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Total Pest Control Solutions
Pest Control Lakeland provides comprehensive pest management services. They specialize in Indoor Pest Control, Termite Control, Fumigation, and Lawn Care.
Effective pest control eliminates and prevents pests from re-invading a home or business. It also helps reduce the risks of health problems and property damage caused by pests.
Insects
Insects are the largest group of animals and have more than a million described species. They are hexapod invertebrates with three-part bodies (head, thorax, and abdomen), six legs, and two antennas. They have compound eyes and a hard chitinous exoskeleton. Insects are a vital part of our ecosystem. They pollinate flowers, plant crops, control other insects, act as scavengers, and serve as food for many other animals and humans.
Insect populations are cyclical and may need to be controlled periodically. Insects like plum curculio, striped cucumber beetle and potato beetle exhibit boom and bust cycles, depending on the weather and their host plants.
Biological pest control uses the mass production and release of a harmful insect’s natural enemies, such as predatory insects or parasitoids, to reduce population levels. These methods use fewer chemicals and lessen environmental harm. They are often effective but take time to work. They also depend on maintaining healthy lawns and plants.
Rodents
Rodents can be a serious nuisance and may cause property damage. They also carry diseases that can be spread through bites, scratches, or the ingestion of food contaminated by rodent feces or urine. The plague is one of these, causing the Black Death in 14th-century Europe. Other diseases include leptospirosis, salmonellosis, and bacterial infections transmitted through handling live or dead rodents or by contact with their urine or saliva.
In general, the public was more certain than expected that rats and mice belong to the natural wild fauna of the Netherlands and that they need food, water, and shelter to survive. However, the public was less certain about other statements. This reflects the fact that people lack information and guidance on integrated pest management (IPM).
Bedbugs
Bedbugs are small, reddish-brown wingless insects that feed on blood and prefer to live near their host. They are found throughout the world and are particularly troublesome in places that see frequent turnover of people, such as apartment buildings, dorm rooms, homeless shelters, cruise ships, hotels, and trains. Their bites can cause rashes, psychological effects, and allergic reactions in some people.
During the day, they hide in the seams of mattresses and box springs, cracks of bed frames and headboards, and behind trim and wall voids. They emerge at night to feed. You can often find them by observing shed skins, which look like dark specks and may resemble the ink spots of a felt tip pen, and fecal stores, which leave tiny brown or rust-colored deposits on bedding, sleeping cushion creases, and headboards.
Preventing a bed bug infestation is challenging, but it’s possible to reduce your risk by taking precautions when traveling or staying in shared living spaces, inspecting secondhand furniture, and closing all wall openings. Using a mattress protector bag and packing clothes in sealed plastic bags can help, too.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are a significant health threat, as they can carry and transmit many disease-causing bacteria. They also produce allergens that trigger asthma. They are especially troublesome in food facilities.
They like dark, moist spaces and are often found near kitchens living in a closet, or under appliances. They are nocturnal and emerge at night to seek food. Observing signs of an infestation, including droppings that look like ground pepper or tiny black cylinders, cockroach smears (liquified fecal matter) and egg cases may indicate a problem.
A thorough inspection of the structure and a well-thought-out control strategy are required for effective management. Sanitation practices are essential and should include keeping all food items in tight-fitting containers and stacking loose waste properly.
Fleas
Fleas are small, reddish-brown insects that survive as external parasites by feeding on the blood of mammals and birds. Adult fleas are flightless and have bodies that are flattened laterally allowing them to move between hair, fur, and feathers on their host; piercing-sucking mouthparts; and strong claws that prevent them from being dislodged.
A female flea lays 4 to 6 light-colored eggs after each blood meal and can lay up to several hundred in her lifetime. Eggs are not sticky and are loosely deposited on the skin, fur, or feathers of hosts (dogs, cats, rats, mice, rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons, opossums, hens, and humans). They also drop off where the host rests or sleeps including rugs, carpeting, bedding, and crevices in furniture.
To control fleas, regularly vacuum and shampoo rugs and carpeting. Regularly wash and groom pets, and use flea collars.
Wasps
When a wasp feels threatened, it releases a pheromone that attracts more wasps to the location. This is a good reason to avoid direct contact with nests, especially around late summer when they’re at their peak population.
Despite their painful stings, wasps provide valuable services to ecosystems around the world by controlling insect pest populations in gardens and agricultural fields. They also serve as model organisms for scientific study across many disciplines, from genetics to venom and evolution.
