Termites are a very real problem for homeowners and commercial property owners. They get into your walls, under the floorboards, and into the woodwork, destroying your property. If termite colonies do take up residence in your home or building, your entire structure can be severely compromised and result in expensive repairs. In fact, termites are estimated to cause $5 billion in damage to properties in the United States each year.

The best way to reduce the damage caused by termites is to catch the infestation in the early stages. However, this is easier said than done, as termites are difficult to spot. They can eat away at your furniture for ages before you notice them. That being said, if you know exactly what to look for, you might be able to see the signs of infestation early on and protect your home from further damage.

Discarded Wings

Termites shed their wings when they mature. So if you notice discarded wings, there is a high chance that a colony of termites is hiding in your home. After shedding their wings, termites cannot fly and are usually found near windows and doors, where there is a lot of light.

Stuck and Stiff Doors

Stuck and tight-fitting doors are a sign of termite infestation because termites eat away at the wood, weakening the structure. Termites can cause doors to swell and become difficult to open or close. In some cases, termites can even cause doors to warp and become completely unusable.

Mud Tubes

Termites use these tubes to travel between their nests and the wood they are feeding on. Mud tubes are usually about the thickness of a pencil and can be found on the outside of your house, as well as on trees, posts, and other wooden structures.

Termite Droppings

When looking for signs of a termite infestation, one of the first things to look for is termite droppings. These droppings are small, brown, and pellet-shaped. They are typically found near areas where termites are active, such as around termite tubes or in areas where wood is damaged.

Hollow Wood

Termites are one of the most destructive pests when it comes to wood. They can tunnel through wood, eating away at the cellulose that gives the wood its strength. This results in wood that is structurally weak and can easily collapse. One of the most obvious signs of termite infestation is hollow wood. This is because the termites have eaten away at the inside of the wood, leaving only a thin shell. Hollow wood is a serious problem because it means that the termites have already caused a lot of damage and the structure of the wood is at risk of collapse.

Termite infestations can sneak up on you when you least expect it. They can funnel through your walls and foundation, causing irreparable damage to your property. If you notice any of these signs or suspect there’s a termite infestation in your home, contact Ultra Safe Pest Management immediately at 866-472-5858.

Have you ever noticed those six-legged ants crawling all across your home? No one can deny that ants can be a nightmare if not treated on time. It’s no secret that they can destroy everything from food to valuable property. Moreover, ant bites can be quite painful and even lead to complications if you’re allergic. Thankfully, you can quickly get rid of ants from your property using some of the tips shared below.

Chalk

Chalk is a natural substance that is safe to use around children and pets. To use it, simply draw a line around the perimeter of the area you want the ants to stay away from. This way, you can keep the ants at bay as they will not cross the chalk line.

Baking Soda

There are a few different ways to get rid of ants using baking soda. One way is to make a paste out of baking soda and water and apply it to the areas from where ants are coming into your home. Another way is to sprinkle baking soda around the boundaries of your house. You can also put baking soda in small bowls and place them near areas where ants tend to congregate.

Boric Acid

To use boric acid to eliminate ants, mix equal parts of the substance with sugar or another sweet substance. Place the mixture in a shallow dish in places where you’ve noticed many ants. The ants will be attracted to the sweet mix and ingest the boric acid, which will kill them.

Trap Them Using Sugary Food

Most ants are attracted to sweet things, so one way to get rid of them is to use ant traps. These can be purchased at most hardware stores or online. You can also make your ant traps utilizing a variety of different methods.

One popular method is to fill a container with a sugary liquid, such as honey or syrup. Then, punch a few small holes in the container’s lid and place it where you’ve seen the ants. The ants will be attracted to the sweet liquid and crawl into the container through the holes, but they won’t be able to get back out.

Residential Pest Control

A professional pest control company can help you get rid of ants in your home by identifying the ant species, finding the nest, and treating the nest with an insecticide. If you have an ant problem, the first step is to call a pest control company. The company will send a technician to your home to assess the situation. The technician will be able to evaluate the situation and determine what needs to be done.

Ants are one of the most common insects and a major problem in most households. A few ants may not be a cause for concern, but when the number goes up, you need to take action immediately before the situation gets worse. A professional pest control service is your best bet in these situations. Thus, make sure your house is free from ants by contacting Ultra Safe Pest Management at 866-472-5858.

Your home is a safe and happy place, and the last thing anyone wants in their home is uninvited guests like rodents. They are not only unpleasant but also extremely harmful to one’s health. Did you know rodents can cause more than 35 diseases? According to the Centre for Disease and Control Prevention, they can cause diseases through their bites, saliva, urine, and feces.

