Outdoor

5 Steps To Get Rid Of Fleas

Fleas will bite both animals and humans for blood. Flea bites typicaly appear as small red bumps that are itchy and uncomfortable more often than not. These bites usually appear in small groups on the skin. Not only are flea bites uncomfortable, fleas can transmit bacteria and viruses through their bites. If you get bitten by a flea, you should clean the bite with warm water and soap to reduce the risk of infection. Anti-itch creams are available as well. If you feel a flea bite is serious, seek the advie of a medical professional as soon as possible.


INDOOR FLEA INFESTATION

An infestation of fleas can be very difficult to eliminate due to fleas having a complex life cycle. There are four stages to a flea's life; the egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages together make up what is known as a complete metamorphosis  The fleas life cycle can take anywhere from a couple weeks to several months, depending on the immediate environmentent to complete. This makes control methods difficult at times for most people. Some retail products marketed for flea control may only be formulated for one or two life cycles. It's often best to call a professional like Gladhill Services in order to rid your home of fleas once your pet is treated. 

Since pets go in and out of the house all the time it's almost impossible to treat fleas without treating both the inside and outside of your home. A treatment on the lawn will also need to be in order. Dense foliage from landscape plants may be in need of treatment too since fleas can thrive in areas of dense high growth or groundcover.
These are common areas to find fleas.


Step One - Vacuuming

First you'll need to vacuum the entire house. Vacuum all carpeting and hard surfaces, paying close attention to where your pet sleeps and spends time resting. Be sure to get underneath all furniture, rugs, beds etc. You must vacuum (and treat if doing yourself) all furniture. Once this initial step is complete disregard your vacuum bag in in a sealed container and take it outside. This will prevent fleas from getting back out infesting your home again. Vacuuming, shampooing or even steam cleaning rugs and carpet will only kill some of the larvae  so a professional treatment will most likely remain necessary for the complete elimination.


Step Two - Wash Linens

Wash all bed linens and pet bedding to kill possible fleas. Be sure to always wash and dry all bedding at the hottest temperature fabrics can tolerate or, if washing is not possible you must bag all linens and remove from the house during this step. These items must be washed at a later date but, cannot be brought back inside the house until washed and dried.


Step Three - Keep Pets Out

To keep you and your pets safe we suggest your veterinarian treat your pet for fleas on the day Gladhill Services provides your service. This helps prevent your pet from re-introducing the pest into the treated environment. Make sure to remove your pet's food and water dishes. In fact, it's best to remove any pet-related items from your home during treatment. Please keep your pet out of treated areas until materials are dry. We suggest ventilateing the interior of your home during this time.


Exterior Flea Prevention

In many parts of the country, freezing temperatures help control flea populations outside. But in warmer climates, flea populations thrive all year long. Fleas do prefer a cooler, shady place with a little moisture. During the warmer months, fleas hide in and around shrubs, within leaf litter, in mulch, and under structures that may fill your landscape. Since flease cannot tolerate the sun for too long do not thrive much in cut lawns as many believe. Here are a few steps that will help keep your yard less attractive to fleas.

Step Four - Clean Up Yard

Clean up and remove debris from your yard. Remove any refuse or garden debris like piles of wood,  bricks, or any type of discarded pots. These are the ideal breeding sites for fleas.  Use a broom to sweep off patios. Don’t forget to check out your cat or dog's favorite places to run and lay. This includes dog runs and kennels, areas underneath decks or porches, under shrubs, and along fence lines.


Step Five - Mow & Prune

An easy way to reduce flea and tick populations in your yard is to keep the grass, trees, and shrubs trimmed. Mowing your lawn to the proper height exposes the soil to sunshine, keeping it dry, and removing the longer grass fleas and ticks prefer to hide in. Prune bushes and trim trees to increase the amount of sunshine in your yard. Both fleas and ticks prefer moist environments, so be sure to avoid overwatering.


Eliminating fleas should always be left up to professionals like Gladhill Services. You shouldn't have to live in a home infested by fleas so give us a call 717-597-1040 or click here to get an inspection today.

Pest Prevention Guide 2018

Once again, we can all say "so long" to old man winter, hang up our heavy coats, and place the knit hats and gloves on the top shelf. It's now time to say "HELLO" to sitting outside, cooking on the grill, and watching brilliant sunsets. But, we cannot forget about the mosquitos, ticks, fleas, midges, flies, hornets, wasps, yellow jackets, and... the list goes on. 

