Pest Blog

Tune into the Custom Care Pest Blog for the latest information about pest control in Southwestern Idaho.

 

Apr 01

If you've been to our website in the past, you've probably noticed that we've updated our site. We're still working on it but have the new website (in process) up and running.

We would appreciate any feedback, suggestions, etc. from you.

Thanks,

 

Phil


Mar 23

This time of year many different types of birds are starting to build their nests on structures. If this starts to happen on your building now is the time to get this taken care of. 

Once the birds have completed building the nest, the egg-laying begins. 

Many times we get calls from customers about bird nests in or on their building. We inevitably end up telling them they'll need to wait until the birds have finished raising their young and "kicking' them out of the nest before we will do anything. Meanwhile, the birds continue to make a mess below.

If you see this start to happen, please call us right away to get a head start on it.


Mar 17

Last week I re-visited the Odorous House Ants because it is the most active pest right now. We are actually getting calls now for all three types of ants we deal with here in the Valley. They are the Odorous House Ant (OHA), Pavement Ant & Carpenter Ant.

One thing I forgot to mention, which applies to all three Ants is please don' t spray the trails of Ants with an insecticide. Even though the spray you have says that it controls Ants, it will probably make it more difficult for a professional to solve you pest problem.

If you have a trail and have to do something before a we are able to get out to you, please just wipe up the Ants with a wet paper towel and flush them away - Thank you

 

 


Mar 09

Right now, as we're heading into Spring, the number 1 pest we're seeing throught the Treasure Valley is the Odorous House Ant (OHA). 

Prior to Winter, this small black Ant may  have moved it’s nest into exterior walls of buildings. Their nests can be found around plumbing where hot water pipes emit warmth. Like most pests, winter also decreases the OHA's food sources, so whether they are being drawn inside for warmth, or managing its dwindling food sources, the Odorous House Ant will find its way into places like bath and kitchen walls.

Regrettably, OHA's are a difficult pest to eliminate. You'll probably need professional help. Non-specific insecticides don't work and store-bought products won't eliminate this pest. Many of our customers have called us after trying these products.

If you're finding these small Ants in your home or building this time of year, give us a call. We can quickly identify them and get you started 

Phil


Mar 02

So it's been a long long time since I've posted anything - Sorry.

I have a great crew that's allowing me a lot more time in the office these days so, I plan on getting back to consistantly writing whatever helpful information I can come up with.

Next week I will start with information on the Odorous House Ant. This is the main call we're getting right now.

 

Talk to you soon

 

Phil

 


Apr 11

Bird Control has always been one of my favorite areas of Pest Control. So much of what we do in the Pest Industry is repetitive. Depending on the pest, we assess the problem, determine a fix, then duplicate the process.

Bird Control is different.  Each job is different and it requires its own solution.  Depending on the structure, its use, location and sometimes aesthetics, I find bird control both challenging and fun. 

Until recently, Custom Care Pest Services has mainly relied on conventional systems to deter the birds.  We use Netting, Electric Shock systems, Repellant Gels or Installing Plastic Spike along ledges of rooflines or eves.  None of these systems are harmful to the birds. But recently our bird control challenges have taken on newer tech.

The first of March of this year, we installed an automated Laser system, designed by some young guys in the Netherlands.  We also have combined the lasers with a hazing system that dispenses an organic liquid mist over areas where birds roost. The liquid irritates the birds so they leave for other roosting places.  We installed both of these systems in a southern Idaho dairy last month with anticipation but also with our own question, is this really going to work?

Today, as I’m writing this article, it’s been nearly 5 weeks and the reports we’re receiving on our first new installations is nearly 100% success.  Where there were once hundreds of thousands of birds roosting, the birds are now gone!   Our customer is preparing for a second installation in another building.  Of course we’re happy for the business but really happy for our customer.  It’s been several years of working out the right solution that would be cost-wise for them, while also getting rid of their birds. The new systems came at the right time and they’ve solved the problem!

