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How Much Does a Termite Inspection Cost?

How Much Does a Termite Inspection Cost?

Guide To Termite Inspection Pricing

How Much Does a Termite Inspection Cost?

Whether you are just buying a home or trying to secure an existing household, you may have this question: How much does a termite inspection cost? The answer is: Anything between $250 and $500. For the most part, the price depends on your home size, the colony size, as well as the amount of effort needed to conduct the inspection.

What Are Termites?

Termites are insects that feed mostly on dead plants. This can include anything from fallen leaves and wood chips to soil, decayed logs, and old timber. For this reason, they are referred to as some of the most destructive pests on earth, as their favourite “food” can be found in most houses. Termites prefer high humidity, and they are often called “white ants,” although they are only distantly related to the other species.

How to Prepare for a Termite Inspection

A termite inspection will require some form of preparation from the homeowner. The preparation that you do will not only influence the final cost of the termite inspection, but it will also allow the pest controller to do their job efficiently. Here is what you should do:

  • Remove any items from areas such as underneath the bathroom and kitchen sinks. During the inspection, the pest controller will check for leaks and excess humidity.
  • Move the home items and furniture away from the wall, both inside and outside the house. The pest controller will look for termite tunnels in the soil and your walls.
  • Trim the shrubs and bushes that are right next to the exterior walls. This will offer the pest controller better access.
  • Clear the opening for access underneath your home if your house was built on a raised foundation. Do the same for attic access.
  • Look for signs of termite damage yourself and make notes if you see anything. This will help the pest controller know where to look exactly.

Typically, you may want to keep the home as clean and organised as possible. The fewer the items blocking the inspection points, the easier the pest controller’s job will be.

How to Prevent a Termite Infestation

Once a termite inspection confirms a termite infestation, various methods may be used to treat and prevent termites from damaging your home. These may include the following: Termite Inspection

1. Live Treatment

Live treatment is used when you have an active colony in your home. The chemical used will kill the existent termite colony within a couple of days. Typically, the sprayed chemical will also stay for long enough to prevent a future infestation. Mixing it with yearly termite inspections, the live treatment can help keep termites at bay.

2. Termite Barriers

Termite barriers set a perimeter around the house and prevent termites in neighbouring areas from coming into your home. Termite barriers come in different shapes: physical (pre-built around the house) and chemical (applied on the soil). No matter the type of barrier used, it should be applied after the termites have been treated. Otherwise, it will simply trap the termites inside.

3. Termite Baiting Systems

Termite baiting systems are used to monitor termite activity. These systems feature baits placed at a fair distance from the house, with non-toxic cellulose bait several times more attractive to termites than wood. Once the termites have fed, the non-toxic bait is switched with the toxic type, to kill the termites.

4. Termite Reticulation Systems

Termite reticulation systems are a mix of physical and chemical barriers. They consist of a network of pipes with small holes in them, built under or around the house. These systems will deliver chemicals that kill termites trying to pass through.

Inspecting Termite Activity

Inspection and Treatment Prices

A termite inspection is typically charged up to $500, depending mostly on the size of your home, as well as the obstacles the specialists come across when doing the inspection. The more items you have blocking the walls and inspection points, the more you will have to pay.

As far as the treatment is concerned, you can expect to pay around $2000-4000 for it. This will mostly depend on the size of your home, along with the severity of the infestation. If the termite infestation is highly widespread, then more treatment will be necessary in order to kill the colony.

How to Hire a Termite Inspector

Hiring a pest control company is easy to do, as long as you know exactly what to look for. Here are some considerations:

  • The pest controller must have a license to perform the job. Visit AEPMA to find an accredited and licensed pest control company.
  • They need a fair amount of experience not only with pest control but also with the specific type of pest and situation that you are dealing with
  • They need to have good recommendations (consider mouth-to-mouth recommendations from friends and family)

Familiarise yourself with the law of the state that you live in. Some states may not require the pest controller to have a license, but it would be reassuring to have one, nonetheless. You should consider scheduling the inspections periodically, based on your needs (the standard is every 12 months, but sometimes, you may need to do it more often).

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Top 10 Natural Pest Control Treatments

Pest infestation on your garden can be a serious threat to your plants. Some people do ignore them thinking that they will eventually go away.

If you have any challenges in dealing with pests then you should not worry and there are so many ways on how you can control them. One of the best ways is using the natural method which cannot harm your plants or you.

