When it comes to home improvements, most homeowners tend to focus on living areas like kitchens and bathrooms. However, unoccupied parts of the home also play an important role in the functioning of the whole. Take the attic, which can impact everything from the comfort level of the living areas to the energy efficiency of the heating and cooling systems. That’s why it’s worthwhile to have your attic professionally inspected and invest in recommended improvements. Here are five ways you can improve your attic: Read more

Termites are different from other pests. While most insects and rodents invade our homes in search of food or shelter, termites go after the wooden structural components of the home itself, which are typically out of sight. This means termites can cause thousands of dollars in damage before the homeowner even notices a problem. That’s why it’s imperative to take steps to stop and prevent infestations. Below, we answer some common questions you may have about termite control.  Read more

Last month, we took a look at pest control for businesses; this month, we’re examining pest control strategies for your home. With our moderate climate, pests are a year-round nuisance for Bay Area homeowners. Pests don’t go away on their own, so if an infestation is left unaddressed, it can lead to significant property damage and even harm the health of your family and pets. Keep reading to find out how pest control professionals handle a variety of common household invaders. Read more

As we slowly return to our workplaces, some of us have discovered that the office needs a little TLC. With buildings vacant for so long, it’s not unusual to find a variety of critters now residing in a once-shuttered office, classroom or cafe. Keeping a workspace pest-free is important for the health and safety of both employees and customers. Thankfully, many companies specialize in providing pest control solutions for commercial settings. Read more

The Bay Area’s moderate climate and abundant green space make pest control a year-round problem. At any given time, residents may find their homes overrun with insects such as termites and fleas or confronting trespassing animals like mice and rats. While many are eager to eliminate potentially harmful pests, there are also concerns about the effects of pesticides on people and pets. In this article, we’ll demystify the pest control industry by defining key terms used by professionals, providing tips for a pest-free home and answering frequently asked questions about eliminating pests.

Key Terms for Pest Control

Broad spectrum: Something that affects a wide range or large number of organisms. In pest control, Read more

I named it Lucifer because it couldn’t help being evil. I’m talking about the rat I could hear scrabbling around beneath the heater vent in my kitchen every morning. It didn’t mean any harm, but the rustles and occasional squeaks were too much for me—it had to go.

As it turned out, my first move didn’t involve a pest control company. Before I could set traps, I had to deal with the brand-new front door dug directly beneath my front door.

Before the rains came, these holes were caked with tufts of fur, eliminating any doubt that they were at least one major point of entry. Read more

The Aedes mosquito transmits the Zika virus as well as dengue fever, chikungunya and yellow fever. Photo: CDC/James Gathany, 2016

Return to Pests! A Resource Guide for Bay Area Homeowners

With mosquito season approaching, you may have questions about Zika, the mosquito-borne illness that’s linked to an increase in microcephalyand other birth defects. The Centers for Disease Control and Preventionhas created a comprehensive website dedicated to Zika. We’ve combed their website for quick answers to your most frequently asked questions.

What is Zika?

“Zika” refers to an illness caused by the Zika virus. Read more