Our future with lasers and hazers looks bright. We’re now able to control bird problems in large, expansive areas like the dairy we’ve just finished.  We’re able to install this effective system without the extensive labor involved with conventional systems, as well as passing those savings on to our customer!

Needless to say, bird is the word!

Phil

 


Jan 19

Since we're deep into winter, it's a good time to talk about a pest that shows up this time of year. It's the Odorous House Ant. You might be thinking, Ants in winter? Yes, and if you're seeing Ants this time of year,  it's usually the Odorous House Ant (OHA). 

In winter, this small black Ant will move it’s nest into exterior walls of buildings. Their nests can be found around plumbing where hot water pipes emit warmth. Like most pests, winter also decreases the OHA's food sources, so whether they are being drawn inside for warmth, or managing its dwindling food sources, the Odorous House Ant will find its way into places like bath and kitchen walls.

When winter's in full swing, and you’re seeing little black Ants near plumbed areas of your home, or running on countertops near faucets, you're most likely being visited by Odorous House Ants.  

Regrettably, OHA's are a difficult pest to eliminate. You'll probably need professional help. Non-specific insecticides don't work and store-bought products won't eliminate this pest. Many of our customers have called us after trying these products.

If you're finding ants in your home or building this time of year, give us a call. We can quickly identify them and get rid of your pest..

Phil


Dec 08

For my final posting of 2014, l want to take this opportunity to  say Thanks.

Thank you to a great staff - Brent, Bruce, Janette & Ryan. You make my job easy.

Thank you to great customers. We appreciate you choosing our company for your pest control needs.

Thanks to Idaho - I appreciate that our state is so business friendly.

I hope 2014 has been a good year for you. My best to you this holiday season, and together, we'll look forward to the good things of 2015.

 Phil Coulson


Nov 12

With each season change here in the Treasure Valley, the pest problems change too.  We’re just finishing up with the fall Spider calls and without pause, the mouse calls have begun.

From all indications so far, mouse calls will be high this year. With colder air coming, mice will be looking for warmer places to nest.

Here are some helpful hints for you to consider for reducing mouse activity in and around your home.

1) Inspect the exterior foundation of your home. You want to look for any entrances, like holes or small spaces.  A mouse can enter through much smaller openings than most people consider so here's a good rule-of-thumb:  if a #2 pencil can fit through the hole or space,  so can a mouse. If you find any openings, seal them up. I don’t recommend using expanda-foam, since mice easily chew through the foam. We suggest using Copper Mesh or steel wool. 

2) Check exterior doors--especially the garage door---for access points.  Install weather stripping or door sweeps to block entrances.

3) Since Mice feel more comfortable in an environment where they can move from place to place hidden from their predators, it helps to reduce debris around the perimeter of your house.

Those are a few of the most common tips for blocking mice from entering your home. 

As always, if you have any questions or need our services to help you with mice or any pest problem, give us a call.  We're here to help. 

Thanks to all our great customers!

Phil


Sep 10

The Treasure Valley has plenty of Spiders.  This pest can be broken into two  groups---hunting spiders and web-building spiders. These two categories depict how spiders catch their food. The hunters hunt and the web builders build webs, then wait for their prey to show up in their webs.

Here is a short list of spiders in the Treasure Valley for each group:

WEB BUILDERS:

     Black Widow

     Hobo

HUNTERS:

     Grass 

     Wolf    

     Yellow Sack

Most times, it’s the Hunting Spiders that people spot, since they are moving around, foraging for food. But late summer is mating season for spiders so Web-Builders are also out and being seen. The only difference is that Web--building spiders aren't hunting prey.  They are hunting a mate. 

Here are some ways to decrease the number of spiders around your home or building:

1) Reduce yard waste around the perimeter of your structure

2) Place glue traps in the house and garage to help catch foraging males

3) An exterior residual application of spider control barrier

4) Let us help you with your spider problems

 

I hope your summer is going well as we move forward!

 

Phil


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