us-pest-control

Rats & Mice 101

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 22:05:19 GMT

Winter is coming soon, and that means that many pests are beginning to seek out shelter and food sources for the coming months of cold weather. Rodents such as rats and mice are among the most common unwelcome guests who will invade your Henrico VA home and invite their families to move in too, and their presence can present danger to you and your family.

What Kinds of Rodents are Common in Henrico?

You may not know this, but, in Henrico County, you are legally required to keep your property free of rats due to the dangers rat activity present. Both rats and mice are known to spread dangerous diseases and rats can attack and/or bite humans if they are afraid. So, what kinds of rodents are most common in Henrico County?

Deer Mice – Deer Mice typically live outdoors and like to nest in areas such as log piles or tree hollows to take shelter from the elements. Adult deer mice tend to be a brownish color with a whitish underbelly and nimble feet that help them run fast. Although they usually live outdoors, they can end up in your home if they’re seeking shelter from the cold weather or if they are alerted to food sources within your home. Deer mice are a serious hazard to you and your family because they are the most common carrier of Hantavirus .
House Mice – House Mice prefer to live indoors and search out secluded areas of your home in which to nest. They especially like to make themselves at home in cluttered areas or areas with a lot of cardboard boxes, such as your basement or attic. House mice tend to be grayish in color and their tails are typically longer than their bodies. They present multiple dangers to you, your family, and your home. They can contaminate stored food supplies and spread diseases such as Salmonella, tapeworms, and plague. In addition, they can cause serious damage to your home by gnawing through materials and can even cause an electrical fire if they chew through your home’s wiring.
Roof Rats – Roof rats are agile climbers with thin nimble bodies, typically dark brown or black in color, and they live in colonies in the upper parts of structures or in tall trees. When they are seeking shelter from the elements, they can gain access to your home via the roof (hence their name). According to the University of Arizona , “Roof rats pose a significant health and safety hazard as they are implicated in the transmission of a number of diseases to humans and domesticated animals. These diseases include leptospirosis, salmonellosis (food contamination), rat-bite fever, murine typhus, plague, toxoplasmosis, and trichinosis.” Roof rats are sometimes also called Black Rats.
Norway Rats – Norway rats have heavy, brown-colored bodies and lack the agility of roof rats. They typically invade basements and lower floors and seek shelter indoors when their outdoor food supplies begin to run low. According to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources , “They are the cause of great economic loss in agricultural areas and are also vectors for diseases such as bubonic plague, tularemia, murine typhus and many others. Because of their aggressive behavior, they have in many cases displaced the black rat.” Norway rats can jump about 2 feet in the air, and, with a running start, they can jump a distance of about 3 feet.

What Can I Do to Keep Rodents Out of My Home?

Now that you understand the dangers of rodent infestations in your home, you’re probably wondering how you can keep these dangerous critters outside so they can’t put your family in peril or cause costly damage to your home.

Find and seal up any gaps around the perimeter of your home and inside your home. Mice only need an opening the size of a dime to get in, while rats require an opening about the size of a quarter. On the exterior, check your foundation and walls for openings as well as around your windows, doors, and your roof. On the inside, check for gaps where plumbing enters the home, around floor drains and vents, and in your basement and/or attic. Seal up any holes or gaps that could be large enough to allow rodent entry.
Eliminate attractants in and around your home. Make sure all food, including pet food, is stored in tightly sealed containers and that no food debris is left on the floor. Use sturdy metal or thick plastic garbage cans with tight lids for your trash, both inside and outside, so rodents cannot go dumpster diving for their dinner. Finally, make sure your grass and shrubs immediately surrounding your home are trimmed and your wood pile is at least 20 feet from your home.
Proactively inspect for evidence of rodent activity on a regular basis. If a rodent does make their way inside your home, you want to be aware as soon as possible before they’re joined by friends, or they procreate. Always be on the lookout for evidence of rodent activity, such as rat or mouse droppings, gnawing marks on food packaging, or evidence of chewing on wood, cardboard, plumbing components or wiring. By catching the intruder early, you can protect your family and home from the danger of a worsening infestation.

What if I Already Have A Rodent Infestation in My Home?

