Venice Pest Blog

Most people are aware that termites eat wood. The confusing part is why they seem to focus on certain homes and how some properties end up having problems while their neighbors don't. Although termites aren't as complex as humans and other lifeforms, they still exhibit distinctive, intricate behaviors. Here's what you should know about whether your building's wooden elements might be attracting them. Termites Are Opportunistic Like most other species, termites want to get the maximum benefit for the least amount of effort. If certain wood sources are harder or more dangerous to access, then they'll stick to easier food sources. Such tendencies give homeowners many different options for combatting termite incursions. For instance, these soft-bodied insects require moisture to keep themselves from drying out and dying. While they can build mud tubes to extend their reach, you're only making it easier for them if you let debris, vegetation or other...

If you are like a lot of people, you are planning to take an exciting trip for spring break so that you can have a great time. No matter your destination, you will need to take steps to stay safe while you are away from home if you don’t want to face unneeded problems. Not many things will ruin your trip as much as bedbugs, and most travelers won’t even know about the pests until they return home. You can keep bedbugs at bay when you follow the right tips, and you will be glad that you did. Keep Your Bags and Clothes Safe Since bedbugs won’t waste time when they have a chance to get into your bags or on your clothes, learning to keep your belongings out of harm’s way is a smart move. Bedbugs like to hide in mattresses, carpet and furniture, but you can place your bags on...

If you would like to give your lawn a bright, attractive look that will grab attention and stand out from the rest, you are probably wondering how to care for your lawn so that you can reach your goal. Taking the right steps will make your lawn remain vibrant all year, but you will need to put in a little work. A healthy lawn will not only make your yard look appealing, but it can also increase the value of your home, and the following guide will point you in the right direction.  Start in the Fall If you are like other homeowners, you might think that the first month of spring is the best time to care for your lawn, but you can make your job much easier by starting in the fall. The way that you treat your lawn before winter will impact how much work it will take to maintain...

If you no longer want to live under the threat of a fire ant invasion, it's important that you go on the offensive to give your home an adequate level of protection. These pesky insects are highly brazen, but they can't thrive when their mounds and colonies are being strategically attacked. This is why you'll benefit from utilizing the following tips. Remember the Basics Fire ants are omnivorous insects that rely on three things to survive: food, water and shelter. Without a reliable source of food and water, they will likely die within 12 or 24 hours. Therefore, you can make your home less vulnerable to a fire ant invasion by improving your sanitation methods. Focus on Your Indoor Environment  Make sure you clean the kitchen area and the pantry. After each meal, properly store away food containers and discard unwanted leftovers as soon as you can. If you come across...

Hurricanes can invite a mosquito infestation to the area, and this can happen in a relatively short amount of time after the storm. It is important to be aware of the dangers associated with mosquito infestations at any time, but this becomes even more critical following a major storm. These pests will not usually become a problem until the winds die down because they will not be able to lay eggs while there are strong winds blowing through the area.  Understanding Mosquito Infestations According to the Center for Disease Control, or CDC, mosquitoes will often lay their eggs within the wet ground that is extremely moist from flooding. Hurricanes provide these insects with many opportunities to lay eggs in places that are difficult to detect. This means that most people will be unable to either prevent or get rid of a mosquito infestation due to a hurricane. Mosquito bites are also...

With Thanksgiving around the corner, Venice Pest Control wants to take the time to thank our customers for a great year. This is a special time of year when friends and family come together to enjoy a good meal and to watch the game on TV. If pests invade your dinner, it can put a damper on the holiday. We're here with a few tips to help keep the pests away for your Thanksgiving Day gathering. 5 Ways to Stop Pests This Thanksgiving Break out the sealant. Pests have a sneaky habit of getting inside homes. Sometimes it's a crack in the foundation. Other times it's a gap around a door. No matter how they get inside, it's your job to block their entrances. Use a sealant or a foam barrier to block cracks and crevices and to keep pests out this holiday season. Stock food in a protected area. With...

Some pests invade our homes and make their presence known to an aggravating level, such as houseflies and gnats. Other pests prefer to stay hidden during the daytime and to come out at night in search of food and water, such as cockroaches and rats. When it comes to roach and rodent infestations, a question always seems to pop up: Which pest causes the most problems and should concern homeowners the most? Venice Pest Control has some useful information to help you make an informed decision and to take the appropriate measures. Roaches 101: The Ugly Truth Cockroaches have survived for millions of years and resist many over-the-counter pest control products. They breed by the hundreds in a short time and live in the recesses behind walls, under cabinets and inside boxes and personal belongings. Though many roach species exist in the world, the two most common species in the States...

