The summer heat in Florida can be detrimental to your lawn’s health, but with the proper care, you can ensure that your grass stays green. If you have noticed brown patches, bugs, or other bad signs for your lawn’s health, here’s what you need to do.

How to Take Care of Your Lawn in the Summer: 5 Critical Tips

Practice Proper Mowing Techniques

When you dust off the mower for the warm season, the first thing you need to do is make sure that it is set up properly. If it’s been a long time since you have had your mower blade sharpened, now might be the time to do so. Rather than make a clean cut, a dull blade tears and bruised your grass, which can make it vulnerable to disease organisms, such as Gaeumannomyces graminis var. graminis (a.k.a. take-all root rot).

Also be sure your mower blade is set to cut your grass high. High grass in the summer months shades the soil from losing water to evaporation.

Water Your Lawn Enough…But Not Too Much

Speaking of water, you need to make sure you are giving your lawn at least 1 inch of water per week. Be sure to take precipitation into account to avoid overwatering. If you overwater, you could be creating an environment that is kinder to weeds than it is to your grass.

Treat for Pests and Weeds

If you do notice weeds starting to sprout on your lawn, you need to act fast to keep them from spreading. You can weed by hand or use a treatment, depending on your preferences.

Pests that can harm your lawn also come out in summer, so if you see anything making a meal out of your grass, be sure to talk to a professional.

Feed Your Grass the Good Stuff

Your lawn may not get all the nutrients it needs to thrive from the soil. Annual fertilization will help to add what is missing. Organic fertilizer is best to avoid attracting pests and harming other plants. Check with your lawncare specialist to learn more.

Check out our certified organic fertilization program here!

Let Your Lawn Breathe

If your turf is Bermuda, St. Augustine, or Zoysia, now is the time to aerate your lawn. Aeration allows your lawn better access to nutrients and water, which is essential for healthy grass.

Don’t have time to learn how to take care of your lawn in the Summer? Let PowerX help!

At PowerX Lawn Nutrition + Pest Control, we know our Florida flora and pests. As the only company offering true certified organic fertilization program to homeowners, businesses, and organizations, we believe we are the best option for those interested in achieving a lush lawn without endangering the environment.

Got a pest problem? We can help with that, too! Get in touch with us now for a free estimate.

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As a coastal state, Florida is home to the drywood termite. Unlike the subterranean termite—its vastly more common cousin—the drywood termite does not require soil to live. They can survive in wood alone.

Bad news for Florida homeowners.

However, if you are dealing with a drywood termite infestation in your home, you do have options.

The Best Treatment for Drywood Termites Depends on Your Needs

The first thing to understand about eradicating these pests from your home is that the level of infestation matters. The treatment you choose should meet the problem where it’s at. In other words, you may only need to spot treat certain areas in your home where there are signs of termites.

Here are some solutions you can try on your own and a couple of professional options.

DIY Spot Wood Treatments

DIY Boric Acid Spot Treatment

Boric acid, also known as borate, is one of the best drywood termite treatments if you want to go the DIY route. It usually comes in powder form, so you will need to mix it with water to apply it to the affected areas. Depending on your needs, you may choose to apply it with a brush, spray it on, or inject it into exposed termite galleries (the tunnels they create in the wood).

DIY Drill and Foam Spot Treatment Solutions

Foaming insecticide is also effective for ridding your home of termites. Simply purchase an insecticide, such as FiPro, and follow the instructions on the product. You may need to drill into the wood to expose more galleries so the foam can enter as much of the tunnel system as possible.

Professional Termite Treatments

Professional Spot Wood Treatment

If you don’t have luck with DIY spot treatments, that’s okay. A professional can help you identify any problem areas in your home and spot treat them using the most effective solutions available. Pest control experts have experience that you don’t, so having one inspect your home could uncover places that you missed.

Tent Fumigation

For large infestations, you may need to consider tent fumigation. As the name suggests, tent fumigation involves covering the entire home in a tent and releasing insecticide gas into the structure. The reason that fumigation is so effective—nearly 100%—is that the gas replaces most of the oxygen where the termites live, so when they are exposed to it, it is practically impossible for them to avoid ingesting the insecticide.

