Halloween Pests and Your Gilbert Home

It’s that time of year, when pests of all shapes and sizes, and colors, come creeping to your Gilbert home in search of…

Candy!

Halloween season is the best time of the year to celebrate those creepy, crawly, awful little pests that tend to invade your home and keep you up at night. From spiders to cockroaches, scorpions to snakes, even rats, Halloween in Gilbert is all about bringing out the insects….even if they are fake.

As Magic Pest Control, this is the time of year we tend to hear a story or two about how they were surprised by the huge spider that snuck up on them in the shower, only to find out it was a Halloween prank and a fake spider – thank goodness.

So, what can you do with scorpions, spiders, cockroaches and rats this Halloween season?

Spiderwebs: It’s not Halloween without spiderwebs, and lots of them, all over your home. How about DIY trash bag spiderwebs, or cookies with spiderwebs, or spiderweb pie, or spiderweb balloon art.

Check this out: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/338895940702835057/

Cockroaches: We’ve seen some imaginative Halloween decor with cockroaches over the years, but this Pinterest pin of hundreds of cockroaches coming out of an air vent takes the cake: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/213850682286483520/

Spider Ice Cubes: I love the idea of adding fake spiders to your ice cubes for a Halloween party!!

Check it out: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/308567011960744672/

Scorpions: When there’s a scorpion on the door mat in Arizona, you can’t really be sure if it’s real or fake. Especially this time of year!

There are so many great ideas for using pests in your Halloween decor! Just remember, if you have the real thing, call in Magic Pest Control.

Scary Arizona Pests of October

Termites, scorpions and all sorts of Arizona pests that can not only be a nuisance, but can cost you thousands in home and property damage, are still active in October, especially because the temperatures have been higher than normal.

While scorpion season is, in fact, coming to an end, that does not mean that scorpions will not seek shelter and safety within your home.

And, while termites might not be as active simply because monsoon season has come to an end and the ground is dry and hard, termites in Arizona are still incredibly dangerous and costly. You cannot let your guard down with any of these Arizona pests…not even for a moment.

A termite problem can occur at anytime, and knowing what to look for is crucial for avoiding extreme termite damage.

So, what signs should you be looking for over your home in Gilbert?

#1: Termite Shelter Tubes

You can usually see these signs on foundations, walls, or metal capping. These tubes are crucial for termites because they are protecting themselves from their predators. Plus, it’s the perfect nest for them. It usually is a humid and dark place which is perfect not only for their development as well as for food storage.

#2: Subterranean Tunnels

There are different termites species and the subterranean ones don’t make their nests on tubes. Instead, they prefer to make their own subterranean tunnels that they use to transport food.

#3: Blowholes In Trees

Despite both kinds of termites can use trees, the ones that use them more often are the subterranean ones. They tend to form their colonies on the trunks and in the tree root crown. If you have a suspicion that you might have some termites hiding here, your best chance to find them is to call an exterminator. Since they will need to hear through the tree to see f they notice the termites presence, they already know the kind of sound they should expect and where it is more likely to find them.

#4: Earthen Packing:

When termites decide to work inside a timber, you’ll notice the earthen packing on the surface, and the places where you’re most likely to find them is on joints and the foundation’s walls.

#5: Termite Noises And Wood Excavation:

One of the things that allow termites to go undercover and you don’t notice them is that they usually tend to leave a thin layer intact. However, they will then excavate deeper into the wood. One of the things that some Gilbert homeowners say is that they can actually hear them, especially if you already have a huge infestation.

#6: Piles Of Termite Frass In Or Around The Home:

Frass usually is referred as the termite droppings. You can usually find them either near or at the entry of the termites.

#7: Presence Of Wings

Every termite has its own function or job. And in what concerns the reproductive termites, their job is to fly around to try to find a good place for their nests. So, when you have an infestation in your Gilbert home, you may find some wings discarded. In case you do, make sure that you immediately call a specialist to get rid of them as soon as possible.

What Do They Do During a Termite Inspection?

Sometimes it’s confusing when it comes to termites. They seem so small and, well, not dangerous. Termite seem like nothing more than a pest that you could probably take care of yourself.

Unfortunately, nothing could be further from the truth. Termites cost billions of dollars in damage across the U.S. annually. I think the number is something like $5 billion, which is insane.

Termites are not something that you can take care of yourself. And, termites are something you don’t want to wait to fix.

So, what is a termite inspection and why can’t you do one on your own?

A termite inspection is a visual inspection of the readily accessible areas of a home for evidence of wood-destroying insects. The inspector will visually inspect the entire interior of a home (including accessing and entering any sub-space such as basements and crawlspaces) and exterior of the property.

