Tag: spiders

Kissing bugs. Sounds sweet and innocent; however, they are the exact opposite! Kissing bugs are similar to ticks in that they are hematophagous (blood feeders) pests. They prey on humans, most commonly when people are asleep in their beds. These pests like to hide in a mattress during the day and come out at night. Like many pests, they are attracted to light. If you have a night light in your house, make sure to keep it far away from your bed!

In other countries, kissing bugs often carry diseases. However, in the United States, this is rare and not cause for concern.  With that said, if you find a kissing bug in your home, do not squish it! There is still a possibility of it carrying a parasite which could be released when you squish it. So, just like a tick, it is best to capture the bug, place it in a plastic bag, and seal it to ensure you are disposing of the bug safely. 

Since it is uncommon for these pests to be disease carriers, the main annoyance with these bugs is that they tend to bite faces rather than limbs like most pests. They get their name because bites around a human’s mouth and eyes are most commonly associated with the kissing bug. If you wake up with 2 to 15 small bites in an area on your face, this could be a sign that you have a problem with kissing bugs in your home. This is your red flag signal to call McFadden Pest Control.

At McFadden Pest Control, we know what to do and will be aggressive in making sure to take care of the problem. We want our clients to feel safe and comfortable in their own homes. We do whatever it takes to ensure it! We know how important and valuable a good night’s sleep is and that it directly correlates to better overall wellness. If you know anything about our company, you know that all of us at McFadden Pest Control care about our clients beyond pest control!   

Are you interested in learning more about McFadden Pest Control? 
Feel free to reach us at 843-763-4533 or info@mcfaddenpestcontrol.com.

If you are seeing signs that your grass, trees, or vegetation are not thriving, do not fear! And, please, do not go to your local hardware store to try and take care of the problem yourself. Often the products you buy are only acting as a band-aid. McFadden Pest Control has the knowledge and tools to help! We want our clients to know that we can treat any pest problem; inside or outside.

Signs of Attack:

1. Holes in your plant leaves are a sign that your pants need your attention. This issue comes from many different pests and/or diseases. Common pests could be slugs or earworms…or it could be a disease. Signs like these are very difficult for the average homeowner to identify. However, with our 45 years of experience in the area, we know how to identify the cause and how to treat the cause before it becomes extremely costly.
2. Ant hills all around your yard and/or garden. Ants usually indicate other pests, like aphids, being on your property.  If you see ants moving in, it’s time to take care of business. This may mean taking care of multiple different pests at the same time.
3. Sooty mold on the leaves is a dark fungus that can indicate a scale problem. Scales are related to an aphid and can cause damage to your plants. You should look for almost black soot on your leaves that won’t just come off if you wipe the leaf.
4. Chewed bark on your trees should always get your attention.  This could be a sign of an Asian Longhorn Beetle coming to take over your yard. These pests chew the bark of trees and can eventually kill the tree if not addressed.
5. Dead grass or brown patches could be a sign that you have a pest problem. We often think of those signs as a lack of irrigation issues or pet problems, but that is not always the case.  Japanese Beetles can come in and eat the grassroots, especially in the spring and fall. 

If you see a problem and you want answers, please call McFadden Pest Control.  We want to make sure your yard and garden are thriving!  We have the skills and experience to be able to identify the pest and take care of the situation so that you can continue spending time outside and seeing success in your efforts.

Are you interested in learning more about McFadden Pest Control? 
Feel free to reach us at 843-763-4533 or info@mcfaddenpestcontrol.com.

We all know the tell-all signs that Spring has sprung. Flowers blooming and temperatures rising mean it’s time for Spring cleaning. Warmer weather tends to encourage us to open doors and windows to let in the fresh Spring air. All of these factors also mean the potential for new pests is high. Keeping your home clean is one of the most effective ways to keep the pests moving right past your home and on to their next location.

Two of the most common spring pests that make their way inside here in the low country are cockroaches and ants. Cockroaches can be hurtful to your family. They leave behind germs and can cause allergic reactions for those with allergies. Ants are one of those pests that are very difficult to get rid of once they enter, so no one wants to see evidence of them! This is why spring cleaning is vital to keeping these pests out of your home. McFadden Pest Control has a list of tips to help you navigate:

Spring Cleaning Tips to Help Keep Pests Away

1. Deep Clean the Kitchen – The kitchen is where pests often make their way when they enter a home. They are looking for the crumbs that made their way under the stove that we have not seen and/or forgotten about.  Pulling out your stove and refrigerator in order to get all crumbs is important during a good spring clean.  Also, wiping down all the pantry shelves with soap and water to remove any crumbs left behind is critical.
2. Wash out your Garbage Cans – It’s important to use soap and water to wash out the garbage cans to help keep pests away. This will eliminate the crumbs and residue that get stuck on the bottom or around the lid of the can.  These are the areas that attract the pests that we do not want around.
3. Fix any Leaks – Pests need water to survive. Spring is often when we see people begin to water the lawn.  It is important to ensure that there is not a steady water leak around a hose outside because this will bring pests close to the doors of your home. Then this allows them to enter! Look under every sink in your home and make sure to wipe them down and ensure there are no leaks or standing water.
4. Vacuum the Furniture – Furniture will pick up crumbs from our late-night snacks and debris left on our clothing from meals and travel throughout the day.  This is exactly what pests are looking for; dirty furniture acts as their buffet.  A thorough vacuum will help eliminate this as a potential bait for pests.

