Termites are every homeowner's nightmare. These unwelcome guests can compromise the structural integrity of your home. It is estimated that termites cost property owners $5 billion every year. The scariest part is that termites can do severe damage before they are detected. The most notorious species are dry wood and subterranean termites. They feed on any wooden structure found around your property. However, before you can learn how to get rid of termites, they can be stopped before they cause significant damage. To do that, you must be able to spot signs early. Keep reading to find out five common signs you have a termite problem.

Mud tubes

Mud tubes are often a sign of subterranean termite infestation. These tubes are built to act as a bridge between the colony and the source of wood. Mud tubes are made from a mixture of soil and wood particles. The termites build these moist shelters to protect them against predators. It also prevents their bodies from drying out since termites' bodies lack a protective cuticle. Mud tubes can be found on any surface, including wood, brick, and concrete. You can tell whether a tube is still in use or abandoned. Dry mud tubes mean the termites have abandoned it and moved elsewhere. This mostly happens if the tube was exploratory. But it doesn't mean they have left the property. If you notice any mud tubes around your home, investigate further. Schedule an inspection to confirm the existence of termites and find out how to get rid of termites.

Clicking Sounds

Termite colonies are organized, and each termite has a role to play. Soldier termites are in charge of the security of the colony. They protect the worker and reproductive termites from predators. Given the complex structure of a colony, they need an alarm system. The soldier has sensitive antennae that can sense vibrations in the surrounding. Whenever the colony is disturbed, soldier termites bang their heads against wood or shake their bodies. It results in a chorus of clicking sound. Alternatively, you can put your ears close to the wall and listen. Soldier termites are noisy eaters, and you will hear them munching away. If you hear any clicking sounds in your wall, get your home inspected by one of the best pest control companies in Polk county.

Termite Droppings

Termites are dreaded for a good reason. Although wood is their preferred meal, they also eat plastics and wood-based fabrics. What goes in must eventually come out the other end. Frass refers to termite droppings. Drywood termites are known for producing the most droppings. When the droppings build up, they are pushed out through openings of their nest. You will notice frass as powdery substances around the holes. If you see piles of pellets around the home, take action immediately. The best places to look for droppings are near windowsills and door frames. Early discovery of frass could potentially save you a fortune. Sometimes, the droppings look like coffee grounds or sawdust.

Discarded Wings

Termite colonies are divided into three classes. They include soldiers, reproductive, and workers. However, the swarmers leave mature colonies during the mating season once or twice a year; after landing, the queen and king mate and find a new nest. The timing varies depending on the weather. Swarming occurs for a brief moment in the morning, and you may not get to see it. However, termites shed their wings shortly after they land and find a home. They leave behind heaps of discarded wings near doors and windowsills. Should you notice discarded wings around your property, you may have a termite problem on your hands. Schedule an inspection immediately.

Wood Damage

Wooden objects are termite's meal of choice. Anything with wood in it is fair game. Generally, termites eat wood from inside out, leaving the wood hollow. You may not realize you have termites until only a thin veneer of timber or paint is left. There are modern techniques for detecting termite infestation in wood. It includes x-rays, ultrasound, and borescopes. However, there is a more straightforward way to see wood damage. Tap the wood or wall to find out if it's hollow. Sometimes, tunneling causes doors and windows to warp. You can tell there is significant damage when the windows or doors become too tightly fitting.

Get Help from a Termite Control Expert

Hopefully, you know the signs that have a termite infestation. The earlier you can detect termites, the less the damage. However, not just everyone knows how to get rid of termites. The bites and stings from termites can cause allergic reactions in some people. Fortunately, J.P's Termite and Pest Control is here to help. It is one of the best pest control companies in Polk County. The company has been assisting homeowners in dealing with termites for over 10 years. Our services include termite inspections, pre-treatment, and termite control plan. Contact today and schedule an appointment.

Are you having serious trouble with wasps in your home? You may have been noticing more and more of them around your property. You or your family members may have been stung a few times. Whether it's a nuisance you'd rather live without or a suspected infestation, it's time for you to learn how to get rid of wasps.

Make Sure Your Home is Not Attractive to Wasps

The first lesson in how to get rid of wasps comes down to learning how to make your home less attractive for them. This means getting rid of all of the areas where they may cluster in order to build a nest. It also means reducing the things you may do that inadvertently lead to wasps and other insects swarming all around you.

