Category: Northern Pest

Bed bugs are parasitic insects that feed exclusively on human blood, making hotels, B&Bs, and timeshares especially vulnerable. Measuring just 1 to 7 millimeters, they can survive for months without feeding and spread easily from room to room through luggage, linens, housekeeping carts, and shared walls.

Their flat bodies allow them to hide in areas commonly found in guest accommodations, including mattress seams, box springs, upholstered furniture, headboards, nightstands, baseboards, and even electrical outlets. Because they are nocturnal and excellent at concealing themselves, infestations often go unnoticed until guests report bites or visible signs—by which point the issue may have already spread.

For lodging properties, bed bugs are more than a pest problem. They pose a serious reputational risk, can lead to negative reviews, room closures, lost revenue, and potential liability. Professional detection and treatment are critical to protecting both guests and your business.

How Bed Bugs Are Introduced Into Homes and Buildings

Bed bugs are expert hitchhikers. They commonly enter homes through travel-related exposure, including hotels, airports, and rideshare vehicles. They can also be brought in on used furniture or spread between units in apartments, condos, and other multi-unit buildings.

Because they are so small, most people do not realize they have picked up bed bugs until the infestation is already established. Even clean, well-maintained homes are at risk, as bed bugs are not attracted to dirt or clutter—they are attracted to people.

Signs You May Have Bed Bugs

One of the most common indicators of bed bugs is waking up with bite marks, often appearing in lines or clusters on exposed skin. However, not everyone reacts to bed bug bites, which can delay detection.

Other warning signs include:

• Rust-colored stains on sheets or mattresses
• Small black dots (bed bug droppings) on bedding
• Shed skins near mattress seams or furniture
• A musty or slightly sweet odor in sleeping areas
• Live bugs in severe infestations

Carefully inspecting mattress seams, box springs, bed frames, and nearby furniture can help confirm a problem.

What to Do If You Discover Bed Bugs in a Commercial Property

If bed bugs are suspected in a hotel, B&B, timeshare, or other commercial lodging property, quick and controlled action is critical. Avoid moving furniture, linens, or equipment between rooms, as this can spread bed bugs to unaffected areas. Immediately remove the affected room from service and seal it off until a professional inspection can be completed.

Bag all bedding and washable items in sealed plastic bags before transporting them to laundry facilities, and wash and dry on high heat. Limit access to the room and notify housekeeping and management so proper containment procedures can be followed. Vacuuming mattresses, furniture, and flooring may help reduce activity but should only be done as a short-term measure, with vacuums emptied and disposed of properly to prevent spread.

Bed bugs are highly resistant to DIY treatments, and missed eggs or hidden insects can quickly restart an infestation. For commercial properties, professional treatment is essential to ensure full elimination and to protect neighboring rooms and units.

Heat treatment is one of the most effective solutions for commercial settings, as it kills bed bugs at all life stages, including eggs. This method requires specialized equipment and trained technicians to safely and thoroughly treat the space without damaging property. Partnering with a licensed pest control professional ensures proper containment, effective treatment, and minimal disruption to your operations.

Professional Bed Bug Control for Residential and Commercial Properties in Michigan

Bed bugs are extremely difficult to eliminate without professional treatment due to their ability to hide, resist common methods, and survive for long periods without feeding. This makes expert intervention essential for both homes and commercial properties.

Northern Pest provides reliable bed bug control services throughout Michigan, using proven, effective treatments to eliminate infestations and help prevent spread. Early detection and professional response can reduce downtime, limit disruption, and protect occupants and guests. Contact Northern Pest to schedule an inspection and take the first step toward resolving a bed bug issue with confidence.

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Northern Pest: Protecting Michigan families like our own. We are licensed and insured to provide insect and wildlife pest control. Our crew has the expertise to track wildlife entry points and remove pests of all kinds, including our licensed builders, who can make any of the necessary repairs caused by wildlife. Northern Pest is a member of the MDAT and the NWCOA. We are certified by the IICRC to provide professional mold mitigation services resulting from animal damage. From prevention to repair, Northern Pest is your full-service solution.

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

A new scientific study has uncovered a surprising vulnerability in Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium responsible for Lyme disease. Researchers found that this pathogen depends on the mineral manganese to protect itself from the body’s immune system. But that same mineral can also work against it. When the bacterium has too little—or too much—manganese, its defenses fail, making it easier to eliminate.

