Should I be worired about Cockroaches?

German Cockroach identification in the Mississippi gulf coast; Southern Pest Control

should i be worried about cockroachesshould i be worried about cockroaches

 

Should I be worired about Cockroaches?

Cockroaches in your home have the potential to lead to two health issues: First, they can contaminate your environment by leaving droppings and bacteria scattered around your home, including antibiotic-resistant strains. These bacteria, like salmonella, can cause issues such as food poisoning. Second, cockroaches can leave behind tiny parts of their body that can settle in the dust in your home. These “cockroach allergens” are known as a major contributor to allergies, asthma, and other breathing problems.

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, you might be experiencing a roach allergy if you have a stuffy nose that won’t go away, a skin rash, and year-round respiratory symptoms, like coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness. Though other health issues could lead to these symptoms so you may want to check with a health care provider.

Here are some good tips to help keep cockroaches and their diseases away from you and your family.

  • Keep your living areas, especially bedrooms, clutter-free and wipe up food crumbs or leftovers.
  • Avoid leaving uncovered food out on kitchen tables or counters, and sweep the floor of food debris after cooking.
  • Clamp down on leaky faucets and drains because cockroaches love dark, wet places.
  • Never store garbage or other enticing cockroach treats (e.g., dry pet food, old newspapers) under the sink where it can get damp — instead, place it in a container that can be closed with a lid.
  • Plug up or cover any holes or cracks in your floor or walls to make it harder for the roaches to sneak in.

At Southern Pest Control we have handled the pest control issues Biloxi, MS. for our many customers for over 35 years. Our specialized are trained and equipment with effective and safe pest control products to keep cockroaches out of your home.

Please call us at 800 527-9832 our courteous and friendly staff are ready answer all your questions and have someone come out to your home to inspect the premises.

Holiday Season and Unwanted Pests

Christmas Tree in the Mississippi gulf coast; Southern Pest Control

Holiday season and unwanted pests

 

With the holiday season here, families across the country are getting into the spirit by putting up their Christmas tree, stringing festive lights, wrapping presents and decorating their homes. These activities can provide for pests like spiders, ticks, ants, and mice to inadvertently brought into your homes.

One of the common ways that pests enter your home during the holidays is via your Christmas tree, wreaths and firewood. Ants, spiders, ticks and other pests can hide deep in the branches of trees and crevices of wood. In some cases, these pests can even lay lays in your Christmas tree or garland.

To prevent bringing pests into your home on live trees, take a few moments to carefully inspect your tree before bringing it in.

Another way pests come in is through boxes of decorations, which have been stored in your basement or attic all year. Mice and other pests find their way into these boxes during the off-season. When you unpack the decorations, you may find dead pests or droppings inside. Unfortunately, also you may find the holiday decorations have been chewed or destroyed by pests.

When it is time to decorate, unpack holiday items outside and inspect all items carefully for signs of pest, dropping, gnaw marks or other damages before bringing them into your home. Pay special attention to strings of lights to ensure that wiring has not been frayed by pests.

The most important time to insure that you are pest free when decorating for the holidays is after the holiday season is over. You should store holiday décor in hard, plastic bins with tightly sealed lids. Do not pile discarded trees or cut firewood near your home.

During all the rush and hurry that occurs during the holiday season, just taking a few precautionary steps can greatly reduce your chances of battling unwanted pests during the festive season.

Remember if you have signs of pests or have any concerns about infestation during the holiday season, please call us at Southern Pest Control at 800-527-9832. We are available during the holidays to help you stay pest free so that you can fully enjoy this time of the year with your family and friends.

We want to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Winter Pests that Invade Your Home

Snow covered home in the Mississippi gulf coast; Southern Pest Control

winter pests

 

Some pests will go into hibernation during the winter months while winter pests enter you home looking for a warm place to live and for food sources.

The National Pest Management Association encourages homeowners to take several precautions against winter pests like mice, rates, raccoons, cockroaches, and spiders. Here are some tips that can help.

