How to Handle Bedbug Infestations in Orange County
When it comes to common household pests, there may be none more upsetting than bedbugs. These little bloodsuckers are enough to make anyone skittish, and are notoriously tough to eliminate. At Preferred Pest Control, bedbugs are actually something we specialize in handling. Here’s a quick guide on identifying signs of an infestation, and what to do if you suspect you’ve got one. Identifying Bedbugs in Your Home Bedbugs are very tiny insects, but still large enough to be seen with the naked eye. They range from about 1/8” to 1/5” in length, with a broad, flat, roughly oval-shaped body, and are usually some shade of red or brown in color. ...
No Kitten Around: What You Need to Know about Rodent Control
We’re not “kitten” around! Even though it’s been widely portrayed that cats are a great way to regulate rodent control, when you have a real rodent problem as a resident in Orange County, you may want to take matters into your own hands. Although our trusted tabby is known to catch unwanted mice and rodents, it’s safer to allow our trust team at Preferred Pest to help you get control over your rodent problem! It’s no surprise that Orange County is home to a wide range of rodent species. There are over a dozen varieties of mice and rats alone – not to mention various squirrels and the occasional chipmunk. ...
How to Keep Beetles Out of Your Home
It doesn’t take much to make a beetle happy – warmth, shelter from the elements, and just a bit of food. That’s why human homes are so appealing to them. As pest control specialists, we know this all too well. Here are a few of our top tips for keeping beetles out of your house or apartment: Keep Your Living Space Clean Like most household pests, beetles have a remarkable sense of smell. This makes it quite easy for them to detect even trace amounts of food or garbage – and to a beetle, there’s generally no difference between the two. Beetles will enter your home if they detect food, ...
What You Need To Know About Termite Control in Orange County
Spring is nearly here, and with it comes warm weather, sunny skies, and uncontrolled termite reproduction. We’re sorry about that last part, but it’s important to know. The truth is, nearly every year, we see an uptick in termite infestations in Orange County during the warmer months. That’s why we’ve put together a primer on termite control, including an overview of termite habits and some preventative tips you can take today. Where do Termites Live? Termites thrive in warm and humid environments – bad news for those of us in southern California. They maintain tunnel-based colonies that can range from as few as several individuals to as many as one million or ...
Please, No Fleas! Why There’s an Outbreak in Orange County
Orange County Flea Outbreak Seriously, you’re telling me these fleas won’t go away? Your poor pup may be looking at you like you’re crazy. Unfortunately, the slightly cooler weather in Orange County doesn’t necessarily mean fleas are going away. In fact, according to the CDC, illnesses from fleas as well as mosquitos and ticks have more than tripled between 2004 and 2016. And, unfortunately, LA County residents are seeing the results. The City of Angels and surrounding areas within the county have fallen victim to a recent Typhus outbreak instigated by fleas nestled in hosts none other than the opossum. This is unusual considering fleas typically are known to live ...
Orange County Residents – Need to Get Rid of Silverfish?
Orange County residents and homeowners most likely have encountered silverfish scurrying on their kitchen floors, in and around pantries, or up in the attic. Virtually any place that is cool and damp is bound to attract these silvery, three-tailed flat insects. Although these tiny, wingless creatures are relatively harmless to humans, anything starch-based is fair game; we’re talking not just starch foods but fabrics, paste, wallpaper, and books. Also, interesting fact: contrary to popular belief, silverfish are not known to carry diseases. Since silverfish are starch lovers, they can eat and damage such starch-concentrated items found around homes. So how do Orange County suburbanites save their starch foods and products ...
Ants, Common Orange County Pests
One common Orange County pest that residents may see in their homes and lurking around gardens is none other than, ants. Argentine ants, especially, are attracted to sweet foods, making sweet blossoms and fruits in gardens prime targets. Not to mention, leftover crumbs on counters and floors is a calling card for ants already in search of an escape from damp or hot weather. It is when ants find relief in homes that homeowners are in for trouble. Orange County Ant Infestations Cause Trouble for Homeowners Ant infestations not under control are a nuisance at best, and a fiasco at worst, especially when it comes to carpenter ants and fire ...
How to Avoid the Inevitable Gnats & Flies in Orange County
With one of the worst droughts in Orange County thankfully behind us, west coast residents and homeowners are now faced with a new annoyance – pesky fungus gnats and crane flies looming in and around their homes. Both are a nuisance but it’s fungus gnat larvae that cause real damage to plant roots. But that’s not all that Southern California homeowners need to be aware of. In recent years, a study confirmed California is the permanent new home to roughly 9 types of crop-destroying fruit flies. The Mediterranean fruit fly, a well-known annoyance to Orange County residents, is one of them. But residents don’t have to endure the persistent buzzing. ...
Bees and Wasps + Other Sting Insects
While spring is nearly gone, bees and wasps are here to stay—that is until the season for such sting insects tails off in late fall. What this means for Orange County residents and homeowners? Be on the lookout for buzzing in walls and around the house, as bees can (and have) nested in the home. In fact, one North Virginia building recently contained as much as 70,000 bees and 100 (whopping) tons of honey—fortunately, it was abandoned! However, a non-abandoned residential house in New Jersey was not as lucky; homeowners found 30,000 bees buzzing in their walls. While both situations happened on the east coast, it’s important to note that ...
Be Prepared for Spring
How to Prepare for Pests this Spring The “New Year” is upon us! Whether you’re out shopping for health foods, joining a gym, or organizing your time – whatever your resolution is, we hope you’re sticking to it! But can you believe that spring is just a season away? As it steadily approaches, it’s best to be proactive and get prepared now versus when the pests are already at your door. In this article, you’ll learn about one of the most common pests in Southern California regions, plus, what you can do to prevent this pest (and others) from coming and staying in your home when springtime hits. Meet the Earwig Resembling ...