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How to Keep Ticks Away From Your Yard & Home

A blacklegged tick found in El Paso TX - Pest Defense Solutions El Paso

When summer is coming up, we all look forward to spending more time outdoors in the beautiful, warm weather. However, the more time we spend out in the yard or on a walk, the higher our risk of attracting ticks becomes. Ticks thrive in warm, humid weather and in areas where humans and animals are abundant. This ranges from wooded areas to hiking trails, to backyards, and more. The consistently rising temperatures we have experienced over recent years have also allowed for ticks to expand their domain.

If you find yourself dealing with ticks every summer, read on for some tick control advice from the experts at Pest Defense Solutions. We have laid out some advice to help you avoid ticks in your yard and home in El Paso.

Keeping Ticks Out of Your Yard

Ticks thrive in areas that are densely vegetated, lined with healthy trees, or home to many small animals. Any one of these factors could play into a tick infestation in your yard. To keep ticks far away from your home, you can follow these steps:

Trim your trees: Ticks will take refuge in trees and overgrown plants. If plant life in your yard grows over onto the structures of your house or areas that you frequent, ticks can easily find you.
Mow the lawn: Ticks also make use of tall grass to hide in, waiting for unsuspecting animals to latch onto. Mowing your lawn once a week will help you avoid ticks.
Remove piles of debris or yard waste: Any piles of yard waste, old furniture, firewood, or garbage can create hiding places for ticks. Make sure to tidy up often.
Control any wildlife: Small animals like rats, mice, squirrels, racoons, and more can attract ticks to your yard as other options for hosts to feed on.

Preventing Ticks Inside

Ticks are only able to live indoors for up to a few days in most cases. However, in indoor spaces susceptible to more humidity, such as cabins, bathrooms, and sheds, ticks have an easier time staying alive. Most ticks end up in homes because a person or pet brought them in unknowingly. Here’s how you can prevent this from happening:

Check your pets: If you have dogs that spend a lot of time outside or go on frequent walks, they could easily bring ticks into your home. Make sure to conduct a tick check when they come inside.
Limit exposed skin: Ticks like to hang out alongside trails to latch onto passersby. If you’re going on a hike, wearing high socks or long pants will decrease your chances of bringing ticks back home.
Use bug spray: Any exposed skin can be protected by using bug spray. Those containing 20% DEET work well against ticks.

Tick Control Professionals in El Paso

If you can’t seem to stop the ticks on your property on your own, talk to your local pest control company. At Pest Defense Solutions, we train our tick removal experts to assess each individual property thoroughly and efficiently, determining the sources of any tick outbreak and helping customers avoid them going forward. For a free quote, contact us today!

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How do Ants Get Inside the House?

An ant infestation starting in El Paso TX - Pest Defense Solutions El Paso

Ants are the pests that just keep coming. You may think that you’ve tried everything in your power to keep ants out of your house, and they still confidently stroll through your kitchen or along your walls. Truthfully, you’re not alone in this feeling.

Every year we get batches of calls from concerned clients who can’t seem to stop ant infestations from returning to their homes. Even the cleanest houses are subject to ant outbreaks. So, what gives? Read on for expert insight from the ant specialists at Pest Defense Solutions.

What Causes Ant Infestations?

Ants in the house are usually looking for an open food source to take from. If an ant locates accessible food, it will emit specific pheromones, signaling to the rest of its colony that there is a meal nearby. As long as the source continues to supply, the ant trail will grow and grow. Ants will go after just about any kind of food, but prefer these things:

Fruit
Sweets
Meat
Bread

Even if you keep your food properly stored and sealed, you still have the chance of an ant infestation developing in your home. Especially during the winter months, ants will seek out warmth and shelter inside our houses. They can find even the smallest gaps to get in. Some of their usual access points are:

Broken plumbing fixtures
Ventilation systems
Holes in foundation
Gaps in wood paneling, brickwork, and more

What Can You Do to Stop Ants At Home?

Keeping your kitchen and bathroom clean are two crucial steps to DIY ant prevention. Keep your food sealed in airtight containers and keep it stowed away. Clean your dishes right after meals, and quickly deal with your spills (using a lemon-scented or vinegar-based solution for extra points). In the bathroom, limit the amount of moisture buildup caused by your shower and sink by keeping the room properly ventilated with fans or open windows.

