The federal government describes Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as "a coordinated system of technological and management practices to control pests in a safe, environmentally sound, and economically manner". The ultimate goal of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is to create an environment where pests do not want to live. Sealing any entrances that pests may enter, making sure gutters are clean and in working order, cutting back trees and shrubs from touching homes and making sure screens fit tight and have no holes are some simple ways of implementing Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
Traditional pest control primarily focuses on chemical means by using pesticides. Many times treatments were only performed when a pest problem occurred. IPM utilizes methods of environmental changes and pesticide applications as needed. IPM also consists of using traditional pest control methods with scientifically designed treatments to lower pesticide usage and performing preventative treatments. Using less product is not only environmentally friendly, it is smart.
To put IPM in perspective, it can be as simple as closing a door or window to repairing or replacing a leaking roof.
We at PermaKIll Exterminating have been using Scientifically Designed Pest Control Treatments (IPM) since we started in 1987. Pests are smart so we have to be smarter. We employ all the latest treatment techniques in conjunction with practices that have worked in the past. As Pest Control Professionals we are committed to the highest standards and being the best pest control company. The most fascinating by-product of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is even the “old-timers” can see the value in IPM because it may lower costs.
Many times homeowners can treat there own pest problems. Unfortunately, many homeowners think "if a little is good, more will be better." This is not the case. The products available today have been tested and tested again. If the label (directions) are not followed correctly the pest may not go away and over-usage may cause a safety concern. Depending on the pest, it is usually smart to call in a Pest Control Specialist and get the job done right the first time. We can buy all the tools and parts required to fix a car, but few of us have the knowledge to actually fix it.
If you need a pest control professional like PermaKill Exterminating, please contact us right away!
We at PermaKill Exterminating are always striving to make our pest control services better. All of our technicians regularly attend continuing education seminars to increase their knowledge of pest control. Many of these classes are an extension of Rutgers University. Yearly we attend an all-day pest control training seminar hosted by and at Rutgers. We receive credits for attendance that are used to keep our New Jersey State Pesticide Licenses valid and to remain in good standing with the state. These classes offer a variety of subjects for ants, mice, spiders, squirrels, rodents, ticks, and other pests. The class on mice was very interesting. The trainer explained that mice can enter buildings through any hole that is the size of the diameter of a pencil. We saw videos of mice climbing up the side of buildings to the second floor. Once the mice reached the second floor they entered the building through a hole in a gap in the mortar that was smaller than the diameter of a pencil.
The reason mice can enter such small openings is their bone structure is very flexible. If a mouse can get its head through an opening it can adjust its body to get in the opening. Another trainer explained that an important tool in controlling ants is to seal as many openings as possible. Some easy openings to fix for ants is seal gaps around water spigots, air conditioning pipes and wires, and cable wires that enter the home. Ants have a tendency to follow straight lines. Some of the most common lines ants follow are the items just described and cracks along the foundation of the home. Ants can also come from trees. There are numerous ways ants can enter a home or office.
The seminars on mice and ants are just two of the classes we took at Rutgers. One major pest control tool that was mentioned continually was inspections. Many times when we are dealing with a pest we are unable to recommend a treatment plan without actually inspecting the home or building. For example, with mice we will look for entry sites, mouse droppings and grease marks. With ants, we are looking for moisture, trees and shrubs touching the home, frass and clogged gutters. Inspections for mice and ants will determine the way for control and ways to prevent them in the future.
We are attending seminars at the end of this month on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in schools. When treating schools we have to use different pest control methods. When treating mice and ants in schools, we are required to try different techniques first without using pesticides. Once those measures are exhausted we have to try and use "green" products. If these methods do not work only then are we allowed to apply standard "Pesticides." The school is required to notify parents regarding treatments. These techniques for ants, mice, and other pests can take time to provide control.
We at PermaKill Exterminating will continue to expand our knowledge about Pest Control and Exterminating application methods by continuing education.
If you have a pest problem please contact us at info@permakillexterminating.com or give us a call!
It has been a few years since the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug has made its presence known in larger numbers in Northern New Jersey. Stink bugs have been around the last couple of years but not like this year. About ten years ago this strange-looking pest made its appearance in homes and building in our area. Stink bugs attack crops and have caused millions of dollars in crop damage. The stink bug gets its name because it emits a pungent odor that some people say it smells like coriander. The odor can be emitted by merely holding or capturing a stink bug. The stink bug population has been declining in the last few years because of the control techniques used by farmers. They use pheromone traps and insecticides. These control measures have dramatically reduced the stink bug population. For some reason this year the stink bug population is on the rise. We are not sure if it has to do with the weather or preemptive measures were not taken this year. It could also just be a fluke.
