AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
June 2024
Categories |
Back to Blog
What is a Roof Rat10/28/2022 SummaryRodents are the most common pest in the US, representing 30% of all pest infestations in America. Mice and rats are the most frequently seen rodents in residential and commercial properties. One particular kind of rat has been especially troublesome, and that is the roof rat. You might be wondering what is a roof rat? A roof rat is a type of rat that was named due to its tendency to hang out on roofs and higher elevations in buildings. Like other rodents, roof rats can cause damage to your house and your family’s health. In this article we will go through the origin of roof rats, what is their habitat, tips to get rid of them, and much more. If you’re dealing with a rat infestation at home, SafePro Pest Control is your best choice in North Texas. Keep reading for more information about our services. What is a Roof Rat?When it comes to rodents, there are many types and they all vary in shape, size, color, and even behavior. One of the most common rat varieties in the US is the Texas roof rat. Black rats and ship rats are other names for roof rats, Texas just uses the term roof rat more frequently. Thought to have originated in Southeast Asia, Texas roof rats can now be found anywhere, but they are most common in tropical areas. When discussing roof rats, Texas may not seem like an obvious issue as they are known to be a common problem in the southern half of the country, around seaports, especially in coastal areas. So, what is a roof rat and what does it look like? Texas roof rats are long, slender rodents with prominent eyes and ears, a snub snout, and a scaly tail. Roof rats Texas often have soft, smooth fur that is brown with scattered black patches. They also frequently have white, gray, or black undersides. The overall length of an adult roof rat’s head and body is 6-8″ (16-20 cm). Their tails, which measure 7 to 10″, are noticeably longer than their heads and bodies (19-25 cm). Normally, they weigh 5 to 9 ounces (150 to 250 g), although they can get as big as 12 ounces (340 g). If you already know what a roof rat is and you suspect you’re having a roof rat infestation at your property, our roof rat control experts will take care of the problem and offer advice on precautionary measures to keep it from happening again. Need Immediate Help With Rats? SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH US TODAY! Why is it Called a Roof Rat?The moniker “roof rat” refers to the animal’s tendency to take refuge in buildings toward the roof instead of the ground. Once they gain access to the inside, roof rats are known to contaminate food that has been stored and act as carriers of harmful diseases. In addition, roof rats consistently cause material damage by chewing through almost anything they can dig their teeth into. Because roof rats are excellent climbers, they can access almost any area of your home or business. How Do You Get Rid of Rats on the Roof?The Texas roof rat can be challenging to eradicate because they will reside and hide in areas of your property that are very tough to get to. Getting assistance from a pest control expert is the most efficient technique to control roof rats in your home. For assistance with roof rats in your house call SafePro for a free consultation. For homeowners, roof rats in the attic can be a serious problem. To stop a roof rat invasion, here are some tips for you to take into consideration:
Rats will not go away on their own so to protect your family’s health and your property before they cause hundreds if not thousands of dollars worth of damage. A professionals pest control specialist should take care of the issue correctly the first time before it spreads. With the correct procedures, tools, and training necessary to deal with rats, they should be able to take care of your problem for you. Rat Baits and Glue TrapsRat traps and rat bait traps are by far the most popular and reasonably priced ways to deal with a rat problem. What is a roof rat’s nemesis? Not being able to flee when they sense danger. The rat bait lures them in and glue traps prevent them from moving on. A pest control expert will determine the correct bait and the high rat traffic areas that will be most beneficial. Sometimes a rat’s pathway is evident as they leave evidence of where they congregate and eat. Rats need time to develop a trusting relationship with new objects, thus a pest control specialist will know the best places to set up this type of trap. Electronic TrapsRat extermination with ultrasonic technology is chemical-free and humane. With sounds that are imperceptible to human ears, rats are annoyed and driven away rather than killing them. However, professional ultrasonic products do not promise to eliminate rodents, but they do a good job at decreasing rodent numbers. Now sure the best method to get rid of roof rats for your home or business? SafePro experts are familiar with rodents that invade north Texas so know the best extermination methods to get rid of rats efficiently TODAY. We offer safe and chemical-free options and work hard to make sure we have the latest and greatest techniques to solve any kind of pest infestation problem you may have. What Damage Do Roof Rats Cause?What is a roof rat’s favorite thing to do? Besides reproduce, roof rats love to chew. That’s why homeowners will notice damage caused by roof rats before they ever actually see one. Roof rats love to chew through walls, wiring, pipes, and other essential components of your building. They generally don’t stop as soon as they gain access to your home. Roof rats will devour food, paper, cardboard, and just about anything else they feel like chewing. And the more they eat, the more harmful they are as they can transmit disease through their feces and urine. Get Rid of Roof Rats in Your Home TodayNow that you know what is a roof rat and the potential risks and damage they can cause to your property, it is necessary to get rid of them before the problem escalates. That’s why SafePro is your best option. We are a family-owned and operated extermination company, with more than 10 years of experience we are the real experts. Our staff of exterminators is fully trained and certified to deal with any kind of rodent infestation. We deal with everything related to vermin, rats, mice, and bugs. If you’re in trouble because of pests, it’s time to call SafePro. Need Immediate Help With Rats? SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH US TODAY! Via https://safepropest.com/what-is-a-roof-rat/
0 Comments
Read More
Back to Blog
Where do Mosquitoes Go in the Winter10/28/2022 Where Do Mosquitoes Go in the Winter?Temperatures are cooling down and the hot summer nights are finally fading away. North Texans welcome the winter season with open arms as mosquitoes and other insects become less of a nuisance. Since mosquitoes are more prevalent during the summertime, one might think they die off during the winter. However, these blood-sucking creatures have been in existence for far too long, and have learned to hibernate during cold or harsh weather.
