CHOOSE YOUR PAYMENT METHOD
×
Pay with Credit Card
Pay with Bank Account (ACH)
Close
TALK TO AN EXPERT
×
[forminator_form id="1909"]
Close
  • Skip to main content
Spring Special: $79 First Treatment (Save $200)
Redeem Offer
  • Services
    • Ants
    • Bed Bugs
    • Cockroaches
    • Fleas
    • General Bugs
    • Moles and Gophers
    • Rodents
    • Spiders
    • Wasps
  • Locations
    • Portland
    • McMinnville
    • Newberg
    • Salem
    • Willamette Valley
    • Eugene
    • Roseburg
    • Southern Oregon
    • Oregon Coast
  • Plans and Pricing
  • Contact us
  • More
    • About Us
    • Blog
    • Commercial Pest Control
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Meet Your Technician
    • Pay Bill
    • Privacy policy
541-636-0146

Jacob Lander

German Cockroach Nymphs

July 1, 2024 by Jacob Lander

ifficult to control by yourself because of their biology and behavior. Therefore, it is recommended that you hire a professional pest control service that can provide effective and safe solutions for your specific situation. Some of the methods that pest control professionals may use include the following:

  • Inspection and identification. The first step is to inspect your premises and identify the extent and source of the infestation. This will help to determine the best treatment plan and prevent future reinfestations.
  • Sanitation and exclusion. The next step is to eliminate the food, water, and shelter sources that German cockroaches need to survive and reproduce. This may involve cleaning, sealing, repairing, and disposing of items that may harbor or attract cockroaches. It’s important to know German cockroaches can survive for weeks without eating, but only a few days without water, so eliminating their water source in your home is critical.
  • Chemical and nonchemical treatments. The final step is to apply appropriate treatments that can kill or repel German cockroaches and their eggs. This may involve using baits, sprays, dusts, traps, or heat treatments, depending on the location and severity of the infestation.

Start Here to Eliminate German Cockroaches

German cockroaches are one of the most common and troublesome pests in homes and businesses. They can contaminate food, damage property, and spread diseases and can also pose serious economic risks. That is why it is important to prevent German cockroaches from wreaking havoc in your living space.

If you think you have German roaches at home, call Bug Zapper Pest Control today.

Call or Text

(541) 636-0146

For Information Today!

Locally owned pest control with same day service— 100% guaranteed!

Learn More
Read Article

Filed Under: Pest Control

How to Prevent Bed Bug Infestation While Traveling

July 1, 2024 by Jacob Lander

With Spring Break finally here, and Summer just around the corner, that means it’s finally vacation season! Every great trip means bringing home new memories, souvenirs, and maybe a tan… but something tiny and sinister might be following you home, too.   

That’s right, we’re talking about the scourge of travelers everywhere: bed bugs. The only thing worse than being feasted on by these little bloodsuckers is bringing them back to your home – but don’t worry. Armed with the right knowledge, you can avoid bed bugs in your travels and keep them out of your personal space.  

Read More: Bed Bugs or Carpet Beetles?

Before You Leave

Know What Bed Bugs Look Like

Before you work yourself up into a panic over every dark spot, you need to know how to properly identify these pesky little parasites. 

Adult bed bugs are small, reddish brown insects that vary from 1 to 7 millimeters in length. They are wingless, semi-translucent, and oval in shape. Adult bed bugs are often the approximate size and shape of an apple seed.    

Read More: How to Identify Bed Bugs

Packing Tips

Careful packing can cut down on opportunities for bed bugs to hitch a ride back to your home. Consider hard shelled luggage options to reduce risk – soft suitcase and bag options offer folds, seams, and other spaces where bugs can easily pass undetected. Additionally, packing clothes, toiletries, shoes, books, electronics, and other personal items in their own sealable plastic bags within your suitcase can help prevent (or contain) potential infestations within your luggage. Packing a reliable flashlight can help assist with spotting bed bugs when at the hotel.  

At The Hotel

Inspect the Room

It can be tempting to unpack or crash down onto the bed when you finally arrive at your hotel – but the first order of business when you get to your room should be checking for invaders. Bed bugs are small and excellent at hide-and-seek, so careful inspection can be necessary to spot them. 

