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  • 03Aug

    Looking for a quality Charlotte Pest Control Service?

    Bulwark Exterminating will exceed your expectations. They offer a full service bug control solution backed by 100% satisfaction guarantee. They have won the Super Service Award, and are recommended by 94% of customers.
    Experience the difference – 704-391-9838


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    Dilworth Eastland Uptown – Serving The Lake Norman area, Davidson, Hunterville, Cornelius and Birkdale Suburbs around the city include Matthews (south), Stanley, and around town.

    Stacey Says:
    “We are so happy using Bulwark Exterminating! We have been using them now for over 4 years and we haven’t one complaint. They are timely, provide great customer service and follow up, professional, and always get the job done right. Today we had Ron come out for a yellow jacket problem and he was very helpful. Not only did he spray but he took the time to speak with me about what else I can do to rid my yard of the yellow jacket nest. I have referred Bulward to my friends and will continue to do so.”

    David Says:
    “Brandon Mullis did a wonderful job explaining any question I had so I could understand and feel comfortable with the chemicals that were being used in my home. Mr. Mullis was extremely polite, resourceful and professional. Bulwark is only as good as the technicians they send out to their customers homes. Mr. Mullis is the ideal representative for your company.”

    Jeff says:
    “We have been with Bulwark for nearly four years, and have always been very satisfied with the service we’ve received. Technician Ron (560) came by today for service and was extremely polite, clean, and very professional. We appreciate his service!”

    1. Charlotte – 630,478
    2. Raleigh – 356,321- capital
    3. Greensboro – 255,000
    4. Winston-Salem – 222,655
    5. Durham – 209,009
    6. Fayetteville – 122,435
    7. Cary – 121,796
    8. High Point – 100,342
    9. Wilmington – 99,623
    10. Greenville – 75,482
    11. Asheville – 72,789
    12. Jacksonville – 69,688
    13. Gastonia – 68,541
    14. Concord – 56,241
    15. Rocky Mount – 55,519
    16. Chapel Hill – 51,478
    17. Burlington – 44,935
    18. Wilson – 44,518
    19. Goldsboro – 39,063
    20. Hickory – 37,251
    21. Kannapolis – 36,928
    22. Laurinburg – 34,227
    23. Salisbury – 26,463
    24. Monroe – 26,225
    25. Huntersville – 25,470
    26. Kinston – 23,720
    27. Statesville – 23,320
    28. Sanford – 23,243
    29. New Bern – 23,131
    30. Havelock – 22,442
    31. Matthews – 22,230
    32. Asheboro – 21,673
    33. Lumberton – 21,088
    34. Thomasville – 20,516
    35. Apex – 20,406
    36. Lexington – 19,953
    37. Shelby – 19,480
    38. Mooresville – 18,895
    39. Kernersville – 18,588
    40. Lenoir – 18,129
    41. Garner – 18,089
    42. Morehead City – 17,707
    43. Morganton – 17,361
    44. Elizabeth City – 17,188
    45. Roanoke Rapids – 16,957
    46. Carrboro – 16,785
    47. Henderson – 16,095
    48. Eden – 15,879
    49. Clemmons – 15,852
    50. Albemarle – 15,680
    51. Mint Hill – 15,589
    52. Reidsville – 14,526
    53. Boone – 13,464
    54. Cornelius – 13,452
    55. Wake Forest – 12,814
    56. Graham – 12,828
    57. Indian Trail – 12,720
    58. Newton – 12,560
    59. Hope Mills – 11,773
    60. Smithfield – 11,510
    61. Tarboro – 11,158
    62. Southern Pines – 10,981
    63. Hendersonville – 10,572
    64. Kings Mountain – 10,271
    65. Lincolnton – 9,949
    66. Pinehurst – 9,707
    67. Holly Springs – 9,659
    68. Washington – 9,639
    69. Mount Holly – 9,646
    70. Dunn – 9,293
    71. Waynesville – 9,236
    72. Archdale – 9,014
    73. Belmont – 8,971
    74. Roxboro – 8,705
    75. Clinton – 8,600
    76. Mount Airy – 8,487
    77. Oxford – 8,338
    78. Spring Lake – 8,098
    79. Clayton – 7,967
    80. Fuquay-Varina – 7,934
    81. Atlantic Beach – 7,707
    82. Forest City – 7,554
    83. Black Mountain – 7,511
    84. Mebane – 7,274
    85. Davidson – 7,141
    86. Summerfield – 7,015
    87. Siler City – 6,966
    88. Brevard – 6,789
    89. Elon – 6,743
    90. Weddington – 6,696
    91. Trinity – 6,687
    92. Conover – 6,659
    93. Oak Island – 6,592
    94. Hamlet – 6,018
    95. Knightdale – 5,960
    96. Selma – 5,936
    97. Hillsborough – 5,464
    98. Cherryville – 5,361
    99. Morrisville – 5,208
    100. Whiteville – 5,148
    101. Bessemer City – 5,119

