Protecting your Pets and Home from Fleas

wiener dog with frisbee

It’s a great time of year to enjoy the company of a dog (but then again, it always is). Late spring has brought warmer temperatures and nice weather – meaning it’s time for walks, dog park visits and generally more quality outdoor time with your four-legged friend.

Unfortunately, the more you and your canine companion are on the move; the more likely you are to encounter fleas. Contact with and exposure to other animals is the easiest way for fleas to be transmitted. The best way to stop fleas before they enter your home through a pet is to contact a veterinarian about flea control products.

However, dogs and other pets aren’t the only way fleas can enter your home. Once fleas are in your living environment, your dog could be at risk.

Signs of Infestation
Pet Scratching Typically, humans are alerted to a flea infestation by the way their pets behave, repeatedly scratching and grooming themselves on their necks, shoulder blades, and at the base of their tails. The flea activity causes discomfort as the adult fleas feed on the pet’s blood. Bathing pets and combing through the fur to look for black pellets or adult fleas is the best way to confirm the presence of the pests.
Bites People also may experience bites which leave behind a breakout of small, hard spots that are swollen, itchy and red along the ankles and legs indicates flea activity.
Feces Adult flea feces, commonly referred to as flea dirt, also can indicate activity. Flea dirt looks similar to coarse ground black pepper and may be seen in pet beds, carpets, rugs and other areas where the animal host rests.
Adult Flea Sighting Fleas are easiest to see in their adult stage, especially if the homeowner and their pets return to the house after a long vacation or other absence during which the resident flea adults were not able to take a blood meal. Upon returning, the homeowners are often greeted by fleas jumping around and trying to land on them and their pets.
Flea Eggs Flea eggs that were deposited by the female adult, fall off your pets as they move, allowing them to be disbursed throughout the environment where a pet spends time. Eggs are found in out-of-the-way places like:

  • Behind, under or in furniture
  • In a pet’s bedding
  • Inside cracks and grooves in the floors
  • In carpets
Damage

Both humans and pets have adverse reactions to the salivary secretions released by fleas when feeding, ranging from mild irritation and rashes to anemia in extreme cases. Flea saliva can cause skin dermatitis in humans, which usually appears on patches of skin as itchy bumps or a rash. Pets can also react to flea bites and will commonly develop a flea hypersensitivity or flea-bite dermatitis. As a result, animals may develop crusty lesions and may constantly scratch at their skin, often leading to fur loss.

Perhaps the most serious aspect of a flea infestation is the time and effort it takes to remove. Dealing with the problem requires treating infected animals, cleaning flea-infested areas, and taking preventative measures to keep the fleas from returning.

As with many pests, fleas are not a pest to handle alone. If fleas are introduced into your home, Batzner offers a flea service to eliminate the threat of fleas. Learn more about fleas in the Batzner Pest Library.

Identify and Control Webbing and Casemaking Clothes Moths

infographic showing effect of clothes moths on sweater

With the holidays quickly approaching, and Jack Frost nipping at my heels, I was enthusiastic about swapping out my summer clothes for my favorite cozy sweaters, mittens and scarves. Snatching up the box marked “Winter Stuff” from the closet floor, I yanked out a long, cream colored cashmere scarf. Immediately, my heart sank. As with all lessons learned, this was bound to be another hard one.

In my “spring-fever” haste, I carelessly shifted my box of winter duds to the back of the closet—the dark side—where THEY fed silently, and undetected, ON MY FAVORITE SCARF! A similar encounter with a grey, wool sweater, the year before, hinted to the culprits being clothes moths. If only I had taken the time to safe-guard my clothes.

Avoid a “lesson-learned” moment. Find out how you can keep your clothes safe year-round.

What do clothes moths look like?

There are two species of clothes moths, webbing and casemaking; they are similar in size and appearance. Adults and larvae measure approximately ½ inch long. A webbing moth is goldish-tan in color; whereas, the casemaking moth has dark specks on their wings. The larva, for both species, is cream with a brown head.

