity to check your pet for any indication of flea bites. These tend to itch, so you may notice your dog or cat excessively scratching, licking, or biting at their skin. If you see any red, itchy spots on the skin that appear to be oozing or moist, this could indicate a particularly severe reaction. It may be best to consult your vet in this case.
Regular bathing, grooming, and combing will help to prevent flea infestations, particularly when using repellents and a flea comb. You should always follow your vet’s advice when using flea or tick shampoo, pills, powders, or drops.

Clean Your Home

As well as keeping your yard and pet clean, you should also keep your home clean. Be sure to wash your pet’s bedding regularly, and if you spot any ticks or fleas, it may be best to replace these altogether until you know your home is free of these pests.
Vacuuming is crucial, but if you suspect a flea infestation, then it is important that you remove the cleaner bag in your vacuum and place this outdoors after use. In this case, you should also wash all bedding and curtains in your home and treat your carpeting with flea powder. It may be best to consult a pest control expert to ensure you properly eradicate these pests from your property. Call Jenkins Pest any Time with any questions you might have.

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Helpful Tips On Flea Control and Prevention

Prevention and control of fleas is an issue in many parts of this country as pet owners work to keep their pets healthy and itch-free. The flea general life span is only two weeks to eight months in length, depending on the species, with much of that being in the larval and pupal stages of life which don’t affect your dog.

Flea Control San Antonio

Fleas lay eggs in likely hatching zones where the larvae will best survive once they have hatched. Larvae love sand, gravel, loose dirt, cracks and crevices, insides of furniture, and other dry, out-of-the-way places. Eggs take from two days to two weeks to hatch and larvae will wrap themselves into a cocoon and gestate further for another five to fourteen days. At this point, they are virtually immune to chemical pesticides until they emerge as adult fleas. Flea bites cause a myriad of problems for pets and their owners, including itching and skin problems, hair loss, and infection.

Allergies

Do fleas also cause flea dermatitis. Luckily, there are many ways to deal with fleas to prevent or treat their attacks. Complete treatment will care not only for the pet, but also the pet’s environment, keeping the fleas from reemerging once the pet has been treated.Flea bites – Pest Control San Antonio Around the house and yard, fleas can live in many places, including your pet’s bedding, the furniture, in and around cushions, in thick carpeting, and more. Before using any treatment, it’s a good idea to vacuum everything thoroughly to remove debris that might shield the fleas. This will also likely pull up many of the flea eggs, larvae, and adults, so make sure to dispose of the bag as soon as you are finished vacuuming so they don’t live and grow inside the bag and find an escape later. Simple tasks like washing pet bedding in hot water regularly and keeping pet areas clean will prevent fleas from mounting any major assaults on your pet. Out in the yard, areas that your pet spends a lot of time in are very susceptible to flea infestations. These include the dog house, flower beds, under and around decks and porches, and in piles of brush, leaves, and debris. Before using any flea treatment, as in your house, make sure all debris and clutter are cleared out to maximize the fleas exposure to your treatment. Mow, rake, and sweep areas clear. Prevention includes cleaning the dog house regularly (usually with the garden hose and soap or bleach), vacuuming the car regularly, and sweeping and mopping areas of bare floor, paying special attention to the crevices and tight corners. There are many options for treating affected areas inside and out, just be sure that whichever one you choose, you follow the directions carefully. If you have a serious infestation, whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, you will probably want to re-treat it again in two or three weeks.