While wasps are at their highest populations in late summer, they can be found throughout the year. You can reduce their numbers by ensuring outdoor food is sealed in airtight containers, trash is stored away from vulnerable entry points, and all outdoor activities are carried out in the cool of dawn or dusk. The best way to prevent wasp infestations is to have all cracks and crevices in your home and around the exterior professionally caulked.
Ants
The most common pest encountered by PMPs, ants can be troublesome at home, work sites, and commercial buildings. They are often found in flower beds and turf but can infest a structure at any time of year.
Ants are valuable scavengers and help recycle nutrients in natural environments. However, they can be a nuisance in areas where their numbers become out of control. They can also sting people and pets.
Ants can be controlled by spraying cracks and crevices with liquid insecticide, or granular baits in tamper-proof containers. Perimeter treatments can be applied by spraying a mixture of insecticide and water, or by placing a granule treatment around the foundation area. Perimeter treatments must be repeated as needed to prevent ant infiltration. It is also important to remove moisture sources by cutting back bushes and trees that act as ant highways and fixing conducive conditions like retaining walls or uneven soils that attract ants.
Bees
One out of three mouthfuls of food relies on animal pollination. That’s why bumblebees, honey bees, and other wild bees are essential to the health of our planet’s ecosystems.
Beekeepers have been battling the recent invasion of nest-invading small hive beetles and parasitic varroa mites in colonies. The result is unsustainable losses that have necessitated an IPM (Integrated Pest Management) approach to the beekeeping industry.
Physical control includes the use of heat, cold, ventilation, humidity, light, and sound to prevent or eliminate a pest problem. For example, freezing temperatures can kill wax moths in stored comb, and the use of light and ventilation can prevent the spread of varroa mites.
The use of chemicals to control a pest can also be a part of an IPM program. Symptoms of acute pesticide exposure are typically found when dead bees, often shaking and disoriented, accumulate in large numbers at a hive entrance.
Termites
Termites are the number one wood-destroying pests, costing residents more than $5 billion per year. They feed on cellulose, the main component of plant matter, including trees and their bark, as well as wood-based structures like homes and furniture.
Look for mud tubes, discarded piles of wings (called frass), and small pinholes in wood. If you see any of these signs, call us for a complete inspection of your property and preventative treatment options.
Keep moisture levels low to avoid termite infestations. Fix leaks, ventilate crawl spaces, and remove wood-to-soil contact around your home.
Our team offers traditional control methods, as well as less intrusive bait systems and liquid wood treatments. Bait stations house enticing baits that termites consume and share with their colonies, effectively wiping out the entire population. Liquid termiticides can be sprayed around the foundation of your home to create a barrier that kills these pests upon ingestion.
How to Properly Prepare Your Home For Window Replacement
If your windows are old or leaky, replacements can boost beauty and help cut energy costs. But which brands are best?
This buying guide highlights our top picks for both new construction and Window Replacement Foxboro MA. We also provide tips on installation and other considerations. We’ll cover double-hung and sliding windows and specialty types such as bay, bow, and picture windows.
A window frame is a critical component of the structure that holds glass units in place and provides protection for your home’s interior from harsh weather conditions. If your window is sagging or not closing properly, the underlying cause may be a worn out hinge mechanism that can easily be replaced with new hardware. However, if the sagging or misalignment is due to a loose frame that can no longer support the weight of the glass, replacing the entire window structure is the most effective solution.
The window frame is typically constructed from wood, aluminum or vinyl and can be clad in wood to provide a more natural aesthetic or metal to increase energy efficiency. There is no single best frame material and the type of construction has a significant impact on a window’s performance and lifespan.
There are two basic types of window replacement: full frame replacement or insert windows. Insert windows replace the existing window in a pre-existing opening and are designed to meet or exceed the performance of the original product, while still providing you with more options for your home’s design.
Full frame replacement is a more extensive project that requires the demolition of exterior trim and siding to access the window frame. You will need to purchase a new window that is the same size as the current window and ideally bigger to prevent water or air from seeping through any gaps in the framing. This option is often necessary if your window has rotted or warped, allowing sloping or moisture infiltration.
To frame the new opening, you will need to establish a sill plate and short support studs. The sill plate is a horizontal board that runs between the two jack studs and rests on the bottom/sole plate. To construct the jack studs, you will need to measure from the top of the window header down to the intended vertical position of the stud and mark this length on two two-by-fours. Cut the boards to this dimension and nail them together as a double sill plate.
If you are interested in an industrial or modern style for your home, a steel frame may be the best choice for your window. Steel frames are hard to break, fire-resistant and provide a high level of security for your family. They require a more substantial upfront investment but can last for over 75 years.
