An unseasonably warm start to the new year is causing a spike in insect and rodent activity. Not only are household pests escaping a dormant season, they’re predicted to have an extra life cycle during this extended period of warmer weather.
That spells trouble for homeowners and businesses. Here we’ll cover some of the top offenders and offer suggestions as to what you can do to protect your home and business.
Mosquitos: more than a nuisance…a serious health risk
Warmer temperatures and heavy rain create extra moisture and standing water—the ideal environment for mosquitos to thrive. An influx of mosquitos creates more than a nuisance; it puts us at risk for mosquito-borne viruses such as the Zika virus.
Spread by mosquitoes, the Zika virus, which originated in the Zika Forest of Uganda, was the cause of the public health emergency last year. The CDC issued travel warnings to affected countries. While the need to prevent and stop further outbreaks is on a global scale, there are prevention techniques we can use to battle this ongoing epidemic close to home.
Where do mosquitoes come from this time of year?
Mosquitos live in the air and the water. During the winter months, they appear in lakes, fresh water swamps, and slow moving streams, and even when these sources of water are frozen, mosquito eggs can survive just below the surface.
Problem areas to look for:
- A leak or standing water under your house
- Standing water trapped by a clogged gutter or in a pot or bucket outside
- Water pump in the basement
- They may live in the water trapped around a tarp or other covering used to protect patio furniture, etc.
Prevention is key
Now is the time to take measures against mosquito-borne illness. St. Louis-based Blue Chip is available to service your business and home for mosquitoes so you can sleep at night. Call us to today to inquire about the services we recommend.
Another offender: Do I have bed bugs?
We’ve all heard the saying: sleep tight and don’t let the bed bugs bite. There’s a reason why, although people shudder to admit it. Bed bugs are a real nuisance. They’re hard to identify and time consuming to eradicate.
Often bed bug bites are confused with mosquito bites. How can you tell the difference? Although you may think it’s unlikely to have mosquitos this time of year, that is a real possibility. Specific to bed bugs, bites appear in clusters of three. They tend to appear on your exposed skin while you sleep such as arms, neck, face and shoulders.
Bed bug control
If you suspect you have a problem with bed bugs, do not try over-the-counter pesticides. For one thing, you may actually spread your problem rather than tackle it because bugs will sense the chemicals and move to other parts of your home. Instead of containing and attacking the source, you are creating more of a problem.
Vacuuming the mattress may not pick up all of the eggs, but running infected sheets or clothing through the dryer will kill all bugs.
When to call a pro
The best way to treat bed bugs is with a one-two punch of heat and chemicals applied by a professional pest control expert. St. Louis-based Blue Chip is here to help.
Good practices to avoid bed bugs include:
- Encase your mattress and box spring with covers to prevent bed bugs from inhabiting your bed
- Vacuum weekly
- Launder your bed linens on a frequent basis
- Keep your home clutter free
Moles on the Rise in St. Louis This Year
A mole is a small, burrowing mammal with a long muzzle, dark fur, and inconspicuous eyes and ears. Much to homeowners’ dismay, they are excellent diggers, and will tear up your yard in no time. They survive on earthworms, nuts, and other small invertebrate found in the soil.
Why moles are a problem
- In their search for food, moles will kill your grass that you work so hard to grow and maintain
- Moles destroy landscaping plants and shrubbery that you’ve invested your money and time
- Moles create unsightly unevenness across your property
All year long we’re at battle with pests, insects, and critters—trying to keep them where they belong, away from your home and property. St. Louis pest control experts at Blue Chip are on-call and ready to help you tackle these common offenders. Give us a call today!
