A-Academy Blog

When we think of pests invading our home, we usually imagine this happening in the warmer months when insects and other types of wildlife are everywhere. But what about the winter? Most people don’t really think of winter as a time to worry about pests. After all, everything is hibernating or staying in warmer areas underground at this time, right? Not completely. While it is true that the colder temperatures do bring with them a reduction in wildlife of all sorts, this doesn’t mean our home is out of danger completely. Infestations can happen, even in the coldest of seasons. To help prevent that, here are some of our best methods to help manage potential pest problems in the winter. Seal it up Tight When it’s really cold outside, nothing feels better than getting into your warm home Well, animals and insects feel the same way. When your home is pumping...

The holidays are fast approaching, and you’re going to be really busy cooking and decorating. Make sure you leave some time to make preparations, so you don’t get any uninvited guests. No, we’re not talking about your relatives. We are talking about cockroaches! As the weather cools down, cockroaches will definitely want to come in for warmth and some holiday food. How to Spot Roaches German cockroaches are smaller in size. They don’t fly, but they do hitchhike, so they are likely to catch a ride home on holiday packages or groceries you bring home, and on boxes you have delivered to your door. They love water, and that’s why people call them “water bugs.” The larger cockroaches are American cockroaches. They breed outdoors but will come indoors during cold weather. There are many things that you can do to make sure these unwanted pests don’t spoil your holiday fun. Indoors,...

When it comes to pests, rats and mice are some of the nastiest. They can carry other insects in as well as disease. You do not want them in your home. One of the first things that you may think of is setting traps in order to get rid of the mice yourself. These traps are not as effective as you may assume. Many people make mistakes when using them and professionals should best handle an infestation. You need to have an understanding of trapping products, trapping methods, and an understanding of the habits of mice. Why Rat Traps Are Insufficient All types are not created equal. There are many options out there when it comes to mouse traps, but they are not all equally efficient. If you get the wrong one, you are definitely setting yourself up for failure. You're setting the trap in the wrong place. Even if you...

Many people decorate their yards during autumn, such as placing haystacks, scarecrows and pumpkins on their lawns and porches. Though these decorations may put you in the fall spirit, they attract many different pests. Pumpkins rot slowly over time, attracting various pests that feed on the fruit. Because the pumpkins sit near the front door, you give the pests numerous opportunities to come inside your home. Which Pests Do Pumpkins Attract? Rodents Rodents such as mice and rats enjoy nibbling on pumpkins, especially if they're cut open to reveal the soft and delicious fruit. Other rodents may also come to sample your pumpkins, such as squirrels and chipmunks. Outdoor pumpkin decorations lure rodents close to your home, which increases the risk of an infestation on your property. Squash Bugs Squash bugs look similar to stinkbugs and feed on the leaves of squash plants. Though they prefer to eat squash leaves and...

Just when you thought pest activity couldn't get any worse, the fall arrives and sends various pests into your home. Cooler weather puts insect pests and rodents on the move to find shelter before the winter weather blankets New Jersey. Some pests come indoors and hide in out-of-the-way areas; others pose a health risk to you and your family. A-Academy Termite and Pest Control has a few common pests for you to watch closely for this fall. 3 Common Fall Pests in New Jersey Stinkbugs It's apparent by their name that stinkbugs don't smell very good. In fact, these pests emit a foul odor when they're crushed. They can also produce an odor when they're simply flying around the room. These pests invade homes beginning in late August and remain active through November. Once they're inside your home, they'll find a place to hide out until the spring. However, some stinkbugs...

A-Academy offers an affordable chimney screening service. Our durable screens provide an assortment of valuable benefits. They can prevent dangerous chimney and roof fires in some situations. Screening also stops a variety of animals from entering your New Jersey home. Keep Wildlife Out Small birds might take up residence in your chimney during the warm months. They see it as a desirable nesting site because it protects them from predators and harsh weather. Unfortunately, birds may produce distracting noises and coat your flue liner with droppings. Bats could enter an unprotected chimney while pursuing mosquitoes. They might decide to live in it or attempt to infiltrate other parts of your home. These creatures become active at night and make bothersome squeaking noises that will keep you awake for hours. They can spread mites, bat bugs and potentially fatal illnesses. Flying insects also invade chimneys from time to time. If these bugs...

Your home should be a safe place for you to relax and unwind. Certain pests can definitely ruin the mood. Here are the top five pests that tend to plague New Jersey residents. Cockroaches Cockroaches have been around for millions of years. It comes as no surprise that these tough-nosed insects can be extremely difficult to get rid of. Once cockroaches have invaded your home, expect them to breed quickly. Not only do cockroaches expose your family to germs, but they are also known for exasperating allergy and asthma symptoms. Ants Don’t underestimate the trouble that can be caused by ants. Because ants are always on the search for new food sources, your kitchen remains a hot spot for these tiny insects. They can contaminate food and create an unsanitary cooking environment. Furthermore, some species can actually sting and bite. With the ability to tunnel through wood, carpenter ants are especially...

