Premium Termite and Pest Control Blog

If you think that you have a termite problem, it's possible to confirm it without calling a professional. Look for frass. Understanding this term and how to identify frass can help you determine whether or not you need pest control services. The Definition of Frass People who raise butterflies and moths describe caterpillar waste as frass. When it comes to termites, frass also refers to droppings or feces. However, frass can be the result of destructive insect activity too. How to Identify It The frass that termites leave behind differs depending on the species. It's also important to be able to tell termite waste apart from carpenter ant activity. Drywood Termite Frass Drywood termites leave few indications of an infestation in homes. When a couple of swarmers establish a nest, they seal the hole in which they entered and don't leave. They have everything inside of the wood to survive. As...

The sight of an earwig indoors can be unsettling. Many people wonder what this slender, flexible insect even is, with its fierce-looking pincers and its propensity to appear in bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms. Alone or in numbers, they immediately have a slightly threatening air, but can they really harm people with those pincers or anything else? Naming the Earwig While scare mongers love to cite the myth that earwigs will tunnel into your ears, a more likely explanation for the name comes from one of the insect’s characteristics that is rarely seen. Mature earwigs of many species have wings. Most of the time, they keep their pleated, fan-shaped hind wings neatly tucked beneath short, leathery front wings. However, when both wings are fully spread, the shape resembles a pair of ears. The name may also be rooted in the Anglo-Saxon ear wicka, which refers to their presence on ears of...

If you want to have a great Memorial Day barbecue without being visited by ants, preparing your yard in advance will help you reach your goal. Allowing ants onto your property during your big day will give them a chance to get into and taint your food, which is a problem you will want to avoid. Ants can welcome themselves to your barbecue without warning when they detect a food source, but you can keep yourself and your guests safe from these insects when you have a proven plan in mind. Vinegar Most people have the needed tools to keep ants away and don't even know it, and you can go to your kitchen and grab vinegar when you want to create a natural repellant. Mixing the vinegar with water to create a 50-50 solution is a good way to keep ants at bay. Before your Memorial Day barbecue, spray the...

Termite Awareness Week, which was the first full week of spring, aims to educate homeowners and the public on the importance of controlling termites and the dangers created by them. If you have a home, apartment complex or another type of building, keeping the most important takeaways at the front of your mind will keep you and your property out of harm's way. You won't always detect the warning signs during the first stages of a termite infestation, and that oversight can result in costly repair fees. Learning as much as you can about the invaders will improve your odds of containing the threat before you face long-term damage. Early Detection is Key Termites will instantly start consuming your wooden floors, walls and support beams when they get inside. Inability to detect and remove termites during this stage will give them plenty of time to spread, and your problem will grow....

Spotting a roach in your home should always raise an eyebrow. If you aren't careful, you could be facing a serious infestation in only a short period of time. These unsanitary insects have a reputation for breeding extremely quickly. Here are some of the tell-tale signs your roach problem has spiraled out of control. You Happen to See Roaches During the Daytime Typically, roaches are nocturnal insects that like to hide in dark areas. They prefer to do their dirty work while you are comfortably sleeping at night. If you happen to encounter a roach during the day, this is a surefire indication of a major infestation. Waiting to take action will only allow the problem to become worse. You Discover Dead Roaches in Your Home Many people consider a dead roach to be a frightening sight. Finding multiple dead roaches should cause even more concern. Expect dozens of other living...

Do-it-yourself pest control is common these days as more websites pop up with products and treatment methods for combating pests at home. Unfortunately, people who want to save a few bucks and tackle the job themselves are often left with more problems and less money than they had in the beginning. If you're thinking about eliminating pests without professional assistance, Premium Termite & Pest Control has a few things for you to consider. Why You Should Avoid DIY Pest Control 1. Chemical Exposure Pest control products contain numerous chemicals, putting your family and pets at risk of toxic exposure. If you handle the products or apply them improperly, you can create hazardous conditions inside or outside of your home. Pest control professionals are trained to apply pesticides responsibly while reducing the risk to people and animals. 2. Costly Treatments Depending on the infestation, you may have to buy more than one...

If you have ever discovered earwigs in or around your home, you are likely searching for ways to protect your property from these pests. A lot of people are confused when it comes to handling them and don't know where to start. Although homeowners often put in their best effort to get the problem under control, they don't always enjoy positive results, and you don't want to follow in their footsteps. Learning how earwigs get into your home will help you discover what you can do to keep them at bay, and you will be pleased with your decision.  Windows Looking at the windows in your home is a good place from which to start when your goal is to keep earwigs outside. If your windows don't shut properly or have small cracks in the seams, earwigs can get inside your home without much effort. You can install storm windows or seal...

Bedbugs are a common pest and nearly impossible to manage once they get into homes and places of business. Since they can cost thousands of dollars to eliminate, spotting them in the early stages is the best way to handle the threat. Sadly, bedbugs are not always easy to locate and can remain undetected for an extended period, giving their population time to grow. If you would like to catch bedbugs in the early stages of an infestation, the following tips will help.  Look for Red Stains When bedbugs decide to come out for a fresh meal, they will leave red stains on your mattress, sheets and clothes. If you have recently noticed blood stains on or near your bed, you could have a bedbug problem on your hands. Place Traps on the Legs of Your Bed Bedbugs like to create their nest near a warm host so that they won't...

