Natural Pest Prevention

Together, we must respect that there are certain insects, some may consider pests, that we should never try to control. Beneficial insects help balance our ecosystem. A good example of beneficial insects are honeybees.

What is "Natural" pest control?

Each method in natural pest control is vital to establishing and maintaining an effective approach to preventing and eliminating undesirable pests in your home. Inspections, exclusion, and non-chemical applications provide an integrated approach to pest control. Botanical materials formulated as dusts, liquids, and baits are made from essentail oils extracted from plants that have developed defenses against insects. Essential oils like clove, tea tree, rosemary, garlic, and thyme are effective against pests inside and outside of the home.

Prevention is the most important step in any pest control situation. Below you will find a guide to the basic steps in preventing insects from harboring in and aound your home. All insects need three basic things i.e. food, water, and shelter.

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FOOD

• Keep food prep and storage areas clean.
• Do not leave food out.
• Keep food in sealed containers.
• Do not leave dirty dishes in sink or dishwasher overnight.
• Rinse containers before recycling.
• Quickly clean spills
• Put garbage in sealed containers with lids.
• Empty pet's dishes each day. 
• Discard dead or dying plants.

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WATER

• Remove any source of high humidity.
• Remove standing water in kitchen and bathrooms
• Repair pipes and faucets that leak.
• Install or repair seals around windows.
• Repair weather stripping on all exterior doors.
• Ensure down spouts flow away from foundation.
• Ensure attic and basement is moisture free.
• Remove water from plant containers.
• Clean water dispensor trays

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SHELTER

• Remove clutter to deter harborage sites.
• Clean your house on regular basis.
• Seal holes in the walls.
• Caulk cracks in baseboards.
• Ensure window screens are fitted and in good condition.
• Replace moldy or damaged insulation.
• Prune or remove dead trees near house.
• Keep lawn mowed weekly.
• eep shrubs trimmed 3' away from house.

An Intimate Look At Bed Bugs

Most people don't realize they have bed bugs in their homes until bites are noticed. Due to the way Bed bugs hide, professional inspections are necessary to find bed bug infestations. Sometimes the presence of one or two bed bugs establishing themselves can be caught early enough as not to disrupt too much of a persons life. But, more often than not, infestations ranging from a few dozen or more bed Bugs to hundreds of them create a major inconvenience in the lives of many families today. According to PCT magazine bed bugs were more frequently found in single family homes and apartment communities. While hotels were reporting bed bugs they ranked the least in total reports when compared to homes and apartments. where bed bugs were found in mattresses, box springs, headboards, sofas, chairs, behind picture frames, and inside electrical outlets.

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What do bed bugs look like?

The adult bed bug has a flat yet, rounded body, not much larger than an apple seed. Bed bugs can range in color from brown to red depending on when they fed last. After a feeding, bed bugs take on a darker red color which gradually fades to brown as it digests its meal. The young are born light in color and turn brown as they feed their way to maturation. Young bed bugs will look a ghostly, pale white to cream color until they first feed. Eggs look more like tiny grains of salt.

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Where do you find bed bugs?

Bed bugs are commonly found in the bedroom, box springs, headboards and bed frames. Bed bugs will hide in furniture and fixtures that are close to their hosts. Frighteningly enough, bed bugs do not just hide in bedrooms, so they are not the only place of concern since feeding isn't always at night. Bed bugs are looking for human hosts inactive only long enough to provide a meal. Any place we sit, or rest can be a place of concern. Relaxing in a movie theater for two hours or kicking back in a recliner in your living room centers you as a target for feeding if they are present. You can also become a bed bug target just by taking  Uber across town.

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What are bed bug bites like?

Since bed bug bites are painless, they can be difficult to identify at times, even for Physicians. Many of us experience reactions from bed bug bites similar to that of a mosquito or flea bite. According to the CDC, bites from bed bugs are not dangerous, unless an allergic reaction occurs. If at any time you feel that the bite is serious, seek medical help as soon as possible. The following are signs of bed bug bites:

Raised, red welts

Burning and itching

A localized rash

Lines or series of multiple bites

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What are the signs of bed bugs?

Bed bugs are found in mattress seams, pillow tufts, and wooden slats under the supporting boxsprings of a bed. Without treatment, a bed bug population will quickly grow out of control moving into cracks and crevices near the bed. If let go, bed bugs will soon infest wall hangings, carpeting, night stands, drapes, wall outlets and more.