House Mice

These rodents are the most common encountered. They like to usually nest in dark, secluded areas like attics and basements. They can cause serious damage to drywall and wiring that could start a fire. These mice can contaminate food and spread disease including Salmonella.

Tips:

  • Seal cracks and holes on the outside of your home with steel wool and caulk.
  • Keep areas clean and store boxes off the floor
  • Regularly inspect the home for signs of mice, such as droppings, gnaw marks and damaged food.

 

Norway Rats

These pests like to live in basements. They will gnaw through almost anything including plastic and lead pipes looking for food or water. These pests also spread diseases.

Tips:

  • They can fit through an opening as small as ½ inch. Inspect the outside of your home for any gaps or crack and fill them with silicone caulk.
  • Eliminate sources of moisture in your basement or crawl apace.
  • Regularly inspect the inside of your home for signs of infestation.

Cockroaches

German cockroaches are the most common breed of cockroach throughout the world. Your home is a perfect place for them to live. They like to live in small areas close to food and moisture. These creatures find their way into your home via grocery bags, boxes and used appliances. Your kitchen and bathrooms is normal where they migrate to. These pests can contaminate food sources and spread diseases.

Tips:

  • Always ask for plastic bags when shopping
  • Try to keep boxes and used appliances outside for a day if possible in the direct sunlight. These will cause the roaches to leave these areas while outdoors.
  • Keep counters and floors as clean as possible of crumbs
  • Take out your garage regularly

Raccoons

These animals are commonly found in the wooded eastern portions of the country. They however have become a problem in our areas due to wooded areas we have close by commercial dumpsters.  They occasionally will enter the home through the attic or even chimney. Raccoons area major host for rabies.

Tips

  • Be sure your outdoors trash cans and recycling bins are sealed. A good idea would be to place them in a locked outdoor shed.
  • Inspect the inside of your home for places they can get in, such as broken vent covers.
  • Place a mesh cover over your chimney and exposed openings to prevent entry.
  • Keep tree branches trimmed back from your home.

Spiders

The brown recluse spider prefers to spin their web in undisturbed places like closets, attics, crawl spaces, and basements. These spiders can bite and inject venom. These spiders are dangerous to humans.

Tips

  • Store clothing and shoes in plastic containers
  • Keep trees and scrubs trimmed away from the home and cut back limbs overhanging the roof.

We at Southern Pest Control hope this information will be helpful to you as winter approaches. Remember that we are here to help you stay pest free throughout the year. Please call us at 800 527-9832. Our friendly and experienced staff is waiting to help.

 

 

 

 

 

Pest Control Biloxi MS Services – You Need It Right Now!

Technician spraying in kitchen in the Mississippi gulf coast; Southern Pest Control

 

pest control services Biloxi Ms

Why do you think do you need to hire a pest control company? Do you want to find one in order to check your home? Your home may be the place where pests are living that you are not aware of. It will not be evident in the beginning unless you have regular pest control Biloxi MS with us at Southern Pest Control or another pest control company. If not, you may only realize that there are a lot of unwanted pests living with you at home when they are already too many.

What We Can Provide

We insure that our highly trained staff members will be able to provide the pest control Biloxi MS service that you are searching for. We only give quality services that are carried out with integrity and dedication. Our staff is always friendly and courteous.

We are also constantly improving our pest control Biloxi MS service so that every time you hire us for your needs, we can always provide the most up to date services that are environmentally safe. Through the services we perform, we have managed to enhance our reputation in the Biloxi, MS area.

What We Promise

We can promise that you will be happy and satisfied with our pest control Biloxi MS services. Just imagine going to your home and not worrying whether there are cockroaches that will suddenly appear on the floor. If there is one cockroach, you can expect that there is more from where it came from. We can look into your problem and get rid of the pests.

We can provide a 12 month guarantee service for the following pests:

  • Roaches
  • Rats
  • Mice

We can also guarantee our pest control Biloxi MS service for ants (but not for fire ants) and other unwanted pests. We also remove animals, (raccoons, squirrels, etc. that may have gotten into your home.