Then, take your attention to the outside of the house. To keep ants outside, you should:

Seal any cracks that you find in your plumbing fixtures
Place screens on doors and windows or patch up torn screens
Check your foundation and siding for holes to fill
Keep your trash cans at a good distance from your house

Expert Ant Control Services in El Paso

Still dealing with an ant infestation after taking all of these prevention steps? Don’t worry, sometimes the source of an ant trail can be quite difficult to find. If you need your ants in El Paso gone today, let your local pest control company know about your problem. The ant exterminators at Pest Defense Solutions are proud to provide the best service in the region, using efficient, effective, and environmentally responsible solutions. For a free estimate on ant control, contact us today!

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How Do Bed Bugs Spread?

It’s harder than you would imagine to avoid a bed bug infestation. These pests aren’t picky about whose homes they infest. No degree of cleanliness inside your house can prevent a chance encounter with bed bugs while you’re out and about. If bed bugs latch onto your clothes, luggage, or other items that you bring back inside, they can quickly spread to different rooms in your home and remain out of sight. So how are bed bugs so sneaky?

How Do Bed Bugs Spread Around?

It helps that bed bugs are quite small, only reaching about 1/4” at the largest. They can easily hide in all sorts of fabrics and materials, waiting to be transferred from public places to comfortable homes. Some of the common sources of bed bug infestations are:

Luggage: Many people report bed bug infestations shortly after traveling to a new place. Bed bugs like to latch onto luggage and take a free ride to a new destination.
Furniture: Bed bugs have plenty of folds and cushions to duck into in furniture. Before bringing a new couch, chair, or mattress into your home, inspect it for any bed bug activity.
Clothing: In second-hand clothing stores especially, bed bugs have an optimal environment to thrive. One infested article of clothing can quickly lead to many more, so make sure to quickly wash any new clothing you bring home.

How to Stop Bed Bugs from Spreading

Although it can be difficult to avoid a bed bug encounter, there are a few steps that you can take to create a less hospitable bed bug environment in your home. You can:

Vacuum regularly and keep your possessions organized to avoid excess clutter.
Put protective covers on your mattress and box spring.
Inspect your room whenever you travel and try to avoid leaving bags on the floor.
If you wash your clothes at a laundromat, transport them in a sealable bag.

The basic methods of bed bug avoidance coincide with general cleanliness, meaning that the more precaution against pests and germs you take, the better. However, there is no guaranteed way to avoid bed bugs—sometimes, they just sneak by.

Dealing with a Bed Bug Infestation in El Paso TX

If you wake up with small red bites aligned in zig-zag patterns on your body, it could be too late to prevent a serious bed bug infestation. Don’t rush to throw out your mattress or sheets—call an expert bed bug exterminator instead. All of your belongings can be saved through the process of a professional heat treatment conducted by a licensed pest control technician. For a free quote on bed bug removal services, contact us today!

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How Do You Remove a Tick?

How to remove a tick in El Paso - Pest Defense Solutions

Here in El Paso, pests are in full force in the spring and summer. None is potentially more of a threat than the tick. These tiny pests are infamous for transmitting a number of diseases, including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and, more infamously, Lyme disease. Although the chances of getting Lyme disease are relatively low, it’s still important to learn what you can do to prevent tick bites. Even more important is the knowledge of how to remove a tick in a safe and timely manner. With May being National Lyme Disease Awareness Month, the experts at Pest Defense Solutions are here to share all you need to know about removing ticks.

What Ticks Carry Lyme Disease?

Not all tick species carry and transmit Lyme disease. In fact, deer ticks (also known as blacklegged ticks) are the type most known for their ability to transmit this dangerous disease. The transmission most often happens when a nymph deer tick bites a person. The good news is that when a tick is safely removed within the first 24 hours, the chances of contracting a tick-borne illness is low. It is only when an infected tick has been attached for 36–48 hours can the bacterium be transmitted. Knowing how to promptly and safely remove ticks, then, is essential to stopping the transmission of Lyme disease.

