7 Tips to Help Keep Pests Out of Crawl Spaces

A crawl space with wooden beams and yellow insulation.

Do you know what’s lurking beneath your home? Do you know how to keep pests out of your crawl space?

If you haven’t been down there for a while, chances are you’ve acquired a few pests. Crawl spaces are notorious for attracting all kinds of bugs and rodents.

If untreated, these pests can eventually make their way into your home. Thankfully, Environmental Pest Management is here to help.

We provide safe and effective pest management year-round.

With regular treatment, we can help protect the foundation of your home by keeping pests out of your crawl space. We are located in Burnsville, MN, but we service the greater Twin Cities Metro area.

We offer residential, commercial, and multi-family services as well as TAP insulation. Schedule a free crawl space inspection with Environmental Pest Management today!

Common Pests Your Crawl Space Attracts

No crawl space is fully immune to bugs and rodents. However, if you stay up to date with regular inspections and treatment from Environmental Pest Management, your chances improve significantly.

Certain types of vermin are common to crawl spaces in Minnesota. You may encounter the following:

Bats
Chipmunks
Mice
Moles
Rats
Squirrels
Voles

In addition to mammals, insects are notorious for clustering in dark, damp spaces. Common insects found in your crawl space include:

Bees and Wasps
Beetles
Carpenter Ants
Cockroaches
Earwigs
Silverfish
Termites

Let’s look at some effective prevention measures you can take to ward off any unwelcome guests.

Tip #1: Keep Pests Out Of Your Crawl Space By Deep Cleaning and Removing Pest Attractors

Crawl spaces are great for storage. However, make sure it contains absolutely no food of any kind, even pet food.

Pests live and breed near food, including sealed food. Foods attract pests, so make sure your space is devoid of any and all.

If yours does happen to contain food, make sure to remove it promptly. Then once cleared, give your crawl space a thorough deep cleaning to eliminate any crumbs or remnants.

Cleaning your crawl space helps fend away pest activity.

Tip #2: Remove External Debris and Foliage

The bushes and shrubs surrounding your home are natural habitats for all kinds of critters. Making sure your home’s exterior is clear will help prevent infestation.

Many invasive bugs are attracted to certain types of foliage. For instance, the boxelder bug is known for being attracted to the boxelder tree, from which its name originates.

Other pests and rodents are attracted to fruit trees and sweet perennials like hostas and roses. Stinkbugs and chipmunks love anything sweet and are notorious for hiding indoors when cold weather hits.

Foliage from nearby trees can push up against the house, creating damp hiding places suitable for pests. Keep pests out of your crawl space by clearing all loose debris away from your foundation walls.

Tip #3: Seal Cracks and Openings

Once the debris has been cleared away, it will be easier to spot any cracks or openings in your foundation.

Cracks are an open invitation for pests to enter your home.

Seal these open cracks with caulking, foam insulation, wood, or cement blocks and replace any broken boards.

Tip #4: Shine a Light

Most crawl space bugs and rodents will flee at the first sign of light.

You can’t stay down in your basement or crawl space with a flashlight 24/7. But you can have simple LED lighting installed.

Low-cost and energy-efficient LED bulbs will help keep pests away. And if your space has any appliance parts or piping, it will be easier to service them with proper lighting.

Tip #5: Set Traps

Setting traps is effective, cost-efficient, and they do the job of keeping pests out of your crawl space. Traps should be placed both inside and outside the home.

Not all traps are created equal. Traps purchased through a local retailer work for the short term, but the poison wears out over time.

Another “trap” is having a pet who hunts. Some cats are great hunters for vermin like mice and rats, and dogs will occasionally eat certain bugs.

Keep pests out of your crawl space by letting your pets inspect the area. Just make sure you don’t have any poison traps around when they’re running loose.

Tip #6: Install Proper Ventilation

Crawl space rodents and insects thrive in humid environments. To lower humidity and moisture levels, install a dehumidifier.

While dehumidifiers are a quick fix, a ventilation system is best at keeping mold, mildew, and wood rot at bay. Vents can both open and close, which adapts well to Minnesota’s constantly changing weather.

Most new homes are built with crawl space ventilation systems. However, if your home is older, you will want to remove and replace moisture-rotted beams before installation.

Dirt and concrete walls and flooring will help further prevent moisture from spreading.

