Natural Pest Prevention

Together, we must respect that there are certain insects, some may consider pests, that we should never try to control. Beneficial insects help balance our ecosystem. A good example of beneficial insects are honeybees.

What is "Natural" pest control?

Each method in natural pest control is vital to establishing and maintaining an effective approach to preventing and eliminating undesirable pests in your home. Inspections, exclusion, and non-chemical applications provide an integrated approach to pest control. Botanical materials formulated as dusts, liquids, and baits are made from essentail oils extracted from plants that have developed defenses against insects. Essential oils like clove, tea tree, rosemary, garlic, and thyme are effective against pests inside and outside of the home.

Prevention is the most important step in any pest control situation. Below you will find a guide to the basic steps in preventing insects from harboring in and aound your home. All insects need three basic things i.e. food, water, and shelter.

---

FOOD

• Keep food prep and storage areas clean.
• Do not leave food out.
• Keep food in sealed containers.
• Do not leave dirty dishes in sink or dishwasher overnight.
• Rinse containers before recycling.
• Quickly clean spills
• Put garbage in sealed containers with lids.
• Empty pet's dishes each day. 
• Discard dead or dying plants.

---

WATER

• Remove any source of high humidity.
• Remove standing water in kitchen and bathrooms
• Repair pipes and faucets that leak.
• Install or repair seals around windows.
• Repair weather stripping on all exterior doors.
• Ensure down spouts flow away from foundation.
• Ensure attic and basement is moisture free.
• Remove water from plant containers.
• Clean water dispensor trays

---

SHELTER

• Remove clutter to deter harborage sites.
• Clean your house on regular basis.
• Seal holes in the walls.
• Caulk cracks in baseboards.
• Ensure window screens are fitted and in good condition.
• Replace moldy or damaged insulation.
• Prune or remove dead trees near house.
• Keep lawn mowed weekly.
• eep shrubs trimmed 3' away from house.

Get Rid Of Roaches

When there is a serious infestation present a strong odor is typically smelled. Bodies from dead cockroaches may be found throughout the area or entire house.  Egg cases, called oothecae can be seen laying around, and young roaches are visible crawling on floors, running up cabinet interiors, and hiding together.

Cockroaches are nocturnal creatures that prefer living and feeding when its dark, so if you see a cockroach during the day it's usully a sign of infestation. Cockroaches prefer moist places to hide and breed. You can find them behind refrigerators, under and around sinks and stoves too. Commercial establishments may have roaches in floor drains and around motors housed within major appliances. Cockroaches can flatten their bodies and fit into narrow areas. Cockroaches can be found underneath rubber mats in resuarant kitchens, behind wallpaper in any establishment, and within cracks and voids of walls.

Feces from cockroaches is visible during an infestation. Young roaches and nymphs produce feces that look like coffee grounds or black pepper. Larger roach species like American, Australian, and Pennsylvania Woods leave behind droppings larger and more cylindrical like a mouse. The amount of feces in an area is a positive sign of the level of infestation.

Allergies and cockroaches

German, American and Oriental cockroaches’ feces and saliva contain problematic proteins and allergens. These proteins and allergens may cause asthma attacks. In densely populated cities, researchers have identified a direct connection between the presence of cockroach infestations and the onset of asthma attacks.

ccording to the United States National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the United States National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases it was proven in 2005 that among a the general population of inner city children, cockroach infestations triggered asthma symptoms more than other known allergen.

Preventing cockroaches

Eliminating cockroaches in any type of structure requires a combined effort on the part of management, homeowner or tenants, and the pest professional. Cockroach infestations may worsen when tenants and homeowners tackle them on their own.  The misuse of retail products may cause populations of roaches to spread out and increase size of the infestation. Cockroaches can move on to other units in apartment buildings, other rooms of a home, and to other parts of a commercial kitchen.

