Do I Need an Annual Termite Inspection

This may be a questions that many homeowners ask themselves. I wish it wasn't, because the answer is a definitive YES!

Homeowners who forgo or forget an annual termite inspection are putting themselves at rick for a host of problems including a termite infested house and thousands of dollars in damage! Some think that it's easy to spot termites and that this eliminates the need to have an annual inspection. However, by the time that there are visible signs of termites the colony has likely been established for months! A professional pest control company knows where to look for the subtle and elusive signs of a growing termite problem. They then have the resources to completely exterminate the termite colony and minimize the damage.

Don't let termites pull a fast one on you. Get your home inspected annually for termites and you'll be making a wise investment. I heard an account the other day of a family who only realized they had termites when their young son's hand slipped through a wall because all that was left behind the paint was dust and shredded timber! Don't wait until it's too late. Find a local pest control expert or exterminator and inquire about getting an annual termite inspection.

Beg Bugs Threaten Portland Homeowners

Bed bugs are small, persistent pests but many people cannot identify them at first glance. Even people who have bed bugs identified often exclaim "I didn't even know they existed!". Well now you know! This year, reports of this not-so-uncommon pest are up 50%!

While there are many factors that cause increases in pest populations, pest control experts cite international travel as a big one for the current infestation. People traveling abroad can stay in a hotel overseas and bring them back in a suitcase!

The scary thing about a bed bug infestation is that once in they are in your home, it can be up to 3 months before you even realize you're infested. This is because they are adept at hiding in hard to see spaces, are only active between 1am - 5am, and release an anesthetic when they bite. You literally won't even know they're feeding on you!

What can you do?
While bed bugs don't need clutter and mess to thrive, keeping your home clean will certainly make it easier to get rid of them! To prevent getting them in the first place while traveling, try placing your suit case in the bath tub since they bugs cannot crawl over slick surfaces. If you already have bed bugs, it's a bit more complicated. Summit Pest Management can help you buy heat treating your home (bed bugs die if exposed to 140 degree temperatures for a couple minutes). We can then use insecticide to get rid of the eggs. If you have bed bugs or know someone who does, contact Summit for a free quote.