 

Top 10 Natural Pest Control Treatments

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1. Using Garlic and chili

Using a garlic or chili spray has been found to be effective especially for small sucking insects for instance caterpillars and aphids. Natural pest control products like garlic and chili are really working great. To make this spray you must combine crushed chili and garlic with one tablespoon of vegetable oil and soap flakes. Allow it to soak the whole night before you strain and spray on your plants.

 

2. Lapsang Sounchong tea

In case the possums have attacked your plants then you can brew hombre rolex air king 116900 movimiento mecanico automatico caja de 40 mm esfera negra Lapsang Sounchong tea and spray this mixture on your plants. You must know that the possums will not stand the stuff. All the possums will not stand the smell of mothballs or camphor blocks, therefore, you can hang it.

 

3. Eucalyptus oil

It’s very useful when it comes to controlling crawly and creepy bugs for instance millipedes and also earwigs. All that you have to is to mix about 7 teaspoons of eucalyptus oil with 2 cups of water. You can also add 3 teaspoons of liquid soap before you start spraying around the soil which you have planted your plants.

 

4. Molasses

It’s mild insecticide which can also be used as fertilizer.
  • You have to mix 2 tablespoons of molasses with 2 liters of hot water before you add liquid soap. Due to its stickness, it’s able to repel against all moths and brassica butterflies.
  • In case there are any caterpillars on the plants that you spray they will soon start to drop off.

 

5. Sticky yellow traps

Best used in attracting and killing aphids and whitefly. You must coat yellow strips of boards of any object which is waterproof with double-sided tape, glue or oil and hang it at your garden. The bright yellow color is meant to attract insects which get stuck once they step on this surface.

 

6. Vinegar

Having a weak solution of vinegar can assist in controlling caterpillars and chewing beetles. Just take this mixture of vinegar and spray all over the stem and leaves of the affected plants.

You must not use a stronger mixture since it can harm your plants. In addition to this, you should spray this mixture on dull days or in the evening since when you spray during the day your plants can be burned.

 

7. Pyrethrum

Pyrethrum which is from the chrysanthemum species can also be used in making the most effective insecticides.
  • To make your own mixture, you have to pick flowers when they are full bloom.
  • Dry them in a cool and dry place before you grind them using a mortar and pestle. Use it immediately before it loses its potency and stores the rest in a freezer.
  • To make the solution you must mix the 2 tablespoons of pyrethrum power with 2 liters of water and allow it to steep for about 4 hours.
  • You can then add about 1 litre of liquid soap before you spray on your plants.

natural pest control repellents

8. DIY ant bait

You have to mix one cup of sugar, one teaspoon of borax and one litre of wholesale cheap loewe sunglasses water. Soak cotton balls in this solution and place it in a small container which has some holes punched on it for the ants to access it.

Place your container in the areas where the ants are. The ants will then carry these bait to their colonies which can finally kill all of them.

 

9. Catnip

Catnip is one of the best natural pest control repellents which you can use in controlling cockroaches. This nepetalactone is non-toxic to pets and humans which makes it possible for you to spray in any areas in your house where are cockroaches.

You can also add some water too catnip so that you can apply it in areas behind the counters and baseboards. You should use it in your home if you do not have a cat.

 

10. Marigolds

Planting the marigolds can also work as a natural repellent against any bugs since its flowers offer a fragrance that any flying and insects and bugs do not like.
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How Can I Pest Proof My New Home?

Purchasing a new home in New Jersey is an exciting time and shouldn’t be brought to a halt due to pests. If you have recently bought a new home or are actively looking for new real estate, always make sure to look for signs of infestation.

Look Over the Attic Insulation

The most common critters to creep into your attic are raccoons, squirrels and mice. These critters tend to burrow their way through the insulation and create nests out of the material. If you see any type of damage in your attic due to wildlife, immediately get your insulation replaced.

Check Under Decks, Porches and Sheds

Animals that tend to burrow, favor enclosed spaces underneath structures. Areas such as porches, decks, stoops, sheds and houses are common for these types of critters. New homeowners should search for places around these structures where holes have been dug out. Even if there is no more wildlife there, some creatures will take over the abandoned den.

Inspect the Roof

Prior to purchasing a home, take a walk around and see if there are any damages to the roof. If you see ripped, chewed or mangled shingles then this could be an indicator of an animal breach. Raccoons are incredibly strong and can claw through even the toughest surfaces. Additionally, squirrels use their teeth to cut holes into the roof. Make sure to check where the wood could be weakened or rotted. Check gable vents or holes for smudgy markings or guano; these are signs of bats.

