Bugged by pests in your West Palm Beach garden?

If one of your favorite activities is working in your garden, then you’ve almost certainly been frustrated by our Florida pests. While there are some bugs that can be quite detrimental to the health of your plants, you’ll want to keep some of them around. But do you know which is which? Here are a few tips to help your garden grow!

Don’t let these bugs bug you

• Bumblebees – It’s no secret that every garden needs help if it is to grow and flourish. Bumblebees can be your garden’s best friend by fertilizing your plants and keeping them healthy. Bumblebees are not to be confused with the smaller honeybee, which are also essential to health of crops nationwide. The honeybee is a topic for a future post, however.
• Ladybugs – These familiar little creatures may be one of the first bugs we learn about as children. Aside from being downright cute, they are also important to your garden by acting as its personal bodyguard, preying on aphids and driving out mealybugs and garden mites.
• Dragonflies – With its large size and buzzing sound, the dragonfly can be startling if it comes up on you by surprise, but it’s actually one of your garden’s most welcome visitors. By hunting mosquitoes and aphids, they’ll help to make your time tending to your plants more enjoyable.
• Spiders – While not many folks appreciate seeing a spider creepy-crawling about, the garden spiders are a different matter altogether. You’ll probably find a variety of these guys hanging around, and they’re the best garden pest predators of the lot, killing more than the others combined! You can encourage them to make your garden their happy hunting ground by spreading mulch.

Unwelcome visitors to evict

• Aphids – Your beautiful plants are very attractive to aphids, who will feast on your hard work leaving a trail of damage in their wake. These very small pear shaped bugs like to belly up to the bar and go on a plant sap bender, damaging or even destroying your plant’s leaves. While washing your plants at regular intervals can help, the best natural control you can get is your friend, the ladybug!
• Whiteflies – These small, winged insects which typically feed on the underside of leaves with their needle-like mouthparts. Whiteflies can seriously injure host plants by sucking juices from them causing wilting, yellowing, stunting, leaf drop, or even death. If you identify their distinctive white spirals or a white, waxy substance on the underside of leaves? A telltale sooty black mold on your patio furniture or pool deck? These can all be signs of the spiraling whitefly.
• Cutworms – Although they’re technically caterpillars, cutworms are definitely something you do not want to find hanging around in your garden. These destructive pests chew through the bottom of plant stems, and even devour small plants, mostly going after transplanted plants in the early summer.

Help for your lawn, garden and ornamentals

Our exclusive service plan consists of seasonally specific applications of environmentally friendly insecticides and fertilizers. During each visit an Ambassador Pest Management technician will apply quality products designed to slowly release nutrients into the soil to provide a healthy and consistent feeding for your lawn. We also apply high quality insecticides designed to control insects, fungus and weeds and we offer all green products. No more worrying about the kids, pets, yourself or stinky pesticides. Call today for more information about getting a custom lawn and shrub program tailored to your needs. 866-632-0088

 

Are Pests a Problem in Your West Palm Beach Home?

If you’ve noticed some peculiar scurrying, chattering or gnawing noises coming from your cupboard or your attic, or if some of your baseboards or door frames appear to be caving in, you just may have rodents or even termites in your home.  No one wants to think they’ve got pests in their residence because the damage they can inflict on your property and even the health of you and your family members.  When you’ve got an infestation that requires professional intervention in your West Palm Beach home, you’re going to need to find certified pest control specialists to handle this problem for you. They have proven, time-tested methods of eradicating these pests from your life professionally and safely.

Pest Control Experts in West Palm Beach

In addition to solving your current problem, Ambassador Pest Management technicians can also teach you prevention methods to help prevent pests from coming back. Knowledge and additional information on sanitary strategies will help keep homes clean and not conducive for pests. These measures go a long way to helping keep your family safe and free from diseases these pests carry.

Pests are known to carry bacteria that can compromise your health. Being aware of the signs and red flags that indicate the presence of pests and will help you and your pest control technician to know how to deal with them.

