Warm Weather and Termites… How to Protect Your Home

Termites and warm weather are probably not the first two things you think of when someone says the word “summer.” Warm weather might spring to mind, sure; but since when do they go hand-in-glove with termites?

Environmental Pest Management can help you deal with any burgeoning termite problems your home may experience this summer.

Termites and Warm Weather: What’s the Connection?

You may be wondering why warm weather brings out the termites. The fact is, termites love warm weather; these bugs are found in 49 states (Alaska is the exception).

Termites draw their moisture from the ground. Homes with water leaks or condensation accumulation are also attractive to them, however. When temperatures get higher than 60 degrees, termites tend to hunt for moisture around homes before searching outdoors.

In summary, humidity plus warmth equals prime termite conditions.

How Do I Know My Home Has a Termite Infestation?

There are a few tell-tale signs of a termite infestation.

First of all, termites tend to shed their wings when the weather starts to get warm. A pile of termite wings is a pretty good indicator that you have termites.

Additionally, like many bugs, termites are attracted to lights. If you are concerned about termites, you may want to check around light fixtures and windows.

Rotting wood can also be a critical indicator that your home is under attack from termites. Bubbling paint can be another tell-tale sign that termites, as are a hollow sound when you tap a wood structure.

Finally, if your home is dealing with termites, you may notice mud tubes. Mud tubes are small, pencil-sized tunnels that termites use for protection and to retain moisture. These termite highways will typically appear near the foundation of a home.

Why Are Termites a Problem?

If there are two things homeowners have to prepare for, it’s termites and warm weather. Higher temperatures can mean a long, tedious chore list, from cleaning gutters to washing siding. Termite-prevention should also be part of your springtime to-do list.

Termites present a variety of serious challenges. These tenacious little critters can chew through floors and walls, even carpeting and wallpaper!

A termite colony working together can be pretty harmful, since they can eat round-the-clock for days. This level of damage can pose a threat to your home’s structural integrity.

The National Pest Management Agency estimates that termites cause over $5 billion in damage yearly.

For everything you didn’t want to know about termites, read here.

How To Prevent Termites in Warm Weather

Fortunately, there are certain proactive steps you can take to prevent termites during the spring and summer.

First, make sure you inspect your home for the tell-tale termite signs we mentioned above. Termites commonly appear in wood features, so windowsills, door frames, and floor boards/wainscoting should appear on your termite checklist.

Next, check for leaks and any excess moisture around your home. Remember, when you add humidity to the mix of termites and warm weather, termites are a risk. An important part of termite prevention is diverting water away from your home, through gutters, downspouts, and splash locks.

You should also be sure to check AC units and faucets for leaks. Rotted roof shingles can also be a source of leaks, so roof inspections are also essential for termite prevention.

Additionally, you should avoid leaving anything out that might attract hungry termites. This next tip is especially important for homeowners with wood-burning fireplaces. Try to stack lumber away from your home, instead of against it; always inspect it before you bring it inside.

Finally, if your home is recently-constructed, inspect for foam boards or grade stakes that builders may have left behind. While termites don’t eat foam board, we know that they can and do tunnel through it.

Is It Possible for Weather to be Too Warm for Termites?

Termites tend to survive best in temperatures between 75 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. While termites tend not to fare too well when temperatures fluctuate too much, do not underestimate these survivors. These insects tend to be far more skilled and able than other animals or insects at accessing cool places.

In fact, termites can survive and thrive in the famously hot Sonoran Desert. They do this by skillfully locating and sheltering in cool, underground spots and shaded areas.

Termite species who don’t share their desert cousins’ subterranean-locating abilities have other skills. During hot weather, drywood termites move their nests from close to a log’s surface, to the log’s cooler center.

So even if you live in a very hot area, unfortunately, you are not safe from the threat of termites.

Environmental Pest Management Can Help with Termite Prevention and Elimination

Whether you are looking to prevent termites or deal with an ongoing infestation, Environmental Pest Management can help. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection!

If you are serious about preventing termites, you should consider a regular professional home inspection. The experienced hands at Environmental Pest Management can assess your home’s risk and alert you to a current termite problem.

We require our staff to attain the level of Master Licensed Technician, a multi-year process to attain true field expertise.

We belong to state and national professional associations in the pest management field. Our affiliations include both the Minnesota and National Pest Management Associations. That means we are able to provide our customers with the very latest industry knowledge and best practices.

Environmental Pest Management brings over 30 years of know-how to our work, and that’s not all. You can also rely on us for environmentally-responsible pest management techniques and methods. If you require pest management in your home, apartment, office, or even hospital, we will determine the best, safest solution.

