Premium Termite and Pest Control Blog

Houseplants convey peace, harmony and provide lovely ornamentation in the home. But houseplants might be attracting pests into your home. Read on to learn about how houseplants can be a detriment in this way.  Houseplants’ Main Pests People must be constantly vigilant with indoor plants to ensure they are not suffering from a pest attack that can kill them. Some of the most common species of pests that can harm plants include the geranium butterfly, snails, slugs, spider mites, nematodes, mealybugs, whiteflies, green mosquitoes, defoliator caterpillars, aphids, soil worms and ants. These pesky crawling or flying insects can quickly infest houseplants. You might see them emerge from the ground, fly around your plant or cling to the stems and not move at all. Common houseplant pests can live in the ground, attach to stems, live under leaves or fly from plant to plant. Although it may seem like combating this issue...

The beautiful weather California residents enjoy year-round is unfortunately a major draw for wood-boring termites. In Southern California, termite prevention is crucial, as homeowners commonly find themselves the victims of subterranean and dry wood termites. These persistent pests cause millions of dollars in home damage each year in our state.  Infestations can be costly and inconvenient to remove so taking proactive steps to ward off termites is essential. Understanding what attracts termites to your home can help you take effective measures to prevent an infestation. Moisture Damp conditions create the optimal environment for subterranean termites and the slightly less harmful damp wood termites to thrive. Pockets of moisture in the home, around the foundation or on the property offer proper living conditions and ample food sources. Moisture buildup can occur in numerous fixtures around the home, including: Gutters: Clogged gutters fail to direct water away from the house and create pools...

While our team of experts at Premium Pest Control is often asked about how to handle a pest infestation, the topic of pest prevention often comes up as well. A primary concern of homeowners is that pests will take over their homes if they're gone for an extended amount of time, such as a business trip or long vacation. Unfortunately, many homeowners have returned from being away for several weeks only to make the shocking discovery of a sudden pest infestation. To ensure this doesn't happen to you, here's what you need to know about pest control as it pertains to an empty house. Precautions To Take Some pests infest empty homes due to an unfortunate mistake on the part of the homeowner. This is to say that pests will make their way in through an open window and without a homeowner present to eradicate them immediately, they're able to reproduce...

The goal of pest control and prevention is to maintain a healthy and safe home for you and your family. This is especially important when you have little ones running around.  From preventing infestations to getting rid of them, Premium Termite and Pest Control wants to make sure that you and your loved ones are safe from start to finish. Here’s a few tips to help you prevent infestations and control pests to keep your baby safe. Pest Prevention While there are safe solutions for ridding your home of pests, working to prevent them in the first place is the best thing you can do for your family and your house. Some simple pest prevention tips are to keep all food sealed tightly so you don’t attract pests and get clutter off the floor where pests could hide and nest.  You should also make sure that entrances to your home, like...

It happens to everyone eventually--you look down into the corner of your living room and find that a spider has made its own little web in your space. This may not be a cause of alarm for you; perhaps you simply grab a shoe or a broom and dustpan to relocate the creature. However, one spider can suggest a much bigger problem. Read on for the reasons why seeing spiders in your home means you should contact a professional exterminator. Egg Laying A single spider may not seem like much, but if one is present, more will follow. Spiders can enter your home through cracks or open spaces, and they love the dark and damp. Places like basements and bathrooms are perfect homes and breeding grounds for them.  If a spider lays eggs in your home, you now have a potential infestation on your hands. The babies that hatch will eventually...

Most people would agree that cockroaches are an unpleasant sight to see. Not only are they unattractive, but they are also unsanitary. Cockroaches can harbor bacteria and carry diseases, making them especially unwelcome indoors. While these pests are usually identified by their thick, leathery exoskeleton, there are actually a few distinct differences between species. German and Oriental cockroaches are two species commonly found in Southern California. Read about how to tell these roaches apart from each other. German Cockroach Like other common species, the color of these cockroaches can be anywhere from tan to reddish-brown. However, they can be distinguished from other species by the two dark stripes located at the base of their head. Although they are equipped with two sets of wings, they rarely fly. This species is known for invading homes and crawling their way into food supplies, which can result in food poisoning or other illnesses. They...