If you have noticed evidence of rodent activity in or around your home already, you need to take action to secure the premises from rodents and the dangers they present. For professional long-term rodent control solutions, call U.S. Pest Control, your trusted local and family-owned rat and mice exterminators . We’ll find and eliminate any existing infestations and implement preventative solutions to keep rodents out in the cold and away from your home and family. Request your free rodent control quote today!

Winterizing your Home from Pests

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 18:47:37 GMT

It’s officially fall, and one of the things most people enjoy about fall is that the annoying flying insects such as mosquitos, flies, and bees have gone away, making spending time outdoors much more enjoyable. While you’re admiring the beautiful fall landscape with its distinctive colors and cooler temperatures, keep in mind that winter is just around the corner, and you aren’t the only one seeking shelter when it’s cold outside – many varieties of pests are drawn to our warm homes as well. The good news is that there are things you can do to winterize your home so that your heat stays in, and pests stay out.

Which Pests Invade Homes in the Winter and Cause Problems?

When the temperatures drop and we inevitably spend more time indoors staying warm and dry, many pests are also seeking shelter from the cold and the elements, including:

Rodents – Rats and mice will try to sneak into your home to find shelter and food sources during the winter. While you may think your door locks and deadbolts will keep them out, the fact is that an adult mouse can fit through a hole the size of a dime. Rodents are known to spread many diseases such as Hantavirus, Salmonella, and more, and exposure to their droppings can cause serious respiratory problems. If you think you might have rodents invading your home (you see droppings, signs of chewing on food packaging, or the family dog/cat is stalking a particular corner), call U.S. Pest Control for expert rodent control in Henrico.
Cockroaches – Cockroaches also like to sneak into your home and bring their friends when it gets cold outside. Unfortunately, they require an even smaller entry point than mice. As large as some species of roaches can get, they only need a 1/16” gap to gain entry to your home. Having cockroaches in your home can trigger and exacerbate asthma and allergies, so it’s important to keep the roaches out in the cold. If you notice cockroach activity in your home, U.S. Pest Control can take care of the problem quickly.
Spiders – Spiders are hunters of bugs, so when more bugs are taking refuge in your home than usual, they’ll be drawn in by the potential of both shelter and a steady food source. While spiders can benefit your pest control efforts by eating other bugs who invade your home, they can also bite you and your family members or pets, causing health complications. If you’ve noticed more spider activity than usual, call U.S. Pest Control for effective and efficient spider control .

How to Eliminate Pest Entry Points

Just as you lock your doors and windows to keep burglars out, the first thing you need to do to winterize your home against invasive pests is to identify and eliminate potential entry points. Here are some tips to keep your home pest-free this winter.

Explore the exterior of your home and seal any cracks or holes you find, especially in areas where utilities and pipes are going into the home. Check the weatherstripping around your windows and doors to make sure it’s still in good condition and replace it if not. This will not only keep pests out, but it will also keep your heat in and help control your heating costs.
Check your plumbing to make sure there aren’t any leaky pipes or areas of excessive moisture. Your kitchen and bathrooms are common areas for roaches to infest and multiply, so check underneath your sinks and make sure the pipes coming in are sealed with no gap around them. If you have a crawlspace, You may want to consider crawlspace encapsulation to keep moisture and pests out of your crawlspace.
Install door sweeps on your doors and replace any broken screens on your windows to prevent pests from sneaking in. If you have a chimney, make sure the vents are screened to prevent pest entry (don’t worry, Santa will still be able to use his magic to get in).

Environmental Methods of Preventing Pest Activity

Part of the science of pest control is not only understanding how pests behave, but also why. You have to think like a pest. What environmental factors attract them to your home, and how can you eliminate those attractants? Here are some easy things you can do around your home to make pests less likely to want to come in.

Make sure your kitchen and other food storage areas are cleaned regularly and free of food debris in corners and around appliances. Even the smallest crumbs of food or bits of grease will attract hungry pests and motivate them to sneak into your home and help themselves to dinner.
Eliminate clutter in storage areas and keep cardboard boxes off the floor. Rodents like to hide in clutter and chew through boxes (and anything inside them).
If you use firewood to heat your home or just enjoy a nice fire in the fireplace, make sure your wood pile is at least 20 feet away from your house. Woodpiles are popular nesting spots for rodents, ants, and spiders, so you don’t want your firewood attracting unwanted guests in close proximity to your house.