Termite swarms are common in late spring through the end of summer. When a colony reaches a certain size or food becomes scarce, adult reproductive termites develop wings so they can leave, mate and establish new colonies. The termites will pair off as they launch into the air. Each couple will look for a new place to build a nest. Falling prey to birds and other predators, most swarmers will die before successfully producing offspring that can chew through wood. These adult termites do not damage structures because they do not have biting, or chewing, mouthparts. To prevent or eradicate an infestation, you should take immediate action when a swarm occurs in or near your home. Tips on Handling a Termite Swarm A termite swarm can happen indoors and outdoors. In either case, do not panic. Even if a swarm occurs on your property, it does not mean that you have...

As more homes are built in previously rural areas, there is a greater potential for interaction between animals and homeowners. Animals build their nests in chimneys because the architectural feature resembles the hollow of a tree, which often serves as a natural den. The chimney provides a safe, comfortable nesting place for a variety of wildlife, including several types of birds, raccoons and squirrels. During colder months, animals are attracted to the warmth of the chimney. When the animals build their nest inside your chimney, you may hear telltale sounds like scratching, flapping or chirping noises. The nest blocks the flow of smoke and combustible gases. The obstruction prevents the safe use of the fireplace because it causes carbon monoxide and other harmful gases to accumulate inside your home. Nesting material typically consists of highly flammable materials, which could cause a chimney fire if it ignites. If the nest falls to...

When you walk outside, especially in the spring and summer, seeing a wasp or hornet nest is fairly common. You want to remove the nest as soon as possible so that you don't have an abundance of insects near your home. If you aren't sure how to remove them or if you don't feel safe removing the pests, contact a company like A-Academy Pest that can come to the home to use products that are safe for the family and the environment to get rid of the nest and the insects. There is a possibility that you'll get stung at least once when removing a wasp or hornet nest or when you're trying to get the pests to stop flying around your home. Make sure you're not allergic to them before trying to remove them because one bite can lead to a severe reaction. Spray insecticide on the nest to kill...

Spring break is a time to get away from school and from home with friends and family. When you go on spring break, you'll probably stay in a hotel. While most hotels maintain their rooms so that they are as clean as possible, there is the possibility that you find bed bugs and even take them back home with you when you leave. If you follow a few tips, you can sometimes avoid bed bugs so that you have a pleasant spring break experience.  Take your own sheets when you stay at a hotel or anywhere else for spring break. You'll have peace of mind knowing that the sheets you sleep on and use to cover up with at night are from your own home and have been cleaned in the way that you desire. You should also take your own pillows and pillowcases. One option is to get a cheap...

Rodents have a way of getting into places where they don't belong. Your home is a target for mice and rats as it provides them with shelter, food and water. It also has various places where they can hide and remain unseen during the day. When the sun goes down, the rodents come out and contaminate your home wherever they go. 4 Ways to Put a Stop to Rodents Winter-proof your home. It doesn't matter if it's the summer or the winter. You should go around the exterior of your home and seal up any cracks and crevices that could give rodents a way inside. Block up any pipes and vents that could act as a tunnel indoors to your home. Take care of the yard chores. Maintaining the look of your yard not only increases curbside appeal but also reduces the chances of rodent infestations. Mice and rats can easily...

Ants can invade your home throughout the year in search of food. Once a scout finds a reliable food source, other members of the colony will follow a scent trail to the bounty. Even the most clean and well-maintained homes are at risk. Because ants are such a common problem, everyone hopes for a quick solution before these pests establish a colony inside their house. As a result, several myths have become popular. Unfortunately, these folk remedies cannot rid your home of ants. Here are some of the most popular myths. Myth: Use Cinnamon, Garlic and Pepper to Control Ants While it is true that ants do not like the smell of cinnamon, garlic and pepper, these common ingredients will not kill or completely repel the insects. The strong scent of these products only temporarily masks the pheromone trail that ants use to communicate and navigate. If you already have an...

Rodents have no preference when it comes to invading a house. It doesn't matter if it's clean or cluttered; they want inside to escape from the elements, to find a better shelter and to have plenty of food. They get in through the cracks along the exterior and gaps around pipes, windows and vents. If you want to avoid a rodent infestation in your home, you'll have to approach it with a preventative mindset. 4 Tips for Preventing Rodents in Your Home Keep a tight lid on trash and food. Rodents are always on the lookout for food whether it's inside or outside. Keep the lids securely on both indoor and outdoor trash bins to stop rodent infestations. In addition, place your leftovers in sealed containers to keep rodents from sniffing them out and invading your kitchen. Be proactive with home maintenance. Houses go through regular wear and tear every year...

The attic is often one of the most neglected parts of the home. Most people view it as a place only suitable for storing boxes of holiday decorations, rarely worn clothing and those old yearbooks from high school. Some people choose to convert their attics into living spaces, but in most homes, they remain a low-traffic zone, making them the perfect living spaces for pests. Pests in the attic can drive a homeowner insane by: Making a lot of creepy noises during the night. Chewing or otherwise damaging electrical wiring and causing a potential fire hazard. Damaging the items you have stored in your attic. Leaving droppings everywhere and putting your household at risk of serious diseases. Common Attic Invaders If a pest can get into your home, it can get into your attic. Attics are common nesting areas for rats and mice, but it’s important to check for other pests...

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...