Integrity Pest Solutions Blogs

When is Termite Season in Delaware?

integritypestsolution@gmail.com (Keith Ruark) — Sat, 18 Feb 2023 15:53:28 GMT

Termite Season in Delaware: Expert Insights

Termites are active all year in Delaware

Termite season....What!? You’ve heard of many different kinds of seasons like baseball season, holiday season, tourist season and now we say there is a Termite season. As the seasons change, so do the pests that wreak havoc on our homes. Introducing Termite season, a time when these destructive insects are most active and seek out new sources of wood to feast upon.

Unfortunately, subterranean termites thrive in Delaware where we enjoy warm and humid weather and temperatures. As we enter spring and the weather and ground warms to 70 degrees or higher, large, established subterranean termite colonies will attempt to start new termite colonies. The end of March through May each year in Delaware is considered the height of termite season when the termite swarms are considerable higher, especially after rain and during calm winds. Don’t get us wrong, termite swarms happen all year when the conditions are right, but during these months it is more often to see termite swarms and larger numbers of flying termites.

Termite Swarming Explained

Termite swarms occur when a present termite colony “sends” out adult reproductive termites, which are flying termites referred to as alates, into the world. The reproductive termite alates search for the perfect location that will offer food (cellulose/wood), darkness and moisture to establish and begin a new termite colony. As a termite colony expands and depending on the size of the colony, it is also not uncommon to see 2 to 3 termite swarms within a short period of time in the same or nearby locations. These termite swarms are often the first sign of the presence of termites to many homeowners.

Delaware Termite Swarm Season

Although termites are actually active all year, the conditions in Delaware are currently ideal for termite swarms between March to May for the most visible and noticeable termite activity…the Delaware termite swarm season.

If you notice a termite swarm or the presence of termites in or around your home, let Integrity Pest Solutions properly identify and perform a warranted treatment to get rid of them for you. Integrity Pest Solutions also offers guaranteed Preventative termite services to prevent termites from entering your home.

Integrity Pest Solutions is your local, family owned Pest Control & Termite company.

How Do I Keep Spiders Out of My Home

integritypestsolution@gmail.com (Keith Ruark) — Sun, 04 Sep 2022 16:57:30 GMT

How Do I keep Spiders Out of My House?

How do I keep spiders out of my house? A question that many spider-fearing people have probably asked at one time or another. Spiders, as most of us know, are actually very beneficial to us. They help get rid of many non-beneficial insects & pests that eat and destroy our crops, trees and flowers and help to control the over population of many other types of bugs.

The majority of spiders are also of no true harm to you. As you can imagine, based on your enormous size compared to that of a spider, they really are more afraid of you than you are of them…I know, I know, You find that hard to believe.

We know some of you could care less about all of the above, so to answer the question and to get to the reason you have kept reading this far, the key to keeping spiders out of your home and yard is really quite simple… Just eliminate and get rid of their food source. How, you say? Well, just get rid of the bugs in your home and yard. Spiders eat other bugs for their dinner and ultimately cannot survive without them, so they will look elsewhere and move on if bugs (their food source) are not conveniently available and around your home.

So, the real answer is, How do you get rid of the other bugs, to get rid of spiders. Integrity Pest Solutions can safely control the bug populations around your humble abode so you can watch the spiders disappear…to possibly your neighbors?

Integrity Pest Solutions is your local, family owned & operated Pest Control & Termite company, offering a complete line of pest control services to Sussex County & Kent County Delaware communities and the Delaware Beaches. One time, Preventative Maintenance , Seasonal, and Eco Friendly Organic services Available. Call us at 302-858-8629 for additional information on our services!

Keep Termites Away with Termite Prevention

Sun, 13 Mar 2022 04:26:29 GMT

KEEP TERMITES AWAY WITH TERMITE PREVENTION

PREVENT TERMITES FROM GETTING IN YOUR HOME

Everyone has heard that subterranean termites cause billions of dollars worth of damage to homes a year, but did you know that there are some things that you can do to help protect and prevent your home from a potential costly termite infestation.

Delaware homes, unfortunately, are considered to be at a relatively high risk for possible termite activity and according to the United State Forest Service and USDA, Delaware is listed in a moderate to heavy hazard region for Subterranean termites. This is due to the high moisture and humidity in the area and number of wooded areas that create the perfect habitat for termites.

TERMITE PREVENTION

Below are some Termite Prevention recommendations to help keep your home safe and termite free. There may be additional preventative measures based on your specific home, location, and the conducive conditions on the property, so, it is important to consistently inspect your property and home for the possibility of termites so that the infestation can be addressed as early as possible.

