Category: Blog

Winter Insects Bugging You?

Written by allstate-editor on February 15, 2023. Posted in Blog, Uncategorized.

Watch Out for These Winter Insects!

One of the best things about fall is that we finally get to say goodbye to the flies and mosquitos that have literally bugged us all summer long. However, we do not get to say goodbye to all insects, and many of them want to invade your home during the winter. Most insects are cold-blooded, so they tend to be more active during summer. Yet, some bugs bite during winter, and you will want to watch out and control them. It is best to contact a specialist for winter bugs because they need unique tactics to get them out of your home.

Below are a few of the insects that will try to share your home during the winter. We see many of these winter bugs all year round, but we might see them indoors during the winter since they seek shelter from harsh winter weather. Here is a list of the insects you should be on the lookout for:

Beetles: You will usually find beetles in the warmest parts of your home. Typically, they hide out near your clothes dryer or water heater. They are not harmful bugs, but you do not want them to multiply and cause an infestation.

Silverfish: These little creatures love cold and or damp areas. They are generally in basements or a rarely used bathroom. The female silverfish can lay thousands of eggs. When you start to see these creepy guys come out of hiding, contact All-State Pest and Lawn soon to avoid an infestation.

Asian Lady Beetles: Ladybugs are often mistaken for the Asian Lady Beetle. There are thousands of species of Asian Lady beetles, and the Common Ladybug is only one. Unfortunately, some species of Asian Lady Beetles like to invade your home. Some people even think it’s good luck when a Lady Beetle lands on them but imagine if a multitude were in your house. They are productive members of your outdoor garden, but you don’t want to share your home with them, no matter how cute you may think they are. If a swarm of Lady Beetles enter your home, they can bite you, and they will secrete a yellow fluid that smells terrible and leaves an awful stain.

Ants: Ants are colonizers, so if you see one, there are many more somewhere else in your home. They usually make their way to your pantry to steal food, leaving their germs behind.

Cockroaches: Cockroaches cannot survive in cold climates, so they will do their best to find damp, warm areas in your home for survival. Like most insects, when you see one, there are likely more somewhere else, and you need to call the professionals before your home has an infestation.

Ticks: Ticks can be very dangerous. They are known for biting and possibly transferring Lyme disease with their bite. They are especially harmful to your pets, so be sure to call us the moment you see them.

Spiders: We see spiders year-round, but you are likely to see more of them during the winter. They can bite and cause serious injury depending on the spider. During the winter, you usually find them hiding in warm dark places such as a basement or corners.

Do they Bug You?

If you see any of the winter insects mentioned above, contact All-State Pest and Lawn as soon as possible. With All-State, you can trust that we will return your home to its pest-free condition. We will help prevent bugs and other insects from invading your home and help remove them if they gain entry. One call does it all for termite, pest control, lawn, and landscape services. Call us today at (901) 757-9111.

Tips for Avoiding Mice Insfestations During the Fall and Winter Months

Written by allstate-editor on January 4, 2023. Posted in Blog, Uncategorized.

As fall weather approaches and the days get colder and shorter, rodents know it is time for them to prepare for the winter months. Since they do not hibernate in winter, this means that the attics in most homes become the perfect den for mice, squirrels, and raccoons. This may be an excellent set-up for them, but it could cause health risks for your family and damage your home. Here are a few tips for ensuring mice do not make your house their home.

Is There a Mouse in the House?

Here are some ways to tell if you already have mice hiding in your home.

● Your home begins to have a musky odor.
● You see mice droppings, particularly in cabinets, drawers, and near plumbing.
● You notice tracks of tail marks or footprints on dusty surfaces
● Gnawing is visible on corners
● You hear scurrying or squeaking in the ceilings or walls.
● You spot a nest. The nests look like a ball of loosely woven material.

How to Get Rid of Mice

Seal entry points: Talk a walk around your home and inspect it for any possible holes a mouse could enter. Keep in mind that mice can enter through tiny holes. If you see a hole, using caulk or weather stripping, cover it. If you have vent openings, you can use steel wool to dissuade mice without restricting airflow. Steel wool is impossible for mice to chew through, so it works as a powerful deterrent.

Use essential oils: Oils with strong smells, like clove or peppermint, can repel mice. Simply soak a cotton ball in the oil and place it in the cabinets, pantries, or other areas you think they frequent.

Trapping: Trapping is considered the fastest way to get rid of mice. If you want to get rid of the mice humanely, get a trap where you can place bait that does not snap back on them. The trapping may not work if you have pets since they will likely take the bait. Yet, if you do not have a pet, you can set the trap with bait such as bacon, dried fruit, cheese, or peanut butter. Once you hear the trap shut, grab it, and release the mouse outside.