Bed bugs conceal themselves within small cracks, seams, folds in fabric, and small openings in highly-trafficked areas. Bed bugs in hotels will be found in the bed, in furniture, or in close proximity to those items. Be on the lookout for live bed bugs, spots of blood, rust-colored stains, or groupings of black spots that look similar to mold. A pungent, musty/sweet smell may also be present. Make sure to pull back and check the sheets, the mattress seams, and the box spring. You should also inspect all sofas, chairs, headboards, baseboards, and upholstery, as well as behind picture frames and furniture. Bed bugs are most active at night, when their hosts are asleep. 

If your inspection reveals any evidence of bedbugs, inform hotel management and request to change rooms (or hotels) immediately.

Keep Your Luggage Neat

Even if your room inspection returned no ill omens, there’s always the slight possibility of being surprised later. These tips can help keep your luggage bug free:

  • Store luggage on the provided luggage racks
  • Store clothes properly – hang them in the closet or keep them inside your sealed suitcase or bags 
  • Keep personal belongings secure in their sealed bags when not in use
  • Store dirty clothes in sealed bags so they may be easily cleaned at home

When You Get Home

Check Your Luggage

Even a small number of bed bugs can cause a full-blown home infestation if you inadvertently carry them back to your residence. For this reason, it’s always best to thoroughly inspect your suitcases and other luggage items outside or in the garage before you bring them into the house. For apartments, you can check your luggage on the balcony or even in the bath (smooth surfaces like baths and showers are difficult for bed bugs to climb). Closely inspect seams, corners, folds, and pockets. 

Unpack Clothes Over the Washer

Don’t wait to unpack! Take items out of your luggage and inspect them right away, and move clothes directly from your bag into the washer to avoid dropping potential stowaways on the floors of your home. All clothes from your trip should be washed on a hot water cycle, even the ones you didn’t wear. 

Vacuum or Steam Luggage

Before storing your bags again, vacuum or steam clean all luggage from your trip. A heated garment steamer will kill any bed bugs that may be riding on your suitcase, as bed bugs and their offspring cannot survive in temperatures over 122 degrees Fahrenheit.

Related: The EPA’s Top Tips for Preventing Bed Bugs 

When to Call the Bed Bug Exterminator

If you do end up spotting these dreaded pests in your home, or if you start waking up with small red bite marks on your body, don’t fret – the bug experts have you covered. Bed bugs are notoriously difficult to treat, but Bug Zapper’s highly-trained staff and cutting-edge extermination methods ensure incredible results every time.

Our helpful pest control technicians will get you started with a comprehensive bed bug inspection to determine the root of your problem (bed bug or otherwise), we’ll provide expert guidance during and after the process, and we’ll ready an individualized treatment plan to get you living pest free as fast as possible. Satisfaction is always guaranteed with Bug Zapper, and our bed bug treatments come with a 90 day 100% bed-bug-free guarantee.  

Contact us today to get started! With Bug Zapper, the only things you have to lose are the bugs. 

Bug Zapper services Albany, Grants Pass, Roseburg, Ashland, Hillsboro, Salem, Aloha, McMinnville, Sherwood, Beaverton, Medford, Wilsonville, Corvallis, Newberg, Woodburn, Eugene, Portland, Tigard, and Tualatin.

Call or Text

(541) 636-0146

For Information Today!

Locally owned pest control with same day service— 100% guaranteed!

Learn More
Read Article

Filed Under: Pest Control

How to Keep Your Pets Safe During Pest Control

July 1, 2024 by Jacob Lander

’t just show up to a job site and hose the place down with chemicals. Our highly-trained technicians perform extensive inspections of pest-affected areas to determine the best solution for your individual situation. They’ll ask about your pets as well as other considerations specific to your unique pest problem, then apply that information to create the most effective and economical treatment plan for you. No pest management or safety solution is ever one-size-fits-all at Bug Zapper. 

Related: DIY vs. Professional Pest Control – Which is Best? 

Follow Pest Control Suggestions For Your Pets’ Health

Because of their extensive training, our experts apply products in a way that minimizes harm to people, pets, and other living things. To aid with the process and ensure pet health, some general guidelines should be followed. 