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  • 20May
    Skyline of Charlotte, North Carolina

    Skyline of Charlotte, North Carolina (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

    Think with me for a minute.  You are young, vibrant and have your entire life ahead of you.  You want to leave your parents’ nest and experience the world on your own.  You need a change.  No, not a new tattoo or blue highlights in your hair.  You want to do something big.  You want to move cities and experience a different part of the country.  Think of the possibilities.

    Reasons You Should Consider Charlotte

    There are literally thousands of places to live, so how do you decide?  Let’s take a look at Charlotte, North Carolina.  There are many reasons one might want to move to this city.  Let’s explore some of them.

    • Charlotte was recently named in the top 10 fasted growing cities in the United States by CNN Money.
    • Charlotte is a thriving place for businesses – big and small.  Among them are Wachovia and Bank of America.  It’s a great place full of opportunities for professionals with established careers and those looking to get their careers started.
    • The cost of living in Charlotte is relatively low, including utilities that are cheaper than in many other parts of the country.  In this economy, that’s a definite plus.
    • If you like sports, you will have your choice of pro sports teams to watch.  Among others, Charlotte has an NFL team, an NBA team, a hockey team and also houses a NASCAR speedway.  During all times of the year, you won’t have a hard time finding sporting events to go to.
    • Charlotte has great weather.  Although Charlotte experiences the occasional hurricane, for the most part winters are mild and summers are warm.
    • Charlotte has a high level of humidity, which is great for your skin.  Goodbye cracked lips and hello glowing cheeks!
    • The education system in Charlotte is strong.  If you have children, education is most likely among your priorities when considering where to live.  Charlotte’s graduation rates and test scores are both above national averages.
    • If you are an outdoors enthusiast, you will not find yourself bored.  Charlotte is nestled between the Appalachian Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean.  You can find activities ranging from surfing and deep-sea fishing to hiking and mountain biking.

    Choose Wisely

    Deciding on a city to live in is not an easy decision.  No city is perfect and there are pros and cons to wherever you decide to live.  Charlotte has a lot to offer and is a top pick for many people.  With its good weather, strong economy, fun outdoor activities and friendly atmosphere, Charlotte has many reasons to pull you in.

    Obviously, there are other factors that play into your choice of where to live.  Most likely, the location of your next home will be based on where you decide to work or go to school.  However, if Charlotte is in the mix of possibilities, you should certainly give it some extra special consideration.  If you are looking for work, a place to go to school, or even a place to retire, keep you eye on Charlotte, North Carolina.

    By Jamie Bailey

    Jamie has written for many years about a variety of topics.  She currently writes for First Restoration DKI on topics ranging from storm damage to disaster restoration.  She especially enjoys writing about home ownership and city living.

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  • 07May

    Whether it’s because of the temperate climate, great job growth, culture-rich history, or varied recreational activities, families are packing up fast and heading to North Carolina. Wondering what the top three areas to live in are? Fayetteville, Sanford, and Lake Norman NC real estate top the list. Read on for why one of these locales should be your next hometown.

    1. Fayetteville

     

    This medium-sized city of 200,000 may be best known for U.S. Army installation Fort Brag. In addition to Fort Bragg’s annual pumping of $4.5 billion into the region’s economy, the metropolitan area is full of job growth and career opportunity for those looking to either begin a family or relocate one. Fayetteville largely weathered the recession and its real estate market continues to see healthy growth, where other cities are still licking their wounds from the market crash. The city has some of the highest quality public education in the state, and its school system includes nine alternative and specialty schools. Additionally, the city includes portions of the East Coast Greenway, a set of urban trails and greenways soon connecting Maine to Key West.