Early signs of detection are: Moths, larvae, cocoons, and/or damaged clothes, rugs, etc.

 

 

What do clothes moths eat?

The moths do not eat clothes; the larva stage is when they are the most destructive. Clothes moth larvae will consume anything made from animal-based fibers, such as fur, wool, cashmere, feathers, alpaca, and even dead animals. These are the very same fibers that are often found in rugs, chairs, curtains, blankets, socks, gloves, sweaters, scarves, coats, taxidermy collections, hairballs from a pet, lint, tapestry, vintage clothing, teddy bears, and knitting yarn.

From the fibers mentioned above, webbing and casemaking larvae create feeding tubes on which they feed. Casemaking larvae will carry the tube with them, feeding from either end. Webbing larvae will spin silken tunnels over the fibers they are feeding on, forming a place where they can safely hide. These silken tubes and tunnels take on the color of the materials being consumed.

New or freshly laundered fibers are not very appetizing to clothes moths; they prefer a slightly seasoned meal—bodily fluids and spills are a plus—a soiled area rug is a smorgasbord! Larvae may also feed on the surface of soiled cotton and synthetic fabrics, causing damage to the surface area only, as they are unable to digest plant-based and synthetic fibers. However, they will feed on cotton and poly blends containing animal based fibers, leaving a holey aftermath behind.

Where do clothes moths come from?

Clothes moth eggs can inadvertently be transported into your home on new or used purchases. They can survive frigid conditions while in the egg stage, but prefer warmer climates. Be sure to look over any goods before storing them among your treasured items. Larvae can be found under folds of clothing, such as cuffs, collars, buttons, and seams.

What other types of insects feed on clothes?

Cockroaches, crickets, carpet beetles and silverfish have also been known to feast on a fiber or two. However, unlike the carpet beetle, cockroaches, crickets and silverfish do not consume the fiber; they are merely feeding off what’s on the fibers – oil, food, sweat, starch, etc. Having your clothes, carpets and furniture professionally cleaned periodically will help to reduce soil residuals.

How do I prevent clothes moths from coming inside my house?

Unfortunately, because clothes moths are active year-round, span international borders, and their eggs have been known to survive up to three years before hatching, there is not a surefire way to guarantee they won’t find a way in. However, you can lessen your chances by becoming a bit of a detective and taking a proactive approach by protecting the food sources needed for their survival—your clothes, furniture, rugs and anything else containing animal fibers.

How do I protect my clothes from clothes moths?

If the moths are already present, call a professional to assess the situation and to set up pheromone traps to track the source. Dan Stawicki, Associate Certified Entomologist and Batzner Service Operations Manager, recommends cedar lining your closet or using cedar blocks in your drawers to keep clothes moths away from items made out of animal fibers. Also, regular and thorough vacuuming is a must for reducing pet hair and fibers located under baseboards, beds, dressers, couches and return air vents.

If moths are not present, a good safeguard when storing goods is to store them in tightly sealed plastic bins, zipper bags, or vacuum sealed bags. For more tips, check out the Alternative DIY section below.

Clothes Moth Infestation: Battle Won!

Dan Stawicki’s clients had been battling a clothes moth infestation for four years. When they finally brought in professional help, the infestation had spread throughout their 7,000 square-foot home. Since clothes moths do not feed on clothes, pinpointing where the eggs resided and larvae fed was difficult (considering they hideout in dark spaces – closets, attics, boxes, etc.) However, after a few weeks, Dan had tracked them back to a box spring containing wool fibers—providing the perfect hideout spot and breeding ground.

Giving a step-by-step account of how he treated the infestation, Dan explained, “I initially set up pheromone traps to catch the adult moths and help ascertain where the infestation had originated. I then applied a liquid treatment to the baseboards, followed by a dusting to small cracks and crevices located behind woodwork and paneling. After finding larvae in the cold air returns, I also recommended to the client to have their air ducts cleaned, removing animal fiber debris that had gathered over the years.”

