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  • Tips to Get Rid of Mice in your Homes

    Tips to Get Rid of Mice in your Homes

    Mice infestations are a common problem across the U.S., but homeowners in Florida face more challenges when dealing with these rodents due to several factors. Florida’s warm and humid climate creates an environment where mice can perfectly survive the whole year. If you’ve noticed scratching noises in your walls, mouse droppings, or gnawed furniture, it’s time to call a professional rodent control service in your area.

    Lets look at some effective strategies to get rid of mice in your homes. We’ll address the prevention methods, and best extermination practices to help you protect your homes.

     

    How Do Mice Enter Florida Homes?

    Before you can eliminate mice, it’s necessary to understand how they’re getting in. Florida homes often have structural loopholes that allow mice to enter, such as:

    • Cracks in Walls and Foundations
    • Roof Openings
    • Plumbing and Electrical Lines

    Signs of a Mouse Infestation

    To confirm, your home is infested by the mice, rats or rodents, you should know the signs of their infestation. These are some common signs that can make sure if your home is infested by mice.

    • Mouse Droppings
    • Gnaw Marks
    • Nocturnal Scratching Sounds
    • Nests

    How to Get Rid of Mice in Your Florida Home

    Once you’ve identified a mouse problem, it’s time to eliminate them. Here are the most effective steps for getting rid of mice:

    1. Seal Entry Points

    The first step in eliminating mice is to stop them from entering your home. Inspect your home thoroughly and seal all cracks and gaps using materials such as steel wool, caulk, or metal mesh.

    Pay special attention to areas around pipes, vents, and doorways. Mice can squeeze through very small holes, so even tiny gaps should be addressed.

    2. Use Mouse Traps

    Traps are one of the most effective ways to reduce the mouse population in your home. There are different types of traps available:

    • Snap Traps: These traditional traps are highly effective. Bait them with peanut butter or cheese.
    • Glue Traps: Less humane but effective for catching mice in larger numbers.
    • Live Traps: If you prefer a no-kill option, live traps allow you to catch and release mice. Be sure to release them far from your home to prevent their return.

    Place traps along walls, behind furniture, and near entry points where mice tend to travel.

    3. Place Bait Stations

    Bait stations use poisoned bait to kill mice. These stations are sealed to prevent pets and children from accessing the poison, making them safer for households. Florida’s humidity can cause bait to degrade faster. Be sure to check bait stations frequently to ensure they remain effective.

    4. Remove Food and Water Sources

    Mice are drawn to easy access to food and water. Keep your home free of these temptations:

    • Store Food in Airtight Containers: Mice can easily chew through cardboard and plastic. so you should use glass or metal containers.
    • Clean Up Crumbs: Wipe down counters and sweep floors daily to remove crumbs and food debris.
    • Fix Leaks: Mice need water to survive. Fix any leaks in pipes or faucets, especially in the kitchen and bathroom.

    Preventing Future Mouse Infestations

    Once you’ve successfully eliminated mice, take these steps to prevent future infestations.

    1. Keep Your Yard Clean

    Florida’s warm climate makes it easy for mice to live outdoors before migrating into your home. To prevent this, keep your yard tidy:

    • Trim Overgrown Vegetation: Mice use shrubs and trees to get closer to your home. Keep bushes trimmed and trees pruned to prevent easy access to the roof.
    • Store Firewood Off the Ground: Mice love hiding in firewood piles. Keep wood stacks at least 18 inches off the ground and away from your house.

    2. Maintain Your Home

    Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping mice out.

    • Check Weatherstripping: Ensure that doors and windows seal tightly. Replace damaged weatherstripping.
    • Inspect Vents and Chimneys: Use mesh screens to cover vents and chimneys to block entry points.