General Guidelines For Pet-Safe Pest Control

The first step to pet-safe pest control is to inform your pest control specialist of all pets in your home and any special concerns you may have. In addition to the recommendations of your specialist, some general guidelines for pet safety include:

  • Covering or storing all open pet food and water dishes. 
  • Covering fish, reptile, and insect terrarium tanks with a towel and turning off aerators during treatment periods. 
  • Confining pets during treatment periods until all treatment applications have completely dried.
  • Washing pet items (such as bedding, bowls, and toys) after treatment.
  • Inquiring with your veterinarian about any possible hazards specific to your pet’s breed.

If you have any questions about protecting your pet, consult your Bug Zapper technician or give our office a call. Our friendly and helpful staff is always happy to assist with any inquiries or concerns you may have.  

Focus On Pest Prevention

Pest presence can have a big negative impact on the health of both you and your pets. Rodents, ticks, fleas, and other pests your pet may be exposed to can carry harmful pathogens and potentially fatal diseases. Pest prevention and management are the best ways to ensure a clean, happy, and healthy home.    

Things You Can Do To Prevent Pests on Your Pet

  • Regularly clean the areas where your pet eats, sleeps, and plays. 
  • Use airtight containers to store pet food.
  • Regularly wash your pet. 
  • Ask your veterinarian about preventative medicine that protects against fleas, ticks, and parasites.
  • Utilize pet-friendly exclusion methods to keep pests out of your home.   

Invest in Unlimited Pest Treatments

Protecting your household and your pets is a big responsibility, but you don’t have to do it alone! Bug Zapper doesn’t just clean out infestations – we stop them from coming back or starting in the first place. We offer a wide variety of outstanding preventative and ongoing service options, and for as low as $49 a month, you can have access to unlimited bug treatments with our famous “All Bug Package.” Our 100% satisfaction guarantee on all services means 100% peace of mind for you and your pets! 

Get started by contacting us today, and discover how easy and affordable it is to start living pest free.  

Bug Zapper services Albany, Grants Pass, Roseburg, Ashland, Hillsboro, Salem, Aloha, McMinnville, Sherwood, Beaverton, Medford, Wilsonville, Corvallis, Newberg, Woodburn, Eugene, Portland, Tigard, and Tualatin.

Call or Text

(541) 636-0146

For Information Today!

Locally owned pest control with same day service— 100% guaranteed!

Learn More
Read Article

Filed Under: Pest Control

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs – For GOOD!

July 1, 2024 by Jacob Lander

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs

Bed Bugs in Douglas and Lane Counties are becoming a mounting problem!  Contrary to common myths, bed bug infestations are not based on unclean environments. In fact, bed bugs are often found in very clean, expensive homes and hotels!  Bed bugs are very good hitchhikers and can be easily transported unintentionally. 

Bed Bugs in Eugene & Roseburg

Bed Bugs in the Eugene and Roseburg area are becoming a more common problem because they spread so easily.  Once they arrive at your home, they begin to spread QUICKLY.  Bed Bugs hide in cracks and crevices during the day, and come out to FEED on you at night. (Unless you sleep during the day…they adjust their schedule to yours!)

(c)Joel Carillet

Evidence suggests that bed bug infestations can lead to anemia, and bed bug bites can become infected due to scratching. Bed bug infestations may also have negative psychological impact causing emotional STRESS. If you think you might have a bed bug infestation, then call us immediately for professional treatment of your home or business. Learn how to get rid of bed bugs with our guaranteed elimination system.

data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==

Watch this video on how to get rid of bed bugs!

Bed Bug Treatment Process

The following three steps are essential for 100% removal of bed bugs.

1) Resident Preparations

2) Initial Clean-out Treatment by Technician

3) Two FOLLOW – UP Treatments each two weeks apart

Get started by reviewing our Bed Bug Treatment Preparation Checklist

Our Commitment to Quality

Bug Zapper Pest Control is totally dedicated to providing you GUARANTEED pest control services with special consideration for your family and pets. In fact, we are so confident in our quality service that we guarantee every bed bug treatment to be 100% effective! Our confidence comes from using responsible application methods, time tested methods, continual improvement through special skills training, consistent attention to details and a drive to outperform our customers expectations.

