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Author: john

How to Keep Summer Bugs Out of Your Patio Space and Yard

Posted on by john

It is now June and we will be outside more than ever before. Whether it’s at the pool with the kids, enjoying an iced cold drink, or grilling a meal outside, our backyards are going to be used more frequently for the next few months. Knowing how to keep summer bugs out of your patio and yard will allow you to take full advantage of all the summer activities. We don’t want your plans to be ruined by critters that need to be put into place. This blog is going to address how to keep summer bugs out of your patio space and yard this summer so you can enjoy all your space has to offer.

Add a Patio Fan 

A great way to keep summer bugs out of your patio is by installing a ceiling fan. We are seeing more and more ceiling fans become more popular as a way to keep people cool while they are having fun on their patios and decks. Not only do fans provide a cooler space but they can keep pests away. For example, flies and mosquitoes can’t stand up well against strong winds. 

Remove all Standing Water

If there is standing water in your backyard it is just calling critters, such as mosquitoes. Be sure to check old flower pots, wheelbarrows, and any brackets you’ve left in the yard regularly to see if there is any standing water near. This simple check will help keep summer bugs out of your patio and yard areas.

Keep a Tidy Yard

Another way to keep summer bugs out of your patio is getting into the habit of keeping your yard cut. When your grass becomes high it allows for ticks to get on you or your furry friends. Also, any bushes or tree limbs close to your home allow for easy access for pests to intrude your home. 

Clean Gutters

Keeping your gutters clean does more than making sure they work properly. Clean gutters help keep summer bugs out of your patio and backyard. Dirty or full gutters allow for bugs, such as mosquitos, ants, and earwigs to come in to live, have a steady source of food, and water. When you keep your gutters clean you remove the option for pests to have accommodations in your gutters. 

Avoid Mulch

Mulch can make your yard pretty and look put together, but it provides the best environment for a numerous amount of pests. If you prefer mulch in your yard be sure to keep it at least 12 inches away from the foundation. A few alternatives to mulch include, rock, gravel or pinestraw. 

Avoid Certain Patio Plants 

Plants on porches make them more appealing and add color; however, be sure to choose specific plants depending on the particular pest you are most concerned about getting in your space. A great plant to use in your outdoor place is chrysanthemums because they are said to keep ants, ticks, and bedbugs away. 

Keep Your Patio Clean

During the summer months, the patio will be calling your name to have a nice meal outside with your family. Be sure to thoroughly clean the porch or patio after everyone finishes their meal because crumbs invite pests to come in and invade. 

Contact Us

All of these tips are great to do but to be even more confident bugs will stay out of your patio space and yard schedule a consultation with Exclusive Pest. We guarantee highly trained and trustworthy technicians. We will customize a plan specifically for you and your family’s needs. Contact us today for more information on how to keep summer bugs out of your patio space or to book an appointment. 

How to Get Rid of Palmetto Bugs

Posted on by john

Are you ready to know how to get rid of palmetto bugs from invading your beautiful home? Palmetto bug is a name given to several species of large cockroaches. In some areas of the country, the name is often referred to as the American cockroach. These critters are nicknamed “palmetto bugs” because they prefer to remain sheltered under leaf litter and other decaying organic materials, including the leaves of the palmetto tree. 

How to Get Rid of Palmetto Bugs

Palmetto bugs get into your house by infested boxes, suitcases, and furniture. I know it’s scary right? Be sure to check these items before bringing them inside your home. You can make your home less attractive to these cockroaches by eliminating food, moisture and harborage sites that attract them.

How to Get Rid of Palmetto Bugs in Your Drain

Palmetto bugs can be between 1 ½ inches to 2 inches in length and are seen as reddish-brown to light brown in color. These bugs can act as mechanical vectors for various kinds of bacteria. This means palmetto bugs can carry bacteria on their bodies. They can leave bacteria on areas they come into contact with, which means if they are in your house they could be bringing bacteria with them. Their waste and shedded skin can have allergens that leave you or a family member with an allergic reaction. These allergic reactions can cause nasal congestion, skin rashes, watery eyes and asthma. 

