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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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