The Difference Between Pesticides and Insecticides
Pesticides and insecticides have a similar function when applied on crops: reducing plant damage. Insecticides fall under a bigger umbrella of pesticides, but the two work on different kinds of pests. The basic difference between a pesticide and an insecticide is that while the former works by general ingestion, insecticides specially target and kill pests and animals.
Some common kinds of pesticides include:
- Insecticides that kill all kinds of insects
- Rodenticides that target mice and rodents
- Bactericides that destroy bacteria and other microorganisms
- Larvicides that kill larvae
- Fungicides that target fungus groups
- Herbicides that kill weeds and other harmful plants
Now, let’s discuss the differences between pesticides and insecticides.
Pesticides
Pesticides kill or control the growth of plants or animals classified as pests. They prevent the growth of mildew and mold, bacteria, rodents, mice, and plant weeds and encourage healthy growth.
Pesticides are intended to regulate plant growth and act as defoliants or desiccants. They have been used in the agricultural industry for years by farmers. They are biodegradable substances that help microbe break down into less harmful compounds. Pesticides are a persistent chemical composition that takes months or even years to break down, making them highly useful among farmers.
A few benefits of pesticides include:
- Managing plant and pest-related diseases
- Minimizing livestock diseases and controlling the growth of pests such as rodents and mice
- Reducing the spread of organisms that prove harmful to human health
In essence, pesticides are used to kill larger insects and animals in general. They might be used by farmers with large farms or properties that may attract a variety of pests.
Insecticides
Insecticides are formulated to attack specific insects by disrupting their nervous system. You may need a professional exterminator to help you with an insecticide application. This chemical compound is usually available in packaged materials such as sprays, baits, and gels.
Insecticides don’t work on pests and animals they are not designed for. Some benefits of insecticides are:
- They are less risky as they are generally used in packets and baits instead of being sprayed
- They are easier to store and keep out of the reach of young children and pets
Pesticides are a much wider range, while insecticides are designed for specific purposes. Contacting a professional pest control company can help you maintain productivity growth and help with a healthy lawn or garden.
Don’t Want to Deal With Messy Pests? Call The professionals at Xterminator!
If you are looking for professional exterminator services, contact Xterminator. We provide professional exterminators for residential and commercial purposes, bed bug treatment experts, and termite inspection in Ohio at great prices.
We believe in providing quality services at great prices and target a large range of pests such as rodents, spiders, ants, bed bugs, and termites. Xterminator also delivers quick, same-day services so you don’t have to worry about your infestation going out of control.
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Keep Pests Out of Soil and Compost
Soil and compost are rich in minerals and nutrients as they provide a favorable environment for organic matter growth. Composting is an important process that uses kitchen scraps and other rich waste to help your garden grow. The problem, however, arises when it comes to preserving compost piles.
Compost piles are an attractive site for pests and bugs that could be a nuisance for your garden plants and produce. A good practice for homeowners and gardeners would be to process compost quickly to keep critters out. This means using various tools and methods to help preserve the compost pile.
This blog will list down different ways to keep your compost healthy and maintain the health of your soil and garden produce. If all else fails, get in touch with a professional pest control service for your extermination needs.
How to Keep Pests Out of Compost?
Keeping all insects out of your soil is impossible, but you can try a few foolproof ways to keep the guest list short. Below we discuss five soil and compost-friendly ways to help you out:
1. Try Closed Compost Bins
Enclosed bins keep crawlies away by trapping the smell of food till the waste is discarded. They also help keep the soil, compost and your lawn tidy, so you’re less likely to attract any additional pests.
2. Consider Electric Composters
Gardeners and homeowners can keep pests at bay with electric composters. They work fast and can typically process compost and soil materials in a day, leaving out any lingering smells that attract pests. If you don’t want to deal with waste and compost warms, an electric composter is the right choice.
3. Mix Your Compost Pile
It’s important to mix your compost pile frequently to shake up and let out any rodents, mice, or insect nests. This habit also rids your soil of odor and aerates your compost which promotes quicker decomposition as the microbes involved in the process receive more oxygen.
4. Take Advantage of Dry Matter
Brown, dry materials such as banana peels, egg shells, and dead leaves are rich in carbon compounds, while green materials like grass clippings are wet. A balanced ratio of wet and dry matter makes up for a healthy, odorless compost, so pests are less likely to get attracted.
Compost piles contain rich minerals and nutrients that attract all kinds of creatures. Using covered compost bins, electric composters, and a good mix of wet and dry matter are all great ways to discourage pests from adversely impacting the quality of your soil and compost. You can also hire an exterminator if the situation gets out of hand.
