Termite inspections should be conducted on a regular basis, and they are often required by mortgage companies prior to the official purchase of a home. Termites can cause significant damage, especially when they are left undiscovered. Before selling a home, realtors, homeowners, and homebuyers must understand what happens during a termite inspection near Columbia . Let’s take a closer look at what pest management professionals do during a termite inspection.

When pest control professionals are called in for a termite inspection, the process is thorough. During a termite inspection, exterminators will examine areas of the house commonly known to attract termites. They will also look for information about any past infestations, inspections, and other documentation. If there is no evidence of a past or current termite infestation, then all involved parties should receive a Wood Destroying Insect certificate. This certifies that the house is free of termites and other wood destroying insects. Once the certificate has been received and logged, the sale of the house can continue.

Bats are wild animals and should always be treated as such. When a bat needs to be removed from an attic or commercial building, call animal control first. If not handled properly, bats and other wildlife near Columbia can spread harmful diseases like rabies and histoplasmosis. Continue reading to see which diseases bats might spread to humans.

Rabies

Rabies is a dangerous viral infection that is often transmitted through animal bites. Feral cats and dogs, raccoons, skunks, and bats have all been found to carry rabies. Though it is more common to find other wildlife carrying rabies, bats have been known to carry and spread the infection. The rabies virus attacks the brain and nervous system, which often makes the victim act and move erratically. Without quick treatment, rabies can kill its victims. If a bat is spotted on the ground or unable to fly, call animal control for wildlife removal. Bats should never be handled without a gloved professional.

Histoplasmosis

Histoplasmosis is a respiratory illness that is caused by a fungus known as Histoplasma capsulatum. It is often found in bird droppings and bat guano, and it is dispersed through the wind. Histoplasmosis does not require treatment in all infected humans, and many may only experience mild, flu-like symptoms. If not treated, however, some humans can develop serious symptoms and may die. Since histoplasmosis is spread through bird droppings and bat guano, people should wear respiratory protection when cleaning droppings. Consider calling pest control services for cleanup, especially if bats or wild birds must be removed.

White Nose Syndrome

White nose syndrome, also known as WNS, has been discovered in bats across the eastern United States. It is a white fungus that collects around bats’ muzzles and has led to the deaths of millions of bats. Bats infected with WNS often use up their winter fat reserves, causing them to starve and die. It is unknown if WNS may be harmful to humans, but it may become an epidemic amongst bat populations and other wildlife, if it is not contained.

Termites can cause a significant amount of damage to homes, buildings, and household items like furniture and books. Termites near Columbia feed constantly on the cellulose found in wood, wallpaper, and books. Watch the short video to learn more about the damage caused by termites.

Without a proper termite inspection and fumigation, termites can cause thousands of dollars’ worth of damage to one home or building. Termites feed on the structural wood found in these buildings; if left without treatment, termites can cause homes and buildings to lose structural integrity and collapse. To ensure that termites do not cause great amounts of damage, homeowners and building owners should schedule regular termite inspections and pest control inspections.

There are several myths that surround bed bugs , such as where they are found and how they are eradicated. To ensure that bed bug treatment in Columbia is effective, homeowners and hotel owners should be aware of how bed bugs can spread. Read on to learn more about the myths and realities of bed bugs.

Myth #1: Bed bugs are only found in dirty places.

Unfortunately, this is a prevalent myth, but bed bugs can be found anywhere there are warm bodies and small crevasses to hide in. Due to frequent travel, bed bugs have been found in high-class hotel rooms, clean family homes, and everywhere in between. These pests can travel between places by gathering upon clothing, in luggage, and in furniture. It is crucial to inspect these areas for bed bugs when traveling or accepting secondhand items.

Myth #2: Bed bugs are not a public health concern.

Due to the common myth that bed bugs are only found in dirty rooms, many people do not realize or believe that bed bugs have become a public health concern. However, bed bugs are very hardy pests and difficult to kill, which makes them able to feed on humans and infest their homes. As bed bugs continue to travel throughout homes and hotel rooms, they can cause vast amounts of damage and painful bug bites. Bed bugs are not known to carry diseases, but their bites can be painful, itchy, and aesthetically displeasing.

Myth #3: Bed bugs are easily killed with pesticides.

Many people believe that bed bugs will respond to everyday pesticides or insecticides. However, bed bugs are resilient insects that must be handled by professional exterminators. To sufficiently eradicate bed bugs, exterminators use a variety of techniques and insecticides. These might include cleaning and replacing household furniture, using different chemicals, and ongoing bed bug treatment. Bed bug removal should only be trusted to professional pest control services to ensure it is done correctly.

Bed bugs in Columbia and around the world have become a significant problem in recent years. Bed bugs can be found everywhere, including high-class hotels, schools, and offices all over the United States. It is essential to implement simple guidelines, like increased education and cleanliness, to prevent a possible bed bug infestation. Continue reading to learn more about preventing bed bugs in non-residential locations.

Reduce Clutter

The best way to prevent bed bugs and other pests is to reduce clutter. Whether the clutter is found in an office, school, or other non-residential location, it can attract pests of all kinds. Bed bugs can crawl and live in the tiniest crevices. If there is a lot of clutter, then there are even more areas available that bed bugs can collect and multiply until they find a host body. In addition to bed bugs, rodents, ants, and cockroaches are commonly found in cluttered areas. Clear out unnecessary and unused furniture and storage to prevent these pests from infesting a location.

Maintain Cleanliness

Cleanliness is one of the most important factors to prevent bed bugs and other pests in any location. If a desk or office lounge is regularly dirty with dust or food, then pests are likelier to congregate in those areas. If a school classroom is frequently dirty and cluttered—with food, water, or children’s personal possessions—then bed bugs could soon become a problem. Bed bugs can travel on clothing, luggage, and backpacks; if a child’s home has an infestation, it could soon spread throughout a classroom.