    Call Professional Mice Pest Control if Needed

    For large infestations or ongoing problems, it may be best to call a professional mice pest control in Florida. Professionals can provide more comprehensive solutions like long-lasting bait stations and home inspections to identify vulnerabilities so If you have mice or rodent issues, call Dave’s Pest Control for a free estimate and schedule your inspection. Our exterminators are experts in mice and rodent eradication.

  • Exterminating Bed Bugs with Chemicals

    Researchers have been experimenting with new innovative ways to use Boric Acid–both to exterminate bed bugs and for other types of pest control.

    Boric Acid is a commonly known insecticide associated with pest control. Its effect will either internally, or externally effect pests by damaging their exoskeleton or rupture their insides upon consumption of the chemical. Studies were done on the effects of Boric Acid on German Roaches and Bed Bugs.

    The use of Boric Acid on German Roaches worked well when applied topically and when ingested. Topically spraying Boric Acid on Bed Bugs had little effect, but baiting with it was found to be highly effective. Researchers added Boric Acid to a bloodmeal bait, and this method was effective, especially when used with an IGR(Insect Growth Regulator).

    Using an IGR, such as Methoprene, limited molting. For females, this prevented egg reproduction. When male Bed Bugs contact an IGR, the male will pass the active agents on to the female, and thus, not allow the female to reproduce. Studies were also done using a product called Temprid (one we use at Dave’s Pest Control), a commonly used insecticide for Bed Bug treatments.

    The researchers exposed bed bugs to sub-lethal doses to see if the chemical still had an effect. Even though there was no mortality, the chemical still significantly altered the bed bugs; they were not laying as many eggs, they were feeding less, and they were not moving as much. The sub-lethal doses of the chemical Temprid proved great results.

    Experiments involving baiting for Bed Bugs have proven to be highly successful over spraying, but ultimately, the combination of both has been the best for complete control. Spraying can give one the false sense of complete coverage, but in reality, this is not always the case. Baits can also be highly effective for controlling Bed Bugs as a small amount placed in the right spot with the right ingredient can be more effective than spraying chemicals, especially in sensitive areas. Complete coverage is difficult to achieve when using the spray method in isolation due to clutter and inaccessible areas.

    With respect to bed bugs, this can especially be an issue as bed bugs can hideout in nooks and crannies, giving them a safe place to multiply. On the other hand, baiting for Bed Bugs can be very successful – Bed Bugs will most likely eat the bait because it is a guaranteed bloodmeal.

    It is important to thoroughly clean and potentially discard all items that may been touched by bed bugs. Bed Bugs remnants are known to release histamines for at least three months after eradication. This can cause severe medical problems including issues with the respiratory system.

    Call Dave’s Pest Control to eliminate your Bed Bugs from your home or property.

  • How to Identify & Treat Dollar Spot Fungus

    With summer in full swing, there are many concerns with managing a healthy and vibrant St. Augustine lawn. Even though temperatures are soaring above the 90-degree mark in Florida, the wetness from rain showers is not drying because humidity is staying at high levels, 85% and above on a consistent basis all day and through the night. This process ensures that lawns will stay wet for extended periods of time. Because of this, fungus can wreak havoc on a lawn.

    How to treat dollar spot fungus

    Identification of Dollar Spot Fungus

    Dollar Spot Fungus is still present from the spring time because it has become resistant to many fungicides. Dollar Spot Fungus is predominantly present in lawns from fall through spring, but can still linger into early summer. It is identified by its circular dead spot pattern. Affected areas of damage can range from 1 inch in diameter to 6 inches in diameter, but connected spots can often make damage patterns larger.

    Treatment of Dollar Spot Fungi

    The main cause is primarily related to two issues: (1) nitrogen deficient grass, and (2) consecutive days of infrequent rain combined with heavy morning dew.  The most effective way to treat Dollar Spot Fungus is through applying nitrogen. However, the nitrogen blackout in Volusia county, which is from June 1st through September 30th each year, prevents lawn spraying companies from applying nitrogen to treat this fungus.

