Preparing Your Home for the Warmer Weather

The shift from winter to spring brings many changes to the world around you. Temperatures rise, and flowers bloom—a time for new beginnings.

Spring is a time for exploration and renewal. It’s important to realize that you won’t be the only one eager to get around and adventure!

One thing to be aware of when transitioning into the new season is the critters that like to come out as well. Various animals and bugs could crawl into your home, which will cause trouble for you and your home down the road.

Of course, you want to know the difference between “good” bugs and “bad” bugs. Check here for what to look for.

Tackle these spring pests by knowing where to look, and what to do when you find them. You don’t have to fight the battle alone! Contact Environmental Pest Management for professional pest control services in the Twin Cities area.

Cleaning Your Home

The first thing you should do as you prepare your home for the spring weather is to clean everything as well as you can. Bugs and critters love moving into dark, cluttered areas, and any mess in your home will be a perfect place for them.

One central place you should consider looking at is where your food is stored. Everything needs to eat to survive, and these bugs are no different.

It’s a good idea to take out all of the food in your cupboards and off your shelves and physically inspect each item. If there’s any holes in the packaging, it’s time to throw it out! Small animals love to get into food and eat up any crumbs available.

After taking out all of your food objects, consider cleaning the shelves themselves. Vacuum any leftover crumbs and wipe down the area with a damp rag.

You’ll want to remove as much clutter as possible when you’re cleaning. Your closet can be a potential spot for lots of clutter. Remove articles of clothing you no longer wear and make sure clothing is appropriately hung up or stored.

Additionally, if there are items that are especially important to you, you can better protect them. Placing clothes in airtight bags means that they get protected from moisture, humidity, dust, and of course, any pesky bugs.

Where To Look

You may have small bugs and insects roaming around your home without you being aware. Knowing where to look will give you an advantage when dealing with these critters.

Kitchen

The kitchen is the biggest target for bugs looking for food, water, or a damp spot to hide. Because of this, you should be vigilant when inspecting and cleaning your kitchen.

The bug that loves your kitchen the most is the ant. They seek after crumbs and sticky spots, as well as certain fruits that may be on your counter top.

In addition to the recommendation of cleaning out your cupboards of stale food and leftover crumbs, another sneaky spot that ants love is behind your appliances. Many people don’t consider this area because of the difficulty of cleaning it.

These appliances will include your stove, refrigerator, and possibly dishwasher. Pull them out and vacuum behind them to avoid potential ant problems in your home.

Bathroom

Some bugs that love moisture include the cockroach and the silverfish—one place in your home that can often create moisture in your bathroom.

You can remove some sources of moisture by checking on the integrity of the pipes in your bathroom. If you find any leaks from pipes or faucets, you should tighten them back up. Additionally, washing the shower curtain and liner will help with moisture problems.

With that done, the last spot to consider is the medicine cabinet. The medicine cabinet could get filled with clutter and various items you no longer need, so clean it accordingly.

Basement

The basement is an excellent spot for both spiders and rodents to reside. They love it because of the often dark and cluttered areas that are good for hiding in.

To combat these pests, look to removing as much clutter as possible. When storing your items, consider using plastic containers instead of cardboard because plastic is more secure.

When examining your basement, keep an eye out for tiny cracks or holes. It doesn’t take much for critters to find their way into your home, so sealing these cracks is of utmost importance.

Outside

The last place you’ll have to look at is the outdoor area around your house. The outdoors will be where the insects and rodents find their way into your warm and cozy home.

Inspect the perimeter, including your shingles, pathways, and gutters. Keep an eye out for damage, deterioration, and clogs. These can be signs of bugs on your property.

Treating Your Home

The final step for battling the bugs is managing your home and property to avoid future problems. Knowing what to look for and what to fix will help you tremendously.

Upon preparing your kitchen, bathroom, and outdoor area, don’t forget to check the water sources. Pests love damp areas, and a leaky faucet will provide them a safe place to thrive. Check your faucets and outdoor taps for drips and pooling water, and have it repaired if leaks get found.

