EnSec Pest & Lawn Blog

For many people, their yards and gardens are the highlights of their homes. Lots of homeowners spend hundreds of dollars and work for hours on end just to make their trees and shrubs flourish. However, all it takes is an infestation of termites or weevils to undo all of your time and effort. If keeping a pristine yard is something you value, you’re going to want to know the second pests begin doing your plants harm. Therefore, here are some signs that pests are ruining your trees and shrubs, and how to keep them away. Signs Your Shrubs and Trees Have Pest Damage One way to see if you have pest damage in your yard is to inspect the leaves of your trees and shrubs. If the leaves are chewed up, smaller than usual, or if they appear dried up, yellow, brown, or colorless, then you may have a pest...

If you live in coastal Alabama or Florida, you know just how much of an issue pests can be. The climate and atmosphere here make for an ideal environment for insects, disease, and pests in general.  The lawns are just beginning to wake up and this is all the more reason to get things off on the right track. If you need help taking care of pests or your lawn and are in coastal Alabama or northwest Florida, here are the top 5 lawn care services every home should have. 1) Lawn Care Our local lawn care experts provide all of the products required to keep your lawn clean and green and include: Fertilization Post energent weed control Pre-emergent weed control Turf damaging insect control Soil amendments Fungicide applications We will even provide a free lawn care analysis, and give you an estimate for the treatment and maintenance plan that...

If you’re not an avid gardener, you may not know that there are insects that actually help protect your plants as they grow and thrive. Helpful insects are a great alternative to using chemical fertilizers or other insecticides. Obviously, many insects would be considered harmful and feed off your plants such as Japanese beetles, mites and other parasitic creatures. They are there to eat what you are growing, but if you have some of these insects housed in your garden, you house a natural security system. Here’s a guide to help you recognize what kind of insect can actually stick around.   1 - Ladybugs These are also known as lady beetles and are the most popular and recognizable beneficial insects. They feed off of mites, aphids, and mealybugs.   2 - Minute Pirate Bugs These bugs are black and white and will attack any other pests that are in...

Silverfish are a fairly common presence in homes, often congregating in areas with access to water, like bathrooms or laundry rooms. Contrary to what their name implies, silverfish are insects that move very quickly when startled and are of no relation to fish. While they might not be as notorious as cockroaches, they are a huge nuisance because they eat just about anything they can find. In addition, they are difficult to get rid of without professional help. There are a few important facts to be aware of when it comes to silverfish. What Attracts Silverfish? Silverfish come out at night. They congregate in areas with water, so you are more likely to see them in the bathroom or kitchen. They also like dark areas because their eyes are sensitive to light. Therefore, it is not uncommon to find them in basements or near shaded areas of your property. For...

There are many benefits to living in the south. Warmer weather all year round, lower cost of living and a laid back lifestyle may be some of your reasons for living here. Unfortunately though, with warmer weather brings more insects and other pests; ants being among them. Here are four species of ants that are commonly found in the south. Asian Needle Ant As you may note from its name, this species has originated from Asia but has been found in southern states such as North Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee. Not only will they nest in areas where human activity is rampant, but they may also be found in quieter areas, including the woods.Be aware of these ants as they will sting that have been known to cause allergic reactions.They are also apt to infesting homes and even public buildings wherever they can find large sources of...

Bed bugs are one of the most feared pests on the planet. In the last twenty years, they’ve become increasingly more common, and there is such a negative connotation attached to them that even the most level-headed people act irrationally in their presence. No one wants to find a bed bug in their home, but what do you do if you spot one of these little creatures? Consider the Evidence Do you have a reason to suspect bed bugs? There are so many small pests in the world that just finding a bug in your bedroom isn’t a reason to panic. Consider the other evidence. Are you waking up with itchy bites? Do you see any signs that they are present in your bed? For example, you may notice blood stains on light colored sheets or skin in the cracks and crevices of the mattress. Do you notice an unusual...

Happy New Year! What are your resolutions for 2020? Are you interested in spending more time with your family or increasing your fitness regime? Do you want to eat better or achieve professional success? One way to make your life better this year is by making a commitment to keeping your home as pest free as possible. That is easier said than done, however, so here are a few ways to keep your property as free as possible from bugs, rodents, and anything else you want to keep out!  Keep It Clean Having pests is not necessarily indicative of a dirty home. However, by cleaning thoroughly, you can help prevent a bug infestation. Make sure to sweep and vacuum each day. Never leave dirty dishes out overnight. Get rid of cardboard and magazines that you are not using, and keep the home as organized as possible. Do not let your...

