November 2025 – Mr Clean And Shine

Pests don’t care whether your home is tidy or not; they enter for warmth, food, and shelter. Clutter gives pests places to hide and breed. And over-the-counter sprays and traps don’t target the underlying infestation.

Rodents carry a variety of diseases and leave behind contaminated droppings. Plus, they chew through wires which can cause electrical fires. Contact Ben’s Pest Control for more information.

Termites Don’t Eat Brick or Concrete

When pests invade, it’s natural to look for quick answers on how to get rid of them. However, many of the tips you hear from friends or on social media don’t actually work and may even make things worse. Termites are especially dangerous, since they cause billions of dollars worth of damage each year. Debunking some of the most common misconceptions about pest control can help homeowners make informed decisions about how to prevent and treat infestations.

While some homeowners believe that concrete and brick are termite-proof, this isn’t necessarily the case. In fact, these materials can be just as vulnerable to termite infestations as wood is. The pests tunnel through the structures to reach their target – wooden support beams in your home’s foundation – and destroy them.

Termites are called “silent destroyers” for a reason: they go unnoticed until it’s too late. Unlike ants or cockroaches, which are opportunistic feeders and can be deterred with store-bought repellents, subterranean termites are highly destructive and require professional pest management to prevent severe damage.

Because they are so destructive, it’s essential to have a pest control company regularly inspect your property. In addition to detecting the presence of termites, a qualified inspector can also identify potential entry points and prevent infestations. This includes ensuring proper pre-construction termite treatment and keeping bushes, trees, and mulch away from the home’s foundation.

Another reason why termites are so destructive is because they can’t be detected until the damage has already been done. Oftentimes, the infestation isn’t noticed until there are signs of mud tubes or hollowed-out wood.

Termites aren’t just difficult to detect, but they’re also incredibly fast breeders. A single queen can lay thousands of eggs in a day, making it easy for a small infestation to grow out of control. Using DIY sprays or treatments without consulting a pest control expert can also make matters worse. Termites are able to travel through soil and other moist areas to find their targets, which means they can also move from one area to the next easily.

Bugs Aren’t All That Visible

When pests invade homes, it’s understandable that people would want to use any means necessary to stop them. Oftentimes, this leads them to believe or accept myths and misconceptions about pest control that don’t hold up. These myths can lead to poor choices about how to manage the pest problem, which may actually make it worse.

Some of these myths rely on some level of truth, but they are often exaggerations or outright falsehoods. This is why it’s important to seek out reputable sources of information about pest control, rather than trusting the advice and tips offered by friends or strangers on social media.

For example, some people think that they can keep their pest infestation in check by using a bug zapper or similar device around the property. This can be dangerous because if the person isn’t careful, it can cause skin burns and eye damage. Moreover, bug zappers don’t kill the insects they attract; they only electrocute them and allow them to escape back into the home.

Other myths, like the idea that a clean house keeps pests out, are also not true. In fact, many pests enter homes to look for food, water and shelter. This can result in costly damage, especially if a pest is a destructive species such as termites or rodents. These pests can eat through the building materials and even gnaw on electrical wires, leading to expensive and dangerous problems that require professional repairs.

It’s important to have a consistent pest control service in place so that you can prevent and deal with pest infestations as soon as they arise. Having regular inspections will also help you to identify potential pest problems early on, and this can save you money in the long run. In addition to this, some pests can cause structural damage, which your homeowner’s insurance will likely not cover if you don’t take action.

A professional pest control company will be able to provide you with safe and effective treatments that will destroy the pests while protecting your family, pets and property. Taking a proactive approach to pest control will also help you to avoid costly home repair issues caused by some of the most common pests, including cockroaches, ants and mice.

A Clean House Keeps Bugs Out

The truth is that a clean home doesn’t guarantee pest-free living. Pests enter homes looking for food, water and shelter. Rodents can squeeze through holes the size of a dime, and cockroaches are masters at hiding in tight cracks. Even brand new homes can be susceptible to pest infestations if there’s wood-to-soil contact or hidden moisture issues. And no matter how often you sweep and dust, if you don’t stop the sources of these pests they’ll keep coming back.

Keeping your home tidy can make it harder for pests to find what they need, but it’s important to seal any entry points too. A professional can help you identify and repair these entry points, like faulty window screens or unscreened doors, to keep bugs and rodents out of your home.

While over-the-counter bug sprays might kill a few visible insects, they won’t get to the root of your pest problem. Professional treatments, like those offered by Specter Pest Control, use targeted products and strategies that not only eliminate current infestations but also prevent future problems from arising.