The cold winter months come with enough challenges as it is, and we know you don’t want a family of mice or cockroaches crashing your holiday party and endangering your family. Hopefully these tips will help you keep your home toasty warm and pest-free this winter!

If you notice pest activity in your Henrico VA area home, U.S. Pest Control is here to help. Click here to get your free “pest control near me” quote!

Hurricane Season: Is your Crawlspace Encapsulated?

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 18:42:41 GMT

Atlantic Hurricane Season is upon us once again. While hurricane season technically began on June 1 ,2022 and runs through the end of November, we’ve been lucky enough to not see any hurricanes make landfall yet in Virginia in 2022. This is, however, not the norm and certainly not an opportunity to let your guard down or cease your normal hurricane preparedness activities.

When we think about hurricane preparation, we think about our immediate needs first, of course: bottled water, non-perishable foods, flashlights, fully charged phones, a generator to keep your food from spoiling, and an evacuation plan in case leaving your home becomes necessary. Those are essential, but have you considered protecting your home and family with crawlspace encapsulation?

Why Do I Need Crawlspace Encapsulation?

As you may know, one of the most serious risks stemming from hurricanes in many inland areas is the dangerous flooding that ensues. If water gets in your crawlspace, it can cause dangerous conditions that not only damage your home but leave you and your family vulnerable to these risks:

Excessive moisture in your crawlspace can cause mold and fungi to grow, which can wreak havoc on your respiratory system, causing health problems such as severe allergic reactions and/or asthma attacks. By having your crawlspace encapsulated, you can ensure that it stays moisture-free and protect your family from serious breathing issues and long-term health issues.
Moisture in your crawlspace can lead to structural issues and severe damage to your home, potentially making it unsafe to live in and requiring expensive repairs. Your home is likely one of your most valuable assets, and you can protect its value by proactively having your crawlspace encapsulated to keep moisture out.
Moisture in your crawlspace attracts pests that can damage your home and endanger your family. Pests such as termites, cockroaches, rats, mice, and spiders are attracted to moist humid environments. As we’ve discussed before, termites cause serious structural damage to your home and can even cause it to collapse entirely. Cockroach allergens and the droppings from rats and mice can cause health problems such as exacerbated allergies and asthma attacks, putting your family’s health in danger. By having your crawlspace encapsulated, you can eliminate the environment these pests are seeking and establish a secure barrier to prevent pests getting in, protecting both your Henrico VA home and your family.

What is Crawlspace Encapsulation?

Now that you’re considering if crawlspace encapsulation could be the right solution to add to your hurricane preparation checklist, you’re probably wondering what crawlspace encapsulation is and what this process entails. Crawlspace encapsulation is a preventative method that seals the crawlspace to keep it moisture-free. It typically involves the following:

Removal of all old and damaged insulation and mold in order to prepare the area for treatment
Installation of a new vapor barrier to prevent moisture and water vapor from getting in and causing dangerous mold and rot
Installation of new insulation and sealing the crawlspace to keep both moisture and pests out, including closing off vents that lead up into the living space of your home
We often also recommend the installation of a dehumidifier to keep everything down there nice and dry.

Watch a video of US Pest Control owner Aaron Owens and his team helping a homeowner in Mechanicsville VA protect their home with crawlspace encapsulation!

How Do I Know if My Crawlspace is Already Causing Danger?

If you’ve noticed worsening allergies or asthma when you’re in your home or evidence of pest activity such as rodents or termites , you may have dangerous amounts of moisture in your crawlspace that are causing serious danger to your home and family in more ways than one and should be addressed immediately.

If you’re not sure but you’d like to have peace of mind, you can find out quickly by scheduling a crawlspace inspection with US Pest Control, your Henrico VA crawlspace service expert.

Be Proactive With a Safe and Dry Crawlspace this Hurricane Season!

With Hurricane Season upon us, you may simply want to be proactive about keeping moisture out of your crawlspace in the event that a hurricane does make landfall and our Henrico community experiences large amounts of rain or flooding. As you know, it doesn’t take long for a hurricane to form and come barreling onto our shores, sending rainbands in all directions around the eye of the storm and causing massive flooding in a short amount of time. You can avoid costly home repairs in the future by taking action to protect your home now.

