Manhattan Beach

Pest Control in Manhattan Beach

Most people agree that organic pest control is the safest way to get rid of unwanted insects both in our homes and gardens. However, a lot of these people admit to still buying chemical pesticides despite knowing their side effects. The reason for this is that they either doubt their effectiveness or simply do not know which organic pest control solution is ideal for them. Today we are going to share a list of the most effective organic pest control methods together with the pests they tackle best.

The Best Organic Pest Control Techniques

1. Bacillus Thuringiensis (BT)

BT is a bacterium that naturally occurs in the soil. Once it is inside the insect it produces a protein that causes it to die.BT is usually specific to particular groups of insects so you should find the type of Bacillus Thuringiensis that will work for your pests.

It can be bought in liquid, powder or dust form. It is dusted or sprayed on affected crops. BT is however only effective in the non-adult stages of the insect. A popular variety of BT IS BT var Kurstaki which kills nearly 100 types of pests including imported cabbage worms, tomato horn-worms, squash vine borers and corn ear-worms.

2. Horticultural Oil Sprays.

This is a very simple pest control technique. By spraying the oils on the insects you block their airways and hence they suffocate. Some people use regular oil but these can often be too dense having adverse effects on the plants. Horticultural oils are lightweight and have do not clog the plant’s pores. It is advisable not to use oil sprays on moisture deficient plants as this may worsen their situation further.

Oils sprays work best on aphids, beetles, caterpillars, leafhoppers, white flies and thrips.

3. Insecticidal soaps.

This is one of the most effective organic pest control techniques. Insecticidal soaps are composed of unsaturated fatty acids found in animal fats. They are made commercially. They are sold in liquid form and are sprayed directly on to the pests. They work by dissolving the insect’s outer cuticle which may also be referred to as its skin.

Insecticidal soaps are only effective in liquid form so it is important to hit as many insects as possible as once it dries up it has no effect. They could also burn plant leaves. To prevent this it is important to test them by spraying the on some leaves and observing them for at least 48 hours. Insecticidal soaps work on almost all types of insects.

Continue Reading Read Less

What Makes Us Different?

  • Friendly, On-Time Service
    Our expert technicians treat every home like their own—arriving promptly, inspecting every corner, and delivering effective, eco-conscious solutions with care.
  • Whole-Home Pest Coverage, Year-Round
    Protect your property from 24 common pests with our affordable annual service plans, including full treatments and free retreatments if needed.
  • Safe for Families, Tough on Pests
    Treebark treatments are low-toxicity and safe around children, pets, and plants—providing long-term protection without compromising your home’s safety.
  • Naturally Derived, Scientifically Proven
    Our proprietary Treebark system uses a compound from South American tree bark to eliminate termites and pests—safely and effectively—without harmful synthetic chemicals.
What Is Treebark?

Discover the power of our proprietary Treebark formula—derived from nature, tough on termites, and safe for your family, pets, and plants.

Exterminator Companies in Manhattan Beach

While rats live in the burrows under our houses, they can wreak havoc and cause irreparable damage to us. Probably what most of us would like to know is how rats can get inside our houses. Sorry to inform you, but if you think it is hard for rats to break inside, then you are wrong. It can go through the doors and windows.

It can crawl inside small spaces and cracks. Wires and cables are like paths for them to run across. Worst of all, even the filthy sewerage that goes all the way inside to the bathroom and kitchen are like a passageway for them. Rats are undaunted by dirt and filth.To be safe, it is important to get their population in check at the earliest.

First, it is important to establish the kind of rat infestation and spread of activity you are looking at. Using a mousetrap to catch a solo mouse could be easy, and it would not cost much. However, if you have seen multiple rodents running around and the signs of their damage are apparent like eaten newspapers and constant squeaking noises, then, you should call in the experts to help you. A rat removal service is affordable, thorough, and professional in their work.

Continue Reading Read Less

Termite Control Companies in Manhattan Beach

Termite infestations can be very pesky. You wouldn’t like them to destroy your beautiful home, would you? Regardless, many people get scared off by the huge number of termite prevention tips available on the Internet. Here we’ve compiled a list of some of the most effective termite prevention tips after thorough research and analysis.

Termite prevention can be divided into two main parts: preventing termites further access to your home and treating already existing termite colonies in your home.

Checkups

Organize regular, preferably annual, inspections of your home by a professional. Don’t try to cut costs here, since this is the most important step in termite prevention. Work with your termite control professional to address conditions that allow termites to propagate such as moisture and ground-wood contact.

Termite Prevention Tips For Underground Areas

1. Removing Access to Your Home

• Try to eliminate entry points by sealing gaps around gas and water lines coming to your home.
• One of the most common access point for underground termites is wood-ground contact. Try to reduce wood-ground contact in your home.

2. Reducing Their Food Sources

• Throwing out extra cellulose materials from your house can help a bunch. Try replacing your landscaping mulch with cellulose free options or at least move it back six inches from the foundation.
• Wooden siding should be kept at the very least, six inched above the ground.

3. Lessen Excess Moisture

• Do not allow water to pool on the roof or around the foundation.
• Try addressing the (if any) moisture problems in small areas and the basement.
• Fix any leakages from pipes around your home.

Termite Prevention Tips for Drywood

1. Removing Access To Your Home

• Small Cracks in exterior wood is lethal! Drywood termites are known to enter through them.
• This can be prevented by sealing all crevices, joints and cracks.
• You can try sealing those cracks by applying a fresh coat of paint and installing bug screens over the foundation vents and the attic.

2. Reducing Their Food Sources

• Swift removal of any dead wood, firewood or dead trees can help eliminate their food sources.

Monitor and Adopt

After following these tips, monitor their activities for some time and adapt your prevention techniques from there.
• Before using any railroad ties or used lumber in your garden projects or home, make sure to inspect it thoroughly for termites first.
• Be aware that wood shingles are a very easy access for dry termites into your home. Ask some tips from your professional to prevent them from accessing your home.

• Try asking your termite control professional for some prevention techniques that could work for your home.
• He’ll probably recommend techniques like direct wood treatment, liquid treatment and monitoring stations.
• The least intrusive among them would be monitoring stations since they only serve as warning signs of sorts and do not provide any protection against infestations.
• Remember, your home can be saved from future infestations with some simple prevention measures.

So there you have it, a list of termite control tips. Know any tips we may have missed? Maybe you want to give some tips to keep in mind when looking for a termite control professional? Whatever the reason, be sure to leave a comment below!

Continue Reading Read Less