Jacob Lander

New Pest Control Packages From Bug Zapper

Bug Zapper is excited to announce our all-new, affordable, pest control packages. We have updated pricing, plans, and methods to keep you happy and keep pests out! You will still find the same incredible customer care and guaranteed results but now offer more options!

As Oregon’s top pest control provider, we pride ourselves on industry innovation and unparalleled customer satisfaction. We have always been dedicated to providing our clients with upfront pricing, expeditious services, and – of course – guaranteed results. As part of our unwavering commitment to quality and customer care, our team has listened to customer feedback and is expanding our services and pricing plans!

Here are some of the most exciting changes in our newly updated plans.

All Bugs Package

Our flagship home protection plan, this plan is ideal for anyone looking for regularly scheduled residential pest control service with a no bugs guarantee. We treat routinely every 60-90 days and you get unlimited treatments anytime in between if you have any bug issues. When wanting the peace of mind that comes with knowing that every pest and unwanted invader in your home has been entirely eradicated our brand new All Bugs package is for you – you read that right, this covers all bugs. This service option treats all the common bugs of Oregon (like ants, spiders, wasps, yellow jackets, moths, beetles, roaches – even nasty bed bugs – and more!). This package comes with our No Bugs Guarantee, meaning you can have 100% confidence knowing that your space is completely rid of creepy crawlies. If you want all your bugs gone for good, then this super convenient, the all-in-one plan is for you!

Learn more about the All Bugs Package.

Rodent Barrier

How can your monthly pest control service get any better? Glad you asked! For those in need of added protection from mice, the All Bugs service comes with an optional add-on for Rodent Barrier. This incredible value combines all the effectiveness of the All Bugs treatment with our comprehensive Rodent Barrier protection package. The rodent barrier is an add-on only available with the All Bugs Package and includes up to 6 rodent bait stations.

Advanced Rodent Control Services

Rodents are a huge concern. We’ve been busy creating the best possible solutions to eliminate rodents and mice and keep these furry foes out of your house. One of the most exciting new offerings we have added is the use of night vision cameras for monitoring. This super unique pest control solution allows technicians and customers to see pest activity first-hand and allows our service professionals an unprecedented look at localized pest behaviors – ensuring that every rodent issue receives the perfect solution.

One of the most comprehensive and thorough solutions for rodent control that we’ve been developing for years is the new Rodent Lockout Service – a service that not only gets rid of rodents inside a home but also keeps rats and mice from ever getting inside of a home. Guaranteed for life. A lifetime without rodents is guaranteed! Now that’s peace of mind. You won’t find a service and guarantee like this from any other pest control company and we’re incredibly excited to be able to provide this amazing service.

Whatever your budget or rodent need, we have a solution to help.

Learn more about new rodent control plans.

New Plans, Same Guarantee

We’re incredibly excited about our new pest management plans, as well as the customization and value that they deliver to you. As with all Bug Zapper services, you can rest easy knowing that you’re getting the very best the industry has to offer… and they wouldn’t be Bug Zapper services if they weren’t backed by our famous Love-It Guarantee. Come find all the reasons to love our new comprehensive packages, and discover the beauty of living pest free!

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The thought of termites can make your skin crawl, especially if you think about them invading your home. But are termites in Oregon a serious problem? 

Yes. Because of the damp, humid spring weather in Oregon, termites are a common pest. They love the weather conditions in the Pacific Northwest. Frequent rains can cause excess moisture in homes, which they find extremely inviting. Here’s what you need to know about termites in Oregon and how you can prevent an invasion.

Termite Tidbits

There are over two thousand different species of termites, with over forty species in the United States alone. Termites are known as silent destroyers since they may be secretly hiding and thriving in your home without any immediate signs of damage. They may be silent, but they are costly. These wood-munching pests cause billions of dollars of damage each year in the States.

There are four types of termites, but the most common in Oregon are the Pacific dampwood termite and the Western Subterranean termite. While each species thrives in different climates and eats different food sources, they all need four things to survive (which all homes provide):

1. Food
2. Moisture
3. Shelter
4. Optimal temperature

Western Subterranean Termites: Silent House Invaders

These elusive insects are native to the Western part of the United States, making Oregon one of their natural habitats. They thrive in the moist Pacific Northwest climate, which provides ideal conditions for them.

How to Spot a Western Subterranean Termite

The Western Subterranean termite has a discreet appearance. It’s small, measuring about 1/8 to 3/8 inches in length, and is creamy white to pale brown in color, with a soft body.

