Springtime Pests to Prevent

Prevent spring pests by spring cleaning your New Berlin or Oshkosh WI home. Get tips from Batzner Pest Control!

Many rejoice the arrival of spring…pests included. As winter wraps up, many types of insects and pests will come out in search of food and to breed. Warmer weather encourages their activity, making it important to protect your home against the onslaught of pests now!  There are several things you can do to lessen the risk of an infestation in your Wisconsin home this time of year. Read on to learn more from the experts at Batzner Pest Control!

Springtime Pest Problems

While some of these pests are active year-round, there tends to be a peak in activity in the springtime. There are several types of pests in particular that cause property owners a lot of grief this time of year:

  1. Ants. With warmer weather comes hoards of ants in your home.
  2. Flies. In the spring and summer, flies are more active than ever and can be a big nuisance.
  3. Rodents. Although they’re active year-round, rats and mice are a problem in the spring.
  4. Stinging insects. Wasps and hornets are gearing up to build nests this time of year.
  5. Stink bugs. After overwintering, people report a resurgence in stink bugs.

Preventing Pests in the Spring

If you’re planning on doing some spring cleaning this year, it’s smart to implement pest prevention measures while you’re at it. Clean your windows and doors, and make sure there are no cracks or crevices. If there are, seal them properly. Consider deep cleaning your carpets by vacuuming, shampooing, or steam-cleaning them. Thoroughly sanitize your kitchen with a focus on your appliances. Crumbs and spilled liquids are easy bait for rodents, cockroaches, and more!

Remove debris from your yard, and trim back tree branches away from your home. Ensure your plumbing is working properly and fix any leaks. In general, tidy up your home. Clean under furniture, wipe down surfaces, and inspect areas of your home that need fixing up.

How to Get Rid of Seasonal Pests

If you’ve done all you can to prevent pests this spring but still are dealing with flies, rats, or stink bugs, it’s best to enlist the help of a professional pest control company. At Batzner, our exterminators will work with you to develop a custom pest control plan that will keep you and your family safe from pests all year long.

The Dangers of Rodent Infestations

One of the many dangers of rodents is when rats chew through electrical wires. The rodent exterminators at Batzner Pest Control can protect you from rodents in New Berlin WI!

Everyone knows that a rodent infestation can be gross, but they can be dangerous, too! As a nuisance pest, rodents will rummage through your food and chew on wires, but they can pose a bigger threat. Rats and mice are infamous for causing a lot of damage, and their droppings are infamous for transmitting a number of dangerous diseases. It’s important to stay informed about the dangers of rodents. Keep reading for expert info from the rodent exterminators at Batzner Pest Control.

Disease from Rats & Mice Droppings

Around the world, there are a number of serious illnesses and health risks associated with the presence of rodents. These can be spread directly to humans through contact with droppings, saliva, and bites. Mice diseases can also be transmitted indirectly through ticks, fleas, and mites. The most dangerous illnesses tied back to mice include:

  1. Hantavirus
    1. Most often found in the urine and feces of deer mice, hantavirus can cause symptoms from fever and chills to aches in pains. In serious cases or when it is not treated, it can lead to shortness of breath and kidney failure.
  2. Salmonella
    1. When rats and mice walk over surfaces, they are tracking dirt and bacteria across other food surfaces. Salmonella, commonly referred to as food poisoning, can cause severe stomach cramps, vomiting, and worse.
  3. Rat-bite fever
    1. Also known as Streptobacillus, rat-bite fever is caused by a bite or scratch from an infected rat. It is also caught by handling infected animals and ingesting food or drink contaminated with the rat’s faeces or urine.

Types of Rodent Damage

In addition to rummaging through your pantry and eating food in your garbage, rats and mice can cause serious damage inside your homes. Rats have a set of incisors that continue to grow, encouraging them to chew on things constantly. Electrical wires are one of the main targets, which can be especially dangerous if chewed-through wires cause short circuiting and fires. Rats have also been known to cut through extremely tough materials like steel, concrete, and wood, which can cause severe structural damage to your home.

When to Use a Rodent Exterminator

If you’ve spotted a rat or mouse in your home, it’s time to call the rodent exterminators at Batzner Pest Control. Without the help of an exterminator, rodents can continue to wreak havoc in your home or business. Based on the many dangers of rodents, it’s extremely important to get rid of them as soon as possible. Reach out to our rats and mice exterminators today for more information on the dangers of rodent infestations as well as how to prevent them.

5 Prominent Pests in 2020

Prominent pests in New Berlin and Oshkosh WI in 2020 - Batzner Pest Control

When it comes to protecting your family and home against pests, hindsight doesn’t have to be 20/20 this year. Batzner Pest Control is helping homeowners prepare for the upcoming 2020 pest season by offering insights into anticipated pest activity.

The experts at Batzner Pest Control have used their field experiences and examined trends and company data to determine these five pest predictions. Along with the predictions, we are offering preventative tips for homeowners to help keep their homes pest-free* in 2020.

