Fall Season Means Unwanted Critter Guests – Part #5 (Carpet Beetles)

Hello, good humans. This is Hunter; the well educated Loyal Termite and Pest Control K-9 Termite Detective, continuing my series on household pests that would love to spend the winter with you and your family in the comforts of your home. To this group, your home is a much better option than outside in the cold with all the other miserable bugs and frost weary critters.

In the Part #1 blog in this series; I gave you all a “punch list” to follow in order to seal up your home and keep these freeloaders outside! As it gets colder this season, you will be much happier if you have completed this bug prevention “punch list”. Why?  The hopeful “Snow-birds” who want to winter in your home are left outside or harboring in someone else’s home.


The bug of choice this week is another little-understood creature, the Carpet Beetle. It’s interesting to think about the carpet beetle wintering in your home because of the unlimited food supply you provide. Here is a short list of what it will consume in its adult stage, and it’s larvae stage; dried pet food, hides, feathers, felt, lint/hair in return-air ducts, cereals, woolen rugs/clothing, silk, spices, corn meal, potato chips (I like them too), and dead insects. The list goes on. Not too picky are they? Stink Bugs and Lady Bugs; critters I have written about in this series provide plenty of meals for the Carpet Beetle as they become trapped within your interior walls. When they die, the Carpet Beetle is there to clean up the mess. Nice thought isn’t it? Ruff!

Successful control of infestations depends on locating the source of the infestation. It may be a woolen toy stored in the basement, soiled woolen socks in boots, a felt hat on the shelf, as I mentioned; dead insects in walls or attic, bits of dried dog food, or similar materials. If you find infested material, either clean it thoroughly or destroy the item. Be aware of crevices where lint, hair, and food particles have accumulated. These are typical places likely to be infested with Carpet Beetles.

If you are a having yearly problems with these and other overwintering “Snow-bird” critters; you should probably call a professional to evaluate your problem. They will then eliminate your problem before the infestation causes you physical damage, or worse, becomes a health issue. This makes me think of a catchy little tune I have been singing the past couple of months. Maybe you have sung this with me a couple of times. If you have a problem, and this tune comes to your mind, the solution is just a call away.

Who ya’ gonna’ call? Call Loyal!! Remember to hear the “Ghostbusters” tune as you sing, Who ya’ gonna’ call? Call Loyal!!  How about one more time for the Gipper? Who ya’ gonna’ call?  Call Loyal!! You know, the more I sing that tune, the more I want others to sing it and have fun with it like I do.

I haven’t finished this series yet. Stay tuned. Next week,  I’ll provide you with valuable information on another pesky critter that wants to winter with you and your family.

If you have any questions; give us a call, check into our website, or chat with us on social media. Until next time this is Hunter, just wondering, What’s Buggin’ You? Bark at you later, Ruff! Ruff!

Fall Season Means Unwanted Critter Guests – Part #3 (Lady Bugs)

Since I started this blog series on unwanted critter guests wanting to winter in your home; I have gotten some feedback from my Loyal “dog-blog” readers saying that they have noticed certain bugs hanging around the southernmost exposed portion of their home on warm days following cool nights. That is just as I had expected, given last year’s mild winter and this year’s moist spring and summer. Bug populations have flourished and now it’s time for the masses to hunker down for the winter and get excited about the next coming spring. Stink bugs (last week’s blog), Boxelder Bugs (next weeks blog), Spiders (the following week’s blog) and the cute little Lady Bugs (this week’s blog) are the major players from the bug world that are now prevalent in our central Virginia region and are anxious to “Snow-bird” in your home.

If you are a frequent reader of this blog, you should know by now, this is Hunter, Loyal’s Certified K-9 Termite Detective, giving you useful information to prepare you and your family for this year’s winter invasion.