This makes it crucial to act right away when there are first signs of a rodent infestation. Read on to learn more about the warning indicators you should look out for:

Spotting a Rodent

Rodents thrive well in dark and quiet spaces. Spotting a rodent can mean that there is more than one roaming around, and also that there is a possibility of a little nest in the making inside your home. This is an immediate sign that you should call the professionals to get rid of them.

Gnawing Marks

Rodents like to chew everything they see. They could get to everything from furniture to stray wires to food and even paper. When you find such marks, call for immediate help to remove rodents before they cause major damage.

Droppings

The droppings are one of the easiest signs that indicate the presence of rodents. When you find dark-colored pellets in your house, it would be safe to assume that your house is home to rodents. It’s recommended you look for droppings in places like the kitchen drawers, utility shelves, basement, attics, and more. These droppings are dangerous as they could be the carriers of severe illnesses.

Unusual Sounds

Do you hear strange scratching or tapping sounds, especially at night? No, this is not the sound of your neighbor; it is the nocturnal rodents biting on to something. Rodents are difficult to spot because they hide in dark corners and small gaps in the walls, but their sounds are easy to hear after dark.

Rodent Tracks

Rodents have oily fur, which leaves greasy marks on the path they travel. When you see oily marks on the kitchen countertops or walls, you should wipe them down with disinfectant immediately and then call for help to chase away the rodents.

Strong Odor

Rodent urine produces a strong odor. It’s unpleasant enough that you definitely can’t miss it. Along with being unpleasant, it is also dangerous to one’s health. The odor can be an easy indicator of rodent infestation before you call for professional rodent removal services.

If you have tried all the possible methods to get rid of rodents and found no results, don’t worry. Get in touch with Ultra Safe Pest Management right away! We remove all kinds of pests safely and effectively, leaving your home clean, safe, and happy.

Insect-borne diseases, such as the ones from mosquitoes, sandflies, fleas, and ticks are inconvenient and dangerous as they can lead to bacterial and viral illnesses.

If your home or commercial property has a mosquito or tick problem, you should be aware of the problems they bring. This article breaks down some of the common health risks caused by these insects and how you can keep them away. Read on to know more!

What Health Risks Do Mosquitoes & Ticks Cause?

According to health experts, mosquitos carry potentially life-threatening diseases such as the Zika virus, malaria, West Nile virus, dengue, fever, yellow fever, and so on. Ticks, on the other hand, are known to transmit different types of diseases such as Lyme disease, rocky mountain spotted fever, and encephalitis, to name a few. Mosquitoes and ticks can bite you any time of the day and lead to severe symptoms if you’re not careful.

What Are the Common Symptoms of a Mosquito or Tick Bite?

• Fever
• Headache
• Chills
• Sore muscles
• Nausea
• Skin rash
• Stomach pain

Some of the more serious symptoms of a mosquito or a tick bite are:

• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of your lips, tongue, or face
• Chest pain
• Feeling like your throat is closing up
• A racing heartbeat that lasts more than a few minutes
• Dizziness
• Vomiting

How to Keep Mosquitoes and Ticks Away?

Here are some handy measures you can follow to avoid being bitten:

• Always wear long or light-colored clothes if you are heading outdoors, irrespective of the time of the day. Light-colored clothes make it easier for you to spot insects on your person.
• Invest in a good mosquito repellant and follow the packaging instructions to use it effectively. Make sure to use a DEET or picaridin-based mosquito repellent for maximum efficacy.
• If you live in a mosquito-friendly area, make sure to install mosquito nets on your doors and windows. If you have a child you regularly take out on a stroller, remember to install mosquito nets on the strollers too.
• Living in a tick-friendly area means that you need to check your body, your child’s body, or your pets for any ticks that could have been brought in from the outside. We recommend taking a bath immediately after returning home.
• Wear long clothes such as long pants, full sleeves, and a hat when heading into wooded areas or areas with tall grass. Dressing so can help ensure that you expose a minimum amount of skin to insect bites.
• Properly maintain your yard and garden. Overgrown bushes, tall grasses, and rotten trees are breeding grounds for ticks and other parasites. Make sure to get rid of pest-ridden vegetation as soon as possible. In the meantime, you can keep your children and pets away from them.
• Avoid traveling to countries where heavy pest outbreaks occur during specific seasons.
• Always change or drain stagnant water within your surroundings to prevent mosquito/tick in-breeding.