    2. Lake Norman Area

     

    For those wanting more access to nature, the Lake Norman area is a great family location. Towering oaks and blossoming fruit trees line the streets, and the local Lake Norman State Park consistently ranks as one of the state’s most visited for its natural beauty and recreational activities. The Lake Norman NC real estate market is bounding with deals on waterfront homes and classic country abodes. This is front porch country, and the Lake Norman NC real estate market reflects that, with quaint southern style at a price families can afford. The area offers great public and private schools, and students interested in sports will be thrilled to learn how high local sports rank in city interests. All of the local television stations and newspapers actively cover high school sports on their prime time and front page new stories.

    3. Sanford 

     

    Located in the middle of the state and thirty minutes from major metro areas like Greensboro and the Triangle area (Raleigh, Durham, Cary), Sandford is a mid-sized town with plenty of land and open space at affordable real estate rates. The Sanford real estate market includes a mix of desirable homes and architecture like rural farmhouses, historic southern style homes complete with verandas, modern condos and even gated communities. At a population of 30,000, this is a town where the mayor still waves at you and the store clerks know your name. The city school system recently added new schools, allowing for smaller class sizes and upgraded school facilities.

    Featured images:

    Tony has been selling real estate in NC for several years and likes to share some of the best towns he has bought and sold houses in.

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  • 06May
    Carpenter ant (Camponotus pennsylvanicus)

    Carpenter ant (Camponotus pennsylvanicus) (Photo credit: Futureman1)

    One of the most common and most destructive ant pests in the Charlotte, NC area is the Carpenter ant. In North Carolina, the Carpenter ant that is most frequently pestering homeowners is the Black Carpenter ant (Camponotus pennsylvanicus). This species of Carpenter ant is also referred to as the Pennsylvania Carpenter ant. Whatever you want to call it, this ant species can be very destructive.

    Carpenter Ants

     

    One of the largest groupings of ant species is the Carpenter ant. They are most well known for their ability to tunnel through wood; and this is one of the primary reasons confuse Carpenter ants for termites. Carpenter ants do differ from termites, in that they do not eat the wood in which they tunnel. North Carolina Carpenter ants reach lengths of about 1/4 inch long, but a few ½ long ants have been spotted.

    Normal Carpenter ants have black heads and abdomens, but have a dark red thorax. The Black Carpenter that North Carolina homeowners see is very similar in appearance, but is black all over. It’s important to note, that sometimes these ants can also have wings.

    Carpenter Ant Destruction

     

    Like I mentioned before, Carpenter ants build their nests in wooden structures in your home and on your property. Unused, rotten, or decaying wood seem to be the ant’s favorite nesting choices; but old, cracking furniture is also susceptible. This nesting behavior can be destructive.

    Carpenter ant nesting habits destroy the integrity of wooden structures, including that of your house or furniture. These ants vigorously chew through wood, building tunnels for their nests. If you see piles of sawdust near a wooden structure on your property, it’s a good sign you have a pest problem… And that pest could be a Carpenter ant. It’s about this time you should have your home inspected by a licensed pest control professional.

    Carpenter ants tending treehoppers

    Carpenter ants tending treehoppers (Photo credit: cotinis)

    North Carolina Carpenter Ant Prevention

     

    • Get rid of vacant wood. Whether it’s an old decaying tree stump, abandoned construction materials, or a wood pile; get rid of it! Carpenter ants love to build their nest in this wood.
    • Fix leaks and eliminate standing water. Just like you and I, Carpenter ants need water to survive. Do not make it readily available.
    • Eradicate sources of food. Carpenter ants love to eat proteins, starches, and sweets. Clean up crumbs and food debris from around your home, and tightly seal food containers.
    • Close up wooden cracks with sealant. Cracks in tree stumps, wooden furniture, etc. are an open invitation for Carpenter ants to build a nest. Put up a closed sign by sealing up those cracks with a wood sealant or epoxy.
    • Get professional ant control. One sure-fire solution to keep those destructive Carpenter ants away is to hire an ant control professional who specializes in pest control for Carpenter ants.