Here are a few ways to control fleas on your dog

Shampoos Using a flea shampoo and thoroughly bathing and rinsing your dog will kill almost all adult fleas. If you have the capacity (a large tub or container the dog can immerse in), dipping is the most effective method in this regard if you have a serious flea problem. There are side effects to dipping, however, such as heavy residues and the fact that your dog and children could become sick if they contact the dip. For most infestations, a good and thorough flea shampooing is enough. Topicals: These are the drops or rubs you see on the shelf that are applied between the dogs shoulder blades, directly on the skin. They last about a month and kill most adult fleas. Some are growth inhibitors for immature fleas as well, but can’t be used on puppies under 8 weeks of age. Bathing reduces this treatments effectiveness and longevity. Orals For indoor pets, this treatment can be quite effective. Since fleas are naturally attracted to your dog, they will eventually find the dog and bite it (this is where the itching comes from). These pills cause sterility in the fleas, thus eventually killing off the flea population through birth control. This is a long-term solution for light or burgeoning infestations and each pill lasts about a month. Don’t use this for pregnant or nursing dogs. Natural organic solutions are also available and include a lot of options. Dried pennyroyal (a plant), pyrethrum powder (an extract from flowers), or Diatomaceous Earth (also called fossilized phytoplankton or DE) are all natural solutions commonly available.
These are usually sprinkled around pet areas, into bedding, and even directly on the pet. After a day or two, repeat. Eventually, no more fleas. Pennyroyal should not be used on pregnant or nursing dogs or puppies under 8 weeks. Other natural remedies include herbal treatments that can be added to your pet’s bath water or even into their food. DE can also be used in carpeting, lawns, gardens, and more without harm and it kills many insects besides just fleas. Often, two or more of the solutions mentioned herein are combined in products you’ll see available. Fleas are a nasty bunch and can be tricky to get rid of, especially if your infestation is worse than you think it is. Usually, though, with some prevention and diligence, they can be eradicated in just a few days.
Fleas in Carpets
If you’ve got a pet with fleas, you’re soon going to discover you’ve got fleas in your carpets or rugs. It is also possible to get fleas in your house, even if you have bare floors.Flea Control San Antonio How do they get there? They got there because the flea eggs just fell off your pet – it’s as simple as that. Fleas are clever creatures. Sure they can jump pretty well, but fleas don’t spend their lives jumping. If the lifestyle is good, the average flea will try to spend all of their life on the one animal. They live, mate (and if they are female) lay eggs onto your pet. After some time, or with their own grooming, these flea eggs will fall off your pet and into their surroundings. And so, if your pet loves to spend time on a particular mat then you will get fleas on that mat. The longer a pet spends in a particular location the more flea eggs will fall off into that environment. What next? Well, after some time that flea egg will hatch and a larvae, will come out. Flea larvae are actually surprisingly large – up to about 5 mm long. Which is visible!! Except you won’t see them, because these flea stages will be deep in your carpet. There they will feed on scurf and flea dirt (which is the partly digested dry blood which falls off your pet – just like the flea egg did). So these flea larvae will spend a few days to a few weeks feeding deep inside the carpet pile or between the floor boards. Then they will spin themselves a cocoon – the flea stage inside the cocoon is called the pupae. This is the difficult bit. There are a number of flea control products, Frontline springs to mind, which say they will kill all flea stages. The fleas can exist inside the cocoon which is deep in the carpet for months – up to 18-month if the conditions are right. After this time, when the conditions are right and a friendly host, like your dog or cat wanders past, these immature fleas will dig their way out of the cocoon and (this is why they have jumping back legs) spring onto your pet. Within a minute they will feed and within 24-36 hours the females will begin laying flea eggs. And in time these flea eggs will fall off your pet and into your carpet. And low and behold, you have fleas in your carpets or rugs (and fleas in the cracks between floor boards) and that’s where we started the journey. So what to do. It’s not rocket science – don’t get all concerned about the carpets – get the fleas killed. With flea control that is the most important thing. If you want to control fleas in your carpets and rugs, just kill the fleas. Kill the fleas on your pet first, and if things are desperate, consider getting a synthetic pyrethroid spray to kill the flea pupae in the carpet.
Types of Natural Flea Treatments for Controlling Pet Fleas

Have you even wondered about using natural flea treatments on your pet dog or cat? Have you wondered whether there is a natural alternative to chemical treatments for flea infestation? Do you want to treat fleas the ‘old fashioned’ way, with a natural flea therapy? Or perhaps you just want to save money by using a natural flea treatment rather than a chemical treatment for fleas. Whatever your reasons you have come to the right place – in this article we will look at options for natural flea treatment as well as some of the ‘modern’ products which actually have their roots in natural therapy.
Types of Natural Flea treatments

There are three main types of natural flea control methods/products: Flea products for killing fleas Flea products for repelling fleas
Natural methods for controlling flea larvae, flea pupae and flea eggs

Generally, the ideal way of controlling fleas using natural products is to use a flea product which actually kills the fleas. The reason for this is that while your pet may get a short term benefit from a flea repellent – the repelled fleas my feed on another pet and still allow flea eggs to be laid in the surroundings of your pet. So in time you may have an even worse flea infestation to deal with if you used a repellent. Ideally you should look for a product that claims to kill fleas.
Natural Flea Products for killing fleas

