6 Ways to Keep Your Outdoor Space Pest-Free

Tips to stay pest-free in your Wisconsin yard - Batzner Pest Control

Are you spending more time in your backyard than ever this year? If so, you’ve likely noticed just how many insects are sharing that space with you! Mosquitoes in your pond, flies around your barbecue, or wasps building a nest on your deck can all quickly ruin your time enjoying your outdoor living space. It can be hard to avoid insects altogether outside, but there are a few things you can do to make your yard less appealing to pests. The experts at Batzner have gathered their top tips to keep your outdoor space pest-free. Read on to learn more!

Tips to Keep Your Outdoor Space Pest-Free

There are likely a number of things in your backyard that, unbeknownst to you, are attracting all types of pests. Each year, it’s important to implement a number of pest prevention methods to reduce the chances of an infestation inside or outside your property. These methods include:

  1. Getting rid of any standing water. Stagnant water is one of the biggest attractants for mosquitoes.
  2. Regularly trimming your lawn and shrubs. Ticks and mosquitoes will shelter in overgrown vegetation or tall grass.
  3. Keeping an eye out for ant hills. Even a tiny mound can contain thousands of ants inside.
  4. Inspecting all wood structures. Wood-destroying pests (carpenter ants and mosquitoes) will damage your wooden decks or porches.
  5. Applying an insect repellent. Most store-bought repellent containing DEET will help repel mosquitoes and ticks.
  6. Cleaning your patio or space regularly. Spills or leftover food will surely bring ants around.

What Pests Infest Your Yard?

Here in Wisconsin, we deal with many types of pests all year long. They are especially active this time of year, and may end up right in your backyard. Some can be dangerous, which is why it’s so important to learn how to keep them away. A few of the most common pests we get calls about this time of year include:

Need Outdoor Pest Removal?

If you’ve done all you can to prevent outdoor pests and still find yourself with an infestation, it’s important to act quickly. A professional pest control company can help get rid of pests in your yard and help you prevent future infestations from happening. Contact the residential exterminators at Batzner today to get started!

Keep Your Pets Safe From Ticks This Summer

Preventing ticks in dogs in Wisconsin - Batzner Pest Control

In the midst of a Wisconsin summer, everyone wants to spend more time outdoors. But are you being cautious of the dangers of pests, particularly ones that can harm your pet? Ticks are more common in the warm summer months. Anytime you go outside, it’s important to stay aware of them and to be on the lookout for your family and pets. Ticks are infamous for transmitting Lyme disease, which is the most common vector-borne disease in the nation. Although cats rarely deal with ticks, they can be as dangerous for dogs as they are for people. The team at Batzner is here to provide you with top tips for preventing ticks and protecting your pets this summer–read on to learn more.

How to Prevent Summertime ticks

The best defense against ticks is knowing how to look for them! Here are a few things you can do help keep ticks off your pets and out of your home:

  1. Regularly tidy-up and trim your yard. By mowing your lawn regularly, you can make your yard less attractive to ticks. In addition, implement rodent prevention tactics to discourage rodents that could carry ticks.
  2. Get tick prevention for your pets. Talk to your veterinarian about prevention or treatment options, including heartworm protection.
  3. Inspect pets for ticks daily or whenever they go outdoors. When inspecting, focus on areas under the legs and around the neck and ears. In addition, look out for excessive scratching, licking, or grooming behavior.
  4. Avoid areas with tall grass on hikes. Ticks are known to be in areas with high grass, be careful to stay on trails when hiking or walking.
  5. Check your entire family for ticks. During the summer, regularly check yourself and family members for ticks after being outdoors. They can easily hop from you to your pets!

How Dangerous are Ticks for Pets?

Ticks feed by biting an animal or human and feasting on their blood for anywhere from a few hours to a few days. Cats rarely get ticks, but could easily carry them into your home where they can infest other members and pets in the family. When an infected tick attaches to a dog, it’s possible for them to transmit Lyme disease. There are several ways to look for signs of this. If you notice your pet is showing symptoms of depression, loss of appetite, fever, lameness, or swollen joints and lymph nodes, immediately contact your veterinarian. Ticks can also occasionally cause anemia in pets.

How to Treat a Tick Problem

If a family member or pet exhibits symptoms after a tick incident, always contact a medical professional or veterinarian as soon as possible. As you would with fleas, thoroughly inspect your property for other ticks, wash your pet’s bedding, vacuum regularly, and more. For help with ticks or advice, the team at Batzner can help–contact us today!