Xterminator is an Ohio-based pest control service with a team of professional exterminators to help you with your pest control needs. They provide termite treatment, bed bug treatment, and exterminators to individuals looking to get rid of various infestations.
You can contact us to request a quote or click here to find out more about us.
The Untold Horrors Of Rugs: Carpet Beetles
Carpet beetles can damage your upholstered furniture, carpets, clothes, and bedding. Here’s everything you need to know about carpet beetles and ways to get rid of them.
Signs Of A Carpet Beetle Infestation
There are a few indications of a carpet beetle infestation that you may discover before you find the bugs in your carpet, such as:
- Damaged curtains, beddings, clothes, and carpet
- Holes in your upholstered furniture
- Dead beetles on window sills
- Larval skin that beetles shed; it’s translucent, flaky, and dry
Why Should You Hire A Professional To Get Rid Of Carpet Beetles
1. DIY Projects Are Not Always Sufficient
The market is flooded with products that promise to rid your home of carpet beetle problems. However, while they might initially seem helpful, these remedies will rarely solve the problem.
Most of these treatments hardly work because they can’t address the root causes of the issues. These insects have hidden, difficult-to-detect sources that can only be eliminated by a professional.
2. Create A Healthy Environment For You And Your Family Members
If you have a carpet beetle infestation in your home, it’s tough not to worry about it. You’re giving yourself and your family the room to breathe in a pest-free and stress-free atmosphere when you contact professional pest control services to address the issue.
Protect Your Property With Perimeter Pest Control
Most of the pests come from outside the house. This means you need a barrier around your property to keep them away. A perimeter pest control works as a barrier to protect your property structure and stops pests and carpet beetles from invading inside. They are eco-friendly and harmless for bushes, flowers, or lawns.
Carpet beetles are not only a nuisance but also hazardous to your health. Some people don’t consider them a serious issue, while others may think some basic cleaning measures can get rid of them. However, what you need is professional help. Pest control services like Xterminator Pest Control work effectively to eliminate carpet beetles from your home or office.
At Xterminator Pest Control, we have a team of experts with the right tools and experience to help our customers get rid of pests from their residential and commercial properties in the most efficient and eco-friendly way in Columbus, Ohio.
Contact us today if you are experiencing any pest, bed bug, carpet bug, or termite issues.
What’s Bringing Pests Inside Your House?
If you leave your dishes unwashed overnight or don’t take out the trash regularly, your household may be at risk of pesticide infestation. Pests can cause health conditions, flare up your allergies, and even affect the structural integrity of your home.
If you want to keep pests away, read this guide to learn about a few things that could draw bugs into your home.
1. Paper Hoarding
Paper hoarding is the unnecessary accumulation of paper materials inside your home. While initially, this might seem benign, paper can attract many pests, such as rats and mice.
These rodents often make their nests out of paper, giving them a launching pad into the rest of the home. Furthermore, it also makes it easier for rodent droppings to contaminate surfaces, which could spread harmful bacteria.
2. Unused Drains
A drain that hasn’t been used in a long time provides the perfect home to drain flies. Dormant drainage pipes produce a sticky layer that provides the ideal nesting ground for drain flies. These can lead to clogged or slow drainage.
3. Dirty Dishes
Leftovers on plates can attract many pests, including cockroaches, flies, and ants. Therefore, you must avoid keeping dirty dishes in the kitchen overnight. It’s best to wash them before going to bed instead of leaving it for the next morning.
4. Garbage
One man’s trash is another pest’s treasure. Raccoons, rodents, flies, and several unwelcomed visitors love the aroma of the trash in your home. Always dispose of your trash in a pest-resistant container to avoid luring insects and other pests to your home. Throw the trash regularly and avoid hoarding it for days to keep pests away.
5. Excessive Clutter
Excessive clutter can often give rise to termite infestation in properties. Termites usually attack dark regions of the house, such as basements. This is because most of these areas are filled with clutter.
As a result, many termites and other pests can move freely in those locations where it may be difficult to detect what is happening. Clutter also makes pest control measures less successful. It’s challenging to identify the nests and hiding areas of pests.
Furthermore, unnecessary items make traps and sprays are also less effective, and in general, the job of fumigating the home because quite complicated.
Are you worried that accumulating clutter has led to a pest infestation? Xterminator Pest Control is a reputable exterminator that offers advanced pest control in Columbus, Ohio. Our team includes inspectors and exterminators with some of the best pest solutions for your home environment.
