There are a lot of things typically found around homes that attract termites – wood piles, leaf litter, plant debris, mulch, clogged gutters, even just damp soil – but fortunately there are also ways to repel them! Take a look at our list of items to keep around your home to repel termites and prevent costly damage that they can cause.

1. Essential Oils – Tea tree, clove, orange, garlic, and cedar oils all repel termites, but keep in mind that essential oils can be very powerful and toxic to pets. Research heavily before using essential oils around dogs or cats. They can even be harmful to humans with respiratory issues, so if in doubt, call an exterminator instead of going DIY.
2. Cypress, Eucalyptus, or Cedar Mulch – These types of woods are less attractive to termites, so they make a great mulch option. Or even better yet, use a non-wood mulch like recycled rubber or gravel.
3. Vetiver Grass and Catnip – These plants are believed to discourage termites, though this has not been proven. However, if you have a cat, why not plant some catnip around your home? At least you’ll have a treat for your feline friend!
4. Our phone number! – If you suspect that termites are invading your home, give us a call ASAP. The sooner we can evaluate the problem, the easier it will be to stop the termites before they wreak havoc.

So for the best Atlanta termite control in the bizz, contact us at (770) 791- 0055 and let us help you get rid of termites!

Summer is nearly here, and that means backyard BBQs! Unfortunately, it also means lots of unwanted pests. To help, here are a few tips to keep bugs out of your backyard:

• Pick Your Time Wisely – Dawn and dusk are the times of day that mosquitoes are most active, so try to plan accordingly. Extra precautions should be taken at sunrise and sunset to keep mosquitoes away. These are the most important times to light those citronella candles and reapply your bug spray.
• Keep it Sealed – Keep all your food, drink, and garbage well sealed to minimize the number of insects you attract. If at all possible, consider preparing and serving food inside.
• Bring in Your Trash – Once you’re doing eating, make sure to collect the plates, utensils, leftovers, and trash and bring them inside.
• Drain Standing Water – Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so one of the best ways to fight mosquitoes is by removing all sources of standing water to prevent their multiplication.
• Minimize Fragrances – Many stinging insects, such as yellowjackets, are attracted to the fragrances in candles, perfume, and shampoos. Avoid strongly scented items prior to the BBQ and stick with citronella candles instead of scented ones.
• Call in the Professionals – Of course the best way to fight summer insects at home is to call in the professionals!

We have the experience, knowledge, and tools to help you with all your interior and exterior Atlanta pest control needs. Request a service online or contact us at (770) 791- 0055 today!

Have you ever felt like mosquitoes are particularly drawn to you? No, you’re not “sweeter” than your mosquito-bite-free brethren, but it may be true that mosquitoes prefer to dine on you! According to medical entomologist and mosquito maven Dr. Jonathan Day, mosquitoes really are attracted to some people more than others, based on a couple of factors.

Here are a few factors that make mosquitoes more likely to bite you:

• • Blood Type – Yes, the rumors are true! It seems there may be a link between blood type and mosquito appetite. If you have O type blood, you’re much more delicious to a mosquito than types A or B. However, blood type is not actually the biggest factor in who a mosquito chooses to lunch on!

• • Metabolic Rate – Mosquitoes locate targets by sensing CO2 – the higher your metabolic rate, the more CO2 you produce and the more likely you are to attract these pests.
  • Clothing – While you can’t control your blood type and can only alter your metabolic rate within the bounds of your natural metabolism, you can dress to protect yourself from mosquitoes. Wear light clothing, and if possible opt for lightweight long sleeve shirts and pants designed for fishing or athletics, which will typically have a close enough weave to keep mosquitoes out while still keeping you cool.

Wearing clothes that help prevent mosquito bites is great, but the best way to get rid of mosquitoes is to call in the professionals. Our Atlanta pest control services can help you get rid of summer pests so you can enjoy the summer weather. Schedule an Atlanta pest control service today!