Eating Habits

These termites are notorious for their wood-devouring tendencies. They feed on cellulose, a component found in wood and plant materials. Their relentless appetite for wood makes them a significant threat to homes.

Mating Habits

Western Subterranean termite groups have a simple and effective mating ritual. They swarm in late winter or early spring, during which winged reproductive termites emerge from their colonies to mate. After mating, they shed their wings and search for suitable locations to establish new colonies.

Subterranean termites live in large colonies with various castes, including workers, soldiers, and reproductives (kings and queens). A single colony can contain hundreds of thousands of termites. 

How They Gain Access to Homes

• Soil-to-wood contact. They build mud tubes, which serve as protected pathways, allowing them to access wooden structures from the soil.
• Cracks and gaps. Termites can enter through even the tiniest cracks or gaps in a home’s foundation.
• Cellulose-rich material. If your home contains untreated wood or cellulose-rich materials, it can attract termites.

Eliminating Home Infestations

If you suspect a Subterranean termite infestation, you need to act fast, whether through DIY solutions or professional methods:

• Remove infested wood. Remove and replace infested wood to prevent the colony from spreading.
• Boric acid. A boric acid and water mixture can be applied to termite-infested wood as a DIY treatment.
• Soil treatment. Professional pest control companies can treat the soil around your home’s foundation to create a barrier that repels termites.
• Baiting systems. Termite bait stations can be installed around your property to attract and eliminate the termite colony.
• Fumigation. In severe cases, fumigation may be necessary to eliminate termites from the entire structure. 

Western Subterranean termites are the most destructive termites in Oregon, causing expensive damage to homes and buildings by destroying foundations, wooden support beams, plastic plumbing pipes, subflooring, and insulation. These tiny terrors can be even harder to discover since they typically live underground or near the base of homes. Preventive measures, DIY methods, and professional help can ensure your home remains termite-free.

Dampwood Termites: The Moisture-Loving Home Invaders

Dampwood termites may not be as notorious as their Subterranean cousins, but they also pose a threat to homes, especially in damp regions like Oregon. Let’s dive into their world, from their appearance to their habits, and how to keep them from making your home their own.

How to Spot a Dampwood Termite

Dampwood termites have distinctive characteristics. The Pacific dampwood termite is the largest of the common Northwest termite species. It is larger than a Subterranean termite, with an adult dampwood termite reaching up to one inch in length. A dampwood termite’s color varies from light to dark brown, with a robust cylindrical body.

Eating Habits

Dampwood termites, as their name suggests, primarily feed on moist wood. They are drawn to wood with high moisture content, often resulting from contact with the ground or exposure to leaks. Unlike many other termite species, dampwood termites don’t frequently infest buildings, showing a preference for more natural wood sources.

Mating Habits

Dampwood termite species have a straightforward mating ritual. Typically, swarms of winged reproductive termites emerge from their colonies during the spring or summer. After mating, they shed their wings and seek out suitable locations to establish new colonies.

Dampwood termite colonies are relatively small compared to those of Subterranean termites. They typically consist of a few hundred to a few thousand termites, often residing in decaying wood.

How They Gain Access to Homes

Unlike other termites, these pests don’t need contact with soil to make their way into structures. Dampwood termite entry points differ from those of Subterranean termites:

• Wood with high moisture. They are attracted to damp or water-damaged wood, so homes with moisture issues are more susceptible. Any condition that leads to moisture buildup in wood creates an invitation to invade. They break down the dead wood, returning nutrients to the soil—great for the environment, but not so great for your home. 
• Cracks and gaps. They can enter through cracks or gaps in a home’s foundation or walls.
• Vents and roof leaks. Dampwood termites may enter through attic vents or roof leaks, as these areas are also prone to moisture. 

Eliminating Home Infestations

Damp wood termites can cause significant damage, especially when you don’t reach out to a pest control professional experienced in termite control. Understanding their appearance, habits, and how to protect your home from them is essential. By addressing moisture issues, regularly inspecting wood, and seeking professional termite control when needed, you can keep your home safe from these moisture-loving invaders. Don’t let damp wood termites turn your home into a waterlogged buffet!

If you suspect dampwood-termite activity, swift action is crucial. If you plan to go the DIY route, remove and replace any infested wood to prevent the colony from expanding. Continue moisture-control efforts to discourage further infestation. If you need professional methods, consult a pest control professional to assess the extent of infestation and determine appropriate treatment, which may involve using termiticides or fumigation.