Each state’s HVAC IRC code varies, but most ventilators are required to cover 150 square feet of crawl space. Be sure to check with your city’s code to make sure you have enough.

Tip #7: Crawl Space Encapsulation

The most effective way to control moisture levels, create a vapor barrier, and seal off any cracks is plastic encapsulation.

A 20-millimeter thick encapsulation will create a plastic vapor barrier in your crawl space. It will cover the floor, walls, and ceilings, so pests can’t enter your crawl space.

Regular Inspections Are Best

Regular and frequent inspections in and around your home are the best prevention against unwanted pests.

Find out more about Professional Integrated Pest Management (IPM) by Environmental Pest Management. This service will ensure your home stays pest-free for as long as you own the home.

Environmental Pest Management will answer any WHAT, WHY, HOW, and WHEN questions you may have. Their unique solutions will help get to the root of the problem.

After identifying the source, they will help you take the appropriate measures to protect the foundation of your home.

With Environmental Pest Management, you can prevent pests from entering your crawl space with regular inspections and treatment.

Schedule your free crawl space inspection with Environmental Pest Management today!

May 7, 2021January 23, 2024

Keep Those Bugs At Bay! How Does Bug Spray Work?

A parent spraying their child wit bug spray while doing outdoor activities.

Bugs are part of summer, and so is bug spray. But how does bug spray work, and is it safe? Today you will learn all you need to know about everything bug spray.

Summer is the best time of the year. There’s nothing quite like getting together with your friends and family, basking in the sun, and enjoying your backyard.

There are endless opportunities for day trips, including going to the lake or a park. Unfortunately, a day outside often ends with the family covered in bug bites, and that itching can last for weeks.

Environmental Pest Management provides bug control services in the Metro Twin Cities area and surrounding suburbs. We use safe products to protect the planet and your family.

When bug spray isn’t enough for your yard, give us a call!

What Is Bug Spray Made Of?

Bug spray is excellent for making sure you’re not covered in itchy dots at the end of the day.

Over the years, you’ve probably noticed the weird smell of many sprays, which has to do with the various ingredients. The main ingredient you will find in most bug sprays is DEET (also known as N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide.)

DEET was first produced in 1944 as a pesticide in farm crops. DEET has been found to be slightly poisonous to some freshwater fish, but it is EPA-approved.

A study was released in 2014 by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA.) It stated that “The Agency has not identified any risks of concern to human health.”

Many common sprays contain lemon eucalyptus oil. It serves as both an insect repellent and a remedy for killing certain types of fungus.

Researchers say that the oil is as effective and long-lasting as products containing DEET and is a better natural alternative.

Another ingredient that you are likely familiar with is citronella oil, which you can also find in candle form.

Citronella is derived from an Asian grass plant known as the Cymbopogon genus. The plant produces a citrus-like aroma.

It is less protective than DEET, often only lasting for around 3 hours before you need to reapply.

Bug repellents work by irritating insects, so they don’t land on you. Natural alternatives also encourage bugs to leave the area.

How Does Bug Spray Work?

You apply bug spray on a regular basis, but do you know exactly how it works?

The average bug spray isn’t designed to kill bugs but instead fights them off.

Bug spray works by disguising the scent of your body from bugs.

Bugs, like mosquitos and ticks, are attracted to the carbon dioxide that the human body produces.

Carbon dioxide is released from the body through your sweat glands, pores, and even your breath. Pests associate this smell with a food source.

Pests find the smell of bug sprays repulsive, which helps to keep them away. Try to stay away from lavender and basil as they are highly attracted to these scents.

Insecticides

While bug spray is a repellent, insecticides are used to kill bugs such as ants, cockroaches, and hornets. There are so many different kinds of insecticides because the goal of these sprays is to administer a quick death.

The chemicals do this by causing paralysis and attacking their central nervous systems.

There is a flower called Pyrethrins, which produces natural insecticides. The flowers look similar to daisies and have been used for hundreds of years to kill bugs and head lice.

Pyrethroids are synthetic chemicals in Insecticides that mimic the effects of the flower. This chemical is most commonly used in wasp and hornet sprays.

Insecticides are best used late at night. A hive tends to be less lively at night, and they are less likely to attack you when you spray.

While bug spray works by getting insects out of the area, insecticides work by killing the pests.