Fall and winter is prime time for mice and rats, while spring and summer are synonymous with insects that bite and sting.

Fall and winter is prime time for mice and rats, while spring and summer are synonymous with insects that bite and sting.

Throughout the months of spring and summer insects become highly active. While we can also enjoy being outdoors with them understand there are times when humans and bugs cross paths. Without a doubt, insects have their time and purpose in our world and serve important roles but, when we cross paths with them there may be risks. Bees, hornets, yellow jackets, and wasps may sting in defense. Ants may ruin a picnic. Ticks, like mosquitos, may possibly transmit a disease to you or a pet.

Spring & Summer Insects to Look Out For

Wasps, Hornets, Yellow Jackets, Ticks, Mosquitos, Ants, Spiders, and Flies


Kitchen Cabinets, and Pantry

Spring is the best time to hit the kitchen cabinets and pantry for prevention. Pull out everything from inside your cabinets and drawers then, wipe down the surfaces of shelves including the inner sides of your drawers. Get rid of an type of shelf liners. Throw out any expired herbs, spices, or ingredients such as flour and grains that may introduce stored product pests into your home. While empty, inspect the backs of cabinets or pantries for entry points that pests might use. These areas include tiny cracks, holes and crevices. During the warmer months, insects like ants and cockroaches are adapted to finding food sources through them. And finally, pull out appliances, wipe surfaces and vacuum behind them. Looking for signs of pests or possible entry points for them, cleaning surfaces and getting food debris out is the best prevention in preparing for the upcoming warmer months.


Faucets & Water Sources

All insects, no matter what time of year, seek out a source of moisture. Water, even the tiniest amount is enough for any insect therefore, moisture is a major attraction for all pests such as roaches, spiders, and ants. Check all of your bathroom and kitchen faucets to ensure no leaks are present. Repair leaky faucets, loose floor tiles, and areas where caulking is stained, damaged or mildewed. Two main areas of concern with caulk are around toilets and tubs. Be sure to look underneath your sink cabinets for any signs of moisture damage. If any of these places have damaged or mildewed caulk or wood caused by moisture, you may need to call a plumber. If mold or mildew is found you should get a mold inspection to prevent further issues to you and your family's health.


Closets, Attics, Garages

Professionals in the industry live and work by one simple rule and that is - The more clutter you have, the more opportunity for pests. Simple right? During spring and summer months your odds significantly increase for spiders, ants, wasps, earwigs, termites, silverfish, fleas, various mites, ticks and mosquitos to inhabit areas inside and out of your home. Cleaning out your closets, attics, garages, or wherever you have stored items or boxes is yet another major step in preventing spring and summer pests from invading your home. Eliminating mass clutter will ultimately reduce considerable opportunities for common pests to infest your home. Follow this same professional rule in the garden. As you will soon read, piles of rock, wood and other landscape material create habitats for all insects. More threatening at times, snakes, skunks, squirrels, and other wildlife may migrate into your property seeking out homes in these materials, and with potentially harmful risks. 


Doors and Windows

Damaged screens in windows and doors may be unnoticed during the winter. It's now warming up outside so it's time to check up and clean your screens. Inspect  all your windows and doors thoroughly for damaged screens, replacing any screens that have holes before it's too late. Check the spline of frames and the seals around your doors too. While going around checking your windows and doors it's a good idea to check for any damage to your foundation. Damage to your foundation can happen during the winter months and go unnoticed as well. A  hole the size of a dime is large enough for a mouse to come through next fall, and cockroaches along with most insects can fit through the tiniest of cracks so seal any cracks you might find. 


Standing Water

Especially mosquitos, standing water is a breeding ground for insects! During the winter, water may collect in low spots around your home or garden. Bowls, buckets, toys, and play equipment like sandboxes may have standing water. Downspouts may also be an area for water to pool. Remove or repair any areas of standing water as these will become a harborage for any and all insects. Fill in low level areas and holes. Reset or reposition outdoor play equipment to eliminate this problem permanently. With mosquitos being a
major risk to our health, standing water is probably the most important of all steps to take in pest prevention during spring and summer months. 


Deteriorating Wood

Rotted or damaged roofing materials and fascia may act as a point of entry for certain insects. Check around your doors and windows, your deck and patio, the skirting of your home, and other areas where wood might need replacing. Carpenter bees, wasps, ants, spiders, silverfish, centipedes and many other insects love these areas with wood being prime habitats. Birds, while most of us may enjoy watching them, they may create an unhealthy scenario around your home.

