Sorenson Pest Control Blog

Bees are a vital part of a healthy ecosystem, and they are essential for agriculture too. That does not mean you want them building a nest near your home. Bees and wasps can be territorial, and you may find yourself the victim of a bee sting despite your best efforts to avoid them. Here’s what to do if that happens.  Don’t Panic The most crucial thing to do after you are stung by a bee is to avoid panicking. That’s often easier said than done. Bee stings hurt, and they come as a surprise. However, staying calm means you can respond quickly and in the best way possible.  If you have accidentally disturbed a nest, it is best to swiftly but calmly remove yourself from the general area. Honey bees can only sting once before dying, but other types of bees and wasps can sting multiple times. Wasps will sometimes bite...

  No one wants to see is a mouse or rat scurrying around their home. As of 2017, it is estimated that 21 million U.S. households experience a rodent infestation each year. That is an astounding number. You may think that a stray rodent running around is no big deal, but they can cause a lot of damage. Not just to your home, but to your health too. Here are some dangers and damages of a rodent infestation.  Health Risks While one rodent is not a huge deal, they reproduce incredibly quickly. So, if you see one, there are probably more hiding in other places. As their population grows, so do the health risks. Rodents can easily spread viruses and bacteria through their feces. Common diseases carried by rodents include Hantavirus, Salmonella and the Bubonic Plague. Breathing in fumes from their feces can also exacerbate allergy and asthma symptoms. Rodents can...

Your kitchen is the heart of your home. It is the central hub for nourishing your family and entertaining your guests. The last thing you want is the presence of pests, such as a trail of ants roaming around your floors or countertops. How do you stop ants from invading your home?  Try these five effective methods for keeping your kitchen ant-free: Sweep and Mop Floors Regularly Ants are experts at finding crumbs and food residue, so they must be regularly stopped at their own game. Make it a habit to sweep at least twice a day, even if the floors appear to be clean. Ants also have a sneaky method of leaving behind pheromone trails to map out paths for finding foods. Mop with a white vinegar solution and an antibacterial cleaner to remove their tracks and confuse their plans. Use the Scent of Citrus Fortunately, the smell of citrus...

Roaches are probably the most common and most distressing pest there is. In addition to their appearance, roaches can be a health hazard. Roaches can carry and spread germs and diseases, presenting a special danger to infants and the elderly.  Roaches hide in the walls and dark spaces of a home, coming out in the dark to search for food when humans are asleep. Seeing one or more roaches is usually an indication of a much bigger problem. Find them and seal them off The first step in keeping roaches out of your home is cutting off their food sources. Keep food stored in sealed containers. Sweep up crumbs and wipe up spills immediately. The harder you make it to find food, the better chance you have of keeping roaches away. Look for signs of roaches in the obvious places, like under sinks and appliances and around openings to the outside. If...

It’s not a stretch to say that diseases caused by insects are some of the most virulent and deadly on earth. In 2018 alone, 405,000 people died from malaria, a disease transmitted by a mosquito. Other diseases caused by pests are too numerous to list here, but the professionals at Sorenson Pest Control are experts in controlling and eliminating many of the bugs and beasties that enter the home and spread disease. Here are some insects that cause health hazards: The Mosquito If diseases carried by all other contagious bugs in the world were wiped out, the list of those carried by mosquitoes would still be extensive. Only the females bite and pass on diseases, and she only bites because she needs a blood meal to lay her eggs. But at the same time she’s getting a meal, pathogens are being transferred into her victim through her saliva. These pathogens and parasites...

Vacations are times to get away for relaxation and enjoyment. Part of the fun may include pleasant surprises, from finding the perfect restaurant to making new friends. One surprise you do not want unwelcome guests that have come home with you. Sorenson Pest Control prides itself in being able to help during those vulnerable times. No matter your destination, the threat of exasperating insects is real. Pests are especially troublesome in high-travel times, such as during the summer or holiday seasons. Guard yourself against these pests by learning of their habits and hiding places: Bed bugs These maddening insects usually live in mattresses and bedding, though they can also be tucked away in the seams of headboards, drawers and outlets. Signs of infestation include finding itchy welts on exposed skin and dark spots on bedding caused by crushed bugs and their waste. They can latch onto anything, including luggage and clothing. To escape...

Spiders are usually found in isolated and dark areas inside or outside of your home. They prefer this setting so that their nests and feeding places won’t be bothered by larger predators. Sometimes a full-on spider infestation can be dangerous to tackle on your own. It can also be a scary endeavor depending on the type of spider. Read on to learn how to identify a spider infestation.  Webs  The most telling sign of a spider infestation is to look for webs in the corners of your rooms. For an exterior infestation problem, they can be up in nooks of your roof where it is likely they will trap other insects to feed on. If you get rid of the webs, you will get rid of their food supply.  Moist Environments  Like most pests, spiders prefer an environment that provides water. Be sure to check your basement or garage, as these...