Are Bug Sprays Safe?

DEET, the most common active ingredient found in household bug sprays, is a pretty controversial topic. Although the EPA registered DEET without any expected health concerns, DEET is an irritant that can often cause rashes.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) warns parents not to use DEET on children under two months of age. But other than that, there are no age restrictions.

Surprisingly, the only repellent with an active age restriction is the oil of the lemon eucalyptus plant. They state that it should not be used for children under three years old.

Natural Alternatives

As mentioned above, lemon eucalyptus oil is a widely used natural alternative to most repellent sprays. There are also alternatives to harsh chemicals that kill bugs on the spot, though they may not be as effective.

Soap sprays have been found useful for killing pests like mites, psyllids (plant lice), and whiteflies. The sprays work by covering the bugs in soap which cuts off their oxygen supply, essentially suffocating them.

You can make your own soap spray simply by putting some mild liquid soap in a spray bottle. While less effective than a commercial spray, it is completely non-toxic.

Diatomaceous Earth is a powder you can find in most gardening aisles, which acts as miniature shards of glass. The powder works best against bugs that crawl, like ants, maggots, spiders, and worms.

Apply it around vulnerable plants, and pests will be torn up when they crawl through it. Diatomaceous Earth only works when dry, so if it storms, you must sprinkle more.

There are also various species of plants that can be put in your yard that act as a natural repellent. To find out more information, visit our article on 7 Plants that Help to Keep Mosquitos Away.

Are you sick of researching ways to deal with bugs?

Whether you’re looking for management at home or at your business, Environmental Pest Management is here to help. We are located in Burnsville, MN. We serve the Twin Cities area and surrounding suburbs. Head over to our website to get a free quote today!

April 23, 2021January 22, 2024

Do LED Lights Attract Bugs?

LED lighting has proven itself to be an energy-saving option to traditional incandescent or fluorescent lightbulb. When it comes to being outdoors, though, do LED lights attract bugs or deter them?

Insects are attracted to lights. We see examples of this by looking up at street lamps at night and seeing the swarms around them.

Their attraction to light is based on an instinctual draw that helps them navigate the earth.

At Environmental Pest Management, we understand the nature of the pests that we treat. We treat pest problems wholly and humanely in the Twin Cities greater area of Minnesota.

For integrated pest management, we have a goal to know the life cycles of insects and their behavioral patterns. Those patterns include their attraction and relationship to lights.

For a free quote and information on how to keep your home comfortable and pest-free, contact us today!

Do LED Lights Attract Bugs? Here’s How Lights Measure Up.

One way that light can be measured is in wavelengths, which are measured in nanometers.

Warmer colors such as red, orange, and yellow measure longer wavelengths of light and are less visible to insects. Cooler colors, on the other hand, are measured in shorter wavelengths.

The range from red-colored to UV light measures anywhere from 400-800 nanometers. Cooler tones will register 300-650 nanometers.

Ultraviolet or UV light lies with the cooler colors and registers at 350 nanometers. That reading makes it very attractive to insects.

Flying insects primarily use the light that they see to navigate. Much like humans, the light they see is only a fraction of the entire light spectrum.

400 – 800 Nanometers

What humans see
Ranges from the color violet to red
It does not include UV light

350 Nanometers

Ultraviolet light

300 – 650 Nanometers

What insects perceive and are attracted to
Includes UV light
Insects prefer light that falls between 300 – 420 Nanometers.

Insects can see UV light and are attracted to it, so many bug lights use it.

The three primary colors that bugs see are UV, green, and blue: the cooler tones on the light spectrum. Insects are less able to register warmer colors like orange, red and yellow.

Staying away from lights with cooler tones can keep flying insects at bay in your outside spaces. Cooler-colored lights are often used in outdoor settings because they appear to be brighter.

These were also the only lights available to customers for decades. Bugs swarming around them at night was quite normal.

An LED bulb that gives out a warmer tone will be just as bright without attracting annoying flying insects. LED lights with higher wavelengths do not attract bugs because the bugs can’t see them.

Going Toward the Light

Traditional incandescent light bulbs are cooler in tone and put out a lot of heat. These light sources are typically used outside and attract flying insects.

Incandescent and halogen bulbs are especially attractive to insects because they give off the most heat.

