Chem-Free Pest & Lawn Blog - Green Tips for a Healthy Home

How Do Termites Eat Wood?

by Holt Myers Jan. 13, 2022 Pest Control, Termite Control

Most Central Texans have at least heard of termites, even if they’ve never had to have an infestation treated. These small, winged, ant-like pests can cause major damage by feeding on the wood that makes up our homes and other structures. How do termites eat wood? It seems unlikely that such tiny insects could cause much trouble. But they do: Termites cause about five billion dollars in damage to American homes every single year!

How To Identify a Roof Rat Versus a Mouse

by Holt Myers Nov. 18, 2021 Pest Control

Say you spot a small rodent scurrying along a beam in your garage. Is it a roof rat or a mouse? Even more likely, you haven’t seen the rodent itself, but you suspect it’s nearby. Maybe all you have to go on is evidence of rodent activity: gnaw marks, scratching sounds inside the walls or little brown pellets that look like rodent poop. Either way, you’re wondering about signs of a roof rat versus mouse, as these two rodents are common across Central Texas. How can you tell which pest you’re dealing with?

Do Moth Balls Keep Mice Away?

by Holt Myers Sep. 22, 2021 Pest Control, Wildlife & Rodent Control

You might have heard that mothballs can keep mice and other pests away, but is it true? The simple answer is no, this is not an effective form of rodent control. What is worse is that instead of being a useful tool, mothballs might even create even bigger problems for you and your family.

Do Mosquitoes Come Out in the Rain?

by Holt Myers May. 18, 2021 Mosquito Control, Pest Control

Do mosquitoes come out in the rain? It’s a question people often ask because mosquitoes thrive in warm, humid regions that get plenty of rainfall. In many regions, springtime brings both rain storms and new mosquito activity. And whether it’s spring, summer or fall, sometimes the mosquitoes are so bad, it can seem like there’s no safe time to be outdoors without getting eaten alive. But do mosquitoes go away when it rains, or do they keep biting?

Roaches in My Microwave: What Can I Do?

by Holt Myers Mar. 16, 2021 Pest Control, Roach Control

Finding roaches in the microwave is alarming, and it’s also plain gross. How did they get in there, and why did they stay? Most importantly, how can you get rid of them? Discovering roaches in your microwave merits immediate action to eliminate them. Not only are roaches unsanitary, spreading harmful bacteria over any food or surface they touch, they can actually cause damage to your microwave’s inner workings.

Will Freezing Bed Bugs Control an Infestation?

by Holt Myers Jan. 13, 2021 Pest Control

If you’ve ever had bed bugs, you know how incredibly itchy their bites can be. The misery that these tiny pests can cause is just one reason that why having a bed bug problem can upend your entire household. Another is that what you might assume is a few bed bugs is very likely already a full-blown infestation. So, what is the best way to get rid of these unwelcome invaders? Will freezing bed bugs control an infestation?

There Are Rats in My Ceiling: What Can I Do?

by Holt Myers Nov. 17, 2020 Pest Control, Wildlife & Rodent Control

Hearing squeaking or scratching sounds coming from your ceiling can be puzzling. What could be making that noise? The unpleasant truth is there are a variety of creatures that could be up there. It could be anything ranging from rats or mice to squirrels or even raccoons. When it’s cold outside and regular food supplies are scarce, animals might seek shelter wherever they can find it. Often, this means moving in with humans.

Do Chickens Eat Ants?

by Holt Myers Jul. 13, 2020 Pest Control

If you’re interested in the idea of raising chickens, you’ve probably heard that a bonus about chickens is the fact that they eat insects, which means they could help keep your yard free of unwanted bugs. Or, if you currently own chickens, you may be wondering if you could count on them as a more natural form of pest control.

Do Mosquitoes Bite During the Day?

by Holt Myers May. 13, 2020 Mosquito Control, Pest Control

As temperatures rise, our excitement to head outside and enjoy the weather can quickly turn sour when we find ourselves slapping at mosquitoes and scratching itchy bites. If this has happened to you, you might find yourself wondering whether mosquitoes bite during the day. Surely there’s a period when they’re less active and you can enjoy some outdoor time without being bothered—right?

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