If you conduct a search for any pest control service online, you’ll find a common term that may seem like just another buzzword: integrated pest management (IPM). Despite what you might think, this is actually a method of pest control that is defined and regulated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Pest control services have to adhere to strict guidelines and protocols to present themselves as an IPM provider. What does the term actually mean? Let’s break it down together: Defining IPM The EPA defines IPM as “an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices.” In short, that means pest control services who use IPM reference current and comprehensive information regarding pest life cycles, environmental interactions and ecological impacts that pests create on the local environment. The cornerstone of any IPM system is eliminating or managing pest damage economically while minimizing...

Disinfecting after pest control is as important as wearing a big, yellow hazmat suit when entering a hazardous area. Both are meant to protect you from harmful chemicals. Because of the inherent dangers of insecticides used to remove pests from your home, it is important to disinfect your home after pest removal. Chemicals vs. People Abamectin. Cyfluthrin. Hydramethylnon. Pyrethrum. You might think you have just read an alien language but the truth is that each of those words is the name of a chemical used in pest control. According to the Pesticide Action Network UK, the rule of thumb is, unless otherwise labeled, anything used to kill pests will also be extremely harmful to humans and pets. The importance of cleaning your hard and soft surfaces after pest control cannot be overstated. Decontaminate In most cases, the level of disinfection required is based on the areas of the home treated for...

With the coronavirus continuing its spread across the country, many businesses have shut down to help flatten the curve. Businesses that remain open and active are considered essential and that includes pest control. This article will illustrate exactly why pest control services are vital for the community, and why we at Sorenson Pest Control are committed to serving our customers during this crisis. Pests Spread Disease Although COVID-19 does not show signs of animal-to-human transmission, the fact is that pests can still bring in a host of other diseases. Rats, roaches, ants and other critters can create significant health problems for homeowners and businesses. COVID-19 is dangerous because it can worsen the effects of other conditions. So, if you get sick because of rats or roaches in the home, the coronavirus can wreak havoc on your compromised immune system. Pest Problems Will Worsen Without Intervention As the country went into quarantine,...

The words ‘bee’ and ‘wasp’ are often used interchangeably. After all, they both look very similar to each other, they both build hives, and they both cause excruciating pain when they sting. However, there are many notable differences between the two insects, from the shape of their bodies to the benefits they offer to the environment. Here are some of the biggest differences between bees and wasps and how you can tell them apart. Bees   Bees are rounder in shape and have a wide abdomen and thorax. Their bodies and legs are covered in small hairs, and their legs are wide and flat. Bees create nests in out-of-the-way areas that are protected from the elements and can be found in trees, attics, under decks, inside walls and any other small, secluded cavities they can reach. Bees are responsible for most of the pollination needed for the fruits and vegetables we...

An evening spent outdoors with your family and friends can quickly turn into a disaster by an invasion of annoying pests. Many pests can also spread diseases and produce painful effects from their bites or stings. Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to enjoy the outdoors pest-free. Use Bug Spray While there are pests that will not be deterred by the use of bug spray, it will help stave off some of the common ones. If you are camping in a moist environment that is home to swarms of mosquitoes, bug spray will allow you to safely relax without being bothered. Keep Your Patio Area Clean A cluttered and dirty patio can prove to be a major attraction for unwanted pests. Insects and rodents will often look for places to take shelter, and clutter on your patio can provide this for them. Clean up any spills or food that...

Head lice might not be fatal, but it definitely isn’t pleasant. Lice can spread over your scalp quickly, causing itchiness and irritation to your skin and hair. Lice are most commonly spread with kids at school and in childcare settings, where lice and germs can be passed around rapidly. If your kids are exposed to lice, you can be quickly exposed as well. In any case, here are some quick and easy tips for preventing head lice.   1) Don’t Share Things that Touch Your Head One of the best ways to prevent lice from spreading is to not share anything that touches your head. Lice can easily and quickly spread from child to child or child to parent if you happen to share the same brush or comb. The same is true for sharing any type of hats. Make sure that once you have identified who has lice in your...

