Monday, September 30, 2013

Rodents getting into your home? Here some tips how we can get rid of your problem.

How To Get Rid of Rodents

STEP 1) Find out how the mice are getting inside your house. There are holes outside, leading into the building. Vents, gaps in siding, areas where wires and pipes go into the house, roof lines, etc. Mice enter in these areas, then crawl up the walls and into the attic, which is an ideal nesting and hiding place. You will never get rid of all the mice permanently until you find out how they are getting inside.

STEP 2) Seal every last entry point shut - anything larger than 1/4 inch. Use steel mesh or metal flashing, because these little rodents can chew though lesser repairs, such as mere caulking.

STEP 3) Trap and remove the mice. Set snap traps, at least ten of them, wherever you see mouse trails or droppings. I usually do this in the attic, where mice have left ample evidence with trails and mouse poop in the insulation.

STEP 4) Clean the attic space, if necessary, to get rid of germs, pathogens, and mouse odor that attracts new mice. This also helps prevent the growth of mold, which can happen with mouse urine and feces.




Why do rodents like to live in the attic? It's warm and dry and safe, that's why! They breed up there, they build rodent nests in the insulation, they poop, they pee, they store food. They make little tunnels and runways in the insulation.

Most people seem to notice the noises in the attic or walls at night. If it's a light pitter-patter, it's likely rodents. Sometimes the noises seem loud, if the rodents are running directly on the drywall. Some people report to me hearing noises like rolling nuts in the attic.

rodent in the attic can cause damage by chewing on electrical wires. They also spread diseases and odor. They often crawl down from the attic and into the house and kitchen, where they chew on various things, and get into the pantry and contaminate food.

How To Get Rid Of rodents In The Attic - If you know that you have rodents in the attic, then you may be thinking that it is the worst place for rodents. Some of those worries are warranted because you can tell why a mouse would think that the attic is perfect; it is small, dark, and there seems to be infinity of places where a mouse can hide. The attic is also a place that does not have much human traffic because it is not every day that you need something from your attic. But just because it is dark, small and has those hiding places does not mean that it is difficult to catch mice there. If you are asking “how do you get rid of mice in the attic” you will be surprised at how simple the answer is. Use traps with bait that mice will find irresistible, and more importantly, set these traps in the proper location, after you have sealed all of the mice's entry holes leading into the attic shut permanently. You just need to place the traps in the attic and leave them. Soon you will notice that the traps begin to work. The mice may be hiding in the attic, but they eventually have to leave their hiding place in order to feed. Peanut butter will get them in the trap within hours. Seeing mice in the attic may be tough, but trapping them is not.

How To Get Rid Of rodents In The Ceiling - There are many that might find that you have rodents in your ceiling. You can hear them scampering about. So, the question for you is how to get rid of mice in the ceiling? You have come to the right place to learn how to get rid of them. You have to lure them out. When you are looking at how to get rid of mice in the ceiling, some have set up traps up there and have put out peanut butter or cheese. That would be one way you can do this. This won’t kill them unless they just die in the traps, but at least you can get rid of them to some extent. Another idea for others who are looking at how to get rid of mice in the ceiling when you don’t want to use traps would be poison. They will go to die up there so you will have to go up to get rid of the dead mice, but that is a way to handle them as well. You don’t want them in your ceiling as they can do damage if they start chewing on your ceiling. So, try these things when you find those rodents up there.

Getting Rid Of Roof Rats - There are many places in your home but the one that is a bit more complex to solve is the rodents on the roof. The reason why the roof presents problems is that it gives the rodents a way out as well as a way in. It is also not the easiest place for you to get to. So there are a few things that you will need if the objective is getting rid of roof mice. Because getting the rodents from your roof can be a bit dangerous you should be really careful if you are going to give it a try. The best way to get mice from your roof is by far to use some sort of rodent poison. The reason for that is that there really is no good place to put a trap when you are on the roof. You will need to use a ladder to get there and once on the roof place the poison in places where they would be accessible to rodents, but try to hide it from other wild life. If you can place the poison somewhere that it will not get wet that will make it more likely that the rodents will find it.


