Rodent Proofing your Home

February 16th, 2012 | Leave a Comment »

A mouse can enter your home in a crack or hole the size of a dime. A rat, through a hole the size of a quarter. They come inside for the same reason you do. A nice, warm, cozy place to stay, drink and eat.

Not only do you not want them in the house because they give you the willies – they carry harmful parasites and can even spread the plague. Powerful chewing and gnawing can also lead to structural damage and fire from chewing on wires.

To ensure that you don’t end up with a family of rodents nesting in your home (when there is one, you probably have ten or twelve), we have compiled a list of common entrance points and solutions to block them.

 

Don’t allow easy access to food!

  1. Keep pet food in sealed containers – even if it is stored in the garage.
  2. Store bulk foods in rodent-proof containers. Metal containers are best.
  3. Make sure crumbs and food tidbits don’t end up on the floor, behind the couch or under cushions. Especially if you have children. Even gaps between appliances or crumbs under the toaster.

 

Eliminate entry points into the house:

  1. Seal all holes that lead into the house. Steel wool, copper gauze, hardware cloth, and plaster are all good materials to use.
  2. Check for holes around pipes and cables that lead into the house. Seal these holes with cement or caulk.
  3. Add metal weather stripping to doors.
  4. Keep doors closed and screens on windows.Put screens over vents.
  5. Keep floor drains sealed.
  6. When checking the outside of your home, look for cracks where light shines through or for places where you feel air moving. This indicates a crack or hole that a rodent may access.

Keep outside the home clear of:

  1. Overgrown shrubs or tree limbs that touch the house or the roof.
  2. Elevate and store woodpiles away from the house.
  3. Get rid of junk that doesn’t get used often. Rodents like places where they won’t be bothered or uprooted.

 

If you need professional help with rodent exclusions and prevention, we are also happy to help.

 

If you already have rodents in your home, see our blog post on “How to Set a Mouse Trap” or contact us for professional help.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Pest Control Tips, Rodents | Leave a Comment »

An interview with Dr. Eric Paysen: Lloyd Pest Control Entomologist

December 28th, 2011 | Leave a Comment »

How did you get into the field of entomology and pest control?

I first became interested in entomology while working a summer internship at a state agricultural research facility in South Carolina. After finishing my bachelor’s degree in biology I went on to earn both a M.S. and Ph. D. in entomology from Clemson University.

 

What does your average day look like?

Some days I am in the field, perhaps a new territory. While out in the field I am really in problem solving mode…identifying local pests, trying new products, and analyzing our treatment techniques. Other days, I work from the office and identify rare bugs that a customer or technician may have found. Other days, I am training our service staff, perfecting our treatment protocol or even making house calls.

 

What are the biggest and most common pests in San Diego?

Ants, rodents, and roaches in that order.

 

What are the biggest and most common pests in Orange County?

Ants, rodents, and roaches in that order.

Fire ants are also a problem in Orange County.

 

What are the biggest and most common pests in Palm Springs?

Black widow spiders, crickets and scorpions are very common pests in Palm Springs.

 

Is Pest Control safe for humans and pets?

Absolutely. In fact, I use the same products in my own home and I have a young child and a dog. Lloyd follows professional EPA standards and everything is thoroughly tested.

 

Does every pest control company have an entomologist?

No, most companies don’t have an entomologist. That’s why Lloyd Pest Control  is on the leading edge of pest control in Southern California (and in the country). The company has made education, research and training a priority – which has contributed to its success over 80 years.

 

See Dr. Paysen on FOX San Diego: How Can I Keep Bugs Out of My Home?

 

 

 

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Company News, Pest Control Tips | Leave a Comment »

How to Select a Pest Control Company

November 7th, 2011 | Leave a Comment »

 

The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has given citizens a guide to selecting a pest control company. Here at Lloyd Pest Control, we are proud to say that we surpass all of the criteria.  We provide links below for many of the resources in California.

 

Is the company licensed with the state? Are the employees bonded?

Most state or local agencies issue state pest control licenses.

Make sure the pest control operator’s license is current if one is required in your state. Also, ask if the company’s employees are bonded, meaning that the company reimburses you for any loss or damage caused by an employee.

 In California, look up licensed companies.

 

Is the company willing and able to discuss the treatment proposed for your home?

Selecting a pest control service is just as important as selecting other professional services. Look for the same high degree of competence you would expect from a doctor or lawyer. Any earnest company should be able to provide you a residential pest quote by phone or e-mail, and should be able to outline all terms of service.  They should also provide you different options for your unique needs.

Here at Lloyd Pest Control, we are proud of our services and we provide quotes right on our website.

 

Does the company have a good track record?

