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We humans aren't the only creatures affected by spring.
Ah, Spring! Sunshine, warm weather, the earth stirring back to life; This season of renewal makes us feel alive and full of energy. Pests are responding to spring too. They're increasing their numbers and are on the move...TO OUR HOMES AND YARDS!
By now you may be noticing ants trailing into your kitchen or bath. Winged reproductives from Subterrainean Termite colonies are swarming and rodents are raising the next generation, perhaps in your home's walls, attic or crawl space! These and other creatures may simply be a nuisance, as in the case of earwigs. But termites are responsible for millions of dollars in damage to structures. And creatures such as rodents and roaches cause the spread of numerous disease organisms to humans. Other pests and disease organisms cause extensive damage to your valuable landscape plants. In this issue you will find helpful information to assist you in preventing many of these problems. You will also learn how Pest Control Center, Inc. Is your valued partner in protecting your yard, your home or business and your family. |
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PROPER LAWN MOWING PRACTICES
Here are five ways to get the best results from your lawn mower.
1. Make sure your mower blade is sharp. This ensures a clean cut and minimizes moisture loss. 2. Mow in the afternoon, when the lawn is dry to avoid tearing the leaf blade. Torn leaf blades are more susceptible to fungal infections. The shredded area also turns brown, giving your lawn an unhealthy appearance. 3. Most of the newer turf types used in California do best at 1 ½ -2 inches in height. At this height, the turf will shade the soil and discourage germination of broadleaf and grassy weeds and aids in water conservation by lowering soil temperatures and reducing evaporation. 4. Never remove more than 1/3 of the leaf blade in any one mowing to avoid stressing your lawn out. If you need to remove more than 1/3 it should be done in steps. Start by raising your mower height one or two notches for the first mowing, then wait 3 days, lower the height back down and mow again.
5. Alternate your mowing direction and pattern to avoid wearing ruts in the turf. These five simple steps will go a long way to assist you in maintaining a beautiful lawn that you'll be proud of. | |
Greetings!
We are pleased t0 present to you the first in an on-going series of Quarterly Newsletters from Pest Control Center Incorporated, Northern California's premier pest control company. Each issue of our newsletter will be filled with timely information, special offers and featured services designed to assist you with common and not-so-common pest problems, along with helpful tips and hints to help you around your home and business. We think you'll be delighted with each issue and look forward to each new one, so enjoy and "stay tuned."
Sincerely,
Your Friends at Pest Control Center, Inc.
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COCKROACHES 
These nasty little creatures are the bane of human existence all over the world. They fill us with an instinctive revulsion whenever we see them...and for a good reason. Cockroaches are responsible for the spread of all sorts of pathogens that may affect us.
The cockroach species most commonly infesting structures in Califorinia are the German, Brown Banded, American and Oriental Cockroaches.
The best control for roaches is prevention. Take care, when buying used items such as furniture or electronics, there is a possibility that they may be harboring roaches, especilly if the previous owner's home or business was infested. Also use caution if you obtain food from non-conventional sources.
When cockroaches are already infesting a structure control involves proper sanitation, exclusion and as appropriate, treatment with an approved pesticide (best done by a licensed professional). Knowledge of a cockroach species habits and life cycle peculiarities is key to effective control, as is knowledge of the most recent and effective methods available. Your Pest Control Center, Inc. technician is trained and equipped to handle the problem for you. Call us, at one of the numbers displayed above, for an inspection and quote. Why not have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that a professional is on the job.
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TERMITES
Of all the wood-destroying organisms that pest control professionals deal with, termites are infamous. These insects are responsible for millions of dollars in damage to homes and businesses in Northern California. Populations of termite colonies are comprised of the queen, workers and soldiers. All are female. In Spring a mature colony will produce winged reproductives of both sexes. This is the only time of year when males are present. There are two termite species that infest structures in our region: Dry Wood and Subterranean. Of the two, the subterranean species causes the most damage to structures. Spring and Fall are the seasons when these insects are noticed more readily, as the winged reproductives (sometimes confused with "flying ants") emerge from mud tubes created by mature colonies. This emergence usually happens in the early mornng and just prior to dusk. The reproductives fly and mate. After mating, the males die and the females become the queens of their own, new colonies.
Every home should be inspected at least every 5 years. Older homes or homes with crawl spaces underneath should be inspected every 3-4 years. If you think you have seen the mud tubes or termite reproductives swarming and suspect that your home or business has a termite infestation don't guess and don't wait. Call Pest Control Center, Inc. and schedule an inspection by one of our licensed technicians at one of the numbers, shown at the top of this page, before further damage occurs.
For more information on termites go to:
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LANDSCAPE ISSUES: Aphids 
Those little, sucking insects are directly responsible for the disfuguring damage caused by the enzymes they inject while feeding. Over time, severe aphid infestations have the potential for serious damage, decline and death of important landscpe plants.
Aphids (and scale insects, which will be discussed in a separate issue) are responsible for other problems as well. Have you ever noticed that sticky mess under your roses, Crape Myrtles, Hackberry's, Ash trees Maples & other aphid-prone trees and shrubs? This is honeydew. It is secreted by the insects as a byproduct of their feeding, their waste. Interestingly, it is also a food source for many ant species. These ants, which may also invade your home, will tend, transport and protect aphids. Honeydew is an excellent growth medium for black sooty mold and other fungi. These fungi will grow in the honeydew no matter what surface it's on; Plant material, patios, walkways, lawn furniture and automobiles. These fungi are unsightly and can, when present in sufficient quantities on leaves, block sun light, thus reducing photosynthesis and carbohydrate production. This can have a significant, negative impact on the health of your trees, shrubs and other landscape plants.
There are natural methods available to control these important pests. Most notably predator insects, such as Ladybird Beetles, Lacewings, Leatherbacks and others. There are also organic pest control products and more conventional ones. Pest Control Center, Incorporated's Horticultural Division has cutting-edge methods and products available to effectively control these and other landscape pests and diseases. Call us to have our horticultural experts at one of the numbers listed above and schedule a free, not obligation evaluation of your landscape. One of our experts will design the appropriate program for your lawn or landscape.
To learn more about aphids go to:
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