Call Pest Arrest 281-374-7770

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Heavy rain means more fleas and ticks


It has been "raining cats and dogs" for most of the summer in our area and unfortunately this means bad news for our local cats and dogs.  All this wet weather combined with normal heat and humidity equals the perfect conditions for a surge in flea and tick infestations.  These insects reproduce very quickly and not only pose a serious health risk to your pets, but to your family as well. To help your protect all your loved ones this summer, we have put together a list of five steps you can take. 
  1. Keep your outdoor play areas and lawns clear of brush, grass clippings, woodpiles and leaf debris.  These are ideal havens for mice and rats which are renowned carriers of fleas and ticks.
  2. Bathe and groom your pets often and visit a veterinarian for professional flea and tick treatments.  Also, be sure to inspect them regularly, especially the front shoulders, back and ears.
  3. Vacuum frequently this will help remove fleas and prevent them from laying eggs.  Get rid of the vacuum bag immediately after you finish because fleas are professional escape artists!
  4. When outside, in areas where ticks are common, be sure to dress properly.  Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants and if possible, wear light colored clothing so ticks are easier to spot. Also, use a tick repellant containing DEET or Permethrin and before you head back inside, inspect your clothing and skin thoroughly for ticks, especially the head and behind the ears.
  5. If you suspect you have a flea or tick infestation, you should contact Pest Arrest immediately.
We hope these tips help keep you, your family and your pets flea and tick free.

Friday, September 20, 2013

Raccoon Removal

What to do about Nuisance Wildlife: Raccoon Removal

Raccoons will find any way to enter your home.
Raccoons are one of many wildlife pests that wreak havoc on personal property.  Not only do they cause damage, they also carry diseases and create messes.  If you are experiencing raccoon troubles, then Pest Arrest wildlife service that handles raccoon removal.
The Facts about Raccoons
With their dark mask and mischievous curiosity, raccoons always seem to be up to no good.  The raccoon is a nocturnal mammal, which means that it spends majority of its night scavenging for food.  As a result of this, many individuals wake up the next morning to find their trash scattered across their front yard.  Raccoons prefer wooded areas near a water source as this is their natural habit, however, they have adapted extremely well to the urban environment.  Instead of making their home in a tree, they often nestle in accessible areas in your home such as an attic or chimney, or underneath a deck, house or shed.  Because raccoons are nocturnal, it may take a long time to even know that you have a raccoon problem.  However, if a raccoon has made it into your home, it will not take long to hear them scurrying about over your head.  At this point it’s a good idea to call PEST ARREST.

Damage Caused by Raccoons
It may be hard to imagine how a raccoon can get into your attic but low hanging or adjacent branches to your house provide easy access.  Raccoons are relentless pests, so anything exposed or that can be detached, such as shingles, roof vents, chimneys, or fascia boards offer a potential entrance into your home.  Raccoons find attics to be a great environment to raise their young because of the warmth they provide and the abundance of materials that can be used to build a nest.  They will rip insulation off the attic walls and chew through electrical wires, as well as destroy air ducts. They will use your attic as a restroom; feces will begin to pile up and urine will seep down to your ceiling.  If given the opportunity raccoons will raise multiple litters in your attic, so early detection and raccoon removal is crucial.
Raccoons Carry Lethal Diseases and Parasites
Raccoon removal is necessary because of the diseases that they carry.  The most common disease is rabies.  Rabies is a deadly disease caused by the neurotropic rabies virus carried in saliva and transmitted by bites.  Raccoons also carry roundworms that can be found in their feces.  Roundworm eggs are resistant to disinfectants and can stick to all types of surfaces.  These eggs are extremely difficult to destroy, which is why hiring professional pest control is the best solution. Human exposure to diseases and parasites carried by raccoons needs proper medical attention.
Professional Raccoon Removal 
The damage created by raccoons can be extensive, but the hiring of Pest Arrest as soon as raccoons are suspected can make all the difference.  Some companies will provide raccoon removal and remediation or clean up services and repair the damages created by the pests.  Not only will the damages be fixed, but professional pest control companies work to prevent raccoons and other wildlife from entering your home in the future. We offer exclusion, remediation, trapping, damage repair and preventative techniques.
Raccoons are destructive animals, but all is not lost if you find one taking up residence in your home.  Pest Arrest offers wild life removal and can help make the raccoon removal process quick and easy for both the homeowner and pest. If you’re experiencing a raccoon issue, give us a call at 281-374-7770