Our pest control professionals will inspect the very areas of your home where termites are most often found, and then the areas where we rarely see termites.

Our pest control professionals can almost sense whether termites have invaded your home…they have a sixth sense about them that is uncanny. If you have termites, our pest control professionals will find them.

Ok, so why can’t you do a termite inspection on your own? Well, you can try, and we have downloadable PDF’s for you to follow with photos of what to look for, but the odds are very good that you’ll miss some tell-tale signs, and some not so tell-tale signs, of a termite infestation.

Termites are sneaky, and will hide in places you probably don’t think to look. If you’re serious about a termite inspection the DIY way, you’ll need to gear up and crawl below and above your home…through the basement, underneath your home and in the attic, as well as on the roof.

Every square inch of your home needs to be inspected for termites, including all areas of the garage.

If you’re interested in getting our Termite Checklist, let us know.

 

Are Scorpions Active in October?

Scorpion prevention in Fall looks much like scorpion prevention throughout the year. The twist is that many Gilbert and East Valley homeowners don’t realize that scorpions are still active in October, and looking to invade your home as temperatures begin to drop in the evenings.

Today, let’s talk about some of the ways you can prevent scorpions in October…

In the yard and around the home

With the upcoming changing of the seasons, take time to remove any debris from the exterior of your house that may be providing shelter for scorpions. A simple neglected flowerbed or loose rocks alongside your Gilbert house are encouragement enough to invite a scorpion to settle in.

Start by removing any loose rocks, brick, or woodpiles around your home that may have amassed over the summer months. Do a thorough walk around the exterior of your Gilbert home and look to fill in any holes in your foundation or cracks in your walls that might provide an entrance into your home for these eight-legged creatures.

Clean and organize

Next, focus your efforts inward and remove the clutter inside of your home as well. Be sure to break down and throw out any unused or partially filled boxes in your attic that may provide a cool, dry place for these arachnids to hide.

Also look to fix any interior structural defects that may allow the scorpions to come and go from your Gilbert home in the evenings when they look to feed on their prey.

A good defense

Scorpions primarily feed on insects like crickets, moths, spiders and centipedes. They may also eat lizards, mice, and possums. To deter scorpions from making your home theirs, be diligent about containing food or prey of any kind both inside and outside of your home.

For example, keep pet food that attracts rodents and bugs in airtight containers inside the home, and trash in closed, locking cans outside the home. By curbing an invitation to these other pests, you will reduce the potential for a scorpion to follow them to your home.

Extra help

The combination of well-developed sprays and granules is a proven successful dual prevention method to getting rid of scorpions. Helpful demonstration videos can be found online to gain a better understanding of how to apply granules and how to kill scorpions that may be hiding in your home or yard.

Just because the temperatures are dropping you should not stop treating for pests. Remember scorpions are hibernating during the cooler months, but will be out in full force when it warms up. Make the fall and winter seasons your time to safe guard your home from unwanted pests.

3 Tips for Mosquito Prevention in Arizona

If you haven’t noticed, the mosquitoes are back. Mosquitoes tend to annoy Arizona residents throughout the summer, particularly during and after monsoon season.

As we move into October, we’re getting closer to the end of mosquito season, and they seem to be going out with a bang.

So, today let’s talk about the top 3 ways to keep mosquitoes out of your yard, and your home…

Standing Water: Keep standing water off of your property. In October, Arizonans tend to seed for winter lawns. With that winter seen comes watering…lots of watering…which could mean puddles and standing water. It you find that your winter lawn is accumulating puddles, you could be attracting mosquitoes.

Have your local pest control professionals come out to fog for mosquitoes, and have your landscaper come out to check the sprinkler system.

Install Fans on Your Patio: Mosquitoes hate wind. Even a steady wind at 1mph can keep mosquitoes away. So, before you have to call Magic Pest Control to come fog for mosquitoes, consider installing a few outdoor, patio fans. When you’re outside, turn those fans on high and you shouldn’t have a problem with mosquito bites.

Take a Breather: Day says carbon dioxide (CO2) is the primary thing mosquitoes search for to identify food sources. And when your heart rate is elevated, your body produces more CO2. From exercise to drinking alcohol or eating spicy foods, anything that cranks up your metabolic rate will increase your CO2 production—and make you irresistible to mosquitoes, Day says. (Unfortunately, being overweight or pregnant can also up your CO2 output, he adds.)

If you have mosquitoes and just can’t stand it anymore, contact Magic Pest Control. We fog for mosquitoes!!