Venice pest control is committed to providing our customers with the quality services they deserve and expect. Our team of experts are experienced and qualified to conduct a variety of examinations and procedures that will eliminate pest infestations from your property. We also offer a suite of peripheral services that can assist individuals who are dealing with outdoor infestations of pests, insects and other critters. Our customers have a lot to say about our services because we work closely with them to ensure complete satisfaction with the outcome. About Venice Pest Control Our company started operating in 1974 as a family business. The current owners of the company are all second and third generation members of the Lacher family, who began the company with a vision of bringing quality service to all of our customers. Our ability to receive customer input and feedback drives our self-improvement methods. We always seek to...

Ticks are a common blood-sucking pest. They're often found in grassy areas, but they can be carried into your home by family pets. Aside from being disgusting, these arthropods pose several health risks due to carrying a variety of diseases. Whether you've been out hiking or suspect a tick may have ridden indoors on your dog or cat, it's important to know how to recognize the signs of a tick bite. Symptoms of a Tick Bite Ticks secrete a substance that acts as a natural analgesic, allowing them to latch onto a host and feed on its blood for days. This means that you may not feel a tick bite or even know that you have a tick on you. This is why it's important to physically check yourself, your pets and your family members for ticks any time you suspect that you might have come into contact with one. Some...

Have you always wanted a lush, verdant lawn that is the envy of the whole neighborhood? You can't simply conjure up a beautiful lawn out of thin air, but with a bit of work and preparation, your yard can become the talk of the town. With spring now upon us and summer lurking just around the corner, there's no better time to get started. So, why wait? Roll up your sleeves and tackle these essential lawn care tips. Prepare for Growing Season As winter thaws into spring and eventually summer, your yard slowly shifts into high gear and enters its prime growing season. In order to take advantage of this transition, it's important to make a few key preparations. First, mow your lawn as short as possible and follow up with a thorough raking. This removes dead and aging grass as well as leaves, thatch and other debris, allowing maximum room...

When you picture the perfect July 4 barbecue, it will probably include many of your closest friends and family and, of course, fantastic food. Perhaps a sports event will be on a television there. Patriotic pride will likely be on display. However, in none of those images will there be insects or other pests settling down for their own serving, and we are here to help ensure that this will not be the case for you. Tips One thing that will help protect you and your guests is an insect repellent with DEET. Of course, make sure that it is applied far from any food sources. Note that this should be one of the few things you apply to your body as insects tend to be attracted to fragrances from perfume and shampoo. For the most part, candles should be avoided too if you are planning to have a barbecue at...

Thousands of people around the world come to Florida every year to bask in the sun and to enjoy the state's many venues like Walt Disney World. Unfortunately, the Sunshine State attracts many unwanted pests because of its tropical, humid climate. With Florida's high humidity, mosquitoes call this southernmost state home and create a nuisance for those who live and visit here. What Attracts Mosquitoes to Florida? It's not the heat that attracts mosquitoes but the high humidity. Florida has extreme humidity every day due to its subtropical climate. Thunderstorms build up during the extreme heat of the day and produce heavy rainfall, albeit for a short time. This rainfall leaves behind tiny puddles and fills up empty flowerpots and other containers in residential yards. Mosquitoes require water for breeding, and the afternoon storms offer ample places for the females to lay their eggs. You would think that the Florida sun...

Earth Day is the perfect occasion to give some extra care and attention to the trees throughout your property. If a tree has been planted within the last three years, it requires some extra care to make sure that it grows healthy and strong. The bald cyprus, black mangrove and longleaf pine are some of the most common types of trees that you will find in most yards in Charlotte and Sarasota Counties. One of the most effective and easiest things you can do to care for a younger tree is to make sure that it receives about 25 gallons of water per week. This is especially crucial during periods of less rainfall. If you do not have a professionally installed irrigation system for your trees and shrubs, you can also try using a large bucket with holes in it. Fill the bucket full of water, and then place it near...

In terms of termites, spring is the most dangerous time of the year. As the warm weather makes its comeback, thousands of termites leave their nests in search of new resource-rich settlements. If you aren’t prepared for a potential invasion, your home could be their next target. Why Termite Swarms Are Bad News It’s important to take spring’s termite swarms seriously because they signal the beginning of new infestations. While termites are active all year long, this is the peak time when reproductive colony members look for new nests of their own. Catching an infestation in its infancy can go a long way toward preventing significant structural damage down the road. Plus, more than just minimizing damages, staying on guard during the swarming season can mean avoiding a problem altogether. The easy three-step prep plan below is a great place to start. 1. Remove Wood DebrisTermites thrive on cellulose, a fibrous...