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Mosquito Alert

Mosquito alert



Recent heavy rains have caused area bayou water levels to increase, which coupled with the warmer springtime temperatures will increase our mosquito population. Here are some helpful Mosquito Control Tips for Your Home provided by a mosquito control district.
Personal protection
During peak biting times (dawn, dusk, and early evening) 
1. Try to stay inside.
2. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when you go out. 
3. Loose clothing.
4. Light colored clothing. 
5. Apply insect repellent sparingly to exposed skin. An effective repellent will contain 35% DEET.
6. DEET in high concentrations (greater than 35%) provides no additional protection. Repellents may irritate the eyes and mouth, so avoid applying repellent to the hands of children.
7. When using repellents always read and follow directions for use as printed on the product. 
What you can do to help
1. Throw out old tires 
2. Throw out tin cans, buckets, drums, bottles, or any water holding containers.
3. Fill in or drain any low places (puddles, ruts) in yard.
4. Keep drains, ditches, and culverts clean of weeds and trash, so water will drain properly.
5. Cover trash containers to keep out rainwater, and drill holes in bottom of trash containers so any water can drain out.
6. Repair leaky pipes and outdoor faucets. 
7. Empty plastic wading pools at least once a week or store in a position that water will drain.
8. Make sure your backyard pool is maintained properly. 
9. Fill in tree rot holes and hollow stumps that hold water with sand or concrete.
10. Change water in bird baths and plant pots or drip trays at least once a week.
11. Keep grass cut short and shrubbery well trimmed around the house, so adult mosquitoes will not hide there.
12. Keep gutters clean and free of debris and leaves.

You can also contact Pest Arrest for a mosquito treatment to reduce the population in your yard, these treatments start around $79 per application. Plus we can customize a mosquito system for your yard. Call us today 281-374-7770 

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Tips for college students on keeping bed bug Free

Tips For College Students On Keeping Bed Bug Free
As prepared as a college student might be, most never consider bed bugs as part of college life. A recent survey conducted by the NPMA found that 47% of bed bug exterminators reported frequent exterminations at colleges and universities.
Where can bed bug infestations come from?
  • College dormitories/bedrooms/laundry areas
  • Recent travel/hotel stays
  • Classrooms particularly those with upholstered chairs/carpeting
  • Student lounges
  • Public transportation
  • Waiting rooms
  • Communal hangers/closets
  • Backpacks left on floors or near others
  • Used cardboard boxes
  • Hospital/clinic waiting areas
  • Second hand furniture
  • Second hand electronics
  • Second hand clothing
  • Second hand luggage
  • Items left behind by previous students
Once a bed bug infestation takes hold, it will easily spread from one dorm room to an entire floor in under a month – this also includes rooms on the floors above and below the infestation.
How to Keep Yourself Bed Bug Free While at University
- Ask your college rep or RA what bed bug infestation action plan is in place prior to your arrival. You want to know that they will know what to do in the event of a bed bug infestation.
- Bed bugs love a hoarder. Don’t let piles sit and learn to maximize you space by minimizing clutter.
- Spring for some caulk, seal gaps around switch plates, light sockets, pipes, sinks and walls. If you notice large cracks in walls or at the base of plumbing notify facilities immediately to have them sealed.
- When entering your dorm room for the first time carefully inspect the mattress and the areas around the bed and bed hardware and furniture. Check to see if there are there any bloodstains on the mattress. Carefully inspect the perimeter around the bed and bed frame itself. 
- Buy white or light colored bedding so you will always have a visual alert. Bed bugs leave tale-tell stains.
- Buy a superior quality bed bug mattress encasement. 

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Fall Pest

 To many pests the fall season signals the need to find a warm place to spend the winter. If you have not already pest proofed your home for fall pests, now is the time that you may begin to have problems with Spiders,rodents and roaches as well as other overwintering pests. The good news is that it is not too late to implement pest prevention strategies now to prevent future pest problems later this fall and into the winter months.