A bed bug infestation should be considered when red, itchy bite marks on the face, neck, arms, hands, or any other body parts develop. These bite marks may take up to 14 days to develop in some of us so it's important to look for other signs when considering bed bugs as the culprit
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Dark stains on linens, mattress, box-spring or bed frame

Feces appears like small black spots.

Shed skins from molting

sweet yet musty odor released by bed bugs to attract others.

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Watch Gladhill Services uncover a bed bug infestation in 2018

Watch this video to see what bed bugs look like on furniture. Caution: this video displays an extraordinary infestation of bed bugs. Note: bed bug feces will highlight bright white during a short segment. Bed bug eggs will illuminate like stars in another short segment to provide viewers with a detailed look at bed bug infestations. 

Get Rid Of Roaches

When there is a serious infestation present a strong odor is typically smelled. Bodies from dead cockroaches may be found throughout the area or entire house.  Egg cases, called oothecae can be seen laying around, and young roaches are visible crawling on floors, running up cabinet interiors, and hiding together.

Cockroaches are nocturnal creatures that prefer living and feeding when its dark, so if you see a cockroach during the day it's usully a sign of infestation. Cockroaches prefer moist places to hide and breed. You can find them behind refrigerators, under and around sinks and stoves too. Commercial establishments may have roaches in floor drains and around motors housed within major appliances. Cockroaches can flatten their bodies and fit into narrow areas. Cockroaches can be found underneath rubber mats in resuarant kitchens, behind wallpaper in any establishment, and within cracks and voids of walls.

Feces from cockroaches is visible during an infestation. Young roaches and nymphs produce feces that look like coffee grounds or black pepper. Larger roach species like American, Australian, and Pennsylvania Woods leave behind droppings larger and more cylindrical like a mouse. The amount of feces in an area is a positive sign of the level of infestation.

Allergies and cockroaches

German, American and Oriental cockroaches’ feces and saliva contain problematic proteins and allergens. These proteins and allergens may cause asthma attacks. In densely populated cities, researchers have identified a direct connection between the presence of cockroach infestations and the onset of asthma attacks.

ccording to the United States National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the United States National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases it was proven in 2005 that among a the general population of inner city children, cockroach infestations triggered asthma symptoms more than other known allergen.

Preventing cockroaches

Eliminating cockroaches in any type of structure requires a combined effort on the part of management, homeowner or tenants, and the pest professional. Cockroach infestations may worsen when tenants and homeowners tackle them on their own.  The misuse of retail products may cause populations of roaches to spread out and increase size of the infestation. Cockroaches can move on to other units in apartment buildings, other rooms of a home, and to other parts of a commercial kitchen.

Steps can be taken to prevent cockroaches from infesting your home or establishment. Dishes should always be washed, dried and then put away. Food must never be left on counter tops or tables. Old plumbing lines and other potential leaks should be corrected. Garbage and food scraps need to be taken out each day. Any holes or cracks in ceilings bases and walls need seald or repaired. If you're living in an apartment building and see signs of an infestation you should immediately report it to the superintendent or property manager immediately.

5 Steps To Get Rid Of Fleas

Fleas will bite both animals and humans for blood. Flea bites typicaly appear as small red bumps that are itchy and uncomfortable more often than not. These bites usually appear in small groups on the skin. Not only are flea bites uncomfortable, fleas can transmit bacteria and viruses through their bites. If you get bitten by a flea, you should clean the bite with warm water and soap to reduce the risk of infection. Anti-itch creams are available as well. If you feel a flea bite is serious, seek the advie of a medical professional as soon as possible.

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INDOOR FLEA INFESTATION

An infestation of fleas can be very difficult to eliminate due to fleas having a complex life cycle. There are four stages to a flea's life; the egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages together make up what is known as a complete metamorphosis  The fleas life cycle can take anywhere from a couple weeks to several months, depending on the immediate environmentent to complete. This makes control methods difficult at times for most people. Some retail products marketed for flea control may only be formulated for one or two life cycles. It's often best to call a professional like Gladhill Services in order to rid your home of fleas once your pet is treated. 

Since pets go in and out of the house all the time it's almost impossible to treat fleas without treating both the inside and outside of your home. A treatment on the lawn will also need to be in order. Dense foliage from landscape plants may be in need of treatment too since fleas can thrive in areas of dense high growth or groundcover.
These are common areas to find fleas.