One of the natural flea treatments which has been known for many centuries is the chrysanthemum daisy. This daisy is responsible for producing a natural chemical called pyrethrum. Pyrethrum has natural insecticide qualities – which is why it is present in the chrysanthemum in the first place. However, generally natural pyrethrum is not a very widely used product. The reason for this is the great expense of growing enough flowers to extract insecticidal quantities of the material. However, pyrethrum is notable because it is the precursor or basis for the development of the synthetic ‘pyrethroids.’ These are chemicals which are similar to pyrethrum in chemical structure and mode of action. There are quite a number of dog and cat shampoos which contain pyrethrum and piperonyl butoxide. Piperonyl butoxide is a ‘synergist’ for the action of the pyrethrum – which means it works together with the pyrethrum to increase the flea killing power – both chemicals work better together than they would apart. In fact, the plant based piperonyl butoxide would not actually have any effectiveness as a flea killer on its own. So while some of the shampoos which contain pyrethrum may not say they are natural – they are certainly related to the pyrethrum which is derived from the chrysanthemum daisy. Borax (boric acid or boracic acid) Another often mentioned natural product is Borax (boric acid or boracic acid). This is claimed to control fleas (but since adult fleas live on pets, it is the environmental stages which we are talking about) in and around pets. When ingested, boric acid can interfere with the internal metabolism of fleas – however, fleas are unlikely to substantially feed on the chemical unless it is mixed with blood. However, the powder form sprinkled around areas where flea stages are to be found can cause irritation of the outer cuticle which can cause death of the flea. Diatomaceous Earth Diatomaceous earth is ironically the fossilized remains of diatoms – which were a type of hard shelled algae – now millions of years after their own deaths, the resulting diatomaceous earths can be sprinkled around areas where environmental control of fleas is required. The diatomaceous earth acts by causing dehydration of the cuticle of the flea or flea larva. Since the cuticle or outer surface is essential for proper functioning of the flea, the diatomaceous earth can cause irritation and death of the flea. It is normal to vacuum up any remaining diatomaceous earth. However, as scientific studies are minimal, it may be that a lot of the effect of diatomaceous earth is the thorough vacuuming that is required after use in the house for the control of fleas. Natural flea products for repelling fleas It is claimed that garlic can be used to repel fleas in small amounts. The active principle in garlic for its healing properties is allicin. However, garlic also contains thiosulfate which can cause hemolytic anemia in dogs. Large quantities of garlic would need to be eaten to cause these signs – up to 50 cloves of garlic at the one time, but it does highlight that ‘natural’ does not always equal safe when it comes to flea treatments. Garlic should be used with caution and ideally in a formulated product which has been sold for some time and which is not known to cause symptoms in dogs. However, as has been noted previously, there is not a lot of value in repelling fleas, particularly if your home environment is infested. In this case you actually want fleas to jump on your pet so that the ‘on animal’ treatment (natural or otherwise) which you have applied can take effect. Natural methods for controlling flea larvae, flea pupae and flea eggs We should all know by now the importance of controlling the off insect stages of fleas – these include flea larvae, flea pupae and flea eggs. There is an amazingly simple ‘natural’ flea control method which does not involve any sort of chemical at all. Vacuuming!!! According to an article called “Ridding your home of Fleas”, Mike Potter, an expert entomologist states that “Vacuuming removes many of the eggs, larvae and pupae developing within the home.” Just good old fashioned suction! To put it simply, if you can remove a lot of the flea life stages from your home, these same stages will no longer be able to reproduce and infest your pet dog or cat. A further benefit of vacuuming is that the vibrations from the cleaner actually stimulate the immature flea (or pre-adult flea) inside the pupa to come out earlier – this means that the flea will come in contact with your on-animal flea control sooner, thus cleaning up your home sooner. Conclusion It is a worthwhile aim to use a natural flea treatment or control if you can. But please be aware that there is not a lot of scientific data to support the use of natural methods of controlling fleas, according to Merchant and Robinson, both entomologists from Texas A&M. If you are looking to purchase a natural flea treatment – rather than using ‘trial and error’ you would be best sticking with a commercially available flea treatment if possible. There are a number on the market which are available for purchase via the internet. Try these first, as since these are successfully being sold it is likely that they are working for at least a number of people. Once you’ve had good success with these flea treatments, you may care to try using some of the natural ingredients that you find on the product label and seeing if you can make up a treatment yourself – but first think about purchasing a commercial flea control product. Treating Fleas It is important for caring pet owners to know, because they will create the most common skin infection of dogs and cats, and therefore fleas cause more skin disease than any other parasite. But while skin disease and