5 More Fall Pest Control Prevention Tips

There are an endless amount of pest control prevention tasks to bring your attention to this Fall. Right now, when the air is crisp and cool in the mornings, before the sun hits the hottest part of the day, get out there and take some of these actions to prevent pests from invading your home as it gets cooler out.

  1. Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house and keep shrubbery well trimmed. Removing areas where pests can hide near your home can reduce the chance of them finding a way inside.
  2. Install door sweeps and repair damaged screens. Torn window screens and cracks under doors are an ideal entry point for household pests. When you open the window, you could be letting in more than just fresh air.
  3. Inspect items such as boxes of decorations, package deliveries, and grocery bags before bringing them indoors. Pests can find creative ways to get inside a home. Shake out or inspect anything that has been left or stored outside.
  4. Avoid leaving pet food dishes out for long periods of time. Pests don’t discriminate between human food and cat food. Pet dishes that have been left sitting out are enticing for all kinds of insects and rodents.
  5. Make sure there are no leaks in irrigation systems that will create excess moisture that might attract pests.

Of course, you can always call Magic Pest Control!

5 Pest Control Tips for Fall

September 22nd was officially the first day of Fall, and as temperatures dip below 100-degrees, there is no better time then now to take a look at some pest control prevention tips.

  1. Screen attic vents and openings to chimneys, along with any other areas where homes may be open to the outdoors – like mail slots and pet doors.
  2. Keep basements, attics, and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry. Pests are attracted to areas with moisture, which they need to survive. Using dehumidifiers in basements and garages can help keep these areas dry.
  3. Seal cracks and crevices on the outside of the home using caulk and steel wool. Pay close attention to points where utility pipes enter the structure. Mice can fit through a hole the size of a dime, and rats can fit through holes the size of a quarter.
  4. Keep kitchen counters clean, store food in airtight containers, and dispose of garbage regularly in sealed receptacles. Crumbs and a buildup of garbage are attractive to pests scrounging for food. It is recommended to clean up after each meal and to properly close garbage cans when they are stored in the home or garage.
  5. Replace weatherstripping and repair loose mortar around the foundation and windows, as these are places that could allow pests access inside your home.

Whether you’re in Gilbert, Chandler, Queen Creek or Phoenix, Fall is the perfect time to start some prevention tasks. The weather is below 100-degrees, which means it’s the perfect time to get outdoors and take care of these pest control prevention details.

Of course, you can always call Magic Pest Control!

Where Do Termites Hide in Your Gilbert Home?

Termites are sneaky, and can hide in nearly every crease of your home. The thing about termites is that they not only hide throughout your home, they burrow, dig, destroy, eat and multiply. Termites are no joke, particularly in your Gilbert home.

Today, I want to talk about termites in your Gilbert home, and where our pest control professionals will most often find them…

Foundation of Your Gilbert Home: Termites love to find the smallest of cracks in your Gilbert home and invade, which can often mean inconsequential cracks in your foundation. Those tiny cracks are perfect size for termites, and they will use those foundation cracks to infest your home.

As we always say, it’s imperative that you find pest control professionals, particularly termite treatment professionals, with expansive masonry experience. This way, when the termite treatment professional places termite treatment throughout your property, masonry experts will know exactly where to place the treatment and how to place it as to not damage your cement.

Plumbing: This might seem like an odd hiding spot for termites, but we more often then not find termites in Gilbert homes around the plumbing. It’s within the walls that termites love to hide, and within your walls is your plumbing system.

Those pipes that run through your Gilbert home are like a highway system for termites. We find time after time that termites have invaded the plumbing system in Gilbert homes.

If you see any signs of termites, call Magic Pest Control immediately.

Kandice Linwright No Comments

Wasps in Fall

Paper wasps get their name from the paper-thin, honeycomb nests they build on the eaves of buildings or in doorways each spring. Their nests are made from plant material combined with saliva and appear to be made from paper, hence their name. Their nests include numerous compartments where the queens lay their eggs and rear their young.

Paper wasps are social wasps, which means they live in large groups. By late summer as many as 200 wasps may be present in a single nest in our around your Gilbert home. By late fall, the queen and workers die and the nest is abandoned.

Paper wasps have very painful stings and can sting multiple times. They usually do not sting people unless they are provoked, but they will fiercely protect their nests if threatened or disturbed. While wasps benefit the eco-system by pollinating plants and preying on other pests, they are territorial and can pose a threat to people or animals who get too close to their habitats in Gilbert, Arizona.

Because of this, and because many people have allergic reactions to wasp stings, you should remove nests that are close to your Gilbert home or structures on your Gilbert property to protect your family, pets, and livestock.