We specialize in different types of termination and other pest control Biloxi MS services that you may need. Feel free to contact us with your questions or if you would like to hire us, feel free to call us. You can call us at 800 527-9832, our helpful staff is waiting to take your call.

Stop Pests from Lurking Now With Pest Control Service Biloxi, MS

Creepy insect peering over house plant in the Mississippi gulf coast; Southern Pest Control

pest control Biloxi, MS

Have you noticed that your home seems to have a lot more pests than usual? Perhaps it is time for you to check the various parts of your home so that you can see if there are some places where pests are lurking. If you do find any, we will be more than happy to help. We can provide the best pest control service Biloxi, MS that will keep your home pest free with our guarantee.

Southern Pest Control is dedicated in making sure that we will be able to remove the pests and sometimes animals that are infesting your home. We can rid your home or buisness of mold if needed. We offer pest control Biloxi, MS that you will not be disappointed with.

We offer pest control service Biloxi, MS for both residential and commercial areas.

 Residential – We are proud to say that we have worked hard to continuously improve our customer service which makes our reputation excellent when compared to other companies that also offer pest control service Biloxi, MS. We also make sure that our staff will not come barging in at your house unannounced. We schedule our appointments and we insure that our office staff confirms the pest control Biloxi, MS service appointment with you before our highly trained professionals come to your home.
 Commercial – Offices need pest control service Biloxi, MS as well. Buildings can become infested by rodents, ants and other types of pests that may cause harm to employees and customers who work in or visit commercial facilities.

We take pride in the fact that we are very active in the community. We are involved in several local organizations that help our community. We do not only provide pest control service Biloxi, MS, we  also make sure that we are an integral part of the community.

Please call us at 800 527-9832, if we call help protect your home or business for unwanted pests.

Why Pest Control Services are a True Necessary

Professional fumigating a home in the Mississippi gulf coast; Southern Pest Control

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Pest control forms an integral part of responsible housekeeping. It is essentially required for living safely in homes for a long time. Householders are often faced with recurring pest control problems despite their best efforts in keeping the house tidy and free of clutter.

It is not unusual for homeowners to keep making efforts to eliminate the problem of pests on their own. Unfortunately, the only means available to them are ready-to-use sprays that seem to drive away the pests, but these unwanted guests simply reappear after a short gap, and in much larger numbers. That is because pests get used to the same spray, which gradually proves ineffective for eliminating them. Whether you are living in a mansion, an apartment or a condo, you always stand the risk of getting your place infested with pests of some kind or the other.

Well, that doesn’t imply that you should learn to live with these creatures, allowing them to take over your house. Nowadays, there are many ways to control pests and you don’t need to use harmful chemicals in all cases. At the same time, you should understand that certain types of pests can’t be eliminated totally for good, but it is possible to manage them and have the situation under your control. However, you should know the options available to you for a successful control over pests.

This is where pest control services come into picture. Professional pest control companies have trained and experienced staff and, when inspecting your property and its neighborhoods, they can identify the kind of pests, plus their point of entry on your property. Once the cause and type of pests is identified, the company knows the best way of eliminating those pests. Other than offering you the most effective plan for eliminating the pests from your home, companies providing professional services will also give you helpful tips and suggestions to keep pests away from your house in the future. These companies have the required equipment and materials for liberating your property of pests.

You should know that pests get multiplied very fast. So their total removal will take some time. The pest removing companies know what they are handling, and they will come back after a definite period and offer re-treatment, if needed, at a nominal extra charge, or even without any charge. Their personnel are trained to handle special equipment and, at times, harmful chemicals, without exposing you or your family and pets to any risks whatsoever.

Competent companies offering to undertake pest control measures for your property have specific plans that take into consideration not only the kind of pests infesting your property, but also the size of your property. This means using the optimum measures while charging you accordingly, as well as the delivery of results as expected by you. That helps saving your money, as you won’t have to incur expenses for repairs that might become necessary in case you decide to handle the problem yourself, or if your home were not inspected.