Our commitment to the environment means that we use non-chemical means of pest management as often as possible. Often, we find these pesticide-free methods are more effective and longer-lasting than traditional pesticides.

Termites and warm weather are a scary combination for any homeowner, business, or landlord. For efficient termite treatment, trust the job to an experienced company with deep roots in east central Minnesota. Contact Environmental Pest Management and say good-bye to your termite fears!

April 28, 2020January 22, 2024

What is Commercial Pest Management?

When most people think of pest management, they think of houses or apartments where people live. However, bugs don’t stick to just homes. Pests take refuge anywhere they can find. Hence, commercial pest management.

Commercial pest management is just what it sounds like: pest control for businesses. If you are a business owner and don’t have a pest control company, you need one. Maybe you already have one, but are they the best?

Business owners have many decisions to make and things to consider. Don’t let finding a trusted pest control company take up any more of your time. Call Environmental Pest Management today for a free quote.

We will make sure your business stays pest-free so you can focus on doing what you do best.

Main Differences Between Residential and Commercial Pest Management

Pest management is different when it comes down to it, whether it is intended for residential or commercial locations. While the ultimate goal is to remove unwanted pests and ensure they don’t return, how things are done vary.

Speed of Service

Sometimes, residential service requires the tenants to temporarily relocate while service is completed, depending on how severe the problem is. However, it would be extremely difficult for a company to close down for even a couple of days for service.

Because commercial service needs to be done with as little interruption to the company as possible, commercial pest management tends to have a quicker turnaround than residential service.

Commercial service generally costs more, as well. Because the area to treat is often larger, and the company will not want to shut their doors, commercial pest management comes with a higher price tag.

Types of Service

Homes, for the most part, are relatively similar. With comparable setups come like problems. So, most residential pest management is done in similar ways.

Commercial buildings, on the other hand, can be vastly different in size, type, and purpose. Because of this variation, commercial pest management needs to be customized to each client. It would be irresponsible to treat a hospital or restaurant like you would a factory or retail store.

Customized treatments don’t end with removing pests. A commercial pest management company you can trust will have a customized plan to ensure pests don’t return. A good company will consider everything from location to types of bugs to the layout of building in a preventative strategy.

You will want to find a company that can customize your service and has the knowledge and experience to ensure things are done right. Environmental Pest Management is that company.

Types of Bugs in Commercial Clients

While homes are more likely to be infested with ants, bedbugs, termites, and other smaller pests, commercial locations tend to attract larger pests like mice, rats, and cockroaches. However, a good commercial pest management company understands that just about any bug can get anywhere and will plan accordingly.

Mice and Rats

With rodents like mice and rats, we always look for the entry point. Traps only work so well for so long if you don’t stop them from getting in. Finding where they come in and closing that option will be our number one priority.

We will aim to control the situation with permanent seal up, void treatment, baiting, trapping, and natural repellents. A holistic approach will ensure the most successful results.

Cockroaches

In our area, we are always on the lookout for the German Roach. This creative little pest is always finding ways into buildings and often hitches a ride on with visitors or in shipments.

To successfully treat cockroaches, we rely on routine inspections. We rely on the newest technology to treat a cockroach infestation and ensure we are always up to date. We have lots of experience removing these pests, and our goal is complete elimination.

Other Pests

As we all know, mice, rats, and cockroaches are not the only pests that plague businesses. Whatever comes your way, whether it’s ants or another crawly pests or wasps or another flying pest, you can be sure we are prepared to handle it.

We always use a combination of baits and other exterior management techniques to control populations from entering buildings. We continually work to develop the safest and effective programs to not only eliminate pests but also prevent them from entering.

We will carefully consider the needs of your establishment and develop a customized plan that addresses the problems you face.

Reasons for Commercial Pest Management

Sanitation. Whether or not you are producing items for consumption, pests are dirty. With pests come a variety of diseases. If you are in the food industry, you can’t risk these diseases. Even if you are not, pests create unsanitary messes that you don’t want to deal with.

Reputation. After spending years or decades building up your business, the last thing you want is for an infestation to ruin your reputation. If customers see bugs in your establishment, it will affect how they view your business. Don’t let pests ruin all you have worked for.

Cost-Effective. It seems counterintuitive to pay for something to save money, but in the cases of pests, it’s true. You are paying to ensure you don’t lose products or customers to a bug infestation. Bugs can ruin products and scare away customers.