Whether your pests fly or crawl, a window is still easy to access for them to enter your home. Make sure you have correctly fitting window screens and that your windows get sealed. Old windows may have cracked or broken seals that little bugs can easily squeeze through and invade your home.

Wood is an excellent home for many pests, especially termites. If there were previous leaks or water damage in your home, consider replacing any wood that was left to absorb the excess water. Once the pests move in and start further damaging the forest, the foundation of your home could become compromised.

Your home is an excellent place for not only you to live but many other critters as well. As you can see, there’s lots of options for finding, removing, and preventing bugs and rodents in your residence. You don’t have to fight these battles alone! Contact the professionals at Environmental Pest Management for a free quote and peace of mind.

March 27, 2020December 15, 2025

A Message to Customers About Coronavirus

Please know that the well-being of our customers and employees is our foremost concern and we are fully committed to ensuring your safety as we monitor the quickly changing information on coronavirus (COVID-19).

At this time, we are continuing to provide all of our services as scheduled. If you have questions or concerns, or wish to reschedule your service appointment, please do not hesitate to call us at 952-432-2221. You may also log on to bugtech.com and submit a web form or email us at info@www.bugtech.com.

All of our employees have been instructed to closely follow the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for protecting themselves and others. These recommendations include limiting exposure to sick individuals, frequent and thorough hand washing, knowing the signs and symptoms of COVID-19, and more. Learn more about preventing coronavirus disease on the CDC website.

Although we have not experienced any issues at Environmental Pest Management at this time, we are fully prepared to activate mandatory 14-day quarantines for any employee who exhibits symptoms or is diagnosed with COVID-19.

As part of our response to and preparation for ensuring safety, we are also taking these precautions:

We have made personal protective equipment available to all Environmental Pest Management employees, including hand sanitizer and gloves.
We are routinely disinfecting all of our shared equipment and common work surfaces.
Any employee who exhibits respiratory illness or flu-like symptoms, or who has a member of their household exhibiting these symptoms, will be sent home to recover.
All non-essential activities, including large group meetings or gatherings, events, and travel, have been cancelled through March 31.
Rather than have you personally sign our tablets or phones when we complete your service, please allow us to sign on your behalf.

Protecting health and safety is the mission of all pest control providers, including Environmental Pest Management. Our services are an important way to help prevent the spread of disease, and our eco-friendly products help protect people and the environment.

Q&A

I’m concerned about anyone entering my home right now. Does your technician have to come inside?

Absolutely not, and we completely understand. We can and will continue to provide our exterior treatment services to maintain the protective barrier that keeps pests from entering your home. Now that the official start of spring is here, so is a likely increase in pest activity, so if you need for us to treat the interior of your home in the coming months, please just let us know and we will return at no additional cost.

I may have to close my business. Will you still be able to provide service?

Yes, and we can make this process simple for you:

If you need interior treatment, please contact us to arrange a window of time for you to meet us at your place of business.
Contact us if you would like for us to provide exterior perimeter treatment, which does not require you to be there.

Are you planning any changes to my regular residential pest control services?

We do not anticipate any changes in the provision of our treatments, but in order to protect your safety and ours, please allow our technician to sign their tablet or phone on your behalf in your presence when your treatment is complete.

I’m a brand-new customer. Will you still be able to come do my first interior service appointment?

Thank you for trusting Environmental Pest Management with your pest control needs! We will gladly provide our interior treatment if your pest issues cannot be resolved from the outside of your home or business. Please note: If anyone inside your household or commercial property is ill or believed to have come into contact with someone with the coronavirus, we reserve the right to reschedule interior service for a later date.

Will you notify me if anyone from Environmental Pest Management who has been to my home or business tests positive for coronavirus?

