Meet Jay Williams

Well, it’s that time of month again when we get to introduce you to another member of the Active Pest Control family! We are always so excited to share with you the stories of the men and women that we have chosen to ‘adopt’ into our company. This month is no exception.

Meet Jay Williams, Commercial Service Technician. Jay has been a trusted member of the Active Pest Control commercial team for over 5 years now and is a registered technician who is on his way to becoming a certified operator. He is a hard-working, dedicated employee that pours his heart and soul into all he does.

Jay said he doesn’t have a particular ‘favorite’ pest, but that he will “kill them all!” Whether you are dealing with termites, cockroaches, carpenter ants, or rodents, Jay is skilled in the proper products and treatments to safely and effectively eliminate them from your business. He is also a true professional and knows how to treat your business discreetly and efficiently in order to limit the interruptions to your work force, and he is always willing to take the time to educate your staff on exclusion methods and early identification of pests.

One of the things that Jay loves about Active Pest Control is the family oriented atmosphere and values that we possess and that we look for in our employees. Jay states, “I really love the culture we have here at Active Pest Control.” We strive for excellence and hold dear the virtues of integrity, honesty, and hard work, and not just while we are on the clock. It is who we are!

Jay is a happily married man, and has been married for 26 years. They have raised 3 beautiful children and now have 2 grandchildren that are the apples of their eyes. When Jay is not working, he loves to spend time with his family and playing with his grandchildren.

Active Pest Control is the premier pest control company here in Georgia. Our locally owned and operated pest control company has been protecting homes and businesses in Georgia for over 40 years. If you are looking for a career in a top notch, state-of-the-art pest control company and you are a hard-working and dedicated individual that wants to become ‘part of the family’, we would love to hear from you; or if you are looking for a trusted partner in your battle with pests, rodents, or wildlife, we would love to make you ‘part of our family’ too! Either way, Active Pest Control is the right choice when it comes to pest control.

Keep Winter Mice Out in Georgia

Regardless of the time of year, mice are always going to be attracted to three things. They are in pursuit of food, water, and shelter. The best place they can secure these three necessities is in the comfort of your home. If you have ever wondered why mice seem to like your home, there is no need to wonder any longer. You unknowingly make available the three things needed for their survival. This urgency seems to intensify with mice during the winter months even in the southern Georgia climate. The crops have been harvested, decreasing the readily available food outside and the temperatures have dropped to less comfortable levels. The Ideal solution to this dilemma is to simply move in with you for a few months.

Rodent control basically begins with eliminating all possible points of entry. What can one do to keep these pesky creatures out of the house? This isn’t as simple as it seems once you have a better understanding of the skeletal makeup of a mouse. The body of an average size adult house mouse is usually about three inches in length. His only limitation in gaining access to your home is in the size of his skull. A mouse has no collarbone so if he can fit his skinny head through a hole or crack…he is in! This means that, to be sure a mouse can’t get inside, all holes and cracks 1/4th inch and larger must be closed or sealed shut. A hole the size of a dime is a big enough door for the average mouse to gain access!

To close off all potential entry points requires a thorough inspection of the home inside and outside. Begin by caulking all cracks and gaps in the foundation and around all utility entrances. Check door sweeps under entrance doors and overhead garage doors and replace as necessary. Go inside and inspect all water and drain lines under sinks and close all gaps or openings. This prevents mice from getting inside the walls and building nests or spreading to other parts of the building.

As for food sources, mice will eat whatever you do. They will go in the pantry and chew through boxes and bags of food. Do not leave leftovers sitting out on the counter or table and be sure to store all food in mouse proof containers. Remember, those two incisors can gnaw through wood, fabric, and plastic.

The next thing you will want to do is eliminate moisture. Just a drop of water is enough to sustain a mouse for a period of time. Examine all faucets, waterlines, and drain lines for any leaks or water drips and repair accordingly. Eliminating points of entry and food and water will certainly discourage mice from taking up residence in your home.

We all know rodents can cause multiple problems ranging from chewing holes in wiring and walls to spreading diseases. The safest means of securing your home is to contact Active Pest Control. Our Active Pest Control Advantage program will correct your rodent problem and is a year-round solution for monitoring and controlling rodents along with most common household pests.

What Are Kissing Bugs?

It is very likely that you have heard phrases like “sealed with a kiss” or “the kiss of death.” While a kiss is usually a display of affection, there is one kiss you don’t want, and that is a kiss from triatomine bugs, also known as kissing bugs. The triatomine bugs, or kissing bugs, carry a parasite in their feces that has the risk of spreading the potential deadly Chagas disease.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that triatomine bugs have been found across the southern United States and as far north as Pennsylvania. This includes Rome Georgia, and surrounding areas throughout Georgia. This is not a new infestation. Dr Susan Montgomery of the CDC stated that the kissing bugs have been in the area since as early as 1855, but there has never been a reported case in Georgia of Chagas disease being transmitted by the bug.

The triatomine bug received the “affectionate” name of kissing bug by biting humans on their face and lips at night while they are sleeping. The kissing bug feeds on the blood of humans and animals. The good news is that you are more likely to find a kissing bug outside in wooded areas, in dog houses, or barns housing animals and chickens than actually spotting one in your house.

There are a couple things residents of Rome Georgia should know regarding the risks of kissing bugs and Chagas disease.

  • Chagas disease symptoms are much like that of the flu. From there it goes into a chronic phase where one may experience heart problems and gastrointestinal issues. In the unlikely event that you contract this disease, seek medical assistance immediately as this disease can be life-threatening if left untreated.
  • Be aware that parasites that cause Chagas disease are in the feces of the kissing bug. An individual can unknowingly rub the feces into the bite opening or even into your eyes or mouth.
  • Kissing bugs are wingless and can be up to ¾ of an inch in length at maturity. They are usually black or very dark brown colored with red or orange spots along the edge of the body.

If you see kissing bugs in your home, contact Active Pest Control for assistance. Rome Georgia residents can have peace of mind and enjoy the hospitality and keen knowledge of our pest management specialists who will develop custom tailored plans specific to your needs

 

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!