What Can You Do to Stop What’s Bugging Virginia?

If you want to stop what’s bugging Virginia in your home, there are several things you can do as a homeowner. Getting to know the various insects prevalent in Virginia will help you keep them out of your home. In our What’s Bugging Virginia post, James River Pest Solutions provided a look at some of the more common insects bugging Virginia.

Common Insect Bugging Virginia

1. Cockroaches both German and American
2. Ants such as Fire Ants, Acrobat Ants, Odorous House Ants, and Carpenter Ants
3. Centipedes and Millipedes
4. Fleas and Ticks
5. Mosquitos
6. Spiders like the Wolf Spider and House Spider
7. Carpenter Bees and Wasps
8. And Termites

All these insects are a nuisance if they get into your home. But what are you supposed to do about it? Well, that’s the good news. There are plenty homeowners can do to prevent pests from coming into the home.

James River Pest Solutions has compiled this list of best tips to get rid of what’s bugging Virginia in your home and yard.

Tips for a Bug-Free Home

Pest control companies love to hear that customers are taking steps to prevent insect invasions proactively. So, James River Pest Solutions has put together this quick list to help you in your efforts to eliminate the things that would allow pests in.

1. Keep the House Clean, so the insects have less to choose from. If you have a toddler or a pet, try to clean up with a dust broom when they finish eating. Wipe up spills as soon as they happen and clean out food storage units like the fridge and pantry frequently.
2. A Clutter-Free Home allows no places for bugs and rodents to hide. Try the rule that nothing stays on the floor but furniture legs.
3. Turn Off Lights in the home when you are not there moving around. Insects are attracted to light, but they scatter if you walk in.
4. Look Over What You Bring In the Home. If you bring a bag to the dog park, check it for fleas. When you go backpacking, check your backpack for ticks before bringing it in. Ensure there are no insects in that new plant you just bought or the food you just picked up at the produce market.
5. Keep Your Trash Cans Covered, inside and outside the home.
6. Try Not to Ignore Insects when you spot them in the house. Chances are, where there is one, there are more. So, if you notice a roach, watch for more in the next few days.
7. Cut Off Access to Water. If you happen to have a leak in the home somewhere, this will attract the bugs.
8. Move Firewood Piles away from the walls of the home. Firewood is a great place for all kinds of critters to hide and nest.
9. Remember to Check Your Pets Often. They bring in all sorts of fleas, ticks, and other stuff. Keep them clean and free of annoying bugs in their coats.
10. Enroll in A Service Plan with your local pest control solutions. They will spray inside and out to help control the insects year-round.
11. And Finally, take care of the Lawn.

Termite Control

Keeping termites out of your home is possibly the most essential part of pest control. There are different types of termites, all needing treatment specific to type and location. While all the insect prevention tips work for termites, special care of a home must be taken to avoid ever getting them in the first place. The damage termites cause can be detrimental to your home’s structure and your budget.

PestWorld.org explains in this way,

“Termites are known as “silent destroyers” because of their ability to chew through wood, flooring, and even wallpaper undetected. As a result of their stealth nature, termites cause $5 billion in property damage each year. Damage, which is typically not covered by homeowners’ insurance.”

Suffice it to say, termite prevention is best handled by your local pest control company of experts.

Tips for a Bug-Free Yard

Lawn Care is essential in eradicating insects and their hiding places. You see, when grass, brush, and bushes go untouched, they become the perfect breeding grounds for all sorts of insects and rodents. You sure don’t want that. Here are the steps you can take.

1. Replace white lights with yellow hues. The insects are less attracted to that light.
2. Keep your lawn mowed weekly. Stirring up ground nests and insect habitats in the grass will cut down on the populations.
3. Remove stagnant water. Be sure there are no flowerpots without proper drainage or low-lying areas that accumulate water.
4. Brush and scrub harbor all sorts of insects, rodents, and snakes. Keep yard debris and overgrowth off the property.
5. Plant lavender, marigolds, citronella, rosemary, garlic, chives, lemongrass, and other pest deterrent plants.
6. Make a perimeter of citronella torches around the yard when the family is outside.
7. Keep pets free of bugs by giving them veterinarian-approved treatments.

Using these techniques, you will be doing all you can to ensure your home is not unwillingly inviting insects and rodents in. For additional help, have your local pest control company come out to inspect your property. They will identify and spots that need remediation and get you on the way to a bug-free home and yard.

Why Hire A Professional for What’s Bugging Virginia?

We are happy you are taking active steps to rid your home and yard of insects and rodents. However, there are some things your local pest control company can assist you with that you may not be able to get on your own. After all, that is what pest control companies are here for.

Professional Pest Control companies will inspect your home for the source of the invasion and the entry points. They will save you time and energy by providing quicker and more effective results than if you only use DIY treatments. Additionally, by hiring professionals, you can avoid possible damage that pests can cause to your home.

When you hire a professional, you will get quicker results, and you won’t have to do the dirty work yourself. Now that’s a pretty good deal.

James River Helps You with What’s Bugging Virginia and Your Home

If you are fighting an infestation of any of Virginia’s pests, please call a professional. At James River Pest Solutions, we are ready to fight the good fight for you and your home. James River is your friendly Virginia pest control service, serving Metro Richmond, Glen Allen, and Central VA for over 20 years.

Contact our team of professionals today to get those pests out of your space and help keep them out, too. We’ll help you get to the bottom of what’s bugging Virginia.