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Step One - Vacuuming

First you'll need to vacuum the entire house. Vacuum all carpeting and hard surfaces, paying close attention to where your pet sleeps and spends time resting. Be sure to get underneath all furniture, rugs, beds etc. You must vacuum (and treat if doing yourself) all furniture. Once this initial step is complete disregard your vacuum bag in in a sealed container and take it outside. This will prevent fleas from getting back out infesting your home again. Vacuuming, shampooing or even steam cleaning rugs and carpet will only kill some of the larvae  so a professional treatment will most likely remain necessary for the complete elimination.

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Step Two - Wash Linens

Wash all bed linens and pet bedding to kill possible fleas. Be sure to always wash and dry all bedding at the hottest temperature fabrics can tolerate or, if washing is not possible you must bag all linens and remove from the house during this step. These items must be washed at a later date but, cannot be brought back inside the house until washed and dried.

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Step Three - Keep Pets Out

To keep you and your pets safe we suggest your veterinarian treat your pet for fleas on the day Gladhill Services provides your service. This helps prevent your pet from re-introducing the pest into the treated environment. Make sure to remove your pet's food and water dishes. In fact, it's best to remove any pet-related items from your home during treatment. Please keep your pet out of treated areas until materials are dry. We suggest ventilateing the interior of your home during this time.

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Exterior Flea Prevention

In many parts of the country, freezing temperatures help control flea populations outside. But in warmer climates, flea populations thrive all year long. Fleas do prefer a cooler, shady place with a little moisture. During the warmer months, fleas hide in and around shrubs, within leaf litter, in mulch, and under structures that may fill your landscape. Since flease cannot tolerate the sun for too long do not thrive much in cut lawns as many believe. Here are a few steps that will help keep your yard less attractive to fleas.

Step Four - Clean Up Yard

Clean up and remove debris from your yard. Remove any refuse or garden debris like piles of wood,  bricks, or any type of discarded pots. These are the ideal breeding sites for fleas.  Use a broom to sweep off patios. Don’t forget to check out your cat or dog's favorite places to run and lay. This includes dog runs and kennels, areas underneath decks or porches, under shrubs, and along fence lines.

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Step Five - Mow & Prune

An easy way to reduce flea and tick populations in your yard is to keep the grass, trees, and shrubs trimmed. Mowing your lawn to the proper height exposes the soil to sunshine, keeping it dry, and removing the longer grass fleas and ticks prefer to hide in. Prune bushes and trim trees to increase the amount of sunshine in your yard. Both fleas and ticks prefer moist environments, so be sure to avoid overwatering.

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Eliminating fleas should always be left up to professionals like Gladhill Services. You shouldn't have to live in a home infested by fleas so give us a call 717-597-1040 or click here to get an inspection today.

Get Rid Of Mice & Rats

The first step to solving any rodent problem is to know if it's rats or mice you're up against. You need to be sure you have a mouse problem and not a rat infestation. Steps towards solving the problem will vary depending on which species has invaded your home or business.

Since both rats and mice are nocturnal creatures; it's unlikely you'll actually see either during the day Although, if seen in daylight, mice are easy to identify. Compared to rats mice are much smaller in size. Mice have longer, thinner tails covered in fur with small, round ears.

Knowing the difference between rats and mice will help save you time, money and heartache.

Rodent Identification

Both mice and rats are nocturnal creatures and are rarely seen in daylight. Rats and mice often forage for food over night, when most residents of the house are sleeping. Even if you do catch sight or sound of a rodent invader, it might only be for a second or two not leaving enough time to identify the species correctly.

Mice are smaller than rats and have larger ears. Mice will have gray or brown fur with white bellies. The head of a mouse is triangular with long whiskers. Mice have long tails with hair.

Rats are larger than mice and leave behind larger droppings. Rats may be black, gray or brown with white stomachs. The head a rat is more blunt in appearance when compared to a mouse Rats have tails that are pinkish, long, and hairless.

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Rodent Behavior

In general, both rats and mice are shy preferring to hide. Mice and rats are both nocturnal, only venturing away from their nests at night. Although rats and mice are known to walk around in dirty places, rats, tend to leave greasy marks on walls and along baseboards where they travel back and forth each night.

Mice and rats seek out warm, secluded places to nest, find food and birth their young. Mice and rats both give birth to several young therefore starting an infestation in a any type of structure quickly! Rats and mice seek out food around the property while chewing their way through storage containers, wood or drywall.

Mice and rats have sharp teeth that continually grow, so they gnaw and chew on things. Rats are well-known for chewing through electrical wires and small plumbing lines.