Where Do Bed Bugs Come From?

Bed bugs can be picked up almost ANYWHERE! They are very small and like to travel.

  • Hotels/Motels
  • Bus and Public Transportation
  • Thrift store or garage sale items not properly laundered before placed in home.
  • Visitors can bring them in on their clothes or luggage.
  • Library Books
  • Theaters and many more!!!

We can help you identify bed bugs if you aren’t sure if that is what you have! If you think you might have bed bugs, then call Bug Zapper Pest Control. We offer a FREE Bed Bug Inspection. Let our trained technicians accurately identify bed bugs and show you how to get rid of bed bugs with guaranteed results.

5 Star Reviews:

Bug Zapper is the best pest control I’ve used. We were having a terrible problem with spiders and earwigs inside and out. Before having Jacob spray, we were killing three to five spiders in our house every day. We had him spray three months ago, and haven’t seen one bug inside or out. Jacob even knocked down the cobwebs.
WE are extremely pleased with the service, and would recommend Bug Zapper to anyone having bug issues.

– Cindy M. – Myrtle Creek on Yelp – 5 stars

This review is easy because my experience with Bug Zapper Pest Control has been nothing but positive. The office staff is good, they answer the phone, they remind you of the visits, they handle invoices efficiently. The service itself has been 100% successful with a 100% guarantee- no ants, spiders or bugs have returned and they only treated the house inside one time – the rest of the treatments being outside around the premises. The technicians are quiet and respectful. Great service, effective product, 5 stars.

– Ann Flackman – merchantcircle.com – 5 stars

The first step in winning the war on bed bugs is contacting us for a free estimate. Bed Bug clean out treatments starts at $300 based on the number of rooms infested.

Locally owned for fast, exceptional service.

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

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 or Text

(541) 636-0146

For Information Today!

Locally owned pest control with same day service— 100% guaranteed!

Learn More
Read Article

Filed Under: Pest Control

How To Choose A Pest Control Service

July 1, 2024 by Jacob Lander

So, you’ve just discovered a large spider inside your home, or maybe millions of ants just invaded your kitchen.  You need help now, but what criteria should you use to choose a pest control company?  Which pest service is right for you?  Are they all really that different?  We’ve decided to weigh-in here, and give you some tips on how to choose a pest control service.  We thought we’d offer some advice to help you make the BEST decision and get help fast!

How To Choose A Pest Control Service

Spoiler alert: We’re one.

With so many pest control options listed on Google, how can you know which company will be the best choice for your home?  Some ads offer super low prices, others tout “green” solutions, and some big names like Orkin and Terminix look familiar.  In addition to these, there are usually a bunch of other pest control companies and exterminators that no one has ever heard of before (it’s very common that a single person will buy basic, big-box outlet materials, put a sticker on their truck, and offer themselves as a company).  Should you go with someone local or stick with one of the national brands? Should you go with an enterprising, expanding company in your region, or a small company with a few technicians in your city?  Here is some solid advice about how to choose a pest control service that can help you make the right decision the first time.

Local or National?

If you’ve ever called a company and found yourself talking to someone far away with an accent you can barely understand, you know the frustration of dealing with an outsourced customer service line.  Just when you think you are about done, CLICK!– the phone goes dead and you’re starting all over again.  Press 1 for billing… Press 3 for scheduling… This can be troublesome and often causes you to jump through myriad hoops just to get a simple question answered (and don’t plan on ever getting to talk to the same person twice).  Agitating and impersonal.

Pest control doesn’t have to be like this.  When you choose a local service provider that lives where you live, works in your neighborhood every day, and knows the area, you’re choosing someone who lives where you live and knows the area and all of its facets.  In fact, when you choose a local company, you can plan on working with the same service team member every time you call– without having to press all those frustrating 1’s and 3’s.  You’ll also be helping to build your local economy and support your region.

Local companies subsist on local work with local customers.  National or global companies often use one-size-fits-all plans and treatments, but what may work in eastern Georgia might not work so well in Oregon.  Not all populations of pests are the same, and some have developed different behaviors that are region or even city-specific.  In addition, going local helps businesses in your area thrive, ultimately giving you and your city more options in the long run.

Quality or Low Cost?