Your best bet will be to contact J.P.'s Termites & Pest Control. We have long been known as one of the best pest control companies in Polk County. We can show you how to set up a perimeter of pest control defense all around your home. Our techniques are state of the art and our service team members are trained to bring instant results.

Shoring up your home as well as the area around it will be a great start to defusing a tense situation with wasps. It is also a great way to get rid of other pests, such as ants, roaches, or termites, that may be building up their numbers in the area. The sooner you call us, the sooner we can get to work to make it happen.

Keep the Area Around Your Home Clean

A major reason why wasps are attracted to your home is because you may be a bit careless with garbage disposal. You need to keep your garbage out of reach of wasps and other pests. It's a good idea to keep it as close to the curbside and as far away from your home as possible.

You should also watch the kind of foods that you throw away, especially during the summer season when wasp breeding is at its height. You want to make sure that anything protein-rich or sweet is completely wrapped up. Wasps love to feed on leftover food in trash cans so make sure that you make it as secure from them as possible.

Don't Let Water Build Up Around Your Home

It's also important not to let pools of water build up around your home. Like all other animals, wasps rely on fresh water. If the runoff from your sprinkler is causing pools of water to collect near your home, this will be a rich source of moisture for them to thrive on. It may also be a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other pests.

Don't Keep Flowers or Fruit Near Your Home

Another important source of nutrition for wasps is flowers and fruit. This is because if they can't get a regular source of access to fresh water, they will turn to other means. A prime source of moisture for wasps and other pests is the nectar from plants and fruits. If you have them near your home, they could be patronized by wasps.

In a situation like this, you need to limit their access. Don't keep too many house plants on your front or back steps or porch during the spring and summer seasons. And definitely don't plant fruit trees too near your home. These are a prime attracting agent for wasps and other insect pests.

Wasps and other insects are very attracted to brightly colored flowers and plants. If you have any of these, try to keep them in your home rather than outside.

Contact J.P.'s Termite & Pest Control, Inc Today

Even the best kept home may fall prey to a wasp infestation. This is not always the fault of the home owner. But it does pay to as vigilant and proactive as possible. You can keep wasps well away from your home by taking steps to discourage them.

If you're ready to learn how to control a wasp problem, the time to call us now. We are one of the foremost pest control companies in Polk County. We have many years' worth of knowledge, skills, and experience to offer our customers. Whether you're sick of getting stung or fearful of a possible infestation, we can help.

Pest control is an issue that affects every member of a community. We can help you make sure that no member of your family ever needs to be afraid of stinging or biting insects. The time to get in touch with us to schedule a visit from our friendly service team is now. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do to help you.

​If you've ever swiped at what looked like a piece of dirt on your counter, only to have that piece of "dirt" scurry away, you know how maddening an ant infestation can be. Ants are one of the most common indoor pests and can make an appearance just about any time of the year. When they come, they often seem to come all at once, totally out of nowhere. To help you deal with your next ant infestation in your kitchen, there are some important things you should know about ants, their living habits, and how you can discourage them from turning your kitchen into a buffet.

1. There Are Different Kinds of Ants
When you notice ants in your kitchen, one of the biggest things that determines whether or not you need to call one of the many pest control companies in Polk County is the species of ant that you're dealing with. For the most part, you're likely to come across what are called odorous house ants. This species of ant is small, harmless, and simply looking for a morsel of food to take back to its nest. If the ants you're seeing are larger, though, you may be dealing with carpenter ants. In some cases, this species of ant can nest in rotting framing members in your home, leading to reduced structural integrity.

2. Most Ants Don't Live Indoors
While it certainly seems as though ants set-up their residence in your home, most ants prefer to make their home outside and only venture indoors for a quick snack. In every ant colony, certain ants, called scout ants, are sent out to find food for the rest of the colony. If an ant discovers a food source in your home, they will leave a pheromone trail that other ants can follow, leading to a quick infestation that requires various ant control techniques.

3. Ants Love Pet Food
Dogs and cats aren't the only animals that enjoy pet food. The qualities that make pet food great for your pets also makes it attractive to ants. Therefore, if you leave pet food sitting out in your kitchen so that your pets can enjoy the food whenever they please, you're creating an open invitation for hungry ants to make themselves at home. A big part of understanding how to get rid of ants is figuring out how to adapt your lifestyle to ensure that you don't leave extra food out unnecessarily so that ants aren't attracted to your kitchen.

