2 minute read
AWAY YOU PEST
By Rose Drebes With a warmer and wetter winter than usual, Christopher Coon, owner of Avenge Pest Control, says homeowners might expect ants to be a big issue this year.
Spiders are another pest that is of concern with current weather conditions.
“Black widows and brown recluse can be dangerous and even deadly,” Coon said.
With the advent of spring and summer always comes mosquitos and as it has been warmer and wetter than normal, there may be an uptick in those pests as well, he said. In the United States, West Nile virus is the most common mosquito-borne disease, followed by malaria, dengue, and chikungunya, according to Wikipedia.
Spring is the time to watch for termites as they become active and begin to swarm. Coon said the probability of termites infesting a wooden structure within 10-20 years of it being built is over 70 percent.
He said signs of termite infestation include:
Swarmers -- Swarmers are winged termites responsible for reproduction and establishing new colonies. Commonly spotted in the spring, they are often the first sign of infestation. When swarming termites find mates, they shed their wings so finding discarded wings on window sills or floors is a sure sign of infestation. Mud Tubes -- Mud tubes are flattened, muddy looking hollow tubes that are about the width of a pencil. They are most often found near the home’s foundation, but are often less visible, running underneath flooring or behind baseboards and siding.
Wood Damage -- Termites feed on wood from the inside out. While inspecting your home for termites, knock on wooden structures and pay attention to if they sound hollow. It is also important to check for rotting wood.
Coon said homeowners can help to control pests by keeping leaves raked up and away from their home. He also suggested trimming back trees and shrubs which are in touch with the home and sealing any small cracks or crevices where insects hide.
Keeping the yard mowed down can help with certain pests as well. “Protecting your home and family is an important thing,” Coon said.
Coon got into the pest control business when he graduated from high school in 2005. He worked for a local company for a few years and started Avenge Pest Control in 2013.
Avenge Pest Control offers residential and commercial pest control, including termite inspections and treatments, general pest control, cockroach treatments. The company’s services also include flea and tick, mole and gopher, bed bug, spider, scorpion and mosquito control, as well as mice and rat protection.
The company serves customers in Oklahoma City, Edmond, Norman, Moore, Mustang and Yukon.
For more information, visit www. avengepestcontrol.com.
