How and Why Do Rats Get in the Attic?

a rat on a roof waiting for an opportunity to sneak into the atticThere are many things you never want to find in your home and rats are one of them. They can spread many different kinds of diseases as well as creating a multitude of hazardous property damage. In this article we’ll go over some of the many signs you’ve got rats in your attic/home, and what to do to get rid of the “rascally rodents in the attic.”

How and Why Do Rats Come into Your Attic?

Roof rats are the most common type of rat to find in your attic, and they tend to come in from trees outside. If there’s a limb near the roof they’ll make the jump and find an opening. For other species, they may access the upper levels of your home by climbing up a drain pipe or chimney, crawling through wall voids, or even tunneling through the building.

Rats have many reasons for coming into your attic. They may be searching for shelter, food, or water. That’s why eliminating crumbs and food debris and excess moisture go a long way toward rodent prevention.

Kinds of Rodents that Can Invade Your Attic

  • Deer Mouse: 5 to 8 inches long, deer mice build nests in dark quiet places, either the basement or attic for the most part. Their fur is gray to reddish brown, with a white belly and feet. More commonly found in rural environments, they’ll sneak into a house during winter for warmth. Dangerous due to their ability to spread hantavirus through their corpses and urine.
  • House Mouse: Also 5 to 8 inches long with varying shades of brown, gray, and black fur. House mice reproduce extremely quickly and are known for causing fire hazards by chewing through wires and property damage because of their tunneling. They also contaminate food with salmonella. 
  • Roof Rat: 13 to 15 inches long, their tail is longer than their body. Varying shades of gray to black coloration, with a distinctive hunched back and bulbous snout. Roof rats enjoy pet food to ours and contaminate anything they touch.
  • Norway Rat: 16 inches long, Norway rats have a hairy tail that’s shorter than their body and are typically grayish-brown, reddish-brown, or black. These rats can be aggressive and gnaw incessantly, especially on wires. Norway Rats cause considerable damage to homes, gardens, and structures. They can spread jaundice, rat-bite fever, and salmonella.

Signs You Might Have Rats:

Keeping a vigilant eye out for early signs of an infestation is the first step in preventing rodent damage or disease. Some of the most common signs of rats include:

  • Greasy Spots: Rats are creatures of habit when it comes to the paths they run, and over time they’ll leave greasy smudge marks along their trails. 
  • Chewed Items: From food to wires and furniture, rodents need to chew endlessly to prevent their teeth from growing too much. Chewed furnishings, wires, wall corners, anything. Chewing is a big sign you’re dealing with rodents.
  • Foul Odor: Rodents relieve themselves whenever the need arrives, which gives infested areas a sour musky odor. If there are areas of your home/attic that smell strongly, it may indicate the presence of rodents.
  • Droppings: Rodent droppings are small and greasy, about 3mm all the way up to 18mm depending on the species of rodent. You’ll find them scattered along the paths they run if there’s an infestation. 

How to Deal with Attic Rodents

If you’re seeing signs of any of these pests in your home don’t hesitate to call the pest experts at Southern Pest Control. As part of the Rentokil family we strive for an environmentally safe form of pest control keeping your family and home as safe as possible. With our customized pest control, we’ll make sure that once the problem’s gone it doesn’t come back.

Avoiding Roaches in the Spring in the Mississippi Gulf Coast Region

Cockroach on a countertop during springtime in Mississippi

Cockroach on a countertop during springtime in MississippiAs spring brings new life and growth, it also brings more cockroach activity and visibility. Homeowners in the Mississippi Gulf Coast region face one of the most common and persistent pest challenges from cockroaches. They can threaten your health, infect your food, and destroy your property. Avoiding roaches in the spring can help you prevent a full-blown infestation later on down the road. 

Signs of a Roach Infestation

Nobody wants to find cockroaches in their home, but it’s better to find them sooner rather than later. The longer the infestation is able to grow, the harder it will be to get rid of the pests. Stay vigilant about these common signs of a roach infestation:

  • Live or dead cockroaches in the house.
  • Roaches prefer dark and moist places: under sinks, behind appliances, in cabinets, cracks, and crevices.
  • You will also find them in basements, attics, garages, or crawl spaces.
  • Roaches seen during the day may indicate a large infestation or a lack of hiding places.
  • Cockroach droppings resembling black pepper or coffee grounds.
  • The musty or oily odor produced by roaches from their glands.
  • Finding oval-shaped cockroach eggs hidden in protected areas like behind furniture, inside walls, or under carpets.

