Dear Friends,
Winter is upon us and, just like most humans, insects and rodents do not like it in the cold.
For the pests that have been kicked out of the neighbor’s house or the few that are still searching for a winter home, make sure it isn’t yours. December pest control keeps pests outside!
As we enter the last few days of the year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on all that we have accomplished in 2022 and plan for what’s ahead in 2023.
Best of SLO WINNER 2022: Although our biggest reward is receiving reviews from satisfied customers, we were honored to once again be acknowledged as “Best Pest Control Service” in the Best of SLO County 2022. It means so much that readers continue to select us as their favorite in this annual New Times’ poll. It has been a pleasure serving the San Luis Obispo area for over four decades, and we’re grateful for the support of our team and business. Looking forward to serving this community for a long time to come.
Bird Flu Scare: We saw an uptick in Bird management calls toward the end of the year, likely due to a case of Avian influenza, a flu virus particularly damaging to birds that was recently discovered in San Luis Obispo County. New bird deterrents include random pattern laser lighting – an industrial version of holiday lighting you may see around a home – that produces random red, green and white light in stark patterns meant to disturb birds and keep them away.
Another deterrent is a new generation of repellent gels made with botanical oils or hot pepper dust that include an ultraviolet dye that is only visible to the birds. Birds see in the ultraviolet spectrum and the UV dye in the gel appears as a pillar of light to them and daunts them from approaching. Humans can’t see it but birds do. The ultraviolet dye and new generation deterrent gels are good short-term solutions and offer clients low-impact, reduced toxicity options for bird management, especially in sensitive accounts like food processing and healthcare facilities.
However, to permanently solve a pesky bird infestation, a more comprehensive approach including netting and other exclusion elements is needed. Late fall and early winter is an important time for bird management in commercial facilities since most species of protected migratory birds head south for warmer climates and abandon their nesting sites allowing exclusion work to be done.
Rat Baits Falling Out of Fashion: Early on last year a law passed in California banning anticoagulant rat baits. The reason behind the law was to protect animals from accidental poisoning. Pets, wildlife – Even children can fall victim to anticoagulant rat baits. The EPA followed suit and now “second-generation” rat baits are being banned all over. In response, many manufacturers are reverting to using potentially more poisonous, dangerous chemicals like cholecalciferol. If that sounds familiar, it’s because it’s the same thing in your vitamin d3 supplements! It can be very dangerous for your pets and other animals as it can stay in the system much longer. In response, using poisoned baits for rats is becoming less popular in general.
Eco-Friendly is In: Part of the loss of popularity for poisoned rat baits is due to a trend towards “going green.” Many outlets are praising the decreasing use of pesticides, so the days of spraying supply gung-ho may be a thing of the past. Leveraging these positions can ensure an attractive presence to conscientious customers. Products that leave less of a trace and don’t impact the environment are very popular right now. Even though pesticides are still necessary in some situations, they are no longer the be-all-end-all solution they once were.
Focus on Integrated Pest Management: Integrated Pest Management, IPM, is a standard method of pest control that places a focus on protecting the environment. It also uses methods of pest control that are generally safer than pesticides. Because pest control specialists know that just spraying for vermin and leaving poison won’t solve the problem. There are a variety of IPM methods that can last into 2023 and beyond. By being willing to remove sources of pest problems you add value to your business. Removing garbage, clearing drains, and sealing all potential entry points. Customers are starting to notice when companies place a focus on IPM as well. They understand that long term pest solutions offer the best value for their money.
Tools Are Changing: 2022 saw massive strides in how technology in the field has changed. For example, smart traps fitted with cameras and wi-fi technology can detect and record when pests enter the trap, and alert the trap’s owner. This means traps can be used more efficiently without being full for lengthy periods of time. Heat is also being used in new ways. Infrared traps target areas where pests frequent and deter them. Fly lights, while not new, are starting to come in decorative shapes and forms that are attractive to consumers. There are also new options to reduce the numbers of rats; Namely birth control. Sterilizing baits are starting to hit the market.