    Therefore, technicians must rotate fungicides with each application to lessen the resistance of one particular fungicide, follow proper label rates, and schedule follow ups with customers to inspect progress. In addition to lawn spraying companies like Dave’s Pest Control correcting fungus issues, the customer plays an important role in their yard as well.

    For example, customers should implement proper watering habits. This is necessary to combat many nuisance fungi. Water only when needed (e.g. ¾- 1 inch of water per each watering cycle). Also, only watering in the mornings before first daylight (i.e. not at night) will allow the grass and soil to not stay too wet for extended periods of time, which prevents the fungus from spreading and further damaging the lawn.

    Improper watering habits and overwatering will only aggravate the fungus issue; thereby, promoting more fungus and stress to the lawn.

    Reach our Professional Lawn Care Experts:  

    The technicians at Dave’s Pest Control inspect for potential problems that can arise from these conditions that are favorable to fungus, and are experts at lessening the impact of fungus and preventing it from devastating a lawn.

  • Termite Colonies, Castes & History with Humans

    Termites are incredibly interesting insects that show the intelligent design in our world. In a colony of termites, there are castes, which are different types of termites that each have a role in sustaining and building the colony.

    A typical termite colony will have: eggs, larvae, workers, soldiers, and a king (male) and queen (female). A termite colony life cycle will start with eggs that hatch to larvae. Nymphs will turn to workers and soldiers, which feed on cellulose. Reproductive winged termites are called “Alates” which will spawn into a new king and queen that will lay eggs, starting the cycle again.

    This whole process can take from 5 to 8 years. Overall swarming activity takes place in southeastern Florida between late February to late May and June.

    Termites have a history that predates humans. The earliest termite fossil known in existence dates back to over 130 million years ago. Termites are closely related to cockroaches, under the order Isoptera (Greek for two pairs of straight wings).

    For years, termites were called white ants until the use of microscopes helped distinguished different features between the two. Termites, like cockroaches, have survived millions of years due to their social characteristics, their size that allows them to go undetected by most predators, and their division of labor, which is much like ants, bees, and wasps.

    However, the difference with termites as opposed to other social insects is that any cast can be male or female, furthering the probability of success for the entire colony. It is safe to say termites will be here for millions of more years! However, that doesn’t mean that termites are welcome in your home.

    Call Dave’s Pest Control at 386-767-7451 or get a termite treatment estimate through our form, and we’ll send our expertly trained exterminators and technicians to exterminate your termite problem, and as importantly, prevent termites from doing damage to your most valuable asset.

  • FAQs About Termites & Your Home

    What is the Story with Termites in Florida?

    It is estimated 60% of homes in Florida have some evidence of termites. Subterranean termite colonies live underground and enter through plumbing pipes, cracks to your home’s foundation, and wood to ground contact, such as porch and deck supports and landscape mulch. They can also build mud tubes and tunnels to reach wood several feet above the ground.

    Termites need food (cellulose, such as wood) and moisture to survive. Wood materials used to build our homes, from basements to crawl spaces to attics, can all provide an ideal environment for these wood destroying insects to thrive. Air conditioning units that have run-off moisture can provide enough water to sustain a large subterranean termite colony.

    Typical sub termite colonies can contain between 60,000 to 1 million termites. Damage from these pests can be extensive. Subterranean termites cause more damage to homes in the U.S. than all storms and fires combined. Damaged wood can be so bad that a home’s structural integrity can be compromised. Damage can go unseen for years until the colony gets so large they swarm to form a new colony.

    How Does a Termite Technician Prevent and Exterminate Termites?

    Prevention of termites in your home can be achieved by keeping water from accumulating along your home’s foundation. It’s critical to fix plumbing leaks and replace wet, rotting wood. Trees on your property should also be inspected as well as old stumps are big attractions for termites. CSI bait stations can be used but can be slow acting. They only activate on a molt at the center of the colony. They are non repellent and accumulate in the colony before mortality occurs.