Termites live underground and forage in a organized and systematic pattern to search for a wood food source from the ground up. Eliminate all wood to ground contact on your property that may be used as a direct “highway” to wood for the subterranean termite. This is especially important for any rotting or decaying wood since termites can sense some fungi (mood & mildew) particles at short distances through their antennas that help them to locate wood when foraging. Wooden Porch and deck steps should not rest directly on the ground if at all possible and we would recommend a concrete footing underneath entry steps between the ground and wood.

It is important to keep all wood and other cellulose based materials away from the house including fire wood, wood piles, decorative ties, or trellises. These can be considered attractants of not only termites but other insects and should be kept a minimum of 20’ feet away or more from your house foundation. In addition, store firewood and wood piles directly off of the ground, preferably approximately 8” inches high or more to allow airflow and help eliminate build up of moisture. Remove any dead & decaying trees, tree stumps and rotting wood off of your property.

Termite activity and termite foraging has been found to be the highest when the soil has high moisture levels so the area around the house should be kept as dry as possible and have good drainage and grading. If possible, slope soil and flower beds near the foundation away to cause rain and water run off from the home. Make sure that irrigation and sprinklers are directed away from the home. Check that storm drains are working and draining properly and not blocked with debris. Foliage, vegetation, shrubbery and other debris or items should be kept a minimum of 12” inches away from your home. Routinely trim shrubbery and plants back from the house. This will help allow air flow, help the area against your home dry out quicker, and allow for a good visual of your foundation to identify any new termite activity. It is recommended also to keep mulch, that provides moisture and protection to termites, away from the foundation of your home. Do not put mulch thicker than 2 inches deep (less is best), in order to help let the soil under the mulch to dry out appropriately. It may also be helpful to aerate & turn mulch, especially if you see any mold growing on top or that it is not drying out properly. Decorative wooden, railroad ties or boards near the home can also be an attractant of termites.

Standing water in clogged gutters can be attractive to not only termites, but a wide array of pests such as mosquitoes, gnats, flies, carpenter ants and other small critters. Make sure to clean gutters regularly and remove all leaves, pine needles, sticks and other debris to help insure proper drainage. Improperly functioning gutters may cause pooling of water near the foundation that can lead to weakening and cracks in the foundation which is a common entry point of subterranean termites when foraging. Sitting or pooling water from poorly draining gutters will also cause unwanted moisture near your house or even water seepage to under the home. Wood damage from the standing water in gutters can also occur. Be sure that gutters and down spouts and splash blocks are directed away from the home.

Since moisture and decaying and rotting wood draws termites as a food source, leaks around and under the home should be repaired immediately. Schedule or do regular maintenance inspections of your plumbing and HVAC to help ensure that everything is working properly and to find potential leaks, moisture build up, or drainage issues both outside and inside of the home. Be sure to check both high and low, from the roof to the crawlspace, when looking for potential wood damage. Check roofs for leaks or have a roofing company perform an inspection for you. Check for any pipes that may show evidence of moisture or leaking. Check around doors, windows and exterior air conditioners for leaks and damaged wood. When making repairs, be sure to remove all rotted wood and replace with pressure treated lumber that is more resistant to rot and may help to prevent future water damage that attracts termites.

Crawlspaces are dark and warm, creating the perfect habitat for termites, and Delaware gets pretty humid during the hot summer months so consider using a Dehumidifier under your home to help regulate and keep humidity and moisture levels down. (Be sure to properly install and that the drainage from dehumidifier is away from the house.) Vapor barriers or moisture barriers in the crawlspace can be very beneficial at keeping moisture levels down. If there is sitting water under the house, it is important to determine the reason and eliminate. Keep foundation vents from being blocked to allow air flow and make sure that dryer ducts are directed away from the house.

For not only termites but for many other pests and rodents, it is helpful to seal up possible entry areas of your home. Termites forage from underground along the edges of house foundations, pavement, pipes, root systems, etc. and use moisture, temperature and shadows from above ground to help them locate a wood source. They will use sheltering mud tubes to search in areas above ground and are able to enter through areas as small as 1/32” inch, so even the tiniest of cracks and openings can be a potential entry point for termites. Seal around utility lines, electric lines, cable lines, water lines, gas lines, plumbing and pipes entering your home from the outside. Since termites are able to find and get through foundation cracks when foraging, it is important to repair and patch any cracks found in your foundation.

