Flexible Pest Services Blog

Termites have a terrible reputation that strikes fear into the hearts of the owners of residential and commercial property owners almost everywhere. While it can be tough to look beyond their destructive appetites, these insects are actually intriguing creatures. How much do you really know about termites? Here are a few fun facts to spark your curiosity. A Global Phenomenon With more than 2,500 species of termites in the world, it's not surprising that these industrious insects are found on almost every continent. While different species prefer different conditions, termites are not fond of low temperatures, so there are no termites in Antarctica. Roughly 40 species are found in the United States. In fact, subterranean termites are found in every state except Alaska. In for a Penny Termites are often called silent invaders because they slip into buildings and feast on wood and other similar materials unnoticed. How do they manage...

Insects and small animals such as mice are always looking for new places to live. If you aren’t careful, your home could become a prime target. Aside from the nasty germs, you also have to consider the potential property damage that could occur. Here are five things you may be doing to attract pests to your home. Failing to Maintain Your Yard Not only does keeping your yard neat enhance your property’s appearance, but it also helps deter pests. If you fail to do things such as mow your lawn and collect old leaves, your home will ultimately become a hot spot for certain pests. Simple tasks, such as cleaning your rain gutters, can make a big difference as well. Providing Reliable Sources Like you, pests need reliable sources of food and water. Don’t make it easy for pests by providing these necessities. After eating a meal, some families have a...

Entomologists have identified approximately 2,000 species of termites worldwide and 45 species in the United States. The behavior and biology of each species impact the preferred environment, nest location and propensity to attack homes. The various species are broadly classified as either subterranean, drywood or dampwood termites. In Georgia, one type of drywood and two types of subterranean termites are the most common varieties found. Eastern Subterranean Termites Eastern subterranean termites are extremely common in 36 of the 48 continental states. In addition to the economic impact these termites have on the timber industry, approximately 20 percent of all homes built in areas of high activity will be or have been attacked by these particularly voracious termites. Eastern subterranean termites typically build underground nests that are between the water table and the frost line. They then construct mud tubes to travel between the nest and food sources. These mud tubes are...

Fearing the sting, people often use the term "bee" to describe any flying insect striped in yellow and black. Meanwhile, the insect in question may or may not be a bee. In fact, it may instead be a wasp, a quite different type of flying, stinging insect. While bees and wasps are related, their differences are significant for identifying as well as treating them. Know the Difference Shape While there are a number of types of bees and numerous types of wasps, a quick means of identification is the insect’s waist. Honey bees, bumblebees and carpenter bees all have a rather fat middle where their thorax connects to their abdomen. In contrast, members of the wasp family—paper wasps, yellow jackets, hornets, mud daubers and cicada killers—all sport a distinctively pinched wasp waist between their well-defined thorax and abdomen. This more aerodynamic design lends wasps the remarkable maneuverability and speed that bees...

Regular gutter cleaning is a key part of a well-planned home maintenance routine. Debris and excess moisture can cause a host of hazards in and around your house. But how often should you have your gutters cleaned? Find out as the team at Flexible Pest Services weighs in. Damage from Clogged Gutters Cleaning the gutters may not be high on your list of priorities. Whether you hate climbing ladders or simply forget to schedule regular gutter cleanings, you may be like many homeowners who neglect this essential task. But did you know that dirty, clogged gutters can cause the following problems? Pests Rotten wood Wet basements Mold and mildew Foundation damage Don't risk causing costly damage to your home. Whether you go it alone or skip the hassle and dangers of doing it yourself, create a gutter cleaning schedule that works for your situation. How Often Gutters Should Be Cleaned Most...

Do-it-yourself pest control has hit an all-time high thanks to the internet. You can go online now, research a pest, find a product and have it delivered to your door. Unfortunately, it's not that simple, and most people find out that the infestations get worse as a result. If you're thinking about DIY pest control, you should consider the bigger picture. 3 Don'ts of DIY Pest Control Don't assume that you can identify the pest. Some pests look alike. Termites look like ants; ladybugs look like Asian lady beetles. Soldier bugs and stinkbugs also look alike. If you don't know the differences, you might treat the wrong insects and even harm beneficial species. Trained technicians know how to spot the differences between species and which products to use for eliminating nuisance pests without harming beneficial insects. Don't underestimate toxic chemicals. Pest control products contain many different chemical ingredients for targeting specific...