This discovery could help guide future treatments that target how B. burgdorferi manages manganese, offering a promising direction for better Lyme disease therapies. As cases continue to rise and current treatment options remain challenging, understanding this weak spot is an encouraging step forward.

Ticks are active in Michigan, even during the cold months

While many pests fade away as temperatures drop, ticks remain active throughout fall, winter, and spring. They continue to pose a threat because they carry dangerous diseases and live on a wide range of hosts, including dogs, cats, deer, chipmunks, squirrels, and mice. Ticks cannot fly, jump, or fall from above; instead, they wait on vegetation and use their senses to latch onto mammals as they pass. Along Michigan’s lakeshores, veterinarians report consistent tick exposure in pets all year long.

Michigan’s most common ticks include:

• American dog ticks – widespread across the state
• Blacklegged (deer) ticks – capable of carrying Lyme disease
• Lone Star ticks – increasingly detected and associated with additional disease risks

Deer ticks pose the greatest threat because they can transmit Lyme disease to both humans and pets. In dogs, symptoms may include fever, fatigue, shifting lameness, or—in rare cases—serious kidney complications. Most veterinary clinics offer testing and treatment options, but prevention remains the best defense.

There’s no single treatment for illnesses spread by lone star ticks. Bacterial infections require antibiotics, while viral infections have no specific cure.

How to minimize tick exposure

Consider scheduling routine inspections with a licensed pest control professional, who can identify tick hotspots on your property and apply targeted treatments to reduce tick activity. To keep mosquito and tick populations manageable during warmer months, begin treatments early in summer and reapply as needed.

• Avoid brushing against tall grass or vegetation, especially in wooded areas.
• Wear light-colored clothing and tuck pants into socks to help spot ticks before they attach.
• Perform thorough tick checks on pets and people after they have been outdoors.
• Use veterinarian-recommended tick prevention products year-round and ask about vaccination for dogs.
• Keep your home free of rodents, as they often carry ticks.
• Consider keeping animals such as guinea fowl, which eat ticks.

For tick removal, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin, and gently pull upward until it releases.

While not all properties qualify for the same treatment approach, Northern Pest can help determine the best plan to protect your home, pets, and family. Contact us today to learn more about effective tick management solutions.

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Northern Pest: Protecting Michigan families like our own. We are licensed and insured to provide insect and wildlife pest control. Our crew has the expertise to track wildlife entry points and remove pests of all kinds, including our licensed builders, who can make any of the necessary repairs caused by wildlife. Northern Pest is a member of the MDAT and the NWCOA. We are certified by the IICRC to provide professional mold mitigation services resulting from animal damage. From prevention to repair, Northern Pest is your full-service solution.

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

If you’ve noticed wood damage, mud tubes, or hollow-sounding walls, you could be seeing signs of a termite infestation. Often called “silent destroyers,” termites quietly eat through wood, flooring, and even wallpaper. In 2025, termite-related property damage in the U.S. is estimated to exceed $7 billion annually, making prevention and early detection more critical than ever.

Common Places Termites Hide

Termites thrive in warm, moist environments. Infestations often begin in spring and summer, but colonies also seek the warmth of heated homes in fall and winter. Because they typically hide where homeowners rarely look, yearly professional inspections are strongly recommended.

Common hiding spots:

• Attics, basements, and crawl spaces
• Cracks or gaps in walls and foundations
• Cardboard boxes, storage bags, and old paper
• Electrical wiring or outlets
• Soft or hollow-sounding wood
• Under sinks and around plumbing
• Inside cupboards and shelving

Growing Financial and Structural Risk

These tiny pests have an enormous impact. Termites compromise structural integrity, drain finances, and cause legal and insurance challenges for property owners, real estate professionals, and investors alike. Each year, more than 600,000 U.S. homes experience termite damage. Beyond the cost of repairs, infestations can lower property value, void warranties, delay home sales, and even result in disclosure disputes.

Because most insurance policies classify termite damage as preventable, homeowners are often left to cover repair and treatment costs themselves. Prevention is the most effective—and affordable—strategy.

Modern, Eco-Conscious Solutions

Traditional termite treatments, such as chemical barriers, soil termiticides, and bait systems, can work but have limitations and are increasingly constrained by environmental regulations. Newer biodegradable, non-toxic soil treatments are changing the game. These solutions form pheromone-mimic trails that guide termites toward bait stations rather than your home, improving detection, accelerating colony elimination, and keeping you, your pets, and beneficial insects safe.