    North Carolina Pest Control For Carpenter Ants

     

    If you suspect you may have Carpenter ants around your Charlotte, NC property, do not wait until it’s too late before you get some help. Waiting will only further damage the integrity of anything that’s made of wood which is located on your property. Get professional ant control!

    Bulwark Exterminating
    1801 North Tryon Street
    Charlotte, NC 28206
    (704) 321-3716
    bulwarkpestcontrol.com
     
    A-1 Wildlife Control
    Wilgrove-Minthill Road
    Charlotte, NC 28227
    (704) 334-1922
    a1wildlifecontrol.net
     
    Orkin Pest & Termite Control
    100 Reagan Drive #3
    Charlotte, NC 28212
    (866) 713-9979
    orkin.com
     
     

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  • 24Apr
    Adult bed bug, Cimex lectularius

    Adult bed bug, Cimex lectularius (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

    Despite their name, “bed bugs” can be found in almost any part of your house and are often found far away from the bedroom. Bed bugs might be lurking in your bookshelves (avoid buying used books on the street for this reason) or in your couch (avoid buying used couches too!) or in other places too. There are several ways to tell if you have bed bugs – maybe you saw an actual bug or egg so you are 100% certain; perhaps you have woken up covered in bites leading you to believe you might have bed bugs; or maybe you have even had an inspector come to your house to confirm your fears. Either way, now that you know you have an infestation, you are probably wondering how to take care of it.

    First, save a specimen. This might sound gross, but you should hold onto the physical bodies of the bed bugs in a Ziploc. Beyond helping the exterminator confirm the infestation, you might need to show them to your landlord or insurer so that you can recover your costs. You may never see an actual bug, so if you do, grab it. Take pictures of any damage as well.

    Second, don’t switch to another bed in your house. Your first instinct might be to sleep elsewhere if the bed bugs are actually found in your bed. But unfortunately, all this will achieve is spreading the infestation. So don’t start sleeping on the couch, and definitely don’t stay at a friend or relative’s house. The bed bugs will be waiting for you when you get home and will have left some cousins wherever you went.

    Third, consult a professional. Even if you are sure you have bed bugs, you should always get a professional pest control operator to come in, identify the pest and then treat it. Call them as soon as you suspect an infestation and get them into your home right away. Treatment takes time, so start sooner rather than later.

    Fourth, check the other beds. Not everyone will know if they have bed bugs just by being bitten. Not everybody reacts to the bites in the same way, so there could be bugs in their beds without them knowing. Make sure your professional pest control operator does a thorough check of the home.

    Fifth, don’t start throwing everything away. Not every piece of furniture in your home needs to be sent to the landfill. Ask your professional pest control operator what can be saved and what should be tossed. Once you know what cannot be saved, the professional can help you dispose of it properly and safely so as not to spread the bugs even further.

    Sixth, do start washing your linens and clothing. Your clothing and bedding should be dealt with right away. Machine wash everything on hot and then dry them on hot for about two hours. Dry cleaning is also an option. Whichever option you choose, the key part is to put the cleaned clothing and linens in sealed, airtight bags until you are going to use them in your bed bug free house.

    Finding out you have bed bugs is never fun. But if you follow the proper precautions and have patience, hopefully the bed bugs will be handled quickly and without major loss of sleep, furniture, and money.

    About the Author: Michelle Lim has been writing about designer bedding for this website for years. When she’s not spending her time writing, she enjoys shopping and going on vacations with her boyfriend.

     

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  • 04Apr
    fire_ant_worker1

    fire_ant_worker1 (Photo credit: bart_drees)

    North Carolina Fire Ants

     

    One of the most diabolical pests found in the Charlotte, North Carolina area is the Red Imported Fire ant. While these ants bite, they are notorious for very painful stings. You want more bad news? Fire ant season is just around the corner. Fire ants are most active, building their mounds and stinging their victims, from April-September.

    Red Imported Fire ants prefer to build their mounds in open, sunny yards that are mowed and watered regularly. That is the majority of yards in North Carolina. Chances are you’ve come across the malevolent ants once or twice; and that means you can be stung.

    Fire Ant Stings

     

    A human leg three days after coming in brief c...