Signs of Termite Trouble

Termites are sneaky little insects that can be difficult to detect if you don’t know what to look for. However, there are usually telltale signs that let you know you may have underlying termite activity:

• Damaged or hollow-sounding wood. Wood damage can be found below and behind surfaces like walls and floors, often caused by termites chewing through wood, in search of cellulose. This leaves behind long grooves, which, over time, weaken the wood and cause structural damage. The wood may have a hollow or empty sound.
• Piles of wings. If you notice discarded wings found near closed doors and windows, this could be a sign of termites. Discarded wings occur when termites swarm to mate and start new colonies then shed their wings as these are no longer needed.
• Mud tubes/tunnels. Mud tubes are small tunnels that are found around termite nests located where the ground meets your home or in structures like sheds. Subterranean termites need moisture to survive. These tubes provide shelter and moisture while they forage up to their food source, typically your home.
• Blisters in wood floors. Subterranean termites can damage the subfloor, which may make it appear as if your wood floors have water damage.

If you notice these warning signs, it’s time to call a professional pest control company immediately. While Bug Zappers Pest Control doesn’t treat for termites, we do offer pest control services that can help spot issues early, potentially saving you thousands of dollars worth of termite damage.

Preventing Termite Activity

Termite treatment should always be left to professional pest control companies, but you can take these steps to prevent termite problems.

• Address any leaks or sources of moisture in your home promptly, including fixing roof leaks and ensuring proper drainage. Make sure your crawl space is properly ventilated with a good vapor barrier.
• Regularly inspect and replace any wood that has signs of water damage or rot.
• Ensure good ventilation in attics, crawl spaces, and basements to prevent excessive moisture buildup.
• Consider using termite-resistant building materials in moisture-prone areas.
• Keep gutters and downspouts free of debris.
• Install screens on exterior vents.
• Store firewood and lumber away from your home.
• Keep shrubbery near your home trimmed, allowing at least twelve inches between the shrubbery and exterior.
• Build a wall to create airflow.
• Use pine needles (which are less appealing to termites) instead of mulch.
• Consider professional soil treatment to create a protective barrier around your home’s foundation.
• Eliminate any direct contact between wood and soil by raising wooden structures above ground level.
• When building or renovating, use termite-resistant or treated wood for construction.
• Regularly inspect and seal any cracks, gaps, or openings in your home’s foundation and exterior.

Out of Solutions for Termite Control? Call Us Now!

Your home is your sanctuary, and you want to keep it pest-free. The best offense is a good defense against termite damage. Our professionally trained, knowledgeable team at Bug Zapper Pest Control is ready to be your defense. Contact us today! 

Not sure when it’s time to call in the pros? Here are six tips to let you know it’s time to pick up the phone. Learn more about how we can help you with termite control.

Call or text 541-636-1146 for a pest inspection today!

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ON THE ROAD WITH BUG ZAPPER

In March of 2022, our journey led us straight to Rochester, NY. Our mission? To gain insights from one of the finest pest control companies in the US: Town & Country Pest Solutions. There, we learned the best approaches for addressing pest issues in residential and commercial properties.

Discovering Town & Country Pest Solutions’ Unique Headquarters

Contrary to expectations of a typical commercial office space for a pest control company, Town & Country Pest Solutions surprised us. We found ourselves at a house that bore witness to the brand’s essence, with the T&C logo proudly stamped on walls, coffee cups, a cornhole game, and even couch pillows. This wasn’t just a place for business; it had a basketball hoop for post-work fun and an oven dedicated to baking cookies for the team. Such intricate details made it evident that Town & Country Pest Solutions was more than a pest control service; it was a close-knit family.

Learning From Pest Control Innovators

Many of the 50+ team members at this unique country pest control hub have a shared past. They’ve stood as industry innovators, introducing the first bed-bug-detection dog in New York, extensive use of night vision cameras to observe actual wildlife entering homes, and incredible video content creation that is unsurpassed in the pest control industry.

After three exhaustive days of observing the workings in the field and the office, we were wowed by the tremendous value that Town & Country services provided to anyone facing a pest problem and needing residential, commercial, or wildlife solutions in the Rochester/Syracuse area. But if you happen to live in upstate New York, without a doubt, the best part of Town & Country Pest Solutions is getting to know their incredible team members.

Flying all the way from Oregon to meet this team was absolutely worth it!

Thanks so much, Caleb, and all members of the Town and Country pest team.