Asthma is a common respiratory condition that causes swelling in the airways which can make breathing difficult. While it can be mild and treated with an inhaler, it can also be severe and debilitating. Asthma symptoms are typically caused by dust, pollen, intense physical activity, chemicals, poor air quality, and other allergens. In addition, certain household pests like cockroaches, dust mites, and rodents can also cause asthma symptoms to flare up. Here are some common links between pests and asthma. Airborne Irritants and Environment Like other asthma triggers, pests can spread allergens through airborne particles. Cockroaches can spread allergens from their droppings and shedding body parts. Rodents like rats and mice can worsen asthma and allergy symptoms by leaving behind fur or droppings. Dust mites are especially common since they cling to dusty surfaces like carpet, bedding, and furniture. Households in urban or humid areas are at higher risk for cockroaches...

Bed bugs are some of the biggest and most terrifying offenders in the pest world. Having a bed bug infest your personal space is not only disgusting but incredibly uncomfortable as well. If you have bed bugs in your home, there is a good chance that you will know immediately, but They can be small and difficult to spot. Here are a few ways that you can tell if you have bed bugs. Catching them in Action Though bed bugs can be incredibly small, you may be able to see them in specific areas of your bed. You can actually see bed bugs with the unaided or naked eye. The top places to look for them include your: Bedside tables. The headboard of your bed. Junctions between the ceiling and wall. Loose paneling or wallpaper. Any crease or crevice near where you sleep. The creases and crevices include the seams of...

If you own a home or a business, then you know that both require a lot of time, work and money. Running a home or a business successfully includes planning for upkeep. Replacing old appliances, updating the heating system and keeping the lawn tidy are just a few things that need your continued attention. However, something else that you need to keep in mind is how to handle a pest infestation. Here are some ways that pest control services can help you. Home Inspections If you’re a homeowner and believe that you have a pest infestation, you’ll want to contact a professional pest control company that can access the situation. Most pest control services will offer consultations, often for free. They can then help you determine what kind of pest is taking over your home, and they will evaluate the best options for treatment. You may wish to consider having a...

If you own or manage a restaurant then you know the extensive amount of work it takes to keep everything running smoothly. Most likely, you are always considering the lengths that you take to keep things sanitized. But what about when it comes to pest control? Keep reading for some helpful tips. 1-Inside of Your Restaurant Clean Dining and Food Prep Areas Wiping down all seating and dining areas is important in order to maintain cleanliness. But it also can help to detract pests. The same is true for any areas where food is prepared. Cleaning up after preparing food is a necessity due to possible contamination, but it is also necessary in the effort to keep away insects or rodents looking for food. Waitressing stations should also be checked for spills or crumbs. Anywhere that food or beverages are placed or prepared should be cleaned on a regular basis. Storage...

Squirrels can be frustrating pests to deal with once they’ve entered your home. Not only will they leave droppings that can spread disease, but they can also chew on wires and cables that can pose a serious threat. The following are some ways to keep squirrels out of your attic. Secure Your Trees Trees are a common entry point for squirrels to reach your attic and get inside. Cut down any branches that are close to your home, because they will provide easy access for squirrels. You can also fasten sheet metal several feet above the ground around the trunk to prevent them from being able to climb up. Search Your Attic Look out for any holes in your attic that can serve as an entry point for squirrels. Seal all possible entrances and replace any wood that is rotting. Unfortunately, squirrels will still be able to scratch and claw their...

When you hear the sound of crickets chirping under a starry night sky, you know that summer has begun. There’s nothing like listening to their symphony as you sit by the campfire or as you snuggle into your bed at night allowing the night’s cool breeze lull you to sleep. It’s a different feeling entirely when that chirping is inside of your house. Keep reading on how to manage a cricket invasion. Signs of an Infestation You’ll know that you have a cricket infestation if you see several crickets in your home. However, you may also hear the males chirping as they are trying to attract a mate. As they are nocturnal, you will typically hear the chirping at night. Other noticeable signs of an infestation are small bite marks along the edges of fabrics such as wool, cotton or silk. You may also see them gathered near trash cans or...

Termites will feed on wood and dead plants in their natural environment. However, your home could also be their next destination for a meal, and that is the last thing you want happening. They can cause a lot of damage to your home, so it is best to get an inspection done at the first sign of a termite problem. Here are some of the top signs that you need a termite inspection today. Warped Wood If you have a termite infestation, you may notice that the wood in your home is warped. That can make it difficult to open and close doors and windows. This happens because termites will naturally create moisture when they eat. The hollow wood tunnels they create will also fill in with moisture naturally. The moisture in the wood will cause warping that looks like water damage or bubbling paint, so don’t automatically assume that it...

