Horizons Professional
Pest Control

Squirrel Invasion

Squirrels are small and seem completely harmless but when they invade a home they have the potential to do a lot more damage than one would think. Usually there is always more than one squirrel involved in a home invasion. If one squirrel can find its way into a home then any squirrel can get in.

A home attic or basement makes a cozy habitat for squirrels during the winter months, especially mothers with newborns. This can in turn result in a huge nuisance for humans and can turn into an expensive problem if not taken care of quickly.  It may not seem so bad at first but once babies begin to grow or more squirrels make their way inside things can take a turn for the worse pretty quickly.

Pest Control Birmingham AL – Potential Damage Caused by Squirrels

• Squirrel excrement can carry parasites and diseases
• Chewing wood leading to water damage and structural damage
• Roof and siding damage
• Chewed electrical wiring, which is a fire hazard
• Loud and bothersome

Prevention

• All openings into the roof, attic or basement are sealed
• Use mesh around chimney openings.
• No food left out
• Keep bird feeders away from home
• Use moth-balls.

 

Pests are a nuisance and today you will find thousands of species living right in your neighborhood or backyard. Pests are known to be destructive and some of them do carry pathogens that cause diseases.

Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs

This pest species arrived in the US around 1996 and has spread rapidly throughout the country. They have become a threat to agriculture and they also invade homes in large numbers. They emit an unpleasant odor when disturbed or crushed.

Fire Ants

They are found in the Southern part of US and usually create mound nests. The ants and their nests should be avoided at all costs. Their sting results in painful welts when disturbed.

Termites

They are aggressive in nature and difficult to control once they infest a structure. A mature colony is known to cause damage to structures in 6 months.

Rodents (Rats)

They are of Asian origin and are found around the world. They cause damage to structures by gnawing and carry different diseases such as jaundice, rat-bite fever and samonellosis.

Pest Control Birmingham AL – Right in Your Backyard

These birds were introduced in New York intentionally over 100 years ago by Shakespeares enthusiast. The birds have spread around the country and their droppings are known to cause damage to structures as well as promote fungal growth which leads to diseases.

Africanized Killer Bees

These type of bees are aggressive in nature and are known to chase people for more than a quarter a mile in defense of their hive. They tend to attack in greater numbers and their venom is more potent than other bees therefore a threat to humans.

Asian Tiger mosquitoes

This type of mosquito species is found all over the US and is prevalent in the Southern region. It transmits West Nile virus, Chikungunya virus and dengue fever. This type of mosquito feeds during the day unlike other species.

Call Us

Horizons Professional Pest Control is a local, family owed business that has been proudly serving the Birmingham-metro area since 2000.

Horizons is licensed and bonded to provide a variety of services including: regular pest control services (monthly, bimonthly, quarterly), termites bonds, pest removal, flea treatments, bed bug treatments, mosquito and tick barriers, and german cockroach baiting services.

We want to help you to keep your home safe. Give us a call at (205) 970-0577.

An Education on Fleas

If you have a pet in your home chances are at one time or another you’ve had a run in with fleas. The bad thing is once you get fleas in your home, it’s extremely difficult to get rid of them.

The absolute best thing to do is take precaution so that it never happens – but if it does just know that we’re a phone call away.

What do they look like?

They have three pairs of legs with small and flat bodies. Adults measure about an eighth of an inch and have dark reddish brown color. They are very hard to spot and move fast along the animal furred body. In order to grab them quickly, wet the animal’s hair or use a comb.

What do they consume?

They suck blood from warm blooded mammals such as humans and house pets.

Where do they reside?

After hatching and growing to adulthood, fleas use their powerful legs to jump onto a host where they remain at all times until discovered. They feed, mate and lay eggs on the host and spread even further. The eggs they produce may fall on carpeting, blankets and in crevices of furniture.

Are they dangerous?

Yes they are.

Not only do they cause discomfort after biting but they act as transmitters of diseases like bubonic plague. The condition is rare today but in the 14 century, it wiped nearly a third of Europe. They are also known to transmit thetyphus through rats to humans and also serve as intermediate hosts to tapeworms. Their saliva causes an allergic reaction to dogs and cats.

Pest Control Birmingham AL – 4 Tips on the Prevention of Fleas 

1. If you have a pet Vacuum the carpets and furniture frequently. Treat all bed linens regularly and remove any existing fleas.
2. Monitor your pet for fleas constantly. If you see them scratching or doing constant licking there is a good chance they have fleas.
3. If your dog(s) interact with other dogs bathe them immediately after.
4. Wash their bedding on a regular basis.
5. Stay up to date on their flea treatments, especially in warmer months.

If you have any questions about fleas or any pests for that matter we’re just a phone call away (205) 970-0577.

Horizons Professional Pest Control is a local, family owed business that has been proudly serving the Birmingham-metro area since 2000.