Are you a frequent Walmart shopper? If standing in line for an hour to save $.50 isn’t your thing, then please consider not choosing the lowest cost pest control service.  When it comes to pest control services, low cost often means low-grade cheap products and speed (without attention-to-detail).  That business model is about blazing through as many jobs as possible to generate invoices. This model does not bode well for a quality service. Generally, this method results in persistent bug problems, numerous call-backs (let’s hope they offer them), and steady frustrations.

While pest control service generally costs far less per month than phone plans, it’s a service where you really get what you pay for, and a few extra dollars per month can make all the difference in the quality of service and your future happiness.  Trust us, a few extra dollars per month to get GREAT pest control will be worth every penny.

Guaranteed or Not?

So how does a pest control guarantee work?  Well, the best pest control companies use their products and services in their own homes. We’re not just talking about the owner’s home, but even the office staff.  When they use the products and services in their own homes, they know exactly how well they work.  If you ask your technician what he uses on his own home, it should be exactly what he’s about to use in your home. Great companies confidently offer 100% guaranteed results on every service provided.  When they know it works from personal experience, your provider can confidently offer to come back for free as needed, to make sure the treatment is 100% effective. If everyone in the company doesn’t use their own service for their own homes, then keep shopping.

Free Spider Web Removal or “Not Offered”

Webs can get almost anywhere.

Here is a great question you can use to quickly separate the wheat from the chaff: “Do you include free de-webbing or spider web removal with your pest protection plans?”

Removing spider webs not only helps your home look its best but ensures that there will be future proof of spider activity if spiders are not removed by the treatment.  If a treatment is done and more webs show up, you know it wasn’t successful.  A good company will remove these at the start, and return if webs appear after treatment.  Web removal is used as a gauge to make certain the spider problem is solved.  If the answer to your web-removal question is anything but a solid “of course,” you’re being told the following:

  1.  We know the products we use don’t always work well, so we don’t want to get stuck cleaning up the mess.
  2.  We’re in a hurry.  Clean your own house.  We need to get to the next job fast because we operate for quantity rather than quality.
  3.  We’re just in it for a quick buck (pay-and-spray) and are not committed to keeping your home bug free and looking great long term.  When problems arise after our treatment, you can pay us again for more of the same.

Are They Pet Friendly or Not?

If you can’t confidently have the products applied around your pets and family, then maybe you better keep looking for a better pest control company. The BEST companies have trained technicians that are equipped with and prepared to use pet-friendly products with methods designed to avoid putting pets and people at risk.  Does your prospective or current pest control company confidently offer Pet-Friendly pest solutions?  If not, consider a change.

Poor Reviews

If other customers get great service, so will you.  Consistent and recent 5-star reviews indicate a commitment to extraordinary service that surpasses customer expectations.  These reviews can be invaluable.  Eliminate the unknown and choose a pest control company with great online reviews.

Choose Bug Zapper Pest Control

We hope these tips on how to choose a pest control service will be helpful as you choose the right pest control service for your home.  We routinely contact current customers to inquire about the service and make sure our technicians are the best around.

For local service, top quality results, an unbeatable guarantee, FREE spider web removal, pet-friendly services, and 5-star reviews, check out bugzapperpestcontrol.com  Discover pest control service on a whole new level for Oregon homes and businesses.

5 Star Pest Control Services 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!

Call or Text

(541) 636-0146

For Information Today!

Locally owned pest control with same day service— 100% guaranteed!

Learn More
Read Article

Filed Under: Pest Control

How To Catch Rats

July 1, 2024 by Jacob Lander

So rats got inside your house and chewed pipes, wires or damaged walls. Here’s the plan you likely have to get rid of them: 1. Drive to the hardware store and buy a rat trap. 2. Put cheese on the trap 3. Set the trap in your kitchen. Take it from a very experienced professional, that is a TERRIBLE PLAN! Actually every part of that plan is a bad idea. Let’s see how to catch rats with a better plan.

Rat Chewed Pipe

#1 Best Plan To Catch Rats

Here are three tips our pro technicians use to catch rats in homes, businesses, and warehouses.

  1. Don’t buy a cheap rat trap at a hardware store.
  2. The only rodent ever caught with cheese was in a cartoon.
  3. Setting a rat trap where kids and pets can find it is an insanely bad idea.

