FAQ
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Common Pests
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Ants
Ants crawling around your property are more than just an unsightly nuisance – they are pests that have the potential to contaminate surfaces and ruin stored food. Ants will gravitate to your property due to easy access to food, water, and shelter; these factors on easy display encourage ants to scavenge around indoor and outdoor areas. Over time, an ant infestation can grow out of control, and these pests will crawl across every surface, leaving pathogens behind.
To prevent ants from entering your property, take steps to reduce access to food, trash, excess moisture, and harborage areas like overgrown grasses outdoors and clutter indoors. You should also seal cracks around windows and doors to stop ants from slipping inside undetected.
Contact Protector Pest Solutions today for additional ant control solutions.
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Bed Bugs
Nothing is worse than an infestation of bed bugs crawling around your house, leaving behind itchy bites, staining your fabrics, and creating anxiety and sleep problems. And while many people think that bed bugs only appear in homes that are dirty or cluttered, the truth is that bed bugs can occur anywhere. Hot spots that often host bed bug infestations include hotels and motels, airports, libraries, schools, and office buildings, where lots of human traffic can become transportation for these hitchhiking pests as they hide in clothes or bags.
Signs of bed bugs that you need to keep an eye out for when out and about include the following:
- Reddish or rust-colored stains on bed frames, sheets, fabric, or walls
- Unpleasant, musty odors that are stronger in areas that bed bugs frequent
- Sightings of live or dead bed bugs on the corners of mattresses, on sheets, or along the seams of furniture
- Itchy bed bug bites that appear in a zig-zag pattern, typically appearing overnight on exposed limbs
Witnessing any of these signs around your property indicates that it’s time to contact Protector Pest Solutions for expert bed bug control.
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Cockroaches
Cockroaches are highly unhygienic and cause serious problems around your property when left to scavenge, reproduce, and invade spaces without treatment. The most common roach invaders seen around human structures include American, German, and smokey-brown cockroaches. Protector Pest Solutions can help you identify which of these troublesome species is invading your property.
You can help to keep cockroaches far away from your property by following prevention steps that include storing leftover food properly, disposing of trash promptly, and utilizing trash cans with lids and tightly sealed trash bags. Also, never leave out food, drinks, or dirty dishes. All of these steps help to cut down on cockroach scavenging.
Additionally, seal potential cockroach entry points around your property, like the cracks around windows, doors, the foundation of your structure, and utility areas. Protector Pest Solutions can help you with further cockroach control advice and removal.
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Rodents
Rodents are well-known as one of the most unhygienic pests that you can end up with on your property. Several different types of rodents may invade human structures, but rats and mice are the most commonly encountered. If you don’t treat infestations of these pests quickly, your chances of picking up a sickness or incurring property damage increase greatly. After all, rodents carry and transmit serious illnesses such as salmonella, plague, hantavirus, and tularemia that may even become airborne around your property.
Additionally, rodents are incredibly prolific. What starts as a handful of rats or mice on your property rapidly becomes a full-blown infestation. And because rodents tend to hide in hard-to-reach areas around your property, professional rodent control is needed to eliminate them. DIY approaches are often less than effective and leave you at risk of prolonged pest infestations.
Protector Pest Solutions is ready to help you with your rodent control needs. Contact us the moment you suspect these pests are invading your property to take advantage of expert removal.
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Stinging Insects
When it comes to stinging insects on your property, DIY pest control is not the best way to take care of these pests. Attempting stinging insect control all by yourself puts you at risk of stings and the potential for allergic reactions at the hands of these aggressive pests. Stinging insect nest removal is especially dangerous, as these insects are highly territorial and protective over their nesting areas.
The most common types of stinging insects you need to look out for on your property include hornets, wasps, and yellow jackets. Any of these pests can swarm, deliver painful stings, and terrorize those on your property with their presence.
For help with stinging insect identification and safe stinging insect removal, reach out to Protector Pest Solutions today.
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Wood-Destroying Insects
Infestations of wood-destroying insects often go unnoticed as these pests burrow into the wood of your structure, leaving little trace of themselves until serious damage begins to accumulate. Both termites and carpenter bees can chew away at the wooden structures on your property until they are hollow and at risk of collapse. Though many individuals may consider DIY termite control treatments for these pests, these often don’t remove the source of your infestation and leave you with prolonged issues and costly damages over time.
Instead of attempting to remove wood-destroying insects by yourself, contact Protector Pest Solutions for regular inspections and assistance with active infestations. Our team will stop at nothing to remove these pests and leave your property pest-free.
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Termite Control
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How did termites get into my home?
To answer this question, you must first understand what termites look for in a habitat. Here in Georgia, subterranean termite species build large colonies underground and travel on foot to their food sources, consisting of rotted wood in damp areas. Termites are tiny insects that can enter your home through cracks in the foundation, plumbing lines, or even small gaps around windows and doors. So long as there is moisture around and some soil-to-wood contact, these insects can sneak into your home virtually undetected.
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What are termite swarmers, and what do they look like in Cumming, GA?
Termite swarmers, also known as alates, are winged termites whose primary function is to establish new colonies. These insects leave their home colony as adults to scout for conducive conditions and match with a mate, which will eventually help them form their own colony. Most termite alates appear after heavy rains in the spring, and you may spot clouds of them 'swarming' overhead near your doors or windows. If at any time you believe termite swarmers are near your home, immediately get in touch with Protector Pest Solutions.
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How do I know that termite baits will get rid of my termite infestation in Cumming?