4. Killing The Colony Is Vital
Many methods of ant control only involve killing the ants that appear in your kitchen. While this can provide temporary relief, it won't do much as a long-term solution. To truly get rid of your ant problem, you need to track the ants to their source so that you can kill the entire colony. Although it can be difficult to physically follow the path an ant follows, there are plenty of products available that provide poison that ants carry with them back to the colony, having the same effect. By using one or more of these products and making sure to leave it in place for a long time, you will quickly learn the secret of how to get rid of ants.

5. Your Dishwasher Can Be An Unexpected Hiding Place
Just like humans, ants need water to survive. Therefore, if they can find a reliable water source in your home, they will flock to that water source in droves, ultimately requiring you to choose from pest control companies in Polk County to take care of the problem. One of the most common sources of ant attraction is dishwashers. In addition to staying fairly moist, a dishwasher typically has small pieces of uneaten food that ants need for their survival.

The best way to prevent ants from infesting your dishwasher and the area around it is to ensure that your dishwasher doesn't have any leaks. If the moisture stays inside the closed system of your dishwasher, ants typically won't be able to detect or access it. Additionally, you'll need to make sure that you keep your drain filters free from food debris by cleaning them at least once a month.

6. Patience is Key
When working to remove ants from your kitchen, patience is key. After all, the average ant colony has at least thousands of ants in it, meaning you have a lot of work ahead of you. Therefore, if a method doesn't seem to be working right away, give it another day or two before switching to a different removal method. Otherwise, you could end up wasting a lot of money on different ant control methods even though the first method you used was, in fact, completely effective. Although it can be quite a nuisance having ants in your kitchen, if you keep after them, they will eventually go away.

Are you having serious trouble with termites in your home? Now is the time for you to learn how to get rid of termites. These pests will literally eat you out of your house and home if you don't take action. Here are some handy tips on how to recognize 5 things you didn't realize were attracting termites to your home.

1. Random Piles of WoodThe first step in effective termite control is knowing where they congregate. Do you have piles of firewood or leftover branches from tree trimming in your yard? This is a potential hot spot for the presence of termites. They can first congregate in great numbers in this pile, then move from there to your home.

Your best bet in such a situation is to remove all such piles of wood as soon as possible. Get them cut down to a manageable size and then disposed of in a quick and safe manner. The sooner you do so, the sooner you will remove one of the biggest incentives for the presence of termites in or near your home.

2. Excess Piles of FoliageWhen it comes to learning how to get rid of termites, you have to examine each and every potential gathering ground for these pests. This means giving close attention to any piles of foliage that may be lying around in your front or back yard. They may have gathered there naturally or been placed there after a clean up job.

Whatever the reason may be, you need to properly dispose of these excess piles of foliage as soon as possible. Dead trees, leaves, and other natural debris will tend to rot. As it does so, it will attract termites, wasps, and other unwanted pests. The sooner you banish this foliage from your yard, the sooner your home will be safe.

3. Dead Leaves and Limbs from TreesAnother big issue for ongoing termite control is getting rid of dead tree leaves and limbs. These are wood items that attract termites like flies. Since termites eat wood, this is one of the articles of debris that will most surely draw them in great numbers. While they do not tend to eat leaves, they can easily hide in a pile of them.

For this reason, you want to make sure not to leave dead leaves and limbs from trees lying around in your yard. After a tree trimming or removal operation, make sure to clear the debris away as soon as you can. Doing so will ensure that your yard stays clean and neat. It will also remove a major gathering point for termites.

4. Excess Piles of MulchWhen it comes to learning how to get rid of termites, one of the best lessons you can absorb is not to leave excess piles of mulch lying around. As soon as your yard has been fertilized in the proper fashion, get rid of the excess. This is because mulch can be fed on as well as hidden in by termites and many other types of pests.

Pest control companies in Polk County are unanimous in their warnings against leaving excess mulch in your yard. Mulch should always be kept at a distance of at least 15 inches from the foundation of your home.

5. Clogged Up GuttersAnother major cause for concern is clogged up gutters. This could lead to a variety of problems, including the presence of large numbers of termites in or near your home. The build up of an excess amount of leaves and twigs is a danger to the security of your property.