Why is Pest Control important?

• Flies carry a variety of diseases which can lead to food poisoning. They are seen flying around on ceilings and glass surfaces.
• Bedbugs feed on human blood, which can spread diseases. They are seen in crevices, cracks, and beneath carpets. They are not easily controlled.
• Rats can spread various diseases. You will notice their presence because of teeth marks biting on electric cables and other materials.
• Cockroaches are the most common pests in every home. They carry sicknesses and go for any food around. They are usually seen during the dark.

If you have any of these in your home, make sure that you call the experts at Ambassador Pest Management Services! They are certified Pest Control experts in the West Palm Beach and Stuart, FL area, and will provide you efficient and quality service! Call today at 866-632-0088 for a free, no obligation inspection. Our work is always 100% satisfaction guaranteed!

How to Choose a Pest Control Company in West Palm Beach FL

One of the “joys” of living in West Palm Beach, Florida is having to deal with occasional pest infestations. South Florida is famous for its gorgeous weather and beautiful beaches, but unfortunately we’re also known for our bugs. When you’re facing a pest control  issue, you can feel overwhelmed and want to act as quickly as possible – completely understandable. You should, however, take the time to investigate your options before selecting the best pest control company for you.

These tips will help you select an experienced, reputable and reliable company as your partner in the battle of the bugs! Consider the following attributes before making your decision.

Do They Have a Good Reputation in the Industry? 
A great place to start is to ask your coworkers, friends neighbors or family members if they have any recommendations for you. Inquire about their pest control company experiences – both good and bad.  Don’t rely on advertising alone – unbiased reviews on the Internet can be a helpful tool. You may also wish to check for complaints with the Better Business Bureau or with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for any violations.

How Much Experience Do They Have? 
Knowing how long the company has been in business can be a good indication of how they operate. If they’ve been around for decades, that’s a good sign. You can ask a company for references as well. Ask about their experience in dealing with the particular pest control issues that you’re having. You may also consider asking about the training they provide for their new service technicians.  How they answer these questions will teach you quite a bit about how the company operates.

What Are Their Qualifications? 
Inquire as to their licensing requirements for technicians and which ones they hold. Are all of the licenses current and in good standing? And are those licenses the appropriate classification for their job description and responsibilities? You can call the pesticide regulatory office to ensure the information you’ve been given is correct and truthful.

Ask if continuing training and education is provided for employees, and how they keep them up-to-date on current regulations, new products or current product safety concerns and new techniques available to them. Another good question is if they use Integrated Pest Management techniques.

Do They Offer a Good Value For Your Investment? 
Check with companies to see if they offer free, no-obligation written estimates. You may wish to get several estimates before making your final selection. Going with the lowest price isn’t necessarily the most cost-effective solution. Look into whether they require you to sign a long term contract, and if they do, what is the pricing structure? Do they guarantee their work and your satisfaction?

How Is Their Customer Service? 
Probably one of the most important considerations is how well their staff listens to and addresses any concerns you have, and treats you and your home with the respect and care you deserve. Are their technicians professional, timely, thorough in explaining and giving evidence of the extent your problem? Make sure they’re able to provide you with information about the treatment they recommend.

By asking these questions and spending a little extra time up front to do your homework, you can feel comfortable that you’re hiring the best pest control company for you and your home. Ambassador Pest Management has over 25 years experience, is completely licensed and GreenPro certified. Our technicians are professional and knowledgeable, and will be happy to come to your home or business to provide a free, no-obligation inspection and quote. Ambassador offers a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee – call us today at 866-632-0088!

The Three Most Common Pests in Florida

Florida is known for many things — our beautiful weather, tourism, theme parks, crazy news stories. One of the things most of us would rather not even think about is our pests. For as long as humans have lived in Florida, they’ve probably struggled with the same problem of dealing with unwanted critters in their space. Hearty and prolific, pest control in Florida will always present a challenge. Here is a rundown of the top three undesirable roommates for residents of our fair state.