    Bait stations kill the brood first and will eliminate the colony regardless of distance from baiting. Liquid Termiticides are fast acting and can kill up to 5 meters from treatment area. Liquid Termiticides can also kill by a secondary repellency and transfer of the chemical to other foragers. All though quicker than bait stations, full elimination of a large colony can take some time regardless of which method is performed by the termite technician.

    Do Termites Do Anything Positive?

    Termites are remarkable insects that inhabit almost every climate on earth. They are of great importance for the ecosystem by helping to decompose dead trees, which in turn create fertile soil for regrowth. They also aerate the soil to help nutrients grow for a healthy ecosystem. A few species of ants and woodpeckers do feed on termites, but for the most part, they will remain elusive insects surviving for millions of more years to come.

  • Asian Termites vs. Formosan Termites in Florida

    Asian termites have become a major problem in South Florida. They are a new species native to South East Asia that most likely arrived via shipping ports in the early 1990’s. Asian termites are very similar to Formosan termites but are better suited for tropical climates. They have a long-life cycle, ranging from five to eight years.

    Since 2000, Formosan and Asian termites have grown significantly in Florida. From 2000 to 2010 there has been a 20% increase in Asian and Formosan termites, and from 2010 to 2015 50% increase. At this rate, by 2040, all of Florida will have Asian and Formosan termite infestations. Asian termites swarm from early February through April, while Formosans swarm a little later in the year. Both species of termites swarm mostly at dusk, and to a spectator, these swarms appear as very big clouds of termites in the sky.

    The physical difference between Asian and Formosan termites can only be determined under a microscope. If you compare the soldier termites, the Formosan soldier has two hairs on the fontanelle (on frontal part of head) whereas the Asian termite has only one.

    These pests have implications for Florida termite control. In addition to wreaking havoc on homes, the Formosan termite in northern Florida and the Asian termite in southern Florida have become major problem to pine trees, damaging under the bark to the outer layers of the tree. Interestingly enough, termites do not hollow out the slash pines that we have so prevalently in Florida like they do other tree species. To treat termites in slash pine trees, an above ground bait system is needed. Oaks and other trees that are hollowed out at the center can be treated by filling the void of the tree with a termiticide foam. A liquid termiticide and a baiting system will have to be utilized together to keep the tree population safe in Florida, and to keep these termite invaders at bay.

  • Lessons from the #MPRRaccoon Raccoon Internet Sensation

    You may not have noticed, but one of the biggest sensations on the internet this week was a cute raccoon that blew up the internet.. It wasn’t her cute looks that caught the attention of the masses; it was that she scaled a 23-story concrete building in downtown Minneapolis all on her own (with no shortage of cameras watching and a plethora of bystanders giving real time updates). Once she astonishly scaled this sheer surface that no one would have thought a raccoon could climb, she was humanely captured in a trap baited with cat food and later released into the wild (at an undisclosed location). Raccoons may be cute, and while they may coexist alongside humans in movies like Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, let’s not kid ourselves. Raccoons are pests. They destroy homes, spread diseases and can attack pets and humans alike. The fact that a raccoon can scale a 23 story made of concrete says it all. A determined raccoon can easily find its way into your home or yard. That said, at Dave’s Pest Control, we use the most humane solutions possible to capture raccoons, and exclude the from reentering.. If you have a raccoon problem, do not hesitate to call. We are experts in capturing raccoons and other small animals in Port Orange, Daytona and throughout Flagler and Volusia Counties.

  • Extermination through Fumigation—To tent or not to tent, that is the question.

    When most people see a fumigation, the only thing they see is a large “circus tent” covering a structure. But most people are not aware why the structure has been tented. Are they treating for termites? Are they doing a bed bug treatment ? Are they trying to clear up a roach infestation? The answer could be any of the above or for something completely different. Pest control may or may not require fumigation tenting—but it is based on specific situations. So when should someone consider having their structure tented?