Health. Many different pests carry a variety of diseases. Furthermore, the droppings of pests are unsanitary. This is especially true if you are in the food industry. The last thing you want is someone, either a customer or an employee, getting sick from something that shouldn’t have been there in the first place.

Call Environmental Pest Management Today

If you own a business and don’t have a pest control company, call Environmental Pest Management today. We have years of experience serving customers throughout Minnesota. We will work with you to come up with the best plan for your business.

If you already have a company, call us today for a free quote. We want to ensure you are getting the most comprehensive service at the best price. Let us prove to you we are the best in the business.

April 8, 2020February 28, 2022

What is TAP Insulation and Why You Want It

Insulation is one of the most fundamentally important parts of your home. It serves many different purposes, including lowering your energy bill and keeping your house comfortable.

Since insulation is so important, why not go above and beyond? If your insulation could give you even more benefits than usual, then that is an easy choice for you as a homeowner.

TAP insulation will give these improvements and then some. This insulation is an environmentally safe, sound dampening, fire-resistant, pest controlling insulation.

TAP stands for Thermal, Acoustical, and Pest Control, which are the main characteristics of it. With all the added benefits of TAP, you get more bang for your buck.

This unique and innovative insulation is excellent at keeping any unwanted pests out of your home. These pests include ants, termites, cockroaches, silverfish, and many more.

Don’t just take our word for it, though. Contact the professionals at Environmental Pest Management, where you can request a free quote.

Thermal

The obvious benefit of any insulation is the ability to keep your house warm on cold days and cool on hot days. It does this by blocking the outside weather while trapping in the comfortable temperatures inside your home.

Better insulation means you don’t have to use as much energy to regulate the temperature of your house. Using less energy directly translates to you, saving more money on your bills.

The secret to good insulation is the balance between how dense it is and how light it is. Density will stop the airflow, while light materials (and air pockets) will trap heat better.

Since TAP is denser than your traditional insulation, it does a better job of stopping airflow. The efficiency is especially useful for the coldest months of the year when you need it most.

Additionally, TAP is an ENERGY STAR partner with the Energy Star seal of approval. You can be at ease, knowing your insulation is of the highest quality and safety standards.

Acoustical

One advantage that many don’t consider when thinking of insulation is noise reduction. Poor quality insulation won’t reduce noise nearly as well as higher quality materials.

The noise cancellation works both ways! Annoying sounds from outdoors, such as traffic or sirens, won’t pierce into your home. At the same time, your indoor sounds, such as toilets flushing or appliances running, won’t make it outside.

As with the thermal benefits, sound likes to travel through solid materials. TAP gets designed with small air pockets that quickly disperse the noise coming through the fibers.

The noise suppression of this material is unparalleled. A standard installation of TAP insulation across your entire attic area will nearly eliminate all of the outdoor noises.

You don’t have to deal with annoying noises such as airplanes flying overhead or your neighbors mowing their lawn at an inconvenient time. You deserve peace at all times.

Pest Control

While the high-quality materials of TAP make it stand out above the crowd, it becomes truly unique with its ability to keep pests out of your home. It would be best if you always had the comfort knowing that no pesky intruders are wandering around in your attic or your walls.

TAP insulation uses a borate material that is commonly used by pest management professionals. The borate material is added directly to the paper fibers, making it a powerful all-in-one solution to pest control.

The borate material is typically placed around the baseboards of homes and the outside of homes to kill insects. You have nothing to worry about, as the material is safe for humans.

The substance will cling onto the legs and bodies of insects crawling around, which then get consumed by the insect when it cleans itself. The particles disturb their digestive functions which leads to starvation.

TAP is an excellent solution for removing all sorts of insects. Anything from roaches, crickets, beetles, centipedes and millipedes, termites, and ants will all get targeted.

With this pest control solution, you don’t have to go through the trouble of strategically laying traps or buying additional pesticides for your home. The TAP insulation will be working around the clock, 24/7, actively stopping bugs and critters. For more information about pest control safety, check this out.

How It Compares To Standard Insulation

Now that you’ve seen all of the benefits of TAP insulation, I’m sure you’re wondering what it all means compared to the “normal stuff.” Let’s jump into it.

R-Value

First, we need to know how insulation gets measured against other materials. The term is called R-value, which stands for resistance value. R-value is the indicator of performance for the slowing of heat. The higher the R-value, the better the results you can expect from your insulation.

With that said, TAP Pest Control Insulation boasts an R-value of 3.6 per inch. This R-value is higher than any other type of insulation on the market.