Ants

If you become an unwilling landlord to a colony of ants, it won’t be long before you’ve got a big problem on your hands. An ant colony in your home can host hundreds, if not thousands, of these little creatures. The larger your infestation is, the greater your chances of having bacteria and germs proliferate your pantry, kitchen and other living areas. While not all ants are likely to be biting insects, some are known to be aggressive and do just that. To find out exactly what type you’re dealing with, it’s a good idea to call in a pest control expert  to identify your problem and help you eradicate it for good.

¡La Cucaracha! (Cockroaches)

Cockroaches are the bane of residential and commercial structures alike. Whether you’re trying to run a clean home or a pest-free restaurant, roaches can invade despite your best intentions. They can spread disease and bacteria as well as producing waste products that can act as a trigger for asthma or allergic reactions, most notably in children.  There are a number of different cockroaches that inhabit our area of Florida, and it’s a good idea to know what type you have infesting your territory before attempting to create a plan to get rid of them. A certified pest control technician can be your best friend in this instance, for both diagnosing and treating the problem.

Rats and Mice

Mickey and Minnie aren’t the only type of rodents living in Florida! Real-life rats and mice can live very quietly and out of view. They’ll certainly leave evidence behind, however, and that may be the first clue you have of an infestation.  Common indicators of these furry invaders include droppings (often found under sinks or in cabinets), or clumps of nesting materials like shredded cardboard tubes or paper.  You may also find yourself confronted by small holes in your baseboards, walls or floors if they’ve had the time and inclination to create unobstructed paths to food and water. Rodents can be a serious threat due to their ability to spread dozens of different types of diseases through both direct and indirect contact.

Eliminate the Threat with Pest Control Professionals

If you’re troubled by any of the pests mentioned above, Ambassador Pest Management in West Palm Beach and Stuart, FL can be your most powerful ally in the fight to regain control of your property. With over 25 years experience, our certified Pest Control Technicians can determine the extent of your problem, treat affected areas and set you up with a plan to keep your home pest-free. Call today for a free, no-obligation inspection. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed!  866-632-0088

Termites – Know Thy Enemy

Sure, you know about termites. But do you really know about termites? Maybe you don’t want to know about them, but arming yourself with some knowledge may save you money and rescue your house from extensive damage. Or, you might just pick up a gem that will help you win at Trivia Night! Here are some facts about these ravenous monsters from the American Pest Management Association.

Termites are EVERYWHERE (well, almost everywhere)…

Subterranean termites can be found in each of the United States, except one: Alaska. In some ways, it pays to live where your terrain is frozen.  Like many bugs and humans, they love warmer climates. Here in Florida, one of the most prevalent subterranean types is the Formosan termite. These guys may be one of the least popular imports from China ever – they’ve only been here in the US for around 50 years.

…and there are a LOT of them

For what they lack in human popularity, they more than make up for in population. A fully mature colony for the Formosan termite can house millions of them. Think we’re kidding? An enormous colony was found in the Algiers Regional Library in Louisiana weighing six hundred pounds and containing.. are you ready?… 70 MILLION termites.

How about this for a measure of how many termites there are in the world?  If you were to combine all of the known species on earth, 2,000 or so of them, their combined weight is more than all of the humans on the planet. About ten percent of the biomass in the animal world is made of termites.

Termites are very busy

If you think you snack too much, this might help you feel a bit more in control. Termites never stop eating. They’re at it 24/7, burrowing into the wood they consider their all-night buffet. They’ll feed on it until there is only an empty shell left.

Queens, depending on the species, may lay between 1,000 and 40,000 eggs per day. They’ve got a long time to do it, too. Although it’s not know for certain what the lifespan of queens may be, many have been ten years or longer, with some evidence of them living over years! Termites are assumed to have the longest adult reproductive lives of all insects.

