Category Archives: General Pest Control

The Importance of World Pest Day on Pest Control Industry Trends

World Pest Day summit

June 6 is World Pest Day, but if you’re not part of the pest control industry, you might not know what that really means or why it’s important. World Pest Day is a multinational event that takes place each year to “raise the status of the pest management industry among the general public.”

Here’s some information about why World Pest Day is important for homeowners all around the world and the pest control trends we expect to learn about from this year’s summit.

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How Often Should an Exterminator Come to Your Home?

Exterminator in a home

Unfortunately, many homeowners in New Jersey wait until the last minute to call an exterminator when they are having a pest problem and already experiencing health risks and structural damage. There are many benefits to frequent pest control visits and various factors that influence how often you need to have an exterminator come out for preventative maintenance.

Here is a discussion about pest control frequency, when to call an exterminator for help, and the best time of year for pest control services.

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How to Prevent Squash Bugs from Infesting Your Pumpkins

Squash bugs infesting a pumpkinOne of the most fun things about the fall season is decorating your home and yard with fall pumpkins.

However, many people struggle with how to keep pumpkins fresh and how to keep squash bugs away from their festive décor. Pests are problems for pumpkins while they’re still growing on the vine and even after they are picked.

In this article, we will discuss the various types of insects that feed on pumpkins and tips for preserving your pumpkins throughout the fall season.

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The Risks of Carpet Beetles and How to Get Rid of Them

carpet beetle infesting the carpet of a home

There are many types of beetles in the world. These insects eat everything from leaves to trees and even carpet.

Carpet beetles are common household pests that can do serious damage if not exterminated quickly. While these insects are sometimes mistaken for bed bugs, they are actually a distinct species that must be managed in a very specific way.

This article will cover everything homeowners need to know about carpet beetles, including how to identify them, the risks of having them in your home, and how to get rid of carpet beetle larvae.

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Pest Nests to Look Out For Before The Spring Season

We are Bergen County pest control specialists that have been keeping Northern New Jersey pest-free for over 25 years

It might not feel like it yet on these chilly days in New Jersey, but spring is just around the corner. For homeowners, the season change doesn’t only mean longer days, warmer temperatures, and blooming flowers. This is also an ideal time to inspect your home for nests that insects and rodents may have been building up all winter long.

If these nests aren’t removed by Bergen County pest control by the time the weather warms up, serious problems could result. But before you go online to start searching for “pest control near me,” here’s what homeowners should know about the types of nests to look for around the house as spring approaches.

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How to Prevent Winter Weather Damage Welcoming Pests into Your Home

Winter storms are notorious for wreaking havoc on homes and businesses in New Jersey, and this year is not expected to be any exception. Not only can storms cause damage to your home and property, but that damage can also create a welcoming environment to rodents and insects looking for a warm place to live.

Here are some tips for homeowners to prevent damage before winter storms strike and keep pests out of the home and yard.

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Breaking Out Holiday Decorations Could Allow Pests Into Your Home

Christmas and Halloween Decorations on the Floor

There’s a chill in the air, vibrant colors in the leaves, and the sun is setting a little earlier every day. These are all sure signs that winter and the holiday season are coming, and with holiday decorations also comes winter pests. In this article, we discuss winter pests that are common in New Jersey and how to be prepared with Bergen County animal control.

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5 Tips to Prepare for Fall Pests Before It’s Too Late

Defend your house against pests

Although it’s still August and technically summer, it’s never too early to start preparing for the next season of insects, rodents, and pests if you’re a homeowner. Fortunately, pest services Passaic County and in Bergen County are available, affordable, and convenient at any time of year.

Here are some tips for preventing fall pests common to our area from entering your home.

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How Has the Pest Control Industry Evolved Throughout History?

Throughout human history, pests have been a nuisance, but how we handle that nuisance has changed greatly over time. Let’s take a look at how pest control originated and how it has evolved into the industry it is today.

Pest Management in Ancient Times

The pest control industry dates back to the beginnings of the agricultural industry, as humans have always needed to keep undesirable insects and animals away from human food supplies.

Around 2,500 B.C., ancient Sumerians used compounds of sulfur to control insects, and ancient Egyptians and Chinese farmers used oils and herbs for this purpose. Through research and trial and error, civilizations experimented with using citrus, tobacco infusions, soap, chlorinated hydrocarbons, organophosphates and other substances as pesticides.

