Author Archives: BugFighter
Copperhead Snake Infestation Prevention share
Copperhead Snake Overview
Who wants a copperhead snake in or around their home? No one I know. These venomous and very dangerous predators have the nicknamed pit vipers. You can identify pit vipers by rear curving snake fangs. They prefer to live in wooded areas with access to water. Although the copperhead has distinctive patterns, their skin can vary in shades to best camouflage themselves to their environment. Even baby copperheads will bite; they are identifiable by their yellow tipped tail. Once piercing the skin, the fangs allow the flow of venom into their prey. Statistics show the copperhead snake produces the most snake bites in year.
Preventing a copperhead from sharing your yard
With their ability to blend into wooded and rocky areas, you must maintain a debris free area to best prevent a copperhead from sharing your yard. Best practices include clearing all bushy vegetation in 15 foot perimeter around your home. Clear leave piles and old tree debris. Keep your garden clear and dispose of rotting fruit or fallen plants. Replace unneeded vegetation with garden mulch or small gravel. If you are doing work in your garden or yard, especially moving logs, rocks or other trash, make sure you have rubber boots, thick gloves, and long pants. This will reduce the chance of the snake fangs from puncturing your skin. If you come across a copperhead snake while doing yard work, back away slowly. These snakes bite as a last result when not feeding.
What to do if you or your pet is bitten by a copperhead
The most important thing is to stay calm. The more agitated you are the faster the venom from the copperhead pumps through your body. It is also important to be able to identify what type of snake bite you. By all means don’t go back for more but just take a good look at it so the hospital will give you the best care possible (even identifying if it has that yellow tail to categorize it as one of the baby copperheads). Therefore, use a tourniquet to block the follow of venom near the mark of the snake fangs if there are multiple bite wounds. After that, have someone else drive you to the hospital; immediately.
If it is your pet, pick the pet up and drive him or her to the veterinarian. Do not apply ice to the wound. Do not try and suck out the venom. That would waste time that you need to get to the hospital.
In conclusion, most adults are bitten by trying to kill a copperhead snake. Many small children and animals are bitten when they curiously mess with one, especially baby copperheads.
Contact us
Absolute Pest Control is dedicated to making your home safe for you family. If you have a question about pests or any other pest problem, please call us at 615-220-1933 or click HERE to email us.
Bedbugs and Summer Travel share
Stopping Bedbugs and Summer Travel Woes
The weather is warm. You have been saving your vacation time for the summer travel season. It may be the beach. It may be the mountains. But, you are going on vacation and will be staying in some type of rental. Possibly even taking public transportation. Well, we have gathered 6 common tips that stop bedbugs from coming home with you from your summer vacation.
1. Sheets and Mattresses
At any hotel, motel, Air BnB, cabin or even rental rv, pull back the sheets and inspect the mattress seams, especially at the corners. Look for stains or spots. If you see anything that look suspicious, notify the building management, and change rooms immediately. If they do not have another acceptable room, leave and find a new place to stay.
2. Room Inspection
Upon entering your room or space, thoroughly inspect it before unpacking. Above all, behind the headboard and in/around sofas/chairs. If you see anything that look suspicious, notify the building management, and change rooms immediately. If they do not have another acceptable room, leave and find a new place to stay.
3. Switching Rooms
If you do need to change rooms, be sure that you do not move to a room adjacent or directly above or below the room with the suspected infestation. Bedbugs will hitchhike by means of the housekeeping carts, luggage, and through wiring or wall sockets. When an infestation spreads, is goes out like waves in the ocean. Adjoining rooms are the most susceptible.
4. Baggage
Place your suitcase, duffel bags, and other luggage in a plastic trash bags or protective covers during your trip. This ensures bedbugs cannot catch a ride on your baggage prior to leaving your vacation rental.
5. Stop The Hitchhikers
It is important to remember bed bugs spread by hitching rides with unsuspecting victims. After your trip, carefully inspect your suitcases, duffel bags, and backpacks before bringing them into the house. Leave them in a hot garage before vacuuming your baggage thoroughly. Garment hand steamers reduce bedbug hitchhikers by killing them before they can spread into your home.
