A-Academy Blog

Rats and mice are commonly found inside homes all across America. Just because they're common doesn't mean they're welcome guests. Rodents pose a genuine health risk and can also damage components of your home that can be expensive to replace. This damage can include such vital areas as insulation, important papers, clothing, or even electrical wiring. It's clear that any existing rodent infestations demand prompt treatment. How can you get rid of these pesky creatures? Here are some helpful tips to get you started. How to Effectively Remove Rodents from Your Home The following tips can help you get a grip on your rodent problem quickly. Eliminate Entry Points It's important to do a full inspection of the outside of your home on a regular basis. This will allow you to take note of any areas where rodents could be gaining access to your home. You can then make any needed...

As summer approaches, it's common for many families to head off on exciting vacation adventures. As you prepare to leave for your summer vacation, it's also wise to take steps to keep your home free from pests while you're away. In the paragraphs that follow, we will discuss practical tips to help keep pests from invading your space while you're on vacation. We will also give you some helpful advice on how to deal with any infestations upon your return. Protect Your Home Before You Leave An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so it's always best to put a halt to pest problems before they start. There are several tips you can employ to keep annoying pests out of your home while you're out of town. Tidy Before You Leave It is ideal to clean your kitchen, take out your trash, and sweep and vacuum your floors...

Carpenter ants are one of the most destructive pests that we encounter in this state, so we want customers to know beforehand what to watch out for so that they can catch an infestation before it gets out of hand. The Carpenter Ant Carpenter ants are usually black or red in color, large, and equipped with two pairs of wings - the hind wings shorter than the front. They are narrow at the waist and have bent antennae, unlike drywood termites with their broad waists and straight antennae. They usually invade homes in the spring in order to build nests in structural lumber, so you might find them dwelling in between your walls, doors, and windows. They like warm, humid areas, so they often target the bathroom, the laundry area, foam insulation in attics, and wet or decayed structures. There are two carpenter ants to watch out for: the queen and...

Carpenter bees derive their name because of their habit of boring holes in wood. These bees hibernate during the window in tunnels, emerging when the weather grows warm. They are solitary in nature and may sting. If you believe that you have carpenter bees in your home or on your property, you may need to get professional help to protect your property and your home from them. Identifying Carpenter Bees Carpenter bees are similar in appearance to bumble bees. They range in size from 0.25 to 1 inch long. Carpenter bees are either yellow or black but may not have yellow stripes. They have robust bodies, six legs, and antennae. Unlike bumble bees, they do not have hair on their abdomens. Signs That You May Have A Carpenter Bee Problem The most obvious signs that you may have a carpenter bee problem are holes that are bored into the wood around...

Many different types of wildlife can infest attics and cause damage in New Jersey. Some common wildlife that may invade your attic include snakes, bats, rats, squirrels, and raccoons. If you have animals that have invaded your attic, it is important that you rid your attic of them. You will also need to replace and sanitize your insulation so that the animals do not return. Animals may cause severe damage if they are not removed, chewing through wires and leaving disease-causing droppings behind. Signs That You Have Animals In Your Attic If you have animals that have taken up residence in your attic, you will likely hear them. The sounds may be soft or loud, and you may hear the noises that they make. Depending on the species that is inhabiting your attic, they may be more active at night or during the day. Your pest control professional will help to...

Bedbugs are little reddish-brown insects with a flat, oval shape. Contrary to popular belief, they can be spotted with the naked eye, being about the size of an apple seed, and they expand greatly after feeding. Blood is their food, and though any mammal's blood is technically good enough for them, they like us in particular because of the carbon dioxide we exhale. They prefer feeding at night when we're asleep and still. How Bedbugs Get In We often associate bedbugs with unhygienic environments, but the fact is that bedbugs can invade any building so long as there's an opening outside and warmth inside. Even the tiniest crack or crevice is sufficient. Bedbugs are also excellent stowaways, spreading from hotel and motel rooms to the homes of ordinary people by latching on to luggage, clothes, and shoes (not to the skin itself, though). Once inside, they'll find cozy spots to hide...

Most bugs are unwelcome in homes and in yards. In large numbers, many bugs invade food supplies and pose health risks. However, some may also provide one or more benefits. Here are a few examples. Spiders When you see spiders in your home, it is usually a sign that there are other bugs as well. Spiders feed off of flies, ants, small beetles and a variety of other problematic bugs. If spiders are in your home, you may still want them removed for your own peace of mind. Spiders can be beneficial outdoors. Unless a spider in your yard or garden is dangerous, it is best to leave it alone. Call a professional to help you identify a spider. Earwigs These elongated black beetle-like pests look intimidating. Earwigs are known for eating other pests, their eggs and their larvae. When you see more than one in your home in a short...

As spring approaches, people start venturing outdoors to enjoy the nice temperatures and sunshine. However, this is also a common time of year to see termite swarms. These wood-destroying pests find their way into homes and businesses and cause thousands of dollars in damage within a short period. What Are Termite Swarms? Termites swarm or fly in groups when their colonies reach a certain size. Swarms are usually seen after it rains, and the winged pests are often found near sources of light. The size of the swarm often indicates the type of termite. For example, a subterranean swarm is very large, and a drywood swarm is usually small. There are also dampwood termites, which are more prone to damage trees and bushes than homes. It is important to have a professional identify the type of termite immediately and to be familiar with the appearance of a winged termite. Dangers Of...