Take the first step towards protecting your home with crawlspace encapsulation in Henrico VA. Schedule your crawlspace inspection and estimate with US Pest Control today!

Pest Control & the Bee Population

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 20:17:23 GMT

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Many people are uncomfortable around or afraid of bees, and many are also allergic to a bee’s sting, which can be very dangerous and even deadly if they are inadvertently stung and suffer a severe anaphylactic reaction that requires medical treatment. It’s understandable to be nervous but bees aren’t exactly the same as many of the other pests we deal with. Honey Bees are actually an important part of our ecosystem, and their population has been in decline for years.

Why are Bees so Important to our Ecosystem?

Honey bees and other pollinators are so important to our ecosystem because they contribute significantly to our food supply. In fact, bees pollinate more than 1/3 of the world’s crops. Foods such as cucumbers, melons, squashes, pumpkins, apples, asparagus, and broccoli all require pollination in order for the plants to germinate and food to be produced. Bees help these plants grow by transferring pollen from the male part (the anther) of the flower to the female parts (the stigma). Without the help of bees and other pollinators, your Henrico VA supermarket’s produce section would have about half as much supply as you’re used to, and it would be much harder to find the fruits and vegetables you need to maintain a healthy and balanced diet.

If bees went extinct , the effect on the global production of fruits and vegetables would just be the tip of the iceberg. The decline in levels of many pollinated plants would significantly affect the meat and dairy industries as well. Animals who eat those plants would begin to starve and die, and plants such as alfalfa, which is typically fed to dairy cows, would be in short supply. This would lead to a shortage of both meat and dairy products, and, when these things are in short supply, it means they become much more expensive. For many American households who already struggle to keep a variety of healthy food on the table, this would just create further food insecurity.

How does Pest Control Affect the Bee Population?

As previously mentioned, the bee population has been in serious decline for years. There are many factors contributing to the rapid and unsettling decline of the bee population, including habitat loss, climate change, and disease.

How does pest control come into the equation? Well, pesticides such as imidacloprid can harm bees both when they’re in the larvae stage and when they’re adults. According to a recent study , when bees consumed pesticide-contaminated pollen and nectar as larvae, it led to them laying fewer eggs. When that pesticide exposure was coupled with the bees collecting pesticide-laden pollen from flowers as adults, they laid even less eggs. Over two generations, this kind of pesticide exposure can deplete bee fertility by as much as 75%, contributing to the further demise of these important pollinators.

What Can We Do to Save the Bees?

Now that you know how important the bee population is to our ecosystem both here in Virginia and worldwide, you’re probably wondering what we can do to help save the bees. At U.S. Pest Control, this is a priority for us as well. An important part of IPM (Integrated Pest Management) is understanding that not all insects that are perceived as pests actually are, and bees are a great example of that.

According to the University of Georgia , there are steps that can be taken in regards to pest control that will help protect the dwindling bee population and prevent further decline:

Apply pesticides later in the day if possible – Bees’ daily routine is not so different from ours. Bees go out foraging during the day when it’s warm outside (that’s their equivalent of going to work), and, as it cools down, they return home to their hives for the evening. By applying pesticides later in the day, we can significantly reduce the risk of harm to the bees while still providing effective bee control to keep you and your family safe.
Choose the appropriate formulation – Pesticides come in several different formulations, including dusts (D), wettable powders (WP), soluble powders (SP), emulsifiable concentrates (EC), solutions (LS), and granulars (G). Of these, the safest ones to use in order to protect the bee population from further demise are solutions, emulsifiable concentrates, and granulars. It is not recommended to use dusts or wettable powders because they will cling to the tiny hairs on honey bees and be transferred back to the hive, which can cause an entire colony to collapse.
Use safer pesticides that degrade more quickly – Modern pesticides have a faster residual time compared to their predecessors, meaning that they only take a few hours to degrade rather than days or weeks. U.S. Pest Control is proud to use the most eco-friendly products available so that our treatments are not only effective but safe for you, your family, your pets, and the planet.

