Clean Now for a Pest-Free Spring!

A basket of cleaning supplies on a windowsill

In Albuquerque NM, spring brings renewal to the desert landscape, temperatures warm and wildflowers paint the once-arid desert. This time of year also means it’s time to freshen your home and plan for a deep spring clean. Spring cleaning has many benefits such as decreasing stress, reducing clutter and improving your overall mental and physical health. In addition to improving your health, spring cleaning is the perfect time to check for signs of spring pests in your home and take preventive measures to ensure your home is not attracting any unwanted guests. 

How to Prevent Pests in your Home

While you are cleaning and organizing your home, it is important to check areas where pests commonly hide for signs of an infestation like droppings, dead pests, wood shavings and egg casings. Below are a few steps to add to your cleaning routine that will help keep pests out of your home.

Thoroughly Clean Kitchens and Bathrooms

Kitchens are often ground zero for pest infestations. It is the area in your home with the highest availability of food and warm hiding spaces that many pests find attractive. When spring cleaning your kitchen it is important to clean areas where crumbs or spills are common. Clean under large appliances and cabinets. Food often gets stuck in these hard to reach areas making it an ideal place for pests to scavenge. 

Spring is also the perfect time to clean out your cabinets and throw away any expired or unwanted food. Pests such as rodents and ants are known to invade cluttered cabinets and get into your food. Ensure open food products are stored in airtight containers and keep an eye out for any holes or cracks where pests could enter.

Bathrooms are another area where pests are common. They are often attracted to easily available sources of water and are able to enter your home through drains or windows. While cleaning window sills and cabinets, check for holes around your windows and leaking pipes or faucets. Some pests will enter through drain pipes. Pouring bleach down your drain regularly will help deter any pests from entering.

Reduce Clutter

Clutter is the perfect hiding place for pests such as spiders, rodents or ants. They will use clutter as a place to hide or build their nests. Reducing clutter within your home not only makes your house look cleaner and decreases stress but it will also make your home less hospitable to a variety of pests. 

In addition to reducing clutter within your home, you should also clean any clutter around the outside of your home as well. Some pests will be attracted to piles of leaves or grass clippings you may have in your yard. Make sure to dispose of any unwanted organic matter in your yard as you landscape in preparation for summer.

Mosquitos thrive in a cluttered yard. They are attracted to standing water that can form in places like buckets, tarps and kid’s toys. Emptying and tidying any areas with standing water will help keep mosquitoes from swarming your yard in the spring and summer.

Inspect the Exterior of Your Home

Pests often enter through small holes or cracks in the exterior of your home. Examine your foundation and walls for any possible entrance points before vegetation begins to grow in the spring and possibly hide any defects. Make sure to seal any holes or cracks with a sealant. This is also the best time to look for signs of termite or carpenter ants on the exterior of your home.

Spring Preventative Pest Maintenance 

Pests become more active during the spring as the outside temperatures rise. While spring cleaning can help keep pests at bay the best way to ensure pests do not invade your home is by calling the experts at Pest Defense Solutions. With over 10 years of experience, our technicians are able to expertly identify areas where pests may enter your home and help create a plan to keep your home pest free all year long. Get started with your free quote today!

How Extreme Weather Attracts Pests

Raindrops falling into a puddle on the sidewalk

With hot summers and relatively low annual precipitation, New Mexico is loved for its annual abundance of sunshine. However, our weather isn’t always perfect. Each year, cities across the state experience a variety of extreme weather conditions such as thunderstorms, heavy rain, or severe droughts.

Serious storms can be hazardous and destructive. But, most people overlook one major factor that can contribute to long-term property damage: pest infestations. By significantly altering their natural habitat, severe weather conditions can push pests out of their homes and into yours. Understanding how extreme weather attracts pests can help you protect your property from infestations, even in the face of an unexpected storm.

How Weather Influences Pest Behavior

Most rodents and insects rely heavily on their surroundings to survive. So, any rapid change in their environment will have a lasting impact on their regular habits. That said, it’s important to note that each species is different. Some pests thrive in hot and dry conditions, while others need moisture and cool shade to survive. Here are the two main environmental factors that influence pest behavior:

Temperature

A lot of pests depend on annual temperature patterns for key parts of their life cycle. For example, many insects will begin reproducing when the weather heats up in the summer, and most rodents will seek shelter and start nesting as things cool off in the early fall. A sudden dip or spike in the temperature during a severe weather event could alter pest behavior by:

  • Decreasing pest populations: Insects in particular are heavily influenced by temperature, largely because they are ectothermic and unable to produce any body heat of their own. For that reason, a large number of insects may die off during freezing conditions. While this can help control the populations of some unwanted pests, such as mosquitoes, it could also negatively impact the local environment by killing off beneficial critters such as bumblebees.
  • Increasing indoor infestations: Whether things get severely hot or cold, rapid weather changes may encourage pests to seek shelter indoors. Since our homes and businesses are temperature controlled, they become the ideal hiding place for pests who are unable to survive in the harsh outdoor conditions. 
  • Growing certain pest populations: Here in New Mexico, heat waves are a pretty common occurrence – especially in the summer. Some pests thrive in warm conditions, which could cause them to become more active or reproduce longer into the season.
  • Heightening pest aggression: Though some pests thrive in warm environments, extreme heat can dry out the landscape. Without moisture, the pests may die off or become desperate for survival. In their desperation, certain species – such as wasps – may become more aggressive toward humans.

Heavy Rains or Flooding

From April to July, many areas in New Mexico experience serious rainfall or thunderstorms. Particularly if the rain leads to flooding, these types of storms may lead to a sudden increase in insect and rodent activity. Excess water can influence pest behavior by:

  • Washing away or destroying nests: Even if the flooding doesn’t seem severe to you, a small stream of water is all it takes to flood out an ant nest or mouse burrow. Any displaced pests will search for shelter elsewhere, which could lead them into your property. 
  • Providing a place for some species to breed: Mosquitoes only require a half-inch of stagnant water to reproduce. Puddles leftover from serious rainfall could provide the perfect environment for these types of pests to thrive, leading to a sharp increase in their populations. 

Droughts

Summers here are long, hot, and dry. Though many of our local pests have adapted to withstand the heat, they still need water to survive. Droughts can kill off pests that don’t have access to water, and the dryness may ultimately lead to more indoor infestations. During a drought, our homes have more water than the rest of the environment. From leaky pipes to lawn sprinklers, it’s important to be aware that any moisture could attract a whole slew of pests when it’s dry outside.

How to Prevent Pests During Extreme Weather

Pests can be a major issue for home and business owners. From property damage to health risks, unwanted critters are the last thing you want to deal with during a serious storm. Though extreme weather can attract pests to your property, there are several steps you can take to prevent them from getting indoors:

  • Fix broken window or door screens
  • Repair worn-out weather stripping
  • Seal off any cracks and gaps that lead into your home
  • Repair leaky pipes, dripping faucets, or other plumbing issues
  • Get professional pest control services

Infestations can be stressful to deal with any time, but they are particularly difficult to handle on top of a serious storm. If you want help protecting your property from pests no matter the weather, turn to the experts at Pest Defense Solutions! With over 15 years serving the Albuquerque area, our highly trained technicians know how to handle any local rodents or insects that you may be dealing with. We strive to deliver reliable, long-lasting results that you can depend on. Get started with your free quote today! 

Getting Rid of Ants in Your Bathroom

Ants in a bathroom in Albuquerque NM - Pest Defense Solutions

Many different kinds of ants are alive and thriving around Albuquerque NM. You can count on them to start attacking your home from every angle after a new rain or a dramatic temperature swing, jarred by new conditions and in search of food, water, and shelter.

When ants infest your home, they will likely find everything that they need to survive. But why is this, and what can you do about it? Read on to learn from the ant removal and extermination experts at Pest Defense Solutions!

Why Are Ants Taking Over My Bathroom?

Ants can find all of the moisture and water that they need to hydrate themselves in your bathroom, as well as shelter in cabinets and walls. Pooling water on your floor, in your sink, or in your shower can afford ants an easily accessible water source close to their hiding place. Carpenter ants are notorious for infesting bathrooms because of the likelihood of finding water-damaged wood to tunnel through to get there. However, all kinds of ants find bathrooms to be suitable temporary shelters. They usually get inside our bathrooms in these ways:

  • Gaps around windows and doors
  • Holes near plumbing fixtures
  • Cracks in your walls and foundation
  • Ventilation system openings

The ants in your bathroom also could have come from another room in your house, so it’s important that you try to figure out where their trail is rooted.

Getting Rid of Bathroom Ants

Finding out where your ant trail is coming from is the most important part of ant control. This is because you will not be able to stop the flow of ants without eliminating the colony they’re coming from. The tricky part about figuring this out is that ants often travel through tiny cracks coming from walls and other inaccessible areas. This makes ant prevention a crucial measure. We recommend working to prevent ants in these ways:

  1. Closing all of your windows and doors, making sure they’re sealed
  2. Replacing wood that has been water damaged
  3. Moving mulch further away from your siding and keeping plants away from your home’s exterior
  4. Sealing cracks on the outside of your home with a silicone-based caulk
  5. Making sure your bathroom is well-ventilated

Best Ant Control in Albuquerque NM

If you’re already mid-infestation and need help getting rid of your ants, it’s time to call up your local pest control company. Our ant extermination team at Pest Defense Solutions is intimately familiar with the habits of all ant species living around Albuquerque NM. We can inspect your property to develop a plan that will have your bathroom and home free of ants in no time. Reach out today to learn more about our services and receive a free estimate!

6 Tips to Prevent Pests in Your Patio

Tips to stay pest-free in your Albuquerque NM backyard - Pest Defense Solutions

Whether you’ve had mosquitoes in your gutters or ants all over your barbeque, you know that pest problems can develop in a flash in your backyard. When the sun comes out for spring again, we all look to get out doors more often, but pests can quickly ruin your time spent outside. This is why it’s so important to learn how to make your property less attractive to pests in the first place. At Pest Defense Solutions, we know that pest problems riddle Albuquerque homes all year long. With our commitment to ensuring our customers are pest-free* both inside and outside their homes, we’re sharing our top tips to prevent pests in your patio.

Pests to Lookout For in Your Outdoor Living Space

If you have an outdoor living space, you can be sure pests are going to explore it! Many pests are a nuisance to deal with, but a few can be more dangerous for you and your family. The pests you’ll see in your yard are mosquitoes, stinging insects (bees, wasps, and hornets), ants, spiders, ticks, fleas, and flies. Ticks and mosquitoes are especially concerning for their ability to transmit dangerous diseases to humans. Because these pests in particular are quite difficult to get rid of without a barrier treatment, it’s important to consult a professional exterminator if you are seeing either of these parasitic pests daily.

Tips to Prevent Pests in Backyard Patios

Pests are always a nuisance, but as we know, they can be dangerous, too. Mosquitoes, ticks, and stinging insects are three of the most common pest problems in backyards in spring. To help pest-proof your property from these bugs and more, you can do the following:

  • Trim your lawn and shrubs. Overgrown vegetation provides mosquitoes and ticks with shelter.
  • Search for ant hills and wasp nests. Even the tiniest nest can contain thousands of stinging insects.
  • Examine wood structures. Termites and carpenter bees will damage wooden decks or porches.
  • Cover or pour out standing water. Mosquitoes only need a half inch of standing water to breed.
  • Use an insect repellent. Insect repellent containing DEET will help repel mosquitoes and ticks.
  • Clean your patio or space regularly. Crumbs or spilled liquids will attract ants and other insects.

How to Get Rid of Pests in Your Backyard

Whether you have spotted a nest forming on your deck, an ant hill near your garden, or mosquitoes swarming your yard, it’s best to contact your local exterminator for help getting rid of them. At Pest Defense Solutions, we are dedicated to providing you with pest-free* outdoor living. Contact us today to learn more and get a free quote!

5 Easy Tips to Prevent Pests in Your Kitchen

Ants are a common kitchen pest problem in Albuquerque NM homes - Pest Defense Solutions

From family gatherings and birthday parties to get-togethers with friends and holiday baking days, a kitchen is the hub of any home. No matter how often you use your kitchen, it’s imperative to keep your surroundings clean and sanitized. One of the biggest threats to the cleanliness of your home is a pest infestation. Unfortunately, kitchens are somewhat of a haven for pests with the endless access to food and water. To prevent pests in your kitchen, it’s important to be proactive about making sure your environment doesn’t attract bugs in the first place. The experts at Pest Defense Solutions are here to help with six easy tips for a pest-free* kitchen—read on to learn more!

What Pests Infest Kitchens?

Both residential and commercial kitchens can be prone to all types of pest problems. The most common pests we see infesting kitchens here in Albuquerque NM are:

  • Pantry pests. True to name, these moths, beetles, and bugs infest dried goods and foods in your pantry, which can be any baker’s worst nightmare.
  • Ants. A small ant problem can quickly turn into a large one if ants have found a source of food or water in your kitchen
  • Cockroaches. Roaches love filth and feed on sewer and drain sludge. Many species love to hide behind appliances and are especially troublesome in the food service industry.
  • Flies. From drain flies to fungus gnats, flies can be a true nuisance in the kitchen and can affect your business’ reputation.
  • Rodents. Attracted to warmth and food, small house mice can take shelter behind your appliances and are attracted to food crumbs and garbage.

Infographic on preventing kitchen pests in Albuquerque NM - Pest Defense Solutions

Tips to Keep Pests Out of Your Kitchen

Keeping a pest-free* kitchen requires knowledge of what attracts them in the first place. The best tips to prevent pests around your sink, pantry, or other appliances are:

  1. Maintain a clean kitchen. Always clean up after meals and avoid crumbs and spills. Clean your floors regularly and avoid clutter.
  2. Seal cracks and fix leaks. Inspect your kitchen for leaky pipes or crevices around your windows. Seal off or repair issues as necessary.
  3. Organize. It’s important to seal all dried goods and foods in airtight containers. Regularly go through your pantry and keep things organized.
  4. Check your groceries. When buying certain goods at the store, inspect food items for tears or signs of damage to avoid pantry pests.
  5. Clean up after your pet. All types of pests love pet food! Store in airtight containers and never leave food bowls out overnight.

Kitchen Pest Control Services in Albuquerque NM

An infestation in your kitchen isn’t just gross—it’s dangerous! Pests can contaminate food and transmit dangerous diseases, making it all the more important to have a clean, pest-free* kitchen. If you’ve done all you can and are still seeing pests around your appliances, it’s time to team up with the experts at Pest Defense Solutions. Contact us today to get started!

What Pests Are Attracted to Leaky Pipes?

Cockroaches are known to linger in pipes and plumbing in Albuquerque NM - Pest Defense Solutions

Discovering you have a plumbing issue or water leak in your home is one of the worst things a homeowner can experience. One of the other worst things? A pest infestation! Unfortunately, these two instances often go hand in hand. This is because insects and other pests are attracted to areas with excessive moisture. Needless to say, one broken water pipe or even a leak can quickly lead to pests coming out of the woodworks and into your home. For this reason, it’s important to always be on the lookout for leaky pipes or issues in your home if you want to prevent pest problems as well. The experts at Pest Defense Solutions are here to tell you everything you need to know about leaky pipes and pests in your Albuquerque home.

Pests Attracted to Water

Water is one of the main pest attractants. While most need water just for survival, many others are drawn to the environment caused by excess moisture. The four most common pests that are known to dwell in areas with excess moisture are as follows:

  1. Termites: If a broken pipe has caused water damage in the very structure of your home, you can be sure termites are to follow. Subterranean termites in particular are attracted to moist wood and soil. When there are unattended-to leaky pipes or plumbing issues, you could be leaving your home vulnerable to termites.
  2. Ants: These tiny pests will appear seemingly out of nowhere when excess moisture is abundant. Leaky faucets or spilled water from a pet’s bowl can bring ants out in the hundreds. In addition to your typical house ant, water can be a main attractant to the wood-destroying carpenter ant as well.
  3. Cockroaches: Roaches may be known for their resiliency, but they aren’t as strong as you’d think. Without water for a week, a roach will not survive. Cockroaches also love to linger inside of pipes and plumbing fixtures. An issue can quickly introduce roaches into other parts of the house.
  4. Rodents: Rats and mice alike are always looking for a water supply. Leaky pipes or broken faucets in your crawl space or laundry room can provide a haven for rodents. The last thing you want is rodents scurrying around when you have a plumbing issue, making it important to prevent them.

How to Prevent Leaky Pipes

Preventing pests requires preventing the conditions that would attract them in the first place. Always be on the lookout for signs of excess moisture in your home. Regularly inspect to ensure your faucets aren’t dripping, your drains aren’t clogging, and there are no leaks from your fridge, washing machine, or dishwasher. If there are problems, get them fixed right away with professional help. Additionally, consider running a dehumidifier in areas of your home that are more prone to moisture!

Leaky Pipes & Pests in Albuquerque Homes

The last thing you want is a full-blown infestation, making it important to contact your local exterminator after noticing a pest problem. At Pest Defense Solutions, we will work hard to get rid of any pest problems and provide you with tips to prevent future ones.

Why Do I Suddenly Have Ants?

Why Do I Suddenly Have Ants in my Albuquerque home? Pest Defense Solutions

Out of all pest problems, ants can be one of the most confounding. This is in part due to the fact that an ant infestation can seemingly appear out of nowhere overnight. While this might seem to be the case, an ant problem can always be discovered—and stopped—in its early stages. The key is to know where ant infestations can start and how to make your property less attractive to them in the first place. In doing so, you can avoid the sudden discovery of these pests in your Albuquerque NM home. The ant control experts at Pest Defense Solutions are here to share all you need to know about how ant infestations suddenly start—read on to learn more.

Where Are Ants Nesting in My House?

There are certain spots in your house that are more susceptible to ant problems than others. The most common places to find ants include kitchens, bathrooms, and in your garden. Ants will find their way into your home in search of food and water. As soon as they find what they’re looking for, ants will leave a pheromone trail for their colony to follow suit. Before you know it, a small ant problem can turn into a big infestation. An ant colony can nest in the walls of your home, and crawl into your various rooms through cracks and crevices. This makes it even more difficult to find the root of the ant problem.

Ant hotspots in Albuquerque NM homes - Pest Defense Solutions

3 Steps to Avoid Suddenly Having Ants

No one wants to wake up to a random ant problem. To make your property less attractive to the pests, you can take just the three following steps.

  1. Avoid crumbs and food spills. Ants have a sweet tooth. Crumbs on your floor, even pet food, can be a huge draw for ants. To prevent ants, it’s important to regularly clean up spills and vacuum on a regular basis to deny them access to any of your food.
  2. Eliminate excess moisture. Especially in your bathrooms, crawl space, or bathrooms, excess moisture from leaky pipes or plumbing issues can attract ants. Always fix leaks and other moisture problems as quickly as possible.
  3. Seal up cracks and crevices. Ants will make use of the tiniest cracks or holes to get inside, especially at the base of your foundation. Annually, inspect your home for these tiny openings and consider sealing them with caulk.

I Suddenly Have Ants—What Now?

The key to ant control is prevention. So when you have a serious infestation already underway, it’s crucial to get in touch with your local ant exterminators. At Pest Defense Solutions, our ant control specialists will work to determine where the ants are getting inside in the first place. Our goal is to keep your property impenetrable to ants, year-round. Contact us today to get started!

Afraid of Rodents and Bugs? 2021 May Not Be Your Year

Pest defense solutions logo

Entomologists from Pest Defense Solutions’ parent company, Rentokil Provide their Pest Predictions for 2021

READING, Penn. (Jan. 4, 2021) — As if 2020 didn’t present enough challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, 2021 could be a banner year for pests around the country.

To help residents prepare for 2021, entomologists from Rentokil used field knowledge and data to provide their predictions for pests in the upcoming year.

1. Rodents, Rodents Everywhere:

With shutdowns across the country, it’s no surprise that rodents are on the rise nationwide. Empty buildings, the scarcity of food and warmer winters have combined to create a rodent apocalypse.

“We’re seeing more rats in urban, suburban and rural settings because of the shutdowns,” said Marc Potzler, Board Certified Entomologist. “Food sources are cut off, and rats are having to travel to scavenge for food. We’ve seen rats out in public during the day, which is highly unusual.”

Warmer winters have also allowed for mice populations to boom in residential areas as it allows for a longer breeding season and there is a lower population loss due to hard freezes.

“Right now is the perfect time to rodent-proof your home,” said Potzler. “Make sure to repair any gaps on the exterior of your home, such as around garage doors, windows or pipes.”

2. Mosquitoes on the Move:

Mosquitoes populations have been increasing over the last few years. Aedes species, which are disease-carrying mosquitoes, are also moving to new areas. These mosquitoes can carry West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and Zika virus, among other diseases.

“There is an increase of mosquitoes across the country, but notably on the West Coast, and they are adapting each year,” said Eric Sebring, Associate Certified Entomologist. “We have seen evidence of behavior adaptation, where mosquitoes lay their eggs strategically to hatch throughout the season.”

Protect yourself and your family from mosquitoes by removing any standing water on your property. Mosquitoes can breed in as little as one teaspoon of water. Also, wear EPA-approved insect repellent while spending time outside.

3. Bed Bugs:

The chatter about bed bugs was quiet in 2020, but that’s not because they have gone away.

“As people begin to travel again, we will start to hear about bed bug infestations,” said Sebring. “Bed bugs can be dormant for several months at a time, so they can emerge when a food source, humans, become available.”

Bed bugs are considered hitchhikers, traveling from place to place on people, luggage, clothing and other personal belongings. Homeowners and businesses such as hotels, colleges, hospitals, senior living facilities, retail stores, and libraries have experienced problems with bed bugs.

If traveling, inspect the bed by pulling back the sheets to examine the mattress. Check your luggage before packing and unpacking, and look for signs of living or dead bugs the size of an apple seed or black fecal smears.

4. More Time Outdoors = More Pests.

From hiking to gardening to dining al fresco, there is no doubt that the pandemic has forced people to spend more time outdoors.

In 2021, we will see the outdoor pest pressures continue:

Ticks: Ticks are responsible for transmitting several diseases, including Lyme disease, to humans and animals. These small insects are found in grassy areas and in the woods, so it is important to inspect yourself and your pets after spending time outdoors. Cover as much skin as possible while outdoors, wear long pants, long sleeves, closed-toed shoes, and tuck pant legs into socks. Light-colored clothing will also help any ticks you pick up stand out.

Ants: “As soon as the weather starts to warm up, we will see an increase in ant populations,” said Tom Dobrinska, Board Certified Entomologist. “Most of the ants we are dealing with are odorous house ants. When spending time outside, make sure to clean up any food, water or sugary substances and ensure that your home is free of any holes or cracks for them to enter.”

Stinging Insects: Stinging insects, such as wasps and yellow jackets, emerge at the first sign of warm weather, and as warm weather seasons are getting longer, stinging insects have more time to create issues. Make sure you check for nests early in the spring as they are smaller and get early nest treatment. Make sure to keep windows and doors shut, and secure outside bins so stinging insects are not attracted to the contents.

5. Termites Aren’t Going Anywhere

Termites are a pesky problem, and unfortunately, are not going anywhere. Termites can cause extensive damage to structures, especially homes. As people are moving out of cities during the pandemic to more suburban areas, education about termite protection is key.

“We received more calls for termites this past year than we have in many years,” said Potzler. “It’s important to raise awareness for homeowners now to have proactive protection to keep from costly repairs in the future.”

6. Pests in the News:

There are a few pests that will continue to steal the limelight in 2021.

The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug is an invasive pest that has been making its way across the country since it was first introduced from Asia in 2001. Besides its pungent odor, this stink bug has become a nuisance for homeowners as it gathers in large numbers on the sides of houses and buildings and enters through small cracks in the home. “The brown marmorated stink bug is here to stay,” said Dobrinska. “We will continue to see this species emerge in late spring in large numbers.”

The Spotted Lanternfly will continue to wreak havoc across the Northeast and beyond. The invasive pest, first found in Pennsylvania in 2014, is spreading across the Northeast, with New York reporting its first sighting this year. The pest can significantly damage trees and plants.

“The Spotted Lanternfly is becoming a big problem in the Northeast, and it will continue to spread,” said Potzler. “It can be devastating for agriculture and is a nuisance for homeowners.”

The egg masses look like a smear of mud on trees and outside of homes. It’s important to scrape the egg mass off, put it in a bag with rubbing alcohol and throw it away, and then call the state department of agriculture.

The infamous “Murder Hornet,” also known as the Asian giant hornet, grabbed many headlines, causing homeowners to panic trying to decipher the difference between stinging insects in their yards and this aggressive species. The Asian giant hornet is the largest hornet species in the world, growing up to 3 inches in length. Currently, the Asian giant hornet has only been found in the Pacific Northwest.

“We know that there was one colony found and eliminated in Washington State,” said Sebring. “Unfortunately, if there is one, there will be more.”

While your chances of being stung by an Asian giant hornet are fairly low, the sting can be dangerous as the venom volume is higher, causing more pain. The hives are primarily built underground or in hollows in trees. If you suspect it is an Asian giant hornet or any stinging pests, call your pest management provider to assess the situation as soon as you spot activity.