Paper wasps hang their comb nests from twigs and branches of trees and shrubs which can cause concern when ornamental shrubs and hedges are trimmed or fruit is being picked from trees.  If a nest is contacted, there is high probability that the person doing the trimming or fruit picking will get stung. Be careful!

Paper wasps also like to hang their comb nests from porch ceilings, the top of window and door frames, soffits, eaves, attic rafters, deck floor joints and railings, etc., almost any protected place imaginable including under roof shakes.

A common habit in Phoenix, Scottsdale,  Ahwatukee, Peoria, Mesa or any other area especially close to our mountain preserves is that the paper wasps tend to forage for water out of swimming pools and it is rather disturbing for people to share their swimming pools with stinging insects.

If you have found wasps in your home or an your property, call Magic Pest Control immediately!

Kandice Linwright No Comments

Are You Ready for a Termite Invasion Gilbert? The Ultimate Guide

It's Always Termite Season

You’re probably thinking, “No, I’m not ready for a termite infestation. Who would ever be ready for a termite infestation?”

The fact of the matter is that termites cause billions of dollars in damage every year. They invade homes and businesses every single day, even here in Gilbert, Arizona. Termite infestations happen every single day in Chandler, Arizona, and Queen Creek, and Phoenix.

When are you ready for a termite infestation? When you know the signs and symptoms of a termite infestation, and you know the right termite treatment professionals to call…

Knowing to Call a Termite Treatment Professional who Knows Masonry:

By now you know that scorpions can enter your home through any crack that you can slide your credit card through. If it’s approximately 0.030in thick, a scorpion can squeeze through it…

They are crafty and sneaky little pests.

If your Gilbert home has the smallest of cracks in the walls or foundation, scorpions will find their way in.

The most skilled, trusted and experienced Gilbert pest control professional will have a background in masonry work…plain and simple.

Today, I want to share with you just how important it is to have skilled masonry professional, who also happens to be a pest control expert, to your home for both termites and scorpions.

Why Your Pest Control Professional Should Also be a Concrete Expert

Pest Control Concrete Professional

There are two instances in which a pest control professional also needs extensive knowledge in concrete and masonry work:

  • When termites have invaded your home and drilling will need to be done to lay out extermination chemicals…

  • When home sealing is essential to keep scorpions out of your Gilbert home…

Termites and Concrete

First off, let’s talk about how detrimental termites can be to your Gilbert home.

The common misconception with termites is that they need wood, and since your Gilbert home is not made of wood but more block and concrete, termites have no reason to invade.

That’s not necessarily true.

Termites love masonry! They, obviously, don’t munch through masonry, but they do love the tiny cracks in your foundation or concrete walls that tend to form over time. Termites literally turn these minuscule cracks in the concrete into their own personal highways.

Termites will use every single concrete crack in your home as a highway to the good stuff…your drywall, those 2-by-4 studs in the wall, and the roof frame.

Here at Magic Pest Control, our termite specialists know exactly where to look for termites, and exactly how to get rid of them…placing the termite pesticides exactly where the termites are…within the cracks in your concrete.

This means that when our termite exterminators come out to your Gilbert home, they will skillfully drill into the concrete, laying out essentially a border of protection around your home…within the your concrete driveway, your concrete garage floor, even your concrete entrance path…to kill termites where they hide and keep them from coming back.

Only a skilled masonry with extensive experience in concrete work, and termite knowledge, is right for this job.

Scorpions and Termites

Just like termites use the tiniest of cracks in your concrete as their own personal highway to good food, so too do scorpions.

Scorpions will find these tiny cracks in your concrete foundation and walls, and they’ll let themselves right into your home.

Your Gilbert home needs to be sealed from scorpions by those who know Arizona homes and concrete construction the best…masonry pest control professionals!

Knowing NOT To Treat Termites By Yourself:

We’ve all been there…

“I’m going to run down to Home Depot and grab some pest control granules and I’ll take care of it honey…don’t you worry about a thing.”

Inevitably, the $20 you spent on pest control spray, or concentrate, or granules, over and over and over again…is wasted.

It’s wasted because you do it again and again and again, constantly running to the hardware store to grab that pest control spray to hit the perimeter of your house, breaking your back in the sweltering heat, tracking down ant piles and seeking out scorpions.

Your DIY pest control methods might be somewhat effective for a few ants, and it might kill a few scorpions outside of your home, but I can promise you this…

DIY will NOT keep termites from destroying your home.

Once termites find a nice place to build their home in your home, you’re in big trouble.

The only effective, and literally house-saving solution, is to have an expert termite professional come out, take care of the termites, and precisely place termite bait and termite treatment within the foundation of your home to not only kill the termites but to keep them from coming back…

And only the most proficient exterminators with masonry experience can do the job properly.