These bulbs give out 90% of their energy in the form of heat. This is really important to the insects who navigate with heat receptors.

Insects of the blood-sucking persuasion are attracted to the change in temperature from one thing to another. So when a mosquito, for example, senses a higher temperature, they will go to it.

The bloodsuckers interpret the change in temperature as a sign of a food source.

This is one of the reasons that insects are attracted to traditional lighting. The light insects are most attracted to is one that puts off lots of heat.

So, do LED lights attract bugs?

LED bulbs are built to be more efficient and give off much less heat. Insects feel less of a change in temperature, so they aren’t drawn to these lights.

This means you are not only running a more efficient household: you are avoiding bugs. You, my friend, are officially multi-tasking.

Bug Zappers and Color Lights

Bug Zappers attract insects by using UV light to attract the bug. When the insect is in range, the device sends out a jolt that electrocutes it.

The bug zappers that come to mind are ones that glow purple with UV light and have bugs around them.

They are often large and are accompanied by a loud buzzing and zapping sound.

Today there are LED options for bug zappers that draw insects into the kill zone using UV light. The rest of the bulb, however, is an LED light that will not have a cloud of bugs around it.

LED lights do not attract bugs the way incandescent lights do. But they do help make bug lights more efficient.

The LED options are also quieter than traditional bug zappers.

If bug zappers aren’t an option for you, color lighting is an alternative. As we’ve covered, bugs are primarily attracted to “cooler” colored lights.

Use a bulb that throws out a warm color light to draw fewer flying pests.

LED Lights Do Not Attract Bugs, So Keep The Light On.

As warmer temperatures creep in, knowing how to protect your home from pests becomes more of a priority.

Environmental Pest Management is passionate about implementing safe and responsible ways to treat pest issues. Changing to LED lights uses no chemicals and is not harmful to humans, pets, or your home.

We have a continued membership with both the National Pest Management Association and Minnesota Pest Management Association. Those memberships allow us to keep education ongoing and work with the best minds in our industry.

The memberships to both national and state associations also hold us to a high standard. That higher standard keeps us doing our best for the client and the environment.

Using methods that are more environmentally responsible leads us to use more humane processes as well. We evaluate your case and use the most ethical and environmentally friendly options.

Our commitment to providing environmentally responsible pest solutions doesn’t stop at education. If you find yourself coping with a pest infestation, or would like a free quote, contact us today!

April 8, 2021January 23, 2024

7 Plants that Help to Keep Mosquitos Away

Warmer weather means the start of a lot of annual activities such as landscaping and spring cleaning. Adding some plants that keep mosquitos away is at the top of our list this spring.

Introducing plants into your home and yard that deter mosquitoes is a small and beautiful way to help prevent mosquito activity. Fewer mosquitoes mean fewer bug bites, which means a better time had by all.

At Environmental Pest Management, we take pride in finding ways to combat pests. Planting flowers and grasses that are natural deterrents of mosquitos are a great start.

Reach out today for more information about protecting your home from pests and a free quote. We would love to get to know you and work with you.

Are There Any Plants That Keep Mosquitos Away?

There are a variety of plants that may help deter mosquitoes. They also smell amazing and are fabulous additions to your Minnesota landscape.

Plants alone are unlikely to deter large amounts of mosquitos. Most natural repellents are made from the extract of the plant, not the plant itself.

So unless you’re crushing your plants, you may be happier combining this strategy with other methods.

Start by clearing away any standing water in birdbaths or other containers. Mosquitoes love to lay their eggs in stagnant water. Then, add some of these plants to your backyard design.

Plants That Keep Mosquitos Away

1. Citronella Grass

Citronella may be the best-known plant for keeping mosquitos away.

Also commonly known as lemongrass for its scent, citronella grass is a common ingredient in most bug repellents. It’s also common in outdoor candles and torches meant for mosquito control.

This beautiful lemon-scented plant is hearty and can grow to be quite large. The fragrant plant thrives in full sun and warm weather.

You can use a potted citronella plant as a natural mosquito repellent in your home. Be sure to protect it from cooler temperatures.

2. Marigolds

Who doesn’t love a multi-tasker? Marigolds are an easy to grow annual plant that not only keeps mosquitos away but also protects against:

Aphids
Tomato HornWorms
Squash Beetles

All of those pests can be harmful, especially to vegetable and flower-based gardens. Marigolds are also ideal for making a border when landscaping.