What Roaches Are Looking For

Food, water, and shelter attract roaches to your home. They can eat almost any organic material, such as crumbs, spills, grease, garbage, pet food, paper, cardboard, leather, hair, or nails. Leaky pipes, faucets, drains, toilets, sinks, or dishes provide them with water sources. They also look for shelter from predators and harsh weather conditions. Gaps around doors, windows, vents, pipes, or wires allow them to enter your home.

How to Prevent Cockroaches

Eliminating roaches’ food, water, and shelter supplies is the best approach to preventing them. Roaches can only survive one week without water. Here are some tips to keep cockroaches away from your home:

  • Keep your kitchen clean and tidy. 
  • Fix leaks or moisture issues in your plumbing system. 
  • Dry up any standing water around sinks, tubs, showers, or appliances. 
  • Use a dehumidifier or fan to reduce humidity levels in your home.
  • Seal holes or cracks in your walls, floors, ceilings, or foundation. 
  • Declutter your home and remove any unnecessary items that could provide hiding places for roaches. 
  • Keep your outdoor areas clean and well-maintained. 

Types of Roaches

Call a Professional Exterminator

While you can try some DIY methods to control roaches in your home, they may not be effective enough to eliminate the entire infestation. Also, improper use of some products could damage your health or the environment.

Contacting a qualified exterminator with the knowledge and tools to deal with any roach issue effectively and securely is best. Contact Southern Pest Control for the best pest control services in the Mississippi Gulf Coast region.

Avoiding the Springtime Swarm

an ant colony transporting larvae outdoors

The Spring days on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi are ample in sunshine and warmth, especially after the cooler winter rain. The sunshine and warmth awaken swarms of spring insects in Mississippi Gulf Coast such asan ant colony transporting larvae outdoors termites, wasps, bees, and ants that can make their way into your home and yard. These swarms are unwelcome guests to any home or backyard gathering. There are, however, ways to protect your property from infestations.

Insects that come out in spring are foraging for food and seeking to mate. While this usually is taking place outdoors, keep in mind that they also could be seeking shelter and someplace to nest inside your home. Be on the lookout for:

  • WASPS – Wasps come in a variety of colors which include yellow, brown, red and metallic blue and have a narrow waist and pointed abdomen. They nest in wood fibers that they have chewed into a pulp and formed a honeycombed umbrella shape.
  • BEES – Bees that aren’t your friendly honey making variety come yellow with black stripes. They tend to nest in piles of wood or other yard debris.
  • ANTS- Including Carpenter Ants and Fire Ants.
  • TERMITES – Termites come in shades of brown, white and black and range in sizes ⅛  of an inch to 1 inch. They have antennae and wings and can be mistaken for ants.

Termites to Watch For

Some of the most common swarming insects on the Mississippi Gulf Coast are termites. There are two main types of termites known to the Mississippi Gulf Coast area:

  • Drywood termites. As their name implies they make their home in dry wood and need no contact with soil to live. They don’t go for moist, softwood, instead, they eat across the grain of dry, hardwood. Because they go for dry wood, infestations are usually found higher in structures like rafters. They often enter structures through exposed wood or wooden furniture that is brought into the home. They are common to warmer, tropical climates with mild winters. Evidence of infestation includes discarded wings, feces or frass (piles of sawdust from feeding).
  •  Subterranean termites. These termites cause homeowners the most damage and also are the most common termite in North America. Eastern and Western Subterranean termites are prone to swarm in late February or early March. The Formosan termites swarm later in spring, usually May. They make mud tubes that are used as tunnels from the ground to their food source.

Protecting your home and yard from invading pests.

Below are just a few tips to discourage pests from taking up residence in your space.