They’re expensive houseguests

It is estimated that are responsible for about $5 billion in damage every year, with 20% of that being done by Formosan termites. The Formosan termite has gotten the reputation as a “super-species” due to its destructive nature, infesting at least 11 states as of this writing.  One colony of them is capable of consuming nearly 1,000 pounds of wood per year, as opposed to around seven pounds for native termites. That same colony could eat a home’s entire structure in two years time.

Out of all the household pests, termites are the most common reason for calling pest control professionals.  A fifth of surveyed homeowners responded that of their pest control concerns, termites were the largest worry. About three-quarters of households require calling in the big guns to get the problem under control.

If you find yourself facing a termite problem, don’t go it alone. Ambassador Pest  Management in West Palm Beach, FL has over 25 years experience helping people just like you get rid of the termites and get back your piece of mind. Contact Ambassador today for a free, no-obligation inspection. Remember, we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee!

Bed Bug Prevention Tips from West Palm Beach Pest Control Experts

With bed bug infestations in the news more and more, we thought it might be a good idea to provide some tips for their prevention. As a pest control company in West Palm Beach, FL, we see bed bugs more often than we’d care to admit. They’re tenacious and difficult to get rid of, so preventing them from getting a foothold in your home is key!

“Go to the mattresses!”

Sonny had the right idea in The Godfather. If you’re certain that your mattress is bed bug-free, you can keep them that way by using bed bug proof encasements on it and on your box spring. This will keep the creepy critters from starting a turf war with you when you’re asleep.

Inspect all incoming furniture

This may be an unsettling thought, but it’s not just that recliner from the second-hand shop that could introduce these blood-suckers into your home. Even new furniture could potentially have picked up some riders while in the warehouse or during transport. Yikes! Make sure you have a close look at any furniture, under the cushions and in the seams, before it comes inside.

Watch out for hitchhikers

If you travel for business or pleasure, there’s always a chance that your suitcase will house some unwanted guests on the journey home. It’s a good idea to check online to see if where you’re staying has current complaints about bed bugs. Also, if you wake up with any bites on your person that you didn’t go to bed with, that’s a big red flag! If you weren’t already a little spooked by the places we’ve already mentioned, you should know that movie theaters and libraries have also been reported to have bed bug problems.

“Feed me, Seymour!”

Well, these aren’t really bed bug eating plants, but there are a couple of varieties of greenery that might help repel them. Black cohosh and leggera alata are among them, as well as herbal essential oils like lavender, rosemary, eucalyptus and thyme.

Once you have bed bugs, however, it’s time to call a professional. Even if you think you’ve managed to kill all the bugs yourself, the eggs can survive to hatch another day. Don’t waste time and money. Ambassador Pest Management has serious experience ridding homes and businesses in West Palm Beach of these pests forever. Our treatment and your satisfaction is always guaranteed 100%. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation inspection and service estimate.  866-632-0088.

10 Things to Consider Before Hiring a Pest Control Company in West Palm Beach, FL (Part 1)

When you discover a pest control problem in your home, you might feel overwhelmed and you may not be thinking as clearly as you usually do. Finding an experienced professional who can get the job done, and get it done right, is paramount. But where do you start? How do you find the right pest control company?

We’ve compiled a list of ten things that are important to consider when choosing the right company for you. We’ll take a look at the first five here, and follow up with the remainder of them in an upcoming post.

Take a Look at their History

When you discover pests in your home, there’s a good chance that you’ll either search the Internet for “Pest Control West Palm Beach” or even check the Yellow Pages. In either case, you’ll get dozens of results. Which one should you choose? Look for a companies that have been in business for a long time. If they’ve been around awhile, there’s a reason for that. Compile a short list of those, and call each to see what they have to offer you. A reputable company will offer a free, no-obligation inspection and a written estimate.