Mice

Mice populations have increased over the past several years and this may be attributed to warmer than usual winters. With warmer weather predicted again this winter, mice reproduction may boom, which is bad news for homeowners. Mice are year-round pests that invade homes looking for two things: food and shelter.

Homeowner Tips: Mice can fit through a crack or hole one-fourth of an inch or larger – or about the width of a pencil. To prevent an infestation, seal small cracks and crevices with a silicone-based caulk. Exterior gaps of ¼-inch or larger can be repaired with copper mesh, hardware cloth or metal flashing.

Stinging Pests

Changing climates can cause rippling effects across the pest world, and with mild winters, experts are seeing more yellow jacket and hornet nests. Female yellow jackets and hornets are able to overwinter in freezing temperatures and will invade homes, structures, and manmade or natural voids. When temperatures rise in spring, stinging insects will surface from their hiding places, ready to start populations earlier in the year.

Homeowner Tips: Hornets and yellow jackets can overwinter, so they may be out and about at the first sign of warm weather. Be on the lookout for stinging pests, utilizing a professional pest control service as soon as you spot activity.

Ticks

With outdoor activities, like hiking and camping on the rise, and years of warming winters, humans and their pets may come into contact with ticks more frequently in 2020. The deer tick or black-legged tick, the Lone Star tick, and the American dog tick are ticks of special concern. Nearly 50,000 cases of human tick-borne diseases such as Lyme Disease,  Ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever were reported in 2018. Pets are also at risk for some of these diseases.

Homeowner Tips: When spending time outdoors, wear an EPA-approved insect repellent. It’s also a good idea to wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and socks, in areas where ticks may be active. Perform tick checks on yourself and any family members, including pets, after spending time outdoors.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes thrive in warm weather, and their populations increased in 2019. If we have another relatively warm, wet winter and spring, we could experience another boom inactivity by late spring and early summer. Areas of the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest are predicted to have above-average rainfall, while most of the U.S. is predicted to be warmer than average this winter.

Homeowner Tips: The risk of mosquito-borne diseases, such as the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) can increase with rising populations. To protect yourself and your family, dispose of standing water from your property and always wear an EPA-approved insect repellent when spending time outdoors.

Termites

Termites are the most destructive pests in North America, causing $6 billion in property damage each year. According to experts, the two main weather factors that affect termite populations are temperature and rainfall. With warmer and wetter weather predicted for spring, the termite swarming season will be ramping up soon.

Homeowner Tips: To deter subterranean termites, eliminate earth to wood contact and avoid moisture accumulation near your home or structures’ foundation. Because termites can cause such extensive damage, raising homeowner awareness around the need for proactive protection for their homes is critical to prevent costly repairs.

The experts at Batzner Pest Control agree that a proactive approach is the first step any homeowner can take to prevent pest issues. Take time to evaluate your current pest control plan and ensure that you have the coverage and protection you need to protect yourself and your family from pests in 2020.

How to Set a Mousetrap Properly

Mousetrap in New Berlin WI home - Batzner Pest Control provides expert tips on how to set a mousetrap properly

Mice infestations can be downright frustrating. These rodents leave a mess everywhere they go with their gnawing and nesting habits—not to mention the foul odors and droppings! Seeing even one mouse is often a bad sign there are more nearby, especially with their rapid rate of reproduction. Mousetraps are a good way to effectively catch mice in your property, but not everyone knows how to set a mousetrap properly. Keep reading for expert tips from Batzner!

Which Type of Mousetrap is Best?

When it comes to picking the best mousetrap, it can be overwhelming. There are several types, including electronic, catch-and-release, and glue traps. All of these traps have their pros and cons. For the most part, the most common and popular type of mousetrap is the spring-loaded mousetrap.

This classic design has been used for centuries to catch mice, and is easier to set up than you may think! Spring-loaded mousetraps are placed in areas of suspected rodent activity with bait. As soon as the spring mechanism is triggered, the metal bar will snap and effectively catch the mouse.

Top Tips for Mousetraps That Work

There are several ways you can learn how to set a mousetrap properly:

  1. Use mousetrap bait effectively
    1. Contrary to modern belief, some mice like cheese, and some don’t.
    2. You only need to use a small amount of bait that cannot be reached unless mice step on the trap. If they can swipe it without standing on the trap, they will!
  2. Start with unloaded mousetraps
    1. Although it seems odd, it’s smart to start with baited, unloaded traps.
    2. Mice are extremely skeptical of new things, especially human things!
    3. Set traps out with bait (without loading them) for a couple of nights. This will trick mice into a false sense of security.
  3. Set more than one trap
    1. By setting multiple traps two to three feet apart each, you have a better chance at catching as many mice as possible at once.
  4. Set mousetraps strategically
    1. Mice travel along walls, under furniture, and other places that offer cover.
    2. Place mousetraps along walls and behind furniture, with the bait placed nearest to the wall.
  5. Check the mousetraps on a regular basis
    1. Rodent problems won’t go away overnight. It takes diligence to make sure traps are working, set, and not going to waste.
    2. Mice can, in some instances, grab bait without setting off the trap. They can also set the trap off without getting caught!

