A-Academy Blog

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...