Invest in a pest control company: All State Pest and Lawn has all the solutions for your mice infestation problems. Call us as soon as you see a mouse. They carry disease and cause enormous damage to your home. We have decades of experience caring for your lawn and ensuring your home is free of pests. Contact us at 901.757.9111 to schedule a consultation.

Outdoor and Landscape Lighting

Written by allstate-editor on October 25, 2022. Posted in Blog, Uncategorized.

Outdoor and Landscape Lighting Adds Beauty and Safety to Your Home

When you add the proper outdoor lighting to your landscape, you beautify and enhance your property, while adding safety and security at the same time. At one time, just a single porch light left on might have done the trick for making you feel secure in your home, but these days modern lighting technology can make your home even safer while enhancing specific features of the house.

Outdoor and Landscape Lighting for Safety and Security

Using motion-sensor flood lights can give the entire family peace of mind when they return home in the evenings. Not only does the light help to keep intruders away, but it also acts as a flashlight, guiding them along the path to the door. You could also choose to have the pathway lit with LED lights, small garden lights, or bullet lamps. The lighting will help minimize the chances of getting an injury from tripping or falling while trying to maneuver through the dark.

If you put lighting systems on automated timers or automation sensors, this is a perfect opportunity to keep burglars from targeting your home. Also, by lighting foliage and shrubbery, you give them nowhere to hide.

Outdoor and Landscape Lighting to Beautify Your Home

To give your home added curb appeal, consider placing lights strategically throughout the landscape and exterior of your home. For example, if you add outdoor lighting that shines on archways, rounded areas, or unique architectural elements, it will increase your home’s curb appeal by giving it a warm ambiance.

When you work hard on your landscape by planting flowers, shrubbery, or other ornamental plants, it is nice to show the beauty of your yard day and night. Adding specific lighting to your plants can create a captivating and unique look for the evening.

Lastly, lighting your pathways creates a welcoming vibe for family and friends stopping by at night. When you light the outdoors of your home, you expand your living space giving you more usable square footage. Can you picture the ambiance of sitting around a fire pit with friends and family surrounded by your favorite plants and lit pathways? There is a lot to be said for enjoying your property during the serenity of night.

Another bonus of adding landscape lighting is that your property value will increase. So now, you have not only achieved better curb appeal but also invested in your home.

Let All-State Pest and Lawn lend a hand if you want to increase your curb appeal. Our landscape professionals can design and maintain the perfect landscape for your home. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at (901) 757-9111.

Rodent and Pest Control

Written by All-State Pest and Lawn on September 1, 2022. Posted in Blog, Uncategorized.

A survey by the National Pest Management Association found that one-third of Americans have had to deal with a rodent infestation in their home. So, if you have seen a mouse zipping by in the kitchen, hear scratching in your walls, or have seen a squirrel in the attic, you are not alone.

Rodents are dangerous and destructive pests. It is crucial that you set up prevention. Some of these crafty critters will get through no matter what. The best thing you can do when you see rodents is to call in a professional like All-State Pest and Lawn.

Most Common Household Rodents

There are over 2,000 different species of rodents, yet only around a dozen will take up residence in your home or yard. In The Memphis, Tennessee and surrounding areas, you are most likely to see the Common House or Field Mouse, Norway Rat and Roof Rat.

Mice eat primarily fruits, veggies, and grains, but rats eat anything. You will usually see them in the kitchen or near the kitchen. However, their nests are generally inside the walls, basements, or attics. Squirrels or chipmunks might be fighting for space in the attic, trying to make a warm place to nest.

In the yard is where you will find voles, gophers, groundhogs, and, depending on where you are in the country, even prairie dogs or porcupines. These rodents seem to do their best to make a mess of your yard by damaging greenery and burrowing tunnel networks underground. While underground, they feed on plants, bark, and roots. They make it pretty challenging to keep a lush garden.

Signs you Have Rodents

Besides seeing the rodents with your own eyes, they leave behind some clues that they have chosen your home as their residence. Here are examples of a few signs:

Rat or mouse droppings
Gnaw marks on walls and inside cabinets
Scratching noises in the wall
Greasy marks across baseboards
Hidden stashes of food
An unusual ammonia-based smell
Noises coming from the attic

Outside you will notice small holes in your yard, surrounded by torn vegetation and dirt. When you see a few of these, you likely have outside rodents.

How to Get Rid of Rodents

You can try your best by laying traps, getting a cat, or investing in rodenticides. When you call All-State Pest and Lawn, we use strategic measures to lure and ultimately rid the home of rodents. We survey your house to find entry points and suggest sealing off these points among a list of other steps that can help. The important thing is that you can leave the stress to us, and we will get it done. If you are having issues with rodents today and need a professional, we are happy to help. Contact All-State Pest and Lawn at (901) 757-9111.

Read On: https://www.allstatepest.com/getting-rid-of-mice-in-your-home/

Why Termite Protection?

