Termites do indeed spread their species by swarming (sending winged reproductive out of the colony) but so do many species of ants. There are simple ways to inspect the insects to determine whether they are ants with wings or termites with wings. The easiest way to tell the difference between the two is to inspect the body parts of the insect. Termites have two visible body parts: a head and a body. All ants have three distinct body parts: head, abdomen and thorax. In other words, the ant’s body is separated into two body parts.

It is not uncommon to find termites. However, you may have a concern if you see a swarmer leaving any area of your home or building structure. This may very well indicate an infestation. Contact the termite experts at Arrow Pest Control.

Inside The Home Pest Control Tips

Clean your doors and windows. Thoroughly vacuum and clean window and sliding door tracks to help prevent outside invaders such as carpet beetles, earwigs, silverfish and spiders.

Store away wool and fur-trimmed clothing. During warm weather months, wash and store away wool and fur-trimmed or -lined clothing in sealed containers or plastic bags to reduce the chance of moth or carpet beetle activity.

Time to organize the garage. Clean up and organize cluttered items along the perimeter walls of the garage, where rodents hide out. Now is an opportune time to install shelving or storage cabinets and get all your stuff off the garage floor.

Outside The Home Pest Control Tips

• Repair weather damage to vents and other access points to your home. It is a good idea to inspect your roof for missing or damaged shingles or tiles that may allow pests access or water damage that would contribute to pest infestation.
• Remove clutter from your gutters; which include twigs, leaves and other debris.
• Drain all standing water This serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes and a water source for rodents and other animals.
• Yard work – Remove unwanted weeds, leaves, twigs, branches, and other debris.
• Trim the trees. Trees provide insects and rodents access to your house, so limbs should be pruned back at least four feet from the roofline. Shrubs should also be regularly trimmed so they do not come into contact with the structure of the home.
• Move firewood outside. All unburned firewood should be taken outside so that insects residing beneath the bark do not infest the home. Firewood should be neatly stacked at least 18″ off of the ground to help prevent rodents and to help deter termite activity.

By following these simple steps you will greatly reduce your chances of having a pest control problem in the spring and summer months.

Keep Rodents from Making Your Home Their Home

Unlike insects, mice and other rodents are not capable of going dormant for the winter. While some mammals, such as raccoons, do hibernate during the winter, most simply seek a warmer shelter. Mice, rats, and squirrels actively work on building warm nests year round, often inside homes. Arrow Pest Control specializes in exclusion so that pests will not find their way into your home.

Pest Control Tips for the Winter

To prevent squirrels and other animals from roosting in the eaves or attic, repair and patch any holes or other damage.
Clean out gutters and overhangs, where rodents can also build their nests.

Remove yard waste like leaves and moss away from the house prior to disposal. These materials are popular nesting materials.

Keep birdseed in a sealed metal container. Mice can gnaw through plastic and eat seeds.

Common entry points are around pipes, where small cracks are frequently just large enough for a mouse to squeeze through. Block holes with steel wool.
In the house, eradicate clutter that can hide mice and rat nests and provide material for the nests themselves.
If it is evident that rodents have already entered the home, enlist natural repellents to deter their continued residence.

During the winter months many pests may want to move into your home. With the right prevention, it is easy to protect your house from these small invaders. Contact us if you have any questions.