We understand and share your concern for safety, and it is our top priority. Every employee is strictly following all of the CDC’s latest recommendations and minimizing contact with even small groups of people. Please note, however, that by law, we must adhere to the requirements set forth by the Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA), which include the protection and confidential handling of protected health information.

Our thoughts are with anyone who may be affected by COVID-19. We will keep you updated as this situation unfolds. We thank you for allowing us to serve you and, again, encourage you to contact us with any concerns or questions you may have.

March 20, 2020December 15, 2025

Why It’s Essential To Deal With Ticks Before You See One

Birds are chirping, flowers are flourishing, and the days are sparkling with the sun. Spring is almost here! Spring lets us enjoy the outdoors and all that it has to offer.

With the increase in temperature and sunshine, you aren’t the only one that wants to get out and relish in it. Many animals and bugs also look forward to exploring the warmth.

One of these creatures that love crawling in the woods and grass is ticks. These ticks love to latch on to you or your clothing and eventually suck your blood.

Because of their desire for your blood, it can come with certain risks. There are many things to be wary of when dealing with these organisms to ensure your Spring and Summer are safe.

Important things to consider when dealing with ticks are preventing bites, tick removal, and symptoms that come with a bite. Knowing this information will mean you get prepared for it all!

If you have troublesome pests bothering you or your family, it’s wise to meet with experts that can help you. Contact the professionals at Environmental Pest Management for any pest issues, including roaches, rodents, wasps, and more.

Preventing Tick Bites

The first step in fighting back against ticks is to prevent them from biting you entirely. While ticks can get found year-round, they are most prevalent during the warmer months.

Knowing where ticks love to crawl around is crucial when trying to avoid them. Ticks live in many grassy or wooded areas. Activities such as camping, gardening, or walking your dog outside will very likely expose you to potential ticks.

If you are choosing to travel in brushy areas, consider treating your clothing beforehand. Applying an insecticide such as permethrin to your clothes will repel any unwanted bugs. Be sure to follow instructions carefully and allow clothes to air out for safety.

When walking in wooded areas, it’s sensible to walk in the middle of trails or walkways. Doing so means your legs won’t scrape grass or brush where ticks love to gather.

Once you come inside, the next step is to check your clothing for any other bugs on you. If you see or suspect there are ticks on your clothing, you can toss them in a dryer on high heat to kill them.

Be sure to wash and dry clothes in a high-temperature setting. Cold or medium temperatures won’t kill them, and they’ll continue to bug you.

In addition to checking your clothes, you’ll want to investigate your gear and your pets, if you brought them. Ticks on your dog will be harder to spot due to their fur, so be thorough.

Last but not least, perform a full body check on yourself for any ticks. It would be best if you used a mirror to help you see your body better.

Some spots that can hide ticks will include around your ears, or in and around your hair. Additionally, examine under your arms and the back of your knees. Any nook or cranny could be a hiding spot for a tick.

Tick Removal

Tick bites are surprisingly common. If you do find a tick secured to your skin, the most important thing to do is to remain calm.

You’ll want to remove the tick immediately. While there are many tick removers on the market, a simple set of fine-tipped tweezers will be useful to use.

With the tweezers ready, grip the tick as close to your skin as possible. From here, you should pull directly upward with even force. If you jolt or yank the tick, the mouth-part likely latched onto you will break off.

If this happens, don’t panic! Use your tweezers and carefully remove the head from your skin.

Once the tick gets removed, the next step is to clean the bite area. The bite can get cleaned with a disinfectant such as rubbing alcohol, or just soap and water.

As soon as the tick gets removed, you’ll want to dispose of it correctly. Placing it into alcohol will ensure it gets killed, and you can put it in a sealed container as an extra measure.

Afterward, keep an eye on the bite area to observe any side effects. Should you develop a rash or fever, contact your doctor immediately.

Symptoms of Tick Bites

In most cases, a tick bite won’t have any effect on you whatsoever. The tick bite may be painless, and the tick will feed and fall off. Symptoms will come after the bite happens.