Dan did such a thorough job, the client’s home is now completely free of clothes moths.

Alternative DIY Solutions

  • Lavender oil or dried flowers are a non-toxic, natural deterrent. However, it is not effective on larvae.
  • Cedar blocks are non-toxic and a natural deterrent. When used in a sealed container, red cedar contains oils that will kill larvae.
  • Deep freezing is an effective way to kill all stages of clothes moths. Seal items in a zipper bag and place in a freezer at 18°F for 12 days.
  • Dry cleaning and self-laundering is also effective. When self-laundering, items should soak for 20-30 min in 120°F water.
  • Moth balls have been used for years. However, there are some concerns regarding the toxic chemicals – naphthalene and paradichlorobenzene – found in moth balls. If they are used, it is recommended to make sure the container or closet they are placed in is airtight. When exposed to air, mothballs emit a gas that is suspected of causing cancer as well as other health issues.

The Rapid Reproduction Rate of Mice

infographic showing how quickly mice in wisconsin tend to reproduce

If you’ve ever found one mouse in your house, you can “bet your bottom dollar” that there are more. If you’ve ever dealt with (or are currently dealing with) mice in your house, you might know this saying to be all too true. It seems no matter how hard you try, there are always more mice than you can keep up with. How is this possible? Are they magical little creatures?

How Fast Do Mice Reproduce?

The truth is they have amazing reproductive capabilities. You know the saying “multiply like rabbits?” Well, I think it should be rewritten to “multiply like mice”. These little guys reach sexual maturity at 4-6 weeks of age. With a short gestation period of just about three weeks, one mouse can give birth to 5-6 babies. A typical female mouse can birth between five and 10 litters per year. She can mate immediately after giving birth, meaning mice can birth a second litter in as little as 25 days after the first. This quick maturation process gives mice immense breeding capabilities. Living indoors enhances these capabilities, since they can then breed all year long. Outdoors, breeding only occurs during spring, summer and fall. The winter months are too harsh for successful breeding. This cycle continues until the mouse dies. By that time, her offspring’s offspring have likely also birthed a few litters, which are starting to breed. Look at the multiplication rate above and you’ll quickly realize you might be hosting quite a few more guests than you bargained for by the end of the year.

How Long Do Mice Live?

If you think you can avoid dealing with that mouse in your home by simply waiting for it to die, think again. The life cycle of a mouse makes it easy to see why these rodents are such common pests. While the average mouse lifespan is only about 12 months outdoors, indoors, this number can climb to 2 to 3 years. This is because indoors, mice aren’t exposed to harsh environments or natural predators. Predators like owls, hawks, cats along with harsh winter and summer conditions can help maintain a rodent population in check. Indoors, however, that is a different story. That leaves them with nothing to do but eat through your valuables, spread disease and breed future generations. At that point, you no longer have a mouse problem – you have a mouse infestation.

Knowing how effectively these pests reproduce should make you realize that it can be devastating to ignore one little house mouse, because that mouse could multiply and in no time at all, you could have a infestation on your hands.

How Do You Stop Mice From Multiplying?

So, now the real question is HOW CAN I STOP THE MAYHEM? Once mice are in, the most efficient way to get rid of them is to hire a pest control company. Exclusion and bait stations are the main two ways Batzner reduces and manages mice populations. Training and Development Manager, Steve Counsell, explains that “the idea is always to figure out the method of entry. It’s is much easier to control a known finite population than an unknown infinite population.” Using our experience to solve mouse problems is what we do every day. Call us at 866-591-3519 or contact us online to get a free estimate and move the mice out of your house for good.

Three Stinging Insects to Avoid in Wisconsin

closeup of bald faced hornet, a stinging insect to avoid in wisconsin

They’re among the most feared pests out there. And they’re back. Fall is peak stinging insect season, and wasps, hornets and yellow jackets are once again a bothersome reality for people heading outdoors to enjoy the remainder of summer.