INSPECT YOUR HOME FOR TERMITES

Regularly, and at least annually inspect your home. We would recommend doing an inspection of your home twice a year, in the early Spring and early Fall months. This will help you find any potential termite activity, as well as other conducive conditions such as leaks or moisture concerns around your home. During your inspection, Be sure to thoroughly check out all wooden and cellulose based items including your house, sheds and garages, any porches and decks, wooden swing sets, and all wooden fencing and especially any wood that sits directly on soil or is buried in the dirt.

Specifically search around your house foundation for evidence of termite activity and their telltale sign of termite shelter tubes. Termite tubes are made of mud, soil and termite saliva and are used to help protect them from a loss of moisture and from predators and to allow them to stay out of sunlight as they forage.

Don’t forget to check under your house, in your Crawlspace, for termite activity and termite tubes. (Remember to take your trusty flashlight to help you see all corners of your crawlspace). If you have regularly scheduled services for pest control, they will be able to keep an eye under your home for you during your regular services. Annual termite homeowner inspections can also be performed by Integrity Pest Solutions and are warranted against termite activity with a preventative termite treatment service.

PREVENTATIVE TERMITE TREATMENT

Termites are often hard to discover due to their secretive and hidden nature and a termite infestation is often not found until possible damage to the structural integrity of a home, walls, floor joists, and sill plates has already occurred. Liquid Treatments around the exterior of your home offers a protective barrier against termite activity and prevents termites from getting in the home. Preventative termite Treatments usually last five years and are warranted with annual termite inspections. Integrity Pest Solutions provides Preventative Termite treatments and pre construction termite services that often gives piece of mind to homeowners against future termite infestations.

Integrity Pest Solutions is your local, family operated termite and pest control company, serving all of Sussex County, Kent County and the Delaware beaches.

Stinkbugs in your home

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 20:54:39 GMT

STINK BUGS IN YOUR HOME

STINK BUGS IN YOUR HOME - Fall Invaders in September and October

Brown Marmorated Stink bugs are a common pest in Delaware. They are actually an outside pest that make their way into our homes because they cannot tolerate the cold temperatures of winter in Sussex county and Kent county. Due to the habits of stink bugs, September and October is the optimal time to prevent stink bug infestations in your home.

WHY ARE STINK BUGS IN YOUR HOUSE

Stink bugs are usually first seen as soon as the weather warms in the early Spring and they are active generally from March through October, depending on the weather, in sussex and kent counties. You may see them flying around lights or in window sills inside of your home during the first days of 70 degree weather. This is a potential sign that stink bugs overwintered in your home and are now trying to escape to the outside.

As the weather begins to cool and gets in the 50 degree range, stink bugs will start looking for a nice warm place to overwinter. In early Fall, they can often be found on the side of homes as they look for suitable warm, overwintering locations that they need to survive during the winter. Stink bugs are known to enter homes in large numbers that could be in excess of hundreds in a fall season. They will find the perfect overwintering location and then release a aggregation pheromone, a chemical that communicates to other stink bugs, to alert and attract additional stink bugs that are in the same area of the ideal overwintering conditions that they have found to stay.

As with many bugs, stink bugs need warmth to survive during the winter coldness. They will search out a place, many times, a home that is nice and warm, to enter and then they will stay there hidden throughout the winter. During the cold months, usually from October through March, they hibernate, or go into diapause where their metabolism slows, inside of the walls, baseboards, crawlspaces and attics of homes. If there is a nice, warm day during the winter, you may see one or two venture out but for the most part, they will remain there hidden away and overwinter for the duration of the cold months. Once they sense the longer days and warm weather temperatures, they will again reappear and start looking for away out of your home in order to get to the outside.

Infestations of stink bugs are common in homes that are near fields, fruit orchards and ornamental plants or trees such as holly, eastern redbud, tree of heaven, cherry, walnut, and grape. These are food sources for stink bugs so homes that are near these locations may become stink bug overwintering sites.

WHY DO WE HAVE STINK BUGS IN DELAWARE

The brown marmorated stink bug is not native to Delaware and they are considered an invasive pest to the United States. They originally came from Japan, China, and Korea and were first identified back in 2001 in Pennsylvania where since then they have become established in 17 states including Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Virginia, and have been found in over 40 states and in Canada. In Delaware, the brown marmorated stink bugs are considered to cause severe agricultural and nuisance problems. They are destructive and can cause damage to crops such as corn, beans and tomatoes, as well as the tree fruit of apple trees, peach trees, and pear trees and they have been known to feed on over 300 different plants in all.

PREVENTING STINK BUGS IN YOUR HOUSE

Due to the habits of stink bugs of entering the home just as the weather begins to cool, preventative services to keep stink bugs out of your home should be scheduled and performed in September and October. Once stink bugs have gained entry and infested your home, they can be harder to treat as they hide inside of areas that cannot be reached easily, as well as due to their diapause state where they do not move around. A preventative service is ideal if your home has had stink bug activity and infestations in past years as they will more than likely return for overwintering.