Of all the bug types in this series; the Asian Lady Beetle, better known as the Lady Bug, is probably the tamest of this critter group. I say that because, if you recall, the Stink Bug is a garden and crop enemy #1. In last week’s blog, I spoke of the Stink Bug’s ability to totally destroy whole soybean fields! They will poke holes in any and all fruits and vegetables extracting nutrients, rendering the fruit completely ruined. The Lady Bug, on the other hand, is a garden’s best friend. A large group of Lady Bugs can clear a complete garden of leaf destroying insects like aphids and spider mites. As a matter of fact, the multi-colored Asian Lady Beetle was purposely introduced to the USA as a beneficial insect.


Tell that to folks who have thousands harboring in their home! In Asia, they use cliff faces as overwintering quarters. Here, it is much easier to find a warm home with an easy access to spend a cozy winter. Although they do not reproduce inside a home, there are enough of them living in large groups to inhabit many, many homes in our region.

Once discovered, if they are disturbed in large numbers they will give off a very unpleasant pungent odor. I am told this is pretty funky. Here is a little trick I read about to gather up large numbers and be able to release them unharmed. If you do this; they have the ability to harbor somewhere else before spring comes. They can then do their good work for mankind. Try this: Fit a vacuum cleaner with a stocking. This will gather them all in one spot to be easily released outside.

It is most important that you refer to the first blog in this series; Fall Season Means Unwanted Critter Guests – Part #1 (Rodents). I have compiled a very comprehensive list of “to-dos”, or a punch list if you will, for you to act upon. Complete this list and the unwanted critter guests, or “Snow-birds”, will less likely be spending the winter with you and your family.

If any troublemakers should slip through the cracks; Who ya’ gonna’ call? Call Loyal!! I say; Who ya’ gonna’ call? Call Loyal!! That “Ghostbusters” theme song is one catchy little tune, isn’t it?

Of course, if you have any questions; give us a call, click on our website, or check in with us on social media.

Until next time, this is Hunter, Loyal’s K-9 wiz dog, just wondering; What’s Buggin’ You? I’ll be barking at you again next week. Ruff! Ruff!

Fall Season Means Unwanted Critter Guests – Part #2 (Stink Bugs)

Hi there, Loyal “dog-blog” fans! This is Hunter; continuing my 4 part saga about unwanted critter guests entering your home during fall, and into winter. With the cold weather coming quickly, there are tons of household pests of all varieties wanting to hang around you and your family in the comfort of your cozy home. In part one; I spoke about everyone’s favorite pest, Rodents! I know, that wasn’t funny the first time I said it and it isn’t funny now. This blog will be about another group of home-loving little creatures; Sting Bugs.

By now, I’m sure you all have seen a Stink Bug. They look a little like a tiny armored truck. If you have stepped on one, I know you are familiar with them. As a final gift to you, for the smashing, the stinker let you have a dose of Stink Bug aroma that is hard to forget!

The Stink Bug’s formal name is; brown marmorated stink bug, (BMSB). A native of Asia, the (BMSB) first arrived here in the middle 1990’s. Since then, they have been causing havoc all across the United States. The (BMSB) is a ferocious eater of all forms of vegetation. 2010 was a particularly devastating year in loses all up and down the Atlantic. They destroyed over $37 million of the year’s apple crop. 20% of all of the agriculture in Northern Virginia was wiped out. They have been seen in soybean fields all across Virginia, and have been known to wipe out complete soybean fields!


It is obvious this little creature is a huge problem and there seems to be no immediate relief in sight. 2012 has been a year of record warmth and the (BMSB) completed a full second generation. Some scientists fear we may be seeing a renaissance of (BMSB) in 2013 similar to the watershed year of 2010.

(BMSB)s seek refuge in warm homes during the winter to protect themselves from the harsh weather and dangerous predators. They like to chill-out, as their foods of choice are not available during the winter. Researchers have recently discovered, the prime winter hangout for millions of years has been the loose bark of freshly deceased but still standing trees. The opportunity for refuge now is much greater than just the old tree bark hideout. Today, if they have to, will harbor in loose siding or other similar little hide-outs. However; when it comes to their winter spot of choice; it is in the dark quiet reaches of your warm and cozy home.