Town & Country Pest Solutions Website

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New Pest Control Packages From Bug Zapper

Bug Zapper is excited to announce our all-new, affordable, pest control packages. We have updated pricing, plans, and methods to keep you happy and keep pests out! You will still find the same incredible customer care and guaranteed results but now offer more options!

As Oregon’s top pest control provider, we pride ourselves on industry innovation and unparalleled customer satisfaction. We have always been dedicated to providing our clients with upfront pricing, expeditious services, and – of course – guaranteed results. As part of our unwavering commitment to quality and customer care, our team has listened to customer feedback and is expanding our services and pricing plans!

Here are some of the most exciting changes in our newly updated plans.

All Bugs Package

Our flagship home protection plan, this plan is ideal for anyone looking for regularly scheduled residential pest control service with a no bugs guarantee. We treat routinely every 60-90 days and you get unlimited treatments anytime in between if you have any bug issues. When wanting the peace of mind that comes with knowing that every pest and unwanted invader in your home has been entirely eradicated our brand new All Bugs package is for you – you read that right, this covers all bugs. This service option treats all the common bugs of Oregon (like ants, spiders, wasps, yellow jackets, moths, beetles, roaches – even nasty bed bugs – and more!). This package comes with our No Bugs Guarantee, meaning you can have 100% confidence knowing that your space is completely rid of creepy crawlies. If you want all your bugs gone for good, then this super convenient, the all-in-one plan is for you!

Learn more about the All Bugs Package.

Rodent Barrier

How can your monthly pest control service get any better? Glad you asked! For those in need of added protection from mice, the All Bugs service comes with an optional add-on for Rodent Barrier. This incredible value combines all the effectiveness of the All Bugs treatment with our comprehensive Rodent Barrier protection package. The rodent barrier is an add-on only available with the All Bugs Package and includes up to 6 rodent bait stations.

Advanced Rodent Control Services

Rodents are a huge concern. We’ve been busy creating the best possible solutions to eliminate rodents and mice and keep these furry foes out of your house. One of the most exciting new offerings we have added is the use of night vision cameras for monitoring. This super unique pest control solution allows technicians and customers to see pest activity first-hand and allows our service professionals an unprecedented look at localized pest behaviors – ensuring that every rodent issue receives the perfect solution.

One of the most comprehensive and thorough solutions for rodent control that we’ve been developing for years is the new Rodent Lockout Service – a service that not only gets rid of rodents inside a home but also keeps rats and mice from ever getting inside of a home. Guaranteed for life. A lifetime without rodents is guaranteed! Now that’s peace of mind. You won’t find a service and guarantee like this from any other pest control company and we’re incredibly excited to be able to provide this amazing service.

Whatever your budget or rodent need, we have a solution to help.

Learn more about new rodent control plans.

New Plans, Same Guarantee

We’re incredibly excited about our new pest management plans, as well as the customization and value that they deliver to you. As with all Bug Zapper services, you can rest easy knowing that you’re getting the very best the industry has to offer… and they wouldn’t be Bug Zapper services if they weren’t backed by our famous Love-It Guarantee. Come find all the reasons to love our new comprehensive packages, and discover the beauty of living pest free!

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You’ve had your home treated for pests all summer long and now that it’s getting cold outside, you just might be wondering if winter pest control service really makes sense and if you need pest control through the winter.  After all, the wasps seem to be gone, and you haven’t seen much in the way of stinkbugs or flies lately, so…

We get it, who doesn’t want to save a few bucks right before the BIG holiday shopping spree?  December can bring with it many expenses, and pest control might not figure heavily into your plans.  You might even reason, “when was the last time I actually saw a bug anyway? Maybe I could just temporarily suspend my pest service until next spring.” We’d like to explain some of the major reasons pest control is necessary in the winter,  and why keeping your pest control service active in the winter is a good idea.

3 Reasons Winter Pest Control Service is Needed

1. Better bug protection
2. Early rodent detection & prevention
3. You actually SAVE money

Allow us to explain these features in greater detail.

Better Bug Protection With Winter Pest Control Service

Many insect species do NOT go away in the winter.  Their numbers can diminish, but their nests and life cycles do not.  Spiders are still quite present during the winter.  The cold outside cuts through their numbers heavily, but it’s not cold in your house.  Any spiders who manage to make it into your structure, or are already present in, say, an attic or crawlspace, will do just fine through the winter and, like other pests, will eventually make their way into the more visible areas of your home. Spiders are not the only pests that remain through the colder months.  There are several wintry pests that manage just fine in through the frost and rain.