Common Pests in December
🐁 MICE breed rapidly and adapt quickly to changing conditions. Their droplets of urine can cause allergies in children. Mice can bring fleas, ticks and lice into your home.
🐀 RATS live in fields, farm lands and structures. They enter homes looking for food sources. They can chew wiring and cause fires. They also carry diseases.
🦨 SKUNKS will destroy lawns by digging up the grass to get to insects and will nest under structures to breed.
🐿️ SQUIRRELS will invade homes, chew wiring and destroy wood along the roof lines with their gnawing. Do not block holes in a structure until you’re absolutely sure all squirrels are gone.
🪲BED BUGS like to hide in small cracks and crevices close to humans. They are elusive creatures, so it is imperative to seek professional pest control to address an infestation.
🪳 COCKROACHES have been reported to spread at least 33 kinds of bacteria, six kinds of parasitic worms, and at least seven other kinds of human pathogens.
We’re 99.9% sure cockroaches aren’t invited to anyone’s Christmas festivities. Unfortunately, SLO homeowners commonly find these creepy crawlers hiding in just about any room of the house, but especially where there is moisture and/or food. Cockroaches look for warm places to beat the cold, and if you’re not ready for them, they’ll move in quickly.
Are cockroaches just gross or do they actually pose a threat? Cockroaches are known to spread over 33 kinds of bacteria, six parasitic worms, and over seven other kinds of human pathogens that they pick up on their journeys through sewers, pipes, and over decaying material. Walking over food or cooking surfaces can transfer these germs to us.
December Pest Control Checklist
Things to Check During Holiday Preparation
Christmas Trees – whether they are fresh cut or artificial, take care when bringing them into the house! Often times there are pests hiding out so that they can enjoy the holidays in the warmth of your home. When unpacking the tree that has been stored all year, open and inspect it outside.
Ticks – Did you go searching in the forest for the perfect tree? If so, unless the temps were BELOW freezing, ticks are still active.
Pantry Pests – When purchasing all those ingredients for baking holiday sweets, be sure to take precautions as often these pests are in the goods purchased. Finding creepy crawlies in the flour, sugar, chocolate, or oats is enough to ruin your baking festivities with the kids! But placing these items in the freezer for 72 hours will kill them.
Insect Life – When opening the stored boxes with holiday decor, do so outside … carefully! Look for webs and signs of insect life!
Christmas in SLO County is always a joyous time filled with incredible outdoor light displays, decked out Christmas trees, and unforgettable holiday memories and traditions. Make sure to keep things merry and avoid having your holiday plans ruined by these common SLO bugs and pests this December.
We are honored to serve you, and to help you with all your pest control needs. Are you experiencing issues with pests or know someone who is? Pests can cost you time, money, and damage to your residential or commercial property. Don’t waste your precious time! Trust the experts at Brezden Pest Control to help you.
Our team at Brezden Pest Control is Quality Pro Certified and BBB approved. We clearly and consistently communicate with you during the removal process to ensure clarity and quality. We safely and humanely remove your pests and prevent them from returning. Our services also include pest preventative measures.
If your home has a pest infestation, don’t get the runaround – have the “Brez” around! Call us now at 805-544-9446 to schedule your home pest inspection.
Thank you for all your support in 2022 and have a Happy and Pest-Free Holiday Season!
Sincerely,
Brezden Pest Control
SLO OFFICE: 3261 South Higuera St, STE 100 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
PASO OFFICE: 77 Marquita Paso Robles, CA 93446
Phone: 805-544-9446
Email: web@brezdenpest.com
Website: https://www.brezdenpest.com
About Brezden Pest Control: Keep your home and business pest-free with commercial pest control and home pest control services. “Like” the Facebook page to receive up-to-date information on termite treatment. Call 805-544-9446 for a local pest control estimate. Visit the website to download a copy of the “Top 10 Reasons Customers Choose Brezden Pest Control.”