    A human leg three days after coming in brief contact with a fire ant colony (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

    If you are stung by a fire ant, you will know it immediately. Stings begin as little red marks, and are accompanied by moderate pain. The sting will eventually turn into white pustules or blisters. Fire ant stings will go away after several days, unless the area becomes infected.

    There are no other stinging ants in North America. So if you get stung by an ant, you can pretty much assume it’s a fire ant.

    Reactions To Fire Ant Stings

     

    • Pain
    • Redness
    • Blistering
    • Swelling & Inflammation
    • Wooziness
    • Itchiness
    • Wheezing
    • Confusion & Disorientation
    • Vomiting

    Treating Fire Ant Stings

     

    If you have been stung by a fire ant, and are experiencing some of the more severe reactions (vomiting, light-headed, etc.), seek medical attention immediately. If you know you are allergic to bees, wasps, or other insects; you need to be very cautious of fire ant stings. There will likely be an allergic connection, and you will need medical attention.

    If you’ve been stung by a fire ant, and are not experiencing allergic reactions, stay calm. You will be in pain for awhile. Take a pain reliever. Clean the infected sting area out with watered down bleach, ammonia, or meat tenderizer. This will help denature the fire ant’s venom.

    Preventing Fire Ant Stings

     

    Preventing Fire Ant stings is about taking extreme precautions. If you see a fire ant mound, keep your distance. Point them out to your children, and teach them to keep their distance. If you disturb their mounds in any way, the worker ants will spill out of the nest and aggressively attack the intruder. If you step on a fire ant mound on accident, multiple ants can crawl up you leg and sting repeatedly.

    To best ensure your home and property are not infested by stinging fire ants, you need professional ant control.

    Fire Ant Extermination In North Carolina

     

    Bulwark Exterminating
    1801 North Tryon Street
    Charlotte, NC 28206
    (704) 321-3716
    bulwarkpestcontrol.com 

     

    A-1 Wildlife Control
    Wilgrove-Minthill Road
    Charlotte, NC 28227
    (704) 334-1922
    a1wildlifecontrol.net 

     

    Mosquito Terminators of Charlotte
    Charlotte, NC
    (704) 770-8215
    mosquito-terminators.com

     

     

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  • 01Apr

    US Navy 090902-N-2888Q-003 Petty Officer 3rd C...

    Your home is likely the largest single monetary investment you will ever make. Taking care of it will keep you and your loved ones healthy and happy, and regular maintenance will preserve the value of your investment. Here are just a few suggestions to get you started.

    Cleanliness

     

    Keep your home clean! Regular and frequent cleaning of a home will maintain its condition better than hiring a cleaning crew once a year—and if you wait that long, you’ll need the HAZMAT team.

    There is simply no substitute for once-a-week (or more often) cleaning such as vacuuming, wiping down the bathrooms, mopping the kitchen floor, dusting, disposing of unusable food in the refrigerator and carrying out the trash. Daily maintenance of a home means wiping up messes as soon as they occur, picking up clutter, and cleaning up dishes. All family members, including children, should learn to clean up after themselves. Many homeowners have everyone remove their shoes when coming in from outdoors. Speaking from experience, I know that this practice will literally save the homeowner from having to replace the floorings every few years. A pile of shoes near the door is much easier to live with than constantly worn and soiled carpets, and scratched or broken tiles.

    Less-frequent cleaning includes wiping out cupboards and drawers, polishing windows, scouring the oven, moving the fridge and cleaning behind/under it, and shampooing the carpet. While cleaning, you can spot signs of wear and tear, enabling you to fix any problems promptly, before they become bigger issues. Moreover, keeping your home clean and in good repair will make the house less susceptible to bugs, rodents, water damage, mold and mildew. Resolve problems in your home as soon as you are aware of them, whether it be a leaky pipe or a broken window.

    Yard Upkeep

     

    Keeping your lawn mowed, the trees trimmed and the flower beds weeded will not only beautify your home, but will also make you a good neighbor. Use a garden hose to flush out leaves that have accumulated in rain gutters, and provide proper drainage for rainwater to seep into the ground.