 

Once you have completed these 6 steps to Spring & Summer Pest Prevention you’re ready to begin enjoying your summer! We never said it would be easy. We certainly didn't say it would be quick or easy for that matter. But, if you begin following this guide as the forsythia blooms yellow then in no time at all you can have peace of mind. Not only will this guide give you the knowledge to keep your home pest-free, it will also help you maintain your property value. If you may have discovered evidence of a major pest issue contact Gladhill Services, as we can help you take care of any pest issue.

Rid Your Home Of Ticks

A tick is a parasitic insect that feeds on the blood of mammals, birds and reptiles for survival. Ticks are considered a serious household pest for many pet owners as ticks latch onto cats and dogs and drop off in the house. For humans, a tick bite can cause certain diseases that require medical attention.


In efforts to prevent an infestation of ticks, it's wise to avoid spending too much time in densely wooded areas as these areas are common habitats for ticks. Ticks hang out on tall grass and shrubs at the edge of wooded land waiting for a ost to walk by. If you have pets that spend time in or near wooded areas, you should invest in an anti-tick medication for pets and possibly a flea and tick collar as well. If your dog or cat constantly scratches, shows signs of any type of regular skin irritation or becomes lethargic frequently, you may have a tick infestation. If you do believe that your pet may have a problem with ticks, contact your vet for further information in regards to prevention and treatment.

Ticks prefer living in warm, dry places near their food source such as bedding and furniture so, they can spread to almost any room throughout your home. It only takes one tick latching onto your pet or you then falling off after a feeding. Once they drop off, a tick will run and hide in a tiny crack or crevice where it will wait for a host to come by, feeding once more. If eggs are deposited into any part of your home then, look out! This is when the infestation begins.


Tick Bites

A tick bite can pose serious health risks for pets and people since they can carry diseases like Lyme DiseaseRocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Southern-tick Associated Rash Illness. Usual symptoms related to tick bites may fever, rash, aches, and pains. If you ever feel that a tick bite is serious or associated with any of these symptoms, seek the professional advice of a physician.


Ridding Ticks

If you happen to find a tick on your dog or cat check with your vet, especially if they appear lethargic. This may be a signal due to an infection or the early stage of a disease acquired from the bite. Since a tick can deposit up to 3,000 eggs per breading cycle, it's important to have a professional pest manager check your home for any signs of a tick infestation. Females will deposit eggs in tiny cracks throughout your home, which makes ticks difficult to eliminate.

Avoid Sand Fleas This Summer

Not to bust your summer fun or time on the beach but... our number one bug for the summer is the sand flea. Otherwise known of as a sand hopper, these tiny little creatures are actually crustaceans. Due to their ability to inflict irritating bites, the name "sand flea" is often used to describe a wide variety of insects like midges, biting gnats, flies and your typical flea. With each of these insects, the aftereffects of their bites are similar leaving itchy, red welts that can, well... make for a memorable vacation.

Sand fleas can easily be found on beaches along Atlantic coastal areas and marshes, but can also be found in the desert as well. Before you get too worried relax because truth is sand fleas will never really come home with you from vacation. Unlike …

Sand fleas can easily be found on beaches along Atlantic coastal areas and marshes, but can also be found in the desert as well. Before you get too worried relax because truth is sand fleas will never really come home with you from vacation. Unlike bed bugs, they prefer their ocean view habitat. Now, before you get too relaxed know that the female sand flea has the ability to burrow under your skin to lay her eggs

How ToAvoid Sand Fleas

  • Sand fleas typically feed in the early morning and late afternoon so, avoid the beach during those times. I know, right?
  • Avoid placing your towel (or blanket) right on the sand. Make use of folding beach chairs and lounges instead. (Ladies, here is a great selling point for the hubby for renting one.)
  • I would say wear close-toed shoes but, then why walk the beach to begin? Sand fleas can't jump that high so... your call.
  • Spray on some insect repellent if you do end up getting bit - it is the most effective prevention.
  • Avoid areas with seaweed since this is where they can usually be found feeding.

What To Do When Bitten

According to the National Institute of Health, if bitten by sand fleas avoid scratching. While extremely rare for the female to deposit her eggs in your skin, look after bites and if you find a black center to one consult your physician immediately.

Who's Your Love Bug This Valentines?

While you may be celebrating an anniversary or the start of a new relationship Gladhill Services wants to share the ultimate love interest with you. Say what you want about humans, when you get right down to the sexiness and love we all crave the insect community has the ultimate lovers. 

