Contractor Tips Blog

Nov
8

How to Get Bug-Free Soffits

Posted in Insect Control

Are insects finding their way into your home through your soffits? If you have soffits that are older, they may become rotted or damaged, allowing bugs and other pests into your home. Plus, old soffits may not have proper screens on the vents, allowing bugs an open door into your walls and attic. To get bug-free soffits and close the gaps into your home for pests, water and other issues, it may be time to undergo a soffit replacement.

Benefits of New Soffits

The soffits on a home often get little attention, but they are a vital component of your roofing system and impact the appearance of your home. They also provide placement for vents needed for ventilation. When they become damaged from weather or begin rotting away, they leave your home open to bugs, water, mold and other issues. Here are a few benefits of adding new soffits to your home.

  • Stop insect infestations with solid soffits and new screening on vents
  • Improve the beauty of your home
  • Add needed ventilation when needed
  • Control moisture and mold in the home
  • Keep out other critters like mice, rats and squirrels

When replacing soffits, it may also be prudent to replace fascia boards. They are often in similar repair and work intricately together. A new solid surface for your eaves can protect your home and improve the appearance, making it a worthwhile investment.

If you want to stop bugs from using your soffits as a gateway to your home, contact your local roofing specialist that offers soffit and fascia repairs and replacement. You can add beauty and protection for your home with updated soffits, fascia and vents, installed professionally for the best results.

Posted on behalf of:
Atwood Home Builders
227 W 8
th Ave
Homestead, PA 15120
(412) 638-1262

Mar
28

Tired of Mosquitoes?

Posted in Insect Control

Well, winter is finally over and before you know it summer will be here.  Most people find summer to be one of the most enjoyable seasons, as it allows one to enjoy many outdoor activities at home such as gardening, working on the house and enjoying family and friends over a barbeque or a party.  This is especially true later in the day as the sun starts to go down and is not quite as hot.  However the downside to this time of the day is the large number of mosquitoes and other insects that are out with you at this time of the day!  While very annoying, some insect bites can also result in diseases such as West Nile Virus and Encephalitis. 

One of the most cost effective methods to remove mosquitoes and other unwanted insects on an ongoing basis is to install a automated mosquito misting system around the property, which sprays a mist containing a natural insecticide called Pyrethrum.  This product, which is odorless, is considered to be environmentally friendly and is considered to have a low-toxicity to humans and pets.  However, it is highly effective in killing hundreds of types of insects including mosquitoes, fleas, ticks and no-see-ums. 

The insecticide is delivered thru a series of strategically placed spray nozzles, which are nearly invisible, located around the yard being covered.  The system is completely automatic with the Pyrethrum being released at regular intervals using an automated time clock, which also has a battery backup system.  Many people find these automated systems to be a very cost effective means to eliminate pesky insects from their summer outdoor activities!

Posted on behalf of Mr. Mister Mosquito Control

Jan
17

Create A Pest-Free Yard For Your Family

Posted in Insect Control

There is nothing better than relaxing in your yard with your family and friends. Some of the best memories can be those times right at home, with your loved ones out enjoying the sun while food is cooking on the grill. Unfortunately, these good times can be ruined when pests take over your yard and begin to make a meal out of your guests as well as putting everyone’s health at risk. Protect these precious memories and your family’s health by creating a pest-free yard with an automated pest control system. 

Benefits Of An Automated Pest Control System

Bug sprays, zappers and other pest control systems only focus on one or a few pests that can invade your backyard. For a truly pest-free yard, the best solution is an automated misting system that targets over a hundred different types of bugs consistently, and is safe for your family and pets. Some of the other benefits of an automated pest control system include:

  • Killing biting pests – Stop mosquitoes, biting flies, ticks, bees and fleas from biting your family, guests and pets. Not only are biting bugs annoying, they can carry dangerous diseases.
     
  • Safe insecticide – Choose a system that uses pyrethrum, an insecticide that kills most types of insects yet is safe for humans, pets and other mammals.
     