Observe Gutters and Downspouts

Raccoons commonly climb through downspouts to access the roof. If you notice smudges, muddy footprints, scratches or dents, this could mean an animal has climbed the downspout.

Contact Merlin’s Pest Control at 973.627.0500 for an inspection of your New Jersey home. We offer home pest control services in Denville, Morristown, Montville, Rockaway, Flemington and the surrounding area.

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Why Are There So Many Spiders in My Bridgewater, NJ House in the Fall Season? How to Get Rid of Spider Pests!

As the weather begins to cool down and you start to see Halloween decorations come up in stores, many people think they won’t have to deal with pests as much as they have been during the summer months. This is simply not the case. One pest that becomes more active as the weather cools off is spiders. There are some spiders that actually start to look for a mate as fall approaches and because of this, they are more active. There is a reason Halloween decorations consist of spiders a lot of the time. Merlin’s Pest Control would like to talk about some common spiders you might see this fall.

House Spider Identifier; the Most Common Spiders Found in NJ

The most common spider found in New Jersey in the house spider. There are two type of house spiders, brown or black and they like to live in places that humans are, thus their name. Brown house spiderslike to make their homes in dark, quiet, and moist places like basements. Other areas that they frequently find a home include crawl spaces and garages as well. These spiders are harmless to humans and actually help keep the mks rolex datejust m279175 0002 28mm ladies chocolate diamond dial automatic insect population down, since that is what their diet consists of. They do bite, but there are no lasting effects from a brown house spider bite, and they usually go away within a few days. Black house spider bites, on the other hand, can cause muscle pain, nausea, and weakness. Unless a black house spider feels threatened, it will not usually bite humans.

Dangerous Spiders in NJ; the Venomous Black Widow, Brown Recluse Spider & Yellow Sac Spider

There are some spiders that pose a real threat to humans if they bite. Here are a few of them:

Black Widow Spider – The black widow is black with a red hourglass marking on the underside of the abdomen. This spider is usually about the size of a dime. They make large messy webs and can be found in dark areas with little airflow. You don’t want to get bitten by a black widow. Even though their bites aren’t lethal, they have some unpleasant side effects including muscle cramps, fever, headache, nausea, and more.

Brown Recluse Spider – The brown recluse spider is brown with a fiddle shaped marking on its back. A bite from this spider can be quite painful. In many cases, it feels much like a bee sting, but there are times the symptoms can be more serious and include blistering, necrosis (death of muscle tissue), and severe muscle pain. You definitely want to avoid running into the brown recluse spider.

Yellow Sac Spider – This spider is very small with a bright yellow abdomen. They are usually only about ¼ inch long. When the yellow sac spider bites, it can seem like a small prick while other times, it has been described as being painful like a wasp fendi accessories replications for sale sting. The bite isn’t as dangerous as a bite from a brown recluse, but the varying symptoms include swelling and redness in most cases. Sometimes more severe symptoms are fever, headache, and nausea.

Spider Pest Control

Most people don’t want to see spiders in their home. If you find that spiders are starting to make their way into your residence due to cooler weather, Merlin’s Pest Control can help eliminate the problem. Call us today to get rid of the spiders in your home.

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Beetles Identification, Habitat & Diet in Mount Olive, NJ; How to Get Rid of Beetle Pests

Beetles belong to the largest order of insects called Coleoptera meaning “sheathed wing“. This is because most beetles have two pairs of wings. The front pair is called the “elytra” which are hard and thick to form a shell-like protection for the rear pair of wings and the beetle’s abdomen. There are more than a quarter million species of beetles in the world. Scientists have identified more than 25,000 species of beetles in North America alone and new beetles are discovered all the time!

How to Identify Beetle Species

Beetles can sometimes be mistaken for cockroaches but adult beetles can best be identified by looking at their wings. Beetles have well-developed antennae and chewing mouthparts in addition to their shell-like front wings. The wings of a beetle are waterproof and durable. This makes them a great form of protection from dehydration and damage. While many species of insects are great fliers, beetles are not. Beetles come in many shapes, sizes and colors. Some beetles are long and slender while others are oval or round in shape. Some beetles even look like spiders!

Where Do Beetles Live & What Do They Eat?