Instructions to Safely Remove a Tick

With a fine-tipped pair of tweezers, you can safely remove a tick right at home. In fact, the following method is backed by the CDC and the ASPCA. Here’s how to remove a tick:

- - - - Use the tweezers to firmly grasp the head or mouth of the tick, as close to the skin as possible. Avoid grasping the tick’s body to the best of your ability, as this could inject the tick’s blood into the skin.
        
        Firmly and steadily pull the tick outward in a straight motion. Try to not twist the tweezers, as this could dislodge the head, leaving it embedded in your skin.
        
        As soon as the tick is removed, carefully clean the area of the bite, as well as your hands, with soap and water.
        
        To safely dispose of the tick, place it in a sealed bag or jar with alcohol. Another option is to flush the tick down the toilet. Do not crush the tick.
        
        In the rare case you develop a rash or other symptoms after getting bitten by a tick, it’s important to see your doctor immediately. If the tick was saved, your doctor may wish to see it for inspection.
        
        Tick Control and Removal in El Paso
        
        Ticks are one of the most dangerous pests due to their ability to transmit disease. For this reason, it’s crucial to learn not only how to prevent ticks but also how to remove them if you’ve been bitten. The tick control experts at Pest Defense Solutions are here to help—contact us today for help with tick removal!

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Before Hiring a Pest Control Company, Ask Them These Questions

Whether you own a new home or business and want to protect it from pests, or you’re thinking of changing your current pest control provider, how do you know how to make the right choice? Before hiring anyone, it’s important to take several factors into account, including the company’s reputation, processes, reviews, and more. At Pest Defense Solutions, we want our customers to make informed decisions when it comes to the safety of their properties. We’re sharing the top questions to ask before hiring any pest control company—read on to learn more.

El Paso’s Best Pest Control Company

Pest Defense Solutions is proud to be El Paso’s trusted pest control experts. We are proud to have good relationships with our customers, built on mutual trust and effective, long-lasting services. To get started, contact us today!

Do Termites Infest Non-Wood Homes?

One of the biggest misconceptions about termites is that they only infest wood homes. The bad news is that this is not true—non-wood homes can get termites, too! This is because termites are attracted to a number of different things that could make your property the perfect environment for their activity. Because termites are a threat to all types of homes, it’s important to learn what may be attracting them to your house in the first place. The experts at Pest Defense Solutions are here to help you better understand what could be causing termite problems in your El Paso home.

Termites in Non-Wood Homes

No matter whether your home is made of wood, brick, or stone, termites remain a threat. This is because there could be other risk factors at play. Wood stored near your home, moisture issues, wooden decks, and more could all put you at risk for a termite problem. The best way to know if you are protected against termites is to work with a professional termite exterminator. A thorough home inspection will pinpoint anything in or around your property that could put you at risk for termite problems.

What Draws Termites to my Home?

Moisture problems.
1. Subterranean termites in particular are attracted to moisture, especially in soil. Standing water or excess moisture will invite termites to take up residence in your home. Always fix leaks, broken sprinkler systems, downspouts, and clogged gutters to ensure you are protected from moisture problems.
Foundation problems.
1. Termites will take advantage of structural vulnerabilities, no matter whether your home is wooden or brick. A crack in the structure of your property allows for termites to easily build mud tubes upon it. Frequently inspect your home for cracks and make repairs as needed. Look for other issues that could contribute not just to termite problems, but all sorts of pest problems!
Wood in contact with the soil.
1. Even homes that aren’t made of wood can have siding, decks, porches, fences, posts, and more that contain wood. Any wood that comes into contact with your home’s exterior is at risk for termites. For this reason, avoid storing firewood on the ground near your property. Remove decaying logs or stumps, and avoid mulch. Trim back trees to avoid branches coming into contact with your home.

The Risk of Termites in El Paso

Termite infestations are a year-round threat to all homeowners here in El Paso. You can keep your structure safe by working with your local termite control experts. At Pest Defense Solutions, our termite exterminators will thoroughly inspect your property to locate anything that could make you vulnerable to termite problems.

