Florida has one of the highest risks in the country for termite infestation. Depending on the termite species and the time of year, your risk for infestation can increase. When termites infest your property, your home can suffer severe damage that requires costly repairs. Infestation can even jeopardize the structural integrity of your home.

If you want to protect yourself and your family, it is critical that you know when termites are most likely to strike. This article contains everything you need to know to start implementing preventive measures.

When is termite season in Florida?

When we account for the variety of termites species active in Florida, it is always termite season in Florida. Termites swarm when they are most active, usually during the warm summer months, but because Florida has relatively warm weather year-round, different species swarm during different times of the year.

In general, termites are less active and more difficult to detect during the winter months, but if you keep your home’s temperature warm and they have already taken up residence, they will continue to do significant damage.

Swarming Season for Different Termite Species

Termites come in three primary varieties:

• Subterranean termites
• Drywood termites
• Dampwood termites

As each of these names suggests, subterranean termites build colonies underground, drywood termites nest in dry wood, and dampwood termites make their home inside damp, decaying wood.

Within each of these types, species include:

• Eastern subterranean termite – Swarms October to February
• Dark southeastern subterranean termite – Swarms March to June
• Formosan termite – Swarms late April to early May
• Light southeastern subterranean termite – Swarms December to April
• Western drywood termite – Swarms January to November
• Southeastern drywood termite – Swarms early spring to late fall
• Tropical smooth-headed drywood termite – Swarms all year, mostly from March to May
• Tropical rough-headed drywood termite – Swarms April to July
• Conehead termite – Swarms May to November
• Florida dampwood termite – Swarms in late spring, summer, late fall, and early winter

As you can see, swarming season for Florida termites occurs throughout the year. Depending on where you live, you may have some months of low activity based on which species are commonly found in your area.

Florida is very active with termites, which increases your risk of destructive infestation. If you suspect that you have a termite problem, or if you want to ensure that your home is protected from invasion, you should consult with an experienced exterminator.

Nip your termite problem in the bud. Get help from the experts at PowerX Lawn Nutrition + Pest Control.

Are you interested in protecting your home from expensive repairs caused by termites? Already have a termite infestation? We can help. Get in touch with PowerX Lawn Nutrition + Pest Control today for answers to your questions or get a free estimate now.

The post When Is Termite Season in Florida? The Answer Is Bad News for Homeowners appeared first on PowerX.

If you have a family pet, keeping them safe and healthy is probably a high priority. You buy them special food to give them the nutrients they need, you take them to the vet for their shots and routine checkups—overall you treat them like a full member of the family.

When you hire an exterminator to take care of a pest problem, you need to be aware of the potential risks that pesticides can pose to your pet’s safety.

Are the chemicals exterminators use safe for pets? Not always. Here are some precautions to take when you hire an exterminator.

Are Exterminators Safe for Pets? How to Protect Your Pets When Your Home Is Being Treated.

Ask Your Pest Control Expert

The first step you should take is to communicate your concerns to your pest control expert before your service call. Your exterminator may not be aware that there are pets in the house. Letting them know beforehand could help you protect your pet’s health.

For example, if your pest control specialist knows you have a pet in the house, they may be able to recommend a pet-friendly method to rid your home of unwanted critters. Giving them a heads-up will also prompt them to give you any necessary warnings for toxic chemicals.

Don’t be afraid to ask your exterminator to document where in your home or yard that they applied treatment. Depending on which rooms and areas of the yard your pet has access to, you may not need to worry.

Keep Your Pets in a Separate Room

Once you let your exterminator know that you have pets, they may suggest that you keep them in a separate room until they are done treating the problem areas in your home. Some areas that need treatment will be in hard-to-reach spaces, but others could be out in the open—easy for your pet to access.

If you are unable to keep an eye on your pet to make sure they don’t accidentally ingest harmful chemicals, you may need to board them until it is safe for them to return. Your pest control expert will help you decide what is the best course of action.

Wait Until the Treated Areas Have Dried

Even after your house is treated for pests, you need to practice caution. Some chemicals may linger even hours after they are applied, so you need to know how long you should wait before treated areas are safe for your pet to be in.