Along with roaches, fleas, and spiders, ants are another pest well-suited to surviving the colder season.  In fact, it’s a survival trait of our common sugar ants to seek out warmth and shelter when temperatures drop.  If winter truly killed off ants, we’d never see them again come spring!  As the frosts come and the rain becomes frigid, ants will actually seek out your home.  Next to rodent control, ant extermination is still our number one requested service through the winter.

If you’re not seeing bugs lately, that’s because our current service is really working!  Every time we have serviced your home, we’ve actually built upon previous treatments to establish a virtually impenetrable barrier against insect intrusion around your home.  In order to better explain how this functions, let’s get into why we’ve chosen the particular products we use:

Unlike publicly obtainable pest control products you’d find in a big-box store, the commercial-grade products used by our technicians have a long lasting residual effect.  In fact, they are often referred to as “residuals” in the pest control industry.  These are pesticides that do not kill instantly like a “knock-down” pesticide, but slowly, the trade-off being that the treatment lasts for much, much longer.  We use products designed to slowly remove any potential of the pests to enter your home, and once the insect population is gone or distant from your structure, we switch to a long-lasting “repellant” to KEEP them away.  By refreshing that protective barrier every other month, a strong insect-killing base is established, which both repels and keeps your home pest-free.

Another trouble with ceasing pest control during the winter months is the weather, itself.  If your pest service is stopped for the winter, then winter rain and snow, any harsh weather in general, erode the barrier quicker than in summer months.  Soon, your home becomes vulnerable again, as the protective base wears thin or is removed completely. Since cold winter months push insects, such as spiders and ants, to seek shelter inside warm indoor environments like your home, this actually makes winter months a HIGH RISK time of year for certain pest infestations.  In short, a bad time to have no barrier.

There’s more.  Other insects, such as queen wasps, overwinter  in old nests or in the ground, preparing to start a new colony in springtime. Winter preventative pest control treatments proactively work to limit overwintering insect reproductives, and they can drastically reduce insect populations in the springtime.  What we do through the winter keeps pests from being able to proliferate in the spring.

Early Rodent Detection & Prevention

We all know that rodents can quickly cause hundreds of dollars worth of damage to plumbing, electrical wiring, heating systems, and other components in your home. Chewed electrical wires and rodent-borne illnesses (like hantavirus) put homes, pets, and families at risk.

Our Silver, Gold and Platinum pest protection plans each include active detection and prevention devices designed to knock rodents down before they ever get inside your home. By maintaining these devices each service for active rodent prevention, our technicians are able to actively monitor problem areas, detect early signs of rodent activity and place control devices where they can protect your home. This low cost rodent prevention system drastically reduces the chances of you having to pay out big money to fix damage caused by rodents within your home.  A big part of our ongoing service is inspection, and stopping problems early, before they can evolve into serious issues.

You Actually Save Money

Whether it’s a vehicle, your furnace, or your pest control service, simple planned maintenance is easier and far less expensive than reacting to breakdowns. Here is a real example of how canceling your winter pest control service can actually cost you more in the long run:

Let’s say your home was last treated in September.  With the holidays looming, you decide in October to look at how much you might be able to save by postponing your pest control service until springtime. Since we come every other month you won’t get your normal $68 bill in November or $68 again in January. By March, however, the bugs and rodents are out in force again.  Spring is when most pests begin fast-tracking their reproductive advances and building their numbers.  If they’ve managed to overwinter in or near your home, they’ll start advancing right there, from ground zero.  This gives them free reign over your structure right from the get-go.  If you’ve cancelled service for the winter, the protective barrier is gone and we’ll have to start all over to rebuild a complete barrier.  The means a full interior and exterior treatment costing $199.  You saved 2x$68=$136 ,and now are spending $199 to start service again!  In the meantime, your home has been left at risk without the protection and warranty against ants, spiders, and other bugs provided by our ongoing pest protection plan.  In the end, you would have been much better off keeping your home protected through the winter.

The Point?

To summarize why winter pest control is important, on going service provides better residual protection, early rodent detection and prevention, and it actually SAVES you money. Letting us protect your home from pests year-round is the BEST pest control decision for your home!

Locally owned for fast, exceptional service.

5 Star Pest Control Service available in Albany, Ashland, Corvallis, Eugene, Grants Pass, McMinnville, Medford, Newberg, Roseburg, Salem, Sherwood, Wilsonville, Woodburn, Tigard, Tualatin and surrounding areas.