This is due to the fact that excess moisture from foreign matter in your gutter can soften up or rot the roof of your home. If left unattended, these soft spots could ultimately allow termites and other pests to penetrate your roof and infest your property. A regular gutter cleaning will prevent this from occurring.

Get Expert Pest Control in Polk CountyJ.P.'s Termite & Pest Control, Inc. is one of the foremost pest control companies in Polk County. No matter what your problem with termites may be, you can rely on us for quick and cost effective relief. We can arrange for our friendly and knowledgeable service team to come to your home in order to diagnose the issue.

Once we know what needs to be done, we will get right to it. We offer you state of the art service with no surprises and no hidden fees. We are your one stop shop for top level termite control. Get in touch with us today by requesting a quote online or calling 863-581-2104 to learn what one of the most acclaimed pest control companies in Polk County can do to help you.

Subterranean termites may cause a lot of damage to a home in a short time, which is why it is so important to stay educated about them and inspect your property regularly. These termites usually start to swarm in the warm and rainy months. Pest control companies in Polk County should be suggesting seasonal visits to your property to make sure that everything is done to avoid an undetected infestation.


About Subterranean Termites

There are three types of subterranean termites, which include reproductives, soldiers, and workers. The queen of the colony, the alates, and the king makeup the reproductives group. If you come across a queen, you will notice that it is much bigger than all of the other termites. Depending on how news the colony is, a queen can lay between a dozen and 1000 eggs a day. This is why catching subterranean termites early is very important for the structure of your home.

The alates are also known as the swarmer termites. These termites are darker than the other ones and have translucent wings. The most common sign of an infestation is noticing swarmer termites or their left-behind wings in areas such as your window seal.

The soldier and worker termites have cream or beige colored bodies and are usually not noticed first. Every State in the United States except for Alaska has subterranean termites.



Keeping Subterranean Termites Away from Your Property

The best way to be productive with termite control is to make sure that they avoid your home altogether. There are some things you can do to try to prevent termites on your own. The first way is to make sure that water doesn't settle near your home for long periods. It is also important to have proper ventilation in your home and to keep old wood away from your house.

Checking your property regularly for termites can help you detect them early. Consistently inspecting your home's foundation for mud tubes that protect the travels of the termites can help you discover them early. You can also inspect the inside of your home for flooring that seems softer and bubbles in the paint or walls. Remember to check behind furniture and in out-of-the-way areas such as the corner of closets. Seasonal termite control by a professional is one way to stay ahead of a major structural problem.

If you still aren't sure that you have a termite problem, one of the best ways to check is by inspecting your property the morning after a rainy evening. If it is warm outside, you may see swarmer termites around your property. While many termites enter through areas close to the foundation, you may also have an infestation that starts higher up on your home.

Being proactive in a damp and humid State, such as Florida, is the best way to make sure that you catch subterranean termites early and can get rid of them with minimal damage.


How to Get Rid of Termites

The best way to get rid of termites is to hire a professional pest control company in Polk County. A professional will know exactly how to get rid of termites around your property and advise you on keeping them away long-term. It is important to have a professional inspect the damage to the property, find the termites, and come up with a solid plan to eliminate them quickly. Once the termites are gone, then you should have any structural damage repaired as soon as possible to avoid any further issues. If you have an infestation of termites or want a seasonal inspection, contact us at J.P.'s Termite & Pest Control, Inc., one of the most reliable pest control companies in Polk County. Give us a call at 863-581-2104, or submit our Pricing Request Form here.

Many problems that you encounter at home can be solved by DIY methods, but pest infestations are definitely not one of them. The problem with DIY pest control solutions are that many consumers simply aren’t trained to get rid of pests, and the treatments can be harmful. If consumers aren’t careful, they could waste their time and money trying to get rid of pests.

Here is why you shouldn’t attempt to get rid of pests yourself. Always remember that pest control should be handled by professionals.

Pest Control Products Are A Health Risk

One of the primary reasons why you should hire a professional for pest control is for your personal safety. Many of the chemicals used to get rid of pests are actually really toxic. If you were to do your own pest control, there’s a good possibility that you could harm yourself or other people in the house.

By hiring a professional exterminator, you are sure to feel at ease because the expert will know the potential health risks of pest control products. These potential health risks are especially important if there are elderly people or children living in the house. People who suffer from allergies will also be at risk.