In part one of this series, I wrote out a comprehensive list, or punch list if you will, for my readers to prepare their homes and protect against the entry of these uninvited house guests. Refer to lasts week’s Hunter’s Blog – Part #1 (Rodents), to get that list. If you complete the list, your chance of having (BMSB)s spend the winter with you and your family will be greatly reduced.

Of course, if you need a professional pest control service, “Who ya’ gonna’ call? Call Loyal!! You should be aware, by now, of the tune to hum these words to; so we’ll do it one more time to that tune; Who ya’ gonna’ call? Call Loyal?

If you have any questions; give us a call, check out our website, or contact us through social media.

Until next time, this is Hunter, Loyal’s K-9 Termite Detective, wondering; What’s Buggin’ You? I’ll bark at you again next week. Ruff! Ruff!

 

Pest Control in Restaurants – Common Challenges / Effective Methods

Hello, my faithful “dog-blog” friends. Thank you for joining me, Hunter, once again for a small dose of pest control wisdom. The majority of my blogs are to do with Residential pest control. This week and next, I am touching on Commercial pest control; a very important part of Loyal’s business model. We are very fortunate to have working relationships with many of Richmond’s finer restaurants and have for many years. A solid pest control management program is essential to the overall success of any restaurant.

If proper pest control measures and precautions are not taken, health and financial risks can become a huge problem in the restaurant business. Pest control in food industry facilities is slightly more challenging than residential pest control due to the public nature of restaurants; including public health, reputation, effective management, and the nature of food processing.


Common Challenges:

Sanitation: The primary concern in a restaurant is public health. With all the hustle and bustle that occurs daily; insects can accidentally get processed into, or their feces or saliva can come in contact with food (now that is a gross thought, isn’t it?). With the potential to pass E. coli, staph or food poisoning on to customers; flies and cockroaches alone make up 95 different kinds of bacteria and human diseases.

Reputation: In order to keep customers satisfied and returning to their establishment, restaurants must provide them with a reliable product. If the customer’s safety is compromised, then the reputation of a restaurant can be easily tarnished, especially when there is a lack of responsible pest control.
Comfort and Safety: Due to the use of harmful chemicals that can permeate the air and get in contact with food prep areas, pest control in food industry settings can pose a health risk to customers if not handled carefully. Visible pest control, such as insect catchers, traps or bait may tip off customers that there is a pest issue. Efficient pest control in restaurants involves unobtrusive methods that will aid restaurants in offering a safe comfortable environment for their customers.

Effective Pest Control Management Methods for Restaurants:

Educate staff: It is important that managers and food handlers are well informed about the risks of pests. Checklists can be used to keep track of machine and utensil servicing. Employees need to know about pest infestation signs to look out for; (dirt tracks, eggs, etc.), common nesting material, and the presence of insects that may appear harmless. Basically, the staff needs the tools and awareness to be on top of pest problems.

Keep everything as clean, dry and inaccessible as possible: If pests do not have access to the facilities, or water or food, they will not be a problem. Food processing equipment has to be properly cleaned and food garbage bags have to be secure. The dumpster area has to be maintained as that is a big draw for rodents.

Conduct regular pest inspections: There has to be monthly inspections of the facility. A manager should note the date and time of these inspections with attention to the temperature in the food processing area, building integrity issues, general sanitation practices, etc. If problems do exist there needs to be a record and other important details. Vents and screens need to be checked so that air intake and circulation systems are working properly and are well maintained. A manager can perform these frequent inspections as part of his job description or a professional pest control company can do them.

Do you feel a song coming on? Who ya’ gonna’ call? Call Loyal!! I say, Who ya’ gonna’ call? Call Loyal!! Now that sounds pretty good to me! It’s what we do!

I hope you enjoyed the information in this week’s blog. You may not own a restaurant but I’m sure you eat in a bunch of them. It is important that your favorite restaurant practice all of these pest control management principals.