Horizons is licensed and bonded to provide a variety of services including: regular pest control services (monthly, bimonthly, quarterly), termites bonds, pest removal, flea treatments, bed bug treatments, mosquito and tick barriers, and german cockroach baiting services.

We want to keep your home safe from pests!

Many of us have run into those long worm-like creatures, with lot of legs that crawl around really fast. After seeing one of these bugs, many of us run and call our pest control service.

But what are these strange looking creatures and are they dangerous? What you have witnessed is a centipede or more commonly known as the “house centipede”. But what are these creatures and what should you know about them? Today we are going to learn more about the elusive centipede.

Pest Control Birmingham AL – Why Are They Called Centipedes?

The name Centipede means 100 legs, but this can be a bit confusing. While some of these creatures will have 100 legs, the number of legs can vary widely. Basically a centipede can have between 15 to 177 legs. Having so many legs makes these bugs super fast.

These Insects Love The Nighttime

While you are sleeping soundly in your bed, the centipede is up and moving around. During the day these creatures hide in dark places and only come out when the lights are out. They love to feed at night and this is when most people run into them.

Centipedes are Not As Dangerous As You Might Think

While common house centipedes do have poison inside of their jaws, they rarely bite people. When they do, the bite is not that bad, because there jaws are not powerful enough to break the skin. The sting can be locally painful and light swelling might occur.

Centipedes Can Live A Long Time For a Bug

Some centipedes can live for up to six years, but the common house centipede can live up to one year. This is a long time for an insect and the same centipede you saw running around your bathroom yesterday, might have been the same one you seen six months ago.

If you’re looking for a termite control in Birmingham AL or the surrounding areas, talk to one of our professionals today to find out how Horizons can create a custom solution for your home or business.

Give us a call at (205) 970-0577.

Our solutions are catered to your particular needs, and the safety of your family is always our number one priority.

When the weather warms up outside the insect world starts to heat up as well. In order to keep insect out of your home, you are going to have to do some cleaning and organizing. Having a Pest Control Service come into your home and spray for bugs is very important.

But you can help keep those insects from getting inside. Knowing the pest hot spots around your home will allow you to target those areas and keep bugs out. Today we are going to learn some tips that will help keep those pesky bugs out of your home.

Pest Control Birmingham AL – Four Pest Hot Spots

1. The Kitchen – Bugs love the kitchen and for good reason. Ants seem to the biggest fan of the kitchen and keeping them out can be difficult. With plenty of food and lots of water, the kitchen is an ant magnet. Crumbs attract ants into your cabinets, where they feed on these tiny amounts of food. Each spring remove everything out of your cabinets and place them in a safe place. Wipe out all of your cabinets and clean them with vinegar to deter ants.

2. The Bathroom – Cockroaches and silverfish love the bathroom because of moisture. To keep them out, try to keep your bathroom as dry as possible. Check under your sink and check for any leaking pipes and get them fixed. Also, if you have a dripping faucet get that repaired as well.

3. The Basement – We all know that bugs love the basement and getting rid of them can be difficult. Rodents and spiders love these areas. A great way to keep these pests out is to get rid of clutter and organize your basement. Also, you will want to seal up any holes that might led to the outside. This will keep those critters out.

4. The Outside – Keeping your yard neat and clean will help keep pests away from your home. Cut any tall grass and trim any bushes that might have become overgrown. Remove any fallen tree limbs that might attract pests such as termites.

If you’re looking for a termite control in Birmingham AL or the surrounding areas, talk to one of our professionals today to hear how Horizons can create a custom solution for your home or business.

Give us a call at (205) 970-0577.

Our solutions are catered to your particular needs, and the safety of your family is always our number one priority.

Having termites infest your home is a serious situation. It doesn’t take long for a few termites to turn into a large colony and the damage they can do to your home can be costly.

Not only can termites make your house look horrible, they can also compromise the structural stability of the home. Finding and stopping an infestation early is the only way to prevent real damage from happening. You the homeowner have to be diligent in order to spot termites.

While a pest control service can rid the home of termites, you can help by knowing what to look for. Termite extermination is the only way to rid your home of these dangerous pests. Today we are going to go over five signs that you should always be on the look out for.

Termite Control Birmingham AL – Five Signs Your House Has Termites

1. Cracked paint that may be bubbling – When you see cracked or bubbling paint on the outside of your home, it’s a sign you have either water damage or termites.

    2.  Wood Damage – Termites feed from the inside out. If you notice part of your home sounds hollow when you tap on it, then you just might have a termite infestation.

    3. Swarming bug or piles of wings – Sometimes called swarmers, these flying insects are female termites. You will see them all over the place, and often times they will leave their wings behind.  Seeing a swarm and/or pile of wings are strong indications of a termite infestation in progress.

   4. Mud Tubs – The most destructive type of termites are the ones that are in the ground. You can spot these by looking for the mud tubes they leave behind. These tubs can be found around the foundation of the home.