Pests are troublesome to deal with, even if it’s currently a small inconvenience. An entire infestation is overwhelming for the average homeowner and can leave those wondering where to even start with their solution. Fortunately, professional pest control services are available. Here’s why you should leave a pest control solution to those professionals who know exactly what they are doing. 1. They Know the Exact Problem Many homeowners believe they know the root of their pest problem. Even if you have taken care of small pest problems before, every situation is different. A professional pest control team will be able to identify the source of your issue and quickly resolve it. This saves you from taking unnecessary or ineffective steps. 2. Financial Savings Some look at the quote for a pest control team and immediately think the DIY option is cheaper. While in some cases that may be true, this...

Cockroaches don’t move around a lot during the day. Therefore, it is possible to have an infestation and not realize it until the numbers start to become overwhelming. Because these pests like water, you’ll often see them in bathrooms or the kitchen, but they also congregate around appliances in general. If you spot a cockroach in your house, it is best to take steps to get rid of these bugs as soon as possible. They are unsightly and have the potential to carry disease. The following steps are important to take as you start the process of eradicating them. Take Away Their Food As with other living creatures, roaches need food to survive. Start the process of getting rid of these pests by cleaning your kitchen. In particular, focus on the areas that you might overlook normally. Your appliances are important; clean all around them, make sure to remove grease...

As a business owner, you probably have a lot on your mind. You may not have considered how pest control can help your bottom line, but it is important to remember that commercial buildings need these services as much as residential homes do. While the experts are taking care of the bugs, you can focus on providing the best service or products possible. How can EnSec help you? The following are some of the most important reasons why you should get in touch with us today. 1. Pests Cause Damage When it comes to damaging the structure of a property, most people think immediately of termites. While it is true that they need to be monitored, there are so many other pests that could potentially cause problems as well. Rodents carry disease and can chew through wiring. Carpenter ants can damage the structure of the building. Some pests can get...

Most homeowners are understandably nervous about termites. These pests can cause significant damage to a house, affecting its structure and stability. In addition, termites are not a pest that you can effectively deal with on your own. If you think there is a problem, having a licensed pest control company come out to deal with it is really your only option. Are you worried that termites are present on your property? Are you having trouble figuring out what to look for? Using the information included here, you can determine whether you have termites or other pests. Once you have that information, you are able to decide the best way to proceed. Mud Tubes One way to quickly determine if you have termites is by looking for mud tubes. These are a distinctive sight, moving from the ground up the walls of your house. The good news is that mud tubes...

Your kitchen is one of the most important rooms of the house. Not only do you store your food there, but that is where you make your meals and have family and friends over to gather and spend time with one another. Finding pests in your kitchen is a terrible feeling. They can ruin your food, make it uncomfortable for your guests and family members and generally cause you to experience distress. If you want to keep bugs out of your kitchen, the following tips can help. 1. Be Clean In theory, most homeowners know how important it is to keep the kitchen clean. In practice, however, it can be difficult to keep up with all the tasks required on a daily basis. Focus on making sure the floors are swept regularly. Always clear the table at night and put any dishes in the dishwasher. Wipe down the counters and...

As anyone who has seen a well maintained lawn will tell you: A good lawn is one of the most important features of a house. The lawn is the first thing a person sees when they approach your home and the quality of your lawn can make or break a house’s overall aesthetic. Since the climate of the area you live in influences what is better and worse for your lawn, and since southern regions have very different climates than northern regions, here are some lawn care tips for spring, summer and fall in the south. Spring After your lawn has thawed after a long winter, it’s time to start with the lawn care again. The biggest problem your lawn faces during the first couple of warm months is weeds, so lay down herbicides to kill them before they sprout. It’s a good idea to spread herbicide in the last...