  • Cleaning up after outdoor BBQ and other cooking as wasps and bees are looking for and are attracted to protein-based foods.  Leaking faucets or hoses provide a water source that attracts not only wasps and bees but termites and ants.
  • Patching cracks or crevices in walls, repairing broken panels or siding to discourage wasps from nesting in your walls. Keep your yard clean of heavy debris. 
  • Termites swarm in early spring months, looking to establish new colonies. They are attracted to water sources, and again repair leaking faucets or pipes as they are attracted to a moist environment. Avoid storing items in wooden or cardboard boxes, try plastic storage bins instead. 
  • Clean your yard regularly of rotting wood. Make sure your porch or deck is in good repair.
  • Keep mulch away from your foundation.
  • Store all firewood above ground and away from the perimeter of your property. 
  • Ants such as odorous house ants, nest in walls and beneath carpeting. Keep organic debris such as leaves and piles of wood away from your foundation. Store leftovers in airtight containers and keep areas clean of food debris and dirty dishes. Ants are attracted to sweets as well as protein-based foods.

Spring Pest Control in Mississippi Gulf Coast

All the tips above can help you prevent a pest infestation in the Mississippi Gulf Coast area. But sometimes you can do everything right and still wind up with ants on the counter and a wasp nest under the eave. When that happens, Southern Pest Control can help. We’ve been treating spring pests since 1975, helping countless home and business owners live safer and more comfortably. We’ve helped them through active and preventative measures, and we can help you too. Contact us today to get started!

Are Kissing Bugs Harmful?

Kissing bug against a white background in Mississippi

Kissing bug against a white background in MississippiThough kissing bugs may sound cute, they’re far from it. These nocturnal insects get their charming nickname from their less-than-charming habit of biting people in the middle of the night – usually around the mouth. If it isn’t bad enough to picture bugs crawling on your face while you sleep, these pests are also capable of causing serious health issues for humans and animals. So, what exactly are kissing bugs, and how can you keep them out of your home? The experts at Southern Pest Control explain everything you need to know down below. 

What Are Kissing Bugs?

Kissing bugs, also known as assassin bugs or triatomine bugs, are small parasitic insects that feed on blood. They prey on sleeping people or animals, which is why they typically hide in bedroom furniture or pet beds. Though kissing bugs are usually solitary, females will leave eggs behind, which can cause ongoing problems for homeowners. If you discover any triatomine bugs in your house, it’s important to contact a pest control professional to screen for signs of additional insects.

How to Identify a Kissing Bug

Triatomine bugs are small insects that have thin antennae, thin legs, and a cone-shaped head. They are oval-shaped, dark in color, and usually measure between ½ to 1 inch. Their most defining feature, however, is a row of orange or yellow stripes around the edge of their body.

Why Are Kissing Bugs Dangerous?

It’s never fun to discover insects in your home, but kissing bugs are more than just bothersome. Their bites may not be particularly painful, but they can lead to infections or serious illnesses such as Chagas disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Chagas disease can be life-threatening or lead to long-term health consequences for both humans and animals. If you suspect you or a pet has been bitten by a kissing bug, watch for these early signs of Chagas disease:

  • Warmth or swelling around the bite
  • Fever, fatigue, or body aches
  • Swelling eyelids or swollen glands
  • Loss of appetite or nausea
  • Headaches

How Do Kissing Bugs Cause Chagas Disease?

Kissing bugs are known for carrying a small parasite called Trypanosoma cruzi, which lives in their digestive tract after feeding on an infected animal. The parasite isn’t spread directly through the saliva of a triatomine bug; rather, it travels through their feces. Most insects will leave behind excrement after feeding, which sleeping victims may accidentally rub into their open bite wound. 

Tips for Preventing Kissing Bugs

Triatomine bugs are unpleasant and dangerous. The best way to protect yourself and your pets from harm is to prevent these pests from getting indoors in the first place. To keep kissing bugs out of your house, follow these tips:

  • Keep your door and window screens in good condition
  • Seal any cracks or gaps that could lead into your home
  • Tidy up your landscaping and remove debris near your house
  • Keep yard lights farther away from your home entrances
  • Allow pets to sleep indoors, especially at night
  • Periodically check bedrooms and pet beds for signs of bugs

What to Do if You Discover a Kissing Bug

Kissing bugs are creepy, and they’re the last thing you want to find inside of your house. However, if you come across one of these insects, do not come into contact with the kissing bug – even to squash it. Doing so could expose you to Trypanosoma cruzi, which may put you at risk of developing Chagas disease. 

Instead of squishing the bug, place a transparent container over the bug. After sealing it in, contact a pest control professional. An expert will be able to confirm the identification and assess your home for any remaining pests. 