flea bite irritation are the most common symptoms of a flea infestation they can also be the vector for diseases such as the flea tapeworm, which can cause anal irritation in affected dogs and cats. Who’s who in the flea family In the flea world, the cat flea Ctenocephalides felis (the first ‘C’ is silent) has generally won the war for dominance on pet dogs and cats. If a survey of a pet population is performed, then it’s likely that some dog fleas would be found particularly in remote areas, but this is uncommon and their numbers much lower than their cat flea counterparts. But then it could also be argued that actually the terms dog fleas and cat fleas are a bit irrelevant – just because long ago a scientist named a particular flea species C. felis, does not mean that it is a ‘cat flea’ any more than C. canis is a ‘dog flea’. Of course, cats and dogs are not just infected with their own species of flea – there are also other species such as: Pulex irritans the human flea; Leptosylla segnis the mouse flea; Spilopsyllus cuniculi the rabbit flea; and Echidnophaga gallinacea the chicken or ‘sticktight’ flea. The common name of the sticktight flea is derived from the fact that on biting a host, it actually permanently attaches using its mouth parts. This allows it to remain attached to the pet (or chicken) long after an effective flea treatment has killed it. This may lead to the mistaken impression that the flea control product did not work effectively. San Antonio Flea Control Another infamous flea is the oriental rat flea Xenopsylla cheopis. This is the flea responsible for causing so much fear in human populations in past times because it is the vector (along with the rat) of the Bubonic Plague or the Black Death – a bacterium called Yersinia pestis which is spread by flea bites. Naturally, the rat flea would prefer to infest rats but when rats are in close contact with humans, there is the possibility of spread of the plague. More nasty consequences! There are other, nasty infections which fleas spread. So called ‘cat scratch fever’ is caused by a bacterium Bartonella henselae which is spread between cats by fleas. The bacterium is actually passed in flea feces which is the likely source of contamination of cat’s claws during their self-grooming. It is estimated that in the US around 2,000 of the 24,000 people infected each year actually require hospital treatment for the infection. Another disease being investigated by veterinary scientists is a condition called ‘Flea Borne Spotted Fever’ or cat flea typhus, which is caused by a bacterium called Rickettsia felis. Interestingly, research would appear to indicate that while the bacteria is present in fleas, it has not been detected in cats. The signs in humans include rash, headache, and central nervous system involvement, with some sufferers reporting nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Without doubt, cat flea typhus would not be the most pleasant way to spend a few days. Natural flea repellants It is apparent that finding and developing all-natural solutions to society’s everyday problems has becoming increasingly popular over the past few decades. Anyone can see the appeal of using products that are less likely to pose potential health hazards to its users and their loved ones. This is especially true when it comes to applying something to your pet, which is in close contact with your home and your family. Consequently, the idea of using a natural flea repellant can seem extremely enticing. There unfortunately are no proven natural flea repellants or natural flea killers on the market currently. However, by word of mouth, there are a number of natural flea repellants that are currently being suggested. Some of these are listed below. Placing eucalyptus leaves in and around your home can be an excellent natural flea repellant due to their unique odor. By mixing garlic and yeast in your pet’s food, you can cause their blood to have an adverse taste so that fleas don’t want to feed on them. (Please keep in mind that raw garlic can be toxic to cats, so this should probably only be used on dogs.) Borax is a natural flea repellant that can be sprinkled on your carpet, in your yard, and along your fence (but be careful because it can apparently kill plants). Food grade Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is inexpensive and can be sprinkled on your yard as well. Some people suggest using a 50:50 mixture of Borax and DE in your yard, on your carpet, and on your furniture. After a few days, be sure to vacuum up the dust mixture. Skin So Soft from Avon, when applied to your pet’s coat, can repel fleas and mosquitoes. Placing cedar chips along your fence line can act as a natural flea repellant and can keep fleas from entering your yard. Planting tansy (a perennial, herbaceous flowering plant) in your yard can repel fleas as well. Using nematodes in your yard can be a way to keep the flea populations under control because the small worms will eat the developing flea larvae. Some people suggest setting a trap for the fleas that enter your yard by placing a desk lamp next to a shallow plate of soapy water. The fleas are attracted to the light and jump onto the plate where they end up sinking in the water and drowning. If natural flea repellants are what you’re looking for, there’s no reason not to give some of the methods mentioned above a shot. However, if they aren’t working for you and your pet, or your pet’s flea infestation is so severe that your pet is obviously suffering, it may be best to consult a veterinarian and treat the existing flea problem now with one of the recommended commercially available products. After the flea situation is under control, it may then be a better time for you to try a natural flea repellant