Ask your specialist how long it takes for the chemicals they used to dry before allowing your pet to roam free.

Talk to Power X about How to Protect Your Pets

Are you a concerned pet parent with a pest problem? Still asking the question, “Are exterminators safe for pets?” The experts at Power X Lawn Nutrition + Pest Control are here to help you keep yours safe and healthy. Ask us about pet safety during your next service call.

The post Are the Chemicals Exterminators Use Safe for Pets to Be Around? appeared first on PowerX.

Florida is known for some of the wildest wildlife in the country. From gators and crocodiles to sharks, bears, and even panthers, the Sunshine State has a wide variety of dangerous animals. But it’s not just the big creatures that you need to worry about.

Our state is also home to some of the creepiest bugs around. You should be aware of these six Florida bugs if you want to avoid some nasty bites.

Deer Tick

Coming in at number one, the deer tick might seem like a pretty harmless critter, but these things can lead to some serious complications if you get bitten by one. Deer ticks are notorious for spreading the dangerous Lyme disease, but did you know that they can spread other infections and parasites with their bites?

Brown Recluse

The brown recluse spider is known for its nasty bite, and for good reason. Their bites are extremely venomous, with about half of reported bites requiring serious medical attention. In addition to being potentially fatal, brown recluse venom can also cause necrosis at the site of the bite. In other words, it causes the tissue near the bite to die, forming a painful ulcer on the skin.

You can identify the brown recluse spider by the distinct violin-shaped marking on its head. They usually live in secluded places outdoors, like wood piles, though they sometimes come inside.

American Oil Beetle

American oil beetles may look harmless, but if you disturb one, you could find out pretty quickly what it means to be in pain. This type of beetle secretes a toxic chemical called Cantharidin that causes the skin to blister. If ingested, the toxin can be fatal.

Black Widow

One of the most well-known Florida bugs to make our list, the black widow spider can send you to the emergency room if it bites you. Like the brown recluse, the black widow has a distinct marking you can use to identify it. Look for a red hourglass shape on its abdomen. Common side-effects of the bite include pain at the site, muscle cramps, nausea, and fever. Seek medical attention if you suspect you have been bitten.

Kissing Bug

The kissing bug might sound like a cuddly creature, but the truth is much worse. The reason these Florida bugs got this name is that they bite people near the mouth. And if that’s not enough to freak you out, then listen to this—once they are done feeding on your blood, they defecate into the wound to close it up. Kissing bugs carry and transmit a disease called Chagas, which can cause swelling, fever, and congestive heart failure if left untreated.

Fire Ants

To top off our list, let’s talk about one of the creepiest crawlers. Fire ants won’t make you shiver and shake because their stings burn, hence the name. While most people only feel a bit of pain and itching after a sting from a fire ant, if you are allergic, it can lead to anaphylaxis.

Don’t Let These Florida Bugs Ruin Your Summer

Need help getting rid of the critters near your home? PowerX Lawn Nutrition + Pest Control can help. Contact us today.

The post 6 Creepy Florida Bugs That Will Leave You Shivering (Even in the Summer Heat) appeared first on PowerX.

Mosquitos—if only we could enjoy the summer weather without them!

Your yard is supposed to be a place you can sit back, relax, and unwind from your day, but with mosquitos buzzing in your ears and chomping on your legs, it might be difficult to find a sense of serenity. Besides causing itchy welts wherever they decide to feast, mosquitos can also carry diseases, such as the Zika and West Nile viruses, which could put your family at risk.

Want to learn how to control mosquitos in Florida this summer so you can enjoy your home’s outdoor spaces? Here are a few things you can try.

4 Mosquito Control Solutions to Try This Summer

1. Get rid of standing water.

Have you ever noticed how mosquitos are more numerous near lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers? There is a reason for that. Mosquitos lay their eggs in stagnant water, so if you see any pools or puddles outside your home, getting rid of it can reduce the population where you live.