While many simply classify any stinging insect as a “bee,” there are important differences in behavior that set stinging insects apart. The National Pest Management Association and Batzner Pest Control offer helpful tips in identifying and preventing common stinging insects.

Bald-Faced Hornets

Bald-faced hornets get their common name because they are largely black in color, with a mostly white face. These social insects live in colonies that can contain between 100 and 400 members at their peak. They build nests that are at least three feet off the ground and in exposed locations such as trees, utility poles, overhangs, houses, sheds or other structures. Unlike many other stinging insects, bald-faced hornets do not reuse their nests season after season.

Sting Prevention: Bald-faced hornets are aggressive and will attack if their space is invaded. During the summer months, walk around the exterior of your home to inspect for nests on a routine basis, paying special attention to overhangs, eaves, the underside of porches and decks.

Yellow Jackets

These social insects tend to build nests in trees and buildings, as well as in the ground. They are slow to sting unless their nest is threatened, in which case they will become highly aggressive. Unlike bees, yellow jackets can sting several times and inflict severe pain.

Sting Prevention: Yellow Jackets are especially attracted to sweets and proteins, so it is important to cover food and drinks during outdoor events and promptly clean up and dispose of food and garbage in a sealed trash container.

Paper Wasps

Paper wasps get their common name from the paper-like material they use to build their nests. Their nests are typically made in the shape of an umbrella. These pests build nests on twigs and in tree branches and shrubs, as well as porch ceilings, eaves and similar covered places. Wasps are capable of stinging more than once and may use alarm pheromones to call for back-up in defending their nest.

Sting Prevention: Check for paper wasp nests before performing yard work such as shrub or hedge trimming. Treat wood fences and deck railings with a repellant oil to deter paper wasps from gathering cellulose for nest creation.

Attempting to self-treat a stinging insect nest is a dangerous task. When dealing with a stinging insect nest, it’s always best to leave the job to a professional.

Learn more about common stinging insects below.

 

Top 10 Signs of Mice Infestations in Homes

closeup of mouse in wisconsin yard

Along with pumpkin spice and chilly temperatures, fall is high season for mice to seek shelter in your home or business. They might seem somewhat harmless or an issue that you can take care of yourself with traps or other products, however, a mice infestation is a serious problem that should not to be taken lightly. Mice carry a wide variety of diseases and their continuous gnawing can cause damage to your electrical wiring, possibly sparking a fire. Additionally, if mice are not effectively driven out of your home or business, they can multiply very quickly.

While there are many DIY solutions available for mice infestations, the wrong product can be a waste of money, or even worse, it could drive them further into the walls where they will wait to re-enter your house weeks or months later.

So, how do you know if you have a mice infestation in your house? Here are the top ten signs of mice infestation:

  1. Look for nests of fine, shredded materials which are frequently found in garages, closets, attics and basements.
  2. Notice any gnawing on doors, ledges, baseboards or various materials you may have stored in your garage or basement.
  3. Seeing a mouse in person is obviously a very good indication of a mouse infestation. Night is the most active time for mice.
  4. Note if you hear sounds such as gnawing, climbing in the walls, running across the upper surface of ceilings and even little squeaks are common.
  5. When house mice are present, you might notice an ammonia-like odor, which is much more noticeable in smaller areas such as cupboards.
  6. You might notice droppings along hallways, in feeding areas and near shelters. They are about the size of a grain of rice, and are dark brown to black in color.
  7. Both wet and dry urine may also be present, and will glow under ultraviolet light, but keep in mind, many other materials do as well.
  8. Tiny mouse tracks can be noticeable on dusty or muddy surfaces.
  9. Look for dirty smudges along the baseboards. Mice don’t have very good eyesight, therefore, they stick to the same routes and guide themselves along the baseboards.
  10. Burrow holes are typically one inch in diameter, but mice can easily fit through holes as small as a dime. Look for these in baseboards, corners, walls, entryways and foundations.