If you need help with a kissing bug – or any other type of pest – turn to Southern Pest Control, Inc! We understand how distressing an infestation can be, which is why our number one goal is to provide you with 100% peace of mind that your space is bug-free. As a trusted pest control provider for 45 years, Southern Pest Control is committed to being the leader in Mississippi Gulf Coast’s pest control industry. To get help fast, call us today and get a free quote!

Home Remedies to Keep Mice Away

A rodent is nestled in a gap between two chunks of cement

A rodent is nestled in a gap between two chunks of cementDuring winter on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, everyone’s just trying to keep warm. This is true for local residents as well as pests, particularly rodents. Mice can enter your home through cracks or holes that are only ¼ inch wide. At Southern Pest Control, we have a group of skilled rodent exterminators who can get rid of any size or type of infestation. But if you were able to keep rodents out in the first place, wouldn’t that be better? While DIY pest control is not as effective as professional pest control, if you’re not ready to call an exterminator yet, here are some methods you can try to help keep your holidays pest-free. 

Non-toxic, DIY Rodent Repellents

Here are four common methods for keeping mice and rats away using items you might already have around the house:

Peppermint oil: Mice don’t generally like the strong aroma of peppermint. In order to prevent them from entering, you can put a few drops of the oil on cotton balls, and then scatter them around any potential access points. Even better, you can plant mint along the perimeter of your property to act as a barrier!

Another odor mice dislike is apple cider vinegar. To preserve the repellent effect, mix it with vinegar and spray it once a month along the perimeter of your home and around potential access points.

Steel wool: Mice can chew through many materials thanks to their strong incisors. But research has revealed that they’re unable to bite through steel wool. If you use it to cover potential access points, it will prevent them from entering your home.

Mice hate the scent of fabric softener sheets. Put one of the sheets inside any openings you find that you think could be entry points. 

Ways to Keep Rodents Out

The attractant that drives a mouse infestation is whether or not your home makes an appealing habitat for nearby rodents. Mice want what any mammal wants when it’s cold out: food, shelter, and warmth. If you have them, they’ll try to get in any way they can. Let’s look at the methods you can use to keep rodents from getting in to your property:

  • Check your home’s inside frequently for evidence of mice, especially dark corners like attics, basements, and crawl spaces.
  • Locate every potential point of access on the exterior of your house and seal or close it.
  • Keep food covered, sealed, and stored.
  • Remove as much clutter as possible from your home, both inside and outside.

Mice won’t want to stay for very long if there isn’t easy access to food or a quiet, dark location to nest. Plus, taking these actions will also make your home tidier and more comfortable to live in.

If DIY Approaches Fail

Even if you follow all these steps, rodents might find their way into your home. If they do, all of us at Southern Pest Control have your back. Since 1975, we’ve provided reliable, effective extermination services to homes and businesses on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. You don’t have to live with bothersome ants, unsettling spiders, or scurrying rats and mice. We can help rid your home of rodents or any other pests. Just give us a call!  

Wolf Spiders: A True Halloween Horror

A wolf spider sits on a stepping stone near some grass

You may enjoy the sweets and scares of Halloween, but things get all too real as soon as you see an actual spider in your home. For most the instinct is to grab the nearest and heaviest object and use it to squish the eight-legged invader. The urge will probably be even stronger if it’s a particularly big spider. But what if we told you that stomping that spider without looking may result in a rippling onslaught of baby spiders by the hundreds?

This isn’t the plot of a cheesy horror movie – it’s a very real possibility when dealing with the wolf spider. So how can you identify this particular arachnid, and what can you do to keep it from getting into your home?

Wolf Spider Habits and Appearance

Wolf spiders range in size, from 1.5″ to 4″ depending on the climate they’re found in. Their bodies are made up of two parts, the cephalothorax and the abdomen, along with a set of fang-like mouthparts called the chelicerae. Because of their appearance, they’re often mistaken for other, more dangerous species like the black widow or the brown recluse. Wolf spiders are unique in that unlike these sister spiders, they’re free roaming and don’t make webs.