When looking for the services of a pest control company, you need to search for one that will precisely inform you of the treatment that will be offered and its charges, the products that they are going to employ, and the risks to which the occupants of the house may be exposed. A good company will also offer a guarantee and their employees will return in case pests continue to persist.

Before finalizing a contract with any pest control company, you should check their credentials, how long they have been in the same business, the prices to be paid and the treatment plan, plus its guarantee.
Do you feel you have unwanted guests that pose a threat to the health of your family? Call our southern pest control service and let us determine if you are under siege, as well as eliminate these pests.

How Pest Control Protects Your Family and Home

Technician inspecting yard border in the Mississippi gulf coast; Southern Pest Control

pest-control

Treatment should not be considered an optional home improvement service, it should be mandatory. Having a pest control technician out at your home regularly (preferably once every two months) will make a huge difference on maximizing your protection from bugs. And not only will you prevent a dreaded pest infestation with creepy bugs crawling around your home, you will help with maintain a clean and healthy home.

Professional pest control service will spot pests that can cause structural damage early so you can preserve the lifespan and appearance of your home. But not all pests attack the structure of your home, some pests create problems with electrical wiring or even spread disease to occupants.

Below is a list of five reasons why a regular service should be considered a necessary service for any homeowner:

  • Potential Pest Problems Are Caught Early – Most bugs or rodents can reproduce rapidly once they find a habitable area to nest. This can create a snowball effect for the pest population in your home. A thorough pest control technician will be able to identify potential pest infestations and can stop them from growing. You won’t have to worry about a growing pest population on your property. Your pest technician should not only treat for current pest problems every service but also inspect for potential problems.

 

  • Prevent Fire Hazards –Rodents are known for chewing on items to file down their teeth. If a rodent didn’t gnaw, their teeth would grow to a length that would prevent them from being able to eat. Your home offers many items they can gnaw on. So, their fortune is your misfortune. Specifically, rats and mice will chew on electrical wiring in your home creating an exposed electrical current. This is a serious fire hazard and can ignite surrounding insulation or nesting materials from rodents. A pest control specialists will inspect for rodents and locate any electrical wire damage.

 

  • Eliminate Risk Of Structural Damage– Carpenter ants and termites will damage the frame of the home, leaving you in a structurally unsound home. These pests will also eat away at the wall siding creating an unpleasant appearance and eliminating some of the protection of the home.

 

  • Prevent Spread Of Diseases – Particularly rats and roaches leave droppings that carry diseases. These droppings will become brittle and turn into dust. The dust contaminates the air making the diseases air-borne. Roach droppings often contribute to asthma in children. Rats can spread Hantavirus and other life-threatening disease. A thorough clean up of waste by a licensed pest control specialist will resolve this problem.

 

  • One Pest Welcomes Other Pests – Pests tend to live in close proximity to each other because they either feed on other pests or your current pest problem has created a welcoming setting for other pests. For example, bees create honeycomb that attracts roaches and ants. The sweet honey is a perfect food source for ants and roaches. So if you have bees on your property you could have other nuisance pests as well.

A regular service is much more affordable than doing costly home repairs from pests. Protect your property today by looking into a pest control service that fits your needs. Ensure that the company you choose offers a free inspection and gives you a guaranteed price on service costs.

There is nothing more satisfying than a clean home without pests crawling around. Get your pest-free* home today so you can relax comfortably knowing pests aren’t destroying your home.

Derek Roach is a copywriter for Pro Pacific Pest Control which specializes in bee control and offers general pest control service. His articles focus primarily on pest control topics have been featured in local & international publications.

With Fall, Unwanted Pests Look For Winter Shelter

Fall scene outside home in the Mississippi gulf coast; Southern Pest Control

 

fall and unwanted pests

 

Fall is an exciting time of the year when football is in the air and the temperatures finally start becoming cooler. But here in Gulfport Ms. we need to be aware that this is the time of the year our unwanted pests find refuge for the cold winter ahead. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) reminds homeowners of the importance that fall pest-proofing can play in keeping pests from making their home in yours.