6. Your Clothing
It is not fun to come home from a relaxing vacation and have to do a ton of laundry. However, it is imperative to wash all your clothing. This includes the ones that have not been worn. Use hot water to ensure that any bedbugs are not placed into your drawers, closets, or storage areas.
Check Ahead of Time
Don’t let bedbugs and summer travel be a bust. Here is a website to find out reported bedbug infestations. The Bedbug Registry. Always err on the side of caution and be informed.
The Bed Bug Registry exists to give travelers and renters a reliable and neutral platform for reporting their encounters with bed bugs. Though most Americans have still never come across one, these retro pests are spreading extremely quickly across American and Canadian cities.
Contact Us
Bedbugs will get out of control quickly. Our technicians are trained and ready to help you and your family if you have a bedbug issue.
Absolute Pest Control is dedicated to making your home safe. If you have a question about pests or any other pest problem, please call us at 615-220-1933 or click HERE to email us. We service most of Middle Tennessee including Smyrna, Murfreesboro, and LaVergne.
Full Service Mosquito Treatment share
What is included in Full Service Mosquito Treatment?
It is that time of the year, you want to be using your yard for family time, cook outs, parties, and just to relax. However, mosquitos have the same idea. And, even though it’s just the females that are biting you, there is a way to get your yard back from the mosquitos!
Absolute Pest Control is proud to offer full service mosquito treatment for commercial and residential customers.
Chances are, if you have mosquitos biting, you have a breeding ground somewhere close to your property. We offer a FREE inspection to give you an estimate. Together with our help, you and your family’s outside enjoyment will increase.
Here is what’s included in full service mosquito treatment:
Our highly trained technician will arrive at your home or business and introduce themselves. In fact, for the safety and security of our clients, our technicians will always be in uniform with their name visible. If you are home, the technician will go over the service plan to explain the full details. If you are gone, the technician will leave a detailed form outlining what service was provided.
The technician starts with a visual inspection (things sometimes change from estimate to treatment date) looking for standing water. The stagnant water is a breeding ground for mosquitos and must be taken care of in order to properly rid your yard of eggs. Additionally, they look for blooming flowers. We take nature seriously and will not treat blooming flowers as to keep our bee population safe. We treat your property with care and remove any current and potential places for mosquitos to “move in”.
What’s Next?
Everyone knows treating a mosquito problem is a challenge. And, many factors are included int the success of the treatment. Having one treatment will not keep your yard free from mosquitos. Equally important, you must keep standing water from building up. You should do visual inspections around your property if a problem persists. In reality an ongoing treatment plan is important.
The initial treatment may have a slightly higher cost associated with it. While, subsequent treatments will have a lower fee because it is maintenance.
Contact Us
If you have bugs, bugging you, call us to help make your yard fun again.
Absolute Pest Control is dedicated to making your home safe. If you have a question about pests or any other pest problem, please call us at 615-220-1933 or click HERE to email us. We service most of Middle Tennessee including Smyrna, Murfreesboro, and LaVergne.
Where Do Bed Bugs Come From? share
The name Bed Bug likely comes from the fact that they are small bugs found feeding on humans while they are asleep in their beds. Don’t quote us on that! They are found pretty much anywhere people are gathered. This includes: homes, apartments, churches, hotels, schools, offices, retail stores, and public transportation (buses, subways, etc.).
Some Fascinating Information About Bed Bugs:
Unfed bed bugs are a translucent brown. Well-fed ones are a dark brownish red in color. And, nymphs are translucent. They have 6 legs. Their shape is oval and flat when hungry. And then, oval and puffed up when engorged with blood. The length of the average bed bug is 1/4 inch long. These pest also come with antennae.
Where Are Bed Bugs:
Bed bugs are all over the United States.
Where Do Bed Bugs Live?
Bed bugs live in cracks and small cervices near humans. Because human beings are their food source. They can live in baseboards, mattresses, couches, behind wall paper, in upholstery, and other furniture. When they are hitching a ride from one place to another, they have been found in backpacks, public transportation, and in cars.