To help prevent stink bug infestations, It is important to exclude and seal up all potential entry areas. Inspect around your home for any areas that are 1/8” to 1/4” or larger to eliminate where stink bugs could potentially enter. Check that windows, screens, door frames, and vents for cracks and gaps and repair or seal up. Stink bugs will also enter under siding and soffits. In addition, stink bugs are attracted to light, so be sure to turn off lights that may attract stink bugs to your home. If you find any stink bugs in your home, manually remove, just be aware that stink bugs will emit a defensive smell when they feel threatened or are crushed.

Integrity Pest Solutions offers preventative and control services for the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, as well as year round Maintenance Plans for stink bugs. Contact us in September or October to schedule your Preventative stink bug service or Give us a call if you notice stink bug activity in your home.

Integrity Pest Solutions is your local, family owned pest control and termite company, serving all of sussex county, kent county and the beaches in Delaware.

Why Do I Have flies?

Sun, 18 Jul 2021 22:49:04 GMT

Why do I Have Flies?

Control and Prevention of House Flies

House Flies are disgusting and the last place you want them is in your house and around the food that you and your family are eating.

Why are house flies considered one the more dangerous of pests in a home?

House flies are more than just nuisances, they cause food poisoning and diarrhea and are carriers of diseases such as E.coli, dysentery, conjunctivitis and cholera. The common housefly is believed to transmit over 60 different diseases. While flies do help with the deterioration of rotting and decaying matter on the outside and are food to frogs and some birds, their presence inside of the home, in our yards, and on our food is neither ideal or safe.

House flies are commonly found and land on garbage, sewage, dead animals, spoiling food, feces, manure, and many areas that are covered in bacteria, viruses and parasites. They breed, lay eggs and eat in these same areas. Bacteria is then transmitted by the contaminated hairs and the legs of flies onto our food surfaces and through the food that we eat.

If that isn’t bad enough, Houseflies also throw-up or vomit on food, your food, that they land on in order to allow them the capacity to eat. Flies do not have teeth and are only able to eat or “drink” foods in a liquid form. To do this, flies will vomit a mixture of their saliva and enzymes from their stomach onto the desired food to soften and liquefy the food that they intend to eat. Once liquefied, house flies will then suck up the food through their proboscis, in a similar manner to how we use a straw. In addition, flies are known to defecate quite often and, unfortunately, will also, Well, they poop when they land on surfaces including food, counters, table, walls, and, Yes, even when they land on you.

Due to the potential health risks of houseflies in your home, below are some important fly prevention and fly control recommendations to keep your house free of houseflies .

Sanitation, elimination of breeding and harborage sites and Exclusion are all crucial elements to getting rid of housefly infestations.

Sanitation is key to keeping fly activity to a minimum. Flies are attracted to moist, organic matter including rotting food and feces. If sanitation problems and fly breeding areas are not first addressed, it will be extremely difficult to rid the home of a house fly infestation.

-Empty and take trash out of home regularly. Keep outside trash containers away from the home-the farther, the better. Place all trash inside of trash bags. Make sure that all trash containers have a lid and are securely and tightly closed. Clean trash cans regularly.

-Remove all dog feces in your yard regularly (daily removal is ideal). Not only will flies eat the pet waste, they will also breed and lay eggs in your pet’s poo, causing fly populations around your home to grow quickly.

-Store food in covered containers and put away immediately after meals and use. Keep containers covered during outside gatherings and picnics. Clean up all food spills quickly on counters, floors, decks, etc.

-Be sure to throw out rotting fruits or vegetables from inside of the home. We would recommend putting any rotting items inside of a bag and removing to the outside of your home. Check also and remove overripe or rotting foods from gardens and dispose of these in sealed bags inside of the trash.

-Clean dirty dishes from sink daily or be sure to keep dishes rinsed and free of foods.

-Cover compost piles with a plastic layer or barrier that will help prevent house flies from getting to the compost area and breeding.

-For fruit flies, Keep sink drains clean. Rotting food particles and fermented food can build up inside of drains that attract fruit flies. We would recommend using an enzyme drain cleaner, not chemical drain cleaners. For drain flies, be sure to check drains for clogged drains as they are attracted to standing water and breed in the slime that builds up inside of blocked water and sewer or septic pipes.

-For Carrion flies such as blowflies, bluebottle flies, greenbottle flies and flesh flies, Check for and remove any dead or decaying animals inside and around your house. Check garages, attics and basements as possible locations of dead mice, birds and other animals.