Looking for an experienced local pest expert providing pest management services? Look no further than Ultra Safe Pest Management! Our team of well-qualified experts offer customized pest control solutions to ensure your well-being. We are equipped with innovative techniques and advanced technological infrastructure for pest control. If you have questions for us, call us at 866-472-5858.

Bed Bugs are tiny reddish-brown insects roughly the size of an apple seed. While bed bugs can be found almost anywhere the risk of finding them is much higher in hotels, hospitals, and movie theatres. From these places, they find their way to your home in beds, boxes, bedding and furniture. Bed bugs tend to bite you while you are asleep; you may even incur bug bites multiple times per night if there is a severe infestation. While bed bugs don’t spread diseases, they can still cause many problems for your physical and mental health.

Effects of bed bugs on your physical and mental health

Allergic reactions vary according to one’s sensitivity to bites. Some people may be resistant and may not have any symptoms, while others can have mild to extreme allergies.

Itching is another symptom of bed bug bites. It may vary from mild to severe and sometimes also cause swellling.

Secondary infections: Bed bugs do not transmit infections. However, severe itching may cause open wounds which can lead to secondary infections. This can include lymphangitis impetigo and more.

Blisters and spots appear because of bug bites. It may cause unsightly reddish discolouration and rashes on the skin.

Insomnia The risk of bed bugs results in anxiety and fear. This can quickly turn into a major issue which deprives you of sleep. It can lead to panic attacks and spikes in your stress levels. Severe bed bug infestations can even cause insomnia due to stress.

Anaphylactic shock: Bed bug bites may cause anaphylactic shock if you have a history of allergies and asthma. It is a critical condition where you need immediate medical attention.

How to prevent Bed Bugs

Bed bugs have multiple ways of entering your home. It may be through clothes and luggage, coats of pets, or used furniture. Despite their name, bed bugs are not just found on beds. They thrive anywhere with similar warm and soft conditions. Here are a few steps that help to prevent them.

Vacuum Packing Clothes – Sealed vaccum packed bags help to eliminate the spread of these pests.

Carpet cleaning – Carpets are one of bed bugs’ favorite places to hide. Vacuum cleaning and carpet cleaning can be effective in warding off the bugs; however, be sure to discard the used vacuum bag outside your home.

Examine your Pets – Bedbugs may be found on the coats of pets or in their bedding. The warmth of your pet makes it an ideal place for bed bugs to lay eggs and multiply.

Declutter – A cluttered home is the perfect place for bed bugs to hide. Keep rooms free of clutter and discard unnecessary items, especially against walls. These are hideouts for bed bugs.

Block the House from Bed Bugs

Repair or seal all cracks and crevices in your home, both externally and internally. Any space that may fit a business card is sufficiently big for a bed bug. Additionally, ensure bed bugs are not on furniture, cushions, carpets or beds.

Bed bug infestations can be incredibly hard to deal with. It will cost your health, time, and money. Nevertheless, if you follow appropriate measures the spread of bed bugs can be prevented and controlled.

Do you have any signs of bed bugs in your house? Reach out to Ultra Safe Pest Management right away. They are a committed team of well-qualified experts in pest control management. They are well equipped with innovative techniques and advanced infrastructure in pest control methods and technology. Ultrasafe Pest Management ensures prompt and precise service for a bed bug-free environment.

According to estimates, termites are responsible for $1 billion in damage every year. These pesky pests eat wood and can be quite a nuisance. If you’re looking for useful tips on how to keep these insects out of your home, we’ve got you covered.

Top 4 Tips to Help You Rid Your Home of Termites for Good

1. Learn how to identify them.

First things first, it is important for you to identify them correctly as termites and flying ants are similar in appearance. Termites have a ribbed abdomen and don’t have any visible waist. They have two pairs of vein-filled wings that are equal in length but double the length of the body. The antennae are short and straight, and they have no eyes.

2. Look in the right places.

To accurately gauge a termite’s presence, look for the following signs:

• Termites often build thin mud-like structures that connect the ground to your home/garage/or other wooden structures.
• Check for signs of decay on wooden structures by gently tapping on them. If you get a hollow sound, chances are you have termites.
• Look out for discarded wings as reproductive termites tend to shed their wings.
• Closely examine outside electrical meters/fuse boxes as well as joints and cracks in your home’s foundation for a termite infestation.
• Make sure to check the attic for water leaks, mud tubes, or wood rot.

3. Understand what attracts termites.

Termites are attracted to both dry wood and moist wood. They are also attracted to moist soil as the latter allows them to thrive, staving off dehydration. Finally, termites are attracted to dark and warm places as these places double up as the perfect place for a hide-out and raise their brood. To that end, you should make it a point to clean out the gutters and pipes as frequently as possible to keep any pesky termites at bay.

