HOME PEST CONTROL:

Things are business as usual as far as pest control is concerned.  Insects don't take too much time off for the holidays.  We are seeing a lot of pesky ants within the home.  This is because it is so dry.  These little critters need water too.  They will often invade your kitchen and bathrooms in search of water.  These ants like to travel your electric and plumbing (pipes tend to "sweat").  They will pop out in one place after another via your electrical outlets and plumbing.  Ants should not be sprayed when they are noticed, because this encourages them to seek refuge deeper within the wall structure.  It is better to bait ants and exercise a little patience.  If the exterior entry point can be located, they can be treated from the outside as well. 

Scorpions tend to surface during winter months as well.  They will also appear during other times in areas where construction is prevalent.  We can make interior as well as exterior, high pressure applications to control them.  We also offer attic applications as scorpions like the warm dry environment your attic offers.  We have applications designed for crickets, silverfish, fungus gnats, roaches, millipedes, centipedes,  spiders, earwigs, carpenter ants, shed ants and a whole host of other insects.  Regular applications can help to keep these insects from becoming embedded, making it easier to keep them under control.

Termites don't take winter off either.  Though unusual, this year we had a late fall swarm.  Not all winged ant-like insects are termites, but if you suspect you have a termites, call a professional immediately.  Proper and early identification can save you money.  Our office can provide a thorough termite inspection (we also inspect for other wood destroying insects during this process).  Many home purchases and refinance opportunities require a WDI Report for the closing.  Call our office if you would like to schedule one of these inspections.

LAWN & GARDEN:

Winter is here.  You can still help to protect your lawn and landscape investment.  As it is critically dry, the single most important thing you can do for your lawn (especially your St Augustine), is to water it right now.  Mother nature usually takes care of that for us, but so far she hasn't done much to help out this year.  While we are talking about water, don't forget to give all newly planted shrubs and trees a regular drink this winter too.  Their roots may not have had enough time to get established.  The next opportunity you will have to give your lawn a boost will be as the lawn is coming out of dormancy.  Properly timed fertility is a must.  One of the best products on the market in our opinion is Dillo Dirt.  Applied at the proper time, Dillo Dirt will provide a readily available source of nutrition for your lawn.  This is especially critical for St Augustine lawns.  Timing is important, so if you do not know how or when to apply Dillo Dirt, give us a call.  Although Dillo Dirt has been approved in all types of gardens, there still seems to be some controversy on whether to use it in food production gardens.  Other varieties of grasses can benefit from specially blended and selected fertilizers.  St. Augustine lawns should also be evaluated for possible applications of fungicides where necessary.  If you lawn shows signs of Brown Patch or has had Brown Patch in the past, a fungicide application at the right time can help to make your lawn more healthy and vigorous.  

Also in the early spring months we will pre-emergent weed applications with the best and most consistent pre-emerge chemicals offered in the industry.  Precision applications are insured by the use of harmless blue dye mixed with the herbicides to guarantee adequate coverage.  An early application of fertility will help your lawn as it is coming out of dormancy.  We also offer tree and shrub deep root fertility injections.  These injections provide nutients designed to increase leaf & flower blooms.  Most people can't afford to do everything in their landscape beds, but will choose to do their perennial flowering plants and flowering trees.

By March or April we will be making Fire Ant applications.  This is a program that is guaranteed to be a big hit with your family and friends.  Don't spend hours chasing those pesky and dangerous ants around your property.  Call us today for a free estimate.  Our program lasts the entire season and will have you fireant free!  Don't let the Fire Ants limit your outdoor activities.

Keep an eye on your landscape.  Don't wait until the insects have completely desiccated your turf, plants, shrubs or trees.  We can treat everything from annuals to pecans.  If you have questions, please call for a consultation.