Call/Text 541-636-0146

For Information Today!

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So you think you may have German roaches lurking at home, and you’re uneasy because they can just fly out of nowhere and land on you or that yummy meal that took you a lot of time to prepare. Perhaps you’re even paranoid that an entire community of cockroaches has decided to share an address with you permanently.

German cockroaches may be small, but they’re big trouble when they invade your home. Let’s get to know these persistent indoor pests and peek into their hide-and-seek playbook so you know where to find them and how to keep them from taking over.

But First, How Do You Know It’s a German Cockroach?

German roaches are cockroach species thought to have originated in Southeast Asia, but they’re now found worldwide, making them a global nuisance. These cockroaches have distinctive features. They are small, measuring about 1/2 to 5/8 inches in length, and are light brown to tan in color, with two dark stripes running down their backs, giving them a unique appearance.

German cockroaches have a unique mating behavior. Females carry egg capsules containing numerous eggs, and they keep these capsules with them until just before hatching. This means they’re nearly always ready to reproduce.

These cockroaches are social insects that prefer to live in groups. They form colonies, often hiding in tight cracks and crevices during the day and emerging at night to forage for food.

9 Common Places Where German Roaches Live

Roach extermination starts with discovering where German roaches live. German cockroaches live in harborages. These are often located in dark, protected cracks and crevices that provide a warm, humid environment. The general shape of a cockroach is oval and flat-bodied, which allows them to squeeze into the smallest openings. Specialized pads on their feet allow them to easily scale glass windows, walk up walls, or even walk across ceilings.

Generally, harborages are oriented close to food and water. Since roaches eat almost anything,  harborages are not confined exclusively to the kitchen. Roaches prefer to rest on wood rather than on smooth metal surfaces. Large infestations can be found on metal surfaces when there are few other surfaces available (like in commercial kitchens with lots of stainless steel).

After completing hundreds of German roach inspections, our technicians have learned where German roaches live and often start inspections in kitchens and bathrooms. These are the primary harborage sites that attract cockroach infestations. Heavy infestations generally show German roaches throughout the home.

Kitchen Kingdom

If there’s one place German roaches adore, it’s your kitchen. They revel in the warmth and abundance of food. They often hide in cracks around your stove, refrigerator, and dishwasher. Cabinets and pantry shelves are also prime real estate for them.

Since roaches can live in very small cracks and like to hide, the key to finding where German roaches live is taking the time to conduct a detailed inspection. Start your inspection in the kitchen by looking under the sink.

Food particles attract roaches since they’re certainly not picky eaters. They’ll devour just about anything, from food crumbs and garbage to pet food and even soap. Their omnivorous appetite makes them excellent scavengers. German roaches are nocturnal, which means they come out at night to forage for food. They scuttle around in search of crumbs and water, often leaving their hiding spots to do so. Daytime inspections will usually show roaches mostly inactive and hidden.

Generally, roaches will be seen during the daytime in very heavy infestations. Daytime observance may also occur when roach populations become stressed because of limitations in food and harborage locations.

Bathroom Hideaway

Bathrooms provide moisture and dark corners, making these damp environments another favorite hangout for these pests. You’ll often find them lurking under sinks, around the toilet base, and in the bathroom cabinets. German roaches also love to harbor in and around door hinges. Cabinet-drawer slide rails are another likely harborage location.

Cozy Appliances

German roaches love all things electrical, so remove all switch and outlet cover plates, and carefully inspect inside electrical boxes. Primary harborage locations frequently are found inside appliances, including toasters, refrigerators, coffee makers, microwaves, freezers, or stoves.

Cracks and Crevices

These roaches are masters at staying out of sight. They’ll squeeze into the tiniest cracks and crevices along baseboards, behind wallpaper, and beneath or inside furniture. Other favorite harborage sites include door hinges, baseboards, gaps around door trims, behind and around shelves, and along ceiling edges.

Warm and Moist Areas

These pests prefer warm, humid environments. If you have a basement or crawl space with high humidity, it may be a haven for them.

Access Points

German roaches can enter your home through small openings, so don’t be surprised if you find them near doors, windows, or any gaps in your home’s structure.

Baggage Hitchhikers

They’re notorious hitchhikers. If you’ve been in an area with cockroach infestations or brought in used furniture or appliances, they might have come along for the ride.

Throughout the Home

When German cockroaches are found scattered throughout the home, this is usually a sign of heavy infestation. This can also be a sign of the repellent effects displayed by insecticide applications elsewhere in the building.