While all of these spring-cleaning tips can help fight the pest battle, hiring a professional is the most effective way to fight.  McFadden Pest Control is ready and waiting for your call today.

Are you interested in learning more about McFadden Pest Control? 
Feel free to reach us at 843-763-4533 or info@mcfaddenpestcontrol.com.

In Charleston, some pests are more common than others. Regardless, they all have the ability to take over your home and/or business. Once this occurs, you now have a pest infestation.  A pest infestation is a large number of insects or animals that cause damage or bring disease.  This often occurs because of weather changes, food or water shortages for the pest, or habitat loss.

Have no fear! McFadden Pest Control knows the signs to look for to determine if you have a pest infestation at your home or business:

• Termites
  1. Peeling paint that looks like water damage or buckling
  1. Mud tubes – tunnels running up trees or structures on or in your home
  1. Crumbling, damaged wood
  1. Abandoned wings left from swarming reproductive termites
• Rodents
  1. Scratching sounds in your walls
  1. Nesting materials, specifically in your attic
  1. Signs of chewing on food packages
• Roaches
  1. Smear marks on walls that are dark and irregular in shape
  1. Droppings that look like coffee grounds
  1. A musty smell
• Ants
  1. Large piles of dirt around the outside of your home
  1. Visibly seeing ants walking around

Don’t regret seeing the signs and not taking action!  Call McFadden Pest Control to schedule a complimentary estimate for the problem associated with the evidence you are seeing!

Are you interested in learning more about McFadden Pest Control? 
Feel free to reach us at 843-763-4533 or info@mcfaddenpestcontrol.com.

There’s no question about it…pests can appear in any home at any moment. We try and deal with pests through do-it-yourself treatments, one-time pest treatments, and quarterly pest control. With one-time pest control treatments, you, as the homeowner, are fully responsible for recognizing an issue and scheduling the service. You need to be aware of signs that lead to a problem before the problem arises. 

3 common signs:

1. Droppings: This is usually one of the first signs that homeowners/business owners notice. Pests don’t have any problem leaving behind droppings everywhere they go!
2. Chewed Items:  Rodents, specifically, will eat just about anything. They can chew through bags, boxes, and even clothing or rugs. A pantry is one of the most popular places to see chewed items. 
3. Strange Smells: Individuals may smell something that is musty and pungent. This could be a sign of pest urine. Don’t ignore a new smell at your property!

With a quarterly pest control treatment plan, the responsibility comes off the property owner. You can count on McFadden Pest Control to schedule, treat, and maintain your property before the last treatment becomes ineffective. The signs won’t be present because McFadden Pest Control preemptively addresses the issue.  Another advantage to quarterly pest control is budget! The expense to treat an unexpected pest infestation is much larger compared to a budgeted expense with quarterly pest control.  What is the best part of quarterly pest control? The warranty. If pests somehow enter your property after treatment, simply call McFadden Pest Control, and we will remedy the situation at no extra cost!  With these advantages, quarterly pest control is a great choice for a property owner.

Are you interested in learning more about McFadden Pest Control? 
Feel free to reach us at 843-763-4533 or info@mcfaddenpestcontrol.com.

South Carolina is no stranger to mosquitoes. These pests are a nuisance and can carry diseases that threaten human and pet health. They tend to show up exactly when we want to be in our yards, enjoying the weather we have been waiting for all winter! While many products on the market claim to keep mosquitoes away, many of them are ineffective and can even be harmful to people and pets. If you know anything about McFadden Pest Control, then you know this is unacceptable to us! Our products are the best for getting the job done and keeping people and pets safe.  

The best way to keep mosquitoes away is to use a professional pest control service that offers a one-time or reoccurring spray.  You are in luck because McFadden Pest Control offers both! These products are designed to kill mosquitoes on contact and provide long-lasting protection. This allows you to enjoy your yard with your family and friends without the irritating bites from mosquitos. 

Mosquitoes are most active in the early morning and late evening hours when the temperature is perfect for them to breed. Be sure to schedule your mosquito treatment during these times to get the best results.

Additionally, it is important to eliminate any standing water around your property, as this is where mosquitoes lay their eggs. This includes emptying bird baths, flowerpots, and clogged gutters. Mosquitoes can also breed in pools that are not maintained properly, so be sure to keep your pool clean and properly treated.

Overall, taking preventative measures and using a professional pest control service can greatly reduce the presence of mosquitoes in your area. Don’t let these pests inhibit your outdoor activities! Protect you and your family against potential health risks, and enjoy the weather you have been waiting for!

Are you interested in learning more about McFadden Pest Control? 
Feel free to reach us at 843-763-4533 or info@mcfaddenpestcontrol.com