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Welcome to Pest Control Center, Inc.
Commercial Services Division
Greetings!
As part of our on-going committment to superior customer service we are pleased to present to you the first in an on-going series of Quarterly Newsletters from the Commercial Services Division of 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 maintain and enhance the investment you've put into your buildings. We think you'll be delighted with each issue and look forward to each new one, so enjoy and "stay tuned."
Sincerely,
Your Pest Control Center Commercial Team
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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 billions of dollars in damage to homes and businesses accross the United States.
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 building containing wood, especially wood frame buildings, should be inspected at least every 5 years. Older buildings and buildings 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: www.buginfo.com
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PROPER LAWN MOWING PRACTICES
First impressions are critical when it comes to commercial and multi-family property and your properties lawns are a big part of their curb appeal. Ensure that your maintenance crew or landscape care professionals are following these, "best practices," so your properties look their very best:
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.
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Aphids
You've invested a lot of capital in your buildings and a good portion of that investment involves landscape plantings. These plant materials play a crucial part in your marketing efforts. When aphids attack they can significantly affect your curb appeal.
These 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 valuable landscape 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 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 building, 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, outdoor 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 that are important to the appearance of your property. 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 to schedule an 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: Aphids
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COCKROACHES
 If Cockroaches are discovered in your buildings they can spell real trouble. Besides the obvious health issues involved, imagine the potential public and customer relations nightmare that can ensue, along with the possible loss of revenue from reduced customer traffic. Then add in the cost and headache of the health department or Code enforcement becoming involved. To sum it up, Cockroaches comprise a real threat to your business.
The best control for roaches is prevention. Advise your building tenants to take care, when procuring used items such as furniture or electronics, there is a possibility that they may be harboring roaches, especilly if the previous owner's building was infested. Caution is also warranted when obtaining food and perishables 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 crucial to effective control, as is knowledge of the most recent and effective methods available. Your Pest Control Center Commercial Services technician is selected from the best of his or her peers. He or she is given special training in how to handle the particular needs of our commercial clients and undergoes continuing technical education so as to be proficient in the latest, state-of-the-art methods, materials and equipment available for commercial pest control. With our commercial technician on the job at your facility you can rest assured that you are receiving truly superior service.
Call us, at one of the numbers displayed above or go to our website, for an inspection and quote. Why not have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that a professional is on the job. For more information on cockroaches go to: Buginfo.com
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 INCREASE YOUR BOTTOM LINE!
Receive a $40.00 credit on your account every time someone you refer to us signs up for one of our regular, on-going services. | |