Steps can be taken to prevent cockroaches from infesting your home or establishment. Dishes should always be washed, dried and then put away. Food must never be left on counter tops or tables. Old plumbing lines and other potential leaks should be corrected. Garbage and food scraps need to be taken out each day. Any holes or cracks in ceilings bases and walls need seald or repaired. If you're living in an apartment building and see signs of an infestation you should immediately report it to the superintendent or property manager immediately.

DIY Mosquito Control

The control of mosquitos can become very complicated for homeowners and professionals alike as the insect can adapt to changing conditions. Mosquitos can quickly fly away depositing eggs in another area close by. Pesticides may become displaced in heavy rains but there are options available. 

WHAT MOSQUITOS DO

Mosquitoes are one of the most significant concerns for disease. Mosquitoes have adapted to thrive in an urban environment. Mosquitos have also evolved into becoming a major nuisance in residential backyards from one year to the next.  According to the CDC, mosquitos are responsible for the transmission of West Nile virus, Zika virus and encephalitis.

Female mosquitoes feed on blood for egg development. The males do not feed on blood. Mosquitoes are extremely annoying to humans as they bite, posing a significant threat due to their ability to transmit diseases. As a food source for many creatures, mosquitos also play an important role in nature.

---

MOSQUITO BITES

Usually, a mosquito bite appears like a small, inflamed, and itchy bump. Some people may react more intensely if they are allergic. While the mosquito bite itself is harmless, mosquitoes can transmit diseases like malaria, West Nile virus, yellow fever, and Zika through the bite. Due to this risk, it's wise to use an insect repellant when outdoors to help prevent mosquitos from biting you. If you feel a mosquito bite is serious, seek medical help as soon as possible.

---

MOSQUITO LIFESTYLE

Mosquito populations are typically concentrated near areas where standing water can be found. Due to reproduction, mosquito eggs need water in order to hatch and thrive. Some species of mosquito lay their eggs directly in the water, while other species deposit their eggs in moist soil, out of direct sunlight. When the soil becomes flooded with water the eggs then hatch. The "floodwater" species of mosquitos lay their eggs in autumn, remaining dormant throughout the winter then, hatch during spring when rains fill the areas. A female mosquito will produce up to 200 eggs at a time that will easily developes into an infestation anywhere.

---

PREVENTING MOSQUITOS

STANDING WATER
Uncirculated water, ponds, fountains, retention ponds, birdbaths, and old tires.

MOIST CONDITIONS
Tree wells, tree holes, flowerbeds, plant containers, decorative pots, sprinklers.

RESTING AREAS
Any surface protected from wind and direct sunlight that retian higher levels of moisture. Take into consideration areas underneath decks and porches, the underside leaves, eaves, and gazebos.

One of the easiest ways to prevent mosquito populations from forming is to simply empty or throw out anything that could collect or retain standing water, like buckets, lids, old tires, etc. It is a well-known fact that mosquito infestations can start out of a single cap from a soda bottle. Another way to go about preventing mosquitos around your home is to use the traditional bug zappers. These are useful when hung or placed around porches and patios. Most insects are naturally attracted to light so it makes sense to attract them with bug zappers. When outdoors natural as well as conventional bug sprays will help knock down the total number of bites but understand most retail products are shy of long-term control. many of these retail products have a very low dose of active ingredients allowing their effectiveness to only last a few minutes to a few hours at best.  If a mosquito infestation seems out of your control, give Gladhill ervices a call. We can evaluate the situation for you, seek out the breeding sites and develop a solution to deal resolve your problem as quickly and as effectively as possible.

Sleeping With The Enemy?

Struggling to get rid of bed bugs?

Bed bugs are very good at hiding in the tiniest places, and most people have no idea they have them until they get bit. Gladhill Services listens to their customers concern, so we have put together a few easy do-it-yourself bed bug treatment options to help prevent and eliminate bed bugs from your home. Since bed bugs are active during the night and rarely seen by people, prevention is the best measure when dealing with these pests. However, if you do suspect bed bugs in your home, here are a few treatment options to help reduce bed bugs  until a professional arrives.