Love bug valentines

Each year, Florida plays host to the ultimate lovers not too long after Valentines Day. "Love bugs,” are a nuisance pest any Florida traveler should become familiar with. 

Each spring, mega swarms of "love bugs" take flight filling the airspace along roadways. During this time, love bugs mate during a non-stop flight of sexiness. That is until their sexy time comes to an abrupt end as they both smash into windshields, headlights, grills and the side mirrors of vehicles. Swarms of these tiny creatures can cause drivers to pull over as their crushed bodies make it impossible to see out of windows, darken headlights and worse, cause radiators to overheat. Sounds like something out of a horror movie but, it's all too real. Just ask anyone living or traveled in Florida during Love Bug season.

Having lived in Florida for several years, I will never forget the crushing pop heard at least once every two to three seconds while driving. The mess left behind as they go out with a bang was the worst part. I would carry extra washer fluid in my truck during "Love bug" season but it really didn't help. Truth is every three days I had to pressure wash my windshield to clean off the juice left over from crushed bodies. 

Campers Guide To Pest Control

Camping is all about getting lost and intimate with nature so, don't let a few bugs ruin your trip. Here you will learn the 6 most common outdoor pests campers encounter and 7 tips to help ensure a great outdoor experience. 

You get lost in the wild for a reason. But some outdoor insects can make your camping trip more irritating than peaceful. If swatting bugs wasn't irritating enough, think about how some insects could bite leaving you with harmful and life-long effec…

You get lost in the wild for a reason. But some outdoor insects can make your camping trip more irritating than peaceful. If swatting bugs wasn't irritating enough, think about how some insects could bite leaving you with harmful and life-long effects. Have fun and enjoy your time outdoors without insects taking over your campsite eliminating that  peace of your natural bliss. Before you pack all that gear and head outdoors this summer, be prepared to prevent and reduce your worry.


6 Insects Every Camper Needs To Know

Planning to get into the wild this summer? When packing your camping gear, s'mores, and other campsite delights, batteries and sleeping bags be prepared to face several insects that want exactly what you have. Face it, when you begin sleeping under the stars you’re sure to invite a few more friends you typically don't sleep with at home. Some of these insects will steal a little bit of food while others may want to feed on you. Here are 5 common insects that campers usually face when getting back to what's real, as well as 7 tips for helping you during your getaway.


7 Tips to Help You Enjoy Camping This Summer

 

1. Clothing - It's No Option

You should wear long sleeves, pants and light-colored clothing when camping as this will help cover skin insects would bite. Light colored clothing makes it easier to spot ticks also. When hiking through dense woods or tall grass remain in the middle of trails stopping periodically to check for ticks.

2. Insect Repellent

When using bug repellents follow the manufacturer's directions. If applied properly insect repellent won't kill insects - it sends them off in another direction.
If your pets come along, be sure to consult with a veterinarian about tick and heartworm prevention. 

3. Avoid Insect Habitats

Avoid camping near pooled water, marshes and ponds with stagnant water. This is a mosquito habitat with plenty of gnats, no se ups, midges and ticks. Look for an area close but not too close for your safety and enjoyment. 

4. Pay Attention

Nature is home to thousands of bugs and other creatures all trying to make their way in life. When we share their natural environment don't get too upset with them as they are trying to live too. Just keep an eye out for ant mounds, beehives, spider webs and such. Keep an ear to the wind for buzzing sounds. If heard, locate the nest and set up camp further away from it. 

5. Secure Tents & Gear

For the most part, your tent is zipped up and secure but, bugs find their way in at times. If you keep food in your tent then expect more bugs. During the night try keeping food in your vehicle if possible. Secure all openings before turning down for the night. And, more importantly you can spray the exterior base of your tent with an approved insect spray to help prevent unwanted visitors from getting in. 

6. Take A First Aid Kit

Tweezers come in handy for removing ticks, splinters and thorns. The Center for Disease Control says stocking a health kit when traveling with, anti-itch ointment for bites and stings is a good thing to do. If anyone on your camping trip has a history of severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis, the CDC also recommends carrying epinephrine auto-injectors.

7. Store & Secure Food

Keep all food sealed tightly in containers and keep up off of the ground - especially during the night. Use coolers inside tents, hang trash from a tree, and discard all trash in a proper receptacle. Do this for your safety and enjoyment along with protecting others and the environment.