Choose The Right Rat Trap

Why not buy a rat trap at the hardware store? Two good reasons!

First, you don’t need a rat trap. What you really need if you actually want more than needle-in-a-haystack odds of catching that rat is 10 rat traps MINIMUM. We usually set at least 24 traps for all our professional trapping jobs. If you only have one trap set, you have about 1/100 chances of making a catch. Set out 10 traps and your odds of success increase exponentially.

The second reason not to buy rat traps at the hardware store is that the traps sold at most hardware stores are cheap homeowner grade equipment. They range from completely ineffective traps where you’d have better luck at winning the lottery than catching a rat, to cool gadgets designed to pique your curiosity (not the curiosity or an actual rodent).

Moving up from hardware store options to the PRO-grade traps with expanded trigger plates, sensitivity settings and rust-resistant hardware that doesn’t blow up in a hot attic will cost you like $2 more a trap. Would you seriously drive a Ford Taurus if a BMW only costs $2 more?!? There is literally a huge quality difference in the effectiveness of PRO grade rat traps, so don’t waste your time on the relatively “cheap” hardware store options.

Cheese Doesn’t Work

After all those episodes of Tom and Jerry who would dare dispute the effectiveness of using cheese to lure a wiley rat into a rat trap.  Only anyone who has actually ever tried to trap a rat I suspect. Most people just assume cheddar is the fix-all but let’s explore some better options.

In our search for how to catch rats and the best rat lure,  we have tried cheese, bread, candy, chocolate, peanut butter, apples, bananas, cat food and about everything else you can think of. Let’s be truthful, a hungry lil bugger just might react to any of these items–but it’s a long shot. Our techs put their heads together and we did massive testing with all sorts of goodies mixed together. We used a trail camera to verify the results and in the end, we invented a crazy rat catch’n blend for rodents. We called it Rodent Magnet Trap Bait and it’s what our techs use almost exclusively now.

 All it takes is a pea-sized portion placed on the trap and rats are going to literally go nuts to get at this stuff. Don’t waste your time with cheese. Believe us the pros don’t try to catch rats using cheese.

Use Caution When Setting Rat Traps Around Kids & Pets

While a mousetrap might cause a temporary sting, a rat trap can inflict permanent damage to children and pets. We suggest only setting rat traps in enclosed areas (like attics or crawl spaces), up high (like on top of kitchen cabinets or electric water heaters) or inside protective boxes like the one pictured below.

 If you don’t have access to tamper-resistant bait stations like the one pictured, you can even use a heavy cardboard box with a small hole cut in the side and a heavy item on top to hold it in place. Ultimately, you know your children and pets and if you think they might be clever enough to access traps, don’t take chances.

How To Catch Rats Summary

The right traps and bait really matter. Trying to save a few bucks on equipment can lead to lots of frustrations as rats run loose in your house destroying everything they touch. Most importantly, don’t take chances with the safety of your pets and children when setting rat traps.

If you get stuck on how to catch rats or just want to see how much we’d charge to take care of the lil’ buggers just call or text us.

Locally owned for fast, exceptional service.

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

Call or Text

(541) 636-0146

For Information Today!

Locally owned pest control with same day service— 100% guaranteed!

Learn More
Read Article

Filed Under: Pest Control

How Do Pests Get Into My House?

July 1, 2024 by Jacob Lander

The good news? We know what they are and how to address each, so the problem can be solved. It’s time to kick the worries out with the pests! We walk through the top ways pests are getting in and how you can protect each area of your home with a few simple steps.

What are the Most Common Pest Entry Points into the Home?

Doorways and Windows

Gaps around doors and window frames are often the greatest culprit when it comes to pests entering your home. In many cases, homeowners have exterior doorways with sizable gaps that allow pests to squeeze inside… and these gaps may be newly formed. Because doors endure so much use and wear, it’s easy for openings to form over time. Additionally, the natural shifting of home foundations and house “settling” can widen spaces around your door frames.