2. Keep plants and grass under control.

Keeping the plant life in your yard in check can do wonders for mosquito control. These blood-sucking pests love to sit under tall plants and grasses for shade, so mowing your lawn regularly and trimming excess leaves from your plants can prevent an infestation. You may also want to plant some varieties of vegetation that naturally repel mosquitos near the areas where you sit. Basil, citronella grass, and lemon balm are great additions to any landscape.

3. Mosquito zappers and magnets.

Nothing says summer like the sound of a mosquito zapper! If you are trying to reduce the population of mosquitos in your yard, zappers and magnets can help. Mosquito zappers use electricity and light to attract and kill mosquitos. Magnets use CO2 to attract mosquitos and then trap them. If you are looking for solutions on how to control mosquitos in Florida, both of these products will work.

4. Professional mosquito control solutions.

If you have tried to DIY your mosquito control without any luck, it might be time to call in the professionals. When you hire PowerX to take care of your mosquito problem, we will come to your home and inspect your yard, then perform a mosquito control application where necessary. Within 30-40 minutes, you and your family will be able to enjoy your yard again, without all those pesky mosquito bites.

Let us show you how to control mosquitos in Florida so you can enjoy your yard this summer.

Want to learn more about how PowerX can help you keep the bugs away this summer? Get in touch with us today. Our mosquito control solution gives you three weeks of mosquito-free enjoyment.

The post How to Control Mosquitos in Florida: 4 Solutions to Try appeared first on PowerX.

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.

The post How to Take Care of Your Lawn in the Summer appeared first on PowerX.

When spring is sprung in sunny Florida, many residents can’t wait to get back to landscaping. A bright, inviting landscape is one of the things that turns a house into a home. With a little bit of planning, you can create a space all your own that looks and feels like home. Here are our tips for creating that perfect outdoor, spring space in beautiful South Florida:

1. You’re right to rake

You might think that raking is primarily a fall activity. That isn’t the case. It’s important to start your springtime lawn efforts with a good raking. That’s because thatch can build up on your grass over the winter. Thatch can prevent new grass from being able to grow tall and proud, so it’s important not to skip this spring step.

2. Don’t put the lime in the coconut

Because you might need to put that lime in your grass, instead. It’s true that adding lime to your grass can be a helpful way to balance pH levels that are out of whack. You can have your lawn’s chemistry tested to make sure that you’re adding the proper substances and chemicals. It’s possible to add too much lime, though, and you might not need to add any at all. Take the time to get the right balance for your lawn.

3. Use a tarp

One of the things that expert landscapers know is that it’s helpful to have a tarp on hand as you work. You can put weeds, branches and other debris on the tarp as you work. That can make clean up a snap.

4. Make Mulch Your Friend

In the end, you want a landscape that is easy to maintain. A great way to do this is to put the plantings in groups. Then you can cover the plants in mulch. That way you can mow around one large area instead of having to mow around each individual plant. This saves you time and frustration.

5. Don’t neglect other seasons

Although spring might be the ideal time to create that perfect landscape, there are things that you can do in other seasons to make it easier for you to get to work when the long winter ends. Just before old man winter arrives, take the time to treat your grass. That way it has all winter to soak up the nourishment before it’s time to green up in the spring.

6. But wait until it’s warm

If you start working on your lawn too early in the spring, you might do more harm than good. That’s because you can cut off new shoots of grass before they have the time to properly grow. A good test is to see if you’re usually comfortable outside without a coat on. When it’s that warm outside, it’s a good time to start working on your lawn.

Seek out professional help

Finally, don’t hesitate to use the professionals. PowerX Lawn Nutrition + Pest Control is a leading pest control company and can help you with whatever your lawn needs might be. Do you have bugs? That doesn’t bug us at PowerX. Mosquitoes and termites are also no match for us because we have the best and latest ways to control these pests.

At PowerX, we are experts in the science behind lawn care, and we can help you create a comprehensive landscaping plan that’s unique to you. Contact us today to take the first step towards a beautiful landscape for your home or business.

The post Tips For Spring Landscaping in South Florida appeared first on PowerX.