Will A Bite From A Bed Bug Kill Me?
It is extremely rare for a these pests bite to kill a human. At times, there are allergic reactions to bed bugs.
How Will I Know A Bed Bug Bit Me?
Bed bugs leave a red, swollen, itchy welt on your skin. People are most often bitten in the abdomen; but the bites can be anywhere on your body.
Contact us
Above all, Absolute Pest Control is dedicated to making your home or home away from home safe for you family. If you have a question about pests or any other pest problem, please call us at 615-220-1933 or click HERE to email us. We service most of Middle Tennessee including Smyrna, Murfreesboro, and LaVergne
5 Little Known Termite Facts share
All Termites Are Not Created Equal
There are multiple species and sub-species of termites. The two largest classifications are Drywood and Subterranean. Drywood termites build their colonies in wood. Subterranean Termites build their colonies under the ground. The Subterranean Termites do they most damage to homes in the United States. Numbers go into the billions! Drywood Termites do damage as well. Their damage reports go into the millions!
Winged Termites are not their own species of termites
Many black termites with white wings are often wrongly identified. These caste termites sent out to start new colonies.
Termites Never Sleep
How can termites quickly do damage? In other words- they never sleep! They are one of Earth’s few living species that are awake 24 hours a day, 365 days a week. Could you imagine how much work human’s could accomplish if they never sleep.
Winged Termites Do Not Always Foretell An Infestation
If you see a small amount of winged termites around your windows, there is no need to panic. A small number of winged termites usually signifies an aging colony. If you see any termites, it is imperative that you have a home termite inspection.
Swarmers Flock To Light
In the evening, if you have a lot of outside porch and house lights you may be attracting termites to your home. It’s true. Termites are attracted to the light. In conclusion, the lack of outdoor lighting can have consequences, but it is important for safety.
Contact Us
Absolute Pest Control is dedicated to making your home safe for you family. If you have a question about pests or any other pest problem, please call us at 615-220-1933 or click HERE to email us. We service most of Middle Tennessee including Smyrna, Murfreesboro, and LaVergne.
New Year - Routine Running Playlist share
Happy January – Do You Have A Running Playlist?
We have combed through Spotify to find an invigorating playlist for your running enjoyment. Having a heathy attitude will pass over to your home life. And, this will keep your home healthy and happy. Many of our clients that focus on personal health first, have a home that tends to push away unhealthy pests. All the while, they allow non-harming pests to co-exist.
Many people look for a motivating playlist on Spotify for their exercise. Spotify is one of the most popular apps for music. Secondly, Pandora is another. First, we want to encourage exercise, as sedentary has become the new smoking. Second, we understand that this may not to be the ONE for you. But, you won’t know until you try. This one is called Best Running Playlist and is provided by RunnersCalendar. They tout as the best and give you this message:
“We have selected the 100 best songs for you when running and working out. Subscribe & Enjoy! – by the team of www.runnerscalendar.com”
Here is a highest list of the songs they consider the best:
Runaway (U & I) by Galantis
Power by Kanye West
I Gotta Feeling by The Black Eyed Peas
Can’t Hold U by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Beautiful Day by U2
And, many more.
If you have started your New Year with a healthy mindset that includes running… then this is THE Running Playlist for you! If for some reason this doesn’t motivate you, by all means keep searching or make your own. Then, share your newly created list to help encourage others to exercise!
Contact Us
Absolute Pest Control is dedicated to making your home safe for you family. If you have a question about pests or any other pest problem, please call us at 615-220-1933 or click HERE to email us. We service most of Middle Tennessee including Smyrna, Murfreesboro, and LaVergne.
Merry Christmas share
May you be safe and protected,
May you be healthy and whole,
Thank you for choosing
Absolute Pest Control
New Year's Traditions Updated share
New Year’s Traditions from All Over
Rocking in the New Year has new meaning without Dick Clark (for our generation anyhow). We want to share with you some of the traditions from around the world.