How to Identify a Wasp Nest

how to identify a wasp nest in Wisconsin - Batzner Pest Control

If you’ve seen a growing number of wasps near your home, there could be a nest nearby! Different types of these stinging insects build different types of nests, making it important to learn how to identify a wasp nest. When it comes to nests, it’s important to be extremely cautious around them. Many types of wasps are very defensive when it comes to defending their nest. Even if it looks abandoned, always exercise caution. The team at Batzner Pest Control is here to share all you need to know when it comes to identifying wasp nests you may come across in Wisconsin.

What do Wasp Nests Look Like?

The below stinging insects build different types of nests. They can be identified by the following features and characteristics:

  • Yellowjackets. Nests are a papery material and have a single opening. The inside of a yellowjacket nest can have up to 100 tiers of cells. Yellowjackets can also build underground nests that can be enormous in size.
  • Paper wasps. Their nests famously look like upside-down umbrellas. These nests are often open, and can get quite large in size. They are typically supported by a single stalk and consist of a paper-like material.
  • Mud daubers. True to name, these nests are made out of mostly mud. The nests are small and tubular in size, often looking like organ pipes. They are typically found in cracks or crevices.
  • Bald-faced hornets. These nests are almost always at least three feet off the ground. They are made of chewed wood fibers mixed with saliva. They often grow to be the size of a football or basketball.

Wasp nests in Wisconsin - Batzner Pest Control

Where are Wasp Nests Found?

Wasp nests can be found in a variety of areas. Paper wasp nests can be located under and within the eaves of structures, in attics and wall voids, and in other enclosed areas. Yellowjackets favor areas near the ground, in hollow trees, under porches, and a number of other areas. Mud daubers tend to build their nests in sheltered areas, including under eaves, garages, attics, or on the sides of buildings. Lastly, the bald-faced hornet builds its nest oftentimes in trees, bushes, or wooded areas.

How to Get Rid of a Wasp Nest

If you notice a large number of wasps flying to and from a specific area, there is a high chance there is a nest nearby. It’s never recommended to deal with wasp nests on your own. Certain wasps can sting multiple times and tend to get especially aggressive when they feel threatened. If you spot a nest, always contact your local wasp control experts at Batzner.

Prevent an Ant Infestation This Summer in 5 Steps

Prevent an ant infestation in Wisconsin this summer with tips from Batzner Pest Control

If you’ve had an ant problem before, you know what a pain they can be. During Wisconsin summers, ant infestations spike in numbers. There’s a reason why ants are considered to be the number 1 nuisance pest in the nation: not only are they annoying, they are infamously difficult to get rid of without the help of a professional! To avoid the frustration of ants to begin with, it’s important to learn how to prevent an ant infestation in the first place. The experts at Batzner Pest Control have years of experience controlling ants and are sharing their expert tips for keeping ants out.

Common Summertime Ants

Ants are a pest problem all year long. There are more than 700 types of ants in the nation, but thankfully, you’ll likely only encounter a few in your area. It’s important to know what type of ant you’re dealing with–different types of ants pose different dangers. Some of the most common types of ants you’ll likely encounter include:

6 Steps to Prevent an Ant Infestation

Once ants get indoors, they can spread easily. One ant colony can quickly turn into multiple! To avoid dealing with the distress of an ant problem, there are several things you can do to keep them out in the first place. Our expert tips for preventing ant infestations include:

  1. Keeping a clean home. Sweep your floors regularly to get rid of crumbs. Ants are attracted to sugary food sources and a few crumbs will keep them coming back for more.
  2. Storing food properly. Avoid leaving food out uncovered. Keep food in airtight containers or store them safely in cupboards and fridges.
  3. Sealing entry points. Ants can crawl through the tiniest of cracks. Inspect your property and use caulk to seal any gaps, holes, or potential entry ways.
  4. Avoiding excess moisture. Areas with standing water or leaks will attract ants quickly. Attend to broken pipes and clean up spills quickly.
  5. Trimming back trees and vegetation. Plants close to your home can encourage ants to come in. Make sure tree branches, shrubs, and bushes are trimmed away from the perimeter!
  6. Picking up your pet’s food. Crumbs and spills from your cat or dog’s food and water bowls can be a huge attractant for ants. Always clean up and store bowls between mealtimes.

Summer Ant Problems in Wisconsin

Preventing ants can seem difficult. Ants are pesky and will gladly enter your property to seek out food and shelter. If you’ve done everything you can to keep ants out and still are noticing the signs of an infestation, it’s time to call the Batzner ant exterminators. We are committed to providing you with ant-free living not just in the summer but all year long!