Elimination of fly entry. Stop flies from gaining access to your house and remove any potential areas that they may be getting into your home through.

-Keep doors and windows closed and Do not leave open for an extended period of time or ever hold or prop open doors.

-Keep attached garage doors closed.

-Repair holes or tears in screens and seal cracks and gaps around windows and doors. Make sure that screens fit properly.

-Put screens on vents to prevent flies from entering through vent opening.

Removal . If you see a fly in your home, just get out the trusty fly swatter and get rid of it. For every one less fly, there is one less potential for breeding of additional flies. And that can be important as just one female fly can lay 75 to 150 eggs at one time and she can reproduce up to 6 times in her life. In an ideal breeding environment, a housefly egg will grow to an adult in as little as 6 days.

Integrity Pest Solutions offers Fly Management Programs tailored around around each specific home or business and property, Available for both residential and commercial. Call us at 302-858-8629 with any questions you may have or to schedule your free evaluation.

Integrity Pest Solutions is your local, family operated pest control company offering a complete line of termite, pest control, organic and inspection services in Sussex county, Delaware and Kent county, Delaware.

Service Areas

Northern Delaware : Dover, Delaware, Harrington, Delaware, Camden, Delaware, Frederica, Delaware, Felton, Delaware

Western Delaware : Laurel, Delaware, Seaford, Delaware, Bridgeville, Delaware, Greenwood, Delaware

Central Delaware : Georgetown, Delaware, Millsboro, Delaware, Milton, Delaware, Ellendale, Delaware, Lincoln, Delaware

Eastern Delaware & Beaches : Lewes, Delaware, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Bethany Beach, Delaware, Dewey Beach, Delaware, Ocean View, Delaware, Millville, Delaware, Long Neck, Delaware

Southern Delaware : Dagsboro, Delaware, Delmar, Delaware, Frankford, Delaware, Selbyville, Delaware

Common Ants Found In Delaware Homes

Mon, 24 May 2021 18:50:24 GMT

Common Ants Found In Delaware Homes

The Odorous House Ant is a common nuisance pest found in homes and is the most frequently reported ant in Sussex county and Kent county, Delaware houses. Odorous house ants may also be referred to as sugar ants, due to their preferences to sugary foods, or stink ants and coconut ants, because of the smell emitted when they are crushed.

Odorous house ants are native to the United States and are found in all of Delaware. They can be distinguished from other Delaware ants by their 1/6” inch to 1/8” inch size and that they only have one node separating their thorax and abdomen unlike acrobat ants, pavement ants, thief ants and pharaoh ants who have two nodes. Their antenna is bent and has 12 segments and they are brown or black in color. As mentioned above, The odorous house ant is accurately named “odorous” due to the pheromone or chemical they release when they are crushed that gives off a rotten coconut or blue cheese odor.

Sugar ants usually make their way into homes in Sussex county and Kent county, Delaware by traveling on the edges of tree limbs, shrubs and plants, and on utility wires and pipes and from the base of homes at the foundation and home siding. Once they enter your house, they will continue to travel on the edges, usually in a single line of ants, on your counters, cabinets, baseboards, and floors. The odorous house ant often forages in homes after rain when their outdoor food sources may have been washed away or in the fall season when their food source is no longer available and has ran out. Odorous house ants are true tacticians and great opportunists and will also seek out other preferred food sources of sweets and meats to feed the colony. This often leads to an odorous house ant infestation within a home. Their nests can be found both inside and outside of a home and they are commonly found in the walls, floors and in insulation when inside of the home.

An odorous house ant colony also needs moisture for survival and are often found near a water source such as areas of condensation, leaking pipes, damaged or wet wood, or damp Crawlspaces. They will often enter a home that offers a water source when it becomes dry outside or very hot for an extended period of time. After entering the home, they will travel the lengths of pipes and wires through homes, under floors, and in wall voids within a home to forage and locate a food source that will be adequate for them to survive.

Odorous house ant colonies range from hundreds of ants up to tens of thousands of ants in a colony and usually contains more than one active Queen. There may also be multiple odorous house ant colonies within the same structure. Odorous house ants, like pharaoh ants, are also notorious for “budding” or splitting off to start additional colonies when they feel threatened or distressed, making getting rid of them even more challenging. They will also bud naturally and start a sub-colony when the colony becomes large enough. Ant budding causes the ants to scatter and separate and start a new colony from an already established ant colony. The new budded colony or sub colony will already consist of a queen and several worker ants and usually will nest somewhere near the original colony.