Rodents can carry diseases that we need to keep away from yourselves and our family. These diseases include Salmonella and Hantavirus. These pests can also cause structural damage to y our property by gnawing through wires, which can cause house fires. They also can make nests in our home’s insulation.

The following recommendations to pest proof your home were made by the National Pest Management Association

  • Install door sweeps on exterior doors and repair damaged screens.
  • Screen vents and openings to chimneys.
  • Seal cracks and crevices on the outside of the home, including areas where utilities and pipes enter.
  • Store food in airtight containers and dispose of garbage regularly in sealed receptacles.
  • Replace loose mortar and weather stripping around the basement foundation and windows.
  • Eliminate all moisture sites, including leaking pipes and clogged drains.
  • Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house; keep shrubbery well-trimmed.’
  • If you find any evidence of pest infestation, you should contact a professional licensed pest control company to inspect, identify and treat the problem.

If you need an inspector help getting rid of unwanted pests or animals in Gulfport, Ms., please call us at Southern Pest Control. Our highly experienced technicians will be glad to inspect your ho me, treat it and make recommendations to help you keep pests out all winter. Please call us at 800 527-9832 if we can help.

The Four Most Important Pest Control Tips to Protect Your Home

Professional exterminator spraying for bugs in the Mississippi gulf coast; Southern Pest Control

southernpestcontrol

Pest Control Tips to Protect Your Home

Many animals and bugs that a person finds around their home may be classified as undesirable pests. Several examples include ants, spiders, termites, wasps, roaches, and some rodents such as rats. A person that notices these creatures around the home should not take their presence lightly as they can be more than just a nuisance. These uninvited houseguests, while small in size, have the potential to cause extensive damage to property and can also cause diseases and allergies that can be life-threatening.

This is why it’s important for a homeowner to consider several pest control practices to prevent an infestation. Critters will be less likely to be attracted to the home if garbage is properly closed off to them and disposed of regularly. A person can keep unwelcome animals from entering the home by sealing any cracks and gaps. As some creatures are attracted to water and moisture, a person should keep the home dry, cool, and free of any standing water.

Store Garbage Properly

Of course, a large portion of what you’ll find in a garbage bag is leftover food and table scraps that were discarded after dinner. Unfortunately, animals such rats and ants are attracted to the leftover food, and they will shamelessly dig through garbage bags to scavenge for free and easy food. Keep garbage bags inside a sturdy a trash can, and keep it tightly latched with a secure lid. Trash should be kept a safe distance away from the home.

Seal Cracks and Holes in the Home

Unwelcome critters can easily sneak into the home through cracks and holes. Alternatively, if they find an opportunity to get inside the home through the doorway, they’ll be able to search for holes to hide inside. There, they’ll create a new home and breeding ground without the knowledge of the homeowner. As a result, creatures such as termites will cause damage to property and thousands of dollars in repair work.

If a person wants to achieve pest control to preserve their home or business, he or she should regularly check for gaps and holes. The cracks found on the outside of the home should be sealed. Any crevices around cabinets and baseboards can be sealed off with caulk, which can be purchased at a hardware store. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, steel wool can be used to fill spaces around pipes.

Prevent Standing Water and Moisture in the Home

Pesky critters are not so different from humans when it comes to basic needs. Like humans, they require water to stay alive. Termites are not only attracted to wood, but they also thrive on dampness and moisture. This is why it’s highly crucial for a homeowner to eliminate any standing water, humidity, and moisture for maximum pest control. Homeowners should never hesitate to repair a leaky pipe. Basements, attics, and crawlspaces can easily become humid and moist, so remember to keep these areas dry and ventilated to prevent a potential breeding ground for ants, termites, rats, and roaches. Additionally, a dry and ventilated home can prevent mold.