If you have any questions; please contact us. So, until next time, this is Hunter, Loyal’s K-9 Termite Detective just wondering, What’s Buggin’ You?

I’ll be barking at you again next week. Ruff! Ruff!

Loyal Termite and Pest Control – Year End Review (2012)

First of all, I hope you all had a very Happy Holiday, chock full of presents and cheers. I also hope you were able to spend a lot of quality time with your loved ones, family and friends. As usual, my family, Daddy Nick and Mama Gena Lupini had tons of food and goodies for everyone; and that includes lots of goodies for me and my “brother” dog Murdoch.

We had home and home visits with Nick’s parents (Patriarch and Matriarch), PaPa Joe and Ms. Peggy; sister Kim Lupini Williams and her husband Chris; and many of the extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins. If you remember, I am a rescue pet (RP) and unfortunately, have no known K-9 family. I am thankful the Lupinis’ adopted me and have given me a warm and loving home. This time of year, especially, is when we all should reflect on our good fortune, family, and the love around us.

I hope your 2012 was happy and prosperous. I am happy to report, thanks to you; our Loyal clients and friends, Loyal Termite and Pest Control had a very good year. Not only in overall revenue but we were able to experience a little growth spurt by adding 4 new technicians in 2012. The Lupinis’ will be the first to say that, without the hard work and dedication to duty of all our technicians, inspectors, and staff we would not have been in a position to hire 4 more employees. In doing so, Loyal actively contributed to the local economy and the betterment of our community as a whole.

The principal of our company is to first and foremost, serve the termite and pest control needs of our clients. We do this in the most responsible way known in our industry; always privy to the latest safety control, and material (chemical) control standards.

In wrapping up this 2012 year; the Lupinis’ and me, Hunter, Loyal’s exclusive K-9 Termite Detective and author of this “dog-blog” series What’s Buggin’ You?, wish you all a Very Happy New Year!! I’ll bark at you again next year!! Ruff! Ruff!  

Fall Season Means Unwanted Critter Guests – Part #4 (Box elder Bugs)

Hello, Loyal friends and “dog-blog” fans! Welcome back for another chapter of my series entitled Fall Season Means Unwanted Critter Guests. First off, I and all my family and colleagues here at Loyal Termite and Pest Control hope you and your family have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

I want to be as thorough as I can in giving equal time to all of our regional pests that enjoy their winters spending quality time in the comfort of your warm and cozy home. I say all; however, the critters I write about in this series are the prominent offenders in this group.

This week’s blog is about a bug that is often seen but little understood, the Boxelder Bug. They are named after their primary food source, the Box Elder tree. They can also be found on Ash trees, Maple trees, Cherry trees, and a variety of seed-bearing plants. They feed by sucking the sap from the leaves, shoots, and seeds of the host plant. I am happy to report, they are harmless to humans, and they do very little damage to the plants they feed on. The adults are approximately ½ inch in length, black in color, with red-rimmed wings. When the seasonal climate conditions are just right, Boxelder bugs will reproduce at a prolific rate. They are considered a structural invading pest because of the large numbers, and their sneaky ways, to get into a structure. Experts consider this bug more of a nuisance than a pest.


And what a nuisance they can be. I mentioned in my prior blogs that this group of bugs likes to hang out on the warm sunny side of a structure after cool nights. The Boxelder is probably the bug that practices this habit more than Stink Bugs or Lady Bugs. They love to hang out in large numbers sunning while looking for any cracks or crevices in bricks or siding to shelter in. If they are able, they will slide into a crack and hope it leads them to the ultimate “promised land”; the inside of your home!

If they do get in, they will find a comfortable spot to hide out and hibernate. However; even during the coldest winter, if the sun is out and the temperature rises slightly, Boxelder Bugs will emerge and hang out on the inside of the warm sunny windows. There is nothing creepier than to see 100’s of bugs hanging around on the inside of your windows. One shining fact is that this over-wintering group of bugs does not reproduce within buildings – Yaaaaaaaa!!! If you see them gathered in large numbers inside your home, hit them with the vacuum and take the bag or canister outside to empty.