    Sweep the porch, sidewalks and driveway, and remove the trash along the curb and gutter. For obvious reasons, put away toys, bicycles and other stuff every night. Get rid of old vehicles sitting in the driveway! Either fix them and use or sell them, or else take them to the recycling place and get some money out of them. Tidying up the yard—both front and back—will make your home more attractive and safe, and it will make the neighborhood look better, as well. If you ever want to sell your home, a buyer’s first impression—curb appeal—will be a powerful drawing card and may get you top dollar for your home.

    Maintenance

     

    Maintenance will cost something; however, doing no maintenance will be much more expensive. Performing maintenance yourself will cut costs and help you develop the skills for long-term services on your own home. Painting the interior of your home, for example, requires the purchase of paint rollers trays, tarps and other equipment; however, you will save thousands of dollars on hiring the job out. Major hardware stores can answer any questions about home maintenance projects, and they offer classes for customers who want to install tile and other such jobs. Once you have the skill, you can apply it to other areas in the home.

    When you are serious about buying a home, have a reliable building inspector come and examine the house. He should check the foundation and other structural issues, the plumbing, heating/cooling and electrical systems, roof, etc. He will probably charge you around $300, but he can warn you about potential problems, or else assure you that the home is sound. His fee is a small price to pay for your awareness of the home’s condition.

    Do not hesitate to hire a professional once a year to check the furnace to make sure it is working properly and doesn’t pose any dangers to the home’s occupants. An old or malfunctioning furnace can be life threatening, and it’s worth the investment to have an expert find and take care of potential problems. Make sure you invest in contents insurance to make sure your valuables are protected from any unforeseen disaster.

    The best thing about having a clean and well-maintained home, inside and outside, is that it also makes you feel good about yourself; you’re proud to live there. You are comfortable in having visitors come, and people are glad to have you as a neighbor. Moreover, you will save a lot of money by learning home maintenance skills and doing the maintenance yourself.

    About the Author: David Glenn is a freelance writer who is an expert in DIY home improvement techniques and interior design consulting. With his vast experience in the field, he hopes his writing can help people learn and save money through DIY projects.

     

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  • 21Mar
    Termites

    Termites (Photo credit: Gnilenkov Aleksey)

    There will be a multitude of things on your mind when purchasing a new home, and although a termite inspection may not be at the top of your list, you certainly don’t want to brush it off and find out later that you are being invaded by the wood-eating tiny creatures. Becoming a responsible homeowner from the beginning will only help prevent what could cost you dearly in the end. While most insects that find their way into your home are just considered a nuisance, termites can cause serious damage and leave your home in shambles. Termites can go undetected for years, not only eating away at the wood-framed structure you’re living in, but also feeding on books, papers, furniture, carpet, cloth and insulation. This is why professional termite inspections are recommended at least once a year to prevent infestations or detect an already existing problem. Areas determined to be high risk should be inspected more frequently.

    What To Expect During A Termite Inspection

     

    Termite Visual Inspection Zone

    Termite Visual Inspection Zone (Photo credit: Kaptain Kobold)

    An inspector should begin by going over any areas of concern the homeowner may have to get a better understanding of any signs of termites already recognized. From that point, the inspector will continue their interior and exterior search for three things: current activity, past activity and potential access. Current activity would show evidence of the actual insects, either in the damage they are causing or in the mud tubes they create to travel from soil to structure.

    Inspectors are also trained to look for exit holes and droppings, which are strong indicators your home has been violated by the pests. Past activity is determining old wood damage by termites in particular without an indication that they are still present. Potential access allows the proprietor to know of any places in their home that could prove easy entry to termites and cause future infestations, such as cracks in the foundation, wood-to-ground contact, exposed and untreated wood and moisture sources.

    A complete list of the inspected areas will be provided, and if it is determined treatment is needed, discussing options and pricing will conclude the inspection, which typically takes 45 minutes to an hour.

    What About Do-It-Yourself Inspections?

     

    Termite mud tube found in pest inspection

    Termite mud tube found in pest inspection (Photo credit: danielmoyle)

    Doing a termite inspection yourself is not recommended in most cases. For an accurate report of damage or potential damage to your home enlisting the service of a properly trained and licensed professional is the way to go, and in most states any real estate transaction involving a wood-destroying insect inspection requires the appropriate training on biology, construction and control of termites. Experienced inspectors use tools when searching homes that a typical homeowner doesn’t have access to, like probing tools, moisture meters, infrared camera technology that can reveal termite tubes and moisture infiltration in hidden areas.