This smarter, sustainable approach offers stronger long-term protection while supporting eco-friendly pest management.

Safeguard Your Home from Termites

• Keep firewood, mulch, and wood debris away from your home’s foundation.
• Ensure proper drainage to reduce moisture buildup.
• Regularly inspect enclosed spaces—attics, crawl spaces, cupboards—for damage or swarmers (winged termites) that appear in early spring.

Why You Need Professional Pest Control

Termite removal is not a DIY project. These pests often nest deep within walls, floors, and foundations—areas homeowners can’t effectively reach or treat. Store-bought sprays may kill visible termites but leave the colony intact, allowing damage to continue unseen.

A professional inspection from Northern Pest ensures accurate detection, targeted treatment, and long-term prevention. Our experts use advanced tools and proven methods to eliminate colonies at the source and protect your home from future infestations. If you suspect termite activity, don’t delay—schedule a ground-to-roof inspection today for a smarter, safer way to secure your property and peace of mind.

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Northern Pest: Protecting Michigan families like our own. We are licensed and insured to provide insect and wildlife pest control. Our crew has the expertise to track wildlife entry points and remove pests of all kinds, including our licensed builders, who can make any of the necessary repairs caused by wildlife. Northern Pest is a member of the MDAT and the NWCOA. We are certified by the IICRC to provide professional mold mitigation services resulting from animal damage. From prevention to repair, Northern Pest is your full-service solution.

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

As days get shorter, mice and other rodents also start seeking cozy winter homes—and unfortunately, that often means yours. Once inside, they can cause structural damage, contaminate food, and even create fire hazards by chewing on wiring.

Northern Pest’s Proactive Defense for Your Home

Taking proactive steps now is the best defense. Northern Pest’s Fall Rodent Prevention Service includes:

• Comprehensive Inspection – From foundation to roofline, we identify entry points, nesting sites, and potential problem areas.
• Sealing & Repairs – After inspection, we provide an estimate for repairing and sealing entry points to prevent future infestations.
• Targeted Treatment – We use a combination of discreet, tamper-resistant rodenticide bait stations, traps, and structural modifications to eliminate activity and block re-entry.
• Environmental Guidance – Our team suggests changes around your property to reduce conditions that attract rodents.
• Ongoing Protection – For maximum prevention, you can enroll in our recurring mouse and rat control program, which includes regular monitoring, servicing, and restocking of bait stations.

Stopping rodents before they settle in is far easier—and far less stressful—than dealing with an infestation once it’s underway. Save yourself the hassle by contacting Northern Pest for comprehensive pest control solutions that keep you protected year-round.

Schedule Your Service Before the Rush

The fall season in northern Michigan is short, and pests won’t wait. By scheduling your whole-house barrier treatment and rodent prevention service now, you’ll stay one step ahead of both insects and rodents.

At Northern Pest, we specialize in keeping homes across multiple northern Michigan counties safe, secure, and pest-free. Our team understands the unique seasonal pest pressures in our region—and we’re here to help you protect what matters most.

Contact Northern Pest today to schedule your late-season treatments and enjoy a worry-free fall and winter.

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Northern Pest: Protecting Michigan families like our own. We are licensed and insured to provide insect and wildlife pest control. Our crew has the expertise to track wildlife entry points and remove pests of all kinds, including our licensed builders, who can make any of the necessary repairs caused by wildlife. Northern Pest is a member of the MDAT and the NWCOA. We are certified by the IICRC to provide professional mold mitigation services resulting from animal damage. From prevention to repair, Northern Pest is your full-service solution.

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

As the seasons change in northern Michigan, so do the challenges homeowners face in keeping their homes pest-free. Late summer and early fall are critical times to act—because while we enjoy the cooler weather, pests are already preparing for winter. By scheduling a whole-house barrier application and implementing rodent prevention measures now, you can prevent unwanted infestations later.

Why a Late-Season Whole-House Barrier Application Matters

As temperatures begin to dip, certain insects start searching for shelter. Pests like flies, boxelder bugs, and Asian lady beetles are notorious for slipping inside through cracks, siding, and gaps around windows and doors. Once inside, they can be frustratingly difficult to control, often clustering in large numbers in attics, basements, and living spaces.