It’s important to check the seals around your doors and windows at the start of every season. Even the smallest gap or crack can be a welcome invitation to pests. Spiders and insects (even the biggest cockroaches) are capable contortionists, but so are rodents. Mice are even able to fit through gaps as small as ¼ inch! If daylight can pass through an opening from the outside, so can a wide variety of household nuisances.

Weatherstripping can be added to windows, door jambs, and door frames to create tight seals, and door sweeps can be attached to the bottom of doors to fill-in gaps. Window screens and screen doors with holes should be replaced, and windows should also be carefully inspected for any cracks or spaces around the seals. Garage doors can also present opportunities for pests if the door doesn’t make a proper seal against the ground, a garage door specialist can replace the rubber strip at the bottom of the door.

Foundations and Siding

The walls of your castle can be a huge vulnerability if left unchecked. Shifting ground and weather conditions can put cracks in your home’s foundation or gaps in your home’s siding. Even if these gaps appear too small to worry about, they might not be; spiders and other insects can pass through openings the width of a credit card. Exterior caulk and foundation gap fillers should be employed to seal any openings around the base and walls of the home.

Vents

Exhaust vents in the side or roof of your home carry out furnace fumes, remove excess moisture, and balance interior air pressure – so they’re important openings into your house. But that doesn’t mean critters of all sorts can’t use them for entry. A screen or metal mesh can be placed over these vents to prevent pests like squirrels or roof rats from coming inside – and many homes already have these screens in place. Screens should be added and maintained, but for overall home safety, it’s important to never obstruct air flow out of these ventilation components. Cracks or gaps around these vents should be treated the same as all other exterior gaps and should be filled with exterior caulk or roofing tar.

Landscaping Features

If that beautiful tree in your yard is getting too close to your roof, it may turn into a problem… and not just for the roof. Plant limbs and gardening features can act as highways into your house for opportunistic pests. All tree limbs, shrubberies, and plants should be regularly trimmed back from roofs and walls to prevent access. Debris and clutter in the yard or around the exterior of the home should be eliminated to remove possible foraging and breeding grounds for pests. Firewood – and all other forms of wood, cardboard, or paper – should be stored a minimum of 20 feet from the home in order to prevent termite and carpenter ant infestations.

You

Once the house is sealed and bridges for pests are removed, your home still has one major vulnerability: you. Your family, your pets, and you yourself might be carrying unwanted hitchhikers into your house. These stowaways might be dreaded bed bugs, fleas, ticks, or other advantageous insects.

Here, caution is key. When traveling, check the furniture for bed bugs ahead of time. When you return home from a trip, inspect your luggage carefully, and unpack on a hard surface. Clothes and luggage should be washed immediately after arriving home.

Additionally, it’s not a good idea to bring “free” used furniture in from outside. It may be free now, but you’ll be paying for it later.

To keep fleas and ticks at bay, inspect yourself, your children, and your pets when returning home after outdoor activities.

Let Bug Zapper Transform Your Home into a Fortress

Do you need a 100% guarantee that your home will be secure? We’ve got you covered.

At Bug Zapper, we’re not just the #1 ranking pest control service in Oregon – we’re also licensed, bonded, and fully insured specialty contractors (Oregon CCB #153907) – and no pest exclusion job is too big or too small for our team. We tailor all of our exclusion, prevention, and treatment plans specific to the customer. Every homeowner and home is unique and special, and we believe every treatment plan should be, too! We’re famous for our amazing customer care and outstanding services, and that’s why we’re able to back every job with a 100% guarantee of quality and satisfaction.

If you have questions, concerns, or if you need a hand, Bug Zapper can put your worries to rest. Contact one of our personable and knowledgeable technicians today!

Learn More: Bug Zapper Rodent Exclusion and Pest Proofing Methods

Call or Text

(541) 636-0146

For Information Today!

Read Article

Filed Under: Pest Control

Hiring a Pro vs. DIY Pest Control – Which is Best

July 1, 2024 by Jacob Lander

The old adage goes, “if you want something done right, do it yourself.” Being industrious and independent go hand-in-hand with being American, and we understand the fulfillment that comes from tackling a project and getting a task done with some good, old-fashioned grit and elbow grease. That being said, there are some jobs that are better left to the professionals: things like electrical work, roofing, and  – yes – getting rid of troublesome pests.  

Learn when DIY pest control is enough and when to call in the experts.    