When you have pests that try and turn your home into their home too, it can get tiresome having to keep track of them. When you call an inspector, you can discuss what measures you want to take in expelling your unwanted house guests. You can spot treat your house, which means setting traps or spraying certain areas of the house where you know that those pests are living. How Strong is Fumigation? Fumigation is a serious matter when it comes to getting rid of pests in your house. The process requires the use of sulfuryl fluoride, a highly lethal gas. You’ll also be required to cover your structure in a tarp. When you fumigate, you can be assured that it will be strong enough to kill any pesky critters that shouldn’t be there. Rodents, bed bugs, cockroaches, moths and even termites will be affected by the strength of the chemicals...

Homeowners find a sense of pride in taking care of their properties. You keep the lawn green and trim, you keep the roof in good shape, and you locate and destroy any destructive pests that may be lurking about. Homeowners sometimes feel like they need to tackle every task themselves, “my house, my problem.” Although you may feel this way, in most cases it is better to call trained professionals. This is especially true when dealing with cockroaches. Cockroaches are not a challenge for amateurs to try and tackle. When it comes to cockroaches, there is too much on the line for a DIY-guy to attempt extermination on his own. Cockroaches spread over 30 diseases and transmit six different parasites. If you have cockroaches, the health of your family is at stake. Here is how NOT to handle a cockroach infestation: Leaving Loose Debris Don’t leave food readily available for pests....

It might be a kid’s favorite time of the year, but for the homeowner Halloween can be a real nightmare! With all of those sweets and sugars coming around, your local pest population is going to be on high alert. If you own your own home then you need to make sure that your house is protected from the creepy and crawly invaders who want to move in. Here’s what you need to know: Candy Crumbs Of course, one of the biggest parts of Halloween -- and the biggest attraction for potential pests -- is the sheer amount of candy that will soon be in your house. As long as they stay wrapped up, you’re okay. However, if your kids are like so many out there, eating candy leads to a lot of crumbs, which in turn brings the bugs. Make sure to go behind your kids and make sure they’re...

Ants are often the first insects that pop into people's minds when they hear the word ‘pest.’ They’re so common that it’s easy to assume we know everything there is to know about them. However, ants actually have a multitude of secrets, making them one of the most fascinating creatures in the animal kingdom. Here are ten things you probably didn’t know about ants. Stitch Up Wounds Years before modern medicine, certain African tribes had discovered that ants could be used as makeshift stitches. All you had to do was find a couple of large ants, have them bite both sides of your wound at the same time, and rip off their bodies, leaving just the heads. These ‘stitches’ could last for days. Dispose of Their Dead An interesting custom that ants perform is the disposal of their dead. For sanitary reasons, when an ant has died, its body is removed...

Whether you own a home or a business, at some point you’ll probably need the services of a pest control company. So how do you choose the right pest control professional? We’ve put together some tips to help you with your search. Do Your Research Ask friends and work colleagues for recommendations. If that’s not possible or fruitful, look for businesses that service your community. Websites can offer valuable company information and highlight expertise. After you’ve selected a few possibilities, be prepared to get an estimate. Generally speaking, pest control companies offer free initial estimates and consultations. This meeting is a great time to ask questions and get to know more about the company and its business practices. Most businesses are happy to provide you with their credentials and references. Once you receive their estimates, don’t rely on cost alone when choosing a company. Quality service, professionalism and experience are also...

Do you think that you may have silverfish in your home? If you have noticed small, long-bodied insects in moist or wet areas around your home, there is a good chance that you may have a silverfish problem. What are Silverfish? Silverfish are small insects that are aptly named for the silver or grey color of their bodies, and their fishlike movements. Though silverfish do not live in water, they are attracted to moisture, which is why we commonly find them in our sinks, showers, and other areas of our home that tend to gather or collect moisture. Since they are small insects, there is a chance that you might not notice them immediately. If you suspect that you may have a silverfish infestation or may be at risk of one, there are a few signs that you should be aware of. Signs of Silverfish Feeding One sign that you might...

At one time or another, almost every homeowner has been confronted by an unwanted invasion of ants. Maybe you left the dishes in the sink overnight or forgot to take out the garbage. In the morning, countless ants are in your kitchen to greet you. It’s obvious that food is an attractant for ants. Like any houseguest, they also need hospitable shelter and water. Let’s look at these three most common reasons ants are in your home and how to discourage them. Food Strong food scents, especially grease and sugar, can bring ants running. And once in your home, anything on your counter tops or floors becomes a tasty feast. In your cupboards, honey jars or syrup bottles are favorite targets. Perhaps you have kids who snack in their rooms, or your family eats in a separate dining room. Anywhere food and food spills go, the ants go marching, too. Soon...