In order to keep sugar ants out of your home, eliminate their ability to get food, water and shelter. Seal off openings into your home that allow ants easy entrance such as gaps, cracks or holes around utility pipes and lines, wires, foundation, windows and doors. Keep tree limbs and shrubbery trimmed back and away from touching the home. Since odorous house ants need moisture, Get rid of any moisture and damp areas, repair any leaking water pipes, or HVAC lines, remove wet leaf debris or wet wood from near the home, and check crawlspace for high moisture levels. Lastly, get rid of food that may attract these ants inside by putting away all food or covering food tightly if left out, wiping down tables and countertops, keeping sink empty of dirty dishes and running the dishwasher regularly.

Due to the nature of odorous house ants, they can be difficult to get rid of and manage once they infest a home. They often have more than one colony, bud to create additional colonies when threatened, and can contain huge numbers within each colony posing a problem for many homeowners.

Integrity Pest Solutions offers free evaluations for ant concerns, and will properly identify the type of ant and determine the most effective and safe treatment. One time services and warrantied quarterly services are available to help meet our customer’s unique needs. Call us at 302-858-8629 with any questions you may have or to schedule your free evaluation.

How to Keep Mice Out Of Your House

Sat, 16 Jan 2021 02:39:22 GMT

HOW TO KEEP MICE OUT OF YOUR HOUSE

When it’s cold outside, you come inside to get warm. Mice, like you, search for a place to get out of the cold weather and will come inside of your warm and cozy house to survive and get out of the chilly Fall and Winter seasons. Of course, mice can be found in your home anytime of the year, however, it is more often that you will have mice activity during the colder months.

Once mice gain entry to your house, they will find easy access to all of their other necessities of shelter, food, water and bedding. The warmth of your house also offers the perfect location and protection for mice to mate and quickly increase their populations and numbers inside of your home.

How can you keep mice from getting in your house? The key is to remove potential entry points or places around the exterior of your home and under your house that mice can enter or get through. Check around your home for any openings, holes, gaps or cracks and seal. Also, check your attached garage which is a common entry area for mice. It has been proven that mice can squeeze through a dime size opening so even the smallest of holes of a 1/4” or larger should be removed or closed off.

Most areas can be sealed with general household supplies including caulk, expanding foam, hardware cloth and steel wool or copper mesh. Other items can be purchased rather easily such as concrete, cement crack filler, sheet metal, weather strips, door sweeps, door seals, fill fabric, etc.

Some sealing materials may not be permanent and will deteriorate over time. Continue to check regularly the sealed areas for deterioration and for potential new areas that may need to be sealed. With the reports of increased mice and rat activity in Sussex County and Kent County, Delaware, we would recommend checking your home and property on an annual basis.

Knowing the right areas to look will help you to eliminate the potential of rodent entry into your warm home. Below are common areas to inspect.

-Crawlspace doors. Crawlspace doors should always be kept closed at all times and should fit properly to your house. Seal any gaps around the crawlspace door or replace entirely with a proper fitting Crawlspace door.

-Cellar Doors. Even through uncommon in most homes, Cellar doors should be kept closed and any gaps between doors or around the doors should be sealed.

-Crawlspace Vents. Make sure Crawlspace vents fit properly with no gaps and are screened properly.

-Dryer Vents. Dryer vents should have a screen or vent covering and areas around dryer vent should be sealed properly.

-Pipes/Plumbing/Water lines. Areas around Pipes going into and under home should be checked and sealed. Seal pipes under sinks, around hot water heater, dryers, dehumidifiers, dishwashers, and refrigerators.

-Electrical/TV Cable/Air conditioning/Utility wires and lines. Areas around Electrical wires, TV cable wires, air conditioning conduit and gas lines should be sealed.

-Entry doors. Seal under doors with weather stripping or door sweeps. Seal around door frames. Make sure that there is a proper tight seal around doors.

-Garage doors. Keep garage doors closed when possible. Seal under and on the sides of garage doors with weather stripping. Make sure there is a proper fit and tight seal around the entire garage door.

-Steps. Seal any gaps around and under steps.

-Air conditioning box units. Seal securely around any box air conditioning units.

-Vinyl Siding. Check for gaps at corners of vinyl siding on home and close off. Check bottom areas of vinyl siding near the foundation for gaps and secure.

-Windows. Replace torn screens and broken window glass. Seal around window frames properly.

-Skirting. Seal holes and gaps in mobile home skirting.

-Foundation. Seal cracks in foundation.

-Attic Vents, Attic Fans, Ridge Vents, Gable Vents, and Chimney. Seal properly and screen vents. Install a cap on chimneys.