    Making termite inspections part of your home maintenance routine will prevent or minimize damage and save you the headache of a much bigger problem down the road. Your home is arguably the biggest investment you’ll ever make, and putting that in jeopardy to save a couple extra bucks just isn’t worth it.

    Tiffany Olson works a small firm in California where her primary duty is to educate the public by blogging on many topics including termite inspection in Union City. On her off time you’ll most likely find her enjoying outdoor activities or hanging out with good friends.

     

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  • 19Mar

     

    eaten alive

    eaten alive (Photo credit: The Guncle)

    Charlotte Hotel Has Bedbugs

     

    A woman reached out to Channel 9 News in Charlotte, claiming she got bedbugs from the Homewood Suites Hotel while she was in town during CIAA weekend.

    The woman, identified as Stephanie Eason, claims she took the bedbugs home with her without even knowing it, and now they are now infesting her Raleigh, NC home.

    Eason said she checked into the hotel on February 28, 2013. During her three night stay, her and her friend saw what appeared to be bugs crawling on the couch inside their room. She contacted the hotel staff, who immediately came and sprayed to room for bugs.

    It’s about the room was sprayed, that Eason began noticing red welts on her legs. She determined them to be bites; bites from the notorious bedbug.

    Charlotte Hotel Treated For Bedbugs

     

    Eason contacted the County Health department who investigated the matter. It was determined that the Homewood Suites Hotel did in fact have bedbugs.

    Before the Country Health Department had arrived, the Hotel had been very proactive in treating the bedbug infestation. The room had been closed down, along with three other adjacent rooms. The rooms were treated by pest control professionals.

    Eason also sought the services of a Raleigh pest control professional to eliminate the bedbugs from her Raleigh home. She is seeking compensation for the incident, and working with the hotel’s insurance company.

    Bed Bug

    Bed Bug (Photo credit: agrilifetoday)

    Bedbugs

     

    Bedbugs are malevolent bloodsucking insects that are easily transferred from hotels, buses, taxis, to apartments and homes. Bedbugs are reddish-brown in color. The are flat, and look much like an apple seed.

    Bedbugs hide in the bedding, mattresses, carpet and furniture; emerging to feed on human hosts. Bedbugs need blood to survive, and are very resilient and hard to eliminate. If you fear you have brought bedbugs into your home, contact a pest control professional immediately.

    Charlotte, NC Pest Control

     

    General Pest Control

    Bulwark Exterminating
    1801 North Tryon Street
    Charlotte, NC 28206
    (704) 321-3716
    bulwarkpestcontrol.com
     
    A-1 Wildlife Control
    Wilgrove-Minthill Road
    Charlotte, NC 28227
    (704) 334-1922
    a1wildlifecontrol.net
     

    Bedbug Control

    On Point Bed Bug Killing Services
    915 N New Hope Rd # E1
    Gastonia, NC 28054
    (704) 964-6280
     
    Reliable Bed Bug Removal Services
    301 10th St NW # F1o
    Conover, NC 28613
    (704) 325-9016
     

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  • 07Mar

    German wasp (Vespula germanica).

    The garden is an extension of the home, and in the right weather conditions it can be the best part of a home. Whether you like to work, study, exercise or relax in the garden, it seems that being surrounded by nature is good for the soul. Gardens are also great places to socialize and eat, and what could be better than a barbecue on a fine summer day with family and friends?

    When we’re trying to make the most of our garden it’s very unfortunate when tiny insects ruin our fun, and while flies and other insects might be undesirable and unhygienic, wasps strike the most fear into our heart.

    The Sting

     

    Bees have a sting, but they have a good reputation, as happy bumbling insects carefully making honey for our toast. Their sting can make you very uncomfortable, but it’s hard to be angry with a bee when you realize it took its own life, kamikaze style, in order to dispatch that tiny sting.

    Wasps, on the other hand, can dispatch as many stings as they like without feeling any consequences, like a fighter jet with an endless supply of fuel and ammo. This is why we’re scared of wasps, and why we dance around, ducking and diving when they are present.