The health warnings on most do-it-yourself pest control solutions are easy to miss because the manufacturers display the potential health risks in tiny print somewhere on the product. If you don’t pay close attention to the health warnings on a do-it-yourself pest solution, you could unintentionally make a loved one or pet sick.

A professional exterminator can save customers a trip to the emergency room by informing them of every pest control solution’s potential health risks.

Many people are unaware that the chemicals to eliminate pests often require extensive knowledge of how to use them in a safe and effective manner. The best pest control companies will provide exceptional training for their professionals so that they know how to use and dispose of these chemicals safely.

DIY Methods Are Not As Powerful

Since most consumers are not qualified to eliminate pests safely and effectively, many of the most effective pest control products are not even available for consumers to buy. If you take a look at the pest control options in the store, most of the products used to kill bugs contain weak active ingredients, which makes the solutions ineffective. The most powerful chemicals are only available to licensed exterminators who have a special license and training to obtain them.

Pest Species Can Be Hard To Identify

In order to get rid of pests for good, you need to be able to properly identify the pest infestation. Many consumers simply do not have the necessary training to perform this important task.

A skilled pest control expert will be able to determine different ant, cockroach, and spider species. After the particular pest species is successfully identified, the professional can apply the right treatment to eliminate the infestation.

Every Pest Control Situation Is Unique

When it comes to getting rid of pests, every situation is unique. Most consumers do not completely understand the ins and outs of a pest control project. Although some consumers may know how to treat a cockroach infestation, the key is preventing those pests from coming back. If you decide to tackle a pest control problem by yourself, you could end up needing to perform the entire job over in the near future.

The good news is that professional exterminators have the necessary skills and knowledge to execute a wide variety of pest control projects. Such professional exterminators know exactly how to modify a pest control solution based on a particular situation.

The top pest exterminators perform treatments on a daily basis, so they know how to tailor their services to every customer. As a result, pest control experts are much more likely to get rid of bugs the first time.

Trust J.P.'s Termite & Pest Control Inc. To Get Rid Of Pests

Always remember that most professional exterminators discourage consumers from using do-it-yourself pest products. In most cases, when you take care of a pest infestation yourself, you are not really solving the problem. Not to mention, you may unintentionally be exposing people to harmful chemicals.

If you would like to protect everyone in your family from potential health risks while making sure that the pest infestation is treated successfully, considering hiring J.P.'s Termite & Pest Control Inc. Our family operating company knows how to eliminate pests quickly and efficiently. In fact, for many years, we as pest control professionals can even handle serious infestations.

Make sure to contact J.P.'s Termite & Pest Control to set up a consultation. You definitely won't regret it. We are always happy to perform top notch pest control services.

​ 
Letting a termite infestation go unabated in your home can cause significant damage, and eventually, you will have to pay for that. Termites are an insidious past because they can easily go unnoticed if you are unfamiliar with the signs of their presence.

Unfortunately, to make things worse, most homeowners' insurance policies do not offer any coverage for termite damage. All of that should add up to a pretty clear equation. You need to inspect and properly respond to infestations of any kind regularly.

What To Look For When Inspecting For Termite Damage

Many types of termites can choose to invade a person's home. The wide diversity of behavioral phenotypes found in the abundant termite species only adds to the task's difficulty. Your first responsibility will be to determine the species of the invader that you are tackling.

Common Types Of Home Invaders And Pests

Many people make the poor decision of disregarding flying insects around their homes as being flying ants. While visually, they may look fairly similar to an ant if there are many flying, they could be a weaned termite that loves to swarm throughout the southeastern United States during the spring months.


Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites can be encountered in all territories of the United States except for Alaska. These termites live underground for most of their lives and typically flocked to moist areas to form colonies. Sometimes will build distinctive structures called mud tubes that are used for storage and as shelter.

These are the most invasive and destructive species of termites in the United States. They have incredibly strong mandibles that can shoot through even the hardest of woods and lead to the complete collapse of a structure if left unabated for too long.

Formosan Termites
These termites are closely related to the subterranean termites' Ponce is a were imported originally from China and are the most aggressive of all termite species worldwide.

You can find these throughout the United States are territories in the southeastern Pacific, including Kawai and California and many of the southeastern states. They can choose through 1 foot of 2 x 4 wood in under a month and build colonies with nearly half a million termites on average.

​If you suspect that you have these termites in your home, you must attend to them immediately as they can cause significant damage to a structure in under a year. The worst infestations of this species of termite have been known to have truth through electrical wires, which led to power outages.