4. Choose powerful termite treatments.

Get in touch with a termite treatment professional such as Ultra Safe Pest Management to get rid of termites. Professionals might engage in the following treatment methods:

• They may treat the soil around your home with a termite insecticide.
• They could set up termite baits strategically around your yard to lure termites in. Once in, the termites get covered with a slow-acting insecticide, which they then pass on to the other termites as they enter their colony.
• They may opt to inject foam agents into areas liquid pesticides can’t reach or use dust agents.
• They could choose fumigation to kill termites in an area to ensure they don’t return.

Other useful preventive treatment tips to kill termites include:

• Eliminating damp areas around your home and getting rid of any wood-to-ground contact to the extent possible
• Replacing the soil around your home with sand if you have wood touching the ground
• Investing in termite-resistant wood in areas where the wood touches the ground
• Cleaning gutters and drain spouts to prevent water buildup
• Doing home inspections regularly

Termite prevention starts with the right kind of home maintenance. If you want to keep the termites at bay, get your home inspected frequently by a qualified professional. With Ultra Safe Pest Control, you can rest assured that your home is pest-free. We can help you eliminate existing pests and take preventive measures to keep them away from your home and family. What are you waiting for? Call Ultra Safe Pest Control now!

Pests can turn up in any environment, and commercial buildings are no exception. What’s more? Even minor pest control issues can turn into full-fledged infestations in no time if left untreated. This can lead to product loss, facility damage, disgruntled consumers, and a negative business reputation.

So, here are a few essential tips to help keep pests out of your property.

Top Pest Control Tips for Businesses

Use Door Sweeps

Driving insects and rodents out of your commercial space can be a challenging task. This is because pests use various channels, and sources to enter your property. While small holes in the walls or cracks in the foundation are typical entry points, open doors give them easy access. Door sweeps are an inexpensive and efficient way to prevent this from happening. They stop insects, rats, and other pests from creeping into your building.

Trash and Recycling Containers

Garbage and recycling bins are among the most popular breeding grounds for bugs. Even if you use liners, food and drink residue may build at the bottom and edges of these containers. So it’s vital to ensure your trash and recycling containers should have self-closing lids and be emptied regularly.

Standing Water

Stagnant water and dark, damp spaces are ideal ecosystems for mosquitoes, rodents, and cockroaches to breed in. So it’s essential to pay attention to potential breeding sites like birdbaths, plant pots, and parking lot potholes. Use check sprinklers, hoses, and other automated watering systems whenever possible.

Check All Arriving Items

Bugs and rodents can easily contaminate your shipments and enter the property through them. So make sure to check all incoming goods for indications of pest damage. If there are any damaged or broken packages, it’s best not to take them into your building without a thorough inspection.

Regular Cleaning

Consistent efforts are vital to maintaining a clean workplace. The “clean as you go” technique works best for counters, food prep surfaces, and utensils. Remove food and other debris from beneath and behind all kitchen equipment at least once a day to avoid food buildup.

Rooftop Checks

Rooftops should be checked for puddles, clogged gutters, and other issues that might enable pests to enter and occupy the structure. Property managers should check rooftops regularly, even if they are difficult to reach.

Set Up a Waste Management System

Check whether an appropriate waste management system is in place before beginning any work at the property. Additionally, you should also toss garbage regularly in well-sealed containers and clear your dumpsters at least once a month.

Partner with the Best

Pest control begins with prevention. However, working with a qualified pest control provider will ensure the best results and the least amount of worry on your part.

Ultra Safe Pest Management, is accredited with Advanced Pest & Wildlife Certifications, NPMA Quality Pro Certifications, and has ESA Associate Certified Entomologists as staff (ACE). We have been servicing Greater Boston and its surroundings for over two decades now so our professionals can deliver safer, more effective pest control solutions for your business. So regardless of whether you run a hotel, restaurant, hospital, retail, or corporate establishment, feel free to contact us through our website or by calling 866.472.5858.

There is nothing more irritating than pests lurking in your room and damaging your home. Even with the best precautions, pests might find a way to enter your house and find their place in the smallest gaps. Knowing what kind of pests are more likely to invade your home can help you understand how to keep them away from your home.

Here’s a list of some common pests found in Massachusetts:

Rats

Rats are the most common rodents found in Massachusetts homes, especially during winter. Your warm house is a perfect place for them to stay and thrive.

