Rat Race

Rat Facts  

It's that time again, with the cooler weather brings Rodent Season. That's right, your not the only one wanting to head inside after a chilly day, Rats are also wanting to get into your warm and cozy home. I am sure they are one guest you are not in a hurry to let in from the cold. If you do see one creeping through your house or maybe you have heard that scatter of footprints coming from your attic but you do not dare to look you may want to call a Pest Control Professional before it's too late and you are over run by these pests. The more time that passes the more time they have to breed and that doesn't take long at all for Rats, usually only 22 days at that. Interesting isn't it? Only 22 days. There are other facts that you may not know about Rats, for that I have created a list of some top facts that I found interesting. Still doesn't mean I want them in my house!

• Rats can start breeding at 5 weeks of age.
• With out companionship rats become lonely and depressed.
• A rat can go longer than a camel without having a drink of water.
• An adult rat can fit through a hole as small as a quarter.
• Rats are clean animals, cleaner than cats!
• Rats have very poor eyesight and are colorblind.
• Each year a rats' front teeth grow 4 1/2 to 5 1/2.
• A female rat can mate as many as 500 times with various males.
• A rat can survive being flushed down the toilet.

What did you learn by reading these amazing rat facts? Perhaps that they breed quickly and often? Or could it be that they are extremely resilient animals, not even a toilet flush could kill them.

Are you thinking you may need a rodent exclusion for your home? Black Knight Pest Control can take care of that for you. Call to book an appointment for your quote today! 951.694.8100

The House Fly

House Fly

The house fly is the most common fly with an expected life span of less than a month.  They typically stay within 1-2 miles from where they were born, and the batches of eggs are usually in groups of 100 or more. Flies are only able to feed on liquids but can turn a solid into a liquid. A single house fly can carry over 100 different diseases for this reason along with the annoying factor we do not want them flying around us, or our homes. There are some things that can be done in your home to help keep them away.

• Darken the house, close blinds, flies are attracted to light
• Keep pet food covered as much as possible
• Shut windows
• Repair torn blinds
• Cover trash can
• Keep kitchen counter tops clean
• Throw away rotten food/ fruit, flies can lay eggs on spoiled fruit
• Spray them with Windex, this will dampen their wings and make it easier for you to swat

If you find that all your attempts are failing give Black Knight Pest Control a call and we have several things that we can do to help you with your house fly invasion. A quote is always free so call today and stop the buzzing !

Black Knight Pest Control 951.694.8100

Mosquito Prevention

Mosquito Season

Mosquito season is here, it is important that you take a look around your home to identify if there are any areas in which mosquitos may be harboring. I have created a list of places you will want to identify and correct an issue if there is one.

• Gutters - Remove leaves and debris
• Kids pool and bird bath - Do not allow water to stand for long periods of time and frequently change water
• Buckets - Remove water collecting in buckets
• Trash Cans - Insure trash cans are tightly sealed
• Leaky pipes - Repair any leaky pipes
• Ponds and swimming pools - Keep swimming pools and ponds clean and treated regularly

As you can tell after reading the provided list that the main thing you will want to do is eliminate any standing water. Mosquitos prefer to lay their eggs in stagnant water. While eliminating standing water will not completely rid a mosquito situation if there is one it will defiantly have a drastic impact on decreasing the amount of active mosquitos.

Mosquito Eggs in water

Scorpions

Beware of Scorpions

During periods of hot weather scorpions are known to enter the home through any cracks or openings that there may be in and around the home. They tend to favor crawl spaces and attics once inside the home. Scorpions are nocturnal therefor can mostly be seen at night. Their diet mostly consists of insects such as crickets, cockroaches and spiders and can survive for months without food as long as they have a water source.

The Sting

As a defense mechanism scorpions are known to sting. If a human is stung by a scorpion they most likely would experience mild symptoms similar to a bee sting. There are some species of scorpions that carry a dangerous venom which can be fatal to humans.

Prevention

If you are concerned about scorpions being a threat to your home you may want to take some precautions to help keep them away. Start by eliminating places around your home where these pests can harbor such as wood piles, trash and debris. If you are storing any firewood on the property make sure that is at least 20ft away from your home. Also, sealing any cracks in and around your home is a must, this will not only keep scorpions out but any other pests that may be wanting to enter your home as well. Be sure that all screens on windows and doors are secure and without and any tears. Last, check that the garage door closes to the ground and there is not an opening for them to crawl in.

Black Knight Pest Control

951-694-8100

All The Ways Bed Bugs Cost You

How Bed Bugs Effect You

When dealing with an infestation of bed bugs Professional Treatment is not the only way these pests can cost you. There are other ways you may not have thought of that bed bugs can effect you in other ways than just your wallet. I have put together a list of things that may not have occurred to you when having had or now have an infestation of bed bugs.

Bed Bugs live in bedding, mattresses and other furniture.

Bed Bug Bites

People with multiple bed bug bites should see a dermatologist for treatment. Let's hope your insurance covers bed bugs.

Loss of Sleep

After having had dealt with a bed bug infestation even though the bed bugs may be gone they can still sneak their way into the dreams of the home owner causing nightmares.

Home Remedies

While the DIY approach may seem cost efficient in the beginning, at home remedies tend to add up in the long run and professional treatment will ultimately be needed regardless.

Trashing Furniture

Disposing of your previously infested furniture is usually a good choice however the replacement of it can be costly.

Tearing Up Your Home

There are times in which the carpet needs to be pulled away as well as lifting the base boards to look for or treat bed bugs, labor and or replacement is not a cheap for a job like this.

Even though bed bugs may be tiny the price you may have to pay for them is not. If you are concerned that you may have an infestation of bed bugs call Black Knight Pest Control for a FREE QUOTE. A Licensed Professional can come to your home and answer any questions you may have, free of cost to you. In the long run your wallet will be thanking you. If you do decide that a bed bug treatment is the best choice for you ask about our HEAT TREATMENT.

Black Knight Termite and Pest Control is here for you.