Now that you know how important bees are to our ecosystem, you can understand why bees are not a pest that we want to eliminate completely. They are our friends, working every day to help us produce food for our families. The dangers of being stung can be mitigated while also protecting these crucial pollinators. If you’re seeing a lot of bee activity that is causing danger to you or your family, contact U.S. Pest Control for eco-friendly and affordable bee control service in Henrico VA and surrounding areas.

Realtors: What You Need to Know Before Booking a Termite Inspection

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 20:03:53 GMT

The real estate market is hot right now, and many people are buying homes or opting to sell their homes. There’s a lot of due diligence you need to consider throughout each real estate transaction, whether you’re representing the seller or the buyer. One important piece of that puzzle is getting a termite inspection. In fact, it’s usually a requirement when a home is sold in Virginia.

Termite damage costs American homeowners $5 billion/year, so this isn’t something you want to take lightly. When termites establish a colony, they eat away at the home 24/7. It’s critical to become aware of termite activity as soon as possible so that the colony can be exterminated , the premises can be proactively protected from future infestations, and the damage can be minimized.

How to Choose a Termite Inspector Without Getting Burned

It can be tough to know how to choose the right termite inspector in Henrico, VA area. This is something too crucial to risk as the structural integrity of the home can make it either a great investment or a terrible liability. If the house has undiscovered termite damage and/or termite activity, it can lead to very expensive repairs or even cause the home to collapse entirely. Here are some things to look for when hiring a termite inspector:

Review feedback from their clients – If you’re considering scheduling a termite inspection, check the company’s online reviews or ask current/former customers about their experience if you know anybody who has used them. People who have had extremely positive experiences with the company will be eager to recommend them, and, even more importantly, people who have had negative experiences will want to warn others.
Ask about their guarantee – Before scheduling a termite inspection with a pest control company, ask how they guarantee their work. Do they provide an annual re-inspection at no charge or offer free re-treatment if treatment is needed? If a termite control service plan is necessary, is it transferrable to the new owner of the home? Having these details squared away will help your transaction go more smoothly by assuring the buying party that the home is termite-free and that they can and should have it re-inspected annually to make sure it stays that way. At US Pest Control, we fully guarantee our work - if a problem is not resolved, we come back to treat it at no cost to you.
Ask what kind of products they use – Many of us are trying to be more eco-friendly these days, but not all pest control companies have adapted to using the most eco-friendly products. If the home does end up needing treatment, you want to know what kinds of products will be used. US Pest control is proud to use eco-friendly pest control products that are also safe for pets and children, and plants.

How To Prevent a Termite Inspection From Delaying a Closing

One of the challenges involved in getting a home inspected for termites is timing. Especially in a booming housing market, you want to strike while the iron is hot, but that also means that a lot of other realtors are also scheduling termite inspections and appointments might not be immediately available. Nobody wants to hold up their closing because they’re stuck waiting for a termite inspection appointment. Here’s how to move your termite inspection to the top of the list so you can get to that closing table faster.

Advantages Of Working With a Local Termite Inspector You Already Know

If you’ve been representing home buyers and home sellers in Henrico, VA area for a while, you likely know the area pretty well and value the strong sense of community we enjoy, right down to the small family-owned businesses that have been the lifeblood of our community for decades. That’s where US Pest Control comes in. Locally owned and operated since 1991, U.S. Pest Control takes pride in improving our community and offers some unique advantages for anyone buying or selling a house.

Because we’re local, we have extensive knowledge of which varieties and species of pests are most common locally and how to eradicate them. US Pest Control owner Aaron Owens, a local businessman who proudly carries on his grandparents’ legacy of providing pest control solutions in Henrico, also sits on the board of the Virginia Pest Management Association (VPMA), giving him additional insight into pest control in the Henrico community and Virginia in general.
We live and work in the area, so we already work with several local realtors and homeowners to control pest activity in their homes. It’s likely that we already know you and your clients, and vice versa.
Because we’re a small business, our clients are never just a number. We enjoy fostering long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with our clients. Your inspection will always be a priority for us.
We provide priority service for our most trusted real estate agents. We take pride in accommodating thier last minute crunch situations. We offer same-day and also next day inspections for Realtors with time constraints without adding on a rush fee to our inspection costs. This is a way we show our appreciation for continued business with us.

