Bug Bizz Quarterly

A publication of Emergency Pest Patrol, LLC.

Winter

 December       -       January       -       February 

                Hard to believe, 2012 is here! In this Winter issue, we’ll cover the rodent cycle and Subterranean termites. The sites and sounds of these damaging pests, what to do and what we offer.

          In the winter, Roof rats, raccoons and opossum will seek warmth and shelter in our homes and offices. Roof rats are the most common invader. They are locally called Fruit or Citrus rats because of the damage they cause to citrus fruit. Once in, they usually nest in the attic and have their winter litter of 4 to 8 surviving pups. You’ll hear them running around, chewing on things and dragging things around. Once the little ones are old enough, you’ll hear them chatting. If a nest is established, you either have to trap them out or wait for the offspring to mature and leave. Some words of advice. If you don't catch them, they'll be back next fall as they return to what they call home. If you bait them, which we never recommend, plan to be out of town for awhile, phewwwww! Sealing the opening is not to be considered until the wildlife is gone, otherwise you could have some horrible after affects. You could seal them in, forcing the animals to possibly enter into your space for food and water. You could accidentally seal them out and unfortunately, the urge to nurture their offspring will cause them to take drastic measures to get back in. Both cause damage that could have been avoided by catching them first.
          The most common point of passage is the AC shield. They are nearly all open at the bottom providing the rat easy access into the attic or between floors. Rats, raccoons, opossum, squirrels and even snakes use this passage. If you know you have rat activity, place snap traps at this point of passage. Use peanut butter, candy, pizza or whatever attracts. Be sure to wash your hands prior to touching any traps. If you’ve contacted your pet, the animal will smell your pet and avoid it. If you smoke, nicotine is repellent. If you don’t have activity, we recommend you seal it as a preventative. Please confirm nothing is passing, before you consider this! Place some sponges, bags or other movable items in the base of the shield. Wait a week and check. If nothing has been moved, you’re probably clear to seal. If you're doing the AC shield yourself, it’ll cost about $15 in materials and about a half an hour to seal it. We charge $75 for the first sheild and $25 for each additional. We use ¼” galvanized wire mesh stuffed up in the opening. Then duct tape the bottom for a nice clean seal and foam with Great Stuff, found at your neighborhood hardware store. Prevention is considerably less expensive than correction, which averages about $350 from us.

Wildlife removal is on sale! Go to seasonal specials to get the call in code.

          Subterranean termites swarm in the spring during the day. The swarm occurs usually between 10am and 3pm, unlike Drywood termites and ants that swarm during the night. Knowing when they swarmed is one way of knowing what you have. In the winter, Subterranean termites aggressively prepare for this annual swarm by climbing up the inside of your walls to place the swarmers as high as possible. This process is to increase the odds of a successful procreation swarm. 
          Just prior to the swarm, look for sand spots on your walls. Since they enter through expansion joints or cracks in the slab, look mostly at the outer walls of your home or at areas where your home has been modified, like room additions. Also, since they require a lot of water, plumbing areas are hot spots too. Look from floor to ceiling.
          If you see these sand spots, expect a swarm. Note: Subterranean termite swarmers are harmless. Subterranean termites don’t bite, sting or get into your furniture. If they swarm inside, they will all die without your help! When the swarming stops, the problem is not over because the workers, not the swarmers are what's doing the damage and they work 24/7/365! Also Note: The absence of a swarm, does not mean you don’t have them. You can have them for years and not have a swarm. 
          This is why we recommend an inspection. If you don’t have them, awesome! Good news! This species can be prevented. If you do have them, sorry! But you’re not alone. Every home will get them at some point, if you don't get treatments.
          Call for our free inspection. If we confirm live activity, we’ll offer 4 choices. Spot treat the affected area only, spot treat the affected area and offer you our STOP renewable treatment program, fully treat the entire home or if your home meets our qualification check list, fully treat and we’ll offer you repair coverage too.
          For full treatments, we currently use the Termidor Perimeter Plus™ system to correct and prevent Subterranean termites. It’s the most effective and proven system known to date.
          If you have any questions about rats, raccoons, opossum, armadillo, squirrels, termites or any other pest, please feel free to call or email questions@emergencypestpatrol.com anytime. We are here to help. Don't see your target in our library? Attach a picture to your email. We'll identify it and prescribe a solution. 
          Did you know, Subterranean termites do more damage annually than most natural disasters and your homeowners insurance does not cover their damage? Why not get protected today?                 
          Thanks to all of you who have helped us through the years by referring friends and family. We grew 17% in 2011, thanks to you. We sincerely appreciate you and your confidence in us! Now, stop reading and go educate your friends before it’s too late! 
                  Happy New Year!!!!!                                                                                                                        Curtis Rudolph
                     Founder

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