While being far from the fastest runners in the world, the wolf spider can skitter to capture prey at two feet a second. They eat larger insects like roaches and grasshoppers, and other smaller, less fortunate spiders. And since they don’t have a web, the mother wolf spider chooses instead to carry her young on her back. From eggs in a sac to a cluster of spiderlings, this hardworking single mother keeps her hundreds of children close at all times. So, if you kill or attempt to disturb the mother, these babies will scatter in every direction.

You can avoid turning your home into a daycare of scared spider children. All you need to do is take a few simple precautions.

Getting Spider-Free

Spiders, wolf spiders included, like to hide in a place where they won’t be disturbed. When out in the wild, wolf spiders love to nest under tree roots or in the cover of fallen leaves. If they were to get inside, they’ll prefer to stay amongst the cluttered, quiet corners of the house. That’s why we suggest vacuuming on a regular basis, along with keeping your closets, basement and attic clear of clutter. Doing that will make it so spiders have fewer places to hide and set up shop.

Outside the home, you can create a similar effect by moving piles of firewood and debris away, if they’re against the side of your home. You can also trim shrubs and any tree branches touching the roof. Spiders do not choose to come into your house by chance. If you make it inconvenient for them to get in, they usually won’t. But if all that doesn’t work, you can count on Southern Pest Control to solve your spider problem in no time.

Southern Pest Spider Control

We provide long-term spider control for homes on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. We can send an expert to your home that will find entry points that spiders can take advantage of and seal them up.  Once we finish, you’ll be able to enjoy your scares through the safety of a television screen – and have a happy, and spider-free, Halloween. To get started, contact us today!

Is DIY Pest Control Worth It?

cockroaches inside on a windowsill

cockroaches inside on a windowsillAt first glance, it’s easy to think that DIY pest control is a great way to save time, money, and unneeded hassle. Why wait for a professional exterminator when you can solve an infestation on your own with a quick trip to the hardware store? It seems so simple – and that right there might be the problem. Do-it-yourself pest control can, in fact, result in significant downsides if done by someone without the right training. If you don’t know what you’re doing you can actually hurt yourself, those who live with you, and your home. So if you’re considering this approach, you need to make sure you understand the risks involved.

 

What Are the Risks of DIY Pest Control?

There’s a lot that can go wrong if you try to handle a pest infestation on your own. You might overuse toxic pesticide, kill beneficial insects, get bitten or stung or simply waste money on products that don’t work. Every home pest control tactic comes with risks, whether you misuse toxic pesticides or get shocked by poorly installed bug zappers. It’s important to make sure that anything you use comes with instructions. and that you follow these guides to the letter in order to prevent any of the risks listed below.

Negligence

If you use pesticides without taking the proper level of care and it goes poorly, you may be held liable for any damage caused. This could look like spraying pesticides in an unventilated room and leaving toxic fumes in the air. Or the problem might be as simple as eradicating a species of pest that’s considered endangered and protected by law. These are only two examples that may result in civil, and even criminal liability. As stated above, there’s no such thing as too much research when it comes to poison and the safety of yourself and others.

Pesticide Exposure

It isn’t difficult to imagine that pesticide exposure can be bad for your health, regardless of whether or not it’s used correctly. But these chemicals can do more than hurt you. If you misuse pesticides during a DIY pest control treatment, you run the risk of leaking toxic chemicals into the soil of your property. It can render food poisonous, water toxic, and any animals or people that depend on either fatally ill. That’s why ventilation is so important when applying pesticides indoors. And. if working on spraying the exterior of your home, it’s especially crucial to make sure every window is closed to prevent from poisoning anyone inside.

When not in use, pesticides should be kept out of reach of children or animals, and the space where they were applied vacated until the chemical has had a chance to dissipate.

Health and Safety Issues   

Do-it-yourself pest control is especially risky if done by or done around sensitive individuals. Pregnant women and young children are among the kinds of people that should avoid areas where pesticides have recently been used. And if you are working with pesticides, you should always make sure that you’re wearing the right protective equipment – including a mask and eye goggles in areas where there might still be pests or rodents. Doing all this will not only limit the risk of pesticide exposure but also protect you from potential bites or stings from the swarm that you might encounter. You’ll also be protected from pest droppings, which may contain harmful bacteria or roundworms. And once you apply the pesticide, you should carefully research into the proper methods to sanitize the space to prevent any insects or rodents from returning.