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How to Prevent Pests in Your Garage

Pest problems are a year-round concern for El Paso residents. While pests are certainly a problem inside homes, they can also easily infest garages. Because so many people store items in their garage year-round, often unattended for months at a time, pests find the environment to be a haven. With ample access to food, shelter, and water, rodents, spiders, and other pests will happily inhabit your garage. Seeing as no one wants to stumble across pests in their garage, it’s crucial to learn how to keep them out in the first place! The experts at Pest Defense Solutions are here with their top tips on how to prevent pests in your garage.

Pests Found in Garages

Garages provide plenty of hidden spots for pests to survive. The most common pests found in garages here in El Paso include:

Spiders. Most spiders crawl inside to feed on other insects. This makes your garage even more suitable for their place of dwelling. Spiders are known to spin webs in boxes and in rarely-accessed corners. You can be sure to come across spiders when pulling out holiday decorations from your garage every year.
Rodents. Especially in the colder months of the year, rodents will seek shelter in garages. They can easily build nests in storage boxes and wall voids, or even sneak into your car. Because they can squeeze through coin-sized holes, rodents in garages are more common than you may want to believe.
Silverfish. One of the most common nuisance pests, silverfish are especially fond of garages and cardboard boxes. Once they are in your garage, they can feed on a number of items: paper, glue, clothing, flour, and more. While mostly harmless, silverfish are nonetheless a nuisance.
Flies. Especially in the hot summer months, flies can be a major nuisance. Flies are attracted to buildings by air currents and odors, and will get into garages when the door is open. House flies can be found resting on nearly any surface including on walls, floors, window sills and other various objects found in the garage.

Tips For Pest-Proofing Your Garage

Keeping pests out of your garage entails many of the same prevention measures you’d take to keep them out of our home. This includes installing effective weather stripping, as well as sealing cracks and crevices with silicone-based caulk or steel wool (or both). Always fix any leaky pipes or moisture problems. Another great tip is to consider storing your items in plastic bins with tight-fitting lids to deny pests access to your stored goods. Once stored in the right containers, it’s still wise to store items up and off of the ground.

How to Prevent Pests in El Paso Homes

Dealing with pests anywhere inside or outside your property can be frustrating and even downright dangerous. If you are having trouble keeping pests out of your garage, the expert technicians at Pest Defense Solutions can help!

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Afraid of Rodents and Bugs? 2021 May Not Be Your Year

Entomologists from Pest Defense Solutions’ parent company, Rentokil Provide their Pest Predictions for 2021

READING, Penn. (Jan. 4, 2021) — As if 2020 didn’t present enough challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, 2021 could be a banner year for pests around the country.

To help residents prepare for 2021, entomologists from Rentokil used field knowledge and data to provide their predictions for pests in the upcoming year.

1. Rodents, Rodents Everywhere:

With shutdowns across the country, it’s no surprise that rodents are on the rise nationwide. Empty buildings, the scarcity of food and warmer winters have combined to create a rodent apocalypse.

“We’re seeing more rats in urban, suburban and rural settings because of the shutdowns,” said Marc Potzler, Board Certified Entomologist. “Food sources are cut off, and rats are having to travel to scavenge for food. We’ve seen rats out in public during the day, which is highly unusual.”

Warmer winters have also allowed for mice populations to boom in residential areas as it allows for a longer breeding season and there is a lower population loss due to hard freezes.

“Right now is the perfect time to rodent-proof your home,” said Potzler. “Make sure to repair any gaps on the exterior of your home, such as around garage doors, windows or pipes.”

2. Mosquitoes on the Move:

Mosquitoes populations have been increasing over the last few years. Aedes species, which are disease-carrying mosquitoes, are also moving to new areas. These mosquitoes can carry West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and Zika virus, among other diseases.

“There is an increase of mosquitoes across the country, but notably on the West Coast, and they are adapting each year,” said Eric Sebring, Associate Certified Entomologist. “We have seen evidence of behavior adaptation, where mosquitoes lay their eggs strategically to hatch throughout the season.”

Protect yourself and your family from mosquitoes by removing any standing water on your property. Mosquitoes can breed in as little as one teaspoon of water. Also, wear EPA-approved insect repellent while spending time outside.

3. Bed Bugs:

The chatter about bed bugs was quiet in 2020, but that’s not because they have gone away.