When stink bugs enter homes and buildings they can be an annoying pest problem. The presence of stink bugs can last a few weeks or all winter. Stink bugs enter homes and buildings in the fall to escape the winter. If a large number of stink bugs overwinter in a home or building they can emerge all winter long. They usually overwinter on the sunny side of the home. Unfortunately, during the winter bright sunny days cause the stink bugs to emerge. Once they emerge they will usually go to a light source. The stink bugs interpret the light as a way to get to the outside. That's why it is common to see stink bugs by windows and light fixtures. I just spoke to a customer in Califon last week and she said that the stink bugs will dive bomb the lamp next to her when she is watching television.
Stink bug control in homes and buildings can be difficult. The best treatment for stink bugs is to treat the exterior of the home or building around Labor Day. The treatment applies a residual to the siding. When a stink bugs lands on the home or building looking for an overwintering site the applied residual will knock the number of stink bugs down so fewer will enter and overwinter. Once stink bugs have entered there are a few treatments that will help. Treating attics and chimneys will reduce the number of stink bugs. Liquid residuals in certain circumstances will also knock the stink bug population down.
The purpose of a stink bug treatment is to reduce the number of stink bugs. We offer various treatment options to control this strange pest. If someone tells you they can guarantee to get rid of stink bugs do not trust them. It is impossible. The good news for homeowners is stink bugs will exit the home or building in the spring. The bad news for farmers is when they leave a structure they are going to attack their crops.
We at PermaKill Exterminating offer plans to reduce the stink bug population. These treatments are scientifically designed for safety and effectiveness. We hope you don't have a stink bug problem but if you do please contact us at info@permakillexterminating.com or call us. We answer all calls and emails.
For most people, their home is the largest investment they have. So when it comes time to sell this investment, it may cause major anxiety. Usually, the first job is to find a realtor. The realtor will make recommendations on ways to increase its value. This usually costs money. Then they have to find a qualified buyer. Once the home goes under contract the buyer usually has a few weeks to acquire a home inspection. The job of the home inspector is to find things wrong with the home, this also includes pests.
In Northern New Jersey, the seller is required to sign a disclosure statement. Therefore, if a legitimate pest problem exists it must be disclosed. From a Wood Destroying Organism perspective, this includes Carpenter Ants, Carpenter Bees, Termites, and Powder Post Beetles. The results of the pest inspection must be disclosed in an NPMA-33 Form by the home inspector. The reason why this form is important is that all banks use it in the loan process. Usually, once Carpenter Ants, Carpenter Bees, Termites or Powder Post Beetles are observed and noted on the report you will have to treat them prior to closing. The treatment(s) must be performed by a Licenced Pest Management Professional. The treatment(s) usually require a year warranty. During the warranty, if the noted pests reappear the Pest Management Professional who performed the service will be required to treat again at no charge. This is one reason why some of these treatments may be costly.
Like all services, some home inspectors are very good and some are not very good. Some of the reports we have seen are extremely vague. If possible, have the inspector take pictures of any problems to avoid any confusion. It is important to remember that the job of the home inspector is to find things wrong and they work for the buyer.
Some home inspectors are now noting pests other than Wood Destroying Pests on their reports. These pests include, but are not limited to: grease ants, tiny ants, sugar ants, crickets, bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, mice, squirrels, and other rodents. The newest thing is evidence of rodents. This is especially true for mice and squirrels. The inspectors are looking for mouse droppings, grease marks (mouse runways), squirrel droppings, and insulation that may be disturbed from rodents. Remediation of rodents evidence may include the removal and replacement of insulation. Prior to the installation of new insulation, a disinfection treatment may be required. This process may be very costly.
This may sound scary, but there are some things you can do to reduce potential inspection problems. When it comes to ants, (especially carpenter ants) we all have had an occasional ant in our home. Every home may have a couple of dead ants in the basement. The best answer is to vacuum them up. If you have had an occasional mouse in your home and there a few droppings in the basement or attic vacuum them up. If you have a few spider webs in or around your home take them down. If you have bees, wasps, yellow jackets or hornets it may be best to treat them prior to the inspection. If you have had a previous squirrel problem in the attic and some of the insulation is disturbed replacing the disturbed insulation is probably a good idea.
It is important to remember that if you do have a legitimate pest problem you need to disclose it and probably fix it. By doing some simple cleaning you can save yourself a lot of aggravation and probably some money.
