April Rain Attracts Spring Pests

A tick in Vermont - Vermont Pest Control

Keeping pests out of your home is a frustrating practice year-round here in Vermont, especially in spring. There are many reasons for spring’s infamy as a pest-ridden reason, but one of the most major of these is the amount of rainfall. The rain creates favorable conditions for all kinds of pests to thrive amongst the blooming plant growth that we see in this season. It’s important to know how to get ahead of them. Let the expert exterminators at Vermont Pest Control help out!

What Pests Love Spring Rain?

A rainy spring allows for many kinds of pests around Vermont to thrive. There are a few in particular that you should be watching out for this spring:

  1. Fleas and ticks: These parasitic pests survive by hiding out in dense plant growth, waiting for animals to walk by that they can latch onto. A rainy spring means more hiding places.
  2. Mosquitoes: Mosquitoes breed in standing water pools, from sources as big as ponds to as small as puddles. With more opportunities to proliferate, mosquitoes thrive after a rainy spring.
  3. Fire ants: Soil softens after a rainy spring, making it easy for fire ants and other subterranean ants to expand their colonies.
  4. Beetles: Lots of rainfall in spring means our gardens will flourish, but it also gives beetles easy access to plentiful food.
  5. Termites: Sometimes called rain flies, winged termite swarmers come out after a rain to take advantage of damaged wood.

What Can I Do to Prevent Pests During a Rainy Spring?

A rainy spring won’t only make your yard a pest hotspot, it could also lead to pest problems inside your home. We recommend adding these measures to your cleaning routines to prevent pest infestations this spring:

  • Seal any cracks and gaps: Fill in any gaps you find around your doors and windows with weather stripping or screens, whichever you see fit. Cracks in the exterior of your house in walls, roofing, foundation, or otherwise can be filled with a silicone-based caulk.
  • Ensure your gutters are clear: Leaves and other natural debris can build up in your gutters. This can either lead to overflows or perfect standing water sources for mosquitoes to breed in.
  • Prevent standing water from pooling up: Anywhere that standing water pools, pests will come, and this includes the interior of your home. Wipe up any water spills in the kitchen or bathroom promptly.

How Vermont Pest Control Can Help This Spring

If you feel that pest problems are inevitable every spring, ask your local pest control company how they can help. Our team at Vermont Pest Control is well versed in our local pest issues. We can assess your property for vulnerabilities, exterminate active pests, and teach you how to avoid your recurring pest problems going forward. Contact our team today to learn more about how we can help you and receive a free estimate!

The Dangers of Fleas & Ticks in Vermont

Ticks and fleas are dangerous and can transmit disease in Vermont - Vermont Pest Control

Fleas and ticks may be tiny insects, but they can be two of the most dangerous pests. This is because they are parasitic, meaning they have to feed on the blood of their hosts to survive. As if this wasn’t scary enough—fleas and ticks are capable of transmitting some of the world’s most dangerous diseases. Cats and dogs are most commonly affected by fleas and ticks, but are they dangerous to people as well? Unfortunately, yes! Ticks in particular can transmit blood-borne diseases (including Lyme disease) to people. For this reason, it’s very important to do everything in your power to prevent fleas and ticks on your family and pets.

Diseases Spread by Fleas

When you think of fleas, you likely think of your pets. In addition to getting on your pets, fleas are often brought into the home on rodents if you have an infestation. Although it’s rare, fleas can get onto humans, too. These tiny, reddish brown insects can cause itchy bites and, in serious cases, allergic reactions. Fleas have been linked back to typhus, plague, cat scratch disease, and tapeworms. Because these diseases can be dangerous for you and your pets, it’s essential to prevent fleas.

Tick-Borne Diseases

Ticks can similarly latch onto pets or people, especially outdoors in areas with high grass. There are several types of ticks, and many of them are able to transmit disease. The most common of these is Lyme disease which, if left untreated, can cause damage to the heart and nervous system. Other diseases associated with ticks include Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMDF), Ehrlichiosis, and Tularemia. With such a list, it’s crucial to stay aware of ticks whenever you are outdoors.

How to Prevent Fleas & Ticks

To prevent fleas and ticks, the number one thing you can do is regularly check your pets for them. Especially after a walk or hike, look at your cat or dog’s fur for these tiny insects. Also consider getting preventative medicines from your veterinarian. Fleas and ticks are most often carried by rodents and wildlife. To prevent the parasitic insects, you must also prevent nuisance wildlife infestations. To do so, try implementing the following tips:

  1. Keep a tidy and clean landscape by avoiding piles of debris, mowing the lawn, and trimming back trees and foliage.
  2. Ensure garbage cans are securely stored with a tight-fitting lid.
  3. Don’t leave pet food—or any other food for that matter—outside.
  4. Because fleas cannot survive in direct sunlight, keeping your home and yard sunny may be a natural deterrent.
  5. Seal holes and any areas of entry into the home to detract rodents from getting inside. 

Preventing Fleas and Ticks in Vermont

Vermont is home to both of these dangerous insects, making it important to learn how to effectively prevent them. If you notice flea or ticks nearby and have more questions, the residential pest control experts at Vermont Pest Control are here to help. Contact us today to learn more!

How to Prevent Fleas and Ticks in Vermont

Ticks are a common pest problem in Vermont - Learn more from Vermont Pest Control

Vermont summers are beautiful, making more people want to spend time outdoors. Unfortunately, ticks and fleas are common in the summertime. Not only are these pests a nuisance, they can be very dangerous as well. These two insects are both parasitic, meaning they feed on the blood of their hosts to survive. Ticks in particular pose an immense risk in that they can pass blood-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease, to their hosts. Cats and dogs are most commonly affected by fleas and ticks, and can spread them throughout your home once indoors. Rats and mice are also known to bring these pests indoors. The team at Vermont Pest Control is here with tips on how to prevent fleas and ticks in your property this summer and all year long.

Dangers of Fleas and Ticks

Fleas often attach to cats or dogs outside as they nestle in fur and spread to items inside the home. Rats and mice also bring them indoors sometimes. These tiny, reddish brown insects can cause itchy bites and, in serious cases, allergic reactions. Fleas can spread easily, making them a pain to deal with once they get inside.

Just like fleas, ticks latch onto the fur of animals as well as clothing and skin. An infestation is often caused when they’ve infested a rodent, raccoon, or another animal near the home. Certain ticks, such as the brown dog tick, does well living indoors, and many species of ticks transmit a number of viruses or infections. The most common tick-borne illness is Lyme disease. If left untreated, this disease can cause damage to the heart and nervous system.

5 Ways to Prevent Fleas & Ticks

No one wants to deal with fleas and ticks in the summer. In addition to getting any pets treated for fleas regularly, it’s important to make sure you implement preventative measures outside the home to keep fleas and ticks away. There are several things you can do to prevent fleas and ticks:

  1. Keep a tidy landscape by avoiding piles of debris, keeping garbage stored carefully, and trimming back trees and foliage.
  2. Don’t leave pet food outside.
  3. Fleas cannot survive in direct sunlight, so keeping your home and yard sunny may be a natural deterrent.
  4. Avoid walking in areas with high brush.
  5. Seal holes and any areas of entry into the home to detract rodents from getting inside.

Need Flea or Tick Control?

Getting fleas or ticks can be very overwhelming. When you have them, it’s important to get professional help to remove them. The team at Vermont Pest Control is here to help keep you and your family safe from these parasitic insects year-round in Vermont. Contact our team today to learn more!