Ask neighbors and friends if they have ever dealt with the company. Were they satisfied with the service they received? Visit the Better Business Bureau website to check the company’s rating.

Here’s the Lloyd Pest Control rating with the Better Business Bureau.

 

Does the company have appropriate insurance? Can the company show proof on paper that the company is insured?

Most contractors carry general liability insurance.  If the company cannot provide proof of insurance and something goes wrong, the claim will generally be made first against your homeowner’s insurance.

Here at Lloyd Pest Control, We gladly provide copies of our $1 million liability insurance by fax, e-mail, or USPS.

 

Does the company guarantee its work?

You should be skeptical about a company that does not guarantee its work. In addition, be sure to find out what you must do to keep your part of the bargain.

Here at Lloyd Pest Control, we offer a 100% Money-Back Guarantee.

Is the company affiliated with a professional pest control association?

Professional associations—national, state, or local—keep members informed of new developments in pest control methods, safety, training, research, and regulations. Members agree to honor a code of ethics. The fact that a company, small or large, chooses to join a professional association signals its concern for quality.

Here at Lloyd Pest Control, we are members of both the National Pest Management Association and of the Pest Control Operators of California.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Pest Control Tips | Leave a Comment »

Is pest control safe?

October 26th, 2011 | Leave a Comment »

 

Yes, pest control is safe for you, your family and your pets.

Allow us to explain:

 

Today, responsible pest control operators view themselves as guardians of the environment. Nowadays, we seek ways to minimize applications of pesticides, instead opting for highly targeted products that avoid collateral damage to your living area and to our community. We seek to find each pest’s specific Kryptonite. We have learned that no matter how super the bug is, there exists a unique element that will take it down.

 

Sound like science fiction?

Think about chocolate. You like it, right? (If not, I fear this relationship won’t work out.) You eat it. It makes you smile. What happens if a dog eats it? No more dog.

Think about salt. You eat salt. But you wouldn’t feed it to your pet snail.

This is the mentality we apply to creating new pest control applications.

When we treat for ants, for example, we use the same chemical that pet owners across the nation apply directly to the necks of their dogs and cats to protect against fleas.

When we treat for roaches, we apply a dime-sized dab of our Next Gen roach gel baits. It looks like toothpaste. In fact, if you were to put the gel in your mouth it would actually be less toxic than the toothpaste you currently use every day (no brightening, though… sorry.). But to cockroaches, these gels mean lights-out.

Beyond physical products, our technicians are dedicated to precluding pests from entering your home. We determine why the pests are attracted, and we look for ways to seal off their access. Is there a leaky faucet causing ants to congregate there? Are there openings in and around your attic that serve as the perfect door for rodents?

Over the counter, do-it-yourself (DIY)   products like Black Flag and Raid can be so much worse for your family, your pets, and the environment. These types of products introduce airborne pesticides into your living space. And contrary to popular usage standards, the safe serving size is NOT the whole can!

 

The products and strategies that we apply to homes are the same ones that we use every single day in hospitals, day care centers, veterinarian offices – even the San Diego Zoo.

 

Want more history?

Pest control in 2011 is not your grandfather’s exterminatin’ of yesteryear.

A variety of ideals and evolving treatments options have converged to make pest control a truly safe option for people looking for ways to protect their homes from invading pests.

“But they were here first,” comes a familiar protest from people who think that preserving invasive species is best for the environment.

But no; and they weren’t here first. Humans brought them. Norwegian rats don’t belong here. German and Oriental cockroaches don’t belong here. Africanized honey bees don’t belong here. Argentine ants don’t belong here.

In fact, Argentine ants, the predominant species in Southern California, have been called an “ecological disaster,” by biologists and ecologists. The Argentine ant has displaced the native species and wreaked havoc on a scale previously unseen in our region.

So how do we get rid of these pests that have taken hold? In the old days, the answer was too often found in chemicals. And the more, the better. Now,  as responsible pest control operators, we use a targeted approach to pest control, making pest control safe for your family and pets.

 

If you ever have any specific concerns, we are always happy to share Manufacturer Safety Data Sheets (MSDS and labels) so that your vet or your doctor can vouch for the continued the safety and security of your environment.