A professional whole-house barrier treatment creates a protective shield around your home. Applied at just the right time, this treatment:

• Blocks harboring insects before they make it indoors.
• Reduces populations around your property.
• Provides peace of mind all season long.

Timing is key—a late-season barrier application ensures your home is protected before pests seek warmth inside.

Fall Prevention: Block Rodents Before They Enter

As the days grow shorter, rodents such as mice and rats begin searching for warm, nesting spots. Unfortunately, your home or business is one of their favorite choices. Once inside, rodents can damage wiring, insulation, and food supplies—not to mention the health risks they pose.

The good news? Preventing an infestation is far easier than dealing with one after it starts. Our Fall Rodent Prevention Service includes:

• A comprehensive inspection for gaps, entry points, nests, and potential problem areas.
• After an approved estimate, we repair and seal vulnerable areas to block rodent access.
• Placement of rodenticide bait stations along with structural modifications to prevent further invasions.

By taking action now, you can prevent rodents from ever settling in. At Northern Pest, we specialize in keeping homes and businesses across northern Michigan safe, secure, and pest-free. Our team understands the unique seasonal pest challenges in our region—and we’re here to help you protect what matters most.

Contact Northern Pest today to schedule your late-season treatments and enjoy a worry-free fall and winter.

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Northern Pest: Protecting Michigan families like our own. We are licensed and insured to provide insect and wildlife pest control. Our crew has the expertise to track wildlife entry points and remove pests of all kinds, including our licensed builders, who can make any of the necessary repairs caused by wildlife. Northern Pest is a member of the MDAT and the NWCOA. We are certified by the IICRC to offer professional mold mitigation services caused by animal damage. From prevention to repair, Northern Pest is your full-service solution.

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

As we head into the late summer months, it’s essential to keep your home pest-free. After your initial pest treatment earlier this year, we hope your home has remained free from unwanted insects. Our application is designed to last for up to 90 days, which means that August or September is the perfect time to schedule a follow-up treatment. This second application will ensure you’re protected from pests for the rest of the season and into the fall.

Late Summer: The Season for Stinging Insects

As the weather warms up, wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets become more active. These stinging insects are attracted to the heat, and their nests can often be found around eaves, vents, and other sheltered spots around your home. A follow-up treatment now helps prevent these pests from becoming a nuisance and ensures they don’t start nesting in or near your living space. A little prevention goes a long way in avoiding painful stings and the hassle of dealing with these aggressive insects.

Early Fall: Plan Ahead for Harboring Invaders

Late summer isn’t just about stinging insects. It’s also the time when other pests, like flies, ladybugs, boxelder bugs, and stink bugs, begin seeking warmth indoors. These insects tend to invade homes in the fall as the cooler weather sets in. If you’ve had problems with these pests in the past, now is the perfect opportunity to stop them before they make their way inside. Scheduling a preventative treatment now will give you the protection you need, ensuring your home remains pest-free as the seasons change.

Why You Should Act Now: Contact Northern Pest

Getting a late-season treatment is an easy way to stay ahead of potential pest problems. By addressing these issues now, you can prevent an infestation before it starts and enjoy the remaining weeks of summer and the cooler fall months without worrying about pests. Our treatments are designed to create a protective barrier around your home that will last well into the season.

Don’t let pests disrupt your comfort this summer and fall. Contact Northern Pest today to schedule your late-season barrier treatment and ensure your home stays protected.

Whether you’re dealing with stinging insects or preparing for fall invaders, we’re here to help keep your home pest-free!

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Northern Pest: Our family serving yours! We are licensed and insured to provide insect and wildlife pest control. Our crew has the expertise to track wildlife entry points and remove pests of all kinds, including our licensed builders, who can make any of the necessary repairs caused by wildlife. Northern Pest is a member of the MDAT and the NWCOA. We are certified by the IICRC to offer professional mold mitigation services caused by animal damage. At Northern Pest, we do it all!

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

At Construction Bonding Specialists, LLC, we understand that securing bonds is an essential part of a contractor’s ability to win new projects. That’s why we’re excited to share a streamlined program designed to make bonding faster and easier for contractors in Michigan. Whether you’re a small business or an established contractor, our goal is to help you grow by reducing the hassle of the bonding process.