A simple fact is if you grow Box Elder, Maple, or Ash trees on your property, adjacent to, or even in your neighborhood, you are a likely target for a Boxelder Bug infestation.
Remember to refer to the Part #1 blog in this series and complete the “punch list” I have provided. If you do, you will seal up your home and be assured these and other “Snow-bird” freeloaders will not enter and winter with you and your family!

If a situation should arise where you are simply outsmarted by the Boxelder Bugs, or others, this fall, and into the winter, you know who to call, Call Loyal! We can all do better than that. You know the “Ghostbusters” tune; Who ya’ gonna call? Call Loyal!! I say, Who ya’ gonna’ Call? Call Loyal!! I hope you will remember this little ditty if you are ever in need of responsible professional pest control. I’m a dog and I can’t shake it!

I’m going to extend this series with at least two more blogs. With that; you, your friends, and family will have good information to prepare your home and be pest responsible.

If you have any questions; give us a call, jump on our website, or check in with us on social media.

This is Hunter, Loyal Termite and Pest Control’s Certified K-9 Detective saying thank you for joining me once again for another weekly edition of my blog “What’s Buggin’ You?” I’ll bark at you again next week. Ruff! Ruff!

Fall Season Means Unwanted Critter Guests – Part #1 (Rodents)

The fall season is a beautiful time a year. I love taking car rides with Daddy Nick and Mama Gena with my head out the window, breathing the cool air, and looking at the pretty foliage colors. As the warm days and cool nights turn to cooler days and colder nights, there are armies of unwanted critter guests strategizing where and how they can get relief from the cold weather and enjoy the comforts of a nice warm household. The biggest prize imaginable for these critters is a warm home with easy access; that has plenty of water and food to last them all winter. Guess what, my Loyal “dog-blog” friends and fans; the critter paradise mentioned here could be the homes of most of you reading this blog.

Hello everyone, this is Hunter; taking this doggone opportunity to educate you, your families, and friends about the various pest “snow-birds” that are anxious to spend the winter with you and your family. This first blog, or Part #1 of this series, is about everyone’s favorite pest (just kidding), Rodents.

Personally, I can’t stand these little critters. Fortunately, because I am a termite detective, I am not exposed to rodent detection and elimination. However, there are very experienced and competent technicians here at Loyal Termite and Pest Control that are well equipped to take care of any rodent infestation problem; in a residential or commercial environment.


Late autumn and early winter is a prime time for rodent infestations because they are seeking shelter from the cold and easy access to food. Rodents (primarily the house mouse), invade an estimated 21 million homes each year. Once inside, they can create more than just an unpleasant infestation. There is a real concern that these pests can cause property damage and carry disease. They can chew through wood and electrical wires; in some cases sparking house fires. Mice and rats; spread Salmonella and Hantavirus disease by contaminating food and preparation surfaces. Unfortunately, these pests don’t need much space to get inside your home. A hole about a dime in diameter is enough room for them to squeeze through. Pest- proofing is an easy chore to put on the back burner, but it is important for you homeowners to spend some time over the next few weeks and take steps to protect your properties from these dangerous pests.

Make a copy of these pest-proofing tips. They should be followed closely:

  • Seal cracks and crevices on the outside of the home using caulk and steel wool. Pay close attention to where utility pipes enter the structure.
  • Install door sweeps and repair damaged screens.
  • Screen attic vents and openings to chimneys.
  • Replace loose mortar and weather stripping around the basement and foundation.
  • Eliminate all moisture sites, including leaking pipes and clogged drains.
  • Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house; keep shrubbery well trimmed.
  • Keep outside cooking areas and grills clean.
  • Do not leave pet food or water bowls out overnight.
  • Keep bird feeders away from the house and use squirrel guards to limit access to the feeder.
  • Rodents can hide in clutter, so keep areas clear and store boxes off the floor.
  • Use thick plastic or metal garbage cans with a tight lid and keep sealed at all times.
  • Inspect items such as boxes full of decorations and grocery bags before bringing them indoors.
  • Store food in thick metal or plastic containers with tight lids.
  • Clean up spilled food immediately and wash dishes and cooking utensils soon after use.
  • If you find rodent feces, hear sounds of scurrying in the walls, or observe other signs of a rodent infestation, contact a licensed pest professional to inspect and treat the pest problem.