When To Do It Yourself

From bugs to rodents to everything in between, pest management is one of the most difficult – and disgusting – sides of home homeownership. With many pests being as small as they are, it’s easy to trick yourself into thinking that they aren’t a big issue. It’s this underestimation of the problem that allows many pest control situations to turn into bigger, more damaging, and more costly issues than they started as. Knowing when to do it yourself and when to call in the pros can make all the difference. 

In most cases single insect or rodent sightings are not an indicator of a larger problem, and can be easily dealt with by the homeowner. For sightings of multiple pests or pest-related damage, it’s always a good idea to get a professional opinion, as situations vary heavily on a case-by-case basis.

The easiest pest management activities for homeowners to safely and effectively undertake by themselves are preventative measures. This includes things like keeping living and storage areas clean, sealing food items, cutting tree limbs and plants two feet away from structures, and eliminating debris on property.  

Read More: Why DIY Ant-Killers Don’t Make the Cut

When to Call the Professionals

Professional pest control is around for a reason – simply, because the pros are trained and equipped to get results. DIY methods may have the allure of seeming cheaper and easier to use, but most over-the-counter pest control products only produce temporary results and fail to deal with root causes of infestations. Professional pest control may cost more upfront, but the expense is often less than the overall price of infestation growth, structural damage from pests, and the continued purchase of DIY products. Additionally, consumer pest control products are often toxic and harmful to family members and pets. 

For any serious pest problem, it’s recommended to call in the experts. Regardless of your specific issue, professional pest management services provide effective, reliable, long-term solutions – with the added benefit of knowing with certainty that your problem is gone for good.

Related: How Do Pests Get Into My House?

What should I look for when hiring a pest control company?

If you’re hiring a pest control company, you want to make sure you’re getting well-trained technicians that utilize safe, humane, and effective methods. When vetting a pest management company, consider the following:

  • Experience and qualifications
  • Reputation and track record
  • Customer service ratings 
  • Safety of practices  
  • Cost

Who is the best pest control company?

While we may be biased, Bug Zapper’s results, reviews, and mission statement speak for themselves. We’ve become Oregon’s top-rated pest control experts due to our combination of family-owned values, customer appreciation, and our drive to always be on the cutting-edge of pest management technologies and practices. 

The Bug Zapper Proprietary Treatment

Our proprietary treatments and highly-trained technicians allow us to achieve better, safer, faster, and less expensive services than our competitors, and that’s why we’re able to GUARANTEE 100% satisfaction on every job we perform.    

Read More: Why are We the Best in the Business? 

Our Expertise 

At Bug Zapper, we don’t just claim to be experts. All of our friendly and experienced technicians are fully licensed and certified in Oregon, and Bug Zapper’s Technical Director, Jonathan C. Najera, ACE, is one of only 11 Associate Certified Entomologists currently operating in the state. Our ACE knowledge has allowed us to create the safest and best methods on the market and develop specialized, advanced training to further increase all our technicians’ knowledge and skills.  

Monthly Treatments To Keep Pests Away

Not only is Bug Zapper the best at getting pests out, we’re also the best at keeping them out. Great pest control relies heavily on preventative and exclusionary measures, and affordable monthly service packages like our Lifetime Rodent Lockout can ensure your peace of mind by keeping the pests out – for good. Our exclusion professionals are officially licensed contractors, and can turn any home or business into a bug-and-rodent-free fortress.  

How long does it take to see results after pest control?

Although each situation is different, in most cases you can expect to see results after just one treatment. With Bug Zapper’s same-day service, that means you could be living clean and pest-free in as little as a day! 

Ready to experience the Bug Zapper difference? Contact us to discover what it truly means to live pest-free.   

Call or Text

(541) 636-0146

For Information Today!

Locally owned pest control with same day service— 100% guaranteed!

Learn More
Read Article

Filed Under: Pest Control

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Page 1
  • Page 2
  • Page 3
  • Page 4
  • Page 5
  • Page 6
  • Page 7
  • Go to Next Page »

612 SE Jackson St Ste #12 
Roseburg, OR 97470
541-636-0146
Pests Service areas Commercial Plans & pricing
Pay bill About us Contact us FAQs