Today, I want to talk about the five things that Arizonans need to know about termites before even attempting to go DIY:

  1. Masonry Experience is a Must: As mentioned, if you don’t have any experience with concrete and foundation, don’t even attempt to treat your home for termites. You’re wasting your time and hard earned money. And, you’re wasting your football weekend. Termites go deep. They create tunnel beneath your home and within the walls…even throughout the concrete’s smallest of cracks and crevasses.  Only a skilled exterminator with masonry experience can get to those termites.
  2. Termites are Prevalent in Arizona: In fact, statewide, there are an estimated 3 to 5 termite colonies per acre of land! If your neighbor has termites, or literally anyone in your neighborhood has termites (per acre), you are at risk.
  3. Costly Termite Damage: Across the United States, termites cause more property damage than tornadoes, earthquakes, and fires combined. Do NOT try to treat your home for termites the DIY way. While you’re wasting time going the DIY route, those pesky termites are getting deeper into your home, causing more damage, and ultimately costing you more money in the long run.
  4. Subterranean Termites Are The Worst: You won’t be able to tell the difference between a subterranean termite and a drywood termite, but our termite experts can…and it’s a good thing. If we find that you have subterranean termites, we know that we’re in for a fight. Subterranean termites have a relatively large range and massive colonies beneath the soil.
  5. Termite Prevention: Preventing termites from infesting your home is tough, especially because they are so prevalent…and if your neighbor has termites, you probably will too eventually. But, there are a few things that you can do:
    1. Have Monthly Pest Control Visits: A pest control expert will instantly spot termite tubes and termite signs, so having monthly pest control is a great way to prevent termite damage.
    2. Home Sealing: Just as your home should be sealed from scorpions and other pests, you can attempt to seal your home from termites. This includes sealing all cracks and crevasses, which our Magic Pest Control team can do for you.
    3. Barrier Products: Our termite professionals can place a termite barrier around your home, sort of like an invisible force field deep down in the soil, to prevent termites from breaking through.

Termites are no joke. If you think you might have termite tubes in your garage, walls or around the base of your home, call us immediately: 480-654-5888

Knowing the Signs to Looks For And Where To Look For Them:

  • Interior: The internal search for harmful termites can be a longer period intensive. Signs of harmful termites in the home may be more difficult to recognize for a variety of factors. Your inspection should include every room in the home, making sure to inspect under beds, behind curtains, within cabinets, and behind appliances. Termite pipes, like on the outside of the home, can be existing on drywall or on floor boards throughout the home.
  • Exterior: The first place a property proprietor should inspect is the outside of the home. The first symptoms of harmful termites typically show up outside and the outside of the home tends to be simple enough to examine. The perimeter of the home should be inspected thoroughly.
  • Crawl Spaces: Obviously, for homes that have the layer of concrete foundations, spider areas will not be existing, but it’s important that any tight places in the home be checked as well. You’ll need a flashlight and a lengthy tool; a crowbar or lengthy screwdriver will continue to perform. You’ll also want to put on lengthy pants and a lengthy sleeve shirt to keep the dirt off.

Benefit of termite’s inspection

1.Flexibility And Time –No one wants to set time aside from performing or to cancel some other dally activities only to wait for the ‘bug guy’. Termite inspection organizations know this, so they are willing to perform with your personal schedule. Controlling harmful termites problems needs efforts and using pest management items is a key to protecting your house successfully. If you decide to do this yourself, there are chances you will forget when to treat your house again. Termite inspection organizations will keep track of this and will know when the items wear off and when is plenty of here we are at another inspection for termites support.

 

2.Hazard –Termite inspection specialists know how to properly use and where exactly to apply (outside and of your house) the items. Many inspections for pests organizations go green and use Eco-friendly items that are safe for the environment and your house. Also, if the specialists need to use more harsh pest management items that can be extremely dangerous, they have the knowledge to guarantee the safety of your family and residential. There are many chemicals available to consumers on the market, but remember that exposure to those chemicals does not give you super power against the pets in your own home.

 

3.Cost – Paying a normal fee can price few $ 100 per year. But, it can price you lots of money for fixing your house if craftsman bugs or harmful termites go unnoticed. If you do not know how to inspection for harmful termites nor know what are symptoms of craftsman bugs, consider inspection for termites support. Businesses that provide inspection for termites solutions know exactly where and what to look for in your own home, and the price you will pay for their solutions is nothing more than pennies in comparison to fixing termite harm.

 

Conclusion:

There you have it…everything you need to know about termites and the best termite treatment professionals!