 

Folks, it’s time for that song again. I just can’t get this catchy tune out of my head when it comes to recommending a competent and trustworthy pest professional: Now, to the tune of “Ghostbusters” join me; Who ya’ gonna’ call?  Call Loyal!! Perfect, one more time; Who ya’ gonna’ call? Call Loyal!!
Now that’s music to my little floppy ears!!

As always, if you have any questions about rodents or any other pesky pests; give us a call (804-737-7777), check out our website @www.loyalpest.com, or chat with us on social media.

Next week I will continue this series on fall’s unwanted “Critter Guests”. For now, this is Hunter, your Loyal K-9 Termite Detective wondering; What’s Buggin’ You? Ruff! Ruff!

Loyal Team All Stars – All Star Review (3)

When you’re composing a blog once a week; time sure seems to fly by. As I promised when I started writing this “dog-blog” 30 weeks ago; every 10th week, What’s Buggin’ You? is going to go into extra innings and honor our Loyal employees. I consider my “doggie” self to be the Loyal team mascot, which is fine with me. The day to day hard work is performed by our inspectors, technicians, and administrative personnel. The Lupinis’ are proud of the effort everyone around here puts into their job. We all work towards one common goal; to completely satisfy the termite and pest control needs of our Loyal customers.

The following unsolicited testimonials are sent in by both our dedicated existing clients, as well as, the brand new clients we service on a daily basis. As I mentioned in the first two All-Star Reviews; testimonials are read by our company President, my Daddy, Nick Lupini at our Friday morning meetings. Each reading is followed by a nice round of applause. This is always the highlight of our company meetings. Enjoy:

“We have had Thomas (Wood) for years and we just love him! I could just take Thomas and keep him! My husband loves him, my mother that lives with us just loves him, and we really appreciate him!” A.J.

It’s all about the love!

“Cory (Bangert) did a great job – very reassuring. He had a great attitude and is a delightful person. We are looking forward to him doing our next service. He is an asset to your company.” A.B.

 

From receptionist: This lady, C.G., had many nice things to say about Lee (Gilbert) and even bought one of his books.

Lee has written several books; among them poetry, narrative, and technical. He’s a pretty smart guy; just ask him. Kidding Lee, I’m just kidding!

From receptionist: Ms. J.S. called to thank Patrick (Fitzgerald) for letting her know about a leak in her crawl space. He also called her back to make sure she knew the details of the leak. She wants his supervisor to know her appreciation for such a conscientious employee.

A note to our Vice President, my Mama, Gena Lupini: D.D. wants to tell us how amazing our company is from the phone calls to the technician. She is over the top happy. We have an absolutely wonderful company and employees.

I got extra treats the day she received that message!

This is another one to Ma Ma.

B.K., the school owner, wanted to make sure I post something that Tony (York) was phenomenal to deal with. He took his time and explained in detail the treatment method, the chemical used, everything. This gentleman is a very happy customer!

From receptionist: My technician, Josh (Desper), was very informative. I liked him very much. She would like him to be her technician from now on. M.M.

The following is a handwritten note mailed to our office:

Rhonda (Grubbs),  I appreciated your help in scheduling a quick solution to my “flea” problem. It was a horrible week for me, and you changed that to a better day!!,
Many, Many, Many, Thanks L.M.

Call in: L.K. w/ (Real Estate Co.) really appreciated Sunny (Anderson). He said “she helped them out a lot and she is an asset to the company. “Sunny made them a customer for life. He will use us for all his termite inspections from now on because of Sunny.”