Outdoors

German roaches can also be found outdoors during warm months, often around garbage cans. This, too, is usually due to a very heavy cockroach infestation indoors.

Keep your family safe, and know how to recognize German cockroaches in your home!

Impact on Health and Hygiene

German roaches can invade homes easily. They hitchhike in bags, boxes, and used appliances. Once inside, these pests multiply rapidly and can infest your kitchen and other areas. Movies like Joe’s Apartment may show you that you can live harmoniously with singing, talking roaches and be their best friend, but German roaches pose health risks. They can carry pathogens that cause diseases like salmonella and gastroenteritis. Allergens from their feces, shed skin, and body parts can trigger allergies and asthma, particularly in children.

It can’t be stressed enough that German roaches are pests, so keeping them away is vital for a healthy home. You can do the following to prevent some serious cockroach activity from taking place:

• Cleanliness. Maintain a clean and clutter-free environment, especially in the kitchen and food storage areas.
• Sealing entry points. Seal cracks and gaps in your home’s foundation, windows, and doors to prevent them from getting inside.
• Food storage. Store food in airtight containers, clean up food debris, and don’t leave pet food out overnight. In short, don’t give them any open food sources.
• Trash management. Empty your trash regularly, and keep trash cans clean.

Putting an End to the Cockroach Problem

If you think you can deal with a cockroach infestation by yourself, you can use bait traps designed for cockroaches. These contain a poison that the roaches carry back to their nests. Homemade baits are another option. Mix boric acid with sugar or flour to create a homemade bait that can be placed where a German cockroach and the rest of its crew are active.

If your DIY methods don’t work or the roach infestation is just too much for you to handle, then it might be best to sit back and let pest control professionals do the work. Pest control professionals can use potent insecticides to target infestations effectively. In severe cases, fumigation may be necessary to get rid of the roaches in your home.

Start Here to Eliminate German Roaches

Encountering a cockroach in your home, regardless of the cockroach species, is undoubtedly an unpleasant experience. These insects present significant health risks for individuals and businesses alike, and these roaches’ adept hiding skills, surprising intelligence, and resilience make eliminating them a challenging task.

If sticking your head in lots of nasty small openings with roaches all around doesn’t sound fun, then don’t wait! Call Bug Zapper Pest Control for a free inspection. Let our trained technicians accurately identify where German roaches live within your home and help you find the best solution.

At Bug Zapper, we prioritize providing you with the most informed, skilled, and professional pest control technicians throughout the Pacific Northwest. All our technicians hold full licenses and certifications in Oregon, complemented by rigorous training via our comprehensive internal apprenticeship program. 

Our team undergoes continuous advanced training and actively participates in industry-related seminars to ensure that our expertise and methodologies remain up-to-date. We are especially fortunate to have an associate-certified entomologist (ACE) on our team, a distinction held by only a select few in the state of Oregon.

Our commitment to top-tier customer service, industry proficiency, and an unwavering 100% satisfaction guarantee ensures that your cockroach infestation will be eradicated and won’t be returning for good. Do you want peace of mind and a cockroach-free environment? If so, we’re just one phone call away!

Call or Text 541-636-0146 or contact us here to schedule today.

Locally owned for fast, exceptional service.

5 Star Pest Control Service available in Albany, Ashland, Corvallis, Eugene, Grants Pass, McMinnville, Medford, Newberg, Roseburg, Salem, Sherwood, Wilsonville, Woodburn, Tigard, Tualatin and surrounding areas.

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Do you need pest control service or DIY? In the days of endless “how-to” articles and YouTube videos, many people want to know if DIY pest control is enough or if it’s time to call a pest control expert.

Knowing the advanced signs of a problem with pests in or around your residence or office can help you determine if choosing professional pest control is the right way to bring the problem under control.

Ignoring the tell-tale signs and waiting will only make the infestation worse and improperly managed DIY solutions can put your family in contact with dangerous (and less-than-effective) chemicals, poisons, and traps.

These 6 common signs of an infestation and pest problems warrant calling a pest control expert. With regular pest control service, you can get a handle on the problem, know what you are facing, and have a plan to effectively remove pests once and for all. Knowing when to seek professional pest control allows you to remove the problem and be proactive in preventing ongoing infestations before it spreads further out of control.