Need Help With Mice Extermination?

Even when you learn how to set a mousetrap properly, sometimes mousetraps simply won’t work to control a serious rodent infestation. If this is the case, professional mice exterminators may be your best bet. We have more than 70 years of experience getting rid of mice in homes and businesses throughout the state of Wisconsin. We will thoroughly inspect your property for sources of the infestation and customize a rodent control plan fit to your unique needs. To learn more, give us a call today!

8 Steps to a Rodent-Free Winter

Winter window in New Berlin and Oshkosh WI - Batzner Pest Control provides rodent control checklist to prevent infestations.

Pest problems are a fact of life throughout the year, even in the winter! While a lot of animals hibernate during Wisconsin winters, many pests remain active throughout the cold months. In fact, rodent infestations are at some of their highest numbers this time of year. This is because rats and mice will squeeze their way into your home to escape the freezing temperatures outside. The best way to prevent a rodent infestation is to safeguard your home, limiting their chances of getting indoors! Read on to learn Batzner’s top tips for rodent-proofing your home this winter.

Does Cold Weather Kill Mice and Rats?

Many people assume that during the winter, pest problems go away. What about rats and mice? These rodents are active throughout the colder months of the year and are more compelled than ever to invade homes to escape the harsh weather outside. Once inside, they will nest and spread. In addition to their destructive gnawing and tunneling, rat droppings are capable of spreading disease. Because rodent infestations are so common in the winter, it’s essential to protect your home from them with regular rodent control.

Rodent Control in the Winter

Rodent Control Checklist for your Oshkosh or New Berlin WI home this winter - Batzner Pest ControlMice are infamous for squeezing through tiny spaces—even holes the size of a dime. For this reason, it’s crucial to thoroughly inspect your home for openings that may welcome rodents indoors in the winter.

There are eight spots in particular around your property that are vulnerable to rodent intrusions. By routinely checking these areas and making repairs as necessary, you can effectively lessen the risk of rodents getting indoors.

 

These eight locations include:

  • Roof
  • Vents
  • Screens
  • Vegetation
  • Gutters
  • Outside
  • Garage
  • Foundation

Wisconsin Winter Rodent Control

If you discover areas of your home needing repair, or more specifically, areas showing definite rodent activity, the experts at Batzner Pest Control are here to help. We specialize in preventing pest problems before they begin, which is why we can help rodent-proof your home for the winter. To learn more about protecting your home from rats and mice, give our team a call today!

Winter Pests – Do They Hibernate or Die Off?

Preventing pests in Wisconsin homes during the winter - Batzner Pest Control

Everyone knows that pests are in their prime during the spring and summer, but what happens to pests in the winter? While some insects die off before Wisconsin winters hit, there are a number of pests that will stick around and may make their way into your home to escape the cold. Some common winter pests problems come from rodents, cockroaches, spiders, bed bugs, and raccoons. Keep reading for top tips on preventing winter pests from the experts at Batzner Pest Control.

Pest Infestations in the Winter

A lot of pests will overwinter—or hibernate—during the colder months until the weather warms up again. These overwintering pests include ants, mosquitoes, stink bugs, asian lady beetles, and boxelder bugs. For the most part, these pests won’t be seen until the springtime. However, there are a number of other types of pests that may invade your WI home to escape the cold, including:

  • Rodents: The house mouse and Norway rat will squeeze their way inside in the winter.
  • Spiders: House spiders will hide indoors in dark, secluded corners.
  • Cockroaches: German cockroaches hitchhike indoors in grocery bags and boxes.
  • Bed bugs: Known to withstand extreme temperatures, infestations are still a risk in the winter.

How to Prevent Seasonal Pests

Just as you would to prevent pests throughout the entire year, winter pest control is dependent on preventative measures. Some of the things you can do to prevent winter pests include:

  1. Seal cracks and crevices outside your home to keep rodents and other pests from making their way inside.
  2. Store firewood away from the home and eliminate piles of clutter in your yard to discourage nesting.
  3. Eliminate sources of excess moisture by promptly fixing leaking pipes and clogged drains.
  4. Place screens over vents and chimneys to eliminate entry points inside the property.
  5. Keep a tidy environment indoors by cleaning up spills, disposing of garbage regularly, and avoiding clutter.

Winter Pest Control

Many people make the mistake of thinking they’re safe from pests in the winter. But just like you, pests seek out food sources and warmth in the winter. Rodents, cockroaches, and spiders are common pest infestations in the winter, which is why it’s so important to implement winter pest control into your routine. For help protecting your Wisconsin property this winter, call the pest exterminators at Batzner today!