Damp Wood Termites
This species of termite prefers to live along the temperate forests found on the Pacific coast, and portions of the more air it states and the Southwest. They can grow as large as 5/8 of a but only infect a saturated wood with moisture.

Typically you will find these living inside of dead trees and logs, but if they are rare to find inside of an inhabited structure because most structures use wood that is to dry for this species to survive.


Dry Wood Termites
This is another dangerous invasive species of termites that can cause significant structural damage that you need to keep an eye out. The biggest differentiator between these guys and the Formosan or subterranean termites is that the dry wood termites do not need to touch the ground.

They are larger than some of the other species, growing as large as one full inch long. This is a species of termite that can be found inside wood furniture or framing that is sold as construction materials.

They can be found in many inhabited structures, so make sure to monitor if any of your dry wood structures have been affected by an infestation of dry wood termites regularly.

Conehead Termites
Conehead termites can easily be mistaken for an answer because they travel more similarly to ants than they do most other use of termites. Crawling across the ground, they can travel much more quickly than other species of termites.

They use this speed to create a network of underground tunnels that will occasionally connect to a home. When this occurs, the termites can or maybe colony inside the walls of a structure and end up chewing through anything wooden that they encounter on the way, including walls and floors.

As can be pretty gnarly because they are more difficult to detect than some of the other termite species, they can easily be mistaken for ants if you are not closely inspecting any suspicious bugs near your property.

Looking for help with routine Pest Control?
Are you looking for a pest control company in Lakeland or Polk County? We've been servicing the community since 1999. Whether you're in need of routine pest control or a one-time solution, give us a call at 863-581-2104 or submit our pricing request form and someone on our team will contact you! 

Pest infestations can severely impact your lifestyle, causing discomfort, stress, and unwanted expenses. Therefore, when house hunting, it's essential to prevent avoid a house that is infested. Here are ten tell-tale signs that a house has a pest infestation.
1. Signs of Nesting and Breeding Grounds
If you spot traces of nesting within your home, that is an apparent cause of alarm. At most, your unexpected visitor is in the process of getting cozy if not entirely settled. Hives, nests and ant holes should be dealt with immediately as they can invite more pests to breed.
Furthermore, having a hive nearby can prevent you from carrying out your daily activities and threatens the safety of children and adults around. More so, it would be bad for people with allergic reactions to accidentally get stung due to the potential threat of insect swarms lingering around. To prevent any injuries or household damage, call J.P.'s Termite & Pest Control Inc. for professional pest extermination services.
2. Property Damage
Most property damage is often caused by one notorious pest, the termite. If you notice significant destruction to your furniture, stools, cabinets, floors, walls, or posts, that is a clear indication of a pest infestation, specifically wood termites. On the other hand, clothes and fabric deterioration can be directly correlated to moths and silverfish as these insects tend to gnaw on fabric. If not dealt with, the damage will only intensify leading to extensive home repairs.
3. You Notice Lots of Droppings
Any trace of droppings shows a sign of animal or insect life within a home. Often than not, the droppings are dark-colored, so it's not hard to notice. The size and shape can vary depending on the organism responsible. Common pests which leave trails of poo include:

• Rats
• Snails
• Slugs
• Mice
• Lizards

If you come across any droppings, contact the services of J.P.'s Termite & Pest Control Inc. to help mitigate the situation.
4. Holes, Bites or Claw Marks
A sign of holes within a property is a clear indication of pest infestation but to a small degree. This can often be ants, termites, or silverfish. On the contrary, chew or scratch marks are a more pressing concern. Rodents like rats and mice are notorious for leaving such traces within a household.
Rats are disease carriers; hence, lying around can prove detrimental, especially when your food or water supply gets contaminated. Furthermore, they may find their way to electric cables leaving exposed wiring. Thus, it's essential to deal with the problem before your electricals get damaged.
5. Dead Bugs and Shells
Little carcasses and odd shells are an indicator of bug activity. Commonly, you may spot a pile of dead ants, wings, and insect parts on the ground. Window ledges, corners, and kitchen floors are common spots to find such signs as most insects are active around areas with food sources such as sugars.
6. Ant Trails
Ants travel in troops, especially when carrying food to their nesting ground. This can be spotted in the kitchen or dining area where food particles and residue are left uncleaned. When one ant appears, a colony soon emerges; therefore, it's imperative to take action as soon as possible.
7. Foul or Funky Odors
Odors are commonly associated with the chemical found in animal droppings and urine. Strong smells link to rats as their urine emits a lingering stench, which takes several days to weeks to clear. Any house with a weird whiff should be scrapped as infested.
8. Fur Patches
When a house is infested with rodents, aside from the noise or droppings, small patches of black, brown, white, or grey fur around common rooms, especially in the kitchen, give a dead giveaway of rat activity.
Rodents periodically drop fur as it grows. Some gnaw it off through fights; others get stuck and rip it off. However, one thing is for sure you need to consult a professional immediately.
9. Shrieking, Claw Sounds, or Squeaking
Pests such as mice emit high-frequency sounds as they communicate. Furthermore, distinctive claw sounds can be heard when they move about from room to room. Hearing these sounds or any disturbances in your attic, basement, or home is an indicator of a rat infestation.
10. Sawdust Piles
Traces of sawdust, debris, or powder near wooden surfaces such as walls, floors, or corners are signs of a termite infestation or wood-eating pests like beetles and carpenter bees. This can weaken the structural integrity of your objects, reducing their lifespan. Call J.P.'s Termite & Pest Control at 863-581-2104 for immediate termite infestation relief.
In Summary
A pest infested house can prove detrimental to your health. With these ten signs listed, you can accurately depict and avoid infested homes on your house hunting quest. If you need help with pest control or termite control in Polk County, feel free to give us a call at 863-581-2104 or request pricing online using this form here.

Are you currently experiencing a very nasty pest infestation? If you suspect that creepy critters have invaded your home, you will need to call in a pest control expert. This is not the kind of thing you want to wait on. The time is now to recognize the tell tale signs and take action before it is too late.

Are Your Walls Looking Grimy?

One of the first and most reliable signs of a pest infestation is grimy walls. You may start to notice grimy build up on walls, floors, carpets, furniture, and other areas in your home. This build up may be due to a number of unpleasant causes, including the paws, claws, and waste of various unwanted pests.

The logical first place to look for the source of the infestation is in your attic. This is the place where spiders, termites, and other creatures tend to congregate. They prefer areas that are dark, humid, and enclosed. Your basement is another natural area where they may be hiding out in greater numbers than you want to think about.

Look for areas around your carpet and walls where greasy, grimy build up seems to be collecting. These are likely surfaces near to the area where the pests may be hiding. Once you have identified these areas, it's a good idea to make a call to a local pest control expert who can help you take further action.

Are You Noticing Some Unpleasant Odors?

One of the biggest tip offs that you may have unwanted critters and varmints in your home is the sudden prevalence of very bad smells. These may come from a number of sources, including decomposing bodies, sweat, fecal matter, and the like. It all adds up to a pungent odor that, if neglected, can ultimately drive you from your home.

The main reason this becomes an issue is because you may not be able to pinpoint the exact location that the odor is coming from. You may have searched around the house to no avail. If you find yourself coming up short after a long and tiresome search, your best bet will be to call on the services of a local pest control expert.

Pest Droppings Are a Definite Clue

One of the most obvious signs of a pest infestation is also one of the least pleasant. This is the presence of pest droppings. You may find them scattered all around your home. Look for them on your rugs, carpets, and areas where spider webs are collecting. Since spiders love to feed on pests, it makes sense that they can be found here.

And, of course, anywhere you find pests, you will also find their droppings. Those left behind by rats and mice will be spindly and conical. Those left by insects will be smaller but may have since collected into a noticeable heap.

In any case, just follow your nose to the source of the trouble. Make sure to note exactly where you find the droppings, as well as other tell tale signs of a pest infestation. This is vital evidence that will help a pest service solve the issue more effectively.

Why Do You Need Effective Pest Control Service?

All too many home owners think that they can solve this problem on their own. But the chances are high that, by the time you have noticed the issue, it has already began to get out of hand. This doesn't mean that you should throw in the towel and evacuate your home. But it does mean that you will need an expert to deal with the problem.

A professional pest removal service, such as J.P.'s Termite & Pest Control Inc., knows how to handle an infestation. An expert can use the tools of the trade, such as pesticides, to get to the root of the problem and quickly deal with it. This is not the kind of task that should be left in the hands of an amateur.