Educate Others

In addition to remaining vigilant to cleanliness and reduced clutter, education is very important to the continued safety of non-residential and residential areas. Many people do not know how bed bugs spread. People also do not realize that bed bug treatment requires a professional in extermination. This knowledge is essential to prevent bed bug and pest infestations from spreading and becoming an epidemic.

Niban is a type of insecticide used near Columbia to control ants, cockroaches, and other harmful insects. While Niban is a very effective tool for pest management, it also requires certain safety precautions . These precautions are put in place to ensure all humans and pets are protected against potential consumption of Niban. Here is a brief look at safety precautions for the handling and use of Niban:

• Never consume or allow a child or pet to consume this insecticide. If it is swallowed, then call a doctor right away and induce vomiting to remove the product from the body.
• Keep the container in a dry area, away from any food or water, and where children or animals cannot gain access.
• Follow directions on the container exactly. If there is any confusion, then contact a professional in pest management to ask questions.
• If treating an area near a food preparation or storage room, then only use Niban in small cracks or crevices. Ensure the treated areas are inaccessible to children and animals. Cover or remove any food near the treatment areas.

Animal control is a necessary service , especially if there are squirrels nearby. Squirrels are in the same family of rodents like mice and rats, and they can cause the same amount of damage. Chewed wiring and building materials are just a few ways that a squirrel can leave daily damage in a house or commercial building. If any of the following damages are seen, call for squirrel and animal control near Columbia right away.

Damaged Building Materials

Squirrels are determined creatures that can enter a house or commercial building through the tiniest crack or hole. If they do not find a way to enter, then they can chew through roof shingles, house siding, and so much more. Once inside a building, squirrels will continue to chew through wood, insulation, and various other building materials.

Chewed Wiring

When a squirrel finds its way into an attic, it can soon find wiring and utility lines in the walls. As squirrels travel through the dark areas of the house, they are looking for materials to build nests, strengthen their teeth, and eat. Chewed wiring is a common damage to find when there are squirrels and other rodents in a building.

Dug Up Gardens

In addition to nesting materials, squirrels are also looking for food to eat. They can infiltrate pantries and food supplies easily, but they will destroy gardens too. Squirrels eat fruits and vegetables like most rodents. If there is damage to a garden—partially eaten fruits and vegetables or dug up areas—then it is likely squirrels are nearby. They may still be making their nests in the house, so it is important to schedule rodent control or animal control services soon.

Gnawed Furniture

Most gnawed or torn furniture may be located outside, but squirrels can damage interior furniture too. The upholstery may have small holes or tears. The wood may have chips missing or show claw and teeth marks. Though it is difficult to penetrate, squirrels may even chew at metal and plastic furniture.

Though termites and flying ants may have similar features, they also are distinct enough that they can be easily identified. For example, the video shows that flying ants have unequal wing lengths, while termites near Columbia have equal wing lengths and sizes. Continue reading to learn more differences between termites and flying ants.

In addition to distinctive wing sizes, termites and flying ants can be distinguished through their body shape and antennae. Flying ants have two body sections that are connected by a narrow waist. Termites have a straight body with a broad waist. Their antennae differ as well; ants have bent or crooked antennae, and termites have straight antennae. If there is still a question about the differences, call a professional in termite inspection. He or she can identify and suggest the right treatment to exterminate whichever insect is present.

Bed bugs have evolved to feed on their human hosts. When you watch this video, you will learn all about bed bugs and their bites. Bed bugs feed by piercing through a person’s skin. After a bed bug has bitten your arm or leg, you will notice red, itchy lumps at the site of the bite. To treat bed bugs in your home, you will want to get in touch with a company that specializes in pest control serving Columbia.

While a bed bug infestation may seem like a very stressful situation, your exterminator will be there to assist you. Bed bug treatment methods are used to completely remove any trace of these nasty creatures from your property. When you leave your pest control up to the professionals, you can rest assured that your bed bug problem will be exterminated completely.

Bed bugs are among the most dreaded insects that can invade any home. When your home experiences a bed bug infestation, there is a high likelihood that you and your family members will start to develop itchy, red bites during the nighttime hours. If bites from bed bugs are driving you crazy, you will want to hire an exterminator that treats bed bugs in Ellicott City. Your bed bug extermination professional will be able to use proven methods to fully wipe out the bed bug colony in your home. To highlight the importance of professional bed bug removal, here is an overview of some of the possible complications that can be caused by bed bug bites.

Itchy Welts

Itchy welts are among the most common reactions to bed bug bites. While you may not feel itchy when you are first exposed to bed bug bites, your reaction may become stronger over time. After repeated bed bug bites, many people find that they are increasingly sensitive. Eventually, even the smallest bites may immediately develop into large, itchy marks.

Skin Infections

Once you have been bitten by a bed bug, you may start to notice that your skin is unbearably itchy. Repeated scratching of an itchy spot can lead to skin breakage and infections. If the infection is not treated properly, it can develop into a potentially life threatening situation. Rather than itching your bed bug bites excessively, you will want to treat them using special lotions and salves.

Allergic Reactions

While allergic reactions to bed bug bites are fairly uncommon, certain individuals may have very strong symptoms to bites on their skin. If you are allergic to a bed bug bite, you may start to notice that your breathing is slow or strained. Additionally, a bed bug bite allergy could result in a rapidly increasing heart rate. To help avoid some of the serious complications that can arise from bed bug exposure, it is a great idea to hire an experienced extermination company.