If you do have a pest problem arising from a home inspection with ants, mice, crickets, squirrels, bees or any other pest we can help. We can fix the problem and supply all the necessary paperwork for a smooth closing.
If we can be of help please contact us or email us at info@permakillexterminating.com.
Many of us store bird food and old grass seed in the garage. Unfortunately, we all have busy lives and forget they are in the garage. Bird food and grass seed are two of the favorite foods of mice. What normally happens is we plant grass seed in the spring or fall and have some leftover. When we are done, we take the leftover seed, store it in the garage, and forget about it. As time goes by, more "stuff" accumulates and the next thing you know the grass seed in covered up by other things. Mice like quiet places away from people. When mice enter the garage they naturally look for places to hide. After searching the garage, the mice find the hidden grass seed. This is a perfect environment for mice because there is plenty of food and away from people. In this environment, the mouse population begins to multiply. After the mouse population grows in the garage they begin to move into the home. At this point, the mouse infestation has left the garage and entered the home.
This scenario can also repeat itself with birdseed. Most people who feed the birds are very consistent with the feeding because they want the birds to return and watch them. If they stop feeding the birds, the birdseed that is left creates an excellent food source for mice. Another source of food for mice is spillage. When feeding the birds many times some of the feed spills on the floor. If it is not cleaned up, it creates an excellent food source for mice.
The bird food and grass seed also supply an ideal environment for Pantry Pests. Indian Meal Moths are the most common pantry pests. There have been so many times when we go to a home and they have moths, the source is in the garage from bird food or grass seed. To eliminate these moths, the food source needs to be removed. Once the food source is removed clean up any spillage. After the clean up we can perform a treatment to eliminate the remaining moths.
A couple of easy ways to prevent this from happening is to store all bird food and grass seed in sealed containers. Clean up spillage. Dispose of any unused grass seed or bird food. As soon as mice or moths appear, take proactive methods.
If proactive measures don't work call a professional. PermaKill Exterminating has been servicing pest control customers since 1987. We have the experience to solve your pest problem. We are a locally owned family operated company that can supply you with the customized service you deserve. We also offer a Home Protection Plan that will solve your pest problems with a scientifically designed plan.
If we can be of service please contact us or email us at info@permakillexterminating.com
There is something about a warm and cozy fire in the fall and winter. Sitting by a roaring fire and feeling its warmth after being out in the cold all day can make winter enjoyable.
Mother nature can sometimes make this experience like a bad horror movie. Firewood that is stored inside and around a home can bring pests. The most common thing folks experience is when the wood is brought into the home any ants, beetles, spiders, stinkbugs, and sometimes mice that are living in the wood emerge when the wood gets warm. The wood is usually stored by the fireplace or stove in the den or living room causing a pest problem in these rooms. Imagine enjoying a fire and all of sudden there are hundreds of ants or spiders invading your den. What a nightmare! Wood-boring beetles may also emerge from the warmth. Beetles usually stay close to the firewood and not spread out in the room.
There a few simple things that can be done to help prevent this. Inspect all firewood for pests before bringing it into the home. If any pests are seen in the wood do not bring it into the home. Store all outside firewood on some kind of rack off the ground. Keep the firewood covered so it does not absorb a lot of moisture. Moisture attracts all kinds of pests, especially carpenter ants. Don't store firewood next to areas that may have pests. Some of these areas are next to mulch piles, old rotting firewood, tree stumps or old trees that may have ants. Use firewood that is split and clean. This type of firewood is less conducive to pests.
Storing firewood on the outside can also cause pest problems. If the wood is stored next to or close to a home, mice can make a nest in the wood pile. After a period of time the mice in the nest will reproduce and these new mice will create their own nest. If the wood pile is close to the home it is likely the mice will create their new nest in the home. In addition to mice, stored firewood is a great place for carpenter ants and spiders. This the best reason to store firewood away from the home.
We have a customer in Gladstone who had boring beetles in stored firewood in the garage. One day she noticed beetles in her garage. When we arrived and determined it was beetles, we helped the customer move the wood out of the garage and performed a thorough treatment that eliminated the beetles. The moral of the story is if the wood had been stored outside there would not have been a pest problem in the garage. We understand that storing firewood in a garage during the winter beats going into the snow to get wood.
If you have pest problems from wood piles (ants, spiders, beetles or mice) we have a plan to help. We will make recommendations for storage and treatment methods to eliminate the pests.
If we can be of help please call us or email us at info@permakillexterminating.com.
Many homeowners and businesses spread mulch around the exterior of their homes or buildings in the fall. Mulching is a valuable tool to control weeds and create a neat appearance. Unfortunately, mulch can contain many pests.