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Pest Control Tips, Safety | Leave a Comment »

“Find Your Voice” features Endoxi at University City High School

October 3rd, 2011 | Leave a Comment »

Friday afternoon was an exciting one at University City High School. Local artist Endoxi, just returning from a West Coast tour, performed at the lunchtime Find Your Voice event.  Lead singer, Chris Wilson, once a student at UCHS, making it a happy homecoming for the students and for Chris.  The band is featured on the Find Your Voice CD, presented by Lloyd Pest Control and KPRi. The CD raises critical funds for the San Diego Unified School Districts visual and performing arts department.  The show opened with Funk n’ Awesome – a horn-driven ska band, also from UCHS. During the event, we were happy to present the school with a $2,500 check toward visual and performing arts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Company News | Leave a Comment »

How to Make an Ant Cake

September 26th, 2011 | Leave a Comment (4) »

After receiving e-mails about our Labor Day ant cake, we decided to post the details of the arduous process.  Maybe you’re a mom with a toddler who loves ants and you need a special birthday cake.  Maybe you’re just weird like us.

1)       Bake three round 9” cakes.  Chocolate is best.  But you probably already know that.  Maybe you prefer lemon, but that would be wrong here.  Cherry?  You are twisted.  Please send us a photograph of your finished product.
2)      Assemble the three cakes end-to-end in a straight line.  Regardless of your cake flavor, chocolate frosting is required.  We used dark chocolate frosting because we are very  health-minded and have heard that dark chocolate has antioxidants.  Seriously.  It’s true.  We read it on the internet.  As we were eating dark chocolate.  Trying to find out what ‘antioxidant’ means.


3)      Line up six sticks of thick black licorice.  We use Red Vines black licorice.  I know… we just blew your mind.  Red Vines are red.  But they also make black ones.  Use the black ones.  Do not use Twizzlers, because Twizzlers are terrible.
4)      Using a really tiny band saw (or a butter knife), cut half-way through the middle of each licorice stick.  This is so that you can bend the legs away from the cut, so that they appear segmented.  What?  Did you really think we would make a morphologically errant ant cake?  We are professionals here.


5)      Frost the licorice sticks.  It’s a little tough, but the darkness of the licorice is forgiving.
6)      Take your chocolate-frosted Red Vine black licorice sticks and stab them into the middle round cake as indicated in the illustration.


7)      Use thin black licorice whips as antennae (Don’t frost them.  It ruins the reception.)
8)      MOST IMPORTANT:  Serve the ant cake on a red and white checkered vinyl tablecloth.  This is for authenticity, and to make the cake taste better.  Children find it delightful.  Grandmothers find it disconcerting.

That’s it.  The whole ant-chilada.  You are now an ant cake queen.  Please send us pics of your cake being enjoyed.  And send us ideas for other bug-related food stuffs.

Bon ant-etit!

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Company News, For Fun | Leave a Comment (4) »

Frequently Asked Questions: Bed Bugs

September 19th, 2011 | Leave a Comment (1) »

 

How do you get bed bugs?

* It is uncommon to experience bed bugs in a single-family residence, so don’t be frightened by the recent hysteria.

* Bed bugs are more common in a high transient population, dorms and apartments.

* They are passed around from one infested home to the other.

* Although they are called “bed bugs,” the bugs can live anywhere that you are sedentary so that they can feed from your blood.

 

 

How to know if you have bed bugs?

* You find rust colored blood stains on your sheets.

* Small bites on arms and legs result in red swollen and itchy skin.

 

How to prevent bed bugs?

Sadly, the best prevention is to avoid contact with bed bugs altogether.  If you have been in contact with bed bugs, it doesn’t mean that a new colony will sprout at your home.  In order for bed bugs to proliferate at your property, you would have needed to import a pregnant female or a mated pair.

How to treat bed bugs?

* There is no at-home or over the counter remedy for bed bugs. Don’t even waste time trying different solutions — get them treated QUICKLY.  If just a single pregnant bed bug is left in your untreated home, four months later you’ll have 9,600 of them.  At the five-month mark you’ll have 31,500.

* If you spot any of the signs, a detailed and thorough inspection must take place by a professional. Bed bugs can hide where you would least expect.

* There is sometimes a physical removal of live bugs with a vacuum-chambered device.  The mattress and box spring are sealed with bug-proof encasements to ensure any bed bugs that might have remained hidden inside are never able to escape.  Targeted residual and contact insecticides are also applied.  In the past year,  heat treatments have been used with great success.

* Follow-up visits are also crucial and should be scheduled at intervals that match the hatching patterns of newly hatching bed bugs.

For more information about bed bugs: http://www.lloydpest.com/bed-bugs/

 

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Bed Bugs, Pest Control Tips | Leave a Comment (1) »

Termite Swarming Season

September 14th, 2011 | Leave a Comment »

Here are Lloyd Pest Control, our phones have been ringing off the hook with homeowners experiencing termites in their home. Last week, we posted a blog about how to detect and prevent termites. This week, our very own Dr. Eric Paysen made several appearances on news programs to discuss the issue of swarming termites.

 

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

Termite Season: Termite Warning Signs and Termite Prevention.

September 6th, 2011 | Leave a Comment (2) »

 By Eric Paysen, Ph. D.

The end of summer brings with it melancholy.  But here in Southern California, it also brings Santa Ana winds.  And wildfires.  And a much less publicized disaster waiting to happen:  termites.  Each September and October, millions of mating termites swarm through our skies in search of new homes to colonize.  The annual cost of termite damage in the U.S.?  Five billion dollars.

Wood is critical to the survival of termites, which is why swarms will fly around in the hope of landing on a wood-framed home, garage, fence or gazebo.  Poor eyesight leaves the fate of the termites up to the winds.  For this reason, 99 percent of the termites in a mating swarm will die trying.  Only one percent will successfully find a wooden structure to call home. The lucky male termites that do happen to latch onto a chunk of raw or exposed wood will look for a female partner.  Water-damaged eaves, paint-chipped fascia boards, – these are the ideal conditions for termite romance.   To termites, the exposed two-by-fours of a garage are like merlot and a Barry White album.  Termite babies are born.  The new family feeds itself on the structure.  In time, the family becomes a colony, eating tunnels through the wood frame of the entire structure, often hollowing out beams and studs until they crumble.

San Diego, Riverside, and Orange County are ideal termite breeding grounds because of the combination of heat and humidity that pervades the region during the months of August, September, and October.   Swarming typically takes place on sunny afternoons, when temperatures are between 80 and 90 degrees F.

While termites are somewhat unpredictable and can infest any type of property, there are some measures that you can take to protect your home and prevent termite infestation.

  1. Stay up to date on house repairs: Termites will try to find unpainted  crevices or exposed raw wood fissures to bury themselves. Make sure that all wooden surfaces are sealed or painted.  Don’t ignore exposed surfaces in the attic or garage.
  2. Use fine mesh screens over vent openings:  Attic and crawl space vents are a very common point of entry for termites. Installing a fine mesh screen on your vents is easy and inexpensive.
  3. Get regular termite inspections: Most companies, such as Lloyd Pest Control, provide a free termite inspection.  A healthy interval between termite inspections is two years.  Eradicating termites before too much damage is done can mean the difference between spending a couple of hundred dollars versus thousands of dollars in termite treatment. Termite damage occurs slowly over time, so catching an infestation early is critical.

Termite damage is commonly identified in door frames, garages, and attics.  Just about any wooden expanse, big or small, can be susceptible – even furniture and items of decor. Because termites work beneath the surface, it can take up to five-to-seven years before a termite colony produces any real detectable damage. Don’t panic if you see a couple of termites here or there; this is natural and should not be cause for alarm.

Warning signs that you may have a mature termite colony and infestation include:

  1. A swarm of termites emanating from your house, or termites flying around inside
  2. Piles of sawdust-like pellets or translucent wings abandoned near window sills and sliding glass doors.
  3. Surface blisters on wood.  Often these blisters are caused by tunnels, or ‘galleys,’ dug by termites.

         

 

Following these simple termite preventative measures – and being able to identify termite warning signs – can help you avoid the costs and headaches caused by drywood termite swarms.

 

Dr. Eric Paysen is the lead Entomologist and Technical Director at Lloyd Pest Control, a Southern California-based company that specializes in ant and termite solutions. Dr. Paysen holds a Ph.D. in Entomology from Clemson University. See more from Dr. Paysen here.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Pest Control Tips, Termites | Leave a Comment (2) »

How to Set a Mousetrap

August 8th, 2011 | Leave a Comment (6) »

Trap:

Use a Victor Mousetrap. Note: mice are neophobic, which means they are afraid of new things, so it will take them some time to get to know the trap.  Don’t be discouraged if the trap isn’t sprung the first day.

Victor Snap Mouse Trap

Bait:

Contrary to popular cartoons, mice prefer peanut butter to cheese. It works best when you sprinkle a small amount of oatmeal on top of the peanut butter. Mice are attracted to the smell of the oils in the peanut butter and the grains of the oatmeal.

Placement:

Perpendicular to the wall – so that the mouse will be caught no matter which direction it is coming from. Mice have poor eyesight and use whiskers to feel their way around, staying close to the wall – using their whiskers like little curb feelers. You may see droppings or oily brown streaks (from the oil on the fur) along the base of the wall.

Place a mousetrap perpendicular to the wall so that you catch the mouse from either way

Don’t:

Never use poisonous rodent bait for interior rodent infestations. If ingested, baits can be dangerous to children and pets. Additionally, after mice eat the bait, they’ll go somewhere else to die (like between your walls) and will eventually rot and smell.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Pest Control Tips, Rodents | Leave a Comment (6) »