Symptoms for a tick bite vary from slightly annoying to severe complications. The most important thing you can do is spot the signs before it becomes dangerous.

Minor symptoms for a tick bite include itching, burning, and redness. These get easily identified as they happen and can let you know that something happened.

In rare cases, an individual may be sensitive or allergic to tick bites. These allergies can lead to a rash, shortness of breath, swelling, numbness, or even temporary paralysis.

More severe symptoms for a tick bite include fever, shortness of breath, headache, or vomiting. If you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Since ticks feed on your blood, they can introduce dangerous pathogens to you. Diseases can get transmitted from the tick feeding.

The most associated disease with tick bites is Lyme disease. This disease will get received from ticks in the northeastern U.S., upper midwestern U.S, and along the Pacific coast.

Another disease transmitted by ticks is the Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Symptoms include a high fever that lasts weeks, muscle aches, vomiting, and fatigue.

A dangerous disease that can be carried by ticks is Tularemia. Luckily, with early treatment, complete recovery is possible. If left unchecked, Tularemia is life-threatening.

As you can see, ticks can range from mildly annoying to potentially threatening. It’s essential to know how to avoid ticks, how to remove them, and signs of symptoms.

Check out our tips for naturally keeping bugs away here.

If you suspect that you have a problem with annoying pests, don’t hesitate to contact Environmental Pest Management. No job is too big or too small!

March 13, 2020December 15, 2025

Dealing with Mosquitoes Before They Bite

When the weather is warm, we all love spending time outdoors. What’s better than an afternoon barbecue with friends and family? The only thing that can ruin this idyllic scene would be everyone’s least favorite uninvited guests- mosquitoes.

If you are facing an unwanted horde of mosquitoes, contact Environmental Pest Management. We have the tools and expertise to squash your bug issues before they become big problems.

What do Mosquitoes look like?

Mosquitoes are small flying insects. They have a single pair of tiny wings. Typically, they have thin, long legs and a long probe extruding from the crown of their heads.

The bodies of mosquitoes are covered with minuscule scales. The fully-grown mosquito can range in size, but generally, they stay between 3 and 9 mm.

What do Mosquitoes eat?

Not all mosquitoes are bloodsuckers. In fact, it is typically only the adult females and only when they are working on generating their eggs. A mosquito’s principal source of food is actually nectar from flowers.

The larvae, on the other hand, spend all their time in stagnant water feeding on a variety of minerals, organic debris, and tiny aquatic organisms.

Some species of mosquito are predatory and have been known to be cannibalistic.

Mosquito Facts

Mosquitoes prefer hot and humid environments. They are most prevalent in tropical areas, but some species have been found in frozen locales, such as the Arctic Tundra.

The hairs found on a mosquito’s antenna help with their ability to hear. These hairs are different between the sexes. The male’s plumes are large and feathery, and the females have smoother antennae.

Typically, male mosquitoes are quite a bit smaller than female mosquitoes. They also don’t live as long, poor guys.

Interestingly, mosquitoes reproduce while airborne. When experts researched this behavior, they found that the frequency and sound of the mosquito’s wing beats is one of the main attractants for mates.

Mosquitoes can see through their compound eyes. These eyes are located on either side of the head. Each eye is made up of hundreds of small lenses called ommatidia.

This allows the mosquito to see and perceive stimuli from many directions at one time. The mosquitoes really on this broad field of vision to help them find their prey.

Sight is not the only thing mosquitoes use to find food. They can smell attractive gases from their host up to 170 feet away. They can also sense body heat when it is less than four feet away.

How do I get Mosquitoes?

Outdoors

Mosquitoes prefer to breed in standing water that is stagnant. If you live near a pond, marsh, or any depression that collects water, you are at a higher risk for mosquitoes.

After heavy rains, if water collects in your yard, you may have to worry about these pests. Most mosquitoes are more active at night. Most often they emerge right around dusk and are most active at night.

This means that as spring comes, prepare to see more and more of these pests.

Indoors

If any mosquitoes find themselves in your home, they will most likely seek out dark and hidden areas. They will then come out at night to search for food. Likely suspects for hiding places include the space under sinks, in closets, or laundry rooms.

Mosquitoes prefer to be outside, but they may accidentally find themselves inside through an open door or window.

What are the signs of a Mosquito infestation?

The two most telltale signs of a mosquito infestation are-

The buzzing of the females
The ensuing bites

If you believe you have a mosquito infestation, act fast. The bite of a mosquito is potentially very dangerous. They have been known to carry the Zika virus, the West Nile virus, and several types of encephalitis.

Mosquito bites are not only annoying and itchy, but the worst-case scenario is also a painful death.

How do I get rid of Mosquitoes?

The best way to deal with mosquitoes is to prevent them access in the first place. Prevention is key. The best ways to prevent mosquito infestation are-

Insect repellent- Use only as directed
Oil of lemon
Oil of eucalyptus
Use window or door screens
Sleep under a mosquito bed net
Air conditioners or fans for high traffic points of entry

What are the most common Mosquito-borne viruses?

West Nile Virus

West Nile Virus is the most common mosquito-borne illness in the United States. The bite from a mosquito spreads it. Unsurprisingly, West Nile is most common during mosquito season- late summer through fall.

Unfortunately, there are no vaccines to prevent West Nile, nor are there any medications to treat it. Fortunately, though, most people who are infected do not contract any symptoms. In fact, only about 1 out of every 150 people develop a severe or fatal illness.

Reduce your risk by wearing insect repellant, long-sleeved shirts and pants, and avoiding mosquito bites.

Zika Virus

Many parts of the world still view the Zika Virus as a severe problem; some include US territories such as the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. If you are planning a trip to any area where Zika is a problem, be sure to take the proper precautions.

Zika is particularly insidious because it can cause severe congenital disabilities when a pregnant mother is infected. Expectant mothers should be particularly cautious when it comes to mosquito prevention.

Saint Louis Encephalitis

This disease is spread through mosquito bites. Most people who are infected see little to no symptoms. The unlucky few will experience fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and tiredness.

Occasionally, a person may experience severe swelling of the brain. This reaction is predominately found in older adults. In very rare cases, long-term disability or death may occur.

You can reduce your chances of contraction by wearing insect repellant and long layers.

Chikungunya

Over 2 million cases of Chikungunya have been reported since 2013. This disease can be found in over 45 countries and counting.

Fortunately, for those infected, the disease is rarely fatal. The side effects are still severe, though, often ranging from minor to debilitating joint pain, fever, headaches, muscle pain, and rashes.

If you believe you are suffering from an infestation, don’t wait until it is too late. Contact Environmental Pest Management today.

November 29, 2019December 15, 2025

Hide Your Acorns! Red Squirrel Facts

Curious red squirrel peeking behind the tree trunk

Red squirrels may seem cute, but they are not something you necessarily want around. You may have seen these furry little friends running along your fence or hopping through the trees. If you have seen a few too many, you have options.

If you are experiencing a red squirrel infestation, turn to the professionals at Environmental Pest Management. We are committed to the safe and humane removal of all pests.

Take back your home and yard today. Contact us for your free estimate.

What are Red Squirrels?

In terms of coloring, red squirrels are, you guessed it, red. More specifically, they are often rust-colored. Thiers tails are usually very bushy, and their bodies are typically thin and long.

Depending on the time of year, though, their coloring can change slightly. They can often be mistaken for other species of squirrel because they can appear brown or gray at various points throughout the seasons.

Red squirrels are curious. They appear to live exploring their surroundings and can seem quite playful. In addition to their curiosity, red squirrels are known to be fast. They are also easily startled and will quickly dart away when frightened.

What do they look like?

