When pests show up, so do we.\n\nFor nearly a century, Terminix® has been one of America's most trusted names in pest control. Every day, our exterminators serve thousands of homes and businesses nationwide, combining national service with local knowledge to provide best-in-class, proactive pest management solutions. We stop problems before they start and respond quickly if issues arise, keeping your property protected.\n\nAnd for extra peace of mind, if pests come back, so do we‐guaranteed.\n\nThe Terminix It Guarantee means that if pests come back, so do we to re-treat at no additional cost. No excuses, just a commitment to care for your home like it's our own with protection you can trust.3
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Natural methods such as spraying orange oil, spreading diatomaceous earth, or spreading boric acid can help prevent termites from entering your home or damaging your garden. Place these solutions near termite entry points to deter them. Termites also dislike the smell of cedarwood, geranium, and tea tree oil, which can all be used to keep termites away.
While the term “gnat” is often used as a blanket term for tiny flying insects like fungus gnats and fruit flies, they are different insects. The primary distinctions are in their appearance, diet, and habitat. Fungus gnats are typically darker (gray or black) with long legs and are attracted to damp soil and decaying plant matter, often living in houseplants. In contrast, fruit flies are lighter in color (tan) with shorter legs and are drawn to overripe fruit, high-fructose organic substances, and other sweet materials.
Skunks spray as a defense mechanism to ward off predators. The active ingredient in their sulfurous, oily musk is n-butyl mercaptan, which evaporates into a powerful and smelly gas. Once the spray hits the skunk’s target, the stench can linger for days, and water and common cleaning kits aren’t enough to wash it away.
If you happen upon a skunk in your yard, try to back away slowly to reduce the chance of them aiming at you. Encouragingly, they don’t use their weapon casually, as it can take up to 10 days for their life-saving weaponry to refill. Paw stamping, hissing, lifting their tail, and arching their back are early signs they feel trapped or under threat and that it’s time to make a careful retreat.
The purpose of a wasp is as a predator to maintain balance in ecosystems. Wasps prey on many insects, including other wasps, spiders, caterpillars, flies, beetles, and more. Without wasps, these insects may become overpopulated. Some wasps also help pollinate, which can be beneficial to your garden.
You can find anti-rat sprays in most home department stores that may be worth a try. Spray them along fences and in areas where you don’t want rats to go (like around decks) and they may think twice before approaching. For a natural version, you can try a mint spray, since rats generally dislike mint. But even the most effective sprays are unlikely to stop a hungry rat over time.
The Princeton, ME homeowners’ guide to pest control services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.