Wildlife can be an amazing thing to observe, as long as it’s outside of your home. Intrusive wild animals are a real problem for many people. A lack of understanding about how to take care of this problem can make it worse. Read on to find out more about three common types of intrusive animals and learn how you can take care of some of the issues they present. Raccoons Raccoons are common animals that are easily recognizable by the distinctive rings around their eyes and tail. These nocturnal mammals are excellent climbers and adapt well to a variety of different environments. They are also common carriers of rabies, which is a potentially fatal disease for humans. This set of traits makes them a particularly tricky pest to get out of your home. The only viable way to get rid of raccoons in your home is to catch and remove...

After a long winter, the warmer months seem heavenly. We can spend time outside, enjoy our yards, and get reacquainted with our old friends, the mosquitoes! Of course, nobody actually likes mosquitoes, but you can’t get through summer without one or two bites. They won’t be the only pest you run into, however, so you can’t slack on pest control in the warmer months. Here’s what you need to look out for come spring and summer. Bees and Wasps While these pollinators play an important role in the environment, bees and wasps taking up residence in and around your home puts you — and them — at risk. While you can find many over the counter products for dealing with bees and wasps, Germantown Pest Control can do a more thorough job by using environmentally friendly techniques. Termites They say love is in the air when spring hits, and for...

Mosquitoes are nasty bugs that can wreak havoc wherever they are. When they are outside, it is bad enough, but the situation can get even worse when the pesky biting bugs invade the interior of your home. Here are some tips on how to deal with a mosquito infestation inside your home. Unintentionally Inviting Mosquitoes Into Your Home If you have an infestation of mosquitoes in your home, there is a good chance that you have invited them there without realizing it. To keep mosquitoes from coming into your home, you need to take a few simple proactive steps to make sure they stay outside. First, make sure your house is properly sealed. Make sure your windows and doors are sealed tightly, and if you like to keep them open, make sure they are properly fitted with screens that do not have welcoming holes or tears that the bugs can...

Ants are a common household pest, and they can range from annoying to hazardous and damaging to your home. By carefully observing ants around or in your home, you can find out what type they are and what danger (if any) that they pose to you and your family. Here are the main types of ants we commonly see in the Tennessee and Northern Mississippi area. Acrobat Ants Acrobat ants are unique in that the worker ants of this species will strike a defensive posture when they are threatened which makes them look like a scorpion. They lift their abdomens above their heads, and it’s easy to see why they are known as the acrobat ant. These ants do sting, but fortunately, they don’t usually try to come inside houses. Argentine Ants If you step on an ant and notice a strange musty smell, you are most likely dealing with...

You’ve heard it many times—if you see one roach, you likely have many more. But how do you know whether you have just a few roaches or an infestation that is not likely to go away without professional intervention? Here are a few signs to look for. Seeing is Believing You’re more likely to see roaches at night if you have an infestation since they are nocturnal insects. If you turn on the light, they’ll scatter. Even worse, if you see a roach during the day, it is a good indication that you’ve had an infestation for quite some time and that it has grown to epic proportions that need professional services. Roaches definitely prefer to stay in dark crevices, but overcrowding and a lack of food actually drive roaches out during the day. Just because you see dead roaches, doesn’t mean your infestation is gone. In fact, it likely...

Termites are destructive creatures. Although they are diminutive in size, they can wreak untold havoc on a home. Keep reading to learn about the extreme damage termites can do. What are Termites? Simply put, termites are insects that eat wood. In a single year, they can cause billions dollars worth of damage to homes in the United States. One of the biggest reasons termites are so destructive is that they go virtually unnoticed as they eat their fill of wood. When homeowners finally discover termites , it is often too late, as irreparable damage has already been done. Most of the time, people discover they have termites when they notice the damage. Signs of Termites Even though it is difficult to know if you have termites, there are some signs that can point you in that direction. If you notice any of these tell-tale signs of termites, you need to...

When you think about where bed bugs hide, you probably think about mattresses and box springs. Even though these are common areas for the small bugs to hide, there are a few other common places that you might want to look if you suspect that the pests are in your home. If you do discover bed bugs , you can contact a professional like Germantown Pest Control & Termite to come to the home and treat for them while preventing future outbreaks over time. Couches and chairs are common places for bed bugs because you will usually transfer the bugs from your mattress to these areas when you sit down. Look at the crevices of the cushions on the couches and chairs in your home. If you're staying in a hotel or motel, then you should examine these pieces of furniture as well. Sometimes, bed bugs will hide underneath the...