Red squirrels have long faces that end in a pointed nose. Because of their long ears, they have excellent hearing. As previously mentioned, they are typically rusty in color with white bellies.

They walk and run on all four legs, but they are able to stand on their hind legs alone. You will find them in this position when they need to hold something in their front paws.

Their long tails are used to help these nimble creatures steer their way through the trees. Most red squirrels weigh anywhere from 8 to 12 ounces and are 7 to 9 inches in length.

Where do they come from?

Red squirrels originated in the United Kingdom, and they have been around for over 10,000 years. They are a protected species in their native land.

The invasive species of gray squirrels have begun to take over locations previously populated by red squirrels. Gray and red squirrels cannot co-habitat, and the gray squirrels have slowly pushed the red squirrels to the point of endangerment.

Where do they typically live?

Because red squirrels are tree-living animals, you can generally find them nestling high in the treetops. Most of their time is spent in trees. Fortunately, red squirrels are excellent jumpers, so they can make their way from tree to tree with relative ease.

The largest red squirrel populations can be found in Great Britain and Ireland, but they are also often found in Scotland and Northern Asia.

In Northern American, red squirrels can be found in parts of Alaska and Canada. You can also find them in many of the Rocky Mountain states and some Eastern states, such as Virginia and Illinois.

What do they eat?

Most of the red squirrel’s diet consists of nuts, acorns, pinecones, and mushrooms. They are nothing if not opportunistic, though. They have been known to feed on the bark of trees and even some forms of fungi. They will also eat insects or small frogs if their natural food source is scarce.

Red squirrels are hoarders. When food is plentiful, they will store the excess in trees for later feedings. They are cautious and prepared for anything.

Red squirrels never put all their nuts in one basket, so to speak. They have many food storage caches spread out in several different locations. If one storage spot is taken by another animal or destroyed, they have other stores from which to pull.

How long do they live?

In the wild, red squirrels can live up to six or seven years. In captivity, though, they can live even longer. The steady diet and lack of predators allow these animals to live up to ten years.

What are their behaviors?

Red squirrels are most active during the day, especially in the spring and summer months. They are active in the evenings, but slightly less so. They begin gathering food for the following winter during the preceding fall months.

During these gathering months, red squirrels are at their most active. You will see them hard at work all day.

In the cold winter months, you will only see the red squirrel in the middle of the day, and only if it is warm enough for them to come out. They do not hibernate, but they do burrow and hide.

Are they social?

Red squirrels are very communicative with each other. They also use body language to communicate. Typical forms of this include foot-stamping and tail-jerking.

Each different sound or motion has a distinct meaning. The red squirrel could be a warning to other squirrels of danger or could be used to defend his territory.

Are they dangerous?

While not particularly dangerous to humans, red squirrels can be a nuisance. They can cause damage to your home and property. The destruction left in their wake can be avoided, though.

Keep trees and branches trimmed close to your house. A leeway of five feet would be ideal.
Inspect your home for holes or open seams. Seal up any potential entry points to prevent entry.
Squirrel repellents, in the form of irritants or the smell of predators, have some success.
Do not use poison; you don’t want to kill the animals.

We recommend calling a professional, though, as red squirrels are often protected and should be handled gently to ensure their continued survival.

What kind of damage can they do to my home?

Red squirrel infestations are marked by the animals creating nests inside your home. The problems come when the squirrels chew on wires or woodworks. The result can be short-circuiting of appliances or costly repairs.

Additionally, if they build their nests in your chimney, a fire hazard may result. Squirrels may try to get inside when the weather turns colder. See our tips for dealing squirrels inside in the winter here.

On a slightly less destructive note, the loud and often annoying noises they make can be quite a disturbance. You and your family will have much less peace and quiet when squirrels are around.

Call Environmental Pest Management Today

If you are experiencing these or any other problems with red squirrels, fear not. Environmental Pest Management is here to save the day. Contact us now for a free quote. Take back your home today.