. If you have any further questions please call Jenkins Pest Control today!

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Termite Control And Treatment San Antonio

Termite Control And Treatment

Out of all the pesky pests we get here in San Antonio, termites have to be one of the worst. Termites are wood destroying insects that can cause havoc to your home. Your home is important to you; you’ve invested a lot of money and time into it, so the last thing you want is some insects destroying it. When your home gets a termite infestation, they won’t often cause noticeable damage until they have been there for around five years.

If you only notice that you have termites when damage is visible, then it could already be too late. Although you can call in a local exterminator to get rid of the termites, you may have to spend a lot of money on fixing the damage these pests have created. To protect your home from infestations, here are some simple ways to control and treat termites.

Types of termites

● Subterranean termite – Subterranean termites build their nests under the ground. They like moisture, as it’s critical to their colony’s survival.

● Drywood termite – Drywood termites make their nests inside of the wood.

● Dampwood termite – Dampwood termites usually live in wood that is damp and decaying. They enjoy high humidity levels and need regular contact with water to survive.

Look for signs of a termite infestation

Although it may not always be noticeable that you have a termite infestation, you shouldn’t ignore the fact that your home is at just as much risk of them as anyone else’s. There are some signs that you can look out for to determine if you have a termite infestation such as holes in wood, sagging floors, and more.

If you see any termites, don’t ignore them. Call out a pest control service so they can help you to determine if your home does indeed have an infestation or look out for the points below:

● Go into your basement with a flashlight and screwdriver and investigate the foundation beams of your home by tapping them with the screwdriver handle. If they sound hollow, this is a sign you have a termite problem. You can push the screwdriver into the wood to check its strength – if the screwdriver pushes in easily, then this is another sign that you may have termites. Use the torch to examine any crawl spaces and entry points.

● If you come across any pellets that are wood colored or dark brown, this could be the termites’ waste. Check any wood that is around the area where you found the pellets.

How to keep the termites out

● Try to keep any shrubbery near your home trimmed back. Don’t let the shrubbery touch your exterior walls, and leave a gap of around 12 inches. This will prevent you from getting any damp areas and it could also uncover any termite damage.

● Don’t direct your sprinklers towards your home’s foundation. If you do this, it creates an environment that is ideal for subterranean termites since they like moisture.

● Don’t create the perfect environment for termites to thrive. Maintain the exterior of your home, so that no water can leak into your walls.

● If you have a crawl space under your home, make sure it is well ventilated.

Termite treatment

To protect your home against termites, use a termite treatment. This is a great way to prevent your home from being infested by termites. For termite control, call out a professional who is an expert when it comes to dealing with pests. The more knowledge and experience they have, the better the treatment will go.

A professional will be able to examine your home and tell you about any treatments that are required to prevent termites in the future. Depending on how accessible your property and its structure are, and how thoroughly the treatment is carried out, it should protect your home from infestations for a few years.

Liquid treatments – Liquid termite treatments can help to prevent termites from entering your home for a few years, as long as it is applied correctly. The treatment only prevents the termites from entering your home; it will not stop them completely. This means that annual checks of your home are still important to ensure that your home has no termites at all. This solution works both inside and outside, so your home has a protective barrier, and it also offers immediate protection against termites.

Bait treatments – Termite bait is when cardboard, paper, and other termite foods are left out for the termites to eat. The bait will be covered in a slow acting termiticide, so when a termite eats it, it doesn’t die near the trap. If the termites died too close to the food, it would deter the others to go near it.

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Inspect Your Home For Termites This Spring

One of the most troublesome pests to pop up during spring is the termite. They can create a lot of trouble for homeowners, causing as much as $5 billion worth of property damage every year. After the last freeze, termites emerge from their nests and begin their search for a new location in which to start a colony.
Don’t give these pests a reason to choose your home as their new breeding ground; use preventative measures and stay on the lookout for signs that your home might have termites.