Written by allstate-editor on July 19, 2022. Posted in Blog, Uncategorized.

WHY TERMITE PROTECTION IS ESSENTIAL FOR YOUR HOME

In the United States, termites cause more than 5-billion dollars in estimated damage each year. The cost is more than fire, flood, and weather-related damages combined. It is hard to imagine that these tiny pests can do so much damage. The good news, though, is you can combat and prevent this damage by contacting the best termite destroyers in Memphis, All-State Pest, and Lawn.

Most home insurance will not cover termite damage, so it is up to you to take the critical steps to protect your home. Their home is their largest asset for most people, so it only makes sense to ensure it is protected thoroughly.

Unfortunately, not even brick or concrete slab construction is immune to the insidious appetite of termites.

At All-State Pest & Lawn, we use the Drill, Trench, and Treat method as our preventive measure for Subterranean Termites. This method remains the #1 method for preventing termites.

How Much Damage Can Termites Cause?

Termites destroy your home by eating wood products and the wood itself. They have a specialized enzyme in their guts that allows them to digest cellulose (the organic fibrous material in plants and wood). The largest Subterranean Termites can eat up to an entire pound of wood in a day.

Not only can they damage the wood in your home, but they can also damage insulation, books, furniture, carpets, swimming pool liners, and filter, and they especially love any plant that is in bad health.

Types of Termites

There are 45 or more species of Termites in the U.S. Each of the species fall in to 3 categories; Subterranean, Drywood and Dampwood. In Tennessee and the Southeast, we have mostly Eastern Subterranean Termites belonging to the Subterranean category. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture has also had reports of Formosan Termites move in from the Southern Coastal States.

Signs of Termite Damage

Here are a few warning signs that your home could be infested with termites. It can take 3-8 years to spot termite damage, so be sure to be on the lookout for any of these signs. If you see any of these signs, contact All-State Pest and Lawn as soon as possible.

Mud tunnels on the foundation
Painted walls that bubble and peel
Buckling walls and ceilings
Small entry holes the size of a Pins Tip where they tunnel through drywall
A hollow sound when tapping on the wood with a heavy object
The appearance of water damage
Maze designs on wood

Termite protection and prevention is the best line of defense. We offer an Active Termite Damage Replacement Warranty on your home. If you have termites, we can treat and stop them from creating extensive termite damage to your home. We offer both termite Preventive and Curative termite treatments. Our team knows how to handle all pest control problems including ones that fly, sting and bite! Contact All-State Pest & Lawn today for a Quote at (901) 757-9111. Remember, one call does it all. We can also handle termites, pest control, lawn care and landscape services!

Mosquito Control

Written by allstate-editor on July 5, 2022. Posted in Blog, Uncategorized.

Summer is here, and with summer temperatures come swarms of mosquitoes. Once the weather peaks over 50 degrees, that is when mosquito season starts. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could enjoy the summer without pesky mosquitos putting a damper on the day? Good news, at All-State Pest & Lawn, we offer a mosquito control package that starts in April and ends in October. We will come out every month to treat and reduce the Mosquito population in your front yard, around your shrubs and hedges, fence lines, turf, and all over the backyard and patio area. This process allows plenty of relief from mosquitoes but does not eliminate them entirely. As we mentioned, mosquitoes are pesky. To help you, we compiled a list of expert tips you can do in addition to having your yard treated monthly.

Eliminate Breeding Areas: If you have standing water anywhere on your property after it rains, try eliminating it. A mosquito can lay eggs in about as much water as fits in the top of a soda bottle, so look closely for areas they could be breeding and be sure to keep your recycling in a covered can if possible. Of course, there are some places you want to keep standing water, like a hummingbird feeder or birdbath. Dumping this water at least twice a week will prevent the mosquito larvae from growing into adults. You can also use larvicide tablets. These tablets contain bacteria that only kill mosquito larvae and is safe for other animals.

Use a Fan: Mosquitoes are terrible flyers; they can barely fly in anything more substantial than a light breeze. As a bonus, it will keep you and your pets cool as you relax outside.

Keep Your Gutters Clean: It is easy to overlook gutters as breeding grounds for mosquitos since they are not in our direct line of sight, but gutters get full of debris, leaves, and water, making them a perfect place for mosquitos to hatch their eggs.

Mow the Lawn: Did you know that adult mosquitoes rest on tall weeds during the day? By mowing your lawn regularly, you make your yard less hospitable for these insects.

Call in the Pros: As mentioned above, the best treatment for mosquito control are chemicals designed to kill them. Even the city will drive around emitting these chemicals to help control the mosquito population. When you call All-State Pest and Lawn, our team will spray away the mosquitos every month. Call us today to set up your treatment plan at (901) 757-9111.

Pest Control FAQ

Written by allstate-editor on February 1, 2022. Posted in Blog, Uncategorized.