A mouse or two in the home is a common occurrence for many people. Traps are set, the mice are caught, and the problem is quickly solved. However, if you have roof rats, which are commonly seen in homes in larger cities, then it might be a good idea to have a professional like Germantown Pest Control & Termite to help get rid of the rodents. Roof rats are often larger than house mice , and they can quickly damage the wires in the home as well as other components, especially in the attic and walls as this is usually where they live. Rats are usually more active at night, which means that you usually won't see or hear them until this time. Fortunately, this is also a time when most of the people in the home are asleep or quieter than they are during the day, making it easier...

Although wild animals may look cute and adorable, allowing them to take refuge on your property is not a good idea. Not only can animals cause property damage, but they also carry nasty diseases. Here is some of the wildlife that we tend to encounter in our area. Snakes Understandably, a lot of residents tend to have a deep fear of snakes. The truth of the matter is that these slithery serpents actually help eliminate other pests such as small rodents and cockroaches. While some snakes are nothing more than just a nuisance, others can be quite dangerous. The copperhead, timber rattlesnake, water moccasin, and pigmy rattlesnake are all venomous. If you happen to encounter a snake on your property, call a professional immediately! Squirrels Known for harvesting nuts, squirrels are among the most common animals in the area. While squirrels may appear to be harmless, they have the potential...

Mosquitoes can really ruin a backyard barbecue. Not only do they make you develop itchy bumps, but they also can carry disease. It’s hard to eat, drink or enjoy yourself when you’re swatting away these bloodsuckers. You can take measures to reduce mosquito activity on your property, though. Get Rid Of Stagnant Water Most people are aware that stagnant water can provide a breeding ground for mosquitoes. That means that birdbaths, rain barrels and water features in your yard can lead to swarms. However, you might not know that improperly maintained swimming pools can harbor these pests. Even the smallest amount of water can become a breeding area for mosquitoes. Don’t leave out trash or debris that can collect rainwater. Thin Out Your Garden You might love the shade that your garden provides. The bad news is that the mosquitoes love it too. The insects seek shelter in areas that...

If you are planning a family picnic, ants do not need to ruin your plans . You can prevent the clever insects from crawling all over your food items by following a few simple tips: 1. Wrap sweet treats in plastic bags or containers. If you must serve watermelon or cantaloupe at your picnic, do not serve the fruit until the last minute. Do not leave open bottles of apple juice or grape juice on the table. Seal trail mix and similar items in plastic zippered storage bags or plastic containers. 2. Do not wear cologne or perfume. Ants love sweet fragrances. One simple way to prevent ants from spoiling your picnic is to refrain from wearing cologne or perfume. Avoid wearing essential oils that smell sweet. Do not wear hand lotion featuring a floral scent. Do not use a leave-in hair conditioner boasting a flowery fragrance. 3. Place table...

Although bedbugs were a widespread problem in the United States during the first half of the 20th century, it was believed that these pests had been eradicated by the 1950s. Since 2000, however, bedbugs have been found in all 50 states . Scientists attribute the pest's comeback to a combination of pesticide resistance, an increase in global traffic and the increase in densely populated metropolitan areas. Because it has been so many years since bedbugs were common in America, a number of myths have spread about these bloodsucking pests. Here are five widespread myths about bedbugs that need to be debunked. 1. Myth: Bedbugs can transmit diseases to humans. Fact: There has never been a single case reported indicating that a human contracted a disease from a bedbug. It is true that bacteria, viruses and other human pathogens have been found in these insects, but the microbes are incapable of...

Unbeknownst to most people, there are nearly four dozen species of termites that are native to the United States. Although not all species are found in all environments, the 45 known species can be classified into three general categories: drywood, dampwood, and subterranean. Termites in each of the three families have similar characteristics and exhibit certain unique types of behavior. Drywood Termites Drywood termites are typically found living inside wood structures. These may include anything from recently deceased trees to hardwood floors inside homes. While they share some characteristics with subterranean termites, the colonies themselves grow at a much slower rate, which means they are less likely to do considerable damage to buildings and other structures. Drywood termites can generally be identified early on in the infestation and eradicated before the structure itself is damaged beyond repair. Desert Drywood, Southeastern Drywood, and Western Drywood are particular species that can cause...