Best pest control specialists near Saint Charles, MN

Whether dryer sheets can keep squirrels away is a bit of a mystery because the evidence is entirely anecdotal. Many households claim to have success with using dryer sheets for keeping squirrels away by placing them throughout their attics, yards, on a clothesline, and any other area where squirrels like to run through. Squirrels do not like strong scents, so if you try using dryer sheets, the ones with the strongest scent may be the most effective.

While many pests like rats, mice, ants, cockroaches, silverfish, and bed bugs can damage your home, termites are among the most destructive. By sheer dollar amount, the damage from a bad termite infestation is unparalleled, as they can ruin walls, floors, roofs, and wooden support materials, potentially requiring massive reconstruction. Other highly destructive pests include rodents, carpenter ants, and bees that build hives within walls. If you spot signs of termites or other pests, you should hire an exterminator immediately.

The time it takes for termites to damage a house varies, but it generally does not happen within days or weeks. Significant structural damage typically takes several months or years to occur, with serious damage often taking 3 to 8 years. The rate of destruction depends on factors like the termite colony's size and maturity, the type of wood they are feeding on, and local conditions. It can take 3 to 5 years for damage to become visible and 5 to 6 years for the home's structural integrity to be compromised. However, some species, such as Subterranean termites, are more destructive and can cause extensive damage in as little as 2 years. Because of this risk, it is important to treat your home as soon as you notice any signs of termites.

The last thing you want is to fend off a swarm while on top of a fully-extended ladder. Additionally, be extremely careful when using a ladder, as falling from a tall height can result in serious injury. 

Leaving things to a pest control service in your area could be the best course of action if the nest is in an enclosed or difficult-to-reach space. If your spray doesn’t hit the right spot, is too far away, or isn’t powerful enough, you risk aggravating rather than killing all the wasps.