Professional Pest Control vs DIY

There are basically three categories of pests that can invade your Atlanta home: nuisance pests, dangerous pests, and destructive pests. I know, I know, pests are pests and you really don’t want any in your home! I agree! No pest is a good pest – ever! However, understanding the dangers these pests pose and the stress they cause is the first step in deciding what to do about controlling them.

  1. Nuisance pests such as silverfish, box elder bugs, stink bugs, and moles are merely that – a nuisance! They don’t typically cause any illness in humans and they do not destroy the structure of your home. They do, however, cause a high degree of stress as you try to get rid of them; and, in the case of bed bugs in particular, they can cause embarrassment and emotional strain. Even though they really pose no danger to you, they are definitely unwanted house guests!
  2. Dangerous pests such as fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, rodents, venomous spiders, cockroaches, and some bees actually have the potential to cause illness to humans and pets. While the degree of illness incurred varies widely depending on the pest, these pests are ones you definitely want far from you and your family. There is no compromise when it comes to dangerous pests – getting them out and keeping them out is the only option!
  3. Destructive pests such as termites, carpenter ants, mice, and squirrels can actually compromise the integrity of your home. These pests either ‘eat’ wood, burrow through it, or constantly chew it to control the growth of their teeth. In the case of mice and rats, they actually will chew wires causing a huge fire risk! All of them pose a danger to the structure of your home and most insurance carriers won’t cover the cost of repairs caused by them. None of the pests in this category can be allowed to gain access to your home!

It is pretty easy to see that no matter which category of pest you are dealing with, the answer is the same: get rid of them! The only question is, “How?” There are so many ‘over the counter’ DIY products that claim to be effective. How on earth do you know which one to buy? And, how on earth do you know for sure that they will work? Are they even safe? So many questions! The truth is, these products contain dangerous chemicals, and if not mixed or applied properly, they can cause serious harm. On top of that, many of these products do not have the ‘reach’ needed to find their way to the center of your infestation – mainly the nest! They may kill some of the pests that are on the surface, they may even kill a few that are just behind the baseboard and happen to be there exactly when you spray; but they will not reach all the way into the ‘bowels’ of your home to eliminate the entire colony. It’s kind of like putting a band aid on a broken bone! It won’t really help.

The best, safest and surest option is calling a pest control specialist like the experts here at Active Pest Control. Our pest control specialists have received extensive training in the various products we use and in their proper use and application. They know exactly how to find and properly identify the type, scope, and location of your infestation; and they know exactly how to safely and quickly eliminate it. We are a family owned and operated company with a vested interest in the communities we serve, are QualityPro certified, and are one of the top 25 pest control companies in the whole country! It’s that kind of tried and tested service that allows you to have the utmost confidence that your pest issues will be dealt with safely and effectively. We guarantee it!

Fruit Flies In Georgia

Fruit flies are tiny pests that are taking over homes all across Georgia and the country. They can be found swarming in kitchens and pantries, around sink drains, and garbage cans year-round; and once they get into your home it can seem impossible to get them out. However, there is good news- you don’t have to take this attack lying down! There are many easy, inexpensive and natural ways to get rid of and control these tiny terrors in your home.

Here are 5 easy ways to control and eliminate fruit flies from your home.

  1. Store all fruits, vegetables, and other food items in containers with tight fitting lids or in the refrigerator. Do not store food out in the open on counters or tables.
  2. Make sure to wash your dishes regularly; don’t leave them in your sink overnight. After washing the dishes make sure to rinse out the sink and routinely clean the sink drains to ensure that food particles aren’t accumulating in them.
  3. Get creative and make a fruit fly trap; one of the most effective fruit fly trap uses apple cider vinegar (its sweet smell attracts the fruit flies) and dish soap. Pour ½- 1 cup of apple cider vinegar into a jar along with 1-2 drops of dish soap (this breaks the surface tension of the vinegar and causes the fruit flies to drown). Place a paper funnel that is secured with tape in the mouth of the jar to help the flies enter into the jar, but prevent them from being able to exit.
  4. Invest in an insect eating plant. Sundews (Drosera) have leaves that naturally produce sweet juices; these secretions will attract fruit flies who will then become trapped in the leaves. Once they are trapped the plant will quickly digest the fruit flies, not only effective against fruit flies and other insects, but very cool to watch as well!
  5. When all else fails get out your trusty vacuum cleaner. After removing all possible food sources (see number 1 on the list) use the hose attachment to suck up all the pesky fruit flies that you can find.

Here at Active Pest Control we understand just how frustrating having problems with fruit flies in your home can be and want you to know that we would be happy to help. If controlling fruit fly populations on your own just isn’t doing the trick that’s okay and why we are here! Our professionals will be able to inspect your home, find the areas that are attracting the fruit flies and offer effective treatment solutions quickly!

For more information on how our professionals can help to control fruit flies and other household pest through our residential pest control services contact us today!