Rodent Control Methods

Are you looking for ways to get rid of rats in the home? Rats are unwelcome visitors that can often carry disease and bacterial infections, so it's important you remove them as safely and as swiftly as you can. While rats are mostly nocturnal, common signs they have entered your home include droppings, rub marks, scratching noises, holes, nests, and footprints. An early sign of rat activity can be the noises their paws make as they travel, especially if you have wooden floor or if they are scurrying along your loft. We asked the experts to find out the most effective ways to get rid of rats in your home. How can you recognise the signs of a rat infestation? "Rats are always in search of warm, dry harbourages and new food sources, particularly during periods of inclement weather. Rodents are nocturnal and can be very difficult to spot in the daytime," David Cross, Head of Technical Training Academy at Rentokil Pest Control tells Country Living . David says there are some ...

Are you wondering how to get rid of silverfish for good? If you've spotted small silver bugs in your home then chances are they're silverfish – a wingless creature that can be found in paper, soap residues and even dust. While a silverfish infestation can be frustrating, the good news is that there are lots of home remedies you can try to banish their presence. Here's our guide on how to get rid of silverfish... What are silverfish? Silverfish are little, nocturnal insects that can become pests in the home. They get their name from their colour (a silvery, grey shade) and their fish-like movement, thanks to their tapered tails and antennas. They move quickly, so can often outrun predators, and like to burrow in dark places. Silverfish are known for damaging belongings and prefer a diet filled with sugar and carbohydrates, which can be found in paper, soap residues and even dust. Silverfish: species information 1. The Silverfish is a very primitive, wingless insect, and part...

The fruit graviola, or soursop, offers both a delicious flavor and excellent health benefits. It's a healthy option for those looking for an additional source of antioxidants, has cancer cell-killing properties, and may help reduce inflammation. Soursop is a fruit that's popular for its delicious flavor and impressive health benefits. It's also very nutrient-dense and provides a good amount of fiber and vitamin C for very few calories. This article will look at some of the health benefits of soursop and how you can incorporate it into your diet. What Is Soursop? Share on Pinterest Soursop, also known as graviola, is the fruit of Annona muricata , a type of tree native to tropical regions of the Americas ( 1 ). This prickly green fruit has a creamy texture and a strong flavor that is often compared to pineapple or strawberry. Soursop is typically eaten raw by cutting the fruit in half and scooping out the flesh. Fruits range in size and can be quite large, so it may be best...

Q: Ants, spiders, and bugs, oh my! Every year, I seem to struggle to keep insects out of my house and garage. What is the best way to prevent pest infestation? A: Pests are tenacious creatures who seem unbothered by how much they disturb our lives. After all, they're only searching for accessible food sources. Pest infestations are frustrating and can be challenging to get rid of once they're firmly entrenched in your house. Prevention is the best step, so you're on the right track with your question of, "What is the best way to prevent pest infestation?" Keeping a clean house is a crucial way to keep creatures from nesting in your home. They are food-driven, so if crumbs or hiding places aren't easy to find, they won't be interested in sticking around. This goes for the immediate surroundings of your house, too. Whether it's debris or an unkempt yard, a messy exterior is the fastest way to invite an infestation of pests. Making sure your home is prop...

This September, homeowners might notice noises coming from their attic. Squirrels in Texas can have a second litter in late August and into September. Why Are Squirrels in My House? Squirrels look for sheltered areas above the ground to build nests for their litters. Squirrels build these nests between branches high in trees. But attics provide ideal squirrel nest conditions. Signs of Squirrels in Attic They gain access to attics by gnawing holes in your roof. There are three species of squirrels native to Texas – the Eastern Gray Squirrel, the Eastern Fox Squirrel and the Southern Flying Squirrel. The Eastern Gray Squirrel and Eastern Fox Squirrel are diurnal and both more common pest animals. Look for these signs: Noises in the attic or in the walls at dawn or during the day. Foul smells coming from attic. Squirrel droppings in insulation in attic What are the problems with squirrels? Beyond a nuisance, squirrels will damage your house and introduce health hazar...

Your carefully nurtured cucumber plants are suddenly wilting despite all your best efforts. Or maybe it's your squash, melon or pumpkin plants that are affected. Perhaps you see a bug you don't recognise tucking into the leaves on a plant, which are suddenly looking shredded. Either way, it's time to take action as it could mean you have an infestation of cucumber beetles. These are a real nuisance in the summer garden, causing damage to cucumber plants and other members of the squash family. However, with the right knowledge and techniques, you can effectively manage and control these pests if you find out how to grow cucumbers the right way. If you think this problem might be affecting your plants, find out how to get rid of cucumber beetles to make sure your cucumbers are the stars of your salad bowl this summer. What are cucumber beetles? Cucumber beetles come in different types but the two most common ones have a greenish-yellow body with either black spots or black st...

An estimated 131 million Americans plan to travel this holiday season, which means bed bugs will also be looking to hitch a ride. Bed bugs do not typically spread diseases, but their bites can cause anything from irritation to serious allergic reactions requiring medical attention. Pest control brand Terminix recently released a list of its top major cities with the most service calls for bed bug infestations. The Cleveland-Akron area ranked fourth overall. Orkin also ranked Cleveland-Akron fourth on its list released in January. Tom Barsa, an environmental health specialist with the Cuyahoga County Board of Health, said lists like the ones distributed by Terminix and Orkin indicate the extent and persistence of bed bug infestations. "It's a great gauge showing that we have a bed bug problem that's not going to go away any time soon, much like any other large city," Barsa said, adding that the ease of travel within Ohio facilitates the spread of bed bugs. Since the st...

Garden pests come in all shapes and sizes, which makes gardening a challenging endeavor at times. The best preventative measure to take to encourage a pest-free garden is to keep your soil healthy and the pH levels balanced.  However, we know that a healthy garden attracts raccoons, rabbits, beetles, and other pests. We've compiled an arsenal of 22 tried-and-true ways to combat garden pests without the use of harsh pesticides. 22 Ways To Combat Garden Pests Without Chemicals 1. Enlist The Help Of Feathered Friends Eastern bluebirds will study the ground and snatch up insects. Birds consume lots of insects and are natural and attractive garden residents. Lure bug-eating birds to your garden area by placing a birdbath regularly filled with fresh water. This will also deter them from picking a tomato for the juice. Erect a bird feeder close by as well. Keep it filled with seeds in late autumn through early spring. This way, the garden will be their existing haven, and...