     

    Eliminating Wasps From Your Garden

     

    Before you use harmful chemicals to tackle the wasp problem, consider the repercussions. Wasps are part of the natural balance, so if you wipe out every wasp in the area you may find that other insect populations will grow without them. This could mean your flowers or vegetables get chomped by a growing caterpillar or aphid population. You should also consider the impact of poisons and pesticides on wildlife and plant life in the garden, as well as any pets or children who spend time in the garden.

    There are a number of ways to stop wasps from ruining your barbecue without massacring them with pesticides. One of the easiest and most efficient solutions is to simply draw any wasps to another area of the garden.  Jars of jam or other sweet, sticky food will attract wasps and keep them off your dinner.

    There are a few insectivorous plants which can solve a wasp problem, including Sarracenias. They attract wasps and other insects, before trapping them, smothering them and consuming them. The Venus Fly trap is one of the better-known insectivorous plants, but it can’t eat wasps.

    Think twice before using traps and other devices to hold wasps prisoner – when they are trapped they can emit a pheromone which will alert other wasps in the area to their plight. It can lead to more wasps descending on the area and the problem getting worse rather than better.

    Of course, you should take hygiene precautions to ensure that flies and other insects cannot get to meat, salad, and any other food at your barbecue. Don’t let wasps ruin your barbecue. Don’t be scared, just grab a jam jar and position it at the other end of the garden and get back to flipping those burgers!

     

    Alan Derry is a pest control writer and a wasp enthusiast writing on numerous topics to do with them for more information see Sankeys pest control in Brighton 

     

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  • 25Feb

    I am not scared of roaches. However, I do hate the bugs. They make my skin crawl just by being what they are. What I hate the most are flying cockroaches. You just never know where they’ll land. In case they land on your arm or face, their tiny feet will feel repulsive on your flesh. Also, I’ve seen grown men scream like little girls when such things occur. I admit that I do find these events quite hilarious.

    The apartment where we lived before had plenty of roaches. We couldn’t do much because the units were right next to each other and not everyone liked to keep their places clean. So, even though we made sure that our spot was garbage-free, our neighbors weren’t as careful. Thankfully, we moved to our own house. We’ve been here a year and we do see occasional roaches outdoors. But our house has stayed roach-free. Here are some of my regular practices that I feel have kept these bugs outside my home.

    1. Clean with Vinegar

    My mother taught me that pests do not like the smell of vinegar. She always cleaned kitchen surfaces, gas stove tops, and tables with a water and vinegar solution. To make, just blend equal amounts of water and white vinegar in a container or a spray bottle. Just apply or spray and then wipe.

    Aside from vinegar, many people also recommend the use of certain essential oils as the scents are said to deter roaches. Rosemary and citrusy oils are popular alternatives. For me, I place dried bay leaves in dark corners, especially those where I think roaches might hide. I crush the leaves first to further release the odor. Some people also say that catnip is a great roach deterrent.

    2. Sprinkle Diatomaceous Earth

    One of my neighbors has a roach problem. She doesn’t know where they hide, but she sees a few during the day. At night, however, once the lights are out, so many of these bugs come out of hiding. Every time she turns on the light to drink water or do something, she sees the critters quickly scuttling to dark corners. I’ve advised her to contact a pest professional because it seems that her problem is already pretty extensive. Also, because I am afraid that the roaches might think about moving in my home too, I have began to sprinkle DE around my house, especially near the garbage bin.

    DE is a fine powder that is non-toxic and Earth-friendly. It sticks on the outer skin of roaches and other pests that have exoskeleton, like ants and spiders. Then, the substance slowly scrapes the outer layer, creating injuries that make an insect dehydrated, which then leads to death. I have to use a mask during application because the dust is so fine that I can readily inhale it, which isn’t good because the minute particles stick to the lungs.

    3. Keep House and Yard Clutter-Free

    Cleanliness is really the best way to avoid getting a roach infestation. Don’t leave food lying around, and don’t throw garbage carelessly. Clean up dead leaves and wood, and keep your rooms free of clutter. Make it a point to vacuum at least twice a week, and always clean up after spills.

    Citations:

    Claire Trent, the author, wants to share her experiences about pest control so that people will learn about how some creatures can affect quality of life and health. Read more about common household pests here.

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