Get a Free Estimate to Learn about Your Best Treatment for Drywood Termites

You don’t have to live with termites in your home. If you are curious about how professional pest control works, don’t hesitate to contact us. We will answer whatever questions you may have.

Ready to get the process started so you can reclaim your home? Schedule a free estimate today.

The post What Is the Best Treatment for Drywood Termites? 4 Ways to Banish This Pest appeared first on PowerX.

Years later, the board came up with a new master plan for the planned museum. The projection was far much bigger, six times than the initial structure. The features were up to date to suit every class of visitors. They wanted to break boundaries and attract a large clientele to create more awareness. The approach focused on unique features, including a kid’s town located on the building’s second floor. Children now have an aooprtunity to engage in role plays, learn about body experiences, and other day to day scientific concepts. Another part of this floor is the kinetic zone. The section comprises various exhibits where visitors can challenge themselves to different forces like electricity and gravity. The first floor is more about nature as it sheds light on the world and how it runs. The showcase incorporates factors like the ecosystem, precisely in central Florida, Flora, and fauna. It is an opportunity to learn about so many species of plants and animals. Also, you get tips on how to make the environment sustainable for the coming generation. Thus the sector offers lessons to people of all ages and dynamics. It is the most visited floor according to statistics.

Moving on to the third floor, you get the Hive, also known as Makerspace. It is more of a community sharing space. People visiting this part have the chance to learn, make, and share the ideas in their minds. There is no protocol on whatever is right or wrong, but the best of inventions come with awards. The second last floor, fourth, is a DinoDigs area consisting of replicas of dinosaurs and other sea creatures. Talk of the Jurassic age served to you in one plate. It is a thrilling experience. Also, you learn more about mother earth and its peculiarities from other planets. In general, this sector brings you every feature of the solar system and how man first landed on the moon. The last floor, which is like a parting shot, houses a massive refractor telescope alongside other powerful smaller versions.

The Orlando Science Center is currently operational all days of the week apart from Wednesday. The hours run from 10 am to 5 pm hence you can spare some time and visit the place. The experience you get here is like no other.

The post Features of the Orlando Science Center appeared first on PowerX.

You’re going to need to figure out what time of year to go to Disney World. For instance, if you want to go in the summer, then you’re probably going to have to deal with long lines since a lot of people will take that time to go there since it’s when kids are not in school. You’ll also find that it’s crowded there during other holidays like three day weekends and the like. If you don’t want to have to deal with big crowds, try to pick a day that isn’t that special and that is a weekday like a Tuesday or Wednesday.

Figure out where you can get tickets for a good price so you’re not paying more than what is fair. There are options that come with tickets, like less waiting time for some rides so if you want to pay extra, look at those options. Don’t just go and buy a ticket from a random source or you may end up paying too much or with a ticket that is not valid for one reason or another. It’s best to buy from an official source that is well known and that charges decent prices.

Make it a point to bring more money than what you expect to spend just in case things come up that require money. For instance, you may want to get something to eat and will need money for it since bringing in your own food is not really something you wanted to do. There are also times when you’ll want to buy something like a souvenir to take with you so you can remember the day for a long time. Also, if you have kids then you can expect them to want you to buy them toys and the like so keep that in mind when budgeting.

Keep yourself hydrated when you are at Disney World. There are plenty of places that sell water so be sure you go to them when you’re feeling a little thirsty. It can be hard on your body if you go there in the summer and are out in the sun for long periods of time without being hydrated. If you ever start to feel lightheaded or other signs that the heat is getting to you, take time to sit down and get some water into your system. Generally, this will fix the problem so you can get back to having a good time.

When you go to Disney World in Orlando, FL, you’re going to have a great time. Just be sure you use what you learned above to have the best time when visiting. That way, you can build happy memories that you can look back fondly on later.

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Like many creatures and insects, Cockroaches have adapted to the evolution of world habitats, proven by their hardy survival skills within the toughest of terrains and coldest temperatures – despite the absence of a brain! There are numerous types of Cockroach, the most common being the Brown Banded, Oriental, German and American, all living among us in ignorant bliss.