The performance of TAP, coupled with the acoustical and pest control capabilities, makes this choice a no brainer. It is a great option to keep your home both warm and secure.

According to the Insulation Institute, residential electricity prices have jumped by 39% since 2004. Now more than ever, you want good insulation in your home to keep the costs down.

Going Green

While many products like to claim to be “green,” not all of them live up to the expectations. From the production to the benefits, TAP has you covered.

TAP insulation is made from 80% recycled paper and then combined with the borate material. The reuse of such a large amount of paper is a massive victory for the environment.

Additionally, the energy your home will be saving will reduce your carbon footprint drastically. Month by month, you’ll be using less energy, which saves you money and helps the ecosystem.

The benefits of TAP insulation cannot get overstated. You get to stay more comfortable in your home while keeping annoying critters at bay. If you’d like to remove your old insulation and install a brand new blanket of TAP, contact the experts at Environmental Pest Management.

March 28, 2020January 22, 2024

Preparing Your Home for the Warmer Weather

The shift from winter to spring brings many changes to the world around you. Temperatures rise, and flowers bloom—a time for new beginnings.

Spring is a time for exploration and renewal. It’s important to realize that you won’t be the only one eager to get around and adventure!

One thing to be aware of when transitioning into the new season is the critters that like to come out as well. Various animals and bugs could crawl into your home, which will cause trouble for you and your home down the road.

Of course, you want to know the difference between “good” bugs and “bad” bugs. Check here for what to look for.

Tackle these spring pests by knowing where to look, and what to do when you find them. You don’t have to fight the battle alone! Contact Environmental Pest Management for professional pest control services in the Twin Cities area.

Cleaning Your Home

The first thing you should do as you prepare your home for the spring weather is to clean everything as well as you can. Bugs and critters love moving into dark, cluttered areas, and any mess in your home will be a perfect place for them.

One central place you should consider looking at is where your food is stored. Everything needs to eat to survive, and these bugs are no different.

It’s a good idea to take out all of the food in your cupboards and off your shelves and physically inspect each item. If there’s any holes in the packaging, it’s time to throw it out! Small animals love to get into food and eat up any crumbs available.

After taking out all of your food objects, consider cleaning the shelves themselves. Vacuum any leftover crumbs and wipe down the area with a damp rag.

You’ll want to remove as much clutter as possible when you’re cleaning. Your closet can be a potential spot for lots of clutter. Remove articles of clothing you no longer wear and make sure clothing is appropriately hung up or stored.

Additionally, if there are items that are especially important to you, you can better protect them. Placing clothes in airtight bags means that they get protected from moisture, humidity, dust, and of course, any pesky bugs.

Where To Look

You may have small bugs and insects roaming around your home without you being aware. Knowing where to look will give you an advantage when dealing with these critters.

Kitchen

The kitchen is the biggest target for bugs looking for food, water, or a damp spot to hide. Because of this, you should be vigilant when inspecting and cleaning your kitchen.

The bug that loves your kitchen the most is the ant. They seek after crumbs and sticky spots, as well as certain fruits that may be on your counter top.

In addition to the recommendation of cleaning out your cupboards of stale food and leftover crumbs, another sneaky spot that ants love is behind your appliances. Many people don’t consider this area because of the difficulty of cleaning it.

These appliances will include your stove, refrigerator, and possibly dishwasher. Pull them out and vacuum behind them to avoid potential ant problems in your home.

Bathroom

Some bugs that love moisture include the cockroach and the silverfish—one place in your home that can often create moisture in your bathroom.

You can remove some sources of moisture by checking on the integrity of the pipes in your bathroom. If you find any leaks from pipes or faucets, you should tighten them back up. Additionally, washing the shower curtain and liner will help with moisture problems.

With that done, the last spot to consider is the medicine cabinet. The medicine cabinet could get filled with clutter and various items you no longer need, so clean it accordingly.

Basement

The basement is an excellent spot for both spiders and rodents to reside. They love it because of the often dark and cluttered areas that are good for hiding in.

To combat these pests, look to removing as much clutter as possible. When storing your items, consider using plastic containers instead of cardboard because plastic is more secure.

When examining your basement, keep an eye out for tiny cracks or holes. It doesn’t take much for critters to find their way into your home, so sealing these cracks is of utmost importance.

Outside

The last place you’ll have to look at is the outdoor area around your house. The outdoors will be where the insects and rodents find their way into your warm and cozy home.

Inspect the perimeter, including your shingles, pathways, and gutters. Keep an eye out for damage, deterioration, and clogs. These can be signs of bugs on your property.