It’s vacation season, and whether you’re traveling across the world or just to the nearest beach, there’s a chance you could bring unwanted pests back home with you. From mosquitoes to roaches to the dreaded bedbug, pests can certainly put a damper on your R&R!

Here are 3 ways to prevent bringing pests home from your travels:

• • Inspect Your Surroundings – Upon arriving at your hotel, timeshare, or Airbnb, carefully looking around for signs of pests. Pay special attention to mattresses, rugs, and bedding. Signs of bed bugs include small tan moltings and tiny black spots on fabric.

• • Keep Your Suitcase Away From Furniture – Try to keep your suitcase away from the bed, couch, and other pieces of upholstered furniture. Unpack your suitcase and store it in a non-living space like a laundry room. If you must store it nearby, tie it up in a garbage bag to prevent pests from getting inside.

• Check Your Skin – Bed bugs leave behind bites and welts. If you see signs of this on your skin, it’s a good indication that your booking has bedbugs.

Obviously you’ll want to keep pests from getting into your luggage in the first place by taking measures like storing your suitcase off the ground, booking a reputable hotel, and checking for signs of bed bugs before bringing your luggage into the room. However, sometimes even with the best prevention, you can still end up bringing home unwanted stowaways. If that happens, don’t panic! We can help you kick those uninvited guests to the curb. Request an Atlanta pest control service online or contact us at (770) 791-0055 today to get rid of Atlanta pests!

It’s National Pest Management Month, so keep an eye out for these signs of pest infestation:

• • Pest Droppings – This is one of the biggest signs of pests invading your home. Rat and mice droppings and urine is the easiest to spot, but smaller pests like cockroaches and bed bugs can also leave visible waste, so be sure to examine your floors, furniture, and bedding.

• • Noise – Rodents are relatively quiet, but you can often hear them at night. If you suspect you may have rodents, try putting your ear to the wall and ceilings to see if you can hear them moving around.
  • Greasy Trails – Rodents often leave greasy trails or oil marks where they go. Check for trails along walls and in hard to reach areas.

• • Nests – Rats and mice make nests from practically anything they can find including discarded paper and leaves. Signs of nesting under floors, in crawl spaces, or in other out-of-the-way spots is a sure sign of rodents.

• • Damage – Pests can cause damage to your home and yard. Signs of damage outside include insect trails (gnawed leaves and other vegetation) or uneven grass. Rodent damage to your home includes gnaw marks and holes in your home’s structure or furniture. Rats can also chew through pipes, wires, insulation, and plastics too. Of course, termites also leave termite tunnels.
  • Smell – If there are enough pests (or if pests have been in your home long enough) you may be able to detect them from the smell. A musty odor (with a distinct smell of ammonia) is a sure sign of pests.

If you have signs of pests, contact the experts at (770) 791- 0055 for professional Atlanta pest control services.

Many people only think of hiring a pest control company after struggling with the headache of a pest infestation. Unfortunately, this isn’t the best approach to proper pest control because generally an infestation is invisible to the untrained eye until it is very well established in your home or business. That’s why regular home pest control services are the best way to protect your family’s safety and your property.

DIY Doesn’t Always Work

The problem with most do-it-yourself pest control is that it often only affects a small percentage of pests, while the main infestation remains hidden away. Sure, you’re likely to see fewer pests after setting out bait or traps, but these treatments generally only treat the surface issue, leaving the main infestation intact.

Pests Damage Buildings and Property

Wood eating pests like termites and carpenter ants destroy buildings from within. Generally by the time you see signs of damage, there’s already much more extensive damage inside your walls and floors. Similarly, some pests like silverfish destroy fibers commonly found in blankets, clothing, towels, and even couches.

Pests Can Cause Health Problems

Rodents, mosquitoes, and ticks are carriers of a variety of diseases such as Hantavirus, Lyme disease, West Nile, and Zika. Cockroaches can also cause asthma, especially in children.

Don’t put your property or health on the line! Our regular Atlanta residential pest control services and commercial services cover both the interior and exterior of your building. Request a service online or contact us at (770) 791- 0055 to learn what Progressive Pest Control can do for you!