We offer termite prevention, rodent control, bed bug extermination, and several other pest control services at affordable rates.
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How To Get Rid Of Ant Infestation At Home
No one wants ants to take over their house, yet these creepy crawlies find a way to somehow appear in your space. They can infect almost everything and don’t seem to want to leave. They prefer to build their colonies near reliable food sources like grease and sugar so you can expect to see them near or inside the kitchen, trash bins and even compost piles.
Ants are a good medium for a large family of Gram-positive and negative bacteria, too. A special ant breed called black carpenter can even burrow into your wooden furniture and destroy it. Besides causing obvious harm to your furniture, ants are also very harmful to your health.
Learning how to avoid and treat an ant infestation can save your family money on not just medical bills and food, but also on the costs of renovating and repairing the damages. Here are some ways to get you started:
Chalk
Chalk is one of the most reliable remedies for getting rid of ants. Calcium carbonate in chalk helps keep the ants away. Shower some dried chalk in areas where you see ants enter or draw a chalk line across the entryway. Make sure the line is out of reach of any children in the house.
Oranges
Like lemons, oranges also act as a natural ant deterrent. Orange peel paste with warm water can be sprayed on corners and in damp places. Thick slices of peels should be kept inside the kitchen drawers, so ants don’t crawl there and feed upon the leftover food particles.
Salt
Spreading salt around the cracks and crevices that acts as a gateway for ants can help keep them away. Table salt is the best natural and organic method to fight off ants. Simply boil some water and add salt to it, stir it, and you’re good to go. Fill a spray bottle with the mixture and spray where ants are most likely growing.
Cinnamon
Place cinnamon and cloves around the house’s entrance and other spots where you believe ants could enter. This is an excellent way to keep your house hygienic and smell pleasant as well. Cinnamon is thought to work as an organic repellant because ants dislike strong smells. You can also add some oil to the powder for a stronger smell.
White vinegar
Ants cannot stand the smell of white vinegar. Add oil to white vinegar and shake properly before sprinkling it at the entry points of ants. This mixture can be stored for many days.
If you’ve tried everything but the ant growth seems to persist, consult with one of our experts at Xterminator Pest Control. We offer indoor pest control services and outdoor pest infestations control in Columbus to keep your home clean and free of pests. Contact us today!
Why Old Houses Can Leave you Susceptible to Pests
Old houses are often more prone to pest infestations than new houses as they don’t receive the maintenance they need. This causes cracks and crevices for insects to hide in and to get through. Moreover, they are usually not as well-sealed as new houses. In this post, learn why old homes are at a greater risk and what you can do about it.
Cracks
Today, homes are experiencing more wear and tear due to global warming. This leads to more cracks that pests take advantage of to enter your home. This is why it is essential to routinely check your property for any cracks and fill them up before pests find a way into your home.
Gaps in Door and Window Frames
If the frames around doors and windows don’t fit properly, they will create gaps and cracks that bugs can use to get into your home. If you are living in an old home, you need to get a pest inspection as the expert will help you identify similar spaces that pests take advantage of to enter your home. A budget-friendly fix is to seal any kind of gap in doors and windows with caulk.
Buildup of Moisture
Old homes usually don’t have the best ventilation systems. This causes moisture to build up quickly due to humid conditions and poor ventilation. Areas such as crawl spaces, basements, and attics are also susceptible to plumbing issues. This also causes wood to rot, which can attract termites and other wood-destroying pests.
This is why you need to get a professional pest inspection of your property immediately so you can get rid of the problem for good. Old houses should be regularly treated to help prevent infestations.
Affordable Pest Treatment in Columbus, Ohio
If you are on the lookout for pest control services in Columbus, then the team at Xterminator Pest Control can help. Our team performs a thorough inspection and provides affordable pest control services in Columbus, Ohio. By eliminating pests such as cockroaches, termites, rats, and bed bugs from your property, you can gain peace of mind and live in your house without any worries and health hazards.
Reach out to us today for rodent control and bed bug removal in Columbus Ohio.
The Mitey Invasion: How Mites Can Take Over Your Home
Dust mites can be extremely irritating, especially because it’s very difficult to detect them. These little insects lurk around the dust in our homes and are extremely harmful to health.
So, what are your options for dealing with these little pests? We’ll go over everything you should know about dust mites in this guide:
What are dust mites?
Dust mites are minute arachnids that live on pillows, toys, furniture, clothing, and other surfaces in your home. They are only a quarter to a third of a millimeter long and can proliferate quickly, especially in hot and humid climates. Dust mites leave behind a lot of excretion due to their size, and these excreta can induce allergies and bronchial problems.
