Structural Pests
Insects
Ants
Ants are one of nature's little cleanup crew. When an insect or animal dies, the ant along with a host of other insects are there to consume it and recycle. Ants also herd "honeydew" producing insects such as aphids and scales on plants. Unfortunately, they can't tell the difference between the wild and your home. They often invade homes and businesses in search of food, water and sometimes searching for nesting sites. [click here for more information...]
Spiders
Spiders perform a wonderful job balancing insect populations. Some specialize in catching flying insects by building webs that act as a dragnet, other spiders are hunters that pursue and capture prey such as the Wolf Spider. However, spider infestations left uncontrolled can range from annoying to downright dangerous. [click here for more information...]
Earwigs
Earwigs are among the most readily recognized insect pests in home gardens. Although earwigs can devastate seedling vegetables or annual flowers and often seriously damage maturing soft fruit or corn silks, they also have a beneficial role in the landscape and have been shown to be important predators of aphids. [click here for more information...]
Fleas
Fleas and other parasites have absolutely no important environmental function other than making life miserable for you and your pets. Pests such as fleas, ticks, mosquitos and bedbugs exist only when suitable "hosts" are present and that host has no way to rid itself of or avoid the pest. Visit the [click here for more information...]
Bed Bugs
Bed Bugs were nearly eradicated from the United States in the 1950's by the use of DDT. In recent years, international travel has brought the pest back from foreign countries and has begun re-infestation of this insatiable blood feeding pest. Hotels of major cities were the first to see infestations. Thorough inspection and treatment are required to eradicate this pest. In some cases, whole house fumigation is the only answer to eliminating them. [click here for more information...]
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are masters of adaptation. Their specific needs are perfectly met by cohabitation with people. They love a nice warm place to sleep and an adequate food supply and water source, just like us. Once established within a structure, they are almost impossible to eliminate without professional help. [click here for more information...]
Wasps
Yellow Jackets, Hornets and Wasps make up a group of stinging pests most people have come to fear. Most have early childhood memories of being stung unexpectedly and have never forgotten it. The Yellow Jacket in particular is commonly found on the Central Coast near campgrounds, parks and lakes. Control is difficult unless the nest can be located. [click here for more information...]
Scorpions
Scorpions are similar to spiders in that they generally are hunters of primarily insects. They prey on insects and small animals or lizards and are usually only active at night. They only invade structures as they are searching for food. [click here for more information...]
Rats and Mice
Rats
Rats are very intelligent and cautious. Getting control of a rat infestation can be very challenging, but understanding their habits and behaviors will be necessary if you have rats around your home. They adapt well to the human environment, finding their way into your home for a warm place to nest and locating unprotected food sources such as dry dog food in the garage. [click here for more information...]
Mice
The House Mouse can be a troublesome pest when they find somewhere in your attic or wall to nest and raise young. The scratching and gnawing have left many with a poor nights sleep. They also have a keen sense in locating the bread drawer and other food sources. Initial signs of droppings are often the first sign of an infestation. [click here for more information...]
Rodents in landscape
Gophers
Gophers are relentless burrowers and very territorial of their runs. Keeping gophers out of your lawn will prove to be an on going battle. Gophers don't hibernate and are active year-round, although you might not see any fresh mounding. New activity is often seen in the spring and summer when the soil is soft. To successfully control gophers, you must detect their presence early and take control measures immediately. [click here for more information...]
Moles
Moles are a small insect-eating mammal. Contrary to a commonly held belief, it isn't part of the rodent family. Moles live almost entirely underground in a vast network of interconnecting tunnels. They frequently create shallow tunnels just below the surface where they capture worms, insects, and other invertebrates. An understanding of their behavior is KEY to controlling this pest. [click here for more information...]
Ground Squirrels
Ground Squirrel activity has been abundant in recent years. Nesting below sheds, undermining driveways and damaging plants in late summer, they have become quite a nuisance on properties with acreage. Call today and find out how we can effectively control these prolific varmints. [click here for more information...]
Bird pests
Pigeons
Pigeons can become a nuisance when the decide your roof is a great place to nest. With the increase of solar panels on residential roofs, these panels are often provide a perfect location for pigeons to raise their young. The mess they leave behind can be extensive and costly to clean up. There are several exclusion methods that have been used effectively. Give us a call if you would like us to review an existing problem or if you would like to protect your home from an invasion. [click here for more information...]
Seagulls
Seagulls are generally harmless although annoying. They are quite accustomed to interacting with people but may become aggressive when defending a nesting area. They have become a real problem with ocean front properties and coastal hotels. Their nesting and loafing on roof tops can create quite a mess. Control methods are similar to pigeon control with exclusion, wires, netting or motion activated sprinkler deterrents .
Woodpeckers
Woodpeckers are a protected bird under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. You are not legally allowed to trap, sell or destroy them. Once established, woodpeckers are persistent and are not easily driven from their territory or selected pecking site. Fines for such violations can be as high as $15,000.00. There are a few things you can do to prevent or deter their activity. Physical exclusion through use of netting will be the most effective deterrent. [click here for more information...]