10 Things to Prevent Cockroaches

Cockroaches have similar needs to ours: food, water and shelter.  There are a several things you can do to prevent and/or minimize conducive conditions for cockroaches.

1. Where cockroaches are common outdoors, trim overhanging trees and remove foundation plantings or wall climbing vegetation to discourage invasion (this is especially useful in the South and Southeast).

2. Screen doors, windows and attic vents, and seal foundation cracks and around utilities, to discourage entry of outdoor-living cockroaches.  Also, windows and doors, especially, garage doors, should be closed when not in use.

3. Check incoming provisions, especially groceries, drink cartons and firewood, for "hitch-hiking" cockroaches.

4. Inspect your luggage and handbags when returning from buildings likely to be infested, such as some hotels or hospitals.

5. Don't leave food and drink, for people or pets, exposed overnight. Cockroaches love this! Put it in the refrigerator or tightly sealed containers.

6. Regularly clean up food scraps and keep garbage in closed containers to make it harder for cockroaches to find food.

7. Eliminate plumbing leaks, dripping faucets and condensation problems to discourage most types of cockroaches.

8. Repair grouting in tiles to facilitate cleaning and to prevent cockroaches hiding in tiling.

9. Seal crevices along baseboards or work surfaces and around pipe runs and electrical outlets and conduits, to reduce cockroach hiding places and routes for cockroach dispersal.

10. Get rid of old grocery bags, cardboard boxes, and other clutter that provide hiding places for cockroaches and makes cleaning, inspection and pesticide application difficult.

These simple steps can discourage roaches from invading your home or business.  Call ACME at 817-784-6838 and we will help with any existing infestations.  Prevention is key if you want to live in a pest free home.

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TERMITE PREVENTION MAKES SENSE

Your home or business is most likely the biggest invest you will ever make.  Why not take preventive measure to protect your investment? 

Termites are the most economically important wood-destroying organism in the United States, with approximately $2 billion per year being spent for their prevention and treatment. This high-dollar amount could be reduced property owners implemented a number of relatively simple, inexpensive, practical measures around their home and outlying structures that reduce the risk of subterranean termite infestations.  Many features of construction are conducive to termite infestations.  Recognize and alter conditions to reduce the termites' environmental requirements for moisture, food (wood), and shelter. 

Problem: Cellulose (wood, dead plant material, paper, etc.) in contact with soil provides termites with food.

Solutions:

• Keep all wooden parts of the house foundation at least 6 inches above the soil.
• Keep mulch levels several inches below the siding and wooden parts of the structure.
• Avoid or minimize use of wood mulch next to the foundation.
• Remove dead trees, stumps, and roots near the structure.
• Never store firewood, lumber, or paper against the foundation or in the crawl space.
• Remove wood debris and form boards.

Problem: Moisture accumulation near the foundation provides water needed for termite survival.

Solutions:

• Grade or slope soil away from the foundation.
• Divert rain water away from the foundation.
• Maintain clean gutters and down-spouts.
• Install down-spout extenders and splash blocks.
• Use drain tiles if site is flat.

• Divert lawn sprinklers and irrigation water away from the foundation.
• Promptly repair leaking faucets, water pipes, and air conditioning units.
• Use mulch sparingly (no more than 2 inches depth is recommended).
• Keep plants and ground covers 3-4 feet away from the house foundation.

Problem: Poor ventilation in crawl space provides water needed for termite survival.

Solutions:

• Cover approximately 75 percent of the soil surface in the crawl space with a vapor barrier (4-6 ml polyethylene sheeting).
• Install 1 square foot of vent opening per 300 to 500 square feet of crawl space area (when using a vapor barrier).
• Install 1 square foot of vent opening per 150 square feet of crawl space area (without a vapor barrier).
• Enhance cross ventilation.
• Remove any vegetation covering vents.

Problem: Hidden termite access.

Solutions:

• Install trellises and trim plants so that they do not contact the house.
• Do not build flower planters against the house.
• Regularly inspect cracks or joints in concrete slabs for evidence of termites.
• Install metal flashing when attaching porches or decks (even when using "treated" lumber) to an existing house.
• Remove mulch that contacts siding or obscures a clear view of the foundation.
• Never install foam board insulation (polystyrene) below grade.

Annual Inspection Checklist

• Water is directed away from the foundation.
• Wood and other cellulose materials (including mulch) are away from the foundation.
• The foundation is exposed around the entire house.
• The basement (or crawl space) is relatively dry.

ACME can help with Termite Prevention!  Let us help you protect your investment!

Feeling Sick? Could insects in your home be the cause?

 

Are you suffering from allergy or cold-like symptoms?  Cockroaches, along with mites, are recognized as a cause for allergies.  They aren't just gross to look at, they are making you and your family sick.

The digestive enzymes that are discharged into the mite feces are the most bothersome of the dust-mite allergens. Less potent allergens are found in the mite bodies. The mite's tiny fecal pellets disintegrate to form a very fine powder that can easily float into the air when disturbed. This commonly occurs during vacuuming, making the bed, turning in bed while sleeping, or walking on the carpet. When an allergic person inhales these particles, asthma or nasal allergy symptoms may occur. There is also evidence that allergic eczema can be aggravated by this exposure.

Allergy facts

• Each dust mite lives for approximately 30 days and produces about 20 fecal pellets per day. During that time, females may have added 30 new dust mites to the population.
• About 10% of the population is allergic to dust mites. About 80% of asthmatic children are allergic to dust mites.

The three species of cockroaches that are commonly found in the United States are Blatella germania (German), Periploneta americana (American), and Blatella orientalis (Oriental).  Cockroach allergy can be a major factor in serious asthma and nasal allergy. Cockroaches are among the oldest of all living species (about 350 million years old). They are hardy, adaptable creatures that thrive in areas where food and water supplies are plentiful. They may be found around dripping faucets and kitchen areas. They do stray, however, to other areas and can commonly be found in children's bedrooms where food is often eaten. The major cockroach allergens are found in their digestive enzymes, saliva, and body parts. As is the case with dust-mite allergens, these microscopic particles become airborne when disturbed by motion in the room.

Regular pest control treatments are the best way to keep your family breathing easy.  At ACME Termite & Pest Management, LLC we back all of our services with a 100% Money Back Guarantee.  Let us help you take care of yourself and your family.