There have been only nine cases of Heartland reported in the United States, largely in the Midwest since the virus was discovered, making the information on the disease somewhat scarce. However, some recent developments have revealed that the virus is circulating in several other states, including Florida, after being found in animals like deer, raccoons, coyotes and moose.

While ticks are widely known for spreading Lyme disease, the lone star tick that is also found throughout the southeastern United States does not in fact spread the illness. You can reduce the odds of being bitten by staying away from heavily wooded areas and taking preventative measures such as applying insect repellant with DEET and wearing long, protective clothing.

Unfortunately, there currently isn’t any known treatment available for the Heartland virus. If you have a tick or pest problem, the South Florida pest control professionals at PowerX can assist you in making sure your home or lawn remains tick free. Call 1-866-954-6841 for additional information or to request an estimate. Additionally, visit the PowerX pest library on our website to learn more about other pests and how they may affect you or your home.

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Typically a snake or a large toad will cause most people to react in horror, which may lead to killing the animals. However, these animals are considered some of the most effective in providing pest control without having to spend a dime. The garter snake, for example, is easily recognizable by its trio of yellow stripes and tends to spend its time near vegetables. It may look scary at first, but the snake is actually docile and will eat garden pests like meadow voles, slugs, caterpillars, and sowbugs. The green snake, another docile animal, consumes grasshoppers as well as hornworms.

Toads can consume anywhere between 50 to 100 insects a day, including snails, beetles, grubs, and cutworms. These amphibians are typically active during the evening hours as they prefer to avoid the sun, so there’s a slight possibility you may never even come across one of them.

Even though they act as natural pesticides, toads and snakes won’t provide a full fledged solution to a pest problem that’s gotten out of hand.  If this is the case, we encourage you to use the services of a reputable pest control company such as PowerX, which guarantees to solve any type of pest problem you may have.  Nonetheless, the next time you see one of these amphibians and intend to kill it, you may wish to let it do its thing and in return it will help to keep your garden mostly free from unwanted critters. Be careful with dogs and cats around the frogs as they may be dangerous to these pets.

The experts at South Florida lawn care have brought this educational update to you. To find out more about their top-notch South Florida pest control services, contact them at +1-866-954-6841 or click here for an agent to call you.

The post Snakes and Toads: Nature’s Garden Pest Control appeared first on PowerX.

Landscaping refers to any activity that enhances the features of an area of land, including floral arrangements, hedges, bodies of water, trees, and other artistic design characteristics. When a landscaping contractor outlines a project, great care is taken to ensure that all aspects and details of the task are completed to the satisfaction of both the client and lawn care specialist. One of the big factors that designers take into consideration is the lay of the land. Studying and observing the area that will be taken care of is of the utmost importance, as this information will decide how the blueprint will be created and completed. When completing a landscaping design sketch, it is important to take into consideration the various natural features that will be faced, such as the terrain, topography, soil qualities, and winds.

The experts in South Florida lawn care have brought this educational update to you. To find out more about their top-notch South Florida pest control services, contact them at +1-866-954-6841 or click here for an agent to call you.

The post Understanding the Landscaping Process appeared first on PowerX.

The service is available in various different locations throughout the state of Florida.  Accessible 24 hours a day, the professionals at this company will be able to safely and effectively remove swarms of bees, thus keeping the danger to humans and/or pets at a low level.  Taking the newly popular “green concept” to increasing heights, PowerX is one of the first pest control companies across the world to focus specifically on the specialized pest problems that an area may experience.  The in house staff are experts at bee rescue and the team that they have created have the ability to rescue bees from any location, ensuring all involved in the process are unharmed.  Their bee farm facility is perfect for rescued bees and a great addition to an already social conscious company.  Additionally the bees that are re-located to the farm establishment are put to safe and worthy work.  The honey that is produced from these bees are sold to local restaurants, farmer markets, and grocery stores, the bees and the business benefit every aspect of society.

For more information on how the experts in South Florida lawn care will utilize their South Florida pest library and years of experience to help you achieve the garden of your dreams or about our top-notch South Florida pest control services, contact PowerX at +1-866-954-6841 or click here for an agent to call you.

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