  • Automated mist – These reliable systems mist your yard on an automated schedule, keeping pests at bay around the clock. 

Keep those bugs away and create a safe, comfortable pest-free yard with the use of an automated pest control system. You can finally relax and enjoy time in your yard with your family and friends without all those uninvited pests! Call an experienced installation professional to discuss the best automated pest control system for your property.

Posted on behalf of Mosquito Free Back Yards

Aug
28

How Mosquito Misting Services Work

Posted in Insect Control

The effectiveness of automatic misting systems is evident by the fact that professionals have been using them for over three (3) decades. Automatic misting systems allow you and your family to fully enjoy your home – both indoors and outdoors. Furthermore, automatic insect misting systems eliminate mosquitoes without using harsh or toxic chemicals. 

This allows you, your family, and your guests to enjoy your patio area, pool, and other areas where you might choose to host parties, gatherings, or simply meals. After all, you should be able to socialize and engage in outdoor activities during the beautiful warm seasons without being terrorized by mosquitoes.

Pyrethrum – All Natural Mosquito Deterrent

Pyrethrum is a powerful all-natural insecticide grown in various parts of the world. 

Pest-control companies and professionals employ this in their automated misting systems to keep your home mosquito and insect free. This all-natural insecticide covers your entire outdoor area with a very fine mist. Typically, the mist is automatically sprayed two to three times each day – especially before sunrise (dawn) and sunset (dusk). The reason for spraying at these times is because mosquitoes are most active during these times – dawn and dusk.  

The mist falls onto your home’s yard, landscape, and foliage protecting you and your family from mosquitoes and other insects.

Professional Mosquito Control & Elimination

Homeowners are urged to contact a pest-control company to find out more about how automatic misting systems will work for them and their property. Most reputable pest-control companies will evaluate your property at no-charge. They’ll discuss with you the ideal installation for your property. They’ll also discuss other details necessary to design a system tailored to your needs, budget, and lifestyle.

Aug
28

Important Precautions to Combat Mosquitoes

Posted in Insect Control

It’s important for homeowners to eliminate and prevent mosquitoes from being around their property. While summer is a season plagued by mosquitoes, warmer climates such as those found in Georgia can allow mosquitoes to cause problems for you during other seasons as well. However, by taking preventative steps to eliminate mosquitoes from breeding around your property, you’ll spare you and your family from mosquito bites.

Mosquito bites are not just itchy and painful; they are also well known for spreading diseases to humans. Last year was perhaps one of the deadliest years ever in the United States for the West Nile virus – a mosquito-borne arbovirus.  As a result, the CDC (Center for Disease Control) strongly recommended that people take precautions to avoid becoming infected with the virus and to prevent another outbreak of the West Nile virus.

Here are a few precautionary measures and tips that you can take to combat mosquitoes:

#1 Get rid of any places with standing water that is on your property or around your home. This includes any area or object that collects water, such as:

  • Flowerpots
  • Baby pools
  • Birdbaths
  • Grill covers

Mosquitoes don’t need much water to breed. About one-half (½) of an inch of water is the perfect breeding ground for them.

#2 Make sure that your doors and windows all have screens. It’s important to fix even the most minor holes and tears in any of your home’s screens.

#3 Try to avoid being active outdoors between dusk (sunset) and dawn (sunrise). This is the time mosquitoes are extremely active. 

#4 Wear long-sleeve shirts, long pants, and long socks if you’re going to be outside between sunset and sunrise. Remember, this is the period of peak mosquito activity. Furthermore, avoid wearing:

  • Open-toe shoes
  • Clothing with floral prints
  • Dark-colored  clothing
  • Loose clothing and garments
  • Colognes, perfumes, and fragrances with sweet-smells

Homeowners with mosquito concerns are encouraged to contact a local pest-control company for further assistance and alternatives to eliminate mosquitoes.

Jul
3

Are Mosquito Misting Systems Safe?