The most common pests found in mulch are ants, spiders, crickets, beetles and wood roaches. Mulch is usually chipped wood debris. This debris is ground up and stored in a pile, which is then usually stored in a wooded area. Carpenter ants, crickets, beetles and spiders love decaying organic matter, and mulch creates a wonderful area for these pests to nest. This organic matter, stored in the woods, when spread around around homes and businesses, introduce a variety of pests including carpenter ants, tiny ants, crickets and spiders to the outside of these buildings. Once this mulch is spread, many of these pests will enter homes and building and create a pest problem. If crickets are introduced to the exterior of buildings, it will attract mice. Mice love to feed on crickets.
We had two homes last week, one in Randolph and one in Chester, that had mulch deliveries. The home in Randolph got carpenter ants and the home in Chester got crickets. Luckily, they called the day after delivery. We went out and performed an outside power spraying and stopped the crickets and ants on the exterior before they became a problem on the inside. These one time treatments were successful.
Our policy is to offer one time treatment customers the opportunity to convert to our Home Protection Plan. If within 30 days of the treatment we will apply the cost of the one time treatment to a Home Protection Plan. We are so confident in our work that we will make this offer. Most of our new Home Protection Plan customers are people that convert because they are satisfied with the initial job we did. We offer this plan to one-time customers who have had mice, crickets, ants, bees, rats, squirrels, spiders or a variety of pests. If you are interested in our Home Protection Plan please check out our page on the Home Protection Plan.
If we can be of service please give us a call or email us at info@permakillexterminating.com. We answer all calls and emails.
Crickets (Camel Back Crickets, Cave Crickets, "Jumping Spiders") are a common pest problem in the fall. The crickets come in from the outside in the fall to avoid the coming winter. Crickets have two breeding cycles per year spring and fall. Many times the crickets observed in the fall have been living inside cinder block walls or behind walls in the basement. Crickets are a very prolific pest that if left untreated may multiply rapidly and become a very annoying pest. We at PermaKill Exterminating have over 40 years of experience battling these pests. We perform a scientifically designed treatment to eliminate crickets.
Crickets like to live in areas that have high humidity. Basements are the most common area to find these pests. In basements the most common areas to find crickets are where the water lines enter the home, sump pumps and areas where moisture is evident on basement walls. Bilco doors and low decks(that have poor air movement) are also common areas.
If any moisture problems are not addressed crickets will always be a problem. We at PermaKill understand that many basements will always have moisture problems and that crickets will be a constant battle. The best way to prevent cricket infestations is to fix moisture problems. One of the easiest ways to reduce potential cricket problems is to use a dehumidifier. This will lower the relative humidity in the basement, creating an environment that crickets will not want to inhabit.
Our staff at PermaKill Exterminating has been battling these pests for over 40 years. We are a locally owned family business (not a franchise) We can create a program to fix any cricket problem. We are not a big company that has to follow "the cricket treatment" for all homes. We also offer a Home Protection Plan that not only controls crickets but many other pests such as: mice, squirrels, ants, bees, spiders, ticks, mosquitoes and many other pests.
One interesting fact about crickets is that they attract other pests. With over 40 years of pest control experience we have observed that many customers who have a cricket infestation and do not control them experience mice infestations. If the mice are not addressed snakes can become a problem. Mice eat crickets and snakes eat mice. If you think about it, people who have crickets and do not address the cricket problem can create a pest environment that creates more pests. Especially mice.
We at PermaKIll Exterminating can solve any cricket problem and offer a Home Protection Plan that can keep your home safe from pests. Please check out the Home Protection page of our web site for details. We also offer a variety of other services. Please look at our services section of our website.
We service Morris, Somerset, Hunterdon, Warren and Sussex counties. A few of the towns we service are Chester, Randolph, Mendham, Basking Ridge, Bedminster, Bernardsville, Morristown, Flanders, Mount Olive, Roxbury, Morristown and Tewksbury Township (Califon, Oldwick, Pottersville).
If you have any pest control or exterminating problems please contact PermaKill today.
Mice resistance to rodenticides can usually be found in larger towns. This is because of the large mice populations in these towns. When a large rodent population grows over a period of time, certain mice who have ingested the mouse bait for whatever reason are not affected by the bait. When mice who do not react to the mouse bait mate they create offspring that are immune to the mouse bait. This is how resistance occurs. The bad news for towns like Morristown and Dover, where rodent populations have experienced this, multiple feeding bait will not work. In these towns a single feeding rodenticide must be used to control mice.
