Yuma Pest Blog

Tick season is upon us. They're out in force, searching for the blood of mammals, birds and humans.  Most of the time they find deer and rodents. Unfortunately, ticks aren’t picky eaters. They will bite whatever they can find, and if they get a taste for human blood, they'll come back for more.  Here at Yuma Pest and Termite Systems, we often field lots of questions about tick bites. Here's how to prevent getting a tick bite. What is a Tick? A tick is a tiny insect that feeds on the blood of other animals. Ticks are found all across the world, but they are most common in wet, temperate regions. They are also carriers of Lyme disease and other viruses. Ticks are capable of surviving for several years on the bodies of domestic animals like dogs and cats. How to Prevent a Tick Bite If you are out in an...

Termite infestations can ruin your home’s value. By eating anything and everything plant-based, termites can ravage nearly every kind of home. Infestations often go unnoticed until they have already caused massive amounts of property damage. No one is immune to termite damage. Every year, termites affect nearly 600 thousand homes and cause $5 billion in damages throughout the United States. This high rate of occurrence means you might be a victim of a termite infestation too. Fortunately, you can take a proactive approach to protect your home from termites.  How To Prevent Infestations The different varieties of termites find their way into your home’s wooden structures in several ways. Some can fly while others inhabit the soil, making them difficult to keep out.  Starting at the beginning of any home’s construction, installing a barrier or termite mesh underneath the foundation of the house will keep them out. Concrete foundations at least...

Spring awakens the rodents, scorpions and all manner of creepy-crawly bugs here in Arizona. Do not let them ruin the beauty of the season for you. Start taking preventative measures now with these tips before spring is in full swing. 1. Seal Entries to Your House Pest prevention begins with making it as difficult as possible for them to enter your home. Block off every entry point to your house, and greatly reduce the chances of infestations. This list denotes various actions to block off common places that creatures like spiders and scorpions may use to gain access. Add weather stripping to doorways (the whole doorway, not just the bottom). Check screens for windows and doors for holes. Use caulking to seal up cracks and seams. Use caulking to seal up holes for pipes. Check the roof and the eaves to block access points to the attic. Add screens to the...

While pests cause serious damage and are nuisances to your home, there are even more dangers lurking your way. Did you know that many types of pests can impact not only your house but your family’s health as well? And, families in Arizona are no exception. To help you understand, we made a list of the top pests in this area and how it can impact your family. Scorpions These nocturnal creatures thrive in the Arizona climate. They especially love hiding in dark places like shoes and under furniture, waiting to attack. As most people know, scorpions have dangerous tails that can hurt you and your family. While some of these stings do not need medical attention, many children or older adults may need immediate help.  Some of the common symptoms after getting stung is intense pain, numbness, swelling, difficulty breathing, muscle twitching, vomiting and more. If you get stung and...

Bed bugs are an undesirable pest that can affect any home, hotel room, shelter, student residence or other space inhabited by people. The spread of this parasitic insect occurs due to the increase in intercontinental travel vessels that transport infected material from one part of the world to another. Bed Bugs can Infect Everything People frequently relate the infestation of houses by bed bugs with the level of organization or cleanliness of the house, or with the hygienic habits of its residents. In truth, bed bugs can infest any area where we live and spend the night, as they have an amazing capacity for reproduction and adaptation.  These insects feed on our blood, and to do so, they enter your house in different ways including sticking onto clothing or shoes, hiding inside bags, boxes, suitcases, furniture or second-hand clothing or being transported through electrical conduits from your neighbor's infested home. From...

Ticks are some of the most commonly encountered pests across the United States. Although many tick bites are harmless, these nuisances are known for causing allergic reactions and spreading illnesses, particularly Lyme disease.  With some being as small as a pinhead, ticks are both hard to spot and quick to attach themselves to unwitting passersby. If you have been hiking, trudging through tall grass or just enjoying the back yard, knowing how to check for ticks is critical for their safe and timely removal. Check for Ticks on Your Body Ticks are quick to migrate to hidden parts of the body and given their small size, a full body check is necessary to make sure you are tick-free. Go to the bathroom and take off all of your clothes, isolating them to the side to check later. Visual checks are limited in their ability to pinpoint ticks so feeling all over...

A bee sting is just a nuisance for most people. After a bee sting, you may experience redness, swelling, itching, and sharp pain in the affected area- but nothing serious. However, for people who are allergic to bees, multiple stings can cause problematic health complications. Sometimes they can turn out to be life-threatening. When a bee stings you, it releases its stinger into your skin, which ultimately kills it. It also leaves some venomous toxin, which causes pain and other symptoms. Home remedies for bee stings While some people don't know what to do for a bee sting, most bee stings can be treated at home. However, if you experience severe allergic signs, see a healthcare provider. If a bee stings you, the first thing should be to remove the stinger using your fingernails' edge. This will help you reduce the toxins being released into your skin. Wash the affected area...

While small rodents look harmless, they can actually cause more damage than you can fathom. Between property damages, foul smells and diseases, you do not want any mice or rats to seek shelter in your home.  If you have these pests or are trying to prevent them from coming inside, you need to learn more information about rats and mice. In this practical guide, you will learn everything you need to know about rodent control. Rodent Signs Besides seeing these pests, you must know the ways to determine whether or not you have rodents. These unwanted guests like to shred papers, towels and trash. If you notice tiny piles of torn items, that’s the first sign of rodents.  Mice and rats also give off a foul odor. Many people claim that rodents smell like ammonia or urine. If you notice shredded objects as well as a horrible stench, then you most...

There’s no insect that strikes fear into the heart of homeowners quite like the humble termite. As small as they may be, these insects have the potential to cause massive amounts of damage and cost thousands of dollars if not found and treated right away. Because of this excessive cost, many homeowners consider tackling termite treatments on their own. The problem with this approach, though, is that the average layman simply doesn’t have the tools or knowledge necessary to effectively treat a termite infestation. What’s the difference? Here’s how a professional handles termites. Prevent Professionals have a number of tools at their disposal to prevent termite instances from ever occurring. These preventative measures are often foams and sprays that can make your home seem unattractive to the average termites, causing them to steer clear of the house entirely. Should the termites still make it into the house, however, preventative measures end,...

Cockroaches are one of the biggest pest offenders this time of year. Not only can they survive just about anything, but it seems like they can make it through even the smallest of cracks. With that, once they get into your house, it seems like they can be impossible to get rid of. Here are a few of our top tips for keeping cockroaches out of your home. Clean-up Moisture Cockroaches love moisture and warm, damp places. Make sure that you clean up any water or spills around your house to cut off the water supply for cockroaches. Be sure to clean up beneath your sinks, in your bathroom and in the cabinets of your kitchen just to be sure. Keep Your Food Sealed Cockroaches have heightened senses for finding food in your home. Even if you have a slight opening in a cereal box or bag of chips, cockroaches will...

If you live in Southwest Arizona, you’ve probably experienced an issue with pests in your home or garden. Determining the best way to get rid of these unwanted invaders can be a difficult task. Many products available on the market are harmful to the environment, people, and pets. Fortunately, there are alternative methods that can help you solve your pest problem in a safe way. Read about these eco-friendly pest control options and their benefits. Natural Repellents When it comes to gardening, one of the simplest ways to keep pests away is to surround your plants with insect-repelling herbs and flowers. There are many varieties of plants that can help your garden naturally flourish. Marigolds are known to turn away mosquitoes, lice, and rabbits. Ants hate to be around lavender. Basil repels house flies and can be a yummy fresh-picked addition to your meals. These are just a few examples of...

As a new homeowner, you have a lot of new responsibilities to take on. Whether you have been a homeowner in the past or were renting before, you are in the process of moving into an entirely new home. That means getting used to the home, the property, the process of taking care of it, and unfortunately, the pests as well. The last thing that any new homeowner wants to deal with when they move in is a pest infestation. To help prevent a pest problem from happening in the future or to get your current pest situation under control, here are some pest control tips for new homeowners. Deep Cleaning Make sure that you keep your house as clean as possible, and deep clean your house before you move in, if you can. Before you even start moving into your home, if you can, make sure that you do a...

If you’ve ever encountered a scorpion, you’ll know better than anyone that they will leave a lasting impression in more ways than one. Scorpions are classified as arachnids, the same category as spiders, mites, and ticks. They’ve got eight legs, no backbone and are busiest during the night-time hours. Scorpions are venomous and easily spotted due to their distinct scissor looking-tail and front crab-like claws. Since they can be incredibly harmful to anyone or anything they come into contact with, here are a few fun facts from the professionals at Team Yuma Pest to help you better understand the potential dangers that result from scorpions.  Where Do Scorpions Live Scorpions can be found anywhere, but they are commonly associated with desert-like climates and areas within the southwestern states of the US. Scorpions like warm, dry climates and like to hide from the sun during the daylight hours. Scorpions can be found...