Termite Prevention Tips

No matter how old your property is, it is always important to follow preventative measures to help keep your home free of termites. The following tips will help you keep these pests away:
Eliminate or reduce moisture: Termites thrive in environments high in moisture. If your home has weathered rain, snow, and ice during the winter, bringing with it moisture damage, then your home becomes a prime target.
Look out for signs of moisture in your home and try to keep your property dry and well ventilated. This advice is important for areas such as crawl spaces, basements, and attics. Any soffits, fascia, and rotted roof shingles should be repaired, along with any leaking pipes or faucets.
Make an effort to divert water away from the foundation of your home, by installing gutters, downspouts, and splash blocks and ensuring these are properly functioning. Any leaks or repairs should be addressed to remove moisture from your home.

Take care with wood: When it comes to termites, you need to be particularly vigilant with wood in and around your home. Be sure to inspect all areas of wood on your property, including skirting boards, door frames, and windows. Keep an 18-inch gap between the wood portions of your home and soil and store firewood at least 5 inches off the ground and 20 feet away from home.

Schedule routine inspections: While it’s important for homeowners to conduct regular inspections around the home for signs of termite damage, the best thing to do is schedule an annual inspection with a qualified pest professional.
Termite damage often goes undetected for long periods, and if you don’t catch it early, then you may be left with substantial damage to the property. Many homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover damage from wood-boring insects, so the last thing you want is to be left with a hefty repair bill.

Signs of a Termite Infestation
If you are concerned that you may have a termite infestation in your home, here are some common signs you can look out for:
• Termite swarms are one of the first signs of an infestation and tend to appear in early spring. Watch out for these near indoor lights and windowsills; you may notice discarded wings left behind.
• Distorted or cracked paint on wood surfaces.
• Blistering or darkening of wood structures.
• Mud tubes on your home’s exterior.
• Small piles of wood-colored droppings.
• Soft wood that sounds hollow when tapped.
If you spot any of the above signs, then you may be facing a termite infestation in your home. In this case, don’t delay and contact a professional immediately to address the problem before extensive damage is done.

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Maintenance Tips For Flea And Tick Season

Spring is here, Summer is knocking on our door

Spring is a hopeful time for many people; it signifies new beginnings as the warmer weather helps nature flourish. However, to veterinarians, spring is better known as flea and tick season. As your pets excitedly explore the warmer outdoors, they will be greeted by all the creeping, crawling, and flying creatures that come out during this time.
Taking preventative measures is important, particularly ensuring that your pets are up to date with any treatments and medications. However, there are also steps you can take at home to prevent bringing fleas and ticks into your home. Prepare your pets for the season by following these spring maintenance tips.

Perform Regular Yard Maintenance

To help deter fleas and ticks from your garden, you should make sure you regularly clean and maintain it. You can commonly find nests in compost piles, old tree trunks, and piles of wet leaves, so be sure to keep your yard clean as best you can. Keep your lawn, bushes and trees well-trimmed and avoid leaving trash out in the open.
Garbage and refuse areas must always be sealed and tightly shut, as leaving anything exposed may attract wild animals who can bring in ticks and fleas. Birds can also bring these pests into your yard, so it may be best to limit these visitors and not put out feeders or bird baths. They may still be attracted to your pet’s food or water bowls if these are left outdoors, so it’s best to keep these inside.

Follow Proper Grooming Procedures

Practicing regular grooming is important, particularly during the warmer seasons. Cats and dogs should be brushed at least once a week, but if your pet’s coat is prone to tangling, then it’s best to do so daily.
Take this opportunity to check your pet for any indication of flea bites. These tend to itch, so you may notice your dog or cat excessively scratching, licking, or biting at their skin. If you see any red, itchy spots on the skin that appear to be oozing or moist, this could indicate a particularly severe reaction. It may be best to consult your vet in this case.
Regular bathing, grooming, and combing will help to prevent flea infestations, particularly when using repellents and a flea comb. You should always follow your vet’s advice when using flea or tick shampoo, pills, powders, or drops.

Clean Your Home

As well as keeping your yard and pet clean, you should also keep your home clean. Be sure to wash your pet’s bedding regularly, and if you spot any ticks or fleas, it may be best to replace these altogether until you know your home is free of these pests.
Vacuuming is crucial, but if you suspect a flea infestation, then it is important that you remove the cleaner bag in your vacuum and place this outdoors after use. In this case, you should also wash all bedding and curtains in your home and treat your carpeting with flea powder. It may be best to consult a pest control expert to ensure you properly eradicate these pests from your property.
Call Jenkins Pest and Lawn for any questions, today!

