Zika Virus in South Florida – Keep Yourself Safe

If you’ve watched or read any news in the past several months, you almost certainly have become aware of the threat of the Zika virus. While there is still much that is not known about Zika, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is aware of a couple of health issues known to be associated with the virus:

• Zika infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects such as microcephaly.
• Several countries affected by Zika outbreaks reported an increase in people with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). The latest research from the CDC indicates a strong correlation, but only a small portion of recent Zika infectees develop GBS.

If you’re traveling abroad or even staying at home in the South Florida area, the best strategy to lessen your risk of mosquito-borne illness is prevention. Unfortunately in our area, mosquitoes can be a problem year round, and you may not always be aware of when you’ve been bitten by one.

The two primary ways you can help to prevent the risk presented by mosquitoes are protecting your body and protecting your environment.

The most important advice we can give regarding your environment is to make your yard and home as inhospitable to mosquitoes as possible. This means making sure you don’t allow standing water to become a breeding ground.  This can best be accomplished through the following steps:

• Drain standing water from collection points such as garbage cans, birdbaths, flower pots, gutters and pool covers.
• Throw away or recycle unused items in your yard that could be a place for water to stand – cans, bottles, buckets, tires, etc.
• Keep your pet’s water dishes clean and their water fresh. Replace it daily at a minimum.
• Check any large items covered with tarp to ensure that water isn’t collecting there. Boats, cars and woodpiles are examples.
• Make sure your pool chemicals are in balance and the filter is in good working order.
• Keep your door and window screens in good working order, patching any holes or places of entry for mosquitoes.

As far as protecting yourself, you’ll want to take care to cover up exposed skin when you’re out during active mosquito hours. Long sleeves, long pants, socks and shoes, while warm, can help prevent bites. You’ll also want to use repellant that contains at least 25% DEET.

You may want to consider the use of mosquito netting to cover your baby’s stroller or crib.

We also know that the Zika virus is sexually transmitted as well, so practicing safe sex is always advisable.

If you’d like some help in keeping your property free of mosquitoes and other pests, Ambassador Pest Management is here for you. Serving West Palm Beach, Jupiter, Stuart, Wellington and the Melbourne area, Ambassador has over 25 years helping Treasure Coast residences stay healthy and pest free. Call today for your free inspection and estimate.  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!

Don’t Fall Down on the Job of Autumn Florida Pest Control

As we finally begin to cool down a bit from the extreme heat and humidity of summer in Martin County and Palm Beach County, Florida, we also need to start thinking about preparing our homes for the pest control problems that come up in the fall. We’ve had a ton of rainfall recently, and problems can crop up from that. Here are a few tips to get you thinking in the direction of protecting your property and being able to enjoy our beautiful weather as we head toward the end of the year.

Keep your yard free of standing water.

Pay special attention to places near your home where rainwater collects or the drainage is poor. These pools of standing water can quickly become breeding grounds for mosquitoes. They are likely to lay eggs in those puddles in the fall and come springtime, they’ll be hatching.

 Keep an eye out for larvae.

Watch for insects that find food and shelter in your grass, such as caterpillars and grubs. As the temperatures get cooler, be aware that these pests will shelter in as larvae, burrowing into your lawn and causing damage.

Get your pest prevention taken care of prior to the change of season.

The fall is the perfect time to clean up any debris that’s gathered around the outside of your home, fix leaking faucets, pipes and irrigation leaks and also make certain that cracks that may have formed in your home’s foundation are sealed. Also check the seal on your window and door moldings to prevent insects and pests from entering your house. As an added bonus, you may save a few bucks on your utility bill!

Just say no to insect squatters trying to winter in your yard.

Everything from stinkbugs to mice to spiders are looking for a comfortable, warm, safe space to spend the winter months. Make sure they don’t have access to your crawlspace or attic, because they’d love to become your roommates. Also be on the lookout for chinch bugs who leave the comfort of your summer grass to overwinter in local shelter like shrubs, bushes, tree bark or fence openings. You can count on them to move back to your yard at the first sign of spring.

Don’t spend these months with our beautiful Florida weather go to waste trying to handle an infestation on your own. Ambassador Pest Management has been helping residential and commercial customers get a handle on their pest control problems year-round for over 25 years.  Call us today for a free, no-obligation inspection of your West Palm Beach or Stuart-area property. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed.  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!