“As people begin to travel again, we will start to hear about bed bug infestations,” said Sebring. “Bed bugs can be dormant for several months at a time, so they can emerge when a food source, humans, become available.”

Bed bugs are considered hitchhikers, traveling from place to place on people, luggage, clothing and other personal belongings. Homeowners and businesses such as hotels, colleges, hospitals, senior living facilities, retail stores, and libraries have experienced problems with bed bugs.

If traveling, inspect the bed by pulling back the sheets to examine the mattress. Check your luggage before packing and unpacking, and look for signs of living or dead bugs the size of an apple seed or black fecal smears.

4. More Time Outdoors = More Pests.

From hiking to gardening to dining al fresco, there is no doubt that the pandemic has forced people to spend more time outdoors.

In 2021, we will see the outdoor pest pressures continue:

Ticks: Ticks are responsible for transmitting several diseases, including Lyme disease, to humans and animals. These small insects are found in grassy areas and in the woods, so it is important to inspect yourself and your pets after spending time outdoors. Cover as much skin as possible while outdoors, wear long pants, long sleeves, closed-toed shoes, and tuck pant legs into socks. Light-colored clothing will also help any ticks you pick up stand out.

Ants: “As soon as the weather starts to warm up, we will see an increase in ant populations,” said Tom Dobrinska, Board Certified Entomologist. “Most of the ants we are dealing with are odorous house ants. When spending time outside, make sure to clean up any food, water or sugary substances and ensure that your home is free of any holes or cracks for them to enter.”

Stinging Insects: Stinging insects, such as wasps and yellow jackets, emerge at the first sign of warm weather, and as warm weather seasons are getting longer, stinging insects have more time to create issues. Make sure you check for nests early in the spring as they are smaller and get early nest treatment. Make sure to keep windows and doors shut, and secure outside bins so stinging insects are not attracted to the contents.

5. Termites Aren’t Going Anywhere

Termites are a pesky problem, and unfortunately, are not going anywhere. Termites can cause extensive damage to structures, especially homes. As people are moving out of cities during the pandemic to more suburban areas, education about termite protection is key.

“We received more calls for termites this past year than we have in many years,” said Potzler. “It’s important to raise awareness for homeowners now to have proactive protection to keep from costly repairs in the future.”

6. Pests in the News:

There are a few pests that will continue to steal the limelight in 2021.

The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug is an invasive pest that has been making its way across the country since it was first introduced from Asia in 2001. Besides its pungent odor, this stink bug has become a nuisance for homeowners as it gathers in large numbers on the sides of houses and buildings and enters through small cracks in the home. “The brown marmorated stink bug is here to stay,” said Dobrinska. “We will continue to see this species emerge in late spring in large numbers.”

The Spotted Lanternfly will continue to wreak havoc across the Northeast and beyond. The invasive pest, first found in Pennsylvania in 2014, is spreading across the Northeast, with New York reporting its first sighting this year. The pest can significantly damage trees and plants.

“The Spotted Lanternfly is becoming a big problem in the Northeast, and it will continue to spread,” said Potzler. “It can be devastating for agriculture and is a nuisance for homeowners.”

The egg masses look like a smear of mud on trees and outside of homes. It’s important to scrape the egg mass off, put it in a bag with rubbing alcohol and throw it away, and then call the state department of agriculture.

The infamous “Murder Hornet,” also known as the Asian giant hornet, grabbed many headlines, causing homeowners to panic trying to decipher the difference between stinging insects in their yards and this aggressive species. The Asian giant hornet is the largest hornet species in the world, growing up to 3 inches in length. Currently, the Asian giant hornet has only been found in the Pacific Northwest.

“We know that there was one colony found and eliminated in Washington State,” said Sebring. “Unfortunately, if there is one, there will be more.”

While your chances of being stung by an Asian giant hornet are fairly low, the sting can be dangerous as the venom volume is higher, causing more pain. The hives are primarily built underground or in hollows in trees. If you suspect it is an Asian giant hornet or any stinging pests, call your pest management provider to assess the situation as soon as you spot activity.

ants bed bugs mosquitoes Rodents stinging insects termites ticks

Common Seasonal Pests in El Paso

Mosquitoes are a common seasonal pest in El Paso TX - Pest Defense Solutions

El Paso is home to many types of pests that are, for the most part, active throughout most of the year. Due to our mild climate, pests don’t necessarily wait out the winter like they would in other parts of the country. That said, there are still a number of seasonal pests unique to our area. At Pest Defense Solutions, we believe it is very important to learn what pests are most common in certain parts of the year in order to prepare yourself for an infestation. With information provided to us by the NPMA, we are sharing expert information on common seasonal pests to keep your eye out for throughout the year.