So, where do mosquitoes go in the winter? Contrary to popular belief, the cold weather doesn’t kill them. Unfortunately, just like the rest of us, they are looking forward to the next summer season. Mosquitoes have several ways of surviving cold temperatures by hibernating. Here’s everything you need to know about mosquitoes in the winter and how to prevent mosquito problems from happening around your property. What Happens to Mosquitoes During the Winter Season?Mosquitoes, like other insects, are cold-blooded creatures. While it’s true that mosquitoes cannot survive in an environment where the temperature is less than 50 degrees Fahrenheit, they have methods that help them persevere through the winter months. So, where do mosquitoes go in the winter? That depends on the species of mosquitoes. There are various types of mosquitoes that have developed ways of withstanding cold temperatures. Mosquito eggs are more hardy than actual mosquitoes and can last up to eight months without food or water. So, even if you get rid of the actual mosquito, their eggs might still hatch in the harsh, dry weather. The eggs are usually submerged in ice during winter, and hatch during spring. If you are wondering, “where do mosquitoes go in the winter,” some mosquito species undergo insect hibernation, also referred to as diapause. Like bears and other hibernating mammals, as the cold season approaches, mosquitoes begin to store up nutrients and lower their metabolism level so they can hibernate all winter in crevices, basements, hollow logs, or animal burrows. However, this isn’t the usual sleeping type of hibernation. Technically speaking, mosquitoes can’t sleep until the weather gets warmer. However, they suspend their development, so their bodies aren’t affected when seasons change. Diapause is more common among pupae, which can survive when immersed beneath the surface of frozen water than the adult species. However, some species are reasonably tolerant to cold climates and can survive freezing weather conditions. Another answer to “where do mosquitoes go in the winter,” is your home, since it stays relatively warm throughout the year. Some types of mosquitoes will make their way into your basement or attic and take up residence there. Taking shelter indoors gives them warmer temperatures and you are the food Mosquito Lifespan: how long does a mosquito live?How long does a mosquito live? That’s a common question people ask our pest control specialists at Safe Pro Pest. These insects have been around for thousands of years, and have continually adapted to nature and its environment to ensure their survival. To understand how mosquitoes spend their year and survive the winter, you need to understand the life cycle of a mosquito, their habits, and their differences. The truth is, that a mosquito’s life cycle depends on gender. So, how long does a mosquito live? A female can last anywhere between 42-50 days. The average life cycle for a male species is 10 days. Although this differs by species, female mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water or damp surfaces. When the eggs get wet, they can develop into mosquito larvae that live in the water. Most larvae, thereafter, become pupae within five to ten days. Two or three days later, they emerge from the water as adult mosquitoes. This entire process takes five to forty days, depending on the type of species. After that, the life expectancy of a mosquito in Texas can be anywhere from weeks to several months. Male mosquitoes live shorter than female mosquitoes, who can lay anywhere between 50 to 500 eggs in a single brood, and may lay up to 10 broods in a lifetime. Adult males have a lifespan of 10 days, dying after mating. Female mosquitoes lay their eggs in areas where the ground is moist. Eggs laid in the fall can stay dormant until the next spring, hatching when the temperature rises. What Happens to Mosquito Eggs During the Winter?Now, you know the answer to “where do mosquitoes go in the winter,” and “how long does a mosquito live,” what happens to their eggs?