Austria: Suckling pigs. In Austria, they find good luck in eating a suckling pig. Um, that’s different. But, ok!
Peppermint ice creams are served as desserts in the hopes that they will bring good fortune.
Belgium: Saint Sylvester Eve. Did you know that Belgium’s refer to New Year’s Eve as Saint Sylvester Eve?! Having fun family parties, they kiss to wish a good year, have midnight toasts, and exchange fortunes to welcome the New Year. Even the kids are included, yay! Belgium children will buy decorations so that they can write and gift New Year greetings to their elders. It’s a great idea to include all age groups.
Spain: The Number 12. Did you know in Spain, the Spanish eat 12 grapes at every toll of the clock during the New Year. It’s their belief that this will bring good luck and happiness for the coming 12 months. I like it!
The Netherlands: Burn The Old Away. The Dutch burn the Christmas trees in the streets. These bonfires purge out the old and bring in the new. A fun way to celebrate, dispose of the old trees, and have a community event.
There are many traditions in the United States. From toasting in the New Year to wearing funny hats, and many that have been blended into our culture from the many immigrants that have become Americans. As well as, the regional traditions. Some Southern traditions include eating black eyed peas and collard greens for dinner on New Year’s Eve. Whatever you decided to do to ring in the new year, please do so responsibly. There are many ways to get home without drinking and driving; AAA towing, Uber, Lyft, Designated Drivers, etc.
How do you celebrate New Year’s Eve?
Contact us
Absolute Pest Control is dedicated to making your home safe for you family. If you have a question about pests or any other pest problem, please call us at 615-220-1933 or click HERE to email us.
How Winter Affects Pest Control share
The Farmer’s Almanac is predicting an extreme Winter. Our customers are asking how Winter affects pest control here in Smyrna, TN.
“Contrary to the stories storming the web, our time-tested, long-range formula is pointing toward a very long, cold, and snow-filled winter. We stand by our forecast and formula, which accurately predicted the many storms last winter, as well as this summer’s steamy, hot conditions.” Farmers’ Almanac Editor Peter Geiger said.
How Winter Affects Pest Control
It all comes down to the types of Winter weather, length of cold spells, and inches of precipitation. Many homeowners hope that the cold temperatures will kill off or cause hibernation to pests. That is not always the case. A slow decline in temperatures can allow pests to prepare for the dip in temperatures. However, a cold snap may leave them out in the cold; literally.
Exposure
If the Winter is cold without a lot of snow, eggs may die from the elements. Long periods of time with low temps will cause death by exposure.
Protection
On the other hand, if there is cold and snow, the snow may bring protection from the cruel elements. Mice and other rodents have been know to burrow under show filled yards into barns, basements, and homes.
Absolute Pest Control Know How Winter Affects Pest Control Here
With our ongoing Platinum package, we prepare your home or business for all seasons of the year. This continuous treatment provides a invisible barricade of protection for your family. Our technicians check every other month for any weaknesses in your home or office. Our 20 point inspection allows you to be educated in the process and not have surprises. Additionally, we will return if you have any issues between visits; free of charge.
Contact us
Absolute Pest Control is dedicated to making your home safe for you family. If you have a question about pests or any other pest problem, please call us at 615-220-1933 or click HERE to email us.
Our Annual Food Drive share
Hello Friends!
We are excited to announce our annual FOOD DRIVE. Our donations will go to several local food pantries including the Second Harvest Food bank.
How To Donate:
At your scheduled appointment day/time please leave a clearly marked bag with your non-perishable donations inside. Our technicians will collect the bags and bring them to the office. You may also call our office for a pick up of your donation. And, lastly, you may drop your donations off at our office in Smyrna during normal business hours.
Our office is located at:
1070 Courier Place
Ste #202
Smyrna, TN 37067
615-220-1933
Where Do Your Donations Go:
We will donate the non-perishable food donations to the Second Harvest Food Bank and several other local food pantries/banks. Our goal is to help people in our communities.
Thank you,
Nazih and Teresa