Is there a connection between harvest time and pests in Granite City, IL?
Here’s what you should know about pests & crops
For most fruits and vegetables, peak harvest season in Illinois lands somewhere between the end of summer and the first half of all. Many farmers and homeowners in Granite City, IL swear there is a connection between pests and the harvest season, and often find the need to ramp up insect control tactics during this time. Are they right? Let’s take a look at the facts.
Pests and Crops: The Connection
Certain pests are historically drawn to crops or post-harvest storage areas. Here are a few of the most common pests Illinois exterminators are called to remove:
- Rodents. One of the most detrimental pests to harvest yield and homes, rodents feed on harvested crops and breed in the fall season. Capable of nesting behind walls, in attics, and in cabinetry, rodents can lead to airborne diseases if not removed.
- Beetles. Some beetles, like the Japanese beetle, feed on the foliage of crops. Once harvest is complete and their primary food source is gone, the Japanese beetle can be found making its way into homes in search of food.
- Stink bugs. Like other insects and pests, stink bugs feed on crops and can have a devastating effect on yield. Once they’ve exhausted their food supply, stink bugs can sneak into homes seeking warmth and food.
- Armyworms. These pests are historically associated with corn and wheat crops. Though they don’t typically come indoors, they can completely demolish the landscape of a home which makes them particularly worrisome for homeowners.
How Pest Control Helps
Professional pest control services offer peace of mind for farmers and homeowners looking to protect their properties from seasonal pests. Custom insect control and pest removal services may include:
- Property inspection
- Rodent trapping
- Insect identification
- Pet and kid-friendly insect control solutions
Depending on the time of year and severity of the threat, pest control services may be able to prevent a full-scale infestation of pests and rodents.
Get Help from Professional Exterminators
The harvest season is affected greatly by local rainfall and temperatures in Granite City, IL, but the pests associated with the harvest are fairly predictable. Take steps to protect your home from the devastating effects of seasonal pests and insects. Call Imel Pest Control at (618) 377-9839 to schedule a free inspection today.
How to prevent creepy insects this Halloween in Godfrey, IL
They creep, they crawl, they even glide and slide across the floor. No, we’re not talking about a 1950’s horror movie based on a gelatinous monster. We are talking about fall pests. Right around Halloween, when things are scary enough, you don’t need an additional fright with the presence of a creepy crawly. Learn about the habits of Godfrey, IL pests during the spookiest season of the year.
Fall Insects in Illinois
Some insects and critters can be found throughout the year in Godfrey, IL, but the fall season tends to bring more of them out. You should be particularly aware of the following critters:
Cockroaches. Between school being back in session and parties kicking off for the holiday season, cockroaches have plenty to chew on and not much reason to leave your home. Keep an eye out for cockroach droppings as this will usually be the first sign these pests have infiltrated your home.
Rodents. The fall season beckons the rodent population to start hiding indoors for the winter, and your home is likely the first place they’ll consider. If you have dark spaces and an available water supply, your home is the perfect place for a rodent infestation to occur.
Silverfish. Fall is the perfect time to make use of that fresh, cool air. But, the added humidity within your home creates the perfect environment for silverfish, which love the humidity. An infestation of these pests can result in damage to clothing, books and wallpaper.
Professional Insect Control
You’ll have enough fake spiders and critters decorating your home that you don’t need real ones mixed in. Get a jump start on fall pest control and prevent the need for emergency pest removal when you work with professional exterminators in Godfrey, IL. Imel Pest Control offers rapid pest removal, effective pest control and a 60-day warranty on all services to keep your home pest-free.
Get Pest Removal & Extermination Services Today
Whether you’re planning an all-out Halloween bash or simply handing out candy, you want your special effects and props to scare your guests — not the critters. Get a free, on-site inspection today to make sure your home is pest-free in time for the real spooks to come out. Contact Imel Pest Control today at (618) 377-9839 to schedule a visit with one of our professional exterminators.
Pests that love summer heat in Edwardsville, IL
Whether you live or go to school in the Edwardsville, IL area, you know that summer means high temps, days at the pool and a litany of fun activities. However, it’s not all fun and games for Midwesterners as the season heats up. While this area can be great for float trips and all types of summer enjoyment, it’s also a time for many pests to play as well. However, how do you limit pests while maximizing the fun you have this year. Well, the first step is becoming familiar with the enemy. Here are the pests you should look out for as the weather heats up and what you can do to limit your exposure!
Mosquitoes
When it comes to summer pests, there are few more feared than the dreaded mosquito. Not only do mosquito bites cause itching, but they can also spread serious illnesses that will have you worrying about a whole other problem.
While your municipality likely treats for mosquitoes, you may still see them in numbers this season. To prevent mosquitoes, limit any standing water around your home, as this is a breeding ground for the insect. Additionally, store-bought bug sprays, fly paper or citronella candles may help protect you while enjoying time outside.
Stinging Insects
The summer brings an unending onslaught of stinging insects to worry about. Whether it’s carpenter bees that bore holes in your wood deck or wasps that build nests underneath ledges, limiting nesting areas will also limit untimely meetings right outside of your front door.
To limit stinging insects, you can pick up a few cans of wasp and hornet killer at many stores and inspect your home for nests. You may find nests in garages and sheds, in trees, underneath ledges, inside wood surfaces, etc. You can also call a professional to ensure your completely protected if the problem is severe.
Ants
Ants are extremely active in the summertime, and if you aren’t careful, you’ll be warding them offer all season long. Ants love to find their way inside your home looking for food and anything they can carry away to their nest.
However, it may be easier than you think you eliminate these pests. Take a walk around the perimeter of your home to spot any nests that are close to your foundation. Next, be sure to keep trash and food sealed at all times, so as not to attract any hungry ants into your home.
Flies
Flies are another unfortunate part of the summer months, and they come in all shapes and sizes. From the tiniest of fruit flies to the dreaded horsefly, you’ll want to be sure you keep doors and windows closed and a fly swatter handy.
Limiting flies can be trickier because it’s difficult to know where they’re coming from. However, the best thing you can do is keep your home clean. Fruit flies are attracted to decaying fruit while common houseflies feed on garbage and filth. Keep it clean to limit these guys.
Ticks
If you live near a wood area, you’ll no doubt have your run-ins with ticks this season. Ticks live in piles of dead leaves and other wood areas, waiting to hop onto their next victim. Many times this is in the form of a dog or pet or someone that’s hiking or working in the woods.
Ticks can cause serious illness, so it’s best to give yourself a thorough inspection anytime you’ve been in the woods are somewhere that ticks like to hide. Additionally, be sure to treat your dog with tick and flea control medicine to ensure unwanted visitors aren’t hitching a ride right into your home!
Termites
Last, but certainly not least is the termite. Also very active during the summer months, this is the time when termites are foraging for food and working to build up their colonies. This desire for progress leads them right to your home to snack on the studs in your walls.
With termites, you’ll want to limit anything close to the home that could serve as an access point such as piles of logs, brush or other detritus material. Additionally, it’s important to seek the help of a termite professional, as termite infestations can cost you thousands in structural repairs – prevention is certainly the better option here.
