Link: http://www.embarkservices.com/blog/blogs/

With approximately 175 different species, mosquitoes have been around for 170 million years and aren’t going anywhere – especially this summer.

These uninvited guests will come to the party but will be less inclined to take a bite out of you and buzz in your ears if you remember the three Ds – dress, drain and defend.

Dressing to impress is standard for summer time but insects know what they like: Dark and tight-fitting clothes. Some species of mosquitoes can actually feast through skin-tight clothes. Light-colored and loose-fitting clothing make for a less attractive look for mosquitoes. Long sleeves and long pants may seem out of place but will provide protection from bites.

Draining standing water around the house will take away the venue in which mosquitoes breed. Eliminating even the smallest places where water can collect can impact the population of these pests. Not much water is needed for the production of hundreds to thousands of mosquitoes. An overturned garbage lid, bottles, barrels or buckets makes for a optimal nest for mosquito eggs.

Defending yourself with the appropriate repellent can increase the enjoyment of outdoor activities. Make sure that the repellant is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency. These products have been registered, reviewed, approved and pose minimal risk when the instructions are followed.

The most recommended and approved repellents contain DEET, picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus. DEET, or diethyl-m-toluamide, repel ticks and mosquitoes and is the most common repellent.

Remembering and applying the three Ds will help minimize the swarms of mosquitoes circling you this summer. Let Embark Pest Control improve your outdoor experiences with its mosquito control services. Call 713-462-3261 for an appointment or go to www.embarkpestcontrol.com to have a specialist contact you.

Link: http://www.embarkservices.com/blog/blogs/

Taking care of man’s best friend means controlling fleas during the summer when these pests thrive.

If your house is flea infested, a pest control operator may be the best choice since service staff can access specialized products that the public can’t.

After becoming well-established, fleas are tough to control. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of control when it comes to these pesky bugs.

The first step is taking care of the pet. Treat your cats and or dogs with an insect growth regulator and or an oral medication that prevents hatching of flea eggs. The local vet or pet store can provide the best advice.

Addressing the situation indoors and outdoors next will maximize success.

For the outdoors, think like a pet to get good results and understand where they like to hang out, rest and sleep the most. They’re living the good life, so treat soil in shaded areas where pets spend a lot of time. Patios, porches, sidewalks and garage floors may need to be treated as well.

The pet bedding in their dog house should be washed or replaced and then treated.

For indoors, be sure to clean thoroughly so fleas will have no place to go. Mop, vacuum and dust, including floors, cushions, under curtains and furniture. Be sure to toss the vacuum bag contents after use.

Again, the pet bedding probably at the foot of your bed or elsewhere should be washed or replaced and then treated.

Curtains and furniture cushions are nice dark cool places for fleas to escape the Texas summer. The service pro will treat those with an aerosol or fogger.

Flea control, at best, is a difficult task that may take several applications of a pesticide and weeks to control.

Trust the professionals at Embark Pest Control to rid you of your flea problem. Call 713-462-3261 for a free, no obligation quote or fill out the online form to have a specialist contact you.

Link: http://www.embarkservices.com/blog/blogs/

If summer’s the time to put your house on the market or buy one, a pest control inspection could save you money and help close the deal.

Summer is the perfect time for relocation, whether the move is across town or across the country. With the kids out of school, the schedule is open to find another domicile and get the present address ready to sell.

For sellers, making sure the house passes a pest control inspection prevents any show-stopping developments. Even after a contract is signed, the discovery of a major pest problem could scuttle the transaction.

Hundreds or potentially even thousands of dollars can be saved with a pest control property inspection which identifies problems before the house goes on the market.

Usually, the buyer pays for the pest inspection, which is usually part of the closing costs. Any repair work is the responsibility of the seller, unless both parties agree on a different arrangement prior to escrow and document it in the purchase agreement.

The inspection creates peace of mind and provides protection from lost time and income.

The most common culprits in wood-eating infestation are termites but other similar pests include carpenter ants and carpenter bees. They will nest in holes that they burrow deep in wood.

After they find a home, these colonies will grow exponentially to hazardous levels.

Many times, it’s the same situation with ants, cockroaches, flies, mice, rats, wasps and hornets. The pest control problem is not fully apparent until it is out of control. Without being detected, these pests can establish a colony or become an infestation without being detected.

A pest control inspection should go hand-in-hand with buying or selling a home. Be sure to call the professionals at Embark Pest Control at 713-462-3261 or fill in our online form to have a specialist contact you.