Rat Catchers and the Plague of Europe

The need for pest management became very evident during the Black Plague in Europe during the 14th century. This is a time when nearly one-third of the continent’s population died under mysterious circumstances, later determined to be due to a bacterial disease that was spread by fleas that fed off of diseased rats. If only rodents and fleas were controlled during that time, many people would not have lost their lives to what we now refer to as bubonic plague.

To curb the risk of spreading the disease and preventing damage to food supplies, a new profession emerged: the rat catcher. Dangerously, rat catchers often trapped rats by hand. Perhaps you recall the folklore story of the Pied Piper of Hamelin, a legendary rat catcher who lured rats away from town with a magic pipe and later retaliated against the townspeople by luring away their children in the same way when they refused payment. These days, rats and mice can still pose health risks, so if you notice a rat problem, contact a licensed rat control professional.

Ireland’s Potato Crop Infestation

Another pest-related catastrophe in history was the Great Irish Famine of 1845-1847. Ireland’s potato crops were destroyed by pests due to a plant disease known as late blight. Around a million Europeans starved to death because the potato crops were eliminated, which led to a mass migration of immigrants to the United States.

Modern Pest Control Businesses

Today’s pest control companies in New Jersey play an important role in keeping our homes safe and protecting human health. No longer is pest control guided by magic or trial and error; it is rooted in science and carefully regulate to protect the environment and everyone who lives in it. We have now entered an era of integrated pest management, which combines traditional pesticide use with eco-friendly approaches to ensure that devastating diseases and famines like those our history books never happen again.

5 Tips for a Pest-Free Picnic

With the dreary days of winter finally behind us, now is the perfect time for a picnic!

There’s just something endearingly nostalgic about packing a picnic lunch for your family or friends and enjoying a meal together in the beauty of nature. But on occasion, a few uninvited guests may find their way to your picnic too and threaten to spoil an otherwise perfect day.

Ants, mosquitoes, bees, and wasps are the most common “picnic crashers.” Ants are naturally attracted to your delicious picnic food, and stinging insects love the smell of sweet foods and drinks you’ve packed in your basket. Meanwhile, mosquitoes are especially problematic in marshy or swampy areas and are notorious for being disease-carriers.

Fortunately, there are some easy ways that you can plan ahead and prepare for pests. Here are five tips for a pest-free picnic this spring!

Scout Out a Pest-Free Area

Picking out the perfect picnic spot is half the battle when you and your crew show up at the park. Before settling down under the first shade tree you see, take a walk around the park to scope out the area and pick the most pest-free spot.

For example, to avoid mosquitoes, don’t sit right next to the pond or lake. To avoid bees and wasps, don’t set up next to large flowering plants and bushes. Make sure that you’re not setting up your picnic blanket right on top of an ant colony and that there are no insect nests hovering above you in the trees.

Keep Food Covered and Sealed

When you pack your picnic basket, make sure that all foods are put into sealed containers with lids. After you are done, re-seal those containers and don’t allow leftovers to sit out and attract pests.

And speaking of keeping things covered, it’s also not a bad idea to wear loose-fitting pants and sleeves to protect your skin from insect bites and the sun’s UV rays!

Avoid Super-Sweet Foods

Ants, bees, and wasps are attracted to sweet foods, so try to eliminate sugary foods from your picnic basket as much as possible. Unfortunately, this means sugary sodas, lemonade, pies, and cakes. Not only is this a healthy choice for your body, but you’ll also be fighting less pests during your picnic.

Picnic in the Afternoon

Insects tend to be most active right around dusk, so if possible, plan your picnic for earlier in the day. An outdoor meal around noon or sometime in the afternoon should do the trick and set your picnic up for success. If you’re not hard-set on breaking out your favorite picnic blanket, opt for seating at an elevated picnic table or inside a pavilion for fewer bugs.

Use Bug Spray, Not Perfume

Strongly scented perfumes and lotions might be pleasing to those around you, but keep in mind they tend to attract insects too. Instead, apply bug spray to all exposed areas of skin to help repel flying insects. Alternatively, you can light a citronella candle at your picnic to discourage pests from joining you.

And as spring turns into summer, keep these tips in mind for pest-free summertime barbecues too! These are helpful tips for eating outside in peace and comfort at any time of the year.

Whether you’re looking for Bergen County mosquito control services, Bergen County ant control services, or bee removal in New Jersey, keep Precise Termite & Pest Control’s contact information handy to enjoy this beautiful spring season in the great outdoors.