At Venice Pest Control, we often recommend KM Sentinel Ant Pro to our customers. This low-toxicity bait system was developed by a pest control expert from Sarasota County. Our team depends on Ant Pro to work effectively while posing the least risk to the environment. How the Ant Pro System Works KM Sentinel Ant Pro protects your property 24 hours a day. Unlike many insecticides, Ant Pro doesn't just kill the foraging ants that wander around your house and your yard. Because the bait contains such a small amount of borate salts, the material is transported back to the colony where it can reach the queen and the next generation of workers. The ants that you see above the ground represent a very small part of the colony. Unless the bait reaches the queen and the majority of the population, your problem will return. Ant Pro Advantages Efficacy and low toxicity...

When it comes to mice and other rodents, you simply cannot afford to mess around. These clever pests are persistent, destructive and downright dangerous. What Attracts Rodents to Your Home? Your home is a ready source of shelter, warmth, food and water, and rodents crave those things just as much as people do. They will enter your home through any gap that they can fit through, and if they find a gap that they cannot quite fit in, then they'll use their sharp teeth to enlarge it and gain entrance. Where Are Rodents Likely to Hide? Rodents seem to know that humans won't put out the welcome mat for them, so they do their best to not announce their presence. They spend the majority of their time in hidden places where people rarely go. These can include basements, crawlspaces, attics and the spaces behind walls. However, mice and other rodents often...

As the holiday season approaches, local residents are preparing for the festivities and making their shopping lists. When planning for the holidays, it is important to think about pests. Ants, cockroaches, mice and even bed bugs can become more problematic around the holidays. Here is some important information for keeping them away. What Attracts Holiday Pests? As temperatures cool, pests look for warmer places to spend the night. Spiders, ants, cockroaches and other pests that commonly live outdoors will try to get into your home. They often hit the jackpot during the holiday season because of the extra food. Most people buy or make more treats to keep or give to guests. These food remnants give the pests a good reason to stay and multiply. If you leave windows open or have cracks under exterior doors, pests can also enter your home this way. Even mice can enter through small cracks....

Five Tips: Keep Your Yard in Shape for Thanksgiving Venice Pest Control provides a variety of resources to residents in the areas of Charlotte and Sarasota, Florida. Five of the best methods for keeping your yard in top shape are basic and easy to remember. However, they can be difficult to implement when you get busy. For example, everyone knows that keeping clutter and trash from the lawn is important; however, this is something that can be overlooked during the Thanksgiving season.  Other busy times of the year can also make it easy to ignore the length of the grass. Make sure that your trash cans are always covered because any smell coming from the cans can attract small critters, which also invite ticks. Finally, you can make an appointment with a pest-control company for a lawn treatment that will prevent ticks from building their nests in your yard. In all...

5 Fall Tips For Tick Prevention Ticks are plentiful during the fall, and they can be one of the biggest health hazards for people who hike, spend time in parks or even do yard work. These are some important tips to follow as the invigorating fall weather arrives and the outdoors beckon. 5 Ways To Prevent Ticks This Fall 1. Whenever possible, walk on trails or paths. When you walk through tall grass or brush, you increase the risk of picking up ticks considerably regardless of preventative measures. Follow this advice even on your own property. Ticks can live on bushes and landscaping plants as well. Discourage kids from playing in piles of leaves. 2. Treat your clothing with permethrin. This substance is essential if you plan to hike or camp. Be sure that the solution has a minimum of 0.5 percent permethrin. Put it on boots, socks, pants, shirts and...

When you spend a lot of time making your yard look beautiful, you want to be able to enjoy picnics, barbecues, and other fun times outdoors without being attacked by mosquitoes. Since these pests are known to transmit serious diseases, it is vital to learn how to prevent these creatures from taking over your home. Besides spreading disease, individuals may have adverse reactions to mosquito bites. It is common for affected sites to suffer from mild irritation and inflammation. However, if a person is allergic, intense swelling may occur. If a person scratches a bite and causes an open wound, an infection may begin as well. Ways to Prevent Mosquitoes Stop Mosquitoes from Breeding. Mosquitoes breed in stagnate water. To avoid eggs from becoming a problem, it is best to eliminate all standing water from your home and yard. This includes unused pools, clogged gutters, ornamental ponds and bird baths, and...