Mosquitoes will lay their eggs in the fall, either before dying or hibernating during the winter.
The adult female can lay up to 500 eggs in damp areas, standing water, plants, moist soils, and even containers holding as little as half-inch of water. The eggs may lay dormant in the soil or water until spring when they’ll hatch and continue their life cycle.
These first three stages typically last 5 to 15 days, depending on the temperature and type of mosquito, but there are a few exceptions.
Mosquito species living in areas where some seasons are waterless or freezing spend the better part of their year in diapause. They’ll delay their development, typically for months, until there is enough water and warmth for their needs.
Certain types of mosquitoes survive the winter in the pupa and larval stages. Mosquito larvae or pupae require water. But as the temperature drops, they suspend their growth and metabolism and freeze in solid ice. When the ice melts and debris have settled, the larvae busily engage in feeding.
When are mosquitoes most active?When the warmer weather returns, adult females ready to lay eggs must find a blood meal to regain protein nutrients and help their eggs develop.
In the spring when people start their outdoor activities, newly awakened mosquitoes come out in full. The actual start of the mosquito season depends on where you live. For example, mosquito season in Texas can begin as early as February and reach its peak population in a few weeks. Need Immediate Help With Pest Control? SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH US TODAY! How Can You Stop Mosquitoes Before They Hatch?Mosquitoes are iconic pests during the summer, that’s why it makes sense to destroy their breeding cycle before they hatch. The more you disrupt it, the fewer mosquitoes will be around to disrupt your summer activities. To control mosquitoes, you need to systematically destroy any potential breeding grounds around your property. When there are no good places to lay eggs, they will be forced to look elsewhere. Mosquitoes don’t need cozy homes to reproduce. Here are a few breeding spots:
Any place with water or heavy vegetation makes a good place for adult females to lay their eggs. Since mosquitoes are tiny, they don’t need a large body of water, as even a single bottle filled with water is enough for them to lay eggs. Here are a few ways to eliminate their breeding grounds: Keep rain gutters cleanRain gutters and drains usually get filled with water after it rains. During heavy rainfall, you’ll likely see leaves, twigs, and other debris clogged in your waterway. These clogged gutters yield stagnant water, which becomes one of the favorite places for mosquitoes to lay their eggs. Thus, regular cleaning is recommended to help maintain your home and keep rain gutters from becoming a breeding ground for these insects. Remove stagnant water from flowerpotsWhen you water your plants, the excess water will run through the soil and collect in a pan. If you have any outdoor plants, the cleaner stagnant water collected from rainfall attracts mosquito species like Aedes Aegypti. Make sure you make it a habit of removing stagnant water from your flower pots at least twice a week to remove potential breeding grounds. Discard unwanted containers or junks that collects rainwaterSome junk items in your yard may be harboring mosquito eggs or larvae. Inspect your junk yard for any unwanted containers, including discarded tires, water buckets or basin, empty containers, tin cans, unused bottles, or other trash that contain water. Barrels and trash cans can collect rainwater, and old tires condense water vapor into tiny pools. Clear bird bathsBird baths are a beautiful accessory to your backyard as they attract all kinds of birds. However, the stagnant water is a perfect spot for mosquitoes to lay eggs. To prevent this, change the water and scrub down the bath at least once a week, preferably more frequently. Repair any leaky pipes or faucetsSometimes, we may not notice leaks outside the home, either from plumbing that has been exposed or from air conditioners that drip condensation. This water becomes a pest attraction in many homes. For mosquitoes, leaky pipes or faucets can trap stagnant water and create breeding grounds. You should check and repair all leaks on your property as soon as you notice them. Keep the outdoor garbage bin coveredMost trash bins collect rainwater. If left uncovered, it allows mosquitoes to lay eggs. Ensuring you keep your trash bins sealed properly to prevent rainwater from accumulating, is a great way to prevent mosquito hatching. Ensure your pond or pool is movingAs mosquitoes require stagnant water to breed, your water source must flow freely. Try installing a water feature in your pond or pool such as a water fountain or water agitator. This will limit the opportunity for adult females to lay their eggs. You can add natural predators like fishes, as they are good mosquito larvae killers. This will also attract other healthy predators like bacteria, dragonflies, and backswimmers. In addition, planting mosquito-repellent herbs like rosemary, marigolds, lavender, catnip, and mint helps. A mosquito bite can be red, painful, and itchy. Sometimes, they vary disease-causing organisms that can be dangerous to humans. So, it is a great idea to prevent mosquito bites. Here are our top tips:
If you’re taking proper steps to guard against mosquitoes and their bites, these pesky pests would not be a problem during the summer season. Factors to Consider Before Calling Mosquito Experts During the Winter SeasonWhy did I get attacked by mosquitoes, even if I took preventative measures to remove stagnant water and potential mosquito breeding grounds around me? Is eliminating breeding grounds enough? Unfortunately, no. Although preventative measures are good for effective mosquito control, it does not eliminate mosquito eggs during the winter season. The most effective way to get rid of mosquitoes from your property is by combining the necessary methods to eliminate mosquitoes at every stage, from larvae to adult mosquitoes. Fortunately, you don’t have to tackle this problem alone. Hiring a pest control company will give you peace of mind, knowing you wouldn’t share your property with unwanted guests. If you want the best treatment, you should hire a local pest control company for your residential or commercial building. A local company will be aware of all the seasonal pest infestations. Pest control is not a one-time thing. Although investing in a good pest control company will help you ward off mosquitoes for a long time, it is ideal to check for signs of pests. A good pest control company will work with you throughout the entire process. When you find the right one, you will worry less, knowing that they have the situation under control. If you are looking for a professional pest control company in North Texas, contact SafePro Pest Control. We offer effective treatment specially designed to destroy a mosquito’s life cycle at any stage using sniper-precise solutions that will defend your property. We will assist you to inspect your home and potential breeding grounds, so you don’t have to worry about severe mosquito bites when the summer season comes. Via https://safepropest.com/where-do-mosquitoes-go-in-the-winter/
Back to Blog
Is a Mouse-Free Warehouse Possible? Almost10/27/2022 In modern business society, warehouses are a standard feature. It is technically possible to classify even a small storeroom as a warehouse; however, when we think of a warehouse, we envision tall metal racks stacked high with pallets. Food processing facilities often have warehouses with a ceiling height of 20 to 25 feet and rack heights of 15 or more. These warehouses can contain thousands of square feet of storage space. Warehouses all share several characteristics - they store items on pallets, they have overhead doors, and at some point, they have mice problems. It is all the more important to establish a preventive mouse control program for warehouses and eliminate mice infestations because of this characteristic. You'll find tips, tricks, and more here. Prevention Mouse Control There is a common problem with house mice almost everywhere in the world. There are several reasons why house mice are worse pests inside buildings than rats. The number of mice in towns and cities is simply higher than the number of rats. Since mice are small, they can utilize more potential openings to enter buildings. A smaller territory and a high reproduction rate allow larger populations to build more quickly. In a warehouse, mice can survive on food alone - without access to water - so they can explore more areas. Most warehouse facilities are built in industrial complexes surrounded by fields, wooded areas, rivers, creeks, or railroad tracks. Buildings are at risk of mice invasions based on the degree of favorable conditions found in these areas. Step 1: Try to attract as few mice as possible
Identifying the risk of a mouse infestation is the first step in an effective mouse control program. Piles of debris, tall grass, pallet stacks, poorly maintained dumpsters, drainage ditches, poor drainage, and spilled food items all contribute to increased mouse populations. There is a greater likelihood that mice will enter a building if mice are present near the building. Prepare a list of recommendations for your client based on conditions possibly contributing to mouse survival. Step 2: Implement outside controls However thoroughly contributing conditions are reduced outside, mice will still be present and could move toward the building and eventually enter. It is particularly true when a grain elevator or a field is adjacent to an adjacent property that provides ideal conditions for mice to survive. Putting rodent control devices outside will help monitor activity and reduce the number of mice entering buildings. Your first line of defense should always be away from the building, at the fence line, if one is present. This first line of defense is established to prevent mice from moving up to the building. To monitor mouse activity before rodent control measures, nontoxic bait blocks are increasingly being placed at fence lines in tamper-resistant bait stations. To kill or capture mice, nontoxic bait is replaced with rodenticide bait or snap traps once the activity is detected. There may be a need to temporarily place additional stations when there is a high activity level. Rodenticide bait stations containing tamper-resistant bait blocks can be attached to fences or secured in other ways. The bait blocks should be wired inside the station to prevent rodents from dragging them out. Bait stations are often spaced 75 feet apart along a fence line. Stations should be placed closer together in areas with high mouse pressure or activity - for example, the fence bordering the grain elevator next door. It is possible to install bait posts near the property's perimeter if there is no fence line available. Tapping-resistant bait stations can be attached to tamper-resistant fence posts at regularly spaced intervals using bait posts. |