So, Henrico realtors: Let’s team up to make sure your next sale goes as smoothly and quickly as possible. Schedule your termite inspection today!

Summer Guide to Pest Control in Virginia

Thu, 23 Jun 2022 19:51:38 GMT

Summer is here! It’s time to enjoy the sunshine and spend time outdoors with your loved ones. While everyone loves the warm weather, it also brings with it plenty of pests that can be annoying, cause discomfort, and even be dangerous for you, your home, and your family. These are some of the most common summer pests in Virginia along with ways to prevent them from “bugging” you this summer.

What are the Most Common Pests in the Summer and What Can I Do?

So, what pests are most likely to be seen hanging around your home and yard this summer, and how dangerous are they? What can you do to get rid of existing infestations and prevent new ones? Let’s explore.

Spiders – Many people are fearful of or just don’t like these 8-legged arachnids, but most species of spiders found in Virginia are harmless to humans and can even help you with your pest control by eating the bugs that hide in corners of your home. The two major exceptions are the black widow spider and the brown recluse, both of which are considered a serious health risk if bitten. Both species are reclusive, preferring to live in undisturbed areas such as the corners of your basement, attic, or garage, and they’ll only bite if they feel threatened, so the best way to avoid being bitten is to watch where you place your hands or where you step if you’re in an area where they could be living. If you are bitten by one of these spider species, seek medical help immediately. If you see spider activity that concerns you, contact U.S. Pest Control for spider control .
Mosquitoes – Mosquito activity is at its peak between April and October. These annoying pests are likely to crash your 4th of July cookout, and they’re out for blood – literally. Mosquitoes carry a number of diseases including the West Nile virus, Zika, malaria, yellow fever, dengue, encephalitis, and Chikunguny. The good news is that you can proactively diminish the mosquito population around your home and U.S. Pest can help with the Home Secure Mosquito Package .
Bees, Hornets and Wasps – The warm summer weather brings out stinging insects in droves. While bees do play an important role in our ecosystem, they can pose a serious threat to your family and pets and even cause structural damage to walls, chimneys, and roofs of homes. The best way to prevent bee, wasp or hornet infestations is to proactively inspect your property and, if you see evidence of an infestation, schedule a professional bee and wasp exterminator to safely treat the area.
Termites – Termites are especially active in the summer, and they’ll eat away at your house all day and night if left untreated, causing severe structural damage that is expensive to fix. In fact, termite damage costs American homeowners $5 billion/year. The best way to prevent this is to regularly monitor for signs of termite damage and have a proactive termite control plan in place to stop termite infestations before they begin.
Ants – The most common ants to see in Virginia are Argentine ants, carpenter ants, odorous house ants, pavement ants, and red imported fire ants. Carpenter ants, much like termites, eat wood and can cause severe structural damage to homes, while fire ants cause painful stings that take weeks to heal if you accidentally step in one of their mounds. You can identify fire ants by the mounds of sand-like soil they build, so watch your step this summer! Even house ants have the potential to carry bacteria and fungus into the home, and if you’re seeing ants, there are a lot more that you’re not seeing. The best way to avoid these ant problems is to identify an ant infestation early and schedule an ant control treatment to kill the entire colony.
Fleas and Ticks – Everyone loves pets, including fleas and ticks. Unfortunately, these bloodthirsty pests are only in it for a meal. Ticks don’t typically enjoy being in houses but can be brought in by pets. Fleas and ticks can both bite humans as well and have the potential to spread disease, most notably Lyme disease. Infestation can be prevented by cleaning your pet’s bedding and treating dogs with flea and tick shampoos. For active infestations, U.S. Pest Control offers solutions for flea and tick extermination.
Roaches – Nobody likes seeing roaches crawling around the house. Cockroach activity can exacerbate asthma and allergy symptoms and infect food with bacteria. While the most common roaches are German roaches (they’re the little ones that live indoors in moist areas, i.e., underneath sinks, near pipes), Virginia also has a few species of outdoor roaches such as the American cockroach, European cockroach, and various species of wood roaches. The best way to prevent roach infestations is to keep a clean home free of food debris that attracts them and inspect underneath your sinks and other moist areas of the home regularly. If you see concerning cockroach activity, contact U.S. Pest Control for roach extermination solutions .
Centipedes and Millipedes – These occasional home invading pests are interesting to look at, but they can bite and cause serious allergic reactions, so it’s best to keep an eye out and avoid them. If you see an abnormal amount of centipede or millipede activity in your home, U.S. Pest Control can provide a customized pest control solution for you.