A Bonding Program for Contracts Under $350,000

This bonding program enables us to assist contractors with obtaining bonds for contracts valued at less than $350,000. Designed with efficiency in mind, this bonding process is quick and simple, helping contractors obtain the necessary bonds without the typical lengthy documentation requirements.

How It Works:

• Three-Page Application: Rather than requiring a mountain of paperwork, our program uses a straightforward, three-page application. This allows contractors to save valuable time and get back to focusing on what they do best—completing successful projects.

• No Financial Statements Required: In most cases, contractors need to provide detailed financial statements to secure bonds. However, under this new program, financial statements are not required for contracts valued at less than $350,000. This significantly reduces the complexity and time required to secure a bond.

• Underwritten Based on Personal Credit History: The underwriting for this program is based solely on the individual owner’s personal credit history. This simplifies the approval process, allowing contractors to secure bonds quickly, especially if their business is still in the early stages or if they have limited financial history.

What This Means for Contractors:

• Faster Access to Bonds: With a simplified application process and the removal of financial statement requirements, contractors can access the bonds they need to start work faster. This can be especially helpful when you need to act quickly to seize a new opportunity.

• Increased Opportunities for Smaller Contracts: For contractors working on smaller projects or those who are new to the industry, this program provides an easier path to securing the necessary bonding. You won’t need to worry about complex requirements or delays in getting your bond approved.

• Reduced Stress and Hassle: We understand that bonding can be a daunting task for many contractors, especially when financial documents are required. This new program eliminates that barrier, allowing you to focus on your work rather than paperwork.

Restrictions Apply:

While this program makes bonding easier, there are still some restrictions to consider. The program is only available for contracts valued at less than $350,000. Additionally, because the underwriting is based on the individual’s personal credit history, applicants with certain credit issues may not qualify. However, our team is here to guide you through the process and help you understand your options.

How to Get Started:

If you’re ready to take advantage of this simplified bonding process, we encourage you to reach out to us for more information. Our team is available by phone or email to answer any questions and assist you with the application process.

Don’t let the bonding process slow you down—let us help you secure the bonds you need to move your projects forward. Contact us today to get started on your next job!

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At Construction Bonding Specialists, we work with new and experienced contractors to find the most satisfactory bond solutions. As a dedicated surety-bond-only agency with decades of bonding experience, we strive to discover surety solutions for all types of cases, ranging from routine to challenging. Contact us online or call us at 248-349-6227 to learn more.

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

What Are Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are small, brown, oval-shaped insects (about 3/16 of an inch long) that commonly hide in beds and feed on humans while they sleep. They are skilled hitchhikers, attaching to luggage, clothing, and other items, which allows infestations to spread quickly. Bed bugs do not have functional wings and cannot fly. They exclusively feed on blood, primarily from humans, and can survive for months without feeding, though they typically require 5–10 minutes to fully engorge themselves. After feeding, they become swollen, elongated, and reddish.

Bed bugs are mostly nocturnal, attracted to the carbon dioxide and warmth emitted by sleeping humans. However, they may feed during the day if necessary. While bed bugs don’t transmit diseases, their bites can cause allergic reactions, resulting in itchy red welts. Prolonged exposure may increase sensitivity.

Where Do Bed Bugs Hide?

Bed bugs can be found anywhere people gather, including homes, hotels, schools, offices, public transportation, and retail spaces. These pests are known for their ability to go unnoticed while causing health issues, financial loss, and general unease. Common hiding spots include:

• Cracks in walls or furniture
• Mattresses and bedding
• Upholstery, backpacks, purses, and suitcases
• Electrical outlets and wallpaper seams

How Do I Prevent Bed Bugs?

While Traveling:

• Inspect hotel rooms thoroughly, including mattresses, furniture, and drawers.
• Keep luggage off upholstered surfaces by using luggage racks or placing it on tile floors.
• Store suitcases in plastic bags to prevent infestations.

At Home:

• Check luggage outside before bringing it indoors.
• Vacuum and steam-clean suitcases after trips.
• Wash and dry all clothes from your trip on hot cycles.

Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation

Bed bugs may be small and elusive, but they leave clear signs of their presence. If you suspect a bed bug infestation, acting quickly is essential. Look for the following signs:

• Bites: Red, itchy bites, often in clusters or straight lines, are a common sign of bed bug activity.
• Rusty Stains: Tiny blood spots on your bedding or mattress from bed bug feeding.
• Eggs and Exoskeletons: Look for pearl-like eggs or shed skins in mattresses, furniture, and wall cracks.
• Musty Smell: A strong, sweet, musty odor often accompanies a severe bed bug infestation.