   5. Frass – Frass is the wood colored droppings are left behind by the termites after they have eaten part of your home. They can be found under the home and look just like sawdust. 

If you’re looking for a termite control in Birmingham, Alabama, or the surrounding areas, talk to one of our professionals today to hear how Horizons can create a custom solution for your home or business.

Give us a call at (205) 970-0577.

Our solutions are catered to your particular needs, and the safety of your family is always our number one priority.

The National Pest Management Association has put together a list the top five pest which includes bed bugs; cockroaches; house flies; lice; and mosquitoes.

Pest Control Birmingham AL – List of Top 5 Pests

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs have not only been found in mattress seams or sheets, they are also in cracks and crevices of furniture items, behind baseboards, electrical outlet plates and picture frames. They are carried from location to location through luggage or other personal belongings such as purses and briefcases. It is possible that they carry diseases and their bites can cause allergic reactions and scarring. Bed bugs are sneaky and hard to find without the professional help of a pest control service who know what to look for and where to find them to eradicate them.

Cockroaches

There are several types of cockroaches, which carry diseases. Cockroaches reproduce rapidly and they can enter into our living space via cracks, crevices, vents, sewers, drainpipes, grocery bags, boxes, personal items, and on our person. Their cast offs includes their skins, dead bodies, and droppings, all of which can trigger allergies. They are perfect at hiding and if you see one and kill it, there are hundreds others where you can’t see them. Only with special equipment and solutions by a professional pest control service will get rid of them.

House Flies

Houseflies can transfer over 100 pathogens causing harmful diseases. They collect these pathogens on their legs and mouths because they feed and land on feces, trash, and other types of dangerous material. A fly swatter can get one, but what about the others and their eggs? House fly control involves several steps that a professional pest control service can help with.

Lice

Lice are parasites. There is head lice, body lice, bird or pet lice, all of which can be transferred to children and adults. Lice can also embed themselves in bedding, clothing, and towels. For body and hair lice, there are medications that can be used. However, if lice and their eggs get into clothing, towels or bedding, then a professional pest control service is the best defense.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are best known as pests that we love to hate, for their habit of feeding on blood to help generate their eggs. Adult mosquitoes prefer to be most active from dusk until dawn but can become active with low cloud cover or in dark shady areas. Mosquitoes are pesky pests that it certain areas, can spread disease. A mosquito treatment plan by a pest control service professional is to conduct a property inspection and identify the kind of mosquitoes causing problems and how to control them.

Talk to one of our professionals today to hear how Horizons can create a custom solution for your home or business. Give us a call at (205) 970-0577.

Our solutions are catered to your particular needs, and the safety of your family is always our number one priority.

Thank you for your business!

Walt Zieverienk

It’s not actually news that mosquito season has arrived in Alabama.

Mosquitoes aren’t just pests – they’re disease carriers. It seems that with every passing year the disease threat gets worse.

Last year two residents of Colbert County and one resident of Tuscaloosa County are the latest believed to have contracted Chikungunya virus, which is rarely deadly but can lead to debilitating joint pain.

Pest Control Birmingham AL – The Dangers of Mosquitos

Mosquitoes also carry diseases such as West Nile Virus and Lyme disease.

Your yard should be your oasis where your children can safely play and enjoy their summer. However, because these blood feeders are most active in the spring and summer months and can be difficult to remove, they can sometimes ruin your desire to enjoy the outdoors.

Horizons Professional Pest Control Service is dedicated to fighting and winning the war on mosquitoes. We want to make sure your family is protected and is able to enjoy the spring and summer months.

Here are a few things you can do to cut down on the mosquito population in your yard:

• Look for standing water in and around your backyard.  Before you think that you don’t have standing water, at least go outside for a quick look. If you or your neighbors are washing the car or have irrigation systems, there’s always a possibility of standing water in small containers, drainage catchment basins, and city storm drains next to your home.
• Check overflow dishes in potted plants and neglected birdbaths.
• After it rains make sure that buckets, wheelbarrows and children’s toys are emptied. It only takes a little soil, compost or a few leaves, and water that stands for 1-2 weeks to breed mosquitoes.

Ridding your yard of breeding sites is not the full answer, because mosquitoes will disperse into your yard from neighboring properties.

During the day, mosquitoes rest on the bottom sides of leaves to protect themselves from the sun and rain. By applying insecticide to small trees and shrubs, we are able to eliminate any mosquitoes resting/harboring in your shrubs and trees.

We offer the best mosquito & tick service and our trained technicians are capable of solving any pest control problem.

Talk to one of our professionals today to hear how Horizons can create a custom solution for your home or business. Give us a call at (205) 970-0577.

Our solutions are catered to your particular needs, and the safety of your family is always our number one priority.

Thank you for your business!

Walt Zieverienk