Frequently Asked Questions
Due to our climate in West Texas we experience pest activity throughout the entire year. Winters typically will not get cold enough for the extended lengths of time that would be required to cause interruptions in pest populations. Obviously, in the warmer months (Spring and Summer) pest activity is at its most visible and when most customers request the most frequent service. With that being said, anytime throughout the year is a beneficial time to treat for pests, especially if you see them in your home. Maintenance services through the year will offer the best results since pest populations will be constantly being controlled.
Yes. The termites that we have in our area are Eastern Subterranean Termites (Reticulitermes Flavipes). Each spring primarily beginning in the month of April once outside temperatures reach approximately 80 F the reproductive elements of the colony “swarm” from the existing colony to establish new settlements. Outside of seeing the swarmer’s during the spring, termites and their damage remain relatively unseen. Typical signs of termite activity include mud tubes, swarm holes, and the unfortunate occurrence where previous damage is revealed by cracking paint or other visible imperfections in walls, baseboards and/ or window areas. The treatment for termites is a specific application that targets this pest in their environment.
The treatment for termites is a specific application that targets this pest in their environment. We do this by creating a continuous barrier around the exterior of the structure, and by placing the termiticide as near as possible to interior plumbing penetrations. The exterior perimeter is established by either drilling and/ or trenching techniques. The type of surface encountered will determine which technique is utilized, but in most cases both are required at some point. Interior plumbing penetrations are treated by drilling through the slab foundation (if available) in as close proximity as possible so our product can be injected under slab foundation. We use the product Termidor made by BASF which is the nation’s leading termiticide. Termidor uses the termite’s social characteristics to eliminate the colony by trans-locating the products residual from termite to termite.
The most common pest we face in our area as well as nationwide are ants. There are numerous species of ants we face in West Texas; the majority are no more than a nuisance. The majority of complaints we receive about ants centers around activity at or near plumbing areas (kitchen sink/bathroom sink) There are a few ant species of importance that we see on a regular basis; these include Carpenter Ants and Fire Ants. Carpenter Ants are considered a wood destroying insect due to their nesting characteristics within structures. Fire Ants are also of importance, they are an ant that possesses a very painful sting and for some individuals may cause medical issues. These ants are extremely aggressive and will protect their colony with only the slightest disturbance.
We do have Brown Recluse spiders in West Texas; we have identified and treated for this specific pest countless times. The treatment method for this pest is very detailed process, primarily due to the reclusive nature of this spider. In order to gain the level of control our clients expect we utilize several methods of application to target key areas where this spider most likely frequents. The methods of application may include crack and crevice, fogging, dusting, monitoring, and exterior applications. For a more detailed description of the process, please feel free contacting our office.
Yes we have had documented cases of Africanized Honey Bees in Lubbock. The number of documented cases of Africanized Bees is a very small percentage of the total number of calls we have received for bees. An aggressive bee hive or swarm does NOT always mean that those bees are Africanized, European Honey Bees can become extremely aggressive if disturbed to a point they feel a need to protect their colony and queen. There is no visible way to distinguish between Africanized Honey Bees and European Honey Bees, samples must be collected and sent to laboratories for genetic testing in order to determine if a bee is Africanized. Africanized Honey Bees ARE inherently more aggressive than European Honey Bees and can be provoked into an attack with very little stimuli. Once Africanized Bees become agitated they can remain in their aggressive state for an extended period and attack repeatedly which can pose severe health risks to people and pets.
German Cockroaches can potentially cause health risks to persons with certain allergies if the populations are allowed to flourish. Our treatment protocol uses a multi-faceted approach as with Brown Recluse Spiders. In order to control this pest you must target where they hide and nest. The most common areas of infestation include kitchens, restrooms, and laundry rooms, but certainly can include other areas such as living rooms, bedrooms, and closets. Crack and crevice fogging applications are one the primary methods we use to flush this pest from their hides. We utilize a combination of spraying, fogging, and baiting to control this pest. For a more detailed description of the process, please feel free contacting our office.
“Water bugs” or more accurately named Oriental Cockroaches is a very common occasional invader that we face on a daily basis. Typically this pest does not require an extensive treatment process to gain control of the population. Yet as with most pest issues maintenance services will offer the best results. Our treatment process for this pest will include applications of both the interior and exterior of your home or business (where applicable). Applying residual products in these areas is the most effective and efficient way to control this nuisance pest.
In these situations our recommendations will be based upon where in the house the nuisance animals located. Many times we will use humane traps to catch and release the animal in a safe location. The most important aspect that we address is repairing whatever openings the animal used to gain entry into the home. Making these necessary repairs will prohibit future occurrences and possible damage to your home by invading animals.
Currently we are experiencing sporadic calls for bedbugs but they are becoming increasingly more abundant. In the past 4-5 years we have seen a steady increase in bedbug calls as well as positive identifications. This pest will become more and more of an issue as time goes on for single family homes as well, the world we live in today is much more transient which allows bedbugs to be brought from place to place much more readily. Bedbugs are not a pest that invades a home from the exterior; they are brought in from some other source (i.e. staying in hotels, used items such as furniture, guests that have visited).
Absolutely YES! Every product our technician carries on his vehicle and uses daily are licensed for use by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Manufacturers of these products are held to the most stringent quality and safety standards set by the EPA and must follow these mandated guidelines in order for the EPA grant licensing which will allow a products use in or around a structure. Today’s products are the safest and cleanest they have ever been in our industries history. Many of the products we on a daily basis are labeled for use in the most sensitive of environments which are hospitals, daycare facilities, and nursing homes. If you have any concern or questions about a product we might use in your home, please feel free contacting our office and we would be happy to answer any question you may have.