Sorenson Pest Control Blog

Fleas are parasitic insects that commonly infest pets and their owners. In order to protect your pets and household from these invasive pests, it’s important to know how fleas invade. The Basics of Fleas If you have dogs or cats, you’re probably familiar with flea medication. You may have even experienced flea bites or noticed them on your pet. More likely, you will have seen your pet scratching at fleas. Fleas are tiny and can be hard to find. They don’t have wings but can famously jump from host to host. Equipped with a saw-like mouth, fleas bite into the skin of their animal or human host. They drink blood like mosquitos, and their bites are just as irritating.  Adult fleas can go without feeding for months at a time. You may encounter a flea infestation in a vacant home for this reason. After feeding, fleas lay eggs and continue their...

The idea of having spiders crawling around in your home may give you nightmares. Yet, not all spiders are harmful to humans and therefore are okay to have inside the home. Keep reading to learn about spiders that are okay to have in your home. American House Spider These spiders are about the same size as a nickel. Their abdomens are circular in shape and their coloring is grey with white markings. As most spiders do, the American house spider can be found hiding in dark areas that are hard to find. They enjoy hiding out in basements and garages. You may find their webs around window sills or door frames where they are likely to catch flies. This type of spider is harmless to humans and therefore safe to be in the home. Daddy Longlegs You may have heard the myth that daddy longlegs are poisonous to humans and animals....

Pest control is a serious business that shouldn't be taken lightly. It is also an industry that is growing rapidly, and for good reason.  While it may seem difficult, many people are unaware of the different types of pests that are out there. Here at Sorenson Pest Control of California, our state-licensed technicians are often asked, “Why do I need to hire a pest control company?” We tell them the advantages of our experience far outweigh any disadvantages. Check out these important reasons why you should hire a pest control company. Benefits of Hiring a Pest Control Company Here are the main benefits of hiring a pest control company: They have the knowledge to get rid of pests for good. They understand pests and what they need to live. They have the proper chemicals to cause the least amount of damage to your household or business. Any chemical used is friendly...

Female fleas can produce at a rate of 40-50 eggs per day for around 50 days. Once fleas have reached your pet’s fur, it's all suffering from there. To avoid this, use these steps to prevent your pet from getting fleas. Limit Your Pet’s Outside Time Pets love being active. They need time each day to run wild or roam freely outside. Although, too much time outdoors increases the risk of your pet getting fleas. Fleas will hitch a ride on any mammal they can. You don't want that mammal to be your pet. Instead of them spending too much time outside, create a fun and spacious environment for your pet inside. Spend time with them and use toys to entertain them.  Beware of Contact With Other Wild Animals One of the most common ways your pet picks up fleas is through exposure to other animals. Fleas can come from squirrels,...

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...