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs

If you suspect an infestation, act quickly. Contact a pest control professional who can inspect your home or business and implement effective elimination methods. Their expertise ensures bed bugs are eradicated efficiently. By staying vigilant and proactive, you can minimize the risk of bed bug infestations and enjoy peace of mind at home and while traveling.

Our Proven Bed Bug Extermination Process

Northern Pest’s method for eliminating bed bugs is designed for success:

1. Inspection: We start with a detailed inspection to assess the scope of the infestation, enabling us to plan the most effective treatment.
2. Treatment: Using a combination of heat and chemical treatments, along with specialized tools, we target all stages of the bed bug lifecycle.
3. Proactive Measures: Our team provides expert advice on preventing future infestations and keeping your space bed bug-free.

Bed bugs can quickly turn your space into a source of stress. Immediate action is essential, and Northern Pest’s specialists are here to help! Let us help you restore comfort and protect the well-being of your family or business.

Don’t let bed bugs take over – contact Northern Pest today to regain control and peace of mind!

Northern Pest: Our family serving yours! We are licensed and insured to provide insect and wildlife pest control. Our crew has the expertise to track wildlife entry points and remove pests of all kinds, including our licensed builders, who can make any of the necessary repairs caused by wildlife. Northern Pest is a member of the MDAT and the NWCOA. We are certified by the IICRC to offer professional mold mitigation services caused by animal damage. At Northern Pest, we do it all!

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

Ants are one of the most common pests found in homes, and Michigan is no exception. With over 700 ant species in the U.S., about 25 of these are known to infest homes. While ants are small, their ability to form large, organized colonies can make them a serious nuisance. Ants are social insects that live in colonies, typically underground, with a queen and worker ants that perform various tasks, from gathering food to expanding the nest.

Ants are opportunistic feeders and will eat almost anything, but they’re particularly drawn to sweets, making your kitchen and pantry prime targets. Identifying ants is relatively simple: they have three distinct body parts—head, thorax, and abdomen—along with antennae. While they share a similar structure, ants vary in size and color, with common varieties being small or large, black or brown.

How to Spot an Ant Infestation in Your Home

If you notice ants inside your home, it could be a sign of an infestation. These industrious insects usually venture indoors in search of food, moisture, and shelter. Ants are most commonly found in kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas where food and water are readily available. It’s important to act quickly, as a single ant trail often indicates a larger colony nearby. The sooner you can address the problem, the easier it will be to prevent it from escalating.

Why You Need Professional Ant Extermination

While DIY methods might help temporarily control an ant problem, the most effective way to handle an infestation is by contacting a pest control professional. Experts are trained to accurately identify the ant species causing the issue and provide targeted treatments that will eliminate the colony at its source. Ant species can vary in behavior, and what works for one may not work for another, which is why professional pest control is recommended.

How to Prevent and Control Ants in Your Home

Preventing an ant infestation starts with keeping your home clean and sealed. Here are some steps you can take to discourage ants from moving in:

1. Seal Entry Points: Close off cracks and crevices around doors, windows, and areas where utilities enter your home. Ants can easily slip through the smallest gaps.
2. Proper Trash Management: Regularly dispose of garbage and use trash cans with tightly sealed lids to prevent ants from being attracted to food scraps.
3. Clean Up Spills Immediately: Ants are highly attracted to food, especially sugary substances. Wipe up any spills promptly, especially in the kitchen and dining areas.
4. Store Food Properly: Keep sweet foods like honey, sugar, and syrup in airtight containers to reduce the scent trail that attracts ants.
5. Control Moisture: Ants thrive in moist environments. Fix leaky pipes and consider using a dehumidifier in areas prone to excess moisture, like basements and bathrooms.
6. Landscaping Care: Remove old landscape materials, debris, and excess vegetation around your home. These can serve as nesting sites for ants and other pests.
7. Routine Inspections: Periodically check your home for signs of an infestation. If you spot ants or other pests, address the issue early before it becomes a larger problem.