Do you have questions or worries about pest control services? Most people do. I want to cover a few of the frequently asked questions that come to mind.

Why do I need a pest control professional?
The pest management professional relies on pesticide application as just one part of a total pest management program. The untrained consumer, who purchases a pesticide over the counter, can only make an intuitive judgment on how to properly apply the pesticide. However, the pest management professional relies on training, expertise, and more sophisticated techniques to manage pests in an environmentally friendly manner.

How much does pest control service cost?
Because each home is unique in its pest control needs, please call so we can give you an accurate estimate. Many people are surprised at how affordable professional pest service can be.

What insects are covered by the general pest service?
Spiders, crickets, ants, roaches, silverfish, and mice are generally covered under routine general pest control service. Biting, stinging, and flying insects require different and often difficult treatment strategies and thus are charged accordingly.

How long will it take before I see results?
It depends on the pest and severity of infestation. Generally, you will see a reduction in pest activity immediately after our first visit, in some cases, such as German Roaches, it may take several visits.

How long will the treatment take?
Different pest problems require different methods and products. Moisture, sanitation, and environmental conditions can all affect how long a treatment may last. Most interior applications can be performed in less than 1 hour.

Are these products dangerous to kids and pets?
All professional pest control products have been registered for use by the EPA. When they are applied according to label instructions by technicians who have been trained and licensed to use them, they pose virtually no risk.

Do I have to leave my house during a service?
No, usually not. However, during certain types of services such as flea and tick treatments, it’s better if all occupants leave the home for a period. Our helpful and knowledgeable staff will direct you on the specifications of each treatment.

When you come to service my home, where will you treat?
First and foremost, our technician will inspect your property and advise you of their findings as well as a strategic plan for managing the pest problems. From that point, the technician will make applications to the areas where insects live and hide, as well as applying a barrier around the exterior of your home such as the base of your home.

If you have any more questions, please give us a call here at the office. (901) 437-5456

Rats or Mice?

Written by allstate-editor on January 4, 2022. Posted in Blog, Uncategorized.

Do you have Mice or Rats in your Memphis home? Lets take a look below for a bit of information to help us Identify the two. Keep in mind size and color may differ than the photos below.

Mouse

Small, its body rarely exceeding two inches long and one ounce in weight.

Color:

Usually gray in color, but some may appear darker.

Behavior:

There are a few types of Mice in Memphis, but all Mice are excellent climbers and are capable of gaining entry through holes around soffit vents and around cables entering the building, through holes in gable vent screens, and through turbine and box vents on roofs. Most garage doors on homes allow enough space for mice to fit underneath, as well. It takes only a ¼ inch opening for mice to enter your home. Plumbing openings as well as electrical wires can provide routes into and out of your home.

Rats

Larger rodents that may grow to a body length of 10 to 12 inches. Seldom will a rat weigh more than one pound.

Color:

Can vary from gray to brown to black.

Behavior:

There are a few types of Rats in Memphis, but most Rats are excellent climbers and are capable of gaining entry through holes around soffit vents and around cables entering the building, through holes in gable vent screens, and through turbine and box vents on roofs. Many garage doors on homes allow enough space for rats to fit underneath, as well. Rats can be destructive not only destroying and contaminating food sources but damage electrical wiring causing a fire hazard. Did you know Rats also carry a wide variety of diseases including Rat bite fever, Meningitis, Murine typhus, Hantavirus and several other potentially deadly diseases?

Rats or Mice in your home are never a good thing. Please, give All-State Pest and Lawn a Call at (901) 757-9111 or visit us at www.allstatepest.com if you have questions or need service.

Do You Need Winter Lawn Care?

Written by allstate-editor on December 7, 2021. Posted in Blog, Uncategorized.

In short, Yes. The fact of the matter is that Winter weed control is essential for Spring Weed managment. Weeds will germinate and sprout an entire season before you may see them! For instance, Henbit, The weed with the purple flower in Janurary and February actually Germinated back in October or November. When ambient soil Temperatures reach 55 degrees in the fall, you have weed germination for most weeds. It is important that we apply pre-emergents a season before you see weeds! The same is true for your Summer Annual weeds such as Crabgrass. We need to apply a pre-emergent in the Winter months to prevent these Summer annuals. As you can see, Lawn Care is essential even in the winter months! The key to a great lawn is consistent care.

Landscaping Design from All-State Pest and Lawn

Written by All-State Pest and Lawn on February 22, 2021. Posted in Blog.

Increases Curb Appeal

Your home is something you should be proud of. First impressions and your landscaping around your home can make or break your curb appeal. It is the something you have to look at every day you live in your home. Your yard should be something that you, your family and friends can enjoy. Professional landscaping designed and implemented by All-State Pest and Lawn can make your home and lawn look flawless.