10 Things to Consider Before Hiring a Pest Control Company in West Palm Beach (Part 2)

Here are the final five items on our list of things to think about before selecting a pest control company for your bug problem.

Be an Educated Customer

As they say, knowledge is power. Doing a little research about the problem at hand will help you better understand what you’re facing. The more you know about the particular pest you’re dealing with, what it takes to get rid of it once and for all, and how to best prevent it from making a future appearance the better. Knowing what questions to ask will help you make and educated decision.

Make Sure Your Pest Control Company is Insured

Depending on what your particular issue is, it may require some complicated and/or messy methods to fully treat it. Even the most skillful and talented professionals run into problems from time to time. You want to be certain that any damage that may happen to your home or belongings will be covered and handled with as little inconvenience to you as possible. An insured pest control company is essential.

Ask About Service Guarantees

It’s important for you to have a very clear understanding of what steps they are taking, how long it will take, how long you can expect the treatment to last and how to best extend the life of their extermination services. If you find cockroaches two weeks after they’ve completed your job, will they come back? A trustworthy company stands behind its promises.

What Sort of Training Do Their Technicians Have?

Does the company require specific training and testing in the use of the pesticides they’ll be applying in your home? You need to have full confidence in the abilities of the technician you’re allowing into your home. Are they kept up-to-date on the latest technology?

Are the Chemicals They’re Using Safe Around Children and Pets?

It’s important to be able to provide a pest-free home for you and your loved ones, and it’s equally important to know that any pesticides or chemicals used are not toxic to any of you. It’s also good to consider how safe they are to the environment in general. Ask your pest control company what sort of treatments they employ.

Hopefully our list has given you some ideas as to what you can and should expect from your pest control professionals. Your home is likely the biggest investment you’ll make, so you’ll want to choose wisely when it comes to maintaining its safety and integrity.

If you’re in need of pest control services, consider calling Ambassador Pest Management today. This is our bottom line: Your service will be done right, every time. If it’s not, let us know and we will make it right.

• Pest Control 100% Guaranteed
• 100% Satisfaction GUARANTEED
• Our Proven System Is Safe, Effective & Eco Friendly
• Certified, Friendly, Professional, Expert Service
• Inspections & Estimates Are Always FREE
• Saturday Service Available For Your Convenience
• FREE Retreats When Necessary

Call 886-632-0088 today!

Most effective pest control for getting rid of bed bugs in Stuart, FL

The pest control industry has seen an increase in the incidence of beg bugs across the United States, including here in Stuart, Florida. Bed bugs get their name from the fact that when living in peoples’ homes, they prefer to nest in warm, soft areas like sofas and beds. While human residences are not the only place they make their nests, homes are a preferred site because bed bugs live exclusively off the blood of warm-blooded animals.

They are visible to the naked eye, but you have to look closely to see them because even as adults they are only about the size of an apple seed. It is probably easier to detect them by observing the brown fecal discolorations, blood stains,  or molted skins they leave behind on sheets. They are extremely successful breeders, and can quickly produce a large colony in your home. While bites from bed bugs are not painful, they do leave a small puncture mark, and in homes where a sizable infestation has nested, there will be the potential for sustaining multiple bites. A serious pest control solution is a must.

Eliminating bed bugs in Stuart

Do-it-yourself pest control methods will generally have only a limited effect on trying to manage a bed bug infestation. They are small and very adept at hiding in dark cracks and crevices where they cannot be seen, especially when they feel threatened, so any attempt that involves visually locating them will probably not be very successful.

The pest control products which can be bought over the counter at a store generally are not intended for use specifically on bed bugs, but for insects in general, and these are also of limited usefulness. Even when a portion of the population is killed off, the rest will usually make a comeback because they are such prolific breeders and because they are situated in an environment which is ideal for them.

By far the best pest control method for complete elimination of bed bugs is to engage the services of a professional pest service. Professionals will first identify which kind of bugs are in your home, where they are nesting, and the size of the infestation. Then they will formulate a plan to eradicate the entire population with little or no disruption to your daily life.

Call Ambassador Pest Management to schedule a free inspection today. You can always count on getting a  highly qualified professional who is committed to providing exceptional, 100% guaranteed service  as well as superb customer care.