They can often be found hiding in the dark, damp cracks and crevices of normal family homes, warehouses, barns and of course restaurants. As with many other pests, Cockroaches need basic food, water and shelter therefore opting to remain close to sources of water. Many types of Cockroach such as the German Cockroach, can easily survive freezing temperatures during the winter months, by having an ample supply of water along with relatively humid temperatures.

The Oriental Cockroach is however considered the hardiest of these pests, being able to withstand much colder temperatures than many other species of Cockroach. If you’re heading for winter, then you are probably going to need a pro exterminator to remove these little blighters!

In fact Oriental Cockroaches are so hardy, they even wait until winter to mate, choosing to embrace the cold, while you’re avoiding it! It’s the Brown Banded Cockroach however that is the perhaps the most cunning; avoiding the cold by hiding amongst the electrical appliances radiating warmth within kitchens particularly.

Not as hardy as the Oriental maybe, but clever enough to survive the winter months through snuggling behind the refrigerator. The American Cockroach is the weakest of them all; wrapping up warm for the winter within the crevices of buildings and appliances, or occasionally outdoors within moist humid trees and wood piles.

Cockroaches have wandered the earth alongside the Dinosaurs, and their hardy jurassic-like shells show it! Dealing with a pest that has been around for such a long time obviously makes it rather difficult to eradicate them; something that is unlikely to happen anytime soon.

Cockroaches of all species have found ways to adapt and evolve to changing climates and habitats, and as annoying as they may be, a pro exterminator is the most probable key to gaining back control!

PowerX Lawn Nutrition + Pest Control is ready to assist you at all times, keep your garden and property beautiful and free of pests. Get an assessment today at 1-800-555-0170.

The post The Cockroaches That Can Survive Frigid Temperatures! appeared first on PowerX.

Identifying an infestation

The first stage in treating a termite infestation is identifying the problem distinguishing the type of termites; you will be dealing with. There are three prime kinds of termites in the USA; they include subterranean termites, dry-wood termites, and damp-wood termites. Subterranean termites make mud tubes from the soil that reach wooden components inside your house.

These tubes are pencil sized but can increase in size if left unattended. These pesky pests can excavate wooden surface in your home and cover the holes they create with feces, saliva, and soil.

Another indicator of termite infiltration is the presence of swarming termites near sources of light or a pile of fallen wings. Damaged wood is also another standard indicator of termite infestation, damaged wooden surfaces appear crushed and have a weird sound when tapped. Since drywood termites live and nest inside wood, they are problematic to notice till they have already caused considerable damages. If you see these signs in your cozy home, it’s a clear indication of termite infestation.

What alternative should you choose for treating a termite infestation?

If you favor dealing with your termite problem without professional involvement, you should realize you are taking a significant risk. Termites are exceptionally good at hiding, and it’s tough exterminating them without careful and regular treatment.

Numerous hardware stores vend over-the-counter termite sprays and baits that have unpredictable degrees of efficiency. As a result, homeowners could save a lot more time and money by choosing professional extermination services. Furthermore, wanting to wipe out the termites by yourself could put you and family at hazardous health risks since termite control products are made up of potent and unsafe poisons. Besides DIY termite extermination is usually frustrating and time-consuming due to the lack of desired outcomes and experience.

To avoid all these risks, it’s better to contact pro exterminators who will professionally determine the extent of the infestation and come up with a line of attack that will safely get rid of the little invaders.

Methods used in termite control

There are various termite eradication methods used commonly among pest control experts. Foam and Liquid Sprays From a preventive perspective, foam and liquid sprays make the most sense. Exterminators apply or spray the killing agents around your house’s perimeter. When termites get into contact with these sprays or foam, they die immediately hence preventing them from ever gaining access to your property.

This method is especially useful when eradicating subterranean termites. Bait Systems Bait systems are meant to attract termites away from your house using a control agent that kills off the lured colony. Bait stations are positioned around your home, and the killing agent is carried back to the colony’s nest by worker termites who think it is food.

