​Rats are much less picky when it comes to food. Rats are scavengers that have been known to eat everything from meat and grain to garbage and sewage. Norway rats, in particular, are often found in sewers and landfills. To avoid rats and mice, keep your yard free from food, trash, and debris. It is also a good idea to keep pet food and water inside at night so that you don’t attract 

With the arrival of spring comes a major increase in insect and pest activity. Eggs are laid, babies are born, and creatures are in search of water and food after a long winter. Oftentimes, this search brings them into contact with your yard and home. While there are many different springtime pests, here are three that our customers often have problems with:

Wasps can be major pests, ruining your outdoor events and causing anxiety. Wasp control during the late Summer and Fall can be difficult because the nest grows quickly during the warmer months. Wasp control in the Spring, however, can be extremely valuable because if you eliminate the queen before she builds her nest, the colony will not develop any further.

Argentine ants are frustrating household pests, but apart from just causing aggravation, they can also cause devastating effects to the ecosystem. They do this by displacing native plant and animal species. In fact, Argentine ants spread so rapidly into new areas that they are listed among the 100 worst invasive species. Learning to identify and control these little pests can make a beneficial difference to your family and to the environment.

Argentine ants are a small species of ant that typically grows from 2-3 mm long. They range in color from light to dark brown and may sometimes appear shiny due to their hairless bodies. Argentine ants have 6 legs, 12 segmented antennae, and a well-defined waist like other ant species. ​

​Ants can be extremely difficult to get rid of. Killing just the ants that you can see will do very little towards eliminating the colony. You may have tried every product in the store and scoured for helpful tips on the internet, but despite your best efforts, your ant problems remain. This could be because you are inadvertently attracting ants to your home. Learning what specific things attract ants will be key to keeping them away.
 
Like all living creatures, ants need food, water, and shelter to survive. This may seem obvious, but limiting access to these three things will do a lot to keep ants and other pests away.

​The Norway rat, also known as the brown rat, common rat, or sewer rat, is a constant problem in urban areas across the world. Although it was once thought to have originated in Norway, researchers now believe this species started in China and was able to migrate to every continent, except Antarctica. 

Norway rats are nocturnal creatures with very good hearing and a great sense of smell. They are also excellent swimmers, climbers, and burrowers. This species of rat generally lives underground in burrows or in cellars or sewers. Norway rats are omnivores, meaning that they eat both plants and meat. Although they usually consume a lot of grain in their diet, they will eat almost anything if needed.
One of the most difficult things about Norway rats is that they can reproduce extremely quickly. Small infestations can grow rapidly if not handled properly. One female Norway rat can have up to 14 pups per litter with upwards of 5 litters per year.

​Cockroaches are notoriously hardy insects that pose major challenges for homeowners. Not only are they incredibly unsanitary, but they can also contribute to allergies and asthma. Roaches can be difficult to get rid of, but through exclusion, sanitation, and chemical methods, control can be achieved. 

Sealing your home is an excellent way to prevent spiders and many other pests from entering. Spiders can get through very tiny openings, so even small cracks and gaps should be sealed. Use caulk on these small crevices, and expandable spray foam can be used to fill larger holes. It is also important to check that all your doors and windows have a tight seal with intact weather stripping. If the screens have holes or tears, they should be replaced or repaired.

​Do you think mice love cheese? Think again! Although the connection between mice and cheese has been around for centuries, it is a myth. Recent scientific studies have determined that mice are not drawn to cheese, and in some cases, the smell may actually repel them. If you want your trapping experience to be successful, choose a bait that will attract them. Good choices include foods that mice eat naturally like grains, fruits, and vegetables. It has also been shown that mice love nuts and sugary sweets, so peanut butter and chocolate are also encouraged.