Check For Wildlife In Your Attic With A Free Inspection Your home makes for the perfect haven for animals who want to get in out of the cold. If you are not careful, you could find your home's attic invaded by wildlife like raccoons and squirrels seeking shelter from the elements. Trying to get rid of these creatures by yourself can be dangerous and time consuming. Protect your home now by having it inspected for wildlife by A-Academy Termite & Pest Control in New Jersey. The Dangers of Wildlife in Your Home and Attic Creatures like raccoons and squirrels may look cute and cuddly. However, they are anything but that as they inflict expensive and long-lasting damage to your home. For starters, wildlife typically carry dangerous diseases like rabies, trichonosis, and hantavirus that can easily spread to you and your family if you are bitten by these creatures or come into...

5 Tips for Rodent Proofing Your House Rats and mice are among the most annoying and dangerous of all pests. They damage your home and spread dangerous diseases. Luckily, you can arm yourself with knowledge and the right tools to keep these rodents out of your home. Seal Off Points of Entry Mice and rats can force themselves through the tiniest crevices, so homeowners must seal off as many of these entry points as possible. A torn window screen, a worn-out door seal, or a gap around an outdoor vent can all serve as routes of entry for rodents. Remember that they are persistent as well; they have been observed chewing through drywall and wood in order to gain entry. Secure Your Food Countless homeowners are providing rodents with a free buffet by neglecting to secure their food. Packages of food stored on or near the floor is an obvious attraction....

Have a Pest Free Holiday When the weather outside turns frightful, pests of all kinds find your home to be a delightful place in which to seek shelter. Before you know it, they have overtaken your home and ruined the festivity that accompanies the winter season. Enjoy pest-free holidays this winter by knowing the signs of a pest infestation and what steps to take to get rid of it fast! Common Wintertime Pests Pests thrive during the warm summer months. However, while some creatures go into hibernation or die off once winter hits, others can survive the wintertime if they can find shelter and a source of food. Your home could become the ideal place to seek shelter and food if you do not take steps now to keep a wintertime pest infestation at bay. Some of the common pests that are still active in the winter months include: Spiders Cockroaches...

Avoid Rodent Infestation in Your Home In some ways, rodents are just like people. They want food, warmth and shelter to survive. While some people believe that rodents will only infest clean homes, this is not necessarily the case. As long as the rodent can find food, water and shelter, they will move into your home. This food could be in a bird feeder, pet food or opened food on the counter. Heavy Foliage and Gardens Are Partially at Fault When you have heavy foliage around your property, it gives rodents a place to hide. Any type of clutter will also give them shelter. Likewise, fruit trees and abundant gardens provide the rodent with an easy source of food. To counteract these problems, homeowners should trim back their foliage. If ripened fruit has fallen to the ground, it must be cleaned up regularly. Clean the Kitchen Rats need very little food...

Wildlife Removal Although New Jersey isn't considered a rural state, residents who live in the counties of Monmouth, Ocean, Mercer and the surrounding area often find a variety of wildlife in their neighborhood on a regular basis. Some homeowners even put out feeding and watering areas for any wild animal that comes by to visit. While there's no doubt that some of these animals can be cute and fun to watch, there are very good reasons why you should have wildlife removed from your living space. 1. Venomous Bites New Jersey is home to 22 species of snakes, and that includes the venomous timber rattlesnake and the northern copperhead. These snakes may be found in your yard or in your garage looking for a mouse dinner. Those bitten by either of these snakes face severe pain, a long recovery or even death. 2. Risk of Rabies Raccoons visit your yard to...

Protecting Your Home From Ants Carpenter ants and structural damage go hand in hand. If you've seen ants around your property, it's possible that damage has already occurred. Diligence is the best way to protect your home from carpenter ants and other wood-destroying insects. These pests are easy to spot if you familiarize yourself with these three warning signs. Common Signs of Carpenter Ant Damage 1. If you've seen large ants parading around your home, you might have a problem. According to Rutgers University, New Jersey is home to eight species. The most common type is the black carpenter ant, which can be five-eighths of an inch long. These ants may crawl across your porch or siding. You're probably concerned about carpenter ants damaging your home, but they can also weaken trees and leave them vulnerable to pests and diseases. One study found that 75 percent of urban shade trees were...

Termites In Your Home Your home is more likely to be hurt by termites than a fire. Every year, termites cost the American economy $5 billion. Whether you live in the woods or on the beach, your property is at risk for termite damage. By detecting the signs of an infestation early, you can limit the repair cost and damage caused by termites. Look for Insects If you have termites in your home, one of the first signs is a rise in flying insects. Known as swarmers, these winged creatures will fly around your home and discard their wings in springtime. Since termite swarmers look like flying ants, proper identification can be tricky. Check for Damage Over time, termites can cause damage to your floors and walls. Even if you have laminate flooring, termites can still cause the floor to blister and sag. If your floor feels spongy, you may have...