3. Mint

Mint is a welcome addition to any yard or garden based on its scent alone. Not only does this plant keep mosquitos away, but it also smells lovely.

The more intense the smell of mint in the air, the better it is working.

There are other reasons to plant mint in your yard. Different types of mint not only repel mosquitoes and other pesky insects, but it’s excellent for cooking and making refreshing drinks.

Peppermint is excellent for nausea and other around-the-house uses as well, like cleaning and aromatherapy.

4. Bee Balm

Also known as Monarda and Horsemint, these are some colorful flowers. They come in red, pink, lavender, white, and purple.

These gorgeous colors make them a helpful addition to any landscaping project. The chemicals that fight mosquitoes can be released by crushing the leaves to release the oils.

The oils released have a pleasant fragrance. It is also attractive to both bees and hummingbirds, which are always welcome for pollination.

5. Lavender

Lavender is widely known for its relaxing fragrance and medicinal properties. A lesser-known property is pest management.

The oils and chemicals of this power plant will block the sense of smell for mosquitos. It can also keep rabbits and other pests out of your yard.

Lavender is drought-resistant and is very low-maintenance, needing only good sunlight and drainage.

6. Rosemary

Commonly used in cooking, rosemary is also excellent for deterring mosquitos!

If used in landscaping, rosemary can protect lawns and gardens from carrot flies and cabbage moths as well.

It is best to grow rosemary in a pot, as it seems to thrive when placed in them. Potting this plant also makes it ideal for use in the winter for seasoning.

7. Sage

Sage has been used for centuries for several purposes ranging from spiritual reasons to ceremony to cooking.

The smoke from sage plants can be used to stave off mosquitos. This is a great trick for those with a firepit or a campfire.

Some insect-repelling plants that deserve an honorable mention include lemon balm, floss flowers, and scented geraniums. Adding any of these plants to your landscape will help keep mosquitoes away.

Extracts and Natural Oils From Plants That Keep Mosquitos Away

Getting the most out of your home is important. The plants being used in landscaping and decor should be no different.

Some plants keep mosquitoes away better after a bit of processing. The oils and extracts that are found in these plants should serve in more than decor and repelling pests.

Lavender

Lavender oil and extracts have been used in aromatherapy, spa treatment, and, yes, mosquito repellant. Not only does it smell good and get rid of pesky pests, but it helps you to relax as well.

Bee Balm

The extracts of the bee balm plant have several uses. Medically, the extract can be used for scrapes, stings, and stress relief.

To release the oils and extracts, simply crush its leaves.

Citronella

For the most part, citronella oil is burned to protect humans from mosquitos. It can be found in anything from candles to spray bug sprays.

Bigger Issues Need a Professional

When plants alone don’t do the job, it’s time to call in a professional.

Environmental Pest Management believes in treating pest issues while keeping the environment in mind. We also have a passion for keeping our clients safe.

Call the professionals for your pest problem. We’ll address the issue and prevent you from using potentially dangerous chemicals around your home.

For 35 years, we have worked using methods that are both environmentally responsible and humane.

Treating the area with preventative measures will help deter a return of the infestation.

We believe in doing our jobs right the first time so that our clients will be comfortable in their homes.

We have memberships with the National Pest Management Association and the Minnesota Pest Management Association. These memberships allow us to partner with the best minds in our industry.

Those memberships also offer us the opportunity to continue to educate ourselves in the very best methods. This alone guarantees excellent service to our clients.

If you are in Burnsville, Minnesota, and the surrounding area, we are here to offer our services. Contact us today for a free quote and to see how we can serve you.

March 19, 2021January 22, 2024

How To Get Rid Of June Bugs

Summer’s coming! You know it’s summer when you hear the whack of June Bugs smacking into your sliding glass door. Let’s discuss how to get rid of June Bugs.

Are you ready to enjoy the season? If you want to relax this summer, let Environmental Pest Management handle pest control.

We handle all kinds of indoor and outdoor pests in the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota. Contact us today for a free quote.

How to Identify June Bugs

There are hundreds of June bugs species, but in Minnesota, there are roughly 20 bugs with this name. June Bugs in our area are about an inch long and have an oval-shaped body.