Rats are known to spread diseases and damage your wiring. So, it’s important to immediately get rid of them as soon as you spot them. Catching rats can sometimes be tricky; pest control specialists can help you identify their breeding grounds and eliminate them from your home.

Bugs

Bugs, especially bed bugs, multiply at a faster rate and can infest your home very quickly. Most bugs are nocturnal creatures that can create infections and cause health problems. Since they are too small, they can easily lurk in corners without you knowing they exist.

Bedbugs deposit their feces after every meal, leaving dark brown stains on bedding, especially around the edges of mattresses and bed frames where they are mainly found. Their bites will be red, slightly swollen, itchy, and may appear in clusters. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to call an exterminator.

Termites

Termite infestation is not that easy to catch since it may not be visible. They may be eating out your favorite wooden decor from the inside, and you would not notice it until they have done substantial damage. Therefore, pest control is your only option to protect your beautiful wooden furniture.

Cockroaches

Cold weather can draw these disgusting insects into your home. They carry a wide variety of bacteria and cause asthma attacks in children, so cockroach infestation should be dealt with as soon as possible.

Beetles

In the late summer and early fall, you may find a variety of beetles looking to hibernate for the winter. Among these are ladybugs and stink beetles. They usually like lurking in the warmer parts of your home.

Ants

Ants may seem like summer pests since they are known for ruining picnics. But, fall weather drives ants into your home in search of food. They may also try making their colonies in your home.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes enter your home mainly during dawn and dusk. They carry various harmful diseases that they inject directly into your bloodstream. If not dealt with immediately, they can cause severe damage to your health. It’s important to take steps to prevent mosquito breeding grounds around your home since mosquitoes can lay eggs in as little as half an inch of water.

With Ultra Safe Pest Control, you can rest assured that your home is pest-free. We can help you eliminate existing pests and take preventive measures to keep them away from your home and family. What are you waiting for? Call Ultra Safe Pest Control now!

As the weather outside gets worse, your home becomes your refuge from the bitter cold. Unfortunately, you’re not the only one enjoying the cozy warmth of your home—you also have some unwanted visitors hiding in the nooks and crannies of your house.

You may not be able to see them but, during winter, insects and bugs seek shelter in your warm home to escape the bitter cold. Though many of them will die over winter, they leave their eggs behind. And, when the warm weather comes around, you may find yourself dealing with an infestation. Here are some tips to protect your home and family from troublesome pests this winter.

Seal All Cracks and Holes, No Matter the Size

Your house is your fortress, and you need to take steps to keep pesky little invaders out!

Start with your doors—install a sturdy steel or aluminum threshold to prevent insects from crawling under your door. For added protection, combine this with nylon brush sweeps as they are the best at keeping pests out. Seal the area around the frame with weatherstripping or door-seal kits. Caulk can seal the joint where the door frame meets the wall and the ground.

If a pencil can slip through a crack, so can insects and rodents! Examine the outside walls of your house and replace any damaged brick or rotten wood. Mortar and cement can be used to patch foundations and masonry walls. Don’t forget to check the roofline closely as bees and wasps often nest there. You also need to seal around utility openings.

Add Screens

During winter, you may occasionally open the window to escape the stuffiness of your heater or to enjoy some natural ventilation. This unintentionally provides pests with an excellent opportunity to enter your house. Fortunately, installing a 20 mesh (or finer) screen to your window will effectively block their path to your home.

If you have existing screens, don’t forget to check them for tears or any openings insects can take advantage of.

Yard Maintenance

Proper yard maintenance plays a crucial role in fortifying your defenses against insects. Piles of leaves and debris make an ideal place for pests to keep warm in winter. So, remove them before they are covered by snow.

Trim tree branches, so they are not physically touching your home or hanging over your roof. Build a barrier between your yard and home to keep mulch and soil away from your house.

Eliminate Unprotected Food and Water Sources

Remove the main reason pests visit your house. Store all your food in airtight containers and wipe up spills and crumbs as quickly as possible. Try to limit food consumption to one room—you don’t want to leave a trail of crumbs all over your house for insects to feast on. Also, don’t forget to do dishes immediately after use.

Manage Your Trash Properly

Your trash is a full course meal for pests. Store all food waste in the kitchen—don’t leave dishes or food waste around the house. Buy trash cans with secure lids (including tight seals) that keep bugs out. Always remember to empty the trash can before going to bed every night.

At Ultra Safe Pest Management, we have over 20 years of proven track record of protecting homes and families in Massachusetts from pests. Schedule an expert pest inspection today on our website or by calling 866-472-5858.