Quick Bed Bug Facts

• Bed bugs are blood-feeding pests that have made quite the resurgence in recent years.
• The more you know about bed bugs, the better your chances are of avoiding them.
• As their name warns, these pests live, feed and breed where you sleep.
• Bed bugs can go without food for more than six months.
• Bed bugs are difficult to eliminate without the help of a pest professional.

---

USING HEAT AND WATER
If you notice insect bites on your arms, face, back, neck or other areas of your body upon waking in the morning continue reading. If you find dark reddish to black spots  on your mattress you should consider bed bugs in your home. If any of these signs are present do not wait another day! Wash all bedding including sheets, pillow cases, blankets, and throws immediately. Wash all items in hot water at a temperature of no less than 120 degrees. Bed bugs can't survive a dryer cycle on high heat, so be sure to dry all linens, after washing, on high heat for more than 30 minutes. Always check laundry instructions on your linens being mindful as not to damage them . An all important step in this process is to be sure that your bedding and linens are brought to and from the laundry room in a dedicated hamper or basket. This will help prevent bed bugs from spreading into other parts of the home.

---

USING YOUR VACUUM AND ELBOW GREASE
Vacuum with a crack and crevice tip on your mattress, bed frame, along your baseboards and don't forget the headboard. Thoroughly vacuum any and all crevices where bed bugs, their eggs and young could hide during the day. This includes the insides of dresser drawers and night stands. Pull off wall hangings and be sure to vacuum the frames well. Discard the vacuum bag outside in the trash immediately following this process. Place your box springs and mattress in special bed bug encasements. If unsure about these then call Gladhill Services about mesh covers specifically designed to kill bed bugs for up to two years. These new covers not only prevent bed bugs from being able to hide in your mattress, they will continue to effectively eliminate them for up to two years. Finally, scrub down all hard surfaces like your headboard, bed frames, baseboards, floors and the inside and outsides of chests and drawers. Do this with a brush or disposable rag you can discard immediately after use. Soapy water, hydrogen peroxide mixed in water and tea tree oil diluted in water are safe and extremely effective in sanitizing surfaces. But, as with any cleaning solution always check the label as not to damage any surfaces. 

---

USING YOUR MIND AND WIT
Like fleas and ticks, bed bugs do not live on their hosts. Bed bugs prefer feeding on humans, however, cats and dogs are susceptible hosts to bed bugs as well. At times, our pets may be responsible for bringing them into our homes. Pet bedding, stuffed animals, pet toys and cardboard boxes can harbor bed bugs even after professional treatments. If you are unable to discard these types of things then, you should treat them as you would the bedding, furniture and other personal items by laundering them. It's good to begin treating bed bugs like bacteria in one sense. While protecting you and your family, help protect the spread of bed bugs in your community by sealing any items you may discard in plastic or another suitable type of wrapping material. Thick trash bags work well when tied tightly and immediately thrown out into a dumpster or trash can. In accordance with the law in certain states, mattresses must be sealed when discarded. When you take these preventive measures be aware that there are species of bed bug that live in proximity to mammals and animals such as bats, swallows and owls. If you have a pest issue with birds nesting near your home, or bats in your attic, it's best to consider humane and professional options for the control of these animals too when eliminating and preventing bed bugs. 

---

CALL A PROFESSIONAL
Even after you have done all this, bed bugs may still be present. Sometimes bed bugs continue entering your home on a regular basis simply due to a child, pet or friend. Your partner may travel for work so, understand you may have done your very best and still lost the battle in prevention but, never lose hope. Professionals deal with bed bugs everyday. They have special products, tips, and years of experience to help when your peace of mind has been lost. The easiest way to prevent and eliminate bed bugs is to contact a professional like Gladhill Services. A local pest professional will be able to assess your situation and begin eliminating bed bugs where they live and breed. A professional bed bug technician from Gladhill Services will give you peace of mind eliminating bed bugs in your home with as little disruption to your life as possible. Call us, and let us bring you some peace of mind. 