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Preventing Rodents

The most effective rat and mouse control begins with prevention. Trash should be disposed of properly, and in a sanitary manner. Sanitation practices must be maintained. Human as well as pet food must be kept in sealed containers. Standing water and moisture leaks should be repaired. Man-placed rodent shelters such as wood piles and overgrown weedy areas should be eliminated.

The most effective form control measure for rats and mice is to limit food, water, shelter, and access to structures. Rats and mice are both able to squeeze through holes that appear much too small for them. Preventing rodents begins by following steps outlined at the bottom of this page.

f you're frightened or unsure about mice invading your property, Gladhill Services offers the easiest and most reliable solutions for rodent problems.  We provide a quick, 100% guaranteed service to rid your home or business of rats and mice. 

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Rodent Proofing Tips

• Seal all entry points such as sewers, cracks, crevices, and air vents.
• Repair or replace damaged screens around the foundation and under eaves
• Install a tightly-fitted access panel or door for the crawl space.
• Seal all openings around pipes, cables, and wires that enter through walls or the foundation. 
• Be sure that windows are screened and that screens are in good condition.
• Cover rooftop plumbing vent pipes with screens.
• Make sure exterior doors are tightly fitted with weatherproofing at bottoms.

DIY Mosquito Control

The control of mosquitos can become very complicated for homeowners and professionals alike as the insect can adapt to changing conditions. Mosquitos can quickly fly away depositing eggs in another area close by. Pesticides may become displaced in heavy rains but there are options available. 

WHAT MOSQUITOS DO

Mosquitoes are one of the most significant concerns for disease. Mosquitoes have adapted to thrive in an urban environment. Mosquitos have also evolved into becoming a major nuisance in residential backyards from one year to the next.  According to the CDC, mosquitos are responsible for the transmission of West Nile virus, Zika virus and encephalitis.

Female mosquitoes feed on blood for egg development. The males do not feed on blood. Mosquitoes are extremely annoying to humans as they bite, posing a significant threat due to their ability to transmit diseases. As a food source for many creatures, mosquitos also play an important role in nature.

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MOSQUITO BITES

Usually, a mosquito bite appears like a small, inflamed, and itchy bump. Some people may react more intensely if they are allergic. While the mosquito bite itself is harmless, mosquitoes can transmit diseases like malaria, West Nile virus, yellow fever, and Zika through the bite. Due to this risk, it's wise to use an insect repellant when outdoors to help prevent mosquitos from biting you. If you feel a mosquito bite is serious, seek medical help as soon as possible.

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MOSQUITO LIFESTYLE

Mosquito populations are typically concentrated near areas where standing water can be found. Due to reproduction, mosquito eggs need water in order to hatch and thrive. Some species of mosquito lay their eggs directly in the water, while other species deposit their eggs in moist soil, out of direct sunlight. When the soil becomes flooded with water the eggs then hatch. The "floodwater" species of mosquitos lay their eggs in autumn, remaining dormant throughout the winter then, hatch during spring when rains fill the areas. A female mosquito will produce up to 200 eggs at a time that will easily developes into an infestation anywhere.

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PREVENTING MOSQUITOS

STANDING WATER
Uncirculated water, ponds, fountains, retention ponds, birdbaths, and old tires.

MOIST CONDITIONS
Tree wells, tree holes, flowerbeds, plant containers, decorative pots, sprinklers.

RESTING AREAS
Any surface protected from wind and direct sunlight that retian higher levels of moisture. Take into consideration areas underneath decks and porches, the underside leaves, eaves, and gazebos.

One of the easiest ways to prevent mosquito populations from forming is to simply empty or throw out anything that could collect or retain standing water, like buckets, lids, old tires, etc. It is a well-known fact that mosquito infestations can start out of a single cap from a soda bottle. Another way to go about preventing mosquitos around your home is to use the traditional bug zappers. These are useful when hung or placed around porches and patios. Most insects are naturally attracted to light so it makes sense to attract them with bug zappers. When outdoors natural as well as conventional bug sprays will help knock down the total number of bites but understand most retail products are shy of long-term control. many of these retail products have a very low dose of active ingredients allowing their effectiveness to only last a few minutes to a few hours at best.  If a mosquito infestation seems out of your control, give Gladhill ervices a call. We can evaluate the situation for you, seek out the breeding sites and develop a solution to deal resolve your problem as quickly and as effectively as possible.

Get Rid Of Stink Bugs

While stink bugs are harmless to humans, their large numbers and hibernation patterns pose a threat to tropical plants inside the home, vegetable gardens, crops. And, it's no secret that stink bugs have become a constant annoyance for homeowners, gardeners, and farmers alike.  Below you'll learn a few proven methods to help control and prevent stink bugs in and around the house.