8 Common Bed Bug Myths

Common bed bug myths in Wisconsin - Batzner Pest Control

Bed bugs. We all dread the very thought of them, the thought of getting an infestation in your own home even more. But are they really as scary as they seem? Bed bugs incite a lot of fear in people and, in turn, lead to a lot of false information spread. Because there are so many bed bug myths out there, it’s important to learn how to separate fact from fiction in order to better prepare yourself for an infestation down the line. With Bed Bug Awareness Week underway, the experts at Batzner Pest Control want to help dispel common bed bug myths.

Common Questions About Bed Bugs

As a pest control company, we see a lot of misconceptions about pests and the dangers they pose. A few of the most common inquiries about bed bugs include:

  1. Do bed bugs feed at night or during the day?
    • These pests are active when their hosts are at rest. This usually means overnight, but they are not nocturnal. Bed bugs are able to adjust their schedule to feed whenever you are at rest.
  2. Do bed bugs only infest your bedroom?
    • Contrary to their name, bed bugs infest more than just your bed. They’ve been known to infest chairs, sofas, cracks in the wall, and even power outlets.
  3. Can you see bed bugs with the naked eye?
    • Yes. Although nymphs are nearly impossible to see, adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed and are definitely visible.
  4. Are bed bugs more likely to infest messy homes?
    • Not at all. Anyone is prone to a bed bug problem, regardless of whether your home is clean or messy.
  5. Do bed bugs jump or fly?
    • No! Unlike fleas and ticks, bed bugs have underdeveloped wings. To get from one place to another, they crawl.
  6. Should you dispose of infested furniture?
    • Definitely not. Moving around infested furniture can actually spread bed bugs to other areas of your home.
  7. Can bed bug bites transmit disease?
    • Unlike mosquitoes and other pests, bed bug bites do not transmit any dangerous diseases or germs.
  8. Can you get rid of bed bugs by yourself?
    • No, DIY bed bug treatment is never a viable solution. A bed bug infestation requires professional treatment to exterminate.

How to Deal With Bed Bugs

Bed bug problems can happen to anyone. Thankfully, there are several ways to possibly avoid a problem. Always be wary of buying used furniture unless you inspect it for bed bugs first. In addition, take caution while traveling. This includes inspecting your hotel room for bugs and being careful when unpacking your suitcase. Lastly, get regular inspections from a professional pest control company who knows exactly how to spot early signs of bed bugs and other pest problems. The team at Batzner is here for you–contact our bed bug exterminators today!

How to Prevent Mosquitoes This Summer

How to prevent mosquitoes in Wisconsin summers - Batzner Pest Control

Summer is just around the corner in Wisconsin, and everyone is looking forward to warmer temperatures and more opportunities to spend time outdoors. Unfortunately, mosquitoes love the warm weather as much as you do! In the coming months, mosquitoes are bound to put a damper on your outdoor events. To avoid that, now is the time to learn how to prevent mosquitoes. The team at Batzner Pest Control is here to share their top tips and tricks for mosquito prevention.

5 Ways to Prevent Mosquitoes

To avoid dealing with a mosquito problem in your yard this year, it’s best to get rid of the things that make your yard attractive to them in the first place. By following these tips, you should be able to reduce the amount of mosquitoes on your property:

  1. Eliminate all standing water. Get rid of standing water in buckets, flower pots, bird baths, tarps, and more. Mosquitoes use standing water to breed!
  2. Install screens on windows and doors. Installing screens on your doors and windows can keep mosquitoes from getting indoors every time you try to get some fresh air.
  3. Place fish in ponds and agitate the water. Certain types of fish will feed on mosquito larvae. In addition, adding an agitator will stop mosquitoes from laying eggs in the water.
  4. Keep a tidy yard. Regularly maintain your garden and lawn to keep the grass short. Also keep plants and bushes trimmed to prevent mosquito resting spots.
  5. Use fans in your outdoor area. Mosquitoes hate wind and are not strong fliers. Use fans to help force them away from your outdoor areas.

Preventing Mosquito Bites in the Summer

If you plan on spending time outside in the coming months, it’s important to know how to protect yourself against mosquito bites. In general, it’s best to avoid going outdoors at dusk and dawn, as this is when mosquitoes are most active. When you do venture outside, wear long-sleeved pants and shirts. It’s also best to wear light-colored clothing. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, consider applying insect repellent that contains DEET. If you plan on using it on your children, always consult your pediatrician before use.

Summertime Mosquito Control

Mosquitoes can be a huge nuisance in the summertime. They’re also dangerous. It’s important to do all you can to prevent mosquitoes–if the above tips don’t seem to help, it’s time to call the experts at Batzner. Our mosquito exterminators will work with you to determine the best course of action in keeping mosquitoes away. Contact us today!