DIY Winter Pest Proofing

As the cold and bitter air of winter draws nearer and as the temperatures begin dropping, rodents like mice and rats head indoors in search of food and shelter. Other pests begin migrating inside as well as they too seek out warmth along with a peaceful place to overwinter. If you’re not careful, your home could easily end up becoming a natural resource for nature! The good news is you don’t have to stand helpless while rodents and other pests silently check in to your home for the winter.

STEP ONE:   MAINTAIN LAWN & LANDSCAPE

While you might be wondering just how maintaining your lawn and landscape is helpful towards pest-proofing your home for the winter, know that rodents and other household pests begin their life cycles outside. If your lawn is full of overgrown vegitation and debris pests will thrive in their natural environment before making their way inside your house for the winter. When pest-proofing your home for the winter, start in September by doing the following:

• Clear your lawn and landscape of leaves, clippings, and other debris
• Eliminate standing water and garden remnant
• Check for rodent burrows around your foundatio

---

STEP TWO:   CLEAN YOUR KITCHEN & SECURE THE GARBAGE

The majority of household pests end up in the kitchen due to water and food being readily available. One of the best ways to keep pests out of your home and especially out of your kitchen is to make food less available to them. Sometimes a simple cleaning of cabinets and counter tops isn't enough... This means:

• Securely place food in airtight containers and store them in the fridge or cabinets.
• Don’t leave fresh foods and produce on your counters or tabletops over night.
• Clean out your pet’s bowls each nigh, and take them off the floor when they are near a door.

Pests and rodents will take any type of food they can get, even your leftovers from three days ago! To help reduce the number of pests in and around your home make sure you secure your garbage every day, and remove it from inside the home on a regular basis. If you leave a bag full of trash near the perimeter of your house you’re simply asking rodents and other pests to come inside for the winter - or, any other time of the year. If possible, raise your garbage containers off the ground to discourage rodents from easily climbing up and into them. 

---

STEP THREE:    REPAIR ENTRY POINTS IN YOUR HOME

The last professional tip, and most likely the best way to begin pest-proofing your home for the winter is to ensure pests are unable to find their way inside. When nighttime temperatures begin falling it's best to take some time checking the interior walls of your basement or crawl space, and around the exterior of your home looking for entry points. Entry points are considered tiny to large openings, such as a crack, in the foundation or base of a house that rodents and other pests can crawl into gaining access to the interior of structures. Specific areas to check when searching for entry points are as follows:

• Laundry vents
• Utility meters
• Foundation cracks
• Crawl spaces and attics

It's a good idea to install a floor sweep or other type of professional weather stripping for under doors. This will eliminate your doorways as an entry point while helping to keep warm air inside and the cool air out. 

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.

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.

Get Rid Of Mice Like A Boss

The successful elimination of a house mouse or mice begins with your choice of approach. Getting rid of a house mouse can be as simple as making a call to a pest professional but,  if you feel you have what it takes to confront what many fear then, keep reading. In general, mice are harmless alone but, they can bite, they can spread some disease, and, they can certainly make a mess of things inside the home with their urine and feces, especially when near foods you may have in the pantry. 

When it comes to mice invading your home, you have three choices. You can:
1) learn how to catch a mouse,
2) learn how to kill a mouse, or
3) learn how to prevent them from entering your house to begin with. 

---

1. Rodent Proofing 101

Rodent-proofing your home is the most effective way to get rid of a house mouse or prevent the infestation of mice in your home. The easiest way to avoid mice in your home is by eliminating the areas they enter. Without a trained eye, this may prove to be difficult at times since mice have the ability to squeeze into tiny cracks no more than a quarter inch in size. In other words, if you can fit a pencil in it, a mouse can get through it. The majority of these entry points are found around the exterior of the home at or near ground level.

Sealing these small cracks in the foundation and block portions of your home will prevent mice from getting inside as the temperatures begin cooling. Openings in the ground level of your home, as well as basement walls are good areas to inspect, especially where utility pipes and ventilation are installed. Steel wool works very well in these areas. Simply take a screw driver and begin pushing pieces of the steel wool inside until the hole or crack is full. Unless you want the mice to come back, avoid using rubber, plastic, caulking, or even wood plugs because mice will chew their way right through. Install a weather strip on your doors and seal any window gaps to help. 