Many people believe that if they don’t see any pests, their home is pest-free. While this is true in some cases, pests are nocturnal and nestle in dark, hidden places where they can go undetected for weeks or months. Mice can chew through wood without making a sound, and termites can infest entire homes before anyone notices. And while some blood-sucking species are more active during certain seasons, a mosquito can decide to bite at any hour of the day.

Pests of all kinds can cause disease by contaminating our food, water and shelter. Some, like cockroaches and mice, can carry bacteria that can cause illness. Others, like flies and stinging insects, can trigger existing health conditions like allergies. And rodents and birds can contaminate our indoor spaces with their urine, feces and feathers. This is why pest control is essential.

Bug Zappers Keep Mosquitoes Away

In an effort to keep mosquitoes away from their outdoor areas, many homeowners turn to bug zappers. These devices supposedly lure insects using UV light and electrocute them with a powerful surge of electricity. However, they are largely ineffective at killing bugs and may do more harm than good.

In one study, University of Delaware researchers collected and analyzed insect kills from six typical residential bug zappers. They found that the vast majority of the 14,000 insects killed by these devices weren’t mosquitoes or biting flies. Rather, most were moths and other beneficial insects. Some of these insects even prey on mosquitoes, making it important to preserve their numbers.

What’s worse, the zapping process can actually spread disease. The obliterated insect parts are blown into a fine mist that can carry bacteria like campylobacter jejuni, staphylococcus and serratia marcescens. These organisms can then be carried in the air and into food preparation areas, hospitals and other sterile environments, where they can cause serious illness.

Other negative effects of bug zappers include their limited effectiveness and unintended consequences. Because they attract so many different insects, including bees and other pollinators, they can disrupt ecosystem balance. This can lead to plant diseases and other problems, such as a loss of natural fertilizer. In addition, the UV light from a bug zapper can also harm some animals and plants, including cats and dogs.

For these reasons, it’s best to avoid using bug zappers. Instead, you can try a combination of methods for keeping mosquitoes away, including repellents and eliminating standing water. It’s also important to remember that mosquitoes breed in bodies of water, so keeping your yard clean can help reduce their population. However, the most effective way to control mosquitoes is to prevent them from breeding in the first place by reducing standing water and using bacteria like Bti to kill larvae in ponds and rain barrels. These steps can be more effective than a bug zapper and won’t harm beneficial insects or pets.

A septic system is used to treat wastewater in homes and properties that are not connected to public sewer systems. To keep septic systems operating properly, it is necessary to perform frequent inspections.

Getting regular septic tank pumping and inspections can help you avoid expensive repairs in the future. But what does a professional septic inspection actually look like? Visit Website to learn more.

Visual Inspection

A visual inspection of the septic tank and drain field is the first step in any professional septic system assessment. The inspector will examine the surrounding area, looking for soggy areas in the yard and observing any foul odors that could indicate a leaking tank or drain field. The professional will also look for soil depressions around the septic tank and drain field, as these can be signs of problems with wastewater absorption.

The septic tank itself will be examined, including its lids and covers, as well as the pipes that lead into and out of it. These pipes can be made from concrete, steel, fiberglass, or polyethylene. Inspectors will look for cracks, corrosion, and other damage to these pipes. They will also check the septic tank for structural integrity, noting any holes or cracks in the walls of the tank. If the septic tank is cracked or damaged, it will likely need to be replaced.

Next, the inspector will assess the drain field, which is where the wastewater treatment takes place in the soil. This part of the septic system is where problems often occur, especially in undeveloped soil conditions. The top septic tank repair, inspection, and upgrade experts in Battle Ground state that the most common signs of a malfunctioning drain field include soggy or lush green areas. These are caused by nutrient-rich wastewater reaching the surface and feeding plants more than they should.

The inspector will also check the drain field for any oversaturation or flooding, which can lead to a number of problems, including clogged leach lines and a flooded septic system. The professional will also note any unusually strong smells coming from the drain field, as this is a sign that the soil may not be absorbing waste properly.

If the septic system appears to be in good condition, the expert will then move on to the more detailed part of the inspection. This involves opening the septic tank, pumping out and examining the contents of the septic tank, and performing a dye test. In the dye test, the inspector will introduce a special color-indicating dye into the tank to see if it makes its way from the septic tank to the drain field and beyond.

Pumping

While many homeowners neglect septic system inspections until something goes wrong, getting a regular visual and pumping inspection is the best way to ensure your septic system works correctly. This can prevent sewage backups and foul odors in your home, costly repairs and environmental damage to surrounding water sources.