Treating Your Home

The final step for battling the bugs is managing your home and property to avoid future problems. Knowing what to look for and what to fix will help you tremendously.

Upon preparing your kitchen, bathroom, and outdoor area, don’t forget to check the water sources. Pests love damp areas, and a leaky faucet will provide them a safe place to thrive. Check your faucets and outdoor taps for drips and pooling water, and have it repaired if leaks get found.

Whether your pests fly or crawl, a window is still easy to access for them to enter your home. Make sure you have correctly fitting window screens and that your windows get sealed. Old windows may have cracked or broken seals that little bugs can easily squeeze through and invade your home.

Wood is an excellent home for many pests, especially termites. If there were previous leaks or water damage in your home, consider replacing any wood that was left to absorb the excess water. Once the pests move in and start further damaging the forest, the foundation of your home could become compromised.

Your home is an excellent place for not only you to live but many other critters as well. As you can see, there’s lots of options for finding, removing, and preventing bugs and rodents in your residence. You don’t have to fight these battles alone! Contact the professionals at Environmental Pest Management for a free quote and peace of mind.

March 27, 2020February 25, 2022

A Message to Customers About Coronavirus

Please know that the well-being of our customers and employees is our foremost concern and we are fully committed to ensuring your safety as we monitor the quickly changing information on coronavirus (COVID-19).

At this time, we are continuing to provide all of our services as scheduled. If you have questions or concerns, or wish to reschedule your service appointment, please do not hesitate to call us at 952-432-2221. You may also log on to bugtech.com and submit a web form or email us at info@www.bugtech.com.

All of our employees have been instructed to closely follow the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for protecting themselves and others. These recommendations include limiting exposure to sick individuals, frequent and thorough hand washing, knowing the signs and symptoms of COVID-19, and more. Learn more about preventing coronavirus disease on the CDC website.

Although we have not experienced any issues at Environmental Pest Management at this time, we are fully prepared to activate mandatory 14-day quarantines for any employee who exhibits symptoms or is diagnosed with COVID-19.

As part of our response to and preparation for ensuring safety, we are also taking these precautions:

We have made personal protective equipment available to all Environmental Pest Management employees, including hand sanitizer and gloves.
We are routinely disinfecting all of our shared equipment and common work surfaces.
Any employee who exhibits respiratory illness or flu-like symptoms, or who has a member of their household exhibiting these symptoms, will be sent home to recover.
All non-essential activities, including large group meetings or gatherings, events, and travel, have been cancelled through March 31.
Rather than have you personally sign our tablets or phones when we complete your service, please allow us to sign on your behalf.

Protecting health and safety is the mission of all pest control providers, including Environmental Pest Management. Our services are an important way to help prevent the spread of disease, and our eco-friendly products help protect people and the environment.

Q&A

I’m concerned about anyone entering my home right now. Does your technician have to come inside?

Absolutely not, and we completely understand. We can and will continue to provide our exterior treatment services to maintain the protective barrier that keeps pests from entering your home. Now that the official start of spring is here, so is a likely increase in pest activity, so if you need for us to treat the interior of your home in the coming months, please just let us know and we will return at no additional cost.

I may have to close my business. Will you still be able to provide service?

Yes, and we can make this process simple for you:

If you need interior treatment, please contact us to arrange a window of time for you to meet us at your place of business.
Contact us if you would like for us to provide exterior perimeter treatment, which does not require you to be there.

Are you planning any changes to my regular residential pest control services?

We do not anticipate any changes in the provision of our treatments, but in order to protect your safety and ours, please allow our technician to sign their tablet or phone on your behalf in your presence when your treatment is complete.

I’m a brand-new customer. Will you still be able to come do my first interior service appointment?

Thank you for trusting Environmental Pest Management with your pest control needs! We will gladly provide our interior treatment if your pest issues cannot be resolved from the outside of your home or business. Please note: If anyone inside your household or commercial property is ill or believed to have come into contact with someone with the coronavirus, we reserve the right to reschedule interior service for a later date.

Will you notify me if anyone from Environmental Pest Management who has been to my home or business tests positive for coronavirus?

We understand and share your concern for safety, and it is our top priority. Every employee is strictly following all of the CDC’s latest recommendations and minimizing contact with even small groups of people. Please note, however, that by law, we must adhere to the requirements set forth by the Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA), which include the protection and confidential handling of protected health information.

Our thoughts are with anyone who may be affected by COVID-19. We will keep you updated as this situation unfolds. We thank you for allowing us to serve you and, again, encourage you to contact us with any concerns or questions you may have.