Pest control is important for everyone, but some people have a lot more responsibility on their shoulders and need to take extra precautions. These people are business owners. When somebody’s business is taken over by pests, it can take a serious toll on their company’s reputation, and all-around efficiency. The best way for you, as a business owner, to stay on top of this is to have yearly pest control. It may seem extreme, but here are ten reasons why it’s indispensable for your business. It’s a Matter of Safety Pests carry all sorts of diseases that could spread to you, your employees and your customers if you allow them to linger in your store. Getting pests removed helps you and the general public as well. You’ll Have Peace of Mind For someone with a lot of responsibility, anything that reduces stress is a must. Yearly pest control will give you...

House ants can make it into your property through tiny entry points that can be difficult to spot. Killing one ant isn’t usually enough, as there will typically be a colony nearby. The following is what to do if you find ants in your home. Find the Entry Point Tiny cracks and crevices throughout your home serve as entry points for ants. Identify where they’re coming from and seal it up. This will ensure that no more ants are coming in, and it will make it much easier to deal with the ants that are inside. Destroy the Nest Try to find where the ant nest is located outdoors and use a non-repellent insecticide to destroy it. Using a repellent will cause the ants to disperse and start a new colony elsewhere. A non-repellent insecticide will kill the ants without them realizing they’re poisoned, which will deal with the problem long-term....

Having pest control during construction helps you to address important issues ahead of time, and to stay safe from pests. Setting The Foundation Pest control prior to building helps to prevent you from needing pest control in the future. If you prepare before constructing, it can help save the building in the long run. For example, termite treatment before the building goes up will mean that it won't have to get treated in the future. It provides a chemical barrier from pests in the future. Building Pest Control Even in a fresh construction site, there are bugs. There is no such thing as empty land. Before a building, the grass and dirt will have ants, roaches, termites, and more. A pest elimination program prior to breaking ground may be just what your project needs. The professional will look at and address potential sources for pest problems in the future, including water...

As the mercury plunges, you may be seeing more spiders than usual in your home. Many can be found near sources of water, such as the shower or sink, but they can be anywhere else in the home. Why are there more spiders during the winter? They are hunting for food, and the pests that live in your home are a food source for them. You may love your warm and cozy house, but so do bugs in your house! Warmer Temperatures Invertebrates, including spiders, are cold blooded. This means that as the air and soil temperatures drop, so does their metabolism. Freezing temperatures can cause their blood to form ice crystals and kill the spiders. Some survive by hiding under the snow cover. This keeps the wind chill off of them. So why all of the spiders during the winter? Truthfully, they were probably there all along. House spiders are common. They...

In Arizona, the weather triggers outdoor creatures to actively seek out food, water and shelter. That's why you can't overlook all bugs and rodents. Your home and place of business will always be at risk of developing an infestation problem, but you can minimize the threat by putting these tried-and-true tips to good use: Stay on Top of Your Cleaning Duties Most pests don't care about clutter or filth. They will invade a spick-and-span building if given a chance. However, if you tidy up the indoor environment and take good care of the yard that surrounds your home, you'll reduce the possibility of a terrible infestation. This is the case because your actions will help to eliminate pheromones, common attractants and potential nesting sites. Therefore, you should take the time to clean up several times per week. Focus your attention on the pantry, the basement and the garage because these three...

Tree pests may not seem like too big of a deal. Sure, they can destroy your beloved oak, but if a tree in your yard is infested with termites? They can’t move from your tree to your house, right? Actually, if you’re not careful, they can. Here are some ways to know if your tree has pests inside of it, and how to have your tree safely removed without pests moving into your home. Is Your Tree Infested? It can be tricky to tell if you have termites in your tree, and they’ll never announce their presence to you. If you want to find out, you can take a shovel and dig around the base of your tree near its roots, as this is where they most often gather. Though they mostly prowl underground, you still may be able to see some climbing up the side of the bark, and perhaps...

Fall in Arizona is unique in the sense that temperatures do not drop as drastically as other parts of the United States. Places like Florida and Texas may remain hot, but compared to the midwest and pacific northwest, Arizona is still pretty warm come October. However, just like any other part of the country, pests will still react and adapt to any kind of seasonal change. Even the most subtle temperature drop will change how pests behave for a given period. Let’s take a look at how these critters react once the blazing hot summer months are over and the leaves start to turn color. Fall Termites One of the most common pests in Arizona, if not the most common, are termites. Both drywood termites and subterranean termites can be found in abundance during the early portions of the autumn months. The hot and dry summer months are over while the...