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Gardening Tips To Keep The Pests At Bay This Spring

As the snow starts to melt, all those pesky pests that have been hibernating under the soil of your garden will start to make their appearance. Most homeowners don’t realize that insects and arthropods can make it through the holidays, but by burrowing beneath the frost line they can survive even the coldest of winters.
If you don’t tackle your pest problems early on, then it may reach epidemic levels that are far harder to control. Avoid letting the crops you worked so hard to grow to get taken over by pests by implementing these gardening tips in preparation for spring.

Do a Bit of Spring Cleaning

To prevent garden pests from becoming a nuisance, you need to ensure that you give your garden a thorough cleaning. Get rid of decaying plant matter that will help to attract bugs by removing fallen leaves, faded blooms and weeds.
You should also clear out your greenhouse and give it a good scrub, washing out any planters and pots you plan on using. You should regularly clean your garden, pulling out weeds and pinching off dead or infested leaves as you spot them.

Start with Clean Soil

Using healthy soil will do more than help you grow beautiful crops, it will also aid with deterring common garden bugs. It may take more time to prepare, but you will see it is worth the effort. Here is a natural method you can try to keep your soil healthy:
• When the growing season begins, you should till your garden with organic matter, such as compost
• Once complete, use black plastic to cover your garden and keep it under wraps for six months
• When you remove the plastic, lightly cultivate the soil
• You can now begin planting
Placing natural elements in the soil will help to keep it clean and deter pests. The heat produced under the plastic should get rid of any existing bugs, including their eggs.

Rotate Your Crops

If you plant the same crops every year, the chances are that plant-specific insects and diseases will stick around, waiting for you to do your next round of spring planting. By rotating your crops, you can also avoid depleting vital soil nutrients.

Make Use of Beneficial Insects

While there are plenty of garden bugs out there you will want to avoid; there are some that can be of benefit to your garden. If you want to fight garden insect pests, then ladybugs can prove to be an invaluable tool. They eat mites and aphids, as well as the larvae and eggs of insects that can cause lots of damage to your garden.
You can purchase insects to release in your garden, just be sure to avoid using chemicals for ten days before releasing them. Other beneficial insects include parasitic wasps, hover flies, praying mantises and lacewings.

Keep an Eye Out for Pests

If you do end up with destructive bugs in your garden, then you want to make sure that you act quickly. The longer you leave it, the more damage your crops will sustain and the more difficult it will be to get rid of the problem. Perform regular checks and don’t delay in calling your local pest control services if necessary.

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Invasive Plant Species in Your Lawn or Garden

If you have a garden or even a lawn, you know that weeds are a problem all on their own. But did you know that invasive plant species can be just as bad as more common weeds, like crabgrass or dandelions? Whatever the weed, San Antonio pest control company Bob Jenkins Pest & Lawn Services has you covered.

What is an invasive species?

Invasive plant species are sometimes even more insidious than common weeds, because many gardeners plant them without awareness of the fact that they are problematic weeds. Essentially, an invasive species is a plant that will survive – and even thrive – outside of its range of origin.

Invasive species are a huge issue, because many of them are extremely aggressive in their growth and can take over not only the area surrounding your home, but also the natural ecosystem in nearby forests or fields, crowding out native species and sometimes even endangering them.

What are some examples?

One of the worst things you can do with your lawn or garden is to plant some of these invasive species. These include such plants as Purple Loosestrife, which was once a very popular perennial. This plant spreads quickly and sprouts from root fragments, so trying to dig it up will cause an even worse problem and spread its territory wider.

In and around San Antonio, pest control experts have also found issues with plants like Tropical Spiderwort, which competes with appropriate lawn and pasture grasses for sunlight and nutrients, and can become a dominant species if you are not careful.

A huge issue in home and commercial landscapes, such as golf courses and playing fields, is Dallisgrass. This pesky grass grows rapidly and produces seeds prolifically. Mowing your lawn won’t help, because you will only end up dispersing the seeds to new places.

What can I do?

The best thing to do is avoid planting an invasive species on your property. However, if you have unwittingly planted an invasive species or find one from a neighbor flowering on your land, there’s no doubt that the right weed control is available for you. If you have a weed problem, there are exterminators in San Antonio here to help. Get in touch with Bob Jenkins Pest & Lawn Services today.