Hopefully, this knowledge helps you protect your home, family, and pets as you enjoy the nice summer weather - pest-free!

Protect Your Home Against Mosquitos

Fri, 20 May 2022 13:56:25 GMT

If you love hiking, camping, or just entertaining friends and family in your backyard, you probably dread the mosquito bites you’ll be scratching for the next week or so after the fun is over. Mosquitos are an irritating pest, and the itchy bites they leave behind cause prolonged discomfort for many people. However, mosquitos are far more dangerous than just an itchy annoyance. Mosquitoes carry a number of diseases including the West Nile virus, Zika, malaria, yellow fever, dengue, encephalitis, and Chikunguny, which presents danger for you, your family, and your pets.

Mosquitos in Central Virginia

Mosquitoes are attracted to Central Virginia because we are local to several highly wooded areas, including many state parks that are both highly wooded and contain bodies of standing water, which is where mosquitoes lay their eggs. While there are 42 different mosquito species in Henrico County , the Asian Tiger Mosquito is the most common. This mosquito is known as a “container breeder,” meaning that they will target any container of standing water that is left for 7 days or more, including bird baths, children’s toys, and flower pot saucers. They can even lay their eggs in just a couple tablespoons of water. Mosquito season in Central Virginia typically begins in April and lasts through October.

How to Minimize Mosquito Breeding

You can take measures around your property to minimize mosquito breeding, such as:

Emptying standing water out of any vessel where it collects at least once a week.
If you have a pool or hot tub, treat it regularly with chlorine. Besides maintaining the quality of your water, chlorine turns your favorite outdoor water feature into an inhospitable environment for mosquito larvae. Also, keep the pool or hot tub covered when not in use.
If you have a different type of water feature such as a small fountain or birdbath, change out the water once a week during mosquito season and sweep the interior surface with a brush to knock off any eggs that may be clinging to the surface.
Keep mosquito repelling plants like mint, citronella, and catnip growing in your outdoor spaces.
Mosquitos hate citrus, so keep lemon and other citrus fruits around the house.

Mosquito Treatment Plans

If you’re a homeowner in Henrico VA area with more mosquitos on your property than you can handle on your own and you’re sick of finding new itchy bumps every time you spend time enjoying the great outdoors, the good news is that there is help available in the form of your trusted and locally owned “mosquito control near me.” U.S. Pest Control recommends our seasonal Home Secure Mosquito Package , which protects you, your family and your pets from mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks so that you can get back to enjoying the beautiful summer weather with your loved ones.

Don’t wait until you’re already “itching” for an effective mosquito treatment plan. Book your Mosquito Service appointment today !

I Think I have a Termite Infestation. What Now?

Mon, 21 Mar 2022 17:58:51 GMT

I Think I have a Termite Infestation. What Now?

The thought of having a termite infestation in your home can be very unsettling and even scary for homeowners. Your home is likely one of your greatest assets and investments, and termites aren’t just a nuisance: they literally eat away at your home, causing a lot of damage that can be very costly to repair. Termite damage costs American homeowners $5 billion/year, yet many homeowners do not have their home regularly inspected for termites. Well, swarming season is upon us, and here’s what you need to know to protect your home from these destructive pests.

What is Swarming Season?

There are different types of termites in each colony. Swarmers are termites that have wings and can be mistaken for other species of insects, such as flying ants. The purpose of swarmers is to leave the colony and form their own colony elsewhere, which is why they will target a structure that is unprotected. When they begin to build their new colony and invite their friends, that’s when the damage begins. Swarming season typically begins around April, so now is the time to protect your home from these nomadic pests and the damage they cause.

What are the Signs of a Termite Infestation?