Ants are nuisance pests and interrupt everything from picnics at the lake to family meals in the kitchen. They're always on the search for food and new places to expand their colonies. Even if you put down baits or spray with an over-the-counter product, they find ways to come back and to continue invading your home and property. 3 Myths About Ant Control Boiling water kills ants Boiling water will indeed kill ants. It doesn't, however, kill them all. If you pour boiling water on an ant colony, it will kill the ants on the top layer. The water can only damage the ant colony while it's boiling. It will cool eventually and put the ants in repair mode. You'll still have the original ant colony to deal with, including new colonies that pop up after you've sent the ants running for cover. Vinegar and cinnamon keep ants away Ants dislike...

Outdoor sheds attract pests by the hundreds. These buildings are usually less maintained and serve as a place to store items or to work on do-it-yourself projects. They're located farther away from the house in most cases and may or may not have windows depending on the type. If you want to keep pests out of your shed, you'll have to pay attention to the little things inside and outside the building. 3 Ways to Prevent Pests in Your Shed Make the necessary repairs. Sheds are like any other building; they require occasional repairs and routine maintenance. It's important to fix any problems right away since they'll only get worse over time. If cracks form in the wood siding or holes appear in the roof, make the repairs now to avoid a pest infestation later. Seal the small cracks and crevices. Walk around and inspect your shed's exterior. Look for any...

One of the most important components of your roof is the gutter system. The gutters help to keep water away from the roof, prolonging the life of the home in the process. The gutter system needs regular maintenance so that it operates the way that it's designed to, but there isn't a set schedule as to how often you should clean the gutters. Companies like Flexible Pest Services can come to the home to clear away leaves and other debris that are in the gutters so that rain can flow freely. The company can also remove nests that insects and pests might have built that would prevent water from flowing. Even if there is a small amount of clutter in the gutters, it has the potential to lead to a significant blockage that would take longer to clear out. A good time to clean the gutters is after a storm with...

No home is exempt from the dangers of household pests. While there are things you can do to mitigate the issue and make your home less hospitable to uninvited guests, you will likely have to follow a regular home maintenance plan to keep pests at bay. If you live in a warmer area, you are particularly at risk as cold weather snaps kill common household invaders and keep populations under control. Rats and cockroaches are some of the most common pests that can impact your family's health and safety, but is one more dangerous than the other? How can you manage these two potential risks? Dangers of Rats Almost every home will occasionally deal with the common mouse, but finding out you are living with rats can be disconcerting. Not only are they disgusting, but they can make you and your family sick. If you come into contact with a rat...

Each season has its pest control problems, and with fall about to arrive, now is the time to prepare for fall pests. By taking the proper preparations, you can stop an infestation from developing. Pests that tend to move indoors when the cold weather arrives include rodents, raccoons, spiders and cockroaches. If they make their way inside, they’re sure to become more than just an annoyance. Rodents contaminate food, damage electrical wires and transmit diseases while raccoons create massive messes. Spiders bite when they feel threatened, and cockroaches bring filth and diseases into homes. Preparing for Fall Pests To prepare for fall pests, inspect the exterior of your home for places that permit them to enter. Search for cracks, small holes and crevices. If you spot these features, seal them with silicone caulk. Pay special attention to the sections where utility pipes enter your home. If you come across large gaps...

A man in Maine recently burned down the home of his parents when he tried to torch some ants with matches. One of the matches came into contact with acombustible substance and set the home ablaze. Although a few beloved pets died, the family was not harmed. This man's failed attempt at DIY pest control is a good example of one of the many things nobody should try. Also, it is a great reminder that you should always call a professional for all pest problems. What Not To Do You may be tempted to remove a pest problem yourself to save money. Think of the consequences of the pest problem worsening or what might happen if you injure yourself. Do not attempt the following: Use fire or smoke to remove pests Use a hose and spray nozzle to attack pests Use dangerous chemical recipes found online Use bottled chemicals from home...

With the summer’s hot weather on the horizon, local wildlife will be scrambling to find new habitats. If you aren’t careful, your home could become their new source for food and shelter. Here are some of the most common wildlife pests in the area. Bats While bats tend to remain hidden during the day, they venture out at night to feed on insects. They find mosquitoes and moths to be especially tasty. However, sleeping cows and horses have also been victimized. While bats are fascinating creatures, you certainly don’t want them roaming on your property. These real-life vampires are extremely dangerous. Bats are known for carrying rabies, which is a serious viral disease. If bats happen to take refuge in your attic, you should call a professional immediately. The bat droppings and urine will create a truly unsanitary environment. Property damage is yet another key concern. Never attempt to remove a...