Dust mites are one of the most widespread pests in households. They eat off dead skin, leaving behind skin rashes. A human can lose up to 1.6 pounds of dead cells every year on average, drawing a swarm of hungry mites. Household objects that accumulate skin cells include bedding, carpets, sofas, and clothing.
Where do dust mites grow?
Dust mites like dark, damp, and nutrition-rich environments. Their favorite thing is to collect skin cells from fiber surfaces.
Dust mites trigger a number of adverse health impacts, including:
- Sneezing
- A runny nose
- Nose congestion
- Itching in the eyes
- Itchy skin
- Postnasal drip
- Cough
For asthmatic patients, the symptoms of dust mite allergy are:
- Breathing problems (When you exhale, you’ll hear a whistling or wheezing sound. Shortness of breath or wheezing might make it difficult to sleep)
- Tightness or pain in the chest
How do you get rid of dust mites?
A dust mite invasion can be pretty messy to deal with. Here are a few solutions that might work, until you call a pest control service in Columbus:
Use a humidifier
Dust mites grow in warm places particularly that are humid, because they absorb moisture from the air. Purchasing a dehumidifier and attempting to decrease any dampness in your home may be a good way to prevent a mite infestation.
Ensure cleanliness
Regularly cleaning the house should be a practice. That’ll help eliminate the moist areas and avoid providing an ideal space for dust mites. Use an ant mite furniture spray and give specific attention to hard-to-reach places such as awkward edges, hiding places, underneath beds and couches, and between gadgets.
Use a mite-proof mattress covering
A mite-proof mattress covering will create a barrier between the mites and the surface of the bed. This will significantly reduce their food supply, and they’ll start to perish. You can even cover the seams by taping them for extra protection.
If you suspect a pesticide infestation at your home, reach out to us at Xterminator Pest Control. We offer termite treatment services and outdoor pest infestations control to ensure your home is free of all bugs and pests. Call us today at 1-800-948-7378.
Signs That You Have Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are a big nuisance and make it hard for you to get a good night’s sleep. These flat, brown, and seed-shaped bugs are usually found on the mattress or bedding seams and can quickly spread to other areas of your home. If you suspect your home has these nasty bugs, here are some signs that can help you be certain so you can call a good beg bug removal service.
Bites and Blood Stains
If you notice red and small itchy bumps on your legs, hands, and arms, this could be a sign of bed bug bites. These bites usually appear in a line or cluster and can be very itchy. Bed bug bites can also cause swelling and redness as a result of an allergic reaction.
In addition, if you accidentally squeeze a bed bug while sleeping, it would crush the bug and leave blood stains. If you see these stains on pillows, clothes, and sheets, it is a sign that you’re dealing with a bed bug infestation.
Musty Odor
A room infested with bed bugs creates a musty odor similar to moldy laundry and wet towels. Moreover, these bugs can produce a smell similar to that of almonds, cilantro, coriander, and raspberries. These ‘pheromones’ are released when bed bugs feel threatened.
Bed Bug Shell Casing
Like a caterpillar, a bed bug too goes through various stages before they mature. This means they will shed skins or shell casings multiple times in their life. These can be yellowish-brown in color and can be found near upholstered furniture and mattress seams. If you think you see these shells or any blood stains, it’s important to contact a professional pest control company as soon as possible.
Affordable Bed Bug Treatment in Columbus, Ohio
If you are on the lookout for bed bug treatment experts in Columbus, Ohio, we at Xterminator Pest Control are your one-stop solution. Our team helps people get a good night’s sleep by getting rid of these pests. As one of the leading pest control services in Columbus, Ohio, we have a track record of eliminating pests such as cockroaches, termites, rats, and bed bugs.
Reach out to us today for bed bug removal in Columbus, Ohio.
How to Keep Pests and Rodents Away From My Restaurant
If you are a restaurant owner, you know how destructive pests and rodents can be for business. They pose a severe health hazard and can become a real nuisance when they start scaring off customers and damaging property.
So if you own a restaurant, you need to be wary of pest infestation as it can be very detrimental to your business and its reputation. This blog will list a few tips you could use to keep pests and rodents away from your restaurant:
Don’t Let Them In!
Open windows and doors, cracks, and holes are major entryways for pests and rodents. Mice and rats can easily squeeze through tiny holes; hence, it’s imperative to seal all of these routes to prevent an infestation. Follow these steps to keep your place safe:
- Place mesh in your doors, windows, and other ventilation points.