Leave it to the Pros

By now you’ve probably gathered that home pest control isn’t as clear-cut as you might have assumed. With all the precautions needed to keep things safe, it becomes clear why many choose to leave extermination to the professionals. At Southern Pest Control, our team has the ongoing training and experience to clear any home or business on the Mississippi Gulf Coast of pests and keep them from returning. We know how to tackle an infestation at its source. Every property is different, though, which is why we come to everyone we serve with an innovative strategy that’s personalized for their needs. That’s why we suggest you skip the hardware store and contact us today.

 

Why Do Ants Keep Coming Back In?

Ants inside a house

Ants inside a houseAnts are incredibly difficult to get rid of entirely if you approach them the wrong way. If you’ve dealt with an ant infestation in your home before, you know that they seem to keep on coming back no matter what you do. They’ll pop up in new areas in your home every day, becoming a total headache to deal with. Why are ants are so persistent?

In order to conduct the best ant control possible, you have to learn about the ways ants work and avoid the strategies that so commonly fail. If you need expert advice on ant control on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, read on for insight from Southern Pest Control!

Why Is My DIY Ant Control Failing?

The problem with the most commonly chosen ant control strategies is that they ignore the source of the problem in favor of addressing its symptoms. When ants show up in your house, your first inclination might be to squash them or spray them with a store-bought pest control product. This will only delay or worsen your problem.

“How could it possibly worsen it?” you might wonder. It helps to know that when you kill ants, they release a pheromone signal that warns nearby ants to avoid the area. Other ants will sense this signal and change their method of approach. Given that they’re so small and sneaky, ants should have no problem finding a new way into your home.

Ant Control Strategies That Really Work

What can you do if you can’t squash or spray ants to get rid of them? We believe that these three steps lead to the most exhaustive and long-lasting ant control solution:

  • Find where they’re coming from: If you can determine where the ants in your home came from, you can seal their entryway with caulk, block it with a screen, or spray it with a citrus-based cleaning product to discourage activity.
  • Take away their food and water: Ants are probably living in your house because they have access to food or water. Cleaning up spills, storing your food in airtight containers, and keeping your kitchen and bathroom well-ventilated will prevent easy food and water access.
  • Call your local experts: Professional ant exterminators are trained to follow ant trails all the way back to their source in a nest or ant hill. Getting rid of the ant colony on your property is the only way to ensure that ants never bother you in your home again.

Expert Home Ant Extermination on the Mississippi Gulf Coast

If you’re ready to live an ant-free life in your home on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, it’s time to team up with your local ant exterminators. The licensed and certified technicians at Southern Pest Control are trained to conduct full-service ant removal. We can visit your property to determine where your ants are coming from, eliminate the colony, and show you how to prevent future problems on your own. Reach out today for a free quote!

Mosquito Prevention: 4 Signals Mosquitoes Use to Find Humans

A mosquito on the Mississippi Gulf Coast - Southern Pest Control

A mosquito on the Mississippi Gulf Coast - Southern Pest ControlOur climate along the Mississippi Gulf Coast creates opportunities for mosquitoes to thrive for most of the year. Sometimes, it can feel like there’s no way to avoid these insects, but you shouldn’t give up hope! Mosquitoes are actually simple creatures that operate based on a small set of signals they seek out. If you can learn how to control what they do and don’t sense, you’re well on your way to a mosquito-free summer! Read on to learn more about mosquito prevention with our mosquito exterminators at Southern Pest Control.

4 Signals Mosquitoes Use to Look for Hosts

Some people refer to themselves as “mosquito magnets.” You might even know one or be one yourself! Although it certainly seems true that mosquitoes prefer some people over others, scientists have not yet firmly established the metrics with which to calculate one’s vulnerability to mosquito bites. However, we do know that there are 4 main signs that mosquitoes use to seek out potential hosts:

  1. Breath: Mosquitoes are attracted to the carbon dioxide that we release when we exhale because it tells them that there are people nearby.
  2. Body odor: Our natural odor is another signal to mosquitoes, and this signal is amplified when we perspire. Wearing floral perfumes can also tip off mosquitoes to your presence.
  3. Body temperature: Mosquitoes can sense higher body temperatures and gravitate towards them. When we wear darker colors that trap heat, we make ourselves more visible to mosquitoes.
  4. Color: No matter the pigmentation, the longer wavelengths that human skin gives off attract mosquitoes.

