Fall, Football, & Unwanted Friends
Fall is right around the corner… and so are the bugs and furry critters!
As exciting as fall is, this time of year is the most active season for bugs, pests, and furry critters who want to make themselves at home in your space. Those furry critters you hear in your attic or see running around your home or business could be mice, rats, squirrels, or even raccoons. Plus, on top of it all, termites are moving around your soil and home all year long! Don’t let those unwanted friends ruin your football season, let Alcon take care of and prevent these problems for you!
How to Identify Furry Critters:
Signs An Animal Is In Your Attic:
- Droppings and urine
- Damaged/destroyed insulation
- Damaged/destroyed ducts
- Nests (usually made of insulation, leaves, or paper.)
Identifying Those Funny Noises:
Raccoons: Heavy thumping or walking sounds, mostly happening at night. Some vocal chirps from baby raccoons.
Squirrels: Fast scurrying or scratching, usually happing during the daytime (early morning or before dusk).
Rats: Fast running, often up and down walls along with some scratching. Rats are nocturnal so these sounds usually happen at night. No vocal sounds.
Mice: Light pitter-patter in comparison to rats. You’ll hear these sounds in the walls or ceilings. Mice also make soft scratching sounds.
Possums: They usually make hissing and shrieking sounds. Mother possums make clicking or lip-smacking sounds to call their babies.
Bats: No scratching sounds or noises. They can be heard chirping around dusk as they try and leave your attic.
Termites Are Here To Stay!
Termites usually find their way into your homes during a swarm. A termite swarm is when the winged reproductive termites leave their colony to find a mate and a new nesting area. This is when they can come across your home. The following are some signs that you might have a termite problem:
How To Identify Termites:
- Small, pinpoint holes in drywall
- Discolored or drooping drywall
- Crumbling damages wood
- Mud tubes climbing the foundation of your home
- Piles of wings left behind after a termite swarm
- Wood that sounds hollow when tapped
- Flying termite swarms around your home
Beware: Termite Mud Tubes
If you come across a termite mud tube (pictured below) around your home or business, we recommend you call us to get your problem taken care of. Although these may seem innocent and un-alarming, they are actually used as a transportation tunnel by termites.
How To Prevent Termites From Entering Your Home:
In order to prevent termites from taking over your home, we recommend receiving regular termite inspections. These usually take place once a year. You can also sit down with your pest control professional to see what termite prevention treatment is the most effective for your situation and your home.
You can also address concerning conditions around your home that may become a problem in the future. Some examples; are excess moisture and wood-to-ground contact.
You can also try the following to minimize your chances of getting termite infestations:
- Reduce food sources such as throwing out extra cellulose materials.
- Remove access such as gaps, holes, etc.
- Reduce excess moisture, and avoid water pooling and leaks around your home.
- Monitor your home for termite activity.
- Adopt a preventative treatment.
Storm Season Is Approaching And So Are The Crickets!
While crickets are mainly outdoor insects, these pests will enter your home or business if they are looking for food or shelter. We’ve even received calls of these bugs falling from the air vents! It is important to take action against these pests right away as they spread germs and bacteria. They haven’t been linked to any fatal illnesses but they may cause painful sores or rashes.
Don’t let those unwanted friends ruin your football season!
Visit out website at www.alconservices.com or give us a call at 972-417-3527!
Contact Alcon Services Inc. Termite and Pest Control at 972-417-3527