Fall and Winter Pests to Look Out For

The NPMA has warned that the mosquito and tick season may extend well into fall this year due to the mild summer we experienced. Due to the fact that we have such mild winters, we deal with multiple pests throughout the fall and winter:

Rats & mice. When temperatures dip, rodents will try to get indoors to wait out the colder months.
Ants. Because they need moisture, ants will be driven indoors more than usual this time of year to seek out sources of water.
Cockroaches. Similarly to ants, roaches will hide in dark, damp areas of the home in the fall and winter.

Winter pests in the South Central United States map

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Fly

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What Pests are Common in El Paso Spring and Summer?

During the spring and summer months, we deal with a plethora of pests. Our warm mild weather drives all types of pests to be more active and reproduce. One of the most common pests we deal with is termites, which can infest homes throughout the year but usually swarm in the spring and summer. Mosquitoes are always active in the height of the summer months, which is also when hoards of flies come out of nowhere. Lastly, stinging insects are at peak activity in the summertime, which is when nests are often their most dangerous.

Seasonal Pest Prevention

Due to our climate and weather patterns throughout the year, El Paso residents and business owners experience a lot of pest problems. It’s important to know which pests to keep your eye out for in order to prevent a seasonal pest problem. The residential and commercial exterminators at Pest Defense Solutions can work with you to ensure you are protected from pests all year long.

ants cockroaches mosquitoes Rodents seasonal pests stinging insects termites

Aggressive Rats During the Coronavirus

Rodents enter El Paso TX homes during the pandemic - Pest Defense Solutions

Here in El Paso, rats and mice are one of the most common pest problems we see, especially in the fall months. Infestations are currently worse than ever due to the coronavirus. As the CDC announced a while back, rodents are more aggressive due to the growing competition for food sources. When restaurants, cafes, and bars were put under restrictions to limit or even shut down operations, rats and mice suddenly found themselves depleted of their normal food source. This pushed them to search elsewhere for food and shelter, often right inside your own home. Due to the rise in rat and mouse infestations and with Rodent Awareness Week upon us, now is the perfect time to learn how to protect your property from these pests in the coming months.

What’s Happening to Rodents During the Pandemic?

Although rodents may be more common right now, there’s no reason to worry about them spreading COVID-19. There is thankfully no evidence to show that rodents are transmitting SARS-CoV-2 to humans. The main concern with rats and mice currently is that they are getting more aggressive in nature, can carry other diseases, and could cause damage to your property.

The shelter in place shutdowns caused an uptick in residential rodent sightings as rats and mice became bolder in their hunt for resources. This has since caused an uptick in infestations and rodent-spread issues. While they won’t transmit COVID-19 to you or your family, rodents still can spread other diseases including hantavirus, salmonellosis, and many more. A rodent problem can also result in structural damage.

Preventing Rodents in El Paso

The best form of rodent control is exclusion. This means safeguarding your home from rodents in the first place. Try out our following tips:

Seal off cracks and crevices around openings. Mice can squeeze inside holes the size of a dime.
Securely store all food in metal or glass containers with tight-fitting lids.
Clean inside the house and around the garden. Less clutter means fewer places to hide.
Put outdoor garbage bags in metal garbage cans with securely fitted lids to stop them from feeding on contents.
Clean up pet food and bird seed debris, and store pet food in robust containers with fitted lids, preferably above ground level.
If you have a compost heap don’t include organic food waste, as this will attract them.
Inspect your garage, attic, crawlspaces, and vents for potential rodent hiding spots.

Rodent Infestations During COVID-19

At Pest Defense Solutions, we understand that a rodent problem is the last thing you have the time and energy to deal with this year. Our rodent exterminators are committed to helping protect your property against these pests. Contact us today to learn how!

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