This approach is employed when a moderate infestation of your property has been noticed. Fumigation Fumigation is advisable only when your house is heavily infested particularly with dry-wood termites. Since drywood termites can live and create nests inside walls, attics, and even your furniture exterminators may require to tent your entire house then use fumigants that permeate all wood surfaces in the house, therefore, killing all termites.

These are not the only approaches used in termite extermination; exterminators also employ other methods specifically in more tricky situations. They include erecting sand or physical barriers, microwave treatments and using infrared cameras to detect termite infestation.

Your termite expert will advise and talk you through the best course of action to take when choosing to eliminate termites. You should always remember the sooner you tackle a termite problem, the less the hassle and damage you will have to go through in future. One in thirty properties in the US are infiltrated with termites annually, do not let your house be one of them.

PowerX Lawn Nutrition + Pest Control is ready to assist you at all times, keep your garden and property beautiful and free of pests. Get an assessment today at 1-800-555-0170.

The post Termite Extermination and Why you Need a Pro Exterminator To Do It appeared first on PowerX.

When the temperatures are warm or hot, bugs are usually everywhere – from buzzing in your ear to circling your fruit bowl in the kitchen, disrupting your picnic, and crawling in the house at night. However, as the temperatures start to drop, the bugs start to disappear slowly, and by winter, they are nowhere to be found. This is usually good news for most people with a bug problem, as they assume that the cold weather has killed them. Unfortunately, this peaceful state of mind doesn’t last long as when the temperatures become warm again in the spring, the bugs reappear. The worst part is that they do so in large numbers as if they had been there all along.

So, where do bugs go during the winter?

The cold weather is unfavorable to all living things, from humans to plants, animals, and yes, even insects. As such, during winter, the survival mechanism of most bugs kicks in, allowing them to survive the freezing temperatures. Some survival tactics are used by insects to survive the winter include:

Avoiding the cold weather

The most straightforward strategy used by bugs to survive the winter is to avoid the cold temperatures. This approach is standard among bugs that have migratory behavior. When the temperatures start to drop, these bugs will migrate to regions that are warm, and some of them can travel very long distances to avoid the cold. Examples of insects that migrate include some species of butterflies, dragonflies, armyworm, cutworm, and moths. Other bugs will find areas close to their habitat that are relatively warm, for example at the bottom of ponds, rivers, and lakes.

Hibernation

Hibernation is another common survival strategy employed by bugs during winter. As the temperatures start to plummet, some bugs will eat as much as they can, which provides them with enough energy to last through the winter. When winter sets in, they will then slow down their breathing, heart, and metabolic rates, allowing them to enter into a coma-like state. In this state, they can wait out the cold season, and then become active when the temperatures start to rise. Examples of insect that hibernate in winter include flies, ladybugs, some species of butterflies, boxelder bugs, and beetles.

Freezing

Freezing to survive severe weather sounds like something taken straight out of a science fiction movie. However, it is another strategy employed by some bugs, which allows them to survive the winter season unscathed. As the cold season sets in, the insects that use this approach embrace the freezing temperature, allowing their bodies to enter into a semi-frozen state. During this state, which is also known as diapause, their bodies are dormant, i.e., they do not feed or develop. They just sit there doing nothing and wait out the cold weather. When the temperatures start to rise, the bugs will then thaw and resume normal activities. Examples of bugs that freeze during winter include the emerald ash borer (a tree-killing pest found in North America), wooly bear caterpillars, and some species of cockroaches.

Conclusion

The cold weather is a natural bug killer, whic h is quite effective against some species of bugs and insects. However, due to evolution, some bugs have come up with excellent survival tactics such as hibernating or freezing into icicles. This makes them extremely hard to get rid of, as they usually resume their destructive and annoying activities during the spring. Fortunately, these bugs are not immune to other tactics, say, for example, pesticides. Therefore, if you have a bug problem, hiring a bug control professional can help you get rid of them before they survive the winter and come back to haunt you in the spring.

PowerX Lawn Nutrition + Pest Control is ready to assist you at all times, keep your garden and property beautiful and free of pests. Get an assessment today at 1-800-555-0170.