Cleanliness is a Preventative Measure

A person can never go wrong with keeping the home organized and clutter-free. Need another reason to organize the basement or garage? It’ll keep the pests away as it’ll create an unfavorable environment for the unwelcome guests.

Animals love clutter. A person may see stacks of boxes and stacks of old newspapers and unused junk, but a rat would see hiding places and a potential spot to raise a family. Once they start to breed in these hiding spots, it will be hard to locate them and get rid of them effectively.

These four basic steps go a long way toward protecting a home against infestation.

Remember that when you need to treat your home or business to keep these unwelcome guests out, it is best to call a professional. They will not only treat your home or business properly but will use the safe and approved chemicals, so that there is no harm to your family and employees.

 

Back to School

Schools & Daycare Pest Control in the Mississippi gulf coast; Southern Pest Control

back to school

 

Well it’s back to school time. Whether you have a new student going for the first time to school or you have a senior in high school, this can be an eventful time for any parent. Below are just a few tips that may make this less stressful.

Making the First Day

If your child seems nervous, remind him or her that there are probably a lot of students who are uneasy about their first day back to school. Teachers are aware of this and in most cases make extra effort to make sure everyone feels comfortable.

It is a good idea to point out the positive aspects of starting school. This will help to create a positive anticipation about the first day. Your child will see old and new friends, try refreshing their memory of positive events from previous years.

Find a friend of your child that lives close by that may walk or ride the bus to school with your child.

If this is a new school that your child may be attending for the first time, be sure you have attended orientations and have toured the campus ahead of time.

Backpack Safety

Make sure the backpack you have chosen is easy and comfortable for your child. One with wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back are usually helpful.

Make sure that the backpack is lightly packed and well organized. Attempt to use all the compartments and pack heavier items closest to the center of the back. The backpack should not weight more than 20% of your child’s body weight.

Your child should use both shoulder straps, slinging a backpack over one shoulder can put a strain on his or her muscles.

Rolling back packs are great if the school allows.

The right backpack packed properly will help your student feel organized on their first day back to school.

Traveling to & From School

School Bus

Your child should always board and exit the bus at locations that provide safe access to the bus or to the school building.

Follow these safety tips that will help on that first day back to school

Remind your child to wait until the bus stops completely before approaching.

Make sure he or she walks where they can see the bus driver which means the bus driver can see them.

Remind them to look both ways before crossing any street.

Remind them to sit still once they are in their sit on the bus.

If the school bus has lap/shoulder seat belts, make sure your child uses it.

Check the school’s policy about food or drinks being consumed on the bus.

If your child has any condition that could result in an emergency on the bus, make sure the school nurse and other school health personnel are aware and have a plan if needed.

Car

All passengers should wear a seat belt and/or an age and size appropriate car seat or booster seat.

All children younger than 13 years of age should ride in the rear seat of vehicles.

Remember that many crashes occur while novice teenage drivers are going to and from school. You should require seat belts, limit the number of teen passengers, do not allow drinking, eating, cell phone conversations, texting, or any other mobile device that could distract the driver.

Bike

Your child should always wear a bicycle helmet.

They need to ride on the right, in the same direction as auto traffic is going.

They need to respect traffic lights and stop signs.

They should wear bright-colored clothing.

Walk to school

Please make sure your child takes a safe route to school that has well-trained adult crossing guard at every intersection.

Identify other children in the neighbor that your child could walk with to school.

Be sure that your child’s pedestrian skills and knowledge are good. Small children are impulsive and less cautious around traffic. You may want consider walking with them or consider having adult supervision.

If your child is young or attending a new school, either walk with them or have an adult walk with them for a week or until you are sure they know the route and can safely walk it.

 

There are many more areas that you should address. For instance, eating during school, before and after school care, study habits, and your child’s interaction with other children. Hopefully the above tips can help especially with that first sometimes difficult school day.

Fall is right around the corner, and your household pests will start preparing for the winter. If you are in need of pest control or termite control services or need an unwelcome animal removed, please call us at Southern Pest Control at 800 527-9832. Our friendly and well-trained staff is always ready to help.