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Roof rats combine the unsavory traits of a rat with the climbing abilities of a squirrel. They can easily reach treetops, utility lines and other high places. When these rodents seek shelter, they often invade attics and build nests. Look for the following signs if you need to identify a possible infestation: 1. Excrement When you find long, pointy droppings in the attic or closets, roof rats may be present. This rodent's feces are much bigger than mouse excrement but significantly shorter than a Norway rat's droppings. Feces can transmit viruses and bacteria. 2. Detritus You may notice debris and small pieces of fur in rooms that roof rats have invaded. They might also create greasy streaks as they scamper along the baseboards. You'll probably detect an odor if rats infest a poorly ventilated room; some people describe it as musky. 3. Bygone Fruit Look under any fruit trees in the...

Early detection and prompt action are the best methods for halting a pest infestation. The activity of specific types of termites can tell the pest control professional about the activities of the colony. An example of this is the breeding season where the breeding termites may be busy constructing their nests. Catching the early part of this season can help you to eliminate them from your property before the colony grows. The general traits of these termites can tell you a lot about what is happening in the colony. General Characteristics Eastern subterranean termites have a general appearance that includes a segmented body with color gradations that intensify almost to the point of being solid near the head. The mid-section is bright yellow, and the tail area is honey-colored. There are ridges along the length of the body, and two antennae protrude from the head area. From a short distance, it...

At your Memorial Day barbeque, food, fun and guests should be the main attractions. Homeowners who fail to prepare their yards for a big party, however, may discover that mosquitoes have crashed the event. With a little preparation ahead of time, you can make your yard unfriendly to these annoying pests. Remove Water Sources Mosquitoes need plentiful water in order to survive and breed; most stages of their life cycle occur in water. An unkempt yard typically offers many sources of water for mosquitoes. In the weeks before your big barbeque, spend some time in your yard looking for places where bugs might congregate. For example, a bucket full of stagnant water is likely to be a popular watering hole for pests. Be careful about overwatering plants and the lawn; too much water will invite mosquitoes to check out your yard. Trim Back Hiding Spots Overgrown vegetation invites mosquitoes to hang...

Bed bugs are bad news for any homeowner. These blood-sucking parasites can make it virtually impossible for you to get a good night’s sleep. They can also cause a number of health issues for your family, including allergy and asthma flare-ups. While bed bugs are known for taking refuge underneath mattresses, it’s not uncommon to spot them in other areas of your home. Here are five surprising places you can find bed bugs. Inside Electrical Outlets Believe it or not, bed bugs will take cover inside of an electrical outlet. The tight space gives them a strong sense of security. Because the bed bugs are so well hidden, many homeowners fail to even notice them. Bedroom outlets are especially prone to housing bed bugs. These insects realize that a blood meal is only a few inches away. There's a good chance you could become their next victim. Library Books Although bed...