Rodent resistance to bait in our service area is thankfully confined to a small group of towns. This is important because this allows us to use a multiple feeding bait versus a single feeding bait. The advantage of a multiple feeding rodent bait is that it's safer for pets. The Federal Government has eliminated the use of single feeding mouse baits by homeowners. It only allowed to used by Certified Pest Control Operators. We use multiple feeding rodent baits in schools and day care centers as mandated by the State of New Jersey for safety. We always place rodent bait in tamper resistant bait stations. These stations require a specific key to open for added safety. The stations are strategically placed in areas that the mice will likely travel.
The towns that do not have a mouse resistance problem are Chester, Long Valley, Randolph, Mendham, Basking Ridge, Bernardsville, Bedminster, Warren, Roxbury, Flanders, Morris Plains, Hibernia, Ledgewood, Succasunna, Denville and Bridgewater.
The good news is that rats have not shown any resistance to the multiple feeding mouse baits in any of the towns listed above.
Many times homeowners who have mice also have crickets. It is very common to have crickets first then mice. When a cricket problem occurs and the cricket population builds it attracts mice. The mice feed on crickets. It is important to not let a cricket problem get out of control. We offer a scientifically designed program for crickets.
We at PermaKill Exterminating offer a winter rodent plan. This plan will cover your home from September 1st through March 31st for mice. If mice reappear during this period we will retreat for mice at no additional charge. We also offer scientifically designed treatment plans for crickets. We also offer a comprehensive plan called our Home Protection Plan. The Home Protection Plan covers a variety of pests : crickets, mice, ants, spiders, ticks, mosquitoes, bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, squirrels (see Home Protection Page) for all pests included.
If you have a mouse or cricket problem please contact our team today.
You’ve noticed a spider crawling on your walls; could there be more spiders inside your house? That’s what most homeowners struggle to understand. Spiders are creepy, and some species could be harmful due to their bite. With over 4,000 species of spiders in the U.S., it can be tricky knowing what type of spider you may have in your home.
New Jersey has 39 of these species. These spiders inhabit sheds, homes, and the surrounding areas. Although spiders do not pose any life-threatening problem to humans, some arachnids have a venomous bite.
Below is a look at the common types of spiders in Northern New Jersey. We also look at some places spiders hide.
Some of the common spiders you may find in New Jersey include:
These spiders prefer weaving webs inside a house and the exterior areas like wood piles and garages. The American house spider rarely bites when threatened. They measure a quarter of an inch and have a dappled pattern of different shades.
The bold jumper is a common spider species in the U.S. These spiders like to jump and have a beautiful patch on their abdomen.
The sac spider is long-legged and lives indoors. You may come across them at night as they look for food. Although it’s non-poisonous, it’s aggressive and notorious for biting. It has a pale yellow color and its quarter of an inch.
These spider species is active in the evening and keeps a low profile during the day. It’s a larger species compared to other spider species.
Spiders build tangled, irregular webs to capture their prey. You can find these webs on your fixtures like wall décor or lighting. The webs can also be in ceiling corners. Spiders can also be inside barns, sheds, and outdoor lights.
Other places you may spot spiders include:
Spiders require water to survive; you’ll find them near your plumbing. They love the under-sink areas, as these places are dark and not easy to spot them.
Spiders may hide in one place during the day, and hide in another at night. Most of them love hiding underneath the furniture, and you may need to vacuum these areas to get rid of them.
Another place spiders love to hide is in storage areas like the garage, basement, or attic. They may also hide in crawl spaces, stairwells, and closets. Spiders thrive in clutter, and hoes that have piles of clutter are their favorite hideout spots.
Dangerous spider species like to hide under piles of wood in the yard or under rocks. They can be on piles of debris from your yard and may crawl their way into your house.
Spiders love plants, shrubs, and bushes, whether they are inside or outside the house. You may have to deal with many spiders if you have a lot of vegetation around your home. It’s essential to trim the bushes and shrubs to prevent a spider infestation.
Spiders love to hang around door frames. It’s easy to spot one on your doors.
If you’ve noticed one spider in the mentioned places above, you may be surprised to learn that this could indicate the presence of more spiders in your house. That’s why it’s essential to call in spider control professionals to prevent infestation.
Although some spiders are not harmful, some poisonous species can cause severe damage. What’s more, a spider infestation could be a nuisance, especially for people who have arachnophobia.
If you’re dealing with some of the above spiders in Northern New Jersey, you may need to call the experts in spider control. We have an experienced team who know where the webs are and use the right methods to remove the spiders.
Our company is affiliated with professional organizations and accreditations in the industry recognized in the state of New Jersey and the rest of the country:
