As mosquito season ramps up, several cases of Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE) have been reported in horses in North Carolina. The four horses were located in Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, and Durham counties. The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) says these are the first cases of EEE reported this year.
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Pestech of Greenville, Inc. is sharing information to protect your animals from deadly mosquito-borne diseases. Experts say EEE and West Nile Virus (WNV) could be more prevalent during the 2020 season due to the recent mild winter.

​Along with vaccination, your East Coast Extermination Professionals at Pestech of Greenville, are reminding homeowners that they can go an extra step in protecting their animals and their families. Our integrated pest management team is able to reduce the mosquito population on your property with many methods. We are fully licensed and insured to spray North Carolina-approved larvicide pellets and insecticide mists to kill adult mosquitoes and prevent mosquito larvae from hatching. These services utilize superior products applied in strategic locations to solve the problems, while limiting the exposure of any toxins to your animals. We use products and mists that keep our environment safe while delivering high-class service. 

In addition to finding and eliminating breeding grounds for mosquitoes, our technicians are able to tell homeowners how they can continue to maintain a safe environment. After a mosquito control treatment from Pestech of Greenville, we suggest that horse owners use the following methods to maintain safety and effectiveness until it’s time for their next treatment:

• Remove standing water in farm equipment, buckets, water bowls, etc. 
• Maximize soil drainage around equipment and stables so water doesn’t collect
• Be aware of equine activity especially in the early morning and early evening hours
• Apply permethrin-based insecticide to individual horses
• Use fly sheets to protect horses from being bitten during pasture turnout
• Place fans inside barns or stalls to increase air movement

According to the North Carolina Quarter Horse Association, there are over 300,000 horses in all 100 counties. These horses are housed at over 53,000 households and equine operations. In addition, a study commissioned by the North Carolina General Assembly, found the annual economic impact of the equine industry in North Carolina to be approximately $1.9 billion dollars. Given the importance and economic impact of this industry, Pestech of Greenville wants to encourage owners to do everything they can to prevent these illnesses in their animals.
 
Last year, state officials say there were only two reported cases of EEE in horses in North Carolina. Already this season, with four cases reported, there is added concern to educate horse owners. In a news release from the NCDA&CS, EEE causes inflammation or swelling of the brain and spinal cord and is usually fatal. Symptoms include impaired vision, aimless wandering, head pressing, circling, inability to swallow, irregular staggering gait, paralysis, convulsions and death. Once a horse is bitten by an infected mosquito, it may take anywhere from three to 10 days for signs of the disease to appear.

​As we continue through the Atlantic Hurricane Season in eastern North Carolina, Pestech of Greenville is sharing important information on preventing pests after a storm. Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30 of each year. During this time, the North Carolina’s coastal communities and even inland regions are known to experience heavy rain, wind, storm surge, and flooding. We recently posted a blog about how you can prepare your homes and properties ahead of a storm with pest prevention in mind. Just as you prepare for a potential severe weather event, we also have several suggestions after a storm and as you move through the recovery process to minimize bugs and rodent issues.

Hurricanes and storms are known to cause debris on property. Vegetative debris creates the perfect home for many insects and pests who are looking for shelter. This can include downed trees, broken limbs, and brush.

The North Carolina Emergency Management Department recommends separating debris into three different piles when you clean up your yard. 

• Limbs/brush/leaves
• Household trash
• Other materials

Vegetative: Dispose of these types separately and safely. Carefully check this type of debris for animals or insects living within the cracks and crevices. Then, place limbs, brush, and leaves at your curb for trash pickup. When doing so, be sure not to block roadways, fire hydrants and utility boxes. Local officials can provide information on removal procedures so be sure to check with your municipality. 

Household Trash: When it comes to household trash, you’ll want to dispose of it quickly to prevent pests from lingering. As we explained in our previous blog about preparation for a storm, if trash ends up in yards or on roads, insects like flies and rodents like rats, will be attracted to it. If you see trash on your property, it is important to pick it up immediately.If your power went out during the storm, you’ll also want to remove spoiled food from your refrigerator and/or freezer. Spoiled food and trash should quickly be taken to your local waste collection site.

Other Materials: If you have other materials or potentially hazardous waste to dispose, check with your city or town for guidelines and regulations.
 
If you choose to burn debris, state officials say to limit open burning and never burn trash, lumber, tires, plastics and other man-made materials. Click here to read the North Carolina Emergency Management Debris Removal Guide. 

After the storm, carefully check your home and property. You’ll want to inspect for roof, siding, window and door damage. If you notice cracks or holes, seal them immediately to prevent pests from entering. If you're missing flashing, gutters, or shingles, those will all need to be replaced as well. Be sure to take photos of damage and document the conditions so you can report a claim with your insurance company.

As you assess your property, be aware of any potential wildlife that may have entered your homes. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, animals like snakes, rats, squirrels, and various insects have been encountered in homes after hurricanes. Click here to learn more from the CDC about rodent control after a natural disaster.

Pestech of Greenville encourages homeowners and renters to remove standing water from their properties throughout the year. This is encouraged as a way to prevent breeding grounds for mosquitoes. However, after a hurricane, it is especially important to quickly remove standing water from various areas of your property. It doesn’t take a lot of water to become the perfect place for mosquitoes to breed and populate. After a hurricane, be sure to remove water from puddles, flower pots, buckets, rain barrels, bird baths, pet bowls, discarded tires, lids, tarps, and grill covers. 