    The first and most important step in determining whether or not your structure may need a fumigation is Identification. There are many different types of termites and wood-destroying organisms (WDO’s) that can attack and nest within a structure. While some WDO’s may be living in the wood like drywood termites, or powder-post beetles, others will invade a structure from an exterior source like a woodpile next to the house, or the soil underneath the structure. Identifying what pest has actually made it’s way into the structure will determine what type of treatment is best.

    Another consideration is the type of structure in question. Some structures might be limited in options depending on many factors. Does the structure have a crawlspace? Is it accessible? Does it have an accessible attic? Many structures are unique and may have limits on options available. This is why you MUST call a licensed professional to inspect the property to see what the issue is and what are your current options.

    Currently on the market there are several different treatments available. All will vary in technique and price. Some providers offer heat treatments, liquid treatments, foam treatments, or even just spot treatments, and of course fumigation tenting. Just be sure to speak with a professional certified company to insure the best mode of action.

  • Top 7 Diseases Directly Transmitted By Rodents

    One of the most common groups of household pests is rodents. These tiny creatures are known for getting in walls and attics, chewing on your electrical wiring, and even damaging the structural integrity of your home. We offer our animal control solutions in Daytona, Port Orange, Edgewater, New Smyrna and throughout Flagler and Volusia Counties and parts of Brevard County.

    Aside from being gross, rodents are dangerous and are capable of transmitting to you and your pets.

    Diseases Transmitted by Rodents

    Below is a list of the top seven diseases that reveal how important it is to utilize pest control services to keep your home rodent free.

    1.Salmonella

    Since mice and rats have no control over their bowel movements or urination, they can easily contaminate your food or countertops with the salmonella bacteria. When you consume this bacteria, you may suffer everything from abdominal cramps and diarrhea to nausea and vomiting. Typically, the infection takes up to a week to run its course through the body.

    2. Rat-Bite Fever

    Should you spot a rodent and attempt to catch it on your own, you run the risk of getting scratched or bit. If that rodent happened to carry the Streptobacillus moniliformis bacteria, you might come down with rat-bite fever. This illness leaves patients with muscles weakness, achy joints, a headache, fever, and sometimes a rash. Strong antibiotics are needed to treat this disease, and without them, the disease can be fatal.

    3. The Plague

    Yersinia pestis is the bacteria that causes the plague, and it is transmitted primarily by fleas that have been in contact with an infected rodent, or through contact with the infected animal’s bodily fluids. Symptoms of the plague include pneumonia, fever, weakness, painful lymph nodes, and skin and tissue that begins to turn black before eventually dying. Antibiotics are the treatment, and they work best when administered early on.

    4. Leptospirosis

    Also caused by a bacteria, leptospirosis is transmitted when one comes into contact with an infected rodent’s urine. It is impossible to contract leptospirosis and not experience any symptoms for a long time. When leprosy does present itself, it shows up through jaundice, red eyes, diarrhea, fever, chills, muscle aches, and a rash. If they are not given antibiotics early on, a person may also experience kidney or liver failure.

    5. Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis

    The common house mouse is responsible for transmitting the Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus. Initial symptoms leave a person feeling unwell and without an appetite. Muscle aches and headaches are also common, and if the virus doesn’t clear up after that, it is possible to develop meningitis or encephalitis. Corticosteroids and a drug called ribavirin are used to treat lymphocytic choriomeningitis.

    6. Tularemia

    Humans can become infected with the Francisella tularensis bacteria when they consume contaminated foods or handle an infected animal carcass. If infected, you may experience a high fever, sore throat, swollen lymph glands, cough, chest pains, and difficulty breathing. A 10 to 21-day course of antibiotics is needed to recover from tularemia.