As Memorial Day and the Fourth of July approach, local residents are planning their barbecues and festivities. If you are planning an outdoor celebration, you have probably already thought about food and activities. However, pests can ruin the fun for everyone if they decide to take over. It is especially important to think about parasitic pests this summer. Mosquitoes There are several types of mosquitoes in the area. They can carry harmful diseases such as West Nile virus, Zika virus, yellow fever, encephalitis and others. While most diseases cause miserable long-lasting symptoms, encephalitis can be fatal. Zika usually causes mild flu-like symptoms but is much more harmful to a fetus when a pregnant mother contracts it. Some babies of infected mothers are born with microcephaly, which is marked by a smaller-than-normal head and cognitive impairment. Mosquitoes are usually found near standing water and appear around dusk. These pests are attracted to...

A Memorial Day barbecue is the perfect opportunity to get outside and enjoy time with your family and friends. Unfortunately, unwanted party guests can spoil the festive mood. Whether it's wasps, bees or yellow jackets, stinging insects can be both a nuisance and danger. Keeping these stinging pests at bay is key to enjoying outdoor Memorial Day festivities. Thankfully, beating stinging insects doesn't have to be tough. Easy Ways to Keep Stinging Pests at Bay Getting stung be a bee can really dampen the mood at any barbecue or picnic. That's why it's so important to do all you can to keep stinging pests away from your gathering. Here are a few simple steps you can take to ensure that these unwanted guests don't crash your next party. Keep food covered. Bees, yellow jackets and other stinging insects are attracted to the scent of food. You can cut down on problems by...

Ant infestations are an all-too-common problem in metro Atlanta. If your home has been infested by ants of any kind, you obviously want to get them out as fast as you can. Although plenty of do-it-yourself solutions are readily available, few of them produce results. There's one exception: ant traps. At Flexible Pest Control, we often hear from homeowners who try using ant traps to no avail. What's the problem? All too often, people misunderstand how these traps are supposed to work--and they often don't realize the importance of using the right bait. How Ant Traps Work The first thing to understand about ant traps is that despite their name, they don't actually trap ants in an enclosure of some kind or otherwise trap them in place. Effective ant traps should really be called bait stations because they are loaded with poisoned bait that is picked up and carried away by...

It may come as a surprise at first that some pests can actually be helpful and serve a purpose. For example, a praying mantis may feast on caterpillars, crickets, beetles and aphids. Even though the site of a praying mantis may not be a welcome one in or around your home, it might be doing some of your dirty work for you when it comes to controlling other insects. In addition, certain species of spiders have been known to consume some smaller insects, such as ants, gnats and fleas. Whether you own a house cat as a pet or find other cats roaming around your property, it might be a good thing in terms of keep rodents, such as mice and rats, away from your home. Also, rodents are also repelled by the scent of a cat, which means your friendly feline does not even have to snack on a mouse...

Five Signs of Wildlife on Your Property Though many areas in the beautiful state of Georgia have evolved into bustling cities, there's still a lot of wildlife that shows up on properties throughout the state. Here at Flexible Pest Services, we've been called upon to trap and remove such nuisance animals as bats, armadillos, squirrels, skunks and raccoons from properties in Atlanta and throughout the greater Georgia area. These animals are usually attracted by the availability of a food source or the promise of a nice nesting area, and here are a few things to look for that may indicate the presence of wildlife on your property. 1. Big Messes Each Morning You may have a raccoon problem if you find your garbage cans tipped over and garbage strewn everywhere each morning. These masked bandits use their human-like hands to get into everything, and they may take up residence in a...

Why Customers Love Flexible Pest Services Flexible Pest Services has been proudly serving the greater Georgia area for years. Our professionals are experienced in handling a wide variety of pest problems. From termites to rodents, we find the source, eliminate it and restore your home or business to a pest-free environment. What Our Customers Say About Us We welcome you to visit our site to see updated reviews. Some of our recent customers expressed their appreciation for our prompt and reliable services. We have been called a benchmark of excellence when it comes to quality standards. Our customers like that we are easy to reach and are quick to respond for after-hours emergencies. We have many satisfied customers who express their gratitude for a quick removal of their pest problem and restoration of their peace of mind. Also, our preventative services are praised for being effective and useful for both homes...

Have a Pest Free Holiday Opening your home to your family and friends during the holiday season is something you look forward to every year. Unfortunately, uninvited guests can make their way into your home too. A variety of pests target homes during the winter season, and an infestation can put a serious damper on your holiday celebrations. That's why it's essential to know what pests are common in Georgia during the winter months and what you can do to keep them out of your home. Know What Pests You Face This Holiday Season The winter months bring cooler temperatures to communities throughout Georgia, and some of the pests that we all deal with during the summer months seem to disappear. However, other pests simply move to warmer areas during the cold months. More often than not, those warmer areas include homes and outbuildings. Rats and mice are among the pests...