These bulbous bugs have six hairy-looking legs and a pair of black antennae. They are dark brown, although some appear almost black or maroon.

The June bug’s back and body is a hard, smooth shell with a uniform color and no markings. The underside is hairy.

When they walk, they move in a bumbling way, almost as though their legs are too short for their bodies. When they fly, they always look like they’re about to crash.

They certainly are goofy, graceless bugs.

June Bugs are unique insects with two sets of wings. That hard shell covering the backside is a set of wings. There’s a second pair underneath the first.

The top set of wings serves to protect the bug but sticks out straight to be out of the way in flight. The top wings sticking out make this bug aerodynamically awkward.

What Is A June Bug’s Life Cycle?

Adult June Bugs show up in or around (you guessed it) the beginning of summer. But where do they originate?

The bug begins life as an egg. The little white egg takes about three weeks to hatch.

The June Bug larva makes its way into your soil. It has a huge appetite, and it will molt twice before moving to the next stage of life.

The bug will continue in the larval stage, eating roots and growing for one to three years.

When the larva has grown and matured enough, it enters the pupal stage.

The pupa starts dark brown, gradually taking on an iridescent sheen. The pupa remains underground and doesn’t move at all during this stage.

The pupal stage lasts about three weeks. When this stage ends, the adult bug finds its way out of the ground and flies off to find a meal.

What Draws June Bugs To Your Home Or Yard?

June Bugs are attracted to moist soil and organic material. If you leave grass clippings left in your yard, June Bugs will be happy to dine there.

Damp soil is an ideal place for June beetles to lay their eggs. When the eggs hatch, the June Bug grubs will burrow into your lawn.

June Bugs are drawn to any light source. If you have exterior lights on in early summer, you are likely hosting a nightly June Bug party. It may be the reason you’re researching how to get rid of June Bugs!

What Harm Do June Bugs Cause?

This flying, bumbling beetle is not a danger to people, and they do not want to bite or eat you. But June Bugs are interested in your plants.

June Bugs eat a wide variety of plant leaves, making Swiss cheese out of your lawn and garden. But that’s just the start.

The bugs lay eggs in your soil, turning your yard into a June Bug nursery. When the eggs hatch, the grubs feast on the roots of your plants.

A grub infestation can cause patches of dead grass to show up on your lawn. Brown patches in your yard are a sign of grubs munching on your roots.

Bugs in your lawn can also attract other animals notorious for being pests. Skunks and raccoons will dig small holes digging up grubs for dinner.

How To Get Rid Of June Bugs

The first step to getting rid of June bugs is to focus on the adults.

If you aren’t squeamish, grab a pair of gardening gloves and pick the bugs off your plants by hand. Place them into a jug of soapy water to drown them.

If you prefer a hands-off approach, try this integrated pest management approach. This DIY insect killer is safe for humans and the environment:

Mince four cloves of garlic. Soak them overnight in a tablespoon of mineral oil.
Drain the oil, then add the garlic to a pint of water.
Add a teaspoon of dish soap to the mix.
Put two tablespoons of your mix in a pint-sized spray bottle. Fill the remainder with water.

To get rid of June Bugs, spray the ones you see, as well as the plants they’ve been munching. The method also works well on Japanese beetles.

You can also reduce your June Bug count by installing a bug zapper. These bugs are notorious for heedlessly heading into lights. They fly straight into a crispy end with this contraption.

Once you’ve gotten control of the adults, you’ll need to address the grubs.

June Bugs like to lay eggs in short grass, so don’t mow your lawn too low. You can set the mower to at least three inches to keep it at an ideal height.

Deal with grubs naturally by introducing nematodes to the soil. You can purchase these microscopic worms online or at a garden center. Apply them with a spray bottle.

A similar method is to apply a bacteria called Bacillus Thuringiensis, or BT. Apply in a spray or powder form to safely eliminate grubs.

If you need a more robust solution, try an insecticide that contains neem oil. This compound is toxic for many larvae but will not harm most beneficial bugs.

Don’t Want To Deal With Bugs This Summer? Let Us Help

If you’ve tried managing your outdoor pests, but they keep coming back, give us a call at Environmental Pest Management. We are experts at keeping your Minnesota yard free of nuisance bugs.

Reach out today for your free quote to be on your way to having a pest-free environment!