The biggest problem with fall pests is that they are looking for a winter rental and that could lead to health and property risks. Rodents including mice and rats, and cockroaches are both capable of spreading germs, bacteria, and disease that cause you and members of your family to become ill. Also, spiders are capable of causing a major scare and some can bite if they feel threatened. Overwintering pests can also cause extensive damage to your home including chewing on electrical wires and contaminating insulation with droppings. So before you fall victim to the threat of fall pests, now is the time to take charge. The Houston pest control experts at PEST ARREST would like to share some fall pest proofing tips to help keep the critters from making your home theirs.
  • Seal cracks on the exterior of the home including the foundation, doors, and windows
  • Repair any damaged screens if you plan to keep windows open through the fall
  • Keep garage doors closed when not in use
  • Close off vents and other openings with protective screens
  • Store all open food in airtight containers
  • Take the trash out regularly and be sure it is in a sealed receptacle
  • Keep shrubs and bushes on the outside of the home trimmed back
  • Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the home and up off of the ground
All of these tips will help to contribute to your pest free home this fall. But keep in mind that it is not always enough to keep sneaky spiders, cockroaches, rodents and other pests away. If you do happen to spot any pests in your home, please contact us for a free estimate.
We’ll identify and treat the pest problem and can help you prevent future pest problems with our home pest control service. Due to the difficulty in getting rid of many pests as well as the dangers of some, eradication should always be left to trained and licensed pest management professionals who are experienced with integrated pest management techniques.
At PEST ARREST we provide fast, effective pest control solutions to homes and businesses throughout Houston and surrounding area's including, Spring, Conroe,The Woodlands. To learn more about our pest control services or to schedule a service, please contact us today at 281-374-7770

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Bed Bug Facts

BED BUG FACTS:
  • Reddish-brown, flattened, oval, wingless insect.
  • Up to 1/4 of an inch long.
  • Nymphs (babies) have a translucent, barely visible body no bigger than a speck of dust.
  • Nymphs must feed on blood to grow, shedding skins as they develop in a process called molting.
  • They infest all types of facilities and living environments, even the most expensive, luxurious homes. Sanitation and cleanliness have no bearing on their presence.
  • They typically feed every 7-10 days for anywhere between 3-10 minutes.
  • One bed bug will bite 1-3 times during this feeding.
  • An adult can survive 400+ days without a blood meal; nymphs 3 months. This means they can travel great distances in bags, boxes, furniture, and luggage, awaiting their new home and host.
  • Bed bugs like to hide in seams and cracks and crevices. This behavior along with their small size makes them very difficult to see and treat. This also means you can take them home with you from an infested location in your coat, bag, shoes, pants pockets, cuffs, in a package...anywhere!
  • Evidence of an infestation will be tiny black speckled droppings, molted skins, and eggs (though these are nearly impossible to see).
  • Bites and reactions vary from person to person depending upon how allergic a given individual is to the saliva injected at the time of feeding.
  • Bedbug saliva acts as an analgesic and anti-coagulant, allowing the bug to feed efficiently while preventing the host from feeling pain or discomfort while being bitten so the bugs can go undetected while they are feeding.
  • It can take up to 5 days for the itch and irritation associated with the bites to appear. This often makes it very difficult to determine precisely where one is being bitten.
  • Several treatments are typically necessary to get rid of an infestation, due to the cryptic nature associated with these bugs.
ACT FAST if you think you have bed bugs! Seek treatment by a professional pest control company specializing in bed bugs.


Monday, August 26, 2013

Pest Control Tips

Spring Pest Control Service: Pest Arrest Tips and Suggestions
Be alert for any signs of pest problems. Pest problems are easier to handle the earlier you notice them. If you neglect the signs, things can get out of control pretty quickly. There are several things that can be done to prevent infestation as suggested by the Spring pest control service. 
To keep flying insects away from your home at night, use amber lighting outside. If you caulk all the crevices and cracks, roaches or other insects won’t be able to use them as their hiding place. If you keep your home clean, you’ve probably taken the biggest step toward avoiding pests of any kind. An experienced Spring pest control service will tell you that most pests, being tiny, can survive on the littlest specks of food. Don’t neglect to clean the outside areas of your home as well. Mice and insects are attracted to leaves, tree limbs and other trash left in your yard. It is important to clean up yard waste regularly. 
You are best advised to call the Spring pest control service if there is an infestation in spite of following the above tips.