Take these steps:

  • Storing recyclable cans and bottles outside
  • Don’t leave water in the sink
  • Using caulk to seal holes and cracks in your cabinets, closets, kitchen, bathrooms, and other places where the bugs may hide or travel from place to place
  • Reduce clutter to remove areas for the palmetto bugs to hide in 
  • Clean up any spilled food both pet and human 
  • Don’t leave any food out overnight even pet food 
  • Fix leaky pipes

What do Palmetto Bugs Eat?

Palmetto bugs like to eat decaying organic matter but will eat numerous other types of foods and household materials, including cheese, beer, leather, bakery products, pet food, plants that are plotted, dirty clothing, and soap. Being sure these items are sealed and away is how to get rid of palmetto bugs.

How to Help Get Rid of Palmetto Bugs 

It is great to do these tips and tricks to keep palmetto bugs out of your home but going to a professional is best. Professionals know exactly how to get rid of palmetto bugs and other bugs. When you don’t know the exact species you are treating or trying to keep out of your home you could make the issue worse. For example certain sprays and foggers may cause cockroaches to spread apart which makes it harder to remove them from your home. Most DIY methods only address the pests you can see and not the ones that might be hiding in your walls, crawl spaces, and around your plumbing appliances. 

Contact Us

Here at Exclusive Pest Control is committed to quality pest control. We will provide you and your family with great care and protection from unwanted cutters utilizing the latest treatment techniques. Contact us today to be sure your home is pest free and to learn more about how to get rid of palmetto bugs.

How to Keep Cockroaches Away?

Posted on by john

The word cockroach makes almost anyone cringe and feel disgusted. Spring is here and the cockroaches are too. These not so pretty pests can cause issues when getting inside your home. Here are some tips on how to keep cockroaches away and out of your safe place. 

Keep Food Consolidated 

Cockroaches are on the hunt to find all crumbs and sprinkles of food. If you want to stop them from any infestation, don’t leave something out that could attract them to come inside. Keep your food in one room of your house so there is less likelihood of the spread of crumbs. We see this happen a lot with kids in homes because they carry their snacks and usually drop crumbs.

Keep all food prep areas clean after you have just prepared your meal. As well as all cabinets, appliances, and other areas that store food. Keep all food sealed and put away after use is also how to keep cockroaches away.

Check for Leaks 

How to keep cockroaches away? Fix dripping pipes and leaks that are just asking for cockroaches to invade your home. A great way to keep pests away is by making sure everything is dry and clean. Check washing areas, sinks, and bathtubs for any chance of a leak. After cleaning dishes be sure to dry them so no water is left behind. Two things that people don’t think about are emptying out pet water dishes overnight and drying off toothbrushes. 

Clean Everything

Prevention is the best way to avoid having to deal with a roach infestation. When you do this you don’t give cockroaches a reason to want to invade. Clean all counters, close garbage cans, and clean up after every meal. Clean your sink, stovetop, and other food preparation areas. It is a lot to keep your kitchen always clean but well worth it in the long run. A home that is kept clean is a roach-free home. Now that you know how to keep cockroaches away and out of your home you will be motivated to clean more.

Keep Home Cool

Still asking how to keep cockroaches away? A simple way is to keep the temperature on your thermostat low. Roaches are attracted to hot areas. When you keep your home temperature down it will keep them from wanting to come into your home. The cooler temperature doesn’t allow for their bodies to work at their highest potentials.

Roach Repellents 

You can keep these pests out with natural remedies in your home. Some essential oils that are effective with keeping cockroaches where they belong are, peppermint oil, cedarwood oil, and cypress oil. 

These insects dislike the smell of crushed bay leaves and stay away from coffee grounds. You can kill them naturally by combining powdered sugar and boric acid. The sugar lures them in and the boric acid kills them. This method is best to be kept from animals and kids. 

In a study by Prude from 2019, researchers found that single active ingredient (AI) treatments can successfully eliminate cockroaches if starting resistance levels are low. They also found that rotation treatments intuitively reduce selection pressure, and are effective when insecticides with no/low resistance are used.

Seek out an Expert

Want to know more about how to keep cockroaches away? Or you are not able to combat these critters youself give Exclusive Pest Control a call at 843.461.5169 or contact us through our website to schedule a consultation. We guarantee a highly trained and trustworthy technician will arrive at your appointment punctually. We offer customized service plans and no contracts. After your appointment, you will feel safe and better in your home knowing the pests were taken care of. Here at Exclusive Pests, we know how to keep cockroaches away and out of your safe haven.

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