If you’re a homeowner then you have probably encountered unwanted visitors in your home. Maybe you’ve found ants in your pantry or have heard mice scurrying through the walls, or have found termite damage to wooden beams. Most likely you will encounter pests in your garage, attic or basement at some time. But what attracts pests to these areas in the first place? Keep reading to discover more. A Great Place to Hide Most garages, basements and attics are full of clutter due to the fact that these areas usually serve as storage space. With all of the shelving, boxes and crates to hide behind or in, it serves as a great place for pests to create a nest. Basements and attics in particular tend to be undisturbed by humans for the majority of the time and pests use this advantage as a way to keep their nests hidden and untouched....

The first step in combating fleas for your pets is knowing their life cycle. The peak season for fleas is the summertime months. The flea eggs live in the ground. Once the larvae hatch, a flea can mature to adulthood on an average of two weeks during the summer. Outside Protection When it comes to protecting your pet from the outside elements, the best thing to do is yard maintenance. There are two ways to reduce the flea population outdoors; heat and water. So when you keep your lawn cut short, the sunlight warms the ground and kills the flea larvae. After mowing your lawn, you should water it. This will drown any eggs where the sunlight does not reach. Also check for any shrubbery that is close and covers the ground. Trimming the bushes will allow the sun and water to penetrate the ground and kill the eggs. Many people...

The idea of lice in a child’s hair can be unsettling for any parent. But, if you think there is a chance that your child might have lice, it is essential to check your child’s head and take action if necessary. Here are some helpful hints on how to check your child for lice. Be on the Lookout for Symptoms Children who have lice exhibit specific telltale signs. So, be on the lookout for the following symptoms: A tickling feeling on the scalp. The sensation that something is moving in the hair. An Itching feeling on the scalp. Sores on the head that are caused by excessive scratching. Irritability. Trouble sleeping. Inspect Your Child’s Hair Use a comb and a magnifying glass to look closely at your child’s scalp. Start your inspection at the base of the neck. Divide your child’s hair into small sections and look carefully for lice and...

Integrated Pest Management, often referred to as IPM, is an environmentally friendly approach to pest control that focuses on biological control and habitat management. A combination of IPM practices is applied over time to reduce and eliminate pest populations. On-going monitoring allows the pest control technician to gauge the results of the IPM strategy. Pesticides are used only as a last resort to manage unwanted pests. During fall, IPM can be a useful approach to controlling pests. Colder days and nights can herald the beginning of uninvited houseguests seeking warmth and plentiful food. Here are some of the fall pests In Northern California that are easily managed with IPM. Cockroaches Cockroaches are common and unwanted bugs. They slip into your house through crevices, cracks and small holes around foundations, doors and windows. Once inside, they avoid human contact, hiding in dark places like pantries, cupboards, drawers and behind appliances. They are...

While you may not realize it, pests are much smarter than given credit. They are well aware of when there’s no activity inside your home. They wait for these times to become the most active, creating the worst problems when no one’s around. Because of this, going on vacation can be a drag upon your return. That is, unless you take the time to prepare your home. When planning to leave for vacation, it’s important to invest additional time making sure your home is safe. Yes, lock doors and close all of the windows. That being said, you also need to make sure your home is ready for the pests who may be visiting. The following are just a few steps you can take to guard against nasty critters. Don’t leave out trash or food. While this may seem like a no brainer, it’s often one of the steps overlooked as...

Most varieties of spiders are so small that their bites either are not strong enough to pierce human skin or merely cause minor irritation such as red bumps or marks. Other spider bites can be venomous and truly dangerous to your health. Continue reading to learn what to do if you believe that you’ve been bitten by a poisonous spider. Spider Bite Protocol First, identify the bite mark. It is possible that you may not have even seen the spider biting your skin. Look for redness, bumps, welts, itching, pain, swelling or blistering on your skin. Sometimes, the bite mark can have a “bullseye” look to it, meaning there is a red ring around the raised bite mark. More severe symptoms of a spider bite is muscle aches and cramping, sweating, difficulty breathing, marks or bumps that are dark red or purple, nausea, headaches, loss of balance or swollen lymph nodes....

Many people believe earwigs can hurt you. The old wives tales talk about the earwig crawling into your ear and burrowing into your brain. But, that old wife’s tale is not true. The most that this pest can do is destroy your plants and gardens. Earwigs are a pest that are just annoying and a nuisance to humans. Earwig Characteristics The earwig is an intimidating looking insect. The intimidation factor comes from the long pincers. An earwig has distinct character traits: Their color is reddish-brown. It grows to approximately three quarters of an inch. It has six legs. Earwigs have two antennas. They have pincers near their tail. The food source is other dead and live insects and plants. Earwigs do not burrow. They live in clusters in damp and cluttered places. Earwigs are nocturnal pests. Causes Harm? Although the earwig has pincers, it is not poisonous. When an earwig pinches,...