---

2. Baiting 101

Now, if you feel that your home is sealed tightly yet, you still suspect a mouse or two inside there are other ways to go about the elimination process. Be it a single house mouse or multiple mice you can use some type of food product for bait. The traditional foods such as chocolate, peanut butter, bacon, or oatmeal works fine. When you're ready to begin baiting, you will need a standard snap trap. In order to be effective, you'll need to secure the bait to the trigger pad of the snap trap. This may be done with dental floss or even fishing line. If you do not secure the bait to the trigger pad of the trap chances are your mouse will get a free snack and run off into the night freely escaping the death that surely awaited it.

You can easily place peanut butter on the trigger pad as the mouse will need time to get it all in his or her belly - just enough time to get nailed by your trap. It's ok because most people feel the snap trap is humane as the mice never truly knew what hit them. Obviously, this is the general opinion of people. We haven't heard anything from the local mice to date. 

You can purchase sealed packets of pellets or granules of poison to place in areas of mouse activity. The mice find the bait, eat it then, die in the shadows more often than not. There are even weighted containers you can place bait in around the exterior of homes to eliminate mice and other rodent issues. These are typically left in the hands of professionals with experience and reserved for places routinely hit with rodent activity though. 

---

3. Trapping Like A Champ

The best way to get rid of mice in an ongoing infestation is with traps. There are several types of traps sold on the market for this purpose - some work well while others are just not worth a dime. The best part of traps is that they are non-toxic, they kill the mouse instantly instead of poisoning, and once caught they are easily disposed of before they begin rotting and smell. The classic wooden snap traps work well, but keep in mind that most people do not like the mess they can make. Baiting the trigger pads can be difficult as well.

Glue boards are another non-toxic and environmentally friendly way to catch mice and other rodents. Glue boards are simply a small to large piece of cardboard with one side full of a thick gel-like glue. While many people feel this is not as humane as a snap trap, glue boards are easily placed, silent, do not make a mess of blood and other possible rodent fluids, and do allow for easy disposal of mice. Tin Cats are a metal box with a one-way door installed for mice to enter only. Once inside these traps, a mouse cannot get out. They do not require any kill or baiting at all. When you find a mouse in the trap you simply set it free outside as it will come back in later. So, you can see how effective they are at times. Again, experienced pest professionals know how to handle and eliminate mice caught in these types of traps. Not very advisable for the home owner who doesn't like killing small rodents. 

4. Think Like A Mouse

If you haven't decided to call a professional or begin excluding entry points in the home let us back up and understand that mice are a form of wildlife. When temperatures drop to freezing they seek out food and shelter just as any animal or person would do. It just happens that the heat, light and food you have inside your house appeals to them. Can you blame them? Their small size and natural abilities to adapt make them a popular pest especially during the winter months. Sealing any possible entry points is key to successfully eliminating, ridding or ending any type of rodent issue. Baiting with snap traps does end a mouse problem quickly if done correctly. If done wrong... well... the problem doesn't get any better and at times, may get worse with a female mouse inside. 

During the warmer months it's a good idea to keep your lawn and landscape maintained by removing debris and lawn refuse. Move your compost pile far away from the house and any piles of leaf or lawn clippings. Keep your weeds to a minimum and fill in any burrows that might be visible to your eye. This discourages rodents from coming back. Replacing your mulch with gravel also helps discourage mice from entering around the foundation when cooler temps follow. Try elevating your garbage containers off the ground. Some blogs say to wrap your garbage in tightly sealed plastic bags but remember that the teeth of rodents are very sharp and plastic is no match for them - they will chew right through it hence elevation. Raising your containers six inches off the ground is enough to keep mice and rats at bay. And finally, keep your house clean and free of crumbs littering the kitchen floor.