The post Some Bugs Survive the Winter by Becoming Icicles appeared first on PowerX.

Signs That Termites Have Infested Your Home

1. Peeling paint that has the appearance that it has been damaged by water. If you notice parts of your home that look like they have water damage, and you know that they have not been exposed to water, then this is a good indicator that you have termites.

2. If you notice that the floorboards in your home are squeaking excessively, or they sound hollow, this is another indicator that you likely have termites.

3. If there drywall in your home is beginning to look discolored or otherwise damaged this is another good indicator that there are termites present.

4. On the exterior of your home if you spot mud tubes leading into your home then you definitely have a termite problem.

5. Small pinholes in your drywall indicate the presence of termites.

6. Small collections of dark pellets around your home that looks like spilled pepper may in fact be termite droppings, which obviously means you have a termite problem.

7. Peeling paint anywhere in your home that looks like it has been exposed to water when it hasn’t is also a sign of termite activity.

What To Do If You Suspect You Have Termites

If you notice any of the mentioned signs it’s better to act now than have future regrets and skyrocket costs related to home reparation. Call a professional exterminator,  at PowerX we are  ready to assist you at all time, get an assessment today by calling 1-800-555-0170.

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There are a wide variety of pests always looking to find room and board in our South Florida homes. Ants, in particular, are a huge problem in this region. From White Footed ants to Pharoah ants and Ghost ants, not to mention Fire and Carpenter ants, the different types of species are almost too many to count. Getting rid of these ants might sound as simple as getting a can of bug spray but rest assured, there is more to it than that when these little creatures invade your home. In fact, the best way to ensure that you have totally purged your home of any type of ant infestation is to get a professional exterminator on the job.

For most people, this might sound extreme. After all, ants can’t really do that much damage, right? Well, the truth is, ants CAN do a great deal of damage if they are not controlled. Here are some reasons why ant control should be a top priority for South Florida homeowners.

What kind of damage can ants do to your South Florida home?

The kind of damage that ants can do to your home will entirely depend on the kind of ant infestation. There are some species of ants that are just after your food and sugar while there others that can literally eat your home from the ground up. Whichever way you look at it, an ant infestation is a serious inconvenience. Here are some damages that you may incur:

Your food stores may get invaded:

Ants go after sweet foods. This means that they will get into your sugar stores, your cookie jars and some may even get into your jelly. While they may carry these foods away slowly and for the most part you may not exactly feel the pinch immediately, some of these ants do contaminate these stores and make them impossible to use. For example, if a colony of ants get into your jelly or even peanut butter jar, there will be some casualties that die in those jars. These stores are now wasted and you have to go out and get new supplies.

Structural damage to your home:

Ant species like Carpenter Ants are by far some of the most destructive of all ants. If you do not catch an infestation of this type of ant on time, your home may very well endure some structural damage. Carpenter Ants eat away at wood. They chew tunnels and nest in the wood panelling or foundations of any home. Another thing you need to consider is that when you have an infestation of Carpenter Ants it means that you have a deeper moisture problem with your home. That in itself can lead to major losses if not mitigated. So, as soon as you see even a single Carpenter Ant you should pick up the phone and call an exterminator immediately. The professionals are best placed to tell you just how extensive the problem is and take practical and effective steps that will keep you from losing your home.

Varied damages caused:

There are different types of ants that will eat away at refrigerator insulation, cabinet voids, clothes and even carpeting. The problem with these ants is that they tend to grow in number the more you ignore the problem. In their attempt to build bigger colonial homes, they will damage your floors, eat away at your food and plants and even begin nipping away at people.

Do not let an ant infestation cost you thousands of dollars in damages. Get rid of them from your South Florida home by calling on a professional exterminator.

PowerX Lawn Nutrition + Pest Control is ready to assist you at all times, keep your garden and property beautiful and free of pests. Get an assessment today at 1-800-555-0170.

The post Why Ant Control Should Be A Top Priority for South Florida Home Owners appeared first on PowerX.

Do you think that your house in South Florida is free from pests? there are higher chances that your home has more than one of the most common pests roaming around. Although the weather in South Florida is very conducive, the area is a home to some of the countries’ worst pests.