Depending on the species, beetles typically feed on plants, small insects and animal fibers. Many species of beetles are considered pests in crops and gardens, although some species may be a benefit to humans by killing harmful insects. Some beetles species such as the carpet beetle are pests that eat natural fibers and other fabrics in your home. Other species like the powderpost beetles feed on hardwood and bamboo, attacking wooden furniture and home decor. Flour and grain beetles feed on pantry food products in the home and will also damage food in production facilities and stores. Other beetles damage lawns and landscapes. In late summer and fall, homeowners will find beetles clustered on the outside of their homes. These beetles are trying to invade homes for shelter through the winter and are looking to escape the cold weather.

How to Prevent Beetles from Getting into Your Home

Beetles are generally harmless but can become a nuisance. Preparing your home from the possibility of an invasion may save you the stress of dealing with them. All cracks and holes on the exterior of your home should be sealed using caulk. Also, be sure to check all screens on windows and doors to ensure a tight fit and to check for rips or holes. Beetles can easily find their way around the edges of loose vinyl siding and into walls and attics. Areas to pay attention to include around windows, doors as well as openings for utilities and heating and cooling vents. Rocks around the exterior of your home that may be used as hiding spots should be removed or at least moved further away from the house. This will discourage beetles from gathering around your home. Pest control treatmcents can be applied to the exterior walls in September when the beetles first appear. The treatment should be focused on the south and west walls.

Beetle Inspections & Treatment

Pest control specialists can help to recognize the species of beetle by looking at fabrics, wood and other items that are damaged. Treatment will depend on the species of beetles that have invaded your home. Incorrect identification leads to incorrect treatment and that can lead to possible re-infestation! Call Merlin’s Pest Control today for all your pest control needs.

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Silverfish Infestations in Pequannock, NJ; How to Get Rid of These Occasional Invader Pests

Silverfish are small, wingless insects. Their common name comes from the pest’s silvery light gray and blue appearance, combined with the fish-like appearance of its movements. They are nocturnal insects and are typically half an inch to one inch in length. Their abdomens taper at the end, giving them their fish-like appearance. They hatch white and develop the grayish hue and metallic shine as they get older.

Where Are Silverfish Found?

They are completely wingless and have long antennae, and move in a wiggling motion that resembles the movement of fish. Silverfish typically live for two to eight years. They are agile runners and an outrun most of their predators like spiders and centipedes. Silverfish can only run on horizontal surfaces. They lack any additional appendages and are therefore not fast enough to climb walls at the same speed. Silverfish are nocturnal and will avoid light. They inhabit moist areas that require a relative humidity between 75% and 95%. In urban areas silverfish are found in attics, basements, bathtubs, sinks, kitchens, and showers. They are attracted to paper and damp clothing. They are often found in stored boxes in garages and sheds. They feed on sugars and starches and cellulose, shampoos, glue in books, linen, silk, and dead insects are good food sources. They have even been found in unopened food packages. Homeowners may encounter silverfish on the floor or in a sink or bathtub. You may see damage from their feeding along with the presence of tiny pepper like feces.

Silverfish Infestation Prevention

Silverfish move very quickly and are secretive too. This makes the severity of an infestation go unnoticed for long periods of time, which allows for exponential growth. Silverfish reproduce extremely quickly. Silverfish can cause destructive damage due to their feeding habits. They can ruin papers, clothing, and wallpaper. Silverfish are able to survive in almost any environment, but prefer areas with high humidity. Nymphs will develop faster in areas that are humid. So the best way to prevent an infestation is to control humidity. Caulking in crawl spaces, open vents, and basements will help. Making sure you keep your home clean will help too as silverfish consume a variety of foods to limit potential feeding sites.

Silverfish Control

If your home already has a silverfish population, then hiring a professional is the best option. Merlin’s Pest Control can create a customized approach. The traps and insecticides you can buy at the store will only kill individual insects and cannot address an entire infestation. Cinnamon can repel silverfish to some extent but it will not kill the insects or their eggs. Both the adults and their young-lings need to be addressed when dealing with silverfish infestations. Doing it yourself may give you periods of brief relief followed by another infestation bu silverfish infestations need the help of professionals for successful treatment. We will be able to assess the situation in your home and come up with the most effective methods of extermination. When you first suspect any signs of a silverfish infestation, contact Merlin’s Pest Control to schedule a home inspection to get rid of silverfish.