Are storms a bad omen for pests ? Well, storms can have a huge impact on them, especially during extended periods of heavy rainfall. Their survival often depends on finding dry shelter, and your home may be the easiest solution. Many pests can drown during storms and are on the move for safe, new nesting sites such as your basement, attic, garage and kitchen. Some of the more common pests affected by storms include ants, cockroaches, spiders, mosquitoes and rodents. If you’re expecting heavy rainfall, here are some things to watch. Before a Storm If you spend much time in nature, you’ve probably noticed that birds, small animals and insects sense the storm’s arrival. As the barometric pressure drops, their behavior changes. An increase in insect activity outside is common as they make their storm preparations. Prior to a storm is when pests are most likely to move into your...

Bed bugs are prolific breeders, and they are able to easily travel from one location to the next. Because of this, they are quite difficult to get rid of once an infestation takes hold. Just the thought of having bed bugs in a home is enough to cause many people to have trouble sleeping at night. If you want to keep bed bugs away, there are a few steps that you can take to hopefully avoid this problem altogether. Get Them Out Of Hiding Bed bugs like to hide. Not only does keeping your room neat and tidy make it less attractive to these little pests, but an organized space also makes it more difficult for bed bugs to escape detection. As their name implies, bed bugs normally bite while you are sleeping, which means that your mattress may be host to quite a few of these tiny invaders. Putting...

Rodents like mice and rats are a huge problem for homeowners. Their ability to find their way into food containers and packaging is a health concern, as is the fact that they leave their droppings around wherever they go. However, you do not need to accept rodents as a fact of life. If you want to prevent them from sharing your home this winter, there are a few simple steps you can take to keep them out. Minimize The Mess Rodents are notoriously shy little creatures, and excess clutter gives them a means to scoot through the house undetected. Declutter as much as possible, so that your rooms don’t have many areas for rodents to hide. In particular, get rid of any cardboard or magazines, pick up toys, and generally be as minimalist as possible. Without a place to hide, mice and rats may not be as comfortable in your...

Ants are one of the most common and infuriating pests we encounter. Beyond just the summer picnic, ants can easily find their way into our homes at all times of year, including the quickly approaching Fall. As the outdoor barbecues transition to indoor casseroles and Thanksgiving, here’s how you can identify the different ants that may enter your home. Fire Ants Fire ants are almost universally loathed for their painful stings. While most people know them for their red color, in reality fire ants show red and brown, red and black, and sometimes even completely black coloration. You may have fire ants if the mound is near a tree or sidewalk, if it’s in a sunny area, and if there’s no visible center opening. Fire ants are also very fast compared to many other species, so keep an eye on them as you open and close doors and windows. Carpenter...

When it comes to getting bugs and rodents out of your home and away from your property, no one does the job better than a pest control company. Not only are they efficient, but they work hard to ensure that none of the products used are harmful to the members of your family. You can certainly try to eliminate pests yourself, through DIY methods, but you don’t get the peace of mind that comes from working with a professional. If you’ve been debating whether or not to hire an expert, here’s five reasons why you shouldn’t delay any longer. 1. They know what you are dealing with. There are so many pests out there that it can be hard to figure out what exactly is in your home. Identifying the bug is important because the species helps determine what type of bait or product to use. While you may not...

Termites can cause serious damage for homeowners, and the scariest part is that it is difficult to tell there is a problem until it is too late. Termites make their way through a home, causing structural damage, but they do it so quietly that most owners have no idea that they are living with these little pests. However, there is a lot you can do to keep termites at bay and avoid costly repairs. Most of these strategies won’t take a lot of time and don’t cost a lot of money. Get Rid Of Water You don’t want water around any part of your home, but it is particularly important to keep your foundation and roof dry. Also pay attention to the crawlspace and basement. If you notice an issue with a gutter or a pipe, get it corrected right away rather than letting the moisture remain. Water also attracts...

Finding a pest in your home is disturbing. What’s worse? Finding a full-on infestation of the buggers. They are tough to get rid of on top of being just plain creepy. To prepare for this, homeowners should know the most common places for an infestation. Kitchen Pests will always enjoy the kitchen. Food and water are very attractive to the bugs if left unattended. This includes crumbs left on the floor, dirty dishes, and more. Unsealed snacks and other food items in the pantry are also a haven. Make sure to thoroughly clean your kitchen floors, wipe down counters and securely store food to prevent an infestation. Attic The dark, isolated attics of many homes are appealing to pests and rodents . Different types of rodents, such as rats or mice, live up there for long periods. Pests will come in and feed off the excrement left behind. Attics are...