What stink bugs eat?

The mouthparts of stink bugs are made for sucking and piercing, which they use to feed on fruits, vegetables, and certain crops. Stink bugs can cause significant damage to plants when they feed. Stink bugs prefer many species of plants and trees to feed on. Trees like birch, serviceberry, hackberry, catalpa, redbud and dogwood are known favorites for stink bugs to eat. Nut and fruit trees preferred by stink buds are pecan, apple, plum and pear. Stink bugs love your bell peppers, cucumber, tomato, grape leaves, and sunflowers. Stink bugs will damage a plants leaf surface, its fruits, injure its seeds, and transfer pathogens making them a natural enemy for farmers, homeowners, and gardeners to combat.

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What attracts stink bugs?

Stink bugs are attracted to food and certain environments! The types of plants near a home will always be an attraction and a reason for why you might have them worse than your neighbor. And, as for environmental conditions, stink bugs breed in warmer weather since they are cold-blooded needing the external heat to keep them alive. It's apparent to professionals that stink bugs are attracted to light colored homes where they easily bask in full sun. This is noticable on the exterior of buildings in the spring as they go back into nature for feeding and breeding, and during early fall where hundreds to thousands may be gathered gaining access into the home for winter. Inside homes, a stink bug's favorite place to hide or overwinter are in windowsills and door frames.

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Do stink bugs bite?

Stink bugs do not go after people or animals for any reason. In fact,  if they bump into you during flight it is most likely a complete accident. They keep to themselves. But, it is known that stink bugs may bite humans if they feel threatened. If a stink bug bites, the person may feel some discomfort in or near the area of the bite. According to local physician's a stink bugs' bite is usually considered non-poisonous to adults but, it may be considered poisonous for newborns and toddlers. As with any insect bite, seek the advice of a licensed medical practitioner. With that said never fear a stink bug. Swatting at stink bugs as they fly or smashing them with your hand will only increase your odds of being bitten. If you let them be they will leave you be! If you find a stink bug crawling on you gently flick it off as this will avoid a bite and the release of its smell. 

Stink bugs in the house?

Stink bugs inside the home are over-wintering adults that came in to hibernate during winter months. Stink bugs take advantage of cracks and crevices around windows and door, behind baseboards and crown molding, and around light fixtures in ceilings. Our crews have even found hundreds gathered together under insulation found in attics and crawl spaces.
A great preventive measure is to seal as many cracks as possible to keep stink bugs out of your house. Potted plants around the inside your home is another attraction for stink bugs as they provide a natural habitat during the long, cold winter. 

Stink bugs on the house?

As a Do-It-Yourself project, the control and prevention of stink bugs is typically a two-fold process. The first being the outside of your house in spring when stink bugs begin emerging from the house. It's best to let them leave so an application of pesticide on the outside is best. In the fall, stink bugs begin gathering on the sunny sides of homes making their way in for the winter to hibernate. Again, treat the exterior of the house. Now, is a good time to dust behind base boards, above light fixtures in ceilings, attics, around door and window frames as these are locations stink bugs will try overwintering.

Stink bugs in the garden?

The most effective preventive and control measure a Do-It-Yourselfer can take for keeping stink bugs out of the garden is to grow herbs such as mint, basil, coriander, and borage. These plants are not only medicinal for us, but also attract several other species of insects that prey on stink bugs. It's important to know that the use of pesticides in gardens and on farms has not yet proven to be effective for stink bugs.  This is due to the strong protective armor-like body of stink bugs.  Chemical and organic pesticides are most effective on stink bugs as they overwinter and begin migrating back into the home. 

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Many professional pest control companies offer quarterly treatments for stink bugs and for good reason. While 1-2 applications of pesticide will knock their numbers down, stink bugs migrate twice each year. The first migration is in the spring where stink bugs emerge from hibernation and fly back out into nature to feed and breed. In the fall, stink bugs fly back to homes as they begin gathering in areas where they will get the most sun light. During the summer months, you may see a few stink bugs here and there. Further treatments are usually needed to prevent egg laying within or near the house. On warmer days during winter, stink bugs can be found flying across your living room, crawling across your ceiling upstairs or found seemingly lifeless in the basement. It has been noted by many homeowners and professionals alike that some pesticides work better on stink bugs than others. As a Do-It-Yourselfer, follow the guidelines above to prevent and control stink bugs this year. If it gets too much and if they seem to get worse call a professional pest control company like Gladhill Services. We can help if you need it.