As part of Integrity Pest Solutions pet and people friendly rodent services, we perform thorough, on-site evaluations and identify potential entry points of mice and rats into your home. Exclusion services and homeowner recommendations are included in our a rodent services and as part our warrantied quarterly maintenance services.

How do you get rid of ants

Mon, 04 May 2020 04:38:58 GMT

How do you get rid of ants

Ants are a common problem in many Delaware homes as the weather begins to warm and ants begin to come out of their dormant or hibernation phase. In April and May when temperatures reach 75 degrees and higher, many Sussex County and Kent County homes will see ants begin scurrying inside of their kitchens and bathrooms. Ants are foraging, looking for the perfect location for their nests that will meet their basic survival needs of food and water and that will provide warmth and shelter during the chilly evenings and rain of Spring. Delmarva homeowners battle 9 different types of ants ranging from the most frequent intruder, the odorous house ant, to the acrobat ant, pharaoh ant, thief ant, and pavement ant, and even the wood tunneling carpenter ant.

Ants are one of the most common pest found in homes according to the NPMA (National Pest Management Association). Ants can also be some of the most difficult of pests to get rid of by homeowners based on their sheer numbers and their ability to quickly relocate their colony due to a perceived threat such as a simple disturbance to their colony or the weather and rain. And with over 12,000 species of ants in the world, most homeowners will at sometime find themselves with the unfortunate task of trying to get rid of ants from their home.

To help homeowners get rid of ants in their home and to prevent ants from getting in their home, below are a few do it yourself (DIY) home recommendations.

-Eliminate food sources. Put away all foods immediately after use. Seal tightly any foods that are left out. Ants are always foraging, and crave sweets and/or proteins to feed their colony.

-Clean up all spills and crumbs immediately. Even the smallest amount of food can attract a scout that may be searching for food.

-Eliminate Pheromone trails. Clean counter tops and all areas that ant activity is present with soap and water or a safe household disinfectant. Ants follow pheromone trails left by their fellow ants to a possible food source.

-Do not leave dirty dishes in the sink or in the dishwasher. Food on dishes will attract foraging ants to the home.

-Seal potential ant entry points. Inspect the home for small cracks, holes and openings on the exterior foundation around the outside of the home and seal to deter ant entry. Ants, and other insects, will enter homes from even the smallest of openings.

-Trim limbs and branches away from your home. Ants will follow tree branches to gain easy access directly into the home.

-Keep vegetation, shrubs and bushes trimmed a minimum of one foot away from your home. Vegetation direct contact to the home can cause moisture build up and poor air circulation to the foundation of your home, as well as create a “bridge” for ants to travel directly into your home.

-Clean pet food and water dishes and the areas around pet foods regularly. Some ants are attracted to pet foods and removal of potential pheromone trails will help eliminate other ants from returning to the pet food dishes.

-Eliminate moisture. Like most pests, ants are attracted to moisture and a water source. Check and fix / remove any leaking pipes, standing water and any rotten or wet wood in or near the home.

If you have ants in your home, contact Integrity Pest Solutions for a free, no obligation estimate and evaluation and to find out more about the service options available for ant control.

Integrity Pest Solutions is your local, family operated pest control company offering a complete line of termite, pest control, organic and inspection services.

Know The Warning Signs Of Termites In Delaware

Sun, 29 Mar 2020 04:29:12 GMT

Know The Warning Signs Of Termites In Delaware

Delmarva is home to a variety of insects but none quite as destructive as the subterranean termite. They can destroy the structural integrity of a home and cause devastating damage over time. It is estimated that these tiny wood munchers cause over 5 billion dollars worth of property damage a year to homes and businesses, according to the NPMA (National Pest Management Association). Unfortunately, Homes in Sussex County and Kent County are at risk to termite infestations due to the amount of humidity, dampness, and the wooded areas common to Delaware. Termites are also often unseen and undetected due to their secretive nature and their aversion to sun light.

To help homeowners safeguard their home against termites, below are common signs of a termite infestation:

-Flying Termites: Often referred to as termite swarmers. Swarming termites are actually termite alates leaving an existing, present colony in search of a new location to start a termite colony. Swarmers are often seen at the end of March through May, however they can be seen any time of the year depending on the right conditions.

-Mud Tubes: Termites do not like the sun and require moisture to survive. They build shelter tubes from the surrounding soil to move through in areas where they are not protected from the light and air. Mud tubes are often found near foundations and in garages, crawlspaces and basements. Mud Tubes are usually the first sign of a possible termite infestation to a homeowner.

-Wood Damage: As termites eat the cellulose, found in wood, they can cause damage that can be seen such as buckling of paint, wood striation, buckling of floors, small holes, soft wood areas, and hollow walls.