Termites are drawn to your house by wood and moisture, and their favorite thing to feast on is lumber. You might have termites in your household if you notice drooping or discolored drywall, wood or drywall that is hollow when tapped, or see tiny holes within the drywall of your home. If you’ve noticed any of these signs, it’s time to call in the professionals at US Pest Control and determine if there is an active infestation before they have the opportunity to cause even more destruction.

How can US Pest Control Help Me Protect My Home?

If you believe you may have an active termite infestation, the first step is to call US Pest Control and schedule your termite inspection with one of our knowledgeable and experienced termite technicians. The technician will come out to your home, perform a thorough inspection, and provide you with an inspection report detailing their findings. If they did find termite activity, they will provide you with a recommendation and estimate for treatment.

Depending on their findings, they may suggest a quarterly termite control service or a monthly service to eradicate an existing infestation and maintain the integrity of your termite-free home. Our technician may also recommend additional preventative measures to avoid future infestations, such as a barrier treatment, which creates a perimeter around your home that termites cannot cross.

I’m Building My Home Brand-New, so I’m Safe, Right?

New construction homes are popping up all over the place these days. Many homeowners enjoy the benefits of new construction, such as being able to customize their colors and finishings, but it’s also important to make sure that your brand-new home is protected against termite damage. Pre-construction Termite Treatment is also referred to as a “Pre-Treat.” Most new structures in the United States are treated against termites during the initial construction process. If you’re in the process of building your dream home, let the US Pest team handle your pre-treatment needs and protect your investment.

What if I’m Buying or Selling a House?

How do I get my Termite Inspection?

It’s easy! You don’t even have to pick up the phone (unless you want to). US Pest Control is ready to schedule your termite inspection immediately. Take the first step towards protecting your home from termite damage. Click here to schedule your termite inspection!

Local Pest Control Solutions with An Emphasis on Community

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 15:57:56 GMT

It's Who We Are

Business isn’t just about making money. It’s about making connections in the community and helping our friends and neighbors whenever possible. Family-owned and operated since 1991, our team here at US Pest Control takes pride in strategically solving and preventing pest issues for our valued customers in the Richmond community and surrounding areas . However, our passion for community involvement goes much deeper than just what we do in the local pest control industry: It’s who we are.

What’s New in 2022?

We are proud to announce that the owner of US Pest Control, Aaron Owens, has recently been elected to serve as a Virginia Pest Management Association (VPMA) board member! This appointment means that he will have greater opportunities going forward to protect our community and its people by providing insights into the pest control industry within Richmond, sharing his knowledge regarding technical field resources with other industry professionals, and engaging with others in order to branch out into new and innovative ideas and practices.

Established in 1948, VPMA has been serving the information and business needs of Virginia's pest management professionals for decades. Besides offering high-level continuing education for Pest Control professionals to maintain their applicator licenses, VPMA’s training programs also encourage professionals to utilize the latest tools, knowledge, and best industry practices. In addition, VPMA offers scholarships to students who are working on new technologies in urban pest management and provides regulatory support for industry professionals.

Aaron is excited to step into this influential new role after transitioning to company ownership in 2019. The company was founded in 1991 by his grandmother, Joyce DeBerry. Aaron came to work for US Pest Control in 2015 and worked hard for years to manage his accounts and grow the business before becoming the owner of the family business in 2019. He looks forward to upholding the legacy his grandmother started, growing the business, and networking in the hopes of gaining many more opportunities to help people and families in the Richmond community.

History of Giving Back to the Community

We love giving back to our community as a team, and our leader Aaron is especially passionate about community involvement. In 2021, he was honored to be a part of “The Father Figure,” an annual event hosted by the Relationship Foundation of Virginia to help less fortunate fathers who are raising families in the Richmond area. By collaborating with business associates, family members and fundraising initiatives, he and ten other “funding fathers” came together and raised over $77,000, which was successfully distributed by the Foundation to local fathers in need.

What’s Next for US Pest?

In 2022, the US Pest Control team proudly continues to work with the Relationship Foundation of Virginia towards the goals of helping less fortunate families and building the fundamental elements of strong communities: healthy relationships, marriages, and families. We’re also looking forward to benefiting the local pest control industry as well as our community through our work with VPMA. Stay tuned for new community initiatives and ways you can get involved too!

us-pest-control

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