If you suspect a problem with mice, it’s best to contact an experienced pest control provider right away. Batzner can determine the full scope of the problem and plan the best course of action to rid your home or business of these pesky, and oftentimes dangerous, intruders.

Put Wisconsin Spiders in Their Place Before Winter

Have you seen more spiders inside your home? Or spider webs in the basement? With the weather continuing to drop as winter comes around the corner, now is a great time to put spiders in their place. While many insects and rodents hibernate for the winter, spiders can withstand really cold Wisconsin winters. In fact, these cold-blooded creatures can survive in the temperatures around them. While you and I may avoid the great outdoors when the weather dips into the single digits, spiders live in below-freezing temperatures. Whether you reside in Milwaukee, Green Bay, Madison, Fond du Lac or Appleton, Batzner’s team of experts would like to share information on spiders and how to prevent them from residing in your home.

So where do spiders hide?

  • Outside your home under rocks, leaves or snow
  • Inside your home in cracks and crevices, wall voids and other undisturbed areas (basements, attics and crawl spaces)

What brings spiders inside your home?

  • Pests are drawn to moisture giving them something to drink
  • Spiders are attracted to flies, wasps and other overwintering pests as they provide a food source
  • Open trash provides a food source for other insects which draws spiders for a meal
  • Bushes and shrubs around your home provide a way for spiders to make their way inside your home
  • Items in storage spaces provide a hiding place for spiders to create their webs

How can you get rid of spiders?

  • Seal up your home by using caulk to prevent spiders from finding their way indoors
  • Cover vents, chimney tops and window screens
  • Remove vegetation around the perimeter of your home
  • Clean your home on a regular basis to avoid food crumbs and dust build up
  • Replace outdoor lights with yellow sodium vapor lights
  • Use plastic storage containers in place of cardboard boxes

While spiders make their way inside homes throughout the year, they are known to be extremely active in the fall with the temperatures getting cooler and prime time for mating season. The majority of household spiders in Wisconsin homes do not pose a threat and are more of a nuisance pest by leaving behind unsightly webs.

Prevent the spider invasion in your home by reducing attractants. Also, partnering with a local Wisconsin pest control company will guide you in preventative measures and a specialized treatment program to put pests in their place.

What is the Batzner Guarantee?

You’ve heard us mention our Batzner Guarantee – but what exactly does that mean?

When you call a pest management service, you are generally either looking to prevent future pests, or to control an existing infestation. You have an expectation of not only your pest problem being managed, but of fast and friendly service as well.

To Batzner, those are basic requests of a pest control service and we don’t take them lightly. Our reputation is based on our expertly-trained and certified field professionals and our skilled office team that you’ve entrusted with your home or business.

We pride ourselves on our legendary customer service, provided to each and every client. That means not only our friendly and helpful staff, but also rapid response times and convenient scheduling.

When you choose Batzner, our promise to you is that we are not satisfied unless you are. We will continue to come back until your pest control issue has been resolved. We guarantee that you will receive the service that you’ve requested, as well as a high level of customer service that you can expect each and every time you work with Batzner.

Call Batzner today to assess your pest control needs, and receive a free estimate at 262-797-4160.

Get the Details: Batzner’s Pestfree365 Program

Batzner pest control technician arrives on the scene for exterminator services in wisconsin

As a pestfree365 program client, you’ll be protected all year round with quarterly services scheduled throughout the year. Our professionals will target pests specific to Wisconsin, and pests that pose the largest threat during those seasons.

Our pestfree365 is the best value program, providing ongoing protection with targeted seasonal visits to ensure your home is continually pest-free.

Step 1: Listen

We listen carefully to your initial description of the issue via phone or email so your Service Specialist is prepared with as much information as possible when they arrive for your initial service. Preparation includes knowing the unique biology, behavior and characteristics of current or possible pest invaders.