Posted in Insect Control

A sure way to keep mosquitoes and other pests from ruining your backyard summer parties is to install a automated misting system. Placed in strategic but hidden locations throughout your yard, such a system will periodically spray chemicals into the area, killing the unwanted pests. 

Most mosquito misters use pyrethrum, an insect killing chemical derived from chrysanthemum flowers. Pyrethrum is harmless to humans and animals in small quantities, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, but can be fatal to fish and beneficial insects like honeybees since it is fatal to all insects. 

The EPA does not regulate misting systems, but does regulate pesticides including pyrethrum. For home use, it recommends the following: 

  • Read all chemical labels carefully and adhere to guidelines regarding use and strength.
  • Set the timing device on your misting system to times when pets and children are less active, say, at night or in the early morning. This is also a time when mosquitoes are likely to be active.
  • Make sure mister is less than 10 feet high to reduce the chance of chemicals drifting into neighbors’ yards.
  • Make sure nozzles are directed at targeted area and away from eating areas, pools, fish ponds and air conditioner vents.
  • Make sure the system is child and pet proofed so there are no accidents.
  • Turn off and disconnect the system when not in use for extended periods of time.
  • In case of a leak, turn off your misting system and call your mosquito installation company immediately for an inspection. 

Following these general rules, according to the EPA, will help ensure your backyard is not only pest free, but safe for people, pets and the environment.

May
20

Just Say, “Pyrethrum”

Posted in Insect Control

Nothing spoils a summer cookout faster than mosquitoes swarming around guests, making them slap their necks and start to scratch. For that matter, nothing spoils a good night’s sleep in summer than a mosquito you can’t see, buzzing loudly around your head. All night. 

Early in the season, when the pesky critters start to show up, you say to yourself, “These blasted things have got to go!” And who do you call? Why, your local neighborhood mosquito control company, that’s who. And when you do call, the voice at the other end of the line is likely to mention pyrethrum, or pyrethrins. 

Pyrethrum? 

Strictly defined, pyrethrum is an extract of the flower head of a type of chrysanthemum, chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium. The active ingredients within the pyrethrum, the ingredients with insecticidal qualities, are called pyrethrins. 

Pyrethrins are a natural, organic form of pest control, offering a great alternative to harmful pesticides and man made chemicals. They work by attacking the central nervous system of insects such as mosquitoes, killing them and rendering them unable to bite humans. 

Pyrethrins have been used as a pesticide for more than 150 years, so they have been widely tested for safety and toxicity. Pyrethrins do not last long in the environment; they break down quickly in UV light and warm temperatures. In small amounts, they also won’t harm most plants or most animals, including birds and family pets or farm animals.

But there is some criticism of this natural pesticide. For one, pyrethrins are considered toxic to fish, so ponds and lakes should be avoided. Some organic gardeners also maintain that pyrethrins kill off not just mosquitoes, but may harm some beneficial insects as well.

Apr
25

How to Keep Your Yard Free of Mosquitos

Posted in Insect Control

When most people think of controlling the mosquitoes in their yard, they usually think of individual spray cans, hand held foggers. If considering a professional, they probably think of a periodic spraying of all their foliage. But, today’s pest control company may have the ability to design and engineer an insect spray system equipped with automatic timers. In addition to being automatic, today’s spray systems can come with override features for periodic “misting” as per the owner’s perceived need. Because an automated misting system is cyclically structured and continued on an ongoing basis, it is truly the best defense against mosquitoes and other unwanted insects.

Most spray systems come in various sizes to meet the individual needs of your outdoor space. Some systems contain back-up battery timers in the event of a power failure. Remote controls can also be an advantage for overriding the preset cycles with occasional misting. Generally, much like lawn irrigation systems, automated mosquito control systems are comprised of components (such as stainless steel) that are less prone to wear from prolonged weather exposure; thus, preserving the system from the elements.  Further care is taken to ensure values that don’t drip (due to the sensitive nature of insecticide), as well as appropriately angled spray nozzles, and shut off values. The flow rate of the automated mosquito spray is precisely controlled.

