When you see bugs smashed on your windshield beauty probably isn’t the first thing that springs to mind. However if you could see them up close and personal through a microscope you might have a different perspective.

Here are a number of photo-micrographs for your viewing pleasure. These pictures, although beautiful, may cause vegetarians to give up driving forever. Even non-vegetarians may never look at a bug on a windshield the same.

Warm weather is likely to trigger some termite swarms particularly following any rain. Termites swarm more often following rainstorms.

If you have seen termite swarmers, there are two important points to remember.  First, make sure that you actually have termites.  A number of ant species also swarm this time of year and most people can’t distinguish winged ants from winged termites.  If you can collect a few insects, show them to a pest management professional or take it to your local County Cooperative Extension Center. Second, if you do have termites swarming, consider the following: Termite swarming is like real estate - the importance lies in ‘location… location…. location….”  If termites swarm outdoors, it’s just nature’s way of reminding you that termites are all around us.  If termite swarmers are found indoors, then quite likely you have an infestation.  Regardless, termite swarming is a good reminder that the best line of defense against termites is to have your house inspected, but not necessarily treated.  Most termiticide labels (and therefore our state and federal regulations) actually prohibit routine/annual termite treatments without any indication of an actual problem .  A pest control company cannot tell you that you *need* to have your house treated if there is no evidence of termite activity. They might “suggest” a treatment if it’s been 10+ years since the last treatment, but without evidence of termites, it becomes a matter of how important you consider the investment in a treatment that will likely cost $800-$2000 depending on the size and construction of their home.

If a termite infestation is found within the house (whether that’s in the crawlspace or a wall or wherever), it’s best to get at least three estimates and then evaluate what each company is offering in terms of both the treatment and a guarantee.  You should not feel pressured into making a quick decision.  Even if you spend several weeks deciding what to do, termites are not going to cause significantly more damage during that time.  Also, not all companies offer damage-repair guarantees, but if one is offered, read the fine print.  Advertisements for $250 thousand repair guarantees sound impressive, but they only cover “new” damage (i.e., damage that occurs after the contract is in effect). In other words, if you remove siding or open a wall while doing home improvements and you find termite damage but there are no termites present, then that damage is considered “old” and it is likely excluded from your termite contract.  This doesn’t mean that the company is trying to avoid accepting responsibility. The problem is that, particularly hidden damage (i.e., inside a wall or other inaccessible area), there is no reliable way to determine whether the damage occurred during the contract period. Also, if you don’t correct known “conditions conducive to termites” (e.g., drainage problems, rotted siding, etc.) that the company has pointed out to you verbally or (preferably) in writing, then the company can also refuse (and justifably so) to honor your guarantee. This is another reason why it is critical to keep all records of inspections, renewals, etc. relating to your termite contract.

For more info, give us a call 856-784-4360  (Operators are standing by…actually that would be me:)

Well, here it is; another Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year signaling the end of another year of whatever it is we do. For my wife and I it highlights the birth of our first grandchild, the wedding of our son, the remembrance of challenges and triumphs of everyday life, the ups and downs that come to most extended families, and most of all a thankfulness that, through it all, we are in a good place and very blessed. I hope you can say the same. For The Pest Professionals, I am extremely thankful for everyone that has contributed to another year of successful growth; for the employees that work with our customers everyday, caring that our customers get the best service available. I can honestly say this is the beset group of workers I have ever been associated with and I’m proud that they are my employees. They are too numerous to mention here by name but as you call our references of past customers you will no doubt hear about the quality of our employees. So let me just finish up by saying hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!!
Rick

It’s not about us. It’s about you.
You are busy – drowning in paper work, phone ringing off the hook, answering inquires, drafting memo’s, responding to emails, planning your schedule, and of course the list goes on and on….
So what makes us think you have the time in your day to write and offer us feedback to help our company improve our service? (more…)

You are not a robot.

You are not an assistant or a manager.

You’re not an employee, either.

No, you’re important. A valuable asset to your family and your community.

A person who can make a difference.

You are capable of having an impact, leaving a legacy,

making a mark on someone else’s life who is less fortunate.

You are not ordinary.

In fact, you’re remarkable.

Now, hurry. Don’t let yourself (and the rest of us) down. Join the cause.

What can we learn from ants? Believe it or not…plenty! Property management companies, banks, film companies and even armies are seeking inspiration from ants and other insects in solving problems and increasing effectiveness in the workplace. Their message: (more…)

If you were to look up the word drive in a dictionary, you’d find this definition: “to guide, control, or direct.” When you drive a car, it means you guide, control, and direct it down the street. When you drive a nail, you guide, control, and direct it into the wood. When you drive a golf ball, you hope to guide, control, and direct it down the fairway! (more…)