- Caulk all the cracks and crevices
- Insert a combination of door sweeps along with metal alloys under all your doors
- Install automatic doors
Clean, Sweep, Sanitize!
Clean and sanitize counter-tops, floors, sinks, tables, and wash off all the dirty dishes before closing your restaurant for the day.
Clean food spills immediately before they can attract unwanted guests. It’s also essential to properly dispose of all the scraps and leftovers in a closed trashcan to discourage pests and rodents from feeding off of them. Also, be sure to remove your trash multiples times a day and throw it in a closed container, away from restaurant premises.
Dehumidify Your Place
Moisture can attract pests such as cockroaches, termites, and rodents like rats and mice, so it is essential to keep the place devoid of moisture and water in general as much as possible. Check for dripping faucets, clogged drains, and leaking pipes, and repair them ASAP.
Ensure floors are dried entirely after they have been cleaned, and do not let water stand in sinks or open receptacles. You can also install a dehumidifier to eliminate excess moisture from the air, which will help in preventing pests from thriving in your restaurant.
Seek Professional Help
Even after taking all the necessary precautions, your place can still get infested with pests. In times like those, it’s essential not to take the matter into your hand and trust a professional pest control service to help you deal with the problem.
They are trained to eliminate pests and rodents without causing any health hazards in the restaurant by following EPA guidelines. They use chemicals that are not harmful to your food and atmosphere.
Pest and Rodents Exterminator in Pickerington, OH
Restaurant owners avoid pest control services because they are concerned about their reputation if words get out. Xterminator Pest Control in Ohio understands your concern and offers satisfactory services built on confidence between client and company.
We can take care of your restaurant from inside and outside. We offer programs to help you get rid of rodents, pests, and flies. We also offer scheduled bi-yearly or quarterly treatments for preventing insects and rodents from infesting your restaurant; these services include ground maintenance, interior & exterior parameter treatment as a precautionary measure, and exterior power spray.
Call us on 1-800-948-7378 or visit our website to check our pest control services in Pickerington OH and all the cities of Ohio under our service parameter.
Beware of The Termites! They Are More Daring Than You Thought
Termites are the biggest enemy of your building’s wooden structure. They are insects similar to ants in appearance, so you may often confuse them with ants. However, their presence can damage your place to a non-recoverable extent. Read on to learn why they can be so dangerous and how to stop them:
Why Are Termites So Malicious?
They eat cellulose and hence damage the structure of building made from material composing cellulose and other wooden furniture in the building. They are present in colonies and build long underground tunnels for moving food, strengthening their network.
They slowly and gradually eat up the structure and furniture of your house, and by the time you start noticing the damage, they would have been millions in number. It is essential to keep them away from your building and conduct a periodic inspection to prevent infestation.
There are two ways to keep termites away: prevention and elimination.
Termites Elimination
Once termites infest your building, it’s unlikely that they will leave your structure without comprehensive treatment. Termites are very stubborn, so you should call professional pest control services to eliminate them.
There are different types of chemical and non-chemical methods used for extermination. Like honeybees, termites also have a colony led by ‘the Queen.’ Most effective methods of elimination focus on killing the queen, creating chaos amongst the colony, and then eliminating the whole colony. Knocking out the queen eases the work as the colony will crumble without its leader.
The queen is typically targeted by providing poisonous food to any termite. Since termites share their food with their colony, it must be taken to the queen first, poisoning her to death. The underground tunnels are also blocked to prevent other food supplies. They are trapped with poison and have nowhere to run to this way.
Termite Prevention
After getting rid of termites from your structure, it is essential to take precautionary measures to prevent them from resurfacing. If your building has been home to termites once, it’s more susceptible to becoming their residence again.
You can prevent termite infestation by creating a physical barrier against the wooden structures. However, an effective barrier may only be created during construction. Don’t plant trees or keep logs too close to the wooden surfaces and walls of the house. Don’t bring in wooden thrift furniture or any item in your house. Use borate on wooden surfaces.
Most importantly, hire a pest control company to conduct timely inspections if the structure is based on wood mainly. It is nearly impossible to detect them with naked eyes before they cause a disaster; hence professional help is required.
Pest Control Service to Control Termites in Columbus, OH
Suspect the presence of termites under your house? Call Xterminator Pest Control for a free termite inspection in Columbus, OH.
We use the termite treatment method that uses a detector to observe the queen and all underground channels used by termites. The termite baits are then provided by targeting those areas which eliminate all termites within a much shorter period. EPA approves our method; it is precise and highly effective in making your building free from termites.
Contact us from here to avail our service in Columbus, Cambridge, Newark, Delaware, and five other locations.