You should expect a two-year warranty on all parts and labor. Some companies may even offer a 100%  money-back guarantee if you are  not satisfied with their system. Automated mosquito control systems are definitely designed with the consumer in mind because they are dependable and reliable with ease of operation. Call your local pest control company today and get back out into your yard to enjoy summer!

Apr
25

Safe and Reliable Mosquito Control

Posted in Insect Control

Yes, there are actually companies that specialize in mosquito control! Today, you can have a custom designed insect control system installed and maintained at your home or business that is automatic. These automated misting systems will help to eliminate hundreds of types of biting insects including mosquitoes, while using the safest and most effective insecticide available.

Spring and summer are on their way. Which means, now is the time that you, your family, and friends will want to begin enjoying the great outdoors without swatting or slapping away nature’s most irritating pests. You don’t have to worry about what bugs may be biting you or your children while out in your yard. You can obtain the pleasure you expect from your yard, deck or pool without the need for smelly, sticky or greasy insect repellant. No longer do you need to remember your outdoor fun with itching and scratching,

Most systems today will not harm humans or pets because they use natural, fast acting insecticides, specifically designed to be lethal to insects but safe for you and other mammals.  Furthermore, installing a mosquito control system is more cost effective than screening in your back porch. Screening in your porch or patio will cost much more that keeping mosquitoes effectively out of your entire yard with a mosquito control system.

Make sure that your local mosquito control company offers an extended guarantee. With the right materials and experienced technicians, you should be able to count on your system to  provide you with reliable service for years.  Don’t let bugs and pests control your summer yard enjoyment; call your local mosquito control company for a bug free yard.

Feb
28

Types of Mosquito Misting Systems

Posted in Insect Control

A mosquito misting system, sometimes referred to as an automated misting system, is a landscape installation used on residential or commercial properties to mechanically deliver pesticide to flower beds, lawns, or other target areas. These systems work through spray application, whereby nozzles placed around the premises are digitally programmed to release a fine mist of pesticide formula at preset intervals. The pesticide is sent to the nozzles from a pump through tubing.

Automated misting systems come in a variety of brands and models and there are three main differences between the systems currently available on the market.

1)      Tankless vs drum-based

Traditionally, mosquito misting systems have been drum-based. Drum-based systems have a tank (a drum) that must be filled with pesticide formula. A typical drum might hold 55 gallons of pesticide formula and has to be refilled a couple of times per year. Each fresh batch of pesticide formula has to be manually mixed beforehand. Newer, tankless systems use snap-in refill cartridges and the unit automatically mixes the precise dose of misting formula for you. Tankless systems cost a few hundred dollars more than drum-based systems; however, compared to drum-based systems, they use an average of 40% less pesticide per year saving you money in the long-run.

2)      Stationary vs portable

Some automated misting systems are portable, which others require fixed installation.  With portable systems, the misting unit is self-contained, lightweight, and battery-operated so it can be easily transported to different sites. Portable systems save time and money since there is no need to run tubing or install nozzles or risers. With stationary systems on the other hand, the master unit (the pump) is heavier and larger, and tubing and nozzles have to be installed. The unit is also electric-powered so it must remain close to an electric socket.

3)      Battery-powered vs motor-powered vs electric-powered

With electric-powered mosquito misting systems, the pump needs to be plugged into an electric outlet. Battery-operated and motor-powered systems on the other hand do not require an electric outlet.

Most Popular

How Often Should You Service Your Golf Cart?

Just like any other vehicle, a golf cart needs routine maintenance to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. And just like other vehicles, what kind of cart you have depends…

Quality Metal Stairs for Apartments

Metal stairs for apartment complexes come in a variety of styles, shapes, and sizes.  And, as with any building that’s accessible by the public, safety is top priority. Apartment complex…

Pros and Cons of Smartphone Insurance

Many people spend more on their smartphones than on computers – a new iPhone can cost several hundred dollars or more. Most wireless carriers and manufacturers offer insurance for a…