-Termite Wings: After termites swarm, they will drop their wings when they start a colony. The discarded wings are often found near light, such as window sills and doors.

-Moisture: Ok, so this isn’t a sign of a termite infestation, however, it is a good indicator that you could get termites. Termites need moisture to survive so if there are leaks, sitting water, decaying or rotten wood, termites can and will thrive.

If you think you have a termite infestation, contact Integrity Pest Solutions for a free, no obligation evaluation at 302-858-8629.

Integrity Pest Solutions is your local, family operated pest control company offering a complete line of termite, pest control, organic and inspection services.

Covid-19 Statement

Sat, 21 Mar 2020 05:06:56 GMT

COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS STATEMENT

During this time of our country’s uncertainty and the new challenges created by the Covid-19 Coronavirus Disease pandemic, Integrity Pest Solutions remains committed to our customer’s and our community’s safety. Integrity Pest Solutions remains Open as an Essential service provider and presently utilizes and/or has implemented the below in an continuing effort to keep our neighbors, customers & community safe.

~Social Distancing-Pest Control services have been & are provided on the exterior of the home. It is in most cases unnecessary to enter the home in order to maintain pest control maintenance.

~In the event of interior service (roaches, rodents), all recommended CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines are followed including maintaining a 6 foot distance and personal protective equipment is & will be used during the service including gloves, masks, shoe covers, and/or suits.

~Service documents will be left at customers door or emailed to customer upon service completion. We ask that customers mail applicable payments in a prompt manner.

~All personnel have been and will follow the hand washing protocol as recommended by the CDC and also keep antibacterial hand sanitizer with them at all times. All personnel follow the covering of mouth and nose during coughing or sneezing.

~All Vehicles are cleaned regularly.

Pest control services in many cases help to protect the health and safety of the public. Many commonly treated pests are carriers of diseases that can pose serious health risk to individuals. Such services may include treatment of roaches who cause food contamination and allergies in homes and businesses, mosquitoes that are carriers of west nile and zika viruses, ticks that cause lime disease, rodents who cause food contamination and diseases, and stinging insects that can cause deadly allergies, as well as treatment of termites, bedbugs, fleas and stored product pests.

For more information on what we and you should do during this time to control the spread of the coronavirus, refer to the cdc.gov website.

As we all maneuver this uncertain and unprecedented event, we feel sure that together we can overcome the crisis, become more united, and provide a safe and healthy environment for our homes and our families. Be safe out there and if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

Thinking About Calling A Pest Control Company?

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 19:17:44 GMT

Thinking About Calling A Pest Control Company?

Read this before you call that Pest Control Company.

So you have some sort of pest and you want to get it out of your house or off your property. Well, let’s take a look at what you should consider before and when you make that call.

Do you like to shop and support local businesses? Not all Pest Control Company’s are truly local. Some companies may be part of a national company or part of a franchise. Local pest control businesses put all of their money back into the same local economy they work and support local organizations, schools and the community where they reside. So make sure you are getting a true local pest control company when you call.

Get more than one quote for your pest concern. Why should you overpay to get the same outcome? I mean, why pay for a company’s overhead if you don’t have to? Find out what each company offers and always do your due diligence before you make an informed decision.

Next, is referral companies like Angie's list, Home Advisor, Yelp, BBB, or any of the others that are popping up every day. They're free you say? Not so fast, someone has to pay them for their services or they would not be in business. In many cases, the listings for these types of referral services are paid for by the pest control company and the ratings are not always accurate. Buyer Beware when using these types of services. In addition, the pest control companies that use and pay for the referral services will more than likely pass these costs on to you. Again, Why overpay?

Let's talk about price for a moment and what to expect. Do you see some ads stating a set price for their service, no matter what your concern? This may be a warning to stay away. Why, you ask? Because, not all pests can be treated in the same way and pest control services are not "one size fits all". For example, Not all homes are the same size or have the same circumstances . Do you live in a 2,500 square foot home with a crawlspace? How about a 1,200 square foot home on a slab? All homes are different, along with different conditions, often referred to as conducive conditions, such as moisture from standing water or poor drainage, or even clogged gutters or gaps in the foundation that should be sealed or fixed. The price for your service should be tailored to your particular home and your specific pest needs.

Now, when you call that local Pest control Company, What should you expect? Besides getting all of your pertinent information, they will discuss your pest concerns. They will set up a time for a sales person or a service technician to come out and see what’s going on in, around and under your home. Most pest control companies offer you a free estimate and evaluation.

Save some money and call a true local company.

Author: Integrity Pest Solutions

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