The stuff that nightmares are made of. Pests infiltrating your property and making themselves home in yours. Pest control is something all homeowners need to deal with, the problems arise when your pest control is more reactive than proactive. If left unchecked, pest problems can put a huge dent in your wallet, and ultimately in the overall value of your real estate.
Don’t wait until it’s too late, if you have the slightest inclination that you might have a potential pest problem, whether that be just noticing a few wasps trafficking around your home, a mouse that may or may not have access to your home, or some ants along the perimeter, you can’t afford to guess about how protected your home is to outside invaders.
Calling an exterminator early
Maybe it’s your paranoia, or maybe you’re noticing the start of a massive population boom that has been hidden from your view, whatever the result is, you should act swiftly at the sight of any pests roaming your property. This is especially important for pests like termites and carpenter ants. Spotting one of these on your actual doorstep means there’s thousands of their buddies somewhere nearby. In Calgary, there are numerous pests that can effect your real estate value if you wait until it’s too late, here’s a few of the most notorious home-wreckers in the real estate business.
Termites
While less common in climates to the North, termites are not to be messed with, these guys make quick work of any home’s foundation, and are often difficult to catch before the tell-tale sign of wood shavings collecting at the outside of one of their tunnels. These little buggers usually start out in a nearby tree stump, or decaying tree, then migrate to a fresh new host: your house. If you notice what appears to be winged ants, chances are these are actually termites, and you should call ZAP Pest Control today.
When surveying a home you’re looking to buy, check the perimeter carefully. If the homeowner has a woodpile that is close or touching the siding, they may have a hidden termite problem.
Mice
While these are the largest pests on our list, these little guys can quickly turn into a nightmare if they find a way to enter your home undetected. The first signs that you may have a mice problem will be their little droppings they leave behind when they’ve made themselves comfy. Mice can chew through wood, if they find any little hole to get started on. Mice are attracted by trash and warm air that can seep through holes, like gaps around pipes, etc. Call ZAP Pest Control at the first sign of rodent droppings or unusual sounds outside your home.
Carpenter Ants
Unlike termites, carpenter ants will burrow in your wood to make their nest, however they do not eat the actual wood. The sizes of their colonies range in the thousands and often target attics, and the frames of doors and windows. They are most active in the spring where there is a slight moisture in the air. If you notice ants trailing along your property, but don’t know what kind they are, always consult ZAP Pest Control in Calgary and Edmonton, we know what to look for.
Bed Bugs
The “don’t let the bed bugs bite” part of tucking-in for the night is a bit of a frightening concept, now that we have learned how bad these infestations can become. Bed bugs feed off our blood and multiply quickly in the crevices of our beds, sheets, pillows, and pretty much anywhere they can find a tight space to congregate when they’re not feeding on their hosts at night. The only real way to get rid of bed bugs is to hire a professional pest control company that knows exactly how to attack bed bugs from all directions at once. This involves special equipment and commercial-grade insecticide that can kill the nests and their eggs in one sweep. Just treating your linens and spraying over-the-counter treatments at home will not be able to eliminate the problem.
Good Pest Prevention Habits
You should do regular tours and inspections on your own in your house, especially if you haven’t run into any pest problems as of yet. The best way to do pest control is to practice pest prevention and knowing your property inside and out. Make a checklist of these things to see if you might be vulnerable to common pest entries.
- Does your crawl space have proper venting and moisture barrier?
- Are your ducts and foundation vents protected and have proper breathing?
- Are your drainage pipes and gutters adequately handling runoff?
- Is your firewood kept in a safe distance away from the home?
- When was the last time your property has had a thorough inspection by an exterminator?