Arrow Exterminators Shares Spring Pest-Proofing Tips With The Weather Channel

Arrow Exterminators' Chief HR Officer & SVP of Professional Development, Shay Runion was a guest this morning on The Weather Channel's AMHQ with Stephanie Abrams.  Shay discussed how the weather affects termite and mosquito populations as well as discussed some tips for pest-proofing your home this spring.

As temperatures rise, termite and mosquito activity increases and pest populations will boom.  Both mosquitoes and termites are attracted to and depend on water for survival, so one of the most important things you can is eliminate standing water from your yard and around your home.   Also, trimming back excess vegetation and moving firewood away from your home is important. Both types of pests will live in vegetation or termites will seek wood and mulch as a food source.  

For termite prevention, it is important to have your home annually inspected by a licensed professional who specializes in termite control. They can be difficult to identify and often they have already done damage by the time they are found. 

Mosquito Prevention Tips:

• Mosquitoes breed in standing water – only needing a bottle cap size – so eliminate all sources of standing water such as children’s wading pools, bird baths and flower pots.
• Keep rain gutters clean to prevent water from standing in drains.
• Cut back or get rid of unnecessary vegetation near the home, where mosquitoes will breed or rest.
• Screen windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from getting inside homes.
• Consider using yellow bug light bulbs in outdoor light fixtures – these bulbs can reduce the number of insects flying around your home.

Termite Prevention Tips:

• Termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage each year.
• Termite swarmers begin to emerge in the warmer weather and start looking for a new location to start a colony – which is why now is the perfect time to educate yourself about protecting your home. 
• Look for these warning signs of a termite infestation:
• Thin, papery wings near window sills or floors
• Mud tubs built by termites to connect them from the soil to their food source
• Distorted areas of paint or wood surfaces which appear “bubbled” or cracked
• Hollow-sounding wood
• Eliminate moisture around foundations and divert water from the house by using proper downspouts and gutters.
• Do not stack firewood or lumber near your home.
• Remove old tree stumps from the yard.
• Reduce humidity in crawl spaces with proper ventilation. 

If you're worried about termites or mosquitoes wreaking havoc on your home this spring, contact Arrow today to schedule a free whole home evaluation.