Speaking of water, unfortunately, hurricanes can cause significant flooding in homes. Homeowners and renters insurance plans typically don’t cover flood damage. Without flood insurance, most residents have to pay out of pocket or take out loans to repair and replace damaged items. With flood insurance, you’re able to recover much faster. If you’d like to learn more about flood insurance and your flood risk, click here to visit North Carolina’s free property risk resource website.

Our fully licensed integrated pest control team at Pestech of Greenville can conduct a full interior and exterior survey of your house or other property. With a thorough inspection, our technicians can point out any problems or issues that need to be addressed after a hurricane or storm.

In the past, our specialists have pointed out structural damage, cracks that can allow pests to enter, and holes where moisture can seep in. Our team is also knowledgeable about identifying issues including ants, termites, and other wood destroying insects. No matter your pest problem or concern, Pestech of Greenville, Inc. is here to help. Our experts can assist in your various pest management needs. Give us a call at 252-353-4760 for a free estimate. Your East Coast pest management professionals are honored to serve you.

As we know in North Carolina, storms and hurricanes are known to cause significant damage to communities, properties, and homes. Ahead of any potential severe weather event, Pestech of Greenville encourages everyone to make sure they are prepared in various ways. The Eastern North Carolina region is prone to heavy rain, wind, storm surge, flooding, and much more during hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30 of each year.

​In addition to having an emergency kit ready and being knowledgeable about an evacuation route, property owners should also develop a plan for getting their homes and businesses ready. Our pest control experts say during severe weather events and natural disasters, it is common to see a rise in pest and rodent problems. There are many reasons why, including:

• Downed trees force pests from their homes
• Flooding and standing water force pests to seek higher ground
• Windy and soggy conditions force pests to find a drier environment

As a way to prevent pests from seeking shelter in your home, garage, shed, etc., here are three simple ways that you can protect your property before a storm:

​Our fully licensed integrated pest control team can conduct a full interior and exterior survey of your house or other property. With a thorough inspection, our technicians can point out any problems or issues that need to be addressed. In the past, our specialists have pointed out structural damage that could worsen with a storm, cracks that can allow pests to enter, and holes where moisture can seep in. Our team is also knowledgeable about identifying current pest issues including ants, termites, and other wood destroying insects. 

No matter your pest problem, Pestech of Greenville, Inc. is here to help. Our experts can assist in your various pest management needs. Give us a call at 252-353-4760 for a free estimate. Your East Coast pest management professionals are honored to serve you.

​Throughout the year, we encourage homeowners to conduct routine maintenance on their homes regularly. During hurricane season or ahead of a severe weather event, it turns into a necessity. Mosquitoes are known to breed in standing water, which means that they are extremely common after storms and wet weather. Be sure to dump and turn over items on your property like buckets, pots, lids, grill covers, water bowls, and birdbaths. In the event of an approaching hurricane or storm with strong winds, it’s a good idea to clear your entire yard. So rather than just dumping and turning those items, you’ll want to remove them and place them somewhere safe indoors. In addition, remember to clean your gutters. Be sure they are cleared of leaves and debris which may harbor insects.

​Along with routine home maintenance, residents should remove trash and garbage from the outside premise. Whether that means moving them to a safe spot in your garage or dumping them at a waste collection site, homeowners should have a plan. In the event of a storm that topples a trash can or trash bags outdoors, pests and rodents are likely to appear. Food remnants attract insects like flies and rodents like mice, rats, and raccoons. Once these pests discover a place to get their next meal, they won’t leave easily. 

After the storm, be sure to discard additional trash quickly. The same goes for potentially spoiled food in the event of a power outage. Typically, local public works employees prioritize trash removal after a severe weather event so be sure to get rid of it as soon as possible.  Click here to read our blog about preventing pests after a natural disaster.

If you’d like additional information about preparing your home, property, and family for hurricanes, click here to download the 2020 Hurricane Guide from the North Carolina Department of Emergency Management.

Throughout Pestech of Greenville, Inc.’s 20 years of pest control experience, we’ve learned a lot of interesting things about the insect population in North Carolina. Here are 50 of our favorite facts about common bugs that you might also find fascinating… and maybe even a little bizarre:

1. While humans have only been around for 130,000 years, insects have been present for about 350 million years. 
2. There are about 91,000 different species of insects in the United States.
3. There are about 1.5 million different species of insects in the world.

In addition to professional treatment with Pestech of Greenville, all homeowners are encouraged to create a tick-safe zone in order to reduce their population. According to the Chief Entomologist for the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, there are various landscaping techniques that are found to reduce blacklegged ticks in the yard. These suggestions include:

• Keeping grass mowed
• Removing leaf litter, brush, and weeds
• Restricting the use of groundcover
• Installing wood chip barrier between yard and woods
• Moving wood piles and bird feeders away from the house
• Sealing stone walls and small openings
• Trimming trees and branches to allow more sunlight
• Landscaping with plants that won’t attract deer
• Placing swing sets and playground on mulch or wood chip foundation

When spending time outdoors it’s important to take additional steps to keep yourself, your family members, and pets protected from ticks. This includes:

• Staying on wide and clear paths when possible
• Avoiding overgrown, bushy, and weedy areas
• Layering clothing
• Wearing light colors so ticks are easier to see
• Applying effective insect repellents
• Treating clothing with permethrin
• Checking clothing and body for ticks
• Examining gear for ticks
• Checking pets for ticks before going inside

​If you have pets, veterinarians recommend using a tick preventative. Talk to your vet about the best prevention option for your dog or cat. There are different treatments for each so be sure to discuss this with them in detail and get specific recommendations. To further reduce potential tick bites, check them for ticks each time they come in from outside. If you find a tick on your pet, remove it right away. Click here for removal information from the CDC.