Termite baits have been used for many years to control burgeoning infestations and stop alates in their tracks. These specialized pest control products are composed of cellulose, the termite's favorite food, and an active ingredient that will disrupt their growth process. You may know this product as an IGR or an insect growth regulator. There are several different types of baits on the market, including Sentricon®, Trelona®, Exterra®, and Advance®. Each of these products has a proven track record of excellence that can help to get rid of a termite problem quickly.
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Nest Removal
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What different types of wasp nests can I find in Cumming, GA?
You're likely to find nests from two different wasp species — the great black wasp and the red wasp.
Great black wasps are named for their large size, although they are not aggressive and make great pollinators. They are digger wasps that do not build nests and will not sting unless provoked.
The red wasp is native to the United States and is part of the paper wasp family. They tend to build their nests in safe, dry places (hollow trees, decks, and eaves) and are far more aggressive than their more passive cousins. A single sting can cause a burning sensation and possible swelling, which may lead to anaphylactic shock for those with allergies.
If you notice a grayish or paper-like nest growing near your home, immediately get in touch with Protector Pest Solutions today.
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Should I be worried about yellow jackets affecting my Cumming, GA home?
Yellow jacket is a common name for predatory social wasps. Although most species build their nests near shady areas, these creatures will infest buildings, trees, and even boats. They are very aggressive and repeatedly sting, which means they require immediate removal from your home. Call Protector Pest Solutions for a comprehensive home pest inspection.
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What are the dangers of hornets around my Cumming, GA home or business?
There are two different species of hornet in Cumming — the European giant hornet and the bald-faced hornet.
The European giant hornet is the largest wasp indigenous to Europe and the only true hornet in North America. It was first introduced to America in the 1840s and typically in protected aerial areas such as wall voids and tree hollows. They hunt other insects, including grasshoppers, flies, and yellow jackets, and may also attack honey bees. Because their stingers are smooth, they can sting multiple times.
The bald-faced hornet is not actually a hornet but a relative of the yellow jacket. However, it is typically referred to as a hornet due to its size and extreme aggression levels. Bald-faced hornet colonies typically house 400 to 700 workers. They build a grayish-colored, paper-like nest that they aggressively defend during the year.
If you have a hornet problem, you'll need it gone ASAP. Contact Protector Pest Solutions for help right away.
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Cockroach Control
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How can I tell if I have a cockroach problem?
Common signs of a cockroach infestation mayinclude spotting them in your kitchen or around food sources, finding droppings, seeing wings or egg casings, or noticing an unpleasant smell. If you observe any of these signs, it's best to call a professional right away.
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How dangerous is it to have cockroaches in my home?
Cockroaches can spread a variety of diseases and harmful bacteria, including salmonella and E. coli, so it's important to address an infestation as soon as possible. They can also cause allergic reactions in some people, so you should not take them lightly.
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How can I prevent cockroaches from returning?
In order to prevent cockroaches from returning, you should keep your home clean and free of food waste or crumbs. Seal any entry points, such as cracks and crevices, that could become their entry points. It's also important to repair any areas where water may collect, like leaking pipes or dripping faucets. Taking proactive steps can help ensure that your home is cockroach-free.
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Q & A with Jaime
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What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Pest control technicians need to pass the state testing. From there, I continued on and obtained my operator's license. I continue my education through online courses, attending seminars, and reading industry literature. To be honest, my wife will claim that she always has to take my books away after I have fallen asleep at night. It is amazing how much there is to learn about this career that I have chosen.
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How did you get started doing this type of work?
I originally started out in California then left that for a while and worked in Real Estate. So I have seen from all sides from those who live in the home to those who are selling. I then moved to Georgia and obtained my license in pest control immediately. I worked for some of the big corporations and from there I decided that I wanted to go out on my own. These big corps. are good but I noticed that I never had enough time to do a thorough job. I was running from one job to the next. I wanted to put customer service back into my job and truly care for the client and their home. As I hire my technicians, I train them to do the same. We truly spend quality time in your home and do a thorough job. We make sure that you are satisfied.
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What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a pest control provider?
Get to know the technician, make sure that you have the right fit. Have a list of questions ahead of time and point out areas of concern for you. Get a few quotes and then make your decision. We all love to make our sales right then and there. However, it's your home and it has to be the right fit and pricing should be affordable.
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What can customers do before talking to a technician?
Look through your home and make a list of any suspicious activity. Ask the technician if they like their job. Ask about any concerns that you might have in your home and know that there are no stupid questions. Ask what products and chemicals they use. Ask about different options for termite protection; there is more than one way to protect your home. Ask what their procedure is for inspection and for regular pest control. Ask if there is something that you can do to help keep pests out of your home. There just might be something simple that will keep that stray bug out.
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Commercial Facilities
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Warehouses
Warehouse facilities offer pests plenty of places to nest, hide, and cause damage. Keep them out of your warehouse with the help of Protector Pest Solutions.
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Office Buildings
Office buildings are a frequent site of pest infestations. In order to keep your building in good shape and protect your employees, you need Protector Pest Solutions.
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Retail Space
Keeping pests out of your retail space protects your merchandise from the damage pests can cause. Protector Pest Solutions offers the quality pest control you need.
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Place of Worship
In order for the people who enter your building each week to feel safe, your place of worship has to stay pest-free. Let Protector Pest Solutions provide the services you need.
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Storage Facilities
Your customers will not be happy with your service if they discover damage to their items while in your storage facility. Protect them with Protector Pest Solutions.
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Healthcare
Patients visit your healthcare facility in hopes of finding answers to improve their health. Don't let pests make them sicker. Protector Pest Solutions will keep pests out.
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