Why Ant Control Is Essential

While ants may seem harmless at first, they can quickly turn into a major issue if left unaddressed. Ants can contaminate food, damage property, and create unsanitary conditions. Additionally, certain species, like carpenter ants, can cause structural damage to wood by hollowing it out for nesting. Professional pest control services are key to ensuring that your home remains ant-free and safe from potential damage.

In Michigan, where ant infestations can be particularly persistent due to varying weather conditions, it’s essential to take preventive steps year-round. By following these guidelines and working with a professional pest control service, you can protect your home from ants and other unwanted pests.

Have ants? Don’t let a small bug problem become a big problem; contact Northern Pest today!

Northern Pest: Our family serving yours! We are licensed and insured to provide insect and wildlife pest control. Our crew has the expertise to track wildlife entry points and remove pests of all kinds, including our licensed builders, who can make any of the necessary repairs caused by wildlife. Northern Pest is a member of the MDAT and the NWCOA. We are certified by the IICRC to offer professional mold mitigation services caused by animal damage. At Northern Pest, we do it all!

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

Ticks are commonly found in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas and can even hitch a ride on animals. Activities like walking your dog, camping, gardening, or hunting can bring you into close contact with these pests. Here are some effective ways to prevent tick bites and stay safe outdoors:

1. Know Where to Expect Ticks
   Ticks thrive in tall grass, wooded areas, and brushy environments. Avoid these areas and stick to the center of well-maintained trails when walking or hiking.
2. Treat Clothing and Gear
   To protect yourself, treat your clothing and camping gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin, which remains effective even after several washes. Alternatively, you can buy pre-treated gear. Additionally, use EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or other recommended ingredients. Always follow product instructions, and avoid using products containing Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD on children under 3 years old.
3. Check for Ticks After Outdoor Activities
   After spending time outdoors, check your clothing, pets, and gear for ticks. Tumble-dry clothes on high heat for 10 minutes to kill any ticks. If the clothes are damp, add extra drying time, or wash them in hot water to remove ticks.
4. Shower After Being Outdoors
   Showering within two hours of coming indoors can help reduce the risk of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses by washing off any unattached ticks. Use this time to check your body for ticks, especially in areas like the armpits, ears, and hair.
5. Conduct a Full Tick Check
   Perform a thorough tick check on yourself and your children after being outdoors. Pay close attention to areas like under the arms, behind the knees, around the waist, and in the hair.

By following these simple tips, you can significantly reduce your risk of tick bites and enjoy your outdoor activities with peace of mind.

How to Safely Remove a Tick from Your Skin

Photo: Instructions on how to remove a tick, from the CDC.

If a tick is attached to your skin, remove it promptly with fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible and pull straight up with steady, even pressure—avoid twisting or jerking to prevent the tick’s mouthparts from breaking off. If mouthparts remain in the skin and are easy to remove, do so with tweezers; if not, leave them to heal naturally. After removal, clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water. Never crush a tick with your fingers. Dispose of live ticks by placing them in alcohol, sealing them in a container, taping them securely, or flushing them down the toilet.

Reducing the Presence of Ticks in Your Yard

To minimize ticks in your yard, the CDC recommends:

• Remove leaf litter and clear tall grasses and brush around your home and lawn edges.
• Create a 3-foot barrier of wood chips or gravel between lawns and wooded areas to prevent tick migration.
• Mow the lawn regularly.
• Stack firewood neatly in a dry area to deter rodents.
• Position playground equipment, decks, and patios away from yard edges and trees.
• Use fences to keep out unwanted animals like deer and raccoons.
• Remove old furniture and trash that provide hiding spots for ticks.

Reducing Tick Exposure Around Your Home

To reduce tick exposure, consider applying pesticides in your yard to control their population. While pesticides can help, they shouldn’t be your only method of protection. Always follow the label instructions and check with local health or agricultural officials for guidance on:

• The best time to apply pesticides
• The most effective pesticide for your area
• Local regulations for pesticide use on residential properties

For professional assistance, contact Northern Pest Control to help manage ticks and further keep your home safe.

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Northern Pest: Our family serving yours! We are licensed and insured to provide insect and wildlife pest control. Our crew has the expertise to track wildlife entry points and remove pests of all kinds, including our licensed builders, who can make any of the necessary repairs caused by wildlife. Northern Pest is a member of the MDAT and the NWCOA. We are certified by the IICRC to offer professional mold mitigation services caused by animal damage. At Northern Pest, we do it all!

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.