Read More: 7 Common Questions About Pest Control

6 Signs You Should Call Pest Control vs DIY

Droppings, Grease Marks, & More

Pests are usually good at hiding, but they can’t always cover their trail. Droppings and urine spots are some of the most common signs of pests. Larger droppings are typically a sign of mice or rodents, while the droppings of smaller insects may resemble ground pepper. Other pests may leave behind grease marks, scratches, or shed body parts. If you encounter any of these signs, call pest control immediately. Droppings and urine can carry dangerous pathogens, so be sure to ask your pest control expert how to safely clean them up.

Gnawing on Food Packaging

Just like us, pests seek shelter, food, and water. If you notice gnaw marks or holes on food and packaging, it’s a sign that pests are trying to get their next meal.

Structural Damage

From gnaw marks on furniture, walls, and rugs to tunnels running along your wall, pests will likely inflict damage as they carve out a space in your home. Pest-caused damage is much more serious than a few unsightly walls – when left unchecked, some pests will burrow their way into wood surfaces and through electrical wiring. This can make your home’s very structure unstable and contribute to electrical fires.

Strange Noises

Many pests will make their homes in your walls or the structural components of the building. Scratching, rustling, and clawing from within your walls or above the ceiling (especially at night) are a sure sign of pests.

Odd Smells

If you notice strange odors, the infestation is likely a bigger problem that needs expert treatment. Every pest has a different odor, but a few examples include:

• Mice and rodents have an ammonia-like smell
• Bed bugs smell musty and slightly sweet
• Roaches give off an oily smell

You See Pests

The most obvious sign of pests is actually seeing them. If you see a pest (including eggs and larvae) it’s time to call pest control. The more pests you see, alive or dead, is a signal of a bigger issue. Seeing pest activity during the daytime is also an indicator of a major problem.

Premier Pest Control In Oregon

Seeing signs of pests or the critters themselves can be concerning. Long-term exposure to pests can cause damage to your home and contribute to health concerns, so don’t put off calling a pest control expert. With same-day service, pet-friendly solutions, and guaranteed pest extermination services, Bug Zapper is here to help you live pest-free, year-round. Contact us today!

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Pets are more than just friends – they’re family. When it comes to choosing a pest control company, you want to choose one that values your pet as much as you do. At Bug Zapper, we pride ourselves not just on the caliber of our technicians or the effectiveness of our services, but also on the commitment to safety and quality we make for all our customers.

Need outstanding results in record time? Find out why Bug Zapper is the best pest control service in the biz. 

Is Pest Control Safe For My Pets?

Bug Zapper believes in pest management solutions that are safe for every member of your family, pets included. The cutting-edge pest control products we use are designed for application in sensitive areas like restaurants, kitchens, and living spaces. Our highly-trained and certified technicians take every step to ensure safe environments for our customers and their pets. A Bug Zapper solution is never one-size-fits-all, and as part of our quality customer care we’ll make sure to go over your personal concerns and ensure that your Bug Zapper treatment meets our exceptionally high criteria for safety and effectiveness. Satisfaction is 100% guaranteed for every Bug Zapper visit.

Should My Pet Leave During My Pest Control Service?

Bug Zapper treatment solutions leave minimal odor and mess, and you are not required to leave your home or workplace during most treatments. Flea treatments are the exception to this rule, as health regulations for flea control methods require several hours of undisturbed drying time.  

How Long After Pest Control Treatment is it Safe for Pets?

For most of our service types, pets only need to stay clear of the treatment area until our pest management products have dried. This process typically only takes 15-30 minutes. Pet food, bowls, and items can be returned or uncovered after treatment has concluded. 

For flea treatments, as per product safety requirements and health laws, people and animals are required to be out of the service area for 2-3 hours after treatment. 

How Do I Prepare For My Service?

For most services, you and your pets are not required to leave, but we do ask that pet owners keep their animals from contacting pest control products being applied by our technicians until treatments have completely dried. This process often only takes about thirty minutes, making it easy to keep pets occupied outside or in another room. All pet food, water, toys, dishes, tanks, and terrariums should be covered or removed from treatment areas. Aerators should be turned off during service times.

Our treatment methods do not require home furnishings to be moved prior to service. After treatment, we recommend that all counters and surfaces in service areas be thoroughly cleaned. 

Keep Your Pets Safe While Getting the Pests Out  

We understand how frustrating pest issues and infestations can be, and we know you never want to choose between pest free living and the safety of your family. With Bug Zapper, you never have to make that choice. Have questions about our treatments and exclusion packages, our 100% satisfaction guarantee on all services, or our commitment to pet safety? Contact us today to discover how easy it is to start living your best pest free life!

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