    7. Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome

    There are two ways you can contract the hantavirus. You can come into contact with rodent urine or droppings, or you can breathe in the dust that is contaminated with infected rodent urine or droppings. Since this syndrome has no known cure and a 38 percent mortality rate, it is important to seek medical attention immediately if you begin to show symptoms. These signs include dizziness, abdominal pain, muscle aches, fatigue, coughing, and shortness of breath.

    While it’s not a disease, rats and other rodents love to gnaw at electrical wires and are one of the most common sources of house and condo fires in America and throughout the world.

    If you notice any evidence of a rodent infestation, contact Dave’s Pest Control Inc. and get a free estimate. Dave’s Pest Control has been providing rodent control, pest control and other extermination services in Port Orange, Daytona, Deland, Edgewater, Ormond Beach and through Flagler and Volusia Counties over 35 years. Aside from exterminating rodents, we can rid your home of termites, bed bugs, cockroaches and other pests.

  • Misunderstandings About Cockroaches That Get in the Way of Proper Eradication

    Cockroaches are relatives of the termite and are one of the most common household pests, cockroaches of some type can be found all over the world.

    There are 30 varieties of cockroaches that cohabitate in human living environments, Despite this, many people don’t know a lot of true facts about these insects. This can be problematic if you have a cockroach infestation.

     

    Misunderstandings About Cockroaches

    Cockroaches are curious creatures with a lot of character and physiological traits that keep humans guessing. In fact, there are several common misunderstandings about this common household pest. Take a look at some of the most common misunderstandings about cockroaches so you have a better shot at getting them out of your home if you have a problem.

    Cockroaches Live Only In Dirty Homes

    There is a general misunderstanding about cockroaches because they are often associated with filth or messy environments. However, cockroaches have no preference about where they live, as long as they have access to what they need: food, shelter and water. Your home can be immaculately kept and you can still have a cockroach infestation.

    This is because:

    • Cockroaches can feed on everything from postage stamp glue to human hair
    • Cockroaches can live for long periods of time without food
    • Cockroaches are masters at hiding and are nocturnal, so they tend to stay hidden in the light

    While a clean home may make it a less cockroach-friendly environment, the bugs can still survive just fine. One benefit of having a clean home is that it will make it easier to treat for cockroaches, either on your own or professionally, because the bugs will not have as many places to hide. A clean kitchen is obviously less desirable for cockroaches, as they will need to look for other food sources besides food particles.

    Cockroaches Can’t Live in Cold Temperatures

    When you discover you have cockroaches in your home, you may decide you will freeze them out by leaving home and turning off the heat. While it’s true that cockroaches won’t develop or reproduce when in an environment below 45 degrees, killing them is harder. You would have to leave your entire home at subzero temperatures for several days, which is practically impossible because:

    Most places in the US don’t sustain subzero temperatures for very long or at all in the winter
    Appliances like the refrigerator and water heater radiate heat
    You could cause damage to plumbing pipes and other fixtures in the process
    Given that we’re based in the Port Orange/Daytona Beach area, freezing cockroaches out of your home is almost certainly out of the question, you can use the cold to your advantage. For example, if you have a coffeemaker infested with cockroaches, you could wrap it in a plastic bag, place it in the freezer for several days and kill the bugs inside.

    Cockroaches Do Not Travel

    Cockroaches are suspected to have survived for millions of years. This implies that they are highly adaptable creatures that will go great lengths to get to food and shelter, even if they have to travel. If one house has been infested with cockroaches, it’s not uncommon for the surrounding neighbors to start seeing problems with these pests soon after.

    If you move an appliance outdoors and expect that the bugs inside will not come back in the house, you are probably wrong. Not only will a few bugs make their way back indoors, but likely the whole group because cockroaches display signs of a group mentality when they are seeking food or shelter.

    The bottom line is that cockroaches are one of those household pests that can be incredibly difficult to exterminate, and these common misunderstandings just make matters worse. If you need professional help with cockroach extermination in your home, contact Dave’s Pest Control at 386-767-7451 for assistance or fill out our form for a free estimate.