The first thing a professional septic inspector will do is visually inspect the area where the septic tank is located. They will look for the inlet pipe and the lid of the tank, which is usually found in the front yard. If they cannot locate the tank, they will use property records or specialized tools like electronic locators to find its location. Once they have spotted the tank, they will uncover it for a thorough inspection.

Once the tank has been uncovered, the inspector will check its condition and determine if it needs to be pumped. They will also look for any signs of leaks, which could indicate a problem with the pipes in your home or the septic system.

Next, the inspector will examine the septic tank’s distribution box and leach field. They will also look at the drain line, which connects the septic tank to the distribution box and leach field. The inspector will check for any wet spots or excessive vegetation in the leach field, which may indicate that the septic system is not absorbing wastewater correctly.

Lastly, the inspector will examine the septic system’s control panel to make sure all switches and alarms are functioning properly. They will also check the septic system’s pressure gauge and examine the condition of the leach field and septic tank cover.

Regular septic tank inspections are essential for homeowners with private waste disposal systems, which are used in properties that do not have access to public sewer systems. Septic tanks, which are buried underground, are crucial for treating and disposing of the waste from homes without public sewer systems. By arranging for regular septic tank inspections and pumping services, homeowners can avoid expensive repairs, ensure their septic systems function properly and comply with local regulations.

Dye Test

As its name suggests, the septic dye test is a simple but effective diagnostic tool that can help Winston-Salem homeowners spot problems in their septic systems. This process involves adding a special dye to the home’s plumbing system and watching for its appearance in the septic tank or drain field. Dye testing is especially useful for spotting leaks and clogs that may not be visible to the naked eye, such as sewage backing up into toilets or drains or a wet yard.

To conduct a dye test, an inspector will add the dye to one or more household appliances or drains (depending on the location of the problem) and flush them with water from a garden hose. If the dye makes its way into the septic tank, it means that the septic system isn’t functioning properly and is leaking wastewater into the ground. Likewise, if the dye enters the home’s plumbing system, it indicates that there’s a blockage in the house’s drain lines and that a professional should be called to resolve the issue.

Homeowners should have their septic systems tested at least every three years, but the exact frequency can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the size of the household and the age of the septic system. In addition, a septic system that has recently been repaired or replaced should be tested immediately to ensure that the repairs were made correctly and aren’t having any negative impacts on the system.

Lastly, septic dye tests are often conducted as part of a pre-purchase inspection in order to provide buyers with peace of mind that the septic system is in good condition and has not been damaged during the repair process. This type of inspection is also sometimes required by local regulations, as it helps protect public water supplies and ensures that potential homeowners aren’t inheriting any hidden septic issues from previous owners.

As septic systems continue to be an increasingly common feature in many homes across the country, keeping them well-maintained is becoming more important than ever. Regular septic system inspections can catch small problems before they become more costly and time-consuming to fix, and they can even serve as a selling point for buyers in the future who are looking for a well-maintained property.

Inspection Report

A septic system is a wastewater treatment system that consists of sanitary pipes transporting household wastewater into a septic tank, where solid waste, including sludge and oil from the kitchen, settle at the bottom, while the wastewater (effluent) exits through baffles.

The inspector will check the septic tank for leakage, assess the condition of the pipes, and inspect the drainfield to ensure that it is not oversaturated, which can cause sewage backups and soil contamination. They will also evaluate the soil to determine whether it is a suitable type for a septic system, and look for any signs of damage or failure.

In addition, the inspector will ask homeowners about the frequency of pumping and when the septic tank was last pumped. Then they will use their inspection findings to provide recommendations for the home owner regarding maintenance, repair, and replacement of the septic system components.

A good septic system will be functional and safe for years to come, but it’s important that the homeowner takes care of it. Regular inspections and pumping can prevent costly repairs and help to keep the septic system functioning properly for as long as possible.

Most states require a professional septic inspection during the sale of a property with a septic system, but it’s a good idea to schedule routine septic system inspections even when you don’t plan to sell your home. This will help to prevent septic tank leaks and other problems, which can lead to costly repair bills or sewage backups.

Having a home inspector examine your septic system is an important part of keeping it in good condition, but getting the right inspector can make all the difference. A reputable home inspector can find and identify many small issues before they become major problems, and can recommend the best ways to maintain your septic system for as long as possible. If you are in the market to buy a new home, a septic system inspection is a must, and a pre-listing septic inspection can increase your chances of a successful sale.

Common Myths About Pest Control You Should Stop Believing