EXTERMINATOR LEVITTOWN, PA
Posted by Admin
DO I NEED A EXTERMINATOR?
Bed bugs, termites, fleas, wasps and rats are just a few examples of the pests that may be encountered in and around Levittown homes and businesses. From tiny to shockingly large, each of these pests brings with them a string of associated problems.
For instance, many property owners do not realize just how destructive a pest infestation can be. The damage may include a few holes in the exterior of a building or may be broad enough to require the replacement of a structural joist.
Pests also are a threat to health. Not only might an infestation affect the mental health of the home's occupants but also their physical health. From bites and stings that cause allergic reactions to the transmission of serious illnesses, a pest infestation is nothing to play around with.
Does it make sense for home and business owners to take care of pest problems by themselves? Not usually.
As a matter of fact, DIY pest control rarely is a wise idea. There are many reasons for this, but it all boils down to the fact that most of these treatment methods simply are not effective. At their worst, DIY treatments may be hazardous to the health of people and pets.
Accordingly, the wisest decision for any concerned property owner to make is to enlist the services of a licensed exterminator. Thanks to their knowledge and expertise, it is possible to put an end to pest infestation issues. Their services can even protect homes and businesses from future insect, arachnid and rodent problems.
WHICH TYPES OF PESTS DO EXTERMINATORS TREAT?
Large or small, professional exterminators are adept at getting rid of invaders of any size. The tiniest of ticks and the largest of rats cannot hide from a knowledgeable exterminator.
Many pests may spend the majority of their lifecycle underground. Moreover, they tend to congregate and cause the most damage in out-of-the-way places like basements, crawlspaces and attics where people do not spend much time.
This makes it possible for these tiny, elusive pests to establish thriving colonies, raid the kitchen and cause destruction, all without alerting the building's human inhabitants to their presence.
Then, a chance encounter causes the home's occupant to wonder if they have a pest problem. Or, the damage that is being caused by the pest infestation becomes so widespread that it is impossible to ignore.
When a homeowner believes that they have an infestation of carpenter ants, termites, yellow jackets, bed bugs, ticks, wolf spiders, deer mice or Norway rats, they are encouraged to contact an insured exterminator with all possible speed. This enables the exterminator to address the problem before it gets even more out of hand.
WHY DO PESTS COME INDOORS?
Most pests have the same basic needs that humans do for food, shelter and water. Consequently, it typically is a search for these items that leads pests to come into human habitations.
Just like people, pests are more likely to survive and thrive when they are adequately sheltered from the elements. This means finding a place to live within human habitations so that the pests do not have to worry about extreme temperatures, snow, wind and rain. Pests may be found nesting in attics, basements, crawl spaces, wall voids, cupboards, drawers, closets or beneath the subfloor.
Water is another major attraction for pests. This may be in the form of standing water that is located at various points around the property. Alternatively, insects and rodents may exploit an advantageous leak in a plumbing or irrigation system because it helps to ensure their survival.
Kitchens and pantries are irresistible to pests. In fact, many species from insects to rodents have many of the same dietary preferences that people do. This is why it is not unusual to find a line of ants marching across a kitchen floor or to discover that field mice have gnawed on a bag of pasta in the pantry. Unless food is properly stored, it all is subject to infestation and contamination by pests.
WHAT KIND OF DAMAGE DO PESTS CAUSE?
Some pests cause relatively little property damage. This is the case with most spiders and the majority of ant species. The one exception to this is the carpenter ant, which can be responsible for structural damage to buildings.
Unfortunately, most of the pests that are commonly found are known to cause property damage of one kind or another. The assorted rats and mice that may make their way into human habitations are among the worst offenders. They begin by gnawing at holes and cracks in the exterior of buildings, enlarging these openings so they can get inside.
The gnawing continues indoors, resulting in damage to walls, floors, ceilings, furniture, wiring, plumbing, family heirlooms and anything else that these voracious pests encounter.
Though insects are small, this does not mean that they cannot be destructive. Like carpenter ants, termites are infamous for the structural damage that they cause. In fact, subterranean termites cause far more widespread damage than carpenter ants, necessitating quick action whenever an infestation is suspected.
Even bees and wasps may cause property damage with their nests. This is especially true when large, heavy nests are constructed in wall voids or are hanging from the eaves. A well-built nest puts tremendous strain on structural elements, and when these nests are abandoned, they rot and cause mold and mildew issues..
PESTS CAN MAKE PEOPLE ILL
Nearly all pest infestations are capable of causing some form of health issues in people. Even the pests that do not directly transmit diseases to people remain a threat because of their activities.
Many pests burrow through wood and soil, raising dust everywhere they go. Tiny particles may be picked up by heating and cooling systems, thereby having a negative effect on indoor air quality. Not only will people with allergies and asthma notice an uptick in their symptoms but also people who do not normally have these issues will find that they are constantly battling congestion, runny nose and a cough.
Food poisoning is among the most frequent health problem that must be confronted by people who are dealing with an infestation. Whether they are insects or rodents, pests carry all sorts of bacteria and germs with them. These substances are transferred to kitchen surfaces and to food that is intended for human consumption. When food is prepared on an unclean surface or when contaminated food is eaten, symptoms like vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and fever are common.
Of course, pests further are capable of spreading countless illnesses to people, many of which may be life-threatening. Rodents, and the fleas that they carry, are the most frequent culprits here, and bites and scratches are not necessarily the only ways that these diseases are spread. Contact with a rodent's waste products or inhaling air that is contaminated by the same may be enough to make someone ill.
HOW TO TELL IF PESTS ARE PRESENT
Pests may work under cover of night or underground so that it is easier to escape attention. Nonetheless, at some point, signs of their presence become impossible to ignore. Some of them are subtle, like a tiny pile of sand-like soil next to a foundation, while others are more obvious, such as when a floor begins to buckle or sag.
Homeowners may notice holes in the exterior of the building, winged insects flying around the eaves or a line of ants marching across the kitchen. Sounds of rustling or squeaking from behind a wall also may signal a problem as does a papery nest hanging from an exterior light fixture.
WHEN IS IT TIME TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR?
Whenever a home or business owner suspects that they have a pest issue, it is smart to call an exterminator. This is because any delay may mean that even more significant damage is done.
Even property owners who do not think that they have a current pest issue but who know that it has been years since an exterminator has visited their residence, may want to consider scheduling an inspection.
This is because a thorough inspection uncovers not only existing pest problems but also certain conditions on the property that may make it more vulnerable to an infestation.
An undetected water leak, a crack in the foundation, holes in the window screens and gaps in places where wiring enters the building all may be responsible for attracting pests or allowing them access to a building.
WHAT DOES THE EXTERMINATOR DO?
Exterminators perform inspections, looking for pests that the homeowner suspects are present as well as signs of any other issues. Pest control professionals are trained to correctly identify the various species and their behavior and habitats so that they can prescribe the appropriate treatments.
While some pest issues may be resolved in a single visit, others require multiple treatments. When working with an experienced and reputable exterminator, Levittown property owners can rest assured that they will be guided toward common-sense, economical and efficient pest solutions.
Schedule a FREE estimate today. 