What is Pest Seasonality?

Ants are a common seasonal pest in Albuquerque NM - Pest Defense Solutions

Here in Albuquerque NM, we deal with pest problems all year long. Of course, spring and summer sees an increase in pest activity, but pests are active in the fall and winter months as well. Pest seasonality is a term used to describe pest activity in fall, winter, spring, and summer. In order to better prepare yourself for an infestation, it’s important to know what pests are most common during different parts of the year. Following information released by the NPMA, the team at Pest Defense Solutions is here to share need-to-know info on pest seasonality in our area.

Pests in the Fall and Winter Months

Our mild and wet summer may mean a longer mosquito and tick season that may last through the fall months. Because we don’t experience the harsh cold winters that many parts of the country do, we can expect to deal with pest infestations through the winter months. One of the biggest pest threats this time of year is rodents, who will seek out shelter indoors this time of year. Ants and cockroaches may also find a way inside to seek out moisture that they may be lacking outside.

Winter pests in the South Central United States map
Rodent
Fly
Mosquito
Ant
Cockroach

Spring & Summer Pests in Albuquerque

Every spring and summer, you can expect pest activity to rise again. Our weather encourages all types of pests to reproduce and thrive throughout most of the year. Here’s the ones to look out for:

  • Flies. While mostly a nuisance, fly populations boom in the summertime and can quickly ruin your outdoor events.
  • Stinging insects. Bees, wasps, and hornets will construct nests near residential properties and can be a threat to families.
  • Termites. Our climate is a haven for termites, who swarm in the spring and are at full force in the summertime.
  • Mosquitoes. Mosquitoes lay a lot of eggs in standing water during the summer months, which is when they’re most problematic.

Pest Seasonality Prevention and Control

No matter what season it is, you don’t want to deal with a pest problem. The best way to prevent seasonal pests is to work with a professional pest control company that can protect you year-round. At Pest Defense Solutions, our exterminators will work with you to determine a custom pest control plan suited to the unique needs of your home.

8 Tips for Ant-Proofing Your Home

Sweeping your floor is a top ant-proofing tip for your home in Albuqueque NM - Pest Defense Solutions

Every spring in the Albuquerque area, ants start to show up more in homes. But why? After overwintering, warming temperatures encourage worker ants out of their nests in search of food and water. To prevent them from finding your home as a suitable home now is the time for ant-proofing! Once ant infestations start, they can be difficult to get rid of. For that reason, it’s best to do all you can to prevent them in the first place.

The team at Pest Defense Solutions has gathered their top ant-proofing tips to help you keep ants away in the coming months.

What Draws Ants?

Similar to many other types of pests, ants will seek out food and water sources. This makes kitchens particularly vulnerable to infestations. Any crumbs left on countertops and floors will invite ants for a feast. These pests are also attracted to excess moisture. They will be drawn to leaky faucets or pipes that have created a humid environment. For the most part, ants make their way indoors through tiny cracks and crevices. When they find food and water inside a property, they will be compelled to stay and spread.

Best Ant-Proofing Tips

Ants can be unpredictable and difficult to control, but there are a few ways you can possibly lessen the risk of getting an infestation. Implement the following tips into your regular home maintenance routine:

  1. Thoroughly inspect your property for cracks or crevices, and seal any you find with a silicone-based caulk.
  2. Keep pet foods clean and promptly clean up spills. Always pick up pet bowls off the floor after meals.
  3. Ensure downspouts and gutters are all functioning properly so that water is flowing away from the foundation.
  4. Check under sinks for excess moisture problems and repair leaky pipes promptly.
  5. Make sure to trim trees and shrubbery in your yard to be at least 6 inches away from the home.
  6. Sweep or vacuum your floors and wipe down surfaces regularly to clean up spills and remove crumbs.
  7. Store food (pet food included) in airtight containers and place ripe fruit in your fridge.
  8. Dispose of garbage on a regular basis and use trash cans with a tight-fitting lid.

What to Do When You Have Ants

If you’ve done everything you can to prevent ants and still are noticing them along with your kitchen counters or baseboards, it’s time to call an ant exterminator. At Pest Defense Solutions, our experts have the experience needed to control your problem quickly and help you keep ants out for good.