Step 2: Inspect

Your Service Specialist inspects your property thoroughly to understand its unique dynamics and reveal possible sources and causes of pest activity.

Step 3: Identify

The premises are closely inspected for pest activity. Based on findings, your Service Specialist will select the best approach to resolve the situation and prevent future problems.

Step 4: Implement

Your customized treatment plan, designed specifically for your home/business and needs, will be implemented.

Step 5: Follow Up

Your Service Specialist will follow-up with you after the service to explain treatment, expectations, and future services for ongoing protection and prevention.

The pestfree365 program is based on scheduled visits to your home three times a year to ensure prevention from the upcoming season’s pests. Depending on weather, either interior or exterior inspections will take place.

  • Interior inspections occur during the cold temperatures, because pests move inside as the weather cools.
  • Exterior inspections happen during warm weather to prevent pests from coming in.
  • If an issue occurs between your visits, schedule an additional visit free of charge.

After each service, a detailed report will be provided with any findings, and a review of the best approach to resolve your unique situation will be determined. As a Batzner client, all call back appointments are included at no additional charge in the event that your home is in need of service.

Our customers can depend on customer satisfaction backed by reliable knowledge and expertise. That’s the Batzner Guarantee – and why we are the most trusted pest control company in Wisconsin since 1946. Contact Batzner Pest Control today to experience the legendary customer service and reliable expertise that has made us the name to know for pest control.

9 Tips to Pest-Proof Your Home During Winter

Winter is in full swing. And while this may mean things are slowing down in the lives of bees and ants, there are many pests whose winters are still busy. The last thing you want are extra guests in your house over the winter. Here are a few helpful tips from the National Pest Management Association for how you can pest-proof your home this winter:

  1. Screen attic vents and openings to chimneys
  2. Eliminate moisture sites, including leaking pipes and clogged drains
  3. Seal cracks and crevices on the outside of the home using caulk and steel wool. Pay close attention where utility pipes enter the structure
  4. Store food in airtight containers and dispose of garbage regularly in sealed receptacles
  5. Replace loose mortar and weather stripping around the basement foundation and windows
  6. Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house; keep shrubbery well-trimmed
  7. Install door sweeps and repair damaged screens
  8. Inspect items such as boxes of decorations and grocery bags before bringing them indoors
  9. Properly take care of holiday decorations before they are set up and before they are stored or discarded

Remember, it’s always best to contact a professional if you suspect an infestation of any kind. Batzner has been protecting Wisconsin homes for over 70 years. Our experienced service specialists are the best in the business at handling any type of pest, and would love to help keep your home pest-free this winter season—and beyond!

New and Improved – Mosquito Reduction Program

graphic of mosquitoes in wisconsin
Learn more about Batzner’s Mosquito Program.

I think most people would agree that the worst part of summer in southeastern Wisconsin is the mosquitoes. No one likes being driven out of their own back yard on a beautiful summer night because the bugs are too bad; unfortunately, though, that may be happening quite often this summer. We received above average amounts of rain last spring and heavy precipitation already this year, and the National Weather Service is predicting a hotter than usual summer- basically the perfect conditions for large populations of mosquitoes.

Batzner can help you combat the swarms and protect you from the annoyance and diseases brought by mosquitoes with our Mosquito Program. Our new approach is more effective due to a change in our application method. We utilize a mister rather than a spray, which allows the product to coat the undersides of trees, bushes, and other shady areas, all of which are key breeding and hangout spots for mosquitoes. By targeting these areas, we can drastically reduce the number of mosquitoes around your yard.

The program includes two scheduled treatments over the course of the summer and additional callbacks if necessary. Each application has a residual effect for 60 to 90 days, and is applied to targeted areas rather than the entire lawn to provide less chemical exposure to you and your family. We also do a more intensive specialty treatment for weddings and other outdoor events.

We are very excited to show you what a relief our new Mosquito Reduction Program can provide, contact us today to make sure that your outdoor property is safe and enjoyable this summer!