Southern California's beautiful climate is perfect for its many residents, but that same great weather attracts an abundance of nuisance pests. Here at Premium Termite and Pest Control, we're called out to area homes and businesses daily to eliminate a variety of unpleasant creatures. These are just a few of the most common pests that we encounter. Roof Rats While both the common house mouse and the Norway rat may turn up in area homes, the roof rat has proved to be a significant problem. This big rat is greatly attracted to high places and has no difficulty climbing up to the roof and gnawing a hole right into your attic space. Once inside, this rodent has been known to start house fires by chewing through electrical wires, and your attic insulation is likely to be completely destroyed because it's an excellent nesting material. This rat also poses a significant health...

Throughout history, insects, spiders and other critters have brought fear and revulsion to people around the world. It's no surprise that bugs have become fertile fodder for movie makers, with everything from mutated earthly insects to six-legged invaders from outer space fueling the plots of horror movies. If you're in the mood to be creeped out by some terrifying arthropods, consider some of the best bug-themed movies. Starship Troopers (1997) This film, an adaptation of Robert Heinlein's classic sci-fi novel of the same name, imagines a future where the space-faring human race finds itself locked in a war with a race of planet-hopping giant insects. Johnny Rico, a native of Buenos Aires, enlists in the Mobile Infantry to defend humanity and earn his citizenship. As the war rages on, Rico rises through the ranks of the military as his friends and fellow soldiers drop like flies. Mimic (1997) Mimic begins with...

Labor Day is supposed to be a day off for working people, but sometimes holiday cookouts can be anything but relaxing. We have a few tips to make your Labor Day barbecue easier on you and more fun for your guests. Tip #1: Shop Curbside Grocery stores everywhere are now offering curbside grocery pickup, and your Labor Day grocery list will be especially long if you're entertaining a crowd. Choose a store now and start filling your virtual cart. Make sure you have enough condiments, which is something you may not buy frequently. Buying paper plates, cups and disposable utensils makes post-party clean-up much easier. When the holiday weekend arrives, simply whip out your debit or credit card and hit "place order." Customers new to curbside pickup can often score discounts for trying the store's service. Tip #2: Make a Cleaning Schedule Rather than spending half the holiday weekend cleaning your...

Silverfish are both annoying and destructive when they infest your home or business. If you are dealing with a silverfish infestation, it is important for you to get professional help from the experts at Premium Termite & Pest Control. Most over-the-counter treatments are ineffective over time because they kill individual insects rather than eliminating the entire population of the infestation. Here is what you need to know about silverfish. Identification of Silverfish Silverfish are teardrop-shaped blue-gray bugs that are about 12 to 19 millimeters long. Some species of silverfish are white to brown-gray. These bugs have three long bristles on their rears. They are nocturnal and tend to hide in moist areas near paper such as in basements or under sinks. Silverfish also move very quickly. Damage That They Can Cause Silverfish have destructive feeding habits. They eat cellulose that is found in paper, books, and wallpaper. These insects also eat...

Oriental and German cockroaches are commonly found indoors and outdoors when temperatures are warmer. Both types of cockroaches are common in Southern California during every month because of the mild climate. Although both types of roaches have an equal effect of frightening home occupants, there are some differences. Differences Of Oriental And German Cockroaches If you were to look under a magnifying glass, the abdominal lines and shell surface of each type of roach would look different. The main difference between the two is their shell color. Oriental cockroaches are often shiny and dark reddish-brown to black. German roaches are a dark to reddish-brown color and are not usually as shiny. While German cockroaches are typically shorter than an inch in length, Oriental roaches may be longer. German cockroaches are especially problematic because they are one of the fastest-breeding types of roaches. Dangers Of Cockroaches All types of cockroaches feed on...

A young man in Maine recently set his family's house on fire while trying to exterminate ants with lit matches. The fire started when he accidentally ignited combustible materials. The house and all of the family’s possessions were lost. The man was fortunate to escape with only second-degree burns and smoke inhalation. None of his family members were at home, but three loving pets perished in the flames. Do-it-yourself pest control is rarely safe, effective or cost-efficient. Here are some good reasons to consult the experts: Pest Control Requires Knowledge, Training, & Experience There are more than 1,000 species of ants in the U.S. Are you good at identifying them? Do you know what makes your home attractive to roaches, mosquitoes or rodents? Our technicians have extensive knowledge of pests’ preferred habitats, life cycles, and breeding habits. You can count on them to correctly identify your problem and offer the most...

What Is A Bedbug? Bedbugs are tiny round pests that are light to dark brown in color. They may be almost translucent. When you look closely at them, you can see lines that spread horizontally across their bodies. These lines are part of an exoskeleton. Bedbugs may appear slightly elongated depending on when they last ate or their life stage. Younger bedbugs may be as tiny as a grain of sand, and larger bedbugs are over 4 millimeters in length. Bedbug eggs are clear and look like tiny grains of rice. They may be found in nearly any undisturbed place. Bedbugs may be seen crawling on mattresses or furniture. You may not actually see them unless you look carefully. They are fast and elusive. Most bedbugs wait until you are asleep to bite. The air that you exhale when you sleep and your body warmth are what attract them. These pests...

Termites cost Americans over $5 billion in damages every year. These pests look similar to ants but are distinguishable by their straight bodies. Ants have distinct and shapelier bodies. When ants have wings, they are not the same size. A winged termite's wings are the same size. Their heads are larger, and they have distinct mandibles for chewing wood. These are three possible signs of a termite infestation. 1. Mud Tubes One of the first signs of a termite infestation is mud tubes along your foundation and exterior walls. Termites build these tubes for several different purposes, and the pattern of the tubes may show the exterminator the stage of an infestation. Exploratory tubes are usually empty by the time of discovery, and they indicate that termites are looking for food. Working tubes are larger and very long for transporting wood. Swarm tubes look like a chaotic freeway intersection and are...