Preventing Mosquito Bites in Knoxville TN

Although we can’t keep ourselves from giving off these signals to mosquitoes entirely, we can make efforts to block these signals and make our properties less hospitable to mosquitoes. Here are a few ways to implement mosquito prevention into your routines:

  • Get rid of standing water: Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, so collected rainwater buildup in tarps, buckets, planters, gutters, and more can provide adequate breeding grounds. Pour it out or cover it when you find it in your yard.
  • Wear clothes that cover your skin: Light-colored clothing, too. Limiting exposed skin and dark colors that trap heat will take away two main signals that mosquitoes use to find you.
  • Use bug spray: EPA-registered mosquito spray products using either DEET or picaridin will safely keep mosquitoes from biting you for hours. If you wish to use a natural alternative, try lemon eucalyptus oil or citronella oil.

Why Professional Mosquito Control Helps

We have found that in many cases, our customers’ mosquito problems have built up out of sight, or at least in hidden or densely vegetated areas that non-experts wouldn’t think to look. Our experienced mosquito removal specialists at Southern Pest Control can provide a full-property inspection to put your mosquito infestation to a stop. By developing a unique barrier spray system for your yard, we can ensure that you’re receiving the best possible protection against mosquitoes. Contact us today for a free quote!

Protect Your Backyard from Pests in 10 Steps

A backyard to be serviced on the Mississippi Gulf Coast - Southern Pest Control

A backyard to be serviced on the Mississippi Gulf Coast - Southern Pest ControlAlong the Mississippi Gulf Coast, our warm and rainy springs provide the ideal conditions for a long list of pests. While we can appreciate the sunshine starting back up in spring, locals know that it means pest problems for people throughout the area. Are you looking to keep bugs, rodents, and wildlife out of your backyard this year? Read on to learn some actions to take on your own with the experts at Southern Pest Control!

10 Ways to Get Rid of Backyard Pests

If you don’t start putting in effort early to keep pests out of your backyard, your property could become overrun with critters once spring is in full swing. Here are our top 10 pest prevention tips you should use to protect your backyard this spring:

  1. Trim your plants: Overgrowth of trees, bushes, and shrubs can lead to shaded hiding places that pests will take advantage of. Keep ticks, mosquitoes, fleas, and other pests out of your backyard by keeping up on plant maintenance.
  2. Clear out standing water: Even the smallest standing water pools can be made into mosquito breeding grounds. Pour out or cover standing water your find accumulating in gutters, buckets, planters, tarps, and anywhere else you find it.
  3. Use garden nets: Garden netting can both protect the plants you’re growing and keep all kinds of pests out of your yard by restricting their access to food.
  4. Deal with yard waste: If you leave piles of yard waste out in your yard or even let a branch or two lay around for too long, you could be unknowingly providing all kinds of insects with temporary shelter. Get rid of yard waste early and often.
  5. Mow your lawn regularly: Keeping your lawn shorter will prevent it from trapping excess moisture and hosting regional lawn pests. Mow the lawn once a week to keep it in good shape.
  6. Dethatch your lawn if necessary: While we appreciate a thin layer of thatch for its insulating purposes, too much of it will suffocate your lawn and allow many lawn pests to thrive.
  7. Store firewood correctly: Any piles of firewood stacked against your home can easily lead to a termite infestation with expensive consequences. Store your firewood off of the ground, away from your home or backyard deck, and covered.
  8. Keep your trash bins closed: All kinds of pests from wasps to raccoons will rummage through your trash for food. Make sure your trash cans close all the way and keep them at a good distance from your home and backyard if possible.
  9. Watch how you water your lawn: Unfortunately, both overwatering and underwatering can lead to pest problems. An irrigation or sprinkler system can regulate your lawn’s water intake.
  10. Hire an exterminator: A professional exterminator can figure out the reasons for your pest problems and create a plan that will keep them out of your yard going forward.

Pest Control for Your Backyard

If you want to be certain that you’re in for a pest-free summer, reach out to your local pest control company. Our technicians at Southern Pest Control are well-versed in the common pest problems faced around the Mississippi Gulf Coast. We can ensure that your backyard stays protected with professional exclusion programs and industry-leading pest control products. Get in touch today for a free estimate!