Glass
For the majority of windows, glass is replaced not because it’s broken but because a new look is desired. Replacement window glass is available in clear, frosted and patterned styles as well as tinted to suit your family’s needs. It can also be ordered in thicknesses from 1/16″ to 1/4″. A glass professional will help you decide what is appropriate for your home’s existing frame and its structure.
Before you begin removing the old pane, wear eye protection and gloves to protect yourself from glass shards. If the window pane is still intact, use a utility knife to remove the glazing compound (putty) and metal glazing points that hold it in place. Then, wiggle the glass out.
If the frame and sash are in good shape, you can install an insert replacement window to maintain the original appearance of your window and improve its energy efficiency. This type of window fits inside the existing frame, replacing the sash and jambs. It isn’t as common as “pocket” replacement windows that require the removal of the sashes and their tracks, but can be an economical alternative.
Most modern windows are insulated, which means they have twin panes of glass separated by an air space. They are sometimes called insulated glass units, or IGUs. These are a popular choice for homeowners because they reduce the cost of heating and cooling, and help keep your home comfortable throughout the year.
To replace a double pane, you’ll need to purchase and cut a new piece of glass to fit the opening, making sure it is a sixteenth of an inch shorter in all directions. You’ll also need to buy a pack of glass points, small fasteners that secure the glass in place. You can buy these at most hardware stores. Alternatively, you can bring your measurements to a local window repair shop or glazing company to have them cut the glass for you.
If your window frames are rotten or damaged, you may need to replace the entire frame. Wood replacement frames are the most durable, but you can also find vinyl and aluminum-clad frames that have the appearance of wood on the outside but are much stronger and more weather-resistant than bare wood.
Hardware
If you choose to install a replacement window, the first step is to prep the area for installation. Remove any old sash weights and cords, and clean the area where the new window will sit. The next step is to remeasure the pocket opening to make sure your new window fits. It is important to order a window that is about 1/4 in. smaller than the existing frame opening to allow for squareing of the window vertically and horizontally, as well as allowing for proper installation of the sash and hardware.
The type of window you select will determine the type of hardware you need. For example, casement windows open out with a crank mechanism while double-hung windows slide up to open. You can also select from awning windows that open out from the top or sliding windows that open from the side. Whatever style you choose, there are a few common parts and hardware that are necessary for the installation process.
Cam locks are the locking mechanisms used on single and double-hung windows. They are available in a variety of styles, from a simple handle to a keyed entry set. Operators are the handles that operate your window, and they come in two types: single arm or dual arm. They are important for avoiding optional binding and ensuring that your windows open and close smoothly.
You may also need a sill adapter for a replacement window. The sill adapter is placed on the bottom of the sill and helps prevent water from leaking into the home. It is important to install a sill adapter that is made of weather-resistant vinyl, and it should be cut based on the specific measurement of your window. If you need to, you can install a drip cap at the head of the sill to further protect against water leaks.
Depending on the style of window you are installing, you may also need a wood or vinyl replacement insert. These are self-contained units that fit inside the existing window jambs to create a secondary frame. These can be installed in either a full-frame window installation or a retrofit sash window replacement, and they are available in a variety of options, including energy-efficient low-E glass and simulated divided lites.
Installation
Before installing your new window, your installer should remove the existing one, and inspect the opening to make sure it’s a good fit. If there are cracks or rot, the crew should repair them. They should also check for a proper air seal and caulking around the perimeter of the window.
After removing the old window, your contractor should vacuum or sweep the area to eliminate dust and debris. They should also remove the sash from the frame and remove any window hardware that’s attached. You can also choose to have the contractors stuff insulation in the sash pockets, which helps maintain energy efficiency.
To install your replacement window, start by placing spacers on the sill and installing a flashing strip. Then affix it to the casing using silicone or two 6d (2-inch) nails per pair of shims (be sure to pre-drill). Next, rest the new window in place, starting from the bottom and working up. Once the window is seated, drive a screw partway through the trim at one of the upper corners. Then, if necessary, adjust the shims or screws and recheck the window for plumb.
If the side jambs of your window aren’t level, open and close the sash to adjust it. Then, run a tape measure diagonally from opposite corners. The measurements should be equal. If they aren’t, loosen the sash and slide wood shims under it until the frame is square.
Next, add shims or foam to the top of the frame to raise it up and apply silicone caulking. They can also use caulking along the bottom of the frame if there is any gap there as well.
When everything’s done, your installation team will clean up the work area and haul away any materials that need to be disposed of. They should also put down cloth to protect the flooring or furniture from dust and debris. They should also ask to review your insurance policy to confirm that they have workers’ compensation and general liability coverage. This is to make sure that you don’t get stuck with any costly damage bills should something happen while they’re working in your home.