The Time to Call for Pest Control is Now

J.P.'s Termite & Pest Control Inc. is here to service your home and render it free of unwanted pests. We are available to contact at any time in order to schedule a quick appointment. Our friendly and knowledgeable service team will arrive at your home. Once there, we will diagnose the issue and get straight to work on solving it. 

Our rates are extremely reasonable and competitive. We understand that the safety of your home is at stake. We will therefore do all in our power to make sure that we solve the problem in a quick and permanent fashion. Get in touch with J.P.'s Termite & Pest Control Inc. to learn more about what we can do to help. Give us a call at 863-581-2104.

Myths are part of our integral society, originating from our childhood tales, cartoons, and other forms of media. Most of the times, myths are exaggerated or even fabricated lies.
When dealing with pests, it is essential to learn how to effectively control the situation by understanding what is true from what is false; failure of which will only leave you in a stickier situation.Here, we debunk five of the most widespread pest control myths to help you understand fact from fiction.

​Myth#1: Pests Mean That Your House is Unclean

While pests are generally attracted to dirty surroundings where they can scavenge food, their presence isn't restricted to dirty places. They can be found in clean homes for a stable food source. Once a pest or rodent has determined that they can find food within your dwelling, be sure that they'll find a way to infiltrate your home. They can make your pantry into a nesting ground or breed near your kitchen for easy food access.
Bed bugs are a great example of a pest that debunks this myth. Whether your home meets sanitary measures or not, if you contract a bed bug via your clothing, shoes, or bag, you will most likely introduce a pest infection within your home.

Myth #2: Cheese in Mice Traps Works Effectively Well

The idea that rodents such as mice and rats are attracted to cheese and dairy foods is an imaginary illusion created by cartoons we grew up watching. Majority of times when a cheese trap results in success is if the rodent has been forced to act desperate or let curiosity get the better of it.
Instead, you may have a much higher rate of success if you use fruit slices, honey, peanut butter, and sugary treats to tantalize their taste buds. On the other hand, meats such as bacon, sausage, or chunks have the same effect on rats. Therefore, when opting to trap a rodent, ensure to use these foods as they work well as bait and draws them out better than cheese.

Myth #3: Rodents That Consume Poison Will Eventually Find Their Way Outside and Die

Setting up a bait trap in your home can work against you, especially if laced with poison. Once a rat is drugged, it will take time for it to die; common rat poison can take up to 4 to 10 days to kill a rat. During this time, as the poison gets in effect, the rat will continue to rummage through your household until finally succumbing to it.
It will often die within warm spots in your home or near its nesting ground, such as the attic, behind kitchen appliances, or in burrows within the wall. By the time you come to realize its dead, you will be welcomed with a foul odor emanating from its decaying carcass.

Myth #4: Bug Zappers Diminish Mosquito Numbers

While bug zappers are effective in leading flies and other bugs to their demise, mosquitoes, on the other hand, are not as susceptible to its effects. This is because bug zappers utilize ultraviolet light to attract bugs before being zapped. Mosquitoes are attracted to heat signatures and carbon dioxide emitted by living organisms. Therefore, in drawing and killing mosquitoes with a bug zapper, the ultraviolet light would prove useless.
Furthermore, your common zapper may not have the juice to kill any bug which flies into the device. Instead, it may only draw in more insects, causing more harm than good. If you're seeking an effective way to control your local mosquito population, contact J.P.'s Termite & Pest Control, Inc. for adequate pest relief.

Myth #5: Not Sighting Any Pest Means You Don't Have Them

While most problematic pests can be easily spotted on the surface, bugs such as termites, silverfish, and roaches work in hidden spaces. These pests prefer burrowing into holes and walls while keeping a low profile as they breed. Furthermore, pests such as bed bugs are nocturnal and only come out to feed when you're probably asleep.
Therefore, just because you don't spot any pest around doesn't mean that you don't have a pest problem. If you were to scan through every nook and cranny, there's a high probability that you will spot some common pests, such as carpenter ants or roaches lingering around. Thus, to prevent a pest infestation, seek the services of J.P.'s Termite & Pest Control, Inc. for professional assistance.

ConclusionOne of the biggest challenges of dealing with bugs and rodents is adhering to the myths associated with pest control. If you find yourself with a pest problem, contact J.P.'s Termite & Pest Control, Inc. for all your fumigation needs.