Besides, the pests being a nuisance, they are also very harmful as they can transmit diseases, viruses as well as bacteria that can greatly affect your health as well as the health of your loved ones. Pests can also cause great damage to your home.

Therefore, if you are worried about the pests that may be causing damage to your property or if you are curious about their existence then this article is specifically intended for you. Below is a list of some of the most common pests that usually infest homes in South Florida as well as the damage that they can cause.

9 Pests That Commonly Infest south Florida Homes

1. Mosquitoes

Though many of us have been bitten by a mosquito before, these pests can be very bothersome. Adult female mosquitoes are responsible collecting blood to feed their larvae and they usually suck blood and leave behind red, itchy bumps. These small insects usually breed in any kind of stagnant water, including marshes, ponds, storm drains, flood waters, old tires, as well as watering dishes for potted houseplants.Mosquitoes can transmit malaria, yellow fever, and more.

2. Cockroaches

There are almost 70 species of cockroaches in the USA. However, the American cockroach is the most common species in South Florida. The pests are relentless scavengers and they have an insatiable appetite for anything. the pests normally live in moist hot areas like attics,laundry rooms, kitchens or anywhere there is a a water source. Cockroach saliva and feces contain allergens that can cause asthma attacks. Besides, cockroaches carry dangerous bacteria that can cause stomach problems, diarrhea as well as food poisoning

3. Fleas

Fleas are known for their vampire-like nature.The pests can be easily transported to new environments as they usually cling onto shoes, blankets or even pants! The parasites usually identify a host and live on by feeding on its blood. Although animals such as dogs, cats, and cattle are their primary targets, they can also target human beings. Fleas can cause bubonic plague, which result in death.

4. Ants

The climate of South Florida is ideal for ants as well as other species of tiny pests. Although ants usually live a busy life, they live for a very short time with an average life expectancy of about 45-60 days.Ants are well known for their painful bite. The pests usually reproduce at a very fast rate with every single day. Although Ants can infect food sources and also spread diseases, they also cause a lot of nuisance.

5. Spiders

Besides covering your home with dirty cobwebs, some spider’s species can also bite very painfully. The infamous Black widow spider is the most common spider species in South Florida. The Black widow spider does not hesitate to bite when it feels susceptible. The bite can cause severe pain, nausea, hypertension as well as severe muscle cramps.

6. Bed bugs

Bed bugs usually infest mattresses, light switches, headboards, plugs, wall voids/cracks as well as baseboards. Although the pests aren’t necessarily considered as seasonal pests in south Florida, they usually tend to be prevalent during the hot summer months. The small sized, nocturnal insects usually feed on blood and they can be transferred from place to another by unsuspecting travelers. The insects can cause infections and their infestation signs include blood spots on your sheets.

7. Subterranean Termites

This pests are very common in south Florida. The termites usually live in underground colonies that are situated below the ground. The insects usually feed on cellulose and water. Cellulose is found in the wood as well as building products like wood trim baseboards & the wood trusses that support your roof.  Consequently, subterranean termites can cause more harm to your home than fire, flood and wind collectively.

8. Drywood Termites

Drywood Termites are also referred to as “furniture” termites. They are very common in South Florida. Although they are less destructive than the Subterranean Termites, they can also damage construction materials as well as wooden furniture, (particularly antique & hardwood). These termites can cause great damage to the wood in your home’s roof space before they’re discovered. In many cases, fumigating your home is the most effective way of dealing with Drywood Termites.

9. Rodents

Rodents usually invade homes in search of warmth and shelter when it’s very cold or too wet outside. The pests are carriers of many dangerous diseases and they’ll eat any available food. Generally, rodents usually avoid bright lights as they have have poor eyesight. However, thy make up for it by having other senses that are more developed . Rodents can cause damage to your home’s electrical wires, roof, insulation as well as water pipes.Therefore, it is very important to safeguard your home against rodent invasion.

PowerX Lawn Nutrition + Pest Control is ready to assist you at all times, keep your garden and property beautiful and free of pests. Get an assessment today at 1-800-555-0170.

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