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What Is Humane Animal Control?

San Antonio is no stranger to pests and annoyance animals, but when it comes to unwanted pests such as raccoons, skunks, snakes, woodpeckers, opossums, and more, humane pest control is the preferable option. If you have an unwanted animal in your home or yard, then call a professional San Antonio pest control service.
You should use a pest and lawn service company that offers humane removal of live animal. However, there are times when the death of the animal is the only option. When you are removing an animal from your yard or home, there are many things you need to consider.

Pest Control Service – Rodent Control

When you are searching for a pest control service, try to stay local as they will have experience with local wildlife and will know the best places to release the animals. San Antonio lawn care services can also help with annoyance animals that are living in your yard.
You want to make sure the company is professional and fully licensed as well as making sure they will only use humane techniques. This includes ensuring that the animals are treated well following their capture.
The company you are choosing should offer the following services:

● Re-homing the animals to natural and local environments
● Deceased animal removal
● Advice on how to humanely deter animals from your home
● Safely collecting and reuniting any babies with parents
● Using humane techniques to remove species specific animals

Animals that most companies should handle:

● Opossums
● Raccoons
● Skunks
● Squirrels
● Woodchucks/Groundhogs
● Bats
● Birds
● Snakes

Be sure to check if the company is equipped to handle your particular pest problem, depending on which animals are affecting your home or lawn. Discuss the services they offer and check to see if they offer the humane removal of live animals.

Live Animal Trapping

Live trapping is seen as the most humane way to capture annoyance animals. Animals like skunks and raccoons will be live trapped when they have made their home in your chimney or under your porch. Live trapping isn’t used on smaller pest animals like rodents, moles, etc.
Humane traps are not harmful in any way to the animal, but when you notice an has been animal caught, you must inform the company that set the trap so they can come out and set it free, away from your home.
Live trapping isn’t always as straightforward as it sounds, there can sometimes be complications with capturing the animal. If the unwanted animal has been caught many times before, they may not go inside of the trap, as they know that it’s a trap. If this is the case, it may be suggested that to remove the animal, and an inhumane kill trap is set up.
Before you go ahead with either of the traps, you first need to consider a few points:

● Animals such as skunks, woodchucks, and more may find shelter around or in your home between the months of March and August as this is their birthing season. They will want to find a dark, quiet place to give birth, and then bring up their young. When an animal is live trapped then relocated, or if a kill trap is used, its litter will be left behind, and they will most likely die since their mother is not there to feed them or look after them. If there is an animal that’s made its nest in your home between these months, try to find out if it is a mother. You may never see the babies, but this doesn’t mean that the animal doesn’t have a nest with dependent babies.

● Live catching and rehoming the animal sounds like a great idea, but depending on the animal, it could actually doom it. Placing any animal in an entirely new surrounding will disorientate it, and it won’t settle in quickly, but for some animals like squirrels, releasing them into a strange woodland area could result in its death. Squirrels spend a lot of their time collecting food and storing it ready for the winter. If you capture a squirrel then rehome it, it will lose all of this stored food and may die due to this. With any animal you place in unfamiliar territory, they will be confused, and they won’t know where they can find food, water or shelter.

● If you have an opossum living in your yard or home, live catching and rehoming them is a lot easier. If an opossum is a mother, it will carry her babies on her, so she is unlikely to be separated from them. Opossums are also animals that tend to wander and they have no fixed home, so placing them in a new environment isn’t something that could potentially kill them.

When it comes to live trapping, you need to have patience. If the animal isn’t causing any harm or damage to you or your home, then give it a little bit of time, and they may move on. It can sometimes be necessary for the animal to be put down, for example, if the animal is injured or if the animal is a feral cat. If an animal is put down, it will be done in the most humane way possible.

Keeping Wildlife Out Of Your Home

To keep wildlife out of and away from your home, here are a few tips you can follow:

● Seal up entry points
● Trim back trees from your home so they can’t use them to access your roof
● Trim back shrubs so you can ensure there are no hidden entry points
● Don’t leave food out in your yard and make sure the lids of garbage cans are secure

While this will help to keep annoyance animals away from your home, it is by no means a guaranteed way to get rid of pests. If you notice you are experiencing problems with annoyance animals, then be sure to contact your local pest control services as soon as possible to deal with the issue.

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