And finally an email to Daddy Nick: This last one really surprised me when Daddy Nick read it in our meeting. It made me waggle my tail with joy, and pant with excitement!

“I just Love Hunter’s Blog. This is obviously a very intelligent, adorable little dog.”

Thanks for joining me this week. If you need termite or pest control, Who ya’ gonna’ call? Call Loyal!! I say, Who ya’ gonna’ call? Call Loyal!!  Think of this phrase to the tune of “Ghostbusters.”!! Remember it? I love this little tune. I hope you do. Ruff! Ruff!

Essential Pest Control in a Warehouse

Hello Loyal blog readers. This is Hunter; once again passing on some useful pest control knowledge to you and other interested “dog-blog” fans like yourself. Of course, you know by now that Loyal Termite and Pest Control is a full-service pest control company serving residential, commercial, and industrial clients. Last week I covered the importance of having a sound pest plan when operating a restaurant. We have many restaurants in the Richmond area as customers and are very proud to serve them all.

Pest control in warehouses is also a very important business segment for us, and by its nature is a very big challenge. Various types of pests, animals, and insects can plague a warehouse. Commercial warehouse clients know how valuable it is to treat warehouses and facilities effectively. Food stocks and other perishable items add to the difficulty of treating warehouses. There are 6 steps in protecting storage and making sure that a warehouse is free from pest infestations.


  • Assessment. This is the initial step to create an effective pest control program. This can be a complicated job. Special attention is given to entry points, food sources, water sources, shelter areas, and employee and customer corners. An assessment is made in all areas in a warehouse-like cafeteria, pantry, janitorial closets, storage rooms, utility rooms, comfort rooms, and shipping and receiving areas.
  • Examine building design. After the thorough assessment and identification of existing and possible problem areas, the next thing to do is find out the building’s customer and employee traffic areas and the number of individuals going in and out of the building every day. An inspection of entry areas such as pedestrian doors, electrical conduits, overhead doors, water sources, and exterior perimeters including dumpster areas, fence lines, storage buildings, is essential.
  • Pest ID. Each type of pest has a different treatment depending on the reaction of the pests to each treatment type. Information is gathered from employees to get precise information about the pests to watch for to prevent further infestations and to monitor current problems.
  • Customized programs. Each warehouse has its own characteristics and requires a different pest control program from the other. Factors to consider are location, the age of the building, weather, size of the warehouse and many other factors. In order to develop the best pest management program for each warehouse a complete inspection and break down of the facilities is required, as well as, a candid discussion with employees.
  • Sanitation. The bottom line in every pest control and a maintenance plan is sanitation. The success of any pest control program depends on sanitation in the warehouse. Service record logs, application records, sightings log, and a sanitation report is essential for a pest control plan to be effective. This will help prevent health risks and financial and legal problems connected with pests’ invasion.

 

Integrated Pest Management (IPM): (The Loyal Way)

Integrated pest management (IPM) is pest control that uses inspection, records, sanitation, elimination, traps, pest monitors, and chemicals (only if necessary). Combining these techniques will provide a program that will eliminate pests. This approach used in controlling pests centers on sanitation and prevention. Employees are taught the right practices and correct strategies on pest control. The IPM approach minimizes the use of dangerous chemicals and other harmful materials.

Of course, if you or any of your friends or associates are in need of a responsible pest control solution, remember we are just a call away. I feel a song coming on, do you? Glen, come over here and join me for this one. Here we go, Who ya’ gonna’ call? Call Loyal!! One more time, Who ya’ gonna’ call? Call Loyal!!  I love that song! Thanks Glen

Thank you for joining me this week. I hope you caught a few new ideas that you can use in your personal pest control management program. If you have any questions; give us a call, check out our website (loyalpest.com), or contact us through social media.

Until next time, this is Hunter your Loyal K-9 Termite Detective wondering; What’s Buggin’ You? I’ll bark at you later. Ruff! Ruff!