Make Sure They’re Licensed

You want to find a company who is operating on the up-and-up, and one that is registered with the state. There are a lot of fly-by-night operators out there, and when you’re investing in your home, you don’t want to take chances. Ask for their license or look them up online.

Take Your Time Making Your Decision

Oftentimes, our first inclination at the sign of a pest problem is to act quickly. Not taking the time to do the research can be costly, however. Inexperience, the wrong tools or chemicals, and insufficient application can result in an incomplete job eradicating the pests, damage to your home or injury to your pets or loved ones. Don’t rush into a decision! The “Measure Twice, Cut Once” principle applies here.

Don’t Take the Word of a Door-to-Door Salesman as Gold

If someone shows up at your door uninvited, warning you of a problem you didn’t even know you had, and offering an expensive solution, get a second opinion. Unfortunately there are some scammy operators out there looking to take advantage of homeowners just trying to do the right thing for their house. Don’t sign or agree to anything until you’ve had a reputable company (or two or three) out to inspect.

Ask Friends and Family for Recommendations

Living in Florida, chances are you know someone who’s dealt with a pest control problem. Knowing about their experiences, both good and bad, can save you from making a costly and regrettable choice. That’s what friends are for, right?

Follow along for the other five things in our next post, 10 Things to Consider Before Hiring a Pest Control Company in West Palm Beach, FL (Part 2). In the meantime, if you have a pest control problem here in West Palm Beach, FL, consider calling Ambassador Pest Management today. We’ve been a family-owned and operated business for over 25 years, and we’d love to put our experience to work for you!

5 West Palm Beach Pest Control Bugs That Will Make You Squirm

Florida has a lot of charms to recommend it, but the spooky, creepy-crawly insects are not chief among them. Although pest control companies spend all day looking at them, you may not have that opportunity. Here’s a look at some of the less desirable bugs you’d want to see on your bedroom wall when you’re turning in for the evening.

Florida Woods Cockroach

AKA a palmetto bug, is a slow-moving moving insect. If you’ve ever stepped on one, you’d know by the smell. It didn’t get its other nicknames by accident: skunk roach or stinkroach come to mind. Adult palmetto bugs even have a similar self-protection ability to the skunk. They can send an extremely foul-odored spray up to a meter away. Yuck!

Silverfish

These skinny fish-like cockroaches start out their lives white, but as they age their scaly bodies take on their signature silver color. They’re particularly fond of Florida because they thrive on the heat and humidity. You might find them hanging out in your library or in a stack of old magazines or newspapers. The silverfish has a taste for cellulose, so your bookshelves and boxes of old reading material are a potential snack for them. Don’t say you weren’t warned!

Earwigs

Fortunately you’re less likely to see one of these guys in your home. They’d prefer to be outside in their natural habitat. If you do, however, see one while you’re out in the kitchen getting a snack, you’ll know what it is. Around an inch long or so, these dark brown bugs are slim in build… but it’s those pinchers coming out of their back end that will grab your attention! Good news, though – they really don’t want to crawl in your ear. Probably.

Ticks

Ticks are not an attractive insect to be sure, but what makes them especially frightening is their disease transmission skills. They can carry many different types of infections, but the one you’re probably most familiar with is Lyme Disease. If you’d rather avoid tangling with ticks, it’s a good idea to wear long pants tucked into your socks if you’re in a wooded area, use DEET-based repellants, and keep your yard free from debris and dead leaves. Carefully examine any pets who have spent time in the woods as well!

Indian Meal Moths

While in the larval stage, it looks like a little white worm with a black head, but soon it will turn into a brown butterfly-looking moth that enjoys hanging around in your pantry. It loves to eat cereals and grains, flours and rice, bread and dried fruit. They’re reverse-Houdinis, easily getting into sealed containers with ease, and helping themselves to your food stock. Keep an eye out for them!

If you’re having problems with any of these or any other uninvited insect guests, call the pest control experts at Ambassador today for a free, no-obligation inspection. Your satisfaction is guaranteed!