Love Your Pets? – So do Ticks and Fleas (Part #1)

Ticks and fleas are probably the worst part about being a dog. I am a family pet, as well as, a hard working Termite Detective and live in a warm and loving home. It’s a beautiful thing. I have a great life and wouldn’t change it for all the treats in the world. But when it comes to ticks and fleas; sometimes I wish I was a fish.

This is my 26th dog-blog. I’m sure you know by now that I am Hunter, Loyal Termite and Pest Control’s exclusive K-9 Termite Detective. I have been writing this weekly blog, I refer to as info-entertainment, for the enjoyment of our Loyal fans, clients, and friends. In other words, the content is directed to human adults. This and next week’s blog are dedicated to all the loving pets out there; dogs, cats, and all other pets. Fish don’t get fleas and ticks (lucky suckers), so really this is directed to all the hairy pets out there.


I wrote a What’s Buggin’ You? blog last month that spoke of the danger to humans that tick bites and Lyme disease can cause. This blog is specifically about ticks and pets and the physical danger ticks can cause pets. Next week’s Part #2 blog will be about fleas and pets.

As a pet owner, you know it is important to provide your pet with regular exercise, a nutritious diet and lots of love and affection. But you also have a responsibility to protest your pet from health risks, such as those posed by pests. Ticks can make your pets sick and can lead to infestations in your home.

Ticks can be especially dangerous for pets, particularly animals that spend any amount of time outdoors, such as dogs, cats, rabbits, and horses. As with humans, ticks can also transmit Lyme disease to some pets. In dogs, symptoms of Lyme disease can include fever, decreased appetite, swollen and painful joints, lameness or limping, lethargy and swollen lymph nodes. In serious cases, pets with Lyme disease can develop kidney disease. I lost a good friend to this. “Buster”; he was a good old dog.

In addition to Lyme disease, ticks can also cause “tick paralysis” in pets. Tick paralysis occurs when a female tick attaches near a pet’s spinal cord, causing muscle weakness, loss of coordination and in some cases, death from respiratory failure as chest muscles become paralyzed. I sometimes roll around in my doggie bed and have nightmares about this happening to me or my brother.

Pets that spend a lot of time outdoors, especially in wooded areas or tall grasses, are more susceptible to ticks. However, other animals can carry ticks into yards, allowing pets to pick them up without ever leaving your property. Ticks can then hitch a ride on your pet and get in your home, where they can bite humans and other pets; except fish of course. Now that I think of it, when I have friends over to play in my backyard, I notice Mama Gina petting them with a keen eye.

Be sure to practice responsible pest management by adhering to a few simple rules:

  • After walks or playtime outside, inspect your pet thoroughly. Brush their coat to remove any debris or insects; be especially vigilant if your pet has been in wooded areas or high grasses, where pests thrive.
  • Bath dogs regularly, using a shampoo that kills pests. This dog likes a good bath!
  • If your pet has long hair, consider having them groomed in the spring and summer, when pests are most prevalent. Not only will this help to prevent insects from latching onto their long hair, it will help you spot any that do and also help your pet keep cool during the warmest time of the year.
  • If you notice a change in your animal’s behavior, such as a lack of appetite or decrease in energy, take them to your veterinarian ASAP. This could be a sign of Lyme disease or other health issue caused by pests.
  • Keep your lawn cut short and gardens well maintained to prevent breeding grounds for pests. Ticks often hide in tall grasses.
  • If you find a tick on your pet, remove it immediately, being careful to extract the head and mouthparts completely.
  • If you suspect your home is infested with ticks, contact a licensed pest professional.

I feel a song coming on, Who ya’ gonna’ call? Pestbusters!!  One more time, Who ya’ gonna’ call? Call Loyal!!

Look for next week’s edition; Love Your Pets? – So do Ticks and Fleas (Part #2)

Thank you for joining me this week. If you have any questions, give us a call, go to our website, or check us out on social media.

Until next time, this is Hunter, Loyal’s K-9 Termite Detective, asking, What’s Buggin’ You? Bark at you later. Ruff! Ruff!